WEBVTT 00:00:00.220 --> 00:00:07.400 Well, good evening, everyone. The last time I preached in this church, I preached to one person, so this is a huge advance. 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:15.939 So Gary gets full credit for listening in person to that sermon over the summer, but it's a great privilege to be with you tonight. 00:00:16.780 --> 00:00:23.320 We heard the song, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, and it reminds me of a story told of John Newton. 00:00:23.839 --> 00:00:30.500 John Newton exercised a long ministry in the city of London, and John Newton preached until his early 80s. 00:00:30.699 --> 00:00:44.480 And at that particular point, his sight had failed, his memory had gone, and when he preached, he would have an assistant in the pulpit with him to point at the manuscript as to where he should continue to read. 00:00:45.019 --> 00:00:49.880 And at one point, Newton said the phrase, Jesus Christ is precious. 00:00:49.880 --> 00:00:51.620 He paused. 00:00:53.100 --> 00:00:55.740 Newton then said again, Jesus Christ is precious. 00:00:56.700 --> 00:00:59.340 His servant to his left said, Mr. Newton, you've said that again. 00:01:00.100 --> 00:01:03.560 He said, I know I said it again, and I'll say it a third time. 00:01:03.900 --> 00:01:05.400 Jesus Christ is precious. 00:01:05.600 --> 00:01:12.780 Now let us sing how sweet the name of Jesus sounds, a hymn that he himself had written many years earlier. 00:01:12.780 --> 00:01:21.540 And as we commence our time together, I'd like us to remind ourselves of how precious Jesus is to us. 00:01:21.760 --> 00:01:31.599 Because if we understand how precious he is, if we value him, if we appreciate him, if we have recognized who he is and what he has done, 00:01:31.599 --> 00:01:38.179 when we come to the various commands of Scripture, they will be joyful commands, not burdens. 00:01:38.519 --> 00:01:42.399 They will be a pleasure and not a trial. 00:01:42.899 --> 00:01:48.219 Because this evening, Graham has asked me if I would speak to you on the text at the very end of Matthew's Gospel, 00:01:48.379 --> 00:01:52.780 Matthew 28 and verses, well, I'll read verses 16 to 20. 00:01:53.419 --> 00:01:58.579 But before I read that passage, let me just remind you of a statement that I heard many years ago. 00:01:58.579 --> 00:02:04.759 When I was going to church, not yet a Christian, I would go to Buclue Free Church in the morning, 00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:09.340 which is just across the meadows from here, and I would go to Holy Root Abbey at night, 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:11.180 which was along London Road. 00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:14.139 And the minister there was James Phillip. 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:16.740 He exercised a very long ministry in Edinburgh. 00:02:17.340 --> 00:02:20.319 And one thing that Mr. Phillip often said, he said, 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:25.719 the imperatives of the faith are based on the indicatives of grace. 00:02:26.079 --> 00:02:27.900 So imperatives are commands. 00:02:28.580 --> 00:02:30.140 But indicatives are statements. 00:02:30.920 --> 00:02:34.560 And if we understand the statements of faith, of grace, 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:40.700 what we believe, that Jesus Christ died, that he was buried, that he rose on the third day, 00:02:41.100 --> 00:02:44.939 and that he is therefore to be proclaimed to all the nations. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:50.300 So the foundations are not how well we keep the commands of God, 00:02:50.380 --> 00:02:53.840 but the foundations are what God has done for us. 00:02:53.840 --> 00:03:01.200 And if we recognize what God has done for us, we will then naturally want to tell others, 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:03.740 share this good news. 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:10.980 So this command at the very end of the gospel comes in the light of the death of Jesus, 00:03:11.500 --> 00:03:15.360 the burial of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:24.540 So that is our foundation, what Jesus has done, who he is, and what we now enjoy as his people. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:26.960 Matthew 28 at verse 16. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:32.320 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:36.080 But when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 00:03:36.740 --> 00:03:38.360 Then Jesus came to them and said, 00:03:38.360 --> 00:04:05.860 We had two readings earlier. 00:04:05.860 --> 00:04:13.000 We had that remarkable reading from Isaiah chapter 45, which contains verse 22, 00:04:13.200 --> 00:04:18.620 Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else. 00:04:19.080 --> 00:04:25.160 We had the parable of the great banquet from Luke, which tells us that all is now ready, 00:04:25.660 --> 00:04:30.980 and that the multitude is to be invited to this table, to this table of blessing, 00:04:31.220 --> 00:04:33.759 to this overflowing table of bounty. 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:42.439 So there you have these two pictures of a worldwide invitation, of a worldwide celebration, 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:48.219 in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, that there is something that God has done 00:04:48.219 --> 00:04:53.719 that relates to every man, woman, and child, every nation, every tribe, every tongue. 00:04:54.500 --> 00:04:58.800 So it's not surprising, therefore, when Jesus leaves this earth, 00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:02.759 that he leaves us his people with this command, 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:07.439 that we are to go and tell this world that they are invited, 00:05:07.800 --> 00:05:11.920 that they are welcome, that there is a banquet that is prepared, 00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:15.019 that there is an invitation that is set out, 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:18.060 and that we, like the servants in that parable, 00:05:18.480 --> 00:05:21.080 we are to follow the master's commands, 00:05:21.079 --> 00:05:25.500 to go wherever, to go wherever he sends us, 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:28.899 and to tell that the invitation is out, 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:30.680 to the highways, to the hedges, 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:32.639 you know, to the lame, to the blind, 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:34.379 to whoever we meet, 00:05:34.719 --> 00:05:37.759 here, and to the ends of the earth. 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:42.240 I just want to introduce you to a famous character from history. 00:05:42.360 --> 00:05:43.699 I'm a student of history, 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:45.740 that's why I came here as it was many years ago. 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:48.079 I wanted to study the history of Scotland, 00:05:48.360 --> 00:05:51.420 and it's taken me so long, I've just decided to stay. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:54.199 There was a man called Robert Morrison. 00:05:54.900 --> 00:05:57.040 Morrison was half English and half Scottish, 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:58.639 he had a Scottish name, 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:01.460 and he grew up in Northumberland, 00:06:02.340 --> 00:06:07.300 and he felt a profound call to go to China. 00:06:08.519 --> 00:06:11.600 So, now, let me just put you in context here. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:15.800 At this particular stage, William Carey had already gone to India, 00:06:15.840 --> 00:06:16.720 that was a first, 00:06:17.360 --> 00:06:20.879 but no Protestant missionary had ever gone to China. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:22.200 Just didn't happen. 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:27.080 There were no British ships that would carry a missionary to China. 00:06:27.760 --> 00:06:29.800 You see, the trade with China was so valuable, 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:34.160 the last thing you would want is Christians to get in the way of making money. 00:06:34.840 --> 00:06:37.280 You know, opium, for example, was a great way of making money. 00:06:37.340 --> 00:06:39.280 You don't want Christians to come into the equation, 00:06:39.279 --> 00:06:41.399 and the last thing that you would want, of course, 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:43.859 would be Chinese people to become Christians. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:47.399 That would really spoil a good business venture. 00:06:48.079 --> 00:06:50.039 But Morrison had this sense of call, 00:06:50.399 --> 00:06:52.399 and he was undiminished. 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:56.500 So, instead of, he couldn't travel from Britain to China, 00:06:56.559 --> 00:06:58.399 but he could travel to the United States, 00:06:58.679 --> 00:07:01.159 and he could travel from the United States to China. 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:05.539 And when he bought his ticket and explained what he was going to do, 00:07:05.839 --> 00:07:07.819 the booking agent asked him this. 00:07:07.819 --> 00:07:08.560 He said, 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:14.279 Do you really expect to make an impression on the idolatry of the great Chinese empire? 