WEBVTT

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 So it's page 1182 on the Church Bible, Colossians chapter 1, verse 1 to 13, and then verse 6 and 7 from chapter 2.

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 So page 1182.

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 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

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 to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae, grace and peace to you from God our Father.

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 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

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 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love you have for all the saints,

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 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven,

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 and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.

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 All over the world, this gospel is bearing fruit and growing,

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 just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all of its truth.

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 You learned it from the Papyrus, our dear fellow servant,

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 who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

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 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

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 For this reason, since the day we heard about you,

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 we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will,

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 through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

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 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord,

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 and may please him in every way,

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 bearing fruit in every good work,

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 growing in the knowledge of God,

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 being strengthened with all power,

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 according to his glorious might,

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 so that you may have great endurance and patience,

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 and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

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 who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints,

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 in the kingdom of light.

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 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness,

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 and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

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 in whom we have redemption,

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 the forgiveness of sins.

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 And then chapter 2,

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 verse 6 and 7.

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 So then,

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 just as you received Christ Jesus as the Lord,

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 continue to live in him,

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 rooted and built up in him,

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 strengthened in faith,

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 as you were taught,

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 and overflowing in thankfulness.

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 Thank you, Stephen.

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 Let's just pray.

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 We've just heard God's word.

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 Alex will be coming up to speak.

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 So let's just bow our heads,

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 and just commit this time of teaching and learning,

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 and committing Alex to your care.

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 Father, we do thank you for your word.

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 We thank you that it is the very words of God.

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 Thank you that you have caused it to be written,

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 caused it to be kept safe throughout the generations,

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 to be given to us.

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 We thank you for those you have raised up to preach your word.

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 Thank you for Alex.

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 Thank you that his desire is to be a workman approved unto you,

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 as somebody who can correctly handle the word of truth.

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 I pray that as he speaks from this letter to the Colossian Church,

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 I pray that he might stick closely to your word,

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 I pray that he might be excited about preaching,

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 that indeed even that his heart is warmed as he even reads scripture to us.

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 I pray that our hearts might be open to your word,

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 that we might have a deep, deep desire to know more about you,

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 to understand more about what it means to be in Christ,

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 and also to live a life worthy of you.

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 Help us not to be distracted.

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 Help us in perhaps the things that are in our minds,

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 things that would be getting in the way.

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 I pray that you might help us in this time,

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 just to be able to hear,

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 to be able to think clearly,

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 and Lord, to be able to take in your word

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 that you would have for us this morning.

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 In Jesus' name. Amen.

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 Thank you, Alex.

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 It's interesting that Jonathan prays that my heart would be warmed.

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 It feels more like beating really, really fast.

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 But I think that's a good thing.

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 I think it's good to stretch ourselves

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 and to get opportunities to really get stuck into one little passage

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 and to unpack it, to apply it to our own lives,

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 and then to try and put that into words

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 and hopefully encourage you to apply it to your lives.

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 So it's good to be here.

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 Growing up, I, like most of you, I went to church.

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 In church, I went to Sunday school.

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 And at home, I was read Bible stories

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 and would say my prayers every night.

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 As I get older, got older, I didn't kill anybody.

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 And as far as I know, I didn't rob any banks.

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 And I didn't do those things as a kid either, by the way.

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 That's where you're meant to laugh.

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 I said, pause for a giggle.

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 I lived a pretty good life.

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 And if I did, on a rare occasion, do something wrong,

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 I usually said sorry.

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 So I was okay.

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 As I grew up, I started going to summer camps

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 at which they spoke about Jesus.

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 Now, I had been to church.

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 I had been to Sunday school.

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 So I knew Jesus.

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 I knew about Jesus.

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 I knew about the baby.

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 I knew about the healer.

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 The guy who turned water into wine.

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 The martyr.

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 The one who came back from the dead.

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 But at these camps, I started to hear the story of the Bible.

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 Not just Bible stories.

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 I heard God's story of rescue.

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 At these camps, and over time through secondary school,

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 I heard the Bible explained clearly.

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 I heard that believing in God or Jesus wasn't enough.

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 Knowing the things that he did in the Bible wasn't enough.

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 I began to realize that I needed to receive the gift he offered me.

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 To let him be my Lord, my King.

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 I needed to kneel, either figuratively or physically,

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 before him and worship him with my life.

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 I also learned that I needed Jesus as my Savior.

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 Recognizing the truths of the Bible,

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 that on my own, I am rebellious, selfish,

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 and if I was honest with myself, sinful.

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 I realized that this behavior and attitude separated me from God.

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 And that I needed to help.

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 I needed the help that he was offering me.

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 Jesus, a Savior.

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 No amount of trying harder to be better,

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 or to help more people,

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 or to be nicer,

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 or to even follow the Ten Commandments better,

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 would make me right with God.

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 The scary reality of the Bible dawned on me

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 that these sinful attitudes and behaviors

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 actually separated me from God.

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 And would ultimately separate me permanently from God.

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 And all that was good.

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 The Bible calls this hell.

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 And that's what I needed saving from.

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 Now obviously this didn't all come as a lightning flash

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 one evening sitting around the campfire at summer camp.

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 Having received Christ Jesus as Lord,

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 I needed to continue in him.

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 This wasn't just a one-off.

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 This was a continuation.

