WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.900 In our reading this morning, what encourages you and what discourages you as a Christian, 00:00:08.800 --> 00:00:14.599 as a follower of Jesus, especially in the suffering of life? And suffering comes in 00:00:14.599 --> 00:00:19.900 all sorts of shapes and sizes. In our series of gratitude, it may be surprising to you 00:00:19.900 --> 00:00:26.900 that in the reading this morning, as it was to me, we find this theme of suffering in the middle 00:00:26.899 --> 00:00:32.420 of gratitude. Where does that all go together? I was almost tempted to actually dodge the reading 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:38.439 and choose something a little bit easier to grapple with. But you know me, never one to take 00:00:38.439 --> 00:00:47.299 an easy option. So here we go. First Peter is a letter to the early followers of the emerging church. 00:00:47.299 --> 00:00:52.799 That is in the context in which it was written. The church was scattered throughout the Roman Empire 00:00:52.799 --> 00:01:00.299 and the Roman Empire and the wider world wasn't too adept or happy about this Christian movement 00:01:00.299 --> 00:01:05.239 that was moving so rapidly and growing. And we know that the early church was suffering 00:01:05.239 --> 00:01:13.519 from acute persecution. And therefore, this scripture within context comes as no surprise to us 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:22.439 because imprisonment and death was a reality very much to the early followers. And to some, 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:32.500 it was just too much. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come upon you to test 00:01:32.500 --> 00:01:39.859 you as though something strange were happening to you. Many who became followers were ostracized by their 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:45.519 families. They were chucked out of their home. They lost their job. They lost their living. They lost their 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:52.019 status. They lost their security. They lost their inheritance. Don't worry, we'll give you an update on 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:58.280 the finance next week. Is that okay? That's how you've responded to that wonderful video. Being a follower of 00:01:58.280 --> 00:02:06.960 Christ isn't perhaps the most comfortable experience that we know and appreciate. Because let's face it, 00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:13.060 in our Western culture, we're pretty comfortable, aren't we really, when it comes to persecution. 00:02:14.419 --> 00:02:21.919 Yeah, you know, it's being a follower of Christ isn't, none of us this morning have risked the rest 00:02:21.919 --> 00:02:30.019 for coming here this morning. None of us have had our homes raided because we've met. None of us have 00:02:30.019 --> 00:02:36.879 had our businesses closed down, our bank accounts frozen by the authorities or been placed under house arrest. 00:02:36.960 --> 00:02:43.840 You know, this was the early church. Yet this scripture is just as stark for some of our 00:02:43.840 --> 00:02:49.480 brothers and sisters today as a reality that are meeting in different parts of this world. 00:02:50.040 --> 00:02:56.340 This scripture is alive for them. Don't get me wrong and please don't hear me because I'm not 00:02:56.340 --> 00:03:02.800 minimizing the suffering that many people experience here and those of you who are listening. 00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:09.640 Because suffering can be a significant part of our discipleship journey. And I have known those who 00:03:09.640 --> 00:03:17.360 have struggled in their faith during suffering in its various forms. And perhaps we get to a point 00:03:17.360 --> 00:03:27.360 where life gets tough and we wonder how can we continue to take the heat of life in our Christian journey. 00:03:27.360 --> 00:03:36.600 verse 14. If you're insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed. You are blessed. 00:03:37.940 --> 00:03:41.260 Whoa. Let's imbibe that one. 00:03:41.259 --> 00:03:49.679 For the spirit of glory and God's rests on you. I don't know whether that's been your experience. 00:03:50.899 --> 00:03:57.259 That you've been actually blessed by the insults that you have received or the putbacks for being 00:03:57.259 --> 00:04:04.340 a Christian. You know, many disciples and apprentices of Jesus live and work in settings today where they 00:04:04.340 --> 00:04:10.900 are often a minority in the workplace and in their faith. Many of you will know what that's like. 00:04:11.020 --> 00:04:16.259 Many of us recall the news stories. A person who was disciplined in the workplace for wearing a cross. 00:04:16.639 --> 00:04:22.519 There was a person who was arrested on the street for preaching because one person disagreed with them. 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:27.740 Not for the rest of the people passing by, but one person. And then there was the nurse, wasn't there? 