23-0423a Transcript

(1:32) We’re doing something a little different in the sermon today. (1:36) We’re going to be going over Psalm 23, which is one of the most popular psalms in the Bible. (1:44) Probably the most popular. (1:46) Definitely my favorite psalm.

(1:49) I have this Bible lamp called a wrinkly, and it helps you memorize Bible verses. (1:55) This is the first thing it had you memorize, which is kind of difficult with six verses. (2:01) But I was able to do it after some time, so definitely a good psalm to have in your head.

(2:08) It’s written by David, most likely in his later years in life, (2:14) after many trials and tribulations that God had brought him through. (2:19) The psalm’s simple and easy to understand, but it speaks volumes of God’s care and guidance for us. (2:26) He takes care of each and every individual that’s part of his family (2:30) through every peak and valley of their lives.

(2:34) David was a king. (2:35) He was a humble shepherd when he was a young boy early in life. (2:41) We can see how he’s a type of Christ.

(2:44) We can see that Christ is our king, and he’s also our shepherd. (2:50) So it’s nice to see the old king looking back with such vivid memory of the green valleys, (2:55) gentle streams, and dark lands where he had let his flock as a shepherd in the old days. (3:02) It’s a stark contrast to his stormy years later in life, (3:06) when he became king with all the warfare and rebellion, (3:10) sin and sorrow, suffering and redemption, (3:13) and seeing God’s guardian presence and guiding hand through it all.

(3:20) So I’m going to read the psalm again, Psalm 23, full psalm. (3:28) So it’s the psalm of David. (3:29) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

(3:31) He makes me lie down in green pastures. (3:34) He leads me beside still waters. (3:36) He restores my soul.

(3:38) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (3:42) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (3:48) Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

(3:50) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (3:53) You anoint my head with oil. (3:55) My cup runs over.

(3:58) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, (4:01) and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (4:04) I don’t think anything in the Bible explains better God’s care for his people. (4:10) It shows how he cares for us, leads us, protects us, and blesses us through our lives.

(4:19) I used a few different commentaries to go through some of the verses in here, (4:26) like Bible Hub and this Bible reference, and also some of my own thoughts. (4:32) So we’ll take a closer look at this psalm and hopefully get a better understanding of God’s goodness (4:37) and grace on our Christian walk. (4:41) So the first verse, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want him.

(4:47) These words are some of the most frequently quoted in the entire Old Testament. (4:51) So I’m sure even if you’re not a Christian, you’ve heard this before. (4:55) We’ve heard this probably hundreds of times.

(4:59) The Jews expected their savior to come as a warrior king like David, (5:04) who would conquer all their enemies in physical combat. (5:09) The ruler of the universe instead came to earth in the humble form of a shepherd (5:14) to care and guide his people. (5:16) So he wasn’t exactly what the Jews expected, and that’s part of the reason they didn’t accept him.

(5:22) Jesus is a good shepherd who laid down his life for us, John 10, 11. (5:28) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

(5:32) I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and I am known by my own, John 10, 14. (5:41) David had himself been a keeper of sheep and understood both the needs of the sheep (5:46) and the many cares of the shepherd. (5:49) He compared himself to a creature weak, defenseless, and foolish, (5:54) and he takes God to be his provider, preserver, director, and indeed is everything.

(5:58) So we can see that even though David was a powerful king, (6:03) probably the greatest king in all of Israel that Israel had, (6:09) he pictured himself as weak and defenseless and needing God to take care of him. (6:14) That’s how we are in life. (6:17) You know, we have a lot of problems every day.

(6:20) Sometimes, you know, almost every minute, every hour, we have to call the Lord for help sometimes. (6:26) So no man has a right to consider himself the Lord’s sheep unless his nature has been renewed. (6:35) For the scriptural description of unconverted man does not picture as sheep but as wolves or goats.

(6:43) A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal. (6:48) Its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. (6:55) So just as Christians, we are bought with a great price also.

