In this sermon, the preacher passionately addresses the audience, expressing concern for those who are not living according to God's will. He emphasizes the importance of salvation and the grace of God, urging the listeners to prioritize their relationship with God. The preacher then transitions to discussing the topic of the precious blood of Jesus and the redemption it offers. The sermon concludes with a focus on the book of 1 Peter, specifically verses 8-12, highlighting the joy and assurance that believers can have in Christ's sovereignty and the promise of eternal life.

We're turning to 1 Peter again this evening. 1 Peter, and after 1 chapter, and you can see that we're going through from verse 8 to the end of verse 12. Five verses this evening. And if I give 10 minutes to each verse, then that's 50 minutes. Then I might need one or two extra minutes for some of the verses. So we'll be quite well over 60 and maybe a bit closer. You'll notice that I've put these five verses into 60 of them. And it is a very interesting, and I believe, a very enlightening part of God's Word. You remember that we started these lectures on Peter by looking at Peter. Then we saw this great human, this humble, and yet this honoured man of God. And then we went on to look at the people he was writing to, these strangers scattered throughout Pontius and Galatia and so on. And then you remember that we counted the blessings that God had given to them. With election and sanctification and this great inheritance and so on. And last week Peter reminded them that while they had a great deal of joy, a way deep down in their souls, yet now for a season he said, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation. And we went on to talk about the trial of the flesh. And then he said, you know, that that faith would be exhibited when Jesus comes again. It might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. And that's just as far as we've got. And then he got this wonderful woman before him again. And then he said that he looked in our passage this evening, whom having not seen ye love. You know, this is almost a startling statement, isn't it? That not one of us here tonight has actually seen Christ. Nobody in this meeting has seen the Lord. That is actual faith. I know that like Paul, we are all he, Jesus, Bible. Paul says in Hebrews, we say Jesus. But it is startling, you know, a little bit in the little things. That not one of us here has seen eye to eye and face to face the Lord Jesus. We have never seen him. In fact, you know, I would make bold to say that there's not one in the nation tonight has seen him. I know you get boys coming round at times and try to talk to me about visions that they have. A fellow came down to the door one evening and came in and sat beside me. He said, you know, I had a great vision last night. I'm always on my guard, try to be gracious, of course, I've got to listen at least. He said, you know, I was just sitting in the bed reading when the Lord stepped into the room. He said, he what? He said, he began to talk to me about you. Of course, you know, I can get a thing as quick as ABC. What would the Lord go round to talk to him about me, for he knows what I know. He said, I was gracious, you know, I never said a word, I just listened. He said, he began to talk to me about you. And he said if you would come and join us that you would be the greatest man in the world. I said, did you find it easy for him to open when you came in? I said, you know what I think about you? Boy, I think you're a fool. Only that you're a harmless creature I would get you locked up for you shouldn't be running about at all. Oh, he would have seen the Lord. I'll tell you where you'll find him now, at this moment. In the town of Fulton. And I could name him for you now. Ain't no way from the Lord that the little was near the Lord. He's standing at this moment in the town of Fulton. Of course he would come down to tell me the reason you're here. Why wouldn't you be a loony to listen to these fellows for very long? Oh yes, I hear a whole lot of this stuff. I don't pay much attention to it. No one haven't seen the Lord. The stuff is dazzling truth, but it is true. And yet the fact is this. He's our unseen Lord. He's the unseen guest. At every meal. Isn't he in your home? Yes, he's unseen. But there's no doubt that all of that are lies to him. He may be our unseen Lord, but it is unquestionable lies. People dead soon have not seen the Lord. You know, isn't this wonderful? Isn't this one whom multitudes have never seen? You know, men sat down and wrote the greatest hymns and the most wonderful spiritual songs about this one. Why, some of the songs that Charles Wesley wrote would fill your very heart and soul. Oh yes, you would all most certainly have seen the Lord. He loves the Lord. Yes, and men have given their whole wealth, every solitary pardon to Him, and they've never seen Him. C.T. Stubb received twenty-nine thousand pounds one day from his father. The chest is handed out of the bench. And he takes the chest book and sends two thousand to the Southern Army, two thousand to Bernard's home, two thousand to this mission, and that mission, and the next mission, and inside that ministry he's got twenty-nine thousand pounds. Oh, he signed the work, he gave it to