WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.620 Folks, turn back with me in your Bibles to Romans and chapter 1 for a short time this morning, 00:00:07.620 --> 00:00:12.759 ! And with the Lord's help, let's see what we might glean from it. 00:00:13.300 --> 00:00:21.559 If you'll permit me, let me begin by asking a question, particularly perhaps to those of you who would profess Jesus as Lord. 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:25.699 How many people have you spoken to about Jesus this week? 00:00:25.699 --> 00:00:35.119 Not how many church services have you attended, not how many podcasts have you listened to, 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:44.840 not how many Bible verses or passages have you read, but how many people have you shared the gospel with this week? 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:53.379 How many people have you articulated your faith or the truth about Jesus to in the past number of days? 00:00:53.380 --> 00:00:59.340 I'm sure, like me, for many of us, that question makes us uncomfortable. 00:01:00.020 --> 00:01:04.799 Because we know the gospel and we love the gospel. 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:11.159 We know that the gospel has changed our lives and transformed our experiences. 00:01:12.240 --> 00:01:20.400 And yet so often, when the opportunity arises, we struggle to take up these opportunities. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:24.800 Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:33.640 We might think that the scenario in which we find ourselves isn't conducive to sharing or articulating our faith. 00:01:34.140 --> 00:01:43.240 Maybe we're afraid of saying the wrong thing or tripping over our words or being questioned for the things that we say. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:46.839 Perhaps we're worried about what people may think. 00:01:46.939 --> 00:01:54.579 They might think that we're narrow-minded or bigoted or old-fashioned or maybe just simply strange. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:02:07.560 We live in a culture where faith is often expected to remain a private faith, a personal and a private faith. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:18.180 And we're speaking openly of Christ Jesus and the great hope that is ours in and through his gospel comes at great cost to ourselves. 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:25.000 And therefore, it's easy or becomes easy for us to remain silent. 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:29.280 Now, the remarkable thing about that is that it's not a new struggle. 00:02:29.900 --> 00:02:34.140 It's not a struggle that is confined to modern-day Scotland. 00:02:34.139 --> 00:02:43.099 Paul, as we've just been reading, is preparing, longing to come to preach the gospel in Rome, 00:02:43.479 --> 00:02:49.819 in the heart of the greatest and strongest, most powerful empire on the earth. 00:02:50.500 --> 00:02:51.639 Now, what do we know of Rome? 00:02:51.739 --> 00:02:59.759 We know that Rome celebrated power and wealth and status and philosophy and military might. 00:02:59.759 --> 00:03:09.599 So, the message of a crucified Jewish savior might sound a little weak, perhaps a little foolish, 00:03:10.239 --> 00:03:14.539 maybe even offensive to the power of Rome. 00:03:14.939 --> 00:03:23.560 If anybody had good reason to remain silent, it's surely Paul as he enters into that arena. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:32.039 And yet, as we read in verse 16 of Romans chapter 1, after he's alluded to the fact that he longs to come to the people in Rome, 00:03:32.120 --> 00:03:32.439 he says, 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:40.960 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, 00:03:41.420 --> 00:03:45.620 to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 00:03:45.620 --> 00:03:52.800 An amazing statement, a bold statement for Paul to make, 00:03:53.640 --> 00:04:01.080 made all the more amazing when we consider the experience that Paul himself has had up until this point. 00:04:01.900 --> 00:04:05.800 When Paul was first saved and taken to Damascus, 00:04:05.860 --> 00:04:11.500 he had to sneak over the wall to escape persecution because of the gospel. 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:20.959 He was stoned and left for dead in the town of Lystra because he preached the gospel. 00:04:21.879 --> 00:04:27.420 Later, he was jailed in the city of Philippi because he preached the gospel. 00:04:28.360 --> 00:04:32.800 He was chased out of Thessalonica for preaching the gospel. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:39.620 He was laughed at in Athens for preaching the gospel. 00:04:39.620 --> 00:04:46.300 He was assaulted and arrested in Jerusalem for preaching the gospel. 00:04:47.759 --> 00:04:54.019 And so when we consider all of these encounters, all of these realities for the apostle Paul, 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:55.860 it would be very easy for Paul to say, 00:04:55.980 --> 00:05:02.340 Well, I'm going to Rome and after all that I've experienced and all of these hardships that I've survived, 00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:07.000 is it wise of me to preach the gospel? 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:09.860 But it's unambiguous for Paul. 00:05:10.120 --> 00:05:14.579 He says, Listen, I'm not ashamed of the gospel regardless of what has come to pass, 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:19.300 regardless of the experiences that I've had, good, bad, and ugly. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:25.339 I am not ashamed of the gospel because of a number of things. 00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:27.339 It's quite a statement. 00:05:27.339 --> 00:05:33.319 So Paul's coming to this great superpower of the world, 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:39.439 unashamedly longing to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:40.819 Nothing intimidated him. 00:05:41.679 --> 00:05:43.339 Whether it was Herod Agrippa, 00:05:44.179 --> 00:05:45.319 Governor Festus, 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:47.500 Governor Felix in Caesarea, 00:05:48.059 --> 00:05:49.559 Nero in Rome, 00:05:49.560 --> 00:05:52.180 These were, let's make no mistake, 00:05:52.620 --> 00:05:57.780 strong, powerful, brutal, power-hungry leaders, 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:00.660 but they didn't intimidate Paul. 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:01.139 Why? 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:04.519 Because Paul feared the Lord. 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:07.860 Paul feared the Lord. 00:06:07.860 --> 00:06:11.620 And we know that Scripture reminds us that the fear of the Lord 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:14.220 is not only the beginning of wisdom, 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:18.319 but also a great source of confidence. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:24.800 The basis of Paul's confidence was his fear of the Lord. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:27.180 Elsewhere, he reminds us that his boast, 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:28.740 his only boast, 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:30.040 is in Christ. 00:06:30.660 --> 00:06:32.520 That was the source of his confidence. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:35.180 That's what gave him such confidence 00:06:35.180 --> 00:06:39.799 as he entered into this intimidating arena. 00:06:40.299 --> 00:06:42.240 And he reminds us today 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:44.719 that the gospel is good news 00:06:44.719 --> 00:06:48.459 and it's worth standing for unashamedly, 00:06:49.139 --> 00:06:52.419 even when we're faced with great power, 00:06:53.099 --> 00:06:54.899 authority, and influence 00:06:54.899 --> 00:06:58.680 from worldly leaders or those before us. 00:06:59.279 --> 00:07:01.279 And so I'd like to just look this morning 00:07:01.279 --> 00:07:03.459 for a few moments with the Lord's help 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:07.799 at some reasons why we, like Paul, 00:07:08.059 --> 00:07:08.759 can say, 00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:12.139 I am not ashamed of the gospel 00:07:12.139 --> 00:07:15.739 because it's good news. 00:07:16.599 --> 00:07:17.979 It's God's power 00:07:17.979 --> 00:07:19.959 and it's given freely. 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:21.259 It's good news. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:22.239 It's God's power. 00:07:22.599 --> 00:07:24.459 It's given freely. 00:07:24.659 --> 00:07:27.819 Firstly, then, it's good news. 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:30.419 Summed up by the word itself, gospel. 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:32.660 That's literally what it means. 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:34.800 It is good news. 00:07:36.080 --> 00:07:37.879 And, you know, from a rational point of view, 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:40.140 we say, well, how could anybody be ashamed 00:07:40.140 --> 00:07:42.600 of good news? 00:07:43.140 --> 00:07:44.439 Good news is to be shared. 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:46.540 Good news is to be disseminated. 00:07:46.700 --> 00:07:48.100 It's to be celebrated. 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:50.960 It's to be rejoiced in. 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:53.259 Well, let me give you a couple of reasons 00:07:53.259 --> 00:07:55.620 why somebody might be ashamed of the gospel, 00:07:55.780 --> 00:07:58.420 especially in somewhere like Rome. 00:07:58.420 --> 00:08:01.740 Rome would have been a terribly intimidating place 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:03.740 2,000 years ago. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:05.580 If you were to travel to Rome back then 00:08:05.580 --> 00:08:06.180 and look around, 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:06.800 you would have thought, 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:10.439 wow, Rome has it all together. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:12.640 These people want for nothing. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:15.020 They have everything that they need. 00:08:15.080 --> 00:08:16.759 Out of all of the places on the earth, 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:19.740 Rome, well, it has it all. 00:08:20.500 --> 00:08:21.439 And in ancient times, 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:25.300 Rome wasn't just another European capital. 