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:35.860 The nurse who actually somebody asked her client or a patient asked them to pray for her to pray with them, 00:04:36.259 --> 00:04:43.199 which she did. And then the family complained and she was disciplined. You know? 00:04:44.960 --> 00:04:51.120 And then there is the everyday when we have experienced in ourselves or in the home, in the workplace, 00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:56.280 that critical spirit. And we all know that, don't we? People who want to put us down. 00:04:56.279 --> 00:05:03.799 People who want to actually draw or suck the joy out of us by some form of criticism that they come to us 00:05:03.799 --> 00:05:10.500 and causes us what they think is suffering. It's not. Take it on board. Because maybe like you've, 00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:18.979 as I've had, people, oh, call yourself a Christian? How can you behave like that? You know? Maybe we've 00:05:18.979 --> 00:05:25.519 all experienced that. Paul knows from his own experience that following Jesus isn't without suffering. 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:34.199 Yet, however, if you suffer as a Christian, verse 16, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear 00:05:34.199 --> 00:05:40.939 that name. Praise God that you bear the name of Jesus, that you are called into a situation 00:05:40.939 --> 00:05:48.039 actually to bear his name in a setting. You know, is there a place where you are unable 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:55.020 to mention the name of Jesus to mention the name of Jesus or talk about him openly? In that case, 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:58.720 is that the very place where the gospel of Jesus needs you to be lived out? 00:05:58.720 --> 00:06:02.620 Rather than retreating? 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:10.500 What areas of everyday life of relationships have we retreated from 00:06:10.500 --> 00:06:18.420 because we may offend others' views and their sensitivities? 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:27.879 I think sometimes we've become a little bit oversensitive as to society tells us we can't do 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:32.900 this and we can't do that. You know, there's many ways that we can show Jesus in our lives 00:06:32.900 --> 00:06:37.740 through kindness, through gratitude, through encouraging and building one another up. 00:06:38.600 --> 00:06:44.660 You know? It doesn't have to just be about, I'm just going to throw you this tract and tell you 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:49.540 about Jesus. Although that is a good time as well. Listen to the Spirit. If he tells you to do that, 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:56.100 do it. You know? What areas of life or relationships have we retreated? I mean, I won't make a comment, 00:06:56.100 --> 00:07:01.580 or I think I must have, but for those in government who are seeking now to tell the Church of England 00:07:01.580 --> 00:07:07.379 what it should do in relation to biblical truth and doctrine. You know? Where does that fit? Who's 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:11.480 going to stand? And it's about time to stand. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:18.579 Paul is encouraging in the early church that not everyone is happy to bring the good news of salvation, 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:24.740 hope, restoration, forgiveness, grace and love that Jesus promises into the settings into which we are 00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:32.740 called, into which we find ourselves. But we are carriers of the Gospel. That's why we go out from here. 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:39.180 We are carriers of the Gospel into the everyday to make it known. And as the ones who are in our 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:47.319 everyday lives able to do that, as Paul wrote in Philippians, but I focus on this one thing. I forget 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:55.620 the past. I forget the past. And I think that's really important because I think many of us have been 00:07:55.620 --> 00:08:05.399 deterred or slapped down, or maybe we were criticized for sharing our faith. And so we do exactly that. 00:08:05.399 --> 00:08:11.459 We focus on the one thing that was in the past rather than moving forward. And Paul says, 00:08:11.560 --> 00:08:18.720 forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race 00:08:18.720 --> 00:08:24.200 and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us. 00:08:25.700 --> 00:08:31.160 I can think of lots of times, and I'm sure you can as well, where you've been criticized in a setting. 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:36.060 It might have even been in your family setting. Somebody really close to you, 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:42.080 where there's been that put down and you think, oh, I better not go there. I'm a bit sensitive. 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:50.540 I better not. You know, no. Hold the line. And we still can move forward. Jesus says, 00:08:50.680 --> 00:08:55.139 be filled with the Holy Spirit. Be filled with the peace, power and presence and purpose of the Holy 00:08:55.139 --> 00:09:02.720 Spirit that he gives us so that we have the confidence and resilience. Now there's an interesting 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:12.340 word for today. Resilience. To continue to stand in witness for him, acknowledging that there will be 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:19.100 a cost and there is a cost for standing for him in our discipleship. And not everybody is going to love 00:09:19.100 --> 00:09:27.000 us as we love the name of Jesus. But it comes with the package. That's what it comes with. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:36.879 In Hebrews, it says, let us draw near to God with sincere heart and with full assurance that faith 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:44.940 brings. And when troubles strike, and they will, could even happen as you walk out today. Where have 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:49.700 you been today? Oh, I've been to church this morning. Oh, you don't do that, do you? I thought people 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:56.539 had given up on that. Then is the time to stand and to share the good news. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:10:08.000 The thing is, in those moments, God runs towards us and meets us where we are. I don't know whether 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:14.139 that's been your experience, where you've suddenly found yourself in a position where, you know, 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:20.879 somebody really criticizes you for your faith, or even a fellow Christian, even. You know, if somebody 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:26.799 comes and says to you in church, I want to tell you something in love, run for a nuclear fallout bunker. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:35.539 Because it'll be anything but in love. You know, when you find that place, when you find that place, 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:43.340 as Paul says, ask the Holy Spirit to come, because God runs towards you, supports you, encourages you 00:10:43.340 --> 00:10:49.240 to finish the race well. Whatever that part of the race is. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:59.120 I've often heard people say of a certain age, and now I'm moving towards that certain age myself, 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:06.240 that I've done enough in the church. It's all for younger people now. I've done my bit. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:15.039 The gospel never tells us we've done our bit. We run the race. We run the race, 00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:21.639 and the race has never ended. We bring our gifts and skills that each of us bring at different stages, 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:26.059 and different parts of our life, to the fellowship to make Jesus known. 00:11:26.059 --> 00:11:37.039 And that may include suffering. On the 4th of October 2022, Jim Redmond died. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:44.559 You may not have heard of Jim Redmond. Jim was watching, everybody was watching 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:52.679 on television, on television, most people, in the Olympics. And there was this crazy man, 00:11:53.479 --> 00:12:00.379 who they tried to stop running onto the track. The runner in the Olympics was his son, 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:07.939 the Olympic athlete, Derek Redmond. If you were watching, it was in Barcelona, October, 00:12:07.940 --> 00:12:16.420 it was in the Summer Olympics of 1992. I remember watching it. And I stood along with the rest of 00:12:16.420 --> 00:12:25.580 the world in awe and in tears, as his son, who was ready and had trained to run this race, 00:12:25.780 --> 00:12:34.980 to do his best, broke down because of an injury on the track. I can't even imagine what that must 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:43.060 have been like. You run the race. You train. You get ready to go. This is the peak. This is the ultimate. 00:12:43.060 --> 00:12:48.120 This is the goal. And he breaks down. 00:12:51.399 --> 00:13:01.080 And we watched, we clapped, and we wept, as the father ran to the son. He held him, 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:09.500 he supported him, and he encouraged him, because he wanted to get to that line in his suffering. 00:13:11.940 --> 00:13:18.720 And that's what God calls us to do. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:23.200 heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling you. 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:34.460 Let's end the race well, shall we? Knowing whatever we face, that God comes and meets us at that point 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:37.060 to encourage us to finish the race well. 00:13:40.640 --> 00:13:47.720 Never give up on our sharing or suffering until we reach that glorious line and receive the well done 00:13:47.720 --> 00:13:55.300 that awaits for all who truly turn to him. Maybe our scripture wasn't that difficult this morning 00:13:55.300 --> 00:14:00.740 to understand for us. Shall we pray together? 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:13.460 Holy Spirit, would you come and help us to reflect on our own situation with you right now? 00:14:13.460 --> 00:14:13.540 Amen. 00:14:13.540 --> 00:14:13.600 Amen. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:13.660 Amen. 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:25.320 Lord, and our gratitude to you, Lord, for your presence with us in whatever situation 00:14:25.320 --> 00:14:31.940 that we are experiencing or will experience this week, in sharing our faith with others, 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:34.940 knowing that you meet us where we are. 