Christ. Isn't he lost? Yes, you know, it's a great chest, it's the most published chest. We haven't seen Him. But Son of God, we love Him. Yes, men have been burned at the stake. Men have found the scrabble of their arms dropped off in the fire. So does the tall Adoptive. You know, we've done this day by day, we look to Him. And this evening, you're listening to Him. And as you come up through this wilderness chest, I trust you're leaning on Him. You know, the great shock is that we love Him. Oh, there may be times we have to confess that our love is weak in faith. Nevertheless, you know, as you look into the depths of many a heart that listens to Him, it's when you choose love to the Lord Jesus. It is an unhealed gut. Our love is unquestionable. But once a week, I'm there this evening because there are many things in the passage we want to get the hold of. Peter says, Whom have ye not seen ye love? In whom, though now ye see him not, yet believe in him. Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable unto the Lord. And I put a heading on that. Unspeakable sufferings, but unspeakable joy. You know, as Peter took his time to write to these believers scattered throughout these provinces, Peter knew all about their sufferings. I think that nowhere in the New Testament do you get such a catalogue of sufferings. The sufferings of faith, of course, as you get in this letter of Peter. If you get one or two of these out for you now, we'll come to them and develop them by and by. Have a look at the second chapter there. Second chapter of 1 Peter. And do you see verse 18? Let's see chapter verse 18. For this, he's writing to these believers scattered throughout these provinces. And they were 13 different masters. And he says, Children, be subject to your masters with all being. Not only to the good and gentle, but also to the poor ones. For this is stankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully. You know, that's something that's stankworthy. You know, you sometimes believers are asked to suffer wrongfully. And you don't march for your civil rights. You just suffer wrongfully. I wish we could get this into the church of Jesus Christ, but this is what is required of them. Oh, you've got to suffer wrongfully sometimes. But mind you, if you take it patiently, it's stankworthy toward God. He says, this is what he argues about. He said, for what glory is it, verse 20. If when you be baptized for your faults, you shall take it patiently. Now there's no glory if you're in the wrong, you should apologize. But if when you do well and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Oh, but we could learn that, you know. You know, that would ease a whole lot of the burdens, you know. You don't need to hit back. You don't need to throw stones when others throw stones. You have to learn to suffer wrongfully. You have to take it patiently. This is acceptable with God. He said, for even here on to where he called. You're not only called, you know, to trust Christ, you were called to suffer. It's more than anything. Because Christ also suffered for us. But even as an example that he could call his best who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. For when he was revived, revived not again. When he suffered, he wasn't lost. He just committed himself to God. You know, he knew what these believers were going through, you know. And he's talking to them about suffering wrongfully. Have a look at chapter 3, do you see? See, verse 14. But on it he suffered for righteousness sake. Happy are you. Be not afraid of the terror. Never be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your heart. You know, sometimes you have to suffer for righteousness sake. You have to do what's right no matter what the cost is, you know. You know, when I got saved and got a job and after two years became the foreman of the place. You know, the foreman that was before me, he gave everything away. Men carried off things every night. After when the new foreman came, they weren't doing it anymore. This is a bloodshed, isn't it? Stand up and do what's right. If you belong to Christ. Ain't no one giving you medals for it. No, no medals going for standing up and doing what's right at times. Well, you've got to suffer for righteousness sake. Some of us are so mumby-pumby about it, you know. Let the Lord down, don't we? See this here in chapter 4, see verse 16. It says, get if any man suffer as a Christian. You know, you've got to suffer as a Christian. See verse 14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ. Happy are ye. For the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their party is evil spoken of, but in your party is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer. You can't take a gun and shoot somebody, you know. You're not allowed. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody. In other names, martyrs. You're not to suffer, you know, in these directions. You know, Peter knew a lot about suffering. Have a look at this again. He sacrificed. See verse 10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, ask ye that ye have suffered a while, in that ye perfect, and establish, and strengthen, and settle you to him with glory. You know, Peter knew this whole subject of suffering. And he knew what these believers in these provinces were suffering. And yet, you know, he put it like this. We're back at chapter 1 and verse 8. Talking about Christ, he said, Whom have you not seen ye last? In whom, though now ye see him not, yet believe ye. You know, it's this case of ours that brings the wonder and the joy and thrill of Christ into our hearts. Even though we're going through places of suffering. Yet I can tell you this. This brings us joy unspeakable and full of glory. You know, these believers, it was just because they believed certain things. And as Peter writes this great letter and brings in all these different sufferings, so he brings at times in the things that these men believed. Have a look at this now to see if we can get it correct. Do you see chapter 3 and verse 22? This is the last verse. Speaking of Christ, Who is God in possession? Unto from the right hand of God, angels, and authority, and powers, being made subject unto him. You know, these believers scattered throughout these provinces, they believed that Christ was on the throne. And even though they must go through these strains of suffering, yet they believed that he was in control of everything. And it's this belief that brings the joy, the joy that's unspeakable and that's full of glory. Once again, you know, they not only believed that he was on the throne. See chapter 2? Have a look at the end of the chapter. Verse 25. For ye were our sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the shepherd and bishop of your throne. You see, they believed that not only was Christ on the throne, but they believed that he was the great shepherd of the sheep. You know, this is the great belief unit. It's wonderful you get these things properly. When your life runs into a pit of suffering, if your belief can just grasp that Christ is on the throne, and everything is under his control, whether it be angels, or authorities, or powers, no matter what they are, and that he, the one who controls all things, is the shepherd and bishop of your throne. If you can get it like that, you know, it will bring joy into your very heart, and your heart will overflow, because it is joy unteachable, and it's full of glory. Have a look at chapter 3. Chapter 4 it is. Have a look at this now. We were reading there a moment ago, verse 16. Yet, if any man suffer as a Christian, he can not be his own, but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God. And if it must begin at us, what shall the end be if them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous have to be besieged, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God. Isn't that a tremendous statement? You know, it may well be the will of God for you to suffer. That's the thing to get the hold of. Oh, you test your faith. We've been through that. And there may be a state of suffering for all of us. Well, it says, wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator. Oh, that we could get these words correct. Oh, that we could see Jesus on the throne and all the angels and all authorities and all powers under Him. Oh, that we understood properly that He's the Father and this above all. Oh, that we knew that He is the Son. Oh, no, keep it. See the planets that go round the sun, every one in its orbit, going at tremendous speed, but with precision movement, never a second late. Ah, the faithful Creator keeps them there. He'll be able to look after you, won't He? You know, if we only believed this, if we believed that Christ was on the throne, if we believed that everything was subject to Him, if we believed that He was our shepherd and bishop, if we believed that He was the faithful Creator, then your joy would bubble up in your heart. Oh, there may be unsavoury suffering, but there is unspeakable joy. Now, let's get on with it. Let's read it over again. Verse 8. You see, the faith that keeps Christ then on the throne and sees Him as the shepherd and bishop and knows that He's the faithful Creator, knows that He that has begun this good work will finish it, and the end of you finishes the complete eternal salvation that God has for you. Oh, we were saved away back there somewhere when we placed our trust in Christ. You know, we're being saved day after day. I had a great wrestle this afternoon with one of the officers of one of the big factories nearby, and I can't tell you his name just now, and I can't name the factory, but it's not far away from here. And he'd just come to visit me, and he'd come in to these meetings for the last three Sunday nights. And he said, the last Sunday you were here, he said, you know, you beat me. I couldn't get home. Darned me nuts, and they said, can I come and have a yarmulke? Nice character, well-dressed, well-spoken, knows what he's about to do. He says, listen, listen. I would love to be saved, but I'm afraid. Afraid of what? He says, it's tomorrow that scares me. I said, I don't think you're getting this right, you know. You know, when you get saved, you commit your everything into the hands of somebody to be able to teach. You're not asked to do the things you're not. He said, yeah, yeah, I got saved the way back yonder. Got saved from the penalty of sin. I'll never go to hell. And saved by faith. He saved me from the power of sin. And there's coming a day which will be the end of faith. When it kills me completely