100:00:00,240 –> 00:00:07,520He’s like a great rock on which you either take your stand200:00:08,400 –> 00:00:15,040and are firm, or else on which you stumble and fall. Which is he for you the300:00:15,760 –> 00:00:20,959rising of your life the falling of your life? He’s always one or the other?400:00:22,000 –> 00:00:25,840Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. I’m David Pick, glad you500:00:25,840 –> 00:00:30,559could be with us today. And today we’re continuing Simeon’s story Colin.600:00:30,559 –> 00:00:34,799Yeah, and one of the things that Simeon says to Mary, the mother of Jesus,700:00:34,799 –> 00:00:40,320is that this child is destined to cause the falling and the rising of many in Israel.800:00:40,320 –> 00:00:43,840Very interesting. Not just the rising, but also the following. Two effects900:00:43,840 –> 00:00:47,119of the coming of Jesus into the world. And there are two responses1000:00:47,119 –> 00:00:51,840we can have to Jesus this Christmas. Yeah, and the response that a person1100:00:51,840 –> 00:00:56,639has to Jesus actually is a huge indication of their spiritual state.1200:00:56,639 –> 00:01:00,480To those who are perishing, the Bible says Jesus Christ is just foolishness,1300:01:00,480 –> 00:01:05,680and his cross and his coming are foolishness. But to us who are being saved, Christ is the1400:01:05,680 –> 00:01:10,639very power and the very wisdom of God. And so it’s a wonderful thing to see1500:01:11,199 –> 00:01:15,199what God is doing in Jesus Christ, and to see the glory of Christ.1600:01:15,199 –> 00:01:19,199And my prayer for the program today is that our eyes will be very1700:01:19,199 –> 00:01:22,559open to who he is and what God is doing in him.1800:01:22,559 –> 00:01:26,559We hope your eyes will be open. So if you can, join us in your Bibles,1900:01:26,559 –> 00:01:30,800in Luke chapter 2 as we continue with Simeon’s story. Here’s Colin.2000:01:31,360 –> 00:01:34,320One day something quite extraordinary happened.2100:01:35,680 –> 00:01:45,760All I can tell you is that it was revealed to me that the Christ would come before I died.2200:01:46,400 –> 00:01:50,800Now, don’t ask me to explain that, God didn’t see fit to tell us in the Scriptures2300:01:50,800 –> 00:01:52,720and I’m not going to go into it right now.2400:01:54,160 –> 00:01:57,279All I can tell you is that it was revealed to me.2500:01:58,320 –> 00:02:02,720I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that I would2600:02:02,720 –> 00:02:08,479not die until I had seen the deliverer for whom the whole world had been waiting.2700:02:10,080 –> 00:02:13,759I sometimes wondered, of course, how I would know him when I saw him, but2800:02:14,320 –> 00:02:18,399somehow deep down inside, I just knew that I would know.2900:02:20,240 –> 00:02:22,000Well, let me tell you how it happened.3000:02:22,000 –> 00:02:26,080It seemed like the whole of my life was a preparation for that day.3100:02:27,520 –> 00:02:29,759Strange thing was, it was a day like any other.3200:02:29,759 –> 00:02:33,279I was going about my usual business when I felt this3300:02:33,279 –> 00:02:36,720inner compulsion that I had to go to the temple.3400:02:37,919 –> 00:02:40,000God did not usually speak to me in this way,3500:02:40,000 –> 00:02:42,960but on this occasion it was just like a voice in my head.3600:02:42,960 –> 00:02:46,960Go to the temple Samian, go to the temple, go right now.3700:02:46,960 –> 00:02:48,240I knew I had to go.3800:02:48,240 –> 00:02:51,360I thought, Lord, I can go when I’m finished my work,3900:02:51,360 –> 00:02:53,199but I knew that would be disobedience.4000:02:53,199 –> 00:02:59,919I had to go right there and then, and I’m so glad I did.4100:02:59,919 –> 00:03:04,240I arrived in the temple, and, of course, crowds of people,4200:03:04,240 –> 00:03:08,960as there always were, that place was a constant hive of activity,4300:03:09,839 –> 00:03:11,199just like your church, really,4400:03:11,919 –> 