WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.960 Great. Well, can I just add my welcome to you this morning. 00:00:03.580 --> 00:00:06.440 And you might be worried thinking, we normally do a reading about now. 00:00:07.100 --> 00:00:08.140 He's gone rogue. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:11.439 He's put the Bible to the side. He didn't even bring one up. 00:00:12.160 --> 00:00:13.080 What's going wrong? 00:00:13.720 --> 00:00:18.760 Well, rest assured, I have a whole page of printed out verses from the Bible. 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:22.179 It's one of those series that we're in at the moment where it's topical. 00:00:22.620 --> 00:00:24.320 We're going through, why gather? 00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:27.640 Why do we do church? 00:00:27.640 --> 00:00:31.560 And when we come, why do we do what we say we do? 00:00:32.679 --> 00:00:35.039 Why do we preach? Why do we do communion? 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:36.460 Why do we baptize people? 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:40.420 And this morning, we're looking at why mission? 00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:43.640 Why mission, which is helpfully behind me. 00:00:44.460 --> 00:00:47.840 I know we have a lot of different verses I'm going to refer to this morning. 00:00:48.159 --> 00:00:50.140 So I've put them on the slide behind me. 00:00:50.299 --> 00:00:51.579 So hopefully that's helpful. 00:00:51.939 --> 00:00:53.840 And that's why we don't have a main reading. 00:00:53.980 --> 00:00:55.600 We're going to have lots of little readings. 00:00:55.600 --> 00:01:01.500 Because as we're going through these things, it's good to justify what we're saying by referring to the Bible. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:04.599 It is our truth as Christians. 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:07.280 And so it's what we will refer to. 00:01:08.340 --> 00:01:15.659 So to get ourselves thinking, I was looking up recently the population of the world. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:18.299 We're now at 8 billion. 00:01:18.899 --> 00:01:22.679 And by this morning, it should be about 327 million. 00:01:23.319 --> 00:01:24.179 Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot. 00:01:24.819 --> 00:01:26.039 That is a big number. 00:01:26.599 --> 00:01:29.379 That's one of those numbers that you actually can't quite picture. 00:01:29.560 --> 00:01:30.979 You just don't really understand. 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:35.459 Or certainly I don't understand how many people that actually is. 00:01:35.459 --> 00:01:43.599 And you know, by the end of this sermon and about half an hour's time, there'll be an extra 4,000 people on planet Earth. 00:01:46.319 --> 00:01:47.919 Taking it a little bit more local. 00:01:48.619 --> 00:01:50.159 On average, per day. 00:01:50.679 --> 00:01:51.979 And it'll vary wildly. 00:01:52.119 --> 00:01:52.719 Don't get me wrong. 00:01:52.759 --> 00:01:57.199 Between your stage of life that you're at, who you are, what you do with your time. 00:01:57.200 --> 00:02:04.159 But you will have about nine meaningful contacts with someone else in the course of your day. 00:02:04.960 --> 00:02:06.320 Nine meaningful contacts. 00:02:06.620 --> 00:02:09.300 It could be a chat with a person who's serving you coffee. 00:02:10.300 --> 00:02:12.900 It might be someone at work that you're having lunch with. 00:02:12.980 --> 00:02:19.020 But we, on average, have nine meaningful contacts with another human being per day. 00:02:21.060 --> 00:02:22.259 You know, schools. 00:02:22.539 --> 00:02:23.939 The children, most of them have gone out. 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:27.960 But there's 280 is the average in a primary school. 00:02:28.139 --> 00:02:29.840 Or 1,000 in a high school. 00:02:30.579 --> 00:02:33.620 That's a lot of interactions going on. 00:02:34.939 --> 00:02:38.099 And you know, quite literally, bringing it closer to home, I was looking up. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:38.879 I was quite interested. 00:02:39.659 --> 00:02:41.259 The average street population. 00:02:42.099 --> 00:02:45.900 So the average people that share your street name is 65. 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:52.199 65 people that live on the same street as you. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:56.159 Now, why did I get into this rabbit hole of numbers? 00:02:57.060 --> 00:02:59.539 Well, my point is, is that we can't get away from people. 00:03:01.039 --> 00:03:04.599 And as we'll see, and as we'll look at, we are born to be relational. 00:03:04.859 --> 00:03:06.339 We are born to know other people. 00:03:06.459 --> 00:03:08.319 To come into contact with other people. 00:03:08.839 --> 00:03:13.799 And as Christians, we should act in a certain way when we do. 00:03:13.800 --> 00:03:20.240 So as we get stuck into why mission, I was thinking, how are we going to approach this? 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:22.939 And the why, of course, is important. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:25.140 But you know, so are all the other words. 00:03:25.600 --> 00:03:26.939 So we're going to start with what. 00:03:27.480 --> 00:03:28.780 We're then going to do why. 00:03:29.100 --> 00:03:31.080 We're going to do who, when. 00:03:31.320 --> 00:03:32.880 And then we're going to do how. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:37.140 And we're going to look at how we can look at this topic of mission. 00:03:37.139 --> 00:03:40.599 So let's get stuck in to the what. 00:03:41.239 --> 00:03:43.219 Well, what do we mean by mission? 00:03:43.779 --> 00:03:47.079 Well, I'm going to define it, and Craig helpfully shared this as well. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:52.279 But sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. 00:03:53.119 --> 00:03:54.479 That's how I'm going to define it. 00:03:54.959 --> 00:03:58.979 Mission is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with other people. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.319 And the good news of Jesus Christ is the gospel. 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:10.479 Gospel means good news, and most commonly it is referred to as the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:15.299 In the Bible, we have the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:21.259 That's where these guys who had eyewitness accounts of what Jesus did and what he said. 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:29.100 But you know, in order to share the gospel, we need to know it. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:35.580 We need to know the good news of Jesus so that we can tell it to others. 00:04:37.040 --> 00:04:40.500 And you know, if we're trying to tell someone the good news of Jesus, 00:04:41.180 --> 00:04:44.100 it will really affect on the situation and the circumstance. 00:04:46.020 --> 00:04:49.500 Alan Sugar in The Apprentice, he likes to say to the people who are in front of him, 00:04:49.540 --> 00:04:51.680 likes to say, give me your elevator pitch. 00:04:52.280 --> 00:04:53.580 You've got 30 seconds. 00:04:54.260 --> 00:04:54.920 Sell it to me. 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:59.199 And they always look a bit flustered, and they're not really sure what to say. 00:04:59.280 --> 00:05:02.160 And they start with, like I did, big long numbers that mean nothing. 00:05:02.520 --> 00:05:03.740 And they don't get to the point. 00:05:05.280 --> 00:05:06.420 But you know, that might just be it. 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:10.460 We might end up in a conversation with someone on a bus, and they're about to get off. 00:05:11.040 --> 00:05:14.980 And we've got 30 seconds to tell them why we think Jesus matters. 00:05:16.080 --> 00:05:19.560 Or it might be that we meet up with someone in a coffee shop for the sole purpose 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:23.360 of going through who Jesus was and why he came. 00:05:24.660 --> 00:05:30.480 And so our definition and what we say in answer to that question will be very different. 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:36.100 And you know, I'm going to give it a maybe middle-of-the-road go just now. 00:05:36.100 --> 00:05:40.320 So the gospel, we need to know it. 00:05:44.020 --> 00:05:49.620 Well, God, before time, before time even began in eternity past, 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:52.480 was Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit. 00:05:52.780 --> 00:05:55.160 God was relational in and of himself. 00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:59.320 That God out of love created the world. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.280 And the world was made perfect. 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:04.299 And mankind was made. 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:08.179 That means that we are known and that we are loved by God. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:14.519 But that perfect picture was ruined when man's disobedience came to the fore. 00:06:15.379 --> 00:06:17.099 And sin came into the world. 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:19.199 It ruined God's perfection. 00:06:20.679 --> 00:06:24.899 And since then, there's been a separation between God and man. 00:06:25.699 --> 00:06:30.139 We can see how that relationship between a faithful God and an unfaithful people 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:34.120 goes throughout the Old Testament as his people wander away from him. 00:06:34.699 --> 00:06:36.959 And yet God is faithful and tries to bring them back. 00:06:37.659 --> 00:06:42.000 But ultimately, that relationship with God was severed at that point. 00:06:43.539 --> 00:06:47.019 And I think we know that sin is rife in the world, isn't it? 00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:52.120 And if we look at ourselves, we know that we are sinful, that we mess up. 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:53.539 We get it wrong at times. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:59.400 And God, because he is holy, because he is perfect, because he is just, 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:01.180 he can't just let us away with it. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:07.300 No, there are consequences for our actions. 00:07:09.040 --> 00:07:14.620 But the good news of the Bible and the whole of the Old Testament points to this man, Jesus. 