WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.640 Imagine meeting a person and you find out they're a Christian 00:00:03.640 --> 00:00:07.860 and they even go to a church just like yours. 00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:09.359 They go to an Anglican church in Sydney. 00:00:09.759 --> 00:00:13.480 And you're thinking, great, maybe this person can be a friend. 00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:19.740 And you find out that they even like the same sort of Christian music that you like. 00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:21.559 Maybe they could be a great friend. 00:00:21.559 --> 00:00:23.300 They go to a church on a Sunday. 00:00:23.719 --> 00:00:26.199 They even go to a community group throughout the week. 00:00:26.879 --> 00:00:30.219 They believe Jesus died and was raised three days later 00:00:30.219 --> 00:00:34.740 and that he's going to return and that they are waiting for him to return. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:36.420 And you are thinking, this is great. 00:00:36.519 --> 00:00:37.359 Could this be true? 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:41.320 I've just met this random person in the street and they are so similar to me. 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:43.280 We are exactly the same. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:44.259 Could this be true? 00:00:44.539 --> 00:00:48.039 Maybe God has put this person in my life for this moment. 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:49.739 Maybe this is the person I'm going to marry. 00:00:50.760 --> 00:00:51.739 This is amazing. 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:53.399 Maybe this is going to be my best friend. 00:00:53.399 --> 00:00:56.299 Who knows this is, could this really be true? 00:00:56.679 --> 00:00:58.920 Could this person be so similar to me? 00:00:59.019 --> 00:01:00.759 Maybe I could be united with them like that. 00:01:00.899 --> 00:01:04.000 And then you ask them that most important question. 00:01:05.359 --> 00:01:07.400 What time do you go to church on a Sunday? 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:09.420 Your heart's beating. 00:01:10.620 --> 00:01:12.060 Is this going to be the one? 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:16.700 And you wait and they say, I go to church at night. 00:01:17.039 --> 00:01:18.640 Oh, and your heart is broken. 00:01:18.739 --> 00:01:20.019 You heretic, you shout. 00:01:20.019 --> 00:01:22.479 How could you go to church at night? 00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:26.819 Now, this is a purely hypothetical situation. 00:01:28.420 --> 00:01:30.780 We wouldn't be as fickle as this, would we? 00:01:31.379 --> 00:01:35.719 But how united are we as a church? 00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:39.099 What does it mean for us to be united? 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:41.699 And what is it that unites us? 00:01:41.799 --> 00:01:44.719 Is it just our preferences for church on a Sunday? 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:49.140 Or is there something deeper that unites us with one another? 00:01:50.340 --> 00:01:54.780 Today, we're looking at the command to be united with one another. 00:01:55.939 --> 00:01:59.379 Last week, we looked at the command to love one another. 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:02.560 And part of that is being united. 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:06.939 There's one command that we'll see that says to be united. 00:02:06.939 --> 00:02:18.120 And then there's a number of other commands to be in harmony, to have the same mind with one another that we're going to look at as we continue in our series on one another. 00:02:19.099 --> 00:02:22.079 Today, we're going to see the division that brings unity. 00:02:22.759 --> 00:02:24.939 We're going to see what our unity is in. 00:02:25.340 --> 00:02:29.340 And then we're going to see the things that we should not have unity in. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:33.539 So I'm going to pray for us as we think about being united. 00:02:33.539 --> 00:02:39.620 Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for your love for us. 00:02:40.620 --> 00:02:47.659 And I thank you that we can be united here this morning, that we can be a diverse family gathered together. 00:02:48.099 --> 00:02:50.739 And I thank you for Jesus who unites us. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:57.599 Help us to think about this and be a family that loves each other like you love us. 00:02:58.099 --> 00:02:58.379 Amen. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:04.079 So we're going to see this morning that unity starts with division. 00:03:04.500 --> 00:03:08.120 Let me read from Jesus' words in Luke chapter 12. 00:03:09.460 --> 00:03:10.159 Jesus said, 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:38.439 Jesus takes existing families. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:41.300 He takes existing people groups and cultures. 00:03:41.800 --> 00:03:45.439 And he doesn't always take everyone from the family. 00:03:46.359 --> 00:03:48.840 Maybe you're sitting with your family today. 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:55.360 Or maybe you were the only person in your family that is following Jesus at the moment. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:03:59.079 Jesus said he didn't come to bring peace. 00:03:59.159 --> 00:04:01.000 He came to bring division. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:07.280 Because Jesus has to tear apart the structures of the world. 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:11.780 He has to tear apart families and social groups to make something new. 00:04:12.500 --> 00:04:17.899 And we get a picture of what this new thing is in Galatians 3 that was read for us. 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:21.019 From verse 26. 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:24.739 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 00:04:25.739 --> 00:04:29.879 For all of you who are baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 00:04:30.939 --> 00:04:32.679 There is neither Jew nor Gentile. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:34.459 Neither slave nor free. 00:04:34.899 --> 00:04:36.799 Nor is there male or female. 00:04:37.279 --> 00:04:39.299 For you are all one in Christ. 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:41.540 In Christ we are all sons. 00:04:41.840 --> 00:04:44.560 Sons who have the right to an inheritance from God. 00:04:44.920 --> 00:04:46.840 We are brought into one family. 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:52.160 So Jesus has taken us from where we were. 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:54.420 Whether we were slaves or free. 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:56.120 Whether we were Jew or Gentile. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:57.220 Old or young. 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:58.500 Male or female. 00:04:58.759 --> 00:04:59.500 Born in Sydney. 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:00.680 Born in the Philippines. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:04.639 And we are made one family in Christ. 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:11.139 In Jesus' death and resurrection he takes a divided world. 00:05:11.819 --> 00:05:13.699 We who divide on anything. 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:16.819 Preference, taste, color of skin. 00:05:17.160 --> 00:05:21.379 And he brings us to a new family united as one. 00:05:22.340 --> 00:05:28.840 Now we might think that unity and harmony is brought about just by sweeping problems under the rug. 00:05:28.839 --> 00:05:30.479 Maybe you do that as a parent. 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:31.479 Just stop fighting. 00:05:32.579 --> 00:05:35.639 Let's not talk about our divisions and the conflict between us. 00:05:36.519 --> 00:05:38.459 If there's conflict let's just hide it away. 00:05:38.599 --> 00:05:40.379 Let's just sweep the conflict under the rug. 00:05:40.899 --> 00:05:43.299 We see that in our politicians sometimes. 00:05:43.859 --> 00:05:50.439 It seems that politicians would just prefer to arrest and put in jail anybody who disagrees with them. 00:05:51.239 --> 00:05:53.519 Let's just pretend that everything is fine. 