WEBVTT 00:00:00.220 --> 00:00:09.300 Good morning. Welcome to our service this morning, especially those present and also welcoming those who are watching online this morning. 00:00:11.820 --> 00:00:22.600 The bulletin sheet is with you. The only real item that needs to be given special attention today is that there will be a congregational meeting on Wednesday the 18th. 00:00:22.600 --> 00:00:30.100 That's a week on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the seminary, and that will be in relation to the congregation's vacancy. 00:00:31.020 --> 00:00:36.000 We're going to begin our worship this morning singing to God's praise in Psalm 103. 00:00:37.660 --> 00:00:43.460 This is in the Scottish Psalter, the traditional version of the Psalms, page 369. 00:00:43.460 --> 00:00:53.260 We're going to sing verses 1 to 5 to God's praise. 00:00:53.380 --> 00:01:00.840 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be stirred up his holy name to magnify and bless. 00:01:01.120 --> 00:01:08.780 Bless, O my soul, the Lord thy God, and not forgetful be of all his gracious benefits he hath bestowed on thee. 00:01:09.020 --> 00:01:13.260 We'll sing to God's praise, verses 1 to 5. We'll stand to sing, if you're able. 00:01:13.459 --> 00:01:43.439 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be stirred up his holy name to magnify and bless. 00:01:43.439 --> 00:02:13.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious benefits he hath bestowed on thee. 00:02:13.419 --> 00:02:17.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious benefits he hath bestowed on thee. 00:02:17.419 --> 00:02:33.419 O thou my name, equities to the most gracious be forgave. 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:35.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:35.419 --> 00:02:37.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:37.419 --> 00:02:39.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:39.419 --> 00:02:41.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:41.419 --> 00:02:43.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:43.419 --> 00:02:45.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:47.419 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:02:47.419 --> 00:03:17.399 O thou thy body, bless God the Lord, and all that in me is, be of all his tower, and all that in me is, be of all his gracious grace. 00:03:17.419 --> 00:03:47.399 CHOIR SINGS 00:03:47.419 --> 00:04:17.399 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:19.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:21.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:23.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:23.420 --> 00:04:25.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:27.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:31.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:31.420 --> 00:04:39.420 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:39.420 --> 00:04:43.360 which far exceeds our wildest expectations. 00:04:45.040 --> 00:04:49.300 And here we are after all of these years of existence. 00:04:52.400 --> 00:04:57.180 And we can today rejoice not only in the fact that you have created us 00:04:57.180 --> 00:04:59.160 and that you provide for us day by day, 00:04:59.780 --> 00:05:04.400 but that you have also provided a salvation in the person of Jesus. 00:05:04.399 --> 00:05:09.699 A salvation for rebels who deserve your wrath and curse. 00:05:11.339 --> 00:05:15.959 So we rejoice today in your great grace. 00:05:17.359 --> 00:05:22.279 You are long-suffering, slow to wrath. 00:05:23.899 --> 00:05:26.079 You are abundant in mercy. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:31.339 And today we remember the resurrection of our Lord. 00:05:31.739 --> 00:05:33.199 We remember his finished work. 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:36.759 We give thanks that today he is enthroned in heaven, 00:05:37.219 --> 00:05:38.939 that he is at your right hand, 00:05:39.459 --> 00:05:42.879 and that all things that happen in our lives, 00:05:43.420 --> 00:05:44.939 every moment of our existence, 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:47.860 is under his sovereign power. 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:52.860 And so may we today rest and find peace 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:55.360 in the person of Jesus. 00:05:56.519 --> 00:05:58.719 May we find him to be a worthy saviour, 00:05:58.720 --> 00:06:01.340 worthy of our hope and our faith, 00:06:02.020 --> 00:06:03.320 our trust. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:06.320 Minister therefore to us today. 00:06:06.640 --> 00:06:09.300 Meet each one of us, we pray, at the point of our need. 00:06:09.900 --> 00:06:12.220 All of us come as sinners in need of cleansing, 00:06:12.700 --> 00:06:15.380 but we come, Lord, with particular burdens this day as well. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:17.880 And we ask that into each one of our lives 00:06:17.880 --> 00:06:19.160 and into each of our experiences, 00:06:20.160 --> 00:06:22.260 you would today minister with your great grace. 00:06:22.259 --> 00:06:25.920 We long, therefore, today to know the Holy Spirit's presence 00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:27.099 and power working in us. 00:06:27.899 --> 00:06:30.459 We pray, Father, for the Holy Spirit to open our hearts 00:06:30.459 --> 00:06:31.579 to receive the gospel, 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:34.420 to tend to the wounds that are found there, 00:06:35.159 --> 00:06:38.139 and to lead us with renewed courage and resolve 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:41.000 into all that we must do in your service. 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:44.360 And so we pray, Father, for forgiveness for our sins. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:46.040 In Jesus' name. 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:47.259 Amen. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:56.779 I was saying to Roddy as I was coming in this morning, 00:06:56.879 --> 00:06:57.920 you know I'm preaching today 00:06:57.920 --> 00:06:59.980 because I have something with me. 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:02.480 And Roddy laughed and said, 00:07:02.660 --> 00:07:03.639 yes, it's a tape measure. 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:07.220 Maybe your sermon will be quite long today. 00:07:07.220 --> 00:07:11.760 But those of you, your children, young people today, 00:07:11.900 --> 00:07:14.120 I wonder if you've used one of these 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:16.080 to measure anything really important. 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:19.260 You can't quite use them to measure time, 00:07:19.640 --> 00:07:23.840 but you can use them to measure things that change over time. 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:27.060 So I wonder if any of you got a measuring stick at home 00:07:27.060 --> 00:07:28.480 where you've been measuring your height 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:30.380 as you've been growing up. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:32.860 I know certainly in our house, 00:07:32.940 --> 00:07:33.820 well, actually not in our house, 00:07:34.280 --> 00:07:36.260 in my in-law's house, 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:37.779 there is a stick. 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:41.439 And the stick has lots of little marks on it 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:42.879 that have been made over the years 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:47.519 as all of their grandchildren have grown bigger. 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:50.920 And so there's lots of marks on that stick 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:52.860 and there's dates on that stick 00:07:52.860 --> 00:07:57.000 that tell you how high someone was at that time. 00:07:57.599 --> 00:08:00.819 And you use a measuring tape for that. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:02.279 So you get your measuring tape out 00:08:02.279 --> 00:08:04.620 and you'd say, how tall do you think we are? 00:08:04.620 --> 00:08:06.139 Well, you'll put yourself against the stick 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:07.459 and you'll put a wee mark on the stick 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:08.540 to see how tall you are. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:10.540 And then you'll measure from the ground 00:08:10.540 --> 00:08:12.399 up to where the mark is. 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:14.800 And that'll tell you how tall somebody is. 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:17.500 But you can use measuring rods and sticks 00:08:17.500 --> 00:08:18.459 for other things as well. 00:08:18.840 --> 00:08:20.079 There's other things you could measure, isn't there? 00:08:20.300 --> 00:08:21.240 Maybe you do it in school. 00:08:21.720 --> 00:08:23.079 What sort of things do you measure in school? 00:08:23.899 --> 00:08:25.740 Have you measured ever the size of your desk? 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:28.540 I tell you, that's a really important skill. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:29.420 I did that this week. 00:08:29.420 --> 00:08:31.900 I was measuring the size of desks. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:35.120 And we were rearranging an office. 00:08:35.759 --> 00:08:38.100 And we wanted to be sure before we started 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:41.259 that one wall would be able to fit 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:43.560 two pieces of furniture 00:08:43.560 --> 00:08:45.399 as well as a big tall cupboard. 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:47.620 And we weren't quite sure. 00:08:48.259 --> 00:08:49.759 And so we thought, before we start, 00:08:50.060 --> 00:08:51.399 let's measure that wall 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:53.620 just to make sure everything will fit. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.679 And thankfully it did. 00:08:57.039 --> 00:08:58.419 And it was just as well. 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:00.659 Because there was no room to spare. 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:02.440 We didn't have to push it 00:09:02.440 --> 00:09:03.500 and wedge it in really hard. 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:04.480 But it just fitted. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:05.639 And no more. 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:08.320 Maybe you'd be really interested. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:09.100 You'd be thinking to yourself, 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:12.360 I wonder how big the church is today. 00:09:12.659 --> 00:09:13.399 Do you think we could measure 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:14.320 how big the church is? 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:16.179 No. 00:09:16.659 --> 00:09:18.539 Maybe far too big to measure, isn't it? 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:21.340 But, you know, scientists would measure 00:09:21.340 --> 00:09:22.460 and engineers would measure 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:23.419 the size of the church. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:25.560 And they'd measure how big 00:09:25.560 --> 00:09:28.600 the whole planet is. 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:30.500 Do you think how big the whole earth is? 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:32.480 If you were to get a measuring tape out, 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:33.720 you could measure, 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:34.700 well, this one's only, 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:37.000 I think this one's about three metres long. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:38.700 So, oh no, it's five metres. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:39.899 So that's a bit better. 00:09:40.539 --> 00:09:41.779 But it would still be a long time 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:43.539 if we were going in five metre chunks, 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:45.539 measuring the whole way 00:09:45.539 --> 00:09:47.240 round the whole earth. 00:09:48.080 --> 00:09:48.919 And then you'd think, well, 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:50.299 I mean, the world, the universe 00:09:50.299 --> 00:09:51.360 is much bigger than that, isn't it? 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:52.700 How far away is the moon? 00:09:52.700 --> 00:09:52.780 The moon. 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:54.340 And you'd want to measure 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:56.160 how far away the moon is. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:59.020 And before too long, 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:02.080 you start to ask really big questions. 00:10:03.520 --> 00:10:05.340 How far away is God? 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:07.560 Can you think about that? 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:08.540 You ever thought, 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:09.660 how far away is God? 00:10:10.680 --> 00:10:11.600 Do you think we could measure 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:13.220 how far away heaven is? 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:15.920 It's a difficult question. 00:10:16.820 --> 00:10:17.620 There's a man in the Bible, 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:18.639 he's called Thomas. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.920 We're going to be thinking about him 00:10:19.920 --> 00:10:20.840 a wee bit in the sermon today. 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:23.279 And Thomas, I think, 00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:24.460 was the kind of person 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:27.680 who would be completely worried 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:29.840 about measurements all the time. 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:32.960 He'd want exact measurements for things. 00:10:33.240 --> 00:10:35.440 He'd want the exact distance something is. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:36.800 Sometimes he wants to know 00:10:36.800 --> 00:10:38.720 exactly when something's going to happen. 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:40.460 He wants to know exactly 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:42.340 where Jesus is going to be. 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:43.700 Jesus says, 00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:44.960 I'm going to be with my father. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:47.100 And he says to the disciples 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.040 not to worry about that 00:10:48.040 --> 00:10:49.399 because if he goes to be with his father, 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:51.139 he's going to prepare a place for them 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:52.399 and then he'll come back 00:10:52.399 --> 00:10:53.440 and so that they can come 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:54.700 and be with him where he is. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:56.019 And Thomas says, 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:58.960 how can we be with you where you are 00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:00.220 when we don't know the way? 