WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.060 You'll be aware, because you've been working through this particular letter, that the Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter to the church at Colossi, had actually never visited the church. 00:00:11.060 --> 00:00:16.039 But he did feel some responsibility for its existence. 00:00:17.059 --> 00:00:23.420 An old student of his, a guy called Epaphras, had gone out from under his teaching. 00:00:24.420 --> 00:00:26.719 See, Paul had spent a lot of time in a place called Ephesus. 00:00:26.900 --> 00:00:28.179 He had based himself there. 00:00:28.179 --> 00:00:29.859 He did teaching there. 00:00:30.059 --> 00:00:37.359 And from there, Epaphras had gone out and established this church that was about 100 miles to the east. 00:00:37.519 --> 00:00:45.179 And so inevitably, you can see that Paul is keeping some degree of interest in how this church is faring. 00:00:45.820 --> 00:00:55.899 So much so that when Epaphras visited him in Rome, it seemed the most natural thing for Paul to write to that church in Colossi that Epaphras had founded. 00:00:55.899 --> 00:01:01.060 And to encourage them to keep Christ central. 00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:12.620 And over this series, you'll have seen how Paul dealt with some of the dangerous new teachings that were beginning to infiltrate into church life there in Colossi. 00:01:12.620 --> 00:01:17.200 He was listening to what Epaphras was reporting back to him. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:25.140 For there were those who were suggesting that they needed Jesus plus a works-based ritual. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:35.620 Whilst others suggested they needed Jesus plus the mystical experiences that were going around the Roman world at the time. 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:45.160 So Paul in this letter emphasizes the complete wonder and sufficiency of who Jesus is and what he's done. 00:01:46.060 --> 00:01:56.880 And for us this morning, the question as we come to towards the close of our series in this letter is how does Paul now draw things together? 00:01:56.879 --> 00:02:01.119 What are the words that he wants to leave ringing in their ears? 00:02:01.379 --> 00:02:04.379 What are his final instructions? 00:02:05.679 --> 00:02:09.019 Well, we're going to divide up this passage under three headings. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:12.359 And please forgive me if alliteration drives you crazy. 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:13.680 I'm afraid it is alliterative. 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:18.180 But if God had never intended us to alliterate, he would never have given us the letter P. 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:20.879 So, look, it is going to be alliteration. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:22.400 Forgive me for that. 00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:26.300 But maybe it means you will just remember it a fraction longer. 00:02:26.300 --> 00:02:28.700 So, my first point is this. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:33.900 Paul longs for worship that confirms the gospel. 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:38.640 Paul longs for worship that confirms the gospel. 00:02:38.780 --> 00:02:40.719 Because there in verse 2, he says, 00:02:40.820 --> 00:02:46.740 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:50.439 Hang on, Andy, hang on. 00:02:50.760 --> 00:02:52.360 That's talking about prayer. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:56.040 Andy, look, it says prayer, not worship. 00:02:56.039 --> 00:02:57.719 How could you have such a heading? 00:02:58.099 --> 00:03:02.479 Look, when we see how Paul describes this type of prayer, 00:03:03.099 --> 00:03:07.340 we realize that he's not talking about a particular action, 00:03:08.019 --> 00:03:10.959 but a regular attitude. 00:03:12.079 --> 00:03:16.599 He tells them that they are to devote themselves to prayer. 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:22.979 And in the Greek, this has the sense of something that is passionate and continuous and devoted, 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:26.180 something that you strive towards with all your energy. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.159 It's a very strong word in the Greek language. 00:03:28.959 --> 00:03:32.799 So, Paul's not talking here about those occasional times of prayer 00:03:32.799 --> 00:03:39.579 that you might set aside each day for deliberate and focused and concentrated prayer. 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:43.760 important and good though they are. 00:03:44.760 --> 00:03:52.920 He's rather thinking about an attitude that sees the whole of life lived in dependence upon God, 00:03:53.100 --> 00:04:00.120 where every moment we're conscious that all we are and all we do is in the hands of our gracious, 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:02.340 loving, loving, heavenly Father, 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:07.620 where the most natural action is to lift everything before him. 00:04:08.420 --> 00:04:10.340 That's prayer. 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:13.599 That's worship. 00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:16.939 That's actually the gospel in action, 00:04:17.079 --> 00:04:25.980 for that's where we demonstrate that we've seen how sin-stained and foolish and needy we are, 00:04:26.779 --> 00:04:29.920 where we've learnt not to lean upon ourselves, 00:04:30.920 --> 00:04:36.540 but the super-abundant grace of our wonderful Saviour. 00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:39.279 And that's what I pray for you, 00:04:39.339 --> 00:04:41.019 and it's what I long for myself, 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:46.479 that we'd increasingly be liberated from our pride, 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:48.680 from our self-sufficiency, 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:55.859 that we would live with our hearts and minds fixed on the knowledge of his sovereign rule and mercy. 00:04:57.699 --> 00:05:01.279 And when I have that gospel-shaped attitude of prayer, 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:05.319 it's going to inevitably come over in two ways, 00:05:05.439 --> 00:05:06.859 and Paul talks about them. 