WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:03.680 Kirsty is going to read from Romans 3. 00:00:05.440 --> 00:00:12.500 Okay, so Psalm 53, for the director of music according to the Mahalath of David. 00:00:13.240 --> 00:00:20.600 The fool says in his heart, there is no God, they are corrupt and their ways are vile, there is no one who does good. 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:27.960 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:35.399 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt, there is no one who does good, not even one. 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:43.520 Will the evildoers never learn, those who devour my people as men eat bread, and who do not call on God? 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:49.019 There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:55.240 God scattered the bones of those who attacked you, you put them to shame, for God despised them. 00:00:55.240 --> 00:01:05.439 O that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion, when God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:12.539 And Romans chapter 3, verses 9 to 20. 00:01:12.540 --> 00:01:19.780 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all. 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:25.540 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 00:01:26.260 --> 00:01:30.219 As it is written, there is no one righteous, not even one. 00:01:30.780 --> 00:01:34.260 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 00:01:34.760 --> 00:01:36.160 All have turned away. 00:01:36.800 --> 00:01:38.600 They have together become worthless. 00:01:38.599 --> 00:01:41.879 There is no one who does good, not even one. 00:01:42.640 --> 00:01:44.579 Their throats are open graves. 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:47.039 Their tongues practice deceit. 00:01:47.539 --> 00:01:49.879 The poison of vipers is on their lips. 00:01:50.679 --> 00:01:53.439 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 00:01:54.339 --> 00:01:56.219 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:01:56.639 --> 00:01:58.560 Ruin and misery mark their ways. 00:01:59.219 --> 00:02:01.759 And the way of peace they do not know. 00:02:02.579 --> 00:02:05.159 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:10.240 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:15.359 so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 00:02:16.139 --> 00:02:20.319 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law. 00:02:20.939 --> 00:02:24.400 Rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:46.920 Well, please keep your Bibles at that passage in Romans chapter 3. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:54.679 I think I've said this at the beginning of every talk in Romans so far. 00:02:55.179 --> 00:02:56.759 These are difficult passages. 00:02:57.639 --> 00:03:01.899 They tell us things we really don't want to hear. 00:03:03.339 --> 00:03:06.000 And this morning is no different. 00:03:06.779 --> 00:03:11.560 So we need help as we face up to these words before us. 00:03:11.639 --> 00:03:13.939 Let's pray together and ask for God's help. 00:03:13.939 --> 00:03:14.019 Amen. 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:23.139 Our Father, we thank you so much for this book of Romans. 00:03:24.219 --> 00:03:29.359 We thank you for the way it has been preserved over so many hundreds of years. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:34.079 Has spoken to many individuals. 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:37.279 Spoken to many churches. 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:41.319 Has impacted nations. 00:03:41.319 --> 00:03:47.519 And here we are today gathered in this community centre. 00:03:49.019 --> 00:03:50.739 Looking at these words. 00:03:51.019 --> 00:03:52.680 Words that are not ordinary words. 00:03:54.259 --> 00:03:55.620 But the word of God. 00:03:56.819 --> 00:03:58.120 Which is powerful. 00:03:58.939 --> 00:03:59.879 And active. 00:04:01.259 --> 00:04:04.159 Which has the ability to change us. 00:04:04.359 --> 00:04:05.620 And transform us. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:11.159 And so we ask this morning that you would speak to us afresh. 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:17.199 Help us to hear what you say about us. 00:04:19.340 --> 00:04:20.639 Even though it's hard. 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:23.019 Help us to take it in. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:25.899 And in the midst of it. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:26.899 See the wonder. 00:04:28.180 --> 00:04:30.840 Of your amazing love towards us. 00:04:30.840 --> 00:04:32.800 Amen. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:41.620 I don't think there was anybody here around in 1348. 00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:42.139 Was there? 00:04:44.220 --> 00:04:45.540 Well in 1348. 00:04:45.860 --> 00:04:48.040 A plague swept around the globe. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:51.400 Killing more than a quarter of the world's population. 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:54.759 It became known as the Black Death. 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:57.780 Within two days of exposure. 00:04:58.460 --> 00:04:59.580 You were dead. 00:04:59.579 --> 00:05:02.159 It started in Asia. 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:04.639 And it spread like wildfire up into Africa. 00:05:05.139 --> 00:05:06.800 And then up into Europe. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:10.560 Up to 60% of Europe's population. 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:12.399 Was wiped out. 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:15.620 In just two years. 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:18.680 And in efforts to stamp it out. 00:05:18.779 --> 00:05:21.000 Those with the disease were quarantined. 00:05:21.779 --> 00:05:23.519 Others were even burnt alive. 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:27.599 But nothing it seemed could be found to cure. 00:05:27.819 --> 00:05:29.060 Or to stop its destruction. 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:30.939 The Black Death respected no one. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:33.660 Man, woman or child. 00:05:34.519 --> 00:05:36.519 It killed the rich and the poor. 00:05:37.280 --> 00:05:39.079 The weak and the strong. 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:41.360 There was no culture. 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:42.680 No race. 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:43.860 Or no religion. 00:05:44.780 --> 00:05:47.600 That was immune from its devastating effects. 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:51.840 Now thankfully today there is no such plague. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:53.840 Because of modern medicine. 00:05:53.839 --> 00:06:01.399 But there is a disease that is more widespread and more devastating than the Black Death. 