WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.759 I think of this evening Stephen's message here in this passage. 00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:07.640 We've read part of it together. 00:00:08.300 --> 00:00:10.720 There's no real text as such we're looking at. 00:00:10.779 --> 00:00:13.300 It's this message that Stephen gives. 00:00:13.419 --> 00:00:16.019 When he stands there in verse 2, Stephen said, 00:00:16.019 --> 00:00:19.160 Brothers and fathers, hear me. 00:00:19.940 --> 00:00:23.080 He stands with confidence, with boldness, and says, 00:00:23.179 --> 00:00:25.359 Brothers and fathers, hear me. 00:00:26.080 --> 00:00:29.820 And immediately he goes on to speak about the God of glory. 00:00:30.859 --> 00:00:35.060 I just want to note their response in verse 54 as well. 00:00:35.840 --> 00:00:39.259 Now, when they heard these things, they were enraged, 00:00:39.600 --> 00:00:42.740 and they ground their teeth at him. 00:00:42.740 --> 00:00:47.900 He spoke the truth to them, and they were enraged. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:51.179 And that's the kind of day that Stephen lived in. 00:00:51.640 --> 00:00:54.659 That's the kind of day that we see ourselves more and more in, 00:00:55.140 --> 00:00:57.100 living in in these days just now. 00:00:57.700 --> 00:00:59.920 So we're continuing our study here. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:01.500 of Stephen. 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:05.079 And the last time we looked at this, we were seeing Stephen the man, 00:01:05.579 --> 00:01:09.840 the man who was chosen to serve tables, 00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:13.480 which in many ways seems like just an ordinary task. 00:01:13.799 --> 00:01:19.319 And yet he was a man full of God's spirit and full of love for the Lord. 00:01:19.700 --> 00:01:20.920 He knew so well. 00:01:21.060 --> 00:01:22.519 He had grace and power. 00:01:22.519 --> 00:01:29.539 And as he appeared before his accusers in chapter six, 00:01:29.539 --> 00:01:35.079 we saw at the end of that chapter that his face was like the face of an angel. 00:01:35.079 --> 00:01:40.239 He was showing the glory of God in so many ways. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:46.659 Tonight, I want us to think about the message that he spoke before those who were accusing him. 00:01:47.299 --> 00:01:56.060 And to see the way that he spoke this truth and the way he was bold in standing up against those who were accusing him. 00:01:56.060 --> 00:02:01.500 And two things have happened, as I mentioned earlier on, since we last looked at this passage. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:07.200 One was we have had our communion weekend and we were blessed under God's word. 00:02:07.280 --> 00:02:12.560 But as we come away from our communion, indeed, as we come away, many times we hear God's word, 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:17.439 we're always challenged about, do we stand on the word? 00:02:17.439 --> 00:02:20.419 And do we stand up for the word? 00:02:20.900 --> 00:02:29.099 And especially in a world and amongst a people who are indifferent and more and more intolerant towards this word. 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:33.960 So we think of that, the blessings we've had and the challenges that we see going forward. 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:39.740 And the second thing, as I highlighted, was, and as was prayed, this is not politics we're talking about here. 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:48.900 We're talking about a Christian who, for her belief, Kate Forbes, she has been so vilified in these last few days. 00:02:49.180 --> 00:02:56.379 We speak of and we hear about how our nation is a welcoming, a tolerant, a friendly place to come. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:00.960 And yet when someone states their faith in Christ, this is what happens. 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:04.260 And that's the kind of nation that we are living in. 00:03:04.259 --> 00:03:14.519 And so as Christians, we remember Kate, we remember all Christians throughout our land that we would not just stand with her and for her, 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:20.099 but that we would stand beside her, that we would stand up for the Lord. 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:25.180 And as we look at this passage and we look at the message that Stephen has to the people here, 00:03:25.239 --> 00:03:31.139 we are again reminded of a man who walked in a Christ-centered way. 00:03:31.139 --> 00:03:42.719 A man whose focus and attention was fully on the Lord he loved and he was filled with Christ and he too was vilified for it. 00:03:43.239 --> 00:03:49.759 But here is someone who didn't just talk the talk, but who walked the walk. 00:03:50.179 --> 00:03:54.079 And that is the kind of Christians that we are all to be. 00:03:54.759 --> 00:03:58.539 So imagine yourself in the shoes of Stephen. 00:03:58.539 --> 00:04:03.879 Imagine yourself in the shoes of Kate Forbes just now. 00:04:04.459 --> 00:04:08.019 And all the accusations that are coming against you. 00:04:08.599 --> 00:04:11.599 All the vilifications that are coming against you. 00:04:11.639 --> 00:04:14.519 For Stephen, it ended up in stoning. 00:04:15.819 --> 00:04:23.019 For Kate, she is under this torrent of abuse constantly, day by day. 00:04:24.219 --> 00:04:26.420 Imagine yourselves in their shoes. 00:04:26.420 --> 00:04:28.100 What would you do? 00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:37.819 Stephen maybe could have taken the easy option, kept his mouth shut and just gone away and gone on with his business. 00:04:38.800 --> 00:04:40.400 But that was not his way. 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:43.980 His business was the Lord's business. 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:46.319 And so he spoke for the Lord. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:49.920 And so many have said of Kate Forbes in these last few days. 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:52.180 Why didn't she just keep quiet? 00:04:53.019 --> 00:04:57.740 Why does she not just not answer these questions that were being directed at her? 00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:01.379 Because she loves the Lord and his truth. 00:05:02.019 --> 00:05:04.800 And her business is the Lord's business. 00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:10.280 And so for ourselves too, that is our business as well. 00:05:10.280 --> 00:05:13.020 What a witness Stephen is here. 00:05:13.100 --> 00:05:20.639 Even as he stood in what was his last moments of life, he stood for his Lord. 00:05:20.639 --> 00:05:27.159 Presenting the greatness of God to a people unconcerned for their own souls. 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:29.800 But he had concern for them. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:35.319 And ultimately, that's at the heart of every Christian who is vilified for their faith. 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:40.599 A desire that people would come to know the love of Christ. 