WEBVTT

00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:11.019
 We're going to begin our worship this morning by singing to God's praise. We're singing in Psalm 33 in the Scottish Psalter, page 245 of the psalm book.

00:00:11.839 --> 00:00:15.839
 Psalm 33, we're going to sing from verse 8 down to verse 14.

00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:20.580
 Here in this psalm, verse 8,

00:00:21.300 --> 00:00:25.379
 Let earth and all that live therein with reverence fear the Lord.

00:00:25.379 --> 00:00:29.320
 Let all the world's inhabitants thread him with one accord.

00:00:29.320 --> 00:00:33.219
 For he did speak the word and done, it was without delay.

00:00:33.899 --> 00:00:37.380
 Established it firmly stood whatever he did say.

00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:46.260
 We're reminded in this psalm of how this is the Lord who has created and made the heavens and the earth by his word and established it all.

00:00:46.820 --> 00:00:53.260
 And as we're going to look at this morning in this service, a day will come when the Lord will come back to earth,

00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:56.700
 back to reclaim and remake all that is his.

00:00:56.700 --> 00:01:01.080
 So we're going to sing from verse 8 to 14 to God's praise.

00:01:01.079 --> 00:01:22.079
 Let earth and all that live therein with reverence fear the Lord.

00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:39.079
 Let all the world's inhabitants thread him with one accord.

00:01:39.079 --> 00:01:54.079
 For he did speak the word and done, it was without delay.

00:01:54.079 --> 00:02:12.079
 He established it firmly stood whatever he did say.

00:02:12.080 --> 00:02:28.540
 God doth the council bring to naught, which he then folk do take.

00:02:28.539 --> 00:02:44.539
 And what the people do devise, of none effect doth make.

00:02:44.539 --> 00:03:01.659
 O but the council of the Lord doth stand forever sure.

00:03:01.659 --> 00:03:17.659
 God of his heart the purposes from age to age endure.

00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:31.659
 That nation blessed is whose God Jehovah is.

00:03:31.659 --> 00:03:33.719
 God of His standard is not able to tell.

00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:36.659
 God of his own faith inening the world has been resurrected.

00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:37.659
 For God's idolize now, He読 Kyle.

00:03:37.659 --> 00:03:38.659
 God of His Son.

00:03:38.659 --> 00:03:40.659
 God of His Son is contrary to his life.

00:03:41.699 --> 00:03:42.659
 Lord midwろう to kneel, too.

00:03:42.659 --> 00:03:43.659
 Father King of angels host Israel is with one accord.

00:03:43.659 --> 00:03:44.359
 That nation with друз and against Him.

00:03:48.639 --> 00:03:52.659
 Sh rivals or drum a man Heamethrouff on faith in every step.

00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:55.680
 God of heaven's doubt the radiation of God.

00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:56.560
 Christ in whether he consequently.

00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:07.080
 and behold all sons of men full well.

00:04:07.080 --> 00:04:16.100
 He views all from his dwelling place

00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:23.120
 that in the earth do dwell.

00:04:26.560 --> 00:04:30.280
 Well, we've come to God in prayer.

00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:32.139
 Now let's bow our heads in a word of prayer.

00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:37.060
 Our Father in heaven, as we gather this day,

00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:38.300
 we thank you for it.

00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:41.780
 We thank you that this Lord's Day, your Sunday,

00:04:42.019 --> 00:04:45.860
 is a day of coming for this purpose of worship,

00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:50.259
 of gathering together and of spending time around your word

00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:52.680
 and refreshing ourselves in it,

00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:55.079
 not just a rest for our bodies,

00:04:55.079 --> 00:04:58.740
 but a rest for ourselves from the busyness of the week

00:04:58.740 --> 00:05:01.579
 and especially to be reminded of the rest

00:05:01.579 --> 00:05:03.500
 that we have in Jesus Christ.

00:05:04.300 --> 00:05:05.539
 And we pray today, Lord,

00:05:05.599 --> 00:05:07.939
 that if we come feeling tired and weary,

00:05:08.599 --> 00:05:11.539
 if we come maybe anxious about the week ahead,

00:05:11.639 --> 00:05:14.759
 worried about what maybe lies ahead in a busy week,

00:05:15.479 --> 00:05:17.899
 especially when we think of young ones just now

00:05:17.899 --> 00:05:20.719
 who have preliminaries in these coming weeks

00:05:20.720 --> 00:05:24.440
 and children may be busy in school in different ways,

00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:27.820
 we thank you, Lord, that you hear our prayers

00:05:27.820 --> 00:05:29.300
 and that you are there for us.

00:05:29.960 --> 00:05:32.100
 We thank you that you remind us

00:05:32.100 --> 00:05:34.760
 that we have a great gift in prayer,

00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:38.320
 that all the things that worry us we can bring to you.

00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:41.140
 For you care for us, you love us,

00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:43.540
 as your people, as your children.

00:05:43.540 --> 00:05:47.300
 And we pray, Lord, that you will hear all our prayers today,

00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:48.819
 from the youngest to the oldest,

00:05:49.020 --> 00:05:50.840
 that as we look to you,

00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:53.700
 we seek your blessing on your word to us

00:05:53.700 --> 00:05:54.900
 and upon all that we do.

00:05:55.400 --> 00:05:57.200
 May we continue to learn from you,

00:05:57.860 --> 00:05:59.540
 to learn about your goodness

00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:01.860
 and your love towards us,

00:06:02.200 --> 00:06:04.040
 and also about the many warnings

00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:06.520
 that your word gives to us as well,

00:06:06.580 --> 00:06:08.200
 even as we consider them today,

00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.780
 Lord, that we would hear your voice

00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:12.079
 and listen to you.

00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:13.759
 So, Lord, bless us all,

00:06:13.839 --> 00:06:15.559
 bless us as families and our homes

00:06:15.559 --> 00:06:17.259
 and our communities and our schools,

00:06:17.899 --> 00:06:20.279
 Sunday school and creche and twinnies today as well,

00:06:20.339 --> 00:06:22.500
 Lord, we ask that you will bless each and every one

00:06:22.500 --> 00:06:24.679
 who attends here today.

00:06:25.039 --> 00:06:27.139
 Watch over us and take care of us today

00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:28.339
 and in all the days ahead.

00:06:28.779 --> 00:06:31.219
 So we ask all these things in Jesus' name.

00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:32.219
 Amen.

00:06:35.159 --> 00:06:40.259
 Well, who here enjoys watching the weather forecast

00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:43.120
 Does anybody like watching the weather forecast?

00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:45.399
 You make a point every day of sitting down

00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:48.800
 and seeing what the forecast is for the next few days.

00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:52.620
 Every evening, now you've got apps on your phones

00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:54.659
 or on your iPad or these kinds of things

00:06:54.659 --> 00:06:57.120
 and people are always looking at them.

00:06:57.899 --> 00:07:00.399
 There's apps and you're maybe looking two weeks ahead

00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:00.879
 and you're saying,

00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:04.219
 look, it's going to be a severe gale in two weeks,

00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:06.360
 there's going to be a hundred mile an hour winds.

00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:08.960
 But by the time the two weeks passes,

00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:10.520
 it's a clear sunny day,

00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:12.460
 they got the forecast wrong.

00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:15.199
 Because so often when they're trying to do a forecast

00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:19.120
 way in advance and along a week or two weeks ahead,

00:07:19.199 --> 00:07:22.480
 they don't always know exactly what's going to happen.

00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:24.920
 But yesterday we were told

00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:27.139
 that we were going to be under a weather warning

00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:32.280
 from midnight last night until midnight tomorrow night.

00:07:32.279 --> 00:07:35.919
 A warning about snow and ice.

00:07:36.919 --> 00:07:38.399
 And if you'd been checking the forecast,

00:07:38.579 --> 00:07:40.000
 you were maybe thinking this morning,

00:07:40.219 --> 00:07:42.339
 you would get up and you'd look out the window

00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:44.059
 or open the door and you'd see the place

00:07:44.059 --> 00:07:45.519
 would be white with snow.

00:07:46.479 --> 00:07:47.319
 And was it?

00:07:48.359 --> 00:07:48.799
 No.

00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:52.279
 Does that mean the forecast was wrong?

00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:54.659
 Well, maybe not.

00:07:54.739 --> 00:07:57.359
 Not yet because we're still under the warning, aren't we?

00:07:57.379 --> 00:08:00.159
 So maybe tonight or maybe tomorrow morning

00:08:00.160 --> 00:08:03.080
 when you get up, the place might be white with snow.

00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:05.040
 We wait and see, don't we?

00:08:05.520 --> 00:08:08.060
 And sometimes when we hear these kind of weather warnings,

00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:09.260
 we maybe start thinking,

00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:12.320
 great, there might not be any school tomorrow.

00:08:12.840 --> 00:08:15.040
 If there's loads of snow, we can't get out,

00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:16.120
 we'll get a day at home.

00:08:16.940 --> 00:08:19.540
 But for other people, they might be scared.

00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:22.540
 They think, oh no, what if I can't get out of the house?

00:08:22.620 --> 00:08:23.840
 Well, I've got to go somewhere.

00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:25.020
 I've got to travel somewhere.

00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:26.379
 I might not be able to go.

00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:28.900
 Some people get excited about the warning.

00:08:28.899 --> 00:08:31.620
 Some people are worried about the warning.

00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:34.679
 Well, today in our service,

00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:36.620
 we're going to be thinking about a warning

00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:39.519
 that the Lord gives in his word.

00:08:40.199 --> 00:08:43.720
 And a warning that we're all under today and every day.

00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:47.399
 And it's a warning that the Lord is going to come.

00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:49.419
 He's going to come.

00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:52.039
 Again, Jesus came into the world.

00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:53.720
 That's what we read in the Bible.

00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:55.679
 We see that Jesus came into the world.

00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:58.919
 He came into this world and lived in this world among the people.

00:08:59.219 --> 00:09:01.199
 He gave his life in this world.

00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:05.279
 We look at the cross so often and we see there Jesus giving his life.

00:09:05.359 --> 00:09:06.799
 And then he rose from the grave.

00:09:07.359 --> 00:09:10.059
 But what did he say before he left this world?

00:09:10.579 --> 00:09:13.539
 He said, I am going to come again.

00:09:14.319 --> 00:09:15.759
 And that's the warning that he's given us.

00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:16.679
 I'm going to come again.

00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:20.719
 We don't know when, but the Bible tells us it's going to happen.

00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:24.200
 But like the weather forecast, when we're looking,

00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:25.860
 maybe we're thinking far in advance,

00:09:25.920 --> 00:09:28.460
 we're just not sure what's going to happen.

00:09:28.899 --> 00:09:30.259
 Maybe the Bible got it wrong.

00:09:30.360 --> 00:09:32.300
 Maybe Jesus isn't coming after all.

00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:33.700
 It's been so long.

00:09:34.399 --> 00:09:35.399
 Surely he was going to come.

00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:36.420
 He'd have come by now.

00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:39.779
 But the warning is still there for us.

00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:42.840
 He's telling us he's going to come.

00:09:43.100 --> 00:09:44.180
 That's his promise.

00:09:44.800 --> 00:09:47.300
 For some people, we'll be excited about that.

00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:49.639
 We look forward to the day of his coming.

00:09:49.639 --> 00:09:53.620
 For other people, you may be worried about that day.

00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:55.860
 You may be afraid of that day.

00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:59.919
 But what the Bible is telling us is to be ready for that day.

00:10:00.439 --> 00:10:03.720
 If we know a weather warning's in place for snow or gales,

00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:07.279
 we maybe make preparations by getting extra food in

00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:08.519
 or these kinds of things.

00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:12.740
 Well, the Bible warns us to be ready for his coming again.

00:10:13.319 --> 00:10:16.340
 And the way to be ready is to hear what he's saying,

00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:18.799
 that we are to trust in Jesus.

00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:21.120
 To take refuge in him.

00:10:21.679 --> 00:10:25.500
 And that way, we'll be safe and secure on the day when he comes.

00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:27.299
 We'll be looking forward to that day.

00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:29.039
 We'll be excited for that day.

00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:32.399
 Because then we will see Jesus if we're believing in him.

00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:34.699
 And we'll be with him forever.

00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:37.840
 So we're under a weather warning just now.

00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:40.600
 But we're under a greater warning too.

00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:43.700
 A warning from the Bible that Jesus is coming.

00:10:43.700 --> 00:10:47.440
 So let us be ready for when he comes.

00:10:47.920 --> 00:10:51.280
 We're going to say the Lord's Prayer together now.

00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:54.660
 Our Father which art in heaven,

00:10:55.140 --> 00:10:56.560
 hallowed be thy name.

00:10:57.160 --> 00:10:58.420
 Thy kingdom come.

00:10:59.040 --> 00:11:01.840
 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:04.500
 Give us this day our daily bread.

00:11:05.160 --> 00:11:08.400
 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:12.819
 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:17.059
 For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:18.159
 Amen.

00:11:19.959 --> 00:11:24.220
 We're going to sing again to God's praise this time in Psalm 18.

00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.360
 In the Sing Psalms version.

00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:30.120
 Psalm 18 on page 19 of the psalm books.

00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:35.639
 We're going to sing from verse 1 down to verse 10.

00:11:37.340 --> 00:11:40.240
 Psalm 18, verse 1.

00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:41.100
 I love you, Lord.

00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.340
 You are my strength.

00:11:42.419 --> 00:11:45.019
 A fortress is the Lord to me.

00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:46.700
 My rock and my deliverer.

00:11:47.179 --> 00:11:49.779
 For refuge to my God I flee.

00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:54.200
 Words remind us that we can find refuge in God.

00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:56.019
 Not just for the day of his return,

00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:59.399
 but for every day that we can take refuge in him.

00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:01.919
 Psalm 18, verse 1 to 10.

00:12:07.579 --> 00:12:11.299
 I love you, Lord.

00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:15.480
 You are my strength.

00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:23.980
 A fortress is the Lord to me.

00:12:23.980 --> 00:12:32.320
 My rock and my deliverer.

00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:40.399
 For refuge to my God I flee.

00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:50.159
 He is my stronghold and my shield.

00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:58.839
 The Lord who saves me by his might.

00:12:58.839 --> 00:13:07.219
 I'll call on him and give him praise.

00:13:07.219 --> 00:13:09.299
 I'm safe.

00:13:09.339 --> 00:13:16.679
 He puts my foes to flight.

00:13:16.679 --> 00:13:25.019
 The cords of death entangled me.

00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:33.819
 Destruction hit me like a wave.

00:13:33.820 --> 00:13:42.200
 Encircled by the snares of death.

00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:51.560
 I face the terrors of the grave.

00:13:51.559 --> 00:14:00.359
 In my distress I called on God.

00:14:00.359 --> 00:14:08.939
 I cried out to the Lord for aid.

00:14:08.940 --> 00:14:17.540
 He from his temple heard my voice.

00:14:17.540 --> 00:14:26.920
 He listened to the prayer I made.

00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:35.559
 The earth before God's anger quaked.

00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:43.819
 The mountains deep foundations shook.

00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:52.039
 Consuming fire blazed from his mouth.

00:14:52.039 --> 00:15:01.459
 And from his nostrils came forth smoke.

00:15:01.459 --> 00:15:09.759
 The heavens parted, he came down.

00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:17.980
 Beneath his feet the dark clouds lay.

00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:25.539
 Upon the cherubim he flew.

