WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.179 I love hearing stories and seeing videos of the strong helping the weak. 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:10.980 I was reading one this week of these two men. 00:00:11.740 --> 00:00:19.100 This is Matthew Rees on the left and David Wyeth on the right. 00:00:19.100 --> 00:00:25.000 This is at the very end of a marathon, 42 odd kilometers. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:29.820 This is with 300 meters left. 00:00:30.199 --> 00:00:35.899 And have you seen these videos of someone getting to the very end of the race and their legs just turned to jelly? 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:37.759 And they're just collapsing? 00:00:38.179 --> 00:00:40.079 This is how I feel most days. 00:00:40.460 --> 00:00:42.200 But this is at the very end. 00:00:42.200 --> 00:00:49.780 And so Matthew Rees on the left saw his competition and did he think, 00:00:50.079 --> 00:00:52.700 I'm just going to run over the line, I'm going to take care of myself. 00:00:52.700 --> 00:00:55.920 No, he came around the final corner. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:58.240 He said, I saw a runner struggling. 00:00:58.640 --> 00:01:00.540 His legs were collapsing beneath him. 00:01:00.960 --> 00:01:05.040 Every time he tried to get up, he kept on falling back to the ground. 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:08.400 I went over to him and said, come on, you can do this. 00:01:08.620 --> 00:01:10.200 And I tried to G him up. 00:01:10.500 --> 00:01:14.659 But every time he tried to get up, I realized he wasn't going to make it. 00:01:15.159 --> 00:01:17.060 I said, come on, we can do this. 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:18.120 We'll do it together. 00:01:18.219 --> 00:01:19.520 We'll cross this line together. 00:01:20.359 --> 00:01:21.780 And so he helps him up. 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:25.040 But the strong helps the weak. 00:01:25.820 --> 00:01:28.320 Add a disadvantage to himself. 00:01:29.700 --> 00:01:32.260 Just as easily he could have finished the race. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:38.420 Just as easily he could have run past, shouted encouragement and kept going. 00:01:38.520 --> 00:01:43.439 But no, he goes back and lifts him up and helps him across the line. 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:46.680 How do we use our strength? 00:01:46.680 --> 00:01:55.200 If you were in that situation, at the end of those 42 kilometers, you've got 300 meters left, 00:01:55.400 --> 00:02:01.240 and you see a person collapsing on the ground, would you just run past them without even a thought? 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:03.880 Would you shout encouragement? 00:02:04.020 --> 00:02:04.660 You can do it. 00:02:04.820 --> 00:02:06.040 I believe in you. 00:02:06.040 --> 00:02:13.879 Or would you go back and help them at a disadvantage to yourself? 00:02:13.879 --> 00:02:16.859 We are all fallen people. 00:02:17.419 --> 00:02:19.819 We are all strong in different ways. 00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:21.039 Some of us are physically strong. 00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:22.060 Some of us are mentally strong. 00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:24.719 Some of us are financially strong. 00:02:25.219 --> 00:02:31.740 But the challenge we face is a desire to strengthen ourselves and build up our own selves. 00:02:31.740 --> 00:02:33.900 And to not look after others. 00:02:35.100 --> 00:02:39.780 And there is a temptation of not helping the weak because it's hard. 00:02:41.340 --> 00:02:42.740 It'll slow me down. 00:02:42.860 --> 00:02:47.200 Or maybe, do you know what, I actually consider myself weak, so other people should be helping me. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:54.560 And at its worst, we forget how weak we are before our God. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:58.180 And how he has built us up and how he has helped us. 00:02:58.180 --> 00:03:01.719 We are coming to the end of Romans. 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:09.080 And it has taken us on a wonderful journey of God's grace to undeserved people. 00:03:09.939 --> 00:03:16.780 And how God takes those people and how he breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles so that they can worship together. 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:22.400 And there is now a picture of what it should look like when they gather together to worship God. 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:25.100 Where the strong lift up and build. 00:03:25.099 --> 00:03:28.659 Where they are accepting of one another. 00:03:29.180 --> 00:03:33.039 In such a way that it overflows out of love for other people. 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:35.439 To be people just like Jesus. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:38.519 And then we'll see how this plays out. 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:39.840 Not just in individuals. 00:03:39.979 --> 00:03:40.979 Not just in a local church. 00:03:41.199 --> 00:03:44.959 But in an international picture with different churches. 00:03:45.639 --> 00:03:48.500 And so our challenge today as we go through Romans 15. 00:03:48.840 --> 00:03:53.099 Will be to encourage ourselves that we are strong. 00:03:53.099 --> 00:03:54.599 We are already strong. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:56.819 And we are accepted in Jesus. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:02.219 And that he calls us to use our strength to build up others. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:06.019 And to be accepting of others across the world. 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:09.579 Let me pray for us as we jump into Romans 15. 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:11.539 Heavenly Father, I thank you. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:15.259 That in your strength you have not left us. 00:04:16.079 --> 00:04:19.120 But that in your strength in Jesus you have picked us up. 00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:20.159 That you have loved us. 00:04:20.160 --> 00:04:24.939 Help us today as we consider your words to us. 00:04:26.180 --> 00:04:29.660 Lord, help it not just be an interesting word. 00:04:29.820 --> 00:04:31.660 Or an interesting part of the Bible. 00:04:32.340 --> 00:04:34.240 But Lord, help it to change us. 00:04:34.460 --> 00:04:35.860 To make us more like you. 00:04:36.440 --> 00:04:36.840 Amen. 00:04:38.280 --> 00:04:40.240 Today as we have a look at Romans 15. 00:04:40.400 --> 00:04:41.600 There are three points. 00:04:41.800 --> 00:04:42.740 You can have a look on your app. 00:04:43.140 --> 00:04:46.160 You can be taking notes on an old-fashioned piece of paper. 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:47.660 With the pens in front of you if you like. 00:04:47.660 --> 00:04:52.080 The three points are, first of all, the strong and accepting. 00:04:53.080 --> 00:04:54.880 The travelling church planter. 00:04:55.200 --> 00:04:57.240 And the international church. 00:04:57.580 --> 00:04:59.040 As we go through this. 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:00.440 We are going to start in verse 1. 00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:02.320 So have a look with me at verse 1. 00:05:05.320 --> 00:05:06.360 Romans 1. 00:05:06.360 --> 00:05:11.300 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak. 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:13.000 And not to please ourselves. 00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:16.920 Each of us should please our neighbours for their good. 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:18.160 To build them up. 00:05:19.660 --> 00:05:25.620 The people with power ought to use their power to build up those who are weak. 00:05:26.600 --> 00:05:31.520 The strong and powerful aren't to use that power just to build more strength. 00:05:31.520 --> 00:05:32.960 And to make themselves more comfortable. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:35.359 Previously in chapter 14. 00:05:35.359 --> 00:05:37.060 Which Aidan preached on last week. 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:40.079 Paul spoke about the relationships within the church. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:42.919 And now he's actually extending that teaching. 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:44.979 He uses this word neighbour. 00:05:45.779 --> 00:05:47.539 Which Jesus uses. 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:49.939 Love your neighbour as yourself. 00:05:50.179 --> 00:05:53.039 It is not literally just the people in your circles. 00:05:53.439 --> 00:05:55.439 Just the people who live next door to you. 00:05:55.599 --> 00:05:56.699 Just the people you like. 00:05:56.959 --> 00:05:59.339 This is a word for all people. 