WEBVTT 00:00:00.100 --> 00:00:06.500 Well, as we join together today to worship, we come together as a people and as a nation, 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:12.480 very mindful of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday past. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:20.240 And we do remember her family at this time and her new king, King Charles III, as he 00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:22.260 takes up that role. 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:27.960 And we pray for God's comfort to them as a family and God's blessing on them as a family 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:33.500 as they seek, as they mourn her passing, as they seek the way forward. 00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:40.000 And our focus today is very much going to be on something that was precious to Her Majesty, 00:00:40.140 --> 00:00:42.200 and that is God's Word. 00:00:42.980 --> 00:00:44.560 And that's where we will turn today. 00:00:45.140 --> 00:00:51.219 We will hear about faith and what faith means and the blessing that we have through faith 00:00:51.219 --> 00:00:52.520 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:52.520 --> 00:00:57.560 But as we come, before we begin our worship, we're going to observe a minute's silence. 00:00:57.960 --> 00:01:00.280 So if you're able to, please do stand. 00:01:00.740 --> 00:01:02.280 And we'll join together in a minute's silence. 00:01:02.280 --> 00:01:03.280 Thank you. 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:04.280 Thank you. 00:01:04.280 --> 00:01:09.439 Thank you. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:10.780 Thank you. 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:17.219 Thank you. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:31.560 Thank you. 00:01:31.560 --> 00:02:01.540 Thank you. 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:11.500 Now, blessed be the Lord our God, the God of Israel, for he alone doth wondrous works in glory that excel. 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:19.939 And blessed be his glorious name to all eternity. The whole earth let his glory fill. Amen. So let it be. 00:02:20.719 --> 00:02:21.719 Please be seated. 00:02:21.719 --> 00:02:23.719 Amen. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:36.219 As we come to worship God, we're going to begin by singing to his praise in Psalm 16, the Sing Psalms version. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:39.719 Our first two singings are from this psalm. 00:02:40.659 --> 00:02:45.139 Psalm 16 on page 16 of the psalm book from the beginning at verse 1. 00:02:45.259 --> 00:02:48.539 Protect me, O my God, you are my refuge through. 00:02:49.020 --> 00:02:53.620 I said you are my Lord. I have no good apart from you. 00:02:53.699 --> 00:02:59.199 We'll sing from verse 1 to verse 6, the Tuna Selma, and we'll stand to sing. 00:02:59.199 --> 00:03:16.939 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:03:16.939 --> 00:03:32.939 I said you are my Lord. I have no good apart from you. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:46.819 The glory in the land are holy and extreme. 00:03:46.819 --> 00:04:16.800 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:46.800 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:04:46.819 --> 00:05:16.800 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:18.800 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:46.780 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:46.779 --> 00:05:48.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:49.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:50.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:50.779 --> 00:05:52.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:54.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:54.779 --> 00:05:56.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:56.779 --> 00:05:58.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:05:58.779 --> 00:06:00.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:02.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:04.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:04.779 --> 00:06:06.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:06.779 --> 00:06:08.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:08.779 --> 00:06:10.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:12.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:14.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:14.779 --> 00:06:15.919 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:15.919 --> 00:06:16.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:16.779 --> 00:06:18.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:19.779 O God, you are my refuge through. 00:06:19.779 --> 00:06:27.019 generation and for all people that we can look to you and put our trust in you and at a time 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:32.859 time when there is much sorrow and sadness in our nation and indeed in many nations of the world 00:06:32.859 --> 00:06:38.179 we think of all that's going on around us Lord there are so many issues that will bring 00:06:38.179 --> 00:06:45.959 many tears to our eyes we thank you that with you there is one who is able to wipe away every tear 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:51.039 so help us Lord that we will draw near to you in our time of worship that you might 00:06:51.039 --> 00:06:58.439 bless us and keep us and bless your word to us today as we will share from it we do remember 00:06:58.439 --> 00:07:05.740 the family of her majesty the queen we pray for our new king king charles we pray for 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:13.060 his brothers and sister we pray for their children and grandchildren and all who mourn in the passing 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:19.560 of the queen in these times we pray oh Lord that as they come together as a family just like we do 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:26.300 at times of sorrow that they would be given time to grieve and to mourn her passing we know it can be 00:07:26.300 --> 00:07:31.699 so difficult in their situation but we pray that you will comfort their hearts that you will uphold 00:07:31.699 --> 00:07:39.539 them and strengthen them we thank you for the queen's reign over us and for how often she spoke of her 00:07:39.539 --> 00:07:47.480 king her savior Christ Jesus and we pray that her faith will be reflected in her family passed down to a 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:53.939 generation to come and that faith and your word will be at the forefront of all that is done in these days 00:07:53.939 --> 00:08:00.639 and for our nation and for the nations of the world that the bedrock of our world would be Christ Jesus 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:06.740 our Lord so may you bless us together as a people as we worship we thank you for everyone here for 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:12.079 every home and family represented thank you for our young people Lord we pray your blessing on them 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:17.199 we pray for all that takes place in the sunday school the creche and the twinnies today 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:24.000 may you bless them all together look down upon us Lord and guide us in all we do as we ask it all in 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.719 Jesus name amen 00:08:25.719 --> 00:08:33.019 just before the young ones go out I'll just say a word to you I'm sure you're very aware of what's 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:39.159 happened in these past days when people have been very sad to hear of the passing of her majesty the 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:44.860 queen and I'm sure you're very familiar with how she looked and maybe you'll remember all kinds of 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:50.220 different things about her and everybody can remember maybe their own different memories about 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:56.980 about her some people would be very focused on maybe the clothes that she wore she was often well 00:08:56.980 --> 00:09:03.120 turned out in different colored clothes that some is very bright clothes she often wore beautiful 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:09.700 outfits and people would often comment on that maybe you're familiar with the places that she lived the 00:09:09.700 --> 00:09:14.740 places that she went it wasn't just ordinary houses she lived in she had Buckingham Palace 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:18.980 she had all kinds of places she used to live she was in Windsor she was in Balmoral 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:23.259 she was in all kinds of different places she even had a yacht that she used to come 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:28.680 even to Stornoway on to visit Stornoway she used to come with her family here on her yacht 00:09:28.680 --> 00:09:35.840 maybe you're familiar with other things about her her voice her voice was very distinct when you heard 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:41.419 her voice you knew it was her and she would give speeches at different times and give maybe a message 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:47.639 at Christmas time each Christmas time she'd deliver a message to the nation there's another thing about 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:52.740 her though that I want to think about just now just for a wee minute and that's the crown that she wore 00:09:52.740 --> 00:10:00.360 did you ever see her crown it's a beautiful crown and it's covered in diamonds and all kinds of jewels 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:08.399 very precious stones this crown is for whoever is king or queen over our land and for the last 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:15.700 70 years as she has ruled over our land the crown has been hers and she's worn it at different points 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:22.919 not often but at different points during her life and you wonder to yourself I wonder what kind of 00:10:22.919 --> 00:10:30.000 what's it like to wear that crown she said herself at one point it's really heavy you have to be so 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:34.980 careful when you're wearing it that you can't tilt your head forward just in case it falls off 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:42.320 it's really heavy maybe not the most comfortable thing to wear either but it's a very precious thing 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:48.120 I wonder if anyone knows how much it's worth if you would have a guess how much it's worth what do you 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:56.220 think is it thousands of pounds hundreds of pounds millions of pounds while you keep going up and up and up 00:10:56.220 --> 00:11:03.100 the the royal family have their precious jewels the crown jewels they're called and they estimate that 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:11.759 they're all together worth between three and five billion pounds that's just an estimate so the crown 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:19.759 is very precious and I wonder if you'll ever get to wear that crown yourself it's very unlikely isn't it 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:25.379 nobody gets to wear it apart from the person who is queen or king of the land so we'll maybe never get 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:33.379 to wear it but you know there's another crown and a crown that we receive through faith and we've 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:39.860 heard of so much about the queen and the faith that she had in the lord jesus christ and the promise to 00:11:39.860 --> 00:11:47.159 all who believe in the lord jesus is that they will receive a crown it's spoken about in the bible 00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:55.399 in different places one is second