WEBVTT 00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:05.000 We can turn back together to our reading in Galatians chapter 2. 00:00:06.620 --> 00:00:10.300 ! We look together this evening at verse 1 to verse 10. 00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:14.780 ! Here we find, as you read in verse 1, 00:00:14.780 --> 00:00:21.320 after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas taking Titus along with me. 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:29.980 The Lord has guided Paul back to Jerusalem and it's a report he's giving back there to the church. 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:34.539 In Jerusalem to those in authority in the church there. 00:00:34.659 --> 00:00:43.439 We read of James and Cephas and John down in verse 9 there who Paul is reporting back to about his ministry, 00:00:43.579 --> 00:00:47.039 about what he's been involved in the gospel ministry. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:57.320 Perhaps you've looked at the title of this evening's sermon and you're wondering what it means. 00:00:57.320 --> 00:01:00.119 Paul and POVs. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:04.400 POV sometimes stands for point of view. 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:07.560 But that's not what we're considering this evening. 00:01:07.659 --> 00:01:12.719 We're not going to be thinking about Paul and his different points of view on different things. 00:01:13.159 --> 00:01:19.900 But something slightly different and something that we will be hearing a little bit more of in these coming weeks ahead. 00:01:19.900 --> 00:01:27.740 Because as a congregation we are due to have a POV visit from presbytery. 00:01:28.340 --> 00:01:34.460 And POV actually stands for, in this context, Presbytery Oversight Visit. 00:01:35.580 --> 00:01:40.320 And I just want to think about this that's coming up in the near future. 00:01:40.460 --> 00:01:42.600 We'll be hearing more about it in the coming weeks. 00:01:43.160 --> 00:01:46.280 But just in a way of preparing ourselves for it. 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:47.980 How should we approach it? 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:49.599 Does it matter? 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:54.159 What does it have to do with the preaching of the gospel? 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:56.840 What's it got to do with the Bible? 00:01:56.920 --> 00:01:59.040 And why do we do these kinds of things? 00:01:59.120 --> 00:02:03.640 Is it just another exercise to go through that's of no real value? 00:02:03.640 --> 00:02:13.259 Well, as you think about, and as we look at this together, a presbytery oversight visit is really grounded in the scriptures. 00:02:14.080 --> 00:02:21.099 And that's the kind of thing that we see here with Paul being held accountable as he comes back to Jerusalem. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:28.360 And we want to think of ourselves and how we are going about our gospel ministry. 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:32.220 And we have times of examination in our own lives. 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:35.380 We think about coming up to another communion season. 00:02:35.420 --> 00:02:42.420 And we speak about examining ourselves, where we are in light of our faith and our relationship with the Lord. 00:02:42.500 --> 00:02:46.640 And it's important that we do that in light of coming to the Lord's table. 00:02:46.639 --> 00:03:02.739 But it's important in a wider perspective as well, as we think of what we're doing as a congregation, as what we're involved in, that we are held accountable in many ways because we are part of a Presbyterian church. 00:03:03.379 --> 00:03:07.379 We're not just a congregation by ourselves here. 00:03:07.679 --> 00:03:10.519 We are part of the Presbytery of the Western Isles. 00:03:10.520 --> 00:03:14.600 We are part of the denomination of the Free Church of Scotland. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:23.140 And therefore, as part of a bigger body, we have that strength and togetherness, but also that sense of accountability. 00:03:24.480 --> 00:03:36.680 And as we look at Galatians chapter 2, we get a little insight as to how Paul is reporting back to the church at Jerusalem and the kinds of things that they are looking at. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:46.120 And there's a sense of encouragement for ourselves here this evening to think about why this took place and what came out of it. 00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:57.980 So as we read here in Galatians, you find that there's this big jump between chapter 1 and chapter 2, where 14 years have passed in Paul's experience. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:02.100 And he then comes back to Jerusalem. 00:04:02.100 --> 00:04:05.719 So what has he been doing in these 14 years? 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:11.520 Well, much of what he has been doing, we read throughout his letters in the New Testament. 00:04:12.260 --> 00:04:15.900 He has been involved in the gospel ministry. 00:04:17.160 --> 00:04:24.800 He has been proclaiming the gospel among the Gentiles, as we are told in verse 2. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:27.800 So this has been what Paul has been going about. 00:04:27.800 --> 00:04:32.399 He has been proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:36.839 And what kind of ministry did Paul have? 00:04:37.539 --> 00:04:41.359 Some people look at Paul as some kind of maverick. 00:04:41.699 --> 00:04:47.919 Someone who was just by himself, going out, doing his own thing, ministering in his own way. 00:04:48.039 --> 00:04:51.979 Someone who would not listen to anyone else, but thought what he... 00:04:51.979 --> 00:04:54.679 If he thought it was right, then it was. 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:58.959 Is that the kind of Paul that we see in Scripture? 00:05:00.100 --> 00:05:04.139 Is that the kind of Paul that God would have used in the growth of the church? 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:06.019 Just a lone voice. 00:05:06.180 --> 00:05:08.100 Someone going out by himself. 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:11.379 Is that the way God builds his church today? 00:05:11.460 --> 00:05:15.920 Just by individuals going out to tell the gospel that they want to tell? 00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:17.800 Well, no. 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:22.699 You see, Paul himself is part of the church of Christ. 00:05:23.520 --> 00:05:27.660 As you see here, he has Barnabas and Titus with him coming up to Jerusalem. 00:05:28.020 --> 00:05:32.580 And he's also appearing before others, before James and Cephas and John. 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.280 So he is involved in a wider ministry. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:37.639 He is ministering to the Gentiles. 00:05:37.780 --> 00:05:40.500 Peter is ministering to the Jews. 00:05:40.920 --> 00:05:44.200 And so there's a variety of ministries going on here. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:51.339 And together they are serving to proclaim the gospel far and wide. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:05:55.399 And as you read through Paul's letters or the book of Acts, 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:59.439 you see the great things that were happening as the gospel spread 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:04.740 through all of these people, through all the churches, throughout all the lands. 00:06:04.959 --> 00:06:09.099 Faithful ministries, fruitful ministries were being seen 00:06:09.100 --> 00:06:15.920 throughout many areas in Paul's day, in Peter's day, in John's day. 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:20.640 And the gospel was spreading far and wide. 00:06:21.580 --> 00:06:25.660 And so to this day, that is the way that the gospel spreads. 00:06:25.860 --> 00:06:29.939 Through faithful ministries, through faithful members in ministry, 00:06:30.100 --> 00:06:31.840 through people working together, 00:06:32.340 --> 00:06:35.379 through congregations and churches and denominations, 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:37.560 proclaiming the gospel. 00:06:38.360 --> 00:06:43.420 The one God who is able to save through one Savior, 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:45.040 who is Christ Jesus, 00:06:45.219 --> 00:06:49.300 by one Spirit who leads us to know Him. 00:06:50.459 --> 00:06:53.819 And so that's why this section is important for us. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:56.939 Even as we prepare for a POV ourselves, 00:06:57.459 --> 00:06:59.659 a presbytery oversight visit, 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:04.660 we see the need for it in terms of being held accountable, 00:07:04.900 --> 00:07:06.900 being challenged in many different ways, 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:10.080 but also to encourage one another 00:07:10.080 --> 00:07:12.180 and to strengthen one another 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:14.420 in the midst of all the challenges that we have, 00:07:14.460 --> 00:07:17.680 that we remain faithful to the gospel, 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:21.760 that we keep the main thing, the main thing. 00:07:22.580 --> 00:07:25.560 And we are all entrusted with this gospel. 00:07:25.560 --> 00:07:28.840 We are all part of this congregation here together. 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:31.039 We are all part of the same presbytery, 00:07:31.139 --> 00:07:32.579 the same denomination. 00:07:32.759 --> 00:07:35.099 We are entrusted with this gospel. 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:38.659 So every aspect of the ministry we are involved in, 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:40.199 whatever we are doing, 00:07:40.279 --> 00:07:42.899 we are all workers in the gospel. 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:46.839 And what is our key aim in this work? 00:07:47.819 --> 00:07:51.559 Well, it's that God is glorified in all that is done, 00:07:51.559 --> 00:07:56.000 that people hear the good news of Jesus Christ, 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:00.160 and that the work goes on day by day, 00:08:00.339 --> 00:08:01.879 strengthened in prayer, 00:08:02.740 --> 00:08:07.579 encouraged and going on in the strength of the Lord. 