WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.940 We can turn back to our reading in the book of Romans, chapter 8. 00:00:04.719 --> 00:00:11.960 Our focus this morning is going to be on the last section, as we have it from verse 31 down to the end of the chapter. 00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:13.640 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.399 There are a number of questions through this section, but it begins with a question. 00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:36.399 What then shall we say to these things? 00:00:37.299 --> 00:00:41.060 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:45.460 And then you see the conclusion in verse 38. 00:00:45.700 --> 00:00:56.840 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation 00:00:56.840 --> 00:01:03.720 will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:01:06.939 --> 00:01:11.320 The end of our year, the beginning of our new year, is always a time of reflection. 00:01:11.320 --> 00:01:15.600 We had that on Thursday as we gathered here as well for a time of worship. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:20.379 Thinking about who we have going ahead of us into this year. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:27.379 Do we have that King of Glory as Psalm 24 speaks about going ahead of us into this year? 00:01:28.420 --> 00:01:33.199 And I'm sure you've had these times of reflection in these past number of days yourselves, 00:01:33.199 --> 00:01:38.819 just thinking about the reality of the world in which we live, the reality of the gospel which we hear, 00:01:38.919 --> 00:01:41.479 the reality of eternity, the reality of life. 00:01:41.979 --> 00:01:45.759 There's so many different things that can be going through our minds. 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:51.520 But when we look around us, we see we live in a world that reviews things as well, 00:01:52.160 --> 00:01:54.840 but maybe reviews them in a different way to the way that we do. 00:01:56.140 --> 00:02:01.100 It's very common at the end of every year to see a review of the previous year. 00:02:01.100 --> 00:02:05.780 So a review of 2025 would be there on the television, in the newspapers, 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:09.900 and even just in general conversations going on around us. 00:02:09.900 --> 00:02:16.260 And as you look back over 2025, as you look at various reviews that have taken place, 00:02:16.340 --> 00:02:23.159 so much of it focuses on bad news, on the things that are going wrong and concerning in this world. 00:02:23.240 --> 00:02:28.060 You think of reviews of the year past, how there's been conflicts in different parts of the world. 00:02:28.819 --> 00:02:32.900 Whether it's the Middle East or Ukraine or India, Pakistan, 00:02:32.900 --> 00:02:39.340 and we're seeing even going into this new year tensions there between America and Venezuela as well. 00:02:39.340 --> 00:02:42.159 They seem to be always around us. 00:02:42.860 --> 00:02:48.140 And you see it too in terms of natural disasters that have happened over the last year, 00:02:48.240 --> 00:02:52.719 devastation caused in so many different parts of the world. 00:02:53.480 --> 00:02:56.420 And even as we look at our own nation and our own communities, 00:02:56.420 --> 00:03:00.460 we see various challenges as we look back over the past year, 00:03:01.020 --> 00:03:04.000 difficulties and trials that we all have day to day. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:09.780 You think of some people reporting what we have seen as good news to many, 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:14.759 when the last year, 2025, was the warmest in UK history. 00:03:15.020 --> 00:03:18.479 You think that's got to be good news, but then it causes concern. 00:03:18.620 --> 00:03:21.659 It can be seen as bad news because it means there's water shortage. 00:03:22.219 --> 00:03:23.580 This means that crops fail. 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:25.800 It means that prices rise. 00:03:25.960 --> 00:03:27.620 All of these things go on. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:31.900 And so we're looking at this review of the world in which we live in all the time. 00:03:31.900 --> 00:03:36.760 And what it's doing is reminding us of just how insecure we are as a people, 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:40.219 how insecure our world is. 00:03:41.259 --> 00:03:46.420 When people look at life, when we look at life, we want to have that security. 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:51.819 If you were to ask many people, what do you want for yourself? 00:03:51.920 --> 00:03:53.360 What do you want for your family? 00:03:54.200 --> 00:03:57.259 Safety, peace, security. 00:03:57.259 --> 00:04:01.759 These are all things that come to the forefront of our thinking. 00:04:03.019 --> 00:04:04.579 But the question is, how? 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:07.879 How can we have that security? 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:10.139 How can we have that peace? 00:04:10.179 --> 00:04:12.739 How can we find that real hope? 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:15.239 Not just for today, but for the future. 00:04:15.379 --> 00:04:19.860 Not just for a new year ahead of us, but for all our days ahead of us. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:22.980 Where can I find this security? 00:04:24.420 --> 00:04:32.540 Well, as we turn to this passage in Romans 8, it's one of the most reassuring passages for many people. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:41.180 Reassuring, not just in the sense that it's well known, but reassuring because of what it says to us. 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:45.439 It speaks to us of a great security that we can find. 00:04:45.439 --> 00:04:54.279 It speaks to believers and saying, look, if you are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have this great hope. 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:56.420 You have this great security. 00:04:56.639 --> 00:04:57.639 It's good news. 00:04:58.459 --> 00:05:04.120 And even if you're not at this stage trusting, even if you're seeking or even not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:13.079 like I said to the children, in some ways that's bad news, but here is good news that speaks into your situation as well. 00:05:13.079 --> 00:05:15.259 It is the gospel that we need. 00:05:15.319 --> 00:05:17.579 It is the word that we need. 00:05:18.659 --> 00:05:23.139 And the word, there's so much that leaves us amazed in this passage. 