WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.419 Psalm 127. We'll look at verse 1 and 2 of this psalm. 00:00:08.240 --> 00:00:09.380 Psalm 127. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.840 As I mentioned earlier, these psalms and this collection of psalms, they are known as the psalms or songs of ascent. 00:00:40.240 --> 00:00:48.120 Psalms that were sung by the pilgrims as they made their way up to Jerusalem at festival times and times of worship. 00:00:49.179 --> 00:00:59.719 Although they're called the songs of ascent, that they sung on the way up, I do wonder if they were sung as they made their way away from Jerusalem after the festivals. 00:01:00.380 --> 00:01:05.599 After the times of worship. So as they came away from Jerusalem, returning to their homes. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:13.439 I would like to imagine that these were psalms that they're not only sung as they were going to worship, but sung also as they were coming away. 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:18.680 Again, to give thanks to God for all his goodness to them. 00:01:19.799 --> 00:01:24.760 Times of worship are always a time of reflection for us. 00:01:24.760 --> 00:01:31.140 By God's word, we reflect on our situations on a day to day basis. 00:01:31.980 --> 00:01:36.060 We reflect on situations in various ways. 00:01:36.060 --> 00:01:44.340 But all the time as we come to worship, we are being taken back to the hope that is ours in God. 00:01:44.859 --> 00:01:54.920 That's so that no matter what else is going on around us, we remind ourselves that our hope, our confidence is in the Lord, our God. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:57.719 This psalm, Psalm 127. 00:01:58.540 --> 00:02:06.060 It reminds us, as it was reminding the people then, that we are fully dependent on God for all things. 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:10.819 Someone once put it like this, looking at this psalm. 00:02:11.640 --> 00:02:18.520 He said, our lives are pointless, restless and fruitless apart from God. 00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:27.660 Because when you look at this psalm, it almost seems like it's different views just pushed together in some ways. 00:02:28.200 --> 00:02:32.860 It's talking about the building of the house at the start, the watchmen. 00:02:33.700 --> 00:02:41.719 Then it seems to just take a change of direction towards the end of verse 3 onwards when it talks about children and God's heritage. 00:02:42.379 --> 00:02:47.340 You almost think to yourself, the thing that doesn't seem connected up, doesn't seem joined up. 00:02:47.340 --> 00:02:54.879 But yet if you put yourself into the situation of the people as they were making their way up to Jerusalem, 00:02:55.699 --> 00:03:00.800 as they were reflecting on God's goodness to them in so many different ways in life, 00:03:00.840 --> 00:03:05.400 you actually find that this psalm ties into life as a whole. 00:03:06.240 --> 00:03:10.539 It speaks about three important aspects of life. 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:16.759 Aspects of life that they would be singing about going up to Jerusalem and singing about coming away. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:22.120 From Jerusalem, a dependence on the Lord for all things. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:30.140 So when you look through this psalm, you see three aspects of life that the psalm speaks about is building a house, 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:34.599 protecting a city and rearing a family. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:40.340 Now this would have been a pilgrimage of the people going up to Jerusalem. 00:03:40.340 --> 00:03:46.700 There would have been parents, grandparents, children, all making their way up to Jerusalem. 00:03:47.180 --> 00:03:50.560 So it was very much a family occasion. 00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:54.099 There was a sense of thanksgiving for family. 00:03:54.939 --> 00:03:59.640 They were making their way from their own homes up to the city of Jerusalem. 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:07.959 Looking at the walls that surrounded Jerusalem, the security that that offered and how the Lord offers protection to his people. 00:04:08.339 --> 00:04:12.519 How the Lord gives them a home, gives them a family. 00:04:13.179 --> 00:04:17.379 So the psalm may seem a little disjointed at first in our eyes. 00:04:17.419 --> 00:04:25.699 But as you think of the people going up to Jerusalem, it's very much a psalm that covers every aspect of life. 00:04:25.699 --> 00:04:31.560 And so as they were going up to Jerusalem, they're reflecting on these things. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:40.620 And coming to the conclusion in it all, that whether it's the family life, the home, the city, whatever is going on in life, 00:04:41.139 --> 00:04:45.719 the conclusion is that without the Lord, it's all in vain. 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:56.840 You see that in verse 2, how it speaks about in vain you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil. 00:04:57.100 --> 00:05:00.900 It's in vain, apart from the Lord. 00:05:01.320 --> 00:05:11.760 And so the people are making their way to Jerusalem, a time of reflection, reflecting on God's activity in their lives and in their communities. 00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:16.459 And also perhaps wondering, what is God's plans for us? 00:05:17.159 --> 00:05:23.839 What is God going to do with us as we go to worship, as we meet with him, as we come away from that time of worship? 00:05:24.159 --> 00:05:27.060 What will God's plans be for us? 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:30.579 Well, the same is true for ourselves. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:37.899 Every time we come to worship, we come in that sense of thanksgiving for all that God does for us. 00:05:37.899 --> 00:05:40.519 But there's also a sense of anticipation. 00:05:40.719 --> 00:05:42.620 What does God want from us? 00:05:43.239 --> 00:05:46.179 What are God's plans for us? 00:05:47.019 --> 00:05:53.319 Last weekend was a communion season in our midst, and it's a time of reflection. 00:05:54.339 --> 00:05:57.500 A time for us to reflect, looking back. 00:05:58.239 --> 00:06:04.219 A time to reflect during the weekend, under God's word and in fellowship with one another. 00:06:04.220 --> 00:06:07.980 And also it's a time to reflect, coming away. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:16.180 Coming away from the Lord's table, the Lord's day, and coming back in to our day-to-day lives and routines. 00:06:17.260 --> 00:06:20.720 What is God's plans for us? 00:06:21.420 --> 00:06:25.580 What were your own reflections over that time and since? 00:06:26.260 --> 00:06:31.420 I'm sure many of us would have gone through different reflections and different emotions. 00:06:31.420 --> 00:06:39.660 Sometimes we air on the glass half-empty side where we're thinking things just aren't what they used to be. 00:06:40.540 --> 00:06:43.660 Perhaps the church has had its day here. 