00:07:14.620 --> 00:07:23.579 And over 2,000 years ago, he came into the world, and that was God's salvation plan. 00:07:24.420 --> 00:07:29.000 And you know, the wonder of it is, is that this plan wasn't an emergency hatched plan. 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:29.500 No. 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:32.740 God created the world knowing that we would mess it up. 00:07:33.600 --> 00:07:35.300 Knowing that Jesus would have to come. 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:38.720 And yet out of love, we were created anyway. 00:07:41.300 --> 00:07:42.519 So Jesus came. 00:07:42.519 --> 00:07:44.459 He was a child. 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:45.939 We'll think about that soon, won't we? 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:47.319 I'll not say how long it is. 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:48.759 But very soon. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:52.759 We will think about Jesus coming into this world as a baby. 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:55.319 Born like any other. 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:57.000 And yet so different. 00:07:57.379 --> 00:07:59.000 Fully man, but fully God. 00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:00.079 So didn't sin. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:02.620 Never messed up. 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:05.560 Could only do that because he was God. 00:08:06.719 --> 00:08:08.479 And in his years of ministry, 00:08:09.019 --> 00:08:10.899 aged between 30 and 33, 00:08:10.899 --> 00:08:16.799 when he went around telling others about himself and about his father and why he had come. 00:08:18.159 --> 00:08:19.919 He said, I am the son of God. 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:22.079 And he backed it up with the miracles. 00:08:23.459 --> 00:08:27.459 His actions proving that he was who he said that he was. 00:08:27.459 --> 00:08:32.399 And this Jesus, he went all the way to the cross. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:34.480 That we think about Easter time. 00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:37.939 He allowed himself to be put on it. 00:08:37.980 --> 00:08:39.759 And he was punished physically, yes. 00:08:40.579 --> 00:08:42.199 But in those three hours of darkness, 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:44.319 all of sin was put upon him. 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:47.480 That punishment that we deserve, 00:08:47.840 --> 00:08:49.519 individually, for our sin, 00:08:49.659 --> 00:08:50.679 was put upon him. 00:08:50.679 --> 00:08:54.159 The one who didn't deserve it. 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:56.959 Took it for those who do deserve it. 00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:58.399 Which of all of us. 00:09:01.199 --> 00:09:02.319 And then he died. 00:09:02.419 --> 00:09:03.279 He was fully dead. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:05.459 That soldier put that spear in his side. 00:09:05.979 --> 00:09:06.759 He was buried. 00:09:07.479 --> 00:09:08.579 But then rose again, triumphantly, 00:09:09.339 --> 00:09:10.239 three days later. 00:09:12.739 --> 00:09:13.819 Talked to many people. 00:09:13.939 --> 00:09:15.099 Many people saw him. 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:16.399 Risen again. 00:09:16.399 --> 00:09:20.199 And then went back to the right hand of the Father on high. 00:09:21.139 --> 00:09:21.919 And so as Christians, 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:23.799 we worship one who is not dead, 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:24.699 but is alive. 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:27.720 And that is the glorious good news of Jesus. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:29.759 He also promised. 00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:31.059 He said, I will come back. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:33.240 And get you again. 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:35.419 And so if we trust in him, 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:38.079 if we accept the work that he did, 00:09:38.439 --> 00:09:40.779 if we apologize for the wrongs that we have done, 00:09:41.559 --> 00:09:43.879 and promise to live our lives the best that we can, 00:09:44.759 --> 00:09:46.079 for the Lord Jesus, 00:09:46.860 --> 00:09:48.600 then we can look forward to a future 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.100 that has no more pain, 00:09:50.360 --> 00:09:51.159 no more suffering, 00:09:52.059 --> 00:09:53.399 no more tears. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:56.459 A world that is perfect once again. 00:09:57.439 --> 00:09:59.500 That is the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:04.439 1 John 4, 9-10. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:06.199 It's always great to quote the Bible 00:10:06.199 --> 00:10:07.919 when we are telling others about Jesus. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:09.240 It says this, 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:12.419 this is how God showed his love among us. 00:10:13.199 --> 00:10:15.600 He sent his one and only son into the world 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:16.980 that we might live through him. 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:18.700 This is love. 00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:20.759 Not that we love God, 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:22.680 but that he loved us 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:26.139 and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice 00:10:26.139 --> 00:10:27.519 for our sins. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:30.600 That sums it up beautifully, doesn't it? 00:10:30.700 --> 00:10:33.360 That was what Jesus came and did. 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:37.139 And that is the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:39.819 So we need to know it ourselves 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:42.100 to be able to tell it, 00:10:42.100 --> 00:10:43.620 don't we? 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:46.039 So that brings us to the why. 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:48.019 Well, if we know that, 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:48.879 if we are Christians, 00:10:49.039 --> 00:10:50.679 if we have accepted that truth 00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:52.500 and we are trying to live that out, 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:55.439 then why would we want to tell others 00:10:55.439 --> 00:10:57.460 about it? 00:10:58.600 --> 00:10:59.919 Well, Psalm 117, 00:10:59.919 --> 00:11:01.199 what a beautiful little psalm. 00:11:01.339 --> 00:11:02.099 This is the full thing. 00:11:03.039 --> 00:11:03.799 Praise the Lord, 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:04.860 all you nations. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:06.579 Extol him, 00:11:06.679 --> 00:11:07.539 all you peoples, 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:10.539 for great is his love toward us 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:12.360 and the faithfulness of the Lord 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.259 endures forever. 00:11:13.479 --> 00:11:14.339 Praise the Lord. 00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:15.719 Amen. 00:11:16.979 --> 00:11:17.699 Well, we see in that, 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:20.299 that God cares for the nations. 00:11:20.719 --> 00:11:22.519 He cares for all people. 00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:24.919 This was in the time of the Old Testament 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:26.139 where he had his people, 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:27.019 the people of Israel. 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:29.899 And yet God cared for the nations. 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:33.079 He wanted all nations to know him 00:11:33.079 --> 00:11:34.199 and love him. 00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:36.039 So first of all, 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:37.720 we should want to tell people 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:39.620 because God cares for them. 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:44.480 We're also commanded to tell others, 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:47.100 both directly and indirectly. 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:50.480 When we look at these two passages here, 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:52.019 1 Timothy 1.15, 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:54.220 feel free to turn to them if you want. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.559 I would encourage you to have your Bibles 00:11:55.559 --> 00:11:56.480 or you can take notes 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:58.279 and check them up later on 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.539 and read the passages around. 00:11:59.680 --> 00:12:00.379 They're very helpful. 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:02.879 But 1 Timothy says this, 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:04.360 here is a trustworthy saying 00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:05.800 that deserves full acceptance. 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:08.659 Christ Jesus came into the world 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:09.800 to save sinners 00:12:09.800 --> 00:12:11.680 of whom I am the worst. 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:14.060 That was Paul speaking. 00:12:14.920 --> 00:12:16.159 If you don't know his story, 00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:17.220 it's an interesting story 00:12:17.220 --> 00:12:18.980 to go and see why he says 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:20.200 he is the worst of sinners. 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:24.039 Luke 19.10, 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:26.159 for the Son of Man came to seek 00:12:26.159 --> 00:12:27.860 and to save the lost. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.740 That is why Jesus came. 00:12:30.839 --> 00:12:33.959 He came to seek and save the lost. 00:12:34.079 --> 00:12:35.379 He came to tell others. 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:37.519 He proclaimed that about himself. 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:41.199 And we are to be like him. 