WEBVTT

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 The passage today is from Acts chapter 2 verses 42 to 47.

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 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

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 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

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 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

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 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

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 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes,

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 they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.

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 And the Lord added to their number, day by day, those who were being saved.

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 This is the word of the Lord.

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 Okay, great. Thank you, Hannah.

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 Let me pray for us briefly, and then we'll dive in.

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 And Father God, this morning, as we come to this passage that we've been looking at for the last few weeks,

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 a very, very wonderful and challenging passage, we pray that you'll speak to us.

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 God, we pray that you open the eyes of our hearts to see you and the way that you have welcomed and loved us.

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 That we'll see, God, the way that you've brought us into the community of the Trinity.

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 And God, that that'll transform us. It'll change us.

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 And Lord, we pray that Watermark will really be a community that reflects something of the book of Acts, what we see here.

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 But we need your grace, God.

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 We can't manufacture or generate this.

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 We need you to work in our hearts.

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 And so we pray, God, come and have your way.

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 Come and help us and open our eyes and change us.

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 Make us more like you, Lord Jesus, we pray.

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 In your great name.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 It's great to be back with you.

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 Last week, obviously, we had our Typhoon Sunday.

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 And so we missed you.

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 And I hope you were able to do the home service that we put together.

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 I hope that it was encouraging and good.

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 But the week before that, our family was in Singapore.

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 We were at a church called Redemption Heal Church, RHC, which is a very, very wonderful church.

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 It's a partner church of ours in Resound.

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 So we do things together as churches.

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 And in all three of their services, they were praying for us at Watermark.

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 They love us as a church.

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 They gave us some funds towards our building fund at Viva Place.

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 Their church, they really carry us very deeply in their hearts.

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 And it was wonderful to be with them.

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 And their leaders are going to come to Watermark at the end of August and be with us for a weekend.

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 So that's where we were a few weeks ago.

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 But it's great to be back here.

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 Now, as you will know if you've been coming for a while, we are spending a couple of weeks in this passage that Hannah read to us.

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 Acts 2, verse 42 to 47.

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 And it's a great picture of one of the very first Christian communities.

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 And, of course, the book of Acts is more about what God was doing than what the apostles were doing.

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 The book of Acts is not so much, hey, this is what the Christians were doing, therefore just copy them.

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 The book of Acts should give us great confidence, but not so much because the apostles were amazing,

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 but because God is amazing.

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 And he was doing great things through the church.

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 But as we look at the book of Acts, it should give us some kind of picture, a vision for what we should hope or expect or pray that God can do amongst us as Christians in 21st century Hong Kong.

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 Now, talking about church communities, I wonder what is your experience or expectation of Christian community?

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 I wonder how you found church community over the years.

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 What do you think of when you hear people talking about the Christian community?

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 What has your experience been like?

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 Have you experienced the joys of knowing others and being known?

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 Has Christian community been hard for you?

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 Maybe you're someone who's happy to come along to church on Sundays and sing the songs and generally be part of the crowd.

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 But to really open up your life, to open up your heart, to really let people in feels a bit scary, a little bit difficult.

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 What has your experience of Christian community been like?

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 Maybe somebody's heard or read or maybe even experienced one-to-many church scandals.

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 Leaders running away with money or somebody else.

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 A church community gone wrong.

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 Friends, maybe you're new to church or you're looking into Christianity and you're interested in the claims of Christ,

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 but wary of Christian church.

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 Wary of really opening yourself up and letting others know you deeply.

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 Maybe you've read or experienced these scandals and it's scarred you a bit.

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 And we can think that I'm being overly negative or critical,

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 but I think we must wrestle with the fact that sometimes even the church community can experience a lot of the heartache

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 and the problems that society itself experiences.

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 And so I wonder, when you think of church, what picture or word picture comes to your mind?

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 Maybe for some of us, we think it's like when you go to the cinema, right?

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 And you've got to squeeze past somebody and you politely smile and say, excuse me, excuse me,

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 but you're not actually going to get to know them.

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 And you just squeeze past each other, you squeeze out, and that's the last you get to know them.

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 Or maybe coming to church is a bit like going to a sports game or maybe a Coldplay concert.

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 Okay, we don't have any cameras up, don't worry.

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 But going to a sports game and there's 15,000 spectators or maybe 200 spectators

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 and all the 10 people on stage are doing the real work, right?

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 And we just come and we spectate and watch what's going on.

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 Friends, maybe coming to church is a bit like going to Starbucks.

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 It's functional and it's transactional.

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 I pay my fees and I get a level of service or goods in exchange.

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 Friends, maybe coming to church is a bit like going to a dentist.

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 Not something you really want to do, but you just have to do it from time to time, right?

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 What is your experience?

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 Sorry for all the dentists out there, Jasmine and others, Karen and stealing.

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 What is your experience of going to church?

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 What is the church community like?

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 What should it be like?

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 Now, as I mentioned, we're slowing down and we're spending a couple of weeks

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 looking at this passage in Acts 2 verse 42.

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 And the reason is not so much because this passage gives us, you know, five tips on how to be the perfect community.

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 But this passage shows us something of what happens to a community when God intervenes and God gets a hold of them.

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 And this passage shows us what is a community that's formed around Christ and the gospel really look like.

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 Now, if you've been here for a couple of weeks, you should notice the logic and the progression.

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 A couple of weeks ago, I think it was three weeks ago, Neil spoke about inputs and outputs.

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 And he said that certain inputs should produce certain outputs.

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 And there's one great input in this passage.

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 What is that input?

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 It's the scriptures.

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 It's the word of God.

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 Our passage starts off and says, they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.

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 And that teaching is the teaching about the scriptures.

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 It's the apostles were opening up the scriptures and teaching people.

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 But specifically, it was the teaching about Jesus Christ and the gospel.

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 Who Christ is and what he's done.

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 And so throughout the book of Acts, the apostles are teaching from the scriptures about Jesus and the good news of the gospel.

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 That God himself has come into our world to put right all that is wrong and broken with our world.

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 To reconcile us with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

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 And that message goes out and it has an impact.

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 One example, Acts 17, I just want to show you.

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 Throughout Acts, this is what the apostles are teaching.

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 Acts 17 says, Paul reasoned with them from the scriptures.

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 Explaining and proving it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.

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 Saying, this Jesus whom I proclaim to you, this is the Christ.

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 So the apostles are going everywhere and they're proclaiming the wonder of Jesus.

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 And remember that there's a phrase that repeats itself throughout Acts.

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 It says, the word of God multiplied and increased.

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 Multiplied and increased.

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 That doesn't mean that Bibles were multiplying and suddenly popping up everywhere.

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 It means the message of Jesus.

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 The good news.

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 The wonderful news of Jesus.

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 Spread to all the known world.

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 And multiplied and increased.

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 And more people are coming to believe in and experience it.

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 And this good news about Jesus, it does something.

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 Remember Niels reminded us.

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 God's word is living and active.

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 It's not philosophical.

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 It's not theoretical.

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 It's not static.

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 It's living and active.

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 It actually does something.

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 It has an effect.

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 And what is the effect that God's word has?

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 It creates a community.

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 God doesn't just save individuals.

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 Me and you.

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 Us.

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 He creates a community.

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 And a community that does what?

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 That love God.

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 Serve God in worship.

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 That love and serve one another in community.

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 In fellowship.

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 That witness to the world.

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 In evangelism.

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 And so that's what we've been speaking about.

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 Niels showed us how the scriptures come in and change us.

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 And then two weeks ago, Alan spoke about how that causes a community that worships God.

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 This morning, I want us to look at how that gospel changes us and causes us to form a community that love and serve one another.

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 Now, we were going to get to witness.

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 But the typhoon knocked that out.

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 So we'll have to do that some other time.

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 But this morning, I want us to think about how is it that the community of the saints fellowship and do community together.

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 So let's look at this passage together and see what it says.

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 And verse 42 says this.

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 The word of God came to them and changed them.

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 And Peter was preaching the gospel, the wonder about Jesus.

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 And he died and he rose again.

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 Verse 42 says,

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 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.

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 Okay, that's the word, the message of Jesus.

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 To the fellowship.

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 That's community.

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 To the breaking of bread.

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 That's also the gospel.

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 And to the prayers.

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 That's worship.

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 Fellowship.

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 So we've looked at the gospel.

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 We've looked at the worship.

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 Today, I want us to think about fellowship.

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 Fellowship and community.

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 Now, many years ago, when I was growing up in South Africa, almost every church,

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 and I think this was very common in the Western world.

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 I'm not so sure about Hong Kong.

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 But every church had what they called a fellowship hall.

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 Does anyone know what a fellowship hall was?

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 Okay.

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 What you'd have is you'd have the main sanctuary and auditorium like this.

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 And then next door, there'd be another hall, maybe a little bit smaller.

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 And you'd all go there afterwards and drink tea and talk about the weather.

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 Okay.

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 Or like the sports or maybe the latest TV show.

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 And now, I don't know.

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 Hong Kong property is a little bit tighter, so maybe it didn't work so well here.

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 But most countries where churches were on big properties, you'd have the main hall, auditorium.

