Tribute to Queen Elizabeth | What does the Bible say about Itself?

Tribute to Queen Elizabeth _ What does the Bible say about Itself_ Matt: Well, good afternoon and welcome to Crowd Church. Uh, I'm your host this afternoon with my beautiful wife, uh, beside me actually in a different room, but beside me on screen. How you doing, babe? Good, good. I think your microphone's going a little bit funny. Yeah, I tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna come and fix that because that's not working. Uh, so in fact, sorry ladies and gentlemen, uh, we'll be with you after this short technical problem. I dunno why it stopped working. Uh, are you there? Can you hear me now? Sharon: Uh, I can hear you. Yeah. Ah, Matt: okay. We're getting a little bit of success there. So, welcome to Crowd Church. Uh, when the technology works. We are an online church, uh, for those that might not see the point of church. For those that are looking for the answers on how to live a more meaningful life, which is what we're trying to do here. Uh, today's service is [00:01:00] going to be a little bit different. Um, this week, uh, saw the death of Queen Elizabeth. Uh, now regardless of how you feel about the monarchy, or even if you don't live inside the UK or Commonwealth Borders, there is no doubt that this is a momentous point in our history. All I've known in my life and my wife too, uh, all we've known, uh, is the reign of Queen Elizabeth. I second as she served this country for over 70 years. In many ways, I think I kind of thought the queen would just sort of always be there and never really contemplated her death. This is something that I know many of us have shared over the last few days, and it is times like this that I'm reminded yet again, both of the fragility of the human life, but also of its potential to do extremely good things. I've never met the queen. I've never spoken to her, but I'm incredibly grateful for her and the life she lived. [00:02:00] And her example, just two days before her death, she appointed a new Prime minister fulfilling her duty. Even to the end, she has appointed 15 prime ministers, which I just think is crazy. Uh, during her reign, and she met 13 of the last 14 US presidents. On her 21st birthday, she now famously devoted herself to the service of this country and has fulfilled that vow. And more so, if I'm honest, today, I think I'm a little bit sad at her passing and mourn her loss in a world that's intent on division, she was a voice of unity and strength. So today we are going to remember Queen Elizabeth, uh, and if you live outside the Queen's realms and ask, ask, just pray with us, uh, and especially for King Charles iii, who must now fill some very big shoes. So today we are gonna look at the faith of Queen Elizabeth, who was a great advocate of the Christian Gospel and draw on some of the teachings that she held dear to. So today, like I say, it's gonna, that's the, the introduction. It is gonna look a little bit different. Did wanna say that babe? Sorry if you've just joined. Joined in. Sharon is actually my wife. If I call her babe, I just, just how I jointly refer to my wife, uh, what is happening in today's live stream. Sharon: Well, we've got a few words from the Queen herself talking about her faith. Um, yes, that's gonna be interesting. We have a chat about that. We've also got a talk by Prince Thomas, uh, just to save any confusion. His first name is actually Prince. He's not some secret member of the royal family that we from somewhere. Yeah, I've really thought about that. Matt: Actually. Sharon: He's gonna be looking at the question, what does the Bible say about itself? And then after that we're gonna play a song, uh, which is when I survey the wondrous cross. Mm-hmm. Uh, during which time you can sing along or you can just think about the words or about the talk. Um, and then we're gonna actually have a minute [00:04:00] silence for the queen. And then after that we're gonna come back with, me and Matt are gonna chat about the talk and about the Queen's words and yeah, see where it goes. So feel free to comment. Matt: Yeah, feel free to comment. Uh, because we've no idea where it's gonna go. We're gonna try and do things a little bit differently. Uh, what's Matt put here? Check out the West by. Yeah. Okay. Just so you know, Mr. Crew, next week we have a new intro. Yes, we do. And there's no West bite in it. Anyway. He'll be very pleased to hear that. Uh, at least I hope so. Anyway. Um, so yes. Now obviously the queen has passed away. That's the big news, isn't it, of the week. Uh, and, um, we were actually having dinner with friends, weren't we? When we found out, I think we got a text message from Josh, uh, letting us know. Sharon: And Mr. C, uh, Matt, Mr. Matt Crew himself, um, yeah. And my, I went on my news website and it was still saying that she was, um, what was it when the doctor [00:05:00] was. Like she was still alive, but was, you know, having medical treatment and it took quite a while for it to catch up. So yeah, I was still thinking, oh, she's alive, but no. Matt: Yeah. 