WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.780 We'll turn to Joshua chapter 24, on page 199. 00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:15.759 So we're going to think over the next few months, on Sunday mornings, what do we do in gathered worship? 00:00:17.500 --> 00:00:19.519 ! What do we do and why do we do it? 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:28.140 And I want to say to you, if you miss a part, I don't normally ask this, but I would ask you to listen to sermons that you miss. 00:00:29.039 --> 00:00:35.299 And we're going to try and turn my sermon notes into English and have them available as a booklet. 00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:37.700 I don't know how successful that would be, it's a big job for someone else. 00:00:37.939 --> 00:00:40.060 But we're going to try to have them every week. 00:00:40.140 --> 00:00:43.260 I really want to ask you to try and invest in this sermon series. 00:00:43.259 --> 00:00:50.780 The reason I'm preaching it is partly because I think there's so much confusion about public worship. 00:00:52.599 --> 00:00:58.719 And I think so much harm is being done in the Christian church by what is often taught about Christian worship. 00:00:59.979 --> 00:01:02.039 But mainly because it's done me the world of good. 00:01:02.599 --> 00:01:09.539 And as I've thought and read in the last year on Christian worship and what that is, it's fed my soul. 00:01:09.540 --> 00:01:16.520 And I hope that as we look at this subject, as we kind of take a step back from our normal practice, 00:01:16.600 --> 00:01:19.880 which is to go through a book of the Bible, but to look at the kind of themes that we're going to see, 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:22.500 that it'll be as much of a help to you as it's been to me. 00:01:23.900 --> 00:01:27.240 And so next Sunday we're going to start looking at the different aspects of our service. 00:01:28.020 --> 00:01:32.219 But this morning I want to give a bird's eye view to the overall sheep, 00:01:32.320 --> 00:01:34.860 or what is the purpose of our coming? 00:01:34.859 --> 00:01:42.319 So what is the big goal? What is the overall goal in our gathering for worship every week? 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:44.640 And here is what I hope we will see. 00:01:45.420 --> 00:01:56.099 That in gathered worship, God shapes our love as we reenact the gospel in a rhythm of reception and response. 00:01:56.920 --> 00:01:58.140 Let me just say that again. 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:10.259 What I hope we will see is that in gathered worship, God shapes our love as we reenact the gospel in a rhythm of reception and response. 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:14.979 Now some of you might have alarm bells ringing at that, but I won't ask you to give me the benefit of the doubt. 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:19.979 And to do that we're going to look at this passage from Joshua 24. 00:02:19.979 --> 00:02:24.259 And to think about the definition of gathered worship. 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:27.699 And then to look at the shape of gathered worship. 00:02:28.539 --> 00:02:32.819 And then thirdly to look at the ongoing need for gathered worship. 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:37.419 So let's think first of all at the definition of worship. 00:02:37.599 --> 00:02:38.479 How do you define it? 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:44.379 So Joshua 24, just to get our bearings, is the final chapter in the book of Joshua. 00:02:44.379 --> 00:02:50.500 It's a book that records the entry of God's people into Israel, into the promised land. 00:02:51.219 --> 00:02:56.659 They've had a difficult journey where their faith and their obedience have been tested to a great extent. 00:02:56.759 --> 00:02:57.799 And the book covers that. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:02:59.740 Their entrance into the land. 00:03:00.060 --> 00:03:02.000 The book tells us of their conquest of the land. 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:05.340 And the distribution of the land amongst the twelve tribes. 00:03:05.979 --> 00:03:11.240 And then here at the end of Joshua, after his farewell speech in chapter 23, 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:21.000 because he knows he's about to die, God calls all the people in Shechem to renew the covenant between God and God's people. 00:03:22.400 --> 00:03:28.120 In the 2002 movie Changing Lanes, which is by no means a classic, but it's got one good line in it. 00:03:28.700 --> 00:03:30.879 William Hurt's character in the film says this. 00:03:31.260 --> 00:03:35.080 Everything decent is held together by a covenant. 00:03:35.980 --> 00:03:39.500 Everything decent is held together by a covenant. 00:03:39.500 --> 00:03:40.680 And that is right. 00:03:41.639 --> 00:03:44.599 And that is how we are housed together with God. 00:03:45.300 --> 00:03:49.699 The God of the Bible relates to his people by covenant. 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:54.680 This binding contract of a loving relationship. 00:03:55.219 --> 00:04:00.680 Where he promises that he will be our God and that we will be his people. 00:04:01.699 --> 00:04:04.840 And so here at Shechem, that covenant is being renewed. 00:04:04.840 --> 00:04:07.719 It's being reenacted by his people. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.560 And God is affirming, I am your God. 00:04:12.259 --> 00:04:15.500 And he's calling on the Israelites to reaffirm that promise. 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:17.280 That they are his people. 00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:22.019 Now we'll come back to how this covenant renewal plays out in a moment. 00:04:22.339 --> 00:04:25.479 But I want, first of all, to look at a word that keeps popping up in this chapter. 00:04:25.659 --> 00:04:26.639 It pops up like measles. 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:28.719 It's first there in verses 2 and 3. 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:29.719 Look at verse 2 and 3. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:31.919 Joshua said to all the people, 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:33.279 That says the Lord, the God of Israel, 00:04:33.599 --> 00:04:35.899 Long ago your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, 00:04:36.079 --> 00:04:38.019 Tarek the father of Abraham and of Naal. 00:04:38.259 --> 00:04:40.619 And they served other gods. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:41.459 They served. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:43.979 Or they worshipped. 00:04:43.980 --> 00:04:47.080 You can translate the word in either way. 00:04:48.420 --> 00:04:49.220 They served. 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:53.160 And as you read together this chapter, 00:04:53.939 --> 00:04:58.120 You'll see that that word serve or worship comes up all over the place. 00:04:58.220 --> 00:05:00.280 It comes up 18 times in this chapter. 00:05:00.580 --> 00:05:01.780 So look at verse 14. 00:05:02.920 --> 00:05:08.300 Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:12.960 Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the river and in Egypt. 00:05:13.180 --> 00:05:14.500 And serve the Lord. 00:05:16.040 --> 00:05:19.879 And the fact that this Hebrew word can be translated in two ways. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:22.580 Either by the word serve or worship. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:26.439 I think is very, very helpful to us. 00:05:27.720 --> 00:05:29.199 In thinking how do we define worship. 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:33.439 Now I guess most of us have been to churches or events. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:36.300 Where on occasion somebody's been leading at the front. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.279 And after the initial welcome. 00:05:38.860 --> 00:05:40.019 The person now says, 00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:41.879 Well please stand, we're going to have a time of worship. 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:45.659 And normally what they're referring to is a time of singing. 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:52.500 And the idea is that worship is what we do when we sing songs or hymns or praise songs. 00:05:54.039 --> 00:05:55.639 The question is, is that worship? 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:55.800 Worship. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:05:58.139 Well it certainly is. 00:05:58.219 --> 00:06:01.579 But it is far too a restricted view of what worship is. 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.759 So preachers get a little bit touchy about it. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:06.539 Because it sort of implies, doesn't it? 00:06:06.719 --> 00:06:10.659 Well we were worshipping when the praise band or the musicians were up. 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:13.839 But now you've got me and well what are we doing now? 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:17.620 But eventually with those people, if you push them. 00:06:18.259 --> 00:06:19.219 Or you should push them. 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:20.419 They will say, yeah, yeah, yeah. 00:06:20.919 --> 00:06:23.339 The whole time that we're in church. 00:06:23.339 --> 00:06:25.019 On a Sunday morning or Sunday evening. 00:06:25.119 --> 00:06:25.859 That is worship. 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:27.279 They'll agree to that. 00:06:28.159 --> 00:06:30.419 The singing, the prayers, the sermon, the offering. 00:06:30.599 --> 00:06:30.919 Everything. 