I want to thank John very much for leading that singing. I also want to thank you for singing so well as we were preparing to come in. It was lovely to hear such wonderful singing. And certainly that story of Christ and indeed the work that he did at Calvary is what we're here to tell you all about. And if you want to turn to me please in your hymn book, the hymn number 197, it's found on page 256 of your hymn book. And while this is a song, yet in many respects it's also a prayer. So I encourage the younger ones, as well as the older, whenever we sing it, yes, sing it as a song, but also sing it as a prayer. Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. Tell me the story simply as to a little child, for I am weak and weary. and helpless and defiant. And we'll stand to sing after the musical introduction. Let us all prayerfully sing this together. All standing, please. Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love. Tell me a story, Sidney, as to a little child, For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled. Tell me the old, old story. Tell me the old, old story. Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. His story's tolling that I may take it. That wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin. Tell me the story of him, for I forget so soon. The early dew of morning has passed away at noon. Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story. Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Tell me the story softly. Remember I'm the sinner whom Jesus came to save. Tell me a story, always, if you would really be. In any time of trouble, I'm comforted here. Tell me the old, old story. Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. When you have cause to fear That this world's empty glory Is costing me to dear Yes, and when that world's glory Is dawning on my soul ♪ There'll be the old, old story ♪ ♪ Christ Jesus makes me whole ♪ Tell me the old, old story. Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Let us come to the Lord in a word of prayer. Our gracious Lord and our Father in heaven, we thank Thee for this beautiful evening which Thou hast gifted us with. And we thank Thee, Lord, for the degree of health and strength that Thou hast given to each one that enables us all to be here. We do think of those who are listening in online and would love to be here. We pray, Lord, that Thou wouldst bless their hearts, even where they are. And Father, we do thank Thee for the help which Thou didst give this morning to the children and young people as they took part. And we do pray, Father, that again each one would know Thy help this evening. We thank Thee, Father, for the practice they've put into preparation for this evening, and we pray and ask Thee, Lord, that they would know Thee giving them help in this service so that they'll be able to testify at the end of it that God was gracious and God was good and God was faithful, giving them all the help that they needed as they looked to Him for it. And we do thank Thee, Father, for every child and every young person. And Lord, we covet them for Thee. Lord, we have just been singing about how this world costs too much. Lord, this world, as we heard this morning, it offers so many temptations. And yet, Lord, to chase satisfaction in this world is like chasing the wind. It will never be caught. And even if it was to be caught, like eating the wind, it would bring no satisfaction. We pray, Lord, that Each child and young person, as well as each one who's older tonight, would realize this truth. Lord, that all the things in this world and of themselves are but vexation and torment of spirit. The reason for this world is thee, the one who is above the sun. And we ask thee, Lord, that thou would open up every eye to see that. that each one who has not yet come to Christ would come to Christ tonight. They would call upon Christ to forgive them for their sin. They would ask Christ to be their savior, washing away all their sin. They would ask Christ to be their shepherd, to lead them in the path of righteousness, to protect them, to care for them, provide for them, and to use them for thy glory. For each one who is saved, we give thee thanks for thy goodness and grace in their lives. Every child and young person and older person that's saved is a miracle from thee. And we pray that thou would lead everyone on with thee, protecting them from the devil himself who would seek to lead them astray. Protect each one. Even over the summertime, Lord, be pleased to protect each one in that physical sense and bring them back to the Sabbath school in the new term. Father, we pray that thou wouldst so work and move in every one of our hearts that we would not live for self or for sin, but we would live for thee, for thou art worthy of this. Lord, we thank thee for every Sabbath school teacher. Bless them, even give them a time of refreshing whenever it comes to the summer period. And we ask that thy words encourage them, that their labors are not in vain in the Lord. This Lord undertake for every aspect of the service. Glorify thy name. Be with thy servant, Mr. McConnell, when he comes later on to bring thy word. We thank thee for the relevance of thy word to our hearts today already. Help him tonight. And may thy word bring forth fruit unto perfection in the lives of each one. In Jesus' name we ask all these things, amen and amen. In case there was somebody who wasn't here this morning and yet you're here tonight, I do want to again just take this opportunity of thanking every child and every young