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:16.180 To which he replied, 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:18.860 No, sir, but I expect God will. 00:07:19.719 --> 00:07:21.300 So here was a man who had faith, 00:07:21.379 --> 00:07:23.339 and he said he prayed a prayer, 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:23.819 and this is, 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:27.680 I would caution you against the prayers that you pray, 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:30.920 because you need to be very careful about the prayers that you pray, 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:33.219 because if you pray certain prayers, 00:07:33.420 --> 00:07:35.779 watch out for the way in which they might be answered. 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:37.500 He prayed, 00:07:37.699 --> 00:07:41.079 God, send me to that part of the mission field, 00:07:41.359 --> 00:07:43.399 where the difficulties are the greatest, 00:07:43.859 --> 00:07:47.399 and to all human appearances the most insurmountable. 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.339 God answered that prayer, 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:51.919 sent Robert Morrison to Canton, China. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:53.279 We know it as Guangzhou. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:57.859 It's one of the coastal cities right near Hong Kong in southern China. 00:07:57.860 --> 00:07:59.540 Now, at this point, 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:02.319 no Protestant missionary had ever been sent to China, 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:07.199 and Morrison goes and spends 27 years in China. 00:08:07.740 --> 00:08:08.720 And you might think, 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:10.520 Wow, that's a long time to go. 00:08:10.939 --> 00:08:12.280 He taught himself Chinese. 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:14.600 He wrote a Chinese-English dictionary, 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:16.319 a six-volume Chinese-English dictionary. 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:18.879 He translated the Bible into Chinese. 00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:21.040 But 27 years, 00:08:21.520 --> 00:08:23.660 he saw only 10 converts. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:25.160 And you might think, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.560 at the end of 27 years, 00:08:26.900 --> 00:08:29.500 not too much to show for it. 00:08:29.880 --> 00:08:31.220 Not too much fruit. 00:08:31.700 --> 00:08:33.000 Not too much blessing. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:35.500 We'll come back to Morrison in a moment. 00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:39.320 But there was a man who heard the call and went. 00:08:39.820 --> 00:08:41.399 He heard the Great Commission 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:43.860 and recognized it for what it was, 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:44.460 a command. 00:08:45.180 --> 00:08:45.580 And you see, 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.519 when we read the Bible, 00:08:46.759 --> 00:08:48.139 we need to read the Bible 00:08:48.139 --> 00:08:50.460 and understand what is being said to us. 00:08:50.460 --> 00:08:52.139 If there's a statement, 00:08:52.660 --> 00:08:53.700 we need to believe it. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:55.400 If there's a promise, 00:08:55.560 --> 00:08:56.820 we need to cherish it. 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:58.259 But if there's a command, 00:08:58.780 --> 00:09:00.100 we need to obey it. 00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:03.600 And here we have an impossible command. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:06.379 But notice that the impossible command 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:08.300 comes in a greater context. 00:09:08.800 --> 00:09:10.600 Because this impossible command 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:14.180 to go and make disciples of all nations 00:09:14.180 --> 00:09:16.660 comes within the greater impossibility 00:09:16.660 --> 00:09:19.580 of the early part of chapter 28 of Matthew. 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:22.940 After Sabbath at dawn on the first day of the week, 00:09:23.440 --> 00:09:24.940 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary 00:09:24.940 --> 00:09:25.980 went to look at the tomb. 00:09:26.540 --> 00:09:27.860 There was a violent earthquake. 00:09:28.400 --> 00:09:30.879 For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:32.580 and going to the tomb, 00:09:32.940 --> 00:09:35.000 rolled back the stone and sat on it. 00:09:35.400 --> 00:09:37.280 His appearance was like lightning 00:09:37.280 --> 00:09:39.620 and his clothes were white as snow. 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.780 The guards were so afraid of him, 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:44.280 they shook and became like dead men. 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:46.320 The angel said to the women, 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:47.640 And do not be afraid, 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:50.160 for I know that you are looking for Jesus 00:09:50.160 --> 00:09:51.100 who was crucified. 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:53.379 He is not here. 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:55.140 He has risen, 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:57.460 just as he said. 00:09:58.100 --> 00:10:00.720 So in order to appreciate the impossible command, 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:04.379 let us first appreciate the impossible event. 00:10:04.920 --> 00:10:06.620 That Jesus Christ died, 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:07.900 he was buried, 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:09.700 and on the third day of the week, 00:10:09.760 --> 00:10:11.260 he rose from the dead. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:13.480 Now, I'm not a medical doctor, 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:16.799 but dead people have a tendency to stay dead. 00:10:17.319 --> 00:10:19.779 Dead people have a tendency to stay silent. 00:10:20.439 --> 00:10:22.899 But Jesus rose from the dead, 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:26.080 and the risen living Jesus is now speaking. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:29.659 Dead people tended to stay dead 2,000 years ago. 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:30.840 It's not a modern phenomenon. 00:10:31.100 --> 00:10:32.799 It tended to occur that way, 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.840 that when people died, they were buried. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:36.080 That was the end of the story. 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:38.220 But in Jesus' case, 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:40.800 in each of the gospel accounts, 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:43.040 Matthew 27, the crucifixion, 00:10:43.320 --> 00:10:45.060 is followed by Matthew 28. 00:10:45.520 --> 00:10:47.660 Mark 15, the crucifixion, 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:49.080 is followed by Mark 16. 00:10:49.680 --> 00:10:52.100 Luke 23, crucifixion, 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.820 is followed by Luke 24. 00:10:54.400 --> 00:10:56.240 And John chapter 19 00:10:56.240 --> 00:10:59.240 is followed by John chapter 20 and 21. 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:01.080 Jesus died, 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.400 and yet there is another chapter. 00:11:03.920 --> 00:11:04.940 That's impossible. 00:11:04.940 --> 00:11:09.300 And yet God delights in doing the impossible. 00:11:10.020 --> 00:11:11.240 And that's our indicative. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:13.320 Jesus Christ is alive. 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:15.080 Jesus Christ is risen. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:17.780 And the risen living Jesus speaks. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:20.100 And he speaks with all power, 00:11:20.280 --> 00:11:22.800 and he speaks with all authority. 00:11:23.300 --> 00:11:25.060 So the impossible event 00:11:25.060 --> 00:11:29.140 is the foundation for this impossible command. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.380 And let's look more closely 00:11:31.380 --> 00:11:34.160 exactly at what Jesus is saying here. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:35.939 Because it really comes down 00:11:35.939 --> 00:11:37.799 to three different statements. 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:40.459 We have this impossible command, 00:11:40.579 --> 00:11:41.779 which we'll call the Great Commission, 00:11:42.219 --> 00:11:43.899 but it's comprised of three 00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:45.579 different propositional statements. 00:11:46.459 --> 00:11:48.019 We have a great claim, 00:11:48.459 --> 00:11:50.139 we have a great command, 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:52.899 and we have a great companion. 00:11:53.559 --> 00:11:55.959 Verse 18, the great claim. 00:11:56.659 --> 00:11:58.679 All authority in heaven 00:11:58.679 --> 00:12:01.000 and on earth has been given to me. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:03.600 The Bible makes quite clear 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:05.580 that Jesus is the one 00:12:05.580 --> 00:12:07.539 through whom all things are created. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:09.360 Jesus is the one 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:11.320 through whom all things are sustained. 00:12:12.039 --> 00:12:14.840 Jesus is the redeemer of mankind, 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:17.940 and it will ultimately redeem all things. 00:12:18.440 --> 00:12:20.320 And he therefore can say 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:22.820 with honesty and with integrity 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:24.539 that all power, 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:27.720 all authority rests with him. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:30.379 So when he gives a command, 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.300 he has the resources 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:34.379 to carry that command out. 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:36.019 When he commissions, 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:38.440 he has the resources 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.779 to make certain 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:41.620 that those who are commissioned 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.519 are equipped, enabled. 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:46.000 There's never a time 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:47.660 where Jesus makes a command 00:12:47.660 --> 00:12:49.580 where he doesn't accompany 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.019 the command with the resources. 00:12:51.660 --> 00:12:53.120 That indeed would be 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:54.220 completely impossible. 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:57.740 But Jesus has all power. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.860 Jesus has all authority. 00:12:59.940 --> 00:13:00.860 He's the king of kings. 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:02.460 He's the lord of lords. 00:13:02.680 --> 00:13:04.440 And we know who he is. 00:13:04.600 --> 00:13:06.399 And we know what he has done. 00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:09.240 So the work of the gospel 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:11.139 has been done. 00:13:11.820 --> 00:13:13.379 All that is left to us 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:15.460 is to say and to tell 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:16.740 and to show. 00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:18.899 So the great claim, 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:20.340 and then that's followed 00:13:20.340 --> 00:13:21.759 by the great command. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:24.299 Therefore, go. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.080 And that connection word, 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:26.480 therefore. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:29.980 We go because of who he is. 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:32.580 We go because of what he has done. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:34.779 We go because of the authority 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:36.559 that has been invested in him. 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:38.700 And therefore, he can tell us 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:41.059 to go forth in his name. 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:43.039 But notice the scope. 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.919 Go and make disciples 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:48.059 of all the nations. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:51.500 Not some, not most. 00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:53.899 Not those that are near at hand. 00:13:54.419 --> 00:13:56.100 Not those that are inclined 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:56.879 to the message. 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:58.419 But all peoples. 00:13:58.919 --> 00:13:59.840 All nations. 00:14:00.319 --> 00:14:01.500 All tribes. 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:02.759 All tongues. 00:14:03.580 --> 00:14:04.580 That we are to go 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:06.340 and not make converts. 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:08.220 But this word disciple 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.399 is a much bigger word 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:10.080 than a convert. 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:11.319 We're not just trying 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:12.299 to persuade people 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:14.120 to think certain things 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:16.080 or to accept certain propositions. 00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:18.320 But we want to see followers 00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:19.100 of Jesus 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:20.639 in every land, 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:21.440 in every nation. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:23.300 We want to see men and women 00:14:23.300 --> 00:14:24.400 and young and old. 00:14:24.520 --> 00:14:25.480 We want to see them 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:27.600 consecrated to Christ. 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.340 Trusting in him. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:30.840 Believing in him. 00:14:31.020 --> 00:14:33.520 And walking in his footsteps. 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:35.580 That's what we are. 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:37.340 If you're a Christian here tonight, 00:14:37.420 --> 00:14:38.139 you're a disciple. 00:14:38.560 --> 00:14:39.420 He's the teacher. 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.480 You're the learner. 00:14:40.940 --> 00:14:41.860 He's the king. 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:42.700 You're the subject. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:44.200 He is the one 00:14:44.200 --> 00:14:45.620 who has offered sacrifice 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.680 on your behalf 00:14:46.680 --> 00:14:48.820 so that you can be made pure. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:50.620 You can be made clean. 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.680 He's in charge. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.180 He's in control. 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:56.759 So we make disciples 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:58.700 of all the nations. 00:14:58.980 --> 00:14:59.620 And you think, 00:15:00.540 --> 00:15:01.759 Jesus, don't you realize 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.800 who you're talking to? 00:15:03.379 --> 00:15:04.100 Don't you realize 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:04.680 that you're talking 00:15:04.680 --> 00:15:05.640 to the disciples? 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:07.160 These are the people 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:08.500 that are slow to understand. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.800 These are the people 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:12.420 that are so inconsistent. 00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:14.700 in their Christian witness. 00:15:15.060 --> 00:15:17.240 They get it wrong so often. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:19.540 They stumble so regularly. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:22.600 And doesn't Jesus realize 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.640 what we are like? 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.280 We're not the wise. 00:15:25.400 --> 00:15:26.340 We're not the strong. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.520 We're not the consistent. 00:15:28.580 --> 00:15:30.259 Is he indeed entrusting 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:32.240 the evangelism of the world 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.900 into the hands of us, 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:34.580 his people? 00:15:35.060 --> 00:15:35.920 Because you would think, 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:36.980 well, he's placing it 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:38.660 in very unsteady hands. 00:15:38.780 --> 00:15:39.960 He's placing it 00:15:39.960 --> 00:15:41.820 on a very insecure footing. 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:44.960 Or is he doing something 00:15:44.960 --> 00:15:45.879 that he knows 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.720 what he's doing? 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:48.540 Does he actually know 00:15:48.540 --> 00:15:49.080 what he's doing? 00:15:49.160 --> 00:15:50.120 Because, you see, 00:15:50.540 --> 00:15:52.280 when he uses instruments 00:15:52.280 --> 00:15:53.200 like us, 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:55.840 when he uses weak instruments 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:58.540 to accomplish strong purpose, 00:15:59.160 --> 00:16:00.320 it becomes obvious 00:16:00.320 --> 00:16:01.379 that it's not about us. 00:16:01.420 --> 00:16:02.800 It must be about the one 00:16:02.800 --> 00:16:03.920 that we are speaking of. 00:16:04.300 --> 00:16:06.780 When he uses foolish instruments 00:16:06.780 --> 00:16:08.100 like we so often are 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:11.139 to accomplish his all-wise plans, 00:16:11.560 --> 00:16:14.420 it must be his wisdom. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:16.740 And when he can take 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:18.259 a small group of people, 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:21.279 11 disciples at that particular time, 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.820 and when they can turn 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:24.379 the world upside down, 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:26.139 when they can transform 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:27.740 the existing Roman Empire, 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.519 when they can bring the gospel 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.440 to the very heart 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:31.960 of the empire in Rome, 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:33.759 and from Rome to everywhere. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.700 And we see today 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:37.740 that throughout the world today, 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.919 the 21st century 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:39.759 is the century 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:41.700 that has witnessed 00:16:41.700 --> 00:16:42.939 the greatest advance 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.960 of the Christian gospel. 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:46.039 Today, there are more people 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:46.700 in the world 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:47.460 who are Christians 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:49.340 than ever at any point 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.179 in the past. 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:53.200 There's also greater levels 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:53.779 of persecution 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.240 in the 21st century 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.220 than at any point 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.919 in the past. 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:58.679 The 20th century 00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:00.139 was the most dangerous century 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:00.980 to be a Christian. 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:02.399 That will be eclipsed 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.679 by the 21st century. 00:17:04.119 --> 00:17:05.259 The 20th century 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:06.779 was the greatest century 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.460 of advance 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:09.019 in the Christian gospel. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:09.940 That will, too, 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:11.140 be eclipsed 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:11.839 in this, 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:14.220 the 20th, 21st century. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.779 So the great claim 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:16.920 that he has all authority 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:17.960 in heaven and on earth, 00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:20.180 this great command 00:17:20.180 --> 00:17:21.420 where he says, 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:22.799 go and make disciples 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:23.599 of all nations, 00:17:23.759 --> 00:17:24.839 baptizing them 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.960 in the name 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.579 of the Father, 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.019 the Son, 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:27.759 and the Holy Spirit. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.960 And this word name 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.819 is so important 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:31.579 because whenever the Bible 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:33.299 speaks of the name of God, 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:35.740 what is included there 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:36.900 is everything. 00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:38.920 When we speak of his name, 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:40.200 we speak of his authority, 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.480 we speak of his dignity, 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.640 we speak of his honor, 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:44.339 we speak of his character, 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:45.680 we speak of his nature. 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:47.700 All of this is tied up 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.759 in his name. 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:51.000 That's why the commandments 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:51.740 are so clear 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:53.500 that we are not to misuse 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.680 the name of God. 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:57.500 We are not to disrespect God 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:58.980 or disrespect his name. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.339 Why? 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.720 Because his name 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:03.599 encapsulates his nature 00:18:03.599 --> 00:18:04.920 and his character. 00:18:05.420 --> 00:18:06.860 So the name of the Father, 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.200 Son, 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.880 and Holy Spirit 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:09.160 is a powerful name. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.339 You see, 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.880 when the name of God 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:12.559 goes forth, 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.440 watch out. 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.860 Watch out 00:18:14.860 --> 00:18:15.480 because people 00:18:15.480 --> 00:18:16.099 that previously 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.839 were hostile 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:19.099 might come to find themselves 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:20.759 embracing this gospel. 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.140 Those who previously 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:23.120 may have been indifferent 00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:24.279 may find their hearts 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.460 strangely warmed 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:27.259 to believe in this message. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:29.059 it doesn't seem to make sense, 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:29.599 does it? 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:31.440 How is it possible 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.779 that even in that first century 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:35.180 that this message 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:36.299 would even go beyond 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:38.079 the walls of Jerusalem, 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:39.619 let alone beyond 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:41.259 the confines of Judea, 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:43.220 let alone into Samaria, 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:44.279 the neighboring district? 00:18:44.879 --> 00:18:46.200 But how could it possibly 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:47.160 get into Europe? 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.759 How could it possibly 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.359 reach the Gentiles 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:51.140 who know nothing 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:52.779 about the Old Testament? 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.599 And yet, 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:55.480 here we are, 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:57.039 21st century, 00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.119 Brunsfield, 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:58.720 Edinburgh. 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.700 How is it possible 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:02.099 that we've come to this point? 