[0:00] Good morning and welcome to the service this morning. Welcome to any visitors that are here with us today. And tea and coffee served after the service.
[0:12] And everybody is welcome to stay. The unknown minister this morning, David, is preaching at the Communions in Bath. And we certainly remember him in prayer this morning.
[0:24] And services this evening are in Gaelic at 6pm. And will be taken, I believe, by English Taylor.
[0:36] The fellowship this evening, there will be an English fellowship at 8pm. And Faith Mission, Tent Mission, a reminder that there is a prayer meeting tomorrow evening.
[0:47] In the council offices in the old school building. At 7pm tomorrow evening for the Tent Mission. And that will be led by Barclay McLeod, one of our own elders.
[0:59] There is also a Kirk Session meeting at 8pm tomorrow evening at the Mance. And please note the later time of 8pm due to the Tent Mission prayer meeting.
[1:10] Ladies Bible study also meets tomorrow evening. The First Truths Fellowship at 7.30pm on Tuesday. Road to recovery at 8pm on Tuesday here in the Community Centre.
[1:22] The prayer meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm here in the Community Centre. And services next Lord's Day will be taken by our minister. All being well.
[1:34] A further date for the diary, a reminder of the Island Study Conference, which is settled for the weekend of the 21st to 23rd of April. A notification that the speakers will be the Reverend James McKeever and the Reverend Hector Morrison.
[1:47] Anyone wishing more information can get it at the Island Study Conference website at www.isc.scot. That's all the informations.
[1:59] We'll begin our worship of God this morning, singing in Psalm 1. Singing in Psalm 1. That man hath perfect blessedness, who walketh not astray in counsel of ungodly men, nor stands in sinner's way, nor sitteth in the scorner's chair, but placeth his delight upon God's law and meditates on his law day and night.
[2:25] For by the way of godly men unto the Lord is known, whereas the way of wicked men shall quite be overthrown. We'll sing the whole Psalm. Psalm 1. We'll stand to sing.
[2:36] Psalm 1.
[3:04] Psalm 1. Psalm 1.
[3:34] Psalm 1. als forgive and Dean. Shalom. And hear us from there.
[3:57] Chanteth by our heaven, Which in his season yields his fruit, And his debate hath never, And all he does shall prosper well, The wicked are not so, But thine they are unto the child, Which with thy two and four, In judgment therefore shall not stand,
[5:03] Such as the glory are, Nor in the assembly of the just, Shall wicked men appear, For by the wing of godly men, Unto the Lord is known, Where as the way of wicked men Shall quite be overthrown.
[5:59] Let us bow in prayer. Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you That it is indeed blessed for us To come before you at this time, And that we can come before you On this beautiful morning.
[6:22] And Heavenly Father, As we marvel at all that you have created, And created for your pleasure That we may indeed enjoy. That Heavenly Father, As we see the sunshine, As we see the hills, And the beauty of the sea, And the flatness, And the calmness of it, We pray, Heavenly Father, That we would come into your presence This morning, And that we would indeed Be still before you.
[6:48] That we would be still And know that you are God. And that Heavenly Father, In coming into your presence, That we would know what it is To have your blessing upon us.
[7:00] Thanking you for your promise to us That wherever two or three Are gathered in your name. That you are there in the midst And that to bless. And Heavenly Father, As we come seeking your blessing This morning, We do indeed pray, Heavenly Father, That we would accept it freely from you.
[7:18] And that in being blessed by you, That we may go out And be a blessing to others. That Heavenly Father, That we may share your work. And share the joy of your good news.
[7:29] That you sent your Son, Jesus, To come and to die For each and every one. That not only dying on the cross, Heavenly Father, But rising on the third day.
[7:41] That he provides that access That we have to you this morning. That as he sits at your right hand And intercedes in our behalf. Father, We thank you That you are a God That hears and answers prayer.
[7:56] And as we thank you For prayers answered in times past. We come before you again, Heavenly Father, And we bring our prayers And our petitions before you. Asking, Heavenly Father, That you would indeed Strengthen each one of us this day.
[8:12] That as we come And as we gather here, That, Heavenly Father, That we would indeed Seek to know you. Seek to have that Blessed walk with you.
[8:23] To know that calm And heavenly faith. That we can indeed rejoice In knowing that Our God reigns. That we can look to the hills And we can see That our God is in power.
[8:37] And no matter what happens In this world, That we know that You are in control. When we see the bad news In our newspapers And on our television screens.
[8:48] We can come And we can read In your word Of the good news Of salvation. And we pray, Heavenly Father, That as we gather here, That our minds Would indeed be focused On the good news Of Jesus.
[9:02] And that, Heavenly Father, That we would indeed Go from this place Saying that it was good For us to be here. That we gathered With your people. That we sang your praise That we read your word.
