WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.179 Welcome back to another short service from Becloor Free Church. 00:00:06.919 --> 00:00:14.660 Today we're in Luke chapter 8 and Luke chapter 8 is all about faith and Jesus explores that in various ways. 00:00:15.140 --> 00:00:19.900 So by way of opening our time I want to read a few verses at verse 22. 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:24.900 One day Jesus said to his disciples, let us go over to the other side of the lake. 00:00:25.420 --> 00:00:27.400 So they got into a boat and set out. 00:00:27.399 --> 00:00:30.820 As they sailed, he fell asleep. 00:00:31.500 --> 00:00:37.200 A squall came down on the lake so that the boat was being swamped and they were in great danger. 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:42.439 The disciples went and woke him saying, Master, Master, we're going to drown. 00:00:43.320 --> 00:00:46.320 He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters. 00:00:46.879 --> 00:00:49.619 The storm subsided and all was calm. 00:00:50.399 --> 00:00:52.379 Where is your faith? 00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:55.899 He asked his disciples in fear and amazement. 00:00:55.899 --> 00:00:58.659 They asked one another, who is this? 00:00:59.320 --> 00:01:04.120 He commands even the winds and the water and they obey him. 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:06.280 Let's pray briefly. 00:01:06.280 --> 00:01:12.739 Lord our God, we thank you for the Bible. 00:01:13.820 --> 00:01:18.700 Your revelation to us of your truth, of your character, of your saving plan. 00:01:18.700 --> 00:01:27.879 We thank you for Jesus, the one who came into the world in order to be the object for our faith. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:33.939 Just as he called the disciples to have faith in him in the middle of a storm. 00:01:33.939 --> 00:01:41.120 So you call each one of us in the highs and lows of life to look to Jesus with faith. 00:01:41.700 --> 00:01:47.459 To trust that he came to live the perfect life that we can never live. 00:01:47.560 --> 00:01:50.039 That he came to die in our place for our sin. 00:01:50.140 --> 00:01:55.859 That he rose to give the gift of forgiveness and new life to all who would trust in him. 00:01:55.859 --> 00:02:00.079 We pray that you would help each one of us now as we turn to the Bible. 00:02:00.739 --> 00:02:03.819 To think about what faith looks like. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:10.500 And why Jesus is the one and only proper object for our faith. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:12.879 We pray in Jesus name. 00:02:13.319 --> 00:02:13.599 Amen. 00:02:13.599 --> 00:02:19.799 So let's read together and then we'll think about a section a little bit further on. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:22.639 Luke chapter 8 at verse 40. 00:02:23.379 --> 00:02:26.139 And we'll read to the end of the chapter. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:30.159 So Luke chapter 8 beginning at verse 40 now. 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:36.379 When Jesus had returned, a crowd welcomed him for they were all expecting him. 00:02:36.379 --> 00:02:40.659 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet. 00:02:40.799 --> 00:02:42.519 Pleading with him to come to his house. 00:02:42.520 --> 00:02:46.120 Because his only daughter, a girl of about 12, was dying. 00:02:46.980 --> 00:02:50.080 As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:53.600 And a woman was there who'd been subject to bleeding for 12 years. 00:02:53.740 --> 00:02:55.160 But no one could heal her. 00:02:56.060 --> 00:02:58.300 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 00:02:58.380 --> 00:03:00.719 And immediately her bleeding stopped. 00:03:01.320 --> 00:03:03.160 Who touched me? Jesus asked. 00:03:03.480 --> 00:03:04.680 When they all denied it, Peter said, 00:03:04.680 --> 00:03:06.939 Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you. 00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:08.600 But Jesus said, someone touched me. 00:03:08.660 --> 00:03:10.500 I know the power has gone out from me. 00:03:10.500 --> 00:03:16.419 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. 00:03:16.840 --> 00:03:21.360 In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:25.060 Then he said to her, daughter, your faith has healed you. 00:03:25.460 --> 00:03:26.639 Go in peace. 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:31.319 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:33.479 Your daughter is dead, he said. 00:03:33.699 --> 00:03:35.099 Don't bother the teacher anymore. 00:03:35.859 --> 00:03:38.579 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, don't be afraid. 00:03:39.180 --> 00:03:41.439 Just believe and she will be healed. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:48.000 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James and the child's father and mother. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:52.459 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. 00:03:52.959 --> 00:03:54.599 Stop wailing, Jesus said. 00:03:54.659 --> 00:03:56.539 She is not dead, but asleep. 00:03:56.539 --> 00:03:59.639 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:04.419 But he took her by the hand and said, my child, get up. 00:04:04.859 --> 00:04:07.180 Her spirit returned and at once she stood up. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:09.579 Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 00:04:10.019 --> 00:04:11.979 Her parents were astonished. 00:04:12.680 --> 00:04:16.459 But he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:22.799 So we're going to continue to think about the reality that Jesus changes everything. 00:04:23.060 --> 00:04:32.659 And today to focus especially on this truth that faith in Jesus changes everything for a sick woman and for this little girl. 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:39.419 Now, to say that faith is important is not really controversial. 00:04:39.420 --> 00:04:45.759 Most people would agree that faith in something, believing in something is regarded as a good thing. 00:04:46.280 --> 00:04:47.620 It's good for giving people hope. 00:04:47.780 --> 00:04:49.420 It's good for people's mental health. 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:50.939 It gives a sense of resilience. 00:04:52.080 --> 00:05:01.200 Where it becomes interesting, where it can become controversial, is when we get to the question, but who or what should I have faith in? 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:05.920 And of course, we recognise, don't we, that there are so many answers given to that. 00:05:06.579 --> 00:05:10.680 There is the answer given by different religious groups. 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:19.219 There are the answers of those who place their hope in science and technology. 00:05:20.279 --> 00:05:26.120 There is the message that we hear often where we are called to believe in ourself. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:33.879 Right now, we are being asked to place our faith in politicians and political parties as we think about an election. 00:05:35.720 --> 00:05:52.720 Well, not surprisingly, Christianity says that we are called to faith to believe in God and his son, Jesus, as he is revealed in the Bible. 00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:57.900 So today, what we are going to do is we are going to think about what does faith in Jesus look like? 00:05:57.920 --> 00:05:59.440 What can we learn from these two stories? 00:06:00.840 --> 00:06:09.280 And we will also see that Luke is making a case for us to understand and to see that Jesus is the proper object. 