00:03:14,399except you don’t have the animals.4500:03:15,520 –> 00:03:19,600People were making offerings, and children were being circumcised,4600:03:19,600 –> 00:03:22,880people asking priests for prayers, confessing sins,4700:03:22,880 –> 00:03:24,960others just looking round at the building.4800:03:26,320 –> 00:03:31,679I got there just as a young couple were standing4900:03:31,679 –> 00:03:34,320before the priest with their baby.5000:03:35,600 –> 00:03:38,399They handed over an offering of two young pigeons.5100:03:38,880 –> 00:03:40,479Priest circumcised the baby.5200:03:41,520 –> 00:03:43,199Must have done that a hundred times,5300:03:44,160 –> 00:03:46,800went through the whole routine like nothing really mattered.5400:03:48,800 –> 00:03:51,520But as I watched, I just knew5500:03:53,119 –> 00:03:55,600that this was the one.5600:03:57,039 –> 00:03:58,160Don’t ask me how I knew.5700:03:59,759 –> 00:04:01,839I cannot tell you except to say5800:04:01,839 –> 00:04:04,720that the Holy Spirit of God revealed it to me,5900:04:05,399 –> 00:04:09,240God led me to make the identification.6000:04:09,240 –> 00:04:11,880I was never more sure of anything in all my life.6100:04:11,880 –> 00:04:15,240He was the one that the whole world had been waiting for.6200:04:16,519 –> 00:04:17,880I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed that,6300:04:17,880 –> 00:04:19,720as you’ve read the story.6400:04:21,239 –> 00:04:23,640Nobody worked it out on their own.6500:04:24,519 –> 00:04:26,600The angels had to tell the shepherds.6600:04:27,799 –> 00:04:30,040The wise men had to be led by the star.6700:04:31,480 –> 00:04:34,119Even John the Baptist said I wouldn’t have known him6800:04:34,119 –> 00:04:36,640except that the dove came down upon him6900:04:36,640 –> 00:04:37,920when he was baptised.7000:04:40,239 –> 00:04:42,160Peter said, you are the Christ.7100:04:42,160 –> 00:04:44,959And Jesus said, you didn’t work that out on their own.7200:04:44,959 –> 00:04:47,480And he said, blessed are you, Peter,7300:04:47,480 –> 00:04:51,760because the Father in heaven has revealed this to you.7400:04:52,640 –> 00:04:54,440The women went and found the tomb empty,7500:04:54,440 –> 00:04:56,239didn’t have the faintest idea what it meant.7600:04:56,239 –> 00:04:58,720It was God who had to tell them through the angel.7700:04:58,720 –> 00:05:00,239He is risen.7800:05:00,239 –> 00:05:04,559Oh, you see all the evidence for Jesus is there7900:05:04,559 –> 00:05:07,260for anyone to examine, and you should.8000:05:08,600 –> 00:05:12,880But it is God who opens your eyes to the truth.8100:05:14,079 –> 00:05:17,200And if you know who Jesus Christ is today,8200:05:17,200 –> 00:05:22,040you give thanks to God because he has opened your eyes.8300:05:23,679 –> 00:05:24,880Well, anyway.8400:05:24,880 –> 00:05:27,799I walked up to the family.8500:05:28,000 –> 00:05:30,299Just a little crowd that were gathered around them8600:05:30,299 –> 00:05:34,440for this ceremony, and when the priest was finished,8700:05:34,440 –> 00:05:36,679he passed the baby back to Joseph.8800:05:38,279 –> 00:05:40,799That was when it happened, I knew that God8900:05:40,799 –> 00:05:44,640was giving me words that had to be spoken at that moment,9000:05:44,640 –> 00:05:46,660so I just tapped Joseph on the arm.9100:05:48,000 –> 00:05:52,040I told him I felt God had some words he wanted me to say,9200:05:53,040 –> 00:05:55,679and I asked if I could hold the baby.9300:05:55,839 –> 00:05:58,760He seemed rather surprised, I mean, me a stranger,9400:05:58,760 –> 00:06:01,779a man in Jerusalem and not even a priest,9500:06:01,779 –> 00:06:04,519but he agreed, and I found myself,9600:06:04,519 –> 00:06:09,519think of it, looking into the eyes of this child.9700:06:12,559 –> 00:06:14,440And then the words came.9800:06:15,679 –> 00:06:20,679I was speaking, but the words I spoke were given.9900:06:21,000 –> 00:06:22,920So it never happened to me before,10000:06:22,920 –> 00:06:26,040but