WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.139 Good morning. My name is Jay, for those of you who have never met before. 00:00:05.759 --> 00:00:11.279 And as James briefly shared, I'm up here today to share some of my reflections from James' sermon last week. 00:00:11.660 --> 00:00:16.940 Of course, if you're like me, I only remember like 5%, sorry James, it's not you, it's me, of what he shares. 00:00:16.940 --> 00:00:21.059 So I'll provide a really quick recap of what he shared on and my reflections on it. 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:26.900 So James talked about, he went to the book of Hebrews 10, specifically verses 19 through 25. 00:00:26.899 --> 00:00:33.199 And the main idea of this passage was, in this walk and this journey towards Christ, we cannot do it alone. 00:00:33.420 --> 00:00:34.579 We have to walk in community. 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:40.640 And of course, he stresses and reiterates his importance that this is not a solitary journey. 00:00:40.700 --> 00:00:41.560 We cannot do it ourselves. 00:00:42.060 --> 00:00:45.399 And the passage, though, it begins with the word therefore. 00:00:45.980 --> 00:00:50.679 And of course, the word therefore means as a result of, as a consequence of something, right? 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:54.399 So what is the reason why we gather together as a community? Does anybody remember? 00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:57.379 However, this was the point of the sermon. 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:01.299 Okay, I'll save you some effort. 00:01:01.640 --> 00:01:06.739 So the point of the sermon was, it's actually Jesus and what he did for us and his blood. 00:01:07.299 --> 00:01:10.500 And therefore, we now gather together to celebrate him, right? 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:18.280 So in the Old Testament, it talks about how the people of God, they had to have a priest daily offering sacrifices to be made right with God, right? 00:01:18.340 --> 00:01:19.500 That's why they gathered. 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:27.519 But he talks about, in Hebrews 10, the author of Hebrews 10 talks about, now there is one man, Jesus, who was the ultimate sacrifice. 00:01:27.519 --> 00:01:33.120 So we don't need to bring bulls and goats anymore and offer them as sacrifices as a temporary cover of our sins. 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:36.560 Jesus came, and now with his death, we're fully covered. 00:01:37.240 --> 00:01:41.480 And now, therefore, because he did that, let us gather together. 00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:44.680 Let us stir up one another in love and in good works. 00:01:45.079 --> 00:01:47.719 Encourage one another and not neglect to meet one another. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:48.980 So that is the reason. 00:01:49.299 --> 00:01:50.299 So the logic flows, right? 00:01:50.939 --> 00:01:51.840 Jesus did this. 00:01:52.099 --> 00:01:53.439 Now we gather to do this. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:55.739 And then James drops the question. 00:01:56.219 --> 00:01:57.260 But why are you here today? 00:01:58.640 --> 00:01:59.799 Why have you come to church? 00:02:00.039 --> 00:02:00.819 Why have you gathered? 00:02:01.539 --> 00:02:04.379 Are you here because you understand what Jesus did on the cross for you? 00:02:04.480 --> 00:02:08.520 Or are you here to bring your own bulls and goats and offer them as a sacrifice to God? 00:02:09.579 --> 00:02:11.219 And, of course, he gave some suggestions. 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:15.379 He said, some of us are here for a girl or a boy. 00:02:15.879 --> 00:02:19.979 Or they're here because it's just a daily habit, a weekly routine. 00:02:20.300 --> 00:02:21.500 Just something that we do, right? 00:02:21.539 --> 00:02:23.120 We don't put much thought to it. 00:02:24.139 --> 00:02:28.120 And then James asked the next follow-up question, who here is actually here for God? 00:02:28.939 --> 00:02:29.979 And I asked that question again today. 00:02:30.060 --> 00:02:31.180 Who here is actually here for God? 00:02:32.719 --> 00:02:32.960 Okay. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:34.120 A lot more this time. 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:35.439 Last time it was just Chris, actually. 00:02:35.919 --> 00:02:36.719 It was just Chris. 00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:39.000 And then James says, because we're Asian and we don't like to be picked on. 00:02:39.419 --> 00:02:43.500 But as James asked that question, it made me reflect a little bit deeper. 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:45.400 Am I here today because of Christ? 00:02:45.579 --> 00:02:46.939 Am I here to celebrate him? 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:49.560 Am I here because I understand what he did for me on the cross? 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:53.819 And as I started reflecting on that a little bit more, my real answers were no. 00:02:54.360 --> 00:02:56.460 I don't think I'm always here to worship God. 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:59.259 Sometimes I'm here because maybe some of you can relate. 00:02:59.500 --> 00:03:00.400 I've had a terrible week. 00:03:01.079 --> 00:03:02.159 I've committed some sins. 00:03:02.579 --> 00:03:03.900 And, okay, I need to be a good Christian. 00:03:04.079 --> 00:03:04.819 And I need to go to church. 00:03:05.240 --> 00:03:05.639 That's what I do. 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:07.459 I need to, I'm going to bring my own bulls. 00:03:07.559 --> 00:03:08.339 I'm going to bring my own goats. 00:03:08.439 --> 00:03:10.439 I'm going to offer to God at church, at this service. 00:03:10.779 --> 00:03:11.819 Say, God, I'm sorry. 00:03:12.500 --> 00:03:12.959 Make me right. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:15.899 But on the flip side, sometimes I'm on fire for God. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:18.339 I'm like, Lord, I love you. 00:03:18.419 --> 00:03:19.299 I want to do more for you. 00:03:19.779 --> 00:03:25.639 And I come to church and I keep, I fall into this lie of if I do more, then God will bless me more. 00:03:26.119 --> 00:03:27.879 But that's not the point of Hebrews 10. 00:03:28.099 --> 00:03:30.759 Hebrews 10 is saying, don't gather because of what you can do. 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:34.219 We gather because of what Christ did for us on the cross. 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:36.780 So those were my two reflections. 00:03:37.080 --> 00:03:37.219 Okay. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:43.919 Feeling terrible for my sins or when I'm on spiritual high, believing into this lie that if I do more, God will give me more favor. 00:03:44.099 --> 00:03:45.139 But that's not the gospel. 00:03:45.639 --> 00:03:51.280 This book, this Bible that we read is not a list of things that we need to do to be made right with God. 00:03:51.280 --> 00:03:56.039 It is not a list of bulls and goats that we have to sacrifice on a daily basis to be made right with God. 00:03:56.439 --> 00:04:04.879 This story is a story of a man, of a God who stepped down from his heavenly throne and he laid his life on the cross for us so that in this love we can be saved. 00:04:05.139 --> 00:04:05.680 It's about him. 00:04:05.900 --> 00:04:06.539 It's not about us. 00:04:07.379 --> 00:04:10.379 And to kind of wrap up this thought, I've been listening to a lot of podcasts recently. 00:04:10.379 --> 00:04:16.120 And, you know, in John 3, when Jesus talks to Nicodemus, he talks about this idea of being born again. 00:04:16.339 --> 00:04:20.259 Those who have not been born again cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:23.860 And this concept of being born again is really strange. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.620 So I put some, as I continue to listen on, Keller explains it like this. 00:04:28.120 --> 00:04:33.719 When a baby is born, the baby plays no part or doesn't participate in the birth itself. 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:35.519 It's not like the baby goes, oh, I want to be born today. 00:04:35.519 --> 00:04:38.719 You know, it's, oh, the mother, the mother bears a responsibility. 00:04:38.979 --> 00:04:43.759 The mother risks her life, potentially risks her life to bring the baby into the world, right? 00:04:44.419 --> 00:04:51.240 While the mother potentially risks her life to bring the baby into the world, Jesus actually gives his life so that we can be born again. 00:04:52.299 --> 00:04:54.419 And that moved my heart a lot, right? 00:04:54.479 --> 00:04:56.139 So there is nothing that I can bring to the table. 00:04:56.659 --> 00:04:58.819 When I come to church, there are no bulls or goats. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:02.979 There's no amount of bulls and goats that I can bring that can make me right with God. 00:05:03.099 --> 00:05:03.839 It's what he did. 00:05:03.979 --> 00:05:04.779 It's not about me. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:06.239 I'm not here for myself. 00:05:06.419 --> 00:05:07.379 I'm here to worship God. 00:05:07.699 --> 00:05:15.119 So when we gather together as a community, we gather here because we're understanding and we just want to rejoice in what he did for us. 00:05:15.199 --> 00:05:16.959 It's not because we want to be made right with him. 00:05:17.479 --> 00:05:22.159 We're just getting together as a community and we're saying, hey, we all agree what he did for us on the cross. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:23.419 Guys, let's celebrate. 00:05:23.539 --> 00:05:24.339 Let's worship together. 00:05:25.039 --> 00:05:25.659 This is the point. 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:28.199 And those are my reflections for this past week. 00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:32.179 And now I'll pass on the time to Pastor Gabes who will share on worship specifically. 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:37.839 Thank you, Jay. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:45.719 Yeah, thanks, Jay, for sharing how God spoke to you through the word. 00:05:46.039 --> 00:05:56.959 And yeah, as Jay was saying, the past few weeks we've been talking about the church and specifically last week that the church gathers because of one another, because of what Jesus has done for us. 00:05:56.959 --> 00:05:59.599 We want to love one another, encourage one another. 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:02.979 And let's say you're bought into that. 00:06:03.539 --> 00:06:05.459 You say, I need God's people. 00:06:05.599 --> 00:06:06.219 I need one another. 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:08.699 I want to worship God together with one another. 00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:11.079 And that's why he showed up here this Sunday. 00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:12.079 Let's say that's true. 00:06:12.759 --> 00:06:13.339 So what happens? 00:06:13.799 --> 00:06:14.959 You wake up in the morning. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:16.439 You grab a coffee. 00:06:17.159 --> 00:06:17.799 And you come here. 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:19.439 And then we pray. 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:20.860 We sing a few songs. 00:06:21.280 --> 00:06:22.920 Someone comes up, reads a few announcements. 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:24.060 We read the mission statement. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:25.240 We collect offering. 00:06:26.020 --> 00:06:27.759 We stand and read from a book. 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:30.259 And then someone comes up. 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:31.199 Today that's me. 00:06:31.660 --> 00:06:33.340 And speaks for half an hour to an hour. 00:06:33.960 --> 00:06:34.639 Today half an hour. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:37.620 Then we pray and we sing some more. 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:39.439 And then afterwards we all go off. 00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:39.879 We scatter. 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:41.040 Some people buy lunch. 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:42.660 We go up to the 14th floor, eat lunch together. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:43.699 Okay? 00:06:44.220 --> 00:06:45.400 That's what we do every week. 00:06:46.299 --> 00:06:48.679 And if we're honest sometimes, it can feel routine. 00:06:49.319 --> 00:06:49.759 Repetitive. 00:06:49.859 --> 00:06:50.479 Rinse and repeat. 00:06:51.739 --> 00:06:55.899 Some people, tongue in cheek, will describe the modern church like this. 00:06:56.359 --> 00:06:58.560 As a concert followed by a TED talk. 00:06:59.039 --> 00:07:00.620 A concert and a TED talk. 00:07:01.419 --> 00:07:03.399 Is that all there is to church? 00:07:04.359 --> 00:07:06.159 We gather week after week after week. 00:07:06.599 --> 00:07:09.019 And so I think it's worth some time to stop and think, 00:07:09.419 --> 00:07:10.039 Why? 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:11.919 Why do we do what we do? 00:07:12.039 --> 00:07:13.659 If we're going to keep meeting every Sunday, 00:07:13.660 --> 00:07:15.760 It's worth spending one week asking, 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:16.780 Why? 00:07:17.080 --> 00:07:18.400 Why are we doing what we're doing? 00:07:19.280 --> 00:07:19.480 Okay? 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:21.140 And if you're new here, 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:22.560 Maybe you're already wondering, 00:07:22.980 --> 00:07:25.300 Why do Christians like their karaoke so much? 00:07:25.320 --> 00:07:26.920 Why are they singing so many songs? 00:07:27.300 --> 00:07:30.220 And why do they like listening to a guy speak so long? 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:31.760 Why do they like their lectures? 00:07:32.320 --> 00:07:34.100 We're going to try to answer these questions today. 00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:37.180 And as Jay mentioned, 00:07:37.180 --> 00:07:40.820 There's a key thread tying together everything that we do on a Sunday morning. 00:07:40.819 --> 00:07:43.060 And that is worship. 00:07:43.980 --> 00:07:46.659 Celebration of all that God has done for us in Christ. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:47.959 We are here. 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:50.019 We're gathered here today to worship. 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:53.920 And that's why our gathering is often called a worship service. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:56.319 Because we're here to worship God. 00:07:56.399 --> 00:07:57.579 That is the main reason. 00:07:58.079 --> 00:07:59.659 And remember, we need one another. 00:08:00.039 --> 00:08:01.159 We could worship God anywhere. 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:04.519 And actually, we are to worship God with our whole lives. 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:07.599 But the reason that we gather to worship God, 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:10.519 The reason that we come here together, 00:08:11.219 --> 00:08:12.519 Is because we are worshiping, 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:15.299 We want to worship God with one another. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:18.399 There's something about gathering together and doing it with one another, 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:20.639 That fuels our worship. 00:08:21.659 --> 00:08:25.019 And that's the point of why we come here on a Sunday. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:26.359 And to see that, 00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:28.680 We'll turn to Colossians chapter 3. 00:08:28.799 --> 00:08:30.839 Open up your Bibles, if you have one with me, 00:08:30.899 --> 00:08:32.220 To Colossians chapter 3. 00:08:32.439 --> 00:08:33.960 I'll invite Felicia up to read for us. 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:36.560 We're going to read from verse 12, 00:08:36.680 --> 00:08:39.540 But we'll focus on verses 16 to 17 today. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:41.400 So let's stand together as an act of worship, 00:08:41.400 --> 00:08:43.500 As we read the word of God together. 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:49.560 Colossians chapter 3, verses 12 to 17. 00:08:50.040 --> 00:08:52.379 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:53.560 Holy and beloved, 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:54.980 Compassionate hearts, 00:08:55.460 --> 00:08:56.000 Kindness, 00:08:56.340 --> 00:08:56.759 Humility, 00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:57.580 Meekness, 00:08:57.740 --> 00:08:58.360 And patience, 00:08:58.940 --> 00:09:00.000 Bearing with one another, 00:09:00.300 --> 00:09:02.540 And, if one has a complaint against another, 00:09:02.820 --> 00:09:03.940 Forgiving each other, 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:05.980 As the Lord has forgiven you, 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:07.540 So you also must forgive. 00:09:08.180 --> 00:09:09.259 And above all these, 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.000 Put on love, 00:09:10.180 --> 00:09:12.639 Which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:15.540 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:17.860 To which indeed you are called in one body. 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:18.980 And be thankful. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:21.519 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:24.500 Teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, 00:09:25.060 --> 00:09:27.440 Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:29.540 With thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:09:29.539 --> 00:09:31.079 And whatever you do, 00:09:31.219 --> 00:09:32.179 In word or deed, 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:34.659 Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:37.179 Giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:39.599 This is the word of God. 00:09:39.759 --> 00:09:40.539 Please take a seat. 00:09:40.919 --> 00:09:41.539 Thank you, Felicia. 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:44.480 So again, 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:46.099 When we come together on a Sunday, 00:09:46.919 --> 00:09:47.819 The reason you're here, 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:49.120 The key reason, 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:51.439 Is to worship God with one another. 00:09:51.939 --> 00:09:53.799 Now what does it mean to worship? 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:56.399 Worship is a term that we throw around all the time, 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:57.339 At the church. 00:09:57.719 --> 00:09:58.659 We talk about worship. 00:09:59.459 --> 00:10:01.039 But even if you're new to church, 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:03.379 Even if it's your first time here today at church, 00:10:03.799 --> 00:10:05.919 I think you know all about worship. 00:10:06.019 --> 00:10:07.719 You already know all about worship. 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:09.879 Because in the context of, 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:10.399 For example, 00:10:10.540 --> 00:10:11.740 Celebrities and musicians, 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:13.540 We say that fans, 00:10:13.759 --> 00:10:15.340 They worship their idols. 00:10:15.660 --> 00:10:16.040 Some people, 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:16.759 Not me of course, 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.440 Worship Taylor Swift. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:19.700 They love her. 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:21.259 In Hong Kong, 00:10:21.440 --> 00:10:22.580 There's grown married women, 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:24.379 Who worship Gung To. 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:25.580 They love him. 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:28.139 Others worship athletes like LeBron, 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:28.800 Ronaldo. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.740 Some fans collect the sweaty jerseys, 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.960 That Ronaldo wore in games. 00:10:32.440 --> 00:10:33.500 There are actually people, 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:35.519 That are willing to pay millions of dollars, 00:10:35.740 --> 00:10:36.899 For some dude's dirty laundry. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.840 That's worship. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:41.920 To worship is to ascribe worth. 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.960 That's where the term worship comes from. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:45.279 Worth-ship. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:48.200 Worship is to consider someone worthy, 00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:49.379 As valuable, 00:10:49.660 --> 00:10:50.220 As precious. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:54.040 And when we worship on the inside in our hearts, 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:56.680 When we value something in our hearts, 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:59.379 It always shows up outside in action. 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:03.360 Taylor Swift fans memorize all her lyrics, 00:11:03.580 --> 00:11:04.420 Like scripture. 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:05.460 That's worship. 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:06.900 Last year, 00:11:07.300 --> 00:11:08.820 There were thousands of Gung To fans, 00:11:09.420 --> 00:11:10.620 Gathered in Causeway Bay, 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:12.400 To celebrate this guy's birthday. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:13.600 And get this, 00:11:13.759 --> 00:11:15.300 Some even flew in from America, 00:11:15.420 --> 00:11:16.180 Just for this event. 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:17.960 And he didn't even show up to it. 00:11:19.300 --> 00:11:21.400 Everybody knows how to worship. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:23.960 And so how much more, 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:25.600 Should we the church worship? 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:27.420 If the spirit really lives enough, 00:11:27.540 --> 00:11:29.259 If Jesus really did die for us, 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:31.240 How much more should we worship? 00:11:31.560 --> 00:11:32.700 And that's what Paul writes about, 00:11:32.700 --> 00:11:33.800 In Colossians chapter 3. 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:35.100 He's addressing the church. 00:11:35.780 --> 00:11:36.320 Verse 14, 00:11:36.400 --> 00:11:36.700 He says, 00:11:37.160 --> 00:11:39.420 There are people marked by love for one another. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:41.000 In verse 15, 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:43.080 They're called together in one body. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:44.740 And to that united body, 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:45.240 The church, 00:11:45.460 --> 00:11:46.259 He tells them, 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.560 Be thankful. 00:11:48.020 --> 00:11:49.820 Have thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:11:50.400 --> 00:11:52.700 We are to overflow with thankfulness, 00:11:52.700 --> 00:11:53.840 In our hearts to God always. 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:54.540 But especially, 00:11:54.820 --> 00:11:55.960 When we gather together. 00:11:56.160 --> 00:11:58.040 We gather together in worship. 00:11:58.540 --> 00:11:59.540 Because we the church, 00:11:59.640 --> 00:12:00.340 We're God's people. 00:12:01.160 --> 00:12:02.200 We're God's chosen ones, 00:12:02.280 --> 00:12:03.160 Holy and beloved. 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.460 That's what it says in verse 12. 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:06.180 God shows his love for us, 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:07.460 In that while we are still sinners, 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.680 Christ died for us. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.420 We've been made alive together with Christ, 00:12:10.680 --> 00:12:12.500 And his spirit is within us. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:13.879 So when we, 00:12:14.160 --> 00:12:14.540 God's people, 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:16.000 Come together in one body, 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:16.600 We worship. 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:18.440 It's the only fitting response. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:21.019 We ought to declare that God is worthy. 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:22.040 That God is good. 00:12:22.040 --> 00:12:23.340 He's more precious and valuable 00:12:23.340 --> 00:12:24.759 Than anything else in this world. 00:12:25.160 --> 00:12:26.940 And when that's the deepest cry of our hearts, 00:12:27.379 --> 00:12:28.759 That love doesn't stay inside. 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:30.240 It has to overflow. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.720 It expresses itself in songs, 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:33.399 Hymns, 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:34.159 Spiritual songs, 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:35.120 In preaching, 00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:35.819 In prayer, 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:36.539 In giving, 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:37.700 In loving one another. 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:39.019 That's our worship. 00:12:40.419 --> 00:12:42.379 And so God wants us to worship together. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:44.240 But how do we do that? 00:12:44.319 --> 00:12:46.580 How does God say we are to worship him? 00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:48.159 What should our worship look like? 00:12:48.939 --> 00:12:49.960 Now for some of you, 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:51.679 The way that we worship here at the gathering, 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.539 That's all you know. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:53.659 But for others, 00:12:54.059 --> 00:12:56.519 I recognize that some of you come from many different traditions, 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:59.379 With many different styles and forms of worship. 00:13:00.319 --> 00:13:01.279 There's some people, 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.639 That come from house churches, 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:03.840 With eight people. 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:05.460 Others of you, 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:06.740 Come from mega churches, 00:13:06.919 --> 00:13:08.100 With eight satellite campuses. 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:10.980 Some love to sing rich doctrine, 00:13:11.579 --> 00:13:12.600 In city of light songs, 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:13.220 Like, 00:13:13.379 --> 00:13:13.960 Yet not I, 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:14.819 But through Christ in me. 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:17.059 There's others that would rather repeat, 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.279 Worthy years in your name, 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:18.600 Jesus. 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:19.639 Ten times. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:22.439 Some of us feel awkward, 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.220 Raising our hands in worship. 00:13:25.240 --> 00:13:26.580 Others are used to dancing, 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.039 Clapping, 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:27.419 Cheering. 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:28.399 That's what you're used to. 00:13:29.460 --> 00:13:30.860 Some prefer consistent, 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:32.139 Spirit-filled liturgy, 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:33.559 Week after week. 00:13:34.439 --> 00:13:35.980 Others crave unexpected, 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:37.539 Spirit-led spontaneity. 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:40.879 Some are used to taking communion weekly. 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:41.439 Others, 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:42.860 Just a few times a year. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.919 Some people prefer to just listen quietly, 00:13:45.919 --> 00:13:46.700 When someone's talking, 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:47.679 Like in Chinese culture. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:50.419 Others like the dynamic call and response, 00:13:50.899 --> 00:13:52.099 Of African-American preaching. 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:55.039 We all have different styles, 00:13:55.439 --> 00:13:55.879 Traditions, 00:13:56.219 --> 00:13:56.659 Preferences. 00:13:57.359 --> 00:13:58.539 And when we come together, 00:13:58.659 --> 00:13:59.839 With all these different preferences, 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:01.059 Naturally, 00:14:01.339 --> 00:14:02.779 We won't hit everyone's top choices. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.919 And on one hand, 00:14:05.459 --> 00:14:06.739 I want to know what you like. 00:14:06.839 --> 00:14:07.679 I want to know your preferences. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:09.379 I want to hear you out, 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:10.179 And get your feedback. 00:14:11.179 --> 00:14:12.179 But on the other hand, 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:14.459 If there's something that's not your top choice, 00:14:15.599 --> 00:14:16.799 That's totally fine too. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:19.319 Because we're not here to worship you. 00:14:19.819 --> 00:14:21.000 We're here to worship God. 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:22.399 We worship God, 00:14:22.479 --> 00:14:23.379 Not our own preferences. 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:24.679 And ultimately, 00:14:24.839 --> 00:14:26.959 What matters is not just what we like, 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:27.919 But what he likes. 00:14:28.079 --> 00:14:29.219 What is pleasing to him. 00:14:30.219 --> 00:14:31.299 Are we worshipping the way, 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:32.519 That God wants us to worship? 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:33.779 And actually, 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.719 When we look in his word, 00:14:34.819 --> 00:14:35.579 When he tells us, 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:36.779 How we are to worship him, 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:37.539 In his word, 00:14:37.599 --> 00:14:39.399 He gives us a lot of flexibility. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:40.799 There's a lot of styles, 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:41.719 And forms of worship, 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:42.719 That are pleasing to him, 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:45.799 And fit according to his word. 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:47.559 And there's also what's described, 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.219 And what's prescribed. 00:14:49.319 --> 00:14:50.259 Some things though, 00:14:50.339 --> 00:14:51.139 Are clear in his word. 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:53.679 That God is the center of worship. 00:14:53.839 --> 00:14:55.359 God is the one who is worthy, 00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:56.299 Not us. 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:57.819 And also, 00:14:58.679 --> 00:15:00.399 He wants us to count one another, 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.519 Others more significantly than ourselves. 00:15:02.959 --> 00:15:03.899 To humble ourselves, 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:05.259 As Ephesians 5 says, 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.659 To be filled with the spirit, 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.019 Addressing one another in psalms, 00:15:08.099 --> 00:15:08.299 Hymns, 00:15:08.339 --> 00:15:09.039 Spiritual songs, 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:11.259 And submitting to one another, 00:15:11.319 --> 00:15:12.799 Out of reverence for Christ. 00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:14.099 As we do that, 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.639 That is also our worship. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.859 I think there's something beautiful, 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:18.519 With people coming together, 00:15:18.599 --> 00:15:19.620 With lots of different preferences, 00:15:19.979 --> 00:15:20.319 Cultures, 00:15:20.679 --> 00:15:21.039 Styles, 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.039 And worshiping God, 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:24.079 In a variety of ways. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.419 That's a picture of, 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:26.759 The scene in Revelation, 00:15:27.199 --> 00:15:28.539 When people from every tribe, 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.199 Nation and tongue, 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.359 Gather before God, 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:30.839 In worship. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.719 So when we think about worship, 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:33.879 Let's not just ask, 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:34.959 What do I like? 00:15:34.979 --> 00:15:35.719 What do I prefer? 00:15:36.459 --> 00:15:37.519 What does the Bible say? 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:39.719 And what is best for building up the body? 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:42.639 What leads to edifying the church? 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:44.539 And now today, 00:15:44.599 --> 00:15:45.259 Looking at Colossians, 00:15:45.339 --> 00:15:47.120 We'll focus on two major elements, 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.279 Of our worship service, 00:15:48.699 --> 00:15:49.679 On things that God, 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:51.139 Instructs us to worship in, 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.959 Reading the word, 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:52.879 Singing in worship, 00:15:53.079 --> 00:15:54.699 To be worshipping in the word, 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:55.699 And also, 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.399 Worshipping through song, 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:58.699 And we'll see, 00:15:58.819 --> 00:15:59.959 What God says about worship, 00:16:00.099 --> 00:16:00.679 Recognizing that, 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:01.459 He actually gives us, 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.240 A pretty long leash, 00:16:02.299 --> 00:16:03.419 He gives us a wide, 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:05.699 He gives us a long leash, 00:16:05.699 --> 00:16:07.120 To worship with different styles, 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:07.979 And forms, 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:09.120 And, 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.359 Also note today, 00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:11.259 I'll leave out two, 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.679 Very important elements, 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:13.340 In worship, 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:15.259 We just won't cover that today, 00:16:15.319 --> 00:16:15.799 They're important, 00:16:16.319 --> 00:16:17.840 But we'll just leave out, 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:18.939 Prayer and communion, 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:20.559 And prayer is important, 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.500 In Colossians 4, 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:22.460 Chapter 2, 00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:24.220 Just a few verses down, 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:25.159 Paul tells the church, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:27.100 