WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:18.240 Amen. Thank you, guys. That is so beautiful, so helpful to us. 00:00:18.500 --> 00:00:23.080 In case you hadn't noticed, we were thinking about Jesus as our King this morning. 00:00:23.079 --> 00:00:30.559 For those of you who don't know, I'm a big Clemson fan. 00:00:31.279 --> 00:00:33.299 I'm also very competitive. 00:00:34.820 --> 00:00:42.780 So several of my Alabama fan friends have found it helpful in the past couple of weeks to introduce me repeatedly 00:00:42.780 --> 00:00:48.619 to a song that I was previously only vaguely familiar with. 00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:52.659 In order to be a good sport, here it is. 00:00:53.079 --> 00:01:00.899 Okay, that's enough. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:03.519 That was quite enough. 00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:06.640 And I want all the Auburn fans to leave right now. 00:01:09.159 --> 00:01:18.159 If you love Alabama, just hearing that song, that fight song that's played when good things are happening, 00:01:18.480 --> 00:01:20.560 that evokes excitement, doesn't it? 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:25.460 And some of you almost stood up and started clapping, but it felt strange in church. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:30.600 There's passion behind that excitement that you would have. 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:36.400 There's Alabama fans walking in the back door because they heard something that just was going on in here. 00:01:36.960 --> 00:01:37.260 Wow. 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:38.659 It works. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:45.719 Many of you probably didn't know that there are words, lyrics, that go with this song. 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:49.959 There are Alabama fans who know these words. 00:01:50.280 --> 00:01:54.099 What many of my Alabama fans have told me recently is it's that song that goes, 00:01:54.500 --> 00:01:56.920 Yay, Alabama, da-da-da-da-da. 00:01:56.920 --> 00:02:01.340 And I've had to tell them that, no, it doesn't go da-da-da-da-da. 00:02:01.460 --> 00:02:04.320 It actually has words beyond the first two. 00:02:04.760 --> 00:02:15.439 Not words I'm concerned about, but words about football, about playing football, about being excited about their team and what's going on. 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:20.919 There's line after line of detailed words that even many fans don't know exist. 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:26.900 That's not just true of Alabama, of course, but somebody needed to pick on them. 00:02:27.719 --> 00:02:35.979 And the point is, you can be an avid fan, you can even be a great player on the team and not know all the words, can't you? 00:02:35.979 --> 00:02:47.379 You can love Alabama, you can be excited about what goes on with that, you can contribute to what the team is doing and not know all of the words behind that song. 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:58.159 Similarly, we've been talking here at the start of the new year about the vision and mission of Southwood, about some of our core commitments and foundational beliefs, 00:02:58.280 --> 00:03:00.699 things that are real priorities for us. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:04.859 And the point is not that I want you to memorize all the words. 00:03:04.860 --> 00:03:07.880 It's just not the most important thing, frankly. 00:03:08.660 --> 00:03:13.320 But rather that we would all embrace the spirit of the song, so to speak. 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:21.200 The words you know best are probably our mission statement to experience and express grace. 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:26.000 You've heard us talking about those in the past couple of weeks. 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:34.040 A couple of weeks ago about experiencing grace, having our constant needs constantly met in Christ. 00:03:34.039 --> 00:03:37.739 Last weekend we had our express grace conference. 00:03:38.579 --> 00:03:43.759 And Ray Cortese came in and gave us some great challenges about being on mission together. 00:03:44.019 --> 00:03:47.639 To take the good news of Jesus to a world in need of hope. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:51.120 In need of knowing the grace of Jesus for themselves. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:56.319 But there are other words that are a part of our vision and mission. 00:03:57.140 --> 00:04:03.860 Experience and express grace is what we do in order to see our vision accomplished. 00:04:04.539 --> 00:04:09.819 Our vision, why the church exists, to advance the kingdom of God. 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:18.360 That's the vision that in order to accomplish that, we say the mission to accomplish that vision is to experience and express grace. 00:04:18.360 --> 00:04:21.160 You hear us talk about other things. 00:04:21.280 --> 00:04:24.280 That as we experience and express grace, where do we do that? 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:26.360 We do that on Sunday. 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:28.600 In small groups. 00:04:28.920 --> 00:04:30.120 And while serving. 00:04:31.620 --> 00:04:36.900 Together we get together and say particularly we're going to focus our serving in three particular areas. 00:04:37.020 --> 00:04:41.199 We're going to love student ministries and community development and shepherding. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:44.160 Those are going to be things that we together love. 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:45.319 We're committed to those. 00:04:45.319 --> 00:04:47.959 We think they're priorities for our church. 00:04:49.279 --> 00:04:52.740 Now my point is not for you to memorize all that that's on the screen, right? 00:04:53.099 --> 00:04:55.439 Just to get all the words so that you know them. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:05:01.060 But in the next couple of weeks we're going to talk about some of these key priorities in the life of this church. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:04.620 And more importantly about what God's word has to say about them. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:06.879 And why they're important. 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:10.060 Whether you memorize these lyrics or not. 00:05:10.060 --> 00:05:13.839 I hope it will help you appreciate the beauty of the song. 00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:15.660 To be excited by the song. 00:05:15.839 --> 00:05:21.259 When you see God working in these ways in and through our church. 00:05:21.780 --> 00:05:25.740 This morning we're going to start with talking about advancing the kingdom of God. 00:05:25.819 --> 00:05:29.180 And we'll mention community development a little bit along the way. 00:05:30.340 --> 00:05:33.800 But to do that I want us to start in Matthew chapter 11. 