WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.139 In our worship, we're singing firstly in Psalm 30, Psalm number 30 in the Scottish Psalter. 00:00:09.019 --> 00:00:13.280 That's on page 239, and the tune is Ayrshire. 00:00:14.120 --> 00:00:20.900 Lord, I will thee extol, for thou hast lifted me on high, and over me thou to rejoice, made'st not mine enemy. 00:00:21.699 --> 00:00:28.960 O thou who art the Lord my God, I in distress to thee with loud cries lifted up my voice, and thou hast healed me. 00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:33.980 Verses 1 to 5 in Psalm 30, we stand. If you're able to stand, please stand for the singing. 00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:25.960 O thou who art the Lord my God, I in distress to thee. 00:01:25.959 --> 00:01:43.959 With thou trisepted up my voice, and thou hast healed me. 00:01:43.959 --> 00:01:59.959 O Lord, my soul, thou hast brought up, and rescued from the grave. 00:01:59.959 --> 00:02:04.959 O thou who art the Lord my God, I in distress to thee. 00:02:04.959 --> 00:02:10.959 O thou who art the Lord my God, I in distress to thee. 00:02:10.959 --> 00:02:19.959 O thou hast the Lord my God, I in distress to thee. 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:36.680 For ye that have his holy word, sing praise unto the Lord. 00:02:36.680 --> 00:02:53.680 And give adieu, if that's when ye his holy hands rejoice. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:03:11.760 For but an open glass is rough, like in his pale eyes. 00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:28.319 We pray before the night in due, a force of joy arise. 00:03:31.659 --> 00:03:33.780 Let's briefly now engage in prayer. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:38.359 We're praying especially for the young folks for the Sunday School and Cresce and Twinnies. 00:03:38.360 --> 00:03:44.560 O Lord, our God, we thank you for these great words that you have given us to sing. 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:54.160 Words that remind us and teach us of your holiness and the way in which we can approach you and seek your help at any time. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:04:00.320 And we thank you especially for the emphasis in these words, that you bring life to your people. 00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:08.739 That for all who have come to trust in you, you have raised them up to life, to that eternal life which we have in Jesus Christ. 00:04:09.459 --> 00:04:20.699 And we thank you, Lord, that we have this instruction in your word to teach our mind and to give us to realize that we cannot look in any hope to the things of this present world. 00:04:20.699 --> 00:04:30.560 But that we should look upwards by faith and upwards to your promises of eternal rest in heaven that you have prepared for your people. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:33.219 So bless our young people today, we pray. 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:39.139 Bless them as they return from a time of holiday once again to take up their place in school. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:44.699 And those of them who have gone on in life and study on the mainland, we commit them to you too. 00:04:44.699 --> 00:04:51.360 We ask your blessing for the young ones here today and for all who attend Cresce and Twinnies and Sunday School. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:53.199 Lord, bless them, we pray. 00:04:53.360 --> 00:04:55.079 Bless the teaching of your word to them. 00:04:55.779 --> 00:04:56.899 Bless their teachers. 00:04:57.060 --> 00:05:05.060 We thank you for their dedication, for their willingness, Lord, to give up their time to look after and to care for and teach our young people. 00:05:05.759 --> 00:05:11.120 And so for all of these young lives, Lord, we pray today that your blessing will rest upon them. 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:20.480 And that they may know as they grow up from day to day and week by week a steady increase in their understanding and knowledge of the things of God. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:30.180 We pray especially for their salvation and ask, Lord, that they will come to walk in your ways, to have their trust and their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:30.899 --> 00:05:32.319 Remember us now, then, we pray. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:35.100 Look upon us in mercy and pardon our sins. 00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:36.579 For Jesus' sake. 00:05:37.120 --> 00:05:37.480 Amen. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:37.660 Amen. 00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:45.220 Now, last week I mentioned 3-2-1. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:50.100 You remember what I mentioned with the 3-2-1 last week? 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:55.220 Well, there were three days around Jesus' death. 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:56.780 Three days. 00:05:57.240 --> 00:05:58.160 What was the two for? 00:05:58.639 --> 00:05:59.399 Two events. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:00.720 His death and resurrection. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:03.220 And one Savior. 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:06.060 And I've got 3-2-1 for you today as well. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:10.060 So you're getting the best of both worlds with another 3-2-1. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:13.800 Again, it's really around the death of Jesus. 00:06:14.740 --> 00:06:15.740 Three crosses. 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:18.939 Two criminals. 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:20.100 Two thieves. 00:06:20.699 --> 00:06:22.800 And again, one Savior. 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:30.480 So we read in the Gospels, when Jesus was crucified, there were two others crucified with him. 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:30.900 Two. 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:32.120 Crucifixion. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:32.160 Crucifixion. 00:06:32.520 --> 00:06:37.360 Hanging on a cross was a very cruel way of putting people to death. 00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:40.640 But that's what the Romans did, especially for criminals. 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:44.600 And Jesus was treated as if he was a criminal. 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:48.500 Because he was crucified between the two thieves. 00:06:48.780 --> 00:06:50.220 One on each side of him. 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:56.240 But although there were three crosses, there were very different people on these crosses. 00:06:56.400 --> 00:07:00.600 There were two thieves, and they two were very different, the one from the other. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:08.700 Because the one criminal, the one thief on one side of Jesus, didn't want to know anything about Jesus. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:13.700 In fact, he was very angry with Jesus and very angry that he was there at all. 00:07:13.699 --> 00:07:20.959 But the one on the other side actually came to ask Jesus for mercy. 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:27.500 He asked Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:32.360 And you know, that's a wonderful prayer for ourselves to remember as well. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:37.300 So the two thieves represent human beings who are lost. 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:42.399 That's the thief that didn't come to know Jesus, that didn't want to know Jesus, 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:44.219 that died like that. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:50.299 And the other thief cried out, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:54.679 And you know, every day, every night, every morning, throughout every day, 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:56.939 it's a very simple prayer. 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:01.339 It doesn't matter what age we are, but it's a very powerful prayer. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:05.519 When you ask Jesus, Lord, remember me. 00:08:05.859 --> 00:08:07.719 Please remember me. 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:13.380 And you know, when Jesus remembers us and blesses us, then all is well with us. 00:08:13.520 --> 00:08:19.700 Whatever happens then in our lives, we are safe in the remembrance Jesus has of his people. 00:08:20.420 --> 00:08:28.840 So three crosses, two thieves, very different to each other, and again, one Savior. 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:31.899 Because Jesus is the Savior. 00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:33.459 He's the only Savior. 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:39.059 He's the only one by which our lives can be put in a right relationship with God. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:45.679 And when you come to put your faith and trust in Jesus, you come to be accepted with God. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:54.319 You come to be regarded as righteous, having all the qualities of life that God requires. 00:08:54.320 --> 00:09:02.440 So in other words, Jesus is the only Savior, but he's the only Savior we need. 00:09:03.180 --> 00:09:05.940 That's the great news for us all today, isn't it? 00:09:06.420 --> 00:09:13.640 Three crosses, two thieves, very different to each other, and one Savior. 00:09:14.300 --> 00:09:18.160 So again, three, two, and one. 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:20.720 We're going to say the Lord's Prayer together now. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:21.720 Amen. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:22.080 Amen. 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:22.720 Amen. 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:26.800 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:28.519 Thy kingdom come. 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:31.440 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:37.600 Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 00:09:38.160 --> 00:09:42.240 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:46.720 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:47.879 Amen. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.000 Amen. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.399 We're going to sing once again now. 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.340 This time we're singing in Psalm 13. 00:09:54.939 --> 00:09:56.860 Psalm 13 on page 14. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:09:58.759 And the tune is St. Kilda. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:08.779 This is a psalm where the psalmist feels as if God has forgotten him. 00:10:08.779 --> 00:10:16.179 Sometimes in life we might find things that happen to us as if God had actually forgotten 00:10:16.179 --> 00:10:19.419 us, especially when we suffer painful things. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:23.839 But at the end of the psalm, the psalmist still comes back to say that he would trust 00:10:23.839 --> 00:10:26.879 in the constant love of God. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:29.019 So, Psalm 13, 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:39.980 The whole psalm to God's praise. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:51.899 How long will you forget me, Lord? 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:57.800 Will you forget always? 00:10:57.799 --> 00:10:58.799 How long will you hide your face? 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:06.859 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:06.859 --> 00:11:13.279 And turn from near again? 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.279 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:26.179 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:28.339 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:30.480 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.480 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:32.379 How long will you hide your face? 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:37.259 How long will my opponent stand? 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:43.980 Then triumph over me. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:58.300 O Lord, my God, consider me and give me. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:02.720 You reply. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:15.940 Light up my eyes, you are I will stream the sleep of the water, 00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:17.940 To die. 00:12:20.040 --> 00:12:28.140 Then would my enemy be fair, 00:12:28.520 --> 00:12:33.940 At last thy later blow, 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:43.940 And so my foes would sing for joy, 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:49.960 To see my overthrow. 00:12:52.520 --> 00:12:59.940 But still I trust your constant love, 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:06.940 You save and set me free, 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:15.940 With joy I will let show the Lord, 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:22.940 Who hath been good to me. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.940 Amen. 00:13:24.940 --> 00:13:30.700 The reading of God's Word this morning is from Jeremiah chapter 29. 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:35.660 The prophecy of Jeremiah chapter 29, 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:39.020 And we're reading verses 1 to 19. 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:53.259 So Jeremiah 29 at the beginning. 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:57.379 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem, 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.139 To the surviving elders of the exiles, 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:03.100 And to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:07.700 Whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:11.480 This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:14.340 The eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:18.480 The craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:21.440 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasa, 00:14:21.920 --> 00:14:22.860 The son of Shaphan, 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:24.940 And Gemariah, the son of Hilkiah, 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:27.879 Whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:30.300 To Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:31.799 It said, 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:34.799 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:39.339 To all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:42.259 Build houses and live in them, 00:14:42.839 --> 00:14:45.039 Plant gardens and eat their produce, 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:47.979 Take wives and have sons and daughters, 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:51.299 Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:53.639 That they may bear sons and daughters. 00:14:54.559 --> 00:14:57.339 Multiply there and do not decrease, 00:14:57.340 --> 00:15:01.720 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:04.460 And pray to the Lord on its behalf, 00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:08.200 For in its welfare you will find your welfare. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.460 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 00:15:12.120 --> 00:15:15.660 Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, 00:15:16.280 --> 00:15:18.480 And do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:22.440 For it is a lie they are prophesying to you in my name. 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:25.620 I did not send them, declares the Lord. 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:27.700 For thus says the Lord, 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:30.519 When seventy years are completed for Babylon, 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.220 I will visit you, 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:34.720 And I will fulfill to you my promise, 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:37.039 And bring you back to this place. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:41.080 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:43.860 Plans for wholeness and not for evil, 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:46.480 To give you a future and a hope. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:50.180 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:51.879 And I will hear you. 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:54.279 You will seek me and find me, 00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:56.740 When you seek me with all your heart. 00:15:57.220 --> 00:15:59.600 I will be found by you, declares the Lord. 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:02.139 And I will restore your fortunes, 00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:06.200 And gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.600 Declares the Lord. 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:12.480 And I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:14.659 Because you have said, 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:17.439 The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:21.699 Thus says the Lord concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:24.719 And concerning all the people who dwell in this city, 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:28.079 Your kinsmen who did not go out with you into exile. 00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:30.179 Thus says the Lord of hosts, 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:35.019 Behold, I am sending on them sword, famine, and pestilence, 00:16:35.219 --> 00:16:37.740 And I will make them like vile figs, 00:16:37.879 --> 00:16:40.199 That are so rotten they cannot be eaten. 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:44.720 I will pursue them with sword, famine, and pestilence, 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:48.080 And will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:51.379 To be a curse, a terror, a hissing, 00:16:51.660 --> 00:16:54.840 And a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:58.640 Because they did not pay attention to my words, 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.120 Declares the Lord, 00:17:00.780 --> 00:17:04.980 That I persistently sent to you by my servants the prophets, 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.240 But you would not listen, 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:09.279 Declares the Lord. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.779 And may God bless to us, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:14.180 A reading of that portion of his word. 00:17:14.580 --> 00:17:16.440 Let's once again call upon him in prayer. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.700 Let's join together in prayer. 00:17:21.080 --> 00:17:24.600 Lord our God, we ask that you would sanctify our hearts, 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:29.180 That you would enlighten our minds as we come once again to consider your word. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.240 As we come to worship you, 00:17:31.340 --> 00:17:33.340 We pray that all aspects of our worship 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:37.700 May be guided and blessed under the power of your Holy Spirit. 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:41.360 We thank you today for this opportunity again we have, 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:43.779 To gather together in this place of worship. 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:47.200 And we thank you for the many promises that meet us, Lord, 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:47.980 From your word, 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:50.220 As we come together in this way. 00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:53.860 The promise especially that you will be a God to your people, 00:17:54.080 --> 00:17:56.299 That you will take them as your people, 00:17:56.880 --> 00:18:00.100 And that your promises for them will always be fulfilled, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:03.440 And will come to their conclusion as you have purposed. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:05.460 And we thank you, Lord, 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:07.920 Today that we come around your word, 00:18:08.580 --> 00:18:12.880 To have our lives further enriched by a knowledge of yourself. 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:16.840 Lord, we pray today that our concern would be 00:18:16.840 --> 00:18:20.460 To go beyond the knowledge of your word itself, 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:23.400 But to come through it to recognize you, 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:26.039 To come to that saving knowledge of you, 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:29.779 A knowledge that would enable us to place our confidence in you, 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:32.000 And to look forward to eternity, 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:35.779 Safe in the grace and in the salvation, 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:38.460 That is in Jesus Christ, O Lord. 00:18:39.399 --> 00:18:40.500 We ask today, Lord, 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:43.879 For your blessing for us again today as a congregation. 00:18:44.619 --> 00:18:46.839 Lord, we thank you for all that you have been to us, 00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:47.859 To this congregation, 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:50.160 Down through many generations. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:53.240 We can look back on the history of this congregation, 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:54.220 And many others. 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:57.039 A history that is replete with your blessing. 00:18:57.039 --> 00:19:01.779 A history where you have declared yourself savingly to be God. 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:05.319 Where it has been demonstrated that your hand is not shortened, 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:07.240 That it cannot save. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:09.940 Nor your ear heavy that it cannot listen. 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:14.680 And Lord, we pray that this may be so for us as well in our generation. 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:17.159 That even during these very days, 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:21.180 In our placement here in the congregation, 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.599 In this town, 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:24.519 In wherever it is we live, 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.920 We ask, Lord, 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:28.059 That your blessing will make us rich, 00:19:28.119 --> 00:19:28.980 And make us strong, 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:31.099 In the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.799 We pray, Lord, 00:19:32.879 --> 00:19:35.740 For people to come to know you, 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.740 Savingly. 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:39.900 Not only from within the congregation, 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:41.039 But out with as well. 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:44.119 We ask for the power of the gospel to come, 00:19:44.779 --> 00:19:46.299 And show yourself to us, Lord, 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:46.859 Through it. 00:19:47.379 --> 00:19:49.680 So that we may thrive under your blessing. 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.740 That it may be true of us, 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.920 That people will say of us, 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.180 That we have been with Jesus. 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:56.580 That we are the people of the Lord. 00:19:57.300 --> 00:20:00.820 That we are a people who are concerned that the truth of God 00:20:00.820 --> 00:20:03.460 Will stand forth in our land. 00:20:04.460 --> 00:20:04.820 And Lord, 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:07.060 We pray today that your blessing will be with us, 00:20:07.300 --> 00:20:08.080 As a church, 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:08.980 As a denomination. 00:20:09.820 --> 00:20:10.259 Bless us, 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:10.620 We pray, 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:11.620 In all our activities, 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:13.120 In all the congregations, 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:15.820 That belong to us as a denomination. 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:17.559 We pray, Lord, 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:20.200 For the healthy gospel church meetings, 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:23.779 That come to various parts of the country. 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:27.519 We pray that these may be beneficial to us, 00:20:28.159 --> 00:20:28.839 That we may learn, 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.299 Oh God, 00:20:29.339 --> 00:20:32.059 What it is to live a healthy Christian life, 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:35.419 And also what a healthy church ought to look like. 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:39.139 We pray that your blessing will be with those who come to speak to us, 00:20:39.140 --> 00:20:40.820 And that throughout the church, 00:20:40.820 --> 00:20:41.220 Oh Lord, 00:20:41.280 --> 00:20:42.820 Our concern will truly be, 00:20:43.320 --> 00:20:46.120 To be healthy in the proper spiritual way, 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:49.340 And also to be like that, 00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:52.400 Willing and open witnesses, 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:54.020 To testify to you, 00:20:54.540 --> 00:20:56.000 In the world in which we live. 00:20:57.020 --> 00:20:58.060 Bless our communities, 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.300 Bless us, 00:20:59.400 --> 00:20:59.480 Lord, 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:00.620 In all the engagements, 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:02.520 In which we meet with different people, 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.860 From week to week, 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.660 And day to day. 