WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.740 We can turn back for a time to our reading in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and we're going to look at verse 13 down to the end of the chapter. 00:00:21.740 --> 00:00:21.740 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.100 And so on. 00:00:44.600 --> 00:00:52.299 When you hear the word Advent, what do you think of what immediately comes to your mind? 00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:57.200 It's maybe not Easter time that comes to your mind when you think of Advent. 00:00:57.200 --> 00:01:03.240 It more particularly maybe draws to mind Christmas time as we think of Advent. 00:01:04.100 --> 00:01:08.520 We think of Advent calendars counting down the days. 00:01:09.079 --> 00:01:16.980 You open a slot on an Advent calendar to eat a chocolate as you're counting down the days coming up to Christmas. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:20.600 But there's more to Advent than that. 00:01:20.600 --> 00:01:27.100 Advent is not just a Christmas thing. Advent speaks about the coming of something. 00:01:28.060 --> 00:01:33.560 Advent is defined as the coming of an important person or thing. 00:01:34.540 --> 00:01:40.200 And we especially rate Advent to the coming of an important person. 00:01:40.200 --> 00:01:51.000 Not just at Christmas time when we remember the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the sense of his incarnation, his birth as he came into the world. 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:59.740 But we have a greater sense of Advent now as well looking forward to another Advent that is to come. 00:01:59.739 --> 00:02:11.680 And here in 1st Thessalonians at the end of this chapter, chapter 4, we are reminded of another Advent that we are looking forward to, looking ahead to. 00:02:11.680 --> 00:02:18.000 And as we approach Easter time, it's something that draws our mind towards it. 00:02:18.540 --> 00:02:25.120 Because at Easter time, we remember that the Lord Jesus, as he came into this world, he came with a purpose. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:30.020 He came to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:02:30.140 --> 00:02:32.280 He came to lay down his life. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:37.219 He was put to death on the cross, just as he said he would. 00:02:37.860 --> 00:02:41.740 But he had also said that on the third day, he would rise. 00:02:42.219 --> 00:02:43.939 He would rise from the grave. 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:45.759 And so it was. 00:02:45.759 --> 00:03:01.379 And it's that resurrection that gives us the hope of another Advent, of another coming of an important person. 00:03:01.539 --> 00:03:06.979 When we read here, the Lord himself will descend from heaven. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:16.419 It's the second coming of the Lord Jesus as he returns to come and judge the world. 00:03:17.419 --> 00:03:22.379 Advent has that sense then of a dawn of a new era. 00:03:23.399 --> 00:03:29.079 And indeed, the dawn of a new era came when the Lord Jesus came into this world in the first place. 00:03:29.080 --> 00:03:37.020 As he came to live in the world, to serve in the world, to show the world who he was. 00:03:37.540 --> 00:03:39.320 A world that rejected him. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:42.520 A world that turned away from him. 00:03:43.160 --> 00:03:46.700 A world that ultimately put him to death on the cross. 00:03:46.840 --> 00:03:49.860 But it was indeed the dawning of a new era. 00:03:50.660 --> 00:03:53.800 But we're also looking forward to the dawn of another era. 00:03:53.800 --> 00:03:55.420 An era of restoration. 00:03:56.520 --> 00:03:57.560 A time of healing. 00:03:57.560 --> 00:04:02.879 A time when the Lord will come to put right this whole world. 00:04:03.420 --> 00:04:06.439 And call his people home to himself. 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:09.340 And it's described here as that Lord coming. 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:13.879 Himself, the Lord himself will descend from heaven. 00:04:14.580 --> 00:04:20.319 And it's something that's described as having a sound with it as well. 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:25.959 As you read there, he will descend from heaven with a cry of command. 00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:28.539 With the voice of an archangel. 00:04:28.539 --> 00:04:32.639 And with the sound of the trumpet of God. 00:04:32.819 --> 00:04:36.319 The sound of the trumpet. 00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:39.699 It's like a last post. 00:04:39.839 --> 00:04:40.979 A last call. 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:46.699 When you hear this, you will know that this is the Lord's return. 00:04:46.699 --> 00:04:50.060 It may be a sound we've never heard before. 00:04:50.060 --> 00:04:53.159 We've never really thought how it might be. 00:04:53.659 --> 00:04:55.399 But one thing is for sure. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:04:57.139 That when this sound comes. 00:04:57.360 --> 00:04:59.539 When this trumpet sound comes. 00:04:59.779 --> 00:05:01.480 It'll be recognizable. 00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:05.839 It'll be clear what is taking place. 00:05:06.899 --> 00:05:09.279 It is the Lord's return. 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:13.659 But what will that trumpet sound mean for you? 00:05:14.299 --> 00:05:18.639 And what will that trumpet sound mean for so many around us? 00:05:18.639 --> 00:05:20.679 If we are here to hear it. 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:25.419 Is it something that you are looking for with expectation? 00:05:26.439 --> 00:05:28.779 That you know that when the Lord returns. 00:05:28.899 --> 00:05:31.299 If he comes while we are here on earth. 00:05:31.359 --> 00:05:32.719 That we are ready for it. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:36.760 Or is it something that leaves you with a sense of trepidation. 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:38.460 A sense of fear. 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:40.860 Because you know that well if the Lord was returning. 00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:42.680 I'm not ready. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.720 I'm not ready for the Lord's return. 00:05:47.700 --> 00:05:52.360 Well as you look at this passage here in 1 Thessalonians 4. 00:05:53.160 --> 00:05:56.760 It's one of the questions that the people in Thessalonica had. 00:05:56.840 --> 00:05:58.740 The believers in Thessalonica had. 00:05:58.740 --> 00:06:03.220 They had questions obviously about brotherly love. 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:04.939 As you see in verse 9. 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:06.639 How do you love one another? 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:07.620 Who should you love? 00:06:07.660 --> 00:06:10.560 All of these things were questions that they had. 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:14.079 And Paul here is answering these questions. 00:06:14.240 --> 00:06:15.620 Now concerning brotherly love. 00:06:15.740 --> 00:06:18.139 You have no need for anyone to write to you. 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:22.300 For you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. 00:06:22.500 --> 00:06:25.060 So he's giving them instructions there. 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:28.500 God has taught you that you are to love. 