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 These truths have come to me slowly over time.

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 When I went to college,

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 I met other believers,

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 followers of Jesus.

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 We studied the Bible together.

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 We attended Christian Union meetings together.

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 We had the Bible, God's Word,

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 explained and unpacked for us.

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 We looked at it and asked how our lives matched up with what was written.

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 We prayed the truths of the Bible into each other's lives.

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 We challenged each other to become more like Jesus.

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 As I've been involved here in this church,

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 I have grown in my knowledge and understanding of God and his purposes.

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 I am still learning the magnitude and the cost that comes with being a follower of Jesus.

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 I have been challenged to continue in the faith as I was taught.

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 That's my story.

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 The Colossians have a similar story.

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 Let's look with me in Colossians chapter 1.

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 We're going to pick it up in verse 21.

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 And we're going to see how Paul describes them.

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 He says,

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 Once you were alienated from God.

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 Were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior?

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 Chapter 2, verse 13,

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 elaborates in describing what they were like.

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 When he says,

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 When you were dead in your sins.

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 So to paraphrase,

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 Paul said that they were unchurched,

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 uncircumcised,

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 not baptized.

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 They were rebels against God,

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 involved in idolatry.

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 They were hostile to God in their minds and their behaviors.

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 Their thoughts and actions were contrary to God's design.

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 Paul paints a pretty,

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 he paints a picture of a pretty godless group of people

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 without hope,

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 without Christ.

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 However,

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 God changed their lives as he changed mine.

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 Let's carry on and look at chapter 1, verse 22 again.

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 But now,

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 he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body,

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 through death,

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 to present you wholly in his sight,

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 without blemish and free from accusation.

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 What a transformation.

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 Let's list those things.

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 They were alienated,

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 they were hostile,

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 and they were evil.

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 But now,

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 they are reconciled,

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 holy and free.

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 chapter 1, verse 20 goes on to say,

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 and through him,

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 speaking of Jesus,

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 to reconcile to himself all things,

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 whether things on earth,

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 or things in heaven,

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 by making peace through his blood,

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 shed on the cross.

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 that's how God did it.

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 By Jesus' act of sacrifice,

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 on the cross,

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 their sins were forgiven,

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 and the debt which they owed for their sins

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 was cancelled,

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 wiped out,

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 forgotten.

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 And this happened,

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 as we look at,

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 in verse 7 of chapter 1,

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 that they learned it from Epaphras,

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 our dear fellow servant,

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 who is a faithful minister of Christ,

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 on our behalf.

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 They heard the word of truth,

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 they received the good news,

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 of the gospel,

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 and they heard it from Epaphras.

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 So we see that their story,

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 has brought them from a place of separation from God,

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 into a place where they possess redemption,

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 and forgiveness of sins.

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 Armed with that redemption,

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 and forgiveness of sins,

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 that comes with life in Christ,

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 the Colossians had a secure hope,

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 as verse 5 says,

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 the faith and hope,

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 or the faith and love,

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 that spring from the hope,

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 that is stored up for you in heaven.

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 Paul then encourages them,

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 to kick on from there.

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 Not to rest on their laurels,

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 and sit tight,

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 but to kick on.

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 Not to get comfortable,

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 that they have received salvation,

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 that they are saved,

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 and they don't need to worry about life,

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 but they are to continue,

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 to continue to live in him.

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 And this is where he says it again,

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 in verse 22.

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 But now he has reconciled you,

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 by Christ's physical body,

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 through death,

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 to present you holy in his sight,

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 without blemish,

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 and free from accusation,

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 if,

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 if,

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 you continue in your faith,

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 established,

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 and firm,

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 and do not move,

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 from the hope,

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 held out,

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 in the gospel.

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 And so that is how we come,

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 to today's passage.

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 Today's passage is the kick on,

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 the continue,

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 the action,

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 following the theory,

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 for those who are followers of Jesus.

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 So let's read today's passage again.

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 Chapter 2,

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 verse 6 and 7.

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 So then,

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 just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

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 continue to live in him,

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 rooted and built up in him,

00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:59.899
 strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

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 and overflowing with thankfulness.

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 Now according to the more studious people,

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 who write commentaries,

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 and books,

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 and clever things like that,

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 there's a,

00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:14.240
 received is a technical term,

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 and it means,

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 to receive a tradition,

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 and that indicates that,

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 they welcome both the person,

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 and the authoritative teaching about him,

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 about Jesus.

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 So,

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 to try and understand that,

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 to receive Christ Jesus as Lord,

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 is to embrace Jesus,

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 the person,

00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:36.639
 and the authority,

00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:38.379
 of his word,

00:14:39.940 --> 00:14:40.580
 the scriptures,

00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:41.639
 or the Bible.

00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:45.580
 To continue to live in him,

00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:47.039
 is to walk with him.

00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:49.220
 Where our doctrine,

00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:50.799
 reflects our behavior,

00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:52.500
 where theology,

00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.159
 and ethics,

00:14:53.559 --> 00:14:54.039
 go together.

00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:56.199
 Where we back up with our life,

00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:58.199
 what we say,

00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:58.840
 we believe.

00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:02.039
 So let's think of a couple of examples,

00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:03.699
 that might apply to us.

00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:06.439
 Maybe,

00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:08.559
 we pride ourselves,

00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:09.939
 in being honest people.