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:02.720 He says, 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:04.800 Thomas was a detail guy. 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:07.220 He wanted to know 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:09.300 the exact details 00:11:09.300 --> 00:11:10.980 of how things worked 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:12.680 and how far away things were, 00:11:13.160 --> 00:11:14.340 how you would get somewhere, 00:11:14.660 --> 00:11:15.560 what your route would be. 00:11:16.740 --> 00:11:17.800 And so Thomas is the kind of guy 00:11:17.800 --> 00:11:19.180 who would want to measure things exactly. 00:11:20.540 --> 00:11:21.860 And that's what actually happened. 00:11:21.920 --> 00:11:23.019 After Jesus died, 00:11:24.320 --> 00:11:25.480 he rose again. 00:11:25.580 --> 00:11:26.120 We remember that. 00:11:26.180 --> 00:11:26.759 That's what we're doing 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:27.899 on the first day of the week. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:28.540 We're remembering 00:11:28.540 --> 00:11:29.960 the resurrection of Jesus. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:32.720 But after he rose again, 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:34.120 Jesus appeared to the disciples 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:35.820 and they were amazed 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:37.460 to see him risen and alive. 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:38.820 But Thomas wasn't there. 00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:39.800 And so when the disciples 00:11:39.800 --> 00:11:40.840 were talking about it afterwards, 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:41.379 Thomas was like, 00:11:41.420 --> 00:11:42.280 I don't believe you 00:11:42.280 --> 00:11:44.080 and I'll only believe it 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:46.240 if I can measure it for myself, 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:49.660 if I can see the holes in his hands, 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:51.580 the hole in his side 00:11:51.580 --> 00:11:53.560 where he was stabbed with a spear. 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:56.820 And so the following week, 00:11:57.560 --> 00:11:59.480 Jesus appeared again to the disciples 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:02.600 and Thomas was there this time. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.800 And Thomas is amazed 00:12:04.800 --> 00:12:07.240 because the very things 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.320 that he was asking about, 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:09.340 Jesus knew about, 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:11.019 the very questions he had, 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:12.980 the very measurements that he wanted, 00:12:13.100 --> 00:12:14.399 the science, the data, 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:16.820 the information that he wanted 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:17.820 that was so important. 00:12:18.680 --> 00:12:19.440 Jesus said to him, 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:20.620 look Thomas, there's my hands. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:23.800 There's my side 00:12:23.800 --> 00:12:24.600 where the spear went in. 00:12:24.600 --> 00:12:28.060 And Thomas believed 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:29.220 and said, 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:29.920 my Lord 00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:31.279 and my God. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:34.399 I want you to think today, 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:35.379 maybe you're a wee bit like that, 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:35.860 like Thomas. 00:12:36.560 --> 00:12:37.340 Maybe you're somebody 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:38.500 who needs a measuring tape. 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:38.879 You're somebody 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.840 who really wants 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:41.460 the information exact. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:43.519 Well, the amazing thing is 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:44.379 we can ask God 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:46.600 and he'll show us. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.019 He will tell us. 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:51.779 He won't leave us alone. 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.399 Let's pray just now. 00:12:54.460 --> 00:12:54.840 We're going to say 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:55.720 the Lord's Prayer together. 00:12:55.720 --> 00:12:56.720 Amen. 00:12:59.580 --> 00:13:00.980 Our Father in heaven, 00:13:01.800 --> 00:13:03.060 hallowed be your name. 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:04.960 Your kingdom come, 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:06.660 your will be done 00:13:06.660 --> 00:13:07.519 on earth 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:08.920 as it is in heaven. 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:10.740 Give us this day 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:11.700 our daily bread 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:13.800 and forgive us our debts 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:16.060 as we forgive our debtors. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.560 And lead us not 00:13:17.560 --> 00:13:18.500 into temptation, 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:20.660 but deliver us from evil. 00:13:21.340 --> 00:13:22.820 For yours is the kingdom, 00:13:23.379 --> 00:13:23.940 the power, 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:25.600 and the glory forever. 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:26.759 Amen. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.840 We're going to sing again 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:29.700 just now to God's praise 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.540 in Psalm 13. 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:32.759 Young folk can go out 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:34.840 to their Sunday school classes 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:36.700 whilst this is happening. 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:37.560 So we're going to sing 00:13:37.560 --> 00:13:38.399 Psalm 13 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:39.279 and let's sing Psalms 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.019 page 14. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:42.080 We're going to sing 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:42.620 the whole Psalm. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:44.120 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:13:44.680 --> 00:13:46.200 Will you forget always? 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.320 How long, Lord, 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.379 will you hide your face 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:50.000 and turn from me your gaze? 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:52.399 How long must I be sad each day 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:53.879 in deep perplexity? 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:55.660 How long will my opponents 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:56.719 stand in triumph 00:13:56.719 --> 00:13:57.879 over me? 00:13:59.279 --> 00:13:59.799 You can sometimes 00:13:59.799 --> 00:14:00.439 feel like that. 00:14:01.059 --> 00:14:01.740 Just wondering 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:02.719 how long is God 00:14:02.719 --> 00:14:03.240 going to leave us 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:04.019 without the answers 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:05.480 to our situation? 00:14:06.600 --> 00:14:07.000 And yet, 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.120 we know he will answer 00:14:08.120 --> 00:14:09.259 because he has 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:10.559 this constant love 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:11.860 that he has for his people. 00:14:12.339 --> 00:14:13.120 So let's sing 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:13.799 from verse 1 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:14.500 through to the end 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:14.919 of the Psalm. 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:17.139 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:19.039 We'll stand to sing for a while. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:30.599 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:30.599 --> 00:14:37.519 Will you forget always? 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:39.079 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:39.079 --> 00:14:42.579 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:43.259 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:44.980 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:49.720 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:52.060 seeking your days? 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:59.660 How long does it be a lifestyle 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:16.759 and deeper 00:15:16.819 --> 00:15:23.120 and Imperial 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:27.639 Gott my God 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:36.819 Consider me and give me a revival. 00:15:38.600 --> 00:15:46.419 Light up my eyes, for I will sleep, 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:53.539 I'll sleep on those who die. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:16:02.459 Then would my enemy declare, 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:08.860 At last I'd make it low, 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:17.579 And so my hope would sing for joy, 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:24.240 To see my hope are grown. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:32.580 But still I trust your constant love, 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:39.879 You say must set me free. 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:47.580 With joy I will extol the Lord, 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:54.580 Who hast been good to me. 00:16:54.580 --> 00:17:06.019 I think we're maybe going to need longer psalms, 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:08.220 With the number of kids that are going out to Sunday school, 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:10.039 It's so encouraging to see that. 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:13.980 And let's turn just now and read in God's word, 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.319 In John's gospel, 00:17:16.620 --> 00:17:17.799 John chapter 20. 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:39.639 We're going to read at verse 19, 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:41.619 Through to the end of the chapter. 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:44.619 On the evening of that day, 00:17:44.899 --> 00:17:45.899 The first day of the week, 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:48.759 The door's been locked where the disciples were 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.920 For fear of the Jews. 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:52.960 Jesus came and stood among them, 00:17:53.140 --> 00:17:53.960 And said to them, 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.940 Peace be with you. 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:58.300 And when he had said this, 00:17:58.420 --> 00:18:00.240 He showed them his hands on his side. 00:18:01.300 --> 00:18:04.100 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.540 Jesus said to them again, 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.780 Peace be with you. 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:10.580 As the Father has sent me, 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:13.400 Even so I am sending you. 00:18:13.400 --> 00:18:16.320 And when he had said this, 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:18.240 He breathed on them, 00:18:18.860 --> 00:18:19.860 And said to them, 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.940 Receive the Holy Spirit. 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:25.320 If you forgive the sins of any, 00:18:25.800 --> 00:18:26.820 They are forgiven them. 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:29.700 If you withhold forgiveness from any, 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:31.320 It is withheld. 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:34.000 Now Thomas, 00:18:34.300 --> 00:18:35.460 One of the twelve, 00:18:35.580 --> 00:18:36.320 Called the twin, 00:18:37.100 --> 00:18:39.600 Was not with them when Jesus came. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.659 And so the other disciples told him, 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:44.319 We have seen the Lord. 00:18:45.179 --> 00:18:46.119 But he said to them, 00:18:46.199 --> 00:18:49.219 Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, 00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:52.219 And place my finger into the mark of the nails, 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.939 And place my hand into his side, 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:56.279 I will never believe. 00:18:57.879 --> 00:18:59.179 Eight days later, 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:01.599 His disciples were inside again, 00:19:01.879 --> 00:19:03.119 And Thomas was with them. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.659 Although the doors were locked, 00:19:05.660 --> 00:19:07.420 Jesus came and stood among them, 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:07.880 And said, 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:09.580 Peace be with you. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:11.500 Then he said to Thomas, 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:13.740 Put your finger here, 00:19:14.300 --> 00:19:15.500 And see my hands, 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:17.640 And put out your hand, 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:18.960 And place it in my side. 00:19:20.080 --> 00:19:21.900 Do not disbelieve, 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.660 But believe. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.040 Thomas answered him, 00:19:26.620 --> 00:19:27.279 My Lord, 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.680 And my God. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.920 Jesus said to him, 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.360 Have you believed, 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.820 Because you have seen me? 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:35.759 Blessed are those, 00:19:35.939 --> 00:19:37.159 Who have not seen me, 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:39.079 And yet have believed. 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:42.319 Now Jesus did many other signs, 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:44.119 In the presence of the disciples, 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:45.659 Which are not written in this book. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:47.319 But these are written, 00:19:47.679 --> 00:19:48.740 So that you may believe, 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:50.399 That Jesus is the Christ, 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.819 The Son of God, 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:53.639 And that by believing, 00:19:54.379 --> 00:19:55.480 You may have life, 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:57.279 In his name. 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.000 Amen. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.519 And this is, 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.939 God's word to us. 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.059 Let's, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:08.119 Bow our heads in prayer, 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:08.939 Once more. 00:20:13.639 --> 00:20:14.559 Heavenly Father, 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:16.079 How good it is, 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:16.519 Oh Lord, 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:17.279 For us to, 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.639 Be able today, 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.480 To spend time, 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:21.299 Reading your word, 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:22.960 Being able to spend time, 00:20:23.019 --> 00:20:23.859 Singing your praises, 00:20:24.859 --> 00:20:26.200 Being able to spend time, 00:20:26.839 --> 00:20:28.399 Learning of your ways, 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:30.059 And of your character. 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:32.359 And, 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.460 We need, 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:33.919 Lord, 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.559 To know, 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.700 These things, 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.339 We need to, 00:20:36.339 --> 00:20:37.759 Experience these things, 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.159 Because, 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.379 It's so easy for us, 00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:41.799 To get distracted, 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:43.639 To find our faith, 00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:45.379 Lose a sight of its, 00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:46.679 Objective and goal. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.419 We need these things, 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:49.679 Lord, 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:50.480 To be, 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:52.079 Able to pray. 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:55.099 We need these things, 00:20:55.159 --> 00:20:56.119 To pray with confidence, 00:20:56.119 --> 00:20:59.179 To pray with great expectation, 00:20:59.859 --> 00:21:01.099 On who you are, 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:02.799 And of what you can do. 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:05.239 And so we would come to you today, 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:05.500 Father, 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:07.479 And we seek to intercede, 00:21:08.199 --> 00:21:09.899 For this congregation, 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.739 For all those associated with it. 00:21:13.339 --> 00:21:14.179 We want to pray especially, 00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:15.939 For that mass of young people, 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:16.899 Who have just gone out to, 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.879 Sunday school classes today. 00:21:19.699 --> 00:21:20.899 We want to pray for their teachers, 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:22.140 And pray for, 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:24.120 Each one of those lives, 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:24.740 That you would, 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:26.140 Speak into their hearts, 00:21:27.140 --> 00:21:28.920 That in these days, 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.280 You would, 00:21:29.420 --> 00:21:30.480 Be gracious to them, 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.440 And fill them, 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:32.840 Lord, 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.800 With a sense of, 00:21:34.300 --> 00:21:34.900 Purpose, 00:21:35.860 --> 00:21:36.640 That what they are doing, 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:38.160 Is not just an insignificant thing, 00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:38.920 On a Sunday morning, 00:21:39.080 --> 00:21:40.840 To take up a short time, 00:21:40.840 --> 00:21:41.620 Of the day, 00:21:42.600 --> 00:21:43.519 But help them to know, 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:44.580 And to perceive, 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.960 That the questions, 00:21:46.120 --> 00:21:46.500 That they are, 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.620 Learning about, 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.519 The things they are learning, 00:21:48.600 --> 00:21:49.360 The Bible stories, 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.019 That they are, 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:51.599 Coming to understand, 00:21:51.719 --> 00:21:52.839 That these things really matter, 00:21:53.979 --> 00:21:54.619 And that they make, 00:21:54.639 --> 00:21:55.679 A profound difference, 00:21:56.179 --> 00:21:57.500 In all of our lives. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.479 I pray that you would, 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:00.599 Stood up in them faith, 00:22:01.179 --> 00:22:01.899 That you would help them, 00:22:01.979 --> 00:22:03.019 To believe the gospel, 00:22:03.919 --> 00:22:04.639 That you would help them, 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:05.319 To have confidence, 00:22:05.439 --> 00:22:06.299 In who Jesus is, 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.479 And how he matters, 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.519 In an incredibly, 00:22:10.219 --> 00:22:11.759 Diverse and challenging world, 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.639 In which we now live. 00:22:13.479 --> 00:22:14.199 We pray for wisdom, 00:22:14.359 --> 00:22:15.419 For their Sunday school teachers, 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:15.879 Today, 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:17.119 But more generally, 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:17.719 We pray Father, 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.539 For their parents, 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.680 That you would give them, 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:20.740 Wisdom in how they raise, 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:21.819 Young people in these days, 00:22:22.399 --> 00:22:23.279 That you would help them, 00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:24.519 To see and understand, 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.460 The truth of the gospel, 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:26.899 More clearly in their own homes, 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:28.519 That you would help them, 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:30.000 To impart valuable, 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:31.960 And lifelong lessons, 00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:33.740 Of faith and trust, 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.899 That our kids would see, 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.519 In our homes, 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.720 Examples of faith in Jesus, 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:39.599 In action. 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:41.119 We know Father, 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:42.299 All of our families face, 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.619 Difficult times, 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.460 Challenging times, 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.680 We face times of crisis, 00:22:46.159 --> 00:22:46.940 Times of upset, 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:49.180 It's around the dinner table, 00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:49.460 Father, 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.160 That so often, 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.080 These things, 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:52.799 Can be aired, 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.580 And teased out, 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:55.059 So we pray for your blessing, 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.600 In these times of family fellowship, 00:22:57.580 --> 00:22:58.160 That our homes, 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:58.660 Will be places, 00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:00.100 Where the gospel is at the center, 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.860 And with an understanding, 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.740 Of who Jesus is, 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:03.580 And who God is, 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:04.620 And how the Holy Spirit, 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:05.460 Works in our lives, 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.240 That these things, 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:07.900 Would really make a difference, 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:10.019 In how we explain the world, 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:11.400 To young people, 00:23:11.600 --> 00:23:12.100 In this day, 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:14.179 We pray today, 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.419 Father, 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:16.079 For your blessing, 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:17.279 On the congregation, 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:18.099 As a whole today, 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.419 And we ask Father, 00:23:19.459 --> 00:23:20.259 That everyone present, 00:23:20.399 --> 00:23:21.500 Both those physically, 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.199 Here in the building, 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.019 And those at home, 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.559 Watching on screens, 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:25.299 We ask Father, 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:26.240 That the blessing of God, 00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:27.079 Would be with us today, 00:23:27.159 --> 00:23:28.759 That we would hear the gospel, 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.919 That we would hear your word, 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.740 And that by hearing, 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:32.539 We would believe, 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:34.199 And we know Lord, 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.879 That was the purpose, 00:23:34.959 --> 00:23:36.699 Why John wrote the gospels for us, 00:23:36.839 --> 00:23:38.379 And so we ask and pray today, 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.619 For the Holy Spirit's working, 00:23:39.619 --> 00:23:41.919 And power in and through us, 00:23:42.139 --> 00:23:43.000 As we worship, 00:23:43.419 --> 00:23:44.099 That all of this, 00:23:44.239 --> 00:23:45.179 Would be to your glory, 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:47.379 That we would see, 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.639 The magnificence of Jesus, 00:23:48.839 --> 00:23:49.479 In what we read, 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:51.539 And that we would be encouraged Lord, 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:53.500 The day in which we're living, 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:55.339 It's a day where we've seen the church, 00:23:55.399 --> 00:23:55.899 And decline, 00:23:56.619 --> 00:23:58.079 And retreat across our country, 00:23:58.179 --> 00:23:59.099 For many many years, 00:24:00.219 --> 00:24:01.399 But we cry to you Father, 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:01.979 In these days, 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:03.279 That you would be gracious to us, 00:24:03.959 --> 00:24:05.179 And that you would remember our land, 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:06.839 We ask Father, 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:08.199 That you would bless our nation, 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:10.059 With wise gospel leaders, 00:24:10.120 --> 00:24:10.660 In our churches, 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.400 We pray for those, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.220 Who minister today, 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.220 We pray for all those Lord, 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.380 This day who are, 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:17.100 Ministering your word, 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:19.319 In sometimes very difficult situations, 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.880 Places where there is uncertainty, 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:22.519 And fear, 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:24.799 And places where, 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:25.620 There are, 00:24:26.120 --> 00:24:27.799 Or perhaps little signs of growth, 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:28.880 And yet, 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.640 Your servants are still diligently, 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.519 Going out with the word, 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.759 And still preaching, 00:24:33.279 --> 00:24:33.940 And we ask today, 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.019 For your blessing on them, 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:36.960 And you would encourage them, 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:38.319 That you would uphold them, 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:39.920 We pray for those, 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:41.039 Who are fearful preaching today, 00:24:41.880 --> 00:24:43.019 Those who have come, 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:45.319 With a great sense of trepidation, 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.660 Before congregations, 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.340 Knowing that, 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.819 What the message they have this day, 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:50.299 Is a difficult thing, 00:24:50.360 --> 00:24:51.079 For people to hear, 00:24:51.920 --> 00:24:53.019 We ask that you would give them, 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.200 