WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:03.879 Well, let's come and worship God together by singing to His praise. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:07.700 We begin by singing in Psalm 36 in the Sing Psalms version. 00:00:09.160 --> 00:00:13.519 Psalm 36, page 44 of the Psalm books. 00:00:13.580 --> 00:00:17.080 We're going to sing from verse 5 down to verse 10. 00:00:18.359 --> 00:00:20.920 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord. 00:00:21.039 --> 00:00:22.519 It reaches heaven high. 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:26.480 Your faithfulness is wonderful, extending to the sky. 00:00:26.480 --> 00:00:30.740 Your righteousness is very great, like mountains high and steep. 00:00:31.320 --> 00:00:36.179 Your justice is like ocean depths, both man and beast you keep. 00:00:36.240 --> 00:00:39.420 We'll sing from verse 5 to 10 to God's praise. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:52.840 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord. 00:00:52.840 --> 00:01:15.840 Your righteousness is wonderful, extending to the sky. 00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:31.840 Your righteousness is very great, like mountains high and steep. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:48.840 Your righteousness is like ocean depths, both man and beast you keep. 00:01:48.840 --> 00:02:06.340 My preciousness, your steadfast love, what confidence it brings. 00:02:06.340 --> 00:02:22.340 O Lord, I can hope, I'm sheltering, the shadow of your wings. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:38.340 With peace within your house and drink from streams of your delight, 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:55.340 For with you is the source of light, in your light we see light. 00:02:55.340 --> 00:03:12.340 To those who know you as their God, your steadfast love impart, 00:03:12.340 --> 00:03:29.340 Maintain your righteousness to those of pure and upright heart. 00:03:34.340 --> 00:03:37.340 Let's unite our hearts in prayer. Let us pray. 00:03:42.340 --> 00:03:48.300 Our Father, in heaven your word tells us that this is the day that you have made, 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:51.800 And that we are to rejoice and to be glad in it. 00:03:52.420 --> 00:03:59.039 And we do thank you for your wisdom, a wisdom above any wisdom that we have, 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:03.280 And for your ways that are far above our ways. 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:06.939 For from the beginning, Lord, since you created the world, 00:04:06.939 --> 00:04:13.919 You gave a day set aside for the very purpose of worshipping and praising your name. 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:16.300 A day of rest. 00:04:16.839 --> 00:04:19.860 A day to refresh our souls and our bodies. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:25.100 A day where we can come and draw near to you in a special way. 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:29.579 That we can come and unite our hearts together as your people. 00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:34.399 That we can join together in the peace of your sanctuary. 00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:41.259 And that we can find that place of refuge and rest with you. 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:44.939 Even as the psalmist describes it, both high and low. 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:48.199 Find shelter in the shadow of your wing. 00:04:48.979 --> 00:04:53.379 And we thank you, Lord, that we come into your presence anew today. 00:04:53.379 --> 00:05:00.639 With boldness and confidence, not in ourselves, but in the one who we come to praise and worship. 00:05:01.300 --> 00:05:04.459 The one who we come to remember this day. 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:06.800 For all that he has done for us. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:10.899 The one who gave his life as a ransom for many. 00:05:11.620 --> 00:05:15.019 So we praise you, Lord, for your goodness to us. 00:05:15.100 --> 00:05:18.240 We praise you for your steadfast love. 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:20.719 The love that we have sung about. 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:22.759 The love that we read about. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:27.319 The love that we see even set before us here at the table today. 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:32.060 As we survey it all, we see how precious you are. 00:05:32.439 --> 00:05:35.159 And how precious your people are to you. 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:37.680 That you sent your own son. 00:05:38.300 --> 00:05:40.399 Not just to live in this world. 00:05:40.959 --> 00:05:44.099 Not just to proclaim the gospel in this world. 00:05:44.240 --> 00:05:47.480 But to fulfill every aspect of it. 00:05:48.099 --> 00:05:51.339 To come to lay down his life. 00:05:51.339 --> 00:05:56.379 That his body and blood may be seen even before us this day. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:05:59.860 In a way where we remember his death until he come. 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:04.659 And so we thank you, Lord, that we can come loving you. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:07.199 Because you first loved us. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:12.699 And we ask, oh Lord, your blessing on all that we do together here this day. 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:15.319 We thank you to be able to praise you. 00:06:15.319 --> 00:06:18.539 To offer up our songs of praise to you. 00:06:18.540 --> 00:06:22.120 And we pray, Lord, that from the very depths of our hearts. 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:25.500 We will lift up our voices in praise and worship. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:27.939 We thank you for the one who leads us in it. 00:06:27.960 --> 00:06:30.180 And we pray you will bless him and uphold him. 00:06:30.580 --> 00:06:34.460 And help us all to join in that great praise. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:36.860 And offer it up as your people. 00:06:36.860 --> 00:06:38.860 Not just a people here. 00:06:39.580 --> 00:06:43.800 But joining in the praise that goes on throughout the world this day. 00:06:44.379 --> 00:06:47.180 We thank you, Lord, for the calling of your people. 00:06:47.520 --> 00:06:50.020 From the rising of the sun to its setting. 00:06:50.439 --> 00:06:52.160 That your name is to be praised. 00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:55.000 And so we join in with all your saints. 00:06:55.139 --> 00:06:56.259 Near and far. 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:58.180 Offering up our delight. 00:06:58.639 --> 00:06:59.920 And rejoicing in you. 00:07:00.520 --> 00:07:02.120 We thank you for your word. 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:05.240 The precious truth that we have before us. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:07.519 And we ask that as we open it up. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:09.300 As we share from it together. 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:11.920 That your word will be blessed to us. 00:07:12.300 --> 00:07:14.819 That you will minister to all our needs through it. 00:07:15.319 --> 00:07:17.160 That you will speak to us here. 00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:19.560 And even tuning in online, Lord. 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:22.939 That we will know your presence with us where we are. 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:24.579 That not just through word. 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:26.040 But in the sacrament too. 00:07:26.579 --> 00:07:28.280 You will minister to us. 00:07:28.319 --> 00:07:30.480 And speak to us as your people. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:33.139 And to those who look on us well, Lord. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:36.500 We pray that the proclamation of your truth. 00:07:37.099 --> 00:07:38.839 Both in word and sacrament. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:40.459 Would be blessed to all. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:42.899 That you will stir us up in our hearts. 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:47.719 To come to consider the love that we see in Christ Jesus. 00:07:48.180 --> 00:07:51.339 And to have a longing and a desire to know more of him. 00:07:52.099 --> 00:07:53.039 So we pray, Lord. 00:07:53.099 --> 00:07:54.300 That in all that we do. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:56.399 The glory will be yours. 00:07:56.800 --> 00:07:59.819 And that all praise and honour will be given to you. 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:02.379 Remember your church, oh Lord. 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:03.480 As you build it up. 00:08:03.579 --> 00:08:06.120 We thank you for every member here. 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:10.500 And we especially thank you for new members in our midst at this time as well. 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:12.819 We particularly remember Ellie just now. 00:08:12.899 --> 00:08:13.300 And pray. 00:08:13.800 --> 00:08:15.920 And thank you for her profession of faith. 00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:19.360 We pray your blessing on our, upon our family too. 00:08:19.839 --> 00:08:21.740 That you will surround them and uphold them. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.319 In all the days that lie ahead. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:25.560 And each of your people here. 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:26.779 Whose name you know. 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:29.799 Whose names are written in the book of life. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:31.759 We thank you for each one. 00:08:31.859 --> 00:08:35.079 And pray that we would indeed encourage one another. 00:08:35.199 --> 00:08:36.740 And remember one another. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:40.120 We pray for your church far and wide. 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:41.159 Throughout our land. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:43.039 And throughout the nations of the world. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:44.720 We thank you, Lord. 00:08:44.839 --> 00:08:48.120 That the day that you have made is for all people. 00:08:48.579 --> 00:08:50.879 And we pray that many would come to realise. 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:53.720 And know their longing and their need of you. 00:08:53.720 --> 00:08:58.040 So we ask, O Lord, for you to bless the ministry of your word. 00:08:58.220 --> 00:09:00.240 Through all ends of the earth. 00:09:00.820 --> 00:09:03.700 We ask, O Lord, your blessing on our young people too. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:06.220 We pray for our Sunday school and creche. 00:09:06.340 --> 00:09:07.899 And twinies as they meet just now. 00:09:08.460 --> 00:09:09.639 Bless them and be with them. 00:09:09.680 --> 00:09:11.840 And those who lead them and teach them as well. 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:14.460 And as they join in with the service later. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:17.000 May it be a blessing and a witness to them too. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:19.720 To encourage them in their young years. 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:22.960 To know the Christ who we speak of. 00:09:23.040 --> 00:09:24.259 And who we share about. 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:28.879 That they would come to know him as a precious saviour for themselves. 