WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:06.560 We're going to begin our worship by singing to God's praise in Psalm 95 in the Scottish Psalter, 00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:17.679 page 357 of the psalm book, Psalm 95, and we'll sing from verse 1 to verse 6 of the psalm. We 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:24.660 sing as we approach God in worship, looking to him to bless our time and his word to us. O come, 00:00:24.660 --> 00:00:31.579 let us sing to the Lord, come let us everyone a joyful noise make to the rock of our salvation. 00:00:31.940 --> 00:00:38.200 Let us before his presence come with praise and thankful voice. Let us sing psalms to him with 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:45.379 grace and make a joyful noise. We'll sing from verse 1 to 6 to God's praise. We stand to sing. 00:00:45.380 --> 00:01:15.359 O come, let us sing to the Lord, come let us everyone a joyful noise make to the rock of our salvation. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:45.340 Let us before his presence come with praise and thankful voice. Let us sing psalms to 00:01:45.340 --> 00:02:13.879 him with grace and make a joyful noise. For God, a great God and great King, above all gods he is. 00:02:13.879 --> 00:02:41.180 Depths of the earth are in his hand. The strength of his hands are in his hand. The strength of his hands is his. To him the spacious sea belongs. 00:02:41.180 --> 00:03:05.600 For he the same did make. The dry land also from his hands. It's born at first it take. 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:22.939 Oh come and let us worship him. Let us bow down with all. 00:03:22.939 --> 00:03:40.699 And on our knees before the Lord. Our maker let us fall. 00:03:40.699 --> 00:03:48.500 Let us unite our hearts together in prayer. Let us pray. 00:03:48.500 --> 00:04:08.219 O Lord our gracious God as we come with these words ringing through this building. We thank you that we come offering up our praise to you. We come offering up our worship to you. 00:04:08.219 --> 00:04:11.780 The one who is the Lord. The one who is the one who is the one who is the one who is the maker, the creator of all things. 00:04:12.379 --> 00:04:14.659 The one to whom all things belong. 00:04:15.620 --> 00:04:22.759 We can so often live in this world and we see it all around us thinking that so much belongs to us. 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:28.300 that we have made so many things that we think are for our own possession. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:30.060 They are of our own making. 00:04:30.719 --> 00:04:31.920 They are for our own good. 00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:35.079 But we thank you that your word reminds us 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:37.659 that every good and perfect gift is from above, 00:04:38.399 --> 00:04:40.699 is from the one who changes not. 00:04:41.719 --> 00:04:44.819 And these words remind us that you are the one 00:04:44.819 --> 00:04:49.199 who not just made them for a moment, but for all eternity, 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:53.240 that you made the heavens and the earth and all that's in them. 00:04:53.800 --> 00:04:54.979 You made your people. 00:04:55.599 --> 00:04:56.939 You made people in your image. 00:04:57.779 --> 00:05:01.980 And we thank you, Lord, that you are the one who sustains and keeps us, 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:06.319 that you are the one who knows everything about us. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:10.279 Lord, you are the one who has marked out every path in our life. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:13.159 You are the one who knows the end from the beginning, 00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:16.599 for you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:21.980 And Lord, we come to you as dependent upon you for all things tonight. 00:05:22.620 --> 00:05:24.760 Thankful for the joy of worship. 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:27.900 Thank you for the gift of praising your name. 00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:33.060 Thankful for your word and seeking its blessing to us anew this evening. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:35.360 Thankful for this, your day, 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:38.960 a day that you have set aside for this purpose, 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:42.420 that in the busyness of a week gone past, 00:05:42.420 --> 00:05:45.379 that we have a new week beginning now, Lord, 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:48.639 and we begin it setting our focus on you, 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:56.420 seeking your blessing to us as a people and as a community and for all around us. 00:05:56.920 --> 00:06:00.399 As we go into this week, oh Lord, we pray that you will be with us, 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:03.639 leading us and guiding us in every step we take. 00:06:04.659 --> 00:06:08.199 And so we come, oh Lord, to praise your name this night. 00:06:08.199 --> 00:06:13.199 We come thankful for every blessing that is ours in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:17.959 Thankful for the words that we have sung there, salvation. 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:20.899 How you are the God of salvation. 00:06:21.620 --> 00:06:25.560 How you are the one who is able to save and save to the utmost. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:33.860 And we do pray, Lord, that your great work of salvation will go on in this place and all around us. 00:06:34.120 --> 00:06:39.740 That you would call and draw people to yourself by your spirit and through your word. 00:06:40.459 --> 00:06:44.340 That you will even prepare our hearts now to receive your word to us. 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:49.279 That you will help us to put away all other thoughts that may be cluttering our minds 00:06:49.279 --> 00:06:52.439 and distracting our focus from you. 00:06:53.119 --> 00:06:57.319 We pray that you will help us to have ears to hear what you are saying. 00:06:58.259 --> 00:07:04.639 And so, Lord, prepare us as we seek to prepare ourselves that we might receive from you. 00:07:05.359 --> 00:07:10.299 And we ask, Lord, that we would not just receive in a selfish way where we keep it to ourselves. 00:07:11.099 --> 00:07:15.419 But that as we go on into this week, that we would seek to share what we have with others. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:17.979 For we have the glorious gospel. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:20.939 So, we have the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:07:21.700 --> 00:07:25.860 We have a news that is able to turn the world upside down. 00:07:26.680 --> 00:07:31.420 And we see its great need today, O Lord, when all that goes on around us. 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:35.060 We see it in our own hearts, O Lord, first and foremost. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:40.740 How so easily we fall away from you and are cold towards you. 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:45.080 How so easily we're consumed by our own lives and what we want. 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:47.120 Instead of seeking your will. 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:52.639 And so, we pray that from our hearts that you will transform us and change us. 00:07:53.199 --> 00:07:55.639 And that you would use us, Lord, as your people. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:57.560 As your church here. 00:07:57.800 --> 00:07:59.620 To serve you in this place. 00:07:59.740 --> 00:08:01.459 And to serve you far and wide. 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:04.439 Both practically and prayerfully. 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:08.120 And we thank you, Lord, that together we have strength. 00:08:08.860 --> 00:08:10.780 That in your name we have strength. 00:08:10.779 --> 00:08:15.859 And that through your presence we have that promise of your strength with us. 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:20.939 So, we do not do anything by ourselves or for our own glory. 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:23.199 We seek to do all things for your glory. 00:08:23.960 --> 00:08:27.420 And we pray, Lord, for this week ahead of us and all that it entails. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:30.379 That all that we would do, we would do as to the Lord. 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:35.360 So, that wherever we go in our homes and our families and our workplace. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:38.939 Be it into school or college or university. 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:42.740 Be it with anxieties and worries in our hearts. 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:46.659 Or a great sense of joy and anticipation looking forward. 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:52.500 Lord, that whatever circumstances we go into in these coming days ahead, God willing. 00:08:53.259 --> 00:08:54.559 That you would help us. 00:08:55.179 --> 00:08:56.819 Help us to know that you are with us. 00:08:56.939 --> 00:09:02.799 Help us to look to you and to trust in you and to depend on you for all things. 00:09:03.659 --> 00:09:09.799 We do know, Lord, that there are many who go through different trials and emotions in this world. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:12.159 We know it in our own experience. 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:14.019 We see it in the experience of others. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:19.539 And we know, Lord, that broken hearts and grief and sorrow are never far from us. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:24.379 And so, we seek to commit those who need you in these particular ways. 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:26.019 To know your comfort. 00:09:26.340 --> 00:09:27.220 To know your blessing. 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:29.059 To know your peace. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:34.659 We know, Lord, that you know every circumstance, even unknown to us. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:40.500 And so, we thank you that you would be precious to people, Lord, who need you in these ways. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:44.759 We pray for your church, Lord, that you would protect it. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:47.220 That you would build it up as your word has promised. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:56.399 And we pray, Lord, that you will come in your power, Lord, throughout our islands here, throughout our nation, throughout the world. 00:09:57.159 --> 00:10:01.519 We thank you that your kingdom is of great power and might. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:06.340 We pray the prayer week by week, Lord, that your kingdom come. 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:10.779 And we do pray it, Lord, even now, that you would come. 00:10:11.579 --> 00:10:14.799 That you will come and convict those in sin. 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:21.799 Come and challenge those whose thoughts are towards evil and self-gain and prosperity. 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:24.960 Convict and convert them, Lord, we pray. 00:10:24.960 --> 00:10:33.720 We bring peace to lands that no trouble bring, oh, Lord, calmness in the midst of very difficult situations. 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:38.580 Tragic circumstances, as we've seen in Morocco and Libya. 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:41.960 And the natural disasters taking place there. 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:49.639 And, oh, Lord, there is never a day that goes by when there is not news of some tragedy near and far. 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:52.699 But, Lord, we pray for your grace. 00:10:52.860 --> 00:10:54.960 We pray for your mercy to be upon us. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:11:00.379 We pray for your word to go out with power even in the midst of all of these things. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:02.460 That your word will be heard. 00:11:02.559 --> 00:11:04.159 A word of peace. 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:05.259 A word of comfort. 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:08.559 We remember your people throughout the world. 00:11:08.699 --> 00:11:10.759 Those who are persecuted for their faith. 00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:16.019 Those who suffer greatly just to have the name of Jesus on their lips. 00:11:16.659 --> 00:11:18.120 And to confess him as Lord. 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:21.039 But we thank you that you are with them. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:26.120 We thank you that you are the one who upholds and strengthens. 