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:46.079 You'll have heard the phrase, speaking as a dying man unto dying men. 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:50.219 Well, here we see that in all its truth. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:55.180 Stephen, a dying man, speaking unto dying men. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:57.319 But what was his message? 00:05:58.259 --> 00:06:01.339 And what has Kate's message been in these last few days? 00:06:01.339 --> 00:06:07.639 What is the message that we have ourselves as a people as we seek to stand up for the Lord? 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:12.179 Well, what he shows them here is a real God. 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:15.639 He shows them a real people. 00:06:16.139 --> 00:06:19.319 And he gives them a real challenge. 00:06:20.099 --> 00:06:21.819 So I want us to think of these three things. 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:23.039 He shows a real God. 00:06:23.419 --> 00:06:24.959 He shows a real people. 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:27.899 And he gives them a real challenge. 00:06:27.899 --> 00:06:31.079 So the first thing is a real God. 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:35.459 And immediately you see he speaks there in verse 2. 00:06:35.599 --> 00:06:38.199 As he stood and said, brothers and fathers, hear me. 00:06:38.919 --> 00:06:42.979 The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham. 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:47.799 Immediately he is into that sense of a real God. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:50.519 The God of glory. 00:06:51.699 --> 00:06:54.559 And that is who he knew himself. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:59.839 And standing before those who are accusing him. 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:04.939 His faith is in this real God. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:15.519 And it's Peter who says in the New Testament that we are always to be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you regarding the hope that is within you. 00:07:15.519 --> 00:07:17.519 And here is Stephen ready. 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:18.579 And here is Stephen ready. 00:07:19.359 --> 00:07:25.039 Ready to give an answer for the reason regarding the hope that is within him. 00:07:25.539 --> 00:07:27.740 And that's what we've seen with Kate as well. 00:07:28.579 --> 00:07:34.439 Answered questions but ready to give a reason for the hope that she has. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:38.719 And that is what we need to be as well. 00:07:38.719 --> 00:07:41.459 Somebody said of that Peter was right. 00:07:42.459 --> 00:07:43.680 The effect of Christian. 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:46.379 The Christian who really meets the world with the gospel. 00:07:46.699 --> 00:07:49.800 And really communicates and really makes an impression. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:56.639 Is the one who can give to every man who asks the reasons for what he believes. 00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.800 And what is our reason that we have? 00:08:01.339 --> 00:08:05.519 Well Stephen here tells him of a real God. 00:08:06.539 --> 00:08:10.419 Not just a real God that he believes in. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:14.560 But a real God that he knows and has experienced. 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:20.699 And he's speaking here to the people who have made God in their own form. 00:08:21.560 --> 00:08:25.000 They've brought God into their lives in some way. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:30.600 But they've tried to shape their God into someone who will go alongside their views. 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:32.360 Their desires. 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:34.340 Their ways of life. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:36.740 So you see here the people of Israel. 00:08:36.860 --> 00:08:39.700 He speaks of making false gods. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:44.000 And it goes right back to Moses taking them out of Egypt. 00:08:45.240 --> 00:08:50.320 And how the people just rejected him. 00:08:51.039 --> 00:08:53.299 As Moses led them out. 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:55.399 He was rejected. 00:08:55.639 --> 00:08:59.259 And they began by making this golden calf. 00:09:00.359 --> 00:09:02.699 They were rejecting God. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:06.799 And again we just think of the world of Stephen. 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:08.799 That's the world that they were living in too. 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:10.679 They were rejecting God. 00:09:11.319 --> 00:09:14.379 Not just they were rejecting Stephen and angry against him. 00:09:14.819 --> 00:09:16.159 They were rejecting God. 00:09:16.319 --> 00:09:18.079 This God of glory. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:22.359 This God who is able to give them all that they need for life. 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:24.399 All that they need for eternity. 00:09:24.399 --> 00:09:26.080 And they're rejecting him. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:28.600 They're gnashing their teeth. 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:30.259 They're enraged it says. 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:32.800 And how is it that nothing changes? 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:37.080 So today you see the response against the Christian faith. 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:38.419 It's just the same. 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:40.460 They're not just rejecting Kate. 00:09:40.840 --> 00:09:43.259 They're rejecting the whole Christian faith. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:44.940 They're rejecting Christ. 00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:46.300 They're rejecting God. 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:49.480 They're enraged against this God. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:51.899 And they're pushing this God away. 00:09:52.060 --> 00:09:55.580 Because it doesn't fit the mold of what they want. 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.820 But the message of truth. 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:00.820 The message of the gospel. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:03.680 Is this God of glory who is real. 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:08.580 And if only they would hear about this God of glory. 00:10:08.960 --> 00:10:10.800 The grace he is able to show. 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:12.539 The love he is able to give. 00:10:12.539 --> 00:10:14.539 But also as we've been singing. 00:10:14.959 --> 00:10:16.899 We're reminded the God of judgment. 00:10:18.079 --> 00:10:21.980 The God who will not put up with us forever. 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:25.219 A people who were put into exile. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:28.039 A people who are put away from God. 00:10:28.139 --> 00:10:31.019 You see God giving them over to what they want. 00:10:31.219 --> 00:10:32.740 And it never ends well. 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:35.039 And so today we think the same. 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:36.639 As a nation. 00:10:36.759 --> 00:10:37.240 As a people. 00:10:37.299 --> 00:10:38.399 As we reject God. 00:10:38.779 --> 00:10:41.939 He gives us over to what our hearts desire. 00:10:42.399 --> 00:10:45.179 And it never does us any good. 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:50.980 We're rejecting the God of glory once again. 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:56.059 Stephen was being rejected. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:10:59.959 And yet he stood with boldness. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:05.700 He stood preaching the truth of who this God of glory is. 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:07.840 How he has been with his people. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:10.100 Down through all the generations. 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:13.900 Even when the prophets were being killed and rejected. 00:11:14.240 --> 00:11:17.280 Even when they rejected God's own son. 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:19.360 Jesus Christ. 00:11:19.920 --> 00:11:22.060 God is still there for him. 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:25.240 It goes right down to verse 51. 00:11:25.400 --> 00:11:27.379 Where he says you stiff neck people. 00:11:28.300 --> 00:11:29.820 Uncircumcised in hearts and ears. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:33.360 You always resist the Holy Spirit. 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:37.379 Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? 00:11:37.680 --> 00:11:39.700 And they killed those who announced beforehand. 00:11:40.180 --> 00:11:41.840 The coming of the righteous one. 00:11:42.139 --> 00:11:44.840 Whom you have now betrayed and murdered. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:47.920 They have rejected. 00:11:48.560 --> 00:11:52.400 And yet there is still this concern from Stephen. 00:11:53.220 --> 00:11:55.660 A concern that they would hear. 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:59.039 And it's a reminder to ourselves. 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:03.639 That Stephen believed in this real God. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:08.240 And we too believe in this real God. 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:10.519 A God of grace and mercy. 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:12.600 But a God of judgment. 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:16.879 And that is why our concern should be towards our nation. 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:19.399 And towards the lost of our nation. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:21.659 And the nations of this world. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:24.840 Because we know what the scripture says. 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:28.360 We know what the end is of those who believe. 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:32.379 And so this real God should give us all concern. 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:34.199 For the way our nation is. 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:35.659 And the way the world is. 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:38.720 And the lost nature of our people. 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:44.940 Someone who is in charge of a missionary organization. 00:12:44.940 --> 00:12:47.360 I can't remember the name of the person. 00:12:47.420 --> 00:12:48.960 But he was once asked the question. 00:12:49.420 --> 00:12:51.700 What would you do to keep. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:54.779 Or what do you try to do to keep your people encouraged. 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:57.300 And focused on what they are doing. 00:12:57.420 --> 00:12:58.700 And serving the Lord. 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:02.480 You know how do you keep them from losing impetus. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:04.180 From losing encouragement. 00:13:04.180 --> 00:13:05.920 And being discouraged in the work. 00:13:06.860 --> 00:13:07.940 And his answer was this. 00:13:07.940 --> 00:13:08.580 Well do you know. 00:13:08.940 --> 00:13:10.980 It's not so much what I would do that I would want. 00:13:11.260 --> 00:13:13.300 It's what I would love to do for them. 00:13:13.540 --> 00:13:14.620 That would keep them going. 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:17.360 I would love to take each missionary. 00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:19.320 And show them hell. 00:13:19.840 --> 00:13:21.000 For two minutes. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:24.360 And that would be enough to keep them going. 00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:25.820 All their days. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:28.900 To see the reality of hell. 00:13:29.180 --> 00:13:30.140 As a Christian. 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.520 And then to know. 00:13:31.800 --> 00:13:33.740 What the lost people are going. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:36.500 That would be enough to spur them on. 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:38.899 And when you look through the scripture. 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:40.059 That is what you see. 00:13:40.059 --> 00:13:42.340 So often with the people of God. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:45.720 And they know the glory of God. 00:13:46.100 --> 00:13:48.159 But they know the wrath of God. 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:49.879 On those who disobey. 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:52.000 They know the end. 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:54.139 Of those who disobey. 00:13:54.700 --> 00:13:56.480 And so that keeps him going. 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:58.600 With this message of the hope. 00:13:58.600 --> 00:14:00.059 Of the glory of God. 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:02.480 In the person of Jesus Christ. 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:04.320 Stephen. 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:06.800 In the midst of all that's going on. 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:08.440 He could have avoided it all. 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:10.560 By keeping his mouth shut. 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:12.399 But he didn't. 00:14:13.320 --> 00:14:13.720 Why? 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:16.700 Because he longed that others would come. 00:14:17.159 --> 00:14:18.700 To know this Christ. 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:21.659 And although it all seems to end. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:23.220 In failure for him. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.279 As he is stoned. 00:14:24.840 --> 00:14:26.639 We'll see God willing the next time. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:29.559 Just how the impact followed on. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.679 Even from his stoning. 00:14:31.799 --> 00:14:32.919 Even from his death. 00:14:34.039 --> 00:14:35.480 It rippled effect. 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:38.819 It changed the life of one man in particular. 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:39.559 Saul. 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:40.699 Who looked on. 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:41.559 Who's Paul. 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:42.840 In the New Testament. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:44.139 The one who was used. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:45.559 To God's glory. 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:46.799 So much. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:49.699 We pray that in the midst of. 00:14:49.699 --> 00:14:51.919 The persecution that Stephen faces. 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:52.559 In the midst of. 00:14:52.839 --> 00:14:54.879 The persecution that Kate faces. 00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:55.219 Just now. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:56.259 In the midst of the persecution. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:57.759 We face. 00:14:57.939 --> 00:14:59.199 As we stand up. 00:14:59.359 --> 00:15:00.779 On the side of the Lord. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:02.439 That we would never be afraid. 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:04.419 Or embarrassed to say. 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:06.079 I believe. 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:07.779 In a real God. 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:09.879 The God of grace. 00:15:10.479 --> 00:15:11.559 The God of mercy. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:14.259 But to the God of judgment. 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:17.120 But that is who he is. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.819 So Stephen shows. 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:20.860 A real God. 00:15:21.860 --> 00:15:23.019 The second thing we see is. 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:25.840 He shows a real people. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:28.319 When you look at the list. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:31.100 And the names Stephen mentions here. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.139 Abraham. 00:15:32.819 --> 00:15:33.299 Joseph. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:34.179 Moses. 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.220 Joshua. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:36.200 Solomon. 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:37.240 David. 00:15:37.819 --> 00:15:38.419 You look at them. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.740 And you hear these names. 00:15:39.819 --> 00:15:40.080 And you think. 00:15:40.559 --> 00:15:42.519 These are all heroes of the faith. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:45.299 These are all people who stood up for God. 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:46.720 In great ways. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.720 But what you notice too. 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.519 Is Stephen is putting them across. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:52.879 As real people. 00:15:54.319 --> 00:15:54.799 Abraham. 00:15:55.439 --> 00:15:58.639 Who is one of the fathers of the faith. 00:15:58.679 --> 00:15:59.480 As he's called. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.259 And yet at times. 00:16:01.439 --> 00:16:03.439 He took things into his own hands. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:06.600 He thought he could do things better. 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:08.220 He was an ordinary man. 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:09.139 With faults. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.639 Joseph too. 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:12.039 You look at his life. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:13.340 He suffered so much. 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:14.019 At the hands. 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:15.259 Of his family. 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:17.000 And creators around him. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.960 And yet he was able to say. 00:16:19.059 --> 00:16:19.480 In his life. 00:16:19.939 --> 00:16:21.679 God meant it for good. 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:23.080 Moses. 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:24.240 Such a long time. 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:25.220 In the wilderness. 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:26.720 Because he murdered someone. 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:29.179 Always getting it wrong at times. 00:16:29.220 --> 00:16:30.039 Even when he was leading. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.399 The children of Israel. 00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:32.299 Out of the. 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:34.379 Captivity in Egypt. 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:35.939 But yet. 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:37.240 Greatly blessed. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.120 By God. 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:38.740 Joshua. 00:16:39.460 --> 00:16:39.919 David. 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:40.720 Solomon. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.679 All people greatly blessed. 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:43.240 By God. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.960 But all with their own weaknesses. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:45.740 As well. 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.340 They're all. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.240 Ordinary people. 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:50.620 Who trusted. 00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:51.580 God. 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.759 And Stephen. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:55.019 Is in the midst of this. 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.720 Great outpouring of. 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.539 Of God. 00:16:57.659 --> 00:16:58.440 On the church. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:01.740 He is an ordinary person. 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:04.100 As we saw last time. 