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:07.519 Bless us in our places of work, 00:21:08.040 --> 00:21:09.880 Help us to witness for you there, 00:21:10.600 --> 00:21:11.120 Give us, 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:11.360 Lord, 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:11.900 Wisdom, 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:12.880 And love, 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:14.460 And tact for those around us, 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:17.279 Who still are opposed to you, 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:19.019 And care not for the gospel, 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:20.519 Or for their own souls. 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:21.720 We pray, 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:22.440 Gracious one, 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:24.720 That our regard for them, 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:26.980 May truly feed into our prayers, 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.060 Day by day, 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:29.540 For the world in which we live, 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:32.540 That we may see many coming to turn to the Lord, 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:34.340 Coming to take their place, 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:35.699 Amongst the people of God. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:39.139 And we ask that your blessing will be, 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.679 With those especially today, 00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:43.339 Who are facing difficult times, 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:45.699 For whom there are many challenges, 00:21:45.699 --> 00:21:47.559 In their own private lives, 00:21:47.639 --> 00:21:48.500 Or in their families. 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:49.720 Oh God, 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.379 Remember them, 00:21:50.459 --> 00:21:50.879 We pray, 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:53.159 For we hear from time to time, 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:55.119 Of those who have adversity, 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:57.659 And difficulty to contend with, 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.980 Whether through health issues, 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.419 Mentally or physically, 00:22:01.179 --> 00:22:02.599 Other experiences in life, 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.819 That they have gone through, 00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:05.279 Illnesses, 00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:06.139 Bereavements, 00:22:06.639 --> 00:22:07.559 These are all part, 00:22:07.639 --> 00:22:07.980 Oh Lord, 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:09.559 Of the current world, 00:22:09.639 --> 00:22:11.399 And circumstances in which we live. 00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:13.519 And we thank you for your grace, 00:22:14.179 --> 00:22:15.419 And thank you that you have promised, 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.220 That your grace, 00:22:16.699 --> 00:22:18.139 Is always sufficient for us, 00:22:18.199 --> 00:22:19.000 Always designed, 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:21.259 To meet all our circumstances. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:23.099 And so we pray today, 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:23.519 Oh Lord, 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.980 For those especially, 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:26.720 Who have such testing times, 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.099 In their experience. 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:29.180 Remember those who, 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.799 Are ill of our number, 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:32.240 Those who are receiving treatment, 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:34.500 Those who are recovering from treatment, 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.339 From surgery, 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.700 Those who are anticipating such, 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.599 And days to come, 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:40.420 And who may have anxiety, 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:42.400 Over the times of waiting. 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:42.960 We ask, 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:43.379 Oh Lord, 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:45.039 That you would bless them, 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.099 And bless their families. 00:22:46.959 --> 00:22:48.019 We pray for all today, 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:50.339 Who mourn the passing of loved ones. 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:53.699 We pray for Peggy McKinnon's family, 00:22:54.299 --> 00:22:55.879 Peggy who was a member here, 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.919 For so long a time, 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.480 Oh Lord, 00:22:59.099 --> 00:23:00.839 Since she began following, 00:23:01.399 --> 00:23:02.599 In 1956. 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.259 Gracious one, 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:06.639 We thank you for that long life, 00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:07.259 Of witness, 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:09.359 And testimony to your grace. 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:11.579 And we pray that our family today, 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:13.599 And ourselves as a congregation, 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:15.759 As we give thanks for our long, 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:16.899 And consistent life. 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:18.000 So Lord, 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:19.019 We pray that you would, 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.519 Bless such a testimony, 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:22.219 And witness to us. 00:23:22.959 --> 00:23:23.419 Remember, 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.379 We pray all others, 00:23:24.459 --> 00:23:25.199 In the congregation, 00:23:25.919 --> 00:23:27.719 Who face anxiety at this time, 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:29.299 Or those who belong to us, 00:23:29.319 --> 00:23:30.099 In our families. 00:23:30.939 --> 00:23:31.359 Lord, 00:23:31.459 --> 00:23:32.839 We pray especially, 00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.279 For Catherine Ferguson, 00:23:34.439 --> 00:23:34.779 And David, 00:23:34.939 --> 00:23:35.799 And young Duncan, 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.719 That we give thanks, 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:40.279 That they came unscathed, 00:23:40.699 --> 00:23:42.699 Physically out of the accident, 00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:43.740 Yesterday, 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.559 And we pray, 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:45.640 Gracious one, 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.740 That you would bless them, 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:47.880 And bless Annabel, 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:48.819 And all her family, 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:51.299 And all of David's family too, 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.860 At this anxious time. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.860 And we pray for Catherine, 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:54.340 Especially, 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:54.880 And Duncan, 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:57.019 As they have survived, 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:57.920 The accident, 00:23:58.100 --> 00:23:59.299 And we give thanks for that. 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.180 Nevertheless, 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:00.580 Lord, 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:01.620 We realize that, 00:24:01.620 --> 00:24:04.059 Stress and shock, 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.799 Will necessarily follow, 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:06.460 To some degree. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.680 And we pray that you'd help them, 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.700 To deal with these issues. 00:24:10.340 --> 00:24:11.500 We ask that you'd bless, 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:12.519 All others, 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:12.779 Lord, 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.380 In the congregation, 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.259 At this time, 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:16.039 Who have had difficulties, 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.099 In time gone by, 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:17.700 And for whom, 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.359 Reflection upon them, 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:20.200 May be painful. 00:24:20.880 --> 00:24:21.480 Bless us, 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:21.880 We pray, 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:23.200 Under the guidance, 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:24.319 Of your own Holy Spirit, 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:25.359 And comfort us, 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:27.140 Against all the stresses, 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.460 And changes of life. 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.279 We remember too, 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.039 Lord, 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:31.740 At this time, 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:34.900 All who seek to reach out, 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.640 With the gospel, 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.299 Amongst ourselves, 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.819 And other congregations too, 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.839 We pray that you'd bless, 00:24:40.939 --> 00:24:42.439 The meetings anticipated, 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.339 In the month of May. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.819 We pray for Calla, 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.379 And for Roddy, 00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:47.119 As they undertake, 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.720 Lord, 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.879 These meetings once again. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.319 We pray, 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.500 For all who come, 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.119 That they will know, 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:51.639 Your blessing. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:52.980 We thank you, 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.919 For the provision of, 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.619 Lorraine, 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:56.139 As congregational treasurer. 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.279 We thank you, 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.039 For her input, 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:58.899 To the congregation, 00:24:59.039 --> 00:24:59.879 Over these years, 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:01.639 Particularly the many ways, 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.500 In which she has helped, 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.319 Administratively. 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.839 We pray for her now, 00:25:04.899 --> 00:25:05.579 As she takes on, 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.419 The role of treasurer. 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.340 And we pray that you would, 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:09.820 Grant our Lord each day, 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:10.460 Your blessing, 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:11.440 Your strengthening, 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:12.140 Your guidance. 