WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:04.120 So we're going to begin worship now. We're singing firstly this evening from Psalm 93. 00:00:05.020 --> 00:00:08.359 Psalm number 93 in the Sing Psalms. That's page 1, 2, 3. 00:00:12.380 --> 00:00:14.040 We're singing to the tune Stroudwater. 00:00:14.160 --> 00:00:18.219 The Lord is King. His throne endures majestic in its height. 00:00:18.900 --> 00:00:22.100 The Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength and might. 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:25.920 The world is founded firm and sure, removed it cannot be. 00:00:25.920 --> 00:00:30.800 Your throne is strong and you are God from all eternity. 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:34.260 Singing the whole Psalm, the five verses, on page 1, 2, 3. 00:00:34.340 --> 00:00:35.939 The Lord is King. 00:00:55.920 --> 00:01:14.140 The Lord is full in majesty and armed with strength and might. 00:01:14.140 --> 00:01:31.140 The world is founded firm and sure, removed it cannot be. 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:33.140 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:01:33.140 --> 00:01:47.200 The Lord is strong and you are God from all eternity. 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:54.200 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:01:54.200 --> 00:02:02.200 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:07.200 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:11.199 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:19.199 The Lord is full in majesty and might. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:23.199 The mighty night. 00:02:24.579 --> 00:02:33.699 The Lord in throne, the night is strong. 00:02:33.699 --> 00:02:41.000 For power full is He. 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:58.000 And then all the oceans waves are makers of the sea. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:07.000 Pure royal statutes, Lord, stand firm. 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:19.000 And changing it to worth and holiness. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:31.659 Adore to us all endless days, O Lord. 00:03:34.520 --> 00:03:36.360 Now we're going to call upon the Lord in prayer. 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:38.740 Let's join together as we call upon God. 00:03:41.920 --> 00:03:45.640 Lord, our gracious God, we come before you with thanksgiving. 00:03:46.440 --> 00:03:50.080 To give thanks for that reminder and these great words we have sung. 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:52.960 Of your own greatness and majesty. 00:03:53.540 --> 00:03:56.580 Of your sovereign rule over all things that you have created. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:00.280 And we thank you, Lord, that that encourages us this evening. 00:04:00.920 --> 00:04:06.140 Especially as we look in on ourselves and find so many marks of our own failures. 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:10.839 As we look over a world that seems to be in constant turmoil. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:14.879 We thank you, Lord, that you rule over all of these things. 00:04:15.620 --> 00:04:16.920 Sovereignly and in majesty. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:22.800 And that you are worthy thereby of our praise and our adoration and our service. 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:23.800 We thank you, Lord, that you are worthy of the Lord. 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:28.100 We thank you, Lord, for the privilege we have of gathering here in your presence. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:32.579 And of coming before you, Lord, not only to sing your praises. 00:04:32.980 --> 00:04:33.920 To read your word. 00:04:34.020 --> 00:04:36.199 To hear your gospel proclaimed. 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:39.579 But also to speak directly with you in prayer. 00:04:40.159 --> 00:04:45.439 We thank you, Lord, for the promises that meet us as we come together in this way. 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:48.199 Promises that meet us as individuals. 00:04:48.659 --> 00:04:52.159 Though we gather collectively before you, Lord, as a congregation. 00:04:52.980 --> 00:04:57.439 We acknowledge that we have our individual requests and our concerns. 00:04:58.039 --> 00:04:59.819 And our individual needs as well. 00:04:59.819 --> 00:05:04.360 And we bless you for the way that you continue to provide for us. 00:05:05.079 --> 00:05:08.759 And for the way especially that you do not mark our iniquity against us. 00:05:09.240 --> 00:05:15.019 You have provided us instead with salvation in all its abundance in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:16.100 --> 00:05:18.219 And we thank you tonight that as we come to you, 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:21.980 we come to one who has provided us with a mediator in him. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:25.620 A mediator to represent God to us fully. 00:05:26.080 --> 00:05:29.560 And to represent us before God. 00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:34.319 We thank you for the way that Jesus Christ carries out. 00:05:34.700 --> 00:05:37.740 All his tasks with perfect accomplishment. 00:05:38.460 --> 00:05:41.340 And for the way that we can come to trust in him fully. 00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:44.100 As one who is worthy of our trust. 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:46.740 Lord, grant us, we pray as we come, 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:49.700 that we may be conscious of your own presence. 00:05:49.699 --> 00:05:52.920 Here in our midst and for each of us personally. 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:56.439 That we'll know our souls to be touched this evening. 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:59.120 By the truth and by the power of your word. 00:05:59.759 --> 00:06:01.980 Bless us, we pray, with your Holy Spirit. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:05.620 Grant that your Holy Spirit may apply your word to us. 00:06:06.039 --> 00:06:08.279 With that power which he alone has. 00:06:08.860 --> 00:06:10.860 To affect our lives positively. 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:14.060 To bring us further knowledge of ourselves. 00:06:14.860 --> 00:06:17.699 And especially in the light of that knowledge of you that we need. 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:21.240 As one who has provided such salvation for us. 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:24.399 Bless us, we pray tonight, with all our concerns. 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:30.120 We bring before you, Lord, our own individual and collective concerns. 00:06:30.339 --> 00:06:32.339 Our needs as a congregation. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:34.240 Our concerns as a congregation. 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:37.759 As we seek to serve you in the gospel from week to week. 00:06:38.019 --> 00:06:38.919 From day to day. 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:43.539 Lord, we thank you for supplying us with the ongoing resources. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:47.240 To support the gospel practically, financially. 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:50.060 We pray that as we are thankful for that. 00:06:50.140 --> 00:06:53.460 That we may see that upheld and even increased. 00:06:54.500 --> 00:06:56.439 We pray, Lord, that you'll bless us too. 00:06:56.560 --> 00:07:00.660 With further resources of a human kind. 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:02.040 That we may see others coming. 00:07:02.740 --> 00:07:06.700 To join themselves to the serving people of God in this world. 00:07:06.699 --> 00:07:09.000 And in this congregation as well. 00:07:09.159 --> 00:07:13.300 Bless us, we pray, in all the work that we plan for this week ahead. 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:14.000 By your will. 00:07:14.800 --> 00:07:17.159 Bless the work, we pray, amongst our young people. 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:19.939 Our children and our infants and toddlers. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:23.360 We ask that that will be blessed to each and all of them. 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:26.219 And to the families that belong to them. 00:07:26.919 --> 00:07:29.699 Bless, we pray, the Bible class and the Sunday school. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:33.180 Bless us with further resources in terms of teaching. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:37.959 Grant to us, Lord, that we may constantly bear before you in prayer. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:43.579 The need for our children to be educated under the influence of your Holy Spirit. 00:07:44.280 --> 00:07:46.139 And brought to know you at a young age. 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:48.720 We pray for those who belong to us. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:51.120 Who will be with us for a time of holiday. 00:07:51.340 --> 00:07:53.980 Who serve you in other parts of the country. 00:07:54.460 --> 00:07:56.660 Those who are students and studying elsewhere. 00:07:57.280 --> 00:07:58.379 Remember them, we pray. 00:07:58.600 --> 00:08:01.199 As well as those locally who belong to us. 00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:05.819 We ask, O Lord, that your blessing in all of these areas of our life as a congregation. 00:08:06.459 --> 00:08:07.860 We'll know your blessing. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:11.159 We pray for your blessing too tonight. 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:13.819 For those who have particular ailments and illnesses. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:15.680 Remember them, we pray. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:18.659 Those who suffer from mental health issues. 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:19.779 We pray for them. 00:08:20.500 --> 00:08:24.120 We give thanks, Lord, that you have access to our minds. 00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:27.699 More than we ourselves can possibly have. 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:31.500 And we pray that you'll bless all those tonight who have these issues. 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:34.200 And all those families who care for them. 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:39.799 Those who don't have the privilege of faculties like many of us possess. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:43.220 We pray, Lord, that you would grant them your blessing. 00:08:43.379 --> 00:08:43.899 Your presence. 00:08:44.600 --> 00:08:45.360 Your salvation. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:50.980 And we pray that you would bless too those who are seriously ill and receiving treatment. 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:54.279 Those who have been through surgery in recent times. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:55.360 We commit them to you. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:08:58.720 We ask too for those who mourn the passing of loved ones. 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:00.899 For they, Lord, are always with us. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:06.379 And we hear every week that we gather here of others who have passed away in the week before. 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:08.000 And we pray that you'll bless them. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:10.240 These families that we know of tonight. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:14.820 Who mourn and who express their grief to you. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:19.180 And, O Lord, we pray that they will know your comfort and your guidance. 00:09:19.700 --> 00:09:22.519 And your strengthening of them during these difficult times. 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:25.079 Remember us too, we pray as a community. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:29.079 Granted, we may be thankful for all the resources you provide us with. 00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:31.500 Bless those in our local Corlea. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:36.139 Our council who represent our various parts of the islands. 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:38.240 As they meet from time to time. 00:09:38.460 --> 00:09:41.100 And all the officers of the Corlea as well. 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:43.019 As they take decisions, Lord. 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:45.179 Affecting us all from week to week. 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:45.799 Be pleased. 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.099 We pray to grant them your blessing. 00:09:48.839 --> 00:09:55.099 To raise up others who will also come to contribute in that way to our society locally. 00:09:55.659 --> 00:09:57.439 We pray that you'd help us, Lord. 00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:05.779 As we pray for those in our community who have specific talents and gifts to help us in different times of need. 