WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.700 Good evening. 00:00:03.859 --> 00:00:07.299 You're celebrating the wrong thing. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:12.460 That's what people have been saying for years about Australia Day. 00:00:13.460 --> 00:00:17.120 Some people argue it's a great day to celebrate mateship 00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:20.559 and have an Aussie barbecue, have some mates around. 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:24.179 And others say that you're really celebrating the day 00:00:24.179 --> 00:00:27.039 the white man invaded someone else's country. 00:00:27.039 --> 00:00:32.899 One side says that, look, it's only been our national day for 24 years. 00:00:34.339 --> 00:00:37.700 It celebrates the wrong thing so it can be changed. 00:00:38.780 --> 00:00:40.960 Others say, well, look, 26th of January, 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:43.679 that was the day that Arthur Phillip entered Sydney Cove 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:47.060 and founded Australia, so we really should celebrate that day. 00:00:48.299 --> 00:00:51.179 You're celebrating the wrong thing, people say. 00:00:52.259 --> 00:00:54.320 What do we celebrate in the church? 00:00:54.320 --> 00:00:59.219 Is it possible that we're celebrating the wrong things? 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:00.140 Let's have a think. 00:01:00.179 --> 00:01:01.840 What are the things we celebrate in church? 00:01:02.460 --> 00:01:05.780 We celebrate when people become Christians. 00:01:06.480 --> 00:01:08.859 We celebrate when people have babies, 00:01:09.319 --> 00:01:12.120 when people get engaged or married. 00:01:12.859 --> 00:01:16.039 We celebrate our missionaries when they come and visit. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:20.819 These are all things that we clap and celebrate for, aren't they? 00:01:20.819 --> 00:01:22.619 But is that it? 00:01:23.699 --> 00:01:26.439 Is that all we should be celebrating? 00:01:27.679 --> 00:01:30.319 Are we celebrating the right things? 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:35.159 Today we're starting a new series on the book of 1 Thessalonians. 00:01:35.699 --> 00:01:39.719 It's a letter written by Paul and Silas and Timothy 00:01:39.719 --> 00:01:43.239 to the church in the area of Thessalonica. 00:01:44.179 --> 00:01:47.419 Today we're going to find out what he was celebrating, 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:52.859 why he was celebrating, and the things that we should be celebrating too. 00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:56.159 So please pray with me and we'll have a look at this book. 00:01:57.260 --> 00:02:00.019 Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you, Lord, 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:03.400 that we can be here on another Sunday. 00:02:04.180 --> 00:02:07.840 Lord, thank you for the privilege it is to gather together at a church 00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:11.139 and not be in fear of persecution. 00:02:11.939 --> 00:02:13.920 Father, we thank you for your word to us. 00:02:13.919 --> 00:02:17.099 Help us to understand it, but more than that, 00:02:17.399 --> 00:02:20.459 help our hearts be changed by your word tonight, Lord. 00:02:20.719 --> 00:02:21.139 Amen. 00:02:22.879 --> 00:02:23.359 Amen. 00:02:24.319 --> 00:02:27.619 So Deb read two passages for us. 00:02:27.679 --> 00:02:29.519 The first was from the book of Acts. 00:02:29.819 --> 00:02:32.159 The second, the book of Thessalonians. 00:02:32.739 --> 00:02:37.479 But in the book of Acts, we saw how this church got started. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:42.479 After Jesus was raised to life, the gospel news spread out, 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:45.919 including to this guy called Paul, and he was saved. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:49.859 And in Acts 17, Paul has been journeying around. 00:02:49.959 --> 00:02:52.159 There should be a map that comes up at some point. 00:02:52.219 --> 00:02:53.219 There'll be a map that pops up. 00:02:53.739 --> 00:02:57.339 Paul has been journeying around, and he's been starting churches. 00:02:57.739 --> 00:03:01.939 And he comes to a church called, in the region of Thessalonica. 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:04.340 You can see it up the top with the red box there. 00:03:05.159 --> 00:03:07.379 Modern day Thessalonica is in Greece. 00:03:07.639 --> 00:03:09.020 It's next door to Macedonia. 00:03:09.599 --> 00:03:10.699 And it's a harbour town. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:12.400 Has anybody been to Thessalonica? 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:14.400 Debbie has. 00:03:14.460 --> 00:03:15.159 What's it like, Deb? 00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:17.099 Thank you. 00:03:20.039 --> 00:03:20.819 It's old. 00:03:20.979 --> 00:03:21.099 Okay. 00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:26.360 There's lots of boats because it's a harbour town. 00:03:27.320 --> 00:03:28.480 It's on the sea. 00:03:28.960 --> 00:03:33.900 And the average life of your average Thessalonian was influenced by the region they were in. 00:03:34.260 --> 00:03:37.280 And so they worshipped the gods of this area. 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:40.860 So they worshipped the gods known as Dioscuri. 00:03:41.540 --> 00:03:43.100 They were the sons of Zeus. 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:47.480 And they were said to be saviours of the dangers of the sea. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:51.360 And because it's a harbour town, 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:56.300 it was a really important town for Rome and the rest of the area. 00:03:56.640 --> 00:04:01.420 Many people in the empire would go through this town to get through Macedonia, 00:04:01.580 --> 00:04:03.700 to get to Greece, to get to Turkey. 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:06.840 So it's a really important and central hub. 