WEBVTT 00:00:00.740 --> 00:00:06.820 Hi, I'm Ava Manson, and I'm going to be reading from Psalm 121, a song of ascents. 00:00:07.219 --> 00:00:10.419 Now I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? 00:00:10.519 --> 00:00:12.939 My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. 00:00:13.359 --> 00:00:17.620 He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber. 00:00:18.100 --> 00:00:21.679 Indeed, he who watches over Israel will need to slumber nor sleep. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:26.719 The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:31.000 The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. 00:00:31.359 --> 00:00:37.259 The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life. 00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:42.600 The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:49.359 Today's reading is from Acts chapter 18, verses 1 to 17. 00:00:50.820 --> 00:00:54.579 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 00:00:54.579 --> 00:01:02.899 There he met a Jew named Aquilo, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:06.519 because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. 00:01:07.700 --> 00:01:13.560 Paul went to see them, and because he was a tent maker, as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:19.620 Every Sabbath, he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 00:01:19.620 --> 00:01:27.320 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, 00:01:28.060 --> 00:01:30.859 testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 00:01:32.300 --> 00:01:39.439 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:54.060 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justice, a worshipper of God. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:02:00.319 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord. 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:05.179 And many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.019 One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. 00:02:10.219 --> 00:02:14.419 Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:21.479 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. 00:02:21.479 --> 00:02:27.639 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the world of food. 00:02:28.620 --> 00:02:36.979 While Galileo was pro-council of Ashera, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 00:02:38.019 --> 00:02:44.159 This man, they charged, is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law. 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:48.520 Just as Paul was about to speak, Galileo said to them, 00:02:49.199 --> 00:02:56.819 If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 00:02:57.539 --> 00:03:04.359 But since it involves questions and words and names, your own law, settle the matter yourselves. 00:03:04.900 --> 00:03:07.120 I will not be a judge of such things. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:08.519 So he drove them off. 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:15.580 Then the crowds there turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him in front of the pro-council. 00:03:16.740 --> 00:03:19.240 And Galileo showed no concern whatever. 00:03:20.379 --> 00:03:24.380 Now let us pray for Graham as he comes to talk to us about this passage. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:28.020 Dear Lord, we thank you for this wonderful day. 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:30.219 We thank you for the gift of your word. 00:03:31.040 --> 00:03:35.000 Lord, please bless Graham as he will speak to us now about the verses we read. 00:03:35.660 --> 00:03:38.160 Please be with him as he helps us to know you. 00:03:39.100 --> 00:03:41.900 Lord, speak to us through him and help us to hear you. 00:03:42.200 --> 00:03:43.340 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:03:44.600 --> 00:03:45.820 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:48.379 It is wonderful to have you with us. 00:03:48.480 --> 00:03:52.420 Please, can I invite you to grab a Bible and come with me to Acts chapter 18. 00:03:53.219 --> 00:03:57.400 So we've been following the Apostle Paul on one of his missionary journeys, 00:03:58.020 --> 00:03:59.980 where he's been speaking about Jesus. 00:03:59.980 --> 00:04:08.120 He's been proclaiming the gospel and he's been planting churches in what we know today as Europe. 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:14.360 Now, just as we get into this passage today, let me tell you what sports scientists will tell you. 00:04:15.500 --> 00:04:20.379 So they'll tell you that there's often a feeling that marathon runners get. 00:04:20.379 --> 00:04:25.319 They encounter roughly about the 20 mile mark in their run. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:29.920 And they call this feeling, they call it hitting the wall. 00:04:30.019 --> 00:04:32.319 Now, some of you might know what that is like, right? 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:33.540 You hit the wall. 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:36.439 You're emotionally spent. 00:04:36.580 --> 00:04:38.939 You're physically done in. 00:04:39.080 --> 00:04:41.080 Your enthusiasm is sapped. 00:04:41.200 --> 00:04:42.560 You're mentally fried. 00:04:42.860 --> 00:04:44.939 You're done. 00:04:45.200 --> 00:04:49.939 And everything in you is telling you, I just want to stop. 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:51.000 Right? 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:51.700 You know that feeling? 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:53.280 I just want to stop. 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:58.719 Now, here's what we need to understand as we dive into this passage today. 00:04:59.559 --> 00:05:07.459 Because what seems highly likely, Acts chapter 18, is that the Apostle Paul has hit the wall. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:08.759 Right? 00:05:08.919 --> 00:05:09.959 He's hit the wall. 00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:13.299 He is greatly discouraged as we meet him here in this passage. 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:18.399 Now, let me make an educated guess as to why he's maybe feeling like that. 00:05:18.399 --> 00:05:24.379 You see, he arrives in Corinth with his mind looking in two directions. 00:05:24.679 --> 00:05:24.779 Right? 00:05:25.139 --> 00:05:26.679 It's looking back the way. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:32.319 And it's remembering what's happened to him in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. 