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:05.680 Stephen the man. 00:17:06.100 --> 00:17:07.120 He was someone called. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.960 To serve tables. 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:10.640 An ordinary. 00:17:10.840 --> 00:17:11.840 Church member. 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:13.180 Just as we would look at it. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:15.019 An ordinary Christian. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.519 In every way. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.720 And yet someone who trusted. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:19.960 God. 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:21.680 And we are all. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:23.080 Ordinary people. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:24.580 In and of ourselves too. 00:17:25.080 --> 00:17:26.460 But we have an extraordinary. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:27.940 God. 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:28.840 God. 00:17:29.840 --> 00:17:30.940 We don't need. 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.200 To be perfect. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:33.720 Or highly gifted. 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:35.200 To be used by God. 00:17:36.039 --> 00:17:36.700 We just need. 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:37.799 To trust him. 00:17:38.380 --> 00:17:39.220 And to be willing. 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.600 To stand up. 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:41.759 On his side. 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:44.600 It was a story told. 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:46.299 Back in the early 1800s. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.960 Of a group of men. 00:17:48.160 --> 00:17:48.900 Wealthy men. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.539 Who used to meet often. 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:51.559 And in those days. 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.140 Tea. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.640 Was a big thing. 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.240 And to find. 00:17:55.340 --> 00:17:56.740 An exquisite tea. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.740 Would really impress. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.720 Impress those. 00:17:58.720 --> 00:17:59.620 Who would come to you. 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:01.220 And they would take turn about. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.940 Hosting these times. 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:03.920 When they would come together. 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:04.960 And drink tea. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:06.839 They would try and find. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.819 The most costly. 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:09.160 The most exotic. 00:18:09.460 --> 00:18:10.359 Blend of tea. 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:12.180 To impress their guests. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:12.880 And one evening. 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:14.460 It was one of the most senior. 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.960 One of the most wealthy men. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.960 Who was hosting them. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.660 For the evening. 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:18.840 And he made. 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:19.140 And he made. 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:20.660 A grand ceremony. 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.320 Of bringing. 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:22.860 Tea to the people. 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:23.840 Who were with him. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.360 To the men. 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:25.160 Who were with him. 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:26.779 And he had the tea leaves. 00:18:26.840 --> 00:18:27.460 He brought them in. 00:18:27.540 --> 00:18:28.420 In a golden. 00:18:28.800 --> 00:18:29.940 Ornate box. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.860 And he went through. 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:32.800 All the pomp. 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:34.340 Of making the tea. 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:35.560 And serving the tea. 00:18:35.640 --> 00:18:36.380 In the finest. 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:37.720 China cups. 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:38.580 That he could have. 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:40.100 And all the guests. 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:41.040 They started to. 00:18:42.040 --> 00:18:43.240 Lavish praise. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:44.140 On this tea. 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.279 Saying it was the best. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.940 They had ever tried. 00:18:48.900 --> 00:18:49.779 And the host. 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:51.779 Smiled to himself. 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:53.440 And he said. 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:54.839 Do you realize. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.120 The tea. 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.539 That you are drinking. 00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:58.500 There is a tea. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:59.900 All the peasants. 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:01.079 Around you are drinking. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:02.400 It's just. 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:03.680 Ordinary tea. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:05.380 Nothing fancy. 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:06.579 About it. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:09.420 They were taken aback. 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.140 By that. 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.440 But it's just a reminder. 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:13.420 To ourselves. 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:15.360 That what we have. 00:19:15.620 --> 00:19:17.440 Is an ordinary group. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:18.320 Of people. 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:20.600 We are all ordinary. 00:19:20.920 --> 00:19:22.000 In the eyes. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.240 Of God. 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.980 But what we have too. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.740 Is an extraordinary. 00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:29.080 God. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.539 We don't go through things. 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:32.860 For our own glory. 00:19:33.360 --> 00:19:34.340 But we do it. 00:19:34.820 --> 00:19:35.779 For the glory. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.019 Of God. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.620 The message of God. 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.480 Is not something. 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:42.320 To be put in a golden. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:42.940 Box. 00:19:43.900 --> 00:19:44.880 It's a message. 00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:46.039 To be taken out. 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.380 And shown. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.779 Just how ordinary. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.340 It is. 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:50.380 In so many ways. 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:51.740 It's for everyone. 00:19:52.380 --> 00:19:53.539 It's for all people. 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:54.160 Everywhere. 00:19:55.080 --> 00:19:56.500 But it's extraordinary. 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.860 Because it's a living word. 00:19:59.340 --> 00:20:00.220 It's the truth. 00:20:00.660 --> 00:20:01.559 It's the truth. 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.240 That causes. 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:03.440 So much. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:04.279 Offense. 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.580 It's a truth. 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:06.620 That to this day. 00:20:07.100 --> 00:20:07.720 Enrages. 00:20:07.860 --> 00:20:08.940 And causes people. 00:20:09.420 --> 00:20:10.019 To grind. 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:10.799 Their teeth. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:10.859 Faith. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.539 But it's a message. 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:15.079 That we have. 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:17.779 And we pray for boldness. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.619 And strength. 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:19.779 For others. 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:22.119 We think of Kate Forbes. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.419 Would you want. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:25.220 To be in her shoes today. 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:27.759 Well in many ways. 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.460 You are. 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:30.519 Because her shoes. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:32.279 Are the shoes of faith. 00:20:32.819 --> 00:20:33.779 And if you believe. 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:35.200 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:36.140 You too. 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.380 Are in those shoes. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.579 Of faith. 00:20:39.100 --> 00:20:39.880 And so we pray. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:40.680 For strength. 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:41.720 For others. 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.559 Like Kate. 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:43.519 Who stand up. 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:44.299 For the faith. 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:45.980 We pray. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.200 For ourselves. 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.620 Too. 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.079 Lord. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.799 Make us bold. 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:52.039 Give us courage. 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:53.579 To stand up. 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.700 For you as well. 00:20:55.639 --> 00:20:56.599 That's the final thing. 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:58.200 I just want us to take from this. 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.599 He gives. 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:00.940 A real. 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.180 Challenge. 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.299 Along the way. 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:05.680 Stephen here. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.440 Reminds him. 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.079 In his message. 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:09.039 Of turning to idolatry. 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:09.519 Turning. 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:11.119 Away from God. 00:21:11.180 --> 00:21:11.799 And the nations. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:13.119 Being judged. 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:14.119 By God. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:16.659 Even when he sent those. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.559 Who would be redeemers. 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:20.200 For the people. 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:21.779 In verse 35. 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:22.679 This Moses. 00:21:22.879 --> 00:21:23.839 Whom they rejected. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:24.379 Saying. 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:26.659 Who made you ruler and judge? 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.419 This man. 00:21:27.899 --> 00:21:30.359 God sent as both ruler and redeemer. 00:21:30.659 --> 00:21:32.319 By the hand of the angel. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:34.419 Who appeared to him in the bush. 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:37.319 They sent this redeemer to them. 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.879 The savior to them. 00:21:39.179 --> 00:21:40.500 But they rejected him. 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:42.659 And to this day. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.319 So it goes on. 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:44.919 Still. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:48.519 It's not that we see Kate. 00:21:48.560 --> 00:21:49.340 As a redeemer. 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:50.880 So we see any individual. 00:21:51.100 --> 00:21:51.660 As a redeemer. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.460 But the only redeemer. 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.519 Of God's elect. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:56.259 Is Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.800 And it is him. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.340 That is being rejected. 