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:08.400 And that'll be relevant later. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:11.880 And so as Paul does when he goes around, 00:04:12.040 --> 00:04:16.180 he goes to Thessalonica and he finds a Jewish temple. 00:04:16.180 --> 00:04:22.220 He goes there and he preaches the word and he's there for at least three Saturdays. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:26.480 And by God's amazing grace, people are saved. 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:27.740 It's really interesting. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:29.860 It says Jews turn and follow Jesus. 00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:31.879 Greeks turn and follow Jesus. 00:04:32.100 --> 00:04:36.720 And even a few prominent women turn and follow Jesus. 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:37.960 Praise be to God. 00:04:38.879 --> 00:04:40.199 But not everyone is happy. 00:04:41.399 --> 00:04:43.139 Some of the Jews get jealous. 00:04:43.139 --> 00:04:47.479 They go and get some bad characters and get a mob together. 00:04:48.120 --> 00:04:50.259 And they start a riot in the city. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:52.979 And so to avoid the mob, 00:04:53.219 --> 00:04:56.459 Paul and Silas slip away in the middle of the night 00:04:56.459 --> 00:04:59.620 and they go to a town called Berea just next door. 00:05:00.719 --> 00:05:04.939 Now, Paul and Silas probably weren't in Thessalonica for very long. 00:05:05.259 --> 00:05:07.360 They were there for at least three weeks, 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:09.620 but it may have extended to a couple of months. 00:05:10.759 --> 00:05:12.459 But can you imagine how Paul would have felt? 00:05:12.459 --> 00:05:16.779 He's gone to this town and he started this little church. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:19.279 People have become saved. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:20.779 They are learning about Jesus. 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:27.439 And then your opponents get a mob together and chase you out of town. 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:30.659 And he's had to flee. 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.339 And he doesn't know how his church is going, 00:05:33.859 --> 00:05:36.120 how these baby Christians are coping. 00:05:37.060 --> 00:05:41.060 Now, this is, of course, a time when there's no real communication. 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:43.000 There's no instant communication like we have. 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:46.959 He can't just check in on FaceTime to see how they're going. 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:47.879 There's no WeChat. 00:05:49.319 --> 00:05:52.480 He can't quickly ask how the church is going. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:56.639 He can't say, are you still loving and following Jesus? 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:59.399 Are you standing firm in the faith? 00:05:59.399 --> 00:06:02.979 Was my time there starting the church a waste? 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:05.060 Is everything okay? 00:06:06.179 --> 00:06:09.620 And so he sends them an ancient version of a text message. 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:13.679 He sends them his young protege, an up-and-coming church planter, Timothy. 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:18.339 So he sends Timothy, go check on this little church, see how they're going. 00:06:18.339 --> 00:06:21.599 I'm worried about them, see how they are. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:26.060 And so he sends Timothy. 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:33.319 And now Timothy has come back and Paul sends this letter to the church in Thessalonica. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:35.859 And so that's the context of this letter that we get. 00:06:36.059 --> 00:06:41.179 And this helps us understand why Paul is writing this letter. 00:06:41.180 --> 00:06:44.780 So have a look with me at 1 Thessalonians 1, verse 1. 00:06:46.199 --> 00:06:49.720 Should be on the screen as we have a look at this. 00:06:51.759 --> 00:06:55.980 Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians, 00:06:56.100 --> 00:07:00.720 in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, grace and peace to you. 00:07:01.519 --> 00:07:06.740 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 00:07:06.740 --> 00:07:11.819 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:13.860 your labor prompted by love, 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:18.220 and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:23.500 Paul spends time thanking God for this church, for these people. 00:07:24.780 --> 00:07:30.960 Paul says that they always thank God and continually mention them in their prayers. 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:35.019 Now this is a wonderful thing to hear for this little church. 00:07:35.019 --> 00:07:40.979 The apostle who started the church, he is continually thanking God for them, 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:44.000 always mentioning them in their prayers. 00:07:44.859 --> 00:07:48.419 It's not like he started the church, he's praying for them, 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:52.120 he's moved on to Berea, he prays for them for a couple of weeks 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.560 and has forgotten about them. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:57.659 No, no, no, he continually mentions them in our prayers. 00:07:59.039 --> 00:08:03.379 This is a challenge to our prayers on so many levels. 00:08:03.379 --> 00:08:10.019 Paul, Silas and Timothy, they were diligent and consistent in their prayers. 00:08:11.219 --> 00:08:14.500 And they pray in such an other person-centered way. 