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:29.759 One another. 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:33.620 But it's clear then as you go on into verse 13. 00:06:33.860 --> 00:06:35.500 To the end of the chapter. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:39.540 That they had questions about another issue. 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:44.500 And that was questions surrounding the Lord's return. 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:46.180 What would it mean? 00:06:46.620 --> 00:06:51.360 What would it mean especially for those as they say in verse 13. 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:53.519 Those who are asleep. 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:56.079 Those who have already gone before them. 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.980 What does it mean for them? 00:06:58.460 --> 00:06:59.960 What will it mean for us? 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:03.439 They had so many questions around this. 00:07:03.580 --> 00:07:08.120 And they're similar to the kind of questions that we can have as well. 00:07:08.780 --> 00:07:10.800 As we think of our own lives. 00:07:11.340 --> 00:07:12.360 Our own eternity. 00:07:12.580 --> 00:07:13.500 All of these things. 00:07:13.640 --> 00:07:15.580 They make us ask questions. 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:17.120 They make us wonder. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:20.340 What will the Lord's return mean? 00:07:20.339 --> 00:07:25.799 What does it mean for those who have fallen asleep before us? 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:29.560 What does it mean in the sense of the grief that we have experienced? 00:07:30.219 --> 00:07:33.219 What does it mean looking to our future? 00:07:33.359 --> 00:07:36.060 And what does the resurrection mean in it all? 00:07:36.159 --> 00:07:40.799 What difference does the resurrection mean in it all as well? 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:45.199 And the resurrection is the foundation of the hope that they find. 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:48.379 Because the Lord has arisen from the grave. 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:51.240 Because he has ascended to the Father. 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:55.160 Because there is that knowledge that he will come. 00:07:55.720 --> 00:07:59.180 Again, come with that trumpet sound. 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:01.879 And so as you look in this section. 00:08:02.040 --> 00:08:07.340 You find Paul answering the kind of questions and the issues that they had. 00:08:08.199 --> 00:08:11.980 And we're going to look at four different things from these verses. 00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:16.220 And the first is the concern that they have. 00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:18.540 The concern that they have. 00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:22.360 Then we see the compassion that they're shown. 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:25.980 And then we see the call that goes out to them. 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:29.540 And then the comfort that they can share. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:31.199 So there's these four things. 00:08:31.319 --> 00:08:34.940 The concern, the compassion, the call, and the comfort. 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:38.860 So first of all, we see the concern. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:41.899 And that's the first thing to note here. 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:46.420 That there is a real sense of concern for this matter. 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:52.139 This morning we were looking at the book of Proverbs chapter 9. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:56.539 Where we were seeing the idea of wisdom and folly. 00:08:57.279 --> 00:09:00.639 And the choices that we can make in the midst of that. 00:09:01.720 --> 00:09:06.940 And in some ways we see that this concern is looking for wisdom. 00:09:07.379 --> 00:09:11.080 And turning away from folly in all of this as well. 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:14.779 So behind the concern that they have here is. 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:18.039 What does the idea of the resurrection mean? 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:21.320 And what does death mean? 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:25.379 What does the thought of the Lord's return mean? 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:28.760 And they're concerned about these issues. 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:30.900 They have a concern. 00:09:31.260 --> 00:09:34.500 And to have a concern is a good thing. 00:09:35.520 --> 00:09:39.420 Because if we're untroubled and unconcerned about these things. 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:40.920 If they mean nothing to us. 00:09:41.140 --> 00:09:43.680 We just carry on in our foolishness. 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:46.980 We're not seeking the wisdom of God in them. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:51.120 And so a concern here is a good thing. 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:56.259 What does the idea of the resurrection mean to you today? 00:09:57.080 --> 00:10:02.340 What does the thought of the Lord's return mean to you today? 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:03.820 Does it concern you? 00:10:04.940 --> 00:10:06.840 Because if it doesn't it should. 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:11.899 And it's a good thing to have a concern about it. 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:15.899 Because it's so easy to be something you just put away out of your mind. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:18.320 That you don't think about. 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:21.620 You don't live in the reality of it. 00:10:22.540 --> 00:10:25.680 There can be so many things that we just push away. 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:28.339 But we are to have a concern. 00:10:28.479 --> 00:10:30.559 Just like they had in Thessalonica. 00:10:30.739 --> 00:10:32.039 They had these questions. 00:10:32.539 --> 00:10:33.919 What do these things mean? 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:36.559 What does it mean for those who have fallen asleep? 00:10:36.919 --> 00:10:38.599 What will it mean for us? 00:10:39.959 --> 00:10:41.839 They have these concerns. 00:10:43.599 --> 00:10:46.199 And so as Paul is writing to them. 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:48.179 He's seeking in the midst of their concern. 00:10:48.459 --> 00:10:50.539 To bring comfort to them. 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:55.099 So instead of being unconcerned about these things. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.219 He wants them to be concerned. 00:10:57.339 --> 00:11:00.579 But he wants them to have answers as well. 00:11:01.839 --> 00:11:03.539 And the church at Thessalonica. 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:06.360 It's a church that has heard the gospel. 00:11:07.339 --> 00:11:09.980 It's a church where the gospel flourished. 00:11:10.839 --> 00:11:11.819 Where they heard it. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:12.839 Where they believed it. 