00:05:32.419 --> 00:05:34.399 You can check that out in just the pages before. 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:38.799 In these places, in these cities where he's tried to tell people about Jesus. 00:05:39.739 --> 00:05:40.000 Right? 00:05:40.079 --> 00:05:41.039 What's happened to him? 00:05:41.339 --> 00:05:41.819 Opposition. 00:05:43.239 --> 00:05:43.759 Rejection. 00:05:45.079 --> 00:05:45.479 Questions. 00:05:46.859 --> 00:05:47.379 Beatings. 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:48.819 Mockings. 00:05:49.159 --> 00:05:50.000 And prison. 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:51.060 I mean, you put that all together. 00:05:51.159 --> 00:05:52.819 That's going to take its toll on a guy. 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:53.079 Right? 00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:57.219 And his mind is also looking out in front. 00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:02.560 And he's looking out at this city called Corinth. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:03.620 Right? 00:06:03.779 --> 00:06:04.180 Corinth. 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:07.659 It's the biggest city in Greece at this point in time. 00:06:07.659 --> 00:06:12.519 You know, they reckon that Athens, in this day, had about 10,000 people. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:13.899 Corinth? 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:18.039 Probably you're looking at 700,000 people. 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:18.859 Right? 00:06:18.919 --> 00:06:20.779 It's a huge city. 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:25.179 It's a commercial city because of where it sits geographically. 00:06:25.819 --> 00:06:27.120 It's a trade city. 00:06:27.219 --> 00:06:28.319 It's a wealthy city. 00:06:28.419 --> 00:06:29.659 The goddess of love. 00:06:30.419 --> 00:06:31.539 She lives in Corinth. 00:06:31.679 --> 00:06:35.839 So you can understand, join the dots there, that it's a highly sexualized city. 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:40.500 It's a city where people love power. 00:06:40.679 --> 00:06:41.919 They love eloquence. 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:43.979 They love a party and a Friday night. 00:06:44.119 --> 00:06:48.519 Somebody called Corinth the Las Vegas of the first century. 00:06:49.359 --> 00:06:55.959 Got to understand that the song that's blasting out from the speakers as you enter this city is the one from that musical. 00:06:56.099 --> 00:06:56.899 Do you remember it? 00:06:57.379 --> 00:06:58.339 Anything goes. 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:01.019 Do you know what? 00:07:01.079 --> 00:07:04.000 See, the Corinthians, they've got a reputation for this kind of life. 00:07:04.119 --> 00:07:04.259 Right? 00:07:04.579 --> 00:07:08.439 Because to Corinthianize, it's a little joke in this day. 00:07:08.659 --> 00:07:12.759 It's a way of saying that somebody is into wild living. 00:07:13.859 --> 00:07:14.079 Right? 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:15.739 We talked today, I was trying to think of this. 00:07:15.799 --> 00:07:19.120 We talked today maybe about an Essex lad or an Essex girl. 00:07:19.779 --> 00:07:20.159 Right? 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:21.079 It's that kind of thing. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:28.039 And Paul is standing in Corinth in this city. 00:07:28.759 --> 00:07:44.319 And the only thing he's going on in there with, the only card that he's got to play, the only card that he's willing to play is the message about a crucified man who has died for sins and calls the world to repent. 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:45.819 Right? 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:47.639 How do you think that's going to go down in Corinth? 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:50.680 So you bring this all together. 00:07:52.060 --> 00:07:53.060 You bring it all together. 00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:54.599 There's two words in his mind. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:59.279 Really simply, stop speaking. 00:08:01.259 --> 00:08:05.680 Because life would get a whole lot easier if he stopped speaking. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:09.299 So let me ask you, what do you say to somebody who's hit the wall? 00:08:10.979 --> 00:08:15.959 Giving up or thinking of giving up on living and speaking for Jesus. 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:17.000 Now here's the thing. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:18.099 We have all been there. 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:19.279 Right? 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:20.360 I know I've been there. 00:08:20.360 --> 00:08:20.860 We have all been there. 00:08:21.340 --> 00:08:21.740 Discouraged. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:24.680 In our Christian lives. 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:26.500 Maybe some of us are there right now. 00:08:26.580 --> 00:08:30.560 All sorts of things can cause us to think about giving up. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:30.780 Right? 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:32.740 My flatmates, they think I'm a space cadet. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:36.680 My family just think I'm going through a phase. 00:08:36.820 --> 00:08:38.940 My teammates, they won't want to know. 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:44.000 My colleagues will just find the gospel, the Christian message offensive. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:46.559 We can be tempted to be discouraged and give up. 00:08:46.559 --> 00:08:48.919 So what do you say to somebody who's hit the wall? 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:58.179 Well, it's into this situation that Jesus speaks. 00:08:58.179 --> 00:09:01.819 Which, if you've got the text there, is striking. 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:02.859 Right? 00:09:02.859 --> 00:09:09.259 Because the last time in the book of Acts that Jesus is recorded as speaking is way back in chapter 10. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:15.179 So these words from Jesus, they stand out in terms of the flow of this book. 00:09:15.179 --> 00:09:26.539 And Jesus, knowing the heart and the mind of his apostle, he speaks words of truth about who he is deep into Paul's soul. 00:09:26.539 --> 00:09:31.719 Encouraging him to keep on speaking. 