timothy chapter 4 verse 8 where it says henceforth there is laid up 00:11:55.399 --> 00:12:02.860 for me the crown of righteousness which the lord the righteous judge will award to me on that day and 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:10.459 not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing so there's a crown for all who believe 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:16.300 in the lord jesus so maybe one day you won't get to wear the crown of the queen or the king 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:22.920 but there's another crown that we can all share and that's the crown of righteousness by faith in the 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:29.800 lord jesus if we believe in him the queen will receive her crown and everyone with that will all be equal 00:12:29.799 --> 00:12:38.099 before god in his sight and we'll all receive that same crown through faith the queen often spoke about 00:12:38.099 --> 00:12:45.759 being a servant and that's what we are to be she had her own servants but she spoke about being a servant 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:55.539 so who was she a servant to she was a servant queen as she said in a book to the king who she serves 00:12:55.539 --> 00:13:05.459 and who was that king king jesus who she served so may we all come to serve that same king to love him 00:13:05.459 --> 00:13:12.740 with all our hearts and put our trust in him that we will all receive that crown of righteousness 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:19.899 but we're going to say the lord's prayer together now let's say the lord's prayer our father which art in 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:28.679 heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:35.939 this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into 00:13:35.939 --> 00:13:44.199 temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory forever amen 00:13:44.200 --> 00:13:54.220 well we'll continue our singing in that psalm psalm 16 and we're going to sing from verse 7 down to the 00:13:54.220 --> 00:14:02.720 end of the psalm i'll praise the lord my god whose counsel guides my choice and even in the night my heart 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:09.140 recalls instructions voice we'll sing from verse 7 to the end of the psalm to the tune golden hill 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:39.120 and we stand to sing 00:14:39.120 --> 00:15:09.100 before me constantly 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:16.100 i'll not be over the throne 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:24.100 therefore my heart is glad 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:31.100 my tongue with joy will sing 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:48.100 my body too will receive my body too will receive my body too will receive my hope unweivering 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:55.100 for you will receive my soul in death to sing 00:15:55.100 --> 00:16:05.100 my soul in death to sing 00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:06.100 my heart will receive my prayer for my heart 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:12.100 my heart will receive my heart 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:14.100 my heart will receive my heart 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:17.100 your holy one to see the tombs decay 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:36.139 You have made Lord to me the path of life divine. 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:53.319 Lish shall I know that your right hand joy from your face will shine. 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:02.720 Let us turn together to God's word. 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:07.539 We're going to read in the New Testament and Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:14.880 First Thessalonians, we're going to take it by reading it towards the end of chapter 2 and at verse 17. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:19.480 And then read on into chapter 3 and the whole of that chapter. 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:23.559 First Thessalonians chapter 2 and at verse 17. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:53.559 00:17:53.559 --> 00:18:23.559 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:31.099 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction just as it has come to pass. 00:18:31.679 --> 00:18:38.519 And just as you know, for this reason, when I could bear no longer, I sent to learn about your faith. 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:43.899 For fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:52.680 But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:59.120 And reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you. 00:18:59.820 --> 00:19:05.280 For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction, we have been comforted. 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:14.299 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:17.920 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you? 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:22.000 For all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:27.599 As we pray most earnestly, night and day, that we may see you face to face. 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:30.859 And supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:37.859 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 00:19:38.399 --> 00:19:43.879 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. 00:19:44.339 --> 00:19:45.639 As we do for you. 00:19:46.199 --> 00:19:52.079 So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:57.019 At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.439 Amen. 00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:01.220 And may God bless that reading from his word. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.519 We'll again engage in prayer. 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:04.240 Let us bow our heads in prayer. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:10.460 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:14.320 That it is a word that is never ending. 00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:19.480 It will always stand and endure for all time and for all eternity. 00:20:20.080 --> 00:20:24.120 We thank you that it is a word that you have breathed out for us. 00:20:24.600 --> 00:20:26.539 That is inspired by you. 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:28.500 That it is unchangeable. 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:34.460 And there is a truth there for us and for all people down through every generation. 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:38.000 And through all the different periods of time. 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:42.099 And all the different trials that people face. 00:20:42.379 --> 00:20:46.599 Individually, collectively, as nations and as a world. 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:50.139 We thank you for the enduring strength of your word. 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:52.140 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:52.520 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:52.520 --> 00:20:53.020 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:53.020 --> 00:20:54.020 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:54.020 --> 00:20:54.280 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:54.280 --> 00:20:54.320 We thank you for the first time. 00:20:54.320 --> 00:20:57.220 And the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. 00:20:57.980 --> 00:21:01.360 That your word is seen to the forefront so often. 00:21:02.120 --> 00:21:07.860 It may be a word that our nation has in many ways pushed away at different times. 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:11.440 And especially maybe over these last number of years. 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:14.740 There has been a great attack upon your word. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:16.920 And upon the Christian faith. 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:21.299 But we thank you that your word is still there for us. 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:25.460 That it is spoken into our nation at this time. 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:28.200 That your praise is heard sung. 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:32.819 That great and eternal words such as that wonderful psalm. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:37.140 Psalm 23 where it speaks of the Lord who is our shepherd. 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:41.840 We thank you that a people have been heard singing that psalm. 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:45.300 A people who maybe would normally not sing these words. 00:21:45.560 --> 00:21:47.840 And a nation has heard these words sung. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:51.800 And will hear more sung and read in these coming days. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:57.300 And we pray for your spirit to be powerfully working in the midst of it. 00:21:57.880 --> 00:22:02.280 We know our nation has seen so much change in this past week. 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:04.339 With the passing of the Queen. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:07.460 With a new Prime Minister installed. 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:10.559 With a new King now in place. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:16.000 And our prayer is that the legacy of Her Majesty the Queen. 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.359 Will remain long with us. 00:22:18.899 --> 00:22:19.920 With her family. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.440 And with her nation. 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:23.579 And indeed with the Commonwealth and the world. 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:27.539 That the Saviour she spoke of so lovingly. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.799 And so often. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:33.059 That these words will continue to bear much fruit. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.480 Within our family we pray. 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:38.220 That they will remember her faith. 00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:39.819 And all the other memories they have. 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:42.920 We remember King Charles III. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:46.279 As he takes up his reign as King. 00:22:46.899 --> 00:22:49.200 May you bless him from on high. 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:51.299 May your spirit be with him. 00:22:51.899 --> 00:22:54.259 May the God that he has spoken of already. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:56.519 Become a God and a Saviour. 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:58.700 To him in a very personal way. 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:01.420 We pray Lord your blessing on his family. 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:03.900 And upon all the wider family at this time. 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:06.240 That you will console and comfort. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.460 As only you can. 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:10.599 We remember too our new Prime Minister. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.379 We pray for her. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:14.640 That you will also give her wisdom. 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:18.920 The one who has sworn allegiance to a new King. 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:21.500 By the authority of God given. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:23.140 And by your word. 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:24.900 We pray for the word. 