WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.019 This morning we gather to worship God together and as we prepare our hearts to sing praise to the Lord, let me read to you this verse from the Psalter. 00:00:08.019 --> 00:00:15.820 ! Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Let us worship him together. 00:00:16.019 --> 00:00:22.240 Singing to his praise from Sing Psalms, Psalm 95, page 126 in our blue psalm books. 00:00:22.780 --> 00:00:28.420 Psalm 95, page 126. Singing from the beginning to verse 7 to the tune St Daniel. 00:00:28.420 --> 00:00:33.900 O come, let us joyfully sing to the Lord, to the rock of salvation that does raise our voice. 00:00:33.900 --> 00:00:40.920 Let us come before him expressing our thanks. Let us with loud singing praise him and rejoice. 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:44.260 Psalm 95, we'll sing to verse 7 and we'll stand together. 00:00:50.260 --> 00:00:58.160 O come, let us joyfully sing to the Lord. 00:00:58.420 --> 00:01:06.219 Pure of salvation, let us praise our voice. 00:01:06.219 --> 00:01:14.359 Let us come before him expressing our thanks. 00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:22.939 Let us with loud singing praise him and rejoice. 00:01:22.939 --> 00:01:24.939 The Lord is the Lord. 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:32.280 The Lord is the great God, King of and of God. 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:40.620 The earth, he lets places, he holds in his hand. 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:49.099 The eyes of the mountains belong to the Lord. 00:01:49.099 --> 00:01:51.099 The oceans and rivers, he holds in his hand. 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:58.019 The oceans and rivers can be formed that I am. 00:01:58.019 --> 00:02:06.780 Come, let us bow humbly and worship the Lord. 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:15.199 Let us kneel before him, our making of in prayer. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:23.199 For he and his people, and he is our God. 00:02:24.199 --> 00:02:32.659 He shepherds and leads us in his loving care. 00:02:32.659 --> 00:02:38.240 We'll bow in prayer together. 00:02:38.359 --> 00:02:38.939 Let us pray. 00:02:40.740 --> 00:02:46.900 Our Lord and our God, this Sunday morning we bow before you and give thanks that this is where we are found. 00:02:47.439 --> 00:02:53.659 We thank you for the opportunity we have once more to join together, to sing praise to the living God, 00:02:53.659 --> 00:03:00.740 to bow in prayer, to open our Bibles and explore the good news of Jesus Christ and him crucified. 00:03:00.740 --> 00:03:03.259 It is in his name that we gather this morning. 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:09.900 We bless and thank you, Lord, for the good news that draws us here, for the living, risen, reigning Redeemer, 00:03:10.219 --> 00:03:15.060 the one who gave himself for us, the one through whom we have peace with God. 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:22.300 We thank you that the New Testament reveals to us the son of your love, the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley, 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:30.500 the one who is all together, who is all sufficient, all knowing, through whom and by whom all things were made. 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:34.420 Lord, we bow in adoration, in thanksgiving. 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:41.699 We praise your name for the wonder of the gospel, for the finished work of your son, the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross, 00:03:41.699 --> 00:03:52.259 for the empty grave that declared to one and to all that his sacrifice in our place was sufficient and acceptable in your sight. 00:03:52.799 --> 00:03:58.479 And so, Lord, we gather this morning and ask for your blessing on your word and the forgiveness of our sin. 00:03:58.899 --> 00:04:02.719 And everything we ask is for Jesus' sake. Amen. 00:04:04.419 --> 00:04:07.919 Now, boys and girls, good morning, especially to you. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:11.199 I know you go out after the next singing for Sunday school. 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:15.419 I hope you really enjoy that and that things go well as you explore together the Bible. 00:04:15.819 --> 00:04:20.539 And when you go off to children's church or Sunday school or Bible class, 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:23.680 what you're doing there is exactly what we're doing in here. 00:04:23.740 --> 00:04:28.919 We're exploring the Bible to understand more and more about Jesus and who he is. 00:04:28.919 --> 00:04:33.759 I want to tell you something about Jesus, about something that he noticed. 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:35.980 That's what I want you to think about today. 00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:38.339 Something Jesus noticed. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:43.980 Now, last week, Aileen and I were over in Aberdeen and the East Coast. 00:04:44.060 --> 00:04:46.680 If you've been to Aberdeen, you'll know usually it's freezing cold over there. 00:04:46.980 --> 00:04:49.579 But for once, it was actually, like today, really warm. 00:04:49.639 --> 00:04:53.599 And we're outside having a coffee on the Esplanade, the beach. 00:04:53.779 --> 00:04:55.779 Usually down that way, freezing. 00:04:55.959 --> 00:04:57.959 But the other day, really nice and warm. 00:04:58.120 --> 00:04:59.060 Outside having a coffee. 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:01.279 Table, four chairs, Aileen and I. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:09.399 And as we're having a coffee, a wee sparrow just came down out of nowhere and landed in the chair right beside me. 00:05:10.299 --> 00:05:11.859 And I was quite surprised. 00:05:11.959 --> 00:05:16.959 Because usually, you know, wild birds, they're quite timid and shy and they stay away from people. 00:05:17.079 --> 00:05:18.000 But not this wee guy. 00:05:19.159 --> 00:05:20.099 Straight on there. 00:05:20.699 --> 00:05:23.179 I could have shaken his wing. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:24.500 He was right there. 00:05:24.500 --> 00:05:27.879 And he had probably checked out what we were doing. 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:28.959 Checked out what we were doing. 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:29.759 Having a look around. 00:05:29.860 --> 00:05:30.360 Any crumbs. 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:31.040 Any leftovers. 00:05:31.959 --> 00:05:32.779 Took off. 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:34.240 That was quite amazing. 00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:36.019 Because usually, they're so timid. 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:37.259 They don't come so close. 00:05:37.339 --> 00:05:38.160 A wee sparrow. 00:05:38.279 --> 00:05:40.819 Sometimes, they're around and we don't notice them. 00:05:40.920 --> 00:05:42.819 Because they're so common, aren't they? 00:05:42.899 --> 00:05:43.839 We see them everywhere. 00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:46.459 And that really stuck in my mind. 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:51.060 And it made me think about sparrows being mentioned in the Bible. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:52.039 And they are. 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:57.819 In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus is teaching and encouraging his disciples. 00:05:58.099 --> 00:06:01.479 Because they were getting a bit sensitive to criticism. 00:06:01.859 --> 00:06:03.019 Sensitive to opposition. 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:05.379 There were people out there who didn't like Jesus. 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:06.659 They didn't support Jesus. 00:06:07.039 --> 00:06:08.539 They didn't want to hear what he had to say. 00:06:08.539 --> 00:06:11.539 And they were beginning to really get quite vocal. 00:06:12.219 --> 00:06:13.740 They were really opposing him. 00:06:13.740 --> 00:06:16.360 And the disciples, it was showing in them. 00:06:16.660 --> 00:06:19.780 And Jesus teaches them not to fear. 00:06:20.300 --> 00:06:21.379 Not to be afraid. 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:22.600 Not to be uncertain. 00:06:22.920 --> 00:06:25.120 And he says to them at one point in this chapter, 00:06:25.460 --> 00:06:28.180 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:33.280 Not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your father. 00:06:34.060 --> 00:06:37.379 But even the hairs of your head are numbered. 00:06:38.379 --> 00:06:39.420 Fear not. 00:06:39.420 --> 00:06:44.040 Therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.860 Jesus is telling us today that when we put our trust in him. 00:06:49.340 --> 00:06:51.240 When we become Christians. 00:06:51.340 --> 00:06:53.200 When we ask Jesus into our hearts. 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:56.319 We become so precious to him. 00:06:56.780 --> 00:06:57.680 We are valued. 00:06:58.020 --> 00:07:01.480 He says, you are of more value than many sparrows. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:06.560 And not one of them will ever fall to the ground without your father knowing. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:09.620 But you are of more value than many sparrows. 00:07:09.899 --> 00:07:10.720 And that's amazing. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:13.780 And then there's another chapter, just to finish this morning. 00:07:14.220 --> 00:07:18.300 Back in the Old Testament, in Isaiah chapter 40 and verse 11, 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:22.500 We get another picture of how God looks after his people. 00:07:22.759 --> 00:07:23.279 Listen to this. 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:26.920 Chapter 40 in Isaiah is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. 00:07:27.480 --> 00:07:29.060 The greatness of God. 00:07:29.220 --> 00:07:29.980 His power. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:30.560 His majesty. 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:34.040 That he reigns and is supreme in every way. 00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:35.620 That's what the chapter is all about. 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:38.939 But listen to what it says about how God looks after his people. 00:07:39.140 --> 00:07:40.640 Right in the middle of that chapter. 00:07:41.840 --> 00:07:44.260 He will tend his flock like a shepherd. 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:48.620 He will gather the lambs in his arms. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:50.620 He will carry them. 00:07:51.439 --> 00:07:54.759 And gently lead those that are with young. 00:07:55.900 --> 00:07:57.200 A little sparrow. 00:07:58.140 --> 00:07:59.300 And a baby lamb. 00:08:00.100 --> 00:08:01.140 Pictures in the Bible. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:03.439 Of how God views his people. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:06.219 And that, children, is not for grown-ups. 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.419 That's for you. 