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:43.980 Jesus is our ultimate example. 00:12:44.579 --> 00:12:46.259 Christian means to be Christ-like. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:47.620 As Christians, 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:48.819 we are to work hard 00:12:48.819 --> 00:12:50.819 to be more and more like Jesus every day. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:53.759 And so we are to follow his example 00:12:53.759 --> 00:12:55.700 and to tell others. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:58.539 But we are not proclaiming ourselves 00:12:58.539 --> 00:12:59.879 because why would we? 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:01.039 We have nothing to offer. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:03.159 We proclaim Jesus 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:05.279 just as he did. 00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:09.139 And you know, 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:10.120 in a similar vein, 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:14.159 when we grasp the gospel truly, 00:13:15.439 --> 00:13:18.360 we will want to bring others 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:19.480 into what we know 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:21.199 and to what we have. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.459 When we fully understand 00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:25.339 the magnitude 00:13:25.339 --> 00:13:27.439 of what God has done for us, 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.399 the position, 00:13:28.559 --> 00:13:29.439 the horrible position 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:30.319 that we were in, 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:32.019 living in sin, 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:33.939 living without God's favor, 00:13:33.940 --> 00:13:37.000 what we have been saved from, 00:13:37.080 --> 00:13:38.560 an eternity without him, 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.720 and saved to a life 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:43.580 that can be fulfilling, 00:13:43.940 --> 00:13:45.420 we can have joy to the full, 00:13:46.160 --> 00:13:47.580 and a future in heaven 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:48.600 that is perfect, 00:13:49.880 --> 00:13:51.460 and where we can praise God forever. 00:13:52.260 --> 00:13:53.220 When we truly grasp 00:13:53.220 --> 00:13:54.520 the magnitude of that, 00:13:55.540 --> 00:13:57.240 we will want to share that 00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:58.040 with other people. 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:01.600 Acts chapter 4, verse 20. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:03.700 So in Acts, 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:04.519 Peter and John, 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:05.139 they were gone 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:06.040 and they were in Jerusalem. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.240 They'd just seen 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:07.960 the risen Jesus. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:09.659 They were so full 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.820 of what they had just seen. 00:14:11.159 --> 00:14:12.060 And they say this, 00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:13.840 as for us, 00:14:13.920 --> 00:14:15.620 we cannot help speaking 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.759 about what we have seen 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:17.259 and heard. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.019 You imagine it was almost 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:20.240 pouring out of them, 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:21.879 just saying, 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:23.159 we've just seen this. 00:14:23.540 --> 00:14:24.500 We have witnessed this. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:26.100 We want you to know about it. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:28.360 And to put this into context, 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:28.920 they were in front 00:14:28.920 --> 00:14:30.180 of the Jerusalem council. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:31.859 They were basically 00:14:31.859 --> 00:14:32.779 being pulled up, 00:14:32.839 --> 00:14:33.879 saying, you've got to stop. 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:35.500 You're causing lots of trouble. 00:14:36.319 --> 00:14:37.179 Stop what you're doing. 00:14:37.699 --> 00:14:39.000 So in grave danger, 00:14:39.359 --> 00:14:39.939 they just said, 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:40.719 we're sorry, 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:41.739 but we're not. 00:14:42.039 --> 00:14:43.059 We can't help it. 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:44.839 We're going to tell it anyway. 00:14:44.959 --> 00:14:46.459 We can't help ourselves. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:48.139 And when we grasp 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.139 the gospel truly, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.239 that will be us. 00:14:53.699 --> 00:14:54.679 Mark 12. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:56.779 Love the Lord your God 00:14:56.779 --> 00:14:57.599 with all your heart, 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:58.539 with all your soul, 00:14:58.539 --> 00:14:59.819 with all your mind 00:14:59.819 --> 00:15:01.759 and with all your strength. 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.360 And the second is this. 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:05.259 And this is Jesus speaking. 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:06.159 That's why it's in red. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:08.219 Love your neighbor as yourself. 00:15:08.339 --> 00:15:09.599 There is no commandment 00:15:09.599 --> 00:15:11.279 greater than these. 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:12.719 Love God 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:14.719 and love your neighbor. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:16.179 By your neighbor, 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:16.799 it just means those 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:18.000 you come into contact with. 00:15:18.439 --> 00:15:20.360 Those nine meaningful contacts a day. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:21.939 Those people in your 00:15:21.939 --> 00:15:23.179 high school of a thousand. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:24.419 Whatever it might be. 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:26.079 Your street of 65. 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:31.300 If you love the Lord 00:15:31.300 --> 00:15:32.840 and you love your neighbor, 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:33.800 then you will be burdened 00:15:34.820 --> 00:15:36.060 by the fact that they don't know 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:37.500 the Lord Jesus as their Savior. 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.560 Romans 10.14. 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:42.100 How then can they call 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:43.820 on the one they have not believed in? 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.740 And how can they believe 00:15:45.740 --> 00:15:46.600 in the one of whom 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.540 they have not heard? 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:49.440 And how can they hear 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:51.960 without someone preaching to them? 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:54.300 Let me paraphrase. 00:15:54.420 --> 00:15:55.960 Unless we tell people about Jesus, 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:57.360 how are they going to believe in him? 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:59.400 And if they don't believe in him, 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:00.019 how are they going to put 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:01.100 their trust in him? 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:03.220 Unless they put their trust in him, 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:03.840 how are they going to live 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:04.860 their life for him? 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:08.379 And have that everlasting joy 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:09.200 that we are promised. 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:12.259 So that is the why 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:14.400 of mission. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.680 Which takes us to the who. 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:22.179 Well, quite simply, 00:16:22.959 --> 00:16:24.219 who is it for? 00:16:24.579 --> 00:16:25.539 Mission is for. 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.739 We've heard of Hebron Fiona 00:16:26.739 --> 00:16:28.699 doing her great work in Argentina. 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.859 There's lots of other people 00:16:30.859 --> 00:16:33.079 that we have associated with 00:16:33.079 --> 00:16:33.819 with this church 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:36.439 who are doing great work 00:16:36.439 --> 00:16:37.259 in our city, 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:39.959 far-flung countries. 00:16:40.739 --> 00:16:41.919 So is it for them? 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:43.740 No. 00:16:44.199 --> 00:16:45.459 It's for all Christians. 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:48.759 We have an evangelism team 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:49.620 here at Brunsfield. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:50.920 Oh, great. 00:16:51.280 --> 00:16:52.620 That's the evangelism guys. 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:53.800 That's their job. 00:16:54.560 --> 00:16:54.820 No. 00:16:55.460 --> 00:16:56.840 They're there to facilitate 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.960 the evangelism 00:16:57.960 --> 00:16:59.460 of every single one of us. 00:17:01.180 --> 00:17:02.400 Evangelism mission 00:17:02.400 --> 00:17:04.059 is for all Christians. 