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:13.620 We give thanks, 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:13.880 Lord, 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:15.279 For all who contribute, 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.140 To your cause, 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.259 And for the encouragements, 00:25:17.320 --> 00:25:17.840 You give us, 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.980 In the support of your cause, 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:20.800 Financially, 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:22.360 And in other physical ways, 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:22.800 As well. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:23.980 And we pray, 00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:25.380 That these may be, 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:26.500 Encouragements to us, 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.279 In days to come. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.500 We give thanks, 00:25:28.580 --> 00:25:28.960 For Duny, 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.600 And for Gordon, 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.160 And for all the ways, 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.100 In which they have helped. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.180 We pray for all others, 00:25:33.320 --> 00:25:33.440 Lord, 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.640 In the congregation, 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.560 Who help, 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:36.700 In different ways, 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:38.000 Sometimes unnoticed, 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:38.859 Behind the scenes. 00:25:39.399 --> 00:25:40.579 But we thank you for them, 00:25:40.639 --> 00:25:41.539 And we pray especially, 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:43.099 For Marianne, 00:25:43.159 --> 00:25:43.720 For Scott, 00:25:43.819 --> 00:25:44.299 For Lizzie, 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.899 And for all who help, 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.740 In different ways, 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:48.059 In accompaniment, 00:25:48.139 --> 00:25:49.099 Of their tasks. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:49.539 Lord, 00:25:50.159 --> 00:25:50.740 Bless us, 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:51.139 We pray, 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:52.059 As we contribute, 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.259 In these ways, 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.099 To your cause. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:54.980 Our prayer is, 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:55.579 That your name, 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.919 Will be exalted, 00:25:57.119 --> 00:25:57.919 And glorified. 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.159 That your church, 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:00.019 Will be strengthened, 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.099 That your people, 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.019 Will be encouraged. 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.339 Grant to us, 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:03.539 Lord, 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.319 These mercies, 00:26:04.899 --> 00:26:05.599 Seeking pardon, 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:06.299 And cleansing, 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.420 From all our sins, 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.920 For Jesus' sake. 00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:09.500 Amen. 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:11.879 Once again, 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.599 We'll praise God, 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:13.859 Before we turn to the scriptures. 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:15.920 And this time, 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.519 We're praising him, 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:17.759 From Psalm 77, 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:20.059 Psalm 77, 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.779 Page 100, 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.200 Psalm 77, 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.259 And sing psalms, 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.599 Verses 7 to 14. 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:27.399 Tune this time, 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.399 Is Glenn Cairn. 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:31.019 And again, 00:26:31.100 --> 00:26:31.620 It's a psalm, 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:32.800 In which we find the psalmist, 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:34.320 Very much lamenting, 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:35.280 The fact that God, 00:26:35.800 --> 00:26:36.940 Appears to have, 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:37.940 Turned from him, 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.019 And yet, 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:41.180 Like Psalm 13, 00:26:41.320 --> 00:26:42.040 We find at the end, 00:26:42.080 --> 00:26:42.640 Of the psalm, 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:44.920 That he comes with confidence, 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.580 Once again, 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:46.060 To look, 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.420 To the Lord, 00:26:47.820 --> 00:26:48.580 As he considers, 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.320 As he says, 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:51.019 The works of God, 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:52.140 Done long ago, 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:52.920 In verse 11, 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.880 And as he meditated, 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.340 On that, 00:26:54.820 --> 00:26:55.860 That's what really gave him, 00:26:55.859 --> 00:26:57.359 To refocus once again, 00:26:57.399 --> 00:26:58.559 Upon God, 00:26:58.639 --> 00:26:59.439 And all that God, 00:26:59.479 --> 00:27:00.199 Had been to him, 00:27:00.679 --> 00:27:01.500 And all that God, 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.059 Had promised, 00:27:02.219 --> 00:27:03.379 Promised to be, 00:27:03.959 --> 00:27:05.159 For him in the future. 00:27:05.679 --> 00:27:07.079 So verses 7 to 14, 00:27:07.199 --> 00:27:08.159 Forever will the Lord, 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:08.679 Reject, 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.719 And never show his grace, 00:27:11.179 --> 00:27:11.899 As he withdrawn, 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:13.039 His steadfast love, 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.659 And turned from me, 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:15.539 His face, 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:16.859 To the end of verse 14. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:16.979 Amen. 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:28.220 Forever will the Lord, 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:30.019 Reject, 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:36.380 And never show his grace, 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:40.500 As he withdrawn, 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:44.140 His steadfast love, 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:48.180 And turned from me, 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:51.200 His face, 00:27:51.980 --> 00:27:54.880 For all time, 00:27:54.880 --> 00:27:59.380 Has his promise failed, 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:05.380 His God no longer kind, 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:13.380 As he in his great wrath dismissed, 00:28:13.380 --> 00:28:16.120 From passion, 00:28:16.120 --> 00:28:16.260 From passion, 00:28:16.260 --> 00:28:20.860 From his mind, 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:25.760 Then to my heart, 00:28:25.920 --> 00:28:29.300 There gave his heart, 00:28:29.300 --> 00:28:35.300 On this I will rely, 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:41.299 The years of the bright, 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:43.980 And the fire, 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:46.039 Of him, 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:50.680 His most high, 00:28:50.680 --> 00:28:59.099 I will recall the Lord's greatest, 00:28:59.099 --> 00:29:05.099 Your words of long ago, 00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:09.839 I'll meditate, 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:14.519 On all your acts, 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:20.579 Your mighty deeds are shown, 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:23.319 O God, 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:24.539 O God, 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:30.259 What most holy are your ways, 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:36.319 What God confers with you, 00:29:36.319 --> 00:29:44.059 You are the God of miracles, 00:29:44.059 --> 00:29:46.059 His power, 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:46.759 His power, 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:50.559 The nations view. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:55.159 Now if you turn with me please, 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.940 To Jeremiah chapter 29, 00:29:57.940 --> 00:30:00.759 We'll begin reading again at verse 10, 00:30:02.579 --> 00:30:04.559 Jeremiah 29 at verse 10, 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:07.200 For thus says the Lord, 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:09.619 When 70 years are completed for Babylon, 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:11.700 I will visit you, 00:30:12.159 --> 00:30:14.259 And I will fulfill to you my promise, 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:16.579 And bring you back to this place, 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:19.339 For I know the plans I have for you, 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.279 Declares the Lord, 00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:23.039 Plans for wholeness and not for evil, 00:30:23.679 --> 00:30:26.639 To give you a future and a hope. 00:30:27.919 --> 00:30:30.059 So on verses 10 to 14, 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:33.379 But especially these verses 11 and 12, 00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:36.639 For I know the plans I have for you, 00:30:37.000 --> 00:30:37.980 Declares the Lord, 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:40.940 Plans for wholeness and not for evil, 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:44.440 To give you a future and a hope. 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:47.599 Well I'm sure you're very familiar with these words, 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.919 Not just in the Bible, 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:51.500 But they're often found on cards, 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:54.500 That you find that you'll give out to people, 00:30:54.659 --> 00:30:56.700 Whether it's times of showing sympathy, 00:30:56.899 --> 00:30:57.500 Or support, 00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:58.000 Or whatever, 00:30:58.740 --> 00:30:59.700 Calendar, 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.720 Very often calendars with texts, 00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:05.579 Will have that same text on them as well, 00:31:05.639 --> 00:31:07.399 I know the plans I have for you, 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:08.639 Declares the Lord, 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:10.679 Plans for wholeness and not for evil, 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:13.500 To give you a future and a hope. 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:16.119 And whether you find them here in the Bible, 00:31:16.299 --> 00:31:16.960 Or on posters, 00:31:17.139 --> 00:31:18.339 Or calendars or cards, 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:21.139 They are really, really precious words, 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:21.639 Aren't they? 00:31:21.700 --> 00:31:24.019 Because they actually include so much 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:24.899 That's comforting, 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:28.099 And applicable to so many different situations 00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:29.700 That we face. 00:31:30.059 --> 00:31:30.980 In this life. 00:31:31.799 --> 00:31:33.779 And they're words that are designed by God 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:35.299 To bring us assurance, 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:39.139 To bring us a sense of comfort and well-being, 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:42.440 As we go through the different circumstances of life. 