WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.360 So encouragement, I want to start by defining the terms. What do we mean when we talk about encouraging one another? 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:20.039 ! And when I speak encouragement, what have we got in mind? I think we've got to dismiss from our thinking that kind of soggy, soppy, feeble idea of encouragement. 00:00:20.039 --> 00:00:29.960 So if you read the Bible in an older translation, you might know the word comfort. So let's think about that. What do we use for the word comfort? 00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:42.640 Some of you children might have a blanket or a blankie. That is a comfort blanket, isn't it? And so you can't get to sleep without a tan or this blanket. 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:53.260 And we feel that comforting is something like that. Pulling an arm around someone, saying, there, there, cheer up, don't cry. 00:00:54.460 --> 00:01:04.040 Now the Holy Spirit does do that. But the word comfort is stronger than that. It means someone who stands by you. 00:01:04.040 --> 00:01:12.700 Somebody who stands by you to make you strong. The Latin word comfort is to have a fort put into you, to be brave. 00:01:13.840 --> 00:01:19.740 Psalm 23 says, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 00:01:20.880 --> 00:01:30.140 Now I doubt when you go home to bed tonight, you children, you would get a rod or a staff with you and snuggle up to that. You wouldn't do that. 00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:39.019 But a rod and a staff, they are an excellent thing to make you strong and brave in a dark valley, in the presence of wild beasts. 00:01:40.099 --> 00:01:44.519 That's when you need a strappled staff and you need a rod. 00:01:46.359 --> 00:01:50.500 And when we think of comfort and encouragement, that is the idea that we need to have. 00:01:52.219 --> 00:01:57.219 Encouragement is not necessarily soothing and quieting. 00:01:57.219 --> 00:02:00.780 Encouragement isn't necessarily gentle. 00:02:01.780 --> 00:02:05.480 But it's something inspiring and something inspiriting. 00:02:06.680 --> 00:02:08.740 It's to set us on our feet. 00:02:09.560 --> 00:02:14.819 To encourage someone is to fill them with moral energy, determination, enthusiasm. 00:02:15.319 --> 00:02:17.120 Encouragement is to make us stronger. 00:02:18.579 --> 00:02:21.620 Encouragement is to make us braver than we naturally are. 00:02:21.620 --> 00:02:30.680 And so we read of Judas and Silas, two Christians that went back to the Antioch church in the book of Acts. 00:02:31.099 --> 00:02:32.439 After the council of Jerusalem. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:35.580 And in Acts chapter 15 and verse 32. 00:02:36.240 --> 00:02:39.560 We're told, we can just get there, Acts 15 verse 32. 00:02:40.180 --> 00:02:43.819 We're told, Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets. 00:02:44.360 --> 00:02:47.759 Encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:50.879 So to encourage is to strengthen. 00:02:52.579 --> 00:02:54.539 To strengthen people to keep going. 00:02:55.399 --> 00:02:56.579 So you think of a marathon. 00:02:57.340 --> 00:03:01.659 And the marathon runners are encouraged by those who are lining the streets. 00:03:02.139 --> 00:03:04.399 And they urge them to keep going. 00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:08.340 Or it can be to be encouraged to get started. 00:03:09.479 --> 00:03:14.419 So we have dreams that we have visions and good ideas and intentions of things that we're going to do. 00:03:14.500 --> 00:03:16.379 But we never get around to actually doing them. 00:03:16.379 --> 00:03:18.500 Perhaps we're shy. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:21.019 Perhaps we're frightened. 00:03:21.240 --> 00:03:21.960 Perhaps we're lazy. 00:03:23.460 --> 00:03:24.740 And whatever the reasons. 00:03:25.759 --> 00:03:27.900 We never actually do these things. 00:03:28.079 --> 00:03:31.299 And an encourager is somebody who gets us going. 00:03:32.359 --> 00:03:35.359 Who goes us into doing what we're reluctant to do. 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:37.099 And we encourage one another. 00:03:38.819 --> 00:03:40.460 Now encouragement comes from God. 00:03:41.719 --> 00:03:43.439 God is the great encourager. 00:03:43.539 --> 00:03:44.659 We'll see something of that tonight. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:46.439 And we'll see something of that over the coming weeks. 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:49.799 And many times God encourages us directly. 00:03:51.079 --> 00:03:52.060 And we'll think about that. 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:56.240 But we also need to realise that God often uses means. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:00.780 And the means that God uses are our fellow believers. 00:04:02.060 --> 00:04:04.219 So Hebrews 10, 24 which we read. 00:04:04.620 --> 00:04:07.659 Let us consider how to stir up one another. 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:10.520 How to encourage one another to love and good deeds. 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:13.659 So my aim in these three sermons. 00:04:14.479 --> 00:04:16.680 Is that we would learn to do this more as a church family. 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:21.079 That we would go home on each of these three Sunday evenings. 00:04:21.219 --> 00:04:23.899 Saying God wants me to be an encourager. 00:04:23.899 --> 00:04:26.479 And that's something I must do. 00:04:27.679 --> 00:04:30.359 And I want to begin tonight with the need for encouraging one another. 00:04:31.519 --> 00:04:33.799 We need to be convinced as a church family. 00:04:33.919 --> 00:04:35.359 That this is something important. 00:04:35.620 --> 00:04:36.560 Something that's vital. 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:39.579 And it's absolutely necessary. 00:04:39.799 --> 00:04:41.659 Because if we don't believe that. 00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:43.459 Well we won't do it. 00:04:44.159 --> 00:04:45.599 We won't give ourselves to it. 00:04:45.639 --> 00:04:46.299 It is costly. 00:04:47.379 --> 00:04:49.799 To be an encourager actually is painful. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:50.819 And sometimes difficult. 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:53.259 And it's not an easy thing. 00:04:53.339 --> 00:04:55.540 So we need to be totally persuaded. 00:04:56.180 --> 00:04:57.339 Of it's vital importance. 00:04:57.500 --> 00:04:58.120 Four reasons. 00:04:58.819 --> 00:05:00.040 Why we need to encourage one another. 00:05:00.219 --> 00:05:00.399 So right. 00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:02.360 First of all. 00:05:02.420 --> 00:05:03.579 The absence of encouragement. 00:05:04.740 --> 00:05:05.899 The absence of encouragement. 00:05:07.800 --> 00:05:10.019 I wonder how would you assess. 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:12.060 The psychology. 00:05:12.339 --> 00:05:14.480 And the self image of Christians you know. 00:05:15.579 --> 00:05:16.759 I wonder how you do that. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:20.019 Would you say that the average Christian. 00:05:20.019 --> 00:05:20.979 That you know. 00:05:21.459 --> 00:05:22.599 Is self confident. 00:05:23.500 --> 00:05:23.939 Popular. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:25.479 And optimistic. 00:05:27.979 --> 00:05:29.120 Now unfortunately. 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:31.740 Too many Christians are far too self confident. 00:05:32.719 --> 00:05:34.180 And they're far too pleased with themselves. 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:34.539 Aren't they? 00:05:35.240 --> 00:05:36.740 And they're far too happy with themselves. 00:05:36.859 --> 00:05:38.459 That is one of the great great weaknesses. 00:05:38.859 --> 00:05:40.039 Of the Christian church today. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:42.500 There is isn't there. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:45.180 A rampant. 00:05:45.399 --> 00:05:46.219 Feel good. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:47.219 Therapeutic. 00:05:47.339 --> 00:05:47.740 Vision. 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:48.800 Of Christianity. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:50.240 You can see it on the God channel. 00:05:51.100 --> 00:05:52.040 So a religion. 00:05:52.040 --> 00:05:53.480 That has as its target. 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:55.460 That you are to make people. 00:05:55.699 --> 00:05:57.439 Feel happy about themselves. 00:05:58.699 --> 00:05:59.720 That we are to encourage. 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:00.740 Above everything else. 00:06:00.840 --> 00:06:02.579 A positive mental attitude. 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:04.220 About yourself. 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:05.360 So they teach that. 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.340 The purpose of Christianity. 00:06:06.340 --> 00:06:07.840 Is to make you feel good about yourself. 00:06:10.319 --> 00:06:11.160 Joel O'Steam will say. 00:06:11.199 --> 00:06:12.300 Well what does God say to us? 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:13.720 He says. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:14.439 Love your neighbour. 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:15.780 As yourself. 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:17.680 In other words. 00:06:18.340 --> 00:06:20.079 You can't love your neighbour. 00:06:21.620 --> 00:06:23.280 Unless you're first loving yourself. 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:26.180 And so your first duty. 00:06:27.100 --> 00:06:27.879 As a Christian. 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:29.019 Is to love yourself. 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:31.639 And then if you love yourself. 00:06:31.800 --> 00:06:33.720 You will be free to love your neighbour. 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:36.200 I will say. 00:06:36.440 --> 00:06:37.000 That is. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:38.140 Heretical. 