person for coming out to the Sabbath school so faithfully over the past term and for every parent and guardian who sent your young people and children out. And may the Lord bless His word which has gone forth to the hearts of the young ones and the Lord even be pleased to bless your home as well. So I'd like to be able to hand over now to our brother Robert, who is the superintendent. We thank him and all the Sabbath school teachers for all the sterling work that they do week in and week out. Well, friends, I would just like to thank you all for coming back again this evening to hear the second part of our program. I'm going to call Charlotte. She's going to come now and do her piece. Although I'm only very small, I have a part to play by saying welcome to you on this very special day. Thank you. Well done, Charlotte. Now, we're going to have Elizabeth's class. They were here this morning to tell us the books of the Bible. Now they're going to tell us the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments. The first commandment. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. The second commandment. Thou shalt not make unto thee any given image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, that is in the earth beneath, that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not make, thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, thou shalt not inspire the Lord thy God in a child's cup. The third commandment. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that take of his name in vain. The fourth commandment. Remember the Sabbath day to keep the holy. The sixth day shall thou labour and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work. Thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy mind servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cow, nor thy stranger that is within thy gate. For in six days the Lord made the heaven, earth, sea, and all that in them is, and rest in the same. Wherefore, O Lord, bless the Sabbath and hold it. The fifth commandment. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the Lamb, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The sixth commandment. Thou shalt not kill. The seventh commandment. Thou shalt not neglect. The eighth commandment. Thou shalt not steal. The ninth commandment. Thou shalt not be a false witness against thy neighbour. The tenth commandment. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour's. Very well done, Elizabeth's class. Now we're going to have Molly Rose and Faith, and they're going to sing Jesus Loves Me. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me. He will stay close beside me all the way. If I fail Him when I die, He will take me home on night. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. Thank you, girls. My Reman's class is coming. They're going to say Proverbs 3 and the verses 1 to 12. Proverbs 3, verses 1 to 12. My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments. For length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee. Bind them about thine neck. Write them upon the table of thine heart. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understandings. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thine able, and marriage thy bones. Honour thy Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be wary of his correction. For whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, even as the Father, the Son, in whom he delighteth. Well done, girls. Phoebe's coming now. She's going to sing for us. When he cometh. When he cometh, when he cometh To make up his jewels All his jewels, precious jewels His loved and his own Like the stars of the morning His bright crown adorning They shall shine in their beauty Bright gems for his crown He will gather, he will gather bright gems for his kingdom. All the pure ones, all the bright ones, his loved and his own. Like the stars of the morning, his bright crown adorning, light shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for his crown. Little children, little children Who love their Redeemer Are the jewels, precious jewels His loved and his own Like the stars of the morning His bright crown adorning Light shall shine in their beauty Bright gems for his crowd Very good, Phoebe. Her and her sister took after her mother. Now my class is coming. Now I'm going to tell you what the Bible contains. The Bible, this book, contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here, paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, how good its design. In the glory of God's hand, it should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and powerfully. It is a man of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open to the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, the reward of the greatest labor, I will come down when we try for another cigarette. Come down. Well done, folks. Now the seniors are going to come. They're going to sing His Name is Wonderful. Going to the front of Gerston. This name is wonderful This name is wonderful This name is wonderful He is the mighty King, Master of everything. His name is wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages. Almighty God is He. I dine before him, love and adore him. His name is wonderful, Jesus my Lord. Well done, seniors. Now, Gordon's class is coming. Now we're going to recite Proverbs 3, 13 to 17. It's getting rowdy there for a minute. So is Gordon. Proverbs chapter 3, verses 13 to 17. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things that canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Well done Gordon's class. Now John's class is coming and they're going to recite the 96th Psalm. Psalm 96. Oh, sing unto the Lord a new song. Sing unto the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name. Shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all the earth. The Lord is great and great to be praised. He is to be feared above all gods, for all the gods of nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him, strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Fear before him all the earth. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth. The world also shall be established, that it shall not be moved. He shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad. Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein. Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh to judge the world. He shall judge the earth with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Well done. Well done, John's class. Ian's class. we will recite Ephesians 2, 1 to 13. Ephesians 2, verses 1-13 and you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and whereby nature, the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them. Wherefore, remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made now by the blood of Christ. I think I need a drink of water after that, even. Well done, lads. Now the whole Sabbath could come on. And they're going to sing, Don't Be Afraid, and He Paid a Debt. Don't be afraid, Jesus is watching you in the dark night He is protecting you, talk with the Lord Ask Him to make you brave, Jesus will hear when you pray Jesus is caring for you. Jesus is helping you too. Jesus is looking for you. Jesus is caring for you. Jesus is helping you too. Jesus is with you whatever you do. You're not alone, Jesus is there with you, He can be seen. For He is there, it's true, He is your friend. And if you're in His care, He goes with you everywhere. Jesus is caring for you. Jesus is helping you too. Jesus is always for keeping before it all's through. Jesus is caring for you. Jesus is helping you too. Jesus is looking whatever you do. I don't know what it is. He paid a debt in an auto. I lived a debt I did not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. And I, I sing a brand new song. Amazing grace to hold it all. For Jesus paid a debt. ♪ That I could ever pay ♪ One day he's coming back for you ♪ To live with him eternally ♪ Won't that be glory ♪ To see him on that day ♪ And now I'll sing a brand new song ♪ Amazing grace, a whole new song ♪ For Jesus paid the debt Well, friends, that brings to the end our program for another term in Sabbath school. Next week, preparation for the exams and then the exams before the end of June. A few people I'd like to thank. The Sabbath school teachers for their faithfulness each Sabbath, not only to the Sunday school but to the prayer meetings once a month. Teachers have a burden for the souls of the boys and girls that come here each and every Sunday. And to you, the parents, for sending them. You play a big part. If you don't send them, we don't get them. Well, thank you for that there. Send them well turned out and well prepared in the things of God. To the minister in session, for overlooking our Sabbath school, any problems is resolved immediately. I want to thank them for that there. And to the Lord, we're numerically full every Sabbath day, and there's room for more. Our numbers remain high. We thank the Lord for that. We thank the Lord for the soul that's been saved. Throughout the years, he's been faithful to us, met all our needs, blessed the boys and girls with health and strength. Yet it's our prayer that he would come and reap a harvest to the glory. of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Pray for the teachers. Pray for the boys and girls. Perhaps you're here tonight and you're a member of the church, and the Lord's been speaking to your heart about labouring for him. Well, there's always a need to be stalled by a teacher, and indeed a full-time teacher. Come and speak to me. Speak to our brother here in the pulpit. We'll get you sorted out that way. You know, whenever I stand in front of the boys and girls, and they've heard me saying this before, and so has the teachers, I look down on them, just as I'm looking upon yous now. Different faces, and the smaller ones get further back in the Sabbath school, and next thing they're gone. The thought comes to my head, to my mind, I wonder how many I'll see in the glory soon to come. Sombre thought, just as I'm looking upon you tonight. I wonder how many of you I'll see in the glory soon to come. Boys and girls, will I see you? Brothers and sisters of the boys and girls, will I see you? Mothers and fathers, will I see you? Grandfathers and grandmothers, will I see you in the glory soon to come? You know, I'm going to leave this with you. Last Thursday morning, there was a wee family not far from here. There was great excitement in the house. They were going holiday. And I've no doubt, mommy, as I always do, made sure the cases were packed, the right clothes was in them, and the sun lotion was in them, and the passports was in them, and the money was safely in her purse. And you know, there's excitement that morning when I woke up. Everybody into the car and whizzed off to the airport and onto that bigger airplane and took to foreign destinations. And the sun was shining. It was warm. Some excitement. Some joy. And within a few hours, just a few hours, that joy turned to sorrow and sadness. There was a mother