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:19.620 I think when I pray, I always try to make sure I'm praying about God 00:08:19.620 --> 00:08:22.420 and his kingdom first before I bring my needs to him. 00:08:22.620 --> 00:08:26.659 So I'll pray, you know, God, thank you for creating the world. 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:28.600 Thank you for being awesome and amazing. 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:31.779 Thank you for sending Jesus and loving me and those kinds of things. 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:33.699 And then I'll move on to my requests. 00:08:34.600 --> 00:08:39.360 You know, help me survive the rain or whatever my daily requests are. 00:08:39.419 --> 00:08:41.439 Work with Nick, you know, whatever little things they are. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:50.919 But these guys, they are continually and diligently praying for this church, 00:08:51.079 --> 00:08:51.860 the Thessalonians. 00:08:52.559 --> 00:08:54.919 They're praying in an other-centered way. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:09:01.620 They're praying that this church would stand firm in faith, hope, and love. 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:05.519 Now, remember that Paul hasn't heard much about this church. 00:09:06.219 --> 00:09:08.279 And he's finally heard from Timothy. 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:09.819 And so he's celebrating. 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:13.719 He's really thankful to God for what he is doing. 00:09:14.559 --> 00:09:16.439 He remembers what they had to go through. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:21.460 This is an area where Paul and Silas, they were run out of town. 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:24.500 And so life for these Christians was not easy. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:29.460 And yet God had changed their lives. 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:34.340 And they are standing firm with their eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:41.260 Now, there have been far too many times that I've lost my children. 00:09:41.259 --> 00:09:44.720 For the parents to hear, have you ever lost your children? 00:09:46.259 --> 00:09:48.700 I see people say, oh, Judy, she'll admit it. 00:09:49.580 --> 00:09:50.600 Have you found Rach yet? 00:09:51.220 --> 00:09:52.080 I think she's still here. 00:09:52.120 --> 00:09:52.700 She's here somewhere. 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:55.860 It was a couple of years ago. 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:57.439 Isaac probably would have been about three. 00:09:57.559 --> 00:09:58.240 He's six now. 00:09:58.740 --> 00:10:02.840 And we were at Ikea, that wonderful maze of a shop. 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:08.279 And we'd, you know, gotten distracted feeling fabric on a wall or something. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:10.039 And Isaac just disappeared. 00:10:10.039 --> 00:10:12.860 And so we're looking for him everywhere. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:16.059 And the minutes are ticking by. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:18.719 And we're getting more and more worried. 00:10:19.319 --> 00:10:22.379 And horrendous thoughts start entering your mind. 00:10:22.459 --> 00:10:23.019 What's happened? 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:24.019 Is he okay? 00:10:24.459 --> 00:10:28.740 Has he somehow gotten out the front and eaten those rancid meatballs that Ikea has? 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:31.459 Has someone taken him? 00:10:33.199 --> 00:10:34.139 Sorry, is everything okay? 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:37.079 Jokes, jokes. 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:39.779 Is Isaac okay? 00:10:40.039 --> 00:10:41.459 And you get tense. 00:10:41.599 --> 00:10:42.360 You get worried. 00:10:43.339 --> 00:10:47.539 And then we just saw him crawl out from underneath something. 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:51.519 And this wave of relief just washes over you. 00:10:51.919 --> 00:10:53.899 Oh, he's fine. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:55.620 Everything is okay. 00:10:56.199 --> 00:10:57.599 I don't need to be worried. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:01.259 Maybe I need to have a leash like I've always wanted. 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:08.480 You know, maybe this is the feeling you have when, you know, if you're a parent of older kids, when the kids would get home with the car. 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:09.259 Relief. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:10.519 The car is okay. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:12.480 And I suppose the kids are okay too. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:18.039 But that's the kind of feeling Paul would have had hearing about this church. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:21.240 This baby church that he planted and was then kicked out of. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:23.500 This church is okay. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:28.740 They're standing firm in faith, hope, and love. 00:11:29.180 --> 00:11:31.799 Now, if you didn't realize it, that's why we've got the shoes up here. 00:11:32.700 --> 00:11:36.600 We want to be encouraging everyone to be standing firm. 00:11:37.560 --> 00:11:39.120 That's why there's shoes behind me. 00:11:39.180 --> 00:11:42.419 I'm not sure if, you know, standing under shoes is like mistletoe. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:46.179 If I accidentally stand under shoes with someone, I kick them. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.179 I'm not sure how that works. 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:57.039 But we want to be standing firm, just like this Thessalonian church, in faith, in hope, and in love. 00:11:58.079 --> 00:11:59.199 And so Paul celebrates. 00:12:00.179 --> 00:12:04.620 He is so thankful to God that this church is standing firm. 