00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:12.659
 We don't steal.

00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:14.740
 We hand money,

00:15:14.819 --> 00:15:15.419
 into the guardie,

00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:16.759
 if we find it on the street.

00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:18.879
 Because of course,

00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:20.480
 that's what Jesus would do.

00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.299
 And that's what he would want us to do.

00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:25.519
 However,

00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:27.740
 when it comes to filling in our tax returns,

00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:29.799
 we can slightly exaggerate,

00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.279
 our tax liabilities,

00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:32.000
 maybe.

00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:34.000
 Or we can exaggerate,

00:15:34.059 --> 00:15:34.580
 our expenses,

00:15:34.799 --> 00:15:36.179
 to reduce our tax liabilities.

00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:38.059
 Because that's just,

00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:38.740
 shrewd accounting,

00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.159
 isn't it?

00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:42.100
 Or maybe,

00:15:42.339 --> 00:15:43.719
 when we come here,

00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.500
 on a Sunday morning,

00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:46.100
 we speak a certain way.

00:15:46.899 --> 00:15:48.299
 When we meet our church family,

00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:49.019
 during the week,

00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:50.860
 we choose the words,

00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:51.600
 that we say,

00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:52.779
 quite carefully.

00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:54.959
 However,

00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:56.899
 when we get caught off in traffic,

00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:58.500
 or the slow driver in front,

00:15:58.579 --> 00:15:59.480
 makes you miss the lights,

00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.839
 when you're already running late,

00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:01.899
 well then,

00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:03.299
 we have some choice descriptions,

00:16:03.899 --> 00:16:04.659
 for that person.

00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:07.279
 Don't we?

00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:09.620
 But it's okay,

00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:10.379
 because,

00:16:10.719 --> 00:16:11.319
 we're just,

00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:12.480
 we're late for work,

00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:14.059
 and Christians need to be good employees,

00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:15.120
 and they need to be on time,

00:16:15.219 --> 00:16:16.379
 because we don't want to be robbing our,

00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.939
 our employer,

00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:20.000
 by being late.

00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:20.939
 And anyway,

00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.000
 they probably deserved it,

00:16:22.039 --> 00:16:22.319
 didn't they?

00:16:24.579 --> 00:16:25.819
 What about our behaviour,

00:16:26.439 --> 00:16:28.059
 or our choice of words,

00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:28.980
 on the soccer pitch,

00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:30.759
 when we get tackled without the ball?

00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:31.120
 Well,

00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:36.080
 maybe that's just me.

00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:39.460
 But nobody likes hypocrisy,

00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:39.819
 do they?

00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:42.019
 We hate feeling like we've been fooled,

00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:44.340
 or that somebody has got the better of us.

00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.439
 We have trust,

00:16:46.679 --> 00:16:47.919
 that we have trusted someone,

00:16:48.139 --> 00:16:49.480
 and found them out to be a fraud.

00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.399
 We too,

00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.319
 need to be careful,

00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:54.639
 if we call ourselves,

00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.819
 Christ followers.

00:16:59.259 --> 00:16:59.659
 Because,

00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.959
 that comes with responsibility.

00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:03.120
 We need to live,

00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:04.220
 our lives,

00:17:04.579 --> 00:17:05.180
 for Christ.

00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.879
 There's no point in saying,

00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.200
 that Jesus is my Lord,

00:17:08.379 --> 00:17:09.460
 and my Saviour,

00:17:09.879 --> 00:17:11.659
 if I continue to worship myself,

00:17:12.659 --> 00:17:13.839
 and put myself first.

00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:17.420
 Lord,

00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.019
 in the dictionary,

00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.420
 is defined as a person,

00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.399
 or a deity,

00:17:20.599 --> 00:17:21.579
 who has authority,

00:17:22.159 --> 00:17:22.599
 control,

00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:23.240
 or power,

00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.440
 over others.

00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:25.779
 A master,

00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:26.399
 a chief,

00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.079
 or a ruler.

00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:29.159
 So let me ask you,

00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:29.860
 and myself.

00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.060
 Does Christ,

00:17:32.580 --> 00:17:33.900
 have authority in your life?

00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.440
 When you hear his word,

00:17:37.580 --> 00:17:38.860
 the Bible read on a Sunday,

00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.360
 or over the radio,

00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:41.019
 during the week?

00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:43.120
 When you read it,

00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:43.940
 yourself at home,

00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:44.660
 or discuss it,

00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:45.500
 at home group,

00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:46.140
 during the week?

00:17:46.800 --> 00:17:48.420
 When you listen to the weekly sermon,

00:17:48.580 --> 00:17:50.140
 given either by the full-time preacher,

00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.600
 or the fill-in ones,

00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:52.759
 do you take it seriously?

00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:55.039
 Do you take it,

00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:56.079
 as God's words,

00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.559
 speaking to you?

00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.740
 Applying to you?

00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:03.960
 Do you take it,

00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:05.160
 as Jesus' authority,

00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.299
 in your life?

00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.160
 Or do you listen,

00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:10.720
 and think,

00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:11.799
 that all sounds fine,

00:18:11.879 --> 00:18:12.920
 but it's not really for me.

00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:15.059
 I preferred last week's message anyway.