'cause we weren't quite sure were we. And, and it's, I mean, Matt Crew or Josh, I don't think would text us that kind of thing as a joke. So, uh, we were a little bit like, well, what's really going on here? Um, so yes, uh, it's one of those things I think I'll now remember the rest of my life. I knew where I was at nine 11. I, in fact, today is nine 11, uh, which is, uh, yet more things to think about. Um, but I remember where I was with nine 11. I remember where I was when the queen passed, and I remember where I was when the shuttle exploded. Dunno, why. Just do, okay. Uh, so yeah, so, um, prince Thomas, uh, is gonna be talking, what does the Bible say about itself? And this is really is, I think it's a very well timed talk because it's gonna tie in with some of the other things that we're gonna be talking about today. Um, and we're gonna bring that in. Now for me, one of the [00:06:00] things that stands out about the queen, right? Uh, I dunno if it's the same for you babe, is this whole idea of serving. So she was uh, the reigning monarch, but she was also uh, uh, I think a big servant to the country. I, if you would agree, I dunno if you watching would agree, but that's just my opinion, right? I dunno what your overarching things are that you remember about the queen. Sharon: Yeah, I think it's incredible that she's been working right up until a couple of days before her death. I mean, how many other is she? 96? Yeah. How many other 96? Do you know other 96 year olds? Do you know that carry on working up till then? Do you know what I mean? I think that's quite incredible. Matt: It is, uh, a real sense of duty. Uh, and this, what, these are the common words that we hear, uh, referenced, uh, queen Elizabeth, aren't we over the last few days, is, uh, the sense of duty, this, the, the way in which she served the country. Um, she was, everyone was amazed. She was appointing a new prime minister two days ago, [00:07:00] uh, or two days before her, her passing. Um, yeah, really, really incredible. And the reason I mention this, I mean, obviously it's one of those overarching memories. Uh, the Queen said this, uh, when it came to serving, she said, um, he talking about Jesus makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction line more in giving than in receiving more in serving than being served. Mm-hmm. It's a really interesting philosophy, isn't it, for a, for the, the Monarch to have, um, yeah. Do you know what I mean? Because monarchs of old were not like that. Um, I think obviously we live in a very different age, very different, uh, mindset. Yeah. Sharon: But I think, yeah, there is that, that sense of kings from a long time ago expecting to be served. Mm-hmm. But I think it's very much rooted in Christian faith that to lead actually means to be a servant like Jesus, um, showed us what it means to lead and that [00:08:00] is to serve other people. And I, I'm, I think one of the things that really impresses me about the Queen is that she made that promise all those years ago to serve her country until the end of her days. Mm. And I think, um, maybe nowadays it's quite easy to make promises, but, and then like something comes up and it's a bit inconvenient to keep that promise and it's easy to put it aside. But I really admire the fact that she kept her promise Right. Until when she died. Matt: Yeah. It's a, it's a really interesting, wasn't it? One of the things that I've heard said about the Queen is she's one of the greatest prince that's ever lived. Now I, you know. Theology, et cetera, aside, this is not an argument I need to get into. Uh, one of the things that I do know is that Jesus said this as I bring the verse onto the screen, uh, he is greatest among you, shall be your servant, right? Mm-hmm. Um, and so Jesus talks about this doesn't, he talks about if you wanna be great, you've gotta be a servant. And I think, uh, [00:09:00] for me, I suppose this is one of the, the sort of the lessons you learn from the life of the Queen. Yes. You know, was it always like that? Was she perfect? No. Did she get it right all the time? No. Far from it was a family a bit messed up? Yes. Probably. Do you know what I mean? There's a lot going on, isn't there? That we could say, well, hang on. And she, does she have privilege? Yes. Yes. Um, but you show me any family on the planet that is perfect. Certainly there's none in the Bible, right? Uh, that we. None. Absolutely no perfect family. And despite all of that, she served. Right. And so, um, I think that, I think that's super inspirational, uh, actually is this whole servants thing. Uh, yeah. Is the, Sharon: and I think going back to the previous quote, which talked about