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:45.179 And especially as we fall on hard times 00:31:45.179 --> 00:31:48.440 That He has purposed in His providence for us, 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:50.480 Just as He had here for the people of Judah, 00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:52.480 Who are going to spend all this time, 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.900 70 years in Babylon, 00:31:54.319 --> 00:31:55.539 As exiles there, 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:59.900 And find so much there that was challenging for them. 00:32:00.759 --> 00:32:01.940 And here is God saying, 00:32:02.140 --> 00:32:03.640 Yet after these 70 years, 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:05.279 I will fulfill, 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.019 I will visit you, 00:32:07.079 --> 00:32:09.720 And I will fulfill to you my promise. 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:10.920 And you know, 00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:13.500 When you lift these verses out of the context, 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:16.759 You don't quite get the same emphasis 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:18.299 As you do when you read the chapter 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:19.359 As we've done today. 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:22.720 Because we always need to give verses in the Bible 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:24.220 Their true context. 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:25.500 When you see them on a calendar, 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:26.579 Or on a card, 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.720 Yes, they're beautiful words, 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.680 They're precious words, 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.740 They're valuable words, 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:32.539 But you need to take the context with you 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:34.799 To get the actual setting for them. 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:37.039 And when you get the actual setting for them, 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:38.480 One of the things you realize 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:41.460 Is that these are very surprising words. 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:44.960 This in many ways is a surprising promise 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:45.880 To these people. 00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:48.360 They had turned their back on the Lord. 00:32:48.920 --> 00:32:49.599 They had refused, 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:52.079 As we saw towards the end of our reading today. 00:32:53.120 --> 00:32:54.200 In verse 19, 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:55.460 They did not pay attention, 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:56.339 Says the Lord, 00:32:56.440 --> 00:32:57.259 To my words, 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:59.420 That I persistently sent to you 00:32:59.420 --> 00:33:00.400 By my servants, 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:00.880 The prophet, 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:02.200 But you would not listen, 00:33:02.660 --> 00:33:03.480 Declares the Lord. 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:04.360 Over many years, 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:05.779 The Lord had sent prophets 00:33:05.779 --> 00:33:08.180 To warn them of the dangers, 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:09.600 Of turning their back on Him, 00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:11.900 Of following the ways of the heathen, 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:12.519 Of the idols, 00:33:12.640 --> 00:33:13.900 The pagans around them. 00:33:14.220 --> 00:33:15.259 But they hadn't listened. 00:33:15.400 --> 00:33:17.080 They closed their minds to that. 00:33:17.860 --> 00:33:19.880 And so God did as He had said. 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:22.680 He brought them to the captivity of Babylon 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:26.799 Under Nebuchadnezzar for these 70 years. 00:33:27.940 --> 00:33:29.340 And as you actually see that, 00:33:29.799 --> 00:33:30.660 You realize that, 00:33:31.080 --> 00:33:32.640 Well, it is a surprising promise, 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:33.820 Because here is God, 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:36.180 These people having done what they did, 00:33:36.180 --> 00:33:38.140 And God having said this about them, 00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:39.740 That they had spurned Him, 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.840 And turned their back on Him, 00:33:40.880 --> 00:33:42.060 And would listen to His words. 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.820 And yet here is God saying, 00:33:44.420 --> 00:33:46.440 But I am going to still bless you, 00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:48.840 And I am going to be rich towards you, 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:51.180 To fulfill my promises for you, 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:52.759 As my covenant people. 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:55.140 Now this is part, 00:33:55.220 --> 00:33:55.640 As we see, 00:33:56.039 --> 00:33:58.660 Of a letter that Jeremiah wrote, 00:33:59.120 --> 00:34:00.299 To these exiles. 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.320 In verse 4b, 00:34:01.860 --> 00:34:02.560 You find there, 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:05.339 This is the letter that was sent, 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.440 To all the exiles, 00:34:06.879 --> 00:34:08.139 Sent into exile, 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:09.940 From Jerusalem to Babylon. 00:34:10.799 --> 00:34:13.259 And that's how the chapter begins. 00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:14.920 These are the words of the letter, 00:34:15.340 --> 00:34:16.579 That Jeremiah sent. 00:34:17.039 --> 00:34:19.159 So Jeremiah composed this letter, 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:21.860 Sent it specifically under the Lord's direction, 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:23.980 To these people who were in Babylon, 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:27.619 With these details for them. 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:29.460 And it was especially to give them, 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:32.199 Not just a sense of why they had ended up there, 00:34:32.699 --> 00:34:35.619 But also what the future actually had for them. 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:38.359 And in the letter, of course, 00:34:38.420 --> 00:34:39.319 It mentions too, 00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:41.920 The false prophets that Jeremiah, 00:34:42.119 --> 00:34:44.159 Had such a hard time with, 00:34:44.219 --> 00:34:45.639 All the course of his ministry. 00:34:46.259 --> 00:34:47.699 The false prophets that, 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:49.279 Were assuring Israel, 00:34:49.420 --> 00:34:49.579 You know, 00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:50.539 What you're doing, 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:51.380 It's fine, 00:34:51.539 --> 00:34:52.039 Don't worry, 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:53.219 It'll work out okay. 00:34:53.859 --> 00:34:55.899 Never mind the likes of Jeremiah and Isaiah, 00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:57.239 Never mind what they're saying, 00:34:57.659 --> 00:34:59.459 Never mind the words that they're saying to you, 00:34:59.619 --> 00:35:00.980 Just listen to us instead. 00:35:01.079 --> 00:35:01.859 And here is Jeremiah, 00:35:02.219 --> 00:35:04.699 Who spoke the words of the Lord to them, 00:35:05.079 --> 00:35:06.319 Don't let your prophets, 00:35:06.419 --> 00:35:06.899 In verse 8, 00:35:07.139 --> 00:35:08.639 And your diviners who are among you, 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.279 Deceive you, 00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:11.980 And do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 00:35:12.239 --> 00:35:15.139 For it's a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name. 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:17.059 I did not send them, 00:35:17.199 --> 00:35:17.959 Declares the Lord. 00:35:18.339 --> 00:35:20.480 That's part of the letter that he sent, 00:35:20.879 --> 00:35:21.559 To these exiles, 00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:22.739 Just so that they would know, 00:35:22.739 --> 00:35:24.419 Exactly what was what. 00:35:24.779 --> 00:35:26.299 Not that they hadn't been told before. 00:35:27.399 --> 00:35:29.079 And of course that follows down, 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:30.559 Through the course of the centuries, 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:31.919 Right up to our own day. 00:35:33.019 --> 00:35:35.059 Because one of the challenges we face, 00:35:35.739 --> 00:35:37.199 In preaching the gospel, 00:35:37.619 --> 00:35:39.239 In being people of the gospel, 00:35:39.379 --> 00:35:40.939 Such as you yourselves are, 00:35:41.219 --> 00:35:44.239 Is that we face false teaching in our day, 00:35:44.239 --> 00:35:45.379 Just as surely as they did, 00:35:45.699 --> 00:35:46.759 In the days of the apostles, 00:35:46.979 --> 00:35:47.919 The days of the prophets, 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:49.079 And even further back. 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:52.639 And we have to always keep in mind, 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:54.159 What the Lord says, 00:35:54.759 --> 00:35:57.099 What our view of the Bible itself is, 00:35:57.759 --> 00:35:59.739 And why the Bible is so precious to us, 00:35:59.739 --> 00:36:02.079 And why we do not alter it, 00:36:02.099 --> 00:36:03.639 Or change its teaching, 00:36:03.860 --> 00:36:06.579 Even if we have various translations of it, 00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:08.259 From time to time. 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:12.639 Jeremiah spoke God's truth. 00:36:12.639 --> 00:36:13.039 You see, 00:36:13.099 --> 00:36:14.440 The false prophet had said to them, 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:16.039 It won't take long. 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:16.719 Okay, 00:36:16.799 --> 00:36:17.719 You're going to be in Babylon. 00:36:17.839 --> 00:36:18.759 You're now in Babylon. 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:21.819 But this is really a short-term thing. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:23.319 You'll soon be back home. 00:36:23.379 --> 00:36:24.460 Don't worry about it. 00:36:25.619 --> 00:36:26.759 And now Jeremiah is saying, 00:36:26.819 --> 00:36:27.659 The Lord is saying, 00:36:28.099 --> 00:36:29.719 You're here for the long haul. 00:36:30.559 --> 00:36:32.139 You're here for 70 years. 00:36:32.859 --> 00:36:35.599 A lot's going to happen during those years, 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:37.619 But it's going to take that long, 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:40.659 A whole generation at least or more, 00:36:41.319 --> 00:36:44.659 Before you'll ever see back home in Jerusalem again. 00:36:46.319 --> 00:36:47.960 And the question then for them is, 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:48.739 Well, 00:36:49.259 --> 00:36:51.420 What then is going to happen 00:36:51.420 --> 00:36:53.659 When these years are ended? 00:36:54.779 --> 00:36:56.299 What's going to be the outcome 00:36:56.299 --> 00:36:59.119 When the years in Babylon have come to an end? 00:36:59.920 --> 00:37:01.000 And equally so, 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:02.339 Meantime, 00:37:02.639 --> 00:37:03.679 While they're in Babylon, 00:37:03.679 --> 00:37:05.500 What should they be doing? 00:37:06.179 --> 00:37:07.559 What should their outlook be? 00:37:08.239 --> 00:37:09.940 Not just looking towards the future 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:11.579 And God's promise being fulfilled, 00:37:12.099 --> 00:37:13.380 But in the meantime, 00:37:13.539 --> 00:37:14.619 As they live in Babylon, 00:37:15.059 --> 00:37:17.179 What sort of lives should they live? 00:37:18.239 --> 00:37:19.819 What does God require of them? 00:37:20.440 --> 00:37:20.619 Well, 00:37:20.759 --> 00:37:21.259 For that, 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:24.980 You can see from verse 4 onwards, 00:37:26.119 --> 00:37:28.319 Thus says the Lord to all the exiles, 00:37:28.619 --> 00:37:30.159 Build houses and live in them. 00:37:30.199 --> 00:37:30.420 You see, 00:37:30.639 --> 00:37:31.000 He's saying, 00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:32.259 You're in here for the long haul. 00:37:32.259 --> 00:37:33.420 It's not a short-term thing. 00:37:33.779 --> 00:37:34.599 So build houses. 00:37:34.599 --> 00:37:35.940 Plant gardens. 00:37:36.099 --> 00:37:36.799 Eat their produce. 00:37:37.099 --> 00:37:37.839 Take wives. 00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:41.799 And then he says in verse 7, 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:44.460 Seek the welfare of the city 00:37:44.460 --> 00:37:46.779 Where I have sent you into exile. 00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:49.559 And pray to the Lord on its behalf. 