00:06:02.359 --> 00:06:05.139 In many ways we could say it's more sinister. 00:06:05.299 --> 00:06:08.379 Because we think that we're all immune from it. 00:06:09.579 --> 00:06:11.399 But within each one of us. 00:06:11.719 --> 00:06:15.500 There is a disease that is slowly destroying us. 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:18.839 And the world in which we live. 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:23.459 And we have got no cure for it. 00:06:23.459 --> 00:06:27.199 You want to know what this disease is? 00:06:27.279 --> 00:06:29.500 Well look at chapter 3. 00:06:30.060 --> 00:06:31.259 The end of verse 9. 00:06:31.259 --> 00:06:35.920 We have made the charge. 00:06:36.719 --> 00:06:39.539 That Jews and Gentiles. 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:41.120 Doesn't matter who you are. 00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:44.339 We all alike. 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:46.300 Are under sin. 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:51.000 The disease that we all have. 00:06:52.160 --> 00:06:54.079 Is what the Bible calls sin. 00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:57.800 It's something we have all been infected with. 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:00.699 From the moment we were born. 00:07:02.580 --> 00:07:05.480 Now sin is not so much the things we do. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:06.840 Or don't do. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:10.160 Rather sin is a condition. 00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:13.840 A determination on our part. 00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:15.840 Not to submit to God. 00:07:16.160 --> 00:07:18.260 As the loving ruler of our lives. 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:19.980 I'll say that again. 00:07:20.140 --> 00:07:23.160 Sin isn't so much the things we do or don't do. 00:07:23.900 --> 00:07:25.440 Rather sin is a condition. 00:07:26.340 --> 00:07:28.460 It's a determination on our part. 00:07:28.520 --> 00:07:29.879 Not to submit to God. 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:32.180 As the loving ruler of our lives. 00:07:33.140 --> 00:07:34.560 And as we've gone through Romans. 00:07:34.700 --> 00:07:35.860 We see examples of this. 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:36.920 So in chapter 1. 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:40.220 We met the immoral person. 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:43.620 The person who doesn't like going to church. 00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:45.120 You won't find them here this morning. 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:47.199 They don't read their Bible. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:48.500 They think it's a load of nonsense. 00:07:50.020 --> 00:07:53.120 And they try to live outside of God's control. 00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:55.639 They live in a way that life suits them. 00:07:55.720 --> 00:07:56.920 They make up their own rules. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:57.879 And do their own thing. 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:02.500 They live outside of God's control. 00:08:04.200 --> 00:08:05.620 Then in chapter 2. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:08.540 We meet somebody at the opposite end of the scale. 00:08:08.860 --> 00:08:09.860 The moral person. 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.699 And you'll probably find them here this morning. 00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:14.639 The person who loves going to church. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:16.500 The people who love reading their Bibles. 00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:20.399 Now they don't want to live outside of God's control. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:24.660 They actually try to control God. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:28.420 They try to force God to do what they want. 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:29.939 Because of their good behaviour. 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:30.759 They say to God. 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:31.819 Look at me. 00:08:32.139 --> 00:08:33.159 Look at what I've done. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:35.939 Do something good for me. 00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:39.819 So on the one hand or one extreme. 00:08:40.019 --> 00:08:41.539 We have the immoral person. 00:08:42.219 --> 00:08:45.639 The person who tries to live outside of God's control. 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:48.219 On the other side we have the moral person. 00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:52.259 The person who tries to control God. 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:56.639 Now both positions are a determination on our part. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:58.279 Not to submit to God. 00:08:58.279 --> 00:09:01.159 So whatever your religious background. 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:04.059 Whether you see yourself as a moral person. 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:05.439 Or an immoral person. 00:09:05.539 --> 00:09:08.100 Whether you think yourself as a Protestant or a Catholic. 00:09:08.539 --> 00:09:10.299 Whether you are black or white. 00:09:11.079 --> 00:09:13.000 The conclusion is still the same. 00:09:13.339 --> 00:09:15.759 And here is the conclusion after two chapters. 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:17.939 In chapter 3 verse 9. 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:19.779 This is what he says. 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:21.899 What shall we conclude then? 00:09:22.899 --> 00:09:24.240 Are we any better? 00:09:25.579 --> 00:09:27.000 Not at all. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:31.579 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles. 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:32.879 All alike. 00:09:33.699 --> 00:09:34.720 Are under sin. 00:09:39.439 --> 00:09:40.639 Now hang on a minute. 00:09:40.819 --> 00:09:42.220 You may be thinking to yourself. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:47.259 Are you saying that we're exactly the same? 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:48.519 That we're all the same? 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:50.840 Yes we are all the same. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:57.360 Are you saying that the immoral murdering rapist. 00:09:58.200 --> 00:10:01.540 Is no different to the moral dad. 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:03.820 Who cares and provides for his children? 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:06.180 Are you trying to say that they're both the same? 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:08.340 Yes. 