I knew instinctively that this was what happened10100:06:26,040 –> 00:06:27,920when prophets spoke.10200:06:27,920 –> 00:06:31,239God was giving me words.10300:06:33,440 –> 00:06:36,160By the way, I had a bit of a discussion with Peter10400:06:36,160 –> 00:06:40,160about this up there, and he described it rather well.10500:06:41,119 –> 00:06:46,119He said to me, Simeon, men spoke from God.10600:06:46,880 –> 00:06:51,880Simeon, men spoke from God when they were carried along10700:06:53,799 –> 00:06:57,359by the Holy Spirit, then he laughed and he said,10800:06:57,359 –> 00:06:59,440I know that’s definitely right because these are10900:06:59,440 –> 00:07:01,679the very words that God gave me to describe it.11000:07:01,679 –> 00:07:03,359And I wrote them down in the second letter11100:07:03,359 –> 00:07:04,420in the New Testament.11200:07:05,640 –> 00:07:07,700Well, that’s exactly what happened to me.11300:07:08,600 –> 00:07:09,720They were not my words.11400:07:09,720 –> 00:07:12,799I can only say that I spoke from God11500:07:12,799 –> 00:07:15,720as I was carried along by the Holy Spirit.11600:07:16,600 –> 00:07:20,019I held him in my arms and then I said,11700:07:20,019 –> 00:07:25,019Sovereign Lord, my eyes have seen your salvation11800:07:26,720 –> 00:07:29,799which you have prepared in the sight of all people,11900:07:29,799 –> 00:07:32,760a light for revelation to the Gentiles12000:07:32,760 –> 00:07:36,040and for glory for your people, Israel.12100:07:37,619 –> 00:07:39,859Well, of course, Mary and Joseph were absolutely12200:07:39,859 –> 00:07:41,980astonished at this.12300:07:42,940 –> 00:07:45,420What surprised them was not that I should make12400:07:45,420 –> 00:07:47,660these great statements about their child.12500:07:47,660 –> 00:07:50,079They already knew his greatness.12600:07:51,420 –> 00:07:55,299What surprised them was that a complete stranger,12700:07:55,299 –> 00:07:57,799a layman, should walk into the temple,12800:07:57,799 –> 00:08:00,619ask for permission to hold their baby in his arms12900:08:00,619 –> 00:08:04,760and then prophesy the very words of God over him.13000:08:07,140 –> 00:08:08,679Because I’ve enjoyed talking with Mary13100:08:08,679 –> 00:08:09,940about it up there too.13200:08:10,899 –> 00:08:14,140She told me, I wondered who on earth you were,13300:08:15,359 –> 00:08:17,920but we knew that God was speaking through you.13400:08:20,559 –> 00:08:23,040I was about to hand the baby back to Mary13500:08:25,019 –> 00:08:27,220and then more words came.13600:08:28,359 –> 00:08:32,840Like wind blowing into your body on a cold day.13700:08:32,840 –> 00:08:34,799You folks should know what that’s like.13800:08:35,580 –> 00:08:40,219Words forcing themselves on me,13900:08:40,219 –> 00:08:42,099and I knew that there was more14000:08:42,099 –> 00:08:43,900that God had for me to speak.14100:08:45,000 –> 00:08:47,239Still holding the baby14200:08:47,239 –> 00:08:50,460and standing right next to his mother,14300:08:50,460 –> 00:08:54,140I said this child is destined14400:08:54,140 –> 00:08:57,260for the falling and the rising of many in Israel.14500:08:59,580 –> 00:09:01,219The words seemed strange to me.14600:09:01,219 –> 00:09:02,859Rising, I understood,14700:09:03,039 –> 00:09:05,440dying, I understood but why falling?14800:09:07,020 –> 00:09:08,239The words kept coming14900:09:09,460 –> 00:09:14,460and to be a sign that is spoken against15000:09:14,659 –> 00:09:17,219so that the thoughts of the hearts of many15100:09:17,219 –> 00:09:18,500will be revealed.15200:09:19,539 –> 00:09:22,260I could hardly believe the words I was speaking now.15300:09:22,260 –> 00:09:25,219How could this child be a light to the Gentiles15400:09:25,219 –> 00:09:27,440and the glory of Israel15500:09:27,440 –> 00:09:30,460and then be spoken against?15600:09:30,599 –> 00:09:34,099I looked at Mary at that moment,15700:09:34,099 –> 00:09:37,880there was a beauty in her eyes15800:09:37,880 –> 00:09:40,760that