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:12.420 And so as we prepare ourselves for a presbytery oversight visit, 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:15.060 it's not something to be afraid of. 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:19.040 It's not something to distrust in any way. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:22.339 It's not something to think either that it's not important 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:24.060 and has no impact on us. 00:08:24.519 --> 00:08:26.959 Done right and done well, 00:08:27.419 --> 00:08:31.039 they are there for our strengthening and our encouragement. 00:08:31.219 --> 00:08:36.419 And there's three things that I feel we can take from this passage this evening 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:40.959 and apply to the process that we are going to be involved in. 00:08:41.459 --> 00:08:43.639 Reminding us of what we are about 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:47.059 and who it is that we are serving. 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:49.299 We are serving our God. 00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:52.019 We are making Jesus known. 00:08:52.539 --> 00:08:56.460 And we are seeking the Spirit's blessing on all that we do. 00:08:56.980 --> 00:08:59.319 And so three things that we see with Paul here 00:08:59.319 --> 00:09:01.460 that we can apply to ourselves. 00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:03.340 The first thing is accountability. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:07.919 And especially accountability to being obedient. 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:11.179 The second is examination. 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:15.120 And the third is encouragement. 00:09:16.079 --> 00:09:18.159 So the first thing is accountability. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:23.360 And especially accountability to obedience. 00:09:24.479 --> 00:09:27.559 As I say, it's been 14 years, we see here, 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:29.659 since Paul was at Jerusalem. 00:09:29.759 --> 00:09:33.079 And now he's coming back to Jerusalem once again. 00:09:33.080 --> 00:09:38.920 Again, the Lord met Paul in a great way. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.340 When we read of Paul's conversion, 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:42.940 it's an amazing experience. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:47.280 Here he was, someone who was persecuting the church. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:51.600 But the Lord met with him on that Damascus road 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:54.900 and his whole life was changed. 00:09:55.840 --> 00:09:58.920 But we don't need a Damascus road experience 00:09:58.920 --> 00:10:00.660 for our lives to be changed. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:05.039 All we need is to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:07.899 When we come to know him by faith, 00:10:08.299 --> 00:10:10.579 as we hear of him through his word, 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:14.699 and as we come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:18.439 we have the same Lord on our side as Paul did then. 00:10:19.319 --> 00:10:23.399 And so our same desires should be changed as well. 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:27.339 Paul's life had been completely transformed. 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:29.959 As he says in the letter to the Philippians, 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:32.139 what things were gained to me. 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:34.639 All that he had in his life, 00:10:34.759 --> 00:10:37.220 his attainments in Jewish religion. 00:10:37.660 --> 00:10:42.200 He says, those I counted loss for the sake of Christ. 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:46.019 So his life has been transformed. 00:10:46.780 --> 00:10:50.500 He was zealous for the traditions of his fathers before him. 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:54.540 But now he is zealous for Christ and his kingdom. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:56.639 That is what matters. 00:10:57.220 --> 00:10:58.519 That is what counts. 00:10:58.519 --> 00:11:03.220 So that instead of trying to destroy the Christian faith, 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:06.559 he is now seeking to proclaim the gospel. 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:09.819 So the Christian faith will be strengthened. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:15.079 And so there's been this transformation in his life. 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:17.340 And it comes about from obedience. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:20.980 He has been obedient to his calling. 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:24.879 He has been obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:27.980 And it's not just for a short time. 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:30.279 But down through all of these years, 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:32.259 you could say for these 14 years, 00:11:32.559 --> 00:11:36.039 he's gone on in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:37.080 --> 00:11:40.220 And so there's the challenge for ourselves as a people. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.279 Are we being obedient? 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:45.600 Are we being obedient in our ministry? 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:49.200 Are we being obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:50.520 in how we serve him? 00:11:50.520 --> 00:11:52.160 In how we honor him? 00:11:52.160 --> 00:11:53.820 In all that we do. 00:11:54.660 --> 00:11:58.840 As you see Paul here coming to Jerusalem, 00:11:59.640 --> 00:12:02.320 what was the purpose in it? 00:12:03.300 --> 00:12:07.480 What's the purpose of a paraispatri oversight visit, 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:09.460 a committee coming to our congregation? 00:12:09.460 --> 00:12:11.300 Is it to ask, 00:12:11.580 --> 00:12:13.120 are we obedient to them? 00:12:14.780 --> 00:12:17.240 Is that what Paul is encountering here? 00:12:17.680 --> 00:12:18.780 Is he being challenged? 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:22.840 Is he obedient to Peter or James, 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:23.940 Cephas or John? 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:26.560 Is that the ones he is being accounted to 00:12:26.560 --> 00:12:27.960 as being obedient to them? 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:29.660 No, it's, 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:31.940 is he obedient to God? 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:36.060 And that's what this visit will be about 00:12:36.060 --> 00:12:37.759 for ourselves as well. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:40.879 Are we being obedient to the Lord 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:42.659 in all that we are doing? 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:46.220 Every aspect of Paul's life was given 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:48.600 over to serving him. 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:50.740 It had not wavered. 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.759 It had not wavered through challenges, 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.620 through ups and downs, 00:12:54.759 --> 00:12:57.200 through every experience that he went through. 00:12:57.340 --> 00:13:00.860 He was still there to proclaim the gospel 00:13:00.860 --> 00:13:02.840 among the Gentiles. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:06.600 And so as he appears here in Jerusalem, 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:08.340 as it says in verse 2, 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:10.200 that I proclaim among the Gentiles 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:13.300 in order to make sure I was not running 00:13:13.300 --> 00:13:16.220 or had not run in vain. 00:13:17.060 --> 00:13:19.440 So his appearing here is to show 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:21.720 that the gospel that he was proclaiming 00:13:21.720 --> 00:13:22.960 was the right gospel, 00:13:23.720 --> 00:13:25.600 that it was being done well 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:27.500 and everything was in order. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.879 And so that's what we are being challenged 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:31.919 about as well. 00:13:31.919 --> 00:13:35.419 Are we being obedient in this way? 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:40.919 It was Thomas Kempis who once said, 00:13:41.759 --> 00:13:45.179 instant obedience is the only kind of obedience 00:13:45.179 --> 00:13:46.419 there is. 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:50.059 Delayed obedience is disobedience. 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:53.399 Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:55.580 withdraws from grace. 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:58.500 We could apply that in so many ways 00:13:58.500 --> 00:14:02.040 into our lives individually and collectively. 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:07.259 Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:08.600 there is. 00:14:09.660 --> 00:14:14.379 Are we being obedient in the work of the gospel? 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:18.360 If we withdraw from it, 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:21.460 whoever strives to withdraw from obedience 00:14:21.460 --> 00:14:24.019 withdraws from grace. 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:26.720 So if we pull back, 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.759 if we're not obedient, 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:31.779 we are losing out on the grace that God gives. 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:36.080 Because grace is given in obedience. 00:14:36.080 --> 00:14:36.400 Disobedience. 