Building a Grace-Filled Church | A Grace Church Sermon | Unity, Peace, and Love in Christ

[0:00] I just want to announce today we're changing the church name. We're going to be called Grace Baptist Church.! It's John 17, where the Lord prays, where the Lord Jesus prays, and he asks the Father for numbers of things.

[0:38] And one of the things that he prays for is John 17, 22. It tells us, And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one.

[0:52] It says our Lord prayed that his people, the church of God, would be one. One body. And so we're going to just use that as a bit of a launching pad. Not so much an expository one here tonight, but more of a topical theme about what makes the church a grace-filled kind of church.

[1:12] A church of grace. A grace-filled church. A church with grace. A church with godly unity. Really, grace should be the prevailing aspect of how we live, of how we interact, shouldn't it?

[1:27] Think of our church as a family connected together. We reflect God's heart in this fractured world. And the Lord Jesus prays that of us, he says that we be one.

[1:39] That there be a oneness, a unity. Our Lord wants for his church to be one. And we know the world we live in is full of hostility. And I've experienced some hostility towards me or to this church where there's some.

[1:53] And they're not, it's not the Grace Baptist Church. I don't think they're a grace church or a Baptist church, the one that we're talking about. But there's some that have got the opposite of grace, really.

[2:04] It's a works kind of idea. Yeah, it's all about works. But I'd like to put the focus on the grace of God. I think that's where the focus should be. When there's a world full of harshness and unforgiving hearts and quick offences, that we are the people of God who've got a culture of grace.

[2:23] That we respond with grace. That grace motivates us. And grace moves us. And grace unites us. And we speak the language of grace. Our actions, our attitudes.

[2:35] It's grace. It's his love. And we can live different to this world. Really, it's a Jesus culture, to use a common expression. We are the Jesus culture. We are the grace culture.

[2:46] We are the people of God. And we should be, as the church could be, a place of grace, a people of grace. A family bound together by love and grace. And our Lord says that it's by this love that people will know that we're his.

[3:01] He says, By this shall all men know, that ye are my disciples, if ye have love once or another. There's that theme of love. It should mark us. And it should be an emphasis.

[3:12] And when you think about the enemy that we're confronting, the enemy who hates the church, the people of God, he hates that power of a unified church. The enemy hates us.

[3:23] He hates that unity. And he works against that. He will do whatever he can to destroy that, to break down brotherly love, the love that binds us together in godly unity.

[3:35] And he wants to attack us from without, as we've had some experience of. And from within, there's that danger too, of a sowing discord within amongst ourselves. Obviously, we don't want to see the enemy have any part.

[3:48] And it can be so easily to fall for these things where there's a discord. And we can be a part of it through a careless word, a misunderstanding, usually a moment of pride.

[4:00] It's usually pride that is the curse because we think, I know better than somebody else does. And our enemy's aim is to divide, isn't it? To fracture fellowship. But rather, my theme tonight is, how do we cultivate the opposite of that, a godly unity, that we can be that strong, united church, full of grace, to be that church that's known for grace, and a church that brings God all the glory.

[4:24] What is it that makes a church one, a united church? It's known for, I'll put to you one feature of this church that's united and strong, is peace.

[4:37] Think of the church, the body of God's people. It's really a sanctuary in a storm, isn't it? Where we can find the prevailing peace of God. And peace should be prevailing in our attitudes, in our relationships with each other.

[4:52] And our source of peace, really, is the word of God. Here's a classic scripture, Psalm 119, 165. It tells us about peace. Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.

[5:08] Our source of peace is actually God's great peace. And it comes by his word. And there's a resilience there. It says of those that love God's word, that they have a great peace.

[5:20] And nothing shall offend them. Think of it, brother, sister, how can we have that peace, that we can cultivate the peace of God, that we can have that resilience from stumbling, when naturally, carnally, it's easy to be stumbling over every slight or disagreement.

[5:41] And the devil loves to use offense, doesn't he? He loves to offend. Offense. It's one of the greatest destroyers of church unity, when we take offense at a brother, a sister, and we can get carnal, where we get offended over the least little thing, a word, a look, a preference, a misunderstanding.

[6:02] The devil doesn't want us to be united, he wants to divide. And it tells us here, that the people who love the word of God, it says, as they walk in his word, they're not going to take offense.

[6:15] Wouldn't that be something, where there's a difference, there's a clash, but actually, we're not going to get fussed over it. We're not going to take offense, and start to have infighting.