00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:26.579 So many different things that it says to us. 00:05:26.740 --> 00:05:34.699 But today I just want to focus on what our security is in that sense of, is it in that Lord Jesus Christ? 00:05:34.699 --> 00:05:43.860 Is it good news for you or is it bad news when it says nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:45.500 Is that good news? 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:49.459 Is that your security or is that what you're longing for? 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:56.539 This passage speaks, yes, looking back, but it also speaks looking forward as well. 00:05:57.079 --> 00:05:58.180 And that's the way we live too. 00:05:58.259 --> 00:06:01.039 We're always maybe looking ahead to things too. 00:06:01.099 --> 00:06:03.120 We want to have that hope. 00:06:03.120 --> 00:06:06.519 And we always start a new year with that sense of positivity. 00:06:07.639 --> 00:06:08.620 Things will be better. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:11.300 Things will be different in this coming year. 00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:14.139 And we could ask, what excites you about 2026? 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:17.459 What are you looking forward to in 2026? 00:06:17.579 --> 00:06:18.500 What are you anticipating? 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:23.540 There'll be many people who have lots of different things that excite looking ahead too. 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:32.160 But the greatest thing that could excite us and challenge us is, well, do we know this Lord with us going into it? 00:06:32.200 --> 00:06:37.460 The love of God that we see in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 00:06:37.459 --> 00:06:45.079 And in verse 31, you have a real challenging question. 00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:50.219 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:06:51.819 --> 00:06:56.779 Imagine God against us in 2026. 00:06:56.779 --> 00:07:26.759 Imagine God against us. 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:27.379 Imagine God against us. 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:29.579 But seeing it in the light of what it says. 00:07:29.699 --> 00:07:35.139 If God is for us, well, who or what can be against us? 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.819 There is where we find our security. 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:43.180 And so Paul in this section has a lot of questions being asked. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:46.819 We're going to look at two of these questions in particular. 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:56.920 But then at the end, he has a confident statement about where security is found and what this security means. 00:07:58.159 --> 00:08:01.399 And we're going to look at it first under the first question. 00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:04.199 And we have this in verse 33. 00:08:05.019 --> 00:08:09.839 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:08:09.979 --> 00:08:12.620 God's chosen people. 00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:18.379 Who will bring any charge against God's chosen people? 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:20.039 God's elect. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:26.340 So many people live in this world with a false sense of security. 00:08:27.660 --> 00:08:31.819 Feeling untouchable to the things that are eternal. 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:37.379 Feeling so we can just carry on as we are and nothing's going to make a difference to us. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:39.920 We're going to have this security in life. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:41.279 We're going to have all that we need. 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.440 We've got everything that we need in this world. 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:46.200 But without Christ, it's nothing. 00:08:47.520 --> 00:08:51.060 And again and again we're reminded of how quickly this changes. 00:08:52.160 --> 00:08:55.900 There's a book called At Dawn We Slept. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:06.840 And it recounts the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the 7th of December 1941 during the Second World War. 00:09:07.900 --> 00:09:10.480 I'm sure many of you will have heard of Pearl Harbor. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:12.000 You'll have seen the movie. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:17.159 It recounts an event that people never saw coming. 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:22.879 And what this book, part of this book says, recounting those events was, 00:09:22.980 --> 00:09:28.899 a Japanese attack on Hawaii is regarded as the most unlikely thing in the world. 00:09:29.659 --> 00:09:32.919 With one chance in a million of being successful. 00:09:33.860 --> 00:09:39.139 Besides having more powerful defenses than any other post under the American flag, 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:41.500 it is protected by distance. 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:45.519 This was how they viewed the situation in Hawaii. 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:48.100 An attack unlikely. 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:49.700 Highly unlikely. 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:52.720 The most unlikely thing in the world. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:56.419 And that's why the book's called At Dawn We Slept. 00:09:57.080 --> 00:10:03.740 Because people were in their beds, sleeping, quite comfortable and at peace when these events unfolded. 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:06.960 And many thousands lost their lives. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:09.919 False security. 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:13.340 They didn't see an attack coming. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:16.399 And yet that's how so many people live in this world. 