WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:06.700 Colossians chapter 4 verse 2, we read there in verse 2, continue steadfastly in prayer, 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:15.060 being watchful in it with thanksgiving. And then in verse 5, conduct yourselves wisely, 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:23.879 or another version would say, walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. 00:00:23.879 --> 00:00:32.799 How many times have we come to a point in our lives where we may ask ourselves, where do we go from here? 00:00:33.939 --> 00:00:38.479 Some of us will have gone through that experience perhaps many times in our lives. 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:43.519 Others perhaps are going through that experience at this very moment. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:49.120 Depending what's coming our way, there can be many different times where we ask that question, 00:00:49.119 --> 00:00:56.159 where do we go from here? Sometimes it's related to very practical decisions that we make in our lives, 00:00:56.239 --> 00:01:03.099 leaving school or looking for a workplace to go to. Where do we go from here? 00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:11.340 Perhaps for others, it's related to coming into retirement. Where do we go from here? What are we going to do? 00:01:11.340 --> 00:01:21.040 But perhaps more so in our walk with God, there are many times we come across experiences in our lives, 00:01:21.040 --> 00:01:30.659 which make us ask the question, where do I go from here? It can be emotional situations we find ourselves in, 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:37.700 times of loss and bereavement. It can be times when we've got decisions to make, even in our walk with God. 00:01:37.700 --> 00:01:46.500 Where do we go from here? There's all kinds of situations that we find ourselves in, and we have that question on our minds. 00:01:47.520 --> 00:01:51.980 And in the two passages that we've read together this evening, both in the Old Testament, 00:01:52.700 --> 00:01:59.400 in the book of Exodus chapter 14, and also here as we read in chapter 4 of Colossians, 00:01:59.760 --> 00:02:05.640 that's the kind of situation that people are in. It's perhaps more clear in the book of Exodus, 00:02:05.640 --> 00:02:09.879 because we see there the children of Israel have come out of Egypt. 00:02:10.460 --> 00:02:15.039 They've got the Egyptian army and Pharaoh chasing after them, behind them. 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:17.840 Ahead of them, they've got the Red Sea. 00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:23.900 They can't see which way they're going to go, and they start grumbling towards Moses. 00:02:24.080 --> 00:02:26.280 Why have you brought us here? 00:02:26.280 --> 00:02:31.640 The question they're asking there is, where do we go from here? 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:39.659 And what we see is that even though they can't see the way forward, that God has a plan. 00:02:40.520 --> 00:02:44.039 And that even as they cry out to him, they do so. 00:02:44.659 --> 00:02:47.420 But God has a plan behind that. 00:02:47.479 --> 00:02:49.280 But they have to be courageous. 00:02:49.280 --> 00:02:52.240 They have to go forward, trusting in him. 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:55.379 And that has remarkable results there. 00:02:56.099 --> 00:03:03.840 The passage we're looking at here in Colossians, it's maybe not so obvious in the sense of the walk that they're on, 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:07.759 but it's more related to their spiritual walk with God. 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:16.020 And we think of verse 5 there, it's talking about walking in wisdom, going on in wisdom. 00:03:16.020 --> 00:03:23.480 And really, the question is, for the church, for the people at Colossae, is where do we go from here? 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:34.240 Where Paul is coming to the end of the letter, he's given them a wonderful insight in the previous chapters throughout the letter of the wonder of Jesus Christ, 00:03:34.900 --> 00:03:41.980 the wonder of salvation in him, and the challenges in which they live, in the world in which they are living then, 00:03:41.979 --> 00:03:45.259 and the purpose for which Christ came. 00:03:46.119 --> 00:03:54.039 They have been told about their faith and the difference it is to the false teachers who are all around them, 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:56.199 who are opposing the teachings of Christ. 00:03:56.759 --> 00:04:02.979 They've been given instructions as to how to live as a church, as a community, as families. 00:04:03.099 --> 00:04:04.500 They've been given all of these things. 00:04:05.219 --> 00:04:08.679 Another question they have is, where do we go from here? 00:04:08.680 --> 00:04:08.719 Where do we go from here? 00:04:09.020 --> 00:04:11.300 We have all this great teaching. 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:19.600 We have all this great wisdom from God, but where do we go with it in our walk with God? 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:25.240 So you see, in both situations, both in Exodus and here in Colossae, 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:31.680 they are at this point in their experience where they're asking, where do we go from here? 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:37.060 Although the situations are quite different, the way forward is very similar, 00:04:38.019 --> 00:04:42.920 both in the response that God gives to the people through Moses and Exodus, 00:04:43.060 --> 00:04:47.600 and also through what Paul says to the church of Colossae here. 00:04:47.980 --> 00:04:50.300 The response is very similar. 00:04:50.519 --> 00:04:54.500 Paul's advice in verse 2 to verse 6 is the way forward, 00:04:54.500 --> 00:04:59.860 are things that we should bear in mind ourselves as well and take heed of, 00:05:00.519 --> 00:05:04.120 both like it is in the book of Exodus as well. 00:05:04.279 --> 00:05:08.839 Two bits of advice that we see in both circumstances are, 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:15.240 first of all, be prayerful, but secondly, be active. 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:22.340 The children of Israel have been calling on God, crying out to God, 00:05:22.579 --> 00:05:28.180 and he responded to them, go forward, be active. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:35.879 The church at Colossae has been seeking God, has been learning of the wonder of Christ, 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:44.620 and in the same way, the response to that is devote yourselves to prayer and be wise, 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:48.819 walk in wisdom towards outsiders that cease. 00:05:49.420 --> 00:05:52.839 And it's always that challenge that we have in our lives, 00:05:53.500 --> 00:06:00.959 the balance between faith in prayer and faith in action. 00:06:00.959 --> 00:06:06.239 Faith in prayer and faith in action. 00:06:06.919 --> 00:06:10.060 And that's the two points we're going to look at together this evening. 00:06:10.459 --> 00:06:17.279 These two things, faith in prayer, as we see here in verse 2 of Colossians, 00:06:18.179 --> 00:06:24.060 perseverance in prayer, continue steadfastly in prayer, it says. 00:06:24.060 --> 00:06:30.600 And then secondly, our faith in action, walk in wisdom. 