00:06:31.919 --> 00:06:33.139 But there's still a problem with that. 00:06:34.099 --> 00:06:35.419 And the problem with it is this. 00:06:35.699 --> 00:06:37.219 That when you read through the New Testament. 00:06:37.839 --> 00:06:41.539 You will find that the New Testament never uses the word worship. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:45.079 To specifically describe what we're doing here this morning. 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:51.779 So the New Testament has a far broader remit for this word. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:54.839 So for example, look with me at Romans chapter 12. 00:06:54.959 --> 00:06:56.740 Just keep a finger in Joshua 24. 00:06:56.859 --> 00:06:59.139 But come with me to Romans chapter 12. 00:07:00.439 --> 00:07:02.019 Romans chapter 12 verse 1. 00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:03.279 It's on page 947. 00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:06.759 And the Apostle Paul says to them this. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:10.860 He says, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercy of God. 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:13.639 To present your bodies as a living sacrifice. 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:15.420 Holy and acceptable to God. 00:07:15.719 --> 00:07:18.039 Which is your spiritual worship. 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:24.180 Paul says that as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices. 00:07:24.539 --> 00:07:26.500 Holy and pleasing to God. 00:07:26.680 --> 00:07:27.680 That is our worship. 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:30.099 In the language of Joshua. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:31.219 That is our service. 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:33.920 We are serving God. 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:37.160 So in other words, God intends all of your life. 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:38.439 And my life. 00:07:39.140 --> 00:07:40.040 To be worshipped to him. 00:07:40.939 --> 00:07:41.860 And service to him. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:46.700 And if we compartmentalise Sunday morning and evening as worship. 00:07:47.140 --> 00:07:49.540 Well then what are we left with for the rest of my life? 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:51.220 How do I categorise that? 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:55.180 And Paul says to you, the rest of your life that is worship too. 00:07:56.480 --> 00:07:58.580 24-7 worship of God. 00:07:58.580 --> 00:08:03.259 It is a continuous outpouring of our lives to honour God. 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:04.519 And to glorify God. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:07.539 And so as you go and eat lunch today. 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:09.819 And as you chat with your friends. 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:11.139 And as you post on Facebook. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:13.379 And as you look at that computer screen. 00:08:14.159 --> 00:08:15.560 And as you go to work tomorrow. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:18.000 And as you go to the doctors for that check-up. 00:08:18.480 --> 00:08:19.620 And as you go to school. 00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:20.759 And you do your homework. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:22.800 Everything comes under this. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:26.099 That all of life is to be lived as worshipped to God. 00:08:26.100 --> 00:08:28.560 As we serve him. 00:08:29.400 --> 00:08:32.399 And as we pour out our lives for his glory. 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:35.360 Now that leaves us, doesn't it? 00:08:35.360 --> 00:08:36.220 On a bit of a sticky wicket. 00:08:37.420 --> 00:08:38.800 What do we call. 00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:41.779 What we're doing here this morning. 00:08:43.560 --> 00:08:44.779 Well we need to remember this. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:46.480 That worship has two contexts. 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.000 Alright. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:50.480 There is scattered worship. 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:53.080 And there is gathered worship. 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:56.960 So scattered worship is that 24-7. 00:08:57.440 --> 00:08:59.039 All of life worship of God. 00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:02.679 Where you and I are scattered to all different places. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:05.379 So some of us will not see each other again. 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:06.879 Until next Sunday morning. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:08.879 Will we? 00:09:09.580 --> 00:09:11.620 Because our paths won't cross. 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:13.240 And I am scattered over there. 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:14.980 And you are scattered over here. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:16.360 And you work in the city. 00:09:16.620 --> 00:09:17.920 And I work in Ealing. 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:19.820 And we won't see each other again. 00:09:20.980 --> 00:09:23.060 But then next Sunday we will come together. 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:26.980 And we will participate in this gathered worship. 00:09:28.180 --> 00:09:30.440 And we come together to worship God. 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:32.639 With practices that edify us. 00:09:32.659 --> 00:09:33.440 That teach us. 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:35.460 That shape us. 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:40.720 That paint for us the vision of what the good life really looks like. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:44.399 And then having gathered together for worship on a Sunday. 00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:46.579 God again scatters us. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:49.159 To worship him through the week. 00:09:49.779 --> 00:09:50.740 In our personal lives. 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:51.519 Wherever you are. 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:54.319 And so when we use the word worship. 00:09:54.439 --> 00:09:56.639 It is important to define what we are talking about. 00:09:56.959 --> 00:09:59.679 There is a distinction between our scattered worship. 00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:01.639 24-7 worship. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:05.179 And this gathered corporate worship. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:06.059 That we are doing now. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:08.740 Where we gather to call on the name of the Lord. 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:13.460 But that is not our only issue as we think about worship. 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:16.639 Because not only does the New Testament. 00:10:17.180 --> 00:10:20.420 Not describe what we do here on Sunday specifically as worship. 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:22.980 But it doesn't provide us with any blueprint. 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:26.320 For what we are to do together in gathered worship. 00:10:26.320 --> 00:10:29.220 There is no passage. 00:10:30.060 --> 00:10:31.879 In which I could have turned to this morning. 00:10:32.180 --> 00:10:33.720 Where God gives us. 00:10:34.060 --> 00:10:35.220 Jesus' prescription. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.740 For a weekly order of service. 00:10:37.800 --> 00:10:38.480 When people are gathered. 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:39.660 There is no prescription. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:41.220 In the New Testament on that. 00:10:41.879 --> 00:10:42.940 There is no chapter. 00:10:43.280 --> 00:10:44.340 Where we could have gone to. 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:46.700 Where Paul maps out for you and I. 00:10:46.700 --> 00:10:50.160 What a biblical worship service looks like. 00:10:52.540 --> 00:10:54.860 And that is in sharp contrast to the Old Testament. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:55.220 Isn't it? 00:10:56.060 --> 00:10:57.920 In the Old Testament there is detailed. 00:10:58.580 --> 00:11:00.360 Unbelievably detailed blueprint. 00:11:00.900 --> 00:11:03.620 For how God wanted him to be worshipped. 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:05.020 Week by week. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:08.020 So go read the book of Leviticus. 00:11:08.720 --> 00:11:10.800 And then you read through the epistles of the New Testament. 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:13.320 And you breathe a sigh of relief. 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:16.340 Because there is a conspicuous. 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:18.139 There is absence of those details. 00:11:19.540 --> 00:11:21.000 And that is not stylistic. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:24.060 There is a very good reason for that. 00:11:25.320 --> 00:11:26.580 The book of Hebrews. 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:28.980 The writer tells us that Jesus has fulfilled. 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:32.139 All of those Old Testament worship categories. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:36.519 That we no longer have to provide sacrifices. 