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:08.179 Whether it be at times of bereavement. 00:10:08.579 --> 00:10:09.319 Times of illness. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:12.839 Through the expertise in the hospital. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:13.939 The hospice. 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:14.899 The care homes. 00:10:15.459 --> 00:10:16.779 And the clinics that we find. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:17.959 Lord, bless them all. 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:18.439 We pray. 00:10:18.959 --> 00:10:21.699 Make us thankful that we have access to such resources. 00:10:22.339 --> 00:10:25.079 That are so lacking in so many parts of the world. 00:10:25.699 --> 00:10:27.459 And even in parts of our own nation. 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:29.480 And bless our nation, Lord. 00:10:29.539 --> 00:10:30.579 We pray at this time. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:33.480 Be pleased to bless those in government over us. 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:36.060 Bless those of them who fear your name. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:40.519 And who bear that testimony before their fellow members of parliament. 00:10:40.820 --> 00:10:42.519 And members of the Scottish parliament. 00:10:43.139 --> 00:10:48.060 Lord, we ask that you would continue to bestow wisdom on those who lead us in that way. 00:10:48.920 --> 00:10:51.500 And bestow wisdom on us as a people as well. 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.720 That whenever elections come round. 00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:55.399 That we may be led of your spirit. 00:10:56.019 --> 00:10:59.940 To elect those who will honor your ways wherever possible. 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:05.500 Those who will be known as a people of integrity and trustworthiness. 00:11:06.140 --> 00:11:09.720 And we ask, O Lord, that you would guide us as a people in that way. 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:12.040 And so remember the world in which we live. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:12.960 In all its turmoil. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:14.220 In all its distress. 00:11:14.840 --> 00:11:19.160 Especially those places tonight that have famine and disaster. 00:11:19.540 --> 00:11:21.200 And war to contend with. 00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:24.280 Bless your people, especially in those areas of the world. 00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:27.500 Grant to them, O Lord, your own steadfast love. 00:11:28.059 --> 00:11:29.839 To be known from day to day for them. 00:11:30.399 --> 00:11:31.559 Be with us now, we pray. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:33.240 Hear us in this our prayer. 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:35.919 And pardon our many sins and cleanse us. 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:37.419 For Jesus' sake. 00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:37.980 Amen. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.519 Now we turn to sing some more verses. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:45.259 This time we're singing in Psalm 106. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:49.139 Scottish Psalter version on page 378. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:52.080 We sing verses 1 to 5. 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:55.179 And the tune this time is St. David. 00:11:56.860 --> 00:11:58.740 Give praise and thanks unto the Lord. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:00.600 For bountiful is he. 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:03.840 His tender mercy doth endure unto eternity. 00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.779 God's mighty works. 00:12:05.939 --> 00:12:09.240 Who can express or show forth all his praise? 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:11.819 Blessed are they that judgment keep. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:14.799 And justly do always. 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:16.159 Psalm 106. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:18.340 The verses marked 1 to 5. 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:21.300 Give praise and thanks unto the Lord. 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:21.379 Amen. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:49.340 His �일's tomb and turbulenceru. 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:49.519 As yet, the spiritual Lord. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:49.560 Or are he nothing. 00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:51.280 The nation,ики God's legendary King. 00:12:51.280 --> 00:13:18.320 He inspired us that he said, 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:29.520 The judgment, the unjustly, do always. 00:13:30.900 --> 00:13:38.520 Remember me, Lord, with love, 00:13:38.520 --> 00:13:46.300 which love to my God's name, 00:13:46.299 --> 00:13:55.139 with thy salvation, O my God, 00:13:55.539 --> 00:14:02.359 who blessed me from here. 00:14:02.359 --> 00:14:11.359 But I, thy chosen, who may see, 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:18.360 and in their joy rejoice, 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:27.360 and may with thy inheritance 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:35.200 fly on with cheerful voice. 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:40.660 Now we're going to read from God's Word two passages, 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.500 firstly in the Old Testament, 00:14:43.180 --> 00:14:44.680 in the prophecy of Ezekiel, 00:14:45.680 --> 00:14:48.480 and then we'll read from the last chapter of the Bible, 00:14:48.640 --> 00:14:50.620 Revelation chapter 22, 00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:53.440 a few verses at the beginning of that chapter. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:54.720 First of all from Ezekiel, 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:57.280 and chapter 47, 00:14:58.440 --> 00:15:00.400 reading verses 1 to 5. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:05.379 It's on page 888 or thereabouts, 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.299 if you're using the church Bibles. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:15.860 Then he took me back to the door of the temple, 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:18.480 and behold, water was issuing from below 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:21.840 the threshold of the temple towards the east, 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:23.860 for the temple faced east. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:26.419 The water was flowing down from below 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:29.019 the south end of the threshold of the temple, 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.679 south of the altar. 00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:34.179 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:36.439 and led me round on the outside 00:15:36.439 --> 00:15:39.679 to the outer gate that faces towards the east. 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:42.379 And behold, the water was trickling out 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:43.479 on the south side. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:47.199 Going on eastwards with a measuring line in his hand, 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:49.679 the man measured a thousand cubits, 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.779 and then led me through the water, 00:15:52.319 --> 00:15:53.799 and it was ankle deep. 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:55.819 And he measured a thousand, 00:15:56.179 --> 00:15:57.579 and led me through the water, 00:15:57.859 --> 00:15:59.099 and it was knee deep. 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.399 Again he measured a thousand, 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.479 and led me through the water, 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:05.399 and it was waist deep. 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:07.719 Again he measured a thousand, 00:16:08.319 --> 00:16:10.979 and it was a river that I could not pass through, 00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:13.099 for the water had risen. 00:16:13.819 --> 00:16:15.679 It was deep enough to swim in, 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:18.559 a river that could not be passed through. 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:20.259 And he said to me, 00:16:20.439 --> 00:16:21.099 Son of man, 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:23.680 have you seen this? 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:27.500 And if we turn now to the book of Revelation, 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:30.620 and the revelation of John chapter 22, 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:34.940 we'll read the first five verses there as well. 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:50.040 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, 00:16:50.420 --> 00:16:51.400 brightest crystal, 00:16:52.040 --> 00:16:54.340 flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:56.900 through the middle of the street of the city. 00:16:57.860 --> 00:16:59.580 Also on either side of the river, 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:00.940 the tree of life, 00:17:01.540 --> 00:17:03.280 with its twelve kinds of fruit, 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:05.480 yielding its fruit each month. 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:08.740 The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:11.779 No longer will there be anything accursed, 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:15.200 but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.619 and his servants will worship him. 00:17:18.399 --> 00:17:19.619 They will see his face, 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:22.480 and his name will be on their foreheads. 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.899 And night will be no more. 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:27.980 They will need no light of lamp or sun, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:30.680 for the Lord God will be their light, 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:34.259 and they will reign forever and ever. 00:17:35.360 --> 00:17:37.180 We pray that God will bless to us 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:39.680 those two readings of his word this evening. 00:17:41.860 --> 00:17:45.360 Let's turn to read and sing again in Psalm 36. 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:50.880 Psalm 36, and the Sing Psalms version on page 44. 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:54.280 The tune this time is Free Church, 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:56.840 and we're singing verses 5 to 10. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:58.400 Psalm 37, and the Sing Psalms version on page 44. 00:17:58.400 --> 00:18:02.640 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:06.480 Your faithfulness is wonderful, extending to the sky. 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:09.120 Your righteousness is very great, 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:11.300 like mountains high and steep. 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:13.960 Your justice is like ocean depths, 00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:15.860 both man and beast you keep. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:18.720 How precious is your steadfast love, 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:20.700 what confidence it brings. 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:23.160 Both high and low find shelter 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:25.039 in the shadow of your wings. 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:27.160 They feast within your house, 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:29.860 and drink from streams of your delight. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:32.380 For with you is the source of life. 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:35.180 In your light we see light. 00:18:35.860 --> 00:18:37.839 To those who know you as their God, 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:40.120 your steadfast love impart. 00:18:40.860 --> 00:18:42.160 Maintain your righteousness 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:45.860 to those of pure and upright heart. 00:18:45.859 --> 00:18:49.959 So verses 5 to 10, to God's praise, 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:52.599 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord. 00:18:52.599 --> 00:19:07.039 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:14.339 it reaches heaven high. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:22.779 Your faithfulness is wonderful, 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:26.779 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:30.779 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:45.220 Your righteousness is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:48.860 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:48.860 --> 00:19:54.460 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:59.039 Your være with whom it hands�� mira demasiado through the Lord. 00:19:59.039 --> 00:19:59.460 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:01.180 My shoulders of the above the world, it reaches heaven high. 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:04.120 It reaches heaven high. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:05.620 Her easant self- tailored awarding to the Lord. 00:20:05.620 --> 00:20:07.620 O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.000 Your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:12.360 Bl zeg-low high. 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:15.779 If your steadfast love is great, O Lord, it reaches heaven high. 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:17.019 O Lord, it reaches heaven清 the lion of earth to the 결국, 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.980 all ye're delighted high. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:18.980 ye are blessed by the RIGHT now. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.980 Almostatherine high. 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:36.860 O cry and o'er find shelter in the shadow of pure peace. 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:53.899 The peace within you have standing from streams of beauty light. 00:20:53.900 --> 00:21:10.240 For when you reach the source of light, make your light please see light. 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:26.240 To those who know you must have gone, your steadfast love impart. 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:43.500 Continue righteousness to those of pure and of bright heart. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:50.779 Now for a short time together this evening, let's turn to Revelation chapter 22. 00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:59.200 Looking at these five verses that we read earlier from the beginning of the chapter, verses 1 to 5. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:05.379 We're all familiar, I'm sure, with the work of war artists. 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:10.119 Sometimes they're commissioned by their country in a time of war. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:17.059 Sometimes they just choose themselves to go to where there is conflict in order to depict what they see. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:20.859 And sometimes that, of course, is used for propaganda purposes. 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:28.240 But very often you can find a war artist conveying a sense of the horror of war, 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:32.139 sometimes more effectively than just taking a photograph of it. 00:22:32.639 --> 00:22:41.139 Because the war artist can, as an artist, can actually instill in their presentation of their work 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:45.860 something of emotion, something of the scale of things. 00:22:46.280 --> 00:22:50.640 Things which really you cannot capture in a photograph by itself. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:54.840 And down through the years, war artists have gone to war. 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:59.620 We think especially of the two great wars, the Second World, First World and Second World War 00:22:59.620 --> 00:23:03.200 and other wars that their own nation have been involved with. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:10.319 And have captured, in terms of paintings and drawings, something of what they witnessed there 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:16.220 and tried to convey a sense of what that was like in that terrible time of war. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:25.160 We could really compare the book of Revelation to a series of paintings by war artists, if you like. 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:32.320 Because the book is really about a war between the Lamb, who is Jesus on one side, along with his people, 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:35.080 and his enemies on the other hand. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:38.240 They're described in various ways through the book of the Revelation. 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:42.600 And the whole of the book of the Revelation is pretty much to do with that conflict, 00:23:42.820 --> 00:23:46.040 with that warfare between the Lord and his followers, 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:50.920 and those who actually follow what's sometimes called the beast or the dragon, 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:56.640 representatives of evil and of opposition to God down through the centuries. 00:23:57.580 --> 00:24:03.000 When you come to chapter 19, for example, you'll find that there's a representation there 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:08.820 of the final great battle and of the triumph of Jesus from verse 11 onwards. 00:24:09.560 --> 00:24:11.800 He saw heaven open, and behold, a white horse. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:14.560 The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, 00:24:15.080 --> 00:24:18.120 and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:21.959 And you can see all the way through these verses that follow on from that, 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:30.559 an account of how he is portrayed, his might, his prowess, his ability, his final victory. 00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:35.619 And so in verse 16, on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:39.579 King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:44.199 And so that fits in with the other portraits that we've called them, 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:49.700 these depictions of this conflict as you go through the book of the Revelation. 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:55.740 And looking at it like that, I think, helps us to sometimes get to grips with the teaching of the book, 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:58.100 which at some points is not easy, 00:24:58.779 --> 00:25:05.039 but it tells us, it keeps us in mind of the one common strand or theme that runs through it, 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:08.440 this great conflict between the Lord and his enemies. 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:14.160 And then you come to chapter 21, where you have a painting there in words of the New Jerusalem, 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:17.160 leading into chapter 22 we're looking at tonight, 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:23.700 which you might say is the lasting peace that Jesus, by his conquest of evil and of sin, 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:28.220 has brought about for his people actually to share with him. 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:33.160 Now in the study Bible I use at home, I came across this comment, 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:35.019 and it's as follows, 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:42.860 the book of Revelation is designed not only to inform and assure Christians about God's final purposes, 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:48.920 but to increase their longing for God and the realization of his purpose. 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:53.259 The certainty of that consummation, that final victory, 00:25:54.040 --> 00:25:58.940 comforts saints during times of temptation and persecution. 00:25:58.940 --> 00:26:03.420 In other words, when you look at a passage like this passage in Revelation 22, 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:06.120 bringing you into the final state of things, 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:09.900 the peace of God's people that they enjoy together with the Lord, 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:13.759 what that is really for is for now. 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:20.660 It's not just projecting us forward to get some sort of glimpse into how things will be finally. 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:27.380 The whole of that teaching of Revelation is for the present situation of God's people 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:29.240 as they go through this life. 00:26:29.880 --> 00:26:33.540 So that as they come and confront various difficulties themselves, 00:26:34.340 --> 00:26:41.460 as they share in meeting the opposition that the enemies of the gospel in every generation actually throw at them, 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:46.980 here is the book of the Revelation that God gave to John and is now in the Scriptures, 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:53.640 so that we will find our comfort, our assurance, our certainty of final victory 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:57.460 when we come to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:26:58.059 --> 00:27:01.819 And as we'll see, we share in that great victory that is his, 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:07.960 that is already achieved by his death and resurrection and exaltation to glory. 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:11.680 So all the time through the book of the Revelation, 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:13.779 as much as any other book in the Bible, 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:16.840 God is saying to us, this is for now. 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:19.680 This is for your present conflict. 00:27:20.460 --> 00:27:24.799 This is to assure your heart that in Jesus Christ and on his side, 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:28.900 you are certain of victory, however tough, however challenging, 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:31.039 however stressful, however difficulty, 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:34.200 the way towards the final victory might be. 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:39.019 With Christ on your side and you on his side, 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:41.200 that is your assurance tonight. 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:44.680 And maybe you're here tonight feeling a bit downcast, 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:46.640 the challenges that you're facing, 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:50.220 things you maybe never really seem to get on top of, 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:53.140 the stresses of life as you go through life, 00:27:53.580 --> 00:27:56.220 both for young people and older people like ourselves. 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:59.440 But here is God saying, I have given you this book 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:04.920 so that in looking through this book at the victory of Jesus and his people, 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:08.420 you can say of yourself as you find yourself amongst them, 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:12.220 this is actually my privilege and my portion, 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:14.720 that I belong to these people 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:18.559 and that he is my king and my lord 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:22.759 as he is king of kings and lord of lords. 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:25.640 So let's look at this passage briefly. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:29.460 I'm first of all going to look at what I'm going to call the New Eden 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:35.039 because features of this passage remind us very much of a passage, 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:36.259 for example, like Genesis, 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:40.099 describing the creation at the beginning of things 00:28:40.099 --> 00:28:42.680 where God created heavens and the earth 00:28:42.680 --> 00:28:45.299 and ourselves, mankind as well. 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:49.200 Genesis 2, for example, verses 7 to 10 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:52.380 very much form a background or the imagery there 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:55.220 is very similar to this final chapter in Revelation. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:57.360 Let me just read what it says there, 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:59.460 verse 7, chapter 2 of Genesis, 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:04.200 where then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:07.500 and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.580 and the man became a living creature. 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:13.819 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:15.759 and there he put the man whom he had formed. 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:19.579 And out of the ground the Lord made to spring every tree 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:22.299 that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. 