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:13.199 Because Jesus said, unless you become like a child, you won't ever go to heaven. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.699 That means we have to just trust with all our heart. 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:18.419 That's an invitation to one and all today. 00:08:18.479 --> 00:08:19.300 The whole of Stornoway. 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:19.939 The whole of Lewis. 00:08:20.039 --> 00:08:20.719 The whole of Scotland. 00:08:21.339 --> 00:08:22.259 To come to Jesus. 00:08:22.919 --> 00:08:24.000 And when we do that, 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:27.839 we become precious and so valuable. 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:30.959 Little sparrows and baby lambs. 00:08:31.199 --> 00:08:33.740 Reminding us of God's love for us. 00:08:34.120 --> 00:08:35.159 Which we see in Jesus. 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:39.860 Well, we'll see together at this point in our service. 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:41.200 The Lord's Prayer. 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:43.399 Before singing again to God's praise. 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:44.299 Let's pray together. 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:46.740 Our Father, who art in heaven. 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:48.500 Hallowed be your name. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:50.120 Your kingdom come. 00:08:50.679 --> 00:08:51.620 Your will be done. 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:53.419 As it is in heaven. 00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:55.939 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:58.059 And forgive us our trespasses. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.519 As we forgive those who trespass against us. 00:09:00.939 --> 00:09:02.019 Lead us not into temptation. 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:03.699 But deliver us from evil. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:06.519 For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:07.779 Forever and ever. 00:09:08.319 --> 00:09:08.740 Amen. 00:09:08.740 --> 00:09:13.539 I will sing to God's praise from Psalm 84 in this altar. 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:16.080 Psalm 84, singing from the beginning. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:19.360 Page 338 in our blue psalm books. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:25.960 Page 338. 00:09:26.799 --> 00:09:30.299 How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts, to me. 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:33.779 The tabernacles of thy grace, how pleasant, Lord, they be. 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:36.080 My thirsty soul longs vehemently. 00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:38.060 Ye faints thy courts to see. 00:09:38.059 --> 00:09:41.759 My very heart and flesh cry out, O living God, for thee. 00:09:41.919 --> 00:09:44.639 Behold, this sparrow findeth out in house. 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:50.119 Who are in to rest, the swallow also for herself hath purchased a nest. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:52.379 We'll sing from the beginning to the end of verse 6. 00:09:52.739 --> 00:09:53.899 And we'll stand to sing. 00:09:53.899 --> 00:09:53.979 Amen. 00:09:53.980 --> 00:10:09.159 How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts, to me. 00:10:09.159 --> 00:10:19.159 The tabernacles of thy grace, how blessed, Lord, they be. 00:10:19.159 --> 00:10:25.159 My thirsty soul longs vehemently. 00:10:25.159 --> 00:10:27.159 Ye fathom, O Lord of hosts, to me. 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:41.159 My very heart and flesh cry out, O living God, for thee. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:52.799 Behold, this sparrow findeth out, and earth's within to rest. 00:10:52.799 --> 00:11:02.799 God's swallow also for herself hath virgin said and nest. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:13.799 In thy new waters, where she say, our young ones forfeited. 00:11:13.799 --> 00:11:24.799 O come, O Lord of hosts, who art my Lord and King. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:35.799 Lest are they in thy heart, which I dwell, they ever give thee faith. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:46.799 Lest is the one who strength thou art, in whose heart are thy ways. 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:56.799 Who passing through, O faith thou'st, in whose heart are thy ways. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:12:08.799 O soul, the rain that falleth down, thy fools with water fill. 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:14.799 O soul, the rain that falleth down, thy thy way. 00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:17.939 We'll read from God's Word together this morning from the New Testament. 00:12:17.939 --> 00:12:22.759 First of all, from the Acts of the Apostles, the book of the Acts of the Apostles, reading 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.839 in chapter 17. 00:12:24.659 --> 00:12:30.240 And then we'll turn forward in our Bibles to read from the second letter to the Thessalonians 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:34.259 and the first few verses of that letter. 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:43.299 Acts 17 and then 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. In Acts 17 we break into the account of what we 00:12:43.299 --> 00:12:50.899 today refer to as the second missionary journey where Paul and Silas, Timothy and at some stage 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:57.679 Luke begin to bring the gospel around the Mediterranean basin at that time and across 00:12:57.679 --> 00:13:05.219 of course into Europe. We'll read from chapter 17. When they had passed through Amphipolis and 00:13:05.219 --> 00:13:11.959 Apollonia they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews and Paul went in as was his 00:13:11.959 --> 00:13:18.019 custom and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the scriptures explaining and proving 00:13:18.019 --> 00:13:24.859 that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead saying this Jesus who 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:31.440 I proclaim to you is the Christ. Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:37.879 great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women but the Jews were jealous and taking 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:43.220 some wicked men of the rabble they formed a mob set the city in an uproar and attacked the house of 00:13:43.220 --> 00:13:49.240 Jason seeking to bring them out to the crowd. When they could not find them they dragged Jason and some 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:54.840 of the brothers before the city authorities shouting these men who have turned the world upside 00:13:54.840 --> 00:14:01.040 down have come here also and Jason has received them and they are all acting against the decrees of 00:14:01.040 --> 00:14:06.920 Caesar saying there is another king Jesus and the people in the city authorities were disturbed when 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:12.360 they heard these things and when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest they let 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:19.500 them go. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea and when they arrived they 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:26.039 went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica they received 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:33.200 the word with all eagerness examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:40.259 therefore believed but not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from 00:14:40.259 --> 00:14:46.860 Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also they came there too 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:52.960 agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea 00:14:52.960 --> 00:14:58.759 but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:04.200 and after receiving a command from Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible 00:15:04.200 --> 00:15:11.759 they departed. And if we turn forward in our Bibles to the second letter to the Thessalonians 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:22.500 we jump forward several months. We're not entirely sure of the timelines but some time has passed since 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:28.700 these events in Act 17 and now several months later and several hundred miles away from the city of 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:35.720 Corinth Paul writes to these Christians to teach them and encourage them to remind them of who they are 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:44.940 and whose they are. 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 Paul, Silas and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:48.080 in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:51.399 grace to you and peace from God our Father 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:56.680 and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you brothers 00:15:56.680 --> 00:16:00.560 as is right because your faith is growing abundantly 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:04.959 and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore 00:16:04.959 --> 00:16:08.779 we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:12.879 for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:16.799 and in the afflictions that you are enduring. 00:16:17.359 --> 00:16:20.739 Amen. May the Lord bless to our hearts 00:16:20.739 --> 00:16:24.759 his own word. We'll bow in prayer again together. Let us pray. 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:28.740 Our gracious Lord 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:36.019 we thank you that this Sunday morning we have once more the opportunity and privilege to gather around your word 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:41.419 and we bless and praise you that your word will do your work this day. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:44.580 We thank you Lord for the truths of scripture 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:51.379 for the wonder of the gospel in all its vastness and the scope and its source 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:54.779 and that here is the promise of life in Christ Jesus 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:59.159 and we hear in his own words the love and summons 00:16:59.159 --> 00:17:02.600 come to me and I will give you rest. 