WEBVTT 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:11.160 Well folks, good morning. My name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being the assistant pastor here and the joy of opening up that passage to us and helping us think a little bit more about it over the next little while. 00:00:11.240 --> 00:00:17.519 So it would be really helpful if you have that passage open in front of you, but a little bit of a history test. 00:00:18.940 --> 00:00:22.000 Well, I was going to say, do you know who this person is on the... 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:25.000 Do you know who this person is on the... 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:27.640 Do you want me to use this? Yeah, okay, that's fine. 00:00:27.640 --> 00:00:31.660 I was going to say, do you know who this is? But I put the name up, so that's a bit... 00:00:31.660 --> 00:00:33.240 I've kind of shot myself in the foot with that one. 00:00:33.899 --> 00:00:44.380 But in 1952, this is Francine Chadwick, and she was the first woman to attempt to swim from the coast of California to the Catalina Island. 00:00:45.019 --> 00:00:47.659 And I may be thinking, well, that's not really that impressive, is it? 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:55.040 But that's actually a 26-mile swim in cold, shark-infested waters. 00:00:55.340 --> 00:00:57.260 My worst nightmare. 00:00:57.640 --> 00:00:59.259 I have a phobia of sharks. 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:06.980 And she swam the treacherous journey with a team of small boats around her to help in case of an emergency. 00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:12.859 And 15 hours into her swim, a thick fog descended as she was swimming. 00:01:13.540 --> 00:01:15.280 And it completely knocked her confidence. 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:17.280 She couldn't see a thing in front of her. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:22.379 As if swimming in the open ocean with sharks wasn't enough. 00:01:23.400 --> 00:01:24.920 Now she couldn't even see. 00:01:26.620 --> 00:01:28.280 Legs and arms cramping up. 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:32.579 She turned to her mother who was in one of the boats and said, I can't go on anymore. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:35.939 But she did for one more hour. 00:01:35.939 --> 00:01:45.700 But with no visible end in sight, with no light at the end of the tunnel, she decided to stop and was pulled into one of the boats. 00:01:45.700 --> 00:01:50.540 It wasn't the cold water or the frosty air. 00:01:51.420 --> 00:01:55.400 Nor was it swimming with sharks at her feet which stopped her swimming. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:56.859 But she couldn't see the end. 00:01:57.600 --> 00:01:59.640 She didn't have the perspective she needed. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:05.180 And as she was pulled into that boat, her mother turned to her and said, you had less than a mile left. 00:02:05.180 --> 00:02:08.780 So you imagine the frustration she felt. 00:02:08.860 --> 00:02:15.520 She just swam over 25 miles to stop just short of her goal. 00:02:16.980 --> 00:02:22.319 But two months later, she made a second attempt to swim the same stretch of open water. 00:02:23.040 --> 00:02:26.219 And again, that fog set in which clouded her vision. 00:02:26.740 --> 00:02:33.360 But she pushed through and became the first woman to swim that 26 mile stretch. 00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:38.400 She was asked later on in an interview, what changed? 00:02:38.540 --> 00:02:41.020 Why did you manage this time but you didn't previously? 00:02:42.380 --> 00:02:47.060 And she said that she kept an image of the shoreline in her mind which kept her through. 00:02:47.140 --> 00:02:50.860 She knew the destination which gave her perspective in her swim. 00:02:53.200 --> 00:02:56.560 She was able to push through the pain because she knew where she was going. 00:02:56.720 --> 00:02:58.800 She knew what she was to expect. 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:00.460 Yes, it would be difficult. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:02.320 Yes, it would be painful. 00:03:02.319 --> 00:03:09.639 And going through that horrible fog again but with her end destination in mind, she managed. 00:03:11.379 --> 00:03:15.979 And that is what we're going to be thinking a little bit about this morning in Ecclesiastes chapter 9. 00:03:16.459 --> 00:03:16.900 Perspective. 00:03:18.620 --> 00:03:22.659 Maybe after reading that passage you thought, well, there is no perspective. 00:03:23.359 --> 00:03:24.479 There is no hope. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:25.280 This is meaningless. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:31.780 And so the thick fog descends on Ecclesiastes chapter 9. 00:03:32.300 --> 00:03:33.520 And we dive in. 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:37.800 This morning we're going to be in the middle of that fog. 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:45.580 We're going to find ourselves in a place of confusion, doubt, pain. 00:03:45.580 --> 00:03:50.920 But we're also going to see that there's hope. 00:03:52.040 --> 00:03:57.820 We're going to hear truths that cut to the very core and expose the thing we hate most. 00:03:58.800 --> 00:03:59.200 Death. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:08.560 But we'll be instructed that even in the face of death, even in the bleak world and fog that we live in under the sun, 00:04:09.659 --> 00:04:13.000 then we are to look above the sun. 00:04:13.459 --> 00:04:14.179 Look to God. 00:04:14.339 --> 00:04:19.039 And then and only then will we have perspective that carries us through this life. 00:04:19.040 --> 00:04:23.480 So the teacher is telling us to have perspective in light of death. 00:04:25.840 --> 00:04:26.920 And there is hope. 00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:30.980 There is joy because we know the end goal. 00:04:31.580 --> 00:04:33.780 We know the destination that awaits us. 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:41.280 So let's dive into Ecclesiastes chapter 9 and we'll see the certainty of death, but also the blessing of life. 00:04:41.279 --> 00:04:49.179 So the first thing we see is the certainty of death in verses 1 to 6 and 11 to 12, the certainty of death. 