00:10:17.120 --> 00:10:20.320 Sleeping peacefully, thinking nothing's going to touch me. 00:10:20.440 --> 00:10:21.639 Eternity doesn't matter. 00:10:21.639 --> 00:10:25.259 And yet so quickly things can change. 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:29.139 So where do we find security? 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:32.379 Well, it is in God alone. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:37.080 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:46.700 And Paul here in these verses, he's wanting us to be realizing a real sense of God's love for his people. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:49.500 God's everlasting love. 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:55.899 So much of it goes beyond our understanding and our comprehension at times. 00:10:56.460 --> 00:10:58.460 But he wants us to know it. 00:10:59.700 --> 00:11:04.600 And as we go into this new year, it's to know this more and more that we should desire. 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:08.559 To know this grace, to be assured of it. 00:11:08.559 --> 00:11:10.579 Because we can struggle. 00:11:11.719 --> 00:11:14.339 We struggle with assurance. 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:19.379 We struggle with being aware just fully of God's love. 00:11:19.439 --> 00:11:22.279 And you can fear God rejecting you. 00:11:23.119 --> 00:11:26.739 That God won't be for us or for you or for me. 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:29.819 That he will condemn us. 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:38.220 And yet what we see here is, as he asks this question, who shall bring any charge against God elect? 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:40.660 It is God who justifies. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:43.600 Who is it to condemn? 00:11:44.420 --> 00:11:47.620 Who is it to condemn us if God is for us? 00:11:47.800 --> 00:11:48.640 Nobody can. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:51.960 Because it is God who justifies. 00:11:52.660 --> 00:11:57.620 And he's saying, the question in verse 31, what shall we say to these things? 00:11:57.620 --> 00:12:00.860 It is in light of being justified with God. 00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:02.960 You see it in verse 30. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:05.019 Those whom he predestined, he called. 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:07.100 Those whom he called, he justified. 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:10.419 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:15.299 There is great confidence in these words. 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:17.980 So what do we say to these things? 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:21.860 Well, who can bring a charge against God elect? 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.019 Nobody. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:25.379 Because it is God who justifies. 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:26.919 Who can condemn? 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:30.840 Not when we're in Christ Jesus. 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:37.220 So what we have to ask in the midst of all our insecurity, all our uncertainties is, 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:39.500 What does Scripture say? 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:43.060 What does the Bible say? 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:47.279 If we feel insecure and uncertain, what does Scripture say? 00:12:47.279 --> 00:12:49.819 Well, it says, 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:56.620 He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us. 00:12:57.799 --> 00:12:58.740 Isn't that wonderful? 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:03.139 That we have been given a Savior in Christ Jesus. 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:06.000 So who is it that can condemn? 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:10.220 When you go back to verse 1 of chapter 8. 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:13.700 We didn't read it, but these words, I'm sure many of you know them. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:16.159 Verse 1 of chapter 8. 00:13:16.799 --> 00:13:22.980 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:13:22.980 --> 00:13:26.360 How can this be? 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:29.519 How can we have this security? 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:34.080 Well, it's because Christ Jesus has paid the price. 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:37.080 Christ Jesus is the one who died. 00:13:37.320 --> 00:13:39.480 More than that, who is raised. 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:43.899 Who is at the right hand of God and who is interceding for us. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:46.300 He is our security. 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:51.500 If we put our trust in him, there is no condemnation. 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:55.479 One commentator uses this illustration. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:58.620 He uses the illustration of a mountain climber. 00:13:59.339 --> 00:14:03.939 And the mountain climber who is tied to his guide by a rope. 00:14:05.079 --> 00:14:10.579 And the mountain climber being insecure, being unfamiliar with his surroundings, 00:14:10.740 --> 00:14:14.679 is trying to climb this mountain and very often falling off. 00:14:14.679 --> 00:14:20.359 But he's being held all the time by the rope that's tied to his guide. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:22.419 So he doesn't fall. 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:26.139 And what he says is, this is the way we are with Christ. 00:14:27.699 --> 00:14:29.639 Christ who is our guide. 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:32.620 Christ who we are in and secure in. 00:14:32.699 --> 00:14:34.739 Though we are slipping, though we are stumbling, 00:14:35.179 --> 00:14:38.819 we are secure to him through his love for us. 00:14:39.959 --> 00:14:41.659 The one who died for us. 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:42.939 The one who rose again. 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:45.240 The one who is at the right hand of God. 