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:12.280 And as shocking as it may sound. 00:10:12.940 --> 00:10:14.780 That's exactly what we're saying. 00:10:16.540 --> 00:10:18.280 You see there's a common belief. 00:10:18.420 --> 00:10:20.639 That we are all basically good people. 00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:24.180 If you were to weigh yourself up on the scales. 00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:25.420 Of good and bad. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:28.480 We always have ourselves tipping. 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:29.940 In favour of good. 00:10:30.800 --> 00:10:33.360 Some days it might be 55, 45. 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:36.560 Some days we might even see ourselves. 00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:38.399 With 70 good and 30 bad. 00:10:38.599 --> 00:10:39.479 Whatever it is. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:40.919 We're always. 00:10:41.839 --> 00:10:43.079 In the good position. 00:10:44.119 --> 00:10:46.119 But that's actually a wrong diagnosis. 00:10:46.359 --> 00:10:47.239 Look at verse 10. 00:10:50.179 --> 00:10:51.559 As it is written. 00:10:52.579 --> 00:10:55.859 Now what follows is a list of quotes from the Old Testament. 00:10:56.059 --> 00:11:00.259 We read one of them from Psalm 58 earlier. 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:01.739 Or 53 I think it was. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:06.980 And it reads like a doctor's report of our human condition. 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:09.159 Look at verse 10. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:13.340 There is no one righteous. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:16.159 Not even one. 00:11:17.919 --> 00:11:21.139 There is no one who understands. 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:24.720 No one who seeks God. 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:27.899 No matter our moral standards. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:29.800 Or our religious beliefs. 00:11:30.680 --> 00:11:33.180 God sees us in exactly the same way. 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:33.879 Verse 12. 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:37.019 All have turned away. 00:11:38.040 --> 00:11:39.920 They have together become worthless. 00:11:41.180 --> 00:11:44.279 There is no one who does good. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.220 Not even one. 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:50.120 You could scour the whole world. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:54.700 And the Bible is telling us that you won't find one good person. 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:59.340 Now reading that. 00:11:59.799 --> 00:12:00.940 I'm sure you're troubled. 00:12:01.039 --> 00:12:02.799 Because I'm terribly troubled by it. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:06.519 I'm thinking that this is just a little bit over the top. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:11.220 You can't really expect us to believe this kind of thing. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:14.440 You're just getting a little bit fundamental this morning Johnny. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:19.400 He must be just exaggerating to make his point. 00:12:20.460 --> 00:12:21.200 I mean after all. 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:22.180 Look at my life. 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:25.600 I've done many good things in my life. 00:12:27.060 --> 00:12:28.400 And look at my neighbours. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.980 Lots of them seek God. 00:12:30.220 --> 00:12:32.700 How can you say that there is no one who is good. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.520 And there is no one who seeks God. 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:38.900 Well let's remember. 00:12:39.040 --> 00:12:40.960 This is a diagnosis of our condition. 00:12:41.380 --> 00:12:43.800 As seen by God through his eyes. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:46.500 Not through our eyes. 00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:53.360 You see it's true that no one seeks God. 00:12:54.040 --> 00:12:57.040 And it is true that we have all turned away from God. 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:59.360 Our natural position. 00:13:00.180 --> 00:13:02.340 Our primary heart's desire. 00:13:02.780 --> 00:13:04.240 Is to reject God. 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:05.280 To push him out. 00:13:05.900 --> 00:13:08.820 And to put ourselves in his place. 00:13:11.280 --> 00:13:12.880 If you've got a computer at home. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:15.019 When things all get messed up in your computer. 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:17.559 Sometimes you go back to a default setting. 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:19.399 And everything goes back the way it is. 00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:21.379 Well that's what we're like. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:24.299 We've got this default position. 00:13:24.439 --> 00:13:26.080 That always has us going back. 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:27.600 Against God. 00:13:29.659 --> 00:13:32.639 Of course if there is anybody who does seek God. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:36.480 If there is anybody who does turn back to God. 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.600 And they do. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:43.220 It's only because God has given you the desire to do so. 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:47.019 Without God's intervention. 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:48.659 Without his initiative in your life. 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:50.000 Without him giving him. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:52.179 Giving you that spark in your life. 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:53.399 By the Holy Spirit. 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:55.340 None of us. 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:57.179 Would ever want to run to him. 00:13:57.179 --> 00:14:00.120 None of us would ever want him. 00:14:02.339 --> 00:14:04.239 That is what our condition is like. 00:14:06.479 --> 00:14:09.379 And it's also true that no one does good. 00:14:10.199 --> 00:14:11.899 And there is no one who is righteous. 00:14:12.479 --> 00:14:14.439 Now that doesn't mean that we're not. 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:15.699 That we're incapable. 00:14:15.699 --> 00:14:17.659 Of doing kind acts. 00:14:17.859 --> 00:14:21.799 I know because I've received kind acts from lots of people here. 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:25.159 It doesn't mean that we're unable to be generous. 