1 00:00:07,770 --> 00:00:10,930 Romans 8. 28 If I mention that every most of you, many of you 2 00:00:10,930 --> 00:00:13,210 are. Christians know that what that 3 00:00:13,210 --> 00:00:16,850 means. But there are times when you and 4 00:00:16,850 --> 00:00:23,170 I are going through trials. We remember Romans 828, we're 5 00:00:23,170 --> 00:00:26,130 reminded of it. Maybe someone will say it to 6 00:00:26,130 --> 00:00:29,970 you, Romans 828. We know that all. 7 00:00:29,970 --> 00:00:36,080 Things work together for good. To them that love God, to them. 8 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:40,400 Who are the called according to his purpose? 9 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:48,160 But at that moment, maybe you're in that moment now when things 10 00:00:48,160 --> 00:00:53,120 are difficult, we simply cannot. See. 11 00:00:53,440 --> 00:00:58,400 When we're in the waiting room of the intensive care unit, the 12 00:00:58,400 --> 00:01:02,680 doctors just rung, the school has run. 13 00:01:02,680 --> 00:01:07,240 Something's happened. Or one of your children's come 14 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:09,360 up to you and say, dad, mom, I've got to tell you something. 15 00:01:11,200 --> 00:01:13,280 And we simply. Can't see at that. 16 00:01:13,280 --> 00:01:16,080 Particular moment when things are not. 17 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:26,560 Easy to say. The least that that. 18 00:01:26,960 --> 00:01:29,520 What we're going through. I can't see that. 19 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:34,800 Can't say it. We're ready. 20 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:39,880 To believe it. But at that moment. 21 00:01:39,880 --> 00:01:43,960 We're we're kind of believing. Well, some things. 22 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:48,080 Work together for good, because this ain't. 23 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:52,600 Can't see any good in. This but at this. 24 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:53,480 Moment. It's much. 25 00:01:53,480 --> 00:02:00,960 Harder that verse. When things are really messy and 26 00:02:00,960 --> 00:02:05,880 intense. To see all things working 27 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:07,600 together for good. There are times when. 28 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:10,120 Helen has. I've said something and. 29 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:11,080 Helen said. Well, let's just. 30 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:12,920 Pray and we can pray. And I've gone. 31 00:02:12,920 --> 00:02:17,320 Helen, you don't understand if you've done that, men, you 32 00:02:17,320 --> 00:02:18,600 don't. You don't know how this. 33 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:21,320 Works. What you're asking is 34 00:02:21,320 --> 00:02:22,600 impossible. Or let's just. 35 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:26,080 Pray about it. It's funny how women don't 36 00:02:26,080 --> 00:02:35,880 understand and men don't pray. But here's the thing. 37 00:02:36,080 --> 00:02:39,920 Scripture is true. This is the inerrant. 38 00:02:40,040 --> 00:02:43,480 Word of God. We take it literally. 39 00:02:44,560 --> 00:02:47,960 Unless. We believe in the Providence of 40 00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:51,240 God, that is God. Has the absolute. 41 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:53,640 Rule over everything. Read the book of Job. 42 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:54,960 You see it beautifully in the 1st. 43 00:02:54,960 --> 00:02:58,680 Few chapters Satan wanted to. Do stuff with Job and God said 44 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:01,960 well. This is what you're allowed to 45 00:03:01,960 --> 00:03:04,120 do. This is how far you can go. 46 00:03:06,760 --> 00:03:09,040 Unless we believe. In the Providence of God. 47 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:13,000 Unless we believe in the. Power of God to overrule all 48 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:18,720 situations that we face. Then we will find the Christian 49 00:03:18,720 --> 00:03:20,960 walk. To be impossible. 50 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:28,760 Hebrews 1038 says these words. Now the just shall live. 51 00:03:28,760 --> 00:03:30,440 By faith, that's those who are saved. 52 00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:33,520 By the grace of God, the just shall live by faith. 53 00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:38,680 But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure. 54 00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:41,440 In him. God wants us to believe in Him. 55 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:43,000 It's like a parent and your kids coming. 56 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:45,240 Well, Dad, am I able to? Sleep here tonight. 57 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:48,680 What are you talking about? Or why didn't you come with me 58 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:50,920 to me when you were going through this problem? 59 00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:52,360 Well, I didn't think you'd, you know. 60 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:56,360 You go. Who do you think I am? 61 00:03:56,360 --> 00:04:00,800 What do you think I am? God says the. 62 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:06,880 Same now the just. Shall live by faith. 63 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:09,200 But if any man draw. Back my soul shall have no 64 00:04:09,200 --> 00:04:13,640 pleasure in. Hebrews 11/1 says you know now. 65 00:04:13,640 --> 00:04:15,200 Faith what it is. It is it. 66 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:19,480 It's. The substance of things hoped. 67 00:04:19,839 --> 00:04:27,360 For the evidence of things not seen. 68 00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:34,920 All through the book of Acts thus far, the apostle Paul. 69 00:04:35,280 --> 00:04:38,280 Has. Faced relentless hostility, 70 00:04:39,360 --> 00:04:43,800 constant threats of. People trying to kill him. 71 00:04:43,840 --> 00:04:46,400 Taking vows? There's another group about to 72 00:04:46,400 --> 00:04:50,080 take a whole. Number of 40 men about to take 73 00:04:50,080 --> 00:04:52,560 another vow. Not going to eat. 74 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:54,360 Not going to drink until we kill Paul. 75 00:04:58,640 --> 00:05:00,120 He's had beatings. He's been. 76 00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:04,760 Imprisoned, and in the last chapters, this final opposition 77 00:05:05,400 --> 00:05:10,080 only grows. Worse, remember Pastor Chuck 78 00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:13,120 talking at a Calvary Chapel International Pastors 79 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:14,920 Conference? Just all the senior pastors. 80 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:19,320 There from around the world. And I think he was in his late 81 00:05:19,320 --> 00:05:27,200 70s, nearly 80, and he said this has been for me and Kay the 82 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,080 most. Difficult year. 83 00:05:29,240 --> 00:05:31,360 Of ministry and I went. Wow, that's something to look 84 00:05:31,360 --> 00:05:34,400 forward to. I thought things got better. 85 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:46,280 Let us remember, godliness always arouses wickedness. 86 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:53,560 You live a Christian life. The sparks are going to fly out. 87 00:05:55,560 --> 00:05:59,320 Philippians 112. But I would you should. 88 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:03,320 Understand, brethren, that the. Things which happened unto me. 89 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:04,800 Paul is saying. Have. 90 00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:09,880 Fallen out rather unto the. Furtherance of the Gospel to 91 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:13,400 Timothy, 312 Some of Paul's last words to Timothy. 92 00:06:13,720 --> 00:06:17,240 Yes, and all that will live. Godly who want to live the 93 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:21,560 Christian life in Christ Jesus. Shell, it's a promise. 