00:08:25.300 --> 00:08:28.079 It was the center of everything. 00:08:29.120 --> 00:08:31.660 The nickname for Rome back then was Caput Mundi, 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:34.360 which literally means the capital of the world. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.180 It was the center of civilization. 00:08:37.980 --> 00:08:40.700 It was the seat of influence and power. 00:08:41.180 --> 00:08:42.799 The Roman Senate there in Rome 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:46.779 would make laws that affected the entire world. 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:49.299 And therefore, it would have been an inspiring 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:52.740 and yet intimidating place. 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:55.839 Certainly somewhere that you might think twice 00:08:55.839 --> 00:08:58.199 of bringing a message of challenge. 00:08:59.199 --> 00:09:00.479 You might be ashamed of the gospel 00:09:00.479 --> 00:09:02.099 because not everybody in Rome 00:09:02.099 --> 00:09:04.419 saw that the gospel was good news 00:09:04.419 --> 00:09:07.779 or that they had any need for the gospel. 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:09.259 In fact, they might think, 00:09:09.439 --> 00:09:11.099 well, that actually sounds like bad news, 00:09:11.179 --> 00:09:12.519 not good news. 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:14.579 Because the gospel comes along and says, 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:17.539 listen, you're not all together 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:19.620 and you haven't arrived 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:21.600 and you're not eternally secure, 00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:23.159 but you can be. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:25.579 You can be not through your wealth, 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.259 not through your power, 00:09:27.840 --> 00:09:30.039 not through your prestige or your status, 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:32.000 but through Jesus Christ, 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:34.460 the one who has died in your place, 00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:35.759 the one who has shed his blood, 00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:37.879 that you may be free. 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:39.379 They say, really? 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:40.960 Look at us here. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:48.860 Sophisticated, advanced, affluent, wealthy, comfortable. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:53.980 We could translate that into the modern day, couldn't we? 00:09:54.419 --> 00:09:57.179 The same arguments, the same reasoning 00:09:57.179 --> 00:10:00.299 can be put forward by those who live today. 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:01.720 I have no need of Jesus. 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:04.460 I have everything that I need. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:08.100 It's the great lie of the secular world, isn't it? 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:09.779 Just a little bit more. 00:10:10.180 --> 00:10:11.540 If I have these things, 00:10:11.659 --> 00:10:13.860 then, well, I'll be secure and I'll be fine. 00:10:14.820 --> 00:10:16.920 But of course, that's not the case, is it? 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:19.320 Because without Christ, 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:23.540 we are without hope and without God in the world. 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:26.200 To many in Rome 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:27.700 and to many in the modern day, 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:28.920 if you go out into the street 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:31.600 in Stornoway or Ullipool or anywhere else, 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:34.060 and you tell them about the wonder of the gospel, 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:35.639 they will find it offensive. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:38.740 What do you mean I'm not good enough? 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:42.600 What do you mean my good deeds don't warrant reward? 00:10:43.199 --> 00:10:45.159 What do you mean by that? 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:49.480 We say the gospel exposes the pride of the human heart. 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:54.819 The gospel unmasks the condition of the unbeliever. 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:57.060 The gospel strikes a blow 00:10:57.060 --> 00:11:01.000 to the heart of people's ego. 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:02.120 And as a result, 00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:04.200 people react. 00:11:04.600 --> 00:11:08.160 React often negatively towards the gospel. 00:11:08.420 --> 00:11:09.720 And as a result, 00:11:10.400 --> 00:11:13.400 Christians often become embarrassed 00:11:13.400 --> 00:11:17.460 or shrink back as a result of that. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:20.840 Often we become timid and silent. 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:22.420 But you know, 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:23.379 the truth is, 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:26.139 the gospel still changes lives. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:29.220 The gospel still changes hearts. 00:11:29.899 --> 00:11:32.399 Jesus still saves people. 00:11:33.180 --> 00:11:36.600 His story is a story of hope and meaning 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:39.480 and inspiration and transformation. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.480 It's good news. 00:11:43.040 --> 00:11:46.480 So why would we be ashamed of good news? 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:47.800 There are many things in life 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:49.519 that we share with people. 00:11:49.599 --> 00:11:52.120 The arrival of a child or a grandchild. 00:11:52.459 --> 00:11:55.539 The news of an engagement. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:57.559 There's one in your intimations today 00:11:57.559 --> 00:12:00.279 for Aaron and Eve. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:02.419 We rejoice in these things 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:04.719 and we share these good news stories. 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:06.439 Surely the greatest message, 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:08.179 the greatest news of all, 00:12:08.779 --> 00:12:10.099 is though we are sinful, 00:12:10.219 --> 00:12:13.379 for all sin and fall short of the glory of God, 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:15.479 there is no one who is righteous, 00:12:15.599 --> 00:12:16.199 not even one. 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:18.759 No one who seeks God, Paul says elsewhere. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:20.580 Surely the good news then 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:22.220 is that there is provision 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:24.140 and that there is a hope 00:12:24.140 --> 00:12:25.460 and that there is an answer 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:27.940 to the greatest need of the human heart. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:30.400 Because for as much as we amass 00:12:30.400 --> 00:12:32.480 and as much as we succeed in 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:34.340 and as much as we achieve 00:12:34.340 --> 00:12:35.900 and as much as we own, 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.379 we know that, 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:39.540 that there's still a yearning, 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:40.960 a gnawing. 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:43.360 There's something not quite. 00:12:43.460 --> 00:12:44.500 There's something missing. 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:46.080 We may have made it in business. 00:12:46.539 --> 00:12:48.500 We might have secured our retirement. 00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:51.120 We may have our funds in place. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:52.139 We may have all of these things. 00:12:52.440 --> 00:12:54.039 But without Christ, 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:56.580 we have no hope of eternity. 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:59.480 The gospel is good news. 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:01.980 Part of that good news is exposing 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:04.340 the waywardness of the human heart, 00:13:04.440 --> 00:13:05.980 which is often something 00:13:05.980 --> 00:13:07.740 that is intimidating for us to do. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:10.480 But the gospel doesn't just expose. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:12.820 The gospel also clothes. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.279 It points to the righteousness 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:19.279 and that's here later in this verse as well. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:21.120 We have the best news, 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:23.039 the greatest news, 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:24.919 the greatest hope 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:27.120 that this world can ever know 00:13:27.120 --> 00:13:28.299 in Christ Jesus. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:30.560 That's why we share it. 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:32.779 That's why we're unashamed. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:34.980 Because it is the best news 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:37.539 that meets the greatest need 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.980 of the human heart. 00:13:40.319 --> 00:13:41.000 Paul says, 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:41.579 listen, 00:13:42.199 --> 00:13:42.559 Rome 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:44.220 or Judea, 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.159 doesn't matter. 