00:29:22.559 --> 00:29:25.619 The tree of life was in the midst of the garden 00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:27.859 and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:31.859 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:36.079 and there it divided and became four rivers. 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:38.920 And you can see the similarity there in the description 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:42.799 with what you find here in Revelation chapter 22. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:47.339 But three things in this chapter 22, this passage, 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:50.960 three things in regard to the new Eden that we're calling it. 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:54.240 It's, of course, different in the sense that Eden was, 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.740 as we'll see, something that man enjoyed, 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:58.740 mankind enjoyed only for a while 00:29:58.740 --> 00:30:00.819 and then they were closed out from it 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:03.579 because of their own sin and rebellion against God. 00:30:04.139 --> 00:30:05.119 Let's leave that for a moment. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:07.639 But the three things that dominate the scene 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:09.180 are, first of all, the throne, 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:11.000 and then the river, 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:15.539 and thirdly, the tree in the midst of the garden. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:20.340 First thing that dominates it is the throne of God, 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:22.160 the water of life, 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:25.180 this river that flowed with the water of life, 00:30:25.320 --> 00:30:26.860 bright as crystal, 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:31.380 flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 00:30:32.340 --> 00:30:35.000 Christ on his throne, God on his throne. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.980 And that is the source of this river, 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:38.299 this water of life. 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.660 But it's the scene, 00:30:40.079 --> 00:30:40.680 in the scene, 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:43.740 it's the throne that essentially dominates the whole scene. 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:45.880 And if you go back to chapter 4, 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:47.220 of course, that's, as you know, 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:50.680 a chapter that deals with the throne in heaven 00:30:50.680 --> 00:30:52.740 that John saw at that point 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:54.599 in the beginning of this revelation 00:30:54.599 --> 00:30:56.119 that God gave him. 00:30:56.880 --> 00:30:57.839 Behold, he says, 00:30:57.900 --> 00:31:00.319 I saw a door open in heaven, 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:02.759 and the first voice which I heard said, 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:05.460 Come up and I will show you what must take place. 00:31:05.619 --> 00:31:06.240 And I behold, 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:07.639 I was in the Spirit, 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:08.259 and behold, 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:11.279 a throne stood in heaven. 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.819 And he who sat there 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:15.619 had the appearance of Jasper and Carnelian. 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:16.919 And so on the description there. 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:19.599 There's the immensity of this throne, 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:21.879 the greatness of this throne of God, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.039 this rule of God, 00:31:23.379 --> 00:31:25.399 this sovereign control of God, 00:31:25.659 --> 00:31:28.779 this God who rules over all things that take place, 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:31.420 whether they are evil or whether they are good. 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:35.539 But God, in his own sovereign oversight of everything, 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:37.480 is absolutely in charge. 00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:39.339 We need to always remember that. 00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:41.399 And you go back to chapter 20 as well, 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:43.319 where you find the defeat of Satan, 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:46.559 and then followed by the great white throne of judgment. 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:48.599 I saw a great white throne, 00:31:48.899 --> 00:31:50.399 and him who sat on it, 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.579 or was seated on it, 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:52.740 from his presence, 00:31:53.079 --> 00:31:54.920 earth and sky fled away, 00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:56.920 and no place was found for them. 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:59.480 We're worshiping tonight this God. 00:31:59.840 --> 00:32:01.039 We're worshiping this God, 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.900 as one put it in the Old Testament. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:05.820 The heavens of heavens cannot contain you, 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:07.200 let alone, said Solomon, 00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:08.840 this temple that I have built. 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:11.700 And it's the immensity of God, 00:32:11.840 --> 00:32:12.980 the greatness of God, 00:32:13.039 --> 00:32:14.300 the majesty of God, 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:16.200 the glory of God, 00:32:16.320 --> 00:32:19.340 that fills this Bible from beginning to end. 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:21.980 It is the central feature of this Bible. 00:32:21.980 --> 00:32:25.220 It is foundational to everything else that you read of, 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.900 and come to know through this Bible. 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:31.539 Every other single topic has to come back in some way or other to be related to 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:33.620 this throne of God, 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:35.240 this majesty of God, 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:36.380 this rule of God, 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:38.099 this greatness of God. 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:41.799 The throne that's in heaven. 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:42.759 You know, 00:32:42.819 --> 00:32:45.599 you think of the grace of God, 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:47.079 the favor of God, 00:32:47.180 --> 00:32:48.519 the love of God. 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:51.940 And we may think of these at times as, 00:32:52.279 --> 00:32:57.220 as if they were kind of thin or flimsy things. 00:32:57.339 --> 00:33:00.220 Some people in the world certainly would think of them as we're, 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:05.579 we're not really thinking properly if we give them the place that the Bible itself gives them. 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:06.079 But you see, 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:09.059 the grace of God is sovereign grace, 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:10.359 is royal grace. 00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:14.019 The favor of God is a favor that is immense, 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:15.519 because it's God's favor. 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:19.720 The power of God is the power of the sovereign throne. 00:33:20.839 --> 00:33:24.339 The authority of this throne is the authority of God, 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:26.180 whose authority covers all things. 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:28.299 Here's the throne at the midst of it, 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:31.160 in the midst of it showing us the immensity of God, 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:32.299 the greatness of God. 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:34.619 And that's why we bow in his presence. 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:39.039 And that's why we say this is the main feature of this Bible. 00:33:39.039 --> 00:33:46.279 There is nothing more important than we realize that this grace, 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.859 this salvation is, 00:33:47.859 --> 00:33:48.559 is royal, 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:49.319 it's sovereign, 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.139 it's kingly, 00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:51.379 it's divine. 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:53.039 And you know, 00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:55.259 one of the greatest marks of being a Christian 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:59.079 is that you accept in your heart, 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:01.019 that you accept in your mind, 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:03.200 that you accept in your conscience, 00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:05.420 that you accept with your will, 00:34:05.420 --> 00:34:07.880 this rule of God, 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:10.519 that you accept that God rules. 00:34:12.220 --> 00:34:16.599 And that's why it's such a humbling and immensely rewarding thing 00:34:16.599 --> 00:34:19.320 to come to hear of a Christian saying, 00:34:19.519 --> 00:34:22.380 at the time of great distress or loss, 00:34:22.780 --> 00:34:24.960 the Lord knows what he's doing. 00:34:25.619 --> 00:34:27.380 The Lord is in charge. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:30.019 He's in control of my life. 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:32.259 The throne. 00:34:33.199 --> 00:34:34.719 The throne of God. 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:36.719 The throne in heaven. 00:34:37.400 --> 00:34:38.780 The rule of God. 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:40.800 The majesty of God. 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:42.780 The greatness of God. 00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:44.559 That's the first feature 00:34:44.559 --> 00:34:49.179 in this wonderful painting of heaven for us in these words. 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:51.759 The second thing is the river. 00:34:52.820 --> 00:34:53.800 I saw, he said, 00:34:54.300 --> 00:34:55.420 the river of life, 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.659 the angel showed me, 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:59.099 the river of the water of life, 00:34:59.579 --> 00:35:00.879 bright as crystal, 00:35:01.359 --> 00:35:04.399 flowing from the throne of God. 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.599 Isn't that a wonderful emphasis? 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:07.619 When you think about the throne 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:09.019 and its immensity, 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:10.579 you maybe think of it, 00:35:10.699 --> 00:35:11.699 some people might think of it 00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:13.960 as really quite detached from human life 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:15.119 and from human needs, 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:16.859 but it's the very, very opposite. 00:35:17.279 --> 00:35:20.059 The water of life that comes to course through 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:21.859 the life of God's people, 00:35:21.940 --> 00:35:22.899 the life of his church, 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:24.159 the life of heaven itself. 00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:25.359 Where does it begin? 00:35:25.359 --> 00:35:26.480 Where does it source? 00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:28.480 It's the throne. 00:35:29.619 --> 00:35:32.359 The throne is the source of the water of life, 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:34.159 the source of salvation. 00:35:34.619 --> 00:35:36.299 It is from God. 00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:39.980 It is freely on his part provided for us. 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:43.920 You remember John in his gospel 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:46.899 that he spoke very often, 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:49.799 wrote very often of salvation 00:35:49.799 --> 00:35:51.199 in terms of water. 