100:00:00,960 –> 00:00:11,600Jesus died and rose again. Your loved one has died but they have not risen.200:00:12,320 –> 00:00:18,959It’s like an unresolved musical chord, it leaves you straining for the next note.300:00:19,600 –> 00:00:23,120Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. I’m David Pick.400:00:23,120 –> 00:00:27,120Glad you could join us today. And Colin, what is the next note?500:00:27,200 –> 00:00:30,879The resurrection’s still to come. When your loved one dies,600:00:30,879 –> 00:00:37,360their soul goes immediately to be with the Lord Jesus Christ and that is better by far700:00:37,360 –> 00:00:40,720but there’s still a great day that lies ahead of all of us.800:00:40,720 –> 00:00:45,040When Jesus comes, that’s when those who are with him are going to receive the gift of the900:00:45,040 –> 00:00:49,119resurrection body and that’s when we who are still alive are going to receive the1000:00:49,119 –> 00:00:52,560gift of the resurrection body as well. It’s like the whole Christian family1100:00:52,560 –> 00:00:55,919gets this at the same time. What a day that’s going to be.1200:00:55,919 –> 00:00:59,680We’re going to rise and meet the Lord in the air and that’s the day of our1300:00:59,680 –> 00:01:04,080great hope that we’re looking forward to. Absolutely, and for those who live with1400:01:04,080 –> 00:01:07,680chronic pain and illness, what a thing to look forward to.1500:01:07,680 –> 00:01:12,400A day when we receive new bodies. Join us today, if you can,1600:01:12,400 –> 00:01:16,760in 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5 as we continue the message,1700:01:16,760 –> 00:01:20,320the urgency of heavenly hope. Here is Pastor Collin.1800:01:20,480 –> 00:01:24,959I want you to notice that in verse 17 here, pause says that1900:01:24,959 –> 00:01:30,199we who are left we’ll be caught up together with them,2000:01:30,199 –> 00:01:36,720together with them. There’s something wonderful here.2100:01:36,720 –> 00:01:41,800And I have to say as I’ve studied it, it’s come freshly to me and I don’t want2200:01:41,800 –> 00:01:47,800us to miss it, we’ll be caught up together with them.2300:01:47,800 –> 00:01:53,000Now, who’s the them? Now, remember, Paul is writing to believers2400:01:53,000 –> 00:01:59,919who are grieving over their family, friends who have died.2500:01:59,919 –> 00:02:09,960He’s writing to real people, fathers, mothers, children, husbands, wives.2600:02:10,399 –> 00:02:17,759Their grief isn’t about death, in general. Their grief is about the person they have2700:02:17,759 –> 00:02:21,660lost, in particular.2800:02:21,660 –> 00:02:25,039And Paul writes to comfort them in their sorrow, and he says,2900:02:25,039 –> 00:02:30,119Now encourage in your bereavement one another with these words.3000:02:30,119 –> 00:02:31,839What words?3100:02:31,839 –> 00:02:38,839That we will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.3200:02:39,080 –> 00:02:44,839Now, though what he says is obviously true of all believers,3300:02:44,839 –> 00:02:46,759he’s not thinking as he writes.3400:02:46,759 –> 00:02:48,479Surely about believers in general.3500:02:48,479 –> 00:02:55,339He’s thinking about the loved ones of these bereaved Thessalonians in particular.3600:02:55,339 –> 00:02:57,960And the whole point that Paul is making here surely,3700:02:57,960 –> 00:03:01,759if it is to be an encouragement to them, which is what he says,3800:03:01,759 –> 00:03:08,360is that these Christians may have the comfort of knowing3900:03:08,399 –> 00:03:14,800that they will see and immediately enjoy the company of their own loved ones4000:03:14,800 –> 00:03:16,759whose loss they mourn right now.4100:03:16,759 –> 00:03:21,160They will see them and they will enjoy them again.4200:03:22,800 –> 00:03:25,279Listen to this from Jonathan Edwards.4300:03:26,779 –> 00:03:32,479The special affection that the saints have in this world4400:03:32,479 –> 00:03:35,720towards other saints who are their friends4500:03:36,199 –> 00:03:40,740will in some respect remain in another world.4600:03:41,779 –> 00:03:45,800The special affection known in this world4700:03:45,800 –> 00:03:49,520Edward