[9:15] And, Heavenly Father, We are the better for you. We pray, Heavenly Father, For our minister this morning As he preaches Your word And as they take part In the service Of remembrance Of your day.
[9:28] And, Heavenly Father, That you would bless The congregation there In Barca at this time. As they sit under The ministry of your word And as they go through Many trials at this time.
[9:40] I pray, Heavenly Father, That your hand Would be upon them And that you would Guide and direct them. And, Heavenly Father, In all these things That your name Would indeed be upheld. And, Heavenly Father, That the furtherance Of your kingdom And the work Of your kingdom Would go To the saving of souls.
[9:58] Guide us this morning. Continue with us As we further sing together And as we read together. And we seek to glorify Your name In Jesus' precious name.
[10:11] Amen. Boys and girls I'd like to Let us have fun for you. Does anyone know What these might be? There's all.
[10:25] They're meadows. Have you seen them before? Yeah. Who else has got one? Huh? There's all. And have you seen These names before?
[10:42] Where have you seen them before? Where have you seen them before? You have grandpa's. You have grandpa's. You have grandpa's. You have grandpa's. You have grandpa's. You have typically medals to meet. I'll tell you.
[10:56] Who's fictin' is on there? The queen. Right. So why do you think I get medals The queen's fictin' on there? What? Because you're In the war?
[11:08] No. I know I'll look cold So I'm running. I'll be too much here To get in the water.
[11:22] Anyway Any idea Why I'll put these medals? There's all. Because You're in the water And the police? No. Not because I'm in the water The police. These medals were given to me.
[11:35] They are my medals. But you know why the medals were given to me? Not because of anything I've done. Any idea why I was given these medals? Gold.
[11:48] Okay. This one here. What color is it? Three medals. What color is a medal? Gold. Gold. Okay. It's a gold medal. This one Was to acknowledge And commemorate The queen's Golden Jubilee.
[12:05] Jubilee. That's a celebration Of how many years She's been On the throne As queen Of the United Kingdom.
[12:15] So This wasn't because of anything I did That I get this medal It was because the queen Had been the queen for 50 years But not only has she been the queen for 50 years Ten years later I get another medal Not because of anything I did But because the queen Had been on the throne For 60 years Imagine And she very kindly gave me a medal Not just me There was lots of police officers Firemen Ambulance personnel But all medals Because we had served In these services During the time That the queen Had been on the throne Is she still on the throne?
[13:05] Yeah So how many years now Is that what she's been on the throne? Yeah If in 2012 She had been on the throne For 60 years How many years has she been on the throne this year?
[13:20] 17 17 17 Take away 12 Oh Failed What the teacher In school nowadays If we 65 years On the throne This year I don't expect Another medal for them Why do I find these medals to show you?
[13:40] So I have these medals Because nothing I have done Okay Nothing That I have done The queen is the queen Of the United Kingdom But who's the king Overall?
[13:55] God God God God is the king Overall So why do I have these medals To remind me That the queen Has been On the throne For 50 years And 60 years What it really reminds me of Is that Why do she might be the king Or the queen Sorry Of the United Kingdom God God Is the God That goes Overall And quite often We sing At special times Of the year God save Our gracious queen And within that It says Long to reign over us Happy and glorious There's a verse in the bible That teaches us In revelation Hallelujah For our Lord God Almighty reigns Let us rejoice And be glad And give glory To him So while we may have A queen That we can go and see In a palace Or she might give out medals What we have to remember is
[14:55] That we are a God That reigns over everything And we must give God All the glory And we come to Sunday school And we come to church Not to give medals But to give glory and honour To God Okay I've got another medal at home And if a mum or I To come back And speak to you again I'll take that medal with me Because it's slightly different Okay The thing that we've got to remember today is While we get a queen And we pray That God We'll be after a queen God Ultimately Is the one We have to Sing our praises to Yes Alison A hundred A hundred though She'll be a wee while Before she reaches a hundred But do you know something About a queen A queen is now A longest King or queen To her Saturn throne For the United Kingdom For over For over 65 years
[15:56] She surpassed Queen Victoria And was before us So She's been on this glory An awful long time And she leads An example But What we need to remember is Ultimately The reason we are here Is to give glory And honour To God Turn in our Bibles To Romans Romans chapter 10 And we'll read From the beginning Of the chapter Romans chapter 10 And we'll read from verse 1 Brothers My heart's desire And prayer to God For the Israelites Is that they may be saved For I can testify about them That they are zealous For God But their zeal Is not based On knowledge