00:14:25.479 --> 00:14:27.240 I know people are very generous. 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:32.299 But what it does mean is that we are not good in our motives. 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:35.939 And we are not righteous in our desires. 00:14:38.199 --> 00:14:39.979 Think about this scenario. 00:14:42.199 --> 00:14:45.240 Suppose I'm walking down Cargilline Main Street. 00:14:45.719 --> 00:14:47.219 I'm outside Barry Collins. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:49.960 And I see. 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:53.720 An old lady with her bags full of shopping. 00:14:54.440 --> 00:14:56.420 And she's struggling to cross the road. 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:58.580 Immediately. 00:14:59.160 --> 00:15:00.519 I run up alongside her. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:01.220 I grab her arm. 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:03.259 And I help her across the road. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.700 Carrying the two bags. 00:15:05.040 --> 00:15:06.160 Get her to the other side. 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:08.240 And give her the bags back. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:13.060 Now nobody is going to say to me. 00:15:13.160 --> 00:15:14.700 That that isn't a good thing to do. 00:15:15.220 --> 00:15:16.899 Isn't that a good thing to do? 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:18.920 And we would all like to think that. 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:19.120 Yeah. 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:20.460 I'd do exactly the same. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.100 But here's where I fail to be good. 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:25.680 First of all. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:27.480 I just leave the poor lady there. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:31.160 I don't bother to make sure that she gets home. 00:15:31.420 --> 00:15:33.399 I haven't a clue how far she has to walk. 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:35.639 You see. 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:36.800 I only help. 00:15:37.560 --> 00:15:38.940 If it suits me. 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:41.240 And there's a limit. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:44.000 As to how much we're going to help another person. 00:15:45.160 --> 00:15:47.019 If it gets in the way of our life. 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:48.460 Well then. 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:50.759 Help will have to be put off to another day. 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:53.720 And second. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:55.779 I began to think about. 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:58.019 How good I was. 00:15:59.580 --> 00:16:01.660 I felt very proud of myself. 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:02.820 Throughout the rest of the day. 00:16:03.139 --> 00:16:04.320 Tapping myself on the back. 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:04.519 Thinking. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:07.040 What a good person you are Johnny. 00:16:07.160 --> 00:16:07.340 You. 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.660 You amaze me. 00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:09.620 How good you are. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.299 And I look at other people. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:12.679 And I think. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:14.639 Not one of them bothered to help. 00:16:14.820 --> 00:16:15.659 Only me. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:20.059 In fact. 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:21.679 We actually use our good acts. 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:23.079 To manipulate others. 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:26.759 We do good things for people. 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:28.520 Not just for the sake of good. 00:16:29.660 --> 00:16:31.639 But so that people will like us. 00:16:31.800 --> 00:16:33.520 That people will accept us. 00:16:34.780 --> 00:16:37.040 We don't tell them we're doing it that way. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:39.139 But we do things. 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:41.000 So that people will think that we're good. 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:42.560 And that they'll be our friends. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:45.859 And we also act like that with God. 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:48.479 We say to God. 00:16:48.839 --> 00:16:52.399 Did you see the way that I helped that poor lady yesterday? 00:16:53.599 --> 00:16:55.419 Did you see how kind I was? 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:58.439 Now give me something in return. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:00.979 Bless my life for the good things that I did. 00:17:02.959 --> 00:17:07.359 Now can you see how our motive and our reasoning behind the good act. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.759 Is itself sinful. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:13.700 The good act is actually very selfish. 00:17:13.859 --> 00:17:15.180 Because it's all about me. 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:18.900 It's all about what people think of me. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:22.319 It's all about what people are going to give in return. 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:25.740 It's all about what God is going to do for me. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:28.240 Because of the good things I have done. 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:33.240 So we do good things. 00:17:34.619 --> 00:17:35.700 But underneath. 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:39.680 Our motives and our drives. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:39.839 Our motives. 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:42.000 Are very sinister. 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.680 But that's not all. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:46.299 The diagnosis goes further. 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:50.460 The sin in our lives is actually progressive. 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:54.700 It eats away and it affects our lives like some kind of cancer. 00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:57.779 Firstly it affects our words. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:58.819 Look at verse 13. 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:03.240 Their throats are open graves. 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:05.919 Their tongues practice deceit. 