00:06:31.259 --> 00:06:34.100 So we want to think of these two things. 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:38.000 Under that question, where do we go from here? 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:43.459 So where do we go from here, Paul is saying to the church at Colossae? 00:06:44.019 --> 00:06:47.720 He says, persevere in prayer. 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:55.880 Paul has spoken of the way of holy living in terms of relationships so much in this letter. 00:06:56.260 --> 00:07:01.380 The relationship that Christ has with the church, with his people, 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:05.720 and the relationship that they now have through faith in him, 00:07:06.460 --> 00:07:09.640 and the relationship that that leads to in their lives, 00:07:10.520 --> 00:07:15.200 in the church, in the community, in their families. 00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:18.479 You see all that in the previous chapters. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:22.500 And when he's concluding here in chapter 4, 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:27.039 he says one of the headings is in the ESV, further instruction. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:31.099 It's in light of everything that's come beforehand. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:35.500 Here's some further instructions as we conclude this letter. 00:07:36.039 --> 00:07:39.939 So he's saying in conclusion, go forward in this way. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:46.000 In all of these relationships, the foundation is your relationship with the Lord. 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:52.220 And that's why he says there, continue steadfastly in prayer. 00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:57.779 All you have to remember as you're reading many of these letters in the New Testament is 00:07:57.779 --> 00:08:01.600 that these were people who were young in the faith. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:07.960 These were towns and cities that weren't grounded in the gospel, 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:13.500 the way we have experienced in our own nation, in our own islands here. 00:08:13.820 --> 00:08:18.320 We are a generation who has enjoyed so much of the gospel, 00:08:18.640 --> 00:08:23.860 and generations have gone before us who have enjoyed the gospel, as we heard in prayer. 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:30.680 However, we have the blessing of the gospel having come to our land many years ago. 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:35.419 But for the churches that you're reading of here in the New Testament, for many of them, 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:38.440 the gospel had only very recently come. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:44.300 And the church in Colossae was a very young church in the faith. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:48.680 They had come from a very different background. 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:51.720 They weren't brought up with the gospel all around them. 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:57.340 They were brought up with other gods and false gods and all kinds of teachings around them, 00:08:57.480 --> 00:09:00.360 teachings that were still all around them. 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:05.680 And the challenge for them would be, you know, where are we going from here? 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:07.720 What are we doing with this teaching? 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:16.019 And one of the challenges that would have come to them would be as they were told to pray to God, 00:09:16.340 --> 00:09:20.379 their faith will be tested in their prayers. 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:25.059 Not seeing perhaps prayers answered immediately. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:28.299 And the false teachers coming in and saying to them, 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:29.439 your God's not listening. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.279 He's not real. 00:09:30.679 --> 00:09:33.600 You have to turn away from that and come back to our ways. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.480 There would have been all these challenges. 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:41.220 But Paul is saying, you know, it's not just an occasional prayer that you offer up 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:43.580 and God's going to answer it immediately. 00:09:43.580 --> 00:09:51.160 Or it's not just one long, intense prayer that God is going to hear and everything's going to change for you. 00:09:51.740 --> 00:10:00.860 The lesson is, as we always see throughout the scripture, is this idea of perseverance in our relationship with God. 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:06.519 Whether it's in the Old Testament or the New Testament, there's always that challenge. 00:10:07.220 --> 00:10:12.340 When a challenge comes, when opposition arises, how do we go on? 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:14.399 Do we lose faith? 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:15.419 Do we lose hope? 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:18.539 Or do we persevere in prayer? 00:10:18.539 --> 00:10:23.819 Well, the lesson here is persevere in prayer. 00:10:23.939 --> 00:10:31.279 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:36.399 So their prayers were to be prayers of perseverance. 00:10:37.939 --> 00:10:42.559 And their prayers, as you see here, were to be active prayers. 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:45.659 Praying, being watchful. 00:10:46.519 --> 00:10:48.279 Being watchful. 00:10:48.399 --> 00:10:49.539 Being on their guard. 00:10:49.699 --> 00:10:53.000 Being aware of everything that's going on around them. 00:10:53.599 --> 00:10:56.039 Being aware of all the different challenges. 00:10:56.699 --> 00:11:00.779 Being watchful there behind that word is the watchman's tower. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:07.879 The one who would look out over and survey the landscape and see the enemy coming and warn the people. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:12.919 And Paul is saying, you know, you've got to be persevering in prayer. 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:15.580 But always, as it were, praying with your eyes open. 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:18.000 Praying as the attacks are coming. 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:20.720 As the opposition is arising against you. 00:11:21.439 --> 00:11:24.220 And that's the way we are to pray ourselves as well. 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:26.360 Guard, being on our guard. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:27.240 Being watchful. 00:11:27.340 --> 00:11:30.620 Being aware of what is happening around us. 00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:35.919 Being aware of all the different challenges that are around us. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:42.000 It often reminds me of a scene in the film Titanic I watched many years ago. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:47.479 Based on a real story, but much of it as well, is fiction as two. 00:11:47.599 --> 00:11:55.759 But on the night when they were, before they hit the iceberg, there's a scene where there's two watchkeepers up in the mast. 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:58.639 They're on watch for icebergs. 00:11:58.639 --> 00:12:05.879 And one of the watchkeepers turns to the other one and says to him, you don't have to worry, I can smell ice. 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:09.819 And just moments later, what happens? 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:11.659 They hit the iceberg. 00:12:12.679 --> 00:12:16.199 He was so busy boasting about his abilities. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:19.220 What he could do, how he could smell ice. 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:21.039 He wasn't watching. 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:22.639 He wasn't looking. 00:12:22.639 --> 00:12:26.259 And there's a reminder to ourselves there as well. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:31.340 Again, we heard it in prayer earlier about being careful of our boasting. 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:33.439 How we're standing. 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:34.980 How we go on. 00:12:35.319 --> 00:12:36.480 How good we are. 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.840 That's not what we are to be like. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:41.439 We are persevering in prayer. 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:43.139 Not boasting. 00:12:43.799 --> 00:12:45.019 But being watchful. 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:46.919 Being on our guard. 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:49.659 Being alert to what's going on around us. 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:52.620 But also what's going on within us. 00:12:53.299 --> 00:12:56.960 So we keep humble before God. 00:12:57.860 --> 00:13:00.600 You see it again going back to the book of Exodus. 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:05.539 Taking their eyes off God and just looking to the opposition around them. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:07.519 It made them fear. 00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:09.279 Filled them with fear. 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:16.620 But when they're redirected to look at God and to trust in him, they can go forward. 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:19.179 And so it is for ourselves. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:28.719 And the Colossians here in being watchful have been reminded so much of the wonder, of the beauty of Christ. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:33.519 In chapter 1, it's the preeminence of Christ. 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:38.100 He is the image of the invisible God, it says in verse 15. 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:41.620 For by him all things were created. 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:47.759 In him, heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:49.299 And so it goes on. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:51.960 It's the preeminence of Christ. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:57.220 The one they look to, the one we look to as well. 00:13:57.220 --> 00:14:04.420 So when they're asking this question, where do we go from here? 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:07.220 It's a steadfastness in prayer. 00:14:07.320 --> 00:14:09.139 This persevering in prayer. 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:11.440 This being on their guard in prayer. 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:14.100 This thanksgiving in prayer. 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:17.879 That they have Christ on their sides. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:22.879 And you also see too, that it's about being specific in prayer. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:28.500 In verse 3 and verse 4, that's made clear for us as well. 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:34.360 Paul is asking them there initially, specifically pray for his ministry. 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:43.580 And at the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word. 00:14:44.560 --> 00:14:46.240 Where do we go from here? 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:52.899 We want to go forward with the door opening by God, that we may declare the mystery of Christ. 00:14:52.980 --> 00:14:55.620 That we may proclaim the gospel. 00:14:56.440 --> 00:15:01.920 That the Lord would open doors for the message of the gospel to go out and to go forward. 00:15:01.919 --> 00:15:08.839 And again, it's a great reminder to ourselves today of being specific in prayer. 00:15:10.719 --> 00:15:13.039 We've heard it in the prayers earlier. 00:15:13.839 --> 00:15:21.279 Specifics of prayer about things that are going on in our own lives, in our congregation, in our communities, in our nation, in the world. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:23.479 Being specific for prayer. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:28.039 And that's what Paul is asking for here as well. 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:33.839 That doors may be opened to declare the mystery of Christ. 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:38.439 Now, we have been blessed with doors that have been opened for us in different ways. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:42.139 With a freedom to proclaim the gospel. 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:44.399 To go into schools. 00:15:44.719 --> 00:15:45.959 To go into care homes. 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:47.099 To go into the hospital. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:50.000 To be with each other here in the church. 00:15:50.199 --> 00:15:54.019 To have opportunities to go out with the gospel. 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:55.959 Doors have been opened. 00:15:55.960 --> 00:16:00.900 And our prayer would be that these doors remain open for us. 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:02.340 And open wider. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:05.040 And that other opportunities come. 00:16:05.400 --> 00:16:07.879 As we pray for ourselves individually. 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:10.139 As we go into the workplaces. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:13.200 We go into the places of sport. 00:16:13.300 --> 00:16:16.019 Or the places of other places of worship. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:16.980 Wherever we go. 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:17.920 Whatever we do. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:21.559 We are praying specifically for doors to open. 00:16:22.079 --> 00:16:24.679 And to proclaim the mystery of Christ. 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:28.099 The wonder of Christ to others. 00:16:28.839 --> 00:16:32.599 So you see there's this perseverance in prayer. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:35.179 But it's an active prayer. 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:38.699 One other thing under that is what you see is. 