WEBVTT 00:00:00.280 --> 00:00:06.440 Well, here we are at the second of our short series that we're doing, helping us think 00:00:06.440 --> 00:00:08.919 through this thing that we do as Christians called prayer. 00:00:10.439 --> 00:00:15.740 And so good is our God that he hasn't left us to figure prayer out on our own. 00:00:15.839 --> 00:00:20.859 He's given us so graciously, so full of his goodness, he's given us the Lord's prayer, 00:00:21.620 --> 00:00:25.780 this model prayer that we find in Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:25.780 --> 00:00:33.120 And as I've been thinking through this whole subject of prayer this week, it's reminded 00:00:33.120 --> 00:00:37.240 me of the first ever television that we had when I was growing up. 00:00:37.880 --> 00:00:41.740 So ladies and gentlemen, I give to you the Sony Triniton 1400. 00:00:42.880 --> 00:00:44.060 Everyone else have a Sony Triniton? 00:00:44.760 --> 00:00:49.820 This was the peak of technology back in the early 90s. 00:00:49.880 --> 00:00:51.159 Let me tell you some of the features. 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:55.359 14 inches, symmetrical, love symmetrical things. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:01:02.619 Portable, colour, complete with, and you can't see it at the back there, slim TV extendable 00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:03.179 aerial. 00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:09.099 And I remember it because after it had served its purpose as our family television, my brother 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:11.920 and I inherited it as our PlayStation television. 00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:16.920 And the beauty of this TV was that to get it to work, now remember there's no such thing 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:19.239 as pre-programmed channels with the Sony Triniton. 00:01:19.239 --> 00:01:25.399 What we had to do was spend the first five minutes flicking through the channels, tuning the circular 00:01:25.399 --> 00:01:31.579 buttons, desperately trying to find the frequency at which the TV and the PlayStation met before, 00:01:32.140 --> 00:01:33.319 behold, it was FIFA time. 00:01:33.419 --> 00:01:35.199 This was the Sony Triniton 1400. 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:44.200 And it's come to my mind this week as we've been thinking about prayer because Matthew chapter 00:01:44.200 --> 00:01:47.359 six is a prayer that Jesus gives his disciples. 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:54.700 Not for them to recite like robots, not for them to religiously chant as they go through 00:01:54.700 --> 00:01:55.219 the motions. 00:01:55.219 --> 00:02:02.340 No, he's given them this prayer so that they can tune their hearts to the Father's frequency. 00:02:03.239 --> 00:02:04.260 This is the Lord's prayer. 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:05.539 This is what Jesus is doing. 00:02:05.620 --> 00:02:08.259 He's tuning their hearts to the kingdom. 00:02:08.979 --> 00:02:12.439 Here is Jesus, Matthew chapter six, teaching his disciples how to pray. 00:02:14.039 --> 00:02:16.479 This prayer is not a standalone bit of teaching from Jesus. 00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:21.000 Actually, it's part of a larger sermon that we would know as the Sermon on the Mount. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:30.379 And if you come with me to chapter five, beginning of verse one, you'll see that Jesus' disciples 00:02:30.379 --> 00:02:31.639 have come to him on the mountain. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:40.180 And Jesus is teaching them, not moralism, but he's teaching them that by God's grace, how 00:02:40.180 --> 00:02:45.060 the hearts of his transformed kingdom people beat. 00:02:45.060 --> 00:02:50.939 And as you read this through, you see that the life of a follower of Christ is so radically 00:02:50.939 --> 00:02:52.759 different to the world around us. 00:02:54.439 --> 00:03:01.580 And so Jesus so loves his people that he knows that this side of glory, this side of heaven, 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:06.199 that they will still struggle with sin in their hearts. 00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:12.959 And so he gives them a prayer to pray that's going to help them tune their hearts to the 00:03:12.959 --> 00:03:13.759 father's frequency. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:19.739 And let's just acknowledge at the outset that that is wonderful news for us, because I don't 00:03:19.739 --> 00:03:25.699 know about you, but the natural frequency of my heart is to tune into me and it's to tune 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:29.759 into my needs and it's to tune into my wants, not to tune into God. 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:35.019 Our hearts are full of what Tim Keller would call disordered loves. 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:39.659 And as human beings, we're bent on chasing the wrong things. 00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:49.000 They were occupied so often with running after finite things that we tend to base our self-worth 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:55.579 as human beings, that we tend to base our identity, we get it from things that don't matter a 00:03:55.580 --> 00:04:00.280 shot in the eyes of the God who made us. 00:04:01.180 --> 00:04:02.220 And so here is Jesus. 00:04:02.360 --> 00:04:03.000 Remember, here he is. 00:04:03.020 --> 00:04:04.000 He's God in the flesh. 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:07.160 And he's saying to his disciples, here is a prayer. 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:15.300 Let me teach you a prayer that as you read it, that as you stop in it, that as you chew 00:04:15.300 --> 00:04:23.300 it, that as you think in it, that as you meditate on it, and as you pray it, it's going to redirect 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:28.500 your affections and it's going to redirect your attentions by God's spirit to the greatness 00:04:28.500 --> 00:04:29.000 of God. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:39.600 English missionary Hudson Taylor used to get asked by his friends as they saw his burning 00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:46.639 passion to tell his friends about Jesus, that burning passion that took him to China. 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:49.519 They asked him how he started his every day. 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:50.480 Here's what he said. 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:51.680 Let me paraphrase it for you. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:59.379 He says, you wouldn't have a concert first and then afterwards turn to tune your instrument. 00:05:00.340 --> 00:05:00.540 No. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:07.300 Likewise, I begin the day with the word of God and prayer to make sure that I begin my every 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:09.519 day in harmony with him. 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:12.699 In harmony with him. 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:15.000 Hudson Taylor, missionary to China. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:20.300 So God, through his word this morning, would challenge each one of us individually, but 00:05:20.300 --> 00:05:24.939 I think more so as a church body, as a people that meet here at Brunsfield. 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:29.040 He would challenge us if our hearts are connected to the Father's frequency. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:34.660 And we began last week thinking through Matthew 6, verse 9. 00:05:34.660 --> 00:05:40.580 As Jesus seeks to fix his disciples' gaze on who their God is. 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:42.840 Our Father. 00:05:45.080 --> 00:05:45.980 In heaven. 00:05:47.940 --> 00:05:49.300 Hallowed be your name. 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:52.220 Their God is in heaven. 00:05:53.940 --> 00:05:55.300 He doesn't get tired. 00:05:55.300 --> 00:05:58.360 He isn't taken by surprise. 