00:06:00.179 --> 00:06:02.259 Love all people around you. 00:06:02.259 --> 00:06:04.539 Each of us should not just love. 00:06:04.659 --> 00:06:07.680 But seek to build up our neighbours. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:10.639 We please our neighbour. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:12.800 We look out for their interests. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:13.759 To build them up. 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:16.420 And this is a picture of discipleship. 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:19.899 This is not just a picture of avoiding conflict. 00:06:19.899 --> 00:06:22.000 Which we could have thought from last week. 00:06:22.099 --> 00:06:24.899 It's a picture of discipleship. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:27.360 It's the strong looking to build up the weak. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:28.759 But it is not just one way. 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:30.539 It is not just I'm strong. 00:06:30.659 --> 00:06:31.300 You're weak. 00:06:31.360 --> 00:06:32.500 I'll always be strong. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:33.379 You'll always be weak. 00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:36.099 I'm the one who's always giving handouts to you. 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:40.500 It is a picture of the strong building up the weak. 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:43.420 So that the weak would become strong. 00:06:43.420 --> 00:06:45.780 On mind in particular. 00:06:46.540 --> 00:06:50.480 Were Christians worried about the impact of food that they ate. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:53.000 Whether it would make them clean or unclean. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.040 And damage their relationship with God. 00:06:56.040 --> 00:07:00.840 And so the strong who are aware that food just goes into the stomach. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:03.139 Doesn't actually impact our relationship with God. 00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:04.360 They're to bear with. 00:07:04.420 --> 00:07:05.700 They're to be strong with. 00:07:05.699 --> 00:07:09.139 And gentle with those who are weak. 00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:13.019 Building up the weak looks like understanding. 00:07:13.620 --> 00:07:15.159 Long-suffering and patience. 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:20.360 Particularly with all of the different aspects of what Christianity looks like. 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:22.019 There are many differences. 00:07:22.919 --> 00:07:25.819 When it comes to our world views. 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:27.219 The way we are shaped. 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:29.680 And what it means when we become Christians. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:33.480 Aidan last week reminded us that there are some issues. 00:07:33.480 --> 00:07:35.500 That are worth disputing. 00:07:36.580 --> 00:07:37.819 And some that are not. 00:07:38.700 --> 00:07:42.319 But the priority of this part is that we are to bear with and love others. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:44.379 We are to accept and love others. 00:07:45.300 --> 00:07:47.740 But we do not get this right all the time. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:52.220 Years ago I was leading a group of year 12 boys. 00:07:52.640 --> 00:07:53.480 And a Bible study. 00:07:53.900 --> 00:07:55.780 And a new young man joined the group. 00:07:56.160 --> 00:07:57.020 And it was exciting. 00:07:57.240 --> 00:08:01.200 And this group of boys love to get into deep theological discussions. 00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:03.959 And at one point in our discussion. 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:04.519 We were. 00:08:04.939 --> 00:08:08.420 It turned out that there was a division in the group. 00:08:08.659 --> 00:08:10.199 There was the new guy. 00:08:11.099 --> 00:08:12.839 Disagreeing with everyone else. 00:08:13.659 --> 00:08:14.620 Including myself. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:18.360 And I would like to say that I gently led him. 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:20.240 Patiently heard him. 00:08:20.659 --> 00:08:23.379 And over many months worked through his struggle. 00:08:23.659 --> 00:08:24.800 And what he thought. 00:08:25.319 --> 00:08:27.579 And I was the strong bearing with the weak. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:29.419 But I didn't. 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:31.379 I was. 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:34.960 I was probably nicely hard. 00:08:36.299 --> 00:08:38.299 This is what the Bible says. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:40.519 This is what you should believe. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.379 And I had all the best arguments. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:45.340 The best pieces of scripture to back me up. 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:45.779 But I. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:48.059 I didn't bear with the weak. 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:49.899 I was just strong. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:51.059 And so. 00:08:51.960 --> 00:08:53.639 He never returned to that Bible study. 00:08:53.639 --> 00:08:56.779 And so for us. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:57.580 In this context. 00:08:57.740 --> 00:08:58.699 When it comes to church. 00:08:58.899 --> 00:08:59.480 And life. 00:08:59.919 --> 00:09:01.220 There are many different ways. 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:02.279 That we are strong. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:04.319 And we are called to bear with the weak. 00:09:05.299 --> 00:09:06.759 There are those who are mentally strong. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:07.539 Financially strong. 00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:08.439 Physically strong. 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:11.659 We have many opportunities to be right. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:14.220 Or to bear with. 00:09:14.399 --> 00:09:15.240 And love. 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:18.840 And this takes a lot of time. 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:20.659 To build people up in Christ. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:21.959 Here is a picture. 00:09:22.500 --> 00:09:24.399 Of a man named Half Thor. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.519 He is. 00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:28.839 Europe's strongest man. 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:30.219 He. 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:31.759 Was the mountain. 00:09:32.179 --> 00:09:33.519 In the TV show Game of Thrones. 00:09:35.299 --> 00:09:36.699 This is not a body. 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:37.860 You can grow quickly. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:40.360 Sorry. 00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:41.000 What was that Leslie? 00:09:42.199 --> 00:09:42.959 Not sure. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:44.579 This is. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:45.639 I'll take it off. 00:09:45.720 --> 00:09:46.019 There you go. 00:09:47.059 --> 00:09:48.159 The picture off. 00:09:48.240 --> 00:09:49.019 Not my own shirt. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:49.500 Thank you for. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:52.220 To build a body. 00:09:52.379 --> 00:09:53.000 A mountain. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:54.419 Of strength like that. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:55.279 Takes years. 00:09:55.559 --> 00:09:56.179 And years. 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:57.019 And years. 00:09:57.559 --> 00:09:59.299 It requires the right diet. 00:10:00.279 --> 00:10:01.320 Putting the body. 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:03.080 Under incredible stress. 00:10:03.820 --> 00:10:04.600 Damaging muscles. 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:06.399 So that they are forced to get better. 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:07.360 And bigger. 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:08.740 And years. 00:10:08.840 --> 00:10:09.440 And years. 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:10.000 Of training. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:14.080 When it comes to building someone up. 00:10:14.259 --> 00:10:15.200 In discipleship. 00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:17.080 It is not just something we can say. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.779 There is the piece of Bible. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:21.019 Why don't you understand it? 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:24.740 Bearing with the weak. 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:27.179 And discipleship. 00:10:27.339 --> 00:10:29.439 Is something that takes time. 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:32.980 We need the right diet. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:34.799 The right diet of the word of God. 00:10:35.659 --> 00:10:39.500 But we also must be willing for discipleship to take a long time. 00:10:39.779 --> 00:10:40.879 And so for you yourself. 00:10:40.879 --> 00:10:43.259 If you have been feeling frustrated with where you are at. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:44.279 Following God. 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:45.220 Or your pain. 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:47.039 In that you are not as close to following God. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.039 As you want to be. 00:10:49.439 --> 00:10:51.740 Understand that it does take time. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:55.179 Come back to God in his word. 00:10:56.220 --> 00:10:57.120 And know. 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:59.580 That we continue to grow in him. 00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:02.059 Maybe we won't look like a mountain of a man. 00:11:02.120 --> 00:11:02.779 But we will. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:04.799 More and more look like Christ. 00:11:05.299 --> 00:11:06.840 As we grow following him. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:10.639 And the motive here for us. 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:11.700 Is in verse 3. 00:11:11.780 --> 00:11:12.580 Oh it's already on the screen. 00:11:12.660 --> 00:11:13.080 Verse 3. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:15.759 Even Christ did not please himself. 00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:17.440 But as it is written. 00:11:17.560 --> 00:11:19.400 The insults of those who insult you. 00:11:19.520 --> 00:11:21.280 Have fallen on me. 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:24.259 Jesus is both our example. 00:11:24.780 --> 00:11:26.280 And our motivation. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:29.660 Even Christ. 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:33.520 Even the eternal second person of the Trinity. 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:36.220 Even the one who is deserving of all praise. 00:11:36.540 --> 00:11:38.379 Even the very strongest. 00:11:39.540 --> 00:11:41.160 Did not please himself. 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:43.059 He did not build up his own strength. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:44.240 Or his own reputation. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.819 But came to serve. 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:49.120 Came to be mocked. 00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.759 Came to be tortured. 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:51.740 And killed. 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:53.339 By God's enemies. 00:11:54.579 --> 00:11:56.240 He did that to serve. 00:11:56.600 --> 00:11:57.579 And build up. 00:11:58.240 --> 00:11:58.639 Us. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:02.779 And we are to have the same attitude as Christ. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:06.279 To be willing to sacrificially serve. 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:07.220 And build up. 00:12:07.959 --> 00:12:09.079 Even when it is costly. 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:11.879 Paul builds on this image. 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:12.980 In verse 7. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:13.980 With another word. 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:16.759 Accept one another. 00:12:17.460 --> 00:12:19.780 Just as Christ accepted you. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:22.740 In order to bring praise to God. 00:12:23.340 --> 00:12:24.800 Accept one another. 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.780 Those three little words. 00:12:27.560 --> 00:12:28.960 Are incredibly simple. 00:12:29.520 --> 00:12:30.280 Accept one another. 00:12:31.660 --> 00:12:34.180 But they are also profoundly difficult. 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:35.579 We. 00:12:35.859 --> 00:12:36.699 As people. 00:12:36.699 --> 00:12:38.739 Are so good at dividing. 00:12:39.939 --> 00:12:42.779 We divide over small and meaningless things. 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:44.319 And big and important things. 00:12:44.579 --> 00:12:45.579 But as soon as church finishes. 00:12:45.739 --> 00:12:46.279 We'll divide. 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:48.639 Some of us will go to the tea line. 00:12:48.699 --> 00:12:50.199 And some of us will go to the coffee line. 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:51.139 But we are. 00:12:51.459 --> 00:12:54.159 We are people who are so quick to divide. 00:12:56.239 --> 00:12:57.459 Let alone Rome. 00:12:57.459 --> 00:12:58.819 And the church there. 00:12:58.919 --> 00:12:59.779 Coming out of. 00:12:59.779 --> 00:13:02.039 Cultural differences. 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:02.600 Between. 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:05.339 The Gentiles and the Jews of Rome. 00:13:05.839 --> 00:13:08.899 Trying to be a people following Jesus together. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:11.079 How easy it is to divide. 00:13:11.419 --> 00:13:12.519 Over the food they ate. 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:15.459 Or their family background. 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:17.699 And yet Paul says to them. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:18.959 Accept. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.279 One another. 00:13:21.439 --> 00:13:22.000 Accept. 00:13:23.419 --> 00:13:24.519 Take in. 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:25.839 Receive. 00:13:26.079 --> 00:13:28.600 Bring this person into part of your life. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:30.360 Accept. 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:32.019 And why? 00:13:32.980 --> 00:13:36.000 Because Jesus accepted you. 00:13:37.540 --> 00:13:41.019 Only by knowing that we are first accepted by Jesus. 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:42.820 Can we accept anyone. 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:47.480 When we attempted to think that we can earn our salvation and acceptance. 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:51.040 We can easily compare ourselves to others. 00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:53.980 To find out how close we are to God. 00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:55.360 And so we can think. 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:58.060 I'm better than Frank. 00:13:58.059 --> 00:13:59.079 Or I'm better than John. 00:13:59.239 --> 00:14:01.199 And so I'm feeling a little bit closer to God. 00:14:01.239 --> 00:14:02.179 I'm doing a bit better. 00:14:03.359 --> 00:14:03.979 And it. 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:06.619 Inevitably results in insecurity. 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.959 A critical spirit. 00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:11.179 Oh I'm better than these people. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:11.779 And so you. 00:14:11.859 --> 00:14:12.399 You need to. 00:14:12.579 --> 00:14:13.599 You need to shape up. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.939 And neither of those. 00:14:16.219 --> 00:14:17.419 Help us to accept. 00:14:17.939 --> 00:14:18.339 Others. 00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:20.019 Instead. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:20.759 We just say. 00:14:20.839 --> 00:14:21.859 Well you're not doing it right. 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.279 You're not acceptable here. 00:14:23.279 --> 00:14:24.699 Because you don't fit the mold. 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:26.500 Of what a Christian is supposed to look like. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.700 Father's Day. 00:14:28.920 --> 00:14:30.420 Is a wonderful day. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.600 To remind ourselves. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.200 That we have. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.620 A heavenly father. 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:35.220 Who has. 00:14:35.780 --> 00:14:36.640 Accepted us. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.320 In Jesus. 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:39.840 Who has adopted us. 