00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:35.200
 On wings of wind he made his way.

00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:41.020
 God's water llames.

00:15:41.020 --> 00:15:44.280
 We can turn to read God's word together.

00:15:44.280 --> 00:15:46.360
 Now we're going to read two passages.

00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:48.379
 First of all in the Gospel of Matthew.

00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:51.200
 Matthew chapter 24.

00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:54.560
 We'll read from the beginning down to verse 14.

00:15:55.220 --> 00:16:00.259
 And then we'll turn to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 1 to 5.

00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:02.940
 So first reading in Matthew chapter 24.

00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:06.440
 reading from the beginning of that chapter.

00:16:07.760 --> 00:16:13.740
 Jesus left the temple and was going away when his disciples came to point out to him the

00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:21.100
 buildings of the temple. But he answered them, you see all these, do you not? Truly I say to you,

00:16:21.560 --> 00:16:26.440
 there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.

00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:32.540
 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately saying,

00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:40.140
 tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the

00:16:40.140 --> 00:16:48.660
 age? And Jesus answered them, see that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name saying,

00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:56.240
 I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of war.

00:16:56.440 --> 00:17:02.440
 See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

00:17:02.940 --> 00:17:09.779
 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and

00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:17.660
 earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will

00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:24.940
 deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death. And you will be hated by all nations for my name's

00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:32.680
 sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets

00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:40.000
 will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many

00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:47.799
 will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom

00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:56.659
 will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will

00:17:56.659 --> 00:18:06.539
 come. We'll turn to our second reading in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. We're going to read

00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:15.579
 just verse 1 to verse 5 of chapter 2. But you notice in chapter 1, there it speaks about the judgment at

00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:23.759
 Christ's coming. That section of the end of chapter 1 from verse 5 to the end speaks about the day of the

00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:32.839
 Lord's judgment. Some will be the promise of heaven fulfilled to others. Their destiny is eternal

00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:40.160
 destruction and flaming fire, as it calls it there in verse 8, what we call hell. We see the picture of

00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:48.519
 heaven and hell presented to us there. Our focus this morning is particularly on verse 1 to 3 of

00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:56.079
 the second chapter. So we'll read verse 1 to 5. Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

00:18:56.079 --> 00:19:03.799
 and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed

00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:12.119
 either by a spirit or a spoken word or a letter seeming to be from us to the effect that the day of

00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:19.879
 the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion

00:19:19.879 --> 00:19:28.139
 comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself

00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:36.119
 against every so-called God or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming

00:19:36.119 --> 00:19:46.219
 himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? And so it goes on.

00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:53.739
 Amen. And may God bless these readings from his word to us. We're going to join again together in a word of prayer.

00:19:54.159 --> 00:20:04.299
 Let us pray. O Lord, our God, as we approach your word, there are many subjects that we feel that we are out of our

00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:11.539
 depth with, many things that we maybe do not understand fully, and yet we still thank you that your word

00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:19.240
 contains every matter that we need pertaining to life and death and eternity. And we know that apart from

00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:25.980
 your spirit, Lord, we do not understand any of it, for it is your spirit that enlightens our minds and our hearts

00:20:25.980 --> 00:20:32.940
 to hear and to understand what you are saying to us. And so we pray, Lord, for your help today as we

00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:42.660
 think upon a subject that maybe we have maybe not every answer to, but help us to see every promise

00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:49.580
 that is in your word that reminds us of the truth of it. We pray, Lord, that you will help us in the

00:20:49.580 --> 00:20:56.120
 reminder that we have that the day is coming, that when you will come again, a day that we do not know.

00:20:56.119 --> 00:21:04.379
 It could be any time, Lord, but we know, Lord, that our greatest need in it is to be ready for it.

00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:12.799
 And we thank you that that is what your gospel gives answer to, that you have made it clear to all

00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:21.379
 people, low and high, as the psalmist calls it, we can all find refuge with you. And we thank you that

00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:28.700
 your gospel speaks and ministers to us in that way. We thank you that in all the answers we do not have,

00:21:29.260 --> 00:21:35.040
 we have your grace that is sufficient. We have your strength that is made perfect in our weakness.

00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:42.240
 And so we pray, Lord, that you will give us what we need to understand, the revealed things that we

00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:48.700
 have in your word, for we know that there are hidden things that belong to the Lord. And so help us to

00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:56.039
 just humble ourselves before you under the mighty hand of God. And we pray, Lord, that you will help

00:21:56.039 --> 00:22:02.220
 us to hear you today, help us to know you, help us to be built up in our faith or to be brought to faith

00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:09.319
 in you. Whatever we need, Lord, you know it already, and you are able to provide. And so we pray, Lord,

00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:15.180
 that you will bless your word and all that we do in your name today, throughout this day, from the

00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:22.259
 morning to the evening that as we look to you, as we call upon your name in our own private devotions,

00:22:22.360 --> 00:22:28.900
 in our prayers, in our public worship, in resting in you, Lord, we pray that it will be a day of

00:22:28.900 --> 00:22:36.060
 blessing and refreshment for us. For we are many so busy during the week and all the rest of the week,

00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:42.860
 Lord, and even our Lord's day can be busy in so many ways with family and so many things to do.

00:22:42.859 --> 00:22:49.579
 And Lord, we live in a world that is going so quickly, where everything seems to be 100 miles

00:22:49.579 --> 00:22:55.839
 an hour. We thank you that your word reminds us that there is time to be still and to know that

00:22:55.839 --> 00:23:02.399
 you are God. And we pray, Lord, that we will have these times. We'll have them not just in moments of

00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:08.119
 the day, but every day, that we would have that time, precious time, just to be still before you

00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:15.879
 and to know that you are God, to spend that time in peace with you, praying, hearing your word,

00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:23.039
 and receiving it, being built up by it, not just rushing into the day, but spending that time with

00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:28.319
 you, that that would build us up in our faith, that would help us as we go on in the week,

00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:34.599
 in all the days of the week, in the busyness of work or home or school or whatever we are doing,

00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:41.299
 that we would feel, Lord, encouraged and emboldened by you. For when we hear subjects such as the

00:23:41.299 --> 00:23:48.259
 return of the Lord, we recognize then the importance of proclaiming your name to a world

00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:53.359
 that is perishing, to a people that are perishing, to a people who are not ready for that day.

00:23:54.139 --> 00:23:59.299
 And so we pray, Lord, that you will encourage us as a people here, always to have that in mind,

00:23:59.299 --> 00:24:06.220
 to have that need in mind, that people need to hear the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus,

00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:11.559
 who is able to save. We pray that in all that we would do, we would be blessed by you,

00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:16.859
 whatever it is, whether it's collectively as a congregation or individually as a people,

00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:21.619
 that we would know your spirit with us, helping us, giving us words to speak,

00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:28.539
 bringing people into our paths on a daily basis that we can minister to, whether it's people we've

00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:34.619
 known for a long time or people we just meet for the first time. We pray, Lord, for boldness and

00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:43.119
 courage to speak of the gospel, that glorious gospel. We thank you, Lord, for your goodness to

00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:48.000
 us in that way. And we pray, Lord, that throughout the world today, as your word is preached and

00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:54.059
 proclaimed to all ends of the earth, that you will be building up your church, that your kingdom

00:24:54.059 --> 00:25:00.619
 will come in power. And the more we see in our world, Lord, the more we see that great need of

00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:07.759
 you when there are so many tensions around our world and from north, east, west, south, Lord,

00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:15.019
 from every direction we see troubles and wars and famines and earthquakes, even as your word speaks

00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:21.839
 of and as we have read. And yet you tell us not to be afraid, for these things must happen.

00:25:22.579 --> 00:25:28.599
 And we pray, Lord, that in our fears that you will be near, in our anxieties that you will give us your

00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:35.940
 peace, that you will remind us, Lord, that you have all things in your hands. And so help us to calm

00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:42.960
 ourselves before you and to know you as our Lord and as our God. We pray that for many people all over

00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:49.880
 the world today, your people who live in these situations on a daily basis just now, we pray,

00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:56.380
 Lord, your blessing, your help towards each one. We pray for our own congregation and community here,

00:25:56.500 --> 00:26:03.420
 Lord. We pray your blessing on us for those who are unwell from young to old, Lord. We pray your help,

00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:10.039
 your strength, your blessing over us, those who are in hospital or in their own homes, Lord. We pray

00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:15.440
 that you will be near to them, that you will bless them and keep them. Those who are mourning, Lord,

00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:23.159
 we pray your comfort towards them. And as we had funerals in this last week, Lord, we pray for comfort

00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:30.920
 and blessing towards all the families, the families of Bell Mackenzie and Ann Stevenson. We pray, Lord,

00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:36.519
 that you'll be near to each one. Uphold them and be their refuge, be their strength. We thank you

00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:43.139
 that even in the midst of sorrow, there was joy in the Lord and strength in the Lord for the assurance

00:26:43.139 --> 00:26:50.740
 of hope for your people. And we pray, Lord, that you will continue to bless us and watch over us,

00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:58.339
 be with us together as a people. Pardon all our sins as we come before you, confessing anew.

00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:03.920
 Thankful, though, that you hear our prayers, that you are able to answer. And we pray, Lord,

00:27:03.920 --> 00:27:10.100
 that you will continue with us now as we turn to praise your name and to hear your word. Guide us in

00:27:10.100 --> 00:27:16.860
 our thoughts and in our words and in all that we do. Protect us, Lord, we pray. We ask it all in

00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:27.860
 Jesus' precious name and for his glory. Amen. Before we turn back to our passage, we're going to sing in

00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:38.039
 Psalm 27. And we'll sing in Psalm's version, page 31. Psalm 27. We'll sing from verse 1 to verse 4.

00:27:41.199 --> 00:27:48.079
 Page 31. The Lord's my Savior and my light, who will make me dismayed. The Lord's the stronghold of my

00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:54.919
 life. Why should I be afraid? We'll sing from verse 1 to the end of double verse 4 to God's praise.

00:27:54.919 --> 00:27:55.419
 Amen.

00:27:55.419 --> 00:27:55.919
 Amen.

00:27:55.919 --> 00:27:56.000
 Amen.

00:27:57.859 --> 00:28:27.839
 The Lord's my Savior and my light, who will make me dismayed. The Lord's the stronghold of my life. Why should I be

00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:56.980
 afraid? When evildoers threaten me to take my life away? My adversaries and my foes will

00:28:56.980 --> 00:29:24.980
 stumble in the day. Although an army hems me in, my heart will feel no dread. Though war against me should

00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.980
 should arise, I will lift up my head. One thing I'll plead before the Lord, and this I'll seek always.

00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:27.980
 that I may come.

00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:28.980
 that I may come with this.

00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.980
 that I may come with this.

00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.980
 God's willing cause

00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:31.980
 hvad

00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.980
 that I may come with this.

00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.980
 Maybe that I may come with this.

00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:34.980
 But now again.

00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.980
 tehdas

00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.980
 and it欠?

00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.980
 holy

00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:41.299
 And I

00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.980
 may

00:29:42.980 --> 00:29:44.019
 happy

00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:45.980
 god

00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:48.980
 and this

00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.980
 Vil

00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.980
 i

00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:08.220
 and dwell there all my days,

00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:17.539
 that on the beauty of the Lord

00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:24.220
 I constantly rejoice,

00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:31.220
 and in his earth may seek

00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:41.259
 to know direction in his ways.

00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:52.980
 We turn back to our reading in 2 Thessalonians.

00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:58.220
 We're looking at chapter 2, verse 1 to verse 3.

00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.980
 You can read these words.

00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:02.740
 Now concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:05.440
 and our being gathered together to him,

00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:07.019
 we ask you, brothers,

00:31:07.120 --> 00:31:10.120
 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed

00:31:10.120 --> 00:31:13.539
 either by a spirit or a spoken word

00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:16.279
 or a letter seeming to be from us

00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:19.180
 to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

00:31:19.180 --> 00:31:23.320
 Let no one deceive you in any way.

00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:25.460
 And so on.

00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:30.519
 These words that we sang in Psalm 27, verse 4,

00:31:31.060 --> 00:31:33.360
 they speak of the desire of the psalmist.

00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:36.160
 One thing I'll plead before the Lord,

00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:38.519
 and this I'll seek always.

00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:43.579
 It's a desire that the psalmist has for what?

00:31:44.339 --> 00:31:47.900
 To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:52.099
 And as we turn to God's words today,

00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:56.619
 and as we think of this subject of the coming of the Lord,

00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:58.680
 is that your desire?

00:31:59.619 --> 00:32:01.680
 Do you have that desire of the psalmist?

00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:05.440
 To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:08.799
 The day of the Lord's return is a day

00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:11.799
 where everyone will appear before God.

00:32:12.380 --> 00:32:14.299
 Everyone will appear before the Lord

00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:18.519
 to give answer according to the deeds of this world.

00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:21.660
 But will we as a people be a people

00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:23.640
 who have that great desire,

00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:28.360
 that longing to gaze on the beauty of the Lord?

00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:30.860
 So we're going to look at this subject

00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:34.820
 of the coming of the Lord this morning.

00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:38.639
 And it's a subject that perhaps we have more questions

00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:40.220
 than answers for.

00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:42.759
 We don't have all the answers,

00:32:42.939 --> 00:32:45.279
 but we often have questions about it.

00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:47.399
 I'm sure we've often wondered, many of us,

00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:50.240
 what will that day be like?

00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:52.240
 What will it look like,

00:32:52.659 --> 00:32:55.259
 the day of the coming of the Lord?

00:32:56.059 --> 00:32:58.939
 But the sad fact is that there's so many people

00:32:58.939 --> 00:33:01.579
 who give no thought to that day,

00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:04.059
 or very little thought to that day

00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:05.099
 and just push it away

00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:07.159
 as something for another time

00:33:07.159 --> 00:33:08.539
 and another place

00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:11.419
 or just something that's not even worth considering.

00:33:12.159 --> 00:33:14.379
 But what does the Scripture say to us

00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:15.939
 about this day?

00:33:16.859 --> 00:33:19.199
 Well, the first thing and the key thing is this,

00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:21.259
 He is coming.

00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:23.480
 That is a key truth

00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:25.759
 that the Scripture gives to us.

00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:27.119
 That's a key warning

00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:29.539
 that the Scripture gives to us.

00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.779
 That the day is coming

00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:33.599
 when He will come again.

00:33:34.819 --> 00:33:36.319
 And if we believe that,

00:33:36.739 --> 00:33:37.919
 we often ask,

00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:40.019
 what will it be like?

00:33:40.899 --> 00:33:42.719
 When you look at the last words

00:33:42.719 --> 00:33:44.419
 of the Bible

00:33:44.419 --> 00:33:46.039
 in the book of Revelation,

00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:47.299
 chapter 22,

00:33:47.439 --> 00:33:48.799
 the second last verse

00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:50.759
 in the Bible says this,

00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:52.039
 the words of the Lord,

00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:55.599
 Surely I am coming soon.

00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:59.119
 Surely I am coming soon.

00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:03.480
 There's a warning there for us.

00:34:04.379 --> 00:34:05.920
 Surely I am coming soon.

00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:07.639
 The Lord Jesus,

00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:09.759
 as He was taken up into heaven,

00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:11.119
 as He ascended into heaven,

00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:12.779
 you read it in the book of Acts,

00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:13.980
 chapter 1,

00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:15.759
 and it speaks there

00:34:15.759 --> 00:34:18.300
 about His coming again.