Continue steadfastly in prayer, 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.299 Prayer is worship, 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:30.299 Please join us at 1030, 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:31.720 To pray together, 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:32.720 We sometimes call it, 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.759 Pre-service prayer, 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.259 But also, 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:34.620 I think, 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.379 Praying together, 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:36.879 1030 is part of our worship, 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:38.220 And actually also, 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:39.700 From 11 to 1230, 00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:40.679 Also, 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.299 And so, 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:42.799 Yeah, 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.519 But today, 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:45.179 We won't focus on prayer, 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:46.639 We'll talk a lot about singing, 00:16:47.679 --> 00:16:49.259 And singing is in a way, 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:49.639 Prayer, 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:50.960 Just set to music, 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.919 As Augustine said, 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.100 He who sings, 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:55.200 Prays twice, 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:57.059 And there's more to prayer, 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:57.519 Than that, 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.840 But just know that prayer, 00:16:59.019 --> 00:17:00.620 Is part of our worship, 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:02.759 And another way, 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.480 That we worship, 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:04.779 Is through the Lord's Supper, 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:06.859 When we partake in communion, 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:08.680 When we drink the cup, 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:09.500 Eat the bread, 00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:11.899 That is a declaration of the gospel, 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.480 That Christ was broken, 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:14.740 And bled for our sins, 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.559 And that he will come again in glory, 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:18.240 But, 00:17:18.359 --> 00:17:19.599 To do communion justice, 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:21.460 We'll need to talk about it another week, 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.619 Communion though, 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.579 Is part of our worship, 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:24.700 But for today, 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:26.059 We'll focus on the word, 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:26.920 And on song, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.559 The concert, 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:29.420 And the TED talk, 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:30.000 As some would say, 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:32.160 Look with me at Colossians, 00:17:32.440 --> 00:17:33.379 Chapter 3, 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:34.019 Verse 16, 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:35.460 God says, 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.259 Let the word of Christ, 00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:38.599 Dwell in you richly, 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:41.119 And some people have observed, 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:41.759 When reading this, 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.579 God isn't saying, 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:43.680 Let the word of Christ, 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.639 Visit you occasionally, 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:45.700 It's saying, 00:17:46.139 --> 00:17:47.359 Let the word of Christ, 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:48.379 Dwell in you richly, 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:49.099 Not sometimes, 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.000 Let the word of Christ, 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:50.879 Dwell in you, 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:53.839 That's, 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:54.920 So that the word, 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:55.799 Lives with us, 00:17:55.879 --> 00:17:56.900 Makes its home, 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.639 In our hearts, 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:58.740 So that we love, 00:17:58.819 --> 00:17:59.400 The word of Christ, 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:00.180 And overflow, 00:18:00.639 --> 00:18:01.500 With the word of Christ, 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:02.420 And when we worship, 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:03.980 It is saturated, 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:05.160 With the word of Christ, 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.620 And there's a few, 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:07.979 Ways that we worship, 00:18:07.979 --> 00:18:08.439 In the word, 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:09.679 First, 00:18:10.039 --> 00:18:10.679 Most simply, 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.699 But arguably, 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:12.479 Most important, 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:13.979 Is we read the word, 00:18:14.239 --> 00:18:14.699 As Felicia, 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:16.039 Just did together with us, 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.959 And James actually, 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.799 Before he led us, 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:18.639 In musical worship, 00:18:19.139 --> 00:18:19.819 In our worship, 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:20.839 We read the scriptures, 00:18:21.399 --> 00:18:22.000 Because that's what, 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.079 Timothy chapter 4, 00:18:23.139 --> 00:18:23.879 Verse 13 says, 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:24.519 It says, 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:25.519 Devote yourself, 00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:26.839 To the public reading, 00:18:26.939 --> 00:18:27.379 Of scripture, 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:28.539 That's what Paul tells Timothy, 00:18:28.659 --> 00:18:29.379 Devote yourself, 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.539 To the public reading, 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:30.980 Of scripture, 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:32.679 We saw in Acts 2, 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:34.259 Also two weeks ago, 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.019 The early church, 00:18:35.139 --> 00:18:36.799 Was devoted to the apostles teaching, 00:18:37.679 --> 00:18:38.079 And, 00:18:38.179 --> 00:18:38.899 Here we see, 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.579 A clear command, 00:18:39.720 --> 00:18:40.240 In Timothy, 00:18:40.599 --> 00:18:41.119 Devote yourself, 00:18:41.179 --> 00:18:41.879 To the public reading, 00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:42.339 Of scripture, 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.599 So as we worship, 00:18:44.200 --> 00:18:44.839 We devote ourselves, 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:45.359 To reading, 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.279 Reading scripture, 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.319 And that's fitting, 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.419 Because Psalm 19 says, 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:49.599 The law of the Lord, 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.799 Is more precious than gold, 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:51.679 Sweeter than honey, 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:53.579 Isaiah 55, 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.480 That God's word, 00:18:54.659 --> 00:18:55.700 Does not return empty, 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:57.339 But accomplishes all its purposes, 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:59.819 And God doesn't just speak, 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.099 When a pastor speaks, 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:02.579 For example, 00:19:02.679 --> 00:19:03.339 In our life groups, 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:04.519 There's no preaching, 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.839 But our life groups, 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:07.220 Are focused on the word, 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.559 Because when we read the word, 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:09.740 God speaks, 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:11.019 And actually, 00:19:11.099 --> 00:19:12.079 Just this past Thursday, 00:19:12.399 --> 00:19:13.259 Julian was leading us, 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:14.299 Our life group was discussing, 00:19:14.419 --> 00:19:15.099 Last week's passage, 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:15.839 In Hebrews 10, 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:17.059 And as Damien, 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:18.759 Was reading some of these verses, 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:20.279 I was just moved to worship, 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:21.879 Every priest stands daily, 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:23.039 Offering repeatedly, 00:19:23.139 --> 00:19:23.980 The same sacrifices, 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:25.419 That can never take away sins, 00:19:25.899 --> 00:19:26.940 But when Christ has all, 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:27.879 Offered for all time, 00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:29.679 A single sacrifice for sins, 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.419 He sat down, 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:32.099 At the right hand of God, 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:33.399 Waiting from that time, 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:34.240 Until his enemies, 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.700 Should be made a footstool, 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:36.619 For his feet, 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:38.419 For by a single sacrifice, 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:40.079 He has perfected for all time, 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.740 Those who are being sanctified, 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:44.379 I just love that truth, 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.299 I love those verses, 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.839 Scripture leads us in worship, 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.619 In simply reading it sometimes, 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.359 That Jesus offered up, 00:19:50.399 --> 00:19:51.619 A single sacrifice for sins, 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.500 That it is finished, 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:53.619 He has the victory, 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.679 I love this truth, 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.659 