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.660 Into his family. 00:14:40.840 --> 00:14:42.040 The very best family. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:44.020 Not because of us. 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:46.720 Whereas our biological fathers. 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:47.080 That well. 00:14:47.140 --> 00:14:47.840 They kind of. 00:14:47.920 --> 00:14:49.060 Have to accept us. 00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:50.679 But God does not have to. 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:50.979 And yet. 00:14:51.119 --> 00:14:52.399 Because of his great love for us. 00:14:52.539 --> 00:14:53.559 He adopts us. 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:54.319 Into his family. 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:55.519 And as John. 00:14:55.739 --> 00:14:56.019 Started. 00:14:56.119 --> 00:14:56.579 We get to. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:57.619 Call him Abba. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.079 Father. 00:14:59.959 --> 00:15:00.479 I think. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.479 I think this. 00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:03.919 To me. 00:15:03.959 --> 00:15:04.399 Is almost. 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:06.079 The most significant part of. 00:15:06.219 --> 00:15:07.000 This part of Romans. 00:15:07.079 --> 00:15:07.919 Maybe all of Romans. 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:09.819 Maybe. 00:15:10.079 --> 00:15:10.699 Maybe today. 00:15:11.119 --> 00:15:12.479 The very best thing. 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:13.159 You could do. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:14.839 Is just. 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:16.799 Take these words. 00:15:17.119 --> 00:15:18.099 And go home. 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.519 And meditate on them. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:22.100 Christ has accepted. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:23.120 Me. 00:15:25.180 --> 00:15:26.620 He doesn't leave us. 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:28.340 He doesn't leave us. 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:29.700 To try and build ourselves up. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.500 But he accepts me. 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:32.980 He accepts. 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:33.680 You. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:36.639 In spite of all our flaws. 00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:37.980 And deficiencies. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.720 Despite our. 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:41.360 Struggles with mental health. 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.139 Despite the. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.779 The negative things you say. 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.779 When you look in the mirror. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:48.019 Jesus has. 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.960 Accepted you. 00:15:50.680 --> 00:15:51.700 You might be sitting here. 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:52.019 Thinking. 00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:52.800 James. 00:15:52.920 --> 00:15:53.159 You don't. 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:54.420 You don't really know me. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:56.019 You don't really know. 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:56.740 Who I'm like. 00:15:56.820 --> 00:15:58.040 I am unacceptable. 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:00.860 Father's day. 00:16:00.940 --> 00:16:01.540 Is just a reminder. 00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.879 That I'm not a good father. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:03.920 I've got a damaged. 00:16:03.920 --> 00:16:05.320 Relationship with my father. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:06.340 Surely. 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:07.019 Jesus. 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:08.379 Can't accept me. 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:10.560 But he does. 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.420 Not because. 00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:13.379 We are good enough. 00:16:13.560 --> 00:16:13.879 Not because. 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.639 We are acceptable. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.159 But because. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:15.860 He is good. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:17.439 Have you caused. 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:18.120 Conflict. 00:16:18.179 --> 00:16:18.819 And division. 00:16:19.179 --> 00:16:20.100 In your family. 00:16:20.519 --> 00:16:20.860 Jesus. 00:16:21.319 --> 00:16:22.059 Accepts you. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:24.419 Have you made mistakes. 00:16:24.419 --> 00:16:25.139 At work. 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:26.159 Have you lost your job. 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:26.740 Jesus. 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:28.419 Accepts you. 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:29.740 Jesus. 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.340 Who knows. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.980 All of our flaws. 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.300 And our hurts. 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.320 And our pains. 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:36.259 He. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.600 Accepts you. 00:16:39.440 --> 00:16:40.060 Brothers and sisters. 00:16:40.060 --> 00:16:40.899 I feel like stopping there. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:41.519 I feel like. 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:41.899 Do you know what. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:42.420 If there's. 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:44.220 If there's any value today. 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:45.420 It is just for us. 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.800 To sit in this. 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.000 If we were people. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.240 Who went out of here. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:49.860 Knowing. 00:16:50.180 --> 00:16:51.300 Jesus accepts me. 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.659 And then we did the first part of this. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:53.980 First. 00:16:54.060 --> 00:16:54.379 Do you know what. 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:55.899 I'm going to accept other people. 00:16:57.300 --> 00:16:58.820 If we were that kind of church. 00:16:58.960 --> 00:16:59.220 That's. 00:16:59.300 --> 00:17:00.240 That's all we need to be. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:00.300 I'm going to accept. 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.420 But unfortunately. 00:17:05.360 --> 00:17:06.680 We quickly forget. 00:17:06.860 --> 00:17:08.059 That God accepts me. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:11.120 And overlooks all of my issues. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.460 And overlooks all of my sins. 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.660 And I will be judgmental on other people. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:17.700 And I actually become more judgmental than God. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.420 Well God might accept you. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:20.700 But I don't accept you. 00:17:21.120 --> 00:17:21.460 And. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:22.779 And you need to change. 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:26.440 When we as a church. 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:26.980 Know. 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:29.420 How strong Jesus is. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.700 And how he builds us up. 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:32.380 When we sit in the joy. 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:33.940 And we pray that Jesus accepts us. 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:34.800 We have. 00:17:35.340 --> 00:17:36.300 A wonderful picture. 00:17:36.520 --> 00:17:37.700 Of what bearing with others. 00:17:38.280 --> 00:17:40.240 And accepting other people looks like. 00:17:40.840 --> 00:17:41.800 Regardless of. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.320 Cultural differences. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.840 Theological differences. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:48.000 Brothers and sisters. 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:50.520 A danger for us. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:52.360 Is that we can be tempted to think. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.940 That everyone should look like. 00:17:54.580 --> 00:17:55.060 Me. 00:17:55.260 --> 00:17:56.360 Everyone should have a. 00:17:56.360 --> 00:17:58.120 A version of Christianity like me. 00:17:58.200 --> 00:17:58.800 I'm right. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.780 Jesus accepts me. 00:17:59.840 --> 00:18:01.200 And so everyone should look like me. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:03.120 And that assumes that we. 00:18:03.340 --> 00:18:04.640 Are the perfect Christian. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:05.759 It assumes that we are right. 00:18:05.840 --> 00:18:06.819 We are the finished product. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:10.620 And we forget that Jesus is still building us up. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.519 To look like him. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:13.960 And the second thing. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:15.440 It assumes that difference. 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:16.240 Equals. 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.180 Wrong. 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:18.220 The way. 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.539 People sing. 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:20.539 Or pray. 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:21.660 Or read their Bible. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.440 They do it different. 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:23.500 So it must be wrong. 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.579 But here. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.200 Jesus calls us. 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:27.099 To accept. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.599 To accept. 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:31.119 And understand. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.700 Before we correct. 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:35.859 This is how the church. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:37.500 Is called to function. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:39.799 It's called to be on mission. 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:41.880 United by Jesus. 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:43.859 And where Paul goes after this. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.619 Is quite interesting. 00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:45.519 He says. 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.200 This is who the church is to be. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.460 To be strong. 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.339 And bear with the weak. 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.779 To be accepting of the other. 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.440 Of others. 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:53.340 And when we do this. 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.420 People are saved. 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:58.160 And in the middle. 00:18:58.320 --> 00:18:59.460 From verse 9 to 12. 00:18:59.620 --> 00:19:01.440 We get this list of quotes. 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:03.960 Of all of the Old Testament. 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:04.880 Paul quotes. 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.240 Four different parts. 00:19:06.360 --> 00:19:08.880 That summarize the entirety of the Old Testament. 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:10.920 And so when we are accepting. 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.539 God gets glorified. 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:15.480 And the nations get to know Jesus. 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.980 And so verse 9 says. 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:20.160 There's praise amongst the Gentiles. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.759 Verse 10. 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.720 Rejoice you Gentiles. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:23.740 You get to know Jesus. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:24.579 Verse 11. 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:26.519 Praise the Lord you Gentiles. 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:27.579 Verse 12. 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.359 In Jesus. 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:30.460 The root of Jesse. 00:19:31.660 --> 00:19:32.839 The Gentiles will hope. 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:35.420 That's where this is pointing. 00:19:36.859 --> 00:19:39.879 It is not just that we would be an accepting and loving community here. 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:44.780 But it would actually be a place where people come into God's family. 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:46.720 From all across the world. 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:52.960 Yesterday my entire family did park run for the first time. 00:19:53.840 --> 00:19:57.520 It is something that has been mentioned far too many times from this pulpit. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:20:04.879 But one of the unique things that stood out to my family was how accepting everybody was. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:08.420 Like I'm there running with my two littlest kids. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.980 And running. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:10.519 Running. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:14.019 Trying to get them to continue moving in the right direction. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:16.680 And there are random people running past. 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.819 Going great job guys. 00:20:17.900 --> 00:20:18.460 You can do it. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.240 You can keep coming. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:20.839 You can keep going. 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.660 Even when we'd finished. 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:26.040 One of the little kids we know from this church. 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:27.800 Came back and ran with us. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.660 The strong bearing with the weak. 00:20:30.140 --> 00:20:31.140 Running with us. 00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:34.580 And it's like this is such a wonderful welcoming community. 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:36.860 Accepting us even though that we're very slow. 00:20:37.040 --> 00:20:38.100 I want to come back next week. 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:40.840 What if we were a church like that? 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:43.620 A people who were accepting. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:44.920 And caring. 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.720 And walking with others. 00:20:49.019 --> 00:20:50.860 God has been working throughout history. 00:20:51.340 --> 00:20:52.440 So that the Gentiles. 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.080 The people who weren't God's people. 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.980 Could be accepted by him. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.799 To his praise. 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.600 And to his glory. 00:20:58.799 --> 00:21:00.279 It's always been God's plan. 00:21:00.420 --> 00:21:02.220 To accept other people in. 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:03.200 And so. 00:21:03.559 --> 00:21:04.880 We do what God does. 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:07.200 We welcome people in. 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:09.320 Into our family first. 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:11.460 Before we. 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.720 Correct them. 00:21:12.820 --> 00:21:13.539 Or train them. 00:21:13.640 --> 00:21:14.380 Or rebuke them. 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:15.100 In God's word. 00:21:16.140 --> 00:21:17.799 This is the heart of God's. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:19.220 Good gospel to us. 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:20.900 That we are accepted. 