WEBVTT 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:05.820 We're going to begin our worship by singing to God's praise. We're going to sing in Psalm 147, 00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:15.380 the Sing Psalms version, verse 14 to verse 20, in the tune of St. Leonard. Psalm 147, 00:00:15.919 --> 00:00:22.320 page 193 of the psalm books, at verse 14, the Lord will grant you peace within the borders 00:00:22.320 --> 00:00:29.320 of your land, and fine as wheat will fill your fields from his sustaining hand. We'll sing from 00:00:29.320 --> 00:00:32.240 verse 14 to 20, to God's praise. 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:48.299 The Lord will grant you peace within the borders of your land, 00:00:48.299 --> 00:00:58.439 and fine as wheat will fill your fields from his sustaining 00:00:58.439 --> 00:01:00.859 hand. 00:01:01.719 --> 00:01:12.539 To all the corners of the earth, the Lord's commands proceed. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:25.439 For when he speaks, his word goes forth, through all the worlds with speed. 00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:39.719 He spreads the snow as whole the frost, like ashes on the land. 00:01:39.719 --> 00:01:46.640 He hurls forth, I see, hill like stones. 00:01:46.640 --> 00:01:51.319 Who can such cold withstand? 00:01:51.319 --> 00:02:05.719 But when he sends his mighty word, and makes the warm winds blow, 00:02:05.719 --> 00:02:18.719 the frozen waters start to melt, and once again to flow. 00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:32.860 To Jacob God declares his word, and makes his job prints known. 00:02:32.860 --> 00:02:44.719 His ordinances he reveals to Israel alone. 00:02:44.719 --> 00:02:58.879 He has not dealt in such a way with any other race. 00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:12.780 To us alone he shows his laws, O praise the Lord of grace. 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:13.780 Amen. 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:18.979 Well, we're joined together in a word of prayer. 00:03:19.060 --> 00:03:19.699 Let us pray. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:28.800 Our Father in heaven, as we come to worship you anew this day, we thank you for your word. 00:03:29.580 --> 00:03:35.000 We thank you for what we have sung from your word, that it reminds us that your word is powerful, 00:03:35.620 --> 00:03:38.479 and that you are the God who enables it to be powerful. 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:44.500 It is not through our own means, it is not through what we say, but what you are saying to us, 00:03:44.799 --> 00:03:46.699 that we find the power of your word. 00:03:47.339 --> 00:03:54.120 And it's reminded us there of how, when we see snow around us, even as we have in these last few weeks, 00:03:54.759 --> 00:04:00.219 how we see it sometimes so deep, and so much of it all around us, 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:02.340 and we wonder, will it ever go at times? 00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:06.699 And yet as the sun comes out, it is able to give the warmth of the sun, 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:08.539 to melt it, and to make it flow. 00:04:09.479 --> 00:04:12.560 And so it is with our hearts, as the psalmist describes. 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:16.639 That though our hearts can be cold and hard at times, 00:04:17.060 --> 00:04:19.459 that your word is able to melt our hearts, 00:04:19.800 --> 00:04:22.560 to fill us with gladness, to fill us with joy, 00:04:23.220 --> 00:04:24.680 to fill us with your encouragement. 00:04:24.680 --> 00:04:29.019 And so we pray today, Lord, that you will indeed encourage us all together. 00:04:29.740 --> 00:04:31.980 May you bless us and be with us in all that we do, 00:04:32.120 --> 00:04:33.980 and all that we say this day, 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:35.860 and all that we meet this day, 00:04:35.900 --> 00:04:38.860 as we look forward to a day of worship together, 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:41.139 both here and through in the hall, 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:43.100 in fellowship with one another this evening, 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:46.019 as we will hear from a different preacher as well. 00:04:46.100 --> 00:04:49.420 Lord, we pray your blessing on Aviel as he speaks to us, 00:04:49.420 --> 00:04:51.360 and for those who go down to back, 00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:52.960 for the youth fellowship as well, 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:55.319 and for the round of Yamakritzias, 00:04:55.340 --> 00:04:56.600 he ministers there today. 00:04:56.740 --> 00:04:59.460 We pray your blessing on him and the congregation back, 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:02.040 and all the fellowship that they enjoy together. 00:05:02.180 --> 00:05:05.340 Lord, may we have a day of joy with you this day, 00:05:05.400 --> 00:05:07.620 and rejoice that you are our Lord, 00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:09.300 and you are our God. 00:05:09.980 --> 00:05:11.280 So may you bless us together, 00:05:11.280 --> 00:05:13.700 and all our families, our friends, 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:14.660 all around us, 00:05:15.180 --> 00:05:18.860 in school, and in Sunday school today as well. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:21.860 And especially as children look forward to a time of holiday 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:24.540 in these coming weeks with Easter holidays, 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.639 we pray that you'll keep everyone safe and well, 00:05:27.160 --> 00:05:28.860 and give rest and refreshment 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:31.060 to everyone who needs it at this time. 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:33.060 So Lord, continue with us today, 00:05:33.220 --> 00:05:34.639 guide us and keep us, 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:36.639 and pardon us in all our sins. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.780 We ask all things for your sake, 00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:40.259 and for your glory. 00:05:40.900 --> 00:05:41.300 Amen. 00:05:44.240 --> 00:05:46.160 It's good to see young ones here today, 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:48.080 and well done, first of all, 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:49.019 adults as well, 00:05:49.079 --> 00:05:51.459 remembering to change your clocks last night. 00:05:51.639 --> 00:05:53.959 So who woke up this morning wondering, 00:05:54.099 --> 00:05:55.300 wonder what time it is? 00:05:55.779 --> 00:05:58.439 Is it half past six, half past seven, half past eight? 00:05:58.919 --> 00:06:01.659 It's all confusing when we have to change the clock sometimes, 00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:03.860 but then thankfully you can check 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:04.959 and find the right place 00:06:04.959 --> 00:06:06.199 where you know the right time, 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:08.740 and are able to come along to church. 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:10.699 So it's good to see everyone here today, 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:13.060 and today we're going to be thinking about 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:14.819 the word encourage. 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:15.019 Encourage. 00:06:15.779 --> 00:06:18.839 We're going to be looking at a letter in the New Testament 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:21.519 that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:25.740 and it's very much a letter that encourages people. 00:06:26.519 --> 00:06:28.459 Do you know what the word encourage means? 00:06:29.459 --> 00:06:32.699 I'm sure many of you know what the word encourage means. 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:33.659 It's a good word, 00:06:34.159 --> 00:06:35.740 and it's a word that we're going to just think about 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:37.219 for a wee moment just now. 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:40.100 Now, in his letter to the Thessalonians, 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:42.340 in chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:43.820 there's a verse there, 00:06:44.280 --> 00:06:45.660 verse 11, and it says this, 00:06:45.740 --> 00:06:48.220 therefore, encourage one another 00:06:48.220 --> 00:06:50.280 and build one another up, 00:06:50.760 --> 00:06:52.760 just as you have been doing. 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:56.680 And so there we read Paul encouraging the people, 00:06:56.760 --> 00:06:58.560 saying encourage one another. 00:06:58.640 --> 00:06:59.700 So it's a good thing. 00:06:59.700 --> 00:07:01.620 So what do you think it means to encourage? 00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:05.140 Sometimes it's to say something nice. 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:07.719 Sometimes it's to do something nice. 00:07:08.459 --> 00:07:10.319 Sometimes it's just to look out for someone, 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:12.479 to maybe give someone a phone call, 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:14.139 to meet someone in the street, 00:07:14.219 --> 00:07:15.159 to say hello to them, 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:15.839 and how are you, 00:07:15.860 --> 00:07:17.039 and it's nice to see you. 00:07:17.379 --> 00:07:21.000 We can encourage each other in so many different ways. 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:23.539 And this letter that Paul writes 00:07:23.539 --> 00:07:27.300 is a letter where he's writing to encourage us. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:31.039 And so think about the ways that we encourage. 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.000 As children, do you encourage one another? 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:37.620 Do you encourage your brother and your sister? 00:07:38.300 --> 00:07:40.639 Or do you say nasty things to them? 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:43.120 No, we should say nice things, shouldn't we? 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:44.600 Just to encourage them, 00:07:44.959 --> 00:07:46.399 to help them along the way. 00:07:46.920 --> 00:07:48.560 What about your friends in school? 