00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:12.140 He is the right focus for our faith. 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:18.740 And we see that as he brings healing, as he brings new life. 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:22.199 We think about the wider mission of Jesus. 00:06:22.339 --> 00:06:28.680 Jesus comes to bring spiritual healing and spiritual, eternal life to all those who would have faith in him. 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:43.199 So that we would recognise that whoever we are, whatever our situation, the call and the invitation from God in his word, from Jesus, the son of God, is to have faith in him. 00:06:45.639 --> 00:06:50.660 So before we get to look at our two encounters, it's important just to notice the settings. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:51.740 The setting is really fascinating. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:55.939 So verse 40, you probably noticed it says, now when Jesus returned. 00:06:56.960 --> 00:06:58.879 It's a reminder, Jesus has been on the move. 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:00.600 Jesus has been on mission. 00:07:00.819 --> 00:07:06.400 And in particular, he's been on mission against the power, the forces of evil and darkness. 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:12.620 So we read about him stopping a storm and storms were seen as chaos and darkness. 00:07:13.460 --> 00:07:20.699 And we've seen him, we didn't read it, but he restores a man who'd been possessed by demons to full health and to spiritual health. 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:25.539 And now Jesus turns his attention against the forces of illness and death. 00:07:26.459 --> 00:07:28.899 That's a really important setting for where we're going. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:34.199 We see too, in verse 40, that a crowd welcomed him. 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:42.560 We see, or we used to see at least, sort of pictures of celebrities being mobbed by fans. 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:44.180 Maybe have that kind of picture. 00:07:44.279 --> 00:07:49.719 As we think about the excitement around Jesus, the way that he was welcomed, there are people sort of crowding him and crushing him. 00:07:49.720 --> 00:07:54.460 And we don't know whether he's excited about his teaching, whether he's excited about his miracles, his word spreads. 00:07:54.459 --> 00:08:02.739 But yeah, what's interesting is that Luke moves from the crowds and the crushing to zoom in on just two individuals. 00:08:03.099 --> 00:08:04.739 Why those two? 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:12.779 Well, they are for us portraits, very different portraits of what faith in Jesus looks like. 00:08:13.740 --> 00:08:15.060 So that's where we're going to spend our time. 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:16.359 We're going to look at each of these. 00:08:16.419 --> 00:08:17.319 We're going to look at Jairus. 00:08:17.479 --> 00:08:19.919 We're going to look at the unnamed woman. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:25.960 So let's begin with Jairus and think about his faith in the face of death. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:33.279 So we'll just look at verses 41 and 42 just now and see three points about his faith at this stage. 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:36.159 First of all, we recognise that faith is humble. 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:43.080 Verse 41, a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet. 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:46.780 So he's a synagogue leader, so we know he's religious, social elite. 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:52.740 But here, humbled by his need, he takes the posture of a servant before a king. 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:56.360 You know, he's not showing Jesus the equivalent of, 00:08:56.639 --> 00:08:59.980 Jesus, here's my synagogue leader business card. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:03.840 You should help me because of my credentials. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:08.860 No, Jairus understands that faith seeks mercy. 00:09:09.800 --> 00:09:15.040 And we have no automatic claim on the mercy of God, whoever we are. 00:09:15.420 --> 00:09:22.840 And so we need to understand with Jairus that faith bows down before a perfect and a holy God, 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:30.360 who is our creator, who is our king, recognising that all that we bring to the table is our sin. 00:09:30.360 --> 00:09:36.620 And we depend on him for life and salvation and everything else. 00:09:36.779 --> 00:09:39.720 From beginning to end, we say nothing in my hands I bring. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:42.779 Simply to your cross I cling. 00:09:42.919 --> 00:09:46.539 And Jairus teaches us that faith is humble. 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:50.440 But he also teaches us that faith is desperate. 00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:53.039 Faith comes to Jesus desperate. 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:58.680 So he fell at Jesus' feet and he's pleading with him to come to his house 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:01.239 because his only daughter, a girl about 12, was dying. 00:10:01.620 --> 00:10:03.639 This is not a casual chant. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:07.179 This is not, Jesus, it's fine either way. 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:11.939 Jesus, if you're not too busy, would you mind coming to my house? 00:10:13.239 --> 00:10:13.579 No. 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:15.399 This is pleading. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:17.099 This is begging. 00:10:17.959 --> 00:10:19.120 With urgency. 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:27.000 Because the need is great and emotions are high and this matters more than anything else in Jairus' life. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:28.639 This matters. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:36.039 Where we place our faith, sometimes not such a big deal. 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:38.480 Sometimes can be a life or death thing. 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:44.299 Certainly was true in Jairus' case as the story goes on. 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:48.979 The teaching of Jesus, the teaching of the Bible is clear about certain realities. 00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:50.959 Sin is real. 00:10:51.099 --> 00:10:58.139 Sin, that thing that breaks our relationship with God, that separates us from God, 00:10:58.539 --> 00:11:02.139 that causes all that's wrong in the world and all that's wrong in our hearts, 00:11:02.219 --> 00:11:03.059 that's real. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:07.519 And because that's real and because God is holy and perfect and hates sin, 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:11.419 so too the judgment of God is real. 00:11:11.419 --> 00:11:18.039 The Bible is also clear and Jesus is clear that eternity is real. 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:21.620 That after this life we continue to live. 00:11:21.719 --> 00:11:26.740 Our souls live and our bodies are raised and they too live for eternity. 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:28.819 But there's two different destinies. 00:11:28.979 --> 00:11:33.539 There is heaven with God and there is hell, the place of separation from God. 