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 And then you'd go to the fellowship hall.

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 And the fellowship hall is where you talk about kind of meaningless, superficial stuff.

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 And you'd just be nice and polite and drink tea together.

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 Okay.

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 Does that make sense?

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 Luke says here that the Christians devoted themselves to the fellowship.

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 Now, why am I telling you the story?

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 That word fellowship is not what Luke means here.

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 Right?

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 When Luke says they devoted themselves to fellowship, he doesn't mean polite but meaningless conversation about the weather or politics or sport or TV.

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 He's talking about something much deeper.

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 The word fellowship in the Bible actually means a deep, deep partnership or a participation in one another's lives.

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 It means your lives are kind of intertwined or intertangled together such that your life affects me and my life affects you.

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 Fellowship.

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 They devoted themselves to this kind of fellowship.

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 They devoted themselves to this kind of fellowship.

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 The picture is not so much going to the hall and drinking tea outside.

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 It's more a picture of soldiers that are locked in together.

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 Or if you think of a sports team, right?

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 Football team.

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 Before they start a match, they huddle in the middle.

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 They're locked in shoulder to shoulder.

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 And they say, okay, we're in this together.

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 That's the idea of fellowship here.

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 More than just drinking tea and talking about the weather.

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 Okay?

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 Or think about, it's talking about partnership.

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 It's talking about mutual participation in one another's lives.

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 Or think about the word partnership.

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 Maybe some of you are partners at a firm.

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 A law firm or an auditing firm or something.

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 What does it mean to be a partner?

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 It means that you're not just an employee.

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 You've got real responsibility at the firm.

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 You've got maybe ownership.

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 Maybe a stake in the shares.

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 But you've got real responsibility for the well-being of the firm.

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 The well-being of the other members.

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 Their interests and your interests are aligned and mutually intertangled.

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 If the firm goes down, that's not good for you.

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 And it means that you can't just leave or bail when things get tough.

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 You're committed.

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 You're in.

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 You're involved.

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 Partnership.

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 Participation.

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 And that's what the word fellowship means.

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 And here Luke says that these disciples, these new Christians,

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 they devoted themselves to this kind of relationship.

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 Listen to how elsewhere the New Testament uses it.

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 This is in 2 Corinthians chapter 6.

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 And this is an amazing passage.

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 Paul writes this.

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 He says,

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 Here Paul uses six or seven different words.

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 Yoke together.

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 Bound together.

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 Partnership.

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 Fellowship.

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 Sharing one accord.

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 Share agreement.

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 All to describe this idea of the Christian community as yoked together.

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 As joined together.

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 And one of those words is fellowship.

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 Kononia is the Greek word.

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 Elsewhere in the New Testament, when one Christian community takes up a financial offering,

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 a love offering, for another community that's maybe gone through famine or drought or something,

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 that word, that contribution is called a fellowship.

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 It's the same word.

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 They're saying,

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 Your struggles, your difficulties are our difficulties.

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 Your joys are our joys.

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 But we end this thing together.

00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.039
 You're not just on the distance.

00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:14.779
 You're doing your life and me doing me.

00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:15.379
 No, no.

00:14:15.459 --> 00:14:17.059
 Our lives are interconnected.

00:14:17.959 --> 00:14:19.039
 And so Luke says here,

00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:21.399
 That as a result of the good news of Jesus,

00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:23.159
 These early Christians,

00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:25.319
 Devoted themselves,

00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:26.659
 Committed themselves,

00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:28.480
 To Jesus and the gospel,

00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:30.659
 To worshiping God and loving him,

00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:32.139
 But also to the fellowship,

00:14:32.319 --> 00:14:32.919
 To the community,

00:14:33.079 --> 00:14:36.539
 The partnership and the mutual participation of one another.

00:14:36.539 --> 00:14:37.779
 And that's,

00:14:38.039 --> 00:14:39.179
 I don't know what you think about that.

00:14:39.459 --> 00:14:41.539
 That's a very high calling for the church, right?

00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:43.099
 When you join the church,

00:14:43.219 --> 00:14:44.120
 Part of what you're saying is,

00:14:44.319 --> 00:14:45.740
 You need me and I need you.

00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:46.980
 And we're in this together.

00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:49.539
 Now, how do we get that?

00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:51.919
 What does this kind of fellowship involve?

00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:55.360
 Well, there's four kind of ingredients that we must have,

00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:57.419
 That any genuine community must have.

00:14:57.959 --> 00:14:59.079
 It must be sacrificial,

00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.980
 It must be vulnerable,

00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:03.559
 It must involve forgiveness,

00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:05.379
 And covenantal.

00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:05.759
 Okay?

00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:08.779
 So, let's look at those things together.

00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.759
 Let's read the scripture together.

00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.759
 From verse 44,

00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:16.059
 Luke writes this,

00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:18.740
 So, they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching,

00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:20.460
 Fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.

00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:21.100
 Verse 44,

00:15:21.559 --> 00:15:23.340
 And all who believed were together,

00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:25.179
 And had all things in common.

00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:26.980
 And they were selling their possessions,

00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:27.620
 And belongings,

00:15:27.819 --> 00:15:30.019
 And distributing the proceeds to all,

00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:31.279
 As any had need.

00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.860
 And day by day,

00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:34.220
 Attending the temple together,

00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:35.720
 Breaking bread in their homes,

00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:38.879
 They received their food with glad and generous hearts,

00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:39.840
 Praising God,

00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:41.460
 And having favor with all the people.

00:15:41.939 --> 00:15:43.379
 And the Lord added to their number,

00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.460
 Day by day,

00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:46.200
 Those who were being saved.

00:15:46.200 --> 00:15:47.200
 Okay?

00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.300
 Okay, these four things.

00:15:48.300 --> 00:15:49.300
 Firstly, sacrificial.

00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:51.800
 Look at the extravagant,

00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:54.160
 Sacrificial generosity,

00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:56.360
 And care of this community.

00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:57.300
 Verse 44 says,

00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:59.180
 Those who believed were together,

00:15:59.340 --> 00:16:01.120
 And they had all things in common.

00:16:01.640 --> 00:16:03.440
 They were even selling their possessions,

00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.160
 And belongings,

00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:06.620
 And distributing the proceeds to all,

00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:08.519
 As any had need.

00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:11.139
 Now, some people have looked at this passage,

00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:11.539
 And thought,

00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:13.639
 Okay, here's a basis for kind of,

00:16:13.919 --> 00:16:17.379
 A Marxist socialist political ideology.

00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:18.460
 But actually,

00:16:18.539 --> 00:16:19.639
 This is very different,

00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:21.639
 From a socialist ideology.

00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:22.899
 And there's a couple of reasons for it.

00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:23.960
 One is,

00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:26.080
 This is bottom up,

00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.179
 Initiated,

00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:28.560
 Not top down imposed.

00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:29.100
 Okay?

00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:31.000
 Secondly,

00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.379
 This is voluntary.

00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:34.159
 It's not imposed from anybody else.

00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:35.180
 They're not told what to do.

00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:36.019
 They don't say,

00:16:36.219 --> 00:16:37.359
 If you're going to join this church,

00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:38.919
 You all must sell your possessions,

00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.159
 And put in a common pot.

00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:42.539
 This is voluntary giving up,

00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.819
 That the people had,

00:16:43.939 --> 00:16:45.079
 As they saw the needs,

00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:46.419
 And the concerns for one another.

00:16:46.959 --> 00:16:48.019
 But the other reason is,

00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:49.739
 This is confined to the church community.

00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:51.000
 It's not statewide,

00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:51.879
 Or nationwide,

00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:53.239
 Or citywide.

00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:55.500
 They weren't giving to anybody in the city,

00:16:55.579 --> 00:16:56.099
 That had need.

00:16:56.459 --> 00:16:58.279
 This is really within the family,

00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:59.059
 The community,

00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:01.699
 That they saw the needs of one another,

00:17:01.839 --> 00:17:03.599
 They voluntarily gave of their,

00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:05.360
 Possessions to one another.

00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.579
 Some of them sold some things,

00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.180
 And gave of the needs.

00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.200
 But,

00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:10.339
 Here we see,

00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.380
 Sorry,

00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:14.000
 To be in true partnership with one another,

00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:16.440
 Always involves some kind of cost.

00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.220
 Some kind of cost.

00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.299
 Some kind of sacrifice involved.

00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:22.079
 Because what it means,

00:17:22.140 --> 00:17:22.839
 To be in partnership,

00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:23.720
 To be in fellowship,

00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.819
 Is shouldering the burdens,

00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:27.480
 And the concerns of one another.

00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:29.679
 As you look to the other people,

00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.500
 In the church family,

00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.720
 And you see their needs,

00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:32.619
 You see their concerns,

00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:33.359
 Their interests.

00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:35.339
 As you see how you can meet their needs,

00:17:35.399 --> 00:17:35.679
 You say,

00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:36.859
 Your burdens,

00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:37.899
 Your fears,

00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:41.480
 Your concerns in life,

00:17:41.639 --> 00:17:41.939
 Actually,

00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:43.639
 I'm going to take those on upon myself.

