WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:04.179 We can turn back to our reading in Isaiah chapter 26. 00:00:05.560 --> 00:00:09.560 We can just read again at the beginning of this chapter, Isaiah 26. 00:00:10.240 --> 00:00:10.560 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:50.200 It may seem strange to talk about a storm today when outside is such a gloriously sunny day. 00:00:50.939 --> 00:00:55.640 But the storms of life is something that's always a reality to us. 00:00:55.640 --> 00:01:00.480 And I'm sure maybe you've heard of a phrase called the perfect storm. 00:01:01.460 --> 00:01:07.480 It's when two low pressures will come, maybe from different directions and merge together, 00:01:07.560 --> 00:01:13.780 and they bring a more serious storm that brings so much devastation and destruction with it. 00:01:14.460 --> 00:01:19.299 This was a case in a film that was made a number of years ago now called by that name, 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:20.599 The Perfect Storm. 00:01:21.240 --> 00:01:25.519 And it showed just how it happened on that occasion back in the 90s. 00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:26.259 It was, I think. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:33.219 And it just showed the devastation and destruction that these kinds of storms can bring. 00:01:33.599 --> 00:01:40.640 It may seem a strange thing to call a storm a perfect storm when all it brings is devastation with it. 00:01:41.179 --> 00:01:46.599 But the perfect storm is something that the Bible speaks about as well. 00:01:46.599 --> 00:01:53.539 It speaks about it in a way when we see a collision taking place of different things merging together 00:01:53.539 --> 00:01:57.599 that bring a sense of devastation with it. 00:01:58.280 --> 00:02:01.459 We see the perfect storm of sin. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:04.840 And everything that sin brings into this world. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:12.459 And how the more that sin brings its forces together, the more devastation and destruction it brings. 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:19.300 And when we think of a natural storm, when we think of the destruction that that brings, 00:02:19.659 --> 00:02:23.060 what do we look for at a time when a storm is coming? 00:02:23.140 --> 00:02:24.280 We look for shelter. 00:02:25.100 --> 00:02:26.379 We seek shelter. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:30.540 And that is what Isaiah is talking about here. 00:02:31.020 --> 00:02:35.319 In chapter 26, he's talking there about not a perfect storm, 00:02:35.319 --> 00:02:38.319 but he's talking about a perfect peace. 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:42.419 And the peace that the Lord is able to give. 00:02:42.539 --> 00:02:44.579 You keep him in perfect peace, 00:02:44.739 --> 00:02:49.639 whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:54.519 And so there is a place to find that perfect peace. 00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:57.259 And here in chapter 26, 00:02:57.359 --> 00:03:01.740 what we're seeing is a song that the Lord is giving to his people. 00:03:01.740 --> 00:03:06.420 And a place that they can find this perfect peace. 00:03:06.540 --> 00:03:07.740 And it is in a city. 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:10.659 It's a song of a city. 00:03:10.900 --> 00:03:13.159 We have a strong city. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:17.159 It says at the start there in the middle of verse 1. 00:03:18.200 --> 00:03:22.540 And Isaiah is writing in the midst of this storm of sin. 00:03:23.300 --> 00:03:28.020 If you look back in chapter 24, just a page previously, 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:32.640 the heading of that chapter is judgment on the whole earth. 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:36.180 And this judgment is like a storm. 00:03:36.340 --> 00:03:38.820 See how it speaks about it in verse 12. 00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:41.900 Desolation is left in the city. 00:03:42.480 --> 00:03:45.540 The gates are battered into ruins. 00:03:45.920 --> 00:03:48.200 A city that is devastated. 00:03:48.820 --> 00:03:50.580 And it's really by sin. 00:03:50.920 --> 00:03:53.340 That's what Isaiah is highlighting for us here. 00:03:53.400 --> 00:03:55.240 The city that is battered, 00:03:55.240 --> 00:03:57.820 that is left in desolation as sin. 00:03:58.020 --> 00:03:59.420 Passes through. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:03.280 And so it's in the midst of this sense of judgment 00:04:03.280 --> 00:04:05.600 that Isaiah is writing. 00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:08.719 But it's also at a time 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:13.000 when the people are thinking that they have peace. 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:16.420 And so it stands as a warning. 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:21.000 What keeps us going from day to day so often? 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:24.000 What keeps our hearts filled with joy 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:26.879 and a sense of release in many different ways? 00:04:26.879 --> 00:04:31.000 What gives us hope in difficult times? 00:04:31.740 --> 00:04:34.519 So often it's song. 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:38.339 So often it's music that we turn to. 00:04:38.839 --> 00:04:42.500 When we think of finding a sense of release and of joy, 00:04:42.719 --> 00:04:46.079 how often do we just start maybe singing a song? 00:04:47.219 --> 00:04:50.000 It's expressed in song so often. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:52.899 And we all maybe have our own favorite song. 00:04:52.899 --> 00:04:55.579 And this time of year is a time 00:04:55.579 --> 00:04:58.479 when we're often maybe hearing songs being played 00:04:58.479 --> 00:05:01.579 when people are outside enjoying the good weather, 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:03.419 whether it's in the garden or on the beach 00:05:03.419 --> 00:05:06.939 or out in the streets as we'll see in this coming week 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:09.379 and out in the grounds as the weekend comes. 00:05:09.579 --> 00:05:10.839 When the tents go up, 00:05:10.899 --> 00:05:12.699 we'll hear a lot of song. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:14.699 We'll hear a lot of music being played. 00:05:14.799 --> 00:05:15.939 We'll hear a lot of people 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:19.379 who are finding a sense of joy in that. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:24.339 But do we have that true sense of the joy of the Lord 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:27.980 and the peace that he gives in the songs that we sing? 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:31.500 Well, here Isaiah is reminding the people 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:32.720 that in all the different things 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:34.319 that they have going on in their lives, 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:36.920 and they themselves would have probably been singing 00:05:36.920 --> 00:05:39.220 their own songs in many different ways 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:41.160 and many different situations. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:44.340 Well, Isaiah is reminding them of the need 00:05:44.340 --> 00:05:47.920 to have this song of the Lord in their hearts. 00:05:48.620 --> 00:05:50.200 That it's the song of the Lord 00:05:50.200 --> 00:05:53.040 that is able to bring peace. 00:05:53.860 --> 00:05:57.480 A song that speaks not just for the moment for today 00:05:57.480 --> 00:05:59.780 and a song that's forgotten in the days 00:05:59.780 --> 00:06:00.560 or the weeks ahead. 00:06:00.640 --> 00:06:02.060 We move on to the next one. 00:06:02.660 --> 00:06:04.240 But it's a song of a city, 00:06:04.380 --> 00:06:05.580 a song of salvation, 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:09.120 a song of the joy that the Lord gives. 00:06:09.860 --> 00:06:11.800 We want to just think about this song 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:14.280 that Isaiah is giving here. 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:17.360 And just think about it under three different headings. 00:06:18.020 --> 00:06:21.240 And we see three different things about this song. 00:06:21.320 --> 00:06:24.460 The first thing is it's the song of a city. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.840 So it's directing us towards a place. 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:32.020 It's also directing us towards salvation. 00:06:32.260 --> 00:06:34.820 So it's a song of salvation. 00:06:35.780 --> 00:06:39.180 And it's also a song of remembrance. 00:06:39.220 --> 00:06:41.800 A song that helps us to go back 00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:46.060 and reflect on these things again and again and again. 00:06:46.140 --> 00:06:48.620 A song that we can keep singing. 00:06:49.320 --> 00:06:51.160 How often do you hear a song 00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:54.320 or even just a few lyrics of a song 00:06:54.320 --> 00:06:57.360 and it's stuck in your head the rest of the day? 00:06:58.020 --> 00:07:00.960 I'm sure it happens very often to people. 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:03.020 You just hear a little snippet of a song 00:07:03.020 --> 00:07:04.920 and it's just there in your head 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:07.500 the rest of the day or even the rest of the week. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:11.199 Well, here is a song that should resonate in our hearts 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:14.140 and stay in our hearts 00:07:14.140 --> 00:07:18.460 and stay with us through all the ups and downs of life 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:21.740 to see a place of perfect peace 00:07:21.740 --> 00:07:24.360 that the Lord is able to give. 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:28.920 So the first thing we see is it's a song of a city. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:33.520 In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah, it starts. 00:07:33.580 --> 00:07:35.980 And then the song itself starts with these words, 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:38.480 we have a strong city. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:41.420 We have a strong city. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:45.300 Cities were so important in the days of Isaiah. 00:07:45.699 --> 00:07:48.840 Indeed, throughout the Old Testament into the New Testament, 00:07:48.839 --> 00:07:51.459 you see the importance of cities. 00:07:51.659 --> 00:07:56.839 They were more than just a place to live or to work or to study 00:07:56.839 --> 00:07:59.099 as we might think of today. 00:07:59.799 --> 00:08:04.000 They were places of safety, of security. 00:08:04.859 --> 00:08:08.239 They were places where people felt they could dwell 00:08:08.239 --> 00:08:11.399 and dwell in that security to know that they were safe 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:13.079 from the outside enemies. 00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:18.620 But no city was ever 100% secure. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:23.019 There's always the fear that the enemy would attack 00:08:23.019 --> 00:08:24.399 and bring devastation. 00:08:24.479 --> 00:08:28.799 That devastation that we see in chapter 24 of Isaiah 00:08:28.799 --> 00:08:31.639 that the Lord was showing was going to come. 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:36.319 And you think of these cities in the days of Isaiah, 00:08:36.480 --> 00:08:40.779 their walls were thick, their doors were strong. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:43.360 They tried to have as few doors as possible 00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:46.579 so that there wasn't easy access into the city. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:48.620 And everywhere was well guarded. 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:50.100 And secure. 00:08:50.560 --> 00:08:53.540 They would have their towers where people would be on watch, 00:08:53.920 --> 00:08:56.920 looking out to see if the enemy was coming. 00:08:57.600 --> 00:09:01.899 And so the people had this sense of security in this city. 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:06.300 But Isaiah is warning that the city that they are putting 00:09:06.300 --> 00:09:10.060 their trust in is not going to keep secure. 00:09:10.059 --> 00:09:14.539 Battles are fought over cities. 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:17.079 They have been throughout all generations. 00:09:17.079 --> 00:09:20.879 Here in the Old Testament, into the new to our present day, 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:23.779 you find that when there's conflicts going on, 00:09:23.979 --> 00:09:27.119 cities or vantage points, high places, 00:09:27.119 --> 00:09:32.119 they're always important and they're always fought over. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:38.279 Isaiah writes as God's people are enjoying this peace and security, 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:40.980 but a battle is on the horizon. 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:44.860 And at the heart of this battle that's coming 00:09:44.860 --> 00:09:47.379 is not just the enemy that's around them, 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:48.779 but the enemy within them. 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:53.639 You see, their hearts have gone cold towards the Lord. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:55.860 They've forgotten the Lord. 00:09:55.860 --> 00:09:58.580 They have been disobedient to the Lord. 00:09:59.100 --> 00:10:01.980 They've forgotten all his goodness to them, 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:04.800 and they've just started doing their own thing, 00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:07.159 turning to their own ways. 00:10:08.419 --> 00:10:10.659 And that's what this song is about. 00:10:11.700 --> 00:10:13.300 It's got warning in it, 00:10:13.560 --> 00:10:16.700 but it's also got reminders in it as well. 00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:19.340 That as the battle is on the horizon, 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:21.800 as the enemy is about to attack, 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:24.279 that they can look to God 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:29.099 and see with him that he has a city for his people, 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:32.599 a city where they will dwell secure. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:36.000 We have a strong city, he says there. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:40.879 He sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. 00:10:41.859 --> 00:10:44.620 So there is a city of God, 00:10:45.299 --> 00:10:46.679 a place of refuge. 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.500 And what a song that is to sing 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:50.779 in the midst of the enemy attacking, 00:10:50.779 --> 00:10:53.399 that they have the Lord on their side. 00:10:54.039 --> 00:10:55.939 But it's a question to us today, 00:10:56.039 --> 00:10:58.659 do we have the Lord in that sense? 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:02.519 Do we look for just the here and now 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:04.620 and the cities or the towns or the villages 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:08.019 that we live in and have our sense of peace 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:10.059 and that all is well? 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:14.439 Is that the way that we are living our lives just now? 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:17.399 Are we thinking about the future? 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:19.179 Are we thinking about eternity? 00:11:19.179 --> 00:11:22.639 Are we thinking where we will dwell secure forever? 00:11:23.059 --> 00:11:25.919 Or is that just something for way down the road 00:11:25.919 --> 00:11:27.059 or for not at all? 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:32.419 Well, God gives his people a city to look forward to. 00:11:32.979 --> 00:11:36.339 A city that will be a secure place for his people 00:11:36.339 --> 00:11:38.039 for all eternity. 00:11:38.599 --> 00:11:41.939 So no matter what this world brings to us, 00:11:42.179 --> 00:11:44.599 that we have a place to look forward to. 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:47.920 A place described in Revelation 21, 00:11:48.300 --> 00:11:51.259 where John sees this vision of a city. 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:53.600 He says there in verse 10, 00:11:54.060 --> 00:11:56.860 he carried me away in the spirit to a great high mountain 00:11:56.860 --> 00:11:59.519 and showed me the holy city Jerusalem 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:02.159 coming down out of heaven from God, 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:03.759 having the glory of God, 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:06.440 its radiance like a most rare jewel, 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:09.320 like a jasper clear as crystal. 00:12:09.320 --> 00:12:13.760 It had a great high wall and with 12 gates. 00:12:14.680 --> 00:12:17.580 So John there in Revelation is looking to the city 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:20.800 that God has promised for his people. 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:23.620 The same city that Abraham, by faith, 00:12:23.980 --> 00:12:25.740 was able to look to as well. 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:28.140 In Hebrews 11, verse 9, 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:30.640 it speaks about Abraham there. 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:33.720 By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, 00:12:33.800 --> 00:12:35.220 as in a foreign land, 00:12:35.220 --> 00:12:38.300 living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, 00:12:38.940 --> 00:12:41.500 heirs with him to the same promise. 00:12:41.660 --> 00:12:44.399 For he was looking forward to the city 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:45.540 that has foundations, 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:49.060 whose designer and builder is God. 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:54.160 God is preparing a city for his people. 00:12:54.800 --> 00:12:57.160 So we won't just live with our minds 00:12:57.160 --> 00:12:59.660 on this world and this place 00:12:59.660 --> 00:13:02.800 and the fulfillment that we seek in this life, 00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:05.839 but instead that we will think of God 00:13:05.839 --> 00:13:09.759 who has prepared a place for his people. 