WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:05.280 Well, a very warm welcome to you all to the service this morning, which happens to be, 00:00:05.379 --> 00:00:10.960 as you know, my last service as the Minister of the Congregation, so it's a very poignant 00:00:10.960 --> 00:00:17.820 time for me. I hope it's not the last service altogether, but it is for the moment as Minister 00:00:17.820 --> 00:00:23.539 of the Congregation at least. And you'll find the intimations as usual on the sheet, and 00:00:23.539 --> 00:00:28.019 I'm not going to go through them today because we have a Sunday School Prize-giving in the 00:00:28.019 --> 00:00:33.960 Hall after the service, so we'll keep things as short as possible. YF also meets tonight 00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:39.579 in the MA Hall, that's after the evening service. All P7 children are also warmly invited tonight. 00:00:40.079 --> 00:00:45.159 Cook session is due to meet tomorrow evening at 7pm, the Wednesday meeting and Thursday 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:50.980 meetings at the usual time, and the 55-plus fellowship will meet on Friday from 12 to 2, 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:57.079 and I hope to be present for that as well. Service is next Lord's Day there at the usual 00:00:57.079 --> 00:01:03.439 times. And there is a service of thanksgiving and a reception to mark my retirement. That'll 00:01:03.439 --> 00:01:08.200 be on Friday the 28th. I'm not going to read through the details there because it's a bit 00:01:08.200 --> 00:01:14.079 emotional for me to do it. Thank you for arranging it. I greatly appreciate that, as does Donna 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:18.620 and my family as well. So please just read through that yourselves. There's the Lewis Christian 00:01:18.620 --> 00:01:24.980 Conference, and there's a note for the record subscriptions for the magazine, the monthly record, 00:01:24.980 --> 00:01:31.880 if you want to continue or begin receiving it. Just look at the details there as to how to pay for 00:01:31.880 --> 00:01:37.180 that. And there's the Blights would appeal next Saturday, 9.30 to 12 noon. 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:51.260 Just before the benedictions, I'll actually say a few more things before we go through to the hall. 00:01:51.260 --> 00:01:56.920 But meantime, let's just begin the worship of God. And we're going to begin from Psalm 34. 00:01:58.880 --> 00:02:05.640 Psalm 34 on page 40. The tune is Bays of Haras. We're singing verses 1 to 9. 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:13.140 At all times I will bless the Lord. I'll praise him with my voice. Because I glory in the Lord, 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:20.120 let troubled souls rejoice. That's Psalm 34. That's on page 40. We're singing the verses marked 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:24.659 1 to 9. At all times I will bless the Lord. 00:02:24.659 --> 00:02:24.680 At all times I will bless the Lord. 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:29.000 At all times I will bless the Lord. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:38.120 At all times I will bless the Lord. 00:02:38.120 --> 00:02:44.920 I'll praise him with my voice. 00:02:44.919 --> 00:02:53.799 Because I glory in the Lord. 00:02:53.799 --> 00:03:01.619 Let's love the souls rejoice. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:18.360 You ever met us, praise the Lord. I sought his name with me. 00:03:18.360 --> 00:03:23.240 I sought the Lord. 00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:23.740 I sought the Lord. 00:03:23.740 --> 00:03:27.740 His answer came. 00:03:27.740 --> 00:03:35.680 From years he set me free. 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:37.800 He loved her. 00:03:37.800 --> 00:03:41.800 He sought the Lord. 00:03:41.800 --> 00:03:44.560 He sent me free. 00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:47.599 He said he was running to gloom. 00:03:47.599 --> 00:03:48.500 I failed her. 00:03:48.500 --> 00:03:52.480 He sought him with it. 00:03:52.479 --> 00:04:09.479 This happy man cries to the Lord from his deliverance day. 00:04:09.479 --> 00:04:24.480 The angel of the Lord serves and rise continually. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:42.480 For those who give and honor him, he sets his people free. 00:04:42.480 --> 00:04:59.480 Come, take some sea, the Lord is good, who trusts in him, his place. 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:15.240 Oh, hear the Lord, you saints with me, you will not be oppressed. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:23.780 Let's unite now in prayer. Let's call upon the Lord in prayer. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:53.759 Amen. 00:05:53.779 --> 00:05:55.779 Amen. 00:05:56.279 --> 00:05:58.259 We pray for your blessing upon them. 00:05:58.740 --> 00:06:07.000 We pray that they may continue to learn about you, and especially that they may come to follow you and worship you and serve you in this world. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:37.000 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:41.800 Come before us and cleanse us from all our sin for Jesus' sake. Amen. 00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:41.920 Amen. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:48.120 Well, I thought I'd come down to your level today, or just about your level. 00:06:48.480 --> 00:06:52.180 It's very hard for you to look up to that big pulpit up there, isn't it? 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:52.960 So high up. 00:06:53.720 --> 00:06:59.340 I want to begin by telling you how you're such a special part of this congregation. 00:07:00.900 --> 00:07:02.819 You're a special part of this congregation. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:05.000 You are part of the congregation. 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:09.420 You don't just become part of the congregation when you grow up to be adults. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:11.720 You're a part of it already. 00:07:12.540 --> 00:07:13.960 And you're a very special part. 00:07:14.680 --> 00:07:17.439 Because we look to you, we older ones look to you, 00:07:17.840 --> 00:07:21.800 as those who will for yourselves come to follow the Lord one day. 00:07:22.660 --> 00:07:26.540 And indeed, we hope you do that very early on in your life. 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:30.480 You learn about Him in Sunday school, in the Bible class. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:35.860 And that's so important for you then to come and try and live by what you learn 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:38.180 as you go through the things of life. 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:44.000 Now, I want you to look behind me, or behind the pulpit, at the windows that you see there. 00:07:44.660 --> 00:07:48.819 Maybe those who are working the camera, for those who are online, can actually zoom in 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:52.920 and focus on the window, and especially on the colors of those windows. 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:56.080 There are a number of colors in these windows. 00:07:56.660 --> 00:07:59.160 And there are three, especially, that are important. 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:00.400 There's blue. 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:03.520 There's purple, even if it's a light purple. 00:08:04.140 --> 00:08:08.240 And there's all the way around the edge, a very deep crimson red. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:16.680 And these colors are colors that are mentioned for the Old Testament tabernacle. 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:24.980 The big tent that the people of God met in during the days of the Old Testament in the wilderness 00:08:24.980 --> 00:08:28.780 until the temple was built instead of the tabernacle. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:37.579 And the colors of the tabernacle, these three colors, were important and taught the people some very important things. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:41.519 Blue reminds us of what? 00:08:42.059 --> 00:08:45.179 What can you think of as light blue? 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.579 It's not light blue today. 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:48.279 You can't see it, but it is light blue. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:50.139 So there's a clue for you there. 00:08:50.220 --> 00:08:50.699 What is it? 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:51.679 Yeah. 00:08:51.679 --> 00:08:54.079 Not water. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:54.500 No. 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:55.959 Anything else that's light blue? 00:08:56.839 --> 00:08:57.859 It's above your head. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:58.139 Yeah. 00:08:59.239 --> 00:09:00.000 The sky. 00:09:00.679 --> 00:09:01.919 It's the color of the sky. 00:09:02.819 --> 00:09:08.379 And that's really something that reminds us of God's heaven. 00:09:08.979 --> 00:09:10.739 Heaven where God lives. 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:16.319 Heaven where God will bring all those He saves to be with Himself in heaven. 00:09:16.320 --> 00:09:22.340 So whenever you see the color light blue, and when you think, looking at that window, when you see the blue color, 00:09:22.820 --> 00:09:26.300 it reminds you of heaven, reminds you of the God of heaven, 00:09:26.740 --> 00:09:34.920 and it reminds you of heaven being the place that God's saved people will be in throughout all eternity. 00:09:36.300 --> 00:09:38.300 Then there's the color purple. 00:09:39.700 --> 00:09:42.820 And purple is associated with royalty. 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:48.960 In the old days especially, those who were kings and queens wore purple. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:52.860 Clothes of purple or cloaks of purple especially. 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:58.560 And when you see the color purple in the window and the color purple in the tabernacle, 00:09:58.660 --> 00:10:01.800 it reminded the people that God was their king. 00:10:02.660 --> 00:10:05.160 That royalty belonged to God. 