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:15.240 Where they had faith in the Lord Jesus. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:20.240 Where there were great examples of what a Christian church should look like. 00:11:21.099 --> 00:11:24.879 They were great examples to other Christians around them. 00:11:25.699 --> 00:11:29.139 But just because they were going on well in their sense of their Christian faith. 00:11:29.199 --> 00:11:31.959 Didn't mean that they didn't have questions. 00:11:33.139 --> 00:11:35.139 And the same is true of ourselves. 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:40.199 And no doubt you have questions around the Christian faith as well. 00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:43.719 And what we see here is that one of the questions that troubled them. 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:45.559 Was that of death. 00:11:45.699 --> 00:11:46.500 What does it mean? 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:47.779 What happens? 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:51.839 What does it mean for those who have fallen asleep? 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:55.379 And it's a natural concern for us. 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:57.139 Again to be unthroubled by that. 00:11:57.379 --> 00:11:58.659 Is to be foolish. 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:02.279 But to be concerned is to then seek wisdom. 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:04.959 And to find wisdom with God. 00:12:06.059 --> 00:12:07.720 And so they have these questions. 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:27.980 And so you see the concern was adding to their grief. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:31.519 It was increasing their grief. 00:12:32.279 --> 00:12:34.899 Because they're thinking here are our people. 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:36.899 Those who have passed away. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:39.860 Those who are believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:43.560 And many of them would have maybe died in difficult situations. 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:44.920 Under persecution. 00:12:44.919 --> 00:12:47.579 And the hope that they had. 00:12:47.579 --> 00:12:49.179 The faith that they lived. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:49.759 Was that it? 00:12:49.839 --> 00:12:50.500 Was it gone? 00:12:50.979 --> 00:12:52.059 Was it the end? 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:54.740 Those who have fallen asleep. 00:12:55.299 --> 00:12:56.959 Is it just about life? 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:59.179 Now and then there's nothing? 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:01.139 What are the answers? 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.939 Death leaves us with so many fears. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:06.899 And so many questions. 00:13:07.059 --> 00:13:09.819 And so where do we find the answers? 00:13:09.820 --> 00:13:15.360 Well Paul takes them to the word of God. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:19.480 And especially back to that thought of the resurrection. 00:13:19.680 --> 00:13:20.420 In verse 14. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:24.840 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again. 00:13:25.520 --> 00:13:27.320 Even so through Jesus. 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:32.020 God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 00:13:33.420 --> 00:13:39.020 And so here is the idea of the resurrection is behind it all. 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:42.620 It is so important for us to be concerned. 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:47.659 But to have an idea of what the resurrection means. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:50.379 The importance of the resurrection. 00:13:51.579 --> 00:13:55.799 Many people have reacted to the resurrection in different ways. 00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:58.240 And put it away as just nonsense. 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:03.559 In the book of Acts chapter 17 verse 32 it says. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:05.980 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead. 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:08.120 Some mocked. 00:14:08.120 --> 00:14:09.120 Some mocked. 00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:10.120 Some mocked. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:14.480 But others said we will hear you again about this. 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:18.360 So this was the response to the resurrection. 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:23.120 This was the response to those who have fallen asleep. 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:26.799 And the idea that they might rise again in the day of the resurrection. 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:28.159 There was mocking. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:31.279 And that's the same as the world that we live in now. 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:36.980 There's just mocking towards this whole idea of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:40.720 Or the resurrection of the dead as we find it in scripture. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:44.279 If there is a hope of resurrection and life after this. 00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:45.939 It's of our own making. 00:14:46.100 --> 00:14:47.100 Our own design. 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.360 Our own choosing. 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:52.319 But it should lead us to concern. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:54.400 What does it actually mean? 00:14:55.040 --> 00:14:57.120 What does the scripture teach us? 00:14:57.680 --> 00:14:58.780 What does life mean? 00:14:58.860 --> 00:14:59.920 What does death mean? 00:15:00.280 --> 00:15:02.100 We should be concerned about this. 00:15:02.140 --> 00:15:03.040 And that's what they were. 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:04.200 They were concerned. 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:07.140 And they had questions. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:10.840 But there are answers to it as well. 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:16.419 And that's why we read on here and see amongst this concern there is compassion. 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.460 There is compassion. 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:26.919 So how does Paul begin to address the issues that they have raised about death and the Lord's coming and the resurrection? 00:15:27.699 --> 00:15:31.860 Well he brings them, as you say, to the word of God. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.179 In verse 15. 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:38.699 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord. 00:15:39.359 --> 00:15:46.139 That we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 00:15:46.599 --> 00:15:50.419 So he brings them to the word of God. 00:15:51.479 --> 00:15:55.919 And that is where we are to find the foundation of our hope. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:58.339 Just as we were looking at Proverbs this morning. 00:15:58.899 --> 00:16:00.120 Wisdom and folly. 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:02.359 Folly is to listen to the ways of the world. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:05.120 Wisdom is to fear God. 00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:07.300 And to seek his word. 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:09.480 To seek his commands. 00:16:10.680 --> 00:16:14.000 The word of the Lord is what informs us. 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:16.320 And that's what he says here. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:17.379 In verse 13. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:20.639 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:27.659 So if they're uninformed, where are they going to find information that lets them be informed? 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.440 The word of the Lord. 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:33.820 For we declare to you by a word from the Lord. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.900 God has spoken on this issue. 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:40.820 God has given us insight into this issue. 00:16:40.920 --> 00:16:44.660 It's the whole purpose for which he sent his son into this world. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:47.280 That he came to die for our sins. 00:16:47.640 --> 00:16:49.080 To be placed in the grave. 00:16:49.540 --> 00:16:52.440 But that on the third day he would rise again. 00:16:52.440 --> 00:16:53.100 Again. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:56.420 Are we uninformed? 00:16:56.520 --> 00:16:58.800 Are you uninformed about this tonight? 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:01.400 Do you understand the significance? 00:17:01.920 --> 00:17:03.060 Or what it means? 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:07.080 You hear the phrase, ignorance is bliss. 00:17:08.380 --> 00:17:09.799 But what does it mean? 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.360 Well if you're unaware of something unpleasant. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:16.320 Or a situation that's going on. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:18.720 You cannot be troubled by it. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:21.600 Ignorance is bliss. 00:17:21.600 --> 00:17:22.279 They say. 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:27.379 But is that the way we are to deal with these matters before us. 00:17:27.379 --> 00:17:29.379 Of life and death and eternity. 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.899 Just to say ignorance is bliss. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:36.119 Just to bury our heads in the sand and think nothing of it. 00:17:36.980 --> 00:17:39.079 For many it is. 00:17:39.660 --> 00:17:42.279 For many that's the way to deal with it. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.639 Ignorance is bliss. 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:47.480 Let's not hear what God the Lord has said about this. 00:17:48.060 --> 00:17:50.240 But let's just have our own ideas. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:53.420 Our own understanding of these matters. 00:17:54.280 --> 00:17:57.000 All you have to do is look around. 00:17:57.660 --> 00:18:02.960 And how often now do we see funeral services where there is no church connection? 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:06.800 It used to be maybe just something on the mainland. 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:10.540 But we're seeing it more in our own communities now as well. 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:15.299 Where the church has no part to play in funeral services. 00:18:16.039 --> 00:18:17.700 Avoid the scriptures. 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:20.740 Avoid what the word of God says about it. 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:23.960 In the hope that ignorance will be bliss. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:25.960 We want nothing to do with that. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:30.240 There's no comfort in that though. 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:32.960 If it's just our own thoughts. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:33.920 Our own ideas. 00:18:33.920 --> 00:18:34.120 Yes. 00:18:35.200 --> 00:18:37.100 But here Paul is reminding them. 00:18:37.800 --> 00:18:41.080 We declare to you by a word from the Lord. 00:18:42.100 --> 00:18:44.400 That there is compassion from the Lord. 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:46.580 That there is hope in the Lord. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.440 When you think of funerals. 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:54.860 You think well what's the most common song sung at funerals? 00:18:54.859 --> 00:18:58.859 We hear if we go to a funeral in church. 00:18:58.979 --> 00:19:03.979 We would probably answer well Psalm 23 is the most common song. 00:19:04.179 --> 00:19:04.519 Song. 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:06.579 The Lord's my shepherd. 00:19:07.179 --> 00:19:08.679 There's hope in these words. 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:10.240 There's everlasting life. 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:13.679 There's that hope of dwelling with the Lord forever. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:16.539 But it's not for everyone. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:22.500 If you look online and you find the co-op funeral services. 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:29.700 They actually have a top ten of most commonly sung songs at funerals. 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:32.559 Most commonly used songs at funerals. 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:35.779 And you have to go way down the list to number eight. 00:19:35.839 --> 00:19:38.559 Before you find anything with a Christian reference. 00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:42.940 Where the hymn, Abide With Me, is there. 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:46.500 But you look down at the ones before that. 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:49.759 They're all songs with no thought of God. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:53.400 There's nothing about God. 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:56.500 The top one is Time to Say Goodbye. 00:19:58.100 --> 00:20:01.460 And then you have Frank Sinatra's I Did It My Way. 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:04.880 These are the kind of songs that people want to hear. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:09.019 They don't want the reality of God's word. 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:14.720 They don't want the reality of death and judgment and the resurrection to come. 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:17.460 They want to do it their way. 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:21.879 But it's a very dangerous way to go. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:25.619 To be ignorant is to be uninformed. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:28.900 And it's to grieve without hope. 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:34.639 It's to miss the hope that's on offer through this gospel. 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:39.660 The compassion that there is with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:47.640 Trying to avoid a subject like death is like trying to avoid a hole in your boat. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.740 And you're out at sea. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.620 The water's pouring in. 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:55.000 It's not going to go away. 00:20:55.600 --> 00:20:58.240 And it's going to overwhelm at some point. 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:01.759 Ignorance is not bliss then. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:05.240 And trying to avoid the subject of death. 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:09.319 To be ignorant to it is avoiding the inevitable. 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:12.539 That will overwhelm you at some point. 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:15.359 And so there are questions. 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:18.480 But the Bible is about answers. 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:22.559 And answers found in the word of God. 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:25.000 Answers found in the word himself. 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:28.180 Who became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus. 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:34.799 The phrase Jesus answered is something you hear so often through the gospels. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:36.560 Because people had questions. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:38.000 They gathered round him. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:40.200 They heard what he had to say. 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:45.519 And so we are to be informed through the word of God. 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:47.380 Not to be uninformed. 00:21:47.880 --> 00:21:49.660 But to be informed. 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:56.320 So that we might see our desperate need in the midst of these realities of death. 00:21:56.580 --> 00:21:57.880 And the resurrection. 00:21:58.560 --> 00:21:59.620 And all of these things. 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:02.980 And when we see the reality of our need of Jesus. 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:09.700 And that's the third thing that we see here as we think of the call. 00:22:10.040 --> 00:22:13.500 Just like we were looking at this morning in the book of Proverbs. 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.840 The two calls. 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:17.500 That of wisdom and that of folly. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:21.599 Well here we are called again to the way of wisdom. 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:24.859 Because the gospel calls us to faith. 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:30.440 Do you have faith in hope of the resurrection? 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:34.339 Because that's what Paul is getting at here. 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:37.779 When he speaks about these things. 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:40.559 When he says we do not want you to be uninformed. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:43.700 That you may not grieve as others do. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:45.740 Who have no hope. 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:48.240 We want you to be informed. 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:53.079 And to be informed is to hear what God the Lord is saying. 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:56.980 So that when he says in verse 15. 00:22:57.099 --> 00:22:59.759 That we declare to you by a word from the Lord. 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:04.440 Then he goes on to say that we who are alive. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:06.240 Who are left until the coming of the Lord. 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:08.599 Will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:11.719 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven. 00:23:11.719 --> 00:23:13.740 With a cry of command. 00:23:13.939 --> 00:23:15.199 With the voice of an archangel. 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:18.659 The sound of the trumpet of God. 00:23:18.699 --> 00:23:21.559 And the dead in Christ will rise first. 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.839 Then we who are alive. 00:23:22.959 --> 00:23:23.480 Who are left. 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:26.279 Will be caught up together with them in the clouds. 00:23:26.439 --> 00:23:28.779 To meet the Lord in the air. 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:32.199 And so we will always be with the Lord. 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:35.359 There is this call of the gospel. 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:38.079 There is this hope of the gospel. 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:43.279 And what Paul is saying here is that the gospel is good news. 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:47.339 And it's good news in the midst of our grief. 00:23:48.399 --> 00:23:50.240 He doesn't say here Christians. 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:52.240 You should never grieve. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:54.719 That would not be right. 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:57.000 But what he says is. 00:23:57.139 --> 00:23:59.419 We do not want you to grieve as others do. 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:01.900 Who have no hope. 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:06.779 We all grieve at different points in our lives. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:09.380 But it's how we grieve. 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:12.519 We are to grieve with hope. 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:17.500 And we can only find that hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:20.620 --> 00:24:26.400 Paul doesn't say that we are to be uninformed about these things. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.700 So we do not do them. 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:31.380 But he says I want you in your grief. 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.799 To find that hope. 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:36.980 And that's the call of the gospel. 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:40.120 We see it with Jesus himself. 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:42.840 When you look at the life of Jesus. 00:24:43.080 --> 00:24:44.000 Did he grieve? 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:46.000 Of course he did. 00:24:47.080 --> 00:24:48.840 He grieved over sin. 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:50.920 He wept over Jerusalem. 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:52.680 As he looked at the people there. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:54.900 And he saw the way they were living. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:56.680 The way they were turning away from him. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:58.539 He wept over sin. 00:24:59.080 --> 00:25:01.720 And he wept over the consequences of sin. 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:03.039 Which is death. 00:25:03.840 --> 00:25:05.740 Because of the death of Lazarus. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.759 His friend. 