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:26.960 To become precious to her also. 00:23:27.540 --> 00:23:28.360 That our land. 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.040 Our nation. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.960 Would once again return. 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:32.600 To be a people. 00:23:33.080 --> 00:23:34.240 Who put their trust. 00:23:34.780 --> 00:23:36.060 In the word of God. 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:37.600 And in the Saviour. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.920 Who is Christ Jesus. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:39.880 Our Lord. 00:23:40.600 --> 00:23:43.120 So we pray for your guiding hand upon us. 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:45.220 That in the days that lie ahead. 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:48.040 That your spirit will be poured out upon us. 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:50.640 That you may bring days of peace. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.500 And days of revival. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:54.259 Days when your name. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:57.599 Will be praised and glorified in our midst. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:24:01.799 We know that there are many other things going on in our lives as well. 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:03.700 And we do continue to remember. 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.940 Our own needs locally. 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:07.440 In our homes. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:08.460 And in our families. 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.299 Lord we know that. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:11.899 There are those who are grieving in this past week. 00:24:11.899 --> 00:24:12.759 In our own midst. 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:14.539 And in the week ahead Lord. 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:17.059 When there are funerals to take place as well. 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:17.720 And we pray. 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:20.079 For you to draw near to our people. 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:21.819 To surround them. 00:24:21.899 --> 00:24:22.619 To be with them. 00:24:22.659 --> 00:24:23.919 In all the different needs. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:26.039 Guard our hearts and our minds. 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.099 In Christ Jesus. 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.839 We pray. 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.779 So that those who are unwell. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.899 Those who are failing in health. 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:35.659 Those who are going through times of great difficulty at this time. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:37.320 And those who are struggling. 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:39.019 Maybe even unseen to others. 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:41.600 That they will be able to call upon your name. 00:24:42.080 --> 00:24:43.820 As the one who is able to help. 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.759 We pray Lord. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.680 That we will remember one another. 00:24:46.800 --> 00:24:48.400 And encourage one another. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:51.160 We pray for our land. 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.860 And our world at this time. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:56.140 As well as we continue to hear of the conflict in the Ukraine. 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:58.240 And all that's going on Lord. 00:24:58.360 --> 00:25:01.120 We do pray for days of peace to come. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:03.100 We pray for families. 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:05.720 And many people who have lost loved ones. 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:07.200 In this time of conflict. 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:08.520 We know Lord. 00:25:08.560 --> 00:25:10.940 That it seems so senseless in our eyes. 00:25:11.520 --> 00:25:13.020 And yet your word tells us. 00:25:13.080 --> 00:25:14.880 That there is a purpose in all things. 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:17.180 So help us to pray in faith. 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:19.080 Looking to you as the one. 00:25:19.520 --> 00:25:22.259 Who is able to do so much more than we ask or imagine. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:23.720 And Lord we pray. 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:26.200 That you will give us faith in our own hearts. 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:28.279 To go on in your strength. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:30.799 So we pray Lord your blessing on us. 00:25:30.860 --> 00:25:32.839 To continue with us throughout this day. 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.779 Lead us into your word. 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:36.420 Lead us to see. 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:38.960 A saviour who is Christ the Lord. 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:42.360 May we have him before us always. 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:44.500 That you would direct us. 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:47.019 In the paths of life divine. 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.980 We pray all these things. 00:25:49.120 --> 00:25:50.539 Confessing our sin anew. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:52.960 How far short we fall oh Lord. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.759 In our hearts. 00:25:54.360 --> 00:25:55.840 In so many different ways. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.539 But we thank you. 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:57.860 That with you there is forgiveness. 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.519 And we pray Lord. 00:25:59.600 --> 00:26:01.360 Have mercy upon us as a people. 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.720 And as a land. 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:05.000 As a world and the nations of it. 00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:07.140 May you come in a day of your power. 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.660 We ask it all. 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:10.279 For the glory of your name. 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:12.120 For our Lord our King. 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.700 The one who is King of all. 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.759 And Lord of Lords. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.980 In the name of Jesus we ask. 00:26:17.340 --> 00:26:17.740 Amen. 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:17.819 Amen. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:24.579 Before we turn back to our reading in 1 Thessalonians. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:27.420 We're going to sing to God's praise in Psalm 42. 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:30.019 Again sing Psalms version. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.099 Psalm 42. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:34.420 And we'll sing verse 1 to verse 5. 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:37.620 Psalm 42 at verse 1. 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:40.299 As pants the deer for flowing streams. 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:41.699 So long's my soul. 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:43.199 O God for you. 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:45.919 I thirst for God the living God. 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:48.719 When can I meet with you anew. 00:26:48.919 --> 00:26:49.659 With God anew. 00:26:49.739 --> 00:26:52.259 We'll sing from verse 1 to verse 5. 00:26:52.339 --> 00:26:53.559 In the Tunis Herengate. 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:56.000 We stand and sing to God's praise. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:27:08.480 As pants the deer for flowing streams. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:12.480 So long's my soul. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:17.599 O God for you. 00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:26.939 I thirst for God the living God. 00:27:26.939 --> 00:27:36.379 When can I meet with God anew. 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:46.419 My tears have been my constant fruit. 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:55.759 Both in the night and in the day. 00:27:55.759 --> 00:28:04.759 While all belong existently. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:14.980 Where is this God of your church's sin? 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:24.319 Thus I pour out my soul in thee. 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:34.420 These things I do remember still. 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:43.940 How with the multitude I went. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:53.279 Up to God's house from Zion Hill. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:29:03.580 In their possession I would lead. 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:12.919 As we approach with cheerful song. 00:29:12.919 --> 00:29:22.720 And shout of joy and thankfulness. 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:31.579 Rejoicing with the festive song. 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:41.919 Why are you downcast, O my soul. 00:29:41.919 --> 00:29:50.579 Why are you so disturbing me? 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:59.919 Trust God for I will praise him. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:09.259 My Savior and my God. 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:21.599 I will turn back to our reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:30:21.599 --> 00:30:26.939 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:30:26.939 --> 00:30:28.939 We can read again at verse 5. 00:30:28.939 --> 00:30:30.939 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 at verse 5. 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:40.279 For this reason when I could bear it. 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.619 And our labor. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:44.619 And our labor would be in vain. 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:47.200 Now that Timothy has come to us from you. 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:51.339 And has brought us the good news of your faith and love. 00:30:51.619 --> 00:30:53.139 And reported that you have. 00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:55.480 That you always remember us kindly. 00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:57.460 And long to see us. 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:59.079 As we long to see you. 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:01.039 For this reason brothers. 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.720 In all our distress and affliction. 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.599 We have been comforted. 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.720 About you. 00:31:06.139 --> 00:31:07.279 Through your faith. 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:08.899 And so on. 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:15.720 The last few days have been a momentous time for our nation. 00:31:16.139 --> 00:31:17.279 For the commonwealth. 00:31:17.359 --> 00:31:18.859 And in many ways for the world. 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.119 In which we live. 