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:30.519 That you're one who has promised, oh, Lord, that they will be blessed. 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:37.120 And we pray, Lord, that your people far and wide will know your blessing over them. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:39.399 That they will know your great presence. 00:11:40.279 --> 00:11:42.940 We think of Stephen in the book of Acts. 00:11:42.940 --> 00:11:46.340 And how even as he was persecuted and stoned. 00:11:46.680 --> 00:11:50.100 That he had a great vision of his own saviour. 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:51.360 The heavens opened. 00:11:52.040 --> 00:11:55.120 And his Lord standing at the right hand of God. 00:11:55.760 --> 00:12:02.500 And we pray that your people here and everywhere throughout the world would have a greater vision of Jesus. 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.600 That we would see him. 00:12:05.140 --> 00:12:07.000 That we would fix our eyes on him. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:11.879 So that in all that we do, oh, Lord, our gaze would always be upon him. 00:12:12.480 --> 00:12:17.700 That we would look to him as the one who is able to provide in all our needs. 00:12:18.559 --> 00:12:24.899 And so, Lord, as we continue in our worship at this time, we thank you for all that we have from your hand. 00:12:24.899 --> 00:12:28.000 And we thank you for the blessings that have been ours already this day. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:31.679 And our service this morning with the baptisms taking place. 00:12:31.779 --> 00:12:34.559 We thank you for the families who were gathered. 00:12:34.720 --> 00:12:35.899 And for the children baptized. 00:12:36.439 --> 00:12:38.059 And for parents and grandparents. 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:41.959 And all of us gathered together as a congregation watching on. 00:12:41.959 --> 00:12:47.120 And we pray, Lord, your blessing on us to continue over us in all of these things. 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:50.519 We ask, oh, Lord, now that you will guide us in your word. 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:54.419 Lord, that you will help us in our praise to lift up our hearts to you. 00:12:54.779 --> 00:13:01.220 That you will hear our prayers as we offer them up in and through the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:04.179 As we come as sinners before you. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:08.639 Humbly we come, Lord, pleading that you will forgive us. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:10.360 Forgive us all our sin. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.600 Forgive us and cleanse us. 00:13:12.679 --> 00:13:15.360 Create in us a clean heart as we sang this morning. 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:18.059 And renew within us a right spirit. 00:13:18.059 --> 00:13:20.399 As we ask all of these things. 00:13:20.859 --> 00:13:22.059 In the name above every name. 00:13:22.119 --> 00:13:24.579 In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:26.419 For his sake and glory. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.359 Amen. 00:13:30.959 --> 00:13:33.039 We'll again sing to God's praise. 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:34.579 We'll sing in Psalm 47. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.599 This is in the Sing Psalms version. 00:13:37.459 --> 00:13:40.259 Page 62 of the Psalm books. 00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:44.359 Psalm 47. 00:13:45.219 --> 00:13:47.019 We'll sing the whole of this Psalm. 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:48.620 June is Warrington. 00:13:50.079 --> 00:13:52.620 All nations, clap your hands and shout. 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:55.559 Let joyful cries to God ring out. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:57.899 How awesome is the Lord Most High. 00:13:58.319 --> 00:14:01.220 Great King who rules the earth throughout. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:02.779 We'll sing the whole of this Psalm. 00:14:02.919 --> 00:14:05.439 To God's praise, we stand to sing. 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:18.180 All nations, clap your hands and shout. 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:26.820 Let joyful cries to God ring out. 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:35.020 How awesome is the Lord Most High. 00:14:35.420 --> 00:14:42.820 Great King who rules the earth throughout. 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:52.420 He has subdued beneath our feet. 00:14:52.420 --> 00:15:01.320 The nations who had been our foes. 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:27.760 God has gone up with shouts of joy. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:36.759 The Lord amidst the trumpet sound. 00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:40.980 Sing praise, sing praise. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:45.519 To God Most High. 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:50.019 To God our King. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:55.360 Let praise abound. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:16:04.100 For God is King of all the earth. 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:13.079 Sing psalms of praise to Him alone. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:22.080 God rules the nations from on high. 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:31.500 He sets upon His holy throne. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:49.320 The leaders of the nations come to yield themselves to Abram's Lord. 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:57.820 To Him belong the shields of earth. 00:16:58.320 --> 00:17:07.500 Exalted greatly is the Lord. 00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:12.500 In the name of the nations come to Yahweh of all the nations come to the nations come to the nations. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:17.680 We can turn to read together now in God's word in the New Testament and Paul's letter to the Colossians. 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:20.779 Colossians chapter 4. 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:23.559 We take up a reading at verse 2. 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:31.000 Colossians chapter 4. 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:33.500 We're taking up a reading at verse 2. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:35.519 We're reading down to the end of this chapter. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:42.799 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:49.700 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the word 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:54.279 to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:58.240 that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak. 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:03.539 Conduct yourselves wisely towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:07.599 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:11.379 so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:15.740 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:21.960 He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 00:18:22.659 --> 00:18:25.460 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:30.500 that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts. 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:37.420 And with him, Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you, 00:18:38.140 --> 00:18:41.920 they will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:45.799 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you. 00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:52.200 And Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions. 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:55.140 If he comes to you, welcome him. 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:58.120 And Jesus, who is called Justice. 00:18:58.820 --> 00:19:03.920 These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:06.560 and they have been a comfort to me. 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:12.100 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, 00:19:12.580 --> 00:19:15.700 always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, 00:19:16.320 --> 00:19:20.880 that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:24.960 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you, 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:27.800 and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 00:19:28.780 --> 00:19:32.420 Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas. 00:19:33.320 --> 00:19:35.740 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, 00:19:36.300 --> 00:19:38.600 and to Nymphan, the church in her house. 00:19:39.540 --> 00:19:41.660 When this letter has been read among you, 00:19:42.060 --> 00:19:44.920 have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans. 00:19:45.580 --> 00:19:48.300 And see also you read the letter from Laodicea. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:50.579 And say to Archippus, 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:54.919 See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:20:00.000 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:02.339 Remember my chains. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.579 Grace be with you. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:09.680 Amen, and may God bless that reading from his word. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:13.779 Well, again, sing to God's praise in Psalm 111. 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:20.160 In the Scottish Psalter, version page 391 of the psalm books. 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:23.980 Psalm 111, page 391. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:27.660 You can sing from verse 1 to verse 5. 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:30.480 The tune is St. Paul. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:54.299 We'll sing from verse 1 to 5 to God's praise, 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.880 and we stand to sing. 00:20:55.880 --> 00:21:08.540 Praise ye the Lord with my whole heart. 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:14.359 I will God's praise declare, 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:23.399 With the assemblies of the just, 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:30.240 And congregations are, 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:38.779 The whole works of the Lord our God, 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:45.640 Are great above all measure, 00:21:46.339 --> 00:21:53.779 So doubt they are of every one, 00:21:53.779 --> 00:22:00.000 That does not take pleasure, 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:09.759 Is what most on a grapple is, 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:16.660 Most glorious and pure, 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:24.660 And His untainted righteousness, 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:31.660 Forever doth endure. 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:41.120 His works most wonderful He hath, 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:48.000 Made to be thought upon, 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:52.879 The Lord is gracious, 00:22:52.879 --> 00:23:01.619 And He is full of compassion, 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:06.619 He gave path, 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:07.219 He gave path, 00:23:07.219 --> 00:23:11.699 Be done to all those, 00:23:11.699 --> 00:23:18.679 That truly do Him fear, 00:23:18.679 --> 00:23:26.039 And evermore His covenant, 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:33.519 And He in His might well bear. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.379 We can turn back to our reading 00:23:40.379 --> 00:23:42.579 in Colossians chapter 4. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:47.240 We can look at verse 7 down to verse 11 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:49.099 together this evening. 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:54.500 Colossians chapter 4 at verse 7. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:58.680 Dechicus will tell you all about my activities. 00:23:58.859 --> 00:24:00.339 He is a beloved brother, 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.460 And faithful minister, 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:03.159 And fellow servant in the Lord. 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:06.519 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, 00:24:07.139 --> 00:24:08.899 That you may know how we are, 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:12.119 And that he may encourage your hearts. 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.819 And so on. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:16.799 A couple of weeks ago in the evening, 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:19.839 We were looking at the first chapter of Nehemiah, 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:22.259 And there we were looking at Nehemiah, 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:25.119 And seeing that he was a man of vision, 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:27.519 A man who was looking around, 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:29.339 And hearing about what was going on, 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:31.179 And his beloved Jerusalem, 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:32.979 How the walls had fallen down, 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:35.000 How they were in great trouble, 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.919 In great need, 00:24:36.239 --> 00:24:38.779 And how he had a burden for the people, 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:41.359 And the place that they might be restored, 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.859 And built up once again. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.179 And we will come back, 00:24:45.219 --> 00:24:47.139 Maybe to look at some more of Nehemiah, 00:24:47.219 --> 00:24:48.079 In the coming weeks. 00:24:48.079 --> 00:24:50.439 But as you look at Nehemiah, 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:51.980 And the vision that he had, 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:54.179 As he was looking ahead, 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.980 And seeing what needed to be done, 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:59.379 There were other things that he needed for himself as well. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:01.099 We read it through Nehemiah, 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:04.099 And his preparation for going back to Jerusalem, 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:06.199 That he was looking to God, 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:08.819 He was praying to God, 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:09.819 For his help, 00:25:09.919 --> 00:25:10.819 For his presence, 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.179 To be with him. 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:14.160 But there was something else, 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:15.299 That Nehemiah needed, 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.039 For the work, 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:17.620 And the vision to be fulfilled. 00:25:18.560 --> 00:25:19.500 And that was, 00:25:20.100 --> 00:25:20.460 People. 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.180 He needed people, 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:24.060 To be with him, 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:25.160 To be alongside him, 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.420 To be working together, 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:28.340 For the kingdom of God, 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:30.660 To see the blessing of God, 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.320 And the restoration, 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:33.400 That might take place. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:35.080 And it's that I want to focus on, 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:37.100 This evening here in Colossians. 00:25:37.660 --> 00:25:38.160 People. 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:41.220 Do you feel a part, 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:43.519 Of the congregation here? 00:25:44.560 --> 00:25:45.800 Perhaps this is, 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:47.380 Where you come every week, 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.560 Perhaps maybe tonight, 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.820 You're just passing through, 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.640 You're just visiting. 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:53.400 But whatever your situation tonight is, 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.740 Do you feel a part, 00:25:54.860 --> 00:25:56.320 Of the congregation here? 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.980 Do we have that, 00:25:58.320 --> 00:26:00.600 Collective vision of the Lord, 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:02.100 As we come in here tonight, 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:04.000 That whatever our situation is, 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:06.480 We're all looking to God, 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.579 Seeking his blessing. 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:10.920 Do you feel a part, 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.559 Of the congregation? 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:13.660 Do you feel you have, 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:15.519 Something to offer, 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.640 The congregation? 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:17.960 Again, 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:19.640 Whether you're here regularly, 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:21.200 Or just passing through, 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.880 Do you feel you have something, 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:25.440 To offer the congregation here? 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.799 We all have, 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:29.839 Something to offer. 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.620 The Lord has made us, 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:32.819 All different, 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:34.880 But for a purpose. 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:36.620 He's given us, 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.200 A purpose, 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:38.880 To serve him. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.580 Our chief end is, 00:26:41.060 --> 00:26:42.320 To glorify God, 00:26:42.400 --> 00:26:43.840 And to enjoy him forever, 00:26:44.260 --> 00:26:46.460 As the shorter catechism tells us. 00:26:47.100 --> 00:26:48.480 And in so doing that, 00:26:48.560 --> 00:26:49.180 And seeing that, 00:26:49.320 --> 00:26:50.580 Working out in our lives, 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:52.080 We all have something, 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:53.780 To offer God in that way, 00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:55.040 How we glorify, 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:56.980 And enjoy him together. 00:26:58.120 --> 00:26:59.080 Well as we look at, 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:01.440 The conclusion to Paul's letter, 00:27:01.540 --> 00:27:01.880 To the Colossians, 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.620 Colossians, 00:27:03.080 --> 00:27:04.560 It would be easy for us, 00:27:04.560 --> 00:27:05.220 To just, 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:07.820 Skim over this last part, 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.880 Of chapter four. 00:27:09.840 --> 00:27:10.980 When you look at it, 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:12.160 You maybe don't think, 00:27:12.300 --> 00:27:13.200 It's as important, 00:27:13.520 --> 00:27:15.380 As the rest of the body. 00:27:15.540 --> 00:27:16.700 If you've read through, 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.840 Colossians, 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:19.260 Or if you heard services, 00:27:19.260 --> 00:27:20.480 On Colossians, 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:21.520 Do you know that, 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:22.440 There is a richness, 00:27:22.780 --> 00:27:23.560 In this letter, 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:25.920 About the glory of God, 00:27:26.760 --> 00:27:27.700 And Paul's, 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:29.360 Ministry to the people, 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:29.579 There, 00:27:29.639 --> 00:27:30.559 The preeminence, 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.839 Of Christ, 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:33.079 In chapter one, 00:27:33.839 --> 00:27:35.339 There's such beauty, 00:27:35.459 --> 00:27:36.719 In theology there, 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:38.099 And then as you read on, 00:27:38.219 --> 00:27:40.199 There's practical ways, 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.099 That Paul is, 00:27:41.459 --> 00:27:42.459 Teaching the people, 00:27:42.639 --> 00:27:43.579 To live together, 00:27:44.199 --> 00:27:45.119 But then as you come, 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:46.240 To the end of the letter, 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:47.139 Perhaps you think, 00:27:47.219 --> 00:27:48.119 Well there's no real, 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:50.000 Deep theology here, 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:51.439 There's no deep teaching here, 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:53.419 Or there's no practical, 00:27:53.419 --> 00:27:55.539 Purpose in this last part, 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:56.099 Of the letter, 00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:56.519 And yet, 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:58.379 The closer you look to it, 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.539 You see it as both, 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:01.960 There's rich theology, 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:03.119 In teaching here, 00:28:03.639 --> 00:28:05.059 And there's very practical, 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:07.160 Teaching for us as well, 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:08.339 So it would be easy for us, 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:10.799 Just to glance across it, 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:11.900 Brush over it, 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.839 And not really see, 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:14.980 The importance of it, 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.839 In some ways, 00:28:17.339 --> 00:28:18.740 It reminds me of a book, 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.799 As you're reading a book, 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:21.879 And you start reading a book, 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:22.900 Either at the beginning, 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.500 Or the end of a book, 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:26.039 You'll often find a section, 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:26.859 By the author, 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:28.859 That's acknowledgements, 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.399 Acknowledging people, 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:31.980 Either maybe family, 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:32.740 And friends, 00:28:32.839 --> 00:28:34.059 Who have supported him, 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:35.720 Or other friends, 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.420 Who have helped, 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.559 In preparing the book, 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:38.339 For publishing, 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:39.920 And the list can go on, 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.700 And on sometimes, 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:42.099 A list of names, 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:43.980 But who reads it? 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.799 Do you read these things, 00:28:45.839 --> 00:28:47.000 If you start to read a book, 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.819 Or do you skip past that, 00:28:48.819 --> 00:28:49.759 And just get into the, 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.819 Contents of the book itself? 