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:57.939 But Jesus doesn't just come and pretend that everything is fine. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:06:00.399 He doesn't just come to make us happy. 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:04.199 He doesn't try and do a small thing like that. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:08.819 Jesus actually comes and tears us apart. 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:13.060 And tears us from our families and our social groups. 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:17.779 And he makes what we value him above all else. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:25.799 He does this so that we have unswerving loyalty to Jesus before anyone else. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:29.559 Because he offers us so much more than just simple happiness. 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:34.419 He offers us the opportunity to be the very child of God. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:36.779 Now my kids love Lego. 00:06:37.119 --> 00:06:41.079 I'm not sure if your kids love Lego or if you remember stepping on Lego. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:41.199 Lego. 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:48.519 And what will often happen is one of my children, let's say Tamara, she might build something out of Lego. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:50.639 And she will build this great creation. 00:06:51.219 --> 00:06:53.419 And Isaac, he'll have the instructions. 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:55.479 And he'll be building something. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:57.819 And then he'll need a particular piece. 00:06:58.099 --> 00:06:59.519 And there might only be one of them. 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:03.719 And it just so happens that it's in the thing that Tamara built. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:07.200 I don't know how this happens, but it seems to happen every time. 00:07:08.120 --> 00:07:12.580 And so for Isaac to build this thing, there has to be conflict. 00:07:12.780 --> 00:07:14.880 He has to tear down what Tamara has built. 00:07:15.260 --> 00:07:16.940 And there's never any problems. 00:07:17.880 --> 00:07:19.100 I'd tell a small lie. 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:20.340 There's always conflict. 00:07:21.200 --> 00:07:24.340 Because Isaac needs something Tamara has. 00:07:24.400 --> 00:07:28.680 He has to tear that down so that he can make something new. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:38.600 And Jesus takes us from our families, from our culture, from the things that we cling very tightly to. 00:07:38.759 --> 00:07:43.120 Whether it's our friendships, whether it's family above all else. 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:44.699 Maybe it's our identity as people. 00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:50.579 He takes us out of this old and he makes something new. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:56.540 He brings divisions so that he can build a new united family. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:08:08.860 Jesus has taken me from being a white Australian, post-modern, materialistic, selfish man. 00:08:08.960 --> 00:08:10.560 And he has made me God's son. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:12.400 Loved me. 00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:15.040 He's brought me into God's family. 00:08:15.320 --> 00:08:16.980 A family who love one another. 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:19.560 And that's who I am first. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:25.960 As I follow Jesus, the gospel needs to continually interact and rebuke me. 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:31.299 As I kind of want to go back to being that Australian, materialistic, selfish man. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:34.939 I like being an Australian. 00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:42.799 But there's many parts of me and the culture that I've come from that need to be rebuked. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.799 That I need to move away from. 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:47.240 And I need to be redeemed by God. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:52.200 And the gospel will keep doing the same for all of us here. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:58.139 As it takes us from where we are and brings us into a new family. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:08:59.659 A new culture. 00:09:00.340 --> 00:09:01.259 United together. 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:08.659 Let's make sure that we don't just fall back into the place that God has taken us from. 00:09:08.899 --> 00:09:12.820 Into the values of the culture that God has taken us from. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:16.480 But we have the values of our new family together. 00:09:18.540 --> 00:09:20.180 So Jesus' death. 00:09:21.800 --> 00:09:24.360 His blood has birthed one new people. 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:28.740 We've gone from being individuals in different places. 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:30.720 Different cultures. 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:31.600 Different people. 00:09:32.300 --> 00:09:34.860 To being one new family together. 00:09:35.360 --> 00:09:36.980 But what does this body look like? 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:40.899 What does it look like to be united as a family together? 00:09:42.100 --> 00:09:44.379 Adrian read from 1 Corinthians before. 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:45.960 From 1 Corinthians 12. 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:50.940 But in this extended letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:56.539 It's a very divided church that he sends this letter to. 00:09:56.980 --> 00:10:00.940 And so he starts with a command in chapter 1 verse 10. 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:03.920 I appeal to you brothers and sisters. 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:06.540 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:09.600 That all of you agree with one another. 00:10:10.380 --> 00:10:11.300 In what you say. 00:10:11.680 --> 00:10:13.660 And that there be no divisions among you. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:17.400 But that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 00:10:17.880 --> 00:10:20.920 He asked them to be united in mind and thought. 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:23.520 And that they would agree with one another. 00:10:24.160 --> 00:10:27.700 Because this church is fighting amongst themselves. 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:29.560 There's a lot of sin. 00:10:29.559 --> 00:10:32.299 They're divided over who the right leadership is. 00:10:32.439 --> 00:10:33.859 Some say I follow Paul. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:35.439 Others say I follow Jesus. 00:10:35.619 --> 00:10:37.039 And Paul says I follow Christ. 00:10:38.219 --> 00:10:42.079 The church were committing all kinds of sexually immoral acts. 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:45.399 They were boasting about how immoral they were. 00:10:46.299 --> 00:10:48.779 Some people were coming together as the church. 00:10:48.959 --> 00:10:50.000 And they were getting drunk. 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:52.379 And they were stuffing themselves with food. 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:55.000 And other people didn't even have any food. 00:10:56.319 --> 00:10:57.719 There was no unity. 00:10:57.719 --> 00:10:59.119 There was no family. 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:02.219 These people were focusing on themselves. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:04.859 And ripping apart the church in Corinth. 00:11:06.219 --> 00:11:11.219 This church which God had taken to unite into a new family. 00:11:11.339 --> 00:11:14.239 Well they were going back to their old way of doing things. 00:11:14.240 --> 00:11:17.580 And Paul deals with this division. 