and father without a son, and a sister without a brother. A wee boy, four year old, snatched it unto God's eternity. Just in the twinkle of an eye. I knew that verse came to me, and it came to me this morning again, early, before I came to the meeting house, in Matthew 24, 44. Therefore, be ye also ready, For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. Friends, young people, will I see you in the glory. Amen and amen. Robert. I want to thank Robert for the words that he said. And in order to be ready, it's as simple as A, B, C, and D. Admitting our sinfulness before God, that we're not what we ought to be. At times we're told lies, at times we've been selfish. But B, believing that Jesus Christ has paid the debt for our sin. And then C, calling upon Jesus Christ to forgive us and to save us. And then D, dedicating your life to Christ, not to earn salvation. but in thankfulness for the salvation he gives you freely. Are you ready to meet the Lord? I want to say in the program tonight, all the young people and the boys and girls, it was excellent. I want to thank you very much again for being here and for taking part in our service. We're going to sing a final song. Before we come down to hearing the message the Lord has laid upon Robert's heart, it's hymn 687. And while you're turning to the place, can I just mention a few announcements? The first one is that there's supper after the service tonight. So I hope you're not in any rush away and you're able to stay behind it there in the church complex. Just use both sides of the stairs and go straight up to the top and to get your supper. But lovely to enjoy fellowship with each and every one of you. There's plenty of food there. And I do want to thank the ladies of the congregation for all their work in preparing for that. Then please remember that this Saturday at half past seven, there will be an open air weather permitting in the lower square of the town. And then, next Lord's Day, there will be the early morning time of prayer at 9 o'clock, the Sabbath school at 10.30, and the adult Bible class at 10.45, the times of corporate worship at 12 noon and 7 pm. There will be the seasons of prayer before both those services at half eleven and half past six. And it would be good to see even those who are visiting with us today to come even next Lord's Day, even though the children and young people aren't taking part, but lovely to see you. to come and to worship God and to enjoy fellowship with us here around the gospel. Next, Lord's Day evening, there will be remembrance of the Lord's death until he comes again. And therefore, I encourage you to remember that and to prepare for it. And as was mentioned this morning, this week, Monday through to Friday, 8 o'clock to around about 9 o'clock each evening. There, just before the rack road, on the main road, there is a tent. and there we're holding a gospel mission. And I'd be lovely to see so many gathered out night after night. The tent was almost filled today. I'd be lovely to see that tent filled. Bring yourself, bring others, invite others, and may everyone, every one of us, seek to take the opportunity to bring at least one, if not more, to the tent mission this week. It will, of course, continue next Lord's Day at half three, and all of next week, Monday to Friday, eight to nine as well. But again, thank you for being here. And let us therefore sing this offering hymn. There's a friend for little children above the bright blue sky, a friend who never changes, whose love will never die. And we'll remain seated for the commencement of this hymn while the offering and tithes are collected. above the bright blue sky. A friend who never changes, whose love will never die. A line of friends by nature, who change through changing years. His strength is always worthy. of the righteous kind, with all the blessed Savior and all the father kind. A rest from ev'ry trouble, from sin and danger free, where ev'ry little world shall rest eternally. Above the bright blue sky. ♪ Where Jesus reigns in glory ♪ ♪ A home of peace and joy ♪ ♪ No home on earth is like it ♪ ♪ Or can with it compare ♪ ♪ For everyone is happy ♪ ♪ Or dearly happy ♪ Let's stand for Meaningful Reverses, please. There's a crime for little children Above the right we strive And all who look to Jesus Shall wear it by and by Our pride, our brightest glory, which ye will then bestow, on all who love the Savior, and all within the earth. There's a song for little children, above the bright blue sky. A song that will not weary, shows up continually. A song where teenagers can never, never sing. They know not Christ the Savior, but worship Him as King. ♪ Oh, for little children above the bright blue sky ♪ ♪ A harp of sweetest music and sounds of victory ♪ ♪ Oh, above this treasure and find in Christ alone ♪ O come, dear little children, and glory be your own. Amen. We were blessed this morning through the message that her brother, Mr. Robert McConnell, had to bring. And I'm going to invite her brother to come and to bring the message the Lord has laid upon his heart now. Well, I would like to thank you once again for having us along to be part of your Children's Day service. And as we close out the very end of this wonderful program, we want to congratulate the boys and girls again for doing so well tonight. Not easy, especially as you get a little bit older and a bit more aware that every eye is upon you to be willing to come to the front and to take part. We have to also thank the Sunday School Superintendent and the teachers. These things