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:08.479 Firstly, you see, he says, 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:10.980 my praying is going to be full of praise. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:12.220 It's going to be full of gratitude. 00:05:12.379 --> 00:05:14.480 It's going to be full of thankfulness. 00:05:14.480 --> 00:05:21.160 How could it be anything else as we live in the shadow of the cross? 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:25.080 We're not going to be those who are full of complaints, 00:05:25.580 --> 00:05:30.480 but rather our hearts are going to be full of thanks that I've been saved, 00:05:30.480 --> 00:05:32.500 saved, that I've been rescued, 00:05:32.640 --> 00:05:34.780 an undeserving sinner like me, 00:05:34.860 --> 00:05:37.640 and that I've been adopted into the very family of God. 00:05:39.100 --> 00:05:43.680 Actually, this is what Paul was getting at when he wrote to the Thessalonian church. 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:47.439 There in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 16 to 17, 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:47.960 he says, 00:05:48.100 --> 00:05:50.759 Rejoice always, pray continually, 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:52.480 give thanks in all circumstances, 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:57.300 for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:05:58.340 Thankfulness. 00:06:00.200 --> 00:06:03.439 Does this characterize you? 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:08.020 Does it characterize your praying? 00:06:09.200 --> 00:06:13.200 Or maybe the first thing you do when you come to prayer is you come with your shopping list 00:06:13.200 --> 00:06:13.580 and you say, 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:17.020 Dear God, I want this, I want that, because it's all about me. 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:20.079 So God, I've got this need and a bit of a headache. 00:06:20.299 --> 00:06:22.060 God, come and just help me. 00:06:22.139 --> 00:06:23.479 And I could do with a bit more money. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:25.000 God, give it to me. 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:25.939 No, no, no, no, no. 00:06:26.060 --> 00:06:27.639 I'm not going to be that sort of person. 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:32.299 When I understand what Jesus Christ has done for me in his grace and mercy, 00:06:32.419 --> 00:06:37.219 I'm going to be a person of praise and thankfulness. 00:06:39.599 --> 00:06:44.359 But secondly, it's not just thankfulness that will characterize this attitude of prayer, 00:06:44.360 --> 00:06:46.840 but also watchfulness. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.379 He writes there in verse 2, 00:06:49.460 --> 00:06:54.600 Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:58.740 And to be watchful is also a gospel mark, 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:03.580 for it reveals we understand something of the spiritual battle that is raging. 00:07:04.460 --> 00:07:07.020 So as I journey through life, 00:07:07.020 --> 00:07:10.620 I'm going to be sensitive to where Satan is attacking 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:13.120 and to where God is working. 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:18.740 I'm going to be prayerfully responsive in that situation. 00:07:19.920 --> 00:07:21.420 Let me just give you an illustration. 00:07:21.699 --> 00:07:22.660 It helps me. 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:26.280 I love some of the old World War II films. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:28.160 I don't know why, but I do. 00:07:28.340 --> 00:07:29.060 I like watching them. 00:07:29.340 --> 00:07:30.199 And in some of the scenes, 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.199 particularly when you're dealing with the RAF 00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:34.240 and the Battle of Britain and stuff like that, 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:36.280 you have scenes where there's a sort of this, 00:07:36.280 --> 00:07:38.980 the central command, 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:44.220 and you've got the WAF who have a map of Britain 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:47.759 and radar in its early stages would pick out 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:51.460 that you've got some of the Luftwaffe coming over. 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:53.400 And so they would then, 00:07:53.840 --> 00:07:55.420 the phone would ring and they'd say, 00:07:55.540 --> 00:07:57.000 OK, we've got to respond to this. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:08:01.000 And you saw the WAF sort of pushing a particular squadron 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.959 towards where the attack was coming. 00:08:03.100 --> 00:08:05.660 It was a situation of where they were responding 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:09.420 to the attacks when they understood them. 00:08:09.740 --> 00:08:10.519 And could I say, 00:08:10.699 --> 00:08:13.259 that is what, in one sense, 00:08:13.379 --> 00:08:14.319 Paul is getting at here. 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:17.720 That's why corporate prayer is so vital. 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:20.980 That's why I long that all of us would treasure 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:23.240 the privilege we have of meeting together 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.520 with our brothers and sisters. 00:08:25.320 --> 00:08:27.700 Not only to cry out to God together, 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:29.920 but also to listen and sense 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:32.259 where he is prompting us to pray. 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:34.379 There is something very special 00:08:34.379 --> 00:08:36.920 when God's people gather for prayer, 00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:40.560 where they seek to understand what God is saying, 00:08:41.240 --> 00:08:42.820 where we should be praying, 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:44.060 what is happening. 