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:21.060 He paints a picture of what this family is to look like. 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:24.399 From 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 12. 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:30.639 Just as a body though one has many parts. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:33.600 All of its many parts form one body. 00:11:33.959 --> 00:11:36.079 So as it is with Christ. 00:11:37.199 --> 00:11:40.679 For we were all baptized by one spirit so as to form one body. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:42.860 Whether Jews or Gentiles. 00:11:43.220 --> 00:11:44.159 Slave or free. 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:47.159 And we were all given the one spirit to drink. 00:11:48.179 --> 00:11:52.360 Even so the body is not made up of one part but many. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:59.000 We as individuals from many different places. 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:01.379 From different walks of life. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:03.220 Are brought into a new family. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:06.899 And Paul says that we all have value. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:09.300 We are all different as individuals. 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:13.860 But all individuals have value as they make up one body. 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:16.039 As they are united with one another. 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:20.079 And one of the great things about this. 00:12:20.559 --> 00:12:22.699 That Jesus unites us into one body. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.659 Is that it doesn't flatten us all out. 00:12:25.099 --> 00:12:28.059 It doesn't say that we all have to be exactly the same. 00:12:29.599 --> 00:12:33.019 To be part of this family you don't have to look like everyone else. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:35.480 I loved having the kids up here this morning. 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:42.240 Loved seeing them model how it is we can communicate in different languages. 00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:43.720 We don't all have to be the same. 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:45.919 We don't all have to speak the same language. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:48.419 If you speak a different language to me. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:51.639 You are definitely still loved by Jesus. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:54.600 And we can still be united as a family. 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:58.460 But Jesus died for individuals. 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:01.759 He died for Dan Leslie. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:05.120 He died for Adam. 00:13:05.460 --> 00:13:08.139 He died for all of us as individuals. 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:10.159 To bring us into a family. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:12.860 But we still have our names. 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:17.480 We still have our unique gifts and abilities. 00:13:18.819 --> 00:13:20.100 We are very different. 00:13:20.719 --> 00:13:22.699 But we are brought together and united. 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:25.559 And so in verse 15 of chapter 12. 00:13:26.339 --> 00:13:28.079 It says now if the foot should say. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.799 Because I am not a hand. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.179 I do not belong to the body. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:34.539 It would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.860 And if the ear should say. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:36.879 Because I am not an eye. 00:13:36.959 --> 00:13:37.980 I do not belong to the body. 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:41.279 It would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 00:13:42.940 --> 00:13:44.460 We actually miss out. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.480 If we are not united. 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:51.159 A church that is united with different skills and gifts. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:54.620 It can do so much more than a church divided. 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:59.000 A church that is just made up of feet. 00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:01.420 Give me a career choice. 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:03.300 What could I describe a foot as? 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:06.779 Anybody want to throw a career choice at me? 00:14:07.099 --> 00:14:08.079 It doesn't have to be your own. 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:10.659 Podiatrists. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:13.559 We don't all have to be the feet of podiatrists. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.120 If we would. 00:14:15.219 --> 00:14:17.879 Where would be the optometrists of our eyes? 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:23.099 We need many different things. 00:14:23.799 --> 00:14:25.419 We are many different things. 00:14:25.599 --> 00:14:26.959 And God unites us together. 00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:29.019 I am sorry if there is any podiatrists here. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.899 I don't know if there is. 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:33.860 We want to be a church of different people. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:36.879 People from every nation, tribe and tongue. 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:41.379 And Paul is saying that individuals are not made to be individual. 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:43.980 People are not made to be alone. 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:45.819 But to be brought into a team. 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:46.939 Into a family. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:50.500 Where individuality is discovered. 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:53.299 As part of being united in Christ. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:57.460 Verse 24 of chapter 12. 00:14:57.460 --> 00:14:59.620 God has put the body together. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:03.000 Giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it. 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:06.540 So that there should be no division in the body. 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:09.580 But that its parts should have equal concern for one another. 00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:10.519 Another version says. 00:15:10.920 --> 00:15:15.080 So that the members may have the same care for one another. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:20.700 There is value in all the different parts of us. 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:23.040 As we care for one another. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.780 And if we suffer. 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:26.480 We are to suffer together. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:30.279 Now it's easy to value some parts. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.080 And treat them with more honor. 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:33.879 And to ignore others. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:37.720 But we should have the same care for one another. 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:41.659 Being united as the family of God here at St. Paul's. 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:44.159 Means that we look out for one another. 00:15:44.300 --> 00:15:44.820 We love. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:45.379 We care. 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.300 We sacrifice. 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:50.320 It's that description of love from last week. 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:52.820 It's to show servant hearted. 