just don't happen. There's a lot of hard work, a lot of effort, and a lot of worry and distress over putting a program together. But you can all relax now. It's all completely finished. It's over. Of course, that is until this time next year and when it all starts again. Tonight, as you can see behind me, we have some pictures that we want to show you as we bring a message from the Lord. Now, I use a slightly different medium than what you have here on the laptop, and so you might find some of the text might move about a little bit, but you'll get the general gist of it, and we trust it'll be a blessing to your heart. I have been greatly encouraged today and that we really believe with all of our heart tonight that we have a message from the Lord, and not just a little filler in at the end of a great day with the boys and girls, not just some little sound bite, but we really believe in the depths of our heart tonight that we have a message from the Lord, and we trust that that message will find a resting place in your heart tonight. Because if you're saved tonight, there's a message here for you of great, great joy and enthusiasm, happiness and wonder. But if you're not saved tonight, I want you to listen especially, not to me, never worry about me, but listen to what the Lord has to say through his word. Because this could be the last time and the last opportunity and the last urgency that's within your heart to put these eternal issues right. and to be ready for the great judgment day. So with ourselves already, we'll get started. And I've noticed already there's some terrific sitting, and as promised this morning with this little fishing net, didn't get much of an outing today so far, but we're going to go a little bit further back, and I see a girl, she's wearing a lovely blue outfit, and she's sitting terrifically well, so I better give her one. And she knew who she was, and she was sitting really well. And we'll keep an eye out, anybody in this seat. There's my old pal there, we'd better give him one as well. There you are, good man. Okay, let's see. No, no, no moment of bother, okay. Better give her one. There we are. Now, let's get started. Because you know, mums and dads and boys and girls, whenever I was a little boy, there was something that I used to want to do. It was a big, big desire of mine, over and above many other things, and that was to get staying up away past my bedtime. And when my bedtime was half past seven, well, the desire was, if I could stay up to eight o'clock, that would be great. And then when the bedtime was eight o'clock, oh, we'd put on the big sad eyes, and we tried our best to get staying up to half eight. And you know, it was okay on the weekends, but maybe on a school night, well, it didn't work so well. But that was my great desire. Maybe that's how you feel growing up, your bedtime's quite early, and you would love to be able to stay up a little bit later. And that's your big plan. You know, every year we take away a lot of boys and girls on a camp. And on the very first night, as it always happens, there's always two or three boys come to me and they'll say, Uncle Robert, I'll not be needing my sleeping bag tonight. We're having an all-nighter. Well, I can assure you that they don't have an all-nighter. because we have plans and schemes and ways to make sure that they're tired and they get a good night, an all-nighter of sleep. But some boys and girls want to stay up late. And there was an occasion many, many years ago, and I'm going to share some pictures with you, and I want you to watch ever so carefully, because way, way back in 1965, that's when all those people up the stairs were only teenagers. And way back in 1965, there was one young man, and I'm going to show you some pictures of him, if all works well. Now, they're old black and white pictures, and his name was Randall Gardner. And this young man, he's a little bit older than most of the boys and girls here. He was 17. He was from the United States of America. He was from California, and he was in high school. That's the big school. And he was wanting to get good marks so he could continue on in his education. And so, to help him not fall behind in his grades, there was a science fair. And while others were building gadgets and doing all kinds of chemical experiments, he came up with a terrific idea to get good marks, high grades, and to get all the passes. And what was the great idea that he had? In the science fair, it was to see how long he could stay awake without sleeping. Now, he didn't do it by himself. he got some help. And as you can see in this next picture, he's monitored by two doctors. These are sleep specialists. One was called the Dr. McDermott, and the other was called the Dr. Ross. And they were there that while he was doing this experiment to test and see how long he could stay awake, they were there to safeguard, watch over him, and make sure no harm came to him, and to monitor everything in a very scientific way. Well, this young man, he stayed awake not for one night, not for two nights and days, not for five nights and days. This was going to be something special. In fact, he stayed awake not for 10 nights and days. He stayed awake for 11 nights and days without going to sleep. Now I'm going to show you some pictures here of what happened and how it turned out. On the first couple of days, day one and day two, things weren't too bad. He just got a little bit irritable now and again. You know how we all do when we need a little rest and we're not getting it. But by day three