00:09:29.160 --> 00:09:30.460 May you bless each one. 00:09:31.060 --> 00:09:32.820 Bless our homes and our families. 00:09:33.300 --> 00:09:34.820 And our communities at large. 00:09:35.320 --> 00:09:37.660 We ask, O Lord, that you will draw near to us. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:38.960 In all our different needs. 00:09:39.560 --> 00:09:40.920 Our physical needs. 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:42.320 Our spiritual needs. 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:45.980 All our different needs at this time, Lord. 00:09:46.500 --> 00:09:48.600 Remember those unable to be with us. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.580 Bless them, Lord, and be with them. 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:53.759 Comfort those who need you in particular ways. 00:09:54.300 --> 00:09:55.940 Strengthen those who are unwell. 00:09:56.560 --> 00:10:00.000 Surround those who need you in particular ways at this time. 00:10:00.420 --> 00:10:03.440 We thank you for your steadfast love to your people. 00:10:03.540 --> 00:10:04.899 It reaches heaven high. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:07.820 We thank you for the way it goes out with power. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:09.840 And your people will know it. 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:13.180 And so we commit ourselves into your hands. 00:10:13.580 --> 00:10:14.820 Into your keeping. 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:16.920 That you will go before us now. 00:10:16.919 --> 00:10:18.399 Bless us and guide us. 00:10:18.719 --> 00:10:22.399 As we ask all things confessing our sins anew. 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:26.939 But thank you for the one who has made atonement for our sins. 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:28.059 Our redeemer. 00:10:28.599 --> 00:10:29.620 Our only redeemer. 00:10:29.959 --> 00:10:31.099 Of God's elect. 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:32.740 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:33.199 --> 00:10:35.479 May the praise and glory be his. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:39.120 As we come to do all in remembrance of him. 00:10:39.659 --> 00:10:42.059 So bless us now and go with us, we ask. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:43.939 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:10:44.459 --> 00:10:44.799 Amen. 00:10:44.799 --> 00:10:44.959 Amen. 00:10:48.099 --> 00:10:50.759 We can turn to read God's word together. 00:10:50.839 --> 00:10:54.319 We're going to read in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. 00:10:56.599 --> 00:10:58.279 Paul's letter to the Ephesians. 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.959 We're going to read in chapter 3. 00:11:00.859 --> 00:11:04.079 And read together the whole of this chapter. 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:11.920 Ephesians chapter 3. 00:11:12.400 --> 00:11:14.460 Reading from the beginning of the chapter. 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:28.800 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, on behalf of you Gentiles, assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 00:11:28.799 --> 00:11:33.019 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation. 00:11:33.019 --> 00:11:35.019 As I have written briefly. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:51.959 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:12:04.340 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:13.940 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 00:12:14.980 --> 00:12:24.940 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:34.220 And to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things. 00:12:34.340 --> 00:12:43.200 So that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:56.980 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:13:05.259 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:13.860 For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:23.460 that according to the riches of his glory, he may grant you to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in your inner being, 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:40.060 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:48.820 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 00:13:48.820 --> 00:13:49.820 Amen. 00:13:49.820 --> 00:13:58.680 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 00:13:59.260 --> 00:14:06.940 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. 00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:08.120 Amen. 00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:10.580 Amen. 00:14:10.680 --> 00:14:14.180 And may God bless that reading from his word to us. 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:18.239 We're going to sing together again now. 00:14:18.739 --> 00:14:21.979 It's a change to the order that's on the bulletin. 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:24.859 It's a Gaelic singing we're going to have just now. 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:28.079 We're going to sing in Gaelic in Psalm 103. 00:14:28.739 --> 00:14:32.079 And the first two verses of that psalm. 00:14:32.079 --> 00:14:33.759 Psalm 103 in Gaelic. 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:36.139 The first two verses of the psalm. 00:14:36.139 --> 00:14:40.659 O manim bianich he usernish in yeh Jehovah môr, 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:45.740 molochach ni'n hofst a yehom, an am nöwe maris khor. 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:49.419 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:36.120 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:15:36.139 --> 00:16:06.120 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:36.120 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:17:06.099 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:36.079 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:38.079 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:42.079 Sing these two verses to God's praise. 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:44.079 Amen. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:18:14.079 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:28.619 As we focus our minds on God's word and the sacrament before us, we want to look at some of the verses towards the end of this chapter where Paul prays for the people of Ephesus. 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:30.619 He says in verse 14, 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:32.619 He says in verse 14, 00:18:32.619 --> 00:19:02.619 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:32.619 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:34.619 He says in verse 14, 00:19:34.619 --> 00:19:38.199 that this prayer would speak to them that this prayer would speak to them and minister to their hearts. 00:19:38.619 --> 00:19:47.759 And the prayer is that they may come to know the wonder of the love of God through Christ Jesus. 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:49.759 Paul here is writing to the people of Ephesus. 00:19:49.759 --> 00:20:01.279 Paul here is writing to the people of Ephesus, a people he has met with and worshipped with in the past, who he has seen coming to faith and professing the Lord as their Savior. 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:07.359 And as they go on, he wants them to go on in his strength. 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:19.440 And together as God's people and as a people who come to worship today, whether we're sitting at the table here, whether we're watching from behind the table, whether we're tuning in from home. 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:27.220 What a wonderful prayer for us all here today, to know this love more and more. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:32.880 And it's so powerful when you look at his prayer for his people here. 00:20:33.420 --> 00:20:35.080 What does he pray for them? 00:20:36.320 --> 00:20:41.940 You might imagine that he would pray that they may be guarded in the midst of their suffering. 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:49.320 You might imagine that he would pray for their physical, material, financial good and well-being. 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:57.220 You might imagine that he'd pray for healing for the sick or comfort for those who are going through hard times. 00:20:58.059 --> 00:21:02.000 That they would be delivered from persecution or any of these things. 00:21:02.080 --> 00:21:04.080 You might imagine he would pray for them. 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:08.720 And indeed, he probably did pray these things for them at different times. 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:12.960 But his prayer here doesn't focus on these things. 00:21:13.700 --> 00:21:16.620 It focuses on one thing in particular. 00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:29.659 The comprehension of the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge. 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:36.080 And the question for ourselves today is, do you know this love? 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:40.279 Do you understand some of the depth of it? 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:43.040 There's a mystery in it, isn't there? 00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:49.420 Even as Paul is writing to the church here, he is speaking about the mystery of the gospel being revealed. 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:59.100 The mystery of the gospel made known even to Gentiles, as he says, those who are unworthy of the least of the mercies of Christ. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:10.400 And yet he's revealing it to them that God's love has this height and depth and length and breadth that reaches out to people far and wide. 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:16.440 And if you're sitting at the Lord's table today, what has brought you there? 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:20.800 It's a realization of that love. 00:22:21.340 --> 00:22:23.540 Even if only in part just now. 00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:26.500 Maybe you only know a small amount of it. 00:22:26.560 --> 00:22:28.660 But what a wonderful love it is. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:32.160 It's an unsearchable love. 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:36.360 A love that is sometimes hard to put into words. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:38.820 But it is a wonderful love. 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:44.000 A love that we should rejoice in today. 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:51.620 We may like listening to love songs, whether it's on the radio or sitting down just to listen to some music. 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:57.900 You may be listening to love songs and you can enter into that spirit of love that this world speaks of. 00:22:58.380 --> 00:23:00.360 Some of them are very beautiful songs. 00:23:00.359 --> 00:23:05.359 Whatever language we listen to, we hear so many different kinds of songs. 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:10.959 But there is no song in this world that has a depth of the love of Christ Jesus. 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:13.439 The song of salvation. 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:17.059 Think of the psalm that we sung together. 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.219 Psalm 36. 00:23:19.219 --> 00:23:21.199 And the love that it speaks of. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:24.819 The steadfast love of God. 00:23:25.439 --> 00:23:28.719 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, the psalm says. 