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:47.759 I hope none of us come away feeling like that. 00:06:49.100 --> 00:06:55.100 How should we feel in everything that's gone on around us and going on around us? 00:06:55.100 --> 00:07:00.939 We feel maybe a sense of discouragement, dismay, disheartened. 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:09.700 We see internationally, nationally, locally, personally, there's so many things going on around us. 00:07:09.760 --> 00:07:17.580 So much sad news, so many people unwell, so many crises throughout our nation and the nations of the world. 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:20.039 We could easily lose heart. 00:07:21.060 --> 00:07:26.419 But our reflections should, even in the midst of the reality of everything that's going on, 00:07:26.919 --> 00:07:30.259 always remind us the goodness of God. 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:32.879 How God is gracious. 00:07:33.839 --> 00:07:35.519 How he's abounding in love. 00:07:35.599 --> 00:07:39.500 How he is steadfast to all his people. 00:07:40.219 --> 00:07:42.740 How God is on his throne. 00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:42.840 How God is on his throne. 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:48.780 That's what the people were doing as they were ascending to Jerusalem. 00:07:48.900 --> 00:07:50.439 As they were worshipping in Jerusalem. 00:07:50.660 --> 00:07:54.259 As they would come away from Jerusalem, from their time of worship. 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:56.019 God is good. 00:07:57.300 --> 00:07:59.120 Reminders to us in it all. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:00.480 God is good. 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:04.240 Reminders to us at the weekend in the Lord's Supper. 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:06.879 Of what God has done for us. 00:08:07.160 --> 00:08:08.699 The price he's paid. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:12.740 And for us to be able to say, God has done good for me. 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:20.539 Our reflections should always bring us to see God. 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:27.839 These psalms, they remind us that the people came in the midst of their own difficulties and trials. 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:31.000 But fixed their eyes on God. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:39.580 And this psalm, as we're looking at this evening, reminds them and us that God is building his church. 00:08:40.440 --> 00:08:45.419 That the Lord is building his house, as the psalm says. 00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:51.419 And we could say, as another psalm says, Psalm 116, verse 7, where it says, 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:53.059 Rest, O my soul. 00:08:53.580 --> 00:08:56.639 God has been good to you. 00:08:56.639 --> 00:09:00.639 We don't want to come away feeling discouraged. 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:03.480 We want to come away feeling encouraged. 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:07.080 Courage that God has a plan. 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:12.220 And God has his purposes for us in the midst of that plan. 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:20.720 We want to go forward seeking God's blessing and favor as we work together for the glory of God. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:27.500 That people would have been encouraged going up and encouraged coming away. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:32.060 And that's what we want to keep ourselves in that positive light. 00:09:32.160 --> 00:09:34.100 That God is with us. 00:09:34.600 --> 00:09:35.940 That God is good. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:38.639 That God is faithful. 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:43.860 This psalm reminds us that we go on with God. 00:09:43.860 --> 00:09:50.320 We look to the Lord who is building his house, building his people, building his kingdom. 00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:53.379 And that we can trust in him. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:10:00.720 And the two things I want us to take from these verses tonight is, first of all, that he has a plan. 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:03.060 God's plan. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:07.180 And then secondly, we have a purpose. 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:12.360 We have a purpose in the midst of God's plan too. 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:15.840 So first thing is God's plan. 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.340 God has a plan. 00:10:18.800 --> 00:10:20.560 We hear it so often. 00:10:20.659 --> 00:10:25.159 We've heard it recently in the ministry of the word that God has a plan. 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:27.460 You see it in Jeremiah. 00:10:28.440 --> 00:10:31.300 I know the plans I have for you. 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.759 God has a plan. 00:10:32.840 --> 00:10:34.720 And here we see it again. 00:10:35.180 --> 00:10:40.860 And the plan in this psalm that he's speaking of is that his house will be built. 00:10:40.860 --> 00:10:44.620 But it's not a physical place. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:47.080 It's a people. 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:51.680 That God is going to build his people. 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:58.019 Solomon, the father of David, had a plan to build a temple. 00:10:58.940 --> 00:11:02.340 He was going to build a temple for God. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.879 But what was God's plan? 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:14.120 In 2 Samuel chapter 7, David goes to the Lord and says, I want to build you a house. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:20.080 But the Lord says to David, you're not going to build me a house. 00:11:20.580 --> 00:11:23.299 I'm going to build you a house. 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:27.899 And he wasn't speaking of a physical place. 00:11:28.939 --> 00:11:29.879 A building. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:32.459 He was speaking about a people. 00:11:33.559 --> 00:11:37.459 He was speaking about a family dynasty, if you like. 00:11:38.079 --> 00:11:42.879 That the Lord would always have a ruler over his people. 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:50.159 Ultimately, the Lord Jesus himself, who is on the throne forever. 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:53.039 And God has a plan. 00:11:53.899 --> 00:11:56.939 And it's not always the way we would have planned it. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:12:01.799 But God is the one who is building the house. 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:05.299 And of that, we can be sure. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:08.359 Because we have God's word. 