and by day four, things were not so good. As you can see from this picture behind, they tried to occupy his time, and they put a blindfold on, and they're testing him, and they're giving him all sorts of flavors of drink to see how well he copes with tiredness and his ability and his awareness. But by day three and day four and day five, things were not going so well. In fact, in the next few pictures you're going to see, he looks like me any given morning. Whenever I get up, he looks pretty poorly. And so here he is, by the end of the experiment, you'll see all these kinds of monitors all stuck around his face there to read brain activity and to find out what's going on in his mind. And by the end of day 11, he could hardly keep things together. Easy peasy sums, he couldn't work out. He would start a sentence and he couldn't finish the sentence because he forgot what he was talking about. He couldn't even hold a pencil. And although his eyes were open, although he was talking maybe slurred and slowly, parts of his brain were beginning to shut down, even though he was still awake. Nobody else has ever broken this record. 11 days, 11 nights, no sleep. In fact, those who keep the records Won't let anybody else ever try this again because it's far too dangerous. Harm can be had. And so that record stands because of the medical problems that can occur. But thankfully this young man, Randall Gardner, he made a full recovery because we're told in day 12, he went to bed and he stepped for 14 hours straight and he made a full recovery. Now, we're telling you this story tonight for one reason, because when you turn to God's precious Word, there are so many stories in the Bible about people whom the Lord gave rest when they were in great difficulty. But there are also many stories in the Bible about people who went to sleep when they should have been awake. You see, sleep is very good for you, but only at the right time. Not behind the wheel of the car. Not if you're getting paid to be a security guard somewhere. Sleep is only good when you do it at the right time. Sleep is a great blessing. And the story I want to share with you tonight is a story about ten young maidens. The Bible describes them as ten young virgins. And they tried to stay up as long as they could. They were ever so excited. They didn't want to fall asleep. They had no intentions of falling asleep. But in the story in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, we read what happened to them. You see, these ten young girls were terribly excited because there was a wedding coming. But better than that, they had been invited to the wedding. In fact, better than that, they were going to take place, take a part in the wedding in a very important way. And they were so excited to be involved in this wedding. And so, no doubt, these young girls got themselves all prepared. You see, I think girls like weddings more than boys. Now, there's certain parts of a wedding that a boy, young fellas, enjoy. Maybe that's seeing the flashy car coming up to the door of the church. Maybe it's a real sports car, an old-fashioned car, a big stretch limo, and that'll attract the attention of the boys. Look at that machine. Oh, if I had one of those. Or maybe the boys like this part in the wedding, that's throwing the confetti left, right, and center, and making a whole hoo-ha, and trying to get it in somebody's eye. Or even better than that, they might like the reception, the big tuck-in, and the dessert, and the whole lot. That would be my favorite part. I know it doesn't show, but I like that bit. But for the girls, the girls just love the whole thing, start to finish. And these 10 young virgins, these young maidens were no different. Might have lived. many thousands of years ago, but no different. And they had this special invitation, they had a special part to play, and they were looking forward to it, and they knew the day was coming, and they got themselves all ready, beautiful frocks, hair looking the best, everything, maybe even a squirt of perfume, who knows? And they were all ready for this wonderful, wonderful wedding. Now, weddings in Bible times were a little bit different than they are in our land today. In Bible times, it was customary for the father of the young man who wanted to get married to give a substantial gift to the family of the bride, a big gift, a dowry. And then the marriage agreements would be signed, all the technical, all the legal stuff would be done. And then the day would be set and preparation would be made, not at some fancy hotel, no, it was all at the bridegroom's home place. And there all the guests would be invited and all the family would be there and the preparation would be made and the foodstuff would be gathered because they would have a celebration for a very long time, not just one night, it could be a whole week. And as they prepared and they got ready, The young bridegroom would then leave his home place, and he would come the distance, and he was coming for his bride who was waiting on him. But before he got to the celebrations, before he entered into the property, before he got to where the preparation was made, there would be those who would be there to greet him. And this was the job of these 10 young ladies. They were there to line the street, to lead the way, to head the procession, to bring the bridegroom in to the festivities. And they were ever so excited. And they only had one job, one thing to do. And the Bible makes it very clear that these 10 young girls were to have their lamps ready for