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:07.000 It is all of our jobs. 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:10.720 And who is it to? 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.680 Who is mission to? 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:14.500 Well, it's to everyone. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:16.119 Well, we've seen that already, 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:16.579 haven't we? 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:19.599 God desires that all people 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:20.519 will be saved. 00:17:21.299 --> 00:17:22.880 This is good and pleases God, 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.420 our Savior, 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:24.839 who wants all people 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.640 to be saved 00:17:25.640 --> 00:17:27.460 and to come to a knowledge 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.079 of the truth. 00:17:29.079 --> 00:17:30.140 God is not selective 00:17:30.140 --> 00:17:31.720 in who He wants to be saved. 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.700 You know, it's not like 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:36.500 back in the schoolyard 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.059 when you had everyone 00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:37.880 up against the wall 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:39.380 and you picked the best players first. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.339 You can come on my team. 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:42.839 No, God wants all to be saved. 00:17:42.839 --> 00:17:43.839 The opportunity 00:17:43.839 --> 00:17:45.339 for salvation 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:46.539 is open to everyone. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:50.459 God desires all people 00:17:50.459 --> 00:17:52.379 to be saved. 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:56.599 And I think we quite helpfully 00:17:56.599 --> 00:17:58.039 maybe separate mission out. 00:17:59.079 --> 00:18:00.299 I think we think 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.519 global. 00:18:02.179 --> 00:18:02.759 We thought about that 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.379 with Hebra and Fiona. 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:06.019 People in different countries, 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.919 those who go 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:07.980 to the mission fields, 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:09.399 we might use phrases like that. 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:10.780 I think that's helpful 00:18:10.780 --> 00:18:12.740 to think of it in that way. 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:15.600 And thinking global is right. 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:17.380 It's great that people 00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:18.220 feel the call. 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:19.740 There are brave people 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:21.140 who take up that call 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:22.420 to go to places 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:23.320 that they don't know, 00:18:23.840 --> 00:18:24.680 speak in languages 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:26.080 that are not their own, 00:18:27.040 --> 00:18:28.440 and to go and to tell people 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.860 who've never heard of Jesus 00:18:29.860 --> 00:18:31.820 all about Him. 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:34.259 And I have so much respect 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.800 for people who take that up, 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:36.820 either short-term, 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:38.100 long-term, full-time, 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.019 whatever it might be. 00:18:39.400 --> 00:18:41.880 So it is important 00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:42.740 to think global. 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:45.440 Psalm 67 says this, 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.100 one to two, 00:18:46.259 --> 00:18:47.280 but the whole thing's great 00:18:47.280 --> 00:18:48.440 if you want to read it later on. 00:18:48.840 --> 00:18:50.200 May God be gracious to us 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:50.940 and bless us 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:52.600 and make His face shine on us 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:54.100 so that your ways 00:18:54.100 --> 00:18:55.280 may be known on earth, 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:56.700 your salvation 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.900 among all nations. 00:18:58.380 --> 00:19:00.019 The psalmist's desire here 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:01.240 was that all nations 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:02.740 would be saved. 00:19:03.800 --> 00:19:04.880 It is important 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:06.060 that we think global. 00:19:07.340 --> 00:19:08.880 The picture in Revelation, 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:11.220 so John's image of heaven 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:11.880 that he has, 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.840 the vision of heaven, 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:14.240 says this, 00:19:14.800 --> 00:19:15.820 after this I looked 00:19:15.820 --> 00:19:16.640 and there before me 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.820 was a great multitude 00:19:17.820 --> 00:19:19.600 that no one could count 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:21.320 from every nation, 00:19:22.140 --> 00:19:23.460 tribe, people, and language 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:25.000 standing before the throne 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:26.020 and before the Lamb. 00:19:26.860 --> 00:19:28.180 They were wearing white robes 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:29.480 and were holding palm branches 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.660 in their hands. 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:34.480 We can find real motivation here 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:36.019 and going and seeking out 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.720 every nation. 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:39.340 There's great organizations 00:19:39.340 --> 00:19:40.759 and websites we can look at 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:41.980 and see where there are those 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:42.400 who just, 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:44.500 they haven't had anyone 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.360 come and speak to them 00:19:45.360 --> 00:19:45.920 about Jesus. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.540 So it's important 00:19:50.540 --> 00:19:51.340 to think global, 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.720 but we also do need 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:54.540 to think local. 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:56.259 The mission field 00:19:56.259 --> 00:19:57.759 isn't just out there, 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.480 it is here. 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:01.980 We've heard helpfully 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:03.019 from Ben and Keita. 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:04.200 Their mission field 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.099 for the next season 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:06.059 is at home. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.460 You probably wondered 00:20:11.460 --> 00:20:12.160 when I was coming 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:12.720 to this one. 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:14.079 It was always coming, 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:14.440 wasn't it? 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.319 The Great Commission. 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:16.819 We had to read this, 00:20:16.879 --> 00:20:17.180 didn't we? 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.700 Matthew chapter 28, 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.660 18 to 20. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.900 Jesus came to them 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:23.400 and said, 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.660 so he had risen again 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.200 from the dead. 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.340 He was about to go back 00:20:26.340 --> 00:20:26.880 to heaven 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:29.059 and he leaves his followers 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:30.180 with this instruction. 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:33.200 All authority in heaven 00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:33.799 and on earth 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:35.380 has been given to me. 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.240 Therefore go 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:39.259 and make disciples 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.620 of all nations, 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.240 baptizing them 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.259 in the name of the Father 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.140 and of the Son 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:45.259 and of the Holy Spirit 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:46.799 and teaching them 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:47.920 to obey everything 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:49.779 I have commanded you. 00:20:50.580 --> 00:20:51.799 That was Jesus' 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:53.059 instructions. 