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:53.159 That wonderful chapter four 00:35:53.500 --> 00:35:55.920 where Jesus dealt with the women of Samaria. 00:35:56.659 --> 00:35:58.859 She had come to draw water 00:35:58.859 --> 00:36:02.059 and she met Jesus at the well 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:04.359 and in conversation, 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:06.719 it's a magnificent conversation, 00:36:06.879 --> 00:36:07.159 isn't it? 00:36:07.159 --> 00:36:08.000 That great interview. 00:36:08.759 --> 00:36:11.019 She hadn't expected such a thing when she came, 00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:12.139 but this is what she met with. 00:36:12.139 --> 00:36:15.480 And he took her first of all to the water of that well, 00:36:15.579 --> 00:36:16.739 that natural water. 00:36:17.179 --> 00:36:17.819 Whoever, he says, 00:36:18.059 --> 00:36:19.579 drinks of this water 00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:21.219 shall thirst again. 00:36:21.779 --> 00:36:23.779 But the water that I shall give him 00:36:23.779 --> 00:36:25.179 shall be in him, 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:27.980 a well of water springing up 00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:29.539 into everlasting life. 00:36:29.539 --> 00:36:31.500 You see, it's not just that water comes, 00:36:31.699 --> 00:36:33.099 the water of life comes, 00:36:33.340 --> 00:36:36.039 eternal life comes from the throne of God, 00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:38.239 but it flows into our lives. 00:36:38.440 --> 00:36:40.300 It flows into the life of his people. 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:41.800 It fills their soul. 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:43.380 It dominates their thinking. 00:36:44.239 --> 00:36:46.059 It fills their vision of eternity. 00:36:47.320 --> 00:36:51.000 There's water of life which flowed from the throne. 00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:53.360 And if you go to John chapter 7, 00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:55.400 you'll know the passage, 00:36:55.519 --> 00:36:56.719 I'm sure yourselves very well. 00:36:57.519 --> 00:37:01.280 John chapter 7, verses 37 to 39. 00:37:02.199 --> 00:37:03.820 On the last day of the feast, 00:37:04.340 --> 00:37:05.199 the great day, 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:07.480 Jesus stood up and cried out, 00:37:07.900 --> 00:37:09.159 If anyone thirsts, 00:37:09.380 --> 00:37:10.960 let him come to me and drink. 00:37:11.539 --> 00:37:12.780 Whoever believes in me, 00:37:12.840 --> 00:37:13.960 as the scripture said, 00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:16.059 out of his heart will flow 00:37:16.059 --> 00:37:18.219 rivers of living water. 00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:20.900 Now this he said about the spirit 00:37:20.900 --> 00:37:22.119 the Holy Spirit, 00:37:22.559 --> 00:37:24.079 whom those who believed in him 00:37:24.079 --> 00:37:25.099 were to receive. 00:37:25.660 --> 00:37:27.860 For as yet the spirit had not been given 00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:30.619 because Jesus was not yet glorified. 00:37:30.700 --> 00:37:31.619 And that's anticipating 00:37:31.619 --> 00:37:33.039 the day of Pentecost 00:37:33.039 --> 00:37:33.960 and everything that happened 00:37:33.960 --> 00:37:35.500 subsequent to that in history, 00:37:35.800 --> 00:37:36.800 the history of the church 00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:38.700 with the power of the Holy Spirit 00:37:38.700 --> 00:37:40.320 and the direction of the Holy Spirit. 00:37:40.760 --> 00:37:42.519 Well, there it is in John 7, 00:37:42.639 --> 00:37:45.320 they're portrayed as water flowing 00:37:45.320 --> 00:37:47.200 from those who believe 00:37:47.200 --> 00:37:48.700 as well as into those who believe 00:37:48.700 --> 00:37:50.460 because God doesn't actually 00:37:50.460 --> 00:37:52.199 bestow salvation on us 00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:54.199 in a way that just keeps it 00:37:54.199 --> 00:37:55.360 entirely to ourselves. 00:37:55.880 --> 00:37:57.039 The influence of that 00:37:57.039 --> 00:37:58.480 and the influence of that life 00:37:58.480 --> 00:37:59.260 reaches outward. 00:38:00.199 --> 00:38:00.920 The Holy Spirit, 00:38:01.039 --> 00:38:04.780 the heart of a human being 00:38:04.780 --> 00:38:05.679 who's been saved, 00:38:06.440 --> 00:38:07.720 a Christian, a believer, 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:09.559 the Holy Spirit in the life 00:38:09.559 --> 00:38:10.220 of that person 00:38:10.220 --> 00:38:11.599 communicates things 00:38:11.599 --> 00:38:12.940 to others beyond themselves. 00:38:12.940 --> 00:38:17.000 And here is a reminder to us 00:38:17.000 --> 00:38:19.039 that from this throne 00:38:19.039 --> 00:38:21.159 in the middle of heaven itself, 00:38:21.780 --> 00:38:22.940 this water of life, 00:38:23.200 --> 00:38:24.039 brightest crystal, 00:38:24.220 --> 00:38:26.480 flows as the source of life. 00:38:26.539 --> 00:38:27.440 And you see what it's saying? 00:38:27.679 --> 00:38:29.480 It flows through the middle 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:31.360 of the street of the city, 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:33.579 also on either side of the river, 00:38:33.639 --> 00:38:35.059 the tree of life. 00:38:35.059 --> 00:38:37.119 It flows through 00:38:37.119 --> 00:38:41.239 the streets of the city, 00:38:41.340 --> 00:38:41.920 through the middle 00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:43.159 of the street of the city. 00:38:44.059 --> 00:38:44.559 And again, 00:38:44.679 --> 00:38:46.059 this is one of the main features 00:38:46.059 --> 00:38:47.799 of this wonderful painting, 00:38:47.799 --> 00:38:49.199 as we're calling it, 00:38:49.239 --> 00:38:49.619 of heaven, 00:38:49.719 --> 00:38:50.619 of the final state, 00:38:50.799 --> 00:38:53.059 that you have this water of life 00:38:53.059 --> 00:38:54.579 flowing constantly, 00:38:54.900 --> 00:38:55.299 freely, 00:38:55.799 --> 00:38:56.860 and it's coming 00:38:56.860 --> 00:38:58.699 through every single part 00:38:58.699 --> 00:38:59.219 of the city, 00:38:59.480 --> 00:39:01.059 the main street of the city, 00:39:01.199 --> 00:39:02.239 to make its way 00:39:02.239 --> 00:39:03.539 through the whole city. 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:04.059 In other words, 00:39:04.859 --> 00:39:08.379 that is such a wonderful portrayal 00:39:08.379 --> 00:39:11.739 of how heaven itself 00:39:11.739 --> 00:39:15.519 is just vibrant, 00:39:15.939 --> 00:39:17.339 constantly vibrant, 00:39:17.819 --> 00:39:19.899 perfectly vibrant with life. 00:39:21.359 --> 00:39:22.919 Life in its abundance. 00:39:24.119 --> 00:39:25.099 Life in its fullness. 00:39:26.579 --> 00:39:28.699 Life supplied by God 00:39:28.699 --> 00:39:29.719 from his throne. 00:39:30.639 --> 00:39:31.639 The eternal life 00:39:31.639 --> 00:39:33.079 that God 00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:34.139 has provided 00:39:34.139 --> 00:39:35.000 for his people. 00:39:37.420 --> 00:39:38.619 And isn't it a reminder 00:39:38.619 --> 00:39:39.119 as well, 00:39:39.179 --> 00:39:40.719 as the woman of Samaria said, 00:39:41.359 --> 00:39:42.079 or found out, 00:39:42.179 --> 00:39:44.239 she left her water pot 00:39:44.239 --> 00:39:45.779 and she hurried 00:39:45.779 --> 00:39:46.859 to tell the people 00:39:46.859 --> 00:39:48.259 of her own town 00:39:48.259 --> 00:39:49.579 what she had discovered, 00:39:49.779 --> 00:39:50.699 what had come her way 00:39:50.699 --> 00:39:52.259 in meeting with Christ. 00:39:52.960 --> 00:39:54.000 Why did she leave 00:39:54.000 --> 00:39:54.759 her water pot? 00:39:55.019 --> 00:39:55.659 There are all kinds 00:39:55.659 --> 00:39:56.920 of fancy interpretations 00:39:56.920 --> 00:39:57.500 of that 00:39:57.500 --> 00:39:58.920 and what that represented 00:39:58.920 --> 00:39:59.759 and what that might 00:39:59.759 --> 00:40:00.960 have been a symbol of. 00:40:00.960 --> 00:40:01.599 Well, 00:40:01.619 --> 00:40:02.699 whatever you say about that, 00:40:02.900 --> 00:40:04.519 she left it for this reason 00:40:04.519 --> 00:40:05.699 among many others perhaps, 00:40:05.860 --> 00:40:07.099 but she left it for this reason. 00:40:07.500 --> 00:40:09.079 She had actually found Jesus 00:40:09.079 --> 00:40:10.659 and she was so excited 00:40:10.659 --> 00:40:12.420 she forgot the primary reason 00:40:12.420 --> 00:40:14.039 she had come to that well 00:40:14.039 --> 00:40:17.019 to draw ordinary water 00:40:17.019 --> 00:40:17.880 because she had found 00:40:17.880 --> 00:40:18.840 the water of life. 00:40:19.579 --> 00:40:20.679 And she went back 00:40:20.679 --> 00:40:22.179 and told her own people. 00:40:23.320 --> 00:40:25.760 That's the Spirit of God 00:40:25.760 --> 00:40:27.980 as that Spirit of God 00:40:27.980 --> 00:40:28.780 works in the lives 00:40:28.780 --> 00:40:29.440 of His people. 00:40:30.440 --> 00:40:31.840 What do you want to do 00:40:31.840 --> 00:40:33.640 when God has brought you 00:40:33.640 --> 00:40:35.100 to see Himself 00:40:35.100 --> 00:40:36.740 and to see that salvation 00:40:36.740 --> 00:40:37.920 and to accept Jesus 00:40:37.920 --> 00:40:39.860 and to know that a change 00:40:39.860 --> 00:40:40.980 has taken place in your life? 00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:42.720 You want to share that. 00:40:43.580 --> 00:40:45.340 You want to tell people about it 00:40:45.340 --> 00:40:46.680 in whatever way you go about it. 00:40:46.760 --> 00:40:48.680 Some people are very shy about it. 00:40:48.760 --> 00:40:49.760 They find it very difficult. 00:40:50.540 --> 00:40:51.920 Others don't have that difficulty. 00:40:51.920 --> 00:40:54.300 But in one way or another, 00:40:54.720 --> 00:40:55.420 those who have come 00:40:55.420 --> 00:40:56.500 to trust in Christ 00:40:56.500 --> 00:40:57.760 and know something 00:40:57.760 --> 00:40:59.320 of this water of life, 00:40:59.720 --> 00:41:00.639 they communicate 00:41:00.639 --> 00:41:02.159 the reality of that 00:41:02.159 --> 00:41:02.880 to the world 00:41:02.880 --> 00:41:03.820 in which they live. 00:41:05.019 --> 00:41:05.740 And it's the burden 00:41:05.740 --> 00:41:06.599 of your heart tonight 00:41:06.599 --> 00:41:08.019 as a Christian, isn't it? 00:41:09.340 --> 00:41:11.039 That those who see your life 00:41:11.039 --> 00:41:13.380 will actually know something 00:41:13.380 --> 00:41:15.119 of the beauty of God 00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:16.539 being revealed in His life, 00:41:16.820 --> 00:41:18.340 in His eternal life 00:41:18.340 --> 00:41:19.159 that He's given you 00:41:19.159 --> 00:41:21.180 through the life that you live. 00:41:22.920 --> 00:41:24.019 So there's the throne 00:41:24.019 --> 00:41:24.820 and there's the river 00:41:24.820 --> 00:41:26.840 and there's also the tree 00:41:26.840 --> 00:41:31.220 on either side of the river, 00:41:31.740 --> 00:41:32.780 the tree of life 00:41:32.780 --> 00:41:35.200 with its twelve kinds of fruit 00:41:35.200 --> 00:41:38.159 yielding its fruit every month. 00:41:38.639 --> 00:41:39.700 Now in Eden, of course, 00:41:39.760 --> 00:41:42.980 as we see it in the book of Genesis, 00:41:43.900 --> 00:41:44.700 the tree of life 00:41:44.700 --> 00:41:46.180 was situated in the middle 00:41:46.180 --> 00:41:46.880 of the garden 00:41:46.880 --> 00:41:47.980 along with the tree 00:41:47.980 --> 00:41:48.599 of the knowledge 00:41:48.599 --> 00:41:49.420 of good and evil. 00:41:49.420 --> 00:41:51.500 They had access to 00:41:51.500 --> 00:41:52.420 the tree of life. 00:41:52.519 --> 00:41:53.539 There's nothing to indicate 00:41:53.539 --> 00:41:55.180 that they couldn't have partaken 00:41:55.180 --> 00:41:56.980 of the fruit of the tree of life, 00:41:57.380 --> 00:41:58.599 although the fruit of the other one, 00:41:58.680 --> 00:41:59.599 of course, was prohibited. 00:42:01.360 --> 00:42:03.220 The tree of life represented 00:42:03.220 --> 00:42:05.920 life in the highest form 00:42:05.920 --> 00:42:07.579 for man at that stage. 00:42:08.079 --> 00:42:08.519 Now, of course, 00:42:09.019 --> 00:42:09.760 through the sin 00:42:09.760 --> 00:42:13.119 that Adam and Eve 00:42:13.119 --> 00:42:13.840 perpetrated 00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:15.280 as the head of the human race 00:42:15.280 --> 00:42:15.920 at that time, 00:42:16.160 --> 00:42:17.100 as Adam was, 00:42:17.960 --> 00:42:20.160 Eden was closed to them. 00:42:21.360 --> 00:42:22.460 Eden was actually then 00:42:22.460 --> 00:42:23.620 shut out from. 00:42:23.660 --> 00:42:24.960 They were shut out from it, 00:42:26.140 --> 00:42:26.840 reminding us 00:42:26.840 --> 00:42:27.780 that there is a curse 00:42:27.780 --> 00:42:30.300 attending sin against God. 00:42:31.300 --> 00:42:32.700 That rebellion against God 00:42:32.700 --> 00:42:34.980 meets with God Himself, 00:42:35.880 --> 00:42:38.400 separating us from life. 00:42:38.400 --> 00:42:41.260 But it's restored 00:42:41.260 --> 00:42:43.240 in Jesus Christ. 00:42:43.360 --> 00:42:44.000 That life 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:45.400 that we forfeited 00:42:45.400 --> 00:42:45.980 in Adam 00:42:45.980 --> 00:42:47.240 is restored 00:42:47.240 --> 00:42:48.220 in the last Adam 00:42:48.220 --> 00:42:48.840 in Jesus. 