WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.740 Well, good morning and welcome back or welcome if you're joining us for Church Online this 00:00:14.740 --> 00:00:15.099 morning. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:22.199 As it happens, this is the last time we will be coming from my house. 00:00:22.500 --> 00:00:29.179 Next week, we look forward to being back in the building for some of us, live streaming 00:00:29.179 --> 00:00:31.839 the service all being well. 00:00:33.539 --> 00:00:38.939 Today, we're going to begin a new series about thinking about spirituality in the Psalms, 00:00:39.420 --> 00:00:46.200 how to live as the people of God, how to grow in our love and our obedience, how to respond 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:49.620 to God in our Christian lives. 00:00:49.879 --> 00:00:55.120 And then in the evening and for the next six weeks, we're doing a thing called Questioning 00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:02.199 Christianity, where we're tackling or at least beginning to tackle some of the big questions 00:01:02.199 --> 00:01:07.959 about the Christian faith that you or perhaps some of your friends might have tonight thinking 00:01:07.959 --> 00:01:11.200 about the question, can I trust the Bible? 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:15.299 So it's great to be able to share with you again. 00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:23.019 I hope that God will speak to each one of us as we hear from him and his word today. 00:01:23.500 --> 00:01:26.579 I'm going to begin with some words from Jesus. 00:01:26.759 --> 00:01:33.379 Today, we're setting the scene for a Christian spirituality by reminding ourselves from the 00:01:33.379 --> 00:01:39.659 word of God that the goal of life and the Christian life is to enjoy friendship with God. 00:01:39.659 --> 00:01:46.979 So here in John chapter 14, as Jesus is anticipating the cross, he says this to his disciples, 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:48.799 do not let your hearts be troubled. 00:01:49.759 --> 00:01:52.759 You believe in God, believe also in me. 00:01:53.420 --> 00:01:55.539 My father's house has many rooms. 00:01:56.239 --> 00:02:00.739 If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for 00:02:00.739 --> 00:02:00.959 you? 00:02:01.340 --> 00:02:08.159 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that 00:02:08.159 --> 00:02:11.799 you also may be where I am. 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:13.599 So there's that great promise. 00:02:13.799 --> 00:02:20.019 Jesus has come to make peace between sinful people like ourselves and a holy God so that 00:02:20.019 --> 00:02:23.939 one day he'll come back and take us to be with him forever. 00:02:24.120 --> 00:02:25.060 That's our hope. 00:02:26.199 --> 00:02:32.859 Now let's sing as we begin our time together the hymn Across the Lands and then after that 00:02:32.859 --> 00:02:33.680 we'll pray. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:40.159 God bless you. 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:41.159 God bless you. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:42.159 God bless you. 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:43.159 God bless you. 00:02:43.159 --> 00:02:49.079 You're the word of God the Father from before the world began. 00:02:50.079 --> 00:02:57.479 Every star and every planet has been fashioned by your hand. 00:02:57.479 --> 00:03:05.719 All creation holds together by the power of your voice. 00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:09.459 Let the skies declare your glory. 00:03:09.959 --> 00:03:13.439 Let the land that sea rejoice. 00:03:13.479 --> 00:03:17.199 You're the author of creation. 00:03:17.959 --> 00:03:21.599 You're the Lord of every man. 00:03:21.599 --> 00:03:28.280 And your cry of love rings out across the land. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:44.699 Yet you left the gaze of angels, came to seek and save the lost, and exchanged the joy of 00:03:44.699 --> 00:03:49.419 heaven for the anguish of a cross. 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:53.419 With the prayer you fed the hungry. 00:03:53.419 --> 00:03:57.419 With the word you calmed the sea. 00:03:57.419 --> 00:04:05.419 Yet how silently you suffered that the guilty may go free. 00:04:05.419 --> 00:04:09.419 You're the author of creation. 00:04:09.419 --> 00:04:13.419 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:13.419 --> 00:04:19.419 And your cry of love rings out across the land. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:25.420 And your cry of love rings out across the land. 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:27.420 With the sound of creation. 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:29.420 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:31.420 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:31.420 --> 00:04:33.420 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:33.420 --> 00:04:35.420 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:41.420 You're the Lord of every man. 00:04:41.420 --> 00:04:45.420 Now you stand before the Father. 00:04:45.420 --> 00:04:49.580 Interceding for your own 00:04:49.580 --> 00:04:53.420 From each tribe and tongue and nation 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:57.620 You are leading sinners home 00:04:57.620 --> 00:05:01.140 You're the author of creation 00:05:01.140 --> 00:05:05.560 You're the Lord of every man 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:13.000 And your cry of love rings out across the land 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:17.220 You're the author of creation 00:05:17.220 --> 00:05:21.579 You're the Lord of every man 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:28.399 And your cry of love rings out across the land 00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:42.680 Let's pray together 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:47.939 Lord God we thank you that we come before you 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:51.079 As Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:55.780 Thank you for the privilege of calling you our Father in Heaven 00:05:55.780 --> 00:06:00.160 For being able to pray in the name of Jesus 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:04.780 Our Saviour and the one who mediates for us 00:06:04.780 --> 00:06:06.060 And who prays for us 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:08.720 Thank you for the help of your Holy Spirit 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:11.120 As we seek to pray 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:15.620 Lord we thank you for inviting us to know and enjoy your love 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:20.840 We recognise that you are an eternal fellowship of perfect love 00:06:20.840 --> 00:06:25.199 And we thank you that you have made us as people in your image 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:31.019 To enjoy the overflow of that love you have eternally shared 00:06:31.019 --> 00:06:44.439 Lord thank you for what we heard from the words of Jesus 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:48.279 A reminder of the journey that he went on 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:50.119 Believing the glory of Heaven 00:06:50.119 --> 00:06:52.399 In order to become one of us 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:55.239 To perfectly represent us 00:06:55.239 --> 00:06:59.419 To perfectly obey the law that each one of us has broken 00:06:59.419 --> 00:07:01.739 And then to go to the cross 00:07:01.739 --> 00:07:04.059 In the place of sinners 00:07:04.059 --> 00:07:07.799 In order to take the punishment that we deserve 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:10.180 So that by faith in Jesus 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:12.520 We might be reconciled and have peace 00:07:12.520 --> 00:07:14.780 With our God 00:07:14.780 --> 00:07:16.620 We might enjoy friendship with God 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:19.020 So that in the end 00:07:19.020 --> 00:07:21.420 We can look forward to eternity 00:07:21.420 --> 00:07:24.160 With our Saviour 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:26.340 In a world made new and perfect 00:07:26.340 --> 00:07:28.840 Lord we thank you 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:30.379 For the grace 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:32.699 That you have shown to us 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:34.500 In our lives as your people 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:36.860 Thank you for the grace 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:39.680 That we have enjoyed in this past week 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:42.240 For all your goodness and kindness 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:45.620 And preserving and caring of us 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:48.540 And we pray that you'd help us to be a people 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:52.000 