[6:26] And peace, it's a wonderful quality to know. And we can know a great peace. It says, we can know a perfect peace. It says, they will keep him in perfect peace. His mind is stayed on thee, because he trusted in thee.

[6:38] It's saying here, that the people of God, we can know a perfect peace. And it says, our mind is stayed upon him, as we trust in him. It's saying literally here, of perfect peace, literally, it's shalom, shalom.

[6:52] It's a complete, whole, perfect peace. It's peace emphasized. It's peace, peace. It's this peace. It's peace that comes, not from perfect circumstances, or perfect people, but fixing our mind upon, the perfect God.

[7:08] Trusting his will, his guidance, his sovereignty, his goodness. A God-centered kind of peace. We think of the united church, that God helping us, we are. We have that peace amongst us, between us.

[7:21] Peace with God. And peace, really, that comes from God's promises. And we can know, we can trust God. And there's a sure peace there. It's a powerful peace. It's peace with God. We can know it personally, each one.

[7:33] Peace, no matter what. And it's a contagious peace too. It's a peace that, we want to share. And, we want to, have that peace that, we can tell others, how they can know peace with God.

[7:48] And when we think, really, when our focus is Christ, our Lord, it's stayed upon him, we're not going to focus on, minor offenses, or personality clashes, differences, or differences of opinion, they lose their power, to divide us.

[8:04] I've got to say, sometimes I actually disagree, with my wife. You wouldn't believe it, but, when she, when she's got some wrong idea, she differs from me. But no, really, it's reality, the reality is, that we've all got differences, of opinions, don't we?

[8:18] Even amongst ourselves, as saved people, we can have differences, and really, differences need not divide us, is the point. And we can imagine, that in the stormy sea, there's a ship there, that's anchored securely, it's steady.

[8:35] And it's the same with us, because God's truth, anchors us, doesn't it? His word. And when there's storms, of conflict, or difference, there's some misunderstanding, we can go through that, because we're anchored.

[8:48] Think of, the truth that, differences don't have to divide us. I actually think, that having some differences, amongst us, is actually a strength, of our church. Because, I've got to tell you, tonight, you don't all have to be, cookie cutters of me.

[9:03] You don't all have to believe, or be exactly like me, or know exactly what I know, or follow my particular opinion, on every subject. Mind you, you should pray about that.

[9:15] But no, honestly, what matters is that, peace prevails, isn't it? That we can get on, with each other. And we think, how can we be a church, filled with peacemakers? How can we unite, in that fellowship of grace?

[9:26] Cultivate that peace. And it can help us overcome, when there's some difference, here and there. That we don't get irritated, or offended with each other. But rather, we pause, and pray, and we try to be, Christ-like.

[9:43] How would Jesus respond? It's wonderful that, by God's grace, in this, grace Baptist church that we are, that, what keeps us united, is not sameness, but God's peace.

[9:58] We don't have to be, the same. But we can be peacemakers, so that, that will be our emphasis, and we'll create that community, of peace.

[10:08] So, a united church, I put to you, that strength of that church, that is united, is, it's marked by peace. Another truth is that, that kind of church, is, marked by, perseverance.

[10:21] There's a perseverance, we just get on with it. We keep on keeping on. We don't let something, become, an obstacle, or a stumbling block. There's a forbearance, it's that glue of unity, that we, manage to, accommodate others, who might have, some, some, different idea, of this or that.

[10:41] We stick with each other. And, it's what binds, a good church together, that, there's a love there, that, is the, dominant thing.

[10:52] We see, of the Colossians there, Paul tells them, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even if any man, have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.

[11:04] You see, Paul exhorts the Colossians, forbear, forbear, forbear. It's about that willingness, to be patient, to endure quirks.

[11:17] Julie's put up, with this man, for 40 odd years. She's got a lot of, experience in forbearance, so, if you need a lesson, in forbearance, Julie can help you. It's overlooking, those quirks, and I've got plenty of them.

[11:32] It's overlooking, small slights, it's extending grace, when others fall short, it's going the extra mile, isn't it? Forbearing, one another. We don't give up on each other, is the point, isn't it?

[11:45] We don't give up. And, the enemy would let, minor issues, fracture our fellowship, but rather, let's choose to forbear, one another. In other words, when there's petty differences, when there's some preference, or some personality clash, some offence, actually we don't take offence.

[12:04] We're not going to take, the devil's bait. We're going to bear, with each other's flaws. And you could think of it, as like in a marriage, forbearance, is what helps keep love alive.