00:08:44.059 --> 00:08:47.739 We don't come with the same prayer list 00:08:47.739 --> 00:08:49.579 that we had 30 years ago. 00:08:50.899 --> 00:08:52.439 We come with our open Bibles. 00:08:52.559 --> 00:08:54.059 We come with our open hearts and say, 00:08:54.439 --> 00:08:56.259 God, please, by your spirit, 00:08:56.359 --> 00:08:57.839 would you show us how we should be praying? 00:08:59.459 --> 00:09:00.399 Lord, what are you doing? 00:09:00.419 --> 00:09:01.359 What are you doing in our city 00:09:01.359 --> 00:09:03.139 and in our country and in the UK? 00:09:03.339 --> 00:09:04.739 Lord, what are you doing? 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:07.239 We want to be responsive to that. 00:09:07.299 --> 00:09:08.259 We want to pray there. 00:09:08.319 --> 00:09:09.199 We want to be thankful. 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:11.099 We want to be watchful. 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:14.340 So Paul longs for worship 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:15.940 that confirms the gospel. 00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:19.480 But secondly, Paul longs for words 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:21.620 that clarify the gospel, 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:24.600 for words that clarify the gospel. 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:28.399 As Paul continues talking about prayer, 00:09:28.460 --> 00:09:31.840 he focuses down upon gospel communication, 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:35.120 highlighting not only the ministry of evangelists 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:35.960 like himself, 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:38.779 but also the witness of the believers 00:09:38.779 --> 00:09:40.100 that he was writing to 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:43.200 and his passion was that the gospel message 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:46.960 should be clearly articulated and proclaimed. 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:50.960 Now, you may have heard someone try to quote 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:52.899 St. Francis of Assisi. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:55.800 Preach the gospel 00:09:55.800 --> 00:09:58.779 and if necessary, use words. 00:10:00.560 --> 00:10:01.899 It may sound clever, 00:10:02.680 --> 00:10:04.480 but it's wrong. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:07.300 And actually, there's no record 00:10:07.300 --> 00:10:10.519 that Francis of Assisi ever said that. 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:12.700 It's quite spurious. 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:16.139 For words are vital 00:10:16.139 --> 00:10:19.139 and it's essential that every believer 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:21.120 is ready and able to share 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:24.899 the life-saving message of Jesus. 00:10:26.920 --> 00:10:28.779 It's what Paul was conscious of 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:31.659 as he worked as a pioneer evangelist. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:33.399 There in verse 4, 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:33.799 he says, 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:36.259 pray that I may proclaim it clearly 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:38.279 as I should. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:40.100 And it's what Paul wanted 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:42.079 for those believers at Colossi. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:43.000 There in verse 6, 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:43.779 he says this, 00:10:44.199 --> 00:10:47.279 let your conversation be always full of grace, 00:10:48.059 --> 00:10:49.059 seasoned with salt, 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.379 so that you may know 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:53.059 how to answer everyone. 00:10:53.059 --> 00:10:56.679 Yeah, we should be those 00:10:56.679 --> 00:10:58.939 who pray for evangelists 00:10:58.939 --> 00:11:00.239 and preachers 00:11:00.239 --> 00:11:01.619 that they might be able to 00:11:01.619 --> 00:11:03.339 accurately and clearly 00:11:03.339 --> 00:11:05.479 and boldly and persuasively 00:11:05.479 --> 00:11:07.819 communicate the good news about Jesus. 00:11:07.939 --> 00:11:09.239 We should pray that they would speak 00:11:09.239 --> 00:11:10.699 those words in the right way. 00:11:11.099 --> 00:11:11.679 And by the way, 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:13.979 could I say we have no excuse 00:11:13.979 --> 00:11:15.619 complaining about the preacher 00:11:15.619 --> 00:11:19.159 if we ourselves have not been in prayer for him. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:23.259 We need to pray that they would have the courage 00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:24.980 to expose the sin 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:26.459 and the shame 00:11:26.459 --> 00:11:29.219 that separates so many from God. 00:11:29.360 --> 00:11:30.299 And we need to pray 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:31.519 that they will have the wisdom 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:32.620 and insight 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:34.980 to share Christ 00:11:34.980 --> 00:11:36.179 in the most appropriate 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:38.839 and winsome way possible, 00:11:39.719 --> 00:11:41.120 pointing all the time 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.559 to Jesus. 00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:46.659 And we need to take a look at ourselves. 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:49.099 We need to be those 00:11:49.099 --> 00:11:51.019 who are ready to communicate in words 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:55.599 what Jesus has done for folks like us. 00:11:56.299 --> 00:11:58.859 See, this isn't just the job of the professional. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:02.239 It's not just the job of the evangelist. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:04.000 It's not just the job of pastor. 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:06.139 If you think about communicating the gospel 00:12:06.139 --> 00:12:06.419 and you say, 00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:07.299 well, it's all right, 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:09.419 they're doing a Life Explored thing on a Monday 00:12:09.419 --> 00:12:12.179 and Graham will preach the gospel on a Sunday 00:12:12.179 --> 00:12:12.839 and say, 00:12:12.899 --> 00:12:14.139 we don't have to do anything. 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:14.759 No. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:17.399 No. 00:12:18.239 --> 00:12:20.079 How would you explain the gospel? 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:23.039 How would you tell someone what Jesus did? 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:26.500 Or if someone, for example, 00:12:26.579 --> 00:12:28.379 asks you about suffering, 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:30.159 if you do get into conversation 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:31.759 with someone about the Christian faith, 00:12:32.459 --> 00:12:33.799 they might ask you about suffering. 00:12:33.859 --> 00:12:34.819 How do you explain suffering? 00:12:34.939 --> 00:12:37.779 How can a holy and a loving God allow suffering? 00:12:37.979 --> 00:12:39.379 Well, how do you deal with that? 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:40.979 If that's going to be the major objection 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:42.220 and you want to share Christ, 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:44.639 you're going to have to have thought it through. 00:12:45.420 --> 00:12:46.039 Have you? 00:12:47.920 --> 00:12:50.159 Or the accusation we increasingly get, 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:51.980 oh, Christianity is homophobic. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:56.019 How would you answer? 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:01.680 And would you be able to do it in such a way 00:13:01.680 --> 00:13:03.639 that avoided cliches 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:07.360 and Christian catchphrases? 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:10.720 You see, there's no point having a conversation 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:11.259 with someone and say, 00:13:11.320 --> 00:13:13.980 oh, I know the answer to your problem. 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:17.039 You need to be washed in the blood of the lamb. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:20.319 And in one sense, 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:22.679 you and I, if we know that sort of language, 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:23.919 we go, that's brilliant, that's great. 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:26.559 I love what the Bible speaks about. 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:28.219 I understand it, but they don't. 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:30.819 And to say to someone, 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:32.299 be washed in the blood of the lamb, 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.279 they go, you are weirdos. 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:36.500 You are nutters. 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:40.299 That is not the language that we are to use 00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:41.699 to communicate effectively 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:43.319 with people who know nothing 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:45.480 of the Bible story. 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:48.379 No, the right words are essential 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:51.000 to communicate the right message. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:55.800 But Paul doesn't leave it there. 00:13:56.640 --> 00:13:59.980 So I'm trying to say that his prayer is 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:04.120 that we should be those who have words 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:06.340 that clarify the gospel. 00:14:07.140 --> 00:14:08.840 But thirdly, finally, 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:12.280 I noticed that Paul longs for works 00:14:12.280 --> 00:14:15.180 that complement the gospel, 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:18.399 works that complement the gospel. 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:23.100 See, today, the most potent evangelistic tool 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:25.000 the church possesses 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:28.980 is the transformed lives of Christians. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.879 The reality is, actually, 00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:33.680 that people don't stop to consider 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:35.519 the truth claims for the Christian faith. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.860 You may have the most brilliant 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:38.680 apologetic answer. 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:42.280 But often, folks will never even ask you. 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:45.800 They'll rarely, if ever, examine the facts 00:14:45.800 --> 00:14:47.480 or consider the arguments. 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:49.879 But what does make an impact 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:52.620 is a deliciously different life. 00:14:53.280 --> 00:14:55.639 A life of consistency and purity 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:57.860 and of integrity and of joy 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.899 and of peace. 00:15:00.040 --> 00:15:01.220 That will attract. 00:15:02.160 --> 00:15:03.800 That will draw the questions. 00:15:05.040 --> 00:15:07.200 That will provoke the attention. 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:10.780 And that's why Paul instructs them. 