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:30.900 It reaches heaven high. 00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:32.839 He goes on to say in verse 7, 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:36.200 How precious is your steadfast love. 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:39.180 What confidence it brings. 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:44.360 Does your love in Christ bring you confidence? 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:49.039 In many ways, maybe we lack that confidence at times. 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.819 We lack that assurance. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:57.299 But what gives us confidence is His steadfast love towards us. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:00.539 A love that never changes. 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:05.659 Our love towards Him we can feel maybe goes hot and cold at times. 00:24:06.159 --> 00:24:11.200 We feel our sin, which means that maybe if we can't love Him as we should. 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:19.259 And yet as we look into His word, we see that His love is steadfast, sure towards His people. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:25.440 So Paul prays that the people may grasp the love of Christ. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:30.079 How long, how high, how deep, how wide it is. 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:34.740 Can we grasp that love for ourselves? 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:36.940 Where do we see that love? 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:40.900 We see it before us even here today. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:43.860 We see it in God's word. 00:24:43.860 --> 00:24:48.860 We see it in the sacrament that's prepared for us to share in. 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:55.000 We see it in God's people who come to proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:59.540 We come to do this in remembrance of Him. 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:06.360 To love really is to know Christ Jesus as our Lord. 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:11.039 Is there a word that you could describe this love with? 00:25:11.659 --> 00:25:15.319 As you think to yourself today of the love of Christ towards you, 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:20.799 is there any word that you could use today that describes that love fully? 00:25:21.379 --> 00:25:24.240 So many words would come to our mind. 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:27.539 So many words we may think of even at this time. 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:30.139 How magnificent His love is. 00:25:30.219 --> 00:25:32.899 How breathtaking His love is. 00:25:32.959 --> 00:25:35.519 How costly His love is. 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:39.639 Even how undeserving His love is. 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:43.059 There are many words that come to mind. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:46.700 But that word that we sang, steadfast love. 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:49.759 That's the word that we want to focus on. 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:53.099 The steadfast love of God. 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:56.839 That unchanging love of God. 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:59.639 That is what Paul prays that they will grasp. 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:01.859 The love that surpasses knowledge. 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:08.339 The love that we just cannot find the right word to describe it because we are unworthy of it. 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:15.439 But when we see this love, we should recognize that as John says in this letter, 1 John, 00:26:15.979 --> 00:26:19.799 we love because He first loved us. 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:34.720 We want to think of this love that we see Paul praying for the people to know in Ephesus and for ourselves today by considering how we see this mystery, this love shown in other parts of Scripture. 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:44.460 We're going to turn to three different texts together this morning as we consider the height and depth and length and breadth of this love. 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:48.500 We could turn almost anywhere in Scripture and see this love. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:50.920 It's there from the beginning to the very end. 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:53.740 The love of God that surpasses knowledge. 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:56.920 But I want us just to consider three things about it. 00:26:57.640 --> 00:26:59.079 And the first thing is this. 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:02.039 The love that left all behind. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:09.019 As we focus our attention on the love of God, it always brings us to a central point. 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:11.579 And that point is the cross. 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:15.880 Where Christ laid down His life for His people. 00:27:15.940 --> 00:27:18.319 And that is what we want to come and see today. 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:21.519 And just see the love of Christ towards us. 00:27:21.619 --> 00:27:25.299 The steadfast love of God in giving us His Son. 00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:29.980 The first thing we think of is this love that left all behind. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:34.759 The height and depth and length and breadth of this love. 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:39.379 And just, if you can, turn with me to 2 Corinthians 8 verse 9. 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:43.139 The love that left all behind. 00:27:43.919 --> 00:27:45.679 2 Corinthians 8 verse 9. 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:49.580 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:55.759 That though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. 00:27:56.120 --> 00:28:00.240 So that you through His poverty might become rich. 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:05.380 The love that left all behind. 00:28:06.560 --> 00:28:11.500 Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:15.420 What you automatically think of there when you read these words. 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.880 Though He was rich. 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:16.900 Though He was rich. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:21.279 We so often think of riches in terms of money. 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:26.259 The world revolves around the riches of this world. 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:29.660 The wealth and prosperity that money brings. 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:34.080 But that is not the riches of Christ. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:36.380 It is not money. 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:39.720 It is not financial gain. 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.820 It's none of these things. 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:45.720 The love of God in Christ Jesus. 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:49.819 The love of God in Christ Jesus is seen in that He left behind all things. 00:28:51.079 --> 00:28:52.240 Though He was rich. 00:28:52.899 --> 00:28:56.599 Yet for your sake He became poor. 00:28:58.000 --> 00:29:04.899 Did He leave behind financial wealth to become a poor beggar in this world? 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:08.720 That's not what He's talking about here. 00:29:09.360 --> 00:29:14.259 It's the riches that He left behind for your sake. 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:16.640 For your sake and mine. 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:21.660 That we through His poverty might become rich. 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:25.960 So He left it so you might have it. 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:29.680 He left the love that left all behind. 00:29:30.200 --> 00:29:32.559 His relationship with the Father. 00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:36.860 The unity and oneness that they enjoyed from the beginning. 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:39.440 He left it behind. 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:41.519 He came into this world. 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.380 He took the form of a man. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:48.059 He came into this world and lived in a sinful fallen world. 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:51.879 He endured so much in this world. 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:55.639 He was despised and rejected by His own. 00:29:56.619 --> 00:29:59.179 He came into this world having left all behind. 00:29:59.559 --> 00:30:01.879 And He was obedient to His Father. 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:04.980 Obedient even to the point of death. 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:08.299 And that death on a cross. 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:11.740 All the glory that He had. 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:16.180 All that He enjoyed in that close relationship with the Father. 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:20.220 God sent His Son into this world. 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:22.680 Because God loved this world. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:29.460 And that love through Christ Jesus left it all behind. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:33.220 In a marriage, vows are taken. 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:36.680 And part of these vows are that we will stay together. 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:42.740 Whatever the circumstances, for richer or for poorer, is often a phrase that is used. 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:48.000 But how many marriages are broken down when financial hardships come? 00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:52.340 How many marriages are broken down when a financial windfall comes? 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:55.560 When people become rich, the marriage dissolves. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:31:00.980 But here is a love that runs so much deeper than any of that. 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:04.820 God made a covenant with His people. 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:07.879 God made this promise with His people. 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:11.539 The steadfast love of God. 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:13.659 What confidence it brings. 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:17.460 Because the steadfast love, it reaches heaven high. 00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:20.819 But the love has come down to us. 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:27.159 The Word, it says, became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:34.500 Though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor. 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:39.519 Professor Donald MacLeod's got a book. 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:43.880 And the title of that book just says so much, even in just the title. 00:31:44.600 --> 00:31:47.180 From Glory to Golgotha. 