[12:15] In a marriage, it's what makes it go the distance, because you put up, with each other. God helping you, don't you? Amen, brothers? Oh no, it's the sisters that should, it's the sisters that need, the forbearance, in the marriage.

[12:30] But, it's when we go the distance, isn't it? When there's annoying habits, or small disagreements, hey, get over it. The spouse leaves the dishes in the sink, or, has got a habit of being late.

[12:43] Love overlooks those things, that can be annoying. And forbearance, think of it in the church setting, it's when we, keep on loving each other, isn't it? That you are more important, than whatever the subject, we differ about.

[12:57] And God helps us to stay together, keep on loving. Don't let bitterness grow roots, and forbearance is that glue, that holds the church together. Hey, we can have a little bit of difference here, it's not going to, cause, a conflict.

[13:14] We can, prioritize love, over pride. Because sometimes what it is, with church disagreements, and division, or disunity, at the heart of it, the problem really, it's pride.

[13:26] That's what it is. That people, want to win the argument, and, make a divide, when it doesn't have to be a divide. So when someone frustrates you, just pause, and pray, pray for patience, ask God to help you see others, as he does see you, a sinner, saved by grace, just like you.

[13:45] So we can choose, to overlook small offenses, focus on the bigger picture, we want in Christ. Of course, there's times that conflict, needs addressing, but we do that with love, we do it lovingly, the aim, being reconciliation, rather than winning an argument.

[14:01] Forbearance, it's another quality, it's that perseverance, of the, Grace Baptist Church, forbearance. So we see peace, perseverance, a third thought, of this powerful witness, of a grace filled church, is, power.

[14:21] We know, when the people of God, got together, in Acts, they were together, in one accord, in one place, they were united, there was a God given peace, and there was power there, they were powerful, when a church embraces grace, our words are filled with grace, our lives, we're tender hearted, there's a kindness, we're Christ like, with our forgiveness, there's power there, think of it, when a church has that, when a community, sees the church with that, there's true power there, because they see, they know that we're Christians, by our love, they know that we're his disciples, there's a powerful witness there, that God's love is in action.

[14:58] When we think of, God helping us, that church that we aspire to be, I believe we already are, but we could do better, there's an atmosphere of grace, there's an atmosphere of grace, prevailing grace, grace in a bunch of, I say for myself, weak, inadequate, flawed people, brought together, by the grace of God, to be the church, and it's such a church, of a mixture of all kinds, of flawed people, that God can use for his glory, amen, that he can attract the hurting, because they see, there's safety, there's acceptance, there's compassion, and such a church is powerful, it's a powerful witness, because grace creates space, where people can grow, people that are weak can come, and they can grow there, and love and forbearance, is that quality, that makes the church strong, stronger than any disagreements, or difference, that church brings glory, brings glory, because we're forbearing one another, hey, make some space for each other, imagine a neighbourhood, where people hear about a church, that loves deeply, forgives quickly, and speaks graciously, grace attracts people, and there's power, it's a glimpse of heaven on earth, to be such a people, a church that draws people, to the Lord, because of its love, and so it takes that intention, to choose grace, choose forgiveness, choose peace, rather than take offence, and know that this is his power, that makes it possible, he enables that empowerment, it's the fruit of the spirit really, at work isn't it, and he empowers us, to be that kind of church, he abides in us, and we abide in him, like the vine, with just the branches, and we don't have to strain, to produce fruit, we just have to be, part of the vine, as the branches of the vine,

[16:56] John 15, talks about staying connected, to the vine, and the life of Jesus, flows out naturally, his grace, his kindness, it's his fruit, it's the fruit of his spirit, and we can become that, vibrant community, that he wants us to be, it tells us if we abide in him, that he's going to produce fruit, and we can be, controlled by his spirit, it's the fruit of his spirit, think of it, when you consider it, brother sister here tonight, that same grace, that saved us, enables us to show grace, to other people, that same love, that he loved us with, enables us to love others, to forgive others, that same peace, that reconciles us to God, helps us to have that, mindset of peacemaking, and to be that place, where the world sees Jesus, we see God's peace prevails, there's perseverance there, where we forbear, there's power there, because God is working, in lives, how then can we see, such a church, how can we, see such a church, come about,

