WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:13.240 --> 00:00:13.839 Amen. 00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:16.199 I love that song. 00:00:16.280 --> 00:00:20.859 It is one of the best summaries of why we do those things. 00:00:21.140 --> 00:00:26.080 That we would serve, that we would love others, that we would give ourselves away and sacrifice. 00:00:26.440 --> 00:00:26.800 Why? 00:00:27.280 --> 00:00:29.420 Because of your great mercy. 00:00:30.140 --> 00:00:32.100 Because of your grace to us. 00:00:32.480 --> 00:00:37.880 Because you've poured in us to overflowing, you give us the privilege of sharing that with others. 00:00:38.500 --> 00:00:40.700 What a great, great reminder that is. 00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:46.420 A great privilege for us to be a part of that work that God is doing in so many ways. 00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:50.939 Turn with me this morning to 1 Corinthians chapter 1. 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:53.420 Yes, 1 Corinthians 1. 00:00:54.579 --> 00:00:55.760 Take a week off from Luke. 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:05.019 I'm so excited to have Ron Clegg here at Southwood to be a part of this installation service today. 00:01:05.019 --> 00:01:18.239 You know, as we were interviewing Ron, I discovered that he had recently preached all the way through the gospel of Luke at the congregation where he was serving as senior pastor at the time. 00:01:18.420 --> 00:01:25.519 And that's pretty exciting, you know, when you're just getting ready and your next sermon series is on Luke to talk to a guy. 00:01:25.899 --> 00:01:29.439 And I mean, obviously, that's why we hired him. 00:01:29.439 --> 00:01:31.959 And that got us pretty excited. 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:33.219 I mean, there were other reasons. 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:39.819 There was the, well, then there was the thing. 00:01:40.099 --> 00:01:44.679 There were lots of other reasons that we called Ron here. 00:01:45.900 --> 00:01:46.700 I'm sure. 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:47.959 It was Gail. 00:01:48.340 --> 00:01:49.439 Gail was the other reason. 00:01:50.219 --> 00:01:50.819 Yeah, that's right. 00:01:50.840 --> 00:01:51.420 We loved Gail. 00:01:51.420 --> 00:02:03.159 Anyway, a few weeks ago before I started preaching through Luke, I asked him what advice he had, what he'd learned from preaching through the gospel of Luke. 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:09.280 And he said, well, I mean, it's all about Jesus, of course, but not just about Jesus. 00:02:10.500 --> 00:02:13.099 It's about the cross all the way through. 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:23.259 Not just the last couple of chapters when you get to the crucifixion, but the whole thing, just like all the Bible is pointing to the cross of Jesus. 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:25.599 That's what you need to remember. 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:31.799 As you get to know Ron, you will learn quickly that he loves people. 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:38.299 That he's got a dry sense of humor that's even funnier than mine, which is hard for you to imagine. 00:02:39.900 --> 00:02:42.799 And that he's always going to point you to Jesus. 00:02:42.800 --> 00:02:57.080 I'm really, really thankful to have another pastor here who will preach Jesus and him crucified from this pulpit over lunch with you while counseling you in his office. 00:02:57.360 --> 00:02:59.460 He'll do that in all of those places. 00:02:59.740 --> 00:03:01.760 And that's really, really important. 00:03:02.360 --> 00:03:06.540 It's very significant that that's where he's going to be pointing you. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:10.800 Because preaching Christ crucified is not just for full-time preachers. 00:03:11.480 --> 00:03:11.980 Did you know that? 00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:14.600 You get to preach too. 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:18.700 Ron's going to get a charge here in just a few minutes. 00:03:19.320 --> 00:03:23.500 But this, what we're looking at in 1 Corinthians, is for all of us. 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:32.080 When Paul writes to the Corinthians in the passage we're about to read, he's not just interested in a preacher who preaches Christ crucified. 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:37.420 He's interested in a church that preaches Christ crucified. 00:03:37.419 --> 00:03:51.039 In my opinion, all of us preaching Christ crucified Monday through Saturday is harder and perhaps even more important than one of us doing it on Sunday. 00:03:51.039 --> 00:03:57.139 You see, Paul's writing to a group of believers here that's struggling in a lot of ways. 00:03:57.139 --> 00:04:10.919 It's specifically at the beginning of the book with divisions and party spirit and this issue and many others, Paul's going to say, are a result of the fact that they're missing the message of the cross. 00:04:10.919 --> 00:04:14.679 The message of Christ and him crucified. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:21.000 Let's look at what he says to them in 1 Corinthians 1, beginning the reading at verse 18. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:50.980 This is the word of God. 00:04:51.000 --> 00:05:20.980 Jesus said, 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:24.839 For consider your calling, brothers. 00:05:24.839 --> 00:05:28.519 Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. 00:05:29.119 --> 00:05:30.239 Not many were powerful. 00:05:30.799 --> 00:05:32.239 Not many were of noble birth. 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:36.279 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:39.699 God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:46.639 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are. 00:05:47.019 --> 00:05:51.439 So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:53.439 He is the source of God. 00:05:53.439 --> 00:06:01.899 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 00:06:03.019 --> 00:06:08.159 Therefore, as it is written, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:09.840 Lord, will you pray with me? 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:15.439 Father, we give you thanks for your words. 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:20.640 We thank you that your word speaks to our lives. 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:26.000 We thank you that it meets us in our point of need. 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:28.860 That it shows us the glories of our Savior. 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:32.360 And Father, would you show us that this morning? 00:06:32.539 --> 00:06:33.979 Holy Spirit, teach us. 00:06:35.219 --> 00:06:38.599 Show us a glorious Jesus that we can trust. 00:06:38.600 --> 00:06:50.680 Make us individuals and even more a community where Jesus' name is made great, where we preach Christ crucified. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:52.980 Do that work. 00:06:53.040 --> 00:06:54.320 Work even in this time. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:57.300 We need to hear not from me, but from you. 00:06:57.500 --> 00:06:58.560 So would you speak? 00:06:59.280 --> 00:07:01.140 Would you change us forever? 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:03.120 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:04.580 Amen. 00:07:04.580 --> 00:07:04.720 Amen. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:04.800 Amen. 00:07:06.580 --> 00:07:14.340 This passage talks about what Paul calls the message of the cross or Jesus Christ and him crucified. 00:07:14.620 --> 00:07:18.200 That's how Paul describes the gospel here in this passage. 00:07:18.880 --> 00:07:20.860 It's the message we're supposed to be preaching. 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:27.920 It's the message the whole world needs to hear because it is the power of God for salvation, he says. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:32.740 And we could summarize or describe that message in a lot of different ways, 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:36.240 but for this morning, let's do it with two brief statements. 00:07:36.639 --> 00:07:40.180 First, we are desperately needy. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:46.240 And second, Jesus completely meets our need. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:49.840 It's not going to be real confusing this morning. 00:07:49.960 --> 00:07:52.439 I'm not going to be particularly profound. 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:55.079 It really is that simple. 