00:13:11.319 --> 00:13:13.979 A battle has been fought for us 00:13:13.979 --> 00:13:15.620 that we maybe even don't realize 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:19.259 that the Lord Jesus came into this world 00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:20.179 to go to battle, 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:22.620 to go to war for his people, 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:25.059 that they might dwell secure 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:27.159 in a city of salvation forever. 00:13:28.579 --> 00:13:31.899 Do you realize what this city means? 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:34.939 In this world, in this day, 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:36.479 we sing our songs, 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:38.939 and so many do sing their songs 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:40.699 of enjoyment and fulfillment, 00:13:41.779 --> 00:13:43.639 but it's only temporary. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:47.959 But here we have a song for the ages, 00:13:48.099 --> 00:13:49.519 a song for the generations, 00:13:49.719 --> 00:13:51.639 and a song for eternity, 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:55.379 a song of a city that is strong and secure, 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:57.259 and for God's people, 00:13:57.359 --> 00:13:59.620 we have a strong city. 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:02.019 Whatever may come, 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:03.480 we will remain secure 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:06.539 if we are trusting in God. 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:09.560 We also see the second thing here, 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:11.419 it's a song of salvation. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:14.820 We have a strong city. 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:17.720 He sets up salvation as walls 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.379 and bulwarks. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:25.259 If you go through chapter 24 to 27 here, 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:29.580 salvation is what ties it all together. 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:35.500 When you see the devastation of chapter 24, 00:14:36.220 --> 00:14:37.700 even in the midst of that, 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:39.240 as we saw in verse 12, 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.399 where it speaks about desolation 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:42.399 is left in the city, 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:44.740 you jump forward to verse 14, 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:46.720 and it speaks of the joy of song. 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.559 They lift up their voices, 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.980 they sing for joy 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:51.960 over the majesty of the Lord. 00:14:51.960 --> 00:14:53.600 They shout from the west. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:55.300 Therefore, in the east, 00:14:55.460 --> 00:14:57.220 give up glory to the Lord. 00:14:57.720 --> 00:14:58.600 And so it goes on. 00:14:59.259 --> 00:15:01.240 In the midst of devastation, 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.500 there's still singing, 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:03.540 there's still song. 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:05.500 And what is the song? 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:09.139 It's the song of salvation in the Lord. 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:11.840 This chapter, 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:14.360 and you see it too in chapter 27 there, 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:15.920 it begins with these words, 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:17.699 in that day. 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:21.019 So it's looking to a point 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:23.339 where God is going to act. 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:26.500 And sometimes it's talking about God 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:28.159 acting in the now, 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:30.919 and sometimes it's talking about God 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:33.839 acting finally in the day of judgment. 00:15:34.599 --> 00:15:35.919 But at all these points, 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:37.860 we see that God is acting. 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:42.500 God is doing something for his people. 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:45.879 If you look at how it's in verse, 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:48.379 chapter 25, verse 9 there, 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:49.720 it speaks about, 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:51.899 it'll be said on that day, 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:54.240 behold, this is our God. 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.519 We have waited for him 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:57.360 that he might save us. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.519 This is the Lord. 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.659 We have waited for him. 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:01.779 Let us be glad and rejoice 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:03.519 in his salvation. 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:06.039 So all throughout, 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:08.360 the fact that judgment is coming 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:10.879 is the hope of salvation. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:13.299 that there is this joy, 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:14.340 that there is this singing 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:16.620 and song of salvation 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:18.840 that the people of God have 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:21.000 when they trust in him. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:24.519 We have this song, he says, 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:27.740 and salvation is at the heart of it. 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.039 And we see here, 00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:32.460 God is working. 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:35.179 And that this salvation comes 00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:37.600 from relationship with him. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:40.960 In verse 3 in chapter 26, 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:43.740 you keep him in perfect peace 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.720 whose mind is stayed on you 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:48.800 because he trusts in you. 00:16:49.540 --> 00:16:51.620 There is this relationship. 00:16:52.540 --> 00:16:54.460 There is this joy in knowing 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:56.639 the Lord as our refuge, 00:16:57.019 --> 00:17:00.040 as our strength in time of trouble. 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:03.980 Salvation comes from knowing God. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:06.660 And salvation comes through faith 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:08.440 in Jesus Christ. 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:11.059 And we set our mind on him. 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:13.539 And when you think of the battle 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:16.420 that Jesus has won for his people, 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:20.039 when he was taken outside of the city, 00:17:20.140 --> 00:17:21.220 outside of Jerusalem, 00:17:21.360 --> 00:17:23.599 onto a hill at Calvary, 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:26.019 and there he fought a battle 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:27.900 that we could never fight ourselves. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:30.599 There he gave his life 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:34.039 that we might have salvation in him. 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:36.939 We read that in Hebrews 13, verse 12. 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:39.599 And so Jesus also suffered, 00:17:39.699 --> 00:17:41.759 it says, outside the city gate 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:43.740 to make the people holy 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:45.240 through his own blood. 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:48.339 He went outside of the city. 00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:51.299 He went to face the enemy for us 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:53.599 that we might have salvation 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:55.139 through him. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:57.839 There was an army chaplain 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:59.459 during the First World War. 