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:48.440 The one who is interceding for you, even as you pray. 00:14:49.400 --> 00:14:50.900 The one who is on your side. 00:14:52.300 --> 00:14:56.740 So we have this security there in Christ Jesus. 00:14:57.020 --> 00:15:02.660 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:07.439 So who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:09.039 Who can condemn them? 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:13.819 There is no condemnation when we are in Christ Jesus. 00:15:16.219 --> 00:15:20.939 The second thing we see is in verse 35 to verse 37. 00:15:22.079 --> 00:15:25.279 Verse 35 begins with a question there as well. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:29.179 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:35.579 There are so many situations in life where we can think, 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:37.679 well, the world is in chaos. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:39.819 The world is falling apart. 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:42.559 It's as if the devil is winning the battle. 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:46.740 Everything seems to be going against the Christian faith. 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:55.180 It can be easy to feel alone, defeated in situations where hope, security, and these things seems far away. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:58.980 But there is hope for us. 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:02.220 And there is real hope for us. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:05.960 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:13.240 Well, we see, as we were reflecting on New Year's Day, life is so often like a journey. 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:15.940 We make our way through life. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.820 And even as we think of going into this year ahead, 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:25.540 we see that it will be a journey that we go on in many different trials and tribulations that come our way. 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:29.160 And verse 35 outlines that for us. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:34.540 Tribulations, distress, persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword. 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:40.039 There are all these things going on in the lives of the people in Paul's day as they are in our own day. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:42.620 All these worries, all these fears. 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:47.039 And the scripture, when we think, what does the word of God say? 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:50.740 Well, it says this is the reality of the world in which we live. 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:53.199 Jesus has told us so. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:55.959 In John 16, verse 33, 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:58.000 Jesus spoke and said, 00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:00.639 In this world you will have trouble. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:05.779 So the scripture tells us we will have trouble. 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:09.519 But in John there, Jesus goes on to say, 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.660 But take heart. 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:13.559 I have overcome the world. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:17.759 He doesn't say you will overcome the world. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:22.519 He doesn't say you will get through this in your own strength. 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:30.740 All these tribulations, distresses, persecutions, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:33.039 It's not a case of you will get through, 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.220 but he has overcome. 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:38.299 He has dealt with it. 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:42.039 And so, this is a trying journey. 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:43.500 This is a difficult journey. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:50.660 But it's also a triumphant journey when we are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:55.299 We are more than conquerors, he goes on to say. 00:17:55.400 --> 00:17:59.480 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors. 00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:06.119 Not through our strength, but through him. 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:09.779 Through him who loved us. 00:18:10.679 --> 00:18:13.599 Through him who loved us. 00:18:17.179 --> 00:18:19.959 Do we have that confidence? 00:18:21.159 --> 00:18:23.159 Do we have that security? 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:26.399 Do we have that assurance? 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:33.259 All these questions that we might have about what's going on around us, 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:36.879 as we review a year, as we look ahead to a new one. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:39.400 All the worries, all the anxieties that we have. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:44.400 But all of these things, tribulations, distress, persecution, so on. 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:47.839 What shall separate us? 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:51.980 Or who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.519 Will any of these things? 00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:57.039 Well, Paul says no. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.900 None of these things. 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:02.460 When we are trusting in him. 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:07.920 Because in all these things, we are more than conquerors. 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:11.759 In this world, you will have many troubles. 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:17.240 But take heart, I have overcome the world. 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:22.000 So we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:19:23.600 --> 00:19:27.079 Good news or bad news? 