WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.339 I encourage you. I know you've had tea and coffee. Do you have tea and coffee again? 00:00:03.940 --> 00:00:09.359 Johnny, no, that's it. Okay. Okay. Well, can I encourage you then as you're leaving 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:15.259 to go and browse the stand back there and pick up maybe a copy of our prayer news 00:00:15.259 --> 00:00:21.300 or pick up a magazine, some fuel for prayer, and just use it maybe during this coming week to pray. 00:00:21.379 --> 00:00:24.699 And also, too, we're producing new prayer cards for our new workers. 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:26.679 And one of our new couples who I might mention later on, 00:00:26.679 --> 00:00:31.379 Joel and Katcha Marcus, who are working from the Cavan Church into the town of Belturbet. 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:35.060 We kind of use them as guinea pigs for our first prayer card. 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:37.840 We're checking the thickness of the card and all the rest of it. 00:00:38.039 --> 00:00:39.920 So we've got new cards for them. 00:00:40.840 --> 00:00:44.539 Now, you may never have heard of Belturbet here in Carrigaline. Where is that? 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:47.399 Well, it's just slightly west of the town of Cavan. 00:00:47.780 --> 00:00:51.939 But the Cavan Church, Ivan Watson is a pastor there who Johnny knows well 00:00:51.939 --> 00:00:54.519 and going out soon to Ghana again with. 00:00:54.520 --> 00:00:58.220 And they've got a vision to see a church planted in the town of Belturbet. 00:00:58.320 --> 00:01:03.280 And so you might take Joel and Katcha upon your hearts and prayers and pray for them. 00:01:04.100 --> 00:01:06.719 Let's read together from God's Word, 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:01:06.800 --> 00:01:08.079 And we're going to read from verse 1. 00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:13.579 It's on page 1217 if you have a church Bible. 00:01:13.579 --> 00:01:27.859 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:34.900 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying work of the Spirit 00:01:34.900 --> 00:01:39.800 to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood. 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:44.240 Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 00:01:45.820 --> 00:01:49.780 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:50.420 --> 00:01:57.260 In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 00:01:57.260 --> 00:02:02.480 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. 00:02:03.300 --> 00:02:06.080 This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 00:02:06.520 --> 00:02:09.099 who through faith are shielded by God's power 00:02:09.099 --> 00:02:13.920 until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 00:02:15.200 --> 00:02:17.420 In all this you greatly rejoice, 00:02:18.140 --> 00:02:23.219 though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 00:02:23.219 --> 00:02:29.840 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold, 00:02:30.280 --> 00:02:33.120 which perishes even though refined by fire, 00:02:33.860 --> 00:02:38.620 may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:43.819 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. 00:02:44.659 --> 00:02:46.860 And even though you do not see Him now, 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:52.280 you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:56.120 For you are receiving the end result of your faith, 00:02:56.759 --> 00:02:59.659 the salvation of your souls. 00:03:00.599 --> 00:03:04.939 Let's just pause for a moment and pray and ask for God's help as we look into His Word together. 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:09.400 Father, we thank You for this opportunity of meeting together here 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:11.800 in the name of the Lord Jesus this morning. 00:03:11.879 --> 00:03:13.840 We thank You for the freedom we have in this land. 00:03:13.939 --> 00:03:16.500 We thank You for Your Word in our own language, Lord. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:20.599 We thank You for all the privileges we enjoy of fellowship with one another 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:23.599 and being able to gather together this morning to worship You. 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:29.240 We thank You for Your Word and we ask that by Your Spirit now He would be our teacher 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:32.719 and that You'd lead us into all truth, that You would speak to our hearts, 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:35.479 that You'd challenge us, that You'd encourage us, 00:03:35.479 --> 00:03:40.619 that You'd send us out from this place this morning ready to serve You afresh 00:03:40.619 --> 00:03:43.959 in the power and enabling of Your Holy Spirit. 00:03:44.679 --> 00:03:46.359 We ask it for Jesus' sake. 00:03:47.459 --> 00:03:48.959 Amen. Amen. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:56.439 Well, here we are in 2019, and I don't know whether it's the same on RTE. 00:03:57.300 --> 00:04:00.159 I kind of listen to RTE 1 when I'm going along in the car 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:02.500 to try and keep in touch with all that's happening here. 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:06.560 I watch then BBC News to see what's happening, if you like, 00:04:06.620 --> 00:04:11.360 in terms of what's going on, because you get local news in the north. 00:04:12.260 --> 00:04:16.600 And certainly nearly every day the headline is something to do with Brexit, 00:04:16.600 --> 00:04:19.040 and how Brexit is going to affect the economy 00:04:19.040 --> 00:04:22.040 and the housing crisis in Dublin and all that kind of stuff. 00:04:23.280 --> 00:04:26.080 Our friend Mr. Trump appears every so often 00:04:26.080 --> 00:04:28.680 on the wall between Mexico and here, 00:04:28.780 --> 00:04:31.140 and whether it's maybe something to do with his involvement in Russia. 00:04:31.780 --> 00:04:34.180 Our North Korean friend pops up every so often too. 00:04:34.260 --> 00:04:36.220 And in our world, we have a mixture, don't we, 00:04:36.320 --> 00:04:38.840 of, I suppose, terrorism going on in various places, 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:41.740 turmoil in terms of Brexit and the uncertainty of that, 00:04:42.160 --> 00:04:46.400 and also technology being used in all sorts of ways for evil. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:49.400 And to do destructive things in our world. 00:04:49.480 --> 00:04:52.000 And people in our society, whether it's here in Ireland 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.580 or in other parts of the world, are living in fear 00:04:54.580 --> 00:04:56.820 with all that uncertainty that's going on, 00:04:56.860 --> 00:04:58.760 whether it's globally or locally. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:02.260 And here in the Republic, certainly in recent times, 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:05.939 laws have been passed that are increasingly anti-God, 00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:09.360 that are going to put pressure on us as believers 00:05:09.360 --> 00:05:12.680 in terms of morality and the things that are acceptable to us 00:05:12.680 --> 00:05:14.080 according to God's Word. 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:18.939 Our tolerant society is becoming increasingly intolerant 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:20.959 of the Christian worldview, 00:05:21.599 --> 00:05:25.300 and certainly of what is found here in the pages of Holy Scripture. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:30.180 The Apostle Peter writing this book around the year A.D. 61-62 00:05:30.180 --> 00:05:32.399 is writing to believers who are under pressure, 00:05:32.680 --> 00:05:34.360 writing to believers who are being persecuted, 00:05:34.519 --> 00:05:37.680 or certainly are going to face persecution for their faith. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:39.600 And it's seen really as something normal. 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:42.240 If you look over in 1 Peter chapter 5 for a moment, 00:05:42.540 --> 00:05:43.360 and verse 9, 00:05:44.800 --> 00:05:46.240 Peter writes these words, 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:49.300 we'll read from verse 8 just to get the context. 00:05:49.540 --> 00:05:51.100 Be alert and of sober mind. 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:54.139 Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:55.800 looking for someone to devour. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:58.980 Resist him standing firm in the faith, 00:05:59.379 --> 00:06:02.379 because you know that the family of believers throughout the world 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:05.960 is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:07.860 So in a sense, Peter is saying, 00:06:07.960 --> 00:06:09.920 listen, this is happening to your brothers and sisters 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:10.939 in other parts of the world, 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:12.080 just like we know today, 00:06:12.580 --> 00:06:15.300 whether it's North Korea, China, India, other places, 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:17.759 there's all sorts of terrible things being done 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:19.480 to people like you and I, 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:22.520 who simply name the name of Jesus and say, 00:06:22.620 --> 00:06:24.319 hey, I'm a person who follows him. 00:06:25.080 --> 00:06:26.420 And many of our brothers and sisters, 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:27.220 even today, 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:29.300 may pay the ultimate price 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:31.920 for naming the name of Jesus. 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:34.560 The Lord Jesus said in John chapter 15, 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:35.780 they persecuted me, 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:37.500 they will persecute you. 00:06:37.900 --> 00:06:38.920 Also in this world, 00:06:39.140 --> 00:06:40.780 you will have trouble. 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:43.020 And so these believers that Peter is writing to, 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:44.379 they're facing persecution. 