00:07:49.019 --> 00:07:50.139 Do you encourage them? 00:07:51.139 --> 00:07:52.980 Are you good to your friends around you? 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:55.100 Do you look out for your friends around you 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.579 and try to encourage them? 00:07:56.600 --> 00:07:58.060 Maybe there's someone who's feeling lonely, 00:07:58.579 --> 00:08:00.319 someone who maybe doesn't have many friends. 00:08:00.420 --> 00:08:03.300 You can come alongside them and encourage them. 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:07.180 You can encourage your parents or your grandparents 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:10.040 or any other relatives or friends around you, 00:08:10.079 --> 00:08:11.960 maybe by saying something nice 00:08:11.960 --> 00:08:13.939 because they've done something for you. 00:08:14.300 --> 00:08:17.060 Just a little word like thank you now and again 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:18.759 is a nice encouragement. 00:08:19.480 --> 00:08:20.500 So there's different ways. 00:08:20.580 --> 00:08:22.340 And even as parents and as adults, 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:24.620 we need to encourage those around us as well, 00:08:24.680 --> 00:08:26.800 to encourage our young people. 00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:28.780 Sunday school teachers, 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:30.399 they'll encourage you today 00:08:30.399 --> 00:08:32.919 and every week they encourage you in the Bible 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:34.879 and to trust Jesus. 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:36.399 They'll give you words of encouragement 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:39.639 so you can give a word of encouragement to them, 00:08:40.199 --> 00:08:42.360 to thank them for all that they do for you. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:44.959 And today you're going to be meeting 00:08:44.959 --> 00:08:46.679 and hearing about the work of Muriel 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:48.879 as she's preparing to go back to Cambodia. 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:51.779 So again, encourage her. 00:08:52.339 --> 00:08:53.899 Tell her that we'll be remembering her 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:54.720 when she goes back. 00:08:54.799 --> 00:08:57.019 We'll be praying for the work that she's doing. 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:59.159 We'll be praying for her safety as she travels. 00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:01.600 So there's many different ways 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:04.259 that we can encourage one another. 00:09:04.659 --> 00:09:06.819 And it's a great gift from God 00:09:06.819 --> 00:09:09.340 to have his word that reminds us 00:09:09.340 --> 00:09:11.620 to encourage one another 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:13.879 and to build one another up. 00:09:13.980 --> 00:09:15.579 Just as you are doing, he says, 00:09:15.679 --> 00:09:17.860 keep doing what you are doing. 00:09:18.360 --> 00:09:20.159 So it's a reminder to ourselves 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:21.939 to be encouragers, 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:25.720 to be people who help one another along the way 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:28.200 and encourage one another along the way 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:30.120 by speaking to people, 00:09:30.180 --> 00:09:31.600 by saying nice things to people, 00:09:31.680 --> 00:09:35.220 by doing nice things for people around us. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:37.600 So let's all be encouraged 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:41.259 and let's all be encouragers too. 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:43.660 So may God bless that word 00:09:43.660 --> 00:09:45.879 and his word to us today. 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:49.080 We're going to say the Lord's Prayer together now. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:50.440 Let's say the Lord's Prayer. 00:09:50.440 --> 00:09:53.260 Our Father, we chart in heaven. 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:55.340 Hallowed be thy name. 00:09:55.880 --> 00:09:57.140 Thy kingdom come. 00:09:57.840 --> 00:10:00.460 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:10:01.020 --> 00:10:03.140 Give us this day our daily bread 00:10:03.140 --> 00:10:05.100 and forgive us our debts 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:07.120 as we forgive our debtors. 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:09.380 And lead us not into temptation, 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.660 but deliver us from evil. 00:10:12.140 --> 00:10:13.400 For thine is the kingdom, 00:10:13.940 --> 00:10:16.160 the power and the glory forever. 00:10:16.700 --> 00:10:17.200 Amen. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:21.820 I will again sing to God's praise. 00:10:21.900 --> 00:10:23.640 This time we're singing in Psalm 32. 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:28.220 It's in the Scottish Psalter on page 244. 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:35.220 Psalm 32 on page 244. 00:10:35.780 --> 00:10:37.540 We're going to sing from verse 7 00:10:37.540 --> 00:10:38.740 down to the end of the psalm 00:10:38.740 --> 00:10:41.340 to verse 11 on the tune Spore. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.960 Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt. 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:46.920 From trouble keep me free. 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:49.379 Thou with songs of deliverance 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:51.000 about shalt compass me. 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:53.300 I will instruct thee and thee teach 00:10:53.300 --> 00:10:55.320 the way that thou shalt go. 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:57.720 With my eye upon thee set 00:10:57.720 --> 00:10:59.759 I will direction show. 00:10:59.860 --> 00:11:01.980 We'll sing verse 7 down to 11 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:03.379 to God's praise. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:04.379 Thanks. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:05.379 Amen. 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:06.379 Thanks. 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:07.379 Thanks. 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:08.379 Thanks. 00:11:08.379 --> 00:11:15.379 Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt. 00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:22.379 From trouble keep me free. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:31.519 Thy with songs of deliverance 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:36.519 apart shall compass me. 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:47.199 I will instruct thee and thee teach 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:54.200 the way that thou shalt go. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:12:02.200 And with mine eye upon thee set 00:12:02.200 --> 00:12:09.200 I will direction show. 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:19.200 Then be not like the harsh or mule 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:26.200 which do not understand 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:30.200 whose mouth let's say 00:12:30.200 --> 00:12:34.200 come near to thee 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:41.200 a bright and lost command. 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:50.200 Unto the man that wicked is 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:57.200 his sorrow shall abound. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:06.200 But him that trusteth in the Lord 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:13.200 mercy shall compass round. 00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:18.200 Yea, righteous him 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:22.200 the Lord be glad 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:29.200 in him do ye rejoice. 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:35.200 All ye that upright 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:38.200 are in heart 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:46.200 for joy lift up your voice. 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:55.200 Now we turn together to read the Word of God. 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:56.200 There's two readings 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:59.200 our first is in the book of Acts. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:01.200 Acts chapter 17. 00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:03.200 We're going to read from verse one to nine. 00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:05.200 And then our second reading is in 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:08.200 first Thessalonians in chapter one. 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:12.200 So our first reading is in Acts chapter 17. 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:15.040 And at the beginning of that chapter. 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:21.940 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:26.600 they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 00:14:27.520 --> 00:14:30.000 And Paul went in, as was his custom. 00:14:30.600 --> 00:14:34.400 And on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 00:14:35.300 --> 00:14:39.340 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:42.320 and to rise from the dead, and saying, 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:46.860 This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ. 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:51.280 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, 00:14:51.960 --> 00:14:55.960 as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 00:14:55.960 --> 00:15:00.920 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:04.740 they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:06.860 and attacked the house of Jason, 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:09.519 seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:12.019 And when they could not find them, 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:15.580 they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:16.700 shouting, 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:20.259 These men who have turned the world upside down 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:22.039 have come here also, 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:24.240 and Jason has received them. 