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:22.779 A huge change has taken place. 00:31:23.379 --> 00:31:25.680 For us with the passing of her majesty. 00:31:25.879 --> 00:31:27.079 Queen Elizabeth the second. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:30.859 In the midst of a week that had already seen a new prime minister. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.339 Installed. 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.799 There's been a great change. 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:35.439 That's come upon us. 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:37.839 And after 70 years. 00:31:38.359 --> 00:31:39.699 Reigning over the nation. 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.699 There is a new king now. 00:31:42.359 --> 00:31:44.259 King Charles the third. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:45.899 And all of these things. 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:48.079 It will take time to get used to. 00:31:48.119 --> 00:31:49.240 When there's something that's been. 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:52.039 A constant in your life for so long. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:53.399 And a change takes place. 00:31:53.399 --> 00:31:55.139 As often is the case. 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:57.180 It takes a long time to get used. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:32:00.380 To these kinds of change coming upon us. 00:32:01.320 --> 00:32:03.080 And any change will bring about it. 00:32:03.520 --> 00:32:04.120 Questions. 00:32:05.620 --> 00:32:08.960 What will change in these days for us? 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:11.160 What will stay the same? 00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:13.860 How are things going to be? 00:32:14.360 --> 00:32:15.820 Going forward. 00:32:16.840 --> 00:32:18.500 There will be change. 00:32:18.640 --> 00:32:20.420 No doubt that comes along. 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:22.840 There is always change in our midst. 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:25.679 And when you look in God's word. 00:32:25.919 --> 00:32:28.459 Particularly maybe if you look into the Old Testament. 00:32:28.659 --> 00:32:29.139 And you see. 00:32:29.679 --> 00:32:31.079 In the Old Testament times. 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:32.899 When change came upon a nation. 00:32:33.399 --> 00:32:34.299 Very often when. 00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:36.779 Maybe a king passed away. 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:37.679 Either in battle. 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.759 Or through ill health. 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:41.000 And a new king was installed. 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:43.539 It was a time of great uncertainty. 00:32:43.539 --> 00:32:44.799 For that nation. 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:46.480 And a time when often. 00:32:46.879 --> 00:32:48.159 The enemy surrounding them. 00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:50.319 Would seek to pounce on any weakness. 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:51.759 That may be found. 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.859 It was a time when a nation. 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:55.379 Whose king had changed. 00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:56.960 Would become very vulnerable. 00:32:57.399 --> 00:32:59.819 To many different forms of attack. 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:01.919 And for ourselves. 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:02.720 As a nation. 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.579 And as a people. 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:05.279 This time of change. 00:33:05.399 --> 00:33:06.139 Can maybe feel. 00:33:06.639 --> 00:33:08.659 A little bit uncertain too. 00:33:09.419 --> 00:33:10.819 We give thanks to God. 00:33:10.899 --> 00:33:11.379 For the way. 00:33:11.859 --> 00:33:13.619 The queen ruled over our nation. 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.759 For all these years. 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.579 And for how often. 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:17.000 She spoke about. 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:19.279 A God who was very personal. 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:19.980 To her. 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:22.039 And the faith that she had. 00:33:22.099 --> 00:33:22.880 And the influence. 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:24.140 And the calmness. 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:24.880 That this brought. 00:33:25.160 --> 00:33:26.119 To her land. 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:28.200 And the question may be now. 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:30.200 What does the future hold? 00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:31.440 What does it mean. 00:33:31.579 --> 00:33:32.259 For our nation. 00:33:32.660 --> 00:33:33.700 And for our land. 00:33:34.299 --> 00:33:35.259 Are we going to see. 00:33:35.660 --> 00:33:36.500 Many changes. 00:33:37.279 --> 00:33:37.920 Well today. 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.500 We look to the word. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:40.359 Of God. 00:33:40.980 --> 00:33:42.019 A word that was precious. 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.880 To her majesty. 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:44.000 And a word that we seek. 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:44.640 Will be precious. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:46.079 To ourselves. 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:47.299 And what does it say. 00:33:47.439 --> 00:33:47.980 To us. 00:33:48.879 --> 00:33:50.279 It talks about change. 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:52.119 In so many different ways. 00:33:52.799 --> 00:33:53.299 But then you have. 00:33:53.419 --> 00:33:53.939 Great verses. 00:33:54.099 --> 00:33:54.960 That remind us. 00:33:55.399 --> 00:33:56.299 That the word of God. 00:33:56.419 --> 00:33:57.460 Will always stand. 00:33:58.179 --> 00:33:59.000 Isaiah 40. 00:33:59.079 --> 00:34:00.019 Verse 8 says. 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:01.159 The grass withers. 00:34:01.679 --> 00:34:03.059 The flower fades. 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:05.480 But the word of our God. 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:06.939 Will stand. 00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:07.839 Forever. 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:10.059 God's word. 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:11.659 Will always endure. 00:34:12.299 --> 00:34:13.659 And will always stand. 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:15.659 There has been much said. 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.879 And written about the queen. 00:34:17.339 --> 00:34:18.399 Since her passing. 00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:20.460 I'm sure you've been tuning in. 00:34:20.500 --> 00:34:21.259 At different points. 00:34:21.759 --> 00:34:22.819 And seeing so many different. 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:24.579 Reports given about her. 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:27.460 Two things have stood out for me. 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:29.420 In all I've heard about her. 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:30.639 In these past days. 00:34:31.339 --> 00:34:32.480 Two things have struck me. 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:34.699 One was her servant spirit. 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:37.199 And the second thing was. 00:34:37.739 --> 00:34:38.619 Her faith. 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:40.379 We thank God. 00:34:40.440 --> 00:34:41.159 That this faith. 00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:43.119 Has been spoken about. 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:44.739 It was spoken about. 00:34:45.079 --> 00:34:46.420 In Westminster. 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:48.119 By Tim Farron. 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:49.779 He spoke about. 00:34:50.119 --> 00:34:51.259 A personal faith. 00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:52.659 That she had. 00:34:52.779 --> 00:34:53.339 And faith. 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:55.500 Is such a precious thing. 00:34:56.339 --> 00:34:57.799 And a servant spirit. 00:34:58.059 --> 00:34:59.940 Is such a precious thing. 00:35:00.019 --> 00:35:00.539 Not just. 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:01.759 For a queen. 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:04.099 But for every one of us. 00:35:04.739 --> 00:35:05.519 We can have. 00:35:05.960 --> 00:35:07.739 That same servant spirit. 00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:09.440 Prayerful spirit. 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:11.219 Seeking God's blessing. 00:35:11.219 --> 00:35:11.779 And goodness. 00:35:11.779 --> 00:35:13.139 Over our land. 00:35:13.599 --> 00:35:14.899 Over all of our leaders. 00:35:15.339 --> 00:35:16.399 That we would know. 00:35:16.899 --> 00:35:18.219 His kingdom come. 00:35:18.819 --> 00:35:19.539 In power. 00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:21.159 A book. 00:35:21.439 --> 00:35:22.099 That the queen. 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:23.219 Allowed to be published. 00:35:23.599 --> 00:35:25.279 By the Bible Society. 00:35:25.459 --> 00:35:26.500 Maybe sums it up. 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.199 With the title. 00:35:27.199 --> 00:35:28.059 Of the book. 00:35:28.759 --> 00:35:29.359 It said. 00:35:29.419 --> 00:35:30.599 And I quoted it earlier. 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.299 To the children. 00:35:31.859 --> 00:35:32.959 The servant queen. 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.359 And the king. 00:35:34.879 --> 00:35:35.959 She serves. 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:39.639 In her last Christmas speech. 00:35:39.639 --> 00:35:40.340 Last year. 00:35:40.340 --> 00:35:41.639 She spoke of Jesus. 00:35:42.179 --> 00:35:43.139 And said this. 00:35:43.780 --> 00:35:44.220 The one. 00:35:44.420 --> 00:35:45.260 Whose teachings. 00:35:45.260 --> 00:35:46.599 Have been handed down. 00:35:46.780 --> 00:35:47.480 From generation. 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:48.800 To generation. 00:35:49.000 --> 00:35:50.260 And have been the bedrock. 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:52.079 Of my faith. 00:35:53.079 --> 00:35:55.059 In this time of change. 00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:56.480 Our prayer is. 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.559 That this generation. 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.519 And generations to come. 00:35:59.639 --> 00:36:00.519 Will still have. 00:36:00.519 --> 00:36:02.159 The word of God. 00:36:02.159 --> 00:36:03.619 As a bedrock. 00:36:03.719 --> 00:36:04.299 Of faith. 00:36:04.899 --> 00:36:05.699 That our nation. 00:36:05.819 --> 00:36:06.199 Our land. 00:36:06.239 --> 00:36:06.960 And our people. 00:36:07.500 --> 00:36:08.539 That we will be built. 00:36:08.639 --> 00:36:09.719 Upon the rock. 00:36:10.159 --> 00:36:11.839 That is Jesus Christ. 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:13.399 That our nation. 00:36:13.500 --> 00:36:13.980 Would enjoy. 00:36:14.519 --> 00:36:15.420 Much blessing. 00:36:16.099 --> 00:36:16.879 From God. 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:18.879 And as we turn. 00:36:19.019 --> 00:36:19.899 To God's word. 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:21.659 And this letter of Paul. 00:36:21.779 --> 00:36:22.879 To the Thessalonians. 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:24.559 We are reminded here. 