WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.380 Friends, welcome to church this morning. 00:00:10.120 --> 00:00:19.219 We have a changed venue due to the lockdown we are in, so I'm here in the study. 00:00:20.400 --> 00:00:27.359 But praise God, although we are perhaps feeling isolated in ways that we never have before, 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:39.359 that we have the privilege of worshipping the one God together in the spirit through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 00:00:39.439 --> 00:00:42.140 And so we're glad to be able to do that. 00:00:42.259 --> 00:00:45.399 Glad too that we can maintain fellowship. 00:00:46.299 --> 00:00:55.179 It's been great to hear of people's desire to connect with each other, spending time remotely together. 00:00:55.179 --> 00:01:00.939 So again, we'll have digital tea and coffee as soon as this is finished. 00:01:01.539 --> 00:01:10.180 And don't forget to tune in again at 5.30, where we continue to think about the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:01:11.019 --> 00:01:13.939 This morning, we're going to go back to basics. 00:01:14.060 --> 00:01:17.280 We're going to think about the good news of the cross. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:26.180 I guess Easter can feel really far off our radar, but we're coming towards that time where we think of Jesus' death and resurrection. 00:01:26.680 --> 00:01:31.200 So we're going to think of why the cross is good news as we worship. 00:01:32.180 --> 00:01:35.840 Now, let me read our call to worship. 00:01:36.020 --> 00:01:40.180 And we will sing from this psalm in just a few moments. 00:01:40.180 --> 00:01:44.500 In Psalm 62, we read, 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:49.120 My soul finds rest in God alone. 00:01:49.900 --> 00:01:52.680 My salvation comes from him. 00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:58.100 He alone is my rock and my salvation. 00:01:58.820 --> 00:02:01.060 He is my fortress. 00:02:01.800 --> 00:02:04.100 I shall never be shaken. 00:02:04.099 --> 00:02:12.319 This is a time to re-centre our hearts on God, to remember the good news. 00:02:12.939 --> 00:02:18.539 Now, in a moment, Kellen will lead us in singing our opening songs. 00:02:19.340 --> 00:02:23.219 The first is a modern hymn, His Mercy is More. 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:29.079 And then we shall sing the first eight verses of Psalm 62. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:59.060 What love could remember the wrongs we have done? 00:02:59.080 --> 00:03:04.340 Omniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum. 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:10.180 Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore. 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:16.680 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:03:16.680 --> 00:03:19.960 Praise the Lord. 00:03:21.780 --> 00:03:25.080 His mercy is more. 00:03:25.080 --> 00:03:33.439 Stronger than darkness, new evermore. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:39.060 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:03:41.860 --> 00:03:47.480 But patience would wait as we constantly roam. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:52.880 What Father so tender is calling us home? 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:58.439 He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor. 00:03:58.439 --> 00:04:05.159 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:09.039 Praise the Lord. 00:04:09.039 --> 00:04:13.539 His mercy is more. 00:04:13.539 --> 00:04:21.680 Stronger than darkness, new evermore. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:27.339 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:04:30.339 --> 00:04:35.899 What riches of kindness He lavished on us. 00:04:35.899 --> 00:04:41.459 His blood, His blood, His blood, His blood was the payment, His life was the cost. 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:47.179 We stood neath a debt we could never afford. 00:04:48.179 --> 00:04:54.239 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:55.240 Praise the Lord. 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:56.240 Praise the Lord. 00:04:56.240 --> 00:04:57.240 Praise the Lord. 00:04:57.240 --> 00:05:01.240 His mercy is more. 00:05:01.240 --> 00:05:02.240 His mercy is more. 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:10.240 Stronger than darkness, new evermore. 00:05:10.240 --> 00:05:15.519 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:16.519 Praise the Lord. 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:17.519 Praise the Lord. 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:22.519 His mercy is more. 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:27.519 His mercy is more. 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:31.519 Stronger than darkness, new evermore. 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:37.519 Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more. 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:51.519 Stronger than darkness, new evermore. 00:05:51.519 --> 00:05:58.519 My soul finds rest in God alone. 00:05:58.519 --> 00:06:05.519 From Him comes my salvation sure. 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:12.519 My safety fortress, sheltering rock. 00:06:12.519 --> 00:06:20.519 In Him alone I am secure. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:30.519 How long will you assault a man? 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:38.519 Do you all seek to lay Him low? 00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:45.519 This leaning wall, this torturing fence, 00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:54.519 And bring about His overthrown? 00:06:54.519 --> 00:07:03.519 They plan His fall from His high place. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:10.519 They take delight in spreading lies. 00:07:10.519 --> 00:07:17.519 With false and flattering mouths they bless. 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:28.519 But in their hearts curse and despise. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:36.519 Find rest, my soul, in God alone. 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:43.519 In Him my hope is ever sure. 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:51.519 My safety fortress, sheltering rock. 00:07:51.519 --> 00:08:01.519 In Him alone I am secure. 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:08.519 My honor and salvation rest. 00:08:08.519 --> 00:08:16.519 On God my rock and mighty fort. 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:23.519 O people, trust in Him always. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:35.519 To Him alone pour out your heart. 00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:42.519 Now let's pray together. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:57.519 We worship you as the God who promised Himself as the place of rest and refuge to which your people can run to. 00:08:57.519 --> 00:09:04.519 We come to you as the God who offers us mercy. 