00:09:33.099 --> 00:09:37.839 So the key verses for us today in this text are verses 9 and 10. 00:09:37.919 --> 00:09:38.980 This is where the money is. 00:09:39.039 --> 00:09:41.319 If you've got a pen handy, underline it. 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:42.179 Mark it. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:43.139 Highlight it. 00:09:43.179 --> 00:09:44.120 This is where it is. 00:09:44.439 --> 00:09:46.439 Here's what Jesus says to Paul. 00:09:47.799 --> 00:09:49.539 He says, do not be afraid. 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:52.000 Which tells you what? 00:09:52.059 --> 00:09:53.199 It tells you he was afraid. 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:57.120 Keep on speaking. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:59.900 Do not be silent. 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:02.780 There's what Jesus says. 00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:13.300 And it might sound a bit harsh until you see the two wonderful reasons why Jesus gives Paul that he should keep speaking. 00:10:13.420 --> 00:10:22.700 And I hope these encourage us today as we think about taking the good news of Jesus to a world that desperately needs to hear about him. 00:10:22.700 --> 00:10:26.500 And this gets us back in the game of speaking for him. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:28.000 Here's the two reasons. 00:10:28.420 --> 00:10:32.120 The first is the promise of his presence. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:33.580 Do you see it? 00:10:33.640 --> 00:10:38.020 Jesus says to Paul, he says those words, I am with you. 00:10:38.140 --> 00:10:39.060 There's the promise. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:41.740 So Jesus has got him. 00:10:42.520 --> 00:10:43.879 Jesus will protect him. 00:10:44.060 --> 00:10:45.400 Jesus will care for him. 00:10:45.560 --> 00:10:47.580 Jesus will provide for him. 00:10:47.580 --> 00:10:55.900 And let me just pick out a few of the ways that Luke tells us how Jesus delivered on that promise. 00:10:56.700 --> 00:10:56.900 Okay. 00:10:57.100 --> 00:11:01.860 Do you see how Jesus brings into Paul's path right at the beginning of this chapter? 00:11:02.160 --> 00:11:04.740 He brings into his path just some good friends. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:05.759 Right. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:06.520 Verse one. 00:11:06.920 --> 00:11:07.820 I love these guys. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:09.580 Priscilla and Aquila. 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:10.139 Aquila. 00:11:11.120 --> 00:11:14.139 This husband and wife team. 00:11:15.139 --> 00:11:21.259 And see how we're told in the text about what their life has been like up until this point. 00:11:21.340 --> 00:11:24.780 Do you see how it is not being all rainbows and unicorns for these guys? 00:11:26.180 --> 00:11:29.780 They have recently arrived in Corinth from Rome. 00:11:29.920 --> 00:11:30.980 That's what the text tells us. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:40.539 So what's going on here is that Claudius, the emperor in Rome, has got fed up of what he thought was an internal fight amongst the Jews. 00:11:40.920 --> 00:11:41.080 Okay. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:44.519 So the Christians are very much considered part of Judaism at this point in time. 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:46.100 And they're squabbling. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:52.379 They're fighting over what historians tell us is about this man, Christus. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:53.500 Okay. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:56.740 They are disagreeing sharply over Jesus. 00:11:56.740 --> 00:12:00.580 Just shows you what kind of impact Christians were making in Rome at this time. 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:05.139 Claudius has got fed up with this and he's booted a lot of them out of Rome. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:07.180 So here are a couple then. 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:07.980 If you put that together. 00:12:08.180 --> 00:12:11.580 Here are a couple who are effectively Christian refugees. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:15.960 Who have traveled from Rome to Corinth. 00:12:16.419 --> 00:12:21.320 Which is a considerable distance in search of a new life. 00:12:22.620 --> 00:12:22.840 Right. 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:23.659 And that is tough. 00:12:23.659 --> 00:12:29.259 Just imagine those kind of conversations as these two are traveling together. 00:12:29.379 --> 00:12:30.779 You ever had questions like this in your mind? 00:12:30.839 --> 00:12:31.699 What is God up to? 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:33.899 What's he doing here? 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:37.279 What's his purpose in all of this? 00:12:37.360 --> 00:12:38.659 You ever ask those kind of questions? 00:12:38.779 --> 00:12:39.480 I know I have. 00:12:41.079 --> 00:12:42.519 And all of a sudden, who do they meet? 00:12:43.719 --> 00:12:45.120 They meet this man called Paul. 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:45.200 Paul. 00:12:45.940 --> 00:12:50.340 Who just so happens to be of the same faith as them. 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:54.980 And just so happens to be in the same trade as them. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:58.039 Do you see how we're told in the text that they all make tents. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:12:59.240 This is what they do. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:00.539 This is what brought them together. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:05.000 And it just so happens that they bump into Paul. 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:06.200 Coincidence? 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:07.220 I think not. 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:09.659 Priscilla and Aquila. 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:13.819 Do you see, we're just the friends that Paul needs. 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:16.740 The gospel companions. 00:13:17.139 --> 00:13:22.360 The guys who encouraged him to keep going in ministry. 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:26.199 And when you get the text, you throw into the mix there. 00:13:26.339 --> 00:13:27.500 Silas and Timothy. 