00:17:44.399 --> 00:17:45.200
 And that always,

00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:47.799
 Involves a radical cost.

00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.259
 Your troubles,

00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.759
 Are not disconnected from my troubles.

00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:51.419
 And my troubles,

00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.839
 Are not disconnected from your troubles.

00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:53.879
 And so that's what they have here.

00:17:53.939 --> 00:17:54.439
 Look what it says,

00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:54.620
 It says,

00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:56.160
 They were selling their possessions,

00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.799
 And belongings,

00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.480
 And giving to one another,

00:17:58.519 --> 00:17:59.759
 As any had need.

00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:01.340
 Now as we said,

00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:02.080
 On the one hand,

00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.740
 Some people have taken this to think,

00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:04.000
 Okay,

00:18:04.120 --> 00:18:04.539
 Here's a,

00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:05.340
 You know,

00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:07.620
 This espouses a socialist political ideology.

00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:08.680
 I don't think that's true,

00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.779
 What the teachers are scripturing.

00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:11.799
 What the scriptures are teaching.

00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.220
 But on the other hand,

00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:14.539
 It's also not saying,

00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.799
 Well my possessions are mine,

00:18:15.860 --> 00:18:17.420
 And your possessions are yours.

00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:19.340
 In some ways,

00:18:19.340 --> 00:18:21.059
 The New Testament is telling us,

00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:23.080
 That when you come into partnership,

00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:24.420
 Into fellowship with one another,

00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:26.120
 My things,

00:18:26.360 --> 00:18:27.580
 Which may involve my time,

00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:28.860
 My energy,

00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.200
 My talents,

00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.600
 Maybe even my finances,

00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:32.759
 Maybe even my house,

00:18:32.840 --> 00:18:33.440
 To some degree,

00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:36.460
 They don't belong exclusively to me,

00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:38.080
 But actually they are gifts,

00:18:38.120 --> 00:18:39.019
 That God has given me,

00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:40.900
 To steward for the well-being,

00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.100
 Of those that are in my,

00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:44.320
 Nuclear family,

00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.840
 But also church family.

00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:47.620
 And that's what we're seeing here.

00:18:48.199 --> 00:18:48.619
 Here they are,

00:18:48.699 --> 00:18:50.219
 They're seeing their things,

00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:50.679
 And they're saying,

00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:51.879
 These things are ours,

00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.500
 But they don't belong to me exclusively,

00:18:53.619 --> 00:18:55.199
 They are there for the common good.

00:18:55.699 --> 00:18:56.619
 And that's what it means,

00:18:56.679 --> 00:18:58.519
 Being genuinely enmeshed in community,

00:18:58.519 --> 00:19:00.119
 Is always going to be costly.

00:19:00.599 --> 00:19:01.779
 It's always going to be sacrificial.

00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:03.559
 It's going to be sharing our things.

00:19:03.959 --> 00:19:04.719
 It's going to mean,

00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.539
 Giving our time,

00:19:05.679 --> 00:19:06.379
 Giving our energy,

00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:08.219
 Pursuing the interests of others,

00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.700
 Above just my own.

00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.880
 Sometimes doing things,

00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:13.299
 That I wouldn't actually want to do,

00:19:13.880 --> 00:19:15.319
 For the sake of loving others.

00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:16.640
 Because partnership,

00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:17.220
 Fellowship,

00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:19.120
 Always means that our lives are intertwined.

00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:19.740
 Okay,

00:19:19.779 --> 00:19:20.460
 So sacrificial.

00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:21.339
 Secondly,

00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.380
 Vulnerable.

00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:23.759
 Now notice here,

00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:24.259
 These are,

00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.259
 These,

00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:27.400
 Look at what it says in verse 46.

00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:27.779
 It says,

00:19:27.880 --> 00:19:28.700
 Day by day,

00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:30.539
 Attending the temple together,

00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:32.860
 And breaking bread in their homes,

00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.980
 They received their food,

00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:35.279
 With glad and generous hearts,

00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:36.440
 Praising God,

00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:37.819
 And having faith with all the people.

00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:39.299
 Luke tells us here,

00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.579
 That they had this daily habit,

00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.400
 Of a couple of things.

00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.160
 Every day,

00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.519
 They would attend the temple,

00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:44.759
 They would pray,

00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:46.120
 They would worship,

00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:47.559
 They would do these things,

00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:49.960
 But they would also do two things in particular,

00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.539
 They would break bread,

00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:53.319
 And they would open up their homes.

00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.059
 Okay,

00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:55.880
 What's significant about that?

00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:57.440
 Breaking bread,

00:19:57.559 --> 00:19:57.860
 Here,

00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:59.940
 Probably refers to taking communion together,

00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:01.460
 Which is what we're going to do a little later.

00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:03.360
 And taking communion together,

00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:06.880
 Is always a profoundly vulnerable experience.

00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:09.620
 Because part of taking communion together,

00:20:10.040 --> 00:20:12.620
 Is always preceded by a time of examination,

00:20:13.280 --> 00:20:14.260
 Of confession,

00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.860
 And of repentance.

00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:17.840
 Repentance of dishonesty,

00:20:18.540 --> 00:20:20.180
 Repentance of hypocrisy,

00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:22.280
 Repentance of sin in my life.

00:20:22.820 --> 00:20:24.280
 And so when we break bread together,

00:20:24.280 --> 00:20:25.640
 When we take communion together,

00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:27.960
 It's always a time of looking at our hearts,

00:20:28.020 --> 00:20:29.000
 Looking at our lives and saying,

00:20:29.340 --> 00:20:30.760
 What inside of me,

00:20:30.840 --> 00:20:32.540
 Doesn't correspond with the gospel,

00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.040
 And God,

00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:34.379
 How do I need to repent of that?

00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:37.299
 And that's always challenging.

00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:39.539
 But the other thing that the Bible says,

00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:41.399
 Is that when we take communion together,

00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.720
 We should never do that,

00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:44.379
 If there's relational awkwardness,

00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:45.059
 Or tension,

00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:46.839
 With others in the church community.

00:20:47.399 --> 00:20:47.859
 So let's say,

00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:49.139
 Oscar and I are not getting along.

00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.139
 Actually,

00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:50.980
 The scripture says,

00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:51.920
 It's hypocritical,

00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:53.259
 For me to go and take communion,

00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:54.000
 And say,

00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:54.220
 God,

00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:56.599
 I'm so glad that I'm fine with you,

00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:58.599
 All our things have been dealt with,

00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.200
 But actually,

00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.139
 I'm not going to forgive Oscar.

00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:01.540
 That guy,

00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:02.660
 I can't believe it.

00:21:03.020 --> 00:21:04.900
 When there's hardness and bitterness of heart,

00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:06.320
 In my heart towards someone else,

00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.020
 Actually,

00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:07.460
 The Bible says,

00:21:07.560 --> 00:21:08.800
 We should go and resolve that,

00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.660
 And work through that,

00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.620
 And talk through that,

00:21:10.840 --> 00:21:12.080
 Before taking communion,

00:21:12.540 --> 00:21:13.180
 Before God.

00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:15.520
 So breaking bread in each other's homes,

00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:18.360
 Is always an extremely vulnerable situation,

00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:18.960
 Because it means,

00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:20.020
 You have to go put right,

00:21:20.120 --> 00:21:22.160
 The relationships that are involved in your life.

00:21:22.900 --> 00:21:23.780
 Here's a community,

00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.740
 Who are coming together,

00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:26.759
 Who are marked by short accounts.

00:21:27.320 --> 00:21:28.900
 And it suggests that every day,

00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.740
 They're meeting together,

00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:30.779
 They're praying,

00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:32.079
 They're confessing their sins,

00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.839
 They're repenting,

00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:34.019
 They're repairing relationships,

00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:36.240
 They're remembering Christ's death and resurrection.

00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:38.539
 That's an extremely vulnerable situation.

00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.339
 But the other thing that they're doing,

00:21:40.420 --> 00:21:41.900
 Is they're opening up their homes.

00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.099
 Friends,

00:21:43.120 --> 00:21:45.460
 How do you feel about opening up your home to people?

00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:46.960
 You know,

00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:48.180
 In Hong Kong,

00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.779
 One of the things I've found is that,

00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:52.480
 Hong Kongers are very good at hosting people,

00:21:52.620 --> 00:21:53.740
 Taking people out for meals,

00:21:54.539 --> 00:21:55.279
 Having people,

00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:56.680
 Paying for people,

00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.460
 Treating people.

00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.160
 But one thing that we as Hong Kongers,

00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.160
 Aren't so good at,

00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.420
 Is opening up our homes.

00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.960
 We love to treat people,

00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.940
 Going out to restaurants,

00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:05.500
 But our homes is another story.

00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.440
 And why is that?

00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:09.380
 Because your home is a very sacred space.

00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:11.880
 It's probably one of the most personal spaces,

00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.180
 Right?