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:54.839 But it's not just 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:56.039 go to other nations, 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.200 but all nations, 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:59.419 including our own. 00:21:00.899 --> 00:21:02.079 There is a great work 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.759 to be done 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.819 in our streets 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:06.139 and in our localities. 00:21:07.919 --> 00:21:08.500 You know, 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:09.220 for an encouragement 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.819 this morning, 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:12.139 you might think 00:21:12.139 --> 00:21:12.980 that you're in a 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.899 dead-end job 00:21:13.899 --> 00:21:14.579 that's going nowhere. 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.480 You might be thinking, 00:21:16.599 --> 00:21:17.960 well, my flat's terrible 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:19.700 and I don't like 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.419 my flatmates. 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:21.980 None of them wash up. 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:23.360 You might be thinking, 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:24.220 this unique horse, 00:21:24.360 --> 00:21:25.880 I'm not sure this is for me. 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:28.079 And while these things 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:28.799 might be true, 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:31.880 but God has placed you 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:34.220 exactly where he wants you 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:35.559 for this season. 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:38.880 Where you are right now 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:41.200 is where God wants you 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:42.940 and he wants to use you 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:43.839 where you are. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:46.500 You just need to be willing 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.799 to be used by God. 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.680 Pray to God, say, 00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:51.940 use me where I am. 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.920 Help me to be a witness 00:21:53.920 --> 00:21:55.000 to those around me. 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.640 God has placed you 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.620 where he wants you. 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:02.240 That can be a great encouragement 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:04.860 to us. 00:22:06.360 --> 00:22:06.680 But you know, 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.259 we see here, 00:22:07.320 --> 00:22:07.580 don't we, 00:22:07.640 --> 00:22:09.380 that it's not just mission 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:12.279 as and of itself. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:13.920 We do not just tell people 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:14.539 about Jesus 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:15.080 and then go, 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.340 right, 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.740 I'm away to the next person. 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:19.740 You know, 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.819 we see the pattern here, 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:21.259 don't we? 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:25.359 Jesus gives authority 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:27.700 to his disciples 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:30.240 to go and make other disciples. 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:33.160 As we thought about last week, 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:34.460 those who come to know 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.079 the Lord Jesus 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:35.900 are to be baptized. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.500 We thought about that last week 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.140 and the importance 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:40.319 of following 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:42.140 that commandment as well. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:44.800 But then also teaching 00:22:44.800 --> 00:22:46.280 young Christians, 00:22:47.320 --> 00:22:48.240 helping them along 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:49.020 in their faith. 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:52.240 You know, 00:22:52.280 --> 00:22:53.100 the mission field 00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:54.500 is encouraging people 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.500 from being really 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.400 against God 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.660 and sometimes 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:58.860 it's just shunting them 00:22:58.860 --> 00:23:00.240 along the path. 00:23:02.300 --> 00:23:03.220 It's important 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:04.280 to also teach those 00:23:04.280 --> 00:23:04.780 who have come 00:23:04.780 --> 00:23:05.620 to know Jesus 00:23:05.620 --> 00:23:07.380 all that the Bible 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.040 says 00:23:08.040 --> 00:23:09.200 and instructs. 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:11.799 So that is the who 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:14.180 of mission. 00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:16.299 And then we have 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:17.220 a really easy one. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.440 The when. 00:23:19.620 --> 00:23:19.880 Well, 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.600 it's always. 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:22.019 Hopefully that was the answer 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:22.920 you knew was coming up. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:23.980 You know, 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:24.759 it's not just 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.960 on a Sunday. 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:27.940 I didn't look 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:28.539 at the calendar 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.120 and go, 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:29.640 right, 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:31.500 I'm preaching today 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:33.240 so that's my mission 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:33.700 and then, 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:34.000 oh, 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.900 I'm not until January 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:36.319 so I've got three months off. 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:37.360 I'll take a break. 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.720 Or I shouldn't think 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.140 like that. 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:40.079 That's for sure. 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.100 You know, 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:41.620 it's not just 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.299 on a Sunday. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.440 We don't have a set period 00:23:44.440 --> 00:23:46.279 when we clock in 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.279 to mission. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.079 No, 00:23:49.120 --> 00:23:49.620 it is to be 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:51.860 a continual thing. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.319 We are to be 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:54.519 a continual witness 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:56.380 to those around us. 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:57.600 We are to be 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:58.539 salt and light. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:23:59.120 As Christians, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.120 we are to reflect 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:00.819 the light 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.819 of Jesus 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:03.620 to others 00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:05.059 and to this dark world. 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:05.940 That is what 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:07.079 we are called to do. 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:09.779 You know, 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:10.899 my great-grandfather, 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.679 he was a barber 00:24:11.679 --> 00:24:12.859 among other things 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:16.000 and what used 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.379 to happen 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:17.019 was that he was 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.939 the barber 00:24:17.939 --> 00:24:18.480 in the town 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.019 so everyone went 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.379 to him 00:24:19.379 --> 00:24:20.919 and you would go 00:24:20.919 --> 00:24:21.439 and everyone 00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:22.519 just knew this happened 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.159 but you went 00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:24.039 and you got your haircut 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.960 of course 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.059 but you also 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.819 got the gospel. 