happiness, and I, and again, I think we can fall into the trap of, um, pursuing happiness and making that our goal. Mm-hmm. And we all want to be happy, don't we? But I [00:10:00] think, um, like that quote in the Bible make it clear, is that if we pursuing happiness is not actually the way to happiness. Mm-hmm. Jesus says to seek his kingdom first and then all the other things that we need. And we want, well, not necessarily all that we want, but do you know all the things that help us to flourish? He will bring those along. And I think happiness is a byproduct of serving God and, you know, living in relationship with him. Matt: Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. So, first few thoughts of the queen. Uh, what about you? What do you, what would you say, uh, you were around at the Garden of Eden? Matt Edmundson. Thanks for that. Matt. Uh, what was it like, was he, what was it like meeting Archimedes and the likes of Julius Caesar? They weren't as good as the Queen. I'm just gonna put that out there, Mr. You and I can have a conversation that's, uh, that's coming very soon. Be prepared. Yeah. Right. What we'll do now is we will get into today's talk. Now, just a bridge here. What's going on? In fact, no. What I'm gonna do is I'm gonna play a video from Queen Elizabeth herself. So here is part of her Christmas speech from I think 2002. Let's play this. Queen Elizabeth: I know just how much I rely on my own faith. To guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith. I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel. Matt: Now, this, um, I thought was fascinating 'cause this is the other thing that stands out to me about the queen, right? So she was a servant, um, and very dutiful, but her, her faith, let's put it, uh, you know, she seems to me to have a very real and strong faith that, uh, in her words got her through tough times and good times. Um, and she talked about. Uh, I think in 2004 she said that, uh, faith, you know, it was the anchor. Uh, I've got the quote here, the anchor of my life. And so, uh, you know, our queen had a very real faith, uh, and was very secure in the hope of the Christian gospel, which is what she just said. Right? Um, and I think that's important to note actually right here at the start, is, um, death is a funny thing. Um, and when someone dies and we feel sad and we mourn, uh, we do start to think about death and we start to think about the reality of the fact that, you know, we're all mortal at the end of the day, including the queen. Uh, so our hope can't be in people, right? It's gotta be in, in, in the Christian gospel, in the gospel message in Christ himself, which is what I believe she was saying there. But Sharon: yeah. Yeah, you, you're right. And I, I, I've, um, on social media, seen some comments from people with having that sense of, um, you know, things being different and changing and shifting because she has been around for a very long time, for most of our life. And then it's like, oh, she's not there now. Um, and I think you're right. Yeah. We can't put our hope in people or the stuff around us because those things are temporary and like we've said, not perfect either. Mm. So, yeah, it's like, um, uh, God and his word are the things that are eternal and dependable and always there and don't change. Um, yeah, I like, yeah, I do like that. It's nice to have some sense of security, isn't it? In a world that is constantly changing and shifting. Matt: Yeah, it is, it is very much so. Uh, and one of those things which is central to the Christian faith is obviously the Bible, hence the reason, you know, we're asking the question, what does the Bible say about itself today? Uh, and we wanted to carry on that talk. We wanted to play that talk because we felt it fitted, uh, with, um, uh, a conversation about the queen, about her servanthood and about her faith, uh, which we're gonna talk more about in Conversation Street, as well as some of the questions that you guys have sent in about the Bible. Uh, and, uh, whatever you guys write in the comments. Uh, and we'll, we'll, we'll join up with that in just a little bit. Uh, so we are going to play today's talk. Uh, this is Prince Thomas, whose first name is Prince, uh, is not actually from the royal family. Let's just be lecture and said, although he, I think he should be a member. The guy is an absolute legend. He's fabulous. He's fab, isn't he? He is one of my favorite people on the planet Prince. He's such a cool dude. Uh, so we are gonna hear from him. Then, like Sharon said, we're gonna have a time of worship. After the worship. We will observe a minute's silence. Um, so yeah, we will do that. It might be really hard for people like Matt Crew to be silent for a minute, but we will observe a minute's silence. Uh, and then Sharon and I we're back four Conversation Street. So here without further ado is Prince.