00:05:33.800 --> 00:05:39.360 Matthew chapter 11 we'll be reading starting at verse 2. 00:05:41.520 --> 00:05:43.079 This is the word of God. 00:05:43.079 --> 00:05:47.939 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ. 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:51.219 He sent word by his disciples and said to him. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:55.240 Are you the one who is to come or shall we look for another? 00:05:56.240 --> 00:05:57.839 And Jesus answered them. 00:05:58.139 --> 00:06:00.819 Go and tell John what you hear and see. 00:06:01.599 --> 00:06:04.680 The blind receive their sight and the lame walk. 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:07.279 Lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear. 00:06:07.599 --> 00:06:09.019 And the dead are raised up. 00:06:09.279 --> 00:06:12.099 And the poor have the good news preached to them. 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:17.220 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:18.680 The grass withers. 00:06:19.060 --> 00:06:20.160 The flowers fade. 00:06:20.700 --> 00:06:22.360 Mission statements come and go. 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:25.960 These words of our God will stand forever. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:27.120 Pray with me. 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:31.840 Father we are so thankful. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:35.680 That you have called us to be a part of your kingdom. 00:06:35.879 --> 00:06:39.080 And we ask King Jesus that you would teach us this morning. 00:06:39.439 --> 00:06:40.780 What that even means. 00:06:40.779 --> 00:06:44.519 Show us how you would have us live in your kingdom. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:47.019 Show us how we can advance your kingdom. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:51.039 That you would be lifted up and exalted in all things. 00:06:51.719 --> 00:06:52.939 We ask it in your name. 00:06:53.859 --> 00:06:54.199 Amen. 00:06:56.239 --> 00:07:01.099 As we've talked about experiencing and expressing grace the past couple of weeks. 00:07:01.239 --> 00:07:04.879 One of the things we've noticed repeatedly is the centrality of Jesus. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:05.659 Right? 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:10.780 We said grace is not merely this theoretical or theological concept. 00:07:11.200 --> 00:07:13.480 Something out there that we can't really understand. 00:07:13.820 --> 00:07:15.000 It's a person. 00:07:15.640 --> 00:07:17.680 A savior who meets our needs. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:20.040 One who is our greatest treasure. 00:07:20.220 --> 00:07:24.260 The pearl of great price that we would be zealous to share with others. 00:07:24.400 --> 00:07:25.520 That they would know him. 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:34.299 I would hate for us this morning to miss the most vital part of considering what it means to advance the kingdom of God. 00:07:34.799 --> 00:07:39.680 And that very obvious and simple thing is who the king is. 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:43.900 You'll notice in this passage that we just read. 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:48.939 That's the fundamental concern that John the Baptist and his followers have, isn't it? 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:53.980 The primary question they want answered is really, Jesus, are you the one? 00:07:54.540 --> 00:07:56.660 Or is there another king coming? 00:07:57.139 --> 00:08:01.060 Are you the Messiah, the promised king, the one we've been waiting for? 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:02.439 Or is it somebody else? 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:05.500 That's an interesting question, isn't it? 00:08:05.699 --> 00:08:09.699 Interesting because John has already decided, hasn't he? 00:08:10.060 --> 00:08:13.240 Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:16.339 John announced that when Jesus came. 00:08:17.500 --> 00:08:18.759 But now John's in prison. 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:25.120 Things aren't maybe going perhaps the way John expected them to develop when the king showed up. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:29.220 When his ministry began, John was perhaps a little confused. 00:08:29.220 --> 00:08:32.179 And he's beginning to wonder if he made a mistake. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:34.920 He wants to hear straight from Jesus himself. 00:08:35.020 --> 00:08:36.300 Are you the king? 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:40.980 And Jesus agrees with the importance of that emphasis. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:46.060 As he interacts with John's followers, he comes back in verse 6 at the end 00:08:46.060 --> 00:08:51.700 and makes it clear that alignment with him is the key to being for God's kingdom. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:56.640 Blessed is the one who's connected to me, who stays with me, 00:08:56.760 --> 00:09:00.480 who's not offended and doesn't go away because of me. 00:09:02.440 --> 00:09:04.400 He's the one leading the kingdom, right? 00:09:04.920 --> 00:09:09.200 He's the one upon whose shoulders the government rests. 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:15.620 The one declaring that the kingdom of God is coming and in himself bringing it into this world 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:17.760 and into the lives of the people who hear him. 00:09:17.759 --> 00:09:21.620 You can't have the kingdom without the king. 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:23.980 You can't. 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:27.799 We'll talk about what this means for us in a bit, 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:33.080 but for now let's realize that when we say our vision is to advance the kingdom of God, 00:09:33.439 --> 00:09:34.460 that means this. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:40.460 It means that we want to see the active rule and reign of King Jesus 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:46.740 made more and more evident in our hearts, in our city, in our world. 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:49.860 We know Jesus is king over everything, right? 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:51.600 That's not in question. 00:09:51.780 --> 00:09:54.420 He rules whether we acknowledge it or not. 00:09:54.419 --> 00:09:59.120 But when we watch the news, when we interact with our families, 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:02.439 when we slow down and examine our own hearts, 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:05.839 a lot of times it doesn't feel like that, does it? 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:08.679 It doesn't seem like he's ruling. 00:10:08.839 --> 00:10:11.759 We realize his rule is not readily apparent everywhere. 