94 00:06:21,720 --> 00:06:29,200 Suffer persecution. Paul at this moment is safe, 95 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:33,800 ironically only because he is under the Roman protection. 96 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:38,760 Think about that. It's Rome that's saving his life 97 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,000 at the moment. Through the Providence of God. 98 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:47,360 Paul is now about to face another trial under another 99 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:50,440 hostile audience. He's about to meet the. 100 00:06:50,440 --> 00:06:53,760 Sanhedrin. The word Sanhedrin means 101 00:06:53,800 --> 00:06:55,560 council. It was. 102 00:06:55,560 --> 00:07:00,520 The highest Jewish. Council In the 1st century, the 103 00:07:00,520 --> 00:07:04,240 council had. 71 members in it and was. 104 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:09,480 Presided over by the high priest, he was divided into two 105 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:13,680 groups, the Sadducees, the priestly party. 106 00:07:14,160 --> 00:07:16,840 They had the predominance, the power. 107 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:20,200 The sway politically. Over the Sanhedrin. 108 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:22,240 They didn't believe in resurrection. 109 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:23,480 Didn't. Believe in angels. 110 00:07:25,520 --> 00:07:29,160 Or the supernatural. But some leading Pharisees also 111 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:30,960 were. Members of the Sanhedrin. 112 00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:34,600 And this will be the. Last time we we have. 113 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:37,840 By the way, the word. Or the Sanhedrin ever mentioned 114 00:07:37,840 --> 00:07:39,680 in Scripture. So let's read verse one. 115 00:07:40,400 --> 00:07:43,040 And. Paul earnestly beholding the 116 00:07:43,040 --> 00:07:44,000 Council. Said. 117 00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:48,840 Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience. 118 00:07:48,840 --> 00:07:53,640 Before God until this day. So Paul now knows he's I've been 119 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:55,880 living right before God. I haven't done anything wrong. 120 00:07:57,280 --> 00:07:59,920 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that. 121 00:07:59,920 --> 00:08:02,360 Stood by him to. Smack Paul in the mouth. 122 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:05,400 But then he's just all, he said. I've been living for God. 123 00:08:05,400 --> 00:08:07,440 Smack. Him in the mouth, smack. 124 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:11,000 Sounds like what happened to Jesus, isn't it? 125 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:14,520 Exactly. Then said Paul unto him. 126 00:08:14,520 --> 00:08:17,600 God shall smite thee, you wiped wall for you sit. 127 00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:19,240 To judge me. After the law. 128 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:23,680 And command me to be smitten. Contrary to the law. 129 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,000 I mean, you're in charge of the law and then. 130 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:28,840 You tell someone to smack me in the face, which breaches the 131 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:31,600 law. And they that. 132 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:34,640 Stood by, said you revile God's high priest. 133 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:38,480 Didn't worry them, they just. Smacked ball in the mouth, then 134 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:41,240 said Paul. I didn't know, brethren, that he 135 00:08:41,240 --> 00:08:43,520 was the High. Priest, what is written Thou 136 00:08:43,520 --> 00:08:45,680 shalt not. Speak evil of the ruler of thy 137 00:08:45,680 --> 00:08:46,600 people. Remember. 138 00:08:46,920 --> 00:08:50,840 David wouldn't do that with. Soul and when? 139 00:08:50,840 --> 00:08:53,160 Paul perceived that one part was. 140 00:08:53,160 --> 00:08:57,200 Sadducees. And the other Pharisees, the 141 00:08:57,200 --> 00:09:00,400 Sanhedrin, he cried out into the council. 142 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:04,960 Paul's pretty savvy here. Men and brethren, I am a 143 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,320 Pharisee. Remember we know Paul, he's a 144 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:10,360 Pharisee of the Pharisees, trained under Gamileal, the 145 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:14,120 great rabbi teacher. I'm a Pharisee. 146 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:18,360 I'm the son of a Pharisee of the hope and resurrection of the 147 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:20,000 dead. I am called in question. 148 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:22,280 So the Pharisees, they believed in the resurrection. 149 00:09:22,280 --> 00:09:25,560 They went, oh, he's a Pharisee. Well, what's going on here? 150 00:09:25,680 --> 00:09:28,840 It changed. It changed. 151 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:31,640 The whole. Dynamics of the Sanhedrin 152 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:34,280 meeting. And when he had said. 153 00:09:34,280 --> 00:09:37,560 So there arose a. Dissension between the Pharisees 154 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:41,640 and the Sadducees, and the. Multitude was divided, for the 155 00:09:41,640 --> 00:09:45,920 Sadducees say that there. Is no resurrection neither Angel 156 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:47,920 nor spirit? But the Pharisees. 157 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:52,200 Confessed both and there. Arose a great cry and the 158 00:09:52,200 --> 00:09:56,560 scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose and stroke 159 00:09:56,560 --> 00:09:58,840 saying, what are we? There's nothing wrong with this 160 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:00,000 guy. He's one of us. 161 00:10:01,960 --> 00:10:03,960 But if a spirit or an Angel. Spoke to him. 162 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:07,760 Let's not fight against God. Because Paul. 163 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:12,960 Remember had told them about his personal testimony on the road 164 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:15,880 to. Damascus and when there? 165 00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:18,080 Arose of great. Dissension The chief captain, 166 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:21,880 the Roman, because he's he can only understand Latin. 167 00:10:22,680 --> 00:10:24,720 He doesn't know Hebrew or Aramaic. 168 00:10:26,360 --> 00:10:28,880 The chief captain. Fearing Les Paul should have 169 00:10:28,880 --> 00:10:30,840 been pulled in. Pieces of them. 170 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:33,040 And so in other words, what's happened, the commercials 171 00:10:33,040 --> 00:10:36,520 programme they've launched forward, the sages are saying 172 00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:39,040 no, he's one of us. And the sages Pharisees said 173 00:10:39,040 --> 00:10:42,840 he's one of us, The sages, no. And sages, he's a punch and on. 174 00:10:42,920 --> 00:10:47,720 I mean, this is the Middle East. It's it's it's it's loud. 175 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:51,200 Command of the soldiers are go down and taking. 176 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:53,200 By 4. Second time he's been. 177 00:10:53,880 --> 00:10:56,120 Taken away from a crowd of people who are trying. 178 00:10:56,120 --> 00:11:03,000 To tear me apart and bring him into the. 179 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:08,680 Castle That is the barracks of the Romans, verse 11. 180 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:12,600 And the night following the next night, the. 181 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:19,200 Lord stood by Paul and said, be of good. 182 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:20,840 Cheer. Paul. 183 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:26,840 For as you have testified. Of me in Jerusalem so. 184 00:11:26,840 --> 00:11:33,760 Must thou bear witness also? At Rome, once again the Roman 185 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:37,880 commander. Claudius Lyceus saves Paul. 186 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:40,520 From being beaten to death. From an angry mob. 187 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:42,080 He's going. To get a little bit. 188 00:11:42,080 --> 00:11:46,440 Tired of saving this little guy, Paul the Apostle. 