00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.820
 When you open up your home,

00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:14.820
 And you let others in,

00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:16.380
 What you're doing is you're saying,

00:22:16.580 --> 00:22:17.820
 I'm removing the mask,

00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:19.920
 I'm letting you see my real life,

00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.440
 I'm letting you see the mess,

00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:23.400
 I'm letting you see what it's like,

00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.640
 When my kids are misbehaving,

00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:26.880
 I'm letting you come into our lives,

00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:27.960
 When it's not all neat,

00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:28.759
 And well ordered,

00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:30.980
 And I'm letting you see the real me.

00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.360
 And here they are,

00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:33.900
 They're opening up their homes daily,

00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.860
 They're letting people in,

00:22:34.880 --> 00:22:35.460
 And they're saying,

00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.519
 There's no mask,

00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:37.580
 I'm taking off the mask.

00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:40.679
 Come and see the real me.

00:22:41.679 --> 00:22:42.039
 Friends,

00:22:42.159 --> 00:22:44.299
 Genuine community is always vulnerable.

00:22:44.439 --> 00:22:46.259
 It always involves you taking off the mask,

00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:48.259
 And allowing people to see the real you.

00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.619
 Who you really are,

00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:51.039
 And the good times and the bad times.

00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:52.179
 When your kids are well behaved,

00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:53.599
 And when they're not so well behaved,

00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:53.859
 Right?

00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.439
 When you're on top of the world,

00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.359
 And when you're not on top of the world.

00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.619
 Being a part of community,

00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:58.419
 Says,

00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.659
 Come and see the real me.

00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:02.699
 And C.S. Lewis says this very,

00:23:03.159 --> 00:23:04.579
 It always requires vulnerability.

00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:06.199
 And C.S. Lewis says this amazingly,

00:23:06.399 --> 00:23:06.899
 In one of his books,

00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.539
 The Four Loves.

00:23:07.639 --> 00:23:08.740
 Listen to what he says here.

00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:09.819
 I think I got up there.

00:23:09.899 --> 00:23:10.119
 He says,

00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:12.279
 To love at all,

00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:13.220
 Is to be vulnerable.

00:23:13.879 --> 00:23:14.619
 Love anything,

00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.859
 And your heart will be wrung,

00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.099
 Possibly broken.

00:23:17.659 --> 00:23:18.579
 If you want to make sure,

00:23:18.659 --> 00:23:19.879
 Of keeping your heart intact,

00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.819
 You must give it to no one.

00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:23.259
 Wrap it up carefully,

00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:24.679
 In hobbies and little luxuries.

00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:26.259
 Avoid all entanglement.

00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:27.919
 Lock it up safe,

00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:28.740
 In the casket,

00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:30.419
 Or the coffin of your selfishness.

00:23:30.899 --> 00:23:31.879
 But in that casket,

00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:32.939
 Safe,

00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:33.579
 Dark,

00:23:33.919 --> 00:23:34.319
 Motionless,

00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:34.919
 Airless,

00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:36.379
 It will change.

00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:38.100
 It will not be broken,

00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:40.200
 But it will become unbreakable,

00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:41.480
 Impenetrable,

00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:42.580
 Irredeemable.

00:23:43.120 --> 00:23:44.160
 To love at all,

00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.520
 Is to be vulnerable.

00:23:47.120 --> 00:23:47.620
 Friends,

00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:49.380
 If you don't want to be disappointed by anybody,

00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.740
 Don't want to feel the pain,

00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.320
 Don't want to cry,

00:23:53.040 --> 00:23:53.780
 There's an easy way.

00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:55.420
 Turn yourself into a rock,

00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:56.700
 Into an island.

00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:59.059
 Become unbreakable,

00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.559
 Impenetrable,

00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.059
 Unvulnerable,

00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.120
 To nobody,

00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:04.640
 Let nobody in.

00:24:05.360 --> 00:24:06.440
 And you won't be hurt,

00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:08.299
 But you'll become unhurtable,

00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:10.059
 Become unbreakable.

00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.740
 You may not cry,

00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.799
 But when life gets hard,

00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.860
 There'll be nobody there to cry with you,

00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.700
 And to stand with you.

00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.180
 Friends,

00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.279
 Who knows the real you?

00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:24.079
 Who knows your deepest longings?

00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:26.500
 Who knows your deepest joys?

00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.299
 Your fears?

00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:29.099
 Your temptations?

00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.500
 Your struggles?

00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.220
 Your anger?

00:24:32.379 --> 00:24:33.000
 Proverbs says,

00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.779
 Better is an open rebuke,

00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.259
 Than hidden love.

00:24:37.399 --> 00:24:38.379
 Better to be real,

00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:38.819
 And honest,

00:24:38.879 --> 00:24:39.859
 And to drop the mask,

00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:40.279
 And to say,

00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:41.279
 This is who I am,

00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.440
 And these are my struggles.

00:24:43.340 --> 00:24:45.620
 And the community might not be able to solve it,

00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.259
 Or fix it,

00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:49.460
 But the community will promise to walk through it with you,

00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:51.240
 To be there for you.

00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.440
 Friends,

00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:54.519
 Does anybody know you well enough to rebuke you,

00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.200
 And love you?

00:24:55.880 --> 00:24:57.340
 To lovingly challenge you?

00:24:58.080 --> 00:25:00.539
 This is what it means to be in fellowship with one another.

00:25:02.340 --> 00:25:02.740
 So,

00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:03.680
 Sacrificial,

00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:04.460
 Vulnerable.

00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.340
 Third thing is forgiving.

00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.340
 Now,

00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.960
 We don't actually see this in Acts chapter 2,

00:25:08.600 --> 00:25:10.000
 But in the rest of the New Testament,

00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:12.420
 Whenever the apostles speak about genuine community,

00:25:12.599 --> 00:25:14.279
 There's always this injunction,

00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:18.380
 There must be forgiveness and grace at the heart of the Christian community.

00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.900
 It must be there.

00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:22.839
 And listen to what Paul writes in Colossians chapter 3.

00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:23.220
 He says,

00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:24.259
 Put on then,

00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:25.700
 As God's chosen ones,

00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:27.160
 Compassionate hearts,

00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.200
 Kindness,

00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.759
 Humility,

00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.380
 Meekness,

00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:30.000
 And patience,

00:25:30.619 --> 00:25:31.779
 Bearing with one another,

00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.400
 And,

00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:34.799
 If one has a complaint against another,

00:25:35.180 --> 00:25:36.259
 Forgiving each other,

00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:38.200
 As the Lord has forgiven you,

00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:40.180
 So you must forgive.

00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:41.519
 Sorry.

00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.240
 Again,

00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.620
 Paul says the same thing in Ephesians.

00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:43.900
 He says,

00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:47.660
 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and slander be put away from you,

00:25:47.860 --> 00:25:49.100
 Along with all malice.

00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.920
 That means anger.

00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.819
 Be kind to one another,

00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:53.019
 Tenderhearted,

00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:55.000
 Forgiving one another,

00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:57.700
 As God in Christ has forgiven you.

00:25:58.380 --> 00:25:58.620
 Friends,

00:25:58.700 --> 00:26:00.180
 The New Testament is absolutely clear.

00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:03.539
 If there's going to be any semblance of genuine relationship,

00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:04.640
 Genuine community,

00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.640
 Genuine friendship,

00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:08.300
 At the heart of that must be the idea,

00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.320
 Of forgiveness and grace.

00:26:11.040 --> 00:26:11.900
 And why is that?

00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.540
 Well the reason is,

00:26:14.060 --> 00:26:14.520
 Because,

00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:17.000
 If you're going to have any depth of relationship,

00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.340
 Any openness,

00:26:18.580 --> 00:26:19.500
 Any vulnerability,

00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.580
 Any honesty,

00:26:21.280 --> 00:26:23.320
 There are a thousand ways,

00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.280
 To hurt,

00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:25.600
 To misunderstand,

00:26:26.620 --> 00:26:28.259
 To disappoint,

00:26:28.820 --> 00:26:30.160
 To let one another down.

00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.500
 If you're going to get below the cliches,

00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:33.280
 And the platitudes,

00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.320
 If you're going to get real,

00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.419
 And honest with each other,

00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:37.700
 You're going to find things about one another,

00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:39.119
 That maybe you don't like.

00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:40.819
 And Jesus says that,

00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:41.740
 There's two options,

00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.019
 You can either build up a wall,

00:26:43.419 --> 00:26:44.200
 Put on a mask,

00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:45.799
 Stay superficial and thin,

00:26:46.379 --> 00:26:47.799
 Or you can get real,

00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:49.700
 But you must embrace the junction,

00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:50.460
 To forgive,

00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:53.119
 And to be gracious and merciful to one another.

00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.099
 Genuine community,

00:26:55.639 --> 00:26:56.539
 Always,

00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:57.379
 Always,

00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.119
 Involves,

00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:58.619
 Opening up,

00:26:58.659 --> 00:26:59.539
 Not only your home,

00:26:59.639 --> 00:27:00.579
 Not only your hands,

00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:02.220
 But also your heart.

00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:03.779
 And that means,

00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.740
 That there must be,

00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:05.839
 The openness,

00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.640
 To being misunderstood,

00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:08.720
 To being disappointed,

00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:10.180
 To being,

00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.279
 Hurt.

