WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.179 Jack and Grace met through a mutual friend. 00:00:05.219 --> 00:00:09.880 From day one, they just seemed to be perfect for each other. 00:00:10.759 --> 00:00:14.259 Grace was everything Jack had always wanted. 00:00:14.880 --> 00:00:18.820 She was beautiful and she was outgoing and she was caring. 00:00:19.500 --> 00:00:22.800 She was always there whenever Jack needed her. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:27.719 For the first five months, they were inseparable. 00:00:27.719 --> 00:00:32.379 Jack could hardly think of anything else but Grace. 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:34.740 He didn't need to look further. 00:00:34.960 --> 00:00:38.859 He, in fact, told his friends, she's the one for sure. 00:00:40.060 --> 00:00:42.479 But now almost three years have passed. 00:00:43.619 --> 00:00:49.399 Jack still enjoys the comfort and the familiarity of being with Grace. 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:52.780 But that sort of initial spark is gone. 00:00:52.780 --> 00:00:59.320 Grace's flaws seem a little more obvious to him now. 00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:03.900 He's not sure he finds her as attractive as he once did. 00:01:04.760 --> 00:01:11.960 And he's beginning to resent all the time that she wants to spend with him. 00:01:11.959 --> 00:01:22.039 And so one day when she asks if she can define the nature of their relationship, Jack blows up. 00:01:22.759 --> 00:01:24.039 We're together, aren't we? 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:27.099 He asks angrily. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:29.619 Why isn't that enough for you? 00:01:31.399 --> 00:01:34.899 Obviously, Jack isn't quite ready for commitment. 00:01:34.900 --> 00:01:43.180 He's not sure he, in fact, ever will be ready for commitment or, in fact, ever really needs to be ready for commitment. 00:01:44.800 --> 00:01:47.200 Have you ever been in a relationship like that? 00:01:49.300 --> 00:01:52.520 Do you know people who are in a relationship like that? 00:01:54.240 --> 00:01:54.960 I do. 00:01:54.959 --> 00:02:02.679 Let me say, if that is you, if you're in a relationship like that, this is not God's purpose for your life. 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:11.900 God wants you to be in a relationship that is defined by both passion and commitment. 00:02:14.299 --> 00:02:21.039 The reality is there are millions of Jacks walking around today. 00:02:21.039 --> 00:02:24.280 But there is something more you should know. 00:02:25.340 --> 00:02:26.599 Grace isn't a girl. 00:02:28.079 --> 00:02:30.539 Grace is a church. 00:02:32.560 --> 00:02:37.239 And this is the let's define the nature of the relationship talk. 00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:42.199 Three things I want us to explore this morning. 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:43.759 Number one, what is the church? 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:46.819 Number two, what is the purpose of the church? 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:51.159 And number three, how to be a church member on purpose. 00:02:52.139 --> 00:02:53.419 So what is the church? 00:02:54.539 --> 00:03:04.139 It's really hard to get clarity on the word when there are so many different uses of the word church running around today. 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:11.419 In fact, as I was writing this message, it was Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday. 00:03:11.419 --> 00:03:17.659 I was sitting on the balcony over at the rectory, just having a quiet moment writing this. 00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:24.319 And as I was writing this message, there was someone walking through the car park on the other end of their phone. 00:03:24.679 --> 00:03:27.959 And they said to whoever was on the other end of their phone, 00:03:28.279 --> 00:03:30.319 hey, you could park in the church. 00:03:30.579 --> 00:03:31.839 There's plenty of room here. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:36.639 Well, actually, no. 00:03:37.579 --> 00:03:39.339 I've got two problems with that. 00:03:39.340 --> 00:03:44.280 Number one, your definition of church, because I'm writing in this space right now. 00:03:44.700 --> 00:03:46.580 But I won't go there in this moment. 00:03:46.700 --> 00:03:50.480 But secondly, no, you can't just park here whenever you choose to. 00:03:51.140 --> 00:03:58.080 So other views of church is that church is a set of a system of beliefs, 00:03:58.420 --> 00:04:05.020 or it's a program that you attend for an hour and a half, two hours on a Sunday, 00:04:05.020 --> 00:04:08.800 or it's a denomination that you belong to, or it's an institution. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:11.340 That exists in society. 00:04:11.700 --> 00:04:17.740 The word that is translated as church in our Bible, in our New Testament, 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:21.040 comes from the Greek word ecclesia. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:27.259 It's used just under 80 times in the New Testament. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:31.040 And all but three of them in the New Testament, 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:35.160 it is translated into the English word church. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:41.800 Now, if we look at one of the places where it isn't translated into the English word church, 00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:47.240 you actually get an idea of what the New Testament meaning is behind, 00:04:47.460 --> 00:04:50.940 but what is the meaning behind the original word for ecclesia? 00:04:50.939 --> 00:04:53.139 So it's Acts chapter 19. 00:04:54.180 --> 00:05:02.839 And a silversmith named Demetrius used to make a great living out of making idols 00:05:02.839 --> 00:05:06.180 until the apostle Paul arrives. 00:05:06.680 --> 00:05:10.659 He preaches and all these people start to become Christians. 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:15.879 So that's great for the church, not so great for the idol business. 00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:22.939 And so what Demetrius does, realising that his income's dropping, 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:26.819 he decides to whip the city up into a riot. 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:32.959 And next thing you know, there's this large gathering in this amphitheatre, 00:05:33.719 --> 00:05:37.480 and it says this in Acts 19.32. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:49.200 Now, that's not the description of the church, 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:52.160 but let me just pick up the word assembly there, 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:55.180 is the Greek word ecclesia. 00:05:56.240 --> 00:06:00.140 It's translated elsewhere in the New Testament as church. 00:06:00.340 --> 00:06:01.800 So you could literally read this, 00:06:02.020 --> 00:06:03.180 the church was in confusion. 00:06:03.180 --> 00:06:05.040 It's just a gathering. 00:06:05.300 --> 00:06:07.860 The word church, at its core, 00:06:08.360 --> 00:06:12.920 simply refers to a crowd of people gathered together. 00:06:13.060 --> 00:06:13.740 It's a mob. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:17.060 Sometimes in the New Testament, 00:06:17.280 --> 00:06:21.300 church is used to refer to the gathering of Christians 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:24.939 around God in heaven from all time and places. 00:06:25.780 --> 00:06:29.240 Theologians refer to this as the invisible church. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:35.699 Everyone who knows Jesus from every time and place, 00:06:35.800 --> 00:06:36.740 both alive and dead, 00:06:36.800 --> 00:06:41.160 are gathered spiritually in God's presence and magnifying him. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:44.480 And what we are waiting for is the end of all things 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:45.500 when we will physically, 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:47.540 everyone be in his presence, 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:48.740 magnifying him. 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:50.780 Mostly, 00:06:51.660 --> 00:06:54.900 the word refers to the local church, 00:06:55.019 --> 00:06:57.220 the local gathering in a particular place, 00:06:57.220 --> 00:06:59.300 like the church at the corner of Fuller's Road 00:06:59.300 --> 00:07:01.740 and View Street in Chatswood. 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:03.680 This is the church visible. 00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:09.100 But it's not just any mob. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:11.880 It's not just any crowd that has gathered. 00:07:12.440 --> 00:07:14.280 The Greek word ecclesia 00:07:14.280 --> 00:07:17.860 is made from two other words, 00:07:18.420 --> 00:07:20.520 two other Greek words which are joined together. 00:07:20.519 --> 00:07:24.560 And these words mean to call out. 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:26.620 Two words, to call and out. 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:27.799 To call out. 00:07:28.539 --> 00:07:30.000 And so the word church 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:34.319 really refers to those who were called out by God 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:36.339 from the world 00:07:36.339 --> 00:07:38.939 to join together as his people, 00:07:39.359 --> 00:07:40.759 the followers of his son, 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:41.699 the Lord Jesus. 00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:44.560 Now this is crucial 00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:45.659 for us to, 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:47.579 in understanding 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:50.180 what the church is. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:52.539 But also, 00:07:52.839 --> 00:07:55.259 what the purpose of the church is. 00:07:57.439 --> 00:07:58.479 Last week, 00:07:59.399 --> 00:08:00.819 we looked at the 00:08:00.819 --> 00:08:02.719 much broader question 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:03.419 of 00:08:03.419 --> 00:08:05.899 what is the purpose of life? 00:08:06.719 --> 00:08:07.819 And we saw that God 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:08.560 created us 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:09.419 and saved us 00:08:09.419 --> 00:08:10.860 to magnify him 00:08:10.860 --> 00:08:12.839 because he is magnus. 00:08:13.779 --> 00:08:14.839 He is great. 00:08:14.839 --> 00:08:16.899 We saw that God 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:17.719 is worthy 00:08:17.719 --> 00:08:18.939 to be magnified 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.439 because he is great 00:08:20.439 --> 00:08:21.399 and he is good. 00:08:21.859 --> 00:08:23.439 And this great and good God 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:25.299 has a great 00:08:25.299 --> 00:08:26.519 and good plan. 00:08:27.919 --> 00:08:29.359 So let's have a look 00:08:29.359 --> 00:08:31.159 at what that plan is. 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:32.659 And we're going to begin 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:34.659 in Ephesians chapter 1 verse 8. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:36.319 I've given you a list of references 00:08:36.319 --> 00:08:37.459 so 00:08:37.459 --> 00:08:39.779 you can go back 00:08:39.779 --> 00:08:41.120 and check them later on 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:41.939 or scribble them down 00:08:41.939 --> 00:08:42.519 if you like. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:44.899 So Ephesians chapter 1 verse 8, 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:45.759 with all wisdom 00:08:45.759 --> 00:08:46.799 and understanding, 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:47.960 he, 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:48.779 that's God, 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:50.000 made known to us 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:51.720 the mystery of his will 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:53.620 according to his good pleasure 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.379 which he purposed 00:08:55.379 --> 00:08:56.620 in Christ 00:08:56.620 --> 00:08:58.679 to be put into effect 00:08:58.679 --> 00:09:00.000 when the times 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:01.240 reach their fulfillment 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:04.120 to bring unity 00:09:04.120 --> 00:09:06.679 to all things 00:09:06.679 --> 00:09:07.699 in heaven 00:09:07.699 --> 00:09:08.980 and on earth 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:10.840 under Christ. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:10.899 Christ. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:13.540 So 00:09:13.540 --> 00:09:15.440 that's where 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:17.480 everything's going. 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:20.139 That's 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:21.240 the plan. 00:09:22.160 --> 00:09:23.080 That's the goal. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:25.759 This big God 00:09:25.759 --> 00:09:27.240 has a big plan 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:28.519 and the big plan 00:09:28.519 --> 00:09:29.700 is everything 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:30.980 gathered together 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:32.519 under Jesus. 