00:04:50.479 --> 00:04:55.059 Now, maybe you're sitting there thinking, well, Alistair, we really don't need a reminder that death is coming. 00:04:55.979 --> 00:04:57.459 We know it to be true. 00:04:58.479 --> 00:04:59.819 And maybe that is the case. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:06.500 But have you ever noticed how we try to escape or forget about death all the time? 00:05:06.500 --> 00:05:11.699 We hide cemeteries behind big walls so that no one can see. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:15.139 Scientists try to prolong our lives. 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:18.720 Cosmetic companies say if you take these supplements, you'll live longer. 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:26.079 And even when someone has died, people rarely actually say they've died. 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:34.660 You'll hear at some funerals that the person has, that they continue to live on in our hearts and minds. 00:05:36.500 --> 00:05:42.259 Or that their spirit is still wandering the earth. 00:05:42.540 --> 00:05:48.339 Now, these are concepts that we've come up with to make death just that little bit easier because we hate it, don't we? 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:52.620 And that's because we weren't meant to die. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:55.819 We were created for life. 00:05:57.160 --> 00:06:03.980 But now, since sin entered the world and corrupted the whole of humanity, death is certain. 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:06.220 That is what the teacher says. 00:06:06.300 --> 00:06:07.480 Look with me in verse 2. 00:06:08.560 --> 00:06:15.319 All share a common destiny, the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:19.300 those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:26.379 Now, the teacher isn't saying that both the righteous and the wicked go to the same place. 00:06:26.960 --> 00:06:29.780 But the same destiny of death awaits them both. 00:06:29.779 --> 00:06:35.799 The righteous are those people who, in verse 1, are right with God. 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:41.719 Those who praise and worship Him and live their lives according to His word. 00:06:44.599 --> 00:06:49.179 The wicked are those who reject God and reject His plan for humanity. 00:06:49.180 --> 00:06:56.160 Death awaits every single living person, whether they are a Christian or not a Christian. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:07:02.220 And just in case there's any doubt left in our minds, the teacher repeats that in verse 3. 00:07:03.280 --> 00:07:06.660 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun. 00:07:07.220 --> 00:07:10.019 The same destiny overtakes all. 00:07:11.480 --> 00:07:12.480 Death is certain. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:14.960 We cannot stop it. 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:16.879 We are not in control. 00:07:16.980 --> 00:07:19.220 Just like we cannot stop the sun from setting. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:28.759 We cannot stop the seasons from coming at their allotted time or the clock from ticking as the hours and weeks and months go by. 00:07:29.620 --> 00:07:35.700 No matter how hard we run or how hard we try, death will come to us all. 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:58.159 Death is the end for every human being because the sin and evil that causes humanity to reject God. 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:01.879 We see that coming into the world in Genesis 3. 00:08:01.879 --> 00:08:10.399 Every human heart is sinful, corrupt, broken, full of evil, the teacher says. 00:08:10.500 --> 00:08:12.319 And therefore, death is the result. 00:08:14.540 --> 00:08:17.060 That is the consequence of a world rejecting God. 00:08:17.159 --> 00:08:21.180 That is the fog that overshadows our lives here under the sun. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:27.579 Whether we're rich and we live in a mansion or whether we're poor and we live under a bridge, death is our end. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:32.960 And look at the thickness of this fog in verses 5 and 6. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:35.120 The dead know nothing. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:37.460 They have no further reward. 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:39.059 Even their names are forgotten. 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:41.159 Their emotions have vanished. 00:08:41.899 --> 00:08:45.019 And they will never again take part in anything under the sun. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:48.519 This is real life, isn't it? 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:50.779 This is the life that we know. 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:57.519 And that is the heart-wrenching truth of the finality of death. 00:09:00.079 --> 00:09:02.379 We probably all know the names of our grandparents. 00:09:03.339 --> 00:09:08.860 But do we know the names of our great-grandparents or our great-great-grandparents or our great-great-great-grandparents? 00:09:09.799 --> 00:09:10.740 Probably not. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:12.299 Why? 00:09:14.299 --> 00:09:15.799 Because that's life under the sun. 00:09:16.559 --> 00:09:18.120 Once it's gone, it's gone. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:18.179 It's gone. 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:26.559 Never to be remembered, but lost in the horrible repetition of death after death after death. 00:09:27.459 --> 00:09:30.539 That is why the teacher says, look in verse 4, 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:35.079 that those who are alive have hope. 00:09:36.179 --> 00:09:39.539 For the living, there is still time to be made right with God. 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:44.100 There is still time to trust Him and walk in obedience with His ways. 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:50.159 For the living, there is time to repent of their rejection of God and turn to Him. 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:55.079 So let me ask you this morning, where do you stand before God? 00:09:58.039 --> 00:10:01.579 That is the most important question you will ever answer in your life. 00:10:01.580 --> 00:10:09.060 The book of Ecclesiastes tells us there are two certainties, death and judgment. 