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:54.480 Well as Paul is writing, 00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:55.279 His letters, 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:56.259 In the New Testament, 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.880 You find that both, 00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:59.660 The beginning of his letters, 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:01.160 Maybe the opening few verses, 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:02.980 And the last verses, 00:29:03.400 --> 00:29:04.400 You can often be parts, 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:06.299 That you just skim over them, 00:29:06.640 --> 00:29:07.680 And not see, 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:09.259 Just how important, 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:10.339 They are, 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:11.799 Perhaps, 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.180 It's just, 00:29:13.620 --> 00:29:14.960 A list of names, 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:17.200 And it's got nothing much, 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.779 To say to me, 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:21.039 But there's more to it, 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:23.180 Than first meets the eye, 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.220 When you look at the people, 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.940 Mentioned here, 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.980 And we're just going to look at, 00:29:27.060 --> 00:29:28.360 Verse 7 to 11, 00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:30.840 That we could go on through, 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.000 To the end of the chapter, 00:29:32.140 --> 00:29:32.480 Where there's, 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:34.039 A lot of different names, 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:35.060 Mentioned here, 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:35.740 Of people, 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:36.720 Who, 00:29:37.100 --> 00:29:38.660 Paul is thanking them, 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:40.000 For different ways, 00:29:40.060 --> 00:29:41.279 That they've supported him, 00:29:41.560 --> 00:29:43.019 And encouraged him, 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:44.539 And in his ministry, 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:46.539 And for the spread of the gospel, 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:48.180 The good news of Jesus, 00:29:48.320 --> 00:29:49.640 As it's spreading throughout, 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:51.019 So many different parts, 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:52.680 He's thanking them, 00:29:52.680 --> 00:29:53.519 For their help, 00:29:54.039 --> 00:29:55.220 And for their involvement, 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:55.980 In this, 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:58.279 We often can speak today, 00:29:58.379 --> 00:30:00.500 About team ministries, 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:03.539 Or every member ministry, 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:05.160 We have these phrases, 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:06.299 That we can put out, 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:08.039 In our own day, 00:30:08.400 --> 00:30:09.940 But as you look at, 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.879 The scriptures, 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:11.859 As you look at, 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:13.660 Paul's letters here, 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:15.180 You find that, 00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:16.200 He was someone, 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.359 Who had this vision, 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.759 Of team ministry, 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:20.440 Of everyone, 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.559 Working together, 00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:23.220 For the good of the kingdom, 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.339 Of God, 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.500 And that's the challenge, 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:28.259 To ourselves today, 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.980 Paul here mentions, 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:32.140 A variety of different people, 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:33.759 With different gifts used, 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:35.559 To spread the gospel, 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.660 And to encourage, 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:37.799 Believers, 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:39.619 Then far and wide, 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.940 And ourselves, 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:42.420 To this day, 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:44.319 At the heart of it all, 00:30:44.539 --> 00:30:45.640 Is God, 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:46.640 And his goodness, 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:48.259 At the heart of it all, 00:30:48.320 --> 00:30:49.200 Is the gospel, 00:30:49.320 --> 00:30:50.100 The good news, 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.880 Of Jesus Christ, 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:53.720 But through this, 00:30:53.840 --> 00:30:55.040 Is also people, 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.340 Being used, 00:30:56.540 --> 00:30:57.520 To spread, 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.800 The gospel, 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:01.140 And so we're going to focus, 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:02.060 This evening on verse, 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.280 7 to 11, 00:31:03.360 --> 00:31:04.680 And look at five people, 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.460 Who are mentioned here, 00:31:06.560 --> 00:31:07.160 And just take, 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:09.280 A little bit about each of them, 00:31:10.140 --> 00:31:11.640 And think about ourselves, 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.180 And the lessons, 00:31:13.320 --> 00:31:15.000 That we can learn from them, 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:17.019 And apply to ourselves, 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.660 As a church, 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:20.240 Individually, 00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:22.339 In our own lives, 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:23.839 On a daily basis, 00:31:23.960 --> 00:31:25.619 So that even as we go into this week, 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.579 Ahead, 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.779 That what we look at this evening, 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:29.680 Will make us think, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:31.200 How am I going to be, 00:31:31.980 --> 00:31:32.420 Different, 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.599 In the week ahead? 00:31:33.900 --> 00:31:34.720 Am I going to, 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:35.960 Change things, 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:37.220 In the week ahead, 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:38.039 In my attitude, 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.160 In how I live, 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:40.420 In what I do, 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.720 In what I say, 00:31:42.359 --> 00:31:43.400 In all of these things, 00:31:43.400 --> 00:31:44.320 Am I going to think of, 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:45.740 What these people, 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:47.120 In mentioned here, 00:31:47.540 --> 00:31:48.440 And what God's word, 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.220 Is saying to us, 00:31:49.280 --> 00:31:51.140 How is it going to change, 00:31:51.580 --> 00:31:52.580 How I live, 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.860 In the week ahead? 00:31:55.120 --> 00:31:56.460 So let's look at these, 00:31:56.540 --> 00:31:57.080 Some of these, 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:59.300 People that we have mentioned here, 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:01.140 And the first one we have, 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:02.480 Is in verse 7 there, 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:03.160 Tychicus, 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.759 Now here is someone, 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:08.400 Who along with Onesimus, 00:32:08.400 --> 00:32:10.480 Was key to having this letter, 00:32:10.820 --> 00:32:12.460 Delivered to the church, 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:13.720 At Colossae, 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:15.620 And this was, 00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:17.180 No small task, 00:32:17.180 --> 00:32:18.240 In itself, 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:20.840 Paul was writing, 00:32:20.840 --> 00:32:22.060 To them from prison, 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:23.560 At this time, 00:32:24.360 --> 00:32:25.259 And he was sending, 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:25.900 This letter, 00:32:26.340 --> 00:32:27.680 To the people in Colossae, 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:29.680 And someone had to be selected, 00:32:29.880 --> 00:32:30.980 To take this letter, 00:32:31.620 --> 00:32:33.060 It wasn't a stamp, 00:32:33.180 --> 00:32:34.000 Put on an envelope, 00:32:34.420 --> 00:32:35.320 And it popped into, 00:32:35.420 --> 00:32:36.140 A letter box, 00:32:36.140 --> 00:32:37.000 And the post office, 00:32:37.100 --> 00:32:38.040 Would see to it, 00:32:38.520 --> 00:32:39.240 This needed, 00:32:39.860 --> 00:32:42.259 People to be standing up, 00:32:42.660 --> 00:32:43.440 And to be willing, 00:32:43.580 --> 00:32:45.140 To serve in this way, 00:32:45.800 --> 00:32:47.420 To take the letter to Colossae, 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.800 Was a long way to go, 00:32:49.160 --> 00:32:50.980 It was a dangerous journey, 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:53.160 And one that Paul needed, 00:32:53.340 --> 00:32:55.600 Trusty servants to undertake, 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:57.820 And here we are told, 00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:58.800 Of two of them, 00:32:58.840 --> 00:33:00.400 Who were entrusted with this, 00:33:01.040 --> 00:33:02.920 Tychicus and Onesimus, 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:05.140 They were entrusted, 00:33:05.140 --> 00:33:07.039 With taking the letter, 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:08.019 To them, 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:10.480 So, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:12.060 Tychicus was sent, 00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:13.759 With a purpose, 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:15.080 Paul, 00:33:15.300 --> 00:33:16.220 We see here, 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.600 Thrusted him, 00:33:18.080 --> 00:33:19.519 And what we see about Tychicus, 00:33:19.640 --> 00:33:20.440 Is he was, 00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:21.940 An encourager, 00:33:23.300 --> 00:33:24.220 He says here, 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:24.720 He is, 00:33:24.940 --> 00:33:25.840 Paul says of him, 00:33:25.900 --> 00:33:27.700 He is a beloved brother, 00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:29.700 And faithful minister, 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:31.680 And fellow servant, 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:33.039 In the Lord, 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:35.180 What wonderful words, 00:33:35.660 --> 00:33:36.920 To speak of anyone, 00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:37.720 Who's working, 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:39.100 In the gospel, 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:40.840 Man or woman, 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:41.819 Boy or girl, 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:43.180 It doesn't matter, 00:33:43.580 --> 00:33:45.000 He is a beloved brother, 00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:45.700 Or sister, 00:33:45.840 --> 00:33:46.779 A faithful minister, 00:33:46.860 --> 00:33:48.000 And fellow servant, 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:49.319 In the Lord, 00:33:50.100 --> 00:33:51.519 That we would be used, 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.940 In this way, 00:33:53.400 --> 00:33:54.299 For God, 00:33:55.100 --> 00:33:55.860 He says in verse 8, 00:33:55.860 --> 00:33:57.000 I have sent him to you, 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:58.120 For this very purpose, 00:33:58.119 --> 00:33:59.000 That you may know, 00:33:59.299 --> 00:33:59.979 How we are, 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:00.859 And that he may, 00:34:01.179 --> 00:34:03.919 Encourage your hearts, 00:34:04.959 --> 00:34:06.639 He was selected, 00:34:07.199 --> 00:34:09.519 For this very purpose, 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.719 When you look at Tychicus, 