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.460 How is it possible 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.279 that the gospel 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:06.000 still continues 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:07.279 to change hearts 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:09.259 and change lives? 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:10.759 Maybe that comes 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.940 to our final point 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:14.279 in the Great Commission, 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:16.460 namely the Great Companion. 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.420 Because not only 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.400 do we have a claim 00:19:19.400 --> 00:19:20.500 that Jesus makes, 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:21.799 not only do we have 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:23.339 a command that Jesus gives, 00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:24.539 but he says that 00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:25.879 he will accompany us 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:26.640 on this journey. 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.859 That when we go, 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:31.500 we never go alone. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.119 He always goes with us. 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.400 But I think, sadly, 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:37.099 the opposite 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:38.759 can also be the case. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:41.200 If we don't go, 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:43.059 if we don't obey, 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:44.720 then we're left 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.400 on our own. 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:46.519 We're left 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.500 on our own devices, 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:48.000 we're left 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:49.079 on our own resources, 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.579 we're left 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.480 with our own wisdom, 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:51.880 because if we obey 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:52.599 this command, 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:54.480 he promises to be with us. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.000 But if we disregard 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:57.559 or disobey this command, 00:19:57.779 --> 00:20:00.160 we cannot take for granted 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:02.039 that he will be with us, 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.079 guiding us, 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:03.920 leading us, 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:04.980 protecting us. 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:06.180 So the claim, 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.559 the command, 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:09.220 and the companion, 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:12.140 powerful and transformative. 00:20:12.140 --> 00:20:14.980 But I'd like to notice 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.820 the, 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.620 and this is taking us 00:20:17.620 --> 00:20:18.160 to the very end 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:18.720 of the Bible, 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:19.880 is if we have 00:20:19.880 --> 00:20:21.440 the impossible event, 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.600 the impossible command, 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:26.060 we have the impossible 00:20:26.060 --> 00:20:27.360 fulfillment. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.340 You see, John, 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.400 if you think of the book 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:30.980 of Revelation 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:32.040 as a curtain 00:20:32.040 --> 00:20:33.780 that is drawn back, 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:35.060 just briefly, 00:20:35.560 --> 00:20:37.100 the curtain is drawn back 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:38.060 and you get a sight 00:20:38.060 --> 00:20:39.820 into what's behind 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:41.439 or into what's ahead. 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:43.279 And John the Apostle 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:44.659 is given encouragement 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:46.000 because the people of God 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.980 are experiencing persecution. 00:20:48.419 --> 00:20:49.759 The curtain is pulled back 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:51.519 in Revelation 7 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.460 and verse 9. 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.439 After this I looked 00:20:54.439 --> 00:20:55.839 and there before me 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:57.000 was a great multitude 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:58.579 that no one could count. 00:20:59.179 --> 00:20:59.980 A great multitude. 00:21:01.179 --> 00:21:02.299 You think of the great banquet. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:04.159 You think of the great invitation 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:05.720 in Isaiah 45, 22. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:06.319 Look unto me 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:07.000 and be ye saved 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.000 all the ends of the earth 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:09.079 for I am God 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:09.799 and there is none. 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:11.839 And now John sees 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:12.399 a multitude. 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.980 But where does this multitude 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:14.759 come from? 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.039 Oh, well, it comes 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:17.000 from every nation, 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:18.319 every tribe, 00:21:18.439 --> 00:21:18.939 every people, 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.659 and every language. 00:21:19.899 --> 00:21:21.000 Now where are they gathered? 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:21.859 They're gathered 00:21:21.859 --> 00:21:22.839 in front of the throne. 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.419 And what are they doing? 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:26.220 They are gathering there, 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:28.159 celebrating and rejoicing 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:30.139 that salvation belongs 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:31.079 to our God 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:32.379 who sits on the throne 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:34.740 and to the Lamb. 00:21:35.319 --> 00:21:35.740 You see, 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:37.500 there is an impossible conclusion 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:39.519 or an impossible fulfillment 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.400 that God has this command 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:42.779 that he gives to his church 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:44.400 and he pulls back the curtain 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:44.740 and says, 00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:45.440 this is what it's going 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.180 to look like. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:48.000 This is what it's going 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.420 to look like 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.400 when all the nations 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:50.019 are gathered, 00:21:50.359 --> 00:21:51.460 when all the tribes 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:51.960 are gathered, 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.960 when all the tongues 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.779 are represented. 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.980 They will be gathered 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:56.420 together in heaven 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.880 worshiping the Lamb. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.640 Why? 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:00.700 Because the people of God 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:02.440 have taken this command 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:03.480 seriously. 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:05.160 They have gone 00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:06.599 and they have told. 