[16:56] Since they did not know The righteousness That comes from God And sought to establish Their own They did not submit To God's righteousness Christ is the end Of the law So that there may be Righteousness For everyone Who believes Moses describes this Moses describes In this way The righteousness There is by the law The man who does These things Will live by them But the righteousness There is by faith Says Do not say in your heart Who will ascend Into heaven That is to bring Christ down Or who will descend Into the deep That is to bring Christ up From the dead But what Does it say The word is near you It is in your mouth And on your heart That is the word Of faith We are proclaiming That if you confess With your mouth Jesus is Lord And believe in your heart That God raised him
[17:56] From the dead You will be saved For it is with your heart That you believe And are justified And it is with your mouth That you confess And are saved As the scripture says Anyone who trusts in him Will never be put to shame There is no difference Between Jew and Gentile The same Lord Is Lord of all And richly blesses All who call on him For everyone who calls In the name of the Lord Will be saved How then can they Call on the one They have not believed on And how can they believe In the one On whom they have not heard And how can they hear Without someone Preaching to them And how can they preach Unless they are sent As it is written How beautiful Are the feet Of those Who bring good news But not all The Israelites Accepted the good news For Isaiah says Lord Who has believed Our message Consequently Faith comes From the hearing
[18:57] Of the message And the message Is heard Through the word Of Christ But I ask Did they not hear Of course they did Their voice Has gone out Into all the earth Their words To the ends Of the world Again I ask Did Israel Not understand First Moses says I will make you Envious by those Who are not a nation I will make you Angry by a nation That has no understanding And Isaiah Boldly says I was found By those Who did not seek me I revealed myself To those Who did not ask For me But concerning Israel he says All day long I have held out My hands To a disobedient And obstinate people Amen And may God Add his blessing To the reading Of his holy word We'll again sing together This time in Gaelic In Psalm 121 Psalm 121
[19:59] We'll sing the first Four stanzas I to the hill Will lift mine eyes From whenst hath come Thy need My safety cometh From the Lord Who heaven and earth Hath made Thy foot Teal not Let slide Nor will He slumber that He keeps Behold He that keeps Israel He slumbers Not Nor sleeps Psalm 121 No He has Heesh He He God I He He He He He He Now He To He Lord You Me That He He I He God Oh, my God.
[21:18] Oh, my God.
[21:48] Oh, my God.
[22:18] Oh, my God.
[22:48] Oh, my God.
[23:18] Oh, my God.
[23:48] Oh, my God.
[24:18] And we pray that each one of us in here today would indeed know you as our strength and as our aid.
[24:55] And we pray for them, Father, that we would take it, we would thank you for it, and we would indeed, Heavenly Father, go out and learn from it.
[25:30] And we pray, Heavenly Father, that as we gather as we gather as a congregation here, that we would indeed remember those that are unable to join with us.
[25:42] Those that are laid low through sickness, those that are laid low through those that are laid low through sickness. Oh, Heavenly Father, those, Heavenly Father, those who are unable to do so, Heavenly Father, and while they pray for us, we pray for them.
[25:55] And we ask that we ask that we ask that we ask that you would uphold them, that you would uphold them, that you would lay your healing hand upon them. And that, Heavenly Father, that we, Heavenly Father, that we, Heavenly Father, would indeed rejoice in your will be done.
[26:07] And, as difficult as it can be, difficult as it can be, difficult as it can be, difficult as it can be, at times. Your word teaches us, Heavenly Father, that all things work together. That you have a plan, Heavenly Father, a plan to prosper and not to harm.
[26:20] And while we do indeed go through the valleys at times, your rod and your staff, they comfort, they guide us. That you have promised that you will take us to the still waters and that you will restore and restresh our souls.
[26:32] And that you will provide for us, Heavenly Father, more than we can ever imagine. And we pray, Heavenly Father, that we would not lose sight of that.
[26:43] We pray, Heavenly Father, for families that mourn in this day. We have all seen in this past week, Heavenly Father, the atrocities that have happened in London.
[26:55] And, Heavenly Father, people going about their daily business and wiped from this earth. Heavenly Father, we know not what motivates people to do these things.
[27:07] Ideologies that come in, Heavenly Father, and draw them away from you. People, Heavenly Father, proclaiming things that are not true. And yet, people turn, Heavenly Father, and listen to them.
[27:23] And, Heavenly Father, are motivated to go out and try and defend the cause of other gods. And, Heavenly Father, we thank you that we can come before you this morning and worship you.
[27:36] For you are indeed a God that reigns on high. And while, Heavenly Father, these things are difficult to understand and comprehend. We bring them before you, Heavenly Father.
[27:48] Asking for strength for those that mourn at this time. That they would indeed be comforted. And, Heavenly Father, while their loss seems so great to them.
[28:00] And, Heavenly Father, that their eyes would indeed be turned on to you. One that sticks closer than any problem. Those, Heavenly Father, were there to defend us.
[28:14] And yet, their life taken away. Heavenly Father, we pray that you would uphold their families at this time. And that they would know, Heavenly Father, you are.
