WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Well, we'll turn back to our reading in Psalm 96. 00:00:05.360 --> 00:00:10.099 We're going to look in particular at verse 7 to verse 9. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:14.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:49.920 This section in the book of Psalms, as you go through from Psalm 90 through to, you could say, Psalm 100, 00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:54.920 as you read through them, you find that you find recurring themes in them. 00:00:54.920 --> 00:01:00.579 There is the recurring theme of worship and of who God is, 00:01:01.060 --> 00:01:09.599 and there's the recurring theme of how the Lord reigns and the Lord is sovereign, the Lord is king over all. 00:01:10.579 --> 00:01:18.879 And as we think of these things, the themes that we find in these Psalms, they make us ask questions of ourselves. 00:01:19.700 --> 00:01:24.480 Are we worshipping the Lord with the glory that is due to his name? 00:01:24.920 --> 00:01:30.900 Do we see him as king over all and king over us? 00:01:31.960 --> 00:01:36.180 One preacher said about the Psalms in general, 00:01:36.180 --> 00:01:46.060 The Psalms show us the anatomy of all parts of the Christian soul. 00:01:46.600 --> 00:01:55.060 They express the whole range of Christian experience, from despair to gladness, from hopelessness to worship. 00:01:55.060 --> 00:01:59.480 So there's the anatomy of all parts of the Christian soul. 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:07.060 And as you read through the Psalms, we all have our favourite Psalms, our Psalms we go to in different times in our life. 00:02:07.140 --> 00:02:14.980 We do find that they do cover every aspect of our lives, the highs and the lows that we find in them. 00:02:14.979 --> 00:02:25.500 And as we think of approaching a communion weekend, we find that it is a time as we draw near to God, as we prepare our hearts, 00:02:25.579 --> 00:02:34.299 and especially maybe more so as we think so closely and so vividly of the elements that we will have before us on the Lord's Day, 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:45.300 the bread and the wine, as we think more vividly and clearly of what Christ has done for us as he gave his life on the cross for his people. 00:02:45.380 --> 00:02:52.480 As we think of these things, then it should only stir up the range of emotions within our soul. 00:02:52.479 --> 00:03:03.639 As we think of that sense of unworthiness that we have, of how hopeless we maybe feel, the despair that sin brings to us. 00:03:03.759 --> 00:03:08.979 We have that range of emotions, but we also have the other end of the emotions as well. 00:03:09.060 --> 00:03:09.620 We should. 00:03:10.339 --> 00:03:13.539 The gladness of what God has done for us. 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:17.799 The rejoicing in what he has done for us that we couldn't do ourselves. 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:25.200 And then that leads us to a fuller worship of our God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:03:26.140 --> 00:03:31.600 And so where do you find yourself this evening in that range of emotions? 00:03:32.520 --> 00:03:40.700 Where do you find your heart this evening as you seek to prepare, as we seek to prepare to come to the Lord's table? 00:03:40.699 --> 00:03:43.979 Do we feel hopeless and despair? 00:03:44.599 --> 00:03:49.359 Or do we feel that gladness and that joy in worship? 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:56.019 Well, as these days go on, we'll go through probably all of these emotions again and again. 00:03:56.619 --> 00:04:03.079 But above all, that we would see and fix our eyes on Jesus in the midst of it all. 00:04:03.080 --> 00:04:12.900 And so as we look at Psalm 96 together this evening, we see how it speaks of this joy in worship and song. 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:17.580 But it also has a warning for us as well. 00:04:18.220 --> 00:04:24.300 The whole psalm is one that is directing us towards worship of God. 00:04:24.300 --> 00:04:33.160 But not just to worship God for a moment or for a certain time, but at all times. 00:04:33.460 --> 00:04:41.160 We're not just to come to worship God when we think it matters for ourselves, when we think it's important. 00:04:41.879 --> 00:04:47.240 But how we come away from this evening or how we'll come away from the communion weekend 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:54.560 and how we go on in that sense of are we continuing to worship the Lord with that joy? 00:04:55.319 --> 00:05:00.280 How are you living now and how do you go forward day by day? 00:05:01.040 --> 00:05:07.220 There's a phrase we hear used from time to time and it's the phrase, sitting on the fence. 00:05:08.079 --> 00:05:08.960 What does it mean? 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:12.139 What does it mean to sit on the fence? 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:17.539 Well, basically, it means avoiding making a decision. 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:20.079 You sit on the fence. 00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:23.000 You avoid making a decision. 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:28.800 Because you're swayed, maybe you don't want to upset one group or another. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:34.819 You don't want to commit, fully commit, because you don't know just for sure what's right. 00:05:35.259 --> 00:05:37.620 We want a bit of everything. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:44.259 And yet, when we're sitting on the fence, what we find is that we are gambling our salvation. 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:50.019 Because we're not fully committing ourselves one way or the other. 00:05:50.879 --> 00:05:54.079 We're not committing ourselves to the Lord. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:58.480 To gamble our salvation, it's a little like having an each-way bet. 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:04.560 You don't have confidence in a winning outcome, so you spread your bets. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:07.800 To cover yourself no matter what. 00:06:08.280 --> 00:06:11.879 You're not 100% sure of a winning outcome. 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:15.399 And that's what we see with the people of God. 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:17.840 We may ask, what does that have to do with us? 00:06:18.259 --> 00:06:20.060 But that's what we see with the people of God. 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:21.560 You see it in this psalm. 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:24.319 In verse 5, 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:28.220 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols. 00:06:28.360 --> 00:06:31.939 You see there, they were casting their lot everywhere. 00:06:31.939 --> 00:06:34.199 They were sitting on the fence. 00:06:34.279 --> 00:06:36.800 They didn't want to commit one way or the other. 00:06:36.920 --> 00:06:39.819 So they tried to appease all gods. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.019 And all people. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:48.779 And the people are being torn between worshipping God and worshipping idols. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:51.040 Continuing as they were. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:53.579 Covering all options. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:58.180 And when we look at ourselves, that is how we can be. 00:06:58.659 --> 00:07:00.819 That is how I was in the past. 00:07:01.240 --> 00:07:02.959 I'm sure many of you were in the past. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:04.199 You knew about God. 00:07:04.519 --> 00:07:05.680 You heard about Jesus. 00:07:05.839 --> 00:07:06.759 You knew what he did. 00:07:07.240 --> 00:07:08.759 But you still wanted the world. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:12.399 You still wanted to have that part of your life to yourself. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:14.339 You weren't 100% committed. 00:07:14.939 --> 00:07:19.560 Sitting on the fence, avoiding making a decision. 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:22.300 I want to live my life for God. 00:07:22.579 --> 00:07:28.560 But just in case, I want to live it my own way and for myself as well. 00:07:29.040 --> 00:07:31.220 Covering all options. 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:37.019 But this psalm, it makes demands of us. 00:07:37.759 --> 00:07:42.120 Just like the whole word of God, it makes demands of us. 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:46.420 The psalm is asking us not to sit on the fence. 00:07:47.340 --> 00:07:50.120 But decide who we will serve. 00:07:51.160 --> 00:07:54.079 And you see it in verse 7 to verse 9. 