Boldness as well, 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:56.319 We pray Father, 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:57.380 For those who are ministering, 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:58.140 In congregations, 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:59.559 Where there is, 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:01.200 Real spiritual deadness, 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:02.740 And we ask Father, 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.799 That you would bring forth, 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.299 A great awakening, 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.419 A revival in the church, 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.099 In these days, 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.460 That you would remember, 00:25:08.879 --> 00:25:09.460 Our land, 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.240 The need that our land has, 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.399 It needs Christians, 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.099 Who were commissioned, 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:14.799 To go out, 00:25:15.639 --> 00:25:16.619 Just as you sent out, 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:17.460 The first disciples, 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.919 Into the world, 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:20.240 After the resurrection, 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:22.099 We need that same, 00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:23.159 Commissioning today, 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:24.759 Across our nation, 00:25:25.339 --> 00:25:26.039 And so we pray Father, 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:27.000 That you would raise up workers, 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:28.779 We pray for our seminary, 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.599 Those who are training, 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.500 For gospel ministry, 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:31.079 And those who are, 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:32.919 Training in other institutions, 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:34.000 Around our country as well, 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.640 We pray Father, 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:35.460 That you would bless, 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:36.480 Those who are, 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.000 Seeking to serve you, 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.500 In the Christian ministry, 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.279 That you would bless, 00:25:40.339 --> 00:25:41.079 And prosper them, 00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:43.079 We pray for the, 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:44.240 Equipping of the church, 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:44.680 Therefore, 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.000 And that, 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.059 Those who are, 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.740 Preparing for that ministry, 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.099 Just now, 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.740 Would see their, 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:50.799 Their role, 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.900 Not simply as, 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.160 Being equipped and trained, 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:53.960 To go out into, 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.019 The highways and byways, 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.480 Of our nation, 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:56.240 As evangelists, 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.619 But to feed the flock of God, 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.619 That the flock of God itself, 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.000 The whole church, 00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:01.980 May be equipped, 00:26:02.079 --> 00:26:03.039 To rise up as one, 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:04.420 And to address, 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.339 The spiritual needs, 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:06.339 Of our nation at this time, 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:08.500 We cry to you Lord, 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.019 For our nation, 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:09.980 We pray for our leaders, 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:11.220 We pray for those, 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.639 Who have responsibility over us, 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:14.180 That you would bless them, 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.740 And we thank Lord, 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.720 Of the great, 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:18.279 Challenges of our time, 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.519 And we know Lord, 00:26:19.599 --> 00:26:20.740 That great wisdom is needed, 00:26:20.899 --> 00:26:21.619 In all those who lead, 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.759 And so we do pray Father, 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.399 For those in, 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.859 Local authority and council, 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.859 We pray for those, 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:28.639 In our devolved government, 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:29.220 In West, 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:30.099 In Holyrood, 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:30.859 And we pray for the government, 00:26:30.939 --> 00:26:31.480 In Westminster, 00:26:31.719 --> 00:26:32.399 That you would bless, 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:33.879 And prosper them, 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.519 As they seek to uphold righteousness, 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:37.480 As they seek to do good, 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.619 As they seek to alleviate, 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:41.039 The great effects of sin, 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:43.399 And the effects of, 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.899 Abuse in our age, 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.480 Lord, 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.299 There are so many things, 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:46.779 That the government, 00:26:46.959 --> 00:26:48.439 Is necessary for, 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.139 They wield a sword, 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.159 We know for a reason, 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:53.380 And so we pray for your blessing, 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.500 And prospering on them, 00:26:54.560 --> 00:26:55.860 As far as righteousness, 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.700 Can be pursued, 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:59.000 We pray today, 00:26:59.060 --> 00:26:59.700 For your blessing, 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:00.960 On our nation, 00:27:01.060 --> 00:27:02.100 As it seeks to, 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:03.460 Shine a light for, 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:05.100 Hope and democracy, 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:05.960 In the world, 00:27:06.800 --> 00:27:06.980 Lord, 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.920 There are so many places, 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:09.279 Where the privileges, 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.000 And the good things, 00:27:10.080 --> 00:27:10.560 That we have, 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.920 Are denied to so many people, 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:13.920 And so we do pray Father, 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:15.500 That as we seek to, 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:17.220 Have a presence, 00:27:17.320 --> 00:27:18.500 On the world stage as well, 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:19.920 That you would help us in that, 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:22.840 May we be known above all, 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:24.200 As a place of the gospel, 00:27:24.600 --> 00:27:25.700 And so we pray Father, 00:27:25.820 --> 00:27:27.380 For those who would, 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:28.840 Limit the gospel, 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:29.600 In our own nation, 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:30.940 That you would, 00:27:31.100 --> 00:27:32.120 Change their hearts, 00:27:32.320 --> 00:27:33.060 That you would bring, 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.259 Understanding to them, 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:35.840 We think Lord, 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:37.080 Of plans, 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:38.200 Which have recently, 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:39.400 Been scrapped here in Scotland, 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:41.620 To bring in, 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:44.460 Measures that would, 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:46.080 Limit the ability, 00:27:46.080 --> 00:27:46.680 Of the church, 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.880 To speak with clarity, 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:49.340 On moral issues, 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.459 Under a so called, 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:51.699 Conversion therapy ban, 00:27:52.679 --> 00:27:53.639 We pray for our leaders, 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:54.240 In Westminster, 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.220 As they now consider, 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:56.119 The same issues, 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:57.919 And we ask and pray, 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:59.259 That restraint would be shown, 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.559 That wisdom would be understood, 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:01.839 And received, 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:04.879 We want to pray today Father, 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.359 For the world in which we live, 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:08.319 We know it's a broken place, 00:28:08.419 --> 00:28:09.220 We know it's full of, 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:11.119 Great ills and disasters, 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.559 We know it's full of, 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.159 Violence, 00:28:13.679 --> 00:28:14.500 We know that there are, 00:28:14.699 --> 00:28:15.639 Schemes within schemes, 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.399 Of violent men, 00:28:16.399 --> 00:28:17.019 And wicked men, 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:18.279 Who would seek to have, 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.879 Their own way, 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:20.899 And we ask and pray Father, 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:21.960 That in all of these places, 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.200 You would bring relief, 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.819 That you would bring help, 00:28:26.139 --> 00:28:27.039 We pray especially, 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.480 For our friends who minister, 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:30.019 In these difficult areas, 00:28:30.119 --> 00:28:30.599 We think especially, 00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.899 Of the work of Blytheswood today, 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:33.240 As they minister, 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.279 Particularly in Ukraine, 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.899 We pray for Jeremy Ross, 00:28:37.059 --> 00:28:38.079 And for all of the team, 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:39.440 That work in that charity, 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:41.019 That you would bless, 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:41.819 And prosper them, 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:42.680 That you would help them, 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.859 And encourage them, 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.639 In the work they're doing, 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.180 And we pray for, 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:47.160 The partners that they work with, 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.420 In places like Ukraine, 00:28:48.780 --> 00:28:51.020 Under incredibly difficult circumstances, 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:53.300 Under great tension, 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:53.960 And stress, 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:56.120 And we ask that you would bring, 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.960 Help and relief, 00:28:57.580 --> 00:28:57.860 There, 00:28:57.920 --> 00:28:58.660 We pray for an end, 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.540 To that conflict, 00:29:00.580 --> 00:29:01.780 And we pray that you would bring, 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:03.320 About peace and justice, 00:29:04.320 --> 00:29:05.160 We pray the same Lord, 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.759 For the, 00:29:06.320 --> 00:29:07.240 Terrible scenes, 00:29:07.320 --> 00:29:08.600 That we see continuing in Gaza, 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:10.520 And we ask and pray Father, 00:29:10.520 --> 00:29:11.480 That across the world, 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:13.120 You would teach us, 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:14.160 As a race, 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.259 As a people, 00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:17.279 That the only way, 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.680 To true reconciliation, 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:21.059 Is through the gospel, 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:22.940 We know that Jesus came, 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:24.079 To bring reconciliation, 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:27.059 And we know that that fruit flows, 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.420 Not merely into, 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.539 The great reconciliation, 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:30.759 Between God and sinners, 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.400 But the reconciliation, 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:34.400 That flows between sinful men and women, 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.599 And we cry to you Father, 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:37.220 In these days, 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.779 That you would bring that to bear, 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.759 In its fullness, 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.039 And in light of, 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.799 The great hope of Jesus, 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.279 My peace I give to you, 00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.720 May that peace flow, 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:46.700 Throughout our world, 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:47.620 This day, 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.559 And therefore bless the church, 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.480 In all of these places, 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.180 Bless those who are seeking, 00:29:52.279 --> 00:29:53.440 To bring the light of the gospel, 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.620 Into people's lives, 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.400 And may our nation, 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.360 Our world, 00:29:57.900 --> 00:29:59.120 And our own hearts today, 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.440 Be transformed, 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:01.720 With this great good news, 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:03.279 That Jesus has come, 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:05.140 We ask then your blessing, 00:30:05.220 --> 00:30:06.019 In all of these things, 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:07.200 And we pray in Jesus name, 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.079 Amen. 