(6:59) Jesus paid to redeem us with his own blood, 1 Corinthians 6.20. (7:05) For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s. (7:11) We can see that Jesus laid down his life for us. (7:15) He paid the ultimate price so we could be forgiven our sins and accepted into his kingdom.

(7:24) There’s a double tone of confidence about this sentence. (7:27) There is no if, nor but, nor even I hope so, but he says the Lord is my shepherd. (7:34) We must cultivate the spirit of assurance, a sure dependence upon our Heavenly Father.

(7:43) He does not say the Lord is a shepherd of the world at large and leads forth the multitude of his flock. (7:51) But the Lord is my shepherd, and if he be a shepherd to no one else, he is a shepherd to me. (7:57) For he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me.

(8:00) So like Scott said, it’s no good if the Lord is everybody’s shepherd. (8:05) He’s my shepherd. (8:07) When you’re a Christian, you belong to him.

(8:11) The word of the present tense, whatever be the believer’s position, (8:16) he is now, even now, under the pastoral care of Jehovah. (8:22) He watches over his flock and takes care of all their needs, (8:26) which brings us to the second part of the verse. (8:29) There’s sort of an inference from the statement, I shall not want.

(8:34) I might otherwise, but when the Lord is my shepherd, he is able to supply my needs. (8:40) He is certainly willing to do so, for his heart is full of love, and therefore, I shall not want. (8:46) We have the greatest thing on earth when we become a Christian, which includes Jesus in our lives.

(8:53) What more can we ask for? (8:56) It’s like finding a great buried treasure, Matthew 13, 44 through 46. (9:03) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, (9:07) which a man found and hid, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has to buy that field. (9:14) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, (9:18) that when he had found one great pearl of price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

(9:24) So we can see that the kingdom of heaven is like finding a buried treasure. (9:30) There’s so many false ways and teachings out there. (9:35) To actually come to the truth is difficult nowadays.

(9:39) But we are so blessed as Christians, not only in the material world, (9:44) but definitely in abundance of spiritual blessings. (9:49) We shall not lack for temporal things, because God will supply that for us. (9:55) Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in the barns, (10:01) yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

(10:06) Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6, 26. (10:11) We don’t have to worry about food and clothing or shelter. (10:15) God will provide that all if you seek his kingdom first.

Matthew 6, 31 to 33. (10:22) Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat or what shall we drink or what shall we wear? (10:28) For after all these things the Gentiles seek, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (10:34) But seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

(10:40) There are a few Bible translations that say, The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (10:46) Which I like, you know, how those translations are, where it says, I lack nothing. (10:52) We don’t lack anything when we have God in our lives and Jesus.

(10:57) This is true when you become a Christian. (10:59) Like I said before, we have the best thing on earth. (11:03) We lack no good things.

(11:05) Psalm 84, 11. (11:08) For the Lord God is a sun and shield. (11:11) The Lord will give grace and glory.

(11:13) No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly. (11:18) The young lions lack and suffer hunger. (11:20) But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

(11:25) Psalm 34, 10. (11:27) I have all things that abound. (11:29) Not because I have a good store of money in the bank.

(11:32) Not because I have a skill and wit which will win my bread. (11:37) But because the Lord is my shepherd. (11:40) The wicked always want, but the righteous never.

(11:43) A sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction. (11:46) But a gracious spirit dwells in the heart of the contempt. (11:51) So you can see that the sinner is never satisfied.

(11:54) No matter how much you sin, no matter how much evil you do, you can never get enough. (12:00) But not for the Christian. (12:02) For the Christian, we have a fulfilled life.

(12:06) And the Lord blesses us. (12:10) The next part, the next verse is, (12:12) He makes me lie down in green pastures. (12:14) He leads me beside still waters.

(12:21) So David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures and guides him to still waters. (12:28) So shepherds in biblical times did not drive their sheep. (12:33) Instead of pushing the herd from behind, they walked ahead of the flock, which followed.