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:11.340 But not only that, that they as God's people, as God's children, were royal children. 00:10:11.340 --> 00:10:19.500 And all the people who belonged to God are His spiritual family, and they themselves are royalty as well. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:24.280 Just like you find the royal family, King Charles and the royal family. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:27.360 All of the royal family, you could say, have royalty. 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:30.660 They belong to that royal family. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:37.560 And if you're a Christian today, and all you are Christians belong to the royal family of God. 00:10:37.559 --> 00:10:48.059 And that's such an important thing for you to learn about, that God brings us into His family as we come to know Jesus as our Savior. 00:10:49.199 --> 00:10:50.399 So there's blue for heaven. 00:10:50.979 --> 00:10:52.419 There's purple for royalty. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:56.279 There's one other color around the edge of these windows. 00:10:56.479 --> 00:10:59.599 It's a deep crimson red color. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:05.080 And in the Bible, it's always associated with blood. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:10.440 And blood is always associated with the death of Jesus. 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:18.600 So all the way around these windows, you have a color that reminds you of the death of Jesus on the cross. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:27.340 It's not that long ago since we had the Lord's Supper here, where we remember the Lord's death, as He Himself requires of us. 00:11:27.340 --> 00:11:37.120 So when you look at these windows and you see these colors, and you see how brilliantly bright red around the edge that crimson color is, 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:39.820 remember that it's about Jesus. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:43.980 It's about Jesus that you're learning in Sunday school and Bible class. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:48.740 And especially what Jesus did to save us from our sins. 00:11:49.540 --> 00:11:52.920 He gave Himself to the death of the cross. 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:55.980 He gave Himself to die for our sins. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:58.580 He took our sins to Himself. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:07.120 And the death that He died is the death He died so that we might live forever. 00:12:08.580 --> 00:12:12.800 Blue, purple, and crimson red. 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:15.879 Now let's say the Lord's Prayer together. 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:21.360 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:23.059 Thy kingdom come. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:26.299 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:29.100 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:12:29.559 --> 00:12:32.899 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:37.340 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:42.019 For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.159 Amen. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:46.600 I'm going to sing again to God's praise. 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:48.139 And this time we're singing in Gaelic. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:53.100 Whenever we have a combined service, we have one of the singings in Gaelic. 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:56.259 This is from Psalm 85, verses 8 to 9. 00:12:56.319 --> 00:12:57.879 You'll find it on your bulletin sheet. 00:12:57.879 --> 00:13:27.059 Words which in English speak about giving a listening to God because He speaks peace to His own people. 00:13:27.059 --> 00:13:28.459 These two verses. 00:13:28.459 --> 00:13:32.599 This is from Psalm 85, verses 8 to 9. 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:35.139 And this is from Psalm 85, verses 8 to 9. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:37.159 And this will THE maximum I hear is my've- 00:13:37.159 --> 00:14:07.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:37.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:14:37.159 --> 00:15:07.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:09.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:15.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:19.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:23.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:27.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:31.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:35.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:37.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:41.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:43.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:47.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:49.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:51.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:53.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:57.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:59.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:01.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:05.139 CHORIR SINGS 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:07.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:09.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:11.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:13.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:13.159 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:15.139 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:30.120 Will you turn with me now to read the Word of God, please, from the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, and chapter 3. 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:37.139 That's second Thessalonians, chapter 3. We'll read through the whole chapter. 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:45.059 It's page 1192, or thereabouts, if you're using the church Bibles. 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:46.139 Amen. 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:16.140 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.140 00:18:15.140 --> 00:18:16.140 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:47.140 Amen. 00:18:47.140 --> 00:18:48.140 00:19:17.140 --> 00:19:18.140 00:19:47.140 --> 00:20:17.140 00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:18.140 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:48.140 00:21:17.140 --> 00:21:18.140 00:21:48.140 --> 00:21:51.460 Bless us, Lord, at this juncture in the congregation's experience. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:22:00.700 We know that there have been many times before when ministries have come to an end in this congregation and been followed by others. 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:12.500 And we thank you for your faithfulness in regard to that as well, that it is in your appointment that congregations flourish, that congregations continue in their development. 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:20.480 And we thank you, O Lord, for your wisdom in the way in which you guide your people in such choices as need to be made. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:24.160 And we pray for this congregation, Lord, in days to come. 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:33.339 We pray as we come to express our thankfulness and appreciation of their support in the gospel, 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:38.799 and of their commitment to the gospel and to promoting that gospel in our community. 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:46.480 And we pray that you would be with them, Lord, that they may know that you are that ready presence at all times, 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:48.679 that they can look to with confidence. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:53.980 We pray that you would guide them as they seek your own guidance for the way ahead. 00:22:54.380 --> 00:23:01.779 We ask that you would bless each and every home, each and every family, each and every individual connected to the congregation. 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:06.220 We pray that you would bless the eldership at this time. 00:23:06.339 --> 00:23:11.000 We ask for them, that you would give them, Lord, the guidance and strength of your spirit, 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:13.899 so as to guide the congregation in the way ahead. 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:18.019 We pray for Calamurdo and his role as assistant. 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:24.639 We pray that you would bless him and Johan, as he will have more responsibilities in the days to come. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:33.020 And we ask, O Lord, that together the congregation will continue to develop and continue to know the leading of your spirit 00:23:33.020 --> 00:23:35.759 and the blessing of your word amongst them. 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:41.500 Lord, we pray for that work of your spirit to bring many more to a knowledge of Christ, 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:44.620 many more to a commitment to him as their savior, 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:50.620 and many more to come to show themselves to willingly be a people of the Lord 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:55.179 who will go forth into the world holding forth the word of life. 00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:59.879 Bless, we pray, all who join us online from week to week. 00:23:59.959 --> 00:24:01.000 We thank you for them. 00:24:01.619 --> 00:24:06.379 We thank you for their support, sometimes shown even in material ways. 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:12.899 We pray that that aspect of the congregation's ministry will continue to be blessed as well. 00:24:13.199 --> 00:24:18.219 We thank you for all who, from time to time, send words of encouragement 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:22.720 as they join the services of the congregation online. 