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:14.819 Things don't always work the way they're supposed to. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:18.360 They don't look the way we expect Jesus' kingdom to look. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:25.419 God created his world to be marked by peace and justice and righteousness, right? 00:10:26.800 --> 00:10:29.240 But the wholeness of God's world has been broken. 00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:34.480 Remember, this is the promise of the prophets that we saw during Christmas 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:36.019 when we were looking at Isaiah 9, 00:10:36.300 --> 00:10:40.000 that this promised king is coming and he's going to bring into this world 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:43.800 a rule marked by peace and justice and righteousness. 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:47.960 We're to pray, Jesus says, when he's here for God's kingdom to come 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:52.019 and what that means is his will is going to be done here as it is in heaven, 00:10:52.320 --> 00:10:54.980 that this place would look like the king is ruling, 00:10:55.440 --> 00:10:59.879 all people knowing and trusting and obeying the righteous king. 00:11:00.440 --> 00:11:02.320 It's not like that today, is it? 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:05.379 But that's what's promised. 00:11:06.040 --> 00:11:09.460 And Jesus brings the foretaste of that kingdom when he comes to earth. 00:11:09.720 --> 00:11:11.280 We get a taste of it here. 00:11:11.280 --> 00:11:14.720 Jesus says the kingdom, what it feels like, 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:20.500 what his kingdom is about is first of all having a message to proclaim. 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:22.759 It comes in word, doesn't it? 00:11:22.920 --> 00:11:23.980 Look at verse 5. 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:30.639 It says the kingdom is to be about the good news being preached to the poor. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:34.820 The good news preached to the poor. 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:37.360 There's a message of hope, isn't there? 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:40.860 A word of hope for those who are empty and needy. 00:11:41.300 --> 00:11:42.040 And what is it? 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:43.659 There's a new king. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.879 Things are changing. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:47.279 There's a new king here. 00:11:47.839 --> 00:11:51.219 Someone is freely meeting your need. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:56.699 Repent, Jesus often said, for the kingdom of God is at hand. 00:11:57.399 --> 00:12:00.679 In other words, turn from yourself and your sin 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:02.839 and the things that you've put on the throne 00:12:02.839 --> 00:12:06.679 and find your hope and your fullness in him, in the new king. 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:11.959 The message of the kingdom is that your broken relationship with God 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:14.279 has been healed by the king. 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:19.799 That in Jesus there is peace for those most fervently at war with God. 00:12:20.919 --> 00:12:26.699 There's righteousness for those most muddied by the filth of their sin against God. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:29.639 There's grace to meet your deepest needs. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:35.659 The kingdom of God comes to us in the person of Jesus, the new king. 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:41.159 And as we meet him and trust him, his reign advances in our hearts and our lives. 00:12:41.319 --> 00:12:44.480 So we must tell people of the new king. 00:12:44.939 --> 00:12:46.980 Announce his gracious rule. 00:12:47.340 --> 00:12:49.120 It's a kingdom in word. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.399 But the kingdom comes not merely in words, right? 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:55.639 It's not merely something to talk about. 00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:58.840 It's not pronounced that a new king is coming. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:01.080 But it also comes indeed. 00:13:02.519 --> 00:13:07.639 The pattern of scripture is that the kingdom of God is not only something you hear about, 00:13:08.319 --> 00:13:11.699 but also something you experience the reality of. 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:13.659 Think of Aslan. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:17.500 You know Aslan from C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia? 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:23.000 When Aslan, the true king of Narnia, comes to Narnia in the first book, 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:24.480 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:28.879 He enters into a Narnia where everything has frozen over, right? 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:32.120 It's under the rule of the White Witch, 00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:35.120 and the Narnians are beginning to despair, aren't they? 00:13:35.180 --> 00:13:36.120 It's hopeless. 00:13:36.300 --> 00:13:38.560 It's always winter and never Christmas. 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:40.519 Everything's frozen. 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:44.519 And when Aslan begins to be on the move, what happens? 00:13:45.460 --> 00:13:47.240 The flowers start to bud. 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:50.220 The grass grows. 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:54.680 It starts popping up in between the ice and the snow on the ground. 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:56.540 Birds start chirping. 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:59.279 The brook is heard gurgling again. 00:14:00.060 --> 00:14:02.700 It's not quite so cold as it has been. 00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:06.220 And so even before they meet Aslan himself, 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:10.800 Peter and Susan and Lucy and even Edmund a little bit, 00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:14.200 they can't wait to meet this king. 00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:17.600 They are wanting him to reign. 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:22.820 They are feeling what it feels like for Aslan to be the king who's reigning, 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:24.100 and they can't wait. 00:14:25.020 --> 00:14:26.600 They're longing for it. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:29.220 They hear about him, yes, 00:14:29.420 --> 00:14:33.360 and they experience the reality of the coming king. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:37.480 When Jesus responds to John's followers here, 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:39.740 what does he show them about his kingdom? 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:43.320 It's not just that there's a message of good news being preached, is it? 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:45.480 Jesus says, 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:49.759 Go and tell John what you hear and see. 00:14:51.060 --> 00:14:53.000 And then he lists the things that they've watched. 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:54.820 The blind receive their sight. 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:55.919 The lame walk. 00:14:56.060 --> 00:14:57.080 Lepers are cleansed. 00:14:57.139 --> 00:14:57.940 And the deaf hear. 00:14:58.039 --> 00:14:59.259 And the dead are raised up. 00:14:59.680 --> 00:15:01.659 And the poor have good news preached to them. 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:03.200 All of these things. 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:06.919 This is what you're supposed to go tell them, Jesus says. 00:15:06.919 --> 00:15:10.000 All of these, by the way, are examples from Isaiah's prophecy 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:14.819 of what happens and what things are going to be like when the king comes. 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:17.939 But it's not just here in this passage. 00:15:18.459 --> 00:15:21.199 Over and over again, when Jesus talks about the kingdom, 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:26.019 watch what's going on and what happens when Jesus' kingdom advances. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.259 Just a few examples. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:29.479 Matthew chapter 4. 00:15:29.979 --> 00:15:31.360 He went throughout all Galilee. 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:35.539 Jesus is teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:39.860 and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:40.919 Matthew 9. 00:15:41.820 --> 00:15:44.720 Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:50.659 proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:53.100 Luke describes it the same way. 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:53.879 Chapter 9. 00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:57.639 Jesus sends out his disciples to go into these towns. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.759 And what does he send them to do? 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:01.500 To proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.259 They go together. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:08.580 And so this happens and then crowds start gathering around and they're following Jesus 00:16:08.580 --> 00:16:11.139 and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:13.939 and cured those who had need of healing. 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:16.700 One more from Matthew 10. 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:21.559 Proclaim as you go, Jesus says to these disciples that he's sending out. 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.639 What's he sending them to do? 00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:25.139 The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:26.620 The kingdom is here. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.779 How are you going to know? 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:29.879 Heal the sick. 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:31.460 Raise the dead. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:32.460 Cleanse lepers. 00:16:32.779 --> 00:16:33.679 Cast out demons. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.659 You received without paying. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.940 Give without pay. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:42.320 Jesus sends them out to preach, yes. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:46.560 But to have people experience the reality of the kingdom too. 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:50.519 Some of these deeds of the kingdom are authenticating the message, right? 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:54.299 They're validating Jesus as the true king, the one who's been promised. 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:57.039 But don't miss what they're doing at the same time. 00:16:57.259 --> 00:17:03.279 They're demonstrating the reality, the power, the impact of the kingdom. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.680 I love that line at the end. 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:07.839 You received without paying. 00:17:08.659 --> 00:17:10.240 Give without pay. 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:12.960 Go out to tell them the kingdom is here. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:15.379 You've received it freely. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:17.960 Now give it away freely. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:25.059 As you heal and cast out demons, remember you received this kingdom for free, so share it with others for free. 00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:26.620 It's grace, right? 00:17:28.059 --> 00:17:29.440 Experience grace. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:33.240 And then express grace freely the same way. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:43.360 People should experience the kingdom of God as blessing them beyond their wildest dreams without asking anything from them in order to receive that blessing. 00:17:43.359 --> 00:18:13.339 That's grace. 00:18:13.359 --> 00:18:17.259 A new king is magnanimous in his generosity and grace. 00:18:17.659 --> 00:18:19.500 And so you experience him. 00:18:19.719 --> 00:18:22.699 That's what it feels like to be near him and to know him. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:28.759 He wants us to experience glimpses of his glory, so to speak. 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:36.439 Life in Jesus, the way life was originally intended to be before the wholeness of God's kingdom was broken. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:40.740 Peace, peace, justice, righteousness. 00:18:43.080 --> 00:18:49.860 Relationships that find you in shame and hiding and drive out the loneliness that you feel. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:55.980 Societies where you experience the dignity of work you were created for. 00:18:56.799 --> 00:19:01.220 Systems that put you on equal footing regardless of your race or your background. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:08.059 Friends and families who are safe havens because they extend forgiveness when you don't deserve it. 