00:09:32.879 --> 00:09:33.960 Jesus supreme 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:34.620 and Lord 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:35.600 over everything. 00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:38.820 So that's the end. 00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:39.480 So let's go back 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:40.060 to the beginning 00:09:40.060 --> 00:09:42.320 and let's see 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:43.600 that this is in fact 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.340 been God's plan 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:45.139 all along. 00:09:46.440 --> 00:09:47.379 It's the reason 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:48.560 why you and I 00:09:48.560 --> 00:09:49.240 were created 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:50.019 and saved. 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:51.000 So back in the beginning 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:52.220 it's the Garden of Eden 00:09:52.220 --> 00:09:53.659 and in the Garden of Eden 00:09:53.659 --> 00:09:54.460 you're not going to read it 00:09:54.460 --> 00:09:55.519 but there's a real sense 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.759 in Genesis 1 and 2 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:59.180 where all things 00:09:59.180 --> 00:09:59.980 are gathered 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:00.820 to God. 00:10:01.300 --> 00:10:02.220 He's made it. 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:04.139 Everything's at peace. 00:10:04.440 --> 00:10:05.440 Everything is ordered. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:07.240 Everything is perfect 00:10:07.240 --> 00:10:08.519 in relationship 00:10:08.519 --> 00:10:09.320 with Him. 00:10:10.180 --> 00:10:10.700 And then 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:11.820 the first people 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:12.840 make the decision 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:14.279 to 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:15.620 instead of 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:16.519 magnifying 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:17.200 God 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:18.560 they decide 00:10:18.560 --> 00:10:19.639 to magnify 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:20.340 themselves. 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:21.779 They decide 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:22.480 to live life 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.139 their way 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:23.720 and to make everything 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:24.399 about them 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:25.580 rather than about God. 00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:27.519 The Bible calls 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:28.800 this attitude 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:29.719 in this action 00:10:29.719 --> 00:10:30.359 sin. 00:10:31.500 --> 00:10:32.199 And the consequence 00:10:32.199 --> 00:10:33.039 of sin 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:34.599 is everything 00:10:34.599 --> 00:10:36.379 that is ordered 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:39.199 now becomes 00:10:39.199 --> 00:10:39.919 disordered. 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.620 There's no more 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:42.120 harmony. 00:10:42.699 --> 00:10:43.620 There's no more 00:10:43.620 --> 00:10:44.159 peace. 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:44.879 Everything's turned 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:45.759 upside down 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:46.879 and relationships 00:10:46.879 --> 00:10:47.500 with God 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:48.159 is broken. 00:10:48.859 --> 00:10:49.679 Where there used 00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:50.299 to be unity 00:10:50.299 --> 00:10:51.019 and closeness 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:51.579 with God 00:10:51.579 --> 00:10:52.559 now because of sin 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:53.099 there is just 00:10:53.099 --> 00:10:53.719 distance and 00:10:53.719 --> 00:10:54.839 disunity. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:56.899 And then God 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:57.899 what He does 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:59.799 is He removes 00:10:59.799 --> 00:11:00.600 people from 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:01.699 His presence. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:03.879 He judges 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.059 their sin 00:11:05.059 --> 00:11:06.600 by 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:07.939 it's a theological 00:11:07.939 --> 00:11:08.519 word 00:11:08.519 --> 00:11:10.759 scattering them. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:13.019 He scatters 00:11:13.019 --> 00:11:13.459 them from 00:11:13.459 --> 00:11:13.860 Himself. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:16.100 And this is 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:16.799 the principle 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:18.559 that you see 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:20.100 right throughout 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:21.139 the entire 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:21.600 Bible. 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:23.539 You can trace 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.399 it right to 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:24.879 the Bible. 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:26.019 Wherever 00:11:26.019 --> 00:11:27.179 humanity 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:28.319 sets itself 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:29.159 up against 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:29.659 God 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.799 He scatters 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:32.059 them. 00:11:33.479 --> 00:11:34.039 But when 00:11:34.039 --> 00:11:34.959 He saves 00:11:34.959 --> 00:11:35.319 them 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:37.199 He gathers 00:11:37.199 --> 00:11:37.739 them to 00:11:37.739 --> 00:11:38.179 Himself. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:41.019 You see it 00:11:41.019 --> 00:11:42.379 not far 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:43.079 into 00:11:43.079 --> 00:11:44.419 Genesis 00:11:44.419 --> 00:11:45.419 where the 00:11:45.419 --> 00:11:45.899 Tower of 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:46.359 Babel 00:11:46.359 --> 00:11:47.000 in Genesis 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:47.479 11 00:11:47.479 --> 00:11:48.799 and where 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:49.679 He scatters 00:11:49.679 --> 00:11:50.199 people from 00:11:50.199 --> 00:11:50.639 Himself 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:52.099 and from 00:11:52.099 --> 00:11:52.740 each other 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:54.639 and yet 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:55.180 in 00:11:55.180 --> 00:11:55.899 Genesis 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:56.480 12 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:57.080 He calls 00:11:57.080 --> 00:11:57.620 Abraham 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:58.039 to 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:58.519 Himself. 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:01.120 It's a 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:01.460 theme that 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:01.879 runs right 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:02.220 through the 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:02.440 Bible. 00:12:02.580 --> 00:12:02.940 When God 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:03.539 saves He 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:03.840 gathers 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:04.259 people to 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:04.659 Himself 00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.320 but when 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:05.740 they rebel 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.060 against 00:12:06.060 --> 00:12:06.500 Him He 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:07.039 scatters 00:12:07.039 --> 00:12:07.320 them from 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:07.480 His 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:08.039 presence. 00:12:10.039 --> 00:12:10.620 Which is 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:11.080 the ultimate 00:12:11.080 --> 00:12:11.560 thing that 00:12:11.560 --> 00:12:12.139 happens. 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:13.580 The goal 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:13.860 of all 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:14.500 things God 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.080 will gather 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:15.580 those to 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:15.960 Himself 00:12:15.960 --> 00:12:16.320 who are 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:16.940 His for 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:17.320 eternity 00:12:17.320 --> 00:12:17.580 in His 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:17.980 presence 00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:18.560 and those 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:18.759 who are 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:19.139 not His 00:12:19.139 --> 00:12:19.440 He will 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:19.919 cast them 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:20.259 from His 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:20.799 presence for 00:12:20.799 --> 00:12:21.399 all eternity. 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:24.120 In Isaiah 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:24.620 11 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.799 several 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:26.039 hundred 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:26.299 years 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:26.559 before 00:12:26.559 --> 00:12:27.059 Jesus 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:28.259 Isaiah 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:28.720 is looking 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.319 forward 00:12:29.319 --> 00:12:29.759 to this 00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:30.199 day 00:12:30.199 --> 00:12:30.480 when 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:30.939 everything 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:31.240 is 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:31.639 finally 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:32.100 ordered 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:32.299 and 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:32.959 harmonious 00:12:32.959 --> 00:12:33.699 and 00:12:33.699 --> 00:12:34.220 peaceful 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:34.699 and in 00:12:34.699 --> 00:12:34.939 right 00:12:34.939 --> 00:12:35.620 relationship 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.500 like it 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.179 was in 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:37.539 Genesis 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.039 1 and 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:38.379 2 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.559 and he 00:12:39.559 --> 00:12:40.240 refers to 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:40.819 a particular 00:12:40.819 --> 00:12:41.559 person 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:43.379 who will 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:44.659 accomplish 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:45.799 God's 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:46.159 great 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:46.899 plan 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.720 and in 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:48.220 Isaiah 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:48.759 11 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:49.399 this person 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:50.019 is called 00:12:50.019 --> 00:12:50.519 the root 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:51.179 of Jesse 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:53.419 this person 00:12:53.419 --> 00:12:53.959 is the 00:12:53.959 --> 00:12:54.459 Messiah 00:12:54.459 --> 00:12:55.739 he is 00:12:55.739 --> 00:12:56.399 historically 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:57.339 known as 00:12:57.339 --> 00:12:58.319 the son 00:12:58.319 --> 00:12:59.099 of great 00:12:59.099 --> 00:12:59.379 King 00:12:59.379 --> 00:12:59.879 David 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:01.500 and in 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.000 verse 12 