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:47.000 I am unashamed of the gospel 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.259 because it's good news. 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.259 Secondly, 00:13:51.839 --> 00:13:53.159 he's unashamed of the gospel 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:55.559 because it's God's power. 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:58.319 I am not ashamed of the gospel 00:13:58.319 --> 00:14:01.939 for it is the power of God 00:14:01.939 --> 00:14:03.619 for salvation. 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:05.879 It's the power of God 00:14:05.879 --> 00:14:07.279 for salvation. 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:07.799 Now, 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:09.839 Paul's coming to Rome 00:14:09.839 --> 00:14:11.699 and Rome loved power. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.779 They boasted about their power. 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:17.599 They were a nation of conquerors. 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:21.559 They had the power of the Roman legions 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:23.079 that were legendary. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:25.840 They had the best trained armies 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:27.379 in the world. 00:14:27.520 --> 00:14:28.660 They had access 00:14:28.660 --> 00:14:30.040 to the best weapons 00:14:30.040 --> 00:14:31.480 in the world. 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:33.700 They stationed their military might 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:35.580 all over the conquered world 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:38.040 to keep the peace. 00:14:39.060 --> 00:14:40.340 Rome was so powerful 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:42.060 that Caesar Augustus 00:14:42.060 --> 00:14:43.240 could order a census, 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:43.720 remember, 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:44.820 to be taken 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:45.560 that forced people 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:47.000 to go to their homes towns 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.180 to register 00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:50.340 across the entire empire. 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:51.720 Such was the influence. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.300 Such was the power 00:14:53.300 --> 00:14:56.040 that the Roman emperor held. 00:14:57.040 --> 00:14:57.860 And the truth is, 00:14:57.920 --> 00:14:58.779 when a Roman emperor 00:14:58.779 --> 00:14:59.740 became agitated, 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:01.820 everybody got nervous. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:04.259 Because if the king was mad, 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:06.840 everybody else was on edge. 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:07.840 You know, 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:09.420 if mum's not happy at home, 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:11.399 then tread carefully. 00:15:12.080 --> 00:15:13.759 Kind of amplify that 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:15.700 for a dictator 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:18.220 that's seated on his throne. 00:15:18.220 --> 00:15:19.420 If Caesar's not happy, 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:21.960 nobody's at ease, 00:15:22.060 --> 00:15:24.060 nobody's at rest. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:24.960 And yet, 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:26.379 for all of this power, 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:28.639 for all of this influence, 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.920 Rome were powerless, 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:32.220 Rome was powerless, 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:34.580 to change a single life 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:35.519 from the inside. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:38.639 All of that Roman power 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.700 could not morally 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:42.600 fix a person. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:45.159 It couldn't change a life. 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:47.379 Because though Rome 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:48.440 and the Romans 00:15:48.440 --> 00:15:49.940 were outwardly powerful, 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:52.879 militarily strong, 00:15:53.460 --> 00:15:55.340 they were morally bankrupt. 00:15:56.040 --> 00:15:56.899 And that was well known. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.580 A couple of Roman writers 00:15:59.580 --> 00:16:00.519 mentioned that, 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:00.680 well, 00:16:01.040 --> 00:16:02.040 Seneca the Younger wrote, 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:03.680 Rome is a cesspool 00:16:03.680 --> 00:16:04.420 of iniquity. 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:08.060 Juvenal wrote, 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.339 it's a filthy sewer 00:16:09.339 --> 00:16:10.579 into which the dregs 00:16:10.579 --> 00:16:12.659 of the empire flood. 00:16:14.419 --> 00:16:15.879 And here's the apostle Paul 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.059 saying, 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:17.459 I long to go there. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:19.339 I long to go to Rome. 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:21.500 And I want to preach the gospel 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:23.019 because I'm not ashamed of it. 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.619 Because it's good news 00:16:24.619 --> 00:16:26.519 and it's God's power. 00:16:27.439 --> 00:16:28.519 I've seen the gospel 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:29.059 working powerfully, 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:30.239 Paul could say. 00:16:30.479 --> 00:16:31.879 I've seen it work in Corinth. 00:16:32.179 --> 00:16:33.519 I've watched it flourish 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:34.179 in Ephesus. 00:16:34.319 --> 00:16:35.500 I've been to Thessalonica. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.059 It's happened in Philippi. 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:37.779 Philippi. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:39.479 Imagine what would happen 00:16:39.479 --> 00:16:41.179 if God's spirit 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:42.339 came in power in Rome. 00:16:43.119 --> 00:16:44.239 Imagine the influence. 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:47.019 Imagine the fallout 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:48.299 in the positive sense 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:48.919 of that, 00:16:48.959 --> 00:16:50.019 the positive impact 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:51.239 that it would have 00:16:51.239 --> 00:16:52.559 in the world. 00:16:52.659 --> 00:16:53.579 It's God's power 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.559 into salvation. 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:57.639 Now, 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:59.139 notice how he speaks 00:16:59.139 --> 00:17:00.000 about that. 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:01.459 He speaks about 00:17:01.459 --> 00:17:03.259 the gospel 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.359 being the power. 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:06.379 Not that it had power. 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:08.859 But it was itself 00:17:08.859 --> 00:17:09.899 the power. 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.700 The word of God. 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:12.839 The good news. 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.559 Who is the word? 00:17:13.679 --> 00:17:13.940 Jesus. 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:14.940 In the beginning 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:15.579 was the word 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:16.599 and the word was with God 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:17.659 and the word was God 00:17:17.659 --> 00:17:18.220 in the beginning 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.139 was the word. 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:20.440 Verse 14, 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:21.019 John 1, 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:22.980 the word became flesh 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.819 and made his dwelling 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:24.539 among us. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:26.000 The word of God, 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:26.500 Jesus, 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.779 the living word. 00:17:28.179 --> 00:17:28.740 He is the one 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.960 who has the power 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.940 to transform a life 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:32.919 because he is the one 00:17:32.919 --> 00:17:33.579 who has brought 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.639 everything that we know 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.700 into being. 00:17:35.800 --> 00:17:36.280 He is the one 00:17:36.280 --> 00:17:37.700 who holds all things 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.780 together. 00:17:39.660 --> 00:17:40.340 There is no 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:41.800 worldly power 00:17:41.800 --> 00:17:43.380 that comes close 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.920 to his power. 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.500 He is the one 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:47.700 who has all dominion, 00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:49.220 all power, 00:17:50.020 --> 00:17:50.980 all authority. 