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:10.519 Mercy each day in that you are our creator and our sustainer. 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:14.519 And mercy too in that you see our need. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:16.519 You see our brokenness. 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:18.519 You see our sin. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:24.519 And you have responded in the sending of Jesus to be the answer. 00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:27.519 To be the light of the world. 00:09:27.519 --> 00:09:31.519 To be our hope and our salvation. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:34.519 Lord, we praise you too. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:40.519 That you are a God who says we can pour out our hearts to you. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:44.519 That we can be honest about how we feel. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:49.519 Lord, today many of us feel anxious. 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:53.519 Many of us feel the weight of uncertainty. 00:09:53.519 --> 00:10:00.519 Many of us are worried for families and for friends. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:05.519 We have concerns over our work. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:09.519 And we have concerns over our finances. 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:16.519 Lord, we want to place ourselves and those whom we love into your hands. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:20.519 Trusting in your care and keeping. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:27.519 Lord, we ask that as your people we would know you close to us in a special way. 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:29.519 And that your spirit would be at work in our hearts. 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:36.519 Constantly reminding us that if our faith is in Jesus that we are children of God. 00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:45.519 And that nothing happens in our lives except that which is for your glory and for our good. 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:49.519 And so we pray you would strengthen us as your people. 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:55.519 Especially be with those who feel particularly lonely. 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:59.519 Perhaps with the isolation, those who are struggling emotionally. 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:02.519 Or with mental health issues. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:08.519 Lord, we pray your protecting and comforting hand to be with them. 00:11:08.519 --> 00:11:13.519 Lord, we thank you that we can still meet as church. 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:20.519 And we pray that you would use our community groups and our times of prayer together. 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:23.519 To be a source of strength for us. 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:27.519 As well as praising you of seeking your wisdom. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:32.519 And seeking that you would do good among us and in our nation. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:34.519 Lord, we pray for our nation. 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:37.519 We pray mercy for us. 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:40.519 Lord, we again pray that you would help our leaders. 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:44.519 Give them all the wisdom and the help that they need. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:51.519 Lord, we continue to pray for everybody involved in the National Health Service. 00:11:51.519 --> 00:11:57.519 We recognize the huge challenges and burden of care that is laid on them. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:00.519 Lord, may they know your strength. 00:12:00.519 --> 00:12:03.519 Lord, we pray for Christians in the NHS. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:10.519 That their witness, the way they do their work would be a powerful testimony to the hope that there is in Jesus. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:14.519 And we pray that for staff and for patients. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:20.519 That it would cause people to ask, why do they have such a hope? 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:32.519 Lord, we pray for those who are facing financial struggle and who don't know where to turn. 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:35.519 For those who feel their future looks bullied. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:39.519 May there be a great turning back to you. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:42.519 To have faith in you. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:46.519 Lord, we pray for our world at this time. 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:51.519 As we have been turned upside down and brought to a standstill collectively. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:57.519 May it be a time for us to be still and to know that you are God. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:13:05.519 May it be a time that you would, in judgment, that you would also show mercy to us. 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:10.519 And that you would reveal the glory of Jesus to many people. 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:17.519 As hearts are looking for answers, may they seek and find those answers in Jesus. 00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:25.519 And Lord, we pray as we meet together, that you would teach us or remind us of the hope that we have. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:30.519 And because of Jesus and his death on the cross. 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:33.519 And we pray these things in his precious name. 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:34.519 Amen. 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:42.519 Now, our Bible reading this morning is from Romans chapter 3. 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:51.519 So if you have your Bible, we'll read Romans chapter 3 from verse 9 to verse 26. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:58.519 But we're going to focus on verses 21 and 22 together in just a moment. 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:02.519 So let's hear the word of God together. 00:14:02.519 --> 00:14:07.519 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:13.519 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:18.519 As it is written, there is no one righteous, not even one. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:22.519 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:26.519 All have turned away. They have together become worthless. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:30.519 There is no one who does good, not even one. 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:35.519 Their throats are open graves. Their tongues practice deceit. 