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:02.379 it says 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:02.859 this 00:13:02.859 --> 00:13:04.799 he will 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.879 raise a 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.159 banner 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:06.699 for the 00:13:06.699 --> 00:13:07.239 nations 00:13:07.239 --> 00:13:08.879 and gather 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:10.099 the exiles 00:13:10.099 --> 00:13:11.579 of Israel 00:13:11.579 --> 00:13:13.039 he will 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:13.939 assemble 00:13:13.939 --> 00:13:15.359 the scattered 00:13:15.359 --> 00:13:16.000 people 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:16.859 of Judah 00:13:16.859 --> 00:13:18.000 from the 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:18.639 four 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.579 quarters 00:13:19.579 --> 00:13:20.279 of the 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:20.719 earth 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:24.360 then 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:26.379 as 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:26.860 Isaiah 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:27.259 keeps 00:13:27.259 --> 00:13:27.700 going 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:28.120 you get 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:28.259 to 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:28.540 Isaiah 00:13:28.540 --> 00:13:29.040 56 00:13:29.040 --> 00:13:29.700 8 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.500 and 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:30.899 God 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:31.279 himself 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:31.960 declares 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:32.500 there 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:33.259 that he 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:33.580 will 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:34.800 expand 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:35.240 his 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:36.100 plan 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.259 beyond 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:37.580 his 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:38.100 historic 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:38.580 people 00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:39.259 Israel 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.259 and this 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.540 is what 00:13:40.540 --> 00:13:40.779 God 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:41.080 says 00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:41.680 he says 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:42.299 I 00:13:42.299 --> 00:13:42.979 will 00:13:42.979 --> 00:13:43.399 gather 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:44.019 still 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:44.799 others 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:45.599 to 00:13:45.599 --> 00:13:46.159 them 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:46.959 besides 00:13:46.959 --> 00:13:47.799 those 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:48.379 already 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.199 gathered 00:13:49.199 --> 00:13:51.359 and the 00:13:51.359 --> 00:13:51.839 climax 00:13:51.839 --> 00:13:53.500 of God's 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:54.179 plans 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:54.739 is revealed 00:13:54.739 --> 00:13:55.219 at the end 00:13:55.219 --> 00:13:55.579 of the book 00:13:55.579 --> 00:13:56.199 of Isaiah 00:13:56.199 --> 00:13:56.759 in Isaiah 00:13:56.759 --> 00:13:57.319 66 00:13:57.320 --> 00:13:58.379 18 00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.440 we read 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:00.000 and I 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.340 this is 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:00.580 God 00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:00.920 again 00:14:00.920 --> 00:14:01.660 and I 00:14:01.660 --> 00:14:02.640 because 00:14:02.640 --> 00:14:03.360 of what 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:03.760 they have 00:14:03.760 --> 00:14:04.300 planned 00:14:04.300 --> 00:14:04.960 and done 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:05.640 am about 00:14:05.640 --> 00:14:06.420 to come 00:14:06.420 --> 00:14:07.440 and gather 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:08.040 the people 00:14:08.040 --> 00:14:08.760 of all 00:14:08.760 --> 00:14:09.320 nations 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:10.420 and languages 00:14:10.420 --> 00:14:11.540 and they 00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:12.340 will come 00:14:12.340 --> 00:14:13.220 and see 00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:15.180 my glory 00:14:15.179 --> 00:14:17.159 see 00:14:17.159 --> 00:14:17.679 God's 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:18.479 plan 00:14:18.479 --> 00:14:19.939 is to 00:14:19.939 --> 00:14:20.159 gather 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:20.620 people 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.359 from all 00:14:21.359 --> 00:14:21.819 nations 00:14:21.819 --> 00:14:22.679 and tribes 00:14:22.679 --> 00:14:23.199 and peoples 00:14:23.199 --> 00:14:23.839 and cultures 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:25.159 to himself 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.279 that they 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.000 might see 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.120 his glory 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:29.419 that they 00:14:29.419 --> 00:14:29.839 might 00:14:29.839 --> 00:14:31.439 magnify 00:14:31.439 --> 00:14:32.259 his 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:33.019 magnus 00:14:33.019 --> 00:14:35.919 it's a 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:36.479 plan 00:14:36.479 --> 00:14:37.899 that starts 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:38.279 to get 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:39.019 worked out 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:39.759 in history 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:41.079 with the 00:14:41.079 --> 00:14:41.599 creation 00:14:41.599 --> 00:14:42.159 of the 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:42.740 church 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.740 by the 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:44.259 Lord Jesus 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:44.919 Christ 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:46.479 and you 00:14:46.479 --> 00:14:47.159 see that 00:14:47.159 --> 00:14:48.479 in Ephesians 00:14:48.479 --> 00:14:49.120 2 11 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:49.639 the passage 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.000 that was 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:50.399 read out 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:50.979 to us 00:14:50.979 --> 00:14:51.860 therefore 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:53.379 formally 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:54.379 remember 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:54.959 that formally 00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:55.439 you 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:56.120 who are 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.719 Gentiles 00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.279 by birth 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:57.699 and court 00:14:57.699 --> 00:14:58.799 uncircumcised 00:14:58.799 --> 00:14:59.539 by those 00:14:59.539 --> 00:14:59.879 who call 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.240 themselves 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.000 the circumcision 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.679 which is 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.159 done in 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.399 the body 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.819 by human 00:15:02.819 --> 00:15:03.199 hands 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:04.099 remember 00:15:04.099 --> 00:15:05.579 that at 00:15:05.579 --> 00:15:06.539 that time 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:07.539 you were 00:15:07.539 --> 00:15:08.419 separated 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.179 you were 00:15:09.179 --> 00:15:09.759 scattered 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:11.240 from Christ 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:12.419 excluded 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:13.740 from 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.620 citizenship 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.539 in Israel 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:16.639 and foreigners 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:17.259 to the 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:17.840 covenants 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:18.120 of the 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:18.600 promise 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.379 without 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.000 hope 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.899 and without 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:21.580 God 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:21.960 in this 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:22.500 world 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:24.399 see what 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:24.980 Paul does 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:25.279 here in 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:25.919 Ephesians 00:15:25.919 --> 00:15:26.340 is he 00:15:26.340 --> 00:15:27.399 highlights 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:28.659 the 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:29.860 massive 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.299 division 00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:31.960 between 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:32.460 Jews 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:33.539 and Gentiles 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:35.299 but also 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:36.560 between 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:38.240 them all 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:38.840 both Jews 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.560 and Gentiles 00:15:39.560 --> 00:15:40.460 and God 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.440 there is 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:42.120 deep 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.300 deep 00:15:43.300 --> 00:15:44.180 hostility 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:45.400 which is 00:15:45.400 --> 00:15:46.220 hard for 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:46.519 us to 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:47.180 understand 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:49.340 and what 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:49.780 Paul does 00:15:49.780 --> 00:15:50.139 in verse 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:50.680 13 00:15:50.680 --> 00:15:51.960 is he 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.980 shows us 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:54.019 how God 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:55.180 brings about 00:15:55.180 --> 00:15:56.420 the end 00:15:56.420 --> 00:15:56.840 of this 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:57.700 hostility 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:59.180 and gathers 00:15:59.180 --> 00:15:59.900 these people 00:15:59.900 --> 00:16:00.420 to each 00:16:00.420 --> 00:16:00.800 other 00:16:00.800 --> 00:16:01.860 and to 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.560 himself 00:16:02.560 --> 00:16:04.379 so 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:04.920 Ephesians 2 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.620 verse 13 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:06.740 now in 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:07.659 Christ Jesus 00:16:07.659 --> 00:16:08.919 you who 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:09.580 once were 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:10.360 far away 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:10.759 you who 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.100 once were 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:11.440 scattered 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:12.299 have been 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:13.159 brought near 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:13.980 been gathered 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.700 by the 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:15.320 blood of 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:15.879 Christ 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.659 for he 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:17.200 himself is 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:17.899 