00:17:53.360 --> 00:17:54.400 He is the one 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.759 who can change people. 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:57.560 Rome couldn't change people. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:59.300 But Jesus 00:17:59.300 --> 00:18:00.540 can. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:03.139 Jesus saved Paul. 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:05.379 Paul was an antagonist 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:06.079 of the gospel. 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.819 He was a persecutor 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:08.579 of Christians, 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.819 sworn enemy 00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:11.519 of the church 00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:12.779 on his way 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.639 to persecute 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:15.000 people further 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:15.819 when Jesus 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.720 arrests him 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:17.700 and convicts him 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:18.720 and converts him 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:19.960 and saves him 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:20.500 on the road 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:22.460 to Damascus. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:23.779 Transformed 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:25.879 through an encounter 00:18:25.879 --> 00:18:27.019 with the living 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:28.440 Jesus Christ, 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:29.460 the one who has risen 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.640 and is ascended 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:31.759 and is seated 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.680 at the right hand 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:34.039 of God 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:34.799 in the throne room 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.759 of heaven. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.539 The gospel 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.000 preached, 00:18:38.120 --> 00:18:38.799 God's word 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:40.200 expounded by Peter 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.960 was powerful enough 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:42.620 to save 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:44.079 3,000 people 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:44.539 in the day 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:45.220 of Pentecost 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.880 and thousands 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:47.360 since every day 00:18:47.360 --> 00:18:48.840 more were added 00:18:48.840 --> 00:18:49.700 to their number. 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:51.779 That's the power 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:52.620 of the gospel. 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:54.600 Not to win a war 00:18:54.600 --> 00:18:55.700 or conquer a nation 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.440 here or there 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:58.000 but to change 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:59.019 the human heart 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.880 to give us 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.680 a new heart 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:02.200 and a new hope 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:03.579 and a new direction 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.259 of travel 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.859 and an internal 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.640 inheritance 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.420 that cannot 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:08.960 be matched. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.619 It's the gospel 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.579 that changes people. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:12.500 Ask Billy Graham, 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.740 the great evangelist, 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:14.880 the numbers, 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:15.480 they say 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:17.000 2.2 million people 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.920 under his preaching 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:19.319 came to know the Lord. 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.240 Was it his opinion? 00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:23.119 Was it his gravitas? 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:26.000 Was it his engagement? 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:27.259 No, it was the gospel. 00:19:27.959 --> 00:19:28.719 It was the truth 00:19:28.719 --> 00:19:30.199 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:19:30.199 --> 00:19:31.099 that he preached 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:32.559 that changed people 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:33.639 as the Spirit of God 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:35.539 moved within them. 00:19:36.199 --> 00:19:37.459 The gospel is powerful. 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:38.899 We know not 00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:39.699 what it will do. 00:19:39.959 --> 00:19:41.299 D.L. Moody said 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.339 that the world 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.359 has yet to see 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:43.919 what the Lord 00:19:43.919 --> 00:19:44.459 can do through 00:19:44.459 --> 00:19:45.059 somebody who is 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:46.119 totally devoted 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:47.319 to him 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:47.779 and the preaching 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.559 of his word. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.439 The gospel 00:19:50.439 --> 00:19:51.439 is powerful enough 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.519 to save Paul, 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:53.740 Augustine, 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:54.680 Martin Luther, 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.160 C.S. Lewis, 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:57.700 atheists, 00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:00.059 investigative journalists, 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.140 whoever they may be, 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.860 you and I. 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:03.680 The gospel 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.940 is God's power. 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.400 It is a power 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.360 that is unmatched. 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:09.640 It is unrivaled 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:11.299 and it is the only one 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.539 that can save a soul 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.840 from death. 00:20:14.840 --> 00:20:15.500 The gospel 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:17.019 is good news. 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.240 The gospel 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:20.000 is God's power 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.200 and the gospel 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:23.259 is freely given. 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.599 The third reason 00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:25.099 that Paul 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.859 is not ashamed 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.539 of the gospel 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.019 is because 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.940 it's freely given. 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:30.319 For I am not ashamed 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:31.099 of the gospel 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:32.079 but it is the power 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:33.019 of God for salvation 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.460 to everyone 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:36.000 who believes. 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.339 To the Jew first 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:38.140 and also 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.980 to the Greek. 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.460 Now he's talking 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.619 chronologically there. 00:20:44.299 --> 00:20:45.140 First it came 00:20:45.140 --> 00:20:45.740 to the Jews. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:46.420 Of course it did. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:46.880 Jesus. 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:48.279 It came through Jesus. 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:50.319 Jesus and his line. 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.220 It came to the Jews 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.200 but now it is 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:54.339 to the Gentiles. 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:56.079 Indeed if you go back 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:57.440 a couple of verses 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.779 to verse 14 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.519 you'll read Paul 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.299 writing there 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.500 I am under obligation 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.539 both to Greeks 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:05.099 and to barbarians 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:06.079 both to the wise 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:08.539 and to the foolish. 