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:55.420 Radical and sacrificial love to one another. 00:15:55.419 --> 00:16:01.459 We are to have the same heart as Jesus has for one another. 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:06.699 We can't do Christianity on our own. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.139 But the great thing is we don't have to. 00:16:09.939 --> 00:16:14.039 God has richly blessed us by bringing us together. 00:16:14.039 --> 00:16:21.439 Because God takes individuals and he brings us into a family where we can express our individuality. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:23.059 And it can be enjoyed. 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:27.659 I'm so thankful for people who speak other languages. 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:33.059 Because it means we can all praise God in different tongues. 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:35.879 I'm thankful for the people who are translating right now. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:38.339 Because it means we can be united together. 00:16:39.439 --> 00:16:41.339 We need different people. 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:45.719 Imagine a community made of people that were exactly like you. 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:49.679 Imagine you and everyone is exactly the same. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:53.559 I'm not quite sure what you'd think of that. 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:57.739 But I think after a time you would get bored. 00:16:58.419 --> 00:17:01.279 You'd get bored of everyone being the same as you. 00:17:02.459 --> 00:17:04.599 We need different types of people. 00:17:04.919 --> 00:17:06.859 Those who are good at encouraging. 00:17:07.899 --> 00:17:12.240 Those who are good at leading us in music as we worship God. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:14.640 Those who model a prayerful life. 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.539 Those who can teach God's word. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:20.059 Those who are good at administration. 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:25.039 Now if you've ever needed physiotherapy, you'd understand this. 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:27.519 Has anybody had to go to a physio before? 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:35.039 If the body is out of whack, it's often not an isolated issue. 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:38.259 It seems to me, now I'm not a physiotherapist. 00:17:38.319 --> 00:17:39.120 I'm just going to put this out there. 00:17:39.120 --> 00:17:40.980 Is there any physiotherapists up here? 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:43.160 Do they want to come up and help me? 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:43.900 No? Okay, fine. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:47.880 It seems that if you've got an issue with your hips, 00:17:48.900 --> 00:17:50.339 you don't just work on your hips. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:54.120 You need to work on abs and back and thighs. 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:57.079 And if you've got a problem with your neck, 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:57.920 a physio will go, 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:03.880 it's because the way you walk is putting impact on your foot 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:05.640 and it's causing issue all the way up. 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:08.620 And it's then causing problems in your neck. 00:18:08.620 --> 00:18:09.740 Does that sound about right? 00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:12.559 That sounds like something a physio would say, doesn't it? 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:17.039 And so, you know, when you're, so the physio will say, 00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:18.759 go to the gym, work on these muscles. 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:21.039 Don't just work out on the glamour muscles. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.960 Don't just work the biceps. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.240 Don't just work the chest. 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:27.240 Because it'll curve your back over. 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:33.059 How is our body, church? 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:36.859 How are we going being united to one another? 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:41.720 Are we giving more honour to those who appear glamorous? 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:45.400 Are we just working the glamour muscles of our church, 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:50.040 but it's actually causing us to be bent over as a body 00:18:50.040 --> 00:18:53.380 and suffering as we're not united together? 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:56.460 Is there someone in your community group? 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:00.240 Is there someone sitting next to you who's feeling disconnected? 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:04.700 That actually needs to be united to this body, to this family? 00:19:05.780 --> 00:19:08.400 Does it just need something simple like saying, 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:11.840 hey, God loves you and you're an important part of this community? 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:14.939 What about you? 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:18.779 Are you united in this family? 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:22.419 Are you connected to the community here? 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:27.359 Have you allowed the excuse of busyness or work 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:31.319 getting in the way of being connected here as a family? 00:19:31.879 --> 00:19:34.480 Is it pulling you out of the body of church? 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:39.839 Let me encourage all of us 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:46.079 to reach out and encourage and unite those around us. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.819 And if you are feeling disconnected, 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:50.220 don't just leave it there. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:53.839 Go to our Connect desk at morning tea. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:55.740 Come and talk to myself. 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:57.079 Grab someone else. 00:19:57.839 --> 00:20:00.099 And say, I really want to be connected in here. 00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:03.519 Because just like that image of the body, 00:20:04.419 --> 00:20:06.819 if part of us is not working well, 00:20:06.879 --> 00:20:09.500 if part of us is not working and connected in, 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:11.099 we are all going to suffer. 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:17.419 So Jesus has taken us from the place where we're at. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:19.359 He's taken us from our communities, 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.740 our cultures and families, 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:24.299 and he's brought us into one new family together 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:28.539 where we can be united and build up and love one another. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:33.839 But does this mean we have unity here at all costs? 00:20:35.379 --> 00:20:39.599 Is there any risk of being united together as a church? 00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:46.099 I was listening to a sermon by a pastor called John Piper recently, 00:20:46.659 --> 00:20:50.839 and he was describing something that happened in his church around 60 years ago. 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:53.720 He said that the church was very united, 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:59.360 and they took a vote to not allow African American people in their church. 