WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.040 Well, then, please do have a seat. So good to see you this morning. 00:00:06.919 --> 00:00:11.519 We're starting a new series, and it's called The Serving Seven. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:17.300 Now, that picture looks quite odd. We don't often see Stephen or Philip riding around on a horse. 00:00:17.400 --> 00:00:21.100 But for those in the know, that is the film poster for The Magnificent Seven. 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:24.019 And we've just changed the title. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:27.839 It's going to be a great series, just a little four-parter. 00:00:27.839 --> 00:00:32.840 And we're going to see this real dynamic time in the life of the early church. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:36.359 So let's start with this. 00:00:37.560 --> 00:00:45.299 Please could you put your hand up if you've been associated with Brunsfield Evangelical Church for over 50 years. 00:00:46.060 --> 00:00:49.600 If you've been associated... Nice and high. Don't be shy. We won't think you're old. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:52.679 Nice and high, Archie. Come on. 00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:56.140 I think that deserves a round of applause. Do you think? 00:00:57.840 --> 00:01:02.900 Put your hand up if you've been associated with Brunsfield for over 30 years. 00:01:03.540 --> 00:01:05.700 That includes the people over 50 years. 00:01:06.359 --> 00:01:08.600 You can do both, you see. It's good. 00:01:09.260 --> 00:01:11.300 What about over 15 years? 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:14.620 A few more. 00:01:15.719 --> 00:01:18.120 What about over 5 years? 00:01:18.800 --> 00:01:19.800 Hands nice and high. 00:01:19.799 --> 00:01:24.939 What about over 2 years? 00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:31.239 What about over 6 months? 00:01:34.179 --> 00:01:36.560 What about over 1 month? 00:01:36.560 --> 00:01:43.859 What about this is your first time or you've been before? 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:45.219 Hands up. 00:01:45.540 --> 00:01:46.159 Nice and high. 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:48.879 There should be no one with their hands down now. 00:01:48.939 --> 00:01:50.520 That's pretty clear. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:56.280 If this is your first time or you've been here before, put your hand up. 00:01:57.560 --> 00:01:57.960 Wow. 00:01:58.200 --> 00:01:59.439 Learning obedience. 00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:04.379 Well, isn't it encouraging to see a place growing? 00:02:05.239 --> 00:02:07.359 It's encouraging that we don't sit here alone, 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:14.060 but we see that God is being so gracious in answering the prayers of so many people over so many years 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:19.719 that he would grow his work in this place through his gospel, by his spirit, to the glory of his son. 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:22.159 That's encouraging, right? 00:02:22.979 --> 00:02:24.460 I'm encouraged anyway. 00:02:25.400 --> 00:02:26.879 I tell my face sometimes. 00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:35.000 However, church growth isn't always a pain-free, easy thing. 00:02:35.879 --> 00:02:41.539 When things start to grow, it's not always just unicorns and rainbows. 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:45.740 There is actually a thing called growing pains. 00:02:46.699 --> 00:02:50.219 That when things grow, they become more complex, they become more difficult. 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:55.840 Where everybody used to wear matching tracksuits and ride around on a tandem bicycle. 00:02:56.879 --> 00:02:58.400 People start to not know each other. 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:01.599 The whole thing gets a bit more difficult and complicated. 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:06.000 So I want to read Acts 6, 1, 2, 7. 00:03:06.359 --> 00:03:09.159 And I think we'll see this exact thing happening. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:11.539 But before we do that, Alec, I've got a job for you. 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:15.859 What I want you to do is give these sweets out. 00:03:16.060 --> 00:03:18.240 But only to people on this side. 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:18.920 Okay? 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:21.000 So you can eat as many as you like. 00:03:21.320 --> 00:03:22.060 Stuff yourselves. 00:03:22.680 --> 00:03:24.879 But these sweets don't go past this aisle, okay? 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:29.340 You need to open it, but it's a good job you're an engineer in disguise. 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:32.420 So let's read. 00:03:32.520 --> 00:03:33.060 Get a Bible. 00:03:33.240 --> 00:03:35.620 Open to Acts 6, verses 1-7. 00:03:35.620 --> 00:03:41.120 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:45.460 the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:49.599 because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 00:03:55.700 --> 00:03:57.480 It's like the guy in the cinema, isn't it? 00:03:57.480 --> 00:03:59.420 Who decides that Werther's originals are good. 00:03:59.419 --> 00:04:02.859 Chapter 6, verse 1. 00:04:02.919 --> 00:04:05.539 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, 00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:07.679 the Hellenistic Jews among them complained. 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:12.779 Among them complained against the Hebraic Jews 00:04:12.779 --> 00:04:16.379 because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:19.819 So the twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 00:04:19.819 --> 00:04:23.399 It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God 00:04:23.399 --> 00:04:25.379 in order to wait on tables. 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:28.919 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you 00:04:28.920 --> 00:04:31.199 who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. 00:04:31.640 --> 00:04:34.040 We will turn this responsibility over to them 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:38.379 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. 00:04:39.560 --> 00:04:41.660 This proposal pleased the whole group. 00:04:41.780 --> 00:04:44.620 They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:49.620 Also Philip, Procurus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus, 00:04:50.800 --> 00:04:53.939 and Nicholas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 00:04:53.939 --> 00:05:00.240 They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:03.139 So the Word of God spread. 00:05:03.319 --> 00:05:05.860 The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:10.600 and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:12.159 Well, let's pray and then we'll look at this together. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:14.980 Father God, thank you so much that you're gracious. 00:05:15.180 --> 00:05:16.480 Thank you so much that you're good. 00:05:16.899 --> 00:05:20.360 Thank you that your plan for reaching this world is your church. 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:25.319 And so, Lord, we pray that you would grow us as members of your church, 00:05:25.400 --> 00:05:29.199 as citizens of your kingdom, through this word to us this morning. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:30.900 Send your Spirit to make it alive. 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:34.020 And Father, may it have been good for us to have been here. 00:05:34.460 --> 00:05:38.600 And may we leave looking more like your Son, Jesus, than when we came in. 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:40.139 Father, bless us and help us, we pray. 00:05:40.220 --> 00:05:40.819 In Jesus' name. 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:41.540 Amen. 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:41.620 Amen. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:47.780 Luke, in his prequel to the book of Acts, the eponymous Gospel of Luke, 00:05:48.759 --> 00:05:52.819 has laid out an orderly, carefully investigated account, 00:05:53.600 --> 00:06:00.199 a trustworthy report of the birth, life, ministry and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:03.040 He's given us it from the beginning. 00:06:03.160 --> 00:06:06.100 He gives us this huge genealogy linking it to the Old Testament. 00:06:06.540 --> 00:06:08.899 He then gives us a detail of Christmas. 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:11.379 He talks about miracles, disciples. 00:06:11.899 --> 00:06:13.219 He talks about his teaching. 00:06:13.779 --> 00:06:15.839 He gives us the stories Jesus told. 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:23.899 And he devotes a lot of time to Jesus' betrayal, his death, his crucifixion, 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:27.339 him being buried in a tomb and then being raised to life. 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:28.839 He's done that. 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:29.939 That was part one. 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:36.079 And now in part two, his second, his sequel to the Gospel of Luke, 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:44.180 Dr. Luke is concerned with all that the now risen Jesus continues to do through his church 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:50.860 by the power of the now poured out Holy Spirit for the expansion of his kingdom and the glory of the Father. 00:06:50.860 --> 00:06:59.379 This everlasting kingdom that started in Jerusalem will expand to Judea, 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:02.480 will get to Samaria and to the ends of the earth, 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:05.300 even making its way to heathen Scotland. 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:08.340 It works well. 00:07:08.339 --> 00:07:15.279 And so chapter two sees the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. 00:07:15.659 --> 00:07:17.719 And Peter preaches powerfully. 00:07:19.259 --> 00:07:23.639 And 3,000 people are added to the church that day. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:27.859 The baptismal service to end all baptismal services. 00:07:28.479 --> 00:07:30.059 It must have been like a sheep dip. 00:07:30.459 --> 00:07:32.899 They just walked in, dunk on. 00:07:33.239 --> 00:07:34.899 Walk in, mm, mm. 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:36.099 3,000. 00:07:36.100 --> 00:07:38.220 Just imagine if they all gave a testimony. 00:07:38.960 --> 00:07:40.140 They'd still be at it. 00:07:41.020 --> 00:07:43.500 Still be going on even now. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:45.480 Then chapter three. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:48.400 Peter and John are on their way to the temple. 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:52.340 And by the temple called Beautiful, there is not a beautiful sight. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:55.100 There's a lame beggar who's there all the time begging for money. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:58.640 And he asks them, do you have any silver or gold? 00:07:59.360 --> 00:08:00.680 Silver and gold we have none. 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:03.720 But in the name of Jesus Christ we say, get up and walk. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:06.180 And he gets up and he jumps around. 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:11.360 And then Peter gives a second sermon and more people are added to the church. 00:08:12.820 --> 00:08:14.320 So far, so good. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:15.540 Three chapters. 00:08:16.080 --> 00:08:17.280 Church is expanding. 00:08:18.720 --> 00:08:21.480 Everything seems to be going great until chapter four. 00:08:21.480 --> 00:08:27.980 When the ruling Jewish authorities, the Sanhedrin, get worked, they capture Peter and John. 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:36.220 They get them to stand and they try to cut the church off at the knees and say, you are not allowed to teach in the name of Jesus anymore. 00:08:37.600 --> 00:08:39.840 And Peter comes out with the best defense ever. 00:08:40.940 --> 00:08:42.120 I don't care what you say. 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:45.920 It's better to obey God than man. 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:47.599 And therefore, we're going to keep on going. 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:50.879 And we'll invite you to church next Sunday if you're free. 00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:53.279 Pretty good. 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:55.459 But it's external persecution, isn't it? 00:08:56.899 --> 00:09:00.360 Church has just been birthed and external persecution is coming on. 00:09:00.419 --> 00:09:02.659 It's a clear and present threat. 00:09:03.439 --> 00:09:10.319 And yet through the boldness of the apostles, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the crisis is averted. 00:09:10.320 --> 00:09:14.020 First major threat to the church, external persecution. 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:18.500 But that only follows in chapter five with moral corruption. 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:25.020 Ananias and Sapphira who want all the kudos for being all in for Jesus. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.040 They sell a field. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:29.900 They say, oh, here you go, apostles. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.560 Here's all the money we made. 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:35.080 But secretly, they've stockpiled quite a lot for themselves. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:39.280 And Peter says, why have you lied to the Holy Spirit? 00:09:39.279 --> 00:09:41.860 Your duplicity is exposed. 00:09:42.699 --> 00:09:45.659 And within a few hours, both of them are dead. 00:09:47.439 --> 00:09:50.100 But it does stamp out moral corruption in the church. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:52.480 No one's going to make that mistake again. 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:58.079 And so the second great threat that comes against the church is moral corruption. 00:09:58.279 --> 00:10:00.740 Internal, external persecution, chapter four. 00:10:01.159 --> 00:10:02.819 Moral corruption, chapter five. 00:10:03.059 --> 00:10:06.039 Both could easily derail the early church. 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:10.339 Yet, God is so gracious and protects his church. 00:10:11.459 --> 00:10:15.240 Well, as we turn to chapter six, we're going to see the third. 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:19.539 The third major threat that comes against the church. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:21.539 And the big message of this morning is this. 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:23.519 I don't know. 00:10:23.599 --> 00:10:26.219 I was really into alliteration this week in a big way. 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:31.179 Dysfunction without delegation will lead to derailment, division, and eventually death. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:41.079 Dysfunction without delegation will lead to derailment, division, and eventually death. 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:43.240 And so let's get started. 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:45.940 And so we see verse one. 00:10:46.060 --> 00:10:46.879 There's pain. 00:10:47.860 --> 00:10:49.620 There's pain in verse one. 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:59.220 The church has grown from, in essence, a small group to a church plant core team to a mega church in a few months. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:02.720 That is exponential growth. 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:05.320 The church has grown. 00:11:05.320 --> 00:11:07.860 They were none. 00:11:08.260 --> 00:11:10.460 When Jesus was crucified, they were scattered. 00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:12.600 The twelve get back together. 00:11:12.760 --> 00:11:16.700 By the beginning of Acts chapter one, it's about 120 in an upper room. 00:11:17.140 --> 00:11:19.120 After Pentecost, there's 3,120. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:21.820 By this point, there's about 7,000. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:26.500 In a few months, well, we want to say hallelujah. 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:29.320 But we're Scottish, so we don't. 00:11:29.320 --> 00:11:38.140 But that amount of growth in such a short period of time manifests itself as real pain. 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:44.060 With such exponential growth, there is real growing pains in the church. 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:49.520 And this pain manifests itself along a potentially nuclear fault line. 00:11:51.300 --> 00:11:54.460 A potentially nuclear fault line. 00:11:54.460 --> 00:11:57.160 And this is the fault line. 00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:03.780 That the Hellenistic Jews are complaining against the Hebraic Jews. 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:13.500 Because the Hellenistic Jewish widows are being missed out of the near eastern first century version of Basics Bank. 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:15.440 That's what's being done. 00:12:16.040 --> 00:12:17.500 They turn up for food. 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:19.660 And one group is getting. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:21.920 That's you guys. 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:25.500 And the rest are looking on envious. 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:29.719 This is huge. 00:12:30.599 --> 00:12:37.019 Because this fault line is on a potential derailment of the church. 00:12:38.479 --> 00:12:43.459 A ethnic, linguistic, cultural, prejudicial and emotional line. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:45.299 That ties in everyone. 00:12:46.459 --> 00:12:49.199 It seems that there was a Hebraic Jewish group. 00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:54.780 And this Hebraic Jewish group were the indigenous Jews who lived in and around Judea. 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:56.780 But there's this enormous diaspora. 00:12:58.140 --> 00:13:02.300 And these Jews who live all over the known world speak Greek. 00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:04.780 Because Alexander's empire was pretty good. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:07.080 So they start to speak Greek. 00:13:07.420 --> 00:13:11.360 But if you're a Jew and you're going to die, the place to die is back in Jerusalem. 00:13:11.540 --> 00:13:12.300 Back in the homeland. 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:16.419 And so a lot of men, because women live longer than men. 00:13:17.839 --> 00:13:20.859 A lot of old couples would move back to Jerusalem. 00:13:21.179 --> 00:13:24.539 So that when the old boy pops his clogs, he can get buried in Jerusalem. 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:29.799 Well, you can see that there's an enormous number of widows around the place. 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:35.059 And so this division is enormous. 00:13:36.799 --> 00:13:38.039 And so what do they do? 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:39.259 They start to complain. 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:41.879 They start to grumble. 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:43.879 Now I'm going to teach you some Greek. 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:46.600 It may not be right, but you don't know and I don't know. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.360 So we'll all be alright. 00:13:47.819 --> 00:13:50.740 The Greek word for complain is the word gongousmos. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.799 Can everyone say gongousmos? 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:58.379 See, doesn't that even sound like complaining when you all say it together? 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.720 It's like an onomatopoeic word. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:03.480 And so they're grumbling. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:04.939 They're gongousmosing. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:12.340 And this word gongousmos is a good Bible word. 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:16.260 In fact, in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament, 00:14:17.560 --> 00:14:19.820 it's used in one very prolific place. 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:27.640 That Moses leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt into glorious freedom as the redeemed people of God. 00:14:28.520 --> 00:14:30.260 Exodus chapter 14 and 15. 00:14:31.040 --> 00:14:33.200 And then Exodus chapter 16 verse 2. 00:14:33.520 --> 00:14:36.879 Just on the other side of the river. 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:39.940 Just on the other side of the Red Sea. 00:14:41.180 --> 00:14:42.860 Chapter 16 verse 2. 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:47.360 In the desert, the whole community starts grumbling. 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:52.139 Starts gongousmosing against Moses and Aaron saying, 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:54.320 Have you brought us out here to starve? 00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:56.519 A great redemption. 00:14:57.060 --> 00:14:59.159 And the very next thing the people do is complain. 00:15:00.320 --> 00:15:00.759 Grumble. 00:15:00.960 --> 00:15:01.539 Gongousmos. 00:15:02.180 --> 00:15:09.399 Now, in Acts, Jesus has led the true Israel out of slavery to sin and Satan and death through the cross. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:12.000 And what's the very first thing that the people start doing? 00:15:12.559 --> 00:15:13.360 Gongousmosing. 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:17.159 This is a clear and present danger. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:18.759 They're grumbling again. 00:15:19.539 --> 00:15:21.519 It's a very serious situation. 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:24.100 And it's very close to Luke's heart. 00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:26.199 And it's very close to God's heart. 00:15:26.679 --> 00:15:30.899 Luke mentions widows twice as often as all the other gospel writers put together. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.840 They manage four between them. 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:33.919 Luke's up to nine. 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:37.279 Luke is all about the outsiders becoming insiders. 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:40.139 Luke loves widows. 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:44.899 And it very much reflects God's own heart for the weak and vulnerable and overlooked. 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:48.000 And so you look at the strength of a church. 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:51.819 And many people look at numbers or the education level. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:59.439 But I think this invites us to say that the strength of the church is how well those on the outside are looked after. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:04.139 How well the weak and the vulnerable and the elderly and the ill. 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:08.620 And those that are living struggling lives. 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:13.939 The real strength of a church is how the church serves and looks after them and cares for them. 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:17.319 And so in Deuteronomy chapter 10 verse 18. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:19.000 Talking about God. 00:16:19.419 --> 00:16:22.179 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.679 And loves the foreigner residing among you. 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:26.860 Giving them food and clothing. 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:27.860 Giving them. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:30.180 So what we've got here in Acts chapter 6 verse 1. 00:16:30.300 --> 00:16:33.200 Is a very serious situation. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:35.779 It is a scandalous situation. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:39.720 In verse 1 there is real pain. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.680 These are growing pains. 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:43.279 But it is an enormous threat. 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:44.919 It's interesting. 00:16:45.060 --> 00:16:47.080 We all pray for the church to grow. 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:50.759 And yet I wonder how many of us are to go through the pain threshold. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:51.860 The pain threshold. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:54.240 Threshold as it grows. 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:58.259 Because as we see here it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:00.180 There's actually real pain. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.720 Real friction. 00:17:01.899 --> 00:17:02.680 Real tension. 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.759 In the people of God. 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.360 As things get bigger. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.519 Things get more complicated. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.579 Let me show you this graphic. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.579 In a church of 50. 00:17:11.660 --> 00:17:14.279 There's 2,450 lines of communication. 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:17.460 In a church of 100. 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:21.059 There's 9,900 lines of communication. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:22.879 In a church of 200. 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:25.839 There's 39,300 lines of communication. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.599 In a church of 300. 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:31.660 There's 89,700 lines of communication. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:33.460 And in a church of 400. 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:36.579 There's 159,600 lines of communication. 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:38.279 Why is that important? 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:40.859 Well because a church from 50 to 400. 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.920 Is 8 times bigger. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:43.680 But 60 times more complex. 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:46.759 That's why growing pains come. 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:49.920 Because things start to break down a bit. 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:55.980 If we think that the average person can cope with about 4,900 lines of communication. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:18:00.879 Is it any wonder that a church of 400 is a little bit more difficult to organize? 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:07.259 The Jerusalem church has gone from 120 to 7,000. 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:10.480 This is really painful. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:14.380 I dare say our brilliant food and fellowship team. 00:18:15.079 --> 00:18:16.720 Could you organize a lunch for 120? 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:18.519 We can do that. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.880 If we start doing it in January. 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:23.839 Could you organize a church for 7,000? 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:26.940 It's a slightly bigger deal right? 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:29.839 That's exactly what's going on here. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:33.160 Church has grown massively. 00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:36.259 And these are growing pains that they're seeing. 00:18:37.580 --> 00:18:38.580 And so verse 2. 00:18:38.640 --> 00:18:39.680 We look at the priorities. 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:44.340 I wonder if you were one of the apostles in the Jerusalem church. 00:18:44.420 --> 00:18:46.019 How would you respond to this complaining? 00:18:47.180 --> 00:18:48.860 This is how I think I would respond. 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:54.859 Don't you know how hard I'm working? 00:18:55.219 --> 00:18:57.439 You should see the length of my inbox. 00:18:57.679 --> 00:18:59.819 I haven't seen my wife in four days. 00:19:00.459 --> 00:19:01.639 That's how I'd respond. 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:06.979 Because we so readily take complaining as personal criticism. 00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:12.279 But the answer here isn't discipline. 00:19:12.439 --> 00:19:13.559 It's not church discipline. 00:19:13.699 --> 00:19:16.159 These people aren't sinning by complaining. 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.359 This is a real issue. 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:20.579 They're not declaring their authority. 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:21.839 Oh, we're apostles. 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:25.659 We're not bothered about Sainsbury's and Waitrose and Aldi. 00:19:27.459 --> 00:19:30.139 And they don't treat it as personal criticism. 00:19:31.479 --> 00:19:33.019 It doesn't say, verse 2. 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:39.879 And Peter, Andrew, James and John went into the vestry and sulked together. 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:42.619 They don't take it like that. 00:19:43.639 --> 00:19:46.659 This doesn't need a firm hand and a sharp word. 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:49.060 This is an organisational problem. 00:19:49.160 --> 00:19:50.540 A systemic error. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:55.920 This needs an arm around the shoulder and joined up thinking and real teamwork. 00:19:56.580 --> 00:19:58.380 This issue is going to get sorted. 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:02.680 They realise that the church is gaining ground. 00:20:02.820 --> 00:20:06.519 And the reason it's gaining ground is because it's fighting on two levels. 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:09.360 It's fighting in word and deed. 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:15.559 What we see in the apostles is that they're preaching and teaching and praying faithfully. 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:21.039 And then we see on the ground that everybody is sharing everything in common. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:28.539 If anyone was in need, people sold stuff and made sure that everyone had something. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:35.079 That the church community looked compelling to the outsiders because they've never seen a community like this. 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:37.519 Where everyone cares for each other so much. 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:41.039 And they've never seen a community where the message was good news. 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:46.319 And the good news bursts the community and the community adds to the weight of the message. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:48.559 Two are going really well. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:53.599 But the problem is it's got a bit complex. 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:56.539 Both words and deeds are absolutely vital. 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:58.480 We see that in Jesus. 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:59.899 He doesn't just preach. 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:02.879 He preaches and he helps people. 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:06.059 He preaches and he helps people. 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:09.919 His preaching tells people why he's helping. 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:12.220 And his helping adds weight to why he's preaching. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:17.319 And so they need both. 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:20.519 You need preaching first to inform the way you serve. 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:21.960 But they're absolutely vital. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:27.000 If you just preach, it's like you're just shouting at people over a wall. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:30.140 And if you just help, yeah, they might be clothed and fed. 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:32.000 But they're eternally ruined. 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:34.440 And so you need both. 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.299 Both together. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.480 Both of equal value. 00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.559 Word leading to deed. 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:41.299 And so the apostles say at the end of verse 2. 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:46.460 It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:50.019 I think we can so easily read this wrongly. 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:53.720 The apostles aren't there going, oh, waiting on tables. 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:54.879 That's beneath us. 00:21:55.559 --> 00:22:04.539 We'd much prefer saying, please open your Bibles to Ezekiel chapter 3 than walking around with a tea towel over our arm answering to the call, Garcon. 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.619 Which is my best French. 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:11.119 They're not saying it's beneath us. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:15.039 They're not saying we're above this. 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:25.680 They're not denigrating the need for service in and importance of practical gospel service fueled by love. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:28.119 They think it's absolutely vital. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:30.899 If we need help, think back to 1 John in the summer. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.799 This is how we know what love is. 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:35.079 Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:39.839 And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:49.159 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:56.740 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in the truth. 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:58.220 This is not either or. 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.559 This is both and. 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:03.920 But they need to get a system where they can both work together really well. 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:07.279 Helping widows was not an optional extra. 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:11.099 It was an intrinsic gospel service. 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:15.940 A vital expression of love, faith and grace. 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:20.019 The fulfilled works that the grace of the gospel brings. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:24.660 The word makes the gospel audible and the deeds make the gospel tangible. 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:25.559 They go together. 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:29.759 And when they go together, beautiful things happen. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:36.320 Not to care for all the widows would be a denial of the very gospel they were proclaiming. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:42.240 The apostles are not elevating their ministry above practical ministry. 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:48.059 They're simply stating, this is our ministry but we need to make sure that this other ministry is getting done. 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.700 We're doing this. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.639 We can't do both. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:54.539 Isn't there that phrase, better to do one thing well than two things badly? 00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:58.819 And they're trying to preach and teach and disciple 7,000 people. 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.740 I say we can't run Basics Bank as well. 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.519 It's too much. 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:04.000 So we need some help. 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.139 We need some reinforcements. 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:07.980 We need the cavalry coming over the hill. 00:24:10.120 --> 00:24:15.960 Doesn't Jesus say, man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeded from the mouth of God. 00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:17.600 Man does not live on bread alone. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.759 He still needs bread. 00:24:19.580 --> 00:24:21.280 But he also needs the word. 00:24:22.020 --> 00:24:23.520 That's what they're trying to organize. 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:24.460 The bread is needed. 00:24:25.080 --> 00:24:27.740 So the apostles say, we're going to focus on the word. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:31.360 But we're involved and we're invested in this. 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:35.659 So we're going to make a structure so that the deed stuff can get done as well. 00:24:36.459 --> 00:24:37.479 They give structure. 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:40.759 They don't wash their hands saying, well, you sort it out. 00:24:41.179 --> 00:24:42.839 They say, let's have a church meeting. 00:24:43.699 --> 00:24:46.619 It seems to go quite well compared to some church meetings. 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.619 They're going to do it. 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.619 They're going to do it. 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:50.119 And they initiate a plan. 00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:52.119 And they delegate. 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:52.579 Why? 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:58.199 Because dysfunction without delegation will lead to derailment, division, and eventually death. 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:01.239 So they prioritize. 00:25:02.139 --> 00:25:04.399 And they see the need to hand this on. 00:25:05.179 --> 00:25:07.459 And so they make a plan, verses 3 to 6. 00:25:07.460 --> 00:25:11.039 They need to be better organized. 00:25:12.539 --> 00:25:16.319 They need the lines of responsibility to fall in pleasant places. 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:21.779 They know if the needs of 7,000 are to be looked after by 12, the thing will not get off the ground. 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:26.140 So they say, we need everyone to be involved. 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:29.340 We need some more leaders, some more champions. 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:34.319 We need more people to rally around these people in order that this work will get done. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:40.000 They need to move from being generalists to specialists. 00:25:41.339 --> 00:25:46.259 What used to be done by any and many now needs to be done by some and a few. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:49.700 The whole congregation are involved. 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:51.679 Everyone takes ownership. 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:55.439 This is a great day. 00:25:56.679 --> 00:25:58.000 They set out the criteria. 00:25:58.159 --> 00:25:59.000 What do they say? 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:03.879 Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit. 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.439 And wisdom. 