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:08.460 Let me give you 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.319 a bit of the setting 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.640 that we find ourselves 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:12.319 in in the 21st century. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.740 Statistics tell us 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.700 that every year 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:16.380 in Scotland, 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:18.059 120 churches 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:19.079 shut their doors. 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:22.140 In 1966, 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.660 the year that I was born, 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:25.180 the Church of Scotland 00:22:25.180 --> 00:22:26.000 had a membership 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:28.579 of 1.2 million people. 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:30.079 That membership 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.660 has dropped 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:32.580 up to 325,000 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:34.440 in the year 2018. 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.600 That just gives you 00:22:36.600 --> 00:22:37.100 an idea 00:22:37.100 --> 00:22:39.060 that the Christian cause 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:40.580 seems to be receding 00:22:40.580 --> 00:22:42.000 in Scotland. 00:22:42.800 --> 00:22:43.900 So when we say 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.600 to go, 00:22:45.040 --> 00:22:45.840 that's not just 00:22:45.840 --> 00:22:46.600 to go to the ends 00:22:46.600 --> 00:22:46.960 of the earth, 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.680 but that's to go 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:49.100 to your corner, 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.080 your street corner, 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:51.000 to your neighborhood, 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:51.740 to your family, 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.480 to your friends, 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.640 to your colleagues. 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:53.940 Why? 00:22:54.060 --> 00:22:55.220 Because the cause 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.860 of Scotland 00:22:55.860 --> 00:22:57.400 is at a low ebb 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:58.080 right now. 00:22:58.079 --> 00:23:00.480 120 churches 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.619 shutting their doors 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:03.299 each and every year. 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:04.879 But let me give you 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:07.199 one story of encouragement. 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:09.199 Back in 2000, 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.720 we had a church 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.579 on the Royal Mile. 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:12.119 The Free Church 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:12.639 has a church 00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:13.299 on the Royal Mile 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.240 called St. Columbus 00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:14.980 Free Church. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.839 Year 2000, 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:18.460 the congregation 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.759 reduced to about 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.599 30 people. 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.220 There were no children. 00:23:22.919 --> 00:23:23.779 There was one elder. 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:25.799 And the conventional wisdom 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.299 said, 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:28.039 this church is too small. 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:30.099 This church is too old. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.799 Let's combine 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:33.000 this small congregation 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:34.079 with one of the other 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:35.460 Edinburgh congregations 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.919 and shut the door. 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.779 Well, there was a friend 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.299 of ours, 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:39.940 of mine, 00:23:39.980 --> 00:23:40.919 who I know very well, 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.899 and he spoke 00:23:41.899 --> 00:23:43.279 and he persuaded 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.940 the church 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:45.619 to give it one more try. 00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:47.180 2001, 00:23:47.639 --> 00:23:48.240 they call 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.539 a young man 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.119 at the time, 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:50.759 Derek Lament, 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:51.539 from up north. 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.799 Now, Derek left 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.779 a very large, 00:23:54.139 --> 00:23:54.799 thriving congregation 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:56.319 in Easter Ross 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:56.960 to come down 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:58.240 to this small gathering 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.059 in Edinburgh. 00:23:59.159 --> 00:23:59.539 It doesn't really 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:00.379 make much sense, 00:24:00.440 --> 00:24:00.859 does it? 00:24:01.319 --> 00:24:02.639 To leave a large church 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.339 that's thriving, 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.759 come to a small church. 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:06.000 To leave a church 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.359 where you have 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:07.700 an unlimited appointment, 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.299 you can stay there 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.180 for as long as you want, 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:09.659 and to be told, 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.720 well, you might get 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.980 five years out of this 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.599 if you're lucky. 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.220 Well, the rest 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:14.740 of the story, 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:15.319 of course, 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:16.480 is not so much 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.159 about the people 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:18.039 or the personalities, 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:18.779 but it's about 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:20.139 the God who was preached 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.799 and the gospel 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:21.539 that was proclaimed. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:22.940 So today, 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:24.200 more than 200 people 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:24.680 would gather 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.620 at the same church 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.460 on the Royal Mile, 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:28.279 but from that church, 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:29.340 three new churches 00:24:29.340 --> 00:24:30.120 have been planted. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.660 And if you sum up 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:32.900 all those four churches, 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:36.000 now over 700 worshipers 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.940 may be gathering 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:38.000 every Sunday 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:39.559 worshiping Jesus. 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.440 So it just goes 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:43.080 to show what you can do 00:24:43.080 --> 00:24:44.160 if you have 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:47.059 a Great Commission mentality 00:24:47.059 --> 00:24:47.900 for Edinburgh. 