Who would learn more and more to trust you 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:54.319 As we find you to be faithful 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:56.639 As we recognise your love 00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.360 Both in your word and in our experience 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:02.660 May you help us to trust you 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:04.560 To trust your promises 00:08:04.560 --> 00:08:07.360 So that for today and tomorrow 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:09.180 And for whatever this week holds 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:12.620 We would know that you will be with us 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:16.120 And you will supply what we need 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:18.620 In ways that will be for our good 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:20.420 And for your glory 00:08:20.420 --> 00:08:23.020 Thank you that we have a chance together 00:08:23.020 --> 00:08:24.160 To read the Bible 00:08:24.160 --> 00:08:28.260 Thank you for the Bible as the word of God 00:08:28.259 --> 00:08:32.080 Thank you that it is your wisdom for us 00:08:32.080 --> 00:08:34.439 That when there are so many voices 00:08:34.439 --> 00:08:35.840 Competing for our attention 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:37.700 Thank you that we have revelation 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:40.340 From the true and the living God 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:43.259 And so we pray that your spirit 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:44.480 Would help us to hear 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:45.340 To understand 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:45.939 To obey 00:08:45.939 --> 00:08:46.759 To respond 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:48.879 Towards you 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:50.460 From what we hear 00:08:50.460 --> 00:08:52.580 In your word today 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:54.799 And we pray it in Jesus' name 00:08:54.799 --> 00:08:55.779 Amen 00:08:55.779 --> 00:08:58.720 So we are going to 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:00.000 Read together 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:02.740 From Psalm 25 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:05.059 And we are going to think in particular 00:09:05.059 --> 00:09:07.339 About verse 14 00:09:07.339 --> 00:09:10.319 So that is Psalm 25 00:09:10.319 --> 00:09:12.399 And I will read 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:15.019 The whole Psalm for us 00:09:15.019 --> 00:09:21.480 In you Lord my God 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:23.039 I put my trust 00:09:23.039 --> 00:09:24.879 I trust in you 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:27.220 Do not let me be put to shame 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:29.939 Nor let my enemies triumph over me 00:09:29.939 --> 00:09:32.320 No one who hopes in you 00:09:32.320 --> 00:09:33.799 Will ever be put to shame 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:35.740 But shame will come on those 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:37.439 Who are treacherous without cause 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:39.980 Show me your ways Lord 00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:41.700 Teach me your paths 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:43.419 Guide me in your truth 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:44.179 And teach me 00:09:44.179 --> 00:09:46.059 For you are God my Saviour 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:48.220 And my hope is in you all day long 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:50.120 Remember Lord 00:09:50.120 --> 00:09:51.779 Your great mercy and love 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:53.419 For they are from of old 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:56.059 Do not remember the sins of my youth 00:09:56.059 --> 00:09:57.500 And my rebellious ways 00:09:57.500 --> 00:10:00.079 According to your love remember me 00:10:00.079 --> 00:10:01.939 For you Lord are good 00:10:01.939 --> 00:10:04.759 Good and upright is the Lord 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:07.939 Therefore he instructs sinners in his ways 00:10:07.939 --> 00:10:10.219 He guides the humble in what is right 00:10:10.219 --> 00:10:11.639 And teaches them his way 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:15.000 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:17.740 Towards those who keep the demands of his covenant 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:20.179 For the sake of your name Lord 00:10:20.179 --> 00:10:21.799 Forgive my iniquity 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:22.939 Though it is great 00:10:22.939 --> 00:10:25.740 Who then are those who fear the Lord 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:28.799 He will instruct them in the ways they should choose 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:31.639 They will spend their days in prosperity 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:34.919 And their descendants will inherit the land 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:39.000 The Lord confides in those who fear him 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.919 He makes his covenant known to them 00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:44.459 My eyes are ever on the Lord 00:10:44.459 --> 00:10:46.919 For only he will release my feet from the snare 00:10:46.919 --> 00:10:50.000 Turn to me and be gracious to me 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:51.599 For I am lonely and afflicted 00:10:51.599 --> 00:10:54.019 Relieve the troubles of my heart 00:10:54.019 --> 00:10:55.740 And free me from my anguish 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:58.559 Look on my affliction and my distress 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:00.219 And take away all my sins 00:11:00.219 --> 00:11:02.500 See how numerous are my enemies 00:11:02.500 --> 00:11:04.559 And how fiercely they hate me 00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:07.240 Guard my life and rescue me 00:11:07.240 --> 00:11:09.259 Do not let me be put to shame 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:10.980 For I take refuge in you 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:14.139 May integrity and uprightness protect me 00:11:14.139 --> 00:11:17.000 Because my hope Lord is in you 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:19.519 Deliver Israel O God 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:22.559 From all their troubles 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:24.960 So as I said earlier 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:26.699 We're going to use the book of Psalms 00:11:26.699 --> 00:11:28.559 To explore together 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:30.860 Christian spirituality 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:34.399 What does it look like to live in relationship 00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:36.539 With the living God 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:39.879 And how do we develop and grow 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:41.919 In that relationship 00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:43.639 But today 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:45.539 Almost by way of introduction 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:47.500 I want to remind us of the goal 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:51.299 Which is friendship with God 00:11:51.299 --> 00:11:56.159 But I guess we're maybe aware of 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:58.879 The rise, the growing interest 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:02.219 In spirituality in our days 00:12:02.219 --> 00:12:03.860 You know, the growing number of people 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:06.779 Who identify themselves as spiritual 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:08.659 But not religious 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:11.319 People who want to connect with the other 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:14.360 Recognize that there is something more 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:16.700 And they're trying to find various ways 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:19.040 To make that connection 00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:22.740 Well, the God of the Bible 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:25.640 Very directly and personally 00:12:25.640 --> 00:12:27.160 Answers that longing 00:12:27.160 --> 00:12:30.140 We're going to see in this psalm 00:12:30.140 --> 00:12:32.760 That the Lord offers friendship 