00:06:44.500 --> 00:06:45.580 They may be lost their homes, 00:06:45.700 --> 00:06:47.160 they may be split up from their families. 00:06:47.400 --> 00:06:48.840 Certainly they're going to face persecution 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:50.199 in the years to come. 00:06:50.739 --> 00:06:51.839 Under Nero and Rome, 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:54.119 in AD 64 and following, 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:56.279 many believers were fed to the lions. 00:06:57.459 --> 00:06:59.319 Many believers had oil poured over them 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:00.859 and there were huge as human lamps 00:07:00.859 --> 00:07:02.919 to light up Nero's garden parties. 00:07:03.899 --> 00:07:06.139 Many of them were literally led 00:07:06.139 --> 00:07:07.779 like lambs to the slaughter, 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:10.339 dressed in maybe sheepskins or goatskins 00:07:10.339 --> 00:07:12.739 and fed to wild dogs and wild animals 00:07:12.739 --> 00:07:15.319 just for the fun and the sport of it. 00:07:16.059 --> 00:07:18.539 So the context in which Peter is writing this book into 00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:20.260 is the people who are being persecuted, 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:21.240 people who are suffering, 00:07:21.540 --> 00:07:22.640 people who are under trials. 00:07:22.760 --> 00:07:23.660 Look at verse 6, he says, 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:25.060 and this you greatly rejoice, 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:26.400 though now for a little while 00:07:26.400 --> 00:07:28.420 you may have had to suffer grief 00:07:28.420 --> 00:07:31.740 in all kinds of trials. 00:07:33.400 --> 00:07:35.000 So their trials are real. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:37.300 Their grief is real. 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:40.600 God doesn't promise us as believers, 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:42.700 as the false teachers and prophets 00:07:42.700 --> 00:07:44.320 that you'll find on certain TV channels, 00:07:44.400 --> 00:07:44.660 tell you, 00:07:44.660 --> 00:07:45.500 come to Jesus 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:47.820 and he'll take all your problems away 00:07:47.820 --> 00:07:48.620 and you'll be happy 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:49.460 and wealthy 00:07:49.460 --> 00:07:50.740 and all will be good. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:53.140 The Lord Jesus never promised that. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:53.800 In fact, 00:07:54.020 --> 00:07:55.680 the very opposite we just read a moment ago, 00:07:56.040 --> 00:07:57.000 they persecuted me, 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.620 they will persecute you also. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:01.840 But into this context of suffering, 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:02.840 of grief, 00:08:02.940 --> 00:08:03.480 of trials, 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.280 of persecution, 00:08:04.860 --> 00:08:06.080 Peter writes to these believers 00:08:06.080 --> 00:08:08.379 and he reminds them of certain things. 00:08:08.860 --> 00:08:10.020 He reminds them, first of all, 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:10.720 that they're living 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:12.960 under the mercy of God. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:13.799 Look at verse 3. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:16.399 Praise be to the God and Father 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:17.859 of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:08:17.859 --> 00:08:21.120 in his great mercy. 00:08:21.839 --> 00:08:23.379 He has given us new birth 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:25.099 into a living hope 00:08:25.099 --> 00:08:27.419 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:08:27.419 --> 00:08:28.519 from the dead. 00:08:28.719 --> 00:08:31.799 In his great mercy. 00:08:32.199 --> 00:08:33.879 Look at chapter 2 for a moment. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:35.039 Turn over to chapter 2 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:37.240 for a moment. 00:08:37.699 --> 00:08:38.579 And verse 9. 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:40.179 Words I'm sure 00:08:40.179 --> 00:08:41.519 that we're familiar with. 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.780 But you are a chosen people, 00:08:45.400 --> 00:08:46.780 a royal priesthood, 00:08:47.180 --> 00:08:48.519 a holy nation, 00:08:49.379 --> 00:08:51.780 God's special possession. 00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:53.320 Or I think as the 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:55.360 older NIV translation said, 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:58.400 a people belonging to God. 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:00.480 That you may declare 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:01.460 the praise of him 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:02.780 who called you out of darkness 00:09:02.780 --> 00:09:04.120 into his wonderful light. 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:05.379 Once you were not a people, 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:07.540 but now you are the people 00:09:07.540 --> 00:09:08.600 of God. 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:10.360 Once you had not received mercy, 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:13.540 but now you have received mercy. 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:16.300 And brothers and sisters this morning, 00:09:16.420 --> 00:09:17.779 whatever difficulties 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.360 and trials 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:20.300 and problems, 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:21.159 and we all have them. 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:22.139 We stayed here this morning 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:22.960 and we formed ourselves 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:23.519 into a circle. 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:24.759 I'm sure we could go around the circle 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:26.120 and we could all name them. 00:09:26.940 --> 00:09:28.259 Whatever struggles you have, 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:29.519 and maybe we're not facing 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.720 the persecution yet 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:31.980 of these early believers 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:32.300 facing, 00:09:32.360 --> 00:09:33.100 or what our brothers and sisters 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.000 are facing across the world, 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:34.879 but whatever difficulties 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:35.860 or trials 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:37.299 or things that are causing you 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:37.940 grief this morning, 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:38.940 can I remind you? 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:40.960 Remind yourself. 00:09:41.940 --> 00:09:42.820 We this morning 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:43.379 are living 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:44.820 under the mercy 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:46.059 of God. 00:09:46.179 --> 00:09:47.600 In his great mercy 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:49.480 he has given us new birth. 00:09:51.059 --> 00:09:51.940 Theologians debate 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:53.019 and there's, 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:53.820 I don't know, 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:54.860 endless books being written 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:56.779 on the sovereignty of God 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:57.639 versus, you know, 00:09:57.639 --> 00:10:00.039 the human decision, 00:10:00.179 --> 00:10:01.139 all this kind of stuff. 00:10:02.460 --> 00:10:03.200 But this morning, 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:04.480 here's what we can rejoice in. 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:07.040 Not fully ever understanding it, 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:08.020 I certainly don't. 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:10.440 But here's the thing, 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.300 God in his grace 00:10:12.300 --> 00:10:12.940 and mercy 00:10:12.940 --> 00:10:15.120 has saved you this morning 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:17.259 and he saved me. 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:19.240 And as I go on longer 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:19.740 as a believer, 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:21.259 the thing that I suppose 00:10:21.259 --> 00:10:22.600 I ponder on more 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:23.820 is not the hows 00:10:23.820 --> 00:10:24.460 and wherefores 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:25.200 of all of that, 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:27.379 but the wonder, 00:10:27.520 --> 00:10:28.400 why did God 00:10:28.400 --> 00:10:30.540 ever save me? 00:10:30.539 --> 00:10:33.480 And the more I go on 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:33.980 as a believer 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:34.939 and the more I understand 00:10:34.939 --> 00:10:35.559 the holiness 00:10:35.559 --> 00:10:38.039 and the so 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:40.120 different God is 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:41.240 to us 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:43.899 and I see my sin 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:45.079 as God sees it 00:10:45.079 --> 00:10:46.399 and I get a glimpse of it, 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:47.919 how utterly rotten 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:48.459 and sinful 00:10:48.459 --> 00:10:49.159 we really are. 