In simply reading the Bible, 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:57.720 At life group this week, 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:58.899 The spirit moved me, 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.619 To worship, 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:02.659 And now also on Sundays, 00:20:02.719 --> 00:20:03.799 Aside from reading the scriptures, 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:05.219 If you've been paying any attention, 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:06.000 The past ten minutes, 00:20:06.159 --> 00:20:08.119 You'll know that we also preach the word, 00:20:08.599 --> 00:20:09.979 We read and also preach, 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:10.839 Open up the word, 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.179 Exposit it, 00:20:12.459 --> 00:20:13.839 Encourage one another with it, 00:20:13.959 --> 00:20:14.759 That's the second way, 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:15.779 We worship in the word together, 00:20:15.959 --> 00:20:17.079 We read the word, 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:18.579 And we also preach the word, 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:20.720 Now I want to say a bit more, 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.839 About what preaching is, 00:20:21.919 --> 00:20:22.759 Because there's a difference, 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.559 Between preaching, 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:24.899 And the TED talk, 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.399 In 2nd Timothy, 00:20:26.879 --> 00:20:27.960 Chapter 4 verse 2, 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.919 Paul addresses, 00:20:29.179 --> 00:20:30.240 The young pastor Timothy, 00:20:30.419 --> 00:20:30.960 His protege, 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:31.859 And says, 00:20:32.199 --> 00:20:32.919 I charge you, 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:34.159 In the presence of God, 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:35.359 And of Christ Jesus, 00:20:35.879 --> 00:20:36.919 In the presence of God, 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.099 And of Christ Jesus, 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:40.199 Preach the word, 00:20:41.139 --> 00:20:41.960 Paul doesn't say, 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.299 Preach life hacks, 00:20:43.939 --> 00:20:44.679 Preach good ideas, 00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.399 Preach interesting stories, 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.980 But before God, 00:20:48.080 --> 00:20:48.759 And Christ Jesus, 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.460 Your charge, 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.780 Is to preach the word, 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.660 And so when we preach, 00:20:53.540 --> 00:20:54.740 We root our preaching, 00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:55.259 In scripture, 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.680 We do our best to, 00:20:57.100 --> 00:20:58.519 If you're looking to hear, 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.320 Someone's opinion, 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:00.500 On five tips, 00:21:00.560 --> 00:21:01.360 To boost your confidence, 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:02.920 You can find that elsewhere, 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.040 There's other people, 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:04.759 Who can tell you that, 00:21:05.280 --> 00:21:06.480 We're here to worship God, 00:21:06.560 --> 00:21:07.259 And that happens, 00:21:07.540 --> 00:21:08.560 When the word of God, 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.360 Is preached, 00:21:09.940 --> 00:21:11.300 Don't just listen to us, 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:11.960 When we preach, 00:21:12.060 --> 00:21:12.600 Grab a Bible, 00:21:12.600 --> 00:21:13.720 From the bookshelf over there, 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:15.060 On your way in, 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.240 And see for yourself, 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:17.400 Whether what we preach, 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.859 Is really the word of God, 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:20.819 And also generally, 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.700 We like our sermons, 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.079 To go through a book of the Bible, 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:23.519 Sequentially, 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:24.599 Week after week, 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:25.759 Because when you read, 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.539 Any other book, 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.460 You're reading a novel, 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.900 You don't just flip to chapter three, 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:30.559 Read a few verses here, 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:31.980 Read a few sentences here, 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:33.660 And then go on to chapter 13, 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.819 Read a few sentences there, 00:21:35.380 --> 00:21:36.279 You read sentences, 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:36.900 And paragraphs, 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:38.359 And chapters consecutively, 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.279 Because that's how most authors, 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:40.960 When they write, 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:41.680 Intend for you, 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:42.579 To read the book, 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:44.620 And we do the same with the Bible, 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:45.979 Most recently, 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:46.599 We've been preaching, 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.479 Through the book of Acts, 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.419 But these past few weeks, 00:21:48.459 --> 00:21:49.099 We're taking a break, 00:21:49.439 --> 00:21:50.939 Focusing on the topics of Advent, 00:21:51.479 --> 00:21:52.899 And now the church, 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:54.639 We've been taking a break, 00:21:54.659 --> 00:21:55.139 From that rhythm, 00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:56.179 Going through Acts, 00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:58.019 Anyways, 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:58.819 True preaching, 00:21:58.959 --> 00:22:00.139 Must be rooted, 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.159 On the word of God, 00:22:01.739 --> 00:22:03.459 Rather to be more precise, 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:04.500 Says here, 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.579 Preaching must be rooted, 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:07.500 On the word of Christ, 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.559 Remember, 00:22:08.699 --> 00:22:09.559 Verse 16 says, 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:11.519 Let the word of Christ, 00:22:12.179 --> 00:22:13.099 Dwell in you richly, 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.519 All scripture, 00:22:14.679 --> 00:22:15.759 Ultimately is about him, 00:22:16.159 --> 00:22:17.259 We read a few weeks ago, 00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:18.179 In Luke chapter 24, 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.139 The road to Emmaus, 00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:20.539 Jesus is the better Adam, 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:21.259 The better Joseph, 00:22:21.379 --> 00:22:21.960 The better Moses, 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.720 All the promises of God, 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.460 Find their yes, 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:25.399 In Christ, 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:27.079 And that's why we're committed, 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.980 To preaching Christ, 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:29.500 Because what else, 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.359 Would we rather preach, 00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:31.960 The cross of Christ, 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:33.240 Is the greatest revelation, 00:22:33.679 --> 00:22:34.639 Of the glory of God, 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.759 On the cross, 00:22:35.879 --> 00:22:36.779 God's perfections, 00:22:36.899 --> 00:22:38.119 Are put on full display, 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:39.279 The cross shows, 00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.099 That we have sinned, 00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.799 Against a holy, 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:41.699 And just God, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:43.279 That we deserve his full wrath, 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.119 But God, 00:22:44.199 --> 00:22:45.239 Being rich in mercy, 00:22:45.639 --> 00:22:47.019 Because of the great love, 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:47.919 With which he loved us, 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.000 Made us alive, 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:50.099 Together with Christ, 00:22:50.199 --> 00:22:51.059 Even when we were dead, 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.839 In our trespasses, 00:22:52.079 --> 00:22:52.659 By grace, 00:22:52.939 --> 00:22:53.739 You have been saved, 00:22:54.459 --> 00:22:56.619 And if you confess, 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.179 With your mouth, 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.099 That Jesus is Lord, 00:22:58.239 --> 00:22:59.359 And believe in your heart, 00:22:59.419 --> 00:23:00.039 That God raised him, 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:00.479 From the dead, 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.559 You will be saved, 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.159 There is no greater news, 00:23:03.199 --> 00:23:03.459 Than this, 00:23:03.599 --> 00:23:04.719 There is no other word, 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.599 I would rather preach, 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:07.619 And that's our commitment to you, 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.739 We preach the gospel, 00:23:09.239 --> 00:23:10.719 We preach that we are all sinners, 00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:12.359 Christ was crucified for our sins, 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.419 He rose from the dead, 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.759 He will come again in glory, 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:16.179 And that you are saved by faith alone, 00:23:16.459 --> 00:23:17.359 Through grace alone, 00:23:17.639 --> 00:23:18.099 In Christ, 00:23:18.979 --> 00:23:21.539 And as we see Christ on display, 00:23:21.699 --> 00:23:23.639 That should lead us to worship, 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.899 Preaching includes teaching, 00:23:26.199 --> 00:23:27.219 Information transfer, 00:23:27.399 --> 00:23:28.459 But the goal of preaching, 00:23:28.559 --> 00:23:29.959 Isn't just information in our heads, 00:23:30.219 --> 00:23:31.939 But also worship in our hearts, 00:23:32.399 --> 00:23:33.339 That's the ultimate goal, 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:34.139 Every week, 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.720 When we open up the word, 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:37.740 The goal is for everyone, 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:40.059 Is for every one of us to say, 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.319 Give me Jesus, 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.279 Give me Jesus, 