00:10:10.600 --> 00:10:12.259 And death awaits everyone. 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:18.420 And the Bible makes it clear that those who reject God and ignore Him will be rejected on that day of judgment. 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:23.679 And will suffer the consequences of their sin and fullness of evil in hell. 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:29.279 But those who turn to the Lord will be saved from that judgment. 00:10:29.779 --> 00:10:35.319 Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus that we will gather and celebrate later on in our service. 00:10:35.320 --> 00:10:40.620 That is the most important thing about being a Christian. 00:10:41.580 --> 00:10:49.060 Because the death and resurrection of Jesus is the very reason that we don't have to fear judgment. 00:10:50.700 --> 00:10:52.980 Because Jesus took the punishment that we deserve. 00:10:52.980 --> 00:10:57.420 So where do you stand before God this morning? 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:05.420 And the teacher ends this small section of the book with a certainty of death in verses 11 and 12. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:11.740 Verse 11 he speaks about the uncertainty of life. 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:14.720 And in verse 12 the unexpected timing of death. 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:18.800 Now we'd expect racing to be for fast runners, right? 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:23.019 I'm not going to go up against Usain Bolt and stand a chance. 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:25.820 I can barely run a 5k in under half an hour. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:29.540 Or we'd expect the strong man to win a fight. 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:33.360 Or those who are wise and brilliant to be the ones who gain wealth, wouldn't we? 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:40.540 But the teacher says in verse 11 that time and chance happen to them all. 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:47.439 In this life, under the sun, life doesn't always work out the way we think it should. 00:11:47.860 --> 00:11:49.159 Or the way we think it might. 00:11:50.779 --> 00:11:52.740 Many unexpected things happen. 00:11:54.299 --> 00:11:56.459 But then in verse 12, we don't know when. 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.579 We don't know how we will die, but we will. 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:03.879 Look at the language that the teacher uses in verse 12. 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:07.480 Death catches, it takes, and it traps people. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:13.240 Like a fish happily swimming upstream is caught in a net and eaten. 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:17.360 Or like a bird that is caught to be taken to a zoo. 00:12:18.180 --> 00:12:21.200 That is how death traps people. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.720 So the teacher says, listen up. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:28.800 In life under the sun, we can all be certain of death. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:32.480 And we all know that this is true. 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:41.980 Many of us in the past few years, months, or even weeks, have felt the sting of this reality. 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:45.060 It hurts. 00:12:47.340 --> 00:12:49.139 These are painful truths. 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:56.279 But we have a Christian community in the church who are called to gather around, love, and care for each other. 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:59.819 Do not face the certainty of death without hope. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.139 But also do not face it alone. 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:08.100 The hope is in verse 4. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.139 The living have hope. 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:12.799 Our hope is in Jesus, the one who said, 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:15.579 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:20.139 The one who believes in me will live, and even though they die. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:24.159 And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:29.179 There is no other hope that you can face death with other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:37.699 The second thing we see in this passage is the blessing of life in verses 7 to 10. 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:39.080 The blessing of life. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:47.240 So in verse 7, the teacher is explaining what that God has given gifts for all of humanity to enjoy. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:49.759 Read with me. 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:51.259 He says, 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:58.379 Go eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:08.159 Now he isn't saying go home and sulk about how difficult life is under the sun, but he is saying go out and enjoy it. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:12.799 Enjoy all the things that God has created and given to mankind. 00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:16.899 And do it with gladness and a joyful heart. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:28.379 Now I'm not what you'd describe as a foodie, someone who loves food and is very interested in getting loads of good food, 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:31.419 but I do enjoy a good meal, as you will probably see. 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:34.599 And the teacher says, it's okay. 00:14:35.459 --> 00:14:36.059 Enjoy it. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:38.259 That is God's gift to mankind. 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:45.139 That's what he's saying in verse 8 with being clothed in white and anointing your head with oil. 