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.059 The wonder 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:51.539 that God 00:10:51.539 --> 00:10:52.139 should ever 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:53.559 set his love upon us. 00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:54.939 The old song, 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:55.159 I think, 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:55.439 said, 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:55.639 oh, 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:56.919 the wonder of it all. 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:58.799 The wonder of it all. 00:10:58.799 --> 00:10:59.959 Just to know 00:10:59.959 --> 00:11:01.459 that God 00:11:01.459 --> 00:11:03.359 loves me. 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:05.439 And here we are 00:11:05.439 --> 00:11:05.839 this morning, 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:06.479 brothers and sisters, 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:07.459 a people living 00:11:07.459 --> 00:11:08.959 under the mercy 00:11:08.959 --> 00:11:09.799 of God. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:10.579 Look what he says 00:11:10.579 --> 00:11:11.419 in verse 2, 00:11:11.479 --> 00:11:12.339 have been chosen 00:11:12.339 --> 00:11:13.500 according to the 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:14.399 foreknowledge 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:15.479 of God the Father 00:11:15.479 --> 00:11:16.859 through the sanctifying 00:11:16.859 --> 00:11:17.759 work of the Spirit 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:18.819 to be obedient 00:11:18.819 --> 00:11:19.659 to Jesus Christ 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:20.459 and sprinkled 00:11:20.459 --> 00:11:22.099 with his blood. 00:11:22.359 --> 00:11:23.459 The work of God's 00:11:23.459 --> 00:11:24.379 grace and mercy, 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:25.500 the triune God. 00:11:25.599 --> 00:11:26.319 Somebody once said this, 00:11:26.359 --> 00:11:27.679 the Father sought us, 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:29.879 the Spirit brought us, 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:31.799 and the Son bought us 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:34.479 by his precious blood. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:36.319 Determined before 00:11:36.319 --> 00:11:37.139 this world was ever 00:11:37.139 --> 00:11:37.719 created, 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:39.120 in the mind of God, 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:39.620 Father, 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:40.319 Son, 00:11:40.579 --> 00:11:41.459 and Holy Spirit, 00:11:41.559 --> 00:11:42.979 God setting his love 00:11:42.979 --> 00:11:44.419 and mercy 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:46.099 upon you and I, 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:47.519 not for any good 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:48.539 that we have ever done 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:49.519 or could ever do 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.179 as we've reflected 00:11:50.179 --> 00:11:50.879 in our songs 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:51.519 this morning, 00:11:52.179 --> 00:11:53.979 but because he chose us 00:11:53.979 --> 00:11:55.039 in love 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:56.159 and in grace 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:57.600 and in mercy, 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:59.059 were a people 00:11:59.059 --> 00:11:59.579 this morning 00:11:59.579 --> 00:12:00.279 who belong 00:12:00.279 --> 00:12:01.259 to God 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.240 and Peter says, 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:03.659 praise thee 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:04.959 to the God 00:12:04.959 --> 00:12:05.620 and Father 00:12:05.620 --> 00:12:07.319 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:08.219 That's what causes 00:12:08.219 --> 00:12:08.860 this morning 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.279 as we have done already 00:12:10.279 --> 00:12:12.360 to glorify him, 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:13.480 to praise him, 00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:14.399 to thank him. 00:12:14.579 --> 00:12:15.419 Father in heaven, 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:16.439 thank you this morning 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:17.559 that despite all 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.240 the things that are 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:19.279 going on in my life 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:19.899 and the difficulties 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:20.500 and the pressures 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:21.500 and the problems, 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:24.220 you've saved me 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:25.720 by your grace 00:12:25.720 --> 00:12:27.139 and in your mercy. 00:12:27.560 --> 00:12:28.600 Living under the mercy 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:28.940 of God, 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:29.960 he also reminds him 00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:30.779 that there are people 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:31.820 who have a living hope 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:33.320 in a risen Savior. 00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:35.440 Look again at verse 3. 00:12:35.800 --> 00:12:36.879 Praise be to the God 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.340 and Father 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:38.300 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:38.580 --> 00:12:39.580 In his great mercy, 00:12:39.980 --> 00:12:40.620 he has given us 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:41.300 new birth 00:12:41.300 --> 00:12:42.899 into a living hope 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:43.980 through the resurrection 00:12:43.980 --> 00:12:45.120 of Jesus Christ 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:46.500 from the dead. 00:12:47.300 --> 00:12:48.960 Today is Resurrection Sunday. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:50.379 Every Sunday 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:51.980 is Resurrection Sunday. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:53.899 The Lord Jesus conquered death 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.740 again as we reflected 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:55.940 in our songs this morning. 00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:57.519 He conquered the grave. 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:59.120 He's alive forevermore 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:00.360 and he's defeated death 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:03.560 in all its three-dimensional ugliness. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:04.580 Physical death, 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:05.920 spiritual death, 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:07.000 eternal death. 00:13:07.180 --> 00:13:08.240 He conquered it all 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.920 when he died upon that cross 00:13:09.920 --> 00:13:11.139 and rose again. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:13.320 And he lives today 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.080 in the power 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:15.580 of an endless life. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:18.320 Death has been defeated. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:19.779 And brothers and sisters, 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:22.220 you and I are going to live forever. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:24.419 Not in this cursed, 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.839 fallen world, 00:13:26.459 --> 00:13:27.759 but in that new heaven 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.539 and new earth 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:29.620 where there will be 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.500 no more suffering, 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:31.919 no more sickness, 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:33.600 no more tears, 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:34.980 no more pain, 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:36.120 no more death, 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.399 no more separation, 00:13:37.699 --> 00:13:39.139 and God himself, 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:42.259 John writes in Revelation, 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:43.879 will wipe every tear 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:46.620 from our eyes. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:49.060 We have a living hope 00:13:49.060 --> 00:13:50.360 because we have 00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:52.100 a risen Savior 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:53.539 who's alive 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:55.200 and ever lives 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:55.720 this morning 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:57.379 to make intercession for us. 00:13:57.440 --> 00:13:58.039 Isn't that amazing? 00:13:58.820 --> 00:13:59.740 Isn't that incredible? 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:01.399 The Lord Jesus 00:14:01.399 --> 00:14:02.259 this morning 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.960 interceding 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:05.639 on our behalf 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:07.120 before the Father 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.200 in heaven 00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:09.220 today. 00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:11.539 We're living 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:12.700 under the mercy of God. 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:13.600 We're a people living 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.700 with hope 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:15.560 and a risen Savior. 