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:41.519 The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:44.519 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:49.519 ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:52.519 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:14:52.519 --> 00:15:02.519 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:08.519 Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law. 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:12.519 Rather, through the law, we become conscious of sin. 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:22.519 But now, a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the law and the prophets testify. 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:28.519 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:40.519 There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:47.519 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:55.519 He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. 00:15:55.519 --> 00:16:07.519 He did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just, and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:12.519 So let's spend some time thinking about these words. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:18.519 We're going to spend the next three Sunday mornings actually thinking about the cross as good news. 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:23.519 Thinking about it from Romans chapter 3, verses 21 to 26. 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:26.519 So this morning, we'll do 21, the first half of 22. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:33.519 And we're going to think, how is there good news here? 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:42.519 We are experiencing this reality that COVID-19 has brought our world to a standstill. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:49.519 We are all experiencing collectively isolation. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:51.519 But the challenge is that brings. 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:54.519 That there are empty streets and empty shops. 00:16:54.519 --> 00:17:00.519 And there is fear and panic in the hearts of many. 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:07.519 Perhaps you find yourself glued to media coverage into social media. 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:12.519 Wondering that when will these restrictions be lifted? 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:15.519 Will there be a flattening of the curve? 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:18.519 Will a vaccine be discovered? 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:21.519 Will there be any good news? 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:23.519 Will there be any good news? 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:26.519 And into this culture of fear and anxiety? 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:28.519 That I'm sure we all feel at different levels. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:31.519 I want us to deliberately, as we say, get back to basics. 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:35.519 To think about the heart of the Bible's good news. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:39.519 To get to the message of Easter. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:45.480 which always is and always will be good news in a broken world. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:50.440 So our big question today looking at verses 21 and 22 is this. 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:54.700 How can you and I be right with God? 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:57.940 And that's a question that really matters. 00:17:58.079 --> 00:18:02.000 First of all because you were made for it. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:05.539 Go back to the beginning of the Bible. 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:09.779 We discover God makes a perfect world. 00:18:10.359 --> 00:18:18.159 Garden of Eden places Adam and Eve in that garden so that they might know and enjoy friendship, fellowship with God. 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:21.559 That's what we're made for as people in the image of God. 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.920 It's a wonderful privilege. 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:34.759 Knowing God also provides real hope today to a people starved of hope that is good news in the Bible. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:37.720 It comes from being right with God. 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:40.859 And this question also matters. 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:42.220 How can I be right with God? 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:46.440 Because it doesn't just determine how I live today and now. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:50.480 It also determines my eternal future. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:19:03.839 As people are beginning to consider life and how short life is, this question, how can I be right with God, matters because we're thinking about heaven and hell as eternal realities. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:09.720 And the only way to enjoy perfect peace and joy is through being right with God. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:13.220 So we need some good news. 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:17.819 But first, there is some bad news. 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:28.579 Paul, who wrote this letter from chapter 1 verse 18 all the way to chapter 3 and verse 20, hammers on one big coin. 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:29.200 And it's this. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:34.220 No one by themselves can be good enough for God. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:44.519 You and I by ourselves, we cannot be good enough that outside of Jesus, we are lost and we cannot find our way back to God. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:48.120 We are guilty in God's courtroom. 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:50.900 And we read a couple of summary statements. 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:53.120 Romans chapter 3 and verse 9. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:20:00.079 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 00:20:00.439 --> 00:20:06.379 Whatever our nationality or background, we are all alike under sin outside of Jesus. 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:08.039 And verse 20. 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:14.639 Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law. 00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:24.000 Trying to keep God's law, trying to earn our way to God's acceptance does not work. 00:20:25.540 --> 00:20:31.360 And Paul, in between those summary sentences, in verses 10 to 18, he piles up evidence. 