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:02.319 He was called John Esselmunt Adams. 00:18:03.919 --> 00:18:06.259 He was 49 years old 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:07.599 when the war broke out. 00:18:07.679 --> 00:18:09.959 And he'd been a minister in Scotland. 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:12.059 And within a month or two 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.240 of the war starting, 00:18:13.359 --> 00:18:14.199 he found himself 00:18:14.199 --> 00:18:16.819 at the front line of battle 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:18.079 in the trenches 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:20.579 alongside the other troops. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.859 And there he spoke 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:25.539 about the reality of war 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:28.599 and how people would see 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:30.879 their own eternity 00:18:30.879 --> 00:18:32.099 there before them, 00:18:32.859 --> 00:18:34.259 of how many were lost 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.559 in a moment, 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:36.859 in a blink. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:37.940 And he spoke about it 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:40.019 in this way of seeing, 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.019 fighting men. 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:41.460 He spoke, 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:42.879 multitudes have had 00:18:42.879 --> 00:18:44.440 their faith deepened 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:46.440 and multitudes have learned 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:47.599 as never before 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:49.480 the need and the value 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:51.579 of faith in God. 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:54.440 When the reality was right 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.460 in front of them 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.500 of their eternity, 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.420 their need of God 00:18:58.420 --> 00:19:00.039 was made so much clearer. 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:02.460 And for us, 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:03.620 we've maybe lost 00:19:03.620 --> 00:19:04.820 that perspective 00:19:04.820 --> 00:19:06.180 of eternity 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:07.779 and eternity 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:09.740 being before us. 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.720 But we're reminded 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:13.580 again and again 00:19:13.580 --> 00:19:14.279 and again 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:16.220 of how eternity 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:17.320 is within a blink. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.420 The tragedies 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:21.160 that we see happening 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:22.220 all around us. 00:19:22.600 --> 00:19:23.620 Famous people, 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.239 we've seen it 00:19:24.239 --> 00:19:25.579 with a footballer, 00:19:25.719 --> 00:19:26.579 two footballers, 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:27.359 two brothers, 00:19:28.239 --> 00:19:30.019 Diego and Andre 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:32.479 died in a tragic car accident. 00:19:33.399 --> 00:19:34.779 The devastation 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.239 that that brings, 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:38.299 eternity in a moment. 00:19:39.179 --> 00:19:40.659 We saw it in the last week 00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:42.399 with the devastating floods 00:19:42.399 --> 00:19:43.099 in Texas. 00:19:43.879 --> 00:19:45.519 How just in a moment 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:46.439 so suddenly 00:19:46.439 --> 00:19:47.979 eternity is there 00:19:47.979 --> 00:19:49.299 before our eyes. 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.859 and we seem 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:51.399 to think 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:51.980 that we're living 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:53.139 in peace. 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.539 But none of us 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:55.919 know 00:19:55.919 --> 00:19:57.200 what is ahead 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:57.919 of us 00:19:57.919 --> 00:19:59.299 and how in a moment, 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:00.159 in a blink, 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.899 eternity is there. 00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:04.440 But do we have 00:20:04.440 --> 00:20:05.319 this song 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:06.740 of salvation? 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:09.319 John Esselstyn 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.859 Adams, 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:10.779 he spoke about 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:12.599 where these men 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:13.899 found their hope 00:20:13.899 --> 00:20:15.119 in the time of need. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:15.899 he said 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:17.079 the most read book 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:18.339 was the New Testament. 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:19.799 And he said 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:20.359 one man, 00:20:20.439 --> 00:20:21.500 a machine gun officer, 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:23.519 he writes to say 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.339 he never read 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:25.339 so much of it 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:25.879 at home, 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.539 but that it's the only book 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.339 he can settle 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:28.839 to read 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:29.479 as he sits 00:20:29.479 --> 00:20:30.519 through the long nights 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.259 in the trenches 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.939 beside his gun. 00:20:33.479 --> 00:20:34.859 He found his hope 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:36.179 in the gospel, 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.219 in the word 00:20:37.219 --> 00:20:38.459 of God. 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:41.019 And here is the word 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:41.559 of God 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.799 before us today. 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.500 The word of God 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:45.160 that gives us 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:45.779 a song 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.160 of salvation 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:48.420 to sing. 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.180 Salvation 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:51.079 that has come 00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:52.799 at a great price 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:55.019 because the Lord Jesus 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.819 gave 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:57.200 his life 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:59.920 so that we might 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.240 have 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:01.799 eternal life. 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:03.559 Eternity 00:21:03.559 --> 00:21:04.319 is before 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.660 us all. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.620 But are we singing 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:08.659 the song 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.399 of salvation? 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:10.399 Are we trusting 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:11.479 in the Lord 00:21:11.479 --> 00:21:13.019 with all our hearts? 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:14.439 You keep him 00:21:14.439 --> 00:21:15.679 in perfect peace 00:21:15.679 --> 00:21:16.419 whose mind 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:17.879 is stayed on you 00:21:17.879 --> 00:21:19.319 because he trusts 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:20.419 in you. 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.399 Do you have 00:21:22.399 --> 00:21:23.159 that peace? 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.579 Are you trusting 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:27.059 in the Lord? 