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:45.720 Career, 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.139 Comfort, 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.319 Status, 00:23:48.819 --> 00:23:49.259 Security, 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.199 We talking about money, 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.299 Seriously, 00:23:52.459 --> 00:23:52.959 Mammon who, 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.179 They're all just holding up, 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.139 A candle to the sun, 00:23:56.379 --> 00:23:58.079 You can have all this world, 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.759 Give me Jesus, 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:02.180 That's what we aim for, 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:02.900 Every Sunday, 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.160 In everything, 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.160 Word or deed, 00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:06.680 Do everything in the name, 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.559 Of the Lord Jesus, 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.960 Giving thanks to God the Father, 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.480 Through him, 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.819 And to do that, 00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:11.619 We read the word, 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.640 And we preach the word of Christ, 00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:14.819 The gospel in worship, 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:17.420 And when, 00:24:17.640 --> 00:24:18.379 The word of Christ, 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.480 Truly dwells in us, 00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:21.000 When we fix our eyes, 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:23.039 On the weight of our sin, 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.539 And the grace that God, 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:26.579 Richly lavished upon us in Christ, 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:28.240 Then, 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.819 Words aren't enough, 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:32.200 There's too many thank yous to say, 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:34.380 There's too much praise to speak, 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.480 We need more than just, 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.460 To say it, 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:37.880 We have to sing, 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:40.279 And that's the next way we worship, 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.859 We worship in song, 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:44.819 There's a difference between saying, 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.500 Happy birthday Rocky, 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:48.180 And singing happy birthday, 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.200 It's Rocky's birthday tomorrow by the way, 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.039 You can sing to him later, 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:55.759 When Aladdin took Jasmine on a magic carpet, 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:57.920 She didn't just say, 00:24:58.359 --> 00:24:58.640 Wow, 00:24:58.879 --> 00:24:59.440 Nice view, 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:00.900 She sings, 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.579 A whole new world, 00:25:02.900 --> 00:25:03.480 She sings, 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:06.539 And when we open up the Bible, 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:08.099 With unveiled faces, 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.900 Seeing the glory of God, 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:11.599 We have to sing, 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.400 I can't help but declare, 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.720 It was my cross you bore, 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:16.180 And now my shame is gone, 00:25:16.279 --> 00:25:17.400 Worthy is your name Jesus, 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:18.700 You deserve the praise, 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:20.740 That's the only right response, 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.660 We have to sing, 00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:25.559 And we identify worship so much, 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.400 In singing, 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:28.319 As James and Caleb pointed out to us, 00:25:28.539 --> 00:25:29.079 That sometimes, 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:31.279 We just call musical worship, 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:32.339 As worship, 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:34.079 As if singing is the only, 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:34.960 Part of our worship, 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:36.500 That's the only way we worship, 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.220 That's a little pet peeve of mine, 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.620 Everything is worship, 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:40.680 Everything, 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.279 Every part of our lives is worship, 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:43.220 Not just singing, 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.660 And language matters, 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:46.680 So I prefer to say musical worship, 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:48.340 And the music team, 00:25:48.440 --> 00:25:49.380 Or worship musicians, 00:25:49.539 --> 00:25:50.880 Otherwise call the kids well teachers, 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:52.279 Call people setting up the chairs, 00:25:52.420 --> 00:25:53.000 The worship team, 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:54.740 But anyways, 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.940 Colossians tells us a few points, 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:58.600 About singing together as a church, 00:25:59.340 --> 00:25:59.860 First, 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:02.019 Our singing must be rooted in the word, 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:03.200 Look at verse 16, 00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:05.740 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:07.120 Teaching and admonishing, 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:08.100 In all wisdom, 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.420 And how do we do all that? 00:26:09.820 --> 00:26:10.779 It's by singing, 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.759 Psalms, 00:26:12.060 --> 00:26:12.340 Hymns, 00:26:12.600 --> 00:26:13.220 Spiritual songs, 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.820 With thankfulness in your hearts to God, 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.700 We teach, 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:17.299 And admonish one another in wisdom, 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.000 By singing, 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:20.019 That's how the word of Christ dwells in us, 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.580 Because when we sing, 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.759 We're teaching each other the word of God, 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:25.680 This means that we must be thoughtful, 00:26:26.360 --> 00:26:27.039 In what we sing, 00:26:27.680 --> 00:26:29.900 We don't sing songs just because they're good and catchy, 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.700 They make us feel good, 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:33.080 We could meet at Red Mister, 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.960 And sing Backstreet Boys, 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.680 If that's the case, 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:37.160 But verse 16 says, 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.799 We teach and instruct one another, 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:39.460 As we sing, 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.700 And you might remember, 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:44.000 More of what we sing than what we teach, 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:46.960 If Jay didn't come up and share with us earlier, 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:49.319 How many people would remember what James said yesterday? 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:50.660 But, 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:51.859 In a month, 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:54.220 Many of you will be able to sing from memory, 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.619 Give me Jesus, 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:58.019 Or other songs that you listen to, 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.859 Because music teaches us, 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:01.440 Music catechizes us, 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:04.559 We did an exercise with the worship musicians, 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.740 Several months ago, 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.920 And also G.U. this Friday, 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:08.500 To see where in the Bible, 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:10.640 The lyrics that we sing come from, 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:14.359 And it gives me confidence to know that I'm singing scripture, 00:27:14.920 --> 00:27:16.539 Not just a song that someone wrote, 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:19.180 But I'm singing the truth of God back to God, 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:21.160 Do you recognize these verses? 00:27:21.619 --> 00:27:23.039 1 Corinthians 15 verse 10, 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:25.319 I worked harder than any of them, 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:26.519 Yet not I, 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:28.599 But the grace of God that is with me, 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.819 Galatians 2.20, 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:31.679 It is no longer I who live, 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:33.319 But Christ who lives in me, 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:34.819 In other words, 00:27:35.439 --> 00:27:36.079 Yet not I, 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.460 But through Christ in me, 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:38.599 That is the life I live, 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:42.159 How can we have confidence to sing with all our hearts? 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:44.519 It's when we're singing the word of Christ, 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:47.240 And also a brief point of personal reflection, 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:49.359 What music are you listening to all week? 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.679 What are you filling your minds with? 00:27:50.939 --> 00:27:53.299 What are the songs that you listen teaching you? 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:55.220 Are they teaching you to worship Christ? 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:57.480 Are they teaching you to worship money, 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.279 Sex, 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.279 Reckless Abandoned? 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:00.799 What songs are shaping your heart? 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:03.079 What do we sing? 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:05.160 What do we sing when we gather as a church? 