189 00:11:46,960 --> 00:11:50,200 Is safe now under arrest in the Roman. 190 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:55,840 Barracks adjacent to the Temple in Jerusalem, remember. 191 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,960 Go back. A little few, a little step. 192 00:11:58,480 --> 00:12:04,080 Paul had come to Jerusalem just to tell people he was bringing 193 00:12:04,080 --> 00:12:08,040 an offering from all the Gentile churches, help the Jerusalem 194 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:13,160 church, and he was telling them, giving the report of his 123 195 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:16,760 missionary journeys, and everything's just gone. 196 00:12:17,560 --> 00:12:23,320 All over the place. Things have just gone downhill. 197 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:30,560 But we remember Paul had been told each time he. 198 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:32,280 Stopped off on the way, remember? 199 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:36,280 By the Christians groups all the way. 200 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:38,560 Along if you go to Jerusalem. Things. 201 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:39,760 Things are going to be. Bad. 202 00:12:40,560 --> 00:12:43,520 Not things are not good. There and Agabus remember, he 203 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,040 said this is what's. Going to happen to you and this. 204 00:12:45,440 --> 00:12:48,680 And and Paul had been warned and we learnt that. 205 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:51,720 It wasn't people there that were saying that. 206 00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:53,480 Don't go, Paul. And Paul was saying I. 207 00:12:53,480 --> 00:12:57,440 Have to go. God's calling me, I know and. 208 00:12:57,440 --> 00:13:00,440 Paul by the Holy Spirit. These people were being told. 209 00:13:00,440 --> 00:13:01,440 What was going to happen to Paul? 210 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:03,920 Paul is being told. This is what awaits you. 211 00:13:06,480 --> 00:13:10,160 And Paul in the will. Of God continues on to. 212 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:11,720 Jerusalem, and this is what's happened. 213 00:13:12,440 --> 00:13:14,640 He knew. It wasn't. 214 00:13:14,640 --> 00:13:16,680 Going to be a picnic. In Jerusalem. 215 00:13:17,560 --> 00:13:21,600 So, Paul, now how do we? Find this this man. 216 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:26,640 What was this mighty man of God's mindset, right? 217 00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:30,600 At this moment when he's locked away. 218 00:13:30,640 --> 00:13:33,240 In prison, in chains. Done nothing wrong. 219 00:13:33,840 --> 00:13:37,160 How was he spirit? At this time we say, well, he's 220 00:13:37,160 --> 00:13:38,520 Paul. He's been in prison before. 221 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:44,520 No, no, no, he's in Jerusalem. This is where he's tried to 222 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:46,200 reach. Twice. 223 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:49,400 Fellow Jews with the Gospel. Of Jesus. 224 00:13:49,400 --> 00:13:58,880 Christ, Paul had always been the encourager to everybody. 225 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:01,520 Else even the book of. Philippians, he wrote while he's 226 00:14:01,520 --> 00:14:04,400 in gaol, telling everyone you know, have hope. 227 00:14:05,400 --> 00:14:09,280 Continue on. Don't drop away from the Lord. 228 00:14:09,280 --> 00:14:13,640 The Lord will work through this. Yet now Paul is facing this 229 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:19,840 himself. He's encouraged so many and so 230 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:24,160 many churches, but now? Paul himself needed 231 00:14:24,160 --> 00:14:26,360 encouragement, that's why. Fellowship is so important. 232 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:31,960 Because, you know, we can have the appearance as things are, 233 00:14:32,320 --> 00:14:35,240 You know what Australians do. Oh good, as he's got. 234 00:14:35,560 --> 00:14:38,520 No worries. Meanwhile, our marriage is 235 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:41,480 falling apart. Our son is on meth. 236 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:45,400 My job. Looks like I'm going to lose my 237 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:51,440 job, my dad's just been told. He's got terminal cancer and we 238 00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:56,280 go, OK, things are going. We just have. 239 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:59,400 No idea. Each and every one of us, at 240 00:14:59,400 --> 00:15:02,000 some moment, at some time. We're going to. 241 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:14,720 Be needing encouragement and God I hope when you come here to. 242 00:15:14,720 --> 00:15:18,440 Calvary Chapel, Secret Harbour. And hear the word of. 243 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:27,080 God, you will always be. Encouraged, but Paul himself 244 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:29,760 needed. Encouraging this was a 245 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:32,520 difficult. Night and a time for. 246 00:15:32,520 --> 00:15:36,040 The great servant of God. He's been through. 247 00:15:36,040 --> 00:15:40,280 So much, but this time. It's tough, this is. 248 00:15:40,280 --> 00:15:44,480 Jerusalem. His heart ached for the 249 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:46,520 salvation of his fellow countrymen. 250 00:15:46,520 --> 00:15:52,680 Romans Chapter 11 he says I I would, I would give myself to 251 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:55,960 eternal damnness if I could save. 252 00:15:55,960 --> 00:16:01,080 My fellow countrymen, something that Moses had said as well. 253 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:09,080 He had had 2 great public opportunities, 2 great moments 254 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:12,040 to share Christ. With him, he told them. 255 00:16:12,200 --> 00:16:19,120 On both occasions when he had arrived of I was on the road to 256 00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:21,520 Damascus. I'm just a guy like you and 257 00:16:21,720 --> 00:16:24,640 Jesus appeared to me and he's risen from the dead and I 258 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:29,280 persecuted the people of the way and Oh my, my life has changed. 259 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:33,280 22 situations. He'd done that, given his 260 00:16:33,280 --> 00:16:36,720 testimony, but both have come to nothing. 261 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:39,120 No one had said, oh, I want what you have, Paul. 262 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:44,560 In fact, on both occasions, the crowd wanted to kill him. 263 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:52,160 So how'd your two sermons go? Oh, oh, Judge want to. 264 00:16:52,160 --> 00:16:56,120 Kill me. They wanted him dead on both 265 00:16:56,120 --> 00:17:00,120 occasions. Now Paul is in prison once 266 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:02,440 again. He's used to being in prison, 267 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:07,800 but things are different. So often we call on God to 268 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:09,200 deliver. Us, don't we in our? 269 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:13,040 Trial man, I remember. When I was a new believer. 270 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:15,160 You know all you want. To do is, is there anywhere I 271 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:16,040 can? Get a job where? 