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:28.539 We pray that you bless, Lord, all the other activities of the congregation from week to week. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:34.940 Bless the work, we pray, especially amongst the children, amongst the young people and adults alike. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:41.680 We ask that all the other activities connected with the weekly endeavors of the congregation may be blessed. 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:51.519 And may be blessed internally and externally to those around who see and hear of the work of the congregation from week to week. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:56.759 Be pleased, we pray, O Lord, to continue to bestow the strength of your spirit 00:24:56.759 --> 00:25:00.240 and the blessing of your spirit and the energy of your spirit 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:07.299 to win hearts to yourself and to expand the congregation even in numerical terms as well. 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:12.259 But especially, we pray that they may continue to deepen their roots spiritually 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:19.059 and that they may come to know of that growth in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:24.240 Remember those who are unable to be with us today through illness or through other duties. 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:29.079 We pray that you would bless them, O Lord, and those away from home at this time. 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.960 Be pleased, we pray, to draw near to them. 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:35.640 And grant to us, O Lord, as we continue to wait upon you, 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:41.660 that in all our several responsibilities in the Church of Christ and in this congregation, 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:48.799 we may continue to depend upon the Lord and seek his blessing upon our lives from day to day. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.759 Hear us now, we pray. 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:55.160 Continue with us and pardon and cleanse us from all our sins. 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:56.240 For Jesus' sake. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.079 Amen. 00:25:57.079 --> 00:26:01.859 We'll sing once more to God's praise. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:03.740 We're singing Psalm 122. 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:06.519 Psalm 122. 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:09.139 That's in the Scottish Psalter version. 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:12.240 That's on page 416. 00:26:14.179 --> 00:26:15.419 The tune is Free Church. 00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:18.939 I joyed went to the house of God. 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.379 Go up, they said to me. 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:24.339 Jerusalem within thy gates, our feet shall standing be. 00:26:24.339 --> 00:26:28.139 Jerusalem as a city is compactly built together. 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:30.939 And to that place the tribes go up. 00:26:31.439 --> 00:26:33.759 The tribes of God go thither. 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:36.240 These verses, Psalm 122. 00:26:36.439 --> 00:26:37.500 To God's praise. 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:49.500 I joyed went to the house of God. 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:55.440 Go up, they said to me. 00:26:55.440 --> 00:27:03.279 Jerusalem within thy gates, 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:05.799 Our feet shall stand on him. 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.680 The exorcised calling people. 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:07.359 Hymn. 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:09.099 And we shall stand in me. 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:13.079 The hemos of all Broadcl Harona's support, 00:27:13.079 --> 00:27:15.399 known for a city isenko Fank, 00:27:15.399 --> 00:27:17.700 Israel within thyis. 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.319 Hymn. 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:26.460 Zumines should principles to while the earth are held together, 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:38.460 To the place that shines over, the times of God go thither. 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:53.460 In this church's testimony there, to God's name comes to me. 00:27:53.460 --> 00:28:08.460 For crowns of judgment in the cross of the disciples' escape. 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:22.460 In the dead of seven will have peace and felicity. 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:36.460 Let them that love me and my peace have still prosperity. 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:53.460 For I wish that peace may still within thy bones remain. 00:28:53.460 --> 00:29:08.460 And ever may thy promises prosperity retain. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:24.460 For my friends and brethren sing, this day in me I'll sing. 00:29:24.460 --> 00:29:38.880 And for the house of God our Lord I'll sing thy good only. 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:39.880 Amen. 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:46.940 Now if you turn with me please to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:53.840 I'd like us together to consider the words of verse 16 for a short time this morning. 00:29:53.840 --> 00:29:57.800 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 verse 16. 00:29:57.799 --> 00:30:05.399 Now may the God of peace himself give you peace at all times, in every way. 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:08.980 The Lord be with you all. 00:30:12.419 --> 00:30:17.200 Well as you well know we live in a world that desperately needs peace. 00:30:17.200 --> 00:30:25.740 In so many different ways as you look out over people's lives, whether locally, nationally or internationally, 00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:29.860 you can see that people are in need of peace. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:34.519 Though not necessarily looking for it in the right places. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:39.100 And we ourselves need that peace so much. 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:45.779 We need the peace as we'll see of which Paul is here speaking of as he wrote to the Thessalonians. 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:49.839 We need that peace individually, deep within our hearts. 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:55.119 But without that peace life is not structured as it should be. 00:30:55.859 --> 00:31:00.559 The peace that we'll see comes from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:05.180 And of course peace in the Bible, we've seen this many times, 00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:12.519 peace in the Bible means a lot more than just the absence of strife or of conflict or of war. 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:19.220 Peace actually in the Bible means a situation or a state of well-being, 00:31:19.639 --> 00:31:23.799 of spiritual prosperity in the highest sense. 00:31:23.960 --> 00:31:29.180 That overall well-being that God gives to his people spiritually and morally 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:33.000 through what he has done in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:33.000 --> 00:31:38.579 And it belongs to the highest blessing that we receive from God. 00:31:39.220 --> 00:31:42.059 Includes and contains this peace of God. 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:45.799 This peace that has two dimensions to it really. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:52.619 The peace the Bible speaks of as peace with God and also peace with one another. 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:59.779 And both of these are joined together in the Lord Jesus Christ and what he is and who he is 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:01.979 for his own believing people. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:05.939 Through him we come to have peace with God. 00:32:06.959 --> 00:32:11.579 Through him we have the privilege of having peace with one another. 00:32:11.579 --> 00:32:19.619 And Paul's prayer for these Thessalonians who, like every other church you find mentioned in the New Testament, 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:21.379 had problems of their own. 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:26.579 Things that needed to be corrected by God, by Paul in his writings. 00:32:27.379 --> 00:32:32.500 But here is Paul saying this especially is what he desires for and prays for them. 00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:37.460 That the Lord of peace himself will give them peace at all times. 00:32:38.019 --> 00:32:40.819 And that the Lord will be with them all. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:47.859 And what was Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians is my prayer for you today. 00:32:48.639 --> 00:32:53.099 As I lay down my congregational ministry with yourselves. 00:32:53.919 --> 00:33:01.939 So I pray that this verse will be abundantly fulfilled in your experience in the days to come. 00:33:02.659 --> 00:33:06.819 That the Lord of peace himself will give you peace at all times. 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:11.720 And that the Lord himself will indeed be with you. 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:15.000 So let's look at the source of peace first of all. 00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:18.480 And then look at the outworking of peace very briefly. 00:33:18.980 --> 00:33:23.379 Well the source of peace obviously is as he says there's the Lord of peace. 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:27.159 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times. 