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:19.819 And we're going to continue, 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:21.079 Singing to God's praise, 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:22.200 Again, 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:22.779 And sing, 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:24.420 Psalms, 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.500 In Psalm 29, 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:27.640 And this is page, 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.559 34, 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.380 Of the blue book, 00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:40.480 Really love this psalm, 00:30:40.540 --> 00:30:41.720 It's a picture of a, 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:42.940 Of a storm, 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.600 Passing through, 00:30:45.120 --> 00:30:46.000 The land of Israel, 00:30:46.060 --> 00:30:46.740 From the north, 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:47.920 All the way down, 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.540 Into the south, 00:30:49.020 --> 00:30:49.560 And David, 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:51.180 As he reflects on this, 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:52.700 Magnificent experience, 00:30:52.820 --> 00:30:54.020 This awe-inspiring experience, 00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:55.619 He relates it, 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:57.019 To the word of God, 00:30:57.379 --> 00:30:58.160 The law of the Lord, 00:30:58.220 --> 00:30:59.000 And God's voice, 00:30:59.099 --> 00:30:59.900 Speaking into, 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.460 The lives of his people, 00:31:02.019 --> 00:31:02.960 And it's that same, 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:04.599 Earth-shattering significance, 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.139 That David longs for, 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.339 As the storm, 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.480 Sweeps through the land, 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.240 And shakes the, 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:10.000 The trees, 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.759 And the very earth, 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:13.079 We would long for the same experience, 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:13.799 That our hearts, 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.900 Would be today moved, 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:16.799 By the power of God's word, 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:17.559 As well, 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.480 So we're going to sing, 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:19.220 The whole of this psalm, 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:19.920 You mighty ones, 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:20.639 Give to the Lord, 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.259 As his right, 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.639 Ascribe to the Lord God, 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:23.660 Both glory and might, 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:25.079 To the Lord's name, 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:26.680 Due glory and honour accord, 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:28.099 In beauty of holiness, 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:30.079 Worship the Lord. 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:31.139 We'll stand to sing, 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:31.619 If we're ready. 00:31:36.339 --> 00:31:38.839 You mighty ones, 00:31:38.920 --> 00:31:41.660 Give to the Lord, 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:44.180 As his right, 00:31:44.180 --> 00:31:48.480 Ascribe to the Lord God, 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:52.279 Both glory and might, 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:53.279 Till the Lord's name, 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:54.279 Till the Lord's name, 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.279 Till the Lord's name, 00:31:55.279 --> 00:32:00.460 To glory and honour accord, 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:04.279 In beauty of holiness, 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:09.099 Worship the Lord. 00:32:09.099 --> 00:32:12.099 The Lord's name, 00:32:12.159 --> 00:32:13.939 The Lord's voice is like, 00:32:14.139 --> 00:32:14.579 There have been one of our 00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:17.599 Shouldым pillars, 00:32:19.599 --> 00:32:23.759 The Lord's name stand about, 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:34.220 O Lord, the glorious Lord, upon all the waters cross under its earth, 00:32:34.599 --> 00:32:42.960 Hath the word, O voices, the voice of the Lord. 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:51.720 The voice of the Lord is majestic and loud. 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:59.940 By the voice of the Lord the great cedars are loud. 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:08.100 Yes, even the cedars of heaven adore. 00:33:08.099 --> 00:33:16.899 The Lord brings in pieces and shatters them all. 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:25.519 Like the leaf of a camp he shakes when the looms go. 00:33:25.959 --> 00:33:33.819 And silly unskills like the startled white hoax. 00:33:33.819 --> 00:33:42.159 The voice of the Lord causes lightning to flash. 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:50.819 The voice of the Lord makes the wilderness cash. 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:58.819 The Lord makes the desert of man is to shave. 00:33:58.819 --> 00:34:07.460 The Lord causes hopes of the forest to quake. 00:34:07.919 --> 00:34:15.759 The trees of the forest, the streets of their reams. 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:23.460 And he in this temple great glory receives. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:32.460 The Lord overflows, sits as monarch alone. 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:40.460 The Lord sits forever as king on his throne. 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:49.260 The Lord makes the strength of his people in peace. 00:34:49.260 --> 00:34:57.139 The Lord gives his people the blessing of peace. 00:34:57.139 --> 00:35:14.119 The Lord makes the earth. 00:35:14.119 --> 00:35:17.319 Would you turn with me and your Bibles, please, back to John's Gospel? 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:26.760 John chapter 20. We've read that passage, Jesus appearing to the disciples, verse 19, and then 00:35:26.760 --> 00:35:33.420 Thomas being with them the following week once again. Let's bow in prayer before we stop and 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:38.300 study God's Word. Heavenly Father, as we come for a short time just now to your Word, we do pray that 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:45.200 you would give us both hearing ears but also hearing hearts. We pray that our hearts today 00:35:45.199 --> 00:35:51.099 would be laid open by the Holy Spirit, that we would see ourselves and our great need in these 00:35:51.099 --> 00:35:56.899 verses, that we would see our own experience reflected in what is before us, and above all 00:35:56.899 --> 00:36:04.719 that we would today see Jesus. It's the entry of Jesus into the closed, barred darkness of our own 00:36:04.719 --> 00:36:08.980 hearts that really makes the difference, that transforms us. And so we pray today that Christ 00:36:08.980 --> 00:36:14.879 would come in, that in your own powerful working way that the Holy Spirit would be here 00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:20.559 bringing home to us these truths. And we ask this then in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:36:26.099 --> 00:36:33.260 I wonder how much uncertainty and doubt preoccupies you. I don't say that just to those of you today 00:36:33.260 --> 00:36:38.099 who are not believers. That may well be the case. There may be many, many questions that you have 00:36:38.099 --> 00:36:43.420 about the gospel. There may be many questions you have about the person and the work of Jesus. There 00:36:43.420 --> 00:36:48.079 may be many questions you have about the way the gospel changes our hearts and understanding what's 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:52.360 actually going on in your own life just now as perhaps the Holy Spirit is working with you. 00:36:52.820 --> 00:36:57.200 We have great means in the congregation to try and help you with these things. The group that meets 00:36:57.200 --> 00:37:01.780 on Thursday nights, for example, to handle big questions. That's a great place to go and explore 00:37:01.780 --> 00:37:05.119 some of these things. But if I can just for a moment just address that same question to believers. 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:11.319 You know, you're a Christian today who struggles at times with periods of doubt and uncertainty. 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:17.799 I think we'd be liars if we said that never happened to us. We'd be liars if we said that that never came 00:37:17.799 --> 00:37:25.279 to us. And I think Thomas is recorded in John's gospel for that reason. He's a great example of somebody 00:37:25.279 --> 00:37:32.139 who needed what I would almost call empirical certainty. He's one of these people who just wants evidence. 00:37:32.139 --> 00:37:40.699 He wants something to persuade him of the truth, the whole truth about Jesus. And so he's asked that 00:37:40.699 --> 00:37:45.079 question previously, for example. You know, John tells us that in John 14 when Jesus says, 00:37:45.460 --> 00:37:50.559 in my father's house there are many mansions, that famous passage. It's at the end of that as he says, 00:37:50.599 --> 00:37:54.460 I'm going to prepare a place for you. Thomas is the one who pipes up and says, how can we know? 00:37:54.739 --> 00:37:58.960 How do we know that we don't even know the way? How do we get there? And that's where Jesus responds 00:37:58.960 --> 00:38:03.579 with that wonderful passage where he says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to 00:38:03.579 --> 00:38:10.800 the Father except through me. So Thomas is somebody who's filled with doubt. But I would suggest, 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:14.340 actually, that before we get to Thomas, the rest of the disciples are in the same boat. 00:38:15.860 --> 00:38:23.360 The rest of the disciples are filled, quaking with fear. And fear is the experience of the 00:38:23.360 --> 00:38:28.860 disciples. We've already read in John's gospel how, you know, Jesus has appeared to Mary Magdalene. 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:34.880 The other apostles have gone to the tomb. They've seen the empty grave. They've been confronted by 00:38:34.880 --> 00:38:40.300 the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. But by the end of the first day of the week, they are still 00:38:40.300 --> 00:38:45.360 uncertain. And so they have gathered probably back in the upper room again. 00:38:45.360 --> 00:38:51.880 That seems to be the location that they've maybe retreated to for some days since the death of Jesus. 00:38:53.079 --> 00:39:03.079 And the doors are bolted and the disciples are gathered inside. The reality of the joyful hope 00:39:03.079 --> 00:39:11.200 of the resurrection just hasn't come home to them yet. The penny hasn't dropped. It's a bit like a Coke 00:39:11.199 --> 00:39:15.839 machine. You know, you put a coin into a Coke machine and there's a minute, maybe not a minute, 00:39:15.939 --> 00:39:20.559 if there's a minute, there's something wrong. But, you know, you're waiting for the can to drop out 00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:27.460 the bottom. It's like that. The good news of the resurrection of Jesus has gone in there. They 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:36.779 know what's happened. But the reality of it has not yet hit home to them. And so I think doubt and 00:39:36.780 --> 00:39:44.340 uncertainty is for them very, very real. These final chapters of John's gospel, these last couple 00:39:44.340 --> 00:39:49.560 of chapters in particular after the death and the resurrection of Jesus, John is very deliberately 00:39:49.560 --> 00:39:58.560 weaving together a series of images that are meant to confirm what we know. And that is that 00:39:58.559 --> 00:40:08.259 it's that although our faith is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus, and although the foundation 00:40:08.259 --> 00:40:17.139 of our hope as believers is in the work of Christ, the growth that we experience as believers, the way 00:40:17.139 --> 00:40:26.079 forward for us as believers is through fellowship. It's through the gathering together of the church. 00:40:26.079 --> 00:40:33.679 And it's interesting that here it's in fellowship that the solution to their problems appears. 00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:42.219 As the disciples are gathered together in fellowship, Jesus comes into their midst. And through that, 00:40:42.779 --> 00:40:47.639 and through the presence of Jesus and the gathering of the disciples, great blessing is received. 