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:10.539 Now the Jews 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.960 divided the world 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:13.000 into two groups. 00:21:13.180 --> 00:21:13.599 The Jews 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:15.019 and everybody else. 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:16.420 You were either a Jew 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.840 or you were a Gentile. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.519 You were one of the 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.940 everybody else. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.500 Indeed 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:22.060 strict Jews 00:21:22.060 --> 00:21:22.660 back then 00:21:22.660 --> 00:21:23.740 used to hate everyone 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.880 who wasn't 00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.380 a Jew. 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:26.640 Rabbis even said 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:27.620 that God used 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:28.320 the Gentiles 00:21:28.320 --> 00:21:29.340 to stoke the fires 00:21:29.340 --> 00:21:29.800 of hell 00:21:29.800 --> 00:21:30.360 which was 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:31.620 pretty grim. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.120 But Paul said 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:33.860 yes the message 00:21:33.860 --> 00:21:34.960 did come to Jews 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.340 first 00:21:35.340 --> 00:21:36.060 but it has also 00:21:36.060 --> 00:21:37.560 come to Gentiles 00:21:37.560 --> 00:21:38.240 to Greeks 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.880 and to the whole world. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:41.420 There's a chronology 00:21:41.420 --> 00:21:42.220 here 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:43.000 that he is 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:43.960 speaking. 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.019 The Greeks 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:45.779 also divided 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.259 the world 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:47.559 into two groups 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:47.980 the Greeks 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:49.200 and everybody else 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.740 and that's been 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.059 something 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:51.100 that has been 00:21:51.100 --> 00:21:51.680 characteristic 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.480 of people groups 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.140 down through 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.579 the generations. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.720 But Paul says 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.620 here I am under 00:21:57.620 --> 00:21:58.380 obligation 00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:59.180 to both Greeks 00:21:59.180 --> 00:22:00.259 and barbarians. 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.960 The AV captures 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.860 it slightly better 00:22:02.860 --> 00:22:04.400 I am debtor 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:05.299 it says 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:06.900 to both the Greeks 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:07.840 and their barbarians 00:22:07.840 --> 00:22:08.640 both to the wise 00:22:08.640 --> 00:22:10.559 and the unwise. 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:12.819 That is why 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:14.279 so therefore 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.960 I am eager 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.980 to preach 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.579 the gospel 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.519 to you also 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:20.319 who are in Rome. 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.939 Now a barbarian 00:22:21.939 --> 00:22:22.379 was somebody 00:22:22.379 --> 00:22:22.899 who simply 00:22:22.899 --> 00:22:24.119 hadn't been swayed 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:25.099 by Greek influence 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:25.879 they hadn't been 00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:27.139 Hellenized 00:22:27.139 --> 00:22:27.700 or they weren't 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.379 under the Greek 00:22:28.379 --> 00:22:29.519 culture. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:30.879 So what Paul 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:31.379 is saying 00:22:31.379 --> 00:22:32.619 by using the terminology 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:33.519 that he's implying 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.399 here as he writes 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:35.599 to Rome 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.879 is that the gospel 00:22:36.879 --> 00:22:38.319 is non-discriminatory. 00:22:39.139 --> 00:22:40.639 It's non-discriminatory 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:42.480 it is universal 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:44.120 in its scope. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.620 It's freely given. 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.240 It's an offer 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:48.020 that is extended 00:22:48.020 --> 00:22:48.740 an invitation 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.360 that is given 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.580 to the Greeks 00:22:50.580 --> 00:22:52.120 and to the barbarians 00:22:52.120 --> 00:22:53.200 to the wise 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.080 to the unwise 00:22:54.080 --> 00:22:54.759 to the Jew 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.660 to the Gentile 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.820 to the high class 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:57.759 to the low class 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:59.980 and so on. 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:02.320 It's good 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:03.000 if you studied 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.560 Socrates 00:23:03.560 --> 00:23:04.540 it's good 00:23:04.540 --> 00:23:05.000 if you can't 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.840 even pronounce 00:23:05.840 --> 00:23:06.460 Socrates. 00:23:07.100 --> 00:23:07.660 It's good 00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:08.220 if you're down 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.579 and out 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.000 it's good 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:09.400 if you're 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:10.400 on the up. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.140 But notice 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:12.480 he says 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.079 I am under 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.620 obligation 00:23:13.620 --> 00:23:14.799 I am a debtor 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:15.720 he says. 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:16.640 What does he mean? 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:17.980 Well there are 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.559 two ways 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:19.200 in which we can 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.160 be in debt. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:21.220 Number one 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.940 we can borrow 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:22.640 from somebody 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:23.519 and be in their debt 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.779 until we pay 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.819 that back. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.220 But number two 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.240 we can be in debt 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:29.039 if we are given 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:29.620 something 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:30.779 entrusted with something 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.640 to pass on 00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:33.120 to a third party. 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.180 Some people might say 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.980 that's money laundering 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:35.519 but we're not going 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.940 down that route. 00:23:37.100 --> 00:23:37.480 But say we're 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:39.360 entrusted with something 00:23:39.360 --> 00:23:40.539 to pass on 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:40.980 to somebody 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.500 it's not ours 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:41.960 to keep 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:43.259 but it is to pass on 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.160 we are in debt 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:45.279 to that person 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.299 and indeed 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.860 to the giver 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.980 until we have 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.640 fulfilled 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.779 the obligation 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:50.759 that we have been given 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:52.420 and we are freed 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:54.720 from that debt. 