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:30.319 What side are you on? 00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:34.740 Think of being at the ferry. 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:40.859 There's two different kinds of people you often see waiting at the ferry. 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:46.059 You have those who are booked, waiting to go on. 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:51.899 You have those who are on standby, wondering if they'll get on. 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:57.220 And when you look at them, they are dealing with the situation quite differently. 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:59.380 Booked to go on? 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.259 Relaxed. 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:07.259 Sitting quite at ease, quite peacefully, waiting just to go on board. 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:09.540 Reading a paper. 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:10.680 Chatting away. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.680 Those on standby. 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.680 Those on standby. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.340 Those on standby. 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:15.279 Looking more worried. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.480 More anxious. 00:20:17.060 --> 00:20:18.740 Counting the cars ahead of them. 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:20.640 Wondering, will they get on? 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.500 Will they be there? 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:25.779 Phoning or texting people saying, we're on standby. 00:20:25.900 --> 00:20:27.920 We're not sure if we're going to get on. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:30.820 Maybe trying to make alternative arrangements. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:35.059 What side are you on? 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:38.379 Somebody asked the question. 00:20:40.039 --> 00:20:49.220 If you knew that in 15 minutes you would have to stand in judgment before the Holy God and learn your eternal destiny, 00:20:50.179 --> 00:20:52.480 what would your reaction be? 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:56.879 What side are you on? 00:20:56.880 --> 00:21:05.640 Are you in the lane that's booked, trusting in the Lord, quite at ease? 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:10.880 Your trust is in him who has made you more than a conqueror. 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:14.860 Who has overcome the world for you. 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:21.600 Or are you in the lane that's standby, wondering, will I get on? 00:21:22.340 --> 00:21:23.200 Will I get in? 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:25.080 Will he welcome me? 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:28.779 Or will he say, depart from me, I knew you not. 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:31.659 What side are you on? 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:36.039 Is this good news or bad news? 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:41.819 Well, to have it as good news is to know Christ. 00:21:43.179 --> 00:21:46.980 To know that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:51.799 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:56.680 Nothing if we are trusting in him. 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:59.779 So there are these questions. 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.279 And there's lots of them. 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:04.799 We could look at other questions that Paul has here as well. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:09.920 But these two give us enough to make us think, well, what are we doing? 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:13.259 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:16.740 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:19.619 What side are we on? 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:28.859 Well, Paul reminds us of the side that we need to be on with his statement in verse 38 and 39. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:32.359 And this is our great security. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:51.939 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:23:21.920 The questions end. 00:23:21.920 --> 00:23:23.920 This is our God. 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:26.220 This is our God who has remembered us. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:34.220 Who is assuring us that nothing will be able to separate us from his love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:37.660 Do we react in the same way today? 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:39.440 Do these words astound you? 00:23:39.820 --> 00:23:46.039 Do these words remind you of what you have in Christ or what you need in Christ? 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:49.519 Are you assured by them? 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:51.899 Or do you doubt them? 00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:54.940 Again, what side are you on? 00:23:55.940 --> 00:24:02.659 David Hume, who was a philosopher back in the 18th century and very much against the Christian faith. 00:24:02.660 --> 00:24:08.140 There is a story recounted of him once meeting a friend who was hurrying along the streets in London. 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:11.500 And he stopped him and asked him, where are you going? 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.920 In such a rush. 00:24:14.040 --> 00:24:17.460 And the friend replied, I'm going to hear George Whitefield preach. 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:23.880 And David Hume said to his friend, but surely you don't believe what Whitefield preaches to you. 00:24:25.100 --> 00:24:27.559 And his friend replied, no I don't. 00:24:28.100 --> 00:24:29.400 But he does. 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:37.780 And because of the way he believed George Whitefield, this man was going to hear to see if it could possibly be true. 00:24:39.280 --> 00:24:41.019 Do we have that confidence? 