00:40:48.739 --> 00:40:55.019 And Thomas is an example of someone on the outside of that who needs to come in, who needs to be 00:40:55.019 --> 00:40:59.780 re-engaged in the fellowship of the church and built up and strengthened through it. 00:41:01.400 --> 00:41:11.619 And so it's really through that experience of fellowship that we see so much of the blessing of what follows. 00:41:13.019 --> 00:41:18.579 I don't think today we should see ourselves as being any different. 00:41:18.579 --> 00:41:22.699 John had been pastor of the church in Ephesus. 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:29.819 And it's to an ordinary church that he writes this gospel. It's for an ordinary set of Christians. 00:41:31.019 --> 00:41:37.079 And the ordinary experience of Christians is that we go through phases where sometimes doubt and uncertainty 00:41:37.079 --> 00:41:39.139 becomes greater and more experienced. 00:41:39.139 --> 00:41:50.420 We go through phases where our experience of fellowship maybe wanes and where we need to be re-engaged and brought back in to that experience. 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:55.539 So I want to think about the experience of the disciples, first of all, then the experience of Thomas, 00:41:55.859 --> 00:41:59.799 and then just finally come back to our own experience as well. 00:41:59.800 --> 00:42:08.580 As I say, the disciples, they're gathered in the upper room and they're filled with uncertainty 00:42:08.580 --> 00:42:15.080 and they are almost waiting for what's next because they just don't know. 00:42:15.720 --> 00:42:17.720 They don't know what happens next. 00:42:18.600 --> 00:42:22.280 The angels certainly have told them, Jesus has gone ahead and he'll meet you in Galilee. 00:42:22.560 --> 00:42:24.460 That somewhere lies ahead of them. 00:42:24.460 --> 00:42:29.920 But at this moment, they're still not sure quite what to do. 00:42:30.860 --> 00:42:35.280 And it's into that doubt-filled reality that Jesus appears. 00:42:37.019 --> 00:42:38.960 There's a question, I suppose, is how did he appear? 00:42:39.900 --> 00:42:41.639 Have you ever stopped and thought about it in this passage? 00:42:41.780 --> 00:42:43.199 It's interesting to think about. 00:42:43.380 --> 00:42:45.619 Did Jesus come with a locksmith? 00:42:46.900 --> 00:42:50.500 Did he come and unlock the door somehow and walk in through the door? 00:42:51.559 --> 00:42:54.320 Or was it sort of like Star Trek and he just materialized? 00:42:54.460 --> 00:42:55.639 Right in the middle of the room? 00:42:56.460 --> 00:42:58.480 Did he just kind of fade in through the wall? 00:42:58.519 --> 00:42:58.940 Who knows? 00:43:00.119 --> 00:43:04.179 You can speculate on it, but we're not told what the answer is. 00:43:05.000 --> 00:43:08.320 What we're told is that he simply appeared there. 00:43:09.720 --> 00:43:11.380 Nor are we told where he appeared from. 00:43:11.900 --> 00:43:12.639 Where has he been? 00:43:13.579 --> 00:43:15.480 I think it's likely that he's been with the Father. 00:43:16.480 --> 00:43:18.300 That he has been, we could say, in heaven. 00:43:19.180 --> 00:43:25.140 And that's during these 40 or so days between his death and his resurrection and his final ascension. 00:43:25.640 --> 00:43:27.980 That he is between heaven and earth. 00:43:28.860 --> 00:43:30.980 And so in this moment, he appears among the disciples. 00:43:30.980 --> 00:43:34.539 And he is in the right place. 00:43:35.119 --> 00:43:36.159 And this is the important thing. 00:43:36.360 --> 00:43:37.260 At the right time. 00:43:38.539 --> 00:43:41.460 So for us, that's one of the key things to remember. 00:43:41.659 --> 00:43:43.800 Into our doubt and uncertainty. 00:43:44.760 --> 00:43:47.179 Into the times where we have lots of questions. 00:43:47.179 --> 00:43:49.719 Jesus already knows. 00:43:50.399 --> 00:43:53.819 And is fully prepared to come at that moment. 00:43:54.319 --> 00:43:55.759 Into our experience. 00:43:56.599 --> 00:43:58.460 Into our doubts and into our uncertainties. 00:43:59.099 --> 00:44:02.299 To come with answers to the questions that we have. 00:44:03.480 --> 00:44:06.059 And it's part of the glory of Jesus. 00:44:07.460 --> 00:44:08.919 Because remember, John has already told us. 00:44:09.339 --> 00:44:11.239 John's introduction. 00:44:11.379 --> 00:44:13.319 The first chapter of John's gospel that we have. 00:44:13.320 --> 00:44:18.640 Is so important for grasping the themes that John is building as he goes through this gospel. 00:44:19.519 --> 00:44:20.519 And one of the things that John says. 00:44:20.580 --> 00:44:22.400 Probably the pivotal thing that John says is. 00:44:22.800 --> 00:44:24.120 We have seen his glory. 00:44:24.860 --> 00:44:26.820 Glory as of the only Son from the Father. 00:44:27.019 --> 00:44:29.240 Full of grace and truth. 00:44:30.120 --> 00:44:31.340 And that idea of grace and truth. 00:44:31.400 --> 00:44:32.360 The Old Testament ideas. 00:44:32.840 --> 00:44:34.059 God's loving kindness. 00:44:34.480 --> 00:44:35.780 God's covenant faithfulness. 00:44:36.480 --> 00:44:37.019 His chesed. 00:44:38.019 --> 00:44:39.940 And God's faithfulness. 00:44:40.900 --> 00:44:42.940 The fact that God will never abandon his people. 00:44:42.940 --> 00:44:43.980 He's utterly trustworthy. 00:44:44.179 --> 00:44:45.420 He's a covenant keeping God. 00:44:45.800 --> 00:44:46.579 We may fail him. 00:44:46.659 --> 00:44:47.740 But he will never fail us. 00:44:48.200 --> 00:44:49.760 And part of the glory of Jesus. 00:44:50.200 --> 00:44:52.300 Is the fact that he does things like this. 00:44:52.679 --> 00:44:54.960 He appears at the right moment. 00:44:57.280 --> 00:44:58.360 Ministering to his people. 00:44:59.500 --> 00:45:01.900 He appears with the right words. 00:45:02.780 --> 00:45:04.480 The right things we need to hear. 00:45:04.860 --> 00:45:06.679 He appears in the right place. 00:45:06.960 --> 00:45:08.800 In the place of our darkest fears. 00:45:09.300 --> 00:45:10.220 He appears. 00:45:10.900 --> 00:45:12.119 And he comes with us. 00:45:12.119 --> 00:45:14.380 And he ministers to us in that. 00:45:15.940 --> 00:45:18.339 And we should never lose sight of that character. 00:45:18.839 --> 00:45:20.319 That is on display for us. 00:45:21.000 --> 00:45:23.199 So Jesus appears in the right place at the right time. 00:45:24.299 --> 00:45:26.940 And he brings to them peace. 00:45:27.659 --> 00:45:29.259 The disciples are probably alarmed. 00:45:29.619 --> 00:45:31.279 Someone's just appeared right in their midst. 00:45:32.059 --> 00:45:33.259 And Jesus says to them. 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:35.440 My peace. 00:45:36.080 --> 00:45:37.040 I give to you. 00:45:37.080 --> 00:45:38.080 Peace be with you. 00:45:39.620 --> 00:45:41.620 The word peace that's used there. 00:45:41.700 --> 00:45:43.500 Is the idea of shalom. 00:45:44.240 --> 00:45:45.620 It's not just the absence. 00:45:45.780 --> 00:45:49.320 We tend to think of peace very much as the absence of war and stress. 00:45:50.100 --> 00:45:51.200 If someone's at peace. 00:45:51.340 --> 00:45:52.640 They're pretty chill. 00:45:52.639 --> 00:45:56.440 But the idea of peace in the Bible. 00:45:57.239 --> 00:45:58.599 And the peace of the gospel. 00:45:59.339 --> 00:46:02.239 Is the good news that sinners are liberated in and through Christ. 00:46:02.359 --> 00:46:04.900 And have full peace with God. 00:46:05.239 --> 00:46:06.179 Complete fellowship. 00:46:07.960 --> 00:46:10.739 There is a full functioning operational. 00:46:11.039 --> 00:46:13.379 Perfect harmonious relationship. 00:46:13.779 --> 00:46:14.440 Created. 00:46:14.440 --> 00:46:18.200 And it comes through Jesus. 00:46:19.420 --> 00:46:20.860 Through his blood shed at the cross. 00:46:21.920 --> 00:46:23.260 Through his finished work. 00:46:23.400 --> 00:46:24.519 Through us believing in him. 00:46:24.960 --> 00:46:27.119 Trusting in the sufficiency of what he has done. 00:46:27.460 --> 00:46:28.460 He brings us peace. 00:46:28.760 --> 00:46:30.200 And Jesus announces this to the disciples. 00:46:30.320 --> 00:46:31.900 He says peace be with you. 00:46:33.099 --> 00:46:34.380 I give you this shalom. 00:46:35.159 --> 00:46:37.780 It's the common greeting thereafter of the whole New Testament. 00:46:38.320 --> 00:46:39.220 Grace and peace. 00:46:39.659 --> 00:46:41.000 Almost every one of Paul's letters. 00:46:41.720 --> 00:46:42.720 Begins with that. 00:46:42.719 --> 00:46:45.319 It's that shalom of God. 00:46:45.739 --> 00:46:47.119 And the disciples are glad. 00:46:47.259 --> 00:46:48.939 Because Jesus has presented himself with them. 00:46:50.119 --> 00:46:51.259 So Jesus comes in. 00:46:51.500 --> 00:46:54.059 And offers them this reassurance. 00:46:54.419 --> 00:46:56.099 Of the shalom of God. 00:46:56.159 --> 00:46:57.699 That flows from the cross. 00:46:58.659 --> 00:47:00.599 That flows from his finished work. 00:47:01.319 --> 00:47:04.179 That flows from the fact that he's now risen from the dead. 00:47:04.799 --> 00:47:06.099 They can say with confidence. 00:47:06.099 --> 00:47:08.059 We have now got peace with God. 00:47:10.059 --> 00:47:11.480 Because of what Jesus has done. 00:47:12.719 --> 00:47:14.919 The same thing that we can say today. 00:47:15.079 --> 00:47:17.179 Because the resurrection confirms for us. 00:47:18.399 --> 00:47:21.759 Christ's sacrifice was acceptable. 00:47:24.099 --> 00:47:26.159 So nothing more is needed on God's side. 00:47:26.899 --> 00:47:28.019 God says it's done. 00:47:28.099 --> 00:47:28.599 It's finished. 00:47:29.019 --> 00:47:31.099 I'm satisfied with what my son has done. 00:47:31.339 --> 00:47:32.299 It's there for you. 00:47:32.319 --> 00:47:33.699 And it's fullness and completeness. 00:47:34.439 --> 00:47:36.099 Peace is available to us today. 00:47:37.099 --> 00:47:39.879 Peace is available to us in the brokenness of our lives. 00:47:39.880 --> 00:47:43.300 Spilling out into every aspect of our lives in fact. 00:47:44.539 --> 00:47:46.980 I mean certainly peace is available in your relationship with God. 00:47:47.140 --> 00:47:50.619 If you're laboring under the guilt of sin today. 00:47:51.700 --> 00:47:53.260 Peace is available to you. 00:47:53.420 --> 00:47:54.800 For that guilt to be taken away. 00:47:56.180 --> 00:47:58.400 If today you're struggling though. 00:47:58.500 --> 00:48:01.500 Through the realities of the brokenness of life. 00:48:01.500 --> 00:48:08.400 Perhaps in a series of broken realities in your own experience. 00:48:09.420 --> 00:48:11.659 Maybe substance abuse. 00:48:13.420 --> 00:48:17.179 Maybe parts of your character that are just not right. 00:48:18.019 --> 00:48:19.659 An angry temperament. 00:48:20.659 --> 00:48:22.800 Perhaps a broken and messy marriage. 00:48:22.800 --> 00:48:28.920 It's into all of this that God says peace be with you. 00:48:30.019 --> 00:48:36.039 Because the fullness of the gospel and the reconciliation that flows from the grace of God with himself. 00:48:36.720 --> 00:48:39.519 Overflowing into all of our human relationships with other people. 00:48:39.880 --> 00:48:41.640 And ultimately in the fullness of time. 00:48:42.000 --> 00:48:43.280 And in the new heavens and the new earth. 00:48:43.360 --> 00:48:45.380 Into the fullness of the whole of creation. 00:48:45.620 --> 00:48:47.920 Being placed under that peace of God. 00:48:47.920 --> 00:48:50.220 All of it is available to us today. 00:48:52.240 --> 00:48:53.400 Through Christ himself. 00:48:55.039 --> 00:48:56.700 And so the disciples were glad. 00:48:57.579 --> 00:48:58.760 They have every reason to be. 00:49:00.300 --> 00:49:02.019 And then Jesus though doesn't just leave them there. 00:49:02.280 --> 00:49:04.840 I mean sometimes we tend to think that's what discipleship is about isn't it? 00:49:04.900 --> 00:49:08.900 We'd love it if discipleship was about being brought to a place of peace and harmony. 00:49:09.039 --> 00:49:10.960 Where everything is still. 00:49:12.280 --> 00:49:13.740 But that isn't what Jesus says. 00:49:14.340 --> 00:49:15.420 It's interesting if you read it. 00:49:15.420 --> 00:49:17.519 Jesus appears and says to them peace be with you. 00:49:17.920 --> 00:49:21.659 As my father or as the father rather has sent me. 00:49:22.240 --> 00:49:25.320 Even so I am sending you. 00:49:28.840 --> 00:49:30.180 As I've been sent. 00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:32.139 I'm sending you. 00:49:33.180 --> 00:49:35.200 What Jesus is doing there is commissioning the disciples. 00:49:36.480 --> 00:49:39.960 It's a commission that he gives to the disciples specifically. 00:49:40.539 --> 00:49:44.280 But it's one which extends from the disciples to the whole church. 00:49:45.260 --> 00:49:46.900 Because as we'll see. 00:49:47.060 --> 00:49:48.780 The point Jesus has already prayed this. 00:49:48.840 --> 00:49:49.740 If you remember in John's gospel. 00:49:49.860 --> 00:49:52.220 Back in John 17 you've got the high priestly prayer of Jesus. 00:49:52.720 --> 00:49:54.080 He prays for himself first of all. 00:49:54.519 --> 00:49:55.460 And what he has to endure. 00:49:55.860 --> 00:49:57.040 He prays for the disciples. 00:49:57.140 --> 00:49:58.880 The 12 or the 11 as they are then. 00:49:59.240 --> 00:50:00.640 Who are going to be sent out in his name. 00:50:00.920 --> 00:50:04.180 And what they have to endure as a specific bearers of that responsibility. 00:50:04.860 --> 00:50:06.440 But then he prays for the rest of the church. 00:50:06.440 --> 00:50:09.240 All those who believe in him because of what the disciples have said. 00:50:09.239 --> 00:50:11.779 And so the commission that's given to the disciples here. 00:50:12.019 --> 00:50:12.839 Being sent out. 00:50:13.119 --> 00:50:14.619 Is a commission that today extends. 00:50:15.119 --> 00:50:16.519 To all those who have believed in the gospel. 00:50:16.659 --> 00:50:17.759 Because of what they have said. 00:50:19.159 --> 00:50:22.139 So it's like a chain that flows from the disciples to us. 00:50:23.199 --> 00:50:25.339 It's not a chain that flows from the apostle Peter. 00:50:25.519 --> 00:50:27.699 All the way down to the current Pope of Rome for example. 00:50:27.899 --> 00:50:29.000 It's not an individual thing. 00:50:29.419 --> 00:50:32.639 It's a collective commission that is given to the whole church. 00:50:33.179 --> 00:50:34.099 Every single believer. 00:50:34.219 --> 00:50:35.139 Not just ministers and elders. 00:50:35.139 --> 00:50:36.779 But every single believer. 00:50:37.259 --> 00:50:38.239 Shares in this commission. 00:50:39.139 --> 00:50:41.259 Where Jesus says as the father sent me. 00:50:41.900 --> 00:50:43.099 So I am sending you. 00:50:44.279 --> 00:50:45.339 It's interesting to note as well. 00:50:45.420 --> 00:50:46.559 Who's doing the work here. 00:50:47.719 --> 00:50:49.619 The whole trinity is involved in this. 00:50:50.379 --> 00:50:51.579 As the father has sent me. 00:50:51.699 --> 00:50:52.779 So I am sending you. 00:50:53.119 --> 00:50:54.659 And then Jesus breathes on the apostles. 00:50:55.079 --> 00:50:56.539 And he says receive the Holy Spirit. 00:50:57.019 --> 00:50:58.779 So you have the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. 00:50:59.019 --> 00:50:59.659 Triune God. 00:51:00.319 --> 00:51:01.339 All working together. 00:51:02.859 --> 00:51:04.739 Combined together in the same mission. 00:51:04.739 --> 00:51:05.919 And objective and goal. 00:51:07.119 --> 00:51:09.119 Of this great work of the father. 00:51:09.919 --> 00:51:11.299 Into which he sent the son. 00:51:12.579 --> 00:51:13.259 And the son. 00:51:13.739 --> 00:51:14.959 Engaged in that work himself. 00:51:15.079 --> 00:51:17.279 Then sends and commissions the disciples. 00:51:18.719 --> 00:51:20.859 And all of this empowered by the working. 00:51:20.979 --> 00:51:21.639 And the presence. 00:51:22.279 --> 00:51:23.859 And the transformation of the Holy Spirit. 00:51:23.959 --> 00:51:24.459 In their lives. 00:51:27.119 --> 00:51:29.259 So the whole of the triune God. 00:51:29.359 --> 00:51:30.199 Is involved in this. 00:51:30.859 --> 00:51:32.599 The characteristic of God himself. 00:51:32.699 --> 00:51:34.099 As a missionary is very clear. 