00:34:19.259 --> 00:34:21.739
 So there are plenty reminders to us

00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:24.819
 that the Lord is going to come.

00:34:25.839 --> 00:34:27.419
 And what's it going to be like?

00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:29.039
 Well, again,

00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:30.879
 the Bible describes it

00:34:30.879 --> 00:34:31.959
 in different ways.

00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:33.719
 As you read in Matthew,

00:34:33.919 --> 00:34:34.859
 chapter 24,

00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:37.159
 we read part of that chapter,

00:34:37.279 --> 00:34:38.379
 but if you read the whole

00:34:38.379 --> 00:34:39.479
 of the chapter,

00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:41.079
 it gives a lot more information

00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:41.699
 as well.

00:34:41.779 --> 00:34:43.339
 And it reminds us

00:34:43.339 --> 00:34:44.599
 that it is going to be something

00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.879
 that the whole world

00:34:45.879 --> 00:34:47.619
 is going to see.

00:34:48.439 --> 00:34:50.339
 Everyone is going to be aware of it.

00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:51.600
 Now,

00:34:51.800 --> 00:34:53.720
 we read in Psalm 19,

00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:54.640
 for example,

00:34:55.180 --> 00:34:55.780
 where it says,

00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:57.180
 the heavens declare

00:34:57.180 --> 00:34:59.140
 the glory of God.

00:34:59.640 --> 00:35:00.680
 So we think of

00:35:00.680 --> 00:35:02.360
 what we see in the heavens,

00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.800
 the skies around us,

00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:04.500
 and how often

00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:06.320
 we look up to the skies,

00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:07.160
 and what do we see?

00:35:07.240 --> 00:35:09.360
 We see the wonders of God

00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:10.640
 in so many ways.

00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:12.880
 The heavens declaring

00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:14.420
 the glory of God.

00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.280
 We've seen it,

00:35:15.640 --> 00:35:16.380
 or we've seen it

00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:17.720
 even in these last week,

00:35:17.719 --> 00:35:19.279
 when we think of the cold,

00:35:19.500 --> 00:35:20.279
 frosty mornings,

00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:21.299
 or evenings,

00:35:21.459 --> 00:35:22.939
 when you see the sunrise

00:35:22.939 --> 00:35:24.039
 or the sunset,

00:35:24.779 --> 00:35:26.459
 when you see the clear sky

00:35:26.459 --> 00:35:27.599
 on a frosty night,

00:35:27.659 --> 00:35:28.799
 and you see the stars

00:35:28.799 --> 00:35:29.379
 and the moon,

00:35:29.839 --> 00:35:30.939
 all of these things

00:35:30.939 --> 00:35:32.179
 standing out.

00:35:32.939 --> 00:35:34.459
 You marvel at it.

00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.959
 The heavens declare

00:35:35.959 --> 00:35:37.379
 the glory of God.

00:35:38.279 --> 00:35:39.219
 Sometimes you see

00:35:39.219 --> 00:35:40.779
 a shooting star.

00:35:40.959 --> 00:35:41.779
 Sometimes you see

00:35:41.779 --> 00:35:43.759
 a meteor or a comet.

00:35:43.939 --> 00:35:44.899
 Sometimes you see

00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:45.960
 an eclipse.

00:35:46.260 --> 00:35:47.900
 You see all these marvels

00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:48.700
 in the sky,

00:35:48.820 --> 00:35:49.760
 but you think,

00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:50.900
 well, not everybody

00:35:50.900 --> 00:35:51.720
 has seen it.

00:35:52.340 --> 00:35:53.480
 Maybe only a few

00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:54.760
 have noticed it.

00:35:54.780 --> 00:35:55.500
 A sunrise,

00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:56.900
 maybe many people see,

00:35:57.280 --> 00:35:57.900
 but not all

00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.880
 at the same time.

00:35:59.880 --> 00:36:01.180
 A shooting star,

00:36:01.579 --> 00:36:02.559
 maybe only a few

00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.220
 will see.

00:36:03.720 --> 00:36:04.639
 And all of these things,

00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:05.559
 but you wonder

00:36:05.559 --> 00:36:06.700
 at the coming of the Lord

00:36:06.700 --> 00:36:07.599
 and the way it speaks

00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:08.200
 about it,

00:36:08.860 --> 00:36:09.740
 everyone is going

00:36:09.740 --> 00:36:10.160
 to see it.

00:36:10.160 --> 00:36:11.099
 The whole world

00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:12.880
 is going to see it.

00:36:12.880 --> 00:36:13.820
 And you wonder,

00:36:14.200 --> 00:36:16.240
 how is that possible?

00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:18.460
 Well,

00:36:19.260 --> 00:36:19.960
 the Lord

00:36:19.960 --> 00:36:21.519
 is coming,

00:36:22.140 --> 00:36:22.700
 is what

00:36:22.700 --> 00:36:23.840
 the Bible

00:36:23.840 --> 00:36:24.680
 tells us.

00:36:24.720 --> 00:36:25.360
 And as Paul

00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:26.019
 is writing

00:36:26.019 --> 00:36:27.740
 this second letter

00:36:27.740 --> 00:36:29.099
 to the Thessalonians,

00:36:29.660 --> 00:36:30.780
 he's writing to them

00:36:30.780 --> 00:36:31.840
 about this subject,

00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:32.740
 and he's writing to them

00:36:32.740 --> 00:36:33.500
 in light of what

00:36:33.500 --> 00:36:34.640
 has come previously

00:36:34.640 --> 00:36:35.680
 here as well.

00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:36.880
 In chapter 1,

00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:37.539
 as I mentioned,

00:36:37.680 --> 00:36:38.539
 in verse 5,

00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:39.559
 to the end

00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:40.119
 of the chapter,

00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:41.220
 you see the reality

00:36:41.219 --> 00:36:42.599
 of heaven and hell.

00:36:43.439 --> 00:36:43.739
 There,

00:36:43.819 --> 00:36:44.239
 if you read

00:36:44.239 --> 00:36:46.159
 verse 7 and 8,

00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.959
 it says in verse 7,

00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:49.799
 to grant relief

00:36:49.799 --> 00:36:51.239
 to you who are afflicted

00:36:51.239 --> 00:36:52.159
 as well as to us

00:36:52.159 --> 00:36:53.419
 when the Lord Jesus

00:36:53.419 --> 00:36:55.000
 is revealed from heaven

00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:56.859
 with his mighty angels

00:36:56.859 --> 00:36:58.239
 in flaming fire,

00:36:58.739 --> 00:36:59.719
 inflicting vengeance

00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:01.519
 on those who do not know God

00:37:01.519 --> 00:37:02.759
 and on those

00:37:02.759 --> 00:37:03.759
 who do not obey

00:37:03.759 --> 00:37:04.519
 the gospel

00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:06.299
 of our Lord Jesus.

00:37:07.459 --> 00:37:08.059
 It says,

00:37:08.059 --> 00:37:08.480
 again,

00:37:08.939 --> 00:37:09.559
 the revelation

00:37:09.559 --> 00:37:11.039
 of Jesus from heaven

00:37:11.039 --> 00:37:12.599
 with his mighty angels,

00:37:12.719 --> 00:37:13.300
 how he's going

00:37:13.300 --> 00:37:14.420
 to descend

00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:16.000
 to his people.

00:37:17.440 --> 00:37:18.980
 It's a wonder.

00:37:19.259 --> 00:37:20.340
 It's going to be

00:37:20.340 --> 00:37:21.840
 something spectacular,

00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:22.779
 and spectacular

00:37:22.779 --> 00:37:24.360
 as a sunrise

00:37:24.360 --> 00:37:25.279
 or a sunset

00:37:25.279 --> 00:37:26.139
 or a comet

00:37:26.139 --> 00:37:27.420
 or a shooting star.

00:37:27.659 --> 00:37:28.659
 All of these things,

00:37:28.739 --> 00:37:29.519
 they're spectacular

00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:30.480
 in their own right,

00:37:31.159 --> 00:37:32.320
 but the coming

00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:32.900
 of the Lord

00:37:32.900 --> 00:37:33.480
 is going to be

00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:34.679
 something far more

00:37:34.679 --> 00:37:35.420
 spectacular,

00:37:38.019 --> 00:37:38.940
 something we won't

00:37:38.940 --> 00:37:39.480
 be able

00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:40.840
 to avoid,

00:37:41.880 --> 00:37:43.099
 and something

00:37:43.099 --> 00:37:44.780
 that we need

00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:46.119
 to be ready for.

00:37:47.659 --> 00:37:48.980
 What do we believe

00:37:48.980 --> 00:37:50.519
 of what the Bible

00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:51.559
 tells us

00:37:51.559 --> 00:37:52.659
 of his coming?

00:37:53.400 --> 00:37:54.679
 Do we believe

00:37:54.679 --> 00:37:55.820
 the very fact

00:37:55.820 --> 00:37:56.880
 that he is coming?

00:37:57.760 --> 00:37:58.659
 Are you resting

00:37:58.659 --> 00:38:00.240
 in his word?

00:38:00.960 --> 00:38:02.079
 Do you see it

00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:03.179
 as truth,

00:38:03.260 --> 00:38:04.480
 and do you have faith

00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:05.480
 in the Lord?

00:38:05.539 --> 00:38:06.639
 Are you looking forward

00:38:06.639 --> 00:38:07.819
 to that day

00:38:07.819 --> 00:38:09.239
 of the Lord's return?

00:38:10.179 --> 00:38:10.900
 That day

00:38:10.900 --> 00:38:11.960
 when we will gaze

00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:12.639
 in the beauty

00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:13.339
 of the Lord?

00:38:14.980 --> 00:38:16.299
 The book of Revelation

00:38:16.299 --> 00:38:17.079
 again says,

00:38:17.539 --> 00:38:19.679
 surely I am coming soon.

00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:21.599
 The writer of Revelation

00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:22.000
 says,

00:38:22.259 --> 00:38:22.739
 Amen.

00:38:23.420 --> 00:38:24.659
 Come, Lord Jesus.

00:38:25.619 --> 00:38:26.420
 There's a sense

00:38:26.420 --> 00:38:27.480
 of excitement.

00:38:27.639 --> 00:38:28.179
 There's a sense

00:38:28.179 --> 00:38:28.940
 of anticipation.

00:38:29.719 --> 00:38:31.379
 Come, Lord Jesus.

00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:33.639
 Are you ready

00:38:33.639 --> 00:38:35.139
 for that yourself?

00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:36.719
 Well, that's what

00:38:36.719 --> 00:38:37.679
 Paul is addressing

00:38:37.679 --> 00:38:39.059
 here as he writes

00:38:39.059 --> 00:38:40.299
 to the Thessalonians,

00:38:40.400 --> 00:38:40.759
 and we're going

00:38:40.759 --> 00:38:41.619
 to consider it

00:38:41.619 --> 00:38:43.319
 under three headings

00:38:43.319 --> 00:38:44.059
 this morning.

00:38:45.319 --> 00:38:46.199
 Three things

00:38:46.199 --> 00:38:46.940
 I want us to see

00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:48.279
 as Paul writes

00:38:48.279 --> 00:38:48.940
 these words,

00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:49.440
 in particular

00:38:49.440 --> 00:38:50.719
 in verse 1 to 3

00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:52.199
 of chapter 2.

00:38:52.339 --> 00:38:52.920
 First of all,

00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:54.139
 do not doubt

00:38:54.139 --> 00:38:55.259
 his coming.

00:38:56.420 --> 00:38:56.859
 Secondly,

00:38:57.000 --> 00:38:58.000
 do not be anxious

00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:59.460
 about his coming.

00:39:00.059 --> 00:39:01.319
 And then thirdly,

00:39:01.799 --> 00:39:02.799
 do be ready

00:39:02.800 --> 00:39:04.160
 for his coming.

00:39:05.160 --> 00:39:05.840
 Do not doubt

00:39:05.840 --> 00:39:06.360
 his coming.

00:39:06.480 --> 00:39:07.220
 Do not be anxious

00:39:07.220 --> 00:39:08.200
 about his coming.

00:39:08.760 --> 00:39:10.019
 But do be ready

00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:11.720
 for his coming.

00:39:12.539 --> 00:39:13.700
 The first thing is,

00:39:13.900 --> 00:39:14.740
 do not doubt

00:39:14.740 --> 00:39:15.900
 his coming.

00:39:17.260 --> 00:39:18.280
 As you read

00:39:18.280 --> 00:39:19.500
 chapter 2

00:39:19.500 --> 00:39:21.019
 of 2 Thessalonians,

00:39:21.100 --> 00:39:21.620
 you can read

00:39:21.620 --> 00:39:22.180
 through it,

00:39:23.220 --> 00:39:24.140
 we come to some

00:39:24.140 --> 00:39:25.140
 of Paul's

00:39:25.140 --> 00:39:26.600
 deepest teachings

00:39:26.600 --> 00:39:27.160
 here

00:39:27.160 --> 00:39:28.900
 in terms of

00:39:28.900 --> 00:39:30.039
 trying to find

00:39:30.039 --> 00:39:31.220
 a way of understanding

00:39:31.219 --> 00:39:32.419
 just what he's speaking

00:39:32.419 --> 00:39:33.319
 about.

00:39:34.519 --> 00:39:35.199
 And when he's speaking

00:39:35.199 --> 00:39:36.099
 here about the coming

00:39:36.099 --> 00:39:36.639
 of the Lord

00:39:36.639 --> 00:39:37.980
 and what that entails,

00:39:38.419 --> 00:39:39.500
 there's many things

00:39:39.500 --> 00:39:40.500
 here that you maybe

00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:41.179
 immediately

00:39:41.179 --> 00:39:43.619
 focus in on.

00:39:44.019 --> 00:39:44.639
 And you ask

00:39:44.639 --> 00:39:45.659
 questions about.

00:39:45.819 --> 00:39:46.679
 It's only natural

00:39:46.679 --> 00:39:47.719
 for us.

00:39:47.779 --> 00:39:48.319
 For example,

00:39:48.319 --> 00:39:48.980
 at the end

00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:50.779
 of chapter 3,

00:39:50.879 --> 00:39:51.639
 there's this subject,

00:39:51.779 --> 00:39:52.779
 this issue of the man

00:39:52.779 --> 00:39:53.599
 of lawlessness

00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:54.500
 being revealed.

00:39:55.119 --> 00:39:56.359
 And the question is,

00:39:56.419 --> 00:39:56.519
 well,

00:39:56.559 --> 00:39:57.419
 who is this?

00:39:58.599 --> 00:39:58.899
 Well,

00:39:58.919 --> 00:39:59.919
 that's for another day.

00:40:01.219 --> 00:40:02.759
 But we can often

00:40:02.759 --> 00:40:04.019
 focus in on a chapter

00:40:04.019 --> 00:40:05.319
 or a verse in Scripture

00:40:05.319 --> 00:40:06.419
 and we can get

00:40:06.419 --> 00:40:07.359
 sidetracked

00:40:07.359 --> 00:40:08.459
 from the main issue.

00:40:08.959 --> 00:40:10.039
 We can get distracted

00:40:10.039 --> 00:40:11.839
 from the main issue.