00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:38.379 This at the front here. 00:11:38.660 --> 00:11:39.920 It is not an altar. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:41.700 Where there are sacrifices. 00:11:41.700 --> 00:11:42.980 It is a table. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:46.420 We don't have to perform sacrifices. 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:50.440 Because Jesus is the once and for all sacrifice. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:53.080 And we don't need a temple anymore. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:55.320 Because Jesus is the ultimate temple. 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:57.940 And we don't need any priests anymore. 00:11:58.180 --> 00:11:59.139 Or any priesthood. 00:11:59.180 --> 00:12:01.980 Because Jesus came as the ultimate great high priest. 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:05.659 And Jesus has fulfilled all of those categories. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.960 But that doesn't mean that God doesn't want us. 00:12:10.639 --> 00:12:12.620 To come together and gather for worship. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.399 On the contrary. 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.200 The writer to the Hebrews. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:21.100 Tells us all those categories are fulfilled in Christ. 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:24.360 But in chapter 10 of Hebrews. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.120 He tells us this. 00:12:25.420 --> 00:12:25.639 Brothers. 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:27.680 Since we have confidence. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:29.440 Enter the most holy place. 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:30.980 By the blood of Jesus. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.540 By a new and living way. 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:33.540 Opened for us. 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:34.320 Through the curtain. 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.580 That is his body. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:38.159 And since we have a great high priest. 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:39.340 Over the house of God. 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:40.620 Let us consider. 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:43.040 How we may spur one another on. 00:12:43.040 --> 00:12:44.120 To love and good deeds. 00:12:45.040 --> 00:12:46.639 Not giving up. 00:12:47.060 --> 00:12:47.840 Meeting together. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:50.060 As some are in the habit of doing. 00:12:50.059 --> 00:12:52.919 About encouraging one another. 00:12:53.119 --> 00:12:54.199 All the more. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:57.379 As you see the day of judgment approaching. 00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:01.139 So the writer of the Hebrews tells us this. 00:13:01.459 --> 00:13:02.099 It tells us. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:04.919 Because Jesus has done all these things. 00:13:06.419 --> 00:13:07.399 For them. 00:13:07.559 --> 00:13:08.859 They need to come together. 00:13:09.979 --> 00:13:11.419 And keep coming together. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:13.519 And keep coming together. 00:13:13.859 --> 00:13:15.659 To remind themselves of the great gospel. 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:18.419 To spur one another on. 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:21.479 That just because there isn't a blueprint. 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:25.159 For how this gathered worship takes place. 00:13:26.059 --> 00:13:28.839 It doesn't mean that we're not somehow to gather to worship. 00:13:29.839 --> 00:13:30.120 No. 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:30.939 These gatherings. 00:13:31.179 --> 00:13:33.039 What we do this morning and tonight. 00:13:33.339 --> 00:13:34.360 This Sunday gathering. 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:37.360 Is to be a participatory event. 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:40.459 As somebody has said really helpfully. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:43.799 Gathered worship is meant to be more of a banqueting hall. 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:45.439 Than a concert hall. 00:13:46.179 --> 00:13:46.919 Do you get that? 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:50.479 Gathered worship is to be more of a banqueting hall. 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:51.559 Than a concert hall. 00:13:51.599 --> 00:13:52.579 And that is really helpful. 00:13:52.919 --> 00:13:54.019 If it was a concert hall. 00:13:54.099 --> 00:13:54.740 What happens is. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:55.879 You come. 00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:57.859 As passive observance. 00:13:58.459 --> 00:13:59.179 And critics. 00:14:00.579 --> 00:14:01.759 To be entertained. 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.919 By what is happening at the front. 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:10.319 And you come ready to have your felt needs scratched. 00:14:12.079 --> 00:14:13.899 You come like you would go to a gig. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:14.479 To a concert. 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:16.539 You come and you're entertained at the front. 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.639 And did you like that concert? 00:14:18.699 --> 00:14:19.079 I don't know. 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.000 I don't know whether I liked it. 00:14:20.079 --> 00:14:20.539 Did you like it? 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.779 I didn't get much out of it this evening. 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:23.199 I got a lot out of it. 00:14:23.219 --> 00:14:23.779 I enjoyed it. 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:26.439 But in a banqueting hall. 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:28.379 It's a communal thing. 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:32.100 I hope we've come hungry this morning. 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:34.639 We've come hungry this morning. 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:35.539 And in community. 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:38.059 Ready to participate. 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:39.579 Ready to share. 00:14:39.579 --> 00:14:41.819 In the experience with one another. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:45.959 We come together with the expectation of working. 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:46.579 And participating. 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:48.339 And giving. 00:14:48.699 --> 00:14:49.439 And receiving. 00:14:50.439 --> 00:14:52.919 We don't come here as an isolated individual. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:54.439 We come in the first hymn. 00:14:54.479 --> 00:14:55.519 And we leave in the last hymn. 00:14:55.559 --> 00:14:57.000 And it's about me and God. 00:14:57.099 --> 00:14:57.439 No. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.599 It is about us. 00:14:58.679 --> 00:14:59.039 Together. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:02.839 So we do not come to church as consumers. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:05.379 But as participants. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:08.099 In this drama. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:10.500 Of gathered worship of God. 00:15:11.579 --> 00:15:13.379 So as we read through the New Testament. 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:16.159 There is no blueprint for what we should do. 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:18.740 But we too find a variety of actions. 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:20.339 That we must participate in. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:23.300 So the New Testament talks about praying together. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:26.360 The New Testament talks about reading the scriptures. 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:26.940 Together. 00:15:27.899 --> 00:15:29.899 The New Testament talks about listening to sermons. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.300 It talks about the Lord's Supper. 00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:32.379 About offerings. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:33.820 About greeting one another. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.220 And about confessing our faith. 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:40.160 So does it matter how we put it together? 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:41.440 Does it? 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:46.220 I mean can't we just throw it together in a different way each week? 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:48.280 And see how it comes out? 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:50.020 You know like people. 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:50.660 There are some people. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:52.600 They love to change the furniture around in the room. 00:15:53.260 --> 00:15:54.060 And there are churches like that. 00:15:54.160 --> 00:15:55.920 And they just love changing the furniture around. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:58.040 Is that how we do it? 00:15:59.020 --> 00:16:00.280 So let me say exactly. 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:02.620 Is there a shape to our worship? 