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:13.240 They're at Colossae in chapter 4, verse 5. 00:15:13.640 --> 00:15:13.980 He says, 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:17.259 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders. 00:15:19.060 --> 00:15:21.780 Make the most of every opportunity. 00:15:22.660 --> 00:15:24.800 You see, gospel words are essential, 00:15:25.140 --> 00:15:28.340 but they must be accompanied by gospel works. 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:31.660 Now, I grew up in an age 00:15:31.660 --> 00:15:33.100 when evangelism was all about 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:36.060 getting someone to attend church 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:38.480 or a gospel crusade. 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.720 The cry was, 00:15:40.860 --> 00:15:41.360 Get them in. 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:44.740 And so we'd be going around the doors 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:46.399 and we'd be taking leaflets and stuff 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:46.920 and we'd be going, 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:47.960 Come in. 00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:49.300 Come in to the building. 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:51.399 Come in and hear the gospel. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:52.240 Whereas, actually, 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:53.780 the cry of the church today 00:15:53.780 --> 00:15:54.360 should be, 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:55.100 Get them out. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:57.500 Get them out. 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:58.159 Actually, you see, 00:15:58.240 --> 00:16:00.600 we don't do our main gospel work 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:01.700 in this building. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:06.220 We do it in the relationships 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:08.200 that we've established in our community. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.700 Very rarely 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:15.920 will anyone just wander in off the street 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:17.580 and hear the gospel and be saved. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:19.519 Now, you may have just wandered in off the street. 00:16:19.580 --> 00:16:20.259 I don't know. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:21.840 I'm a visitor here. 00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:22.960 You're a visitor here. 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:24.480 If you have, well, that's great. 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:25.080 But can I say, 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:26.560 it would be really unusual. 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:28.560 Folks, don't do that. 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:30.019 However lovely a building you have, 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:31.280 however great a location, 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:34.700 it just doesn't happen. 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:38.220 You see, it's only as people see the difference 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:40.480 that Jesus makes to your life 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:43.400 that they will start asking the questions 00:16:43.400 --> 00:16:45.840 that will lead to gospel conversations. 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:50.320 And maybe they might attend a Life Explored 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:52.200 or a Christianity Explored course 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:54.379 as a result of the relationship 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.660 that you have built up 00:16:55.660 --> 00:16:57.660 because you have been living a life 00:16:57.660 --> 00:16:59.960 which is under the Lordship of Christ 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.960 and which is so radically different 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:02.660 that people go, 00:17:02.800 --> 00:17:04.840 tell me why you tick. 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:09.900 But it's not only what we do individually. 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:12.519 Could I say it is also what we do corporately 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:14.140 as a church. 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:17.080 You see, church is believers. 00:17:17.079 --> 00:17:20.000 The church, Brunsfield Evangelical Church 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.460 is not this building. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.699 It's you. 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.679 It's the believers 00:17:23.679 --> 00:17:27.699 who are committed to this church. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:30.619 And as a group of believers, 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:32.019 it is your responsibility 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:33.819 to look for ways 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:36.039 that you can bless this community. 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.599 See, this isn't just a place 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:41.480 for hit and run evangelism. 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:44.460 Listen, this building is a resource 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:46.160 to be used for the glory of God. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.539 This isn't holy space. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:51.299 This isn't the tabernacle. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.680 This isn't the sanctuary. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:54.019 It's a building. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:57.000 And you've got a great building 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:59.980 in a great location. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:03.680 And the responsibility of you, the church, 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:05.279 the people who are committed 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:06.420 to this church, 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:09.160 to say how can we use 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:10.860 all that God has given us 00:18:10.860 --> 00:18:12.640 for the glory of God 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:14.660 and for the sharing 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.980 of the gospel. 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.060 This is a resource 00:18:17.060 --> 00:18:17.880 to be used 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:19.380 for the glory of God. 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:23.500 As I close, 00:18:23.640 --> 00:18:23.860 let me, 00:18:24.160 --> 00:18:24.660 let me, 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:24.900 no, 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:25.120 I, 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:25.460 I, 00:18:26.300 --> 00:18:26.920 you see, 00:18:27.040 --> 00:18:27.840 too often 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:30.340 we fail as churches 00:18:30.340 --> 00:18:31.860 to say what can we do 00:18:31.860 --> 00:18:33.019 to bless the community 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:33.820 in which we're based. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:35.819 Now, 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:36.839 I'm assuming that 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:38.740 most of you 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:39.319 are within five, 00:18:39.399 --> 00:18:39.839 ten minutes 00:18:39.839 --> 00:18:42.220 of the building here, 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:44.159 the church building here, 00:18:45.159 --> 00:18:46.240 that there should be 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.539 a particular concern 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:48.619 for Brunsfield. 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.200 I know we've got 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:51.339 Holy Corner up the way 00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:52.319 and I know that's a, 00:18:52.439 --> 00:18:52.579 you know, 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:53.419 there's a bit of an overload 00:18:53.419 --> 00:18:54.079 of churches, 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:54.939 but the point is 00:18:54.939 --> 00:18:55.519 you are here, 00:18:55.619 --> 00:18:56.700 God's put you here 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:58.659 to witness to his grace 00:18:58.659 --> 00:18:59.259 and glory. 00:18:59.379 --> 00:19:00.480 And the question always 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:01.939 the church must be asking 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:03.220 is how do we connect 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:05.279 with this community? 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:06.720 What can we do 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:09.080 to bless this community? 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:10.240 That's where there needs 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:10.960 to be wisdom 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:12.100 and insight 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:14.480 and a sharing 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.279 with the leadership 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:17.279 to understand 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.259 what you can do 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:19.080 more effectively 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:20.320 for the glory 00:19:20.320 --> 00:19:21.200 of Jesus Christ. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.120 But look, 00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:23.759 as I close, 00:19:23.820 --> 00:19:24.920 let me point out again 00:19:24.920 --> 00:19:26.160 why Paul had to 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.640 write this letter. 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:28.860 Okay, 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:30.160 the church planter 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:30.740 Epaphras 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:31.700 had shared with Paul 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:32.720 how a number of people 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.160 had come into 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:35.340 the church. 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.700 They'd started to question 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:37.720 whether Epaphras 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:38.519 had told them 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.900 the whole story. 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:41.880 One group came 00:19:41.880 --> 00:19:43.039 from the Jewish tradition 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:44.460 of rules and regulations 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:46.620 and they were telling 00:19:46.620 --> 00:19:47.340 the new believers 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:48.360 that faith in Jesus 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.340 wasn't sufficient 00:19:49.340 --> 00:19:50.559 in and of itself. 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:50.779 No, 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:51.360 they needed 00:19:51.360 --> 00:19:52.860 to strictly follow 00:19:52.860 --> 00:19:53.880 their Jewish rule book. 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:56.660 And that happens today. 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.180 Maybe some of you here 00:19:59.180 --> 00:19:59.700 have had experience 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.440 of such churches 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:02.860 which is more 00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:03.860 about the rules 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:05.059 than Jesus. 