Recognition service for R J Farley at Hastings (Quality: Good)

[0:00] I thought, why me? And then, I had such a different thought. What a privilege. We've been brothers so many years now that I can't really calculate it.

[0:16] I know you were in your teens. I wasn't, but nonetheless, I wasn't very old. And our friendship began. And it has continued. And we have had much to do in the things of time and in the things of the church.

[0:33] And I shall have to refer a little later to a time when first I heard a testimony from your lips. And I've never forgotten it. And ever since then, I have felt a union with you.

[0:46] And yet, when this task was given to me, as you see the way it's worded on the sheet, the charge to the pastor. How can one poor sinner, albeit a minister, but not a pastor, bring a charge to a pastor?

[1:06] Yes, we might look into the word of God. We find, if we look into Paul's epistles to Timothy and perhaps to Titus, he uses just that word. If not in Timothy, certainly the word itself.

[1:20] But the spirit of it is in his three pastoral epistles. And, yes, we could say it's a scriptural expression.

[1:32] And as such, it is not one that we should turn from. And yet, when I think of all that you and I have lived through, I have every confidence that the Lord who has kept you and enabled you to be faithful in so many things to know will keep you.

[1:53] But nonetheless, I want to fulfill my office. And as the grace is given, I want to bring one or two thoughts to you. Thoughts regarding the ministry.

[2:05] There's a difference now. I'm only in an itinerant ministry. It's a privilege to be that. But, when I think about it, I think of the pastoral ministry.

[2:18] The greater responsibilities. The greater knowledge of the people to whom you minister. What extra concern and burden it must lay upon your heart as you minister to them.

[2:33] And yet, you minister to them. Yes, we might say by invitation. They have invited you. But I believe it goes much further than that. Right on the beginning of our sheet, we have, I will give you pastors according to my own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

[2:52] And I truly believe that that is the way that you'll come here, according to the will of the Lord. I shall not forget when Rich told me that first that you had been invited.

[3:07] Yes, it gave me a very strange feeling. And it was a mixture of joy and concern.

[3:18] At the time, you were not long recovered from your very serious illness, which our dear friend Roland referred to in prayer. And there was a concern.

[3:30] And then, as I saw the strengthening which God gave to you, and as this sometime came closer, the upholding strength that you have been maintained in, yes, my joy was pure.

[3:43] That is to say, I had no reservations about it. I believed I could see the Lord's hand, and I rejoiced. I rejoiced with the people. I rejoiced in that which I was assured in my spirit that the Lord was doing.

[4:03] But then, when you see this word, the charge to the pastor, the inference is to tell you how to do it. I can't begin to do that. But what I can do, is to refer to several parts of the word of God, which I have found to be helpful to myself, and, in that helpfulness, I have used those words, if you like, they have been beacons to me.

[4:31] Those parts of the word of God, which, we all have them, I hope, are especially brought into the experience of our hearts.

[4:44] And, the first one that came into my mind, I thought of the church and people here. And, if you look into the Gospel of Matthew, you do not need to turn it up, it's, I think, the 16th chapter, you'll find the Lord talking to Peter.

[4:58] He had just asked a question of Peter. And, the question was this, who say ye that I am? And, Peter made such a beautiful reply, thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

[5:14] And, a few moments afterwards, the Lord said, upon this rock, the rock of this truth, I will be. When a pastor is appointed, it is to maintain, or to build, a church.

[5:30] Yes, we have to see that sometimes, according to the Lord's word, we can think of it in another way in a minute, it is to maintain. But, I believe that, there have already been those signs, of building.

[5:45] And, what does the Lord build on? Oh, some sure foundations. We look at the foundation truth, do we not? And, surely it is the foundation truths, that have to be in our hearts, however our ministry is, all the time.

[6:03] Foundation truths. But, the Lord said, upon this rock, the foundation truth. And then, we have to look again. While this sort of foundation, came into my heart, the Saviour said, I will build my church.

[6:21] And I thought, well, there is a subject, that the comparisons, will certainly ring a bell with Ray. Ray, you were a builder for many years. A builder, and, with, a reputation, I have had the privilege, of working with you.

[6:39] I have looked at the workmanship, I have seen the soundness. And, yes, I thought, how can I, exhort a man, that has shown, his, integrity, in the things of time, to maintain, that integrity, in the things of eternity.

[6:56] that would be almost, well, I am not quite sure, what is the word I want to use. It would certainly not be appropriate. And, as I had, thought about it, it seemed to me, that building, if the Lord uses the word, is a very appropriate way, to look, at, your service of God, in this posture.

[7:20] Building. How do we build? Oh, we know first, there have to be foundations, how important they are. And yet, the foundation, in itself, is, insufficient, isn't it?

[7:36] we, we've looked at places, in the, together. I remember once, when the foundation, and the oversight, was finished on a house, in Beversden.

[7:48] And we looked at it, with some satisfaction, but it said to us, this is what he will live on, but not what he will live in. And, there was more to do.

[8:00] Oh, so it is, in the ministry. The foundations, are blessed, they are, absolutely necessary, and, I do not, really need to refer you, to them. Paul used, them, more than one.

[8:13] He said, other foundation, can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus, the Lord. And then, he expressed one, in his own ministry. I determine, not to know, anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucify, the basis, the crux, of his ministry.

[8:32] And, we look upon it, and we find it to be, the something, which must come, into every minister's mind. And then I thought about it, and I thought about, what it was.