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:27.659 And they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:30.700 saying that there is another king, Jesus. 00:15:31.920 --> 00:15:34.519 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed 00:15:34.519 --> 00:15:36.319 when they heard these things. 00:15:37.079 --> 00:15:40.220 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:41.620 they let them go. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:47.539 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.199 And when they arrived, 00:15:49.199 --> 00:15:52.059 they went into the Jewish synagogue. 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:53.699 And so on. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:55.699 And then we turn to our second reading 00:15:55.699 --> 00:15:59.600 in 1 Thessalonians 1. 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:05.360 1 Thessalonians 1. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:10.139 So in our first reading in Acts 17, 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:14.580 we read of Paul and Silas first arriving in Thessalonica. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:18.080 And there they stayed for a very short time, 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.120 about three weeks. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:22.940 But that short time made a great impression on the people there. 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:24.700 And the church was formed. 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:28.580 And as we turn into his first letter to the Thessalonians, 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:30.040 we find Paul, 00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:32.420 maybe about six months to a year later, 00:16:32.560 --> 00:16:33.400 writing to them, 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:36.420 having heard a good report about what was happening 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:37.900 and how they were going on in the faith. 00:16:38.400 --> 00:16:41.520 And here he writes to encourage them to keep going. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:43.800 So we read in 1 Thessalonians 1. 00:16:43.799 --> 00:16:47.919 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:50.259 to the church of the Thessalonians, 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:52.799 in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:16:53.219 --> 00:16:54.859 grace to you and peace. 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:58.459 We give thanks to God always for all of you, 00:16:58.799 --> 00:17:00.939 constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.939 remembering before our God and Father 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:06.859 your work of faith and labor of love 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:10.799 and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:11.659 --> 00:17:13.720 For we know, brothers, loved by God, 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:15.539 that he has chosen you, 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.899 because our gospel came to you, 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:20.559 not only in word, but also in power 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:24.099 and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:28.000 You know what kind of men we prove to be among you 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:29.339 for your sake. 00:17:29.899 --> 00:17:32.940 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:35.720 for you received the word in much affliction 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:38.339 with the joy of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:40.359 And so you became an example 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:42.819 to all the believers in Macedonia 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:44.159 and in Ahia. 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:47.259 For not only has the word of the Lord 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:49.980 sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Ahia, 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:53.179 but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, 00:17:53.919 --> 00:17:55.599 so that we need not say anything. 00:17:56.599 --> 00:17:59.279 For they themselves report concerning us 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:02.000 the kind of reception we had among you, 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:04.940 and how you turned to God from idols 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:07.579 to serve the living and through God 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:10.720 and to wait for his Son from heaven, 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.740 whom he raised from the dead, 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:17.460 Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:21.259 May God bless these readings from his word. 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:24.039 As again, just join together in a word of prayer. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:30.339 Lord, our God, as we continue in our worship of you, 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:33.899 we thank you that you are a God of such great encouragement, 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:39.259 that you have encouraged your people down through every generation. 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:44.599 Encouragement has meant giving great joy to them and delight, 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:49.279 but it's also meant times of rebuke and chastening as well. 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:51.940 As we read through your scriptures, 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:57.379 we realize that it is all through your love as our Lord and as our God. 00:18:58.180 --> 00:19:00.500 For as the Father loves the children, 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:05.359 so you rebuke your people in the same way to show that love, 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.160 but you also encourage and build up. 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:11.720 And so we thank you for every way that you speak to us 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:15.879 and have spoken to your church down through all the generations. 00:19:15.880 --> 00:19:19.800 We thank you for the way your church was established, 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:22.520 even in Thessalonica, as we've been reading of, 00:19:22.580 --> 00:19:25.320 and so many other parts of that region, 00:19:26.120 --> 00:19:29.440 the church at Corinth and Ephesus and Galatia 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:31.700 and all the places that we read of in your word. 00:19:32.300 --> 00:19:35.160 And we marvel at the way people were transformed 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:37.800 in many ways in the blink of an eye. 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:40.240 We think of Thessalonica, 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:41.920 and even in the space of three weeks, 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:46.320 as Paul and Silas visited there and proclaimed the gospel, 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:49.080 how so many people were turned to it, 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:52.500 and they turned from idols to the living God, 00:19:52.560 --> 00:19:53.360 as we have read. 00:19:54.120 --> 00:19:55.960 And so we are encouraged in that, 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:58.600 that your word was powerful then, 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:01.200 and that it worked in such a mighty way. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:03.860 And it encourages us in our hearts today 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:07.680 that so it can be in our day and in our age as well, 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:10.140 that even in the short space of time, 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:12.560 that you can transform a people, 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:16.240 that you can transform even ourselves here, 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:19.500 when we maybe feel discouraged in different ways, 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:22.840 when we feel the many pressures of this world 00:20:22.840 --> 00:20:23.920 and of this life, 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:26.560 when we may be going through many different times 00:20:26.560 --> 00:20:27.400 of struggles, 00:20:28.060 --> 00:20:30.759 either individually or collectively as families, 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:33.680 or even as we think of many issues going on 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:35.400 throughout our town and our islands. 00:20:35.400 --> 00:20:38.880 We think of the many challenges that there are around us. 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:42.280 But we thank you that your word does give encouragement, 00:20:42.780 --> 00:20:45.759 that we are to look to you and to trust in you, 00:20:46.280 --> 00:20:47.360 and that you are the one 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:50.840 who is able to send your word out with power, 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:54.060 how it is able to melt the hardest of hearts, 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:56.460 how it is able to transform us 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:58.900 from people who worship idols 00:20:58.900 --> 00:21:01.080 and the many gods of this world, 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:04.099 and that we would see many people turning 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:06.960 throughout our land to come and worship 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:09.199 the true and the living God. 