[28:27] We do indeed pray, Heavenly Father, for the services. For the police. The fire service. The ambulance service. Those in the armed forces, Heavenly Father, that go out.
[28:39] To defend the borders. And to keep peace. And to keep people safe. Those, Heavenly Father, that have felt that call and go.
[28:50] We pray, Heavenly Father, that you would guide them. That you would uphold them. That you would protect them. And as they put on their uniforms, Heavenly Father, their thoughts would indeed be to think of the armor that you have provided each one of us with.
[29:09] That they would know your shield round about. That they would know what it is to have the helmet of salvation. That, Heavenly Father, their feet would indeed be fitted and prepared in my heart.
[29:25] That, Heavenly Father, each one of us would know that. That when we hear, Heavenly Father, so many persuasive arguments for different things. That, Heavenly Father, that we would be able to stand for it.
[29:40] That the devil would not get in, Heavenly Father, and take his history. And as we have prayed so often in the past, Heavenly Father, we pray for our young ones that have been out to Sunday school.
[29:53] So young and impressionable. That as they grow, Heavenly Father, that they would know what it is to remember their Creator in the days of their days. That, Heavenly Father, that they would not be sifted.
[30:07] That, Heavenly Father, as Sunday school teachers, as youth fellowship leaders, as ministers, elders, as persons within this congregation. That each one of us, Heavenly Father, would play a part in rooting and grounding them in your word.
[30:23] That they would know, Heavenly Father, what it is to stand firm for you. That they would know what it is to flourish. That they may indeed be that tree that grows near that stream of your word.
[30:37] That in its season will bear its fruit. We pray for our young ones, Heavenly Father. And pray that your arms would be round about them. And that we would indeed uphold them in prayer before you.
[30:50] Guide us this morning as we look at your word. May we indeed listen to it. And understand that it is the good news that you have given to us.
[31:03] The good news that leads us to salvation. In Jesus' precious name. Amen. Amen. You can turn back with me to the chapter in Romans.
[31:23] Romans chapter 10 that we read. And in particular, at verse 15.
[31:33] And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
[31:49] Now before anybody gets squeamish. I know that Rebecca has gone off to study podiatry. I'm not going to spend the next half hour talking about the feet. So you don't need to worry in relation to that.
[32:03] But we will actually consider some aspects about our feet. And what they do. And how we use them.
[32:15] How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. What is good news? First of all, we'll maybe look at what isn't good news.
[32:28] The Bible teaches us about gossip. It teaches us about slander. Not one of us likes to be gossiped about.
[32:42] Not one of us likes to be slandered. Proverbs teaches us in many different verses. Proverbs 11.13.
[32:54] A gossip betrays a confidence. Proverbs 16.28. A perverse person stirs up conflict. And a gossip separates close friends.
[33:05] Proverbs 26.20. Without wood, the fire goes out. Without gossip. A quarrel dies down.
[33:18] And then New Testament and 2 Corinthians 12 and 20. Proverbs 16.20. Proverbs 16.20. For I am afraid that when I come, I may find you not as I want you to be. And you may not find me as you want me to be.
[33:32] I fear that there may be discord. Jealousy. Fits of rage. Selfish ambition. Slander. Gossip. Arrogance.
[33:43] And disorder. Good news. It's not something that you hear whispered about in corners. It's not something that somebody starts their sentence with.
[33:55] Did you hear this? Or I've heard. It's spoken widely. Gossip. There's nobody. Any good. It's hurtful.
[34:06] And it's certainly not. Good news. Slander. Likewise. Proverbs 10.18. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips. And spreads slander.
[34:18] Is a fool. And in 1 Peter 2 and 1. We're told. Therefore rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit. Hypocrisy. Envy.
[34:29] And slander. Of every kind. If. As Christians. We want. To spread good news. We have to rid ourselves.
[34:40] Of all other things. That would take us. Into spreading. What isn't. Good news. If we're caught up in gossip. If we're caught up in slander.
[34:52] It does nobody. Any good. Good news. Well. We might think. We're ahead of the curve. And what. Other people know. If we haven't read it. In the Bible.
[35:04] If we haven't got it. Direct from the source. That it's. About. I would guard anybody. Against spreading. Any other news. Gossip. And slander.
[35:15] Are got not. Good news. What is good news? Something. That brings pleasure. Something. That you rejoice.
[35:27] In hearing about. It can be something. That might be. Expected. And sometimes. We get. Unexpected. Good news.
[35:41] Something. That brings. Pleasure. Again. Going back to Proverbs. Proverbs. 15 and 30. Light. In a messenger's eye. Brings joy. To the heart. And good news.
[35:53] Gives health. To the bones. Good news. Is something. That uplifts us. And if we see. Somebody coming. With good news. To us. Their face is alive. With the good news.