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:07.339 We sing the word of Christ. 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:09.079 And here's another question, 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.359 Who do we sing to? 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.559 Who do we sing to? 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.220 As a church, 00:28:12.639 --> 00:28:13.460 Who do we sing to? 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:14.920 And obviously, 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:15.920 We're singing to God, 00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:17.039 We're worshiping God, 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:18.619 If God is not in the picture, 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.240 It's karaoke, 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:19.859 Not worship. 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.700 Worship is vertical between us and God, 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:23.639 But also, 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:25.039 Our singing is horizontal. 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.859 We sing to one another, 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.579 Look at verse 16 again, 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:29.220 As we sing, 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:30.919 We're teaching and admonishing who? 00:28:31.879 --> 00:28:34.079 Teaching and admonishing one another. 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:36.019 When we sing, 00:28:36.119 --> 00:28:36.539 Absolutely, 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.480 We sing to God, 00:28:37.859 --> 00:28:39.740 But we also sing to one another. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.960 And if you watch sports, 00:28:42.179 --> 00:28:42.939 You'll know this, 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:46.240 There's a difference between watching basketball on your couch all by yourself, 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.539 Versus having a bunch of friends over, 00:28:49.199 --> 00:28:50.039 Or being at the stadium, 00:28:50.159 --> 00:28:50.859 Cheering all together. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:52.439 It's a different atmosphere, 00:28:52.439 --> 00:28:54.339 When we have 10 or 10,000 people, 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:56.979 Cheering with us for the same team. 00:28:58.399 --> 00:28:59.479 It fires us up. 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:00.559 When you cheer, 00:29:00.819 --> 00:29:01.479 I cheer. 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:03.779 Your passion fuels my passion. 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:06.199 If you have ever watched a game alone, 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:07.159 You'll know that feeling, 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:07.679 When you hear, 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.159 Corey for three, 00:29:09.699 --> 00:29:10.199 Bang! 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:10.979 And then you're like, 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:11.439 Come on, 00:29:11.659 --> 00:29:12.359 But no one's there. 00:29:12.959 --> 00:29:13.079 Right? 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:14.979 Wishing you had someone to celebrate with, 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:16.179 Because you're just so happy. 00:29:17.080 --> 00:29:19.400 We were made to worship together. 00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:23.360 And that's why we arranged the chairs like this in a semicircle. 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:25.940 We could have all the chairs facing forward in rows. 00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:28.039 That might be a bit more space efficient. 00:29:28.600 --> 00:29:30.420 But we do this as much as possible, 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:34.000 Because we want to be facing one another, 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:35.140 And see one another, 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:38.240 So that we can spur up one another to love and good works. 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:39.019 When we sing, 00:29:39.080 --> 00:29:41.400 I don't want just everyone looking at the band or at the lyrics, 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.340 But at one another. 00:29:43.340 --> 00:29:46.160 To hear the gathered church worshipping together, 00:29:46.180 --> 00:29:48.600 So that your worship fuels my worship, 00:29:48.840 --> 00:29:50.299 Your passion fuels my passion, 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.759 Your love fuels my love, 00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:53.080 So that we can teach one another, 00:29:53.180 --> 00:29:55.080 And admonish one another as we sing. 00:29:56.539 --> 00:30:00.160 And I also want us to bring our attention to that word in verse 16, 00:30:00.320 --> 00:30:01.200 Admonish one another. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.960 We admonish one another. 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:03.680 What does that mean? 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:06.259 To admonish is to warn, 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.400 To tell off, 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.299 To rebuke, 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:09.519 And maybe even to scold. 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.860 That got me thinking, 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:13.840 How do we admonish one another in song? 00:30:14.579 --> 00:30:16.539 How do we warn and rebuke when we sing? 00:30:16.659 --> 00:30:17.259 That intrigued me. 00:30:17.779 --> 00:30:18.579 I get how we teach. 00:30:18.679 --> 00:30:19.459 I get how we encourage. 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.839 How do we admonish? 00:30:21.919 --> 00:30:24.179 I was thinking about that until I remembered actually one time, 00:30:24.539 --> 00:30:26.779 When I was admonished through someone singing. 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:29.039 It was my first year of university. 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.720 I was at our campus fellowship. 00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:32.600 I've been going to church my whole life. 00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:35.019 Yeah, Caleb's saying, 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.420 Let's go, 00:30:35.519 --> 00:30:36.819 Because Caleb and I, 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.539 For the answer, 00:30:37.620 --> 00:30:39.240 Went to the same Christian fellowship at the university. 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:41.480 But as usual, 00:30:41.600 --> 00:30:42.799 We were singing a few songs. 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:44.079 And I was there, 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:45.680 Just mumbling along to the songs, 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:46.519 Half paying attention. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.600 I was looking around. 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:49.140 I looked over, 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:50.180 And I see next to me, 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.539 There was a girl, 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:54.180 With her arms outstretched, 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.279 Fully praising God, 00:30:55.360 --> 00:30:56.539 Singing with all her heart. 00:30:57.339 --> 00:30:57.559 Well, 00:30:57.640 --> 00:30:58.779 I can't see her heart, 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:00.420 But that's what it looked like from the outside. 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:02.579 And when I saw that, 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:05.079 Her singing admonished me. 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:07.119 I grew up going to church. 00:31:07.639 --> 00:31:10.139 I grew up singing these songs so many times. 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.680 But I remember thinking, 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:15.259 Never once have I sang like that from the bottom of my heart. 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.920 I don't sing like that. 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.299 And that got me thinking, 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:19.599 Why? 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:22.059 If I say I love God, 00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:23.539 Why don't I sing like that? 00:31:23.579 --> 00:31:24.339 What's going on? 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.299 If I love God, 00:31:26.859 --> 00:31:27.359 Why don't I sing? 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:28.500 And that led me to admit, 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:30.079 I say that I'm a Christian. 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:30.759 I love God. 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:31.759 But deep down, 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:34.400 I know that if I really did love God, 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:35.700 Everything would be different. 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:37.059 When you love God, 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:37.799 When you follow God, 00:31:37.859 --> 00:31:38.779 Your whole life changes. 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:41.359 My heart and my life would be totally different. 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.640 And when I saw that, 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:44.099 I realized, 00:31:44.180 --> 00:31:45.119 I need to be honest with myself. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:47.240 I was at Crossroads back in my first year of university. 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:48.519 And I need to make a choice. 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.920 I need to truly love God, 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:52.240 Or to admit the truth, 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:54.640 That I don't actually believe in Him. 00:31:55.059 --> 00:31:55.900 I say I'm a Christian, 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:57.440 Just because I grew up in church, 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:58.359 And my parents are Christian. 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:00.440 But I don't really love Him. 00:32:01.660 --> 00:32:02.759 And that was all because, 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:04.259 The Spirit of God, 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:05.400 Used one girl singing, 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.779 To admonish me. 00:32:07.579 --> 00:32:08.160 When we sing, 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.160 We admonish one another, 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:10.700 By showing this is the beauty, 00:32:10.960 --> 00:32:12.599 And the joy of loving the Lord. 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:13.680 Unless you repent, 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.900 And put your faith in Christ, 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:16.180 Unless you persist, 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.400 In that faith and love, 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.839 You have no part in this joy. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:20.980 And so we teach, 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:22.500 And admonish one another in song. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:25.000 So when we sing later, 00:32:25.140 --> 00:32:26.339 When we sing as we gather, 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:28.180 Sing for the good of those around you. 00:32:28.380 --> 00:32:29.359 Feel free to lift your hands, 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:29.920 Sing louder. 