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:37.140 Loads of scriptures from the Old Testament, which function really as a catalogue of our sins. 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:47.980 And so in verse 20, verse 10 rather, on our legal standing before God, the Bible is clear, there is no one righteous. 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:56.520 When it comes to our minds, there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 00:20:56.620 --> 00:21:04.500 Our minds are both unable and unwilling to turn and to trust and to love and to worship God left to ourselves. 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:09.079 Our desires are twisted and out of shape. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.799 All have turned away. 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:12.900 They have together become worthless. 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:16.000 There is no one who does good, not even one. 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:23.200 God sets the course for our life as the wise designer, creator, and we deliberately turn away from that. 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:28.640 Our words are used to hurt and destroy. 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:30.259 Listen to the language. 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:33.319 Their throats are open graves. 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:37.919 The poison of vipers is on their lips. 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:42.740 We spoil relationships and we fail to love others well. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:45.139 Verses 14 to 16. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:50.000 We have mouths full of cursing and bitterness, feet swift to shed blood. 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:53.960 Ruin and misery mark their ways. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:56.039 And to cap it all. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:59.160 There is no fear of God before the line. 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:09.380 Collectively, outside of Jesus, we fail and we refuse to honour and to love God. 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:17.500 We have as people, I think, an instinct to compare and to compete. 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:23.180 We make subjective judgments on how we are doing. 00:22:24.560 --> 00:22:27.140 So we say, well, at least I'm not as bad as the person over there. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:32.680 In terms of the question, how can I be right with God? 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:40.480 We need to compare, not against one another, but against God's perfect standard. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:47.339 And as we do that, a sobering reality comes into view. 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:55.639 That you and I, even if we were to live perfectly from this point on, we could not cover our paths. 00:22:56.179 --> 00:23:00.500 Words, actions, motives that we know in our hearts and in our minds were wrong. 00:23:01.439 --> 00:23:03.099 Our conscience that condemns us. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:11.219 And we also, even in our best days, we cannot perfectly keep the love commands. 00:23:11.359 --> 00:23:13.699 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:16.899 And love your neighbour as yourself. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.779 We cannot do it. 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:26.699 And so we stand before God guilty and without any defence. 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:32.779 Maybe some of you are already asking the question, hold on a minute. 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:35.599 You told me this was a good news sermon. 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:38.680 So where's the good news? 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:44.720 Well, I just want to say sometimes hearing bad news can actually be good news. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:48.259 I was thinking about cartoon races. 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:53.039 Maybe as a kid, do you remember watching like Wacky Races or Tom and Jerry, that kind of thing? 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:59.779 Whenever there was a race, there would always be the villain who would get ahead and they'd come to a fork in the road. 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:02.539 And they'd always turn the signpost. 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:05.379 You know, sort of like say, race this way. 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:12.379 And to go that way was probably a crocodile infested swamp or something like that. 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:15.000 It's a cartoon. 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:22.280 But in life, the devil, the enemy of God, he wants to deceive you and me. 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:24.800 He wants us to go on the wrong path. 00:24:26.060 --> 00:24:31.740 He wants us to believe the path of being good without God is okay. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:39.740 He wants to deceive us by making us believe, well, you're better than many people, so I'm sure you'll be okay with God. 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:46.220 He wants to sell us the lie that God will simply accept us. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:47.740 That's his job. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:56.960 Those lies and deception and that path is the equivalent of us heading towards the swamp. 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:02.720 Only if we believe the lie of the devil, we're heading towards eternal judgment. 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:05.519 We're heading towards hell. 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:22.379 So in that context, isn't it good news to hear an honest, loving warning about the reality of sin and guilt when it would cause us to hear good news and to see where hope comes from? 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:30.700 You think about the government's advice on social distancing and being really hard on us not going anywhere unless it's essential. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:33.819 It doesn't come to us as a wonderful news, does it? 00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:37.980 There's bad news in that three weeks of restrictions. 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:45.940 But there is the prospect of good news, of lives being saved, of less pressure on our NHS. 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:48.680 So we hear it and we heed it. 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:51.920 Bad news that can be good news. 