00:21:59.340 --> 00:22:00.019 Again. 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:00.700 And again. 00:22:00.840 --> 00:22:01.460 And again. 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.360 Today. 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.400 Rejected. 00:22:04.560 --> 00:22:06.039 By so many. 00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:09.360 But we need. 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:10.720 To stand. 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:11.519 For him. 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:14.019 We need to stand. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.680 For him. 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:16.119 And all that he has done. 00:22:16.599 --> 00:22:17.359 For us. 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:19.259 We need to stand. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.379 For him. 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.079 Man called. 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.299 Howard Hendricks. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:25.099 Has said these words. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.420 In the midst of a generation. 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:29.059 Screaming for answers. 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:30.400 Christians. 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.500 Are stuttering. 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.700 And you think to yourself. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:35.539 How true. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.740 But do you know. 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:38.720 When he said that. 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:41.180 In 1983. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:43.880 40 years ago. 00:22:43.880 --> 00:22:45.000 He said that. 00:22:45.100 --> 00:22:46.320 In the midst of a generation. 00:22:46.320 --> 00:22:47.759 Screaming for answers. 00:22:48.380 --> 00:22:48.960 Christians. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:50.060 Are stuttering. 00:22:51.060 --> 00:22:52.259 Where are we now? 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.539 40 years later. 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:56.320 We're not just in the midst of a. 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:58.600 Generation screaming for answers. 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.460 We're in the midst of a generation. 00:23:00.620 --> 00:23:01.000 Screaming. 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:02.799 They have the answers. 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:04.620 But the answers they have. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.620 Are so wrong. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.799 And so far. 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:08.500 Removed from the truth now. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.139 And Christians. 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:12.379 We are still stuttering. 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:15.299 But we have a God. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:17.379 Who is able to help us. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.180 Speak. 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:20.619 God who lives. 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:22.079 In his people. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:24.399 God who is able to speak. 00:23:24.899 --> 00:23:26.899 Through his people. 00:23:27.680 --> 00:23:28.899 And where does he speak. 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:30.019 Through his people. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.279 Everywhere. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:32.720 We go. 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:34.420 So God. 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:35.620 Lives. 00:23:36.059 --> 00:23:36.779 In us. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.740 We can be impressed. 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:39.279 With how. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.140 Kate. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:40.860 Has answered. 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:42.059 So many questions. 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.380 Against her. 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:45.160 And against her faith. 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:48.339 But let us be a people. 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.500 Remind ourselves. 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:49.880 Daily. 00:23:49.960 --> 00:23:50.539 And rejoice. 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:52.980 That God is in us. 00:23:53.640 --> 00:23:54.299 And God. 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.880 Is with us. 00:23:56.600 --> 00:23:58.100 And that as we go about. 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.259 His business. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.940 Just as Stephen. 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:03.039 Went about the business of God. 00:24:03.140 --> 00:24:04.740 And didn't keep his mouth shut. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.000 Just as Kate. 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:07.440 Goes about her business. 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.640 Glorifying God. 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:10.799 And not keeping her mouth shut. 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:12.799 May we as a people. 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:15.279 Go about the business of God. 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:17.940 Not keeping our mouth shut. 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:18.440 Either. 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.879 But that we would speak. 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.039 A word. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:24.039 That we would stand up. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:25.039 For the Lord. 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:27.019 That we would imitate Stephen. 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:29.180 By being more concerned. 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:30.759 About bearing witness. 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:32.279 Than our own. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.379 Protection. 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.599 Stephen. 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:37.279 Challenges them so. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.639 Clearly here. 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.619 In verse 51. 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.759 You stiff-necked. 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:43.039 People. 