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:50.960 Those are things that people did as they prepared for festivals or celebrations. 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:58.100 This sounds a bit strange to us, but basically what he's saying is, go put on your nicest suit. 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:01.780 Go put on your nicest dress and go for that meal. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:02.900 Go enjoy it. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:06.679 Enjoy and prepare for the party. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:14.899 Now we need to read Ecclesiastes and sit in the place that the teacher describes under the sun. 00:15:15.959 --> 00:15:20.699 We need to feel the pain and difficulties of life that he brings to the surface. 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:27.759 But we also need to take joy in the good things that he brings out, like he does in these verses. 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:35.840 He isn't telling us to overindulge in life or try to find satisfaction or distraction in the things of this world, 00:15:35.900 --> 00:15:37.100 but he's saying enjoy them. 00:15:39.400 --> 00:15:43.900 Enjoy your food, parties, relationships with friends and families, married couples. 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:45.040 Enjoy each other. 00:15:45.640 --> 00:15:47.100 They are gifts from God. 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:53.259 We are allowed to have fun and enjoy the things that God has given us in accordance with his will. 00:15:55.960 --> 00:16:00.940 People can be ashamed of or feel guilty of big purchases that they've made 00:16:00.940 --> 00:16:07.180 because maybe they worry that people think or question if they're doing enough for God. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:14.420 Yes, we must be wise and sacrificial in our giving and in how we steward our lives 00:16:14.420 --> 00:16:16.600 so that in everything we do we glorify God, 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.820 but we're also to enjoy. 00:16:19.159 --> 00:16:22.800 Verse 8, God has already approved what you do. 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:27.320 Now this isn't a blanket endorsement of everything that humans do. 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:30.820 God doesn't approve of the wickedness of humanity, 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:33.560 but he has given good gifts, 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:38.540 good things to use in such a way that he gets all the glory. 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:43.039 If we live in a healthy fear of the Lord, 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:49.319 if we recognize him as God and the giver, 00:16:49.539 --> 00:16:51.879 then we will enjoy the gifts all the more 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:54.279 and thank him for them daily. 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:57.439 And if we do not live this way, 00:16:57.480 --> 00:17:01.199 then the temptation is to seek satisfaction and distraction in the gifts 00:17:01.199 --> 00:17:03.019 and not enjoy the giver. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:08.059 The teacher then turns to work in verse 10. 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:09.980 And he says, 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:12.259 Whatever your hands find to do, 00:17:12.360 --> 00:17:13.759 do it with all your might. 00:17:14.099 --> 00:17:15.400 For in the realm of the dead, 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.400 where you are going, 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:19.920 there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:24.380 So the teacher ends this bit about the blessings of life 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:26.700 with that sober reminder that our days are numbered. 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:31.500 And that shouldn't lead us to laziness. 00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:33.559 We're to put our hands to work. 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:38.580 Now this principle applies to our paid and volunteer work, 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:39.740 our work in the home, 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:41.180 in church, 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:44.700 and our general work for God. 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:46.480 Everything we do, 00:17:46.580 --> 00:17:48.299 we should do to the best of our ability 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:50.779 because we're doing it for him. 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:54.539 And all of this should be done in light of death 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:56.259 with that perspective in mind 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.960 that every single day that passes, 00:17:58.899 --> 00:18:00.440 we are one day closer to the end. 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:05.440 Some have suggested that the end of verse 10, 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:08.799 the teacher is denying the afterlife 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:10.680 and saying that there's nothing after death. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:12.920 But in this passage, 00:18:13.059 --> 00:18:15.420 the teacher isn't trying to convince us 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:19.579 or answer our questions about what does or doesn't happen after death. 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:22.759 He's giving us the perspective that we all need. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:26.640 It's telling us that death is on its way. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.079 Therefore, enjoy life. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.180 But most importantly, 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:30.680 you're still alive. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:32.819 You still have hope. 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:35.000 Think back to verse 4. 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:38.859 Anyone who is among the living has hope. 