from the very presence of sin. So take me home. This is the thing that Peter was saying. If you don't fear, did you love Him? He spoke of all the sufferings. Bless God, you have unspeakable joy because you're receiving a way down deep in your heart, the end of your faith, which is the salvation of this world. Yes, you know, he was a great law official, Peter, wasn't he? So you can see those facts too, had been quite clearly. Unseen Lord, but unquestionable love. Unfavorable sufferings, but unspeakable joy. Now we're coming to the tough part of the passage, and you've got to take it easy. You see, he does tell children in verse 9, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your thoughts. Then he begins to talk to them of which salvation. I want you to take the class along with me because there's great truth here and I must carry all the young ones. I want you to get a hold of the word salvation. Our split salvation. This complete, eternal salvation is what he's talking about now. He says our split salvation, so that the word salvation, this is the subject of the passage. Of which salvation the prophets. Let's get the prophets into view now, because they were the servants. Salvation is the subject. The prophets are the servants. Now he says, of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently. Just don't mind that bit for a moment. We'll come to why they inquired and what was the question about in a moment. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently. Who prophesied of the grace that should come on to you. And I want you to get the word grace into this. Because these prophets prophesied about this grace, which was the source of this salvation. You've got the three words now. Salvation is the subject. Prophets are the servants. Grace is the source. You see, they couldn't understand this, so they had to inquire. Because there's a lot of folks down on the road today who don't understand the grace of God. They think you should pay for something. They'll all get away from grace and they'll all get loads of works in their relationship. Our God is paid for works. He's paid by grace. And I'll tell you this, in case you missed it, you get paid by grace alone. If you have to push something through, it is not grace. Not the bit of it. If you have to do that, it's not grace any longer. Grace has given you something without you doing anything. All the same thing. Ah yes, you know, this puzzled the prophets. And it puzzled the prophets because they have to talk about the grace of God saving the Gentiles. That annoys them. When they have to inquire. And they have to speak diligently into it. They couldn't understand it. The grace of God saving Gentiles. Jewish prophets had to speak it. All of us will get annoyed. Yes, you know, it must have annoyed Isaiah when he had to do so much about the Gentiles. What's this? Let's go over to Isaiah. Isaiah, we're at 42. It's the mighty chapter, you know. And it's God speaking through the prophets. And God is saying, Behold my servant. And you know what God is doing now, don't you? God is just looking away down the ages. Isaiah was somewhere about 600 years before Christ. You can see it's Christ in a moment. Behold my servant whom I uphold. Mine elect in whom my soul delighteth. I have put my spirit upon him. He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah's hand must have trembled. Gentiles. You see, God said about Christ, He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, a smoking fleck shall he not quench. He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. You know, this is a tremendous message. And you can see it in all its clarity if you come over to Matthew's Gospel, chapter 12. Have a look at Matthew's chapter 12 and you'll just see how clear it is. Matthew, chapter 12. And what's this? Verse 14. Matthew 12, 14. Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him how they might destroy him. I have started just to see these old Jewish Pharisees or religious men, remember sitting in a council and putting their heads together how they might destroy Christ. What a miserable lot they were. Verse 15. But when Jesus knew it and he knew everything that was going on there were no limits at all in his knowledge. He withdrew himself from death and great multitudes followed him and he healed them all and he charged them that they should not make him known. He didn't want publicity and he didn't want the multitude to hold him up on their shoulders looking for the Christ. Some of them that saw the Christ couldn't get on without the Christ. They didn't want the crowd nor publicity either. You see that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Isaiah saying behold my servants whom I have chosen my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased I will put my spirit upon him he shall show judgment to the Gentiles he shall not strive nor cry neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets bruised and wreathed shall he not break the smoking flesh shall he not quench he shall stand for judgment unto victory and in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Now that was the whole message and remember Isaiah knew it. And I'll tell you this when Isaiah had to preach that he agreed salvation to the Gentiles and in his name shall the Gentiles trust. He