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:29.500 Well, 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.019 it's a song 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:30.959 of remembrance 00:21:30.959 --> 00:21:32.019 finally we see 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:33.000 here as well. 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:34.639 Song of a city, 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.199 a song 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:36.359 of salvation 00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.079 and a song 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:38.480 of remembrance. 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.220 In verse 4 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.460 there we are told, 00:21:43.099 --> 00:21:44.399 Trust in the Lord 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.299 forever 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:46.919 for the Lord 00:21:46.919 --> 00:21:48.259 is an everlasting 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.559 rock. 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.359 And then in verse 8 00:21:51.359 --> 00:21:51.919 and 9, 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.480 In the path 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:54.299 of your judgments, 00:21:54.439 --> 00:21:54.799 O Lord, 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.939 we wait for you. 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:56.939 Your name 00:21:56.939 --> 00:21:57.679 and remembrance 00:21:57.679 --> 00:21:58.919 are the desire 00:21:58.919 --> 00:22:00.179 of our soul. 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:00.919 My soul 00:22:00.919 --> 00:22:02.039 yearns for you 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:02.599 in the night. 00:22:03.179 --> 00:22:03.740 My spirit 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.359 within me 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:05.019 earnestly 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.980 seeks you. 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.720 And so we see 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.940 here it's a call 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:11.259 to remembrance. 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:12.839 To remember 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:13.539 the Lord 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.980 today. 00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:16.339 To remember 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:16.940 the Lord 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:17.799 as we have 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:18.460 opportunity. 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:19.900 To yearn 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:20.660 for him. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.539 To trust 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.720 in the Lord 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.720 forever. 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.240 Peace 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:28.559 is something 00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:29.480 we speak of 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:30.299 and pray for 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:30.599 often. 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:32.099 and yet 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:32.899 in this world 00:22:32.899 --> 00:22:33.939 that's full of sin 00:22:33.939 --> 00:22:34.559 it's always 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:35.539 only temporary. 00:22:37.399 --> 00:22:37.879 Wars 00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:38.759 and conflicts 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.480 and suffering 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:40.159 goes on 00:22:40.159 --> 00:22:41.039 generation 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:42.579 after generation. 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.679 And so 00:22:44.679 --> 00:22:45.279 it will be. 00:22:45.879 --> 00:22:46.539 Because the word 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:46.980 of God 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.539 tells us 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:47.899 there will be 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:48.399 wars 00:22:48.399 --> 00:22:48.919 and rumors 00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:49.559 of war 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.480 until the 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:50.819 coming 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.980 of the Lord. 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.059 Lord. 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.299 But are we 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:54.660 learning 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.120 anything 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:55.759 in the midst 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.299 of it? 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:57.660 Are we 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:57.940 learning 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.279 anything 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:58.680 for our 00:22:58.680 --> 00:22:59.559 own soul 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:00.640 even today? 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:02.259 Do we 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:02.660 have 00:23:02.660 --> 00:23:04.099 that peace? 00:23:05.079 --> 00:23:05.380 Do we 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:05.900 have this 00:23:05.900 --> 00:23:06.259 song 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:06.500 that we 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.019 can call 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:07.779 to remembrance? 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:08.940 A song 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.360 that gives 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:10.039 us hope 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.579 in the midst 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.019 of all 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:11.460 the different 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:11.940 things 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.620 that we 00:23:12.620 --> 00:23:13.240 experience 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.099 in life? 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:15.759 When you 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.660 hear a song 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.279 being played 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:17.599 that you're 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.420 familiar with 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.880 very often 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:20.740 it will 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.299 take you 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:21.859 back to 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:22.440 a moment 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.180 or a time 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:23.500 in your 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:23.940 life 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.899 to an 00:23:24.899 --> 00:23:25.720 experience. 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.079 It might 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.720 be a day 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.180 in your 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.559 life. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:29.500 It might 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:29.799 be a 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:30.220 portion 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:31.079 in your 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.500 life. 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.460 But a 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:32.940 song can 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:33.599 often take 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.240 us back 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.559 to remember 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:36.039 different 00:23:36.039 --> 00:23:36.440 things, 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:36.980 to remember 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.399 different 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:37.899 times, 00:23:38.419 --> 00:23:38.740 places, 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:39.980 and people. 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.460 But this 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:42.879 song, 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:44.119 it always 00:23:44.119 --> 00:23:44.720 takes us 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.200 back to 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:45.740 think of 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.180 God. 