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:13.219 Here we see God's plan from beginning to end. 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:15.759 How he reveals it to us. 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:19.059 We don't know all the details of it. 00:12:19.359 --> 00:12:21.179 But we know he has a plan. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:25.120 He had a plan for his people in the Old Testament. 00:12:25.579 --> 00:12:28.279 Bringing them from Egypt to the promised land. 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:32.819 He had a plan, even when they went into exile, that he would bring them back. 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:35.480 He had a plan as we come into the New Testament. 00:12:35.660 --> 00:12:37.680 That the Old was pointing to words. 00:12:37.780 --> 00:12:40.600 That he would send a saviour for the world. 00:12:41.680 --> 00:12:43.320 That saviour would have to die. 00:12:43.640 --> 00:12:45.020 And die on the cross. 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:48.640 That he would rise again on the third day. 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:49.820 And that he is coming again. 00:12:49.900 --> 00:12:51.960 You see, the plan is ongoing. 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:54.820 God has a plan. 00:12:56.060 --> 00:12:59.340 When we build or renovate a house. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:05.200 So many different people are involved in that building. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:08.940 From the very beginning, when there's maybe nothing but the ground. 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:13.600 To the very final point, when all the decorations are being put up. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.600 Everyone has a part to play. 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:21.500 And some people, they just want to get to the end point. 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:24.360 The point where it's curtains and cushions. 00:13:25.180 --> 00:13:28.840 Where it's just putting out the design or things into the house. 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:32.639 And we lose patience coming to that point. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:36.160 But unless the work is done at the start. 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:38.220 The laying of the foundations. 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:39.759 The toil that goes into that. 00:13:39.840 --> 00:13:40.980 The building upon it. 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:43.060 And everything else that goes with it. 00:13:43.660 --> 00:13:45.519 Everything else is in vain. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:50.080 And that's the kind of thing we've been reminded of in this psalm. 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:51.960 There may be many things. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:55.040 Many plans that we might have for ourselves. 00:13:55.139 --> 00:13:56.720 Or even for the Lord's work. 00:13:57.440 --> 00:14:00.500 But in it all, we're looking for the Lord's plan. 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:02.500 And being part of that. 00:14:03.020 --> 00:14:06.360 Unless the Lord builds the house. 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:07.720 Those who build it. 00:14:08.320 --> 00:14:09.660 Labour in vain. 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:11.960 It's worthless. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.040 Without God. 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:20.159 God's plans are for building his kingdom. 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:23.860 And that's the plans that we seek. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:25.639 That's the plans that we look to. 00:14:26.319 --> 00:14:30.259 Even as we think of what we have enjoyed together over the weekend. 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:32.199 We see it's all God's plan. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:34.679 All his plan being worked out. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.599 That he gave his son. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:40.500 And that we were doing it in remembrance of him. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.899 Taking the bread. 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:42.960 Taking the wine. 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:47.500 Reflecting on what was done for us. 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:49.180 Worshipping him. 00:14:49.420 --> 00:14:51.019 Praising his name. 00:14:51.779 --> 00:14:53.860 That his plan is working out. 00:14:54.420 --> 00:14:56.759 And that he knows best. 00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:01.740 God always has a plan. 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:04.680 A plan for salvation. 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:08.699 He is able to save to the uttermost. 00:15:09.719 --> 00:15:13.099 We've been reminded of that over these last couple of months. 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:16.839 As James has been preaching through 1 Corinthians 15. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:21.019 There we see so much of God's blueprint. 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:23.339 His plan. 00:15:24.079 --> 00:15:26.159 That everything else is being built upon. 00:15:26.299 --> 00:15:29.439 Christ Jesus is the cornerstone. 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:36.320 We're reminded how the resurrection is at the heart of it all. 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:38.360 God's plan. 00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:40.040 It wouldn't have been our plan of the way. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.940 We would have done it ourselves. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:45.340 But it's God's plan and his way. 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:50.220 As it says in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 14. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:52.340 If Christ has not been raised. 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:53.820 Then our preaching is in vain. 00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:55.960 And your faith is in vain. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:58.259 But he has. 00:15:58.920 --> 00:15:59.759 He is risen. 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.940 As God had planned. 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.460 From the very beginning. 00:16:04.180 --> 00:16:05.820 So we don't lose heart. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:09.100 Because God has a plan and a purpose. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.660 He is building. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:12.320 His kingdom. 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.480 Hudson Taylor. 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:16.540 The missionary who went to China. 