WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.940 Well, good morning, everybody. 00:00:01.500 --> 00:00:03.300 And thanks so much for your welcome. 00:00:03.439 --> 00:00:05.400 I'm glad to have had correspondence with Graham. 00:00:05.520 --> 00:00:06.520 ! It's lovely to be back here. 00:00:06.580 --> 00:00:08.140 We've been a few times, Margaret and I, 00:00:08.660 --> 00:00:10.000 and lovely to be with you. 00:00:10.259 --> 00:00:12.140 Thank you for allowing me to operate down here. 00:00:12.660 --> 00:00:13.980 Can you manage okay? 00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:17.260 I'm not much to look at anyway, so it's good. 00:00:17.260 --> 00:00:21.140 And I don't have this huge platform that they built in Nehemiah Chapter 8. 00:00:21.219 --> 00:00:21.800 Did you hear that? 00:00:22.019 --> 00:00:24.400 Fantastic platform for the preacher, 00:00:24.519 --> 00:00:26.719 just like you have immediately behind me. 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:56.719 Thank you. 00:00:56.719 --> 00:00:59.079 In Weakness during those three weeks. 00:00:59.460 --> 00:01:02.500 Fantastic children's program, youth program, seminar program, 00:01:02.640 --> 00:01:04.640 Bible teaching and worship. 00:01:04.879 --> 00:01:07.420 So if you haven't been, you're very welcome. 00:01:07.539 --> 00:01:08.260 We'd love to see you. 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:09.359 It's free of charge. 00:01:09.760 --> 00:01:11.420 You can commute up and down every day, 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:13.400 or you can find somewhere to stay. 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:14.859 We'd love to see you there. 00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:18.340 It's one of about 80 events around the world, 00:01:18.680 --> 00:01:21.500 and Margaret and I help with what's called the Keswick Fellowship 00:01:21.500 --> 00:01:26.739 because it's rippled around the world to different countries in Africa and Asia and Europe, 00:01:27.260 --> 00:01:31.180 and there are events running all through the year linked to the Keswick family. 00:01:31.900 --> 00:01:35.140 So that's the advert over, but we'd love to see you in the summer. 00:01:35.960 --> 00:01:40.340 And the reason for the choice of this passage, Nehemiah 8, 00:01:40.420 --> 00:01:42.980 is because in correspondence with Graham, 00:01:43.039 --> 00:01:45.920 I understand you're looking at a wonderful psalm, 00:01:45.920 --> 00:01:51.659 Psalm 119, which is, of course, a great song, a great poem, 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:53.200 all about the Word of God. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:56.859 So we thought maybe it would be good looking at this very dramatic story 00:01:56.859 --> 00:02:02.859 in Nehemiah 8, which tells us about the dynamic power of God's Word 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:07.180 and the importance of hearing and responding to God's Word. 00:02:07.400 --> 00:02:09.879 Now, of course, you're seeing that all through Psalm 119, 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:13.560 but here's a particular event which illustrates it. 00:02:13.560 --> 00:02:18.819 Now, I recently read a comment from the retiring General Secretary 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:20.979 of the World Evangelical Alliance, 00:02:21.340 --> 00:02:28.099 and he addressed the biggest crisis facing evangelicals all around the world. 00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:33.120 You might want to guess what the biggest crisis is. 00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:35.159 Well, you could say it's secularism, 00:02:35.539 --> 00:02:38.039 or you could say it's the advance of Islam, 00:02:38.259 --> 00:02:39.980 or you could say it's persecution. 00:02:39.979 --> 00:02:43.579 But on the screen, you'll see what he felt was the biggest challenge 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:46.319 facing Christians like us all around the world. 00:02:47.239 --> 00:02:52.500 The biggest crisis is the growing lack of biblical literacy worldwide. 00:02:53.519 --> 00:02:56.539 Beyond all theological differences, financial problems, 00:02:56.620 --> 00:02:58.159 and political questions, he said, 00:02:58.579 --> 00:03:03.219 our biggest problem is that Bible knowledge is fading away. 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:08.340 I don't know if that's your assessment of the biggest challenge that we face. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:12.180 It's true that around the world, the church is growing rapidly, 00:03:12.379 --> 00:03:15.419 especially in the majority world of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:17.599 But despite growing numbers, 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:21.120 that doesn't always mean there's going to be growing understanding 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:22.539 or knowledge of the Bible. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:23.979 And even here in the West, 00:03:24.039 --> 00:03:25.659 where we have a much stronger tradition 00:03:25.659 --> 00:03:27.960 of having the Bible and having it taught, 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:30.640 Now, the latest figures that I've read 00:03:30.640 --> 00:03:35.140 are that 70% of Christians in this country and Europe, 00:03:35.760 --> 00:03:39.159 70% of Christians only read the Bible 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:41.719 when they're in a church meeting like this. 00:03:42.319 --> 00:03:44.500 And that's a slightly worrying statistic 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:46.920 because what we see in Psalm 119, 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:48.420 and certainly in this story now, 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.460 is that this word of God is dynamic. 00:03:51.760 --> 00:03:52.879 It's life-changing. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:57.659 It's essential for us to live as we should as God's people. 00:03:57.960 --> 00:03:59.640 At the same time as that crisis, 00:04:00.140 --> 00:04:02.460 you know as well there are new opportunities. 00:04:03.080 --> 00:04:06.060 And this is something I read just a week or two ago 00:04:06.060 --> 00:04:08.920 in the Evangelical Alliance Idea magazine. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:11.020 It's written by Paul Woolley, 00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:12.420 who works for the London Institute. 00:04:13.020 --> 00:04:15.740 And he says that those coming to church today 00:04:15.740 --> 00:04:18.600 are not simply looking for community. 00:04:18.840 --> 00:04:20.079 He's writing about the growth, 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:23.420 the number of people who are deciding to go to church. 00:04:23.620 --> 00:04:25.920 We're in a very small church in a rural area, 00:04:25.920 --> 00:04:27.040 but people are coming. 00:04:27.040 --> 00:04:28.939 And they don't quite know why, 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:30.620 but they want to be in a church. 00:04:30.720 --> 00:04:33.020 It's an interesting phenomenon 00:04:33.020 --> 00:04:34.480 in different parts of the country. 00:04:35.040 --> 00:04:36.460 And he says, increasingly, 00:04:36.960 --> 00:04:38.460 they are looking for truth. 00:04:38.920 --> 00:04:42.560 They want a moral compass to navigate complexity. 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:46.460 They long for clarity in a world of shifting narratives. 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:50.439 They want scripture to shape everyday life 00:04:50.439 --> 00:04:53.160 in work, in family, in relationships, 00:04:53.160 --> 00:04:54.760 and in society. 00:04:55.700 --> 00:04:57.020 And of course, the good news is that 00:04:57.020 --> 00:04:58.560 that is what the Bible does. 00:04:58.680 --> 00:05:00.640 That is what scripture does, 00:05:00.700 --> 00:05:04.220 because God's word is dynamic and life-changing. 00:05:04.880 --> 00:05:07.120 Martin Luther once said about the Bible, 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:08.420 here's the phrase, 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:10.420 the Bible is alive. 00:05:10.940 --> 00:05:13.140 It has hands and grabs hold of me. 00:05:13.140 --> 00:05:15.860 It has feet and runs after me. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:18.720 And that idea of a dynamic word, 00:05:18.720 --> 00:05:20.060 which can change us, 00:05:20.379 --> 00:05:22.840 is picked up many, many times in the scriptures. 00:05:22.980 --> 00:05:25.439 As you know, there are lots of dynamic descriptions. 00:05:26.180 --> 00:05:28.240 Jeremiah said that the word of God 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:30.180 was like a fire in his bones, 00:05:30.580 --> 00:05:32.960 or like a hammer that would break rocks. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:34.939 And you'll know Paul, of course, 00:05:35.020 --> 00:05:37.800 described God's word as the sword of the spirit. 00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:40.340 That's repeated later in the New Testament. 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:42.319 Jesus said that the seed, 00:05:42.379 --> 00:05:43.739 the word was the seed, 00:05:44.139 --> 00:05:46.699 which could produce a phenomenal harvest, 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:48.579 just a small, vulnerable seed, 00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:50.060 has a great impact. 00:05:50.679 --> 00:05:52.459 And maybe you remember the story 00:05:52.459 --> 00:05:54.819 of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:56.839 And they were joined by Jesus. 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:58.299 They didn't recognize him. 00:05:58.719 --> 00:06:01.299 And Jesus chose not to introduce himself, 00:06:02.239 --> 00:06:04.439 but instead to introduce himself 00:06:04.439 --> 00:06:05.759 through the scriptures. 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:07.279 And Luke tells us, 00:06:07.359 --> 00:06:08.979 he explained to them what was said 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:12.100 in all the scriptures concerning himself. 00:06:13.140 --> 00:06:14.680 In other words, it's through the Bible, 00:06:15.100 --> 00:06:15.780 through the scriptures, 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:18.720 that we come to encounter the living Lord Jesus. 00:06:19.400 --> 00:06:21.560 That's why it's so important 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:22.800 that we give our energies 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:25.920 to understanding what God's word has to say. 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:28.460 That's true in this series in Psalm 119. 00:06:28.460 --> 00:06:29.860 And right now. 00:06:30.220 --> 00:06:31.040 Well, in Nehemiah 8, 00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:32.660 we have a great story 00:06:32.660 --> 00:06:35.900 about the impact of this living word 00:06:35.900 --> 00:06:38.360 on the community there in Jerusalem. 00:06:38.360 --> 00:06:40.480 Now, God's people had returned home 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:42.360 after years and years of exile, 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:43.420 away from Jerusalem. 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:45.759 And now they were back home. 00:06:45.860 --> 00:06:46.879 What really mattered 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:50.000 was that they truly became God's people. 