00:40:12.859 --> 00:40:13.539
 And the subject

00:40:13.539 --> 00:40:14.279
 that he's speaking

00:40:14.279 --> 00:40:14.659
 about here,

00:40:14.699 --> 00:40:15.779
 the coming of the Lord,

00:40:16.179 --> 00:40:16.839
 it's one of these

00:40:16.839 --> 00:40:18.159
 subjects that is easy

00:40:18.159 --> 00:40:19.379
 to get sidetracked

00:40:19.379 --> 00:40:21.119
 in and just to debate

00:40:21.119 --> 00:40:22.139
 about and things

00:40:22.139 --> 00:40:22.559
 that we're not

00:40:22.559 --> 00:40:23.659
 really understanding.

00:40:23.759 --> 00:40:24.559
 We're putting forward

00:40:24.559 --> 00:40:26.179
 our own maybe theories,

00:40:26.319 --> 00:40:27.159
 we're speculating

00:40:27.159 --> 00:40:27.879
 as to things,

00:40:27.959 --> 00:40:28.599
 what might be.

00:40:29.360 --> 00:40:29.980
 And ultimately,

00:40:30.139 --> 00:40:31.039
 we lose sight

00:40:31.039 --> 00:40:32.079
 of the importance

00:40:32.079 --> 00:40:33.339
 of the matter.

00:40:34.599 --> 00:40:35.079
 You think about

00:40:35.079 --> 00:40:36.019
 the day of the coming

00:40:36.019 --> 00:40:36.699
 of the Lord

00:40:36.699 --> 00:40:37.960
 and how it's been spoken

00:40:37.960 --> 00:40:39.119
 about down

00:40:39.119 --> 00:40:39.960
 through the years.

00:40:40.799 --> 00:40:42.159
 In almost every generation,

00:40:42.460 --> 00:40:43.759
 it's been speculated

00:40:43.759 --> 00:40:44.779
 about that someone

00:40:44.779 --> 00:40:45.860
 has this vision

00:40:45.860 --> 00:40:47.500
 or this revelation

00:40:47.500 --> 00:40:48.480
 that the day

00:40:48.480 --> 00:40:49.519
 of the Lord's return

00:40:49.519 --> 00:40:50.079
 is going to be

00:40:50.079 --> 00:40:51.480
 such and such a date.

00:40:52.339 --> 00:40:53.079
 It's gone on

00:40:53.079 --> 00:40:53.699
 for years

00:40:53.699 --> 00:40:54.480
 and generations.

00:40:55.139 --> 00:40:55.980
 You even see it

00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:57.599
 in the Scripture itself.

00:40:57.940 --> 00:40:58.139
 Here,

00:40:58.240 --> 00:40:59.000
 they're speculating

00:40:59.000 --> 00:41:00.199
 that it's already been.

00:41:01.300 --> 00:41:02.179
 And it's something

00:41:02.179 --> 00:41:03.360
 that goes on

00:41:03.360 --> 00:41:04.119
 all the time.

00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:04.780
 You know,

00:41:04.820 --> 00:41:05.760
 convinced they know

00:41:05.760 --> 00:41:06.840
 whether this is bound

00:41:06.840 --> 00:41:07.420
 to be now

00:41:07.420 --> 00:41:09.139
 when the Lord returns.

00:41:10.000 --> 00:41:10.740
 And as you read

00:41:10.740 --> 00:41:13.119
 Matthew chapter 24,

00:41:13.880 --> 00:41:15.360
 you maybe read things there

00:41:15.360 --> 00:41:16.460
 and you're drawn

00:41:16.460 --> 00:41:17.199
 into this idea,

00:41:17.320 --> 00:41:17.440
 well,

00:41:17.539 --> 00:41:18.539
 surely this now

00:41:18.539 --> 00:41:19.480
 is when the Lord

00:41:19.480 --> 00:41:20.719
 will return.

00:41:21.619 --> 00:41:22.539
 It speaks about

00:41:22.539 --> 00:41:23.940
 times of war

00:41:23.940 --> 00:41:25.220
 and rumors of war

00:41:25.220 --> 00:41:26.780
 and all of these things

00:41:26.780 --> 00:41:27.179
 that are going

00:41:27.179 --> 00:41:28.099
 to take place,

00:41:28.720 --> 00:41:29.500
 earthquakes,

00:41:29.880 --> 00:41:30.280
 famines,

00:41:30.380 --> 00:41:31.300
 and we see it

00:41:31.300 --> 00:41:31.940
 all the time

00:41:31.940 --> 00:41:32.440
 when we start

00:41:32.440 --> 00:41:33.119
 to speculate,

00:41:33.280 --> 00:41:33.380
 well,

00:41:33.659 --> 00:41:34.659
 surely now

00:41:34.659 --> 00:41:35.559
 the Lord

00:41:35.559 --> 00:41:37.119
 is going to return

00:41:37.119 --> 00:41:37.940
 and we can start

00:41:37.940 --> 00:41:38.760
 speculating

00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:40.099
 about these things.

00:41:41.460 --> 00:41:42.179
 But is that

00:41:42.179 --> 00:41:43.599
 the most important thing

00:41:43.599 --> 00:41:44.539
 to talk about

00:41:44.539 --> 00:41:45.519
 in the midst of it?

00:41:46.260 --> 00:41:47.420
 To start speculating

00:41:47.420 --> 00:41:47.780
 about,

00:41:48.240 --> 00:41:48.340
 well,

00:41:48.400 --> 00:41:49.480
 will he come just now?

00:41:49.900 --> 00:41:51.139
 Will it be imminent?

00:41:52.139 --> 00:41:52.879
 Is it maybe something

00:41:52.879 --> 00:41:53.839
 that's just way off

00:41:53.839 --> 00:41:54.599
 in the future?

00:41:55.819 --> 00:41:57.139
 When the reality is

00:41:57.139 --> 00:41:58.619
 we don't know.

00:41:59.920 --> 00:42:01.000
 We don't know.

00:42:01.879 --> 00:42:03.359
 But what it's all doing

00:42:03.359 --> 00:42:05.079
 is reminding us

00:42:05.079 --> 00:42:05.940
 that we should be

00:42:05.940 --> 00:42:07.319
 drawing near to God.

00:42:08.219 --> 00:42:09.480
 We should be coming

00:42:09.480 --> 00:42:10.079
 to God

00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:11.279
 in a closer way.

00:42:12.539 --> 00:42:13.639
 We should be seeing

00:42:13.639 --> 00:42:14.719
 the challenges

00:42:14.719 --> 00:42:15.500
 and difficulties

00:42:15.500 --> 00:42:16.420
 all around us

00:42:16.420 --> 00:42:17.679
 which are many

00:42:17.679 --> 00:42:18.579
 and escalating

00:42:18.579 --> 00:42:19.099
 as it seems

00:42:19.099 --> 00:42:19.859
 all the time

00:42:19.860 --> 00:42:20.360
 just now.

00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:20.840
 When you think

00:42:20.840 --> 00:42:22.180
 of the Middle East

00:42:22.180 --> 00:42:22.980
 and the Ukraine

00:42:22.980 --> 00:42:24.019
 and the Far East

00:42:24.019 --> 00:42:25.440
 and our own nation,

00:42:25.960 --> 00:42:27.340
 the West as we call it,

00:42:27.380 --> 00:42:28.360
 there's chaos

00:42:28.360 --> 00:42:30.340
 of all different kinds.

00:42:31.160 --> 00:42:32.120
 All the rumors

00:42:32.120 --> 00:42:33.059
 and things

00:42:33.059 --> 00:42:33.680
 that the Bible

00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:34.720
 is speaking about

00:42:34.720 --> 00:42:35.920
 in Matthew 24,

00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:37.160
 we're almost seeing them

00:42:37.160 --> 00:42:37.920
 just now

00:42:37.920 --> 00:42:39.039
 on a daily basis.

00:42:41.160 --> 00:42:41.960
 Are we just

00:42:41.960 --> 00:42:42.900
 pushing that away

00:42:42.900 --> 00:42:43.760
 or is it bringing us

00:42:43.760 --> 00:42:45.400
 closer to the Lord?

00:42:46.660 --> 00:42:47.980
 As Paul is writing

00:42:47.980 --> 00:42:49.120
 to the Thessalonians,

00:42:49.119 --> 00:42:50.400
 they themselves

00:42:50.400 --> 00:42:50.960
 were living

00:42:50.960 --> 00:42:52.039
 in difficult days.

00:42:52.139 --> 00:42:52.920
 They were afflicted.

00:42:52.980 --> 00:42:53.920
 They were persecuted.

00:42:55.139 --> 00:42:56.219
 From outside,

00:42:56.339 --> 00:42:57.500
 there was all these people

00:42:57.500 --> 00:42:59.420
 who were persecuting them

00:42:59.420 --> 00:43:00.599
 and having a go at them

00:43:00.599 --> 00:43:02.519
 and bringing false truths

00:43:02.519 --> 00:43:03.199
 to them.

00:43:04.179 --> 00:43:05.319
 And within themselves

00:43:05.319 --> 00:43:06.500
 there were all these doubts

00:43:06.500 --> 00:43:07.500
 and anxieties

00:43:07.500 --> 00:43:09.139
 that they naturally had.

00:43:09.779 --> 00:43:10.179
 And yet,

00:43:10.519 --> 00:43:11.719
 when Paul writes to them,

00:43:11.759 --> 00:43:12.859
 he says in verse 3

00:43:12.859 --> 00:43:13.819
 of chapter 1,

00:43:13.820 --> 00:43:15.180
 we ought always

00:43:15.180 --> 00:43:16.519
 to give thanks to God

00:43:16.519 --> 00:43:17.460
 for you, brothers,

00:43:17.539 --> 00:43:18.260
 as is right,

00:43:18.660 --> 00:43:19.880
 because your faith

00:43:19.880 --> 00:43:21.640
 is growing abundantly

00:43:21.640 --> 00:43:22.920
 and the love

00:43:22.920 --> 00:43:23.980
 of every one of you

00:43:23.980 --> 00:43:24.700
 for one another

00:43:24.700 --> 00:43:25.960
 is increasing.

00:43:26.780 --> 00:43:28.280
 This is what he was seeing.

00:43:28.640 --> 00:43:29.600
 Even in the midst

00:43:29.600 --> 00:43:31.280
 of all these uncertainties

00:43:31.280 --> 00:43:32.440
 about the coming

00:43:32.440 --> 00:43:33.180
 of the Lord,

00:43:33.600 --> 00:43:34.360
 their faith

00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:36.120
 was growing abundantly

00:43:36.120 --> 00:43:37.320
 and the love

00:43:37.320 --> 00:43:38.400
 of every one of them

00:43:38.400 --> 00:43:39.280
 for one another

00:43:39.280 --> 00:43:40.539
 was increasing.

00:43:40.539 --> 00:43:44.679
 Is that what the Lord

00:43:44.679 --> 00:43:46.139
 sees with us today?

00:43:46.900 --> 00:43:48.860
 A faith growing abundantly

00:43:48.860 --> 00:43:49.500
 and a love

00:43:49.500 --> 00:43:50.619
 for one another

00:43:50.619 --> 00:43:51.279
 increasing.

00:43:53.500 --> 00:43:55.639
 The day of the Lord's coming

00:43:55.639 --> 00:43:57.300
 is without doubt,

00:43:57.420 --> 00:43:59.820
 but how are we approaching it?

00:44:00.400 --> 00:44:01.880
 How are we living in a day

00:44:01.880 --> 00:44:03.759
 when we don't have the answers,

00:44:04.340 --> 00:44:05.920
 but we know it is true

00:44:05.920 --> 00:44:07.940
 that he is coming?

00:44:08.500 --> 00:44:09.980
 What are we focusing on?

00:44:11.219 --> 00:44:11.559
 Well,

00:44:12.199 --> 00:44:14.119
 things in this world

00:44:14.119 --> 00:44:15.179
 will shake us

00:44:15.179 --> 00:44:16.679
 and things in the church

00:44:16.679 --> 00:44:17.860
 will shake us,

00:44:18.440 --> 00:44:20.719
 but when Christ is our rock,

00:44:21.199 --> 00:44:23.900
 then we have a security,

00:44:24.360 --> 00:44:25.059
 a certainty.

00:44:27.139 --> 00:44:28.320
 The Thessalonians

00:44:28.320 --> 00:44:29.659
 were being told

00:44:29.659 --> 00:44:31.279
 that the day of the Lord

00:44:31.279 --> 00:44:32.840
 had already come,

00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:36.500
 but Paul is assuring them

00:44:36.500 --> 00:44:37.940
 that it hasn't,

00:44:38.699 --> 00:44:40.300
 but he is also assuring them

00:44:40.300 --> 00:44:41.700
 that it will.

00:44:42.640 --> 00:44:42.880
 You know,

00:44:42.920 --> 00:44:43.720
 today the problem

00:44:43.720 --> 00:44:44.800
 of the coming of the Lord

00:44:44.800 --> 00:44:46.140
 is almost the opposite

00:44:46.140 --> 00:44:46.980
 to what they had

00:44:46.980 --> 00:44:48.980
 in the day of the Thessalonians

00:44:48.980 --> 00:44:50.519
 when they were being taught

00:44:50.519 --> 00:44:52.180
 that he had already come.

00:44:52.680 --> 00:44:53.940
 The problem today is

00:44:53.940 --> 00:44:55.440
 that he has not come

00:44:55.440 --> 00:44:56.340
 and that people think,

00:44:56.440 --> 00:44:56.460
 well,

00:44:56.460 --> 00:44:57.539
 he probably isn't.

00:44:59.420 --> 00:45:00.740
 One was bringing doubt

00:45:00.740 --> 00:45:01.500
 into their minds

00:45:01.500 --> 00:45:03.039
 that he had already come.

00:45:03.160 --> 00:45:03.480
 Today,

00:45:03.900 --> 00:45:04.860
 the doubt is in our mind

00:45:04.860 --> 00:45:06.200
 that he's not going to come

00:45:06.199 --> 00:45:07.519
 because surely after

00:45:07.519 --> 00:45:09.539
 2,000 years or more,

00:45:09.579 --> 00:45:10.259
 he would have come,

00:45:10.339 --> 00:45:11.339
 he would have brought peace

00:45:11.339 --> 00:45:12.559
 to this world,

00:45:12.559 --> 00:45:13.779
 but it hasn't happened,

00:45:13.980 --> 00:45:15.699
 so we can push it away.

00:45:16.599 --> 00:45:17.919
 But what's the answer

00:45:17.919 --> 00:45:19.099
 in both?

00:45:20.460 --> 00:45:20.679
 Well,

00:45:20.699 --> 00:45:21.639
 it is faith.

00:45:22.899 --> 00:45:24.619
 Faith is the key here.

00:45:24.759 --> 00:45:25.119
 Faith

00:45:25.119 --> 00:45:26.839
 is what we need.

00:45:27.779 --> 00:45:28.819
 And that's what Paul

00:45:28.819 --> 00:45:29.819
 is thanking God

00:45:29.819 --> 00:45:31.679
 that the Thessalonians had.

00:45:31.679 --> 00:45:34.379
 Your faith is growing abundantly.

00:45:35.359 --> 00:45:36.179
 It is ours.

00:45:37.259 --> 00:45:39.859
 It is yours growing abundantly

00:45:39.859 --> 00:45:42.399
 in confidence in God's Word.

00:45:43.099 --> 00:45:44.799
 One commentator puts it

00:45:44.799 --> 00:45:45.639
 very helpfully.