272 00:17:16,040 --> 00:17:18,720 Everyone's a Christian. You go through that, I just. 273 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:21,960 Want to go somewhere? Everyone's a Christian, you know 274 00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:22,960 where I am? There's. 275 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:25,319 Nobody is a Christian. And we want to. 276 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:27,319 God send me somewhere where everyone's a Christian. 277 00:17:29,480 --> 00:17:32,840 So often we call on God to deliver us in our trial to get 278 00:17:32,840 --> 00:17:35,560 us out of the situation we're in and we. 279 00:17:35,560 --> 00:17:38,440 Find ourselves in and. We want God and we pray. 280 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:40,440 Oh. Coming Wednesday night, why I 281 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:43,640 need this situation? People have got to pray for us. 282 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:47,800 We've got to get out of. This we're in this dire. 283 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:56,880 Storm this trial we just. Need to escape but instead so 284 00:17:56,880 --> 00:17:59,240 often. Jesus chooses to meet us. 285 00:17:59,960 --> 00:18:03,440 In. Our situation? 286 00:18:04,960 --> 00:18:08,080 See, that's where as you read the Bible, you get a different 287 00:18:08,080 --> 00:18:14,200 gist. To man's thinking, for example, 288 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:16,760 Hananiah he was called. Shadrach, Michelle. 289 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:20,800 He was called Meshach. Azariah, he was called. 290 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:23,920 Abednego, you know the story. In Daniel chapter 3. 291 00:18:24,440 --> 00:18:26,480 Nebuchadnezzar builds this great image. 292 00:18:26,800 --> 00:18:29,200 At the sound of the. Orchestra the Babylonian 293 00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:33,520 Symphony Orchestra standing up the. 294 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:36,480 Whole. Of the nation bowed down 295 00:18:38,480 --> 00:18:40,960 thousands and thousands and thousands of people on the 296 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:42,080 ground. On their knees and there's. 297 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:54,000 Three guys. Standing, Nebuchadnezzar gets 298 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:57,520 really upset, calls them before them, threatens them. 299 00:18:58,120 --> 00:19:02,160 So we're going to cook you. Unless you bow down and worship 300 00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:06,840 and so. What do these three teenagers 301 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:12,640 say? Daniel 317 If it be so, our God, 302 00:19:12,640 --> 00:19:15,800 whom we serve, is able to deliver us. 303 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:20,200 From the burning fiery furnace. Which had been heated 7. 304 00:19:20,200 --> 00:19:23,760 Times more and he will. Deliver us. 305 00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:28,000 Out of his hand, O King. But if not. 306 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:32,320 Be it known unto you, O King, they we will not. 307 00:19:32,320 --> 00:19:36,320 Serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you've set up 308 00:19:39,200 --> 00:19:43,800 throws them in the fire. You see, we as a church, we 309 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:45,080 would go. Shadrack Michigan have been 310 00:19:45,080 --> 00:19:47,920 here. Let's pray God help them escape, 311 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:51,080 help them to get out of this, help them not to have to go 312 00:19:51,080 --> 00:19:53,200 anywhere near. Isn't that what we would pray? 313 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:56,280 We would go oh let's let's get the prayer cards out 24/7. 314 00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:58,680 We got to pray for Shadrack, Michigan, Bendigo and God says. 315 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:04,840 No, because as they're. Thrown in the fire, Jesus says 316 00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:12,040 I'm here with you, I'm with you. They're not in bands, no longer 317 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:17,200 chained, and they're walking around and around, and not only 318 00:20:17,200 --> 00:20:19,960 if, because Nebuchadnezzar called them in. 319 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:24,280 Were they going to leave? Better to be in the. 320 00:20:24,280 --> 00:20:28,120 Fire with Jesus than outside in the air. 321 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:30,880 With the world and Nebuchadnezzar. 322 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:36,720 So we will see this with Paul. Today in our text I'm going to 323 00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:42,120 give you 4 points 1. The presence of the Lord. 324 00:20:42,480 --> 00:20:48,040 Is always with us. The presence of the Lord. 325 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:52,720 Is always with us. It was opportune. 326 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:56,760 For Paul to be. Alone this night under. 327 00:20:56,760 --> 00:21:00,920 Roman protection in the Roman. Barracks away from everyone. 328 00:21:02,200 --> 00:21:06,360 Jesus Christ appears to our struggling apostle. 329 00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:09,600 And he? Stands and notice it says by 330 00:21:09,920 --> 00:21:11,640 Paul. It doesn't. 331 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:15,440 Say he stands before Paul. Well, aren't you getting a bit 332 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:17,480 pedantic? No, I think it's important. 333 00:21:19,080 --> 00:21:21,960 It says he stands by Paul, not before him. 334 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:25,760 But by him means alongside. Paul. 335 00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:31,160 And the night following the. Lord stood by him. 336 00:21:31,160 --> 00:21:32,720 Verse. 11 Read it in your. Bible. 337 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:37,640 Look at it it. Was the night following? 338 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:42,640 Jesus always comes in the. Darkest. 339 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:50,280 Hour in the darkest hour. We need to be. 340 00:21:50,280 --> 00:21:58,080 Reminded over and over we are never alone in our trial. 341 00:21:59,800 --> 00:22:01,840 You think you're alone, but we never are. 342 00:22:02,600 --> 00:22:06,360 Helen and I went through a time. We were visiting a doctor. 343 00:22:07,360 --> 00:22:08,800 The words that. Were coming from the. 344 00:22:08,800 --> 00:22:15,160 Doctor were not good and in the waiting room. 345 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:20,800 God spoke to myself. And also to Helen. 346 00:22:21,200 --> 00:22:25,800 As we shared. The same verse later, Lord, we 347 00:22:25,800 --> 00:22:30,360 need to, because everything from the world was wrong, not good. 348 00:22:30,840 --> 00:22:35,600 We need something right? And the Lord gave us. 349 00:22:35,600 --> 00:22:39,240 Psalm 27 verse one we used to sing it. 350 00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:48,280 The Lord is. My light and my salvation, whom 351 00:22:49,760 --> 00:22:54,080 shall I fear? The Lord. 352 00:22:54,640 --> 00:23:03,800 Is the strength of my life of. Whom shall I be afraid? 353 00:23:05,360 --> 00:23:08,800 It mattered not what medical medicos said. 354 00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:17,760 It matters only what God said. Second point Jesus came to 355 00:23:17,760 --> 00:23:22,800 inspire Paul. Why did Jesus appear to? 356 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:26,000 Paul at this. Particular moment I mean, we 357 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:26,960 don't. See it anywhere. 358 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:32,000 Else it says the Lord stood by him. 359 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,120 Why? To bring to Paul personal 360 00:23:35,640 --> 00:23:42,600 comfort, personal cheer. Paul be of good cheer, for he 361 00:23:42,600 --> 00:23:46,640 tells Paul be of good cheer, Jesus said. 362 00:23:46,640 --> 00:23:49,320 These words to Paul. Paul, be of good cheer. 363 00:23:49,560 --> 00:23:55,920 Good cheer, You could have said. Yeah, You want to make the 364 00:23:56,000 --> 00:23:59,720 cheery sound of the chains? And the scratching. 