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.920 Bad news. 00:25:52.920 --> 00:26:00.940 In God's mercy, all through the Bible, the Bible exposes the danger of a path that walks away from God. 00:26:02.160 --> 00:26:03.120 And that's good news. 00:26:03.580 --> 00:26:11.840 Another way this bad news is actually good news is that it can give us freedom from a save yourself religion. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:23.500 And I guess there are lots of different varieties of save yourself religion where we are trying really hard to earn the approval of God. 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:26.459 And maybe you've had that experience. 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:29.619 I have certainly lived that kind of religious life. 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:33.119 And it is exhausting trying to prove yourself. 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:35.419 It's exhausting to try and prove yourself to another person. 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:38.579 Never mind trying to prove yourself to a perfect God. 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:45.799 And we need to understand that save yourself religion will exhaust you and at the same time will get you nowhere. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:27:02.839 Did you see the man on the news who ran a marathon on his balcony in France, 26 miles, looping around his little balcony, working really hard but getting precisely nowhere? 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:07.099 It's a great picture of save yourself, do it yourself religion. 00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:09.579 And don't waste your life on a false promise. 00:27:10.219 --> 00:27:12.719 You and I, we cannot get to God by our own efforts. 00:27:12.819 --> 00:27:13.859 We need outside help. 00:27:13.939 --> 00:27:15.000 We need God to come down. 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:16.219 We cannot go up. 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:25.039 And there's one last way that this bad news is actually good news or certainly prepares us for good news. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:33.339 Is it stands as the dark background, the background of our sin, which lets the good news of Jesus shine. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:44.879 Maybe you've been to the jewellery shop where the person behind the counter brings out a diamond for you to look at. 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:46.000 And there's one last way that we can see. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.880 And there's one last way that we can see. 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.880 And there's one last way that we can see. 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:51.660 But the diamond always seems to be presented on a black clock. 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:56.860 The diamond sparkles brightest against that dark backdrop. 00:27:57.100 --> 00:28:05.680 In the same way, against that dark backdrop, the good news, the glory of Jesus coming to be our saviour really shines. 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:13.720 So I would simply say today, do not ignore this bad news message. 00:28:15.120 --> 00:28:16.840 Take it seriously. 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.380 Reflect on it. 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:21.500 Because it could save your life. 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.640 It could save your life. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:26.519 And for eternity. 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:34.220 Now, let's think about the good news of the cross of Jesus. 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:36.680 And it begins with a tiny word. 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:39.180 The word but. 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.640 Tiny word. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:42.220 Life-changing significance. 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:53.180 But now, a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known to which the law and the prophets testify. 00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:56.559 So we know how the word but works. 00:28:57.400 --> 00:29:00.220 So we hear, I'd love to help but. 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:01.980 I'm busy. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:05.900 Or positively, competition is strong. 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:06.920 But you won. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:12.140 But is a word that reverses previous statements. 00:29:12.140 --> 00:29:16.820 So what's Paul said previously? 00:29:16.820 --> 00:29:19.320 By trying to keep the law. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:23.080 By trying to be right with God by yourself. 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:25.980 You remain under sin. 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:28.100 You are guilty. 00:29:29.100 --> 00:29:30.300 And without a defence. 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:33.080 You are conscious of sin. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:36.220 But lacking the power to change. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:39.140 But. 00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:39.180 But. 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:41.960 Jesus. 00:29:42.839 --> 00:29:44.240 And his death on the cross. 00:29:45.180 --> 00:29:46.140 Reverses that. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:48.620 Faith in Jesus. 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:51.299 And his work on the cross. 00:29:51.819 --> 00:29:53.039 Will make you right. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:55.720 Will make you right with God. 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:57.120 For now. 00:29:57.779 --> 00:29:58.860 And all eternity. 00:29:59.279 --> 00:30:00.480 You have saving faith. 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:01.779 In Jesus. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:03.059 And what he came to do. 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:06.119 Verse 21. 00:30:06.980 --> 00:30:07.859 Gives us good news. 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:08.839 Because it says to us. 00:30:08.899 --> 00:30:09.200 Simply. 00:30:09.659 --> 00:30:10.960 The Bible has always said. 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:11.579 From beginning to end. 00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:12.659 Righteousness. 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:14.319 Comes from God. 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:18.519 He says that the law and the prophets testify. 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.700 Of our righteousness from God. 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.279 What does he mean? 00:30:20.399 --> 00:30:22.419 The law and the prophets represent the Old Testament. 