00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:55.019 From glory that was left behind, He came into this world to go to Golgotha. 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:57.600 The place of the skull. 00:31:58.400 --> 00:32:00.560 The place of the cross. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:03.220 He was rich. 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:09.180 But because of His love for lost people, He became poor. 00:32:09.180 --> 00:32:13.600 And we are reminded of that in another of Paul's letters. 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.759 Letter to the Philippines. 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:17.180 Where in chapter 2, verse 5, he says, 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:21.019 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:23.799 who, though He was in the form of God, 00:32:24.160 --> 00:32:27.519 did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:29.940 but made Himself nothing, 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:31.980 taking the form of a servant, 00:32:32.120 --> 00:32:34.560 being born in the likeness of men, 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:36.820 and being found in human form. 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:40.579 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:32:40.659 --> 00:32:42.839 even death on the cross. 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:45.679 What great love. 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:51.119 What a height and depth and length and breadth to that love. 00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:53.799 That love that surpasses all knowledge. 00:32:53.939 --> 00:32:56.579 Because how can we understand that? 00:32:57.980 --> 00:33:02.720 That Christ Jesus would come from glory to Golgotha. 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:06.299 And yet it was for your sake and mine. 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:10.879 This love came at a great cost. 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:13.939 He laid down His life. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:19.319 And how precious our lives were and are to Him, 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:22.759 that He gave His all for us. 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:28.980 There's a story told during the time of Oliver Cromwell. 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:31.799 It was during the 17th century, 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:35.879 where once He sentenced a soldier to be shot 00:33:35.879 --> 00:33:38.819 due to the crimes that He had committed. 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:41.859 And the execution was to take place 00:33:41.859 --> 00:33:44.399 at the ringing of the evening bell 00:33:44.399 --> 00:33:46.259 when curfew came. 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:49.619 So that time in the evening came, 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:52.299 and everyone was waiting for the bell to strike, 00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:55.539 and watching then this man who would be put to death. 00:33:56.879 --> 00:33:58.819 But the bell didn't ring. 00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:01.920 And the minutes went on, 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:04.140 and the bell still didn't ring. 00:34:05.220 --> 00:34:07.099 Eventually, they went up to the bell tower 00:34:07.099 --> 00:34:09.320 to see what the fault was. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:12.240 And what they found there was something 00:34:12.240 --> 00:34:13.740 that made a deep impression 00:34:13.740 --> 00:34:17.160 on so many and on Oliver Cromwell himself. 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:19.400 What they found was 00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:23.260 the soldier's fiancée had climbed into the bell tower. 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:26.760 And she was clinging on to the bell clapper 00:34:26.760 --> 00:34:29.940 so that the clapper wouldn't strike the bell and ring. 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:33.139 It was causing her so much pain. 00:34:33.720 --> 00:34:35.539 She was bleeding from the exertion. 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:38.480 And yet she held on with dear life 00:34:38.480 --> 00:34:41.900 so that her fiancée would not be put to death. 00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:46.440 She was summoned to come and see Oliver Cromwell. 00:34:47.280 --> 00:34:50.380 And he saw her bruised and bleeding hands. 00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:53.220 And his heart was touched, and he said, 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:57.780 Your lover shall live because of your sacrifice. 00:34:57.780 --> 00:35:06.960 And that is the love that Christ Jesus has shown to us, 00:35:07.300 --> 00:35:11.860 that we are spared even from death, eternal death, 00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:14.980 because of what he has done for us. 00:35:16.200 --> 00:35:19.680 When Jesus met with Thomas and the disciples, 00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:20.680 what did he say? 00:35:21.860 --> 00:35:24.060 Behold my hands. 00:35:24.900 --> 00:35:27.019 His hands were pierced. 00:35:27.019 --> 00:35:29.699 His side that was speared. 00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:31.559 What great love. 00:35:32.099 --> 00:35:33.739 How can we understand it? 00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:37.340 That love that left all behind. 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:42.139 The height and depth and length and breadth. 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:44.199 We cannot comprehend it, 00:35:44.559 --> 00:35:46.139 but as Paul prays here, 00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:49.280 he prays that this love of Christ 00:35:49.280 --> 00:35:52.380 may dwell in your hearts through faith. 00:35:52.380 --> 00:35:55.740 So come by faith today, 00:35:56.360 --> 00:35:59.579 knowing this love that left behind all. 00:36:00.660 --> 00:36:04.000 The second place we want to turn to and see this love 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:05.740 is a love that reached out. 00:36:06.380 --> 00:36:09.360 I want to turn to Romans 5, verse 8. 00:36:09.360 --> 00:36:12.960 And there we read in that verse, 00:36:13.840 --> 00:36:17.500 God demonstrates his own love for us in this. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:20.260 While we were still sinners, 00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:23.280 Christ died for us. 00:36:27.280 --> 00:36:28.940 Someone once put it like this, 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:31.360 the Lord Jesus did not come into the world 00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:33.340 to meet with his friends. 00:36:33.740 --> 00:36:36.760 He came to die for his enemies. 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:41.500 And these words should hit us powerfully. 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:44.519 But maybe you say to yourself, 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:46.659 I'm no enemy of Jesus. 00:36:48.759 --> 00:36:52.659 But if you're trusting your life and soul to him, 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:55.400 you recognize that there was a time 00:36:55.400 --> 00:36:57.300 when you were an enemy. 00:36:58.539 --> 00:37:00.920 But the more you go on through faith, 00:37:01.159 --> 00:37:04.579 the more you see how precious his steadfast love is. 00:37:05.219 --> 00:37:07.360 This love that God demonstrates, 00:37:07.880 --> 00:37:09.320 his own love for us in this, 00:37:09.420 --> 00:37:10.940 that while we were still sinners, 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:13.860 Christ died for us. 00:37:15.380 --> 00:37:16.679 There was a time, 00:37:17.219 --> 00:37:18.019 maybe in your life, 00:37:18.159 --> 00:37:20.539 when Christ meant nothing to you. 00:37:21.679 --> 00:37:24.440 There was no love in your heart for him. 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:28.079 But even these words that we read, 00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:29.500 how powerful they are, 00:37:29.980 --> 00:37:32.159 that even in that time when you were an enemy, 00:37:33.259 --> 00:37:34.519 an enemy of his, 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:36.980 when you were still a sinner, 00:37:37.900 --> 00:37:39.840 Christ died for us. 00:37:41.360 --> 00:37:43.059 What a love that is. 00:37:43.059 --> 00:37:46.840 The love that reached out to us, 00:37:46.980 --> 00:37:48.420 poor lost sinners. 00:37:49.420 --> 00:37:50.940 Even when we were cursing him, 00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:52.719 even when we were rejecting him, 00:37:53.199 --> 00:37:54.820 Christ died for us. 00:37:56.320 --> 00:37:58.019 How wide, how long, 00:37:58.139 --> 00:37:59.239 how high, how deep, 00:37:59.659 --> 00:38:02.799 the love of Christ for sinners such as we are. 00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:06.559 There's a power in this love. 00:38:06.559 --> 00:38:09.559 While we were still sinners, 00:38:09.559 --> 00:38:12.079 Christ died for us. 00:38:13.279 --> 00:38:16.920 He came to die for a people who rejected him. 00:38:17.500 --> 00:38:21.179 He came for a people confident in their own self, 00:38:21.259 --> 00:38:23.159 and their own self-righteousness, 00:38:23.239 --> 00:38:24.619 just as we were once. 00:38:25.019 --> 00:38:26.579 Maybe just as you are today, 00:38:26.699 --> 00:38:28.539 you think you're no enemy of Christ, 00:38:28.539 --> 00:38:30.059 but you're sitting, 00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:31.739 maybe behind the table, 00:38:31.880 --> 00:38:33.039 thinking all is well. 00:38:34.460 --> 00:38:35.400 It's not, 00:38:35.480 --> 00:38:38.199 unless you have faith in the Lord Jesus. 00:38:39.239 --> 00:38:41.699 And it's to comprehend this love. 00:38:42.179 --> 00:38:45.119 This love that passes all knowledge, 00:38:45.239 --> 00:38:46.860 that's so hard to understand, 00:38:46.980 --> 00:38:48.320 so hard to explain. 00:38:48.320 --> 00:38:52.300 But by sitting at the table, 00:38:52.420 --> 00:38:54.880 you come to proclaim this love, 00:38:55.660 --> 00:38:58.780 that you love because he first loved us. 00:38:59.660 --> 00:39:01.440 He came to die for nations, 00:39:01.760 --> 00:39:03.300 for people who turned away 00:39:03.300 --> 00:39:05.180 from the truth of the gospel 00:39:05.180 --> 00:39:07.019 to the lie of this world. 00:39:07.760 --> 00:39:08.740 There is this huge, 00:39:08.880 --> 00:39:11.920 massive chasm between God and us. 00:39:12.420 --> 00:39:14.240 We are at enmity with God. 00:39:15.080 --> 00:39:17.280 We are separated from him. 00:39:18.320 --> 00:39:19.660 When we are enemies of him. 00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:22.640 And it's only through the love of Christ 00:39:22.640 --> 00:39:25.340 that this divide can be bridged. 00:39:26.360 --> 00:39:28.940 That is how we come to know Christ, 00:39:29.160 --> 00:39:30.019 through faith. 00:39:30.740 --> 00:39:32.640 In all that he has done for us, 00:39:33.100 --> 00:39:34.940 he died for us. 00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:39.600 This Christ who the gospel proclaims, 00:39:40.360 --> 00:39:41.800 we are not to lose heart, 00:39:42.220 --> 00:39:43.580 as Paul says here. 00:39:44.120 --> 00:39:45.180 Don't lose heart 00:39:45.180 --> 00:39:46.960 in anything that's going on around us. 00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:49.039 Because even the enemies 00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:50.460 that we see around us, 00:39:51.139 --> 00:39:53.240 maybe they will one day turn to Christ. 00:39:53.320 --> 00:39:54.360 And that is our prayer. 