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:07.759 So, you know, you've got your little, you should have gotten something when you came in. 00:12:07.819 --> 00:12:08.179 What did you get? 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:09.159 Did you get one of these blowers? 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:11.059 Did you get bubbles? 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:16.579 Let's test and see if they work. 00:12:16.740 --> 00:12:17.299 Everybody ready? 00:12:17.419 --> 00:12:17.579 Ready? 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:18.759 One, two, three. 00:12:22.079 --> 00:12:22.860 That's not bad. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:28.699 That's the most limp celebration I've ever heard. 00:12:33.339 --> 00:12:34.559 We'll use them again later. 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:35.019 Don't worry. 00:12:35.099 --> 00:12:35.879 We'll do better later. 00:12:37.219 --> 00:12:37.699 Stop. 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.620 Sorry. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.419 Sorry, Judd. 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:41.860 So Paul is really thankful. 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:45.860 He is celebrating this church that they have stood firm in the face of opposition. 00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:53.960 In the face of these people who have chased them out of town, that they are still faithful and loving God. 00:12:54.659 --> 00:12:59.019 And so Paul remembers what God has done in them. 00:12:59.019 --> 00:13:00.240 And he thanks God. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:03.059 And he reminisces a bit about how they got started. 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:05.720 It's like he pulls out the baby photo album. 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:12.439 And verses four to six show us this baby photo album as he remembers the church. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.980 Have a look at verse four with me. 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:43.159 Oh baby church. 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:44.039 You're so cute. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:50.199 I remember how God helped you take those first steps. 00:13:50.939 --> 00:13:52.259 You grew with power. 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:55.539 We were there when you started walking as a church. 00:13:55.759 --> 00:13:58.339 You imitated us and made baby sounds. 00:13:59.059 --> 00:14:04.759 And you learnt how to walk as a church, standing firm through severe suffering. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:09.299 It's not exactly like a normal baby photo album. 00:14:09.299 --> 00:14:12.539 But it is arguably much more important. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:16.220 What other things he is reminiscing and remembering? 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.899 Well, God chose them. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:20.299 God loved them first. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:22.860 They didn't choose to follow Jesus. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:30.080 God has showed his unimaginable love for them in the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:36.440 God was the one that initiated the relationship with them, just like with each of us. 00:14:37.400 --> 00:14:38.900 We don't go seeking him first. 00:14:39.020 --> 00:14:42.420 He has sought us and chosen and loved us. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:48.340 And it might just take us time to catch up, to understand how much he loves us. 00:14:49.400 --> 00:14:53.980 Paul also remembers the good news, that this good news came differently to other news. 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:59.139 It wasn't like a pregnancy announcement or an engagement announcement. 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:05.139 These bring much joy, yes, but they're not supernatural announcements. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:12.100 The good news of Jesus being raised from the dead came with the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:18.620 People in Thessalonica, they were spiritually dead, but now they have come to life in Jesus. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:27.679 And it's also possible that, just like in the book of Acts, the good news of Jesus came with miracles. 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:33.500 And so Paul remembers how the church imitated Paul and Silas. 00:15:34.299 --> 00:15:41.139 This young church in Thessalonica saw what being a Christian was from Paul and Silas, and they copied them. 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:47.500 Now, we should be encouraged to imitate one another as we follow Christ too. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:51.100 Now, this is both amazing and also a bit daunting. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:55.840 I think this is one of my favourite things about church here at St. Paul's. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:58.659 It's a real beautiful part of church here. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:05.120 The way we have older brothers and younger brothers and older sisters and younger sisters. 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:10.460 Our leaders should be saying, come and follow me as I follow Christ. 00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:13.100 Copy me as I follow Christ. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:18.899 And that's really scary if you're a leader here, to actually say to someone, you should copy me as I copy Christ. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:22.180 But let's take someone as an example. 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:24.440 Let's take Juddy. 00:16:25.300 --> 00:16:27.680 Juddy, can I use you as an example, buddy? 