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:29.000 I think you paid 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.439 for the haircut 00:24:30.439 --> 00:24:31.399 but the gospel 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:32.319 just came free. 00:24:32.419 --> 00:24:33.159 That was an added 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:33.960 bonus. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.319 But you know, 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:36.240 he was a type 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:37.100 and some people 00:24:37.100 --> 00:24:38.299 are gifted in such ways 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:38.920 that it just 00:24:38.920 --> 00:24:39.880 spilled out of him. 00:24:40.360 --> 00:24:41.259 He couldn't help 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.519 but talk about Jesus 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.539 and the importance 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.240 of Jesus 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:45.059 in his life. 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.319 So people would be 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:47.120 getting their haircut 00:24:47.120 --> 00:24:48.120 and they would be 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:48.900 hearing the good news 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:49.340 of Jesus 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:51.120 as it went along. 00:24:53.100 --> 00:24:53.400 You know, 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:55.059 it's that continual witness 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:56.880 in our lives. 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.799 It's so important 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:59.539 and we see that 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:00.160 in Acts 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:01.360 and don't get me wrong, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.140 the caveat, 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:02.700 the Acts, 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:03.900 it was unusual times, 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:05.259 it was the early church, 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:07.080 the Holy Spirit came 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:08.019 and all sorts of 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:09.580 sort of unusual things 00:25:09.580 --> 00:25:10.299 were going on. 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.500 But you know, 00:25:12.580 --> 00:25:13.620 we see that Jesus 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.380 was preached 00:25:14.380 --> 00:25:15.420 in the synagogues, 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:15.840 yes, 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:17.380 in the streets 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:19.460 and also at stonings 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:20.279 and other such 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.360 strange events. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:23.140 In Acts chapter 7 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:23.940 you have Stephen 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:25.779 who's standing there, 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.039 his accusers 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.920 in front of him 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:28.840 with their stones 00:25:28.840 --> 00:25:29.440 at their feet 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.460 about to pick them up 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.500 and hurl them at him 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:33.380 for preaching the gospel. 00:25:34.420 --> 00:25:35.180 What does he do? 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.900 Does he backtrack? 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.579 Does he say, 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.359 you know what, 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:39.099 I'll ease off, 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.380 I'll not do it again. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.240 No, 00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:42.519 he uses that opportunity, 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:43.940 his last words 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:46.240 to preach the good news 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:47.420 of Jesus once more 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:48.619 to those who are about 00:25:48.619 --> 00:25:49.559 to pick up stones 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.559 and throw them at him. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.920 Acts chapter 8, 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.619 we thought about this 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:55.460 a bit last week. 00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:56.500 Philip, 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.700 he's told to go. 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.680 where? 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:01.400 To some nice palace 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.460 and to tell, 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.180 you know, 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:04.240 such people 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.519 in a really nice environment 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:06.860 or a comfortable sofa. 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:07.700 No, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:09.200 he goes to a dusty road 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:11.240 in the middle of nowhere, 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:12.500 on a road to nowhere. 00:26:13.580 --> 00:26:14.620 And he's called 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:15.980 to go and to explain 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.500 the good news 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:19.059 to the Ethiopian eunuch. 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.559 And as we saw 00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.440 last week, 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.779 the Ethiopian eunuch 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:24.019 was then baptized 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.920 there and then 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:26.420 at the roadside. 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:29.600 the when of mission 00:26:29.600 --> 00:26:31.200 is always 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.660 and it'll look different 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:33.759 for each one of us. 00:26:35.300 --> 00:26:36.580 So you might be thinking, 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.120 well, 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:37.640 that's good. 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:38.560 That's all well and good. 00:26:38.620 --> 00:26:39.380 That's the theory. 00:26:39.660 --> 00:26:40.740 But how does that help me? 00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:41.600 You don't know me. 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.740 You don't know my situation. 00:26:43.140 --> 00:26:43.920 And I don't. 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:45.720 And this is the thing. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.400 It looks different 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:47.420 for each one of us. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.779 Depends our character. 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:51.019 Depends what we're like. 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:52.360 But you know, 00:26:52.380 --> 00:26:53.120 I'm going to go through 00:26:53.120 --> 00:26:54.480 five things 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.300 that might be helpful. 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:56.920 You know, 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.940 I'd really encourage you 00:26:57.940 --> 00:26:59.060 and I'd challenge you 00:26:59.060 --> 00:26:59.720 that at the end 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.300 of this sermon, 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.140 grab a coffee, 00:27:01.820 --> 00:27:02.420 turn to the person 00:27:02.420 --> 00:27:03.140 next to you 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:04.800 and just maybe 00:27:04.800 --> 00:27:06.259 share some hints and tips. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.600 What works for you? 00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:09.300 Or where do you struggle? 00:27:10.340 --> 00:27:11.360 We've got growth groups 00:27:11.360 --> 00:27:11.960 going on. 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.940 Get into your growth group. 00:27:14.300 --> 00:27:15.019 We can really dive 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.380 into some of these applications, 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:18.320 some of these practical things. 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.400 How do you find 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:20.660 sharing the gospel? 00:27:20.800 --> 00:27:22.480 How do you reach out 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.960 to those who you know? 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:26.340 So I'm going to go 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:27.220 through five things. 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.519 Well, first of all, 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.460 practically, 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.920 well, our words and deeds 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:33.440 are to display our faith. 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:36.000 Jesus showed that 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.759 above all else. 00:27:36.840 --> 00:27:37.880 He cared for people's 00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:38.600 physical needs. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.319 He fed them. 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:40.160 He healed them. 