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:19.000 He was a man of great faith. 00:16:19.719 --> 00:16:22.480 And always trusted that God would have a plan. 00:16:22.699 --> 00:16:24.839 Going forward at all times. 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:27.299 And he said this at one point. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:30.099 How God's work should be done. 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:30.500 He said. 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:32.980 We can make our best plans. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.480 And try to carry them out. 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:36.459 In our own strength. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.579 Or he said. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:40.679 We can make careful plans. 00:16:40.819 --> 00:16:42.439 And ask God to bless them. 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:45.679 But then he said as well. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:47.759 Yet another way of working. 00:16:48.099 --> 00:16:49.859 Is to begin with God. 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.739 And to ask his plans. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:55.559 And to offer ourselves to him. 00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:58.359 To carry out his purposes. 00:16:59.839 --> 00:17:01.719 That's what we are looking to do. 00:17:02.019 --> 00:17:03.279 And should be looking to do. 00:17:03.959 --> 00:17:06.339 To see that God has a plan. 00:17:06.879 --> 00:17:08.200 To build his church. 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:11.139 And that we seek not our plans. 00:17:11.179 --> 00:17:11.879 Or our ways. 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:12.539 But his. 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.119 And offer ourselves. 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:17.359 To help him fulfill. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.659 His plans. 00:17:18.659 --> 00:17:19.879 And his purposes. 00:17:20.879 --> 00:17:22.559 So God has a plan. 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:23.339 And too often. 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:25.779 We could take this psalm. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:26.759 And say. 00:17:27.239 --> 00:17:28.459 Only God. 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:29.399 Can do it. 00:17:30.159 --> 00:17:31.119 There's nothing. 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:32.619 That we can do. 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:35.099 But we would be wrong. 00:17:35.459 --> 00:17:36.500 To stop there. 00:17:37.179 --> 00:17:38.779 We know that only God. 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:39.939 Can build. 00:17:40.419 --> 00:17:41.079 Only God. 00:17:41.399 --> 00:17:42.339 Can save. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:44.179 But you see. 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:44.779 In this psalm. 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:45.259 He says. 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:46.679 Unless the Lord. 00:17:46.679 --> 00:17:47.839 Builds the house. 00:17:48.099 --> 00:17:48.339 Yes. 00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:48.879 We know. 00:17:49.919 --> 00:17:51.459 Those who build it. 00:17:52.159 --> 00:17:53.119 Labour in vain. 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.459 He has. 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.639 His people. 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:57.839 He has. 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:59.359 His labourers. 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:00.839 He has those. 00:18:00.959 --> 00:18:02.220 Who are to serve him. 00:18:02.679 --> 00:18:03.980 With all their heart. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:05.679 We are dependent on God. 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:07.920 But we are also called. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.360 To be faithful. 00:18:09.360 --> 00:18:10.660 To God. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.660 And that's. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:14.620 When we see the second thing here. 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:16.440 Our purpose. 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:17.840 In the midst. 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:19.299 Of his plan. 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.940 He has a purpose. 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:23.799 For his people. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.340 They're not just. 00:18:25.340 --> 00:18:26.660 Standing by. 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.860 And waiting. 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:29.080 They're not just. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.940 Watching on. 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:31.180 At a distance. 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:32.920 Waiting for God. 00:18:33.120 --> 00:18:33.720 To act. 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.740 They are involved. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:36.940 They are in it. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.960 They are fulfilling. 00:18:38.620 --> 00:18:39.640 His purpose. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:42.080 And that's the call. 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.000 Of God. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.860 To his people. 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.680 Through all the generations. 00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:48.500 He calls his people. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:50.019 To follow him. 00:18:50.080 --> 00:18:50.640 In obedience. 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:52.900 To take up their cross. 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:54.360 And follow him. 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:56.140 He calls on the church. 00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:58.100 To be salt and light. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:00.300 The house that he is building. 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.420 Is the people of God. 00:19:03.300 --> 00:19:04.820 And as we see ourselves. 00:19:05.280 --> 00:19:06.820 As God's people. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:08.560 We come to him. 00:19:09.060 --> 00:19:10.240 To worship him. 00:19:10.580 --> 00:19:12.700 But also to serve him. 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:14.640 We are reminded of that. 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:16.300 At the end of the morning service. 00:19:16.300 --> 00:19:17.040 On Sunday. 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:18.600 That we are to be. 00:19:19.300 --> 00:19:19.900 Servants. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:20.860 To God. 00:19:21.860 --> 00:19:22.940 To go out. 00:19:23.580 --> 00:19:24.120 For him. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:25.800 And here is. 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.200 Our purpose. 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:28.620 As we think again. 00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.600 Of the building. 00:19:29.600 --> 00:19:30.420 Of the house. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.540 The laborers are there. 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:34.680 There's all kinds of people. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.200 Involved. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.000 And you see it here. 00:19:36.380 --> 00:19:37.880 There's those who are laboring. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.519 And he says. 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:39.320 In verse one. 00:19:39.400 --> 00:19:39.860 As well. 00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:41.180 Unless the Lord. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:42.519 Watches over the city. 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.740 The watchman. 00:19:43.860 --> 00:19:44.860 Stays awake. 00:19:44.860 --> 00:19:45.420 In vain. 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.540 The watchman. 00:19:46.540 --> 00:19:47.220 Was involved. 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.980 And guarding. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.339 As the laborers. 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:50.019 As the builders. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.700 Got on with the work. 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:52.940 And again. 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:54.180 It's just so relevant. 00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:56.039 To our own day to day. 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:56.640 As well. 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:58.240 How everyone. 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:59.960 Has a part to play. 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:01.740 In the kingdom of God. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:03.120 There are those. 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:04.400 Who are laboring. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:05.299 More active. 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.759 In the work of the Lord. 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.539 On the ground. 00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:08.920 There are those. 00:20:09.059 --> 00:20:09.740 Who are watching. 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.440 And watching. 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.200 So often. 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.000 Means play. 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:14.720 Everyone. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:16.059 Has a part. 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.140 To play. 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:19.259 Unless the Lord. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.180 Does it. 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:20.900 Of course. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.579 But we have a purpose. 00:20:24.099 --> 00:20:24.960 In it all. 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:25.960 As well. 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.799 We are to labor. 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.380 For the Lord. 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:31.420 God's word. 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:33.220 Gives us direction. 00:20:34.140 --> 00:20:35.640 It gives us focus. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:37.460 So we're not like. 00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.400 The hamster. 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:38.900 In the wheel. 00:20:39.299 --> 00:20:40.240 Just going round. 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:40.680 And round. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.400 In a circle. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.460 With no direction. 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.680 That's those. 00:20:43.860 --> 00:20:44.840 Who in vain. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.920 Rise up early. 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.620 And go late. 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.200 To rest. 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:48.079 In verse 2. 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.460 Eating the bread. 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:50.559 Of anxious toil. 00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:51.860 There's nothing. 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:52.380 At the end. 00:20:52.380 --> 00:20:52.819 Of the day. 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:53.400 For it. 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.500 Aimless toil. 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:58.120 But we have a purpose. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.539 We see God's plan. 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.740 To build his house. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:02.900 To build his kingdom. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.660 And we see our purpose. 00:21:04.660 --> 00:21:05.900 To be a part of it. 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:07.660 To be his laborers. 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:09.160 To be his prayer warriors. 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:09.840 To be all. 00:21:10.140 --> 00:21:11.559 Of these things. 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.840 The word of God. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.860 Always reminds us. 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:16.680 Of that. 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.640 Paul writes. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.299 Into the church. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.120 Colossians. 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:23.000 Colossians chapter 3. 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:23.819 Verse 16. 00:21:23.940 --> 00:21:24.180 Says. 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:25.519 Let the word of Christ. 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.480 Dwell. 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.380 In you. 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:27.819 Richly. 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.000 Teaching and admonishing. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.500 One another. 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.380 In all wisdom. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:31.640 Singing psalms. 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.039 Hymns. 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:33.299 And spiritual songs. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:34.340 With thankfulness. 00:21:34.559 --> 00:21:35.579 In your hearts. 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.279 To God. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:38.079 There's the sense of worship. 00:21:38.079 --> 00:21:39.179 In these words. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.480 Thankfulness. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.159 Song. 00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:41.879 Praise. 00:21:41.879 --> 00:21:42.419 Is there. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.419 To God. 00:21:43.939 --> 00:21:44.659 But then it goes on. 00:21:44.679 --> 00:21:45.379 In the next verse. 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.139 There to say. 00:21:46.639 --> 00:21:47.939 Whatever you do. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:49.119 In word. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:49.919 Or deed. 00:21:50.439 --> 00:21:51.259 Do everything. 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:51.819 In the name. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.819 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:55.179 We do it for him. 00:21:55.699 --> 00:21:56.759 Giving thanks. 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:57.379 To God. 00:21:57.419 --> 00:21:58.000 The father. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.279 Through him. 00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:01.659 So we. 00:22:01.659 --> 00:22:02.299 We have. 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:03.720 This activity. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.960 We have this purpose. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.120 To labor. 00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:07.960 To work. 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.380 For the Lord. 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:11.400 But you notice too. 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:14.039 In the end of verse 2. 00:22:14.220 --> 00:22:14.779 He says. 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:16.120 He gives his beloved. 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:17.380 Sleep. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:20.079 The psalmist tells us. 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:21.180 That when we trust. 00:22:21.840 --> 00:22:22.579 In the Lord. 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:24.100 And when we see. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.120 That he has a plan. 00:22:25.180 --> 00:22:26.220 And we have a purpose. 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:28.620 It gives us a sense. 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:30.059 Of rest. 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:32.420 That we rest. 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.299 In him. 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:35.120 That we rest. 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:36.599 In Christ. 00:22:37.399 --> 00:22:38.759 We find rest. 00:22:38.879 --> 00:22:39.279 In knowing. 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.259 The Lord. 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:42.079 Is on our side. 00:22:42.859 --> 00:22:43.839 And delighting. 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:45.000 In doing. 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:46.419 His will. 00:22:47.399 --> 00:22:48.979 So instead of being anxious. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.259 And worried. 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.299 And afraid. 00:22:51.479 --> 00:22:52.919 In the midst of all things. 00:22:53.399 --> 00:22:55.219 We have a sense of peace. 00:22:56.379 --> 00:22:57.019 Peace. 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:58.079 With God. 00:22:58.859 --> 00:23:00.379 That he can take away. 00:23:00.479 --> 00:23:01.119 Our worries. 00:23:01.699 --> 00:23:02.679 And our anxieties. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.060 And our fears. 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.620 As we trust. 00:23:06.320 --> 00:23:06.920 In him. 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:09.960 What is it. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.299 To labor. 00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.680 For the Lord. 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.700 Well the Bible. 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:15.380 Uses. 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.799 Different ways. 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:17.980 Of describing. 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:18.759 What it is. 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:19.420 To labor. 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.480 For the Lord. 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:22.380 We read. 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.340 In first. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.360 Well we've mentioned. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.400 First Corinthians. 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:27.299 At the end of that chapter. 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.500 As we've heard recently. 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.820 It's not a labor. 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:31.379 In vain. 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:33.579 We do not labor. 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:35.039 In vain. 00:23:36.059 --> 00:23:37.099 First Thessalonians. 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:37.779 Chapter 1. 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.299 Verse 3. 00:23:38.399 --> 00:23:39.079 Reminds us. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:41.059 It's a labor of love. 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:44.139 We love him. 00:23:44.419 --> 00:23:45.899 Because he first. 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:46.939 Loved us. 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.000 The book of Revelation. 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:49.879 Chapter 2. 00:23:49.939 --> 00:23:50.439 Verse 2. 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:51.559 Reminds us. 00:23:51.639 --> 00:23:52.200 It's a labor. 00:23:52.419 --> 00:23:52.839 Known. 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:54.200 By Christ. 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:56.599 That he sees. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.700 Our works. 00:23:57.700 --> 00:24:00.299 Or perhaps. 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.519 The lack of them. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.980 We're also reminded. 