00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:29.600 Yeah, two thumbs up. 00:16:30.420 --> 00:16:31.500 Yep, Dad, that's okay. 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.040 Yep, just making... 00:16:33.040 --> 00:16:35.659 Dad's not so sure, but we'll take that as permission. 00:16:36.339 --> 00:16:38.959 So Juddy, Juddy, who's your leader at Kids Church? 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:39.659 Who's... 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:43.620 It used to be me. 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:44.480 I'll be there again. 00:16:44.959 --> 00:16:46.199 Can you think of anybody else? 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:49.439 Say somebody that's name starts with K and ends in O. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:51.659 Ko, okay. 00:16:51.799 --> 00:16:52.259 Well, great. 00:16:52.339 --> 00:16:52.620 Thank you. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.620 So Juddy, he's led by Ko. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.419 Where's Ko? 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:57.159 Ko's over here. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.319 What a wonderful brother. 00:16:58.319 --> 00:17:02.799 And Ko, Ko has this amazing passion for the Bible and he loves Jesus. 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:03.979 And it's a wonderful... 00:17:03.979 --> 00:17:04.839 Let's just... 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:06.180 That's worth celebrating, isn't it? 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.980 Let's take out your blower. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:07.659 Let's celebrate. 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.079 That's enough. 00:17:12.139 --> 00:17:12.419 That's enough. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:19.379 And so Juddy, you should be copying Ko as Ko follows Jesus. 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.200 But you know what? 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.619 Ko also has another leader. 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:23.319 Ko's in youth group. 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:24.919 His leader is Rob Sharp. 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:27.220 And so Ko is following Rob. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.039 Let's celebrate Rob. 00:17:28.159 --> 00:17:28.519 Come on. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:33.379 And that's wonderful. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:36.099 Maybe Ko will have a beard like Rob one day. 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:37.940 Maybe not. 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:38.440 Who knows? 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:41.539 But Rob's also in my community group. 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:44.339 And poor guy, he's... 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:49.759 That's about all the celebration there is in my community group. 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:53.339 And so... 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:55.319 It's fine, Deb. 00:17:55.940 --> 00:17:58.079 I think less spit in them works better. 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:03.700 So Juddy is following Ko who's following Jesus. 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:07.619 And Ko is copying Rob who's copying Jesus. 00:18:07.839 --> 00:18:10.900 And Rob is copying me, copying Jesus. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:15.119 And I'm following Steve as Steve is following Jesus. 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:17.619 It's a wonderful, beautiful thing. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:23.660 It's this beautiful chain from younger brother to older brother that we have in church. 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:25.779 It's an amazing gift. 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:30.860 And now I could hopefully copy that through with anyone here, anyone here at church. 00:18:31.560 --> 00:18:34.700 And this is something that is worth celebrating. 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:41.400 Now, if you don't have an older brother or sister to walk with, come on, let me know. 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.200 Talk to Debbie. 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:44.740 I would love to find you someone to be walking with. 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:50.600 And if you are following the Lord, there really should be someone that is copying you. 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.980 A younger brother or a younger sister. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:58.460 The Thessalonians, well, they were imitating Paul and Silas. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:02.240 And they imitated them particularly in the midst of suffering. 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:05.880 We don't know exactly what their suffering was. 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:11.299 But it's the suffering that caused Paul and Silas to run out of town at the very least. 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:16.839 And so they stood firm and the Thessalonians stood firm too. 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:22.639 Now, Paul doesn't just reminisce about the good old days. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:29.440 He isn't just reminiscing about, you know, back when I was there at church, we had great morning teas and great suppers. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:32.180 He's not just reminiscing about the style of music. 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:35.919 He is reminiscing about the real important things. 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:41.980 He is remembering that God loves these people and has chosen them. 