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:02.700 And the vote was unanimous. 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:05.660 They voted to not allow African Americans in their church. 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.400 The church was united, 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:13.740 but they had clearly cut their arm or their leg off their body of a church. 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:17.140 They had united, but they were not healthy. 00:21:17.140 --> 00:21:23.740 Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1 to have the same mind with one another. 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:29.420 Because there are core issues. 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:31.740 Paul said to have the same mind, 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:34.380 but there are some issues that are negotiable. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:37.140 Some issues there can be flexibility on, 00:21:37.340 --> 00:21:40.820 and there are other issues that there is no flexibility on. 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:45.759 Paul has an account of disunity in the early church, 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:49.839 and shows an issue that is a non-negotiable. 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:51.339 It shows a core issue. 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:53.599 It's from Galatians chapter 2. 00:21:53.679 --> 00:21:54.220 Let me read. 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:58.700 When Cephas, who is Peter, came to Antioch, 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:01.819 I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:04.919 For before certain men came from James, 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:06.659 he used to eat with the Gentiles. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:08.580 But when they arrived, 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:12.360 he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles, 00:22:12.540 --> 00:22:16.660 because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:19.720 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, 00:22:20.100 --> 00:22:23.500 so that by their hypocrisy, even Barnabas was led astray. 00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:26.040 And so what's happened is that Peter 00:22:26.040 --> 00:22:32.600 pulled back from fellowship and being united with the Gentiles. 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:37.539 Jesus has made one new body out of those who are Jews 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.980 and those who are not Jews, 00:22:39.119 --> 00:22:41.480 but Peter had pulled back from that. 00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:43.859 He'd cut himself off. 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:48.839 And so Paul came and had firm words with him. 00:22:49.719 --> 00:22:52.539 For the Christian, the news of the gospel is that we, 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.740 who are a divided people, 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:58.279 we who are from many different places, 00:22:58.419 --> 00:23:01.139 God has made us one new family in the death of Christ. 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:03.259 That is a non-negotiable. 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.060 We can't say, 00:23:05.520 --> 00:23:07.720 no, no, Jesus and this church, 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.980 we're not for African-American people, 00:23:10.120 --> 00:23:11.720 like that church of John Piper's. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:14.180 We can't say, like Peter, 00:23:14.280 --> 00:23:16.100 this church is for non-Jews. 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:20.780 Because Jesus, in his death and resurrection, 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:22.700 has made us one new family 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:24.680 from many different backgrounds. 00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:28.020 Paul values the unity of the church 00:23:28.020 --> 00:23:30.259 so much that he confronts Peter. 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:33.500 Unity of the church is so important 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.920 that these two leaders, 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:39.779 he didn't just let it be an issue on the side. 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:41.940 He didn't just try and sweep it under the rug. 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:44.140 He didn't just try and get along with Peter. 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:47.680 This conflict actually brought unity. 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:50.379 Unity is so important 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:53.220 that there can be conflict to get it. 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:56.240 But it's important that this unity 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:59.400 is over non-negotiable issues. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:02.079 Because as we talk about unity 00:24:02.079 --> 00:24:03.640 and things that are non-negotiable, 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:05.900 I think we as Christians 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:07.720 can often go one of two different ways. 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.759 We can often say 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:15.299 that everything is on this side, 00:24:15.360 --> 00:24:17.059 we're not going to negotiate about anything. 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:18.500 Everything is a gospel issue. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:23.539 And we're not going to budge one bit on anything. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:25.460 You know, 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:28.039 that silly illustration from the start, 00:24:28.140 --> 00:24:29.500 if you don't go to the morning service, 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:31.099 well, you clearly aren't a Christian, 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.480 and so I'm not going to budge. 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:34.019 You use a different translation to me. 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:34.779 You know, 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:36.259 you don't sing the same songs as me. 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:37.380 I am not going to budge. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.660 Everything is a gospel issue. 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:40.680 Or, 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.279 we can say that, 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:42.640 you know what, 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.920 unity is so important. 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:46.720 Unity is the really important thing, 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:48.920 and we have to be flexible on everything, 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:50.380 even the gospel. 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:52.319 So we can go one of two ways. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:54.559 We can say that everything is a gospel issue, 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:57.220 and we will have no flexibility at all. 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.420 Or we can say, 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:59.700 yeah, we'll be flexible on anything. 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.579 What if you like? 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:03.319 It doesn't matter as long as we're together. 00:25:04.380 --> 00:25:06.000 I think these are the two places 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:07.259 we can often go to. 