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:19.920 Communities who welcome a stranger or a refugee in to experience the welcome of God that he showed them when they were estranged from him. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:27.720 When you talk about things like this and say that's what the kingdom of God feels like, someone's going to say, social gospel. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.360 That's social gospel. 00:19:30.560 --> 00:19:40.080 That's placing our hope in economic and political change rather than placing our hope in Jesus and entrusting him. 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:41.399 Let me be clear. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:44.460 This is not the social gospel. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:51.779 Neither is it a theology of two kingdoms that never meet or impact each other. 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:55.579 A kingdom of God and spiritual things over here that we play on Sunday. 00:19:55.799 --> 00:20:01.759 And a kingdom of man and physical things that we talk about the rest of the week. 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:06.539 Listen, I want to be very clear not to confuse us on this. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:10.139 Knowing King Jesus is primary. 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:17.159 But King Jesus touches everything and he's often experienced before he's met. 00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:24.659 People ought to come in contact with the church of Jesus Christ and feel the thawing of winter. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.700 Something has changed. 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:29.579 It's different and I want this. 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:30.960 I want to be a part of it. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:36.000 They ought to long even more to meet the king whose land is like this. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:38.579 Whose people treat each other like this. 00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:41.519 Whose people treat them like this. 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:43.460 They want to know that king. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:48.200 That's why part of advancing God's kingdom is with our words. 00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:53.620 Announcing the reign of King Jesus and calling people to turn to him and know him. 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.680 It's never less than that. 00:20:55.680 --> 00:21:00.560 And it's also why you're doing kingdom work indeed. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:02.680 Where God has called you. 00:21:02.860 --> 00:21:08.600 And helping this fear God has called you into to feel more like God intended it to feel. 00:21:09.060 --> 00:21:12.560 To be just and righteous and peaceful. 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:14.660 Gracious. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:18.740 Dignifying of image bearers of God. 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:21.360 Pushing back the effects of the fall. 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:23.379 Where he's called you. 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:27.899 By deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.199 Right? 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.079 We sang that. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:34.719 When we do God's will here where he's called us. 00:21:34.879 --> 00:21:38.519 When we're giving others a taste of the reign of the king. 00:21:38.919 --> 00:21:40.959 In word and in deed. 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:43.000 All the time both of them together. 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:45.599 A kingdom in word and in deed. 00:21:45.859 --> 00:21:48.019 A kingdom heard about and experienced. 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:52.819 It's why we send missionaries to India to tell them of King Jesus. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:57.660 And we welcome international college students into our homes and lives. 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:03.539 It's why we tell someone in material poverty of a God who loves them. 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:09.519 And help them get a job where they can experience the dignity of work he created them for. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:13.440 It's why we want orphans in Peru. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.240 And in Huntsville. 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:18.299 To know a heavenly father who cares for them. 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:27.619 And an education that helps them survive without engaging in sinful and abusive patterns they've been born into. 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:31.059 Make them feel hated and abused and used. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.259 Rather than loved. 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.700 Southwood. 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:34.720 Southwood. 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:40.259 There is no end to the opportunities to see the kingdom advance holistically. 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:42.619 In word and in deed. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.400 Both ways. 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:46.559 I praise God for how he has used us in that. 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:49.259 This is a church that's been committed to that. 00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:53.200 And particularly with Sarah's leadership in community development. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:55.940 God has used us in that. 00:22:56.039 --> 00:23:00.200 Allowed us to partner with many wonderful people here in Huntsville. 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.319 And around the world. 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:03.799 Groups who are co-laborers with us. 00:23:05.080 --> 00:23:06.779 They want like we do. 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:10.420 To see people feel and experience the reality of the kingdom. 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:14.660 If you were here last weekend and got to walk through those hallways. 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:17.420 When many of our partners were out there talking to us. 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:18.980 About what God's given them. 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:22.279 About where he's placed them in his kingdom. 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:25.880 They all were saying similar things. 00:23:26.120 --> 00:23:27.480 We're here with these people. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:29.079 Or to address this issue. 