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:36.659 But there are also 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:38.939 And maybe this is especially true 00:12:38.939 --> 00:12:40.039 In the church 00:12:40.039 --> 00:12:42.899 People who are 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:44.819 Perhaps religious 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:47.059 But not spiritual 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:49.259 In the sense that maybe 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:51.899 There's a going through the motions 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:56.059 Where perhaps Christianity can feel fairly 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:59.080 Lifeless and flat 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:01.680 And perhaps in that case 00:13:01.680 --> 00:13:06.200 It's because we've lost sight of the centre 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:10.420 Which is to know and enjoy God himself 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:14.379 But then I imagine there are others 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.020 Who are listening 00:13:15.020 --> 00:13:17.060 And you're exploring Christianity 00:13:17.060 --> 00:13:18.300 Wondering what's it about 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:20.879 Is this something that I really need? 00:13:20.940 --> 00:13:21.940 Is it an optional extra? 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.440 Is it something that's fundamental? 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:25.720 And the message of the Bible 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:28.340 Is that we are made for God 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:29.940 We're made in the image of God 00:13:29.940 --> 00:13:31.880 To know and enjoy him 00:13:31.880 --> 00:13:33.680 And that through Jesus 00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:36.740 Sort of the barrier of sin is broken down 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:37.680 So that friendship 00:13:37.680 --> 00:13:38.980 Relationship with God 00:13:38.980 --> 00:13:40.720 Is now possible 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:43.280 And that stands at the heart 00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:44.420 Of the Christian message 00:13:44.420 --> 00:13:46.720 And the longing of every heart 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:49.620 Others of us I know 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.440 Are growing Christians 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:55.280 And again for us to persevere with joy 00:13:55.280 --> 00:13:59.620 To have hope for the journey of life 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:01.140 With all its highs and lows 00:14:01.140 --> 00:14:04.700 What we need is to cultivate 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:09.420 And to enjoy that friendship with our God 00:14:09.420 --> 00:14:11.700 So I hope this will be helpful for you 00:14:11.700 --> 00:14:13.500 Whoever you are today 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:17.300 And that over the course of these next eight weeks 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:20.839 We'll see the Psalms as a really useful guide 00:14:20.839 --> 00:14:22.659 For our spiritual life 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:27.679 Spiritual wisdom for how to relate to our God 00:14:27.679 --> 00:14:29.240 So over the weeks we'll think about 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:31.240 Praise and thanksgiving 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:32.299 And confession 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:33.659 And honest lament 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:35.120 And a variety of different things 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:37.959 But here I want us to focus on the goal of all 00:14:37.959 --> 00:14:40.059 Which is friendship with God 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:43.899 Enjoyment of the God who made us 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.840 So we're going to focus our time 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:49.179 On Psalm 25 verse 14 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:51.459 Asking three very basic questions 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:52.620 First of all 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:55.000 What is friendship with God? 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:56.360 Who gets it? 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:59.000 And how do we get it? 00:14:59.079 --> 00:14:59.659 So first of all 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:00.579 What is it? 00:15:00.659 --> 00:15:00.840 Well 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:04.039 I read from the NIV 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:05.620 So let me read it again 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:07.139 Verse 14 says 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:08.799 The Lord confides 00:15:08.799 --> 00:15:10.639 In those who fear him 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:12.620 He makes his covenant known to them 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.259 Now another English translation 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:15.679 The ESV says this 00:15:15.679 --> 00:15:17.980 The friendship of the Lord 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:19.980 Is for those who fear him 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:22.399 And he makes known to them his covenant 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:26.220 Now can we see how those two things are related 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.659 The Lord confides in 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:29.879 And the friendship of the Lord is for 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:31.940 Think about your own experience 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:35.440 Who is it that we share our secrets with? 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:38.460 Who is it that we confide in? 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:42.080 Who is it that we as it were let all the way in? 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.820 Well it's not just anybody is it? 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.279 We don't just walk up to strangers 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:47.279 And share our secrets 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:49.940 No it's with our close friends 00:15:49.940 --> 00:15:51.899 Those that we have an intimate connection with 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:55.679 Those are the ones that we choose to confide in 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:58.360 Friendship and confidence 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.980 Derek Kidner 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:02.039 An Old Testament commentator 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:03.799 Who's got really helpful books on the Psalms 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:06.139 Talks about God's counsel 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:08.840 As his circle of close associates 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:11.879 But also God's counsel 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:13.059 God's counsel 00:16:13.059 --> 00:16:15.720 Those matters that get discussed 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:18.559 With close associates 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:23.080 What is Psalm 25 verse 14 reminding us of? 00:16:23.500 --> 00:16:25.379 Well it's this remarkable truth 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:27.379 That the Lord of the universe 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:29.259 Invites you and me 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:31.419 Into his circle 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:34.159 That by faith in the Lord Jesus 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:36.199 We're called all the way in 00:16:36.199 --> 00:16:40.399 To share intimate loving friendship 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:42.919 That's been God's intention 00:16:42.919 --> 00:16:44.319 God's heart from the beginning 00:16:44.319 --> 00:16:47.099 When you read the story of Adam and Eve 00:16:47.099 --> 00:16:47.939 In the Garden of Eden 00:16:47.939 --> 00:16:50.279 We discover that God walked and talked with them 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:50.860 In the garden 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:54.339 That as image bearers of God 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:56.460 It stands to reason 00:16:56.460 --> 00:16:58.600 That we are made for friendship 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:01.139 We are made with withness 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:04.319 Because God isn't solitary 00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:07.000 God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:10.420 This eternal friendship 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:12.559 God is friendship 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:16.600 And so we are made for friendship 00:17:16.600 --> 00:17:19.259 And especially friendship with God 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:21.600 So that we are truly ourselves 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:24.319 When we come to know him 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:28.559 And we grow to be more like Jesus 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:35.299 So spirituality and connecting with the divine 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:38.939 In Christianity becomes really personal 00:17:38.939 --> 00:17:41.879 Because we are invited into friendship 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:43.659 With our God 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:45.219 Now what does this say about God? 