00:42:49.900 --> 00:42:50.559 And that's why 00:42:50.559 --> 00:42:51.860 He came into the world. 00:42:52.420 --> 00:42:53.800 So that He would not 00:42:53.800 --> 00:42:54.900 just undo 00:42:54.900 --> 00:42:57.079 what Adam had done 00:42:57.079 --> 00:42:58.420 in his sin against God, 00:42:58.579 --> 00:43:00.019 but that He would actually 00:43:00.019 --> 00:43:01.099 do something 00:43:01.099 --> 00:43:02.139 which would mean 00:43:02.139 --> 00:43:03.160 that never again 00:43:03.160 --> 00:43:04.639 would God's people 00:43:04.639 --> 00:43:05.639 be excluded 00:43:05.639 --> 00:43:07.359 from life, 00:43:08.039 --> 00:43:09.440 from the garden of life, 00:43:09.500 --> 00:43:11.239 from the tree of life. 00:43:12.619 --> 00:43:13.440 And you can see 00:43:13.440 --> 00:43:14.639 in verse 14 here, 00:43:15.279 --> 00:43:16.500 in the chapter here, 00:43:16.619 --> 00:43:17.659 that there's a very 00:43:17.659 --> 00:43:18.900 important reference 00:43:18.900 --> 00:43:19.539 there as well. 00:43:19.980 --> 00:43:20.779 Blessed are those 00:43:20.779 --> 00:43:22.179 who wash their robes 00:43:22.179 --> 00:43:28.359 so that they may have 00:43:28.359 --> 00:43:29.539 the right 00:43:29.539 --> 00:43:31.159 to the tree of life 00:43:31.159 --> 00:43:32.679 and that they may enter 00:43:32.679 --> 00:43:33.920 the city by the gates. 00:43:34.019 --> 00:43:35.139 When Adam and Eve 00:43:35.139 --> 00:43:35.719 were excluded 00:43:35.719 --> 00:43:36.519 from Egypt 00:43:36.519 --> 00:43:38.219 and the way was barred, 00:43:38.559 --> 00:43:39.339 they had forfeited 00:43:39.339 --> 00:43:40.420 the right of access 00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:41.420 to that life 00:43:41.420 --> 00:43:42.480 that the tree of life 00:43:42.480 --> 00:43:43.099 represented. 00:43:43.699 --> 00:43:44.480 God was shutting them 00:43:44.480 --> 00:43:45.199 out from that. 00:43:46.159 --> 00:43:47.019 But He didn't shut 00:43:47.019 --> 00:43:48.679 us out permanently 00:43:48.679 --> 00:43:50.799 from access to life. 00:43:51.420 --> 00:43:52.579 Here is Revelation 00:43:52.579 --> 00:43:53.219 telling us 00:43:53.219 --> 00:43:54.699 not only do God's people 00:43:54.699 --> 00:43:55.379 have access 00:43:55.379 --> 00:43:56.500 to the tree of life 00:43:56.500 --> 00:43:57.579 and will have that 00:43:57.579 --> 00:43:58.219 permanently 00:43:58.219 --> 00:43:59.259 and everlastingly 00:43:59.259 --> 00:43:59.699 in heaven, 00:43:59.980 --> 00:44:01.460 they have a right to it. 00:44:02.000 --> 00:44:02.440 What do you mean 00:44:02.440 --> 00:44:03.299 they have a right to it? 00:44:03.299 --> 00:44:04.019 I hear you asking. 00:44:04.019 --> 00:44:05.960 How can they actually 00:44:05.960 --> 00:44:06.559 be shut out 00:44:06.559 --> 00:44:07.519 because of their sin 00:44:07.519 --> 00:44:08.840 and at the same time 00:44:08.840 --> 00:44:09.820 come to have a right 00:44:09.820 --> 00:44:10.340 in it again 00:44:10.340 --> 00:44:11.380 to have access 00:44:11.380 --> 00:44:12.239 to the tree of life? 00:44:12.579 --> 00:44:13.320 Well, they have a right 00:44:13.320 --> 00:44:14.380 in it because of 00:44:14.380 --> 00:44:15.480 what Jesus has done 00:44:15.480 --> 00:44:16.320 and who He is. 00:44:17.159 --> 00:44:18.280 He gives them the right. 00:44:18.780 --> 00:44:19.659 They have their right 00:44:19.659 --> 00:44:20.179 in Him. 00:44:20.980 --> 00:44:22.019 He has opened the way. 00:44:22.860 --> 00:44:23.719 He is the Savior. 00:44:24.699 --> 00:44:25.380 He is the one 00:44:25.380 --> 00:44:26.579 who has brought us 00:44:26.579 --> 00:44:27.259 this life. 00:44:27.260 --> 00:44:29.040 And as He opens 00:44:29.040 --> 00:44:29.860 the way to it, 00:44:30.220 --> 00:44:31.460 so God is assuring us, 00:44:32.000 --> 00:44:33.440 I give you the right 00:44:33.440 --> 00:44:34.540 to the tree of life 00:44:34.540 --> 00:44:37.220 when your trust is in Me, 00:44:38.000 --> 00:44:39.540 when you live by faith in Me. 00:44:39.760 --> 00:44:40.120 And you know, 00:44:40.160 --> 00:44:40.700 that's something 00:44:40.700 --> 00:44:42.840 surely that encourages you 00:44:42.840 --> 00:44:43.340 tonight 00:44:43.340 --> 00:44:45.500 amongst the many times 00:44:45.500 --> 00:44:46.260 that we doubt, 00:44:46.820 --> 00:44:47.440 the many times 00:44:47.440 --> 00:44:48.040 that we have 00:44:48.040 --> 00:44:49.600 things in our lives 00:44:49.600 --> 00:44:50.340 and in our thinking, 00:44:50.420 --> 00:44:51.100 in our mind, 00:44:51.400 --> 00:44:52.100 where we think 00:44:52.100 --> 00:44:53.700 perhaps less of ourselves 00:44:53.700 --> 00:44:54.480 than really God 00:44:54.480 --> 00:44:55.139 thinks of us 00:44:55.139 --> 00:44:56.280 as His people. 00:44:57.719 --> 00:44:59.000 God is reminding us, 00:44:59.740 --> 00:45:00.420 you have rights 00:45:00.420 --> 00:45:01.480 that I have given you. 00:45:02.139 --> 00:45:02.920 You have the right 00:45:02.920 --> 00:45:04.400 of being My children. 00:45:05.280 --> 00:45:05.900 You have the right 00:45:05.900 --> 00:45:06.500 of adoption, 00:45:06.740 --> 00:45:07.519 being heirs 00:45:07.519 --> 00:45:08.300 with an inheritance. 00:45:09.219 --> 00:45:09.960 You have a right 00:45:09.960 --> 00:45:10.699 to that inheritance. 00:45:11.179 --> 00:45:11.860 You have a right 00:45:11.860 --> 00:45:13.059 to the tree of life. 00:45:14.059 --> 00:45:15.119 You have a right to it 00:45:15.119 --> 00:45:16.880 because the Savior Himself 00:45:16.880 --> 00:45:17.639 has opened 00:45:17.639 --> 00:45:18.820 and given you 00:45:18.820 --> 00:45:19.460 that right. 00:45:19.880 --> 00:45:20.599 And in Him, 00:45:21.400 --> 00:45:22.079 nobody is going to 00:45:22.079 --> 00:45:22.780 take that right 00:45:22.780 --> 00:45:23.559 away from you. 00:45:24.480 --> 00:45:25.539 The devil can actually 00:45:25.539 --> 00:45:26.199 tempt you 00:45:26.199 --> 00:45:27.559 and you can actually 00:45:27.559 --> 00:45:29.039 have many times 00:45:29.039 --> 00:45:29.760 of doubt 00:45:29.760 --> 00:45:30.900 and of difficulty 00:45:30.900 --> 00:45:31.800 and of struggle 00:45:31.800 --> 00:45:33.000 in your Christian life. 00:45:33.559 --> 00:45:34.300 But one thing 00:45:34.300 --> 00:45:35.360 that cannot be taken 00:45:35.360 --> 00:45:35.840 from you 00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:36.920 is the right 00:45:36.920 --> 00:45:37.920 to the tree of life, 00:45:38.039 --> 00:45:39.059 the right that God 00:45:39.059 --> 00:45:39.760 gives His people 00:45:39.760 --> 00:45:40.340 to the life 00:45:40.340 --> 00:45:41.260 that He has bought 00:45:41.260 --> 00:45:42.099 for them in Jesus 00:45:42.099 --> 00:45:43.360 at such great cost. 00:45:45.380 --> 00:45:46.179 But they may have 00:45:46.179 --> 00:45:47.480 a right to the tree of life 00:45:47.480 --> 00:45:49.280 and may go through 00:45:49.280 --> 00:45:51.059 to enjoy that 00:45:51.059 --> 00:45:51.800 for themselves. 00:45:52.960 --> 00:45:53.280 And you see, 00:45:53.280 --> 00:45:55.320 the supply from the tree 00:45:55.320 --> 00:45:56.840 on each side of the river, 00:45:57.620 --> 00:45:58.260 the tree of life 00:45:58.260 --> 00:45:59.519 with its twelve kinds 00:45:59.519 --> 00:46:01.000 of fruit yielding 00:46:01.000 --> 00:46:02.380 its fruit each month. 00:46:02.440 --> 00:46:03.340 The leaves of the tree 00:46:03.340 --> 00:46:04.120 were for the healing 00:46:04.120 --> 00:46:05.740 of the nations. 00:46:06.000 --> 00:46:06.500 The nations, 00:46:06.700 --> 00:46:07.420 as they are brought, 00:46:07.940 --> 00:46:09.019 people from all nations 00:46:09.019 --> 00:46:10.400 to come to know the Lord. 00:46:11.620 --> 00:46:12.320 Heaven is going 00:46:12.320 --> 00:46:13.160 to be populated 00:46:13.160 --> 00:46:15.400 by multitudes, 00:46:16.200 --> 00:46:17.500 by multitudes. 00:46:17.500 --> 00:46:20.320 And they're from all parts 00:46:20.320 --> 00:46:21.099 of the world, 00:46:21.739 --> 00:46:23.119 all backgrounds, 00:46:23.320 --> 00:46:23.880 all races, 00:46:24.500 --> 00:46:26.059 all singing 00:46:26.059 --> 00:46:27.179 the same song, 00:46:27.960 --> 00:46:29.059 all joining 00:46:29.059 --> 00:46:29.659 in the victory 00:46:29.659 --> 00:46:30.280 of Jesus. 00:46:31.000 --> 00:46:32.059 No rivalries, 00:46:32.599 --> 00:46:34.599 no conflicts, 00:46:35.280 --> 00:46:36.739 no war times, 00:46:37.320 --> 00:46:38.179 no divisions, 00:46:39.300 --> 00:46:40.659 no jealousies. 00:46:40.659 --> 00:46:42.699 all that's gone. 00:46:44.139 --> 00:46:45.059 All that's left 00:46:45.059 --> 00:46:46.659 in this world. 00:46:48.279 --> 00:46:49.379 It's all about 00:46:49.379 --> 00:46:50.679 peace 00:46:50.679 --> 00:46:52.339 and life 00:46:52.339 --> 00:46:54.039 and harmony 00:46:54.039 --> 00:46:56.339 and sharing together 00:46:56.339 --> 00:46:58.579 in the wonder of heaven. 00:46:59.899 --> 00:47:00.980 And so the tree of life, 00:47:01.440 --> 00:47:02.119 and it's a reminder 00:47:02.119 --> 00:47:04.460 that it yields its fruit 00:47:04.460 --> 00:47:05.039 every month 00:47:05.039 --> 00:47:06.779 as you see in that 00:47:06.779 --> 00:47:07.500 a reference to 00:47:07.500 --> 00:47:08.900 the constancy 00:47:08.900 --> 00:47:09.820 of the supply. 00:47:10.500 --> 00:47:11.119 It's really a way 00:47:11.119 --> 00:47:11.539 of saying, 00:47:12.539 --> 00:47:13.199 well, you can't say 00:47:13.199 --> 00:47:14.400 as time goes by 00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:15.199 in heaven 00:47:15.199 --> 00:47:15.940 or in eternity, 00:47:15.940 --> 00:47:16.840 but let's just use 00:47:16.840 --> 00:47:17.300 the phrase 00:47:17.300 --> 00:47:18.719 as time goes by, 00:47:18.880 --> 00:47:20.019 as you spend 00:47:20.019 --> 00:47:20.940 eternity 00:47:20.940 --> 00:47:21.860 in eternity, 00:47:22.420 --> 00:47:23.260 there's a constant 00:47:23.260 --> 00:47:25.059 supply of life 00:47:25.059 --> 00:47:25.880 and will be 00:47:25.880 --> 00:47:26.860 and it will go on 00:47:26.860 --> 00:47:27.260 forever. 00:47:28.019 --> 00:47:29.320 Because as chapter 7 00:47:29.320 --> 00:47:29.699 puts it, 00:47:29.719 --> 00:47:30.639 the Lamb who is in the 00:47:30.639 --> 00:47:31.460 midst of the throne 00:47:31.460 --> 00:47:33.239 shall be their pastor 00:47:33.239 --> 00:47:34.960 and shall lead them 00:47:34.960 --> 00:47:36.280 to living waters 00:47:36.280 --> 00:47:37.000 of life. 00:47:37.500 --> 00:47:39.320 And God shall wipe 00:47:39.320 --> 00:47:40.139 away every tear 00:47:40.139 --> 00:47:41.739 from their eyes. 00:47:42.940 --> 00:47:43.679 What a prospect. 00:47:44.940 --> 00:47:45.840 What a vision 00:47:45.840 --> 00:47:46.659 of the future 00:47:46.659 --> 00:47:47.579 for God's people 00:47:47.579 --> 00:47:48.019 in heaven 00:47:48.019 --> 00:47:49.840 to use in the present 00:47:49.840 --> 00:47:50.380 as we said 00:47:50.380 --> 00:47:50.960 at the beginning 00:47:50.960 --> 00:47:53.260 to take for your comfort, 00:47:53.679 --> 00:47:54.719 for your assurance 00:47:54.719 --> 00:47:56.179 if you're a Christian 00:47:56.179 --> 00:47:56.679 tonight. 00:47:58.039 --> 00:47:58.760 And that's why 00:47:58.760 --> 00:48:00.380 this is such a wonderful 00:48:00.380 --> 00:48:01.500 feature of the New Eden, 00:48:01.619 --> 00:48:02.119 the throne, 00:48:02.599 --> 00:48:03.079 the river, 00:48:03.460 --> 00:48:04.039 the tree. 00:48:05.179 --> 00:48:06.199 Therefore use now 00:48:06.199 --> 00:48:07.519 in our thinking. 00:48:08.279 --> 00:48:09.319 Let's think secondly 00:48:09.319 --> 00:48:10.500 though of fellowship 00:48:10.500 --> 00:48:11.319 with God. 00:48:11.679 --> 00:48:12.099 I'll need to be 00:48:12.099 --> 00:48:12.879 briefer with this. 00:48:14.500 --> 00:48:15.359 Fellowship with God 00:48:15.359 --> 00:48:16.159 and really there's 00:48:16.159 --> 00:48:17.019 two things in that 00:48:17.019 --> 00:48:18.019 fellowship with God 00:48:18.019 --> 00:48:19.000 that these verses 00:48:19.000 --> 00:48:19.859 bring out for us. 00:48:19.919 --> 00:48:20.359 First of all, 00:48:20.439 --> 00:48:21.519 there's access 00:48:21.519 --> 00:48:22.480 to God 00:48:22.480 --> 00:48:23.399 all the time. 00:48:24.439 --> 00:48:25.019 You see it's speaking 00:48:25.019 --> 00:48:25.899 here of the face 00:48:25.899 --> 00:48:26.519 of God 00:48:26.519 --> 00:48:28.039 where it says 00:48:28.039 --> 00:48:29.039 his servants, 00:48:29.039 --> 00:48:31.300 his servants, 00:48:31.460 --> 00:48:32.360 there's no more curse 00:48:32.360 --> 00:48:32.779 and therefore 00:48:32.779 --> 00:48:33.659 his servants 00:48:33.659 --> 00:48:34.380 will worship him. 00:48:34.440 --> 00:48:35.779 They will see his face 00:48:35.779 --> 00:48:36.699 and his name 00:48:36.699 --> 00:48:38.159 will be in their foreheads. 00:48:38.199 --> 00:48:39.099 Now seeing the face 00:48:39.099 --> 00:48:39.500 of God, 00:48:39.559 --> 00:48:40.800 the face of God 00:48:40.800 --> 00:48:41.820 is often in the Bible 00:48:41.820 --> 00:48:43.099 a description 00:48:43.099 --> 00:48:44.699 of the favor of God. 00:48:45.119 --> 00:48:45.880 When God's face 00:48:45.880 --> 00:48:47.579 shines upon people 00:48:47.579 --> 00:48:48.719 that's a way of saying 00:48:48.719 --> 00:48:50.179 they have his favor. 00:48:50.739 --> 00:48:51.480 When God's face 00:48:51.480 --> 00:48:52.219 is frowned 00:48:52.219 --> 00:48:53.099 against others 00:48:53.099 --> 00:48:54.300 that's a sign 00:48:54.300 --> 00:48:55.039 of his wrath 00:48:55.039 --> 00:48:55.739 or his anger 00:48:55.739 --> 00:48:56.719 or his displeasure. 