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:56.319 Ascribe to the Lord. 00:07:56.759 --> 00:07:58.060 Ascribe to the Lord. 00:07:58.639 --> 00:08:00.060 Ascribe to the Lord. 00:08:00.519 --> 00:08:03.259 Three times that phrase is used. 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:04.340 And then in verse 9. 00:08:04.980 --> 00:08:06.560 Worship the Lord. 00:08:07.139 --> 00:08:09.800 They're all really saying the same thing. 00:08:09.800 --> 00:08:12.740 As we approach a communion weekend. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.060 Are you sitting on the fence? 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:19.319 Are you still trying to please both sides of your life? 00:08:19.780 --> 00:08:27.400 Or are you 100% confident that he alone is worthy of all praise? 00:08:28.819 --> 00:08:31.620 We don't sit on the fence. 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:34.480 And so throughout this section of Psalms, 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:38.360 as we think of the theme of the sovereignty of God. 00:08:38.440 --> 00:08:40.300 The kingship of God. 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:42.300 This psalm is another one of these psalms. 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:45.899 That the king makes demands of his people. 00:08:46.420 --> 00:08:48.879 And there are three things I want us to see in these verses. 00:08:49.420 --> 00:08:50.759 The call of the king. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:52.860 The demands of the king. 00:08:53.100 --> 00:08:55.720 And the response to the king. 00:08:55.720 --> 00:09:00.320 So the first thing we see is the call of the king. 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:08.220 You see that the beginning of Psalm 96 is closely linked to Psalm 95. 00:09:09.399 --> 00:09:10.899 Psalm 95 begins, 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:13.600 O come, let us sing to the Lord. 00:09:13.680 --> 00:09:17.740 Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 00:09:18.379 --> 00:09:20.120 Psalm 96 begins in the same way. 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:22.200 O sing to the Lord a new song. 00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:25.660 Sing to the Lord all the earth. 00:09:26.560 --> 00:09:31.259 There's the theme there of making praise to God. 00:09:32.440 --> 00:09:36.560 How important it is to praise the Lord. 00:09:37.300 --> 00:09:41.300 And to praise him for all that he has done. 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:45.580 And the more we hear the call of the king. 00:09:45.680 --> 00:09:49.960 The more we hear the Lord speaking to us through his word. 00:09:49.960 --> 00:09:54.500 The more that leads us into praise of him. 00:09:55.560 --> 00:10:00.680 These psalms are in a section that are full of this call to worship. 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:03.379 This call to worship God. 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:06.340 And it could be captured in four words. 00:10:06.940 --> 00:10:08.080 The call of the king. 00:10:08.800 --> 00:10:09.139 Come. 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:10.840 For. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:12.220 Worship. 00:10:13.340 --> 00:10:14.000 And today. 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:15.960 Come. 00:10:17.160 --> 00:10:19.379 There is the call here constantly. 00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:21.240 For the people of God. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:22.919 To come to him. 00:10:23.820 --> 00:10:24.340 Why? 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:26.980 Because they have been hearing others calling them. 00:10:27.320 --> 00:10:28.580 To worship idols. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.779 To worship other gods. 00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:32.519 But the Lord is saying. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:33.259 Come. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:37.080 And that's what he's saying to us. 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:38.460 Come. 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:41.299 And then you have. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.100 For. 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:44.759 There is a reason. 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:46.639 To come and worship God. 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:49.899 And again you see that constantly. 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:51.939 Through these psalms. 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:55.039 Oh sing a new song to the Lord. 00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:58.120 Declare his glory among the nations. 00:10:58.539 --> 00:10:59.879 His marvelous works. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:02.080 For great is the Lord. 00:11:02.559 --> 00:11:04.439 And greatly to be praised. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:05.159 In verse four. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:07.139 There is always a for. 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:10.299 There is always a reason. 00:11:10.299 --> 00:11:11.759 That we can see. 00:11:12.199 --> 00:11:13.099 That we should come. 00:11:13.599 --> 00:11:14.159 To God. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:16.199 And then you have. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:17.240 Worship. 00:11:18.059 --> 00:11:18.479 Come. 00:11:19.359 --> 00:11:20.219 There is the command. 00:11:20.359 --> 00:11:21.099 There is the call. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:22.039 For. 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:23.159 There is the reason. 00:11:23.719 --> 00:11:24.779 And then there is the outcome. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:25.740 Worship. 00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:28.719 Worship is constantly there. 00:11:29.079 --> 00:11:29.799 As well. 00:11:30.819 --> 00:11:32.159 Worship is acknowledging. 00:11:32.679 --> 00:11:33.919 Who God is. 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:36.179 Worshiping is bowing. 00:11:36.579 --> 00:11:37.299 Ourselves. 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:38.279 Before him. 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:40.019 The people here. 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:41.100 They would bow. 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:42.240 Before their idols. 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:43.720 All their gods. 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.799 They would come and bow. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:45.879 Before them. 00:11:45.959 --> 00:11:46.699 But the Lord is saying. 00:11:46.899 --> 00:11:47.220 Come. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:48.839 And bow yourself. 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:49.500 Before me. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:50.439 Worship. 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:51.959 Before me. 00:11:53.299 --> 00:11:54.100 And then you see. 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:55.480 The urgency of it. 00:11:56.360 --> 00:11:57.439 Because in this section. 00:11:57.559 --> 00:11:58.159 You have come. 00:11:58.519 --> 00:11:59.059 For. 00:11:59.579 --> 00:11:59.879 Worship. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.179 But it is also about. 00:12:01.439 --> 00:12:01.839 Today. 00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:03.980 Today is something. 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:04.519 You hear. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:06.039 Throughout this section. 00:12:06.179 --> 00:12:06.759 There is always. 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.759 That urgency. 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.159 Urgency. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:08.939 Of coming. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.299 To worship God. 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:11.019 It is not a case. 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:12.179 Of sitting the fence. 00:12:12.319 --> 00:12:13.779 And leave it for a time. 00:12:13.879 --> 00:12:14.500 To decide. 00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:15.659 It is today. 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:16.720 Today. 00:12:16.720 --> 00:12:18.200 If you hear my voice. 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.679 Harden not your heart. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.340 There is that sense. 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:22.720 Of urgency. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:24.939 And so. 00:12:25.139 --> 00:12:26.600 There is that call. 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:28.620 That we are constantly hearing. 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.299 And as we come. 00:12:30.500 --> 00:12:31.299 To worship. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.039 As we come. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:33.179 To praise. 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:33.740 As we come. 00:12:33.819 --> 00:12:34.360 To hear. 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:35.399 From God's word. 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:36.980 These are the things. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:39.019 That we are constantly hearing. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.600 The call. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:41.220 Come. 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:42.459 The reason. 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:43.399 For. 00:12:43.959 --> 00:12:44.919 What we are to do. 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:45.799 To worship. 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.519 To make ourselves. 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:48.220 Lie down. 00:12:48.319 --> 00:12:49.139 Before God. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:50.439 And today. 00:12:51.679 --> 00:12:52.179 Today. 00:12:52.679 --> 00:12:53.740 Is the call. 00:12:55.319 --> 00:12:56.259 There is repeated. 00:12:56.459 --> 00:12:57.299 Opportunity. 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:58.159 Throughout. 00:12:58.579 --> 00:12:59.439 These psalms. 00:12:59.639 --> 00:12:59.899 Here. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.879 For all of these reasons. 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.579 To come. 00:13:03.059 --> 00:13:03.779 And worship. 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:04.740 God. 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:06.600 Now. 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:07.620 Is that not a reason. 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.659 Not to sit on the fence. 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:11.459 The king. 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:13.000 Is calling. 00:13:13.939 --> 00:13:14.620 The lord. 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:16.019 Is calling. 00:13:16.559 --> 00:13:17.799 And we are called. 00:13:18.319 --> 00:13:19.259 To choose. 00:13:21.459 --> 00:13:22.519 One of the most. 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:23.699 Frustrating. 00:13:24.220 --> 00:13:24.899 Parts. 00:13:25.079 --> 00:13:25.899 Of parenting. 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.399 Is when you. 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:28.720 Call a child. 00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:29.699 Or tell a child. 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.840 To do something. 00:13:32.100 --> 00:13:33.620 But how many times. 00:13:33.620 --> 00:13:35.280 Do you have to tell. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.360 And how many times. 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:38.100 Do you hear. 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.520 The reasons. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:40.620 And the excuses. 00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:41.320 That come. 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:43.920 I didn't hear you. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.520 I forgot. 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:47.879 I did something else. 00:13:48.020 --> 00:13:49.580 There is always something. 00:13:50.060 --> 00:13:51.360 The reasons come. 00:13:51.900 --> 00:13:52.820 Thick and fast. 00:13:53.900 --> 00:13:54.920 We are frustrated. 00:13:55.180 --> 00:13:55.900 With children. 00:13:56.640 --> 00:13:57.740 Sure people are frustrated. 00:13:57.740 --> 00:13:58.379 With us. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.980 But imagine. 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:00.600 Imagine the lord. 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:02.299 And his call. 00:14:02.299 --> 00:14:03.340 To his children. 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:05.100 And how often. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:06.259 Our father in heaven. 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:07.620 Has called you. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:09.379 And you say. 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:11.100 I didn't hear. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:13.019 I forgot. 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:15.559 I did something else. 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:17.460 Is that an excuse. 00:14:17.799 --> 00:14:18.620 You can give. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:19.220 To God. 00:14:19.299 --> 00:14:19.899 This evening. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:22.279 You did hear. 00:14:23.279 --> 00:14:24.500 You didn't forget. 00:14:24.500 --> 00:14:25.740 You chose not to. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:28.259 You didn't do something else. 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:29.639 You were disobedient. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:32.120 The father. 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.720 Is calling. 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:35.480 And we are not. 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:36.139 To make. 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:37.480 Our excuses. 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:40.500 But if he is calling. 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.819 The second thing we see is. 00:14:42.199 --> 00:14:43.360 That there are demands. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:45.580 What is he asking. 00:14:45.580 --> 00:14:46.700 Of us. 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:47.759 Well that's what we see. 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:48.680 Next. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:50.080 In this section. 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:50.740 Of the psalm. 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:51.259 As well. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:53.060 In the opening verses. 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:56.019 There was a repeated phrase there. 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:56.720 Sing. 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:57.860 To the lord. 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:58.440 Sing. 00:14:58.899 --> 00:14:59.279 To the lord. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:00.320 Three times. 00:15:00.960 --> 00:15:01.820 It's used. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.240 This is the lord's. 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:04.539 Calling his people. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:05.800 To worship. 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:07.399 With all joy. 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:08.039 And praise. 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:08.920 And to witness. 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.460 To all around us. 00:15:10.460 --> 00:15:12.259 Declare his glory. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.340 It says in verse three. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.740 Among the nations. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.480 His marvelous works. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.620 To all. 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:18.340 The people. 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:19.580 So there's this broad. 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:20.759 Spectrum. 00:15:20.920 --> 00:15:21.540 Of what. 00:15:21.900 --> 00:15:22.120 Sing. 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:22.639 To the lord. 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:22.900 Means. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:23.700 What praising. 00:15:24.280 --> 00:15:24.980 The lord. 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:25.860 Means. 00:15:27.420 --> 00:15:28.680 But it's not just. 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:29.800 To carry on. 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.420 As you are. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.400 With a little addition. 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:32.340 Of god. 00:15:32.400 --> 00:15:33.100 In your life. 00:15:34.920 --> 00:15:36.519 It's how are we doing it. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:38.320 In a constant way. 00:15:39.340 --> 00:15:40.440 When the king. 00:15:41.040 --> 00:15:42.139 Is putting demands. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:42.720 On us. 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:43.420 How. 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:45.100 Do we respond. 