[8:47] Not only the principle, the doctrine, not only the basis, but there is also, yes, the labor. To Timothy, he put it like this, that, there should be, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, in love.

[9:12] Now, for those of us, that are itinerant, we have, at times, to draw about, adventure, and sometimes, in the Lord's mercy, we have found, that it was not, drawn in vain.

[9:24] But when you're, a pastor, you know, your people, and, you love your people, you have a very great, friendship, with some of them, and then, you have this exhortation, reprove, rebuke, and exhort.

[9:41] Oh my friends, what it's going to be, when you, think about it. But then, it was a blessing, that Paul used, another word. He said, rightly, dividing, the word of truth.

[9:56] Oh, I've looked upon it, many times, usually at the end, of a sermon, usually, it's rebuked me. It has, some, looked into my heart, and, I have felt, yes, the balance was wrong.

[10:09] There, has to be, so much, in the balance, of the ministry. And, we need much wisdom, much prayer. But, rightly, dividing, the word of truth.

[10:22] I thought of it, like this. Not only sin, and sinners, but salvation, and the saviour. Not only, casting down, but lifting up.

[10:36] Not only, the stripping, of creature, righteousness, righteousness, but, to lead, by faith, in Jesus Christ.

[10:48] I've had some precious times, in the pulpit, with those words, in my heart, the Lord, our righteousness. righteousness. And, as the thought, that comes, I must admit, that, I will, I enjoy, the ministry, which I think of, as positive.

[11:06] Much more, than when, sometimes, the Lord, lays upon my spirit, something which I see, as, yes, if I had the authority, would be reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.

[11:18] I find, what grace we need. But then, I find this too. What grace is given. And I'm sure, you're going to find this, while you're here.

[11:30] You're going to find it, in your own, experience. You're going to find it, among your own people. And you're going to find it, to your heart's satisfaction. And then, the Savior used this phrase, I, will build, my church.

[11:50] What a thought, we have to think of, when we look upon, any work, of God. Who can do it? The Savior says, I. He speaks of the Godhead.

[12:01] The Holy Spirit will work. And only as the Holy Spirit works, shall we find any results. And yet, it does not say, that there needs to be, a fatalism in the outlook.

[12:13] No. There needs to be, that which is labor. But, even acknowledging, this essential pronoun, I, the Lord appoints his servants, to that end, to be, can I put it, without denigrating, your firm or office, to be laborers.

[12:33] Laborers in his, field. Yes, laborers in his building. And as we, think of the labor, that is, of the ministry, and especially, of the pastorate, what a good thing it is, that the Lord, has promised, to you, and to all of his servants, that strength, which is according, to the day, that held.

[12:59] I look back, sometimes, upon those blessings, given to the tribes, and I find them, to be comforting. And then I look, upon the experience, given to the apostle, and I find it becomes, almost a joy.

[13:13] Yes, in the inadequacy, which we so often fear, to hear the voice, of the Lord Jesus himself, speaking, my strength, shall be made, perfect in weakness.

[13:26] Oh, what a thought, to lay hold upon. When, as they will, the labor, sometimes, seems to be onerous, to look for the strength. Now, if I, could take this, a little further, but I have to watch, the clock a little bit.

[13:43] Let's think of this building. All ministry, needs to have, the foundations. And yet, as I said, the foundations, have to be built on.

[13:56] They're built on. And we can find that, in the word of God. Built on the foundation, of the apostles, and prophets, Jesus Christ himself, being the chief cornerstone, it always brings us, back to that point.

[14:07] But, I think of building. You, have built, many houses. And sometimes, they have been built, especially, that is to say, you have met, with the client, and the architect, you have decided, the shape, and the number of rooms, and the client's requirements, and it's all been, worked out, and it's been, put together, and it's been, finished, and occupied.

[14:32] But when we come, into this house, which is the church of God, there's another architect. And can I put it like this, the human requirements, may be variable.

[14:43] The divine requirement, is constant. Yes, the house, is conformed, to the need, of the temporal occupier.

[14:54] But the occupier, is conformed, to the church, into which, that occupier, is brought. Shall we say, the occupant, is shaped to the building, rather than the building, shaped to the occupant.

[15:09] What a thought it is. We need to look at it, solemnly first. What is the church for? It is for sinners. Oh, you will say, but does that mean, that all the occupants, of the church, have got to be, conformed to this description, sinner.

[15:30] When you read the word of God, it's one of the few, that you can attach, to yourself. You think of it, sometimes, we say the promises, to the righteous, and to the just, and where does it leave us?

[15:42] Nowhere. But when we say, the promises to sinners, it gives us hope. And then, we think about this, description, sinner.

[15:53] Oh, what it is. I look into, heaven, just briefly, by the revelation, of the word. And, I see a mighty multitude.

[16:04] And I hear them. And they praise, the Lord Jesus. And they say, thou was slain, and hast redeemed us, to God, by thy blood. Now, what a confession is.

[16:17] Where are these people? In spirit? In heaven, in the very presence of God. And what is their acknowledgement? Only there, by redemption, and by blood.

[16:30] And what is the admission? They needed redemption. They needed cleansing. Oh, we follow it so often, in the revelation. And then we look at it.

[16:41] We think of it. And, yes, as one of Hart's hymns, came into my mind. Hart never causes punches, as you know. But, I thought of it, that mighty multitude, who of life were winners, this we safely may conclude.