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:06.559 We bless you that we meet in the name of a living risen saviour 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:09.160 one who was dead and now is alive 00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:12.559 but we know it was not possible for death to hold him 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:15.799 and we know that the victory is ours through him 00:17:15.799 --> 00:17:20.159 and so we can say as every Christian ever since has said 00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:21.579 thanks be to God 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:25.220 who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:27.779 for the wages of sin is death 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:32.359 but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:17:32.879 --> 00:17:34.259 May the promise of life 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:36.940 in the name of our risen saviour 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:39.359 resonate in our hearts this morning 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:41.700 as we worship and spend this time together 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:42.740 gathered around your word. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:46.279 Lord we pray for the young ones who have left the service this morning 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:48.839 what a joy and encouragement it is to see 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:51.759 it's such a healthy strong youth work. 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:54.299 Lord we thank you for the work that's going on there 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.599 for the evident blessing 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:59.000 and for the fruit of the labour of the Sunday school teachers and others. 00:17:59.140 --> 00:18:02.200 We pray Lord for the teachers and parents and children 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:04.960 everyone involved in the Sunday school this morning. 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:07.940 Lord may the word take root in hearts and lives 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:10.200 and may the children come to know 00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:13.039 the wonder of the risen saviour for themselves. 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:15.660 We thank you that around our island this morning 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:17.140 there are many Sunday schools meeting 00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:19.920 and many teachers giving their time and energy 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:22.700 to reach out and explain 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:26.740 and teach the truths of scripture 00:18:26.740 --> 00:18:28.480 the love of Christ 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:30.660 the wonder and reality of the gospel. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:34.299 We pray Lord that your work would indeed be blessed today 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:36.880 around our nation and in the world. 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:38.940 We pray that the cause would prosper 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:40.560 through the preaching of the gospel 00:18:40.560 --> 00:18:44.160 that your people Lord here and elsewhere 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:48.500 would indeed be encouraged, nourished, built up in the faith. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:51.120 That there would be a harvest Lord 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:54.360 a harvest of prayer through the preaching of the word 00:18:54.360 --> 00:18:57.200 a response in repentance and faith 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:58.660 toward the one proclaimed 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:00.460 who is the centre of all 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.740 Jesus Christ 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:03.640 your son our saviour. 00:19:03.640 --> 00:19:06.180 Lord when we come to the cross 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:08.360 we can scarce take in what we see there 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:10.180 the son of God 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:11.800 perfect in holiness 00:19:11.800 --> 00:19:12.860 the redeemer 00:19:12.860 --> 00:19:15.680 the one who gave so much 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:16.660 the one who taught 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:17.840 and healed 00:19:17.840 --> 00:19:18.960 and touched 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:20.460 and instructed so many 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:22.340 crucified to death 00:19:22.340 --> 00:19:23.720 in the name of religion. 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:26.720 Lord these things are beyond us at times 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.200 and yet 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:30.400 we know that while deep and mysterious things 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.900 are revealed to us in the scripture 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:34.400 the heart of the gospel is plain 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:35.180 Christ 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.920 Jesus 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:37.620 came into the world 00:19:37.620 --> 00:19:39.039 to save sinners. 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:41.220 And may this message Lord 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:44.140 resound in our hearts and lives today 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:46.480 may we respond in song 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.519 and wonder 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:49.519 may we respond in worship 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.340 and praise 00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:51.460 and may we Lord from here 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:53.279 go on to witness this week ahead 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:55.100 to let the light of the gospel 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:56.299 shine in our hearts 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.980 in how we conduct ourselves 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:58.599 what we do 00:19:58.599 --> 00:19:59.759 and what we don't do 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.659 what we say 00:20:00.659 --> 00:20:01.619 and what we don't say 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:03.299 may our conduct Lord 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:05.279 be worthy of the gospel 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.879 of our Lord and Saviour. 00:20:06.959 --> 00:20:07.599 We pray Lord 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.480 that there would be a bright 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.679 shining witness 00:20:09.679 --> 00:20:10.579 from your people 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:11.819 across our island 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.879 this week to come 00:20:12.879 --> 00:20:14.919 that edified and encouraged 00:20:14.919 --> 00:20:15.919 through the word today 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:18.359 your people would go into the week ahead 00:20:18.359 --> 00:20:19.399 strong 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:20.819 convinced 00:20:20.819 --> 00:20:22.099 and through that 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.599 they would be themselves 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:25.259 convincing to others around them 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:26.119 for we know Lord 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:26.919 many people 00:20:26.919 --> 00:20:29.139 read the lives of the church 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:30.299 read the lives 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.980 of Christian men and women 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.879 and boys and girls 00:20:32.879 --> 00:20:33.959 and we pray 00:20:33.959 --> 00:20:35.259 that as they do 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:35.980 so they be moved 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.819 to read the Bible 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.539 for themselves 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:39.139 and come to know 00:20:39.139 --> 00:20:40.579 the God of the word. 00:20:41.179 --> 00:20:42.099 We pray Lord today 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:43.419 then for your blessing 00:20:43.419 --> 00:20:44.619 to rest upon us here 00:20:44.619 --> 00:20:45.159 we pray for 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:46.659 the work of the congregation 00:20:46.659 --> 00:20:48.240 from the youngest 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.039 the oldest 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:50.279 for all the activities 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.619 all the plans 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:52.259 being made 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:53.939 all the preparations 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.399 being made 00:20:54.399 --> 00:20:55.639 for a busy summer season 00:20:55.639 --> 00:20:56.619 here in the town 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.739 we pray Lord 00:20:57.739 --> 00:20:58.339 for the work 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.079 that goes on 00:20:59.079 --> 00:20:59.639 in the hall 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:01.259 day by day 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.359 so well used 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:03.119 and also for 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:03.879 the welcome 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.359 being made 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.259 to the cruise ships 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:05.919 on Fridays 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:06.459 that Lord 00:21:06.459 --> 00:21:06.939 there would be 00:21:06.939 --> 00:21:08.519 a real opportunity 00:21:08.519 --> 00:21:09.759 there to sow the seed 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:11.039 and to encourage visitors 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.639 as they come 00:21:11.639 --> 00:21:12.959 to look at the church 00:21:12.959 --> 00:21:14.079 and spend some time 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:14.759 on their holidays 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.559 we pray Lord 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.439 whoever you bring 00:21:16.439 --> 00:21:17.859 that you might bless 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.239 your word 00:21:18.239 --> 00:21:18.979 to their hearts 00:21:18.979 --> 00:21:19.939 bless those involved 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:20.720 in all the activities 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.400 of the congregation 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.759 at this time 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.580 be with Calamurdo 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.160 and Joanne 