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:48.619 What does this say then about our spiritual lives? 00:17:48.719 --> 00:17:50.759 Well first of all it reminds us 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:53.920 That God is a personal relating God 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.960 Who draws near 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.720 He's not distant 00:17:57.720 --> 00:18:01.000 He's not unconcerned and uninvolved 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.279 In the world that he made 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:05.920 In fact the whole history of redemption 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:07.859 And salvation that we find in the Bible 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:11.279 We can describe as God's great act of friendship 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:14.480 Having made people for relationship 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:16.720 To glorify him, to enjoy him 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:18.859 Adam and Eve and everybody since 00:18:18.859 --> 00:18:21.019 We have rebelled against God 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:23.500 We have turned our backs on God 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:26.979 We have rejected friendship with God 00:18:26.979 --> 00:18:28.799 In favour of setting our own course 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:30.139 That is sin 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:32.639 But in response to our sin 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:33.379 What has God done? 00:18:33.479 --> 00:18:36.199 God in love has pursued his people 00:18:36.199 --> 00:18:39.019 He has established covenants 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:42.599 Covenants of grace with people 00:18:42.599 --> 00:18:44.939 And ultimately he would send his own son 00:18:44.939 --> 00:18:45.859 Jesus 00:18:45.859 --> 00:18:48.139 In order to save us 00:18:48.139 --> 00:18:49.879 In order to restore us 00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:50.679 To peace 00:18:50.679 --> 00:18:51.839 To reconcile us 00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:53.439 To give us friendship with God 00:18:53.439 --> 00:18:55.779 And to provide for us the hope 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.319 Not just for this life 00:18:57.319 --> 00:18:58.679 But for all eternity 00:18:58.679 --> 00:19:01.279 Of being united 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.980 With God 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.980 Of being made like Jesus 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:06.819 And being with Jesus 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:08.839 In a world made new 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:10.279 So the whole of history of redemption 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:12.439 Is God's act of friendship 00:19:12.439 --> 00:19:15.559 Secondly it reminds us 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:17.359 That God offers us 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:19.759 What our hearts long for 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:23.059 Who doesn't want to know love? 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.339 Who doesn't want to have 00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:26.899 Close friendships? 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:29.139 People that will receive us 00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:29.740 And love us 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.639 And welcome us 00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:31.319 And be with us 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:32.279 And for us 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.660 And the Bible says 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:38.240 God offers a real connection 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:39.859 With the divine 00:19:39.859 --> 00:19:42.119 Something that's personal 00:19:42.119 --> 00:19:43.940 Not vague 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:46.799 That the God of the Bible 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:48.240 Offers secure 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:50.579 And lasting friendship 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:52.299 That God in covenant 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:54.279 Actually chooses to bind himself 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.899 To us 00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:57.359 So here is the friendship 00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:59.420 That you're looking for 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:01.899 From God 00:20:01.900 --> 00:20:04.519 It also reminds us too 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.220 That knowing 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:07.060 And enjoying God 00:20:07.060 --> 00:20:08.660 Is the goal 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:10.240 Of our faith 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:13.540 Sometimes we can lose sight of that 00:20:13.540 --> 00:20:16.080 But it's so important 00:20:16.080 --> 00:20:16.920 For us to remember 00:20:16.920 --> 00:20:19.300 When we read our Bibles 00:20:19.300 --> 00:20:20.840 It's not just so we can 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:21.820 Tick a box and say 00:20:21.820 --> 00:20:24.420 I've performed my religious duty 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:26.500 No we read the Bible 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:28.280 To hear from God 00:20:28.280 --> 00:20:30.640 He wants to speak to us 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:32.680 And relate to us 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.300 Who he is 00:20:33.300 --> 00:20:34.220 And how we should live 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.520 In response to him 00:20:35.520 --> 00:20:37.300 So every time we read 00:20:37.300 --> 00:20:38.280 We're being invited 00:20:38.280 --> 00:20:39.040 Into friendship 00:20:39.040 --> 00:20:39.820 And likewise 00:20:39.820 --> 00:20:41.640 To pray 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:44.120 Is for us to respond 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:45.759 God speaks as we read the Bible 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:47.920 And we respond as we pray 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:49.660 There's no higher privilege 00:20:49.660 --> 00:20:51.580 Than this relationship 00:20:51.580 --> 00:20:53.759 This friendship with God 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:56.339 That as we come 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:57.559 To church 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:58.640 As we think about 00:20:58.640 --> 00:21:00.700 Meeting together 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:01.900 Physically as we used to 00:21:01.900 --> 00:21:02.379 In the past 00:21:02.379 --> 00:21:03.819 Some of us will do next week 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:06.140 God says he is 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:07.619 Particularly present 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:08.980 To bless his people 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:10.879 As we gather together 00:21:10.879 --> 00:21:13.640 To remind us once again 00:21:13.640 --> 00:21:14.279 Of his goodness 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:14.799 His love 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.500 His faithfulness 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.839 His gospel 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:20.559 