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:09.779 But we need to find a third way, 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:13.380 where we fight for what is non-negotiable, 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:15.520 but we have flexibility 00:25:15.520 --> 00:25:17.120 on the things 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:19.080 that we can have flexibility on. 00:25:20.080 --> 00:25:21.960 An example of walking this line 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.540 between these two positions 00:25:23.540 --> 00:25:26.220 is former Archbishop Marcus Lone. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:29.100 Marcus Lone was the Archbishop of Sydney 00:25:29.100 --> 00:25:31.980 between 1966 and 1982, 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:35.300 and in this time, 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:36.420 he received a letter. 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:38.260 It was from the Pope, 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:41.099 and it said that Pope VI, 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:43.059 Pope Paul VI, 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.400 was visiting Sydney. 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:47.440 And the Australian Council of Churches 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:49.819 organized an event 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:51.940 for all of the religious leaders 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.019 to get together 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:54.420 and show unity together. 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:56.000 Does anybody remember this? 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.119 One person. 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:58.720 Oh, a couple of people. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:25:59.000 Wonderful. 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:02.119 And Archbishop Lone 00:26:02.119 --> 00:26:03.140 was left with a decision. 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:05.860 Does he attend and show unity 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:10.300 with people from totally different places 00:26:10.300 --> 00:26:11.840 and totally different beliefs 00:26:11.840 --> 00:26:13.420 about God and Jesus? 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:16.640 Or does he show disunity 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:18.220 with the wider community? 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:21.820 He expressed his position very simply. 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:25.200 I find this most disconcerting 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:27.020 and very embarrassing, he said. 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:29.700 I do not expect to attend. 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:32.860 There is sure to be much fuss in the press. 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:35.419 I love the word fuss in that context. 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.399 However, I am convinced 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:39.219 that until there is an agreed 00:26:39.219 --> 00:26:40.819 doctrinal confession, 00:26:41.699 --> 00:26:43.339 any get-together of this kind 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:46.859 only increases the elements of disunity. 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:51.299 He was not able to be united 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:54.059 even though the Roman Catholic Church 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:56.319 believes many similar things. 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:58.339 But the Roman Catholic Church 00:26:58.339 --> 00:27:00.879 taught that the Pope is infallible. 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:02.299 He cannot make mistakes 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.579 and he's the head of the church. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.299 Whereas, 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:06.839 we would believe that 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.559 that's Jesus. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:09.319 He said that justification 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:12.700 depends not solely upon Christ's work 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:14.859 but on our work as well. 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:17.019 Whereas for Archbishop Lone 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.839 and for us, 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.980 it is not our works that saves us 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:21.180 but Christ's alone. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.899 And the Roman Catholic Church 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:25.000 believes that tradition 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.919 is equally as important 00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:29.240 as God's word in the Bible. 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:30.460 Whereas Archbishop Lone 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:31.700 and we would hold 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:33.900 that our tradition is helpful 00:27:33.900 --> 00:27:36.900 but we continually need to come back 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:38.700 to what God says in his word. 00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:41.019 And so Archbishop Lone 00:27:41.019 --> 00:27:43.200 had a very respectful 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:45.640 but clear division 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:47.940 with the rest of the religious community. 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.859 This was a massive issue 00:27:50.859 --> 00:27:52.039 in the press at the time. 00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.220 But unity, 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:55.420 he didn't just be united 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:57.880 because there was something more important. 00:27:58.039 --> 00:28:00.120 It was a gospel issue. 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:03.039 As we've seen from Paul, 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:05.460 unity in the cross of Christ 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.480 is the most important 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:09.380 because that is what brings us unity. 00:28:09.840 --> 00:28:11.420 That is what brings us together 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:12.240 as a family 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:14.380 and not just preferences. 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:16.400 Archbishop Lone 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:18.420 couldn't stand alongside those 00:28:19.060 --> 00:28:20.600 who didn't believe 00:28:20.599 --> 00:28:22.779 that it's Christ's work on the cross 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:24.039 that brings us 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:25.379 to be a family together. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.899 And he caused division 00:28:27.899 --> 00:28:29.519 over what was 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:31.119 a core issue, 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:32.559 a non-negotiable. 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.439 Now just like Paul, 00:28:36.439 --> 00:28:37.519 Archbishop Lone 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:39.359 showed that it's not just 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:40.679 that we are to be united. 00:28:40.879 --> 00:28:42.279 We don't just have unity 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:44.319 at the cost of everything else. 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:47.000 But that we are to be united 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.199 in the cross. 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:50.059 So how do we walk 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:51.580 between these two lines? 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:55.180 How do we go being united 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.880 with one another? 