(12:40) The land of Israel did not have plentiful, verdant pasture land except in the rainy season. (12:47) Shepherds needed to guide their sheep in green pasture. (12:50) Otherwise, the sheep will go hungry.

(12:53) Further, sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. (12:58) Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water. (13:00) They’re prone to drinking water, whatever is nearby.

(13:04) So therefore, a good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water. (13:10) As a good shepherd, the Lord guided David to green pasture. (13:14) That is, he provided well for David, giving him abundance, rest, and peace.

(13:21) Jesus, a good shepherd, provides all this care for his followers. (13:26) He gives us rest. (13:28) Come to me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

(13:33) Matthew 11, 28. (13:36) Give us abundance. (13:38) Ephesians 3, 20.

(13:41) Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, (13:46) according to the power that works in us. (13:50) And peace, John 14, 27. (13:53) Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you.

(13:57) Nor of the world do I give you. (14:01) Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (14:05) So Jesus, just as a shepherd in Bible times knew his sheep by name, (14:12) so our good shepherd knows us personally and calls us by name.

(14:16) John 10, 3. (14:18) To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, (14:23) and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (14:26) So if you’re a Christian, he calls you by name. (14:31) You know, he knows you by name.

(14:32) He has your name written down in the book of life. (14:35) He even knows the count of every hair on your head. (14:40) So we should be quick to heed his call and follow him.

(14:46) The next part is Psalm 23, 3. (14:50) He restores my soul. (14:52) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (14:57) So David cries to the Lord his shepherd with restoring or refreshing his soul.

(15:05) In Bible times, if sheep became injured, (15:07) his shepherd would treat his wounds until his good health returned. (15:12) How often the Lord restores us to good health, spiritual health, (15:17) after the evil world system has hurt us, (15:20) or even more often when we have hurt ourselves by failing to follow him closely. (15:27) So you see, as a Christian, there’s many times we sin (15:31) or, you know, disobey God’s word and do things we know we shouldn’t do.

(15:38) Also, you know, we have a lot of sickness and suffering in our congregation. (15:42) A lot of people have cancer, have been through cancer. (15:45) A lot of people are injured and sick.

(15:47) So God heals and restores us no matter what our ailments or problems are. (15:53) When Peter relied on self-confidence to keep him faithful to the Lord, (15:58) he failed miserably. (15:59) But the good shepherd graciously restored him to spiritual health.

(16:04) John 21, 15 through 19. (16:06) Remember when Peter denied Jesus three times, (16:14) and after Jesus rose from the dead and before his ascension, (16:17) he came to Peter to restore him. (16:20) He told Peter three times to feed his sheep and said to come follow him.

(16:27) And this restored Peter back to, you know, his former self before, you know, (16:34) he almost gave up on God after he denied him and he saw Jesus die. (16:38) This restored Peter, just like Jesus restored us. (16:42) The sheep were accustomed to following their shepherd in well-worn paths.

(16:47) But occasionally a sheep would stray from the path and become lost. (16:53) Then the shepherd would leave the rest of the sheep in the custody of the helpers (16:57) and go searching for the lost sheep. (17:00) Jesus is a good shepherd.

(17:02) He leads us in paths of righteousness. (17:06) But we may wander from the chosen path. (17:08) It’s very easy to wander from the path of God.

(17:11) Before you know it, you know, if you’re not careful, (17:14) you might slip into sin and it’s a slippery slope. (17:18) You know, and a lot of times we figure, oh, well, I’ll repent later. (17:21) But sometimes I get caught up in sin, just like David had.

(17:26) Before you know it, you could become lost. (17:30) So Jesus searches until he finds us and restores us. (17:35) We can see this in the parable of the lost sheep, Luke 15, 3 through 7. (17:42) Then Jesus told them this parable.

(17:45) Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. (17:49) Does he not leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? (17:55) After he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. (17:59) Then he calls for his friends and neighbors together and says, (18:03) Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep.