00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:13.019
 I don't know if you've ever,

00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:15.180
 I don't know if you've ever,

00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:15.920
 I don't know if you've ever gone hiking,

00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.799
 In the mountains or somewhere,

00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.600
 And you're walking,

00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:20.079
 And you stand on a log,

00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:21.839
 That looks pretty good,

00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:23.480
 And the bark is all fine,

00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:24.140
 And you stand,

00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:24.880
 And as you stand,

00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:26.640
 Your foot just goes straight through the log,

00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.759
 And you realize,

00:27:27.840 --> 00:27:29.420
 It's completely rotten inside,

00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.180
 Okay?

00:27:31.820 --> 00:27:32.660
 In some ways,

00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.720
 It can look very neat,

00:27:33.780 --> 00:27:34.040
 And all,

00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.680
 Have perfections on the outside,

00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:37.180
 But inside it's completely rotten.

00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.240
 Friends,

00:27:38.280 --> 00:27:39.220
 The Bible says,

00:27:39.780 --> 00:27:40.420
 That if we,

00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:41.740
 Don't know how to forgive,

00:27:41.840 --> 00:27:42.720
 If we don't know how to,

00:27:43.320 --> 00:27:43.740
 Be,

00:27:44.560 --> 00:27:45.920
 Not only vulnerable,

00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:47.800
 But also merciful to one another,

00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:49.060
 It's very easy,

00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:49.880
 For the outside,

00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:50.740
 To look very,

00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.380
 Sturdy,

00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:52.940
 And strong,

00:27:53.040 --> 00:27:53.580
 And stable,

00:27:54.100 --> 00:27:55.520
 But inside will be rotten,

00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:56.639
 And the bitterness,

00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.819
 And the hardness of heart,

00:27:57.900 --> 00:27:59.559
 Will eat the community alive,

00:27:59.639 --> 00:28:00.539
 And as soon as anybody,

00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.579
 Puts pressure on it,

00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.039
 As soon as,

00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:03.900
 The first difficult thing comes away,

00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:05.099
 It'll just give way,

00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.180
 And fall apart completely.

00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:08.000
 Have you ever experienced that?

00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.460
 Maybe in your CG,

00:28:09.700 --> 00:28:09.839
 Yeah,

00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.339
 We all find,

00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:10.779
 Get them well,

00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:11.220
 Get them well,

00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:12.299
 And as soon as the first,

00:28:12.379 --> 00:28:13.599
 Difficulty comes your way,

00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:14.819
 It just collapses.

00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:16.299
 The Bible says,

00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:17.539
 Unless you're able to forgive,

00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.500
 Unless you're able to go,

00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:19.460
 To those hard places,

00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.740
 Have those hard conversations,

00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:22.519
 Unless you're able to embrace,

00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.240
 The cost,

00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.700
 Of the moral debt,

00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.319
 To somebody else,

00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:26.099
 And forgive them,

00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:28.279
 That community cannot last,

00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.379
 It's going to give way,

00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.519
 As soon as hardship comes.

00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:31.779
 Friends,

00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.559
 I wonder if there's anybody,

00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.779
 You feel like you need to forgive,

00:28:34.919 --> 00:28:36.039
 Anyone you need to,

00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.519
 Decide in your heart,

00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:38.139
 To release them,

00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:38.460
 Or friends,

00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.599
 Is there anybody you need to forgive?

00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:42.039
 Anybody you need to move towards?

00:28:42.179 --> 00:28:43.419
 Anybody you need to release,

00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:44.220
 The moral debt,

00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.480
 That somebody,

00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:47.179
 That you hold against somebody?

00:28:48.639 --> 00:28:49.019
 Anybody,

00:28:49.159 --> 00:28:50.139
 Any hardness of heart,

00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:51.200
 You need to move away from?

00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:53.759
 Genuine community,

00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:54.200
 Is always,

00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:55.180
 Sacrificial,

00:28:55.580 --> 00:28:56.100
 Vulnerable,

00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:56.920
 Forgiving,

00:28:57.580 --> 00:28:58.019
 Thirdly,

00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:58.480
 It's covenantal,

00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:58.880
 Fourthly,

00:28:58.880 --> 00:28:59.519
 It's covenantal,

00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.580
 Now covenantal,

00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.940
 Is just a big Bible word,

00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.259
 That means deeply committed,

00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.480
 Think of marriage covenant,

00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:06.799
 Right,

00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:07.680
 What is a marriage covenant?

00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:08.839
 A marriage covenant,

00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:10.240
 Is a deep commitment,

00:29:10.419 --> 00:29:11.960
 A relationship you commit to,

00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.899
 Through thick or thin,

00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.919
 In the good times,

00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:14.619
 In the bad times,

00:29:14.659 --> 00:29:15.539
 When things are going well,

00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.139
 Or they're not going well,

00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.779
 And the point of a covenant,

00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.779
 Is that you say,

00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:22.259
 We are locking the back door,

00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.559
 And we're throwing away the key,

00:29:23.659 --> 00:29:24.519
 And we are committed,

00:29:24.659 --> 00:29:25.440
 To this relationship,

00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:26.919
 When things get hard,

00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:27.819
 We're not going to run away,

00:29:27.899 --> 00:29:28.940
 We're going to deal with it,

00:29:28.940 --> 00:29:30.099
 We're going to talk about it,

00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:30.339
 Right,

00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.819
 And so look at verse 42 again,

00:29:32.879 --> 00:29:33.500
 And what it says here,

00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:34.159
 It says here,

00:29:34.659 --> 00:29:36.019
 They devoted themselves,

00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:37.319
 They gave themselves,

00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.539
 They committed themselves,

00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:39.420
 To these things,

00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:40.460
 To the scriptures,

00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:42.240
 To worshiping God,

00:29:42.619 --> 00:29:43.920
 But also to fellowship,

00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.680
 To one another,

00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.359
 Devotion means making,

00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:48.420
 A conviction based decision,

00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:50.059
 Not a comfort based decision,

00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:52.359
 It means making a deep commitment,

00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:54.740
 Based on the conviction,

00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:55.759
 That this is right,

00:29:55.940 --> 00:29:57.200
 We're going to see this thing through,

00:29:58.139 --> 00:30:00.440
 And yet we see in the early church,

00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:01.619
 This church community,

00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.980
 Was committed to each other,

00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:04.400
 Not just when things were going well,

00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.379
 But through thick or thin,

00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:07.279
 Imagine I said to my wife,

00:30:07.339 --> 00:30:07.940
 On our wedding day,

00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:08.339
 Right,

00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:09.059
 We've got a couple of people,

00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.220
 Getting married later on this year,

00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.759
 With all that I am,

00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:13.559
 With all that I have,

00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:15.859
 I give myself to you,

00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.680
 As long as things go well,

00:30:18.180 --> 00:30:19.660
 As long as things don't get boring,

00:30:19.879 --> 00:30:20.099
 Right,

00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.799
 As long as there's no difficulty,

00:30:22.180 --> 00:30:23.119
 All that I am,

00:30:23.339 --> 00:30:24.440
 I give myself to you,

00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.980
 But the first instance,

00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:26.900
 Of things getting hard,

00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:27.579
 Hey,

00:30:27.619 --> 00:30:28.200
 I'm out of here,

00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:30.079
 What kind of covenant is that,

00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:31.339
 What kind of commitment is that,

00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:34.079
 A covenant says,

00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:35.419
 When things are good,

00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:36.399
 Or things are bad,

00:30:36.679 --> 00:30:37.819
 We are in this thing,

00:30:37.879 --> 00:30:38.919
 We're going to work through it,

00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:40.119
 We're going to talk through it,

00:30:40.419 --> 00:30:41.259
 We're going to discuss it,

00:30:41.299 --> 00:30:41.959
 We're going to make sure,

00:30:42.039 --> 00:30:43.379
 We get through to the other side,

00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:44.259
 Together,

00:30:45.119 --> 00:30:45.359
 Friends,

00:30:45.439 --> 00:30:46.599
 Any human relationship,

00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:48.139
 That has the possibility,

00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.199
 Of hurting one another,

00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.799
 Letting one another down,

00:30:50.959 --> 00:30:52.059
 Disappointing one another,

00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:53.819
 The only way to get through,

00:30:53.959 --> 00:30:55.379
 Is if you're mature enough to say,

00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:57.059
 We've got to work through this thing,

00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:58.579
 We've got to talk through it,

00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:00.119
 We've got to discuss it,

00:31:00.500 --> 00:31:01.359
 We are committed,

00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:02.679
 Through not just the tough times,

00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:03.879
 Not just the good times,

00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.039
 But the tough times as well,

00:31:05.699 --> 00:31:06.319
 And in a sense,

00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:07.339
 That's what church community,

00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:09.039
 That's what church membership is about,

00:31:09.720 --> 00:31:10.199
 It's not,

00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.259
 Church membership is not about,

00:31:11.259 --> 00:31:12.279
 Getting a grave spot,

00:31:12.379 --> 00:31:13.500
 Or getting your kids into school,

00:31:13.919 --> 00:31:15.000
 It's about saying,

00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:16.159
 I need you,

00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:17.159
 And you need me,

00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:18.720
 I'm committed to you,

00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.799
 And you're committed to me,

00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:21.859
 We're going to see this thing through,

00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:23.639
 And I need you to help me grow,

00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.500
 And you need me,

00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:26.179
 And we are committed to this relationship,

00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:27.339
 Through to the other side,

00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.919
 So,

00:31:29.439 --> 00:31:30.679
 How do we find fellowship?