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:00.300 He doesn't have a beginning. 00:06:00.439 --> 00:06:01.300 He doesn't have an end. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:03.060 Rather, he is the eternal one. 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:05.980 He is the all-knowing one. 00:06:06.960 --> 00:06:08.720 He is the ever-present one. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:13.019 He is the creator and sustainer of all things, including us. 00:06:13.019 --> 00:06:20.359 And so as we come face to face, as we tune our hearts first to who this God is, we find 00:06:20.359 --> 00:06:25.139 ourselves on our knees before him, worshipping in awe and at wonder at his greatness. 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:28.620 This is who this God is. 00:06:28.719 --> 00:06:30.199 What is his relationship to us? 00:06:31.399 --> 00:06:32.500 Distant spectator? 00:06:34.299 --> 00:06:35.299 Ruthless dictator? 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:36.500 No. 00:06:37.039 --> 00:06:38.339 Take in the first two words. 00:06:39.419 --> 00:06:41.399 Heavenly Father. 00:06:43.019 --> 00:06:48.839 In fact, if you scan your eyes over verses 5 to 15, you'll see that Jesus uses that word 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:50.000 Father six times. 00:06:51.219 --> 00:06:53.699 God is a good Father. 00:06:54.979 --> 00:06:57.279 He is one who speaks to his people. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:01.299 He is one who cares for his people. 00:07:01.299 --> 00:07:04.620 He is one who knows his people. 00:07:05.159 --> 00:07:08.839 And he is one who acts for the goods of his people. 00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:12.859 And he is so good and so gracious that he is the one who has sent his spirit. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:17.039 To live in the very hearts of his people. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:19.339 You see, he is not a cold and distant God. 00:07:19.459 --> 00:07:25.979 He is a warm and gracious and loving good Father. 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:29.680 That's the kind of relationship that God's people have with this great God. 00:07:31.339 --> 00:07:32.479 What an amazing mystery. 00:07:32.599 --> 00:07:33.060 Take it in. 00:07:33.219 --> 00:07:33.719 Savor it. 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:35.039 Taste it. 00:07:35.040 --> 00:07:38.660 That this great God in heaven. 00:07:40.300 --> 00:07:42.379 Because of his son, Jesus Christ. 00:07:42.860 --> 00:07:47.060 And his cry of not my will be done, but your will be done. 00:07:48.060 --> 00:07:50.040 That saw him shed his blood on the cross. 00:07:50.140 --> 00:07:52.360 Making a way for all those who trust in him. 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:53.800 To be forgiven. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:55.000 To be restored. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:57.580 To be reconciled to this God. 00:07:57.579 --> 00:08:01.300 So good is this God that he adopts us. 00:08:01.819 --> 00:08:04.659 And he calls us sons and daughters. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:08.099 What a mind-boggling joy for the people of God. 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:09.399 That the one we address in prayer. 00:08:10.159 --> 00:08:12.979 Is the great God of highest heaven. 00:08:13.839 --> 00:08:16.279 And yet, he is our Father. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:20.539 And like the gymnast in the rings. 00:08:21.479 --> 00:08:26.359 It's so important that we know and we hold to both of those truths. 00:08:27.779 --> 00:08:29.699 Because if you don't know God as Father. 00:08:29.799 --> 00:08:32.120 If you don't know him as the close one. 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:34.459 Then you won't think that he cares for your life. 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:37.959 But if you know him simply as the one who is. 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:41.559 If you don't know him rather as the one who is eternally holy. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:43.539 Then we won't think that he's in control. 00:08:43.779 --> 00:08:46.100 Sovereign control of every single thing that happens. 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:46.700 In this world. 00:08:48.980 --> 00:08:50.920 So before we go any further. 00:08:51.060 --> 00:08:51.779 Let me just pause. 00:08:51.920 --> 00:08:53.080 And ask you to reflect. 00:08:54.279 --> 00:08:56.000 On whether this is the God that you know. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:08:58.779 Heavenly. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:00.960 Father. 00:09:03.139 --> 00:09:04.940 Because verse 10 of this prayer is. 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:07.480 Really just an overflow of a heart. 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:08.580 That knows this. 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:09.860 Heavenly Father. 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:12.100 Your kingdom come. 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:14.899 Your will be done. 00:09:15.040 --> 00:09:15.420 Do you see it? 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:15.899 The overflow. 00:09:16.779 --> 00:09:17.480 On earth. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:19.159 As it is in heaven. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:21.920 Now in Matthew's gospel. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:25.360 There's already been a lot of talk about the kingdom of God. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:26.300 Chapter 2. 00:09:26.440 --> 00:09:27.620 Let's get our Christmas hats on. 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:27.980 Herod. 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:30.399 He hears about the king. 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:32.100 Of God's kingdom being born. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:33.159 He fears the kingdom. 00:09:34.040 --> 00:09:34.759 Chapter 3. 00:09:34.840 --> 00:09:35.480 John the Baptist. 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:36.740 As he comes on the scene. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:38.200 As he prepares the way for Jesus. 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:40.340 He declares the kingdom. 00:09:40.340 --> 00:09:42.160 And Jesus. 00:09:42.160 --> 00:09:43.460 In the early days of his ministry. 00:09:43.560 --> 00:09:44.220 If you want to check it out. 00:09:44.300 --> 00:09:45.320 Mid chapter 4. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:46.120 He declares. 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:47.180 Proclaims the kingdom. 00:09:47.280 --> 00:09:47.800 It is here. 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:49.240 Why is it here? 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:51.220 Because the king's here. 00:09:52.899 --> 00:09:54.019 You see the kingdom of God. 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:55.100 It centers in the rule. 00:09:55.220 --> 00:09:56.560 And the reign of God's king. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:59.700 As he comes to reign. 00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:01.220 And rule. 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.100 And live. 00:10:02.300 --> 00:10:03.460 In the very hearts. 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:04.660 Of his people. 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:06.040 As the kingdom of light. 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:09.759 Breaks into the darkness. 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:11.879 Bringing forgiveness. 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:12.700 And restoration. 00:10:12.700 --> 00:10:14.960 And one day culminating. 00:10:15.140 --> 00:10:16.100 In God's king. 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:16.580 Jesus. 00:10:17.280 --> 00:10:18.920 Taking his people home. 00:10:19.540 --> 00:10:22.020 To be in his very presence. 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:24.660 Worshipping this heavenly father. 00:10:24.780 --> 00:10:26.860 Where Jesus' kingdom will be won. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:29.039 Where sin is a distant memory. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:32.360 Where every tear will be wiped away. 00:10:32.500 --> 00:10:34.340 Where every hurt will be healed. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:35.779 Where suffering will be over. 00:10:35.899 --> 00:10:37.700 Where sickness will be banished. 00:10:37.800 --> 00:10:40.360 Where perfect justice will be perfectly executed. 00:10:41.960 --> 00:10:44.200 Where the news will no longer be filled. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:46.419 With murder and rape. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:50.500 Where refugees will no longer have to flee. 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.820 Their country of birth. 00:10:51.899 --> 00:10:52.620 For their safety. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:53.820 Why? 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:57.200 Because Jesus. 00:10:58.080 --> 00:10:59.660 The king of glory. 00:11:00.340 --> 00:11:01.100 Has won. 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:03.600 And has ushered in. 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:04.800 His kingdom. 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:06.320 Of life. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:07.360 And light. 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:08.240 Of fullness. 00:11:08.760 --> 00:11:09.360 And joy. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.720 Where he reigns. 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:12.840 And where the transformed people. 00:11:12.960 --> 00:11:14.180 That he has won to himself. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:14.980 Worship him. 00:11:15.060 --> 00:11:16.340 In the very presence of God. 00:11:18.540 --> 00:11:20.520 So Jesus says to his disciples. 00:11:20.680 --> 00:11:21.580 Matthew chapter 6. 00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:22.520 Pray for that kingdom. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:25.139 Pray for that kingdom to come. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:26.879 Yes. 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:28.480 Long for that day to come. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:31.100 But would you pray. 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:32.539 And would you act. 00:11:33.199 --> 00:11:34.360 To see that kingdom known. 00:11:35.220 --> 00:11:36.759 And to see that kingdom seen. 00:11:37.439 --> 00:11:39.259 And to see that kingdom extended. 00:11:39.799 --> 00:11:40.740 In this day. 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:44.399 See to pray for the kingdom of come. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:45.639 Is at its very heart. 00:11:45.699 --> 00:11:46.519 At its very centre. 00:11:46.600 --> 00:11:46.980 Do you see? 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.179 It's a missionary prayer. 00:11:48.179 --> 00:11:50.899 Stemming from a heart. 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:53.639 That longs to see this heavenly father. 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:55.059 His name put in lights. 00:11:55.819 --> 00:11:57.079 And longs to see people. 00:11:57.239 --> 00:11:57.620 Men and women. 00:11:57.719 --> 00:11:58.959 Boys and girls across this planet. 00:11:59.239 --> 00:12:00.000 Come to know. 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:02.039 King Jesus for themselves. 00:12:02.219 --> 00:12:03.359 This is the kingdom of God. 00:12:05.239 --> 00:12:06.219 And all I want to do. 00:12:06.319 --> 00:12:07.599 In the short amount of time. 00:12:07.679 --> 00:12:08.379 That we have remaining. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.899 Is just to tease out for us. 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:12.539 The things. 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:13.439 That as we pray. 00:12:13.639 --> 00:12:15.340 For this kingdom to come. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:16.899 And as we pray. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:18.299 For God's will to be done. 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:20.620 On earth as it is in heaven. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:22.399 Where this prayer. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.720 Should cause us. 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:24.480 To look. 00:12:25.459 --> 00:12:26.459 Now you know me well enough. 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.240 I hope to know. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.379 That the best things in sermons. 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:29.059 Come in threes. 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:31.379 So here are three places. 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:31.899 That this. 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:33.120 Prayer. 00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:34.460 Causes us. 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:35.100 To look. 00:12:35.139 --> 00:12:36.319 And hopefully this is really practical. 00:12:36.319 --> 00:12:37.100 For our lives. 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:37.840 Here's the first one. 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:39.139 It causes us to look outside. 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:43.100 As we look at some of the things. 00:12:43.179 --> 00:12:44.100 On our news screens. 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.039 As we hear. 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:46.980 We've even heard it this morning. 00:12:47.079 --> 00:12:48.419 The catastrophic effect. 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:49.559 That sin has had on this world. 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:51.459 It should cause our hearts to break. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:55.579 Something deep inside us. 00:12:55.659 --> 00:12:57.480 Our soul should cry out. 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:58.199 When we see it. 00:12:58.259 --> 00:12:58.939 That this is. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:13:00.019 Not how. 00:13:00.319 --> 00:13:01.319 It was meant to be. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.600 And here's the great thing. 00:13:02.679 --> 00:13:04.120 That is exactly how Jesus feels. 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:06.899 What do we see. 00:13:07.699 --> 00:13:08.939 As he comes across. 00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:09.879 The deaf and mute. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:11.519 Man in Mark chapter 7. 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:12.620 You can check it out afterwards. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:13.399 What does he do? 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:15.659 He sighs. 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:16.699 Deeply. 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:18.819 Sighs. 00:13:19.199 --> 00:13:19.620 Deeply. 00:13:20.059 --> 00:13:21.000 It's the same idea. 00:13:21.079 --> 00:13:22.659 That Paul uses in Romans chapter 8. 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:23.759 Again check it out afterwards. 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:25.379 When Paul talks about. 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:27.279 The entire created order. 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.000 Groaning. 00:13:29.159 --> 00:13:29.639 Longing. 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:30.620 For God. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:31.559 Its creator. 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:32.899 To restore it. 00:13:34.659 --> 00:13:35.980 It should be our soul reaction. 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:36.600 When we see. 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:37.519 When we see. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.700 And encounter. 00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:42.680 Life in our sin battered world. 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:43.600 Come Lord Jesus. 