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:10.179 The poison of vipers is on their lips. 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:15.240 Maybe you can relate to this. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:18.420 But it shames me. 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:22.519 That when I'm on the telephone speaking to people. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.700 I can be so caring. 00:18:25.580 --> 00:18:26.779 So kind. 00:18:27.340 --> 00:18:28.080 So gentle. 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:30.560 My words can be the right tone. 00:18:31.360 --> 00:18:32.720 And everything can be good. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:35.839 Speaking words of encouragement. 00:18:37.600 --> 00:18:40.019 But as soon as the phone goes down. 00:18:41.360 --> 00:18:43.819 I can start roaring and shouting at my kids. 00:18:43.860 --> 00:18:45.019 You're making too much noise. 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.039 Be quiet. 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:49.399 I can give off to Kirsty. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:50.599 Because I need something done. 00:18:50.659 --> 00:18:51.559 I need it done now. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:59.339 Our words become like poison. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.799 Verse 14. 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:05.559 Their mouths are full of cursing. 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.159 And bitterness. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:13.920 It also affects our actions. 00:19:14.300 --> 00:19:15.040 Verse 15. 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:18.600 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:19:19.560 --> 00:19:21.440 Ruin and misery mark their ways. 00:19:22.820 --> 00:19:25.240 How many times have you gone through the day. 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:27.140 And then look back and you say to yourself. 00:19:27.820 --> 00:19:30.800 I wish I hadn't done that. 00:19:32.580 --> 00:19:33.940 Why did I do it? 00:19:33.940 --> 00:19:37.539 If only I had done something else. 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:39.920 If only I had walked away. 00:19:41.860 --> 00:19:43.680 Things would be so different. 00:19:46.640 --> 00:19:48.880 Now while we might never pull a trigger. 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:51.840 Or ever get involved in terrorism. 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.680 And physically shedding blood. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:57.279 We all have this uncontrolled habit. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:58.460 Of doing things. 00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:01.500 That cause hurt and pain. 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:03.820 To those we most love. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.740 Verse 17. 00:20:05.860 --> 00:20:07.279 The way of peace. 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.740 They do not know. 00:20:12.860 --> 00:20:14.400 Have you ever gone into a room. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:16.080 And everybody is sitting quiet. 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:19.059 Reading or watching the telly. 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:21.940 And by the time that you leave. 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:24.059 There is an argument going on. 00:20:26.860 --> 00:20:28.120 The way of peace. 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:29.660 They do not know. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:33.480 You see we all like to think. 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:34.940 That we are basically good. 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:37.440 But the hard truth is. 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:39.259 We are basically bad. 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:41.400 We are all infected. 00:20:41.540 --> 00:20:42.779 With this terrible disease. 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:43.640 Called sin. 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:45.960 That causes us to live a life. 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:47.420 As we want. 00:20:49.340 --> 00:20:50.200 Verse 18. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:50.940 Is a summary. 00:20:51.340 --> 00:20:52.160 Of our condition. 00:20:52.300 --> 00:20:53.120 Look at verse 18. 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:57.039 There is no fear. 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:57.859 Of God. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.759 Before their eyes. 00:21:01.659 --> 00:21:03.399 We live as if we are answerable. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.000 To no one. 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:05.079 We speak and act. 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.039 As if we are accountable. 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:06.599 To no one. 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:07.719 We laugh. 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:08.619 People laugh. 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.099 At the fact. 00:21:09.179 --> 00:21:09.739 That one day. 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:11.179 We are going to have to stand. 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.059 Before God. 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:13.299 As our judge. 00:21:15.419 --> 00:21:16.459 There is no fear. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:18.519 We live. 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:20.200 As we want. 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.980 The reality is. 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:28.579 We face a hopeless prospect. 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:29.480 Verse 19. 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:32.380 Now we know that. 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.940 Whatever the law says. 00:21:34.840 --> 00:21:37.180 It says to those who are under the law. 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:39.319 So that every mouth may be silent. 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:42.120 And the whole world held accountable to God. 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:46.220 The other day we discovered that. 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.700 Rebecca. 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:47.420 Our daughter. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:49.880 Had been throwing her sweet wrappers. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:51.100 And empty yogurt drinks. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.940 Around the park. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:54.539 So she was summoned. 