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:40.300 We can apply that individually. 00:14:41.540 --> 00:14:43.300 Are we obedient individually 00:14:43.300 --> 00:14:45.520 to the call of God in our lives? 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:48.240 To following him? 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:51.180 Because if we're saying we'll put it off, 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:53.420 that is disobedience. 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:56.240 And you miss out on grace. 00:14:57.900 --> 00:14:59.259 And so it's first and foremost, 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:01.980 are we putting our faith and our trust 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:03.940 in the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:06.920 But then collectively too, 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:09.140 are we being obedient? 00:15:09.420 --> 00:15:10.600 Are we being faithful 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.460 in the gospel ministry 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:14.720 that the Lord has given to us? 00:15:14.760 --> 00:15:16.420 Because if we are pulling back, 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:18.360 if we are disobedient in it, 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:20.440 we are missing out on the grace 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:23.380 and the provision that God is able to give. 00:15:25.140 --> 00:15:28.320 And so as Paul is appearing here in Jerusalem, 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:30.300 he is appearing as one 00:15:30.300 --> 00:15:32.000 who has been obedient. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:35.320 One who has known the grace 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:37.879 of our Lord Jesus Christ with him. 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:43.620 What Paul is preaching throughout this letter, 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:46.340 as we see as you read on in this chapter, 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:49.340 he is preaching all about Christ crucified. 00:15:50.299 --> 00:15:52.860 It's not about works, as he says, 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:55.220 but it's about the grace of God. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.080 In verse 21, 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:58.280 I do not nullify the grace of God, 00:15:58.660 --> 00:16:00.840 for if justification were through the law, 00:16:00.900 --> 00:16:03.700 then Christ died for no purpose. 00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:07.440 It's all about the grace of the Lord 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:09.540 and faith in him. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:12.080 And where do we see the greatest obedience of all? 00:16:12.460 --> 00:16:14.920 It is through Christ and Christ crucified. 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:20.059 You think of how he went to the cross for our sins 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:22.719 and how he bore our sins there, 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.479 but before he came to the cross, 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:26.479 as he was in the garden of Gethsemane, 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:29.599 what did he say as he prayed to his father? 00:16:30.839 --> 00:16:33.120 In Matthew 26, verse 39, 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.339 there it says, 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:48.220 There is the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.220 Not as I will, 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:53.820 but as you will. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.580 And is that our prayer? 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.879 When things are difficult, 00:16:59.019 --> 00:17:00.240 when things are hard, 00:17:00.680 --> 00:17:01.460 we might say, 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:03.220 oh, just leave it just now. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:05.480 Let this pass by for this moment, 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:08.480 instead of seeking the will of God 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:10.980 for the gospel flourishing here. 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:16.140 God entrusts the work of the gospel to his church, 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:19.460 the proclaiming of the gospel, 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:21.960 the church that has been purchased 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.940 at such a great price 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:28.220 that God gave his own son. 00:17:29.059 --> 00:17:30.319 And so therefore, 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:33.200 are we obedient to our calling 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:35.380 to be a gospel church? 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:40.019 That's the purpose of this Presbytery visit. 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:42.640 Not so much are we obedient to them, 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.940 but are we obedient to the Lord our God 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:47.640 in the work of the gospel? 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:52.240 It's a question for us all. 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:56.319 Are we a people who are obedient? 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:58.980 And is our greatest desire obedience 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:01.659 to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:18:01.659 --> 00:18:04.439 Are we a faithful people? 00:18:05.439 --> 00:18:08.179 So let us ask ourselves that as we prepare, 00:18:08.899 --> 00:18:11.179 as we think of preparing for the Lord's table, 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.299 as we think of preparing 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:15.619 for the coming of this Presbytery Oversight visit, 00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:16.500 are we obedient? 00:18:17.159 --> 00:18:18.439 Are we faithful? 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:21.480 Are we committed to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:27.460 The second thing we see here is that Paul was examined. 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:30.559 And that is part of the process 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:32.180 that we will go through as well. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:34.720 We will be examined by those who come. 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:41.240 Examined in so many aspects of our congregational work. 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:45.039 Individually, I meet with our committee, 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:47.279 the Kirk Session, the Deacons Court, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.559 members and adherents. 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:50.079 There are various meetings 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:51.799 that will take place with this committee, 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:53.240 so everyone will have a chance 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:55.940 to come under examination from them, 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:58.019 but also to examine the work 00:18:58.019 --> 00:19:00.299 that we are doing ourselves as well. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:04.059 And so it's important to see just who it is 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:05.579 that we're being examined by 00:19:05.579 --> 00:19:07.720 and how we're being examined. 00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:10.660 When Paul arrived here in Jerusalem, 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:12.840 he found himself under examination. 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:16.580 But there was two kinds of examination 00:19:16.580 --> 00:19:18.040 that he became under. 00:19:18.820 --> 00:19:22.140 One was public and one was private. 00:19:23.320 --> 00:19:25.259 And you find the public one 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:27.580 was more to condemn his ministry. 00:19:27.580 --> 00:19:28.580 In verse 4, 00:19:29.340 --> 00:19:31.100 yet because of the false brothers 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:32.580 secretly brought in, 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:35.300 who slipped in to spy out our freedom 00:19:35.300 --> 00:19:36.560 that we have in Christ 00:19:36.560 --> 00:19:39.460 so that they might bring us into slavery. 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:40.819 You see there, 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:43.759 they were there to condemn his ministry, 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:46.100 to bring him back out of the preaching 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:47.819 the gospel to preaching 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:49.380 what is not the gospel. 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:52.740 And so that's not the kind of examination 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.259 that we will come under, 00:19:54.600 --> 00:19:55.759 but it's the kind of examination 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.900 that we can come under 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:59.160 in a public way as well, 00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:00.440 where people will tell us 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:02.340 that the gospel doesn't matter, 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:04.680 that the gospel is not true. 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:07.519 The world will condemn us. 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:10.539 When you say that there is only one Savior 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:12.539 and one way to salvation, 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:14.900 that that is faith in Jesus Christ. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.779 There are people who will tell us 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:17.560 that we are wrong, 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:21.320 but we don't change the gospel. 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:24.080 Because the gospel as we have it, 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.380 as it is passed down, 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:28.240 is the way of God to salvation. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:30.240 And therefore, 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:31.819 we don't just allow the world 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:34.359 to examine us and to guide us. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:37.279 But what you find here with Paul 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:39.819 is it wasn't those who came in secretly 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:41.700 that he allowed to examine him. 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:42.779 They didn't count. 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:45.359 But those who did examine him 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:48.359 and who examined him privately in many ways, 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.940 who he met with, 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:54.680 as he met with James and Cephas and John, 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:58.320 they were the ones who he truly allowed 00:20:58.320 --> 00:20:59.519 to examine him, 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:00.860 to search him, 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.480 to ask him questions. 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:05.100 Because as they were examining him, 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:06.980 they were examining him in the Lord. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:10.380 And you find that there are these bonds 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:11.340 between them, 00:21:11.620 --> 00:21:14.299 gospel bonds between them. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.960 And so what mattered to Paul 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:18.880 was being examined in regards 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:21.700 to the gospel that he preached. 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:25.200 And it wasn't about putting people 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:26.160 on pedestals, 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:27.660 as you see in verse 6. 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:30.980 For from those who seem to be influential, 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:34.259 what they were makes no difference to me 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:37.319 because God shows no partiality. 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:40.140 Or as it says further down 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.299 when he's speaking about 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:44.860 those who seem like James and Cephas and John, 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.240 who seem to be pillars, 00:21:47.380 --> 00:21:49.600 he's not there putting them on a pedestal. 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:52.980 But it's more together, 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:55.119 examining the gospel 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:56.259 that they are proclaiming 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:59.319 and how they are proclaiming it. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:03.740 And so as we get examined, 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:07.219 it is not about who has done good 00:22:07.219 --> 00:22:08.079 and who hasn't, 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.980 or all of these things, 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:11.240 putting anybody on a pedestal. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:13.839 But being examined into, 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.439 are we doing the things 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:17.099 that we need to be doing, 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:19.459 the things that we should be doing, 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:22.000 and what you notice here 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.819 is that Paul, 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:24.019 Barnabas, 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:24.939 and Titus, 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:27.079 they have their ministry going on. 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:30.099 They are ministering to the Gentiles. 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:33.699 James and Cephas and John, 00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:37.000 they are ministering to the Jews. 00:22:37.959 --> 00:22:39.179 And it could easily have been 00:22:39.179 --> 00:22:40.980 an area of conflict, 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.839 an area where they could have come together 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.939 and said one is more important 00:22:44.939 --> 00:22:46.339 than the other. 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:48.379 But they didn't. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:52.799 They saw that both were important. 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:56.459 And that is the key to gospel ministry. 00:22:57.199 --> 00:22:59.339 That there are various kinds of ministry 00:22:59.339 --> 00:23:00.619 that we are involved in. 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:02.339 Various different people 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.919 that we are engaged with. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:06.500 That at the heart of it all 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.879 is that the gospel 00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:10.039 is being proclaimed. 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:11.920 that the gospel 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:13.579 is being made known 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:16.200 to all around us. 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.819 And so examination 00:23:18.819 --> 00:23:21.500 is an important part. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.119 They will come in 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:23.819 and examine 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:25.399 what we are doing 00:23:25.399 --> 00:23:27.259 and how we are doing it. 00:23:27.639 --> 00:23:28.539 And we will all have 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.519 different ideas 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:31.720 about areas of improvement, 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:33.000 things we can do better. 00:23:33.180 --> 00:23:34.619 They will always be there. 00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:36.299 And it will be a great time 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:37.240 to get feedback 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:38.359 and to discuss 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.740 all of these things. 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:41.920 How can we do things better? 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:44.000 How can we be strengthened? 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:46.339 How can we be more effective? 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.579 What can we stop doing? 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.839 What should we start doing? 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:51.160 All of these things. 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:53.240 It's a time of examination. 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:55.779 But it's not a thing 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.200 to be avoided. 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.359 It's not a thing 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.500 to be afraid of. 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.339 You think of your car. 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:02.400 It needs to be examined 00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:03.519 on a yearly basis 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.660 to make sure 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:06.259 that everything is running in order. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.279 It has to go through 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:08.480 an MOT. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.680 Well, in many ways 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:11.640 we could look at this 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:13.259 as an MOT for ourselves 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:14.539 as a church 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.500 to see if there's anything 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.339 that needs fixed, 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:17.259 anything that needs improved 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.640 or anything that's just working 00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:21.200 as it should. 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:24.200 So examination 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:26.099 is important. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:29.000 And it's important 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.339 that we do look at ourselves 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.099 honestly, 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.619 openly, 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:35.039 and not to be afraid 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:36.819 of what that means. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.259 Examination 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:41.839 is important. 00:24:43.239 --> 00:24:44.000 But when you look 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:44.819 at the third thing 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.439 we see here, 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.519 we see that examination 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.679 is important 00:24:47.679 --> 00:24:49.519 in light of what we want 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.119 the outcome 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:51.559 to be. 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:53.179 And what we see 00:24:53.179 --> 00:24:54.379 the outcome to be here 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:55.019 with Paul 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:56.259 is he was 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:56.619 encouraged. 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.459 encouraged. 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:00.179 And we ourselves 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:01.319 as we come through 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.259 this examination 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:03.559 we would want 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:04.839 to come out of it 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:06.379 encouraged. 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:08.199 And encouraged 00:25:08.199 --> 00:25:10.139 in different ways. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.039 Encouraged 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.519 among each other. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.139 And encouraged 00:25:15.139 --> 00:25:15.879 by those 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.819 who come 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.399 to visit. 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.259 When you look 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.079 at Paul 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:20.439 and 00:25:20.439 --> 00:25:22.399 James 00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:23.039 and Cephas 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.619 and John 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:24.119 here 00:25:24.119 --> 00:25:25.500 in verse 9 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:25.939 onwards 00:25:25.939 --> 00:25:27.319 what you see 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:27.839 is that there 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:28.219 was this 00:25:28.219 --> 00:25:29.359 togetherness. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.139 They seemed 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.819 like pillars. 00:25:34.639 --> 00:25:35.399 Let me just 00:25:35.399 --> 00:25:36.099 read the verse 9. 00:25:36.199 --> 00:25:36.659 When James 00:25:36.659 --> 00:25:37.179 and Cephas 00:25:37.179 --> 00:25:37.679 and John 00:25:37.679 --> 00:25:38.099 who seemed 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.699 to be pillars 00:25:38.699 --> 00:25:39.279 perceived 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:40.699 the grace 00:25:40.699 --> 00:25:41.459 that was given 00:25:41.459 --> 00:25:42.059 to me 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:43.279 they gave 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:43.919 the right 00:25:43.919 --> 00:25:45.119 hand of fellowship 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:46.179 to Barnabas 00:25:46.179 --> 00:25:46.879 and me 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:48.019 that we should 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:49.539 go to the Gentiles 00:25:49.539 --> 00:25:50.639 and they 00:25:50.639 --> 00:25:52.639 to the circumcised. 00:25:53.619 --> 00:25:54.299 there was 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:54.899 this sense 00:25:54.899 --> 00:25:56.739 of encouragement 00:25:56.739 --> 00:25:58.699 and oneness 00:25:58.699 --> 00:25:59.839 together. 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:01.759 And what you 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.339 see here 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:03.199 is that sense 00:26:03.199 --> 00:26:04.359 of the humility 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:05.939 of the gospel. 00:26:06.659 --> 00:26:07.519 It humbles 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:07.919 us 00:26:07.919 --> 00:26:08.799 when we see 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.139 that it's 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:10.339 about serving 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:11.459 people. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.159 That the gospel 00:26:13.159 --> 00:26:14.000 is about reaching 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.519 out to all. 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:16.699 And here you 00:26:16.699 --> 00:26:17.339 see it quite 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:17.839 clearly 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.699 the Gentiles 00:26:18.699 --> 00:26:19.439 are to be reached 00:26:19.439 --> 00:26:21.039 and the circumcised 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.719 the Jews 00:26:21.719 --> 00:26:22.979 are to be reached. 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:24.359 That the gospel 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.659 goes out 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:26.859 to all. 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:28.979 But there's 00:26:28.979 --> 00:26:30.559 encouragement 00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:32.519 and that's 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.079 what we should 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:34.059 take from this 00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:34.819 as well. 00:26:35.299 --> 00:26:35.919 That we would 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:37.199 encourage 00:26:37.199 --> 00:26:38.099 one another. 00:26:38.419 --> 00:26:38.979 That as we 00:26:38.979 --> 00:26:40.159 examine ourselves 00:26:40.159 --> 00:26:41.079 we do so 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:42.339 in the right 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:42.979 way. 00:26:43.639 --> 00:26:44.639 We do so 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:45.199 seeking 00:26:45.199 --> 00:26:46.199 the good 00:26:46.199 --> 00:26:47.419 of each other. 00:26:47.959 --> 00:26:48.839 The easiest 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:49.719 thing in the world 00:26:49.719 --> 00:26:50.019 to do 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.119 is to criticise 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:52.359 and to find 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:52.839 fault. 00:26:52.939 --> 00:26:53.179 And there's 00:26:53.179 --> 00:26:53.699 no doubt 00:26:53.699 --> 00:26:54.779 that in any 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.379 examination 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:56.079 that takes 00:26:56.079 --> 00:26:56.359 place 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.039 and as 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.819 this POV 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.479 takes place 00:26:58.479 --> 00:26:58.739 there will 00:26:58.739 --> 00:26:59.819 be areas 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:00.339 that there 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:00.759 will be 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:01.019 maybe 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:01.719 criticism. 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:03.259 And areas 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:03.539 where we 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.119 need to 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:04.919 improve. 00:27:05.399 --> 00:27:06.419 Rightly so. 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.559 But what we 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:08.139 want is it 00:27:08.139 --> 00:27:08.819 to be done 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:10.159 in a right 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:10.879 spirit. 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:13.679 Where collectively 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:14.679 we are thinking 00:27:14.679 --> 00:27:15.679 what is the 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:16.459 greater good 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:16.960 in this? 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.220 And how 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:18.880 can Jesus 00:27:18.880 --> 00:27:19.440 be made 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:19.819 known 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.860 through us 00:27:20.860 --> 00:27:21.279 as a 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.779 congregation? 00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:24.019 Today I was 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.480 over in 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.039 Ness this 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:25.519 morning and 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:25.960 as Ewan 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:26.640 was here 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:28.500 I was driving 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.079 over to 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:29.720 Ness and 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.240 you're driving 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:30.960 on the roads 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.460 and you're 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:31.940 thinking to 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.620 yourself there's 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:33.319 some pretty 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:34.480 poor condition 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.380 roads here. 