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.600 We see the definition of worship. 00:16:06.540 --> 00:16:08.159 But is there a shape to our worship? 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:10.019 Because every church does it a little differently. 00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:10.580 Doesn't it? 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:13.779 Even amongst Presbyterian churches actually. 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:15.540 They do it differently. 00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:20.000 And I want to suggest to you that there is a basic shape to worship. 00:16:21.040 --> 00:16:22.379 There is some latitude. 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:24.659 But there is basic shape. 00:16:25.680 --> 00:16:28.000 And I think we see it in both the Old and the New Testament. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:31.820 While as we saw the particulars of worship in the New Testament. 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:35.240 They are radically different from the patterns in the Old Testament. 00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:38.720 There is one wonderful point of continuity. 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:44.259 And that is the centrality in both Testaments. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.980 Of the story of God's redemption. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:51.399 That for the people of the Old Testament. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:54.200 And for us today. 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:57.520 The bedrock of our identity. 00:17:00.020 --> 00:17:02.060 Is the history of salvation. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:08.860 The history of salvation is the bedrock of our identity. 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.620 As God's people. 00:17:10.620 --> 00:17:11.960 We are people. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:15.080 Who are defined by a story. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:18.920 And it is that story that shapes us. 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:20.740 And shapes what we love. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:25.940 It is the story that every time together we reenact. 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:29.259 We reenact it in some kind of rhythm. 00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:32.660 Of reception and response. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.900 We see. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:36.720 And we hear. 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:38.779 And we taste. 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:42.539 God's gracious actions on our behalf. 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:44.680 And we respond to that. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:47.640 Over and over again. 00:17:47.640 --> 00:17:49.320 Each week. 00:17:49.860 --> 00:17:50.600 In different ways. 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.560 Looking at different truths. 00:17:52.600 --> 00:17:54.860 There is a dialogue in biblical worship. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.660 Where God's grace. 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:58.380 And our gratitude. 00:17:59.360 --> 00:17:59.540 Meet. 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:01.820 And as we do so. 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:03.300 God is transforming us. 00:18:03.300 --> 00:18:04.200 And shaping us. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.980 Now as we look at Joshua 24. 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:10.440 We see this rhythm of reception and response. 00:18:10.560 --> 00:18:11.940 And it comes in largely two parts. 00:18:12.180 --> 00:18:13.180 If you took a minute. 00:18:13.360 --> 00:18:13.840 You could see. 00:18:14.280 --> 00:18:16.240 Exactly how those large blocks play out. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:18.359 But first of all. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:20.140 The people receive the story. 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:21.900 Of what God has done for them. 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:24.380 They receive the story. 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:25.579 Of their redemption. 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:27.079 And the story as it runs. 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:28.079 From verses 2. 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.460 To verse 13. 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:31.759 And as it was read. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:33.460 We saw how Joshua starts. 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.660 With the story with Abraham. 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:37.420 Even before God calls Abraham. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.779 When he and his family. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.220 Are worshipping. 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:42.700 Foreign gods. 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.839 And let me draw our attention. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.700 To another part of the story. 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:46.000 Look at verses 5 to 7. 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:48.259 And I sent Moses. 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.160 And Aaron. 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:51.059 And I plagued Egypt. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.160 With what I did. 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.000 In the midst of them. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:55.660 And afterwards. 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.720 I brought you out. 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:59.240 And then I brought your fathers. 00:18:59.319 --> 00:18:59.839 Out of Egypt. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.980 And you came to the sea. 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:01.640 And the Egyptians. 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:02.720 Pursued your fathers. 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.380 With chariots. 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.099 And horsemen. 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:04.799 To the Red Sea. 00:19:05.140 --> 00:19:06.259 And when they cried out. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:06.740 To the Lord. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.839 He put darkness. 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:08.980 Between you and the Egyptians. 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.319 And made the sea. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.440 Come upon them. 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.359 And cover them. 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:13.359 And your eyes. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.460 Saw what I did. 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:15.039 In Egypt. 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:16.940 And you lived in the wilderness. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.039 A long time. 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:21.000 God. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:21.920 Every time. 00:19:22.059 --> 00:19:23.019 He relates to us. 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:24.940 He reminds us. 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:25.759 Of what he's done. 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:29.620 Before he asks anything of us. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:32.539 He always reminds you. 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:33.380 Of who he is. 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:34.559 And what he has done. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:36.519 Before he asks anything of you. 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:39.460 And that is such a crucial understanding. 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:40.299 To what the Christian life. 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:40.859 Is all about. 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.579 Christianity. 00:19:42.900 --> 00:19:43.700 Is not God saying. 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:44.400 Here. 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.440 This is what you need to do. 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.619 And when you've done that. 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.599 Maybe I'll accept you. 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.139 No. 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:49.700 God says. 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:50.339 Here is. 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:51.359 Who I am. 00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:53.660 And this is what I've done for you. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.879 Now respond to my grace. 00:19:57.180 --> 00:19:58.059 And so we see that. 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:58.920 In the Ten Commandments. 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:01.539 How do the Ten Commandments begin? 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:04.319 How do the Ten Commandments begin? 