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:55.519 To face dad. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:57.360 Rebecca. 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.980 Did you throw rubbish on the ground? 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:03.600 Do you know what our first response was? 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:05.360 Ethan. 00:22:07.579 --> 00:22:08.380 The brother. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:09.339 Now. 00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:11.539 I don't want to know about Ethan. 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:15.579 Did you throw sweet papers away? 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:20.079 Her second response was to kind of throw her head back. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:20.839 And as if to say. 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:22.980 What a stupid question dad. 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:27.759 Surely you've got better things to be doing than to asking me about whether I threw rubbish around the place. 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:30.879 And I asked again. 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:32.359 And what followed was a series of. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:33.519 But dad. 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.000 But. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:34.500 But. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.279 Um. 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.039 And. 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.119 I don't know. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.160 Now. 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:45.140 Isn't that how we all behave when we're confronted with something we've done or we've said? 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:50.140 We get a little bit more sophisticated because we're all grown up and big now. 00:22:50.520 --> 00:22:52.700 Because we've had years of practice. 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:56.900 But we all try to justify our actions. 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.480 Yes. 00:23:00.300 --> 00:23:00.740 But. 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:02.700 Well. 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:04.299 If you hadn't said that. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.980 Then I wouldn't have done that. 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.259 Oh. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.720 Well I'm only doing what you did. 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:13.180 We've always got a clever answer. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.700 Haven't we? 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:16.380 But here's the hard truth. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.860 Not before God. 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:21.840 Do you see what it says at the end of verse 19? 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:24.259 Every mouth. 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:26.720 May be silenced. 00:23:29.380 --> 00:23:30.779 Will not have any answers. 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.680 But God. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:34.740 Shh. 00:23:36.860 --> 00:23:37.400 But. 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.039 But you see. 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:39.299 If they hadn't. 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.539 Be quiet. 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:43.980 You. 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:46.000 I was only doing what. 00:23:46.120 --> 00:23:46.180 You. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.759 Shut up. 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.779 You don't understand. 00:23:53.600 --> 00:23:54.240 Silence. 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:56.480 You see. 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:59.140 There will not be one piece of evidence in our lives. 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.819 That will justify us. 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:03.779 We'll not have anything to say. 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:06.059 It'll be a terrible moment. 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:08.819 When we are confronted with our whole life. 00:24:10.340 --> 00:24:12.600 And it will all be shown to us. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:15.180 And we'll have no answer. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.200 Look at verse 20. 00:24:21.620 --> 00:24:23.759 Therefore no one will be declared righteous. 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:26.420 No one will be made right before God. 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:28.759 By observing the law. 00:24:28.840 --> 00:24:30.420 By doing good things. 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:32.819 Rather through the law. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.380 We become conscious of sin. 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:37.000 Now our daughter knows. 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:39.120 That throwing rubbish on the ground is wrong. 00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:43.719 But knowing something doesn't stop you from doing it. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:47.059 The rules only tell you what you should do. 00:24:47.679 --> 00:24:49.659 They only tell you when you've broken the rules. 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:51.179 They can't make you keep them. 00:24:52.159 --> 00:24:53.599 And it's no different for us. 00:24:53.719 --> 00:24:55.079 For the religious person. 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:57.000 The person who loves God's word. 00:24:57.199 --> 00:24:58.579 Who loves coming to church. 00:24:58.679 --> 00:25:01.559 Who likes to think of themselves as a moral good person. 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:04.039 Being good. 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:05.779 Or wanting to be good. 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:07.779 Doesn't give you the power to live rightly. 00:25:07.919 --> 00:25:08.779 All of the time. 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:12.559 The only thing the Bible does for us. 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.279 Is. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:16.220 It doesn't make us righteous and without sin. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:19.619 It makes us conscious of our sin. 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:24.460 Which goes back to the truth of verse 9. 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:27.220 Are we any better? 