(18:06) I tell you in the same way, there’s more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents (18:12) than 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent. (18:16) We can see if we’re lost or if we left the church, the Lord, he’ll come after us. (18:20) He’ll do all he can to bring us back home, but we have to accept it.

(18:26) He’s not going to force it on us. (18:29) He also leads us in paths of righteousness by his word and providential care. (18:35) His word lights our path, Psalm 119, 105.

(18:39) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (18:44) We acknowledge him, he will make our path straight. (18:48) Proverbs 3, 5 through 6. (18:52) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

(18:57) In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. (19:02) It’s not up to man to direct his own steps. (19:05) Oh Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself.

(19:09) It is not in man to direct his own steps, Jeremiah 10, 23. (19:15) He makes known to us the path to take by his word. (19:20) Psalm 16, 11.

(19:21) You have made known to me the path of life. (19:24) You’ll fill me with joy in your presence. (19:27) The eternal pleasure is at your right hand.

(19:31) We can see that his word directs and guides us. (19:35) If we follow his word, just as he says, we’ll never leave his path. (19:40) His plans for us are for good, not for evil.

(19:44) Jeremiah 29, 11. (19:46) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. (19:50) Plans that prosper you and not harm you.

(19:52) Plans that give you hope for a future. (19:56) We can see that it may seem boring and not that fun. (20:03) You can’t do anything following God’s word, but his word is there for a reason.

(20:07) If you follow it, you’ll have a blessed life. (20:10) You’ll stay out of a lot of harm and trouble. (20:14) So we’ll look at the next verse.

(20:17) Verse 4. (20:19) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. (20:23) For you are with me. (20:25) You are around your staff.

(20:26) They comfort me. (20:29) So David could walk through a dark ravine, perhaps even death, fearlessly, because the Lord walked with him. (20:37) We can see in the Old Testament that his life was threatened countless times.

(20:42) And he had many dark days because of his sins. (20:45) And God brought him through it all. (20:48) Do you remember in David’s early years when he was chased by Saul (20:52) for all the caves and valleys that Saul was trying to kill him because he knew he was going to be king.

(20:58) Then after he became king, he was in many battles. (21:02) You know, and David fought with his army. (21:05) He killed, you know, many enemies.

(21:09) And also later when he committed adultery. (21:13) And he had, you know, he committed adultery with Bathsheba. (21:19) And he had her husband killed.

(21:22) He had to pay for that sin. (21:23) And his son took the throne from him. (21:26) He was also on the run then.

(21:28) So David, probably more than anybody, almost in the Bible, had a lot of dark times. (21:33) He had a lot of, you know, great times in his life. (21:37) But he also had a lot of bad times down in the dark valley.

(21:42) So David explains his lack of fear because you are with me. (21:47) It’s interesting to observe that the shadow of death drew David closer to the Lord. (21:56) We can see that we have problems or difficult times in our life.

(22:00) We can either draw closer to the Lord or we can draw farther away and quit being a Christian. (22:06) It’s up to you what you choose to do in life. (22:10) He addresses the Lord as you, whereas in peaceful places he called the Lord he.

(22:18) A shepherd in Bible times carried a rod and staff to protect his sheep. (22:22) The rod was a cudgel, a short, thick, heavy stick similar to a modern people might call a baton or mace. (22:30) This was worn on the shepherd’s belt.

(22:34) The staff was a long, lightweight pole with a curved end and a crook. (22:38) That the shepherd used to move, count, and examine the sheep at the evening when they returned to the fold. (22:46) Both the rod and staff were used as weapons to protect the sheep.

(22:50) David trusted the Lord to protect him. (22:54) This is a shepherd protect sheep from any attacking animals. (22:59) Jesus, a good shepherd, is with believers at all times.

(23:03) John 10, 11, and 14. (23:05) He promised to always be with us. (23:08) Matthew 28, 20.

(23:11) And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (23:14) And surely I’m always with you to the very end of the age. (23:20) He is with us when we walk over rough ground and surely as he leads us beside still waters.