00:15:46.200 --> 00:15:46.740 Well when you look. 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:48.019 In the old testament days. 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:48.639 The people. 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:49.680 Were governed. 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.200 By kings. 00:15:51.320 --> 00:15:52.220 For the majority of it. 00:15:52.280 --> 00:15:52.560 We saw. 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:53.560 See in the beginning. 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:55.040 The judges are there. 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:55.379 But then. 00:15:55.379 --> 00:15:56.720 We want a king. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:57.660 Over us. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.800 And then you have the kings. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:15:59.460 Who came. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:00.780 One after another. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.480 From the appointment. 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:02.200 Of Saul. 00:16:02.300 --> 00:16:02.700 As king. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:04.139 The people were guided. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:05.220 By different kings. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:06.000 Down through. 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:07.220 The generations. 00:16:08.300 --> 00:16:09.000 And when you read. 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:09.280 Through. 00:16:09.540 --> 00:16:10.360 The book of kings. 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:11.000 Itself. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.899 You see there. 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:13.139 The cycle. 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:14.500 Of the people. 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:15.720 How. 00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:17.279 In a good time. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:18.159 With a good king. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:19.080 They're doing right. 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:21.240 But then they get a bad king. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.159 And things go wrong. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:22.800 And they follow. 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:24.320 The ways of that king. 00:16:24.379 --> 00:16:25.779 And they become disobedient. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:27.120 To God. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.800 And the disobedience. 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:29.899 Is so often linked. 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:30.480 To having. 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:31.879 Other gods. 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:32.879 To following after. 00:16:33.300 --> 00:16:34.300 Other gods. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:36.399 And that's the warning. 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:38.719 That the psalmist here. 00:16:38.839 --> 00:16:40.059 Puts before us. 00:16:40.979 --> 00:16:41.659 In verse 4. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:42.439 And verse 5. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:44.319 For great is the Lord. 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:45.719 And greatly to be praised. 00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:46.939 He is to be feared. 00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:48.359 Above all gods. 00:16:48.939 --> 00:16:49.759 For all the gods. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.439 Of the peoples. 00:16:50.439 --> 00:16:52.379 Are worthless idols. 00:16:53.219 --> 00:16:54.339 The Lord made. 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:55.379 The heavens. 00:16:56.959 --> 00:16:58.299 And so you see here. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.299 The demands. 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:00.839 Of the king. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:03.419 If it was true. 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:04.259 Of the nation. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.039 Here of God's people. 00:17:06.139 --> 00:17:06.879 And how easily. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.500 They went. 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:09.579 For other gods. 00:17:10.119 --> 00:17:11.039 And when you see it. 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:12.559 Of all the different nations. 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.240 Around them. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.639 How easy it is. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.919 For ourselves too. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:17.899 We see. 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:19.000 That problem. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.159 In our own heart. 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:21.359 How easy it is. 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.220 For us. 00:17:22.379 --> 00:17:22.799 To make. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:24.159 Other idols. 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:25.359 Other gods. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.079 But the Lord. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:27.659 Puts. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.819 Demands. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:29.579 On us. 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:31.439 To come and worship. 00:17:31.439 --> 00:17:32.419 God means. 00:17:32.419 --> 00:17:33.460 A whole. 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.759 New direction. 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:36.220 In our lives. 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:37.200 For them. 00:17:37.879 --> 00:17:38.859 And for us. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:40.319 It means. 00:17:40.659 --> 00:17:41.439 Putting away. 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:43.379 All these false gods. 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.619 It means. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.460 Letting go. 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.619 Of all these. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.759 Worldly things. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:48.879 The worldly kings. 00:17:49.099 --> 00:17:50.119 And the worldly gods. 00:17:50.439 --> 00:17:51.700 As they have them here. 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:53.599 And for ourselves too. 00:17:54.159 --> 00:17:54.859 It means. 00:17:55.299 --> 00:17:56.379 They cannot sit. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.399 On the fence. 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.559 Any longer. 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.579 They have got to come down. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.759 On one side. 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.119 Or the other. 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:05.059 As. 00:18:06.439 --> 00:18:07.559 Joshua said. 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:08.359 It was. 00:18:09.439 --> 00:18:10.659 Choose this day. 00:18:11.139 --> 00:18:12.179 Who you will serve. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.439 There has got to be. 00:18:13.439 --> 00:18:14.519 A choice. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:15.200 Made. 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:16.879 And that is what the psalmist. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.419 Is putting before them here. 00:18:18.939 --> 00:18:19.759 In verse 7. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.259 To verse 9. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:23.200 There are the demands. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.500 Of the king. 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:25.319 Ascribe. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:25.759 Ascribe. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:26.920 To the lord. 00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:28.500 O families of the peoples. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:29.519 Ascribe. 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:29.759 Ascribe. 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.440 To the lord. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:32.440 Glory and strength. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:33.140 Ascribe. 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:33.960 To the lord. 