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:38.299 Heaven where we know love and peace and joy from and with God and with Jesus. 00:11:38.299 --> 00:11:46.740 And hell where we know the absence of that, where all that is experienced from God is his anger against sin and rejection of him. 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:48.620 And that too is real. 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:54.759 But the Bible is clear and Jesus is clear also that this is real as well. 00:11:54.840 --> 00:11:58.019 That there is an invitation to forgiveness. 00:11:58.440 --> 00:12:00.600 That sin doesn't have to have the last word. 00:12:00.700 --> 00:12:04.000 That judgment need not be God's only word over you. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:11.039 That the love of God, the self-giving love of God in giving his son Jesus to be the saviour for the world, 00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:12.600 that's real too. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:17.120 Eternal life as a gift of God's grace. 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:20.639 In the sending of Jesus to be a rescuer. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:28.139 To take on himself willingly all the wrong that we have done to die in our place, to suffer in our place, 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:33.200 to forgive us and bring us peace with God. 00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:36.100 That's reality also. 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:44.820 And so the stakes are really high when we think about who or what we place our faith in. 00:12:46.060 --> 00:12:51.980 And Jesus is clear and the Bible is clear that outside of Christ our need is desperate. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:13:01.360 And so there is an invitation to have a faith that goes to Jesus in that desperate need, 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:03.580 looking to him for mercy. 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:09.420 And when we do, he will forgive and he will call us to himself. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:16.519 It's also, I think, important to learn from Jairus' example. 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:20.699 And we see this in some other stories in the Bible too, that faith pleads, 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:23.899 not just for oneself, but for others as well. 00:13:25.719 --> 00:13:30.219 Now I can't begin to imagine Jairus' grief. 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:39.060 And that sense of fear, that sense of being overwhelmed at the prospect of losing his daughter. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:47.820 But I can relate with a father's love that seeks the very best for his kids. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:50.200 A father's love that seeks life. 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:55.940 You know, as parents, if you're a parent, as you're listening in, 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:57.840 what wouldn't we do for our kids? 00:13:57.840 --> 00:14:02.259 If we had the resources, if we were able to protect, of course we would, wouldn't we? 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:05.200 That's natural, that's instinct, that's good. 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:11.120 But we know too the reality that there are some things we cannot do for the people we love. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:14.259 There are limits to our love, limits to our strength, 00:14:14.440 --> 00:14:19.120 limits to our ability to provide and protect, but not so with Jesus. 00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:24.280 And so let's learn from Jairus here. 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:30.120 In his weakness, he took his daughter to Jesus. 00:14:30.819 --> 00:14:36.639 Let's take our family and our friends, the people on our hearts, to Jesus in prayer. 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:43.419 He, at the end of the day, is and will always be their greatest hope and their greatest need. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:51.639 His love, God's love, is the greatest gift, greatest thing we could ever wish for others. 00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:57.279 And so let's pray and let's plead for people in our lives. 00:14:58.460 --> 00:15:04.899 It's so good for us as a church to pray and to pray together for others in faith, 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:09.059 seeking God to intervene, to act, to bring life. 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:13.639 And it's so good to pray then for faith, to be formed in others. 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:18.519 So we have a chance to do that whenever we gather in community group or on Mondays when we pray. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:20.559 We can do it in our families also. 00:15:20.559 --> 00:15:26.959 So this is the first part of Jairus' encounter with Jesus. 00:15:27.119 --> 00:15:29.179 And we'll come back to Jairus. 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:34.579 But let's now think about this woman, this unnamed woman, and faith brings restoration. 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:38.039 Again, it's interesting the way Luke presents this. 00:15:38.099 --> 00:15:43.039 It's the only time that we see two miracles come together in the life of Jesus. 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:48.339 So in verse 44, there's Jesus walking to Jairus' house. 00:15:48.459 --> 00:15:49.980 The crowds are almost crushing him. 00:15:50.079 --> 00:15:55.099 But now a new face comes into focus in Luke's presentation, 00:15:55.459 --> 00:15:59.339 or perhaps because I imagine she was perhaps bowed over her, 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:03.240 at least her profile would be in view. 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:09.019 Now, what can we learn about faith from this woman and from Luke's presentation? 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:13.860 First, I think we see that faith is for all. 00:16:14.199 --> 00:16:16.179 Faith is for all types of people. 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:21.000 Luke deliberately places these two stories together. 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:27.319 Jesus deliberately draws attention to Jairus and absolutely to the woman. 00:16:28.699 --> 00:16:31.000 To remind us, faith isn't just for the in crowd. 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:33.980 Faith isn't just for certain types, for religious people. 00:16:34.079 --> 00:16:36.100 It's not just for the West. 00:16:36.179 --> 00:16:38.419 It's not just for the middle class. 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:40.959 It's not just for a certain type. 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:43.579 So what do we see here? 00:16:43.599 --> 00:16:46.819 We see Jairus, he's male, and we see this woman, she's female. 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:49.179 Jairus, he has power and influence. 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:51.579 This lady, she has none. 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:56.740 Jairus leads religious worship in the synagogue. 00:16:57.360 --> 00:17:01.659 This woman is barred from synagogue worship because of her illness. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:04.180 Jairus comes publicly. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:08.420 This woman comes in secret, quietly. 