WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.480 On this day when the world remembers those who gave their lives and the cost that war brings to individuals, communities, countries and nations, men, women and children. 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:30.079 When we often feel so powerless when we look at the news on the issues and situations that we feel are often way beyond our control of where we can influence, people turn to prayer. 00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:40.359 There's nothing like a crisis in life or a need in a time of war when a nation comes together to pray. 00:00:40.359 --> 00:00:51.780 Look at any situation, disaster or incident in a community or people flock through church doors to light candles, to sit, to weep and to pray. 00:00:51.980 --> 00:00:58.159 I remember one of my first as a child I remember is the Aberfan disaster in our churches. 00:00:58.340 --> 00:01:09.120 People just gathered in this church in Somerset because they were so moved by what they were seeing and what they were hearing as they came together with a community miles away. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:10.620 But it touched our hearts. 00:01:12.460 --> 00:01:23.060 In May 1940, the British expeditionary force of 375,000 soldiers were trapped at Dunkirk. 00:01:24.100 --> 00:01:30.159 One of the greatest disasters in UK military history seemed to be in the making, 00:01:30.520 --> 00:01:38.060 with the British army seemingly cut off, unable to retreat and facing devastating loss of life. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:39.659 And casualties. 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:48.340 There was only one place where the naval boats could come and they could rescue soldiers due to the shallow sea. 00:01:48.520 --> 00:01:57.700 Churchill's advisors estimated at that time that they could rescue only 30,000 soldiers would get out alive. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:04.820 If you do the maths, that was a potential loss of 245,000 lives. 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:08.159 What do you do? 00:02:10.400 --> 00:02:16.599 It's a pivotal moment and then something happened that has only happened in our nation a handful of times. 00:02:16.959 --> 00:02:23.259 King George VI, on a radio address to the nation, called the nation to a day of prayer. 00:02:23.259 --> 00:02:34.459 Thousands upon thousands, queued outside of churches and thousands and thousands and thousands upon people at home cried out to God, 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:41.139 praying for their loved ones, pleading with God for him to intervene and rescue them. 00:02:41.139 --> 00:02:49.899 Many who had been sceptical, doubting, even faced with the enormity of the crisis and with concern for their loved ones, 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:53.119 responded to the king's call to pray. 00:02:54.559 --> 00:02:56.759 And the nation prayed. 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:03.339 Prayed as one for what seemed like the impossible. 00:03:03.340 --> 00:03:07.819 Yet people saw that answer to prayer. 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:11.860 Foreign forces made strategic mistakes. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:15.580 Freak localized storms, grounded attack aircraft. 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:19.740 Usually calm waters for small boats were there. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:21.580 There was fog cover. 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:24.759 Personal stories of courage and protection. 00:03:26.219 --> 00:03:31.240 330,000 soldiers were evacuated that day to our shores. 00:03:31.240 --> 00:03:37.560 As we remember this miracle of Dunkirk, let's remember the real story. 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:42.820 As well as the courage and self-sacrifice of all caught up in this event, 00:03:43.140 --> 00:03:46.060 let's not forget that when a nation humbled itself, 00:03:46.580 --> 00:03:49.740 when a nation got on its knees, when they called to God, 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:51.960 when neighbors saw neighbors praying, 00:03:52.300 --> 00:03:55.740 no matter what their denomination, whether they had a faith or not, 00:03:55.960 --> 00:03:58.960 when they came together, what's the point of prayer? 00:03:58.960 --> 00:04:01.780 A nation prayed and lives were saved. 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:05.560 What's the point of prayer? 00:04:06.520 --> 00:04:08.219 Because lives are saved. 00:04:09.659 --> 00:04:11.680 Friends, I hope you share my heart, 00:04:11.980 --> 00:04:15.020 but there are people in this community now that need to be saved. 00:04:16.699 --> 00:04:20.100 They need to be rescued from the culture that says there is no good, 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:21.319 there is no hope, 00:04:21.560 --> 00:04:25.460 and the Christian life is irrelevant, outdated, and inconsequential. 00:04:25.780 --> 00:04:27.079 What's the point of prayer? 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:28.939 That's the point of prayer. 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:30.259 We pray. 00:04:31.459 --> 00:04:34.579 Because it builds relationship with our Lord and Savior. 00:04:35.259 --> 00:04:36.539 He is our case. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:37.779 He is on our case. 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:40.459 He will never leave us or forsake us. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:42.180 In our Bible reading this morning, 00:04:42.339 --> 00:04:44.539 Jesus is encouraging his disciples. 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:49.599 He is encouraging you and me for us all to get connected into him. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:52.099 The vine is the life giver, 00:04:52.500 --> 00:04:53.099 the source. 