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:43.640 Do we show that assurance? 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:47.100 Do we believe what we hear in the word of God? 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:49.680 Is this our great assurance? 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:52.660 Is this our great security? 00:24:52.660 --> 00:25:00.940 Paul's conclusion here is a personal remark, but it's also a remark that every believer should have. 00:25:01.960 --> 00:25:08.200 We can all take confidence, for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor any of these things. 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:11.080 Are you sure today? 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:14.019 Is this your assurance? 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.420 Is this your security? 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:18.980 There's so many things listed here. 00:25:19.580 --> 00:25:20.960 There's things for today. 00:25:21.140 --> 00:25:22.240 There's things for eternity. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:24.980 There's things for time and things for the future. 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:27.000 There's so many things. 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:31.079 It's a long list of powers and rulers. 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:36.059 Anything in all creation that comes against us. 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:42.240 But his greatest assurance is in Christ. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:51.359 None of these things will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:56.120 Life brings so many challenges. 00:25:56.120 --> 00:25:59.579 Life brings so many temptations that come our way. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.660 C.H. Spurgeon once said, 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:05.620 I am not so much afraid of dying as I am of sinning. 00:26:05.619 --> 00:26:09.359 That is ten times worse than death. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:11.279 Life. 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:14.879 Life cannot separate us from the love of God. 00:26:14.880 --> 00:26:17.540 Well, so many people let it. 00:26:17.540 --> 00:26:19.740 Because, like you see in the parable of the Sower, 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:25.300 the word that gets scattered and falls among the thorny ground. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:29.420 The worries and riches and pleasures of this life come up and choke it. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:34.320 Life has so many demands on us. 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.940 Try and choke us. 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:41.240 But Paul says, 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.759 Trust in the Lord. 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:48.080 And life will not separate you from him. 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:49.860 And death. 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:53.480 Our greatest enemy in some ways. 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:56.059 Our greatest fear for many. 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:59.220 When that time comes, what does it mean? 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:02.920 Well, what does the word of God say? 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:10.140 Not even death shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:14.500 What security there are in these words. 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:18.640 What confidence there are in these words. 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:22.180 Because we see it in Christ. 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:24.480 The one who came. 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:27.000 Who died on the cross. 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:30.320 But more than that, the one who is raised. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:32.700 And is at the right hand of God. 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:35.560 And who is indeed interceding for us. 00:27:37.060 --> 00:27:39.700 If God is for us. 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:41.940 Who can be against us? 00:27:43.300 --> 00:27:45.820 Imagine going into this year. 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:48.740 With God against you. 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:52.139 It will be a fearful thing. 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:56.220 So why not go into the year. 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.500 With God for you. 00:27:59.439 --> 00:28:00.639 And assured. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.759 And secure. 00:28:03.159 --> 00:28:04.859 Because if God is for us. 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:08.039 Who can be against us? 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:10.339 And when we know that. 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:12.179 We know nothing. 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:15.059 Will separate us from the love of God. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:18.179 In Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:21.000 May we find ourselves. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:23.500 Secure in him. 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:25.119 Let us pray. 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.980 Lord our gracious God. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:30.779 We thank you. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:32.220 For your word. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.359 And when we have our doubts. 00:28:34.639 --> 00:28:35.740 When we have our fears. 00:28:36.419 --> 00:28:37.460 Help us to ask. 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:38.799 What does your word say? 00:28:39.679 --> 00:28:41.099 For when we look to your word. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.399 We find there such. 00:28:43.139 --> 00:28:44.440 Confident assurance. 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:46.920 If God is for us. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.340 Who can be against us? 00:28:49.120 --> 00:28:50.299 And in this world. 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:51.720 When we have so many difficulties. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.519 And trials. 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.380 When so many things. 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.700 Seek to separate us. 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:56.779 From the love of God. 00:28:57.580 --> 00:28:58.660 May we be able to find. 00:28:58.759 --> 00:29:00.120 That there is nothing able to. 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:02.480 Nothing can separate us. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.500 From the love of God. 00:29:03.880 --> 00:29:06.160 That is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.240 Lord. 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.860 And so we ask. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:08.440 That we would be. 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:10.180 More than conquerors. 00:29:10.580 --> 00:29:12.120 Through him who loved us. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.700 Hear our prayers. 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.840 Pardon our sin. 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.040 As we ask all. 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:16.980 In Jesus name. 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:17.840 Amen. 00:29:17.839 --> 00:29:24.439 We are going to conclude. 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:26.000 By singing to God's praise. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:27.779 In Psalm 46a. 00:29:27.859 --> 00:29:29.199 The sing Psalms version. 00:29:32.159 --> 00:29:34.419 Psalm 46a. 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:38.359 We will sing from verse 8 to 11. 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:40.259 Page 60 of the psalm books. 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:43.920 Come see the works. 00:29:43.920 --> 00:29:44.900 The Lord has done. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.619 The judgments. 00:29:46.099 --> 00:29:46.819 He commands. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.779 The desolations. 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:49.200 He has brought to pass. 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.599 In many lands. 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.420 In every land. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.359 Throughout the earth. 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:54.420 He makes all conflicts cease. 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:55.500 He shatters bow. 00:29:55.619 --> 00:29:56.119 And spear. 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:56.759 And shield. 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:57.859 And brings. 00:29:58.220 --> 00:29:59.319 His reign of peace. 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.119 Be still. 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.900 And know that I am God. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.339 On earth. 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:03.400 Exalted high. 00:30:03.879 --> 00:30:04.740 And all the nations. 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:05.619 Of the world. 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.420 My name. 00:30:06.980 --> 00:30:08.019 Will glorify. 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.480 Then we have that. 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:10.279 Great assurance. 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:11.140 In the last verse. 00:30:11.220 --> 00:30:12.279 The Lord almighty. 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:13.759 Is with us. 00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:15.480 To strengthen and sustain. 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:17.360 For Jacob's God. 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:18.640 Our strong defense. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:19.880 And fortress. 00:30:20.019 --> 00:30:20.779 Will remain. 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:21.220 We will sing. 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.259 These verses. 00:30:22.440 --> 00:30:23.559 At Tuna Stroudwater. 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:24.640 We stand to sing. 00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:25.759 To God's praise. 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.440 Amen. 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:28.840 To God's praise. 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:28.840 00:30:28.839 --> 00:30:45.839 The Lord has done, the judgment he commands, 00:30:45.839 --> 00:31:02.839 the desolations he has brought to pass in many lands. 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:20.779 In every land throughout the earth, he makes all concrete seas. 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:38.779 He shatters hope and fear and shield and brings his reign of peace. 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:56.599 Be still and know that I am God on every soul did I, 00:31:56.599 --> 00:32:14.599 and all the nations of the world, my name will glorify. 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:32.599 The Lord Almighty is with us to strengthen and sustain. 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:51.039 For Jacob's God, our strong defense and mortals will remain. 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:56.459 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my left. 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.740 We'll close with the benediction. 00:32:57.740 --> 00:33:03.299 Let me grace, mercy and peace from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit 00:33:03.299 --> 00:33:06.740 rest upon and abide with you all now and forevermore. 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:08.200 Amen. 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.740 Amen. 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:28.740 Amen. 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.740 Amen. 00:33:58.799 --> 00:33:58.740 Amen. 00:33:58.799 --> 00:33:58.740 Amen. 00:33:58.799 --> 00:33:58.740 Amen. 00:33:58.799 --> 00:33:59.740 Amen. 00:33:59.759 --> 00:33:59.740 Amen.