00:17:08.840 --> 00:17:13.380 The only point that they have in common is faith in Jesus. 00:17:13.380 --> 00:17:21.720 And that faith brings both of them together into God's kingdom. 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:24.760 That's one of the wonderful things about the church. 00:17:25.300 --> 00:17:27.360 The kingdom of God is diverse. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:42.719 And local churches, in little ways, get to reflect that diversity, whether it's through our age profile, or whether it's through different countries and cultures that we come from, or different social backgrounds. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:48.420 A reminder, a reminder, a living reminder that the good news of Jesus is open to all. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.220 We celebrate that. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.480 We should celebrate that. 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:55.460 So faith is for all. 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:57.240 And the woman helps to highlight that. 00:17:57.680 --> 00:17:59.160 Faith also trusts. 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:01.420 Faith and trust go together. 00:18:01.880 --> 00:18:05.200 Consider this woman's heartbreaking story. 00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:07.339 Twelve years. 00:18:07.559 --> 00:18:08.839 Twelve years of bleeding. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.360 Of a chronic illness. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:11.400 With no cure. 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:15.860 An illness that led her to be isolated from her community. 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:19.159 Restricted in her social interactions. 00:18:19.939 --> 00:18:21.919 Not allowed in the temple to worship God. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:24.019 Not allowed in the synagogue to worship with others. 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:30.299 In fact, she would have had to draw attention to her illness so she could be avoided. 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:35.099 I sent a letter to the church this week. 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:44.399 Recognising that we've all, and some of us still are, we feel something of that loss of contact. 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:46.540 We've felt the loss of interaction. 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:49.280 We've felt the loss of worship. 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.900 There is something not good about that. 00:18:51.060 --> 00:18:53.440 And so we should continue to pray for mercy. 00:18:55.320 --> 00:18:59.759 That things would return to normal so that we can be a worshipping people of God again. 00:19:00.420 --> 00:19:09.220 But this woman, in light of all of those barriers and struggles, she bravely makes her way to Jesus. 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:15.660 She trusts that in Jesus there is hope. 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:18.460 That he can bring healing. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:22.620 That he can bring restoration from her suffering. 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:26.240 It's a wonderful faith. 00:19:26.559 --> 00:19:29.200 Trust Jesus to deliver. 00:19:30.140 --> 00:19:33.079 I wonder, do you and I have that trust? 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:35.559 Do we take our pain? 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:37.220 Do we take our tears? 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:39.919 Do we take our lives to Jesus? 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:48.799 And believe that he can bring something good and beautiful out of perhaps the wreckage and the mess that we're in right now? 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:55.980 And then we also see that faith testifies. 00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:56.799 Faith speaks. 00:19:57.839 --> 00:20:02.839 Faith gives testimony to what God has done, what Jesus has done in her life. 00:20:02.839 --> 00:20:07.480 The amazing miracle happens in verse 44. 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:12.019 After 12 years, instantly her bleeding stops as she reaches out in faith to Jesus. 00:20:13.679 --> 00:20:15.259 And then you get that question from Jesus. 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:16.059 Who touched me? 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:20.139 Peter said, it's a massive cry. 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:21.199 Of course people are going to be touched. 00:20:23.099 --> 00:20:26.839 Jesus, remember, isn't asking this for his own benefit. 00:20:26.919 --> 00:20:28.419 He's not lacking in knowledge. 00:20:28.859 --> 00:20:29.619 Who was that? 00:20:29.659 --> 00:20:30.699 That's not what Jesus did. 00:20:30.699 --> 00:20:32.000 He's drawing the women out. 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:38.019 He's drawing the women out from the crowd, out from the shadows. 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.459 To come speak with them. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:40.939 Why? 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:46.179 We have a fire pit in our garden. 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:52.039 And when guests come and if it's a bit chilly, sometimes we'll get the fire on the go. 00:20:52.959 --> 00:20:56.279 And depending on the type of wood and depending on what we've got around, 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:59.039 sometimes the fire doesn't always start that well. 00:20:59.899 --> 00:21:01.279 It can be a bit slow getting going. 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:03.399 Sometimes you just get a wee sort of smolder. 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:07.460 And when that happens, I have a... 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:14.259 I don't know why I've chosen this, but I have an orange plastic plate that comes out for special occasions. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:16.440 It comes out so that it can act the fan. 00:21:17.139 --> 00:21:25.759 It fans that just little tiny flicker of flame into, hopefully, all being well, the roasting fire. 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:32.740 Jesus draws the woman out so he can fan into flames. 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.740 She's going to be able to do it. 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:35.539 Her small, weak faith. 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.440 By encouraging her. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.240 By speaking truth to her. 00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:44.079 And part of that will involve her testifying. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:46.819 And so the woman comes. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:49.700 She realises she can't hide verse 47. 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:53.620 In the presence of all the people, she told why she touched him and how she'd been instantly healed. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:57.099 She speaks and gives a word of testimony. 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.299 This is my life. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:01.019 This is my situation before I met Jesus. 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:05.440 This is true now that I've met Jesus and now that I've reached out in faith. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:12.500 Every Christian has a testimony that effectively says, I owe everything to Jesus. 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:13.740 I was this kind of person. 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.720 This was my story. 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:18.720 But then I came to discover the gospel. 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:25.000 I came to hear of a God who loved me and of the gift of his son who was sent. 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:31.779 And I trusted in Jesus that when he died on the cross, he died to forgive me. 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:33.740 And that he rose to give me new life. 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:35.859 And now I have the spirit in my heart. 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:37.500 And now I have the hope of heaven. 00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:41.220 And now I have reason and purpose as I look to live for him day by day. 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.519 I owe everything to Jesus. 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.559 We all have that testimony. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.819 This woman has that testimony. 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.799 And Jesus, what does he do? 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:46.960 He invites her to share it. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:52.339 We can recognise and identify, I am sure, with her sense of terror. 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:52.920 But you know what? 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:58.019 When we remember all that Jesus has done for us. 00:22:58.140 --> 00:23:02.920 How he has transformed our lives in a variety of ways. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:05.660 But especially spiritually, giving us a new heart and new life. 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:08.480 That's what can help us to overcome our fear. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:12.480 And we realise that we've got a good gift that we want to share with others. 00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:14.480 So the woman testifies. 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.460 But do you know more than that? 00:23:15.560 --> 00:23:15.880 Jesus. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.700 Jesus testifies. 00:23:19.800 --> 00:23:20.200 Testifies. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:21.200 Testifies. 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:23.100 That she has been healed. 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:25.279 And that's important. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.900 Because now. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:30.840 Public restoration can happen. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:32.539 Now people don't need to move away from her. 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:34.200 Now she can be welcomed in. 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.259 Jesus has done that. 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:38.000 And more than that. 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.420 More wonderful than that. 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.080 Jesus testifies. 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:42.259 She is mine. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:43.880 And I love her. 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:46.779 Look at how Jesus speaks of her. 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:48.279 In verse 48 he said to her. 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.339 Daughter. 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.279 Daughter. 00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:52.279 It's family language. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:54.519 This woman is now part of the family of God. 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:56.579 She's been adopted into God's family. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.440 Daughter. 00:23:57.899 --> 00:23:59.539 Your faith has healed you. 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:01.299 Or saved you. 00:24:01.639 --> 00:24:04.720 Here is salvation language. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:07.519 Being spoken by Jesus of her. 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:11.079 And go in peace. 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:15.500 She is going away utterly transformed. 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:17.559 Peace physically. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.859 The illness has gone. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.960 Peace in society. 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:24.339 She can be welcomed in. 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:26.139 Peace spiritually. 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:28.700 As a child of God. 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:30.660 It's the gospel. 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:32.779 It's the wonder of the gospel. 00:24:32.779 --> 00:24:33.960 Jesus has come. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:38.399 And he has come to pay the ransom price. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:41.519 To deliver us from sin and suffering and evil. 00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.779 And to bring us into his kingdom. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.819 He's come to bring healing. 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:48.019 Spiritual healing. 00:24:48.379 --> 00:24:49.799 Deep down in our heart. 00:24:49.879 --> 00:24:51.440 From the inside out healing. 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:53.899 He's come to restore us. 00:24:54.879 --> 00:24:57.500 Restore us to the way that we were made to be. 00:24:57.599 --> 00:24:59.379 Made to be worshippers of God. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:01.099 Made to know and enjoy God. 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:01.859 He restores that. 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:03.179 And he's come to forgive. 00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:06.599 He's come to deal with the sin that separates. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:09.419 So that we can be brought home. 00:25:11.159 --> 00:25:11.599 Today. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:15.459 If you're not as yet a believer in Jesus. 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:15.919 Today. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.639 Is a wonderful day. 00:25:18.459 --> 00:25:19.719 To put your faith in Jesus. 00:25:20.119 --> 00:25:21.399 To ask him to forgive you. 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:23.519 And to be Lord and Saviour. 00:25:23.959 --> 00:25:24.839 In your life. 00:25:25.719 --> 00:25:26.679 And today if you are a Christian. 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.619 It's a great day. 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:29.139 To declare his praises. 00:25:29.139 --> 00:25:30.399 And to be looking for opportunities. 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:31.399 Today. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.019 This week. 00:25:32.439 --> 00:25:34.559 To declare his praises to others. 