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:08.200 He wept. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:11.640 But in the midst of that. 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.519 He spoke to them. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:16.860 The good news that there is in the midst of it. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:17.700 What did he say? 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:20.420 In John 11 verse 23. 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:23.120 As he spoke to the sisters there. 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:23.480 He said. 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.380 Jesus said to her. 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:26.940 Your brother will rise again. 00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.920 Martha said to him. 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:31.200 I know that he will rise again. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:33.180 In the resurrection on the last day. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:35.460 Jesus said to her. 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:38.019 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:40.059 Whoever believes in me. 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.900 Though he die. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.160 Yet shall he live. 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:44.880 And everyone who lives and believes in me. 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.920 Shall never die. 00:25:46.620 --> 00:25:47.920 Do you believe this? 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:51.320 So in the midst of his weeping. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:53.300 Over the death of Lazarus. 00:25:53.320 --> 00:25:54.800 And the people that he was seeing. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:56.019 Around him. 00:25:56.060 --> 00:25:58.019 He spoke these great words. 00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.880 The resurrection. 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:03.620 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:05.060 Whoever believes in me. 00:26:05.380 --> 00:26:06.019 Though he die. 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.340 Yet shall he live. 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:09.380 That there is life in him. 00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:09.880 And he says. 00:26:10.100 --> 00:26:12.380 Do you believe this? 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:15.360 And that's what we're being asked here. 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:16.640 By Paul as well. 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:18.600 This is what you are to believe. 00:26:18.780 --> 00:26:19.900 Do you believe it? 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:21.620 You have your questions. 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:23.940 We don't want you to be uninformed. 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:26.940 We want you to come to understand. 00:26:27.520 --> 00:26:29.020 What this means. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:32.560 The coming of the Lord Jesus. 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:35.620 It means that we will be with him. 00:26:36.280 --> 00:26:37.820 We will be gathered together. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:41.340 We will always be with the Lord. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.900 But it's in light of the fact. 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:47.060 That he will come. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:49.759 That he will come. 00:26:50.300 --> 00:26:52.980 That he will come with the sound of the trumpet. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.240 The sound of the gospel. 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:57.480 The call of the gospel goes out. 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:59.620 And is going out today. 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:03.320 But it's before that final call. 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:06.740 That final sound of the trumpet comes. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:09.579 And so it's important to hear. 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:11.200 The sound of the gospel. 00:27:11.319 --> 00:27:12.819 The call of the gospel now. 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:15.859 Because when that sound comes. 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.620 It will come. 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:19.339 Unexpectedly the sound of the trumpet. 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.400 Have you ever heard. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:24.839 A sound that's made you almost jump out of your skin. 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:27.799 You hear a noise. 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:28.480 You hear like. 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:31.059 A fire alarm suddenly goes off. 00:27:31.140 --> 00:27:32.099 It makes you jump. 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:34.859 You hear a balloon burst. 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:36.019 It startles you. 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:39.699 You hear the sound of thunder. 00:27:39.859 --> 00:27:41.699 A sudden clap of thunder. 00:27:41.919 --> 00:27:43.699 And it makes you jump as well. 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:46.059 These are the kind of sounds. 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.679 They have something in common. 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:50.119 They come when maybe you least expect them. 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:54.859 And that's the way the sound of the trumpet will be as well. 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:58.799 Because we are told that when the Lord returns. 00:27:58.919 --> 00:28:00.799 He'll be coming like a thief in the night. 00:28:00.879 --> 00:28:02.819 When you least expect it. 00:28:03.459 --> 00:28:05.879 That this sound will go out. 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:08.199 The sound of the trumpet. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:15.319 And so the gospel call should be the startling thing that we need just now. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.939 To make us jump. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:24.839 To make us consider all of these things that we are hearing before the sound of the trumpet comes. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:28.579 To think of eternity in light of the resurrection. 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:32.240 And the coming of the Lord Jesus again. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:34.619 The advent of the Lord Jesus. 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:40.279 And so we have this before us this evening. 00:28:40.399 --> 00:28:43.219 Where we are to look to the Lord Jesus. 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:49.119 So from the call then we have the comfort. 00:28:50.679 --> 00:28:54.899 Where are we to find comfort in the midst of all this? 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:58.780 Well Paul concludes this section in verse 18. 