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.860 That's what Paul 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:56.900 means when he speaks 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.400 of being a debtor. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.120 He's not in debt 00:23:59.120 --> 00:23:59.980 because he borrowed 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:01.539 anything from the Romans 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.180 or the Greeks 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:03.180 or the barbarians. 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:05.140 He's a debtor 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:06.380 because he has been 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.140 entrusted 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.620 with the gospel 00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:09.980 of Jesus Christ 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.560 and until he has 00:24:11.560 --> 00:24:12.120 shared that 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:12.820 with everyone 00:24:12.820 --> 00:24:13.900 he has the opportunity 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.300 to 00:24:14.300 --> 00:24:16.060 he is a debtor 00:24:16.060 --> 00:24:17.420 to the gospel. 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:19.560 That which is 00:24:19.560 --> 00:24:20.840 freely given 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.700 becomes 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:24.280 a liability 00:24:24.280 --> 00:24:25.660 if it stops 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.500 with us. 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:28.800 And that's a challenge 00:24:28.800 --> 00:24:29.220 isn't it? 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.460 Are we debtors 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:33.180 to those around 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:33.900 about us? 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.480 Are we debtors 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:36.259 to our family? 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.920 Are we debtors 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.860 to our colleagues? 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:40.200 Are we debtors 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.960 to our communities? 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:41.600 Because we have 00:24:41.600 --> 00:24:43.160 taken the good news 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:44.660 and we're hoarding 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:45.600 it to ourselves. 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:47.039 Holding it 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:47.860 to ourselves. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:49.580 Ashamed. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.060 Frightened. 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:52.960 to share it 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.039 with those 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:54.879 around 00:24:54.879 --> 00:24:56.519 about us. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.159 The gospel 00:24:58.159 --> 00:24:59.399 is good news. 00:24:59.879 --> 00:25:00.659 Indeed as the angel 00:25:00.659 --> 00:25:01.700 said right at the beginning 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.500 good news 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.919 of great joy 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:05.039 for 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.899 all 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:06.960 people. 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:08.740 The Lord 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:09.960 will use us 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.599 if we 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:11.500 are willing. 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.720 What was it that Augustine 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.200 said? 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.379 God demand 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:15.899 whatever you will 00:25:15.899 --> 00:25:17.179 for you 00:25:17.179 --> 00:25:18.359 will supply 00:25:18.359 --> 00:25:18.940 whatever 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:20.360 you demand. 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.460 How much confidence 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.480 do we have 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.759 in the Lord 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.200 the one 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:25.900 who can 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:27.039 provide? 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:28.880 So why is Paul 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:30.000 unashamed of the gospel? 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.340 Because 00:25:31.340 --> 00:25:32.460 he recognizes 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:33.200 that it's 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:34.279 good news. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:36.080 He understands 00:25:36.080 --> 00:25:36.559 that it's 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.500 God's power 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:39.299 and he affirms 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:39.759 that it is 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.539 freely offered 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.480 to 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.420 everyone. 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.299 I wonder 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.080 if we would agree 00:25:46.080 --> 00:25:47.140 this morning. 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.920 Do we see it 00:25:48.920 --> 00:25:49.980 as good news? 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.720 God's power 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:53.539 and a gracious 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:54.340 and free 00:25:54.340 --> 00:25:55.539 universal 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:56.960 invitation. 00:25:57.700 --> 00:25:58.200 We don't know 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.920 who will take it up. 00:25:59.560 --> 00:26:00.039 We don't know 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.860 who will reject it. 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.460 But by the same token 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.900 we don't know 00:26:02.900 --> 00:26:03.720 who will accept it. 00:26:04.380 --> 00:26:05.060 We don't know 00:26:05.060 --> 00:26:05.620 what ground 00:26:05.620 --> 00:26:06.060 has been 00:26:06.060 --> 00:26:07.039 cultivated 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.019 in preparation 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.980 for us to come 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:10.200 and speak 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.160 that there might be 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:12.220 a rich 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.279 harvest. 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:15.720 You see 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.100 the Lord 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:16.720 doesn't ask 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.920 people to behave. 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.620 to be saved. 00:26:20.300 --> 00:26:21.140 He asks us 00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:22.039 to believe 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.720 to be saved. 00:26:24.300 --> 00:26:25.080 And who do we 00:26:25.080 --> 00:26:25.480 believe? 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:26.220 In Jesus. 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.720 And how can they 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.279 believe if they 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.940 have not heard? 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:30.320 And how can they 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:30.920 hear if nobody 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:31.400 speaks? 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.019 And how can they 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:32.460 hear if nobody 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:34.259 goes to them? 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:36.519 the gospel 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.099 of grace 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:38.240 is good news 00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:40.400 but it requires 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.200 articulating. 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:42.799 You know 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:43.460 there's that saying 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:43.700 you know 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.619 preach the gospel 00:26:44.619 --> 00:26:45.900 use words if necessary. 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:46.779 It's nonsense. 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:48.160 Of course 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.039 words are necessary. 00:26:49.660 --> 00:26:50.119 We must hear 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:51.079 that doesn't mean 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:51.619 to say that we 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.379 shouldn't demonstrate 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:53.500 or cultivate 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.220 a lifestyle 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:55.339 that demonstrates 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.720 or that bolsters 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:57.519 or that is in 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.400 harmony with 00:26:58.400 --> 00:26:59.299 the faith that we 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:00.200 profess with our lips. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.059 Of course we should. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:03.119 But we should be 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:03.579 a people 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.740 who delight 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.559 with the apostle 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:07.220 Paul in the gospel 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.740 because we're 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.659 unashamed of it. 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:09.960 Not ashamed 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:10.980 because we recognize 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:11.980 it as the power 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.559 of God 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:14.079 and to salvation 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:15.279 for all 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:16.779 who will 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:18.279 believe. 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.279 Religion 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.000 will never 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:21.859 set us free. 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:23.659 Ceremony 00:27:23.659 --> 00:27:24.480 will never 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.339 set us free. 00:27:26.179 --> 00:27:26.799 Morality 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.700 will never 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.980 set us free. 00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:30.659 But Jesus 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:31.040 will. 00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:33.000 Jesus 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.360 will. 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:34.700 And that's 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.340 good news 00:27:35.340 --> 00:27:36.779 because it's 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.600 God's power 00:27:37.600 --> 00:27:38.779 in his 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.480 living word 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.320 and is offered 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:40.779 and given 00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:41.519 to us 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.740 freely. 00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.800 Let me 00:27:45.800 --> 00:27:46.480 conclude with a 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:47.120 short story 00:27:47.120 --> 00:27:47.820 about Fritz 00:27:47.820 --> 00:27:48.460 Kreisler. 00:27:49.160 --> 00:27:49.600 I'm sure some 00:27:49.600 --> 00:27:50.140 of you may have 00:27:50.140 --> 00:27:50.779 heard of him. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:51.320 He was a 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:51.840 well-known 00:27:51.840 --> 00:27:53.160 violin player. 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.120 And the story 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:56.080 goes that he 00:27:56.080 --> 00:27:56.820 came across 00:27:56.820 --> 00:27:57.420 a violin, 00:27:57.560 --> 00:27:58.400 a Stradivarius 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:58.880 violin, 00:27:59.080 --> 00:27:59.480 that he thought 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.340 I must have it. 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.540 But he didn't 00:28:01.540 --> 00:28:02.100 have the funds 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:02.860 to purchase it 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:03.440 at the time. 00:28:04.080 --> 00:28:04.700 So he went 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.140 away and he 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.040 played at 00:28:06.040 --> 00:28:06.700 different concerts 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.380 and he saved 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:07.860 money and he 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:08.380 came back to 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:09.200 buy that violin 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:09.580 but it had 00:28:09.580 --> 00:28:10.259 been bought. 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.160 It had been 00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:11.779 bought by a 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.740 great and 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.200 wealthy 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:14.140 collector. 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.360 Well, he 00:28:15.360 --> 00:28:15.980 found out who 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.420 the collector 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:17.040 was and he 00:28:17.040 --> 00:28:17.540 went to visit 00:28:17.540 --> 00:28:17.960 the man. 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.720 He said to 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.460 him, I saw 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:21.140 the violin, 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:21.880 I wanted to 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:22.220 buy it. 00:28:22.540 --> 00:28:23.220 The man said, 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:23.980 no, I have 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:24.360 bought it. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:24.920 It's part of 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:25.580 my collection. 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.580 It's prize of 00:28:26.580 --> 00:28:27.240 place now. 00:28:27.320 --> 00:28:27.779 I have it in 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.279 this beautiful 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:28.720 cabinet. 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.279 Would you 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:29.799 like to come 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.299 in and see 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:30.500 it? 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:31.779 Fritz goes in, 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:32.200 he has a 00:28:32.200 --> 00:28:32.680 look and he 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:34.120 turns to leave, 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.920 sad that this 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.500 man will not 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:35.960 sell it to 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.079 him. 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:36.259 And he 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.279 says, before 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:39.120 I go, may 00:28:39.120 --> 00:28:39.839 I play it? 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.980 May I play 00:28:40.980 --> 00:28:41.940 the instrument 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:42.620 just once? 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.539 So he takes 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.220 out the case 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.440 and Fritz 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:46.980 tunes it up 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.259 and he 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.839 plays. 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.259 And this 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.860 beautiful 00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:51.039 melodious music 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:51.900 sings from 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:52.720 this instrument 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.400 under the 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:54.160 talent of this 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:55.299 man who is 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:55.680 playing. 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.019 And the 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.580 collector has 00:28:56.580 --> 00:28:57.080 moved to 00:28:57.080 --> 00:28:57.640 tears. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.420 And he 00:28:59.420 --> 00:28:59.759 says to 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.380 him, I 00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:00.940 have no 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.279 right to 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:03.160 consign this 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:03.960 instrument to 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:04.660 silence. 00:29:05.360 --> 00:29:06.200 The world 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:06.940 needs to 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:07.580 hear the 00:29:07.580 --> 00:29:08.299 beauty of 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:09.000 its music. 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.440 Take it, 00:29:11.060 --> 00:29:11.640 play it, 00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:13.140 let people 00:29:13.140 --> 00:29:13.759 hear it. 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:16.960 Jesus says 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:17.480 the same to 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:17.860 us. 00:29:18.840 --> 00:29:19.360 When he 00:29:19.360 --> 00:29:20.039 says, go 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.740 into all the 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.220 nation and 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:23.100 make disciples, 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:25.380 tell people, 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:27.259 about the 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.259 goodness of 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:29.400 God in 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.000 the gospel 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:31.060 of grace. 