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:36.759 Now usually in the Bible in the New Testament we find the God of peace being the phrase that's attached to spiritual peace from God or with God. 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:43.300 The God of peace is the God who made peace through the death of Jesus on the cross. 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:53.819 Colossians chapter 1 and verse 20 especially speaks there about the person of Jesus and his qualification to be the saviour of his people. 00:33:54.240 --> 00:34:00.059 And how he was endowed and indeed possessed himself as he says in that great chapter. 00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:06.379 That he is in fact the one in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. 00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:11.680 God was pleased to make the fullness of God dwell in him as a person. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:22.340 And therefore through him to reconcile to himself all things whether on earth or in heaven making peace by the blood of his cross. 00:34:23.140 --> 00:34:24.800 Peace with God. 00:34:25.320 --> 00:34:27.340 Peace involving reconciliation. 00:34:27.340 --> 00:34:31.200 And peace by means of the cross. 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:37.820 The removal of enmity that had been brought in by our sin and rebellion against God. 00:34:38.480 --> 00:34:43.900 So that's mostly the emphasis you find on peace and peace with God. 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:46.940 Peace that God has created through the cross. 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:53.519 But you notice here in Thessalonians in this text we're looking at it's actually the Lord of peace himself. 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:57.900 And that mostly in the New Testament refers to Jesus specifically. 00:34:58.840 --> 00:35:02.960 It's a specific reference to the Lord of peace himself. 00:35:03.719 --> 00:35:11.900 And wherever you find the word Lord like that most often it refers precisely or specially to Jesus himself. 00:35:12.219 --> 00:35:13.380 So that's what he's really saying. 00:35:13.719 --> 00:35:18.420 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times. 00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:22.980 In other words it's reminding us that Jesus is also the bestower of peace. 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:26.000 It's not just peace from the Father through him. 00:35:26.360 --> 00:35:29.579 The peace that you find as a property of salvation. 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:31.900 The peace between yourselves and God. 00:35:32.280 --> 00:35:35.760 And created for peace with one another. 00:35:36.300 --> 00:35:38.820 There is also peace from Jesus himself. 00:35:38.960 --> 00:35:43.159 Jesus as the saviour of his people is the bestower of peace. 00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:44.679 Just as much as the Father. 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:49.280 And you have these wonderful words in John's Gospel in chapter 14. 00:35:49.280 --> 00:35:54.380 Where he taught the disciples as he prepared to go out to the cross. 00:35:54.840 --> 00:35:58.300 And as he sought to allay their fears. 00:35:58.980 --> 00:36:00.640 As he sought to calm their minds. 00:36:00.740 --> 00:36:01.740 They knew he was going. 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:04.660 He had told them it was necessary for him to go. 00:36:05.160 --> 00:36:07.980 They just couldn't think of the world being the same without him. 00:36:08.460 --> 00:36:11.500 They couldn't think of how they were going to manage life without him. 00:36:11.660 --> 00:36:12.780 And indeed they had a good point. 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:16.980 They didn't then understand of course that the Holy Spirit was going to come. 00:36:17.640 --> 00:36:21.880 And that Jesus was going to be present with them through the Holy Spirit. 00:36:22.280 --> 00:36:23.500 But you remember what he said. 00:36:24.140 --> 00:36:26.620 Peace I leave with you. 00:36:27.580 --> 00:36:30.820 My peace I give to you. 00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:33.700 Peace I leave with you. 00:36:33.760 --> 00:36:37.960 It's the kind of thing you find in somebody who's just drawn up a will. 00:36:38.120 --> 00:36:40.540 And saying this is what I bequeath to you. 00:36:40.539 --> 00:36:43.059 This is what I am laying down for you. 00:36:43.179 --> 00:36:45.719 That you will come to possess after I am gone. 00:36:46.239 --> 00:36:47.599 And that's what Jesus was saying. 00:36:48.320 --> 00:36:50.579 My peace I give to you. 00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:56.739 The peace that I specially have to give to you is what I'm going to give to you. 00:36:57.699 --> 00:37:04.559 And you remember he actually then went and made a specific contrast with the world. 00:37:04.559 --> 00:37:09.539 Not as the world gives do I give to you. 00:37:10.539 --> 00:37:13.940 Not as the world gives do I give to you. 00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:20.019 Because that's you see where most people actually look for peace isn't it. 00:37:20.219 --> 00:37:21.719 You look out over the world today. 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:26.380 You look out all that's happening in the world outside of the worship of God. 00:37:26.519 --> 00:37:30.320 Or outside of the gatherings of God's people or gospel ordinances. 00:37:30.820 --> 00:37:32.219 Where do people look for peace? 00:37:32.279 --> 00:37:34.059 They look for it in material things. 00:37:34.340 --> 00:37:36.440 They look for it in the things of this world. 00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:39.460 And you know better than that because you have the gospel. 00:37:39.900 --> 00:37:42.840 And you know what Jesus is saying in the gospel about peace. 00:37:43.179 --> 00:37:44.760 It's not a peace that you can create. 00:37:45.039 --> 00:37:47.340 Not a peace that you manufacture for yourself. 00:37:47.579 --> 00:37:51.539 It doesn't come by reason of anything that you're able to do yourself. 00:37:51.740 --> 00:37:52.659 It's his peace. 00:37:52.960 --> 00:37:54.179 He has done it for you. 00:37:54.400 --> 00:37:55.539 He gives it to you. 00:37:55.880 --> 00:37:57.340 My peace I give to you. 00:37:57.559 --> 00:38:00.200 Not as the world gives give I to you. 00:38:00.199 --> 00:38:01.879 Wherever you're looking for peace today. 00:38:02.199 --> 00:38:05.099 Jesus is saying to you categorically and precisely. 00:38:05.639 --> 00:38:08.179 You will not find it anywhere else but in me. 00:38:09.299 --> 00:38:13.319 You will not find the source of it in anything to do with the world. 00:38:13.559 --> 00:38:15.559 You will not find it in your own abilities. 00:38:16.079 --> 00:38:18.599 You will not find it in your worldly success. 00:38:19.239 --> 00:38:21.259 You will only find it in me. 00:38:22.399 --> 00:38:24.960 And if you don't have me you don't have this peace. 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:31.119 And you see he said in that context too didn't he. 00:38:31.900 --> 00:38:33.280 Let not your hearts be troubled. 00:38:34.360 --> 00:38:36.079 Neither let it be afraid. 00:38:37.500 --> 00:38:40.139 Similar to what we saw last Lord's Day. 00:38:40.559 --> 00:38:42.099 In Genesis chapter 46. 00:38:43.240 --> 00:38:45.539 Where you find God as we saw. 00:38:46.400 --> 00:38:47.340 Reassuring Jacob. 00:38:47.340 --> 00:38:51.139 Don't be afraid to go down to Egypt. 00:38:52.400 --> 00:38:54.699 For there I will make you a great nation. 00:38:54.960 --> 00:38:57.000 I myself will go with you. 00:38:57.920 --> 00:39:00.900 And I myself will bring you back again. 00:39:01.699 --> 00:39:05.800 Very similar to what Paul was saying here to the Thessalonians isn't it? 00:39:05.880 --> 00:39:13.019 Where he is assuring them that their peace is in and from the Lord himself. 00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:16.960 That they need not be troubled for whatever lies ahead. 00:39:17.019 --> 00:39:18.179 As we'll see in a minute he says. 00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:21.380 That he may give you peace at all times in every way. 00:39:21.380 --> 00:39:27.260 And we thought last week of how not to be afraid of the future. 00:39:27.380 --> 00:39:29.599 Whether for the congregation that you are. 00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:31.880 Or for yourself as an individual. 00:39:32.400 --> 00:39:35.559 As you go on trusting in Christ and looking to Jesus. 00:39:36.119 --> 00:39:38.840 And looking for him as the head of his church. 00:39:39.340 --> 00:39:41.360 To guide you through whatever lies ahead. 00:39:41.920 --> 00:39:42.700 This is what he said. 00:39:42.800 --> 00:39:43.800 Don't be afraid. 00:39:44.180 --> 00:39:45.500 Because you have my peace. 00:39:45.500 --> 00:39:48.440 And my peace pacifies your heart. 00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:51.099 My peace occupies your mind. 00:39:51.920 --> 00:39:53.420 My peace goes with you. 00:39:54.199 --> 00:39:55.679 As you keep looking to me. 00:39:56.960 --> 00:40:00.300 There's the source of our peace in Jesus himself. 00:40:00.420 --> 00:40:04.599 And you notice how emphatically Paul actually mentioned this. 00:40:04.679 --> 00:40:04.960 He said, 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:07.340 Now may the Lord of peace himself. 00:40:08.659 --> 00:40:10.579 You see he's adding that word himself. 00:40:11.039 --> 00:40:14.059 Just to actually reinforce the point that he's making. 00:40:14.579 --> 00:40:16.240 This is where your peace is from. 00:40:16.360 --> 00:40:19.139 This is where your peace actually is found and lies. 00:40:19.420 --> 00:40:20.760 In Jesus himself. 00:40:20.900 --> 00:40:22.659 And may the Lord himself. 00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:25.199 May he himself give you his peace. 00:40:25.320 --> 00:40:27.699 May the Lord himself give you peace. 00:40:28.760 --> 00:40:30.220 Don't look anywhere else. 00:40:31.179 --> 00:40:32.599 For your peace today. 00:40:32.599 --> 00:40:35.860 I don't know how you've come to this building. 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:39.940 With what sort of heart you've come to this building. 00:40:42.199 --> 00:40:43.739 I know you've come sincerely. 