[36:03] That we've got. They don't want to come. And put their hand. Over their mouth. And whisper it to you. They want to tell you. This good news. And share you. This good news. And the purpose. In coming.
[36:13] To tell you. That good news. Is. That it know. That it's going to be. Of benefit. To you. To hear it. Again. In Proverbs 25.
[36:24] 20. And verse 25. It says. Like. Cold water. To a weary soul. Is good news. From a distant land. When you're thirsty. When you're crying out.
[36:35] For something. You always want. A nice glass. Cold water. And how refreshing it is. To hear. Good news. Particularly from family. That may be.
[36:46] Far away from us. And we don't always hear from. Um. It's often said. That no news. Is good news. But everybody wants. To hear good news. There's so much.
[36:57] Bad news. In the world. Today. Um. That everybody. Wants to be uplifted. And everybody wants to. Um. Hear. Good news.
[37:07] Good news. Sometimes. We expect. Good news. And it's disappointing.
[37:18] When it doesn't come. But sometimes. At unexpected times. As we've seen. So often. In the Bible. We can think.
[37:29] Of when Joseph. Was met. By the angel. And Joseph. Wondering. What was. Going to happen. And the angel. Says. I am Gabriel. I stand.
[37:39] In the presence. Of God. And I have been sent. To speak to you. And tell you. The good news. And then again. The angel. As the angel. Appeared.
[37:50] Before the shepherds. Gave them words. Of comfort. Don't be afraid. I bring you good news. That will cause you. Great joy. For all people. Good news.
[38:02] Can come. In unexpected ways. As Joseph. And the shepherds. Found out. That that good news. Was uplifting to them. It foretold. Of Jesus coming.
[38:15] How many of us. Get unexpected good news. And how much. It uplifts us. And sometimes. The most exciting. Good news.
[38:25] That we get. Is when we hear. That somebody's going to. Have a child. And how uplifting. It can be. At the sound of new birth. And how uplifting. It can be.
[38:36] To see. A couple rejoicing. In starting. A family. Or extending. A family. A family. Good news.
[38:48] It's the truth. The Bible tells us. That Jesus is coming. It's foretold. Through. The Old Testament. And right through.
[39:00] Into the New Testament. And then we see. Through the birth of Jesus. That what has been foretold. Comes to pass. Good news.
[39:11] Is the truth. Nobody wants to know. A lie. Nobody wants to tell a lie. But everybody wants to hear. The truth.
[39:23] And then be able to share. That truth. How lovely on the mountains. Are the feet of him. Who brings good news. How would anyone.
[39:34] Go up a mountain. Go up a mountain. To enjoy the scenery. To look down on the valley. But if we go up a mountain. What it's telling us here.
[39:45] Jesus went up into the mountains. And he spoke to God. And he shared with his disciples. We would go up into the mountain. And preach.
[39:56] Good news. Good news. That Jesus came. To save. Sinners. Good news. That Jesus.
[40:07] Is there. For each. And every one of us. It tells us. It. Recorded in there. How can they. Call on the one. They have not believed in.
[40:19] And how can they believe. In the one. Whom they have not heard. We are Christians here today. We've been given a great permission. To go. To go. And to make disciples.
[40:32] Go. Involves movement. Movement. Involves our feet. Are we sitting. Doing nothing. Or are we actually going. With God's word. And going.
[40:43] With the good news. We're sitting doing nothing. Very much quoted. Proverb. Is that the devil makes work. For idle hands. So let's be on our feet.
[40:57] And let's go. With God's word. And share God's word. Because there are plenty of people. Who are still. To hear. God's word.
[41:08] And be offered. The chance. Of salvation. Youth fellowship. Last week. One of the ladies. That was up. From the 20 schemes mission.
[41:20] Gave. A word of testimony. To us. Of how she had been saved. She did a hard upbringing. First few years of her life.
[41:31] She spent four years. In a rehab unit. Because of her mother's. Addiction. And. Had a hard. Childhood. She had become an alcoholic.
[41:43] By her own way of it. In her early teens. And then the church. And the community. That she's in there. In Nidre. Started doing outreach.
[41:55] And it wasn't through. The preaching of the word. That she was converted. What her testimony was. Was the way that the people. Lived their lives.
[42:06] Within that congregation. That they mirrored family. They mirrored love. They mirrored compassion. That the way they walked. With Jesus. Was the thing.
[42:18] That gave her an interest. In going to find out more. About Jesus. How do we walk. Within the community here. Are we walking.
[42:29] For Jesus. Are we living out. The good news. That Jesus came. To save us. And that we want. That message. To be shared.
[42:40] With others. Who brings good news. Somebody that has good news. Can bring good news.
[42:52] But it might not always be believed. Second Samuel. 18. The picture of David.
[43:02] David. Waiting to hear. How the battle. Had gone. And what was the news. Going to be. Of his son. And the watchman.