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:11.039 And help us, Lord, 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:13.819 that we will endeavor to share the gospel 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:15.220 with all around us, 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:17.720 to be built up through it ourselves, 00:21:18.439 --> 00:21:20.119 but then, Lord, love and long 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:22.179 to share it with others around us. 00:21:22.659 --> 00:21:25.159 We pray to be your witnesses here, 00:21:25.659 --> 00:21:27.779 to be salt and light in this town 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:29.119 and to all around us, 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:31.759 so that even people would speak of us 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.519 in that way, 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:35.519 as they spoke of the church of Thessalonica, 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:37.399 that they would speak of us as people 00:21:37.399 --> 00:21:40.680 who so obviously and clearly love the Lord 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:43.579 and serve him with all our hearts. 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.899 So we pray that you will build us up, 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:46.220 O Lord, 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.480 that you will encourage us, 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:49.680 and that your people will be encouraged 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:51.000 far and wide today, 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.119 that as your word goes out, 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:54.659 it will go out with power, 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:58.379 whether it's services in our own islands here 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.259 or our nation, 00:21:59.699 --> 00:22:01.639 or to all the ends of the earth. 00:22:02.239 --> 00:22:03.759 We thank you for every language 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:06.379 in which your word is preached and proclaimed, 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:08.019 for every people, 00:22:08.199 --> 00:22:08.919 every tribe, 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.739 every nation 00:22:09.739 --> 00:22:12.159 that hears your gospel today. 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:14.319 So many different people 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:15.659 in many different places, 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:18.619 in some ways so very different to ourselves, 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:21.379 but yet all coming to seek 00:22:21.379 --> 00:22:23.379 that one true and living God. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.759 And we thank you that in that way 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.479 we are reminded 00:22:26.479 --> 00:22:28.139 that we have brothers and sisters 00:22:28.139 --> 00:22:29.179 far and wide, 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:31.239 that you have your people 00:22:31.239 --> 00:22:33.219 to all ends of the earth. 00:22:33.739 --> 00:22:35.079 We thank you for the ministry 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:36.500 to your people, 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:37.659 the Jewish people. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:39.639 And as we look forward this evening 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:42.839 to hearing of the work going on amongst them 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.819 through the ministry of Aviel, 00:22:44.959 --> 00:22:45.859 we pray for him 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:47.799 as he visits our islands in these days 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.960 and as he continues to work 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:51.579 among those people 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:53.259 and for that organisation, 00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:54.940 we pray, Lord, 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:57.180 for your people, the Jews, 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.980 that they will come 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.359 to realise, 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:00.859 even as Paul said, 00:23:00.919 --> 00:23:02.740 that this is the Christ, 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:04.139 that they would see 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:05.720 that Christ has come, 00:23:06.399 --> 00:23:07.859 that the Messiah is here, 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.819 and that we are to worship him. 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.299 We pray, Lord, 00:23:11.359 --> 00:23:12.299 for all your people 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.019 who serve you 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.980 throughout the lands of this world, 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:17.299 for the many missionaries 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:18.120 you send out 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:19.500 to all ends of the earth, 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:20.640 those who are 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:22.500 in very difficult situations, 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.319 those who are 00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:25.460 maybe even in fear 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.039 at times for their lives. 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:28.519 We pray for them, Lord. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:29.720 We pray, Lord, 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.819 your blessing on the work 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:31.620 as it goes on. 00:23:32.140 --> 00:23:32.759 We are thankful 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:34.099 for everyone you send, 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:35.279 and even from our own midst, 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:36.539 how you call people 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.920 to different work 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.500 in different parts of the world. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:39.579 Lord, 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.599 we pray for Muriel 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:42.799 as she speaks 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.480 to the young ones 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:44.240 even just now, 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.059 and as she prepares 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:46.380 to go back to Cambodia. 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.880 We remember her 00:23:47.880 --> 00:23:48.480 and commit her 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.339 to your care 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.880 and to your keeping. 00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:51.859 Bless her, Lord, 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.359 we pray, 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:53.720 and the ministry of your word 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:55.440 in that place. 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:57.180 So we do thank you 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:58.200 for every encouragement 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:59.359 we have in Christ, 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.480 and we pray, Lord, 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.339 that you will come 00:24:02.339 --> 00:24:03.160 in your power, 00:24:03.619 --> 00:24:04.660 that you will revive us, 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.779 that you will quicken us, 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:06.019 Lord, 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:06.940 that you will bring us 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:08.680 to see and know more 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.580 of your glory 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:10.840 in ourselves 00:24:10.840 --> 00:24:12.340 and in those around us 00:24:12.340 --> 00:24:13.259 and in our lands. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:14.900 May you come, O Lord. 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:16.460 We remember those 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:17.620 who are mourning 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:18.259 in our midst 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:19.740 at this time as well. 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:20.500 We think of 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.559 in funerals 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.279 that have taken place 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:24.000 this week 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:26.080 and in these past days. 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:27.120 We pray for the family 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:28.519 of Louise MacLeod. 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.799 We pray for her husband, 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:30.240 John, 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.480 and all the family, Lord. 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:32.400 May you bless them 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.160 and be with them. 00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:34.799 We pray for the family 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.840 of Janice Smith as well. 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.660 Remembering Nan and Roddy 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.900 and the brothers 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:41.100 and sister as well, 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.920 and all the family 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.720 and friends. 