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.500 So many 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:38.019 places that 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:39.220 need repair 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:40.920 or improvement. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:42.620 So one 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.559 reaction could 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.600 be I'm 00:27:44.600 --> 00:27:44.779 going to 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:46.140 start complaining 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:46.840 to someone 00:27:46.840 --> 00:27:47.540 about this. 00:27:47.640 --> 00:27:48.340 That something 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:49.720 gets done. 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.040 The other 00:27:52.040 --> 00:27:53.140 way to react 00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:54.120 was to see 00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:54.780 the places 00:27:54.780 --> 00:27:55.500 where work 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.640 is being 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:57.020 done. 00:27:57.820 --> 00:27:58.160 Where there 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:58.520 are many 00:27:58.520 --> 00:27:59.180 areas of 00:27:59.180 --> 00:27:59.560 the road 00:27:59.560 --> 00:27:59.920 that are 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.960 being worked 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:01.440 on just 00:28:01.440 --> 00:28:01.800 now or 00:28:01.800 --> 00:28:02.300 have been 00:28:02.300 --> 00:28:02.920 worked on 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:03.680 and have 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.620 been improved 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:05.360 and that 00:28:05.360 --> 00:28:05.960 improvements 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.660 are being 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.140 made. 00:28:07.880 --> 00:28:08.520 That work 00:28:08.520 --> 00:28:08.980 is going 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.420 on with 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:09.960 the means 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.900 that are 00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:11.500 available. 00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:12.980 There are 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.620 two different 00:28:13.620 --> 00:28:14.200 ways of 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.720 looking at 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.120 things and 00:28:15.120 --> 00:28:15.560 we could do 00:28:15.560 --> 00:28:16.080 that with 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:16.639 church. 00:28:17.199 --> 00:28:17.679 We can 00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:17.939 look at 00:28:17.939 --> 00:28:18.559 the things 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:18.799 that we 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.879 think that 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:20.720 needs improving, 00:28:20.939 --> 00:28:21.500 that needs 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:22.240 done better and 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:22.779 we can start 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:23.919 complaining about 00:28:23.919 --> 00:28:24.199 it. 00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:24.899 Or we could 00:28:24.899 --> 00:28:25.240 look at it 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.480 the other 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:25.779 way and 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.099 say well 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:26.740 it's great 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.259 that these 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.779 things are 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.240 happening. 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.339 It's great 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:29.720 that there's 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.460 encouragement, 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:31.240 that there's 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.740 so much 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:32.279 being done 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:32.659 with the 00:28:32.659 --> 00:28:33.720 means that 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.359 we have 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:35.299 available. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.859 We all 00:28:36.859 --> 00:28:37.740 want things 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:38.500 to be 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:38.879 better. 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:39.319 We all 00:28:39.319 --> 00:28:40.179 want things 00:28:40.179 --> 00:28:41.619 to improve. 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:41.699 believe, 00:28:42.619 --> 00:28:43.099 but let 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:43.599 us do 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.000 it in a 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.379 way where 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:44.579 we're 00:28:44.579 --> 00:28:45.279 encouraging 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:45.899 one another 00:28:45.899 --> 00:28:47.199 and seeing 00:28:47.199 --> 00:28:47.919 the gospel 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.779 flourishing 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.919 in our 00:28:49.919 --> 00:28:50.399 midst. 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:51.979 When you 00:28:51.979 --> 00:28:52.619 see Paul 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:53.239 here being 00:28:53.239 --> 00:28:53.879 encouraged, 00:28:54.179 --> 00:28:54.579 he was 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.379 encouraged by 00:28:55.379 --> 00:28:55.839 the right 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.439 hand of 00:28:56.439 --> 00:28:56.939 fellowship. 00:28:57.459 --> 00:28:57.839 There was 00:28:57.839 --> 00:28:58.079 this 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:59.039 togetherness. 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:00.279 They were 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:01.679 encouraged and 00:29:01.679 --> 00:29:02.299 they encouraged 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:02.819 one another 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:03.839 in the gospel 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:04.739 because they 00:29:04.739 --> 00:29:05.479 had a great 00:29:05.479 --> 00:29:06.599 gospel to 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:07.199 proclaim. 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:08.420 And you 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:09.240 also see 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:09.559 that he 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.380 was encouraged 00:29:10.380 --> 00:29:11.380 in verse 00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:11.940 10, 00:29:12.340 --> 00:29:12.920 that together 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.559 they saw 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:14.100 a great 00:29:14.100 --> 00:29:15.100 need to 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:15.819 help the 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:16.200 poor. 00:29:16.840 --> 00:29:17.279 Only, 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.039 it says in 00:29:18.039 --> 00:29:18.460 verse 10, 00:29:18.539 --> 00:29:19.039 they asked 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.380 us to 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.140 remember the 00:29:20.140 --> 00:29:20.380 poor, 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.900 the very 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:22.019 thing I 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.819 was eager 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:24.019 to do. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.319 So there 00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:25.940 was various 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:27.500 aspects of 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.279 this ministry 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:28.640 that they 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:29.380 were involved 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:29.740 in. 00:29:30.220 --> 00:29:30.620 But it 00:29:30.620 --> 00:29:31.259 was all 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:32.140 about 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:33.180 people. 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.420 It was 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:34.940 all about 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:36.240 people in 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:36.720 various 00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:37.559 situations 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.039 and to 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:38.440 various 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:38.980 degrees. 00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:39.860 The gospel 00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:40.980 being made 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.960 known and 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.819 people being 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.940 encouraged and 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:45.019 helped and 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.880 strengthened in 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.839 every kind of 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:47.799 need that 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:48.440 they have. 