365 00:23:59,720 --> 00:24:02,080 And the gouges and the bruises that I. 366 00:24:02,560 --> 00:24:04,040 I have. From the two mobs. 367 00:24:04,040 --> 00:24:06,000 That I faced and I, Paul didn't do any of that. 368 00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:13,720 Jesus, say Paul, it's good. You see? 369 00:24:13,760 --> 00:24:16,160 The view from heaven is so vastly. 370 00:24:16,160 --> 00:24:17,520 Different from the roof, from Earth. 371 00:24:18,920 --> 00:24:20,680 Read through. Through the Book of Revelation, 372 00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:22,680 the view from Earth. Looking up. 373 00:24:23,120 --> 00:24:25,440 Oh, help us save us from the judgement of the. 374 00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:31,360 Lamb root from heaven. It's different. 375 00:24:32,200 --> 00:24:33,720 You've had time. Repent. 376 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:41,080 Jesus came to bring what did. He bring strength and. 377 00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:44,720 Here's the other thing. Continued purpose. 378 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:46,760 For Paul. Just didn't come say. 379 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:47,920 Yeah, Paul, I know it's been tough. 380 00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:49,800 Yeah, come on out. Let's have let's go to 381 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:54,040 Dunsborough for four weeks because the world always wants 382 00:24:54,040 --> 00:24:57,840 you to have a break from God. The advice of the world is you 383 00:24:57,840 --> 00:24:59,360 need to have a. Have a break from church. 384 00:24:59,680 --> 00:25:01,040 You know you're. Going through a tough time. 385 00:25:01,280 --> 00:25:05,440 You don't need to go to church. No, that is the very moment. 386 00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:10,600 You need to be in. Church, the World Council's 387 00:25:10,840 --> 00:25:19,760 wrong Council, Paul. I'm here. 388 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:23,920 He. Came to help Paul in spite of 389 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:26,880 what he was suffering, and he came to get. 390 00:25:26,880 --> 00:25:31,640 Paul to recalibrate Paul's thoughts. 391 00:25:32,440 --> 00:25:34,640 And that's why you need to read the word. 392 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:37,360 And sit under the. Word because you come from the 393 00:25:37,360 --> 00:25:39,880 world and the. World puts all it's dust. 394 00:25:39,880 --> 00:25:41,760 And dirt. On you and you. 395 00:25:41,760 --> 00:25:43,680 Start to think. Of the way of the world. 396 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,840 Think, oh, things are no good. This is the. 397 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:47,960 End of it. I mean, look, they just the US 398 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:50,800 just. Sent their envoy to Pakistan. 399 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:53,640 And the other guys didn't even turn up, send them back. 400 00:25:53,800 --> 00:25:56,400 What's going to What's going? On, there's no end. 401 00:25:56,400 --> 00:26:02,800 Of this Iranian situation. God knows what's going on. 402 00:26:04,120 --> 00:26:10,240 It's all fine. He came to Paul. 403 00:26:10,600 --> 00:26:12,920 So that Paul didn't drop the bundle. 404 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:17,120 He came to get Paul thinking. Biblically, and that's the only. 405 00:26:17,160 --> 00:26:19,400 Right way for you to think. Biblically, and you know why. 406 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,400 Because that's. Truthfully, that's the truth. 407 00:26:22,120 --> 00:26:24,120 You can't. Look to politicians for truth. 408 00:26:25,360 --> 00:26:26,920 They're lying when their lips are moving. 409 00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:31,280 You look to the word of God and it never. 410 00:26:31,280 --> 00:26:37,600 Changes Straits of Hormuz are open now they're closed. 411 00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:40,760 Now they're open and they're. Closed petrol is good we got. 412 00:26:40,760 --> 00:26:41,480 Plenty of. Petrol. 413 00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:44,160 We got a day's. Worth. 414 00:26:45,200 --> 00:26:47,240 We've got another million. So many. 415 00:26:47,240 --> 00:26:49,080 Litres. Yeah, that's a day. 416 00:26:49,600 --> 00:26:53,120 OK, we we might have to change things then. 417 00:26:55,320 --> 00:27:01,120 God's word never changes, but first Jesus would commend. 418 00:27:01,120 --> 00:27:06,040 Paul, I love that. Jesus commended. 419 00:27:06,040 --> 00:27:10,640 Paul, he says to Paul for as. You have testified of me in 420 00:27:10,640 --> 00:27:12,800 Jerusalem. Paul, you've done a great job. 421 00:27:13,560 --> 00:27:16,560 Isn't that good? Paul. 422 00:27:16,560 --> 00:27:20,720 You have testified of me. And for me in Jerusalem, 423 00:27:20,840 --> 00:27:24,440 magnificently Paul. God said that about. 424 00:27:24,440 --> 00:27:26,200 Job. Have you seen my man? 425 00:27:26,200 --> 00:27:29,280 Job. Oh, man, what a guy. 426 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:34,840 Paul, you've done all that I've asked. 427 00:27:34,840 --> 00:27:41,680 Of you the response. Of those you have witnessed to 428 00:27:41,760 --> 00:27:47,080 is not your responsibility now, Paul, all your burden. 429 00:27:48,480 --> 00:27:51,480 You are clean of their blood. You have told them. 430 00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:57,920 Now they must. Choose what they will do with 431 00:27:57,920 --> 00:28:00,680 what you have proclaimed about me. 432 00:28:01,200 --> 00:28:03,800 I tell you every. Pastor that's worth their salt. 433 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:06,880 Leaves church most Sundays depressed. 434 00:28:06,880 --> 00:28:08,120 You go. Depressed. 435 00:28:09,200 --> 00:28:11,520 Yeah, because every. Pastor wants everyone on. 436 00:28:11,520 --> 00:28:14,360 Fire for God every pastor. Wants everyone who doesn't know 437 00:28:14,360 --> 00:28:17,960 Christ to come to. Christ that day, because it 438 00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:19,880 doesn't. Happen that way, you go home 439 00:28:19,880 --> 00:28:23,160 depressed. Seriously, you dig into the. 440 00:28:23,160 --> 00:28:27,840 Words that God help me, he says. You've done, you've I, I, you're 441 00:28:27,840 --> 00:28:28,760 the messenger. Just. 442 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:33,200 You. Speak the message now. 443 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:35,720 Let the steed land where it lies. 444 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:39,680 There's four types of hearts. I mean one. 445 00:28:39,800 --> 00:28:41,760 Of those hearts. Is going to accept. 446 00:28:41,760 --> 00:28:49,080 It their eternal destination pool. 447 00:28:49,720 --> 00:28:53,640 Is not on you, but on their. Shoulders now how? 448 00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:56,040 This must have blessed Paul because he's just thinking. 449 00:28:56,440 --> 00:28:59,240 They're lost. We need to tell them. 450 00:29:01,520 --> 00:29:05,080 As the writer of Hebrews. Tells us Hebrews 610. 451 00:29:05,400 --> 00:29:09,000 For God is not unrighteous. To. 452 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:17,960 Forget your work and notice so we know what it is Labour of 453 00:29:17,960 --> 00:29:22,160 love which you have showed toward. 454 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:28,640 His name in that one you have ministered to. 455 00:29:28,640 --> 00:29:33,040 Who did you minister? To To the Saints 3. 456 00:29:33,200 --> 00:29:35,720 And you continue to minister. Church. 457 00:29:35,840 --> 00:29:40,920 That's a verse for you because the right of Hebrews expects you 458 00:29:40,920 --> 00:29:45,560 to. Be ministering to the Saints. 459 00:29:45,600 --> 00:29:52,960 The rest of the body, Christ. And continuing even now. 460 00:29:53,160 --> 00:29:56,320 To minister. What part are you doing? 461 00:29:57,240 --> 00:29:59,160 What you're We're all part of the body. 462 00:29:59,160 --> 00:30:02,200 It's not just. One person and this person and 463 00:30:02,200 --> 00:30:03,840 the Sunday school people. And the ushers and. 464 00:30:04,080 --> 00:30:07,320 Everyone just gets a free pass. Doesn't work that way. 465 00:30:09,760 --> 00:30:14,440 There is in that verse. An expectation that we each 466 00:30:14,440 --> 00:30:16,920 would indeed minister. To Fellow. 