[17:01] All were, that is to say, had been, wretched sinners. All were loathsome in God's sight, till the blood of Jesus washed their robes and made them white.

[17:12] Now they sing his praises. You and I listened to the same ministry for many years. And how often, we had this emphasis, that it was sinners, that Christ came to save.

[17:28] Not the righteous. And this is why, yes, the ministry sometimes has to be solemn. It has to be, yes, exhorting, rebuking.

[17:42] But it doesn't stay there, only. Oh no. We need to build. We need to build on this foundation. I want to put just a few rooms, very briefly, before you.

[17:55] We need to, listen to the Saviour. And, he gives to us, a principle. And the principle is this, if you love me, keep my commandments.

[18:07] And then, we find this principle comes, yes, in the upper room, the gospel, the Lord speaking it. Trace it.

[18:17] You will find it comes under the law, under the covenant, and, it was also given for the, the apostolic ministry, especially to John. We find it such a, a wonderful principle, that follows through, the whole word of God.

[18:32] And we think about it. What is the church? But, a collection, yes, but very simply, of obedient sinners, obedient sinners, sinners that have heard, the word of God.

[18:50] Oh, we need to pray, that on this structure, this foundation, there will be a room of hearing, a room where, the word of God, should be heard, hearts open to hear it.

[19:04] And then I thought, of so many other rooms, you know, I don't know what's the size, of the biggest house, you ever built, but, you will build a bigger one now, when you come, to your, ministry, or, ministry which is, rightly dividing, the word of God, among your own people.

[19:20] What rooms, you will have to build? Let's look at them, very simply. A room of faith. Yes, I've already referred, to a room of obedience.

[19:31] Yes, one perhaps, we do not get in very often, a room of enjoyment. Just take your hearts, to the many, your heart, to the many places, in which the Lord's people, are exhorted, to rejoice.

[19:46] What do they rejoice in? They rejoice in God. They rejoice in the Lord Jesus. They rejoice in the Spirit of God. They rejoice in the world.

[19:57] There are, many exhortations, and, these enjoyments, do need to be, set before God's people. Truly, just as surely, as we need to set them, set before them, those things, which appertain to, stripping them, of creature righteousness, we need to encourage, and to strengthen, in the gracious promises, and, in such a thought as this, that the knowledge of God, the knowledge of Jesus Christ, is given to us, for enjoyment.

[20:32] And then, I thought of it, there's a room of fellowship, there's a portrait gallery, where we see the Lord's dealings, with his people, in times past, words that are given to us, histories that are given to us, for our journey.

[20:46] We could go on, couldn't we? We could look at a school room, where we sit at the feet of Jesus. We could look at a dining room, where we partake, of the, water of life, the bread of life.

[21:00] Can we look at it, in that precious way, the blood, and the flesh, of Jesus Christ? Yes, this building, can be big. We think of the walls.

[21:13] Yes, if we look at them, sovereignty, security, and the purposes of God, what precious things, they are to set, before God's people. So that, not only shall there be, those things, which search us, and try us, there shall be, those things, which encourage us, and bless us.

[21:35] Oh, may you be helped, as you, undertake this ministry, so to find it, in the way, in which God leads you. And now, lastly, and very briefly, with your permission, I will, read, what I've written, of course, it will be quicker, than if I try to, elaborate on it.

[21:56] Looking at, traditional building, bricks, mortar, plaster, etc., I find one common ingredient, in every room, and in the foundation.

[22:08] We could almost say, that, that manner of building, would not be possible, without cement. You just think about it, you don't need to, you don't need to, but the rest of us, it is, one common ingredient, in all traditional building.

[22:26] And then, we see a common ingredient, in all, that appertains, to the ministry. So, all spiritual building, is dependent, on one spiritual ingredient, prayer.

[22:40] Our Saviour, was a man of prayer. It is essential, in the study, the vestry, the pulpit, the pill, and in everything, and in every place.

[22:54] What a blessing, to us, are the Saviour's, prayers for his people. How wonderful, is the thought, of their continuation, as in his intercession.

[23:05] I would not charge you, to be much in prayer, right? But to continue, in prayer, and watch in the same, with thanksgiving.

[23:18] Paul, more than once, joins prayer, with thanksgiving. I feel assured, in my spirit, that that blessing, will be yours.

[23:31] May the Lord, bless you, in your ministry here. Amen. When I was, first asked, to take, part in this, service, I agreed, very willingly.

[23:53] Afterwards, I had, misgivings. I won't speak, about, misgivings, regarding myself, but, I had, misgivings, because, it, came to, my, heart, very, feelingly, that, I was to, speak to people, who were, friends, who, are loved, in the Lord, and, like, my brother, Peter, charge, a charge, to the church, it sounded, rather, forbidding.