00:31:30.959 --> 00:31:31.480
 Four things,

00:31:31.639 --> 00:31:32.179
 Sacrificial,

00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:33.279
 Sacrificial,

00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:34.139
 Vulnerable,

00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:34.959
 Forgiving,

00:31:35.399 --> 00:31:35.799
 Committed,

00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:37.679
 Now friends,

00:31:38.439 --> 00:31:39.779
 How do you feel about this?

00:31:40.959 --> 00:31:41.939
 If you're new to church,

00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:42.819
 You may be surprised,

00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:44.359
 At the very high bar,

00:31:44.439 --> 00:31:45.419
 The high calling,

00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:47.439
 That God has on his church community,

00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:49.359
 If you're going to be part of the church,

00:31:49.419 --> 00:31:51.159
 You've got to reckon with these four things,

00:31:51.579 --> 00:31:53.519
 If you're going to have any depth of relationship,

00:31:53.699 --> 00:31:55.539
 Any transformative experience,

00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:57.779
 If the church is going to have any impact in your life,

00:31:57.839 --> 00:31:59.319
 You've got to wrestle and reckon,

00:31:59.680 --> 00:32:00.779
 With these four things,

00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:02.059
 Sacrificial,

00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:03.440
 Vulnerable,

00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:04.879
 Opening up the real self,

00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:06.700
 Forgiving one another,

00:32:07.319 --> 00:32:08.740
 Committed through thick and thin,

00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.119
 And these are things,

00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.759
 That any genuine relationship,

00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:13.220
 Any genuine community,

00:32:13.359 --> 00:32:14.240
 Must aim for,

00:32:14.319 --> 00:32:15.980
 If it's going to be deep and transformative,

00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.659
 Otherwise relationships,

00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:18.720
 Are just going to be superficial,

00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:20.139
 Cliched,

00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:22.180
 Thin and meaningless,

00:32:22.180 --> 00:32:24.420
 And the church as a spiritual family,

00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:25.200
 Is no different,

00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:27.000
 It may surprise you,

00:32:27.120 --> 00:32:27.820
 But it's true,

00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:29.680
 You've got to reckon,

00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:30.660
 With these four things,

00:32:31.340 --> 00:32:32.039
 But actually,

00:32:32.120 --> 00:32:33.120
 As we think about it,

00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.539
 Should it surprise us?

00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:36.039
 Actually,

00:32:36.100 --> 00:32:36.640
 If you're familiar,

00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.620
 With the Christian gospel,

00:32:37.840 --> 00:32:39.660
 It actually shouldn't surprise us that much,

00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:40.840
 Because,

00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:42.279
 Jesus Christ,

00:32:42.420 --> 00:32:43.900
 Embraced all four of these things,

00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.779
 To bring us,

00:32:44.860 --> 00:32:45.960
 Into his community,

00:32:46.600 --> 00:32:47.320
 Think about it,

00:32:47.660 --> 00:32:48.880
 Think about how sacrificial,

00:32:48.880 --> 00:32:50.100
 And costly Jesus was,

00:32:50.400 --> 00:32:51.700
 To bring us into relationship,

00:32:51.820 --> 00:32:52.340
 With the Father,

00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:52.900
 The Son,

00:32:53.220 --> 00:32:54.080
 And the Holy Spirit,

00:32:54.720 --> 00:32:56.500
 Jesus cost him everything,

00:32:57.280 --> 00:32:57.860
 When Jesus,

00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:59.320
 What Jesus cost,

00:32:59.540 --> 00:33:00.420
 Or embraced,

00:33:00.560 --> 00:33:01.820
 To bring us into his family,

00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.500
 Jesus didn't just give up,

00:33:03.540 --> 00:33:04.200
 A second home,

00:33:04.300 --> 00:33:04.500
 You know,

00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:05.340
 Here it says that they,

00:33:05.560 --> 00:33:06.420
 Sold some properties,

00:33:06.560 --> 00:33:07.840
 And distributed the proceeds,

00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:08.300
 To the poor,

00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:09.680
 Jesus didn't give up,

00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:10.320
 A second home,

00:33:10.800 --> 00:33:12.160
 Jesus gave up heaven,

00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.760
 To bring you and I,

00:33:13.840 --> 00:33:14.640
 Into his family,

00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.640
 Jesus didn't just,

00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:18.120
 Pay a marginal price,

00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:19.819
 Jesus paid with his blood,

00:33:20.439 --> 00:33:21.859
 With everything that he had,

00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:22.639
 That he was,

00:33:22.959 --> 00:33:23.559
 His honor,

00:33:23.679 --> 00:33:24.459
 His reputation,

00:33:24.619 --> 00:33:25.579
 His very life,

00:33:26.299 --> 00:33:26.579
 Friends,

00:33:26.739 --> 00:33:28.219
 To bring us into his family,

00:33:28.419 --> 00:33:29.239
 Jesus didn't just,

00:33:29.239 --> 00:33:30.759
 Open up his hands,

00:33:30.839 --> 00:33:31.059
 And say,

00:33:31.139 --> 00:33:31.279
 Yeah,

00:33:31.299 --> 00:33:32.179
 I'll share my things with you,

00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:33.579
 Jesus had his hands,

00:33:33.639 --> 00:33:35.019
 Nailed to the cross,

00:33:35.459 --> 00:33:36.019
 Wide,

00:33:36.099 --> 00:33:36.559
 Wide open,

00:33:36.639 --> 00:33:36.939
 To say,

00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:37.299
 Come,

00:33:37.879 --> 00:33:38.799
 I'll let you in,

00:33:39.339 --> 00:33:40.879
 Come and be part of my family,

00:33:41.739 --> 00:33:42.019
 Friends,

00:33:42.159 --> 00:33:43.179
 Jesus didn't just do this,

00:33:43.179 --> 00:33:44.179
 For those who were already,

00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.739
 His friends,

00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.939
 Already in his community,

00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.839
 Jesus did this for us,

00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:48.959
 Who were his enemies,

00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:50.740
 Who had betrayed him,

00:33:51.039 --> 00:33:52.459
 Who shook our fists at him,

00:33:52.779 --> 00:33:53.240
 Who had given him,

00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.879
 The middle finger,

00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:54.500
 Who said,

00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:55.199
 Stuff you got,

00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:56.359
 I'm going to go things my own way,

00:33:56.699 --> 00:33:58.439
 Jesus gave up his life,

00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:59.319
 For his enemies,

00:33:59.939 --> 00:34:01.459
 To bring us into the community,

00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:02.220
 Of the father,

00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:02.579
 The son,

00:34:02.639 --> 00:34:03.000
 The spirit,

00:34:03.119 --> 00:34:04.459
 Into his partnership,

00:34:04.899 --> 00:34:05.740
 His community,

00:34:05.859 --> 00:34:06.439
 His fellowship,

00:34:07.179 --> 00:34:08.019
 Jesus embraced,

00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.799
 The sacrificial cost,

00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:10.819
 Friends,

00:34:10.819 --> 00:34:12.019
 Just think about how vulnerable,

00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:12.800
 Jesus Christ,

00:34:12.860 --> 00:34:14.179
 Jesus made himself for us,

00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:15.440
 Think of the way,

00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.739
 That Jesus opened up,

00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:17.440
 Himself,

00:34:17.679 --> 00:34:19.039
 To those who would betray him,

00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:20.800
 Those who would deny him,

00:34:21.500 --> 00:34:22.199
 Those who would,

00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:23.039
 Sell him out,

00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:24.300
 For thirty silver coins,

00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.880
 Jesus knew about,

00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.780
 Judas' betrayal,

00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.559
 And knew about,

00:34:27.659 --> 00:34:28.340
 Peter's denial,

00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.320
 And knew about,

00:34:29.400 --> 00:34:30.259
 The sins of the world,

00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.800
 And Jesus vulnerably,

00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.980
 Opened up his heart,

00:34:33.059 --> 00:34:33.820
 To those that would,

00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:34.400
 Deny him,

00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:35.239
 And betray him,

00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:36.099
 And let him down,

00:34:36.440 --> 00:34:36.800
 And say,

00:34:36.900 --> 00:34:37.139
 Come,

00:34:37.719 --> 00:34:38.980
 Come be part of my family,

00:34:39.099 --> 00:34:40.119
 I welcome myself,

00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:41.619
 I throw myself on,

00:34:41.719 --> 00:34:43.219
 My arms open wide to you,

00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:44.379
 Friends,

00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:45.319
 Jesus didn't just,

00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:45.900
 You know,

00:34:45.980 --> 00:34:46.639
 I recently,

00:34:47.599 --> 00:34:48.739
 A little while ago,

00:34:48.779 --> 00:34:49.920
 I had to go to the bank,

00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:51.400
 And sign all these documents,