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:25.059 we pray for the elders 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:25.759 and deacons 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.720 we pray Lord 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.200 for everyone 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.100 and all the rotas 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:29.059 that are so crucial 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.240 to the functioning 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.140 of the congregation 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:32.220 because without rotas 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.860 things would 00:21:32.860 --> 00:21:34.660 very quickly fall apart 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.620 and we thank you Lord 00:21:35.620 --> 00:21:37.140 for the servant heartedness 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:38.000 of those who are willing 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:39.519 to make cups of tea 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.920 and make themselves available 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:42.480 and also to speak 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.059 about Jesus 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.920 as and when 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:45.360 these opportunities arise 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:46.460 so Lord 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.080 we wait on you 00:21:47.080 --> 00:21:47.620 this morning 00:21:47.619 --> 00:21:50.099 we bow in humble adoration 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:51.500 we bow Lord 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.599 in expectation 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.439 in anticipation 00:21:53.439 --> 00:21:55.379 as we open our Bibles 00:21:55.379 --> 00:21:56.579 and turn to the word 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.859 may the word speak 00:21:57.859 --> 00:21:58.719 to our hearts 00:21:58.719 --> 00:22:00.119 may we take Lord 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:00.659 on board 00:22:00.659 --> 00:22:02.199 what you would have us learn 00:22:02.199 --> 00:22:03.839 from the ancient church 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.659 in Thessalonica 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:06.459 that shining example 00:22:06.459 --> 00:22:07.879 of steadfastness 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:10.379 willingness to be identified 00:22:10.379 --> 00:22:11.699 with Christ 00:22:11.699 --> 00:22:14.039 and live for Christ 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.299 may we take heart 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.159 from their example 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:17.480 and may we go 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.240 and do likewise 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.000 this day 00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:20.880 Lord we commend to you 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:21.980 all those known 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:22.900 to the congregation 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:24.240 here we pray for those 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:25.440 who cannot be with us 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.820 those who are housebound 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:27.519 those recovering 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:28.800 from illness or surgery 00:22:28.800 --> 00:22:30.100 those in hospital 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:31.240 we pray Lord 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.960 for those who have been 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.519 laid aside 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.640 and would long 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.300 to be here 00:22:34.300 --> 00:22:35.019 but are unable 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:36.759 through very 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:38.120 may it be old age 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:38.779 or ailment 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:39.279 and illness 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.259 Lord be with them 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:42.100 and may those Lord 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:43.279 who are struggling 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.940 especially 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:45.820 may those who feel 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.740 the weight of life 00:22:46.740 --> 00:22:47.259 itself 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:48.799 be blessed Lord 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.700 by understanding 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.680 anew today 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:52.059 that underneath 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.700 are the everlasting arms 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:55.220 be with us this morning 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.500 accept our worship 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.460 hear our praise 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:58.299 and prayers 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.279 and draw near to us 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.519 Lord 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.480 cleanse us 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.480 forgive us 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.100 and renew us 00:23:02.100 --> 00:23:02.660 in the spirit 00:23:02.660 --> 00:23:04.200 and everything we ask 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:05.580 along with the forgiveness 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:06.240 of our sins 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:07.380 for Jesus sake 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.279 Amen 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:13.839 I will turn to 00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:14.859 the first psalm 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:16.019 and sing psalms 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.480 this morning 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.200 Psalm 1 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:17.879 version A 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:19.920 Psalm 1 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.539 version A 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:21.139 singing this 00:23:21.139 --> 00:23:22.519 psalm from the beginning 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.379 to the tune 00:23:23.379 --> 00:23:24.019 Bethesda 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:25.859 blessed is the one 00:23:25.859 --> 00:23:26.779 who turns away 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:28.160 from where the wicked walk 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.539 who does not stand 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:30.480 in sinners paths 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.240 or sit with those 00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:31.740 who mock 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:33.259 instead he finds 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.460 God's holy law 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.500 his joy 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.839 and great delight 00:23:36.839 --> 00:23:38.399 he makes the precepts 00:23:38.399 --> 00:23:39.019 of the Lord 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.099 his study 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:41.319 day and night 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.359 we'll sing this whole psalm 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:42.699 together 00:23:42.699 --> 00:23:43.759 we'll stand to sing 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:53.659 Blessed is the one 00:23:53.659 --> 00:23:57.439 who turns away 00:23:57.439 --> 00:24:05.879 from where the wicked walk 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:11.100 who does not stand 00:24:11.100 --> 00:24:15.880 in sinners paths 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:20.440 or sin with those 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:23.140 to mock 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:28.900 instead he finds 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:33.760 God's holy law 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:36.379 his joy 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:49.319 he makes the precepts 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:51.960 of the Lord 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:55.019 his study 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:59.539 day and night 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:01.659 Bum 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.659 --> 00:25:01.659 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:31.640 Bumbo Bumbo 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:41.660 I always be, God's own away. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:53.259 If they are mine, the child has flown away. 00:25:53.259 --> 00:26:04.259 They will not stand when judgment comes. 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:22.259 For with the righteous sin, it is the Lord who sees and knows. 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:41.460 The way that I just know, but those who live, I need the light. 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:48.259 The Lord will overdo. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:59.460 We'll turn together in God's word to the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians we read from earlier. 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:01.119 Second Thessalonians. 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:09.700 Maybe if you're able to keep an eye on Acts in chapter 17, because what we read of in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:17.180 what's described for us in Acts in chapter 17 is the planting of the church that these letters are written to. 00:27:18.120 --> 00:27:23.080 And we can tell from what happened, what's described for us in the Acts of the Apostles, 00:27:23.779 --> 00:27:29.900 that things were both blessed and encouraging and really quite amazing, 00:27:29.900 --> 00:27:34.940 but also there was problems and difficulties and opposition. 00:27:36.060 --> 00:27:37.420 There's real life here. 00:27:38.060 --> 00:27:43.980 And we've just sung together today in Psalm 1 of what it is the Lord looks for in each one of us. 00:27:44.080 --> 00:27:45.180 This turning away. 00:27:45.180 --> 00:28:03.380 What a wonderful way the Bible has to describe what it is to be a Christian. 