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.519 And likewise, 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.259 we have things like 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:43.840 food bank, 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.559 the care van, 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:45.039 where we go 00:27:45.039 --> 00:27:45.840 and we meet people's 00:27:45.840 --> 00:27:46.640 physical needs. 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:47.420 And that is important. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.299 Of course it is. 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:50.059 But we also want to meet 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:51.019 their spiritual needs. 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:52.139 We want to tell people 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.799 about Jesus. 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.619 But often by meeting 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:55.879 people's needs practically, 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.500 we can reach out 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.819 to them spiritually. 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.740 So that's practically. 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:03.879 Relationally, 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:05.720 you know, 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:06.980 most people will become 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.440 a Christian 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:08.480 not by randomly 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.319 walking into church 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.019 one Sunday morning 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:10.680 because they 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:12.200 just feel like it 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:13.519 and then hearing about Jesus 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.460 and becoming a Christian. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.420 Well, the most way 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:17.379 that people become Christians 00:28:17.379 --> 00:28:18.639 is because of who they know. 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:21.520 And people that love them 00:28:21.520 --> 00:28:22.440 and care for them 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:22.960 and want them 00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:24.259 to come into what they know, 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.040 which is Jesus. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:28.180 And to do so, 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.340 we need to make bonds 00:28:29.340 --> 00:28:29.840 with people. 00:28:30.540 --> 00:28:31.320 We need to have 00:28:31.320 --> 00:28:32.860 that surface level chat. 00:28:33.040 --> 00:28:33.980 If we're not interested 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.140 in those in our office, 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:35.680 if we're not, 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.120 say, 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.080 how was your weekend? 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:38.360 How's the kids doing? 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.780 Where did you walk 00:28:39.780 --> 00:28:40.780 your dog this weekend? 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:41.500 If we're not having 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.700 that kind of level of chat, 00:28:43.080 --> 00:28:44.320 then we'll never get down 00:28:44.320 --> 00:28:45.300 to the deep chat 00:28:45.300 --> 00:28:47.360 about what is life all about? 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:48.959 What are you struggling with? 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:51.159 I'm really sorry to hear 00:28:51.159 --> 00:28:52.279 about that your marriage 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.199 isn't going so well. 00:28:54.679 --> 00:28:55.879 And that can be difficult. 00:28:56.219 --> 00:28:56.879 We don't always 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:57.719 get on with people. 00:28:57.859 --> 00:28:58.539 We don't always 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.599 naturally click. 00:28:59.679 --> 00:29:00.679 We might find some people 00:29:00.679 --> 00:29:01.939 quite difficult to speak to. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.599 But we need to be 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:08.459 relational with people 00:29:08.459 --> 00:29:10.039 in order to introduce them 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:11.240 to Jesus. 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:14.119 And going along with that 00:29:14.119 --> 00:29:16.859 is intentionally. 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:20.899 If we don't have 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:22.439 a mindset of mission, 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:25.919 then we just won't. 00:29:26.179 --> 00:29:27.539 We just won't do it. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.599 We need to approach 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:31.439 situations and conversations 00:29:31.439 --> 00:29:32.500 and people 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.759 with a mindset 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:35.039 of mission. 00:29:36.199 --> 00:29:37.159 I know myself, 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:37.959 if I don't approach 00:29:37.959 --> 00:29:39.619 going to speak to someone, 00:29:39.719 --> 00:29:40.599 if I don't approach it 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:41.219 with a thought of, 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.119 I'd really love to 00:29:42.119 --> 00:29:43.619 tell this person 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:45.099 about what I spoke 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:46.039 about at church on Sunday 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.940 or what I heard 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.680 or something like that, 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:49.519 if I don't have 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:51.000 that intentionality, 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:52.899 then I'll just find myself 00:29:52.899 --> 00:29:53.740 five minutes later 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.599 walking away going, 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.859 you've done it again. 00:29:56.639 --> 00:29:57.759 You've just talked about 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:58.940 the football results 00:29:58.940 --> 00:30:00.899 and the weather 00:30:00.899 --> 00:30:02.139 and then you've walked away. 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:04.259 We need to have 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:06.379 that mindset of mission. 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.860 How can we introduce 00:30:07.860 --> 00:30:09.140 the people we are 00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:09.880 speaking to 00:30:09.880 --> 00:30:11.400 to Jesus? 00:30:13.940 --> 00:30:14.900 And a big thing 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:15.480 is practice. 00:30:16.100 --> 00:30:16.960 We'll not always 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:17.560 get it right. 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:18.620 What's the phrase? 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.720 Practice makes perfect? 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:21.340 Well, that's a lie. 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:22.700 Nothing's perfect. 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:23.620 But practice, 00:30:23.780 --> 00:30:24.440 we get better. 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.800 We will mess it up. 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.260 We will, 00:30:27.520 --> 00:30:27.840 you know, 00:30:28.060 --> 00:30:30.600 I didn't quite get that right. 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:31.720 That's fine. 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.280 We need to give 00:30:33.280 --> 00:30:34.120 these things a go. 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.359 We need to be willing 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:36.219 to step out 00:30:36.219 --> 00:30:37.379 and to introduce people 00:30:37.379 --> 00:30:37.919 to Jesus, 00:30:38.079 --> 00:30:39.259 to try and talk to them 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:41.219 and to try and introduce them 00:30:41.219 --> 00:30:42.519 to the truth that we know. 00:30:42.819 --> 00:30:44.239 We will get better at it. 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:44.879 We will learn 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.759 through our mistakes 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.579 and that's okay. 00:30:47.659 --> 00:30:49.179 So we do need to start 00:30:49.179 --> 00:30:51.099 and then we need to practice. 00:30:52.979 --> 00:30:53.939 And just to finish, 00:30:54.959 --> 00:30:55.719 and this is the biggest 00:30:55.719 --> 00:30:56.879 encouragement of all, 00:30:57.799 --> 00:31:02.179 we do this with God's help. 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:05.680 We are not set on our own. 00:31:07.160 --> 00:31:09.160 This is not an individual endeavor. 00:31:10.080 --> 00:31:11.299 This is not like that guy 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:11.900 that what, 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:12.680 I don't know, 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:14.360 for 28 years around the world, 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:14.980 you hear about him, 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:16.380 just on his own, 00:31:16.880 --> 00:31:17.600 toiling away. 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.380 That's not us. 00:31:20.860 --> 00:31:21.360 Well, one, 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:22.500 we have our church family. 00:31:22.620 --> 00:31:23.340 We have Christians 00:31:23.340 --> 00:31:23.920 who we know 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:25.019 and we can chat to. 