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:07.299 It's a labor. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:07.980 That God. 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.460 Does not forget. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:10.660 Hebrews. 00:24:10.840 --> 00:24:11.640 Chapter 6. 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.200 Verse 10. 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.400 First Corinthians. 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:15.880 3. 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:16.580 Verse 9. 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:17.480 Reminds us. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.120 It's a labor. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.620 Done together. 00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:21.420 We labor. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.420 Side. 00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:23.880 By side. 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.120 Colossians. 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:26.559 1. 00:24:27.179 --> 00:24:27.879 Verse 28. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.559 It's a labor. 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.879 For eternal. 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:30.619 Things. 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:34.459 So we labor. 00:24:34.939 --> 00:24:36.779 In all of these ways. 00:24:37.639 --> 00:24:38.159 We have. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.719 That purpose. 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:41.519 But let it be. 00:24:41.719 --> 00:24:42.619 A labor. 00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:43.959 Of love. 00:24:44.939 --> 00:24:45.639 And a labor. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.219 That doesn't end. 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.219 Because we don't. 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.579 Lose heart. 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:51.279 A farmer. 00:24:51.399 --> 00:24:51.859 Once. 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:52.659 Said. 00:24:52.919 --> 00:24:53.559 Or observed. 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:54.299 On his farm. 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:56.680 Is that the hardest thing. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:58.099 About milking cows. 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.839 Is that they never. 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:00.940 Stay milked. 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:03.740 They had to be milked. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.419 Twice. 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:05.279 A day. 00:25:06.139 --> 00:25:07.099 And it goes on. 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:07.559 Day. 00:25:07.700 --> 00:25:08.359 After day. 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.519 But for a farmer. 00:25:10.859 --> 00:25:11.399 It's a labor. 00:25:11.399 --> 00:25:12.039 Of love. 00:25:13.159 --> 00:25:14.099 And for ourselves. 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:14.960 In the work. 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.700 Of the kingdom. 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.419 Of God. 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:17.500 In the midst. 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:18.359 Of his plan. 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:19.099 And purpose. 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:19.740 For us. 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:21.019 We should never. 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.920 Lose heart. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.640 But to do all. 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:24.720 As to the Lord. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:25.900 As a labor. 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.059 Of love. 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:28.339 The work. 00:25:28.420 --> 00:25:29.160 Of the gospel. 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:30.740 Is always. 00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:31.720 Ongoing. 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:33.220 Because the Lord. 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:34.420 Is building. 00:25:34.420 --> 00:25:35.359 His church. 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.839 And the people. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.259 Are to see. 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.759 That unless he does. 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:41.880 We labor. 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.500 In vain. 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.680 But we remember. 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:46.759 That he's on our side. 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:48.599 And so we love. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.740 To labor. 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:50.680 For him. 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.900 When we think. 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:54.039 Of what we were remembering. 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.619 On the Lord's day. 00:25:56.900 --> 00:25:57.420 Jesus. 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.940 On the cross. 00:25:59.359 --> 00:26:00.259 At Calvary. 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.220 Was that. 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:04.180 The greatest chaos. 00:26:04.839 --> 00:26:05.559 This world. 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:06.220 Has seen. 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:08.400 When there was darkness. 00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:09.839 In the middle of the day. 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:11.099 As Jesus. 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.539 Was crucified. 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.680 When people. 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:15.559 Whose plans. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.559 With. 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.879 Were putting forward. 00:26:18.419 --> 00:26:19.179 To get rid. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:20.379 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:21.480 When their plans. 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.319 Would have seemed. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.839 To have been accomplished. 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:24.799 And successful. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.960 And yet. 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.460 God. 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.240 Had a plan. 