Prince: I am so happy to be here bringing to you some thoughts about what the Bible says about itself. It's worthy to note that none among the 40 contributors to the Bible ever imagined that their works will be compiled to form a unified book, which would then be used by tens of millions for centuries to come. And hence the unique challenge in presenting the subject. I'm reminded of Paul's letter to Timothy, which exhorts Timothy to read the scriptures so that they will make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It reads like this in two Timothy chapter three, verse 15 to 17, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God breath and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Now, people spend a lifetime reading this book, the research about it and the right papers on them. [00:18:00] But in this given short span of time, I'd like to put down what the Bible says about itself in four words that begin with the letter. Yes, the Bible says about itself. It is supreme, it is sufficient. It is self illuminating for the spiritually inclined, and it saves by introducing the reader to the savior so it is supreme sufficient self illuminating for the spiritually inclined and sales. Let's look at why Bible says itself as Supreme. It's supreme because we as Christians believe that it is an inspired word of God. Its inspiration is supernatural. [00:19:00] There is no other way to describe it. When a library of 66 books, which has a 1,187 chapters and 31,173 verses. Written by 40 people in three different languages, Hebrew, Greek, and ic, covering a span of around 1,500 years. Yet it weaves through its pages a unity in theme that that is salvation of the human race through the person of Jesus as Christ. That itself is incredible, and for the discerning reader, this book is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Its supreme authority by virtue of its Origins. That is, we know that it is concrete, is perhaps the reason why. Millions of people over the centuries have found it to be sufficient. Which brings to my second point that the Bible says about itself that it is a sufficient book. Why is it sufficient? Because it is not man sufficient of God, but God's vision for man. Hence, it provides wisdom and solution for all ranges of human behavior. As we read in, uh, Paul's letter to Timothy, which, which I just read now, we, we, we see that it corrects, it rebukes, it teaches, it trains a person for every good work. It is a book which has spoken with the same intensity to presidents and prisoners. Abraham Lincoln, famous President of America has often quoted this book on various important junctures in his life, both political and personal. We have life examples of many prisoners coming to Christ through prison ministry fellowships, and because it's God's vision for man, its integrity is unquestionable because it, it doesn't whitewash any personality. Here, for example, it portrays King David in all his V and splendor, and at the same time, it exposes him for all his vulnerabilities. This integrity validates the Bible as in all sufficient resource to mankind. From the maker himself. Bible says about itself as a sufficient book, and as with any worthy resource, you get the most benefit out of it when you approach it with the right attitude and mindset, isn't it? And so happy to be here.

Matt: Okay, no idea what happened there. So I'm gonna put Prince talk back on and fast forward to the same, the right spot. Sorry about that, boys and girls. Uh, no idea. Here we go. Let's try that again.

Prince: It corrects, it rebukes, it teaches, it trains a person for every good work. It is a book which has spoken with the same intensity to precedents and prisoners. Abraham validates the Bible as in all sufficient resource to mankind from the maker himself. Bible says about itself as a sufficient book, and as with any worthy resource, you get the most benefit out of it when you approach it with the right attitude and mindset, isn't it? And that brings me to my third point, that the Bible comes across as self illuminating for the spiritually inclined people can read the Bible for for its signs. Some people. Say it is a book of poetry and you know, it, it, it has 66 books and you know it's got all genre in it, but by the end of the day, the Holy Bible is God unfolding his plan for mankind. There is a very deep spiritual message in it, and hence the Bible says about itself that it's self illuminating for the spiritually inclined. In Neutro chapter four, verse seven, there is this beautiful quote, which I like. It says, what other nation is so great as to have their gods near them? The way the Lord our God is near us. Whenever we pray to him, it's a very often repeated quote. It's in the Bible, is the only book whose author is always present when one reads it. How true it is in the New Testament. Apostle John records an interesting conversation that Jesus is having with his disciples. He was referring to what would eventually happen after his physical departure of from Earth. Jesus said that he would send his spirit on his behalf, his Holy Spirit, which we call Holy Spirit now to reside on his believers as a source of Jesus's power and God's guarantee. We see that in John chapter 15 from verses 13 to 15. I'll just read it. It goes like this, but when he, the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own. He will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [00:26:00] He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. You see, the Bible is a spiritually loaded book and it is self illuminating for the spiritually inclined. So to just recap my