00:06:39.460 --> 00:06:40.800 And that is a perversion. 00:06:41.420 --> 00:06:42.560 Of what Jesus is saying. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:44.900 Jesus knows. 00:06:45.960 --> 00:06:47.260 That we do love ourselves. 00:06:48.760 --> 00:06:50.300 We love ourselves far too much. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:53.700 Our self love. 00:06:54.700 --> 00:06:56.060 Gets us into all sorts of trouble. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:06:58.360 And Jesus is saying. 00:06:58.440 --> 00:06:58.740 There is the. 00:06:58.820 --> 00:07:00.540 You should give yourself to loving your neighbour. 00:07:00.540 --> 00:07:03.360 He is not commending or encouraging. 00:07:03.540 --> 00:07:04.140 Self love. 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:04.860 He is speaking about. 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:06.460 Sacrificial love of our neighbour. 00:07:07.160 --> 00:07:08.640 And that whole atmosphere. 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:10.580 Is intensely harmful. 00:07:12.280 --> 00:07:13.300 And it breeds. 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:14.560 A generation of Christians. 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:15.500 Who are shallow. 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:17.660 And frivolous. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:19.800 And they are taken in. 00:07:19.860 --> 00:07:21.220 By all sorts of nonsense. 00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:23.480 And they don't have. 00:07:23.580 --> 00:07:24.700 Tender consciences. 00:07:26.140 --> 00:07:27.020 And they don't have. 00:07:27.140 --> 00:07:28.480 A real awareness. 00:07:28.640 --> 00:07:30.080 Of the awfulness of sin. 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:31.120 They have little. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:32.240 Concept. 00:07:32.399 --> 00:07:32.659 Of the. 00:07:33.659 --> 00:07:34.180 Majestic. 00:07:34.979 --> 00:07:35.859 Greatness of God. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:36.419 And it is. 00:07:36.839 --> 00:07:37.279 Deplorable. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:40.199 But here is the point. 00:07:42.159 --> 00:07:43.419 What some Christians have done. 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:44.339 Is they have seen that. 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:47.419 They spot the error with that. 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:49.120 But they have overreacted. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:52.159 And they have gone to the other extreme. 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:52.799 As Christians. 00:07:53.259 --> 00:07:53.740 Unfortunately. 00:07:53.860 --> 00:07:54.419 Tend to do. 00:07:56.039 --> 00:07:57.019 And reformed churches. 00:07:57.259 --> 00:07:58.079 Like ours. 00:07:59.139 --> 00:07:59.839 Are no different. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:03.060 And so you can have churches. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:04.159 Like ours. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:05.719 Which believe the same things as we do. 00:08:05.800 --> 00:08:07.180 Where there is very little encouragement. 00:08:08.719 --> 00:08:10.180 Where the great goal. 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:12.180 Is to stop people becoming proud. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:15.139 Where there is far more emphasis. 00:08:15.339 --> 00:08:16.399 On rebuke and correction. 00:08:16.979 --> 00:08:19.259 Than loving commendation. 00:08:19.719 --> 00:08:20.419 And encouragement. 00:08:21.419 --> 00:08:22.319 And it is grim. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:24.699 And it is frowning. 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:27.199 And it is negative. 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:29.719 And the view is. 00:08:29.779 --> 00:08:30.399 Well that is the way. 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:31.360 That God wants us to be. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:32.480 And sadly some churches. 00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:34.299 That have wonderful. 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:35.720 Confessions of faith. 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:38.100 Are not encouraging places. 00:08:39.559 --> 00:08:40.159 And in fact. 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:40.860 They are discouraging. 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:44.399 And so you can probably think of. 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:45.659 Young people who grow up. 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:46.519 Terrified. 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:47.800 To come to the Lord's table. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:50.720 That they have been told. 00:08:50.820 --> 00:08:52.539 With such terrifying stress. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:54.820 That you can come unworthily. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:56.659 But they are paralysed. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:08:58.500 And they feel. 00:08:58.539 --> 00:08:59.840 How could I ever go. 00:09:00.060 --> 00:09:01.120 That cannot be right. 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:03.639 We don't want people. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:03.879 Do we. 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:04.560 To come flippantly. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:05.279 And frivolously. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:06.120 And thoughtlessly. 00:09:06.340 --> 00:09:07.179 But neither do we. 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:08.340 Want people to go to the other extreme. 00:09:10.740 --> 00:09:11.259 And sadly. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:12.200 Many people in churches. 00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:13.279 Like ours. 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:14.139 Are not confident. 00:09:15.060 --> 00:09:15.419 Vibrant. 00:09:15.539 --> 00:09:16.220 Energetic people. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:17.039 They are discouraged. 00:09:18.399 --> 00:09:19.159 And depressed. 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:19.860 And they are battered. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:20.460 And scarred. 00:09:20.560 --> 00:09:20.860 And timid. 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:21.279 And shy. 00:09:21.399 --> 00:09:21.779 And fearful. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:25.100 And life is hard. 00:09:25.159 --> 00:09:25.659 For many people. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:26.000 As it is. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:28.480 You look back. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:29.419 On the last six months. 00:09:29.759 --> 00:09:30.039 Of. 00:09:30.039 --> 00:09:32.240 Life. 00:09:32.319 --> 00:09:33.019 In this congregation. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:35.599 And. 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:36.719 There has been illness. 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:38.480 There has been bereavement. 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:40.439 And other stress. 00:09:41.939 --> 00:09:43.079 And there are many Christians. 00:09:43.219 --> 00:09:44.139 Who are burdened. 00:09:44.199 --> 00:09:45.439 And life is difficult. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:46.539 For them. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:48.779 Life is difficult. 00:09:49.079 --> 00:09:49.599 Living in London. 00:09:49.740 --> 00:09:50.860 Some of your work situations. 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:51.539 Are very. 00:09:51.639 --> 00:09:52.539 Very discouraging. 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.639 We have personal weaknesses. 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:57.039 Don't we. 00:09:57.079 --> 00:09:57.459 In sins. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:09:59.639 We know. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:00.059 Of the struggle. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:01.139 Of Romans 7. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:03.279 All of us. 00:10:03.319 --> 00:10:04.080 Have things in our life. 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:04.899 That we wrestle with. 00:10:04.939 --> 00:10:05.639 And we weep over. 00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.399 All of us do. 00:10:07.539 --> 00:10:08.819 And we cry to God. 00:10:08.899 --> 00:10:09.419 Don't we sometimes. 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:10.439 Oh wretched man. 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:11.059 Oh wretched woman. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:11.679 That I am. 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:13.860 I see the good. 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:15.000 I know I should do it. 00:10:15.059 --> 00:10:15.779 I want to do it. 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:16.080 But I. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:16.860 I don't do it. 00:10:18.139 --> 00:10:19.019 And there are sins. 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:20.439 And in my better moments. 00:10:20.559 --> 00:10:21.319 I hate them. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:24.860 And I actually despise myself. 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:25.360 For doing them. 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:25.819 But I. 00:10:25.820 --> 00:10:26.780 I do them. 00:10:27.440 --> 00:10:28.240 And I do them again. 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:30.860 And we know that's the case. 00:10:33.860 --> 00:10:34.600 We live. 00:10:34.660 --> 00:10:34.920 Don't we. 00:10:34.980 --> 00:10:36.640 In a very impersonal. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:37.760 Lonely society. 00:10:39.760 --> 00:10:40.900 Where many of the structures. 