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:57.759 In some ways, it's that simple. 00:07:57.759 --> 00:08:03.699 But as we look at these two statements, I'll suggest it's actually harder for us to live, 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:08.480 to preach day in and day out than you might think it is. 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:11.459 So let's start with that first statement. 00:08:11.599 --> 00:08:13.439 We are desperately needy. 00:08:13.539 --> 00:08:15.839 Where do I get that from this passage? 00:08:16.699 --> 00:08:19.920 Well, first just think of the message of the cross itself. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:27.100 You know that one way to tell the seriousness of an illness is the cure that's needed to heal it, right? 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:31.860 Does it need just two Advil or two hours of surgery? 00:08:32.139 --> 00:08:34.960 That's how you know how serious the illness is. 00:08:35.820 --> 00:08:39.039 What does the cross tell us about our illness? 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:46.719 It says we are so sinful that we don't just need a slight behavioral tweak, a little modification, 00:08:47.579 --> 00:08:52.860 but that the Son of God had to die to heal us. 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:57.159 Then look at verses 26 to 28. 00:08:57.639 --> 00:08:59.219 Consider your calling, brothers. 00:08:59.860 --> 00:09:02.599 Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards. 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:03.980 Not many were powerful. 00:09:04.179 --> 00:09:05.579 Not many of noble birth. 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:09.860 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. 00:09:10.180 --> 00:09:13.139 God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:16.320 God chose what is low and despised in the world. 00:09:16.400 --> 00:09:20.660 Even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are. 00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:29.840 Who are the ones being described as foolish, weak, lowly, despised, and those sorts of things? 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:31.580 It's you and I, right? 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:33.960 We're the ones described that way. 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:41.259 Paul says, look, Corinthians, in God's economy, it's not at all the way the world operates. 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:47.300 The message of the cross sounds like foolishness because it flips all our normal ways of thinking 00:09:47.300 --> 00:09:48.200 on their head. 00:09:48.800 --> 00:09:51.120 The foolish come out ahead of the wise. 00:09:51.440 --> 00:09:53.500 The weak overcome the strong. 00:09:54.560 --> 00:09:59.960 So the gospel says those of us who trust in Christ are by definition needy people. 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:06.100 And Paul actually goes to great lengths to show this is true in his own life. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:13.860 Before and after the passage we just read, Paul says he preaches about Jesus without using eloquent 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:19.180 words, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:20.540 Verse 17. 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:23.080 Chapter 2, verse 2. 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:46.600 Do you hear what Paul is saying? 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:50.139 Paul wants his own weakness to be evident. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:50.740 Why? 00:10:51.740 --> 00:10:55.000 So that God's power would shine clearly. 00:10:56.060 --> 00:11:01.440 That's why he says he could actually empty the cross of Jesus of its power. 00:11:02.180 --> 00:11:07.580 That if people were believing it just because Paul was so eloquent a speaker and he had so 00:11:07.580 --> 00:11:13.840 much wisdom in the way he communicated, that they would be missing the message of the cross. 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:22.200 If his strength and his wisdom and his performance were actually obscuring the message of the cross 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:24.840 which says we are desperately needy. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:28.280 So Paul says I didn't come to show you how great I was. 00:11:28.680 --> 00:11:32.100 I came to tell you how great Jesus is. 00:11:33.180 --> 00:11:35.060 This is a big deal then, isn't it? 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:41.860 The way we act, the way we speak, Paul says, can communicate something that is anti-cross. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:46.800 Anti-gospel just by what we say or the way we live. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:50.680 We could be keeping the power of the cross from people. 00:11:52.700 --> 00:11:55.440 So how are we at being needy, Southwood? 00:11:57.659 --> 00:12:04.060 If you're anything like me, it's really hard for you to admit that you're wrong, that you're weak, 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:07.000 that you're needy, struggling, hurting. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:11.320 The needy are others out there somewhere. 00:12:11.659 --> 00:12:15.120 We care for the needy, that's what we do. 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:19.519 More often than not, we're pretty much doing okay on our own, right? 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:23.259 We at least can look like we have it all together. 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:26.320 Even if we know we don't, we can put on a good front. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:31.679 So let me ask you, would your friends and neighbors describe you as needy? 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:34.919 Or as someone who seems to have it all together? 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:41.479 Do you let them see enough of your weakness, enough of your struggles and failings 00:12:41.479 --> 00:12:46.359 that they might actually believe you need the Son of God to die for you? 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:53.379 Sometimes we feel so much better preaching ourselves and our own success, 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:57.919 our own abilities than we do preaching Christ alone. 00:12:57.919 --> 00:13:02.659 Because the first part of the message of Christ alone, the message of the cross, 00:13:02.979 --> 00:13:08.240 is that we are desperately needy and we just don't enjoy announcing that, do we? 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:12.699 But the Gospel says it's true. 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:18.279 You're so needy that the Son of God had to die for you. 00:13:18.860 --> 00:13:21.000 That's how big my sin is. 00:13:21.319 --> 00:13:24.159 That's how big your sin is. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:30.039 If we don't preach ourselves as needy, then we don't preach Christ crucified. 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:38.419 The first part of preaching Christ crucified in our lives is openly acknowledging our own neediness 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:42.219 so that the grace and power of God is what is sufficient, 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:46.199 not my abilities and what I have gathered around me. 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:50.299 So that's the first part, the message of the cross in this passage. 00:13:50.439 --> 00:13:52.539 We are desperately needy. 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:57.480 But secondly, Jesus completely meets our need. 00:13:58.360 --> 00:14:01.360 What's it going to take to meet our desperate need? 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:04.079 If it's as bad as all that, what do we need? 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:08.240 The Gospel says we preach Christ crucified. 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:14.079 Jesus himself, Christ alone, is the cure for what ails us. 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:18.360 For the weak and the foolish, Christ himself becomes what? 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:21.759 The power and the wisdom of God. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:22.580 Verse 24. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:24.460 For the weak people, power. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:26.320 For the foolish, wisdom. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:28.100 He's exactly what we need. 00:14:28.180 --> 00:14:28.720 Do you see that? 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:36.120 Then in verses 29 through 31, Paul tells us the result of Jesus meeting our need 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:39.919 is that we boast or glory only in him. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:41.019 Verse 29. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:45.000 That no human being might boast in the presence of God. 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:52.360 Because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:55.079 and sanctification and redemption. 00:14:55.799 --> 00:15:00.899 So that as it is written, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:09.779 Lord, Christ alone is our wisdom, our righteousness, our holiness, our sanctification, our redemption. 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:13.259 Everything that we need is found in Christ himself. 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:19.019 It's not just something we're given, it's who he is, who he becomes for us. 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:24.539 So there is nothing and no one to receive glory except Jesus. 00:15:26.059 --> 00:15:27.100 He's all of it. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:29.680 We can't claim it for ourselves. 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:31.540 We can't give credit somewhere else. 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:34.220 It all comes through Jesus himself. 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:39.980 Now some of you are probably thinking, boy, this is basic stuff. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:43.240 Couldn't we get something really good for the installation service? 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:48.360 You know, something profound and new and Christ alone? 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.659 God's glory? 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:51.399 I mean, I know those things. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:54.060 I'm sure that you do. 00:15:54.060 --> 00:15:56.440 But does your life preach it? 00:15:57.100 --> 00:16:05.440 You see, just as in Paul's day, we're wired so that we would prefer signs of power and words of wisdom. 00:16:05.700 --> 00:16:07.060 We like that, don't we? 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:08.879 We like success stories. 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:14.159 We like to see people who figure it out and who look good and sound good. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:17.000 That's what people were looking for here. 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:20.000 And so a crucified Savior sounds like foolishness. 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:26.320 For the Jews, verse 23 says, preaching Jesus as the one who meets your need is a stumbling block. 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:29.379 Because anyone hung on a tree is cursed, right? 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:30.480 The Jews know that. 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:34.019 He's a failure in the sight of men and God. 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.759 What about everybody else? 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.559 What about the Greeks? 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:42.259 To look for anything out of someone crucified is just utter foolishness. 00:16:42.299 --> 00:16:42.799 It's silly. 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:47.500 If he was on a cross, that means he was a criminal slave. 00:16:47.859 --> 00:16:49.159 What are you going to get from him? 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.639 And let's be clear. 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:53.839 That is the message of the cross. 00:16:54.199 --> 00:16:58.199 That the one who hung there meets our need. 00:16:58.359 --> 00:17:00.240 That's the message of the cross. 00:17:01.439 --> 00:17:07.259 You think there were some Corinthians who had a difficult time at a dinner party with their friends, 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:11.539 claiming the name of Jesus, the crucified Savior? 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:21.200 You think it was tempting, easier for them to talk about the eloquent pastor whose wonderful words they loved to hear? 00:17:21.920 --> 00:17:24.160 I think that was easier to talk about with their friends. 00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:27.740 Or just to talk as though everything was fine. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.420 They were just kind of figuring life out. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.900 Yep, everything was fine. 00:17:31.539 --> 00:17:32.319 Career's fine. 00:17:32.440 --> 00:17:33.379 Family's fine. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.440 I'm fine. 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:36.240 I know you are. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:39.559 Isn't it easier to talk that way? 00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:46.579 I bet it was for them because I don't think a lot has changed in this regard in 2,000 years. 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:55.619 If you're honest, do you sometimes feel sufficient spiritually to make it through a day, a week even, 00:17:55.759 --> 00:18:00.059 without a living Christ that you actually need something from? 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:05.460 Where would a friend or a neighbor say you draw your strength? 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:10.120 Would they say you're content and feel that your needs are completely met? 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:14.539 And would they say Jesus is the one you depend on to meet those needs? 00:18:14.600 --> 00:18:17.319 Or are you just content because you have enough stuff? 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:21.380 Does your life truly bring glory to Jesus? 00:18:21.380 --> 00:18:24.620 Or are people more likely to praise and compliment you? 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:27.979 I don't like those questions. 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:31.599 But that's what it's all about, isn't it? 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:33.919 That's supposed to be the point. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:36.779 Not that people say good things about me. 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:40.539 Not that they think I've improved or I've got something to offer. 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:44.759 But that Jesus has something to offer me and them. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:48.619 Paul said that's what it means to preach Christ crucified. 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:50.519 That we boast only in Him. 00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:54.119 That Jesus gets the glory for our lives and for everything else. 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:59.579 That it's God's power rather than man's wisdom that's on display. 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:06.339 And He is great and He gets the glory because He completely meets the needs of desperately needy people. 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:08.379 How great must He be? 00:19:08.380 --> 00:19:14.760 You see, Jesus says, I didn't die for you because you were so wise. 00:19:15.300 --> 00:19:18.880 So strong, so noble, so worthy of me. 00:19:19.260 --> 00:19:28.620 I came for foolish, weak nobodies so that I could display my incomparably great power through people who obviously weren't. 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:35.980 So when you act like you can do without me, you're emptying the cross of its power in the eyes of others. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:40.319 Tell them how desperately needy you are on your own. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:46.039 And how completely I have met your need and continue to meet your needs every day. 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:47.720 That's what they need to hear. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:56.200 I'm so thankful I can be part of a church where it's okay for the pastor not to be okay all the time. 00:19:56.200 --> 00:20:00.860 Where I can lose my temper with my kids and tell you about it. 00:20:00.860 --> 00:20:07.460 And tell a leadership training class this week about my own defensiveness with other church leaders. 