So the goal of our faith 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:22.939 Is God himself 00:21:22.939 --> 00:21:24.379 The greatest gift 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.579 God could give us 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.500 Is himself 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.879 He wants to relate to us 00:21:28.879 --> 00:21:29.980 He wants us to grow 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.919 In our friendship 00:21:30.919 --> 00:21:33.159 And so we have the Bible 00:21:33.159 --> 00:21:34.059 We have prayer 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:35.299 We have church 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.079 We have other things 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.379 To help us 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:38.299 In that 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:41.000 So that's just a little bit 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.299 On friendship with God 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:43.799 Now the next question 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.299 To think about 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:45.240 Is who gets 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:46.579 That friendship 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:47.119 And again 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:49.319 We turn to Psalm 25 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.159 Verse 14 00:21:50.159 --> 00:21:51.240 To help us here 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.819 So it says 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:54.839 The Lord confides in 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:57.659 Those who fear him 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:59.940 So there is that condition 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:01.019 Attached to friendship 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:02.399 Those who fear him 00:22:02.399 --> 00:22:03.859 Now what does that mean? 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:06.559 I was listening to a talk 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:08.139 From a pastor in the States 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.779 Tim Keller 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.839 Many of you will perhaps 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.539 Have heard of him 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:12.980 And he reminded me there 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:15.299 That with true friendship 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:18.879 There is always transparency 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:21.359 By which we mean 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:23.440 Each friend is allowed to be 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.980 Who they truly are 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:28.220 That the other is accepted 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.879 On their own terms 00:22:29.879 --> 00:22:32.359 It's true friendship isn't it? 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:34.019 Well with God 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:37.299 To accept God on his terms 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.859 Means that we live 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:40.279 In relationship to him 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.559 Acknowledging that he is 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:42.599 Our creator 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:45.059 He is our king 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:47.660 He is our judge 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:49.440 He is our lord 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.619 And saviour 00:22:50.619 --> 00:22:52.539 So to allow him 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.859 To be who he truly is 00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:55.740 Therefore is to fear him 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.960 In the sense of honouring 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.720 And respecting 00:22:57.720 --> 00:23:00.220 Of showing him awe 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:03.119 Of showing obedience 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:04.940 To what he commands 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:08.039 Now psalm 25 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.720 Now psalm 25 gives us 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:10.759 Some helpful pointers 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:12.400 To flesh out 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.320 What it means 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:15.160 To fear God 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:18.539 One aspect that comes out here 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:21.080 Is it involves trust 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:22.900 So the psalm begins 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.320 In you lord God 00:23:24.320 --> 00:23:26.200 I put my trust 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:28.160 I trust in you 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.519 Do not let me 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.980 Be put to shame 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:33.140 There is 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:33.160 There is 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:47.039 Aseemращ 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:58.339 fundamentally relying on God, making him the foundation upon which your life is built, 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:10.819 allowing God to set the direction that your life will follow. So when the Bible sets the pattern 00:24:10.819 --> 00:24:16.819 for the people of God that there is suffering first with glory to follow, that the cross comes 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:27.879 before the crown, we're willing to receive that and we will trust God in that. So there is trust as part 00:24:27.879 --> 00:24:38.179 of fearing God. There is also teaching. There's an emphasis on teaching in this psalm, by which we 00:24:38.179 --> 00:24:44.200 mean letting God be our teacher and guide. So verses four and five, show me your ways, Lord, 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:50.840 teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God, my saviour. 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:58.940 Then verse 12, who then are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways that they 00:24:58.940 --> 00:25:07.720 should choose. So to fear the Lord is to receive his teaching, to be instructed by it, to allow 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:16.620 God's teaching to guide us. Which means for us we need to be immersed in the word of God, 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:23.220 to recognise it as ultimate truth. One of the reasons our series this evening begins with, 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:26.940 can I trust the Bible, is because the Bible is so foundational to our faith. 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:37.180 That to fear the Lord is to be guided by the Bible for right thinking, to recognise the Bible as a 00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:45.200 reliable guide for us as to what God's will is for our lives, for how we are to obey, for the ethics and 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:54.259 the morality that we are to follow, to allow it to govern our speech and our actions and for the word of God 00:25:54.259 --> 00:26:01.740 to reveal to us the way of salvation. Not through our own efforts at getting up to God, but recognising 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:09.480 that God has sent Jesus to come down to us so that through his grace we might be saved, and not by our 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:16.759 works, but by trusting in Jesus and the forgiveness and the new life that he secures. Fundamentally then, 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:26.079 we want God to be the one voice we choose to listen to. When we hear so many different alternatives for 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:32.960 how we are to live and how we are to direct our lives, we want to be guided by God's teaching if we 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:41.680 are to fear the Lord. So there is trust and there is teaching and there's also a turning that we find 00:26:41.680 --> 00:26:50.620 here in Psalm 25, turning from sin to God. So verses 6 and 7, remember Lord your great mercy and love for 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:57.460 they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth in my rebellious ways. According to your love 00:26:57.460 --> 00:27:06.799 remember me, for you Lord are good. The psalmist has a healthy spiritual life where he is honest about 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:16.019 his sin. And what does he do with the sin? He confesses it to his God. He has that humility 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:27.559 that recognises his own moral and spiritual failure that comes confessing his need before his holy God. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:36.579 Notice too that the psalmist David here was quick to acknowledge when he has broken friendship with God, 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:43.299 when he has broken trust with God and he contrasts that with God's steadfast love. 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:53.699 We let our friends down and we have to deal with the pain and the guilt that we feel because of that. 00:27:53.699 --> 00:28:05.819 God never lets his friends down. So David prays for forgiveness and a restored sense of fellowship 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:13.980 asking God to not remember his sin but to remember his love and his mercy. To fear the Lord is to 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:22.679 recognise our sin and our need of his mercy and forgiveness and to ask for it. So when it comes to 00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:33.319 the question, do I fear the Lord? Ask yourself questions like this. In my day-to-day life, who do I trust in? 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:45.480 Really? Am I trusting in God or am I trusting in myself, my resources and my abilities? Who do I listen to? 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:56.879 Am I being guided daily by the word of God or is it the voices of my friends or my family or my culture? 00:28:56.880 --> 00:29:14.700 What moral standard do I live by? Is it what God teaches in his word or is it the wisdom of the age in which we live? 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:26.299 As we think about the fear of the Lord, it's really important that we see Jesus as the perfect example 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:34.220 of what it looks like to live with the fear of the Lord. You can go to the point in Jesus' life at the 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:40.580 beginning of his public ministry where he's being tempted by the devil and Jesus will say, 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:44.139 man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:48.740 Jesus' intention was to live in perfect obedience to God's word. 00:29:50.379 --> 00:29:52.279 And again as he was tempted, he said, worship 00:29:52.279 --> 00:29:55.319 the Lord and serve him only. 00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:59.159 God is foundation. God is guide. 00:29:59.379 --> 00:30:03.199 God is Lord and King. God is the one he would live to please. 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:33.180 God is the one he would live to please. 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:37.380 God is the one he would live to live to live to live to live to live to live to live to live. 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:42.440 And yet Jesus was willing to die in our place for our sins 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:51.000 to experience in his physical body a sense of abandonment 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:55.400 so that he would cry out, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:59.980 as he lost a sense of the Father's love for him 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:02.780 as he took on himself for us. 00:31:04.320 --> 00:31:08.140 The Father's just and holy anger against sin. 00:31:10.060 --> 00:31:14.500 As we look at the cross, we see that the Father did not spare him, 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:19.700 did not spare Jesus so that he might save us. 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:26.980 Making that choice so that, by faith in Jesus, 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:32.319 we might enjoy the Father's love and the Father's friendship. 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:36.980 He supplies grace to help 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:43.819 so that we can live with the fear of the Lord. 00:31:43.819 --> 00:31:49.919 Now, the last thing for us to think about is this. 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.559 How do we get it? 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:55.419 How do we get to enjoy friendship with God? 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:59.279 And again, verse 14 helps supply the answer. 00:32:00.039 --> 00:32:02.480 The Lord confides in those who fear him. 00:32:03.460 --> 00:32:07.539 He makes his covenant known to them. 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:11.940 So covenant, God's covenant with his people, 00:32:12.059 --> 00:32:16.279 is the basis for us receiving friendship with God. 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:20.659 God, out of sheer grace in response to our sin, 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:26.659 God, in his great mercy in response to the human misery caused by sin, 00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:31.359 established a covenant with his people. 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:35.720 The theme of the covenant is everywhere in the Bible 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:38.299 and it's closely tied up with the theme of friendship. 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:41.440 That here is the God of the universe 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:48.180 and he chooses to establish these covenant relationships. 00:32:48.680 --> 00:32:52.700 So he binds himself to individuals and he binds himself to families 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:56.779 and then he commits himself to the nation of Israel 00:32:56.779 --> 00:33:00.839 and ultimately he commits himself in loving relationship to the church 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:07.679 through Jesus, committed to loving, saving, blessing, protecting, guiding them. 00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:10.000 And as you look in the Bible, 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:12.439 you think about each stage of the covenant that you see, 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.579 especially in the Old Testament, 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:17.799 all the key figures, what we see is they enjoy a special relationship, 00:33:17.939 --> 00:33:19.579 a special friendship with God. 00:33:19.919 --> 00:33:22.759 So we thought about Adam, Adam and Eve, 00:33:23.220 --> 00:33:26.019 walking and talking with God in the garden 00:33:26.019 --> 00:33:29.379 and from the beginning established in friendship 00:33:29.379 --> 00:33:31.400 and even when they fell into sin 00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:33.440 and everything was broken, 00:33:34.279 --> 00:33:35.379 God still came, 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:37.579 where are you, Adam? 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:39.539 And he established that promise 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:44.460 that one of their seed would crush the serpent 00:33:44.460 --> 00:33:49.660 and that the forces of evil would be destroyed ultimately by Jesus. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:50.960 Then we think about Noah, 00:33:51.379 --> 00:33:55.619 at a time in the world when the whole world was full of evil, 00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:58.639 what happens in the story of Noah is that Noah finds favour, 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.839 Noah finds grace, 00:34:00.419 --> 00:34:01.899 Noah enjoys friendship with God. 00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:03.699 Abraham, likewise, 00:34:03.779 --> 00:34:07.799 when the whole world it seems is filled with the worship of idols, 00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:08.699 what happens? 00:34:08.779 --> 00:34:12.019 Abraham is called by God by grace. 00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:15.239 God reveals his plans and his heart to Abraham. 00:34:15.359 --> 00:34:16.039 What about Moses? 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:19.480 We're told that Moses spoke to God face to face, 00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:21.900 just like a man talks with his friend. 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:24.319 Or David, God's chosen king, 00:34:24.320 --> 00:34:28.820 he was the man after God's own heart. 00:34:30.100 --> 00:34:32.160 And then we see Jesus, 00:34:32.340 --> 00:34:33.740 the last great, 00:34:33.860 --> 00:34:35.420 the ultimate covenant figure. 