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:12.539 Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.779 That's the criteria. 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:25.899 Now I hope that if we had this situation in our church, we wouldn't look down the list and see someone who used to do stock control for little and go, they'll be perfect. 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:33.980 Because when it comes to leadership in the church, spiritual is the most important. 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:38.860 What kind of leaders do we want to be growing at Brunsfield? 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:41.120 Well, dynamic leaders and vibrant leaders. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:44.340 But most of all, godly leaders. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:48.220 Who are full of the Spirit and wisdom from God. 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:49.240 That's what we need. 00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:57.480 Terry Virgo says, the more leaders you're prepared to train, the more people God will be prepared to trust you with. 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:58.299 And I think it's true. 00:26:58.299 --> 00:27:04.960 Now all these men that are chosen, they have Greek background names. 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:08.059 That seems very shrewd to me. 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:10.279 Because you've got 12 apostles. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:14.599 You've got Matthias drafted in because Judas, it didn't go so well. 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:19.779 You've got 12 Hebraic Jews. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.799 And they need some help. 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:22.500 And what's the issue? 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:25.839 Well, the Hellenistic Jews are not getting fed. 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:31.240 So they say, here's seven Hellenistic Jewish men. 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:33.960 You organize this all. 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:38.119 There won't be favoritism or partisanism. 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:43.799 It won't go the other way that the Hellenistic Jews will get fed and the Hebraic Jews won't. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:45.539 You take control. 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:50.099 Men full of the Spirit and wisdom, fully in tune with God. 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:52.959 This is not leadership at a pseudo-spiritual level. 00:27:53.459 --> 00:27:55.879 This is real leadership on a practical level. 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:59.859 They laid hands. 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:00.939 They set them apart. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:07.279 Word and deed go perfectly out together like rhubarb and custard, gin and tonic, love and marriage. 00:28:08.179 --> 00:28:14.919 Terrible by themselves, but beautiful and harmonious and dynamic and powerful together. 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:21.539 And the church is prevented from division, derailment and death. 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:26.480 It's a good job because that's why we're here today, that this church didn't die. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:33.360 Look what happens when the church organizes itself, when it's all involved, when it rallies around. 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:39.440 When at verse 5 it says, the whole group was pleased. 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:43.820 You can please all of the people some of the time. 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:46.640 Pleased everyone. 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:47.620 Look what happens. 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:49.779 Verse 1. 00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:53.200 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, it's growing. 00:28:57.300 --> 00:28:58.019 It's growing. 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:59.779 And then we hit this bump in the road. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:05.099 And it stands a chance of dying if they don't get this right. 00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:06.660 But look what happens in verse 7. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.779 So the word of God spread. 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:12.779 The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly. 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:15.139 This is kicked on a gear. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:20.200 And a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.759 Even the priests are getting it. 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:32.859 Even the religious neat-nicks who teach in the synagogue, who were predominantly responsible for Jesus' death and the rabble-rousing that they managed. 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:34.700 Even they're becoming Christians. 00:29:35.359 --> 00:29:38.000 Which seems to suggest what's going to happen next week. 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:42.180 This is amazing. 00:29:42.380 --> 00:29:44.119 Growth brings pain. 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:48.740 But setting priorities, making plans leads to great blessing and gospel progress. 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:53.460 This isn't just about church organization. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:58.140 This is about the gospel going out and winning. 00:29:58.140 --> 00:30:28.120 This is about the gospel going out and winning. 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:35.180 If you're going to serve us, help us, be all about us, make much of us, then it will die. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:44.800 If we come with a consumer mentality that makes it all about what I get, this will never work. 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.280 It will never work. 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:49.480 It works when everyone's involved. 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:54.280 It works when everyone's trying to sink to the bottom to serve everyone else. 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:57.640 And when that happens, this kind of thing happens. 00:30:58.140 --> 00:31:01.320 Because you have a compelling gospel and a compelling community. 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:03.560 And they go together. 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:06.640 Number two. 00:31:06.880 --> 00:31:07.400 Christ. 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:08.820 Always good in a sermon. 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:12.620 This is where we get the word deacon from. 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:15.280 This word service is the word. 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:17.680 I'm so sorry. 00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:19.379 It's the word deacon. 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:22.359 It's the word to serve. 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:22.879 Deacon. 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:24.700 The Greek word for serve. 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:34.839 And therefore, we read in Mark chapter 10, verse 45, that the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:40.259 That could equally say, the Son of Man didn't come to be deacon. 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:43.459 But to deac and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:31:43.460 --> 00:31:49.539 So when we serve, we most embody Jesus Christ himself. 00:31:49.920 --> 00:31:51.819 Because he is the ultimate deacon. 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:54.860 He is the one who serves us so we can serve others. 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:58.460 And so if we're not being served by him, we will not serve others. 