00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:40.579 So the focus shifts for a while. 00:25:40.959 --> 00:25:42.059 From Jairus to the woman. 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:42.539 But now. 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.819 Attention is going to shift back. 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:45.859 To Jairus. 00:25:45.919 --> 00:25:47.199 We're going to see what happens. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:48.159 So imagine. 00:25:48.399 --> 00:25:49.939 So the news spreads. 00:25:50.159 --> 00:25:50.879 In the crowd. 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.659 Praise and wonder. 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:54.319 Would no doubt spread too. 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:55.879 This woman has been dramatically healed. 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.500 But then. 00:25:57.260 --> 00:25:58.300 Comes verse 49. 00:25:59.640 --> 00:26:01.280 While Jesus was still speaking. 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:03.340 Someone came from the house of Jairus. 00:26:04.020 --> 00:26:05.200 Your daughter is dead. 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.680 Don't bother the teacher anymore. 00:26:08.060 --> 00:26:10.340 The news Jairus had dreaded above all. 00:26:10.760 --> 00:26:11.420 It's too late. 00:26:12.180 --> 00:26:12.860 There's no point. 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:13.960 Just come home. 00:26:14.760 --> 00:26:15.960 Don't bother Jesus anymore. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.440 There is limits. 00:26:17.560 --> 00:26:18.560 Even to his power. 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:20.000 But. 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.720 Jesus is not done. 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:22.079 Is he? 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.819 Jesus is. 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:25.899 Still revealing his power. 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:27.119 Over the forces of evil. 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:28.179 The forces of darkness. 00:26:28.659 --> 00:26:29.460 Jesus is still. 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:30.500 Saying. 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:31.859 To his disciples. 00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:32.279 Saying. 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:33.019 To this woman. 00:26:33.179 --> 00:26:33.839 Saying to Jairus. 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:35.299 I am the one. 00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:37.579 That you should have your faith in. 00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:39.940 And so he says. 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:41.859 Verse 50. 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:44.459 Don't be afraid. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.299 Just believe. 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.919 And she will be healed. 00:26:49.699 --> 00:26:51.719 And what we discovered about faith. 00:26:52.399 --> 00:26:53.500 Is that faith. 00:26:53.959 --> 00:26:54.459 Fights. 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.359 Fear. 00:26:56.679 --> 00:26:58.740 Of course Jairus had so much reason. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:26:59.419 To fear. 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.740 And to collapse. 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:03.259 And these words from anyone else. 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.199 Would seem so cruel. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:04.839 And heartless. 00:27:04.939 --> 00:27:05.339 Wouldn't they? 00:27:06.339 --> 00:27:07.279 But not from Jesus. 00:27:08.439 --> 00:27:09.699 Jesus reminds Jairus. 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.019 In this disaster. 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:12.539 In our disasters. 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:16.100 Nothing else matters. 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:17.640 Beyond. 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:18.920 Above. 00:27:20.120 --> 00:27:21.299 Our faith in Jesus. 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:24.600 And so Jesus calls Jairus. 00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:26.100 To fight the fight of faith. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:27.319 To fight against fear. 00:27:27.400 --> 00:27:29.039 By resting in Jesus character. 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:30.920 To rest in Jesus power. 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:32.420 To continue trusting. 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:34.080 What he's already known about Jesus. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.460 That brought him there in the first place. 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:35.779 And to. 00:27:36.100 --> 00:27:37.720 To trust in Jesus all the more. 00:27:37.819 --> 00:27:38.900 Because of what he's just seen. 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:41.100 Jesus do in the life of this woman. 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:44.019 And we are invited. 00:27:44.540 --> 00:27:45.860 To learn from Jairus. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.820 And his example. 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:51.120 In our fight against fear. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.759 And when things seem to be collapsing around us. 00:27:53.780 --> 00:27:55.620 To hold on to God's word. 00:27:56.180 --> 00:27:58.180 To trust in God's promises. 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.820 To draw comfort from. 00:27:59.820 --> 00:28:02.120 His presence with us always. 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:03.660 To rest in. 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.820 His grace. 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.339 Grace. 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:06.899 That overflow. 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:09.299 Of undeserved loving kindness. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.259 That comes to us. 00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:11.599 And to recognise. 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:12.980 We're in the hands of a God. 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.700 Who's sovereign. 00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:14.339 And wise. 00:28:14.419 --> 00:28:14.960 And good. 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.539 Faith. 00:28:16.919 --> 00:28:17.359 Fights. 00:28:18.179 --> 00:28:18.599 Fear. 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:22.899 So. 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:23.639 Jesus. 00:28:23.639 --> 00:28:23.759 Jesus. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:25.119 Then continues to move. 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:25.959 Jairus follows. 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:26.859 And the disciples follow. 00:28:26.939 --> 00:28:27.919 And they arrive at the house. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.939 And as they arrive at the house. 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:30.079 They're met with a scene. 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:31.219 Not surprisingly. 00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:31.759 Of devastation. 