says, because it is a wonderful gift of God4800:03:49,520 –> 00:03:51,779and God always gives more but never less.4900:03:52,600 –> 00:03:55,199The special affection will remain in another world.5000:03:56,080 –> 00:03:59,279And when Paul says we will be caught up together with them,5100:03:59,279 –> 00:04:02,179he’s not talking about the vague faceless5200:04:02,179 –> 00:04:03,960generality of believers.5300:04:04,020 –> 00:04:07,720He’s saying you will share with your loved ones5400:04:07,720 –> 00:04:09,800the greatest moment in all human history5500:04:09,800 –> 00:04:12,679and it will be the entrance into the eternity5600:04:12,679 –> 00:04:14,880that Christ died and rose to prepare for you5700:04:14,880 –> 00:04:16,779so comfort one another with these words5800:04:16,779 –> 00:04:18,739because we’re not grieving like the rest of people5900:04:18,739 –> 00:04:21,779who have no hope who have no idea about what lies ahead6000:04:21,779 –> 00:04:23,380and have no entrance into it6100:04:23,380 –> 00:04:26,619if they are outside of Jesus Christ.6200:04:27,579 –> 00:04:29,899I’ve noticed too just pondering this6300:04:29,899 –> 00:04:32,679and we’re at the edge here of what is revealed6400:04:33,459 –> 00:04:37,760but look at first Thessalonians chapter two and verse 196500:04:37,760 –> 00:04:39,640where Paul in this very same letter,6600:04:39,640 –> 00:04:42,079chapter two and verse 19 he’s talking about6700:04:42,079 –> 00:04:42,959what is our hope?6800:04:42,959 –> 00:04:47,000What will be our joy when Jesus Christ comes?6900:04:47,000 –> 00:04:50,119That’s the question in chapter two verse 19.7000:04:50,119 –> 00:04:54,579What will be our joy when Jesus comes?7100:04:56,600 –> 00:05:00,279And Paul says is it not you?7200:05:00,839 –> 00:05:03,839And you see the power of what he’s saying.7300:05:03,839 –> 00:05:06,859There is a special relationship between us now7400:05:06,859 –> 00:05:09,220Paul says to these Thessalonian believers7500:05:09,220 –> 00:05:12,339and that special bond will not be decreased7600:05:12,339 –> 00:05:14,380but it will be increased and the joy of it7700:05:14,380 –> 00:05:18,140will be more not less as we enter7800:05:18,140 –> 00:05:20,519into the presence of Jesus therefore7900:05:20,519 –> 00:05:25,519come for one another with these words.8000:05:25,519 –> 00:05:29,339I am so sure it will be very different8100:05:29,380 –> 00:05:32,579in a thousand ways that we cannot say8200:05:32,579 –> 00:05:36,000but please don’t ever think it will be less8300:05:36,000 –> 00:05:41,000for God never gives less but always more,8400:05:41,540 –> 00:05:46,459therefore encourage each other with these words.8500:05:48,779 –> 00:05:50,339And you know let me just draw your attention8600:05:50,339 –> 00:05:52,320to one more phrase here in verse 148700:05:52,320 –> 00:05:56,140as we’re trying to bring this into our minds together.8800:05:56,140 –> 00:05:58,420Do you notice in verse 14 there8900:05:59,700 –> 00:06:02,799that Paul says God will bring with Jesus9000:06:02,799 –> 00:06:05,239those who have fallen asleep in him.9100:06:05,239 –> 00:06:06,760God will bring them.9200:06:07,600 –> 00:06:08,640Isn’t that beautiful.9300:06:09,859 –> 00:06:14,019God loves bringing people together.9400:06:16,079 –> 00:06:18,600God brought Eve to Adam.9500:06:20,500 –> 00:06:23,559God has brought the people who are a blessing9600:06:23,559 –> 00:06:25,239in your life to you.9700:06:26,059 –> 00:06:30,380God sets the solitary in families, God does that.9800:06:31,859 –> 00:06:35,779God brings brother and sisters together in the church.9900:06:36,720 –> 00:06:41,339God has brought your loved ones to you in this life10000:06:41,339 –> 00:06:42,739and Paul is telling us10100:06:42,739 –> 00:06:46,820that God will bring them together with you again10200:06:46,820 –> 00:06:49,519on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed.10300:06:49,519 –> 00:06:50,899He will bring them.10400:06:50,899 –> 00:06:54,660He himself will bring them to you.10500:06:56,100 –> 00:06:56,920To you.10600:06:58,059 –> 00:06:59,839And so, verse 17,10700:07:01,559 –> 00:07:05,859we will be with the Lord