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:12.560 It's a turning that's involved, a turning from the world, a turning from sin, and turning to Christ. 00:28:13.140 --> 00:28:16.500 Repentance and faith, and they are joined together. 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:21.120 And at that moment, newness of life breaks forth. 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:26.599 And that newness of life is described in Acts chapter 17, where, as Paul preached, 00:28:26.899 --> 00:28:31.019 we're not told very much about what happened in these few weeks he had, 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:34.319 possibly a couple of months at most in Thessalonica. 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:38.379 But we do know that from verse 3 in chapter 17 in Acts, 00:28:38.839 --> 00:28:43.259 this Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ. 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:49.379 Some were persuaded, and a great many of devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women. 00:28:49.379 --> 00:28:50.699 There were conversions. 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:55.459 There was repentance and faith as the gospel was preached. 00:28:56.159 --> 00:28:58.559 And that message was crystal clear. 00:28:58.699 --> 00:29:03.479 And we know it because even his enemies understood what was being proclaimed. 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:09.759 And we see that in how they reacted in the riot that ensued as they tried to extinguish the church 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:13.399 and have the apostles brought out and beaten if not executed. 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:16.659 And we find that they're described in verse 6. 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:20.419 These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:22.180 And Jason has received them. 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:24.759 And they're all acting against the decrees of Caesar. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.960 Saying what? 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:30.480 There is another king, Jesus. 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:39.039 And so we see in these two brief sentences the heart of apostolic preaching. 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:44.379 This Jesus is the king. 00:29:44.379 --> 00:29:47.379 And the Lord blessed that message. 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:51.900 And it's what we have in our hearts as hope today. 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:55.200 When we too proclaim and share and explain the gospel. 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:59.840 That the Lord will bless that explaining and preaching and declaring. 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:01.500 For this is his word. 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:08.119 And we are to share it faithfully, honestly, truthfully, patiently, and in love. 00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:14.419 And because Paul did that in Thessalonians, new life was brought forth and a church planted. 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:19.619 And here in the letter, second letter to the Thessalonians, he's writing to them to encourage them, 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:24.679 to keep them on track, to build up the faith which he hadn't had long enough with them. 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:25.799 He'd been forced to leave. 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:30.940 And we know from the Acts of the Apostles that Paul left the city under the cover of darkness 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:35.100 because of the threat of violence and aggression that was heavy in the air. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:42.039 The Jewish community in this ancient city were absolutely opposed to the gospel. 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:45.019 They were determined that Paul would suffer. 00:30:45.440 --> 00:30:51.140 And that anyone showing signs of interest in Christ would be mocked and humiliated if not thrown in prison. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:56.000 And they wanted the church destroyed at its very inception in that city. 00:30:56.400 --> 00:31:03.340 And we know that because we read on in Acts 17 and find that not only did they oppose the church bitterly in Thessalonica, 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:07.660 they went about 50 or 60 miles down the road to oppose it in Berea 00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:10.600 when they heard Paul had gone down there and was preaching. 00:31:10.600 --> 00:31:14.360 They were motivated in their opposition. 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:17.520 And so it is today. 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:25.339 And it shouldn't surprise us that the enemies and opponents of the gospel are motivated people and organisations 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:34.240 because they too today share the same example and mindset as the Jewish community these 2,000 years ago in that city at that time. 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:37.059 They want the gospel gone. 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:39.400 They want Christ removed. 00:31:39.660 --> 00:31:41.319 They want churches closed. 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.980 They want Christianity banished. 00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:47.099 And we see it and sense it and hear about it and feel it today. 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:50.000 So these Christians needed Paul. 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.120 They needed encouragement. 00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:55.259 And that's what they received when this letter finally arrived. 00:31:56.099 --> 00:31:57.299 Verse 3 puts it this way. 00:31:57.299 --> 00:32:01.740 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:04.559 because your faith is growing abundantly 00:32:04.559 --> 00:32:07.740 and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:14.420 Therefore, we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:18.940 in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are adjuring. 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:21.620 So Paul is writing to Christians. 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:26.960 He's now down the road in Corinth where he's been ministering for around 18 months, a year and a half. 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:32.740 But because of the news that's coming down from northern Greece down to the tip of the Isthmus 00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:33.880 where he was there in Corinth, 00:32:33.880 --> 00:32:36.720 he writes because he's hearing good things. 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:40.900 And he's hearing good things because we know Timothy went on a one-man mission 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:45.500 back up the road, back north to Thessalonica to see how they were fearing. 00:32:46.260 --> 00:32:48.180 And he came back with good news. 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:51.240 He came back to say, Paul, they're standing firm. 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:54.600 And that's the setting for 1 Thessalonians. 00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:58.800 And in chapter 1 and verse 3, we have this wonderful definition 00:32:58.800 --> 00:33:02.440 that Paul has been told about the nature of this church. 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:05.799 They are a church who are defined by a work of faith, 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:08.620 a labour of love and steadfastness of hope. 00:33:09.320 --> 00:33:11.680 And now here he is a few months later writing to them. 00:33:11.860 --> 00:33:16.740 And what we find is again another definition or description of the church in Thessalonica, 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:20.420 which is much to teach us today and I hope encourage us. 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:24.860 And especially you and your current situation as you work through things, 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:29.580 attempting to draw a period of vacancy to a conclusion. 00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:31.079 That's a testing time. 00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:33.279 That can be a challenging time. 00:33:33.879 --> 00:33:39.559 That can be a time where the world, the flesh and the devil can get in and sow havoc 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:41.960 and cause division and argument. 00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:45.579 So whenever the word vacancy appears in any church, 00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:47.579 be careful. 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:49.119 Be aware. 00:33:50.439 --> 00:33:51.339 Be in the word. 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:52.720 Be at worship. 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:54.599 Be at the means of grace. 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:56.879 Feed the spiritual life within you. 00:33:56.880 --> 00:34:01.160 Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might as you go through this together. 00:34:01.640 --> 00:34:08.280 And I think because of that reality or that situation that you're facing at the moment as a congregation, 00:34:08.780 --> 00:34:11.099 there's much for us here in this passage. 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.820 Because it tells us two things. 00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:14.240 If we have time, we'll look at them both. 00:34:14.320 --> 00:34:15.059 The first is this. 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:16.559 What that church had. 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.900 What that church had. 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:22.740 We'll look at a few things to do with what the church had. 00:34:22.739 --> 00:34:25.739 And if there's time, we'll look at what the church was. 00:34:26.419 --> 00:34:27.799 What that church had then. 00:34:27.899 --> 00:34:31.179 We are always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters. 00:34:31.319 --> 00:34:36.039 And that term there, Adolfoi, which was used in the plural in the ancient context, 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:40.459 while the ESV is stuck to a rigid translation of brothers or brethren, 00:34:40.859 --> 00:34:45.000 had the cultural context of referring to both men and women. 00:34:45.000 --> 00:34:51.699 So we can say, we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:58.559 because your faith is growing abundantly and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 00:34:58.780 --> 00:35:01.079 A couple of things stand out here. 00:35:01.719 --> 00:35:11.179 The first is Paul is writing to a church that is defined or that's character is revealed to us as they had faith in Christ. 