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:25.359 Of the precious. 00:36:25.859 --> 00:36:26.239 Nature. 00:36:26.879 --> 00:36:27.819 Of faith. 00:36:28.839 --> 00:36:30.099 Of what it means. 00:36:31.259 --> 00:36:31.899 And as I. 00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:33.199 A reminder. 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:34.019 To us. 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:35.099 That no matter. 00:36:35.099 --> 00:36:36.319 Who we are. 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:38.420 Whether we're royalty. 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:40.039 A prime minister. 00:36:40.480 --> 00:36:42.099 Or just common people. 00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:43.039 Such as we are. 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:44.559 That all of us. 00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:45.460 Can have faith. 00:36:45.940 --> 00:36:46.659 In a king. 00:36:47.319 --> 00:36:48.420 In a king. 00:36:48.839 --> 00:36:49.940 Who wore a crown. 00:36:50.119 --> 00:36:51.059 For his people. 00:36:51.679 --> 00:36:52.659 Not of jewels. 00:36:52.779 --> 00:36:53.440 Of gold. 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:54.119 Or silver. 00:36:54.259 --> 00:36:54.739 Or diamonds. 00:36:55.699 --> 00:36:56.379 But a crown. 00:36:56.480 --> 00:36:57.139 Of thorns. 00:36:57.920 --> 00:36:58.980 That was pressed down. 00:36:59.059 --> 00:36:59.659 On his head. 00:37:00.179 --> 00:37:00.980 As he bled. 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:01.639 And died. 00:37:01.639 --> 00:37:02.920 For the sins. 00:37:02.920 --> 00:37:03.699 Of this world. 00:37:04.699 --> 00:37:06.059 It was to that king. 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.519 That she looked. 00:37:07.659 --> 00:37:08.239 And served. 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:09.920 And it's to that king. 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:11.460 And faith in him. 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:12.619 That the word of God. 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:13.879 Points us. 00:37:14.379 --> 00:37:15.279 To this day. 00:37:15.779 --> 00:37:16.659 To this day. 00:37:16.739 --> 00:37:17.019 Today. 00:37:17.420 --> 00:37:18.079 As we turn. 00:37:18.539 --> 00:37:19.319 To his word. 00:37:20.159 --> 00:37:20.759 So we want us. 00:37:20.799 --> 00:37:21.599 To be encouraged. 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:23.440 Not just in the faith. 00:37:23.500 --> 00:37:24.079 Of the queen. 00:37:24.079 --> 00:37:25.460 She wouldn't want. 00:37:25.460 --> 00:37:25.480 She wouldn't want. 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:26.059 A sermon. 00:37:26.059 --> 00:37:27.059 Just about her. 00:37:27.719 --> 00:37:28.219 She would want. 00:37:28.259 --> 00:37:28.779 A sermon. 00:37:29.239 --> 00:37:30.219 About her king. 00:37:30.819 --> 00:37:31.759 The Lord Jesus. 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:33.679 And for us to come. 00:37:34.179 --> 00:37:35.139 And have faith. 00:37:35.579 --> 00:37:36.099 In him. 00:37:36.819 --> 00:37:37.579 So this letter. 00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:38.699 To the Thessalonians. 00:37:39.139 --> 00:37:40.360 It's a real letter. 00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.279 Of encouragement. 00:37:42.039 --> 00:37:42.799 A real letter. 00:37:43.059 --> 00:37:43.639 Of a. 00:37:43.639 --> 00:37:44.380 To a church. 00:37:44.460 --> 00:37:45.239 That was blessed. 00:37:45.799 --> 00:37:47.059 Through God's word. 00:37:47.579 --> 00:37:48.239 But a place. 00:37:48.279 --> 00:37:48.860 And a people. 00:37:48.960 --> 00:37:49.500 Who faced. 00:37:49.819 --> 00:37:50.819 Many different challenges. 00:37:51.460 --> 00:37:52.059 And not least. 00:37:52.059 --> 00:37:52.820 The challenge. 00:37:53.079 --> 00:37:53.840 To their faith. 00:37:54.679 --> 00:37:55.259 And Paul. 00:37:55.619 --> 00:37:56.759 Longs to hear. 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:57.880 About them. 00:37:58.539 --> 00:37:59.599 How they are going on. 00:37:59.659 --> 00:38:00.420 What is happening. 00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:01.500 In their life. 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:02.679 And to encourage them. 00:38:03.179 --> 00:38:03.920 To go on. 00:38:04.519 --> 00:38:05.579 In their faith. 00:38:06.799 --> 00:38:07.539 You read. 00:38:07.719 --> 00:38:08.860 In the earlier chapter. 00:38:08.860 --> 00:38:10.039 In chapter 2. 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:11.079 And at verse 13. 00:38:11.799 --> 00:38:12.980 That they had received. 00:38:13.219 --> 00:38:14.360 The word of God. 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:14.980 Gladly. 00:38:15.900 --> 00:38:17.420 We also thank God. 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:18.440 Constantly for this. 00:38:18.539 --> 00:38:19.539 That when you received. 00:38:19.619 --> 00:38:20.500 The word of God. 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:21.639 Which you heard from us. 00:38:21.639 --> 00:38:22.639 You accepted it. 00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:24.159 Not as a word of men. 00:38:24.779 --> 00:38:26.219 But as what it really is. 00:38:26.319 --> 00:38:27.559 The word of God. 00:38:28.159 --> 00:38:29.159 Which is at work. 00:38:29.279 --> 00:38:30.219 In you believers. 00:38:30.339 --> 00:38:31.039 There was this word. 00:38:31.119 --> 00:38:32.480 That was at work. 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:33.519 In this place. 00:38:34.279 --> 00:38:35.000 And it's this word. 00:38:35.039 --> 00:38:36.139 That we look to work. 00:38:36.519 --> 00:38:37.739 In this place here. 00:38:38.239 --> 00:38:38.980 In our congregation. 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:39.879 In our town. 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:41.599 And far and wide. 00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:43.259 That God's word. 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:44.099 Would work. 00:38:44.099 --> 00:38:45.379 In our midst. 00:38:45.900 --> 00:38:46.539 Be heard. 00:38:47.019 --> 00:38:47.900 And received. 00:38:48.099 --> 00:38:48.639 Gladly. 00:38:49.119 --> 00:38:49.879 By many. 00:38:49.880 --> 00:38:51.440 But Paul. 00:38:51.440 --> 00:38:52.500 And his fellow servants. 00:38:53.019 --> 00:38:53.500 Sylvanus. 00:38:53.599 --> 00:38:54.180 And Timothy. 00:38:54.940 --> 00:38:56.380 They had been challenged. 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.039 In many ways. 00:38:57.160 --> 00:38:58.059 And they'd been forced. 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:58.880 To flee. 00:38:59.000 --> 00:38:59.720 From the people. 00:39:00.140 --> 00:39:01.119 Of Thessalonica. 00:39:01.660 --> 00:39:02.420 But as they had been. 00:39:02.760 --> 00:39:03.960 Torn away from them. 00:39:04.000 --> 00:39:04.480 As it says. 00:39:04.579 --> 00:39:05.500 In verse 17. 00:39:05.840 --> 00:39:06.980 Of chapter 2. 00:39:07.660 --> 00:39:09.160 They were so concerned. 00:39:09.660 --> 00:39:10.220 For them. 00:39:10.700 --> 00:39:11.960 To hear of their faith. 00:39:12.500 --> 00:39:13.460 And how things. 00:39:13.660 --> 00:39:14.320 Were going. 00:39:15.320 --> 00:39:16.200 And in some ways. 00:39:16.460 --> 00:39:17.340 We think of. 00:39:17.340 --> 00:39:17.860 The Queen. 00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:18.940 And how she would address. 00:39:18.940 --> 00:39:19.640 The nation. 00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:20.640 And how. 00:39:21.079 --> 00:39:22.079 King Charles III. 00:39:22.220 --> 00:39:23.240 Addressed the nation. 00:39:23.820 --> 00:39:24.840 Just yesterday. 00:39:25.640 --> 00:39:26.100 And these. 00:39:26.220 --> 00:39:26.700 Addresses. 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:28.059 They go far and wide. 00:39:28.180 --> 00:39:29.160 To all people. 00:39:29.760 --> 00:39:30.140 Well here. 00:39:30.260 --> 00:39:31.059 Paul is writing. 00:39:31.059 --> 00:39:31.900 To a people. 00:39:32.160 --> 00:39:33.000 Far and wide. 00:39:33.380 --> 00:39:34.660 Not just for his time. 00:39:35.180 --> 00:39:36.420 But for every generation. 00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:37.900 That people would come. 00:39:37.900 --> 00:39:38.440 And hear. 00:39:38.880 --> 00:39:39.760 Of this word. 00:39:39.860 --> 00:39:40.660 That is powerful. 00:39:41.160 --> 00:39:41.660 This word. 00:39:41.720 --> 00:39:42.760 That is able to save. 00:39:42.820 --> 00:39:43.620 And this saviour. 00:39:44.019 --> 00:39:45.260 Who is able to save. 00:39:45.340 --> 00:39:46.780 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:39:47.340 --> 00:39:48.920 And their focus here. 00:39:49.019 --> 00:39:49.320 Is they. 00:39:49.600 --> 00:39:50.940 Address these people. 00:39:51.000 --> 00:39:51.260 And I say. 00:39:51.340 --> 00:39:52.400 Address ourselves. 00:39:52.400 --> 00:39:53.300 Today as well. 00:39:54.140 --> 00:39:55.120 The great question. 00:39:55.559 --> 00:39:56.460 The great concern. 00:39:56.460 --> 00:39:57.579 That they have about them. 00:39:57.700 --> 00:39:57.780 Is. 00:39:58.340 --> 00:40:00.240 Not just how they are going on. 00:40:01.039 --> 00:40:02.519 What is their great concern? 00:40:03.780 --> 00:40:05.059 Their great concern is. 00:40:05.280 --> 00:40:06.000 How is. 00:40:06.320 --> 00:40:07.340 Your faith. 00:40:08.680 --> 00:40:09.460 As you read through. 00:40:09.620 --> 00:40:10.559 These verses. 00:40:10.720 --> 00:40:11.579 In chapter 3. 00:40:12.300 --> 00:40:13.400 How often do you see. 00:40:13.519 --> 00:40:14.480 The word faith. 00:40:14.620 --> 00:40:15.260 Mentioned. 00:40:15.260 --> 00:40:16.660 Verse 2. 00:40:16.780 --> 00:40:17.480 Verse 5. 00:40:17.580 --> 00:40:18.100 Verse 6. 00:40:18.200 --> 00:40:18.800 Verse 7. 00:40:19.200 --> 00:40:19.840 Verse 10. 00:40:20.600 --> 00:40:21.460 They all mention. 00:40:21.900 --> 00:40:22.500 This word. 00:40:22.740 --> 00:40:23.220 Faith. 00:40:24.180 --> 00:40:25.320 And Paul is asking them. 00:40:25.640 --> 00:40:26.860 How is your faith? 00:40:27.420 --> 00:40:28.800 How is your faith growing? 00:40:28.900 --> 00:40:30.340 Is your faith being challenged? 00:40:30.900 --> 00:40:31.880 And they are openly. 00:40:32.440 --> 00:40:33.900 Talking about the subject. 00:40:34.280 --> 00:40:34.720 Faith. 00:40:35.540 --> 00:40:36.440 How is. 00:40:37.140 --> 00:40:38.120 Your faith. 00:40:39.180 --> 00:40:40.160 The queen spoke. 00:40:40.240 --> 00:40:41.160 Of her faith. 00:40:41.640 --> 00:40:42.040 Often. 00:40:42.039 --> 00:40:44.400 How often do we speak. 00:40:44.400 --> 00:40:45.800 Of our faith. 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:48.320 How often do we encourage one another. 00:40:48.860 --> 00:40:49.820 In our faith. 00:40:50.259 --> 00:40:52.019 How often do we ask one another. 00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:53.259 How is. 00:40:53.719 --> 00:40:54.719 Your faith. 00:40:55.779 --> 00:40:58.880 Well Paul here is addressing that very question. 00:40:59.480 --> 00:41:00.219 He's asking. 00:41:00.779 --> 00:41:01.360 The question. 00:41:01.599 --> 00:41:02.239 How is. 00:41:02.719 --> 00:41:03.679 Your faith. 00:41:03.960 --> 00:41:04.300 Today. 00:41:05.759 --> 00:41:07.880 And when we think about that for ourselves. 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:10.079 We have to just ponder that question. 00:41:10.900 --> 00:41:11.700 How is. 00:41:12.200 --> 00:41:13.140 Our faith. 00:41:14.160 --> 00:41:14.940 Are we feeling. 00:41:15.840 --> 00:41:16.400 Downcast. 00:41:17.119 --> 00:41:18.480 Are we feeling dismayed. 00:41:18.480 --> 00:41:18.940 Are we feeling. 00:41:19.700 --> 00:41:20.220 Discouraged. 00:41:20.680 --> 00:41:21.940 What can encourage us. 00:41:22.160 --> 00:41:22.880 In the midst. 00:41:23.119 --> 00:41:24.180 Of these times. 00:41:24.400 --> 00:41:24.900 Well Psalm. 00:41:25.360 --> 00:41:25.920 42. 00:41:26.200 --> 00:41:27.880 Gives us that great instruction. 00:41:28.840 --> 00:41:30.019 Its instruction is. 00:41:30.140 --> 00:41:31.240 To come to God. 00:41:31.740 --> 00:41:33.119 I thirst for God. 00:41:33.200 --> 00:41:34.019 The living God. 00:41:34.099 --> 00:41:35.000 When can I meet. 00:41:35.000 --> 00:41:36.480 With you and you. 00:41:36.599 --> 00:41:37.599 The psalmist says. 00:41:38.280 --> 00:41:38.940 My tears. 