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:13.159 In the New Testament, 00:34:13.319 --> 00:34:14.079 You find him, 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:16.699 Mentioned in different parts, 00:34:17.759 --> 00:34:19.079 And it reveals us, 00:34:19.219 --> 00:34:20.799 More to us about him, 00:34:20.839 --> 00:34:22.679 Than just these few words here, 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.440 You find him mentioned, 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:25.980 In the book of Acts, 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:28.019 Being with Paul again, 00:34:28.119 --> 00:34:29.719 Going to deliver, 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:30.559 A collection, 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:32.159 That has been taken, 00:34:32.319 --> 00:34:33.739 Money that has been collected, 00:34:33.739 --> 00:34:34.920 For another church, 00:34:35.319 --> 00:34:36.579 He is found as the one, 00:34:36.679 --> 00:34:37.599 Who's entrusted, 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:39.719 With carrying this collection, 00:34:40.559 --> 00:34:42.119 You find him mentioned, 00:34:42.339 --> 00:34:43.920 In Titus and Timothy, 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:46.599 Being sent with letters, 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:48.359 To Crete and to Ephesus, 00:34:49.359 --> 00:34:50.460 He's experienced, 00:34:50.859 --> 00:34:52.259 He's well traveled, 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:54.319 A partner in the gospel, 00:34:54.799 --> 00:34:55.839 With Paul, 00:34:55.840 --> 00:34:57.900 He's dependable, 00:34:57.900 --> 00:34:58.640 He's dependable, 00:34:59.320 --> 00:35:00.900 And these words, 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:02.960 Expressed in verse 7 here, 00:35:03.380 --> 00:35:05.440 Show how Paul describes him, 00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:07.600 In this loyal way, 00:35:08.579 --> 00:35:09.579 A beloved brother, 00:35:09.740 --> 00:35:10.800 Faithful minister, 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.880 A fellow servant, 00:35:13.440 --> 00:35:14.340 In the Lord, 00:35:15.620 --> 00:35:16.539 Here is someone, 00:35:16.800 --> 00:35:19.400 Who has experienced much, 00:35:20.120 --> 00:35:21.880 Who has learned much, 00:35:22.280 --> 00:35:23.460 Along the way, 00:35:23.460 --> 00:35:25.900 But in all that he's learned, 00:35:26.519 --> 00:35:28.139 He's willing to give, 00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:30.360 He's not holding it, 00:35:30.360 --> 00:35:31.440 To himself, 00:35:32.300 --> 00:35:33.659 He's willing to give, 00:35:33.740 --> 00:35:35.659 And to give sacrificially, 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:37.099 To give everything, 00:35:37.300 --> 00:35:38.159 For the cause, 00:35:38.519 --> 00:35:39.380 Of the Lord, 00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:40.260 To see, 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.380 These roles, 00:35:41.480 --> 00:35:42.460 That he was fulfilling, 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:43.639 In delivering letters, 00:35:43.820 --> 00:35:45.000 In delivering collections, 00:35:45.820 --> 00:35:47.220 They were all dangerous, 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:49.380 They were all, 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.619 Putting his life, 00:35:50.860 --> 00:35:51.440 In danger, 00:35:51.440 --> 00:35:53.340 And yet he was, 00:35:53.340 --> 00:35:54.539 Called upon, 00:35:54.700 --> 00:35:56.000 And depended upon, 00:35:56.400 --> 00:35:57.039 Again, 00:35:57.220 --> 00:35:57.940 And again, 00:35:58.940 --> 00:36:00.039 So he was, 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.900 Trusted, 00:36:01.780 --> 00:36:02.900 And how did, 00:36:03.139 --> 00:36:04.159 Take us come to be, 00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:04.780 Trusted, 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:07.480 By proving himself, 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:09.679 By showing himself, 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:11.059 Worthy of this, 00:36:11.119 --> 00:36:12.099 By putting himself, 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:13.099 Forward, 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.300 For this role, 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.480 For that cause, 00:36:15.840 --> 00:36:16.599 Of Christ, 00:36:16.720 --> 00:36:17.480 In this way, 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:19.219 His aim, 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:21.240 Was to please, 00:36:21.240 --> 00:36:22.000 The Lord, 00:36:22.400 --> 00:36:23.159 In everything, 00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:25.039 He was beloved, 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:26.179 He was faithful, 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.860 He was a fellow, 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:29.139 Servant, 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:31.860 And every church, 00:36:32.380 --> 00:36:32.880 Needs, 00:36:33.360 --> 00:36:34.219 These kinds, 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.099 Of people, 00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:37.139 Experienced, 00:36:37.880 --> 00:36:38.559 Faithful, 00:36:39.240 --> 00:36:40.099 Dependable, 00:36:40.619 --> 00:36:41.280 People who put, 00:36:41.280 --> 00:36:42.740 Themselves forward, 00:36:43.599 --> 00:36:44.059 People who, 00:36:44.380 --> 00:36:45.639 Use the experience, 00:36:45.860 --> 00:36:46.940 Gained through life, 00:36:46.940 --> 00:36:48.519 In so many different ways, 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:50.139 And to put it to use, 00:36:50.280 --> 00:36:51.099 For the cause, 00:36:51.599 --> 00:36:52.380 Of Christ, 00:36:53.579 --> 00:36:56.240 He has gained, 00:36:56.420 --> 00:36:57.720 So much experience, 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:59.039 Through Paul's, 00:36:59.280 --> 00:37:00.039 Ministry, 00:37:00.539 --> 00:37:01.400 Through being with him, 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:02.519 In different journeys, 00:37:02.659 --> 00:37:03.679 In different places, 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:05.360 Through relationships, 00:37:05.579 --> 00:37:06.220 With the Lord, 00:37:06.320 --> 00:37:07.579 That he's grown in, 00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:09.200 He's come to serve, 00:37:09.200 --> 00:37:09.820 The Lord, 00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:11.220 In this way, 00:37:12.400 --> 00:37:12.980 We need, 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:14.500 More and more, 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:15.980 Of these kinds, 00:37:16.159 --> 00:37:16.800 Of people, 00:37:16.940 --> 00:37:18.220 Those who are, 00:37:18.220 --> 00:37:19.179 Experienced, 00:37:19.320 --> 00:37:19.880 In the Lord, 00:37:20.619 --> 00:37:21.240 Those who have, 00:37:21.240 --> 00:37:22.099 Learned so much, 00:37:22.159 --> 00:37:23.059 Over the years, 00:37:23.500 --> 00:37:24.220 To be there, 00:37:24.300 --> 00:37:25.500 To be depended upon, 00:37:25.820 --> 00:37:26.559 To teach, 00:37:26.659 --> 00:37:27.380 The generation, 00:37:28.000 --> 00:37:28.659 Coming after, 00:37:29.280 --> 00:37:30.619 To show them, 00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:31.500 The way, 00:37:32.179 --> 00:37:32.639 To show, 00:37:32.860 --> 00:37:33.599 What they've learned, 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.539 To encourage, 00:37:34.860 --> 00:37:35.740 Others to come, 00:37:35.840 --> 00:37:36.460 Alongside, 00:37:36.760 --> 00:37:37.480 And to help, 00:37:37.740 --> 00:37:38.619 Along the way, 00:37:39.159 --> 00:37:40.000 As you see here, 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:40.599 With Tychicus, 00:37:40.720 --> 00:37:41.360 That's what his, 00:37:41.360 --> 00:37:42.460 Purpose was, 00:37:42.460 --> 00:37:43.460 He was bringing, 00:37:43.460 --> 00:37:43.480 He was bringing, 00:37:43.480 --> 00:37:43.500 He was bringing, 00:37:43.500 --> 00:37:44.320 News to them, 00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:45.800 And to encourage, 00:37:45.800 --> 00:37:47.099 Their hearts, 00:37:48.260 --> 00:37:49.500 To enliven them, 00:37:49.740 --> 00:37:50.380 For the Lord, 00:37:50.740 --> 00:37:51.460 To help them, 00:37:51.500 --> 00:37:52.099 To go on, 00:37:52.440 --> 00:37:53.380 In the strength, 00:37:53.380 --> 00:37:54.579 Of the Lord, 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:57.800 So for ourselves, 00:37:57.800 --> 00:37:59.519 Are we, 00:37:59.740 --> 00:38:00.940 Encouragers, 00:38:01.940 --> 00:38:03.240 Are we willing, 00:38:03.740 --> 00:38:05.039 To put ourselves, 00:38:05.240 --> 00:38:05.840 Forward, 00:38:06.380 --> 00:38:07.780 To give ourselves, 00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:09.040 To the Lord, 00:38:09.120 --> 00:38:09.980 To give ourselves, 00:38:10.180 --> 00:38:11.400 Wholeheartedly, 00:38:11.840 --> 00:38:12.720 For the Lord, 00:38:14.120 --> 00:38:14.900 How do you, 00:38:15.060 --> 00:38:16.420 Learn to drive, 00:38:17.680 --> 00:38:18.620 There's probably some here, 00:38:18.700 --> 00:38:18.920 Who have, 00:38:19.380 --> 00:38:19.920 Perhaps just, 00:38:20.100 --> 00:38:20.920 In the last year, 00:38:21.040 --> 00:38:22.220 Maybe passed their test, 00:38:22.300 --> 00:38:22.900 Others who've, 00:38:22.900 --> 00:38:24.580 Been driving for years, 00:38:24.680 --> 00:38:25.340 But how do you, 00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:26.620 Learn to drive, 00:38:27.180 --> 00:38:27.980 You don't just, 00:38:28.300 --> 00:38:29.720 Sit a theory test, 00:38:30.240 --> 00:38:31.120 You don't just, 00:38:31.120 --> 00:38:32.660 Watch a DVD, 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:33.620 About driving, 00:38:33.700 --> 00:38:34.280 And that's it, 00:38:34.360 --> 00:38:35.519 You're qualified, 00:38:35.519 --> 00:38:36.600 To drive, 00:38:36.599 --> 00:38:38.159 You've got to get, 00:38:38.299 --> 00:38:39.179 Behind the wheel, 00:38:40.179 --> 00:38:41.279 You've got to go out, 00:38:41.559 --> 00:38:42.119 In the car, 00:38:42.179 --> 00:38:43.039 You've got to drive, 00:38:43.199 --> 00:38:43.839 The car, 00:38:43.920 --> 00:38:45.219 And drive it in all kinds, 00:38:45.279 --> 00:38:46.519 Of different conditions, 00:38:47.980 --> 00:38:48.400 In nice, 00:38:48.539 --> 00:38:48.860 Calm, 00:38:49.059 --> 00:38:49.679 Sunny weather, 00:38:49.819 --> 00:38:50.339 In dark, 00:38:50.579 --> 00:38:51.299 Wet nights, 00:38:51.400 --> 00:38:52.440 In snow and ice, 00:38:53.119 --> 00:38:54.139 That's how you learn, 00:38:54.259 --> 00:38:55.460 Through experience, 00:38:56.279 --> 00:38:57.319 And that experience, 00:38:57.519 --> 00:38:58.019 Teaches you, 00:38:58.019 --> 00:38:58.339 And you can, 00:38:58.679 --> 00:38:59.880 Pass that experience, 00:38:59.880 --> 00:39:01.360 On to others, 00:39:02.159 --> 00:39:03.759 And that is how it is, 00:39:03.759 --> 00:39:05.759 With the Lord's people too, 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:07.299 We need, 00:39:07.460 --> 00:39:08.460 People like Tychicus, 00:39:08.960 --> 00:39:10.440 Encouragers in the Lord, 00:39:10.940 --> 00:39:12.299 People of experience, 00:39:12.299 --> 00:39:13.119 In the Lord, 00:39:13.199 --> 00:39:14.179 In different ways, 00:39:14.279 --> 00:39:15.799 In different situations, 00:39:16.000 --> 00:39:17.460 In different circumstances, 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:19.599 Who can come alongside others, 00:39:19.699 --> 00:39:20.500 And encourage, 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:21.980 Their hearts, 00:39:22.699 --> 00:39:24.900 So it's so important, 00:39:25.039 --> 00:39:25.839 To have people, 00:39:26.239 --> 00:39:27.299 Of experience, 00:39:28.000 --> 00:39:28.679 Who are willing, 00:39:28.920 --> 00:39:29.980 To give, 00:39:30.599 --> 00:39:31.920 In the same way, 00:39:32.500 --> 00:39:33.360 As Tychicus, 00:39:33.360 --> 00:39:36.099 So as we go into this week, 00:39:36.420 --> 00:39:37.420 Are we going to be, 00:39:37.620 --> 00:39:38.539 Like that? 00:39:39.380 --> 00:39:40.140 Are we going to be, 00:39:40.140 --> 00:39:40.860 Encouragers? 00:39:41.740 --> 00:39:43.000 Are we going to be people, 00:39:43.340 --> 00:39:44.780 Putting ourselves forward, 00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:45.360 Using, 00:39:45.780 --> 00:39:46.780 Our experience, 00:39:47.320 --> 00:39:48.200 For the glory, 00:39:48.800 --> 00:39:49.559 Of God? 00:39:51.260 --> 00:39:52.180 The second one, 00:39:52.240 --> 00:39:52.980 We see here, 00:39:53.140 --> 00:39:53.900 Is who was alongside, 00:39:54.120 --> 00:39:54.480 Tychicus, 00:39:54.620 --> 00:39:55.920 And delivering the letter, 00:39:56.079 --> 00:39:57.140 Was Onesimus, 00:39:58.280 --> 00:39:59.700 And what do we see, 00:39:59.960 --> 00:40:00.260 Here, 00:40:00.680 --> 00:40:01.840 Of Onesimus? 