that day. They were to be burning bright and shining for the bridegroom coming. And that's what they were to do. But we're told that five of these little girls were foolish and five were wise. All were there, all slumbered and slept, but five were wise and five were foolish. And when the day came, there they were already, all talk, all excitement, and they waited, and they waited, and they waited for the bridegroom to come. And it seemed as if he wasn't going to come at all. The early morning soon went into the afternoon, and the afternoon into the evening, and it was beginning to get late, and beginning to get dark, and these young girls, the whole thing was beginning to tell on them. As you can see from this picture, there's one up in the corner. She's found herself a great spot, but she's fast asleep. She had no intention of falling fast asleep. She was all talk a while ago about this wonderful festivities and wedding. There's a couple of others sitting beside each other, but one by one, one beside the wall, one on the steps there, and one by one, they all fell asleep. And there they were sleeping. Hope you're not sleeping. They're all sleeping. Can you hear them snoring? And there they are. And then suddenly, out of the blue, God's Word tells us that there was a loud cry went up, a loud cry went up, and the cry was very simply this, that the bridegroom was coming. The bridegroom was coming. He was on his way. And so all these young maidens suddenly awoke, suddenly began to brush themselves down, maybe to fix themselves up a bit disheveled and wipe the eyes. And they began to then trim their little lumps to get them ready. They were going to need them now. So they'd be burning bright when the bridegroom came, they would be ready. They would escort him into the festivities, into where everything was happening. But the Bible tells us that five of those little maidens were foolish. They hadn't made the preparation. It was all about themselves and how they would look and how things would be and their thoughts of the day, and they hadn't made the single preparation that was required of them. Their lumps were empty. It's a bit like you boys and girls today. If you had a torch, you need to have plenty of power in the battery. It'll not work. No matter how good a torch you have, the batteries are no good. It'll not burn. It'll not break. It'll not shine. And so five of them weren't prepared at all. And the other five very quickly were able to light their lamps. They had plenty of oil. And there was talk of it sharing, but that could never be. You can't share. There wouldn't be enough to go around. And so while the five foolish maidens ran off as quick as they could, with the bridegroom coming to try and get themselves prepared and ready, the bridegroom came. And we're told that those five wise young girls, with their lamps burning bright, having talked about this great wedding, they went in with the bridegroom. And do you know what happened? The door was closed. And then do you know what happened after that? As the others came and as they sought help to get in, they didn't get in. And they knocked upon the door and they called and they called and they never got in. They were turned away. Oh, a while earlier they were all talking about getting in. Do you know there's a great talk about getting to heaven? Oh, we would all love to be in heaven someday. We'd all love to be there. But it's not going to be the case for all unless preparation is made. Because that's what this whole story's about. And this whole story was told by the Savior Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to people's hearts, telling them. that He was the Bridegroom, telling them that He was coming back again. Oh, yes, He had come the first time. He came as a little babe to Bethlehem. Oh, how the shepherds and the wise men and the angels all rejoiced to see that day. Oh, how we think fondly of that time of our Savior coming. how He grew up, lived a perfect life, sinless life, and then at the appointed time, He laid down His life when He died upon the cross, shed His precious blood, not for His own sin, for He didn't sin, but for your sin and for my sin. And then He rose again victorious the third day, but now He's telling people He's coming back again. Do you believe that? Are you living your life in the light of that? Or is it all about the now? Is it all about the here and now, and what you've got, and what you're gaining, and what you've accumulated on this scene of time, with no thought of the Savior coming, no thought of eternal issues? Well, the bridegroom did come back. He came back when the people were not expecting it. And the Bible goes on to tell us that only those who are ready will go in with the bridegroom when he comes. Only those like the five wise young virgins whose lamps were burning bright, only those who are awaiting the coming Savior, only those who have the joy and the oil of His salvation in their hearts and lives, and they're burning bright for Him, and they're ready for that day, and their lamps are trimmed and bright. Is that you? Or is your lamp, like your life, empty and full of darkness, and it'll never light? Because you don't have the oil of God's great salvation. You are going to be either one of these two categories, either one. And deep down, you know right now which one you are. You know if you're burning bright for the Savior. You know if you're saved. You know if you've got the light of the gospel in your heart. And you also know if the Savior's not in your heart and life. You also