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:55.460 When we get disconnected from the vine, 00:04:55.700 --> 00:05:00.000 we get disconnected from that power source of hope and life, 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:01.260 of what can be. 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:02.600 The source, 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:03.700 the energy giver, 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:05.360 the source of being. 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:07.120 Remain in my love, 00:05:07.280 --> 00:05:07.939 Jesus says. 00:05:08.240 --> 00:05:09.420 Be enveloped in it. 00:05:09.560 --> 00:05:10.420 Understand it. 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:11.800 Get connected with it. 00:05:12.060 --> 00:05:12.980 Know what it means. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:14.439 This is my Father's will. 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:17.620 This is his will and his glory, 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:18.600 that we, 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:19.660 that you, 00:05:20.180 --> 00:05:21.219 bear much fruit, 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:25.160 showing yourselves to be my disciples. 00:05:26.439 --> 00:05:28.540 Fruit doesn't grow without a source. 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:30.540 It needs feeding. 00:05:30.540 --> 00:05:34.200 Jesus told another parable about growth, 00:05:34.280 --> 00:05:35.420 or rather lack of it, 00:05:35.760 --> 00:05:37.500 in a fig tree in Luke 13. 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:40.200 A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. 00:05:40.280 --> 00:05:41.520 He went to look for fruit, 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:43.800 but he didn't see any there. 00:05:44.580 --> 00:05:47.259 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 00:05:48.020 --> 00:05:48.939 for three years now, 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.060 I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree, 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:53.560 and I haven't found any. 00:05:53.740 --> 00:05:54.560 Cut it down. 00:05:55.300 --> 00:05:56.939 Why should it use up the soil? 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:59.480 Sir, the man replied, 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:02.100 leave it alone for one more year. 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:03.480 One more year. 00:06:04.339 --> 00:06:06.019 And I'll dig around it, 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:07.939 and I will fertilize it. 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:11.259 If it bears fruit next year, fine. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:13.439 If not, then cut it down. 00:06:15.659 --> 00:06:15.939 Do you know, 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:17.319 I sense in that reading, 00:06:17.379 --> 00:06:18.399 in our reading this morning, 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:19.920 there is a sense of urgency. 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:22.159 There's a sense of urgency 00:06:22.159 --> 00:06:24.399 to tend and to dig 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:26.500 deep into our prayer life. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:29.459 That call away from complacency 00:06:29.459 --> 00:06:31.339 that has crept into 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:33.980 our wider and national church today. 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:36.639 Because, I don't know about you, 00:06:36.740 --> 00:06:38.879 I'm not content with just a few 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:41.139 withering little figs on a tree. 00:06:41.879 --> 00:06:43.740 That's not what God called us for 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:45.360 in our scripture this morning, 00:06:45.500 --> 00:06:47.120 or in his coming for us. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.659 We want a life in ministry 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:51.980 to be as fruitful as possible. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:55.879 Yes, the national church is in decline. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:58.120 In some areas, it's in free fall. 00:06:59.700 --> 00:07:01.460 Racked by doctrinal divisions, 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:03.640 some dioceses are looking at bankruptcy. 00:07:04.200 --> 00:07:06.120 One bishop was quoted to have said 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:09.060 that his job was now to manage decline. 00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:13.200 Where are the figs? 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:15.300 Where is the growth? 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:17.259 Even the early church forgot 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:18.639 that they were an Easter people, 00:07:18.960 --> 00:07:20.939 a people with power and joy. 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:22.360 They were called to follow 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:23.600 the resurrected Jesus, 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:25.240 the giver of life 00:07:25.240 --> 00:07:26.540 and the giver of growth. 00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:28.740 We are the people 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:30.819 who carry hope today. 00:07:31.660 --> 00:07:33.280 We are the hope bringers 00:07:33.280 --> 00:07:34.300 into our community. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:36.699 People won't come to Jesus 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:38.780 because we have a better worship band, 00:07:39.139 --> 00:07:40.300 because we have amazing facilities, 00:07:41.139 --> 00:07:42.560 or we have better coffee 00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:43.519 than anybody else. 