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:58.240 Are you more likely 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.480 to be on this side, 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:01.319 a bit more hard-lined, 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:03.299 a bit less flexible, 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.620 wanting to say 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:05.819 that everyone has to believe 00:29:05.819 --> 00:29:07.640 the exact same thing as you? 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:11.220 Or are you on this side? 00:29:13.080 --> 00:29:15.600 Are you a little bit too flexible? 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.779 Are you really keen 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.539 to have unity? 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.240 But sometimes 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.579 you let the gospel 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:24.399 slip away. 00:29:25.660 --> 00:29:27.139 I think my problem 00:29:27.139 --> 00:29:27.879 in the past 00:29:27.879 --> 00:29:30.099 and our problem here 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:31.500 could be that, 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:32.539 well I know, 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.700 I'll speak for myself, 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:35.119 that I can be 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:36.200 a little bit too arrogant 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:37.740 and think that 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:39.180 my expression of Christianity 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:40.519 is the best 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.500 and only one. 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.759 And if you don't 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:44.480 exactly believe 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:45.119 what I believe, 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.440 well you're just wrong, 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.120 full stop 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:48.400 and you can't be a Christian. 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:50.960 And so 00:29:50.960 --> 00:29:53.420 instead of finding unity 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.299 in the gospel 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:56.200 like Paul did 00:29:56.200 --> 00:29:56.640 and Paul, 00:29:56.820 --> 00:29:57.700 when he brought Peter back 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.640 and Archbishop Lone 00:29:58.640 --> 00:29:59.700 attempted to do, 00:30:00.380 --> 00:30:02.539 I push people away 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:04.559 if they are different to me. 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:06.720 Is that 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:08.440 your natural inclination? 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:11.279 I think in the past 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:13.059 we can squabble 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:14.960 over the things 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:16.279 that just aren't important. 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.120 Instead of letting 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:18.680 the gospel 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.880 that unites us 00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:21.080 bring us together 00:30:21.080 --> 00:30:23.820 as we love 00:30:23.820 --> 00:30:24.279 one another. 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.680 And if we are loving, 00:30:25.820 --> 00:30:26.480 that means we are 00:30:26.480 --> 00:30:28.120 sacrificing our preferences. 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.860 We need to sit 00:30:31.860 --> 00:30:33.500 in this uncomfortable space 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:34.820 where we consider 00:30:34.820 --> 00:30:36.779 the things that we hold to 00:30:36.779 --> 00:30:37.259 and think, 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.440 are these my preferences 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:40.799 or are these core 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:42.000 non-negotiables? 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:46.359 Let's unite 00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:47.180 over the things 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:47.720 that are 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:48.779 non-negotiable. 00:30:49.399 --> 00:30:50.359 That it is Jesus 00:30:50.359 --> 00:30:51.339 who unites us 00:30:51.339 --> 00:30:52.119 in his death 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.859 and resurrection 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:54.220 and not squabble 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:54.899 over the things 00:30:54.899 --> 00:30:55.619 that don't matter. 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:56.839 Now, 00:30:56.899 --> 00:30:57.440 I want to leave you 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:58.259 with one picture 00:30:58.259 --> 00:31:00.519 of what being 00:31:00.519 --> 00:31:01.700 a united church 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.379 could look like. 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:04.160 Let's just imagine, 00:31:04.920 --> 00:31:06.200 it's been a bit windy lately. 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:07.040 Let's just imagine 00:31:07.040 --> 00:31:07.779 if there was a really 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.480 big gust of wind 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:08.880 this morning 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.759 and it uprooted 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.480 our whole church 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:12.140 and we were plonked 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.880 in Sydney Harbour. 00:31:14.860 --> 00:31:17.380 And our captain 00:31:17.380 --> 00:31:18.160 appears, 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:18.860 it's Jesus. 00:31:19.120 --> 00:31:19.759 We've got Jesus 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:20.680 at the front of our boat 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:21.920 and he is setting 00:31:21.920 --> 00:31:23.040 the direction for us. 00:31:23.560 --> 00:31:24.500 We're all united 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.380 in this boat together. 00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.380 We're all now 00:31:27.380 --> 00:31:28.500 sitting at oars 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.120 and we're rowing 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.019 this giant boat 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.840 of a church together 00:31:30.840 --> 00:31:33.300 and Jesus is telling us 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:33.919 the way to go. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.460 He is saying, 00:31:34.659 --> 00:31:35.539 go and make disciples 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.159 of all nations. 00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:38.099 And then, 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.700 we've got that 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:41.259 eye patch wearing, 00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:42.299 peg legged, 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.419 pirate hatted 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.700 first mate, 00:31:45.399 --> 00:31:45.940 Steve Jeffrey. 00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:49.000 He's listening 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.579 to the captain 00:31:49.579 --> 00:31:52.599 and he's telling us 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.180 whether we need 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:53.899 to go faster 00:31:53.899 --> 00:31:54.599 or slower. 