[24:25] however, I, agreed, I, still am, willing, desire, in the, love of Christ, to, speak to you, but, I thought of the words, of, Paul to, the, Thessalonians, how, in one, Thessalonians 4, he says, ye have, no need, that I write unto you, touching, brotherly love, he says, you have, no need, that I write unto you, but, in, going on, he does write to them, he, encourages them, and, enjoins them, to, greater love, and so, in a sense, that's, my, feeling today, I want to, enjoin you, and encourage you, there are four things, that I want to, bring before you, from, Hebrews, chapter 13, don't, intend to read, the chapter through, but, there are four points, that I want to, bring before you, because, there are, these four verses, that, remind us, of our, responsibilities, verse seven, remember them, which, have, the rule over you, who, have spoken unto you, the word of God, whose, faith follow, considering, the end, of their conversation,

[25:57] Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, and today, and, forever, and, forever, some, take this, verse seven, as, reminding the believers, of those, who have gone before, and we, in the introduction, were reminded, reminded, but, in that, reminder, surely, the apostle, is saying, here, is a continuation, remember, that, it is, the word of God, that is spoken to you, the minister, your pastor, is not, coming, just to speak, his own words, he is, to speak to you, the word of God, it's a very serious consideration, God, speaks, he has spoken, by the prophets, he has spoken, through, his own dear son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he, speaks, by the ministers, of the gospel, his word, there is a continuation, there is the content, of the ministry, set before us, whose faith, followed, there is, the faith, the faith, of,

[27:26] God, the faith, of the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in, the son of God, preaching, of the word, is to be, personal, and particular, and it is, to enjoin, upon, those, who, gather, to hear it, the necessity, that, they should, believe, on the Lord Jesus Christ, that by the grace of God, they might be, saved, the preaching, of the word, is, indeed, to nourish, the church, but, as we gather, this afternoon, it lays, upon, my, very heart, to, say to you, that we, long, and we should long, to see, sinners, saved, that there might be, those, who, are walking, in faith, and that then, in verse 8, the apostle, sums up this,

[28:37] Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, and today, and forever, the Lord, Jesus Christ, has been, proclaimed, in Ebenezer, the name, continues here, in, this place, he has, been set forth, the only, name, upon which, we can, rest, for a foundation, the only way, of salvation, the only, mediator, between God, and man, the only one, whose, precious blood, cleanses, from all sin, he has been, preached, here, and, it should be, your desire, and concern, that, our brother, should continue, to preach, that he should, week by week, set forth, these, truths, concerning, the son of God, and, concerning, the gospel, of our Lord, and,

[29:50] Savior, Jesus Christ, Christ, when the apostle, says, remember them, it seems, to me, that we may, include, these things, that, first, we should, remember them, in their office, we should, remember, that they, have needs, and we, should desire, by, the Lord's, mercy, to, fulfill, those needs, to help, and to, give to them, this is something, that is of a, practical nature, something, perhaps, that, we, pastors, among our own peoples, might find, somewhat sensitive, but, in the, epistles, it is plain, that we, are exhorted, as members, of the, flock, of Christ, to, support, and maintain, the ministry, of the word, we are to, remember, those, who minister, the word, in their needs,

[31:06] Paul, writes, in 1 Corinthians, 9, if we, have, supplied, your spiritual, needs, well, is it a small thing, that you should supply, our material needs, and, so, I exhort you, to, a liberality, to, a recognition, of the need, of the pastor, and, of his wife, and, that you, support them, in love, and, then, secondly, this, overlaps, and ties up, with the, second point, I have in mind, we find, in verse 18, of this same chapter, that Paul, is, saying, pray for us, it's not the only place, where, he, entreats, the prayers, of the people, he, he, asks for this, pray for us, we've thought of this, various times, and,

[32:17] I remember, speaking some while ago, here at, Ebenezer, upon this very point, but I, do exhort you, and, each of you, where you, have, pastors over you, ministers, who supply you, pray for them, they need it, we need it, we, are, earthen vessels, and, we are liable, to crack, and to break, that's how earthen vessels are, you know, but, if the Lord, helps, and strengthens, then, we go on, for a while, but, pray, pray, that, there may be, the, fearless, the bold, the consistent, the continuing, preaching of the gospel, pray, that there may be love, union, wisdom, and grace, pray, that, there may be, that help, to resist, the discouragements, the attacks, of Satan, how ready he is, to, come with his wiles, to undermine, with his doubts, to, cause us to feel, that, our ministry is useless, and our people are unfed, well,

[33:51] I'm sharing with you, but, still, it's necessary, you must pray, I suppose, we may say, sometimes, yes, we do pray, yes, I hope you do, but, the word urges, a greater, concern, a deeper, consciousness, of this need, it, reminds us, we tend to faint, like the apostles, the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to them, you remember, watch, and pray, lest, ye enter, into temptation, so, pray, as you remember, your pastor, and, as you, desire, that, blessing of the Lord, upon, his ministry, thirdly, in verse, verse, verse, verse, 17, just going back, a verse, thirdly, there is, this, exhortation, obey, them, that have, the rule, over you, and submit, yourselves, for they, watch, for your souls, as they, that must, give account, that they, may do it, with joy, and not, with grief, for that, is unprofitable, for you, it may, sound, to our, modern ears, a, a little, shall we say, harsh, obey them, that, this is the word, of God, and it is good, there is an authority, there is, that, authority, that God gives, pastors, have the care, of the flock, they are, the shepherds, of the sheep, they see, the sheep, wanting to, go in, a, wrongful, a wandering way, they, must, desire, and seek, to bring them back, they see them, wanting to eat, that which would be, un, advisable, if not poisonous, then they, must keep them, from that, that's, you will see, isn't it, if you think of, an ordinary shepherd, that's their work, that's, something obvious, you don't, have to, have to do, with agricultural things, to, understand, that, it's, something obvious, if, the sheep, wanders away, then they, must be, brought back, if they are, going to eat, that which is, bad, then you keep, them from it, well, there's something, like that, spiritually, isn't there, and I was thankful, that, my dear brother,