00:13:27.819 --> 00:13:30.659 Paul's gospel companions as well who arrive in Corinth. 00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:33.459 And you get the sense of what Jesus is up to here. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.360 What's he doing? 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:40.700 He's encouraging his servant through his people. 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:43.800 Now, how true is that? 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:47.480 How good a gift are good Christian friends? 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:51.220 You know, my wife and I, we've got two friends in Edinburgh. 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:55.060 We love nothing more than to have a takeaway and a laugh with them on a Saturday night. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:57.379 Do you know what nickname we give them? 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:00.000 We call them the Radiators. 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:02.440 Which now that I've said it like that, 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:05.540 that sounds like the worst wrestling tag team name ever, doesn't it really? 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:07.760 But that's what we call them, the Radiators. 00:14:07.880 --> 00:14:09.160 And here's why we call them it. 00:14:10.320 --> 00:14:12.500 Because when we spend time with them, do you know what happens? 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:14.040 They heat us up. 00:14:15.300 --> 00:14:16.200 They get us going. 00:14:17.040 --> 00:14:18.160 They refresh us. 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:19.200 They make us laugh. 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:20.780 We cry together. 00:14:20.880 --> 00:14:21.840 We share hard times. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:28.560 But most of all, they encourage us to keep running the race for Jesus. 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:31.799 Good friends. 00:14:32.839 --> 00:14:39.539 Let me ask you, who can you be a friend to at the minute with the express aim of encouraging them 00:14:39.539 --> 00:14:43.379 to keep running and keep speaking for Jesus? 00:14:44.979 --> 00:14:46.079 See what's going on here? 00:14:46.159 --> 00:14:47.519 Who's in control of Corinth? 00:14:47.979 --> 00:14:50.139 Who's in control in Corinth, rather? 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.839 Jesus is in control in Corinth. 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:55.980 So keep on speaking, Paul. 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.200 Keep on going. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:59.960 And do you see how he did just that in the text, verse 4? 00:15:00.300 --> 00:15:01.420 He's still at it. 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:02.980 He's still going to the synagogue. 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:06.820 And we get these words that we've seen over the last few chapters, what he's doing. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.519 He's reasoning. 00:15:08.040 --> 00:15:09.220 And he's persuading. 00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:11.120 So he's saying, here is the Old Testament. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:12.240 Here is Jesus. 00:15:12.680 --> 00:15:16.240 And here's how it's all about and all pointing to him. 00:15:16.900 --> 00:15:17.780 And do you know what? 00:15:17.780 --> 00:15:20.500 His speaking continued to get him in trouble. 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:22.740 So, verse 12. 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:26.960 So the Jews in Corinth, they hear what he's saying and they hate it. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.659 And they really go for it. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:34.460 I mean, they up the game here in terms of their bid to see him silenced. 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:35.720 Do you see where they take it? 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:37.679 They take it to the proconsul. 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:39.179 Right? 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:41.139 This is no small claims court. 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:45.139 And this is no Judge Judy that Paul's been hauled up in front of here. 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:48.360 This is the top judge in the top court. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:52.500 Who at this point in time is this man called Galio. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:57.840 History tells us that he's in this position roughly about AD 51 to 52. 00:15:59.100 --> 00:16:00.319 Which is a side note. 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:06.399 It's a wonderful, important detail which helps us historically date this event. 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:12.039 Galio is the man who hears this case against Paul. 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:20.120 And Galilo is the man who throws it out because he sees that there is absolutely no foundation to it. 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:25.240 And you've got to see here that that is a huge result for the church. 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:31.680 Because it establishes the principle in the eyes of the watching world that these early Christians, 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:37.039 they're not going against Roman law as they worship and speak about Jesus. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.360 Right? 00:16:38.440 --> 00:16:39.560 Because you made no mistake. 00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:41.440 See if this verdict goes the other way. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:47.620 And there's a very different story for this church in Corinth at this point in time. 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:49.720 Which is a side note. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:54.820 It's why we should be very thankful to the Lord for living where we do. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:17:01.120 And having freedom of religion and freedom of speech as rights to enjoy. 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:04.900 And it's why we should be concerned if ever those rights are jeopardized. 