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:40.599 Have been my constant food. 00:41:41.000 --> 00:41:41.980 Both in the night. 00:41:42.059 --> 00:41:42.739 And in the day. 00:41:43.179 --> 00:41:44.199 While all day long. 00:41:44.559 --> 00:41:45.000 Insistently. 00:41:45.119 --> 00:41:46.639 Where is this God of yours. 00:41:46.739 --> 00:41:47.179 They say. 00:41:48.019 --> 00:41:49.159 The people around us. 00:41:49.199 --> 00:41:49.579 Are saying. 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:50.920 What is your faith. 00:41:51.059 --> 00:41:51.940 Going to do for you now. 00:41:53.039 --> 00:41:53.679 Where is. 00:41:54.159 --> 00:41:54.920 Your faith. 00:41:57.179 --> 00:41:58.199 Well the psalmist. 00:41:58.320 --> 00:41:59.559 Gives response to that. 00:41:59.659 --> 00:42:00.679 When he says in verse 5. 00:42:00.780 --> 00:42:02.000 Why are you downcast. 00:42:02.360 --> 00:42:03.199 Oh my soul. 00:42:03.199 --> 00:42:05.199 Why are you so disturbed in me. 00:42:05.739 --> 00:42:06.559 Trust God. 00:42:07.019 --> 00:42:08.500 For I will praise him yet. 00:42:08.599 --> 00:42:09.480 My saviour. 00:42:09.919 --> 00:42:10.939 And my God. 00:42:11.419 --> 00:42:12.119 Is he. 00:42:13.039 --> 00:42:14.919 There is faith in these words. 00:42:16.099 --> 00:42:17.079 And that is the faith. 00:42:17.139 --> 00:42:17.639 That Paul. 00:42:18.179 --> 00:42:19.659 Longs for his people to have. 00:42:20.039 --> 00:42:21.299 And he has this great desire. 00:42:21.419 --> 00:42:22.159 As he writes to them. 00:42:22.239 --> 00:42:22.699 To know. 00:42:23.099 --> 00:42:24.259 How their faith. 00:42:24.679 --> 00:42:25.079 Is. 00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:26.839 In verse 5. 00:42:26.939 --> 00:42:27.419 He says. 00:42:27.819 --> 00:42:28.559 For this reason. 00:42:28.619 --> 00:42:29.659 When I could bear it. 00:42:29.799 --> 00:42:30.460 No longer. 00:42:30.460 --> 00:42:32.820 He was longing to hear. 00:42:32.820 --> 00:42:33.820 How their faith was. 00:42:34.119 --> 00:42:34.960 And he could bear it. 00:42:35.039 --> 00:42:35.639 No longer. 00:42:36.440 --> 00:42:37.500 He wanted to know. 00:42:37.619 --> 00:42:38.420 So he sent. 00:42:38.720 --> 00:42:39.920 To learn about. 00:42:40.280 --> 00:42:41.240 Your faith. 00:42:42.099 --> 00:42:43.300 He sent to learn about. 00:42:43.639 --> 00:42:45.059 How their faith was. 00:42:45.300 --> 00:42:46.320 He had this longing. 00:42:46.659 --> 00:42:47.280 To know. 00:42:47.780 --> 00:42:49.119 How their faith was. 00:42:50.199 --> 00:42:50.720 Imagine. 00:42:51.280 --> 00:42:52.579 And this is a time of year. 00:42:52.699 --> 00:42:52.840 When. 00:42:53.380 --> 00:42:53.960 Many people. 00:42:54.119 --> 00:42:54.720 Will have children. 00:42:54.840 --> 00:42:55.840 Going away to college. 00:42:55.840 --> 00:42:56.539 And university. 00:42:56.720 --> 00:42:57.159 Going away. 00:42:57.159 --> 00:42:57.980 From home. 00:42:58.099 --> 00:42:59.059 For the first time. 00:42:59.859 --> 00:43:00.279 But imagine. 00:43:00.420 --> 00:43:01.440 Your child is gone. 00:43:01.940 --> 00:43:02.940 And you haven't heard. 00:43:03.139 --> 00:43:03.500 From them. 00:43:03.599 --> 00:43:04.639 For a few days. 00:43:05.339 --> 00:43:06.339 You're going to be wondering. 00:43:06.619 --> 00:43:07.559 What's going on? 00:43:07.639 --> 00:43:08.579 Why haven't they phoned? 00:43:09.019 --> 00:43:10.239 Why haven't they been in touch? 00:43:10.319 --> 00:43:12.319 Your concern is only going to increase. 00:43:12.719 --> 00:43:14.179 The more the days go by. 00:43:15.079 --> 00:43:15.899 And you're worried. 00:43:16.379 --> 00:43:17.679 And you're longing to hear. 00:43:18.059 --> 00:43:19.000 What's happening. 00:43:20.079 --> 00:43:21.059 Well this is the way. 00:43:21.119 --> 00:43:23.079 Paul has this concern too. 00:43:23.379 --> 00:43:24.480 He's been torn away. 00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:25.980 From the people of Thessalonica. 00:43:25.980 --> 00:43:28.099 But his concern is to hear. 00:43:28.420 --> 00:43:29.260 How are they? 00:43:30.500 --> 00:43:32.099 And this is God's concern. 00:43:32.099 --> 00:43:33.900 For his people today as well. 00:43:34.599 --> 00:43:36.519 God is speaking through Paul. 00:43:36.619 --> 00:43:38.619 Not just to the church of Thessalonica. 00:43:38.880 --> 00:43:41.780 But through every generation of people. 00:43:42.460 --> 00:43:43.719 And he's asking and longing. 00:43:44.320 --> 00:43:46.280 To hear about our faith. 00:43:47.340 --> 00:43:50.360 How is your faith today? 00:43:52.480 --> 00:43:54.639 Sometimes we can have a general concern. 00:43:54.639 --> 00:43:55.599 For people. 00:43:55.699 --> 00:43:56.420 And that's right. 00:43:57.480 --> 00:43:59.159 How are they keeping in their health? 00:43:59.699 --> 00:44:01.000 How are they keeping in their home? 00:44:01.079 --> 00:44:02.519 How are things going in the workplace? 00:44:02.920 --> 00:44:04.719 We have all these kinds of concern. 00:44:04.719 --> 00:44:05.539 For people. 00:44:06.460 --> 00:44:07.819 But do we ask one another. 00:44:07.960 --> 00:44:08.900 About our faith? 00:44:09.960 --> 00:44:11.819 How is your faith today? 00:44:12.539 --> 00:44:13.500 How is your relationship. 00:44:13.500 --> 00:44:14.879 With the Lord today? 00:44:15.759 --> 00:44:18.339 Are you coming close to God? 00:44:18.400 --> 00:44:20.159 Are you drifting away from God? 00:44:20.159 --> 00:44:23.199 Paul's longing here is to know. 00:44:23.199 --> 00:44:24.980 How their faith is. 00:44:25.559 --> 00:44:28.519 And our concern for one another should be that too. 00:44:29.480 --> 00:44:31.899 How is your faith? 00:44:32.559 --> 00:44:35.659 How is your relationship with the Lord? 00:44:36.399 --> 00:44:39.659 God is a God who has communicated through his word. 00:44:39.899 --> 00:44:42.500 From generation to generation. 00:44:42.500 --> 00:44:47.019 And this communication demands a response. 00:44:47.679 --> 00:44:50.940 This communication as he speaks to us day after day. 00:44:51.340 --> 00:44:52.460 Week after week. 00:44:52.880 --> 00:44:54.699 It's not just a one way. 00:44:55.179 --> 00:44:56.219 A communication. 00:44:57.280 --> 00:44:58.920 God is speaking to us. 00:44:59.139 --> 00:45:01.559 That we might respond to him. 00:45:02.460 --> 00:45:04.960 God is speaking to our nation just now. 00:45:05.460 --> 00:45:08.460 He is communicating to us in so many different ways. 00:45:08.460 --> 00:45:11.880 He has spoken to us in very powerful ways. 00:45:12.500 --> 00:45:14.940 The things that have changed in our midst. 00:45:15.119 --> 00:45:18.360 The things that have changed even in these last few days. 00:45:18.920 --> 00:45:21.699 Things that have been bedrock and foundation to our land. 00:45:22.599 --> 00:45:23.900 God is shaking us. 00:45:24.720 --> 00:45:26.960 But he's communicating to us through his word. 00:45:27.599 --> 00:45:30.740 And still saying to us that he is the God who reigns. 00:45:31.280 --> 00:45:34.059 Even when change comes to our nation. 00:45:34.539 --> 00:45:36.840 He is still God who reigns supreme. 00:45:36.840 --> 00:45:38.559 We have a king. 00:45:39.220 --> 00:45:40.180 Who is Jesus. 00:45:41.720 --> 00:45:45.440 Jesus was the great one who spoke to his people. 00:45:45.559 --> 00:45:47.180 And challenged them about faith. 00:45:47.720 --> 00:45:48.320 So often. 00:45:49.300 --> 00:45:50.600 For example when Jesus. 00:45:51.380 --> 00:45:53.720 Was speaking in Matthew chapter 22. 00:45:54.579 --> 00:45:56.440 The Pharisees had gathered together. 00:45:56.600 --> 00:45:58.200 And Jesus asked them the question. 00:45:58.860 --> 00:46:00.820 What do you think about the Christ? 00:46:01.559 --> 00:46:02.740 Whose son is he? 00:46:03.600 --> 00:46:04.820 They said to him. 00:46:05.260 --> 00:46:06.820 The son of David. 00:46:06.820 --> 00:46:10.960 Jesus would often challenge people about their faith. 00:46:11.840 --> 00:46:12.300 Again. 00:46:12.780 --> 00:46:14.980 In Luke 9 verse 18. 00:46:15.100 --> 00:46:15.460 He said. 00:46:15.539 --> 00:46:16.019 He asked them. 00:46:16.160 --> 00:46:17.720 Who do the crowds say that I am? 00:46:18.380 --> 00:46:19.120 And they answered. 00:46:19.240 --> 00:46:19.940 John the Baptist. 00:46:20.340 --> 00:46:21.039 But others say. 00:46:21.380 --> 00:46:22.340 Elijah and others. 00:46:22.820 --> 00:46:24.680 One of the prophets of old has risen. 00:46:25.480 --> 00:46:26.539 Then he said to them. 00:46:27.400 --> 00:46:29.740 But who do you say that I am? 00:46:30.440 --> 00:46:31.700 And Peter answered. 00:46:32.200 --> 00:46:33.000 The Christ. 00:46:33.600 --> 00:46:34.720 The son of God. 00:46:34.719 --> 00:46:38.359 God's word. 00:46:39.859 --> 00:46:40.539 Convicts. 00:46:40.539 --> 00:46:41.439 A people. 00:46:42.439 --> 00:46:44.059 Doesn't matter who we are. 00:46:44.879 --> 00:46:45.500 Royalty. 00:46:46.059 --> 00:46:47.099 Or common people. 00:46:47.699 --> 00:46:49.319 God's word convicts. 00:46:49.939 --> 00:46:51.019 And it is to this word. 00:46:51.159 --> 00:46:51.819 We are to come. 00:46:52.239 --> 00:46:53.639 And find the bedrock. 00:46:54.119 --> 00:46:55.399 The solid ground. 00:46:55.879 --> 00:46:56.959 The cornerstone. 00:46:56.960 --> 00:46:58.840 That is Christ Jesus. 00:46:59.980 --> 00:47:01.119 Paul is concerned. 00:47:01.119 --> 00:47:01.539 Here. 00:47:01.679 --> 00:47:02.260 That the people. 00:47:02.860 --> 00:47:03.940 Regarding their faith. 00:47:04.019 --> 00:47:05.159 That they would go on learning. 00:47:05.960 --> 00:47:06.519 That they would. 00:47:07.039 --> 00:47:08.940 Stand strong in the midst of affliction. 00:47:09.179 --> 00:47:10.960 That they wouldn't be tempted away. 00:47:11.099 --> 00:47:11.659 By Satan. 00:47:11.659 --> 00:47:13.099 That's what you see in verse 2. 00:47:13.480 --> 00:47:14.619 Through to verse 5. 00:47:14.699 --> 00:47:16.480 These were the very real challenges. 00:47:16.480 --> 00:47:17.460 That were going on. 00:47:17.900 --> 00:47:18.699 Around them. 00:47:21.400 --> 00:47:22.519 He speaks there. 00:47:22.599 --> 00:47:23.179 In verse 5. 00:47:23.240 --> 00:47:23.840 For example. 00:47:23.840 --> 00:47:25.300 To learn about your faith. 00:47:25.400 --> 00:47:26.640 For fear that somehow. 00:47:26.780 --> 00:47:27.360 The tempter. 00:47:27.539 --> 00:47:28.280 Attempted you. 00:47:28.760 --> 00:47:29.519 And our labor. 00:47:29.740 --> 00:47:30.380 Would be in vain. 00:47:31.420 --> 00:47:33.019 There are all these real challenges. 00:47:33.400 --> 00:47:35.059 That go on around us. 00:47:35.140 --> 00:47:35.820 To this day. 00:47:37.420 --> 00:47:38.640 But our faith. 00:47:39.039 --> 00:47:41.039 Is to remain in Christ Jesus. 00:47:41.940 --> 00:47:43.280 To stand strong. 00:47:43.980 --> 00:47:44.600 In him. 00:47:45.300 --> 00:47:46.980 So the question was. 00:47:47.519 --> 00:47:48.360 How is. 00:47:48.840 --> 00:47:49.680 Your faith. 00:47:49.680 --> 00:47:50.160 That was. 00:47:50.780 --> 00:47:52.180 Paul's great concern. 00:47:52.400 --> 00:47:53.079 For Thessalonica. 00:47:53.079 --> 00:47:54.500 That's God's great concern. 00:47:54.940 --> 00:47:56.039 For his people today. 00:47:56.739 --> 00:47:57.519 How is. 00:47:57.799 --> 00:47:58.599 Your faith. 00:47:59.840 --> 00:48:00.860 Don't let your faith. 00:48:00.940 --> 00:48:01.500 Be shaken. 00:48:01.619 --> 00:48:02.860 When change comes. 00:48:03.679 --> 00:48:04.619 Remain strong. 00:48:05.420 --> 00:48:06.519 Stand steadfast. 00:48:06.639 --> 00:48:07.319 With faith. 00:48:07.799 --> 00:48:08.400 In the Lord. 00:48:08.500 --> 00:48:09.440 Jesus Christ. 00:48:10.719 --> 00:48:11.819 So there were all these challenges. 00:48:11.900 --> 00:48:12.420 But look at how. 00:48:13.019 --> 00:48:13.739 Paul hears. 00:48:13.860 --> 00:48:14.440 Back then. 00:48:14.599 --> 00:48:15.779 From Timothy's report. 00:48:15.920 --> 00:48:16.739 In verse 6. 00:48:18.179 --> 00:48:19.139 He's taken action. 00:48:19.259 --> 00:48:19.679 To hear. 00:48:19.779 --> 00:48:20.880 He could bear it no longer. 00:48:20.960 --> 00:48:22.039 To hear about their faith. 00:48:22.039 --> 00:48:23.940 So he sent Timothy. 00:48:25.019 --> 00:48:25.900 And then in verse 6. 00:48:26.000 --> 00:48:26.759 We read these words. 