[37:07] Peter was, saying, of those, words of the apostle, to Timothy, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long, suffering, and doctrine, it's not nice, for us, to rebuke, there are things, that are painful, but, necessary, I trust, that, that, won't be, often necessary, I hope, there might be, amongst, the flock of God, that, orderliness, that, union, that, sense, of the, submission, but, there, we have to realize, we are human, and being human, we are fallible, and being human, we are sometimes, rebellious, and being human, we are apt, at times, to be deceived, and you are, to submit, that isn't, a, something, that means, that, the, pastor, is a dictator, who, may think, of those words, of Peter, in one,

[38:31] Peter five, and these, things, do overlap, that, those, who, are, leaders, in the church, pastors, elders, the apostle, exhorts, we are, not to be, lords, over God's, heritage, but examples, to the flock, but, there is, still, I maintain, that, sense, of, leadership, of authority, submit yourselves, be humbled, Peter, goes on, to say, in one, Peter, chapter five, yea, all of you, all of you, be subject, one to another, and, we are, to be, humbled, there is, that, need, to, recognize, the authority, to, give place, to the wisdom, to, understand, the directions, of the word, of God, so long, as your pastor, keeps, to the word, so long, as he, manifests, that spirit, of Christ, so, you are, to obey, and to follow, and, remember, that he must, give account, he must, give account, for himself, but that is not, my province, this afternoon, but he, give account, for you, as you must, give account, in the last day, what a Solomon, a searching thing, it is to think, to give account,

[40:23] I remember, reading of, Murray McCain, that, he once stood by, the grave, of a young man, and, he was heard, to exclaim, what more, could I have done, for that young man, it is a time, when it will be, too late, too late, for pastors, to rebuke, and exhort, and admonish, too late, to, point out, the sins, and to, exhort, to, repentance, and to faith, and to love, and, the mercy of God, but while it is, the day, oh, may it be ours, to, do these things, give account, they watch, for your souls, this is a great work, the greatest work, that, there can be, and, who is sufficient, for it, but remember, that this is so, and, so, do, again, think, of those, former, admonitions, remember their needs, remember them, in prayer, fourthly, there is, at the, end of the chapter, verse 24, a direction, salute, all them that have, the rule over you, and all the saints, salute, or greet, or, they looked up, the meaning of the,

[42:25] Greek word, that is used, and, I saw that one, translation of it is, embrace warmly, the idea, seems to, my mind is that, there is that affection, and that warmth, and that kindliness, that we, should, speak to one another, that we should be, thankful for one another, that we should, make known, at times, when, the Lord, has used, the word, and blessed us, through the ministry, I know, some have argued, that, people ought to, get away quickly, so they don't gossip, but to a pastor, if everybody, leaves the chapel, in such haste, that, you think they're, glad to be away, then you wonder, don't you, you wonder, what, they've felt, and, how they have appreciated, the word, so there is a balance,

[43:37] I realize, that, we don't want, to just stand about, gossiping about, mundane matters, but, there is a place, for, the greeting, the warmth, the kindliness, for the expression, of, affection, and, to, know, how, one another, are, and, to share, in those, needs, so, salute all them, that, have the rule, over you, I, take the opportunity, then, to, remind you, of these things, remember them, follow, their faith, who, are, are, are, not to follow, that, which is wrong, who, are, not to follow, that, which is foolish, no, we are, to exercise, right, judgment, but, follow, their faith, and, consider, the content, of the ministry, and, remember, in prayer, for, this, does, make, such, a vital difference, oh, that the spirit, of God, might, come upon, our congregations, and, stir us up, with a, deep, and, with a, fervent, prayer, with that, great, stirring, that he alone, can accomplish, as we read, of, those, in the early church, when they gather, together, with one accord, in one mind, and then, we shall see, blessing, indeed, and, so, do, grant, that, well, dear friends, the pastor's, response, if,

[46:08] I felt, that I, had to go, forward, in my, own strength, I, should be, running a mile, but, we've, proved, the strength, and the goodness, of God, in much weakness, and, help, ever since, we, ventured, to, join, in church, fellowship, with, our friends, years ago, our dear, brother Peter, mentioned, the first, I need to say something, regarding, the present, the first, text, which I venture, to speak from, on, the first, Lord's Day, of my pastor, here, was, in, chronicles, and, it was this, the 29th, verse, of the 16th, chapter, of 1 Chronicles, and, I believe, it's, my desire, and,

[47:09] I believe, it's, the desire, of the church, and, it's this, give unto the Lord, the glory, due, unto his name, and, that, my dear friends, is, my ambition, as we venture, forward, for, the Lord, has done great things, for us, whereof, we are glad, the text, which in, 1964, moved me, to see, our late dear pastor, Peter's father, Mr. Herbert Dawson, in the midday, and, I went, and, spoke to him, about, the fact, that I felt, I must, tell to sinners round, what a dear, saviour, I found, and he, received me, graciously, and, encouragingly, and, as I went out, from that, door, to the front, of the house, it's as if,