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:33.099 That people would feel and experience the reality of the king. 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:35.380 That they would hear of Jesus. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:39.039 And that they would know and experience it at the same time. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:41.319 What great opportunities we have. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:42.920 Lock arms with them. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:47.279 What a privilege to be a part of the advance of the kingdom of God. 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.579 It is advancing. 00:23:49.059 --> 00:23:50.180 Francis Schaeffer said. 00:23:50.440 --> 00:23:52.360 The kingdom of God is moving forward. 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.460 He's doing it. 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:55.319 God's advancing his kingdom. 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:58.039 We're praying for the privilege of being a part of it. 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:59.839 And he's given that to us. 00:24:01.439 --> 00:24:02.839 What a great privilege. 00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:07.519 But whose kingdom am I really advancing? 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:13.259 Jesus finishes this passage with a bit of a challenge to John's followers. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.539 Look at verse 6. 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:20.059 Blessed is the one who is not offended by me. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:23.200 It may not sound like a challenge at first. 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:24.700 He's talking about somebody being blessed, right? 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:27.039 But he's just said. 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.539 This is what the kingdom is like. 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:31.279 The kingdom is like what we just talked about. 00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:32.500 All of these things happening. 00:24:32.620 --> 00:24:35.500 And people experiencing the reality of it in word and deed. 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.759 And then Jesus comes back and says. 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:40.080 And don't forget who the king is. 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:44.440 Blessed is the one who stays connected with me. 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:46.799 Because the kingdom is all about him. 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:49.360 And you hear these words. 00:24:49.580 --> 00:24:51.039 And my initial reaction was. 00:24:51.080 --> 00:24:51.900 Yeah, that seems fine. 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:53.000 You don't offend me, Jesus. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:54.279 Jesus, no problem. 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:56.079 I can fit you right into my plans. 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:57.119 We work well together. 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.079 This is great. 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:04.059 And I'm reminded about the challenge Ray gave us last week from Luke 19. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:06.339 For us as a church to be on mission. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.339 And particularly on God's mission. 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:11.440 To seek and to save the lost. 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:13.900 As we've said before many times. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:16.059 To realize we're in spiritual warfare. 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:20.980 That we're battling in the strength of Christ against the evil one. 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:23.619 That we want to see God's kingdom advance. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:26.220 Not just us coast through life. 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:32.700 And as seemingly obvious as that spiritual battle is these days around us. 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:38.639 I've got to be honest that often my heart is one that says not. 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:41.040 I'm ready to lay down my life. 00:25:41.100 --> 00:25:42.240 What can I give? 00:25:43.560 --> 00:25:45.940 But instead I'm ready to cling to my life. 00:25:46.020 --> 00:25:46.980 I really like it. 00:25:47.820 --> 00:25:53.460 But I'll do enough for others to assuage my guilt that I feel for loving my own life. 00:25:54.300 --> 00:25:58.220 In other words, most days I'm advancing the kingdom of will. 00:25:58.220 --> 00:26:04.839 Most days when I wake up, the kingdom of will is on my radar and at the top of my list. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:09.519 In fact, the kingdom of will includes serving others. 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:12.180 It does because that's part of feeling good. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:15.259 And feeling like my kingdom is one that is good and generous. 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:18.640 So I need to work a little serving into it somewhere. 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:21.500 And there's a big difference between that. 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:24.779 Between waking up thinking how can my kingdom advance. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:28.799 And between saying I'm all in for his kingdom. 00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:31.359 For the advance of Jesus' kingdom. 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:37.039 Where everything, absolutely everything in my life is up for grabs by King Jesus. 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:40.059 For him to use it or change it for the good of his kingdom. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.779 That's very different, isn't it? 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:46.639 You can't have the kingdom without the king. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:49.879 It only works with me off the throne. 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.940 And Jesus on it. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:57.859 I'm thankful one of the functions of singing songs in worship. 00:26:59.139 --> 00:27:03.460 Is that it shapes our hearts for how we should feel about the king. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:05.059 And how our hearts should function. 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:10.160 Not merely describing the ways that they always do and are. 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:13.519 Because we sang just a few minutes ago. 