our peace 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:18.500 who has 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.019 made the 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:19.700 two groups 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:20.100 one 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:20.679 and has 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:21.200 destroyed 00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:21.840 the barrier 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.840 the dividing 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:23.600 wall of 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.320 hostility 00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:25.240 by setting 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:25.960 aside in 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:26.480 his flesh 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.039 the law 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:27.419 with its 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.000 commandments 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.639 and regulations 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:30.960 his purpose 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:32.240 was to 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.820 create 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:34.100 in himself 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:34.900 one 00:16:34.900 --> 00:16:35.960 new 00:16:35.960 --> 00:16:36.860 humanity 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:38.120 out of 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.760 the two 00:16:38.760 --> 00:16:40.040 thus making 00:16:40.040 --> 00:16:40.740 peace 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.960 and in 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.740 one body 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.540 to reconcile 00:16:43.540 --> 00:16:44.320 both of 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:44.860 them to 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:45.420 God 00:16:45.420 --> 00:16:46.520 through the 00:16:46.520 --> 00:16:46.960 cross 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:48.020 by which 00:16:48.020 --> 00:16:48.379 he put 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:48.840 to death 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.780 their hostility 00:16:49.780 --> 00:16:53.200 sin 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:54.860 death 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:56.460 hostility 00:16:56.460 --> 00:16:57.340 between 00:16:57.340 --> 00:16:57.920 Jew and 00:16:57.920 --> 00:16:58.540 Gentile 00:16:58.540 --> 00:16:59.560 is finally 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:00.360 dealt with 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:01.300 by Jesus 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:02.080 at the 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:02.480 cross 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:04.720 Jesus 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.360 is the 00:17:05.360 --> 00:17:05.980 one who 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.380 gathers 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:06.900 these 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.099 diverse 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:08.980 people 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.839 together 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:10.680 and he 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:11.640 calls them 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.460 a new 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.000 people 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:15.019 a new 00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:15.680 humanity 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:16.740 and we 00:17:16.740 --> 00:17:17.220 will talk 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.559 a little 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:18.000 bit more 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.480 about that 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:19.200 next week 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.880 a new 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:21.360 people 00:17:21.360 --> 00:17:21.960 gathered 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.799 to God 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.460 in relationship 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:25.079 with God 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:27.640 so what's 00:17:27.640 --> 00:17:28.140 God's purpose 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:28.599 in all of 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:28.920 this 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:29.579 we're still 00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:30.400 asking that 00:17:30.400 --> 00:17:30.819 question 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.599 what is the 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:32.039 purpose of 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:32.759 the church 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:35.759 why do 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.259 this 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.200 why gather 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:38.200 like this 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:40.819 Ephesians 3 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.200 10 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:44.099 his intent 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:45.059 God's intent 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:46.859 was that 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.420 now 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.920 right now 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:50.579 here 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:52.460 through the 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:52.960 church 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:54.440 the 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:55.200 manifold 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:57.240 wisdom 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.240 wisdom 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.859 of God 00:17:58.859 --> 00:17:59.859 should be 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.640 made known 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.120 to the 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:01.500 rulers 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:02.059 and the 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.660 authorities 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:03.680 in the 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:04.660 heavenly realms 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:06.039 according to 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:06.559 his eternal 00:18:06.559 --> 00:18:07.180 purpose 00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:07.940 that he 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:08.740 accomplished 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.680 in Christ 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.539 Jesus 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:11.680 our 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:12.799 Lord 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:14.500 the 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:14.940 manifold 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.519 wisdom 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:15.839 the 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:17.220 multi 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:18.519 colored 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:20.579 spectacular 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.460 wisdom 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.079 of God 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:22.419 should be 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:23.079 made known 00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:23.639 through the 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.139 church 00:18:24.139 --> 00:18:26.399 the great 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:27.099 and glorious 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:27.960 God's great 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:28.460 and glorious 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.119 plan 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:30.159 is to gather 00:18:30.159 --> 00:18:31.000 a very diverse 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.359 people 00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:32.359 to each 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:32.759 other 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.799 in unity 00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:34.319 with each 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.680 other 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.659 and to 00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:36.279 himself 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.359 in such 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:37.919 a way 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:38.800 that his 00:18:38.800 --> 00:18:39.660 greatness 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:40.580 and his 00:18:40.580 --> 00:18:41.320 glory 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:42.200 is made 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:42.940 known 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:43.920 to all 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.440 the heavenly 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:44.980 realms 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:47.480 God 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.200 does this 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:48.759 work 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.620 so that 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:49.960 his 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.360 magnus 00:18:51.360 --> 00:18:52.560 might be 00:18:52.560 --> 00:18:53.000 seen 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:57.720 there is 00:18:57.720 --> 00:18:58.300 a sense 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:58.779 here 00:18:58.779 --> 00:19:00.440 where 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:01.600 right now 00:19:01.600 --> 00:19:03.120 God 00:19:03.120 --> 00:19:03.620 calls 00:19:03.620 --> 00:19:04.160 over 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:05.160 the rulers 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:05.740 and the 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.279 authorities 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.320 and the 00:19:07.320 --> 00:19:07.620 heavenly 00:19:07.620 --> 00:19:07.900 realms 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.840 and he 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.340 says 00:19:09.340 --> 00:19:09.759 hey 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.180 Gabriel 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:12.060 Michael 00:19:12.060 --> 00:19:13.380 have a 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:13.700 look at 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:14.160 that 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:16.560 have a 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:16.840 look at 00:19:16.840 --> 00:19:17.200 that 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:19.420 look at 00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:19.620 St. 