[43:15] And the watchman. Second Samuel. 18. Sorry. Verse 26. And the watchman. Saw another runner. And he called down. To the gatekeeper. Look.
[43:26] Another man. Running alone. The king said. This must be good news too. The watchman said. He seems to me. That the first one. Runs like. Ahimazaz.
[43:37] Son of Zarah. He's a good man. The king said. He comes. With good news. Ahimazaz. Had a reputation.
[43:49] Of being. A good man. He was a man. That was going to bring. Good news. To the king. When we read earlier. In the passage.
[44:01] Joab. Was sending back. A messenger. To the king. The news wasn't good. What had happened was. Absalom. The king's son. Had been killed.
[44:12] In the battle. Ahimazaz. Wanted. To be the one. That brought news. To the king. But Joab.
[44:23] Wouldn't let him. He says. No. It's not good news. For you to bring back. It won't be right. So Joab. Chose.
[44:34] A man. That's simply referred to. In the passage. As the push out. He's not even given a name. And he's sent back. Ahimaz.
[44:47] Was determined. That he wanted to bring. The king. Good news. The king's. The king's. Army. Had won. So he ran ahead.
[44:58] Took a different route. He ran ahead. Of the push. And he shared. And he shared with the king. The good news. That the king wanted to hear. That God was with him. And God had assisted him.
[45:10] In the battle. And David. And David. Asks the question of him. What of Absalom. And instead of saying to him.
[45:20] Your son has died. He explains. That there's been a bit of a skirmish. He was sent away with a message. He doesn't really know what's happened. And the king asks him. To stand aside. And the push out.
[45:32] Standing before David. David asks him the question. And what of Absalom. And instead of saying to him. That his son was dead.
[45:45] He says to him. May it be for everyone. That is against the king. As it is for that man. So instead of telling him directly. That his son has died.
[45:57] He tells him. In a roundabout way. But the point is. That the king knew. That he was going to get good news. From Ahamas.
[46:08] If I can pronounce it correctly. Because he had a reputation. Of being. A good man. Do people expect. To get good news.
[46:20] From us. Do people expect us. To speak good news. To them. When they see us coming. Do their heads go down. Thinking. Oh what's he going to tell me this time.
[46:32] What's he going to say to me now. Or do they expect us. To come and share. Good news. What is our reputation. In relation to.
[46:45] The community we're in. The people we work with. Are we ones that are known. That our feet are steady. And we're going to come. And we're going to bring good news.
[46:56] We're not going to be there to gossip. We're not going to be there to slander. We're there to bring. Good news. Do we walk the walk. That leads others.
[47:07] To Jesus. Do people actually look forward. To meeting with us. Or are we one of these people. That our glass is always half empty.
[47:19] And we bemoan everything that happens. Or do we actually turn it. That we can actually see God's hand in things. Or we can actually wait. To see God's hand.
[47:30] While things can be difficult. I'm sure every single one of us. When we saw the news this week. Question. Why something else had to happen. But what we have to remind ourselves.
[47:43] Is that God is in control. And while challenging things happen. While difficult things happen. While we see people lose their life. In very difficult circumstances. When they're going about.
[47:54] Their daily lives. What we have to remember. In all these things. God is in control. And while it is challenging. To hear bad news like that.
[48:06] What we have to remember is. That God is a purpose. And while we don't know what that purpose is. Through these things. But we have to remember. That he's working his purposes out.
[48:18] And that we will indeed. Have these answers to us. One day. When we hear bad news. It does make us sad. It moves us.
[48:30] To do various different things. I don't know if you saw in the papers. This week. Following the murder. Of PC Keith Palmer.
[48:42] At Westminster. The response. From the public. Was that he raised. Over 350,000 pounds. For his family. In the space of over 24 hours.
[48:56] When people hear bad news. They're moved. In many different ways. To deal with it. How many people have moved to prayer. I don't know. Well we can give people financial support.
[49:10] What people really need. Is people need to know Jesus. And they need to know. The good news that is there for them. What's the impact. What's the impact.
[49:22] Of hearing good news. The impact. Of hearing good news. Puts a smile on people's faces. It brings them a sense of joy.
[49:34] Somebody's brought good news for them. They may have had bad news the previous day. Maybe struggling. But if somebody comes. And brings good news. It brings joy.
[49:46] In John 15. And at verse 11. It says. I have told you this. So that my joy. May be in you. And that your joy. May be complete.
[49:59] It's preaching on that verse. A couple of years ago here. Buddy Morrison. Said about this verse. In John 15.
[50:11] There is a hunger in the human heart. That this world cannot fill. God wants us to be filled. And to be happy. We can only be filled.
[50:23] And we can only be happy. By hearing. And accepting the good news of Jesus. I don't know what situation. Each one of you are in.