forever.10800:07:07,380 –> 00:07:10,440Now, one more quote from Jonathan Edwards here10900:07:10,440 –> 00:07:12,299that, again, I found very helpful11000:07:12,299 –> 00:07:15,220to just stretch my own mind thinking about this.11100:07:17,220 –> 00:07:18,600Edwards makes the point11200:07:20,119 –> 00:07:25,119that we shall grow in holiness and happiness11300:07:25,239 –> 00:07:27,299in eternity.11400:07:27,299 –> 00:07:29,339See, we shouldn’t think of it as static.11500:07:29,339 –> 00:07:32,359We have such vague, uninteresting views of heaven11600:07:32,359 –> 00:07:36,359sometimes that we are not lifted by it as we should be.11700:07:37,420 –> 00:07:39,880Edwards says, we will grow in holiness11800:07:39,880 –> 00:07:41,640and in happiness in eternity.11900:07:41,640 –> 00:07:43,079And here’s how he makes the argument,12000:07:43,079 –> 00:07:45,700and then I’d like to read you a short quote.12100:07:45,700 –> 00:07:47,679He said, now, think about this.12200:07:47,679 –> 00:07:49,420As you move through life in this world,12300:07:49,420 –> 00:07:53,000you add to your experiences and you add to your joys.12400:07:53,000 –> 00:07:55,640Your memory of some things fades and you know,12500:07:55,640 –> 00:07:57,679there’s a whole things in the last 10 years12600:07:57,679 –> 00:07:58,920that have filled your life,12700:07:58,920 –> 00:08:01,720that are beyond what was in the previous 10 years12800:08:01,720 –> 00:08:04,359and the joys of your life increase12900:08:04,359 –> 00:08:07,700and the experiences of your life abound.13000:08:09,059 –> 00:08:12,579And the scripture makes it very clear13100:08:12,579 –> 00:08:15,920that God will wipe all tears from our eyes,13200:08:15,920 –> 00:08:20,940that all pain and all dysfunction will be healed13300:08:21,059 –> 00:08:24,859and removed and every grief will be taken from us13400:08:24,859 –> 00:08:27,059so that we will not live with any of that.13500:08:28,500 –> 00:08:32,739And all that is less than God purposes it to be13600:08:32,739 –> 00:08:34,099will be made perfect.13700:08:34,099 –> 00:08:36,820We won’t carry any pain into Heaven.13800:08:36,820 –> 00:08:38,539We will not carry any sorrow,13900:08:38,539 –> 00:08:40,940we will not carry lasting regret.14000:08:42,260 –> 00:08:45,979But the joys of this life and of his grace in us14100:08:45,979 –> 00:08:46,919will remain.14200:08:47,840 –> 00:08:52,299And on top of these joys that remain14300:08:52,299 –> 00:08:54,200will be the joys of Heaven14400:08:55,299 –> 00:08:57,719that will go on adding to the joys of earth.14500:08:57,719 –> 00:08:59,080It’s always more never less.14600:08:59,080 –> 00:09:02,400So as year on year and decade on decade,14700:09:02,400 –> 00:09:04,799the richness of life is expanded for you14800:09:04,799 –> 00:09:09,080so into eternity, experience upon experience14900:09:09,080 –> 00:09:12,080will cumulate Edward says.15000:09:13,200 –> 00:09:15,440And he says we cannot suppose15100:09:15,479 –> 00:09:18,239that we will ever entirely forget15200:09:18,239 –> 00:09:20,500everything that has happened on earth,15300:09:21,380 –> 00:09:25,320nor can we suppose that we will ever entirely forget15400:09:25,320 –> 00:09:27,520everything that has happened in Heaven.15500:09:28,400 –> 00:09:31,020So, here’s this point, Edward says,15600:09:32,419 –> 00:09:36,419Think about what it will be like then15700:09:36,419 –> 00:09:38,799when you have been in heaven15800:09:39,719 –> 00:09:44,099for a million, million ages.15900:09:44,960 –> 00:09:46,380And here’s what he says.16000:09:48,739 –> 00:09:51,500You’re knowledge will increase to eternity,16100:09:52,679 –> 00:09:55,520And if your knowledge, so your holiness.16200:09:56,840 –> 00:10:00,219For as you increase in the knowledge of God,16300:10:00,219 –> 00:10:02,020you will see more of his beauty.16400:10:03,059 –> 00:10:05,440And as you see more of his beauty,16500:10:05,440 –> 00:10:07,520you will love him even more.16600:10:08,640 –> 00:10:10,440And as you love him even more,16700:10:10,460 –> 00:10:14,359you will delight in him and have more happiness in him.16800:10:16,099 –> 00:10:20,679We will be with the Lord