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.139 And of grief. 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.599 There's mourning. 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:36.939 In verse 52. 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:38.399 Jesus says. 00:28:38.719 --> 00:28:39.819 To the mourners. 00:28:39.939 --> 00:28:40.399 Stop wailing. 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:41.419 She's not dead but asleep. 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:42.339 Now we need to recognise. 00:28:42.459 --> 00:28:43.379 Jesus is not naive. 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:47.279 But Jesus knows his power. 00:28:47.399 --> 00:28:48.240 Knows his plan. 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.659 It's as easy for Jesus. 00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:52.740 To raise this girl from the dead. 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.639 As it is for. 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:57.559 A parent to raise a child from sleep. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:28:59.199 The crowds. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.759 They mock. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:01.379 And they doubt. 00:29:02.159 --> 00:29:03.240 They laughed at him. 00:29:03.619 --> 00:29:04.559 Knowing that she. 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.500 Was dead. 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:06.679 There is no faith. 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:07.500 In the crowd. 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.740 But they're about to learn. 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:10.179 A powerful lesson. 00:29:10.659 --> 00:29:11.619 And Jairus is too. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:13.460 Because Jairus' faith. 00:29:13.639 --> 00:29:15.099 Is rewarded with new life. 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.740 Death becomes life. 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:20.639 In his daughter's case. 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:23.039 Jairus has stuck with Jesus. 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:25.279 He's gone from pleading with Jesus. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.960 To following his word. 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:27.599 And obedience. 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:28.240 And now. 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:29.639 Verse 54. 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:31.019 Jesus takes her by the hand. 00:29:31.079 --> 00:29:31.259 And said. 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.019 My child. 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.039 Get up. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:36.399 Family is restored. 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.679 His daughter is alive. 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:40.720 By the power and the love of God. 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:41.819 In Jesus. 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:44.619 Again we see in a wonderful way. 00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:47.779 The restoration that faith brings. 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:50.619 And this physical raising. 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:54.279 Speaks spiritual hope for us. 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:56.039 It anticipates. 00:29:56.539 --> 00:29:58.579 The resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 00:29:59.179 --> 00:30:01.079 Conquering sin and evil and death. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:03.139 And that promise that one day he will return. 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:05.379 And defeat those forces once and for all. 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:07.619 And we who trust in Jesus. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:10.240 Will enjoy resurrection life with him. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.619 And so Luke in so many ways. 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:15.159 Wants to say to us. 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:18.599 Jesus is the proper object of faith. 00:30:18.659 --> 00:30:20.899 And faith in Jesus changes everything. 00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:23.639 What have we learned about Jesus and faith? 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:26.320 Well we've seen Jesus confront evil and suffering. 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:27.960 And it was all around him. 00:30:28.280 --> 00:30:29.540 He wasn't disconnected from it. 00:30:29.820 --> 00:30:30.840 And we've seen too. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:33.360 That Jesus is God's solution. 00:30:33.800 --> 00:30:36.520 The ultimate solution to the problem of evil and suffering. 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:42.720 And that is revealed for us at the cross. 00:30:42.800 --> 00:30:44.360 And the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 00:30:45.920 --> 00:30:48.960 And will be finally revealed at his second coming. 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:51.880 And so we are invited to have faith. 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:53.900 That God is strong enough. 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:56.079 That Jesus is good enough to bring good out of evil. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:31:00.460 We see that again at the cross don't we? 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.920 That people intended. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.160 Out of evil. 00:31:06.340 --> 00:31:07.240 To kill Jesus. 00:31:07.380 --> 00:31:07.920 But God. 00:31:08.779 --> 00:31:09.779 Had an eternal plan. 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:11.180 That the death of his son. 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:12.240 As a perfect sacrifice. 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:14.019 Would bring life for many. 00:31:15.360 --> 00:31:16.440 We see too don't we? 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:18.860 That Jesus is the great physician. 00:31:20.360 --> 00:31:22.299 And that to know true peace. 00:31:22.380 --> 00:31:23.039 Lasting joy. 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:23.680 Restoration. 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:26.000 Is to put our faith in him. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:29.720 There's wonderful different pictures of restoration. 00:31:29.840 --> 00:31:31.259 The women being restored to society. 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:32.519 A family being reunited. 00:31:33.080 --> 00:31:34.420 It's a great picture of the gospel. 00:31:35.580 --> 00:31:38.720 That God through Jesus reconciles us to himself. 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:43.259 And it's a reminder that in heaven. 00:31:43.259 --> 00:31:45.820 There will be those wonderful family reunions. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:47.720 As friends reunited. 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:50.559 As all those who have their faith in Jesus. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:53.220 Are together in perfect joy in heaven. 00:31:53.419 --> 00:31:54.480 And enjoying one another. 00:31:54.659 --> 00:31:56.819 And enjoying the Lord Jesus. 00:31:59.939 --> 00:32:00.960 As we finish. 