[50:34] In respect of your own lives. Whether it be at work. Whether it be in respect of your families. But each and every one of us. Faces difficult times. We face challenges.
[50:47] We face let downs. But above that. There are many good times. But in the bad times. What happens to us.
[50:58] What do we look to do. There is a hunger. In the human heart. That this world cannot fill. God wants us to be filled. And to be happy.
[51:10] Listen to the good news. Of Jesus. Believe. In the good news of Jesus. Let your ears be open to it. And if you have a hunger in your heart.
[51:22] And a joy that you feel cannot be filled. Come to Jesus. He will fill that joy. He will fill that void. Don't try to go to the broken systems.
[51:35] Anymore. Where you may be laughed and mocked at. When things fail for you again. But come to Jesus. Hear the word.
[51:46] Rejoice in it. Believe in it. And receive that joy. That there is for you. The good news.
[51:57] Of Jesus. Not only brings joy. But it brings forgiveness. Jesus came. Jesus came. Jesus came. Jesus came. And we remembered his death.
[52:10] A number of weeks ago here. And David's sharing with the congregation. And back this morning. This is my blood of the covenant. Which is poured out.
[52:21] For many. For the forgiveness. Of sins. The good news of Jesus. If we accept it. And if we believe in it.
[52:33] We will receive. Forgiveness of sins. It's good news. Paul says in Acts. Therefore my friends.
[52:43] I want you to know. That through Jesus. The forgiveness of sins. Is proclaimed to you. We are very very fortunate. That every Sunday. The minister comes here. And he preaches.
[52:54] And he proclaims. The good news of Jesus. And his heart's desire. And that of the elders. And the praying members. Of this congregation. Is. That those that haven't.
[53:07] Received Christ. As their saviour. Will come. And receive him. That having heard. The word of God. Having read. The word of God.
[53:18] That they will know. That the forgiveness of sins. Is there. For them. It's not just here. For the good people. Christ tells us. In his word.
[53:28] He didn't come. Just to save the good. He came to save sinners. And each. And every one of us. Are sinners. Not one of us.
[53:40] Can stand. And say. That we haven't. Committed a sin. In thought. In word. Or in deed. That Christ.
[53:50] That Christ. That has come. To save us. Paul. Who often referred to himself. As the chief of sinners. When he was. Bearing testimony. In Acts 26. And at verse 18.
[54:02] 15 to 18. Said. Then I asked. Who are you Lord. I am Jesus. Whom you have persecuted.
[54:13] The Lord replied. Now get up. And stand on your feet. I have appeared to you. To appoint you as a servant. And as a witness. Of what you have seen.
[54:23] And what you will see of me. I will rescue you. From your own people. And from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them. To open their eyes. And turn them from darkness.
[54:35] To light. And from the power of Satan. To God. So that they may receive. Forgiveness of sins. And a place among those. Who are sanctified. By faith.
[54:46] In me. Are you running away from God. Are your feet. Taking you. In a direction. That takes you away from God.
[54:59] Paul's feet were. And Jesus stopped him. In his tracks. Blinded him. And he had to come. And ask. Who are you Jesus.
[55:12] And Jesus told him. To get back onto his feet. For he was sending him. In a new direction. And he had a new purpose. For his life. For he was going.
[55:22] To go out. And no longer persecute. But he was going out. To preach. The forgiveness of sins. And how God used him. God is a plan.
[55:35] And purpose. For every single one of us. If we come. And we believe. In his name. We may be trying. To run away from God.
[55:47] But you are here. This morning. You've been here before. God. Open your ears. And hear. The word of salvation. Hear the good news.
[56:00] That Jesus came to save you. And he can use you. And will use you. Not just save you. And forgive your sins.
[56:11] But he can use you. The same way. As he used Paul. To go out. And reach others. I always remember.
[56:24] Just thinking of feet. And the direction. In which we're going. Verse in scripture. Where it says. If thy hand offend thee. Cut it off. If thy foot offend thee.
[56:34] Cut it off. If thy eye offend thee. Pluck it out. And again. Referring back. To. To Roddy Morrison. And he spoke of.
[56:45] If thy eye offend thee. It doesn't mean. That you go. You go home. And you pluck out. Your left eye. Because you can just as easy. Sit with your right eye. It doesn't mean.
[56:56] That you go home. And you take the meat cleaver. Out the drawer. And cut off your left hand. Because you can just as easy. Sin with your right hand. It doesn't mean. That you cut off your left foot.
[57:06] Because you can just as easy. Sin with your right. And he then went on. To explain. About your eye. Is what. You take in. Through your eye. What you read. What you watch. What you see. Is it causing you to sin?
[57:18] Your hand. You extend your hand. Of friendship. Are the people you're associating with. Keeping you from. Jesus. And your feet. The places that you go to. The places you associate with.