couldn't understand it. He couldn't understand the grace of God you know that's his trouble. Oh, this is where we get into trouble all the time this grace of God. You know friends, let's get the hold of this that your rightness doesn't clone the grace of God. God doesn't come out to save you because you're a nice fellow. Let's get the hold of this your rightness doesn't reckon the grace of God. You know the grace of the lost world and offer salvation full, free, pleasant, perfect and eternal it will put your trust in Christ. And the old prophets couldn't understand this. And there's a thousand around us who don't understand it. They say you must pay money you must have this, you must have that you must have the other have service the grace of God will save you without it. For it's not grace at all. Yes, you know the prophets couldn't understand and you could see all the prophets now and you'd find that every time they have to talk about the salvation of the Gentiles they couldn't understand that the grace of God would go over the boundaries of the Jewish nation and save the Gentiles they just couldn't understand that. They even inquired of God and they searched diligently. Now let's go back to Peter. You know this grace of God bringing salvation, doesn't it? Yes, this is what Paul writing to Titus said The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeased. Remind you there's a message of salvation for all men. And don't you ever limit it or cut it down so that you think for some men or for less men then you're not magnifying the grace of God at all. Grace of God doesn't have a weak one. It cannot be grace that would drop it. What sort of grace would that be? Oh, no, it embraces all men. It don't be like the prophets, no. Yes, this is a tremendous thing, you see. He says in verse 10 Our strict foundation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently to spot the signs of the grace that should come unto you. You see, this salvation by grace was an unparalleled message. Ah, but at last some uneasy messengers behind the prophets couldn't understand it. And so I want you to get this, you see. Whom having not seen the love and our unseen Lord but our unquestionable love is there. And then the unsavoury sufferings of these believers still seen right throughout this whole letter of Peter Ah, but their unspeakable joy is there too. And in this unparalleled message but these uneasy messengers are right before us now. Now, we want to get this bit right. Let's read it again because you'll only get it. Whom having not seen the love in whom you now you feel not yet believing you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of your soul. Of which salvation? The prophets have inquired and searched diligently to prophesy of the grace that should come unto you. Searching what? You know they were searching for something. Searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. You know they couldn't understand the time either. Yet they were prophesying that the grace of God would come to the Gentiles. They couldn't understand the grace of God that was going over the boundaries of the Jewish nation to save Gentiles. And they certainly didn't know what time they didn't know exactly what time this would take place. So they're searching what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them. It's very interesting that the Holy Ghost is called the spirit of Christ just there. If you have any doubts about that just turn to 2 Peter. 2 Peter. See the first chapter. See verse 21. For the prophesying came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God did as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, it says there. Holy Ghost and the spirit of Christ are one. Yet you know this is very wonderful that the Holy Ghost came upon these men and moved them. And moved them to write things they didn't fully understand. Ah, that's inspiration. That's what you call inspiration. They couldn't understand, they couldn't figure it out. They didn't know the grace of God and they couldn't know the time when it was going to happen. So they were inquiring and they were testing diligently and they wanted to know, you know, they wanted to know the time. You see, the Holy Ghost came upon them and testified beforehand. Isn't that a lovely word? Testified two things. The sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. You know, I think if you had asked any Old Testament prophet about the glory of the Messiah he could rattle you off the hump of the Old Testament. You remember when we were going through happening to heaven. We went on to that day when Jesus shall reign wherever the sun of its successive journeys rise. And you know I could start now and I could go through all the prophets and I could show you the glories of Christ when the king shall reign in righteousness. When the glory of our wonderful Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. When the lion lies down with the lamb. When the nation shall learn war no more. When the storm will even overhit the river the harvests will be suppressed. And one could go on and you could see the glories of Christ. But you know the Holy Ghost didn't only come upon these men to talk to them about the glories of Christ. He came to talk to them about the sufferings of Christ. And remember