00:14:15.559 --> 00:14:16.359 If we look again 00:14:16.359 --> 00:14:17.379 at verse 4, 00:14:17.599 --> 00:14:18.599 an intimate inheritance, 00:14:18.719 --> 00:14:19.039 he says, 00:14:19.219 --> 00:14:20.339 that can never perish, 00:14:20.719 --> 00:14:21.679 spoil or fade. 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:22.839 This inheritance 00:14:22.839 --> 00:14:23.779 is kept in heaven 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:24.679 for you 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:26.139 who through faith 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.799 are shielded 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:27.859 by God's power 00:14:27.859 --> 00:14:28.819 until the coming 00:14:28.819 --> 00:14:29.519 of the salvation 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:30.619 that's ready to be revealed 00:14:30.619 --> 00:14:32.019 in the last time. 00:14:33.359 --> 00:14:34.139 Not only are we 00:14:34.139 --> 00:14:34.839 people this morning 00:14:34.839 --> 00:14:35.939 living under the mercy 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:36.419 of God 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:38.659 with a living hope 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.500 and a risen Savior, 00:14:39.619 --> 00:14:40.399 but we have 00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:42.919 a lasting inheritance. 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:46.099 I heard Michael O'Leary 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:46.799 on the radio 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:48.339 the day after 00:14:48.339 --> 00:14:49.899 Tony Ryan died. 00:14:51.439 --> 00:14:52.159 Now you've all 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:53.679 have probably flown 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:54.299 on a plane 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:56.279 with Tony Ryan's name on it. 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:57.219 Well, 00:14:57.479 --> 00:14:58.439 at the beginning 00:14:58.439 --> 00:15:00.139 of his second name anyway. 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:01.620 If you've flown, 00:15:01.719 --> 00:15:02.399 we used to call them 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.819 Ruin Air 00:15:02.819 --> 00:15:03.620 when I was in 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:04.399 the airline business, 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:05.059 but we called them 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:05.819 Ryan Air, right? 00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:06.759 Tony Ryan. 00:15:08.459 --> 00:15:08.919 And this is what 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:09.459 Michael O'Leary 00:15:09.459 --> 00:15:10.599 said about Tony Ryan 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:11.899 the day after he died. 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:12.500 He was talking about 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:13.740 how Tony was a great man 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:15.180 and always thinking 00:15:15.180 --> 00:15:16.060 about new projects, 00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:16.680 always planning 00:15:16.680 --> 00:15:17.340 for the future, 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:18.360 always working out 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:19.019 new strategies, 00:15:19.180 --> 00:15:19.720 new markets, 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:20.279 where he was going 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:20.840 to go next, 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:21.659 etc. 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:24.659 And the thought 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:25.000 that went through 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:26.060 my mind was, 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:28.420 I wonder how much 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:29.420 planning Tony Ryan 00:15:29.420 --> 00:15:29.940 has done 00:15:29.940 --> 00:15:32.240 for where he is now. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:35.139 He's gone to meet 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:36.460 his maker. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:38.399 And I don't know 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.420 where Tony Ryan stood, 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:40.279 but what I can say 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:40.819 on the authority 00:15:40.819 --> 00:15:41.360 of God's word 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:41.759 this morning, 00:15:41.839 --> 00:15:42.599 if Tony Ryan 00:15:42.599 --> 00:15:43.959 died without a saviour, 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:46.179 then all the money 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:46.740 he had, 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:49.159 all the cars he drove, 00:15:50.059 --> 00:15:50.779 his big mansion 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:51.620 in County Wicklow, 00:15:52.939 --> 00:15:54.039 would have no use to him 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:56.740 if he was without Christ 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.860 and without hope. 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:02.539 Somebody asked a question 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:04.419 after a wealthy person died, 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.439 how much did he leave? 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:08.179 And the answer was 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:08.839 he left everything. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.740 He left it all behind. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.599 Brothers and sisters, 00:16:13.599 --> 00:16:14.079 this morning, 00:16:14.199 --> 00:16:14.959 we may not have 00:16:14.959 --> 00:16:15.659 that much here 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:16.539 on this earth, 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:18.099 but we have 00:16:18.099 --> 00:16:18.699 an inheritance 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:20.219 in heaven. 00:16:21.439 --> 00:16:21.979 And ultimately, 00:16:22.059 --> 00:16:22.659 that inheritance 00:16:22.659 --> 00:16:23.839 is not in things, 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:25.759 but it's in a person. 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.740 We have 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:28.899 the Lord Jesus. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.139 He is our joy. 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:32.879 He is our salvation. 00:16:33.019 --> 00:16:33.679 And one day, 00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:35.099 we are going to see him 00:16:35.099 --> 00:16:36.899 face to face. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:38.679 That salvation 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:39.179 will ultimately 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.000 be revealed. 00:16:40.779 --> 00:16:41.340 Paul says, 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.559 the coming of the salvation 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:43.559 is ready to be revealed 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.480 in the last time 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.600 when Jesus 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:47.059 comes 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:48.439 again. 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:51.160 and we are shielded 00:16:51.160 --> 00:16:52.720 by God's power. 00:16:52.820 --> 00:16:53.600 Come with me for a moment 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:55.060 to John chapter 10. 00:16:55.160 --> 00:16:55.380 Again, 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.720 familiar words, 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.020 familiar passage, 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:00.180 but good to be reminded 00:17:00.180 --> 00:17:00.720 this morning 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.860 that we are safe, 00:17:02.040 --> 00:17:02.980 not in ourselves, 00:17:03.420 --> 00:17:04.340 not on what we do, 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.799 not in our church attendance, 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:06.700 not in our involvement, 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:07.880 but we are safe 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:09.720 because of Jesus. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:11.000 We are safe in him. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:16.319 Verse 27 of John chapter 10. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:20.420 My sheep listen to my voice. 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:22.180 I know them 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:23.359 and they follow me. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.460 I give them 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.579 eternal life. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.480 It can never be bought. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.420 It can never be merited. 00:17:29.539 --> 00:17:30.200 It's a gift. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:32.279 And they shall never perish. 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.180 No one 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:34.559 will snatch them 00:17:34.559 --> 00:17:35.440 out of my hand. 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:36.319 My Father 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:37.140 who has given them to me 00:17:37.140 --> 00:17:38.000 is greater than all. 00:17:38.380 --> 00:17:39.539 No one can snatch them 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:40.960 out of my Father's hand. 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:42.940 I and the Father 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:44.480 are one. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.799 And Peter reminds 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.440 these believers 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:50.460 that they have, 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.779 they're living their lives 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:52.759 under the mercy of God, 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.960 that they have this living hope 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.960 in their risen Savior, 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:56.559 that they have a lasting inheritance 00:17:56.559 --> 00:17:57.900 in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:17:57.940 --> 00:17:58.720 that they're being kept 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:00.619 by the power of God. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.660 God is keeping them 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.500 through their trials, 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:03.279 through their difficulties, 00:18:03.579 --> 00:18:04.279 through their problems. 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:05.140 They're being kept. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.019 They're being shielded 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:06.799 by God's power 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.259 until Jesus comes again 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.220 or calls them home. 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:11.440 And then he says 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.079 in verse 6, 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.819 and this is where I want 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.900 to challenge us all 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:14.440 this morning. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:15.120 He says, 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:17.000 in this you greatly rejoice, 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.459 though now for a little while 00:18:18.459 --> 00:18:19.759 you may have had to suffer grief 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.239 in all kinds of trials. 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.119 These have come 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:23.859 that the proven genuineness 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.459 of your faith 00:18:24.459 --> 00:18:25.559 of greater worth than gold 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.259 which perishes 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:28.159 even though refined by fire 00:18:28.159 --> 00:18:29.539 may result in praise, 00:18:29.739 --> 00:18:30.459 glory, and honor 00:18:30.459 --> 00:18:32.139 when Jesus Christ is revealed. 00:18:32.459 --> 00:18:33.719 Though you have not seen him, 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.479 you love him. 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:36.819 And even though you do not see him now, 00:18:36.899 --> 00:18:37.819 you believe in him 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:40.000 and are filled with an inexpressible 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.179 and glorious joy 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:42.279 if you are receiving 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.580 the end result of your faith, 00:18:44.860 --> 00:18:47.120 the salvation of your soul. 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.680 In this you greatly rejoice. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:53.820 You're filled with an inexpressible 00:18:53.820 --> 00:18:55.120 and glorious joy. 00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:56.240 So here's the challenge 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.140 to us all this morning, 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:57.940 brothers and sisters. 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:00.539 Whatever our difficulties, 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.779 whatever our problems, 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:02.600 whatever our struggles, 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:04.000 whatever grief we're going through, 00:19:04.320 --> 00:19:06.299 whatever we're facing 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.039 in this world, 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:08.759 despite it all, 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:09.660 and God doesn't take 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.640 those problems away. 00:19:11.400 --> 00:19:12.440 But when we reflect 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:13.420 on all that we have 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:14.140 in the Lord Jesus, 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:15.540 that we're a people 00:19:15.540 --> 00:19:16.779 who have been forgiven by God, 00:19:16.840 --> 00:19:17.620 that all our sins 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:18.400 have been washed away, 00:19:18.600 --> 00:19:19.380 that as far as the East 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:19.920 is from the West, 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.460 so far as he removed 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:22.519 our transgressions from us, 00:19:22.680 --> 00:19:23.660 that he's written our name 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:24.519 in the Lamb's Book of Life, 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:25.400 that he's given us 00:19:25.400 --> 00:19:26.019 eternal life, 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.320 that we're going to be with him 00:19:27.320 --> 00:19:28.120 in glory forever, 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:29.720 one day when he comes again 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.640 or calls us home, 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:31.960 that we have an inheritance, 00:19:32.080 --> 00:19:32.860 that we belong to him, 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:34.259 that can never be taken away. 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:36.080 We're in the Father, 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:37.100 we're sealed by the Son, 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:38.400 we're sealed by the Spirit, 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.460 the Son of the Father 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:40.400 have us in their hands, 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.620 we can never be snatched 00:19:41.620 --> 00:19:42.500 out of their hands. 00:19:43.620 --> 00:19:44.160 Brothers and sisters, 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:44.559 this morning, 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:46.100 that should be filling us 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:47.680 with an inexpressible 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:48.680 and glorious joy 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:50.980 despite our circumstances. 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:52.079 Now, it's not a false 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:52.940 outward smile, 00:19:53.340 --> 00:19:54.220 it's not a pretense 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:55.400 that we have no problems, 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.120 it's saying that 00:19:57.120 --> 00:19:57.680 in the midst 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.519 of our difficulties, 00:19:58.680 --> 00:19:59.700 in the midst of our trials, 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:01.319 in the midst of our suffering, 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:02.039 as Peter writes 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.720 to these believers, 00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:05.220 that they can still have 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:07.259 a deep inward joy, 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.519 that goes out into a world 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:10.480 of darkness, 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.460 and hopelessness, 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:13.779 and pain, 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:15.180 and suffering, 00:20:16.600 --> 00:20:17.620 and says, 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:19.579 we can declare his praises 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:21.700 even in the midst 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:23.600 of our difficulties. 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.059 Like he says, 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.279 and we read earlier 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.579 in chapter 2, 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:30.860 declaring his praises, 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.819 who's called us 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:32.799 out of darkness 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:34.779 into his wonderful light. 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.399 We can go out 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:38.159 on mission 00:20:38.159 --> 00:20:40.519 and tell people 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.240 the wonder 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.279 of our God 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:44.700 because of who he is 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.039 and what he's done 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:47.419 in our lives. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:49.000 And even those 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:50.279 trials 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.779 and persecutions 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.419 and problems 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:53.079 that come our way, 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.240 God has a way 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.319 as only God can 00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:56.379 of using them 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.500 to hone 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.659 and shape 00:20:58.659 --> 00:21:00.799 and make our faith 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.980 even more precious 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.879 than it is now 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:04.599 because only he 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:05.200 has the power 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.639 to do that. 