00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:16.919
 But I do hope,

00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:18.359
 that the person sitting next to me,

00:18:18.399 --> 00:18:18.779
 is listening,

00:18:18.859 --> 00:18:20.159
 because they really need to hear it.

00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:27.480
 Do you comfort yourself,

00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:28.059
 by thinking,

00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.679
 that this is just the way I am?

00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:31.700
 God made me like this.

00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.059
 He doesn't make mistakes,

00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:34.720
 and so this talk of change,

00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:35.539
 isn't really for me.

00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:36.500
 And anyway,

00:18:36.659 --> 00:18:38.159
 I'm a Christian already,

00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.980
 I'm a Christ follower,

00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.019
 I don't need to change.

00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:40.839
 I'm saved.

00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:44.859
 Do you leave the Bible study,

00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:45.339
 and think,

00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.220
 well that did nothing really for me.

00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:51.179
 I didn't really get anything out of that.

00:18:53.619 --> 00:18:54.339
 I've thought,

00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:55.759
 all of those thoughts as well,

00:18:56.159 --> 00:18:56.720
 to my shame.

00:18:58.059 --> 00:18:59.399
 Do we really submit,

00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.019
 to God's word?

00:19:03.379 --> 00:19:04.799
 I know I need to wake up.

00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:07.179
 I know I need to be active.

00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:09.139
 I know I need to kick on,

00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:09.919
 to continue.

00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:11.919
 To receive,

00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.619
 or to continue in Christ,

00:19:13.699 --> 00:19:14.419
 as I received.

00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:19.459
 Here in Colossians,

00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.980
 Paul is writing to a church.

00:19:21.899 --> 00:19:22.240
 So,

00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.480
 we can assume,

00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:25.019
 that they are followers of Christ.

00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:27.179
 Their place is already,

00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.000
 secure in heaven.

00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.539
 They're saved.

00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:30.879
 So,

00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.199
 we're not talking now,

00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.179
 about salvation.

00:19:34.959 --> 00:19:36.819
 But Paul still encourages them,

00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:37.459
 to continue.

00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:40.720
 I need to keep going.

00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.899
 I need to back up my life,

00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:45.759
 and actions,

00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:48.139
 with what I say,

00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.839
 that I believe.

00:19:48.839 --> 00:19:53.099
 So,

00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.259
 we've spoken about,

00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:54.839
 continuing.

00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:55.579
 Let's look at,

00:19:55.919 --> 00:19:56.699
 what it means.

00:19:58.839 --> 00:19:59.579
 If we say,

00:19:59.699 --> 00:20:00.659
 that Jesus is our Lord,

00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.119
 how do we live it?

00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:04.019
 What does it actually look like,

00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.619
 to live under the authority,

00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:06.119
 of Jesus?

00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.859
 And once we have discovered that,

00:20:09.139 --> 00:20:10.199
 do we submit to it,

00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.459
 or do we pick and choose,

00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.459
 which parts we apply?

00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:14.240
 Let's look again,

00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:14.860
 at the passage,

00:20:15.340 --> 00:20:16.120
 to see how this,

00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:17.319
 continuing is achieved.

00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.299
 What does it say?

00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.600
 So then,

00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:22.360
 just as you received,

00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.539
 Christ Jesus as Lord,

00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.400
 continue,

00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:25.700
 to live in him,

00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.579
 rooted,

00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:28.779
 and built up in him,

00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:29.880
 strengthened,

00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.079
 in the faith,

00:20:31.120 --> 00:20:31.860
 as you were taught,

00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:33.240
 and overflowing,

00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:34.939
 with thankfulness.

00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:37.959
 Now,

00:20:38.419 --> 00:20:40.079
 some of you,

00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.379
 who know my job,

00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.399
 will understand,

00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.500
 that I love trees.

00:20:45.719 --> 00:20:47.059
 I love how they change,

00:20:47.119 --> 00:20:47.799
 over the seasons.

00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:49.259
 I love planting them,

00:20:49.339 --> 00:20:49.859
 into gardens,

00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.079
 knowing that most likely,

00:20:51.179 --> 00:20:52.019
 they'll outlive me.

00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:55.059
 I love how they change,

00:20:56.939 --> 00:20:57.240
 yeah,

00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:58.379
 how they just change,

00:20:58.740 --> 00:20:59.919
 how a garden looks,

00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:00.439
 and feels,

00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.639
 over the years.

00:21:02.319 --> 00:21:03.419
 I have favourite trees,

00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.240
 and I have trees,

00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.299
 which I really don't like.

00:21:08.439 --> 00:21:09.559
 There's a common tree,

00:21:09.719 --> 00:21:10.679
 which was planted,

00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.579
 a lot in the past,

00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:12.359
 called the,

00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:13.079
 Leylandii.

00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.259
 Many of you will know it,

00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:16.039
 some of you might even,

00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.899
 have it in your gardens,

00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:18.799
 and you probably call it,

00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:19.500
 a palm tree.

00:21:20.959 --> 00:21:22.299
 It was planted in the past,

00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:22.839
 because,

00:21:22.979 --> 00:21:24.259
 for its quick growth,

00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.500
 and its foliage,

00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:26.459
 because it made a good,

00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:27.199
 quick hedge,

00:21:27.419 --> 00:21:27.899
 or fence,

00:21:27.979 --> 00:21:28.719
 between gardens,

00:21:29.219 --> 00:21:30.240
 or as a windbreak,

00:21:30.619 --> 00:21:31.639
 in exposed sites.