467 00:30:16,920 --> 00:30:22,400 Saints and that we even. Now are ministering to them. 468 00:30:23,120 --> 00:30:27,520 The Church. Third Point. 469 00:30:29,000 --> 00:30:33,400 Paul needed. The word of the Lord. 470 00:30:34,400 --> 00:30:37,520 As do you and I. Each day. 471 00:30:38,320 --> 00:30:43,960 But particularly in this time. Of personal trial when someone. 472 00:30:43,960 --> 00:30:47,320 Comes to ask for counsel. I go. 473 00:30:47,760 --> 00:30:49,480 I don't know what the. Word the Lord has. 474 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:51,160 For you in this thing. But this is. 475 00:30:51,160 --> 00:30:54,840 What I know you need to do, you need to dig into the word even 476 00:30:54,840 --> 00:30:58,800 more now and find. Out what God has for you there 477 00:30:59,440 --> 00:31:01,880 God will speak to you. God will give you a verse, 478 00:31:01,880 --> 00:31:06,000 something tangible. That is. 479 00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:10,480 Concrete that will help you in. Your situation? 480 00:31:11,440 --> 00:31:12,600 Don't. Just run around. 481 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:14,240 Like a chook with his head cut off. 482 00:31:14,480 --> 00:31:15,680 Where do I go? What do I do? 483 00:31:15,960 --> 00:31:18,360 You tell me what? Because in this room. 484 00:31:18,800 --> 00:31:21,240 There's a couple of 100 people. That'll tell you what to do. 485 00:31:22,120 --> 00:31:31,490 And none of us have any idea. He says, Paul be of good cheer. 486 00:31:32,490 --> 00:31:34,050 You see? God knew Paul's heart. 487 00:31:34,050 --> 00:31:38,250 That's why he said. Be a good cheer, Paul, he knew. 488 00:31:38,250 --> 00:31:42,040 That Paul was down. Which is why he said these words 489 00:31:42,040 --> 00:31:44,320 to him, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered saying we have 490 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:47,520 good cheer. He needed cheering, he need to 491 00:31:47,520 --> 00:31:52,520 know things are good. How down Paul must have been, 492 00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:55,840 but how wonderful and sure and assuring for. 493 00:31:55,840 --> 00:32:00,200 Paul that Christ tells Paul. Everything really is OK. 494 00:32:00,280 --> 00:32:01,840 Everything's on. You could on. 495 00:32:02,600 --> 00:32:05,800 Have you seen? You see our vision? 496 00:32:05,800 --> 00:32:10,760 We we we have no idea. You're just banging your head. 497 00:32:10,760 --> 00:32:13,280 You think with your son, with your husband, your wife? 498 00:32:13,480 --> 00:32:15,120 No, no. It's on you. 499 00:32:15,120 --> 00:32:20,360 Just keep doing what I've asked you to do, OK? 500 00:32:20,760 --> 00:32:24,560 Paul, be happy. Come on, Paul, be of good cheer 501 00:32:27,200 --> 00:32:30,560 the mighty. Prophet John the Baptist he 502 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:33,160 found himself just like. Paul, didn't he? 503 00:32:33,480 --> 00:32:35,080 He was locked up. They're going to. 504 00:32:35,080 --> 00:32:39,040 Take his head off. And he was too, and now in 505 00:32:39,040 --> 00:32:41,840 prison. In chains and he's wondering 506 00:32:41,840 --> 00:32:43,640 this this. Doubt came is. 507 00:32:43,800 --> 00:32:52,560 Jesus is he, the Messiah is he and his disciples came and and. 508 00:32:52,560 --> 00:32:55,480 Told Jesus John's in. You know, he's, he's in. 509 00:32:55,480 --> 00:32:57,440 Prison and things are not looking good. 510 00:32:57,440 --> 00:32:59,800 And he's, he's just wondering, you know? 511 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:04,200 What does Jesus say to John's disciples? 512 00:33:04,200 --> 00:33:08,640 With the doubts that they had to go back and tell John, Jesus 513 00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:12,160 answered and said unto them, The disciples of John the Baptist. 514 00:33:12,680 --> 00:33:18,800 Go and show John again these. Things which you hear and. 515 00:33:18,800 --> 00:33:20,520 See. The. 516 00:33:20,520 --> 00:33:23,520 Blind. Receive their sight, the lame. 517 00:33:23,520 --> 00:33:27,200 Walk. The lepers are cleansed, the 518 00:33:27,200 --> 00:33:32,040 deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor. 519 00:33:32,040 --> 00:33:33,720 That's the. Poor in spirit. 520 00:33:34,360 --> 00:33:37,920 Have the gospel preached. To them it's. 521 00:33:37,920 --> 00:33:39,480 Interesting that Jesus is preaching. 522 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:45,800 The gospel, don't you think? And blessed is he whosoever 523 00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:50,520 shall not be. Offended in me and then. 524 00:33:50,520 --> 00:33:54,920 As they went back to tell John that news to say he's the 525 00:33:54,920 --> 00:33:57,240 Messiah, we've. Seen it. 526 00:33:57,280 --> 00:34:00,440 He's the Messiah. John, he told us to tell you 527 00:34:00,440 --> 00:34:02,880 this. And as they left. 528 00:34:02,880 --> 00:34:04,680 Jesus said. What did you guys? 529 00:34:04,680 --> 00:34:08,679 Expect to see of of the Prophet. Did you expect to see? 530 00:34:08,679 --> 00:34:14,000 Someone in fine linen and glory. You know, except no, a prophet, 531 00:34:14,000 --> 00:34:17,239 yes, I say to you. And more than a prophet. 532 00:34:17,360 --> 00:34:19,920 And now he commends John the Baptist. 533 00:34:20,520 --> 00:34:24,080 For this is he of. Whom it is written, Behold, I 534 00:34:24,080 --> 00:34:27,080 send my messenger. Before your face, which? 535 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:29,600 Shall prepare thy way. Before thee. 536 00:34:30,280 --> 00:34:34,960 And then Jesus adds this verily when you see. 537 00:34:34,960 --> 00:34:37,440 Verily, Billy. Graham says when you see Verily. 538 00:34:37,440 --> 00:34:39,280 Always listen up, it's important. 539 00:34:39,280 --> 00:34:42,159 Verily. I say unto you among. 540 00:34:42,159 --> 00:34:47,639 Them that are born of women, there has not risen a greater 541 00:34:47,880 --> 00:34:50,480 than John the Baptist. He's the greatest prophet. 542 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:55,520 Jesus words. Notwithstanding, he that is 543 00:34:55,520 --> 00:34:57,560 least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 544 00:34:59,280 --> 00:35:04,480 Tell John, John, you prepared the way magnificently for me. 545 00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:09,640 Tell him that. Tell John I am the Messiah. 546 00:35:09,640 --> 00:35:11,200 I am he. Tell him that. 547 00:35:13,720 --> 00:35:14,440 Tell. John. 548 00:35:15,840 --> 00:35:17,720 John. You've done all that you're 549 00:35:17,840 --> 00:35:19,440 asked to do. You did it beautifully. 550 00:35:21,280 --> 00:35:24,520 Faithfully, because John is about to be beheaded. 551 00:35:26,200 --> 00:35:30,200 You see, God knows. Your faithfulness to Him. 552 00:35:31,920 --> 00:35:35,200 And he implores. You to keep. 553 00:35:35,720 --> 00:35:41,120 Going. Keep going. 4th and final point, 554 00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:44,280 but. Paul's ministry. 555 00:35:44,280 --> 00:35:47,400 Don't worry, it's a long one. It's going to get out early. 556 00:35:49,000 --> 00:35:54,520 No, Paul's ministry was not yet finished. 557 00:35:56,400 --> 00:35:59,040 The Lord had need of him for more. 558 00:36:00,560 --> 00:36:06,680 It's not over yet, Paul. We see that our work each of. 559 00:36:06,680 --> 00:36:10,080 Us, like Paul the apostle for the Lord, is critical. 560 00:36:11,120 --> 00:36:14,680 As we are saved, why? To serve him. 561 00:36:14,760 --> 00:36:20,600 That's the reason you're saved. With our lives until Jesus takes 562 00:36:20,600 --> 00:36:23,240 us. Home and we have run and 563 00:36:23,240 --> 00:36:29,480 finished our race. Jesus says to Paul, Paul, I've. 564 00:36:29,480 --> 00:36:31,640 Called you to. Witness and testify of me. 565 00:36:32,600 --> 00:36:34,640 In Jerusalem, you've done that indeed. 566 00:36:34,800 --> 00:36:39,640 Awesome, but there's still. More I need you for more. 567 00:36:39,640 --> 00:36:42,520 More witnessing. Paul, it's not over yet. 568 00:36:43,160 --> 00:36:47,120 Paul, be of good cheer. Be of good cheer, Paul, for as 569 00:36:47,320 --> 00:36:48,600 you have. Testified. 570 00:36:48,680 --> 00:36:50,760 Of me in. Jerusalem now notice. 