00:48:26.880 --> 00:48:27.179 But now. 00:48:27.619 --> 00:48:29.079 That Timothy has come to us. 00:48:29.199 --> 00:48:29.440 From you. 00:48:29.500 --> 00:48:30.139 And has brought us. 00:48:30.340 --> 00:48:31.179 The good news. 00:48:31.519 --> 00:48:32.559 Of your faith. 00:48:32.619 --> 00:48:33.159 And love. 00:48:33.719 --> 00:48:34.840 There has been good news. 00:48:34.900 --> 00:48:36.179 Heard about their faith. 00:48:36.579 --> 00:48:37.279 And love. 00:48:37.960 --> 00:48:38.739 The time between. 00:48:38.900 --> 00:48:40.259 Paul sending Timothy. 00:48:40.380 --> 00:48:41.259 And hearing back. 00:48:41.639 --> 00:48:43.679 You can sense that change. 00:48:43.960 --> 00:48:45.219 In the words that he writes. 00:48:45.300 --> 00:48:46.239 There in verse 5. 00:48:46.639 --> 00:48:47.840 And then verse 6. 00:48:48.320 --> 00:48:49.980 He could bear it no longer. 00:48:49.980 --> 00:48:51.000 In verse 5. 00:48:51.639 --> 00:48:52.619 But then in verse 6. 00:48:52.699 --> 00:48:53.320 But now. 00:48:53.320 --> 00:48:54.699 That Timothy has come. 00:48:55.079 --> 00:48:55.659 To us. 00:48:55.760 --> 00:48:56.159 From you. 00:48:57.019 --> 00:48:57.800 He has brought. 00:48:58.139 --> 00:48:59.019 Good news. 00:48:59.480 --> 00:49:00.880 About your faith. 00:49:01.460 --> 00:49:02.699 There is great joy. 00:49:03.099 --> 00:49:03.900 As they hear. 00:49:04.000 --> 00:49:04.780 About the faith. 00:49:04.840 --> 00:49:05.599 Of the people. 00:49:07.219 --> 00:49:08.039 And wouldn't it bring us. 00:49:08.179 --> 00:49:08.820 Great joy. 00:49:08.920 --> 00:49:09.300 Today. 00:49:09.840 --> 00:49:10.960 To see our nation. 00:49:10.960 --> 00:49:11.719 And its rulers. 00:49:11.940 --> 00:49:12.920 Turn to God. 00:49:12.980 --> 00:49:13.599 In faith. 00:49:14.219 --> 00:49:15.099 To be led. 00:49:15.099 --> 00:49:16.639 By a new king. 00:49:17.079 --> 00:49:18.039 Who proclaims. 00:49:18.079 --> 00:49:18.619 A faith. 00:49:18.699 --> 00:49:19.659 In Christ Jesus. 00:49:20.539 --> 00:49:21.179 To be led. 00:49:21.380 --> 00:49:22.880 By a new prime minister. 00:49:23.139 --> 00:49:24.239 Who would profess. 00:49:24.400 --> 00:49:24.960 A faith. 00:49:25.279 --> 00:49:26.440 In Christ Jesus. 00:49:27.119 --> 00:49:27.860 To be led. 00:49:27.980 --> 00:49:29.159 By a first minister. 00:49:29.519 --> 00:49:30.599 Who would pledge. 00:49:30.759 --> 00:49:31.460 Her faith. 00:49:31.900 --> 00:49:32.559 To God. 00:49:32.619 --> 00:49:33.900 And to Christ Jesus. 00:49:34.259 --> 00:49:35.299 As her Lord. 00:49:35.739 --> 00:49:37.460 Not just with platitudes. 00:49:37.659 --> 00:49:38.279 And words. 00:49:39.179 --> 00:49:40.900 But with a sincere heart. 00:49:41.420 --> 00:49:42.440 And a reverence. 00:49:42.440 --> 00:49:43.239 And a fear. 00:49:43.659 --> 00:49:44.500 Of the Lord. 00:49:44.500 --> 00:49:46.079 Wouldn't that give us. 00:49:46.239 --> 00:49:48.119 The same great delight. 00:49:49.039 --> 00:49:50.099 The news that Timothy. 00:49:50.099 --> 00:49:50.800 Has brought. 00:49:51.039 --> 00:49:51.920 From Thessalonica. 00:49:52.179 --> 00:49:53.199 Is good news. 00:49:53.800 --> 00:49:54.980 Of your faith. 00:49:55.099 --> 00:49:55.780 And your love. 00:49:56.940 --> 00:49:58.159 May our prayer be. 00:49:58.599 --> 00:49:59.739 That for our king. 00:50:00.199 --> 00:50:01.199 Our prime minister. 00:50:01.599 --> 00:50:02.679 All of our land. 00:50:02.780 --> 00:50:03.960 That there will be good news. 00:50:04.420 --> 00:50:05.360 Of faith. 00:50:05.880 --> 00:50:06.539 And love. 00:50:07.940 --> 00:50:09.380 There was real worry. 00:50:09.760 --> 00:50:10.960 In what might happen. 00:50:10.960 --> 00:50:11.760 In Thessalonica. 00:50:11.760 --> 00:50:12.639 And there's real worry. 00:50:13.019 --> 00:50:13.940 What might happen. 00:50:13.940 --> 00:50:14.760 In our land. 00:50:15.760 --> 00:50:17.000 But may we hear. 00:50:17.599 --> 00:50:18.579 Good news. 00:50:18.980 --> 00:50:19.179 You know. 00:50:19.220 --> 00:50:19.760 This isn't. 00:50:20.159 --> 00:50:21.900 Just a school report. 00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:22.800 That's coming back. 00:50:22.940 --> 00:50:23.559 Through Timothy. 00:50:24.039 --> 00:50:25.720 When you get school reports. 00:50:25.720 --> 00:50:26.639 For your children. 00:50:27.200 --> 00:50:27.940 I can't remember. 00:50:28.019 --> 00:50:28.780 The last time. 00:50:28.860 --> 00:50:29.220 I think. 00:50:29.320 --> 00:50:30.740 We had a negative one. 00:50:31.400 --> 00:50:32.139 Because I think. 00:50:32.220 --> 00:50:33.440 Teachers will always find. 00:50:33.539 --> 00:50:34.760 Something positive. 00:50:34.760 --> 00:50:36.380 To write in a school report. 00:50:36.619 --> 00:50:38.220 No matter what it is. 00:50:38.539 --> 00:50:39.460 There'll always be. 00:50:39.679 --> 00:50:40.760 Something positive. 00:50:40.760 --> 00:50:41.980 That can be said. 00:50:43.580 --> 00:50:45.260 Sometimes we just have to be told. 00:50:45.620 --> 00:50:46.580 We're not good. 00:50:47.720 --> 00:50:48.580 God's word. 00:50:49.040 --> 00:50:51.040 Does that so clearly for us. 00:50:51.160 --> 00:50:51.740 We're reminded. 00:50:51.900 --> 00:50:52.940 That we are all sinners. 00:50:53.500 --> 00:50:54.320 We fall short. 00:50:54.420 --> 00:50:55.540 Of the glory of God. 00:50:56.820 --> 00:50:59.300 But then there can be good found too. 00:51:00.300 --> 00:51:01.560 There can be good found. 00:51:01.559 --> 00:51:03.440 When we see a saviour. 00:51:03.559 --> 00:51:04.340 Who is Christ. 00:51:05.219 --> 00:51:06.440 When we see how precious. 00:51:06.920 --> 00:51:07.860 He is. 00:51:08.799 --> 00:51:09.559 When we come. 00:51:10.019 --> 00:51:11.079 To put our trust. 00:51:11.759 --> 00:51:12.380 In him. 00:51:13.199 --> 00:51:14.480 That is good news. 00:51:15.539 --> 00:51:16.219 And we are thankful. 00:51:16.340 --> 00:51:17.679 That we hear good news. 00:51:18.340 --> 00:51:19.079 Good news. 00:51:19.159 --> 00:51:20.340 That God is working. 00:51:20.860 --> 00:51:21.980 Throughout the world. 00:51:22.079 --> 00:51:23.759 That God is calling our people. 00:51:23.759 --> 00:51:24.460 To himself. 00:51:24.820 --> 00:51:25.500 We hear. 00:51:25.980 --> 00:51:26.779 Bad news. 00:51:26.940 --> 00:51:27.460 So often. 00:51:28.440 --> 00:51:29.500 It's there for us. 00:51:29.920 --> 00:51:30.659 Every day. 00:51:31.659 --> 00:51:32.839 But God brings. 00:51:33.239 --> 00:51:34.000 Good news. 00:51:34.739 --> 00:51:35.480 Good news. 00:51:35.599 --> 00:51:36.579 That there is one. 00:51:36.920 --> 00:51:38.440 Who is able to save. 00:51:39.199 --> 00:51:40.119 Good news. 00:51:40.219 --> 00:51:41.319 That her majesty. 00:51:41.420 --> 00:51:41.819 The queen. 00:51:41.960 --> 00:51:42.819 Would often remind. 00:51:42.940 --> 00:51:43.799 Our nation of. 00:51:44.159 --> 00:51:45.579 In her Christmas address. 00:51:46.559 --> 00:51:47.179 No matter. 00:51:47.619 --> 00:51:48.319 How bad. 00:51:48.399 --> 00:51:49.119 The year had been. 00:51:49.179 --> 00:51:50.199 And she often spoke. 00:51:50.279 --> 00:51:51.980 Of many different challenges. 00:51:51.980 --> 00:51:52.940 That they faced. 00:51:53.500 --> 00:51:54.519 As a family. 00:51:54.639 --> 00:51:55.239 They are families. 00:51:55.359 --> 00:51:56.420 Just like ourselves. 00:51:57.460 --> 00:51:58.519 They had their crises. 00:51:58.659 --> 00:51:59.839 As we have our crises. 00:51:59.840 --> 00:51:59.960 As. 00:52:00.539 --> 00:52:01.780 They had their tragedies. 00:52:01.780 --> 00:52:03.240 As we have our tragedies. 00:52:03.760 --> 00:52:04.660 No one is immune. 00:52:04.900 --> 00:52:05.360 From them. 00:52:06.260 --> 00:52:06.579 And yet. 00:52:06.660 --> 00:52:07.660 In the midst of it all. 00:52:07.740 --> 00:52:08.980 She could still speak. 00:52:09.519 --> 00:52:10.360 Of a savior. 00:52:11.300 --> 00:52:11.800 A savior. 00:52:11.800 --> 00:52:13.079 Who had given strength. 00:52:13.579 --> 00:52:14.120 A savior. 00:52:14.120 --> 00:52:15.280 Who had given help. 00:52:15.800 --> 00:52:16.380 A savior. 00:52:16.380 --> 00:52:17.180 Who was there. 00:52:17.620 --> 00:52:19.100 In many different times. 00:52:19.559 --> 00:52:20.140 Of need. 00:52:20.840 --> 00:52:21.880 And that is the savior. 00:52:22.480 --> 00:52:23.420 That Christ. 00:52:23.620 --> 00:52:24.420 Who is Christ. 00:52:24.840 --> 00:52:25.660 That is the savior. 00:52:25.660 --> 00:52:26.380 Who is Paul. 00:52:26.380 --> 00:52:27.480 Paul is encouraging. 00:52:27.480 --> 00:52:28.519 The people here. 00:52:28.640 --> 00:52:29.240 In Thessalonica. 00:52:30.500 --> 00:52:31.579 To go on in. 00:52:31.820 --> 00:52:32.900 In his strength. 00:52:34.019 --> 00:52:35.039 And that is the savior. 00:52:35.480 --> 00:52:36.680 That we are being encouraged. 00:52:36.800 --> 00:52:37.420 As a people. 00:52:37.980 --> 00:52:39.260 To put our trust. 00:52:39.500 --> 00:52:39.720 In. 00:52:40.440 --> 00:52:41.800 There is a great delight. 00:52:42.160 --> 00:52:43.200 In hearing. 00:52:43.840 --> 00:52:44.720 Good news. 00:52:45.340 --> 00:52:46.140 And what effect. 00:52:46.280 --> 00:52:47.660 Does this good news have? 00:52:48.039 --> 00:52:49.260 Well when you look at verse 8. 00:52:49.340 --> 00:52:49.700 It says. 00:52:49.780 --> 00:52:50.940 For now we live. 00:52:50.940 --> 00:52:53.500 If you are standing fast. 00:52:54.039 --> 00:52:54.820 In the Lord. 00:52:55.380 --> 00:52:56.880 As they are standing fast. 00:52:56.880 --> 00:52:57.460 In the Lord. 00:52:57.700 --> 00:52:59.579 They go on in strength. 00:53:00.700 --> 00:53:01.980 And that is what we need to. 00:53:02.079 --> 00:53:02.940 To go forward. 00:53:03.800 --> 00:53:05.019 To go forward. 00:53:05.320 --> 00:53:06.440 Standing fast. 00:53:06.900 --> 00:53:07.619 In the Lord. 00:53:08.280 --> 00:53:09.440 Seeking his face. 00:53:10.300 --> 00:53:11.420 Seeking his goodness. 00:53:11.980 --> 00:53:12.740 Upon us. 00:53:13.579 --> 00:53:14.000 Rich. 00:53:14.440 --> 00:53:15.139 And poor. 00:53:15.860 --> 00:53:16.400 Royalty. 00:53:16.480 --> 00:53:17.460 And common people. 00:53:17.460 --> 00:53:19.380 What can unite us together? 00:53:20.039 --> 00:53:20.539 Faith. 00:53:20.940 --> 00:53:21.679 In the Lord. 00:53:21.780 --> 00:53:22.780 Jesus Christ. 00:53:23.900 --> 00:53:24.900 Martin Luther. 00:53:24.900 --> 00:53:25.639 Once said. 00:53:25.820 --> 00:53:26.700 God our father. 00:53:27.019 --> 00:53:28.380 Has made all things. 00:53:28.480 --> 00:53:29.700 Depend on faith. 00:53:30.079 --> 00:53:31.599 So that whoever has faith. 00:53:31.780 --> 00:53:32.579 Will have everything. 00:53:33.039 --> 00:53:34.940 And whoever does not have faith. 00:53:35.360 --> 00:53:36.260 Will have nothing. 00:53:37.500 --> 00:53:38.960 No matter how much more. 00:53:39.480 --> 00:53:40.639 Value we maybe think. 00:53:40.720 --> 00:53:41.179 The queen. 00:53:41.639 --> 00:53:42.619 Had than us. 00:53:43.960 --> 00:53:44.900 Without faith. 00:53:45.460 --> 00:53:46.360 She was nothing. 00:53:46.840 --> 00:53:47.800 Just as we are. 00:53:48.539 --> 00:53:49.840 But with faith. 00:53:49.840 --> 00:53:51.160 She had everything. 00:53:51.800 --> 00:53:52.900 Just as we can. 00:53:54.440 --> 00:53:54.840 Faith. 00:53:55.340 --> 00:53:56.240 Is what we need. 00:53:57.579 --> 00:53:58.360 And the third thing. 00:53:58.420 --> 00:53:58.940 And final thing. 00:53:59.019 --> 00:53:59.480 We see here. 00:53:59.579 --> 00:53:59.760 Is this. 00:53:59.940 --> 00:54:01.000 As we go forward. 00:54:01.000 --> 00:54:01.640 In faith. 00:54:02.000 --> 00:54:03.539 It gives us a real sense. 00:54:03.539 --> 00:54:04.360 Of focus. 00:54:04.880 --> 00:54:05.900 And devotion. 00:54:06.900 --> 00:54:08.039 Given the outcome. 00:54:08.380 --> 00:54:09.740 The response here. 00:54:09.740 --> 00:54:10.519 Is prayer. 00:54:11.079 --> 00:54:12.300 And thanksgiving. 00:54:12.300 --> 00:54:14.300 They were delighted. 00:54:14.300 --> 00:54:14.920 To hear. 00:54:14.920 --> 00:54:15.640 That the people. 00:54:15.820 --> 00:54:16.980 Were going on in faith. 00:54:17.380 --> 00:54:18.820 And God seeks. 00:54:19.039 --> 00:54:19.800 For his people. 00:54:20.360 --> 00:54:21.580 To go on in faith. 00:54:22.600 --> 00:54:23.260 And in verse 9. 00:54:23.380 --> 00:54:23.539 Says. 00:54:23.620 --> 00:54:24.560 For what thanksgiving. 00:54:24.680 --> 00:54:25.960 Can we return to God. 00:54:26.039 --> 00:54:26.480 For you. 00:54:26.880 --> 00:54:27.880 For all the joy. 00:54:27.880 --> 00:54:28.500 That we feel. 00:54:28.620 --> 00:54:29.380 For your sake. 00:54:29.440 --> 00:54:30.160 Before God. 00:54:30.200 --> 00:54:30.940 As we pray. 00:54:31.440 --> 00:54:32.560 Most earnestly. 