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:07.940 Not just for our sake, but actually for our society's sake. 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:10.900 But again, do you see what's happening here? 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:13.079 Who's in control in Corinth? 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:15.460 Jesus is in control. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:23.900 And the second reason to keep on speaking is the promise of his people. 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:28.299 What does Jesus declare at the end of verse 10? 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:30.059 And I love this, right? 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:31.039 This is brilliant. 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:31.819 What does he declare? 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:38.720 For I have many in this city who are my people. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:41.579 Now let's do a little bit of work here. 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:43.140 Here's the thing to see. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:49.700 As far as we know, there isn't a single Christian in Corinth when Paul arrives there. 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:50.079 Right? 00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:50.640 None. 00:17:50.640 --> 00:17:55.480 So it's not like Jesus has slipped Paul a copy of the yellow pages here. 00:17:55.540 --> 00:17:57.980 And says, just look at the Christian section under C. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:58.660 Right? 00:17:58.700 --> 00:18:00.160 You'll find the names of my people there. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:01.360 I've got tons of people in this city. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:02.660 It's not what he means. 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:05.000 So what does he mean? 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:10.940 Well, he's talking about the people in this city. 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:18.360 Who, when they hear the message of the gospel, they will believe it. 00:18:19.340 --> 00:18:23.460 Because Jesus has his hand on them. 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:29.640 Now let me just maybe try and tease that out a bit and show you how this works. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:34.380 I don't know if you remember doing this kind of science experiment at school. 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:35.880 I remember doing this one. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:42.700 You took a glass half full of water and you poured in some iron fillings. 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:43.300 Right? 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:44.660 And you mixed the thing around. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:50.460 And then after about 10 seconds or so of mixing it around, what you did when the water stilled 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:54.100 is you just held over the top and around the side. 00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:55.160 You just held a magnet. 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:57.460 And what happened? 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:00.540 The water stayed exactly where it was. 00:19:01.340 --> 00:19:05.460 But the iron fillings, they came straight to the top. 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:10.720 You see, that is the kind of thing that Jesus is talking about here. 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:14.040 Jesus has his people. 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:16.080 And notice the personal pronoun there. 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:19.940 He has got his people in Corinth. 00:19:21.040 --> 00:19:25.860 And they will respond when the shepherd calls and the sheep respond to his voice. 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:27.760 And do you know what? 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.560 That doesn't stop Paul preaching. 00:19:30.040 --> 00:19:32.020 That compels Paul to preach. 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:32.560 Do you see it? 00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:33.800 He keeps on going. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:36.319 And many reject his message. 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:36.899 Right? 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:37.579 Do you see that? 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:41.460 Paul makes it clear, verse 6, that they are responsible for that decision. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:41.659 Right? 00:19:41.700 --> 00:19:42.379 You've got minds. 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.799 You can make up your decision. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:45.659 And you've decided to reject him. 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.599 That is your call. 00:19:47.899 --> 00:19:48.639 But do you know what? 00:19:48.659 --> 00:19:53.759 It seems that in this city, there were quite a few iron fillings. 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:55.539 You want to meet some of them? 00:19:55.639 --> 00:19:56.119 Come with me. 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.319 Right? 00:19:56.399 --> 00:19:56.940 Verse 7. 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.480 Here's an iron filling. 00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:01.420 This man called Titius Justice. 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:02.360 Right? 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:03.180 What is he? 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:04.759 He's a worshiper of God. 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:07.380 So he hears the gospel. 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:09.339 He hears the message about Jesus. 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:11.140 And he believes. 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:15.480 And he invites Paul to come and stay with him at his home. 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:20.539 Which is likely the venue for this little house church as it meets in Corinth. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:24.119 And it's a venue which is next door. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:24.980 To where? 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.079 To the synagogue. 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:29.740 Well, that's got to make life a little bit awkward, has it not? 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:32.299 Not many get to know your neighbors. 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:35.399 Street barbecues going down on synagogue street, I'd imagine. 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:39.420 What makes it even more awkward is verse 8. 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:40.799 Christmas. 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:43.539 The ruler of the synagogue. 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.399 He too hears. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:47.859 And he and his family believe. 00:20:47.859 --> 00:20:52.039 Now you've got to say that's a Leicester city 5,000 to 1 outside shot. 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:52.459 Isn't it? 00:20:52.479 --> 00:20:54.299 For who would become a Christian in this place? 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.779 That's a surprising move. 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:59.079 But then again, this is Jesus. 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:00.899 He has his people in this city. 00:21:02.699 --> 00:21:07.039 But make no mistake that this is a costly move for Christmas and his family. 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:08.519 Right? 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.259 To give up. 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:10.959 Imagine having that conversation at home. 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:16.079 Willing to risk giving up your job. 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:20.699 Willing to risk giving up perhaps your source of income. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:25.939 And losing, probably most importantly in this culture, your reputation in the community. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:29.039 You know, you often hear stories. 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:30.059 I've heard lots of them actually. 00:21:30.639 --> 00:21:34.339 Today from members of, for example, the scientific community. 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:37.720 Who talk about this kind of thing when they come to believe in Jesus. 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:42.140 But clearly it's worth it for Christmas. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:42.680 Why? 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.920 Because it's true. 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:45.980 Right? 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:50.779 No other reason why you would do this other than it's true. 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:54.960 And see how Luke adds at the end of verse 8. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:22:00.779 And many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:02.519 Why? 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:08.400 Because Jesus has many people in this city who are his people. 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:10.920 And you know what? 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:13.840 As I've chewed on this truth this week, it's really thrilled my soul. 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.700 And I'll tell you why. 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:23.240 Because it's helped remind me again of the thought that I was in Jesus' mind. 00:22:23.860 --> 00:22:26.319 Way before he was in mine. 00:22:27.840 --> 00:22:29.039 In fact, I was in his. 00:22:29.080 --> 00:22:32.480 And this is what the Bible would say about all those who would call themselves Christians. 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:35.779 That we were his even before the foundation of the world. 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.039 You know what that tells me? 00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:39.860 It tells me that this shepherd has me. 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:41.539 He's got me. 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:43.920 And he'll never let me go. 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:47.099 Maybe you're watching this today. 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:52.079 And never in a million years did you think that you would be watching a church service. 00:22:52.220 --> 00:22:53.940 And yet, here you are. 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:58.399 Or maybe you're here and do you know what? 00:22:58.460 --> 00:23:02.319 If you're honest, you've wandered from the Lord Jesus over the years. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:07.559 Maybe this crisis has prompted you to tune back in when you've got a good opportunity. 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.819 And here you are. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:15.759 Could it be that Jesus is putting his hand on your life right now? 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:19.559 And he's calling you to come to him. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:25.579 Jesus says, go on speaking. 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:28.059 Go on speaking. 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:32.119 Because I've got many people in this city. 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:37.159 And I hope that encourages us to keep on speaking for him. 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.779 Do you know what? 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:41.940 Also, there's wonderful freedom to be found in this. 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:48.500 Wonderful freedom and encouragement to take risks in speaking for him. 00:23:49.040 --> 00:23:55.759 Because we can take those risks in the full knowledge that we can trust Jesus with the results. 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:59.319 Again, who is in control in Corinth? 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.420 Do you know what? 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.500 Let's bring it forward to today. 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.619 Who's in control in Edinburgh? 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.619 Answer? 