00:45:46.579 --> 00:45:46.899
 He says,

00:45:47.019 --> 00:45:47.639
 rather than having

00:45:47.639 --> 00:45:48.579
 an understanding

00:45:48.579 --> 00:45:49.739
 of everything

00:45:49.739 --> 00:45:51.819
 that every verse says,

00:45:52.319 --> 00:45:54.599
 it is to have anchor points.

00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:57.059
 Anchor points.

00:45:57.199 --> 00:45:59.619
 Things that we can focus in on

00:45:59.619 --> 00:46:01.839
 and hold firmly to that.

00:46:01.980 --> 00:46:03.259
 Keep us secure.

00:46:03.400 --> 00:46:03.619
 Yes,

00:46:03.699 --> 00:46:04.159
 there's things

00:46:04.159 --> 00:46:05.599
 we don't have answers for,

00:46:06.019 --> 00:46:06.699
 but there's things

00:46:06.699 --> 00:46:07.980
 that we can have certainty in,

00:46:08.019 --> 00:46:08.639
 and one is

00:46:08.639 --> 00:46:10.699
 the day of the Lord's coming.

00:46:11.579 --> 00:46:13.159
 He will come.

00:46:15.679 --> 00:46:17.380
 In Matthew 24,

00:46:17.579 --> 00:46:18.839
 Jesus says later on

00:46:18.839 --> 00:46:19.679
 in that chapter

00:46:19.679 --> 00:46:21.139
 in verse 43,

00:46:21.539 --> 00:46:22.500
 but know this,

00:46:22.579 --> 00:46:23.319
 that if the master

00:46:23.319 --> 00:46:23.839
 of the house

00:46:23.839 --> 00:46:24.299
 had known

00:46:24.299 --> 00:46:25.839
 in what part of the night

00:46:25.839 --> 00:46:26.940
 the thief was coming,

00:46:27.219 --> 00:46:28.599
 he would have stayed awake

00:46:28.599 --> 00:46:29.559
 and would not have let

00:46:29.559 --> 00:46:31.199
 his house be broken into.

00:46:31.860 --> 00:46:32.199
 Therefore,

00:46:32.380 --> 00:46:33.920
 you also must be ready,

00:46:34.539 --> 00:46:35.960
 for the Son of Man

00:46:35.960 --> 00:46:36.599
 is coming

00:46:36.599 --> 00:46:37.360
 at an hour

00:46:37.360 --> 00:46:39.839
 when you do not expect.

00:46:41.119 --> 00:46:41.599
 Again,

00:46:41.679 --> 00:46:42.940
 it's so clear there.

00:46:43.380 --> 00:46:44.279
 Jesus himself,

00:46:44.679 --> 00:46:45.699
 the Son of Man

00:46:45.699 --> 00:46:46.259
 is coming

00:46:46.259 --> 00:46:47.119
 at an hour

00:46:47.119 --> 00:46:48.259
 when you do not expect.

00:46:48.420 --> 00:46:49.860
 That is our anchor point.

00:46:51.099 --> 00:46:52.599
 The Lord is coming,

00:46:53.199 --> 00:46:53.739
 and that

00:46:53.739 --> 00:46:55.860
 we should not doubt.

00:46:55.860 --> 00:46:57.380
 So we see

00:46:57.380 --> 00:46:58.380
 Paul's

00:46:58.380 --> 00:46:59.880
 pastoral heart

00:46:59.880 --> 00:47:00.340
 here.

00:47:00.860 --> 00:47:01.660
 His concern

00:47:01.660 --> 00:47:02.680
 for the people

00:47:02.680 --> 00:47:03.320
 is that they

00:47:03.320 --> 00:47:04.760
 hold firm

00:47:04.760 --> 00:47:05.480
 to this fact

00:47:05.480 --> 00:47:07.019
 that he is coming.

00:47:08.039 --> 00:47:09.039
 The second thing

00:47:09.039 --> 00:47:09.980
 we see here

00:47:09.980 --> 00:47:11.120
 is that they are

00:47:11.120 --> 00:47:11.980
 not to be anxious

00:47:11.980 --> 00:47:13.920
 about his coming.

00:47:15.200 --> 00:47:15.480
 Now,

00:47:15.500 --> 00:47:16.340
 concerning the coming

00:47:16.340 --> 00:47:16.960
 of the Lord,

00:47:17.280 --> 00:47:18.120
 Jesus Christ,

00:47:18.220 --> 00:47:19.099
 and our being gathered

00:47:19.099 --> 00:47:19.940
 together to him,

00:47:20.280 --> 00:47:20.980
 we ask you,

00:47:21.039 --> 00:47:21.280
 brothers,

00:47:21.760 --> 00:47:22.800
 not to be quickly

00:47:22.800 --> 00:47:23.460
 shaken

00:47:23.460 --> 00:47:24.539
 in mind

00:47:24.539 --> 00:47:26.039
 or alarmed.

00:47:26.599 --> 00:47:27.240
 Don't be quickly

00:47:27.240 --> 00:47:28.360
 shaken in mind

00:47:28.360 --> 00:47:29.519
 or alarmed.

00:47:29.619 --> 00:47:30.559
 Do not be anxious

00:47:30.559 --> 00:47:32.480
 about his coming.

00:47:33.260 --> 00:47:34.559
 We live in days

00:47:34.559 --> 00:47:35.840
 when we can be anxious

00:47:35.840 --> 00:47:36.820
 about so many

00:47:36.820 --> 00:47:37.659
 different things

00:47:37.659 --> 00:47:38.380
 and afraid

00:47:38.380 --> 00:47:39.860
 about so many

00:47:39.860 --> 00:47:40.980
 different things.

00:47:42.079 --> 00:47:42.740
 None of us

00:47:42.740 --> 00:47:43.340
 here today

00:47:43.340 --> 00:47:44.019
 will be without

00:47:44.019 --> 00:47:44.900
 our anxieties,

00:47:45.400 --> 00:47:46.340
 without our fears,

00:47:47.079 --> 00:47:48.000
 but how do we

00:47:48.000 --> 00:47:48.840
 deal with them?

00:47:50.300 --> 00:47:50.820
 And especially

00:47:50.820 --> 00:47:52.119
 we think of this idea

00:47:52.119 --> 00:47:53.000
 of the coming

00:47:53.000 --> 00:47:53.719
 of the Lord.

00:47:54.219 --> 00:47:55.039
 How do we deal

00:47:55.039 --> 00:47:55.839
 with anxieties

00:47:55.839 --> 00:47:56.559
 and fears

00:47:56.559 --> 00:47:57.900
 over that?

00:47:59.940 --> 00:48:00.319
 Well,

00:48:00.400 --> 00:48:00.759
 again,

00:48:00.900 --> 00:48:02.339
 it's to anchor

00:48:02.339 --> 00:48:03.119
 ourselves

00:48:03.119 --> 00:48:05.039
 in God's word,

00:48:05.579 --> 00:48:06.759
 to anchor ourselves

00:48:06.759 --> 00:48:08.139
 in the promises

00:48:08.139 --> 00:48:09.900
 of God's word.

00:48:10.659 --> 00:48:11.500
 Paul's really

00:48:11.500 --> 00:48:12.380
 echoing

00:48:12.380 --> 00:48:13.500
 what Jesus taught

00:48:13.500 --> 00:48:14.599
 in chapter 24

00:48:14.599 --> 00:48:15.739
 of Matthew here.

00:48:15.880 --> 00:48:16.519
 He's almost

00:48:16.519 --> 00:48:17.739
 using the same words.

00:48:17.859 --> 00:48:18.519
 Do not be quickly

00:48:18.519 --> 00:48:19.599
 shaken in mind

00:48:19.599 --> 00:48:20.779
 or alarmed.

00:48:20.880 --> 00:48:21.779
 It's just the way

00:48:21.779 --> 00:48:22.759
 Jesus spoke

00:48:22.759 --> 00:48:23.900
 in that chapter

00:48:23.900 --> 00:48:24.639
 as well.

00:48:25.759 --> 00:48:26.460
 So it's really,

00:48:27.039 --> 00:48:28.139
 don't be anxious

00:48:28.139 --> 00:48:29.920
 because you remember

00:48:29.920 --> 00:48:30.639
 who you are

00:48:30.639 --> 00:48:32.239
 trusting in.

00:48:33.360 --> 00:48:34.039
 When you look

00:48:34.039 --> 00:48:34.819
 at the situation

00:48:34.819 --> 00:48:35.759
 in Thessalonica

00:48:35.759 --> 00:48:36.460
 here,

00:48:36.579 --> 00:48:37.139
 those who are

00:48:37.139 --> 00:48:38.980
 growing in faith,

00:48:39.880 --> 00:48:41.259
 your faith

00:48:41.259 --> 00:48:41.779
 that is growing

00:48:41.779 --> 00:48:42.380
 abundantly,

00:48:42.480 --> 00:48:43.159
 how was it

00:48:43.159 --> 00:48:44.139
 growing abundantly?

00:48:44.139 --> 00:48:47.400
 How was their love

00:48:47.400 --> 00:48:48.079
 for one another

00:48:48.079 --> 00:48:50.159
 growing abundantly?

00:48:51.319 --> 00:48:51.519
 Well,

00:48:51.539 --> 00:48:51.900
 it's because

00:48:51.900 --> 00:48:52.779
 they were resting

00:48:52.779 --> 00:48:54.179
 in the truth

00:48:54.179 --> 00:48:55.119
 of God

00:48:55.119 --> 00:48:55.699
 to them.

00:48:57.159 --> 00:48:58.000
 And there must be

00:48:58.000 --> 00:48:58.980
 practical,

00:48:59.199 --> 00:48:59.579
 simple,

00:48:59.779 --> 00:49:00.739
 practical lessons

00:49:00.739 --> 00:49:01.859
 for ourselves

00:49:01.859 --> 00:49:02.599
 here today

00:49:02.599 --> 00:49:03.259
 as well.

00:49:03.900 --> 00:49:04.480
 The role

00:49:04.480 --> 00:49:05.099
 of the anchor

00:49:05.099 --> 00:49:06.139
 is to keep us

00:49:06.139 --> 00:49:07.679
 safe and secure,

00:49:08.900 --> 00:49:10.059
 to stop us

00:49:10.059 --> 00:49:10.579
 drifting

00:49:10.579 --> 00:49:12.159
 and being shipwrecked.

00:49:12.219 --> 00:49:12.799
 That's the role

00:49:12.799 --> 00:49:13.420
 of the anchor.

00:49:13.420 --> 00:49:14.420
 So what is

00:49:14.420 --> 00:49:14.880
 the anchor

00:49:14.880 --> 00:49:15.619
 of Scripture?

00:49:16.860 --> 00:49:17.680
 It's to anchor

00:49:17.680 --> 00:49:18.280
 ourselves

00:49:18.280 --> 00:49:19.740
 in the foundation

00:49:19.740 --> 00:49:20.500
 of truth

00:49:20.500 --> 00:49:20.980
 that we have

00:49:20.980 --> 00:49:22.019
 in God's Word.

00:49:22.840 --> 00:49:23.820
 All the promises

00:49:23.820 --> 00:49:24.559
 that are given

00:49:24.559 --> 00:49:25.380
 to us.

00:49:26.099 --> 00:49:26.820
 And by holding

00:49:26.820 --> 00:49:27.480
 on to them,

00:49:27.579 --> 00:49:28.440
 by seeing them,

00:49:28.780 --> 00:49:29.539
 we end up

00:49:29.539 --> 00:49:30.340
 being secure

00:49:30.340 --> 00:49:30.920
 in Christ

00:49:30.920 --> 00:49:31.880
 and not drifting

00:49:31.880 --> 00:49:32.400
 away

00:49:32.400 --> 00:49:33.619
 and being tempted

00:49:33.619 --> 00:49:34.220
 away by

00:49:34.220 --> 00:49:35.480
 false teachings

00:49:35.480 --> 00:49:37.579
 or the kind

00:49:37.579 --> 00:49:37.920
 of things

00:49:37.920 --> 00:49:38.500
 that he's speaking

00:49:38.500 --> 00:49:38.880
 of there

00:49:38.880 --> 00:49:39.320
 in verse 2

00:49:39.320 --> 00:49:40.019
 by a spirit

00:49:40.019 --> 00:49:41.119
 or spoken word

00:49:41.119 --> 00:49:41.780
 or a letter

00:49:41.780 --> 00:49:43.139
 to the effect

00:49:43.139 --> 00:49:43.559
 that the day

00:49:43.559 --> 00:49:44.059
 of the Lord

00:49:44.059 --> 00:49:44.739
 has come

00:49:44.739 --> 00:49:45.199
 when we're

00:49:45.199 --> 00:49:45.559
 being led

00:49:45.559 --> 00:49:46.159
 as straight

00:49:46.159 --> 00:49:46.599
 to say,

00:49:46.719 --> 00:49:46.940
 no,

00:49:47.299 --> 00:49:47.900
 that is not

00:49:47.900 --> 00:49:48.500
 what the Word

00:49:48.500 --> 00:49:49.059
 of God

00:49:49.059 --> 00:49:49.819
 says.

00:49:51.259 --> 00:49:51.900
 And to hold

00:49:51.900 --> 00:49:53.599
 fast to the Word

00:49:53.599 --> 00:49:54.239
 of God.

00:49:54.779 --> 00:49:55.559
 And that's what

00:49:55.559 --> 00:49:56.699
 Paul was doing

00:49:56.699 --> 00:49:58.319
 for the Thessalonians,

00:49:59.239 --> 00:50:00.639
 holding them fast

00:50:00.639 --> 00:50:01.799
 in the Word

00:50:01.799 --> 00:50:03.139
 of God.

00:50:04.299 --> 00:50:04.940
 When you think

00:50:04.940 --> 00:50:05.699
 of the book

00:50:05.699 --> 00:50:06.259
 of Acts,

00:50:06.599 --> 00:50:07.719
 chapter 22,

00:50:07.859 --> 00:50:08.779
 after the Lord's

00:50:08.779 --> 00:50:09.319
 ascension,

00:50:09.440 --> 00:50:10.379
 how were the people

00:50:10.380 --> 00:50:12.380
 found in chapter 2?

00:50:13.140 --> 00:50:14.300
 It says in verse 42,

00:50:14.420 --> 00:50:15.579
 they devoted themselves

00:50:15.579 --> 00:50:16.420
 to the apostles'

00:50:16.720 --> 00:50:17.140
 teaching

00:50:17.140 --> 00:50:18.240
 and the fellowship

00:50:18.240 --> 00:50:18.960
 to the breaking

00:50:18.960 --> 00:50:19.579
 of bread

00:50:19.579 --> 00:50:20.820
 and the prayers.

00:50:21.760 --> 00:50:23.019
 That was their focus.

00:50:23.559 --> 00:50:24.619
 That was how they grew.

00:50:25.160 --> 00:50:26.539
 That's how the church

00:50:26.539 --> 00:50:27.320
 at Thessalonica

00:50:27.320 --> 00:50:28.039
 was growing.

00:50:28.519 --> 00:50:29.619
 All of these things

00:50:29.619 --> 00:50:30.340
 were present

00:50:30.340 --> 00:50:31.280
 and that's what we are

00:50:31.280 --> 00:50:32.200
 to be secure

00:50:32.200 --> 00:50:33.079
 in as well.

00:50:33.559 --> 00:50:34.820
 Being under the Word,

00:50:34.960 --> 00:50:36.079
 being in fellowship

00:50:36.079 --> 00:50:36.980
 with one another,

00:50:37.559 --> 00:50:38.720
 taking the sacrament,

00:50:38.719 --> 00:50:39.799
 prayer.