00:10:40.900 --> 00:10:41.540 Of the past. 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:42.480 That kind of kept. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:43.520 People together. 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:45.360 And provided friends. 00:10:45.520 --> 00:10:46.740 Have broken down. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:49.740 And churches. 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:50.580 In churches. 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:52.440 There are very many lonely people. 00:10:52.440 --> 00:10:54.520 And people are burdened. 00:10:54.580 --> 00:10:55.080 And struggling. 00:10:55.340 --> 00:10:55.900 And lonely. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:57.440 Battered by the world. 00:10:57.800 --> 00:10:58.460 And appreciated. 00:11:01.020 --> 00:11:01.540 And I think. 00:11:01.660 --> 00:11:02.840 There are many people. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:04.720 Who are dying of thirst. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:06.140 For the water of encouragement. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.180 Godly. 00:11:07.300 --> 00:11:08.140 Biblical encouragement. 00:11:10.020 --> 00:11:12.420 Not psychological massaging. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:14.380 But true. 00:11:14.540 --> 00:11:15.400 Scriptural encouragement. 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:19.040 If that analysis is correct. 00:11:19.140 --> 00:11:19.800 I think it is. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:21.180 You can imagine the damage. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:21.540 We're doing. 00:11:21.700 --> 00:11:21.940 Can't you. 00:11:22.880 --> 00:11:23.580 The damage we do. 00:11:23.640 --> 00:11:24.860 By constantly scolding. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:25.500 And rebuking. 00:11:25.640 --> 00:11:26.260 And pointing out. 00:11:26.380 --> 00:11:26.700 Flaws. 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:27.440 And shortcomings. 00:11:27.760 --> 00:11:28.200 And failures. 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.380 Many Christians. 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.440 Get the balance wrong. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:32.280 In the other direction. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:33.200 People are longing. 00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:33.960 To be encouraged. 00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:34.760 Now some of you. 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:35.700 May need rebuking. 00:11:37.400 --> 00:11:38.000 Some of you. 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:38.840 May need to be broken. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:39.640 Before the Lord. 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.020 And there may be. 00:11:42.140 --> 00:11:42.760 Something in your life. 00:11:42.880 --> 00:11:43.860 That God has to show you. 00:11:43.920 --> 00:11:44.560 And point out to you. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:45.480 And it's very very painful. 00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:46.580 But there are many others. 00:11:47.080 --> 00:11:48.340 Who do need to feel. 00:11:48.400 --> 00:11:49.420 God's arms of love. 00:11:49.540 --> 00:11:50.220 And strength. 00:11:50.460 --> 00:11:51.060 Lifting you up. 00:11:51.220 --> 00:11:51.980 We are not living. 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:53.060 In an encouraging world. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:53.960 We are not living. 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:55.139 In encouraging times. 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:56.759 And sadly. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:57.980 Many of our churches. 00:11:57.980 --> 00:11:59.360 Are not encouraging places. 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:01.539 The need for encouragement. 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:02.320 Let me give you second. 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:03.200 The duty of encouragement. 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:04.820 Romans chapter 12. 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:07.580 And verse 6. 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:08.460 And give us the duty. 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:09.039 Of encouragement. 00:12:10.180 --> 00:12:11.340 Romans chapter 12. 00:12:11.340 --> 00:12:20.399 Romans chapter 12. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:20.480 Romans chapter 12. 00:12:24.980 --> 00:12:27.780 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:28.860 Let us use them. 00:12:29.660 --> 00:12:32.060 If prophecy in proportion to our faith. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:35.300 And then down in verse 8. 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:38.419 It says this. 00:12:39.679 --> 00:12:41.079 It says the one who exalts. 00:12:41.959 --> 00:12:43.120 In his exhortation. 00:12:43.179 --> 00:12:43.839 Keep on doing it. 00:12:45.439 --> 00:12:46.559 So there is. 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:48.319 A particular spiritual gift. 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:49.159 A facility. 00:12:50.359 --> 00:12:51.000 A skill. 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:51.599 A talent. 00:12:51.859 --> 00:12:52.740 For encouraging. 00:12:52.939 --> 00:12:53.759 For exalting. 00:12:55.959 --> 00:12:56.359 Cranfield. 00:12:56.359 --> 00:12:57.839 In his commentary on Romans. 00:12:57.979 --> 00:12:58.459 It's very good. 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.219 Links it with the duties. 00:13:00.219 --> 00:13:01.559 Of somebody who's been called. 00:13:01.599 --> 00:13:02.419 To Christian ministry. 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.240 To teach and so on. 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.539 He said it is the gift. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:07.879 Of helping Christians. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:09.139 Live out their obedience. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.799 To the gospel. 00:13:10.959 --> 00:13:12.279 And so in past centuries. 00:13:14.339 --> 00:13:15.539 There were men in churches. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.939 Who were called exhorters. 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:19.099 Who were encouragers. 00:13:19.559 --> 00:13:20.779 Because they're tasked to do that. 00:13:21.979 --> 00:13:22.899 But the New Testament. 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.639 Also tells us. 00:13:23.679 --> 00:13:24.120 An encouragement. 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:24.879 Is not a gift. 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:26.159 That's just given to the few. 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:28.740 But it's also a duty. 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:31.039 That's given to every single believer. 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:32.620 So the writer of Hebrews. 00:13:32.860 --> 00:13:34.199 Describes the whole book. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:34.759 Doesn't he? 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:35.719 Hebrews 12. 00:13:35.839 --> 00:13:36.639 13. 00:13:36.799 --> 00:13:37.159 22. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:39.199 As a word of encouragement. 00:13:39.719 --> 00:13:40.339 That's what he says. 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:41.919 That's what the book of Hebrews is. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.259 It's a word of encouragement. 00:13:44.159 --> 00:13:46.099 And he gives us specific commands. 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:47.659 Hebrews chapter 3. 00:13:47.959 --> 00:13:49.139 And verse 12 and 13. 00:13:49.819 --> 00:13:50.639 Take care brothers. 00:13:50.699 --> 00:13:51.599 Lest there be in any of you. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:53.079 An evil unbelieving heart. 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:54.699 Leading you to fall away from the living God. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:55.959 But exhort one another. 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:57.779 Encourage one another every day. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.219 As long as it calls today. 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:00.600 So that none of you right. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:02.720 May be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:04.680 That is God's word to you. 00:14:05.420 --> 00:14:05.920 And to me. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.160 That we are to encourage one another. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:08.840 Not occasionally. 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:09.500 But daily. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.040 Or again. 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:12.279 The portion that we read. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.220 Hebrews 10. 00:14:13.300 --> 00:14:14.300 24 and 25. 00:14:15.420 --> 00:14:16.320 Let us consider. 00:14:16.420 --> 00:14:17.500 How to stir up one another. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.240 To encourage one another. 00:14:19.300 --> 00:14:20.200 To love and good works. 00:14:20.460 --> 00:14:22.060 Not neglecting to meet together. 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:23.220 As is the habit of some. 00:14:23.460 --> 00:14:24.940 But encouraging one another. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:27.160 And all the more as you see the day drawing near. 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:28.259 Encourage one another. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.580 And so to encourage one another. 00:14:31.680 --> 00:14:32.500 Is a Christian duty. 00:14:34.180 --> 00:14:35.379 Is a Christian command. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:37.399 It's all extra. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:40.200 It's not for the few. 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:42.440 Who are particularly gifted in that regard. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.560 There's no hesitation. 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:44.240 Or qualification. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:46.080 But we are all to encourage one another. 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:49.180 Let me read you a few words from John Brown. 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:53.399 Christians are not merely to be concerned about their improvement. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:54.899 And safety as individuals. 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:57.239 But as members of one body. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:58.879 They are to seek to promote. 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:01.019 Each other's best interests. 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:03.479 They are to attend to each other's wants. 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:04.259 Infirmities. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:05.039 Temptations. 00:15:05.239 --> 00:15:05.759 And dangers. 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:08.459 And to administer suitable assistance. 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:09.039 Advice. 00:15:09.179 --> 00:15:09.559 Caution. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.239 Admonition. 00:15:10.759 --> 00:15:11.559 And consolation. 00:15:11.559 --> 00:15:15.359 And so think back on the last seven days. 00:15:17.419 --> 00:15:18.559 Mark yourself out of ten. 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:19.459 How would you score? 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:24.599 How much encouraging of other Christians have you done? 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:27.220 But we are to do it. 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:29.560 It is a command. 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:31.960 It's an obligation. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:32.659 It's a duty. 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:36.600 I hope none of us would come to the ten commandments and say. 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:39.920 I don't fancy nine and ten this week. 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:42.840 I don't really think. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:45.720 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.440 I'm not sure whether I'll care. 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.620 None of us would be like that. 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:48.899 Would we? 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:52.460 We'd say it's wrong for me to do that. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:54.279 This is God's law. 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.100 Why not to obey it? 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:56.120 Well there's another law. 00:15:56.199 --> 00:15:57.019 And another commandment. 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.620 And that's to encourage one another daily. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:02.120 To encourage one another is easy to day approaching. 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:05.100 It's a Christian duty for you and me. 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:06.360 To be encouragers. 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:07.779 Third reason. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.139 The pattern of encouragement. 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:12.519 One thing is to say. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:13.620 Thou shalt encourage. 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.439 But the wonderful thing about the Bible. 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:17.339 Is it gives us a pattern. 00:16:18.579 --> 00:16:19.279 Christian duty. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:20.000 Like all. 00:16:22.059 --> 00:16:23.620 All of God's commandments. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.840 Christian accouchement. 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.820 All of God's commandments. 00:16:26.820 --> 00:16:29.460 Are a reflection of the nature of God. 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:33.519 God's laws are not arbitrary. 00:16:35.019 --> 00:16:38.019 God's laws are a reflection of himself. 00:16:38.419 --> 00:16:39.120 Of his being. 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:44.100 So thou shalt not bear false witness. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:44.919 You shall not lie. 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:45.899 Why should you not lie? 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.500 Because God is a God of truth. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:49.860 You shall not commit adultery. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:50.899 Why should you not commit adultery? 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:53.100 Because God is a God of faithfulness. 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:57.039 God's laws are a reflection of himself. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.080 They are not arbitrary. 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.179 God didn't think I've been having. 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:01.659 Well. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:04.160 Shall I say you shall not commit murder? 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:05.859 Shall you commit murder? 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:07.339 Or shall you not commit murder? 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:08.980 I think I'll say. 00:17:09.179 --> 00:17:10.259 Thou shalt not commit murder. 00:17:10.459 --> 00:17:11.399 That's arbitrary isn't it? 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:11.579 No. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:13.059 God's laws. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.539 Flow out of what he's like. 00:17:14.639 --> 00:17:15.259 And who he is. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:18.639 God's laws are a shining into the world. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.359 Of the character. 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.419 And the glory of God. 00:17:21.399 --> 00:17:22.819 And we obey his law. 00:17:22.919 --> 00:17:24.059 When we're reflecting him. 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.480 That's why David can say. 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:26.899 You can't see. 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:27.559 That statement. 00:17:27.679 --> 00:17:28.459 Which we find so difficult. 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:30.079 Oh how I love your law. 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:31.679 Because the law shows us. 00:17:31.679 --> 00:17:32.639 The character of God. 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:36.280 And if that is true. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.920 We should find. 00:17:38.020 --> 00:17:39.660 We should read that God is an encouraging God. 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:43.420 That is not some of the picture. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.840 That is not the picture that some people have of God. 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:46.100 Is it? 00:17:48.520 --> 00:17:49.620 But the God of the Bible. 00:17:49.780 --> 00:17:51.320 Is supremely essentially and everywhere. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.240 An encouraging God. 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:55.440 In fact the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:55.560 --> 00:17:56.380 Of God the Holy Spirit. 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:58.000 Is summed up as encouragement. 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.160 So the Greek word. 00:18:00.300 --> 00:18:00.780 You might know it. 00:18:00.820 --> 00:18:02.420 Sometimes we use it in English. 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:04.520 That word of paraclete. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:06.120 What is that? 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:07.340 It is to encourage. 00:18:08.040 --> 00:18:09.040 He is the encourager. 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:10.220 To exhort. 00:18:10.380 --> 00:18:11.400 What does the paraclete do? 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.740 He stands by your side. 00:18:12.860 --> 00:18:13.900 He puts strength into you. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.640 He helps you. 00:18:15.040 --> 00:18:16.840 And the Holy Spirit is your encourager. 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:18.620 And he fills us with strength. 00:18:18.780 --> 00:18:19.240 And faith. 00:18:19.360 --> 00:18:19.860 And courage. 00:18:20.080 --> 00:18:21.720 And he shows us the glory of Christ. 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:23.940 That is the supreme encouragement. 00:18:24.100 --> 00:18:24.440 Isn't it? 00:18:25.580 --> 00:18:27.140 That he keeps before us. 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:28.320 The promises of God. 00:18:28.800 --> 00:18:30.820 And the Holy Spirit brings them into our minds. 00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:32.620 And he fastens them in our hearts. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:34.380 So that by faith we now hold. 00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:37.600 On the exceedingly great and precious promises of God. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:40.259 And so we are encouraged. 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.160 And for every crisis and difficulty we meet in life. 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:44.880 There is a promise. 