spoke of the depth of her soul.15900:09:42,820 –> 00:09:44,119And as I looked at her,16000:09:44,119 –> 00:09:46,020still holding the child,16100:09:46,020 –> 00:09:47,320these words came.16200:09:48,840 –> 00:09:53,840And a sword will pierce your soul too.16300:09:58,559 –> 00:10:00,440We all stood rooted to the spot,16400:10:00,460 –> 00:10:02,840we understood every word that had been spoken.16500:10:02,840 –> 00:10:05,099We could not begin to fathom what they meant.16600:10:07,320 –> 00:10:08,619Just at that moment,16700:10:09,760 –> 00:10:11,400an old lady arrived,16800:10:12,739 –> 00:10:15,799just as I had spoken these words to Mary.16900:10:17,080 –> 00:10:18,039Her name was Anna,17000:10:18,039 –> 00:10:19,919and anyone who was regularly around17100:10:19,919 –> 00:10:21,280in the temple knew her well.17200:10:21,280 –> 00:10:22,760She was from the tribe of Ashur.17300:10:22,760 –> 00:10:24,580And by the way,17400:10:25,460 –> 00:10:30,460Ashur was one of the so-called Lost Tribes.17500:10:31,799 –> 00:10:33,619You know, the 10 tribes in the north17600:10:33,619 –> 00:10:36,780that were scattered when the King of Assyria invaded17700:10:36,780 –> 00:10:39,260and they were referred, for years after that,17800:10:39,260 –> 00:10:42,840as being the 10 Lost Tribes.17900:10:44,059 –> 00:10:46,599Well, Anna was from the tribe of Ashur,18000:10:48,020 –> 00:10:50,140and she was a reminder that they18100:10:50,140 –> 00:10:52,400were not totally lost.18200:10:52,900 –> 00:10:56,179God knows his own people, you see.18300:10:57,599 –> 00:11:01,659And he does not lose any who have faith in him.18400:11:01,659 –> 00:11:03,159You’re listening to Open The Bible18500:11:03,159 –> 00:11:04,520with Pastor Colin Smith,18600:11:04,520 –> 00:11:06,820and a message called Simian Story.18700:11:06,820 –> 00:11:09,400It’s part of our series, Christmas Stories,18800:11:09,400 –> 00:11:11,400with the Christmas story being told18900:11:11,400 –> 00:11:14,039through the viewpoint of some of the people19000:11:14,039 –> 00:11:16,159who were there at the time.19100:11:16,159 –> 00:11:17,400If you miss any of the series,19200:11:17,400 –> 00:11:19,119or if you want to go back and listen again,19300:11:19,119 –> 00:11:20,599you can do that by coming online19400:11:20,599 –> 00:11:22,039to our website at19500:11:22,539 –> 00:11:25,159openthebible.org.uk19600:11:25,159 –> 00:11:27,059or by finding us as a podcast.19700:11:27,059 –> 00:11:29,280And those are on all the main podcast sites.19800:11:29,280 –> 00:11:31,479Search for Open The Bible U.K.19900:11:31,479 –> 00:11:34,559or follow the link from our website.20000:11:34,559 –> 00:11:35,719Also on our website,20100:11:35,719 –> 00:11:37,900you’ll find our Bible study course,20200:11:37,900 –> 00:11:39,599Fly Through the Bible.20300:11:39,599 –> 00:11:42,359This short, simple journey through the Bible story20400:11:42,359 –> 00:11:43,840can be enjoyed on your own,20500:11:43,840 –> 00:11:46,159with a friend or as a group.20600:11:46,159 –> 00:11:48,039For each of the 15 sessions,20700:11:48,039 –> 00:11:50,039you can watch a short video,20800:11:50,039 –> 00:11:52,280then work through the questions.20900:11:52,280 –> 00:11:54,760If you want to do a more detailed Bible study21000:11:54,760 –> 00:11:56,200a guide is available for you21100:11:56,200 –> 00:11:59,500to use in small groups or one-to-one.21200:11:59,500 –> 00:12:01,440To make the most of Fly Through the Bible,21300:12:01,440 –> 00:12:03,659we recommend buying the book.21400:12:03,659 –> 00:12:05,140There is also a free app21500:12:05,140 –> 00:12:07,979that can be used alongside all the materials.21600:12:07,979 –> 00:12:09,900To find Fly Through the Bible21700:12:09,900 –> 00:12:13,700go to our website, openthebible.org.uk21800:12:13,700 –> 00:12:16,080and click on courses.21900:12:16,080 –> 00:12:16,919Back to the message.22000:12:16,919 –> 00:12:18,520Now, here’s Colin.22100:12:18,599 –> 00:12:21,080Anna