571 00:36:50,760 --> 00:36:56,680 What Jesus, how he expresses? It to so must you bear witness 572 00:36:56,680 --> 00:36:58,000 also. At Rome. 573 00:36:58,440 --> 00:37:01,520 This is not it, Paul. Now you have. 574 00:37:01,520 --> 00:37:05,120 To go to Rome, I command you to go to Rome. 575 00:37:05,240 --> 00:37:11,760 You must notice. Jesus says to Paul, so must. 576 00:37:11,760 --> 00:37:14,440 You bear witness also at Rome. Must. 577 00:37:14,440 --> 00:37:17,160 It's emphatic. For after. 578 00:37:17,160 --> 00:37:22,080 Jerusalem, I'm sending you to. Rome Parents. 579 00:37:22,800 --> 00:37:26,280 Well, I've raised the kids. We're empty nesters and so. 580 00:37:26,400 --> 00:37:27,960 You're still. A mother and a father. 581 00:37:30,760 --> 00:37:33,720 Yes, they have their own lives, but you're still a mother and a 582 00:37:33,720 --> 00:37:36,400 father. Your role as parenting is 583 00:37:36,520 --> 00:37:40,760 praying for them, checking up on whether they go to church, 584 00:37:41,080 --> 00:37:45,160 guiding in the church, helping them, encouraging them doesn't 585 00:37:45,160 --> 00:37:46,120 just go well. They're done. 586 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:52,720 They're gone. And then after your children. 587 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:58,280 Jerusalem comes. Your Rome Grandchildren. 588 00:37:59,560 --> 00:38:04,240 Grandchildren. Psalm 100. 589 00:38:04,240 --> 00:38:06,480 And three verse 17 says. But the mercy of the. 590 00:38:06,480 --> 00:38:09,440 Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. 591 00:38:09,440 --> 00:38:12,640 Upon them that fear him. And his righteousness unto 592 00:38:12,680 --> 00:38:14,720 children. 'S Children. 593 00:38:17,800 --> 00:38:20,000 Proverbs, 1322. A good. 594 00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:24,760 Man leaves an inheritance to his children, to his children's 595 00:38:24,760 --> 00:38:28,280 children, and the wealth of the Sinner is laid up for the. 596 00:38:28,280 --> 00:38:31,720 Just Paul is. Commended and rewarded for his 597 00:38:31,720 --> 00:38:33,800 labourers thus far. Jerusalem. 598 00:38:34,000 --> 00:38:38,200 But Paul, there's more. Luke, 1917. 599 00:38:38,200 --> 00:38:40,840 Jesus says. Well done, thy good, and. 600 00:38:40,840 --> 00:38:43,440 Faithful. Servant, because you've been 601 00:38:43,440 --> 00:38:47,720 faithful. In a very little Jerusalem now. 602 00:38:47,960 --> 00:38:50,000 I'm going to give you authority over 10. 603 00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:54,520 Cities, Rome, faithful and little. 604 00:38:54,800 --> 00:38:56,680 There is more for you to do. Oh. 605 00:38:56,680 --> 00:38:57,960 Well, I used to teach Sunday school. 606 00:38:58,320 --> 00:39:01,520 And what are you doing now? Well, Keith, that's a bit. 607 00:39:01,520 --> 00:39:03,000 Abrupt. Now I'm just being. 608 00:39:03,000 --> 00:39:05,920 Biblical. It's not like. 609 00:39:05,920 --> 00:39:14,120 Well, I've just I've you. Know done that No from deacons 610 00:39:14,200 --> 00:39:18,080 Philip Stephen. Serving bread. 611 00:39:18,400 --> 00:39:20,120 What has happened? God. 612 00:39:20,120 --> 00:39:23,720 Used them to be evangelists. How much of an influence? 613 00:39:23,720 --> 00:39:28,240 Did Stephens only message recorded have upon the? 614 00:39:28,240 --> 00:39:31,080 Life of Saul to changing to. Paul because. 615 00:39:31,080 --> 00:39:34,200 Paul mentions that every time. He speaks in his testimony. 616 00:39:35,440 --> 00:39:36,880 I held the garments of the guys that. 617 00:39:36,880 --> 00:39:41,640 Killed him. There is no taking your foot off 618 00:39:41,640 --> 00:39:43,480 the pedal. In our service. 619 00:39:43,720 --> 00:39:45,280 Church is not well Sunday. It's done. 620 00:39:45,280 --> 00:39:48,240 It's over. Your service for. 621 00:39:48,240 --> 00:39:53,360 And to the Lord goes on in the Bible, there's no retirement. 622 00:39:53,360 --> 00:39:58,200 Plan. There's no. 623 00:39:58,200 --> 00:40:00,880 Break from ministry. Sorry, kids, you know we had 624 00:40:00,880 --> 00:40:02,880 four. Kids, but we're changing things 625 00:40:02,880 --> 00:40:04,280 up. Two of you got to go. 626 00:40:04,280 --> 00:40:05,440 We're only. Going to deal with two. 627 00:40:06,600 --> 00:40:09,120 So we're going to mum's not just going to cook for two. 628 00:40:10,400 --> 00:40:13,280 And so you got to work at, we're only going to do 2, it's going 629 00:40:13,280 --> 00:40:15,400 to be two beds. We're going to rent out a room. 630 00:40:15,960 --> 00:40:19,080 I mean, it just sounds ridiculous, but we do that with 631 00:40:19,080 --> 00:40:22,400 God. There's no. 632 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:26,080 Break from ministry? There's no break. 633 00:40:26,080 --> 00:40:29,320 From working on your marriage, there's no break. 634 00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:34,600 From that. To all the work that. 635 00:40:34,600 --> 00:40:36,520 God has prepared for you is finished. 636 00:40:39,800 --> 00:40:42,160 Ephesians 210. For we are his. 637 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:44,880 Workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good. 638 00:40:44,880 --> 00:40:46,800 Works. That's why we're created to do 639 00:40:46,800 --> 00:40:48,800 the works. Of God, which God has. 640 00:40:48,800 --> 00:40:50,600 Before. Before the foundation of the 641 00:40:50,640 --> 00:40:52,840 earth. Ordained before we were born. 642 00:40:53,120 --> 00:40:54,840 That we should what? Walk in them that. 643 00:40:54,840 --> 00:40:57,600 We should do them. Today. 644 00:40:57,760 --> 00:41:03,760 Sadly, there are many jobs. Many unfinished tasks that have 645 00:41:03,760 --> 00:41:06,640 been under left by so many you. Started off you. 646 00:41:06,760 --> 00:41:08,520 Yeah, you're this far with the kids. 647 00:41:08,520 --> 00:41:10,880 And then you bail this far with your marriage then. 648 00:41:10,880 --> 00:41:12,240 You stop that. You don't. 649 00:41:12,240 --> 00:41:14,880 Do that anymore. They're they're, they're not 650 00:41:15,040 --> 00:41:16,840 complete. They're not finished. 651 00:41:17,600 --> 00:41:22,800 Marriages, parenting, serving in the church doesn't finish. 652 00:41:23,760 --> 00:41:26,320 I love that old folk. Older folk and I'm. 653 00:41:26,480 --> 00:41:28,440 I'm up there now, they could say hey. 654 00:41:28,440 --> 00:41:29,920 I'm I'm. Retired now, is there anything? 655 00:41:29,920 --> 00:41:32,000 Around the church I can do what? How can I help? 656 00:41:32,000 --> 00:41:33,360 I can. Spend time here now. 657 00:41:36,720 --> 00:41:40,120 Jesus did not come to relieve the pressure on Paul. 658 00:41:40,320 --> 00:41:42,960 That's the way of the world. Well, we just, Yeah, we do, 659 00:41:42,960 --> 00:41:43,880 Paul. Have a break. 660 00:41:44,720 --> 00:41:48,800 Have a Kit Kat. No. 661 00:41:48,800 --> 00:41:51,560 Jesus came. To strengthen Paul. 662 00:41:51,560 --> 00:41:56,000 Why to make him? Overcome the pressure. 663 00:41:56,120 --> 00:41:57,560 The pressure wasn't going to drop. 664 00:41:57,720 --> 00:42:00,760 The pressure was going to get. Worse, see you. 665 00:42:00,760 --> 00:42:05,240 And I want the pressure gone. God says I I ain't touching the 666 00:42:05,240 --> 00:42:12,400 pressure. I'm here for you. 1 John 4. 4 667 00:42:12,400 --> 00:42:17,440 You are of God little. Children and have overcome them 668 00:42:18,640 --> 00:42:21,080 because greater is He that is in you. 669 00:42:21,280 --> 00:42:25,800 And he is in the world now 12. 3456. 670 00:42:25,800 --> 00:42:29,360 More let me give you. Revelation 27 he that. 671 00:42:29,360 --> 00:42:30,440 Hasn't hear. Let him. 672 00:42:30,440 --> 00:42:32,440 Hear what the Spirit says under the churches. 673 00:42:32,640 --> 00:42:35,800 To him, that overcomes. Shall I give to eat of the? 674 00:42:35,800 --> 00:42:37,800 Tree of Life which? Is in the midst of the paradise 675 00:42:37,800 --> 00:42:39,600 of God. You see, it's only to the 676 00:42:39,600 --> 00:42:42,160 overcomers that you get these blessings. 677 00:42:43,600 --> 00:42:46,280 Revelation 211. He that has an ear, let him hear 678 00:42:46,280 --> 00:42:47,840 what the. Spirit says to the churches. 679 00:42:47,960 --> 00:42:50,960 He that overcomes shall not. Be heard of the second death. 680 00:42:51,160 --> 00:42:53,680 That was to those in. Smyrna who were going to die. 681 00:42:53,680 --> 00:42:56,280 For their faith, Jesus says, Oh. Don't worry, I'll rescue you. 682 00:42:56,400 --> 00:42:59,360 No, you're still going to die. But stay faithful, even to 683 00:42:59,360 --> 00:43:02,840 death. Revelation 217. 