00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:13.920 They had faith in Christ. 00:35:13.920 --> 00:35:18.280 Your faith is growing abundantly. 00:35:18.860 --> 00:35:20.659 This was what Paul was looking for. 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:21.840 Timothy, how's the church? 00:35:22.480 --> 00:35:23.680 How are they faring up there? 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.800 They've had a tough time. 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:27.940 The opposition in that city is brutal. 00:35:28.680 --> 00:35:31.320 They are determined to quash the church. 00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:32.220 How are they doing? 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:36.599 Paul, their faith is abundant and growing. 00:35:36.599 --> 00:35:43.659 And so Paul gives thanks for this characteristic, this quality that he has been found in them. 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:53.180 And it should be no surprise to us to find mention of faith so early on in a letter written by the apostle who went round the then known world, 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:57.639 preaching of the requirement and necessity for faith in Christ. 00:35:58.340 --> 00:36:01.880 Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ was the apostolic cry. 00:36:01.880 --> 00:36:04.760 And you will be saved. 00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:07.160 Believe and be saved. 00:36:07.360 --> 00:36:10.000 And so he called people constantly to faith. 00:36:10.240 --> 00:36:16.539 And that is wonderfully put forward to us in this snapshot we're given in how he went about things in Thessalonica. 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:24.679 He was explaining and proving it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead saying, 00:36:25.179 --> 00:36:29.659 This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ. 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:32.159 His message was clear. 00:36:32.960 --> 00:36:34.840 His message was Christ-centered. 00:36:35.279 --> 00:36:36.259 Christ-focused. 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:38.340 And he preached the cross. 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:40.000 As he did when he arrived in Corinth. 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:41.659 We preach Christ. 00:36:41.659 --> 00:36:43.199 And him crucified. 00:36:43.759 --> 00:36:48.019 And the church that fails to do that fails to be the church of Christ. 00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:53.339 We abandon the right to refer to ourselves as a branch of the church of Christ on earth. 00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:58.799 If everything we do does not have at the front and center the finished work of Jesus Christ. 00:36:59.259 --> 00:37:02.219 The one who gave himself a ransom for many. 00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:05.879 Paul couldn't help but give thanks for this reality. 00:37:05.879 --> 00:37:07.559 Look where he starts in verse 3. 00:37:07.920 --> 00:37:10.519 We give thanks to God for you. 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:12.340 There's joy here. 00:37:13.099 --> 00:37:19.820 There's a deep sense of gratitude to God because of the description that's been brought to Paul of this congregation. 00:37:20.079 --> 00:37:23.739 Or maybe there was more than one congregation in the city by this stage. 00:37:24.139 --> 00:37:26.940 Because Timothy and others who came from him was able to say, 00:37:27.039 --> 00:37:28.019 Listen, they're standing. 00:37:28.739 --> 00:37:31.719 Their faith is growing abundantly. 00:37:32.579 --> 00:37:35.900 There's a picture of this kinetic spiritual activity here. 00:37:35.900 --> 00:37:39.019 There's a sense of overflowing. 00:37:39.720 --> 00:37:40.200 Growing. 00:37:40.720 --> 00:37:41.119 Deepening. 00:37:41.200 --> 00:37:44.420 And we know that faith both goes down and up. 00:37:44.660 --> 00:37:46.539 Our roots go down into the scripture. 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:48.559 And we look up to our Lord and Savior. 00:37:48.860 --> 00:37:52.480 And we walk the path of life alongside him. 00:37:52.539 --> 00:37:54.579 The fundamental of faith was present. 00:37:55.300 --> 00:37:56.059 And this is the thing. 00:37:56.559 --> 00:37:59.180 Which we always clarify every chance we get. 00:37:59.179 --> 00:38:04.719 We cannot understand the Bible and the claims of Christ. 00:38:05.339 --> 00:38:10.699 Why he died and rose again without speaking about faith. 00:38:11.219 --> 00:38:12.539 There needs to be faith. 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:15.619 We must trust in the Lord with all our heart. 00:38:15.980 --> 00:38:17.819 And lean not on our own understanding. 00:38:18.319 --> 00:38:21.940 And so we emphasize and look for faith. 00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:24.440 There needs to be faith in the church. 00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:25.899 This is what the church had. 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:28.180 And so faith, what is it? 00:38:28.280 --> 00:38:32.220 It's to emphasize and respond to the gospel of Christ. 00:38:32.700 --> 00:38:36.460 It is to accept the offer of salvation in Jesus. 00:38:36.680 --> 00:38:39.160 Come to me and I will give you rest. 00:38:39.400 --> 00:38:44.200 It is to understand fully and finally that in and of ourselves none of us are good enough. 00:38:44.800 --> 00:38:46.180 That we need a Savior. 00:38:46.760 --> 00:38:50.079 And that Savior who was dead, now is alive. 00:38:50.079 --> 00:38:55.639 And in his grace and in his mercy and his providential ordering of things in your life today. 00:38:55.900 --> 00:39:02.740 Once more he is here saying, come to me and I will give you rest. 00:39:04.440 --> 00:39:10.160 You'll know perhaps the story of Charlotte Elliott, the prolific hymn writer in the 19th century. 00:39:10.780 --> 00:39:13.220 Charlotte Elliott, her life story is quite remarkable. 00:39:13.340 --> 00:39:15.639 She suffered unimaginably in her life. 00:39:15.639 --> 00:39:22.019 She was very ill health and deep bouts of depression and anxiety. 00:39:22.019 --> 00:39:25.300 She had a difficult life at times. 00:39:26.000 --> 00:39:31.599 And during one of those periods of feeling so helpless and physically unable to do anything for the Lord, 00:39:31.920 --> 00:39:39.880 at a particularly low point in her life, she wrote one of the greatest hymns that has been penned from that era. 00:39:39.880 --> 00:39:42.240 And we all know it as, just as I am. 00:39:43.099 --> 00:39:44.019 Just as I am. 00:39:44.920 --> 00:39:45.980 Without one plea. 00:39:46.880 --> 00:39:48.900 But that thy blood was shed for me. 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:52.059 And that thou bidst me come to thee. 00:39:52.619 --> 00:39:54.940 O Lamb of God, I come. 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:57.980 And there is faith. 00:39:58.920 --> 00:40:00.440 Pure and simple faith. 00:40:00.440 --> 00:40:03.400 There's no prerequisite. 00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:06.619 There's no work for you to do first. 00:40:07.360 --> 00:40:08.659 There's no preparation. 00:40:09.019 --> 00:40:18.420 There's no way to impress God or increase your sense of worthiness or perhaps to attract the smile of God. 00:40:18.420 --> 00:40:21.599 We're sinners in need of forgiveness. 00:40:22.740 --> 00:40:25.559 And that forgiveness is found in Christ. 00:40:25.559 --> 00:40:30.500 And having preached that message and seen men and women respond in faith, 00:40:30.820 --> 00:40:36.779 Paul now gives thanks to God, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly. 00:40:37.159 --> 00:40:40.239 In this church then, there is faith. 00:40:40.759 --> 00:40:41.840 It was not misplaced. 00:40:42.239 --> 00:40:43.539 It was not static. 00:40:43.739 --> 00:40:45.679 It was not formal or dry or oppressive. 00:40:45.679 --> 00:40:47.279 It was vigorously growing. 00:40:47.519 --> 00:40:48.880 It was growing very much. 00:40:49.000 --> 00:40:54.719 It's growing, this phrase here from the Greek, growing abundantly, is beyond measure. 00:40:55.559 --> 00:41:01.139 There's something wonderful going on here that they're growing up into him who is the head. 00:41:01.380 --> 00:41:03.159 They're developing their understanding. 00:41:03.299 --> 00:41:04.799 They're deepening their trust. 00:41:05.219 --> 00:41:10.639 And they're growing in their understanding of the gospel of grace and the personal work of Christ. 00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:19.559 And it's this trust, it's this faith that makes them members of the church of the Thessalonians 00:41:19.559 --> 00:41:24.659 because they are in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:41:24.659 --> 00:41:26.480 And that's what faith affects. 00:41:26.839 --> 00:41:30.399 That's what, if you like, the consequences of faith. 00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:32.799 We are brought from death to life. 00:41:33.019 --> 00:41:34.719 We are brought from darkness to light. 00:41:35.000 --> 00:41:36.619 We are brought from being far off. 00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:45.199 And we are made near in the blood of Christ, through whom we have redemption of our sins. 00:41:45.199 --> 00:41:54.879 And so Paul is giving thanks to God for he could say of these people, they have been justified by faith. 00:41:55.279 --> 00:41:58.799 And they have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:41:58.800 --> 00:42:11.420 And my appeal today would be to you, to ask you this question, if the assessment of this church, if we lift it off and we place it in front of ourselves today. 00:42:11.920 --> 00:42:14.200 Yourselves as individuals and a congregation. 00:42:14.519 --> 00:42:15.600 Myself as individuals. 00:42:15.599 --> 00:42:19.519 Does this characteristic define us? 00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:21.339 Does it define you? 00:42:22.179 --> 00:42:23.819 Faith in Christ? 00:42:24.819 --> 00:42:26.179 There's another characteristic here. 00:42:26.219 --> 00:42:27.299 We see it in the same verse. 00:42:27.739 --> 00:42:32.579 He's giving thanks for the congregation in Thessalonica because their faith is growing abundantly. 00:42:32.679 --> 00:42:33.259 And notice this. 00:42:33.619 --> 00:42:39.679 The love of every one of you for one another is also increasing. 00:42:40.059 --> 00:42:40.860 This is wonderful. 00:42:40.860 --> 00:42:44.900 There is a constancy in this growth. 00:42:45.760 --> 00:42:50.559 If there was a graph, it's going in only one way. 00:42:51.559 --> 00:42:51.840 Up. 00:42:52.440 --> 00:42:54.140 Their love is increasing. 00:42:54.620 --> 00:42:56.019 So they had love for one another. 00:42:56.280 --> 00:43:01.500 Their inner bond with Christ showed itself in an open bond between his people. 00:43:01.860 --> 00:43:08.300 What Christ had worked in was being seen by how they conducted themselves towards one another. 00:43:08.300 --> 00:43:12.280 The love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 00:43:12.519 --> 00:43:15.360 Paul is seeing here the marks of the true church. 00:43:16.019 --> 00:43:17.000 Faith in Christ. 00:43:17.700 --> 00:43:20.980 And love among the Lord's people for one another. 00:43:22.280 --> 00:43:24.300 And what a bastion that is to the world. 00:43:24.880 --> 00:43:25.860 Faith in Christ. 