00:30:22.879 --> 00:30:23.599 They testify. 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:25.000 Imagine them in a court of law. 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:25.480 And they're saying. 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.279 We have always said. 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:28.879 Beginning to end of the Old Testament. 00:30:28.880 --> 00:30:31.120 There's only one way to be right in God's eyes. 00:30:31.780 --> 00:30:33.220 To have right standing with God. 00:30:33.280 --> 00:30:34.280 It's not through keeping the law. 00:30:35.320 --> 00:30:36.720 It comes as a gift from God. 00:30:36.840 --> 00:30:38.060 It comes as a gift of grace. 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:39.320 God provides. 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.760 The righteousness. 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:43.740 God provides the right standing we need. 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:45.400 So that we can be right with him. 00:30:46.200 --> 00:30:47.020 To show this. 00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:48.040 Let's go on a quick tour. 00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:49.940 In the Old Testament. 00:30:50.100 --> 00:30:50.520 Let's go. 00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:50.980 First of all. 00:30:51.020 --> 00:30:51.680 To the Garden of Eden. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.980 And then we'll head to Egypt. 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.480 And then we'll go to the temple. 00:30:57.120 --> 00:30:57.980 In Jerusalem. 00:30:58.960 --> 00:31:00.860 And we need to escape the confines. 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:02.599 Of our four walls. 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.779 So let's go on a tour. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.220 First of all. 00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:04.920 To the Garden of Eden. 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.940 What do we find there? 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.620 Adam and Eve. 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.400 As we said. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.319 Living. 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:08.819 Enjoying. 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.839 Perfect relationship. 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.740 With one another. 00:31:11.120 --> 00:31:12.299 But especially with God. 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:13.019 God was walking. 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:14.039 Talking with them. 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:14.680 Made that place. 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:16.759 So he could be with them. 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:18.720 They are righteous. 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:19.819 They have peace with God. 00:31:19.880 --> 00:31:20.839 Right standing with them. 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:22.200 But what happens when sin comes? 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:25.900 Then they disregard God's word. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:26.700 And God's rule. 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:29.059 With sin comes shame. 00:31:29.580 --> 00:31:31.420 And with that shame comes hiding. 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:38.840 Their answer to the sin and shame that they know and experience for the first time is to sew together fig leaves. 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:40.859 To make a covering. 00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:44.039 And that would be funny except that it's so tragic. 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:48.079 But here is this hopeless effort to hide sin. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:57.939 It's always foolish to think that we can cover up our real shame and our real guilt before an all-seeing, all-knowing God. 00:31:58.899 --> 00:32:00.519 So that was their response to fig leaves. 00:32:00.559 --> 00:32:02.159 And they were useless and worthless. 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.599 But God's response. 00:32:04.179 --> 00:32:05.460 In grace. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:07.460 God clothed them. 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:08.220 God clothed them. 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:12.079 And God clothed them by sacrifice. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:17.319 Animals were killed so that they could wear animal clothes. 00:32:17.319 --> 00:32:29.759 To make the point that our covering our righteousness beyond sin and shame and disgrace is a gift from God. 00:32:30.119 --> 00:32:31.619 We cannot cover over sin. 00:32:31.899 --> 00:32:33.480 God can and God does. 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:35.299 That was a garden. 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:38.779 Let's now move to Egypt and the Passover. 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:41.339 So we just finished in the book of Genesis. 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:43.319 That's the next book, Exodus. 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:50.779 The final plague that we find in the book of Exodus is to do with the firstborn. 00:32:50.899 --> 00:32:59.740 So remember Pharaoh had said to Moses, no, I won't let the people go to worship God, to become free people who can enjoy God. 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:02.599 And so God sent plagues to show his power. 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:04.859 But Pharaoh's heart gets harder and harder. 00:33:04.859 --> 00:33:09.899 Pharaoh, who at the beginning had tried to kill all the firstborn children of Israel. 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:14.619 Well, the judgment of God is that the firstborn in Egypt will die. 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:18.299 But Israel would be spared that judgment. 00:33:18.419 --> 00:33:20.539 And how would they be spared the judgment? 00:33:20.699 --> 00:33:25.539 They'd be spared it in the sacrifice of a perfect lamb. 00:33:27.419 --> 00:33:33.059 And that the blood from that lamb being sprinkled on the doorpost. 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:37.859 That was the way for God's judgment to pass over. 00:33:39.179 --> 00:33:42.159 Sacrifice, death, blood of another. 00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:46.220 And then we go to the temple in Jerusalem. 00:33:47.720 --> 00:33:56.019 I don't know if you've ever thought about the life of a priest in the Old Testament, but it strikes me as a particularly bloody business as they worshipped God. 00:33:56.019 --> 00:34:04.220 Because whenever an Israelite was conscious of sin and guilt, they would take an animal to the temple. 