was known as a woman of prayer.22200:12:22,000 –> 00:12:24,919She gave herself to worship and fasting22300:12:24,919 –> 00:12:27,320and she went into the temple.22400:12:27,320 –> 00:12:29,520You knew that you could count on finding her22500:12:29,520 –> 00:12:32,719that wonderful lady, never underestimate22600:12:32,719 –> 00:12:35,140the prayers of older people.22700:12:36,919 –> 00:12:39,859And she was a prophetess, which is interesting22800:12:39,859 –> 00:12:41,320because of course, a true prophet22900:12:41,320 –> 00:12:44,239could only speak words that came from God.23000:12:44,239 –> 00:12:45,719And the fascinating thing is that23100:12:45,719 –> 00:12:47,640there had not been a true prophet23200:12:47,640 –> 00:12:49,640for 400 years.23300:12:51,400 –> 00:12:53,880Well, here we are standing the group of us23400:12:53,880 –> 00:12:56,719I’ve just been given these extraordinary words23500:12:56,719 –> 00:13:00,919about a sword piercing Mary’s own soul23600:13:00,919 –> 00:13:02,479we’re all rooted to the spot23700:13:02,479 –> 00:13:05,280wondering what on earth this could mean23800:13:05,280 –> 00:13:07,460and up comes old Anna.23900:13:09,020 –> 00:13:12,000And as she approaches us she begins24000:13:12,000 –> 00:13:16,580speaking out words of praise and of thanksgiving24100:13:16,580 –> 00:13:19,219and it’s so obvious that she’s prophesying24200:13:19,219 –> 00:13:21,580these words again are coming from God24300:13:21,580 –> 00:13:24,179and they’re welling up in her soul24400:13:24,179 –> 00:13:27,780and being expressed to his praise and his glory.24500:13:29,539 –> 00:13:31,059And I’m thinking to myself24600:13:32,940 –> 00:13:35,739God’s just given me words24700:13:37,140 –> 00:13:41,320that indicate a sword will pierce Mary’s soul.24800:13:41,979 –> 00:13:46,419Well, and now God’s giving her words24900:13:46,419 –> 00:13:49,979that are words of praise and of thanksgiving.25000:13:49,979 –> 00:13:53,359I can’t hold these two things together in my mind.25100:13:56,159 –> 00:13:59,059How can it be that this child, who’s a light25200:13:59,059 –> 00:14:02,739and the glory of Israel, will be spoken against?25300:14:04,599 –> 00:14:07,659And that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul?25400:14:09,039 –> 00:14:10,500And yet that this can be25500:14:10,559 –> 00:14:14,880an occasion of praise and of thanksgiving at the same time.25600:14:17,859 –> 00:14:22,859You know, I think Anna knew then what I understand now.25700:14:25,179 –> 00:14:29,299I knew that the Lord’s Christ had come to deliver us25800:14:30,979 –> 00:14:35,979but now I know that he delivered us through his suffering.25900:14:36,840 –> 00:14:41,840He was despised and he was rejected.26000:14:43,140 –> 00:14:48,140He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.26100:14:51,260 –> 00:14:53,739We thought that God would punish him26200:14:55,380 –> 00:14:58,679but he was wounded for our transgressions.26300:15:00,219 –> 00:15:03,460He was bruised for our iniquities26400:15:03,979 –> 00:15:08,979and the punishment that would bring us peace fell on him.26500:15:11,859 –> 00:15:15,820It would be by his wounds, terrible wounds,26600:15:17,619 –> 00:15:19,080that we would be healed.26700:15:20,780 –> 00:15:22,640That reminds me of the last thing26800:15:22,640 –> 00:15:24,239I want to tell you this morning.26900:15:26,400 –> 00:15:29,239When I held him in my arms,27000:15:30,080 –> 00:15:34,419I knew that I could die in peace.27100:15:37,580 –> 00:15:39,739People had all kinds of hopes and dreams27200:15:39,739 –> 00:15:41,700about what the Lord’s Christ would do for them,27300:15:41,700 –> 00:15:46,700but I knew that to bring me through death itself27400:15:47,020 –> 00:15:48,340was the biggest of all.27500:15:50,239 –> 00:15:54,880He made death safe for all his people.27600:15:54,880 –> 00:15:57,239I don’t say he made it painless.27700:15:57,239 –> 00:15:59,080I don’t say he made it desirable,27800:15:59,159 –> 