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:46.180 Come Lord Jesus. 00:13:46.180 --> 00:13:46.759 Let me ask you. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:47.580 When was the last time. 00:13:47.680 --> 00:13:48.519 That you groaned? 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:52.480 Some of you may have heard. 00:13:52.560 --> 00:13:54.300 Of the international justice mission. 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:55.039 There are a group of. 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:56.340 Christian lawyers. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:56.920 Who help. 00:13:57.700 --> 00:13:58.060 Work. 00:13:58.839 --> 00:13:59.099 Sorry. 00:13:59.199 --> 00:13:59.799 Help victims. 00:13:59.979 --> 00:14:01.339 Of human rights abuse. 00:14:01.839 --> 00:14:02.059 Here. 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:02.679 Let me just read you. 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:03.459 Some prayer points. 00:14:03.579 --> 00:14:04.259 From one of their. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:06.099 Latest prayer updates. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.119 Three things. 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:09.319 There are 27 million slaves. 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:10.119 In the world today. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:11.819 Did you know. 00:14:11.939 --> 00:14:12.359 There are actually. 00:14:12.479 --> 00:14:13.099 More slaves today. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:13.539 Than there were. 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:14.819 In William Wilberforce's time. 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.639 More than any other point. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:18.219 In human history. 00:14:18.219 --> 00:14:18.819 Would you pray. 00:14:19.279 --> 00:14:20.359 There are thousands of widows. 00:14:20.519 --> 00:14:20.959 Who are literally. 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:22.259 Fighting for their lives. 00:14:22.719 --> 00:14:23.619 Because their land. 00:14:23.739 --> 00:14:24.459 And their only source. 00:14:24.479 --> 00:14:24.899 Of provision. 00:14:25.099 --> 00:14:26.119 Has been violently stolen. 00:14:26.219 --> 00:14:27.000 Away from them. 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:27.919 Called land grabbing. 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:28.519 Would you pray. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:30.179 Each year. 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:32.379 Nearly 2 million children. 00:14:33.099 --> 00:14:34.059 Are exploited. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:34.879 In the global. 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:36.099 Commercial sex trade. 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:36.899 And they have. 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:38.219 No one to defend them. 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:38.759 Would you pray. 00:14:40.139 --> 00:14:41.079 This is our world. 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:43.639 Let me ask you. 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:43.979 Does it. 00:14:44.459 --> 00:14:44.939 When you hear. 00:14:44.939 --> 00:14:45.719 That kind of stuff. 00:14:46.579 --> 00:14:47.339 Does it cause. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:48.259 Your heart to groan. 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:50.979 Does it cause. 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:51.379 Your heart. 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:51.759 To cry. 00:14:51.839 --> 00:14:52.299 Would you come. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:52.819 Lord Jesus. 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.079 Would you come. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:55.500 Lord Jesus. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:55.799 Would you. 00:14:56.079 --> 00:14:56.639 Make it right. 00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:00.139 Would your kingdom come. 00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:02.299 Would your will be done. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:02.659 On earth. 00:15:02.699 --> 00:15:03.379 As it is in heaven. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.319 It's a cry. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.079 That should move us. 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:05.819 Not just to pray. 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:06.139 It should. 00:15:06.459 --> 00:15:07.179 Cause us to. 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.299 Act. 00:15:08.579 --> 00:15:09.959 To see our part. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:10.899 To play our part. 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:11.139 Rather. 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:12.399 In seeing the kingdom of Jesus. 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:13.139 Represented. 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.000 In our world. 00:15:14.199 --> 00:15:15.059 And in our nation. 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:16.399 For the good of our world. 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:18.759 Yes. 00:15:18.839 --> 00:15:19.360 But more so. 00:15:19.439 --> 00:15:19.699 So that. 00:15:20.039 --> 00:15:21.059 People can see. 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:21.939 And they can hear. 00:15:21.939 --> 00:15:22.620 About Jesus. 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:23.779 And they can come. 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:24.860 To know this father. 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:26.019 This heavenly father. 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.460 The one who is in control. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.100 For themselves. 00:15:28.580 --> 00:15:29.419 Because what does God. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.039 Call himself. 00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:32.799 A strong refuge. 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:34.539 And a shield. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.000 And a defender. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:36.799 For his people. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:38.480 You know. 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:39.980 I read a fascinating quote. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.379 This week. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.700 From freelance columnist. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.600 Matthew Paris. 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.500 He wrote an article. 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.039 For the times. 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:46.000 In 2008. 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:46.740 With the title. 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:48.200 And get this one. 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:48.779 In your ears. 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.079 As an atheist. 00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:51.500 I truly believe. 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.679 That Africa needs God. 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:53.699 That was the title. 00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:55.059 Of his article. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.019 As an atheist. 00:15:56.120 --> 00:15:56.980 I truly believe. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.759 That Africa needs God. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:15:59.459 He writes this. 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:00.679 This observation. 00:16:00.839 --> 00:16:01.259 I realize. 00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:01.819 Stubbornly. 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:02.579 Refuses to fit. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.419 With my world view. 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:05.159 Indeed. 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:05.779 It has embarrassed. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:07.039 My very core conviction. 00:16:07.039 --> 00:16:07.899 That there is no God. 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.720 But the facts. 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:10.000 Are simply inescapable. 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.899 I've become convinced. 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:13.240 Of the enormous contribution. 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:13.919 That Christianity. 00:16:14.079 --> 00:16:15.139 Makes to Africa. 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:16.799 Which is sharply distinct. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.559 From the work of NGOs. 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:20.039 Government projects. 00:16:20.239 --> 00:16:21.759 And international aid efforts. 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.619 Because I see. 00:16:22.739 --> 00:16:23.279 That these things. 00:16:23.399 --> 00:16:23.959 Will not do. 00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:26.319 In Africa. 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:28.619 Education and training alone. 00:16:28.839 --> 00:16:29.659 Will not do. 00:16:31.099 --> 00:16:31.939 In Africa. 00:16:32.079 --> 00:16:32.559 Christianity. 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:34.019 Changes people's hearts. 00:16:35.179 --> 00:16:37.059 It brings spiritual transformation. 00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:39.259 It brings rebirth. 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:40.719 And the evidence. 00:16:40.719 --> 00:16:41.479 Is real. 00:16:41.959 --> 00:16:42.719 And the change. 00:16:43.079 --> 00:16:43.819 Is good. 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:46.159 Isn't that a fascinating quote. 00:16:46.599 --> 00:16:47.879 From a man of no faith. 00:16:48.559 --> 00:16:49.739 That he sees. 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.839 That Christianity. 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:51.979 Jesus. 00:16:52.339 --> 00:16:53.079 Is alive. 00:16:53.239 --> 00:16:53.699 And is living. 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:54.239 And his people. 00:16:54.339 --> 00:16:55.019 That that really makes. 00:16:55.079 --> 00:16:56.619 A long lasting difference. 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.479 It's a conviction. 00:16:59.479 --> 00:17:00.179 That drove. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:00.979 Fiona. 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:01.979 And Christy. 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:02.599 And Ruth. 00:17:02.719 --> 00:17:03.539 And the rest of that team. 00:17:03.619 --> 00:17:04.039 To Romania. 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:06.379 It really is. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.759 The gospel really is. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.359 Good news. 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:09.379 For all of the world. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.839 It's the conviction. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:11.639 That drives us. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.139 Each month. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.519 To focus on a country. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:14.019 Of the world. 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:14.919 At our prayer meeting. 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:16.560 And to find out. 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:18.039 How we can best pray for it. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.320 We're praying for Jordan. 00:17:20.320 --> 00:17:21.160 This Wednesday night. 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:21.980 Please come along. 00:17:22.080 --> 00:17:22.779 7.45. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.600 It's a country. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.620 That desperately needs. 00:17:24.620 --> 00:17:25.279 Our prayers. 00:17:27.860 --> 00:17:28.960 As we pray for the kingdom. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.740 To come friends. 00:17:29.860 --> 00:17:30.840 As we pray for God's will. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:31.220 To be done. 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:32.340 It should cause us. 00:17:32.420 --> 00:17:33.160 To look outside. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:34.400 Here's the second place. 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:35.120 It should cause us. 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:35.840 To look beside. 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:38.920 We pray for this kingdom. 00:17:38.920 --> 00:17:39.300 To come. 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:40.180 We're praying for. 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:41.279 Our life together. 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:42.259 As a church. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:44.839 Some of you might remember. 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:46.700 That old Sunday school classic. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.660 Let me attempt this one. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.920 Joy is the flag. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:51.799 Flowing high. 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:53.559 From the castle of my heart. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:55.359 From the castle of my heart. 00:17:55.440 --> 00:17:57.000 From the castle of my heart. 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:58.059 Joy is the flag. 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:58.879 Flowing high. 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:00.940 From the castle of my heart. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.920 He is in residence there. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:04.720 So let me. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.720 I won't attempt that note. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:08.180 Dreaming that I could hit that note. 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:09.799 But let me ask you. 00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:10.599 On a serious note. 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:13.179 As people would look into. 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:14.339 Our lives individually. 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:15.019 From the outside. 00:18:15.139 --> 00:18:16.459 We look into our life corporately. 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:19.179 Would they see the king in residence here? 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.740 Would they see it? 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:22.799 As they look at our lives. 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:24.179 As they look at our public lives. 00:18:24.219 --> 00:18:25.980 As they probably look at our private lives. 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.259 What would they see? 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:28.879 As they watch us in action. 00:18:29.959 --> 00:18:31.559 As they watch how we talk. 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:33.779 About one another. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.959 To one another. 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.399 As they see how we serve. 00:18:36.679 --> 00:18:38.059 Would they see the king in residence? 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:39.200 Or would they see. 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.539 A people. 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:43.259 Of the world. 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:45.480 Who are simply just dressing up. 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:46.759 In religious clothes. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.179 I think this is a challenge. 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:49.500 That it's brought to me this week. 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.259 To think about that. 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:53.619 Would people see. 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:55.440 The kingdom in my life. 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:56.440 Because really as a church. 00:18:56.539 --> 00:18:58.059 We're just a little kingdom outpost. 00:18:58.339 --> 00:18:59.379 Who happen to be. 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:01.240 In this neighbourhood of Brunsfield. 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.379 Again. 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:03.279 What does Jesus pray? 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:04.240 In the Sermon of the Mount. 00:19:04.359 --> 00:19:05.460 Verse 13 and 14. 00:19:05.460 --> 00:19:08.400 You are the salt of the earth. 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.200 He says to his people. 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:11.960 And you are the light of the world. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:13.980 And you are that city on the hill. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:16.799 Walking up Castle Street this morning. 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:18.559 Into town. 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.180 What do we see? 00:19:19.360 --> 00:19:20.019 From Castle. 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:21.100 You can't escape it can you? 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:21.900 From miles around. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.980 You can see the castle there. 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:24.559 This is what Jesus is saying about his church. 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:26.900 A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:28.380 Would people see us. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.559 And our lives in action. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.680 And would they see. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.299 That the king is alive. 00:19:32.299 --> 00:19:35.079 And the king is in residence amongst us. 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:37.619 It's the best apologetic. 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:39.039 One of the best apologetics. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.279 That we can offer to the world. 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:43.200 For the truth of the transforming power of the gospel. 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:45.319 Is simply by our life together as a church. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.099 Young and old. 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.180 Male and female. 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:49.299 Rich and poor. 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:51.000 Suits and tracksuits. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:53.480 Because as the world looks in and says. 00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:54.399 Question mark. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:55.919 Divided. 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:59.279 The gospel says no. 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.360 United. 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:02.680 In Jesus Christ. 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:04.120 Divided. 00:20:04.340 --> 00:20:04.519 No. 00:20:04.800 --> 00:20:05.460 Made one. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:09.740 As we display this glorious unity and diversity. 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:11.700 As we live out this kingdom life and community. 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:15.039 What a marvelous exclamation mark we make. 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:17.500 To the point that Jesus is Lord. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:21.259 Now after Alex and I got married. 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:22.420 Our first home was. 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:24.620 In this little area of Bristol. 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:25.699 Called Montpellier. 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.719 Montpellier was on the border of this. 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:30.759 Really rough and ready area of Bristol. 00:20:30.879 --> 00:20:31.719 Called St Paul's. 00:20:31.979 --> 00:20:33.059 In fact when I moved to Bristol. 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:35.099 The estate agent described this place to me. 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:36.759 As bohemian and earthy. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:39.739 But I love estate agents sometimes. 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.459 Bohemian. 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:41.619 And earthy. 00:20:41.919 --> 00:20:43.539 But I soon realized what those words meant. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.859 Because this was an area that was notorious. 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.039 For its diversity. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:50.019 And this was an area that was notorious. 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:50.859 For its tensions. 00:20:52.139 --> 00:20:53.299 There's a story told. 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.480 About a local MP. 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:56.240 Who walked into one of the local churches. 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.399 Down in Bristol one day. 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:59.180 And he walked in. 00:20:59.220 --> 00:20:59.759 And what did he see? 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:01.419 He saw people laughing together. 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:03.579 He saw people eating together. 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:05.220 He saw people weeping together. 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.619 He saw people praying together. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.639 He saw people laughing together. 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.539 He saw people hugging. 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:12.339 And he remarked to one of the. 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:12.619 Sorry. 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.720 He remarked to the minister. 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.899 Right after service finished. 00:21:15.899 --> 00:21:16.879 Ran up to him and said. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:20.000 I spent millions of pounds. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.880 Every year. 00:21:21.600 --> 00:21:23.560 Trying to get people from that community. 00:21:23.560 --> 00:21:25.360 To speak to people from that community. 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.340 And I walk in here. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.400 And I see you do it for free. 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:31.020 What an astounding. 00:21:31.840 --> 00:21:33.540 Apologetic we make to the watching world. 00:21:33.600 --> 00:21:35.500 As they see our unity. 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:37.160 In diversity. 00:21:38.340 --> 00:21:40.160 I often go to these ministers lunches. 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:42.220 That we have with other pastors. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:42.960 Around the city. 00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:43.720 And we meet up. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:45.140 And we always ask each other. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:47.039 How can we best be praying for your church? 00:21:47.380 --> 00:21:48.220 Do you know what my answer is? 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:48.860 Every time. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:50.920 Every time. 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:53.160 Would you please pray for our unity? 00:21:54.779 --> 00:21:55.880 Not that we're falling apart. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.900 Not that we're falling out. 00:21:56.960 --> 00:21:58.039 But because we realise. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:00.660 That the easiest thing for the devil to do. 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:02.620 Is to get into our unity and diversity. 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.380 And to break it. 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.960 What does that say to the watching world? 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:07.100 Would you pray for our unity? 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:10.880 Would you pray that preferences would be set aside. 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.960 In the name of Jesus Christ. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:16.960 Would you pray that we would all be about serving one another? 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:22.340 Would you pray that the gospel would be seen in the way that we love one another? 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:24.480 And do you know so often what the other minister. 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:26.400 When I ask him what I can pray for says back. 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:29.860 He says I was about to say exactly the same thing. 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.559 Friends would you join me this week? 00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:33.759 Would you join me this year? 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.799 In praying for our unity. 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:39.160 In praying that we would display. 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:42.320 This counter-cultural gospel community. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.820 That Jesus Christ has birthed here. 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:46.259 Would you pray for our unity? 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.640 And would you join me in praying for one another? 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:52.900 What a powerful apologetic we make to this watching world. 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:58.360 As we pray for the kingdom to come. 00:22:59.180 --> 00:23:00.820 As we pray for God's will to be done. 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.080 It causes us to look beside. 00:23:03.560 --> 00:23:05.440 He's the last place it causes us to look. 00:23:06.600 --> 00:23:06.920 Inside. 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:11.320 That the kingdom of God would advance in our own hearts. 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.259 And in our own lives. 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:17.839 As God transforms us by his spirit more into the likeness of Jesus his son. 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:20.000 Remember in the context of Matthew's gospel. 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:21.160 Jesus has been outlining. 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:24.460 What the people of his counter-cultural kingdom. 00:23:24.680 --> 00:23:25.460 What they look like. 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:29.299 Those poor in spirit. 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.940 The meek. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:36.079 Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.279 The merciful. 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:41.039 The pure in heart. 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:42.140 The peacemakers. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.119 Those who are all about. 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:45.480 Not retribution. 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.819 But turning the other cheek. 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:49.079 Those who seek forgiveness. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.700 Those who pray for their enemies. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.200 Those who give from a heart. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.000 Not of show. 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.680 But simply out of praise to God. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:57.779 These are all the hallmarks of God's people. 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.579 And so when we pray. 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:02.420 We're asking that God would do his pruning. 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:04.500 And growing work in our hearts. 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:06.900 And in our lives. 00:24:07.859 --> 00:24:09.220 So that we'd see this fruit. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:11.119 This kingdom fruit. 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:13.639 It's quite a common thing isn't it. 00:24:13.639 --> 00:24:14.599 Amongst parents to. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:17.379 Maybe you did this when you grew up. 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:19.179 To kind of track the growth of their children. 00:24:19.959 --> 00:24:20.879 What do parents do? 00:24:20.939 --> 00:24:21.839 We've not done this yet. 00:24:21.899 --> 00:24:23.839 But I'm working on it. 00:24:24.459 --> 00:24:25.039 What do they do? 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:26.139 They get you to stand against the wall. 00:24:26.199 --> 00:24:27.139 And they just mark your growth. 00:24:27.219 --> 00:24:27.519 Don't they? 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.859 And what do they do next year? 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:30.859 They're hoping that you've grown. 00:24:30.979 --> 00:24:31.679 They mark it here. 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:32.939 And mark it here. 00:24:33.219 --> 00:24:33.919 Well let me ask you. 00:24:33.979 --> 00:24:35.139 In your Christian life friends. 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:36.179 Do you see growth? 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:38.740 Do you see growth? 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.259 Do you look back over the course. 00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.799 Of the last little while. 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:42.979 And by God's grace. 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:44.139 Simply by his grace. 00:24:44.219 --> 00:24:45.240 Do you see those. 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:47.659 Evidences of fruit in your life. 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:51.219 Do you see the rule of Jesus Christ. 00:24:51.319 --> 00:24:52.419 This kingdom life. 00:24:52.959 --> 00:24:54.139 Taking over your heart. 00:24:54.139 --> 00:24:54.899 And your soul. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:57.820 How often. 00:24:58.320 --> 00:25:00.040 Do we fail to ask. 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:02.220 And this is where I was convicted this week. 00:25:02.280 --> 00:25:03.740 How often do we fail to ask. 00:25:03.860 --> 00:25:05.759 That our heavenly father would help us grow. 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:07.900 By his grace. 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.800 By his spirit. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.680 I found myself this week. 00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:13.320 Lord I struggle with anger. 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.600 Would you help me by your grace. 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:17.000 To be a peacemaker. 00:25:18.800 --> 00:25:20.860 Lord inside I struggle with patience. 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:22.480 I find that very difficult. 00:25:22.660 --> 00:25:23.780 Especially with two little ones. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.500 I struggle with patience. 00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:26.319 But by your grace. 00:25:26.399 --> 00:25:28.059 Would you help me to trust you more. 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:29.940 And to love you more. 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:32.099 And to know your good hand. 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:33.799 And it's perfect timing in my life. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:36.759 Friends how often do we fail to pray. 00:25:36.879 --> 00:25:37.960 That God would help us grow. 00:25:38.379 --> 00:25:39.259 By his grace. 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.500 In the words of. 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:43.920 Former slave trader turned minister. 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:44.539 John Newton. 00:25:44.660 --> 00:25:46.259 I ask the Lord that I might grow. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:48.039 In faith. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.200 And love. 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:50.359 And every grace. 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:52.399 Might more of his salvation know. 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:54.560 And seek more earnestly. 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:55.920 His face. 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:58.800 As we pray for the kingdom to come. 00:25:58.880 --> 00:26:00.519 As we pray for God's will to be done. 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.620 It will cause us to look. 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:02.700 Three places. 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.460 Outside. 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:05.880 B side. 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:06.940 Inside. 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:08.860 Why do we make that our prayer this week. 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:10.320 As we pray the kingdom to come. 00:26:11.060 --> 00:26:12.960 These are the three places that we would look. 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:15.120 As we close. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.940 Let me take you back to the Sony Triniton. 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:18.960 Can't get enough of that TV. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.500 It's probably somewhere in the attic. 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.259 Somewhere I'm sure. 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.880 But let me ask us as we close. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:24.579 As individuals. 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.840 But as a church. 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.660 Brothers and sisters. 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:32.140 Are our hearts tuned. 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:35.059 To the Father's frequency. 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:38.240 Before I pray to close. 00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:39.779 Why don't we just take a moment of quiet. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:43.039 And I invite you just in the stillness. 00:26:43.139 --> 00:26:43.639 Just as I. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.259 Read to you this. 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:47.079 The opening words of the Lord's Prayer. 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:47.940 That we've been looking about. 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:49.579 Looking at last week and this week. 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:51.200 Let me just. 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:52.759 Read them to us. 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:54.599 And help us meditate on them as we close. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:56.039 Let's bow our heads. 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:56.819 Just before I pray. 00:26:56.879 --> 00:26:57.879 And let me read these to us. 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:04.920 Our Father. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.920 Our Father. 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.779 Our Father. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:13.539 Who art in heaven. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:20.960 Hallowed be your name. 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:29.119 Your kingdom come. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:36.579 Your will be done. 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:36.639 Amen. 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:42.279 On earth. 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.740 As it is in heaven. 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:55.420 Glorious heavenly Father. 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.879 What an amazing. 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:58.980 Mystery. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:02.000 That because of Jesus. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.279 We can call you. 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:07.079 The one who threw stars into space. 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:09.440 We can call you Father. 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:12.579 And so we ask that. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:14.599 By your pure. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.119 Undeserved grace. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:17.519 That you show us each and every day. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.660 That you would fill us all. 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:20.599 Afresh. 00:28:21.379 --> 00:28:22.539 With a hunger. 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.180 And a desire. 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:26.519 To see your kingdom come. 00:28:27.339 --> 00:28:27.720 In. 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.180 The outside. 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.759 And in the B side. 00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:33.879 And in the inside. 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.879 All for your glory. 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.579 Of the upbuilding of your church. 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.539 In this nation we pray. 00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:39.480 Amen. 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:41.299 Thank you. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:41.980 Amen. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:46.299 And a son of a heaven. 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:46.660 Good. 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.200 Thank you. 00:28:47.360 --> 00:28:47.460 Good. 00:28:47.860 --> 00:28:47.960 Yes. 00:28:48.120 --> 00:28:48.160 Good. 00:28:48.380 --> 00:28:48.960 Thank you. 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:49.440 Good. 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:49.640 Okay. 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.160 Good. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.299 Good. 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:50.660 Good. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.140 Good. 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:51.559 Good. 00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:52.279 Good. 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:52.819 Good. 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:53.319 Good. 00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:54.160 Good. 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:54.819 Good. 00:28:54.819 --> 00:29:01.519 Good. 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.460 He's been here. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.079 Good. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.120 birthday. 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.640 Good.