00:40:45.019 --> 00:40:46.839 I know you've come as a congregation. 00:40:48.619 --> 00:40:51.440 Who it's been my privilege to preach to for eight years. 00:40:52.900 --> 00:40:54.360 I know you know the gospel. 00:40:55.900 --> 00:40:58.299 I know you know everything the gospel says. 00:40:59.139 --> 00:41:00.900 About Christ and his death. 00:41:00.900 --> 00:41:04.500 And the creation of peace by God through the cross. 00:41:05.700 --> 00:41:07.920 But today don't look for your peace. 00:41:08.780 --> 00:41:10.200 Outwith of that Jesus. 00:41:11.380 --> 00:41:12.960 You have all the peace you need. 00:41:13.460 --> 00:41:14.420 In himself. 00:41:15.660 --> 00:41:16.700 And this is the prayer. 00:41:17.579 --> 00:41:20.840 May the Lord of peace himself. 00:41:22.139 --> 00:41:23.539 Give you that peace. 00:41:23.539 --> 00:41:25.900 Whatever happens in the days. 00:41:26.460 --> 00:41:28.119 Months or even years to come. 00:41:28.800 --> 00:41:30.960 Don't let your eyes be deflected. 00:41:31.659 --> 00:41:35.759 Don't let your mind be taken aside from. 00:41:36.460 --> 00:41:38.519 Focusing on Jesus himself. 00:41:39.279 --> 00:41:40.400 As you serve him. 00:41:40.800 --> 00:41:42.219 As the Lord of peace. 00:41:42.960 --> 00:41:44.500 Look always to him. 00:41:45.300 --> 00:41:46.860 And find your peace in him. 00:41:46.860 --> 00:41:49.059 And enjoy the peace. 00:41:49.860 --> 00:41:50.880 That is in him. 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:51.720 And that he gives. 00:41:52.380 --> 00:41:53.860 To all who trust in him. 00:41:55.079 --> 00:41:55.940 And you see he's saying. 00:41:56.420 --> 00:41:58.000 May the Lord of peace himself. 00:41:58.680 --> 00:41:59.400 Give you peace. 00:41:59.780 --> 00:42:01.140 At all times. 00:42:01.280 --> 00:42:02.099 In every way. 00:42:03.280 --> 00:42:04.860 And he's adding that. 00:42:04.960 --> 00:42:06.920 So that the Thessalonians will say. 00:42:06.920 --> 00:42:09.099 Well maybe we can look to the Lord. 00:42:09.220 --> 00:42:10.119 At some times. 00:42:10.260 --> 00:42:12.519 In some situations of crisis. 00:42:12.740 --> 00:42:14.200 And then look for peace then. 00:42:14.420 --> 00:42:16.000 And find our peace then. 00:42:16.059 --> 00:42:16.420 In him. 00:42:16.519 --> 00:42:17.380 And he be the source. 00:42:17.659 --> 00:42:18.579 Of our peace then. 00:42:18.639 --> 00:42:18.960 No no. 00:42:19.039 --> 00:42:19.539 Paul is saying. 00:42:19.860 --> 00:42:21.000 At all times. 00:42:21.119 --> 00:42:22.039 And in every way. 00:42:22.720 --> 00:42:23.180 In other words. 00:42:23.800 --> 00:42:24.240 Constantly. 00:42:24.800 --> 00:42:25.240 Continuously. 00:42:25.519 --> 00:42:26.700 Look to the Lord. 00:42:27.000 --> 00:42:28.599 And may he constantly. 00:42:29.200 --> 00:42:29.680 Continually. 00:42:29.820 --> 00:42:30.659 Give you this peace. 00:42:31.019 --> 00:42:32.720 Pour this peace into your hearts. 00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:34.320 And when he says. 00:42:34.519 --> 00:42:35.320 In every way. 00:42:35.320 --> 00:42:36.580 That literally means. 00:42:36.780 --> 00:42:38.180 At every turn. 00:42:39.100 --> 00:42:41.080 Because life has lots of turns. 00:42:42.280 --> 00:42:43.980 There are lots of turnings already. 00:42:44.420 --> 00:42:45.160 In your lives. 00:42:45.280 --> 00:42:46.960 In your human experience. 00:42:47.820 --> 00:42:49.280 Turnings that you anticipated. 00:42:49.420 --> 00:42:50.940 And some you very much didn't. 00:42:52.120 --> 00:42:53.480 Unexpected events. 00:42:55.260 --> 00:42:56.400 Challenging events. 00:42:56.980 --> 00:42:58.000 Painful events. 00:42:59.180 --> 00:43:00.559 Events that you wouldn't have. 00:43:01.000 --> 00:43:02.380 Created for yourself. 00:43:03.920 --> 00:43:05.100 That in one sense. 00:43:05.099 --> 00:43:05.619 You would rather. 00:43:05.719 --> 00:43:06.460 It never happened. 00:43:07.920 --> 00:43:08.960 But here is something. 00:43:09.039 --> 00:43:09.880 That's always true. 00:43:10.920 --> 00:43:12.199 The Lord himself. 00:43:12.619 --> 00:43:13.759 May he give you peace. 00:43:13.839 --> 00:43:14.920 At all times. 00:43:15.380 --> 00:43:16.539 At every turn. 00:43:17.659 --> 00:43:18.699 What an advantage. 00:43:18.819 --> 00:43:19.880 It is to an individual. 00:43:20.940 --> 00:43:21.420 And indeed. 00:43:21.500 --> 00:43:22.099 To a congregation. 00:43:22.099 --> 00:43:22.860 As well. 00:43:23.279 --> 00:43:24.299 To know. 00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:25.599 The Lord's peace. 00:43:26.360 --> 00:43:27.539 At every turn. 00:43:28.440 --> 00:43:29.380 Whatever the turns. 00:43:29.380 --> 00:43:30.199 May bring about. 00:43:31.000 --> 00:43:32.380 Whatever the circumstances. 00:43:32.599 --> 00:43:33.099 May be in. 00:43:33.099 --> 00:43:34.380 God's peace. 00:43:34.380 --> 00:43:35.299 God's peace doesn't change. 00:43:35.920 --> 00:43:36.920 The source of peace. 00:43:36.920 --> 00:43:37.819 Doesn't change. 00:43:38.039 --> 00:43:39.440 The quality of the peace. 00:43:39.440 --> 00:43:40.380 Doesn't change. 00:43:40.619 --> 00:43:42.019 The purpose of the peace. 00:43:42.099 --> 00:43:43.079 Doesn't change. 00:43:43.679 --> 00:43:44.880 And that's why he's saying to them. 00:43:45.539 --> 00:43:46.699 May the Lord of peace. 00:43:46.920 --> 00:43:47.480 Himself. 00:43:48.480 --> 00:43:49.980 Give you this peace. 00:43:51.139 --> 00:43:52.579 At all times. 00:43:53.480 --> 00:43:54.400 At every turn. 00:43:54.400 --> 00:43:56.780 And then secondly. 00:43:57.440 --> 00:43:59.139 The outworking of this peace. 00:43:59.320 --> 00:44:00.220 How does this peace. 00:44:00.539 --> 00:44:01.740 How is it outworked. 00:44:01.740 --> 00:44:02.460 In our experience. 00:44:03.119 --> 00:44:03.860 What sort of role. 00:44:03.960 --> 00:44:04.720 Do we have. 00:44:05.480 --> 00:44:06.720 In the experience. 00:44:06.720 --> 00:44:07.800 Of this peace. 00:44:07.800 --> 00:44:08.280 And then. 00:44:09.059 --> 00:44:10.260 Enjoying this peace. 00:44:10.900 --> 00:44:11.720 One with another. 00:44:12.680 --> 00:44:13.400 Well for a start. 00:44:13.639 --> 00:44:14.160 It's a peace. 00:44:14.619 --> 00:44:15.880 Which we experience. 00:44:16.460 --> 00:44:16.860 Together. 00:44:18.260 --> 00:44:19.320 The word you hear. 00:44:19.900 --> 00:44:20.539 May the God. 00:44:20.720 --> 00:44:21.420 The Lord of peace. 00:44:21.420 --> 00:44:21.780 Himself. 00:44:21.920 --> 00:44:23.340 Give you peace. 00:44:23.720 --> 00:44:24.000 You. 00:44:24.680 --> 00:44:25.159 Plural. 00:44:25.599 --> 00:44:25.920 Peace. 00:44:26.619 --> 00:44:27.200 And so often. 00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:28.480 In Paul's writings. 00:44:28.480 --> 00:44:29.400 In the New Testament. 00:44:29.900 --> 00:44:31.099 Keeping with others as well. 00:44:31.720 --> 00:44:32.780 The plural is used. 00:44:32.920 --> 00:44:33.720 Just to remind. 00:44:33.860 --> 00:44:34.880 Those he's writing to. 00:44:35.159 --> 00:44:36.180 This is not just. 00:44:36.320 --> 00:44:37.000 For individuals. 00:44:37.000 --> 00:44:38.460 To enjoy on their own. 00:44:38.980 --> 00:44:39.740 This is something. 00:44:39.740 --> 00:44:40.880 For congregations. 00:44:40.880 --> 00:44:41.599 For churches. 00:44:41.599 --> 00:44:42.480 To experience. 00:44:42.960 --> 00:44:43.740 And to enjoy. 00:44:44.099 --> 00:44:44.579 Together. 00:44:45.340 --> 00:44:46.099 It's not so long ago. 00:44:46.180 --> 00:44:46.760 We looked at a. 00:44:47.059 --> 00:44:48.139 Short series of study. 00:44:48.440 --> 00:44:49.220 Of the church. 00:44:49.380 --> 00:44:49.880 Gathered. 00:44:49.880 --> 00:44:50.280 The church. 00:44:50.400 --> 00:44:50.720 Together. 00:44:50.860 --> 00:44:51.340 The church. 00:44:51.860 --> 00:44:52.460 Engaged. 00:44:52.700 --> 00:44:53.039 Together. 00:44:53.039 --> 00:44:54.579 As a body of people. 00:44:54.780 --> 00:44:55.460 Built together. 00:44:55.900 --> 00:44:56.599 Joined together. 00:44:56.700 --> 00:44:57.659 And here is another word. 00:44:57.740 --> 00:44:58.820 Here's Paul again. 00:44:58.900 --> 00:44:59.680 Using the plural. 00:45:00.079 --> 00:45:01.220 May he give you. 00:45:01.440 --> 00:45:02.300 Plural peace. 00:45:02.820 --> 00:45:04.019 At all times. 00:45:05.079 --> 00:45:06.240 Absolutely crucial. 00:45:06.240 --> 00:45:06.980 That we know. 00:45:07.340 --> 00:45:08.659 God's peace for ourselves. 00:45:09.099 --> 00:45:09.579 Individually. 00:45:10.400 --> 00:45:11.300 That you yourself. 00:45:11.300 --> 00:45:11.700 Today. 00:45:12.240 --> 00:45:12.980 Know what it is. 00:45:13.039 --> 00:45:13.740 To have peace. 00:45:13.800 --> 00:45:14.400 In your heart. 00:45:14.720 --> 00:45:15.559 Through faith. 00:45:15.639 --> 00:45:16.019 In the Lord. 00:45:16.099 --> 00:45:16.860 Jesus Christ. 00:45:17.860 --> 00:45:18.800 That you experience. 00:45:18.800 --> 00:45:19.300 That peace. 00:45:19.380 --> 00:45:19.740 That you know. 00:45:19.820 --> 00:45:20.460 Things are right. 00:45:20.460 --> 00:45:21.480 Between yourself. 00:45:21.480 --> 00:45:22.179 And God. 00:45:23.619 --> 00:45:25.059 But it's also crucial. 00:45:25.559 --> 00:45:27.220 That we know this peace. 00:45:28.220 --> 00:45:28.740 Because. 00:45:29.199 --> 00:45:30.400 That we know this peace. 00:45:30.519 --> 00:45:31.079 Corporately. 00:45:31.079 --> 00:45:32.159 Or congregational. 00:45:32.300 --> 00:45:32.860 Every time. 00:45:33.220 --> 00:45:35.240 Somebody comes to know the Lord. 00:45:35.619 --> 00:45:36.699 And know that peace. 00:45:36.800 --> 00:45:37.480 In their hearts. 00:45:37.480 --> 00:45:38.480 God. 00:45:38.480 --> 00:45:40.000 Even if they don't understand it. 00:45:40.440 --> 00:45:41.240 At the time. 00:45:41.240 --> 00:45:42.380 Or something that is. 00:45:42.659 --> 00:45:43.659 Going to grow with them. 00:45:43.740 --> 00:45:44.380 From then on. 00:45:44.980 --> 00:45:46.360 What the Lord always does. 00:45:46.460 --> 00:45:48.159 Is place that individual. 00:45:48.860 --> 00:45:49.579 In connection. 00:45:49.579 --> 00:45:51.119 With a body of people. 00:45:51.340 --> 00:45:53.360 Who also know that peace too. 00:45:55.519 --> 00:45:56.320 And today. 00:45:56.440 --> 00:45:57.300 You and I are thankful. 00:45:57.500 --> 00:45:57.760 Surely. 00:45:59.099 --> 00:46:00.699 That God has not saved us. 00:46:00.699 --> 00:46:01.840 For life on our own. 00:46:03.179 --> 00:46:04.579 That God has saved us. 00:46:04.579 --> 00:46:06.039 And placed us in a fellowship. 00:46:07.039 --> 00:46:08.519 In a communion of people. 00:46:09.739 --> 00:46:11.139 That God has given us. 00:46:11.179 --> 00:46:11.719 His peace. 