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.259 Be not 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.820 ashamed, for 00:29:33.820 --> 00:29:34.880 the gospel is 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:35.680 the power of 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:37.299 God and to 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.340 salvation for 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:40.340 everyone who 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.900 believes. 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:41.980 May the 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:43.140 Lord empower 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:43.500 us. 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.460 Let's pray. 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:46.380 God, our 00:29:46.380 --> 00:29:46.880 Father, we 00:29:46.880 --> 00:29:47.720 thank you for 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.779 your word and 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.340 for its 00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:51.080 instruction and 00:29:51.080 --> 00:29:51.560 for its 00:29:51.560 --> 00:29:52.420 challenge and 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:52.960 inspiration. 00:29:53.120 --> 00:29:53.480 And we pray 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:53.920 that we would 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.400 indeed be 00:29:54.400 --> 00:29:55.420 challenged and 00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:57.140 inspired and 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:57.580 that we would 00:29:57.580 --> 00:29:58.440 recognize the 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.360 great wonder of 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.160 the gospel of 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:01.660 Jesus, that it 00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.220 is the one 00:30:02.220 --> 00:30:03.000 thing that can 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:03.920 change a 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:04.460 heart from 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.279 the inside 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:06.160 out. 00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:07.779 Lord, may we 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:09.880 be bold as 00:30:09.880 --> 00:30:10.580 we proclaim 00:30:10.580 --> 00:30:12.740 unashamedly the 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:13.340 gospel of 00:30:13.340 --> 00:30:14.620 grace, which is 00:30:14.620 --> 00:30:15.300 the power of 00:30:15.300 --> 00:30:16.720 God, and to 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:17.600 salvation for 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:19.100 all who will 00:30:19.100 --> 00:30:19.560 believe. 00:30:20.060 --> 00:30:20.680 We ask in 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:21.279 Jesus' name. 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.279 Amen. 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:22.399 Amen. 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:25.660 Folks, we're 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:26.539 going to conclude 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:27.940 by singing to 00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:29.599 God's praise from 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:32.160 Psalm 107 in 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:32.720 the Scottish 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.279 Psalter. 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:36.460 Psalm 107 on 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:39.660 page 382 of 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:40.200 your psalm 00:30:40.200 --> 00:30:40.460 books. 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:46.160 Psalm 107 on 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:47.579 page 382, and 00:30:47.579 --> 00:30:47.920 we're going to 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.400 sing the verses 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:49.500 marked 1 to 7 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.900 to God's 00:30:50.900 --> 00:30:51.299 praise. 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.360 Praise God, for 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:53.559 he is good, for 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.240 still his 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.120 mercy's lasting 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:55.460 be. 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.680 Let God's 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.360 redeemed say, 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.259 so whom he 00:30:58.259 --> 00:30:58.759 from the 00:30:58.759 --> 00:30:59.700 enemy's hand 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.980 did free. 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:01.700 Verses 1 to 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.539 7 to God's 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:02.819 praise. 00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:03.259 If we're able, 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.019 let's stand and 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.819 sing together. 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:11.939 praise God, for 00:31:11.939 --> 00:31:16.480 he is good, for 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:19.119 still his 00:31:19.119 --> 00:31:22.879 mercy's lasting 00:31:22.879 --> 00:31:24.879 be. 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:28.879 Let God's 00:31:28.879 --> 00:31:31.879 redeemed say 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.040 --> 00:31:32.040 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:35.500 over me 00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:36.980 from 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:39.339 enemies 00:31:39.339 --> 00:31:40.839 counted 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:43.480 free 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:45.259 and 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.819 gather 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:49.099 them 00:31:49.099 --> 00:31:50.440 of 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:53.319 the lands 00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:55.799 from north 00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:57.299 south 00:31:57.299 --> 00:31:59.579 east and 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:01.779 west 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:03.420 they 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:05.899 streamed in 00:32:05.899 --> 00:32:07.279 desert 00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:09.779 pathless 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.779 with 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:13.779 no city 00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:15.779 unto 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:19.779 rest 00:32:20.440 --> 00:32:21.359 for 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:21.779 first 00:32:22.899 --> 00:32:24.019 God 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.220 hung 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:27.779 in them 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.420 face 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:30.960 their 00:32:30.960 --> 00:32:31.420 soul 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:33.420 rest 00:32:33.420 --> 00:32:34.720 is 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:37.420 tempest 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:39.420 they 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:40.420 cry 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:41.420 unto 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:43.420 the 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.420 Lord 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:46.420 and 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:47.420 he 00:32:47.420 --> 00:32:48.420 then 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:49.420 preached 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:50.420 from 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:52.420 their 00:32:52.420 --> 00:32:54.420 dishes 00:32:54.420 --> 00:32:56.420 they 00:32:56.420 --> 00:32:58.420 fall 00:32:58.420 --> 00:32:58.420 00:32:58.420 --> 00:33:00.420 in 00:33:00.420 --> 00:33:02.420 a way 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:04.420 to 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:04.420 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:05.420 war 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.420 that 00:33:06.420 --> 00:33:08.420 might 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:08.420 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:10.420 deep 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:12.420 defy 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:14.420 that 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:16.420 they 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.420 might 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.420 do 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:19.420 a 00:33:19.420 --> 00:33:20.420 city 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:22.420 go 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:24.420 where 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:25.420 in 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:26.420 they 00:33:26.420 --> 00:33:27.420 might 00:33:27.420 --> 00:33:28.420 die 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:30.420 time 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:32.420 and 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.519 now to 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:48.420 him who is able to do more abundantly than all we ask or think according to the power that is at work within us to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever and all God's people say amen 00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:50.420 amen 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:20.420 to 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:20.420