00:43:26.840 --> 00:43:28.240 Love for the brothers and sisters. 00:43:29.580 --> 00:43:35.140 When the enemy is confronted with these bulwarks, there's no easy access point for him, is there? 00:43:35.640 --> 00:43:36.500 So what does he do? 00:43:36.500 --> 00:43:38.460 He begins to tunnel. 00:43:38.639 --> 00:43:39.360 That's what he does. 00:43:40.039 --> 00:43:41.820 He's an underminer in every sense. 00:43:41.900 --> 00:43:45.860 He will try to burrow down to get underneath the faith in Christ. 00:43:46.099 --> 00:43:47.519 And underneath the love for one another. 00:43:47.699 --> 00:43:50.320 In order to sow his lies and deception. 00:43:50.539 --> 00:43:51.739 And sow disunity. 00:43:52.159 --> 00:43:53.380 And throw his hand grenades. 00:43:53.579 --> 00:43:55.179 And break down these bastions. 00:43:55.400 --> 00:44:04.199 So he can get in and seek and search and destroy the vitality that is a beacon of light in a world of darkness. 00:44:04.199 --> 00:44:07.359 That's what the devil wants to do to store in a free church today. 00:44:07.739 --> 00:44:11.319 He wants to dim the light of the gospel in your lives. 00:44:12.000 --> 00:44:14.039 So there's even less witness in the town. 00:44:14.960 --> 00:44:16.439 So there's less commitment in the town. 00:44:17.159 --> 00:44:20.039 He wants the prayer meetings to slowly die away. 00:44:20.039 --> 00:44:22.860 He wants attendance at the means of grace. 00:44:22.860 --> 00:44:25.559 Just to begin to become a struggle. 00:44:26.199 --> 00:44:28.099 He wants the Bible closed. 00:44:28.880 --> 00:44:34.079 And if he achieves any of this, it's to the detriment of the town. 00:44:34.079 --> 00:44:39.000 Because the witness is being sidelined. 00:44:39.779 --> 00:44:40.460 Silenced. 00:44:40.679 --> 00:44:41.239 Stymied. 00:44:42.500 --> 00:44:45.500 And so we take on the whole armour of God. 00:44:46.059 --> 00:44:47.639 And we resist the devil. 00:44:48.420 --> 00:44:50.960 And we do so by increasing in our faith. 00:44:51.360 --> 00:44:54.319 And deepening our love for one another. 00:44:55.059 --> 00:44:57.819 That the light of the gospel would shine brightly. 00:44:57.820 --> 00:45:00.500 And how we conduct ourselves in here. 00:45:02.000 --> 00:45:03.380 Before we go out there. 00:45:04.440 --> 00:45:07.059 And so he has this wonderful sense of love. 00:45:07.320 --> 00:45:08.680 Has united the whole church. 00:45:08.920 --> 00:45:10.740 His prayer has been answered. 00:45:10.940 --> 00:45:11.980 In the first letter. 00:45:12.100 --> 00:45:13.820 In chapter 3 and verse 12. 00:45:13.900 --> 00:45:16.860 We find him praying for these people in Thessalonica. 00:45:16.980 --> 00:45:20.920 May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another. 00:45:22.400 --> 00:45:23.720 Timothy, what's happening up there? 00:45:23.780 --> 00:45:24.519 How are they getting on? 00:45:24.640 --> 00:45:26.360 Paul, there's faith in Christ. 00:45:26.360 --> 00:45:26.940 It's evident. 00:45:27.340 --> 00:45:28.800 And they love one another. 00:45:29.079 --> 00:45:30.840 His prayer has been answered. 00:45:31.559 --> 00:45:33.240 And here is the definition. 00:45:33.640 --> 00:45:34.920 He gives thanks. 00:45:35.160 --> 00:45:36.099 He's encouraged. 00:45:36.519 --> 00:45:37.559 Because of their faith. 00:45:37.620 --> 00:45:38.599 And because of their love. 00:45:40.559 --> 00:45:42.620 There's a wonderful chapter in the Confession of Faith. 00:45:42.920 --> 00:45:45.599 Which all office bearers in the free church subscribe to. 00:45:45.640 --> 00:45:46.720 A statement of their faith. 00:45:46.880 --> 00:45:48.680 That speaks of the communion of saints. 00:45:48.740 --> 00:45:51.000 Let me just read these few lines to you. 00:45:51.000 --> 00:45:52.559 Saints by profession. 00:45:53.180 --> 00:45:55.380 Are bound to maintain a holy fellowship. 00:45:55.380 --> 00:45:58.059 And communion in the worship of God. 00:45:58.440 --> 00:46:00.960 This communion as God offers opportunity. 00:46:01.460 --> 00:46:04.500 Is to be extended to all those who in every place. 00:46:04.660 --> 00:46:06.420 Call upon the name. 00:46:07.079 --> 00:46:08.280 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:46:09.900 --> 00:46:10.980 There's a humility there. 00:46:12.599 --> 00:46:14.500 Count others better than yourselves. 00:46:14.500 --> 00:46:28.940 Christ's work in our hearts is something that's to be seen. 00:46:29.559 --> 00:46:32.960 And here in this ancient congregation it is being seen in the full. 00:46:33.219 --> 00:46:34.760 Faith in Christ has defined them. 00:46:34.980 --> 00:46:37.320 Their love for one another is marking them out. 00:46:37.320 --> 00:46:39.680 And then we also have this in verse 4. 00:46:40.700 --> 00:46:42.660 We ourselves boast about you. 00:46:43.019 --> 00:46:44.320 In the churches of God. 00:46:45.100 --> 00:46:47.160 For your steadfastness and faith. 00:46:47.539 --> 00:46:50.300 In all your persecutions and the afflictions you are enduring. 00:46:50.960 --> 00:46:52.140 There's the reality check. 00:46:52.740 --> 00:46:53.620 Faith in Christ. 00:46:53.940 --> 00:46:54.640 Love for one another. 00:46:55.080 --> 00:46:56.600 Oh that's a free ride then. 00:46:56.700 --> 00:46:57.420 Things go easy. 00:46:57.559 --> 00:46:58.380 Things are cushy. 00:46:58.500 --> 00:46:59.400 Things are comfortable. 00:46:59.780 --> 00:47:00.580 And straightforward. 00:47:01.180 --> 00:47:03.000 And easy day by day. 00:47:03.000 --> 00:47:03.960 It's the opposite. 00:47:04.820 --> 00:47:06.599 As anyone here who's been on the road. 00:47:07.199 --> 00:47:08.139 Will testify. 00:47:09.179 --> 00:47:10.599 The road of faith that is. 00:47:11.260 --> 00:47:15.320 As we increase or progress in our pilgrimage. 00:47:15.639 --> 00:47:19.860 We come to understand more and more the opposition of the world that's out there. 00:47:20.400 --> 00:47:21.460 Our own failings. 00:47:22.320 --> 00:47:25.320 The sensitivity that we develop to sin. 00:47:25.800 --> 00:47:28.900 The tender conscience that the gospel implants. 00:47:29.099 --> 00:47:31.239 And we understand we're sinners. 00:47:31.239 --> 00:47:33.899 In need of a saviour. 00:47:34.759 --> 00:47:36.379 And that's who we have in Christ. 00:47:37.219 --> 00:47:38.859 And so we put our hand into his. 00:47:39.159 --> 00:47:40.000 And we follow him. 00:47:40.599 --> 00:47:41.459 And walk with him. 00:47:41.500 --> 00:47:42.500 And take his promises. 00:47:43.199 --> 00:47:46.000 I am with you always. 00:47:47.039 --> 00:47:48.500 It's the promise of the Lord Jesus. 00:47:49.459 --> 00:47:53.119 And so just as faith attracted Paul's delight. 00:47:53.879 --> 00:47:56.539 And just as love gave him great encouragement. 00:47:56.539 --> 00:48:01.259 So these characteristics attracted the world's hatred. 00:48:01.960 --> 00:48:03.840 Persecution had broken out. 00:48:04.259 --> 00:48:08.519 And so we have already a reference to persecution and afflictions. 00:48:08.639 --> 00:48:09.900 And the need to endure. 00:48:10.179 --> 00:48:12.019 And as you go through the rest of just chapter one. 00:48:12.099 --> 00:48:16.159 You'll find several more references to suffering and affliction. 00:48:16.579 --> 00:48:18.880 These Christians knew what it was to be marked out. 00:48:19.539 --> 00:48:20.679 And what marked them out? 00:48:21.360 --> 00:48:22.480 Their faith in Christ. 00:48:23.519 --> 00:48:24.559 Their love for one another. 00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:25.980 And thirdly here. 00:48:26.279 --> 00:48:28.420 Their patience in hardship. 00:48:29.360 --> 00:48:30.179 They were enduring. 00:48:30.920 --> 00:48:35.239 They were enduring the hard pathway. 00:48:35.739 --> 00:48:39.259 That the world was trying to pull them from. 00:48:39.380 --> 00:48:40.320 The king's highway. 00:48:40.659 --> 00:48:41.940 And look in chapter 21. 00:48:42.139 --> 00:48:44.480 Jesus prepares us for times like this. 00:48:44.579 --> 00:48:46.739 You will be hated for my name's sake. 00:48:47.079 --> 00:48:50.119 But in your patience possess your souls. 00:48:50.380 --> 00:48:51.840 Or gain your lives. 00:48:51.840 --> 00:48:54.860 Let patience have its perfect work. 00:48:55.680 --> 00:48:57.240 They were paying a heavy price. 00:48:57.700 --> 00:49:00.400 But they were paying that price patiently. 00:49:01.260 --> 00:49:04.200 This is the character of Christ's church. 00:49:04.700 --> 00:49:05.539 Faith in the Lord. 00:49:06.160 --> 00:49:07.420 Love for the Lord's people. 00:49:08.240 --> 00:49:09.840 Patience and enduring hardship. 00:49:10.780 --> 00:49:12.160 And I wonder friends today. 00:49:12.820 --> 00:49:15.380 If you've taken your place in this church. 00:49:15.380 --> 00:49:18.840 If you have come from darkness to light. 00:49:19.059 --> 00:49:23.539 If you've responded in repentance and faith to the gospel of your Lord and Saviour. 00:49:23.660 --> 00:49:26.579 If you have cried out, Lord be merciful to me a sinner. 00:49:26.700 --> 00:49:31.880 That prayer of utter dejection and acknowledgement of your need to be forgiven. 00:49:31.880 --> 00:49:36.880 But friends don't we know that it's not popular to share that message today. 00:49:36.880 --> 00:49:41.559 Today, the world does not want to hear about the need of a Saviour. 00:49:41.900 --> 00:49:43.200 The need to be cleansed. 00:49:43.400 --> 00:49:44.519 The need to be forgiven. 00:49:44.660 --> 00:49:48.960 The world doesn't want to hear that it's not okay to be outwith of Christ. 00:49:49.400 --> 00:49:54.380 The world around us don't want to know about the returning Saviour who will judge the world in righteousness. 00:49:54.800 --> 00:49:57.500 And as for the reality of sin and the awfulness of hell. 00:49:58.720 --> 00:49:59.740 Well, don't go there. 00:50:00.680 --> 00:50:01.460 Talk about Easter. 00:50:02.280 --> 00:50:03.099 Talk about Christmas. 00:50:03.440 --> 00:50:04.519 Well, you can talk about the cross. 00:50:04.519 --> 00:50:06.019 But don't talk about why he died. 00:50:06.559 --> 00:50:07.980 Don't talk about the awfulness of sin. 00:50:08.059 --> 00:50:09.780 Don't talk about the need for atonement. 00:50:09.940 --> 00:50:10.960 Don't give us that. 00:50:10.960 --> 00:50:17.239 The world today would dilute and delete vast swathes of the Bible in a heartbeat. 00:50:18.579 --> 00:50:20.019 And we can't stand for that. 00:50:21.219 --> 00:50:27.719 We must take our stand and endure the hardship of a marked out for Christ if indeed you are in Christ. 00:50:27.719 --> 00:50:38.739 And I hope and pray today that as he looks upon each one of us and looks into your heart that he sees their faith and love and patience. 00:50:39.480 --> 00:50:44.000 Just to close this morning, having thought a little bit about what this church had. 00:50:44.559 --> 00:50:47.159 And it does overlap and we've probably covered it already. 00:50:47.299 --> 00:50:51.599 But what this church was emerges from what this church had. 00:50:51.699 --> 00:50:52.980 Faith, love and patience. 00:50:53.119 --> 00:50:54.179 They had these things. 00:50:54.179 --> 00:50:57.639 And so because of that, we notice what Paul said. 00:50:58.179 --> 00:51:03.919 We ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith. 00:51:03.980 --> 00:51:13.980 That word there, steadfastness, is a very rich word and has a root meaning of to endure or persevere with patience and hope. 00:51:14.579 --> 00:51:15.639 What is our hope today? 00:51:15.639 --> 00:51:28.900 Our hope today is that there is another king, Jesus, who is on the throne of this universe, reigning and ruling and calling sinners to himself. 