[18:07] I put to you, there's two things, to help us, to cultivate that, two things, to watch for, firstly, watch your words, your words, are very powerful, we know the Bible tells us, that death and life, are in the power, of the tongue, think of the power, of gossip, that's powerful isn't it, think of the power, of, edifying, one another, there's power, there's death, and there's life, in the power, of the tongue, our words are, powerful, powerful, and, really unity, begins with our words too, here's a, lovely scripture about, what we say, it tells us there, there is that, speaketh like the piercings, of a sword, but the tongue, of the wise, is health, we can choose words, that are like the piercings, of a sword, stick it into him, stick it into her, some piercings, of a sword, finding some word, that is, hurting, and causing scars, and, causing destruction, or rather, the tongue, of the wise, is health, what we say, can bring healing, and, bring life, and restoration, so, your words are powerful, brother, sister, here tonight, and think of, the power of words, that are full of grace, let's choose words like that, words that heal, words that uplift, rather than words that pierce, and divide, and grace is the key, notice grace, is the key,

[19:52] Colossians 4, verse 6, let your speech be, sometimes with grace, that's not what it says, it says, let your speech be, always with grace, so, whenever you speak, whenever you, say something to someone, ask God to help, grace be, a feature, of what you say, let your speech be, always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know, how you ought to, answer every man, think of salt, it preserves food, it enhances flavor, and our words can act, as this kind of, action of the salt, the salt, it has this, quality, that is, beneficial, as a benefit, and think of, our words, they can bless, and they can minister, they can be, something that, yeah, I'd like some salt, on that, thank you, when you get, given a meal, yeah, let's give, some grace, when we're talking to others, because that's going to be, a good thing, it's going to bring benefit, speak those words, that are kind, loving words, words of grace, and, we know, the reality is, that our words, as we talked about, they can be, death, or they can be life, our words can build up, or they can tear down, you can think, maybe yourself, you can think of, perhaps a time, when someone's words, changed your day,

[21:20] I know, I can remember back, when I was, probably, seven years old, and the principal, of the school, said something to me, and I can remember, what they said, we don't know, the impacts of our words, the words that you say, even to little ones, in your life, in your family, in your circle, the words that we say, people can remember, your words, for a lifetime, and, they can be, words that hurt, or words, that bless, think of it, of your own words, rather choose, words of encouragement, and, words, of gentle correction, of affirmation, imagine a church, where, every word, blesses, and heals, and unites, it's, every word, is seasoned, with grace, rather than, the words that pierce, like a sword, how can it be, sometimes you might remember, some words, that, changed your day, maybe it was a sarcastic, remark,

[22:25] I can remember too, as a youngster, I used to get picked on, quite a bit actually, and, they used to call me, some nasty nicknames, and, I can remember that, it would, it hurt me at the time, it did hurt me, sarcastic remarks, I know I said a sarcastic, remark this morning actually, and I thought, afterwards I thought, I shouldn't have said that, because we can say words, without, thinking, yeah, that probably wasn't, a wise thing for me to say, could it be a whisper, or gossip, or, did you know this, some whisper, some, or a sharp criticism, now I've had, as I say, I've had some interchanges, with someone, on social media, and they're very harsh, it's like, where's the grace there, even if I am, I am in error, it's, basically it's a work based, kind of, disagreement, that someone who's, really putting the view, that, you have to have works, to be saved, or to show that you're saved, and, but this exchange, with this man, there's no grace there,

[23:39] I'm just, responding with grace, I'm just, keep on loving him, encouraging him, being gracious with him, one day maybe, he's going to get mature enough, to see, well there's a different, way of looking at that, and not to be so hard line, so harsh, but for some, it's almost like, they can't help themselves, whether they're narcissistic, or something, whether, they're just intent, to be harsh, to be hard, to be a critic, and, the words that we speak, they can shape our life, can't they, and they can shape, the lives of others, so harsh words, can leave a lasting hurt, we might remember them, from our childhood, from our time of youth, words that were said, in a church circle, words that were preached, and sometimes, those words, were not seasoned, with that grace, rather let, our speech be, a healing balm, a source of health, James tells us, to, choose our words, carefully, to be quick to listen, to be slow to speak, to be slow to wrath, choose words that edify, rather, zip the lip, rather than say it, be slow to speak, actually, engage mind, engage heart, before, engaging mouth, isn't it, to be slow to speak, that we choose, our words carefully,