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:42.520 Paul's plea for prayer himself. 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:44.980 That I may make it clear. 00:16:45.660 --> 00:16:47.520 Which is how I ought to speak. 00:16:47.640 --> 00:16:49.620 He's asking his people. 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:51.300 The church and Colossae. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.400 To pray for him. 00:16:54.140 --> 00:16:55.860 That he may make it clear. 00:16:56.400 --> 00:16:57.320 What he preaches. 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:57.920 And again. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:16:59.360 It's a prayer. 00:16:59.540 --> 00:17:01.520 And I know James mentions this often. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:04.700 And thankful for the praying people here. 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:06.660 Who remember us as we preach. 00:17:07.139 --> 00:17:08.579 And as we go out with the gospel. 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:11.500 Again thankful for the prayers offered up tonight. 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.720 And that to that end. 00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:14.599 And for your ongoing prayers. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:15.960 For ourselves as ministers. 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:16.759 For Scott. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.460 And for all of us together. 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:20.740 That we would pray for one another in that way. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:23.779 That as we're involved in the work of the church. 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:24.779 Whatever we're doing. 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:27.440 As we're involved in our witness in the community. 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:29.059 That we would pray. 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:30.299 That we would be clear. 00:17:30.299 --> 00:17:32.819 In how we present the gospel. 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:34.599 So there's this. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.480 There's this. 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:37.180 Where do we go from here? 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:39.879 We go on in prayer. 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.559 Persevering in prayer. 00:17:42.639 --> 00:17:43.619 That everything we do. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:45.839 Is grounded in prayer. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:46.460 And praying. 00:17:46.639 --> 00:17:47.200 Remembering. 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.859 We are praying to the one. 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.240 Who is able. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:53.659 And the second thing we see here. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:55.339 Under that question again. 00:17:55.759 --> 00:17:57.319 Where do we go from here? 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:00.240 We are to walk in wisdom. 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:01.919 Verse 5. 00:18:01.919 --> 00:18:04.059 Conduct yourselves wisely. 00:18:04.619 --> 00:18:05.819 Toward outsiders. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:08.740 Making the best use of the time. 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.539 Let your speech. 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:11.139 Always be gracious. 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:12.659 Seasoned with salt. 00:18:13.339 --> 00:18:15.180 So that you may know how you ought to answer. 00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:16.559 Each person. 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:23.379 So there's this idea that prayer is what we are grounded in. 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:26.359 But that there's also activity. 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:28.859 That is our conduct. 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:31.299 That is our walk. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:35.220 That is our making the best use of the time. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:39.779 And you see wisdom is a recurring theme in this letter. 00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:41.500 In chapter 1. 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.500 Verse 9. 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:42.859 It says. 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:43.359 And so. 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:44.740 From the day we heard. 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:46.579 We have not ceased to pray for you. 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:50.180 Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will. 00:18:50.379 --> 00:18:52.740 In all spiritual wisdom. 00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:54.339 And understanding. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:55.679 So there's wisdom. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:59.339 That's the prayer of Paul for the church at Colossae. 00:18:59.439 --> 00:19:01.759 In verse 28 of chapter 1. 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:05.139 There it also speaks of wisdom. 00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.319 Him we proclaim. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:10.299 Warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:14.439 That we may present everyone mature in Christ. 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:18.039 Wisdom is at the heart of the preaching of the gospel. 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:20.819 In verse 3 of chapter 2. 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:23.659 There it speaks again of wisdom. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.960 In verse 2. 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:27.480 That their hearts may be encouraged. 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:28.680 Being knit together in love. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:32.259 To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding. 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.720 And the knowledge of God's mystery. 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:35.599 Which is Christ. 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:40.220 In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:44.059 Christ has all wisdom. 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:47.259 And if we lack wisdom as it says in James. 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:49.639 We are to ask God who gives. 00:19:49.819 --> 00:19:53.639 Because he has all wisdom to give. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:58.599 And he gives wisdom to us in order to live for him. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:01.740 To conduct ourselves in the right way. 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:05.399 Because we don't have that wisdom of ourselves. 00:20:06.179 --> 00:20:08.000 How often we make mistakes. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:11.299 How often we fail when we go in our own strength. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:14.919 But we have him to come to and ask for wisdom. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.960 But as we do. 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.819 We are to go on. 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:20.579 To walk in that way. 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:23.159 To walk in the way of wisdom. 00:20:24.139 --> 00:20:26.279 There will be the temptation here. 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:28.500 For the church at Colossae. 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:28.960 If you like. 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.720 To almost back away. 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:32.799 From everything that's going on around them. 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:35.460 To hide themselves away. 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.759 To be a people who say. 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:39.059 We'll just keep ourselves to ourselves. 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:41.419 We'll pray that God will work. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:44.039 But that he'll work apart from us. 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:46.779 Away from us. 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:49.220 But yet Paul is saying no. 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:52.740 You continue steadfastly in prayer. 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.559 Being watchful. 00:20:53.879 --> 00:20:54.940 And all of these things. 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:57.799 But then conduct yourselves wisely. 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.240 Towards outsiders. 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:02.159 Be in their midst. 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:04.099 Do not distance yourself. 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.859 From them. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:08.119 But resisting their teaching. 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:10.879 Take the opportunities that arise. 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:13.039 To present the faith. 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:15.479 To present the gospel. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:17.740 In our prayers. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:19.099 There should always be a plea. 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:20.219 For wisdom. 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.979 But it's a wisdom. 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:23.119 That goes forward. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:25.399 We will be in prayer. 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:27.359 But looking to action. 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:28.419 As well. 00:21:28.459 --> 00:21:29.319 And that's the key. 00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:31.139 For the church at Colossae. 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:32.000 Here as we are reading. 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:32.859 And it's key for ourselves. 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:34.959 Today it was the key. 00:21:35.459 --> 00:21:36.719 For the children of Israel. 00:21:36.719 --> 00:21:38.339 In Exodus 14. 00:21:39.479 --> 00:21:41.119 Sometimes we can be afraid. 00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:42.679 To go forward. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.619 We can be afraid. 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:46.019 Of the challenges. 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.599 That are all around us. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:50.559 But still. 00:21:50.959 --> 00:21:52.619 We cannot just become. 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:54.240 So comfortable. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.139 In prayer. 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:57.659 That we leave it all. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.240 To others. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:01.319 And always just. 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.980 Don't take that step. 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.480 Of faith. 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:07.000 When you look at. 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:08.160 The children of Israel. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.779 When you see them there. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.960 In chapter 14. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.940 They are crying out. 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.400 To God. 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:13.900 And God. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.420 And Moses says to them. 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:15.740 You know. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.640 You be still. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.640 We're going to see. 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:19.880 God's hand. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.099 In the midst of this. 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:24.299 But what God says. 00:22:24.500 --> 00:22:25.039 To them is. 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.759 Why do you cry. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:27.359 To me. 00:22:27.359 --> 00:22:30.000 Tell the people of Israel. 00:22:30.659 --> 00:22:31.979 To go forward. 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.279 To go on. 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:35.699 In faith. 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:38.059 So I think it was the time. 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.259 To stop praying. 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:41.859 And start moving. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:44.179 To start going forward. 00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:46.439 And it's always the case. 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:47.959 For the church of Christ. 00:22:48.699 --> 00:22:48.979 Yes. 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:50.379 Everything is grounded. 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:51.759 In prayer. 00:22:52.699 --> 00:22:53.839 But we always. 00:22:54.199 --> 00:22:54.559 Pray. 00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:56.139 In the hope. 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.599 And in the will of God. 00:22:57.859 --> 00:22:58.940 To go forward. 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:00.079 To walk. 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:01.279 In wisdom. 00:23:01.419 --> 00:23:02.639 To conduct ourselves. 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.599 Wisely. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:05.220 Towards outsiders. 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.759 To do all things. 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:08.940 As unto the Lord. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.259 There's faith. 