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:19.980 Paul's 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.720 Chatswood 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:22.540 that is 00:19:22.540 --> 00:19:22.840 what I've 00:19:22.840 --> 00:19:23.640 been doing 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.540 for all 00:19:24.540 --> 00:19:25.120 of history 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:26.880 working 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.660 this out 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:31.580 my son 00:19:31.580 --> 00:19:32.220 made that 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:32.820 possible 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:34.480 he brought 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.200 these diverse 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.019 people together 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.519 he broke 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:36.940 down the 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:37.280 dividing 00:19:37.280 --> 00:19:37.600 walls 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.319 and he 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:38.839 says to 00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:39.259 the demons 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:39.500 hey 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:39.899 Satan 00:19:39.899 --> 00:19:40.639 get over 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:40.959 here 00:19:40.959 --> 00:19:41.659 and take 00:19:41.659 --> 00:19:41.899 a look 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:42.539 at this 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:45.099 not even 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:45.759 the gates 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.659 of hell 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.319 are going 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:48.219 to stop 00:19:48.219 --> 00:19:49.519 my son 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.879 doing that 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:52.000 until I call 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.319 them all to 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:52.779 myself 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:55.559 you can't 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:56.539 stop that 00:19:56.539 --> 00:20:00.220 every 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:01.180 every tribe 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.200 every tribe 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:01.960 and language 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:02.799 and peoples 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.659 gathered 00:20:03.659 --> 00:20:04.159 together 00:20:04.159 --> 00:20:04.899 unified 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:06.259 in my 00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:06.920 son 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.700 that 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.480 displays 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.480 the 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.759 magnificence 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:11.440 of God 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:14.480 United 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:15.079 Nations 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.920 can't do 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.539 this 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:19.539 it can't 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:20.099 achieve 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:20.700 this 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:21.360 God 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:26.299 you see 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.539 what did 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.100 you say 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:28.980 that you 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:29.960 what is 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.220 church 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:30.460 about 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:31.759 what did 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:31.940 you say 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.299 this morning 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:35.259 you see 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.240 before church 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:36.620 is about 00:20:36.620 --> 00:20:37.240 serving one 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:37.600 another 00:20:37.600 --> 00:20:38.660 before it 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:39.059 is about 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:39.620 learning 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:40.180 more about 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:40.680 God 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:42.100 before it's 00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:42.460 about 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.059 whatever 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.680 other things 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.100 you came 00:20:44.100 --> 00:20:44.680 up with 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.759 it's about 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.420 us being 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:47.160 gathered 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:47.620 together 00:20:47.620 --> 00:20:48.620 to God 00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:50.320 so that 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.019 God 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.060 looks 00:20:52.060 --> 00:20:53.320 magnificent 00:20:53.320 --> 00:20:55.900 that's 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.200 what it's 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:56.460 about 00:20:56.460 --> 00:21:01.140 this 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:02.299 is so 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.440 fundamental 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.019 for us 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:04.620 to grasp 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:05.500 in fact 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:05.840 I'd say 00:21:05.840 --> 00:21:06.140 it's 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:06.820 critical 00:21:06.820 --> 00:21:07.840 for us 00:21:07.840 --> 00:21:08.360 to grasp 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:09.600 before 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.220 church 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:10.820 is about 00:21:10.820 --> 00:21:11.480 me 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.460 before it's 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:12.759 about 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.400 you 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:14.180 before it's 00:21:14.180 --> 00:21:14.460 about 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.100 us 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:15.700 it's 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:16.000 about 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:16.779 God 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.400 this is 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:17.720 his 00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.200 design 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:18.640 this is 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:18.960 his 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:19.340 grand 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:19.860 plan 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.560 for all 00:21:20.560 --> 00:21:20.820 time 00:21:20.820 --> 00:21:20.940 and 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.340 eternity 00:21:21.340 --> 00:21:24.539 dare I 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.220 say it 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:26.940 transcultural 00:21:26.940 --> 00:21:27.460 church is 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:27.600 his 00:21:27.600 --> 00:21:27.860 grand 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:28.160 plan 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:33.180 transcultural 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:33.779 church is 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:33.980 his 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:34.259 grand 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:34.539 plan 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:39.759 and I 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.080 think this 00:21:40.080 --> 00:21:40.440 is again 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:40.980 captured in 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.460 our purpose 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:41.840 statement 00:21:41.840 --> 00:21:42.180 here at 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:42.320 St. 00:21:42.360 --> 00:21:42.740 Paul's 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.259 treasuring 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:43.640 Jesus 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:44.220 together 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.780 for God's 00:21:45.780 --> 00:21:46.180 glory 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:47.000 and the 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:47.360 joy 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:48.220 of all 00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:48.720 peoples 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:50.360 so let's 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:50.920 move on 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:52.140 how to be 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:52.880 a church 00:21:52.880 --> 00:21:53.800 member on 00:21:53.800 --> 00:21:54.400 purpose 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.960 how do we 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.900 as individuals 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:57.500 be members 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.060 of a church 00:21:58.060 --> 00:21:58.740 on purpose 00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:00.780 let me say 00:22:00.780 --> 00:22:01.580 first of all 00:22:01.580 --> 00:22:02.920 first of all 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:04.300 that you 00:22:04.300 --> 00:22:05.080 become a 00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:05.620 member of 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:06.060 God's 00:22:06.060 --> 00:22:06.740 church 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:08.640 not by 00:22:08.640 --> 00:22:09.700 completing a 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.120 membership 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:11.000 course 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.579 church 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.720 or by 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:14.079 attending a 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.740 church for 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.059 a very 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:15.839 long time 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:17.259 that's not 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:17.980 how you 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:18.519 become a 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:18.920 member of 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.359 a church 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:21.000 you become a 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.460 member of 00:22:21.460 --> 00:22:22.279 God's church 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:24.039 by repenting 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:25.059 of living 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.160 independent of 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:26.619 God 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.700 by putting your 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.319 trust in the 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:28.839 Lord Jesus 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:30.220 by receiving the 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:30.819 Holy Spirit 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.799 who unites you 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:32.599 with God and 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:32.940 with other 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:33.299 believers 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:34.500 that's how you 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.160 become a member 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:35.859 of the church 00:22:35.859 --> 00:22:36.939 that's the 00:22:36.939 --> 00:22:37.659 fundamental 00:22:37.659 --> 00:22:39.119 first step 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:40.099 so you could 00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.759 be sitting in 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.779 church for 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.959 decades and 00:22:42.959 --> 00:22:43.659 not taking that 00:22:43.659 --> 00:22:44.479 fundamental first 00:22:44.479 --> 00:22:44.799 step 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:45.979 there will be 00:22:45.979 --> 00:22:46.699 plenty of 00:22:46.699 --> 00:22:47.240 people in 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:48.199 heaven who 00:22:48.199 --> 00:22:48.899 haven't done 00:22:48.899 --> 00:22:49.299 the St. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:49.599 Paul's 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:49.979 Chatswood 00:22:49.979 --> 00:22:50.500 pathways 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.059 course 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:52.319 plenty of 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.599 people 00:22:52.599 --> 00:22:55.119 but there 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:55.659 won't be 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:57.259 anyone who 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:58.199 hasn't repented 00:22:58.199 --> 00:22:58.919 of sins and 00:22:58.919 --> 00:22:59.479 trusted in 00:22:59.479 --> 00:22:59.859 Jesus 00:22:59.859 --> 00:23:02.000 not a single 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:02.319 one 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:06.740 and maybe 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:08.419 today this is 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:08.919 the first 00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:10.099 fundamental step 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:10.759 that you need 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.399 to take 00:23:11.399 --> 00:23:12.559 maybe you've 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:13.220 come along 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:13.980 you got involved 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.559 in the local 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.419 expression of the 00:23:15.419 --> 00:23:16.000 church and 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.720 you're doing a 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.279 bunch of stuff 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:17.919 maybe doing a 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:18.279 bunch of stuff 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:18.819 for ages 00:23:18.819 --> 00:23:21.319 but you've got 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:22.039 confused 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:23.019 you're doing 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.519 step two 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.019 before you even 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:24.480 got to step 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:24.839 one 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:26.539 maybe today's 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:26.919 the day you 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:27.339 need to take 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.819 step one 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:32.139 if you've 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:32.939 taken step 00:23:32.939 --> 00:23:33.339 one 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:33.859 then the 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.639 most important 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:35.399 way you can 00:23:35.399 --> 00:23:35.919 be a member 00:23:35.919 --> 00:23:36.919 on purpose 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:37.399 at St. 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:37.899 Paul's 00:23:37.899 --> 00:23:39.099 is to 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:40.259 embrace the 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:40.740 vision the 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.379 values 00:23:41.379 --> 00:23:43.339 that we have 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:43.759 as a church 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.200 our mission 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.899 statement and 00:23:44.899 --> 00:23:45.539 live out our 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.179 core values 00:23:46.179 --> 00:23:46.899 our shared 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:48.019 values which 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:48.679 are driven 00:23:48.679 --> 00:23:49.939 by 00:23:49.939 --> 00:23:51.519 God's 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:52.139 grand plan 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:55.139 one of the 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:56.019 key values 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.799 that helps us 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.500 think about 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.079 the sort of 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:58.579 gathering that 00:23:58.579 --> 00:23:59.519 we are and 00:23:59.519 --> 00:23:59.980 the sort of 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.539 gathering that 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.460 we aspire to 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:01.900 be at St. 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.000 Paul's is 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:04.700 treasuring Jesus 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:07.619 together and 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:08.599 it was written 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:11.559 specifically to 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.980 enforce if you 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.960 like to 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:16.079 highlight the 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:16.759 need to 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:19.339 gather and 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:19.900 how we 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:22.200 gather let 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.799 me read it 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.259 to you 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:25.000 having been 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:26.480 led individually 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.120 by the 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:27.720 spirit of 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.240 God to 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:28.759 receive 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:30.220 Jesus Christ 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:30.940 as the 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.440 Lord 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.539 Saviour 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.759 and supreme 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.640 treasure of 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.740 our lives 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.319 we now 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.519 most solemnly 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.559 and joyfully 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:40.440 enter into 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.620 covenant with 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:42.400 one another 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.819 as one body 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:44.660 in Christ 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:47.500 we believe 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.079 the people 00:24:48.079 --> 00:24:48.720 whom Jesus 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.480 has called 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:50.279 into relationship 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:50.940 with himself 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:51.900 are his 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:53.019 church 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:54.039 and not 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:54.859 an institution 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.480 or a 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:55.900 building 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.819 in an 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.639 age of 00:24:57.639 --> 00:24:58.839 individualism 00:24:58.839 --> 00:25:00.400 we value 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:01.339 vigilance 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:02.639 and accountability 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:04.160 in treasuring 00:25:04.160 --> 00:25:04.920 Jesus 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:06.279 together 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:06.379 together 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:11.839 now in 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:12.399 Ephesians 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:13.000 Paul goes 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:13.319 on to 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:13.779 spend 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:14.500 extensive 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.759 time on 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:16.539 what God's 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.359 new humanity 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.339 his gathering 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.599 his church 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.399 looks like 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:21.519 in their 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.299 life together 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:23.940 and 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:24.279 treasuring 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:24.599 Jesus 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:24.940 together 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:25.220 is a 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:25.500 value 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.019 that tries 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.660 to capture 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:28.720 things like 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.200 the rest of 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.799 Ephesians 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.319 and a whole 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:30.759 heap of 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.660 New Testament 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.139 language 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:32.960 it's all 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:33.639 about life 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:34.000 together 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.359 it's about 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:34.920 relationships 00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:35.480 it's about 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:35.700 our 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.800 togetherness 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:38.940 and like 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:39.740 all our 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.200 values 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:41.420 this one 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.600 is highly 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:43.200 practical 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.500 like all our 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:44.940 values 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.440 it is 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.000 highly 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.580 practical 00:25:46.580 --> 00:25:47.519 it says 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.120 things like 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:49.019 as a church 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.800 we are 00:25:49.800 --> 00:25:50.200 committed 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:50.779 to 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.180 and then 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:51.460 there's a 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:51.759 bunch of 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.140 statements 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:52.779 one of 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:53.340 them is 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.960 making 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.519 corporate 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:54.980 worship 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.740 a weekly 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.400 priority 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.539 in other 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.140 words 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.580 if God's 00:25:59.580 --> 00:26:00.019 purpose 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:01.440 is 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.580 for all 00:26:02.580 --> 00:26:03.039 the time 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.680 and eternity 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.420 to gather 00:26:04.420 --> 00:26:05.560 to himself 00:26:05.560 --> 00:26:06.940 people 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.340 under the 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:08.740 lordship 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.480 of Christ 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.560 then we 00:26:10.560 --> 00:26:11.519 express 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.019 God's 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:12.400 ultimate 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:12.920 goal 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:13.860 by gathering 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:15.800 really 00:26:15.800 --> 00:26:16.320 simple 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:18.000 we gather 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.620 is what 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.140 we do 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:21.980 