[57:31] Are they taking you away from God? Are they blocking out. The sound. Of Jesus. Are they preventing you from hearing. The good news. Turn your life around.
[57:45] Hear the good news. Walk. With Jesus. That your feet. May be used. To take you to places. Where you can proclaim. The good news.
[57:59] The good news. Bring salvation. Isaiah 52. In verse 7. Where this first verse. Is first spoken. How beautiful. On the mountains. Are the feet.
[58:09] Of those. Who bring good news. Who proclaim peace. Who bring good tidings. Who proclaim salvation. Salvation. Salvation.
[58:22] From hell. Salvation. To be with Jesus. To be taken into heaven. And live. An eternal life. Luke 3.
[58:34] Luke 3.6. And all the people. Will see God's salvation. It's not man's salvation. It's God's salvation for us. God has provided the salvation.
[58:45] Through his son Jesus. Acts 4. And verse 12. Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name. Under heaven.
[58:57] Given to mankind. By which we must. Be saved. Salvation can be found. In no other. So when we hear people coming.
[59:07] With different ideologies. Different Bibles. That they come and tell us. That what we have before us. Here today. Isn't. Through gospel.
[59:19] To come with any other name. That doesn't come. To offer us salvation. There is only one. Name by which we must be saved. And that is the name of Jesus.
[59:33] Romans 1.16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel. Because it is the power of God. That brings salvation. To everyone who believes. First to the Jew.
[59:44] Then to the Gentile. Is that your testimony today. That you are not ashamed. Of the gospel. Or are you running away from the gospel. Are you hiding behind.
[59:54] Your head knowledge of the gospel. That you don't actually know it. Within your heart. What is. Your position this morning. Do you want to be saved.
[60:08] Do you want to be forgiven. Do you want to know the joy. That only comes. From being with Christ. Hear the word.
[60:19] Read the word. Believe the word. Lord. 2 Corinthians 6. Verse 2. For he says. In the time of my favor. I have heard you. On the day of salvation.
[60:30] I help you. I tell you. Now is the time of God's favor. Now. Is the day of salvation. You're here.
[60:41] You're listening to the word. Don't put it off. Not one of us knows. When we'll get another chance. To hear the word of God. To wrestle with the word of God.
[60:54] To accept the word of God. And back to. What happened earlier on this week. People going about.
[61:05] Their daily business. One man gets up. And he goes to work. It's the same job. That he's done. For many years. Another couple. Are here on holiday.
[61:17] Crossing the bridge. Going to Westminster. Another one. Walking. Again on the bridge. Minding their own business. Going between their place of work.
[61:30] Another holiday maker. Taking in the sights. Celebrating a birthday. With her fiance. Killed. In the twinkling of an eye.
[61:43] Now. Is the time of God's favor. Now. Is the day of salvation. Don't leave this place today. Without considering. Where you walk. With Jesus.
[61:56] Are your feet walking with him. Or are they walking away from him. Are you hearing God's word. The good news. That Jesus came. To die for your sins.
[62:07] The good news. That Jesus came. To offer you salvation. Are you just going to walk away. Or are you going to run to Jesus.
[62:18] And say. Be merciful unto me a sinner. Because the good news. Because the good news. Can also be a warning to us. Hebrews 4 verse 2.
[62:30] For we also have the good news. For we also have the good news. Proclaimed to us. Just as they did. But the message they heard. Was of no value to them.
[62:40] Because they did not share. The faith. Of those who obeyed. Don't walk away from here. And say that this word. That is written before us today.
[62:51] Has no value to us. It's the means of salvation. For each and every one of us. It's a word of forgiveness. If we come to Jesus.
[63:04] Who came. And died. For each and every one of us. On a cross at Calvary. Are you going to accept. The good news. Or are you going to walk away from it.
[63:17] Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father. We thank you. For your son Jesus. We thank you. For his ministry.
[63:27] In the service. That we can read all. Within your inspired work. Father. And may each one of us. Heavenly Father. Examine ourselves. This morning.
[63:39] It is our walk. With you. Correct. Are we ministering. Your good news. Are we sharing. Your word. With others. And if we do not know you.
[63:52] As our Lord. And our saviour. This morning. May our ears. Heavenly Father. Be open to your word. May we accept. At this day. As we consider.
[64:04] What we have heard. Heavenly Father. That we would not. Run away from you. That we would run. To your open arms. Your arms of comfort.
[64:17] Your arms of protection. Your arms of forgiveness. Your arms of love. God. In Jesus. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.
[64:36] May each one of us know. That calm and serene walk. That we may indeed. Be drawn closer. To the Lamb of God. God. And now. May we know. The grace. The peace.
[64:47] The love. Of God the Father. God the Son. God the Holy Spirit. As we go out. On this day. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[65:01] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[65:12] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[65:23] Amen. Amen.