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:05.900 Have no other gods before me? 00:20:06.300 --> 00:20:06.660 No. 00:20:08.040 --> 00:20:10.019 That is not how the Ten Commandments begin. 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:11.660 How do the Ten Commandments begin? 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.620 They begin by saying. 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:14.620 I am the Lord your God. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.740 Who brought you up. 00:20:16.820 --> 00:20:17.360 Out of Egypt. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.500 Out of the land of slavery. 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:19.300 God says. 00:20:19.380 --> 00:20:20.460 Here is who I am. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.300 And this is what I've done for you. 00:20:22.580 --> 00:20:24.400 Now here is how I want you to respond to me. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:28.220 And God is always the initiator. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.820 The beginner. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.700 By grace. 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:31.140 And so that story. 00:20:31.300 --> 00:20:32.340 Gives to the Israelites. 00:20:33.360 --> 00:20:34.880 Before he gives the Ten Commandments. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:36.760 It's exactly what Joshua gives in Joshua 24. 00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:39.840 It's the Exodus. 00:20:41.080 --> 00:20:43.440 Over and over and over and over again. 00:20:44.360 --> 00:20:45.340 In the Old Testament. 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:47.640 Whether it's in the Old Testament history books. 00:20:48.580 --> 00:20:50.540 Whether it's in the Psalms or the prophetic books. 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:53.579 Here is the core story. 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:56.980 That defines how the Israelites are to define themselves. 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.440 Understand themselves. 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:01.359 The Israelites are Exodus people. 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:04.059 It is their rescue of Egypt. 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.319 That is the shape. 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.960 That defines them. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.920 And their identity. 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:11.240 That they are God's people. 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:13.759 Who God rescued out of slavery. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:15.139 To be his own. 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:17.100 And you might say. 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:18.500 Well what is that going to do with me today? 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:19.680 What is that going to do with us? 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:21.540 So long ago. 00:21:21.600 --> 00:21:22.580 Well here is why it's relevant. 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:24.759 If you are with us in Luke's Gospel. 00:21:24.860 --> 00:21:25.640 You should know this. 00:21:26.600 --> 00:21:29.140 That right after Jesus is explained to his disciples. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:30.380 That he is the Messiah. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:33.640 And he is taken up onto the mountain. 00:21:34.300 --> 00:21:35.800 He takes Peter, James and John. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:38.580 And we are told that Jesus is transfigured. 00:21:38.580 --> 00:21:40.860 And he appears in dazzling brightness. 00:21:41.679 --> 00:21:44.139 And it's as if the veil is lifted up. 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:45.719 To show who Jesus really is. 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.699 And as the disciples stand there. 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:48.779 They are God smacked. 00:21:49.219 --> 00:21:50.579 With their eyes wide open. 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:52.779 And jaws dropping. 00:21:54.479 --> 00:21:55.219 And what they are beholding. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.019 They see Elijah. 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:56.819 And they see Moses. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:57.659 From the Old Testament. 00:21:58.799 --> 00:22:00.259 And they begin to talk with Jesus. 00:22:00.439 --> 00:22:02.399 Elijah, Moses and Jesus have a conversation. 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:04.939 And here is what Luke tells us about the conversation. 00:22:04.939 --> 00:22:06.779 Luke 9.31. 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:09.339 They spoke about his departure. 00:22:10.859 --> 00:22:13.379 They spoke about his departure. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:17.099 His departure which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem. 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:19.240 And that's not a great translation is it? 00:22:20.199 --> 00:22:23.399 Because it almost sounds like they are standing in the airport lounge. 00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:26.379 And Jesus is about to get on a plane. 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:28.199 And they are speaking about his departure. 00:22:29.559 --> 00:22:33.099 But the words you should know for departure is literally Exodus. 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:37.919 They spoke about his exodus which he was about to fulfil in Jerusalem. 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:42.480 Moses and Elijah and Jesus were speaking about his exodus. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.580 What were they talking about? 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:44.240 What does that mean? 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:47.900 Didn't the exodus happen in the Old Testament? 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:48.500 Well yes. 00:22:49.840 --> 00:22:53.460 But Jesus is using that term to help you and I understand. 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:56.019 What he is coming to do in his death and his resurrection. 00:22:56.019 --> 00:23:02.680 And Jesus is coming to lead an exodus. 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:05.460 Which is the ultimate exodus. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:09.339 The one that Moses' exodus. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:12.139 The one that Joshua's exodus was here pointing to. 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:17.560 Because Israel's story of redemption and liberation. 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:21.060 Was a story of redemption from social oppression. 00:23:22.080 --> 00:23:23.759 And economic oppression in Egypt. 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:27.520 But that is ultimately not what all of us need. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.120 The truth is this. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.960 Jesus came to redeem people. 00:23:32.040 --> 00:23:34.180 Not ultimately from a physical slavery. 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:36.880 But from our ultimate slavery. 00:23:38.100 --> 00:23:41.259 From a slavery that you and I know everything about. 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:44.779 Because we experience the reality of it every day. 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:48.380 It is the slavery of sin and of death. 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:53.600 That in the death and the resurrection of Jesus. 00:23:54.600 --> 00:23:56.840 He has liberated us from condemnation. 00:23:58.080 --> 00:24:00.700 And the penalty we deserve because of him. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:03.279 Because of our sin. 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.420 Because of him. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:08.980 That he rescued us from the chains and the shackles of our sin. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:11.880 So that in Christ Jesus we could be free. 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.819 He is our exodus. 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:15.100 And that is the gospel. 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:18.700 And that is the good news that we never tire of. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.700 That is redemption. 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:23.220 So every week as we gather as the people of God. 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:24.200 Do you know what we are going to do? 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:26.620 We are going to tell the story again. 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:30.100 We are going to rehearse the story again. 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:33.660 We are going to renew our covenant with God again. 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:36.799 Because we are reenacting this gospel. 00:24:37.100 --> 00:24:38.120 As we sing it. 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:39.100 And we have sung it. 00:24:40.080 --> 00:24:41.759 Already the songs that we have sung. 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.900 And as we listen to it. 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:46.039 And as we pray it. 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:48.480 And as we feast upon it. 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.940 So that we receive from God again. 