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:45.500 We pray. 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:47.039 For courage. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.000 For Christians. 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:49.180 Throughout our land. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:49.619 Today. 00:24:50.379 --> 00:24:51.180 To stand. 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.879 To stand. 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:54.319 On the side of Christ. 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:56.539 To stand against. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:59.099 The evil that we see around us. 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:01.119 To stand with those. 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.240 Who stand. 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:03.740 For his message. 00:25:04.339 --> 00:25:05.240 And for the hope. 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:05.980 That there is. 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:07.079 In Christ. 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.180 That whatever else. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.740 We think of our nation. 00:25:09.859 --> 00:25:11.659 Whatever we think of our politics. 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:14.420 That we would stand and pray. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.519 Lord. 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:16.920 Have mercy. 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:18.180 On us. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.680 And come. 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.639 In a day of your power. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.240 We live. 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.099 In days like Stephen. 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.779 And where people are enraged. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:27.699 Against what they hear. 00:25:28.439 --> 00:25:29.359 But we stand. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.980 With the same God. 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:32.399 As Stephen stood with. 00:25:32.899 --> 00:25:33.899 We stand knowing. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.859 That he is with us today. 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.980 May we take courage. 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.980 And have boldness too. 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:42.259 To face up to the challenges. 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.679 And reality of persecution. 00:25:43.679 --> 00:25:44.819 As it comes. 00:25:45.219 --> 00:25:46.319 And to be bold. 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:47.000 And courageous. 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.399 Trusting. 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.699 In our Lord. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.799 Let us pray. 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:54.299 Our Father. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.159 In heaven. 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:55.460 We. 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.759 Weep over our nation. 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.639 At this time. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:25:58.940 Lord. 00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.680 As we see. 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:01.079 The disarray. 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:01.799 We are in. 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:03.019 But yet. 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.700 We thank you. 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:04.319 And rejoice. 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.319 That you are God. 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:06.399 Of heaven and earth. 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:07.819 When we pray. 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:09.180 Have mercy on us. 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.259 We pray. 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:10.599 Lord. 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.579 That you will come. 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:12.980 In your power. 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.419 And in all your glory. 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.759 And that you will. 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:17.139 Free your people. 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.460 That you will. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.879 Heal our land. 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:21.440 That you will hear. 00:26:21.640 --> 00:26:22.340 Our prayers. 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:23.840 Lord. 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:24.540 Hear. 00:26:25.040 --> 00:26:26.120 Your praying people. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.240 Even this night. 00:26:27.860 --> 00:26:28.960 Those who are gathered. 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:30.460 In their twos and threes. 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:32.060 Those who are gathered. 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:32.820 In their hundreds. 00:26:33.580 --> 00:26:34.420 We pray Lord. 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.440 For all your people. 00:26:35.620 --> 00:26:36.400 Far and wide. 00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:38.000 That you will hear. 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.260 And answer. 00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:40.520 In these days. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:41.520 Lord. 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:42.120 Have mercy. 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.720 We pray. 00:26:42.840 --> 00:26:43.600 And forgive us. 00:26:43.800 --> 00:26:44.840 For our sins. 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.480 And give us. 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.300 The boldness. 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:46.980 And courage. 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:49.020 To stand on your word. 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.759 And to stand. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.859 For your word. 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.039 For we ask. 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.160 In Jesus name. 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.079 Amen. 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:00.359 We're going to conclude. 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:00.900 By singing. 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:03.460 ingenious ingenious Tamteran. 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:22.640 All seen.