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.960 And there's action. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:14.240 We remember Hannah. 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.179 Who we were looking at last week. 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:17.700 Who was praying. 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:19.079 For a son. 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.879 And she prayed. 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:22.059 And as she was praying. 00:23:22.159 --> 00:23:23.519 She was making a promise. 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:25.199 A promise to God. 00:23:25.199 --> 00:23:26.639 If you give me a son. 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:28.740 I will give him back to you. 00:23:28.939 --> 00:23:30.179 All the days. 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:31.699 Of his life. 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:34.359 God honoured her prayer. 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:37.559 And Hannah honoured God. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.899 In her action. 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:40.559 In her faith. 00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:42.359 She moved forward. 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.159 In faith. 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:45.359 And gave the child. 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:47.539 Over to God. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.899 All the days. 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.619 Of his life. 00:23:51.899 --> 00:23:52.539 Where. 00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:53.759 Do we go. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.879 From here. 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:57.220 We go forward. 00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:59.039 Devoting ourselves. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.779 To prayer. 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.359 But being wise. 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.220 In our actions. 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.539 To all. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.359 Around us. 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:05.420 Being on our guard. 00:24:05.879 --> 00:24:06.940 And being thankful. 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.220 That the Lord. 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.759 Is on our side. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.379 We all know. 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.619 Prayer is. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.299 Indispensable. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.980 Prayer is the heart. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:18.400 The heartbeat. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.059 Of what the church. 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:21.019 Is all about. 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:23.480 And it would seem strange. 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:24.839 Maybe to say. 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.420 At times. 00:24:26.420 --> 00:24:26.759 That. 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:27.900 We can let. 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:28.680 Prayer. 00:24:29.640 --> 00:24:30.360 Impede. 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.380 Our progress. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:34.759 But we can. 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:37.099 If we say. 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.140 All we can do. 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.460 Is pray. 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.099 Because God. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.599 Gives. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.440 Commands. 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.400 To go forward. 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:47.600 To pray. 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.900 And to go forward. 00:24:50.580 --> 00:24:52.000 To go forward. 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.400 Thrusting him. 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:55.340 To go forward. 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.860 Looking to him. 00:24:57.360 --> 00:24:58.080 To perform. 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:59.740 Miraculous things. 00:24:59.900 --> 00:25:00.720 As we go on. 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:03.000 The Red Sea. 00:25:03.100 --> 00:25:04.300 As they went forward. 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.519 Parted. 00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:07.840 And they crossed over. 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:09.660 On dry land. 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:11.160 God. 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:11.200 God. 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:12.259 Was able. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.920 To do it. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.540 But they had. 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:16.019 To go forward. 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:17.920 And for ourselves. 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:18.320 Too. 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:19.320 And so many things. 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.340 That we are doing. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.880 It may be personal. 00:25:22.880 --> 00:25:23.700 An individual. 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:24.920 It may be as families. 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:27.300 It may be as a congregation. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.259 As a denomination. 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.500 Whatever we are doing. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:32.940 We pray over it. 00:25:33.799 --> 00:25:35.299 But we go forward. 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:36.380 In faith. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.579 Challenged. 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:40.039 To trust. 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:40.779 God. 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:43.339 There's a story told. 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:45.099 During the American Civil War. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.779 Of an army. 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:48.880 That was led by a general. 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:50.160 And they found themselves. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:52.400 Coming into the evening of a day. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.519 On the wrong side. 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:54.480 Of a river. 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:57.240 And they needed to be on. 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:58.380 The other side. 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.079 As soon. 00:25:59.579 --> 00:26:00.420 As possible. 00:26:01.620 --> 00:26:02.400 And the general. 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.940 Went to his engineers. 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:04.720 And said. 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:06.599 We need to get across. 00:26:06.900 --> 00:26:07.440 That river. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.860 So he told his engineers. 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.720 To come up with a plan. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.200 To build a bridge. 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:14.640 So the army could cross. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:17.120 But he also called. 00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:18.279 The man who was in charge. 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:19.099 Of the wagons. 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.180 The horses. 00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:21.940 That were carrying the wagons. 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:23.180 With all the supplies. 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:24.460 All the ammunition. 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:25.259 All the guns. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.180 He got him ready. 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.640 As well. 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.039 He said. 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:27.840 To him. 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:29.519 We have to be over that river. 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:31.160 As soon as possible. 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:32.560 So get the wagons. 00:26:33.060 --> 00:26:33.519 Ready. 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:35.720 The man in charge. 00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:36.940 Of the wagons. 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:38.299 He went away. 00:26:38.400 --> 00:26:38.920 And started. 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:39.900 Getting everything ready. 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:41.660 The engineers. 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:42.680 Went away. 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.860 And started planning. 00:26:45.160 --> 00:26:46.140 But the man. 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:47.700 Who was getting the wagons. 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.000 Ready. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:48.840 When he had done that. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:50.380 He started gathering logs. 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:52.259 Started gathering rocks. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.539 And anything else. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:54.259 He could find. 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:55.839 To build a bridge. 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.480 And then he came back. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.200 To the general. 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:00.660 Not too long after. 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.200 And he said. 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.019 To the general. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:04.619 That's the wagons. 00:27:05.259 --> 00:27:06.359 And all the horses. 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.440 Across the river. 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:09.779 And the general. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.859 Was surprised. 00:27:11.160 --> 00:27:11.559 And he asked. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.180 Where are the engineers? 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:14.000 What are they doing? 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.400 He said. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:16.539 They're still in the tent. 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.420 Making a plan. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:19.519 The work. 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:20.240 Had been done. 00:27:20.860 --> 00:27:21.700 Because the man. 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.900 Saw it could be done. 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.380 And he went ahead. 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.140 And did it. 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:27.060 And sometimes. 00:27:27.060 --> 00:27:27.800 That's the way. 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:29.480 We can end up too. 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:31.360 We think of our own. 00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:32.560 Prayer life. 00:27:33.300 --> 00:27:34.400 We think of our own. 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:36.120 Community prayer life. 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:36.580 We think. 00:27:37.060 --> 00:27:37.860 Of what we're doing. 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:38.320 In prayer. 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:39.400 It's so important. 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:41.000 So important. 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:41.480 That everything. 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.500 Is grounded in it. 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.620 But there's always a time. 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.580 When we have to say. 00:27:45.579 --> 00:27:47.339 It's a time for action. 00:27:48.059 --> 00:27:49.500 It's a time to do. 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:51.579 It's a time to go out. 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:53.740 To stand up for the gospel. 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.539 To proclaim the gospel. 00:27:56.119 --> 00:27:57.399 To speak to others. 00:27:57.879 --> 00:27:59.039 Whatever it is. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.299 We pray. 00:28:00.699 --> 00:28:01.500 And plan. 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:03.079 And we also. 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.539 Put our faith. 00:28:05.079 --> 00:28:05.839 Into action. 00:28:06.879 --> 00:28:07.899 The children of Israel. 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:09.319 Faced it at the Red Sea. 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:11.399 They cried to God. 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:13.079 And God said. 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.439 Go forward. 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:17.000 The church at Colossae. 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.360 They were told. 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.000 Continue. 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.920 Steadlessly in prayer. 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.440 But also. 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:23.600 Conduct yourselves. 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:24.700 Walk. 