previous point, I said that the Bible, the Supreme, the Bible is sufficient. The Bible says about itself that it's a self illuminating book for the spiritually inclined, but finally. I would've missed the point completely. If I don't mention the most important reason for Bible's existence. The Bible says about itself that it is able to save mankind because it would introduce the reader to the savior himself. How does it do that? It constantly empowers the believer to lead fulfilling life, not only during his time on Earth, but also after we have passed away. The Bible saves the Bible, saves the belief of, uh, a Christian, and basically our Christian worldview is that we as a race, have fallen from the makers grace. Due to the initial disobedience, and Jesus came down to redeem us from the fallen state by shedding his blood as a sacrifice to put us right with the Holy God. And we need to believe in the work of his son in order for us to be saved. The message Bible has put the so eloquently in John chapter three, verse 16 to 18. The message Bible reads like this, good. This is how much God loved the world he gave his son. He's one and only son, and this is why. So that no one need to be destroyed by believing in him. Anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his son merely to point and accusing finger telling the world how bad it was. He came to help to put the world right again. Anyone who trusted him is acquitted. Anyone who refuses to trust him as long has been, uh, uh, anyone who refuses to trust him has long been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one of a kind son of God when introduced to him. That's what the message Bible says, John chapter three, verse 16 to 18. We know the NI view version of it. It says, so God and, and for God so loved the world that he gave is only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Dear, listen, as we face this coming week, let us revisit the Bible to unlock what God wants to speak to us for our lives. Thank you for your patient hearing. God bless/

Video: When I survey the wonderous cross

Matt: Well, there you go. So, uh, welcome back and apologies once again for that technical glitch during Prince's talk. I have no idea what happened other than I think I dropped something on my desk, which might have hit a key, which might have done something I don't quite know. Anyway, these things happen, as Matt Crew pointed out in the comments. Every week there's a technical issue, uh, that happens on a regular basis. So, but the good news is we did sort out your microphone, didn't we remember? Sharon: Uh, yeah, I couldn't tell anything, uh, that there was a problem the first time around. So, Matt: yeah. Do Sharon: I sound okay now? Matt: Yeah, yeah. No, you're all good. You are all good. So, welcome back after Prince's talk. What does the Bible [00:38:00] say about itself? Uh, we're gonna get into that. Uh, we're gonna carry on a conversation about Queen Elizabeth. Thank you for observing Mr. Crew and everybody else. The, the moment, the minute silence, uh, I, I dunno what you were doing during that minute. I was just praying for our country, uh, and, uh, that God's grace would extend to it, uh, over the coming weeks because man alive, do we need it? I've just actually noticed when I do this, I can see my, I can see my picture on the screen on the left here. I've got some paint on my, uh, on my arm. Guess what I was doing yesterday? Anyway, so welcome back. What does the Bible say about itself now? Uh, there was a question which came in from Mike this morning, which I thought was a very well timed question. Um, uh, Mike has a chap that's been emailing me Any questions you've got, you can email in. We'd love to hear from you guys. Um, or contact us through the website. And Mike was, Sharon: I have a feeling that this question's about to come my way. Matt: Yeah. Get ready. Prepare yourself. [00:39:00] That's why I'm in the driver's seat, because I get to ask the questions rather than answer them. It's awesome. Um, my next question, what does it mean the Bible is inspired of God? Prince covered this a little bit, didn't he? He touched on this concept a little bit. All scripture is God breathed, was, uh, what he read out from two Timothy. What does that mean? No. Go ahead, babe. You're a classic theologian. Let's see what you've got to say. Sharon: Not sure about that. Um, I think it, it really means that the Bible is written by God, but through humans. And I, I don't think it means that he took over their bodies like an alien or anything like that. Just that, and yeah, I don't exactly know how that works, but that he used people to get written down what he wants written down in the way he wants written it written, but that he also works through the people's personalities and their [00:40:00] backgrounds and their experience and all of that kind of thing. Yeah. Uh, what do you think throwing it back, Matt: everything you've just said is fine. Um, yeah, I think, I think you're right. I mean, one of the things that Mike went on to ask was actually. How did John write John's gospel? Right? Was, was there the voice of God in his head saying, you shall write this, uh, in God voice. I, I'm looking for the effect. I won't mess with the effects on the panel, but uh, but in like a deep God voice, thou shall write, dot, dot do. Um, and I don't think that was the case at all. I mean, John's gospel, like many of the books in the Bible is actually a historical account. He was writing of what he saw and what he experienced and what he was part of. Um, but I think he can still be inspired of God to write that down. Um, and I