forever.16900:10:20,679 –> 00:10:25,679Folks, we’re talking about exponentially increasing joy.17000:10:30,159 –> 00:10:32,820Now, look at the application Paul makes17100:10:32,820 –> 00:10:34,840over to chapter five in verse eight.17200:10:36,780 –> 00:10:38,840So, in the light of all of this, he says,17300:10:38,840 –> 00:10:43,159you put on faith and you put on love as a breastplate17400:10:44,340 –> 00:10:46,559and the hope of salvation as a helmet.17500:10:46,559 –> 00:10:47,380You see what he’s saying?17600:10:47,380 –> 00:10:50,539You draw strength here.17700:10:52,179 –> 00:10:54,880So you are enduring pain and sorrow,17800:10:56,799 –> 00:11:01,419put on faith as a breastplate and hope as a helmet.17900:11:02,840 –> 00:11:05,320For what is this sorrow in the light18000:11:06,000 –> 00:11:09,219of a million million ages,18100:11:10,059 –> 00:11:13,119of exponentially increasing joy.18200:11:15,359 –> 00:11:16,760You have come to church today18300:11:16,760 –> 00:11:19,880and you are facing pressure and disappointment,18400:11:19,880 –> 00:11:22,900put on faith and love as a breastplate18500:11:22,900 –> 00:11:26,640and hope as the helmet of your salvation.18600:11:26,640 –> 00:11:30,780For what is disappointment and what is this pressure18700:11:30,780 –> 00:11:33,599to a man or to a woman who will savor joy18800:11:33,599 –> 00:11:36,080that goes on increasing forever?18900:11:37,520 –> 00:11:39,460And you have suffered an injustice19000:11:39,460 –> 00:11:41,719and there is no way of righting it in this world19100:11:41,719 –> 00:11:44,460and it gnaws and it gnaws and it gnaws at you19200:11:44,460 –> 00:11:47,099and it threatens to take you down.19300:11:47,099 –> 00:11:50,719Oh, put on faith and put on love as a breastplate19400:11:50,719 –> 00:11:53,020and hope as the helmet of your salvation19500:11:53,020 –> 00:11:56,559for what is injustice in this world19600:11:56,559 –> 00:12:00,039to a man or a woman who will know19700:12:00,039 –> 00:12:03,619the presence and joy of Christ forever.19800:12:05,400 –> 00:12:07,400And are you facing death?19900:12:08,940 –> 00:12:11,919Do you know that you have a serious illness?20000:12:13,200 –> 00:12:16,380What is death to a man or a woman20100:12:16,380 –> 00:12:20,219who will be forever with the Lord?20200:12:22,460 –> 00:12:25,140Now, Paul says,20300:12:26,059 –> 00:12:29,900Encourage one another with these words.20400:12:33,460 –> 00:12:35,280Those certainly are encouraging words20500:12:35,280 –> 00:12:36,760and we have to pause briefly here20600:12:36,760 –> 00:12:38,020but we’ll be back very shortly.20700:12:38,020 –> 00:12:40,099So, please stay with us.20800:12:40,099 –> 00:12:42,219Just to remind you that if you ever miss one20900:12:42,219 –> 00:12:44,359of our messages or if you tuned in late today21000:12:44,359 –> 00:12:46,219or have to leave early,21100:12:46,219 –> 00:12:48,900you can always catch up or go back and listen again21200:12:48,900 –> 00:12:51,719to any of the messages which have already been broadcast21300:12:51,719 –> 00:12:53,119by coming to our website.21400:12:53,119 –> 00:12:56,099That’s at openthebible.org.uk.21500:12:56,099 –> 00:12:58,299Also available as a podcast.21600:12:58,299 –> 00:13:01,659On all the podcast sites, simply search for OpenTheBibleUK21700:13:01,659 –> 00:13:03,979or follow the link from our website.21800:13:03,979 –> 00:13:07,340Back to the message now, here again is Pastor Colin.21900:13:07,340 –> 00:13:10,320Now, the very last thing I want to say is simply this.22000:13:10,320 –> 00:13:13,239We talked about hope for those who have died in Christ.22100:13:13,239 –> 00:13:17,619We’ve talked about hope for those who are alive in Christ22200:13:17,619 –> 00:13:20,000and I want simply in these last few moments22300:13:20,020 –> 00:13:24,679simply to land on this that there is no hope22400:13:24,679 –> 00:13:29,679without Jesus Christ, no hope without Christ.22500:13:29,679 –> 00:13:32,799And I say that because Paul mixes that in plainly22600:13:32,799 –> 00:13:35,000to the middle of this passage.22700:13:35,000 –> 00:13:37,479In fact, he begins in chapter 4 in verse 1322800:13:37,479 –> 