[48:12] Satan met me, and he said, that's it, now you've done it, now you've got to, give a testimony, and you've got, nothing to say, and I had, such a working over, can I put it, by Satan, in that next hour, and in, the afternoon, we returned, with a shortened, lunch, break, as it were, for the afternoon, service was held, at that time, and he took, for a text, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee, I will strengthen thee, and you know that text, not for safety, and so it's been, dear friends, a key word, in my experience, and our experience, together, as we walked on, in, the pathway, of life, and, so we, we give God, all the honour, and glory, in that, it's been a world, which has recurred, when I was called, an exercise, for the work, of the ministry, and I would say, before speaking, on that, several times, in business life, and in the troubles, of life, which have come, into our lives, at times, just as I got, to the point, where I felt,

[49:27] I couldn't go on, any further, a minister, or one dear friend, in prayer, would remind me, unknowingly, of that text, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee, not fail thee, nor forsake thee, and, it's been something, that I've found, a nourishment, and a tonic, and a support, over the years, then as I came, under exercise, of the ministry, one of the servants, the Lord came, and he took that text, several, other ministers, came, with confirming, words, at that time, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee, well, friends, the time, passed many, various scenes, thirty, five and a half, years in business, I was called, into the ministry, I believe, in 1990, and I generated, around the, denomination, and some of you, have come a long way, to show your love, today, and I appreciate it, well,

[50:39] I want to, say to the honour, of, and glory of God, I ventured, with much fear, and trepidation, into the ministry, of feeling, totally unqualified, to do so, and my ignorance, of the scripture, and everything, I could think, of so many reasons, why, I could tell the Lord, that I should not go, and yet, one thing, and another, came together, and we ventured, and then, we got to the stage, where we felt, our strength, very much, ebbing, and responsibilities, and difficulties, pressing, and, this is where, I should, just say, that, I spoke, at Hastings, on, one, particular evening, the, the Lord's Day, before I, was struck down, with a heart attack, and, I spoke, from that text, as Moses lifted up, the serpent, in the wilderness, even so, must the son of man, be lifted up, and I say, humbly, and thankfully,

[51:49] I felt the presence, of the Lord, in a way, so special, that night, and I could take you, to the place, where, little did I think, not far, from the place, I'm now living, where, on my way home, it's as if, I said to the Lord, I felt, so full within, and so weak, in body, and mind, and spirit, that, I mean natural spirit, there, my, my, I was getting to the end, of my tether, as we say, and I, said to the Lord, words to this effect, Lord, what must it be, and that Thursday, was the Thursday, that I was struck down, with a series, of three heart attacks, that night, I will briefly, say to the honour, and glory of God, that, during that night, it was a night, that, my family, and I, should never forget, and I remember, my dear son, here present with us, leaning over me, on that bed, and he said,

[52:51] Dad, there is many, people out, and, I said, and I meant it, I said son, whatever the outcome, of this evening, this, it will be, it will be the right outcome, I felt, for a little season then, to depart, and be with Christ, would be far better, and then, not long, I don't know how long, I can't measure the time, in that, experience, in that, during that night, it may have been, an hour or two, I can't say, but it was certainly, before the morning, nurse came on duty, and, these words, that follow in, in that portion, came then, but for you, it is more needful, and, and, I believe, I realised then, that the Lord, would spare me, to preach, at least once, more, and, from that moment, I began, to feel a little better, then, came, the trial, of my faith, on the, following, morning,

[53:56] I suffered, what I thought, and what the doctors thought, was a stroke, in my left eye, and head, across there, they quickly, dealt with me, in the most, efficient manner, and I was assured, at the end of the following day, that it was, an illusion, they called it, which, should rectify, it left me, with double vision, I could see, two ward clocks, looking about, six feet apart, well, my dear wife, came in to see me, early, that morning, and I was very tried, my faith, seemed to have, be stretched, to that, of an elastic band, just before it breaks, to give you an illustration, of how I felt, and, at that time, she came in, in a most authoritative way, I said to her, how can I preach, if I can't see, to read the word of God, and she said, if the Lord, wants you to preach, rectify your, sight, and for some reason, she's not usually, authoritative, in that way, but for some reason, it seemed to settle, my mind down, and on the Lord's day morning, as I woke, the clocks, had got closer together, and so, the Lord, was beginning, to show me, that he would, raise me up again, with that, felt improvement, and then,

[55:17] I won't go further, in those things, at this point in time, but, you know, as Peter referred, how I've been strengthened, and all glory, to his name, and thanksgiving, to his name, it's marvellous, what I'm able to do now, physically, and, and, so we, are so thankful, for the Lord, in all these things, and, we give him all, the honour, and glory, due to his name, but as I spoke, from that text, coming back now, to the first time, I spoke, I realised this, you know, that to give God, the honour, and glory, to his name, which is due, to his name, we can't begin, to achieve here, in this life, that's the work, of eternity, that's the work, of the heavenly choir, souls saved, by grace, but it is right, my friends, as my dear old pastor, used to say, that we should learn, if we can, the, the keynote, of the song, that we might know, the keynote, of that heavenly song, unto him, who has loved us, and washed us, from sin, unto him, be the glory, forever, amen, and it is him, we would desire, to honour, and glorify, as we go, forward together, as pastor, and people, well, there are, those things, which,