think that's the important thing, isn't it actually with the, with the Bible it is inspired of God. It is God breathed so [00:41:00] many Christians around the world do think the Bible is the word of God. And that lends itself against something Prince touched on to a certain kind of all authority. Uh, and I guess one of the big questions that. Christians have or have been debating is how much authority does the Bible actually have? How much authority does a 2000 year old manuscript actually have in modern day Western societies, um, or eastern societies or the rest of the world? You know, what, what kind of authority should it have? And this is where there's been some mass maus debate isn't there, is it's like, um, you, you go from the, the Christians who would say that the Bible is the ultimate resting place. It is the authority of God, it is the word of God and therefore what it says goes. Um, and then you've got people over here that go, well, the Bible's this really nice book and we'll take bits and more leave bits and you know, that bit doesn't apply and this bit does apply and, and we will just Jim in, is that, that that is what it is. So all of that said back to you, babe. Comments, please Sharon: comment. Wow, there's nothing like landmine in it. Is there? Matt: It's alright. I'll pay for it later. Uh, Matt Crew says, when Matt Edmundson wrote the book of Genesis, Sharon: he's a cheeky one, isn't he? Matt: He's got it on him today, hasn't he? He's got it on him. Dad didn't write the book of Genesis. Uh, Moses wrote the book of Genesis, which is the first book in the Bible. Sharon: Yeah. Uh, but yeah, back to your question, comments. I think, um, we see Jesus himself put a lot of, um, he saw the Old Testament, so that's the Bible that was written before He was around as incredibly authoritative. I say that word, getting stuck. Um, and whenever he was asked questions, he would often refer back to the Old Testament mm-hmm. As the source of authority. Um, so I think if we are wanting to follow Jesus, then we need to accept what he says about the Old Testament and, and accept it as having authority. Um, and then, yeah, I think Jesus showed that his words have authority in the fact that he, he said that he would, um, uh, he would die and then rise again, and he did that. So I think to me, that gives him pretty. A pretty good amount of authority there. Matt: Yes, it does. Absolutely. And I would totally agree with you. We did cover this more, uh, when we did the Alpha course online. There's a, I'm just looking at the website now. If you head over to the Crowd Church website, um, there's a, a, a live stream, how to read the Bible and why you should Alpha course number six, where it goes into the Bible in quite a bit of detail. Um, so just to add to that, if you want to deep dive into a bit more, you can check out that talk Now, speaking of the authority of the Bible, um, and, uh, just bringing that back into, uh, the fact that we have, you know, this week the, the queen has passed away and we were talking earlier about her faith. Uh, one of the things that I know you love the topic of, and one of the, the topics, I know the queen. Loved and drew on was this whole concept of forgiveness. Now I want to get into this a little bit. I'm gonna play a video from the Queen, uh, from the Queen's speech. I think it was 2016. So here's, uh, the Queen talking about forgiveness. Queen Elizabeth: Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves, from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person, neither a philosopher, nor a general important. There they are, but a savior with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships, and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love. Matt: Okay? So it is in the power of forgiveness that we feel God's love. And I thought we should have a conversation about this. 'cause obviously, like I say, the Queen draws on it. And then, so this is where the authority of God's word I think can get challenged quite a bit, right? Because why should I forgive when they've done me wrong? I don't care what the Bible says this is. This is how I feel. And actually both Queen Elizabeth. And you, my queen, uh, have, have something to say about this, right? Sharon: Yeah. But before we get into that, can I just congratulate you for getting a Christmas chew into the live stream in September, Matt: scored hashtag live goals. Sharon: I feel like you are keeping up there with the shops and stuff. Matt: Do you know what? I was in completely unrelated to anything. I was in St. Andrews the other day dropping Josh off at uni, and they have a Christmas shop just devoted to Christmas decorations. I've only ever seen this in San Francisco before where they, they had like a Christmas decoration shop, but they've got, now, now got one in, in St. Andrews a little bit too soon for me, but yes, uh, thank you for that. We got a Christmas tree in September Sharon: with all that Christmas tree talk. I've forgotten what the question is. Matt: Forgiveness and challenging. So this whole idea of the Bible being the authority of God. Um, it talks about forgiveness. Yeah. And I think this is just a great example of how we different people can view, view this in different ways, right? Sharon: Yeah. I think if, if we do take the Bible seriously on the subject, then it, it tells us to forgive no [00:47:00] matter what. Even if we don't feel like it, which, I mean, we rarely feel like forgiving to be honest. Certainly, uh, because that's the very nature of the thing that somebody's done something wrong. Really. We want, we want revenge more often than not. But