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:29.880 Not at all. 00:25:31.579 --> 00:25:32.960 We all alike. 00:25:33.420 --> 00:25:34.539 Are under sin. 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:37.539 We're all controlled by its power. 00:25:37.840 --> 00:25:38.980 We're all infected. 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:41.620 We all have this crippling disease. 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:43.720 That's eating away inside of us. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:53.140 It's really a devastating diagnosis. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:56.100 It's a hopeless prospect. 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:02.319 I wish there was something else I could tell you about yourselves and me. 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.740 But I'd only be telling a lie. 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.480 This is the truth. 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:10.640 Stop thinking good of yourself. 00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:14.720 But what are we to do? 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.779 If this is what we're like. 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:18.980 What can we do about it? 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:22.840 Well there is a cure for this disease. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:25.480 There is an antidote for this illness. 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:26.579 It's called grace. 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:29.119 It's the hope of the gospel. 00:26:29.459 --> 00:26:32.740 Which is what the rest of the book is going to get into. 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:39.259 The black death caused scientists and doctors to search for a cure. 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:44.339 And looked for other ways of treating other infections. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:53.419 But it wasn't until the early 1900s that a Scottish scientist named Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. 00:26:54.459 --> 00:26:59.539 The first antibiotic that could be mass produced to treat common disease and infection. 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:03.119 That otherwise would have caused death. 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:04.119 That otherwise would have caused death. 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:05.119 That means that a lot of people are going to get into. 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:12.619 Now God's grace is the antibiotic for the incurable disease of sin. 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:19.199 Taken into our lives, it deals with the infection inside. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.759 And it brings life. 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:26.379 It changes us and it transforms us. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:30.119 And it makes us be a different kind of person. 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:35.599 We're going to look at this cure in more detail next week. 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:43.679 But for now I just want us to look at two ways in how we can receive this cure. 00:27:45.459 --> 00:27:53.439 Firstly, you can't get this cure unless you see the sin infection in your life. 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:58.440 We mightn't like God's diagnosis of our life. 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:03.480 But we are never going to be cured unless we accept our condition. 00:28:04.820 --> 00:28:08.240 We have to stop looking at our lives from our perspective. 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:12.400 We have to stop listening to the voices that say, 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:15.920 It's everybody else's fault, it's not mine. 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:20.519 We've got to see ourselves as we really are. 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:25.839 Now this doesn't turn us into helpless and depressed people 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:28.000 where there's no light at the end of the tunnel 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:30.819 and we all go out with our heads down, drooping around, thinking, 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.000 Woe is me. 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:36.759 No, this news actually fills us with hope 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:39.440 because our condition is so bad 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:41.819 but there is a cure that is so great 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:44.740 that completely reverses it. 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:48.000 And the reality of it is 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:50.240 is that when we take grace into our lives 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.940 we are changed completely. 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:57.940 Once we see who we are 00:28:57.940 --> 00:29:00.380 we will want to drink in the grace of God. 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:03.000 We'll want to swallow the pill 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:06.440 and let it do its saving work in our lives. 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:12.480 But first, we've got to see the infection in our life. 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:15.500 And second, we can't get the cure 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:18.960 unless you see you can't cure yourself. 00:29:20.840 --> 00:29:23.000 You see, some people will come across this 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:26.120 and they'll accept a little bit of it. 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:30.440 They'll think, yes, this is a correct diagnosis 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:32.000 but you know what? 00:29:33.279 --> 00:29:35.019 I can deal with it myself. 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:39.900 But trying to deal with the disease of sin 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:43.299 is like trying to perform open heart surgery by yourself. 00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:44.160 It can't be done. 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:45.980 You'll kill yourself. 00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:50.759 So we have to stop playing the games of 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.460 I'm sorry God 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:54.440 and I'm just going to try harder tomorrow. 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:58.759 Well, next week I'm going to be better. 00:29:58.759 --> 00:30:00.920 I won't let the same thing happen again. 