know The darkness is there. The hardness is there. The indifference is there. And these young ladies went in and they were ready. And the Savior went on to explain that this wonderful wedding celebration, these activities, are a picture of heaven. Picture of heaven. And only those who are ready, only those who are saved, only those who are burning bright for Him will go in with Him on that day, and the door will be closed, and there'll be no other opportunity ever given. Too late, too late will be the cry, Lord, Lord, open unto us. And the answer will be verily, I say unto you, I know you not." And there's no second chance. There's no other opportunity. Too late. Are you ready for that day? Are you burning bright for the Savior? Are you all just talk about heaven and the hope of heaven someday and the ifs and the buts and the maybes? You can have certainty tonight. You can be certain, first of all, that the Savior's coming again, and if he tarries and you're not cut off before it, only those who are burning bright for him will enter in with him and go to that wonderful place called heaven. I want to close with a verse that's already been quoted tonight. We haven't talked about this among ourselves, but here's the closing thought for you tonight. Therefore, this is the Savior speaking. Forget about me tonight. This is the Savior speaking. He said this 2,000 years ago, and tonight these words are more than what they even were then, because the time's closer now than ever it was before. Therefore, be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. Are you ready tonight? Is your lamp burning bright? Are you looking forward to the Savior? Oh, yes, we're all sleep and slumber. But are you ready? Are you ready? Oh, I trust that you are, because if you're not ready, the Bible makes it very clear that you'll end up in a lost eternity. You'll pay for your own sins. You'll be punished for your own wickedness. Not for a short season, but forever and forever and forever in that awful place called the lake of fire. And our prayer would be tonight that you would be wise to these things, that you would hear the voice of the Savior, gentle, loving, caring voice. But the message is still the same, isn't it? Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour that ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. And if he comes tonight, Where will you be? Will you be on the inside of that door? Will you be on the outside? Whose fault is it if you're on the outside? None but your own. Oh, that you would be wise tonight. I'm going to hand back over to your minister, and I want to thank you for sitting so well tonight. And may the Lord bless these few thoughts even to your heart. Amen. If you could turn, please, to hymn number 233. We're going to sing three verses of a closing hymn. In 233, we do thank our brother Robert for bringing that solemn but most important message to us this evening. Once again, the gospel message. From the Savior you have heard, will you heed the invitation? Will you turn and seek the Lord? We'll stand to sing. Please think upon the words, and we'll sing verses one, three, and five. One, three, and five together, please. All silence. gospel message of the Savior you have heard. When you heed the invitation, when you turn and seek the Lord, Come, believe me, come, believe me, Come to Jesus, work and live. Come, believe me, come, believe me, Come to Jesus, work and live. For your choice is waiting, Climbing on amongst this tide, While the Spirit guide is shining. Let us sing the Savior's song. Come believing, come believing, come to Jesus, look and live. Come believing, come believing, come to Jesus, look and live. Let your will to God be given, Trust in Christ, atoning love, Work through Jesus, God in heaven. Rest on His unchanging Word Come believing, come believing Come to Jesus, work and live Come believing, come believing Come to Jesus, work and live Please remain standing. Just before I close in prayer, less than a year ago, that parable about the five foolish young ladies was told and preached in this congregation, not by me, but by another minister. And one of the young men brought up in this church called upon the Lord later on the week after that message had been preached. I praise God for his wisdom in calling upon the Lord. And even as that same message has been brought to you this evening, I trust that another young man, several young men, even several ladies and boys and girls will call upon the Lord, even perhaps older ones, and will make that wise decision to be ready and to get right with Christ. For no man knows what a day, not simply a week or a year, but even what a day will bring forth. Let's bow in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank thee that the opportunity is still there for people to turn from their sin and to turn to Jesus Christ. We thank that the gospel message is simple. If we admit our sin, but believe that Jesus Christ has paid the debt for our sin once for all at Calvary, and we call upon the name of Christ, and we dedicate our lives to him in thankfulness, we shall be saved. Bless thy weirdo. Bless this message to every heart. And may more young men and women, boys and girls, and older men and women, be wise tonight and call upon Christ. Bless the things that have been provided and our time of fellowship together. Make it sweet in the Lord. And may no one leave the meeting tonight without making sure that they're ready Christ was to come tonight that they would be ready. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen.