WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.700 Well, thank you so much, Inez, and folks, have those verses in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 open in front of you. 00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:13.560 We're just going to finish this little series, take a break for Christmas, and then come back at the middle of January next year. 00:00:13.740 --> 00:00:20.859 So we thought this was a good place to finish this morning in this little section of the book. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:24.760 And these verses are going to be really timely for us, for all of us. 00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:25.940 They are really incredible. 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:33.219 But particularly they're going to be timely for you if you feel like giving up this morning. 00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:39.520 And you're weary and you're tired and you're wondering if you can go on following Jesus. 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:47.100 When we were young, our house with three boys in it was utter chaos. 00:00:47.100 --> 00:00:56.980 And when it was teetering on being too much and she was spent, my mum always joked about her fantasy job. 00:00:56.979 --> 00:01:03.199 She said, do you know what, I would just love to go and I'd love to go and work in a toothpaste factory. 00:01:04.379 --> 00:01:13.659 And have someone plant me in front of a conveyor belt and tell me that my one job for the day was just to sit there and put caps on top of the toothpaste tubes. 00:01:15.219 --> 00:01:17.060 And it's niche, I'll give her that. 00:01:17.060 --> 00:01:20.780 But here's why she said that. 00:01:22.040 --> 00:01:24.120 No pressure, no stress. 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:26.439 And I think most importantly, no people. 00:01:28.379 --> 00:01:31.960 Because life gives us plenty of reasons at times, doesn't it, to want to run away. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:37.439 And I guess maybe in our generation we have coined this phrase. 00:01:37.540 --> 00:01:40.480 And it must have always been a thing, but we've just kind of found a phrase for it. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:42.900 This thing that we call escapism. 00:01:42.900 --> 00:01:52.820 And the thing is, if you've been following Jesus for any length of time, you'll hear him say that to follow him doesn't subtract from those reasons to want to run away. 00:01:53.400 --> 00:01:55.240 Actually, it adds to them. 00:01:56.040 --> 00:02:04.040 Because living for him will so often feel like in this world that swords are always out for you. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:08.900 Right, to stick with Jesus when it comes to the whole relationships thing. 00:02:08.900 --> 00:02:09.460 It's thing. 00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:14.180 To strive for purity in a world that says you've got to be true to yourself. 00:02:14.280 --> 00:02:17.659 In a world that says you've got to find happiness first and foremost. 00:02:17.980 --> 00:02:19.659 It's not going to win you plodits. 00:02:21.560 --> 00:02:27.740 Striving for purity in a world where sexually anything goes, everything's up for grabs, won't win you any friends. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:38.159 Having Jesus shaped convictions about the sanctity of life, how you understand life and how it affects how you understand the beginning of life. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:41.820 And particularly this week, how it helps you understand the end of life. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:49.980 When you have convictions on those things, it will so often lead to you being labelled an opponent of freedom and compassion. 00:02:49.979 --> 00:02:56.579 When you feel like you're constantly losing that daily battle with temptation and sin. 00:02:56.679 --> 00:02:59.639 When you witness your best friend walk away from faith. 00:02:59.719 --> 00:03:02.539 When you feel your own weakness and tiredness. 00:03:02.739 --> 00:03:06.120 All of those rivers of discouragement can converge. 00:03:06.479 --> 00:03:07.839 And we just want to run away. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:15.120 And all that takes me to a gilet that I bought recently. 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:18.700 And I bought it all vintage. 00:03:19.020 --> 00:03:20.819 And some of you are saying that's your first mistake. 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:22.900 But this second hand clothes app. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:28.900 And the thing about this gilet is that all the pictures on the website made it look great. 00:03:31.420 --> 00:03:32.659 But I got it. 00:03:33.240 --> 00:03:36.460 And all of a sudden I discovered this thing once was full of puff. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:40.920 And now just because of the wear and tear that it's been through. 00:03:40.919 --> 00:03:45.699 All the puff that was once there has completely gone out of this thing. 00:03:46.039 --> 00:03:49.399 And actually now it feels more like a slightly padded t-shirt. 00:03:51.779 --> 00:03:56.439 But maybe right now that's the perfect metaphor for where you are in terms of your walk with Jesus. 00:03:56.699 --> 00:03:59.459 Maybe you feel like all the puff is out of me. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:02.219 I want to run away. 00:04:02.439 --> 00:04:03.119 I want to give up. 00:04:03.179 --> 00:04:03.939 I feel weary. 00:04:04.179 --> 00:04:04.959 I'm struggling. 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:10.199 See friends, what this passage does is it puts the finger on. 00:04:10.199 --> 00:04:13.259 What I think is the greatest danger for the church today. 00:04:14.739 --> 00:04:16.879 It might well be the greatest danger for you. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:21.939 And I know certainly it's the greatest danger for my heart as I live this Christian life. 00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:23.360 And here it is at verse 1. 00:04:23.420 --> 00:04:25.139 And then again you get it at verse 16. 00:04:25.219 --> 00:04:27.199 Which I think is the wee bookends of this section. 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:30.279 Here's the danger. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:35.180 That we just lose heart. 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:43.319 Which is first century language for we just tap out. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:46.899 And if that's you here today. 00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:49.060 Here's what you need to know. 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:51.379 You need to know that Paul gets you. 00:04:53.459 --> 00:04:55.959 And you need to know in turn that you get Paul. 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:59.100 Because if ever there was a guy who had reasons. 00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:02.279 And we'll think about this in the second half of this chapter. 00:05:02.420 --> 00:05:03.680 You can scan your eyes over it if you want. 00:05:03.740 --> 00:05:06.519 If ever there was a guy who had reasons to cut and run. 00:05:06.860 --> 00:05:08.319 It was the apostle Paul. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:11.300 Doesn't hide any of that stuff. 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:13.040 Doesn't paint it up. 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:13.759 Dress it up. 00:05:13.819 --> 00:05:15.339 He says life was really hard. 00:05:15.399 --> 00:05:17.620 It is really hard following Jesus. 00:05:18.259 --> 00:05:21.240 This is going to be really timely for you if you feel like giving up. 00:05:22.120 --> 00:05:25.199 Because we do not lose heart. 00:05:25.379 --> 00:05:25.819 Says Paul. 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:28.120 And here's the cool thing about that phrase. 00:05:30.219 --> 00:05:31.079 First person. 00:05:31.800 --> 00:05:32.199 Plural. 00:05:32.899 --> 00:05:33.379 Indicative. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:33.939 Active. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:36.159 There's a bit of Greek for you on Nation Sunday. 00:05:36.319 --> 00:05:36.459 Okay. 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:37.480 But here's what that means. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:38.600 Why should I care about that? 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:39.319 Here's what it means. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:40.939 What's going on here. 00:05:41.400 --> 00:05:43.480 Is that Paul says we do not lose heart. 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:46.680 This is a pep talk that he's doing inside himself. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:49.240 To communicate to his readers and his listeners. 00:05:49.700 --> 00:05:51.780 And everyone who's going to pick up this ever since. 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:54.220 That I've found a reason to keep going. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:56.500 When I'm all spent. 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:57.360 When life is done. 00:05:57.420 --> 00:05:58.680 When I feel like tapping out. 00:05:59.020 --> 00:06:00.780 We do not lose heart. 00:06:01.020 --> 00:06:03.800 And this is why we do not lose heart. 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:06.620 This is an internal pep talk that we're privy to. 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:09.480 That the apostle Paul has with himself. 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:10.560 As if to say. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:12.240 Here's why I keep going. 00:06:15.319 --> 00:06:16.800 And what this passage does though. 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:17.660 Before we get there. 00:06:17.899 --> 00:06:19.199 And you've got to hang on in. 00:06:19.660 --> 00:06:20.420 Till we get there. 00:06:21.079 --> 00:06:22.860 Is it helps us be real. 00:06:22.939 --> 00:06:24.040 About two reasons. 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:26.079 Why we so often lose heart. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:26.980 In the Christian faith. 00:06:27.100 --> 00:06:27.259 Right. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:28.600 And number one. 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:29.800 Is it verse two. 00:06:29.800 --> 00:06:35.840 And it's when we encounter people's appetite for lies. 00:06:37.340 --> 00:06:40.540 So Paul's outing the motives of these false teachers. 00:06:41.379 --> 00:06:43.819 Who've invaded this little church in Corinth. 00:06:44.080 --> 00:06:44.720 And he says. 00:06:44.780 --> 00:06:45.080 Doesn't he. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:45.720 He takes them on. 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:46.000 He says. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.560 These are people who practice cunning. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:50.639 These are people who tamper with God's words. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:52.240 Can I tell you just. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:06:54.280 The two of the biggest discouragements for me. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.259 Here's number one. 00:06:55.259 --> 00:06:57.939 Is hearing church leaders around the country. 00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:00.120 Being cowardly and fudging issues. 00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:03.039 Shapeshifting. 00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:05.019 Changing colors like a chameleon. 00:07:05.099 --> 00:07:06.599 Like some kind of transformer. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:08.759 And the thinking I guess. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:11.079 Is that if only the church can be cool and appealing. 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:14.379 And the message is more palatable and relevant. 00:07:14.519 --> 00:07:15.899 People will come flocking in. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:17.879 Can I just say that is cowardly. 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:20.599 More so. 00:07:21.980 --> 00:07:24.019 Two thousand years of church history. 00:07:24.019 --> 00:07:24.979 Are there to show us. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:27.120 That that has never been how the church of Jesus Christ. 00:07:27.299 --> 00:07:28.579 Has flourished in this land. 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:30.120 And in this world. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.159 The church of Jesus Christ. 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:34.839 Is a long and proven track record. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:36.699 Of thriving where and with what. 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:39.039 In the margins. 00:07:39.659 --> 00:07:40.500 With the truth. 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:43.579 We're just like the world. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:45.859 Thinking that's what's going to attract people to come in. 00:07:46.079 --> 00:07:47.060 They're not going to come in at all. 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:47.539 They'll just think. 00:07:47.599 --> 00:07:49.060 Well you're exactly the same as us. 00:07:49.099 --> 00:07:49.759 Why would we bother? 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:54.039 If we can show the world something radically different. 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:56.800 That this message really does work. 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:57.779 Friends. 00:07:57.839 --> 00:07:59.899 We really will be a light in a dark world. 00:08:02.099 --> 00:08:04.039 Church has always flourished in the margins. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:05.319 Here's Stephen McAlpine. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:06.899 Aussie guy. 00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:10.199 He's got a book called Being the Bad Guys. 00:08:10.360 --> 00:08:12.680 How to live for Jesus in a world that says you shouldn't. 00:08:12.740 --> 00:08:13.980 Worth it for the title alone. 00:08:13.980 --> 00:08:17.680 But here's what he says. 00:08:17.800 --> 00:08:19.759 Signing up to Team Jesus in AD 50. 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:22.960 Resulted in the same cultural rejection. 00:08:23.340 --> 00:08:24.140 As it does now. 00:08:25.700 --> 00:08:27.300 Church has always flourished. 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:28.759 In the margins. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:31.939 The other thing that discourages me. 00:08:32.019 --> 00:08:32.899 Is when church leaders. 00:08:33.300 --> 00:08:34.580 Are one thing in the pulpit. 00:08:34.700 --> 00:08:35.920 And yet another thing in private. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:39.259 And it seems like just the circles that I'm in. 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:40.259 It seems like. 00:08:40.580 --> 00:08:41.620 Month after month. 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:43.000 There's another one that comes out. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:46.879 And I reckon the reason is there at. 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:53.399 I can't find it. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:55.820 Those who are preaching themselves and not Christ. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:09:00.379 And God has just outed their disgraceful ways. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:02.700 Just outed them in front of the world. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:04.240 As if to say I will not be mocked. 00:09:04.299 --> 00:09:05.879 It's really discouraging though when you see it. 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:10.559 People's appetite for lies. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:12.200 The second thing though is at verse 3. 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:15.879 And probably this is a bit more closer to home for many of us. 00:09:16.300 --> 00:09:19.200 It's that when we experience people's apathy towards the truth. 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:23.080 That friend who you try and speak to about Jesus. 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:25.200 And honestly it's like the opposite of Velcro. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:27.280 Remember my dad's when I was young. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:30.140 We used to play that ball with a pad and the ball. 00:09:30.280 --> 00:09:31.400 And you throw it and you catch. 00:09:31.540 --> 00:09:32.780 Glory days the 90s. 00:09:33.759 --> 00:09:35.100 But it was the Velcro wasn't it? 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:36.080 That caught the ball. 00:09:37.300 --> 00:09:38.540 Things stuck to you. 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:39.720 You had Velcro on. 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:42.960 It's like the opposite of Velcro sometimes speaking to people about Jesus isn't it? 00:09:43.040 --> 00:09:43.960 Nothing sticks. 00:09:44.160 --> 00:09:45.080 People don't want to know. 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.700 Or that family member. 00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:51.420 And it's to try and shift the conversation towards Jesus. 00:09:51.420 --> 00:09:52.720 It's just awkward. 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:54.920 The chat is predictable. 00:09:54.920 --> 00:09:57.779 And it's really hard to move the conversation on. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:10:00.259 And people really don't seem to care. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:04.220 And I bumped into an old colleague of mine the other day. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:06.100 Catching up. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:07.179 He's telling me what he's doing. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:08.919 And I'm telling him what I'm doing. 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:13.059 I try to get Jesus into the conversation as much as possible. 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:14.480 And I can see it in his face. 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:15.819 What comes out of his mouth is. 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:18.819 Well we all need to find something really meaningful to do in life. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:20.159 And I can see it on his face. 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:22.299 As if to say what I was doing. 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:23.960 What we believed in to follow Jesus. 00:10:23.960 --> 00:10:26.439 Is some kind of response to a midlife crisis. 00:10:26.440 --> 00:10:30.660 Like the equivalent of taking up yoga. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:32.040 Or hiring a life coach. 00:10:33.540 --> 00:10:35.020 But it's the experience isn't it? 00:10:35.040 --> 00:10:37.100 At times when we try and talk to our friends and family. 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:38.780 About Jesus. 00:10:38.920 --> 00:10:40.520 But you need to see what's going on here. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:43.640 Paul wants us to know that there's something else going on. 00:10:43.700 --> 00:10:46.600 When people show disinterest towards Jesus. 00:10:46.900 --> 00:10:48.320 And we need to get this reality. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:51.780 If we're to feel the encouragement that comes in just a few verses time. 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.160 Do you see verse 3? 00:10:53.260 --> 00:10:53.980 What does he say? 00:10:54.280 --> 00:10:56.420 He says there's a spiritual battle going on. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:11:01.720 And it's sometimes difficult I think living in our western world. 00:11:01.820 --> 00:11:02.440 Where we're very materialistic. 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:07.400 To understand that there actually is a realm beyond the one that we see in front of us. 00:11:08.700 --> 00:11:12.080 The God of this world Paul calls the devil. 00:11:13.060 --> 00:11:17.600 He is the one who has put a veil over people's eyes. 00:11:19.680 --> 00:11:22.640 And what that means is the reason that people don't get it. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:26.980 Before it's a matter of the mind. 00:11:28.299 --> 00:11:30.220 It's a matter of the heart. 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:35.500 So ever since God announced in Genesis 3.15. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:39.560 That he was going to send someone. 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:40.440 A he. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:43.720 To crush the head of Satan. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:48.000 The devil has been on the prowl looking for that individual. 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:50.440 No wonder it felt like. 00:11:50.440 --> 00:11:55.220 Felt like an all out attack of Jesus when he was born. 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:57.420 The devil recognised that something was up. 00:11:57.780 --> 00:11:58.640 Something is up. 00:11:58.740 --> 00:12:01.860 Who else could be behind Herod trying to massacre all those baby boys? 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:07.980 Ever since then he has been in the business of trying to blind people's eyes. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:08.800 Stop them. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:11.220 Keep them from seeing Jesus. 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:14.820 It is quite literally his job description as the great deceiver. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:17.920 And try as hard as we might. 00:12:18.060 --> 00:12:18.240 Friends. 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:24.779 You and I do not have the power to remove that veil that is across people's eyes by ourselves. 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.860 And that's really painful. 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:33.300 Because I imagine so many of us are sitting here right now. 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:37.019 Thinking my heart breaks for dot dot dot. 00:12:38.820 --> 00:12:39.259 Yeah. 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:40.440 You're thinking of people. 00:12:40.560 --> 00:12:42.419 I'm thinking of people as I'm saying this. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:47.080 Maybe particularly let me speak directly to those of us who have children. 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:49.220 And they have walked away from Jesus. 00:12:50.620 --> 00:12:53.980 I think I feel the contours of that in a way that I just didn't five years ago. 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:55.340 If that's you. 00:12:55.899 --> 00:12:57.820 If you're weeping away inside. 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:59.460 Inside your heart. 00:13:00.420 --> 00:13:02.940 Know that despite all the mistakes friends. 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:04.160 That you and I will make. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:06.160 Particularly as parents. 00:13:06.300 --> 00:13:09.260 And we play that shoulda woulda coulda game all the time. 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:09.700 Don't we? 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:11.660 Their decision. 00:13:12.560 --> 00:13:15.760 Wasn't primarily to do with your parenting skills. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:17.180 Or lack of. 00:13:18.660 --> 00:13:19.180 Primarily. 00:13:19.660 --> 00:13:21.100 It is to do with this. 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:25.520 And conversely. 00:13:25.520 --> 00:13:27.340 Opposite story is also true. 00:13:27.820 --> 00:13:30.020 If our friends and family do come to know Jesus. 00:13:30.160 --> 00:13:31.360 And we pray that they would. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.740 Again it's nothing to do with our brilliance. 00:13:34.400 --> 00:13:35.820 Or our eloquence. 00:13:36.640 --> 00:13:39.400 We might be the means that God uses to reach people. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:42.480 But we are certainly not the reason that anyone comes to faith. 00:13:45.160 --> 00:13:46.600 Grace saves our children. 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:48.800 Not our perfect parenting. 00:13:48.800 --> 00:13:51.040 You know a friend told me that a few weeks ago called Jay. 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:52.200 One of my good friends. 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:53.620 I was having a stinker. 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:55.480 Of a couple of days as a parent. 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:56.340 And he took me aside. 00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:58.080 Just put his arm around my shoulder and said. 00:13:58.580 --> 00:13:59.940 It's grace that saves our kids. 00:14:00.040 --> 00:14:00.680 Not our parenting. 00:14:03.040 --> 00:14:03.360 Brilliant. 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:06.779 Where does that leave us then? 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:09.740 I take it it leaves us out of resources. 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:10.360 Doesn't it? 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:13.060 You know I've got a friend called Gordon. 00:14:13.200 --> 00:14:14.200 Always catch up with Gordon. 00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:19.419 And we find ourselves talking about things that are just well above us. 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:21.860 He always says. 00:14:22.180 --> 00:14:22.419 Bro. 00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:24.419 It's time to call in the air squad. 00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:27.099 And what he means by that. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:28.039 It's time to pray. 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:30.120 It's above us. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:30.959 We can't do it. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:33.459 It's well beyond our capabilities. 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:35.059 It's time to call in the air squad. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.639 And what is prayer. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.759 Other than falling on our knees. 00:14:38.959 --> 00:14:39.839 And saying to God. 00:14:39.959 --> 00:14:41.919 Father this is well beyond us. 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:47.699 A spiritual battle means that we take up spiritual weapons. 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:51.000 And on that note. 00:14:51.099 --> 00:14:53.219 Let me invite you to come to the prayer gathering tonight. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:55.340 Craig's going to mention it at the end I'm sure. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:56.320 But friends. 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.920 That is the place where we go to battle. 00:14:59.340 --> 00:15:00.000 Private lives. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.320 Praying in our own times. 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.340 But together corporately. 00:15:02.440 --> 00:15:03.000 As we come together. 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:04.440 Half past five in the upstairs hall. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.899 We are coming together to pray. 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:08.139 And I know there's a prayer meeting after it. 00:15:08.680 --> 00:15:10.960 Specifically people getting together to pray for their children. 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:14.660 Wouldn't that be a great thing for us to come to and devote ourselves to? 00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:16.160 Even if it's your first time. 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:17.259 If you've never done it before. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:19.060 Please come if you want to. 00:15:19.160 --> 00:15:20.180 We're getting pizza before. 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:22.300 Half past five. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:23.879 In the upstairs hall. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:25.479 But this is how we do battle. 00:15:26.579 --> 00:15:28.419 Call on our heavenly father. 00:15:28.559 --> 00:15:29.259 Plead with him. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:32.120 And that takes us to the one big reason to keep going. 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:35.859 Paul says therefore. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:37.479 Which is a link. 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:38.279 Do you see it? 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:39.279 In verse one. 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:40.779 To what has come before. 00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:43.919 And Ian did a fantastic job. 00:15:44.079 --> 00:15:45.219 The week before last. 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:46.819 Or was it last week? 00:15:46.839 --> 00:15:47.259 I forget. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:50.879 Looking at chapter three. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:52.519 About this ministry that Paul has. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:54.019 Paul says we have this ministry. 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:56.039 And he's talking about the new covenant ministry. 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:57.840 That is so superior. 00:15:58.419 --> 00:15:59.240 In Christ. 00:15:59.319 --> 00:16:01.860 That's so much better than the old covenant. 00:16:02.439 --> 00:16:02.840 And you say. 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:04.399 Why is it so much better? 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:06.799 What does it do? 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:08.919 Well let me just. 00:16:09.439 --> 00:16:10.319 Maybe help. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:13.259 Remind us of Paul's pattern of ministry. 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:13.539 Do you remember? 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:15.399 The series title. 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:16.379 Boasting in weakness. 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:18.059 That's what Paul is saying. 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:18.939 We'll come back to it. 00:16:19.219 --> 00:16:20.299 Next time we jump in. 00:16:20.419 --> 00:16:22.139 At verse seven of chapter four. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:24.879 We have this treasure in jars of clay. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:25.939 Think about it like this. 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:26.139 Okay. 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.679 The shape of Paul's ministry. 00:16:28.339 --> 00:16:29.500 Think Susan Boyle. 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.419 When she first got up. 00:16:30.459 --> 00:16:31.299 And Britain's Got Talent. 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.079 Do you remember that scene? 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:33.939 Right. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:34.759 This unemployed. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:36.039 Forty six year old woman. 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.059 From West Lothian. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.519 Who turns up before the judges. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:40.519 In really shabby clothing. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:43.019 But also just has cringeworthy chat. 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:45.019 The judges roll their eyes. 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:46.480 Thinking there's nothing good. 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:48.159 To be seen on the outside here. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.620 But she opens her mouth. 00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.379 And what comes out. 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:52.500 Is the voice of an angel. 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:56.059 And that's what Paul's message. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:56.860 And ministry is. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.059 If you want to think about it like that. 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.360 This is what the gospel does. 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:00.939 It's not about changing the outside. 00:17:01.319 --> 00:17:02.279 It's about change. 00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:03.899 Happening on the inside. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:05.660 The gospel is the only thing. 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:07.819 That can transform our hearts. 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.139 And our lives. 00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:11.519 Look at the last verse of chapter three. 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:14.619 What does this gospel do? 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:16.639 We are being transformed. 00:17:16.639 --> 00:17:18.839 From one degree of glory to another. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.240 As we see what? 00:17:21.299 --> 00:17:24.240 As we behold Jesus. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:27.680 We are transformed more. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:30.779 Into his image. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:34.579 And where does that transformation happen? 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:37.679 You see Paul says. 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:40.179 God has shone into our hearts. 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:42.939 The false apostles message. 