00:24:51.080 --> 00:24:53.240 The good news of what he has marvelously. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.580 Graciously done for us. 00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:57.580 So that is the shape of our worship. 00:24:57.579 --> 00:25:00.039 That in some way. 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.139 Each Sunday. 00:25:01.919 --> 00:25:03.399 We have this rhythm. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.399 First of all. 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.399 Our reception. 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.399 Of the good news. 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.059 Again. 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:12.799 We need to receive it again. 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:15.319 But God tells us. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.679 What he has done. 00:25:18.679 --> 00:25:19.759 And when God tells us. 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.899 When he always tells us what he has done. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.079 God looks for a response. 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:26.019 And that is how the contours. 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:28.559 That is what a covenant relationship with God looks like. 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:31.379 Here is what I have done for you. 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:34.000 And here is what I require from you. 00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:35.939 And indeed. 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:36.879 When you understand. 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:38.659 And you grasp the gospel. 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:42.619 It makes complete sense that a response is required. 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:45.799 If you leave here on a Sunday morning. 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:48.979 Thinking that you don't need to respond to this great story. 00:25:49.419 --> 00:25:50.919 Then you haven't grasped the story. 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:56.679 So that as we receive the story of the king's grace to us. 00:25:57.439 --> 00:26:00.079 We begin to feel as Ralph Davies so wonderfully puts it. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:03.719 The gentle handcuffs of God's goodness. 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:06.079 Slipping round the wrists of our hearts. 00:26:06.159 --> 00:26:06.639 Isn't that brilliant? 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:09.580 The gentle handcuffs. 00:26:09.860 --> 00:26:11.759 Handcuffs of God's goodness. 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:13.840 Slipping round the wrists of our hearts. 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.640 And God says to you. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.600 Sunday by Sunday. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.700 Do you remember how I took you as my own? 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:22.660 Do you remember how I adopted you? 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:24.640 Do you remember how I rescued you? 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:26.500 When you were in utter helplessness? 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:29.320 How you were still at war with me. 00:26:29.540 --> 00:26:32.140 When I sent my son to die in your place. 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:34.480 But while you were enemies. 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.720 Christ died for you. 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:38.980 And do you remember how my son gave you my spirit. 00:26:39.360 --> 00:26:41.420 To dwell in you so that you are never alone. 00:26:41.680 --> 00:26:43.039 Do you remember those things? 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.839 And we hear those words. 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:47.839 And we echo in our hearts the hymn writer. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.839 Oh to grace how great a debtor. 00:26:50.860 --> 00:26:52.120 Daily I'm constrained to be. 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:56.120 And so in the rhythm of our gathered worship. 00:26:57.100 --> 00:26:58.180 We respond. 00:26:59.019 --> 00:27:00.640 And we do it in different ways. 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.620 In the light of the gospel. 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:03.799 We respond in confession of sin. 00:27:03.799 --> 00:27:06.460 Because we know don't we. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:08.379 That we've ignored the story. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.039 And we've ignored. 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:12.099 And we've failed to respond as we should. 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.599 And in the light of the gospel. 00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:15.259 We sing words of commitment. 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.899 And surrender. 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:21.019 And words of dedication. 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.359 And in the light of the gospel. 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:25.399 We pray for renewed strength. 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:27.200 To live for his glory. 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.519 And live for his honour. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:31.200 And here in Joshua. 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:33.660 God packs all those aspects of response. 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:35.480 Into one two part command. 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.240 Do you see. 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:37.139 He says. 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:39.180 In the light of what I've done to you. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.379 Verse 14. 00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:43.720 In the light of what I've done. 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.639 Now therefore. 00:27:44.879 --> 00:27:46.680 It's the connecting word isn't it. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.759 With what has gone before. 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:49.660 Now therefore fear the Lord. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.859 And serve him in sincerity. 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.200 And in faithfulness. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:54.180 Put away the gods that you serve. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.339 Beyond the river in Egypt. 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:57.039 And serve the Lord. 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.740 Then in response. 00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:01.839 To the reenactment. 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:03.759 Of the story of redemption. 00:28:03.939 --> 00:28:04.439 Every week. 00:28:04.699 --> 00:28:05.720 God calls on you. 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.559 And he calls on me. 00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:08.079 To recommit ourselves. 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.199 To fear him. 00:28:09.699 --> 00:28:10.599 To serve him. 00:28:11.419 --> 00:28:12.419 And to worship him. 00:28:12.459 --> 00:28:13.399 With all faithfulness. 00:28:14.939 --> 00:28:16.119 So every week. 00:28:16.159 --> 00:28:16.959 As we come together. 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:19.220 We hear God's words of grace. 00:28:19.439 --> 00:28:20.559 And truth to us. 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.639 And we say. 00:28:23.419 --> 00:28:24.279 Yes Lord. 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.980 That is the story. 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:27.779 By which I'm going to live my life. 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:30.200 This is reality. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.859 Yes Lord. 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.779 This is the vision of the good life. 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:35.119 That is the real good life. 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.139 Okay God. 00:28:38.379 --> 00:28:39.720 I'm willing to serve you. 00:28:40.099 --> 00:28:41.480 And love you for another week. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:43.619 Because of what you've done for me. 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.619 Look how Joshua frames it. 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:50.220 Our response to the story of redemption. 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.039 Isn't just a renewed promise. 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:53.899 To love and to serve God. 00:28:54.800 --> 00:28:55.820 At the same time. 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:56.860 It is a renewed promise. 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:57.220 Isn't it? 00:28:57.320 --> 00:28:57.900 Do you see it? 00:28:58.220 --> 00:28:59.140 Look at verse 14. 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.720 To turn away from false gods. 00:29:04.320 --> 00:29:05.960 To turn away from the false gods. 00:29:06.060 --> 00:29:06.660 And the idols. 00:29:08.340 --> 00:29:09.680 And that is what we are to do. 00:29:09.820 --> 00:29:10.660 Every week. 