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:53.520 They truly understood God's word for them. 00:06:54.160 --> 00:06:55.280 So very quickly, 00:06:55.480 --> 00:06:57.080 let me just give three bullet points 00:06:57.080 --> 00:06:59.100 which introduce and explain this story. 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:00.300 The first thing to notice 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:03.560 is the foundation of God's word. 00:07:04.340 --> 00:07:05.580 The section we're looking at 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:08.219 is right at the heart of Nehemiah's memoirs. 00:07:08.300 --> 00:07:10.120 The whole book is his account 00:07:10.120 --> 00:07:11.319 of how things were going. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:13.359 And right at the heart, of course, 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:17.539 is the story of the foundation of God's word. 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:21.219 They rebuilt the walls all around Jerusalem, 00:07:21.379 --> 00:07:23.159 but the real foundation for them 00:07:23.159 --> 00:07:24.139 as God's people, 00:07:24.279 --> 00:07:25.479 as the community of God, 00:07:25.819 --> 00:07:27.319 would be his word. 00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:28.699 Three things to mention. 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:31.060 First of all, it was central. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:33.160 The seventh month, 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:35.339 which is referred to in the passage, 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:38.060 was a month of great religious festivals. 00:07:39.220 --> 00:07:40.540 And the first thing they did 00:07:40.540 --> 00:07:42.060 was call for the book, 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:43.899 call for the law of God. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:45.939 They wanted to hear God's word. 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:47.259 And you'll notice there, verse one, 00:07:47.620 --> 00:07:48.819 all the people came together 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:51.079 as one in the square before the water gates. 00:07:51.639 --> 00:07:53.300 They told Ezra, the teacher of the law, 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:55.340 to bring out the book of the law of Moses, 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:58.620 which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 00:07:58.620 --> 00:08:00.160 And verse three says, 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:02.480 everybody listened attentively. 00:08:03.280 --> 00:08:05.259 Now that they were back home in Jerusalem, 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:08.519 and now they were there with the word of God, 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:11.379 this was going to be the new constitution. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:13.060 This was going to be the thing 00:08:13.060 --> 00:08:15.759 that would shape them as God's people. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:17.160 So it was central. 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:19.379 And that's how it should be 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:21.000 for every congregation, 00:08:21.280 --> 00:08:23.060 every Christian congregation and church, 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:24.560 for every believer. 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:26.579 It should be central to our lives 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:28.740 because of its dynamic role 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:30.800 in introducing us to Jesus 00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:32.159 and to God's purpose. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:36.220 Second thing to notice is it had authority. 00:08:37.320 --> 00:08:38.860 They told Ezra, the teacher of the law, 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:40.960 to bring out the book of the law of Moses, 00:08:41.299 --> 00:08:44.379 which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:46.679 So he mentions the human author, 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:48.059 that's Moses. 00:08:48.659 --> 00:08:50.779 But do you notice he also refers 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:52.539 to the divine author, 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:54.439 the book of the law of Moses, 00:08:54.659 --> 00:08:57.860 which the Lord had commanded for Israel. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:08:59.740 So it had authority 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:02.439 because it was the law of God. 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:03.959 It was the revelation 00:09:03.959 --> 00:09:06.519 or the teaching which God had given. 00:09:07.219 --> 00:09:07.980 And that, of course, 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:09.860 is vital for our own understanding. 00:09:10.079 --> 00:09:11.240 So when we open the Bible, 00:09:11.339 --> 00:09:12.039 as we are now, 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:13.259 or when you do at home 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:15.319 or on your phone on the way to work 00:09:15.319 --> 00:09:17.699 or wherever you access God's word, 00:09:18.219 --> 00:09:19.879 it's very important to remember two things. 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:22.360 And this is a verse in 1 Thessalonians 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:23.120 on the screen, 00:09:23.320 --> 00:09:24.439 which helps us. 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:27.639 It's in 1 Thessalonians 2 verse 13. 00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:29.299 We thank God continually 00:09:29.299 --> 00:09:31.659 because when you receive the word of God, 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:33.460 which you heard from us, 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:36.080 you accepted it not as a human word, 00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:38.039 but as it actually is, 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:39.419 the word of God, 00:09:39.759 --> 00:09:42.860 which is indeed at work in you who believe. 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:44.820 It's a fantastic description 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:46.700 of why we take the Bible so seriously. 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:49.200 First of all, it's authoritative, he says. 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:51.560 It's the word of God in your Bibles. 00:09:51.640 --> 00:09:52.800 You can really underline that 00:09:52.800 --> 00:09:54.280 because he says it with emphasis. 00:09:54.460 --> 00:09:56.160 He writes it with real emphasis. 00:09:56.420 --> 00:09:57.700 It's the word of God. 00:09:57.940 --> 00:10:00.420 But notice that the other phrase which follows, 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:01.980 it's not only authoritative, 00:10:02.520 --> 00:10:03.560 it is powerful. 00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:04.360 He says, 00:10:04.580 --> 00:10:07.560 it is at work in you who believe. 00:10:08.200 --> 00:10:10.040 I found that hugely encouraging 00:10:10.040 --> 00:10:11.900 that when we read the Bible 00:10:11.900 --> 00:10:13.220 here in the church 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:15.240 or individually or in groups, 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:18.100 it's not simply taking in information. 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:19.240 It's the word of God, 00:10:19.299 --> 00:10:21.419 which is at work in us. 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:24.320 It's powerful to change us. 00:10:26.180 --> 00:10:27.680 I have a good friend 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:30.740 who's a pastor in Harare in Zimbabwe. 00:10:31.580 --> 00:10:32.580 And some years ago, 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:33.360 I was with him 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:34.639 and he just had a visit 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:37.180 from some of Robert Mugabe's security forces. 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:39.419 Robert Mugabe was a previous president 00:10:39.419 --> 00:10:40.580 in Zimbabwe. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:42.220 And the security forces 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.919 had gone around all institutions, 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:45.120 including churches, 00:10:45.819 --> 00:10:47.299 just before the elections 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:50.419 because they wanted to cover all bases. 00:10:50.699 --> 00:10:52.399 And so they asked the pastor, Gary, 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:55.360 do you have any explosives, 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:56.360 any arms, 00:10:56.819 --> 00:10:58.579 anything explosive in the church? 00:10:58.699 --> 00:10:59.599 And my friend said, 00:11:00.059 --> 00:11:00.559 yes, 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:02.120 come on in. 00:11:02.559 --> 00:11:03.500 And he brought them in. 00:11:03.599 --> 00:11:05.059 You'll know where I'm going probably. 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:07.099 And he went into the church office 00:11:07.099 --> 00:11:08.439 and he gave them all Bibles. 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:10.180 And then he prayed with them 00:11:10.180 --> 00:11:11.460 that they would experience 00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:14.200 the power of this explosive book. 00:11:14.920 --> 00:11:17.020 And I quite like hearing him say that 00:11:17.020 --> 00:11:19.760 because that is the truth about God's word. 00:11:19.880 --> 00:11:20.960 It is powerful. 00:11:21.400 --> 00:11:23.120 It's authoritative because it's from God. 00:11:23.400 --> 00:11:24.220 It is powerful 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:27.420 because it is at work in you who believe. 00:11:27.940 --> 00:11:28.720 It's another good reason 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:29.760 why it should be central 00:11:29.760 --> 00:11:31.480 in our lives and our church. 00:11:31.880 --> 00:11:32.960 And the third thing to mention 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:34.040 about this foundation 00:11:34.039 --> 00:11:37.120 was that this word was for everyone. 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.339 When Margot read the passage, 00:11:39.439 --> 00:11:40.319 I'm sure you noticed 00:11:40.319 --> 00:11:42.179 how this is repeated so many times 00:11:42.179 --> 00:11:43.399 because if it's going to be 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:44.980 the foundation for their families, 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:46.699 for their life together, 00:11:46.699 --> 00:11:48.519 for their economic activity, 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:50.819 for their new constitution 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:51.759 as God's people, 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:52.899 it was essential 00:11:52.899 --> 00:11:54.439 that it was clear 00:11:54.439 --> 00:11:56.939 and accessible to everyone. 00:11:57.799 --> 00:11:59.120 So for one thing, 00:11:59.219 --> 00:11:59.819 verse one, 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:00.819 everyone was present. 00:12:00.980 --> 00:12:02.679 All the people came together as one. 00:12:03.479 --> 00:12:04.599 Then Ezra read 00:12:04.599 --> 00:12:06.079 before the whole assembly, 00:12:06.219 --> 00:12:06.639 verse two, 00:12:06.739 --> 00:12:08.919 which was made up of men and women 00:12:08.919 --> 00:12:10.939 and all who could understand. 