00:34:04.339 --> 00:34:06.799 That animal would be killed. 00:34:08.280 --> 00:34:11.059 There was a transfer of sin. 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:15.119 The worshipper would put his hand on the head of the animal. 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:18.299 To say that sin was being transferred. 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:21.940 That guilt was taken by the animal that was then killed. 00:34:22.339 --> 00:34:25.940 And a right relationship between a worshipper and God was restored. 00:34:27.819 --> 00:34:28.599 The cost. 00:34:29.420 --> 00:34:30.099 Sacrifice. 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:30.759 Blood. 00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.880 Three locations. 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:34.839 One giant signpost. 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:37.940 Pointing to the work of Jesus Christ. 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:39.480 And the good news of Christianity. 00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:41.340 And here it is. 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:43.840 How can you and I be right with God? 00:34:44.840 --> 00:34:49.139 How can you and I be worthy of God's welcome when we know our hearts, we know our hearts? 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:50.019 Only. 00:34:51.099 --> 00:34:55.460 Because Jesus is the perfect righteousness of God. 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:59.599 He lived in your place a life of perfect obedience. 00:35:00.260 --> 00:35:03.079 All the way through his life leading to his death on the cross. 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:11.239 And Jesus grants, Jesus gifts that right standing to us. 00:35:11.779 --> 00:35:19.239 If we have faith that when Jesus died on the cross, he died for my sin as my saviour. 00:35:22.299 --> 00:35:24.400 So, so far, what have we seen? 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:28.259 We say that you and I, by nature, we are sinners who deserve judgement. 00:35:28.260 --> 00:35:35.100 We have seen that God, by his grace, he doesn't need to do it, but he chooses to do it out of love. 00:35:35.180 --> 00:35:36.540 He provides Jesus. 00:35:37.620 --> 00:35:40.120 Jesus is perfectly righteous. 00:35:40.600 --> 00:35:41.460 He has right standing. 00:35:42.180 --> 00:35:50.320 He becomes that promised and perfect sacrifice who can cover sin and shame. 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:54.380 Who can secure our right standing with God. 00:35:54.640 --> 00:35:55.960 So one question remains. 00:35:55.960 --> 00:35:59.559 Jesus offers peace with God. 00:35:59.880 --> 00:36:02.559 How do I get that peace? 00:36:02.619 --> 00:36:04.280 How do I get that right standing? 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:08.199 If Jesus remains outside of us, he has no help to us. 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:10.519 We need Jesus in us and with us. 00:36:11.119 --> 00:36:12.220 Here's the good news. 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:13.780 Verse 22. 00:36:15.360 --> 00:36:18.199 This righteousness from God comes. 00:36:18.440 --> 00:36:19.079 How does it come? 00:36:19.500 --> 00:36:25.059 Comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:28.860 Faith in Jesus gives you right standing. 00:36:29.980 --> 00:36:30.980 What is faith? 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:36.279 Faith, as we find it in the Bible, in Christianity, says, 00:36:36.719 --> 00:36:42.440 I am trusting entirely on Jesus to save me. 00:36:42.440 --> 00:36:44.440 To forgive me. 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:44.960 To forgive me. 00:36:45.659 --> 00:36:47.440 To bring me to God. 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:50.920 I believe that he is trustworthy. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:54.480 I believe that he died for me. 00:36:55.480 --> 00:37:00.099 I believe that he is my only hope in life and in death. 00:37:00.480 --> 00:37:05.079 He is my only hope for salvation in the present and for all eternity. 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:07.380 That's faith. 00:37:08.079 --> 00:37:09.840 It's resting in Jesus. 00:37:09.840 --> 00:37:11.880 It's trusting in Jesus. 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:16.940 And it's offered today to you. 00:37:17.799 --> 00:37:19.440 Whoever you are. 00:37:20.539 --> 00:37:22.599 And wherever you are. 00:37:22.599 --> 00:37:25.019 By faith. 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:25.039 By faith. 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:27.659 Jesus is offered to you. 00:37:28.559 --> 00:37:30.319 And if you receive him. 00:37:31.339 --> 00:37:33.400 And receive his forgiveness. 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:37.920 Then you will have right standing with God. 00:37:39.339 --> 00:37:40.860 That's our good news. 00:37:40.860 --> 00:37:44.980 Here's the thing we need to recognise though. 00:37:45.120 --> 00:37:48.180 Faith by itself is not enough. 00:37:48.579 --> 00:37:51.300 Faith needs the right object. 00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:54.220 Notice in verse 22. 00:37:55.059 --> 00:37:59.539 It doesn't say this righteousness from God comes through faith to all who believe. 00:37:59.539 --> 00:38:04.179 It comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. 00:38:05.699 --> 00:38:08.480 So I'm going to guess if you're like me. 00:38:08.539 --> 00:38:10.599 At some point in your childhood. 00:38:11.380 --> 00:38:14.019 You find yourself at the bottom of the garden. 00:38:14.940 --> 00:38:17.960 Digging to Australia. 00:38:19.199 --> 00:38:21.920 I distinctly remember doing that with my brother. 00:38:22.539 --> 00:38:25.840 Trying to get from the bottom of what used to be a potato patch. 00:38:26.000 --> 00:38:27.659 All the way to Australia. 00:38:27.659 --> 00:38:31.379 So imagine the child at the bottom of the garden. 00:38:31.539 --> 00:38:33.659 Digging their way to Australia. 00:38:33.839 --> 00:38:41.579 And compare that with a person who has a ticket about to board a plane to Sydney. 00:38:42.399 --> 00:38:48.420 Now without being too negative to the hole digger. 00:38:49.460 --> 00:38:54.480 Only one of those two people are going to get to their intended destination. 00:38:54.480 --> 00:39:00.480 Because faith in the spade is faith in the wrong object. 00:39:02.360 --> 00:39:05.840 We need to have faith in the right object. 00:39:06.179 --> 00:39:07.619 The right person. 00:39:08.579 --> 00:39:12.740 The Bible says Jesus is the only one to trust. 00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:14.400 To be right with God. 00:39:14.460 --> 00:39:15.480 We don't trust ourselves. 00:39:15.960 --> 00:39:18.679 We don't trust anybody else other than Jesus. 00:39:18.679 --> 00:39:20.519 The Bible is clear. 00:39:20.599 --> 00:39:22.739 We bring nothing to the table except our sin. 00:39:23.579 --> 00:39:24.539 It's not a combination. 00:39:25.339 --> 00:39:28.579 Jesus does his work and I contribute some and then God accepts us. 00:39:28.679 --> 00:39:28.919 No. 00:39:29.339 --> 00:39:30.239 Jesus does everything. 