(23:29) Jesus says I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. (23:33) And no one shall snatch them out of my hands. (23:36) John 10, 28.

(23:39) We can see that nothing can take us out of Jesus' hands. (23:44) Nothing shall separate us from the love of God. (23:46) Romans 8, 38-39.

(23:50) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, (23:55) neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (23:58) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation (24:02) will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (24:08) We can see nothing can separate us from God. (24:11) Not even death.

(24:13) And death will just be with him eternally. (24:19) So the next verse. (24:21) To prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.

(24:24) To anoint my head with oil. (24:27) My cup overflows. (24:30) This verse may describe a gracious host as he provides a banquet for an honored guest.

(24:36) Or it may continue the metaphor of the sheep-shepherd relationship. (24:42) It refers to a host preparing a banquet. (24:46) David views himself as the Lord’s honored guest, (24:49) with David’s enemies present as captive onlookers.

(24:53) If it refers to a sheep-shepherd relationship, (24:58) David compares the Lord’s generosity to that of a shepherd (25:01) who generously prepares a feast for his sheep, (25:06) spreading the food on a table or trough. (25:09) As the sheep slept, they were protected by a circular stone wall, (25:14) and the shepherd who slept across the opening. (25:17) Jesus identified himself as the door of the sheepfold.

(25:21) John 10, 7-9. (25:25) Therefore Jesus said again, (25:27) I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. (25:31) All whoever came before me were thieves and robbers, (25:34) but the sheep did not listen to them.

(25:36) I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. (25:41) He will come in and go out and find pasture.

(25:45) We can see that, you know, we’re protected by the Lord. (25:51) He’s a door. (25:54) And he doesn’t let thieves and robbers in.

(25:56) He could put a hedger on us like he did for Job before he let Satan attack him. (26:01) Job 1-10. (26:03) Have you not put a hedger on him as his household and everything he has? (26:08) You have blessed the work of his hands so that his flock and herds are spread throughout the land.

(26:14) Look and see, I felt that in my life that God has put a hedger on us as Christians (26:19) and protects us from evil things in the world. (26:23) Now that doesn’t mean our life is going to be perfect (26:24) and he won’t allow Satan to tempt us like he did with Job. (26:28) But we, you know, are blessed and protected by God (26:32) for the most part by a lot of the evils in the world.

(26:38) A gracious host would anoint his guest by applying a soothing oil to the guest’s head. (26:43) A shepherd would use oil to treat a sheep’s wounds. (26:47) David may have been thinking about the Lord as his host or shepherd when he wrote, (26:52) You anoint my head with oil.

(26:56) He also might have been thinking back to when he was a young shepherd (26:59) and Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel. (27:03) 1 Samuel 16, 11-13 (27:07) Then the Lord said, Rise and anoint him. (27:11) He is the one.

(27:12) So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. (27:17) And from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. (27:24) The cup David depicts as overflowing.

(27:28) They refer to the brimming cup the host provided (27:30) or the large cup a shepherd used to give water to the thirsty sheep. (27:36) Either interpretation leads us to conclude (27:38) that the Lord provides for us more generously than the heart can desire. (27:44) When we give to the Lord, he gives back till our cup is running over.

(27:49) Luke 6-38 (27:50) Give and it will be given to you. (27:54) Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over (27:58) will be put in your bosom. (28:01) For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

(28:05) We can see that God is constantly blessing us. (28:09) And God is able to bless you abundantly. (28:12) So that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, (28:17) you will abound in every good work.

(28:20) 2 Corinthians 9-8 (28:21) We can see that we have an abundant God. (28:24) He created the entire universe. (28:26) He created an abundant Earth (28:29) with plenty of things in it.

(28:32) He provides for us every day. (28:35) We also see that every good gift is from God. (28:39) James 1-17 (28:41) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.

(28:45) It comes down from the Father of lights (28:47) with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (28:52) He didn’t even withhold his own Son from us. (28:55) So how can he not bless us with other things? (28:58) Romans 8-32 (29:00) He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all.