00:12:11.419 --> 00:12:13.179 That's repeated in verse three. 00:12:13.859 --> 00:12:14.459 Verse five, 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:16.139 all the people could see him 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:17.919 with this fantastic pulpit 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:18.639 that they built. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.019 And it was read, 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:21.779 notice it was not read in the temple, 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:22.739 which you'd expect, 00:12:22.839 --> 00:12:23.079 wouldn't you, 00:12:23.099 --> 00:12:23.559 in Jerusalem, 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:25.479 read the Bible in the holy place. 00:12:25.639 --> 00:12:27.039 It was read downtown 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:28.859 in the city center. 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:30.240 It was for everyone. 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:32.080 And then the story 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:33.620 also underlined several times, 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:35.419 everybody understood. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.340 They made the law clear, 00:12:37.440 --> 00:12:37.940 verse eight, 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:39.019 giving the meaning 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:40.360 so that the people 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.620 could understand 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.060 what was being read. 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:44.500 And then the reason 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:45.360 for the response 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:45.840 of the people, 00:12:45.960 --> 00:12:46.500 which we'll look at 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:47.820 as we finish in a few minutes, 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:48.899 verse 12, 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:51.019 because they now understood 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:52.620 the words that had been 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:54.720 made known to Israel, 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:55.940 made known to them. 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:57.760 It's possible, 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:59.520 I think we should applaud Margot 00:12:59.520 --> 00:13:00.500 for all those names. 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:00.900 I mean, 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:01.920 she did a great job, 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:02.340 didn't she? 00:13:03.180 --> 00:13:04.060 Repeated twice. 00:13:04.160 --> 00:13:05.000 They were Levites 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:06.480 and they were mingling there 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.180 with all the people. 00:13:07.280 --> 00:13:07.840 The reason why 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:08.700 they were doing that, 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:10.720 possibly they were translating 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:11.340 because there would be 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:12.320 multiple languages 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.820 and maybe they were translating. 00:13:14.280 --> 00:13:14.920 Some people think 00:13:14.920 --> 00:13:15.920 maybe they were just 00:13:15.920 --> 00:13:17.520 holding small discussion groups, 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:19.220 making sure everybody 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:20.560 in that huge crowd 00:13:20.560 --> 00:13:21.960 downtown Jerusalem 00:13:21.960 --> 00:13:23.400 really understood 00:13:23.400 --> 00:13:24.960 what was being read. 00:13:24.960 --> 00:13:27.120 So that was a big concern 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:28.259 and I know that's exactly 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:29.360 your concern here, 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.139 that what we teach 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:32.879 and how we understand 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.360 the scriptures 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:34.400 should really sink 00:13:34.400 --> 00:13:35.379 into people's hearts 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:35.920 and minds 00:13:35.920 --> 00:13:37.759 and truly be understood. 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:39.879 It's because the word of God 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:42.080 leads us into God's presence. 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.400 We come to know Jesus 00:13:43.400 --> 00:13:44.120 in that way. 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:45.480 One other illustration 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:46.460 also happens to be 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:47.280 from Zimbabwe. 00:13:47.900 --> 00:13:49.660 There was a general secretary 00:13:49.660 --> 00:13:51.440 of the Bible Society 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:51.960 in Zimbabwe 00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:55.519 and I did hear him 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:57.879 tell this rather remarkable story. 00:13:58.980 --> 00:13:59.340 He was, 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.340 I should have jumped ahead, 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:00.600 Margaret, 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:02.139 I'll probably come back 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:02.800 later to that. 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:04.940 I'll give you one example 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:05.620 of accessibility 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:06.900 I noticed I should have said. 00:14:07.280 --> 00:14:08.259 It's for everyone. 00:14:08.460 --> 00:14:09.019 I'll come back 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:10.540 to my story in a moment. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.660 Just a couple of weeks ago 00:14:12.660 --> 00:14:13.540 we received a video 00:14:13.540 --> 00:14:14.660 and I thought it's worth 00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:15.740 mentioning what's happening 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:16.740 in terms of the Wycliffe 00:14:16.740 --> 00:14:17.820 Bible translators, 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:19.000 this idea of it being 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:19.799 for everyone. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.320 They're working, 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:23.039 coordinating Bible translation 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:23.940 in Nigeria 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:27.000 and there are 500 languages 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.039 in Nigeria 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:29.279 and in the message 00:14:29.279 --> 00:14:30.059 that they sent us 00:14:30.059 --> 00:14:31.019 just a week or two ago 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:31.480 they said 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:32.779 if they carry on 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:33.720 with the translation 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:35.639 into 500 languages 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:36.899 they won't have 00:14:36.899 --> 00:14:38.320 a complete New Testament 00:14:38.320 --> 00:14:41.960 in these many languages 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:44.240 until 2180. 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:46.159 That's more than 150 years. 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:47.360 So they're appealing. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.480 We need to make 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:49.840 the Word of God accessible. 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:51.000 We need more workers. 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.259 We need more funds. 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:53.360 And that's true 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:54.820 of many agencies 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:55.639 trying to make 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:56.960 God's Word accessible 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:58.399 around the world. 00:14:58.720 --> 00:14:59.180 And of course 00:14:59.180 --> 00:15:00.740 it's true in our own culture. 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:01.680 We want more people 00:15:01.680 --> 00:15:02.560 to engage 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:03.519 and understand 00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:05.120 and live by 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:05.879 the Word of God 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.120 making it accessible 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.039 for families 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:09.620 and for adults 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:10.680 for those 00:15:10.680 --> 00:15:11.560 with learning difficulties 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:12.159 for those 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:13.779 that are visually handicapped 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:15.120 every way we can 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.300 to make the Word of God 00:15:16.300 --> 00:15:17.300 accessible. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:19.080 Well that's the foundation 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:20.340 of God's Word. 00:15:20.580 --> 00:15:21.600 Let's come to a second 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:22.240 big theme 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:24.200 which is really interesting 00:15:24.200 --> 00:15:25.340 to see the hunger 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:26.879 for God's Word 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:28.320 when you read this passage. 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.960 The account tells us 00:15:29.960 --> 00:15:30.580 a good deal 00:15:30.580 --> 00:15:31.340 about the people 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:32.379 who were in Jerusalem 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:34.940 when this event happened. 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:36.560 First thing is 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:38.379 they were expectant. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:39.879 They were eager 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:41.060 to hear the Word. 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:42.360 You can see that 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:43.879 from the very first verse. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:44.659 They were the ones 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:45.839 who called Ezra 00:15:45.839 --> 00:15:47.719 to bring out the book. 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:48.600 In fact, 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:49.159 ages ago, 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:51.039 I think maybe 20 years ago, 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.719 a man called Jim Packer 00:15:52.719 --> 00:15:54.000 who's a British theologian 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:54.620 wrote a book 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:56.039 and he commented 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:56.919 on this verse 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:57.839 and he said 00:15:57.839 --> 00:15:59.500 it was rather like 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.919 going to a pop concert, 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:02.439 a big music event, 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:03.000 he said. 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:04.659 It must have been 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:05.559 like the crowd. 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:06.939 And they said, 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:07.779 this is Jim Packer 00:16:07.779 --> 00:16:08.240 suggesting, 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:10.159 we want Ezra. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.060 We want Ezra. 00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:12.960 Saying it over 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:13.860 and over again, 00:16:14.039 --> 00:16:14.820 louder and louder 00:16:14.820 --> 00:16:16.399 and you get some idea 00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:17.240 of the feelings 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.240 being expressed 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:19.659 in Jerusalem that day. 00:16:20.159 --> 00:16:20.600 Well, it takes 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.279 a bit of imagination 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.220 but he's right 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:22.700 that there was 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:23.779 a large crowd 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:25.700 longing to hear the Word. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:27.460 They appealed to Ezra, 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:28.659 bring out the book 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:29.299 of the law. 00:16:29.879 --> 00:16:30.659 And the same sense 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:31.519 of expectancy 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.360 and eagerness 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.580 is expressed 00:16:33.580 --> 00:16:34.460 in verse 3, 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:35.379 all the people 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.580 listened attentively 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.460 as I've mentioned. 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:38.900 Now, verse 5, 00:16:39.040 --> 00:16:39.720 all the people 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:40.580 stood up 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.759 as they opened 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:42.160 the book. 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:42.940 They wanted to 00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.820 pay attention 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:45.040 to this Word 00:16:45.040 --> 00:16:46.460 and it reminds us, 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:46.900 of course, 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.180 that when we come 00:16:48.180 --> 00:16:49.519 to open God's Word, 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.720 whenever we do so, 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:51.960 we must have 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.660 the same sense 00:16:52.660 --> 00:16:53.360 of faith 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.500 and expectancy 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.860 which these people 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:56.580 demonstrated. 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:57.759 It's interesting 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.660 that even Jesus' 00:16:58.920 --> 00:16:59.740 own ministry 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:01.320 was frustrated 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:02.560 when there was 00:17:02.560 --> 00:17:03.200 no sense 00:17:03.200 --> 00:17:04.039 of expectancy 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.360 or faith 00:17:05.360 --> 00:17:06.480 in his audience. 00:17:06.600 --> 00:17:07.380 He was in the synagogue 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:08.460 he began to teach 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:09.000 but people 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:10.140 were not listening. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.020 So this attitude 00:17:12.020 --> 00:17:12.860 of expectancy 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:14.180 is so important 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:15.700 and expectant faith 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:17.520 is the soil 00:17:17.520 --> 00:17:19.100 in which God's Word 00:17:19.100 --> 00:17:19.980 will produce 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:21.140 good fruit. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.360 It's the lesson 00:17:22.360 --> 00:17:23.640 for a church congregation. 00:17:23.820 --> 00:17:24.220 It's the lesson 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:24.720 all the way 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:25.500 through our lives, 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:26.880 listening with that 00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:28.160 kind of expectancy 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:28.980 and faith. 00:17:29.840 --> 00:17:30.560 And the second thing 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:31.180 is to notice 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:31.700 that they were 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.800 really committed. 00:17:34.060 --> 00:17:34.640 You can see 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.700 their spiritual hunger 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.640 when you read it 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:36.920 through. 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:38.120 They were ready 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:39.000 for all kinds 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:40.200 of inconvenience. 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.019 And if you just 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:41.920 analyze the text 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:42.620 you see that they 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:45.019 stood from daybreak 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:46.220 till noon. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.299 Verse 3. 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:48.319 So that's probably 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:49.660 about five hours 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.920 they were standing 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:52.240 to listen to this word 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:53.340 without a coffee break 00:17:53.340 --> 00:17:54.100 in sight. 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.779 They were totally 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:56.360 committed. 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:57.640 And again, 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:58.740 this kind of response 00:17:58.740 --> 00:17:59.480 is to do 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:00.380 with the work 00:18:00.380 --> 00:18:01.180 of the Holy Spirit 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:01.980 in our lives. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.559 That's what we 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:03.299 must pray for. 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:04.339 The expectancy 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:05.839 and the commitment 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.799 which realizes 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.740 we long to hear 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:10.019 what God has to say. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:11.740 We want to be changed 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:13.120 by the dynamic power 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:14.420 of God's Word. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:15.880 And the third thing 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:16.839 we notice about them 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:18.180 is their humility. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:19.960 Verse 6. 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:20.880 Ezra praised 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:21.279 the Lord, 00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:22.039 the great God 00:18:22.039 --> 00:18:22.880 and all the peoples 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:24.240 lifted their hands 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:24.980 and responded 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.599 Amen, 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:26.339 Amen. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:28.039 Then they bowed down 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.079 and worshipped the Lord 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.799 with their faces 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:30.620 to the ground. 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:32.459 I do wonder 00:18:32.459 --> 00:18:33.359 if there is something 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.019 to learn 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:35.079 from the attitude 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.279 of the people 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.219 that day 00:18:37.219 --> 00:18:38.259 which is recorded 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.179 in verse 6. 00:18:39.379 --> 00:18:40.239 All the people 00:18:40.239 --> 00:18:41.759 lifting their hands. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:42.939 All the people 00:18:42.939 --> 00:18:44.099 bowing down 00:18:44.099 --> 00:18:45.299 to touch the ground. 00:18:45.399 --> 00:18:46.319 There was a reverence, 00:18:46.919 --> 00:18:47.579 a humility, 00:18:48.399 --> 00:18:49.059 a desire 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:50.000 to hear 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:51.259 what God has to say. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:51.619 And again, 00:18:51.739 --> 00:18:53.399 these are prerequisites 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:54.239 for truly 00:18:54.239 --> 00:18:55.679 being impacted 00:18:55.679 --> 00:18:57.139 by the Word of God 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:58.099 in our own lives. 