684 00:43:02,840 --> 00:43:04,080 He that has an ear. Let him. 685 00:43:04,080 --> 00:43:06,520 Hear what the Spirit. Says under the churches to him 686 00:43:06,520 --> 00:43:08,000 that overcomes. Will I give? 687 00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:10,440 To eat of the hidden. Manner will give him a white 688 00:43:10,440 --> 00:43:12,720 stone. In the stone, a new name written 689 00:43:12,880 --> 00:43:16,160 which no man knows. Save he that. 690 00:43:16,160 --> 00:43:18,480 Receives it. Revelation 3/5. 691 00:43:18,680 --> 00:43:21,320 He that overcomes the same shall be clothed in white. 692 00:43:21,320 --> 00:43:24,640 Raiment and I want to. Blot out, not blot out. 693 00:43:24,640 --> 00:43:28,160 His name out of the book. Of life I will confess his name 694 00:43:28,440 --> 00:43:30,520 before my. Father and before his angels. 695 00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:32,240 The last one, No second last one. 696 00:43:32,560 --> 00:43:36,400 Revelation 312 He that overcomes, will I make a pillar 697 00:43:36,680 --> 00:43:38,080 in the temple? Of my God. 698 00:43:38,200 --> 00:43:41,840 And he shall go no more out, and I'll write upon him the name of 699 00:43:41,840 --> 00:43:45,920 my God, the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, 700 00:43:46,040 --> 00:43:49,480 which comes down out of heaven for my God, and I will write up 701 00:43:49,480 --> 00:43:52,800 on him. My new name, the last 321. 702 00:43:52,960 --> 00:43:56,920 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my 703 00:43:56,920 --> 00:43:59,600 throne? Even as I also overcame. 704 00:43:59,920 --> 00:44:02,040 You. See our our savour. 705 00:44:02,040 --> 00:44:04,400 He was the overcomer, he said. It is finished. 706 00:44:04,960 --> 00:44:07,920 And say this is too. Hard Get Me Out of. 707 00:44:07,920 --> 00:44:11,000 Here. And I'm sit down with my. 708 00:44:11,000 --> 00:44:13,040 Father on his throne you see the. 709 00:44:13,040 --> 00:44:16,760 Difference between a carnal Christian and a mature. 710 00:44:16,760 --> 00:44:21,040 Believer is a mature believer. Stays in the pressure cooker. 711 00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:24,840 And God gives him the strength to overcome they. 712 00:44:24,840 --> 00:44:27,640 Stay in the fire, they stay in the. 713 00:44:27,880 --> 00:44:32,040 In the storm, they continue. To row and then because they 714 00:44:32,040 --> 00:44:34,560 continue to row, Jesus gets. Them to the other side. 715 00:44:36,640 --> 00:44:40,040 Reverend Philip Brooks said this. 716 00:44:40,920 --> 00:44:43,480 And I quote. Do. 717 00:44:43,480 --> 00:44:46,400 Not pray for easy life. That's what most of us pray. 718 00:44:46,480 --> 00:44:48,760 Oh God help me this. Oh, come Wednesday. 719 00:44:48,920 --> 00:44:51,160 Or can you pray for this? Oh, Get Me Out of this, Help me 720 00:44:51,160 --> 00:44:52,920 this, get that. Fix this. 721 00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:54,320 Put my shoes on, tie my shoes up. 722 00:44:55,280 --> 00:45:00,960 Comb my hair, wash my. Face seriously, do not pray for 723 00:45:00,960 --> 00:45:04,520 easy. Lives pray to be stronger. 724 00:45:04,520 --> 00:45:10,120 Men do not. Pray for tasks equal to your 725 00:45:10,120 --> 00:45:12,600 powers. Pray. 726 00:45:12,600 --> 00:45:20,440 For powers equal to your tasks, you're either a weak church or a 727 00:45:20,440 --> 00:45:24,320 strong church. I'm either a carnal Christian. 728 00:45:24,760 --> 00:45:26,760 Or I am here and. God's going to get. 729 00:45:26,760 --> 00:45:28,440 Me through this and I believe he will. 730 00:45:30,200 --> 00:45:34,520 Just Jesus now tells Paul. The purpose for his life, the 731 00:45:34,520 --> 00:45:36,440 rest of his life, which is soon to end. 732 00:45:37,240 --> 00:45:40,280 Why I'd chosen him. Why God had called him? 733 00:45:40,520 --> 00:45:43,680 So you must bear. Witness of me at Rome. 734 00:45:45,120 --> 00:45:48,760 Rome. You see, God's Providence is 735 00:45:48,760 --> 00:45:50,320 over. Everything in our lives. 736 00:45:51,680 --> 00:45:54,880 So now we know Paul's fears were quenched. 737 00:45:55,400 --> 00:45:59,080 Because of Christ's personal. Encouragement be of good cheer, 738 00:45:59,080 --> 00:46:01,680 Paul. Then it's reasonable to. 739 00:46:01,680 --> 00:46:07,400 Say that Paul will indeed. And I want you to note this, be 740 00:46:07,400 --> 00:46:10,480 immortal. Till his work was. 741 00:46:10,480 --> 00:46:13,080 Done through God's. Power. 742 00:46:14,200 --> 00:46:18,000 Did you get that? That as you have work. 743 00:46:18,600 --> 00:46:22,040 For the Lord and you do it, and you're in the will of God. 744 00:46:23,160 --> 00:46:25,400 You ain't. Nothing's coming between you and 745 00:46:25,400 --> 00:46:29,840 God and anything else until. The work. 746 00:46:29,840 --> 00:46:32,240 Is finished and then God says now on. 747 00:46:35,520 --> 00:46:43,080 Let's wrap up this four things difficulties we face. 748 00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:46,600 And experience are known necessary proof. 749 00:46:46,640 --> 00:46:51,480 Of our being unfaithful or out of God's will. 750 00:46:53,560 --> 00:46:58,440 Two, our difficulties are all. Known. 751 00:46:58,560 --> 00:47:02,800 To Christ each. And every one of them. 3 752 00:47:04,080 --> 00:47:05,960 difficulties. Are for. 753 00:47:06,080 --> 00:47:08,000 Each of us as we face. Them. 754 00:47:08,320 --> 00:47:12,160 They Why do we have them? They are God's incentive. 755 00:47:12,520 --> 00:47:18,480 For fresh effort, not to. Surrender or to give up. 4. 756 00:47:19,200 --> 00:47:24,960 Difficulties that God leads us. Into and allows us to face are 757 00:47:24,960 --> 00:47:28,400 there so that we. Each will have a fuller and a 758 00:47:28,400 --> 00:47:29,800 greater trust. In him. 759 00:47:30,920 --> 00:47:34,680 Isaiah 50, verse 70. For the Lord God will help me 760 00:47:34,680 --> 00:47:36,720 therefore. Shall I not be confounded? 761 00:47:36,720 --> 00:47:40,000 That means ashamed. Confused or humiliated 762 00:47:40,640 --> 00:47:43,120 therefore. Have I set my face like a Flint? 763 00:47:43,400 --> 00:47:45,560 And I know that I. Shall not be ashamed. 764 00:47:46,400 --> 00:47:48,480 In my devotions I'm. Reading through the book of 765 00:47:48,480 --> 00:47:50,600 Romans and I'm reading. Through the living Bible, 766 00:47:50,760 --> 00:47:53,640 through the book of Romans. It's interesting and I read this 767 00:47:53,640 --> 00:47:59,360 this week, which fits in here. Romans chapter 5 verse 3 says we 768 00:47:59,360 --> 00:48:02,520 can rejoice too. When we run. 769 00:48:02,520 --> 00:48:06,800 Into problems and trials, for we know that they help. 770 00:48:07,200 --> 00:48:11,320 Us develop endurance and endurance. 771 00:48:11,480 --> 00:48:16,240 Develops strength of character. And character strengthens. 772 00:48:16,240 --> 00:48:20,280 Our confident hope of salvation and this hope. 773 00:48:20,840 --> 00:48:25,480 Will not lead to disappointment, for we know. 774 00:48:25,480 --> 00:48:28,760 How dearly God loves us because He has. 775 00:48:28,760 --> 00:48:32,160 Given us the Holy Spirit. To fill our hearts. 776 00:48:33,160 --> 00:48:39,320 And His love isn't that. Life that Jesus was telling Paul 777 00:48:39,320 --> 00:48:42,240 to live. The very life that Jesus lived 778 00:48:42,560 --> 00:48:46,200 himself, difficulty after difficulty. 779 00:48:48,400 --> 00:48:50,520 Oh. But Keith, God's never. 780 00:48:50,560 --> 00:48:59,160 Visited me like Paul. Hey, every time you open your 781 00:48:59,160 --> 00:49:02,680 Bible. Jesus is ready to speak to you. 782 00:49:02,680 --> 00:49:07,720 You. Don't have to be in prison every 783 00:49:07,720 --> 00:49:12,160 time you open the. Bible Jesus is ready to speak to 784 00:49:12,160 --> 00:49:15,920 you. But I am alone. 785 00:49:16,760 --> 00:49:19,080 Jesus came alongside Paul personally. 786 00:49:19,440 --> 00:49:24,120 I don't have that, no. You're not alone. 787 00:49:26,200 --> 00:49:29,160 Jesus sent his Holy Spirit. The helper. 788 00:49:29,800 --> 00:49:33,000 John, 1416. He will. 789 00:49:33,000 --> 00:49:37,120 Abide with you. Forever he will come alongside 790 00:49:37,120 --> 00:49:43,240 you. Forever your Rome awaits. 791 00:49:44,880 --> 00:49:50,280 For some of you who have been serving in Jerusalem, and for 792 00:49:50,280 --> 00:49:55,760 some of you others, you still have work to do in Jerusalem 793 00:49:57,640 --> 00:50:07,920 before you get to go to run. Just to know you my sweetest 794 00:50:08,840 --> 00:50:14,240 friend. My friend.