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:50.820 He is remembering that this church imitated Paul and Silas and were obeying God even in the midst of suffering. 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:56.779 The church has stood firm and that is something that is worth celebrating. 00:19:57.400 --> 00:20:01.660 One of the things that we do celebrate in church here is we celebrate when people become Christians. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:05.240 One of the ways we do that is when people get baptised. 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:08.859 We have the big tank and it's a great thing to celebrate. 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:12.620 But there is something else worth celebrating. 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:16.799 It's one thing to celebrate when someone becomes a Christian. 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:21.900 But in one sense, that's like celebrating when someone starts running a race. 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:27.279 When you go to watch someone run a race, where do you go? 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:31.920 Would we usually go to the start of the race? 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:35.380 Or do we want to see how they go at the end of the race? 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:39.060 I want to see how people go crossing that line. 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:43.920 So there's one thing that is worth doing, celebrating when someone becomes a Christian. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:46.039 But there is another thing to celebrate. 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:51.039 When someone stands firm for many years as a Christian. 00:20:51.300 --> 00:20:55.100 When someone stands firm all the way to the end. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:21:00.500 And this is why there is so much joy at Christian funerals. 00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:06.179 Because we can celebrate that not just they have started following Jesus. 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:09.339 But we can celebrate that they have made it all the way to the end. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:14.000 And they have reached the goal that all of us would love to be at. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.559 They have made it to Jesus. 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:21.799 And so Paul is celebrating the things that are really worthwhile. 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:27.480 And not just things that are a part of personal preference at church. 00:21:28.399 --> 00:21:29.779 He remembered people. 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:31.519 He remembered lives changed. 00:21:31.659 --> 00:21:35.000 People standing firm in the light of suffering. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:41.519 So Paul and Silas, they were kicked out of Thessalonica. 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.660 Moved to Berea. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:45.059 They would have been worried about this church. 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:47.660 Is it going to flourish or fail? 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:49.420 Spread or cease? 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:52.380 Stand firm or stand against one another? 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:55.819 And he has heard from Timothy that they have stood firm. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.400 In faith, hope and love. 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:58.640 But not only that. 00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:02.119 News of this church has spread out everywhere. 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:03.920 Have a look with me at verse 7. 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:11.180 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:13.599 The Lord's message rang out from you. 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.299 Not only in Macedonia and Achaia. 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:18.700 Your faith in God has become known everywhere. 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:22.359 Therefore, we do not need to say anything about it. 00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:25.960 For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:29.859 They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:33.960 And to wait for his son from heaven whom he raised from the dead. 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:37.200 Jesus who rescues us from the coming groth. 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:42.660 Well, the church that had been imitating Paul and Silas. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:46.440 Well, people in the region have heard about that and they're imitating them. 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:54.680 This message has gone out into the region that they have stood firm in faith, hope and love. 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:56.700 This is amazing. 00:22:57.000 --> 00:23:00.240 In a time of instant communication, we're kind of used to this. 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:02.360 We're used to media going viral. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:09.860 But for the gospel to spread like this, it would have had to have spread like a real virus. 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:13.400 Not like viral media, but a real virus. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:15.480 From person to person. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:17.900 It spread out from Thessalonica. 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:23.099 But instead of killing people like a virus, it brought people to life. 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:30.259 The news had spread that they had stood firm in faith, hope and love. 