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.140 Remember the family 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:45.840 of Isabella Nicholson too. 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:47.180 His funeral was yesterday. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.240 And Lord, 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.240 we pray for others 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:49.860 in our midst 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:51.160 who have experienced 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:52.720 loss in these past days 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:53.920 and weeks as well. 00:24:54.340 --> 00:24:55.380 We ask, O Lord, 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:56.340 for your comfort, 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.220 your blessing, 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:59.420 your grace to be with us. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.400 O Lord, 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.240 that you will help 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.340 in times of need, 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.480 of grief, 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.320 of illness, 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:06.420 of trials in this life. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.900 We pray that we will see 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:09.420 and know Jesus with us, 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:11.220 the one who is faithful, 00:25:11.820 --> 00:25:13.539 the one who is there for us 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:14.720 as we call upon him. 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:15.680 So, Lord, 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:16.500 continue with us, 00:25:16.560 --> 00:25:17.060 we pray. 00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:18.200 Go before us 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:19.400 in the rest of this day 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:20.180 and bless us 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:21.320 in your word 00:25:21.320 --> 00:25:22.680 now as we turn to it 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.320 and in the singing 00:25:23.320 --> 00:25:24.340 of your praise. 00:25:24.860 --> 00:25:25.380 Uphold us 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:26.279 in all that we do 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.900 and may it be 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:28.320 to your glory. 00:25:28.779 --> 00:25:29.480 And pardon us 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.560 for all our sins 00:25:30.560 --> 00:25:31.620 as we ask it all 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:33.119 in Jesus' name. 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:33.879 Amen. 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:38.159 We're going to sing again 00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:39.139 to God's praise 00:25:39.139 --> 00:25:40.519 this time in Psalm 4. 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:41.979 And we'll sing 00:25:41.979 --> 00:25:42.819 Psalm's version 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.799 on page 4 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.599 of the Psalm books. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.699 Psalm 4 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:49.899 on page 4. 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.779 We'll sing from verse 3 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:52.599 down to the end 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:53.179 of the Psalm. 00:25:53.180 --> 00:25:56.360 Know that the Lord 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.420 has set apart 00:25:57.420 --> 00:25:58.140 the godly 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.700 as his own. 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:01.480 The Lord will hear me 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:02.299 when I call 00:26:02.299 --> 00:26:03.820 and my request 00:26:03.820 --> 00:26:04.680 make known. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.900 We'll sing from verse 3 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:07.400 to the end of the Psalm 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:08.779 and the tune is Eric Steyn. 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:18.420 Know that the Lord 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:22.360 has set apart 00:26:22.359 --> 00:26:24.359 the godly 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:28.359 as his own. 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:30.359 The Lord 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:33.359 will hear me 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:36.359 when I call 00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:40.359 and my requests 00:26:41.639 --> 00:26:44.479 make known. 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:47.359 In anchor 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:50.359 do not break 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:52.359 God's law 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:54.359 consider 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:58.359 and be still 00:26:58.359 --> 00:27:00.359 present 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:04.359 a righteous 00:27:04.359 --> 00:27:06.359 sacrifice 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:10.359 and wait 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.359 upon 00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:14.359 his will. 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:16.359 O who 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:20.359 can show 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:22.359 us any 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:24.359 good 00:27:24.359 --> 00:27:26.359 I hear 00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:28.359 so many 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:30.359 say 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:32.359 O Lord 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:35.359 shine on 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.359 us 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:38.359 with your 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:39.359 light 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:41.359 show 00:27:41.359 --> 00:27:42.359 us 00:27:42.359 --> 00:27:43.359 your 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:45.359 face 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:47.359 I pray 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:49.359 you 00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:51.359 filled my 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:53.359 heart 00:27:53.359 --> 00:27:54.359 with 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.359 greater 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:57.359 joy 00:27:57.359 --> 00:27:59.359 than 00:27:59.359 --> 00:28:00.359 others 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.359 may 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:03.359 and 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:07.359 have 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:09.359 upon 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:11.359 us 00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:13.359 they 00:28:13.359 --> 00:28:15.359 rejoice 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:17.359 and 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:21.359 and 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:23.359 and 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:25.359 wine 00:28:25.359 --> 00:28:27.359 abide 00:28:27.359 --> 00:28:29.359 I will 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:31.359 I die 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:33.359 my heart 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:35.359 will 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:37.359 rest 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:39.359 secure 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:41.359 for you 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:43.359 alone 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:45.359 O 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:47.359 gracious 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:49.359 Lord 00:28:49.359 --> 00:28:51.359 safe 00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:53.359 and 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:55.359 sure 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:57.359 we 00:28:57.359 --> 00:29:01.359 can turn back to a reading in first Thessalonians chapter one 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:07.359 read at verse two and three there 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:15.359 first Thessalonians chapter one at verse two we give thanks to God always for all of you constantly mentioning you in our prayers 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:17.359 remembering you 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:44.359 remembering you before our God and Father your work of faith your labor of love and your steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ as I mentioned here's a letter that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica and he was writing to encourage them in their faith to encourage them to go on in the strength of the Lord and in the love for the Lord. 00:29:44.359 --> 00:30:09.359 And so as we think of that word encourage and encouragement are you someone who encourages others in the gospel? Are you someone who feels encouraged in the gospel? Do you think as a congregation this is an encouraging place to be and that we are an encouragement to others around us? 00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:11.359 That's the kind of 00:30:11.359 --> 00:30:17.359 that's the kind of questions that Paul was asking of the church of the Thessalonians. 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:35.359 Are they encouraging others in the gospel? Are they feeling encouraged in the gospel? Is their congregation a place of encouragement and are they encouragement to others? So we ask the same questions of ourselves. Are we encouraged and are we encouragers? 