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.960 There is a promise. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.460 And an assertion of God's power. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.140 And grace. 00:18:50.340 --> 00:18:50.820 And wisdom. 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:52.580 And providence to encourage us. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:56.279 And the Holy Spirit seals the promises of God to us. 00:18:57.839 --> 00:19:01.039 The Holy Spirit assures us of Christ's love. 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.799 Of God's love. 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:03.379 It's a vast subject. 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:08.200 That he bears witness with our spirits. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:09.800 That we are the children of God. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:11.360 And in these. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:13.020 And in many, many other ways. 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:15.340 The Holy Spirit is the great encourager. 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:19.379 And it is the power and fullness of the Spirit. 00:19:19.439 --> 00:19:21.359 That we need to deliver us from our fears. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:23.059 And our discouragements. 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:25.359 And our introversion. 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:27.419 And we must pray for the Spirit. 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:30.480 And we must plead for his fuller working in our lives. 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:33.539 We must be careful not to grieve him. 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:34.419 Not to quench him. 00:19:34.639 --> 00:19:36.019 The Spirit encourages us. 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:39.920 What's less known. 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:45.139 Is God's repeated encouraging. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:49.920 The Father encouraging the Son. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:54.099 So in Isaiah 42 verse 1. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:56.139 God refers to his servant. 00:19:57.139 --> 00:19:58.359 Whom I uphold. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.079 And time and again. 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:01.539 Time and again. 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:02.940 In our Lord's earthly ministry. 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:04.440 There's critical moments. 00:20:04.539 --> 00:20:05.819 And you see God the Father. 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.019 And encouraging God the Son. 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.539 So on the banks of Jordan. 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:11.319 The threshold of Jesus' public ministry. 00:20:11.460 --> 00:20:13.740 He's come out of that kind of quiet life in Nazareth. 00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:15.139 He's out of the car. 00:20:15.179 --> 00:20:15.759 Up in the shop. 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.939 And he is just identified with sinners. 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:20.659 He's received baptism from John. 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:23.539 And he's about to begin his public ministry. 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.419 His saving work. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:26.319 And then something happens. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:27.319 Something happens. 00:20:28.679 --> 00:20:30.819 Suddenly a voice comes from heaven. 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.919 And says this is my beloved Son. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.779 With whom I'm well pleased. 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:39.679 I try to imagine the feeling in our Lord's mind and heart. 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:41.200 As he heard those words. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.359 What that must have meant to him. 00:20:43.379 --> 00:20:44.639 The people who heard it. 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.259 They must have been influenced by that. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:46.500 Isn't it? 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.720 But what influence on him? 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:50.559 How kind and fatherly. 00:20:50.679 --> 00:20:50.839 How. 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:53.799 It's almost a proud father. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.220 Isn't it? 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:59.019 He's a father who is overwhelmed with pleasure. 00:20:59.139 --> 00:21:00.099 At what his son has just done. 00:21:00.179 --> 00:21:01.000 And he tells him so. 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.139 And he tells others. 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.299 That is God. 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:05.680 Encouraging. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:07.379 It's the same on the Mount of Transfiguration. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:11.740 The shadow of Calvary and the cross is coming ever closer. 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:12.680 And growing very dark. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:15.639 And the Lord is this young healthy man. 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:19.000 It's not so much death that he fears. 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:21.740 But as what would proceed and accompany it. 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:25.339 And in Matthew 17 verse 5. 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.279 You find the same words. 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:27.440 This is my beloved son. 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:28.720 With whom I'm well pleased. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:29.660 Hear him. 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:33.519 And again the father is encouraging the son. 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:33.960 Isn't he? 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.420 Or you feel the dreadful agony of God. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.120 And of Gethsemane. 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:40.819 And those mysterious words of 26 verse 38. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:42.000 Here's Jesus speaking. 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:43.980 As a man to men. 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:46.400 And he says. 00:21:46.640 --> 00:21:48.519 My soul is exceedingly sorrowful. 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:49.240 Even after death. 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:50.940 Stay here and watch with me. 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:53.400 So he is asking. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.039 Can you imagine that? 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:56.120 He's asking Peter and James and John to help him. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.460 He's asking them to stay with him. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.259 To stay awake. 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.460 And to watch with him. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:04.319 There's nothing macho superman about the Lord Jesus is there. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:07.640 You know that kind of Christian isn't it? 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:09.299 They've always got a smile on their face. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.960 They never have any worries. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:13.099 They are the answer to every problem. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:14.500 And they never make any mistakes. 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.740 There's never any downs. 00:22:16.879 --> 00:22:18.419 There's never any insecurities. 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.839 There's never any doubts. 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:23.639 No they can rise triumphantly above it all. 00:22:24.699 --> 00:22:26.019 They're a pain in the neck aren't they? 00:22:27.379 --> 00:22:29.019 And yet we see the perfect saviour. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:30.939 We see the sinless holy son of God. 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:32.119 Confiding in his friends. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.359 And saying to them. 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.379 I feel so sorrowful. 00:22:34.439 --> 00:22:35.480 That I feel it's going to kill me. 00:22:38.679 --> 00:22:40.539 My friends stay here and watch with me. 00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:42.219 The son of God needs encouragement. 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:45.959 Then we're told in Luke 22.43. 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:48.480 Are we that an angel appeared to him from heaven. 00:22:48.679 --> 00:22:49.339 Strengthened him. 00:22:50.939 --> 00:22:53.759 God sent a celestial messenger down into that garden. 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:56.319 To encourage him to strengthen his son. 00:22:56.699 --> 00:22:58.059 And a crisis in his life. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:23:01.639 A Christian scholar. 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:03.279 Eccentric. 00:23:03.399 --> 00:23:04.279 John Duncan. 00:23:04.379 --> 00:23:04.919 Rabbi Dunstan. 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:06.079 Said when I get to heaven. 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:08.639 I'm looking forward to meeting one of the angels. 