[25:08] I know, there's a, an acrostic that, you might have seen, it's quite a helpful one, I think I might have, mentioned this, sometime before, but, there's this, kind of helpful, saying, and it is, not necessarily, a Christian saying, but I think, there's truth to it though, think, before you speak, and it gives us, this acrostic, T-H-I-N-K, before you speak, before you speak, is it true, what it is that you want to say, to someone, actually, are you sure that it's true, it's important to verify that, because you can be a, relay of something that's not true, is it true, is it helpful, is what I'm going to say, is it actually going to help somebody, is it going to be a benefit to them, is it going to be, of some support to them, or is it not helpful, if it's not helpful, don't say it, I, is it inspiring, is what I'm going to say, going to inspire someone, maybe encourage them, in their faith, be a blessing to them, be an uplift to them, edify them, is it inspiring, if it's not, probably better not to say it, think before you speak,

[26:23] N, is it necessary, is it necessary, that you relay this information, is it necessary, that you communicate, whatever this is, that you want to tell another, is it really necessary, if it's not necessary, then, better not say it, just don't say it, and then lastly, K, is it kind, am I words kind, am I being kind, to this person, or am I actually being unkind, by saying these words, it's helpful isn't it, to think about, all of those things, that our words, would be seasoned, with grace, that would commit, our tongue, to be an instrument, of healing, not harm, to build, and, to have that, leading of God, in using our words wisely, and so we see, we should watch our words, secondly, the other thing, to help us be, this kind of church, that God helping us, he wants us to be, is to watch, your heart, watch, your heart, it tells us, of this, in Ephesians 4, 32, and be kind, one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, the Bible urges us, to be, tender hearted, tender hearted, and, when you think about, this truth, it's really the heart, of God isn't it, it's the heart, of kindness, the heart, of forgiveness, that that would be, focus, that that would be, our bias, to be kind, and we think of this verse, really it's a blueprint, of Christian living, isn't it, of relationships, it's the model, how has Christ treated us, hasn't he been tender hearted, hasn't he been kind, the loving kindness, of our God, hasn't he been forgiving, think how Christ, has treated us, with kindness, when we deserve judgment, with mercy, when we had none to give, with forgiveness, though he had no way, to repay the debt, and God calls us to, kindness, it's really the, kind of oil, that keeps the, machinery of the church, running smoothly, where, there's that kindness, that, it overcomes friction, that kindness, and relationships flourish, kindness, it's really love in action, it's practical, it's intentional, it's sacrificial, you might think, maybe there's someone, you know, amongst us, they're struggling, you might want to do something, practically, put yourself out,

[29:00] I know, there's some in our number, someone was in trouble, and they took it upon themselves, to spend time, to spend time, with that person, while they're going through, this crisis, that's tender heartedness, that's being kind, isn't it, put yourself out, hey, go the extra mile, do something, that maybe it's, hard to do, do something, that's difficult, for you to do, to care, and we could think, as the ones, helping the young people, in the youth group, for example, it's taking time, to sit down, and listen to them, sometimes, you might have a visitor, or a visiting child, to a youth program, and who knows, this is a bit too scary, and I'm not going to come back again, but when the youth leader, sits down, and talks to them, and reassures them, and just comforts them, listens to them, talk, and gets a feel, aware they're at, and reassures them, that can be the difference, can't it, with them staying, in the youth program, or staying in the church, than actually, oh, nobody talked to me,

[30:04] I'm just going to, slip out, and never go back again, it's about that kindness, isn't it, that we've got that, that responsiveness, that love, that consideration, for others, and maybe it's about, when there's a newcomer, to church, hey, we can say, maybe you could, invite them, to spend some time, with them, to have a cuppa, or something, just, let's be kind, it's powerful, kindness, and it's that atmosphere, that we want to have, as a church, and we think tenderness, tender heartedness, it goes deeper, and it causes our hearts, to be soft, to be compassionate, what's the opposite, of tender heartedness, it's hard heartedness, isn't it, how easy it is, to be hard hearted, to be selfish, selfish, and, we can, miss that, tender heart, that God wants us to have, when others are in pain, may God give us, a tender heart, a tender heart, it weeps, with those who weep, it rejoices, with those who rejoice, a tender heart, it doesn't get hardened, when, criticism comes, how can we be, that tender hearted church, that we've got, that safe haven, hey, there's hurting people, there's wounded people, there's people carrying, lifelong scars, all around us, in these streets, all around us, how can we be, that tender hearted church, that safe haven, how can we love people, with that forgiveness, that he's loved us with, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, how has he forgiven you,