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:39.359 roaming us. 00:30:39.359 --> 00:30:47.359 And as you read here of the church of Thessalonica will have left us or is it made us into and 300? 00:30:47.359 --> 00:30:53.359 In a very short space of time when Paul and Silas came to visit and spent some time ministering the gospel in their midst, 00:30:53.359 --> 00:31:01.419 a short period of time of around three weeks, many people came to faith. But it brought with it 00:31:01.419 --> 00:31:09.199 many challenges as well. As the gospel made a great impression, as we saw, it also turned people 00:31:09.199 --> 00:31:17.859 in a challenging way against the gospel too. The gospel took hold, it says, of many. Many came to 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:25.519 faith from the Jews, from the Greeks, and it says many important women in the city. It's interesting 00:31:25.519 --> 00:31:32.779 how it describes those different categories of people who came to faith, Jews, Greeks, and important 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:40.619 women of the city. It's almost as if it's highlighting for us the unexpected places that the gospel took 00:31:40.619 --> 00:31:46.879 hold. Among the Jews who had their own way of looking at things, among the Greeks who had their 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:51.520 own forms of religion, and among the important women of the city, it's almost like the business 00:31:51.520 --> 00:31:56.100 side of the city, those who were involved in things, where it almost seemed the gospel could not 00:31:56.100 --> 00:32:04.340 penetrate. It came and took hold in the midst of all different kinds of people. But as you read on 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:10.860 in the book of Acts in chapter 17 and into chapter 18, you see the many different kinds of opposition 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:19.919 that arose in the midst of all the good things. The gospel as it came, it disturbed people. And that's 00:32:19.919 --> 00:32:28.659 what it still does to this day. As we hear the gospel, it disturbs us. And we see how today it 00:32:28.659 --> 00:32:35.039 disturbs people in the same ways it disturbed them in Thessalonica as well. Some, it was in a bad way, 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:41.119 it brought opposition. There were those who would say, those people who are turning the world upside 00:32:41.119 --> 00:32:46.480 down, they have come into our midst, and they're going against our king. They're going against our 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:52.299 rulers, those who have authority over us. We need to get rid of them. We see that kind of opposition 00:32:52.299 --> 00:33:00.099 today as well. But we see how it also brought this disturbance in a good way. It caused people to 00:33:00.099 --> 00:33:07.539 turn, as it says, from their idols to the living and the true God. And that is the way the gospel 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:14.559 disturbs and challenges to this day as well. It brings people to turn to the living God. 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:21.859 And that's the wonder of the gospel, how down through every generation it has this impact, 00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:28.799 it has this effect, it disturbs people, it unsettles people, and how sometimes it needs to 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:34.700 unsettle us in a bad way where we think we don't want this because we're feeling convicted by it. 00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:41.940 But how over time it disturbs us to a place where we recognize we need God. We need this true 00:33:41.940 --> 00:33:49.079 and living God. And so as Paul and Silas and others were going around all these different places, 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:55.639 they were taking the gospel with them. But here Paul is writing to the Thessalonians, and he's writing to 00:33:55.640 --> 00:34:01.740 them, longing to be in their midst again, but so encouraged by what he's hearing about them that 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:09.079 he wants to give them this word of encouragement to keep them going. During a short time there, 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:15.559 Thessalonica had been changed in so many ways, and he was longing to hear something from them. 00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:22.599 And he did hear from them when Timothy came to him with news of what had happened. And we read that 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:26.619 further on in this letter. In chapter 3 and verse 6, he says, 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:33.779 But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love, 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:40.679 and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you. 00:34:41.259 --> 00:34:47.699 Timothy has brought this report to him, that they are going on in the faith. And so he's thankful for 00:34:47.699 --> 00:34:56.899 what has happened since he left, and his desire is to encourage. And this letter is a letter full of 00:34:56.899 --> 00:35:06.699 encouragement. And for ourselves today, encouragement is such a great thing. The difference it made to the 00:35:06.699 --> 00:35:13.839 church in Thessalonica to know that Paul was remembering them and encouraging them. It gave them 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:20.440 that spirit to go on encouraged in the Lord. And so that's sometimes what we need ourselves to, 00:35:20.640 --> 00:35:28.240 to be a people who are encouraged, who are encouraged by what the Lord is doing and what the Lord can do 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:36.079 in our midst. To be encouraging one another, to be encouraging those around us, to be encouraging 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:42.000 people who are even outside of the church as we would see it at the moment. We live in a world 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:49.179 that needs encouragement. And the church of Thessalonica flourished and was a great example 00:35:49.179 --> 00:35:55.500 to others around them throughout Macedonia, as we read here, and many other different parts. They were 00:35:55.500 --> 00:36:02.480 hearing about this church, this people at Thessalonica, and what they were doing, and how they loved the Lord, 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:08.199 and how they loved the people. And it made such a great impression to others. 00:36:08.199 --> 00:36:14.379 And as we were looking at last week in Isaiah 58, we were thinking of 00:36:14.379 --> 00:36:21.480 loving the Lord, and serving Him, and loving the Lord's day, we see that that's the kind of impact 00:36:21.480 --> 00:36:28.759 that was felt here in Thessalonica as well. The people, they loved the Lord, they loved to worship 00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:35.219 the Lord, and through that they loved the people around them. They loved those who were around them, 00:36:35.219 --> 00:36:42.339 not just their own people, but all people. They sought to bring the gospel to all around them. 00:36:42.919 --> 00:36:49.199 Other churches in the time, such as Corinth and the church at Galatia, they met with so many 00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:55.219 discouragements. They met with so many different challenges. And discouragement sometimes has that 00:36:55.219 --> 00:37:04.059 negative impact. It puts down on any encouragement that there is. It holds people back. People start to 00:37:04.059 --> 00:37:11.779 think, what's the point? And there's a struggle going on. But encouragement has this opposite impact. 00:37:11.900 --> 00:37:19.739 It spurs people on. It keeps people going. It keeps people looking for more and more from the Lord and 00:37:19.739 --> 00:37:27.299 from His people. So encouragement in the Lord is great for His people. And that's what this letter 00:37:27.300 --> 00:37:34.160 wants to do for us to encourage us. And so what encouragement can we take from this chapter today? 00:37:34.940 --> 00:37:40.500 Well, the first thing we see here is the elements of encouragement that existed here. 00:37:41.140 --> 00:37:47.360 The elements of encouragement. The church at Thessalonica gives us a clear example of 00:37:47.360 --> 00:37:53.300 what every church should be in terms of a witness for the Lord. Because it's obvious as you read 00:37:53.300 --> 00:38:00.820 through this letter that the church made such an impact in their day. It made such an impression 00:38:00.820 --> 00:38:08.519 near and far, not just in this city, but far and wide. This was a church that was spoken of 00:38:08.519 --> 00:38:16.320 and spoken of in a wonderful way. And so their witness was clear to all. And we have to remember 00:38:16.320 --> 00:38:23.280 ourselves today, just as they were a witness to all around them, so are we today. So are we 00:38:23.280 --> 00:38:30.260 as a church here in Stornoway, as a people here in Stornoway, so we are a witness to all around us, 00:38:30.340 --> 00:38:36.880 near and far. People will speak of us and will maybe show an interest in what is happening 00:38:36.880 --> 00:38:41.440 in Stornoway. And if they hear what's happening in Stornoway, it's a real discouragement. 