00:16:00,679it’s still our enemy.27900:16:00,679 –> 00:16:04,159But he has made death safe.28000:16:05,880 –> 00:16:08,659That’s why when I held him in my arms,28100:16:08,659 –> 00:16:10,799the very first words I said were,28200:16:10,799 –> 00:16:12,460sovereign Lord,28300:16:14,520 –> 00:16:19,140now let your servant depart in peace.28400:16:20,960 –> 00:16:23,380I knew that my death would be like a loosing28500:16:23,380 –> 00:16:26,760from this old body I’d been dragged back into28600:16:26,760 –> 00:16:27,900to speak to you today.28700:16:30,039 –> 00:16:32,739And of course, that’s what happened a short time later.28800:16:32,739 –> 00:16:34,719It all seems a long time ago now.28900:16:36,460 –> 00:16:38,380It won’t be like this for you.29000:16:39,679 –> 00:16:41,239But when I died,29100:16:42,239 –> 00:16:44,200I went to a place of waiting.29200:16:44,200 –> 00:16:46,979It was like being drowsy,29300:16:46,979 –> 00:16:49,159like being barely awake.29400:16:50,340 –> 00:16:53,239I don’t know how long I was there.29500:16:53,239 –> 00:16:56,140Time isn’t the same on the other side you understand.29600:16:57,140 –> 00:16:59,840But I know when it ended.29700:16:59,840 –> 00:17:01,840Oh, what a day that was.29800:17:03,340 –> 00:17:05,900We didn’t know what was happening, of course.29900:17:05,900 –> 00:17:08,099Seeming barely conscious,30000:17:08,099 –> 00:17:11,119we suddenly were as it were awakened,30100:17:11,119 –> 00:17:13,239everything shook.30200:17:13,239 –> 00:17:15,479And then we saw Jesus.30300:17:16,760 –> 00:17:21,000And suddenly we found ourselves entering into his presence.30400:17:21,000 –> 00:17:24,479The presence of God without fear.30500:17:26,400 –> 00:17:27,900It was overwhelming joy.30600:17:27,900 –> 00:17:30,260I wish I could tell you more,30700:17:31,239 –> 00:17:34,300but there’s nothing in this world that even comes close.30800:17:34,300 –> 00:17:36,459I’ve been there for 2000 years.30900:17:36,459 –> 00:17:38,079Now though, nobody is counting.31000:17:39,280 –> 00:17:42,420And of course, now I know how my prophecy was fulfilled.31100:17:43,939 –> 00:17:47,500I spoke with Peter and John31200:17:47,500 –> 00:17:49,859and they told me what happened on that day31300:17:49,859 –> 00:17:51,859when everything shook,31400:17:51,859 –> 00:17:54,099even in the world of the dead.31500:17:56,400 –> 00:18:00,459He began his ministry, this Christ at the age of 30,31600:18:02,000 –> 00:18:03,680and they did speak against him.31700:18:05,280 –> 00:18:08,520And they plotted his death.31800:18:11,040 –> 00:18:15,540They took him to a cross and nails pierced his hands.31900:18:17,420 –> 00:18:19,699And Mary was there.32000:18:21,719 –> 00:18:24,180That’s when the words I spoke came true32100:18:24,219 –> 00:18:27,119that the sword would pierce her soul.32200:18:30,280 –> 00:18:34,959The life that I held in my arms was laid down.32300:18:37,339 –> 00:18:39,540He entered death,32400:18:41,060 –> 00:18:46,060and when he entered death, he opened the gates of life.32500:18:48,339 –> 00:18:50,680No wonder Anna was praising God.32600:18:51,640 –> 00:18:54,939So his coming has been for the falling32700:18:54,939 –> 00:18:56,459and for the rising of many.32800:18:56,459 –> 00:18:59,979There is a sense in which every person who has ever lived32900:18:59,979 –> 00:19:04,020will either fall or rise on him.33000:19:04,020 –> 00:19:09,020He’s like a great rock on which you either take your stand33100:19:09,380 –> 00:19:14,380and are firm, or else on which you stumble and fall.33200:19:16,040 –> 00:19:17,599Which is he for you?33300:19:17,760 –> 00:19:22,599The rising of your life, the falling of your life.33400:19:22,599 –> 00:19:24,719He’s always one or the other33500:19:26,319 –> 00:19:29,239for every person who has ever lived.33600:19:31,420 –> 00:19:32,520Well, that’s my story.33700:19:34,040 –> 00:19:36,280By the way, I’m determined to finish on time this morning.33800:19:36,280 –> 00:19:38,540I’ve