00:34:35.539 --> 00:34:37.920 He is the one who establishes the new covenant. 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:40.660 He is the son of God 00:34:40.660 --> 00:34:42.820 who represents, 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:44.519 reflects the glory of God, 00:34:44.660 --> 00:34:46.640 who enjoys eternal friendship with God 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:49.759 and he becomes the way for us 00:34:49.759 --> 00:34:53.599 to know that friendship ourselves. 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:55.900 His body is broken, 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:57.719 his blood is shed, 00:34:57.759 --> 00:34:59.679 as we remember when we share the Lord's Supper, 00:34:59.859 --> 00:35:00.960 as our substitute, 00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:02.440 as our sacrifice, 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:04.619 to satisfy God's justice, 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:05.699 to show God's love, 00:35:05.699 --> 00:35:07.440 to bring us back 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:09.960 into that friendship with God 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:12.199 that was lost in the Garden of Eden, 00:35:12.619 --> 00:35:14.859 that through Jesus we are reconciled, 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:16.660 through Jesus we have peace. 00:35:17.800 --> 00:35:19.820 Jesus, shortly before going to the cross, 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.880 said to his disciples, 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:24.019 greater love has no one than this, 00:35:24.760 --> 00:35:28.160 to lay down his life for his friends. 00:35:29.019 --> 00:35:32.160 And that's exactly what Jesus would do 00:35:32.160 --> 00:35:34.280 for his disciples 00:35:34.280 --> 00:35:36.420 and for the church. 00:35:37.080 --> 00:35:39.060 And here is the goal 00:35:39.060 --> 00:35:40.800 for our lives. 00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:44.180 Friendship with God 00:35:44.180 --> 00:35:46.380 through Jesus. 00:35:46.840 --> 00:35:48.100 Here is the heart of 00:35:48.100 --> 00:35:50.260 true spirituality. 00:35:51.220 --> 00:35:53.740 Not to know a vague sense of the other, 00:35:54.560 --> 00:35:56.900 but to know God as our Father, 00:35:57.400 --> 00:35:59.080 to know Jesus as our Saviour, 00:35:59.180 --> 00:36:01.280 to know the Spirit living in us, 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:03.640 to enjoy friendship with God. 00:36:03.700 --> 00:36:05.140 And Jesus, the Son of God, 00:36:05.280 --> 00:36:07.440 opens up the way 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:09.880 for us to enjoy friendship with God. 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:12.200 So for the next seven weeks after this, 00:36:12.240 --> 00:36:12.960 we're going to think about 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:14.360 how do I respond to that? 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:15.940 How can we grow in that friendship? 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:16.740 But today, 00:36:18.180 --> 00:36:20.980 are you enjoying a living 00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:25.060 and a growing friendship with God? 00:36:25.700 --> 00:36:27.260 That's what God, through Jesus, 00:36:27.880 --> 00:36:31.040 graciously offers to each one of us. 00:36:32.100 --> 00:36:36.019 Now let's pray together in response. 00:36:37.640 --> 00:36:39.960 Lord, as we think about your great offer 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:41.400 of friendship, 00:36:42.180 --> 00:36:44.420 we pray that you would help us 00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:46.580 to set the course of our lives 00:36:46.580 --> 00:36:49.460 towards pursuing friendship with you. 00:36:50.780 --> 00:36:52.040 Thank you for all the means 00:36:52.040 --> 00:36:53.519 that you have given to us 00:36:53.519 --> 00:36:55.540 to enable us to develop that friendship, 00:36:55.760 --> 00:36:57.800 to have the Bible that we can read, 00:36:57.800 --> 00:37:00.039 to have the gift of prayer, 00:37:00.480 --> 00:37:01.580 to have fellowship, 00:37:01.740 --> 00:37:03.800 and to have a church to belong to 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:07.560 so that we might grow in our relationship. 00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:10.560 Give us that desire to meet with you, 00:37:11.080 --> 00:37:11.960 to grow. 00:37:13.080 --> 00:37:14.700 For those of us who aren't Christians, 00:37:15.340 --> 00:37:17.039 help us to see 00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:21.080 how fundamental to our true self it is 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:24.319 to be in relationship with the God who made us. 00:37:25.059 --> 00:37:27.059 To be so thankful to Jesus 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:29.079 for coming to deal with the sin 00:37:29.079 --> 00:37:33.099 that separates and spoils that relationship 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:39.179 so that we might all be trusting and believing. 00:37:39.179 --> 00:37:42.799 Lord, we thank you that one of the ways 00:37:42.799 --> 00:37:44.059 that we can grow in our friendship 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:46.259 is through church. 00:37:47.259 --> 00:37:50.519 We thank you for the church 00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:52.440 that you've purchased with your blood. 00:37:53.000 --> 00:37:54.639 Thank you for the precious privilege 00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:56.299 of being able to gather to worship. 00:37:56.460 --> 00:37:58.919 We felt it as we've not been able to meet together. 00:37:59.679 --> 00:38:01.179 Thank you that at least some of us 00:38:01.179 --> 00:38:03.859 will be able to do that again as of next week. 00:38:04.319 --> 00:38:06.059 Lord, we pray that you'd give us wisdom 00:38:06.059 --> 00:38:09.259 and all the arrangements that need to be made. 00:38:09.500 --> 00:38:12.179 We pray your mercy that you'd keep us safe. 00:38:12.799 --> 00:38:15.759 We pray that we'd be sensitive towards one another, 00:38:15.860 --> 00:38:18.179 knowing that some people will be anxious 00:38:18.179 --> 00:38:21.980 and will not be keen for health reasons 00:38:21.980 --> 00:38:24.179 and other reasons not to meet just yet. 00:38:24.699 --> 00:38:27.420 Lord, we pray it'd be a time of unity and peace 00:38:27.420 --> 00:38:29.539 and of knowing much of your blessing. 00:38:31.279 --> 00:38:32.960 Lord, we also are aware 00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:35.699 that there are so many around us who are suffering. 00:38:36.880 --> 00:38:38.799 There's so many who are anxious, 00:38:39.299 --> 00:38:41.039 so many who are grieving. 00:38:42.000 --> 00:38:44.119 We pray that for your people, 00:38:44.679 --> 00:38:48.679 they would know your friendship in a special way, 00:38:49.279 --> 00:38:52.299 that they would appreciate your love 00:38:52.299 --> 00:38:54.900 and your peace being poured out on them. 00:38:55.960 --> 00:38:58.259 Lord, we think about suffering that we see 00:38:58.259 --> 00:38:59.779 all around the world. 00:38:59.780 --> 00:39:04.720 Lord, we pray thinking about the tragic accident 00:39:04.720 --> 00:39:06.660 outside of Stonehaven. 00:39:07.140 --> 00:39:09.600 We pray for the different families 00:39:09.600 --> 00:39:11.260 who have been affected, 00:39:12.080 --> 00:39:13.480 who have lost loved ones, 00:39:13.519 --> 00:39:14.280 who are grieving. 00:39:15.120 --> 00:39:18.060 Lord, we pray for your comfort and healing. 00:39:18.900 --> 00:39:21.300 Lord, we pray for Beirut 00:39:21.300 --> 00:39:23.740 and the nation of Lebanon 00:39:23.740 --> 00:39:26.600 with the various problems that it is facing. 00:39:26.599 --> 00:39:27.779 We think of Belarus. 00:39:28.860 --> 00:39:31.460 We think of nations like India. 00:39:32.739 --> 00:39:34.239 We pray for Myanmar 00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:36.380 with internal fighting 00:39:36.380 --> 00:39:39.380 and the impact on the Chin people 00:39:39.380 --> 00:39:42.059 and Christians there. 00:39:43.400 --> 00:39:48.659 Lord, we recognise so much suffering 00:39:48.659 --> 00:39:51.819 and we pray for your comfort and your mercy. 00:39:52.619 --> 00:39:54.099 And ultimately, we pray 00:39:54.099 --> 00:39:56.359 for the hope of the gospel, 00:39:57.119 --> 00:40:00.099 the light of Jesus to break through, 00:40:01.399 --> 00:40:03.239 that people in darkness 00:40:03.239 --> 00:40:06.019 and in desperation and in danger 00:40:06.019 --> 00:40:08.019 would turn to Jesus 00:40:08.019 --> 00:40:11.319 and find life in him. 00:40:11.320 --> 00:40:14.680 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:40:15.300 --> 00:40:15.700 Amen. 00:40:17.360 --> 00:40:20.260 Now, we'll sing together. 