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:49.600 But they 00:29:49.600 --> 00:29:50.460 were encouraged 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:51.559 to keep 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:52.000 going. 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:53.400 And so let 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:54.900 us be 00:29:54.900 --> 00:29:55.740 encouraged as 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.480 we approach 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.740 this time of 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:58.680 examination, 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.319 encouraged in 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:00.640 what we're 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:00.900 doing, 00:30:01.100 --> 00:30:01.779 encouraged in 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.339 the gospel 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:02.720 that we 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:03.100 have, 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:04.319 be encouraged 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:05.100 as we meet 00:30:05.100 --> 00:30:06.140 together to 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:06.860 do everything 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:07.160 in the 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:08.080 right spirit 00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:08.840 for the 00:30:08.840 --> 00:30:09.580 greater good 00:30:09.580 --> 00:30:09.940 of the 00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:11.120 cause of 00:30:11.120 --> 00:30:12.160 Christ here. 00:30:12.600 --> 00:30:13.100 So we 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:14.060 go forward 00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:15.440 encouraged, 00:30:15.920 --> 00:30:16.980 encouraged with 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.620 the gospel 00:30:17.620 --> 00:30:18.040 that we 00:30:18.040 --> 00:30:19.100 have to 00:30:19.100 --> 00:30:19.720 make it 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:20.400 known to 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.720 many around 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:23.080 us that 00:30:23.080 --> 00:30:23.700 the glory 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:24.500 of Christ 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:25.460 would be 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:25.920 seen. 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:27.640 Somebody 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:28.340 once said 00:30:28.340 --> 00:30:28.720 this, 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:29.620 flatter me 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:30.740 and I may 00:30:30.740 --> 00:30:31.620 not believe 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:31.859 me, 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.739 believe you, 00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:34.199 criticize me 00:30:34.199 --> 00:30:35.239 and I may 00:30:35.239 --> 00:30:35.899 not like 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:36.119 you, 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:37.659 ignore me 00:30:37.659 --> 00:30:38.799 and I may 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.679 not forgive 00:30:39.679 --> 00:30:39.979 you, 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:41.759 encourage me 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:42.879 and I will 00:30:42.879 --> 00:30:44.379 never forget 00:30:44.379 --> 00:30:44.879 you. 00:30:46.459 --> 00:30:47.239 There are 00:30:47.239 --> 00:30:48.559 many around 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.019 us who 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:49.359 need 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.719 encouragement. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.379 Many of 00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:53.219 us, we 00:30:53.219 --> 00:30:53.419 need 00:30:53.419 --> 00:30:54.139 encouragement 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:55.479 and so let 00:30:55.479 --> 00:30:56.219 us encourage 00:30:56.219 --> 00:30:56.819 one another 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:57.879 in the 00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:58.319 gospel. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.679 So as we 00:30:59.679 --> 00:31:00.200 come to 00:31:00.200 --> 00:31:00.899 this time 00:31:00.899 --> 00:31:01.119 of 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:01.839 presbytery 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:02.359 oversight 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:03.039 visit, 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.059 may it 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:04.339 be a 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:04.819 time when 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:05.339 we ask 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:05.859 ourselves, 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.240 are we 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:06.799 obedient 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:08.139 in the 00:31:08.139 --> 00:31:08.619 gospel? 00:31:09.700 --> 00:31:10.039 Are we 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.659 a people 00:31:10.659 --> 00:31:11.019 who are 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:11.259 being 00:31:11.259 --> 00:31:11.720 obedient 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.839 to our 00:31:12.839 --> 00:31:13.299 Lord 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:14.200 Jesus 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:15.159 Christ? 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:17.099 Are we 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:17.339 being 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.939 faithful 00:31:17.939 --> 00:31:19.279 to him? 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:20.819 Are we 00:31:20.819 --> 00:31:21.019 being 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:21.579 faithful 00:31:21.579 --> 00:31:22.799 to one 00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:23.159 another? 00:31:24.419 --> 00:31:24.819 Let us 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:25.579 approach it 00:31:25.579 --> 00:31:26.539 in three 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.179 ways. 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.159 Prayerfully, 00:31:30.799 --> 00:31:31.980 because we 00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:32.759 need prayer 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.659 in all 00:31:33.659 --> 00:31:33.919 that we 00:31:33.919 --> 00:31:34.259 do. 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:36.299 Humbly, 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:38.279 thinking 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.799 more of 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.339 others 00:31:39.339 --> 00:31:40.299 than 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:40.919 ourselves 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:42.759 and 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.599 graciously, 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:45.000 thankful 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:45.539 for the 00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:46.819 grace of 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.279 the Lord 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:47.639 Jesus 00:31:47.639 --> 00:31:48.439 Christ that 00:31:48.439 --> 00:31:49.019 we have 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:50.220 through the 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:50.699 gospel. 00:31:51.939 --> 00:31:52.740 That Christ 00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:53.779 is who 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.539 we serve 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:55.980 because he 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:57.099 served us 00:31:57.099 --> 00:31:58.539 and gave 00:31:58.539 --> 00:31:59.700 himself 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:01.159 for us. 00:32:02.440 --> 00:32:03.119 So let us 00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:03.940 approach this 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:05.200 time in 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.879 these ways, 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:07.180 seeking the 00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:07.839 goodness of 00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:08.379 God and 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:08.819 the grace 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:09.420 of God 00:32:09.420 --> 00:32:09.799 in our 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:11.079 midst and 00:32:11.079 --> 00:32:11.639 in all 00:32:11.639 --> 00:32:12.579 that we 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:12.879 do. 00:32:13.379 --> 00:32:13.839 Let us 00:32:13.839 --> 00:32:14.139 pray. 00:32:14.140 --> 00:32:18.360 Lord, 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:18.600 our 00:32:18.600 --> 00:32:19.080 gracious 00:32:19.080 --> 00:32:19.560 God, 00:32:19.620 --> 00:32:19.860 we do 00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.560 thank you 00:32:20.560 --> 00:32:21.860 for your 00:32:21.860 --> 00:32:22.380 church. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.960 We thank 00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:23.180 you to 00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:23.840 be part 00:32:23.840 --> 00:32:24.320 of it. 