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:45.859 People will come 00:07:45.859 --> 00:07:49.319 because they want to experience Jesus 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:50.279 and meet with him. 00:07:51.159 --> 00:07:52.799 The fruit of the resurrection 00:07:52.799 --> 00:07:54.319 in their life. 00:07:55.299 --> 00:07:56.419 And often they will be drawn 00:07:56.419 --> 00:07:58.019 by what they experience 00:07:58.019 --> 00:07:59.839 through us, his people. 00:07:59.979 --> 00:08:01.899 I pray you've had a good welcome 00:08:01.899 --> 00:08:02.539 this morning. 00:08:03.539 --> 00:08:04.659 I pray that we have had 00:08:04.659 --> 00:08:05.939 a warm welcome, 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:08.199 that we are known and loved 00:08:08.199 --> 00:08:09.599 by God in this place, 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.519 that we would know his hope, 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:13.099 his kindness, 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:13.899 his compassion, 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:15.099 his hospitality, 00:08:15.419 --> 00:08:16.779 his love and his sacrifice 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:18.799 expressed through us. 00:08:18.799 --> 00:08:20.319 The early church waited 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:22.120 until they were clothed 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:22.799 with power, 00:08:23.659 --> 00:08:24.979 power of the Spirit, 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:26.899 to live in that living, 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.079 God-giving, 00:08:28.279 --> 00:08:29.139 Spirit-filled, 00:08:29.539 --> 00:08:30.939 Pentecost life 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:32.960 that transforms people. 00:08:34.079 --> 00:08:35.039 God didn't send 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:35.779 his Holy Spirit 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:36.819 to manage decline. 00:08:36.820 --> 00:08:39.040 God sent his Holy Spirit 00:08:39.040 --> 00:08:40.360 to bring life, 00:08:40.879 --> 00:08:42.540 life in all its fullness. 00:08:44.540 --> 00:08:46.400 In our Alpha Holy Spirit Day 00:08:46.400 --> 00:08:46.920 yesterday, 00:08:46.920 --> 00:08:48.660 there were many who experienced 00:08:48.660 --> 00:08:49.740 that new life 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:51.820 in a new way yesterday. 00:08:51.820 --> 00:08:54.440 What do you do 00:08:54.440 --> 00:08:55.980 when a few weedy, 00:08:56.160 --> 00:08:57.120 withering figs 00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:57.740 on the tree, 00:08:58.200 --> 00:08:59.040 what do you do 00:08:59.040 --> 00:08:59.820 when you see that? 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:01.500 We dig a trench 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:02.940 and we pray, 00:09:03.320 --> 00:09:04.400 we fertilize, 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:06.120 and we work 00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:06.960 with Jesus. 00:09:09.480 --> 00:09:10.780 And an essential ingredient 00:09:10.780 --> 00:09:11.940 of that fertilizer 00:09:11.940 --> 00:09:12.980 is prayer 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:13.680 and commitment. 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:16.160 Connect back 00:09:16.160 --> 00:09:17.640 into the life-giving vine. 00:09:18.199 --> 00:09:18.980 How do we know 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:21.480 what you may be asking? 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:22.419 Maybe especially 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:23.080 if you're listening 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:23.799 to this podcast. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:25.460 What are you asking? 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:27.019 Connect with Jesus. 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:29.620 Make Jesus front and center 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:30.159 always. 00:09:30.559 --> 00:09:31.980 That is the simplest way 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:32.620 to start. 00:09:32.939 --> 00:09:34.519 Make Jesus front and center 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:35.600 in all we do. 00:09:35.939 --> 00:09:36.220 Sadly, 00:09:36.319 --> 00:09:37.000 a large section 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:37.879 of the National Church 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:38.559 has forsaken 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:39.399 their first love. 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.500 When did you first 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:41.539 fall in love with Jesus? 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:42.819 Maybe it's today. 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:43.980 Maybe you're falling 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:44.799 in love with Jesus 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:45.700 afresh today, 00:09:45.779 --> 00:09:47.080 even for the first time. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:48.400 Never forsake 00:09:48.400 --> 00:09:49.259 your first love. 00:09:50.660 --> 00:09:51.879 What's the point of prayer? 00:09:52.300 --> 00:09:53.080 To help fertilize 00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:54.680 the ground 00:09:54.680 --> 00:09:55.980 of our community 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:57.340 for Clevedon. 00:09:58.320 --> 00:09:59.440 Our call needs 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:00.840 to be the ageless, 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:03.139 age-old call message. 00:10:03.940 --> 00:10:04.980 Come to Jesus. 00:10:05.540 --> 00:10:07.060 Come back to Jesus. 00:10:07.900 --> 00:10:09.300 Come closer to Jesus. 00:10:10.580 --> 00:10:11.860 Three simple things. 00:10:12.680 --> 00:10:13.680 Spend time with him. 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:14.759 Get to know him 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:16.120 in prayer and in scripture. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:17.500 Encounter him 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.899 afresh in the power 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.860 of the Holy Spirit 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:21.179 that comes and dwells 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:22.580 with us and in us. 00:10:23.919 --> 00:10:24.919 In the pulpit here, 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:26.080 when we had a pulpit, 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.259 if you climbed up 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:29.200 into the pulpit, 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:31.480 there was a message there. 00:10:32.200 --> 00:10:32.919 And it was from 00:10:32.919 --> 00:10:33.820 Charles Spurgeon. 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:34.279 It says, 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:35.000 Sir, 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.720 we would see Jesus. 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:40.379 It was a message that people, 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:42.139 that we long for people 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:43.820 to see Jesus afresh, 00:10:44.180 --> 00:10:45.259 to meet with him, 00:10:45.320 --> 00:10:46.320 that all our preaching, 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:47.300 that all our teaching 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:48.840 should be put Jesus 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:50.200 at front and center. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:53.080 Let's share Jesus 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:53.860 more and more. 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:56.300 Offer to pray with people. 00:10:57.040 --> 00:10:57.860 Make him known 00:10:57.860 --> 00:10:58.879 in the power of Jesus. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:10:59.240 Why? 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:00.220 Because we know 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:01.460 it makes a difference 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.700 as they did in 1940, 00:11:03.920 --> 00:11:05.500 as it does in many places 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.240 in our lives, 00:11:06.360 --> 00:11:07.560 as it will again 00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:09.320 as we see a whole nation. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:09.980 I pray, 00:11:10.320 --> 00:11:11.400 come back to Jesus. 00:11:11.660 --> 00:11:12.920 It will make a difference. 00:11:13.180 --> 00:11:14.960 Ask him as you pray 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:16.080 to give you words 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:17.320 and pictures for people. 00:11:17.320 --> 00:11:19.120 Be bold and courageous 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:20.440 to impact their lives. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:22.860 Pray as you read 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:24.100 the Bible each day. 00:11:25.040 --> 00:11:26.060 Pray that the gospel 00:11:26.060 --> 00:11:28.660 would come alive afresh, 00:11:28.760 --> 00:11:29.379 that the words 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:30.580 would come off the page, 00:11:30.840 --> 00:11:32.340 that they would speak to you. 00:11:33.420 --> 00:11:34.220 Pray this week, 00:11:34.400 --> 00:11:35.320 especially for those 00:11:36.040 --> 00:11:37.200 who are making decisions 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.280 regarding doctrine 00:11:38.280 --> 00:11:39.760 and general synod. 00:11:40.180 --> 00:11:41.160 Don't be diverted 00:11:41.160 --> 00:11:42.380 from the truth 00:11:42.380 --> 00:11:43.600 of gospel messages. 00:11:44.040 --> 00:11:45.180 The world may change, 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.080 yet God's word 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:47.120 stays the same. 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:48.960 That's the point of prayer, 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:50.460 to be real and authentic. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:50.920 Why? 00:11:51.060 --> 00:11:51.860 Because he loves 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:53.540 each and every one of us. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:54.600 And I need you 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:55.680 to hear that message. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:57.740 I need to hear 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:58.760 that message 00:11:58.760 --> 00:12:00.220 that the world needs to hear, 00:12:00.560 --> 00:12:01.780 that wherever we are, 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:02.820 whatever we come, 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:03.980 however we come, 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:05.080 we are known 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.940 and loved by God 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:07.920 and his love 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:09.040 will never end. 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:16.179 there's a true story 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:17.559 of a man 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.839 who wanted two puppies. 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:20.759 And this is, 00:12:20.799 --> 00:12:21.599 I'm told this is 00:12:21.599 --> 00:12:22.459 a true story. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:24.199 Sadly, 00:12:24.319 --> 00:12:24.899 he responded 00:12:24.899 --> 00:12:25.519 to an advert 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.219 in the paper, 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:27.839 don't do that, 00:12:27.939 --> 00:12:28.659 he should have gone 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:29.819 to a recognised breeder. 