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:27.299 We can encourage each other. 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:29.980 But more importantly, 00:31:30.419 --> 00:31:32.279 we have God's help. 00:31:32.659 --> 00:31:33.779 We have the Holy Spirit. 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.339 When Jesus went, 00:31:35.419 --> 00:31:35.720 he said, 00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.839 I will send my helper 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:38.059 who will be with you. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.359 And the Holy Spirit 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:40.480 goes before us, 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.859 works in people's hearts. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:47.099 We can give great thanks 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:49.419 to God for that. 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:51.480 So the Holy Spirit 00:31:51.480 --> 00:31:52.840 works on our behalf. 00:31:53.860 --> 00:31:54.440 The other thing 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.340 is that salvation, 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:57.440 it's God's work. 00:31:58.120 --> 00:31:59.700 It is God who saves. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.080 We don't save. 00:32:01.840 --> 00:32:02.480 I have no power 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.440 to save people. 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.600 Who do I think I am? 00:32:06.840 --> 00:32:08.019 No, but sometimes 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:09.340 God uses us. 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.279 He blesses us 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:11.340 by using us 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:12.580 to be able to introduce 00:32:12.580 --> 00:32:13.400 people to Jesus. 00:32:13.820 --> 00:32:15.320 But it is God's work. 00:32:15.420 --> 00:32:17.259 It is God who saves. 00:32:17.259 --> 00:32:18.660 So that should be 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:19.980 an encouragement to us. 00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:21.740 Let's see the end 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:22.579 of the Great Commission. 00:32:24.180 --> 00:32:25.740 Not only is all authority 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:27.160 being passed through 00:32:27.160 --> 00:32:27.759 the Lord Jesus 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:28.960 and he gives us authority 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:30.259 to go out in his name, 00:32:31.140 --> 00:32:31.779 but read this. 00:32:31.900 --> 00:32:32.660 Right at the end, 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:33.640 I didn't read this before, 00:32:33.759 --> 00:32:34.900 the end of the Great Commission. 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:36.200 Jesus says, 00:32:36.339 --> 00:32:36.920 and surely 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:38.980 I am with you always 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:41.079 to the very end of the age. 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:43.140 As we live our lives, 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.319 Jesus is with us. 00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:46.960 He promises that. 00:32:47.640 --> 00:32:48.640 So until we die 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:49.859 or go to be with him, 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:52.379 he promises that he'll be with us 00:32:52.379 --> 00:32:54.039 every step of the way. 00:32:54.900 --> 00:32:55.940 And I really trust that 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:57.619 that is a great encouragement to us 00:32:57.619 --> 00:32:58.619 as we step out 00:32:58.619 --> 00:33:00.039 and try and share 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:00.900 the good news 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:02.420 of Jesus Christ 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:03.700 with others. 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:06.519 Let me just pray 00:33:06.519 --> 00:33:07.500 as we finish. 00:33:08.339 --> 00:33:09.039 I do trust 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:10.019 that's been an encouragement. 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:11.539 Please grab me at the end. 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:12.039 I'll be 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:13.799 loitering around the back. 00:33:14.240 --> 00:33:14.920 Please grab me. 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.140 Let's chat about these things. 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:16.400 You know, 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.780 we can pray about these things 00:33:17.780 --> 00:33:18.920 and be thinking 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:19.700 who in your life 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:20.840 you can be praying for 00:33:20.840 --> 00:33:22.060 that you're speaking to 00:33:22.060 --> 00:33:23.280 and that you want 00:33:23.280 --> 00:33:25.280 to introduce Jesus to. 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:26.920 So let me just pray. 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:30.900 God and Father, 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.740 we just thank you 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:32.800 for your word. 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:36.200 We thank you 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:37.380 that it is your chosen 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:39.660 way of speaking to us 00:33:39.660 --> 00:33:40.340 in this age 00:33:40.340 --> 00:33:40.940 that we live in. 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:42.620 we thank you 00:33:42.620 --> 00:33:43.460 that we can see 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:44.279 the Old Testament 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:45.519 and that all things 00:33:45.519 --> 00:33:46.799 point to the Lord Jesus. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.980 We thank you 00:33:48.980 --> 00:33:49.500 that we have 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.920 those eyewitness accounts 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:52.740 of what he did 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:54.000 and what he said 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:56.160 and the amazing work 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:56.840 of salvation 00:33:56.840 --> 00:33:58.519 that happened 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.400 on that cross. 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.440 We give you thanks 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:03.180 that death 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:04.059 was not the end 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:05.160 but that the Lord Jesus 00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:07.660 rose again 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:10.280 and that we do not 00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:11.500 worship one who is dead 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:12.659 but who is alive. 00:34:15.180 --> 00:34:15.980 And Lord Jesus, 00:34:16.119 --> 00:34:16.780 we just thank you 00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:17.460 that you promised 00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:18.340 to be with us 00:34:18.340 --> 00:34:19.639 as your people. 00:34:21.079 --> 00:34:21.840 We thank you 00:34:21.840 --> 00:34:22.599 that you are with us 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:23.760 every step of the way 00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:26.400 and we just ask 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.340 for boldness 00:34:27.340 --> 00:34:29.579 not in ourselves 00:34:29.579 --> 00:34:31.960 but in the message 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.980 that we have to share 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:34.380 because it is so important 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:36.940 and the magnitude 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:37.980 of it is so great. 00:34:39.639 --> 00:34:40.199 And so give us 00:34:40.199 --> 00:34:40.679 boldness 00:34:40.679 --> 00:34:41.360 and strength 00:34:41.360 --> 00:34:41.880 and help 00:34:41.880 --> 00:34:42.559 as we seek 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:44.719 to tell other people 00:34:44.719 --> 00:34:46.000 about the Lord Jesus. 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.360 Help us to 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:48.719 feel the burden 00:34:48.719 --> 00:34:49.659 for those who 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:51.380 we come into contact with 00:34:51.380 --> 00:34:52.559 who live on our streets 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.940 that we know 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.420 and love. 00:34:55.599 --> 00:34:57.000 Help us to be burdened 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:58.259 for those people 00:34:58.260 --> 00:35:01.920 and so as we meet people 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:02.700 and as we discuss 00:35:02.700 --> 00:35:03.100 with them 00:35:03.100 --> 00:35:03.920 give us the words 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:04.400 to say. 00:35:05.300 --> 00:35:06.500 Give us the motivation 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:07.340 to speak to them 00:35:07.340 --> 00:35:09.320 and we just thank you 00:35:09.320 --> 00:35:09.960 that you promise 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:10.940 that you will be with us 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:12.600 the whole time. 00:35:13.680 --> 00:35:14.260 So we thank you 00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:14.740 for this time 00:35:14.740 --> 00:35:15.360 that we have had. 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:16.120 We thank you 00:35:16.120 --> 00:35:17.960 for who you are 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:19.280 and we just 00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:20.560 ask these things 00:35:20.560 --> 00:35:21.680 in your most precious 00:35:21.680 --> 00:35:22.420 and worthy name. 00:35:23.120 --> 00:35:23.380 Amen.