00:13:40,320by saying that we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers,22900:13:40,320 –> 00:13:42,140about those who fall asleep or to grieve23000:13:42,140 –> 00:13:45,520like the rest of men who have no hope.23100:13:46,020 –> 00:13:50,059And there are millions of people today23200:13:50,059 –> 00:13:55,059living without the hope that we have spoken of23300:13:56,000 –> 00:13:57,859for the last half hour23400:13:57,859 –> 00:14:01,099and this hope does not belong to them.23500:14:03,460 –> 00:14:05,900It is a hope that is in Christ23600:14:05,900 –> 00:14:08,559and it is found and experienced23700:14:08,559 –> 00:14:10,520and belongs to those who are in Christ,23800:14:10,520 –> 00:14:13,140but there is no hope outside of Christ.23900:14:13,539 –> 00:14:16,219And so that is why in chapter five,24000:14:16,219 –> 00:14:18,900it seems to me Paul goes on to describe24100:14:18,900 –> 00:14:21,919people who are living in darkness.24200:14:23,840 –> 00:14:26,900And he draws attention to the fact that24300:14:27,880 –> 00:14:29,820apart from Jesus Christ,24400:14:29,820 –> 00:14:31,900you find yourself in this darkness24500:14:31,900 –> 00:14:33,359and if you’re in this darkness,24600:14:33,359 –> 00:14:35,260you shouldn’t think that you have hope.24700:14:36,820 –> 00:14:38,659This is the way the Bible frames it.24800:14:40,479 –> 00:14:42,700If you’re in darkness, you’re without Christ,24900:14:42,739 –> 00:14:44,239there is no hope in the darkness.25000:14:44,239 –> 00:14:46,299The only way that you can find hope25100:14:46,299 –> 00:14:48,400is to get out of the darkness.25200:14:49,960 –> 00:14:52,419Some of us have thought that we could live in darkness25300:14:52,419 –> 00:14:53,960and still have the hope.25400:14:53,960 –> 00:14:54,960You can’t.25500:14:57,280 –> 00:15:02,099Don’t deceive yourself if you’re walking in darkness.25600:15:02,099 –> 00:15:03,960And Paul describes it here.25700:15:04,900 –> 00:15:07,099He gives some examples of walking in darkness.25800:15:07,099 –> 00:15:10,520He talks about verse seven.25900:15:10,640 –> 00:15:13,320Those who sleep, sleep at night,26000:15:13,320 –> 00:15:16,159those who get drunk, get drunk at night.26100:15:16,159 –> 00:15:18,460There’s five people who belong to the night,26200:15:18,460 –> 00:15:21,340people who belong to the darkness.26300:15:21,340 –> 00:15:25,780Some folks take that character from darkness, hidden,26400:15:26,880 –> 00:15:28,440always having to remember the secret26500:15:28,440 –> 00:15:29,640you can’t speak about.26600:15:30,640 –> 00:15:31,479Double life.26700:15:33,299 –> 00:15:36,059For those who secretly or more openly,26800:15:37,400 –> 00:15:39,539following what Paul identifies here,26900:15:41,080 –> 00:15:43,679you’ve given yourself to drink27000:15:45,239 –> 00:15:48,599and you’ve given yourself to drugs,27100:15:49,799 –> 00:15:52,099you wouldn’t have done that if you were happy.27200:15:53,280 –> 00:15:56,140You wouldn’t have done that if you had hope.27300:15:57,780 –> 00:16:00,799You’ve done that feeling overwhelmed by life,27400:16:00,799 –> 00:16:02,719feeling that there is no way out,27500:16:02,719 –> 00:16:05,400feeling that it is so bleak, so pointless27600:16:05,400 –> 00:16:09,239and the pain is too great.27700:16:09,320 –> 00:16:10,760You’re in darkness.27800:16:13,359 –> 00:16:15,440Notice what it’s like to be in darkness.27900:16:16,840 –> 00:16:19,059One of the distinguishing marks of darkness28000:16:19,059 –> 00:16:20,640is that you feel secure.28100:16:22,559 –> 00:16:24,039It’s a deception, of course.28200:16:25,799 –> 00:16:26,880Paul says in verse 3,28300:16:26,880 –> 00:16:30,239it’s when people are saying peace and safety,28400:16:30,239 –> 00:16:32,880the destruction will come upon them suddenly.28500:16:34,080 –> 00:16:34,919You come to church,28600:16:34,919 –> 00:16:37,479you know that you’re not following Jesus Christ now.28700:16:38,200 –> 00:16:40,820But you come week after week and you’re okay with it.28800:16:43,000 –> 00:16:44,799You know that there is stuff that is hidden,28900:16:44,799 –> 00:16:45,619that is dark,29000:16:45,619 –> 00:16:47,520and it’s