00:23:09.379 --> 00:23:10.359 And it won't be Gabriel. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.359 And it won't be Michael. 00:23:12.159 --> 00:23:15.019 I want to meet the angel that came and strengthened my Lord. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:19.480 And you have a picture of a father. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.359 Watching over the son. 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:26.279 In the way that a parent watches over a toddler. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:30.240 A picture of him watching his every move. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.419 Almost fussing over him. 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:32.839 Speaking a vital word. 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:34.159 At critical moments. 00:23:34.219 --> 00:23:35.639 To strengthen and encourage him. 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:37.379 Here is the pattern of encouragement. 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.779 It is the encouraging God. 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:43.179 Who encourages us by his spirit. 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:45.079 Who encouraged his son. 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:48.220 And when we encourage one another. 00:23:48.419 --> 00:23:50.039 We are being God like. 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:54.419 We are being God like. 00:23:56.159 --> 00:23:57.859 Encouragement is needed because there is a lack of it. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.480 Because there is a duty. 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:02.359 Because God is our pattern. 00:24:03.819 --> 00:24:05.960 And lastly we need to be encouragers. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:07.619 Because of the power of encouragement. 00:24:09.159 --> 00:24:10.559 The power of encouragement. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.599 Encouragement. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:17.819 Is an immensely powerful force. 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:22.019 I don't know whether you've been to those school assemblies. 00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:23.639 You've heard young children. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.699 You've heard young children. 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.460 You know what it's like. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.500 You go to the school assembly. 00:24:27.679 --> 00:24:28.759 And there is some kind of. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.819 Slightly unbearable performance. 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:32.039 That goes on. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:35.319 And there is small children that are there. 00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:38.299 And it is the most infectious. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.779 Encouraging atmosphere. 00:24:41.159 --> 00:24:43.099 And so the little child stands up. 00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:44.299 Spots his parents. 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:45.700 And smiles nervously. 00:24:45.859 --> 00:24:47.000 And forgets his lines. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:49.240 And everybody is willing. 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:51.240 The whole room is willing. 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:52.960 This child to say the words. 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:54.700 And the teacher smiles at him. 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:56.019 And whispers the words. 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.420 You can do it. 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:01.220 You can remember the words. 00:25:02.340 --> 00:25:03.220 It's an infectious. 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:05.279 Powerful atmosphere of love. 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:06.299 One of encouragement. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.420 And enthusiasm. 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:07.860 You can't. 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:07.860 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:07.860 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.000 You can't. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.000 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:12.160 being a football ground or a rugby ground 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:15.220 where your team are the enderdogs 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:18.420 and you scream encouragement 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:21.099 it's a very powerful atmosphere 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:25.640 and conversely critical and hurtful words 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:27.039 are the opposite aren't they 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:28.700 they're so damaging 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:32.140 and they can cause pain so severely 00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:33.240 and for such a long time 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:37.240 the teenager who is overweight 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.440 and teased at school 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:43.180 the person with a speech impediment 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.079 who is made fun of 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:46.700 and then we say 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:48.240 fixing stones may break my bones 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:49.420 but words can never hurt me 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:50.539 it's a lie isn't it 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.620 we know that 00:25:51.620 --> 00:25:54.180 that is not true 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:56.400 words can hurt 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.559 dreadfully 00:25:57.559 --> 00:26:02.539 I was at the bedside of a dying man 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:03.599 once he was in his 80s 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.359 he was dying 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:07.200 and over 65 years earlier 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.640 one of his sisters had died 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:10.140 from TB in the spine 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:12.740 he was playing on a swing 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:14.759 she'd fallen off and she'd hurt her spine 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:16.400 developed into TB 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.600 and she'd died 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:20.860 this man was in his 80s 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:23.240 and he started crying 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:26.059 when Mary fell 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:28.180 Annie said I laughed 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:30.400 but I didn't laugh 00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:32.380 I didn't laugh 00:26:32.380 --> 00:26:32.759 he said 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:35.960 65 years later 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:37.600 he'd never forgotten it 00:26:37.600 --> 00:26:40.880 he'd never forgotten it 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:45.759 you hear a mother saying to a child 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:47.720 saying you are stupid 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.700 you stupid child 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:49.340 don't ask him 00:26:49.340 --> 00:26:51.560 we say don't we 00:26:51.560 --> 00:26:52.660 he did a foolish thing 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.519 he did a silly thing 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:55.680 what you did was wrong 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.420 but that is different 00:26:56.420 --> 00:27:00.259 Proverbs 12 verse 18 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.380 we're told that there is one 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.019 who speaks 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:03.380 like the piercing 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:04.279 of a sword 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:07.920 that same script 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.240 doesn't it 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:10.539 it affirms to us 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.440 the tremendously 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.300 positive 00:27:12.300 --> 00:27:13.759 influence 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.700 of our words 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:18.200 Job 4 verse 4 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:19.279 Abathas says to Job 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.980 your words 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:21.279 have upheld me 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:23.720 your words 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:27.539 have upheld him 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:28.500 who was stumbling 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:32.420 one translation is 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.440 your words have kept men 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:34.000 on their feet 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:36.879 here's a picture of an 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.859 at the end of his tatter 