00:40:20.900 --> 00:40:22.380 We'll sing, first of all, 00:40:22.580 --> 00:40:24.059 a section of Psalm 16 00:40:24.059 --> 00:40:26.380 and then we'll sing the hymn 00:40:26.380 --> 00:40:30.400 Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me. 00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:49.220 I'll praise the Lord my God 00:40:49.220 --> 00:40:55.420 Whose counsel guides my choice 00:40:55.420 --> 00:41:00.220 And even in the night 00:41:00.220 --> 00:41:07.139 My heart recalls instructions voice 00:41:07.139 --> 00:41:12.099 Before me constantly 00:41:12.099 --> 00:41:19.480 I set the Lord alone 00:41:19.480 --> 00:41:26.059 Because He is at my right hand 00:41:26.059 --> 00:41:31.159 I'll not be overthrown 00:41:31.159 --> 00:41:38.139 Therefore my heart is glad 00:41:38.139 --> 00:41:44.300 My tongue with joy will sing 00:41:44.300 --> 00:41:50.940 My body too will rest secure 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:56.380 In hope unwavering 00:41:56.380 --> 00:42:02.740 For you will not allow 00:42:02.740 --> 00:42:08.300 My soul in death to stay 00:42:08.300 --> 00:42:12.640 Nor will you leave 00:42:12.640 --> 00:42:15.460 Your Holy One 00:42:15.460 --> 00:42:19.980 To see the tombs decay 00:42:19.980 --> 00:42:27.220 You have made known to me 00:42:27.220 --> 00:42:32.300 The path of life divine 00:42:32.300 --> 00:42:37.260 Bliss shall I know 00:42:37.260 --> 00:42:40.180 At your right hand 00:42:40.180 --> 00:42:43.420 Joy from your face 00:42:43.420 --> 00:42:45.780 Will shine 00:42:45.780 --> 00:43:04.580 What gift of grace 00:43:04.580 --> 00:43:08.720 Is Jesus my Redeemer 00:43:08.719 --> 00:43:12.019 There is no more 00:43:12.019 --> 00:43:16.259 For heaven now to give 00:43:16.259 --> 00:43:19.399 He is my joy 00:43:19.399 --> 00:43:23.239 My righteousness and freedom 00:43:23.239 --> 00:43:26.619 My steadfast love 00:43:26.619 --> 00:43:30.699 My deep and boundless peace 00:43:30.699 --> 00:43:34.019 To this I hold 00:43:34.019 --> 00:43:37.679 My hope is only Jesus 00:43:37.679 --> 00:43:45.679 For my life is wholly bound to His 00:43:45.679 --> 00:43:49.480 Oh how strange and divine 00:43:49.480 --> 00:43:51.400 I can sing 00:43:51.400 --> 00:43:53.300 All is mine 00:43:53.300 --> 00:43:54.699 Yet not I 00:43:54.699 --> 00:43:58.739 But through Christ in me 00:43:58.739 --> 00:44:12.859 The night is dark 00:44:12.859 --> 00:44:16.500 But I am not forsaken 00:44:16.500 --> 00:44:20.039 For by my side 00:44:20.039 --> 00:44:23.559 The Savior He will stay 00:44:23.559 --> 00:44:27.099 I labor on 00:44:27.099 --> 00:44:31.219 In weakness and rejoicing 00:44:31.219 --> 00:44:34.159 For in my need 00:44:34.159 --> 00:44:37.440 His power is displayed 00:44:37.440 --> 00:44:41.480 To this I hold 00:44:41.480 --> 00:44:45.920 My shepherd will defend me 00:44:45.920 --> 00:44:50.079 Through the deepest valley 00:44:50.079 --> 00:44:52.440 He will lead 00:44:52.440 --> 00:44:56.980 All the night has been won 00:44:56.980 --> 00:44:59.900 And I shall overcome 00:44:59.900 --> 00:45:02.039 Yet not I 00:45:02.039 --> 00:45:06.099 But through Christ in me 00:45:06.099 --> 00:45:19.759 No fate I dread 00:45:19.759 --> 00:45:23.900 I know I am forgiven 00:45:23.900 --> 00:45:27.139 The future sure 00:45:27.139 --> 00:45:30.980 The price it has been paid 00:45:30.980 --> 00:45:33.519 For Jesus bled 00:45:33.519 --> 00:45:34.519 For Jesus bled 00:45:34.519 --> 00:45:38.280 And suffered for my pardon 00:45:38.280 --> 00:45:41.719 And He was raised 00:45:41.719 --> 00:45:45.900 To overthrow the grave 00:45:45.900 --> 00:45:48.559 To this I hold 00:45:48.559 --> 00:45:52.000 My sin has been defeated 00:45:52.000 --> 00:45:58.820 Jesus now and ever is my plea 00:45:58.820 --> 00:46:03.360 O'er the chains are released 00:46:03.360 --> 00:46:05.480 I can sing 00:46:05.480 --> 00:46:07.280 I am free 00:46:07.280 --> 00:46:08.780 Yet not I 00:46:08.780 --> 00:46:12.480 But through Christ in me 00:46:12.480 --> 00:46:24.940 With every breath 00:46:24.940 --> 00:46:26.780 With every breath 00:46:26.780 --> 00:46:30.320 I long to follow Jesus 00:46:30.320 --> 00:46:33.840 For He has said 00:46:33.840 --> 00:46:37.360 That He will bring me home 00:46:37.360 --> 00:46:39.900 And day by day 00:46:39.900 --> 00:46:40.900 And day by day 00:46:40.900 --> 00:46:44.900 I know He will renew me 00:46:44.900 --> 00:46:48.039 Until I stand 00:46:48.039 --> 00:46:51.019 With joy before the throne 00:46:51.019 --> 00:46:54.900 To this I hold 00:46:54.900 --> 00:46:58.400 My hope is only Jesus 00:46:58.400 --> 00:47:00.940 All the glory 00:47:00.940 --> 00:47:01.940 All the glory 00:47:01.940 --> 00:47:02.940 Evermore 00:47:02.940 --> 00:47:03.940 Evermore 00:47:03.940 --> 00:47:04.940 To Him 00:47:04.940 --> 00:47:09.820 When the race is complete 00:47:09.820 --> 00:47:11.559 Still my lips 00:47:11.559 --> 00:47:12.940 Shall repeat 00:47:12.940 --> 00:47:15.000 Yet not I 00:47:15.000 --> 00:47:18.860 But through Christ in me 00:47:18.860 --> 00:47:23.400 When the race is complete 00:47:23.400 --> 00:47:25.700 Still my lips 00:47:25.700 --> 00:47:27.400 Shall repeat 00:47:27.400 --> 00:47:29.400 Yet not I 00:47:29.400 --> 00:47:34.400 But through Christ in me 00:47:34.400 --> 00:47:37.700 And let's close 00:47:37.700 --> 00:47:38.599 Praying 00:47:38.599 --> 00:47:39.780 Using words 00:47:39.780 --> 00:47:41.619 Of Jesus' prayer 00:47:41.619 --> 00:47:42.340 For His church 00:47:42.340 --> 00:47:43.059 That we find 00:47:43.059 --> 00:47:45.440 In John chapter 17 00:47:45.440 --> 00:47:49.480 Jesus prayed 00:47:49.480 --> 00:47:49.980 Father 00:47:49.980 --> 00:47:51.639 I want those 00:47:51.639 --> 00:47:52.599 You have given me 00:47:52.599 --> 00:47:53.440 To be with me 00:47:53.440 --> 00:47:54.300 Where I am 00:47:54.300 --> 00:47:56.539 And to see my glory 00:47:56.539 --> 00:47:57.960 The glory 00:47:57.960 --> 00:47:58.960 You have given me 00:47:58.960 --> 00:47:59.980 Because you loved me 00:47:59.980 --> 00:48:01.000 Before the creation 00:48:01.000 --> 00:48:01.740 Of the world 00:48:01.739 --> 00:48:04.299 I have made you known 00:48:04.299 --> 00:48:04.699 To them 00:48:04.699 --> 00:48:05.539 And will continue 00:48:05.539 --> 00:48:06.599 To make you known 00:48:06.599 --> 00:48:08.199 In order that the love 00:48:08.199 --> 00:48:09.219 You have for me 00:48:09.219 --> 00:48:10.500 May be in them 00:48:10.500 --> 00:48:12.639 And that I myself 00:48:12.639 --> 00:48:14.439 May be in them 00:48:14.439 --> 00:48:16.439 Lord God 00:48:16.439 --> 00:48:17.219 We thank you 00:48:17.219 --> 00:48:18.599 That Jesus came 00:48:18.599 --> 00:48:20.159 To offer this 00:48:20.159 --> 00:48:21.939 Richest of relationships 00:48:21.939 --> 00:48:24.079 To see His glory 00:48:24.079 --> 00:48:26.159 To know your love 00:48:26.159 --> 00:48:28.099 To know your presence 00:48:28.099 --> 00:48:28.899 In our lives 00:48:28.899 --> 00:48:30.479 Not just for today 00:48:30.479 --> 00:48:31.139 And tomorrow 00:48:31.139 --> 00:48:32.779 But for all eternity 00:48:32.779 --> 00:48:34.420 Lord we pray 00:48:34.420 --> 00:48:34.960 That you would 00:48:34.960 --> 00:48:36.199 Strengthen our hope 00:48:36.199 --> 00:48:38.079 Strengthen our joy 00:48:38.079 --> 00:48:39.879 And we pray 00:48:39.879 --> 00:48:41.159 That the grace 00:48:41.159 --> 00:48:42.159 And the mercy 00:48:42.159 --> 00:48:43.000 And the peace 00:48:43.000 --> 00:48:44.279 From our God 00:48:44.279 --> 00:48:45.519 Who is Father, Son 00:48:45.519 --> 00:48:46.759 And Holy Spirit 00:48:46.759 --> 00:48:48.460 Would rest on 00:48:48.460 --> 00:48:50.639 And be with each one of us 00:48:50.639 --> 00:48:51.679 Amen 00:48:51.679 --> 00:48:56.199 Now just a reminder again 00:48:56.199 --> 00:48:57.480 That Digital Tea and Coffee 00:48:57.480 --> 00:48:59.299 Will be on at 12 00:48:59.300 --> 00:49:00.160 As usual 00:49:00.160 --> 00:49:02.140 And then we're back 00:49:02.140 --> 00:49:03.900 Tonight at 5.30 00:49:03.900 --> 00:49:05.260 And just to say 00:49:05.260 --> 00:49:06.180 If you have people 00:49:06.180 --> 00:49:08.100 Who you know 00:49:08.100 --> 00:49:09.539 Who maybe have a lot 00:49:09.539 --> 00:49:10.820 Of questions about the Christian faith 00:49:10.820 --> 00:49:11.519 It might be helpful 00:49:11.519 --> 00:49:12.820 To invite them 00:49:12.820 --> 00:49:14.120 To listen in 00:49:14.119 --> 00:49:15.679 And then 00:49:15.679 --> 00:49:16.900 The one other thing 00:49:16.900 --> 00:49:17.339 Is that we have 00:49:17.339 --> 00:49:18.239 A time of prayer 00:49:18.239 --> 00:49:19.400 Still on Wednesday 00:49:19.400 --> 00:49:21.679 At 8pm 00:49:21.679 --> 00:49:23.799 With a special focus 00:49:23.799 --> 00:49:25.819 On returning to church 00:49:25.819 --> 00:49:26.799 Praying for ourselves 00:49:26.799 --> 00:49:28.179 As a church 00:49:28.179 --> 00:49:28.819 As well as 00:49:28.819 --> 00:49:29.900 Some other things 00:49:29.900 --> 00:49:31.159 So again 00:49:31.159 --> 00:49:32.039 It was good to share 00:49:32.039 --> 00:49:34.779 And really looking forward 00:49:34.779 --> 00:49:35.779 To seeing some of you 00:49:35.779 --> 00:49:37.119 In person 00:49:37.119 --> 00:49:37.699 In church 00:49:37.699 --> 00:49:38.239 Next week 00:49:38.239 --> 00:49:39.279 But for all of us 00:49:39.279 --> 00:49:41.179 May we know 00:49:41.179 --> 00:49:42.439 God's love 00:49:42.439 --> 00:49:43.959 And God's care 00:49:43.959 --> 00:49:44.899 In this coming week 00:49:44.899 --> 00:49:46.479 Okay bye for now