00:50:40.839 --> 00:50:41.919
 When our relationship

00:50:41.919 --> 00:50:42.899
 with the Lord

00:50:42.899 --> 00:50:43.579
 is right,

00:50:44.079 --> 00:50:44.879
 our faith

00:50:44.879 --> 00:50:45.899
 and assurance

00:50:45.899 --> 00:50:46.599
 grows.

00:50:48.539 --> 00:50:49.179
 So we are to

00:50:49.179 --> 00:50:50.319
 anchor ourselves

00:50:50.319 --> 00:50:51.659
 in the Word

00:50:51.659 --> 00:50:52.359
 of God.

00:50:53.439 --> 00:50:54.779
 Do not be anxious

00:50:54.779 --> 00:50:55.579
 or afraid

00:50:55.579 --> 00:50:56.319
 for this day.

00:50:56.439 --> 00:50:56.719
 How?

00:50:57.480 --> 00:50:58.699
 By being close

00:50:58.699 --> 00:50:59.679
 to God,

00:51:00.419 --> 00:51:01.919
 by trusting

00:51:01.919 --> 00:51:02.919
 in Him,

00:51:03.000 --> 00:51:03.599
 by knowing

00:51:03.599 --> 00:51:04.739
 who you are

00:51:04.739 --> 00:51:05.799
 believing in.

00:51:06.819 --> 00:51:08.059
 One commentator

00:51:08.059 --> 00:51:09.779
 speaks of the importance

00:51:09.779 --> 00:51:10.980
 of both faith

00:51:10.980 --> 00:51:12.699
 and perseverance.

00:51:14.400 --> 00:51:15.139
 Two things

00:51:15.139 --> 00:51:15.719
 that we need

00:51:15.719 --> 00:51:16.900
 as Christians.

00:51:17.139 --> 00:51:17.599
 Faith

00:51:17.599 --> 00:51:18.920
 and perseverance.

00:51:19.219 --> 00:51:19.719
 And he speaks

00:51:19.719 --> 00:51:21.000
 about it in this way.

00:51:21.619 --> 00:51:22.119
 The illustration

00:51:22.119 --> 00:51:23.199
 of getting into

00:51:23.199 --> 00:51:25.039
 a sporting event.

00:51:26.239 --> 00:51:26.719
 And he said,

00:51:27.059 --> 00:51:28.019
 a person who wants

00:51:28.019 --> 00:51:28.739
 to attend

00:51:28.739 --> 00:51:29.380
 a game

00:51:29.380 --> 00:51:30.219
 in a stadium,

00:51:31.059 --> 00:51:31.719
 for example,

00:51:32.299 --> 00:51:33.779
 a big football match

00:51:33.779 --> 00:51:35.299
 or Six Nations rugby

00:51:35.299 --> 00:51:36.440
 or something like that,

00:51:36.440 --> 00:51:37.360
 if you want to get

00:51:37.360 --> 00:51:38.320
 into the stadium

00:51:38.320 --> 00:51:38.960
 to watch,

00:51:39.099 --> 00:51:39.860
 you've got to pay

00:51:39.860 --> 00:51:40.519
 your money

00:51:40.519 --> 00:51:42.139
 and when you pay

00:51:42.139 --> 00:51:42.639
 your money,

00:51:42.880 --> 00:51:43.639
 you receive

00:51:43.639 --> 00:51:44.639
 a ticket.

00:51:45.639 --> 00:51:46.539
 But he asked

00:51:46.539 --> 00:51:47.099
 a question,

00:51:47.519 --> 00:51:48.460
 but what gets

00:51:48.460 --> 00:51:49.700
 you into the stadium?

00:51:50.700 --> 00:51:51.860
 Is it the money

00:51:51.860 --> 00:51:53.579
 or the ticket?

00:51:54.639 --> 00:51:55.519
 And he said,

00:51:55.700 --> 00:51:56.559
 it's both.

00:51:57.679 --> 00:51:58.159
 Ultimately,

00:51:58.320 --> 00:51:59.340
 the money paid

00:51:59.340 --> 00:52:00.380
 is what really

00:52:00.380 --> 00:52:01.179
 gets you in,

00:52:01.900 --> 00:52:02.579
 but you must

00:52:02.579 --> 00:52:03.519
 have the ticket

00:52:03.519 --> 00:52:04.820
 as evidence

00:52:04.820 --> 00:52:06.099
 that you have

00:52:06.099 --> 00:52:07.480
 paid the price.

00:52:09.639 --> 00:52:11.119
 And for ourselves

00:52:11.119 --> 00:52:12.679
 as Christians,

00:52:13.340 --> 00:52:14.759
 the greatest confidence

00:52:14.759 --> 00:52:16.139
 we can have

00:52:16.139 --> 00:52:17.719
 is that the price

00:52:17.719 --> 00:52:18.780
 has been paid

00:52:18.780 --> 00:52:19.860
 for us.

00:52:21.340 --> 00:52:22.500
 The Lord Jesus

00:52:22.500 --> 00:52:24.280
 has paid the price

00:52:24.280 --> 00:52:26.019
 for our entry

00:52:26.019 --> 00:52:26.840
 into heaven.

00:52:28.300 --> 00:52:29.259
 And our ticket

00:52:29.259 --> 00:52:30.659
 is faith.

00:52:31.940 --> 00:52:33.159
 Faith is a ticket.

00:52:33.519 --> 00:52:35.019
 So that by faith

00:52:35.019 --> 00:52:35.719
 in the Lord's,

00:52:35.900 --> 00:52:37.119
 the day of the Lord's

00:52:37.119 --> 00:52:37.619
 return,

00:52:37.719 --> 00:52:38.539
 we can come

00:52:38.539 --> 00:52:39.500
 and say,

00:52:39.579 --> 00:52:40.519
 I have believed

00:52:40.519 --> 00:52:41.059
 in you.

00:52:42.599 --> 00:52:43.699
 I have believed

00:52:43.699 --> 00:52:44.659
 that you paid

00:52:44.659 --> 00:52:45.699
 the price.

00:52:46.500 --> 00:52:47.320
 That in giving

00:52:47.320 --> 00:52:48.019
 your life

00:52:48.019 --> 00:52:48.920
 on the cross,

00:52:49.920 --> 00:52:50.679
 you paid

00:52:50.679 --> 00:52:51.440
 the price

00:52:51.440 --> 00:52:52.559
 for me.

00:52:54.179 --> 00:52:55.199
 The faith

00:52:55.199 --> 00:52:56.920
 and the perseverance.

00:52:57.719 --> 00:52:59.039
 The price paid

00:52:59.039 --> 00:53:00.239
 and the ticket

00:53:00.239 --> 00:53:00.840
 shone.

00:53:00.840 --> 00:53:01.960
 They both

00:53:01.960 --> 00:53:03.120
 go hand

00:53:03.120 --> 00:53:03.940
 in hand.

00:53:04.840 --> 00:53:05.500
 And when you look

00:53:05.500 --> 00:53:06.240
 at the wonderful

00:53:06.240 --> 00:53:07.340
 words of the Lord

00:53:07.340 --> 00:53:08.240
 Jesus to his

00:53:08.240 --> 00:53:08.880
 disciples,

00:53:09.720 --> 00:53:10.820
 in John 14,

00:53:12.100 --> 00:53:13.420
 there you see

00:53:13.420 --> 00:53:14.579
 that Jesus

00:53:14.579 --> 00:53:15.500
 was telling them

00:53:15.500 --> 00:53:17.340
 do not be anxious.

00:53:18.200 --> 00:53:18.900
 What he says

00:53:18.900 --> 00:53:19.360
 in verse 1,

00:53:19.420 --> 00:53:20.480
 let not your hearts

00:53:20.480 --> 00:53:21.140
 be troubled.

00:53:21.820 --> 00:53:22.900
 Believe in God,

00:53:23.059 --> 00:53:24.559
 believe also in me.

00:53:24.860 --> 00:53:26.519
 In my Father's house

00:53:26.519 --> 00:53:27.660
 are many rooms.

00:53:27.659 --> 00:53:29.480
 And he says,

00:53:29.579 --> 00:53:30.119
 I go

00:53:30.119 --> 00:53:31.299
 to prepare

00:53:31.299 --> 00:53:32.179
 a place

00:53:32.179 --> 00:53:33.239
 for you.

00:53:34.879 --> 00:53:35.359
 And then

00:53:35.359 --> 00:53:36.079
 what does he say?

00:53:36.440 --> 00:53:37.199
 That I may

00:53:37.199 --> 00:53:38.079
 come again

00:53:38.079 --> 00:53:39.699
 and take you

00:53:39.699 --> 00:53:40.379
 to be

00:53:40.379 --> 00:53:41.339
 with me.

00:53:42.619 --> 00:53:43.739
 What wonderful

00:53:43.739 --> 00:53:44.319
 words,

00:53:44.460 --> 00:53:45.299
 what confidence

00:53:45.299 --> 00:53:46.440
 they bring

00:53:46.440 --> 00:53:47.699
 to God's

00:53:47.699 --> 00:53:48.219
 people.

00:53:48.399 --> 00:53:48.920
 Let not

00:53:48.920 --> 00:53:49.859
 your hearts

00:53:49.859 --> 00:53:50.539
 be troubled.

00:53:51.179 --> 00:53:52.299
 Believe in God,

00:53:52.460 --> 00:53:53.699
 believe also in me.

00:53:54.239 --> 00:53:54.980
 I go

00:53:54.980 --> 00:53:55.799
 to prepare

00:53:55.799 --> 00:53:56.960
 a place.

00:53:57.659 --> 00:53:59.039
 That preparation

00:53:59.039 --> 00:54:00.460
 involved his

00:54:00.460 --> 00:54:01.599
 going to the cross,

00:54:01.940 --> 00:54:02.960
 his rising

00:54:02.960 --> 00:54:03.859
 from the grave

00:54:03.859 --> 00:54:04.679
 on the third day,

00:54:04.779 --> 00:54:05.500
 his ascending

00:54:05.500 --> 00:54:06.659
 into heaven,

00:54:06.859 --> 00:54:08.119
 and that promise

00:54:08.119 --> 00:54:09.179
 that he will

00:54:09.179 --> 00:54:10.739
 come again.

00:54:12.319 --> 00:54:13.239
 Is that

00:54:13.239 --> 00:54:13.659
 what you're

00:54:13.659 --> 00:54:14.259
 leaning on?

00:54:15.279 --> 00:54:16.339
 Is that the promises

00:54:16.339 --> 00:54:17.339
 that you're holding

00:54:17.339 --> 00:54:17.879
 on to?

00:54:18.119 --> 00:54:19.019
 That he will

00:54:19.019 --> 00:54:19.819
 come again.

00:54:20.319 --> 00:54:21.099
 Let not your

00:54:21.099 --> 00:54:22.099
 hearts be troubled.

00:54:23.039 --> 00:54:24.279
 Believe in God,

00:54:24.920 --> 00:54:25.960
 believe also

00:54:25.960 --> 00:54:27.000
 in me.

00:54:27.659 --> 00:54:30.019
 The word

00:54:30.019 --> 00:54:30.539
 of God

00:54:30.539 --> 00:54:31.440
 is so wonderful

00:54:31.440 --> 00:54:32.420
 in the confidence

00:54:32.420 --> 00:54:33.259
 and the hope

00:54:33.259 --> 00:54:34.599
 that it gives.

00:54:36.039 --> 00:54:36.859
 The third

00:54:36.859 --> 00:54:37.420
 and final

00:54:37.420 --> 00:54:37.899
 thing we want

00:54:37.899 --> 00:54:38.639
 to see here

00:54:38.639 --> 00:54:40.639
 is we need

00:54:40.639 --> 00:54:41.559
 to be ready

00:54:41.559 --> 00:54:42.759
 for his

00:54:42.759 --> 00:54:43.159
 coming.

00:54:44.239 --> 00:54:45.159
 We need

00:54:45.159 --> 00:54:46.059
 to be ready

00:54:46.059 --> 00:54:47.079
 for his

00:54:47.079 --> 00:54:47.460
 coming.

00:54:47.539 --> 00:54:48.500
 What is Paul's

00:54:48.500 --> 00:54:49.659
 greatest concern

00:54:49.659 --> 00:54:51.000
 to the people

00:54:51.000 --> 00:54:52.779
 of Thessalonica

00:54:52.779 --> 00:54:53.920
 here in both

00:54:53.920 --> 00:54:54.619
 chapter 1

00:54:54.619 --> 00:54:55.599
 and chapter 2

00:54:55.599 --> 00:54:57.299
 as he's speaking

00:54:57.299 --> 00:54:58.179
 of the judgment

00:54:58.179 --> 00:54:59.679
 at Christ's

00:54:59.679 --> 00:55:00.059
 coming,

00:55:00.599 --> 00:55:01.179
 where this

00:55:01.179 --> 00:55:03.059
 picture is put

00:55:03.059 --> 00:55:03.920
 before them

00:55:03.920 --> 00:55:05.359
 of the different

00:55:05.359 --> 00:55:06.219
 destinations

00:55:06.219 --> 00:55:06.980
 of heaven

00:55:06.980 --> 00:55:07.639
 and hell.

00:55:08.299 --> 00:55:08.779
 What's his

00:55:08.779 --> 00:55:09.559
 concern?

00:55:10.219 --> 00:55:10.779
 As he comes

00:55:10.779 --> 00:55:11.799
 into chapter 2

00:55:11.799 --> 00:55:12.559
 concerning

00:55:12.559 --> 00:55:13.480
 the coming

00:55:13.480 --> 00:55:14.239
 of the Lord,

00:55:15.239 --> 00:55:15.920
 it's that they

00:55:15.920 --> 00:55:16.559
 be ready.

00:55:17.559 --> 00:55:18.380
 That they be

00:55:18.380 --> 00:55:19.440
 ready for it.

00:55:20.039 --> 00:55:20.659
 When you see

00:55:20.659 --> 00:55:21.079
 what he is

00:55:21.079 --> 00:55:21.799
 teaching them,

00:55:22.819 --> 00:55:24.119
 you see

00:55:24.119 --> 00:55:25.500
 the purpose

00:55:25.500 --> 00:55:26.460
 behind it

00:55:26.460 --> 00:55:27.000
 is that they

00:55:27.000 --> 00:55:28.179
 might believe

00:55:28.179 --> 00:55:29.539
 and be ready

00:55:29.539 --> 00:55:31.400
 to have assurance

00:55:31.400 --> 00:55:32.199
 in the truth

00:55:32.199 --> 00:55:33.719
 of God's

00:55:33.719 --> 00:55:34.259
 word.

00:55:35.460 --> 00:55:36.239
 As we see,

00:55:36.779 --> 00:55:37.460
 the Thessalonians

00:55:37.460 --> 00:55:37.860
 will be,

00:55:38.219 --> 00:55:39.039
 these doubts

00:55:39.039 --> 00:55:39.659
 will be put

00:55:39.659 --> 00:55:40.599
 into their mind

00:55:40.599 --> 00:55:41.639
 that this day

00:55:41.639 --> 00:55:42.460
 had already

00:55:42.460 --> 00:55:43.059
 happened.

00:55:44.960 --> 00:55:45.559
 And for

00:55:45.559 --> 00:55:46.480
 ourselves today,

00:55:46.599 --> 00:55:47.019
 it's almost like

00:55:47.019 --> 00:55:48.000
 the opposite is true.