00:46:11.799 --> 00:46:12.940 Not just to be enjoyed. 00:46:13.059 --> 00:46:13.480 Personally. 00:46:13.860 --> 00:46:15.360 Though very much it is that. 00:46:16.119 --> 00:46:17.099 But to be enjoyed. 00:46:17.099 --> 00:46:18.019 Along with others. 00:46:18.559 --> 00:46:20.179 And in connection with others. 00:46:20.679 --> 00:46:21.299 And indeed. 00:46:21.559 --> 00:46:23.799 For the well-being of others. 00:46:24.360 --> 00:46:25.759 Along with ourselves. 00:46:25.760 --> 00:46:28.240 See there is the great thing. 00:46:28.340 --> 00:46:29.880 About God's salvation. 00:46:30.660 --> 00:46:31.680 Our sin. 00:46:32.220 --> 00:46:33.020 Created. 00:46:33.860 --> 00:46:35.380 An individualism. 00:46:36.220 --> 00:46:36.960 By which. 00:46:37.360 --> 00:46:38.300 Which is expressed. 00:46:38.440 --> 00:46:39.680 In so many different ways. 00:46:39.920 --> 00:46:40.620 In the life of. 00:46:41.000 --> 00:46:41.640 Every one of us. 00:46:41.680 --> 00:46:42.120 As sinners. 00:46:43.520 --> 00:46:44.660 That individualism. 00:46:44.720 --> 00:46:45.360 That is expressed. 00:46:45.540 --> 00:46:46.760 In pride. 00:46:47.060 --> 00:46:47.980 And arrogance. 00:46:47.980 --> 00:46:49.640 And self-esteem. 00:46:50.240 --> 00:46:51.040 All the ways. 00:46:51.120 --> 00:46:51.740 In which the Bible. 00:46:52.000 --> 00:46:52.560 Shows us. 00:46:52.760 --> 00:46:54.120 What's deep in our heart. 00:46:54.180 --> 00:46:54.660 As sinners. 00:46:54.659 --> 00:46:56.599 That expresses itself. 00:46:56.819 --> 00:46:57.659 Then in our behavior. 00:46:58.179 --> 00:46:58.699 Conversation. 00:46:58.799 --> 00:46:59.219 And otherwise. 00:47:00.119 --> 00:47:01.239 And what God does. 00:47:01.619 --> 00:47:03.179 In his work of grace. 00:47:03.299 --> 00:47:03.960 What God does. 00:47:04.039 --> 00:47:04.759 By his spirit. 00:47:04.859 --> 00:47:05.420 In our hearts. 00:47:05.759 --> 00:47:06.639 What God does. 00:47:06.699 --> 00:47:08.099 In saving us individually. 00:47:08.219 --> 00:47:09.039 And placing us. 00:47:09.079 --> 00:47:09.599 In the fellowship. 00:47:09.739 --> 00:47:10.519 Of God's people. 00:47:11.000 --> 00:47:12.259 He undoes. 00:47:12.319 --> 00:47:12.920 What sin. 00:47:13.079 --> 00:47:13.940 Has brought about. 00:47:13.940 --> 00:47:15.619 But he replaces that. 00:47:15.739 --> 00:47:16.379 With its opposite. 00:47:17.119 --> 00:47:17.940 Instead of the individualism. 00:47:19.079 --> 00:47:20.159 The self-pleasing. 00:47:20.559 --> 00:47:21.920 And all that goes along with that. 00:47:22.039 --> 00:47:23.379 As a product of sin. 00:47:23.380 --> 00:47:25.559 He actually replaces that. 00:47:25.940 --> 00:47:26.680 With a desire. 00:47:27.160 --> 00:47:28.880 For the well-being of others. 00:47:29.039 --> 00:47:30.300 For a unity. 00:47:31.079 --> 00:47:32.059 That moves. 00:47:32.579 --> 00:47:33.559 And grows. 00:47:33.880 --> 00:47:35.240 By the spirit of God. 00:47:36.320 --> 00:47:37.420 And what a great privilege. 00:47:37.539 --> 00:47:38.420 It is to know that. 00:47:39.539 --> 00:47:40.760 To know today. 00:47:41.420 --> 00:47:43.079 That God has placed us. 00:47:43.579 --> 00:47:45.680 In that community of people. 00:47:46.680 --> 00:47:48.960 That express their faith in God. 00:47:48.960 --> 00:47:51.559 By seeking the well-being. 00:47:51.559 --> 00:47:52.280 Of one another. 00:47:53.340 --> 00:47:54.240 That's why so often. 00:47:54.920 --> 00:47:55.800 In the Bible. 00:47:56.199 --> 00:47:57.000 And the New Testament. 00:47:57.240 --> 00:47:57.599 Especially. 00:47:58.199 --> 00:47:58.900 And more especially. 00:47:59.019 --> 00:48:00.059 In the writings of John. 00:48:01.240 --> 00:48:02.059 You find. 00:48:02.619 --> 00:48:04.000 It emphasized again. 00:48:04.079 --> 00:48:04.460 And again. 00:48:04.619 --> 00:48:05.179 Beloved. 00:48:05.820 --> 00:48:06.579 Let us. 00:48:06.940 --> 00:48:07.980 Love one another. 00:48:08.679 --> 00:48:09.519 For love. 00:48:10.079 --> 00:48:11.079 Is of God. 00:48:12.340 --> 00:48:13.380 Let us love. 00:48:14.059 --> 00:48:14.740 One another. 00:48:14.900 --> 00:48:16.380 How does that express itself? 00:48:16.380 --> 00:48:18.700 Love expresses itself practically. 00:48:19.380 --> 00:48:20.180 You don't just say. 00:48:20.340 --> 00:48:21.240 To your fellow Christians. 00:48:21.380 --> 00:48:22.140 I do love you. 00:48:23.160 --> 00:48:24.059 I do love the fact. 00:48:24.160 --> 00:48:25.740 That you're part of this congregation. 00:48:25.900 --> 00:48:26.579 I belong to. 00:48:27.320 --> 00:48:28.539 You show your love. 00:48:28.680 --> 00:48:29.220 Practically. 00:48:29.340 --> 00:48:30.599 You do things in love. 00:48:31.280 --> 00:48:32.619 You exercise that love. 00:48:32.860 --> 00:48:33.760 As Paul says. 00:48:33.900 --> 00:48:35.099 As John says. 00:48:35.519 --> 00:48:36.519 Not in word. 00:48:37.360 --> 00:48:37.880 Only. 00:48:38.099 --> 00:48:38.579 But also. 00:48:38.980 --> 00:48:39.559 In action. 00:48:40.220 --> 00:48:40.980 And indeed. 00:48:40.980 --> 00:48:41.980 In sincerity. 00:48:41.980 --> 00:48:45.059 God undoes. 00:48:46.019 --> 00:48:48.240 What sin has caused. 00:48:49.240 --> 00:48:50.480 And replaces it with. 00:48:51.000 --> 00:48:53.400 That wonderful corporate unity. 00:48:55.019 --> 00:48:55.219 And. 00:48:55.780 --> 00:48:56.500 Together then. 00:48:57.699 --> 00:49:00.800 As the Lord will give you peace at all times as we pray. 00:49:02.240 --> 00:49:03.880 So it will be that you. 00:49:04.380 --> 00:49:04.780 Together. 00:49:05.780 --> 00:49:06.099 Grow. 00:49:06.659 --> 00:49:07.300 In spiritual. 00:49:07.760 --> 00:49:08.179 Stature. 00:49:09.059 --> 00:49:10.179 You worship together. 00:49:10.179 --> 00:49:10.259 Together. 00:49:10.899 --> 00:49:12.000 You learn together. 00:49:12.579 --> 00:49:13.819 You serve together. 00:49:14.779 --> 00:49:16.219 You wait for each other. 00:49:16.799 --> 00:49:18.000 You look after each other. 00:49:19.059 --> 00:49:20.859 You do everything that God himself. 00:49:21.619 --> 00:49:23.299 Sets before you in the gospel. 00:49:24.299 --> 00:49:25.859 To be a people. 00:49:26.379 --> 00:49:27.399 Who know his peace. 00:49:28.480 --> 00:49:30.480 And who want that peace disseminated. 00:49:31.239 --> 00:49:32.619 Not only amongst yourselves. 00:49:32.799 --> 00:49:34.119 But to that world out there. 00:49:34.839 --> 00:49:36.440 You want to be a congregation. 00:49:36.779 --> 00:49:38.339 That are known to the world. 00:49:38.419 --> 00:49:39.519 As a people of peace. 00:49:40.519 --> 00:49:42.679 Because one of the most destructive things. 00:49:43.239 --> 00:49:44.759 Is division in the church. 00:49:45.559 --> 00:49:46.280 And Paul wrote. 00:49:46.579 --> 00:49:47.539 To all of these. 00:49:48.139 --> 00:49:48.579 Congregations. 00:49:48.719 --> 00:49:49.780 Churches that he wrote to. 00:49:50.559 --> 00:49:51.619 And in some way or other. 00:49:51.940 --> 00:49:52.840 They all had problems. 00:49:53.820 --> 00:49:55.960 And he always advocated peace for them. 00:49:56.559 --> 00:49:57.500 To love one another. 00:49:57.619 --> 00:49:58.860 To be at peace with each other. 00:49:59.579 --> 00:50:00.320 To look after. 00:50:00.719 --> 00:50:01.800 The well-being of others. 00:50:01.880 --> 00:50:02.739 Besides themselves. 00:50:03.280 --> 00:50:04.219 And to the Philippians. 00:50:04.300 --> 00:50:04.800 For example. 00:50:05.400 --> 00:50:07.159 He gave the great example of Christ. 00:50:07.759 --> 00:50:09.199 Who came not to please himself. 00:50:09.199 --> 00:50:11.359 But to give himself. 00:50:11.960 --> 00:50:13.399 To the death of the cross. 00:50:15.039 --> 00:50:15.460 So. 00:50:15.859 --> 00:50:17.259 It's experienced together. 00:50:18.579 --> 00:50:19.000 And secondly. 00:50:19.500 --> 00:50:20.500 The outworking of peace. 00:50:20.859 --> 00:50:21.460 It requires. 00:50:21.859 --> 00:50:22.699 Our commitment. 00:50:23.559 --> 00:50:24.279 To unity. 00:50:24.779 --> 00:50:26.039 If I can take you just briefly. 00:50:26.819 --> 00:50:29.039 To what he wrote to the Ephesian church. 00:50:29.579 --> 00:50:30.799 And chapter four. 00:50:31.460 --> 00:50:32.859 A very powerful passage. 00:50:32.860 --> 00:50:34.320 That has to do with. 00:50:34.320 --> 00:50:35.000 With unity. 00:50:35.579 --> 00:50:37.420 And with our responsibilities. 00:50:38.200 --> 00:50:39.360 In regard to unity. 00:50:40.579 --> 00:50:42.180 Not only the outworking of peace. 00:50:42.240 --> 00:50:43.280 Experienced together. 00:50:43.700 --> 00:50:44.539 But it requires. 00:50:44.920 --> 00:50:45.640 Our commitment. 00:50:46.079 --> 00:50:46.559 Individually. 00:50:46.700 --> 00:50:47.400 To that unity. 00:50:48.120 --> 00:50:49.099 Notice what he says there. 00:50:49.360 --> 00:50:50.740 The beginning of Ephesians four. 00:50:50.739 --> 00:50:51.500 I therefore. 00:50:51.500 --> 00:50:52.799 A prisoner for the Lord. 00:50:52.959 --> 00:50:53.619 Urge you. 00:50:54.299 --> 00:50:55.819 To walk in a manner worthy. 00:50:55.819 --> 00:50:56.539 Of the calling. 00:50:56.699 --> 00:50:57.919 To which you have been called. 00:50:58.459 --> 00:50:59.659 With all humility. 00:51:00.159 --> 00:51:01.199 And gentleness. 00:51:01.459 --> 00:51:02.239 With patience. 00:51:02.859 --> 00:51:04.079 Baring with one another. 00:51:04.079 --> 00:51:04.719 In love. 00:51:05.279 --> 00:51:06.579 Eager to maintain. 00:51:06.899 --> 00:51:08.219 The unity of the spirit. 00:51:08.779 --> 00:51:10.379 In the bond of peace. 00:51:11.500 --> 00:51:12.899 Speaking there about peace. 00:51:13.439 --> 00:51:14.519 The bond of peace. 00:51:14.519 --> 00:51:15.779 That ties people together. 00:51:15.779 --> 00:51:16.719 Who love the Lord. 00:51:17.459 --> 00:51:18.399 But you see what he's saying. 00:51:19.320 --> 00:51:20.880 God has created that unity. 00:51:20.880 --> 00:51:21.720 By his spirit. 00:51:21.840 --> 00:51:23.260 It's the unity of the spirit. 00:51:23.760 --> 00:51:24.820 We don't create it. 00:51:25.260 --> 00:51:26.700 God creates it for us. 00:51:27.400 --> 00:51:28.800 But he gives us the responsibility. 00:51:28.800 --> 00:51:29.980 To look after it. 00:51:30.460 --> 00:51:32.200 To make sure that we value it. 00:51:32.840 --> 00:51:34.000 That we follow it through. 00:51:34.099 --> 00:51:34.900 In our relationships. 00:51:34.900 --> 00:51:35.880 One with another. 00:51:36.720 --> 00:51:37.800 So maintain. 00:51:37.960 --> 00:51:38.480 He says. 00:51:38.680 --> 00:51:40.220 That unity of the spirit. 00:51:40.320 --> 00:51:40.660 And how? 00:51:41.200 --> 00:51:42.119 In the bond. 00:51:42.639 --> 00:51:43.400 Of peace. 