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:05.779 Whereas you've got 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.279 to do things 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:06.980 in a particular way 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:07.920 and dress in a particular way 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:09.019 and act in a particular way. 00:20:12.080 --> 00:20:13.000 The other group 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:13.799 had been influenced 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:15.019 by the mystery religions 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.880 that were particularly 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:17.200 popular at that time 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:18.299 within the Roman community, 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.420 particularly the Roman army. 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:21.620 And they were teaching 00:20:21.620 --> 00:20:22.360 that you needed 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:24.220 particular experiences 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:25.640 to supplement 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:26.380 to supplement 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.600 what you had 00:20:27.600 --> 00:20:28.620 in Christ. 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:32.740 And maybe some of you 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.360 have come across 00:20:33.360 --> 00:20:34.700 similar churches today 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:37.759 where what matters most 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.700 is having experiences 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.640 and feelings 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:44.019 and where the Bible 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.180 comes a distant second. 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:49.600 So in responding 00:20:49.600 --> 00:20:50.200 to this, 00:20:50.360 --> 00:20:51.320 Paul emphasizes 00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:52.500 that when you have 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.340 Jesus Christ, 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:54.400 you have all that 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:55.740 you could ever possibly 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:57.560 need or desire. 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:59.000 And so in this letter, 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.620 gloriously, 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:01.180 he lifts Jesus up. 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:02.299 In this letter, 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:04.460 he exquisitely speaks 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:05.240 of the worth 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:06.259 and majesty 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:07.200 of Jesus. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:09.440 He reminds the Colossians 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.519 that true believers 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.900 are united 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:12.779 to Christ. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.799 and because we're 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.799 united to Christ, 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:15.700 we have everything 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:17.399 in Christ. 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:20.299 And there's nothing 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:21.359 better or higher 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.299 that I could leave you 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:23.480 with as a church family 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:25.000 than these glorious words 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:26.059 that Paul penned 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:27.200 in response 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.599 to all the challenges 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:29.920 that the world 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:30.539 was throwing 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:32.599 at that church. 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:34.539 You'll have looked 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:35.779 at these verses already, 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:37.079 but let me leave you 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.480 with them. 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.339 Colossians 1, 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.399 15 to 20, 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.039 and then chapter 2, 00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:41.700 verse 10. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.700 Paul writes, 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.680 he, that is Jesus, 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.539 is the image 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.779 of the invisible God, 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.620 the firstborn 00:21:47.620 --> 00:21:48.720 over all creation, 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:50.000 for by him 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:51.259 all things were created. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.720 Things in heaven 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.440 and on earth, 00:21:53.580 --> 00:21:54.819 visible and invisible, 00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:56.059 whether thrones 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:56.640 or powers 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:57.180 or rulers 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.000 or authorities, 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:59.120 all things were created 00:21:59.120 --> 00:21:59.860 by him 00:21:59.860 --> 00:22:01.000 and for him. 