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.420 You'll say to yourself, 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.259 okay, we've got 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:51.059 a small gathering 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.620 here today, 00:24:51.619 --> 00:24:52.500 but let's say 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.239 all the folks 00:24:53.239 --> 00:24:53.839 of Brunsfield 00:24:53.839 --> 00:24:54.739 were gathered together 00:24:54.739 --> 00:24:55.359 in this church. 00:24:55.419 --> 00:24:55.639 You would say, 00:24:55.699 --> 00:24:57.019 well, there's a healthy church 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.519 here, right, 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:58.639 in the heart of one 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.259 of the neighborhoods 00:24:59.259 --> 00:24:59.839 in Edinburgh. 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:01.559 And it wouldn't make 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.779 much sense, would it, 00:25:03.139 --> 00:25:04.759 to send some people 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:06.219 out of this congregation 00:25:06.219 --> 00:25:07.659 to another place 00:25:07.659 --> 00:25:08.079 in town, 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.359 because that would 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:10.519 make this church weaker. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.439 That would mean 00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:12.199 there'd be fewer people. 00:25:12.419 --> 00:25:13.259 So, you know, 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.239 you don't need 00:25:14.239 --> 00:25:14.839 to be an accountant 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:16.159 to kind of put that together, 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:18.019 but God has a way 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.320 of making up deficits. 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:20.860 God has a way 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:22.140 of replacing people. 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:23.680 And God has a way 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.600 of making certain 00:25:24.600 --> 00:25:25.600 that he is 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:27.000 no person's debtor. 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.940 When we go forth 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:29.600 in faith, 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:30.360 he has a way 00:25:30.360 --> 00:25:31.640 of multiplying things 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:32.120 in a way 00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:33.759 that we cannot imagine. 00:25:34.300 --> 00:25:35.840 And I'd like to encourage us 00:25:35.840 --> 00:25:36.640 to consider 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:38.000 the Great Commission. 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.160 And maybe for that 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:39.860 means some of you 00:25:39.860 --> 00:25:40.480 that might mean 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.140 to consider 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:42.920 leaving your place, 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.680 your place of birth, 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:46.360 leaving the place 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:46.860 of comfort, 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.580 maybe going 00:25:47.580 --> 00:25:49.080 to a distant place. 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.759 But for many of us, 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.560 it might mean 00:25:51.560 --> 00:25:52.820 going to a different 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:53.320 neighborhood. 00:25:53.820 --> 00:25:54.440 It might mean 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:54.980 considering, 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:55.960 well, actually, 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:56.160 you know, 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.279 there's quite a few of us 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:57.980 in a particular 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:59.039 part of town. 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.680 Maybe we could 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:01.900 start a church there. 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.200 Maybe we could 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:05.100 reverse this 120 churches 00:26:05.100 --> 00:26:06.019 closing each year. 00:26:06.100 --> 00:26:06.820 Maybe we could see 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:08.060 120 new churches 00:26:08.060 --> 00:26:09.240 starting each year 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.320 or more. 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:12.080 But if you're interested 00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:14.039 in the global situation, 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:16.060 we're told in 00:26:16.060 --> 00:26:17.920 Revelation 7 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.759 that a great multitude 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.920 from every nation, 00:26:21.060 --> 00:26:21.740 tribe, people, 00:26:21.799 --> 00:26:22.259 and language 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:22.880 was gathered. 00:26:24.080 --> 00:26:25.299 The missiologists 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.080 tell us 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:29.320 that 17,441 00:26:29.320 --> 00:26:30.160 people groups 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:31.140 exist in the world, 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:34.279 of which 7,414 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:36.380 are unreached. 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:37.700 That means 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:39.460 people from those groups 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:41.180 don't know about Jesus. 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:42.720 They have no means 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.880 of knowing about Jesus. 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.980 They were like 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.060 the Chinese people 00:26:46.060 --> 00:26:47.500 200 or so years ago 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.480 when Robert Morrison 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:50.280 left the UK 00:26:50.280 --> 00:26:51.320 to go to China. 00:26:51.520 --> 00:26:52.760 They had previously 00:26:52.760 --> 00:26:54.400 no knowledge of Jesus. 00:26:55.560 --> 00:26:56.620 Now, I mentioned earlier 00:26:56.620 --> 00:26:58.120 that Morrison left, 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:59.660 spent 27 years, 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:00.640 died in China, 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:01.920 and at the end 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.580 of the story, 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:04.900 he had only 10 people 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:06.360 who had come to faith. 00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:07.760 But I tell you 00:27:07.760 --> 00:27:08.220 what he did 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:09.380 was he laid a foundation. 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:12.600 So in just a generation later, 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.900 a man called Hudson Taylor 00:27:13.900 --> 00:27:16.160 founded the China Inland Mission. 00:27:17.260 --> 00:27:19.020 And scores of missionaries 00:27:19.020 --> 00:27:20.700 went out from the UK 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:21.960 and throughout the world 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:22.960 to China 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:24.100 with the gospel 00:27:24.100 --> 00:27:25.460 and brought the message 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.140 of the gospel 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:28.100 not just to the coastal areas 00:27:28.100 --> 00:27:28.800 like Canton, 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:30.040 but brought it 00:27:30.040 --> 00:27:31.580 into the inland districts 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.240 of China. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.820 So many, 00:27:34.020 --> 00:27:35.400 that by 1939, 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.840 I think the high water mark 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:38.579 was there were over 1,300 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:40.379 China Inland Missionaries 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:41.259 in China. 00:27:42.359 --> 00:27:43.740 The story continues 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:44.659 until after the war. 00:27:44.799 --> 00:27:46.059 Remember Chairman Mao? 00:27:46.699 --> 00:27:47.500 He expelled 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:49.500 all the foreign missionaries, 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.759 all the foreign missions. 