[56:40] I, would like to, just say, that, regarding, the pastorate, and, how we, are, were brought, to these, things, and, there was, an invitation, given, to me, and, end of May, and, um, that invitation, filled me, with, a, heavy heart, really, because, I felt, well, how can I do it, I felt, very unqualified, and I still do, to go forward, in, such an undertaking, and yet, somehow, I couldn't say no, I felt, a union, to the friends here, I looked, a little bit later on, to find, according to my record, I had, preached, 48 times, to the friends, here at Hastings, since the outset, of my ministry, and I can honestly say, that I always felt, a unity with them all, and I've always felt, helped, by the Lord, in, speaking to them, in, a, a, quite a special way, as I have,

[57:48] I would add, to, well, four or five, other places, and I felt, there's a spirit of prayer, when I've been, I, able to, stand in his name, in those places, well, we went, together, only Zeta, knew, or what, had occurred, only Zeta, knew, that there'd been, an invitation given, we went to our, evening service, at Cranbrook, where we're members, and, our dear friend here, he spoke, Mr Wheatley, he spoke there, from the words, in, the 64th, chapter, of, Isaiah, and, the first few verses, I'll just turn it up, he didn't know, anything about, what was on our minds, he didn't know, anything, he hadn't been told, no one had been told, and he took this, text, and I'll read it to you, oh, that there wouldest, rent the heavens, that there wouldest, come down, that the mountains, might, mountains might, flow down, at thy presence, and he spoke, in such a remarkable way, outlining, the things, which were in, my mind, and my dear wife's mind, a concern, it was, most remarkable, and, and, he had no knowledge, of it at all, because, no one had any knowledge, of it, and this, was a, as it were, an encouragement, to, for me, to confirm, with our friend,

[59:25] Reg, that, we would venture, with the Lord's help, to take the three months, probation, period, with the friends here, now, I want to go back, for a moment, to, the first, I think it was, nearly the first time, I was strong enough, after my heart attack, to come downstairs, for the morning reading, and, with a little bit of help, from my dear wife, and she did the reading, there, and we were reading, from, a portion, and, it, spoke, of this text, the 13th verse, of the 14th chapter, of Exodus, and Moses said, unto the people, fear ye not, stand still, and see, the salvation, of the Lord, which he will show, unto, to you, today, for the Egyptians, whom ye have seen, today, ye shall see them, no more, again, forever, the Lord, shall fight for you, and ye shall, hold your peace, and the Lord, said unto Moses, wherefore Christ, thou, unto me, speak, unto the children, of Israel, that they go forward, and as, the remarks, in that, commentary, of that text, were so applicable, that we were both, sitting there, in amazement, at the, what we'd read, that morning, and it was, powerfully, applied,

[60:55] I believe, by the Holy Spirit, to our hearts, and she said this, it's a time, for sitting still, now, I always had trouble, with sitting still, as a little boy, my mother had great trouble, getting me to sit still, and, yet, it was something, I had to learn, and I believe, the Lord gave me, some, at least, ability, to sit still, and await his, hand in it, there was very many, difficulties before me, in the, in Providence, my dear son, left his job, and came and managed, the firm for us, immediately, but I knew, that it was, technically impossible, financially impossible, for us all, to live out of it, with the reduced size, of the company, at that time, following the recession, and it was a great, trial of faith, at that time, and yet, I believe, I had faith, I won't say, it was unwavering, I had faith, I believe, deep down, that it will be, alright, for the Egyptians, whom you see today, you shall see them, no more, again forever, the Egyptians, of the world, the business world, and, all the pressures, which you are in, in business, which had brought me, to that point, and, so, that word, was made, especially a comfort, at that time, now,

[62:18] I come back, to, the time, when, we had, come to the, period, when I was due, to start, the three months, ministry, with them here, a year ago, beginning, of 1999, again, we went, to the evening service, the last one, in the year, at Cranbrook, and, our pastor, Mr. Roland Wheatley, on my left, took this text, and he spoke from it, and he did speak from it, with regard to sitting still, but then he went on, to say, that they go forward, he dealt, more on the 15th, verse, than he did, on the first, and yet, it seemed to come, so, so refresh, my spirit, that night, that, although I, thought, I had a text, to start, to preach with, for the people, here,

[63:21] I had to change it, and I had to speak, and speak a little, of the goodness of God, to the friends here, regarding this text, personally, to my own soul, and to our experience, together, on the Lord's Day morning, well, so, Mr. Wheatley, took it on, the Thursday night, which sparked, the thought, and seemed to stay, with me, I endeavoured, to speak from it, on the Lord's Day morning, the first, Sunday, I was here, on my three months, and then, at the end of the service, our dear old friend, sitting at the back there, said to me, well, the minister, last week, on our Wednesday evening, took that text, and so, I was, melted, by the confirmation, which, the dear Lord, had given, such an unbelieving, heart as mine, in that, dealing, with us, so, we ventured on, in that, the three months, together, and at the end, of that three months, they had a church meeting, and, and, the friends, together, invited us, invited me, to take the pastorate, and Reg, rang one evening, and he said, good evening pastor, and I knew what he meant, by that, well, then I'd got to give an answer, and then, and then, my faith, began to waver, again, and,

[64:44] I didn't know quite, what, to do, although, deep down, I felt right, deep down, I felt it was the right thing, deep down, I felt that I'd prove, and we proved together, the goodness of God, in that three months, and yet still, there's that hesitance, in it, and, then, there was, a word, on, April the 18th, I was due, to speak to our dear friends, at Sybil Headingham, and before I left, I got my best clothes on, it was early in the morning, and, all ready to go, and, on the Lord's Day morning, we usually, just have a word together, just before I leave, and, a prayer up then, I usually get ready first, and what do you think, the reading of the 18th, of April was, the text, I will be with thee, I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, and friends, I shall never forget, that journey, and I'm going to read you,