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:32.339 His plan. 00:26:32.879 --> 00:26:34.240 Was being fulfilled. 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:36.559 Just as Jesus. 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.319 Had said. 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.759 Destroy. 00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:40.019 This temple. 00:26:40.940 --> 00:26:42.339 And in three days. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.940 I will raise it up. 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.880 His plan. 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:45.900 His plan. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:47.279 Was fulfilled. 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.799 He rose. 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:49.779 Again. 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:51.160 Today. 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.600 It would seem. 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.160 That God's plans. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:55.000 Are in chaos. 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:56.100 In the eyes of many. 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.519 The world. 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.640 Is falling apart. 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:02.059 But we don't listen. 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.279 To the world. 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:04.820 We listen. 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:06.980 To the word of God. 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:09.519 And that he is building. 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:10.900 His church. 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:12.740 And the gates of hell. 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:14.360 Will not prevail. 00:27:14.360 --> 00:27:15.360 Against it. 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.160 God has a plan. 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:18.820 And he is building. 00:27:19.600 --> 00:27:20.720 And he has a purpose. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.400 For you. 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:22.740 And for me. 00:27:23.560 --> 00:27:24.200 To labor. 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.840 And to watch. 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:28.080 And to find rest. 00:27:28.620 --> 00:27:30.140 As he gives his beloved. 00:27:30.840 --> 00:27:31.400 Sleep. 00:27:32.280 --> 00:27:33.340 May we rest. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.180 In him. 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:34.680 And know. 00:27:35.060 --> 00:27:36.060 His blessing. 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:37.080 As we go on. 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:38.080 Laboring. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.340 For the Lord. 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.099 Let us pray. 00:27:41.899 --> 00:27:43.179 Lord our God. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:44.059 We thank you. 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.939 That your word. 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:45.740 Reminds us. 00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.579 Again and again. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:48.419 That in all the chaos. 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:49.119 That so often. 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.939 Surrounds us. 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:51.240 When the plans. 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:52.059 Of this world. 00:27:52.199 --> 00:27:53.059 Are in disarray. 00:27:53.699 --> 00:27:54.779 That your plans. 00:27:54.959 --> 00:27:55.879 Are being fulfilled. 00:27:55.879 --> 00:27:57.000 At all times. 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.159 And that you have. 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:58.659 A plan. 00:27:58.699 --> 00:27:59.339 And a purpose. 00:27:59.339 --> 00:28:00.619 For all your people. 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:02.379 In every generation. 00:28:03.179 --> 00:28:04.119 That you are the God. 00:28:04.179 --> 00:28:05.139 Who is building. 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:06.059 His church. 00:28:06.659 --> 00:28:07.240 And nothing. 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:07.980 Will prevail. 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.819 Against it. 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.799 We thank you. 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:11.000 That we have Christ Jesus. 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:12.419 As the cornerstone. 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:13.919 And that it is all. 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:14.919 Built on him. 00:28:15.579 --> 00:28:16.419 And so we pray. 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.539 Lord that you will help us. 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.179 To find. 00:28:18.639 --> 00:28:19.559 Our purpose. 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:20.720 In your plans. 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:22.439 That you would use us. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.539 For your glory. 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:25.079 That you would help us. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.720 To labor. 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:26.980 And to labor. 00:28:27.159 --> 00:28:27.659 In love. 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:28.339 For you. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.799 With all our heart. 00:28:29.879 --> 00:28:30.799 And all our soul. 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:32.240 So Lord bless us. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:32.759 We pray. 00:28:32.859 --> 00:28:33.960 And continue with us. 00:28:34.439 --> 00:28:35.700 And pardon all our sin. 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.599 As we ask it all. 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.559 In Jesus name. 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.539 Amen. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.019 Amen. 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.240 しく you. 00:28:39.659 --> 00:28:40.259 Amen. 00:28:41.159 --> 00:28:41.599 Amen. 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:42.740 Amen. 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:45.519 Amen. 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:46.359 Amen. 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:48.399 Amen. 00:28:48.399 --> 00:28:48.559 Amen. 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:48.879 Amen. 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:48.919 Amen. 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:49.940 Amen.