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.940 Before we are built up. 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.519 God accepts the people to himself. 00:21:25.080 --> 00:21:26.360 Grows them as disciples. 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:28.820 And they are to accept others. 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:30.299 Who grow as disciples. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:32.940 It is a non-stop cycle. 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.059 To see the world won for Jesus. 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.180 And Paul. 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:39.080 Is a wonderful example of this. 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:39.680 That's been my. 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:40.640 First point. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.700 That's the long point. 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:43.559 We've got two short points. 00:21:43.600 --> 00:21:44.140 After this. 00:21:44.600 --> 00:21:45.279 The second point. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:46.099 We see Paul. 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.859 The traveling church planter. 00:21:48.639 --> 00:21:49.299 For Paul. 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:51.259 In response to being accepted by Jesus. 00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:53.639 He is going around. 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:54.839 Starting churches. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:55.740 Accepting others. 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.259 And. 00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.940 Going to a people. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:00.940 Who are very different to him. 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.539 He was a Jew. 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:04.259 Who'd lived all his life as a Jew. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:05.980 And he's going to Gentiles. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:07.519 Who are very different. 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:10.839 In response to God. 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.839 Accepting him. 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:13.960 He joyfully goes to the Gentiles. 00:22:14.559 --> 00:22:16.400 Have a look at verse 15 with me. 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.619 Because of the grace. 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:18.960 Oh. 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:19.619 Hang on. 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:20.500 Verse 15. 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:22.000 Because of the grace God gave me. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:23.700 To be a minister of Christ Jesus. 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:24.519 To the Gentiles. 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:26.619 He gave me the priestly duty. 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.660 Of proclaiming. 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:28.960 The gospel of God. 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.619 So that the Gentiles. 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.819 Might become an offering. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.539 Acceptable to God. 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:36.119 Sharing his faith. 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:37.000 Accepting others. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:38.059 And seeing them discipled. 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:38.880 To know and love Jesus. 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:40.720 Is not just an add-on. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.619 To Paul's life. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.059 It is central. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:44.059 To his life. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.359 And for Paul. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.700 It looks quite unique. 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:49.319 It has always been my ambition. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.359 To preach the gospel. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.980 Where Christ was not known. 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.940 So that I would not be building. 00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:56.460 On someone else's foundation. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:58.059 This is quite an interesting aspect. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.799 Of Paul's ministry. 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:02.839 He is a unique church planter. 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:05.299 He is going to places. 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.640 That were unreached. 00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:08.660 So he could plant churches. 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:10.759 It is pioneering work. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:13.720 There were plenty of Christian pastors. 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:16.000 And teachers who stayed where they were. 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:17.259 But for Paul. 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:18.940 He went to new places. 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:19.859 And planted churches. 00:23:20.719 --> 00:23:21.979 He went to the places. 00:23:21.979 --> 00:23:23.039 That were hard. 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.839 That were furthest to reach. 00:23:25.979 --> 00:23:26.779 And this is why. 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.799 In verse 22. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.319 It says. 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.579 He had been hindered. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.799 From going to Rome. 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:31.599 Because. 00:23:32.219 --> 00:23:33.619 There was already a church in Rome. 00:23:33.979 --> 00:23:35.279 So he doesn't have the same urgency. 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.199 To go to Rome. 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.919 Because there's already Christians there. 00:23:37.979 --> 00:23:39.379 So I've got to go to these other places. 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:40.139 And plant churches. 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:41.319 But I want to come to you. 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.459 And this is truly wonderful. 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.840 We need people. 00:23:44.840 --> 00:23:46.340 To be sent out. 00:23:46.340 --> 00:23:47.779 To do pioneering work. 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:49.400 We need people. 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.940 To go where there aren't many churches. 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:53.420 So that they might get to know Jesus. 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:54.779 Now this is. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:56.240 This is key to the reason. 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:57.460 Why Sam and Sally Lowe. 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:58.220 Left Sydney. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.180 There are so many good churches. 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.960 Here in Sydney. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.660 You could drive 10 minutes. 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.400 In any direction. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:05.940 And go past 10 good churches. 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:08.200 We are wonderfully blessed. 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:09.759 Here in Sydney. 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:10.940 It is good. 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:14.140 But out of our strength. 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:16.819 Do we just seek to build up. 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:19.180 The kingdom of St. Paul's Chatswood. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.740 Are we just seeking to build up. 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:22.720 And have more and more Christians. 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:23.460 Here in Sydney. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:25.160 Now there are millions of people. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:26.480 Unreached in Sydney. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.619 So it is a good thing. 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:30.900 But it is also good to support. 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:32.079 Those who are going. 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.180 To places. 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:35.160 Where there is great need. 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.480 And so Sam and Sally Lowe. 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.579 Are on the Gold Coast. 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.420 A place. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:40.779 Which is beautiful. 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:42.579 But doesn't have many Christians. 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.779 And doesn't have many churches. 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:46.980 Richard and Ali McGrath. 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:47.740 Are in Berlin. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:49.500 We are going to hear about them more next week. 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:50.920 They are in Germany. 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:53.079 A country that has a wonderful. 00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:54.660 Christian heritage. 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.940 In name. 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:58.900 And buildings only. 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:01.900 From what I hear. 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:03.559 Is that there are so few Christians. 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:05.039 And Bible believing churches. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:06.700 The McGrath said to me. 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:07.480 Just recently. 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:09.279 That there are so many Muslims. 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:10.660 Moving into the area. 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:13.379 They see that Christianity has failed. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:16.019 Because you have building. 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:16.940 After building. 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:19.160 After very impressive building. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:21.139 That are empty. 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:24.099 And so the people coming in. 00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:26.139 See the church has failed. 00:25:26.139 --> 00:25:27.039 In Germany. 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:28.039 Ironically. 00:25:28.039 --> 00:25:29.039 They ring the bells. 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:30.039 They ring the bells. 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.379 They ring the bells. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.839 At 11 o'clock. 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.960 A call to worship. 00:25:34.899 --> 00:25:35.899 And nobody goes. 00:25:37.659 --> 00:25:38.539 It's failed. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:41.319 There are not vibrant communities of Christians. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.319 And so. 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.720 We want to support. 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.960 The McGrath. 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:47.220 Because they've planted a church. 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.619 They're raising. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.019 Christian leaders. 00:25:50.180 --> 00:25:51.259 To be doing that work. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:53.079 They're seeing people come to know and love him. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:55.039 We need to continue. 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:57.139 To send trained people. 00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:58.899 To train people like Paul was. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.740 To start churches. 00:26:01.399 --> 00:26:02.240 And so brothers and sisters. 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:04.159 Let me ask you. 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:06.119 What is God calling you to do? 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.279 Is it possible? 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:11.819 He's calling you to go somewhere out of your context. 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:13.740 Out of your comfort zone. 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:16.339 It could be as simple as. 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:18.660 Sharing your faith at work. 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.859 Or potentially. 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:22.660 It could be that God wants to train. 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:23.839 And equip you. 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.500 To go somewhere else. 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.900 To start a new church. 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.220 To support Christians. 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.220 In that place. 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:33.460 But we won't all go. 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:37.240 It is good that there is a church here in Chatswood. 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:38.859 For the saints to gather. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.799 It is good. 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.319 That we are here. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:44.799 Not everyone is a missionary. 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:46.839 The whole pastoral team. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.599 Thinks it is good to be in Chatswood. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.939 Otherwise there would not be. 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.980 A team here to be bringing you the gospel. 00:26:53.139 --> 00:26:54.539 But while we are here. 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:56.460 We get to support the ministry. 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:57.919 Of the international church. 00:26:58.179 --> 00:26:59.099 Final point this morning. 00:26:59.159 --> 00:27:00.200 The international church. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:02.319 Paul talks about this church. 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:05.639 In the last part of his letters. 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:07.139 And it's often just. 00:27:07.659 --> 00:27:09.279 Something we can skip over. 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:11.339 But we see this wonderful. 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:12.839 Interconnected. 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.279 International church. 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:15.319 Supporting one another. 00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.339 Have a look with me. 00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:16.960 Verse 23. 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:18.779 But now. 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:22.279 That there is no more place for me to work in these regions. 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:25.839 And since I have been longing for many years to visit you. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:28.579 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:31.279 I hope to see you while passing through. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:33.740 And to have you assist me on my journey there. 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:36.920 After I have enjoyed your company for a while. 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:39.560 Paul is planning on going to Spain. 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:43.279 To do a pioneering church planning missionary work there. 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:44.980 And he's going to go via Rome. 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:48.940 And he's expecting that the church in Rome would support him. 00:27:49.600 --> 00:27:51.880 To have you assist me on my journey. 00:27:52.340 --> 00:27:55.820 Whether that's by having helpers to go with him. 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:57.480 People like Timothy and Epaphrodites. 