been like that for a while,29100:16:49,000 –> 00:16:51,039but you feel secure, you feel okay.29200:16:52,440 –> 00:16:55,580And you cannot see when you’re in darkness.29300:16:55,580 –> 00:16:58,000Not only do you feel secure,29400:16:58,000 –> 00:16:59,640darkness means you can’t see.29500:17:01,119 –> 00:17:03,320And honestly, some of us come to church29600:17:03,320 –> 00:17:07,319and you don’t see the glory29700:17:07,640 –> 00:17:09,660of Jesus,29800:17:09,660 –> 00:17:11,500the Bible says the God of this world,29900:17:11,500 –> 00:17:13,560Satan, has blinded the minds of unbelievers30000:17:13,560 –> 00:17:18,119so that they cannot see the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.30100:17:18,119 –> 00:17:20,839Read the Bible, you see nothing great nor magnificent.30200:17:20,839 –> 00:17:23,800You can’t really understand what other people see in it.30300:17:23,800 –> 00:17:25,219You’re in darkness!30400:17:26,979 –> 00:17:28,619Paul says, if you’re in darkness,30500:17:28,619 –> 00:17:30,760you will be taken by surprise.30600:17:30,760 –> 00:17:32,020Verse two of Chapter Five,30700:17:32,020 –> 00:17:34,739the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.30800:17:35,660 –> 00:17:40,140You imagine a wasp’s eye view of the world.30900:17:40,140 –> 00:17:42,300Can you get inside, a wasp,31000:17:42,300 –> 00:17:45,099and here you are, buzzing around with all your friends.31100:17:46,339 –> 00:17:47,900And you find a wonderful little nest31200:17:47,900 –> 00:17:50,219and a crack in the siding, in the side of the house,31300:17:50,219 –> 00:17:53,199and you feel very, very secure31400:17:53,199 –> 00:17:54,660as you go about your daily work,31500:17:54,660 –> 00:17:56,359because after all, you’ve got a stinger.31600:17:56,359 –> 00:17:59,439I mean, who can touch a guy with a stinger?31700:17:59,439 –> 00:18:01,420From time to time, one of your friends dies,31800:18:01,420 –> 00:18:02,780doesn’t come back to the hive,31900:18:02,780 –> 00:18:04,280but that’s all part of life.32000:18:04,280 –> 00:18:06,760You’ve got work to do, food to find, so on you go,32100:18:06,760 –> 00:18:09,020not realizing that the owner of the house32200:18:09,020 –> 00:18:12,979is walking down the path with a spray can in her hand.32300:18:14,479 –> 00:18:17,079And in a moment, the whole nest will be gone.32400:18:18,599 –> 00:18:19,439No clue.32500:18:20,859 –> 00:18:22,359Now, Paul’s saying this is what it’s like32600:18:22,359 –> 00:18:23,180to live in darkness.32700:18:23,180 –> 00:18:28,119You feel so secure, you don’t see the glory of Christ.32800:18:30,680 –> 00:18:33,239You will be taken by surprise.32900:18:35,239 –> 00:18:37,560And look at what he says in verse three,33000:18:37,560 –> 00:18:39,219I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t there.33100:18:39,219 –> 00:18:41,599He says, you will not escape.33200:18:43,880 –> 00:18:45,800Destruction will come upon them suddenly33300:18:45,800 –> 00:18:47,660as labor pains on a pregnant woman,33400:18:47,660 –> 00:18:49,699and they will not escape.33500:18:49,699 –> 00:18:52,319So there is no word of hope for people33600:18:52,319 –> 00:18:54,239who continue in darkness,33700:18:54,239 –> 00:18:57,099for people who belong to the darkness.33800:18:58,359 –> 00:19:02,739And if that’s you, you have to change your position.33900:19:03,699 –> 00:19:07,079You cannot remain there because the future34000:19:07,079 –> 00:19:10,900for the darkness is as clear as the future of the light,34100:19:10,900 –> 00:19:13,020but it is polar opposite.34200:19:14,959 –> 00:19:16,439So don’t deceive yourself today.34300:19:16,439 –> 00:19:21,119Boy, if you’re in darkness get out of it into the light.34400:19:21,119 –> 00:19:23,479And I know some of you will be saying in your heart,34500:19:23,479 –> 00:19:25,619even now you don’t understand.34600:19:25,619 –> 00:19:28,060I can’t get out of the darkness.34700:19:28,060 –> 00:19:30,439Listen, that is why Jesus Christ34800:19:30,739 –> 00:19:35,619That is why Jesus Christ has come into the world34900:19:35,619 –> 00:19:38,119to deliver you from darkness.35000:19:39,140 –> 00:19:43,540The gospel