00:38:42.840 --> 00:38:46.519 And they'll think maybe, well, you know, if a congregation the size of Stornoway is feeling 00:38:46.519 --> 00:38:53.200 discouraged, what kind of impact will that have on the wider church? But if they hear that we are 00:38:53.199 --> 00:38:59.039 people who are encouraged in the Lord, who are loving the Lord with all our heart, who are serving 00:38:59.039 --> 00:39:04.659 the Lord with all our heart, even in the days in which we live, that seems so challenging in so many 00:39:04.659 --> 00:39:11.460 different ways, the impression that that can make to encourage others. And so it's important for us 00:39:11.460 --> 00:39:18.259 how we conduct ourselves, how we are witnesses to other churches around us, but also to the people 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:28.520 around us. In this past week, the free church has been spoken of in so many different ways, negative ways, 00:39:28.740 --> 00:39:36.020 nationally and even locally. How even the church here in Stornoway has been blamed for some anti-social 00:39:36.020 --> 00:39:42.360 behavior in the town. You think to yourself, well, how do the two relate together? But then people are 00:39:42.360 --> 00:39:46.580 looking and asking, what kind of church are we? And we have to show that we're a church that loves 00:39:46.579 --> 00:39:54.599 the people around us, that has concern and compassion for all around us, that we'll be encouraged to do 00:39:54.599 --> 00:40:02.380 that. And so the elements that we see here in Thessalonica, we often speak of the marks of the 00:40:02.380 --> 00:40:08.920 church in a sense of the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, the Lord's Supper and baptism, 00:40:09.519 --> 00:40:13.819 and church discipline. Now, these are some of the marks of the church that people would look for, 00:40:13.820 --> 00:40:21.460 for a true church. They are things that we want to have as our church. But flowing out of that are other 00:40:21.460 --> 00:40:28.940 elements of the church. And that's the elements that we see here in Thessalonica as well. They had 00:40:28.940 --> 00:40:33.160 preaching of the Word, they would have the sacraments, they would have a discipline, they would have all 00:40:33.160 --> 00:40:39.519 these things. But alongside that, there was all this encouragement that was flowing from it. 00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:47.739 And the first element that they had was this joy in the saving work of Christ, the salvation that 00:40:47.739 --> 00:40:55.480 Christ has for his people. They rejoiced in this salvation. That was clear from the outset. It talks 00:40:55.480 --> 00:41:04.440 about here, remembering before God our Father your work of faith, in verse 3 there, their work of faith. 00:41:04.440 --> 00:41:12.260 This was first and foremost the key to everything. They were a people of faith. They were trusting 00:41:12.260 --> 00:41:19.240 in the Lord Jesus Christ. And out of this element flew encouragement and joy in the Lord. 00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:26.980 When you read Hebrews chapter 11, it's a great passage speaking about a people of faith, 00:41:26.980 --> 00:41:34.260 faith. How they had faith. But it speaks about what they did through faith. It says, 00:41:34.880 --> 00:41:41.780 by faith, and it goes on to say, they did something. And that's the kind of people that were in this 00:41:41.780 --> 00:41:50.440 church in Thessalonica as well. By faith, they did. They knew the salvation that Jesus had purchased 00:41:50.440 --> 00:41:57.300 for them. They loved the Lord with all their heart. And they showed this saving faith amongst others. 00:41:58.260 --> 00:42:03.960 They rejoiced in the Lord. They trusted the Lord with all their hearts. 00:42:05.059 --> 00:42:10.519 There was a farming community that was once experiencing a time of severe drought. 00:42:10.519 --> 00:42:17.159 Crops were failing. And the ground was getting so dry, it was starting to crack. 00:42:18.119 --> 00:42:23.739 And unless they got rain very soon, the harvest that year was going to fail. 00:42:24.539 --> 00:42:33.139 And so concern turned to panic. And in their panic, the people said, we'll call a day of prayer. 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:39.619 We'll call a day of prayer to call on the Lord in prayer. And so as that day came, 00:42:39.619 --> 00:42:44.319 and as the people were making their way up to church that day to call on the Lord in prayer, 00:42:45.039 --> 00:42:50.199 some of the folks noticed a little girl walking along with them. And she was carrying an umbrella. 00:42:51.239 --> 00:42:55.279 And they turned to her and they asked her, why have you got an umbrella? 00:42:56.659 --> 00:43:04.159 And her response was this, we're going to pray for rain, aren't we? She was prepared. She thought, 00:43:04.259 --> 00:43:09.359 well, if we're going to ask God to help, he will send rain. If we come trusting in him, 00:43:09.360 --> 00:43:15.340 if we come with faith. She had more faith than the rest of them that God could answer. 00:43:16.280 --> 00:43:22.300 And that's the faith, the element that we should have in our midst too, to be a people of faith 00:43:22.300 --> 00:43:27.320 and trust in God. Because without that, how can we encourage anyone else? 00:43:27.320 --> 00:43:36.180 We see another element of their work here was their serving. They were encouragement of salvation and 00:43:36.180 --> 00:43:42.380 they were the encouragement of serving. They labored here, they toiled in all that they did. It's like 00:43:42.380 --> 00:43:51.620 they were doing every bit with sweat and effort to serve the Lord. And we see that as you read through 00:43:51.619 --> 00:43:58.480 this letter, they were remembering people who remembered others, their labor of love, it says 00:43:58.480 --> 00:44:05.739 in verse 3, they served the Lord with all their hearts. And what a great encouragement that is in 00:44:05.739 --> 00:44:12.719 any church as well, to see a people laboring in love for the Lord, side by side with one another. 00:44:12.719 --> 00:44:20.980 It's such an encouraging element of any church, to be a people who have this longing to serve the Lord 00:44:20.980 --> 00:44:28.659 with all their hearts. We serve in the church, we serve in our communities, we serve in all that we do. 00:44:29.000 --> 00:44:36.839 We are to do all as to the Lord. And there is such great encouragement in that. And that should be an 00:44:36.840 --> 00:44:43.620 element for ourselves here as well. That we long to labor side by side, to work side by side in every 00:44:43.620 --> 00:44:50.660 effort of the gospel here. And there's so many different ways that we can be involved. There's so 00:44:50.660 --> 00:44:56.160 many different things that we can do. Some are helping out with young people, some are helping out with 00:44:56.160 --> 00:45:02.700 older people, some are just quietly encouraging others through phone calls or messages or visiting 00:45:02.699 --> 00:45:08.579 all these different kinds of things. We can all play our part. And that's what we see in the church 00:45:08.579 --> 00:45:16.299 of the Thessalonians. There were a people whose labor was one of love for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:45:17.699 --> 00:45:25.059 And we also see the element of faith that they had here was this sustaining faith. They had this 00:45:25.059 --> 00:45:32.439 vision of the Lord Jesus Christ and it all, as it says in verse 3, a steadfastness of hope 00:45:32.440 --> 00:45:40.960 in our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 10 it speaks about waiting for his Son from heaven, whom he raised 00:45:40.960 --> 00:45:49.159 from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. So there is this sustaining faith as well. 00:45:49.639 --> 00:45:56.280 This faith that keeps him going through thick and thin. And all the challenges and all the ups and downs, 00:45:56.280 --> 00:46:04.700 their hope is in the Lord. And the Lord who is to come. So they had all these elements 00:46:04.700 --> 00:46:13.660 of encouragement in their midst. That they were a people who loved the Lord with all their heart. 00:46:14.000 --> 00:46:19.540 They were a people who served with all their heart. And they were a people who were sustained, 00:46:19.539 --> 00:46:28.000 looking to the Lord at all times. So that all these things in their midst. And through this, 00:46:28.539 --> 00:46:35.019 they were encouraging. And through this, what we see secondly is the encouragement they got. 00:46:35.639 --> 00:46:42.679 This is the reason why Paul is writing to them. Maybe up to a year having passed since he was last 00:46:42.679 --> 00:46:50.219 with them, last in their midst. He hears this encouraging report. And so he wants to write 00:46:50.219 --> 00:46:56.000 back to them to encourage them in their faith. He's encouraged to hear that they're going on in 00:46:56.000 --> 00:47:01.159 the faith, not just in the sense of plodding on in the faith, just going through the motions, 00:47:02.239 --> 00:47:09.399 but really growing in their faith, rejoicing in the Lord and serving him with all their heart. 00:47:09.400 --> 00:47:15.380 And so as Paul is hearing of this health and vibrancy of the church, church that is flourishing, 00:47:15.940 --> 00:47:21.980 he wants to encourage them. There were so many positives in all that they were doing. 00:47:22.599 --> 00:47:27.500 But what he really writes them about is to encourage them to keep going in their faith, 00:47:28.240 --> 00:47:35.019 to keep going for the Lord, to keep recognizing that they are loved in the Lord. They're not doing it 00:47:35.019 --> 00:47:42.159 for themselves or for other people to please others, but it's all about pleasing the Lord. 00:47:43.460 --> 00:47:50.820 And their faith has a past, it has a present, and it has a future. And that's what Paul is encouraging 00:47:50.820 --> 00:47:58.019 them in. He gives thanks, as it says in verse 2, always for you, constantly. He's thanking them for 00:47:58.019 --> 00:48:06.480 the experience they had in the past, of how the gospel had come, and the gospel had borne fruit in 00:48:06.480 --> 00:48:14.579 this place. People had come to faith, and this faith is what's keeping them going. So Paul is reminding 00:48:14.579 --> 00:48:21.159 them of their past and how the Lord came to them in that powerful way, how he came to them through the 00:48:21.159 --> 00:48:29.599 power of the Spirit and through his Word, how they turned from God to God from idols to serve the living 00:48:29.599 --> 00:48:36.000 and the true God. There is this encouragement that God has worked in their past, and this is what keeps 00:48:36.000 --> 00:48:45.239 them going. Again, there was a young man by the name of Benjamin West, and he was an artist later on in 00:48:45.239 --> 00:48:52.879 his life, a famous artist in the 18th century. But when he was a young boy, something happened to him 00:48:52.879 --> 00:49:01.159 that could so easily have discouraged him from being an artist at all. But instead, it had the effect of 00:49:01.159 --> 00:49:08.379 really encouraging and really keeping him going. He was looking after his younger sister while his 00:49:08.379 --> 00:49:14.899 mother was out. And while she was away, Benjamin found some bottles of ink in a cupboard. 00:49:15.239 --> 00:49:24.079 And he decided he would make a portrait of his sister. And so he got out all the brushes and the ink and 00:49:24.079 --> 00:49:31.139 started doing this portrait of his sister. But while he was doing it, ink was going everywhere. Not just on 00:49:31.139 --> 00:49:37.299 the paper. It was going on the floor. It was going on the furniture. It was just going everywhere. 