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:10.400 And the fear that I struggle with in that. 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:16.860 It's so great to be a part of a place where I can be desperately needy. 00:20:17.600 --> 00:20:19.480 And you can too. 00:20:19.840 --> 00:20:21.000 We need that. 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:30.500 We need a place where that's safe because our great hope and joy is not in ourselves but in Jesus who meets our needs so faithfully. 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.619 Isn't that what it's about? 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.420 It's supposed to be. 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:40.819 In Colossians 1, Paul says the glorious message of the gospel is Christ in you. 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.819 The hope of glory. 00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:46.019 Because Christ in you is the message. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:48.939 Paul says him we proclaim. 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:52.119 Christ we proclaim. 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:56.599 That we might present everyone mature in Christ. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:21:00.240 Everyone perfect in Christ. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:06.559 We preach Christ because we need Christ. 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:06.980 Amen? 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:14.099 We don't preach morality that we may present everyone perfect in behavior. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:17.180 There's a lot of things you can preach. 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:23.319 We don't preach self-help so we can present everyone perfect in themselves as wonderful models of humanity. 00:21:24.360 --> 00:21:29.980 We preach Christ so that we can present everyone perfect in Christ. 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:36.160 The only way that any of us will ever be perfect, mature is in Christ. 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:39.420 Being connected to him, united to him. 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:45.160 The cross of Christ is why we do everything here at Southwood. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:47.819 Not just the preaching on Sunday morning. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:51.559 It's why we support missionaries and send teams around the world. 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:56.579 Because the message of the cross of Christ is the power of God to the salvation of all who believe. 00:21:56.579 --> 00:22:00.939 It's why we partner with Jobs for Life here in Huntsville. 00:22:01.199 --> 00:22:08.199 Because it's through the cross of Christ, Colossians 1, that God's reconciling to himself all things in earth and in heaven. 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:14.799 Thus healing the brokenness in our communities and everything that's impacted by the fall. 00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:17.500 It's why we meet in small groups. 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:22.199 Because the cross of Christ breaks down barriers that would otherwise divide us. 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:26.279 And creates a new community where we can be needy and broken. 00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:28.700 And we can love and forgive each other. 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:31.680 Because we offer each other the hope of the cross of Christ. 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:34.000 And the forgiveness that he's shown to us there. 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:38.160 It's why we study God's word in Sunday school and other contexts. 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:42.500 Because there we learn more of the heart of God who would give himself for us. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:46.120 So we could live in relationship with him where we know him more and more. 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:49.219 It's why we baptize our children. 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:56.039 Because our hope for them too is the blood of Christ washing and cleansing them. 00:22:57.479 --> 00:23:00.539 It's why we confess our sins in the worship service. 00:23:00.979 --> 00:23:03.119 Because we don't boast in ourselves. 00:23:03.359 --> 00:23:06.000 And so every week we come and we're free. 00:23:06.139 --> 00:23:09.799 Not having to pretend that this is the church where people have gotten it together. 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:13.720 But it can be a community where people still struggle. 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.399 And we can be honest about our failures. 00:23:16.639 --> 00:23:21.059 And cast our hope week after week upon a crucified and risen Savior. 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:21.500 Right? 00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:24.039 It's why we do everything. 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.440 Everything we do. 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:27.039 Not just as a church. 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:28.240 But in all of life. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:31.500 Must be about preaching Christ crucified. 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:34.500 About acknowledging our great need. 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:36.859 And our great Savior. 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:37.000 Savior. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:42.960 The story is told of a small country church. 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:46.599 That had a beautiful black wrought iron gate. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:48.039 Out in front of the church. 00:23:48.919 --> 00:23:51.359 And built into the gate were the words. 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:54.659 We preach Christ crucified. 00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:59.759 And around this beautiful gate some ivy grew. 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:02.480 And over the years the ivy grew up the gate. 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:06.039 And it began to cover up the words that were there in the gate. 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:09.200 And the ivy completely covered up the word crucified. 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:12.799 So it just read we preach Christ. 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:16.460 So the leadership got together for a meeting. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.559 And they talked. 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:22.019 And they said well you know there's a lot more uplifting stuff to say about Jesus. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:24.620 Than to talk about his death. 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:27.380 Let's just leave it. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.500 So they let it go. 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:32.920 And over time the ivy grew up. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.500 And it covered the word Christ. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:37.180 So that what was left was just we preach. 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:39.600 And the leadership got together. 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:46.180 And they talked and said well you know I mean honestly there's a lot of things to preach about. 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:49.019 We've talked a lot about Jesus around here. 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:50.360 I think we've got that down. 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:56.080 Why don't we move on to some more advanced spiritual things we ought to be teaching about. 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:57.740 So they left it. 00:24:59.059 --> 00:25:00.720 And the ivy grew of course. 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:02.500 And it covered up the word preach. 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.799 So that all that was left was we. 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:09.259 And the leadership got together and said well you know honestly we do a lot of things around here. 00:25:09.419 --> 00:25:12.199 And not all of it has a real message behind it. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:15.439 Sometimes people just enjoy when we do nice things and we make people happy. 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:17.579 But let's just let it go. 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:21.039 So over time of course the ivy grew up. 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:21.799 Covered the we. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:23.359 The church doors closed. 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:24.819 And everyone went away. 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:32.639 The message of the cross is that we preach Christ crucified. 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.359 It is the gospel. 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:40.399 It is the only message that Christ has entrusted to us to meet us in our need. 00:25:40.459 --> 00:25:43.179 And to offer to a world full of need. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:45.819 That's Paul's heart for the Corinthian church. 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:49.339 That's my heart for this church too. 00:25:50.219 --> 00:25:52.500 Now imagine if you walked out the back doors every Sunday. 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:57.160 And there was a wrought iron gate with we preach Christ crucified. 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:59.400 That would actually be kind of cool wouldn't it? 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:01.839 Yeah put one of those back there. 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:06.480 But for now just imagine that it was back there as you go. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:12.500 And imagine that you were all responsible for keeping the ivy trimmed back. 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:17.599 So that it would continue to be true that this church as an entire community. 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:19.220 Not just the preachers. 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:21.240 Preached Christ. 00:26:21.880 --> 00:26:23.220 And him crucified. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:30.000 I know Ron is passionate about trimming that metaphorical ivy back. 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:34.660 I pray that we would be a church full of ivy trimmers. 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:40.900 Trimming the ivy back daily on our knees in repentance and humility before God. 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:46.319 Trimming the ivy back regularly with each other in honest and genuine fellowship. 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:53.059 Trimming the ivy back constantly before a watching world who sees needy people. 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:56.879 And their glorious all sufficient savior. 00:26:56.879 --> 00:27:00.059 May God make us that kind of community. 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:00.659 Let's pray. 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:06.419 Jesus you are indeed glorious. 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:11.460 You are all sufficient whether we believe it or not. 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:14.179 You do completely meet our needs. 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:22.480 So would you make us into a people who know you more deeply. 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:29.560 Who are willing because of that to be weak and needy. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:33.100 To trust you more. 00:27:33.320 --> 00:27:35.060 To give glory to you. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:38.799 To boast in none other than you. 00:27:40.080 --> 00:27:41.920 Would you do that in each of our hearts. 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:47.620 And would you make Southwood a place where Jesus Christ and him crucified goes forward. 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:49.400 With great joy. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:51.180 Not just on Sunday mornings. 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:53.820 But every day and in every life. 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:56.980 That the people in this room go and touch this week. 00:27:57.080 --> 00:27:58.160 Father change Huntsville. 00:27:58.300 --> 00:28:01.320 Change the world through the power of the cross. 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:06.380 That is the hope of salvation to all who believe. 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:09.080 We ask it in Jesus name. 00:28:10.080 --> 00:28:10.519 Amen. 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.320 Amen. 00:28:12.320 --> 00:28:12.480 Amen. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:12.920 Amen. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.480 Amen. 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:19.460 We are going to move into the installation portion of the service now. 00:28:21.060 --> 00:28:23.960 This is a real treat in being Presbyterian. 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:26.519 You knew there were some exciting things about that right? 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:28.019 Been waiting to find those. 00:28:28.340 --> 00:28:36.560 One of the real joys in being a Presbyterian is that we are connected to other churches in this local area. 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:37.700 Who love us. 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.519 Who help us. 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.220 Who come alongside us. 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:44.059 And this is one of the things they do for us. 00:28:44.159 --> 00:28:46.659 They examine pastors like Ron. 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:51.839 They've examined Ron to see if it's safe for them to let Ron be a pastor at Southwood. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.679 Honestly. 00:28:53.839 --> 00:28:55.000 They've examined him. 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:57.299 And he's been an ordained minister for many years. 00:28:57.399 --> 00:28:59.839 But they wanted to know was God calling him here? 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:03.639 They wanted to hear about his views on theology and many other things. 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.699 They've examined him. 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:07.419 And now the Presbytery has sent a commission here. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:10.119 The names of that commission are in your bulletin. 00:29:10.939 --> 00:29:12.879 You'll see I'm on that commission. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:15.459 Teaching Elder John Gordy from Decatur. 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:18.759 Teaching Elder David Hammond from Westminster Christian Academy. 00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:23.039 Ruling Elder Greg Carter is standing in for David Clark. 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.920 Ruling Elder Alan Judge. 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:26.299 And Ruling Elder Ray Shepherd. 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:31.740 That's the commission the Presbytery has sent here to install Ron as a pastor. 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:36.720 It's a great opportunity for us to be thankful together as a congregation. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:40.519 Not only for Ron, although we rejoice in God bringing him here. 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:45.339 But also for our connection to these other churches who have consistently loved, 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:48.279 helped, and encouraged Southwood over the years. 00:29:48.279 --> 00:29:54.299 So we're delighted that they are here again for the purpose of installing our new assistant pastor. 00:29:55.200 --> 00:30:03.879 Ruling Elder Ray Shepherd as a representative of that commission is going to come and begin the installation by asking Ron his vows. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:08.720 Ron, could you stand up for us? 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:12.539 I have a few questions for you. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:24.519 Ron, are you willing to serve this congregation as their assistant pastor, agreeable to your declaration in accepting its call? 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.420 I am. 00:30:25.899 --> 00:30:26.220 Good. 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:31.879 And Ron, do you conscientiously believe and declare, as far as you know your own heart, 00:30:31.880 --> 00:30:41.700 that in taking upon you this charge, you are influenced by a sincere desire to promote the glory of God and the good of the church? 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.360 I do. 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.100 Okay. 00:30:43.840 --> 00:30:49.720 And Ron, do you solemnly promise that by the assistance of the grace of God, 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:55.759 that you will endeavor faithfully to discharge all of the duties of a pastor to this congregation, 00:30:55.759 --> 00:31:04.440 and will be careful to maintain a deportment in all respects becoming a minister of the gospel of Christ, 00:31:05.059 --> 00:31:07.660 agreeable to your ordination engagements? 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:08.600 I do. 00:31:09.160 --> 00:31:09.600 Very good. 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:10.259 Thank you. 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:14.259 And John? 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:17.579 John will ask some questions of the session. 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:17.640 Thank you. 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:17.660 Thank you. 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:49.700 Thank you. 00:31:49.720 --> 00:32:07.980 Thank you. 00:32:08.660 --> 00:32:12.700 And at this time, we'll invite any ruling and teaching elders in the PCA to come forward 00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:15.460 as we lay hands and pray for Ron at this time. 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:15.559 Amen. 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.140 Amen. 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.380 Amen. 00:32:17.380 --> 00:32:38.500 God, our Father, we rejoice greatly to celebrate the installation of Ron Clegg as our assistant 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.480 pastor this morning. 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:44.380 Lord, we praise you and thank you for the way you have sovereignly orchestrated the 00:32:44.380 --> 00:32:48.420 circumstances of his arrival at this point before us to become our assistant pastor. 00:32:51.420 --> 00:32:55.480 Lord, in your word, you have likened your people to sheep. 00:32:56.760 --> 00:33:01.500 And Lord, both in the natural world and the spiritual world, it is evident that sheep 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:04.000 desperately need shepherds. 00:33:04.760 --> 00:33:09.980 And so, God, we praise you and thank you for bringing Ron here to shepherd among us. 00:33:09.980 --> 00:33:19.519 Lord, we as sheep need shepherds to lead us and guide us spiritually and to help us to 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:24.960 deal with the circumstances of life that you place before us, imparting great wisdom and 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:27.720 counsel and comfort and help. 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:37.000 Lord, we need your shepherds that you call and provide to lead us beside still waters, to 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:42.680 make us lie down in green pastures and assisting you to restore our souls. 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:49.079 And so, God, we thank you for the call you've placed upon Ron to serve as an under-shepherd 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:52.220 and particularly to shepherd us here at Southwood. 00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:57.319 We praise you and thank you for the call in his life and his commitment to do so. 00:33:57.319 --> 00:34:05.980 One of the great ironies of your kingdom, Lord, is that the men you call to be your shepherds 00:34:05.980 --> 00:34:08.199 are sheep themselves. 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:15.199 And so, God, we pray that you would continue to shepherd Ron's heart, that you would lead 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:20.340 and guide him in his service here, that you would continue to mature him spiritually. 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:27.700 And, Lord, that you would gather godly men around him to assist in the shepherding of his heart, 00:34:28.760 --> 00:34:31.720 making him, therefore, a better shepherd to us. 00:34:35.280 --> 00:34:38.320 Lord, we praise you and thank you for the way you have brought this about. 00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:41.100 And we look forward to what you're going to do in the future. 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:45.619 And we pray that your good, acceptable, and perfect will, 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:49.599 and your eternal purposes will be accomplished and fulfilled 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:57.139 through Ron's ministry here and through the lives and ministry and example of his wife, Gail, as well. 00:34:58.199 --> 00:35:00.339 It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:35:11.099 --> 00:35:31.539 While they're doing all of that, it is now my great privilege to pronounce and declare 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:38.019 that Ron Clegg has been regularly elected, ordained, and installed as assistant pastor of this congregation, 00:35:38.019 --> 00:35:44.039 agreeable to the word of God and according to the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America, 00:35:44.340 --> 00:35:50.500 and that as such, he is entitled to all support, encouragement, honor, and obedience in the Lord, 00:35:50.739 --> 00:35:55.719 in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 00:35:57.599 --> 00:36:02.099 We have a couple of charges to be given, Ron. Don't go far. 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:06.820 If you'll stand right there, ruling elder Alan Judge is going to charge Ron, 00:36:06.820 --> 00:36:10.480 and then teaching elder David Hammond will charge the session of Southwood. 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:15.039 As an assistant pastor, at this point in time, Ron has been called by the session. 00:36:15.860 --> 00:36:19.440 So that's why the session receives a charge on behalf of the congregation 00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:22.080 and why the session took those vows earlier. 00:36:22.840 --> 00:36:25.360 So, Alan, if you will charge Ron. 00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:33.640 Not only am I representing the Presbytery, but I had the privilege of serving on the search committee 00:36:33.640 --> 00:36:42.900 that God used in getting Ron here, so I bring that in my charge as well. 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:52.740 So, I was asked to charge the newly installed pastor that would be Ron, 00:36:53.400 --> 00:36:58.039 and I've never done this before, and Will very kindly gave me some guidance. 00:36:58.260 --> 00:37:02.579 He said, it should be three or four minutes long and should reference the Bible. 00:37:02.579 --> 00:37:09.539 With that very helpful direction, I could not possibly go wrong. 00:37:11.239 --> 00:37:13.599 My wife gave me some more direction. 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:16.539 She said, I know Will said three or four minutes, 00:37:16.659 --> 00:37:19.719 but the congregation is definitely hoping on three max. 00:37:20.940 --> 00:37:22.519 So, I'm going to jump right in. 00:37:23.920 --> 00:37:28.539 The person I think of in the Bible when I think of pastor is Paul. 00:37:28.539 --> 00:37:33.519 Paul tells the young Timothy and us in 1 Timothy 1.15, 00:37:34.380 --> 00:37:37.900 it is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance 00:37:37.900 --> 00:37:41.860 that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, 00:37:42.880 --> 00:37:47.800 among whom I, Paul, am foremost of all. 00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:50.239 Think about that. 00:37:51.159 --> 00:37:57.300 Paul, who wrote a letter, several of them in his letters are Scripture. 00:37:58.539 --> 00:38:03.940 needs Christ, foremost of all, as much as all of us. 00:38:05.519 --> 00:38:07.699 So, in thinking about that, 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:15.400 Paul knew he had to remind us that we all need Christ. 00:38:17.920 --> 00:38:23.639 That no man, no matter how great, how gifted, how knowledgeable, 00:38:24.920 --> 00:38:26.179 can give us what we need. 00:38:26.179 --> 00:38:33.879 The best way that any man can help us is to point us to Christ. 00:38:34.779 --> 00:38:36.119 That is what Paul did. 00:38:37.719 --> 00:38:46.159 Now, God has given this congregation a very special, godly, gifted, young pastor. 00:38:46.159 --> 00:38:51.519 I have said on many occasions that when you look up pastor, 00:38:51.639 --> 00:38:54.960 when you Google pastor, Will's face should come up, right? 00:38:55.559 --> 00:38:58.779 He's that much of a pastor's heart. 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:03.019 But he just started shaving about three months ago. 00:39:03.019 --> 00:39:12.940 And even though he's young, God gave him wisdom beyond his years. 00:39:13.619 --> 00:39:20.960 And he came up with a wish list for who he wanted to fill this position. 00:39:22.559 --> 00:39:26.800 One of the things he said, well, some of the things he said on his wish list is, 00:39:26.800 --> 00:39:31.900 he would love to have someone who is older, has been a senior pastor, 00:39:31.900 --> 00:39:37.880 and who really wants to help teach and equip a young pastor 00:39:37.880 --> 00:39:44.680 to pass on, effectively, what God has given to him over the years. 00:39:44.679 --> 00:39:50.980 Interestingly enough, when we talked to Ron, the search committee, 00:39:51.480 --> 00:39:54.279 one of the first things that became clear 00:39:54.279 --> 00:40:00.039 was that he really thinks God is calling him to take a supportive role 00:40:00.039 --> 00:40:05.239 and to come alongside a young pastor 00:40:05.239 --> 00:40:09.519 and pass on what God had given him over these years. 00:40:09.519 --> 00:40:15.980 So, Ron, my first charge to you is keep your focus on Christ 00:40:15.980 --> 00:40:22.139 and come alongside Will to lovingly remind him to do the same. 00:40:23.259 --> 00:40:27.219 The best gift that you can give this congregation and Will 00:40:27.219 --> 00:40:32.679 is the gift of living in such a way that you point us all to Christ. 00:40:34.840 --> 00:40:38.179 Other things on Will's wish list for Ron's position 00:40:38.179 --> 00:40:40.279 was that he wanted someone who loved people, 00:40:40.440 --> 00:40:43.139 had a shepherd's heart, and who had humility 00:40:43.139 --> 00:40:45.000 that had been forged by suffering. 00:40:45.779 --> 00:40:49.179 Someone who really knows what it is like to cling to God 00:40:49.179 --> 00:40:51.659 when life simply does not make sense. 00:40:53.279 --> 00:40:56.980 Again, in our very first conversation with Ron, it was clear. 00:40:58.359 --> 00:41:02.599 He was either bugging the search committee meetings 00:41:02.599 --> 00:41:05.659 or God was clearly at work. 00:41:05.659 --> 00:41:09.500 Ron has a heart to shepherd God's people 00:41:09.500 --> 00:41:12.500 and to teach them how to shepherd each other. 00:41:13.139 --> 00:41:17.159 He served for years on the foreign mission field doing just that. 00:41:19.159 --> 00:41:23.319 He was excited to talk about what God was doing at his church 00:41:23.319 --> 00:41:26.119 in areas like Sunday school and others. 00:41:27.399 --> 00:41:29.399 Finally, he was unbelievably honest 00:41:29.399 --> 00:41:34.159 about the times of suffering that God had allowed him and Gail to walk through. 00:41:35.659 --> 00:41:38.579 So, Ron, here's my second charge to you. 00:41:39.199 --> 00:41:43.319 Please keep living out the gospel right here at Southwood. 00:41:44.319 --> 00:41:46.719 Honestly, share your life with us 00:41:46.719 --> 00:41:50.019 and help us to live in gospel community with each other. 00:41:50.619 --> 00:41:55.679 The kind of gospel community where we can be honest with each other 00:41:55.679 --> 00:41:59.699 and point each other to Christ in our moments of great success 00:41:59.699 --> 00:42:02.199 and in our dark times 00:42:02.199 --> 00:42:05.919 where we doubt whether God is even there. 00:42:07.639 --> 00:42:13.019 And finally, I know that you're probably tired of hearing 00:42:13.019 --> 00:42:15.419 how we wanted Gail so we hired you, 00:42:15.420 --> 00:42:17.460 so I'm not going to mention that. 00:42:20.340 --> 00:42:21.740 But I charge you 00:42:21.740 --> 00:42:24.880 to keep your personal relationship with God 00:42:24.880 --> 00:42:26.559 and your wife 00:42:26.559 --> 00:42:27.740 ahead 00:42:27.740 --> 00:42:30.079 in first priority and second priority 00:42:30.079 --> 00:42:34.400 and that you don't let the ministry God has given you here 00:42:34.400 --> 00:42:36.420 to ever overtake those priorities. 00:42:36.420 --> 00:42:42.820 I go back to Paul recognizing that he needed Christ 00:42:42.820 --> 00:42:44.360 as much or more than anyone. 00:42:45.460 --> 00:42:46.720 Well, brother, so do you 00:42:46.720 --> 00:42:48.880 and so does Will. 00:42:49.860 --> 00:42:52.920 And the best thing you can do for this congregation, 00:42:53.159 --> 00:42:54.400 for Will and for yourself, 00:42:54.920 --> 00:42:59.480 is to put all of us after God and Gail. 00:42:59.480 --> 00:43:03.559 That is just one more way of reminding us 00:43:03.559 --> 00:43:06.039 that we are in the same boat. 00:43:06.699 --> 00:43:08.059 We all need Christ 00:43:08.059 --> 00:43:09.760 and there is no substitute. 00:43:11.440 --> 00:43:12.460 Those are my charges. 00:43:12.460 --> 00:43:15.079 Thank you. 00:43:15.079 --> 00:43:29.480 It is customary 00:43:29.480 --> 00:43:30.539 when one rises 00:43:30.539 --> 00:43:32.460 to speak on the floor of Presbytery 00:43:32.460 --> 00:43:34.619 to begin with 00:43:34.619 --> 00:43:36.319 fathers and brothers. 00:43:37.480 --> 00:43:40.579 Having attained my 70th birthday last month, 00:43:40.639 --> 00:43:41.920 it's probably more appropriate 00:43:41.920 --> 00:43:44.059 that I begin brothers and sons. 00:43:44.059 --> 00:43:50.659 I speak to the under-shepherds, 00:43:51.380 --> 00:43:54.119 the session of Southwood. 00:43:56.759 --> 00:44:00.659 When Moses brought the children of Israel 00:44:00.659 --> 00:44:02.099 safely out of Egypt 00:44:02.099 --> 00:44:06.099 and was back at Mount Sinai once again, 00:44:07.099 --> 00:44:09.719 his father-in-law, Jethro, Ruel, 00:44:11.259 --> 00:44:13.679 brought Moses' wife and boys back 00:44:13.679 --> 00:44:14.659 to be reunited, 00:44:16.000 --> 00:44:20.099 they had stayed with him 00:44:20.099 --> 00:44:21.480 while Moses and Aaron 00:44:21.480 --> 00:44:22.519 had gone to Egypt. 00:44:24.440 --> 00:44:27.000 In the 18th chapter of Exodus, 00:44:28.000 --> 00:44:29.500 it says that 00:44:29.500 --> 00:44:32.019 Moses told his father-in-law 00:44:32.019 --> 00:44:35.139 all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh 00:44:35.139 --> 00:44:37.819 and to the Egyptians 00:44:37.819 --> 00:44:37.839 and to the Egyptians 00:44:37.839 --> 00:44:39.059 for Israel's sake, 00:44:39.159 --> 00:44:40.319 all the hardship 00:44:40.319 --> 00:44:41.759 that had come upon them 00:44:41.759 --> 00:44:42.259 in the way 00:44:42.259 --> 00:44:43.259 and how the Lord 00:44:43.259 --> 00:44:44.239 had delivered them. 00:44:46.500 --> 00:44:47.739 I suspect that took 00:44:47.739 --> 00:44:48.799 an entire afternoon 00:44:48.799 --> 00:44:49.759 at the very least. 00:44:51.719 --> 00:44:53.599 As Moses probably began 00:44:53.599 --> 00:44:54.539 at the burning bush 00:44:54.539 --> 00:44:55.679 and then recounted 00:44:55.679 --> 00:44:56.539 to his father-in-law 00:44:56.539 --> 00:44:57.719 the trip back to Egypt 00:44:57.719 --> 00:44:59.940 and the many face-to-face 00:44:59.940 --> 00:45:01.460 confrontations with Pharaoh, 00:45:01.460 --> 00:45:04.320 I suspect that he described 00:45:04.320 --> 00:45:05.880 each of the ten plagues 00:45:05.880 --> 00:45:07.679 in great detail. 00:45:09.420 --> 00:45:11.780 And as the afternoon wore on, 00:45:13.059 --> 00:45:15.320 God's spirit stirred 00:45:15.320 --> 00:45:16.699 in Jethro's heart 00:45:16.699 --> 00:45:19.380 and he marveled 00:45:19.380 --> 00:45:20.780 and he confesses, 00:45:20.780 --> 00:45:22.060 now I know 00:45:22.060 --> 00:45:23.940 that the Lord 00:45:23.940 --> 00:45:25.940 is greater 00:45:25.940 --> 00:45:27.500 than all gods 00:45:27.500 --> 00:45:28.440 because 00:45:28.440 --> 00:45:30.120 in this affair 00:45:30.120 --> 00:45:32.100 they dealt 00:45:32.100 --> 00:45:33.360 arrogantly 00:45:33.360 --> 00:45:34.420 with the people 00:45:34.420 --> 00:45:35.780 and Jethro 00:45:35.780 --> 00:45:38.200 professes his allegiance 00:45:38.200 --> 00:45:41.760 to the God of Scripture. 00:45:45.100 --> 00:45:47.100 After that meeting, 00:45:47.260 --> 00:45:48.320 it says that Aaron 00:45:48.320 --> 00:45:49.420 and all the elders 00:45:49.420 --> 00:45:50.180 came 00:45:50.179 --> 00:45:51.759 and they had 00:45:51.759 --> 00:45:52.659 a great 00:45:52.659 --> 00:45:54.039 covered dish dinner. 00:45:55.119 --> 00:45:56.000 A great time 00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:56.519 of fellowship, 00:45:56.919 --> 00:45:57.759 a great time 00:45:57.759 --> 00:45:58.960 of rejoicing 00:45:58.960 --> 00:46:01.460 in the very 00:46:01.460 --> 00:46:03.339 tangible 00:46:03.339 --> 00:46:04.359 redemption. 