00:40:01.840 --> 00:40:03.680 He's an interesting, 00:40:03.680 --> 00:40:05.039 Character here, 00:40:05.600 --> 00:40:06.860 Just to see him mentioned, 00:40:07.100 --> 00:40:09.220 It says so much to us, 00:40:09.680 --> 00:40:11.120 Because it reminds us, 00:40:11.200 --> 00:40:12.120 Of the power, 00:40:12.600 --> 00:40:13.600 Of the grace, 00:40:13.940 --> 00:40:14.740 Of God, 00:40:16.100 --> 00:40:17.420 Look at what it says, 00:40:17.600 --> 00:40:18.380 About him there, 00:40:18.460 --> 00:40:19.079 In verse 9, 00:40:19.160 --> 00:40:19.760 And with him, 00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:20.960 Onesimus, 00:40:21.039 --> 00:40:21.900 Our faithful, 00:40:22.120 --> 00:40:23.460 And beloved brother, 00:40:24.100 --> 00:40:26.660 Who is one of you, 00:40:27.800 --> 00:40:30.100 There's only a few words there, 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:31.819 But it says, 00:40:31.819 --> 00:40:33.880 So much to us, 00:40:34.380 --> 00:40:35.619 And to understand, 00:40:35.619 --> 00:40:36.179 What we, 00:40:36.519 --> 00:40:37.940 What it's saying to us, 00:40:38.159 --> 00:40:38.940 We have to learn, 00:40:39.019 --> 00:40:39.719 A little bit more, 00:40:39.819 --> 00:40:40.759 About Onesimus, 00:40:41.480 --> 00:40:42.400 Who he was, 00:40:43.000 --> 00:40:43.960 And what his background, 00:40:44.099 --> 00:40:45.699 What his experience was, 00:40:45.779 --> 00:40:46.880 And to do that, 00:40:47.319 --> 00:40:48.079 You have to turn, 00:40:48.219 --> 00:40:48.940 To another letter, 00:40:49.139 --> 00:40:49.500 Philemon, 00:40:50.360 --> 00:40:51.039 And as you read, 00:40:51.239 --> 00:40:52.019 Through Philemon there, 00:40:52.440 --> 00:40:53.339 You'll read there, 00:40:53.559 --> 00:40:55.079 Of a slave, 00:40:55.279 --> 00:40:56.880 That Philemon had, 00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:58.640 And this was, 00:40:58.640 --> 00:41:00.039 Onesimus, 00:41:01.160 --> 00:41:02.380 He had lived, 00:41:02.380 --> 00:41:03.640 In Colossae, 00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:05.460 He had been a slave, 00:41:05.820 --> 00:41:07.240 But he left them, 00:41:07.780 --> 00:41:08.900 And he went on the run, 00:41:10.280 --> 00:41:10.700 Now, 00:41:11.039 --> 00:41:12.300 Any slave, 00:41:12.420 --> 00:41:13.119 Who did this, 00:41:13.180 --> 00:41:14.140 And was caught, 00:41:14.820 --> 00:41:15.559 The punishment, 00:41:16.059 --> 00:41:16.980 Would normally be, 00:41:17.180 --> 00:41:18.660 To be put to death, 00:41:20.099 --> 00:41:20.960 You couldn't just, 00:41:21.360 --> 00:41:22.220 Abandon everything, 00:41:22.320 --> 00:41:22.820 And run away, 00:41:22.900 --> 00:41:23.440 In this way, 00:41:23.760 --> 00:41:24.660 There were serious, 00:41:24.800 --> 00:41:25.940 Consequences, 00:41:25.940 --> 00:41:28.200 But Onesimus, 00:41:28.420 --> 00:41:29.240 Along the way, 00:41:29.659 --> 00:41:30.360 He met, 00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:31.300 With Paul, 00:41:32.320 --> 00:41:33.179 And through, 00:41:33.179 --> 00:41:34.420 His ministry, 00:41:35.280 --> 00:41:36.059 Through hearing, 00:41:36.059 --> 00:41:37.179 Of the gospel, 00:41:37.800 --> 00:41:38.740 Of the glory, 00:41:38.740 --> 00:41:39.380 Of Jesus, 00:41:40.119 --> 00:41:40.820 And the forgiveness, 00:41:41.019 --> 00:41:41.579 Of sin, 00:41:42.139 --> 00:41:42.920 And restoration, 00:41:43.280 --> 00:41:44.519 And all of these things, 00:41:45.440 --> 00:41:46.000 He had become, 00:41:46.099 --> 00:41:46.700 A Christian, 00:41:47.720 --> 00:41:48.579 His life, 00:41:49.179 --> 00:41:50.579 Was transformed, 00:41:51.740 --> 00:41:52.720 He was, 00:41:52.840 --> 00:41:53.800 A changed, 00:41:54.099 --> 00:41:54.380 Man, 00:41:54.380 --> 00:41:56.960 Onesimus, 00:41:56.960 --> 00:41:58.800 Had run away, 00:41:59.519 --> 00:42:00.140 But had met, 00:42:00.200 --> 00:42:00.860 With the Lord, 00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:02.280 Had known, 00:42:02.420 --> 00:42:03.160 His power, 00:42:04.099 --> 00:42:04.500 And now, 00:42:04.900 --> 00:42:05.960 Here he is, 00:42:06.440 --> 00:42:07.220 Coming back, 00:42:07.300 --> 00:42:08.079 To Colossae, 00:42:08.660 --> 00:42:09.360 Coming back, 00:42:09.420 --> 00:42:10.039 To people, 00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:11.119 He would have known, 00:42:11.200 --> 00:42:12.180 As it says here, 00:42:12.559 --> 00:42:13.420 He is one, 00:42:13.640 --> 00:42:14.920 Of you, 00:42:15.760 --> 00:42:17.000 It's wonderful, 00:42:17.240 --> 00:42:18.160 To see this, 00:42:18.980 --> 00:42:20.079 Because it tells, 00:42:20.079 --> 00:42:21.160 Us of the power, 00:42:21.260 --> 00:42:22.539 The transforming power, 00:42:22.920 --> 00:42:23.980 Of the gospel, 00:42:23.980 --> 00:42:25.900 And it gives us, 00:42:26.019 --> 00:42:26.519 Two things, 00:42:26.599 --> 00:42:27.179 A number of things, 00:42:27.240 --> 00:42:27.619 To consider, 00:42:27.719 --> 00:42:28.679 But two things, 00:42:29.019 --> 00:42:29.800 In particular, 00:42:29.940 --> 00:42:30.619 For ourselves, 00:42:30.820 --> 00:42:31.400 Here tonight, 00:42:31.860 --> 00:42:32.740 The first, 00:42:32.940 --> 00:42:33.300 Is this, 00:42:33.340 --> 00:42:33.980 As you think, 00:42:34.039 --> 00:42:34.840 Of being involved, 00:42:34.960 --> 00:42:35.960 In the kingdom work, 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.719 Of God, 00:42:37.280 --> 00:42:38.500 How we need people, 00:42:39.000 --> 00:42:39.340 Who are, 00:42:39.780 --> 00:42:40.219 If you like, 00:42:40.320 --> 00:42:40.900 Local, 00:42:41.820 --> 00:42:42.659 People who, 00:42:43.119 --> 00:42:44.219 Know the situation, 00:42:44.300 --> 00:42:44.639 On the ground, 00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:45.900 People who know, 00:42:45.900 --> 00:42:46.519 The place, 00:42:46.619 --> 00:42:47.320 And the people, 00:42:47.320 --> 00:42:49.039 All around us, 00:42:49.039 --> 00:42:50.039 Onesimus, 00:42:50.039 --> 00:42:52.219 Onesimus, 00:42:52.219 --> 00:42:53.239 Was one, 00:42:53.239 --> 00:42:54.360 Of them, 00:42:55.440 --> 00:42:56.840 He knew, 00:42:56.960 --> 00:42:57.519 Them already, 00:42:57.659 --> 00:42:58.320 He knew much, 00:42:58.320 --> 00:42:59.119 About them, 00:42:59.159 --> 00:42:59.599 He knew much, 00:42:59.639 --> 00:43:00.360 About the place, 00:43:00.699 --> 00:43:01.599 And how powerful, 00:43:01.759 --> 00:43:02.559 And how effective, 00:43:02.800 --> 00:43:03.159 Is that, 00:43:03.239 --> 00:43:03.840 When it comes, 00:43:04.340 --> 00:43:04.759 To ministry, 00:43:04.880 --> 00:43:05.579 To have those, 00:43:05.579 --> 00:43:06.539 Who know, 00:43:06.719 --> 00:43:07.219 The people, 00:43:07.340 --> 00:43:08.099 And the place, 00:43:09.860 --> 00:43:11.079 Our church, 00:43:11.159 --> 00:43:12.099 Should be a place, 00:43:12.199 --> 00:43:12.699 Where we see, 00:43:13.000 --> 00:43:14.659 Everyone coming in, 00:43:15.500 --> 00:43:16.500 And we're thankful, 00:43:16.619 --> 00:43:17.139 That we do, 00:43:17.139 --> 00:43:17.879 So often, 00:43:18.980 --> 00:43:20.500 But we have to ask, 00:43:20.879 --> 00:43:21.440 Are there any, 00:43:21.559 --> 00:43:22.759 People missing, 00:43:22.940 --> 00:43:23.599 If you like, 00:43:24.679 --> 00:43:25.759 Of course there are, 00:43:26.519 --> 00:43:27.440 Because there's many more, 00:43:27.500 --> 00:43:28.440 Who could be here, 00:43:29.139 --> 00:43:30.420 We see people coming, 00:43:30.579 --> 00:43:31.239 Sometimes from other, 00:43:31.500 --> 00:43:32.420 Free churches, 00:43:32.559 --> 00:43:33.659 Free church people, 00:43:33.759 --> 00:43:34.519 We might call them, 00:43:34.799 --> 00:43:35.699 We see people coming, 00:43:35.699 --> 00:43:37.119 From other churches, 00:43:38.500 --> 00:43:40.759 But a church is for all, 00:43:41.879 --> 00:43:42.559 And especially, 00:43:43.059 --> 00:43:44.159 For the community, 00:43:44.900 --> 00:43:45.460 Especially, 00:43:45.460 --> 00:43:47.340 For the lost, 00:43:48.340 --> 00:43:49.920 For those, 00:43:50.159 --> 00:43:51.320 Who do not even know, 00:43:51.760 --> 00:43:52.619 That they're sinners, 00:43:53.220 --> 00:43:53.960 For those, 00:43:54.019 --> 00:43:54.740 Who do not know, 00:43:55.280 --> 00:43:56.480 That they are lost, 00:43:57.760 --> 00:43:58.960 That they would come, 00:43:59.420 --> 00:44:00.619 And meet with Jesus, 00:44:01.780 --> 00:44:02.639 That they would come, 00:44:02.720 --> 00:44:03.420 And find, 00:44:03.800 --> 00:44:04.980 Forgiveness of sin, 00:44:05.000 --> 00:44:05.820 That they would come, 00:44:06.179 --> 00:44:07.320 And be used, 00:44:07.440 --> 00:44:08.240 For the Lord, 00:44:09.119 --> 00:44:09.960 That they would come, 00:44:10.059 --> 00:44:11.019 And be transformed, 00:44:11.519 --> 00:44:12.559 And be able to go out, 00:44:12.619 --> 00:44:13.599 And meet with people, 00:44:13.599 --> 00:44:14.819 They already know, 00:44:14.880 --> 00:44:15.940 To go out to a place, 00:44:16.139 --> 00:44:17.119 They already know, 00:44:17.480 --> 00:44:19.139 And share the gospel, 00:44:19.360 --> 00:44:20.659 The wonderful gospel, 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:22.799 Of the transforming power, 00:44:22.799 --> 00:44:23.539 Of Christ, 00:44:24.219 --> 00:44:24.960 You can imagine, 00:44:25.059 --> 00:44:25.980 Onesimus there, 00:44:26.179 --> 00:44:27.099 Walking around, 00:44:27.219 --> 00:44:28.159 Colossae and people, 00:44:28.319 --> 00:44:28.779 Seeing him, 00:44:29.319 --> 00:44:30.659 Is that not the one, 00:44:30.799 --> 00:44:31.500 Who ran away? 00:44:32.940 --> 00:44:33.920 Is that the one, 00:44:34.019 --> 00:44:35.679 Who was up to no good? 00:44:37.360 --> 00:44:38.259 What's he doing, 00:44:38.339 --> 00:44:39.119 Here now? 00:44:40.380 --> 00:44:41.440 And for him to be able to say, 00:44:41.440 --> 00:44:43.260 The Lord has transformed me, 00:44:43.700 --> 00:44:44.860 And to be able to share, 00:44:44.860 --> 00:44:45.539 The gospel, 00:44:45.539 --> 00:44:47.380 With his own people, 00:44:48.519 --> 00:44:49.380 Here is one, 00:44:49.539 --> 00:44:50.039 On the run, 00:44:50.119 --> 00:44:51.400 Afraid for his life, 00:44:51.960 --> 00:44:52.820 No intention, 00:44:52.960 --> 00:44:54.200 Of returning to Colossae, 00:44:54.240 --> 00:44:56.099 Until he met the Lord, 00:44:57.460 --> 00:44:58.900 How many of us, 00:44:58.940 --> 00:45:00.400 Have left this island, 00:45:01.300 --> 00:45:02.119 Gone away, 00:45:02.900 --> 00:45:03.659 Thinking we're going, 00:45:03.740 --> 00:45:04.320 To get away, 00:45:04.500 --> 00:45:05.179 From the Lord, 00:45:05.860 --> 00:45:07.220 We don't want anything, 00:45:07.220 --> 00:45:08.420 To do with the Lord, 00:45:09.400 --> 00:45:10.860 And yet we're back here now, 00:45:11.840 --> 00:45:12.800 Loving the Lord, 00:45:12.900 --> 00:45:13.980 And seeing his goodness, 00:45:14.980 --> 00:45:15.820 And how many more, 00:45:15.900 --> 00:45:16.420 Do we want, 00:45:16.880 --> 00:45:18.099 Who perhaps have gone away, 00:45:18.420 --> 00:45:19.019 Already, 00:45:19.660 --> 00:45:20.059 Praying, 00:45:20.440 --> 00:45:21.260 That they would come, 00:45:22.140 --> 00:45:22.740 That they would meet, 00:45:22.820 --> 00:45:23.300 With Jesus, 00:45:23.400 --> 00:45:24.559 Even as they've gone away, 00:45:25.039 --> 00:45:26.140 And that they would come back, 00:45:26.260 --> 00:45:26.820 Changed, 00:45:27.539 --> 00:45:28.440 And be used, 00:45:28.860 --> 00:45:29.980 For God's glory, 00:45:30.079 --> 00:45:30.980 In this place, 00:45:31.240 --> 00:45:33.579 And that's what, 00:45:33.900 --> 00:45:35.320 We are reminded of here, 00:45:36.320 --> 00:45:37.860 In Onesimus as well, 00:45:37.860 --> 00:45:39.360 It's a power, 00:45:39.360 --> 00:45:40.860 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:40.860 --> 00:45:40.880 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:40.880 --> 00:45:40.940 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:40.940 --> 00:45:40.960 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:40.960 --> 00:45:42.019 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:42.019 --> 00:45:43.019 It's a power of God's grace, 00:45:43.019 --> 00:45:44.460 He was a local one, 00:45:44.880 --> 00:45:46.500 But he was also one, 00:45:46.539 --> 00:45:47.579 Who experienced, 00:45:47.579 --> 00:45:49.800 The grace of God, 00:45:50.519 --> 00:45:52.019 And God's grace, 00:45:52.120 --> 00:45:52.920 Is powerful, 00:45:52.920 --> 00:45:54.420 To transform, 00:45:54.840 --> 00:45:57.340 That we always hold on to, 00:45:57.760 --> 00:45:58.840 Onesimus is there, 00:45:58.920 --> 00:46:00.140 He's now described as, 00:46:00.519 --> 00:46:01.460 Our faithful, 00:46:02.039 --> 00:46:03.740 And beloved brother, 00:46:03.739 --> 00:46:06.219 What a transformation, 00:46:06.979 --> 00:46:08.379 Has taken place, 00:46:09.459 --> 00:46:11.079 So we have these two, 00:46:11.219 --> 00:46:11.919 Who were used, 00:46:12.379 --> 00:46:13.099 To deliver, 00:46:13.659 --> 00:46:14.319 The letter, 00:46:15.179 --> 00:46:16.879 We also see as we go on, 00:46:17.819 --> 00:46:18.959 There are three then, 00:46:19.259 --> 00:46:21.539 We see together in verse 10 and 11, 00:46:22.639 --> 00:46:25.619 And we see that they were Jews, 00:46:26.319 --> 00:46:27.559 In verse 11 it says, 00:46:27.719 --> 00:46:29.779 These are the only men of the circumcision, 00:46:29.779 --> 00:46:31.599 Among my fellow workers, 00:46:31.719 --> 00:46:32.679 For the kingdom of God, 00:46:32.739 --> 00:46:33.479 They were Jews, 00:46:33.480 --> 00:46:33.900 As well, 00:46:34.280 --> 00:46:35.840 So the three mentioned here, 00:46:35.920 --> 00:46:36.579 Are Jews, 00:46:36.659 --> 00:46:38.440 Who had come to faith, 00:46:38.519 --> 00:46:39.980 In the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:46:40.039 --> 00:46:41.059 And we learn a little bit, 00:46:41.420 --> 00:46:42.980 About each of them, 00:46:43.440 --> 00:46:44.940 Aristarchus there, 00:46:45.420 --> 00:46:46.800 My fellow prisoner, 00:46:47.059 --> 00:46:47.820 Greets you, 00:46:48.380 --> 00:46:50.440 Again just a few words, 00:46:50.539 --> 00:46:51.460 But what can we learn, 00:46:51.639 --> 00:46:52.820 From Aristarchus, 00:46:53.740 --> 00:46:54.699 Well we learn that, 00:46:55.079 --> 00:46:55.980 He is loyal, 00:46:57.619 --> 00:46:59.260 And every congregation, 00:46:59.260 --> 00:47:00.320 Every church, 00:47:00.440 --> 00:47:01.740 Needs people, 00:47:02.000 --> 00:47:03.099 Who are loyal, 00:47:03.480 --> 00:47:06.860 When you look at mentions of him, 00:47:06.860 --> 00:47:08.760 In other parts of the scriptures, 00:47:08.760 --> 00:47:11.380 You see that he has been on many journeys, 00:47:11.840 --> 00:47:13.240 With Paul as well, 00:47:13.300 --> 00:47:16.280 But he's almost like the unsung hero, 00:47:16.280 --> 00:47:18.660 He's more in the background, 00:47:18.660 --> 00:47:21.040 There's others, 00:47:21.040 --> 00:47:22.700 Who maybe come to the fore, 00:47:22.700 --> 00:47:23.480 In different ways, 00:47:23.600 --> 00:47:25.900 But Aristarchus is just more, 00:47:25.900 --> 00:47:27.200 In the background, 00:47:27.820 --> 00:47:28.640 But still, 00:47:28.800 --> 00:47:30.800 So essential to the ministry, 00:47:30.960 --> 00:47:32.160 Still so important, 00:47:32.160 --> 00:47:33.300 To Paul, 00:47:33.360 --> 00:47:35.100 And his ministry of the gospel, 00:47:36.060 --> 00:47:38.280 My fellow prisoner, 00:47:38.460 --> 00:47:39.300 It says there, 00:47:39.300 --> 00:47:41.300 He hasn't, 00:47:41.300 --> 00:47:42.620 Abandoned Paul, 00:47:42.620 --> 00:47:44.480 In fact, 00:47:44.539 --> 00:47:45.660 He stayed with him, 00:47:45.720 --> 00:47:46.920 To be a comfort, 00:47:47.140 --> 00:47:47.840 And a help, 00:47:48.200 --> 00:47:48.780 To him, 00:47:50.380 --> 00:47:52.019 He has been a comfort, 00:47:52.019 --> 00:47:52.840 To Paul, 00:47:52.920 --> 00:47:53.500 As it says, 00:47:54.019 --> 00:47:55.560 In verse 11, 00:47:55.680 --> 00:47:57.080 And they have been, 00:47:57.180 --> 00:47:58.539 A comfort to me, 00:47:58.620 --> 00:47:59.539 These three, 00:47:59.660 --> 00:48:00.539 That we're looking at just now, 00:48:00.580 --> 00:48:01.240 They've all been, 00:48:01.240 --> 00:48:02.820 A comfort to him, 00:48:03.140 --> 00:48:04.660 In different ways, 00:48:04.659 --> 00:48:06.940 And what you find here, 00:48:07.019 --> 00:48:07.839 Is someone who was, 00:48:07.839 --> 00:48:10.420 Just faithful to the cause, 00:48:11.259 --> 00:48:12.399 Didn't want the limelight, 00:48:12.500 --> 00:48:13.539 Didn't want the glory, 00:48:14.159 --> 00:48:15.599 But just quietly getting on, 00:48:15.699 --> 00:48:17.139 With things in the background, 00:48:18.219 --> 00:48:18.839 And every congregation, 00:48:20.059 --> 00:48:21.099 Is so often blessed, 00:48:21.239 --> 00:48:22.559 With these kinds of people, 00:48:22.559 --> 00:48:24.039 We are blessed with it here, 00:48:24.359 --> 00:48:25.699 People who just quietly, 00:48:25.699 --> 00:48:27.059 Get on with things, 00:48:27.379 --> 00:48:28.199 In the background, 00:48:28.940 --> 00:48:29.719 The little things, 00:48:29.839 --> 00:48:30.960 That you don't notice, 00:48:31.079 --> 00:48:32.279 But if they weren't to do it, 00:48:32.299 --> 00:48:33.059 You soon would, 00:48:33.059 --> 00:48:35.259 Those who are loyal, 00:48:35.840 --> 00:48:36.900 Those who are faithful, 00:48:37.099 --> 00:48:38.279 Those who are always there, 00:48:38.340 --> 00:48:39.460 To be called upon, 00:48:39.659 --> 00:48:40.440 When needed, 00:48:41.820 --> 00:48:43.759 He has learned too, 00:48:44.199 --> 00:48:45.039 From Paul, 00:48:45.099 --> 00:48:46.559 Of what ministry is about, 00:48:47.599 --> 00:48:48.360 What serving, 00:48:48.779 --> 00:48:49.440 In the kingdom, 00:48:49.599 --> 00:48:50.340 Is all about, 00:48:50.420 --> 00:48:51.659 Just being faithful, 00:48:52.099 --> 00:48:53.400 In the little things, 00:48:54.420 --> 00:48:55.219 And that the Lord, 00:48:55.219 --> 00:48:57.239 Would bless that, 00:48:57.820 --> 00:48:59.119 He has been with, 00:48:59.599 --> 00:49:01.119 Paul through it all, 00:49:01.119 --> 00:49:03.440 And just quietly, 00:49:04.039 --> 00:49:05.099 Getting on with things, 00:49:05.179 --> 00:49:05.940 He's loyal, 00:49:06.500 --> 00:49:06.960 To him, 00:49:07.739 --> 00:49:08.519 It reminds me, 00:49:08.559 --> 00:49:10.039 Of a film I once watched, 00:49:10.119 --> 00:49:11.099 It was based on a, 00:49:11.659 --> 00:49:12.940 On a true story, 00:49:13.019 --> 00:49:14.359 In the second world war, 00:49:15.099 --> 00:49:16.539 Of a battleship, 00:49:16.639 --> 00:49:17.659 That had gone through, 00:49:17.759 --> 00:49:19.380 So many different experiences, 00:49:19.679 --> 00:49:20.299 In the war, 00:49:20.980 --> 00:49:21.859 And on board, 00:49:21.940 --> 00:49:22.859 Was this crew, 00:49:23.199 --> 00:49:24.539 Who had been together, 00:49:24.759 --> 00:49:25.359 Through it all, 00:49:25.420 --> 00:49:25.699 They were, 00:49:26.000 --> 00:49:26.900 Almost always, 00:49:26.960 --> 00:49:28.599 It was just the same crew, 00:49:28.599 --> 00:49:29.519 Again and again, 00:49:30.079 --> 00:49:30.839 It was the captain, 00:49:30.839 --> 00:49:31.299 Of the ship, 00:49:31.360 --> 00:49:32.440 And his second in command, 00:49:32.559 --> 00:49:33.259 They were together, 00:49:33.440 --> 00:49:35.039 All throughout the war, 00:49:35.819 --> 00:49:36.739 And just towards, 00:49:36.860 --> 00:49:37.339 The end, 00:49:37.619 --> 00:49:38.360 Of the war, 00:49:38.480 --> 00:49:39.579 The second in command, 00:49:39.679 --> 00:49:40.279 Got offered, 00:49:40.400 --> 00:49:41.500 His own charge, 00:49:41.579 --> 00:49:42.000 Got offered, 00:49:42.099 --> 00:49:42.980 His own ship, 00:49:43.360 --> 00:49:43.880 That he would, 00:49:44.019 --> 00:49:44.819 Get promoted, 00:49:45.059 --> 00:49:45.799 To captain, 00:49:45.960 --> 00:49:46.860 And have his own crew, 00:49:46.940 --> 00:49:47.860 Have his own vessel, 00:49:48.860 --> 00:49:50.199 But he turned it down, 00:49:50.839 --> 00:49:52.259 Because he wanted, 00:49:52.380 --> 00:49:53.380 To stay faithful, 00:49:53.739 --> 00:49:54.400 To the captain, 00:49:54.480 --> 00:49:55.099 He'd come through, 00:49:55.199 --> 00:49:56.079 So much with, 00:49:56.079 --> 00:49:57.619 He didn't want, 00:49:57.619 --> 00:49:59.219 The glory for himself, 00:49:59.880 --> 00:50:01.099 He just wanted, 00:50:01.440 --> 00:50:02.699 To be faithful, 00:50:03.299 --> 00:50:04.319 Alongside those, 00:50:04.380 --> 00:50:05.199 He had come through, 00:50:05.299 --> 00:50:06.159 So much with, 00:50:06.819 --> 00:50:07.639 And again, 00:50:07.739 --> 00:50:08.759 There's just a lesson, 00:50:09.360 --> 00:50:10.340 There for us, 00:50:11.179 --> 00:50:12.139 Faithfully, 00:50:12.360 --> 00:50:14.039 Getting on with things, 00:50:14.920 --> 00:50:15.759 Being loyal, 00:50:15.920 --> 00:50:16.799 Being faithful, 00:50:17.599 --> 00:50:18.539 Quietly getting on, 00:50:18.619 --> 00:50:19.179 With things, 00:50:19.659 --> 00:50:20.420 In the background, 00:50:20.579 --> 00:50:21.219 Being loyal, 00:50:21.579 --> 00:50:23.099 To the kingdom of God, 00:50:23.420 --> 00:50:24.579 And to the cause, 00:50:25.159 --> 00:50:26.059 Of Christ, 00:50:26.079 --> 00:50:28.199 Aristarchus, 00:50:28.199 --> 00:50:29.980 Is another wonderful, 00:50:29.980 --> 00:50:32.000 Example to us, 00:50:33.099 --> 00:50:34.059 Then you have, 00:50:34.380 --> 00:50:34.739 Mark, 00:50:34.779 --> 00:50:35.480 As it says here, 00:50:35.539 --> 00:50:36.079 The cousin, 00:50:36.599 --> 00:50:37.539 Of Barnabas, 00:50:37.619 --> 00:50:38.420 Concerning whom, 00:50:38.500 --> 00:50:39.679 You have received instructions, 00:50:39.860 --> 00:50:40.940 If he comes to you, 00:50:41.659 --> 00:50:42.380 Welcome him, 00:50:44.099 --> 00:50:44.440 Again, 00:50:44.539 --> 00:50:45.719 Just a few words, 00:50:45.819 --> 00:50:46.079 And yet, 00:50:46.960 --> 00:50:47.360 When you look, 00:50:47.440 --> 00:50:48.199 Into the background, 00:50:48.360 --> 00:50:49.239 It tells us, 00:50:49.360 --> 00:50:50.059 So much, 00:50:50.139 --> 00:50:51.440 Just Paul saying, 00:50:51.500 --> 00:50:52.219 Those words, 00:50:52.659 --> 00:50:54.199 If he comes to you, 00:50:54.819 --> 00:50:55.960 Welcome him, 00:50:56.079 --> 00:50:57.199 Why would he be, 00:50:57.199 --> 00:50:58.639 Emphasizing this, 00:50:58.699 --> 00:50:59.579 What's the importance, 00:50:59.980 --> 00:51:01.259 Of these words, 00:51:01.340 --> 00:51:02.059 Well when you look at, 00:51:02.059 --> 00:51:02.659 Mark, 00:51:02.719 --> 00:51:04.000 And Paul's relationship, 00:51:04.000 --> 00:51:04.759 With Mark, 00:51:05.259 --> 00:51:05.719 It's been, 00:51:06.719 --> 00:51:07.659 Up and down, 00:51:08.360 --> 00:51:09.619 To say the least, 00:51:10.619 --> 00:51:12.239 In the book of Acts, 00:51:12.400 --> 00:51:13.799 You read in chapter 13, 00:51:13.880 --> 00:51:15.159 And then chapter 15, 00:51:15.299 --> 00:51:16.319 Of an event, 00:51:16.420 --> 00:51:17.059 That's happened, 00:51:17.980 --> 00:51:18.380 And it, 00:51:18.480 --> 00:51:19.539 Gives us so much, 00:51:19.539 --> 00:51:20.000 Background, 00:51:20.159 --> 00:51:20.900 To why these, 00:51:21.099 --> 00:51:22.259 Words are so, 00:51:22.319 --> 00:51:22.819 Important, 00:51:22.820 --> 00:51:25.340 In Acts chapter 13, 00:51:25.500 --> 00:51:26.400 Verse 13 says, 00:51:26.500 --> 00:51:27.220 From Paphos, 00:51:27.380 --> 00:51:28.500 Paul and his companions, 00:51:28.500 --> 00:51:30.160 Sailed to Perga, 00:51:30.260 --> 00:51:30.980 And Pamphylia, 00:51:31.720 --> 00:51:32.400 Where John, 00:51:32.539 --> 00:51:33.320 That's Mark, 00:51:33.440 --> 00:51:33.700 John, 00:51:33.780 --> 00:51:34.039 Mark, 00:51:34.100 --> 00:51:35.059 As we'll see in a moment, 00:51:35.539 --> 00:51:36.360 Left them, 00:51:36.820 --> 00:51:37.519 To return, 00:51:37.780 --> 00:51:38.360 To Jerusalem, 00:51:38.780 --> 00:51:39.240 So Mark, 00:51:39.300 --> 00:51:40.019 Had left them, 00:51:40.080 --> 00:51:40.800 At this point, 00:51:41.500 --> 00:51:42.500 In Acts chapter 15, 00:51:43.160 --> 00:51:43.500 Verse 37, 00:51:44.240 --> 00:51:45.039 It says this, 00:51:45.559 --> 00:51:46.140 Barnabas, 00:51:46.200 --> 00:51:47.059 Wanted to take, 00:51:47.200 --> 00:51:48.059 John also, 00:51:48.059 --> 00:51:48.980 Called Mark, 00:51:49.059 --> 00:51:49.600 With them, 00:51:49.599 --> 00:51:52.279 But Paul did not think it wise, 00:51:52.279 --> 00:51:53.079 To take them, 00:51:53.179 --> 00:51:54.679 Because he had deserted them, 00:51:55.119 --> 00:51:55.880 In Pamphylia, 00:51:55.960 --> 00:51:57.420 And had not continued with them, 00:51:57.460 --> 00:51:58.039 In the work, 00:51:58.719 --> 00:52:00.699 They had such a sharp disagreement, 00:52:00.960 --> 00:52:02.319 That they parted company, 00:52:03.039 --> 00:52:04.219 Barnabas took Mark, 00:52:04.279 --> 00:52:05.519 And sailed to Cyprus, 00:52:05.880 --> 00:52:07.440 But Paul chose Silas, 00:52:07.500 --> 00:52:08.059 And left, 00:52:08.699 --> 00:52:09.880 Commended by the brothers, 00:52:10.000 --> 00:52:12.000 To the grace of the Lord, 00:52:13.039 --> 00:52:14.360 They had a fallout, 00:52:15.559 --> 00:52:17.779 They had come to this point, 00:52:17.780 --> 00:52:19.040 Where they had gone, 00:52:19.280 --> 00:52:20.720 Their separate ways, 00:52:21.460 --> 00:52:23.160 And what does this tell us, 00:52:23.920 --> 00:52:25.400 Differences occur, 00:52:26.360 --> 00:52:27.100 We know it, 00:52:27.660 --> 00:52:28.760 We know it so often, 00:52:29.180 --> 00:52:30.220 Differences occur, 00:52:31.220 --> 00:52:33.420 But it tells us more than that, 00:52:34.180 --> 00:52:35.680 It tells us that differences, 00:52:35.680 --> 00:52:37.180 Can be overcome, 00:52:38.580 --> 00:52:39.900 That relationships, 00:52:40.460 --> 00:52:41.800 Can be restored, 00:52:42.880 --> 00:52:44.420 For now we see Mark, 00:52:44.420 --> 00:52:45.620 And Paul together, 00:52:45.619 --> 00:52:48.420 As fellow workers, 00:52:49.019 --> 00:52:50.699 Fellow workers, 00:52:51.259 --> 00:52:52.259 In the gospel, 00:52:53.039 --> 00:52:55.059 If he comes to you, 00:52:55.839 --> 00:52:56.819 Welcome him, 00:52:57.920 --> 00:52:59.900 Never mind what you've heard about us, 00:52:59.960 --> 00:53:00.639 In the past, 00:53:01.299 --> 00:53:02.599 Never mind what's maybe, 00:53:02.719 --> 00:53:03.819 Gone on and happened, 00:53:04.219 --> 00:53:06.539 In a previous time in our lives, 00:53:07.079 --> 00:53:08.519 If he comes to you now, 00:53:09.179 --> 00:53:10.519 Welcome him, 00:53:10.519 --> 00:53:14.500 So it shows us, 00:53:15.199 --> 00:53:16.820 That even when we have disagreed, 00:53:16.860 --> 00:53:18.139 With others in the past, 00:53:18.880 --> 00:53:21.480 When it comes to the kingdom of God, 00:53:21.800 --> 00:53:22.940 We should be looking, 00:53:23.300 --> 00:53:24.219 For restoration, 00:53:25.179 --> 00:53:26.139 We should be looking, 00:53:26.139 --> 00:53:27.300 For coming alongside, 00:53:27.800 --> 00:53:28.659 One another, 00:53:28.800 --> 00:53:29.780 And working together, 00:53:30.179 --> 00:53:31.519 Where that is possible, 00:53:31.940 --> 00:53:32.519 Welcome, 00:53:33.039 --> 00:53:34.000 All who come, 00:53:34.039 --> 00:53:35.079 In the name of the Lord, 00:53:35.980 --> 00:53:37.199 That is how, 00:53:37.699 --> 00:53:38.739 We are to live, 00:53:38.739 --> 00:53:41.199 The final one, 00:53:41.299 --> 00:53:42.059 We see here, 00:53:42.079 --> 00:53:43.079 Is justice, 00:53:43.879 --> 00:53:45.859 Jesus who is called, 00:53:46.219 --> 00:53:46.779 Justice, 00:53:47.859 --> 00:53:49.179 Again, 00:53:49.399 --> 00:53:51.899 Not much said here for us, 00:53:52.719 --> 00:53:53.819 But what it says, 00:53:54.299 --> 00:53:55.639 They are the only men, 00:53:55.699 --> 00:53:56.719 Of the circumcision, 00:53:57.319 --> 00:53:58.799 Among my fellow workers, 00:53:58.979 --> 00:54:00.419 For the kingdom of God, 00:54:00.939 --> 00:54:02.619 And they have been a comfort to me, 00:54:02.659 --> 00:54:03.979 Applies to justice, 00:54:03.979 --> 00:54:05.199 Here as well, 00:54:05.899 --> 00:54:07.599 So what does that tell us? 00:54:07.599 --> 00:54:09.179 Well, 00:54:09.579 --> 00:54:11.480 Justice we can see here, 00:54:11.619 --> 00:54:13.400 Is the bold one, 00:54:14.339 --> 00:54:15.699 The one who is willing, 00:54:16.059 --> 00:54:17.539 To make a stand, 00:54:17.960 --> 00:54:19.900 The one who is willing, 00:54:20.159 --> 00:54:22.019 To show his faith, 00:54:22.460 --> 00:54:23.079 In the Lord, 00:54:24.079 --> 00:54:25.279 He may be a Jew, 00:54:25.759 --> 00:54:27.059 One of the circumcision, 00:54:27.219 --> 00:54:28.420 As he's described here, 00:54:28.880 --> 00:54:30.779 But he knows the Lord, 00:54:31.579 --> 00:54:33.139 And now he is standing, 00:54:33.440 --> 00:54:34.400 For him, 00:54:34.400 --> 00:54:36.460 And so, 00:54:36.740 --> 00:54:38.380 What does that say to us? 00:54:38.420 --> 00:54:39.900 What does it say to you tonight? 