00:51:30.299 --> 00:51:32.379 And so Paul is here, this wonderful language. 00:51:32.639 --> 00:51:34.759 We boast about you in the churches of God. 00:51:34.980 --> 00:51:36.500 It's just not the sin of pride. 00:51:36.639 --> 00:51:36.859 No. 00:51:37.539 --> 00:51:39.299 What he's talking about here are two things. 00:51:39.559 --> 00:51:41.759 They were an example to other churches. 00:51:41.760 --> 00:51:44.480 And they were also a witness to the world. 00:51:44.800 --> 00:51:46.140 These things combined, don't they? 00:51:46.600 --> 00:51:47.820 And we've probably covered them enough. 00:51:47.880 --> 00:51:53.520 But just to close today by keeping our mind on what this church was because of what this church had. 00:51:53.780 --> 00:51:55.760 They were an example to other churches. 00:51:56.080 --> 00:52:01.800 They were constant in their time of testing and challenge and conflict. 00:52:01.800 --> 00:52:05.660 And Paul is saying, you think you've got it tough? 00:52:06.860 --> 00:52:08.980 Let me tell you about the church in Thessalonica. 00:52:09.620 --> 00:52:17.220 The opposition they face is so brutal, so organized, so committed, that they have been persecuted for months. 00:52:18.120 --> 00:52:18.800 Picked out. 00:52:19.620 --> 00:52:20.080 Harangued. 00:52:20.200 --> 00:52:20.580 Harassed. 00:52:20.940 --> 00:52:21.420 Isolated. 00:52:21.880 --> 00:52:22.740 Threatened with jail. 00:52:22.860 --> 00:52:24.700 All sorts of what's going on in this ancient city. 00:52:24.699 --> 00:52:32.599 And yet Paul could boast about them for their steadfastness and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions they were enduring. 00:52:33.460 --> 00:52:42.859 Maybe that's because some were sitting back saying, oh, if Christians shouldn't be suffering these things, surely it's not right to go through difficult times, hard times. 00:52:43.039 --> 00:52:43.319 What? 00:52:44.519 --> 00:52:45.759 None of us are exempt. 00:52:46.359 --> 00:52:47.439 The realities of life. 00:52:47.719 --> 00:52:48.199 Illness. 00:52:48.639 --> 00:52:49.199 Bereavement. 00:52:49.939 --> 00:52:50.460 Unemployment. 00:52:50.599 --> 00:52:50.939 Pressure. 00:52:51.079 --> 00:52:51.480 Stress. 00:52:51.980 --> 00:52:52.439 Depression. 00:52:52.639 --> 00:52:53.039 Addiction. 00:52:53.039 --> 00:53:06.179 And these things that are the things of life, often they come in and they can leave us feeling so low, so weak, so vulnerable, so isolated at times. 00:53:06.400 --> 00:53:20.039 So Paul is saying here, he gives thanks to God for the example they are to others to also persevere, to deepen their faith, to oppose the world, the flesh, the devil, and the enemy. 00:53:20.039 --> 00:53:24.300 He would write later to the church in Corinth, these wonderful words. 00:53:25.300 --> 00:53:27.539 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed. 00:53:27.920 --> 00:53:29.759 We are perplexed, but not in despair. 00:53:30.259 --> 00:53:32.079 Persecuted, but not forsaken. 00:53:32.279 --> 00:53:34.039 Struck down, but not destroyed. 00:53:34.719 --> 00:53:36.840 We do not lose heart. 00:53:37.940 --> 00:53:40.079 And we don't lose heart if we keep our focus. 00:53:40.079 --> 00:53:58.360 If we remember the way of the cross will at times be hard because the way of the cross is always in conflict with the way of the world. 00:53:58.360 --> 00:54:05.340 Yet, the fact remains, it is the way of the cross that Jesus calls us to. 00:54:06.079 --> 00:54:10.099 And so I would urge you today, friends, to come to him. 00:54:10.740 --> 00:54:12.500 Take your place with him. 00:54:13.660 --> 00:54:16.880 Rejoice in the salvation you experience and find in him. 00:54:17.640 --> 00:54:19.440 Take your place in the church here. 00:54:19.440 --> 00:54:21.300 Contribute to the work. 00:54:21.500 --> 00:54:22.340 Do your bit. 00:54:22.980 --> 00:54:28.320 Do your utmost for his highest, as Oswald Chambers so famously said. 00:54:29.200 --> 00:54:30.340 Put Christ first. 00:54:30.980 --> 00:54:33.700 Make him a forethought, not an afterthought. 00:54:34.300 --> 00:54:37.880 Give him the very best of your time, your energy, your resources, your finances. 00:54:38.860 --> 00:54:45.079 Do what you can in your way for the cause of Christ here in the congregation. 00:54:45.079 --> 00:54:52.420 That you would take your place among the Lord's people and with them give evidence of faith in Christ. 00:54:53.079 --> 00:54:56.380 Love for one another and patience in endurance. 00:54:57.819 --> 00:55:05.420 And then you too, by default, without trying anything else, will become an example to other churches. 00:55:06.219 --> 00:55:08.819 And a witness to the world. 00:55:09.779 --> 00:55:13.759 You see, Christ calls us and yet leaves us in the world, doesn't he? 00:55:13.760 --> 00:55:16.320 And so we don't build walls. 00:55:16.640 --> 00:55:17.560 We build bridges. 00:55:18.380 --> 00:55:22.920 Bridges out there into the community where people don't want to hear these things. 00:55:23.040 --> 00:55:24.840 And perhaps are confused about these things. 00:55:25.120 --> 00:55:28.120 And uncertain about faith and love and endurance. 00:55:28.500 --> 00:55:30.960 And uncertain about the finished work of Christ. 00:55:31.120 --> 00:55:35.200 And I'm not entirely sure if heaven, if we all just go there anyway. 00:55:35.300 --> 00:55:38.520 Isn't that such a default setting in minds around us? 00:55:39.040 --> 00:55:40.700 That's what God does, isn't it? 00:55:40.699 --> 00:55:47.599 And we have to say with all gentleness and humility and love, no, it's not. 00:55:48.879 --> 00:55:51.460 You see, the wages of sin is death. 00:55:52.019 --> 00:55:54.639 And death is separation from God. 00:55:54.759 --> 00:55:55.859 Eternal banishment. 00:55:55.860 --> 00:55:57.640 And if you have time today. 00:55:57.640 --> 00:56:03.640 I encourage you to look at 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 and the next several verses. 00:56:03.740 --> 00:56:04.920 We never read them this morning. 00:56:05.780 --> 00:56:11.760 And Paul is immediately there drawn to speak of the judgment of God. 00:56:11.760 --> 00:56:18.560 And there in solemnity and humility and clarity. 00:56:19.560 --> 00:56:28.220 He calls us all to see that there will be a day where the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels and flaming fire. 00:56:28.660 --> 00:56:34.560 Inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God. 00:56:34.559 --> 00:56:37.559 And so there's the question. 00:56:38.559 --> 00:56:40.019 Do you today know God? 00:56:40.779 --> 00:56:42.539 Have you put your trust and faith in him? 00:56:44.019 --> 00:56:46.679 Have you called out to his son, the son of righteousness? 00:56:47.039 --> 00:56:48.900 Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner. 00:56:49.539 --> 00:56:50.400 I pray so. 00:56:51.440 --> 00:56:54.940 So that in that day, you'll have no reason to fear. 00:56:55.739 --> 00:56:56.659 But to rejoice. 00:56:57.619 --> 00:56:59.360 For every eye will see him. 00:56:59.360 --> 00:57:00.360 For every eye will see him. 00:57:00.360 --> 00:57:01.360 For every eye will see him. 00:57:01.360 --> 00:57:02.360 For every eye will see him. 00:57:02.360 --> 00:57:04.820 And may he bless to us his word today. 00:57:04.880 --> 00:57:06.180 Let's pray for a moment together. 00:57:06.880 --> 00:57:10.480 Lord our God, be with us this day. 00:57:11.120 --> 00:57:20.039 We thank you that when we open the Bible, we read of these churches that were planted in the midst of persecution and stood the test. 00:57:20.920 --> 00:57:22.280 They persevered. 00:57:23.039 --> 00:57:24.240 Their faith grew. 00:57:24.460 --> 00:57:25.360 Their love increased. 00:57:26.320 --> 00:57:28.860 Lord, what an example it is to us today. 00:57:29.960 --> 00:57:37.720 May we take the encouragement that is for us in these words, in this pattern that's revealed to us in the ancient days. 00:57:38.360 --> 00:57:43.579 That these Christians, these men and women, these families gathered just as we have today. 00:57:44.260 --> 00:57:48.820 Seeking the truths of scripture and the blessing of God Almighty in the gospel. 00:57:49.000 --> 00:57:52.000 Lord, we ask that you would be with us this morning. 00:57:52.539 --> 00:57:54.480 That you would go before us into the week ahead. 00:57:54.480 --> 00:57:57.139 That we would take to heart these things. 00:57:57.559 --> 00:57:58.579 The things of grace. 00:57:59.179 --> 00:58:00.420 In Jesus' name we ask it. 00:58:00.740 --> 00:58:01.139 Amen. 00:58:01.139 --> 00:58:10.119 Well, we'll close our service this morning. 00:58:10.819 --> 00:58:12.539 We'll turn to the Psalter. 00:58:13.339 --> 00:58:14.299 Psalm 43. 00:58:14.300 --> 00:58:18.100 Psalm 43. 00:58:18.100 --> 00:58:21.400 We'll sing from verse 3 to verse 5 to the tune. 00:58:23.300 --> 00:58:23.740 Invocation. 00:58:23.900 --> 00:58:24.660 Psalm 43. 00:58:25.060 --> 00:58:28.519 Singing from verse 3 to verse 5. 00:58:28.519 --> 00:58:30.579 I will send your light forth and your truth. 00:58:31.099 --> 00:58:31.699 Let them... 00:58:31.699 --> 00:58:33.159 Sorry, I'm reading from the wrong one, Ali. 00:58:33.300 --> 00:58:33.539 Sorry. 00:58:33.719 --> 00:58:34.099 My apologies. 00:58:34.199 --> 00:58:37.000 43 verses 3 to 5 in the Psalter. 00:58:37.900 --> 00:58:39.300 Page 264. 00:58:39.679 --> 00:58:41.780 Well, send thy light forth and thy truth. 00:58:41.880 --> 00:58:43.300 Let them be guides to me. 00:58:43.579 --> 00:58:45.340 And bring me to thine holy hill. 00:58:45.659 --> 00:58:47.920 Even where thy dwellings be. 00:58:48.159 --> 00:58:50.199 If you would give me a moment after we stand to sing. 00:58:50.280 --> 00:58:51.699 To get to the door this morning. 00:58:51.759 --> 00:58:52.460 That would be appreciated. 00:58:52.559 --> 00:58:54.019 Let's stand and sing to the end of the psalm. 00:58:54.019 --> 00:58:54.119 Amen. 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:54.119 --> 00:58:54.119 00:58:58.519 --> 00:59:04.579 Oh, send thy light forth and thy truth. 00:59:04.579 --> 00:59:10.199 Let them be guides to me. 00:59:10.599 --> 00:59:17.340 And bring me to thy holy hill. 00:59:17.759 --> 00:59:23.699 Even where thy dwellings be. 00:59:23.699 --> 00:59:29.759 And will I turn to God's altar. 00:59:29.759 --> 00:59:36.199 To pour my chiefest joy. 00:59:36.199 --> 00:59:43.699 Take God, my God, thy name to praise. 00:59:43.699 --> 00:59:51.759 My heart, my heart, my heart. 00:59:51.759 --> 00:59:54.879 I will employ. 00:59:54.879 --> 00:59:58.460 I will employ. 00:59:59.980 --> 01:00:06.500 Why art thou then cast down my soul? 01:00:06.839 --> 01:00:11.659 For truth is God it thee. 01:00:11.659 --> 01:00:20.619 And why with exing thoughts are bound. 01:00:20.619 --> 01:00:26.659 This quiet it in me. 01:00:27.659 --> 01:00:34.159 Still trust in God for him to praise. 01:00:34.159 --> 01:00:40.480 Truth was I yet shall have. 01:00:40.480 --> 01:00:42.480 He is my God. 01:00:42.480 --> 01:00:44.360 He is my God. 01:00:44.360 --> 01:00:48.159 And sister help. 01:00:48.579 --> 01:00:51.500 My God. 01:00:51.559 --> 01:00:54.460 My God. 01:00:54.719 --> 01:00:56.579 My God. 01:00:56.800 --> 01:00:59.780 That doth me save. 01:01:00.079 --> 01:01:03.380 That doth me save. 01:01:03.380 --> 01:01:12.280 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 01:01:12.660 --> 01:01:12.920 Amen. 01:01:12.920 --> 01:01:13.019 Amen. 01:01:13.019 --> 01:01:43.000 Thank you. 01:01:43.019 --> 01:02:13.000 Thank you.