00:46:06.980 --> 00:46:07.539 Elders, 00:46:07.779 --> 00:46:09.759 I would charge you 00:46:09.759 --> 00:46:10.719 and encourage you 00:46:10.719 --> 00:46:12.679 that 00:46:12.679 --> 00:46:14.619 many times 00:46:14.619 --> 00:46:16.839 you take 00:46:16.839 --> 00:46:18.119 Ron and Gail 00:46:18.119 --> 00:46:19.960 for times 00:46:19.960 --> 00:46:20.639 of fellowship. 00:46:22.440 --> 00:46:23.619 You'll be tempted 00:46:23.619 --> 00:46:24.719 to concentrate 00:46:24.719 --> 00:46:25.960 on the challenge, 00:46:26.099 --> 00:46:27.000 the difficulties, 00:46:27.299 --> 00:46:29.739 the hard things. 00:46:32.739 --> 00:46:35.199 Please give ample time 00:46:35.199 --> 00:46:36.199 of reflection 00:46:36.199 --> 00:46:39.440 upon the good things 00:46:39.440 --> 00:46:40.460 that God is doing 00:46:40.460 --> 00:46:41.400 in this place. 00:46:42.440 --> 00:46:43.539 God's mercies 00:46:43.539 --> 00:46:44.139 are new 00:46:44.139 --> 00:46:45.000 every morning. 00:46:45.000 --> 00:46:46.940 great is his faithfulness. 00:46:47.880 --> 00:46:48.900 And so I would 00:46:48.900 --> 00:46:50.139 encourage you elders 00:46:50.139 --> 00:46:51.619 when you don't 00:46:51.619 --> 00:46:52.619 have an agenda 00:46:52.619 --> 00:46:53.699 to take Ron 00:46:53.699 --> 00:46:54.239 to lunch 00:46:54.239 --> 00:46:57.639 and to reflect 00:46:57.639 --> 00:46:59.739 and to rejoice 00:46:59.739 --> 00:47:01.840 and to give thanks 00:47:01.840 --> 00:47:03.420 for the work 00:47:03.420 --> 00:47:04.300 that God is doing 00:47:04.300 --> 00:47:05.099 in this place. 00:47:05.820 --> 00:47:07.119 I just have two points. 00:47:07.280 --> 00:47:08.719 If Ron was an associate, 00:47:08.900 --> 00:47:09.559 I would have come up 00:47:09.559 --> 00:47:09.980 with three, 00:47:10.099 --> 00:47:11.340 but being an assistant, 00:47:11.340 --> 00:47:12.160 we'll go with two. 00:47:16.320 --> 00:47:17.160 Later in this 00:47:17.160 --> 00:47:18.000 18th chapter, 00:47:19.660 --> 00:47:20.660 I suppose 00:47:20.660 --> 00:47:21.400 an economist 00:47:21.400 --> 00:47:22.220 would say 00:47:22.220 --> 00:47:23.720 division of labor 00:47:23.720 --> 00:47:25.360 and a military man 00:47:25.360 --> 00:47:25.920 would say 00:47:25.920 --> 00:47:27.079 the strategy 00:47:27.079 --> 00:47:27.680 of divide 00:47:27.680 --> 00:47:28.220 and conquer 00:47:28.220 --> 00:47:29.960 or as your mamas 00:47:29.960 --> 00:47:31.000 would have said 00:47:31.000 --> 00:47:32.079 on Saturday morning 00:47:32.079 --> 00:47:32.760 as they were, 00:47:32.940 --> 00:47:34.120 as she was passing out 00:47:34.120 --> 00:47:35.220 the chore list 00:47:35.220 --> 00:47:35.840 of the day, 00:47:36.220 --> 00:47:37.120 many hands 00:47:37.120 --> 00:47:38.079 make light work. 00:47:38.079 --> 00:47:40.219 The next morning 00:47:40.219 --> 00:47:42.019 when Jethro 00:47:42.019 --> 00:47:42.420 got up, 00:47:42.480 --> 00:47:43.219 he found that 00:47:43.219 --> 00:47:44.279 his son-in-law 00:47:44.279 --> 00:47:44.699 Moses 00:47:44.699 --> 00:47:46.799 was already up 00:47:46.799 --> 00:47:47.860 and at work. 00:47:49.579 --> 00:47:49.960 And Jethro 00:47:49.960 --> 00:47:50.699 observed him 00:47:50.699 --> 00:47:51.619 all that day 00:47:51.619 --> 00:47:53.139 from morning 00:47:53.139 --> 00:47:54.500 until sundown, 00:47:55.420 --> 00:47:56.980 hearing the complaints, 00:47:57.940 --> 00:47:58.880 hearing the questions, 00:47:59.159 --> 00:48:01.619 hearing the murmurings 00:48:01.619 --> 00:48:02.279 of the children 00:48:02.279 --> 00:48:02.759 of Israel 00:48:02.759 --> 00:48:03.659 and settling 00:48:03.659 --> 00:48:04.279 each one. 00:48:06.159 --> 00:48:06.619 Jethro 00:48:06.619 --> 00:48:08.059 gave some wise advice 00:48:08.059 --> 00:48:10.219 and he told 00:48:10.219 --> 00:48:10.940 his son-in-law, 00:48:11.440 --> 00:48:13.279 now obey my voice, 00:48:13.579 --> 00:48:14.980 I will give you advice 00:48:14.980 --> 00:48:17.239 and God be with you. 00:48:17.799 --> 00:48:18.759 You shall represent 00:48:18.759 --> 00:48:19.380 the people 00:48:19.380 --> 00:48:20.179 before God 00:48:20.179 --> 00:48:21.119 and bring their cases 00:48:21.119 --> 00:48:21.639 to God 00:48:21.639 --> 00:48:22.920 and you shall warn them 00:48:22.920 --> 00:48:24.199 about the statutes 00:48:24.199 --> 00:48:24.820 and laws 00:48:24.820 --> 00:48:25.820 and make them know 00:48:25.820 --> 00:48:26.420 the way 00:48:26.420 --> 00:48:27.139 in which they are 00:48:27.139 --> 00:48:27.699 to walk. 00:48:29.460 --> 00:48:30.019 Moreover, 00:48:30.659 --> 00:48:32.840 look for able men 00:48:32.840 --> 00:48:34.920 from all the people, 00:48:35.299 --> 00:48:36.679 men who fear God, 00:48:36.679 --> 00:48:38.940 who are trustworthy, 00:48:40.059 --> 00:48:41.500 who hate a bribe, 00:48:42.339 --> 00:48:43.980 and place such men 00:48:43.980 --> 00:48:45.039 over the people 00:48:45.039 --> 00:48:46.859 as chiefs 00:48:46.859 --> 00:48:47.519 of thousands 00:48:47.519 --> 00:48:48.519 of hundreds 00:48:48.519 --> 00:48:50.059 of fifties 00:48:50.059 --> 00:48:50.639 and tens 00:48:50.639 --> 00:48:51.839 and let them 00:48:51.839 --> 00:48:54.359 shepherd the people. 00:48:55.940 --> 00:48:57.099 Your young pastor 00:48:57.099 --> 00:48:57.960 mentioned at the beginning 00:48:57.960 --> 00:48:58.919 of this installation 00:48:58.919 --> 00:48:59.960 part of the service 00:48:59.960 --> 00:49:03.480 is a positive thing 00:49:03.480 --> 00:49:04.840 about Presbyterianism, 00:49:05.619 --> 00:49:06.800 the division 00:49:06.800 --> 00:49:07.360 of labor, 00:49:08.940 --> 00:49:10.240 the many hands 00:49:10.240 --> 00:49:11.280 making light work. 00:49:12.940 --> 00:49:13.720 And so elders, 00:49:14.119 --> 00:49:15.400 not only do I encourage you 00:49:15.400 --> 00:49:16.179 to take Ron 00:49:16.179 --> 00:49:16.699 and Gail 00:49:16.699 --> 00:49:19.199 out for times 00:49:19.199 --> 00:49:19.820 of fellowship 00:49:19.820 --> 00:49:20.940 and refreshment 00:49:20.940 --> 00:49:21.780 and encouragement 00:49:21.780 --> 00:49:22.780 and rejoicing, 00:49:22.780 --> 00:49:25.220 but you pray 00:49:25.220 --> 00:49:25.900 that God 00:49:25.900 --> 00:49:26.880 would give you 00:49:26.880 --> 00:49:27.720 a sense 00:49:27.720 --> 00:49:28.940 of where you 00:49:28.940 --> 00:49:29.840 can come along 00:49:29.840 --> 00:49:30.640 and help 00:49:30.640 --> 00:49:31.600 carry the load, 00:49:32.380 --> 00:49:34.580 where you can 00:49:34.580 --> 00:49:35.780 assist 00:49:35.780 --> 00:49:38.240 the assistant pastor. 00:49:39.100 --> 00:49:40.200 Shall we pray? 00:49:41.600 --> 00:49:42.540 Our Father, 00:49:42.660 --> 00:49:43.540 we are grateful 00:49:43.540 --> 00:49:44.480 again this morning 00:49:44.480 --> 00:49:46.220 in your marvelous 00:49:46.220 --> 00:49:47.019 providence 00:49:47.019 --> 00:49:50.579 how you bring 00:49:50.579 --> 00:49:51.699 things to pass 00:49:51.699 --> 00:49:53.400 that could not 00:49:53.400 --> 00:49:54.599 possibly have been 00:49:54.599 --> 00:49:55.880 orchestrated by man. 00:49:57.719 --> 00:49:58.139 And Father, 00:49:58.239 --> 00:49:59.139 what an evidence 00:49:59.139 --> 00:50:00.699 of your great love 00:50:00.699 --> 00:50:01.619 for the sheep 00:50:01.619 --> 00:50:02.360 of Southwood 00:50:02.360 --> 00:50:03.340 Presbyterian Church 00:50:03.340 --> 00:50:04.480 that you have 00:50:04.480 --> 00:50:05.460 granted them 00:50:05.460 --> 00:50:07.579 and granted 00:50:07.579 --> 00:50:10.420 Pastor Will's desire 00:50:10.420 --> 00:50:11.219 to have 00:50:11.219 --> 00:50:12.539 a seasoned 00:50:12.539 --> 00:50:13.539 veteran, 00:50:14.719 --> 00:50:16.179 an experienced 00:50:16.179 --> 00:50:16.840 shepherd. 00:50:17.019 --> 00:50:18.900 who can take 00:50:18.900 --> 00:50:19.699 those gifts 00:50:19.699 --> 00:50:22.039 and be a blessing 00:50:22.039 --> 00:50:22.860 to this congregation. 00:50:23.219 --> 00:50:23.539 And so, 00:50:24.099 --> 00:50:24.719 Father, 00:50:24.840 --> 00:50:25.780 I pray for these 00:50:25.780 --> 00:50:26.199 elders 00:50:26.199 --> 00:50:28.400 that you would 00:50:28.400 --> 00:50:28.880 grant them 00:50:28.880 --> 00:50:29.759 much grace 00:50:29.759 --> 00:50:31.099 to be found 00:50:31.099 --> 00:50:32.019 faithful to their 00:50:32.019 --> 00:50:32.679 callings, 00:50:32.980 --> 00:50:34.119 that they would 00:50:34.119 --> 00:50:34.960 come alongside, 00:50:35.880 --> 00:50:36.719 that they would 00:50:36.719 --> 00:50:37.599 help bear 00:50:37.599 --> 00:50:38.300 the burden. 00:50:38.940 --> 00:50:39.759 We pray in 00:50:39.759 --> 00:50:40.559 Jesus' name. 00:50:40.880 --> 00:50:41.179 Amen. 00:50:41.179 --> 00:50:47.159 For more information, 00:50:47.539 --> 00:50:48.460 visit us online 00:50:48.460 --> 00:50:49.759 at southwood.org. 00:50:49.759 --> 00:50:50.379 For more information, 00:50:50.379 --> 00:50:51.299 visit us online 00:50:51.299 --> 00:50:52.719 at southwood.org. 00:50:52.719 --> 00:50:52.919 Thank you. 00:50:52.919 --> 00:50:55.559 Thank you.