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:31.900 And as always, 00:12:32.040 --> 00:12:32.580 he was called 00:12:32.580 --> 00:12:33.440 to meet a man 00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:35.260 in a car park. 00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:35.980 He actually met 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:36.500 this person 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.740 in Morrison's car park 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:38.580 at night. 00:12:38.900 --> 00:12:40.100 He handed over 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.620 200 pounds 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.520 for each puppy 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:45.500 in the darkness. 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:46.559 And the man said to him, 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.419 by the way, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.579 they haven't been inoculated, 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:49.539 you need to take them 00:12:49.539 --> 00:12:50.419 tomorrow to a vet 00:12:50.419 --> 00:12:51.939 to get them inoculated. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:53.480 And he said, 00:12:53.679 --> 00:12:54.679 these are, 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:55.340 he said, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:55.759 what are they? 00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:55.960 He said, 00:12:55.980 --> 00:12:56.059 well, 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:56.659 they're Labradors, 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:57.279 that's what I've asked. 00:12:57.319 --> 00:12:57.639 Oh yes, 00:12:57.699 --> 00:12:58.340 they're Labradors, 00:12:58.419 --> 00:12:58.840 that's fine. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:00.799 He went next day 00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:01.500 to the vets 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:02.179 with these two 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:03.360 very small things 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:04.039 in a box 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:05.740 and the vet 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:06.720 took a look at them 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:08.539 and he said, 00:13:09.539 --> 00:13:12.500 what are you? 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:12.740 Are they? 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:14.199 Are they definitely Labradors? 00:13:14.439 --> 00:13:15.360 And the vet 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.259 looked at them closely 00:13:16.259 --> 00:13:16.539 and said, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:16.720 no, 00:13:16.759 --> 00:13:17.500 I'm really sorry. 00:13:18.179 --> 00:13:19.439 They're not Labradors. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:20.659 And he said, 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:20.759 well, 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:21.340 that's what it said 00:13:21.340 --> 00:13:21.879 in the advert. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.740 It said that they were, 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:23.460 no, 00:13:23.579 --> 00:13:24.079 they're definitely 00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:24.860 not Labradors, 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:26.240 I can tell you that. 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:27.539 The man looked devastated. 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:29.539 The vet, 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:30.960 the man said to him, 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:33.139 so what breed are they? 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:34.860 The vet paused 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.439 and said, 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:37.139 they're guinea pigs. 00:13:41.220 --> 00:13:42.379 You've been sold 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.379 guinea pigs. 00:13:47.379 --> 00:13:48.939 I'm told it's a true story. 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:51.419 If we stay locked 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:52.279 into the vine, 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:54.139 the life-giving power 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.259 and presence of God, 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.539 you will know 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:57.399 the real thing 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:58.360 when you see it. 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:00.439 You will receive 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:01.279 the real thing. 00:14:02.439 --> 00:14:03.299 We hold fast 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:03.919 to the truth, 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:05.600 you will not be sold 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:07.639 a false guinea pig 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:08.440 theology. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:11.299 Hold fast to God. 00:14:11.299 --> 00:14:13.479 Jesus chose you. 00:14:14.539 --> 00:14:15.500 That's a message 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:16.399 I really want you 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.379 to hear this morning. 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:20.299 Jesus chose you 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:23.179 in the setting 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:24.019 in which you are. 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:26.039 If you don't know that, 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:27.199 please hear it now. 