00:31:58.840 --> 00:32:05.700 But if he is the center soul and circumference of our lives, we'll do anything for anyone in his name for his glory. 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:12.000 Because the gospel enables me to think less of myself and more of him. 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:14.880 I wish I only had three pointers, but I've got five. 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:19.920 Number three, categories. 00:32:20.840 --> 00:32:24.100 Just think what this looks like in your service. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:26.799 You've got to get very creative about this. 00:32:27.600 --> 00:32:33.160 How does my practical service mimic Jesus' service of me? 00:32:34.080 --> 00:32:35.279 Here's some examples. 00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:39.779 You're putting out chairs before a meeting. 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:42.700 Now that seems like a very mundane task. 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:44.720 But what if you thought like this? 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:47.960 What is Jesus doing right now? 00:32:49.920 --> 00:32:55.519 He's preparing a place for us to go and be with him forever. 00:32:56.240 --> 00:33:02.480 So when you're putting out chairs, preparing a place for your brothers and sisters to come and sit. 00:33:02.779 --> 00:33:04.740 And be together in Jesus' presence. 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:07.859 Isn't that like a very Christ-like job? 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:09.420 Doesn't that change everything? 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:13.740 Doesn't it change it from just being, let's get it out as quickly as possible. 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:15.700 I'm so fed up of doing this. 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:18.400 But we went, this is actually quite like what Jesus does. 00:33:19.099 --> 00:33:20.700 What about washing up? 00:33:21.120 --> 00:33:22.440 Again, incredibly mundane. 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:27.259 And yet, washing up is incredible. 00:33:28.180 --> 00:33:29.440 I love, I don't. 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:30.940 Aileen will tell you I don't. 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:36.279 But there's so much going on in washing up. 00:33:36.279 --> 00:33:39.759 Washing up, you take stains and you wash them out. 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:42.819 Well, that seems very like what Jesus does with us. 00:33:43.059 --> 00:33:46.799 If you look at the kitchen after I've been cooking particularly, it's chaos. 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:49.779 And what do you do in washing up? 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:51.319 Will you bring order to chaos? 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:54.399 It's quite like what Jesus does. 00:33:54.399 --> 00:33:57.119 Suddenly washing up isn't just this thing I need to do. 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:59.339 It's a brilliant thing. 00:33:59.879 --> 00:34:01.539 You run an international night. 00:34:01.539 --> 00:34:04.299 And it's not just for entertainment. 00:34:05.879 --> 00:34:10.000 But you think it's a celebration of the different tribes and tongue and nations 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:13.259 that God is gathering at Brunsfield. 00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:16.559 And you think, well, that's kind of like the end of the story. 00:34:17.360 --> 00:34:21.340 It's like a little warm-up act before we get there. 00:34:21.920 --> 00:34:22.880 You're unwelcome. 00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:25.699 You're not just doing it. 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.279 What does Jesus do? 00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:32.080 Well, he's endlessly welcoming strangers to himself and drawing them into his church. 00:34:32.120 --> 00:34:33.280 And you get to do that. 00:34:34.560 --> 00:34:36.460 In the foyers, people come in. 00:34:38.540 --> 00:34:42.000 Do you see how when we get the fact that Jesus didn't come to be deacced, 00:34:42.060 --> 00:34:44.060 but to deacced and to give his life as a ransom of any, 00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:45.740 suddenly it changes everything. 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:49.840 It changes everything about what we do and why we do it. 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:51.640 Here's number four. 00:34:52.540 --> 00:34:53.600 Anti-capitalism. 00:34:53.599 --> 00:34:58.639 This isn't a political statement at all. 00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:01.739 What is the key to capitalism? 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:06.019 Well, the key is the minimum investment for the maximum output. 00:35:07.219 --> 00:35:10.480 I want to put in as little as possible to get as much as I can. 00:35:11.319 --> 00:35:15.019 That's completely the opposite economics to Jesus' kingdom. 00:35:15.699 --> 00:35:17.860 Because Jesus says these words, 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:21.760 It is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:35:22.340 --> 00:35:24.300 It is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:35:24.740 --> 00:35:31.360 Therefore, what I want in Jesus' kingdom is the maximum investment for the minimum output. 00:35:32.320 --> 00:35:33.559 Wouldn't that be great? 00:35:34.220 --> 00:35:39.120 How much can I throw at this in order to get little in return? 00:35:39.119 --> 00:35:44.219 Little in return in a temporal sense because it pays huge dividends in eternity. 00:35:45.279 --> 00:35:49.099 What if that was the economics of Brunsfield Evangelical Church? 00:35:50.739 --> 00:35:51.739 Number five. 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.380 And then I'm finished. 00:35:54.819 --> 00:35:55.380 Crossroads. 00:35:56.199 --> 00:36:00.000 I think at Brunsfield Evangelical Church we're at a crossroads. 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:06.260 I think God has been so kind and gracious and good to us. 00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:09.659 I think when we did the hands up at the beginning we can say, 00:36:09.780 --> 00:36:10.599 God, thank you. 00:36:11.420 --> 00:36:14.559 Thank you for being so good and faithful and kind to us. 00:36:15.199 --> 00:36:17.340 Bringing loads of new people to our family. 00:36:18.420 --> 00:36:19.199 But here's the thing. 00:36:20.619 --> 00:36:22.860 We can either just now settle. 00:36:23.920 --> 00:36:25.539 Go, this is really nice. 00:36:25.539 --> 00:36:31.800 Or we can keep pressing on and saying, 00:36:31.960 --> 00:36:33.739 actually I need to be involved in this. 00:36:34.300 --> 00:36:36.039 I don't want to just consume this. 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:39.480 I don't want to just turn up on a Sunday like a spectator. 00:36:41.059 --> 00:36:42.860 I want to be part of the family. 00:36:43.340 --> 00:36:47.279 I want to be an invested, involved part of the family. 00:36:48.619 --> 00:36:52.000 And let's be clear that Jesus says that his church is like a body. 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:54.159 And every body part is essential. 00:36:54.159 --> 00:36:57.279 And when every part does its work, 00:36:57.759 --> 00:37:00.480 the place continues to grow and is healthy. 00:37:01.079 --> 00:37:02.059 That's what we want. 00:37:02.799 --> 00:37:05.539 I want to just sit in here and get fat and lazy 00:37:05.539 --> 00:37:07.960 as we consume spiritual calories on a Sunday. 00:37:09.399 --> 00:37:12.219 Got to be filled up and then poured out 00:37:12.219 --> 00:37:13.719 and filled up and then poured out. 00:37:14.539 --> 00:37:18.239 It wouldn't be exciting to see just where God might lead us. 00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:22.460 I want to just leave a few minutes of quiet 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:24.000 where we think about these things, 00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:27.300 where we think about what God is challenging us about, 00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:30.039 what God is asking of us, 00:37:30.619 --> 00:37:32.159 what God is encouraging us with. 00:37:32.740 --> 00:37:34.000 Then I'm going to lead us in some prayers 00:37:34.000 --> 00:37:35.260 and then we'll sing and then we're finished. 