00:54:40.599 --> 00:54:42.220 As we think of all of these, 00:54:42.579 --> 00:54:43.619 The ones we've looked at, 00:54:43.680 --> 00:54:44.220 Tychicus, 00:54:44.720 --> 00:54:45.280 Onesimus, 00:54:45.400 --> 00:54:46.340 Astarchus, 00:54:46.960 --> 00:54:47.460 Mark, 00:54:49.059 --> 00:54:49.639 Justice, 00:54:49.639 --> 00:54:52.839 You come to him, 00:54:53.579 --> 00:54:56.000 And this is almost where it begins, 00:54:56.859 --> 00:55:01.199 Are you making a stand for the Lord? 00:55:02.199 --> 00:55:03.739 Are you bold, 00:55:04.159 --> 00:55:06.500 In standing out for him? 00:55:07.659 --> 00:55:10.119 For in order to serve the Lord, 00:55:10.480 --> 00:55:11.779 With all your heart, 00:55:12.319 --> 00:55:13.799 You have to stand, 00:55:13.980 --> 00:55:15.319 On his side, 00:55:15.320 --> 00:55:17.019 To show, 00:55:17.539 --> 00:55:19.000 That you love the Lord, 00:55:19.500 --> 00:55:20.780 With all your heart, 00:55:21.180 --> 00:55:22.300 With all your soul, 00:55:22.840 --> 00:55:24.200 With all your strength, 00:55:24.920 --> 00:55:25.940 Will you stand, 00:55:26.539 --> 00:55:27.580 On his side? 00:55:28.680 --> 00:55:30.160 The gospel of Matthew, 00:55:30.680 --> 00:55:31.480 Tells us, 00:55:32.340 --> 00:55:34.160 Everyone who has left houses, 00:55:34.300 --> 00:55:34.780 Or brothers, 00:55:34.960 --> 00:55:35.559 Or sisters, 00:55:35.720 --> 00:55:36.260 Or father, 00:55:36.380 --> 00:55:36.820 Or mother, 00:55:37.240 --> 00:55:37.860 Or children, 00:55:37.980 --> 00:55:38.460 Or fields, 00:55:38.539 --> 00:55:39.420 For my sake, 00:55:39.420 --> 00:55:41.640 Will receive a hundred times, 00:55:41.780 --> 00:55:42.600 As much, 00:55:42.599 --> 00:55:43.779 And will inherit, 00:55:44.579 --> 00:55:46.400 Eternal life, 00:55:47.699 --> 00:55:48.980 Are you willing, 00:55:49.299 --> 00:55:50.539 To stand, 00:55:50.940 --> 00:55:51.799 For the Lord? 00:55:53.259 --> 00:55:54.639 We learn lessons, 00:55:54.980 --> 00:55:55.960 From all, 00:55:56.219 --> 00:55:56.839 Of these, 00:55:57.059 --> 00:55:58.219 This is Paul's, 00:55:58.539 --> 00:55:59.480 Team ministry, 00:55:59.679 --> 00:56:00.079 If you like, 00:56:00.119 --> 00:56:00.619 We could go on, 00:56:00.659 --> 00:56:01.360 And look at others, 00:56:01.500 --> 00:56:02.400 Here as well, 00:56:02.860 --> 00:56:04.279 We learn from each of them, 00:56:05.380 --> 00:56:06.639 They're all important, 00:56:07.380 --> 00:56:08.199 As are we, 00:56:08.759 --> 00:56:09.699 As are we all, 00:56:09.699 --> 00:56:11.519 For the kingdom of God, 00:56:11.719 --> 00:56:12.000 Here, 00:56:12.599 --> 00:56:13.420 For the Lord, 00:56:13.420 --> 00:56:14.940 To use us, 00:56:15.539 --> 00:56:16.500 There is variety, 00:56:17.079 --> 00:56:18.799 There is different gifts, 00:56:19.420 --> 00:56:20.559 But it's about maturing, 00:56:20.679 --> 00:56:21.319 And developing, 00:56:21.799 --> 00:56:22.259 Together, 00:56:22.400 --> 00:56:22.980 And ultimately, 00:56:23.139 --> 00:56:24.099 It's about serving, 00:56:24.279 --> 00:56:25.779 The Lord together, 00:56:25.960 --> 00:56:27.639 And seeking his blessing, 00:56:27.719 --> 00:56:28.339 Over us, 00:56:28.679 --> 00:56:29.639 As a people, 00:56:30.000 --> 00:56:30.799 As a congregation, 00:56:30.960 --> 00:56:31.759 As a community, 00:56:32.539 --> 00:56:33.139 As a nation, 00:56:33.259 --> 00:56:34.019 As a world, 00:56:34.839 --> 00:56:35.699 That the gospel, 00:56:36.279 --> 00:56:37.159 Would go out, 00:56:37.639 --> 00:56:38.360 In power, 00:56:38.819 --> 00:56:41.360 As we go on, 00:56:41.360 --> 00:56:42.820 In the wake ahead, 00:56:43.460 --> 00:56:44.599 Can we take lessons, 00:56:44.860 --> 00:56:46.360 From all of these, 00:56:47.039 --> 00:56:48.579 To be encouragers, 00:56:49.700 --> 00:56:50.860 The local one, 00:56:51.280 --> 00:56:52.300 Who's come good, 00:56:52.380 --> 00:56:53.079 Onesimus, 00:56:53.640 --> 00:56:55.160 To be faithful, 00:56:55.300 --> 00:56:56.660 Like Aristarchus, 00:56:57.240 --> 00:56:59.599 To be like Mark, 00:57:00.300 --> 00:57:01.480 One who shows, 00:57:01.559 --> 00:57:01.940 That we're able, 00:57:02.019 --> 00:57:03.480 To put things in the past, 00:57:03.840 --> 00:57:05.160 Away for the cause, 00:57:05.159 --> 00:57:05.940 Of Christ, 00:57:06.579 --> 00:57:07.199 Justice, 00:57:08.259 --> 00:57:09.159 Being bold, 00:57:09.839 --> 00:57:10.619 To stand, 00:57:10.960 --> 00:57:11.920 For the Lord, 00:57:13.279 --> 00:57:13.980 We're all, 00:57:14.179 --> 00:57:15.359 In this list, 00:57:15.519 --> 00:57:15.920 Somewhere, 00:57:16.299 --> 00:57:17.399 We can all, 00:57:17.659 --> 00:57:18.099 Learn, 00:57:18.539 --> 00:57:19.539 From this list, 00:57:19.639 --> 00:57:20.179 We don't just, 00:57:20.259 --> 00:57:21.599 Glance over this, 00:57:21.679 --> 00:57:22.099 And think, 00:57:22.460 --> 00:57:23.239 It's got nothing, 00:57:23.379 --> 00:57:24.559 To say to us, 00:57:25.199 --> 00:57:26.139 It's got something, 00:57:26.259 --> 00:57:26.799 To say, 00:57:27.019 --> 00:57:28.039 To us all, 00:57:28.759 --> 00:57:29.500 There's lessons, 00:57:29.940 --> 00:57:31.259 For us to learn, 00:57:32.079 --> 00:57:33.219 Are our lives, 00:57:33.219 --> 00:57:33.939 Lived, 00:57:34.419 --> 00:57:35.139 For the Lord, 00:57:35.219 --> 00:57:36.079 In the right way, 00:57:36.659 --> 00:57:38.039 Are we serving him, 00:57:38.539 --> 00:57:39.599 As we should, 00:57:40.359 --> 00:57:41.339 And above all, 00:57:41.739 --> 00:57:42.719 Are we trusting, 00:57:43.319 --> 00:57:44.119 In the power, 00:57:44.199 --> 00:57:45.739 Of his glorious grace, 00:57:46.719 --> 00:57:48.379 The Lord Jesus Christ, 00:57:48.639 --> 00:57:50.500 As our strength, 00:57:50.919 --> 00:57:51.879 As our help, 00:57:52.379 --> 00:57:53.739 As our refuge, 00:57:54.599 --> 00:57:55.559 May we all, 00:57:56.239 --> 00:57:57.139 Serve together, 00:57:57.839 --> 00:57:58.639 As people, 00:57:58.639 --> 00:57:59.859 Looking to God, 00:58:00.599 --> 00:58:01.879 Serving our Savior, 00:58:01.880 --> 00:58:03.800 With all our heart, 00:58:04.000 --> 00:58:04.740 Trusting, 00:58:05.500 --> 00:58:06.200 Encouraging, 00:58:06.740 --> 00:58:07.619 And going on, 00:58:08.079 --> 00:58:09.280 In his strength, 00:58:09.500 --> 00:58:10.240 Let us pray, 00:58:10.880 --> 00:58:14.780 Our Father in heaven, 00:58:14.880 --> 00:58:15.440 We thank you, 00:58:15.500 --> 00:58:16.680 That there is no words, 00:58:16.920 --> 00:58:17.840 In your scripture, 00:58:18.000 --> 00:58:18.660 That are wasted, 00:58:19.539 --> 00:58:20.800 That even when there are times, 00:58:20.940 --> 00:58:21.300 When we, 00:58:21.740 --> 00:58:23.180 Maybe see little relevance, 00:58:23.180 --> 00:58:24.180 To ourselves, 00:58:24.320 --> 00:58:25.480 Maybe we only see, 00:58:25.940 --> 00:58:27.000 A list of names, 00:58:27.000 --> 00:58:28.480 That mean nothing to us, 00:58:28.519 --> 00:58:28.920 That even, 00:58:28.920 --> 00:58:30.659 And the names of so much, 00:58:30.780 --> 00:58:31.360 To tell us, 00:58:31.380 --> 00:58:32.360 And to teach us, 00:58:33.139 --> 00:58:34.200 And we thank you Lord, 00:58:34.300 --> 00:58:35.079 For all that we've, 00:58:35.079 --> 00:58:36.480 Looked at this evening, 00:58:36.579 --> 00:58:37.099 And how they, 00:58:37.700 --> 00:58:38.740 Encourage us, 00:58:38.820 --> 00:58:40.200 And how they speak to us, 00:58:40.280 --> 00:58:40.619 And how, 00:58:40.940 --> 00:58:42.579 They might even enable us, 00:58:42.639 --> 00:58:43.220 To go on, 00:58:43.280 --> 00:58:44.420 In these days ahead, 00:58:44.960 --> 00:58:46.400 Examining our own lives, 00:58:46.599 --> 00:58:48.619 And seeing how we stand, 00:58:48.700 --> 00:58:49.119 With you, 00:58:49.579 --> 00:58:50.760 How we serve you, 00:58:50.860 --> 00:58:52.800 How we stand with others, 00:58:53.480 --> 00:58:54.380 What we are doing, 00:58:54.800 --> 00:58:56.079 For the kingdom of God, 00:58:56.079 --> 00:58:56.799 And we pray, 00:58:57.279 --> 00:58:57.579 Lord, 00:58:57.619 --> 00:58:59.000 That you will unite us together, 00:58:59.000 --> 00:59:00.079 For your cause, 00:59:00.619 --> 00:59:02.019 That you will strengthen us, 00:59:02.119 --> 00:59:02.819 In our number, 00:59:02.940 --> 00:59:03.880 And in our faith, 00:59:04.319 --> 00:59:05.799 And in our trust in you, 00:59:06.279 --> 00:59:07.159 Use us Lord, 00:59:07.239 --> 00:59:07.779 We pray, 00:59:08.259 --> 00:59:09.619 Whether we are passing through, 00:59:09.699 --> 00:59:10.719 Or whether we are here, 00:59:11.179 --> 00:59:12.279 Every day of the week, 00:59:12.860 --> 00:59:13.819 That we might be used, 00:59:13.940 --> 00:59:14.679 For your glory, 00:59:14.779 --> 00:59:16.199 To spread the good news, 00:59:16.199 --> 00:59:16.880 Of Christ, 00:59:17.440 --> 00:59:18.299 We ask it all, 00:59:18.360 --> 00:59:18.900 For the forgiveness, 00:59:18.900 --> 00:59:19.940 Of our sins, 00:59:20.039 --> 00:59:21.000 In Jesus name, 00:59:21.460 --> 00:59:21.860 Amen. 00:59:21.860 --> 00:59:22.000 Amen. 00:59:26.079 --> 00:59:27.519 We are going to conclude, 00:59:27.639 --> 00:59:29.440 By singing to God's praise, 00:59:29.519 --> 00:59:31.139 In Psalm 134, 00:59:31.239 --> 00:59:32.299 In the Singed Psalms, 00:59:33.239 --> 00:59:34.920 Page 175, 00:59:35.259 --> 00:59:36.059 Of the psalm book, 00:59:37.139 --> 00:59:38.840 Psalm 134a, 00:59:39.699 --> 00:59:42.279 On page 175, 00:59:43.860 --> 00:59:45.659 In the tune is Stuttgart, 00:59:46.739 --> 00:59:47.739 Praise the Lord, 00:59:47.819 --> 00:59:48.920 All you his servants, 00:59:49.340 --> 00:59:50.460 As you serve, 00:59:50.460 --> 00:59:51.619 With one accord, 00:59:52.159 --> 00:59:53.079 Praise the Lord, 00:59:53.079 --> 00:59:54.299 In your night watches, 00:59:54.440 --> 00:59:55.219 In the temple, 00:59:55.440 --> 00:59:56.480 Of the Lord. 00:59:56.559 --> 00:59:57.059 We'll sing, 00:59:57.279 --> 00:59:58.319 These words, 00:59:58.460 --> 00:59:59.539 To God's praise, 00:59:59.920 --> 01:00:07.099 Praise the Lord, 01:00:07.199 --> 01:00:10.639 All you his servants, 01:00:11.039 --> 01:00:13.319 As you serve, 01:00:13.319 --> 01:00:16.319 With one accord, 01:00:16.319 --> 01:00:19.759 Praise the Lord, 01:00:19.760 --> 01:00:23.140 In your night watches, 01:00:23.140 --> 01:00:26.300 In the temple, 01:00:26.300 --> 01:00:30.420 Of the Lord. 01:00:31.260 --> 01:00:33.900 Raise your hands, 01:00:33.900 --> 01:00:37.320 Within his temple, 01:00:37.320 --> 01:00:40.440 To the Lord, 01:00:40.500 --> 01:00:41.960 Your God, 01:00:42.060 --> 01:00:43.880 Give praise, 01:00:44.560 --> 01:00:48.480 He who made the earth, 01:00:48.480 --> 01:00:50.460 And heaven, 01:00:50.940 --> 01:00:52.360 Bless you, 01:00:52.639 --> 01:00:57.860 From his holy place. 01:00:59.320 --> 01:01:00.519 After the benediction, 01:01:00.639 --> 01:01:01.539 I'll go to the door, 01:01:01.619 --> 01:01:02.300 To my right, 01:01:02.420 --> 01:01:03.139 So we'll close, 01:01:03.500 --> 01:01:04.260 With the benediction. 01:01:05.079 --> 01:01:05.980 Now may grace, 01:01:06.300 --> 01:01:06.619 Mercy, 01:01:06.619 --> 01:01:07.320 And peace, 01:01:07.460 --> 01:01:08.079 From God, 01:01:08.340 --> 01:01:08.719 Father, 01:01:08.940 --> 01:01:09.199 Son, 01:01:09.280 --> 01:01:10.300 And Holy Spirit, 01:01:10.860 --> 01:01:11.619 Rest upon, 01:01:11.740 --> 01:01:13.079 And abide with us all, 01:01:13.079 --> 01:01:14.360 Now and forevermore. 01:01:14.760 --> 01:01:15.159 Amen. 01:01:18.480 --> 01:01:19.480 Amen. 01:01:48.480 --> 01:01:49.059 Amen. 01:01:49.139 --> 01:01:53.340 Amen. 01:02:01.500 --> 01:02:01.860 Amen. 01:02:01.860 --> 01:02:03.440 Amen. 01:02:03.480 --> 01:02:04.420 Amen. 01:02:04.519 --> 01:02:05.579 Amen. 01:02:06.000 --> 01:02:06.579 Amen. 01:02:06.579 --> 01:02:08.400 Amen. 01:02:08.500 --> 01:02:10.139 Amen. 01:02:13.440 --> 01:02:14.880 Amen.