00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:34.299
 I usually come across this,

00:21:34.379 --> 00:21:35.119
 when it's been neglected,

00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.119
 and got out of control,

00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.819
 and I have to come in,

00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.579
 and try and fix it,

00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.299
 or just cut it up,

00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:38.839
 for firewood.

00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.259
 But these trees,

00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:41.919
 are a menace,

00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.740
 and a nuisance,

00:21:43.199 --> 00:21:44.139
 and once the wind,

00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.099
 gets into them at all,

00:21:45.179 --> 00:21:46.039
 they can just fall,

00:21:46.199 --> 00:21:46.839
 like dominoes.

00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.019
 They have a poor,

00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.839
 and a shallow root system,

00:21:51.679 --> 00:21:52.359
 and as soon as,

00:21:52.399 --> 00:21:53.139
 a storm comes,

00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.240
 they can be ripped,

00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:54.899
 out of the ground,

00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:56.160
 so they rarely,

00:21:56.160 --> 00:21:57.500
 live past the age of 50.

00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.480
 On the other hand,

00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:02.580
 I love the mighty oak,

00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.800
 the elder statesman,

00:22:04.860 --> 00:22:05.560
 of the woodland.

00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.700
 A good oak,

00:22:07.860 --> 00:22:08.500
 will see,

00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:10.180
 lots of Leylandia,

00:22:10.340 --> 00:22:10.640
 grow,

00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.400
 and fall,

00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.420
 and will probably,

00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:13.460
 see a lot of us,

00:22:13.820 --> 00:22:14.840
 come and go as well,

00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.700
 and our children,

00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:16.860
 and possibly grandchildren.

00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.420
 The oak,

00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:19.660
 will not be blowed down.

00:22:19.660 --> 00:22:21.900
 In fact,

00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.660
 because the wood,

00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.640
 in the oak tree,

00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.500
 is so hard,

00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:26.820
 and the roots,

00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:27.720
 are so deep,

00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.820
 and so firm,

00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:30.080
 the tree can die,

00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.660
 and remain standing,

00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.500
 for years,

00:22:32.860 --> 00:22:33.660
 while still dead.

00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.720
 When Paul,

00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:36.200
 was writing,

00:22:36.320 --> 00:22:36.980
 to the Colossians,

00:22:37.080 --> 00:22:38.080
 he knew the difficulties,

00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:39.620
 the storms,

00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.420
 that were going to come,

00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.400
 in their life.

00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:45.240
 And we are,

00:22:45.300 --> 00:22:45.880
 guaranteed,

00:22:46.380 --> 00:22:46.880
 difficulties,

00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.660
 in life as well.

00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:49.380
 Whether it be,

00:22:49.380 --> 00:22:50.480
 the death of loved ones,

00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.960
 whether it be,

00:22:52.040 --> 00:22:52.920
 troubles at work,

00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:54.640
 peer pressure,

00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:55.380
 in school,

00:22:55.580 --> 00:22:56.180
 or college,

00:22:57.100 --> 00:22:57.820
 bad habits,

00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.880
 getting out of control,

00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.440
 stresses at home,

00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.180
 with young children,

00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:01.720
 or spouses,

00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.280
 the list goes on,

00:23:03.340 --> 00:23:03.580
 and all,

00:23:04.340 --> 00:23:05.080
 and yet Paul,

00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:06.100
 writes this message,

00:23:06.600 --> 00:23:07.180
 for us,

00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.080
 today,

00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:08.780
 here,

00:23:09.080 --> 00:23:09.320
 now.

00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.700
 Paul tells us,

00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:15.060
 in chapter 2,

00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.660
 verse 6,

00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.040
 to continue,

00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:17.900
 to live in him,

00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.140
 rooted,

00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:20.500
 and built up in him.

00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.620
 As we put down,

00:23:24.760 --> 00:23:24.960
 deep,

00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:25.620
 deep roots,

00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.340
 we grow,

00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:28.280
 we become firm,

00:23:29.280 --> 00:23:30.340
 we grow up.

00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.340
 As a mighty oak,

00:23:32.340 --> 00:23:33.080
 puts down,

00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.700
 deep roots,

00:23:33.780 --> 00:23:34.320
 and gets into,

00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:35.940
 gets its nourishment,

00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:37.740
 it becomes unshakable.

00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:41.160
 We need to be rooted,

00:23:41.580 --> 00:23:42.560
 in Christ Jesus,

00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.340
 as Lord,

00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.700
 if we are to continue,

00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.260
 to live,

00:23:45.760 --> 00:23:46.300
 in him.

00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:49.399
 As Christians,

00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.039
 to be rooted in him,

00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:52.359
 is to be like the roots,

00:23:52.419 --> 00:23:53.240
 of the oak tree.

00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.039
 As they wander,

00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.779
 around the soil,

00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.559
 they are searching out,

00:23:56.639 --> 00:23:57.259
 food and water.

00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:58.680
 To be rooted,

00:23:58.859 --> 00:23:59.460
 in Christ,

00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:00.879
 is to be searching out,

00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.779
 the word of truth,

00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:03.159
 which nourishes us.