00:39:56.099 --> 00:39:58.740 But to know this Christ for yourself. 00:39:59.519 --> 00:40:00.780 To come and do this 00:40:00.780 --> 00:40:02.679 in remembrance of him. 00:40:02.780 --> 00:40:04.179 Is to remember the love 00:40:04.179 --> 00:40:05.920 that reached out to you. 00:40:06.480 --> 00:40:08.280 The love that he showed 00:40:08.280 --> 00:40:09.840 when you were an enemy of his. 00:40:10.780 --> 00:40:12.179 When you rejected him. 00:40:12.179 --> 00:40:13.139 When you cursed him. 00:40:13.159 --> 00:40:14.099 When you turned away 00:40:14.099 --> 00:40:15.359 from him and his word. 00:40:16.019 --> 00:40:18.359 The love that took hold by grace. 00:40:18.960 --> 00:40:20.379 And brought you to himself. 00:40:21.039 --> 00:40:23.699 The love that Paul goes on in Romans 00:40:23.699 --> 00:40:24.759 to speak of. 00:40:25.440 --> 00:40:26.919 In that wonderful chapter, 00:40:27.099 --> 00:40:27.980 Romans 8. 00:40:28.500 --> 00:40:30.319 When it speaks of the love of God 00:40:30.319 --> 00:40:31.539 through Christ Jesus. 00:40:31.679 --> 00:40:32.179 And says, 00:40:32.739 --> 00:40:35.039 nothing can separate us 00:40:35.039 --> 00:40:36.399 from the love of God 00:40:36.399 --> 00:40:37.980 in Christ Jesus. 00:40:37.980 --> 00:40:42.260 What a powerful love it is. 00:40:43.000 --> 00:40:45.159 That love that reached out 00:40:45.159 --> 00:40:46.019 took hold. 00:40:46.139 --> 00:40:47.039 And as it says, 00:40:47.599 --> 00:40:49.320 now as he holds on to you, 00:40:49.800 --> 00:40:52.159 nothing can separate you 00:40:52.159 --> 00:40:53.900 from the love of Christ 00:40:53.900 --> 00:40:55.179 in Christ Jesus. 00:40:56.079 --> 00:40:57.460 Nothing in this world. 00:40:58.320 --> 00:40:59.760 Nothing that can come our way. 00:40:59.840 --> 00:41:01.240 Not even death itself. 00:41:01.940 --> 00:41:03.920 Because he died for sinners 00:41:03.920 --> 00:41:04.980 such as we are. 00:41:04.980 --> 00:41:06.659 that we might know 00:41:06.659 --> 00:41:07.880 the precious love 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:10.119 and gift of eternal life 00:41:10.119 --> 00:41:11.340 through him. 00:41:12.860 --> 00:41:14.079 If you've ever done 00:41:14.079 --> 00:41:16.599 the Christianity Explored course, 00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:18.260 you may have heard 00:41:18.260 --> 00:41:19.880 this phrase in the course. 00:41:20.400 --> 00:41:22.019 It reminds us just 00:41:22.019 --> 00:41:24.079 how sinful we are, 00:41:24.340 --> 00:41:26.280 but also how loved we are. 00:41:26.340 --> 00:41:26.820 It says, 00:41:27.480 --> 00:41:28.719 we are more sinful 00:41:28.719 --> 00:41:30.719 than we ever realized. 00:41:32.159 --> 00:41:33.639 Maybe that's how you come 00:41:33.639 --> 00:41:34.840 today to the table. 00:41:35.639 --> 00:41:36.780 Maybe you're realizing 00:41:36.780 --> 00:41:38.000 more and more 00:41:38.000 --> 00:41:40.699 just how sinful you are. 00:41:41.519 --> 00:41:42.800 We all feel it. 00:41:43.420 --> 00:41:45.099 We all know it in our hearts. 00:41:45.679 --> 00:41:47.219 Our hearts are sinful. 00:41:47.740 --> 00:41:48.800 We are more sinful 00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:50.699 than we ever realized. 00:41:52.119 --> 00:41:54.280 But the quote goes on 00:41:54.280 --> 00:41:55.139 to say this, 00:41:56.000 --> 00:41:57.300 but more loved 00:41:57.300 --> 00:41:59.019 than we ever dreamed. 00:42:00.019 --> 00:42:01.579 And the more we go on 00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:02.900 in this world 00:42:02.900 --> 00:42:03.639 in faith, 00:42:03.639 --> 00:42:05.319 the more we want to see 00:42:05.319 --> 00:42:06.319 and understand 00:42:06.319 --> 00:42:07.579 the height 00:42:07.579 --> 00:42:08.339 and depth 00:42:08.339 --> 00:42:09.019 and length 00:42:09.019 --> 00:42:09.639 and breadth 00:42:09.639 --> 00:42:11.039 of this love 00:42:11.039 --> 00:42:12.519 that reached out to us. 00:42:13.359 --> 00:42:14.539 The love that we see 00:42:14.539 --> 00:42:15.900 bearing our sins 00:42:15.900 --> 00:42:17.259 on the cross. 00:42:18.460 --> 00:42:19.440 John Stott, 00:42:19.519 --> 00:42:20.699 in writing on this text 00:42:20.699 --> 00:42:21.539 in Ephesians, 00:42:22.219 --> 00:42:23.279 he explains 00:42:23.279 --> 00:42:24.699 Paul's language 00:42:24.699 --> 00:42:25.559 in this way. 00:42:25.559 --> 00:42:26.199 he says, 00:42:26.199 --> 00:42:28.000 the love of Christ 00:42:28.000 --> 00:42:29.139 is broad enough 00:42:29.139 --> 00:42:29.920 to encompass 00:42:29.920 --> 00:42:31.159 all mankind, 00:42:31.960 --> 00:42:32.699 long enough 00:42:32.699 --> 00:42:34.279 to last for eternity, 00:42:34.960 --> 00:42:35.659 deep enough 00:42:35.659 --> 00:42:36.380 to reach 00:42:36.380 --> 00:42:38.000 the most degraded sinner 00:42:38.000 --> 00:42:39.619 and high enough 00:42:39.619 --> 00:42:41.719 to exalt him 00:42:41.719 --> 00:42:43.239 to heaven. 00:42:44.199 --> 00:42:44.820 When we know 00:42:44.820 --> 00:42:46.119 Christ's love, 00:42:46.579 --> 00:42:47.679 there are no boundaries 00:42:47.679 --> 00:42:48.860 outside of which 00:42:48.860 --> 00:42:49.900 we may step 00:42:49.900 --> 00:42:51.059 to the love 00:42:51.059 --> 00:42:51.960 of Christ. 00:42:51.960 --> 00:42:53.480 it reaches 00:42:53.480 --> 00:42:55.139 far and wide. 00:42:56.220 --> 00:42:57.360 That is the love 00:42:57.360 --> 00:42:58.199 that we see 00:42:58.199 --> 00:42:59.240 when we look 00:42:59.240 --> 00:43:00.039 to Christ. 00:43:00.840 --> 00:43:01.440 The love 00:43:01.440 --> 00:43:02.420 that reached out 00:43:02.420 --> 00:43:03.400 to his own. 00:43:04.039 --> 00:43:04.699 The love 00:43:04.699 --> 00:43:05.519 that has 00:43:05.519 --> 00:43:06.260 such height 00:43:06.260 --> 00:43:06.900 and depth 00:43:06.900 --> 00:43:08.179 and length 00:43:08.179 --> 00:43:09.380 and breadth. 00:43:10.639 --> 00:43:11.900 The final thing 00:43:11.900 --> 00:43:12.639 I want us to see 00:43:12.639 --> 00:43:13.720 here of this love, 00:43:14.220 --> 00:43:15.099 it's the love 00:43:15.099 --> 00:43:16.679 that gives life. 00:43:17.740 --> 00:43:18.119 And for that, 00:43:18.199 --> 00:43:18.860 we want to turn 00:43:18.860 --> 00:43:19.860 to a text 00:43:19.860 --> 00:43:20.500 in the Gospel 00:43:20.500 --> 00:43:21.120 of John, 00:43:21.240 --> 00:43:22.019 chapter 10, 00:43:23.240 --> 00:43:24.640 verse 10 and 11. 00:43:30.559 --> 00:43:31.420 There we read 00:43:31.420 --> 00:43:32.120 these words, 00:43:32.220 --> 00:43:33.180 the thief comes 00:43:33.180 --> 00:43:34.220 only to steal 00:43:34.220 --> 00:43:34.880 and kill 00:43:34.880 --> 00:43:35.680 and destroy. 00:43:36.440 --> 00:43:37.480 I have come 00:43:37.480 --> 00:43:38.440 that they may 00:43:38.440 --> 00:43:39.160 have life 00:43:39.160 --> 00:43:40.300 and have it 00:43:40.300 --> 00:43:41.059 to the full. 00:43:41.820 --> 00:43:43.180 I am the good shepherd, 00:43:43.880 --> 00:43:44.820 the good shepherd 00:43:44.820 --> 00:43:45.740 lays down 00:43:45.740 --> 00:43:46.700 his life 00:43:46.700 --> 00:43:48.079 for the sheep. 00:43:48.860 --> 00:43:50.559 The greatness 00:43:50.559 --> 00:43:51.539 of his love 00:43:51.539 --> 00:43:53.000 is expressed 00:43:53.000 --> 00:43:54.260 in the ultimate way. 00:43:54.840 --> 00:43:55.519 He came 00:43:55.519 --> 00:43:56.900 to give 00:43:56.900 --> 00:43:58.120 his life. 00:44:00.140 --> 00:44:00.720 When you look 00:44:00.720 --> 00:44:01.519 at the holiness 00:44:01.519 --> 00:44:03.160 of God 00:44:03.160 --> 00:44:03.800 who hates 00:44:03.800 --> 00:44:04.760 all sin, 00:44:05.700 --> 00:44:06.539 how could we 00:44:06.539 --> 00:44:07.720 possibly come 00:44:07.720 --> 00:44:08.880 and approach 00:44:08.880 --> 00:44:10.440 this holy God? 00:44:11.440 --> 00:44:12.079 How could we 00:44:12.079 --> 00:44:13.120 possibly come 00:44:13.120 --> 00:44:14.120 and sit 00:44:14.120 --> 00:44:14.960 at the Lord's 00:44:14.960 --> 00:44:15.960 table today 00:44:15.960 --> 00:44:17.260 when we see 00:44:17.260 --> 00:44:18.099 the nature 00:44:18.099 --> 00:44:19.019 of our sin? 00:44:20.559 --> 00:44:21.420 Only through 00:44:21.420 --> 00:44:22.260 the righteousness 00:44:22.260 --> 00:44:23.820 of Christ. 00:44:24.720 --> 00:44:25.539 Only through 00:44:25.539 --> 00:44:26.240 faith 00:44:26.240 --> 00:44:27.380 in him. 00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.960 Faith in the 00:44:28.960 --> 00:44:30.380 Lord Jesus Christ 00:44:30.380 --> 00:44:31.039 who died 00:44:31.039 --> 00:44:32.240 and gave himself 00:44:32.240 --> 00:44:33.139 for us. 00:44:33.880 --> 00:44:34.559 There's no 00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:35.220 other way. 00:44:37.619 --> 00:44:38.820 Psalm 130 00:44:38.820 --> 00:44:39.940 speaks of it 00:44:39.940 --> 00:44:40.460 just like we were 00:44:40.460 --> 00:44:40.980 thinking about 00:44:40.980 --> 00:44:41.760 last evening 00:44:41.760 --> 00:44:42.659 when we were 00:44:42.659 --> 00:44:43.220 looking at 00:44:43.219 --> 00:44:43.919 Isaiah. 00:44:44.719 --> 00:44:45.339 When he saw 00:44:45.339 --> 00:44:46.019 the glory 00:44:46.019 --> 00:44:46.619 of God 00:44:46.619 --> 00:44:46.939 he said 00:44:46.939 --> 00:44:47.879 woe is me 00:44:47.879 --> 00:44:48.759 for I am 00:44:48.759 --> 00:44:49.039 a man 00:44:49.039 --> 00:44:49.819 of unclean 00:44:49.819 --> 00:44:50.239 lips. 00:44:51.000 --> 00:44:51.419 He felt 00:44:51.419 --> 00:44:52.539 so unworthy. 00:44:53.079 --> 00:44:54.039 Psalm 130 00:44:54.039 --> 00:44:55.239 expresses that 00:44:55.239 --> 00:44:55.959 very same 00:44:55.959 --> 00:44:56.899 thought as well. 00:44:57.419 --> 00:44:57.980 It says in 00:44:57.980 --> 00:44:58.459 verse 3 00:44:58.460 --> 00:44:58.900 if you 00:44:58.900 --> 00:44:59.380 O Lord 00:44:59.380 --> 00:45:00.159 should mark 00:45:00.159 --> 00:45:00.820 iniquities 00:45:00.820 --> 00:45:01.519 O Lord 00:45:01.519 --> 00:45:02.619 who could 00:45:02.619 --> 00:45:03.340 stand? 00:45:04.300 --> 00:45:04.679 Who could 00:45:04.679 --> 00:45:05.880 possibly stand 00:45:05.880 --> 00:45:06.679 before this 00:45:06.679 --> 00:45:07.480 holy God 00:45:07.480 --> 00:45:08.480 if he marked 00:45:08.480 --> 00:45:09.039 all our 00:45:09.039 --> 00:45:09.599 iniquities 00:45:09.599 --> 00:45:10.579 against us? 00:45:11.380 --> 00:45:11.940 But it 00:45:11.940 --> 00:45:12.400 says 00:45:12.400 --> 00:45:13.639 but with 00:45:13.639 --> 00:45:14.000 you 00:45:14.000 --> 00:45:15.220 there is 00:45:15.220 --> 00:45:16.000 forgiveness 00:45:16.000 --> 00:45:17.460 that you 00:45:17.460 --> 00:45:17.940 may be 00:45:17.940 --> 00:45:18.400 feared. 00:45:19.139 --> 00:45:19.559 And how 00:45:19.559 --> 00:45:20.199 is that 00:45:20.199 --> 00:45:20.800 forgiveness? 00:45:21.679 --> 00:45:22.079 It is 00:45:22.079 --> 00:45:22.679 through him 00:45:22.679 --> 00:45:23.539 who lay 00:45:23.539 --> 00:45:24.240 down his 00:45:24.240 --> 00:45:24.760 life 00:45:24.760 --> 00:45:25.519 for his 00:45:25.519 --> 00:45:25.980 sheep. 00:45:27.300 --> 00:45:27.760 Greater 00:45:27.760 --> 00:45:28.360 love hath 00:45:28.360 --> 00:45:28.920 no man 00:45:28.920 --> 00:45:29.440 in this 00:45:29.440 --> 00:45:30.480 that he 00:45:30.480 --> 00:45:31.160 lay down 00:45:31.160 --> 00:45:32.220 his life 00:45:32.220 --> 00:45:32.600 for his 00:45:32.600 --> 00:45:33.140 friends. 00:45:34.360 --> 00:45:34.860 You are 00:45:34.860 --> 00:45:35.840 my friends 00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:36.840 if you 00:45:36.840 --> 00:45:37.280 do as 00:45:37.280 --> 00:45:38.200 I command 00:45:38.200 --> 00:45:39.120 the Lord 00:45:39.120 --> 00:45:39.640 says. 00:45:41.000 --> 00:45:41.820 Are you 00:45:41.820 --> 00:45:42.400 day to 00:45:42.400 --> 00:45:42.660 day 00:45:42.660 --> 00:45:44.120 doing as 00:45:44.120 --> 00:45:44.660 the Lord 00:45:44.660 --> 00:45:45.560 commands? 00:45:46.920 --> 00:45:47.140 Are you 00:45:47.140 --> 00:45:47.580 obedient 00:45:47.580 --> 00:45:48.360 to his 00:45:48.360 --> 00:45:48.880 call 00:45:48.880 --> 00:45:49.900 to his 00:45:49.900 --> 00:45:50.380 command 00:45:50.380 --> 00:45:51.760 to love 00:45:51.760 --> 00:45:52.100 him with 00:45:52.100 --> 00:45:52.640 all your 00:45:52.640 --> 00:45:53.160 heart 00:45:53.160 --> 00:45:54.660 and to 00:45:54.660 --> 00:45:55.340 do this 00:45:55.340 --> 00:45:56.740 in remembrance 00:45:56.740 --> 00:45:57.680 of me? 00:45:57.760 --> 00:45:59.820 Psalm 00:45:59.820 --> 00:46:00.380 130 00:46:00.380 --> 00:46:01.160 goes on 00:46:01.160 --> 00:46:01.540 to say 00:46:01.540 --> 00:46:01.840 in verse 00:46:01.840 --> 00:46:02.120 7 00:46:02.120 --> 00:46:02.720 O Israel 00:46:02.720 --> 00:46:03.840 hope in 00:46:03.840 --> 00:46:04.380 the Lord 00:46:04.380 --> 00:46:05.180 for with 00:46:05.180 --> 00:46:05.640 the Lord 00:46:05.640 --> 00:46:06.100 there is 00:46:06.100 --> 00:46:06.980 steadfast 00:46:06.980 --> 00:46:07.460 love 00:46:07.460 --> 00:46:08.880 and with 00:46:08.880 --> 00:46:09.440 him is 00:46:09.440 --> 00:46:10.320 plentiful 00:46:10.320 --> 00:46:10.920 redemption 00:46:10.920 --> 00:46:12.220 and he 00:46:12.220 --> 00:46:12.840 will redeem 00:46:12.840 --> 00:46:13.560 Israel 00:46:13.560 --> 00:46:14.760 from all 00:46:14.760 --> 00:46:15.060 his 00:46:15.060 --> 00:46:15.820 iniquities. 00:46:17.020 --> 00:46:17.400 What 00:46:17.400 --> 00:46:17.820 love it 00:46:17.820 --> 00:46:18.360 is that 00:46:18.360 --> 00:46:18.920 God would 00:46:18.920 --> 00:46:19.580 give his 00:46:19.580 --> 00:46:19.960 son 00:46:19.960 --> 00:46:21.360 his only 00:46:21.360 --> 00:46:21.860 son 00:46:21.860 --> 00:46:23.100 to suffer 00:46:23.100 --> 00:46:23.800 and die 00:46:23.800 --> 00:46:24.840 in our 00:46:24.840 --> 00:46:25.540 place 00:46:25.540 --> 00:46:26.380 on the 00:46:26.380 --> 00:46:26.860 cross. 00:46:26.860 --> 00:46:29.340 C.S. 00:46:29.400 --> 00:46:30.240 Lewis once 00:46:30.240 --> 00:46:30.640 said 00:46:30.640 --> 00:46:31.820 on the 00:46:31.820 --> 00:46:32.200 whole 00:46:32.200 --> 00:46:33.380 God's 00:46:33.380 --> 00:46:33.760 love 00:46:33.760 --> 00:46:34.519 for us 00:46:34.519 --> 00:46:35.480 is a 00:46:35.480 --> 00:46:35.700 much 00:46:35.700 --> 00:46:36.200 safer 00:46:36.200 --> 00:46:36.840 subject 00:46:36.840 --> 00:46:37.460 to think 00:46:37.460 --> 00:46:37.940 about 00:46:37.940 --> 00:46:38.660 than 00:46:38.660 --> 00:46:39.019 our 00:46:39.019 --> 00:46:39.579 love 00:46:39.579 --> 00:46:40.500 for him. 00:46:42.500 --> 00:46:43.140 And that 00:46:43.140 --> 00:46:43.840 is Paul's 00:46:43.840 --> 00:46:44.500 prayer to 00:46:44.500 --> 00:46:45.280 us today. 00:46:46.720 --> 00:46:47.180 Yes 00:46:47.180 --> 00:46:48.200 we are 00:46:48.200 --> 00:46:48.640 sinners 00:46:48.640 --> 00:46:50.300 and the 00:46:50.300 --> 00:46:50.640 more we 00:46:50.640 --> 00:46:51.019 go on 00:46:51.019 --> 00:46:51.660 we realise 00:46:51.659 --> 00:46:52.659 just how 00:46:52.659 --> 00:46:53.299 sinful 00:46:53.299 --> 00:46:54.440 we are. 00:46:55.599 --> 00:46:55.940 But may 00:46:55.940 --> 00:46:56.399 we come 00:46:56.399 --> 00:46:56.799 to go 00:46:56.799 --> 00:46:58.059 on and 00:46:58.059 --> 00:46:58.679 not think 00:46:58.679 --> 00:46:59.179 of our 00:46:59.179 --> 00:47:00.420 sin and 00:47:00.420 --> 00:47:01.099 just focus 00:47:01.099 --> 00:47:01.759 on that 00:47:01.759 --> 00:47:03.299 but to 00:47:03.299 --> 00:47:03.779 look to 00:47:03.779 --> 00:47:04.339 Christ 00:47:04.339 --> 00:47:05.719 the one 00:47:05.719 --> 00:47:06.099 who was 00:47:06.099 --> 00:47:06.879 lifted up 00:47:06.879 --> 00:47:07.199 on the 00:47:07.199 --> 00:47:07.619 cross 00:47:07.619 --> 00:47:08.819 the one 00:47:08.819 --> 00:47:09.519 who bore 00:47:09.519 --> 00:47:10.179 our 00:47:10.179 --> 00:47:10.960 sins 00:47:10.960 --> 00:47:11.839 and may 00:47:11.839 --> 00:47:12.319 we think 00:47:12.319 --> 00:47:13.139 more about 00:47:13.139 --> 00:47:14.480 his love 00:47:14.480 --> 00:47:15.639 for us 00:47:15.639 --> 00:47:17.699 his steadfast 00:47:17.699 --> 00:47:18.199 love 00:47:18.199 --> 00:47:19.299 for that 00:47:19.299 --> 00:47:19.579 is a 00:47:19.579 --> 00:47:19.839 much 00:47:19.839 --> 00:47:20.379 safer 00:47:20.379 --> 00:47:21.199 subject 00:47:21.199 --> 00:47:22.279 a much 00:47:22.279 --> 00:47:22.500 more 00:47:22.500 --> 00:47:23.059 powerful 00:47:23.059 --> 00:47:23.699 subject 00:47:23.699 --> 00:47:24.799 to think 00:47:24.799 --> 00:47:25.319 about 00:47:25.319 --> 00:47:26.159 today 00:47:26.159 --> 00:47:26.899 and every 00:47:26.899 --> 00:47:27.239 day 00:47:27.239 --> 00:47:29.079 to remember 00:47:29.079 --> 00:47:30.399 as Paul 00:47:30.399 --> 00:47:31.199 prays 00:47:31.199 --> 00:47:32.259 to comprehend 00:47:32.259 --> 00:47:33.079 with all 00:47:33.079 --> 00:47:33.639 the saints 00:47:33.639 --> 00:47:34.000 with the 00:47:34.000 --> 00:47:34.379 height 00:47:34.379 --> 00:47:35.379 the breadth 00:47:35.379 --> 00:47:35.879 and length 00:47:35.879 --> 00:47:36.419 and height 00:47:36.419 --> 00:47:36.919 and depth 00:47:36.919 --> 00:47:37.239 and to 00:47:37.239 --> 00:47:37.639 know 00:47:37.639 --> 00:47:38.619 the love 00:47:38.619 --> 00:47:39.339 of Christ 00:47:39.339 --> 00:47:40.980 that surpasses 00:47:40.980 --> 00:47:41.879 knowledge 00:47:41.879 --> 00:47:42.939 that you 00:47:42.939 --> 00:47:43.339 may be 00:47:43.339 --> 00:47:43.699 filled 00:47:43.699 --> 00:47:44.079 with all 00:47:44.079 --> 00:47:44.719 the fullness 00:47:44.719 --> 00:47:46.299 of God 00:47:46.299 --> 00:47:48.159 Christ 00:47:48.159 --> 00:47:49.019 love 00:47:49.019 --> 00:47:50.000 without 00:47:50.000 --> 00:47:51.139 his grace 00:47:51.139 --> 00:47:52.339 is beyond 00:47:52.339 --> 00:47:53.440 understanding 00:47:53.440 --> 00:47:55.059 but by 00:47:55.059 --> 00:47:55.960 his grace 00:47:55.960 --> 00:47:56.699 by his 00:47:56.699 --> 00:47:57.199 mercy 00:47:57.199 --> 00:47:58.199 may we 00:47:58.199 --> 00:47:58.739 come to 00:47:58.739 --> 00:47:59.599 understand 00:47:59.599 --> 00:48:00.319 more and 00:48:00.319 --> 00:48:00.659 more 00:48:00.659 --> 00:48:01.480 this 00:48:01.480 --> 00:48:02.279 wonderful 00:48:02.279 --> 00:48:03.379 powerful 00:48:03.379 --> 00:48:04.379 steadfast 00:48:04.379 --> 00:48:04.899 love 00:48:04.899 --> 00:48:05.659 for 00:48:05.659 --> 00:48:06.500 undeserving 00:48:06.500 --> 00:48:07.159 sinners 00:48:07.159 --> 00:48:08.379 such as 00:48:08.379 --> 00:48:08.879 us 00:48:08.879 --> 00:48:10.379 how deep 00:48:10.379 --> 00:48:11.199 the 00:48:11.199 --> 00:48:11.879 Father's 00:48:11.879 --> 00:48:12.339 love 00:48:12.339 --> 00:48:12.920 for us 00:48:12.920 --> 00:48:13.839 how vast 00:48:13.839 --> 00:48:14.739 beyond 00:48:14.739 --> 00:48:15.599 all measure 00:48:15.599 --> 00:48:16.899 that he 00:48:16.899 --> 00:48:17.699 should give 00:48:17.699 --> 00:48:18.619 his only 00:48:18.619 --> 00:48:19.199 son 00:48:19.199 --> 00:48:20.699 to make 00:48:20.699 --> 00:48:21.980 a wretch 00:48:21.980 --> 00:48:23.379 his treasure 00:48:23.379 --> 00:48:25.579 that is 00:48:25.579 --> 00:48:26.179 us 00:48:26.179 --> 00:48:27.659 wretches 00:48:27.659 --> 00:48:29.559 undeserving 00:48:29.559 --> 00:48:30.719 sinners 00:48:30.719 --> 00:48:32.460 but God 00:48:32.460 --> 00:48:33.319 sent his 00:48:33.319 --> 00:48:33.960 son into 00:48:33.960 --> 00:48:34.719 this world 00:48:34.719 --> 00:48:36.039 for sinners 00:48:36.039 --> 00:48:37.399 such as 00:48:37.399 --> 00:48:38.079 we are 00:48:38.079 --> 00:48:39.599 how deep 00:48:39.599 --> 00:48:40.359 the 00:48:40.359 --> 00:48:41.159 Father's 00:48:41.159 --> 00:48:41.759 love 00:48:41.760 --> 00:48:42.760 love 00:48:42.760 --> 00:48:43.560 as we 00:48:43.560 --> 00:48:44.080 think of 00:48:44.080 --> 00:48:44.740 this love 00:48:44.740 --> 00:48:45.860 and as 00:48:45.860 --> 00:48:46.500 we pray 00:48:46.500 --> 00:48:47.400 God's 00:48:47.400 --> 00:48:47.760 blessing 00:48:47.760 --> 00:48:48.140 on all 00:48:48.140 --> 00:48:48.380 that we 00:48:48.380 --> 00:48:48.600 do 00:48:48.600 --> 00:48:49.060 today 00:48:49.060 --> 00:48:50.200 may we 00:48:50.200 --> 00:48:50.700 pray 00:48:50.700 --> 00:48:51.420 Paul's 00:48:51.420 --> 00:48:51.800 prayer 00:48:51.800 --> 00:48:52.540 to grasp 00:48:52.540 --> 00:48:53.780 the wonder 00:48:53.780 --> 00:48:54.520 of this 00:48:54.520 --> 00:48:54.920 love 00:48:54.920 --> 00:48:56.700 that surpasses 00:48:56.700 --> 00:48:57.740 all knowledge 00:48:57.740 --> 00:48:59.000 that this 00:48:59.000 --> 00:48:59.620 love would 00:48:59.620 --> 00:49:00.100 not grow 00:49:00.100 --> 00:49:00.760 cold 00:49:00.760 --> 00:49:01.820 in our 00:49:01.820 --> 00:49:02.420 hearts 00:49:02.420 --> 00:49:03.500 that we 00:49:03.500 --> 00:49:04.100 never lose 00:49:04.100 --> 00:49:04.580 sight 00:49:04.580 --> 00:49:05.880 of Christ 00:49:05.880 --> 00:49:06.660 and all 00:49:06.660 --> 00:49:07.080 that he 00:49:07.080 --> 00:49:07.620 has done 00:49:07.620 --> 00:49:08.300 for us 00:49:08.300 --> 00:49:09.400 that our 00:49:09.400 --> 00:49:10.019 focus 00:49:10.019 --> 00:49:10.940 our eyes 00:49:10.940 --> 00:49:11.880 will be 00:49:11.880 --> 00:49:12.680 fixed on 00:49:12.680 --> 00:49:13.000 him 00:49:13.000 --> 00:49:14.460 we come 00:49:14.460 --> 00:49:15.360 as 00:49:15.360 --> 00:49:16.100 unworthy 00:49:16.100 --> 00:49:16.880 sinners 00:49:16.880 --> 00:49:18.200 but we 00:49:18.200 --> 00:49:18.680 come 00:49:18.680 --> 00:49:19.820 maybe even 00:49:19.820 --> 00:49:20.260 today 00:49:20.260 --> 00:49:21.100 realizing 00:49:21.100 --> 00:49:21.660 more and 00:49:21.660 --> 00:49:22.019 more 00:49:22.019 --> 00:49:23.120 loved 00:49:23.120 --> 00:49:23.960 more than 00:49:23.960 --> 00:49:24.360 we ever 00:49:24.360 --> 00:49:25.019 realized 00:49:25.019 --> 00:49:25.620 or even 00:49:25.620 --> 00:49:26.300 dreamed 00:49:26.300 --> 00:49:27.480 may we 00:49:27.480 --> 00:49:27.880 come 00:49:27.880 --> 00:49:28.320 through 00:49:28.320 --> 00:49:29.060 faith 00:49:29.060 --> 00:49:30.539 to receive 00:49:30.539 --> 00:49:31.700 more of 00:49:31.700 --> 00:49:32.420 this love 00:49:32.420 --> 00:49:33.300 and to 00:49:33.300 --> 00:49:33.519 be 00:49:33.519 --> 00:49:34.260 strengthened 00:49:34.260 --> 00:49:35.599 by it 00:49:35.599 --> 00:49:36.820 a love 00:49:36.820 --> 00:49:38.460 that surpasses 00:49:38.460 --> 00:49:39.059 knowledge 00:49:39.059 --> 00:49:39.980 may we 00:49:39.980 --> 00:49:40.579 know it 00:49:40.579 --> 00:49:41.680 may we 00:49:41.680 --> 00:49:42.059 come to 00:49:42.059 --> 00:49:42.740 realize it 00:49:42.740 --> 00:49:43.079 more 00:49:43.079 --> 00:49:44.139 and may 00:49:44.139 --> 00:49:44.740 we share 00:49:44.740 --> 00:49:45.019 it 00:49:45.019 --> 00:49:45.960 as we 00:49:45.960 --> 00:49:46.519 go on 00:49:46.519 --> 00:49:47.460 let us 00:49:47.460 --> 00:49:47.800 bow our 00:49:47.800 --> 00:49:48.099 heads 00:49:48.099 --> 00:49:48.680 in a 00:49:48.680 --> 00:49:49.039 word of 00:49:49.039 --> 00:49:49.320 prayer 00:49:49.320 --> 00:49:52.599 father we 00:49:52.599 --> 00:49:53.159 thank you 00:49:53.159 --> 00:49:53.579 for the 00:49:53.579 --> 00:49:53.960 wonder 00:49:53.960 --> 00:49:54.920 of your 00:49:54.920 --> 00:49:55.380 love 00:49:55.380 --> 00:49:56.539 love 00:49:56.539 --> 00:49:57.200 towards 00:49:57.200 --> 00:49:58.139 undeserving 00:49:58.139 --> 00:49:58.680 sinners 00:49:58.680 --> 00:49:59.440 such as 00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:00.039 we are 00:50:00.039 --> 00:50:00.960 but we 00:50:00.960 --> 00:50:01.380 thank you 00:50:01.380 --> 00:50:01.700 that your 00:50:01.700 --> 00:50:02.139 love 00:50:02.139 --> 00:50:03.319 has that 00:50:03.319 --> 00:50:04.079 steadfast 00:50:04.079 --> 00:50:04.599 nature 00:50:04.599 --> 00:50:05.420 behind it 00:50:05.420 --> 00:50:05.900 for you 00:50:05.900 --> 00:50:06.219 are a 00:50:06.219 --> 00:50:06.679 God of 00:50:06.679 --> 00:50:07.279 promise 00:50:07.279 --> 00:50:08.159 you are 00:50:08.159 --> 00:50:08.599 a God 00:50:08.599 --> 00:50:09.339 of covenant 00:50:09.339 --> 00:50:10.519 and all 00:50:10.519 --> 00:50:10.799 that you 00:50:10.799 --> 00:50:11.319 have said 00:50:11.319 --> 00:50:11.699 you would 00:50:11.699 --> 00:50:12.019 do 00:50:12.019 --> 00:50:12.839 you have 00:50:12.839 --> 00:50:13.179 done 00:50:13.179 --> 00:50:13.839 for us 00:50:13.839 --> 00:50:14.179 through 00:50:14.179 --> 00:50:14.699 Christ 00:50:14.699 --> 00:50:15.199 Jesus 00:50:15.199 --> 00:50:16.559 we thank 00:50:16.559 --> 00:50:16.819 you that 00:50:16.819 --> 00:50:17.079 you did 00:50:17.079 --> 00:50:17.759 not spare 00:50:17.759 --> 00:50:18.019 him 00:50:18.019 --> 00:50:18.980 but that 00:50:18.980 --> 00:50:19.559 you gave 00:50:19.559 --> 00:50:20.219 your only 00:50:20.219 --> 00:50:20.719 son 00:50:20.719 --> 00:50:21.699 that you 00:50:21.699 --> 00:50:22.239 gave him 00:50:22.239 --> 00:50:22.480 that he 00:50:22.480 --> 00:50:22.859 would come 00:50:22.859 --> 00:50:23.480 into this 00:50:23.480 --> 00:50:23.739 world 00:50:23.739 --> 00:50:24.619 leaving behind 00:50:24.619 --> 00:50:25.920 the glory 00:50:25.920 --> 00:50:26.639 that he 00:50:26.639 --> 00:50:27.239 enjoyed 00:50:27.239 --> 00:50:28.319 to come 00:50:28.319 --> 00:50:29.339 and experience 00:50:29.339 --> 00:50:30.519 the wrath 00:50:30.519 --> 00:50:30.960 that we 00:50:30.960 --> 00:50:31.679 deserved 00:50:31.679 --> 00:50:33.079 to experience 00:50:33.079 --> 00:50:33.839 the curse 00:50:33.839 --> 00:50:34.460 of sin 00:50:34.460 --> 00:50:35.599 and to be 00:50:35.599 --> 00:50:36.119 obedient 00:50:36.119 --> 00:50:36.859 even to the 00:50:36.859 --> 00:50:37.440 point of 00:50:37.440 --> 00:50:37.859 death 00:50:37.859 --> 00:50:38.259 on the 00:50:38.259 --> 00:50:38.739 cross 00:50:38.739 --> 00:50:39.819 may we 00:50:39.819 --> 00:50:40.500 marvel at 00:50:40.500 --> 00:50:41.019 the love 00:50:41.019 --> 00:50:41.859 of Christ 00:50:41.859 --> 00:50:42.719 towards 00:50:42.719 --> 00:50:43.619 us 00:50:43.619 --> 00:50:44.899 and may we 00:50:44.899 --> 00:50:46.119 Lord rejoice 00:50:46.119 --> 00:50:47.639 in that love 00:50:47.639 --> 00:50:48.059 too 00:50:48.059 --> 00:50:49.799 and go before 00:50:49.799 --> 00:50:50.619 us we pray 00:50:50.619 --> 00:50:51.639 Lord help us 00:50:51.639 --> 00:50:52.659 to go on in 00:50:52.659 --> 00:50:53.599 your strength 00:50:53.599 --> 00:50:54.799 help us to go 00:50:54.799 --> 00:50:55.899 on never 00:50:55.899 --> 00:50:57.039 cold to that 00:50:57.039 --> 00:50:57.460 love 00:50:57.460 --> 00:50:58.280 but that 00:50:58.280 --> 00:50:58.720 love 00:50:58.720 --> 00:50:59.659 would burn 00:50:59.659 --> 00:51:00.139 up within 00:51:00.139 --> 00:51:00.860 our hearts 00:51:00.860 --> 00:51:01.579 and strengthen 00:51:01.579 --> 00:51:02.679 us along 00:51:02.679 --> 00:51:03.360 our journey 00:51:03.360 --> 00:51:04.179 day by day 00:51:04.179 --> 00:51:04.920 and draw us 00:51:04.920 --> 00:51:06.320 closer to you 00:51:06.320 --> 00:51:07.079 that wherever we 00:51:07.079 --> 00:51:07.920 sit or are 00:51:07.920 --> 00:51:08.599 this day 00:51:08.599 --> 00:51:09.500 whether we 00:51:09.500 --> 00:51:10.199 come to the 00:51:10.199 --> 00:51:10.619 table 00:51:10.619 --> 00:51:11.579 whether we 00:51:11.579 --> 00:51:12.320 sit behind 00:51:12.320 --> 00:51:12.679 whether we 00:51:12.679 --> 00:51:13.119 are tuning 00:51:13.119 --> 00:51:13.880 in at home 00:51:13.880 --> 00:51:14.880 that the 00:51:14.880 --> 00:51:15.619 love of 00:51:15.619 --> 00:51:16.139 Christ 00:51:16.139 --> 00:51:17.179 would dwell 00:51:17.179 --> 00:51:17.579 in our 00:51:17.579 --> 00:51:17.960 hearts 00:51:17.960 --> 00:51:18.519 richly 00:51:18.519 --> 00:51:19.639 we ask it 00:51:19.639 --> 00:51:20.000 all with 00:51:20.000 --> 00:51:20.500 forgiveness 00:51:20.500 --> 00:51:21.119 of our 00:51:21.119 --> 00:51:21.659 sins 00:51:21.659 --> 00:51:22.280 in Jesus 00:51:22.280 --> 00:51:22.780 name 00:51:22.780 --> 00:51:23.780 Amen 00:51:23.780 --> 00:51:30.120 we're going 00:51:30.120 --> 00:51:31.019 to sing 00:51:31.019 --> 00:51:31.620 now as we 00:51:31.620 --> 00:51:32.000 come 00:51:32.000 --> 00:51:33.019 to the 00:51:33.019 --> 00:51:33.540 table of 00:51:33.540 --> 00:51:34.000 the Lord 00:51:34.000 --> 00:51:35.600 as we 00:51:35.600 --> 00:51:35.960 come 00:51:35.960 --> 00:51:37.100 to do 00:51:37.100 --> 00:51:37.480 this in 00:51:37.480 --> 00:51:38.000 remembrance 00:51:38.000 --> 00:51:39.000 of him 00:51:39.000 --> 00:51:39.320 we're going 00:51:39.320 --> 00:51:39.860 to sing 00:51:39.860 --> 00:51:40.820 in the 00:51:40.820 --> 00:51:41.200 psalm 00:51:41.200 --> 00:51:41.500 psalm 00:51:41.500 --> 00:51:42.300 118 00:51:42.300 --> 00:51:44.160 and singing 00:51:44.160 --> 00:51:44.680 at verse 00:51:44.680 --> 00:51:45.560 15 00:51:45.560 --> 00:51:47.019 down to 00:51:47.019 --> 00:51:47.460 verse 00:51:47.460 --> 00:51:48.720 21 00:51:48.720 --> 00:51:52.160 dwellings 00:51:52.160 --> 00:51:52.620 of the 00:51:52.620 --> 00:51:53.040 righteous 00:51:53.039 --> 00:51:53.840 is heard 00:51:53.840 --> 00:51:54.440 the melody 00:51:54.440 --> 00:51:55.239 of joy 00:51:55.239 --> 00:51:55.860 and health 00:51:55.860 --> 00:51:56.980 the Lord's 00:51:56.980 --> 00:51:57.599 right hand 00:51:57.599 --> 00:51:58.119 doth ever 00:51:58.119 --> 00:51:58.739 valiantly 00:51:58.739 --> 00:52:00.219 the right hand 00:52:00.219 --> 00:52:00.679 of the 00:52:00.679 --> 00:52:01.400 mighty Lord 00:52:01.400 --> 00:52:02.119 exalted 00:52:02.119 --> 00:52:02.699 is on 00:52:02.699 --> 00:52:03.059 high 00:52:03.059 --> 00:52:04.119 the right 00:52:04.119 --> 00:52:04.679 hand of 00:52:04.679 --> 00:52:05.219 the mighty 00:52:05.219 --> 00:52:05.619 Lord 00:52:05.619 --> 00:52:06.259 doth ever 00:52:06.259 --> 00:52:07.320 valiantly 00:52:07.320 --> 00:52:07.840 we'll sing 00:52:07.840 --> 00:52:08.300 from verse 00:52:08.300 --> 00:52:08.940 15 00:52:08.940 --> 00:52:10.139 to God's 00:52:10.139 --> 00:52:10.659 praise 00:52:10.659 --> 00:52:11.579 of 00:52:11.579 --> 00:52:23.500 the 00:52:23.500 --> 00:52:23.599 right 00:52:23.599 --> 00:52:23.679 helps 00:52:23.679 --> 00:52:24.779 The 00:52:24.779 --> 00:52:25.179 glory 00:52:25.179 --> 00:52:29.539 of 00:52:32.119 --> 00:52:32.279 joy 00:52:32.279 --> 00:52:33.319 and 00:52:33.320 --> 00:52:46.320 The Lord's right hand, the pale of higher King. 00:52:46.320 --> 00:53:03.420 The bright hand of the mighty Lord, exalted in so high. 00:53:03.420 --> 00:53:20.420 The bright hand of the mighty Lord, the forever quiet be. 00:53:20.420 --> 00:53:36.659 I shall not die, but live, and shall the words of God discover. 00:53:36.659 --> 00:53:55.719 The Lord hath me just I said so, but not to death give no word. 00:53:55.719 --> 00:54:10.719 What set ye open unto me, the gates of righteousness? 00:54:10.719 --> 00:54:28.719 Then will I enter into them, and I the Lord will bless. 00:54:28.719 --> 00:54:45.719 This is the gate of God I give, the just shall enter in. 00:54:45.719 --> 00:55:03.859 Thee will thy grace, for love we hurt, and has my safety been. 00:55:03.860 --> 00:55:16.420 Well, it's good to welcome the young ones in from the Sunday school just now as well. 00:55:16.519 --> 00:55:18.019 It's good to see you sitting upstairs. 00:55:19.039 --> 00:55:25.519 And we join together here to partake in the Lord's Supper as God's family, as God's people. 00:55:25.720 --> 00:55:31.220 Whether we're at the table having professed God's love towards us, 00:55:31.219 --> 00:55:38.980 or if we're looking on, that we may know and see more of the love of God to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 00:55:39.939 --> 00:55:44.779 As you look on maybe just now, especially maybe thinking of the young ones sitting upstairs, 00:55:44.919 --> 00:55:47.119 you maybe wonder just what we're doing. 00:55:47.859 --> 00:55:53.559 And I want to try and explain that to you, just a little bit to explain to us all what we're doing here together 00:55:53.559 --> 00:55:56.899 just now as we come to remember the Lord's death. 00:55:56.900 --> 00:56:02.660 You maybe see things and wonder, what's everybody doing, and what part is everybody playing here? 00:56:03.760 --> 00:56:06.880 Standing beside me, it maybe looks like I've got bodyguards. 00:56:07.760 --> 00:56:11.260 So I maybe look like picked up guys who are here to protect the minister, 00:56:11.360 --> 00:56:13.320 but they're here to serve. 00:56:13.940 --> 00:56:18.340 To serve, just like we are all to be servants to God, to Christ. 00:56:18.500 --> 00:56:21.760 They are here to serve the things that we have before us. 00:56:21.760 --> 00:56:25.760 And what we have before us is the bread and the wine. 00:56:26.480 --> 00:56:29.500 And in a moment we're going to read what we call our warrant, 00:56:29.640 --> 00:56:34.760 our instruction to come and remember the Lord's death till He comes. 00:56:35.280 --> 00:56:39.400 And we read that in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:56:40.980 --> 00:56:45.800 But as we read these words, it reminds us of three different things 00:56:45.800 --> 00:56:50.200 that we see as we come to do this in remembrance of Him. 00:56:50.199 --> 00:56:52.839 I'll read these words just now. 00:56:52.919 --> 00:56:55.199 1 Corinthians 11 verse 23. 00:56:56.039 --> 00:56:59.599 But I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you. 00:57:00.219 --> 00:57:04.239 But the Lord Jesus, on the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread. 00:57:04.819 --> 00:57:07.500 And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 00:57:08.139 --> 00:57:09.299 Take, eat. 00:57:09.819 --> 00:57:12.500 This is my body, which is broken for you. 00:57:13.219 --> 00:57:15.559 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:57:15.559 --> 00:57:20.719 In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, 00:57:21.279 --> 00:57:24.739 This cup is the new covenant in my blood. 00:57:25.460 --> 00:57:29.940 This do as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. 00:57:30.699 --> 00:57:33.799 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, 00:57:34.340 --> 00:57:37.880 you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 00:57:37.880 --> 00:57:45.559 There's three things in these verses that we want to think about as we come to take the Lord's Supper. 00:57:46.240 --> 00:57:49.220 First thing is this, what we see. 00:57:50.220 --> 00:57:58.280 What we see before us is the bread and the wine that represent to us the body and blood of Christ. 00:57:59.000 --> 00:58:04.539 The body that was broken, the body that was given for our life, for our eternal life. 00:58:04.539 --> 00:58:08.000 Jesus came to lay down His life. 00:58:08.900 --> 00:58:11.559 We see these things before us. 00:58:11.619 --> 00:58:16.460 They remind us of the wonderful love of Christ to His people. 00:58:17.480 --> 00:58:21.800 The second thing that we are reminded of in these words is that we take. 00:58:22.820 --> 00:58:25.519 We are to take of these elements. 00:58:26.480 --> 00:58:27.139 He says, 00:58:27.940 --> 00:58:31.699 This do in remembrance of me. 00:58:31.699 --> 00:58:35.779 We are not here to bring glory to ourselves. 00:58:36.460 --> 00:58:39.439 We are here to bring glory to Christ. 00:58:40.059 --> 00:58:42.000 To be obedient to His command. 00:58:42.699 --> 00:58:46.039 We love because He first loved us. 00:58:46.960 --> 00:58:47.819 And so He says, 00:58:48.039 --> 00:58:50.039 Take, take these. 00:58:50.500 --> 00:58:53.119 If you love me with all your heart, 00:58:53.359 --> 00:58:58.119 take and do this in remembrance of me. 00:58:58.119 --> 00:59:01.420 The third thing that we see here is, 00:59:02.259 --> 00:59:04.619 We take, we proclaim. 00:59:05.539 --> 00:59:06.159 It says, 00:59:06.960 --> 00:59:07.779 As you take, 00:59:07.839 --> 00:59:10.400 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, 00:59:10.500 --> 00:59:14.159 You proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 00:59:15.839 --> 00:59:18.079 Those who will take, you proclaim. 00:59:19.539 --> 00:59:23.199 You show your love towards Christ. 00:59:23.199 --> 00:59:27.239 And may all who watch on see everyone who takes, 00:59:27.859 --> 00:59:29.779 Proclaiming the Lord's death. 00:59:29.939 --> 00:59:35.759 Proclaiming your love towards Him who first loved you. 00:59:36.859 --> 00:59:41.119 We see, we take, we proclaim. 