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.819 He can take trials 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:07.720 and difficulties 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.460 and use them 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.299 for our good. 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:10.619 Look at Romans chapter 5 00:21:10.619 --> 00:21:11.180 for a moment 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:13.000 as we come to a close. 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:19.879 We're probably all very familiar 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:20.680 with verse 1. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.480 Therefore, 00:21:22.659 --> 00:21:23.639 since we have been justified 00:21:23.639 --> 00:21:24.299 through faith, 00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:25.399 we have peace with God 00:21:25.399 --> 00:21:26.960 through our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.919 through whom we have gained 00:21:27.919 --> 00:21:29.119 access by faith 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:30.339 into this grace 00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:31.539 in which we now stand. 00:21:31.959 --> 00:21:32.799 And we boast 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.359 in the hope 00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:34.399 of the glory of God. 00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:35.559 But look what he says 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.039 in verse 3. 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.899 Not only so, 00:21:37.419 --> 00:21:38.419 but we also glory 00:21:38.419 --> 00:21:39.459 in our sufferings 00:21:39.459 --> 00:21:40.559 because we know 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:41.220 that suffering 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.500 produces perseverance, 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.159 perseverance character 00:21:44.159 --> 00:21:45.559 and character hope. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.720 And hope does not 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.399 put us to shame 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:48.459 because God's love 00:21:48.459 --> 00:21:49.559 has been poured out 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:50.220 into our hearts 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.199 through the Holy Spirit 00:21:51.199 --> 00:21:52.319 who has been given 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.519 to us. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:57.899 None of us want suffering. 00:21:58.959 --> 00:21:59.359 None of us, 00:21:59.359 --> 00:21:59.899 I'm sure tonight 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:00.559 are going to pray, 00:22:00.699 --> 00:22:00.939 Lord, 00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:01.879 send persecution 00:22:01.879 --> 00:22:02.379 to Ireland. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.299 We just long 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:03.819 for a bit more, 00:22:03.979 --> 00:22:04.139 right? 00:22:04.179 --> 00:22:04.539 We're not going 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.000 to pray that, 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.339 are we? 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:07.759 But in the midst 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.399 of our trials, 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:09.799 in the midst 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.399 of our difficulties, 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:10.759 in the midst 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.399 of our sufferings, 00:22:11.719 --> 00:22:12.939 God can even use 00:22:12.939 --> 00:22:13.839 those things 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.799 to deepen 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:16.220 and sharpen 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.519 our faith 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:19.299 and make it 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.359 even more genuine. 00:22:20.659 --> 00:22:21.460 He says in verse 7, 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.200 these have come 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:23.240 that the proven 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:24.419 genuineness of your faith 00:22:24.419 --> 00:22:25.259 of greater worth 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:25.740 than gold 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:26.419 which perishes 00:22:26.419 --> 00:22:27.299 even though refined 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:27.899 by fire 00:22:27.899 --> 00:22:29.379 may ultimately result 00:22:29.379 --> 00:22:30.079 in praise, 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.220 glory and honour 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.799 when Jesus Christ 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:34.839 is revealed. 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.180 Brothers and sisters, 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:37.819 this morning, 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.440 if we're living 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.720 under the mercy of God, 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.860 if we're living 00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:44.720 in that great hope 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.759 of knowing 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.180 that we have 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:47.079 a risen saviour, 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:47.740 of knowing 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:48.220 that we have 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.240 a lasting inheritance, 00:22:49.620 --> 00:22:49.980 of knowing 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.779 that we're being kept 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.799 by the power 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.620 of God, 00:22:54.380 --> 00:22:55.100 then this morning 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:55.960 we can rejoice 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:56.640 in Him 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.720 and we should be 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:59.339 people of joy 00:22:59.339 --> 00:23:01.299 and we should be able 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:01.640 to go out 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:02.360 into a world 00:23:02.360 --> 00:23:03.420 full of pain 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.299 and difficulty 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:06.380 and speak to them 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.319 of our saviour 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.839 who's given us 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:09.460 this joy, 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.480 point them 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.259 to Him. 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:13.079 And the glorious thing is 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.059 in the midst of our pain, 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:15.240 in the midst of our trials, 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:16.039 in the midst of our difficulties, 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.000 get to the end 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.240 of 1 Peter, 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.519 you come to chapter 5 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:20.099 and verse 7 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:20.660 where he says, 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:23.200 cast all your cares 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.420 upon Him 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:26.860 because He cares 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:28.799 for you. 00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:31.400 And I ask you this morning, 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.240 do you have 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:34.059 this joy? 00:23:35.380 --> 00:23:36.400 Are you rejoicing 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:36.880 in the fact 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:37.400 that you're part 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:37.860 of the people 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:38.500 who belong 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.640 to God? 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.920 Are you going 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.420 to go out 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.059 tomorrow 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:44.839 not in your own strength, 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.140 not 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:46.860 conjuring up 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:48.059 something within you 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:48.799 but in God, 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.920 with God's strength 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:51.039 and by His grace 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:52.460 and the enabling 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.420 of His Spirit 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:55.680 to go and declare 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.519 the praise of Him 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.120 who called you 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:57.779 out of darkness 00:23:57.779 --> 00:24:00.120 into His marvelous light? 