00:51:35.599 --> 00:51:36.859 That God himself is involved. 00:51:36.919 --> 00:51:38.219 In this great work. 00:51:38.299 --> 00:51:39.959 Of going into the darkness of the world. 00:51:40.619 --> 00:51:41.779 And saving sinners. 00:51:43.119 --> 00:51:43.899 Of his son. 00:51:43.959 --> 00:51:45.519 Coming into the darkness of this world. 00:51:46.619 --> 00:51:48.279 And revealing the father's glory. 00:51:49.119 --> 00:51:50.359 The glory of the only son. 00:51:50.419 --> 00:51:50.859 From the father. 00:51:50.959 --> 00:51:51.819 Full of grace and truth. 00:51:51.820 --> 00:51:53.220 And so we ask ourselves today. 00:51:53.220 --> 00:51:55.360 What is the characteristics then. 00:51:55.460 --> 00:51:56.019 Of this mission. 00:51:56.220 --> 00:51:58.539 That Jesus is commissioning the disciples into. 00:51:59.600 --> 00:52:00.519 It's the same thing. 00:52:01.740 --> 00:52:03.760 Revealing the character of the father. 00:52:04.800 --> 00:52:06.180 Revealing the character of Jesus. 00:52:07.559 --> 00:52:08.519 Revealing grace. 00:52:09.059 --> 00:52:09.580 And truth. 00:52:10.920 --> 00:52:13.000 Going to people with an undeserved message. 00:52:13.000 --> 00:52:13.800 Of salvation. 00:52:15.100 --> 00:52:15.980 Reminding people. 00:52:16.100 --> 00:52:16.820 Everyone here today. 00:52:16.920 --> 00:52:18.440 Ought to be reminded of this. 00:52:18.440 --> 00:52:20.740 That your salvation is not your own. 00:52:21.480 --> 00:52:22.800 It's not your own work. 00:52:22.880 --> 00:52:23.820 It's not your own effort. 00:52:23.940 --> 00:52:26.179 It's not your own intentionality. 00:52:26.980 --> 00:52:28.599 It's not your own righteousness. 00:52:30.000 --> 00:52:30.980 It's gracious. 00:52:31.179 --> 00:52:31.880 It's a gift. 00:52:32.579 --> 00:52:34.320 It's a salvation that's given to you. 00:52:34.320 --> 00:52:36.039 Because you could never do it yourself. 00:52:37.500 --> 00:52:39.019 That's the commission that we have. 00:52:39.079 --> 00:52:40.019 To tell people. 00:52:40.460 --> 00:52:41.780 Salvation is free. 00:52:42.519 --> 00:52:43.480 It's a gift. 00:52:43.480 --> 00:52:47.059 And it's to be done faithfully. 00:52:48.099 --> 00:52:50.380 How often is it that we give up on people? 00:52:51.840 --> 00:52:53.460 How often is it that we get frustrated. 00:52:53.639 --> 00:52:53.960 And we say. 00:52:54.079 --> 00:52:54.480 Oh no. 00:52:54.579 --> 00:52:56.619 I'm not going on with trying to persuade you of this. 00:52:56.719 --> 00:52:57.639 It's just pearls. 00:52:57.940 --> 00:52:59.039 We use that phrase. 00:52:59.119 --> 00:53:00.300 The pearls before swine. 00:53:01.480 --> 00:53:02.900 The faithfulness of God. 00:53:05.260 --> 00:53:05.579 Persists. 00:53:05.940 --> 00:53:07.500 Until God and his sovereignty. 00:53:08.500 --> 00:53:09.199 Ends things. 00:53:10.500 --> 00:53:11.699 People on mercy's ground. 00:53:11.699 --> 00:53:14.879 People that we've been praying for. 00:53:16.259 --> 00:53:17.899 People that we want to see saved. 00:53:18.000 --> 00:53:19.199 That we've been longing to see. 00:53:19.299 --> 00:53:21.239 Come to salvation for years upon years. 00:53:21.319 --> 00:53:22.819 Those of you who are parents know this. 00:53:23.879 --> 00:53:24.960 You never stop. 00:53:26.480 --> 00:53:28.179 The faithfulness of God. 00:53:28.960 --> 00:53:31.480 The characteristic of the faithfulness of God. 00:53:32.259 --> 00:53:34.439 Which characterizes Christ's mission. 00:53:35.219 --> 00:53:36.179 Characterizes ours. 00:53:37.239 --> 00:53:39.619 And we go on in that constant hope. 00:53:39.619 --> 00:53:44.739 It's interesting the way Jesus states this as well. 00:53:45.000 --> 00:53:45.920 As the Father has sent me. 00:53:46.000 --> 00:53:47.319 That's a perfect tense in Greek. 00:53:48.000 --> 00:53:48.699 So it's complete. 00:53:48.799 --> 00:53:49.119 It's done. 00:53:49.219 --> 00:53:50.159 The Father has sent me. 00:53:50.239 --> 00:53:52.179 I have done the work that the Father sent me to do. 00:53:53.679 --> 00:53:55.199 The work of Jesus is finished. 00:53:55.339 --> 00:53:56.719 Nothing more needs to be added to it. 00:53:57.480 --> 00:53:58.960 There's nothing extra needs to be done. 00:53:59.679 --> 00:54:01.000 The grace of salvation. 00:54:01.139 --> 00:54:02.079 The gift of salvation. 00:54:02.279 --> 00:54:03.799 It has been fully purchased. 00:54:03.800 --> 00:54:06.539 It is a self-contained thing now. 00:54:07.039 --> 00:54:07.840 The work is done. 00:54:09.019 --> 00:54:10.980 And Jesus' ongoing work now is for the church. 00:54:11.039 --> 00:54:12.060 As its head. 00:54:12.380 --> 00:54:13.560 As the Lamb of God. 00:54:13.640 --> 00:54:15.880 Who continues to pray and intercede for the people. 00:54:16.580 --> 00:54:17.600 We've been hearing about that recently. 00:54:17.680 --> 00:54:18.780 What's Jesus doing right now? 00:54:19.400 --> 00:54:20.019 It's a great sermon. 00:54:22.519 --> 00:54:22.840 So. 00:54:22.840 --> 00:54:25.360 How does he send us? 00:54:25.420 --> 00:54:26.460 Does he send us in the same way? 00:54:26.500 --> 00:54:26.640 No. 00:54:26.800 --> 00:54:27.120 He says. 00:54:27.460 --> 00:54:27.740 Now. 00:54:28.280 --> 00:54:30.380 The present tense is used. 00:54:30.920 --> 00:54:31.960 I am sending you. 00:54:33.940 --> 00:54:34.820 He's sending us. 00:54:34.940 --> 00:54:36.300 In an ongoing sense. 00:54:36.400 --> 00:54:38.380 We are to go on with this great commission. 00:54:39.100 --> 00:54:39.880 Continuing to work. 00:54:39.960 --> 00:54:41.260 As the Father has sent him. 00:54:41.960 --> 00:54:43.240 So we are to be sent. 00:54:44.840 --> 00:54:46.340 That means the key characteristic for us. 00:54:46.400 --> 00:54:46.920 Has to be. 00:54:47.880 --> 00:54:49.140 The heart for the lost. 00:54:50.019 --> 00:54:52.920 And that's what the really confusing bit in verse 23 is about. 00:54:53.420 --> 00:54:54.359 As you look at verse 23. 00:54:54.480 --> 00:54:54.819 Jesus says. 00:54:55.059 --> 00:54:55.179 I. 00:54:55.699 --> 00:54:57.559 If you forgive the sins of any. 00:54:57.639 --> 00:54:58.420 So this is as the. 00:54:58.539 --> 00:55:00.859 The church of God is sent out into the world. 00:55:00.980 --> 00:55:01.699 Commissioned by Jesus. 00:55:01.839 --> 00:55:02.920 Empowered by the Holy Spirit. 00:55:03.719 --> 00:55:04.400 Jesus then says. 00:55:04.519 --> 00:55:05.859 If you forgive the sins of any. 00:55:06.239 --> 00:55:07.079 They are forgiven them. 00:55:07.159 --> 00:55:08.859 If you withhold forgiveness from any. 00:55:08.859 --> 00:55:09.659 It is withheld. 00:55:10.719 --> 00:55:13.599 And that is a profoundly difficult verse. 00:55:14.900 --> 00:55:16.079 Perhaps wisdom would have said. 00:55:16.299 --> 00:55:17.480 Don't preach on that today Gordon. 00:55:17.480 --> 00:55:19.539 One sensible thing to do. 00:55:19.619 --> 00:55:20.380 Would have been to avoid it. 00:55:21.240 --> 00:55:23.760 But this is an important verse for us. 00:55:24.480 --> 00:55:25.760 Because if we're to understand. 00:55:25.900 --> 00:55:26.920 The commission of Jesus. 00:55:27.340 --> 00:55:28.820 If it's to be in the same terms. 00:55:28.820 --> 00:55:30.340 As Jesus was sent into the world. 00:55:30.460 --> 00:55:31.880 As the Father sent him. 00:55:32.159 --> 00:55:34.079 And he is to reveal the character of the Father. 00:55:34.400 --> 00:55:35.659 And our commission by Jesus. 00:55:35.659 --> 00:55:36.619 Is to go into the world. 00:55:37.079 --> 00:55:38.159 Fulfilling the same mission. 00:55:38.240 --> 00:55:39.599 Showing the character of the Father. 00:55:40.639 --> 00:55:41.480 Then that means. 00:55:41.780 --> 00:55:43.019 What happens here today. 00:55:44.480 --> 00:55:46.199 Is the fulfillment of verse 23. 00:55:47.480 --> 00:55:50.280 If I don't preach to you today. 00:55:50.679 --> 00:55:52.599 That sins can be forgiven. 00:55:54.079 --> 00:55:56.039 You will not know that sin can be forgiven. 00:55:56.539 --> 00:55:58.340 And if you don't know your sins can be forgiven. 00:55:59.400 --> 00:56:00.360 Your sins won't be. 00:56:03.240 --> 00:56:05.559 If I don't preach the gospel faithfully. 00:56:06.900 --> 00:56:08.440 You won't have your sins forgiven. 00:56:09.280 --> 00:56:10.119 You can't. 00:56:11.119 --> 00:56:12.559 Because sins can't be forgiven. 00:56:12.559 --> 00:56:16.059 In the absence of faithful preaching of the gospel. 00:56:18.079 --> 00:56:21.219 And that is a really solemn thought. 00:56:22.440 --> 00:56:23.940 The lost outside. 00:56:24.779 --> 00:56:27.239 Can never know the salvation of Jesus. 00:56:28.239 --> 00:56:29.679 Unless they have a preacher. 00:56:30.960 --> 00:56:32.980 Unless someone goes to them. 00:56:33.159 --> 00:56:34.259 With the word. 00:56:35.739 --> 00:56:37.320 Unless we go to them. 00:56:37.659 --> 00:56:38.599 With the word. 00:56:38.599 --> 00:56:41.819 Unless we share with people. 00:56:42.440 --> 00:56:43.659 The good news of the gospel. 00:56:45.179 --> 00:56:46.539 If we don't do it. 00:56:47.179 --> 00:56:48.139 Our friends. 00:56:48.980 --> 00:56:49.599 Our neighbors. 00:56:50.440 --> 00:56:51.259 Our workmates. 00:56:52.199 --> 00:56:53.000 Will be lost. 00:56:53.440 --> 00:56:53.980 To hell. 00:56:55.980 --> 00:56:57.219 Because the gospel. 00:56:58.400 --> 00:56:59.559 Has to be proclaimed. 00:57:00.839 --> 00:57:02.779 And that's what verse 23 is saying. 00:57:02.780 --> 00:57:06.040 The only way sin can be forgiven. 00:57:06.620 --> 00:57:10.640 Is in the context of the faithful ministry of Christ's people. 00:57:14.200 --> 00:57:15.780 And if we as a congregation. 00:57:16.660 --> 00:57:18.560 Want to see our town saved. 00:57:18.660 --> 00:57:19.340 That's a good thing. 00:57:19.420 --> 00:57:20.320 That's a good desire. 00:57:21.840 --> 00:57:22.980 The only way. 00:57:23.320 --> 00:57:24.180 To that salvation. 00:57:24.380 --> 00:57:25.420 For those around us. 00:57:26.160 --> 00:57:28.120 Is if someone goes faithfully. 00:57:28.340 --> 00:57:29.000 With the gospel. 00:57:29.140 --> 00:57:30.100 So preaching is key. 00:57:30.099 --> 00:57:32.299 But remember. 00:57:32.839 --> 00:57:34.759 The outcome doesn't rest with us. 00:57:35.480 --> 00:57:36.460 Because Jesus says. 00:57:36.599 --> 00:57:38.539 We need the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:57:39.059 --> 00:57:40.759 We don't have the power to forgive sins. 00:57:41.319 --> 00:57:41.500 I mean. 00:57:41.619 --> 00:57:42.199 You can't. 00:57:42.500 --> 00:57:43.920 You can't go to that version. 00:57:44.039 --> 00:57:44.500 Verse 23. 00:57:44.639 --> 00:57:44.779 And say. 00:57:44.839 --> 00:57:46.119 Well that means we have the power to forgive sins. 00:57:46.159 --> 00:57:46.779 And we just say to people. 00:57:46.839 --> 00:57:47.299 Your sins are forgiven. 00:57:47.360 --> 00:57:47.579 They're forgiven. 00:57:47.619 --> 00:57:48.059 They're not. 00:57:48.159 --> 00:57:49.299 You can't forgive people's sins. 00:57:49.360 --> 00:57:50.099 You're not the judge. 00:57:51.559 --> 00:57:52.420 What you need. 00:57:52.779 --> 00:57:54.500 Is the Holy Spirit's power. 00:57:55.980 --> 00:57:57.599 To do what the Holy Spirit does. 00:57:57.599 --> 00:58:00.400 And the Holy Spirit's work. 00:58:00.500 --> 00:58:01.739 Is one of shining a light. 00:58:02.480 --> 00:58:04.239 The Spirit shines a light. 00:58:04.400 --> 00:58:05.659 On the person of Jesus. 00:58:06.900 --> 00:58:07.980 And that's what he'll do. 00:58:08.099 --> 00:58:09.199 Through your witness as well. 00:58:10.279 --> 00:58:11.039 So if we go out. 00:58:11.079 --> 00:58:11.779 And we pray. 00:58:12.619 --> 00:58:14.519 That the Lord will bless our witness. 00:58:14.659 --> 00:58:15.299 Day by day. 00:58:16.839 --> 00:58:17.900 The Holy Spirit. 00:58:17.900 --> 00:58:19.599 Will shine a light on Jesus. 00:58:20.799 --> 00:58:22.239 Through your witness. 00:58:25.299 --> 00:58:27.159 And Christ will be eliminated. 00:58:28.059 --> 00:58:28.559 Illuminated. 00:58:28.719 --> 00:58:28.859 Sorry. 00:58:30.159 --> 00:58:30.639 Shown on. 00:58:31.239 --> 00:58:32.299 Shown to be clear. 00:58:33.539 --> 00:58:34.259 And the church. 00:58:34.440 --> 00:58:35.519 Faithfully going out. 00:58:35.960 --> 00:58:37.440 Will make Christ known. 00:58:38.839 --> 00:58:40.239 I would say it's costly. 00:58:40.500 --> 00:58:40.980 As well. 00:58:42.639 --> 00:58:44.279 And the reason I say it's costly. 00:58:44.440 --> 00:58:44.879 Is because. 00:58:45.319 --> 00:58:46.079 For Jesus. 00:58:46.519 --> 00:58:47.699 The sending of the Father. 00:58:47.699 --> 00:58:48.399 Was costly. 00:58:50.239 --> 00:58:51.639 Jesus coming into the world. 00:58:52.379 --> 00:58:52.639 Came. 00:58:53.059 --> 00:58:53.199 And. 00:58:53.659 --> 00:58:54.460 We remember that verse. 00:58:54.519 --> 00:58:55.199 We were looking at it actually. 00:58:55.279 --> 00:58:55.699 On Wednesday night. 00:58:55.739 --> 00:58:56.179 In the Bible study. 00:58:56.179 --> 00:58:57.219 It's that downward trajectory. 00:58:57.319 --> 00:58:58.000 In Philippians 2. 00:58:58.279 --> 00:58:59.579 He came into a sinful world. 00:59:00.079 --> 00:59:01.179 He came into a place of slavery. 00:59:01.599 --> 00:59:02.440 He came into. 00:59:03.440 --> 00:59:04.719 Despised and rejected of men. 00:59:04.940 --> 00:59:05.940 He went to the cross. 00:59:06.259 --> 00:59:07.399 Not just any death in fact. 00:59:07.460 --> 00:59:08.259 But the death of the cross. 00:59:08.359 --> 00:59:09.379 The cursed death. 00:59:09.460 --> 00:59:10.179 Of being hung in a tree. 00:59:11.179 --> 00:59:12.279 And then he was buried. 00:59:13.799 --> 00:59:14.339 And you kind of think. 00:59:14.399 --> 00:59:15.679 That was God who did this. 00:59:15.899 --> 00:59:16.480 God the son. 00:59:17.000 --> 00:59:17.679 Who went through that. 00:59:17.839 --> 00:59:18.559 Downward trajectory. 00:59:18.559 --> 00:59:19.339 All the way to the cross. 00:59:19.340 --> 00:59:21.900 That path of suffering. 00:59:22.019 --> 00:59:22.720 And cost. 00:59:23.620 --> 00:59:24.559 Is what it means. 00:59:24.640 --> 00:59:25.620 To be sent by God. 00:59:25.660 --> 00:59:26.559 Into a sinful world. 00:59:28.280 --> 00:59:29.800 And I have to be honest with you today. 00:59:29.900 --> 00:59:31.140 There's a great danger. 00:59:31.940 --> 00:59:33.360 In showing people. 00:59:34.100 --> 00:59:35.240 Cheap discipleship. 00:59:35.579 --> 00:59:36.220 Become a Christian. 00:59:36.440 --> 00:59:36.720 And you know. 00:59:36.840 --> 00:59:38.140 It's just a little bit of a. 00:59:38.340 --> 00:59:38.539 You know. 00:59:38.559 --> 00:59:39.300 It's a little thing. 00:59:40.680 --> 00:59:41.360 It's not. 00:59:42.480 --> 00:59:43.740 Being a disciple of Jesus. 00:59:43.860 --> 00:59:45.039 Is profoundly costly. 00:59:45.039 --> 00:59:48.759 It's not without profound reward. 00:59:49.460 --> 00:59:50.480 There's not profound hope. 00:59:50.480 --> 00:59:51.659 In the resurrection. 00:59:51.860 --> 00:59:52.719 And eternal life. 00:59:53.099 --> 00:59:54.239 There's not profound comfort. 00:59:54.340 --> 00:59:55.840 In the presence of the Holy Spirit. 00:59:55.840 --> 00:59:56.440 With us. 00:59:56.820 --> 00:59:57.960 And the comfort of Jesus. 00:59:58.079 --> 00:59:58.500 Being present. 00:59:58.579 --> 00:59:58.960 As I said. 00:59:59.000 --> 00:59:59.500 In his fullness. 00:59:59.599 --> 01:00:00.199 Of his grace. 01:00:00.619 --> 01:00:01.199 And truth. 01:00:01.320 --> 01:00:01.719 Coming in. 01:00:01.779 --> 01:00:02.440 To meet us. 01:00:02.679 --> 01:00:03.559 At our point of need. 01:00:03.759 --> 01:00:04.619 And comforting us. 01:00:04.619 --> 01:00:05.239 And assuring us. 01:00:05.239 --> 01:00:05.840 And helping us. 01:00:06.199 --> 01:00:07.679 But it's not cost free. 01:00:09.139 --> 01:00:10.139 People will hate you. 01:00:11.300 --> 01:00:12.400 People will despise you. 01:00:12.420 --> 01:00:13.920 Because you are a follower of Christ. 01:00:13.920 --> 01:00:15.800 People will reject you. 01:00:15.840 --> 01:00:17.039 Because they rejected him. 01:00:18.680 --> 01:00:19.820 And yet we go on. 01:00:19.880 --> 01:00:20.720 With confidence. 