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:44.320 And Lord, thank you for that encouragement that you give us, Lord, 00:14:44.320 --> 00:14:50.140 that you support us all the day long of this troublous life. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:57.900 Until the shadows lengthen, the evening comes, the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over 00:14:57.900 --> 00:14:59.540 and our work is done. 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:08.920 Then, of your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last. 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:11.600 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:19.460 So, Lord, be with us this day in wherever and whatever situation we find ourselves in. 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:23.180 We pray especially for our brothers and sisters around this world today 00:15:23.180 --> 00:15:30.540 who are meeting and sharing the gospel in settings that put them and their families at risk of death, 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:33.779 imprisonment, persecution. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:37.980 Fill them with fresh courage and resilience. 00:15:37.980 --> 00:15:40.840 In the power of your spirit, we pray. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:48.560 And Lord, give us gratitude and abundance and freedom that we have that freedom 00:15:48.560 --> 00:15:53.519 within our own setting and country to share our faith openly. 00:15:56.060 --> 00:16:01.000 Inspire us afresh, Lord, to encourage each other, build each other up in the gospel 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:08.080 and to make Jesus known, not through just what we say but how we behave. 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:17.320 Lord, we pray for those who support others at this time. 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:19.740 We pray for the work of Open Doors. 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:23.820 We pray for those who lobby governments and regimes, 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:29.500 for those who are there to assist our Christian brothers and sisters 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:33.659 to know that they are not alone, that they are not forgotten. 00:16:36.659 --> 00:16:39.700 Lord, may they know your presence, power, and strength 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:43.440 in extra measure in their standing and witnessing for you. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:51.940 Lord, would you be with us this week in our community, in our homes. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:17:03.100 Lord, we pray for a fresh courage and boldness to witness where we work 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:05.960 and to those that we live alongside. 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:11.059 Embolden and encourage us by the power of your spirit 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:14.319 and strengthen us when words and comments come our way 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:18.920 and unpopularity looms large for the gospel message. 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:24.380 Lord, may we stand in your strength and your confidence 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:26.559 that we are not alone. 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:32.059 Lord, bring healing to those who have stood 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:34.759 for your faith and have been knocked back 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:39.339 by the pain of comments, rejection, and criticism. 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:46.099 Lord, bring healing, fresh hope, new words. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:50.379 Bring them to us, Lord, to be a place 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:54.079 where your word and teaching can revive and restore them. 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:59.099 Lord, we pray for those who we know 00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:02.139 whose anniversary may fall about this time, 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.959 who have run the race well. 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:08.579 We pray for those who have run the race too 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:11.279 and are coming to the end of this earthly life. 00:18:13.179 --> 00:18:15.159 Holy Spirit, may they end well, 00:18:16.259 --> 00:18:19.399 knowing that their race in all its trials and tribulations 00:18:19.399 --> 00:18:22.659 have been in the knowledge that you are here, 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:25.440 that you never leave us or forsake us, 00:18:26.540 --> 00:18:28.680 that your everlasting arms are holding us 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:29.759 and welcoming us home. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:35.680 Holy Spirit, come amongst us in our sacrificial giving, 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:38.560 our sharing, our discipleship. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:44.040 Keep us growing more and more into the likeness of Jesus, Lord. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:47.299 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:48.319 Amen.