00:34:51.539 --> 00:34:51.679
 Right,

00:34:51.699 --> 00:34:53.379
 And there's a pile of papers like this,

00:34:53.799 --> 00:34:54.940
 Indemnifying the bank,

00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:56.739
 Against any and all responsibility,

00:34:57.039 --> 00:34:57.739
 Of anything,

00:34:57.859 --> 00:34:59.139
 In any particular situation,

00:34:59.139 --> 00:35:00.259
 That you could even imagine,

00:35:00.679 --> 00:35:01.139
 In any way,

00:35:02.000 --> 00:35:02.199
 Right,

00:35:03.099 --> 00:35:03.299
 Friends,

00:35:03.339 --> 00:35:04.400
 And Jesus welcomed us,

00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:05.219
 Into partnership,

00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:05.960
 Into fellowship,

00:35:06.119 --> 00:35:06.599
 Into relationship,

00:35:06.599 --> 00:35:07.699
 He doesn't say,

00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:08.000
 Okay,

00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:09.000
 I'll let you in,

00:35:09.279 --> 00:35:10.679
 But here's the terms and conditions,

00:35:10.920 --> 00:35:11.980
 Here's all the contracts,

00:35:12.059 --> 00:35:13.759
 Why I'm not responsible for anything,

00:35:14.619 --> 00:35:16.679
 Jesus made himself vulnerable,

00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:18.579
 Knowing that we would betray him,

00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:19.679
 Knowing we'd let him down,

00:35:20.099 --> 00:35:20.880
 Knowing that we would,

00:35:20.880 --> 00:35:22.259
 Mess up and go against,

00:35:22.259 --> 00:35:23.380
 Everything he's asked us to,

00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:24.420
 And he said,

00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:24.699
 Come,

00:35:25.319 --> 00:35:26.259
 I'll let you in,

00:35:26.860 --> 00:35:27.299
 Why?

00:35:27.860 --> 00:35:28.980
 Because he loves us,

00:35:29.739 --> 00:35:30.000
 Friends,

00:35:30.059 --> 00:35:31.619
 Think about how forgiving Jesus is,

00:35:31.659 --> 00:35:32.920
 Towards sinners like us,

00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:34.579
 At one point in the gospel,

00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.139
 One of Jesus' disciples,

00:35:36.139 --> 00:35:36.900
 Come to him and says,

00:35:37.059 --> 00:35:37.339
 Jesus,

00:35:37.679 --> 00:35:38.000
 Master,

00:35:38.539 --> 00:35:39.420
 How many times,

00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.339
 Must I forgive,

00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:41.440
 Those that betray me,

00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:42.219
 Those that hurt me,

00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:43.000
 Should I forgive,

00:35:43.059 --> 00:35:44.259
 Up to seven times,

00:35:44.639 --> 00:35:45.400
 I mean seven times,

00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:46.519
 You want me to forgive somebody,

00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:47.879
 And Jesus says,

00:35:47.940 --> 00:35:49.039
 Not seven times,

00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:50.819
 But seventy times seven,

00:35:50.940 --> 00:35:51.500
 In other words,

00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:53.159
 Infinite number of times,

00:35:53.219 --> 00:35:53.420
 Right,

00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:54.719
 Friends,

00:35:54.719 --> 00:35:55.699
 When we think of sin,

00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:55.699


00:35:55.759 --> 00:35:57.399
 As not just doing wrong things,

00:35:57.399 --> 00:35:58.919
 But having a wrong attitude,

00:35:59.139 --> 00:35:59.919
 A wrong heart,

00:36:00.399 --> 00:36:01.619
 Things like selfishness,

00:36:02.099 --> 00:36:03.059
 Things like pride,

00:36:03.839 --> 00:36:05.359
 Things like bitterness of heart,

00:36:06.019 --> 00:36:07.939
 Things like self-centeredness,

00:36:08.279 --> 00:36:09.639
 Things like living for our own glory,

00:36:10.159 --> 00:36:11.419
 Seventy times seven,

00:36:11.519 --> 00:36:13.019
 Doesn't even scratch the surface,

00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.079
 Of one day,

00:36:14.339 --> 00:36:15.319
 Of my days,

00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:16.679
 And how many times,

00:36:16.719 --> 00:36:17.639
 Does Jesus forgive me?

00:36:18.119 --> 00:36:18.639
 Again,

00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.699
 And again,

00:36:20.259 --> 00:36:20.899
 And again,

00:36:20.900 --> 00:36:21.559
 And again,

00:36:22.360 --> 00:36:22.639
 Friends,

00:36:22.680 --> 00:36:23.440
 You remember Jesus,

00:36:23.720 --> 00:36:25.079
 Almost his final words,

00:36:25.180 --> 00:36:26.500
 As he's been nailed to the cross,

00:36:26.559 --> 00:36:27.500
 He's been flogged,

00:36:28.079 --> 00:36:29.519
 He's been unfairly condemned,

00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:30.860
 He's been beaten,

00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:32.280
 He's been mocked,

00:36:32.619 --> 00:36:33.000
 And he's now,

00:36:33.079 --> 00:36:33.920
 He's on the cross,

00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:35.059
 Nails smashed to his hands,

00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:36.559
 And what are his final words?

00:36:37.260 --> 00:36:38.460
 Father forgive them,

00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:39.740
 They know not what they do,

00:36:41.119 --> 00:36:42.240
 The forgiveness of Christ,

00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:43.599
 To bring us into his relationship,

00:36:43.720 --> 00:36:44.800
 Into relationship with him,

00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:45.639
 Friends,

00:36:45.700 --> 00:36:46.480
 How can that forgiveness,

00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:47.380
 Not change us?

00:36:47.900 --> 00:36:48.700
 We look at that and we say,

00:36:48.760 --> 00:36:49.539
 Oh that's very nice,

00:36:49.619 --> 00:36:50.360
 No it's not nice,

00:36:50.360 --> 00:36:51.620
 It's scandalous,

00:36:51.860 --> 00:36:52.599
 It's terrible,

00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:53.840
 It's awful,

00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:55.480
 Friends it's love,

00:36:56.400 --> 00:36:57.440
 And that's what Jesus did,

00:36:57.500 --> 00:36:59.340
 To bring us into relationship with him,

00:37:00.380 --> 00:37:01.840
 Friends look at the face of Christ,

00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:03.360
 Look at what Jesus did for us,

00:37:03.780 --> 00:37:05.280
 And let that melt our hearts,

00:37:05.360 --> 00:37:06.140
 And forgive those,

00:37:06.200 --> 00:37:07.140
 That we struggle with,

00:37:07.180 --> 00:37:07.940
 In the church family,

00:37:08.700 --> 00:37:10.640
 Friends think about how committed Jesus is,

00:37:11.640 --> 00:37:13.599
 The word the Bible uses is covenant,

00:37:14.039 --> 00:37:15.400
 His rock solid agreement,

00:37:15.519 --> 00:37:16.300
 To let us in,

00:37:16.720 --> 00:37:18.019
 And to never let us down,

00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:19.680
 To never cast us out,

00:37:19.679 --> 00:37:20.960
 To never drive us away,

00:37:21.679 --> 00:37:22.399
 Jesus doesn't say,

00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:24.139
 Hey I'll let you into my family,

00:37:24.699 --> 00:37:25.839
 Until things get boring,

00:37:25.940 --> 00:37:26.919
 Until things get tough,

00:37:27.359 --> 00:37:29.179
 Jesus says through thick and thin,

00:37:29.279 --> 00:37:30.099
 You sin against me,

00:37:30.219 --> 00:37:31.079
 I'm committed to you,

00:37:31.399 --> 00:37:32.219
 You let me down,

00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:33.460
 I'm committed to you,

00:37:33.819 --> 00:37:34.960
 Friends your heart gets hard,

00:37:35.299 --> 00:37:36.039
 Things get tough,

00:37:36.319 --> 00:37:37.719
 You don't feel very close to Jesus,

00:37:38.079 --> 00:37:39.359
 I'm committed to you,

00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:40.519
 I'm committed to you,

00:37:40.579 --> 00:37:41.599
 Through thick and thin,

00:37:41.599 --> 00:37:46.579
 Christ's covenant commitment to us,

00:37:47.779 --> 00:37:48.299
 Amazing,

00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:50.639
 Think about what Jesus has done for us,

00:37:50.699 --> 00:37:51.920
 Psalm 103 says this,

00:37:52.339 --> 00:37:54.179
 As high as the heavens are above the earth,

00:37:54.599 --> 00:37:56.679
 So great is his steadfast love,

00:37:56.759 --> 00:37:58.500
 His covenant faithfulness,

00:37:58.839 --> 00:38:00.500
 As far as the east is from the west,

00:38:00.579 --> 00:38:02.839
 So far does he remove his sins for us,

00:38:03.420 --> 00:38:04.779
 Friends this is what Jesus did,

00:38:04.779 --> 00:38:06.539
 To bring us into his community,

00:38:07.059 --> 00:38:07.739
 Into fellowship,

00:38:07.739 --> 00:38:10.239
 Into partnership and participation,

00:38:10.239 --> 00:38:11.239
 With the community,

00:38:11.359 --> 00:38:12.439
 To try you in God,

00:38:12.919 --> 00:38:13.739
 Jesus says come,

00:38:14.119 --> 00:38:16.039
 You can be part of my family in heaven,

00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:17.619
 Through sacrificial,