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:03.039 He is before all things 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.880 and in him 00:22:03.880 --> 00:22:05.180 all things hold together 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:06.480 and he is the head 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.080 of the body, 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:07.740 the church. 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.860 He is the beginning 00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:09.779 and the firstborn 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.600 from among the dead 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:11.459 so that in everything 00:22:11.459 --> 00:22:13.059 he might have the supremacy. 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:15.279 For God was pleased 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:17.059 to have all his fullness 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:18.199 dwell in him 00:22:18.199 --> 00:22:19.379 and through him 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:21.079 to reconcile to himself 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:22.319 all things, 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:23.799 whether things on earth 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.659 or things in heaven 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.819 by making peace 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.879 through his blood 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:28.719 shed on the cross. 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:30.099 Chapter 2, 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:30.679 verse 10. 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.720 for in Christ 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.620 all the fullness 00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:33.440 of the deity 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:35.720 lives in bodily form 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:37.640 and you've been given 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:38.799 fullness in Christ 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:40.740 who is the head 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.960 over every power 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.700 and authority. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.500 Let me pray. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.600 Father, we thank you 00:22:48.600 --> 00:22:51.519 as we close 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.560 that we are able 00:22:52.560 --> 00:22:53.799 to again worship 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:55.240 and adore 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.220 the Lord Jesus Christ 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:56.720 for everything 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.279 that he is. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:58.320 May he be our joy 00:22:58.319 --> 00:22:58.799 and delight. 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.399 Forgive us 00:22:59.399 --> 00:23:00.339 if other things 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:02.000 become more important. 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:02.819 Forgive us 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:05.059 if our affections 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:06.519 are not anchored 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.220 in him. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:08.319 Forgive us, Lord, 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:10.039 if the idols 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:11.480 and fake gods 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.299 of this age 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:12.939 have dominated 00:23:12.939 --> 00:23:13.599 our thinking. 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:15.859 Have mercy upon us, 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:16.819 we pray. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:18.139 Make Christ 00:23:18.139 --> 00:23:20.139 increasingly precious. 00:23:20.359 --> 00:23:21.500 Help us to cultivate 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.819 that heart love 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:23.539 for him. 00:23:23.859 --> 00:23:25.359 Help us day by day 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:26.179 to meditate 00:23:26.179 --> 00:23:27.480 upon his grace 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.019 and mercy, 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.860 to read and study 00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:30.599 his word, 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.240 to respond to him 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.000 in prayer. 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:34.420 And Lord, 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.519 grant that as a result 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.700 our lives might be 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.559 transformed, 00:23:37.940 --> 00:23:39.279 evidently transformed 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.860 in ways that will 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:41.900 provoke questions 00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:43.660 and give opportunity 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.799 to share the gospel 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:45.900 of Jesus Christ. 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.299 For we ask it 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.240 in his name 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.980 and for his glory. 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:50.680 Amen.