if they had got the thing properly the Holy Ghost had testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow the sufferings of Christ. Because they didn't get that bit right at all. You know sometimes we read and we don't get it in its proper setting. Well you'll have to get it in its proper setting to see that the sufferings of Christ came before the glories of Christ. The glories of Christ should follow the sufferings of Christ. They got it all upside down. You know they will like the tune that Roger Emmaus went there. Let's have a look at them because I think that will enlighten them. This is Luke's Gospel chapter 24. Luke's Gospel chapter 24. And this is resurrection they remember. The Lord hath risen from the dead. Let's proceed. And behold two of them went up in they to a village called Emmaus which was from Jerusalem about three quarters of a mile. You know I want you to get this. You leave Jerusalem and you go down an old rocky road to the little village of Emmaus. Now all the time that these two were walking down to Emmaus they lived down there. I believe they were husband and wife. They had a home there and they keyed the door to it and invited the Lord in at the end of the day. Now I want you to get this. You know the assembly is back at Jerusalem. And on the first day of the week they meet in there. Oh I know behind closed doors all right. And the doors barred for fear of abuse. Nevertheless it was the assembly. And I can tell you that these two are going the wrong road on Sunday morning. And if you start going the wrong road on Sunday morning I'll tell you you'll end up in a muddle. You most surely will. You see they were going the wrong road. And here's what it says. And they talked together about all these things which had happened. You know they were not only going the wrong road but they were saying the wrong things. I'll show you what they were saying in a moment. First they seem to have come to pass that when they communed together in reason Jesus himself grew near and went with them but their eyes were holed and that they should not notice. And he said unto them what manner of communications are these that you have one to another as you walk and are sad. You see the way they were talking to one another they were making one another sad so that they were going the wrong road and they were saying the wrong things. Because when you start going the wrong road you'll start saying the wrong things. Not unsure of them there. Whose name was Cleopas? I think the other one was his wife. Answering said unto him art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem and hast not known the things that have come to pass there in these days. And he said unto them what things? You know you're allowed to ask questions of people though you know the answers. Don't forget that scripture. I was going down the road one morning there and I was preaching at this place and I saw this man standing in the rain so I pulled the car up and said are you going down to the Salvation Army? Yes sir. I said how shall we meet and go? He said it's not doing at all now. Not very good. He said there's a boy in Lisbon preaching here you should hear him. I said what do they call him? Mole. I said is he any good? Oh good he said. In fact he should have been here every night last week. I said are you late when you come to the meeting? He said oh yes I can't get there I'm always way back in the porch. I said I thought that because I'm him. If you'd have been a bit earlier you would have told me. You're allowed to ask questions you know. Good to know how you're getting on. And he said unto them one thing. And they said unto him concerning Jesus of Nazareth which was the prophet. That is not just the correct way to talk about our Lord you know. Make thee indeed in word before God and all the people how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and have crucified him. But we touched it. You can see the tone of their testimony can't you? Well I can tell you that they're going the wrong way and they're saying the wrong thing. And they're thinking wrong thoughts. And their testimony's got a wrong tone. They thought for a while that he was the Messiah but not now. They're giving up things now. It's all wrong you know. And I'll tell you this. They said this to him. Yea and certain women also of our company made us astonished which were early at the sepulchre when they found not his body they came saying that they had also seen the vision of angels which said that he was alive and certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre and found it even so that the woman had said but, but, but, but then they saw not. You know they're in a wrong state altogether. He had told them time and time again that they would rise from the dead. They're on the wrong road. And they're saying the wrong things and they're thinking the wrong thoughts and there's a wrong tone in the testimony. And I'll tell you the state of their heart is all wrong. So he just looked at them and said verse 25 and he said unto them all fools who so far to believe all that the prophets have spoken ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. You know he began to show them what the Holy Ghost had testified. The sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow him. You see the spirit