00:37:50.319 --> 00:37:51.599 For in its welfare, 00:37:52.259 --> 00:37:54.000 You will find your welfare. 00:37:54.000 --> 00:37:56.280 We're not going to look at these words, 00:37:56.340 --> 00:37:58.599 But they're very important words for ourselves. 00:37:58.840 --> 00:38:01.880 What sort of lives should we be living in the meantime? 00:38:02.360 --> 00:38:03.679 Even if we are as we are, 00:38:03.760 --> 00:38:06.320 Surrounded by people who don't want the Lord, 00:38:06.420 --> 00:38:07.500 Who don't want the gospel, 00:38:07.880 --> 00:38:10.019 Who have antipathy to the gospel, 00:38:10.119 --> 00:38:11.559 Or antagonistic to the gospel, 00:38:11.760 --> 00:38:13.199 Or even apathetic, 00:38:13.239 --> 00:38:14.760 Who couldn't care less one way or the other. 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.699 What sort of lives should we live? 00:38:16.699 --> 00:38:17.419 Well, it says here, 00:38:17.819 --> 00:38:19.439 We seek the welfare of the city. 00:38:19.500 --> 00:38:19.859 In other words, 00:38:19.939 --> 00:38:21.519 We seek the peace and prosperity, 00:38:22.059 --> 00:38:24.079 Especially in a spiritual and moral way, 00:38:24.299 --> 00:38:25.779 For the people we belong to, 00:38:25.839 --> 00:38:27.319 For the nation we belong to. 00:38:27.559 --> 00:38:28.879 Because in their welfare, 00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:29.299 He says, 00:38:29.359 --> 00:38:30.699 You will have your welfare. 00:38:31.359 --> 00:38:32.199 That's why Paul, 00:38:32.659 --> 00:38:34.319 In writing to Timothy, 00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:35.039 Says that 00:38:35.039 --> 00:38:37.980 One of the things to pray for, 00:38:38.300 --> 00:38:41.420 Is that we pray for days of peace and well-being. 00:38:41.739 --> 00:38:43.440 Because the gospel itself, 00:38:44.300 --> 00:38:47.539 Is a gospel that needs a setting, 00:38:47.639 --> 00:38:49.759 Not that God can't bless it in times of adversity, 00:38:49.980 --> 00:38:52.079 But the conditions for the gospel, 00:38:52.279 --> 00:38:53.340 Conditions of peace, 00:38:53.420 --> 00:38:54.840 Not of strife and of warfare, 00:38:55.059 --> 00:38:56.559 And of hatred and so on. 00:38:57.840 --> 00:38:59.019 So he's saying to them there, 00:38:59.420 --> 00:39:01.219 Seek the welfare of the place. 00:39:01.340 --> 00:39:03.079 Pray to the Lord on its behalf, 00:39:03.079 --> 00:39:04.799 For in its welfare, 00:39:05.159 --> 00:39:08.019 You will have your welfare. 00:39:09.199 --> 00:39:10.500 But then in the long term, 00:39:11.259 --> 00:39:13.759 And the verses we're coming to today for a wee while, 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:15.480 He says, 00:39:15.619 --> 00:39:17.579 But when these seventy years are completed, 00:39:18.239 --> 00:39:18.779 That's fine. 00:39:18.860 --> 00:39:20.079 For the time that you're in Babylon, 00:39:20.579 --> 00:39:21.819 Seek the welfare of the place. 00:39:22.019 --> 00:39:22.960 Pray for the place. 00:39:24.659 --> 00:39:26.819 Look for peace and prosperity. 00:39:28.679 --> 00:39:30.639 But in the days to come, 00:39:31.599 --> 00:39:32.900 When these years are completed, 00:39:32.900 --> 00:39:35.340 I will fulfill to you my promise. 00:39:35.940 --> 00:39:37.519 And I will bring you back to this place. 00:39:37.619 --> 00:39:40.820 For I know the plans I have for you, 00:39:41.340 --> 00:39:42.340 Declares the Lord. 00:39:42.900 --> 00:39:44.180 Plans for wholeness, 00:39:44.940 --> 00:39:45.880 And not for evil, 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:49.099 To give you a future and a hope. 00:39:50.700 --> 00:39:53.180 Two things we're looking at very briefly. 00:39:53.300 --> 00:39:53.740 First of all, 00:39:53.780 --> 00:39:54.840 The God of plans. 00:39:55.880 --> 00:39:56.320 Secondly, 00:39:56.320 --> 00:39:57.640 The plans of God. 00:39:58.640 --> 00:39:59.720 The God of plans, 00:40:00.380 --> 00:40:04.420 And the plans of God confining it to these verses in this context. 00:40:04.760 --> 00:40:05.320 Well, 00:40:05.320 --> 00:40:10.019 The God of plans is the God that Jeremiah describes for the people in the letter. 00:40:10.580 --> 00:40:11.539 The God of the Bible. 00:40:11.700 --> 00:40:14.140 The God who has revealed Himself to us. 00:40:14.139 --> 00:40:17.400 Because we're living in days when God is not believed in. 00:40:17.400 --> 00:40:20.339 When you'll often find that our view of God, 00:40:20.420 --> 00:40:22.279 And our belief and our trust in God, 00:40:22.359 --> 00:40:25.199 Is regarded as just figments of our own imagination. 00:40:25.500 --> 00:40:27.219 You'll find all sorts of descriptions, 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:29.440 That are denigrating of God, 00:40:29.900 --> 00:40:34.239 Describing God as just that figure that people have in their imaginations, 00:40:34.379 --> 00:40:35.440 That they think lives, 00:40:35.579 --> 00:40:37.059 And is just in the sky somewhere. 00:40:38.019 --> 00:40:38.179 Well, 00:40:38.199 --> 00:40:38.480 Of course, 00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:40.000 We know that God is real. 00:40:41.380 --> 00:40:47.420 That God's realness includes His relation with His people. 00:40:47.559 --> 00:40:49.539 God is not just that He exists, 00:40:49.639 --> 00:40:51.039 But He's a relational God. 00:40:51.199 --> 00:40:54.559 He's a God who enters into relationship with His people, 00:40:54.679 --> 00:40:56.099 In covenant with His people. 00:40:56.340 --> 00:40:57.679 He interacts with His people. 00:40:58.079 --> 00:41:00.039 He actually speaks to His people through His Word. 00:41:00.099 --> 00:41:01.539 That's why the Bible is so valuable. 00:41:02.019 --> 00:41:03.779 That's why we believe in the Holy Spirit, 00:41:03.900 --> 00:41:05.380 To bless the Gospel to us. 00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:06.460 To bless His Word. 00:41:06.460 --> 00:41:07.119 To bless us, 00:41:07.480 --> 00:41:10.000 That our understanding of it will be real and will grow. 00:41:10.559 --> 00:41:11.579 He's the God in the Bible, 00:41:11.740 --> 00:41:13.599 Who is throughout the prophets especially, 00:41:14.139 --> 00:41:16.300 Described as so different to, 00:41:16.400 --> 00:41:17.840 So opposite to these idols. 00:41:18.019 --> 00:41:20.260 Why does God have so much to say, 00:41:20.519 --> 00:41:23.800 In vehement denunciation of these idols? 00:41:23.920 --> 00:41:26.340 Because they are the alternative to Himself. 00:41:26.880 --> 00:41:28.099 Idols are just idols. 00:41:28.240 --> 00:41:29.300 They're not real things. 00:41:29.539 --> 00:41:31.240 But they're in the place of God. 00:41:31.840 --> 00:41:32.820 And the worship of them, 00:41:32.820 --> 00:41:35.460 Is in the place of the worship of God. 00:41:36.460 --> 00:41:37.740 And so, 00:41:37.840 --> 00:41:39.099 We have a God today. 00:41:40.139 --> 00:41:40.380 You know, 00:41:40.480 --> 00:41:43.260 The great thing about the Bible is this. 00:41:43.920 --> 00:41:45.380 There's so much in the Bible. 00:41:45.679 --> 00:41:47.619 But the greatest thing about the Bible, 00:41:47.720 --> 00:41:50.079 And it applies to everything else that's revealed in the Bible, 00:41:50.179 --> 00:41:54.440 Is that the Bible is where God reveals Himself to us. 00:41:54.440 --> 00:41:59.599 The Bible is where God has come to us and said, 00:42:00.039 --> 00:42:01.159 Here am I. 00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:02.900 Come and know me. 00:42:03.420 --> 00:42:04.720 Come and get to know me. 00:42:05.139 --> 00:42:06.960 Come and know me increasingly. 00:42:07.860 --> 00:42:09.380 Come and listen to what I've got to say. 00:42:09.440 --> 00:42:13.019 The very thing people of Judah didn't actually listen to. 00:42:13.019 --> 00:42:15.380 You have a Bible today. 00:42:16.559 --> 00:42:18.920 You have a Bible freely available to you. 00:42:19.380 --> 00:42:20.320 More than likely, 00:42:20.900 --> 00:42:23.420 You've got more than one copy in your possession at home. 00:42:23.420 --> 00:42:26.820 Why is the Bible precious to you? 00:42:26.880 --> 00:42:30.800 Because God has set Himself forth in the Bible, 00:42:30.940 --> 00:42:32.420 Revealed Himself in the Bible, 00:42:32.639 --> 00:42:34.700 So that He will be found by you. 00:42:35.420 --> 00:42:37.320 So that you will come to know Him. 00:42:37.320 --> 00:42:41.160 Because He is the God who speaks, 00:42:41.539 --> 00:42:42.360 Who hears, 00:42:42.860 --> 00:42:43.620 Who visits, 00:42:44.240 --> 00:42:44.900 Who promises, 00:42:45.820 --> 00:42:46.660 Who declares. 00:42:48.539 --> 00:42:52.180 And that means that God acts decisively, 00:42:53.080 --> 00:42:54.200 And infallibly, 00:42:55.240 --> 00:42:56.260 And consistently. 00:42:57.980 --> 00:43:00.019 How precious is that to us today? 00:43:00.840 --> 00:43:02.380 A world that's full of changes. 00:43:02.519 --> 00:43:06.280 And maybe you're someone today who is, 00:43:06.280 --> 00:43:07.280 In a sense, 00:43:07.400 --> 00:43:09.080 Somewhat like these people in Babylon. 00:43:10.019 --> 00:43:12.220 And it feels a long time, perhaps, 00:43:12.400 --> 00:43:14.880 Since you've had the problems you've got. 00:43:15.600 --> 00:43:17.400 And it may be difficult to wait, 00:43:17.460 --> 00:43:18.320 As it always is, 00:43:18.380 --> 00:43:20.080 Waiting for things to change. 00:43:20.240 --> 00:43:23.100 Waiting for the Lord to reveal Himself to you more. 00:43:23.500 --> 00:43:25.080 But whatever it is in your life, 00:43:25.240 --> 00:43:26.580 Over which you're waiting, 00:43:26.760 --> 00:43:28.920 And which feels as if God really, 00:43:29.120 --> 00:43:30.120 In the psalmist sense, 00:43:30.200 --> 00:43:31.940 Has turned away from you. 00:43:32.400 --> 00:43:33.860 That's very difficult to live with. 00:43:33.900 --> 00:43:35.320 But here is God assuring you, 00:43:35.320 --> 00:43:37.600 To all who have come to trust in Him, 00:43:37.920 --> 00:43:40.620 Even if it's going to be a life in this world, 00:43:40.700 --> 00:43:42.420 Of long-term challenge, 00:43:42.539 --> 00:43:44.120 And most of us will find that. 00:43:45.180 --> 00:43:46.180 Well, at the end of the day, 00:43:46.260 --> 00:43:47.300 I know, He says, 00:43:47.640 --> 00:43:50.180 The plans that I have for you. 00:43:51.280 --> 00:43:52.760 I have plans for you, 00:43:53.460 --> 00:43:56.480 That far exceed anything you could possibly 00:43:56.480 --> 00:43:58.120 Devise for yourselves. 00:43:58.119 --> 00:44:00.400 That's what He says to all, 00:44:00.400 --> 00:44:02.699 Who have come to trust in Him. 00:44:03.859 --> 00:44:04.699 And today, I hope, 00:44:04.799 --> 00:44:06.599 If you're feeling the time long, 00:44:06.759 --> 00:44:09.319 If you're struggling with your faith, 00:44:09.839 --> 00:44:11.239 If you're struggling to comprehend 00:44:11.239 --> 00:44:13.119 Some of the things happening in your life, 00:44:13.179 --> 00:44:14.460 And why they're there, 00:44:14.559 --> 00:44:16.400 And how they can work for your good, 00:44:16.739 --> 00:44:18.139 What the outcome's going to be, 00:44:18.199 --> 00:44:21.299 And if you're struggling to even see ahead, 00:44:21.380 --> 00:44:24.259 As far as the fulfillment of God's promises is concerned, 00:44:24.260 --> 00:44:26.740 I hope today that you'll derive comfort, 00:44:27.280 --> 00:44:28.200 And strength, 00:44:28.300 --> 00:44:29.620 And knowledge of God, 00:44:30.260 --> 00:44:31.600 From what we're saying briefly, 00:44:32.120 --> 00:44:33.380 This morning on these passages. 00:44:33.500 --> 00:44:34.140 He's the God, 00:44:34.420 --> 00:44:35.620 The God of plans. 00:44:35.800 --> 00:44:36.940 This is the God we worship. 00:44:37.340 --> 00:44:39.080 The God who has plans for His people. 00:44:39.640 --> 00:44:40.320 And as we'll see now, 00:44:40.380 --> 00:44:41.440 The plans of God, 00:44:41.920 --> 00:44:43.800 Are plans which are just quite wonderful. 00:44:44.360 --> 00:44:45.580 The word plans itself, 00:44:46.060 --> 00:44:48.060 Is important as we come to this second heading, 00:44:48.300 --> 00:44:49.660 The plans of God. 00:44:49.659 --> 00:44:52.079 Because the word plans in Hebrew, 00:44:52.599 --> 00:44:56.579 Is a word that also means thoughts. 00:44:57.639 --> 00:44:59.339 And the older translations had it, 00:44:59.699 --> 00:45:02.440 I know the thoughts that I have toward you. 00:45:03.279 --> 00:45:08.119 But they're plans in which God's thoughts are placed. 00:45:08.179 --> 00:45:08.599 In other words, 00:45:08.799 --> 00:45:10.500 One of the wonderful emphases is there, 00:45:10.839 --> 00:45:13.960 When you think about the plans that God has for His people, 00:45:14.319 --> 00:45:17.619 And they're plans that He has devised from all eternity. 00:45:17.619 --> 00:45:19.859 God doesn't make up a plan as He goes along, 00:45:20.139 --> 00:45:21.319 As history develops. 00:45:21.460 --> 00:45:23.639 God doesn't make up His plans for you or for me, 00:45:23.960 --> 00:45:26.519 In reaction to some of the things that happen in our lives, 00:45:26.579 --> 00:45:28.900 Or some of the things we find ourselves doing. 00:45:29.359 --> 00:45:32.039 God's plan has been intact for all of us, 00:45:32.099 --> 00:45:33.000 From all eternity. 00:45:33.639 --> 00:45:36.179 Everything's already in the plan before we're born. 00:45:38.839 --> 00:45:40.079 Here is God saying, 00:45:40.799 --> 00:45:42.299 That wonderful plan, 00:45:42.839 --> 00:45:44.400 These are my thoughts. 