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:42.559 Even a live dog is better off than a dead lion. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.879 There is still hope. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:48.859 You can be absolutely down and out. 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:52.839 You can feel as if you are crushed, weak. 00:18:53.719 --> 00:18:56.139 That is why he uses the illustration of a dog, 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:58.919 something small and lowly in life. 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:03.579 But that dog is far better off than a dead, strong lion 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:05.539 because there's still hope. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:10.920 Where do you have your hope? 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:14.960 As we sit here this morning, 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:17.619 some of us will be in those thick, fog, 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:19.420 Ecclesiastes moments 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:22.500 where you're looking at life 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:24.819 and you're almost shouting at the top of your lungs, 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:26.019 it's meaningless. 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:33.139 As you feel the pain of deteriorating health. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:38.319 As you feel the sting of family breakdowns. 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:42.460 Maybe you're struggling with your mental health 00:19:42.460 --> 00:19:45.779 and you feel that there's no light at the end of the tunnel. 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:49.899 But friends, let me tell you 00:19:49.899 --> 00:19:52.079 that whether you're on the mountaintop and life is great 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:56.000 or whether you are in the valley of despair and pain, 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.579 there is still hope. 00:19:58.899 --> 00:20:01.039 Your hope is not built in this life. 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:04.920 It is built on the fact that death is coming. 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.960 And if anything, friends, death is just the beginning. 00:20:07.960 --> 00:20:14.700 We have hope because of the final words of Jesus on the cross. 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:16.980 It is finished. 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:20.620 That is how as Christians, 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:22.920 we can read about the certainty of death 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:24.740 and have perspective in life 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:28.579 and see the blessings of life and have perspective 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:31.420 because death is not the end. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:36.779 And this means that whilst you're still alive, 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:39.940 you can put your trust in Jesus and have life. 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:43.420 Yes, your body will die. 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:47.420 But you will go on to live eternity 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:49.940 with the one who paid the price for you to live. 00:20:52.119 --> 00:20:54.160 Jesus died the death that we deserve, 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:56.059 which means that we can have life 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:57.379 and life to the full. 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:01.000 As a Christian this morning, 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:03.519 take assurance in the truth 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:06.200 that despite how difficult your life may be, 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:10.119 despite how thick the fog can get, 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:12.819 nothing, absolutely nothing, 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:15.539 can detract from the completed work 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:17.019 of Jesus Christ on the cross 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:20.339 as he declared victory over death and sin. 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:28.000 And he has provided forgiveness and reconciliation with God. 00:21:29.199 --> 00:21:31.839 That is the hope that you cling to. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:37.259 That is the perspective which helps you go through the fog of life. 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:40.599 And if you're not a Christian, 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:43.980 and you want that same hope, 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:47.680 speak to and pray with somebody today 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:49.440 because it is available for you too. 00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:54.079 It is finished, Jesus said. 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.980 That is where our hope is. 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:58.319 Death has no hold on us 00:21:58.319 --> 00:22:00.000 because Jesus made it possible 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:01.839 for us to be made right with God. 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:01.899 God. 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:08.500 This life is the journey to that final destination. 00:22:09.659 --> 00:22:13.439 That's the perspective that gets us through the thick fog of life. 00:22:15.179 --> 00:22:17.119 So how is your perspective this morning? 00:22:20.699 --> 00:22:23.000 Think back with me to Florence Chadwick. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:27.420 As she made that second attempt at her 26 mile swim. 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:30.799 If she didn't know what was awaiting her 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:33.759 and she didn't picture the shoreline 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:35.220 as she swam through that fog, 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.559 she would have been beaten again. 