was unhindered in the prophets. But the period that the spirit was speaking of us was undated. They couldn't find the time. Or race back to find the time but they couldn't find it. You remember Daniel. Do you remember Daniel? Let's have a look at this just for a moment. I wasn't going to do this but I think I should now. This is Daniel chapter 12. Daniel 12. This is very wonderful to me. Verse 5. Then I Daniel looked and behold there stood other two. The one on this side of the bank of the river and the other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man clothed in linen which was upon the waters of the river how long shall it be to the end of these wonders? They were getting revelations you know of what would happen to the nation. And I heard the man clothed in linen which was upon the waters of the river when he held up his right hand and his left hand onto heaven and sweared by him that liveth forever that it shall be for a time, times and a half. And when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people all these things shall be finished. Now here's what Daniel says. Daniel says ah I heard. But I understood not. Oh he could hear the prophecies all right. But he couldn't understand. Now he's beginning to inquire now. And he's beginning to search. Then he said ah oh my Lord what shall be the end of these things? And he said go thy way Daniel. For the words were closed up and sealed from the time of the end. You are not to knock. He was just telling Daniel that he wouldn't knock. The last verse he said to Daniel is this. But go thou thy way shall the end be. For thou shalt rest and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. He'll go there. You know the prophets got prophecies. And the Lord moves them. And the Spirit of Christ works through them. And gets the vibe of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. But they never knew the time. They searched but they never knew the time. You know I think there's a lesson for us to learn here. You know when our Lord led his people out onto the Mount of Olives and he was about to ascend. You know some of the apostles said to him we'll survive this time and restore the kingdom to Israel. They were just Jewish nationalists you know. They wanted the kingdom restored to Israel. You know he turned on them and he said it is not for you to know the time Timothy. Not for you to know it all. You know there's something God's not going to tell us. The hour and the day when Christ is coming not no man. And you are not going to know. And you are not supposed to know. And there's a whole lot of weak things that God is not going to tell you now. He said to Peter once what I do thy Lord not now. I'll tell you hereafter. And some of us are far too nosy. We're always wanting to know something that God doesn't want you to know. And the prophets didn't know. They couldn't understand the grace of God bringing salvation to the Gentiles. And they certainly didn't know the time when it would happen. And God didn't want them to know. Watch this now. Let's get back to our portion. We're at first Peter. And the first chapter. Now let's get over this track bit again. Verse 10. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired in such diligent ways. Who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you. Testing what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. When it and the word should be when he testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ. And the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed. That's not unto themselves. It was. But unto us they did minister the things. In every thing that they were inquiring into. They were told that it wasn't unto themselves. This great dispensation of grace was not going to happen when they were there. You know the great fact is this. That these truths were not for the Jewish nation of that day at all. These truths were for the Christian church of this day. It was not unto them at all. It was unto us. Who do you think they also is? Ah yes you do. The Lord was coming upon them by the Spirit and moving them. Testifying of the sufferings of Christ. And the glory that should follow. But these things were not for the Jewish nation then. These things were for the Christian church. Because these things are being brought out in the gospel. Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things. Which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you. With the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. You see this is a different dispensation. And the Holy Ghost is coming upon all the preachers today. And these things that were not understood and that the prophets didn't know. Are now being expounded fully by them who are filled by the Spirit of God. Who preach unto you now. You know it's a great passage. On seen laws and unquestionable law. On savoury sausage but on pickable dog. On parallel passage but on easy messengers. On hindered spirit, he just moved when he would. But on dated period. On covered truth. But on non-Christians. You see the preachers of today are on shattered preachers. They must be moved in preaching. Just like the Holy Ghost was moved. Just like the prophets were moved in writing. And I want you to get the last look and say. Which things the angels desire to look into. The angels desire. You know I almost call this the angel delight. Then that's something he's after your dinner isn't it. I've just caught myself wrong. Well you know the angels have a desire to look into these things. You know it's very interesting to notice this. That when Christ was born. You know on that star light night so long ago. When the shepherds were shepherding the sheep on the Judean hills. You remember that the angel of the Lord came upon them. You know here's a very interesting thing about that. Watch this I'll have to show you this in scripture. Because I'm not yet a writer but don't. So way back in Luke's Gospel. And it's chapter 2. Luke's Gospel chapter 2. Verse 8 says. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields. And verse 9 says. Lo the angel of the Lord came upon them. And I think there's just one angel there. The angel of the Lord. He was sent with his message. And the angel said unto them. Verse 10. Fear not. For I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born that day in the city of David. A Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. Lying in the manger. And then it says. Suddenly. There was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host. I think the angel got to see. The great thing. It's a mighty thought. I think you know there was just one angel come out. And the news was so wonderful. That the angels rushed to faith. There was suddenly a meeting of Christians. They all came. And if you take note. Right through your book. You'll find. That the angels were looking in. When Christ was born. And I have no doubts whatsoever. That wondering angels watched him bowing in and thus. I know they were on fire. I know that God kicked them back. Christ must die alone. But I'm sure that him right there was right when he said. Wondering angels watched him bow his head and thus. And I know that when he rose again. They were right there. Mine are there before Mary. The angel said. Come see the place where the Lord lay. And then when he went back again. The angels saw the disciples standing astonished. Why standing astonished? The angels were so surprised. And I'll tell you when he comes again. The archangel will give a shout. After all was looking in. You know why are the angels looking into these things? Why? You know this is really thrilling to me. You know the angels. Don't know a thing about the joy of redemption. The old hymn writer said. When he would get to glory. And when I sing. Redemption started. Angels will fall away. For angels never knew the joy. That my foundation brings. They don't know a thing about it. You see. They're looking into it because. They're amazed. At the love of God. My this is God's love that drew this plan of salvation. They're amazed. At the grace of God. They're amazed. At the suffering of Christ. They're amazed. At that full. Free. Perfect. Present. Eternal. Salvation. Should be offered. To every sinner. No wonder they're looking into it. Why the two angels on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant. When we were doing the tabernacle. They're bent over in their faces as towards the blood. You know they're amazed at the power of Jesus Christ. Fancy angels breaking their necks to understand. Some of you Protestants brought up in this country of ours are still on your way to hell. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. That God loves you. That Christ died for you. That the grace of God has offered you salvation. And you sit there and you have no time for God. Now you'll go to hell. And you'll deserve to be in the deepest pit. Fancy angels are breaking their necks to free you. It's a tightly passage but it's a glorious one. Next week we're going to have a look at the precious blood of Jesus. For we're redeemed with the precious blood. We're singing number 23 tonight. We can't sing anything else. With God be the glory. Great things he has done. So loves he the world that he gave us his son. To you this is life and atonement for sins. And open the life gate that all may go in. You know I've made a great blunder tonight. And I'll probably be murdered for it. I might even be shot and drowned and blew up all at once. I forgot to announce the beginning of our woman's meeting tomorrow evening. May the Lord have mercy on me. I make an apology to religious. Well now, I need to do it with my very best wit now to make amends. Tomorrow evening ladies, it's the beginning again of our woman's meeting. And all ladies are welcome. I want you to get that quite clear. And tonight it's the business meeting. And you've got to do it. And you secretary to be elected. Now if you come along you might be elected as the president. Crazy now. Ladies, make it big for tomorrow evening. Come out to our woman's home. You'll find that there's great fellowship among our women here. They're all dears. And they work so hard in the back for this church. If we've got anything to be done where the women are needed, I can tell you they do it with all their might. Trust you'll come out to the meeting tomorrow evening. I'm sure that'll fill my skin, won't it? Second verse. Second verse. Dear Lord, pass us in thy fear with our blessing. Take us to our homes in safety. And may thy great name be glorified in us. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Thank you. Thank you.