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:02.439 You see, 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.819 mission 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:04.739 is not going 00:24:04.739 --> 00:24:05.539 and telling other people 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.599 how wonderful we are. 00:24:08.219 --> 00:24:08.919 It's going 00:24:08.919 --> 00:24:09.659 and telling people 00:24:09.659 --> 00:24:10.679 who Jesus is 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:12.759 and what He has done. 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:14.819 And our circumstances 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.659 can either make us 00:24:15.659 --> 00:24:15.959 bitter 00:24:15.959 --> 00:24:17.819 or better. 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:20.379 Remember the servant girl 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:22.599 Naaman's time? 00:24:23.479 --> 00:24:24.079 We don't even know 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.479 her name. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:27.660 She was captured, 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:29.640 taken from a homeland. 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.079 She was effectively 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:31.720 a slave. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.299 She had every reason 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.000 to be bitter 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:35.099 and angry 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:36.319 with God, 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:37.720 with her circumstances, 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.400 what was going on 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:39.920 in her life. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.420 But rather than allowing 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.279 that to make her bitter, 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:45.000 it made her better. 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.140 And even 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:48.360 to the leader 00:24:48.360 --> 00:24:50.000 of her enemies, 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:52.140 she was given 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:52.640 the grace 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.380 to point Him 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:55.140 to the one true God 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:56.960 who could ultimately 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.740 see Him healed 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:59.160 and restored. 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.160 We have 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:03.599 mysteries in Spain. 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:06.059 The Reed family 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:07.259 who live up in Barcelona. 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:08.700 It's in the news a lot. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.839 Andrew Reed's involved 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:12.460 in training pastors 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:13.039 in Spain. 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:17.319 The Federation of Churches 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:19.240 we are linked to 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.660 in Spain 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:20.380 called the Federation 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:21.060 of Independent 00:25:21.060 --> 00:25:22.600 Evangelical Churches. 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.800 Only about a third 00:25:23.800 --> 00:25:24.340 of those churches 00:25:24.340 --> 00:25:25.279 have their own pastor. 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:27.540 But two thirds don't. 00:25:28.300 --> 00:25:29.320 A lot of those pastors 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:30.200 have not been trained. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.560 They've just, 00:25:31.960 --> 00:25:32.380 I suppose, 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.380 they may even be 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:33.940 just the pastor 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:34.779 because nobody else 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.680 wants to be the pastor. 00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:38.420 And Andrew Reed's involved 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.360 in training men 00:25:39.360 --> 00:25:41.360 in pastor ministry, 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.140 training men 00:25:42.140 --> 00:25:43.080 and preaching 00:25:43.080 --> 00:25:45.259 across the land of Spain 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:45.759 in partnership 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.279 with Langham, 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:47.180 partnership 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:48.540 and other agencies 00:25:48.540 --> 00:25:49.019 as well. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:50.099 So pray for them 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:51.180 as they seek to equip 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.359 men and women 00:25:52.359 --> 00:25:53.139 in Spain for preaching. 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.759 Right down the very 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:54.440 south of Spain 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.480 we have a couple 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:58.099 called Andrew Rosali Elliot. 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.039 Rosali is from Brazil 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:01.759 and they work 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.440 in a place called 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.019 Algatherus 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:04.059 which is a big port 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.500 in the south of Spain 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.500 and a lot of their 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.119 work is involved 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:07.579 in reaching people 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:08.460 from a Muslim background 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:10.500 and they have a 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.019 children's club 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:11.660 in different ways, 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.240 homework clubs 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:12.799 and different things 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.160 of reaching 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:14.359 into that area. 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:15.259 and they're seeking 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:15.679 to reach into 00:26:15.679 --> 00:26:16.299 a new town 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:16.779 in Spain 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:18.059 called Medina Sidonia 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.500 so it's a bit 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.199 like Caratul 00:26:19.199 --> 00:26:21.399 an area in Spain 00:26:21.399 --> 00:26:22.259 a town in Spain 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:23.939 but 45 minutes away 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:24.439 from where 00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.359 the church is 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.079 in Agatherus 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:27.459 and where that town 00:26:27.459 --> 00:26:28.319 is in Medina Sidonia 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:29.539 there are four other towns 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.219 you're standing 00:26:30.219 --> 00:26:30.799 on the hilltop 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.579 in Medina Sidonia 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.779 there are four other towns 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.399 you can look down 00:26:33.399 --> 00:26:33.759 and see 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.559 where there's no 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:35.799 Bible believing church 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:36.439 as well 00:26:36.439 --> 00:26:37.319 so from that place 00:26:37.319 --> 00:26:38.079 they'd love to see 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:39.740 more churches 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.259 being planted. 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:41.960 Sometimes God 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:42.480 brings people 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:42.879 into mission 00:26:42.879 --> 00:26:43.599 in different ways 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:44.819 we had a couple 00:26:44.819 --> 00:26:45.579 and they're young 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:46.599 their name is young 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.700 they don't look old enough 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.519 to be legally married 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.420 in my opinion 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.680 they're so young looking 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:52.940 but they came to me 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:53.640 about a year ago 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:53.940 and said 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:54.440 Mervyn we've been 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:54.879 really burdened 00:26:54.879 --> 00:26:55.240 for Spain 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:55.740 we've been there 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:56.220 on teams 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.319 served God there 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:58.119 we don't want to go 00:26:58.119 --> 00:26:58.859 as missionaries 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.720 we don't want to 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.599 cause Baptist missions 