00:18:58.699 --> 00:18:58.939 In fact, 00:18:59.039 --> 00:18:59.379 I think 00:18:59.379 --> 00:19:00.359 those verses 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:01.539 are a good example 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.479 of the fact 00:19:02.479 --> 00:19:03.039 that we don't 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.399 venerate the book 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:05.759 as such, 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.319 the Bible. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:08.740 Martin Luther again 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.219 used to say 00:19:09.219 --> 00:19:09.859 that the Bible 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:11.019 is the cradle 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:12.500 in which we find 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.000 the baby. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.479 In other words, 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.399 we come to the Bible 00:19:15.399 --> 00:19:16.659 in order to encounter 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:17.139 Jesus, 00:19:17.459 --> 00:19:18.339 as we've said, 00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:19.619 so that he 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:21.399 will have preeminence 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:21.919 in our life, 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.819 so that we live 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:23.319 our lives 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:25.059 shaped by knowing 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:25.919 the Lord Jesus. 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:27.460 So the Bible 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:28.700 is the cradle 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.140 which introduces 00:19:30.140 --> 00:19:31.420 us to the baby, 00:19:31.560 --> 00:19:32.900 to Jesus himself. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.700 And here I come back 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.320 to what I was just 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:35.940 about to say 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:37.220 about the 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:38.580 General Secretary 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:40.060 of the Bible Society 00:19:40.060 --> 00:19:40.980 in Zimbabwe. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.160 His name is 00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:43.620 Gaylord Camberini, 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:44.440 and he once 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.180 offered a man 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:46.279 a New Testament. 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:49.380 And the guy 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:50.000 said, 00:19:50.100 --> 00:19:50.279 no, 00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:51.019 I'm not interested. 00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:51.860 I don't want to read 00:19:51.860 --> 00:19:52.420 the New Testament. 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:53.340 He said, 00:19:53.439 --> 00:19:53.599 in fact, 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.079 if you give me 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:54.699 the New Testament, 00:19:54.919 --> 00:19:55.539 I'll roll up 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.259 every page 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:57.359 and make cigarettes. 00:19:58.559 --> 00:20:00.220 So Camberini 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:01.759 said to this guy, 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:01.959 well, 00:20:02.179 --> 00:20:02.959 let's do a deal. 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:03.599 I'll give you 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.359 the New Testament 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:05.539 if you promise 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:07.000 to read every page 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:08.339 before you smoke it. 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:09.799 And so 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:10.919 that's what happened. 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:11.240 Well, 00:20:12.199 --> 00:20:12.879 some years later, 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:14.079 15 years later, 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.399 this man 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:16.099 who was rolling 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:16.599 the cigarettes 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:17.480 actually had become 00:20:17.480 --> 00:20:17.919 a believer, 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.659 and he was speaking, 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.519 giving his testimony, 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.619 and Camberini 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.740 came into the conference. 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.759 And so the speaker 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:22.919 said, 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:23.080 well, 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:23.680 that man 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.720 gave me 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:25.440 a New Testament 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.640 15 years ago. 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.180 And he said, 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:30.259 I smoked Matthew, 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:32.580 and then I smoked Mark, 00:20:32.860 --> 00:20:34.539 and then I smoked Luke. 00:20:35.300 --> 00:20:36.080 But when I came 00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:37.340 to John 3.16, 00:20:38.180 --> 00:20:39.800 my life completely changed. 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:41.080 We read it 00:20:41.080 --> 00:20:42.460 in the Breaking the Bread 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:42.920 service 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:44.240 just early 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.279 before this service. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.279 God so loved 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:46.620 the world 00:20:46.620 --> 00:20:47.140 that he gave 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:48.060 his only son 00:20:48.060 --> 00:20:49.320 that whoever 00:20:49.320 --> 00:20:50.000 believes in him 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:50.920 will not perish 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.400 but have eternal life. 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:54.019 he encountered 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:54.640 Jesus 00:20:54.640 --> 00:20:56.500 through reading 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:58.840 those pages. 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:00.019 And that, 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:00.420 of course, 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.280 is what's happening 00:21:01.280 --> 00:21:02.200 the world over. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:02.960 And that's what 00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:03.820 happens to us 00:21:03.820 --> 00:21:04.420 if we read it 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:05.259 with the humility 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:06.720 and the reverence 00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:07.880 and open hearts 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:08.680 and expectancy 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:10.140 we meet the Lord. 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.279 Well, 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.779 the final section, 00:21:13.420 --> 00:21:14.320 the final thing 00:21:14.320 --> 00:21:14.920 I want to mention 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.900 is just to see 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.440 what was that impact. 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:18.980 How did it influence 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.980 the people 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:22.039 in Nehemiah's day? 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.060 So what about 00:21:23.060 --> 00:21:23.500 the impact? 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.220 And there are three, 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:24.519 again, 00:21:24.620 --> 00:21:26.120 three simple things 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:27.620 which I want to underline. 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.539 What's important 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.100 to remember, 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.019 of course, 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:31.880 is that 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:32.740 the scriptures 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.580 themselves 00:21:33.580 --> 00:21:34.960 are given 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:36.560 not just to inform 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.579 or to instruct, 00:21:37.679 --> 00:21:38.579 although they include 00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:39.159 that element, 00:21:39.679 --> 00:21:40.519 but as we've said, 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:42.099 they are to change us. 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.519 It's so important 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:44.679 to see that the Bible 00:21:44.679 --> 00:21:45.619 is powerful 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.539 and dynamic 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:48.379 to change our lives. 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:50.200 I love the illustration 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:51.399 which Isaiah gave, 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:52.339 which you might remember. 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:53.879 he was talking 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:55.339 about the water cycle. 00:21:55.459 --> 00:21:55.859 I used to be 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.679 a geography teacher 00:21:56.679 --> 00:21:58.159 so it appeals to me. 00:21:58.639 --> 00:21:59.980 The rain falls, 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.819 waters the earth, 00:22:02.459 --> 00:22:03.859 it germinates the seeds, 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.519 the harvest begins to grow 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.299 and then the water 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:07.799 evaporates back up. 00:22:07.899 --> 00:22:09.119 That's the water cycle 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:10.559 that Isaiah 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:12.279 was telling people about 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.240 in Isaiah 55. 