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:33.120 They had heard that these people had stood firm. 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:35.180 They turned away from idols. 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:38.900 These things that we've been looking at over the past nine weeks in Judges. 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:42.340 These statues made out of gold or rock or stone. 00:23:42.840 --> 00:23:45.660 And their hope was in the son who is alive. 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:52.259 What amazing news this would have been for that little mother hen Paul to hear about this church. 00:23:54.540 --> 00:23:59.580 I wonder what the news from here has gone out. 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:02.160 I wonder what message has rung out from here as a church. 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:04.640 Has there been any message? 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.740 Do people hear anything? 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:12.859 So I thought I'd contact someone who lives far away to see what he's heard. 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:16.279 I contacted our old brother, Sam Lowe. 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:18.960 Sam was at church here. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:22.680 And they left to move to work in Queensland in January. 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:25.620 And I thought, I wonder what they've heard about us. 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:28.519 What kind of news have they heard? 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:29.380 So I sent him a text. 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:33.420 Because, you know, it's much easier than sending a Timothy up to Queensland. 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:36.440 And I said, you know, what have you heard? 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:41.140 What is the news that has reached you even in this much easier age of communication? 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:43.259 And he pointed out two things. 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:49.680 I hear that God continues to bring gospel fruit and new believers into the family there. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:58.759 I hear great things about ESL and the work Adrian and his team are doing to connect with and serve those in the community who don't speak English. 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:01.720 I've heard that the youth ministry is flourishing. 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:06.960 And I'm excited for the current year 12s to make their mark after they graduate. 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:15.600 And I hear the staff team continues to lead the charge of knowing, treasuring and representing Jesus through every change and challenge that comes. 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:17.840 I'm encouraged by you all. 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:20.220 And I miss doing the journey with you. 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:28.200 And I also wanted to hear from Sam what was happening in his church so we could be praying for him. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:33.360 And he said that they're in a season where they're still preparing for their church plant. 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:40.079 And preparation is important, but impatience is his weakness. 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:47.779 So he asked us to pray for wisdom, to trust God's timing to make most of this preparation season. 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:54.059 It's remarkable that news has spread out from us to them. 00:25:55.539 --> 00:26:01.139 I wonder what people who aren't as connected with us, I wonder what they hear. 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:06.720 There are so many great things that God is doing in the church here. 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:11.460 I think it's amazing that we can stop and celebrate them. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:18.180 Let's not be a church who gets caught up arguing with one another, fighting or bickering with one another. 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:25.160 Let's remember to celebrate how this church has stood firm in faith, hope and love. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:28.380 I want to be known as the party church. 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:33.579 Celebrating when people become Christians, have a party. 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:39.779 Celebrate not only that, but when the Holy Spirit changes our hearts to trust in Jesus more. 00:26:40.939 --> 00:26:44.299 When the support of our church helps us to overcome sin. 00:26:45.399 --> 00:26:52.359 Let's cheer when someone who has an addiction overcomes that addiction by God's grace. 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:57.319 Let's celebrate when someone hits their silver anniversary of following Jesus. 00:26:57.859 --> 00:26:58.559 Now I've got no idea. 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:00.460 Does anybody know what the silver anniversary is? 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.519 25? 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:02.799 25? 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:06.759 Who's been a Christian here for the longest? 00:27:10.099 --> 00:27:11.960 Isla and Juddy, you both put your hands up? 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.440 I love your keenness. 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:15.480 Okay. 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:18.339 What we're going to do is we are going to celebrate a little bit. 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:19.200 We are going to celebrate. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:20.160 We're going to get these ready. 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:20.700 Get these ready. 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.859 You can blow bubbles if you like. 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:24.180 Sorry, buddy. 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:25.059 It's going to be a bit noisy. 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:28.839 There's headphones there if you want to cover your ears. 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:34.359 Let's practice rejoicing because I don't think we're particularly good at it. 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:38.459 So let's, who's been a Christian for more than 10 years here? 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:39.919 More than 10 years. 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:41.220 Let's celebrate these people. 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:50.180 I think it's the fire alarm. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:54.480 Let's, let's go a bit further. 00:27:54.600 --> 00:27:55.740 20 years. 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:57.100 Okay. 00:27:57.160 --> 00:27:58.400 I see a couple of hands. 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.259 Beautiful hands. 00:27:59.319 --> 00:27:59.860 Let's celebrate. 00:27:59.860 --> 00:27:59.880 Let's celebrate. 00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.880 Okay. 00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:07.000 All right. 00:28:07.020 --> 00:28:07.180 All right. 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:07.480 All right. 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:12.560 Who thinks they've been a Christian here the longest? 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.840 You are the oldest. 00:28:19.080 --> 00:28:19.740 Praise God. 00:28:19.800 --> 00:28:22.060 You have stood firm for much longer than I have. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.260 Give me a number. 00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:24.640 Come on. 00:28:24.640 --> 00:28:30.259 More than 30 years. 00:28:30.340 --> 00:28:30.880 Let's assume. 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:37.360 What a wonderful thing that it is that these people have stood firm longer than many of our lives. 00:28:37.420 --> 00:28:40.280 They have been following Jesus for many, many years. 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.700 That is worth celebrating. 00:28:41.780 --> 00:28:42.180 Let's do it again. 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.560 Let's come on. 00:28:42.600 --> 00:28:42.720 Wait. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.759 Wait, whoa, whoa. 00:28:44.600 --> 00:28:46.640 I'm going to count to three and I want it to be the loudest one. 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:47.660 One long honk. 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:47.860 Ready? 00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:49.620 One, two, three. 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:54.620 One, two, three. 00:28:54.640 --> 00:28:55.180 All right. 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:55.440 All right. 00:28:55.460 --> 00:28:55.720 All right. 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:02.200 Last one, Judd. 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:02.580 I hope. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:03.000 I hope. 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:07.140 Let's get better at rejoicing. 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.820 Sorry, Clem. 00:29:12.320 --> 00:29:14.300 We do love you, little ones. 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:17.720 Sorry. 00:29:18.600 --> 00:29:20.480 I feel very bad now. 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:24.500 That's okay. 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.059 There's mums there. 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:25.759 Let's church. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:32.839 Let's get better at celebrating when people show sacrificial, costly love to one another. 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:35.120 Like Jesus has showed to us. 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:43.779 Let's sing and dance and praise God when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we wait for his return. 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:54.879 Because church, when we do this, the good news of Jesus working in our lives will not just go out to Chatswood or just up to Queensland. 00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:58.480 It will go out across the world and people's lives will be changed. 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.420 Let me pray. 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:08.920 Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the joy that we can have following you. 00:30:09.580 --> 00:30:15.080 Father, thank you that there are people here who have been following you for many years. 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:24.759 Father, help us to all stand firm in faith, in hope, and in love, following you for many, many years to come. 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:30.279 We ask that we would celebrate the things that are worth celebrating, Lord. 00:30:30.660 --> 00:30:42.359 Help us to be a party church that loves to celebrate what you are doing in our lives and help us to rejoice with one another because of your love for us. 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:43.240 Amen. 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:49.319 We're going to continue to celebrate now by sharing the Lord's Supper together. 00:30:49.319 --> 00:31:00.319 But first, it is important for us to acknowledge where we have come from, that we are saved sinners depending on his grace. 00:31:00.639 --> 00:31:04.399 So let's say this confession on the screen together.