00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:05.899
 Jesus,

00:24:06.399 --> 00:24:07.359
 and his authority,

00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.139
 through the Bible,

00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:10.419
 should be our firm foundation.

00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.279
 Roots,

00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:12.980
 in a healthy tree,

00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:13.720
 cannot be seen.

00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:15.620
 They are deep,

00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:17.220
 and underground.

00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.460
 Who are you,

00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:23.180
 when nobody is watching?

00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:26.160
 What do you do,

00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.900
 when nobody is watching?

00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:31.220
 What do you feed your eyes,

00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.400
 or your mind,

00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.480
 when nobody is watching?

00:24:36.860 --> 00:24:37.900
 What roots,

00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.299
 are you putting down?

00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:41.900
 Who you are,

00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.579
 when nobody is watching,

00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:45.779
 will influence your faith,

00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:47.480
 when a storm comes along?

00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:50.339
 Be rooted,

00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:50.980
 in Christ,

00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:51.819
 and in his word.

00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:54.039
 As the roots go down,

00:24:54.180 --> 00:24:55.100
 the tree grows up.

00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.339
 As we are rooted,

00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.180
 deeper and deeper,

00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.700
 in Christ,

00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.360
 our lives,

00:24:58.460 --> 00:24:59.240
 will be built up,

00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:00.220
 in him.

00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.279
 Be rooted,

00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.100
 in Christ,

00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:04.539
 and in his word.

00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:09.079
 As I mentioned earlier,

00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:09.899
 in my story,

00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.480
 when I went to college,

00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.700
 I grew in my knowledge,

00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.500
 and understanding,

00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.000
 of God,

00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.579
 and his will,

00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.220
 because I spent time,

00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:16.920
 with his people,

00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:18.319
 and together,

00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.599
 we studied his word.

00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.259
 I've said it before,

00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.180
 from this very place,

00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.079
 that I'm not much good,

00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.519
 on my own.

00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:26.319
 That I need people around me,

00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:27.159
 to strengthen me,

00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.720
 in my faith.

00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.500
 I noticed,

00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:30.079
 that when I,

00:25:30.640 --> 00:25:31.839
 break my good routines,

00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.819
 and good habits,

00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:33.839
 that I tend to wander,

00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.600
 or drift off,

00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.480
 from the word of truth.

00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:38.019
 Meeting together,

00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.120
 isn't just something,

00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:40.120
 that is good to do.

00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.900
 Meeting together,

00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.740
 is essential,

00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.700
 for our growth,

00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:46.140
 and being strengthened,

00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:46.819
 in the faith.

00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:49.019
 Don't give up,

00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.660
 meeting together.

00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:54.440
 This new term,

00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:57.279
 how will you,

00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.799
 continue to live in him?

00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:01.099
 How will you be rooted,

00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:02.660
 and built up in him?

00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:05.500
 How will you be strengthened,

00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.180
 in the faith,

00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:07.000
 as you were taught,

00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.940
 or as you received?

00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:12.099
 The good news,

00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.200
 is that God,

00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.319
 has given us the answers,

00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:15.839
 if we accept them,

00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.099
 and the authority,

00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.559
 with which they come to us.

00:26:20.279 --> 00:26:21.319
 God works today,

00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:22.559
 through his Holy Spirit,

00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:24.920
 through his words,

00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.420
 the Bible,

00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:27.940
 and through his people,

00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.019
 the church.

00:26:31.300 --> 00:26:32.240
 So let me make,

00:26:32.320 --> 00:26:33.039
 some suggestions,

00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.140
 looking ahead,

00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:34.960
 at this new term,

00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.560
 in the life of the church.

00:26:39.560 --> 00:26:40.000
 Firstly,

00:26:40.560 --> 00:26:41.800
 whether you are a believer,

00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.380
 or not,

00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:43.940
 receive,

00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.620
 Christ Jesus,

00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.200
 as Lord.

00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:48.600
 Daily embrace,

00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:49.799
 Jesus the person,

00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.680
 submit your life,

00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.059
 to him,

00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:52.779
 and the authority,

00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.440
 of the scriptures,

00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:54.900
 the Bible.

00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.279
 Put down,

00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.039
 deep roots,

00:26:58.420 --> 00:26:59.559
 when nobody is watching.

00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:00.519
 Pray,

00:27:02.420 --> 00:27:03.620
 making your heart,

00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.420
 known to God.

00:27:05.320 --> 00:27:05.880
 Let him know,

00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.480
 how you feel,

00:27:07.620 --> 00:27:08.440
 how you struggle,

00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:11.019
 what you are thankful for,

00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:13.359
 or what you are scared about.

00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:17.660
 Commit,

00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:19.680
 to being at Sunday morning meetings.

00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:22.379
 Change your work rota,

00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:23.000
 where possible.

00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:24.960
 Say to your team coach,

00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:25.920
 or your captain,

00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:27.180
 at the beginning of the season,

00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:28.059
 that you are unavailable,

00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:28.740
 for selection,

00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.980
 for Sunday morning games.

00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.720
 Make meeting,

00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.639
 with other believers,

00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:33.400
 a priority.

00:27:35.339 --> 00:27:36.579
 Put Wednesday evenings,

00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:37.259
 into your diary,

00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:38.359
 and commit to being there,

00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:38.799
 this term.