00:45:44.400 --> 00:45:45.320 You know, 00:45:45.320 --> 00:45:49.780 There's a plan that has been set out with coherent wisdom, 00:45:49.780 --> 00:45:51.880 On the part of this God, 00:45:52.220 --> 00:45:54.119 Whose thoughts are above our thoughts, 00:45:54.180 --> 00:45:55.800 Whose ways are above our ways, 00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:58.039 And yet whose thoughts are upon us, 00:45:58.059 --> 00:46:00.440 As we place our trust and confidence in Him. 00:46:00.460 --> 00:46:02.980 One of the things that should comfort us from day to day, 00:46:03.059 --> 00:46:05.460 Is that there isn't a single moment, 00:46:06.180 --> 00:46:08.019 From the time of our conception, 00:46:08.240 --> 00:46:10.160 Through to the time of our death in this world, 00:46:10.559 --> 00:46:12.539 When we are not in the thoughts of God. 00:46:12.539 --> 00:46:16.519 When God isn't thinking positively about His people, 00:46:17.679 --> 00:46:19.719 They are never outside of His thoughts. 00:46:20.940 --> 00:46:24.279 And His thoughts are built into His plan. 00:46:24.400 --> 00:46:25.119 It's a plan, 00:46:25.940 --> 00:46:27.159 Really what He says here, 00:46:27.679 --> 00:46:31.400 I know the plans that I have for you. 00:46:31.460 --> 00:46:33.719 And every time you come across God saying, 00:46:34.179 --> 00:46:34.739 I know, 00:46:35.539 --> 00:46:36.079 Again, 00:46:36.159 --> 00:46:37.179 That's a precious word, 00:46:37.259 --> 00:46:40.340 Because it really includes relationship knowledge. 00:46:40.340 --> 00:46:44.620 It includes the knowledge that He has of these people, 00:46:44.700 --> 00:46:46.320 Because He made a covenant with them, 00:46:46.480 --> 00:46:47.539 He gave them promises, 00:46:47.840 --> 00:46:50.180 And these are the promises that are going to come to be fulfilled, 00:46:50.460 --> 00:46:51.880 Despite the seventy years, 00:46:51.920 --> 00:46:52.320 And in fact, 00:46:52.559 --> 00:46:54.320 The seventy years are part of the plan. 00:46:55.880 --> 00:46:59.380 The seventy years themselves are not something outside of the plan, 00:46:59.519 --> 00:47:01.120 Or an adjunct to the plan, 00:47:01.980 --> 00:47:03.820 As if they've been tacked on somewhere, 00:47:04.220 --> 00:47:07.579 Or as if the promises of God have been put aside for the moment, 00:47:07.579 --> 00:47:10.019 For these seventy years to have their place, 00:47:10.259 --> 00:47:11.840 But they weren't really planned by God. 00:47:11.900 --> 00:47:12.980 They were planned by God. 00:47:13.239 --> 00:47:15.059 They were in the plan from all eternity. 00:47:15.519 --> 00:47:18.480 Every single detail of their lives was in the plan. 00:47:19.759 --> 00:47:21.400 It was, if you like, 00:47:21.799 --> 00:47:24.559 A well thought out plan. 00:47:24.559 --> 00:47:28.860 And sometimes, 00:47:29.460 --> 00:47:31.099 That's a thought that, 00:47:31.840 --> 00:47:32.179 Personally, 00:47:32.299 --> 00:47:33.840 I derive much comfort from. 00:47:35.099 --> 00:47:38.420 When things don't seem to be going the way that you would like, 00:47:38.820 --> 00:47:40.739 The way that you would have purposed yourself, 00:47:42.019 --> 00:47:44.420 When there are difficulties that surprise you, 00:47:44.539 --> 00:47:45.400 That hurt you, 00:47:47.400 --> 00:47:48.440 I come back, 00:47:48.539 --> 00:47:49.500 And you come back, 00:47:49.559 --> 00:47:50.239 I'm sure as well, 00:47:50.299 --> 00:47:50.539 To say, 00:47:50.639 --> 00:47:50.759 Well, 00:47:51.000 --> 00:47:53.420 I know it's within God's plan, 00:47:53.420 --> 00:47:56.139 But I know God's plan, 00:47:56.400 --> 00:47:58.559 Is a well thought out plan. 00:47:59.579 --> 00:48:02.320 This didn't happen by accident. 00:48:02.980 --> 00:48:06.240 This didn't happen unintentionally on the part of God. 00:48:06.680 --> 00:48:10.619 This didn't happen as something that was not really in His plan from the beginning. 00:48:11.340 --> 00:48:15.599 I know the plans I have for you, says God. 00:48:16.099 --> 00:48:17.700 They are thought out plans. 00:48:18.340 --> 00:48:22.059 Plans in which divine wisdom and divine intelligence, 00:48:22.059 --> 00:48:22.779 You know, 00:48:22.840 --> 00:48:26.440 This is such a precious thing when you think of the plans of God, 00:48:26.500 --> 00:48:28.420 And that everything's in the plans of God, 00:48:28.719 --> 00:48:30.619 In your life and mine from the beginning, 00:48:30.940 --> 00:48:35.699 That it's actually divine intelligence that's looking after us. 00:48:37.179 --> 00:48:40.380 God's intelligent, thought out plan. 00:48:41.739 --> 00:48:42.860 There's nothing like that. 00:48:42.860 --> 00:48:46.140 Nothing like that anywhere else. 00:48:46.620 --> 00:48:50.460 I know the plans that I have for you. 00:48:51.000 --> 00:48:52.440 His plans are never in doubt. 00:48:53.680 --> 00:48:57.800 His plans are never anything other than what He thinks they should be for you. 00:48:58.620 --> 00:49:02.660 And that's one of the wonderful things you find in the book of Psalms, for example. 00:49:02.900 --> 00:49:07.400 Psalm 139 is an instance of it. 00:49:07.400 --> 00:49:14.300 Psalm 139, where you find, as you know, the psalm is beginning with a reference to the knowledge of God, 00:49:14.360 --> 00:49:16.160 The knowledge that God has of Him. 00:49:16.880 --> 00:49:19.940 And how he finds that so overwhelming in many ways, 00:49:20.039 --> 00:49:23.680 That God knows Him so well as to surround Him with that knowledge. 00:49:24.180 --> 00:49:26.240 He's just beset with it. 00:49:26.400 --> 00:49:27.940 He's surrounded by it. 00:49:28.320 --> 00:49:28.960 He's caught up in, 00:49:28.960 --> 00:49:31.199 Lord, you have searched me and known me. 00:49:31.400 --> 00:49:33.559 You know when I sit down and when I rise up. 00:49:34.079 --> 00:49:35.940 You discern my thoughts from afar. 00:49:36.480 --> 00:49:38.420 You search out my path and my line. 00:49:38.500 --> 00:49:39.679 And all the way down, as you know, 00:49:40.099 --> 00:49:41.159 I've read that many times. 00:49:41.240 --> 00:49:41.840 He goes through, 00:49:42.340 --> 00:49:45.780 working through the implications of God's knowledge. 00:49:45.940 --> 00:49:47.980 You've searched me before I ever spoke. 00:49:48.079 --> 00:49:49.440 You knew the words I was going to speak. 00:49:50.000 --> 00:49:52.000 You knew the thoughts of my mind. 00:49:52.000 --> 00:49:55.739 And then you come to verses 17 to 18. 00:49:56.900 --> 00:50:01.760 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God. 00:50:03.039 --> 00:50:06.079 In other words, he's saying the same as we sing in Jeremiah. 00:50:06.920 --> 00:50:08.920 The plans of God, the thoughts of God, 00:50:09.239 --> 00:50:12.699 the divine intelligence that has devised this plan for His people, 00:50:13.159 --> 00:50:14.559 individually and collectively. 00:50:15.280 --> 00:50:16.059 The psalmist is saying, 00:50:16.579 --> 00:50:18.480 How precious to me are your thoughts. 00:50:18.480 --> 00:50:23.880 Here's the man who was in many ways disquieted by the fact that God knew every detail of his life already. 00:50:24.059 --> 00:50:25.240 That he was looking into him. 00:50:25.420 --> 00:50:27.519 That he was sifting through his thoughts. 00:50:27.980 --> 00:50:28.599 Weighing them up. 00:50:28.699 --> 00:50:29.300 Measuring them. 00:50:29.860 --> 00:50:32.340 Making him uncomfortable at the very prospect of it. 00:50:33.460 --> 00:50:34.199 And yet he's saying, 00:50:35.199 --> 00:50:38.480 How precious, O God, are your thoughts to me. 00:50:39.280 --> 00:50:41.800 How vast is the sum of them. 00:50:42.679 --> 00:50:44.039 They are more than the sand. 00:50:44.820 --> 00:50:48.099 I awake and I am still with you. 00:50:49.480 --> 00:50:52.659 In other words, I've had my sleep. 00:50:53.559 --> 00:50:55.780 And when I wake on this new day, 00:50:56.199 --> 00:50:58.460 I find I'm still within your thoughts. 00:50:59.219 --> 00:51:01.039 I'm still within your plans. 00:51:02.260 --> 00:51:03.179 Nothing's changed. 00:51:03.699 --> 00:51:05.260 Even while I've been asleep. 00:51:06.019 --> 00:51:06.920 Nothing's changed. 00:51:07.199 --> 00:51:09.840 Even though now there's a new circumstance in my life 00:51:09.840 --> 00:51:12.800 that I hadn't anticipated and wouldn't have chosen for myself. 00:51:13.159 --> 00:51:14.039 Nothing's changed. 00:51:14.039 --> 00:51:18.639 I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. 00:51:18.840 --> 00:51:19.460 Now what are they? 00:51:19.860 --> 00:51:24.079 Plans for wholeness and not for evil. 00:51:24.500 --> 00:51:27.599 To give you a future and a hope. 00:51:28.440 --> 00:51:31.480 See, the outcome is wholeness. 00:51:31.480 --> 00:51:32.760 It's completeness. 00:51:33.420 --> 00:51:34.659 A life that's blessed. 00:51:36.079 --> 00:51:38.480 And that's what God has in His mind, 00:51:38.539 --> 00:51:42.000 in His divine, intelligent plan for His people. 00:51:42.699 --> 00:51:45.219 Everything is part of that plan. 00:51:45.280 --> 00:51:47.420 But the outcome is wholeness. 00:51:47.800 --> 00:51:48.860 See, verse 10, he's saying, 00:51:49.440 --> 00:51:52.380 He's going to come and fulfill His promise. 00:51:52.380 --> 00:51:55.480 And the word promise there in verse 10 is interesting. 00:51:55.640 --> 00:51:56.380 It literally means, 00:51:57.140 --> 00:51:59.440 My good word. 00:52:00.960 --> 00:52:03.019 My good word. 00:52:04.099 --> 00:52:06.460 And when you come across the word good like that, 00:52:06.760 --> 00:52:07.559 in the Bible, 00:52:07.680 --> 00:52:09.720 especially describing something to do with God, 00:52:10.119 --> 00:52:11.220 it's just filled. 00:52:11.360 --> 00:52:12.640 It's packed with meaning. 00:52:12.760 --> 00:52:13.980 It's a powerful word. 00:52:14.559 --> 00:52:15.840 My good word. 00:52:15.960 --> 00:52:17.420 Imagine the promise of God 00:52:17.420 --> 00:52:19.640 and the way that it describes it there 00:52:19.640 --> 00:52:21.380 as literally my good word. 00:52:21.380 --> 00:52:23.900 Whatever promises God gives to you today, 00:52:24.200 --> 00:52:25.640 they are His good word. 00:52:25.940 --> 00:52:27.400 There's nothing bad about them. 00:52:27.820 --> 00:52:29.360 There's nothing harmful in them. 00:52:30.180 --> 00:52:32.240 Because God is the God of good. 00:52:33.380 --> 00:52:34.680 The good God. 00:52:35.660 --> 00:52:39.000 The God who has a good word for His people. 00:52:41.380 --> 00:52:44.039 And we may often lose our focus on that. 00:52:45.099 --> 00:52:48.160 Especially during the testing times of life. 00:52:49.280 --> 00:52:50.559 The unexpected events. 00:52:51.380 --> 00:52:51.940 The losses. 00:52:52.780 --> 00:52:53.460 The pains. 00:52:54.900 --> 00:52:56.440 The challenges of life. 00:52:57.200 --> 00:52:58.840 We had something of that in the psalm. 00:52:59.420 --> 00:53:01.800 We sang Psalm 77. 00:53:02.980 --> 00:53:03.619 And as we said, 00:53:03.680 --> 00:53:05.099 it's interesting how the psalmist there, 00:53:06.360 --> 00:53:08.380 similar to Psalm 13 as well, 00:53:08.400 --> 00:53:08.920 as we said. 00:53:08.920 --> 00:53:12.700 I cry aloud to God and He will hear me. 00:53:13.300 --> 00:53:15.400 My soul refuses to be comforted. 00:53:15.920 --> 00:53:17.039 And then he goes on to say, 00:53:17.159 --> 00:53:18.900 Will the Lord spurn forever? 00:53:19.559 --> 00:53:21.280 Will He never again be favorable? 00:53:22.000 --> 00:53:24.519 Has His steadfast love forever ceased? 00:53:25.079 --> 00:53:27.539 Are His promises at an end for all time? 00:53:28.059 --> 00:53:30.420 Has God forgotten to be gracious? 00:53:30.980 --> 00:53:33.500 Has He in anger shut up His compassion? 00:53:33.500 --> 00:53:35.659 Then He answers Himself. 00:53:35.659 --> 00:53:36.799 You know, 00:53:37.279 --> 00:53:40.159 it's a good thing to talk to yourself. 00:53:41.299 --> 00:53:43.480 Talk to yourself like the psalmist talks to himself. 00:53:43.559 --> 00:53:44.420 It's not a sign of madness. 00:53:45.399 --> 00:53:47.819 It's not a sign of being over-eccentric. 00:53:48.539 --> 00:53:50.000 Because all the way through the psalms, 00:53:50.059 --> 00:53:51.119 you'll find many psalms, 00:53:51.440 --> 00:53:53.279 where the psalmist is speaking to his soul. 00:53:53.280 --> 00:53:54.500 O thou my soul, 00:53:54.660 --> 00:53:55.640 bless God the Lord. 00:53:55.780 --> 00:53:56.840 He's talking to himself 00:53:56.840 --> 00:53:59.260 in a way that really addresses God through that. 00:53:59.600 --> 00:54:01.380 And it's good for you and for me to do that. 00:54:01.620 --> 00:54:03.320 To sit down in the presence of God, 00:54:03.640 --> 00:54:04.800 especially when there are things 00:54:04.800 --> 00:54:07.600 that really we need to speak to God about 00:54:07.600 --> 00:54:11.800 that cause us to be concerned 00:54:11.800 --> 00:54:14.700 or disconcerted or pained. 00:54:15.920 --> 00:54:17.880 We just talk them out with God. 00:54:19.320 --> 00:54:20.460 He's the God who listens. 00:54:21.620 --> 00:54:22.800 The God who hears. 00:54:24.140 --> 00:54:26.820 God who invites us to unburden our hearts to Him. 00:54:27.920 --> 00:54:30.140 This is what the psalmist is doing in Psalm 77. 00:54:30.720 --> 00:54:32.540 Has God forgotten to be gracious? 00:54:33.800 --> 00:54:34.800 Then I said, 00:54:35.320 --> 00:54:36.300 as He answers Himself, 00:54:36.480 --> 00:54:37.840 I will appeal to this, 00:54:38.660 --> 00:54:41.340 to the years of the right hand of the Most High. 00:54:42.080 --> 00:54:44.120 I will remember the deeds of the Lord. 00:54:44.720 --> 00:54:46.800 Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 00:54:46.800 --> 00:54:49.820 I will ponder all your work 00:54:49.820 --> 00:54:52.460 and meditate on your mighty deeds, 00:54:52.460 --> 00:54:54.420 Your way is holy, O God. 00:54:54.980 --> 00:54:57.619 What God is great like our gods? 00:54:57.659 --> 00:54:58.820 And he goes on like that. 00:54:58.880 --> 00:54:59.800 You see, that's his answer. 