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:10.000 Jesus is in control. 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:16.440 You know, just as we close, some of you might have seen it in the news this week. 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:18.359 A man called Ravi Zacharias. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:19.180 Right? 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:23.880 One of the greatest Christian apologists, certainly of our generation. 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:30.019 And he gave his life to helping people understand that the Christian faith and dealing with many objections. 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.700 Just a wonderful servant. 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:35.259 And he went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday of this week. 00:24:35.600 --> 00:24:38.000 After a long, long battle with cancer. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:46.140 Now, the man must have spoken at hundreds of events and to millions of people throughout his lifetime about Jesus. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:51.620 And I loved reading the stories about him that were pouring in on social media this week. 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:53.960 From some of the people that he worked alongside. 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.920 And do you know one article that I read? 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:58.180 And I just want to share this with you. 00:24:58.180 --> 00:25:01.440 Was from a man called Alistair McGrath. 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:07.860 Who said this about what he perceived made Ravi Zacharias tick. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:11.120 And what kept him enduring in his ministry. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.240 And he said this. 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:13.660 It was this fact. 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:19.240 That Christianity makes rational sense on the one hand. 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:29.359 And is able to offer deeply satisfying existential answers to life's grand questions on the other. 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:30.660 Right? 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:31.680 Bit of a mouthful. 00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:33.160 But here's what he's saying. 00:25:33.880 --> 00:25:36.920 He's saying that what kept Ravi Zacharias going. 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:46.980 Was his soul was deeply satisfied with the one who calls himself the way, the truth, and the life. 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.019 Right? 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:51.900 His soul was satisfied with Jesus. 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:54.299 And who he is. 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:56.059 And what he says is true. 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:57.220 And his promises. 00:25:57.639 --> 00:25:58.160 Do you know what? 00:25:58.220 --> 00:26:00.379 What do you say to somebody who has hit the wall? 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:04.299 Where do you and I run, friends, when we're discouraged? 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:06.680 Where do we go when we're tempted to tap out? 00:26:07.059 --> 00:26:07.480 Do you know what? 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:09.180 There's only one place that we can go. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.680 We run to Jesus. 00:26:11.680 --> 00:26:22.500 And we ask that he would be so gracious and that the spirit would soak our souls in the joy of knowing who he is. 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:25.380 And the words of John Newton. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:30.099 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:35.119 It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds. 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:37.899 And it drives away our fears. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:39.899 Amen. 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:41.199 Let me pray. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:45.900 So, Lord, whoever we are today. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:49.519 And wherever we are with you. 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:52.960 And maybe whatever is going on in our lives. 00:26:52.960 --> 00:27:05.259 Father, I pray that you would help all of us to know the all-surpassing joy of knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:14.759 And help us to be those who are earnest in speaking and living for him. 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:18.860 And it's in his precious and worthy name that we pray. 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:19.980 Amen. 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:24.900 Thank you, Graham. 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:34.539 One of the things we've been doing after our sermons the last few weeks is hearing stories from some of our members and how they came to know Jesus. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:39.759 And if you've missed any of those, they're all on our website and they're all on our YouTube channel. 00:27:39.860 --> 00:27:41.380 And it would be great for you to check those out. 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:49.819 What we thought we'd do this morning is we'd listen to one of our members and how they are sharing the gospel further afield. 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:58.859 And hear the stories of what other ministries are doing around the world to share that good news of Jesus that we've been thinking about. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:07.740 So, listen in to Mike and his testimony and his video of what he is doing in his work to share the good news of Jesus. 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:09.500 Hi, everyone. 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:19.059 I hope you're all keeping safe and that your trust in our Lord continues to grow and deepens every day as we face these very unprecedented times. 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:30.879 As you know, I work for Latin Link, a community with a calling, a Christian organization who focuses on developing opportunities of service between Latin America and the UK. 