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:04.340 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:08.160 Encourage one another with these words. 00:29:09.060 --> 00:29:11.560 In other words he's saying talk about them. 00:29:12.540 --> 00:29:13.820 Ask your questions. 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.800 Don't be ignorant. 00:29:16.080 --> 00:29:18.720 Don't think ignorance is bliss on these things. 00:29:19.240 --> 00:29:20.759 But ask your questions. 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:22.000 Talk about these things. 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:24.880 Encourage one another with these words. 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:29.140 So that as we are going through our various trials in this life. 00:29:29.580 --> 00:29:32.019 As we are going through our questions. 00:29:32.160 --> 00:29:34.060 Our troubles surrounding death. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:35.360 The resurrection. 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:36.680 The coming of the Lord. 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:38.360 Encourage one another. 00:29:38.560 --> 00:29:40.960 Speak with each other about these things. 00:29:41.060 --> 00:29:45.360 And listen especially to what the Lord our God is saying about them. 00:29:46.080 --> 00:29:49.140 Because there we find comfort. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:52.240 There we find encouragement. 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:52.480 Encouragement. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:56.960 Jesus before his own death. 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.599 What did he do for his disciples? 00:29:59.299 --> 00:30:01.620 He gave them words of encouragement. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:03.240 As we look. 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:06.099 We read this morning in John 14 as well. 00:30:06.420 --> 00:30:09.019 How applicable these words are here too. 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:12.319 John 14 as he was speaking to his disciples. 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:18.139 People who are filled with worry and anxiety and fear about what lies ahead. 00:30:18.140 --> 00:30:22.380 They know Jesus is going to the cross. 00:30:23.100 --> 00:30:25.460 They know something is going to happen. 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:27.820 But what does Jesus do? 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:31.620 He speaks to them and says let not your hearts be troubled. 00:30:33.080 --> 00:30:35.500 There is comfort for them. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:37.980 And how does he encourage them? 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:40.400 He encourages them in their faith. 00:30:40.880 --> 00:30:42.279 Let not your hearts be troubled. 00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:44.299 Believe in God. 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.599 Believe also in me. 00:30:47.880 --> 00:30:50.599 There is encouragement to faith. 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:54.759 So he connected their trouble to truth. 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:56.880 The truth of God who he is. 00:30:57.140 --> 00:30:58.140 Believe in God. 00:30:58.839 --> 00:31:00.859 Believe also in me. 00:31:01.639 --> 00:31:04.259 And that is where we can come to as well. 00:31:04.740 --> 00:31:06.139 With all our fears. 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.259 With all our worries. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:12.219 To listen to the word of God that says do not let your heart be troubled. 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.619 Believe in God. 00:31:14.199 --> 00:31:15.579 Believe also in me. 00:31:16.240 --> 00:31:20.359 Jesus goes on later to say in this world you will have many troubles. 00:31:21.439 --> 00:31:23.379 But he says be of good courage. 00:31:23.379 --> 00:31:26.819 For I have overcome the world. 00:31:27.879 --> 00:31:30.379 And so our greatest comfort is found. 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:33.259 In knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:41.379 That when it comes to these issues of life, of death, of the resurrection and the coming of the Lord. 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:43.539 What is our greatest comfort? 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:47.439 It is to know Christ through faith. 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:50.139 To know what he has done for us. 00:31:50.919 --> 00:31:54.479 That at the cross he came to take away our sin. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:59.140 And that through faith in him we might not die but live. 00:31:59.860 --> 00:32:02.000 And live through him. 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:05.440 There is a story I probably used to be forward here. 00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:10.700 But it is one that just so often reminds me of what it is to be in Christ. 00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:13.279 And what he has done for us. 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:25.960 There is a story from many years ago when the pioneers in America were making their way across the states to a distant place where they were going to set up their homes. 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:28.759 They were going out through the prairie lands. 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:35.680 And as they were traveling they were using wagons thrown by either oxen or horse. 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:37.860 And progress was slow. 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:43.299 And going out into the prairies especially in the warmer months of the year. 00:32:43.939 --> 00:32:49.719 The place was dry and it was quite common for fires to be burning at different times. 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:51.319 And as they were making their way. 00:32:52.139 --> 00:32:57.539 They were horrified to see a long line of smoke in the direction that they were going. 00:32:58.299 --> 00:33:01.279 A long line of smoke stretching for miles. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:06.500 And they recognized that the fire was coming towards them. 00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:12.079 And they were afraid of what was going to come and what they might do. 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:19.700 But one person had understanding of what needed to be done. 00:33:20.579 --> 00:33:23.799 They thought well we can't outrun this fire. 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:29.460 We can't get back to safety in time because we're going to be overwhelmed. 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:32.319 But one man had the answer. 00:33:33.600 --> 00:33:38.100 And his answer was to set the grass around them on fire. 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:44.759 Which seemed to make little sense to anybody else because they were trying to get away from fire. 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:48.960 But what he did was start a fire behind them. 00:33:49.600 --> 00:33:51.700 In the direction that the wind was blowing. 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:57.220 And so that the dry grass that was behind them started to burn away from them. 00:33:57.220 --> 00:33:58.700 And back the way that they'd come. 00:33:58.779 --> 00:34:03.319 And the fire again soon spread and burnt that ground. 