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:25.960 In wisdom. 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.519 Go forward. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.759 For the Lord. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.980 And for ourselves. 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:32.019 We ask so often. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:33.440 Where do we go. 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.299 From here. 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:35.380 Tonight. 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.680 Where do we go. 00:28:36.820 --> 00:28:37.340 From here. 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.360 Let us go on. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.880 Persevering. 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.860 In prayer. 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:43.719 Not losing heart. 00:28:43.719 --> 00:28:44.299 Or hope. 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.439 In our prayer. 00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:46.119 But also. 00:28:46.919 --> 00:28:48.279 Conducting ourselves. 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:50.299 Going forward. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:51.539 In faith. 00:28:52.339 --> 00:28:53.079 And trusting. 00:28:53.659 --> 00:28:54.079 God. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.899 That he be with us. 00:28:56.459 --> 00:28:57.839 And that he help us. 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.199 And guide us. 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.579 Along the way. 00:29:00.959 --> 00:29:01.759 He is able. 00:29:02.679 --> 00:29:03.879 And we have to believe. 00:29:04.639 --> 00:29:05.259 Let us pray. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:07.839 Lord our God. 00:29:07.900 --> 00:29:08.460 Our Father. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.019 In heaven. 00:29:09.140 --> 00:29:10.079 We do thank you. 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.319 For all the. 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:12.480 Instrations. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.359 And reminders. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:14.000 That you give. 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.339 Through your word. 00:29:15.400 --> 00:29:15.940 Of the power. 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:16.539 That there is. 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.079 In prayer. 00:29:17.640 --> 00:29:18.920 But we thank you too. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.220 That there is also. 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:20.680 A reminder. 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.339 Of the power. 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.420 Of the response. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.059 That there is. 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:24.160 To prayer as well. 00:29:24.859 --> 00:29:25.940 That we are a people. 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:27.160 Just as a people. 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:27.660 Of old. 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.400 Who are told. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.019 So often. 00:29:29.619 --> 00:29:30.599 To go forward. 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:32.079 To go out. 00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:32.819 With the gospel. 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.960 Even the great commission. 00:29:34.139 --> 00:29:35.139 Reminds us of that. 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.599 To go. 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:36.940 To all the ends. 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.519 Of the earth. 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:38.599 With that great promise. 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.680 That you are with us. 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.299 And so help us. 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:42.680 That we will ground ourselves. 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:43.379 In prayer. 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.099 And be persevering. 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.500 In it. 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.559 But also. 00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:47.400 That we will walk. 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.000 In wisdom. 00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:50.000 And know that you are with us. 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:50.519 Help us. 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:51.259 To be courageous. 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:52.700 And to be bold. 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:53.279 In the days. 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:53.819 That we live. 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:54.980 When there is. 00:29:55.099 --> 00:29:55.920 So much opposition. 00:29:56.099 --> 00:29:56.779 Around us. 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:57.940 And there are so many. 00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:59.000 Challenges to us. 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.480 And to the faith. 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:01.740 And to the gospel. 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.220 But we thank you. 00:30:03.240 --> 00:30:04.379 That you are on our side. 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:05.779 That you are sovereign. 00:30:05.940 --> 00:30:06.660 In all things. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:08.180 And that you are with your people. 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:10.299 Here and all over the world. 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:11.779 And that your gospel. 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.839 As is promised. 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:13.759 Is and will. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:15.180 Bear much fruit. 00:30:15.339 --> 00:30:16.799 We pray that for ourselves. 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.839 As a denomination. 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:19.220 And as a congregation. 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.639 As a community here. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:22.160 To see your spirit. 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:23.339 Working in our midst. 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:26.019 So give us that faithful prayer. 00:30:26.539 --> 00:30:28.000 And that perseverance in it. 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:29.599 And give us that wisdom. 00:30:30.180 --> 00:30:31.380 And to walk by too. 00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.259 As we ask it all. 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.160 In Jesus name. 00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:34.079 Amen. 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:34.799 Amen. 00:30:34.799 --> 00:31:04.779 Thank you.