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:15.539 I'd rather have Jesus. 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:19.299 And I struggle with that. 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:22.779 I struggle a lot with that. 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:24.839 I added some lyrics. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.539 They won't sing very well. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:32.319 But I wrestled through this song this week in my own heart. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:40.099 And I put some words to what's often the reality of this husband, father, pastor's heart. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:44.299 Basically what I realized is I'd love to have Jesus. 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:48.179 But I'd like him to fit nicely into Will's kingdom. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:54.179 Alongside quite an impressive list of non-negotiables I don't want to give up. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:59.000 I said I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold. 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:02.240 I'd rather be his than have riches untold. 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:07.079 As long as I have enough money not to have to worry about the things I need. 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:10.220 As well as some things to keep my kids happy. 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:12.400 And still have enough to give some to Jesus. 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:14.559 So I feel like I'm generous for the kingdom. 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:20.200 I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land. 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:23.759 But I definitely need to have a safe place for my family. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:27.180 And a house sufficient enough that I feel good about my manliness. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:30.000 My ability to provide for my family. 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:34.339 I really don't like the idea of leaving Huntsville or even our neighborhood. 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:37.180 Because we really like it here and we have lots of friends. 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.259 So don't ask that. 00:28:41.220 --> 00:28:43.680 I'd rather be led by his nail pierced hand. 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:44.700 Absolutely. 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:48.380 As long as he doesn't lead me any of the places he went. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:50.220 When he suffered deeply for me. 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:51.680 Because I hate pain. 00:28:52.680 --> 00:28:54.900 And I would like to avoid it if at all possible. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:59.220 I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause. 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:02.539 I'd rather be faithful to his dear cause. 00:29:04.059 --> 00:29:07.019 Honestly in a perfect world I'd like everyone to like me. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:09.980 Just makes things easier and more peaceful. 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:15.640 But at a minimum I absolutely must have my wife think I'm amazing. 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:19.420 And enough people say nice things about me to keep me going. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.420 Otherwise I'm done. 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:24.440 I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame. 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:27.240 I'd rather be true to his holy name. 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:34.480 Jesus the truth is I'd like to be true to your name as a way to gain notoriety for myself. 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:38.980 At least within circles of PCA pastors and churches. 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:42.319 I'll use you for that in fact. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:47.579 If I'm faithful and this doesn't happen I'll be tempted to feel you've let me down. 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:50.680 It doesn't have to be worldwide right now. 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.839 But it needs to be trending in that direction. 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.839 One step at a time. 00:29:54.839 --> 00:30:00.220 Then to be the king of a vast domain. 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:01.480 It doesn't have to be vast. 00:30:01.679 --> 00:30:04.019 But I have to have some sense of control. 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:08.139 And even if I'm not the king people need to respect me and like my ideas. 00:30:10.159 --> 00:30:13.500 Change my plans and I'll get frustrated really fast. 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:17.859 Or be held in sin's dread sway. 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:23.039 I know I should hate sin and dread its influence in my life. 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:30.779 Sometimes indulging in my angry feelings, my impure thoughts is something I enjoy. 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:33.720 And don't dread the impact of as I should. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:39.660 I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:43.620 And I stopped here for a while. 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:46.040 And all I could think of is. 00:30:46.580 --> 00:30:49.420 Well apparently I'd really like to have Jesus fit right in. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:53.500 Alongside a really long list of things I want the world and the people in it to give me. 00:30:55.259 --> 00:30:57.680 I'll preach a sermon about you on Sunday Jesus. 00:30:57.820 --> 00:31:00.779 If you'll let me squeeze you into my kingdom the rest of the week. 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:08.100 A lot of times that's what it feels like in my heart. 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:12.779 I don't know what the non-negotiables in your kingdom are. 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:15.500 You may not have as many as I do. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.519 That's a good thing. 00:31:18.019 --> 00:31:21.720 But there are a lot of things my heart wouldn't change for Jesus apparently. 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:29.000 We're asked every Thanksgiving since I've been here about hosting international students in our home on Thanksgiving. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:30.519 Many of whom don't know Jesus. 