I think that is where we kind of, as Christians, we go, hang on a minute. I might feel like taking revenge and doing these other things, but actually I need to listen to what God's saying through his word. And he says to forgive. And, but it doesn't just tell us to do stuff. He also gives us the ability to do it through his Holy Spirit. And yeah. So I think that's where, you know. Putting God's word first and giving it authority in our lives affects what we then go want to do. Matt: Yeah, and the, the, the, the sort of, the reason for mentioning this obviously is actually, it's a great example of when you do that, when you put God's words first, you get a better outcome. Video: Yeah. Matt: Do, do. I'm not saying this is, you know, do this [00:48:00] and God will make you a millionaire, whatever. That's not the better outcome that I'm talking about. But forgiveness always brings freedom, whereas unforgiveness doesn't. And we find that actually when we challenge God's word and God's authority, there's a level of freedom that we're missing. Sharon: Yeah. Matt: If that makes sense. Sharon: Yeah. And forgiveness, you can forgive someone, but it doesn't change the fact that whatever happened happened. Mm-hmm. And sometimes that can be pretty major stuff, but it does change how you feel internally. I think. Well, I've, I know that from my experience from having been very bitter and just feeling quite dark inside to then forgiving and just feeling that sense of lightness and relief. Um, and there's definitely been times where I've experienced that when I really did not wanna forgive. Mm. A number of reasons. Or because it's letting the person off in a sense, but also because it's like, well, I have to take responsibility and for how I feel and how I [00:49:00] act. And it's like, I don't wanna do that. I wanna blame them. Um, so, but yeah. But have, after having done it, being initially resistant, there was such an amazing sense of freedom. Matt: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So it's, I guess, uh, if you're watching this and you're new to the Christian faith, it might sound a bit odd to say, well, why would I live according to the rules of a book that's 2000 years old? Um, it's not just living to the rules of a book that's 2000 years old. It's actually submit yourself to God and his way of living. And I think that's a much better way to understand it. There is a lot about the Bible that I don't understand, and there's stuff that I'm learning every day, uh, and I've been a Christian 30 years, but I know enough to trust it when I understand it. Do you know what I mean? And, and those sorts of bits. Um, Sharon: I like what Prince said as well about it's the only book where you have the author there mm-hmm. With you as you're reading it, but also it's more than just reading a book, isn't it? Bible talks about how it's God, God's word, and he actually speaks to us through that, which is pretty amazing. Matt: Yeah, it does. And it contains life. Uh, and there's so many good reasons why we should read and understand the Bible. Um, as Christians, it is a central thing to our faith. Now I wanna play one more video from Her Majesty the Queen, and then we'll be back. This is, I think it's like a 30, 42nd video, so we're back after this. Queen Elizabeth: It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing, simple happenings that form the starting point of the life of Jesus. A man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation and have been the bedrock of my faith. His birth marked a new beginning, as the Carol says, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in the tonight. Matt: So, there you go. I know the Christmas tree. Um, uh, in the video, uh, all these clips are obviously from the Queen's speeches, the Christmas speeches, which she does every or did every year. Um, and the reason I wanted to play that, uh, was that was her last Christmas speech, uh, from 2021. And she talked in that about the life of Jesus and how it's been handed down from generation to generation and how it is the bedrock of her faith, um, and how it talks about new beginnings. And I thought, actually, this is a great springboard, if you like, for me to talk to you, uh, about what is coming up. Uh, a series called Origin. Uh, now I've mentioned this on the live stream a couple of times before, but, uh, just going what her majesty said, the, the life of Jesus and how, how was something that happened 2000 years ago? A man born. 2000 years ago, Jesus, how is it that the queen of modern Day Britain, 2000 years later is talking about him and saying that he's the bedrock of her life? That's quite insane. When you think about ine the, the impact of that. And so what I want to do or in Crowd, what we want to do, what is what we, we're gonna go right back to the beginning and look at the Origin of this and go, how did this all start? So, um, we're gonna look at the life of Christ between now and Christmas. We're gonna whistle through John's gospel, um, which is a gospel in the, the New Testament, which chronicles the life of Jesus. We are gonna be using the, um, what's the word I'm looking for? The timeframes from the Book of Devotions, which is a Frontline book, which you can get if you want to contact as a Crowd. Um. Uh, we'll be putting the stuff online, so don't panic if you don't have it. But we are gonna whistle stop through John's gospel. Then after Christmas, we [00:53:00] are gonna not whistle through the Book of Acts. We're gonna go a little bit slower, uh, like we did with the Gospel of Mark. Um, and we're gonna look at the book of Acts, which chronicles the sort