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:40.480 and he is weak 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:41.119 and he is staggering 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:41.819 and he is stumbling 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:43.619 he is about to fall 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:44.940 and somebody lets 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:47.200 puffs of air 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:47.940 out of their mouth 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:50.160 and those words 00:27:50.160 --> 00:27:51.340 infuse such strength 00:27:51.340 --> 00:27:51.960 and courage 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:52.720 that the man 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.400 or woman 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:55.240 does not stumble 00:27:55.240 --> 00:28:00.240 Proverbs 12 verse 25 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.180 says anxiety 00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:02.019 in the heart of man 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:02.900 causes depression 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.940 but a good word 00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:04.759 makes it dead 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:08.560 Proverbs 15 verse 4 00:28:08.560 --> 00:28:09.560 a wholesome tongue 00:28:09.560 --> 00:28:10.480 is a tree of life 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:11.500 but perverseness 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.820 in it breaks the spirit 00:28:12.820 --> 00:28:16.660 you can break 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:17.980 someone's spirit 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:19.259 by what you say 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:21.299 or you can pour 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.720 life into them 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:25.140 Proverbs 16 verse 24 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:26.180 gracious words 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:27.039 are like a honeycomb 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:28.640 sweetness to the soul 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.799 and health to the body 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:32.279 Proverbs 18 verse 21 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:33.579 death and life 00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:35.379 are in the power 00:28:35.379 --> 00:28:36.000 of the tongue 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:39.900 you are made 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:41.839 in the image of God 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:45.480 and God has given you 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:47.400 an awesome 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:48.700 utterly awesome 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.280 power 00:28:49.280 --> 00:28:51.000 and it has been 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.580 given to you 00:28:51.580 --> 00:28:52.680 by your creator 00:28:52.680 --> 00:28:53.960 and by your redeemer 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:55.519 and it is the power 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.380 of speech 00:28:56.380 --> 00:29:00.680 I wonder if you ever 00:29:00.680 --> 00:29:01.600 really sat down 00:29:01.600 --> 00:29:02.300 for half an hour 00:29:02.300 --> 00:29:03.000 and thought 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.920 of speech 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:07.480 what an incredible 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.380 and awesome 00:29:08.380 --> 00:29:09.240 thing it is 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:11.759 what it can accomplish 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.380 for good 00:29:12.380 --> 00:29:13.019 or ill 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:14.639 we all experience 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:14.900 it 00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:17.660 I like you 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.319 can be upset 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:18.900 and weakened 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.639 and discouraged 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:20.299 by what someone 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:20.920 says to me 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:21.740 perhaps I should be 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:23.460 perhaps I should have 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.200 a thicker skin 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.099 perhaps I should be able 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.000 to laugh it off 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:27.139 but often I find 00:29:27.139 --> 00:29:28.480 that hard to do 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:30.759 but also 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.619 I can be energized 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:32.220 can't I 00:29:32.220 --> 00:29:33.339 and encouraged 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:34.079 and strengthened 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:35.000 and filled with 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:36.879 enthusiastic eagerness 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:37.579 to do more 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:40.279 we say 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:41.980 it's only words 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:44.279 the bible says 00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:45.259 it is life and death 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:47.899 it is health 00:29:47.899 --> 00:29:50.799 it is keeping people 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.659 on their feet 00:29:51.659 --> 00:29:54.079 and it is bringing 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.379 joy and gladness 00:29:55.379 --> 00:29:56.099 and transforming 00:29:56.099 --> 00:29:57.319 people's lives 00:29:57.319 --> 00:29:58.179 by sensitive 00:29:58.179 --> 00:29:59.319 compassionate 00:29:59.319 --> 00:30:00.679 Christ centred 00:30:00.679 --> 00:30:02.379 godly speech 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:05.080 let me close 00:30:05.080 --> 00:30:05.820 by an incident 00:30:05.820 --> 00:30:06.360 from the life 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:06.720 of a man 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.700 called Larry Crab 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:10.380 I don't wholeheartedly 00:30:10.380 --> 00:30:10.900 recommend 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:12.040 a lot of his books 00:30:12.040 --> 00:30:12.640 by any means 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:13.440 they're a mixture 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.540 but he tells 00:30:14.540 --> 00:30:15.120 a good story 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:16.760 he tells us 00:30:16.760 --> 00:30:17.160 that when he was 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:17.740 a teenager 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.760 very nervously 00:30:18.760 --> 00:30:19.900 he prayed 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:20.420 in public 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:21.200 for the first time 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:22.020 here's what he says 00:30:22.020 --> 00:30:24.700 filled less 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.520 with worship 00:30:25.520 --> 00:30:26.940 than with nervousness 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:28.880 I found my theology 00:30:28.880 --> 00:30:29.720 becoming confused 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.760 to the point of heresy 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:32.740 I remember thanking 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:33.299 the father 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.519 for hanging on the cross 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:36.099 and praising Christ 00:30:36.099 --> 00:30:36.980 for triumphantly 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.819 bringing the spirit 00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:38.599 from the grave 00:30:38.599 --> 00:30:40.660 stuttering throughout 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:42.420 I finally thought 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:42.940 of the word 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.619 amen 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:45.180 perhaps the first 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:45.680 evidence 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:46.460 of the spirit's 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:46.720 leading 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.599 I said it 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:48.420 and sat down 00:30:48.420 --> 00:30:50.099 I recall 00:30:50.099 --> 00:30:51.259 staring at the floor 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:52.019 too embarrassed 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:53.140 to look up 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:54.579 does this resonate 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.180 with any of you 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:56.480 too embarrassed 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.220 to look around 00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:58.359 solemnly vowing 00:30:58.359 --> 00:30:59.119 never again 00:30:59.119 --> 00:30:59.700 to pray 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.700 or speak aloud 