is not just forgiveness, it is power.35100:19:43,540 –> 00:19:46,939The power of God for the salvation35200:19:46,939 –> 00:19:51,180of those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ35300:19:51,180 –> 00:19:53,380who died and rose for you.35400:19:53,380 –> 00:19:57,260His saving work is like the freeing of hostages.35500:19:57,380 –> 00:19:59,839It is bringing people out of darkness35600:19:59,839 –> 00:20:02,599and into his marvelous light35700:20:02,599 –> 00:20:05,660for men and women in darkness.35800:20:05,660 –> 00:20:08,420Older people who have lived their lives in darkness,35900:20:08,420 –> 00:20:10,479never really seeing the glory of Christ.36000:20:10,479 –> 00:20:11,959Here’s the good news.36100:20:11,959 –> 00:20:15,040There is someone who can deliver you.36200:20:15,939 –> 00:20:18,000There is someone who can get you out,36300:20:18,000 –> 00:20:20,239can reclaim and rebuild your life36400:20:20,239 –> 00:20:22,579and position you for eternity.36500:20:22,579 –> 00:20:25,079His name is Jesus and he is the one36600:20:25,420 –> 00:20:27,339who died and rose again.36700:20:28,380 –> 00:20:32,400And you will see him as your judge in the life to come,36800:20:32,400 –> 00:20:36,560but he offers himself to you as savior in this life today.36900:20:40,140 –> 00:20:42,239And you can come to him in repentance37000:20:42,239 –> 00:20:46,119and his sin-bearing death will be yours.37100:20:46,119 –> 00:20:50,280And the power of his resurrection life will come to you,37200:20:51,119 –> 00:20:54,979and you will share in his ascension all this37300:20:54,979 –> 00:20:56,380he offers to you.37400:20:59,540 –> 00:21:02,339And if today your eyes are opening37500:21:03,640 –> 00:21:06,839so you see even a little bit of your own need37600:21:06,839 –> 00:21:10,859and his ability, thank God, because it is the Holy Spirit37700:21:10,859 –> 00:21:12,619who’s showing it to you.37800:21:12,619 –> 00:21:16,540Other people don’t see it, but right now you do.37900:21:16,560 –> 00:21:20,739Today if you hear his voice do not harden your heart,38000:21:22,040 –> 00:21:24,199he’s calling you, so come.38100:21:27,239 –> 00:21:30,660That’s a wonderful invitation from Pastor Colin Smith.38200:21:30,660 –> 00:21:32,140You’ve been listening to Open the Bible38300:21:32,140 –> 00:21:34,880with Pastor Colin Smith and a message called38400:21:34,880 –> 00:21:36,780The Urgency of Heavenly Hope,38500:21:36,780 –> 00:21:41,180all about what we have to look forward to in Christ.38600:21:41,180 –> 00:21:43,560It’s from the series Living Like There’s No Tomorrow38700:21:43,560 –> 00:21:46,099and if you’ve missed any of the messages in the series38800:21:46,099 –> 00:21:48,180you can catch up or go back and listen again38900:21:48,180 –> 00:21:49,680by coming to our website,39000:21:49,680 –> 00:21:53,020that’s at openthebible.org.uk39100:21:53,020 –> 00:21:56,239or if you prefer, go to your favorite podcast site,39200:21:56,239 –> 00:21:58,640search there for Open the Bible UK39300:21:58,640 –> 00:22:00,119and you’ll find all the messages39400:22:00,119 –> 00:22:02,219which have already been broadcast.39500:22:03,640 –> 00:22:05,640You’ll also find on our website39600:22:05,640 –> 00:22:07,359and available as a podcast39700:22:07,359 –> 00:22:09,800our daily reflection programme.39800:22:09,800 –> 00:22:12,400It’s called Open the Bible Daily.39900:22:12,400 –> 00:22:14,660It’s based on Pastor Colin’s teaching40000:22:14,719 –> 00:22:18,420and read specially in the UK this month by Sally Workman,40100:22:18,420 –> 00:22:20,180Open the Bible Daily,40200:22:20,180 –> 00:22:24,839available on our website openthebible.org.uk.40300:22:24,839 –> 00:22:28,060At Open the Bible, we welcome contact with our listeners.40400:22:28,060 –> 00:22:31,859You can email us by using the contact form on our website,40500:22:31,859 –> 00:22:36,819openthebible.org.uk, forward slash, contact.40600:22:36,819 –> 00:22:39,540You can write to us at Open the Bible,40700:22:39,540 –> 00:22:43,979P.O. Box 1420 Cheltenham GL 50 G,40800:22:45,300 –> 00:22:49,5409PG, or you can phone us on 0330 335 8089.40900:22:54,520 –> 00:22:56,699If we’re