00:55:48.099 --> 00:55:48.380
 It's almost

00:55:48.380 --> 00:55:49.360
 that this day

00:55:49.360 --> 00:55:50.159
 is not going

00:55:50.159 --> 00:55:50.779
 to happen.

00:55:51.139 --> 00:55:51.899
 That this day

00:55:51.899 --> 00:55:52.559
 surely would

00:55:52.559 --> 00:55:53.279
 have happened

00:55:53.279 --> 00:55:54.319
 by now.

00:55:55.480 --> 00:55:56.359
 And it's easy

00:55:56.359 --> 00:55:57.299
 to waste time

00:55:57.299 --> 00:55:58.179
 speculating

00:55:58.179 --> 00:55:59.179
 about the

00:55:59.179 --> 00:55:59.899
 coming of the

00:55:59.899 --> 00:56:00.239
 Lord.

00:56:00.399 --> 00:56:00.779
 Will it,

00:56:00.960 --> 00:56:01.399
 won't it,

00:56:01.440 --> 00:56:01.940
 or when?

00:56:04.039 --> 00:56:05.079
 But instead,

00:56:05.399 --> 00:56:06.199
 we are to heed

00:56:06.199 --> 00:56:07.460
 the warnings

00:56:07.460 --> 00:56:09.079
 of his word.

00:56:10.440 --> 00:56:10.940
 Like I was saying

00:56:10.940 --> 00:56:11.739
 to the children

00:56:11.739 --> 00:56:12.960
 earlier on,

00:56:13.059 --> 00:56:13.460
 we're under

00:56:13.460 --> 00:56:14.420
 a weather

00:56:14.420 --> 00:56:15.559
 warning just now.

00:56:16.679 --> 00:56:17.480
 And we look

00:56:17.480 --> 00:56:18.059
 out and we're

00:56:18.059 --> 00:56:19.299
 wondering what's

00:56:19.299 --> 00:56:20.099
 going to come.

00:56:20.480 --> 00:56:21.099
 What's it going

00:56:21.099 --> 00:56:21.739
 to be like?

00:56:22.420 --> 00:56:23.099
 It's the same

00:56:23.099 --> 00:56:23.960
 every time,

00:56:24.339 --> 00:56:24.920
 whether it's a

00:56:24.920 --> 00:56:25.819
 gale or snow

00:56:25.819 --> 00:56:26.219
 and ice,

00:56:26.279 --> 00:56:26.859
 we're wondering

00:56:26.859 --> 00:56:28.059
 how bad's it

00:56:28.059 --> 00:56:28.699
 going to be?

00:56:29.079 --> 00:56:29.879
 What damage

00:56:29.879 --> 00:56:30.819
 will it cause?

00:56:32.239 --> 00:56:32.960
 But what about

00:56:32.960 --> 00:56:33.980
 the warning

00:56:33.980 --> 00:56:34.819
 of the Lord's

00:56:34.819 --> 00:56:35.299
 return?

00:56:36.719 --> 00:56:37.480
 Are you

00:56:37.480 --> 00:56:37.940
 heeding

00:56:37.940 --> 00:56:39.299
 that warning

00:56:39.299 --> 00:56:39.940
 today?

00:56:41.279 --> 00:56:41.960
 He's going

00:56:41.960 --> 00:56:42.659
 to come.

00:56:43.239 --> 00:56:43.879
 That he has

00:56:43.879 --> 00:56:44.460
 told us.

00:56:44.500 --> 00:56:44.799
 He's going

00:56:44.799 --> 00:56:45.339
 to come

00:56:45.339 --> 00:56:46.599
 like a thief

00:56:46.599 --> 00:56:47.159
 in the night.

00:56:47.159 --> 00:56:47.579
 You don't

00:56:47.579 --> 00:56:48.059
 know the

00:56:48.059 --> 00:56:48.519
 moment,

00:56:49.480 --> 00:56:50.219
 but are you

00:56:50.219 --> 00:56:50.579
 ready?

00:56:52.179 --> 00:56:52.739
 To know

00:56:52.739 --> 00:56:53.679
 he is coming

00:56:53.679 --> 00:56:55.359
 should motivate

00:56:55.359 --> 00:56:55.739
 us,

00:56:55.819 --> 00:56:56.539
 should drive

00:56:56.539 --> 00:56:57.059
 us to

00:56:57.059 --> 00:56:57.659
 himself,

00:56:58.219 --> 00:56:58.759
 and should

00:56:58.759 --> 00:56:59.460
 drive us in

00:56:59.460 --> 00:57:00.059
 everything that

00:57:00.059 --> 00:57:00.819
 we do as a

00:57:00.819 --> 00:57:01.279
 people.

00:57:01.839 --> 00:57:02.839
 The urgency

00:57:02.839 --> 00:57:04.139
 of this,

00:57:04.960 --> 00:57:05.879
 the very fact

00:57:05.879 --> 00:57:06.399
 that he is

00:57:06.399 --> 00:57:06.980
 coming and we

00:57:06.980 --> 00:57:07.399
 don't know

00:57:07.399 --> 00:57:07.759
 when,

00:57:08.759 --> 00:57:09.119
 what are we

00:57:09.119 --> 00:57:10.379
 doing to

00:57:10.379 --> 00:57:11.179
 tell others?

00:57:11.179 --> 00:57:12.699
 What are we

00:57:12.699 --> 00:57:13.179
 doing to

00:57:13.179 --> 00:57:14.000
 warn others?

00:57:15.980 --> 00:57:16.339
 There's a

00:57:16.339 --> 00:57:17.219
 story told

00:57:17.219 --> 00:57:18.119
 of an

00:57:18.119 --> 00:57:18.579
 American

00:57:18.579 --> 00:57:19.199
 colonel,

00:57:19.239 --> 00:57:19.519
 his name

00:57:19.519 --> 00:57:20.119
 was Colonel

00:57:20.119 --> 00:57:20.899
 Davenport,

00:57:21.219 --> 00:57:22.039
 and he was

00:57:22.039 --> 00:57:22.480
 one of the

00:57:22.480 --> 00:57:23.899
 speakers to

00:57:23.899 --> 00:57:24.299
 the House

00:57:24.299 --> 00:57:25.259
 of Representatives

00:57:25.259 --> 00:57:26.039
 in America

00:57:26.039 --> 00:57:26.679
 and Connecticut.

00:57:28.440 --> 00:57:28.859
 And on

00:57:28.859 --> 00:57:29.460
 this day in

00:57:29.460 --> 00:57:29.779
 May,

00:57:30.279 --> 00:57:30.699
 May the

00:57:30.699 --> 00:57:31.359
 19th,

00:57:31.359 --> 00:57:32.500
 1780,

00:57:33.319 --> 00:57:33.699
 there was

00:57:33.699 --> 00:57:34.440
 this meeting

00:57:34.440 --> 00:57:35.599
 taking place

00:57:35.599 --> 00:57:36.339
 of the House

00:57:36.339 --> 00:57:37.299
 of Representatives

00:57:37.299 --> 00:57:38.319
 in Hartford,

00:57:38.819 --> 00:57:39.259
 America.

00:57:39.699 --> 00:57:40.199
 It's like our

00:57:40.199 --> 00:57:40.719
 Parliament

00:57:40.719 --> 00:57:41.279
 meeting.

00:57:42.519 --> 00:57:43.159
 And as

00:57:43.159 --> 00:57:43.980
 this meeting

00:57:43.980 --> 00:57:44.639
 was going

00:57:44.639 --> 00:57:45.079
 on,

00:57:46.239 --> 00:57:46.539
 it was

00:57:46.539 --> 00:57:47.079
 June the

00:57:47.079 --> 00:57:47.339
 day,

00:57:47.439 --> 00:57:47.659
 and yet

00:57:47.659 --> 00:57:48.519
 the sky

00:57:48.519 --> 00:57:49.939
 just suddenly

00:57:49.939 --> 00:57:50.960
 started to

00:57:50.960 --> 00:57:51.819
 get darker

00:57:51.819 --> 00:57:52.719
 and darker,

00:57:53.739 --> 00:57:54.939
 to such an

00:57:54.939 --> 00:57:55.639
 extent that

00:57:55.639 --> 00:57:56.719
 some of those

00:57:56.719 --> 00:57:57.359
 in the meeting

00:57:57.359 --> 00:57:58.299
 started looking

00:57:58.299 --> 00:57:59.279
 outside and

00:57:59.279 --> 00:58:00.939
 just amazed

00:58:00.939 --> 00:58:01.899
 by the darkness

00:58:01.899 --> 00:58:02.779
 that had come

00:58:02.779 --> 00:58:04.000
 so quickly.

00:58:05.079 --> 00:58:06.039
 And the fear

00:58:06.039 --> 00:58:07.000
 that came upon

00:58:07.000 --> 00:58:07.939
 them was this,

00:58:09.099 --> 00:58:09.779
 that the day

00:58:09.780 --> 00:58:10.540
 of the Lord

00:58:10.540 --> 00:58:11.740
 was coming,

00:58:12.660 --> 00:58:13.440
 that this

00:58:13.440 --> 00:58:14.060
 was it.

00:58:15.580 --> 00:58:16.000
 And they

00:58:16.000 --> 00:58:16.900
 started calling

00:58:16.900 --> 00:58:17.860
 for the meeting

00:58:17.860 --> 00:58:18.800
 to be adjourned,

00:58:18.940 --> 00:58:19.240
 the meeting

00:58:19.240 --> 00:58:19.860
 to end,

00:58:20.220 --> 00:58:20.880
 because this

00:58:20.880 --> 00:58:21.980
 was so serious.

00:58:23.500 --> 00:58:24.580
 But Colonel

00:58:24.580 --> 00:58:25.380
 Davenport,

00:58:25.600 --> 00:58:26.280
 it said,

00:58:26.340 --> 00:58:27.040
 he calmed

00:58:27.040 --> 00:58:27.620
 the meeting.

00:58:28.740 --> 00:58:29.280
 And he

00:58:29.280 --> 00:58:30.000
 said this,

00:58:30.140 --> 00:58:30.800
 the day of

00:58:30.800 --> 00:58:31.440
 judgment

00:58:31.440 --> 00:58:32.100
 is either

00:58:32.100 --> 00:58:32.760
 approaching

00:58:32.760 --> 00:58:33.940
 or it is

00:58:33.940 --> 00:58:34.440
 not.

00:58:35.480 --> 00:58:36.160
 If it is

00:58:36.160 --> 00:58:36.460
 not,

00:58:36.540 --> 00:58:37.040
 there is no

00:58:37.040 --> 00:58:37.820
 cause for

00:58:37.820 --> 00:58:38.640
 adjournment.

00:58:39.600 --> 00:58:40.559
 If it is,

00:58:41.000 --> 00:58:41.900
 I choose

00:58:41.900 --> 00:58:42.620
 to be found

00:58:42.620 --> 00:58:43.440
 doing my

00:58:43.440 --> 00:58:43.880
 duty.

00:58:45.019 --> 00:58:45.340
 Therefore,

00:58:45.519 --> 00:58:45.940
 I wish

00:58:45.940 --> 00:58:46.760
 that candles

00:58:46.760 --> 00:58:47.960
 be brought.

00:58:49.100 --> 00:58:49.960
 The darkness

00:58:49.960 --> 00:58:51.160
 was ominous.

00:58:52.380 --> 00:58:52.960
 But he said,

00:58:53.019 --> 00:58:53.140
 well,

00:58:53.180 --> 00:58:53.940
 if this is

00:58:53.940 --> 00:58:54.559
 the Lord's

00:58:54.559 --> 00:58:55.019
 return,

00:58:55.380 --> 00:58:56.220
 I want to

00:58:56.220 --> 00:58:56.960
 be found

00:58:56.960 --> 00:58:58.700
 doing my

00:58:58.700 --> 00:58:59.200
 duty.

00:59:01.200 --> 00:59:01.940
 Rather than

00:59:01.940 --> 00:59:02.600
 fearing what

00:59:02.600 --> 00:59:03.400
 is to come,

00:59:04.580 --> 00:59:04.920
 you are to

00:59:04.920 --> 00:59:05.740
 be faithful

00:59:05.739 --> 00:59:07.339
 till Christ's

00:59:07.339 --> 00:59:07.879
 return.

00:59:09.039 --> 00:59:09.579
 And instead

00:59:09.579 --> 00:59:10.339
 of fearing

00:59:10.339 --> 00:59:11.119
 the dark,

00:59:11.919 --> 00:59:12.259
 we are to

00:59:12.259 --> 00:59:13.199
 remember the

00:59:13.199 --> 00:59:14.279
 light that we

00:59:14.279 --> 00:59:15.359
 have in Christ

00:59:15.359 --> 00:59:16.559
 and his

00:59:16.559 --> 00:59:17.139
 gospel.

00:59:18.079 --> 00:59:18.599
 And we are

00:59:18.599 --> 00:59:19.319
 to watch

00:59:19.319 --> 00:59:20.659
 and wait

00:59:20.659 --> 00:59:21.739
 for his

00:59:21.739 --> 00:59:22.319
 return.

00:59:23.559 --> 00:59:24.399
 The reality

00:59:24.399 --> 00:59:25.059
 of heaven

00:59:25.059 --> 00:59:26.199
 and hell

00:59:26.199 --> 00:59:27.299
 is clear

00:59:27.299 --> 00:59:28.079
 before us

00:59:28.079 --> 00:59:28.419
 in the

00:59:28.419 --> 00:59:28.819
 scriptures.

00:59:29.519 --> 00:59:30.319
 And the

00:59:30.319 --> 00:59:30.919
 reality of

00:59:30.919 --> 00:59:31.319
 the day of

00:59:31.319 --> 00:59:32.199
 judgment

00:59:32.199 --> 00:59:33.339
 is clear

00:59:33.339 --> 00:59:34.079
 before us

00:59:34.079 --> 00:59:36.380
 in

00:59:36.380 --> 00:59:36.699
 scripture.

00:59:36.699 --> 00:59:36.840
 The reality

00:59:36.840 --> 00:59:37.239
 of the

00:59:37.239 --> 00:59:37.759
 coming of

00:59:37.759 --> 00:59:38.219
 the Lord

00:59:38.219 --> 00:59:39.579
 is clear

00:59:39.579 --> 00:59:40.360
 before us

00:59:40.360 --> 00:59:41.000
 in scripture.

00:59:42.480 --> 00:59:43.460
 The question

00:59:43.460 --> 00:59:43.960
 is,

00:59:44.559 --> 00:59:45.340
 are you

00:59:45.340 --> 00:59:45.679
 ready?

00:59:48.059 --> 00:59:48.940
 Are you

00:59:48.940 --> 00:59:49.279
 ready?

00:59:50.900 --> 00:59:51.319
 The day

00:59:51.319 --> 00:59:51.819
 is coming

00:59:51.819 --> 00:59:52.199
 when the

00:59:52.199 --> 00:59:52.840
 sky will

00:59:52.840 --> 00:59:53.400
 light with

00:59:53.400 --> 00:59:54.420
 flaming fire

00:59:54.420 --> 00:59:56.099
 for all

00:59:56.099 --> 00:59:56.759
 people to

00:59:56.759 --> 00:59:57.119
 see and

00:59:57.119 --> 00:59:57.619
 the Lord

00:59:57.619 --> 00:59:58.340
 will come.