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:34.500 These times for us have been very challenging. 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:45.279 After having to cancel almost all our events and church visits for the rest of the year and having to suspend the sending of more volunteers going to serve in Latin America this year, 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:52.859 we also have to bring home a decent bunch of volunteers who are unable to be at our projects and are somewhere close. 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:56.240 Things in Latin America aren't good either. 00:28:56.700 --> 00:29:02.819 There is a rapid increase of the spread of the virus in a number of cases and a lot of people have died. 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:07.419 Their lockdown has been low and more severe than ours. 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:13.480 In so many ways, it helped to stow the spread of the virus, but it also moved people into desperation. 00:29:14.139 --> 00:29:23.639 After finding themselves unable to go to work, unable to get money and provide for their families, governments have tried to help with some support schemes. 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:28.119 But it has proven to be very difficult to help everyone. 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:37.079 As almost half of Latin America's economy is informal, with people living hand-to-mouth, basically working day to eat tomorrow. 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:45.899 As a result of that, in many countries, the lockdown was breached, exposing people to the virus into more death, 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:50.839 aggravating our already deteriorated public health system. 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:57.980 countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru had been heavily impacted. 00:29:58.799 --> 00:30:03.740 My own hometown in Peru, Iquitos, has been struggling a lot. 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:08.220 It is believed that between 60 to 80 percent of the town has got the virus. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:17.939 I have seen friends, friends, family, people I know who have got the virus and who have suddenly, some of them, die as a result of this. 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:22.460 So the urgency of medical supplies and oxygen is still big at the moment. 00:30:23.580 --> 00:30:26.660 And we know that the impact will last for a while. 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:32.779 Latin Link has produced some videos to tell you more about it from our people who are there. 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:36.480 If you have time, you can just find it in this following link. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.759 The link will appear here, hopefully. 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:42.799 And also, if you would like to help, there are ways to do it. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:47.220 And you can just find ways to help out in this way through the Latin Link website. 00:30:47.940 --> 00:30:54.079 Now, on the personal level, as my church engagement has been put on hold for the year, 00:30:54.599 --> 00:31:01.059 I'm now adjusting to working from home fully while looking after Tiago at the same time. 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:04.319 As you may know, he's nursery and all nurses in his garden have been closed. 00:31:05.159 --> 00:31:09.500 And I have used this opportunity to start running Bible studies in Spanish. 00:31:09.879 --> 00:31:13.079 Well, I was already running a Bible study in Spanish here in town, 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:17.879 which was formed with Latinos in Edinburgh and parts of Spain. 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:24.120 And another one now has been formed with Latinos in the U.S., Paraguay, Colombia, 00:31:24.660 --> 00:31:28.100 and people from my own hometown in a few different places in Peru. 00:31:28.560 --> 00:31:32.020 And we're just joining together, either through WhatsApp or through Zoom. 00:31:32.520 --> 00:31:35.940 And this has proven to be very exciting and useful for us, 00:31:36.420 --> 00:31:41.340 as most of the people involved are from churches or places that they don't have the resources, 00:31:41.780 --> 00:31:44.720 or perhaps people with the skill that we have in our own church, 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:47.620 to stream a service in the weekly basis. 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:51.740 So some of these people, like many in Latin America, 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:55.800 haven't been to a service or listened to a sermon preached to them 00:31:55.800 --> 00:31:58.800 for more than eight weeks since the lockdown started. 00:31:59.380 --> 00:32:02.640 We have seen a couple of them coming to faith, which is a great scene. 00:32:03.040 --> 00:32:06.020 It's something very exciting that this lockdown has produced. 00:32:06.800 --> 00:32:10.600 So please, I ask you, continue to pray for Latin America. 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:13.640 Continue to pray for the impact that the virus is having there. 00:32:13.820 --> 00:32:16.960 Pray for the believers who came to meet and haven't actually here. 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:19.940 A service who cannot see their brothers and sisters for a while. 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:23.240 And it's been more than eight weeks now in most of those places. 00:32:23.539 --> 00:32:25.259 Pray for the people in our Bible studies, 00:32:25.620 --> 00:32:28.819 that they continue to grow and depend on Jesus as well. 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:31.680 And also, if you have the opportunity to give, 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.980 please consider to do that. 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:35.019 I already shared to you the links that you can do. 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:38.380 And also, please continue to give in our own church as well, 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:42.700 because our church can find ways to help out and continue to serve in this time. 00:32:42.700 --> 00:32:45.980 Thank you very much and continue to enjoy the service. 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:46.039 Thank you.