(29:05) How shall he not with him also give us freely all things? (29:11) The last verse (29:12) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (29:16) And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (29:21) David expresses his conviction in this verse (29:24) that the Lord’s goodness will be with him throughout his life.

(29:29) Whether green pastures and still waters lay ahead (29:32) or David was required to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (29:38) the Lord’s goodness will accompany him. (29:42) Over the years of his long life, David has found that God is good all the time. (29:49) Further, the Lord’s unfailing love will be present with him every step of life’s journey.

(29:55) Paul encourages us in Romans 8-38-39 (29:57) to count on God’s love in all the life’s circumstances. (30:04) As I read before, nothing can separate us from his unfailing love. (30:09) We can use trials to make us more aware of God’s love (30:12) so that we grow rather than become bitter.

(30:17) The word dwell in Psalm 236 means to inhabit or live. (30:22) The house of the Lord is a term often referring to the tabernacle, (30:26) the temple or the place of worship as in Psalm 122-1. (30:31) But here in Psalm 236 the phrase speaks explicitly of a dwelling house, (30:38) palace or local residency of a deity.

(30:43) The presence of God is a believer’s true home. (30:46) Psalm 42-124 and 84-124. (30:52) Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts.

(30:56) We are filled with good things of your house, declared David in Psalm 65-4. (31:04) And again in Psalm 27-4, we read of David’s passionate and singular pursuit. (31:10) One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek.

(31:15) That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. (31:19) To gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. (31:24) To dwell in the house of the Lord forever was David’s deepest longing.

(31:30) Scriptures say he was a man after God’s own heart, Acts 13-22. (31:38) To dwell in the house of the Lord forever also suggests living with an attitude (31:42) of heart that expresses constant worship and praise. (31:47) In Psalm 34-1, David exclaimed, (31:51) I will praise you, the Lord, at all times.

I will constantly speak of his praises. (31:56) Another psalmist declared, (31:59) What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. (32:03) Psalm 84-4.

(32:07) According to Psalm 84-10, one day spent worshiping in God’s house (32:12) is better than a thousand years elsewhere. (32:15) The verse continues, I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God (32:19) than live a good life in the homes of the wicked. (32:24) Well, that’s true.

(32:25) It’s better to spend one day worshiping the Lord and being a Christian (32:28) than a thousand as a sinner, no matter what kind of life you have. (32:36) Praise the Lord, says another psalmist. (32:39) Let all that I am praise the Lord.

I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (32:44) I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. (32:48) Psalm 146-1-2.

(32:51) The good things that God provides us (32:54) in this life are merely a foretaste of what awaits us in heaven. (32:59) But as it is written, eye has not seen or ear heard, (33:04) nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared (33:07) for those who love him. (33:09) 1 Corinthians 2-9.

(33:12) We can’t even imagine what heaven is going to be like. (33:14) We get a foretaste on earth as a Christian, but (33:19) heaven is going to be so great. (33:22) Like I said, the words can’t describe it.

(33:26) A glorious future day is coming when all the redeemed of the Lord (33:29) will gather around the Lord’s table in his eternal house. (33:33) Revelation 19-9. (33:36) Then he said to me, (33:37) Write, Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

(33:43) The Lord is knocking. (33:46) He wants to come in and dine with you. (33:49) Revelation 3-20.

(33:52) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (33:54) If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (33:57) I will come in to him and dine with him and eat with me. (34:01) So he can see that he has a feast prepared.

(34:05) He’s done everything in his power to give us salvation. (34:10) Jesus even laid down his life for us. (34:13) So it’s easy for us to obey God and do what he says and become a Christian.

(34:20) So everything is prepared. (34:22) All you have to do is answer the call of the Lord (34:25) and feast with him for eternity. (34:29) So if you have not become a Christian, (34:31) or would like to today, (34:33) or if you need the praise of the congregation, (34:36) now is the time to come forward.