01:00:21.500 --> 01:00:22.340 And so we preach. 01:00:22.460 --> 01:00:23.220 With power. 01:00:23.539 --> 01:00:24.579 Knowing there's a price. 01:00:25.619 --> 01:00:26.820 And the peace of God. 01:00:26.920 --> 01:00:27.380 Will flow. 01:00:28.340 --> 01:00:29.260 From us. 01:00:29.860 --> 01:00:30.680 Then on to others. 01:00:32.760 --> 01:00:33.180 Thomas. 01:00:33.920 --> 01:00:34.820 Time's nearly away. 01:00:34.920 --> 01:00:35.700 So let me very briefly. 01:00:35.700 --> 01:00:36.539 Just mention Thomas. 01:00:37.300 --> 01:00:38.440 Thomas was absent. 01:00:38.740 --> 01:00:39.720 When all of this happened. 01:00:40.960 --> 01:00:42.360 And so it's really interesting. 01:00:42.460 --> 01:00:43.039 To just pause. 01:00:43.119 --> 01:00:43.599 And remember. 01:00:43.920 --> 01:00:45.079 What happens there. 01:00:45.180 --> 01:00:46.820 The importance of fellowship. 01:00:47.019 --> 01:00:47.900 And getting this right. 01:00:49.519 --> 01:00:50.320 Thomas has. 01:00:50.639 --> 01:00:51.180 For reasons. 01:00:51.780 --> 01:00:53.380 Which are probably lengthy. 01:00:53.579 --> 01:00:54.500 And tricky to get into. 01:00:54.599 --> 01:00:55.740 But Thomas is one of these people. 01:00:55.780 --> 01:00:56.380 Who needs evidence. 01:00:56.500 --> 01:00:56.700 When he's. 01:00:56.980 --> 01:00:57.559 So you know. 01:00:57.599 --> 01:00:58.360 Certainly we thought on that. 01:00:58.599 --> 01:00:59.800 But he's also probably someone. 01:00:59.800 --> 01:01:01.119 Who needs a bit of time by himself. 01:01:01.740 --> 01:01:02.960 There's nothing wrong with that. 01:01:03.920 --> 01:01:05.260 Sometimes taking a bit of time out. 01:01:05.300 --> 01:01:05.840 To reflect. 01:01:05.960 --> 01:01:06.380 And chill. 01:01:06.500 --> 01:01:07.000 Is good. 01:01:09.180 --> 01:01:10.079 What's wrong is. 01:01:10.260 --> 01:01:11.300 Making that habitual. 01:01:12.460 --> 01:01:13.119 Stepping back. 01:01:13.119 --> 01:01:13.400 And saying. 01:01:13.460 --> 01:01:13.859 Well I'm not. 01:01:14.099 --> 01:01:14.279 You know. 01:01:14.960 --> 01:01:16.239 I'm giving up in the prayer meeting. 01:01:16.440 --> 01:01:17.920 I'm giving up in Christian fellowship. 01:01:18.059 --> 01:01:19.559 I'm giving up in meeting with other Christians. 01:01:19.559 --> 01:01:20.380 Because they're hypocrites. 01:01:20.420 --> 01:01:20.799 And it's awful. 01:01:22.159 --> 01:01:23.359 There's no place for that. 01:01:24.039 --> 01:01:24.279 And so. 01:01:24.659 --> 01:01:25.819 The cure to that. 01:01:26.219 --> 01:01:26.940 Position of. 01:01:27.839 --> 01:01:28.199 Outside. 01:01:28.559 --> 01:01:29.599 Taking yourself outside. 01:01:30.279 --> 01:01:30.639 Is. 01:01:30.900 --> 01:01:31.639 What happens to Thomas. 01:01:31.719 --> 01:01:32.519 Where he's brought back in. 01:01:32.519 --> 01:01:34.639 But what's really interesting. 01:01:34.719 --> 01:01:36.019 Is when Thomas is brought back in. 01:01:36.639 --> 01:01:37.179 And he comes. 01:01:37.239 --> 01:01:38.079 And he meets with the disciples. 01:01:38.159 --> 01:01:38.480 And he's got. 01:01:38.699 --> 01:01:38.920 You know. 01:01:38.980 --> 01:01:40.119 He's got his empirical questions. 01:01:40.179 --> 01:01:40.739 I want to see them. 01:01:40.880 --> 01:01:42.000 I want to see the nail prints. 01:01:42.420 --> 01:01:43.880 I want to see the wound in his side. 01:01:44.880 --> 01:01:46.360 When he does come back in. 01:01:47.139 --> 01:01:48.579 There's real blessing is found. 01:01:49.500 --> 01:01:50.619 And what's really interesting. 01:01:50.739 --> 01:01:51.820 Is Jesus ministers to him. 01:01:51.840 --> 01:01:52.960 At the point of his need as well. 01:01:53.199 --> 01:01:54.119 What does Jesus say. 01:01:54.780 --> 01:01:55.259 To Thomas. 01:01:56.340 --> 01:01:56.820 He says. 01:01:56.860 --> 01:01:57.280 Here Thomas. 01:01:57.340 --> 01:01:57.960 Look at my hands. 01:01:57.960 --> 01:02:00.659 You want to put your hand. 01:02:00.679 --> 01:02:01.079 On my side. 01:02:01.159 --> 01:02:01.500 There is. 01:02:04.460 --> 01:02:04.880 Jesus. 01:02:05.579 --> 01:02:06.059 Knows. 01:02:06.360 --> 01:02:06.760 Exactly. 01:02:06.920 --> 01:02:08.220 What Thomas's questions were. 01:02:08.800 --> 01:02:09.699 And he answers them. 01:02:09.760 --> 01:02:10.740 He ministers to Thomas. 01:02:11.079 --> 01:02:11.800 At the point. 01:02:11.940 --> 01:02:12.840 Of his need. 01:02:14.380 --> 01:02:15.300 And so we have a gracious. 01:02:16.679 --> 01:02:17.460 And kind. 01:02:17.900 --> 01:02:18.420 And faithful. 01:02:18.599 --> 01:02:18.900 Savior. 01:02:19.780 --> 01:02:20.280 In Jesus. 01:02:20.380 --> 01:02:21.519 He shows the father's glory. 01:02:21.920 --> 01:02:23.159 In how he speaks to Thomas. 01:02:23.920 --> 01:02:24.460 But then. 01:02:24.599 --> 01:02:25.119 He also. 01:02:25.440 --> 01:02:26.260 Ministers to Thomas. 01:02:26.380 --> 01:02:27.300 In the same way that he ministers. 01:02:27.300 --> 01:02:27.940 To the rest of the disciples. 01:02:27.960 --> 01:02:30.159 He doesn't leave him where he is. 01:02:30.760 --> 01:02:31.079 He says. 01:02:31.380 --> 01:02:32.460 Now it's time to move forward. 01:02:34.079 --> 01:02:34.519 And Thomas. 01:02:34.720 --> 01:02:35.480 Is commissioned. 01:02:35.679 --> 01:02:36.260 In the same way. 01:02:36.360 --> 01:02:37.380 Do you believe these things. 01:02:37.440 --> 01:02:38.000 Thomas says. 01:02:38.260 --> 01:02:39.079 Jesus says to him. 01:02:39.420 --> 01:02:40.380 And Thomas's response. 01:02:40.380 --> 01:02:41.179 Is really fascinating. 01:02:41.260 --> 01:02:41.480 He says. 01:02:41.539 --> 01:02:41.900 My Lord. 01:02:41.940 --> 01:02:42.519 And my God. 01:02:44.619 --> 01:02:45.699 He recognizes. 01:02:46.199 --> 01:02:47.000 That Jesus. 01:02:47.440 --> 01:02:47.659 Is. 01:02:48.240 --> 01:02:48.340 The. 01:02:48.440 --> 01:02:48.639 The. 01:02:48.720 --> 01:02:49.599 The word in Greek. 01:02:49.659 --> 01:02:50.280 Is kurios. 01:02:50.460 --> 01:02:50.599 The. 01:02:50.699 --> 01:02:50.900 The. 01:02:51.019 --> 01:02:51.579 The Lord. 01:02:51.659 --> 01:02:52.300 The master. 01:02:53.119 --> 01:02:54.320 The word's probably closer to master. 01:02:54.320 --> 01:02:54.860 Than it is Lord. 01:02:54.920 --> 01:02:55.179 Actually. 01:02:55.720 --> 01:02:57.199 A slave master relationship. 01:02:57.199 --> 01:02:59.199 And so Thomas is recognizing. 01:02:59.199 --> 01:03:00.219 That his life. 01:03:00.399 --> 01:03:01.239 From this point on. 01:03:01.739 --> 01:03:03.219 Is under the same authority. 01:03:03.219 --> 01:03:04.119 As the other disciples. 01:03:04.119 --> 01:03:05.559 Have just been placed under. 01:03:06.019 --> 01:03:07.179 As the father has sent me. 01:03:07.259 --> 01:03:08.079 So I am sending you. 01:03:08.539 --> 01:03:08.859 Thomas. 01:03:09.399 --> 01:03:10.579 Recognizing the lordship of Jesus. 01:03:10.699 --> 01:03:11.099 Acknowledges. 01:03:11.239 --> 01:03:11.339 That. 01:03:11.480 --> 01:03:12.299 The commission. 01:03:12.399 --> 01:03:13.339 That the disciples had. 01:03:13.579 --> 01:03:14.099 Is his. 01:03:15.699 --> 01:03:16.359 And I often think. 01:03:16.360 --> 01:03:17.160 That's perhaps. 01:03:17.160 --> 01:03:18.280 The biggest cure. 01:03:18.599 --> 01:03:18.860 To. 01:03:19.599 --> 01:03:20.400 Times of doubt. 01:03:20.519 --> 01:03:21.220 Perhaps even times. 01:03:21.220 --> 01:03:21.900 Of backsliding. 01:03:22.920 --> 01:03:23.980 It's to recognize. 01:03:23.980 --> 01:03:24.620 That Jesus. 01:03:24.860 --> 01:03:25.720 Wants you back. 01:03:26.680 --> 01:03:27.740 Because he has a commission. 01:03:27.740 --> 01:03:28.160 For you. 01:03:28.980 --> 01:03:30.500 He wants you to go on. 01:03:30.640 --> 01:03:31.559 In his service. 01:03:32.240 --> 01:03:33.200 He wants to recommission. 01:03:33.200 --> 01:03:34.059 You with a purpose. 01:03:34.559 --> 01:03:35.680 To continue the work. 01:03:35.760 --> 01:03:36.440 That he's given you. 01:03:37.519 --> 01:03:38.099 And so Thomas. 01:03:38.099 --> 01:03:39.059 Has the same commission. 01:03:39.720 --> 01:03:40.920 From the same Christ. 01:03:42.519 --> 01:03:43.300 And the point is. 01:03:43.340 --> 01:03:43.820 So do we. 01:03:43.820 --> 01:03:45.500 Because that's where. 01:03:46.059 --> 01:03:47.580 John really tells us. 01:03:47.760 --> 01:03:48.100 That little. 01:03:49.000 --> 01:03:49.980 Comment that he gives us. 01:03:50.000 --> 01:03:51.140 At the end of this chapter. 01:03:52.380 --> 01:03:53.519 Thomas is telling us. 01:03:54.280 --> 01:03:55.140 These things are written. 01:03:55.300 --> 01:03:56.280 So that you may believe. 01:03:57.380 --> 01:03:58.240 All of this. 01:03:58.420 --> 01:03:59.260 Is for us. 01:04:00.740 --> 01:04:01.920 Thomas was not just. 01:04:01.920 --> 01:04:03.420 Giving us a historical account. 01:04:03.480 --> 01:04:04.019 Of what happened. 01:04:04.200 --> 01:04:05.080 After Jesus rose again. 01:04:05.140 --> 01:04:06.080 And spoke to the disciples. 01:04:06.920 --> 01:04:07.500 He's saying. 01:04:07.620 --> 01:04:08.680 This is what's still going on. 01:04:08.720 --> 01:04:09.240 Just now. 01:04:10.300 --> 01:04:11.160 If you believe. 01:04:11.240 --> 01:04:12.220 Jesus is the Christ. 01:04:12.280 --> 01:04:13.280 You will have life. 01:04:13.820 --> 01:04:16.600 You'll have life. 01:04:16.680 --> 01:04:16.900 Because. 01:04:17.460 --> 01:04:18.300 Believers accept. 01:04:18.440 --> 01:04:19.360 That Jesus is the one. 01:04:19.420 --> 01:04:20.120 Who can commission us. 01:04:20.140 --> 01:04:20.760 Who can send us. 01:04:20.780 --> 01:04:21.400 And give us peace. 01:04:21.460 --> 01:04:21.860 And shalom. 01:04:22.280 --> 01:04:22.880 Jesus is the one. 01:04:22.920 --> 01:04:23.940 Who sends us. 01:04:24.180 --> 01:04:24.940 On our way. 01:04:26.260 --> 01:04:26.620 And today. 01:04:26.680 --> 01:04:27.660 That's what he's doing with you. 01:04:28.780 --> 01:04:29.559 With me as well. 01:04:30.300 --> 01:04:31.260 He's sending us. 01:04:32.180 --> 01:04:32.860 Commissioning us. 01:04:33.340 --> 01:04:34.440 In the work of the gospel. 01:04:35.500 --> 01:04:36.160 Sending us out. 01:04:36.160 --> 01:04:36.800 Into Stornoway. 01:04:37.180 --> 01:04:38.080 To be his witnesses. 01:04:39.680 --> 01:04:40.039 Literally. 01:04:40.440 --> 01:04:41.280 The ends of the earth. 01:04:41.280 --> 01:04:43.220 To be here. 01:04:44.360 --> 01:04:45.000 Showing. 01:04:45.000 --> 01:04:46.560 The light of Christ. 01:04:48.240 --> 01:04:49.680 His grace and glory. 01:04:50.960 --> 01:04:52.060 Fully revealed. 01:04:53.200 --> 01:04:53.680 For sinners. 01:04:54.560 --> 01:04:55.080 Like us. 01:04:57.000 --> 01:04:58.120 These things are written. 01:04:58.840 --> 01:04:59.880 So that you may believe. 01:05:00.300 --> 01:05:01.640 That Jesus is the Christ. 01:05:02.480 --> 01:05:03.220 And that believing. 01:05:03.880 --> 01:05:04.780 You may have life. 01:05:05.300 --> 01:05:05.880 In his name. 01:05:06.760 --> 01:05:07.160 Let's pray. 01:05:07.159 --> 01:05:15.139 Heavenly Father. 01:05:15.500 --> 01:05:15.980 As we. 01:05:16.819 --> 01:05:17.179 Bow in. 01:05:17.559 --> 01:05:18.619 Conclusion of our service today. 01:05:18.699 --> 01:05:19.219 We ask and pray. 01:05:19.279 --> 01:05:20.139 That you would bless us. 01:05:20.980 --> 01:05:22.019 Bless us with that peace. 01:05:22.019 --> 01:05:22.699 That comes. 01:05:22.699 --> 01:05:23.920 From Christ's appearing. 01:05:24.519 --> 01:05:25.019 May we know. 01:05:25.119 --> 01:05:26.239 The shalom of God. 01:05:26.759 --> 01:05:27.759 In our experience. 01:05:28.119 --> 01:05:28.799 May we know this. 01:05:28.940 --> 01:05:29.699 Because these things. 01:05:29.759 --> 01:05:30.599 Have been passed to us. 01:05:30.619 --> 01:05:31.679 And are worthy of believing. 01:05:32.339 --> 01:05:33.119 And help us therefore. 01:05:33.219 --> 01:05:33.899 To have faith. 01:05:34.199 --> 01:05:35.480 In the risen Christ. 01:05:35.480 --> 01:05:37.400 We ask this in his name. 01:05:37.579 --> 01:05:38.159 For his sake. 01:05:38.800 --> 01:05:39.159 Amen. 01:05:50.840 --> 01:05:51.719 And we're going to sing. 01:05:51.800 --> 01:05:52.240 In conclusion. 01:05:52.400 --> 01:05:53.280 In Psalm 77. 01:05:53.280 --> 01:05:54.440 In Sing Psalms. 01:06:05.480 --> 01:06:07.480 John. 01:06:09.300 --> 01:06:09.539 John. 01:06:09.559 --> 01:06:10.019 If it's all right. 01:06:10.079 --> 01:06:10.440 I think maybe. 01:06:10.740 --> 01:06:11.500 I'm seeing the time. 01:06:11.659 --> 01:06:13.000 So let's maybe just finish up. 01:06:13.240 --> 01:06:13.820 Verse 10. 01:06:14.360 --> 01:06:15.440 Through to verse 14. 01:06:15.860 --> 01:06:16.119 So. 01:06:16.539 --> 01:06:17.059 In this Psalm. 01:06:17.340 --> 01:06:18.179 The thought has been. 01:06:18.400 --> 01:06:19.519 In these watches of the night. 01:06:19.519 --> 01:06:20.159 At verse 6. 01:06:20.800 --> 01:06:21.800 There's these distressing. 01:06:22.019 --> 01:06:22.400 Deep. 01:06:22.539 --> 01:06:23.240 Ponderous thoughts. 01:06:23.240 --> 01:06:23.699 That are coming. 01:06:24.579 --> 01:06:26.159 They're the thoughts of someone like Thomas. 01:06:26.260 --> 01:06:27.039 The doubting thoughts. 01:06:27.099 --> 01:06:27.920 The questioning thoughts. 01:06:27.980 --> 01:06:28.400 The wondering. 01:06:28.860 --> 01:06:29.740 But then verse 10. 01:06:29.740 --> 01:06:31.159 Then to my heart there. 01:06:31.599 --> 01:06:32.420 Came this thought. 01:06:32.420 --> 01:06:33.639 On this I will rely. 01:06:34.079 --> 01:06:35.659 The years of the right hand of power. 01:06:35.720 --> 01:06:36.820 Of him that is most high. 01:06:37.440 --> 01:06:39.360 I will recall the Lord's great deeds. 01:06:39.619 --> 01:06:40.659 Your works of long ago. 01:06:40.780 --> 01:06:42.139 I'll meditate on all your acts. 01:06:42.720 --> 01:06:43.539 Your mighty works. 01:06:43.900 --> 01:06:44.440 Your mighty deeds. 01:06:44.559 --> 01:06:44.659 Sorry. 01:06:44.720 --> 01:06:45.119 I'll show. 01:06:45.619 --> 01:06:45.960 O God. 01:06:46.039 --> 01:06:47.340 Most holy are your ways. 01:06:47.860 --> 01:06:49.099 What God compares with you. 01:06:49.300 --> 01:06:50.659 You are the God of miracles. 01:06:51.200 --> 01:06:52.720 Whose power the nations view. 01:06:52.820 --> 01:06:53.780 So we'll sing these three verses. 01:06:53.880 --> 01:06:55.059 Verses 10 to 14. 01:06:55.659 --> 01:06:56.480 To God's praise. 01:06:56.480 --> 01:06:58.240 Then to my heart there came this thought. 01:06:58.460 --> 01:06:59.139 We'll stand a second. 01:06:59.139 --> 01:07:10.940 To my heart there came this thought. 01:07:10.940 --> 01:07:17.739 For this I will rely. 01:07:17.739 --> 01:07:26.659 The years of the right hand of power. 01:07:26.659 --> 01:07:33.539 Of him is most high. 01:07:33.539 --> 01:07:42.759 I will recall the Lord's redeemed. 01:07:42.760 --> 01:07:48.560 Your words of long ago. 01:07:48.560 --> 01:07:57.920 I'll meditate on all your acts. 01:07:57.920 --> 01:08:04.560 Your mighty deeds I'll show. 01:08:04.559 --> 01:08:06.559 O God. 01:08:06.559 --> 01:08:08.059 O God. 01:08:08.139 --> 01:08:14.239 What soul we are your ways. 01:08:14.239 --> 01:08:16.680 O God. 01:08:16.760 --> 01:08:21.019 How much with you. 01:08:21.359 --> 01:08:25.359 You are the Lord. 01:08:25.359 --> 01:08:25.759 O God. 01:08:25.759 --> 01:08:26.699 How much with you. 01:08:26.699 --> 01:08:28.599 How much with you. 01:08:28.599 --> 01:08:29.039 How much with you. 01:08:29.039 --> 01:08:29.539 How much with you. 01:08:29.539 --> 01:08:30.139 What soul we are your ways. 01:08:30.139 --> 01:08:32.199 How much with you. 01:08:32.199 --> 01:08:34.559 How much with you. 01:08:34.559 --> 01:08:36.659 How much with you. 01:08:38.479 --> 01:08:40.239 Now the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 01:08:40.359 --> 01:08:41.319 The love of God the Father. 01:08:41.799 --> 01:08:43.420 And the fellowship of God the Holy Spirit. 01:08:43.559 --> 01:08:44.319 Be with each one of us. 01:08:44.399 --> 01:08:44.859 Now and always. 01:08:45.619 --> 01:08:45.939 Amen. 01:08:45.939 --> 01:08:46.939 So. 01:09:15.939 --> 01:09:45.919 Thank you.