00:48:57.320 --> 00:48:57.920 But here is 00:48:57.920 --> 00:48:58.860 the face of God. 00:48:59.139 --> 00:49:00.639 They see the face of God. 00:49:00.900 --> 00:49:01.800 Through Jesus Christ 00:49:01.800 --> 00:49:02.860 they are aware 00:49:02.860 --> 00:49:04.200 of God's presence 00:49:04.200 --> 00:49:05.320 as never before. 00:49:06.240 --> 00:49:07.059 And as they see 00:49:07.059 --> 00:49:08.200 the face of God 00:49:08.200 --> 00:49:08.720 they see 00:49:08.720 --> 00:49:10.920 that wonderful acceptance 00:49:10.920 --> 00:49:11.680 that they have. 00:49:11.780 --> 00:49:12.260 We could go through 00:49:12.260 --> 00:49:12.900 some passages 00:49:12.900 --> 00:49:14.579 tonight in Ephesians 00:49:14.579 --> 00:49:15.380 chapter 2 00:49:15.380 --> 00:49:16.320 which speaks of them 00:49:16.320 --> 00:49:17.420 being again 00:49:17.420 --> 00:49:18.599 out with 00:49:18.599 --> 00:49:20.300 the life 00:49:20.300 --> 00:49:22.099 that God has 00:49:22.099 --> 00:49:22.659 for his people 00:49:22.659 --> 00:49:23.539 until they come 00:49:23.539 --> 00:49:25.119 to know 00:49:25.119 --> 00:49:26.240 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:49:26.240 --> 00:49:26.619 himself. 00:49:26.740 --> 00:49:27.360 You know the chapter 00:49:27.360 --> 00:49:27.820 very well. 00:49:27.820 --> 00:49:28.640 Ephesians 2 00:49:28.640 --> 00:49:30.600 and verse 12 00:49:30.600 --> 00:49:31.840 Remember 00:49:31.840 --> 00:49:32.960 that you were 00:49:32.960 --> 00:49:33.640 at that time 00:49:33.640 --> 00:49:35.940 separated from Christ 00:49:35.940 --> 00:49:37.500 alienated from 00:49:37.500 --> 00:49:38.200 the commonwealth 00:49:38.200 --> 00:49:38.740 of Israel 00:49:38.740 --> 00:49:40.260 strangers to the 00:49:40.260 --> 00:49:41.280 covenants of promise 00:49:41.280 --> 00:49:43.220 having no hope 00:49:43.220 --> 00:49:44.780 and without God 00:49:44.780 --> 00:49:45.920 in the world. 00:49:47.039 --> 00:49:48.380 That's the description. 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:51.600 Just as the description 00:49:51.600 --> 00:49:52.500 was outside 00:49:52.500 --> 00:49:54.100 of the gates 00:49:54.100 --> 00:49:54.800 of Eden. 00:49:54.800 --> 00:49:56.780 without God 00:49:56.780 --> 00:49:57.880 without hope 00:49:57.880 --> 00:49:59.400 in the world. 00:50:00.460 --> 00:50:01.420 And what's next? 00:50:01.420 --> 00:50:01.480 Christ. 00:50:03.760 --> 00:50:04.280 But 00:50:04.280 --> 00:50:06.500 now in Christ 00:50:06.500 --> 00:50:06.920 Jesus 00:50:06.920 --> 00:50:08.300 you who were 00:50:08.300 --> 00:50:09.180 once far off 00:50:09.180 --> 00:50:09.880 have been brought 00:50:09.880 --> 00:50:10.360 near 00:50:10.360 --> 00:50:11.740 by the blood 00:50:11.740 --> 00:50:12.220 of Christ 00:50:12.220 --> 00:50:13.280 for he himself 00:50:13.280 --> 00:50:14.700 is our peace. 00:50:14.780 --> 00:50:15.180 Now he's talking 00:50:15.180 --> 00:50:15.800 there about peace 00:50:15.800 --> 00:50:17.039 between Jew and Gentile 00:50:17.039 --> 00:50:17.960 but it's true 00:50:17.960 --> 00:50:18.880 on that other level 00:50:18.880 --> 00:50:19.320 as well 00:50:19.320 --> 00:50:20.460 that for us 00:50:20.460 --> 00:50:21.280 as one time 00:50:21.280 --> 00:50:22.380 outside of the 00:50:22.380 --> 00:50:23.440 possession of life 00:50:23.440 --> 00:50:24.380 of the peace 00:50:24.380 --> 00:50:24.960 that we have now 00:50:24.960 --> 00:50:25.440 with God 00:50:25.440 --> 00:50:26.099 as Christians 00:50:26.099 --> 00:50:29.000 but now 00:50:29.000 --> 00:50:29.559 he says 00:50:29.559 --> 00:50:30.880 it's no longer 00:50:30.880 --> 00:50:31.860 how it was 00:50:31.860 --> 00:50:33.199 it's now a different 00:50:33.199 --> 00:50:34.119 situation altogether 00:50:34.119 --> 00:50:34.699 you have 00:50:34.699 --> 00:50:35.839 this peace 00:50:35.839 --> 00:50:37.159 because he is our peace. 00:50:38.199 --> 00:50:38.900 As you go through 00:50:38.900 --> 00:50:39.400 the Bible 00:50:39.400 --> 00:50:40.900 as you go through 00:50:40.900 --> 00:50:41.480 the New Testament 00:50:41.480 --> 00:50:42.000 especially 00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:43.639 it's not just 00:50:43.639 --> 00:50:44.139 the New Testament 00:50:44.139 --> 00:50:45.119 you find in the Old Testament 00:50:45.119 --> 00:50:45.360 too 00:50:45.360 --> 00:50:46.799 these great words 00:50:46.799 --> 00:50:47.259 of context 00:50:47.259 --> 00:50:47.900 but 00:50:47.900 --> 00:50:49.079 God 00:50:49.079 --> 00:50:51.159 but 00:50:51.159 --> 00:50:51.779 God 00:50:51.779 --> 00:50:52.440 but 00:50:52.440 --> 00:50:53.019 now 00:50:53.019 --> 00:50:53.780 you see 00:50:53.780 --> 00:50:54.159 he's talking 00:50:54.159 --> 00:50:54.880 about the total 00:50:54.880 --> 00:50:55.579 change 00:50:55.579 --> 00:50:56.659 that grace 00:50:56.659 --> 00:50:57.239 has brought about 00:50:57.239 --> 00:50:57.739 that God 00:50:57.739 --> 00:50:58.900 has brought about 00:50:58.900 --> 00:50:59.780 that salvation 00:50:59.780 --> 00:51:00.599 is 00:51:00.599 --> 00:51:02.259 think of Psalm 130 00:51:02.259 --> 00:51:03.340 Lord if you were 00:51:03.340 --> 00:51:04.159 to mark our 00:51:04.159 --> 00:51:05.400 iniquity against us 00:51:05.400 --> 00:51:06.559 Lord who could 00:51:06.559 --> 00:51:07.159 stand 00:51:07.159 --> 00:51:08.679 but there is 00:51:08.679 --> 00:51:09.139 forgiveness 00:51:09.139 --> 00:51:10.000 with you 00:51:10.000 --> 00:51:11.219 instead of 00:51:11.219 --> 00:51:11.900 marking our 00:51:11.900 --> 00:51:12.460 iniquity 00:51:12.460 --> 00:51:13.539 placing it on 00:51:13.539 --> 00:51:13.900 a record 00:51:13.900 --> 00:51:14.639 and leaving it 00:51:14.639 --> 00:51:15.039 there 00:51:15.039 --> 00:51:15.960 for our 00:51:15.960 --> 00:51:16.639 condemnation 00:51:16.639 --> 00:51:17.039 forever 00:51:17.039 --> 00:51:18.000 there is 00:51:18.000 --> 00:51:18.320 he says 00:51:18.320 --> 00:51:18.940 forgiveness 00:51:18.940 --> 00:51:19.420 with you 00:51:19.420 --> 00:51:19.940 there's loving 00:51:19.940 --> 00:51:20.420 kindness 00:51:20.420 --> 00:51:21.019 with you 00:51:21.019 --> 00:51:21.960 there's grace 00:51:21.960 --> 00:51:22.539 with you 00:51:22.539 --> 00:51:24.920 and here you find 00:51:24.920 --> 00:51:25.739 in this passage 00:51:25.739 --> 00:51:26.360 in Revelation 00:51:26.360 --> 00:51:27.699 that 00:51:27.699 --> 00:51:29.199 they shall see 00:51:29.199 --> 00:51:29.759 his face 00:51:29.759 --> 00:51:30.460 and his name 00:51:30.460 --> 00:51:31.039 will be 00:51:31.039 --> 00:51:33.079 in their foreheads 00:51:33.079 --> 00:51:34.579 what does that mean 00:51:34.579 --> 00:51:36.619 it means 00:51:36.619 --> 00:51:37.320 they have the mark 00:51:37.320 --> 00:51:37.900 of ownership 00:51:37.900 --> 00:51:38.619 upon them 00:51:38.619 --> 00:51:39.759 possibly going back 00:51:39.759 --> 00:51:40.019 to 00:51:40.019 --> 00:51:41.659 Paul's own days 00:51:41.659 --> 00:51:42.340 when there would be 00:51:42.340 --> 00:51:43.320 the practice 00:51:43.320 --> 00:51:44.059 for slaves 00:51:44.059 --> 00:51:45.039 to be branded 00:51:45.039 --> 00:51:45.759 with a mark 00:51:45.759 --> 00:51:46.980 to show who 00:51:46.980 --> 00:51:47.779 they belong to 00:51:47.779 --> 00:51:48.420 not saying that 00:51:48.420 --> 00:51:48.800 that was 00:51:48.800 --> 00:51:49.779 commendable 00:51:49.779 --> 00:51:51.960 these were the days 00:51:51.960 --> 00:51:52.420 they were living 00:51:52.420 --> 00:51:52.679 in 00:51:52.679 --> 00:51:53.920 but 00:51:53.920 --> 00:51:55.260 if you are 00:51:55.260 --> 00:51:55.740 marked 00:51:55.740 --> 00:51:56.800 as a slave 00:51:56.800 --> 00:51:57.639 in whatever way 00:51:57.639 --> 00:51:58.639 that mark 00:51:58.639 --> 00:51:59.599 that branding 00:51:59.599 --> 00:52:00.800 showed who 00:52:00.800 --> 00:52:01.659 you belong to 00:52:01.659 --> 00:52:03.000 and in a 00:52:03.000 --> 00:52:03.920 spiritual fashion 00:52:03.920 --> 00:52:05.400 the Lord's people 00:52:05.400 --> 00:52:06.340 are marked out 00:52:06.340 --> 00:52:07.340 by himself 00:52:07.340 --> 00:52:09.300 and if you go to 00:52:09.300 --> 00:52:09.880 1 Corinthians 00:52:09.880 --> 00:52:10.800 chapter 6 00:52:10.800 --> 00:52:12.420 verses 19 00:52:12.420 --> 00:52:13.000 to 20 00:52:13.000 --> 00:52:13.400 he says 00:52:13.400 --> 00:52:14.579 you have been 00:52:14.579 --> 00:52:16.099 bought with a price 00:52:16.099 --> 00:52:17.800 therefore you are 00:52:17.800 --> 00:52:18.840 not your own 00:52:18.840 --> 00:52:20.539 you belong to 00:52:20.539 --> 00:52:21.000 God 00:52:21.000 --> 00:52:23.000 what was the price 00:52:23.000 --> 00:52:24.559 of purchase 00:52:24.559 --> 00:52:25.220 for us 00:52:25.220 --> 00:52:26.539 as sinful 00:52:26.539 --> 00:52:27.820 undeserving 00:52:27.820 --> 00:52:28.559 human beings 00:52:28.559 --> 00:52:29.740 the blood of 00:52:29.740 --> 00:52:30.039 Christ 00:52:30.039 --> 00:52:30.880 the death 00:52:30.880 --> 00:52:31.500 of Christ 00:52:31.500 --> 00:52:32.440 and when you 00:52:32.440 --> 00:52:33.200 come to place 00:52:33.200 --> 00:52:34.240 your faith 00:52:34.240 --> 00:52:35.240 in Christ 00:52:35.240 --> 00:52:36.120 in that Christ 00:52:36.120 --> 00:52:36.660 who died 00:52:36.660 --> 00:52:37.660 and rose again 00:52:37.660 --> 00:52:38.260 and now sits 00:52:38.260 --> 00:52:38.860 on the throne 00:52:38.860 --> 00:52:40.120 you are actually 00:52:40.120 --> 00:52:40.760 then marked 00:52:40.760 --> 00:52:41.480 by God 00:52:41.480 --> 00:52:42.460 you are marked 00:52:42.460 --> 00:52:43.039 as his 00:52:43.039 --> 00:52:44.740 and you can say 00:52:44.740 --> 00:52:45.160 you are under 00:52:45.160 --> 00:52:46.079 his ownership 00:52:46.079 --> 00:52:47.480 and that's not 00:52:47.480 --> 00:52:48.699 an ominous thing 00:52:48.699 --> 00:52:50.139 although there's 00:52:50.139 --> 00:52:50.940 a side to it 00:52:50.940 --> 00:52:52.179 that we remind 00:52:52.179 --> 00:52:52.799 ourselves of 00:52:52.799 --> 00:52:53.519 every day 00:52:53.519 --> 00:52:54.619 where we say 00:52:54.619 --> 00:52:55.239 to ourselves 00:52:55.239 --> 00:52:56.239 well we are 00:52:56.239 --> 00:52:56.699 actually the 00:52:56.699 --> 00:52:57.619 children of God 00:52:57.619 --> 00:52:58.659 so our behaviour 00:52:58.659 --> 00:52:59.340 in the world 00:52:59.340 --> 00:53:00.480 is important 00:53:00.480 --> 00:53:02.299 as the late 00:53:02.299 --> 00:53:03.960 Queen Mother 00:53:03.960 --> 00:53:04.579 once said 00:53:04.579 --> 00:53:05.199 at one time 00:53:05.199 --> 00:53:06.460 when the royal 00:53:06.460 --> 00:53:06.980 family were 00:53:06.980 --> 00:53:07.639 arriving at 00:53:07.639 --> 00:53:08.360 D-side 00:53:08.360 --> 00:53:08.980 and coming off 00:53:08.980 --> 00:53:09.500 the train 00:53:09.500 --> 00:53:12.219 and Queen Elizabeth 00:53:12.219 --> 00:53:13.079 II's children 00:53:13.079 --> 00:53:13.739 were then quite 00:53:13.739 --> 00:53:14.099 young 00:53:14.099 --> 00:53:15.880 and the Queen 00:53:15.880 --> 00:53:16.139 Mother 00:53:16.139 --> 00:53:16.639 as she was 00:53:16.639 --> 00:53:16.920 then 00:53:16.920 --> 00:53:17.799 was heard 00:53:17.799 --> 00:53:18.319 to say 00:53:18.319 --> 00:53:19.500 by those 00:53:19.500 --> 00:53:20.099 standing nearby 00:53:20.099 --> 00:53:20.699 now remember 00:53:20.699 --> 00:53:21.239 children 00:53:21.239 --> 00:53:23.159 royal children 00:53:23.159 --> 00:53:25.179 royal manners 00:53:25.179 --> 00:53:27.500 royal children 00:53:27.500 --> 00:53:29.119 royal manners 00:53:29.119 --> 00:53:30.239 you are not 00:53:30.239 --> 00:53:30.659 your own 00:53:30.659 --> 00:53:31.039 the apostle 00:53:31.039 --> 00:53:31.339 said 00:53:31.339 --> 00:53:32.239 you've been 00:53:32.239 --> 00:53:32.799 bought 00:53:32.799 --> 00:53:33.679 with a price 00:53:33.679 --> 00:53:34.219 therefore 00:53:34.219 --> 00:53:35.799 honour God 00:53:35.799 --> 00:53:37.179 glorify God 00:53:37.179 --> 00:53:38.299 in your body 00:53:38.299 --> 00:53:38.860 and spirit 00:53:38.860 --> 00:53:40.460 which are God's 00:53:40.460 --> 00:53:42.819 there his name 00:53:42.820 --> 00:53:44.140 will be on 00:53:44.140 --> 00:53:45.180 their foreheads 00:53:45.180 --> 00:53:46.640 they will be 00:53:46.640 --> 00:53:47.280 known as the 00:53:47.280 --> 00:53:47.860 people of God 00:53:47.860 --> 00:53:48.340 they will know 00:53:48.340 --> 00:53:48.880 themselves 00:53:48.880 --> 00:53:50.559 as the people 00:53:50.559 --> 00:53:51.140 of God 00:53:51.140 --> 00:53:51.920 and there will 00:53:51.920 --> 00:53:52.600 be no doubts 00:53:52.600 --> 00:53:53.000 in heaven 00:53:53.000 --> 00:53:53.500 as to who 00:53:53.500 --> 00:53:54.019 they are 00:53:54.019 --> 00:53:54.820 and who 00:53:54.820 --> 00:53:55.340 they belong 00:53:55.340 --> 00:53:55.640 to 00:53:55.640 --> 00:53:57.539 and you know 00:53:57.539 --> 00:53:57.840 one of the 00:53:57.840 --> 00:53:58.480 wonderful things 00:53:58.480 --> 00:53:58.900 is they will 00:53:58.900 --> 00:53:59.840 know themselves 00:53:59.840 --> 00:54:01.059 not just 00:54:01.059 --> 00:54:02.480 fully known 00:54:02.480 --> 00:54:03.380 by God 00:54:03.380 --> 00:54:04.940 and that 00:54:04.940 --> 00:54:05.480 that is the 00:54:05.480 --> 00:54:05.920 case 00:54:05.920 --> 00:54:07.400 but also 00:54:07.400 --> 00:54:08.780 fully loved 00:54:08.780 --> 00:54:10.560 one of the 00:54:10.560 --> 00:54:11.780 great human 00:54:11.780 --> 00:54:12.500 requirements 00:54:12.500 --> 00:54:13.180 is to know 00:54:13.180 --> 00:54:13.640 that you are 00:54:13.640 --> 00:54:14.019 loved 00:54:14.019 --> 00:54:15.519 there are millions 00:54:15.519 --> 00:54:16.180 of people in the 00:54:16.180 --> 00:54:16.800 world tonight 00:54:16.800 --> 00:54:18.340 