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:40.480 But her perspective changed 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.779 because she knew what was coming. 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:46.660 Death is coming our way. 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:50.540 But take an eternal perspective 00:22:50.540 --> 00:22:52.920 and listen to Jesus 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.580 and put your trust in him 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:56.700 and he gives you hope 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:59.660 because his work is completed on the cross. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:03.120 Are you putting your trust and hope in him? 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:06.200 Or are you burying your head in the sand 00:23:06.200 --> 00:23:08.019 and wishing that death wasn't true? 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:12.140 The teacher says death is coming. 00:23:12.300 --> 00:23:14.680 Jesus says you do not need to worry about that 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:18.900 because I am the resurrection and the life. 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:22.320 The one who believes in me will live 00:23:22.320 --> 00:23:23.440 even though they die 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:25.360 and whoever lives by believing in me 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.259 will never die. 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:29.640 Do you believe this? 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:34.019 If we put our trust in Jesus this morning 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:35.400 then the cry of our hearts 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:37.460 even in the difficulties of life 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:39.299 and it is tough 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:42.100 is Jesus paid it all. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:46.179 All to him I owe. 00:23:47.179 --> 00:23:49.779 Sin had left a crimson stain 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:52.039 but he washed it white as snow. 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:55.219 That is where we build our hope. 00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:59.279 Upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.279 the Lamb of God 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:02.299 who takes away the sins of the world. 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.439 Let's pray together. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:10.640 Just in the quietness of your heart 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.880 I would like you to think 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:13.660 and respond to God 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:15.240 in your own way 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:17.400 and ask that 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:19.019 very important question 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:20.980 where is my hope this morning? 00:24:27.299 --> 00:24:28.860 Father many of us live 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:31.080 and are currently in 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:32.820 those Ecclesiastes moments. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:37.259 as we are surrounded 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:38.659 by difficult situations 00:24:38.659 --> 00:24:40.919 which break our heart 00:24:40.919 --> 00:24:45.980 Father help us run to you 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:48.700 and cling to the only hope 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.519 which can carry us through 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.200 to that death 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:53.039 that day where we breathe 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.500 our last in this life. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.619 And help us know 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:01.539 that for those who put 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.500 their trust in you 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:04.579 that death is just the beginning 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:06.379 and a glorious 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:08.199 glorious future awaits us 00:25:08.199 --> 00:25:08.559 because 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:10.500 you paid it all. 00:25:13.159 --> 00:25:15.059 Jesus we thank you so much 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:17.739 and God we thank you 00:25:17.739 --> 00:25:18.559 that you are gracious 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.619 to send your son 00:25:19.619 --> 00:25:20.179 and spirit 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:20.919 we thank you 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:21.839 that you are in us 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:23.099 and helping us 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.239 understand that truth 00:25:24.239 --> 00:25:25.299 every single day 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:25.959 more and more. 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:31.019 we ask that we would 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:32.840 live out this hope 00:25:32.840 --> 00:25:34.160 for your glory 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:36.299 and in the power 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:38.200 and precious name 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:39.340 of your son 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:40.059 Jesus Christ 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:40.519 we pray 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.519 Amen. 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:41.660 Amen. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:43.660 Amen.