00:54:32.680 --> 00:54:33.360 Night and day. 00:54:33.420 --> 00:54:34.460 That we may see you. 00:54:34.519 --> 00:54:35.480 Face to face. 00:54:36.060 --> 00:54:36.820 And supply. 00:54:36.940 --> 00:54:37.700 What was lacking. 00:54:38.200 --> 00:54:39.140 In your faith. 00:54:39.139 --> 00:54:40.879 They long to come. 00:54:41.239 --> 00:54:42.319 And encourage them. 00:54:42.699 --> 00:54:43.779 In their faith. 00:54:45.500 --> 00:54:47.099 And this is a great reminder. 00:54:47.099 --> 00:54:48.079 To ourselves. 00:54:48.279 --> 00:54:49.019 Of the devotion. 00:54:49.500 --> 00:54:50.239 That we should have. 00:54:50.359 --> 00:54:51.339 To our saviour. 00:54:52.059 --> 00:54:52.960 That we should seek. 00:54:53.019 --> 00:54:54.519 To be a servant people. 00:54:55.099 --> 00:54:55.839 To a king. 00:54:56.159 --> 00:54:57.139 We serve. 00:54:58.799 --> 00:54:59.659 And may we come. 00:55:00.019 --> 00:55:01.879 To have this prayerful devotion. 00:55:02.420 --> 00:55:03.159 For one another. 00:55:03.739 --> 00:55:04.539 For our land. 00:55:04.599 --> 00:55:05.699 And for all its people. 00:55:05.759 --> 00:55:07.500 And for all who rule over us. 00:55:08.000 --> 00:55:09.119 That we will go forward. 00:55:09.139 --> 00:55:09.579 Forward. 00:55:10.359 --> 00:55:10.759 United. 00:55:11.339 --> 00:55:12.139 In faith. 00:55:13.139 --> 00:55:13.579 United. 00:55:13.579 --> 00:55:13.619 United. 00:55:13.759 --> 00:55:14.500 And strengthened. 00:55:15.319 --> 00:55:16.039 By God. 00:55:17.019 --> 00:55:18.000 As verse 11 says. 00:55:18.119 --> 00:55:19.079 Now may our God. 00:55:19.139 --> 00:55:20.119 And Father himself. 00:55:20.239 --> 00:55:21.219 And our Lord Jesus. 00:55:21.859 --> 00:55:23.139 Direct our way to you. 00:55:23.179 --> 00:55:23.759 And may the Lord. 00:55:23.879 --> 00:55:24.679 Make you increase. 00:55:24.759 --> 00:55:25.940 And abound in love. 00:55:26.379 --> 00:55:27.379 For one another. 00:55:27.679 --> 00:55:28.559 And for all. 00:55:28.980 --> 00:55:30.239 As we do for you. 00:55:30.759 --> 00:55:32.079 So that he may establish. 00:55:32.079 --> 00:55:32.879 Your hearts. 00:55:33.099 --> 00:55:34.319 Blameless in holiness. 00:55:34.819 --> 00:55:35.819 Before our God. 00:55:35.859 --> 00:55:36.379 And Father. 00:55:36.440 --> 00:55:38.059 At the coming of our Lord Jesus. 00:55:38.059 --> 00:55:40.179 With all the saints. 00:55:41.119 --> 00:55:42.320 What kind of prayer. 00:55:42.579 --> 00:55:43.579 Is this? 00:55:44.519 --> 00:55:46.219 It's an earnest prayer. 00:55:47.000 --> 00:55:48.219 And today our prayers. 00:55:48.340 --> 00:55:49.539 Are to be earnest. 00:55:50.219 --> 00:55:51.679 Pleading with God. 00:55:52.440 --> 00:55:53.320 Direct us. 00:55:53.539 --> 00:55:54.820 In your paths. 00:55:55.400 --> 00:55:56.079 Show us. 00:55:56.440 --> 00:55:57.159 Your ways. 00:55:57.539 --> 00:55:59.219 That we may delight in them. 00:55:59.799 --> 00:56:01.519 Guide all our steps. 00:56:01.579 --> 00:56:02.579 That they may be steps. 00:56:02.579 --> 00:56:03.440 Of faith. 00:56:03.440 --> 00:56:05.319 And love for God. 00:56:05.639 --> 00:56:06.719 Our saviour. 00:56:07.319 --> 00:56:07.940 And God. 00:56:08.360 --> 00:56:09.699 Who has blessed us. 00:56:10.759 --> 00:56:12.400 May our plea be earnest. 00:56:12.960 --> 00:56:13.860 For our new king. 00:56:14.319 --> 00:56:15.619 For our new prime minister. 00:56:15.980 --> 00:56:16.900 For our land. 00:56:17.000 --> 00:56:17.900 And for the nations. 00:56:18.139 --> 00:56:18.980 Of the world. 00:56:19.639 --> 00:56:20.480 We need healing. 00:56:21.179 --> 00:56:22.119 We need help. 00:56:22.840 --> 00:56:23.980 And he is the one. 00:56:24.539 --> 00:56:25.719 Who can provide it. 00:56:26.719 --> 00:56:29.000 We need all of these things. 00:56:29.000 --> 00:56:30.619 We need to plead. 00:56:30.960 --> 00:56:31.880 With God. 00:56:32.719 --> 00:56:35.059 It is also a persistent prayer. 00:56:36.360 --> 00:56:36.960 Night. 00:56:37.659 --> 00:56:38.380 And day. 00:56:38.860 --> 00:56:39.960 It says in verse 10. 00:56:40.000 --> 00:56:41.559 As we pray most earnestly. 00:56:42.019 --> 00:56:43.139 Night and day. 00:56:43.780 --> 00:56:45.579 There is a real sense of pleading. 00:56:46.059 --> 00:56:48.059 And persistent prayer here. 00:56:48.760 --> 00:56:51.179 May we go on praying persistently. 00:56:51.840 --> 00:56:52.960 Asking God. 00:56:53.460 --> 00:56:54.260 Night and day. 00:56:54.340 --> 00:56:56.179 To pour out his blessing on us. 00:56:56.179 --> 00:56:57.579 Night and day. 00:56:57.659 --> 00:56:59.299 To give blessing to our land. 00:56:59.579 --> 00:57:00.619 To give renewal. 00:57:01.159 --> 00:57:01.899 To our land. 00:57:02.819 --> 00:57:05.259 It is a specific prayer as well. 00:57:06.259 --> 00:57:08.779 We can be specific in our prayers too. 00:57:09.399 --> 00:57:10.359 Paul was saying. 00:57:10.460 --> 00:57:12.980 We pray that we may see you face to face. 00:57:13.539 --> 00:57:14.460 And that you supply. 00:57:14.659 --> 00:57:16.879 To supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:57:17.500 --> 00:57:19.839 May our prayers be specific as well. 00:57:20.699 --> 00:57:21.759 Asking God. 00:57:22.379 --> 00:57:24.059 To bring a people of faith. 00:57:24.239 --> 00:57:25.199 To lead us well. 00:57:25.199 --> 00:57:27.079 And to keep on praying. 00:57:27.599 --> 00:57:30.859 We are commanded to pray for those who rule over us. 00:57:31.179 --> 00:57:32.299 In God's word. 00:57:33.259 --> 00:57:35.259 May we take that prayer seriously. 00:57:36.299 --> 00:57:39.739 No matter what our differences of opinions may be. 00:57:40.500 --> 00:57:42.119 May prayer unite us. 00:57:42.719 --> 00:57:44.199 To ask God to bless. 00:57:44.819 --> 00:57:46.599 And to guide our nation. 00:57:47.119 --> 00:57:48.279 In the days ahead. 00:57:48.919 --> 00:57:50.659 That he would bear much fruit. 00:57:51.039 --> 00:57:52.219 In our land. 00:57:52.219 --> 00:57:55.119 John Newton. 00:57:55.119 --> 00:57:55.159 John Newton. 00:57:55.699 --> 00:57:57.919 Was a great preacher in his day. 00:57:58.199 --> 00:58:00.980 John Newton who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace. 00:58:01.159 --> 00:58:01.839 And he preached. 00:58:02.279 --> 00:58:04.659 Well past his retirement age. 00:58:04.739 --> 00:58:05.219 As I said. 00:58:06.319 --> 00:58:07.739 And very often as he was preaching. 00:58:07.739 --> 00:58:10.219 Towards the end of his days. 00:58:10.319 --> 00:58:11.299 He would have an assistant. 00:58:11.759 --> 00:58:13.579 Standing beside him in the pulpit. 00:58:13.659 --> 00:58:14.599 Who would support him. 00:58:15.119 --> 00:58:16.480 As he was feeling weak. 00:58:16.480 --> 00:58:18.820 He was nearly blind. 00:58:19.519 --> 00:58:21.460 And he spoke in whispers. 00:58:22.400 --> 00:58:25.019 But nothing would keep him from preaching. 00:58:26.699 --> 00:58:27.480 One Sunday. 00:58:27.619 --> 00:58:29.639 While he was delivering a message. 00:58:29.840 --> 00:58:30.500 A sermon. 00:58:31.320 --> 00:58:33.159 He repeated the phrase. 00:58:33.940 --> 00:58:35.159 Jesus Christ. 00:58:35.699 --> 00:58:36.460 Is precious. 00:58:36.460 --> 00:58:38.000 Jesus Christ. 00:58:38.420 --> 00:58:40.380 And his assistant beside him. 00:58:40.420 --> 00:58:41.740 Just whispered to him. 00:58:42.320 --> 00:58:44.400 You've already said that twice. 00:58:46.740 --> 00:58:48.280 John Newton turned. 00:58:48.920 --> 00:58:49.599 To his helper. 00:58:49.760 --> 00:58:50.260 And said. 00:58:51.800 --> 00:58:52.440 Yes. 00:58:53.300 --> 00:58:54.720 I've said it twice. 00:58:55.400 --> 00:58:57.220 And I'm going to say it. 00:58:57.559 --> 00:58:58.159 Again. 00:58:58.940 --> 00:59:01.039 And he lifted up his voice. 00:59:01.740 --> 00:59:04.579 And he shouted at the top of his voice. 00:59:04.579 --> 00:59:16.139 Jesus Christ is precious. That is what he wanted his people to know. Jesus Christ is precious. 00:59:18.319 --> 00:59:21.659 How is your faith today? 00:59:24.039 --> 00:59:31.519 Speaking on the 3rd of August this year, just over a month ago, Her Majesty the Queen said this, 00:59:31.519 --> 00:59:42.980 Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide, and in them I find hope. 00:59:45.400 --> 00:59:54.699 She was a queen, but more than that, she was a servant, a servant to her king. 00:59:54.699 --> 01:00:07.119 Jesus Christ was precious to her. We pray our new king will rule well and wisely with that same servant spirit. 01:00:08.039 --> 01:00:12.879 But above all, we pray that Jesus Christ will be precious to him. 01:00:13.879 --> 01:00:20.839 We pray that for our new Prime Minister, that Jesus Christ will be precious to her. 01:00:20.840 --> 01:00:28.420 Let us remember too, kings and queens and Prime Ministers, come and go. 01:00:29.360 --> 01:00:33.519 That crown of the queen and king may be passed on to others. 01:00:34.620 --> 01:00:44.380 But there is a greater crown for all who put their trust in Christ Jesus as a precious Saviour. 01:00:44.380 --> 01:00:47.260 May we find in him the crown of the crown of righteousness. 01:00:48.300 --> 01:00:57.740 Awarded not just to royalty, but to all of Christ's servants who put their trust in him. 01:00:58.840 --> 01:01:01.099 How is your faith? 01:01:02.079 --> 01:01:06.599 Is your faith in Jesus Christ who is precious? 01:01:06.599 --> 01:01:19.219 May we find in him the one who is our Saviour and our God and find our hope in him. 01:01:19.739 --> 01:01:20.480 Let us pray. 01:01:22.880 --> 01:01:29.159 Our Father in heaven, we rejoice in our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. 01:01:29.679 --> 01:01:31.920 We thank you that he is head over all. 01:01:31.920 --> 01:01:35.760 We thank you that we worship a living Saviour. 01:01:36.340 --> 01:01:40.639 One who came and bore the crown on the cross for us. 01:01:41.300 --> 01:01:45.760 That crown of thorns so that we might receive a crown of righteousness. 01:01:46.599 --> 01:01:49.659 We thank you for his sacrifice, for his service. 01:01:50.420 --> 01:01:52.820 We thank you, Lord, that he gave all for us. 01:01:53.720 --> 01:01:59.099 We pray that no matter our position, whether it's the royalty and rulers of this world, 01:01:59.099 --> 01:02:01.900 or ourselves as a common people, 01:02:02.360 --> 01:02:07.420 that we would find our hearts serving our King and our Lord, 01:02:07.940 --> 01:02:11.699 and putting our trust in him for now and for eternity. 01:02:12.460 --> 01:02:16.159 May you bless your word in this day and in the days ahead. 01:02:16.739 --> 01:02:20.360 There will be a word that reverberates around our land. 01:02:20.940 --> 01:02:23.799 A word that bears much fruit for your glory. 01:02:23.800 --> 01:02:29.400 May you continue to comfort and to bless all who need you in different ways, 01:02:29.480 --> 01:02:31.340 as we ask it all in Jesus' name. 01:02:31.880 --> 01:02:32.220 Amen. 01:02:38.440 --> 01:02:45.620 We're going to conclude by singing to God's praise in Psalm 117 in the Scottish Psalter. 01:02:47.360 --> 01:02:51.740 Psalm 117, page 397 of the Psalm books. 01:02:51.739 --> 01:03:13.139 We'll sing this psalm to God's praise and we stand to sing. 01:03:13.139 --> 01:03:14.259 Amen. 01:03:14.260 --> 01:03:26.220 O give ye praise unto the Lord, 01:03:26.220 --> 01:03:33.400 All nations that be, 01:03:34.000 --> 01:03:39.540 Like white sheep people, 01:03:39.539 --> 01:03:40.679 throughout our credit card, 01:03:40.679 --> 01:03:41.539 The Lord andARD Chris. 01:03:41.539 --> 01:03:43.840 One song for me to praise, 01:03:44.159 --> 01:03:57.279 While glory is there 01:03:57.279 --> 01:04:05.360 Amen Lord our praise and power, 01:04:05.360 --> 01:04:08.640 His kindnesses, 01:04:09.140 --> 01:04:13.940 His truth endures 01:04:13.940 --> 01:04:18.720 forevermore. 01:04:18.900 --> 01:04:27.000 The Lord, O doing best. 01:04:27.960 --> 01:04:30.940 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my left. 01:04:31.360 --> 01:04:32.420 Close with the benediction. 01:04:32.420 --> 01:04:36.320 Now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, 01:04:36.659 --> 01:04:38.559 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 01:04:38.559 --> 01:04:41.519 rest upon and abide with us all 01:04:41.519 --> 01:04:44.019 now and forevermore. Amen.