00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:41.319
 We have a weekly home group,

00:27:41.419 --> 00:27:42.659
 as Jonathan has already mentioned,

00:27:43.379 --> 00:27:43.940
 where we meet,

00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.919
 to encourage each other,

00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.619
 and to pray God's truths,

00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.779
 into each other's lives.

00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.799
 Speak to Johnny,

00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.240
 Ralph,

00:27:50.419 --> 00:27:51.000
 or Jonathan,

00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:51.599
 afterwards,

00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.639
 if you would like to know more,

00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.099
 about that.

00:27:55.919 --> 00:27:56.779
 Why don't you,

00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:58.200
 try and find somebody,

00:27:58.319 --> 00:27:59.099
 or a couple of people,

00:27:59.220 --> 00:27:59.899
 whose schedules,

00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:00.659
 fit yours,

00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:01.720
 and meet for coffee,

00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:02.259
 once a week,

00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.500
 over lunch.

00:28:04.359 --> 00:28:05.139
 Use that time,

00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:05.839
 to open a book,

00:28:05.859 --> 00:28:06.319
 of the Bible.

00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.839
 See what it says,

00:28:07.919 --> 00:28:08.180
 together.

00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:10.180
 If you are in college,

00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.180
 or if you are in school,

00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.379
 commit,

00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.740
 to meeting others,

00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:14.440
 in your college,

00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.579
 or in your school.

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.240
 Go to CU,

00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.619
 the Christian Union,

00:28:20.859 --> 00:28:21.440
 a great place,

00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:22.059
 to meet people,

00:28:22.379 --> 00:28:23.379
 to encourage each other,

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.799
 a little oasis,

00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.680
 in the desert,

00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:27.440
 that is college.

00:28:28.639 --> 00:28:29.440
 Meet with each other,

00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.379
 and encourage them,

00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:32.339
 and you will be encouraged.

00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:38.099
 chapter 2,

00:28:38.159 --> 00:28:38.699
 verse 7,

00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.379
 concludes with,

00:28:41.379 --> 00:28:44.919
 overflowing,

00:28:45.579 --> 00:28:46.559
 with thankfulness.

00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:48.699
 Now,

00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.639
 Paul doesn't just,

00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.839
 add this little bit in,

00:28:51.139 --> 00:28:52.220
 to pat us on the back,

00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:52.599
 and say,

00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:52.839
 there,

00:28:52.939 --> 00:28:53.099
 there,

00:28:53.199 --> 00:28:54.059
 everything will be okay.

00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.359
 All we have to do,

00:28:55.399 --> 00:28:55.659
 is say,

00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:56.339
 thank you God,

00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.359
 and everything will be fine.

00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:58.539
 No.

00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:01.359
 As we are rooted in Christ,

00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:03.799
 as we are built up in him,

00:29:04.199 --> 00:29:05.219
 we are strengthened,

00:29:05.399 --> 00:29:05.919
 in the faith.

00:29:07.219 --> 00:29:08.059
 We realize,

00:29:08.199 --> 00:29:08.740
 more and more,

00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:10.019
 our desperate state,

00:29:10.179 --> 00:29:10.699
 without him.

00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:12.479
 We see our sin,

00:29:13.139 --> 00:29:13.779
 and how much,

00:29:13.859 --> 00:29:14.959
 we have been saved from.

00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:17.840
 chapter 112,

00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.420
 says,

00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:20.059
 joyfully,

00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:20.920
 giving thanks,

00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:21.559
 to the Father,

00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.600
 who has qualified you,

00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:24.880
 to share in the inheritance,

00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:25.559
 of the saints,

00:29:25.620 --> 00:29:26.559
 in the kingdom of light,

00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:28.660
 for he has rescued us,

00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.460
 from the dominion,

00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.039
 of darkness,

00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.600
 and brought us,

00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.279
 into the kingdom,

00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:33.440
 of the son he loves,

00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:35.319
 in whom we have redemption,

00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:36.840
 the forgiveness of sins.

00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:39.340
 We have been rescued,

00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.819
 from the dominion,

00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:41.380
 of darkness.

00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:44.740
 That's the price,

00:29:44.820 --> 00:29:45.780
 that Christ paid,

00:29:46.280 --> 00:29:47.100
 on the cross.

00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.300
 We have been rescued,

00:29:48.860 --> 00:29:50.240
 from this pit of despair,

00:29:50.820 --> 00:29:51.620
 and we have been brought,

00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:52.340
 into the kingdom,

00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.440
 of the son he loves.

00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:55.040
 We have so much,

00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:56.000
 to be thankful for.

00:29:57.080 --> 00:29:57.560
 Yes,

00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.380
 life is hard.

00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:01.160
 We have struggles,

00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:02.620
 we have frustrations,

00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.200
 every day.

00:30:04.600 --> 00:30:05.900
 But we have so much,

00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:06.820
 to be thankful for.

00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:09.040
 Life would be worse,

00:30:09.660 --> 00:30:10.780
 if we didn't have Christ.

00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:14.920
 Now all these things,

00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:15.840
 that I've listed out,

00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:17.460
 all these good recommendations,

00:30:18.600 --> 00:30:19.700
 all these suggestions,

00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:20.640
 for the term ahead,

00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.760
 they won't make you,

00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:23.200
 a Christian.

00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:26.280
 Only God can do that.