00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:38.079 So let's just have a couple of minutes of just quiet 00:37:38.079 --> 00:37:39.360 as we think about these things. 00:37:39.360 --> 00:37:53.300 Perhaps I might ask the elders to stand. 00:37:55.980 --> 00:37:57.000 Peter's not here. 00:37:59.200 --> 00:38:00.200 Fraser's disappeared. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:03.440 He is magical, that man. 00:38:03.500 --> 00:38:04.059 He is. 00:38:05.120 --> 00:38:05.640 Let's pray. 00:38:05.639 --> 00:38:07.739 Let's pray for our elders. 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:12.739 Dear Lord, thank you for our brothers 00:38:12.739 --> 00:38:15.500 whom you have appointed to take on this noble task. 00:38:17.099 --> 00:38:21.980 Father, give them grace, clarity, wisdom, energy, joy, and boldness. 00:38:23.539 --> 00:38:25.719 Father, help them lead this church in unity. 00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:28.739 And may it never be for our comfort. 00:38:29.519 --> 00:38:30.980 May it all be for your glory. 00:38:30.980 --> 00:38:34.420 We ask this in the name of that great shepherd of the sheep, 00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:36.539 our saviour, Jesus Christ. 00:38:37.019 --> 00:38:37.280 Amen. 00:38:38.099 --> 00:38:40.579 Perhaps I could invite the ministry leaders to stand as well, 00:38:40.840 --> 00:38:41.519 if you're here. 00:38:45.079 --> 00:38:47.300 Quite a few missing, but we pray. 00:38:49.500 --> 00:38:51.780 Dear Lord, thank you so much for your grace 00:38:51.780 --> 00:38:53.820 in giving us these people in our family. 00:38:55.119 --> 00:38:57.679 Pray you might fill them with your spirit and wisdom. 00:38:57.679 --> 00:39:00.799 May their service be done for you. 00:39:01.259 --> 00:39:02.940 And may it be full of joy 00:39:02.940 --> 00:39:05.599 as they serve faithfully and sacrificially. 00:39:06.440 --> 00:39:08.919 May it all be done in unity, with humility. 00:39:09.859 --> 00:39:12.219 And again, may it never be for our comfort, 00:39:12.879 --> 00:39:14.259 but for your glory alone. 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:16.460 We ask this in the name of the one 00:39:16.460 --> 00:39:18.519 who didn't come to be served, but to serve, 00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:20.899 even giving his life for us, 00:39:21.279 --> 00:39:22.980 your only son, our king, 00:39:23.739 --> 00:39:24.419 Jesus Christ. 00:39:24.559 --> 00:39:24.859 Amen. 00:39:25.859 --> 00:39:27.559 Perhaps I could invite everyone to stand. 00:39:27.679 --> 00:39:39.179 Father, give us faith to know 00:39:39.179 --> 00:39:42.379 that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:39:43.480 --> 00:39:44.559 Unite us together. 00:39:45.879 --> 00:39:47.480 Replace our readiness to grumble 00:39:47.480 --> 00:39:48.960 with a willingness to serve. 00:39:50.059 --> 00:39:52.480 Father, thank you for all that you're doing in this place. 00:39:52.899 --> 00:39:54.579 We ask in faith that this would only be 00:39:54.579 --> 00:39:56.919 the very first things of all that you're prepared to do. 00:39:57.680 --> 00:40:00.500 We pray you'd raise up many more servants in this place 00:40:00.500 --> 00:40:02.059 that when the growing pains come, 00:40:02.619 --> 00:40:05.139 you might pour out grace, grant wisdom, 00:40:05.659 --> 00:40:07.579 and bring maximum glory to your son. 00:40:07.579 --> 00:40:08.980 Thank you. 00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:09.779 We're a family. 00:40:09.779 --> 00:40:11.619 Help us serve one another. 00:40:12.119 --> 00:40:14.699 Help us be close-knit, grace-saturated, 00:40:14.860 --> 00:40:18.239 Jesus-centered, service-hearted, servant-hearted people. 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:22.619 We pray this in the name of that once-rejected stone 00:40:22.619 --> 00:40:25.960 who has become the cornerstone of our lives 00:40:25.960 --> 00:40:28.360 and the cornerstone of this church. 00:40:28.360 --> 00:40:30.980 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:40:31.120 --> 00:40:31.420 Amen. 00:40:32.900 --> 00:40:33.780 Please stay standing, 00:40:33.940 --> 00:40:35.180 and we're going to sing together 00:40:35.180 --> 00:40:37.900 the servant king. 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:42.059 Amen. 00:40:42.059 --> 00:40:42.500 Amen. 00:40:42.500 --> 00:40:42.980 Amen. 00:40:56.079 --> 00:40:56.619 Amen. 00:40:56.619 --> 00:40:57.440 Amen. 00:40:57.440 --> 00:40:58.079 Amen. 00:40:58.780 --> 00:40:59.260 Amen. 00:40:59.260 --> 00:40:59.639 Amen. 00:40:59.660 --> 00:41:01.400 Amen. 00:41:01.400 --> 00:41:02.220 Amen. 00:41:02.220 --> 00:41:02.820 Amen. 00:41:03.680 --> 00:41:04.740 Amen. 00:41:04.740 --> 00:41:05.660 Amen. 00:41:05.660 --> 00:41:06.059 Amen. 00:41:06.059 --> 00:41:06.220 Amen. 00:41:06.220 --> 00:41:06.780 Amen. 00:41:06.780 --> 00:41:07.260 Amen. 00:41:07.260 --> 00:41:20.300 From heaven you came helpless babe 00:41:20.300 --> 00:41:28.340 Entered our world and glory failed 00:41:28.340 --> 00:41:33.560 Not to be served but to serve 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:43.559 And give our lives that we might live 00:41:43.559 --> 00:41:50.500 Since our God, the servant King 00:41:50.500 --> 00:41:57.340 He holds us now to follow Him 00:41:57.340 --> 00:42:03.539 To live our lives as a daily offer 00:42:03.539 --> 00:42:12.679 Of worship to the servant King 00:42:12.679 --> 00:42:20.539 There in the garden of tears 00:42:20.539 --> 00:42:28.539 The dearly loved he chose to bear 00:42:28.539 --> 00:42:34.179 His heart with sorrow was torn 00:42:34.179 --> 00:42:43.179 Yet not my will but yours He said 00:42:43.179 --> 00:42:52.319 This is our God, the servant King 00:42:52.319 --> 00:42:58.179 He calls us now to follow Him 00:42:58.179 --> 00:43:08.179 To bring our lives as a daily offering 00:43:08.179 --> 00:43:13.179 Of worship to the servant King 00:43:13.179 --> 00:43:20.179 Come see His hands and His feet 00:43:20.179 --> 00:43:28.179 The scars that speak of sacrifice 00:43:28.179 --> 00:43:35.179 Hands that flung stars into space 00:43:35.179 --> 00:43:43.179 To cruel nails surrendered 00:43:43.179 --> 00:43:52.319 This is our God, the servant King 00:43:52.320 --> 00:43:59.320 He calls us now to follow Him 00:43:59.320 --> 00:44:05.320 To bring our lives as a daily offering 00:44:05.320 --> 00:44:14.460 Of worship to the servant King 00:44:14.460 --> 00:44:21.460 So let us learn how to serve 00:44:21.460 --> 00:44:30.460 And in our lives serve on Him 00:44:30.460 --> 00:44:37.460 Each other's needs to pray for 00:44:37.460 --> 00:44:42.599 For it is Christ we're serving 00:44:42.599 --> 00:44:43.599 He says our God, the servant King 00:44:43.599 --> 00:44:49.599 He calls us now to follow Him 00:44:49.599 --> 00:44:50.599 To bring our lives as a daily offering 00:44:50.599 --> 00:44:56.599 To bring our lives as a daily offering 00:44:56.599 --> 00:44:58.739 Of worship to the servant King 00:44:58.739 --> 00:45:05.739 To bring our lives as a daily offering 00:45:05.739 --> 00:45:13.739 Of worship to the servant King 00:45:13.739 --> 00:45:17.179 Paul writes these words 00:45:17.179 --> 00:45:19.099 Therefore if you have any encouragement 00:45:19.099 --> 00:45:20.799 From being united with Christ 00:45:20.799 --> 00:45:22.659 If any comfort from His love 00:45:22.659 --> 00:45:24.459 If any common sharing in the Spirit 00:45:24.459 --> 00:45:26.439 If any tenderness and compassion 00:45:26.439 --> 00:45:27.879 Then make my joy complete 00:45:27.880 --> 00:45:29.780 By being like-minded 00:45:29.780 --> 00:45:31.400 Having the same love 00:45:31.400 --> 00:45:33.440 Being one in spirit and of one mind 00:45:33.440 --> 00:45:35.840 Do nothing out of selfish ambition 00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:36.940 Or vain conceit 00:45:36.940 --> 00:45:38.700 Rather in humility 00:45:38.700 --> 00:45:40.480 Value others above yourselves 00:45:40.480 --> 00:45:42.780 Not looking to your own interests 00:45:42.780 --> 00:45:45.720 But each of you to the interests of others 00:45:45.720 --> 00:45:48.340 Lord would you make it so in this place 00:45:48.340 --> 00:45:49.140 Amen