of the early church and how this grew from one man who gathered 12 men in two thousands, and just how this thing exploded and why it's still having an impact on us today, uh, in modern day England. So I'm very excited about this series called Origin. Uh, so that I thought was brilliantly done by how Majesty giving me that opportunity Sharon: and, uh, good connection. Well done. Matt: Yeah, totally Sharon: Queen on the new series. Matt: Yeah, absolutely. So the way it's gonna work is John Harding is gonna kick it off next week. He's gonna be looking at a story from John's gospel, uh, from the first chapter of John the week after. I think I'm doing a talk. Um, and what we're gonna do is we're gonna put, um, sections of the gospel out. So we're gonna say, right this week, uh, if you're following along, read through this section of John's Gospel. We'll put those on social media and then the talk on this, the live stream will be based on something that happened in those readings. We're not gonna try and cover everything that you will have read that week, because that would be a really long sermon. Uh, but we're gonna cover, we're gonna pick something out of that talk and we're gonna cover that. Uh, and so, yeah, do get excited. We are gonna be getting into John's gospel. So read the first, if you get chance, read the first chapter of John's Gospel this week. Uh, we will stop putting, like, say the stuff out on social media. So connect with us on social media if you haven't done so already. Um, or head over to the website if you wanna find out the links, uh, at Crowd Church. In fact, if I, where's my little. Where's my little button? Not working. Let me do this. There you go. Let me bring the website up. That's how you reaches at Crowd Church. On social media or the website? Www dot Crowd Church. So that's what's coming up. Origin, which means this is the [00:55:00] end of, what does the Bible say that? Sharon: Wow. We've been doing this for quite some time now. How long is it? Matt: Uh, it's been about a year. I think we've done a lot of them, let me tell you. Mm-hmm. A lot of them, and they've been great actually. I've really enjoyed them. What's your standout ones? Sharon: Oh, that's quite hard to say. I think the one I found most interesting actually, um, talking about myself was what does the Bible say about loneliness? Because I've not really thought about it and it made me think about it. And, uh, yeah. I was like, oh yeah, it's actually quite a lot of interesting points. So I thought so anyway. Yeah. No, that would fun. Useful. Matt: It was a great talk, babe. Honestly, uh, no, I, I, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've, I've, I've loved the whole series, so thank you everybody. That's, um, done talks and prep talks. Uh, taking part in the conversations, comments. It has been a fun series. No doubt. We'll pick up something quite similar again, but for a little while, we are gonna be doing Origin no doubt. That will probably take about a year. 'cause we're not known for going through things quickly here. No, no. We like to take a time, we like to mull on things. It's just unbelievable. Uh, please pick a decent font, uh, for the new intro video for our Origin. No, Sharon: that's just what's Matt: in the comments. Uh, obviously not someone not liking our design taste. That's okay. That's okay. Uh, so yeah, we've got the Origin. We've got actually next week there's gonna be a whole new intro. I think I might have mentioned this. Uh, we have some new music, uh, which is sound. And can you, here we go. So this, you can hear this music has been written by Josh. This is gonna be the new Crowd theme. Oh yes. Little preview coming up here. Uh, I'll just leave that mulling over in the background as we close out the service. Um, so you'll hear that, you'll see the new intro next week. So yeah, a lot of change happening next week. [00:57:00] Dan Orange is gonna be hosting, so do come join us for that. Uh, it's gonna be epic. Have I missed anything out, babe? Can you think I've missed anything else? Sharon: Not that I can think of. Matt: Anything else you want to add? Any other thoughts on the. Topics of conversation for today? Sharon: Uh, I don't think I do. No. Sorry for our thoughts. They've been slow coming this weekend, I tell you. Matt: Yeah, it has. And just to say right here at the end, obviously, uh, I can banter and joke and say, uh, things like, oh, it's great that Queen Elizabeth could join us on the final episode of what does the Bible say about, but fundamentally, uh, it is with great sadness, obviously at the passing of the Queen that we've added the stuff in today. Um, and like I said at the start, I'm just a very grateful man, uh, for a lady who led by example, uh, both serving and with faith. Uh, and I think that's what. Well, hopefully we've tried to bring out tonight. So thank you so much for joining us, uh, wherever you are in the world watching this. As I say here outside of the uk, do pray for England and the Commonwealth because a lot of changes happening, uh, and we need all the help we can get, as does King Charles iii. So do pray for him. Uh, that's it from myself and from Sharon. We're gonna end the service with, uh, one more song. The song will play, uh, and you can sing along or hum along. You can stick around in the comments if you would like. Uh, but once a song has finished, the live stream will end. Uh, and so that's it from myself and from Sharon. Uh, I think I've covered everything, so I'm gonna close the music down and bring on the worship. Uh, have a great week everybody. Bye for now. Oh, press the wrong button. Try that again.