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.720 The song 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.639 of a 00:23:48.639 --> 00:23:49.000 city. 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.119 We have 00:23:50.119 --> 00:23:50.720 a strong 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.119 city, 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:51.639 a city 00:23:51.639 --> 00:23:52.419 of salvation, 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:52.959 a city 00:23:52.959 --> 00:23:53.619 that we 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:53.879 are to 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.459 remember 00:23:54.459 --> 00:23:55.819 every day 00:23:55.819 --> 00:23:56.079 that we 00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:56.519 have a 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.459 hope in 00:23:57.459 --> 00:23:57.979 the Lord. 00:23:58.819 --> 00:23:59.379 So as we 00:23:59.379 --> 00:23:59.859 go on 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:01.179 trusting in 00:24:01.179 --> 00:24:01.699 the Lord, 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:02.899 we call 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.519 to mind 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.219 his goodness, 00:24:04.439 --> 00:24:05.059 his mercy 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:06.159 that follows 00:24:06.159 --> 00:24:06.979 us all 00:24:06.979 --> 00:24:07.679 the days. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.279 And the 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:10.019 question could 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.639 be asked 00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.539 as we 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.159 call these 00:24:12.159 --> 00:24:12.779 things to 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.199 mind, 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.519 how do 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:14.799 we get 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.639 in to 00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.199 this city? 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:17.899 How do 00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:18.519 we find 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.799 this place 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.700 of refuge, 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.859 this place 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:22.960 of rest? 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.379 We can 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:24.859 be used 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:26.059 to coming 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.619 and going 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:27.279 from cities 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.740 as we 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.299 please. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:28.799 We can 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:29.559 drive into 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.599 cities from 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:31.299 all different 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:31.839 directions. 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.359 We arrive 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.200 by planes, 00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:33.819 trains, 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:34.700 cars, 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:35.639 all sorts 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:36.200 of ways. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:38.319 But in 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:38.859 the days of 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:39.319 Isaiah, 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.019 to find your 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:40.460 way into 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:41.000 a city, 00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:41.879 it was 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:42.160 more 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:43.139 complicated. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:44.660 You had 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:45.220 to find 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.380 that gate 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:46.839 that let 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.180 you in. 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:47.480 You had 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.000 to pass 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:48.500 through a 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:48.880 gate that 00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:49.180 had to 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:49.799 be opened 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.920 for you. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.299 You had 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:51.559 to be 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.220 let in. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.059 Well, 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.120 here it 00:24:55.120 --> 00:24:56.059 speaks about 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:57.680 getting 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.500 into this 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:58.839 city. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.559 Call to 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:01.140 remembrance 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:02.480 your name 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.299 and the 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:03.860 desire of 00:25:03.860 --> 00:25:04.380 our soul 00:25:04.380 --> 00:25:04.740 is to 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.380 see you. 00:25:06.120 --> 00:25:06.680 But when 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.400 we think 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:07.900 of getting 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:08.660 into this 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.039 city, 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:09.980 we have 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.400 to think 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:10.640 about, 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:10.839 well, 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:11.319 what is 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:11.880 the way 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:12.799 in? 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:14.000 Well, 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:14.400 the way 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.060 in is 00:25:15.060 --> 00:25:15.380 through 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:16.120 faith. 00:25:17.540 --> 00:25:18.080 You think 00:25:18.080 --> 00:25:18.700 about going 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.740 in to 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.720 a football 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.540 match or 00:25:21.540 --> 00:25:22.180 a stadium 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:22.600 for a 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:23.080 concert. 00:25:23.840 --> 00:25:24.360 How do 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:24.620 you get 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:24.840 in? 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:26.200 You go 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:26.640 through a 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.340 turnstile. 00:25:28.080 --> 00:25:28.420 You go 00:25:28.420 --> 00:25:28.840 through a 00:25:28.840 --> 00:25:29.200 narrow 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.800 axis. 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.180 And you 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:31.540 have to 00:25:31.540 --> 00:25:32.100 give your 00:25:32.100 --> 00:25:32.720 ticket or 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:33.860 scan your 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.500 code or 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.060 whatever it 00:25:35.060 --> 00:25:35.380 is, but 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:35.740 there has 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.140 to be a 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:36.460 way where 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:36.900 you gain 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.680 access in. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.460 You can't 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:38.980 just appear 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.300 and go 00:25:39.300 --> 00:25:39.900 through the 00:25:39.900 --> 00:25:40.740 gate without 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.700 any ID or 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.259 any access, 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:42.920 any ticket. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.019 You won't 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.480 get in. 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:46.299 Well, 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:46.579 the way 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.420 in to 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:48.579 this city, 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:49.460 the way 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.259 into this 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:51.180 place that 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:51.759 God is 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.619 speaking about 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:53.859 here is 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:54.940 by faith. 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.460 By faith 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.299 in the 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:59.019 Lord Jesus 00:25:59.019 --> 00:25:59.740 Christ. 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.519 It's the 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.339 only way 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:03.119 to get 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:03.400 in. 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.400 By 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.039 trusting 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.440 in him. 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:11.779 to gain 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:13.700 access is 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.460 to believe. 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:16.380 And to 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:17.640 believe in 00:26:17.640 --> 00:26:18.180 the only 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:19.400 one who 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:19.940 is able 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.700 to save. 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.980 We have 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:23.640 to fix 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:24.960 our mind 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:26.080 on him. 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:27.720 Keep 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.420 your mind 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:29.240 on the 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.880 Lord Jesus. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.600 Trust in 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:31.840 him. 00:26:32.100 --> 00:26:32.820 Trust in 00:26:32.820 --> 00:26:33.279 the Lord 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:33.779 forever. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.500 For the 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.140 Lord God 00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:35.500 is an 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.279 everlasting 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:37.420 rock. 00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:38.859 He is a 00:26:38.859 --> 00:26:40.160 place of 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:40.859 security. 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:41.960 An 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:42.579 eternal 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:43.019 place. 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:43.299 He has 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:44.500 access to 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.200 this city. 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:46.160 He is the 00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:47.119 access to 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:48.059 this salvation. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.059 And we are 00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:49.759 to call to 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:50.339 mind and 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.839 remember all 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:52.200 that the 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:53.319 Lord has 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:53.779 done. 00:26:54.899 --> 00:26:55.339 In verse 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.639 12, it 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.200 speaks of 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:57.619 there, O 00:26:57.619 --> 00:26:58.079 Lord, you 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:58.639 will ordain 00:26:58.639 --> 00:26:59.440 peace for 00:26:59.440 --> 00:26:59.740 us. 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.579 You have 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.259 done for 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.480 us all 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.299 our works. 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:04.839 He has 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:05.019 done 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.519 everything 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.720 for us. 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.200 Are we 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:09.659 singing 00:27:09.659 --> 00:27:10.940 this song 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:12.139 of salvation? 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:12.559 In our 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.419 week, when 00:27:13.419 --> 00:27:13.659 we will 00:27:13.659 --> 00:27:14.379 hear many 00:27:14.379 --> 00:27:15.579 songs being 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:16.899 sung, many 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:17.279 that we may 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:17.879 be familiar 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.359 with and 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:18.919 sing along 00:27:18.919 --> 00:27:19.819 with ourselves, 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:21.519 may we 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.099 remember 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.299 this song 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:23.680 of a 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.019 city, 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.399 this song 00:27:25.399 --> 00:27:26.259 of salvation, 00:27:27.139 --> 00:27:27.619 this song 00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.359 to remember 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:29.279 what the 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:30.399 Lord has 00:27:30.399 --> 00:27:31.399 done for 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:32.139 his people. 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:33.120 let us 00:27:33.120 --> 00:27:34.500 trust in 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.740 him. 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.620 Let us 00:27:35.620 --> 00:27:35.880 pray. 00:27:38.780 --> 00:27:39.500 Lord, our 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.060 gracious 00:27:40.060 --> 00:27:40.700 God, we 00:27:40.700 --> 00:27:41.259 do thank 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.540 you that 00:27:41.540 --> 00:27:42.040 you give 00:27:42.040 --> 00:27:43.040 that joy 00:27:43.040 --> 00:27:43.600 of song 00:27:43.600 --> 00:27:44.020 in our 00:27:44.020 --> 00:27:44.620 hearts and 00:27:44.620 --> 00:27:45.220 that song 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.160 that is 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:46.600 able to 00:27:46.600 --> 00:27:47.540 express the 00:27:47.540 --> 00:27:47.980 hope that 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:48.480 we have 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:48.960 in you. 00:27:49.360 --> 00:27:49.740 In a 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.180 city you 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.960 have prepared 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:51.460 for your 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.740 people, a 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.259 place of 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.400 peace and 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:55.140 rest for 00:27:55.140 --> 00:27:55.560 all who 00:27:55.560 --> 00:27:55.900 put their 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.740 trust in 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.000 you. 