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:59.400 Or just to send him with food. 00:27:59.539 --> 00:28:00.300 Or money. 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:04.200 There is this expectation that the Roman church. 00:28:04.419 --> 00:28:09.240 Would help church plant via Paul into Spain. 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:11.680 But that's going to come later. 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.720 Because he's on his way to Jerusalem. 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:17.240 Carrying money from the church in Macedonia. 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:17.559 Have a look. 00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.240 Verse 25. 00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:20.819 Now however I am on my way to Jerusalem. 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:22.619 In the service of the Lord's people there. 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:26.039 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution. 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:28.779 For the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:32.639 There had been a great drought and famine in Jerusalem. 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:35.359 And so the church in Macedonia and Achaia. 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:38.680 Sent Paul with money to go and give it to that church. 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:41.519 Out of their financial strength. 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:44.420 They are supporting the churches in Jerusalem. 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:48.440 Spreading support for these fledgling churches. 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:50.240 Was so important that Paul. 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.920 The church planter. 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:54.980 He is the one who is carrying the finances. 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:58.099 But it's not only financial support. 00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:59.159 But it's prayer as well. 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.439 Verse 30. 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.799 I urge you brothers and sisters. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:03.299 By our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:03.379 --> 00:29:04.439 And by the love of the spirit. 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:06.439 To join me in my struggle. 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:09.799 By praying to God for me. 00:29:11.699 --> 00:29:13.299 God is the one who called Paul. 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:15.819 He provides for us. 00:29:15.959 --> 00:29:18.559 So that we can support others out of our generosity. 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:22.219 And Paul knows who is the one who is in control of all things. 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:26.299 And he calls on the church to remember that too. 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:28.819 For them to be praying. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:32.180 Because we get to be part of the mission that God is on about. 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.299 And so brothers and sisters. 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:38.000 Today is the first Sunday in mission month. 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:39.120 All of September. 00:29:39.920 --> 00:29:43.240 The focus of this month is on those three words. 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.160 Give. 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:45.259 Pray. 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:46.319 And share. 00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:50.240 And Romans 15 calls us to do these three things. 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:52.399 To share the gospel. 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:56.859 The good news that God has accepted us in Jesus. 00:29:58.299 --> 00:30:00.240 Let me encourage you to come to the training this afternoon. 00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:01.259 Four o'clock on Zoom. 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:03.000 Do it from wherever you are. 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.480 And so we can continue to think. 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:08.200 What does it look like to share the gospel with other people? 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:13.460 What does it look like to see other people accepted into God's family? 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:20.340 And then come in a couple of weeks time to learn how to read the Bible one-to-one with other people. 00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:22.000 And so we want to share. 00:30:22.259 --> 00:30:23.480 But we also want to be praying. 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:26.200 We want to pray for the spread of the gospel. 00:30:26.400 --> 00:30:28.860 For the church in the Gold Coast. 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:30.460 For the church in Berlin. 00:30:31.900 --> 00:30:36.059 But as a church that we would also take the gospel to our city. 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:39.779 And so come next Sunday afternoon as we pray. 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:44.579 There's a guide in the back of the booklet for what you can be praying about this month. 00:30:45.639 --> 00:30:48.319 And finally this is a season that we would be a church. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:51.940 Just like Achaia and Macedonia and Rome. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:56.139 That we would be financially supporting the work of ministry across the world. 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.759 And so we give. 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:00.079 We give to the work in Berlin. 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:02.079 We give to the work in the Gold Coast. 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:06.179 God in his goodness to us has made us strong. 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:08.519 He has accepted us. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:11.639 And we get to be a blessing to these other churches. 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:13.359 And to the people around us. 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:14.980 Let me pray that we would do that. 00:31:17.159 --> 00:31:18.319 Dear Heavenly Father. 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.579 Our Lord. 00:31:21.240 --> 00:31:24.119 I thank you for your great love for us. 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:27.859 That in Jesus you have accepted us. 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:30.839 Despite who we are. 00:31:31.699 --> 00:31:33.659 Despite our struggles and our flaws. 00:31:33.899 --> 00:31:39.399 And you invite us to call others into your family. 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:43.519 Help us to be an accepting people. 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:49.559 Help us to be a people who reach out in love with the good news of the gospel. 00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:52.639 Not in rebuking and in correcting. 00:31:53.519 --> 00:31:55.059 But in generosity of spirit. 00:31:55.059 --> 00:31:55.539 Lord. 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.679 And Lord. 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:58.379 Out of your generosity to us. 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:04.220 We ask that we would continue to support these churches. 00:32:04.480 --> 00:32:07.359 That are doing pioneering work across the world. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:07.659 Lord. 00:32:08.079 --> 00:32:09.139 Be with them today. 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:12.200 Be with the McGraths as they prepare for church. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:15.799 Be with Sam and Sally as they are probably leading church right now. 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.179 Lord. 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.079 Be with them. 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:24.200 As they continue to try and build something out of your goodness to them. 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.920 Be with them. 00:32:24.920 --> 00:32:28.380 Be with them as they disciple and evangelize. 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:33.759 So that more and more people would come to know and love you for your glory. 00:32:34.640 --> 00:32:36.039 We pray this in Jesus name. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:36.860 Amen.