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.579 Jesus chose you. 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:29.279 Why? 00:14:29.699 --> 00:14:31.679 To go and bear good fruit. 00:14:32.359 --> 00:14:33.599 Fruit that will last 00:14:33.599 --> 00:14:34.679 and not rot away 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:36.659 because we are rooted 00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.939 in good soil 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:39.140 and in the vine. 00:14:40.140 --> 00:14:40.800 Like you, 00:14:40.880 --> 00:14:41.680 I have a passion 00:14:41.680 --> 00:14:42.380 to encourage 00:14:42.380 --> 00:14:43.660 a whole new generation 00:14:43.660 --> 00:14:44.300 of Christians. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.600 It may not be 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:47.420 a surprise to you, 00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:48.260 but some churches 00:14:48.260 --> 00:14:49.100 are meeting today 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.040 with no children 00:14:50.040 --> 00:14:51.240 in their congregations. 00:14:51.900 --> 00:14:52.980 What a sadness 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:53.700 that is. 00:14:55.160 --> 00:14:56.740 That we would know Jesus, 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:58.340 that we would come to him, 00:14:58.500 --> 00:14:59.580 we would give our lives 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:00.020 to him, 00:15:00.160 --> 00:15:01.420 we would grow alongside 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.280 as a church 00:15:02.280 --> 00:15:03.240 of all ages 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.260 and all stages. 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.360 That we would grow together. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:09.440 We need to pray 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:10.560 for our next generation, 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.019 people. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:13.000 I heard of a church 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:13.759 recently where they 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:14.560 invested heavily 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:15.379 in young leaders. 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:16.740 Spirit of God 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.460 fell on those 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:18.620 that were under 25. 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:19.759 They were leading 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:20.759 and they were preaching. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:23.700 A third of the church 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:24.300 left 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:27.000 because they didn't want 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:27.639 young children 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.340 amongst them. 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:30.100 Is that a sadness 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:31.240 that breaks your heart? 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.460 It breaks mine. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:34.320 And at the moment, 00:15:34.420 --> 00:15:35.200 a large proportion 00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:36.120 of Anglican churches 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:37.320 have no young people 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:38.460 in their congregations. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:40.100 Where is the fruit? 00:15:41.900 --> 00:15:42.820 Grow the fruit. 00:15:43.520 --> 00:15:44.640 Connect into the vine. 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.180 Make that invitation. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:47.320 We pray individually 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:47.920 and together 00:15:47.920 --> 00:15:49.640 to make every opportunity. 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:51.320 Why should we pray? 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:52.520 Why do we pray? 00:15:52.680 --> 00:15:53.340 Pete Gregg, 00:15:53.520 --> 00:15:54.379 who started 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:56.300 the 24-7 prayer movement, 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.300 said it quite simply. 00:15:59.020 --> 00:16:00.300 There are three things 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.080 when you pray. 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:03.180 Keep it simple. 00:16:03.179 --> 00:16:04.859 Keep it real. 00:16:05.500 --> 00:16:06.419 And keep it up. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:08.739 Three simple things. 00:16:10.199 --> 00:16:11.239 Keep it simple. 00:16:12.219 --> 00:16:12.979 Keep it real. 00:16:13.699 --> 00:16:14.659 And keep it up. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.979 Pursue the presence 00:16:16.979 --> 00:16:17.919 of God in prayer. 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:19.359 Draw close to Jesus. 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:20.679 Ask for the power 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:21.439 of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:22.659 Maybe today afresh. 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:23.639 If you haven't asked 00:16:23.639 --> 00:16:24.120 for ages, 00:16:24.379 --> 00:16:25.439 ask for the Holy Spirit 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:27.059 to come and fill you. 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:28.740 The Holy Spirit dwells 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:30.399 in each one of us, 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.819 but maybe we haven't 00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:33.840 been filled recently 00:16:33.840 --> 00:16:35.720 with the Holy Spirit. 