00:59:59.779 --> 01:00:00.380
 Some will

01:00:00.380 --> 01:00:01.239
 cry on that

01:00:01.239 --> 01:00:01.920
 day to the

01:00:01.920 --> 01:00:02.500
 mountains,

01:00:02.500 --> 01:00:03.900
 fall on

01:00:03.900 --> 01:00:04.460
 top of

01:00:04.460 --> 01:00:04.880
 them because

01:00:04.880 --> 01:00:05.139
 they will

01:00:05.139 --> 01:00:05.599
 be so

01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:06.320
 afraid.

01:00:07.119 --> 01:00:07.340
 They will

01:00:07.340 --> 01:00:07.699
 not be

01:00:07.699 --> 01:00:08.340
 ready for

01:00:08.340 --> 01:00:08.820
 the day

01:00:08.820 --> 01:00:09.980
 to appear

01:00:09.980 --> 01:00:10.659
 before the

01:00:10.659 --> 01:00:11.000
 Lord.

01:00:12.800 --> 01:00:13.360
 But for

01:00:13.360 --> 01:00:13.960
 us may

01:00:13.960 --> 01:00:14.360
 it be a

01:00:14.360 --> 01:00:14.760
 day when

01:00:14.760 --> 01:00:15.519
 we delight,

01:00:16.539 --> 01:00:17.159
 a delight

01:00:17.159 --> 01:00:17.460
 that we

01:00:17.460 --> 01:00:18.139
 will see

01:00:18.139 --> 01:00:19.260
 the beauty

01:00:19.260 --> 01:00:19.619
 of the

01:00:19.619 --> 01:00:20.239
 Lord and

01:00:20.239 --> 01:00:20.920
 gaze on

01:00:20.920 --> 01:00:21.300
 him,

01:00:22.139 --> 01:00:22.559
 for we

01:00:22.559 --> 01:00:23.019
 are ready

01:00:23.019 --> 01:00:23.679
 for it.

01:00:25.260 --> 01:00:26.039
 But while

01:00:26.039 --> 01:00:26.340
 we have

01:00:26.340 --> 01:00:26.980
 time and

01:00:26.980 --> 01:00:27.679
 opportunity,

01:00:28.619 --> 01:00:29.000
 as we

01:00:29.000 --> 01:00:29.400
 think of

01:00:29.400 --> 01:00:29.900
 the coming

01:00:29.900 --> 01:00:30.260
 of the

01:00:30.260 --> 01:00:30.800
 Lord and

01:00:30.800 --> 01:00:31.860
 the day

01:00:31.860 --> 01:00:32.360
 is going

01:00:32.360 --> 01:00:33.099
 to come,

01:00:34.220 --> 01:00:34.660
 and as we

01:00:34.660 --> 01:00:35.139
 think that

01:00:35.139 --> 01:00:35.420
 there are

01:00:35.420 --> 01:00:36.280
 people out

01:00:36.280 --> 01:00:37.360
 there who

01:00:37.360 --> 01:00:37.980
 know nothing

01:00:37.980 --> 01:00:38.500
 of it or

01:00:38.500 --> 01:00:39.000
 who are not

01:00:39.000 --> 01:00:39.980
 interested in

01:00:39.980 --> 01:00:41.639
 it, the

01:00:41.639 --> 01:00:42.420
 reality of

01:00:42.420 --> 01:00:43.019
 heaven and

01:00:43.019 --> 01:00:43.480
 hell and

01:00:43.480 --> 01:00:44.079
 the judgment

01:00:44.079 --> 01:00:45.099
 and the

01:00:45.099 --> 01:00:45.559
 coming of

01:00:45.559 --> 01:00:46.079
 the Lord

01:00:46.079 --> 01:00:47.980
 should drive

01:00:47.980 --> 01:00:49.579
 us in

01:00:49.579 --> 01:00:50.480
 telling others

01:00:50.480 --> 01:00:52.160
 that he

01:00:52.160 --> 01:00:53.019
 is coming

01:00:53.019 --> 01:00:54.880
 and to be

01:00:54.880 --> 01:00:55.240
 ready.

01:00:57.160 --> 01:00:57.559
 May the

01:00:57.559 --> 01:00:58.059
 coming of

01:00:58.059 --> 01:00:58.460
 the Lord

01:00:58.460 --> 01:00:58.920
 not be

01:00:58.920 --> 01:00:59.380
 something.

01:01:00.059 --> 01:01:00.519
 We just

01:01:00.519 --> 01:01:01.400
 speculate about

01:01:01.400 --> 01:01:01.980
 the things

01:01:01.980 --> 01:01:02.340
 that we do

01:01:02.340 --> 01:01:03.340
 not understand,

01:01:04.279 --> 01:01:05.099
 but may it

01:01:05.099 --> 01:01:05.960
 instead be a

01:01:05.960 --> 01:01:06.480
 day that we

01:01:06.480 --> 01:01:07.880
 see is

01:01:07.880 --> 01:01:09.500
 true and

01:01:09.500 --> 01:01:09.880
 is the

01:01:09.880 --> 01:01:10.619
 great hope

01:01:10.619 --> 01:01:10.980
 of the

01:01:10.980 --> 01:01:11.500
 Christian,

01:01:12.119 --> 01:01:12.860
 but is our

01:01:12.860 --> 01:01:13.880
 great motivation

01:01:13.880 --> 01:01:15.119
 in reaching

01:01:15.119 --> 01:01:16.219
 out with

01:01:16.219 --> 01:01:16.799
 the gospel.

01:01:17.460 --> 01:01:17.940
 Let us

01:01:17.940 --> 01:01:18.199
 pray.

01:01:20.360 --> 01:01:20.880
 Our

01:01:20.880 --> 01:01:21.539
 Father in

01:01:21.539 --> 01:01:22.119
 heaven, we

01:01:22.119 --> 01:01:22.960
 thank you for

01:01:22.960 --> 01:01:23.559
 your word

01:01:23.559 --> 01:01:24.139
 that is

01:01:24.139 --> 01:01:25.799
 truth, and

01:01:25.799 --> 01:01:26.219
 even though

01:01:26.219 --> 01:01:26.759
 the world

01:01:26.759 --> 01:01:27.400
 will cast

01:01:27.400 --> 01:01:27.900
 so many

01:01:27.900 --> 01:01:28.800
 doubts over

01:01:28.800 --> 01:01:29.780
 it, and

01:01:29.780 --> 01:01:30.300
 tell us that

01:01:30.300 --> 01:01:30.880
 it is not

01:01:30.880 --> 01:01:31.280
 true.

01:01:31.940 --> 01:01:32.519
 Tell us that

01:01:32.519 --> 01:01:33.039
 if the Lord

01:01:33.039 --> 01:01:33.820
 was going to

01:01:33.820 --> 01:01:34.240
 come, we

01:01:34.240 --> 01:01:34.460
 would have

01:01:34.460 --> 01:01:35.280
 done so by

01:01:35.280 --> 01:01:35.619
 now.

01:01:36.360 --> 01:01:36.920
 Help us to

01:01:36.920 --> 01:01:37.599
 realize that

01:01:37.599 --> 01:01:37.920
 that was

01:01:37.920 --> 01:01:38.400
 true in

01:01:38.400 --> 01:01:39.019
 the days of

01:01:39.019 --> 01:01:39.519
 our Lord,

01:01:40.240 --> 01:01:40.780
 in the days

01:01:40.780 --> 01:01:41.059
 of the

01:01:41.059 --> 01:01:42.619
 apostles, and

01:01:42.619 --> 01:01:43.079
 down through

01:01:43.079 --> 01:01:43.579
 all the

01:01:43.579 --> 01:01:44.500
 generations, but

01:01:44.500 --> 01:01:44.940
 it doesn't

01:01:44.940 --> 01:01:45.980
 mean that

01:01:45.980 --> 01:01:46.340
 it's not

01:01:46.340 --> 01:01:47.079
 something to

01:01:47.079 --> 01:01:48.079
 be believed

01:01:48.079 --> 01:01:48.420
 in.

01:01:49.380 --> 01:01:49.900
 For your

01:01:49.900 --> 01:01:50.680
 word tells

01:01:50.680 --> 01:01:51.099
 us that the

01:01:51.099 --> 01:01:51.519
 day of the

01:01:51.519 --> 01:01:52.000
 Lord will

01:01:52.000 --> 01:01:53.360
 come like a

01:01:53.360 --> 01:01:53.900
 thief in the

01:01:53.900 --> 01:01:55.280
 night, and

01:01:55.280 --> 01:01:56.880
 help us to

01:01:56.880 --> 01:01:58.160
 be ready, and

01:01:58.160 --> 01:01:58.619
 help us to

01:01:58.619 --> 01:02:00.000
 be urgent in

01:02:00.000 --> 01:02:00.740
 our work for

01:02:00.740 --> 01:02:02.099
 the gospel, to

01:02:02.099 --> 01:02:03.140
 tell others to

01:02:03.140 --> 01:02:03.880
 be ready for

01:02:03.880 --> 01:02:04.380
 it too.

01:02:05.059 --> 01:02:05.700
 But Lord, we

01:02:05.700 --> 01:02:07.059
 thank you that

01:02:07.059 --> 01:02:07.680
 it's a day that

01:02:07.680 --> 01:02:08.579
 your people can

01:02:08.579 --> 01:02:09.240
 look forward

01:02:09.240 --> 01:02:10.820
 to, a day of

01:02:10.820 --> 01:02:12.619
 joy, a day of

01:02:12.619 --> 01:02:13.340
 delight, when we

01:02:13.340 --> 01:02:14.820
 will gaze on the

01:02:14.820 --> 01:02:15.440
 beauty of the

01:02:15.440 --> 01:02:15.740
 Lord.

01:02:16.400 --> 01:02:16.920
 And so we

01:02:16.920 --> 01:02:17.579
 pray, Lord, that

01:02:17.579 --> 01:02:18.180
 you will bless

01:02:18.180 --> 01:02:18.980
 your word to

01:02:18.980 --> 01:02:20.059
 us, and go

01:02:20.059 --> 01:02:20.740
 before us in

01:02:20.740 --> 01:02:21.340
 the rest of

01:02:21.340 --> 01:02:21.900
 this day,

01:02:22.320 --> 01:02:22.900
 pardoning our

01:02:22.900 --> 01:02:23.539
 sins, in

01:02:23.539 --> 01:02:24.300
 Jesus' name.

01:02:24.800 --> 01:02:25.119
 Amen.

01:02:26.880 --> 01:02:30.059
 We're going

01:02:30.059 --> 01:02:31.059
 to conclude by

01:02:31.059 --> 01:02:32.280
 singing to

01:02:32.280 --> 01:02:33.240
 God's praise in

01:02:33.240 --> 01:02:34.240
 Psalm 33

01:02:34.240 --> 01:02:35.800
 again, page

01:02:35.800 --> 01:02:39.840
 246 of the

01:02:39.840 --> 01:02:40.260
 psalm book,

01:02:40.360 --> 01:02:41.380
 Psalm 33,

01:02:42.240 --> 01:02:43.980
 page 246.

01:02:44.140 --> 01:02:44.820
 We'll sing from

01:02:44.820 --> 01:02:46.860
 verse 18 down

01:02:46.860 --> 01:02:48.019
 to verse 22.

01:02:48.160 --> 01:02:48.640
 These three

01:02:48.640 --> 01:02:49.200
 stanzas,

01:02:49.280 --> 01:02:49.900
 Behold, on

01:02:49.900 --> 01:02:51.099
 those that do

01:02:51.099 --> 01:02:51.860
 in fear, the

01:02:51.860 --> 01:02:52.680
 Lord has said

01:02:52.680 --> 01:02:53.340
 as I, even

01:02:53.340 --> 01:02:54.140
 those who on

01:02:54.140 --> 01:02:55.059
 his mercy do

01:02:55.059 --> 01:02:56.679
 with confidence

01:02:56.679 --> 01:02:57.639
 rely.

01:02:58.179 --> 01:02:58.659
 We'll sing

01:02:58.659 --> 01:02:59.320
 these verses

01:02:59.320 --> 01:03:00.360
 to God's

01:03:00.360 --> 01:03:00.820
 praise.

01:03:00.820 --> 01:03:01.059
 Amen.

01:03:05.239 --> 01:03:08.960
 Behold, on

01:03:08.960 --> 01:03:12.239
 those that do

01:03:12.239 --> 01:03:15.960
 him fear, the

01:03:15.960 --> 01:03:19.860
 Lord has said

01:03:19.860 --> 01:03:23.900
 his eyes, he

01:03:23.900 --> 01:03:27.579
 those who on

01:03:27.579 --> 01:03:31.660
 his mercy do

01:03:31.660 --> 01:03:35.480
 with confidence

01:03:35.480 --> 01:03:37.740
 rely.

01:03:37.740 --> 01:03:44.340
 From death to free

01:03:44.340 --> 01:03:49.300
 their soul in death,

01:03:49.300 --> 01:03:54.360
 life unto them

01:03:54.360 --> 01:03:56.680
 to yield,

01:03:56.680 --> 01:04:00.680
 her soul doth

01:04:00.680 --> 01:04:03.680
 wait upon

01:04:03.680 --> 01:04:06.440
 the Lord,

01:04:06.820 --> 01:04:08.760
 he is

01:04:08.760 --> 01:04:11.480
 our help

01:04:11.480 --> 01:04:13.900
 and shield,

01:04:13.900 --> 01:04:25.280
 our heart

01:04:25.280 --> 01:04:26.280
 our heart

01:04:26.280 --> 01:04:29.200
 shall joyful

01:04:29.200 --> 01:04:31.280
 be.

01:04:31.280 --> 01:04:34.440
 Lord, let

01:04:34.440 --> 01:04:36.700
 thy mercy

01:04:36.700 --> 01:04:40.800
 be on us

01:04:40.800 --> 01:04:43.300
 as we

01:04:43.300 --> 01:04:44.340
 do

01:04:44.340 --> 01:04:46.019
 hope

01:04:46.019 --> 01:04:48.180
 in thee.

01:04:49.620 --> 01:04:50.340
 After the

01:04:50.340 --> 01:04:51.019
 benediction, I'll

01:04:51.019 --> 01:04:51.700
 go to the door

01:04:51.700 --> 01:04:52.480
 to my right.

01:04:52.760 --> 01:04:53.420
 We'll close with

01:04:53.420 --> 01:04:54.000
 the benediction.

01:04:54.860 --> 01:04:55.800
 Now may grace,

01:04:56.120 --> 01:04:57.180
 mercy, and peace

01:04:57.180 --> 01:04:57.900
 from God,

01:04:58.140 --> 01:04:59.220
 Father, Son, and

01:04:59.220 --> 01:05:00.019
 Holy Spirit

01:05:00.019 --> 01:05:01.060
 rest upon

01:05:01.060 --> 01:05:02.120
 and abide

01:05:02.120 --> 01:05:02.880
 with you all

01:05:02.880 --> 01:05:03.340
 now and

01:05:03.340 --> 01:05:04.080
 forevermore.

01:05:04.580 --> 01:05:04.920
 Amen.

01:05:04.920 --> 01:05:06.980
 to

01:05:06.980 --> 01:05:09.700
 amen.

01:05:09.700 --> 01:05:09.980
 Amen.

01:05:09.980 --> 01:05:12.099
 Amen.

01:05:12.099 --> 01:05:42.079
 Thank you.