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:14.660 The commitment to fear the Lord. 00:29:14.820 --> 00:29:15.940 And to serve him. 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:18.580 Means this matching commitment. 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:19.019 Doesn't it? 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.440 I'm going to get rid of the other gods. 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:23.180 I'm going to get rid of the other gods. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.980 Jesus said didn't he? 00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:29.680 You cannot serve God. 00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:31.480 And mammon. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.360 It's a better translation than money. 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:36.960 You cannot serve God. 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.140 And mammon. 00:29:38.140 --> 00:29:41.120 And so Joshua says to you. 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:44.200 If you are not going to serve the true God. 00:29:44.860 --> 00:29:47.400 If you are not going to serve the God who redeems. 00:29:47.520 --> 00:29:48.240 The God who exists. 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:49.360 The God who reigns. 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:49.980 Then go ahead. 00:29:50.040 --> 00:29:51.380 Choose a non-God. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:54.240 You've got some options out there boys. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.780 Go ahead and choose one of them. 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:58.360 It's as if Joshua. 00:29:58.840 --> 00:30:00.500 In 24 verse 14. 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.800 Launches into Bob Dylan. 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:02.240 Doesn't it? 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:04.120 You've got to serve somebody. 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.859 You've got to serve somebody. 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.319 It may be the devil. 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.240 Or it may be the Lord. 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:09.400 But you've got to serve somebody. 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:14.599 And that's what God says to you today. 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.700 And every time we meet. 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.599 You've got to serve somebody. 00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:21.200 And the choice for them. 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:22.759 Is the choice for you today. 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.660 Here's the choice every Sunday. 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:27.200 It's presented to you in one way or another. 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:29.220 You can serve the living God. 00:30:29.900 --> 00:30:31.680 Who always keeps his promises. 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:34.140 You can serve the living God. 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:36.440 Who forgives you when you fail him. 00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.299 I mean that. 00:30:39.380 --> 00:30:40.359 Take that into your heart. 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:41.960 You can worship the God. 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:43.000 Who always. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:44.740 Who never breaks his promises. 00:30:45.680 --> 00:30:48.200 And he always forgives you when you fail him. 00:30:49.140 --> 00:30:51.480 Or you can serve a false God this morning. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.660 A non-God. 00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:54.099 An idol. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.660 And do you know what an idol does? 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:58.900 An idol never keeps its promises. 00:30:58.900 --> 00:31:02.600 And an idol never forgives you when you fail him. 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:05.280 And the idols. 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.540 What are the idols of our culture? 00:31:06.640 --> 00:31:08.560 They paint a picture of the good life. 00:31:08.620 --> 00:31:08.960 Don't they? 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:11.759 The iPhone 6 says to you. 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:13.160 This is what you really want. 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.880 You'll be really cool if you get this. 00:31:16.840 --> 00:31:18.640 This is what I can give it to you. 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:20.220 I can give you what you really want. 00:31:21.380 --> 00:31:22.940 And they appeal to our hearts. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.779 But they never come through. 00:31:26.259 --> 00:31:27.420 And then they let you down. 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.660 And then you fail them. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:31.420 And do you know what an idol is? 00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:33.960 An idol is absolutely ruthless. 00:31:36.759 --> 00:31:39.500 So let's say you've made your career your idol. 00:31:40.800 --> 00:31:42.100 For you the good life. 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:44.560 It means prestige and reputation. 00:31:44.880 --> 00:31:46.300 And power and influence. 00:31:46.800 --> 00:31:49.140 And the paycheck that comes with it through your job. 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.539 And so you diligently. 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:52.320 You bring offerings to your idol. 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:55.740 And you work long hours when others have gone home. 00:31:56.340 --> 00:31:59.600 And you forgo family milestones and celebrations. 00:31:59.599 --> 00:32:01.079 Because you have to work. 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:03.339 And then you back off. 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:06.179 Whether it's because of your conscience. 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:07.179 Or a crisis at home. 00:32:07.219 --> 00:32:07.799 Or an illness. 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.279 Does your idol say. 00:32:09.379 --> 00:32:10.159 No that's okay. 00:32:10.299 --> 00:32:10.859 I understand. 00:32:12.139 --> 00:32:12.759 There's no chance. 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:16.119 The idol says no more offerings. 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:17.859 The deal is off. 00:32:19.059 --> 00:32:19.980 And you pay for it. 00:32:21.500 --> 00:32:23.179 And an idol never forgives you. 00:32:24.039 --> 00:32:25.879 An idol never forgives you. 00:32:26.919 --> 00:32:27.839 When you fail. 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:30.079 And so Joshua says. 00:32:30.159 --> 00:32:31.759 Choose this day whom you will serve. 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.699 Who will you worship? 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.839 You've got the living God. 00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:39.599 Or you've got these non-gods. 00:32:40.859 --> 00:32:41.919 And Joshua says. 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:44.059 As for me and my house. 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:46.139 We will serve the Lord. 00:32:46.220 --> 00:32:46.939 His covenant language. 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:47.819 His covenant family. 00:32:49.099 --> 00:32:50.079 Get the point. 00:32:51.379 --> 00:32:52.059 Get the point. 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:53.460 We reenact the rhythm. 00:32:53.940 --> 00:32:54.659 Of the gospel. 00:32:55.859 --> 00:32:56.740 Of reception. 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:57.659 And response. 00:32:58.659 --> 00:32:59.599 And we are called. 00:32:59.859 --> 00:33:00.599 Every time. 00:33:00.679 --> 00:33:01.079 To commitment. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:02.759 It is all or nothing. 00:33:04.659 --> 00:33:06.159 And God says to you this morning. 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:07.759 You are either in this. 00:33:08.419 --> 00:33:08.819 Completely. 00:33:09.759 --> 00:33:10.859 Or you're not in this at all. 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:13.359 And it's the same dilemma. 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:14.679 It's the pig and the hen story. 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:15.500 You know that story. 00:33:15.539 --> 00:33:16.460 I've told you it to you before. 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:17.960 The pig and the hen. 00:33:18.100 --> 00:33:18.779 They are walking. 00:33:19.880 --> 00:33:20.880 Past church one day. 00:33:21.900 --> 00:33:23.160 And they notice the sermon title. 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.700 On the front of the building. 00:33:24.799 --> 00:33:25.620 And the sermon this week. 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.940 Is what can we do to help the poor. 00:33:28.460 --> 00:33:30.299 And as pigs and hens are prone to do. 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:32.220 They enter into this earnest discussion. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.680 Over the question. 00:33:34.319 --> 00:33:35.380 And they continue on their way. 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:36.240 And suddenly the hen. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:38.620 A light bulb appears over the chicken's head. 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:40.120 And he turns to the pig. 00:33:40.120 --> 00:33:40.480 And he says. 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.960 I know how we can help the poor. 00:33:42.299 --> 00:33:44.039 We can give them a ham and eggs breakfast. 00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:45.319 A bacon and egg breakfast. 00:33:45.319 --> 00:33:47.099 Oh no. 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:47.639 You don't. 00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:48.240 Says the pig. 00:33:48.819 --> 00:33:50.740 That just means a contribution from you. 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.480 But for me it's total commitment. 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:55.259 And that is Joshua's point here. 00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:56.779 You have to go hollow hog. 00:33:57.079 --> 00:33:57.919 I pardon the pun. 00:33:59.119 --> 00:34:00.539 And that is what it is. 00:34:02.039 --> 00:34:03.240 That is what it's put before you. 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:03.919 Every Sunday. 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:06.059 In different ways. 00:34:07.299 --> 00:34:08.259 As you gather. 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.299 To reenact the gospel. 00:34:10.299 --> 00:34:12.539 In this rhythm of reception and response. 00:34:12.900 --> 00:34:13.319 You see. 00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:16.880 Corporate worship is not an optional extra. 00:34:18.160 --> 00:34:18.620 And the Christian. 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:20.019 You can't wake up on a Sunday. 00:34:20.120 --> 00:34:20.500 And just think. 00:34:20.580 --> 00:34:21.220 I'm too tired. 00:34:21.300 --> 00:34:22.840 I don't feel like going to church. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:24.180 I just don't want. 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:24.860 I'm going to give it a wrap. 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.860 It's me time. 00:34:26.320 --> 00:34:27.340 You can't do that. 00:34:27.420 --> 00:34:27.960 As a Christian. 00:34:29.860 --> 00:34:30.960 Because this is the place. 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:32.500 Where you are confronted with our choice. 00:34:32.580 --> 00:34:33.360 Every Sunday. 00:34:33.680 --> 00:34:36.039 And where you get to renew our covenant with God. 00:34:37.260 --> 00:34:37.880 Where you say. 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.460 Yes Lord. 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:39.760 I'm committed to you. 00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:41.140 And to these people. 00:34:41.680 --> 00:34:42.840 For at least another week. 00:34:44.140 --> 00:34:45.860 And we need to gather for this edification. 00:34:46.060 --> 00:34:47.280 For this renewal of hope. 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:48.260 And for this challenge. 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:51.560 That there is a profound sense of purpose. 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:53.520 When we gather together. 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:56.080 We come to remember. 00:34:57.240 --> 00:35:00.100 We come to renew our covenant with God. 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:01.860 To reenact the gospel. 00:35:02.339 --> 00:35:03.460 That shapes us. 00:35:03.599 --> 00:35:05.039 And shapes our identity. 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.400 That purpose. 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:09.039 It really stands. 00:35:09.139 --> 00:35:09.480 Doesn't it? 00:35:09.699 --> 00:35:11.460 To the opposite of what people think. 00:35:11.799 --> 00:35:12.860 Goes on in church. 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:15.039 So I'll come this Sunday. 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:16.059 Maybe I won't come next Sunday. 00:35:16.219 --> 00:35:16.659 I'll tell you what. 00:35:16.679 --> 00:35:17.839 I'll try there next week. 00:35:18.159 --> 00:35:18.779 I get a bit more. 00:35:18.839 --> 00:35:19.599 I like their worship. 00:35:19.699 --> 00:35:20.360 I like their preaching. 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.559 Let's pick and mix. 00:35:23.179 --> 00:35:24.460 John Whitley had writes this. 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:24.799 He says. 00:35:24.880 --> 00:35:25.920 The question we face. 00:35:26.019 --> 00:35:28.539 Is do most people experience worship this way. 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:30.219 Or whether in contrast. 00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:31.559 They experience it. 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:33.719 As a meeting of a religious social club. 00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:35.719 Or an educational forum. 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:37.440 Or a forum of entertainment. 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:39.779 Because the other kinds of events. 00:35:39.900 --> 00:35:41.119 Are common in our culture. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:43.519 We are bound to take our expectations. 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.500 From them. 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:45.860 Into worship. 00:35:46.400 --> 00:35:47.139 In contrast. 00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:48.179 Christian worshippers. 00:35:48.259 --> 00:35:49.059 Need to be challenged. 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:50.239 To see the worship event. 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:52.340 As deeply participatory. 00:35:53.440 --> 00:35:54.619 A relational event. 00:35:54.880 --> 00:35:56.539 In which we are active listeners. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:57.239 Speakers. 00:35:57.679 --> 00:35:58.460 Promise receivers. 00:35:58.460 --> 00:35:59.360 And promise givers. 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:01.500 And it's when we stop realising. 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:03.539 That that is what gathered worship is about. 00:36:04.539 --> 00:36:06.699 That is this gospel reenactment. 00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:08.300 That it is a covenant renewal. 00:36:08.440 --> 00:36:09.260 Every Sunday. 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:11.280 Then we are tempted to introduce things. 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:12.159 That are just. 00:36:12.280 --> 00:36:12.460 Well. 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:13.260 They're a bit lighter. 00:36:13.260 --> 00:36:13.699 Aren't they? 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:16.240 And a bit more entertaining. 00:36:17.699 --> 00:36:18.740 And we start thinking. 00:36:18.880 --> 00:36:20.260 That doing the same thing every week. 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:21.500 Well it's just so boring. 00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:22.260 And it's so monotonous. 00:36:24.039 --> 00:36:25.260 That we've got the basic message. 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:27.059 Basic message of the gospel. 00:36:27.159 --> 00:36:27.900 Let's move on. 00:36:29.260 --> 00:36:30.360 Something more stimulating. 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:31.320 Something more practical. 00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:36.539 But the gospel is not the ABC of the Christian life. 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:36.760 Is it? 00:36:36.780 --> 00:36:38.360 The gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:39.340 --> 00:36:40.720 That he is our God. 00:36:40.820 --> 00:36:41.820 And we are his people. 00:36:41.900 --> 00:36:43.740 And we are bound him by covenant oath. 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:45.440 Is the A to Z. 00:36:45.440 --> 00:36:45.599 Head. 00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:47.360 Of the Christian faith. 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:49.980 It's the whole thing. 00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:52.800 And you never get past it. 00:36:54.079 --> 00:36:56.619 And you never get past the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:36:56.740 --> 00:36:58.280 And you never get beyond your need of it. 00:36:58.280 --> 00:37:00.240 And the human heart. 00:37:00.240 --> 00:37:01.040 And the human heart. 00:37:01.360 --> 00:37:03.240 Too easily forgets the gospel. 00:37:03.680 --> 00:37:05.280 And forgets the story of redemption. 00:37:05.660 --> 00:37:09.080 And forgets that I am bound to God and his people. 00:37:09.079 --> 00:37:13.159 And I too easily doubt its power. 00:37:13.960 --> 00:37:15.699 And I get distracted from its purpose. 00:37:16.920 --> 00:37:18.400 My heart leaks. 00:37:18.819 --> 00:37:19.559 I don't know about yours. 00:37:20.840 --> 00:37:22.279 My heart is like a sieve. 00:37:22.280 --> 00:37:25.180 And that's why week by week. 00:37:25.980 --> 00:37:28.480 We gather to tell one another the story again. 00:37:29.760 --> 00:37:32.620 And we gather to hear God speak his word of grace to us. 00:37:32.700 --> 00:37:34.500 To renew our covenant with God again. 00:37:35.640 --> 00:37:38.220 Knowing that only as our hearts are melted. 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:40.820 And shaped by the gospel. 00:37:42.060 --> 00:37:43.860 Will I be able to face the challenges. 00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:45.980 Of the next six days. 00:37:47.740 --> 00:37:48.880 Until we meet again. 00:37:50.080 --> 00:37:50.780 And tell the story. 00:37:50.780 --> 00:37:52.980 Let's pray.