heard the guy you normally have never does.33900:19:38,540 –> 00:19:39,359No.34000:19:45,140 –> 00:19:48,000But let me just tell you this in closing,34100:19:50,339 –> 00:19:52,699I had one chance to speak to you today.34200:19:53,939 –> 00:19:58,939So let me make it as crystal clear as I possibly can34300:19:59,180 –> 00:20:01,420as to how you should respond to him.34400:20:04,260 –> 00:20:07,319Number one, Become a Believer.34500:20:09,239 –> 00:20:13,000I saw God’s salvation.34600:20:13,000 –> 00:20:16,780Jesus is God’s salvation.34700:20:17,880 –> 00:20:21,479He will save everyone who believes.34800:20:21,479 –> 00:20:23,339Paul told me how he put it.34900:20:23,339 –> 00:20:28,339Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.35000:20:28,979 –> 00:20:32,140He will save everyone who believes.35100:20:33,400 –> 00:20:37,319Don’t let Him be the stumbling block on which you fall.35200:20:37,359 –> 00:20:40,459Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ35300:20:40,459 –> 00:20:44,719and take your stand, as it were, putting your trust in Him.35400:20:44,719 –> 00:20:46,719Become a believer.35500:20:49,359 –> 00:20:51,079Second, become a follower.35600:20:53,239 –> 00:20:56,640He’s the light to the Gentiles.35700:20:57,880 –> 00:20:58,760That’s all of you.35800:21:00,079 –> 00:21:01,479You got nothing without Him.35900:21:03,439 –> 00:21:04,800And neither have we Jews.36000:21:05,619 –> 00:21:09,459Become a follower because He is the light.36100:21:11,599 –> 00:21:14,199And here we are trying to find our way36200:21:14,199 –> 00:21:16,079through life in this world,36300:21:16,079 –> 00:21:19,719not really knowing what it’s about why we’re here.36400:21:19,719 –> 00:21:21,880We’re kinda stumbling around in darkness.36500:21:21,880 –> 00:21:23,099That’s what Isaiah said.36600:21:23,099 –> 00:21:25,719People who walked in darkness.36700:21:26,819 –> 00:21:28,959And now God has lit a light.36800:21:28,959 –> 00:21:31,280That’s who Jesus Christ is.36900:21:31,280 –> 00:21:35,739So come into that light and follow the light.37000:21:37,680 –> 00:21:39,420Become a believer.37100:21:40,780 –> 00:21:44,400Become a follower, live in the light of His teaching,37200:21:44,400 –> 00:21:46,599of His instruction, of His direction.37300:21:46,599 –> 00:21:50,060Let Him be the one who shapes and molds and leads37400:21:50,060 –> 00:21:51,560and guides your life.37500:21:51,560 –> 00:21:53,520Follow Him.37600:21:55,319 –> 00:21:56,560And here’s the last thing.37700:21:57,900 –> 00:21:59,300Become a worshiper.37800:22:00,239 –> 00:22:03,680He is the glory of Israel.37900:22:05,479 –> 00:22:08,459When you have seen His glory,38000:22:10,400 –> 00:22:15,160you will fall before Him in worship.38100:22:16,319 –> 00:22:18,319You’ve been listening to Pastor Colin Smith38200:22:18,319 –> 00:22:22,520on Open the Bible with a message called Simeon’s Story.38300:22:22,520 –> 00:22:25,239It’s part of our series, Christmas Stories,38400:22:25,239 –> 00:22:27,800looking at the Christmas Story through the eyes38500:22:27,979 –> 00:22:31,560of some of the characters who were there at the time.38600:22:31,560 –> 00:22:33,020If you’ve missed any of the series38700:22:33,020 –> 00:22:34,599or if you want to go back and listen again38800:22:34,599 –> 00:22:37,339you can do that by coming online to our website38900:22:37,339 –> 00:22:40,119openthebible.org.uk39000:22:40,119 –> 00:22:43,520or as a podcast on all the main podcast sites39100:22:43,520 –> 00:22:45,319go to your favourite podcast site,39200:22:45,319 –> 00:22:47,199search for Open the Bible UK39300:22:47,199 –> 00:22:50,380and subscribe to receive regular updates.39400:22:50,380 –> 00:22:53,880Open the Bible is entirely funded by our listeners39500:22:53,880 –> 00:22:54,979and we’re very grateful.39600:22:54,979 –> 00:22:57,579So if you already give to the work of Open the Bible39700:22:57,699 –> 00:22:58,920thank you so much.39800:22:59,319 –> 00:23:00,560During