00:59:42.000 --> 00:59:43.639 And as we go from here today, 00:59:43.739 --> 00:59:47.759 May we go proclaiming God's love to us. 00:59:47.760 --> 00:59:53.800 To show that we love the Lord because He first loved us. 00:59:54.740 --> 00:59:57.020 So as the Lord Jesus gave instruction, 00:59:57.140 --> 01:00:00.220 As we come to partake in the Lord's Supper, 01:00:00.320 --> 01:00:03.080 We begin first by giving thanks, 01:00:03.260 --> 01:00:05.660 Following the example of our Lord. 01:00:05.740 --> 01:00:07.100 Let us give thanks. 01:00:10.700 --> 01:00:13.100 Our gracious Father in Heaven, 01:00:13.099 --> 01:00:16.619 The wonder of your love towards us 01:00:16.619 --> 01:00:18.559 That is beyond all knowledge. 01:00:19.319 --> 01:00:21.920 Help us even now to grasp it. 01:00:22.659 --> 01:00:24.900 To seek to understand it more. 01:00:25.699 --> 01:00:28.079 To see what lies before us. 01:00:28.799 --> 01:00:31.059 The elements that are prepared for us. 01:00:31.719 --> 01:00:33.099 The bread and the wine 01:00:33.099 --> 01:00:36.900 Symbolizing your body and blood 01:00:36.900 --> 01:00:39.779 Given and shed for us. 01:00:39.780 --> 01:00:43.700 We thank you for your wonderful sacrifice. 01:00:44.360 --> 01:00:46.640 And may we see what has been done for us. 01:00:47.180 --> 01:00:49.080 And may it stir us up in our hearts 01:00:49.080 --> 01:00:50.560 To love you more. 01:00:51.519 --> 01:00:54.300 Help us, Lord, those who will take. 01:00:55.120 --> 01:00:56.120 To take this. 01:00:57.040 --> 01:00:59.600 To take it because we know the love of Christ 01:00:59.600 --> 01:01:01.480 That dwells in our hearts. 01:01:02.260 --> 01:01:03.460 And may you build us up 01:01:03.460 --> 01:01:06.000 Through the richness of your love. 01:01:06.500 --> 01:01:07.820 That steadfast love 01:01:07.820 --> 01:01:09.840 That would help us to go on 01:01:09.840 --> 01:01:11.480 In your strength. 01:01:11.539 --> 01:01:12.460 And to do this 01:01:12.460 --> 01:01:14.539 In remembrance of you. 01:01:14.660 --> 01:01:16.800 Giving all glory to you. 01:01:17.720 --> 01:01:19.480 And may we indeed proclaim 01:01:19.480 --> 01:01:20.940 The Lord's death. 01:01:21.440 --> 01:01:22.740 May we show it forth. 01:01:22.840 --> 01:01:23.920 May we not be ashamed 01:01:23.920 --> 01:01:26.260 Of your love for us. 01:01:26.860 --> 01:01:28.160 May we not be ashamed 01:01:28.160 --> 01:01:30.440 Of the testimony that we have. 01:01:31.140 --> 01:01:32.519 That you have loved us 01:01:32.519 --> 01:01:33.720 With all 01:01:33.720 --> 01:01:35.880 And given all for us. 01:01:35.880 --> 01:01:37.880 So, Lord, help us 01:01:37.880 --> 01:01:40.039 To return our thanks to you. 01:01:40.119 --> 01:01:41.340 A thanks that seems 01:01:41.340 --> 01:01:43.440 So weak and frail. 01:01:44.019 --> 01:01:45.240 But help us, Lord, 01:01:45.320 --> 01:01:46.579 With thankful hearts 01:01:46.579 --> 01:01:47.260 To come 01:01:47.260 --> 01:01:49.039 And partake in this. 01:01:49.160 --> 01:01:50.039 Bless us, Lord. 01:01:50.180 --> 01:01:51.780 Bless all of us here. 01:01:51.900 --> 01:01:53.920 Bless those who watch on us well 01:01:53.920 --> 01:01:56.300 In here and at home too, Lord. 01:01:56.400 --> 01:01:57.180 Surround us 01:01:57.180 --> 01:01:59.079 With your steadfast love. 01:01:59.220 --> 01:02:00.320 Keep us secure 01:02:00.320 --> 01:02:02.280 As we ask all things 01:02:02.280 --> 01:02:04.340 For the forgiveness of our sin. 01:02:04.340 --> 01:02:05.440 In Jesus' name. 01:02:05.960 --> 01:02:06.360 Amen. 01:02:08.579 --> 01:02:09.700 Well, as we read 01:02:09.700 --> 01:02:11.000 There in our warrant 01:02:11.000 --> 01:02:12.900 On the night that Jesus was betrayed 01:02:12.900 --> 01:02:13.720 He took bread 01:02:13.720 --> 01:02:15.120 And having given thanks 01:02:15.120 --> 01:02:16.880 He broke it and said 01:02:16.880 --> 01:02:17.700 Take, eat. 01:02:18.160 --> 01:02:19.180 This is my body 01:02:19.180 --> 01:02:21.720 Which is given for you. 01:02:21.719 --> 01:02:32.779 In the same manner 01:02:32.779 --> 01:02:34.319 He also took the cup 01:02:34.319 --> 01:02:35.739 And saying 01:02:35.739 --> 01:02:36.759 This cup 01:02:36.759 --> 01:02:37.959 Is the new covenant 01:02:37.959 --> 01:02:38.659 In my blood 01:02:38.659 --> 01:02:40.679 This do as often as you drink it 01:02:40.679 --> 01:02:41.759 In remembrance 01:02:41.759 --> 01:02:43.059 Of me. 01:02:43.059 --> 01:02:50.900 For as often as you eat this 01:02:50.900 --> 01:02:51.719 Bread 01:02:51.719 --> 01:02:53.019 And drink this cup 01:02:53.019 --> 01:02:53.779 You proclaim 01:02:53.779 --> 01:02:55.440 The Lord's death 01:02:55.440 --> 01:02:56.679 Till he comes 01:02:56.679 --> 01:03:14.039 Well, as we come to rise 01:03:14.039 --> 01:03:14.879 From the table 01:03:14.879 --> 01:03:16.899 How are we going to come away 01:03:16.899 --> 01:03:17.480 From it? 01:03:18.279 --> 01:03:19.440 And how are we going to go in 01:03:19.440 --> 01:03:20.980 To the days that lie 01:03:20.980 --> 01:03:21.940 Before us? 01:03:22.799 --> 01:03:23.879 We pray we'll be strengthened 01:03:23.879 --> 01:03:24.480 In the knowledge 01:03:24.480 --> 01:03:26.199 Of the love of Christ for us 01:03:26.199 --> 01:03:27.980 And that we'll go forward 01:03:27.980 --> 01:03:29.699 With our eyes fixed 01:03:29.699 --> 01:03:31.780 On the Lord Jesus Christ. 01:03:32.820 --> 01:03:34.179 There's a story told 01:03:34.179 --> 01:03:36.320 Of a very powerful man 01:03:36.320 --> 01:03:37.400 He was a leader 01:03:37.400 --> 01:03:38.440 Of a great empire 01:03:38.440 --> 01:03:39.500 Many years ago 01:03:39.500 --> 01:03:41.420 And on conquering 01:03:41.420 --> 01:03:42.280 Another land 01:03:42.280 --> 01:03:43.039 And having taken 01:03:43.039 --> 01:03:43.860 Many prisoners 01:03:43.860 --> 01:03:45.400 He asked for one 01:03:45.400 --> 01:03:46.000 Of the princes 01:03:46.000 --> 01:03:46.980 That he had captured 01:03:46.980 --> 01:03:48.139 To come before him 01:03:48.139 --> 01:03:49.800 That he might see him. 01:03:50.960 --> 01:03:51.740 And as the prince 01:03:51.740 --> 01:03:52.659 Came before him 01:03:52.659 --> 01:03:53.840 He asked him a question 01:03:53.840 --> 01:03:55.059 This powerful leader 01:03:55.059 --> 01:03:55.539 He said 01:03:55.539 --> 01:03:57.440 What would you give you? 01:03:57.559 --> 01:03:58.539 What would you give to me 01:03:58.539 --> 01:03:59.559 If I released you? 01:04:00.440 --> 01:04:01.100 And he said 01:04:01.100 --> 01:04:01.900 I would give you 01:04:01.900 --> 01:04:03.820 Half of my wealth. 01:04:05.539 --> 01:04:06.140 And then he asked him 01:04:06.140 --> 01:04:07.079 What would you give to me 01:04:07.079 --> 01:04:07.820 If I released 01:04:07.820 --> 01:04:09.019 Your children? 01:04:10.059 --> 01:04:10.480 He said 01:04:10.480 --> 01:04:11.300 I would give you 01:04:11.300 --> 01:04:13.519 Everything I have. 01:04:15.120 --> 01:04:16.140 And then he asked him 01:04:16.140 --> 01:04:16.900 A third question 01:04:16.900 --> 01:04:17.200 He said 01:04:17.200 --> 01:04:18.420 What would you give to me 01:04:18.420 --> 01:04:20.160 If I would release 01:04:20.160 --> 01:04:21.000 Your wife? 01:04:21.000 --> 01:04:22.880 And he said 01:04:22.880 --> 01:04:23.820 I would give you 01:04:23.820 --> 01:04:25.059 Myself. 01:04:26.219 --> 01:04:27.500 And the powerful leader 01:04:27.500 --> 01:04:28.559 Was so moved 01:04:28.559 --> 01:04:30.460 By his response 01:04:30.460 --> 01:04:31.500 That he freed 01:04:31.500 --> 01:04:33.059 The whole family. 01:04:33.739 --> 01:04:34.440 They were afraid 01:04:34.440 --> 01:04:35.480 To go back 01:04:35.480 --> 01:04:36.159 To their homes. 01:04:37.159 --> 01:04:37.780 As the family 01:04:37.780 --> 01:04:38.719 Was making their way 01:04:38.719 --> 01:04:39.440 Back home 01:04:39.440 --> 01:04:41.000 The prince said 01:04:41.000 --> 01:04:41.840 To his wife 01:04:41.840 --> 01:04:43.119 Wasn't that man 01:04:43.119 --> 01:04:44.440 That powerful leader 01:04:44.440 --> 01:04:45.079 Wasn't he such 01:04:45.079 --> 01:04:46.159 A handsome man? 01:04:47.219 --> 01:04:48.500 And his wife's response 01:04:48.500 --> 01:04:49.019 Was this 01:04:49.019 --> 01:04:50.219 She said to him 01:04:50.219 --> 01:04:52.000 I never noticed 01:04:52.000 --> 01:04:54.280 I only had my eyes 01:04:54.280 --> 01:04:55.179 On you 01:04:55.179 --> 01:04:56.579 Who was willing 01:04:56.579 --> 01:04:57.480 To sacrifice 01:04:57.480 --> 01:04:58.500 Himself 01:04:58.500 --> 01:04:59.500 For me. 01:05:00.940 --> 01:05:01.900 As we go 01:05:01.900 --> 01:05:02.860 Into this world 01:05:02.860 --> 01:05:03.320 There will be 01:05:03.320 --> 01:05:04.159 Many things 01:05:04.159 --> 01:05:05.500 That will vie 01:05:05.500 --> 01:05:06.599 For our attention 01:05:06.599 --> 01:05:08.219 Many things 01:05:08.219 --> 01:05:09.119 That will clamor 01:05:09.119 --> 01:05:10.559 For our love 01:05:10.559 --> 01:05:12.400 But as we rise 01:05:12.400 --> 01:05:13.239 From the table 01:05:13.239 --> 01:05:14.519 And as we go 01:05:14.519 --> 01:05:15.820 Into the days ahead 01:05:15.820 --> 01:05:17.199 May we not be 01:05:17.199 --> 01:05:18.000 Distracted 01:05:18.000 --> 01:05:19.059 But have our eyes 01:05:19.059 --> 01:05:21.119 Fixed on Jesus 01:05:21.119 --> 01:05:22.699 The one who loved us 01:05:22.699 --> 01:05:24.280 And gave himself 01:05:24.280 --> 01:05:24.739 For us 01:05:24.739 --> 01:05:26.039 As Hebrews 12 01:05:26.039 --> 01:05:27.880 Verse 1 and 2 01:05:27.880 --> 01:05:28.199 Says 01:05:28.199 --> 01:05:28.820 Let us run 01:05:28.820 --> 01:05:29.559 With endurance 01:05:29.559 --> 01:05:30.199 The race 01:05:30.199 --> 01:05:32.000 That is set before us 01:05:32.000 --> 01:05:33.380 Looking to Jesus 01:05:33.380 --> 01:05:34.639 The founder 01:05:34.639 --> 01:05:35.619 And perfecter 01:05:35.619 --> 01:05:36.460 Of our faith 01:05:36.460 --> 01:05:37.780 And for the joy 01:05:37.780 --> 01:05:39.000 That was set before him 01:05:39.000 --> 01:05:40.119 Endured the cross 01:05:40.119 --> 01:05:41.500 Despising the shame 01:05:41.500 --> 01:05:43.139 And is seated 01:05:43.139 --> 01:05:44.800 At the right hand 01:05:44.800 --> 01:05:45.579 Of the throne 01:05:45.579 --> 01:05:46.860 Of God. 01:05:46.860 --> 01:05:48.680 May we rise 01:05:48.680 --> 01:05:50.220 And continue to fix 01:05:50.220 --> 01:05:50.960 Our eyes 01:05:50.960 --> 01:05:52.019 On him 01:05:52.019 --> 01:05:53.920 We're going to conclude 01:05:53.920 --> 01:05:54.480 By singing 01:05:54.480 --> 01:05:56.000 To God's praise 01:05:56.000 --> 01:05:57.460 In Psalm 72 01:05:57.460 --> 01:05:59.539 In the Scottish Psalter 01:05:59.539 --> 01:06:01.059 Psalm 72 01:06:01.059 --> 01:06:02.420 And at verse 17 01:06:02.420 --> 01:06:04.500 His name forever 01:06:04.500 --> 01:06:05.400 Shall endure 01:06:05.400 --> 01:06:06.519 Last like the sun 01:06:06.519 --> 01:06:07.099 It shall 01:06:07.099 --> 01:06:08.760 And shall be blessed 01:06:08.760 --> 01:06:09.800 In him and blessed 01:06:09.800 --> 01:06:10.599 All nations 01:06:10.599 --> 01:06:12.360 Shall him call 01:06:12.360 --> 01:06:13.800 We'll stand to sing 01:06:13.800 --> 01:06:14.720 Verse 17 01:06:14.720 --> 01:06:15.220 To the end 01:06:15.220 --> 01:06:15.820 Of the psalm 01:06:15.820 --> 01:06:17.260 To God's praise 01:06:17.260 --> 01:06:22.980 Faith 01:06:22.980 --> 01:06:25.380 And shall be blessed 01:06:25.380 --> 01:06:42.420 In his parlance 01:06:42.420 --> 01:06:54.139 In Israel blessed, all nations shall live all. 01:06:54.139 --> 01:07:09.780 I blessed be the Lord, the Lord, the Lord of Israel. 01:07:09.780 --> 01:07:26.780 For me alone, the wondrous works, in glory I excel. 01:07:26.780 --> 01:07:43.780 I blessed be His glorious name to all eternity. 01:07:43.780 --> 01:07:56.780 The whole earth is glorified. Amen. 01:07:56.780 --> 01:08:01.780 So let it be. 01:08:05.060 --> 01:08:10.920 Now may grace, mercy, and peace from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 01:08:11.540 --> 01:08:16.480 rest upon and abide with us all, now and forevermore. Amen. 01:08:26.779 --> 01:08:26.899