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:37.939 Ask the power 00:16:37.939 --> 00:16:38.620 of the Holy Spirit 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.639 to come into your life. 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.879 In the next two weeks, 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:44.360 we have an opportunity. 00:16:45.319 --> 00:16:45.799 Next week, 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.939 you will be given a card. 00:16:47.039 --> 00:16:48.860 It has five spaces on it 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:50.879 to pray for people, 00:16:51.079 --> 00:16:52.000 maybe a family, 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:54.840 to join you personally 00:16:54.840 --> 00:16:56.960 here over Christmas. 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:59.180 It's not just something 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:00.000 to pray about. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.519 You pray and then 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:03.360 do something active with it. 00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:05.680 And there'll be an invitation 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:06.860 to hand to people, 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:08.079 to invite them to come, 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.380 to all the things 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:10.720 that we invite them to. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.299 What do we invite them to? 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.880 I'd love you to bring them 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:15.240 to the Christmas Tree Festival. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:16.720 Big shout out 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.880 for the Christmas Tree Festival, 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:19.120 for the carol service, 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:20.500 for all the things 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.860 that are happening here. 00:17:22.140 --> 00:17:24.000 But what is our sole reason 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:24.819 for bringing them? 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:27.339 We bring them to meet with Jesus. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.720 That's why they come, 00:17:30.399 --> 00:17:32.500 to meet with Jesus. 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:36.379 On the day of Pentecost, 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:40.419 the disciples left their safety zones 00:17:40.419 --> 00:17:44.019 and went and grew church 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:46.339 and grew the vine. 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:48.720 And the fruit is evident 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.939 in the Gospels 00:17:49.939 --> 00:17:52.619 for us and in Scripture. 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:55.759 And we can do the same. 00:17:58.159 --> 00:17:59.239 What's the best gift 00:17:59.239 --> 00:18:00.359 you're going to give this Christmas? 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:03.919 I hope it's Jesus. 00:18:04.939 --> 00:18:06.079 I hope it's Jesus 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:07.539 to those that we know and love. 00:18:10.239 --> 00:18:11.319 Just want to leave you 00:18:11.319 --> 00:18:11.819 with a thought. 00:18:11.959 --> 00:18:15.239 If God can save 250,000 men 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:17.140 from a beach in Dunkirk, 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:25.120 I believe that he can save 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:28.220 19,000 plus people in Clevedon. 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:31.000 And it starts with prayer. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:33.960 Shall we pray? 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:41.180 Holy Spirit, 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:42.500 would you call us deeper 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.880 back into the vine with you? 00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:46.559 Would you draw us closer 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.940 into being a people 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:50.059 of not only corporate prayer, 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:51.240 but personal prayer? 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:56.200 Would you stir our souls, Lord, 00:18:56.200 --> 00:19:00.539 to see those 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:02.620 that we long to see 00:19:02.620 --> 00:19:03.400 in our lives, 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.480 in our community, 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:06.019 workplaces, 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.840 in our families 00:19:06.840 --> 00:19:07.700 saved for you? 00:19:09.940 --> 00:19:10.840 Lord, we know 00:19:10.840 --> 00:19:11.640 that you can do it. 00:19:11.920 --> 00:19:12.700 You have told us, 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.660 you have shown us. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.319 Keep us faithful, 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:16.940 keep us focused. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.100 And most of all, 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:20.480 Lord, keep us connected 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:21.400 with you deeply 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.440 in prayer we pray. 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:24.420 In Jesus' name. 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:25.940 Amen.