00:55:00.720 --> 00:55:03.480 He's come really round to refocus his attention 00:55:03.480 --> 00:55:04.900 and his mind upon this God. 00:55:05.220 --> 00:55:07.539 And when he's thought back upon the works of God, 00:55:07.599 --> 00:55:09.619 whether it's in his own life or even out with that, 00:55:09.659 --> 00:55:11.880 I think he's thinking about the works of God 00:55:11.880 --> 00:55:14.119 in the wider sense that he's come to know about. 00:55:14.119 --> 00:55:17.679 And the conclusion he's really coming to is something like this. 00:55:17.900 --> 00:55:21.380 Well, this is the God who has done all of these great deeds. 00:55:21.859 --> 00:55:23.500 Why should I not trust Him? 00:55:24.420 --> 00:55:27.880 How can I actually possibly think that He's turned His back on me? 00:55:28.519 --> 00:55:30.400 If this is the God He is, 00:55:30.519 --> 00:55:32.159 as I see from His works, 00:55:33.380 --> 00:55:36.679 then surely it's only right for me to turn to Him again 00:55:36.679 --> 00:55:39.579 and say, Lord, I will remember these, 00:55:40.299 --> 00:55:42.639 and I will build on what I know of you, 00:55:43.359 --> 00:55:46.299 and I will not doubt your plans for me, 00:55:46.859 --> 00:55:49.279 even if I don't fully understand them. 00:55:49.280 --> 00:55:53.960 And he refocuses himself on that. 00:55:54.019 --> 00:55:56.600 And that's what Jeremiah is doing really with this letter. 00:55:57.620 --> 00:55:59.460 He's really saying to these exiles, 00:55:59.620 --> 00:56:03.080 look, there is no quick fix for your situation. 00:56:04.200 --> 00:56:07.960 You're here for these years that are in God's plan for you. 00:56:08.960 --> 00:56:10.320 But this is the outcome, 00:56:10.860 --> 00:56:12.640 because there are plans to do you good. 00:56:13.640 --> 00:56:17.440 There are plans for wholeness and not for evil. 00:56:17.440 --> 00:56:20.700 A glorious future. 00:56:20.880 --> 00:56:21.519 And all the way through, 00:56:21.619 --> 00:56:24.039 you find the same sort of thing mentioned. 00:56:24.820 --> 00:56:28.500 Chapter 33, verses 6 to 13, 00:56:29.420 --> 00:56:31.240 where he says really wonderfully 00:56:31.240 --> 00:56:34.679 what they have to do in building places for themselves 00:56:34.679 --> 00:56:36.019 after they've come back again. 00:56:36.980 --> 00:56:39.639 God's going to refill Jerusalem and so on. 00:56:39.659 --> 00:56:41.119 As you read through chapter 33, 00:56:41.820 --> 00:56:43.119 these great promises of God, 00:56:43.119 --> 00:56:44.059 thus says the Lord, 00:56:44.059 --> 00:56:46.279 in this place that is now waste, 00:56:46.719 --> 00:56:48.039 without man or beast, 00:56:48.159 --> 00:56:49.179 and in all of its cities, 00:56:49.320 --> 00:56:51.820 there shall be habitations of shepherds 00:56:51.820 --> 00:56:53.059 resting their flocks 00:56:53.059 --> 00:56:55.059 in the cities of the hill country, 00:56:55.179 --> 00:56:56.820 in the cities of the Sheffalat, and so on. 00:56:58.400 --> 00:57:00.000 You know, God is assuring us today, 00:57:00.099 --> 00:57:01.519 yes, our hearts may be hurting. 00:57:02.639 --> 00:57:03.500 We may be anxious. 00:57:03.619 --> 00:57:04.579 We may be concerned. 00:57:05.559 --> 00:57:07.219 We may wonder what God is doing. 00:57:07.219 --> 00:57:10.839 How this can possibly be for my wholeness 00:57:10.839 --> 00:57:11.980 or my betterment. 00:57:13.839 --> 00:57:15.000 But there is God saying, 00:57:15.119 --> 00:57:16.679 I know the plans that I have for you. 00:57:17.159 --> 00:57:18.539 And the plans that I have for you, 00:57:18.619 --> 00:57:21.699 the outcome is not an outcome 00:57:21.699 --> 00:57:24.059 of anything less than wholeness, 00:57:24.199 --> 00:57:26.019 completeness, blessing, 00:57:26.319 --> 00:57:27.439 filled with life. 00:57:29.000 --> 00:57:30.019 That's our God. 00:57:30.859 --> 00:57:32.339 That's the plans of our God. 00:57:32.399 --> 00:57:33.319 The God of plans. 00:57:33.959 --> 00:57:35.239 And the plans of God. 00:57:35.239 --> 00:57:37.459 And, you know, he finishes by 00:57:37.459 --> 00:57:38.939 what you might say is 00:57:38.939 --> 00:57:42.459 very much a presentation 00:57:42.459 --> 00:57:44.859 of what we call Reformed theology. 00:57:45.819 --> 00:57:47.399 Reformed theology where we believe 00:57:47.399 --> 00:57:48.959 the grace of God 00:57:48.959 --> 00:57:50.699 is really what sets up 00:57:50.699 --> 00:57:52.899 the kind of situation 00:57:52.899 --> 00:57:55.079 or relationship we should have with Him. 00:57:55.559 --> 00:57:57.619 Grace of God that renews our hearts, 00:57:58.079 --> 00:57:59.219 that changes us, 00:57:59.279 --> 00:58:00.179 that converts us, 00:58:00.239 --> 00:58:02.299 that turns us so that we then call upon Him 00:58:02.299 --> 00:58:03.799 and come to know Him 00:58:03.799 --> 00:58:04.439 and to follow Him. 00:58:04.440 --> 00:58:05.360 Well, this is what he's saying. 00:58:05.840 --> 00:58:06.320 Verse 12, 00:58:06.380 --> 00:58:07.619 Then you will call upon Me 00:58:07.619 --> 00:58:09.820 and pray to Me 00:58:09.820 --> 00:58:10.740 and I will hear you. 00:58:11.320 --> 00:58:12.920 You will seek Me and find Me 00:58:12.920 --> 00:58:14.039 when you seek Me 00:58:14.039 --> 00:58:14.820 with all your heart. 00:58:14.860 --> 00:58:16.659 And I will be found by you, 00:58:17.179 --> 00:58:18.019 declares the Lord, 00:58:18.079 --> 00:58:20.760 and I will restore your fortunes. 00:58:21.740 --> 00:58:22.740 What's that saying 00:58:22.740 --> 00:58:24.800 and why is that Reformed theology 00:58:24.800 --> 00:58:25.679 as we mentioned it? 00:58:25.740 --> 00:58:26.900 Well, because it's saying this. 00:58:27.960 --> 00:58:30.079 Their hopes do not lie 00:58:30.079 --> 00:58:31.599 in their ability 00:58:31.599 --> 00:58:33.199 to search for God. 00:58:34.299 --> 00:58:35.779 Their hopes must lie 00:58:35.779 --> 00:58:37.819 in God's willingness 00:58:37.819 --> 00:58:39.519 to be found by them. 00:58:40.519 --> 00:58:41.599 That's the gospel. 00:58:42.039 --> 00:58:43.599 That's the gospel message. 00:58:43.900 --> 00:58:45.199 That's what we said at the beginning. 00:58:46.199 --> 00:58:47.179 Our hopes lie 00:58:47.179 --> 00:58:48.539 not in our own ability, 00:58:49.099 --> 00:58:50.380 not even in our own ability 00:58:50.380 --> 00:58:51.639 to understand the Bible. 00:58:51.639 --> 00:58:53.239 Our hopes lie in the fact 00:58:53.239 --> 00:58:54.840 that God has been pleased 00:58:54.840 --> 00:58:56.500 to reveal Himself to us. 00:58:56.500 --> 00:58:58.079 That He has come to reveal Himself 00:58:58.079 --> 00:58:59.420 purposely to us. 00:58:59.780 --> 00:59:01.159 That He has come to reveal Himself 00:59:01.159 --> 00:59:02.599 as the God of plans 00:59:02.599 --> 00:59:05.079 and reveal the plans of God to us 00:59:05.079 --> 00:59:07.239 so that we may find Him, 00:59:07.699 --> 00:59:09.079 so that we may trust Him, 00:59:09.800 --> 00:59:11.780 so that we may come to know Him. 00:59:13.280 --> 00:59:15.980 And that's what we find in Christ. 00:59:16.840 --> 00:59:18.980 Remember John chapter 13. 00:59:19.059 --> 00:59:19.860 I'll close with this. 00:59:19.940 --> 00:59:21.039 John chapter 12, rather, 00:59:22.139 --> 00:59:23.199 where you find Jesus 00:59:23.199 --> 00:59:24.119 speaking of Himself 00:59:24.119 --> 00:59:26.019 again as the light of the world. 00:59:26.500 --> 00:59:31.139 And in the point of John's gospel, 00:59:31.260 --> 00:59:32.420 this is an important juncture 00:59:32.420 --> 00:59:33.380 in John's gospel 00:59:33.380 --> 00:59:35.219 because this really is 00:59:35.219 --> 00:59:37.059 Christ's last word to the world 00:59:37.059 --> 00:59:37.960 in John's gospel. 00:59:38.659 --> 00:59:39.280 From then on, 00:59:39.300 --> 00:59:40.639 He's speaking only to His disciples. 00:59:42.219 --> 00:59:43.199 This is what He says. 00:59:44.000 --> 00:59:45.480 Jesus cried out and said, 00:59:46.760 --> 00:59:47.980 Whoever believes in Me 00:59:47.980 --> 00:59:49.340 believes not in Me, 00:59:49.420 --> 00:59:50.480 but in Him who sent Me. 00:59:51.159 --> 00:59:53.159 I have come into the world as light 00:59:53.159 --> 00:59:55.199 that whoever believes in Me 00:59:55.199 --> 00:59:56.599 may not remain in darkness. 00:59:57.719 --> 00:59:59.039 If anyone hears My voice 00:59:59.039 --> 01:00:00.000 and does not keep them, 01:00:00.039 --> 01:00:00.980 I do not judge him. 01:00:01.659 --> 01:00:03.619 For I did not come to judge the world, 01:00:03.679 --> 01:00:04.779 but to save the world. 01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:07.839 And He went on to say that, 01:00:08.799 --> 01:00:09.980 For I have not spoken 01:00:09.980 --> 01:00:11.379 on My own authority, 01:00:11.519 --> 01:00:12.659 but the Father who sent Me 01:00:12.659 --> 01:00:15.899 has given Me this to say. 01:00:15.900 --> 01:00:19.280 And earlier on in the chapter, 01:00:19.400 --> 01:00:20.160 this is what He said. 01:00:21.860 --> 01:00:22.300 Walk, 01:00:23.139 --> 01:00:25.119 in verse 35, 01:00:25.240 --> 01:00:26.059 Jesus said to them, 01:00:26.740 --> 01:00:28.160 The light is among you 01:00:28.160 --> 01:00:29.139 for a while longer, 01:00:29.240 --> 01:00:30.240 a little while longer. 01:00:31.240 --> 01:00:32.740 Walk while you have the light, 01:00:33.539 --> 01:00:35.260 lest darkness overtake you. 01:00:35.920 --> 01:00:37.480 The one who walks in the darkness 01:00:37.480 --> 01:00:38.860 does not know where he's going. 01:00:38.860 --> 01:00:41.320 While you have the light, 01:00:42.019 --> 01:00:43.420 believe in the light 01:00:43.420 --> 01:00:45.260 that you may become 01:00:45.260 --> 01:00:47.420 sons of light. 01:00:48.340 --> 01:00:49.340 That's the gospel. 01:00:50.539 --> 01:00:52.640 God has chosen graciously 01:00:52.640 --> 01:00:54.800 to reveal Himself to us. 01:00:54.880 --> 01:00:55.920 He is the light. 01:00:56.579 --> 01:00:57.760 And it's come into the world 01:00:57.760 --> 01:00:58.840 in the person of Jesus. 01:00:59.940 --> 01:01:01.079 And today He's saying to me 01:01:01.079 --> 01:01:01.960 and He's saying to you, 01:01:02.780 --> 01:01:04.180 While you have the light, 01:01:04.880 --> 01:01:06.519 believe in the light 01:01:06.519 --> 01:01:08.759 that you may become 01:01:08.759 --> 01:01:11.820 the children of light. 01:01:12.119 --> 01:01:13.340 May God bless these thoughts 01:01:13.340 --> 01:01:14.840 on His Word to us. 01:01:15.780 --> 01:01:16.960 We're going to conclude now 01:01:16.960 --> 01:01:18.699 singing in Psalm 139. 01:01:19.559 --> 01:01:20.759 Again, let's sing Psalms. 01:01:20.820 --> 01:01:22.159 This time Psalm 139, 01:01:22.420 --> 01:01:24.199 139a, 01:01:25.159 --> 01:01:26.699 verses 15 to 18. 01:01:33.280 --> 01:01:34.079 Here is David, 01:01:34.139 --> 01:01:34.900 as we said earlier. 01:01:36.519 --> 01:01:37.519 Wondering at the way 01:01:37.519 --> 01:01:38.699 that God's knowledge of Him 01:01:38.699 --> 01:01:39.420 is so perfect, 01:01:39.539 --> 01:01:40.119 so entire. 01:01:40.940 --> 01:01:42.320 Going back even to the time 01:01:42.320 --> 01:01:43.440 before He was born, 01:01:43.539 --> 01:01:44.519 when He was being formed 01:01:44.519 --> 01:01:45.679 in the womb. 01:01:46.420 --> 01:01:47.480 And so in verse 15, 01:01:48.320 --> 01:01:49.659 we come to these words, 01:01:49.759 --> 01:01:50.840 When in the secret place 01:01:50.840 --> 01:01:52.400 my frame was made 01:01:52.400 --> 01:01:53.480 before my birth, 01:01:54.079 --> 01:01:56.280 you saw my body yet unformed 01:01:56.280 --> 01:01:58.239 within the depths of earth. 01:01:58.719 --> 01:01:59.639 And all the days 01:01:59.639 --> 01:02:00.599 that I should live, 01:02:01.039 --> 01:02:02.400 which you ordained for me, 01:02:02.619 --> 01:02:04.159 were written in your book, 01:02:04.159 --> 01:02:04.879 O Lord, 01:02:05.339 --> 01:02:07.279 before they came to be. 01:02:07.339 --> 01:02:07.819 In other words, 01:02:07.940 --> 01:02:08.659 same as Jeremiah, 01:02:09.500 --> 01:02:11.359 I know the plans I have for you, 01:02:11.940 --> 01:02:12.940 says the Lord. 01:02:13.019 --> 01:02:13.659 Singing to the tune, 01:02:14.480 --> 01:02:15.079 St. Andrew, 01:02:15.199 --> 01:02:17.579 verses 15 to 18. 01:02:17.579 --> 01:02:28.579 When in the secret place 01:02:28.579 --> 01:02:31.579 my frame 01:02:31.579 --> 01:02:33.579 was made 01:02:33.579 --> 01:02:38.579 before my birth, 01:02:38.579 --> 01:02:48.819 You saw my body yet unformed 01:02:48.819 --> 01:02:56.500 within the depths of earth. 01:02:56.500 --> 01:03:01.960 And all the days 01:03:01.960 --> 01:03:06.420 that I should live, 01:03:06.739 --> 01:03:13.739 which you are made for me, 01:03:13.739 --> 01:03:20.739 where they came to be. 01:03:20.739 --> 01:03:26.739 Where they came to be. 01:03:26.739 --> 01:03:30.739 Where they came to be. 01:03:30.739 --> 01:03:34.199 Oh, God, 01:03:34.279 --> 01:03:36.699 how precious 01:03:36.699 --> 01:03:38.599 a関. 01:03:38.599 --> 01:03:47.599 I scan them from afar. 01:03:49.139 --> 01:03:58.019 And as I seek to trust them all, 01:03:58.019 --> 01:04:06.019 how numberless they are. 01:04:06.019 --> 01:04:16.300 Oh, I took out that hill would be 01:04:16.300 --> 01:04:23.019 for thunder rings of sound. 01:04:23.019 --> 01:04:32.019 When I am with you, 01:04:32.019 --> 01:04:40.300 still sit within your hand. 01:04:40.300 --> 01:04:44.300 I'll go to the main door after the benediction. 01:04:44.300 --> 01:04:46.600 Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 01:04:46.980 --> 01:04:48.340 the love of God the Father, 01:04:48.500 --> 01:04:49.940 and the communion of the Holy Spirit 01:04:49.940 --> 01:04:52.260 be with you now and evermore. 01:04:52.660 --> 01:04:53.019 Amen. 01:04:53.019 --> 01:04:58.219 Amen. 01:04:58.599 --> 01:05:05.159 Amen. 01:05:05.159 --> 01:05:05.360 Amen. 01:05:05.360 --> 01:05:06.239 Amen. 01:05:06.239 --> 01:05:06.259 Amen. 01:05:10.300 --> 01:05:18.440 Amen. 01:05:18.440 --> 01:05:19.320 Amen. 01:05:19.320 --> 01:05:20.380 Amen. 01:05:20.380 --> 01:05:22.400 Amen.