in the 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.800 Bible 00:26:22.800 --> 00:26:23.779 to 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.500 magnify 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.039 God 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:26.100 always 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:26.900 requires 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:27.519 the regular 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.000 gathering 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.460 of God's 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:28.820 people 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:37.139 so 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:38.460 I'm not 00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:38.639 going to 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:38.779 throw 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.039 around 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:39.500 too 00:26:39.500 --> 00:26:39.839 many 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:41.019 statistics 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:41.419 here 00:26:41.419 --> 00:26:41.720 but 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.159 have you 00:26:42.159 --> 00:26:42.419 ever 00:26:42.419 --> 00:26:43.099 calculated 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:43.839 how many 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:44.379 gatherings 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:44.899 you miss 00:26:44.899 --> 00:26:45.279 a year 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:50.019 did you 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:50.200 know 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:50.460 that 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.519 in our 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.139 culture 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:53.399 regular 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:53.960 nowadays 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:55.640 has become 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.279 somewhere 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:57.299 between 00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:58.259 30 and 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.420 40 percent 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:00.360 attendance 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:05.319 I'll just 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:05.660 let that 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:05.840 sit 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:07.980 we don't 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.340 need a 00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:08.620 rule 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.000 here 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.539 I'm not 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:10.980 looking for 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:11.340 rule 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:13.220 what we 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.860 need 00:27:13.860 --> 00:27:15.579 is to 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:16.319 see 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:17.620 the great 00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:18.140 and the 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:18.759 gracious 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.559 plan of 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:20.140 a great 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:20.539 and a 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:20.880 gracious 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:21.519 God 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.220 I said 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.619 it last 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:22.960 week 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.279 how do 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.099 we grow 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:24.900 in 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.539 magnifying 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:26.059 God 00:27:26.059 --> 00:27:26.839 by 00:27:26.839 --> 00:27:27.599 gazing 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:28.440 on him 00:27:28.440 --> 00:27:28.940 and being 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:29.619 blown away 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.180 by him 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:35.460 we need 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:36.160 to see 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:36.559 what it 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.039 cost him 00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:37.460 to gather 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:37.779 us 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.240 together 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.720 and to 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:39.920 gather 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:40.379 us to 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:41.000 himself 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.240 nothing else 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.720 will motivate 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.119 us to 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:43.299 gather 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:43.799 no rule 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.220 will motivate 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:44.539 us to 00:27:44.539 --> 00:27:44.700 gather 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:44.980 that's 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:45.420 for sure 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.859 treasuring 00:27:46.859 --> 00:27:47.180 Jesus 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:47.660 together 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:48.680 not only 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.240 says that 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.799 we value 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.200 being 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:50.700 together 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:52.340 but how 00:27:52.340 --> 00:27:53.019 we value 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.400 being 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:53.860 together 00:27:53.860 --> 00:27:54.620 we're 00:27:54.620 --> 00:27:54.900 committed 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:55.180 to 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:55.600 meeting 00:27:55.600 --> 00:27:56.240 together 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.779 in small 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:57.100 groups 00:27:57.100 --> 00:27:57.440 for more 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:57.700 intimate 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:58.220 opportunities 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:58.700 for nurture 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.180 for growth 00:27:59.180 --> 00:27:59.640 accountability 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:00.420 and service 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.299 we are 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:01.519 committed 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.340 to engaging 00:28:02.340 --> 00:28:02.900 to watch 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.380 over one 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:03.620 another 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.180 in brotherly 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:04.500 love 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:04.980 committed 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:05.660 to remembering 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.180 one another 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:06.740 in prayer 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:07.319 committing 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.180 to aiding 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:08.740 one another 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.220 in sickness 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:09.940 and distress 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:10.600 committed 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.440 to cultivating 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:11.980 Christian 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.420 sympathy 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:13.120 and joy 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:13.720 committed 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.080 to being 00:28:14.080 --> 00:28:14.480 slow 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:14.819 to take 00:28:14.819 --> 00:28:15.220 offense 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.720 but always 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.059 ready 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:16.279 for 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.920 reconciliation 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:17.680 and mindful 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:17.900 of the 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.279 command 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.880 of our 00:28:18.880 --> 00:28:19.240 savior 00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:19.840 to secure 00:28:19.840 --> 00:28:20.120 without 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:20.559 delay 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:21.859 we are 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.119 committed 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:22.679 to welcoming 00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:23.099 people 00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:24.179 from every 00:28:24.179 --> 00:28:25.139 background 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.119 we are 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:26.460 committed 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:28.119 to openness 00:28:28.119 --> 00:28:28.819 towards new 00:28:28.819 --> 00:28:29.200 people 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:29.519 and the 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.059 avoidance 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:30.659 of clickiness 00:28:30.659 --> 00:28:31.500 we are 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:31.740 committed 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:32.379 to purging 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:32.960 our lives 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:33.240 of the 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:33.619 sin 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.099 that causes 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:34.619 division 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:35.359 we are 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:35.599 committed 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:36.240 to pursuing 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:36.960 increasingly 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.419 visible 00:28:37.419 --> 00:28:37.879 authentic 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:38.419 and practical 00:28:38.419 --> 00:28:38.940 ways of 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.399 loving each 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:39.679 other 00:28:39.680 --> 00:28:43.620 and patriarchy 00:28:43.620 --> 00:28:51.019 so i am 00:28:51.019 --> 00:29:03.840 want to 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:04.720 the beach sort of stuff. 00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:06.019 So get ready for this. 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:09.799 Jesus started it with these words. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:12.039 A new commandment I give you, love one another. 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:14.839 As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 00:29:15.159 --> 00:29:18.299 By this all people know that you're my disciples if you love one another. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:19.899 John 13, 34, 35. 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:24.359 Paul states the commandment to love each other in more than a dozen ways. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.759 Romans 12, 5. 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:28.119 In Christ, we who are many for one body, 00:29:28.439 --> 00:29:30.839 and each member belongs to all the others. 00:29:31.419 --> 00:29:33.019 Romans 12, 10. 00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:34.959 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:36.339 Again in 12, 10. 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:39.079 Honour one another above yourselves. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:41.279 Romans 14, 19. 