00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:28.420
 However,

00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:30.500
 I would dare,

00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.160
 to suggest,

00:30:31.380 --> 00:30:32.140
 that a Christian,

00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:33.820
 cannot survive,

00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.040
 without these things.

00:30:37.000 --> 00:30:38.560
 Long distance relationships,

00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:41.460
 don't work with God.

00:30:43.659 --> 00:30:44.519
 Following Jesus,

00:30:44.859 --> 00:30:45.779
 is a relationship.

00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:47.899
 Like any relationship,

00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:49.099
 there needs to be talking,

00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.799
 prayer.

00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:53.259
 There needs to be listening,

00:30:54.419 --> 00:30:55.240
 reading his words,

00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:56.379
 or the words he speaks,

00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.200
 through other people,

00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:57.839
 who are rooted,

00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.159
 in his word.

00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:02.179
 This new term,

00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:04.519
 let's commit,

00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.519
 to continuing,

00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:07.519
 with Jesus Christ,

00:31:07.840 --> 00:31:08.440
 as Lord.

00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:13.060
 Let's root ourselves,

00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.500
 in his word.

00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:17.380
 Let's encourage each other,

00:31:17.560 --> 00:31:18.660
 at every opportunity,

00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.759
 to continue,

00:31:21.560 --> 00:31:22.120
 to live,

00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:23.160
 in him.

00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.039
 And now,

00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:26.600
 let's pray.

00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:33.740
 Heavenly Father,

00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:36.159
 we thank you,

00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:36.899
 for your word.

00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:39.399
 Thank you,

00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.399
 for your Holy Spirit,

00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:41.379
 who unveiled this,

00:31:41.919 --> 00:31:42.379
 to us.

00:31:45.139 --> 00:31:45.579
 Father,

00:31:45.679 --> 00:31:46.119
 forgive me,

00:31:46.159 --> 00:31:47.199
 when I pick and choose,

00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:48.500
 which parts I listen to,

00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.519
 or which I choose,

00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.019
 to apply.

00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.959
 We are so,

00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:55.259
 in need of your grace,

00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:57.339
 thank you,

00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.019
 for your forgiveness,

00:31:58.220 --> 00:31:58.940
 which is available,

00:31:58.940 --> 00:32:00.019
 to all of us,

00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:01.400
 through Jesus.

00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:04.019
 Thank you,

00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:04.740
 that through his,

00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.579
 selflessness,

00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:07.819
 our selfishness,

00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.140
 can be forgiven.

00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.359
 Please Lord,

00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:13.119
 would you show,

00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:14.180
 me,

00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:16.559
 show each of us,

00:32:16.619 --> 00:32:17.299
 this coming week,

00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:18.500
 how we can change,

00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.680
 to be more like Jesus.

00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.200
 Help me,

00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:24.700
 help us,

00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.400
 to be daring enough,

00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:27.460
 to make those changes.

00:32:28.200 --> 00:32:28.920
 Be gracious,

00:32:29.119 --> 00:32:30.559
 to us as we try.

00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:33.359
 We pray this,

00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.279
 for the sake of Jesus,

00:32:35.140 --> 00:32:35.640
 his kingdom,

00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.640
 and for your glory.

00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:38.019
 Amen.

00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:57.799
 thank you Alex

00:32:57.799 --> 00:33:01.519
 a lot to think about for the coming week

00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:03.440
 when we're thinking about the sermon this morning

00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:05.099
 just making notes Alex

00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:07.640
 I just thought maybe we might just pause

00:33:07.640 --> 00:33:09.700
 for a moment or two and just for ourselves

00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:11.660
 just to think, just to pray to God

00:33:11.660 --> 00:33:13.000
 about these things that we've heard

00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:15.259
 so just some quiet reflection

00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:17.299
 just for a minute, just between yourself and God

00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:19.140
 some things I'd written down

00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:21.740
 about submitting your life

00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:23.480
 to the authority of Jesus

00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:25.299
 putting down deep roots when nobody's watching

00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:27.799
 praying, encouraging in the new term

00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.259
 and what's going on, committing

00:33:29.259 --> 00:33:31.099
 ourselves to continue in Jesus

00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:33.360
 just before, in a few moments we're going to be singing

00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:35.740
 in Christ alone, just let's pause for a moment

00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:37.440
 and just between ourselves and God

00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:39.360
 just ask God about these things

00:33:39.360 --> 00:33:41.880
 do we submit ourselves to the authority

00:33:41.880 --> 00:33:43.539
 of Jesus, are we willing

00:33:43.539 --> 00:33:45.660
 to be continually rooted in him

00:33:45.660 --> 00:33:47.759
 and to be seeking ways of being more deeply

00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:49.500
 rooted and committing ourselves

00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:51.680
 to continue with Jesus, let's just pause

00:33:51.680 --> 00:33:52.299
 for a moment

00:33:52.299 --> 00:34:22.279
 in Christ's

00:34:22.280 --> 00:34:23.440
 and my hope is found

00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:26.180
 let's stand and continue our worship

00:34:26.180 --> 00:34:28.660
 by singing this song of praise

00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:35.940
 Jesus

00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.980
 and he is

00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:37.579
 Tell me

00:34:37.579 --> 00:34:39.519
 because of the work

00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.279
 of

00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:41.779
 Jesus