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.740 And then this is what 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.919 Isaiah adds 00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:17.179 after that illustration. 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.159 It's on the screen. 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:20.540 So is my word 00:22:20.540 --> 00:22:21.519 that goes forth 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.380 from my mouth. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:24.000 It will not return 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.800 to me empty 00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:26.360 but will accomplish 00:22:26.360 --> 00:22:27.440 what I desire 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:29.400 and achieve the purpose 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:30.920 for which I sent it. 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:33.100 God will fulfill 00:22:33.100 --> 00:22:33.920 his purpose 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:35.279 through the word 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.500 which he gives. 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:38.180 It's authoritative 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:39.180 and powerful 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.840 as we said 00:22:39.840 --> 00:22:40.540 a moment ago. 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:41.680 And certainly 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.380 in Jerusalem 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.180 there were several 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:43.840 responses 00:22:43.840 --> 00:22:45.040 to God's word 00:22:45.040 --> 00:22:45.820 being read 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:47.600 over those hours. 00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:49.240 And perhaps 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.120 you identify 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:51.019 with these as well. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.960 First of all 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:53.340 they were celebrating 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:54.779 God's grace. 00:22:55.840 --> 00:22:56.640 Verse 9 shows 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.920 their first response. 00:22:58.860 --> 00:22:59.580 For all the people 00:22:59.580 --> 00:23:00.460 had been weeping 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.120 as they listened 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:01.740 to the words 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.300 of the law. 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:03.259 In other words 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:03.940 they realized 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.840 as they heard 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:05.320 God's word 00:23:05.320 --> 00:23:06.160 that they'd failed 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:07.580 that they'd sinned 00:23:07.580 --> 00:23:08.840 they'd disobeyed God. 00:23:09.540 --> 00:23:11.019 But Ezra and Nehemiah 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.220 moved pretty quickly 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.360 to set that failure 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.560 within the context 00:23:14.560 --> 00:23:16.580 of God's good purposes 00:23:16.580 --> 00:23:17.460 for his people. 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.519 So verses 9 and 10 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:21.680 This day is holy 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:23.220 to the Lord your God. 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.940 Do not mourn 00:23:24.940 --> 00:23:25.660 or weep. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:27.000 Go and enjoy 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.960 choice food 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:29.079 and sweet drinks 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:30.200 and send some 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:30.600 to those 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:31.600 who have nothing prepared. 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:33.160 This day is holy 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:34.000 to our Lord. 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:35.279 Do not grieve 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.319 for the joy 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:36.960 of the Lord 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.519 is your strength. 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.200 So they were saying 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.319 the first response 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.960 to God's word 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:42.420 should be 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.259 joyfully 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.220 to accept 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:44.940 everything 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.019 which God 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:46.700 has done 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.160 for them. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:48.480 It was a special day 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.460 a day 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.220 to recall 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.019 God's grace 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.980 towards them 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.279 and so the people 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.099 went to celebrate 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:54.900 and they went 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.839 to eat and drink 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:57.180 with great joy 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:58.400 is how this little 00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:59.139 section ends 00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:00.460 in verse 12. 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.879 And I think 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:02.839 that's a lovely way 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.559 to approach 00:24:03.559 --> 00:24:04.240 the Bible. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.299 if you're not 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.339 motivated to read 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:06.799 Scripture 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.980 day by day 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:09.259 then it's worth 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.799 remembering 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:11.000 God has good 00:24:11.000 --> 00:24:12.140 purposes for us. 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:13.400 He has plans 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:14.059 for us 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:15.319 and they are 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:15.960 to completely 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:16.980 change our lives 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.660 and make us 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.620 who we really 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.700 were made to be 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:21.259 and therefore 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.819 all of his actions 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:23.460 towards us 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:23.980 are for our 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.599 well-being. 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:25.960 So coming 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.779 to Scripture 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:28.240 celebrating 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.539 God's goodness 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.599 and God's grace 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:32.000 is a very important 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:32.700 response 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.680 when we open 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:34.420 the pages 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:35.259 of the Bible. 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:36.680 Then secondly 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:38.160 we come to another 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:39.819 confessing 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:40.980 their sin. 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:43.220 We can understand 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.940 this because 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.859 their understanding 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:45.440 of what God 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.039 had said to them 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:47.119 did lead to confession. 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.119 We haven't time 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.559 to look at it 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:49.099 but if you have 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.259 a moment later today 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.079 just to look 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.079 into chapter 9 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:53.380 Nehemiah chapter 9 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:54.519 you discover 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.500 that there is 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.640 a long confession 00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.440 of faith. 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:58.539 It's beautifully written 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.680 there's a statement 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.819 about God's goodness 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:02.279 then there's a statement 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.659 about the people's 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:04.639 behavior 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:05.439 their failure 00:25:05.439 --> 00:25:06.119 their sinfulness 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:07.119 and then there's 00:25:07.119 --> 00:25:07.559 a statement 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:09.099 about God's mercy 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:10.059 and grace 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:11.179 and that little cycle 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:12.439 is running all the way 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:13.779 through chapter 9 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:15.619 and it reminds us 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.579 of the way in which 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.799 Paul does the same 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:18.659 in the New Testament 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:19.359 where he's talking 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:20.240 about the gospel. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.419 He does explain 00:25:21.419 --> 00:25:22.139 our sinfulness 00:25:22.139 --> 00:25:23.740 he does explain 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.559 the consequences 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.879 of God's judgment 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:27.259 but then he says 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:27.839 this is from 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:28.879 chapter 3 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.759 verse 24 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.440 but we are justified 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:33.279 freely by his grace 00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:34.759 through the redemption 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:36.920 that came by Christ Jesus. 00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:39.519 So just as God's people 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:41.299 confessed their sins 00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:43.400 and remembered God's grace 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:43.940 and mercy 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:45.400 we must do exactly 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:45.960 the same 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.660 and God's word 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.859 helps us to do that 00:25:47.859 --> 00:25:49.519 not only to understand 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.400 our own sinfulness 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:51.819 but it's the mirror 00:25:51.819 --> 00:25:53.140 to our hearts 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.079 but also 00:25:54.079 --> 00:25:54.759 then 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.759 to understand 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.460 God's grace 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.319 and forgiveness 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:58.799 he sets us free 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.899 from those things 00:25:59.899 --> 00:26:00.480 of the past 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.279 just as the people 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.299 in Nehemiah's day 00:26:02.299 --> 00:26:03.659 experienced that 00:26:03.659 --> 00:26:05.799 nothing should hold us back 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:07.179 despite those failures 00:26:07.179 --> 00:26:08.220 God 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.259 is the one 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.839 who's faithful 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.579 we can count 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.599 on his grace 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:13.000 all of that comes 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:14.200 from hearing God's word 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.839 and then the third 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.439 and the final 00:26:16.439 --> 00:26:17.399 thing to mention 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:17.960 is 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.079 very interesting 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:20.220 it's a commitment 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.259 to obey 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:23.240 again if you have time 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.220 to read chapter 8 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.420 9 and 10 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:27.100 that's the flow 00:26:27.100 --> 00:26:28.240 of what's written 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.120 in Nehemiah's memoirs 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:31.200 celebration 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.460 confession 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.819 and then commitment 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:35.539 so if we've experienced 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:36.319 God's forgiveness 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:38.019 we've experienced 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:40.500 his restoring grace 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:42.059 then we'll want to commit 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.759 our lives 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:44.559 to live for him 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:46.380 and so Nehemiah 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:48.420 in chapters 8 to 10 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.500 moves 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.940 from that 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:52.019 confession 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.200 and celebration 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:54.299 to a commitment 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:55.740 to obey God's word 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:56.519 it's an agreement 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.700 that all the people 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.299 made there 00:26:58.299 --> 00:26:59.180 in chapter 10 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:00.660 they said 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.539 we will obey 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.099 carefully 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:03.400 all the commands 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:04.519 regulations 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:05.940 and decrees 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.960 of the Lord 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.579 our God 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:09.279 and that's 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:09.980 the significance 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:11.000 of this story 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.460 this movement 00:27:12.460 --> 00:27:13.279 from hearing 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:14.099 God's word 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:15.400 celebrating 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.480 God's goodness 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:18.420 knowing God's grace 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.119 and then 00:27:19.119 --> 00:27:19.700 obeying 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.660 God's laws 00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:22.220 that is what God 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.960 is looking for 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.900 in our lives 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:24.279 as well 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:25.180 it is truth 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:26.400 in action 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:27.300 in fact 00:27:27.300 --> 00:27:27.940 you might say 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.660 well I find it 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.100 very difficult 00:27:29.100 --> 00:27:29.740 to understand 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.120 the Bible 00:27:30.120 --> 00:27:30.680 at times 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:32.140 but I always remember 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:33.040 Michael Wilcott 00:27:33.040 --> 00:27:34.019 who wrote 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.279 a couple of commentaries 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:36.500 on the New Testament 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:38.060 and he had a lovely phrase 00:27:38.060 --> 00:27:38.560 and here it is 00:27:38.560 --> 00:27:39.200 on screen 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.759 our understanding 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.960 of God's word 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:43.060 has to do 00:27:43.060 --> 00:27:43.940 with our obedience 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:46.240 not our brains 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:48.200 as we obey 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.180 what God calls us 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:49.559 to do 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.620 so we truly 00:27:50.620 --> 00:27:51.539 begin to understand 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.220 God's purpose 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:52.819 for us 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:54.380 and for our families 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.380 our church 00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:56.200 our society 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:57.259 for the world 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.819 at large 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:59.099 understanding 00:27:59.099 --> 00:27:59.720 comes 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:01.420 truly from 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.220 obeying 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:03.380 God's word 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:04.180 we're not called 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:04.700 simply 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:06.759 to hear the truth 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:08.400 but to do it 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.700 in fact 00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:10.759 authentic Christians 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.240 I think 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:11.880 are those 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.940 who speak 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:14.039 this message 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:15.519 but whose lives 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.319 embody 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:17.440 the message 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:19.420 and I have a good friend 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:20.659 I finish with this 00:28:20.659 --> 00:28:22.859 and he sometimes 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:24.200 uses this illustration 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:25.339 as we look 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:26.200 at God's word 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:26.720 and he said 