00:32:30.099 --> 00:32:30.880 Not to perform, 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:32.680 And not saying that singing louder, 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.440 And lifting your hands, 00:32:33.660 --> 00:32:34.859 Is the only expression of worship. 00:32:35.900 --> 00:32:37.279 But be free to, 00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:39.140 Worship God from the bottom of your heart. 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:41.339 Not to show off how holy you are. 00:32:41.839 --> 00:32:42.559 But out of love, 00:32:42.660 --> 00:32:43.279 Both for God, 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:44.279 And for one another. 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.779 So that the person next to me, 00:32:45.900 --> 00:32:46.460 Can be taught, 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.000 Admonished. 00:32:47.039 --> 00:32:47.680 So that we can teach, 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:48.559 Admonish one another, 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.640 Encourage one another, 00:32:49.640 --> 00:32:51.080 Stir up one another, 00:32:51.300 --> 00:32:52.380 To love and good works. 00:32:52.860 --> 00:32:53.340 So that we, 00:32:53.600 --> 00:32:54.460 Together as a church, 00:32:54.520 --> 00:32:55.020 When we gather, 00:32:55.120 --> 00:32:56.280 We can give our outmost, 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.580 To God in worship. 00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:01.200 We gather, 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:02.460 To worship God together. 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:04.500 And so whether it's, 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.080 Singing, 00:33:05.880 --> 00:33:06.380 Preaching, 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:07.320 Praying, 00:33:07.800 --> 00:33:08.120 Giving, 00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:09.800 Even maybe announcements, 00:33:10.460 --> 00:33:11.860 It's all for one purpose. 00:33:12.280 --> 00:33:13.360 We worship God, 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:14.180 With one another. 00:33:15.340 --> 00:33:16.120 But now, 00:33:17.120 --> 00:33:18.080 The sermon is nearly over. 00:33:18.940 --> 00:33:19.280 And, 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.279 In 10-15 minutes, 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:22.059 We'll be finished our response song. 00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:23.480 Now what? 00:33:24.799 --> 00:33:26.059 Look at verse 17. 00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.139 It says, 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:28.799 Whatever you do, 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:30.759 In word or deed, 00:33:31.399 --> 00:33:32.160 Do everything, 00:33:32.619 --> 00:33:33.879 In the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:33:34.619 --> 00:33:36.200 Giving thanks to God the Father, 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:36.859 Through him. 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:38.480 It says, 00:33:38.599 --> 00:33:39.180 Whatever we do, 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:40.759 Whatever you do, 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:43.680 Worship doesn't just end at 1230, 00:33:43.819 --> 00:33:44.940 When you walk out these doors. 00:33:46.200 --> 00:33:46.920 And sometimes it's because, 00:33:46.920 --> 00:33:47.899 We end a few minutes late. 00:33:47.900 --> 00:33:49.060 But also, 00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:51.320 Even though our worship service ends, 00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:54.320 Our worship itself never ends. 00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.380 Worship never ends. 00:33:56.280 --> 00:33:56.900 In everything, 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:58.600 In what you say, 00:33:58.720 --> 00:33:59.420 In what you do, 00:33:59.580 --> 00:34:00.480 In what you think, 00:34:00.880 --> 00:34:02.180 In everything in your life, 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:04.280 Do all to the glory of God, 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:05.640 In the name of Jesus Christ. 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:09.000 And James mentioned Formula One last week. 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:09.960 An analogy. 00:34:10.099 --> 00:34:11.920 That Sunday morning is like a pit stop. 00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:13.800 You can't be a lone racer. 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.840 You can't race without a team. 00:34:14.920 --> 00:34:15.500 We need a team. 00:34:15.700 --> 00:34:16.380 We need one another. 00:34:16.800 --> 00:34:17.639 We need a pit stop, 00:34:17.720 --> 00:34:18.260 To refuel, 00:34:18.639 --> 00:34:19.240 Change the tires. 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:21.019 And if we don't stop, 00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:23.099 If we don't pit, 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.880 We don't worship together, 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.360 Eventually, 00:34:24.740 --> 00:34:25.820 We run out of gas. 00:34:26.059 --> 00:34:27.619 We need our weekly worship, 00:34:27.700 --> 00:34:28.220 With one another. 00:34:29.380 --> 00:34:29.940 But also, 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:32.260 You don't just stay in the pit stop. 00:34:32.900 --> 00:34:34.340 We also have to go back out. 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.039 We gather, 00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:36.200 And scatter back out, 00:34:36.260 --> 00:34:36.900 Into our homes, 00:34:37.240 --> 00:34:37.860 Our schools, 00:34:38.200 --> 00:34:38.860 Our offices, 00:34:38.860 --> 00:34:40.900 And worship continues there. 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:43.240 And the world will try to convince you. 00:34:43.820 --> 00:34:44.340 Worship money. 00:34:44.640 --> 00:34:45.180 Worship sex. 00:34:45.700 --> 00:34:46.200 Worship power. 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.160 And every day, 00:34:47.280 --> 00:34:47.920 Every moment, 00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:48.980 It will be a fight to say, 00:34:49.860 --> 00:34:50.300 No, 00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:51.640 You can have all this world. 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.099 Give me Jesus. 00:34:54.200 --> 00:34:55.700 And I hope our worship today, 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:57.539 Refreshes our souls. 00:34:58.300 --> 00:34:59.500 And gives us a boost, 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:01.320 So that we can go back out. 00:35:01.380 --> 00:35:02.460 Because the race continues, 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:03.680 Monday through Sunday. 00:35:04.280 --> 00:35:05.660 And we need to run the race, 00:35:05.740 --> 00:35:06.460 Firm to the end. 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:08.579 And finally, 00:35:08.860 --> 00:35:10.440 All this, 00:35:10.780 --> 00:35:11.559 Our worship gathering, 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:13.559 That's just a foretaste, 00:35:13.680 --> 00:35:14.160 A rehearsal. 00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:16.140 If our hearts, 00:35:16.300 --> 00:35:17.940 If our hearts have ever burned, 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:19.220 When you were here, 00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:20.599 And you heard the word of God, 00:35:20.660 --> 00:35:21.300 Read and preached. 00:35:22.140 --> 00:35:23.780 If we've ever sang, 00:35:24.780 --> 00:35:26.059 Praise to Christ from the heart, 00:35:26.200 --> 00:35:26.480 Together. 00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:29.099 If you've ever been lifted up, 00:35:29.160 --> 00:35:29.680 By the encouragement, 00:35:29.820 --> 00:35:31.160 By the prayers of one another. 00:35:32.160 --> 00:35:33.480 Know that our gathering here today, 00:35:33.539 --> 00:35:35.200 Is just a little taste, 00:35:35.199 --> 00:35:36.460 Of, 00:35:36.859 --> 00:35:37.619 When we gather, 00:35:37.619 --> 00:35:38.899 Around the throne of God, 00:35:38.980 --> 00:35:39.859 In heaven in worship, 00:35:39.939 --> 00:35:41.279 With all the saints and angels, 00:35:41.419 --> 00:35:42.319 All of God's people, 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:43.460 Across all time, 00:35:43.719 --> 00:35:44.599 Across every nation, 00:35:44.919 --> 00:35:45.179 Tribe, 00:35:45.419 --> 00:35:45.839 And tongue, 00:35:45.939 --> 00:35:46.139 Past, 00:35:46.219 --> 00:35:46.399 Present, 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.799 Future. 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:48.580 And we sing, 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:49.580 Worship to him, 00:35:49.720 --> 00:35:51.680 Worthy is lamb who was slain, 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:53.560 Worthy is the lamb who was slain, 00:35:53.680 --> 00:35:54.000 Holy, 00:35:54.120 --> 00:35:54.360 Holy, 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:56.280 Holy is the Lord God Almighty, 00:35:56.440 --> 00:35:58.480 Who was and is and is to come. 00:35:58.720 --> 00:36:00.160 That's what we're looking forward to, 00:36:00.220 --> 00:36:01.680 When the day Christ returns, 00:36:01.800 --> 00:36:03.680 And we will worship God forever. 00:36:03.679 --> 00:36:07.699 Our gatherings now are just a taste, 00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:09.099 Rehearsal of what's to come. 00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:11.159 So let's practice well now. 00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:12.399 Let's practice well. 00:36:13.259 --> 00:36:14.079 Prepare for eternity, 00:36:14.419 --> 00:36:16.480 And encourage one another to get there, 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:18.619 To run this race with endurance, 00:36:18.940 --> 00:36:19.519 Finish it. 00:36:20.599 --> 00:36:21.619 In everything we do, 00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:22.419 Word and deed, 00:36:22.879 --> 00:36:23.779 Give thanks to God, 00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:24.619 Our Father. 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:29.659 Let the word of Christ dwell richly in us, 00:36:30.019 --> 00:36:30.879 So that we can sing, 00:36:30.879 --> 00:36:33.659 And enjoy singing his praises for all eternity. 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:35.199 Let's worship now. 00:36:35.299 --> 00:36:36.279 Let's continue worshiping, 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:38.639 As we pray and sing together. 00:36:43.480 --> 00:36:45.339 God, we simply worship you. 00:36:46.119 --> 00:36:48.599 Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. 00:36:49.879 --> 00:36:51.219 You're the one from whom, 00:36:51.359 --> 00:36:51.799 Through whom, 00:36:51.940 --> 00:36:53.259 To whom are all things. 00:36:54.659 --> 00:36:55.719 We praise you. 00:36:56.980 --> 00:36:58.199 Because while we are sinners, 00:36:58.480 --> 00:36:59.339 Christ died for us. 00:37:00.119 --> 00:37:01.980 And we just don't have the words to say. 00:37:02.059 --> 00:37:03.059 I don't even have the words, 00:37:03.059 --> 00:37:05.259 All the words to express, 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:06.980 How worthy you are. 00:37:07.500 --> 00:37:08.519 How glorious you are. 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:09.799 But we try. 00:37:11.480 --> 00:37:11.880 Spirit, 00:37:12.759 --> 00:37:14.519 Fill us with love. 00:37:15.039 --> 00:37:17.940 Fill us with a sense of awe and wonder at you. 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:20.679 Help us to love you as we ought to. 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:21.840 To say in our hearts, 00:37:22.380 --> 00:37:24.960 One day with you is better than a thousand elsewhere. 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:27.139 Help us to worship, 00:37:27.139 --> 00:37:28.259 Not just here today, 00:37:28.339 --> 00:37:30.179 But when we leave with all our lives. 00:37:30.639 --> 00:37:32.460 And help us worship now as we sing together. 00:37:33.319 --> 00:37:34.139 Pray in Jesus' name. 00:37:34.579 --> 00:37:34.759 Amen. 00:37:34.759 --> 00:37:34.859 Amen. 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:34.859 --> 00:37:34.859 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.019 00:37:35.019 --> 00:38:05.000 Thank you.