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:45.259 Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 00:29:45.699 --> 00:29:47.299 Romans 15, 14. 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:48.459 Instruct one another. 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:50.559 1 Corinthians 12, 25. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:52.619 There should be no division in the body, 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:57.299 but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.939 Galatians 5, 13. 00:29:59.119 --> 00:30:00.179 Serve one another in love. 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:01.400 Galatians 6, 2. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.840 Carry each other's burdens. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.820 Ephesians 4, 2. 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:06.060 Be patient, bearing with one another in love. 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.660 Ephesians 4, 32. 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:10.799 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:12.039 Ephesians 5, 21. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:14.640 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.700 Philippians 2, 3. 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:19.820 In humility, consider others better than yourselves. 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:21.140 Colossians 3, 9. 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:22.759 Do not lie to one another. 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:25.200 1 Thessalonians 4, 18. 00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:26.320 Encourage one another. 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:28.120 1 Thessalonians 5, 15. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:32.479 Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 00:30:33.199 --> 00:30:34.059 That's Paul. 00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:34.699 Okay. 00:30:34.959 --> 00:30:39.279 And then the book of Hebrews joins in the chorus. 00:30:39.679 --> 00:30:43.739 Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:46.019 And do not forget to meet together. 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:50.200 Then James pipes in, in chapter 4, verse 11. 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.500 Do not slander one another. 00:30:51.640 --> 00:30:52.460 5, 9. 00:30:52.579 --> 00:30:53.900 Don't grumble against each other. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:55.000 5, 16. 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:59.099 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 00:30:59.099 --> 00:31:03.459 And then Peter jumps in, in 1 Peter 4, 9. 00:31:03.699 --> 00:31:05.799 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 00:31:05.959 --> 00:31:06.639 5, 5. 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:09.740 Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another. 00:31:10.099 --> 00:31:12.459 And that doesn't even get into John. 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:14.259 Revelation. 00:31:15.379 --> 00:31:16.819 We'll just leave it at that. 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:33.559 What is obvious from all of this is the prominence of loving, Christ-exalting, other person-centered personal relationships. 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:36.379 So let me say it. 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:49.200 There is no such thing as isolated, individualistic, meet-my-needs consumer Christianity in the Bible. 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:52.139 It doesn't exist. 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:56.940 And it works against all of God's purposes. 00:31:56.940 --> 00:32:07.519 You see, a church dater has an attitude towards church that is me-centered. 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.820 What can church do for me? 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:14.460 How are my needs and personal preferences going to be met? 00:32:15.320 --> 00:32:18.000 Church daters are independent. 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.279 They're disconnected. 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:22.660 And they're minimally involved in people's lives. 00:32:22.660 --> 00:32:27.340 And don't at all like the idea of accountability to one another. 00:32:28.820 --> 00:32:33.620 Essentially, however, a church dater is critical. 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:37.440 They're short on allegiance. 00:32:38.279 --> 00:32:40.500 And they are quick to find faults. 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:48.200 They're looking, if you like, for the best product for their price of two hours on a Sunday. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:58.240 They are, if you like, they're like the lover with a wandering eye, always looking for something better. 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:08.500 The sad thing is, what the church dater is thinking, is working in their favor, is actually working against them. 00:33:09.559 --> 00:33:13.660 It results in a serious loss for them and a loss for others. 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:19.120 You cannot fulfill the command to love and to serve and to give by yourself. 00:33:19.880 --> 00:33:30.460 Normal, essential Christianity is loving, Christ-exalting, other person-centered, personal relationships in the local church. 00:33:31.840 --> 00:33:37.940 And so what we're seeking to do here at St. Paul's is to build a gospel community. 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:47.660 Another way of putting that is what we're seeking to do is to build a supernatural community, rather than simply a natural community. 00:33:48.580 --> 00:33:56.580 A natural community is where people feel connected because of a demographic phenomenon. 00:33:56.579 --> 00:34:09.559 That is, people who would normally gravitate to each other and find a sense of belonging with each other because of similarities, irrespective of whether gospel is true or not. 00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:12.840 That's natural community. 00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:16.639 Like, gathering together with like, with similarities. 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:21.000 Now, that's not entirely a bad thing. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:26.659 I share common interests with basically all of my friends. 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:30.800 In fact, all of my friends. 00:34:31.400 --> 00:34:34.559 I can't imagine not having any common interests with any of you. 00:34:34.840 --> 00:34:37.179 I think all of my friends have got common interests of mine. 00:34:39.719 --> 00:34:44.599 And so it's not a bad thing to have those connections and affinities here at St. Paul's. 00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:53.659 What I want to caution us about is not to think it is the sum total of gospel community and what gospel community is about. 00:34:54.440 --> 00:34:57.980 In fact, we do church the way we do church. 00:34:58.360 --> 00:35:08.719 With a shared discomfort in order that many more people who are diverse might find affinity in a congregation like this. 00:35:08.719 --> 00:35:17.179 But at the end of the day, you can have natural community without Jesus. 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:29.480 And when Jesus becomes dominant and we start sacrificing for the sake of Jesus being dominant so that more people might come to know Jesus, 00:35:30.159 --> 00:35:32.519 that natural community gets fractured. 00:35:33.899 --> 00:35:35.059 That's what happens. 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:46.920 The heavenly realms look on and see the wisdom of God when they gaze on supernatural community. 00:35:47.679 --> 00:35:51.299 When they see gospel community. 00:35:52.420 --> 00:35:59.039 It's the kind of community that could really only exist because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. 00:35:59.039 --> 00:36:09.159 This is when people who would not gravitate to each other normally or people groups who have open hostility towards each other historically 00:36:09.159 --> 00:36:20.679 are drawn together in peace and in love through the unifying work of the Holy Spirit and Christ's work on the cross. 00:36:23.039 --> 00:36:26.300 So how do we be church members on purpose? 00:36:26.300 --> 00:36:27.360 Number one, gather. 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:28.639 Really simple. 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:31.880 That's what God has saved you for together. 00:36:32.739 --> 00:36:35.960 Number two, by building supernatural community. 00:36:35.960 --> 00:36:45.340 And lastly, by being willing to purposefully fracture the community. 00:36:48.659 --> 00:36:54.199 It is awesome to be part of a gospel community that God is growing. 00:36:54.199 --> 00:37:04.319 But one of the painful realities is the need to keep fracturing it in order to make space for others to be welcomed into it. 00:37:06.359 --> 00:37:14.759 One of our principles is we must fracture in order to welcome and to gather more people in. 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:20.940 When we're comfortable and we're comfortable and we're comfortable and we're settled, we don't want to fracture what we have. 00:37:20.940 --> 00:37:28.040 And we start moving from gospel community into natural community and affinities. 00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:35.960 It is wonderful to form and to build deep relationships. 00:37:35.960 --> 00:37:36.960 Deep relationships. 00:37:36.960 --> 00:37:37.960 Deep relationships. 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:42.679 But let me say, you can do that naturally. 00:37:42.880 --> 00:37:45.720 You can do that naturally. 00:37:46.880 --> 00:37:48.019 Deep relationships. 00:37:48.300 --> 00:37:50.240 You don't need the gospel for deep relationships. 00:37:50.239 --> 00:38:08.739 What is supernatural is the willingness to fracture community groups, to fracture congregations and time with people I love in order that others might be part of what we have in gospel community. 00:38:08.739 --> 00:38:15.479 We must never forget that community is not the goal of the church. 00:38:16.019 --> 00:38:24.739 As great as it is, the glory of God is the goal of the church and he is magnified as he gathers more and more people to himself. 00:38:26.179 --> 00:38:27.779 That they might see his glory. 00:38:29.159 --> 00:38:34.339 And so our core value, treasuring Jesus together, living in unity with one another, accepting and loving each other, 00:38:34.340 --> 00:38:39.660 is valuable finally because it makes God look good. 00:38:40.920 --> 00:38:50.500 It displays to the world the greatness and the glory and the value of the Lord Jesus and his love towards us. 00:38:50.920 --> 00:38:52.240 It is from God. 00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:54.640 It is through God. 00:38:54.760 --> 00:38:56.300 And it is to God. 00:38:56.300 --> 00:39:04.960 And we can practice it this morning very simply, very simply by not rushing off. 00:39:07.660 --> 00:39:10.220 By engaging with someone totally different this morning. 00:39:10.480 --> 00:39:12.380 Rather than just, you know, walk out of here and... 00:39:12.380 --> 00:39:15.160 By sitting somewhere different in the... 00:39:15.160 --> 00:39:16.660 By going deeper in a relationship. 00:39:16.659 --> 00:39:27.119 Now there are a few metaphors that the Bible uses to describe the intimate way that the Lord Jesus views his church. 00:39:27.440 --> 00:39:28.779 He calls it his family. 00:39:28.899 --> 00:39:29.960 He calls it his body. 00:39:30.219 --> 00:39:31.420 He calls it his bride. 00:39:31.420 --> 00:39:37.519 He loves his church and he gave himself over to death for his church. 00:39:37.519 --> 00:39:50.179 And he looks forward to the day when his bride, in all its perfection, will be presented to him and will be with him forever in delight. 00:39:52.759 --> 00:39:59.400 As I said at the beginning, today is the commitment conversation. 00:40:00.759 --> 00:40:04.440 Are you still dating his church? 00:40:04.440 --> 00:40:10.519 If so, you're still dating him. 00:40:13.400 --> 00:40:15.360 You haven't fully surrendered to Jesus. 00:40:17.679 --> 00:40:26.740 The church matters because God chose it to show and to tell the universe his wisdom and his love. 00:40:28.019 --> 00:40:31.200 This message is the world's only hope. 00:40:31.199 --> 00:40:38.359 And if you're a Christian, you have a crucial part in God's eternal plan. 00:40:38.839 --> 00:40:39.480 Your life... 00:40:39.480 --> 00:40:40.699 Can I just push this a little bit harder? 00:40:40.859 --> 00:40:44.099 Your life is so much bigger than a good job. 00:40:45.579 --> 00:40:48.619 It's so much bigger than an understanding spouse. 00:40:49.339 --> 00:40:52.899 It's so much more important than non-delinquent kids. 00:40:52.900 --> 00:40:56.160 Good friends and an active social life. 00:40:56.220 --> 00:41:01.500 It's so much bigger than beautiful gardens and nice holidays and fashionable clothes. 00:41:02.900 --> 00:41:06.300 You are part of something immense. 00:41:06.300 --> 00:41:14.260 Something that began before you were born and will continue long after you are dead. 00:41:14.260 --> 00:41:27.020 God is rescuing fallen, scattered humanity, gathering to himself and progressively shaping them into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:41:28.120 --> 00:41:37.440 He gathers you to himself so that you might be taking part in his grand and glorious plan. 00:41:37.440 --> 00:41:40.179 Does your life reflect it? 00:41:40.179 --> 00:41:40.200 Does your life reflect it?