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:57.880 And we 00:27:57.880 --> 00:27:58.360 do pray, 00:27:58.520 --> 00:27:58.840 Lord, that 00:27:58.840 --> 00:27:59.580 your blessing 00:27:59.580 --> 00:28:01.200 would help 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:01.720 us to call 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:02.299 these things 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:02.460 through 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:02.960 remembrance 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.480 in all 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:03.920 the days 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:05.059 ahead, that 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:05.279 you would 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:05.900 guide us 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:06.420 by your 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:07.299 spirit, guide 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:07.980 us by your 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.660 truth, by 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:09.980 your word, to 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.480 be able to 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:11.519 look and fix 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:13.079 our hearts and 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.460 our souls, our 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.339 minds on our 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:16.019 Lord Jesus 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:17.039 Christ and to 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.360 follow him the 00:28:18.360 --> 00:28:19.460 way to perfect 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:19.920 peace. 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:20.799 Hear our 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.339 prayers and 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:21.940 continue with 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.200 us. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.059 That's all we 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:23.339 ask. 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:23.819 We ask in 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.339 his precious 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:24.779 name. 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:25.600 Amen. 00:28:25.600 --> 00:28:25.720 Amen. 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:31.200 We're going 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.860 to conclude 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:32.380 by singing 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.120 to God's 00:28:33.120 --> 00:28:33.640 praise in 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:35.019 Psalm 48a, 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:35.539 the Sing 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:36.579 Psalms version. 00:28:37.680 --> 00:28:38.400 Find this 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:39.160 on page 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:40.200 63. 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:44.480 Psalm 48a 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:45.039 will sing 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:45.480 from 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.900 verse 9 00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:47.460 down to 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.000 the end 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:48.700 of the 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.180 psalm. 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:53.840 We 00:28:53.840 --> 00:28:54.740 contemplate 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:54.940 your 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:55.620 steadfast 00:28:55.620 --> 00:28:56.259 love within 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:56.900 your house, 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.840 O God, for 00:28:57.840 --> 00:28:58.340 like your 00:28:58.340 --> 00:28:58.840 name, your 00:28:58.840 --> 00:28:59.880 praise extends 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:00.480 through all 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:00.940 the earth 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:01.420 abroad. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.440 All that 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:02.980 you do is 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.460 righteous, 00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.320 Lord, Mount 00:29:04.320 --> 00:29:05.500 Sion's joy is 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.440 great, and 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:07.519 Judah's towns 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:08.400 rejoice as 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:08.820 they your 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:09.340 judgment 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:10.519 celebrate. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:10.920 And then 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.120 you have 00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:11.860 these words 00:29:11.860 --> 00:29:12.240 in verse 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.560 12, 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.299 round Sion 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:14.380 walk and 00:29:14.380 --> 00:29:14.980 count our 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:15.820 towers, view 00:29:15.820 --> 00:29:16.860 every citadel. 00:29:17.340 --> 00:29:17.700 Speaking 00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:18.000 there about 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.680 that city 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.900 of peace 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:20.779 and protection, 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.140 and then 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:21.680 it goes on 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.039 to say, 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:22.440 so that 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:23.180 to children 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.600 yet unborn 00:29:24.600 --> 00:29:25.539 her story 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.600 you may 00:29:26.600 --> 00:29:26.980 tell. 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:27.440 It's a 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.500 song that 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:28.960 is to be 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.620 shared and 00:29:29.620 --> 00:29:30.080 remembered 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:31.460 for all 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.440 generations. 00:29:33.120 --> 00:29:33.720 We'll sing 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.140 from verse 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:34.759 9, the 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.200 tune is 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.700 Morvan, 00:29:36.060 --> 00:29:36.680 9 to 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.400 14, we 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:38.060 stand to 00:29:38.060 --> 00:29:38.880 sing to 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:39.299 God's 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:39.700 praise. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:39.799 Amen. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.700 We 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:47.700 contemplate 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.700 praise. 00:29:48.700 --> 00:29:49.519 Let your 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:52.980 steadfast love 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:56.620 within you 00:29:56.620 --> 00:30:01.279 house, O God. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:06.160 For like your name, 00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:10.120 your praise extends 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:18.839 through all the earth abroad. 00:30:20.659 --> 00:30:29.119 All that you do is righteous, Lord, 00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:38.279 Mount Zion's joy is great, 00:30:38.979 --> 00:30:45.119 and Judah's times rejoice 00:30:45.639 --> 00:30:55.959 as they your judgments celebrate. 00:30:55.960 --> 00:31:08.299 Round Zion walk and countertiles 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:14.960 view every citadel, 00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:26.960 so that to children yet unborn 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:34.960 a story you may tell. 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:46.900 For God the Lord, who is our God, 00:31:47.380 --> 00:31:55.220 forever will abide, 00:31:55.220 --> 00:32:05.220 he is our God forevermore, 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:15.220 and to the end our guide. 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.759 We'll close with a benediction, 00:32:17.880 --> 00:32:18.600 and after the benediction, 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:20.160 I'll go to the door to my left. 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:23.380 Now may grace, mercy, and peace 00:32:23.380 --> 00:32:26.319 from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:28.839 rest upon and abide with you all 00:32:28.839 --> 00:32:29.980 now and forevermore. 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:30.779 Amen. 00:32:30.779 --> 00:32:30.900 Amen. 00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:30.900 00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:30.900 00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:32.900 Amen. 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:46.220 Amen.