00:39:30.359 --> 00:39:31.339 We contribute nothing. 00:39:31.919 --> 00:39:33.579 In Christ as a free gift. 00:39:33.719 --> 00:39:35.019 We receive everything. 00:39:35.019 --> 00:39:39.380 That relationship that you and I were made for. 00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:44.380 That peace in our hearts and our lives that we long for. 00:39:45.619 --> 00:39:47.840 There is only one person to go to for that. 00:39:48.759 --> 00:39:50.920 We are to look to Jesus. 00:39:51.840 --> 00:39:58.360 We are to see the cross as the greatest news that we will ever hear. 00:39:59.300 --> 00:40:01.719 The great news that we need to hear right now. 00:40:01.719 --> 00:40:09.379 Let's just close by thinking why the cross is good news. 00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:13.059 As we face COVID-19. 00:40:14.119 --> 00:40:15.919 What is this virus doing? 00:40:16.799 --> 00:40:21.599 It is reminding us in so many ways that life is fragile. 00:40:22.599 --> 00:40:30.299 We are seeing and hearing horrendous stories of hospitals, maybe especially in Italy, struggling to cope. 00:40:30.300 --> 00:40:35.180 And just having to sort this person is maybe going to make it and deserves to live this way. 00:40:35.220 --> 00:40:36.500 We are just going to have to live to die. 00:40:36.580 --> 00:40:37.740 It is horrendous. 00:40:38.300 --> 00:40:41.320 And we are being reminded that life is short and life is fragile. 00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:50.380 And against that we need to look at the good news of Jesus' death. 00:40:51.180 --> 00:40:57.960 Because in his dying, you can have eternal life. 00:40:59.240 --> 00:41:01.580 The life you always wanted actually. 00:41:01.579 --> 00:41:04.739 At the end of the Bible, Revelation 21. 00:41:05.420 --> 00:41:09.239 We are promised that when Jesus comes back, as he will, he will make the world new. 00:41:09.340 --> 00:41:16.199 And for those who have faith in Jesus, we will live in a world free of sadness, sickness, tears, death, virus, warfare. 00:41:16.360 --> 00:41:17.779 All of those things gone. 00:41:18.500 --> 00:41:21.579 Jesus and his church together in a perfect world with perfect joy forever. 00:41:22.719 --> 00:41:25.920 When life is fragile, we need the solid hope of eternity. 00:41:25.920 --> 00:41:33.340 This virus too is showing us our limitations and our lack of control. 00:41:34.079 --> 00:41:38.360 We make plans for the future, whether that's for our business or whether that's our holidays. 00:41:38.480 --> 00:41:40.940 And we're seeing those things falling apart. 00:41:40.940 --> 00:41:49.360 And again, in the good news of the cross, we discover that Jesus has answered our greatest limitation. 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:54.740 In that we are unable by ourselves to get to God. 00:41:56.460 --> 00:42:00.440 And it shows us that in him, by trusting in him, we are right with God. 00:42:00.440 --> 00:42:11.119 We know too, and we'll see, I'm sure, in the coming months that this virus is threatening futures. 00:42:12.679 --> 00:42:19.240 Jesus has taken the greatest threat in anyone's future. 00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:26.240 The judgment of God is just anger against sin. 00:42:27.300 --> 00:42:29.260 Jesus has taken that on himself. 00:42:29.260 --> 00:42:31.520 God is holy and God is just so. 00:42:31.600 --> 00:42:34.440 Somebody must pay for sin, her sin. 00:42:35.440 --> 00:42:39.560 The wonderful love of God says, I don't have to pay. 00:42:40.940 --> 00:42:47.440 But by looking to Jesus, by trusting in him, I can believe that when he died on the cross, he died to pay for my sin. 00:42:48.080 --> 00:42:53.600 Jesus is the sin bearer of the world, paying for my sin if I'm trusting in him. 00:42:53.599 --> 00:43:03.360 So that in Jesus, today, you and I can have hope and an eternal future. 00:43:03.360 --> 00:43:15.019 We can have a secure identity in the Lord Jesus so that, come what may, he can be our rock and our refuge, our safe place. 00:43:15.019 --> 00:43:22.480 This virus and all the news that we watch, it can make us profoundly fearful, can't it? 00:43:23.940 --> 00:43:38.159 The good news of Jesus, the good news of Christianity is that by faith, united to Jesus, God is our source of refuge and strength and security. 00:43:38.159 --> 00:43:44.619 Remember our words from Psalm 62. 00:43:44.619 --> 00:43:48.420 My soul finds rest in God alone. 00:43:48.679 --> 00:43:49.039 Why? 00:43:49.500 --> 00:43:53.440 Because my salvation comes from him. 00:43:54.259 --> 00:43:55.539 The cross is good news. 00:43:55.539 --> 00:44:00.980 I pray it will be good news for us all today. 00:44:01.380 --> 00:44:02.440 Now we're going to close. 00:44:02.840 --> 00:44:21.119 Again, Kellen is going to lead us as we sing our closing hymn, which is a cornerstone reminding us that as a church, as the people of God, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 00:44:25.539 --> 00:44:54.380 I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus' name. 00:44:55.539 --> 00:45:10.480 Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior's love. 00:45:10.480 --> 00:45:20.480 Through the storm, he is Lord, Lord of all. 00:45:25.539 --> 00:45:37.519 When darkness seems to hide his face, I rest on his unchanging grace. 00:45:37.519 --> 00:45:51.079 In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. 00:45:51.079 --> 00:46:06.299 Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior's love. 00:46:06.299 --> 00:46:16.719 Through the storm, he is Lord, Lord of all. 00:46:16.719 --> 00:46:32.899 When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found. 00:46:32.900 --> 00:46:38.900 Rest in his righteousness alone. 00:46:38.900 --> 00:46:39.360 Rest in his righteousness alone. 00:46:39.360 --> 00:46:45.900 Faultless stand before the throne. 00:46:45.900 --> 00:47:01.639 Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior's love. 00:47:01.639 --> 00:47:12.179 Through the storm, he is Lord, Lord of all. 00:47:12.179 --> 00:47:26.619 Let me close with the benediction, the priestly blessing that Moses gave to Aaron Numbers chapter 6. 00:47:26.619 --> 00:47:28.619 The Lord bless you. 00:47:28.619 --> 00:47:31.000 The Lord bless you and keep you. 00:47:31.739 --> 00:47:37.279 The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. 00:47:38.139 --> 00:47:43.259 The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. 00:47:44.099 --> 00:47:44.480 Amen. 00:47:44.480 --> 00:47:46.480 Amen. 00:47:46.480 --> 00:47:47.480 Amen. 00:47:47.480 --> 00:47:48.480 Thank you for joining. 00:47:48.480 --> 00:47:49.480 Thank you for joining. 00:47:49.480 --> 00:47:55.019 Digital Tea and Coffee will be happening shortly. 00:47:55.019 --> 00:48:03.239 If you want to join a community group while we are remote and you haven't received the information, 00:48:03.460 --> 00:48:09.119 please do get in touch through our website, through our administrator, 00:48:09.980 --> 00:48:16.340 and so that we can stay connected and we can look to help each other. 00:48:16.340 --> 00:48:16.820 Thank you. 00:48:16.820 --> 00:48:46.800 Thank you.