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:44.559 Might look outwardly good. 00:17:44.659 --> 00:17:45.899 But it's got no power. 00:17:45.899 --> 00:17:47.500 To transform the depths. 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:49.119 Of the very place. 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:50.519 That we need to be changed. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:51.299 Let me just say. 00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:53.659 Trying to use behavior modification. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:56.220 Trying to use religious observance. 00:17:56.220 --> 00:17:58.179 As the thing that is going to transform. 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:58.939 The human heart. 00:17:59.179 --> 00:18:00.879 It's like giving a deep sea diver. 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:01.540 A torch. 00:18:01.820 --> 00:18:03.180 And asking him to hit the bottom. 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.220 Of the marina trench. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.380 And shine his light there. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.820 It's just not going to work. 00:18:10.660 --> 00:18:11.940 However Paul's message. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:13.920 Has the power to transform people. 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.500 Internally. 00:18:17.580 --> 00:18:19.380 That's the ministry that Paul has. 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.540 But notice him say. 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:22.980 Why he has it. 00:18:23.040 --> 00:18:23.580 Verse one. 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.660 And you've got to see this. 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:27.020 Why he has this ministry. 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.180 He has it by. 00:18:29.100 --> 00:18:29.540 Mercy. 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:33.859 And you hear Paul's testimony. 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:35.599 All over this section. 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.099 Here is a man. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.480 Who grew up a devout Jew. 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:40.220 Here is a man. 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.299 Who's got dead Christians. 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:42.180 On his CV. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.200 And on his conscience. 00:18:43.899 --> 00:18:44.599 Here is a man. 00:18:44.639 --> 00:18:45.680 If ever there was one. 00:18:45.839 --> 00:18:46.960 Who well and truly. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.279 Had a veil. 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:49.720 Over his eyes. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.680 If you're here this morning. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:52.519 And you think you've got a checkered past. 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:53.759 This guy Paul. 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:54.920 Would take you to the cleaners. 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:55.659 And back again. 00:18:55.660 --> 00:19:00.320 He just did not see. 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:01.380 He did not understand. 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:02.540 He was antagonistic. 00:19:02.540 --> 00:19:02.980 But. 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:04.620 Jesus exploded. 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:05.740 Into his life. 00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:07.900 As he was heading to Damascus. 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:09.580 Trying to get a death warrant approved. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.620 So he could get. 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:11.460 More. 00:19:11.840 --> 00:19:12.340 Christians. 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.080 Killed. 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:14.300 And all of a sudden. 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:16.120 You hear. 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:17.259 Paul in this passage. 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:17.980 Talking about. 00:19:17.980 --> 00:19:20.000 A light. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:23.240 A light from God. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:25.700 That opens people's eyes. 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:28.740 Here he is talking about. 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.099 Light. 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:32.400 And when he says. 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:34.299 The God who let light. 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:35.660 Shine out of darkness. 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:39.279 He's quoting there from Genesis 1. 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.180 Verse 3. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.559 Turn there. 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:44.539 And here's what you will find. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:46.599 God created the world. 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:46.719 God. 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:48.259 Ex nihilo. 00:19:48.439 --> 00:19:48.859 Now again. 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:49.639 Nation Sunday. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.919 There's Latin for you. 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:51.279 Okay. 00:19:51.719 --> 00:19:52.599 Ex nihilo. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:54.980 God created out of nothing. 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:58.619 He didn't use pre-existing materials. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.839 God did not take a ladle out. 00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:03.399 And get creative with some primordial soup. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:05.599 God created out of nothing. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.039 Nothing. 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:10.539 He created out of an overflow. 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:11.619 Of who he is. 00:20:11.619 --> 00:20:12.399 As father. 00:20:12.619 --> 00:20:13.099 As son. 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:14.699 And as Holy Spirit. 00:20:14.700 --> 00:20:18.259 Our universe was quite literally created by love. 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:25.160 This world is the brainchild of the God who delights to bring life out of nothing. 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:27.880 Of the God who specializes. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:29.019 And get this to your friends. 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:32.840 In light swallowing up and banishing darkness. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:34.480 It's what we're going to think about next week. 00:20:35.620 --> 00:20:37.680 The light has come into the world. 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.259 That light has shone. 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.319 And the darkness. 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:43.000 Has not overcome it. 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:47.119 It's what this God does. 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.319 It's what he does. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:53.940 And what Paul is saying is what is physically true. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:58.240 Is also spiritually true. 00:20:58.240 --> 00:21:04.319 Because every human being on this planet by default is spiritually dead. 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:08.740 We are in a Michael Jackson thriller video here. 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:10.420 We are walking zombies. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:16.299 We are sleepwalking our way towards an eternal death and God's righteous judgment. 00:21:16.799 --> 00:21:17.579 That's what he says. 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.140 Verse 3. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.140 We were perishing. 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:21.620 This is all of us without Jesus. 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:26.200 And we were all this before God got involved. 00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:27.620 What we've got to understand. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.600 That word mercy. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:31.420 God is not like a football talent scout. 00:21:32.840 --> 00:21:34.340 I always remember that when we were young. 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:37.880 And you got word that there was a scout in the stands at the side watching you. 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.580 He's there. 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:38.940 He's there. 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:41.080 God is not like that. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:46.259 God is not turned up watching people thinking they would make really good players for my team. 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:50.279 How does anyone become a Christian? 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:51.940 And allow verse 1 to tell us. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:55.500 It is because of God's mercy. 00:21:56.200 --> 00:21:58.120 His mercy. 00:21:59.080 --> 00:22:01.299 Grace is getting something that we don't deserve. 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:01.840 Mercy. 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:03.059 Other side of the coin. 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:06.559 It is not getting something that we do deserve. 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.500 And no one. 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:11.440 And I mean no one knows that better than the Apostle Paul. 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:15.039 Let me apply. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:19.259 This means that if you are a Christian here today. 00:22:20.619 --> 00:22:22.299 You are one. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:25.599 Not because you grew up in a Christian home. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:29.019 Not because you went to Sunday school. 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:33.000 Not because you once sang kumbaya around a campfire. 00:22:33.139 --> 00:22:35.399 Not because you grew up in a Christian country. 00:22:35.879 --> 00:22:37.779 Not because you had a Christian friend. 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:39.839 Not because you did good stuff. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:42.659 You and I are Christians simply because. 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:48.820 God has shone his light in our lives. 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:52.680 And he's opened our eyes. 00:22:53.820 --> 00:22:57.200 By his grace to see the beauty of Jesus. 00:22:57.440 --> 00:23:00.180 There is no other reason. 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.820 No other reason. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:04.079 And if we get this. 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:06.799 It should lead us to our friends and our family. 00:23:06.960 --> 00:23:09.039 It should lead us not towards frustration. 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:12.779 It should lead us towards compassion. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.839 Towards those who don't get Jesus. 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:17.019 The good news here. 00:23:17.679 --> 00:23:19.179 Is that the God who said. 00:23:19.659 --> 00:23:21.960 Let light shine out of darkness. 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:23.960 Dear friends. 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:26.220 The good news is that God can do this. 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:28.140 For anyone. 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:34.120 And the reports of that. 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:36.039 And I was thinking this last Sunday. 00:23:36.100 --> 00:23:36.779 With Ruben's testimony. 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:37.779 Reports of that. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:40.299 Will not make the front page. 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:41.559 Of the BBC News website. 00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:44.240 And they won't make. 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:45.600 Your street WhatsApp group. 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:48.700 But when God does this transforming work. 00:23:48.839 --> 00:23:49.740 In our hearts. 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.480 As you see it. 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.980 Happen in people's lives. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:55.420 You better believe that that is showing up. 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:56.400 On the news feed of heaven. 00:23:59.019 --> 00:24:00.160 You know just as we close. 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.279 Here's something my predecessor. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:02.220 Always told me. 00:24:02.300 --> 00:24:03.160 When I was starting out. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.820 He told me that he kept a note. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.320 Through the back. 00:24:08.800 --> 00:24:10.360 In the top drawer of his desk. 00:24:11.300 --> 00:24:12.759 And contained on that note. 00:24:12.840 --> 00:24:13.920 Were all the reasons. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.800 That he first decided. 00:24:15.800 --> 00:24:16.720 To follow Jesus. 00:24:17.820 --> 00:24:19.039 And on the other side. 00:24:19.580 --> 00:24:20.580 Were all the reasons. 00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:23.080 That he wanted to go into Christian ministry. 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.300 And he said. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:26.460 See when life gets really tough. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:26.960 What I do. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:28.099 Is I just go into that drawer. 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:28.799 And I pull it out. 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:30.079 And I just make myself. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:30.919 Read it. 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.079 Now in all my years. 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:33.700 Working with John. 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:35.079 I never once saw that letter. 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:37.480 I don't know whether he just waited. 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:38.279 Until I was out of the room. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.299 Maybe I was one of the reasons. 00:24:39.359 --> 00:24:40.279 That he had to read that letter. 00:24:40.319 --> 00:24:40.720 I don't know. 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.940 But I never once. 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:43.000 Saw him read that letter. 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:43.859 But here's the thing. 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.519 I made my own. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:48.859 And I'd encourage you to make your own as well. 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:50.139 When life gets really tough. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:53.779 And those two big reasons to lose heart. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.379 Keep coming. 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:56.639 What is it you come back to? 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.519 When the chips are down. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.240 Where do you go? 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:01.000 I just nicked mine from verse 15. 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:03.079 Of chapter 4. 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:08.000 As hard as it gets. 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:08.799 See if there is. 00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:10.579 A man called Jesus. 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:15.179 And see if he really did live. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.139 And he died. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.299 And he paid my debt of sin. 00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:23.539 And if it's true that he loves me. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:24.339 And he holds me. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.699 Have I been in his thoughts. 00:25:27.699 --> 00:25:29.579 Since before the foundation of the world. 00:25:29.939 --> 00:25:31.539 If he promises to be my good shepherd. 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:32.759 Who will carry me right through. 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.799 To the other side of death. 00:25:33.899 --> 00:25:34.939 To his very presence. 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.539 Today's another day. 00:25:38.179 --> 00:25:39.179 Not to lose heart. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:41.600 So friends don't lose heart. 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:44.680 Jesus said. 00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:45.680 I am the good shepherd. 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.620 I know my own. 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.680 And my own know me. 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:51.000 Just as the father knows me. 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:51.980 And I know the father. 00:25:52.320 --> 00:25:54.200 And I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:56.060 And I have other sheep. 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:57.460 That are not of this fold. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:59.820 I must bring them also. 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:02.759 And they will listen to my voice. 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.660 Lord thank you so much. 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:06.240 That we've heard your voice today. 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:08.440 As we've opened the pages of the Bible. 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.279 And particularly Lord. 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:12.380 I pray for those of us here today. 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.360 Who feel weary. 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:15.240 Who feel battered. 00:26:15.820 --> 00:26:17.539 Who are struggling in the fight. 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:21.200 Lord I pray that the news of the resurrection. 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:23.259 That you are the God who shines light. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.680 Into the darkest. 00:26:25.060 --> 00:26:26.400 Darkest of situations. 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:29.039 Father may you by your Holy Spirit. 00:26:30.560 --> 00:26:32.180 Graciously get us back on our feet. 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:34.220 Father thank you for one another. 00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:35.620 Thank you for our church family. 00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:36.679 We pray Lord. 00:26:37.239 --> 00:26:39.579 Help us to be a people marked by prayer. 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:43.919 And this is our petition to you Lord. 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:44.679 Heavenly Father. 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.759 Thank you that you hear us. 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:47.339 Because we pray in Jesus' name. 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:48.139 Amen.