00:51:43.780 --> 00:51:44.260 Nowhere. 00:51:44.700 --> 00:51:46.380 Is the unity of God's people. 00:51:46.639 --> 00:51:48.119 Best seen and expressed. 00:51:48.400 --> 00:51:49.860 Than in showing them. 00:51:50.260 --> 00:51:50.840 At peace. 00:51:50.840 --> 00:51:51.880 With one another. 00:51:52.579 --> 00:51:53.860 At peace with God. 00:51:54.380 --> 00:51:54.940 At peace. 00:51:54.940 --> 00:51:56.619 Peace with God's providence. 00:51:57.300 --> 00:51:58.680 At peace with one another. 00:51:59.300 --> 00:52:00.059 At peace. 00:52:00.200 --> 00:52:00.960 In the gospel. 00:52:02.539 --> 00:52:04.200 And that's why you find these terms. 00:52:04.440 --> 00:52:05.380 As well mentioned. 00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:06.940 To the Ephesians. 00:52:07.039 --> 00:52:08.380 As well as to the Thessalonians. 00:52:08.460 --> 00:52:09.119 And Philippians. 00:52:09.539 --> 00:52:10.320 As we read there. 00:52:10.360 --> 00:52:10.780 At the beginning. 00:52:11.200 --> 00:52:12.440 Of chapter four. 00:52:12.720 --> 00:52:13.660 Of Ephesians. 00:52:14.019 --> 00:52:15.559 Where Paul mentioned those things. 00:52:16.320 --> 00:52:16.880 Humility. 00:52:16.880 --> 00:52:18.280 And gentleness. 00:52:18.280 --> 00:52:19.280 And patience. 00:52:19.280 --> 00:52:19.519 And patience. 00:52:20.160 --> 00:52:21.240 Bearing with one another. 00:52:21.480 --> 00:52:22.260 In love. 00:52:22.460 --> 00:52:23.640 Because that's all part. 00:52:24.240 --> 00:52:25.260 Of what he next says. 00:52:25.400 --> 00:52:26.840 Of maintaining the unity. 00:52:26.840 --> 00:52:27.500 Of the spirit. 00:52:28.220 --> 00:52:29.180 In the bond of peace. 00:52:29.240 --> 00:52:30.119 It all goes together. 00:52:31.420 --> 00:52:32.619 And back to Thessalonians. 00:52:32.820 --> 00:52:34.840 May the Lord of peace himself. 00:52:35.539 --> 00:52:37.160 Give you peace at all times. 00:52:37.559 --> 00:52:38.280 In every way. 00:52:38.380 --> 00:52:38.920 The Lord. 00:52:39.340 --> 00:52:40.320 Be with you. 00:52:40.519 --> 00:52:40.960 All. 00:52:40.960 --> 00:52:43.079 I was going to. 00:52:43.079 --> 00:52:43.980 Just mention. 00:52:44.119 --> 00:52:45.420 Philippians chapter four. 00:52:45.780 --> 00:52:46.340 I don't want to mention. 00:52:46.500 --> 00:52:47.320 Too many texts. 00:52:47.539 --> 00:52:48.280 Because it crowds it. 00:52:48.380 --> 00:52:49.500 And it's important to focus. 00:52:49.880 --> 00:52:51.400 Just on the main point. 00:52:51.480 --> 00:52:52.059 Being made. 00:52:52.179 --> 00:52:53.280 This Lord of peace. 00:52:53.280 --> 00:52:54.099 Giving peace. 00:52:54.539 --> 00:52:55.559 But in Philippians four. 00:52:56.119 --> 00:52:57.079 You remember very well. 00:52:57.199 --> 00:52:57.360 How. 00:52:57.860 --> 00:52:58.579 Paul there. 00:52:58.659 --> 00:52:59.720 In writing to the Philippians. 00:52:59.800 --> 00:53:00.280 Who themselves. 00:53:00.420 --> 00:53:01.199 Had some problems. 00:53:02.039 --> 00:53:03.320 But in a wonderful passage. 00:53:03.320 --> 00:53:04.240 In chapter four. 00:53:04.420 --> 00:53:06.019 And verses six to seven. 00:53:06.820 --> 00:53:07.420 He says this. 00:53:07.500 --> 00:53:08.239 Do not be anxious. 00:53:08.239 --> 00:53:09.019 About anything. 00:53:09.739 --> 00:53:10.579 But in everything. 00:53:10.800 --> 00:53:11.579 By prayer. 00:53:11.900 --> 00:53:13.119 And supplication. 00:53:13.119 --> 00:53:14.079 With thanksgiving. 00:53:14.599 --> 00:53:15.440 Let your requests. 00:53:15.440 --> 00:53:16.599 Be made known to God. 00:53:16.679 --> 00:53:18.300 And the peace of God. 00:53:18.759 --> 00:53:20.699 Which surpasses all understanding. 00:53:21.239 --> 00:53:22.579 Will guard your hearts. 00:53:22.579 --> 00:53:23.179 And minds. 00:53:23.300 --> 00:53:24.179 In Christ Jesus. 00:53:24.719 --> 00:53:25.619 Finally brothers. 00:53:25.739 --> 00:53:26.639 Whatever is true. 00:53:26.980 --> 00:53:27.920 Whatever is honorable. 00:53:28.139 --> 00:53:29.199 Whatever is just. 00:53:29.679 --> 00:53:30.599 Whatever is pure. 00:53:30.739 --> 00:53:31.639 Whatever is lovely. 00:53:32.079 --> 00:53:33.259 Whatever is commendable. 00:53:33.259 --> 00:53:34.599 If there is any excellence. 00:53:34.840 --> 00:53:35.679 If there is any worthy. 00:53:35.679 --> 00:53:36.940 Anything worthy of praise. 00:53:37.339 --> 00:53:39.440 Think about these things. 00:53:40.339 --> 00:53:41.639 And the God of peace. 00:53:42.199 --> 00:53:43.359 Will be with you. 00:53:44.299 --> 00:53:45.239 You see what he's saying. 00:53:46.039 --> 00:53:46.919 He's saying that. 00:53:47.679 --> 00:53:48.739 Through prayer. 00:53:49.659 --> 00:53:50.919 We come to experience. 00:53:51.039 --> 00:53:52.219 The peace of God. 00:53:52.980 --> 00:53:54.319 Garrisoning and guarding. 00:53:54.480 --> 00:53:55.399 Our hearts and minds. 00:53:55.719 --> 00:53:56.699 Again it's together. 00:53:57.059 --> 00:53:57.679 It's plural. 00:53:59.059 --> 00:54:00.059 And appreciation. 00:54:00.059 --> 00:54:01.179 For those things. 00:54:01.179 --> 00:54:02.099 That are lovely. 00:54:02.259 --> 00:54:03.719 That are like God himself. 00:54:03.719 --> 00:54:06.980 Leads to God of peace. 00:54:06.980 --> 00:54:07.539 Himself. 00:54:07.539 --> 00:54:07.779 Himself. 00:54:08.379 --> 00:54:09.419 Being with you. 00:54:09.639 --> 00:54:10.179 In other words. 00:54:10.719 --> 00:54:11.799 A prayerful mind. 00:54:12.419 --> 00:54:13.619 And a holy mind. 00:54:14.039 --> 00:54:14.899 In that exercise. 00:54:15.139 --> 00:54:15.500 Together. 00:54:16.379 --> 00:54:17.579 Lead to experiencing. 00:54:17.859 --> 00:54:19.319 The Lord of peace himself. 00:54:19.959 --> 00:54:21.059 Giving peace. 00:54:21.459 --> 00:54:22.279 To his people. 00:54:24.059 --> 00:54:25.259 And it's connected finally. 00:54:25.980 --> 00:54:27.439 With God's presence. 00:54:27.939 --> 00:54:28.719 The Lord of peace. 00:54:28.719 --> 00:54:29.759 Himself. 00:54:29.759 --> 00:54:30.500 Give you peace. 00:54:30.500 --> 00:54:31.239 At all times. 00:54:31.239 --> 00:54:31.919 In every way. 00:54:32.559 --> 00:54:33.259 The Lord. 00:54:33.480 --> 00:54:34.819 Be with you all. 00:54:35.739 --> 00:54:36.459 All these words. 00:54:36.519 --> 00:54:37.679 Are really just an extension. 00:54:37.679 --> 00:54:38.359 In a sense. 00:54:38.500 --> 00:54:39.679 Of what he's saying there. 00:54:39.739 --> 00:54:40.279 At the beginning. 00:54:40.459 --> 00:54:41.699 The Lord of peace himself. 00:54:41.699 --> 00:54:42.679 Give you peace. 00:54:43.099 --> 00:54:44.559 Because you can't separate. 00:54:44.819 --> 00:54:45.399 The Lord. 00:54:45.619 --> 00:54:46.319 Giving peace. 00:54:46.419 --> 00:54:47.019 To his people. 00:54:47.379 --> 00:54:48.119 From the Lord. 00:54:48.339 --> 00:54:49.480 Being with his people. 00:54:50.419 --> 00:54:51.059 The presence. 00:54:51.419 --> 00:54:52.000 Of Jesus. 00:54:52.799 --> 00:54:54.019 As well as the. 00:54:54.679 --> 00:54:55.119 Bestowing. 00:54:55.439 --> 00:54:55.919 Bestowing. 00:54:55.920 --> 00:54:57.320 The bestowing. 00:54:57.700 --> 00:54:58.200 By Jesus. 00:54:58.380 --> 00:54:59.280 Of this peace. 00:55:00.039 --> 00:55:00.599 The peace. 00:55:00.920 --> 00:55:01.659 And the presence. 00:55:01.860 --> 00:55:02.360 Of God. 00:55:03.000 --> 00:55:03.980 All built into this. 00:55:04.079 --> 00:55:05.059 One wonderful text. 00:55:05.200 --> 00:55:05.680 The Lord. 00:55:06.240 --> 00:55:08.099 Be with you all. 00:55:09.260 --> 00:55:10.119 This is the peace. 00:55:11.119 --> 00:55:12.320 That Paul sought. 00:55:12.920 --> 00:55:14.119 For the Thessalonians. 00:55:15.500 --> 00:55:16.720 This is the peace. 00:55:16.840 --> 00:55:17.340 The peace. 00:55:17.340 --> 00:55:19.079 That you seek. 00:55:19.599 --> 00:55:20.440 For yourselves. 00:55:20.559 --> 00:55:21.400 As a congregation. 00:55:22.559 --> 00:55:23.900 That you set before God. 00:55:24.019 --> 00:55:24.579 Prayerfully. 00:55:24.579 --> 00:55:26.019 And practically. 00:55:26.639 --> 00:55:27.159 Demonstrate. 00:55:27.619 --> 00:55:28.880 In your relationships. 00:55:29.159 --> 00:55:29.799 One with another. 00:55:31.019 --> 00:55:31.940 This is the peace. 00:55:32.059 --> 00:55:32.719 That you value. 00:55:33.599 --> 00:55:34.239 The peace. 00:55:34.319 --> 00:55:35.099 That you appreciate. 00:55:35.279 --> 00:55:35.539 The peace. 00:55:35.599 --> 00:55:36.259 That you give thanks. 00:55:36.299 --> 00:55:37.139 To God for. 00:55:38.139 --> 00:55:38.759 The peace. 00:55:38.860 --> 00:55:39.360 That you pray. 00:55:39.440 --> 00:55:40.139 Will be continued. 00:55:40.340 --> 00:55:40.980 And expanded. 00:55:41.139 --> 00:55:41.880 And enlarged. 00:55:42.599 --> 00:55:43.920 In your own experience. 00:55:44.019 --> 00:55:44.599 And appreciation. 00:55:44.599 --> 00:55:45.239 Of it. 00:55:46.199 --> 00:55:46.840 The peace. 00:55:46.920 --> 00:55:47.619 That only Jesus. 00:55:47.619 --> 00:55:48.279 Can give. 00:55:49.179 --> 00:55:50.219 The Lord of peace. 00:55:50.299 --> 00:55:50.699 Himself. 00:55:51.579 --> 00:55:52.340 Is the one. 00:55:52.400 --> 00:55:53.059 You're looking to. 00:55:53.059 --> 00:55:54.920 For that peace. 00:55:55.019 --> 00:55:55.840 To be experienced. 00:55:55.980 --> 00:55:56.579 And enjoyed. 00:55:57.079 --> 00:55:58.179 By you together. 00:55:59.440 --> 00:56:00.559 And that is the peace. 00:56:01.639 --> 00:56:02.299 I pray. 00:56:02.380 --> 00:56:03.119 Will be with you. 00:56:04.119 --> 00:56:05.500 And remain with you. 00:56:06.659 --> 00:56:08.279 And I do sincerely pray. 00:56:08.820 --> 00:56:09.679 These words. 00:56:09.759 --> 00:56:10.320 Of this verse. 00:56:10.400 --> 00:56:10.779 For you. 00:56:11.779 --> 00:56:13.119 As I take my leave. 00:56:13.179 --> 00:56:14.119 Of active ministry. 00:56:14.119 --> 00:56:14.659 With you. 00:56:14.659 --> 00:56:17.039 I pray. 00:56:17.039 --> 00:56:17.859 The Lord of peace. 00:56:17.879 --> 00:56:18.279 Himself. 00:56:19.059 --> 00:56:20.000 Give you peace. 00:56:20.039 --> 00:56:20.899 At all times. 00:56:21.099 --> 00:56:22.119 In every way. 00:56:23.299 --> 00:56:24.119 The Lord. 00:56:24.259 --> 00:56:24.500 Be. 00:56:25.719 --> 00:56:26.819 With you all. 00:56:27.559 --> 00:56:28.059 Let's pray. 00:56:32.359 --> 00:56:33.279 We give thanks. 00:56:33.359 --> 00:56:33.739 Oh Lord. 00:56:33.839 --> 00:56:34.559 That you are. 00:56:34.659 --> 00:56:35.500 The Lord of peace. 00:56:36.500 --> 00:56:37.440 You preside. 00:56:37.500 --> 00:56:38.099 Over peace. 