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.100 And we 00:32:25.100 --> 00:32:25.520 ask that 00:32:25.520 --> 00:32:25.780 you will 00:32:25.780 --> 00:32:26.440 indeed build 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:26.920 up your 00:32:26.920 --> 00:32:27.660 church here, 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:27.900 that you 00:32:27.900 --> 00:32:28.320 will build 00:32:28.320 --> 00:32:28.860 us up as 00:32:28.860 --> 00:32:29.620 your people, 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:30.400 that you 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:30.860 will help 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.320 us to 00:32:31.320 --> 00:32:31.880 obedience, 00:32:32.620 --> 00:32:32.840 that you 00:32:32.840 --> 00:32:33.360 will help 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:34.500 us as 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:34.759 we are 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.360 examined, 00:32:35.360 --> 00:32:35.960 to be 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.759 examined in 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.220 light of 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:38.280 the gospel 00:32:38.280 --> 00:32:38.800 of your 00:32:38.800 --> 00:32:39.200 son, 00:32:39.300 --> 00:32:39.680 Christ 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.180 Jesus, 00:32:40.580 --> 00:32:41.360 but also 00:32:41.360 --> 00:32:41.740 to be 00:32:41.740 --> 00:32:42.460 encouraged, 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:44.240 encouraged by 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:44.799 all that we 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:45.559 have through 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:46.340 faith in 00:32:46.340 --> 00:32:46.740 Christ, 00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:47.059 and to 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:47.539 all that we 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.519 have to 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.160 share with 00:32:49.160 --> 00:32:49.700 one another 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.019 and to 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:50.779 those around 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:51.160 us, 00:32:51.620 --> 00:32:52.500 that encouragement 00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:53.539 and strengthening 00:32:53.539 --> 00:32:54.579 would be what 00:32:54.579 --> 00:32:55.360 we come away 00:32:55.360 --> 00:32:56.740 from all of 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.420 these things 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:57.779 with. 00:32:58.160 --> 00:32:58.400 So, 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:58.640 Lord, 00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.340 hear our 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.740 prayers, 00:32:59.860 --> 00:33:00.600 continue with 00:33:00.600 --> 00:33:00.819 us, 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:01.640 pardon our 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:01.960 sin, 00:33:02.380 --> 00:33:02.880 as we ask 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.319 all in 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:03.660 Jesus' 00:33:03.940 --> 00:33:04.120 name. 00:33:04.600 --> 00:33:04.920 Amen. 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:13.680 We're 00:33:13.680 --> 00:33:14.079 going to 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:14.840 conclude by 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:15.620 singing to 00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:16.059 God's 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:16.640 praise in 00:33:16.640 --> 00:33:18.220 Psalm 117, 00:33:19.819 --> 00:33:20.279 the Sing 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:21.259 Psalms version, 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:22.779 Psalm 117, 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:24.460 page 155. 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:27.960 It's a 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:28.319 short 00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:28.779 psalm, 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:30.340 just the 00:33:30.340 --> 00:33:31.420 two verses 00:33:31.420 --> 00:33:32.299 marked here, 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:33.600 but a 00:33:33.600 --> 00:33:34.740 psalm reminds 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.559 us of how 00:33:35.559 --> 00:33:36.180 great a 00:33:36.180 --> 00:33:36.579 God we 00:33:36.579 --> 00:33:36.779 have. 00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:37.480 Praise the 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:37.799 Lord, 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:38.880 O all you 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:39.360 nations, 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:39.940 all you 00:33:39.940 --> 00:33:40.480 people, 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:41.340 sing his 00:33:41.340 --> 00:33:41.819 praise. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:42.319 For his 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:43.379 love is 00:33:43.379 --> 00:33:44.319 great towards 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.579 us, 00:33:44.639 --> 00:33:44.859 his 00:33:44.859 --> 00:33:45.460 commitment 00:33:45.460 --> 00:33:46.559 lasts 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.099 always. 00:33:47.299 --> 00:33:47.700 He is 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:48.599 faithful now 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:49.099 and ever. 00:33:49.679 --> 00:33:50.139 Hallelujah. 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.899 Praise the 00:33:51.899 --> 00:33:52.159 Lord. 00:33:52.240 --> 00:33:52.740 The tune is 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.339 Regent's 00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:53.799 Square, 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:54.659 and we'll 00:33:54.659 --> 00:33:55.059 sing it 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:55.419 through 00:33:55.419 --> 00:33:56.059 twice. 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:56.799 We stand 00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.460 to sing 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.399 to God's 00:33:58.399 --> 00:33:58.679 praise. 00:34:01.379 --> 00:34:02.899 Praise the 00:34:02.899 --> 00:34:03.619 Lord, 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:05.359 O all 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:05.700 you 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.899 nations, 00:34:07.399 --> 00:34:08.759 all you 00:34:08.759 --> 00:34:09.840 people, 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.139 sing 00:34:11.139 --> 00:34:11.879 his 00:34:11.879 --> 00:34:12.960 praise. 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:14.900 For his 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:16.299 love is 00:34:16.299 --> 00:34:18.619 great towards 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.119 us, 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.139 his 00:34:20.139 --> 00:34:21.639 commitment 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:23.079 lasts 00:34:23.079 --> 00:34:24.739 always. 00:34:25.279 --> 00:34:26.759 He is 00:34:26.759 --> 00:34:29.219 faithful now 00:34:29.219 --> 00:34:30.559 and ever. 00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:32.879 Hallelujah. 00:34:34.279 --> 00:34:35.799 Praise the 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:36.800 Lord. 00:34:36.800 --> 00:34:38.800 Praise the 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:39.800 Lord, 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:40.800 Lord. 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:40.800 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:40.800 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.800 O all 00:34:41.800 --> 00:34:42.800 you 00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:43.800 nations, 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:45.800 all you 00:34:45.800 --> 00:34:46.800 people, 00:34:46.800 --> 00:34:48.820 sing his 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.900 praise. 00:34:50.360 --> 00:34:51.800 For his 00:34:51.800 --> 00:34:53.220 love is 00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:54.800 great towards 00:34:55.560 --> 00:34:55.960 us, 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:57.019 his 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:57.800 commitment 00:34:58.620 --> 00:34:58.800 lasts 00:34:58.800 --> 00:35:00.800 always. 00:35:00.800 --> 00:35:03.720 He is 00:35:03.720 --> 00:35:04.800 faithful now, 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:06.820 love and 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:07.660 ever. 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.760 Hallelujah. 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:13.200 Praise the 00:35:13.200 --> 00:35:13.920 Lord. 00:35:16.080 --> 00:35:16.820 After the 00:35:16.820 --> 00:35:17.420 benediction, I'll 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:18.220 go to the door to 00:35:18.220 --> 00:35:18.640 my left. 00:35:18.740 --> 00:35:19.380 We'll close with 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:19.900 the benediction. 00:35:20.680 --> 00:35:21.580 Now may grace, 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:22.880 mercy, and peace 00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:23.620 from God, 00:35:23.820 --> 00:35:24.700 Father, Son, 00:35:24.780 --> 00:35:25.740 and Holy Spirit 00:35:25.740 --> 00:35:26.840 rest upon 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:28.240 and abide with 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:29.140 you all now and 00:35:29.140 --> 00:35:29.940 forevermore. 00:35:30.340 --> 00:35:30.680 Amen. 00:35:30.680 --> 00:35:30.800 Amen. 00:35:30.800 --> 00:35:30.860 Amen. 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:30.860 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:30.860 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:30.860 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:30.860 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:30.860 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:32.860 Amen. 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:32.860 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.360 Amen. 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.360 00:35:33.360 --> 00:36:03.340 Thank you. 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:33.340 Thank you. 00:36:33.360 --> 00:36:35.360 Thank you.