00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:56.419 He sets the pace 00:31:56.419 --> 00:31:57.500 as we follow 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.460 Jesus' direction. 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.099 Maybe he's got 00:31:59.099 --> 00:32:00.099 one of those big drums 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.980 and he's beating 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.500 the drum 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.980 and he's picking 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:04.059 up pace for us 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:04.640 as we need 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:05.359 to be faster 00:32:05.359 --> 00:32:05.880 as the church 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.579 or slower. 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:09.519 He pounds the drum 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:12.019 and we row those oars 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.779 in time 00:32:12.779 --> 00:32:14.039 as we are united 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.200 together as one body. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:15.799 All of us 00:32:15.799 --> 00:32:17.240 very diverse 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.640 but going in 00:32:18.640 --> 00:32:19.660 the same direction 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.759 as Jesus points 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:21.579 under the leadership 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.740 of our captain 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:23.859 and our first mate. 00:32:25.180 --> 00:32:27.099 What a picture 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:28.019 of being united, 00:32:28.619 --> 00:32:29.380 following Jesus, 00:32:29.559 --> 00:32:31.039 going in the same direction, 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:32.539 to see people 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:33.779 become and made 00:32:33.779 --> 00:32:35.220 disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:37.779 Imagine if there was 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:38.680 just a couple of us, 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.579 just a couple, 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.799 who thought, 00:32:41.399 --> 00:32:42.200 I don't want to go 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:42.759 that way. 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:44.539 Actually, 00:32:44.619 --> 00:32:45.279 I think I know 00:32:45.279 --> 00:32:46.099 the best way to go 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.940 and so they grab 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:47.539 their oars 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.519 and instead of going 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.079 the same direction 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:49.659 they actually start 00:32:49.659 --> 00:32:50.259 going backwards. 00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:53.619 Maybe they just go, 00:32:53.839 --> 00:32:55.119 it's a bit too hard 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:57.399 this following Jesus stuff, 00:32:57.599 --> 00:32:58.980 I might just have a rest 00:32:58.980 --> 00:33:00.279 and so they just start 00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:01.420 having a sleep in the back 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:02.779 and some people, 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.200 well, 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:03.920 they've gotten fed up 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:04.480 with the whole thing, 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.740 they've pulled their oars in 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.620 and they're just beating 00:33:06.620 --> 00:33:07.539 each other over the head. 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:11.380 We would be going nowhere. 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.120 Actually, 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:14.059 we may start listing 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:14.920 to one side, 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.900 maybe we start 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:17.099 going around in circles. 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:18.380 Some people might still 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:19.440 be working hard 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:21.680 but because of the division, 00:33:21.799 --> 00:33:22.799 we would be going nowhere. 00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:25.559 How much better is it 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:26.319 to be united 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:26.960 with one another 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:28.619 as we follow Jesus, 00:33:29.220 --> 00:33:30.339 as we are made 00:33:30.339 --> 00:33:31.859 to be one new family? 00:33:33.399 --> 00:33:34.359 And that's why we have 00:33:34.359 --> 00:33:35.399 these words on the wall 00:33:35.399 --> 00:33:36.200 behind us. 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:37.960 They keep our eyes 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:39.319 on the direction 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:40.519 that Jesus sets 00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:42.259 because we want to 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:42.599 have a look, 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.460 treasure Jesus 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:45.139 for God's glory 00:33:45.139 --> 00:33:46.720 and the joy 00:33:46.720 --> 00:33:47.839 of all people. 00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:49.859 We want to paddle 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:50.619 in time 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:51.399 with one another. 00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:53.399 We want to see 00:33:53.399 --> 00:33:55.000 God glorified 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.500 and we want to see 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:58.079 this diverse city 00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:58.959 of Chatswood 00:33:58.959 --> 00:33:59.939 around us 00:33:59.939 --> 00:34:01.819 come to know Jesus. 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:04.859 Let me pray 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:05.739 and let's do that. 00:34:07.139 --> 00:34:08.139 Heavenly Father, 00:34:08.279 --> 00:34:09.480 we thank you so much 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:11.079 that you take us 00:34:11.079 --> 00:34:11.799 from being 00:34:11.799 --> 00:34:13.000 a divided people 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.960 and that you unite us 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:17.179 and that you bring us 00:34:17.179 --> 00:34:18.239 together even though 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:19.339 we are diverse 00:34:19.339 --> 00:34:20.139 and different. 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:22.179 God, 00:34:22.279 --> 00:34:23.179 we ask that you 00:34:23.179 --> 00:34:24.139 would help us 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.900 to set aside 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.799 our preferences 00:34:26.799 --> 00:34:28.719 but that you would 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.539 unite us 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:30.380 in the cross 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:31.099 of Christ. 00:34:32.639 --> 00:34:33.599 Help us 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:34.859 to be a church 00:34:34.859 --> 00:34:35.839 going in the same 00:34:35.839 --> 00:34:36.359 direction. 00:34:36.699 --> 00:34:38.179 To see you glorified 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:39.539 and to see many people 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.920 come to know 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:41.679 and love you. 00:34:42.019 --> 00:34:42.359 Amen. 00:34:42.359 --> 00:34:42.500 Amen.