[31:37] I know how he's forgiven me, a rebel, unworthy, that he gave, the costly sacrifice, of his precious son, to forgive my sin, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you, how much should you, forgive others, it's really, unlimited isn't it, can think, how in a family, there's an argument, there's an offence, there's bitterness, and then another family, there's forgiveness, there's apologies, there's love, renewed daily, that's the kind of church, we're meant to be, like a loving family, where forgiveness, breaks down the walls, and where we see, relationships matter, forgiveness, it's choosing to release the debt, to let go, to let go of the right, to retaliate, but I'm right, doesn't matter, forgive anyway, let go of the, your right to retaliate, and it's really choosing, Christ's mercy isn't it, to forgive us, he forgave us, we didn't do anything, to warrant his forgiveness, we didn't do anything, to deserve, his forgiveness, and so we should, so forgive, is there someone, you need to forgive, how's our relationships, is there a grudge, that you've been nursing, is there a small act, of kindness, you could offer, but you haven't yet, do it now, look for those opportunities, to be kind, if there's unresolved conflict, do your part, to seek reconciliation, let's cultivate, godly harmony, let's be that church, wouldn't that be great, if that's what we're known for, as a church, as the Grace Baptist Church, as it were, that really is gracious, a gracious Baptist Church, where there's kindness, where there's forgiveness, where people are going, the extra mile, it's not just preach, but it's practice, it's not just the name of a church, but it's who they are, it's their identity, that would be that people, marked not by arguments, but by love, and there'd be a blessed unity there, that when we dwell together, when we get together, there's harmony there, that's a good thing, that we get on with each other, it's good, and it's pleasant, so think of it, as we just reflect, some points is there again, just to recap really, how's your speech, before you speak, is it really kind, is it necessary, is it true, are the words that I want to say, gracious words, are they words that are going to build up, or tear down, am I kind, am I looking for those opportunities, to show kindness, maybe an unexpected kindness, just be kind, whether you feel like it or not, be kind, even though it's not expected, for you to be kind, be kind anyway, listen to someone, show some care, give someone some time, reach out your hand, and forgive, release the grudges, that you might have, and forgive, as Christ forgave you, even when it's hard to forgive, think of these practical things, and forbearance, choose patience with other people, and choose love over pride, even if you are right, choose love, you don't have to win the argument, forbear one another, and if we can be that grace,

[35:30] Baptist church, it says God gives grace to who? The humble, God gives grace to the humble, God doesn't give grace to the prideful, he gives grace to the humble, we need to exercise humility, don't we, so think of it, how can we be that church, with that grace, as the predominant feature, it's all to the glory of God, isn't it, to imagine a church, where every word, is seasoned with grace, every heart is tender, every offence is forgiven, and God's peace prevails, that'd be something, wouldn't it, to be that gracious, gracious Baptist church, to be that community, where the wounded, can find healing, where it's a safe haven, where people can come, and know the grace of God is there, to reach them, to save them, so let's make this commitment, brother, sister, some commitments we can, perhaps to think about, making, tonight,

[36:34] I will speak, with grace, I will be kind, even when it's hard, I will forgive, as I have been forgiven, I will guard my heart, and my speech, I will trust God, and not take offence, I will forbear, because Christ is born, so much for me, and by this, shall all men know, that you are my disciples, if you have love, once or another, that love will prevail, again, that love will prevail, that we'll speak with love, we'll act with love, that love will be the atmosphere, that will be that, grace Baptist church, let's pray, Lord we thank you that, it's only by your grace, that we can be saved, and it's your grace, that sanctifies us, that gives us your righteousness, Lord we thank you, that we can claim by faith, your promises, Lord to be that kind of people, that you want us to be, Lord that we'll have that heart, that we'll love your word, such that nothing will offend us,

[37:41] Lord we'll have that forbearance, with one another, that we'll forgive, that we'll be kind, that we'll be tender hearted, tender hearted, Lord that our words, will be with grace, our living, our interactions, will be gracious, Lord help us, to have that heart, to love one another, as you have loved us, Lord we thank you, that when our words, have wounded, Lord forgive us, when our hearts, have hardened, when our pride, is divided, Lord forgive us, for those things, help us Lord, to rather, reset, Lord with your gracious, Holy Spirit's help, that we'll be that church, that's full of grace, full of grace and truth, a truly grace Baptist church, Lord help us to be, such a church, all for your glory, and honour and praise, and more so every day, that we'll be more so, such a church, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.