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:27.159 well 00:28:27.159 --> 00:28:28.399 I've been looking 00:28:28.399 --> 00:28:29.059 at you in Edinburgh 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.879 and you're reading 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:31.259 the Bible 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.980 like this 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:34.000 but you should 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.599 read the Bible 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.799 the Chinese way 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:37.619 which is like this 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:39.440 we read it 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:40.279 and as we do 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.039 so we're saying 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.440 Lord 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.720 I'm willing 00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:43.460 to obey 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:44.340 I hear what 00:28:44.340 --> 00:28:44.920 you're saying 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.900 I'm willing 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:46.740 to change 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.579 I'm going 00:28:47.579 --> 00:28:48.220 to obey 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:49.200 your word 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.200 so 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:51.500 I hope in these 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.039 few moments 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:52.700 looking at this 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.640 remarkable story 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.240 and as you 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.920 go through 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.740 this fantastic 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.940 Psalm 119 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:58.400 we'll learn 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:59.200 from the people 00:28:59.200 --> 00:28:59.880 of Jerusalem 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:01.539 and the Old Testament 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.680 believers 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.500 who listen 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.799 to Psalm 119 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:06.720 eager to respond 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:07.460 to this 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:09.000 dynamic power 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:10.059 of God's word 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:11.579 and to obey 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.579 everything 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.939 which the Lord 00:29:13.939 --> 00:29:15.059 says to us 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:17.240 thank you very much 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:17.699 for listening 00:29:17.699 --> 00:29:18.899 patiently through that 00:29:18.899 --> 00:29:19.960 let's pray together 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:27.539 dear father 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:27.939 we thank you 00:29:27.939 --> 00:29:28.939 for the wonderful gift 00:29:28.939 --> 00:29:30.119 that you have given us 00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:31.740 in your word 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:33.179 especially for the way 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:33.819 in which we have it 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.799 in our own language 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:36.339 we have it in so many 00:29:36.339 --> 00:29:37.480 different formats 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:38.339 it's accessible 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:39.399 to all of us 00:29:39.399 --> 00:29:41.000 24 hours a day 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:42.799 and so we ask 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.619 you'll forgive us 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.579 for those times 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.439 when we've neglected 00:29:45.439 --> 00:29:46.679 to take it seriously 00:29:46.679 --> 00:29:48.519 we fail to see 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:49.059 that this is 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.259 the dynamic word 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:52.059 through which 00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:52.559 you're able 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:53.240 to change 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.359 our lives 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:55.319 and our families 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.599 and even our society 00:29:56.599 --> 00:29:58.359 so we thank you 00:29:58.359 --> 00:29:59.599 for the lovely story 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:00.699 of your people 00:30:00.699 --> 00:30:01.539 in the Old Testament 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.379 who were eager 00:30:02.379 --> 00:30:03.439 to hear that word 00:30:03.439 --> 00:30:05.059 ready to put up 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:06.619 with all kinds 00:30:06.619 --> 00:30:07.379 of inconvenience 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:07.899 to ensure 00:30:07.899 --> 00:30:08.659 that they truly 00:30:08.659 --> 00:30:09.219 understood 00:30:09.219 --> 00:30:11.039 and then they were 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:12.379 willing to obey 00:30:12.379 --> 00:30:14.539 we pray that here 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.459 at Brunsfield 00:30:15.459 --> 00:30:16.239 as we go through 00:30:16.239 --> 00:30:17.279 Psalm 119 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:19.139 as we personally 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:20.079 read your word 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:20.859 day by day 00:30:20.859 --> 00:30:23.019 you will transform us 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:24.079 by the Holy Spirit 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:25.539 as we understand 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:26.139 your word 00:30:26.139 --> 00:30:26.719 more fully 00:30:26.719 --> 00:30:28.139 we pray too 00:30:28.139 --> 00:30:28.779 that you'll help us 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:29.719 to make it accessible 00:30:29.719 --> 00:30:30.399 to everyone 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:31.259 we pray for all the 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.039 families here 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:32.839 at BEC 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:34.879 we know it's a 00:30:34.879 --> 00:30:35.439 challenge 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:36.240 to introduce 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:36.860 your word 00:30:36.860 --> 00:30:37.940 to children 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:39.539 and teenagers 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:41.000 we pray that our 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:41.860 families will take 00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:42.840 seriously the living 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:43.500 word of God 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.700 which will shape 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.539 the lives 00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:46.920 of their families 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.320 we pray too 00:30:48.320 --> 00:30:48.779 for those 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.660 in our neighbourhood 00:30:49.660 --> 00:30:50.920 who need to hear 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.460 the good news 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.059 of the gospel 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.360 need to hear your word 00:30:53.360 --> 00:30:54.519 please bless every effort 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.480 that we make here 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:57.220 to open up the good news 00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:57.799 of the gospel 00:30:57.799 --> 00:30:59.519 and by your spirit 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.759 please win people 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.059 for the Lord Jesus 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:04.080 we pray for Wycliffe 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:05.080 who we've just mentioned 00:31:05.079 --> 00:31:06.220 and many other agencies 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:07.179 around the world 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:08.539 who are working hard 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.939 to make this word 00:31:09.939 --> 00:31:10.399 of God 00:31:10.399 --> 00:31:11.819 accessible to people 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:12.679 of all languages 00:31:12.679 --> 00:31:14.299 we pray you'll bless 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:15.000 their efforts 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:16.480 and continue to win 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.679 people for the Lord Jesus 00:31:17.679 --> 00:31:18.859 through all that 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:19.419 they're doing 00:31:19.419 --> 00:31:20.939 we pray for Scripture 00:31:20.939 --> 00:31:22.220 Union in Scotland 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:23.279 for those who are 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:24.279 working hard 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:25.720 not only to produce 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:26.319 materials 00:31:26.319 --> 00:31:27.759 but also to help 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:28.339 in schools 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:29.960 and in other settings 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:31.339 so that the word 00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:31.799 of the Lord 00:31:31.799 --> 00:31:32.679 will speed on 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.860 and triumph 00:31:33.860 --> 00:31:35.480 we ask dear Father 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:36.420 that your word 00:31:36.420 --> 00:31:37.720 will enter hearts 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:38.279 and minds 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.140 even today 00:31:39.140 --> 00:31:40.900 and change us 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:42.480 and change Scotland 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:44.160 and change the world 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.380 for the glory 00:31:45.380 --> 00:31:46.880 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:48.320 in whose name we pray 00:31:48.320 --> 00:31:49.600 Amen 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:49.759 00:31:49.759 --> 00:32:19.740 Thank you.