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.559 in front of a group 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:03.580 when the service 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:04.100 was over 00:31:04.100 --> 00:31:05.299 I darted to the door 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:05.819 not wishing 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:06.420 to encounter 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:06.920 an elder 00:31:06.920 --> 00:31:07.620 who might feel 00:31:07.620 --> 00:31:08.100 obliged 00:31:08.100 --> 00:31:08.600 to correct 00:31:08.600 --> 00:31:09.640 my twisted theology 00:31:09.640 --> 00:31:10.680 but I wasn't 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.180 quick enough 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:13.400 an older Christian 00:31:13.400 --> 00:31:14.059 man named 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:14.980 Jim Dunbar 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.059 intercepted me 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.980 put his arm 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:17.640 on my shoulder 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.779 and cleared 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.140 his throat 00:31:19.140 --> 00:31:19.580 to speak 00:31:19.580 --> 00:31:21.420 I remember 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:22.259 thinking to myself 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:23.059 here it comes 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:23.680 oh well 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.559 just endure it 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.600 and get to the car 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:27.359 I then listened 00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:28.019 to this gentleman 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.819 speak words 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.459 that I can still 00:31:29.459 --> 00:31:30.039 repeat today 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.899 more than 20 years 00:31:30.899 --> 00:31:31.259 later 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:33.219 Larry said 00:31:33.219 --> 00:31:33.779 there is one 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:34.219 thing I want 00:31:34.219 --> 00:31:34.740 you to know 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:36.719 whatever you do 00:31:36.719 --> 00:31:37.399 for the Lord 00:31:37.399 --> 00:31:39.019 I'm behind you 00:31:39.019 --> 00:31:40.319 a thousand percent 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:42.939 Kraft says 00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:44.179 even as I write 00:31:44.179 --> 00:31:44.939 these words today 00:31:44.939 --> 00:31:45.779 my eyes are filled 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.319 with tears 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:48.339 those words 00:31:48.339 --> 00:31:49.519 were life words 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.879 they had power 00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:54.160 my resolve 00:31:54.160 --> 00:31:54.820 to now speak 00:31:54.820 --> 00:31:55.200 in public 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.540 again 00:31:55.540 --> 00:31:56.320 weakened instantly 00:31:56.320 --> 00:31:59.380 now that 00:31:59.380 --> 00:31:59.900 Christian man 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.600 he didn't 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.260 tell lies 00:32:01.260 --> 00:32:02.360 he didn't 00:32:02.360 --> 00:32:03.000 flatter him 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:05.000 he didn't 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.280 say it was 00:32:05.280 --> 00:32:06.060 a good prayer 00:32:06.060 --> 00:32:06.560 because it 00:32:06.560 --> 00:32:07.000 wasn't a good 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:07.320 prayer 00:32:07.320 --> 00:32:09.280 he put his 00:32:09.280 --> 00:32:09.840 arm around him 00:32:09.840 --> 00:32:10.120 and said 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:10.700 whatever you do 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.120 for the Lord 00:32:11.120 --> 00:32:11.740 I'm behind you 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.500 a thousand percent 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:14.740 and he changed 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.460 that young man's 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:15.740 life 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:20.200 and God 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:20.880 has given us 00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:21.720 this ministry 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:23.460 of encouraging 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.000 one another 00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:26.539 and what a 00:32:26.539 --> 00:32:27.480 beautiful ministry 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.779 it is 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.539 to have 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:33.000 that you can 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:33.539 send people 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:34.559 home this evening 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:36.880 thanking God 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:37.559 that they met you 00:32:37.559 --> 00:32:39.120 and that you 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:39.640 spoke to them 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:41.640 feeling better 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.000 for it 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:43.920 and stronger 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:44.600 and more 00:32:44.600 --> 00:32:45.259 committed to the 00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:45.539 Lord 00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:47.920 helping our 00:32:47.920 --> 00:32:48.420 brothers and 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:48.720 sisters 00:32:48.720 --> 00:32:49.660 in Christ 00:32:49.660 --> 00:32:52.560 humbly 00:32:52.560 --> 00:32:53.340 and thankfully 00:32:53.340 --> 00:32:54.000 this ministry 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:54.680 that God 00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.200 has given 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:55.500 to us 00:32:55.500 --> 00:32:55.759 that we 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.080 may see 00:32:56.080 --> 00:32:56.320 people 00:32:56.320 --> 00:32:56.900 changed 00:32:56.900 --> 00:32:58.720 that we 00:32:58.720 --> 00:32:59.560 may keep 00:32:59.560 --> 00:33:00.160 people going 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:02.360 that we 00:33:02.360 --> 00:33:02.680 might get 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.500 people started 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:04.180 doing something 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:04.500 that they've 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:04.840 never done 00:33:04.840 --> 00:33:05.200 before 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:07.380 that there 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:07.660 might be 00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:08.180 new life 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:08.500 in our 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:08.820 church 00:33:08.820 --> 00:33:10.700 that the 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:11.160 Holy Spirit 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:11.779 would stimulate 00:33:11.779 --> 00:33:12.519 us and bless 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:13.140 us and set 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:13.660 us moving 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:14.060 because 00:33:14.060 --> 00:33:15.000 we're not 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.560 biting each 00:33:15.560 --> 00:33:15.840 other 00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:17.660 and devouring 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:18.140 each other 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:18.740 and not stabbing 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:19.060 each other 00:33:19.060 --> 00:33:19.600 in the back 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:19.939 we're not 00:33:19.939 --> 00:33:20.379 tearing each 00:33:20.379 --> 00:33:20.819 other down 00:33:20.819 --> 00:33:21.119 we're not 00:33:21.119 --> 00:33:21.839 criticizing each 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:22.000 other 00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:23.740 we're not 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.439 ignoring each 00:33:24.439 --> 00:33:24.539 other 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:24.759 we're not 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.259 just talking 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:25.839 about nonsense 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:28.119 but we're 00:33:28.119 --> 00:33:28.759 encouraging each 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:29.039 other and 00:33:29.039 --> 00:33:29.399 building each 00:33:29.399 --> 00:33:29.759 other up 00:33:29.759 --> 00:33:31.879 and may God 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.419 help us 00:33:32.419 --> 00:33:34.039 to seek to 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:34.599 give ourselves 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:34.879 to this 00:33:34.879 --> 00:33:35.240 ministry 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:35.240 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:38.579 ! 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:38.599 to be 00:33:38.599 --> 00:33:40.579 to be 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:40.579 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:41.480 to be