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.620 The glory. 00:18:34.620 --> 00:18:34.620 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.420 Due his name. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.079 There are these. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:38.380 Demands. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:39.120 Idols. 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.720 Are worthless. 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:42.559 Earthly kings. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:44.420 Are not always right. 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:45.620 But the lord. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.500 Is eternal. 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:47.240 Majestic. 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:48.359 And to be praised. 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:50.359 At all times. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:51.519 Ascribe. 00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:52.220 Means. 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.099 Give. 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:55.120 Worship. 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:55.900 Means. 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:56.839 Giving. 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.559 To god. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:58.819 What is due. 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.120 To his name. 00:19:00.620 --> 00:19:02.059 And so there is this demand. 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.640 And as we come. 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:06.519 To this communion season. 00:19:07.380 --> 00:19:08.279 Are we giving. 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:09.400 In that way. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:10.900 Are we hearing. 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:11.779 The demands. 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.160 Of the king. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:13.960 Not as something. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:14.819 Heavy. 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:16.460 Weighed on top of us. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:18.120 But as something. 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:19.440 That we would delight in. 00:19:20.059 --> 00:19:21.160 And rejoice in. 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.460 That he has put it. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.240 In our hearts. 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:23.880 Our hearts. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:24.960 That were hard. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.539 And cold. 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.240 Against him. 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:27.400 That he has put it. 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:28.160 In our hearts. 00:19:28.360 --> 00:19:29.759 To give this glory. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.220 To him. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.600 No longer. 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:32.299 Are we giving it. 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:32.940 To ourselves. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.380 Or to other things. 00:19:34.380 --> 00:19:35.160 In this world. 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.840 But we are ascribing. 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:37.759 This glory. 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:38.900 To him. 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:40.380 We are not. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:42.000 To sit on the fence. 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:42.539 Instead. 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:43.600 It is to be like. 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:44.140 Daniel. 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:45.360 Of old. 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.120 When you think. 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:47.019 Of ascribing. 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:48.039 To the Lord. 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:48.699 The glory. 00:19:48.699 --> 00:19:49.539 Due his name. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.139 You think of. 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.019 Daniel. 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:51.719 And the pressure. 00:19:51.719 --> 00:19:52.799 That was put on him. 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:54.539 Not to pray. 00:19:54.919 --> 00:19:55.879 To God. 00:19:56.939 --> 00:19:57.919 But to worship. 00:19:58.079 --> 00:19:58.479 King. 00:19:58.979 --> 00:19:59.479 Darius. 00:20:00.179 --> 00:20:01.439 And what did he do? 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.459 He ascribed. 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.639 To the Lord. 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:05.339 The glory. 00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:06.859 Due to his name. 00:20:07.459 --> 00:20:08.199 He delighted. 00:20:08.739 --> 00:20:09.759 In his Lord. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:11.599 And in his king. 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:14.459 I say. 00:20:14.459 --> 00:20:15.639 Of old. 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.319 As well. 00:20:16.959 --> 00:20:18.199 In chapter 6. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:18.699 He says. 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:19.439 Woe is me. 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.319 For I am ruined. 00:20:20.699 --> 00:20:21.839 Because I am a man. 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:22.919 Of unclean lips. 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.659 And live among. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.219 A people. 00:20:24.219 --> 00:20:25.179 Of unclean lips. 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:26.740 For my eyes. 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:28.139 Have seen the king. 00:20:28.399 --> 00:20:29.459 The Lord. 00:20:29.659 --> 00:20:30.819 Of hosts. 00:20:32.679 --> 00:20:33.719 Have we seen. 00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:34.819 The king. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:38.159 If you have seen. 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:39.259 Your sin. 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:41.359 You know what it is. 00:20:41.419 --> 00:20:42.399 To see the king. 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.079 Because he says. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.559 Come. 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.359 He says. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:46.859 Come. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.599 He says. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.039 Look. 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:51.299 He makes demands. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.139 On us. 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:53.879 They are clearer. 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:55.119 For ourselves. 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:55.460 Today. 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:56.720 Because we have a king. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.659 Who is Jesus. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:21:00.099 And what has Jesus done. 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.099 For us. 00:21:01.879 --> 00:21:03.639 He went to the cross. 00:21:03.640 --> 00:21:05.460 To take our sins. 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:06.620 On himself. 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.259 And that. 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.580 Demands. 00:21:09.100 --> 00:21:10.080 A response. 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:12.360 And when you think. 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:13.920 Of what he has done. 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:16.240 When you look. 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.300 To the cross. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:18.920 How. 00:21:19.280 --> 00:21:20.520 Could we possibly. 00:21:20.520 --> 00:21:21.640 Sit on the fence. 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.700 How could we possibly. 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.120 Think. 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:26.380 Maybe there is something else. 00:21:27.020 --> 00:21:28.480 Maybe there is another way. 