WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.440 All right. 00:00:11.240 --> 00:00:13.820 Well, good morning, everyone. It's good to see you. 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:20.859 ! Just want to highlight again our Good Friday service at 11 o'clock. 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:25.060 ! Just a slight typo in the new sheets at 11. 00:00:25.059 --> 00:00:30.059 And, yeah, do come along to share if you want to take part. 00:00:30.179 --> 00:00:36.899 There's opportunity to read and pray as we remember the death of Jesus for us. 00:00:38.879 --> 00:00:44.799 And then we'll be meeting next Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. 00:00:45.560 --> 00:00:49.500 So let's turn in our Bibles, please, to 1 Thessalonians. 00:00:50.539 --> 00:00:55.019 We're almost at the end of our study. 00:00:55.060 --> 00:00:55.140 Okay. 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:11.320 We're going to read from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 12 to 15. 00:01:11.480 --> 00:01:14.680 So it's a short section, but it's jam-packed. 00:01:15.180 --> 00:01:18.820 Lots of good things for us to consider this morning. 00:01:18.819 --> 00:01:26.879 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, starting in verse 12. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:40.359 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:45.500 who care for you in the Lord, and who admonish you. 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:55.140 Hold them in the highest regard, in love, because of their work. 00:01:56.579 --> 00:01:59.620 Live in peace with each other. 00:01:59.620 --> 00:02:08.200 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive. 00:02:09.700 --> 00:02:12.000 Encourage the disheartened. 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:14.780 Help the weak. 00:02:16.460 --> 00:02:19.759 Be patient with everyone. 00:02:19.759 --> 00:02:25.359 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong. 00:02:26.299 --> 00:02:33.419 But always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:49.479 Lord God, we come to you as the true and chief shepherd. 00:02:49.479 --> 00:02:55.840 Lord God, we pray that you would be our teacher this morning. 00:02:57.019 --> 00:03:02.379 And that we would be those who listen carefully to your word. 00:03:04.079 --> 00:03:08.780 So that we who are weak may be helped. 00:03:09.899 --> 00:03:14.879 And we who are disheartened might be encouraged. 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:19.019 Bless this time together, we pray. 00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:20.879 In Jesus' name. 00:03:21.659 --> 00:03:22.060 Amen. 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:29.120 So, what's the health of the church? 00:03:31.219 --> 00:03:36.039 Well, recently I had to go to the doctors for my six-monthly check-up. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:37.680 Bloods were taken. 00:03:38.300 --> 00:03:39.439 I did find some. 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:41.740 Five tubes in total. 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:46.700 And for good measure, they sent me away with a blood pressure monitor. 00:03:47.260 --> 00:03:50.219 One of those devices that you wear for 24 hours. 00:03:50.700 --> 00:03:53.740 And it goes off every hour, day or night. 00:03:53.900 --> 00:03:56.480 So, not much sleeping that particular evening. 00:03:57.439 --> 00:04:01.300 Thankfully, with the results all back, my cholesterol was good. 00:04:01.700 --> 00:04:03.480 I can eat cream buns again. 00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:05.980 And my blood pressure hasn't blown. 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:10.300 I am, according to the doctor, healthy. 00:04:10.300 --> 00:04:12.500 I'm in good shape. 00:04:14.180 --> 00:04:15.340 But tell me this. 00:04:15.480 --> 00:04:19.939 How do you measure the health of the church? 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:24.259 Is it the size? 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:28.420 Is it the amount of programs that we have going? 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:30.840 Is it our talented musicians? 00:04:31.780 --> 00:04:34.439 Or is it the quality of the coffee we serve? 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:38.000 How do you measure the health of a church? 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:45.399 Well, as we come to the close of this letter, we'll see what a healthy church looks like. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:47.019 This morning is part one. 00:04:47.600 --> 00:04:52.500 And then in a couple of weeks, we'll look at the rest, which will be part two of a healthy church. 00:04:52.500 --> 00:05:02.060 But before we look at the health of the church, we first need to know what is the church. 00:05:02.139 --> 00:05:07.180 No point in talking about the health if we don't know what the church is. 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:09.860 So let's have a look at that. 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:13.040 The local church. 00:05:13.819 --> 00:05:14.959 Look at verse 12. 00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:20.000 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters. 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:23.879 We see the same again in verse 14. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:28.379 We urge you, brothers and sisters. 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:28.600 Brothers and sisters. 00:05:29.800 --> 00:05:32.659 And in fact, it's repeated down in verse 25. 00:05:34.019 --> 00:05:37.000 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 00:05:38.399 --> 00:05:39.319 Verse 27. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:46.300 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 00:05:47.819 --> 00:05:52.719 In fact, this term is found 15 times in the letter. 00:05:53.100 --> 00:05:54.339 It keeps repeating. 00:05:54.719 --> 00:05:57.980 So who are the brothers and sisters? 00:05:58.379 --> 00:06:05.839 Well, just go back to chapter 1, verse 4, where this phrase appears for the first time. 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:09.459 Chapter 1, verse 4. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:20.899 For we know, brothers and sisters, loved by God, that he has chosen you. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:25.959 Now, I want you to notice, I'm quite sure in your Bibles, 00:06:25.959 --> 00:06:30.079 after brothers and sisters, you might have a little letter. 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:34.039 In my Bible, it has the letter B. 00:06:34.219 --> 00:06:37.699 And if you go down to the very bottom of the page to the notes, 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:42.039 if you look along the corresponding letter, 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:44.159 it'll say something like this. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:51.860 The Greek word for brothers and sisters, Adelphoi refers here to believers, 00:06:52.780 --> 00:06:57.020 both men and women, as part of God's family. 00:06:57.140 --> 00:06:57.820 Do you have that? 00:06:58.580 --> 00:06:59.100 Yeah? 00:06:59.520 --> 00:06:59.900 Okay. 00:06:59.899 --> 00:07:03.159 So, brothers and sisters, we want to know who they are. 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:10.519 They are believers, people who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sin, 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:16.099 both men and women, who are now part of God's family. 00:07:16.100 --> 00:07:22.700 You see, it's a reminder to us that the church is a gathering, not of just people, 00:07:23.460 --> 00:07:28.640 but of people who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who trust him. 00:07:29.400 --> 00:07:37.960 We're members of a family who've turned from self and are trusting in God's Son, Jesus Christ. 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:43.219 So, first, we're brothers and sisters, part of a family. 00:07:43.659 --> 00:07:48.919 But more than that, we're brothers and sisters who are committed to each other. 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:52.799 So, look at chapter 4 and verse 9. 00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:01.299 Now, about your love for one another. 00:08:02.819 --> 00:08:05.699 Chapter 5, verse 11. 00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:18.759 Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up just as, in fact, you are doing. 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:21.599 Chapter 5, verse 13. 00:08:24.259 --> 00:08:30.339 At the end of verse 13, live in peace with each other. 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:34.579 And we see the same in verse 15. 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:39.639 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do good. 00:08:40.520 --> 00:08:42.200 What is good for who? 00:08:42.900 --> 00:08:44.460 For each other. 00:08:45.820 --> 00:08:50.379 You see, you can't separate being a Christian from the church. 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:57.060 If you claim to be a Christian, then you should also be identified with a local church. 00:08:57.059 --> 00:09:09.299 A family of brothers and sisters who have responsibilities to love, encourage, and do good for each other. 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:14.799 It's like our biological families. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:17.439 I have a brother and a sister. 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:23.159 And what makes us brothers and sisters is that we have the same father. 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:30.299 But more than that, it's our relationship to our father that unites us to each other. 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:36.179 No one else gets to be called my brother or sister in a biological sense. 00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:38.139 That's what makes us family. 00:09:39.079 --> 00:09:42.939 Well, if you're a Christian, God is your father. 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:49.759 And because you have a relationship with God the Father, you become part of God's family. 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:57.939 You enter into a relationship with brothers and sisters who also trust and look to God. 00:09:57.940 --> 00:10:03.900 So here's a summary of what I think a local church is. 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:07.320 It could be more, but it's at least this. 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:13.640 A local church is a family of brothers and sisters who believe in Jesus, 00:10:14.760 --> 00:10:20.280 which is expressed in baptism and committed to each other, 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:23.880 which is identified through membership. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:31.419 Well, you say, well, I didn't read anything there about baptism or membership. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:35.620 You just talked about brothers and sisters and being committed to each other. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:38.539 Where did you get baptism and membership from? 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:44.200 Well, let us go to Acts chapter 2. 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:46.520 So go back to Acts chapter 2. 00:10:47.940 --> 00:10:53.820 And we'll see the pattern that there was in the early churches. 00:10:53.820 --> 00:11:00.980 People heard the gospel, the good news about Jesus, and their response to it. 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:05.580 So Acts chapter 2, verse 38. 00:11:05.580 --> 00:11:12.960 Peter is the preacher. 00:11:13.160 --> 00:11:14.060 He's the speaker. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:23.020 Chapter 2, verse 38. 00:11:23.180 --> 00:11:23.960 Peter said, 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:38.980 Well, how did the people respond? 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:41.540 Look at verse 41. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:52.740 Those who accepted his message were baptized as a sign of their trust and their commitment to Christ. 00:11:53.699 --> 00:12:02.199 And about 3,000 were added or included to their number that day. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:04.279 Well, included to who? 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:05.279 Added to who? 00:12:06.059 --> 00:12:06.879 The church. 00:12:07.099 --> 00:12:08.500 The local church. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:12.080 They became members of the local church. 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:22.620 So you see, we are a church of brothers and sisters who believe in Jesus, which is expressed in baptism, 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:27.039 committed to each other, which is identified through membership. 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:35.259 You see, knowing who our brothers and sisters are is crucial to being a healthy church. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:42.980 So now that we know what a church is, what does a healthy church look like? 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.399 Well, we're going to look at two things. 00:12:46.360 --> 00:12:50.559 Love for leaders and care for church. 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:53.080 That's how we measure the health of a church. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:58.340 Love for leaders and care for church. 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:01.580 So look at love for leaders. 00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:06.860 Let's go back to Thessalonians chapter 5 and verse 12. 00:13:11.240 --> 00:13:12.980 Let's read from verse 12. 00:13:13.100 --> 00:13:19.080 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you. 00:13:20.520 --> 00:13:21.780 Verse 13. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:28.120 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:30.740 Who's he talking about? 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:37.960 Well, he's talking about the leaders of the church or, as sometimes is referred to, the elders of the church. 00:13:38.679 --> 00:13:44.580 The leaders are those who are appointed by the church and are accountable to the church. 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:50.940 And their responsibility is the spiritual oversight of the church. 00:13:50.940 --> 00:13:56.940 And their work, their hard work, is seen in two ways. 00:13:57.040 --> 00:13:58.640 Did you see it there in verse 12? 00:13:58.639 --> 00:14:09.159 Those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord, and who admonish you. 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:14.340 So first, they are those who care for you. 00:14:15.299 --> 00:14:22.240 Now we've got a wonderful example of what that care looks like if you go back to chapter 2 and verse 7. 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:29.279 The care that the leaders have for the church. 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:32.240 Chapter 2, the middle of verse 7. 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:35.820 Paul is speaking. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.440 He says, 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:45.120 Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. 00:14:45.940 --> 00:14:54.340 Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well. 00:14:55.760 --> 00:15:05.600 A nursing mother feeding her infant child is a beautiful picture of the kind of care we are to expect from our leaders. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:11.639 A leader is those who will watch out, protect, feed, nourish. 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:18.180 It's caring for the spiritual needs of the church family. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:21.320 So leaders are to care for you. 00:15:21.860 --> 00:15:26.159 And they were to admonish you. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:31.259 Again, we have a good example if you look down at chapter 2, verse 11. 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:40.439 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:43.179 Encouraging. 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:45.740 Comforting. 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:53.600 And urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:57.600 A good father will watch out for his children. 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:59.940 So picture the scene. 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:04.920 A little toddler who goes running out in front of their father. 00:16:06.040 --> 00:16:09.080 They're just running and darting wherever they please. 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:11.600 They can't see the danger or the trouble. 00:16:12.060 --> 00:16:17.159 The father at times needs to correct the little one. 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:20.620 To warn them, to steer them on the right path. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:23.779 So they don't run out on the road, but keep to the pavement. 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:27.600 Leaders admonish. 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:30.879 They correct. 00:16:32.199 --> 00:16:34.259 Encouraging, comforting, urging. 00:16:35.079 --> 00:16:37.179 Not that way, this way. 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:42.959 Ensuring that the church is in good health. 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:48.539 Go back to chapter 5, verse 12. 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:58.139 So we ask you, brothers and sisters, the church, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, the leaders, 00:16:58.860 --> 00:17:04.079 who care for you in the Lord and admonish you. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:10.139 So this caring, this admonishing, must be done in the Lord. 00:17:11.159 --> 00:17:14.839 In other words, the church belongs to the Lord. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:17.699 It's not my church or your church. 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:19.359 It's God's church. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:22.899 So the leaders do not impose their own authority. 00:17:23.460 --> 00:17:28.139 Rather, they are to represent the Lord's authority. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:30.259 We don't enforce our own will. 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:33.900 Instead, we teach what is God's will. 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:37.160 This is a healthy church. 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:44.460 It's like a parent, a mother and father caring for and admonishing their children. 00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:52.320 It's giving the spiritual nourishment and correction that a church needs so that they grow and mature 00:17:52.320 --> 00:17:55.360 and become all that God wants us to be. 00:17:55.359 --> 00:18:05.439 It's speaking his truth, the authority of God's word for the blessing of God's church. 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:12.079 Now, the church has a responsibility to the leaders. 00:18:12.219 --> 00:18:15.619 If that's what the leaders are to do is to care and admonish, 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:18.339 the church has a responsibility. 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:19.399 Verse 13. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:29.780 Hold them, the leaders, in the highest regard, in love because of their work. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:33.259 Now, that's quite a statement, isn't it? 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:38.620 Hold your leaders in the highest regard. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:42.340 Now, let me clear about this. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:48.339 That doesn't mean you're to treat your leaders with celebrity status and send pictures around 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:50.000 and say how wonderful they are. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:55.059 It doesn't mean that if you meet me in the town or one of the other leaders in the town, 00:18:55.159 --> 00:18:58.559 you don't go, oh, hello, Johnny, is there anything I can do for you? 00:18:59.699 --> 00:19:02.619 No, it means to deeply respect their role. 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:06.359 Why such respect for your leaders? 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:14.179 Well, and I say this carefully, and I want you to hear this carefully. 00:19:15.139 --> 00:19:20.139 The reason why we hold our leaders in the highest regard is 00:19:20.139 --> 00:19:25.399 they are the most important people in your life. 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:28.419 Yes, they are. 00:19:29.679 --> 00:19:32.319 They are the most important people in your life. 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:32.959 Why? 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:36.940 Because they are responsible for your spiritual health. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:43.799 If you were physically sick and you took a turn, where are you going to go to? 00:19:44.620 --> 00:19:48.259 The hospital, to A&E, to the doctor. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.000 Why? 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:51.240 Because of your physical health. 00:19:51.620 --> 00:19:55.700 You want to be looked after and cared for and made well 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:57.779 and make sure that everything is okay. 00:19:57.779 --> 00:20:02.420 You are not going to go down the road and say to the plumber, 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:04.160 I have got a bad heart. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:07.599 Or to the electrician, there is something wrong with my leg. 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:13.299 No, you go to the doctor because they are going to care and provide what you need. 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:17.899 Well, the leaders are there to provide for your spiritual health. 00:20:17.900 --> 00:20:23.460 To make sure that you are prepared and ready to meet the Lord, 00:20:23.780 --> 00:20:25.460 as we looked at last week. 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:27.780 You see, one day, 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:30.519 as a leader, 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.800 as a pastor, 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:34.180 and indeed the other leaders of this church, 00:20:35.080 --> 00:20:37.380 will one day stand before God. 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:41.200 And it says we will have to give an account 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:44.460 for every single person 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:47.160 who has been entrusted to our care. 00:20:48.260 --> 00:20:49.820 I am responsible. 00:20:51.800 --> 00:20:54.740 Hold them in the highest regard, 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:55.740 verse 13, 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:58.660 in love. 00:21:00.260 --> 00:21:03.280 So how do we love our leaders? 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:08.139 Well, I am going to suggest three ways in which we can love. 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:10.819 Here is the first one. 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:13.480 Become a member. 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:15.940 You see, 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:19.559 if the leaders are responsible for caring for 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:21.940 and for admonishing the church, 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:25.879 if they are to provide and exercise spiritual oversight, 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:28.559 then the leaders have to know 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:30.859 who they are responsible for. 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:35.299 So does that mean we are responsible for everybody 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:37.839 who arrives at a Sunday service? 00:21:38.679 --> 00:21:40.639 What if they come for a few weeks 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:43.379 and don't show up for another few months? 00:21:45.219 --> 00:21:46.799 Who are we to care for? 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.059 We need to know. 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.719 And the way we can know 00:21:51.719 --> 00:21:53.879 is to identify yourself 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:55.619 with the local church. 00:21:55.959 --> 00:21:57.859 To become a member. 00:21:58.939 --> 00:22:00.119 To commit and say, 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:01.679 I want you 00:22:01.679 --> 00:22:03.639 to care for my 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:05.199 spiritual health. 00:22:06.199 --> 00:22:07.619 I want you 00:22:07.619 --> 00:22:09.500 to hold me accountable. 00:22:09.899 --> 00:22:11.699 I want you to support me 00:22:11.699 --> 00:22:13.139 and teach me. 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:15.359 I want you to 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.699 love me 00:22:16.699 --> 00:22:18.439 and watch over me. 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:21.479 So how do we love our leaders? 00:22:22.479 --> 00:22:24.059 Well, by becoming 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.339 a member. 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:29.159 second way 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:30.079 to love your 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.959 leaders. 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:34.099 Submit to their authority. 00:22:35.419 --> 00:22:37.199 Gosh, that's a big one, isn't it? 00:22:38.199 --> 00:22:40.059 Do I really have to submit 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:41.659 to their authority? 00:22:42.939 --> 00:22:44.240 Well, the authority 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.619 that leaders have 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:46.799 is not to be used 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:48.519 to demand their own wants. 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:51.579 No, the leader's authority 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.279 authority comes 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:53.139 from God. 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:53.659 God. 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:56.639 Now, to help us see this, 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:57.599 this is important, 00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:59.039 go forward 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.179 in your Bibles 00:23:00.179 --> 00:23:01.460 to Hebrews. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:01.579 Hebrews. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.100 So you get 00:23:05.100 --> 00:23:06.440 2 Thessalonians, 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:09.220 1 and 2 Timothy, 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.160 Titus, 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:13.480 and then 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:15.140 Hebrews. 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:18.720 Hebrews chapter 13, 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:22.299 right at the end. 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:29.340 Hebrews 13, verse 7. 00:23:29.340 --> 00:23:29.340 00:23:29.339 --> 00:23:38.959 So here, 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.319 in writing to the church, 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:42.259 the author says, 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.879 chapter 13, verse 7, 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:46.459 remember your leaders. 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:49.259 Why do we need 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.019 to remember them? 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.899 They spoke the word 00:23:52.899 --> 00:23:54.199 of God to you. 00:23:55.819 --> 00:23:57.599 Now look at verse 17. 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:01.519 Have confidence 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:02.639 in your leaders 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.919 and submit 00:24:03.919 --> 00:24:05.279 to their authority 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.980 because they keep 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:08.399 watch over you 00:24:08.399 --> 00:24:09.379 as those who must 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:10.199 give an account. 00:24:11.959 --> 00:24:12.679 Now, can you see 00:24:12.679 --> 00:24:13.319 the connection 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.579 between verse 7 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:16.539 and verse 17? 00:24:17.199 --> 00:24:18.319 The leaders spoke 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:19.379 the word of God 00:24:19.379 --> 00:24:20.079 to you 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:22.679 and you're to submit 00:24:22.679 --> 00:24:23.799 to their authority. 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.019 They're not two 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.779 different things 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:27.279 but one of the same thing. 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:29.420 the only authority 00:24:29.420 --> 00:24:30.819 that a leader has 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:32.180 is to teach 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.359 and apply 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.779 God's word. 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.480 We don't make 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.299 things up. 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:40.639 It's in the teaching 00:24:40.639 --> 00:24:41.639 and the application 00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.539 of God's word. 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.240 That is what we're all 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:45.519 called to submit to. 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:48.359 And as the church, 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.720 they are to hold 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.259 the leaders 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:50.940 accountable 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:52.039 to God's word. 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.779 So if the leaders 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:55.240 drift from God's word 00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:56.019 and don't teach 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.740 what the Bible 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.299 is saying, 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.940 then it is the church 00:24:58.940 --> 00:24:59.659 who must hold 00:24:59.659 --> 00:25:00.779 the leaders accountable. 00:25:03.399 --> 00:25:04.440 So how do we 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.200 love our leaders? 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.639 Submit to their 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.420 authority 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.460 because they are 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.000 teaching 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:11.539 the word of God 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.059 to you. 00:25:12.920 --> 00:25:13.680 Third way 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.279 to love. 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:16.480 Seek out 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:17.180 their counsel. 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.039 Let's go back 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.779 to chapter 5 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:21.940 of 1 Thessalonians. 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.259 Leaders have been 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:26.859 provided 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:28.099 to watch out 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:28.619 for you 00:25:28.619 --> 00:25:30.720 and to protect you. 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:32.619 So it makes sense 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.299 that we should 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.940 seek out 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:34.619 their counsel. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.500 So ask 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.619 the leaders. 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.379 Would you come 00:25:39.379 --> 00:25:39.839 and visit? 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:41.539 I have something 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:42.819 I need to talk over. 00:25:43.139 --> 00:25:44.019 Something I need 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.879 to pray about. 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:46.539 I'd like your 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:46.779 input 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:47.579 input. 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.639 To listen to 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:51.019 what the Bible 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:51.940 has to say. 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:53.519 Now that doesn't 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.099 mean to say 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:54.920 that the leader's 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:55.579 words is 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:56.559 perfect. 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:58.559 But it does mean 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.220 that there is 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.119 learned wisdom 00:26:00.119 --> 00:26:01.519 that will help you 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.700 as you respond 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.519 to challenging 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:04.460 circumstances 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:05.980 and make decisions. 00:26:07.619 --> 00:26:08.639 They are there 00:26:08.639 --> 00:26:09.960 to watch over. 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.899 To care. 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:13.480 To care 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.420 for the spiritual 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:14.940 health 00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:16.039 of the life 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:16.840 of the church. 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.620 So verse 13. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.700 Hold them 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.420 in the highest 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.759 regard in love 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.860 because of their work. 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.180 Live in peace 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:30.720 with each other. 00:26:31.860 --> 00:26:33.080 And I am so thrilled. 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.299 I am so thankful 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.420 that there is 00:26:35.420 --> 00:26:35.940 peace 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:38.440 amongst the church. 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:40.039 Between the leaders. 00:26:40.580 --> 00:26:41.559 Between one another. 00:26:42.140 --> 00:26:43.140 Between us all. 00:26:43.140 --> 00:26:44.280 So let's keep 00:26:44.280 --> 00:26:45.120 working this 00:26:45.120 --> 00:26:46.300 out together. 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:47.640 Holding each 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:48.500 other accountable 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:50.120 and fulfilling 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:50.980 our roles 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.880 to one another. 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.340 Love your 00:26:53.340 --> 00:26:54.040 leaders 00:26:54.040 --> 00:26:55.640 who care 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.180 for you 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.500 and who 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.340 admonish you. 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.160 So that's 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:01.480 the first sign. 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.660 The first 00:27:02.660 --> 00:27:03.220 mark 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:04.640 of a 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.300 healthy 00:27:05.300 --> 00:27:05.880 church. 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:08.259 Here's the 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:08.880 second one. 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.800 Care for your 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:11.300 church. 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:11.359 church. 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:12.700 You see 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.259 as brothers 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:13.899 and sisters 00:27:13.899 --> 00:27:14.519 all of us 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:14.940 we have 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.720 responsibilities 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:16.599 to each 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:16.899 other. 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:18.200 Verse 14. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:20.779 And we 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.740 urge you 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:23.019 brothers and 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.519 sisters 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:25.539 warn those 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:25.899 who are 00:27:25.899 --> 00:27:26.559 idle and 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.139 disruptive. 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.299 Encourage 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.399 the disheartened. 00:27:31.659 --> 00:27:31.940 Help 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:32.559 the weak. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.680 Be patient 00:27:34.680 --> 00:27:35.460 with everyone. 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:37.440 Well isn't that 00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:38.200 what the leaders 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.740 are for? 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.660 They're the 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.200 ones who 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:40.640 warn, 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:41.460 encourage and 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:41.779 help. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.120 Yes all of 00:27:43.120 --> 00:27:43.519 that is 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.960 true but 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.579 it's also 00:27:45.579 --> 00:27:46.519 the responsibility 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.299 of the whole 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:47.680 church. 00:27:48.120 --> 00:27:48.460 Look at 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.120 verse 14 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:49.460 again. 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.299 We urge 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:50.740 you 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:52.120 brothers and 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:52.559 sisters. 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:54.019 So we're 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.240 all responsible 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.000 for the 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:57.039 care of 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.779 the spiritual 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.500 needs of 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.059 one another. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.559 We are 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.259 all to 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.160 watch out 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:04.480 for each 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:04.779 other. 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.180 I need 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:07.180 you to 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:07.839 hold me 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:08.480 accountable. 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:10.220 I need 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.720 you to 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.620 ask me 00:28:11.620 --> 00:28:12.660 how I'm 00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:13.180 doing in 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:13.880 my faith, 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:14.759 how I'm 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.220 doing in 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.440 my 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:15.980 relationship 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.700 with God. 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:19.059 So how 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.400 do we 00:28:19.400 --> 00:28:19.880 care for 00:28:19.880 --> 00:28:20.500 the church? 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.620 Well, 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.480 here's 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:25.920 five ways 00:28:25.920 --> 00:28:26.480 in which 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:26.839 we can 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.120 care. 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:27.700 First, 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:28.519 warn 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:29.500 the 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.079 idle. 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:31.980 Verse 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.620 14. 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:34.620 Warn 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.319 those who 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:36.099 are idle 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:37.559 and disruptive. 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.140 You see, 00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:39.779 the idle 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.180 or the 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:40.759 lazy have 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.079 a very 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:41.559 simple 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:41.960 motto 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:42.660 in life. 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.519 Live 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.359 to be 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:45.900 served. 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:47.240 They're 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:47.900 consumers, 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.099 not 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:49.620 givers. 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:50.880 Church is 00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.299 a place 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:51.740 I come 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.079 to to 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:52.440 get what 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:52.859 I want 00:28:52.859 --> 00:28:53.380 and if 00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:53.799 I don't 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.359 find what 00:28:54.359 --> 00:28:54.839 I like, 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.319 well, 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:55.700 I'll go 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.099 somewhere 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.519 else. 00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:57.480 And if 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:57.819 I don't 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.240 like that, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:58.759 I'll go 00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.120 somewhere 00:28:59.120 --> 00:28:59.539 else. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.400 There's a 00:29:01.400 --> 00:29:02.079 danger with 00:29:02.079 --> 00:29:02.599 that kind 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.319 of approach. 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:04.019 There's 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.240 no 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:04.980 accountability, 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:05.599 no 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:06.359 responsibility. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.359 It's 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:07.939 spiritually 00:29:07.939 --> 00:29:09.059 unhealthy. 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:10.679 God 00:29:10.679 --> 00:29:11.359 gave to 00:29:11.359 --> 00:29:11.679 us 00:29:11.679 --> 00:29:12.359 brothers 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:12.679 and 00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:12.980 sisters. 00:29:13.159 --> 00:29:13.519 He gave 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:13.839 to us 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.480 a family 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.460 who can 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.059 care for 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:16.480 us and 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.339 lead us 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:17.939 and direct 00:29:17.939 --> 00:29:18.339 us on 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:18.740 the right 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.379 path. 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:21.679 So, 00:29:21.879 --> 00:29:22.439 care for 00:29:22.439 --> 00:29:23.099 each other 00:29:23.099 --> 00:29:25.000 by warning 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:26.639 the idle. 00:29:28.159 --> 00:29:28.659 Second, 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:31.080 encourage 00:29:31.080 --> 00:29:32.380 the 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:33.340 disheartened. 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:35.220 Perhaps 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.660 you're 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:36.900 discouraged 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.880 today, 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.200 discouraged 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:40.019 by people's 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:40.480 lack of 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.060 support, 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:42.700 fed up 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.180 with not 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:43.960 being thanked 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.519 for all 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.160 the service 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:45.580 that you 00:29:45.580 --> 00:29:46.120 do. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:47.820 Maybe 00:29:47.820 --> 00:29:48.080 you're 00:29:48.080 --> 00:29:48.560 tired 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:48.980 from 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.500 helping 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.440 and 00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:50.840 serving 00:29:50.840 --> 00:29:51.380 others. 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:52.720 Maybe 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.000 you've 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:53.340 become 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:54.580 disillusioned 00:29:54.580 --> 00:29:55.560 with where 00:29:55.560 --> 00:29:56.080 your life 00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:56.640 is at. 00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:58.400 And in 00:29:58.400 --> 00:29:58.700 those 00:29:58.700 --> 00:29:59.160 moments 00:29:59.160 --> 00:29:59.519 and in 00:29:59.519 --> 00:29:59.720 those 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.120 times 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:00.519 we can 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:00.800 begin 00:30:00.800 --> 00:30:01.060 to 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:01.360 doubt. 00:30:01.880 --> 00:30:02.140 God 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:02.560 doesn't 00:30:02.560 --> 00:30:03.000 care. 00:30:03.860 --> 00:30:04.220 Nobody 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.900 cares. 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:06.120 God 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:06.460 doesn't 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:06.960 hear my 00:30:06.960 --> 00:30:07.320 prayer. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:07.980 God 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:08.460 can't 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:08.720 love 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.019 me. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:10.700 And 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.080 what we 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:11.460 long 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.019 for in 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.280 those 00:30:12.280 --> 00:30:12.759 moments 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:13.259 is for 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.880 someone 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:14.780 to bring 00:30:14.780 --> 00:30:15.120 some 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:15.900 wise 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:17.280 encouragement, 00:30:18.560 --> 00:30:19.080 reminders 00:30:19.080 --> 00:30:20.000 of God's 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.540 truth, 00:30:21.280 --> 00:30:21.680 promises 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:22.340 from God 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:23.140 that yes 00:30:23.140 --> 00:30:23.820 he does 00:30:23.820 --> 00:30:24.720 love us 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:25.900 and it's 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:26.759 a steadfast 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:27.080 love. 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:27.580 He's 00:30:27.580 --> 00:30:27.820 never 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.099 going 00:30:28.099 --> 00:30:28.460 to let 00:30:28.460 --> 00:30:28.659 us 00:30:28.659 --> 00:30:29.000 go. 00:30:29.740 --> 00:30:30.059 And 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:30.480 he does 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:30.919 see and 00:30:30.919 --> 00:30:31.379 he does 00:30:31.379 --> 00:30:31.779 know. 00:30:32.919 --> 00:30:33.399 What we 00:30:33.399 --> 00:30:33.819 need is 00:30:33.819 --> 00:30:34.359 someone who 00:30:34.359 --> 00:30:34.839 will listen 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.319 to our 00:30:35.319 --> 00:30:36.539 cries and 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:36.939 will come 00:30:36.939 --> 00:30:37.460 alongside 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:39.159 and pray 00:30:39.159 --> 00:30:40.000 for us. 00:30:41.899 --> 00:30:42.759 So maybe 00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:43.099 there's 00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:43.700 somebody who 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:44.659 is disheartened 00:30:44.659 --> 00:30:46.439 today that 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:46.919 you can 00:30:46.919 --> 00:30:47.779 encourage, 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.879 care for 00:30:49.879 --> 00:30:50.480 each other 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.759 as we 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:52.619 encourage 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:53.919 one another. 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:56.380 the third 00:30:56.380 --> 00:30:56.779 way, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.800 verse 14, 00:30:58.920 --> 00:30:59.279 is to 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.300 help the 00:31:00.300 --> 00:31:00.680 weak. 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.000 Now we 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:03.000 all experience 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:03.660 weaknesses. 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:05.300 We can be 00:31:05.300 --> 00:31:06.220 overwhelmed by 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:07.039 anxiety. 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:07.900 We can 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:08.279 become 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:08.740 overcome 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.700 with fears. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.480 We even 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.160 get bogged 00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:12.700 down and 00:31:12.700 --> 00:31:13.259 weighed down 00:31:13.259 --> 00:31:13.720 by our 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.460 past sin. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.320 We all 00:31:16.320 --> 00:31:16.860 know that 00:31:16.860 --> 00:31:17.860 dark feeling 00:31:17.860 --> 00:31:18.660 of sinking 00:31:18.660 --> 00:31:19.539 and drowning 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.500 under the 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.259 pressures and 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:21.920 strains of 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:22.360 life. 00:31:24.160 --> 00:31:24.700 Well, 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.960 try harder 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.160 and do 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:28.680 better is 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.120 not the 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:29.600 answer. 00:31:30.800 --> 00:31:31.320 We need 00:31:31.320 --> 00:31:31.680 to get 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.200 alongside 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:33.759 the weak 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:35.920 and support 00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:36.440 them and 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:37.180 carry them. 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:38.180 Rather than 00:31:38.180 --> 00:31:38.700 abandon 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.720 them, we 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.680 walk their 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:42.140 path with 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:42.480 them. 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:44.279 We help 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.360 them to 00:31:45.360 --> 00:31:46.240 collapse 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.560 into the 00:31:47.560 --> 00:31:48.279 loving arms 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:48.900 of God. 00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:51.780 So is 00:31:51.780 --> 00:31:52.259 there someone 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.500 weak today? 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:55.200 Weighed 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.740 down by 00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:56.580 past sin, 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.840 overcome by 00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:58.820 anxiety and 00:31:58.820 --> 00:31:59.180 fear? 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:01.100 But we 00:32:01.100 --> 00:32:01.720 can help 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:03.360 them by 00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:04.620 speaking truth 00:32:04.620 --> 00:32:05.700 of God's 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:06.140 word. 00:32:07.140 --> 00:32:07.640 Let us 00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.340 care for 00:32:08.340 --> 00:32:08.960 each other 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:10.440 by helping 00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:11.019 the weak. 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.139 faith. 00:32:14.639 --> 00:32:15.240 And 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:15.799 fourth, 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.879 patient with 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.460 everyone. 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.180 How quick 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:21.859 we are to 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:22.440 write one 00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.240 another off. 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.619 Maybe 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:24.940 there's 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:25.460 someone who 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:25.900 you know 00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:26.339 who's 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:27.460 drifting back 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:28.279 into sinful, 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.519 harmful habits. 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:31.000 It's easy 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:31.639 just to give 00:32:31.639 --> 00:32:32.059 up and go, 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:32.480 well, I've 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:33.819 tried, and 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.579 just dismiss 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:34.900 them. 00:32:36.119 --> 00:32:36.759 Well, rather 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.720 than judge 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:39.220 and disapprove, 00:32:39.720 --> 00:32:40.500 instead of 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.200 wagging the 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:42.099 naughty finger 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.720 at people, 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.980 we respond 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:45.119 with patience. 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:46.960 Why should 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.400 we put 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:48.980 limits on 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.720 God's grace 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:50.420 and mercy? 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.279 Does God 00:32:52.279 --> 00:32:52.960 put limits 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:53.980 on his 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:54.539 grace and 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:55.299 mercy towards 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:55.640 me? 00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:57.700 No, we 00:32:57.700 --> 00:32:58.460 show people 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.460 again the 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:00.059 path of 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:00.900 repentance and 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:01.259 faith. 00:33:01.680 --> 00:33:02.259 We lead 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:03.000 them on the 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:03.900 right path, 00:33:04.140 --> 00:33:05.059 and we go 00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.539 again. 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:08.460 So is 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:08.940 there someone 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:09.480 who you're 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:09.960 feeling, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:12.639 well, not 00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:12.960 going to 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.420 bother with 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:13.879 them, I've 00:33:13.879 --> 00:33:14.299 tried. 00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:16.359 No, let 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:16.799 us be 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:17.720 patient with 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.319 each other. 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:20.759 And then 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.279 finally, 00:33:22.700 --> 00:33:23.680 verse 15, 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.319 which kind 00:33:25.319 --> 00:33:26.139 of wraps up 00:33:26.139 --> 00:33:26.779 the way in 00:33:26.779 --> 00:33:27.399 which we can 00:33:27.399 --> 00:33:28.279 care for one 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:28.639 another. 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.920 Make sure, 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:31.899 verse 15, 00:33:32.019 --> 00:33:32.680 that nobody 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.440 pays back 00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:34.080 wrong for 00:33:34.080 --> 00:33:35.779 wrong, but 00:33:35.779 --> 00:33:36.860 always strive 00:33:36.860 --> 00:33:37.660 to do what 00:33:37.660 --> 00:33:38.420 is good for 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:39.019 each other 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:40.400 and for 00:33:40.400 --> 00:33:41.480 everyone else. 00:33:42.720 --> 00:33:43.279 Now, here's 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.640 where the 00:33:43.640 --> 00:33:44.779 church excels 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.660 and models 00:33:45.660 --> 00:33:46.420 the goodness 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:47.180 of God. 00:33:47.779 --> 00:33:48.440 We live in 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:49.100 a culture 00:33:49.100 --> 00:33:50.640 where people 00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:51.600 pay back. 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:53.920 You wrong 00:33:53.920 --> 00:33:54.840 me, I'll 00:33:54.840 --> 00:33:55.440 wrong you. 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:57.039 You withhold 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:57.580 forgiveness, 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:58.960 well, I'm 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.460 not going to 00:33:59.460 --> 00:34:00.100 forgive you. 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:01.840 We're good 00:34:01.840 --> 00:34:02.580 at bearing 00:34:02.580 --> 00:34:03.160 grudges. 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:03.740 We 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:04.519 remember. 00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:06.440 We remember 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:06.920 what they 00:34:06.920 --> 00:34:07.400 said and 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:07.779 how they 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:08.320 hurt me 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:08.980 and what 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.639 they did 00:34:09.639 --> 00:34:10.119 and how 00:34:10.119 --> 00:34:10.619 it upset 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:11.159 me. 00:34:12.900 --> 00:34:13.659 But not 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.480 the church. 00:34:15.740 --> 00:34:16.460 Verse 15, 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.619 we strive 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.320 to do 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:19.800 what is 00:34:19.800 --> 00:34:20.420 good, 00:34:21.780 --> 00:34:22.700 making sure 00:34:22.700 --> 00:34:23.079 that we 00:34:23.079 --> 00:34:23.820 don't pay 00:34:23.820 --> 00:34:24.920 back wrong 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:26.280 for wrong. 00:34:27.720 --> 00:34:28.360 Always 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:29.000 doing what 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.519 is good. 00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.440 Not for 00:34:30.440 --> 00:34:30.840 me. 00:34:30.840 --> 00:34:32.559 how will 00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:32.920 it help 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:33.360 me or 00:34:33.360 --> 00:34:33.780 how will 00:34:33.780 --> 00:34:34.539 I feel. 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:36.519 But how 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:36.820 will it 00:34:36.820 --> 00:34:38.460 bless and 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.100 help the 00:34:39.100 --> 00:34:39.920 other person. 00:34:42.380 --> 00:34:43.100 You see, 00:34:43.220 --> 00:34:43.660 isn't that 00:34:43.660 --> 00:34:44.480 how Jesus 00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:45.940 has treated 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:46.519 us? 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:48.340 Remember 00:34:48.340 --> 00:34:48.740 what he 00:34:48.740 --> 00:34:49.140 said? 00:34:50.140 --> 00:34:50.760 I am 00:34:50.760 --> 00:34:52.340 the good 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:53.079 shepherd. 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:53.159 shepherd. 00:34:54.159 --> 00:34:55.340 The good 00:34:55.340 --> 00:34:56.460 shepherd lays 00:34:56.460 --> 00:34:57.000 down his 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:57.539 life for 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:58.099 the sheep. 00:34:58.900 --> 00:34:59.460 Here is 00:34:59.460 --> 00:35:00.019 the one who 00:35:00.019 --> 00:35:00.400 is the 00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:01.159 true leader, 00:35:01.579 --> 00:35:02.440 the perfect 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:03.559 shepherd who 00:35:03.559 --> 00:35:04.480 cared for 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:06.920 us by 00:35:06.920 --> 00:35:07.639 giving of 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:08.639 his life to 00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:09.440 death on 00:35:09.440 --> 00:35:10.059 a cross, 00:35:11.059 --> 00:35:12.659 by paying 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.219 for our 00:35:13.219 --> 00:35:13.799 sins, 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.759 who corrects 00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:16.380 us when we 00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:17.380 drift away 00:35:17.380 --> 00:35:18.780 and gently 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.460 by his 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:20.240 Holy Spirit 00:35:20.240 --> 00:35:20.860 leads us 00:35:20.860 --> 00:35:21.340 back. 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:23.559 Jesus is 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.559 exceedingly 00:35:24.559 --> 00:35:25.019 good. 00:35:26.019 --> 00:35:26.860 He encourages 00:35:26.860 --> 00:35:27.900 the disheartened. 00:35:28.260 --> 00:35:28.720 He helps 00:35:28.720 --> 00:35:29.140 the weak. 00:35:29.460 --> 00:35:30.340 He sustains 00:35:30.340 --> 00:35:31.160 you by his 00:35:31.160 --> 00:35:31.599 grace, 00:35:32.039 --> 00:35:32.780 pouring out 00:35:32.780 --> 00:35:33.320 his grace 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:33.920 in abundance. 00:35:34.360 --> 00:35:35.340 He strengthens 00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:35.880 you with his 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:36.320 power, 00:35:36.680 --> 00:35:37.660 equipping you. 00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:40.420 As scripture 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:41.380 reminds us, 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:42.500 a bruised 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:43.920 reed he 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:44.519 will not 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.059 break, 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:46.619 and a 00:35:46.619 --> 00:35:47.299 smouldering 00:35:47.299 --> 00:35:48.759 wick he 00:35:48.759 --> 00:35:49.380 will not 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.199 snuff out. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:52.199 Jesus is 00:35:52.199 --> 00:35:53.079 patient with 00:35:53.079 --> 00:35:54.599 us, never 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:55.420 giving up, 00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:57.239 always forgiving. 00:35:57.599 --> 00:35:58.179 He doesn't 00:35:58.179 --> 00:35:58.759 pay back 00:35:58.759 --> 00:35:59.420 wrong for 00:35:59.420 --> 00:35:59.759 wrong. 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:01.279 Instead, he 00:36:01.279 --> 00:36:02.360 remembers our 00:36:02.360 --> 00:36:03.579 sins no 00:36:03.579 --> 00:36:04.019 more. 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:04.960 As far as 00:36:04.960 --> 00:36:05.739 the east is 00:36:05.739 --> 00:36:06.539 from the west, 00:36:06.539 --> 00:36:08.059 so far 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:09.299 has he 00:36:09.299 --> 00:36:10.039 removed our 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.659 sins from 00:36:10.659 --> 00:36:11.199 us. 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:13.119 Isn't 00:36:13.119 --> 00:36:14.179 Jesus good? 00:36:15.059 --> 00:36:17.099 And how 00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.779 much we 00:36:17.779 --> 00:36:18.360 need to 00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:19.519 experience the 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:20.159 goodness of 00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:20.559 Jesus, 00:36:20.799 --> 00:36:21.860 because that 00:36:21.860 --> 00:36:22.480 is what we're 00:36:22.480 --> 00:36:23.239 called to do, 00:36:23.360 --> 00:36:23.880 brothers and 00:36:23.880 --> 00:36:24.219 sisters, 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:25.239 in all that 00:36:25.239 --> 00:36:25.759 we're saying 00:36:25.759 --> 00:36:26.400 this morning 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:28.139 is, let's 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.759 bring each 00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:29.739 other back 00:36:29.739 --> 00:36:31.179 to our 00:36:31.179 --> 00:36:32.179 chief shepherd, 00:36:33.159 --> 00:36:33.679 the Lord 00:36:33.679 --> 00:36:34.719 Jesus Christ, 00:36:35.299 --> 00:36:36.639 who cares 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:37.179 for us 00:36:37.179 --> 00:36:37.699 well, 00:36:38.639 --> 00:36:39.480 and only 00:36:39.480 --> 00:36:40.239 does what 00:36:40.239 --> 00:36:41.119 is good 00:36:41.119 --> 00:36:42.759 for us. 00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:47.760 let's 00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:48.320 turn back 00:36:48.320 --> 00:36:48.840 to Psalm 00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:49.420 95. 00:36:49.780 --> 00:36:50.040 I just 00:36:50.040 --> 00:36:50.460 want us 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:51.060 to close 00:36:51.060 --> 00:36:51.500 with this 00:36:51.500 --> 00:36:52.200 this morning. 00:36:53.100 --> 00:36:53.560 It's how 00:36:53.560 --> 00:36:54.320 we began 00:36:54.320 --> 00:36:55.500 our time 00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:56.080 together. 00:36:59.360 --> 00:36:59.960 Psalm 00:36:59.960 --> 00:37:00.760 95. 00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:00.760 00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:00.960 95. 00:37:00.960 --> 00:37:12.659 starting at 00:37:12.659 --> 00:37:13.440 verse 6. 00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:13.539 6. 00:37:22.159 --> 00:37:23.159 Come, 00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:25.079 let us 00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:26.099 bow down 00:37:26.099 --> 00:37:26.740 in worship. 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:29.119 let us 00:37:29.119 --> 00:37:29.939 kneel 00:37:29.939 --> 00:37:30.699 before the 00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.199 Lord our 00:37:31.199 --> 00:37:31.619 God, 00:37:32.339 --> 00:37:33.479 for he 00:37:33.479 --> 00:37:33.979 is our 00:37:33.979 --> 00:37:34.419 God, 00:37:35.419 --> 00:37:36.419 and we 00:37:36.419 --> 00:37:36.819 are the 00:37:36.819 --> 00:37:37.539 people of 00:37:37.539 --> 00:37:37.959 his 00:37:37.959 --> 00:37:38.619 pasture, 00:37:39.839 --> 00:37:40.719 the flock 00:37:40.719 --> 00:37:42.179 under 00:37:42.179 --> 00:37:42.879 his 00:37:42.879 --> 00:37:43.739 care. 00:37:45.739 --> 00:37:46.539 Let's 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:46.839 pray. 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:52.600 Father, 00:37:52.720 --> 00:37:53.360 we thank 00:37:53.360 --> 00:37:55.100 you that 00:37:55.100 --> 00:37:55.780 you are 00:37:55.780 --> 00:37:56.440 the good 00:37:56.440 --> 00:37:58.860 shepherd who 00:37:58.860 --> 00:37:59.660 cares for 00:37:59.660 --> 00:38:01.680 us intimately 00:38:01.680 --> 00:38:03.440 and personally. 00:38:05.180 --> 00:38:05.860 Father, 00:38:06.000 --> 00:38:06.760 we entrust 00:38:06.760 --> 00:38:07.760 ourselves to 00:38:07.760 --> 00:38:08.579 you afresh 00:38:08.579 --> 00:38:11.559 today and 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:12.100 ask that 00:38:12.100 --> 00:38:12.579 you would 00:38:12.579 --> 00:38:13.900 encourage us 00:38:13.900 --> 00:38:15.820 and strengthen 00:38:15.820 --> 00:38:16.340 us. 00:38:17.700 --> 00:38:18.500 Help us 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:19.800 to listen 00:38:19.800 --> 00:38:20.519 to your 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:21.140 voice, 00:38:21.500 --> 00:38:22.440 to your 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:22.980 word, 00:38:24.140 --> 00:38:24.840 that we 00:38:24.840 --> 00:38:25.400 would not 00:38:25.400 --> 00:38:26.360 go astray, 00:38:27.820 --> 00:38:28.800 but that we 00:38:28.800 --> 00:38:29.320 would listen 00:38:29.320 --> 00:38:29.820 to your 00:38:29.820 --> 00:38:31.059 gentle voice, 00:38:31.700 --> 00:38:32.700 for you 00:38:32.700 --> 00:38:33.360 care for 00:38:33.360 --> 00:38:33.840 us, 00:38:34.500 --> 00:38:35.519 and you 00:38:35.519 --> 00:38:36.620 correct us, 00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:38.200 and you 00:38:38.200 --> 00:38:38.760 do only 00:38:38.760 --> 00:38:39.220 what is 00:38:39.220 --> 00:38:39.660 good. 00:38:41.700 --> 00:38:42.460 Father, 00:38:42.680 --> 00:38:43.640 help us, 00:38:44.559 --> 00:38:45.019 me, 00:38:45.019 --> 00:38:46.860 and Alex 00:38:46.860 --> 00:38:48.079 and Ralph 00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:49.880 and Jonathan. 00:38:51.400 --> 00:38:52.320 Help us 00:38:52.320 --> 00:38:52.860 to be the 00:38:52.860 --> 00:38:53.699 leaders that 00:38:53.699 --> 00:38:54.440 you call us 00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:54.880 to be. 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:57.039 Help us 00:38:57.039 --> 00:38:57.780 to care 00:38:57.780 --> 00:38:59.079 for the 00:38:59.079 --> 00:38:59.559 church. 00:39:00.840 --> 00:39:01.360 Help us 00:39:01.360 --> 00:39:02.360 to admonish 00:39:02.360 --> 00:39:03.980 the church. 00:39:05.460 --> 00:39:06.300 Help us 00:39:06.300 --> 00:39:07.039 to love 00:39:07.039 --> 00:39:08.719 our leaders. 00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:10.800 Help us 00:39:10.800 --> 00:39:11.360 to do 00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:12.680 all things 00:39:12.680 --> 00:39:13.380 in love. 00:39:15.380 --> 00:39:16.019 Father, 00:39:16.480 --> 00:39:17.620 help us 00:39:17.620 --> 00:39:18.260 all 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:18.940 together 00:39:18.940 --> 00:39:20.539 to 00:39:20.539 --> 00:39:21.260 encourage 00:39:21.260 --> 00:39:21.519 one 00:39:21.519 --> 00:39:21.900 another 00:39:21.900 --> 00:39:23.880 and build 00:39:23.880 --> 00:39:24.480 each other 00:39:24.480 --> 00:39:25.019 up in the 00:39:25.019 --> 00:39:25.460 faith. 00:39:26.700 --> 00:39:27.500 Help us 00:39:27.500 --> 00:39:28.140 to do that 00:39:28.140 --> 00:39:28.700 today. 00:39:29.700 --> 00:39:30.539 Help us 00:39:30.539 --> 00:39:31.019 to do it 00:39:31.019 --> 00:39:31.480 through the 00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:31.840 week, 00:39:32.480 --> 00:39:33.680 for we 00:39:33.680 --> 00:39:34.340 need one 00:39:34.340 --> 00:39:34.740 another. 00:39:35.960 --> 00:39:36.460 Lead us 00:39:36.460 --> 00:39:37.099 back to 00:39:37.099 --> 00:39:37.700 Christ, 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:39.019 we pray, 00:39:39.019 --> 00:39:40.920 our 00:39:40.920 --> 00:39:41.559 name, 00:39:41.659 --> 00:39:42.079 we ask 00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:42.619 all these 00:39:42.619 --> 00:39:43.159 things. 00:39:44.539 --> 00:39:44.920 Amen.