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:34.080 And my first thought regularly is. 00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:36.420 You know family traditions are so important. 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:39.279 We need Thanksgiving Day with our family. 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:42.279 I wonder if any of them would like to come on the day after. 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:45.720 That thought's gone through my head more than once. 00:31:46.879 --> 00:31:48.599 I want to prioritize my kingdom. 00:31:48.899 --> 00:31:50.819 The things that have to go just this way. 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:52.940 And I'll add Jesus in where it works. 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:54.859 When it's convenient. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:58.619 I think Jesus says I have it backwards. 00:32:00.579 --> 00:32:03.059 It is not going to come up on that screen right now though. 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:04.059 Tell you what. 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:05.599 I have that backwards don't I? 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:08.759 You've heard this one before. 00:32:08.879 --> 00:32:09.679 Matthew 6. 00:32:11.099 --> 00:32:12.259 But seek first his kingdom. 00:32:13.459 --> 00:32:14.639 And his righteousness. 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:18.799 And all these things will be added to you as well. 00:32:19.359 --> 00:32:21.759 All the things I tend to prioritize. 00:32:22.419 --> 00:32:26.199 The grace of my heavenly father has taken care of. 00:32:26.639 --> 00:32:28.919 He's got those things for you. 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:31.180 That's what it means for him to be your father. 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:35.080 He says now go freely enjoy seeking my kingdom. 00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.880 Stop worrying about yours. 00:32:38.320 --> 00:32:42.460 There's so many ways we can speak or show Jesus and his kingdom to our neighbors. 00:32:43.080 --> 00:32:45.960 There are people all around me who need to hear of Jesus. 00:32:46.300 --> 00:32:49.600 Who need to experience the power and reality of his kingdom. 00:32:50.080 --> 00:32:53.980 And Jesus lets me share with them the grace he's shown to me. 00:32:54.360 --> 00:32:56.580 He lets me introduce them to him. 00:32:56.860 --> 00:32:57.920 Can you believe that? 00:32:57.920 --> 00:32:58.480 Can you believe that? 00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.779 The king who's taking care of me. 00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:02.600 Who's doing it all for me. 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:05.140 He lets me introduce others to him. 00:33:08.060 --> 00:33:13.259 People who love Alabama football start getting excited when they hear that song I played earlier. 00:33:13.560 --> 00:33:14.560 They start cheering. 00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:16.039 Their hearts start pumping. 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:18.080 Their hands start clapping. 00:33:19.120 --> 00:33:21.860 They start focusing and tuning in on what's going on with their team. 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:22.620 It's good stuff. 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:23.600 They love to see it. 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:26.980 I want the music of the kingdom of God. 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:31.539 The beauty of the reign of Jesus showing up in our relationships. 00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:34.480 In our schools when you see it in your neighborhood. 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:37.200 How about in your church? 00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:39.640 I want it to thrill your heart. 00:33:40.400 --> 00:33:43.480 I want you to feel the kingdom of God showing up and be thrilled. 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:46.299 For it to make your heart and your hands start moving. 00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:48.419 To excite you with passion. 00:33:48.419 --> 00:33:50.000 To see your team. 00:33:50.159 --> 00:33:51.159 His team. 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.379 Doing something good. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:53.599 Seeing it advance. 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.859 Seeing them succeed. 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:56.460 And getting to rejoice in that. 00:33:56.960 --> 00:34:01.539 Where the needy experience the grace of Jesus meeting them where they are. 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:05.559 When that's what excites the passions of our hearts. 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:08.059 We'll do anything to be on the field. 00:34:08.279 --> 00:34:09.719 And be a part of that team. 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:11.159 And serve that king. 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:14.259 Pray with me that God would do that in our hearts. 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:19.539 God we do want that. 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:23.019 Our hearts are so confused some days. 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:24.000 And divided. 00:34:24.460 --> 00:34:26.679 Because there's so many things we want. 00:34:26.899 --> 00:34:30.639 We want now to ask you by your spirit. 00:34:30.819 --> 00:34:32.899 To give us an undivided heart. 00:34:34.139 --> 00:34:38.239 That would continue to turn from the things of ourselves. 00:34:38.239 --> 00:34:41.419 And thinking we've got to seek our own kingdom first. 00:34:41.579 --> 00:34:42.939 Or else we won't make it. 00:34:44.699 --> 00:34:47.299 And give us a heart that longs for your kingdom. 00:34:47.439 --> 00:34:49.679 And for Jesus to be known. 00:34:49.979 --> 00:34:50.899 And experienced. 00:34:51.059 --> 00:34:51.699 And loved. 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:52.539 Everywhere. 00:34:52.879 --> 00:34:53.879 And by everybody. 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:57.639 Would that be our first desire? 00:34:57.739 --> 00:34:59.599 Would we be able to trust you as our father. 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:01.099 To take care of the other things? 00:35:03.939 --> 00:35:05.579 We ask that you do that in our hearts. 00:35:05.659 --> 00:35:06.339 And in our church. 00:35:06.340 --> 00:35:07.860 For the sake of your kingdom. 00:35:08.140 --> 00:35:09.700 Here and around the world. 00:35:09.760 --> 00:35:11.460 And we ask it in the name of King Jesus. 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:12.640 Amen. 00:35:16.539 --> 00:35:17.660 For more information. 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.960 Visit us online. 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:20.260 At southwood.org