00:38:17.839 --> 00:38:18.299
 Vulnerable,

00:38:18.479 --> 00:38:19.739
 Gracious commitment to us,

00:38:20.299 --> 00:38:21.359
 Not because we are worthy,

00:38:21.479 --> 00:38:22.559
 Not because we deserve it,

00:38:22.959 --> 00:38:24.299
 Not because we are like him,

00:38:24.659 --> 00:38:25.619
 Or made to feel good,

00:38:25.699 --> 00:38:28.119
 But simply because he is good,

00:38:29.079 --> 00:38:30.099
 He's oh so good,

00:38:31.259 --> 00:38:32.279
 Friends what does this mean,

00:38:32.819 --> 00:38:34.279
 It means that ultimately,

00:38:34.579 --> 00:38:34.979
 You and I,

00:38:35.099 --> 00:38:36.779
 We actually can't create community,

00:38:36.780 --> 00:38:38.400
 Christian community,

00:38:38.400 --> 00:38:39.560
 Is something that no leaders,

00:38:39.680 --> 00:38:40.120
 No elders,

00:38:40.220 --> 00:38:41.480
 No pastors can generate,

00:38:42.100 --> 00:38:42.820
 Manufacture,

00:38:43.280 --> 00:38:45.320
 It's something that we walk into,

00:38:45.980 --> 00:38:47.500
 Something that the God of the Bible,

00:38:47.660 --> 00:38:48.800
 Has created and formed,

00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:50.420
 And we get to walk into it,

00:38:50.760 --> 00:38:51.920
 As we drop our God,

00:38:52.519 --> 00:38:54.360
 As we embrace the forgiveness of Christ,

00:38:55.080 --> 00:38:57.400
 As we allow Christ to love us,

00:38:57.840 --> 00:38:59.900
 As we embrace what he has done for us,

00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:01.140
 We walk into community,

00:39:01.240 --> 00:39:02.340
 And we experience it,

00:39:02.720 --> 00:39:04.320
 And as we experience it,

00:39:04.360 --> 00:39:06.100
 We find that our hearts are changed,

00:39:06.099 --> 00:39:07.900
 And we're able to welcome others,

00:39:08.019 --> 00:39:09.259
 And open ourselves up to others,

00:39:09.940 --> 00:39:11.219
 But friends in order to do that,

00:39:11.319 --> 00:39:12.259
 You must know,

00:39:12.420 --> 00:39:13.420
 You must experience,

00:39:13.619 --> 00:39:14.440
 You must encounter,

00:39:14.739 --> 00:39:15.719
 Not a theology,

00:39:16.259 --> 00:39:17.139
 Not a theory,

00:39:17.259 --> 00:39:17.940
 Not a doctrine,

00:39:18.079 --> 00:39:18.819
 But a person,

00:39:19.719 --> 00:39:20.719
 The person of Jesus,

00:39:21.599 --> 00:39:23.079
 You must encounter Christ,

00:39:23.599 --> 00:39:25.019
 And as you encounter Christ,

00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:26.739
 And as you encounter his grace,

00:39:26.839 --> 00:39:27.380
 And his forgiveness,

00:39:27.599 --> 00:39:28.259
 And his vulnerability,

00:39:28.519 --> 00:39:29.279
 And his sacrifice,

00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:29.900
 And his care,

00:39:29.900 --> 00:39:32.059
 As he changes our hearts,

00:39:32.559 --> 00:39:33.780
 We will open up our hearts,

00:39:33.820 --> 00:39:34.440
 To one another,

00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:36.180
 And we'll find ourselves,

00:39:36.260 --> 00:39:37.880
 Experiencing amazing community,

00:39:38.380 --> 00:39:38.920
 Ourselves,

00:39:39.680 --> 00:39:41.380
 Here they devoted themselves,

00:39:41.500 --> 00:39:42.440
 The apostles teaching,

00:39:43.059 --> 00:39:43.700
 To fellowship,

00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:45.500
 To the breaking of bread,

00:39:45.559 --> 00:39:46.240
 And to prayers,

00:39:46.880 --> 00:39:47.820
 And all who believed,

00:39:47.900 --> 00:39:48.660
 Were all together,

00:39:48.800 --> 00:39:50.039
 And had all things in common,

00:39:50.579 --> 00:39:51.940
 And they were selling their possessions,

00:39:52.119 --> 00:39:52.579
 And belongs,

00:39:52.700 --> 00:39:53.880
 And distributing the proceeds,

00:39:54.019 --> 00:39:55.980
 To all as any had need,

00:39:55.980 --> 00:39:57.320
 And day by day,

00:39:57.380 --> 00:39:58.740
 Attending the temple courts,

00:39:58.820 --> 00:40:00.179
 And breaking bread in their homes,

00:40:00.559 --> 00:40:01.559
 They received their food,

00:40:01.639 --> 00:40:03.139
 With glad and generous hearts,

00:40:03.719 --> 00:40:04.500
 Praising God,

00:40:04.880 --> 00:40:06.159
 Having faith with all the people,

00:40:06.639 --> 00:40:08.059
 And the Lord added to their number,

00:40:08.360 --> 00:40:09.219
 Day by day,

00:40:09.659 --> 00:40:10.980
 Those who were being saved,

00:40:11.360 --> 00:40:12.260
 Let's pray together,

00:40:13.719 --> 00:40:14.780
 Lord Jesus,

00:40:14.900 --> 00:40:16.980
 As we look at this community,

00:40:17.320 --> 00:40:18.559
 In the book of Acts,

00:40:18.659 --> 00:40:19.460
 It astounds us,

00:40:19.460 --> 00:40:20.179
 And amazes us,

00:40:20.179 --> 00:40:21.420
 What they did for one another,

00:40:22.360 --> 00:40:24.340
 God how sacrificial they were,

00:40:24.920 --> 00:40:25.559
 Radical,

00:40:25.559 --> 00:40:25.960
 Radical,

00:40:26.059 --> 00:40:26.539
 Sacrificial,

00:40:26.920 --> 00:40:27.900
 Love and care,

00:40:28.759 --> 00:40:29.739
 How vulnerable,

00:40:29.980 --> 00:40:31.380
 And open they were to one another,

00:40:32.219 --> 00:40:33.059
 Letting in people,

00:40:33.159 --> 00:40:34.340
 That were so different from them,

00:40:34.840 --> 00:40:36.380
 Jews and Gentiles alike,

00:40:37.099 --> 00:40:38.079
 People from different,

00:40:38.079 --> 00:40:38.920
 Socioeconomic,

00:40:39.179 --> 00:40:39.840
 And cultures,

00:40:40.079 --> 00:40:40.739
 And backgrounds,

00:40:41.079 --> 00:40:42.539
 And all different cultures,

00:40:42.639 --> 00:40:43.719
 God opening themselves up,

00:40:43.779 --> 00:40:44.320
 To one another,

00:40:45.519 --> 00:40:46.320
 God we think about,

00:40:46.460 --> 00:40:47.460
 How forgiving they were,

00:40:48.099 --> 00:40:49.179
 Forgiving as you Christ,

00:40:49.219 --> 00:40:49.860
 Have forgiven them,

00:40:50.299 --> 00:40:51.179
 God we see their,

00:40:51.400 --> 00:40:52.960
 Amazing commitment to one another,

00:40:53.079 --> 00:40:54.000
 Through thick and thin,

00:40:54.000 --> 00:40:56.139
 God we,

00:40:56.260 --> 00:40:56.619
 We,

00:40:56.619 --> 00:40:59.960
 We ponder your amazing commitment to us,

00:41:00.039 --> 00:41:00.880
 And we ask you God,

00:41:00.940 --> 00:41:01.539
 To change us,

00:41:01.579 --> 00:41:02.780
 And to make us more like you,

00:41:03.440 --> 00:41:04.960
 God come open up our own hearts,

00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:05.739
 Our own lives,

00:41:06.420 --> 00:41:07.019
 Help us God,

00:41:07.059 --> 00:41:08.980
 To walk into what you have created,

00:41:09.539 --> 00:41:10.920
 And then to become part of that,

00:41:10.980 --> 00:41:12.219
 Most amazing and beautiful,

00:41:12.460 --> 00:41:14.059
 And honest and vulnerable story,

00:41:14.780 --> 00:41:16.159
 And to love others the same way,

00:41:16.960 --> 00:41:17.980
 Lord we need your spirit,

00:41:18.079 --> 00:41:18.760
 We need your grace,

00:41:18.880 --> 00:41:19.980
 Come and help us I pray,

00:41:19.980 --> 00:41:22.500
 In your awesome and gracious name,

00:41:23.219 --> 00:41:23.559
 Amen.