00:27:00.599 --> 00:27:00.920 or anything 00:27:00.920 --> 00:27:01.720 we want to go 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.240 we want to go 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:02.839 as tent makers 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:04.940 and so in the goodness 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:05.379 of God 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:06.440 they moved to Spain 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.859 he got a job 00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:08.859 teaching French 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:10.839 in Gibraltar 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:12.539 so only God 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.039 can do that 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.479 have somebody 00:27:13.479 --> 00:27:14.099 go to Spain 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.500 but actually 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.240 teaching French 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:16.219 he teaches a bit 00:27:16.219 --> 00:27:17.000 of Spanish as well 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:18.539 and his wife 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.639 is a physiotherapist 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:20.219 she got a job 00:27:20.219 --> 00:27:20.899 in Gibraltar as well 00:27:20.899 --> 00:27:21.579 so God's provided 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.000 for them 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.000 they set up home 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:24.240 in Agathiris 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.119 their hope is 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:26.679 they're being involved 00:27:26.679 --> 00:27:27.079 in the church 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.639 but they also want 00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:28.019 to reach out 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:28.839 into a new community 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:30.059 where there's no church 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:31.219 and so be part 00:27:31.219 --> 00:27:32.179 possibly of a new 00:27:32.179 --> 00:27:32.879 church plan 00:27:32.879 --> 00:27:33.699 in that area as well 00:27:33.699 --> 00:27:34.459 we also have 00:27:34.459 --> 00:27:35.099 a mystery couple 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:36.559 at the other end 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.179 of the age spectrum 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:38.419 or a non-identified couple 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.100 as we're calling them 00:27:39.100 --> 00:27:40.920 who have taken 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:41.680 early retirement 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:42.900 but because of their involvement 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.740 in other parts of the world 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:44.180 in the past 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.940 they've asked us not to 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:46.019 put their names out there 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.680 in the public arena 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.900 so you won't find their names 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.600 in the magazine 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:49.620 or prayer news 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:50.000 or anything 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:51.100 but there are a couple 00:27:51.100 --> 00:27:51.680 who came and said 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:51.940 listen 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:53.220 we don't want to just sit 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:54.000 and vegetate 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.180 in our local church 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:56.140 there's too many people 00:27:56.140 --> 00:27:56.960 in it already anyway 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:57.740 we want to go 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.460 and serve God 00:27:58.460 --> 00:27:59.279 somewhere else 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.640 and so 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:01.180 they sold up 00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:02.740 moved to Spain 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:04.080 they don't have any Spanish 00:28:04.080 --> 00:28:04.860 so you can pray for them 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.800 as they go through 00:28:05.800 --> 00:28:06.519 language learning 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:07.980 but they just begun 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.460 to get to know people 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.579 meet people for coffee 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.099 and so forth 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:11.639 and here's the way 00:28:11.639 --> 00:28:12.500 God works 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.379 in his grace 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:13.980 and his sovereignty 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.240 the only place 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.259 they could find to rent 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.839 in Medina Sidonia 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:19.420 there was no other place available 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:20.819 all the estate agents 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.440 said we don't have 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:22.460 plenty of stuff to sell 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:23.500 nothing to rent 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:25.220 one place available to rent 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.839 and they moved into 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.960 an upstairs flat 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:29.740 they got to know 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.420 their landlady 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.299 came down 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.639 to speak to her 00:28:32.639 --> 00:28:33.160 one day 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:33.980 and discovered 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:34.859 that their landlady 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.579 had a bible 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:38.219 on her shelf 00:28:38.219 --> 00:28:39.599 and she actually 00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:40.459 reads it as well 00:28:40.459 --> 00:28:41.579 and something like 00:28:41.579 --> 00:28:43.099 20 odd years ago 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:45.159 a man from Puerto Rico 00:28:45.159 --> 00:28:46.559 gave that lady 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.599 he'd lived in that flat 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.919 in the past 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:51.119 and he'd given that lady 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:52.159 a bible 00:28:52.159 --> 00:28:53.399 and so 00:28:53.399 --> 00:28:54.259 that couple 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.019 had begun to meet 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:56.059 with the landlady 00:28:56.059 --> 00:28:56.579 and her husband 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:58.519 because she's interested 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.259 in knowing more 00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:00.179 about the bible 00:29:00.179 --> 00:29:00.639 now again 00:29:00.639 --> 00:29:01.359 only God 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:02.599 can take people 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.179 from Ireland 00:29:03.179 --> 00:29:04.899 to an inland town 00:29:04.899 --> 00:29:05.459 in Spain 00:29:05.459 --> 00:29:07.359 lead them to a place 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:08.339 where maybe 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.179 the only person 00:29:09.179 --> 00:29:09.619 in the town 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:10.299 maybe not 00:29:10.299 --> 00:29:11.059 but the only person 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:11.379 certainly 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:13.079 who had a house 00:29:13.079 --> 00:29:14.319 available to rent 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:15.659 and the lady 00:29:15.659 --> 00:29:17.119 had already been in touch 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:18.179 with a believer 00:29:18.179 --> 00:29:18.819 would you pray 00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:19.740 that the light 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.539 of the gospel 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.539 as they seek to shine 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.000 the light 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.639 of the gospel 00:29:22.639 --> 00:29:23.399 as they seek to bring 00:29:23.399 --> 00:29:24.319 that living hope 00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:25.719 of a risen saviour 00:29:25.719 --> 00:29:26.619 to the people 00:29:26.619 --> 00:29:27.519 in Medina Sidonia 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.859 that God would work 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:29.819 through them 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:31.319 and in them 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:32.559 for the furthest 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.139 of his kingdom 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:34.059 and the glory 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.319 of his name 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.539 thank you John 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:38.680 level 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.639 .