00:56:38.199 --> 00:56:38.619 Like you do. 00:56:38.699 --> 00:56:39.420 Everything else. 00:56:40.379 --> 00:56:41.139 And we know. 00:56:41.259 --> 00:56:41.480 Lord. 00:56:41.539 --> 00:56:42.239 That the peace. 00:56:42.239 --> 00:56:42.959 That we need. 00:56:43.559 --> 00:56:44.119 And the peace. 00:56:44.119 --> 00:56:44.839 That we enjoy. 00:56:44.839 --> 00:56:45.619 As your people. 00:56:46.419 --> 00:56:47.139 Is a peace. 00:56:47.139 --> 00:56:48.139 That you have created. 00:56:48.139 --> 00:56:48.799 For us. 00:56:49.699 --> 00:56:50.159 A peace. 00:56:50.159 --> 00:56:50.699 That issues. 00:56:50.699 --> 00:56:51.519 From yourself. 00:56:52.779 --> 00:56:53.459 A peace. 00:56:53.539 --> 00:56:53.919 Oh Lord. 00:56:53.919 --> 00:56:54.859 That we crave. 00:56:55.559 --> 00:56:56.259 As we seek. 00:56:56.259 --> 00:56:56.699 Your peace. 00:56:56.879 --> 00:56:57.579 From day to day. 00:56:58.719 --> 00:56:59.099 And we. 00:56:59.239 --> 00:56:59.679 Oh Lord. 00:56:59.739 --> 00:57:00.259 Ask that. 00:57:00.919 --> 00:57:01.779 You would continue. 00:57:01.779 --> 00:57:02.399 To bestow. 00:57:02.399 --> 00:57:02.939 That peace. 00:57:02.939 --> 00:57:03.419 Upon us. 00:57:03.479 --> 00:57:04.099 Day by day. 00:57:04.799 --> 00:57:05.919 Even as the apostle. 00:57:06.099 --> 00:57:06.639 Your servant. 00:57:07.099 --> 00:57:07.919 Sought for these. 00:57:07.920 --> 00:57:09.059 Thessalonian believers. 00:57:10.079 --> 00:57:10.720 And we pray. 00:57:10.860 --> 00:57:11.659 That the Lord of peace. 00:57:11.680 --> 00:57:12.059 Himself. 00:57:12.200 --> 00:57:12.760 Will continue. 00:57:13.480 --> 00:57:14.599 To give this congregation. 00:57:15.019 --> 00:57:15.220 Peace. 00:57:15.300 --> 00:57:16.599 And all our congregations. 00:57:17.680 --> 00:57:18.619 And enable us Lord. 00:57:18.680 --> 00:57:19.720 We pray to thrive. 00:57:20.440 --> 00:57:21.500 Under the experience. 00:57:21.599 --> 00:57:22.420 Of you bestowing. 00:57:22.539 --> 00:57:23.619 That peace upon us. 00:57:24.440 --> 00:57:25.639 We pray that your presence. 00:57:25.639 --> 00:57:26.680 Will go with us. 00:57:27.320 --> 00:57:28.720 Into every area of life. 00:57:29.460 --> 00:57:30.380 Receive our thanks. 00:57:30.380 --> 00:57:31.139 We pray now. 00:57:31.820 --> 00:57:32.720 Pardoning our sin. 00:57:32.840 --> 00:57:33.740 For Christ's sake. 00:57:34.260 --> 00:57:34.639 Amen. 00:57:37.920 --> 00:57:38.980 We are going to conclude. 00:57:39.079 --> 00:57:39.559 Our service. 00:57:39.780 --> 00:57:40.340 This morning. 00:57:40.420 --> 00:57:41.940 By singing in Psalm 72. 00:57:43.539 --> 00:57:44.019 72. 00:57:44.159 --> 00:57:45.159 In the singed Psalms version. 00:57:45.280 --> 00:57:46.460 That is on page 92. 00:57:47.599 --> 00:57:48.920 And we are singing to the tune. 00:57:49.000 --> 00:57:49.880 Before the throne. 00:57:50.720 --> 00:57:52.139 And verses 1 to 7. 00:57:55.599 --> 00:57:56.320 Words again. 00:57:56.400 --> 00:57:57.320 That bring our minds. 00:57:57.320 --> 00:57:58.200 To Jesus. 00:57:58.380 --> 00:57:59.500 As the king of his people. 00:58:00.420 --> 00:58:01.440 And how he is the one. 00:58:01.500 --> 00:58:02.159 Who bestows. 00:58:02.840 --> 00:58:03.680 Peace upon them. 00:58:03.800 --> 00:58:04.659 Endow the king. 00:58:04.760 --> 00:58:05.800 With justice Lord. 00:58:06.400 --> 00:58:07.300 The royal son. 00:58:07.400 --> 00:58:07.900 With righteousness. 00:58:07.900 --> 00:58:08.220 Your people. 00:58:08.220 --> 00:58:10.639 Your afflicted ones. 00:58:11.079 --> 00:58:11.880 He will judge. 00:58:12.039 --> 00:58:12.480 With truth. 00:58:12.760 --> 00:58:13.639 And uprightness. 00:58:14.119 --> 00:58:14.760 The mountains. 00:58:14.760 --> 00:58:16.220 Will bring peace to them. 00:58:16.800 --> 00:58:17.280 The hills. 00:58:17.420 --> 00:58:17.840 The fruit. 00:58:18.280 --> 00:58:19.200 Of righteousness. 00:58:19.599 --> 00:58:20.160 And so on. 00:58:20.500 --> 00:58:21.519 Verses 1 to 7. 00:58:21.619 --> 00:58:22.220 To his praise. 00:58:22.219 --> 00:58:24.139 Amen. 00:58:24.139 --> 00:58:24.399 To our hearts. 00:58:24.759 --> 00:58:25.179 Amen. 00:58:25.179 --> 00:58:25.359 Amen. 00:58:25.360 --> 00:58:27.360 Amen. 00:58:55.360 --> 00:58:57.360 Amen. 00:59:25.360 --> 00:59:27.360 Amen. 00:59:55.360 --> 01:00:21.559 If you just please take your seats for a moment. 01:00:25.360 --> 01:00:28.980 Well I hope as many as possible will manage to go through to the hall to the prize giving. 01:00:29.800 --> 01:00:31.680 To show our support for the children. 01:00:32.700 --> 01:00:36.320 And to be with them at the time of the end of session prize giving. 01:00:39.860 --> 01:00:46.360 I will hopefully God willing be saying much more on the 28th at the time of the farewell. 01:00:46.360 --> 01:00:56.720 But I'd like to say at this point how much these eight years have meant to me and to Donna as we've saved the Lord amongst you. 01:00:56.719 --> 01:01:05.379 I could not have wished to end my ministry in a better congregation than yourselves. 01:01:06.799 --> 01:01:09.259 As I mentioned at the Gaelic prayer meeting. 01:01:09.819 --> 01:01:11.019 The last Gaelic prayer meeting. 01:01:12.159 --> 01:01:16.659 The quality of reception to the word of God in this congregation. 01:01:16.659 --> 01:01:19.719 Matches anywhere else that I've ever known. 01:01:21.420 --> 01:01:23.179 And that's a great privilege. 01:01:23.940 --> 01:01:25.480 And a great honour indeed. 01:01:26.199 --> 01:01:28.379 For anyone who ministers to you. 01:01:29.819 --> 01:01:31.559 Thank you for calling me. 01:01:32.480 --> 01:01:33.399 To be your minister. 01:01:33.659 --> 01:01:34.159 Thank you. 01:01:34.159 --> 01:01:43.399 It's been my privilege these past eight years. 01:01:44.759 --> 01:01:47.199 To have preached the gospel to you. 01:01:48.119 --> 01:01:51.159 To have as far as possible gone in and out amongst you. 01:01:51.219 --> 01:01:52.279 To have shared with you. 01:01:52.940 --> 01:01:55.899 In your times of joy and times of sorrow. 01:01:56.779 --> 01:01:59.699 Which are always features of every congregation's life. 01:01:59.699 --> 01:02:04.079 I can say I have sought at all times. 01:02:04.739 --> 01:02:06.439 To be faithful to the Lord. 01:02:07.399 --> 01:02:08.299 And to his word. 01:02:09.299 --> 01:02:11.259 But I do sincerely thank you. 01:02:12.319 --> 01:02:13.980 It has been my honour indeed. 01:02:14.919 --> 01:02:16.599 To have been your minister. 01:02:17.579 --> 01:02:18.839 During these years. 01:02:20.059 --> 01:02:22.219 And I pray as we saw this morning. 01:02:23.319 --> 01:02:24.839 That the Lord of Peace will indeed. 01:02:25.659 --> 01:02:26.539 Give you peace. 01:02:27.439 --> 01:02:29.259 In everything and at every turn. 01:02:29.699 --> 01:02:31.199 In these days to come. 01:02:32.659 --> 01:02:34.259 I'm sure that you will give. 01:02:34.939 --> 01:02:36.279 Whoever comes to. 01:02:37.679 --> 01:02:39.399 Be your minister in the future. 01:02:40.639 --> 01:02:41.319 The same. 01:02:41.919 --> 01:02:42.519 Attentive. 01:02:43.079 --> 01:02:43.519 Careful. 01:02:44.899 --> 01:02:46.579 And valuable support. 01:02:47.399 --> 01:02:48.719 That you have given to me. 01:02:50.199 --> 01:02:51.980 I thank you for your support. 01:02:52.319 --> 01:02:54.079 Of every endeavour we've had. 01:02:54.579 --> 01:02:55.579 Together in the gospel. 01:02:56.739 --> 01:02:58.179 Some of these initiatives. 01:02:58.439 --> 01:02:59.480 Have come from yourselves. 01:03:00.679 --> 01:03:03.379 And I and the Kirk Session have been pleased to support them. 01:03:04.099 --> 01:03:05.719 And to encourage you in them. 01:03:07.139 --> 01:03:09.019 And whatever initiatives have come. 01:03:09.399 --> 01:03:10.319 From myself. 01:03:10.480 --> 01:03:11.299 From time to time. 01:03:11.980 --> 01:03:14.500 I thank you for your cooperation and willingness. 01:03:15.359 --> 01:03:16.879 To follow through with them. 01:03:17.539 --> 01:03:19.259 In the conviction that they were indeed. 01:03:20.059 --> 01:03:21.439 Activities which would benefit. 01:03:21.879 --> 01:03:22.639 The congregation. 01:03:22.639 --> 01:03:24.659 And serve the gospel. 01:03:25.319 --> 01:03:26.719 And be pleasing to God. 01:03:26.719 --> 01:03:28.919 And I pray that. 01:03:30.019 --> 01:03:31.939 You will continue to grow in the grace. 01:03:32.779 --> 01:03:33.719 And in the knowledge. 01:03:34.619 --> 01:03:35.959 Of our Lord and Saviour. 01:03:36.739 --> 01:03:37.639 Jesus Christ. 01:03:37.639 --> 01:03:40.519 Now if you allow me to get to the main door. 01:03:40.619 --> 01:03:42.500 I'm not sure if all of you can come through the main door. 01:03:42.579 --> 01:03:43.400 I'd like it if you could. 01:03:43.900 --> 01:03:45.259 Some will have to go through I suppose. 01:03:45.359 --> 01:03:46.319 That don't use the steps. 01:03:46.960 --> 01:03:48.019 But as many as possible. 01:03:48.119 --> 01:03:49.139 I'd like to just greet you. 01:03:49.259 --> 01:03:50.199 On the way out today. 01:03:50.500 --> 01:03:52.420 Saying this is my final service as minister. 01:03:52.420 --> 01:03:52.500 Father. 01:03:53.220 --> 01:03:53.900 And if you could. 01:03:54.000 --> 01:03:55.659 Let me get to the main door please. 01:03:56.039 --> 01:03:57.300 I'll be happy to do that. 01:03:57.900 --> 01:03:59.180 Let's stand now for the benediction. 01:04:02.559 --> 01:04:04.200 Now may the peace of God. 01:04:04.659 --> 01:04:06.220 That passes all understanding. 01:04:07.159 --> 01:04:09.780 Keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 01:04:10.960 --> 01:04:13.119 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 01:04:13.340 --> 01:04:15.159 And the love of God the Father. 01:04:15.880 --> 01:04:17.559 And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 01:04:18.380 --> 01:04:20.360 Be with you now and evermore. 01:04:21.180 --> 01:04:21.500 Amen. 01:04:22.420 --> 01:04:23.380 Amen. 01:04:23.380 --> 01:04:24.059 Amen. 01:04:24.159 --> 01:04:24.440 Amen. 01:04:25.380 --> 01:04:25.579 Amen. 01:04:37.619 --> 01:04:37.700 Amen. 01:04:38.000 --> 01:04:38.079 Amen. 01:04:38.099 --> 01:04:38.440 Amen. 01:04:38.559 --> 01:04:38.619 Amen. 01:04:38.619 --> 01:04:39.240 Amen. 01:04:39.260 --> 01:04:40.340 Amen. 01:04:40.639 --> 01:04:40.740 Amen. 01:04:40.740 --> 01:04:40.860 Amen. 01:04:41.420 --> 01:04:41.760 Amen. 01:04:41.800 --> 01:04:42.760 Amen. 01:04:42.760 --> 01:04:43.700 Amen. 01:04:45.840 --> 01:04:46.599 Amen. 01:04:46.599 --> 01:04:47.740 Amen. 01:04:48.599 --> 01:04:49.519 Amen. 01:04:49.519 --> 01:04:50.559 Amen. 01:04:51.559 --> 01:04:51.619 Amen. 01:04:51.619 --> 01:04:51.860 Amen. 01:04:51.860 --> 01:04:52.400 Amen.