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.139 Christianity 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:53.679 was a Western religion 00:27:53.679 --> 00:27:55.079 and if we get rid 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.759 of the Westerners, 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:57.019 we'll get rid of Christianity. 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:59.000 Probably in 1949, 00:27:59.240 --> 00:27:59.579 there were about 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:01.179 a million Chinese believers. 00:28:02.139 --> 00:28:03.179 And Mao succeeded 00:28:03.179 --> 00:28:04.220 in a sense 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:05.879 that there were no longer 00:28:05.880 --> 00:28:07.560 a million Chinese Christians. 00:28:08.340 --> 00:28:09.280 But he succeeded 00:28:09.280 --> 00:28:10.600 in a way that he never expected 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.800 because there's 100 million 00:28:11.800 --> 00:28:13.140 Chinese Christians today. 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:15.080 But it all began 00:28:15.080 --> 00:28:15.860 with a man called 00:28:15.860 --> 00:28:16.600 Robert Morrison 00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:17.560 who felt a call 00:28:17.560 --> 00:28:18.380 to go to China. 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:21.340 He wrote a dictionary, 00:28:22.120 --> 00:28:23.160 translated the Bible, 00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.540 laid the foundation 00:28:24.540 --> 00:28:25.800 for all future 00:28:25.800 --> 00:28:26.800 missionary work 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:27.620 in China. 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:29.300 And God blessed 00:28:29.300 --> 00:28:30.120 that work, 00:28:30.560 --> 00:28:31.900 God blessed that worker 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:33.240 so that today, 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:35.060 China is one of the 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.839 great sources 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:37.440 of missionaries now. 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.399 Not just receiving, 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:40.220 but sending people 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:41.159 all over. 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.419 And what you find 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:43.399 in any city center 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:43.940 congregation 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:45.279 in the United States 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:47.399 or in the United Kingdom, 00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:49.319 that there are Chinese people 00:28:49.319 --> 00:28:50.639 that are coming to faith. 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:52.319 They're coming to church. 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.519 They want to share 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.059 their faith 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.799 with their families, 00:28:54.879 --> 00:28:55.559 with their friends. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.259 Why? 00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.819 Because 200 years ago, 00:28:57.899 --> 00:28:59.179 a man heard the call, 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.440 went to China, 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:01.940 gave his life 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:03.119 in the service of Jesus. 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:05.279 So the great command 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.099 is to go, 00:29:06.479 --> 00:29:07.719 to make disciples 00:29:07.719 --> 00:29:08.759 of all nations. 00:29:09.659 --> 00:29:10.299 Jesus says, 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.500 all authority 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.679 on heaven and on earth 00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:13.899 rests on him. 00:29:14.379 --> 00:29:15.539 And when we go 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.759 to our neighbors, 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:18.059 to our friends, 00:29:18.219 --> 00:29:19.599 to the ends of the earth, 00:29:19.739 --> 00:29:20.939 we are guaranteed 00:29:20.939 --> 00:29:22.259 that Jesus Christ 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:23.279 goes with us. 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.239 Watch out 00:29:25.239 --> 00:29:26.439 what happens 00:29:26.439 --> 00:29:27.759 when we take 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:29.159 that command 00:29:29.159 --> 00:29:30.500 seriously. 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:32.759 Hudson Taylor, 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.680 the great missionary 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.259 to China, 00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:34.519 said, 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.359 the great commission 00:29:35.359 --> 00:29:36.940 is not an option 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.839 to be considered. 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.460 It is a command 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:40.839 to be obeyed. 00:29:41.359 --> 00:29:42.200 Let us pray. 00:29:43.059 --> 00:29:43.460 Father, 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:43.859 I thank you 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.500 for each one of us 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.359 gathered here today. 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:45.920 And I pray 00:29:45.920 --> 00:29:46.720 for this church. 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.920 I give you thanks 00:29:47.920 --> 00:29:48.960 for its vitality. 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:49.980 We give you thanks 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.960 for the many lives 00:29:50.960 --> 00:29:52.339 that it has already touched. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.259 And I pray 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.180 that you might give 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:55.059 this congregation 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:56.460 of your people wisdom 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:58.600 to see how they may 00:29:58.600 --> 00:30:00.200 contribute to 00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:01.360 the work 00:30:01.360 --> 00:30:02.660 of the great commission. 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:04.240 How they might give, 00:30:04.360 --> 00:30:05.299 how they might pray, 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:06.480 how they might go. 00:30:06.980 --> 00:30:07.840 Maybe that work 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:08.720 might be in the city 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.200 of Edinburgh. 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.600 Maybe it might be 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:11.900 into surrounding districts 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.660 of this city. 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.420 Maybe it might be 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.380 to different areas 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:15.940 of the country 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.579 of Scotland. 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:18.279 But maybe it might be 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:20.059 that some from this place 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.400 might go forth 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:22.319 to some of those 00:30:22.319 --> 00:30:24.620 7,400 people groups 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.879 who know nothing 00:30:25.879 --> 00:30:26.799 about Jesus 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:28.699 to go and to tell them 00:30:28.699 --> 00:30:30.159 that there is a banquet 00:30:30.159 --> 00:30:31.559 that is prepared. 00:30:31.939 --> 00:30:33.079 To go and tell them 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:34.099 that there's an invitation 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:35.139 that is given 00:30:35.139 --> 00:30:36.599 by the King of Heaven 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:37.919 that they are to look 00:30:37.919 --> 00:30:38.759 to Jesus. 00:30:39.119 --> 00:30:40.379 And in looking to Jesus 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:41.599 they will be saved. 00:30:41.899 --> 00:30:42.719 So I pray 00:30:42.719 --> 00:30:43.619 for this congregation. 00:30:44.179 --> 00:30:45.599 I pray for its leadership. 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:47.359 I pray for its membership. 00:30:47.859 --> 00:30:48.679 And I pray, Lord, 00:30:48.739 --> 00:30:50.019 that you might be pleased 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:51.279 to bless this people, 00:30:51.679 --> 00:30:52.759 to multiply them, 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.819 that they in turn 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.879 might be a blessing 00:30:54.879 --> 00:30:56.339 in the lives of others. 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:58.220 For we pray in Jesus' name. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.179 Amen.