00:49:38.379 --> 00:49:45.199 But he finished the portrait just as his mother was coming home. And when his mother came into the room, 00:49:45.239 --> 00:49:51.819 she started looking around. She started looking around. And she saw ink everywhere. Now, 00:49:52.579 --> 00:49:57.119 myself, if I walked into a room and saw that, it would probably be to start bawling at someone. 00:49:57.439 --> 00:50:06.739 Look at the mess you've made. But that wasn't Benjamin's mother's response at all. She looked around, 00:50:06.739 --> 00:50:16.159 saw the mess, but stayed quiet. And then she saw the picture, the portrait that Benjamin had done of his 00:50:16.159 --> 00:50:26.000 sister. And her first words to Benjamin were, what a beautiful picture of your sister. And she bent down 00:50:26.000 --> 00:50:34.619 and kissed her son. And many years later, as Benjamin was looking back on his life and how he had become 00:50:34.619 --> 00:50:43.039 a celebrated artist, he looked back to that time and he said, it was my mother's kiss that made me a painter. 00:50:43.980 --> 00:50:49.460 She could so easily have discouraged him by telling him what a mess he'd made. But instead, 00:50:49.460 --> 00:50:57.440 the focus was on the portrait. And as a reminder to ourselves as well as how the Lord looks on us, 00:50:58.519 --> 00:51:05.519 he doesn't focus on the mess that we've made of our lives. He doesn't focus on all the wrongs that we 00:51:05.519 --> 00:51:14.599 have done. But what he focuses on is what we can be in Christ. And by faith in him, that is what he sees. 00:51:14.599 --> 00:51:23.519 And that is what he looks on. And that is what he remembers of us. Not every fault and mistake that 00:51:23.519 --> 00:51:31.839 we've made, but the fact that we've trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ. And that is what keeps us going 00:51:31.839 --> 00:51:42.079 too. The love of God that keeps us going. That's what helps us in the present to keep on. That's what 00:51:42.079 --> 00:51:50.239 helps us in the future as we look to it, that the Lord has loved us and that he will keep us. 00:51:50.940 --> 00:51:58.500 And so that is what Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica about the people here. He's encouraging 00:51:58.500 --> 00:52:06.739 them to remember the Lord, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, 00:52:06.739 --> 00:52:14.339 and your steadfastness of hope. These things are what are important. And these are things that we 00:52:14.339 --> 00:52:21.439 should be encouraged in and seek to remember it in ourselves. So the encouragement that they got 00:52:21.439 --> 00:52:28.819 was to keep on. And that's the encouragement for ourselves today as well. To be a people who keep on 00:52:28.820 --> 00:52:35.380 encouraged in the Lord. Encouraged in the Lord. That when we put our trust in him, that that's what he 00:52:35.380 --> 00:52:43.420 sees. And that's what he looks on. And that that's what we live for as well. So the encouragement they 00:52:43.420 --> 00:52:51.600 got. Finally we see here the encouragement that they were. And it's amazing how you read of these 00:52:51.599 --> 00:52:59.019 people, how they'd gone from idols to trusting the living God in such a short space of time. And when you 00:52:59.019 --> 00:53:05.799 read in verse 6, it says, you became imitators of us and of the Lord. For you received the word in much 00:53:05.799 --> 00:53:14.039 affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia 00:53:14.039 --> 00:53:21.400 and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in these places, but your 00:53:21.400 --> 00:53:29.300 faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. Isn't that wonderful? A testimony. 00:53:30.139 --> 00:53:38.019 They didn't have to say anything. The word had already gone ahead of Paul. People had already heard 00:53:38.019 --> 00:53:44.400 about this church, the church of the Thessalonians. They had heard of these people. And what they had 00:53:44.400 --> 00:53:52.019 heard was about their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Their work of faith, their labor of love, 00:53:52.139 --> 00:53:59.259 their steadfastness of hope. This is what had gone ahead of Paul into other places. They already knew 00:53:59.259 --> 00:54:07.579 about it. And wouldn't it be wonderful if that's what was said of ourselves as well? If people would 00:54:07.579 --> 00:54:14.860 hear of the church here in Stornom and already hear before we even open our mouths that we are a people 00:54:14.860 --> 00:54:25.259 who are steadfast in hope, that we are a people who are laboring in our love for the Lord, but above all 00:54:25.259 --> 00:54:35.579 that we are a people who work in faith, that we go on in the strength of the Lord. You know, if you'd asked 00:54:35.579 --> 00:54:44.199 the people of Thessalonica, what kind of example of a church are you? If you asked the people there, 00:54:44.239 --> 00:54:48.940 I'm sure the response would have been somewhere along the lines of, we're just poor witnesses. We're 00:54:48.940 --> 00:54:58.139 a poor example. But what Paul is saying to them here is in verse 6, as he says, that you are an example 00:54:58.139 --> 00:55:03.480 to others. You became imitators of others and of the Lord and received with great affliction, 00:55:03.480 --> 00:55:09.099 with the joy in the Holy Spirit, that you became an example to all the believers. He's saying, 00:55:09.099 --> 00:55:16.800 you became someone who other people looked to. They looked to you and they followed your example, 00:55:17.340 --> 00:55:22.139 because there they saw something that was good, something that was right, something that was a real 00:55:22.139 --> 00:55:29.280 encouragement. We can look to others and learn from them, other churches, other Christians throughout 00:55:29.280 --> 00:55:34.380 our islands, throughout our nation, throughout the world. We can learn great things from others. 00:55:35.600 --> 00:55:41.180 But wouldn't it be great if others could look to us and see in us Christ in us, the hope of glory. 00:55:41.680 --> 00:55:49.000 Christ, the one we serve and love with all our hearts. Christ, the one whose strength we go on in. 00:55:49.000 --> 00:56:00.820 We ask ourselves, and what do people see in us? That's the challenge. Do they see us as a people 00:56:00.820 --> 00:56:07.380 who are encouraged and who are encouragers? Or do they see a people who are discouraged, 00:56:07.960 --> 00:56:15.980 plodding on, not really hopeful in the gospel? We need to be a people who are encouraged. 00:56:15.980 --> 00:56:23.519 And we are encouraged because we have the gospel. And the gospel reminds us that there is good news, 00:56:23.960 --> 00:56:31.740 that there is good news that God has given to us his son, that he is the living and true God, 00:56:31.980 --> 00:56:38.960 that we wait for his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath 00:56:38.960 --> 00:56:45.860 to come. That is the hope that we have as a people. That is what should encourage us. 00:56:45.980 --> 00:56:52.659 That we have this hope. And that that is what we should live to encourage others by as well. 00:56:53.139 --> 00:57:00.559 The encouragement, the hope that there is in the gospel. The church at Thessalonica, it grew 00:57:00.559 --> 00:57:07.940 through a faithful people. A people who are faithful because they were encouraged. And they were 00:57:07.940 --> 00:57:15.960 encouraged because Christ Jesus had taken hold of them. And so we should look to be that kind of 00:57:15.960 --> 00:57:25.860 people as well. A people of faith and a people who labor in love. I read this saying once, 00:57:26.639 --> 00:57:36.720 flatter me and I may not believe you. Criticize me and I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not 00:57:36.719 --> 00:57:46.619 forgive you. Encourage me and I will not forget you. That's the kind of people that we want to be. 00:57:47.619 --> 00:57:55.259 Encouragers. That we would be encouraged ourselves through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And that 00:57:55.259 --> 00:58:02.359 through that we would encourage others. And that they would remember who we are. But not just who we are, 00:58:02.360 --> 00:58:11.420 but who we represent. The Lord Jesus Christ and the hope that is in him. So may God bless these thoughts 00:58:11.420 --> 00:58:19.420 to us. Let us pray. Our Father in heaven, we rejoice in your word that builds up your people and encourages 00:58:19.420 --> 00:58:25.940 your people. And help us that we will be built up by it day by day. That we will be encouraged through it. 00:58:25.940 --> 00:58:33.860 That we would see the Lord Jesus, our hope and our saviour. And as we see him, may we seek to represent 00:58:33.860 --> 00:58:41.159 him. To be examples for him. To be witnesses for him. And to be encouragers to those around us. 00:58:41.559 --> 00:58:47.920 In our own midst. In our homes and our families. And our community far and wide. We pray for your help 00:58:47.920 --> 00:58:55.240 and your grace to help us to that end. As we ask it in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 00:58:58.840 --> 00:59:07.000 We're going to conclude by singing to God's praise in Psalm 37. Page 252 of the Psalm books. 00:59:09.800 --> 00:59:13.059 Psalm 37. We'll sing from verse 3 to 6. 00:59:13.059 --> 00:59:22.880 These verses remind us of the great joy that there is in trusting the Lord and in serving him. 00:59:23.480 --> 00:59:29.639 Set thou thy trust upon the Lord and be thou doing good. And so thou in the land shalt dwell and verily 00:59:29.639 --> 00:59:36.699 have food. Delight thyself in God he'll give. Thine heart's desire to thee. Thy way to God commit. 00:59:36.699 --> 00:59:41.420 Him trust it bring to pass shall he. We'll sing verse 3 to 6. 00:59:41.420 --> 00:59:43.720 And the tune is Amazing Grace. 00:59:43.720 --> 00:59:44.720 Amen. 00:59:44.720 --> 00:59:45.720 Amen. 00:59:45.720 --> 00:59:46.720 Amen. 00:59:46.720 --> 00:59:47.720 Amen. 00:59:47.720 --> 00:59:49.720 Amen. 00:59:49.720 --> 01:00:06.460 Set thou thy trust upon the Lord and be thy dear bring good. 01:00:06.460 --> 01:00:23.760 And so thou in the land shalt dwell and verily have food. 01:00:23.760 --> 01:00:36.120 Delight thyself and thought in here. 01:00:36.119 --> 01:00:44.759 Thine heart's desire to do. 01:00:45.079 --> 01:00:55.380 Thy way to God, come it in trust. 01:00:55.380 --> 01:01:04.460 It bring to pass shall be. 01:01:04.460 --> 01:01:22.460 Abide unto the light, ye shall thy righteousness display. 01:01:22.460 --> 01:01:33.460 And be thy judgment shall be for. 01:01:34.460 --> 01:01:41.460 Thy gift, thy job, the day. 01:01:41.460 --> 01:01:42.460 Amen. 01:01:44.460 --> 01:01:46.820 After the benediction, I'll go to the main door. 01:01:47.820 --> 01:01:56.679 Now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with us all now and forevermore. 01:01:56.679 --> 01:01:57.519 Amen.