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:30.860 When the centurion. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:31.580 Who looked on. 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:33.100 As Jesus. 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.179 Was crucified. 00:21:34.899 --> 00:21:35.919 What did he say. 00:21:36.599 --> 00:21:37.019 Surely. 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:39.259 He was the son of God. 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.019 He saw. 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.259 For himself. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:44.199 So we have a king. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.579 Who is worthy. 00:21:45.939 --> 00:21:47.199 Of all glory. 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:49.480 We are to ascribe. 00:21:49.939 --> 00:21:50.879 That glory. 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.439 To him. 00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:52.339 As a people. 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:53.679 As individuals. 00:21:54.219 --> 00:21:54.859 Collectively. 00:21:55.379 --> 00:21:56.679 We are to give that glory. 00:21:56.859 --> 00:21:57.519 And strength. 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:58.139 To the Lord. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.740 The glory. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.639 Due. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:00.699 To his name. 00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:02.019 To worship the Lord. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:03.759 In the splendor. 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:05.000 Of holiness. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:07.599 When we look at the cross. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:10.400 How can we swither. 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.740 How can we sit. 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:14.619 And not come down. 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.160 On his side. 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.900 Well the final thing. 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.740 We see here. 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:22.660 Is the response. 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:23.980 To the king. 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:27.180 There must be a response. 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:28.359 In the midst. 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.359 Of all of this. 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:30.839 If the king. 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:31.619 Is calling. 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:33.079 If he's showing. 00:22:33.079 --> 00:22:34.099 His demands. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.859 There has got. 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.500 To be. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:38.079 A response. 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:41.000 And there are always. 00:22:41.699 --> 00:22:42.559 Two responses. 00:22:44.339 --> 00:22:44.939 Obedience. 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:47.299 Or disobedience. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.000 And which one. 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.759 Are we going to do. 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:54.219 As we come. 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.559 To this weekend. 00:22:55.699 --> 00:22:56.599 Are we going to be obedient. 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:57.819 To our king. 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.539 To remember. 00:22:59.539 --> 00:22:59.539 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.539 Him. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:03.219 Not looking to ourselves. 00:23:04.219 --> 00:23:05.980 But looking to Jesus. 00:23:07.459 --> 00:23:08.839 And what response. 00:23:09.199 --> 00:23:10.679 Does it call for. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:13.000 Well there are three. 00:23:13.139 --> 00:23:14.299 In a positive way. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.299 And the first. 00:23:16.899 --> 00:23:17.679 Is faith. 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:20.619 The call here. 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:22.179 Is to the people. 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.159 To turn. 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:24.900 To turn away. 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.320 From the worthless. 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:26.920 Idols. 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.480 That they have been. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:27.980 Worshipping. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.880 And to ascribe. 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:31.100 To the Lord. 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:32.920 To give. 00:23:33.560 --> 00:23:34.420 To the Lord. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.519 To be a people. 00:23:37.380 --> 00:23:38.160 Of faith. 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:40.779 Faith. 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:41.779 Reminds us. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.920 It's not of us. 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:44.660 Because faith. 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:45.740 Is placed. 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:46.480 Elsewhere. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:48.540 And our faith. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:50.120 Is to be in the Lord. 00:23:50.640 --> 00:23:51.660 Jesus Christ. 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:51.980 Christ. 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:53.400 Faith. 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.040 Faith in the midst. 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:55.580 Of ridicule. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.360 Faith in the midst. 00:23:57.900 --> 00:23:58.759 Of challenges. 00:23:59.820 --> 00:24:00.759 Faith in the midst. 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.060 Of doubt. 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:04.480 But to be a people. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.380 Of faith. 00:24:05.820 --> 00:24:06.700 Who ascribe. 00:24:06.860 --> 00:24:07.440 To the Lord. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:08.519 The glory. 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:09.620 That is due to him. 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:12.100 There was a man. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.380 Who. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:13.500 He wasn't. 00:24:13.600 --> 00:24:14.200 A believer. 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.640 But he had a Christian. 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:16.160 Friend. 00:24:17.360 --> 00:24:17.980 And he often. 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.640 Used to. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.380 Tease him. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.100 Or mock him. 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.480 About his faith. 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:23.519 And this one day. 00:24:23.600 --> 00:24:24.680 He says to his friend. 00:24:24.800 --> 00:24:25.420 Say George. 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:27.380 What would you say. 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:29.040 If when you die. 00:24:29.580 --> 00:24:31.120 You found there wasn't such. 00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:31.820 A place. 00:24:31.820 --> 00:24:32.600 As heaven. 00:24:32.600 --> 00:24:33.340 After all. 00:24:35.080 --> 00:24:35.540 Well. 00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:36.600 The friend. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.340 Who was a believer. 00:24:37.560 --> 00:24:38.360 Smiled and said. 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:38.600 Well. 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:40.100 I would say. 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.300 I've had a good time. 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:43.140 Trying to get there. 00:24:44.540 --> 00:24:46.259 But then he turned it back. 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:47.000 On his friend. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:49.359 And he asked him. 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:50.279 A question. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.140 What about you friend. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:53.400 What would you say. 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:54.299 If when you die. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:56.259 You found there was. 00:24:56.380 --> 00:24:57.000 Such a place. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.500 As hell. 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.220 After all. 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:01.599 How do you respond. 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:02.359 To that. 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:04.700 It will be too late. 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:07.539 Faith. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:08.880 Is looking. 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.400 To Jesus. 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:12.580 First Kings. 00:25:12.580 --> 00:25:13.100 18. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:13.820 Verse 21. 00:25:14.040 --> 00:25:14.519 Elijah. 00:25:15.080 --> 00:25:15.820 As he's there. 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:16.519 With the people. 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:17.259 Who are worshipping. 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:18.460 Their Baal. 00:25:18.540 --> 00:25:19.200 Their God. 00:25:19.800 --> 00:25:20.500 He says to them. 00:25:20.580 --> 00:25:21.500 How long will you go. 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.400 Limping between. 00:25:22.540 --> 00:25:23.680 Do different opinions. 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:26.080 If the Lord is God. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:26.900 Follow him. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.600 But if Baal. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.640 Then follow him. 00:25:30.820 --> 00:25:31.720 And the people. 00:25:32.440 --> 00:25:33.700 Did not answer him. 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.560 A word. 00:25:36.860 --> 00:25:37.820 He says. 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:39.500 Don't sit in the fence. 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:42.660 If the Lord is God. 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:44.120 Follow him. 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.340 Have faith. 00:25:46.340 --> 00:25:47.460 In him. 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.259 Faith. 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:49.920 Is a response. 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.580 Commitment. 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:54.019 Is a response. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:54.619 As well. 00:25:55.679 --> 00:25:56.240 The nations. 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:57.279 Are used to. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:58.259 Bringing their offerings. 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.259 Before their false. 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.000 Gods. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:02.500 But here. 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:03.159 In verse 8. 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:03.679 We are told. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.079 Bring. 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.039 An offering. 00:26:05.159 --> 00:26:05.859 And come into. 00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:07.399 His courts. 00:26:08.939 --> 00:26:09.159 So. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:11.119 The psalmist is saying. 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.980 Here is your response. 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:15.659 How are you going to decide? 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.119 Are you going to leave. 00:26:17.119 --> 00:26:17.919 These idols. 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:18.779 These worthless. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.279 Gods. 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:19.899 Behind. 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:21.819 And will you not come. 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:23.700 And give this offering. 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.960 To God. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.519 Come into. 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:28.039 His courts. 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:29.799 Come into. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:30.799 His house. 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:31.859 To his people. 00:26:32.419 --> 00:26:33.419 To his kingdom. 00:26:34.439 --> 00:26:35.480 Commit yourself. 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.659 To him. 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:40.119 Is God just. 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.859 Part of your life. 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:44.799 Or is he your whole life. 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.659 The one you commit. 00:26:46.659 --> 00:26:48.339 All your ways to. 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:50.740 It commands. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.740 A response. 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:52.740 It commands. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.319 It commands. 00:26:53.899 --> 00:26:54.759 A commitment. 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.459 As the hymn writer says. 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:56.899 When I. 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:57.720 Survey. 00:26:57.919 --> 00:26:59.119 The wondrous cross. 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.119 On which the prince. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.740 Of glory died. 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:02.319 Love. 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:03.519 So amazing. 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.720 So divine. 00:27:05.439 --> 00:27:06.319 Demands. 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:06.740 My soul. 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.759 My life. 00:27:09.399 --> 00:27:10.199 My all. 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:13.759 There are demands. 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:16.080 And there is a response. 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:16.700 How. 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:18.559 Do we respond. 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:20.700 Are we going. 00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:22.340 To commit ourselves. 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.580 To the Lord. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.779 In faith. 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:27.059 And the third thing is. 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:28.200 And the final thing here. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.100 For us this evening is. 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:31.019 There is a response. 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.340 Of worship. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.440 Worship. 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:34.640 Worship. 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:37.580 What do you want. 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:39.240 Out of this. 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:40.340 Coming weekend. 00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:43.380 What do you hope. 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:44.220 To get. 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.900 Is that how you're coming. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:47.539 To it. 00:27:47.820 --> 00:27:48.180 First. 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:51.340 What will I get out. 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.640 Or is it. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:55.160 First and foremost. 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.559 Not linked. 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.059 To what you put in. 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:02.500 If we expect. 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:03.779 Anything of God. 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.420 And we long. 00:28:04.839 --> 00:28:05.500 For something. 00:28:05.639 --> 00:28:06.460 Out of this weekend. 00:28:06.579 --> 00:28:06.879 We long. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.619 For encouragement. 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:08.259 We long. 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.339 For blessing. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.559 We long. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.319 For fellowship. 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:11.819 We long. 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:12.379 For God. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:12.980 To be near. 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.000 We long. 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:15.680 For all of these things. 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:18.960 But what are we putting in. 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:22.319 What are we putting into it. 00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:23.779 You see. 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.299 Ascribe. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.839 As it's repeated here. 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:28.200 And worship. 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.980 There's their demands. 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:33.559 But there are response. 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:36.000 There are response. 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.899 To seeing. 00:28:36.899 --> 00:28:38.859 The glory of God. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.500 And to longing. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.700 For him. 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:45.000 And so. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.420 Will we not worship. 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:49.079 Will we not praise. 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:50.339 Our king. 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.899 The king. 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:53.259 Of glory. 00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:55.579 Will we not ascribe. 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:56.240 To him. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.819 All that is due. 00:28:58.460 --> 00:28:59.660 And worship him. 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.099 In splendor. 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:02.299 And holiness. 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:05.240 That we might receive. 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.839 Blessing. 00:29:07.399 --> 00:29:07.899 From him. 00:29:08.939 --> 00:29:10.079 It's not just about. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:11.179 What we get out. 00:29:12.459 --> 00:29:13.859 But what we put in. 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.539 And the more that we see. 00:29:17.199 --> 00:29:19.419 What God has given for us. 00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:22.199 And what Jesus has done. 00:29:22.699 --> 00:29:23.299 For us. 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.740 That demands. 00:29:26.459 --> 00:29:27.240 Our life. 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.459 Our soul. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:30.059 Our all. 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:32.059 Let us pray. 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:37.160 Lord our gracious God. 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.039 We thank you. 00:29:38.620 --> 00:29:39.980 For the one who is. 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:40.700 Our king. 00:29:40.840 --> 00:29:41.720 And our God. 00:29:42.360 --> 00:29:43.079 Our Lord. 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.720 We thank you. 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.500 That we have. 00:29:45.840 --> 00:29:47.400 In the midst of a world. 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.279 Full of idols. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:50.819 A true and a living God. 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:53.079 And that we have a saviour. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.460 In Jesus Christ. 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:56.980 One who we can come. 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:59.039 And see and hear. 00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.900 His call. 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:02.480 One who demands. 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:03.900 A response. 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:04.600 Of us. 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:06.180 And we pray. 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:06.779 Oh Lord. 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:08.299 That in these coming days. 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:09.579 Even today. 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.460 That our response. 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.160 Will be one. 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:13.720 Full of worship. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.880 And ascribing the glory. 00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:17.440 Due to his name. 00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:19.180 Hear our prayers. 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:19.519 Lord. 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:20.220 Grant us. 00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:21.519 Your peace. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:23.039 And your blessing over us. 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:24.059 Your help. 00:30:24.119 --> 00:30:24.920 And your guidance. 00:30:25.099 --> 00:30:26.339 In all of our hearts. 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.720 That we might come. 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:28.980 In our weakness. 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:30.139 And in our trembling. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:32.019 But in your strength. 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:34.139 As we ask it in Jesus name. 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:35.059 Amen. 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:35.159 Amen. 00:30:38.839 --> 00:30:40.639 We're going to conclude. 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:42.359 By singing to God's praise. 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.579 In Psalm 105. 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:46.000 Scottish Psalter verse. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.980 In Psalm 105. 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:50.119 Page 374. 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.099 Of the Psalm books. 00:30:51.619 --> 00:30:53.299 We'll sing from verse 1. 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.740 To verse 4. 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:56.220 Give thanks to God. 00:30:56.659 --> 00:30:57.519 Call on his name. 00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:59.279 To men his deeds make known. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.440 Sing ye to him. 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:01.599 Sing Psalms. 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:03.419 Proclaim his wondrous works. 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.019 Each one. 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:06.660 See that ye in his holy name. 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:07.420 To glory. 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.559 Do accord. 00:31:08.660 --> 00:31:10.119 And let the heart of everyone. 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.319 Rejoice. 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.559 That seeks the Lord. 00:31:12.639 --> 00:31:14.259 We'll sing from verse 1 to 4. 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.500 To God's praise. 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:16.680 We stand to sing. 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:16.960 Amen. 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.779 Amen. 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:17.779 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:47.759 Thank you. 00:31:47.779 --> 00:32:17.759 Thank you. 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:19.779 Thank you. 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:49.779 Thank you. 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:51.779 Thank you. 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:53.779 Thank you. 00:32:57.779 --> 00:32:59.779 Thank you. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:03.779 Thank you. 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:14.220 Now may grace, mercy and peace from God, 00:33:14.440 --> 00:33:17.339 Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:20.180 and abide with you all now and forevermore. 00:33:20.579 --> 00:33:20.920 Amen.