00:32:01.059 --> 00:32:03.079 Let me just remind us. 00:32:03.799 --> 00:32:05.839 That it's not enough to say. 00:32:06.419 --> 00:32:07.639 I'm a person of faith. 00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:11.540 The message from Luke chapter 8. 00:32:11.580 --> 00:32:12.640 The message throughout the Bible is. 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:15.240 I must have faith in a person. 00:32:15.340 --> 00:32:16.080 And that person. 00:32:16.880 --> 00:32:17.759 Is Jesus. 00:32:19.120 --> 00:32:22.500 Faith in Jesus brings the promise of new and eternal life. 00:32:23.040 --> 00:32:25.860 It brings the hope of true and complete healing in the future. 00:32:26.100 --> 00:32:29.100 And it brings the promise of life and peace with God today. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:32.859 So let me invite you. 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:35.899 To live by faith. 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.899 In the son of God. 00:32:38.439 --> 00:32:39.319 Who loved you. 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.759 And gave himself for you. 00:32:43.119 --> 00:32:44.259 Let's pray briefly. 00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:47.899 Lord God. 00:32:48.079 --> 00:32:49.439 We confess that. 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:51.639 There are times when our faith. 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:54.000 Is placed in many other things. 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:56.299 Rather than in your son Jesus. 00:32:56.299 --> 00:32:59.960 We can sometimes place a lot of faith in ourself. 00:33:00.159 --> 00:33:01.940 And in our own abilities. 00:33:02.779 --> 00:33:05.799 We place hope in political parties. 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:08.279 In educational systems. 00:33:08.619 --> 00:33:12.259 In medical and scientific technology. 00:33:13.399 --> 00:33:16.659 In the basic goodness of humanity. 00:33:16.859 --> 00:33:23.159 So many sources of what we can think of as hope. 00:33:23.159 --> 00:33:25.680 But Lord help us to see the ultimate hope. 00:33:25.680 --> 00:33:27.580 The ultimate peace and joy in life. 00:33:28.180 --> 00:33:30.220 Comes when our faith is in Jesus. 00:33:30.920 --> 00:33:34.160 Thank you that the Bible is so full of evidence towards that end. 00:33:34.500 --> 00:33:35.420 Both in the power. 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.620 And the love. 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.720 And the miracles of Jesus. 00:33:37.880 --> 00:33:39.539 But also in his dying for us. 00:33:39.580 --> 00:33:40.720 And then rising for us. 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:42.060 And sending the spirit for us. 00:33:42.120 --> 00:33:44.019 And promising he's gone to heaven. 00:33:44.400 --> 00:33:46.360 He'll take his people to be with him. 00:33:46.380 --> 00:33:48.279 And he'll come back and make all things new. 00:33:48.320 --> 00:33:49.240 Including us. 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:51.360 Lord help us to be a people of faith. 00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:54.240 And the people that praise you. 00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:58.240 And the people that testify to your goodness. 00:33:59.119 --> 00:34:00.579 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:01.459 Amen. 00:34:02.899 --> 00:34:06.579 Now let's finish our time together. 00:34:06.699 --> 00:34:07.399 First of all singing. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:09.099 He will hold me fast. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:12.440 And then Psalm 63. 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:14.199 The first eight verses. 00:34:14.199 --> 00:34:31.879 When I fear my faith will fail. 00:34:31.879 --> 00:34:36.219 Christ will hold me fast. 00:34:36.759 --> 00:34:40.779 When the tempter would prevail. 00:34:40.780 --> 00:34:45.680 He will hold me fast. 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:51.220 I could never keep my hold. 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:55.860 Through life's fearful path. 00:34:56.500 --> 00:35:00.820 For my love is often cold. 00:35:01.820 --> 00:35:05.160 He must hold me fast. 00:35:05.159 --> 00:35:11.119 He will hold me fast. 00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:15.379 He will hold me fast. 00:35:15.379 --> 00:35:20.079 For my Savior loves me so. 00:35:21.079 --> 00:35:25.879 He will hold me fast. 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:40.619 Those he saves are his delight. 00:35:40.619 --> 00:35:45.340 Christ will hold me fast. 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:50.599 Precious in his holy sight. 00:35:51.200 --> 00:35:54.980 He will hold me fast. 00:35:54.980 --> 00:36:24.960 He will hold me fast. 00:36:24.980 --> 00:36:29.400 For my Savior loves me so. 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:34.960 He will hold me fast. 00:36:34.960 --> 00:36:49.380 For my life he bled and died. 00:36:49.380 --> 00:36:53.639 Christ will hold me fast. 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:58.000 Justice has been satisfied. 00:36:59.539 --> 00:37:03.300 He will hold me fast. 00:37:03.300 --> 00:37:33.280 He will hold me fast. 00:37:33.280 --> 00:37:37.700 For my Savior loves me so. 00:37:37.700 --> 00:37:38.280 He will hold me fast. 00:37:38.280 --> 00:37:43.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:37:43.280 --> 00:37:48.280 He will hold me fast. 00:37:48.280 --> 00:37:50.280 He will hold me fast. 00:37:50.280 --> 00:37:55.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:37:55.280 --> 00:37:59.280 He will hold me fast. 00:37:59.280 --> 00:38:01.280 He will hold me fast. 00:38:01.280 --> 00:38:04.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:38:04.280 --> 00:38:07.280 He will hold me fast. 00:38:07.280 --> 00:38:17.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:22.280 O God, you are my God alone. 00:38:22.280 --> 00:38:26.280 You are my God alone. 00:38:26.280 --> 00:38:34.280 I seek your face with eagerness. 00:38:34.280 --> 00:38:36.280 My soul and body. 00:38:36.280 --> 00:38:42.280 My soul and body thirst for you. 00:38:42.280 --> 00:38:50.280 In this dry, weary wilderness. 00:38:50.280 --> 00:38:57.280 I've seen you in your holy place. 00:38:57.280 --> 00:39:09.280 Your power and glory held my gaze. 00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:11.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:39:11.280 --> 00:39:12.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:39:12.280 --> 00:39:14.280 For my Savior loves me so. 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:19.280 I'll bless you, Lord. 00:39:19.280 --> 00:39:26.280 And so my lips will sing your praise. 00:39:26.280 --> 00:39:36.280 I'll bless you, Lord, throughout my life. 00:39:36.280 --> 00:39:46.280 And raise my hands to you in prayer. 00:39:46.280 --> 00:39:54.280 My joyful lips will sing your praise. 00:39:54.280 --> 00:40:05.280 My soul is fed with riches fair. 00:40:05.280 --> 00:40:13.280 Upon my bed I lie awake. 00:40:13.280 --> 00:40:22.280 And in my thoughts remember you. 00:40:22.280 --> 00:40:30.280 I meditate throughout the night. 00:40:30.280 --> 00:40:40.280 And keep your constant love in view. 00:40:40.280 --> 00:40:49.280 Because you are my help alone. 00:40:49.280 --> 00:40:58.280 In shadow of your wings I'll sing. 00:40:58.280 --> 00:41:06.280 You hold me up with your right hand. 00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:17.280 To you, O God, my soul will cling. 00:41:17.280 --> 00:41:25.280 See in the warmer gears. 00:41:25.280 --> 00:41:27.280 I arise, my soul will get used. 00:41:27.280 --> 00:41:29.280 And inside the light reveal this is more than we have. 00:41:29.280 --> 00:41:31.280 So imIT.