00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:03.779 Just try harder. 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:06.359 We all know we've all been there. 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:08.079 Trying harder never gets us anywhere. 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:11.420 It's only when we see 00:30:11.420 --> 00:30:13.700 that we can't save ourselves 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:16.660 that we're in a position to receive the cure. 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:19.480 Once we see how helpless we are 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:22.460 we will want to drink in the grace of God. 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.900 And that grace 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:29.620 is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:31.860 --> 00:30:34.300 We read from Romans 5 verse 8 00:30:34.300 --> 00:30:36.720 at the very beginning of this morning. 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:41.060 God demonstrates his own love for us in this. 00:30:42.340 --> 00:30:45.160 While we were still sinners 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:48.620 Christ died for us. 00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:51.479 The antidote 00:30:51.479 --> 00:30:53.139 is the cross 00:30:53.139 --> 00:30:54.319 where Jesus died. 00:30:55.459 --> 00:30:57.019 Jesus who was pure 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:58.079 and sinless 00:30:58.079 --> 00:31:00.799 took the disease 00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:01.879 and the infection 00:31:01.879 --> 00:31:03.039 of our sin 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.979 on himself. 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:06.859 On the cross 00:31:06.859 --> 00:31:08.699 Jesus was quarantined 00:31:08.699 --> 00:31:09.559 for us. 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:12.039 He suffered hell 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:12.899 for our sin. 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:15.059 He was destroyed 00:31:15.059 --> 00:31:15.879 for us. 00:31:15.880 --> 00:31:17.640 He endured 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.700 the wrath of God 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.600 that we deserve 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:20.540 for our sin. 00:31:22.080 --> 00:31:23.240 And God loves 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:24.980 the sin infected world 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:25.780 so much. 00:31:26.140 --> 00:31:27.700 He loves the sin infected 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:29.320 person so much 00:31:29.320 --> 00:31:32.000 that he offered 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:32.520 his son 00:31:32.520 --> 00:31:33.360 the Lord Jesus 00:31:33.360 --> 00:31:34.180 as a cure 00:31:34.180 --> 00:31:34.760 for you 00:31:34.760 --> 00:31:35.380 and for me. 00:31:35.620 --> 00:31:36.920 And he brought that cure 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:37.620 that grace 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.000 to us 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:38.400 and he says 00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:39.620 here's this grace 00:31:39.620 --> 00:31:42.280 drink of it 00:31:42.280 --> 00:31:44.660 take it 00:31:44.660 --> 00:31:47.600 and see a healing 00:31:47.600 --> 00:31:48.600 that comes about 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:49.380 in your life 00:31:49.380 --> 00:31:51.120 that will transform you 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.680 and change you. 00:31:54.180 --> 00:31:55.080 A cure 00:31:55.080 --> 00:31:55.960 that will not only 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.620 change you 00:31:56.620 --> 00:31:57.720 and transform you 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:59.120 but you will be able 00:31:59.120 --> 00:32:00.640 to hand this cure out 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:02.540 to a world 00:32:02.540 --> 00:32:03.840 that is being destroyed 00:32:03.840 --> 00:32:04.560 by sin 00:32:04.560 --> 00:32:06.600 and lives 00:32:06.600 --> 00:32:07.900 that are being destroyed 00:32:07.900 --> 00:32:09.200 because of sin. 00:32:11.800 --> 00:32:12.640 God's grace 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.360 grace is the cure 00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:15.620 for our desperate 00:32:15.620 --> 00:32:16.240 condition. 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:19.740 Let's pray 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.460 together. 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:20.520 Amen. 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:47.599 Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:51.039 whose sins are covered. 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:57.599 Blessed is the person whose sin the Lord will never count against them. 00:32:59.179 --> 00:33:03.480 Our Father God, we thank you for your word this morning, 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:09.019 for showing us exactly what we are like, 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:14.199 but also showing us what you are like, 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:23.200 a God of grace, a God who has come into this world to offer a solution, 00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:29.900 to offer us the medicine for our infection, for the disease of sin. 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:36.220 We pray that you would give us a greater understanding of your grace, 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:44.400 that we may leave this place on the one hand realising how wicked we really are, 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:49.940 but amazed at how loved we are. 00:33:51.400 --> 00:33:55.120 Thank you so much that Christ died for us. 00:33:55.119 --> 00:33:58.819 In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:34:03.119 --> 00:34:11.679 We're going to sing together one that helps tie together some of these themes that we've been looking at. 00:34:12.739 --> 00:34:14.420 You'll recognise the tune, 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:17.559 What Grace is Mine? 00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:21.360 And the response, 00:34:21.759 --> 00:34:23.400 If we do receive his grace, 00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:25.320 that we would go wherever he's calling, 00:34:25.440 --> 00:34:26.880 that we would lose our life, 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:30.179 to find our life in him. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:31.480 Let's stand together, 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:35.519 as we celebrate and remember God's amazing grace to us. 00:34:35.519 --> 00:34:39.320 Amen. 00:34:39.320 --> 00:35:09.300 Thank you.