who can't say 00:54:18.340 --> 00:54:19.840 I know that I am 00:54:19.840 --> 00:54:20.580 loved and it's 00:54:20.580 --> 00:54:21.460 precious to me 00:54:21.460 --> 00:54:22.820 because they have 00:54:22.820 --> 00:54:23.800 no source of love 00:54:23.800 --> 00:54:24.820 even on human 00:54:24.820 --> 00:54:25.880 in a human way 00:54:25.880 --> 00:54:27.160 they don't know 00:54:27.160 --> 00:54:27.760 of anybody who 00:54:27.760 --> 00:54:28.340 loves them 00:54:28.340 --> 00:54:29.920 they're desperate 00:54:29.920 --> 00:54:32.980 they're struggling 00:54:32.980 --> 00:54:34.400 with life itself 00:54:34.400 --> 00:54:36.920 but in Jesus 00:54:36.920 --> 00:54:37.760 you know who's 00:54:37.760 --> 00:54:38.300 loved you 00:54:38.300 --> 00:54:40.080 and in heaven 00:54:40.080 --> 00:54:41.180 you will know 00:54:41.180 --> 00:54:41.760 that you have 00:54:41.760 --> 00:54:42.360 been loved 00:54:42.360 --> 00:54:43.160 and are loved 00:54:43.160 --> 00:54:43.880 and will be 00:54:43.880 --> 00:54:44.300 loved 00:54:44.300 --> 00:54:45.780 for all eternity 00:54:45.780 --> 00:54:47.860 and the comfort 00:54:47.860 --> 00:54:48.580 of that in heaven 00:54:48.580 --> 00:54:49.960 is indescribably 00:54:49.960 --> 00:54:50.500 great 00:54:50.500 --> 00:54:52.300 and it's that 00:54:52.300 --> 00:54:52.800 which you look 00:54:52.800 --> 00:54:53.420 forward to 00:54:53.420 --> 00:54:54.720 through faith 00:54:54.720 --> 00:54:55.340 in Christ 00:54:55.340 --> 00:54:56.320 and they shall 00:54:56.320 --> 00:54:56.720 reign 00:54:56.720 --> 00:54:58.340 forever and 00:54:58.340 --> 00:54:58.720 ever 00:54:58.720 --> 00:55:00.080 in other words 00:55:00.080 --> 00:55:00.920 they will share 00:55:00.920 --> 00:55:02.519 in that victory 00:55:02.519 --> 00:55:03.200 of Jesus 00:55:03.200 --> 00:55:05.120 they will not be 00:55:05.120 --> 00:55:05.760 on the same 00:55:05.760 --> 00:55:06.560 level as him 00:55:06.560 --> 00:55:07.640 he is the king 00:55:07.640 --> 00:55:08.100 of kings 00:55:08.099 --> 00:55:08.639 and lord 00:55:08.639 --> 00:55:09.299 of lords 00:55:09.299 --> 00:55:11.420 but they share 00:55:11.420 --> 00:55:12.219 in his victory 00:55:12.219 --> 00:55:13.079 just like you see 00:55:13.079 --> 00:55:15.099 in a royal family 00:55:15.099 --> 00:55:16.319 privileges 00:55:16.319 --> 00:55:17.119 whatever you might 00:55:17.119 --> 00:55:17.779 say of that 00:55:17.779 --> 00:55:18.360 that's not our 00:55:18.360 --> 00:55:18.679 business 00:55:18.679 --> 00:55:19.659 but where you have 00:55:19.659 --> 00:55:20.659 a royal family 00:55:20.659 --> 00:55:22.199 and members 00:55:22.199 --> 00:55:23.019 of that family 00:55:23.019 --> 00:55:23.679 they share 00:55:23.679 --> 00:55:24.619 in those privileges 00:55:24.619 --> 00:55:26.299 they share 00:55:26.299 --> 00:55:27.400 in essentially 00:55:27.400 --> 00:55:28.279 what the reign 00:55:28.279 --> 00:55:29.039 of that king 00:55:29.039 --> 00:55:29.460 or queen 00:55:29.460 --> 00:55:30.019 is about 00:55:30.019 --> 00:55:32.420 and very much 00:55:32.420 --> 00:55:33.099 more so 00:55:33.099 --> 00:55:34.480 is the case 00:55:34.480 --> 00:55:35.039 with heaven 00:55:35.039 --> 00:55:36.920 because all 00:55:36.920 --> 00:55:37.679 those who come 00:55:37.679 --> 00:55:40.219 to be brought 00:55:40.219 --> 00:55:40.639 to heaven 00:55:40.639 --> 00:55:41.320 by the grace 00:55:41.320 --> 00:55:41.960 of God 00:55:41.960 --> 00:55:44.059 they shall reign 00:55:44.059 --> 00:55:44.820 with Christ 00:55:44.820 --> 00:55:46.440 forever and 00:55:46.440 --> 00:55:46.699 ever 00:55:46.699 --> 00:55:48.940 they will share 00:55:48.940 --> 00:55:49.940 in the victory 00:55:49.940 --> 00:55:50.800 of Jesus 00:55:50.800 --> 00:55:53.280 endlessly 00:55:53.280 --> 00:55:54.039 throughout 00:55:54.039 --> 00:55:54.719 eternity 00:55:54.719 --> 00:55:56.679 what a prospect 00:55:56.679 --> 00:55:57.419 that is 00:55:57.419 --> 00:55:59.879 there's nothing 00:55:59.879 --> 00:56:00.500 like that 00:56:00.500 --> 00:56:01.259 in this world 00:56:01.259 --> 00:56:02.919 the longest 00:56:02.919 --> 00:56:03.839 reign in this 00:56:03.839 --> 00:56:04.119 world 00:56:04.119 --> 00:56:04.559 will come 00:56:04.559 --> 00:56:05.359 to an end 00:56:05.359 --> 00:56:07.039 sharing 00:56:07.039 --> 00:56:08.259 with a monarch 00:56:08.259 --> 00:56:09.179 in his 00:56:09.179 --> 00:56:09.980 or her 00:56:09.980 --> 00:56:11.099 kingship 00:56:11.099 --> 00:56:11.879 or queenship 00:56:11.879 --> 00:56:12.419 or reign 00:56:12.419 --> 00:56:13.439 will itself 00:56:13.439 --> 00:56:14.279 come to an end 00:56:14.279 --> 00:56:14.899 the moment 00:56:14.899 --> 00:56:15.879 they pass on 00:56:15.880 --> 00:56:18.800 but this is 00:56:18.800 --> 00:56:19.260 a reign 00:56:19.260 --> 00:56:20.920 unlike any 00:56:20.920 --> 00:56:21.579 other reign 00:56:21.579 --> 00:56:23.700 the lamb 00:56:23.700 --> 00:56:24.140 in the midst 00:56:24.140 --> 00:56:24.800 of the throne 00:56:24.800 --> 00:56:26.880 reigns forever 00:56:26.880 --> 00:56:27.559 and they reign 00:56:27.559 --> 00:56:28.360 and shall reign 00:56:28.360 --> 00:56:29.760 forever and 00:56:29.760 --> 00:56:30.740 ever with them 00:56:30.740 --> 00:56:33.140 and so tonight 00:56:33.140 --> 00:56:35.099 here is the 00:56:35.099 --> 00:56:35.480 question 00:56:35.480 --> 00:56:37.360 for ourselves 00:56:37.360 --> 00:56:37.780 tonight 00:56:37.780 --> 00:56:38.180 who 00:56:38.180 --> 00:56:39.860 is our life 00:56:39.860 --> 00:56:40.640 ruled by 00:56:40.640 --> 00:56:43.240 where is 00:56:43.240 --> 00:56:43.980 our confidence 00:56:43.980 --> 00:56:46.880 on what 00:56:46.880 --> 00:56:47.599 and in whom 00:56:47.599 --> 00:56:48.639 is our trust 00:56:48.639 --> 00:56:52.280 what is our 00:56:52.280 --> 00:56:52.719 relation 00:56:52.719 --> 00:56:53.480 with this 00:56:53.480 --> 00:56:54.059 throne of 00:56:54.059 --> 00:56:54.460 God 00:56:54.460 --> 00:56:56.380 what are we 00:56:56.380 --> 00:56:57.099 made of this 00:56:57.099 --> 00:56:57.840 throne of God 00:56:57.840 --> 00:56:58.539 revealed to us 00:56:58.539 --> 00:56:59.179 in the Bible 00:56:59.179 --> 00:57:01.240 where does the 00:57:01.240 --> 00:57:01.820 throne of God 00:57:01.820 --> 00:57:02.619 feature in your 00:57:02.619 --> 00:57:03.300 own life 00:57:03.300 --> 00:57:04.420 and in my 00:57:04.420 --> 00:57:04.960 life 00:57:04.960 --> 00:57:08.240 is it the 00:57:08.240 --> 00:57:09.119 case with you 00:57:09.119 --> 00:57:10.740 that you've 00:57:10.740 --> 00:57:11.619 come to share 00:57:11.619 --> 00:57:13.300 in the victory 00:57:13.300 --> 00:57:14.120 of Christ 00:57:14.120 --> 00:57:15.680 through your 00:57:15.680 --> 00:57:16.420 trusting in 00:57:16.420 --> 00:57:16.660 him 00:57:16.660 --> 00:57:18.539 and accepting 00:57:18.539 --> 00:57:19.080 of him 00:57:19.080 --> 00:57:20.380 and giving 00:57:20.380 --> 00:57:21.140 yourself to 00:57:21.140 --> 00:57:21.400 him 00:57:21.400 --> 00:57:22.680 by the grace 00:57:22.680 --> 00:57:23.260 of God 00:57:23.260 --> 00:57:24.460 or to put it 00:57:24.460 --> 00:57:24.800 in Jesus' 00:57:24.980 --> 00:57:25.539 own words 00:57:25.539 --> 00:57:27.640 where is 00:57:27.640 --> 00:57:28.260 your treasure 00:57:28.260 --> 00:57:30.120 let me just 00:57:30.120 --> 00:57:30.700 remind you of 00:57:30.700 --> 00:57:31.180 what he said 00:57:31.180 --> 00:57:32.160 in the 00:57:32.160 --> 00:57:32.620 Sermon on the 00:57:32.620 --> 00:57:32.840 Mount 00:57:32.840 --> 00:57:33.720 do not lay 00:57:33.720 --> 00:57:34.019 up for 00:57:34.019 --> 00:57:34.380 yourselves 00:57:34.380 --> 00:57:34.820 treasures 00:57:34.820 --> 00:57:35.360 on earth 00:57:35.360 --> 00:57:36.580 where moth 00:57:36.580 --> 00:57:36.960 and rust 00:57:36.960 --> 00:57:37.440 destroy 00:57:37.440 --> 00:57:37.840 and where 00:57:37.840 --> 00:57:38.140 thieves 00:57:38.140 --> 00:57:38.580 break in 00:57:38.580 --> 00:57:39.080 and steal 00:57:39.080 --> 00:57:40.300 but lay 00:57:40.300 --> 00:57:40.620 up for 00:57:40.620 --> 00:57:41.000 yourselves 00:57:41.000 --> 00:57:41.519 treasures 00:57:41.519 --> 00:57:42.079 in heaven 00:57:42.079 --> 00:57:43.420 where neither 00:57:43.420 --> 00:57:44.320 moth nor rust 00:57:44.320 --> 00:57:44.860 destroys 00:57:44.860 --> 00:57:46.119 and where 00:57:46.119 --> 00:57:46.860 thieves do not 00:57:46.860 --> 00:57:47.320 break in 00:57:47.320 --> 00:57:47.920 and steal 00:57:47.920 --> 00:57:49.539 for where 00:57:49.539 --> 00:57:50.099 your treasure 00:57:50.099 --> 00:57:50.539 is 00:57:50.539 --> 00:57:52.259 there will 00:57:52.259 --> 00:57:52.780 your heart 00:57:52.780 --> 00:57:53.599 be also 00:57:53.599 --> 00:57:55.719 where is 00:57:55.719 --> 00:57:56.360 your heart 00:57:56.360 --> 00:57:57.940 where is 00:57:57.940 --> 00:57:58.480 your treasure 00:57:58.480 --> 00:58:00.000 is it in 00:58:00.000 --> 00:58:00.659 this world 00:58:00.659 --> 00:58:02.239 well if so 00:58:02.239 --> 00:58:02.659 that's where 00:58:02.659 --> 00:58:03.119 your heart 00:58:03.119 --> 00:58:03.559 is 00:58:03.559 --> 00:58:05.099 is your 00:58:05.099 --> 00:58:05.659 treasure in 00:58:05.659 --> 00:58:06.000 the Lord 00:58:06.000 --> 00:58:06.519 himself 00:58:06.519 --> 00:58:07.800 in heaven 00:58:07.800 --> 00:58:09.340 if so 00:58:09.340 --> 00:58:10.580 that's where 00:58:10.580 --> 00:58:11.000 your heart 00:58:11.000 --> 00:58:11.519 is 00:58:11.519 --> 00:58:13.140 and it's 00:58:13.140 --> 00:58:13.560 not what 00:58:13.560 --> 00:58:14.039 you want 00:58:14.039 --> 00:58:15.480 to lay 00:58:15.480 --> 00:58:15.860 up for 00:58:15.860 --> 00:58:16.340 yourself 00:58:16.340 --> 00:58:17.539 treasures 00:58:17.539 --> 00:58:19.200 in heaven 00:58:19.200 --> 00:58:20.019 may God 00:58:20.019 --> 00:58:20.340 bless 00:58:20.340 --> 00:58:21.580 his word 00:58:21.580 --> 00:58:22.200 to us 00:58:22.200 --> 00:58:25.820 now we're 00:58:25.820 --> 00:58:26.080 going to 00:58:26.080 --> 00:58:26.740 conclude by 00:58:26.740 --> 00:58:27.140 singing 00:58:27.140 --> 00:58:28.860 psalm 72 00:58:28.860 --> 00:58:31.620 psalm 72 00:58:31.620 --> 00:58:32.039 in the 00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:32.740 Scottish 00:58:32.740 --> 00:58:33.120 Psalter 00:58:33.120 --> 00:58:33.560 that's on 00:58:33.560 --> 00:58:34.680 page 00:58:34.679 --> 00:58:35.980 314 00:58:35.980 --> 00:58:36.859 to 00:58:36.859 --> 00:58:37.199 June 00:58:37.199 --> 00:58:37.819 Effingham 00:58:37.819 --> 00:58:40.980 singing 00:58:40.980 --> 00:58:41.319 from the 00:58:41.319 --> 00:58:41.639 middle of 00:58:41.639 --> 00:58:42.399 verse 16 00:58:42.399 --> 00:58:42.859 the final 00:58:42.859 --> 00:58:43.839 four verses 00:58:43.839 --> 00:58:44.759 page 00:58:44.759 --> 00:58:45.819 314 00:58:45.819 --> 00:58:46.480 the city 00:58:46.480 --> 00:58:47.339 shall be 00:58:47.339 --> 00:58:47.980 flourishing 00:58:47.980 --> 00:58:49.219 her citizens 00:58:49.219 --> 00:58:49.839 abound 00:58:49.839 --> 00:58:50.419 in number 00:58:50.419 --> 00:58:50.899 shall 00:58:50.899 --> 00:58:51.980 like to 00:58:51.980 --> 00:58:52.500 the grass 00:58:52.500 --> 00:58:53.239 that grows 00:58:53.239 --> 00:58:54.219 upon the 00:58:54.219 --> 00:58:54.480 ground 00:58:54.480 --> 00:58:54.899 there's a 00:58:54.899 --> 00:58:55.279 prophecy 00:58:55.279 --> 00:58:56.419 of the 00:58:56.419 --> 00:58:57.099 final state 00:58:57.099 --> 00:58:57.460 of things 00:58:57.460 --> 00:58:58.000 for God's 00:58:58.000 --> 00:58:58.299 people 00:58:58.299 --> 00:58:59.039 what the 00:58:59.039 --> 00:58:59.599 city of 00:58:59.599 --> 00:58:59.919 heaven 00:58:59.919 --> 00:59:00.859 will actually 00:59:00.859 --> 00:59:01.440 be like 00:59:01.440 --> 00:59:02.339 and then 00:59:02.339 --> 00:59:03.059 his name 00:59:03.059 --> 00:59:03.639 the name 00:59:03.639 --> 00:59:03.879 of the 00:59:03.879 --> 00:59:04.199 Lord 00:59:04.199 --> 00:59:05.079 forever 00:59:05.079 --> 00:59:05.439 shall 00:59:05.439 --> 00:59:05.960 endure 00:59:05.960 --> 00:59:07.159 last like 00:59:07.159 --> 00:59:07.679 the sun 00:59:07.679 --> 00:59:08.279 it shall 00:59:08.279 --> 00:59:09.239 men 00:59:09.239 --> 00:59:09.619 shall be 00:59:09.619 --> 00:59:10.019 blessed 00:59:10.019 --> 00:59:10.579 in him 00:59:10.579 --> 00:59:12.000 and blessed 00:59:12.000 --> 00:59:13.000 all nations 00:59:13.000 --> 00:59:14.199 shall him 00:59:14.199 --> 00:59:14.619 call 00:59:14.619 --> 00:59:15.059 these four 00:59:15.059 --> 00:59:15.339 verses 00:59:15.339 --> 00:59:15.879 the city 00:59:15.879 --> 00:59:16.779 shall be 00:59:16.779 --> 00:59:17.319 flourishing 00:59:17.320 --> 00:59:28.940 shall he 00:59:28.940 --> 00:59:30.280 shall be 00:59:30.280 --> 00:59:31.100 уки 00:59:31.100 --> 00:59:34.980 our citizens 00:59:34.980 --> 00:59:55.519 And now I shall die to the rest that rose upon the ground. 00:59:55.519 --> 01:00:12.559 His name forever shall endure, last like the sun it shall. 01:00:12.559 --> 01:00:29.559 Men shall be blessed in Him, our blessed, all nations shall dim call. 01:00:29.559 --> 01:00:46.559 Now blessed be the Lord our God, the God of Israel. 01:00:46.559 --> 01:01:04.559 For He alone, the wondrous works in glory have excelled. 01:01:04.559 --> 01:01:20.699 And blessed be His glorious name to all eternity. 01:01:20.699 --> 01:01:38.359 The whole earth is glory filled. Amen. So let it be. 01:01:40.019 --> 01:01:42.519 I'll go to the door to my left after the benediction. 01:01:43.619 --> 01:01:47.259 Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, 01:01:47.260 --> 01:01:51.960 and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and evermore. Amen.