not available when you call,41000:22:56,699 –> 00:22:59,739leave a message for us and we’ll return your call.41100:22:59,739 –> 00:23:03,380All of these contact details are available on our website,41200:23:03,380 –> 00:23:04,400openthebible.org.uk.41300:23:07,420 –> 00:23:09,579In the run up to Christmas at Open the Bible,41400:23:09,579 –> 00:23:11,420we want to provide churches41500:23:11,420 –> 00:23:14,619and groups with great supporting material.41600:23:14,619 –> 00:23:18,520Here’s Open the Bible’s executive director, John Martin,41700:23:18,520 –> 00:23:21,300If you’re planning events for Christmas and advent41800:23:21,300 –> 00:23:23,420for your church and community,41900:23:23,420 –> 00:23:26,040then Open The Bible has resources to help you.42000:23:26,040 –> 00:23:29,660A nativity script you can use outside or indoors.42100:23:29,660 –> 00:23:32,780Sermon outlines for an advent sermon series42200:23:32,780 –> 00:23:35,260and it’s all linked to our new little book,42300:23:35,260 –> 00:23:38,880Christmas Stories, 5 First Person Narratives.42400:23:38,880 –> 00:23:43,619To find out more, go to openthebible.org.uk.42500:23:43,619 –> 00:23:46,560Regular listeners will know that Open The Bible42600:23:46,560 –> 00:23:48,780is supported by our listeners.42700:23:48,780 –> 00:23:51,380And if you already give to support our work,42800:23:51,380 –> 00:23:53,060thank you so much.42900:23:53,060 –> 00:23:55,180If you’d like to become one of our supporters,43000:23:55,180 –> 00:23:57,739here’s Open The Bible’s Amanda Cunningham43100:23:57,739 –> 00:23:59,619to tell you about a special offer.43200:23:59,619 –> 00:24:00,660Thanks, David.43300:24:00,660 –> 00:24:03,079Yes, as we look ahead to Christmas43400:24:03,079 –> 00:24:05,260our book of the month for October is43500:24:05,260 –> 00:24:08,699Hallelujah by Dave and Sally Gobbett.43600:24:08,699 –> 00:24:10,900This beautiful devotional draws43700:24:11,079 –> 00:24:12,479on the timeless music43800:24:12,479 –> 00:24:14,140of Handel’s message43900:24:14,140 –> 00:24:15,780and the words of escripture44000:24:15,780 –> 00:24:18,239to take you through the Christmas story.44100:24:18,239 –> 00:24:21,079Each daily reading includes a short reflection44200:24:21,079 –> 00:24:23,199together with a piece of the Hallelujah Chorus44300:24:23,199 –> 00:24:24,420to listen to,44400:24:24,420 –> 00:24:26,500helping you to pause and reflect44500:24:26,500 –> 00:24:28,900on the wonder of Christ’s coming.44600:24:28,900 –> 00:24:30,819I read this devotional last Advent44700:24:30,819 –> 00:24:33,699with my family and I found it a real blessing.44800:24:33,699 –> 00:24:35,680It’s a lovely way to slow down44900:24:35,680 –> 00:24:37,219during a busy season45000:24:37,219 –> 00:24:39,579and prepare our hearts for Christmas.45100:24:39,619 –> 00:24:42,420And we hope it will be a blessing to you, too45200:24:42,420 –> 00:24:44,699You can receive a free copy of Hallelujah45300:24:44,699 –> 00:24:47,520when you support Open the Bible UK45400:24:47,520 –> 00:24:51,079Simply donate a one-off gift of at least £6045500:24:51,079 –> 00:24:54,660or set up a new direct debit of £5 or more.45600:24:54,660 –> 00:24:57,979And please do remember to leave your name and address45700:24:57,979 –> 00:24:59,239when you donate45800:24:59,239 –> 00:25:01,380so that we know where to send your book.45900:25:01,380 –> 00:25:02,319Thanks Amanda!46000:25:02,319 –> 00:25:04,520So our website address again is46100:25:04,520 –> 00:25:07,199openthebible.org.uk46200:25:07,219 –> 00:25:09,500And there you’ll find full terms and conditions46300:25:09,500 –> 00:25:11,520and all the details about this offer.46400:25:11,520 –> 00:25:14,119For Open the Bible and Pastor Colin Smith,46500:25:14,119 –> 00:25:15,380I’m David Pick.46600:25:15,380 –> 00:25:16,640I’m glad you joined us today46700:25:16,640 –> 00:25:19,020and I hope to see you again next time on46800:25:19,040 –> 00:25:20,239Open the Bible46900:25:31,660 –> 00:25:35,540The Bible tells us to be persistent in our prayers to God.47000:25:35,540 –> 00:25:36,959Why is that?47100:25:36,959 –> 00:25:39,739Find out next time on Open the Bible