the month of December39900:23:00,560 –> 00:23:03,479if you were able to set up a new direct debit40000:23:03,479 –> 00:23:05,180to the work of Open the Bible40100:23:05,180 –> 00:23:08,199in the amount of £5 per month or more40200:23:08,199 –> 00:23:10,680or a one-off gift to Open the Bible40300:23:10,680 –> 00:23:12,319of £50 or more40400:23:12,319 –> 00:23:14,680we’d love to say thank you by sending you40500:23:14,680 –> 00:23:17,459three copies of John’s Gospel.40600:23:17,459 –> 00:23:19,739I recently caught up with Amanda Cunningham40700:23:19,739 –> 00:23:21,800who is Open the Bible UK’s40800:23:21,800 –> 00:23:24,819operations and communications manager40900:23:24,920 –> 00:23:26,400And I asked her to tell me more41000:23:26,400 –> 00:23:27,880about this free gift.41100:23:27,880 –> 00:23:29,199Thank you David!41200:23:29,199 –> 00:23:32,280Yes, we are really excited to be giving away41300:23:32,280 –> 00:23:34,500not just one but three of these41400:23:34,500 –> 00:23:38,020ESV journaling copies of John’s Gospel41500:23:38,020 –> 00:23:41,180as well as an Open the Bible bookmark41600:23:41,180 –> 00:23:43,420with Five Questions to Reflect on41700:23:43,420 –> 00:23:45,540As You Open the Bible.41800:23:45,540 –> 00:23:48,040Each page of text has a blank page opposite41900:23:48,040 –> 00:23:50,579on lovely, thick cream paper42000:23:50,579 –> 00:23:52,939which means they’re perfect for writing42100:23:52,939 –> 00:23:55,359Notes, Reflections or Prayers.42200:23:55,359 –> 00:23:58,760Or, if you’re giving it to an enquiring friend42300:23:58,760 –> 00:24:00,060perhaps you could suggest that they42400:24:00,060 –> 00:24:02,540write down any questions they want to ask you42500:24:02,540 –> 00:24:04,280or anything that they’re struck by.42600:24:04,280 –> 00:24:07,979I also really love the beautiful gold ink42700:24:07,979 –> 00:24:09,880illustrations in the book42800:24:09,880 –> 00:24:12,520and the unique gold foil stamped cover42900:24:12,520 –> 00:24:14,859which gives it a feel of luxury.43000:24:14,859 –> 00:24:17,040So I definitely wouldn’t feel embarrassed43100:24:17,040 –> 00:24:19,500about giving this Gospel as a Christmas gift43200:24:19,500 –> 00:24:21,380but if you do feel a little nervous43300:24:21,380 –> 00:24:22,579about giving it to someone43400:24:22,699 –> 00:24:24,979why not bundle it in with a box of chocolates43500:24:24,979 –> 00:24:27,260or the pair of socks that you’re already giving.43600:24:27,260 –> 00:24:28,660After all43700:24:28,660 –> 00:24:31,939what could be a more precious gift this Christmas43800:24:31,939 –> 00:24:33,819than the Living Word of God43900:24:33,819 –> 00:24:35,439and these beautiful44000:24:35,439 –> 00:24:37,060illustrated Gospels of John44100:24:37,060 –> 00:24:40,000would be a perfect way to give that gift.44200:24:40,000 –> 00:24:41,540Thank you Amanda.44300:24:41,540 –> 00:24:43,939So those three copies of John’s Gospel44400:24:43,939 –> 00:24:45,160are our gift to you44500:24:45,160 –> 00:24:47,140if you’re able to begin a new direct debit44600:24:47,140 –> 00:24:48,719to the work of Open the Bible44700:24:48,719 –> 00:24:49,339this month44800:24:49,339 –> 00:24:51,920in the amount of £5 per month or more44900:24:52,420 –> 00:24:55,560or a one-off gift of £50.45000:24:55,680 –> 00:24:57,839Full details, terms and conditions45100:24:57,839 –> 00:24:59,500are on our website45200:24:59,540 –> 00:25:02,020that’s at openthebible.org.uk45300:25:02,439 –> 00:25:05,040For Pastor Colin Smith and Open the Bible45400:25:05,040 –> 00:25:06,099I’m David Pick45500:25:06,099 –> 00:25:08,339and I hope you’ll join us again next time45600:25:08,339 –> 00:25:09,900on Open the Bible.45700:25:15,180 –> 00:25:18,339If you find it difficult to believe in the Virgin Birth45800:25:18,339 –> 00:25:19,959you need to hear from a man45900:25:19,959 –> 00:25:22,560who found it nearly impossible to believe.46000:25:22,560 –> 00:25:24,959That’s next time on Open the Bible.