00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:06.839 And as it burnt away from them. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:10.340 What was left behind was just a scorched land. 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:15.000 And the man said now we gather where the fire has been. 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:18.320 A little girl was afraid. 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:21.980 And she thought well there's fire coming towards us. 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:23.260 There's fire behind us. 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:24.800 How are we going to be safe? 00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:27.420 But the man said to her. 00:34:27.500 --> 00:34:29.600 My child the flames cannot reach us. 00:34:30.039 --> 00:34:32.519 For we are standing where the fire has been. 00:34:33.500 --> 00:34:37.920 The fire couldn't go there because the ground was already burned. 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:41.080 And so the fire that came went around them. 00:34:41.860 --> 00:34:42.880 Went past them. 00:34:43.860 --> 00:34:49.760 And that's the picture used of what it is to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:54.620 When we think of being uninformed in those who have fallen asleep. 00:34:54.820 --> 00:34:58.140 Uninformed in these issues of life and death. 00:34:58.460 --> 00:35:00.900 And the resurrection and the judgment to come. 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:03.720 Where do we find our safety? 00:35:04.380 --> 00:35:06.740 Where do we find our refuge? 00:35:06.739 --> 00:35:12.039 Well it's by standing in the place that Christ has already been. 00:35:12.799 --> 00:35:16.439 That he has gone to the cross in our place. 00:35:17.139 --> 00:35:20.559 That he has gone to the grave in our place. 00:35:20.879 --> 00:35:25.099 That he has risen from the dead to give us the hope of the resurrection. 00:35:25.099 --> 00:35:30.500 And that he will come again with the sound of the trumpet. 00:35:32.739 --> 00:35:34.559 Are we ready for that day? 00:35:35.659 --> 00:35:37.900 Are you ready for that sound? 00:35:38.920 --> 00:35:41.099 There are many who are uninformed. 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:42.480 Who are ignorant. 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:44.239 Believing ignorance is bliss. 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:48.119 But to be informed is better. 00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:51.880 And to be informed by the word of God. 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:54.099 That these are issues we cannot avoid. 00:35:54.099 --> 00:35:57.839 But the issues that we can be ready for. 00:35:58.519 --> 00:36:02.239 As we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:06.099 The trumpet sound will come. 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:12.099 And to be ready is to be trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:36:12.980 --> 00:36:16.460 The one who is the resurrection and the life. 00:36:17.259 --> 00:36:20.380 And so may we find our safety in him. 00:36:20.940 --> 00:36:21.639 Let us pray. 00:36:24.099 --> 00:36:26.500 Lord our gracious God. 00:36:26.599 --> 00:36:29.339 We thank you for all that you have done for us. 00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:33.119 For every provision that you have made for us in life. 00:36:33.360 --> 00:36:35.259 And for eternity too. 00:36:35.759 --> 00:36:38.039 We thank you that in Jesus Christ. 00:36:38.179 --> 00:36:41.480 We have the one who has prepared a way. 00:36:41.839 --> 00:36:44.059 And who is even preparing a place. 00:36:44.579 --> 00:36:46.319 And that he will come again. 00:36:46.320 --> 00:36:49.720 And we know Lord that as your word says. 00:36:49.720 --> 00:36:53.300 He will come with that sound of the trumpet. 00:36:53.300 --> 00:36:56.080 He will come like a thief in the night. 00:36:56.420 --> 00:36:58.340 And we ask this evening Lord. 00:36:58.420 --> 00:37:00.260 That you would help us to be informed. 00:37:00.660 --> 00:37:01.700 And to be ready. 00:37:02.420 --> 00:37:05.160 And that even in our grief as we have it in times. 00:37:05.660 --> 00:37:07.320 That we would not be without hope. 00:37:07.760 --> 00:37:09.280 And that hope that is found. 00:37:09.580 --> 00:37:11.400 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:37:11.400 --> 00:37:14.099 So hear us Lord look down upon us. 00:37:14.220 --> 00:37:15.460 Bless us and keep us. 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:17.380 As we ask all in his name. 00:37:17.840 --> 00:37:18.240 Amen. 00:37:18.239 --> 00:37:24.759 We will conclude by singing to God's praise. 00:37:24.879 --> 00:37:26.799 In Psalm 48a. 00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:29.099 The Sing Psalms Version. 00:37:29.259 --> 00:37:30.799 Psalm 48a. 00:37:31.899 --> 00:37:35.359 We are going to sing from verse 8 to 11. 00:37:35.459 --> 00:37:36.939 These three stanzas. 00:37:37.179 --> 00:37:38.559 To the tune Kilmarnock. 00:37:39.279 --> 00:37:40.799 Psalm 48a. 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:42.259 At verse 8. 00:37:43.019 --> 00:37:44.379 As we have heard. 00:37:44.519 --> 00:37:45.419 So we have seen. 00:37:45.559 --> 00:37:47.019 God's city will endure. 00:37:47.019 --> 00:37:49.320 The Lord Almighty evermore. 00:37:49.400 --> 00:37:51.079 His city keeps secure. 00:37:51.079 --> 00:37:53.800 We contemplate your steadfast love. 00:37:54.000 --> 00:37:54.679 Within your house. 00:37:54.800 --> 00:37:55.300 O God. 00:37:55.820 --> 00:37:56.820 For like your name. 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:58.099 Your praise extends. 00:37:58.300 --> 00:38:00.300 Through all the earth abroad. 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:02.259 We will sing from verse 8 to 11. 00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:03.759 To God's praise. 00:38:08.460 --> 00:38:11.539 As we have heard. 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:14.400 So have we seen. 00:38:14.400 --> 00:38:20.180 God's city will endure. 00:38:20.180 --> 00:38:28.180 The Lord Almighty evermore. 00:38:28.179 --> 00:38:33.960 God's city keeps secure. 00:38:33.960 --> 00:38:39.960 We contemplate your steadfast love. 00:38:39.960 --> 00:38:41.960 For like your name. 00:38:41.960 --> 00:38:43.960 For like your name. 00:38:43.960 --> 00:38:51.960 Your praise extends through all the earth abroad. 00:38:51.960 --> 00:39:02.960 All that you do is righteous Lord. 00:39:02.960 --> 00:39:04.960 God's city will endure. 00:39:04.960 --> 00:39:16.280 All that you do is righteous Lord. 00:39:16.280 --> 00:39:24.139 Mount Zion's joy is great. 00:39:24.139 --> 00:39:29.799 And who does thanks rejoice. 00:39:29.799 --> 00:39:39.039 As they your judgment celebrate. 00:39:39.039 --> 00:39:42.579 After the benediction. 00:39:42.679 --> 00:39:44.059 I'll go to the door to my left. 00:39:44.239 --> 00:39:45.339 We'll close the benediction. 00:39:45.340 --> 00:39:52.200 now may grace mercy and peace from god father son and holy spirit rest upon 00:39:52.200 --> 00:39:56.000 and abide with you all now and forevermore amen 00:40:15.340 --> 00:40:20.140 so 00:40:20.140 --> 00:40:24.140 so 00:40:24.140 --> 00:40:26.140 so 00:40:26.140 --> 00:40:28.140 so 00:40:28.140 --> 00:40:32.140 so 00:40:32.140 --> 00:40:36.140 so 00:40:36.140 --> 00:40:38.140 so 00:40:38.140 --> 00:40:40.140 so 00:40:40.140 --> 00:40:42.140 so 00:40:45.340 --> 00:40:48.140 so 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140 00:40:48.140 --> 00:40:48.140