[65:48] I'll take the photocopy of it, this word to Joshua, is often quoted, it is the basis, of that New Testament word, he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, beloved, a life of warfare, is before us, but the Lord of hosts, is with us, are we called, to lead a great, but fickle people, question mark, this promise, guarantees us, all wisdom, and prudence, that we shall need, have we, to contend, with cunning, and powerful enemies, here is strength, and valour, press, and victory, have we, a vast, inheritance, to win, by this, sign, we shall achieve, our purpose, the Lord himself, is with us, it would be, woe unto us, indeed, if Jehovah, could, fail us, but as this, can never be, the winds, of disquietude, are laid, to sleep, in the, caverns, of divine, faithfulness,

[67:00] I like that, I like that, dear friends, I'll read that bit, again, it would be, woe unto us, indeed, if Jehovah, could fail us, but, as this, can never be, the winds, of disquietude, we know, a bit about that, are laid, to sleep, in the caverns, of divine, faithfulness, ere we prove, the faithfulness, of God, to such, faithless, sinners, on no one occasion, will the Lord, desert us, happen what may, he will be, at our side, friends, drop from us, their help is, but an April shower, but God is faithful, Jesus is the same, for ever, the Holy Spirit, abideth in us, come my heart, be calm, and hopeful today, clouds may gather, but the Lord, can blow them away, since God, will not, fail me, my faith, shall not fail, and as, he will not, forsake me, neither, will I forsake him, oh, for, a restful faith,

[68:13] I went on my way, to Sibyl Haddingham, and I took, that text, for the afternoon, that afternoon, we're thankful, for the Lord, to the Lord, for his great faithfulness, to our unbelieving hearts, and we seem, to need the word, confirmed, and reconfirmed, before we, move on, but oh, dear friends, we have a kind, a gracious, and faithful God, and a dear friend, I think he's here, somewhere, I haven't spotted him, came to Cranbrook, and he spoke, one evening, from those words, he remembereth, that we are dust, and oh, that was a great help, to me that evening, that was an evening, to be remembered, he remembereth, that we are dust, some of you here, will remember, that evening, the Lord, remembers our weakness, he has pity on us, he pities, us as a father, pities his children, what a mercy, and now, so you understand, just a little, of why, we've come here, and how the Lord, has brought us, we give him, all the honour, and glory, it's our desire, to continue to do so, and to give him, all the praise, for his loving kindnesses, and tender mercies to us, now I mustn't keep you, longer, but it does remain, for me, firstly, to thank you all, for coming, and some of you, long distances,

[69:45] I know, it is appreciated, I'm, and my dear wife, we're very touched, by those of you, who've come those, long distances, especially, and those of you, from near us, and nice of you, all to come, and we appreciate it, I wish to thank, Reg, and the church, and congregation here, for indeed, the loving kindness, and tender mercies, which they've shown us, they have, in fact, been very kind, in Zatter's illness, they've supplied me, with food, and they've, shown loving kindness, to us, in so many ways, and I do believe, that what our dear friends, have said, has been accomplished, already, that there is, a flowing together, in the love of the Lord, and the love, which we've received, and the kind, and practical, support, we appreciate, and, thank the Lord, for the love, which he's given you, all in so doing, and, then, I would like to thank, those, who have, been to Martha's, and who've, provided for, some refreshments, to follow, and, the Lord loved Martha,

[70:57] I know, that sometimes, Martha, has got, just a little bit, of a bad name, but I would say this, that Martha, was not rebuked, for her love, shown by her hands, in supplying, the needs, of the, time, for our Lord, it was, the rebuke, was because, she was cumbered by it, and can any of us say, we've not been cumbered, at some time, by much serving, in various forms, and various ways, the Lord loved Martha, and we love the Martha's, and we're thankful for them, up and down, the land, where we go, we find as a Martha, feeding us, as we itinerate, and looking after us, and showing us, loving kindness, in those many ways, and for that, we are thankful, and we're thankful then, for the Martha's, and, but most of all, we thank you all, for your prayers, and I've, again, been touched, by the, many communications, in various ways, that have been sent, to us today, there's been several, phone calls, saying, that was, reasons why, dear friends, are unable to come, some of the ministers, unable to come, because of duties, either, and long distances, on tomorrow, in the opposite direction, but love, has been expressed, and we're very, grateful for that, and especially, for the prayers, and I believe, we can say, wrestling prayer, can wonders do, bring relief, in deepest straits, we've proved it, prayer, can force a passage, through, iron bars, and brazen gates, and my dear friends, if you have lived, to prove it, as I hope, everyone in this building, will, if you haven't already, lived to prove, you will then, be able to go on, and say, for the wonders, he has wrought, let us each, our praises give, and, by sweet experience, taught, call upon him, while we live, feel very inadequate, to take a pastorate, but my God, has all the adequacy,

[73:08] I need, and I do not, preach myself, but Christ, Jesus the Lord, the Saviour, may we each, know him, as our own, Saviour, and know the love of God, shed abroad, in our hearts, may the Lord, bless you all, and thank you again, for coming.

[73:27] Amen. Amen.