WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.879 There was a man who was shipwrecked on a desert island. 00:00:06.660 --> 00:00:12.759 He did an amazing job and moved into his own survival skills. 00:00:13.660 --> 00:00:19.580 And after many, many months, he managed to attract the attention of a boat that was passing by. 00:00:20.420 --> 00:00:28.039 And as the rescuers came onto the island to take him back to society again, 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:30.640 he was proud to show them what he'd achieved. 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:35.460 And as he showed them, he said, here is the house that I've built. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:37.000 They were very impressed. 00:00:37.119 --> 00:00:38.840 This is where I sleep. 00:00:39.320 --> 00:00:40.759 And here's the kitchen. 00:00:40.939 --> 00:00:46.980 This is where I store my food, the fish that I've kept, the berries, the fruit that I've collected. 00:00:47.420 --> 00:00:51.679 And here is the church where I worship every day. 00:00:52.359 --> 00:00:54.060 And they were so impressed. 00:00:54.060 --> 00:00:58.620 One of the rescuers said, what's the other building over there? 00:00:59.400 --> 00:01:02.840 The man sort of shuffled, looked at his feet and looked embarrassed and said, 00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:05.780 that's the church I used to worship at. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:15.659 The thing this morning is we talk about unity and maturity in the body of Christ. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:25.899 That we should all grow into that maturity that Paul is encouraging the people of Ephesus in our writing. 00:01:26.479 --> 00:01:28.679 That they were setting up new structures. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:30.399 They were beginning new things. 00:01:30.780 --> 00:01:32.179 This was all new to them. 00:01:32.519 --> 00:01:36.879 This was the importance of preparing them to be one. 00:01:36.879 --> 00:01:39.379 In amongst all our scriptures told us. 00:01:39.640 --> 00:01:41.619 As we would know that we can be moved. 00:01:41.759 --> 00:01:42.579 We can be shifted. 00:01:43.060 --> 00:01:45.060 Thrown all over the place. 00:01:45.259 --> 00:01:47.920 Unless we focus on the main thing. 00:01:48.420 --> 00:01:50.699 The main thing that Paul is talking about here. 00:01:50.840 --> 00:01:53.739 Is this new sense of pioneering. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:59.679 New, innovative, courageous, exciting, risky. 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:03.760 So if I put those words together. 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:07.220 Courageous, exciting, pioneering, innovative. 00:02:07.700 --> 00:02:08.740 In a sentence. 00:02:09.540 --> 00:02:13.980 Does that express God's wider church to you today? 00:02:15.659 --> 00:02:16.800 Because it should. 00:02:18.100 --> 00:02:20.659 It should be exciting, innovative. 00:02:20.879 --> 00:02:24.060 I have to admit I was struggling with that myself a bit. 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:27.260 Paul is writing a group of people who are working things out. 00:02:27.259 --> 00:02:32.819 And I had to passionately and actively rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:33.019 --> 00:02:35.840 To become the people that they were called to be. 00:02:36.459 --> 00:02:37.840 Nothing changes. 00:02:39.179 --> 00:02:41.259 We need to be that people. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:43.759 Maybe that is the catalyst. 00:02:44.340 --> 00:02:48.979 Earnestly and passionately seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:49.319 --> 00:02:52.159 To build us up as one in unity. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:54.319 Just as he would want us to. 00:02:54.579 --> 00:02:55.019 Why? 00:02:55.020 --> 00:02:58.860 Because to be the church that reflects God's purposes. 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:02.600 To be that thing where people walk in through the door. 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:05.300 To be where we meet people in the everyday. 00:03:05.660 --> 00:03:08.960 And they receive something of God's welcome. 00:03:09.980 --> 00:03:13.860 And are drawn and attracted to him. 00:03:15.860 --> 00:03:18.719 Do we see the church and being followers of Jesus? 00:03:20.120 --> 00:03:20.719 Disciples. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:22.000 One people. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:23.680 Being an adventure. 00:03:23.680 --> 00:03:27.219 Do you ever feel to say you've grown out of the adventure? 00:03:28.379 --> 00:03:29.280 Be honest. 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:31.900 The issue is here. 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:34.280 Is Paul is saying to an early church. 00:03:34.700 --> 00:03:37.040 Planning and preparation goes into what he does. 00:03:37.260 --> 00:03:38.580 He doesn't do it alone. 00:03:39.020 --> 00:03:41.120 Unity is at the heart of the adventure. 00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:42.719 Of the Christian faith. 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:46.100 And hence we are supposed to be as one. 00:03:46.460 --> 00:03:47.460 Paul is saying. 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:48.740 Look at the gifts. 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:50.000 If you are planning. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:52.960 And preparing to follow me. 00:03:52.960 --> 00:03:56.659 That the gifts might flourish in each and every one of us. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:59.180 As we think about ourselves as one. 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:00.460 As one body. 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:01.740 Not just here. 00:04:02.100 --> 00:04:03.159 As God's wider church. 00:04:03.560 --> 00:04:07.379 And perhaps very timely as we enter this week of prayer for Christian unity. 00:04:07.379 --> 00:04:10.299 Because often in our mindset is. 00:04:10.299 --> 00:04:13.180 Oh it's that week of prayer for Christian unity. 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:16.079 And we better pray for Christian unity this week. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:18.300 We should be 24-7. 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:20.839 365 days of the year. 00:04:21.120 --> 00:04:24.019 Thinking about what it means for us all. 00:04:24.319 --> 00:04:25.920 To be the body of Christ. 00:04:26.360 --> 00:04:27.699 How does that work together? 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:29.539 Where do we lose our way? 00:04:29.860 --> 00:04:30.899 Paul is saying here. 00:04:31.019 --> 00:04:35.180 There are qualities in building and growing for adventure. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:38.560 Be completely humble and gentle. 00:04:39.459 --> 00:04:40.339 Be patient. 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:42.459 Bearing with one another. 00:04:43.240 --> 00:04:44.180 In love. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:49.500 Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:51.860 Humble and gentle. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:53.699 Is that a strength? 00:04:54.219 --> 00:04:55.379 I think it is. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:04:56.879 It's what I see in Jesus. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:01.199 Perhaps the most courageous and powerful person that I've ever known. 00:05:01.480 --> 00:05:02.339 And will know. 00:05:02.659 --> 00:05:03.420 And here it is. 00:05:03.500 --> 00:05:07.819 As Jesus' ministry is marked out with humbleness and gentleness. 00:05:08.839 --> 00:05:09.199 You know. 00:05:09.659 --> 00:05:11.519 Gentleness isn't weakness. 00:05:12.579 --> 00:05:13.879 Humbleness isn't weakness. 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:15.439 It's a great strength. 00:05:15.779 --> 00:05:19.920 This is why we earnestly seek the spiritual gifts. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:23.740 And you don't have to be impatient. 00:05:24.019 --> 00:05:24.719 They come. 00:05:24.899 --> 00:05:25.579 We ask. 00:05:25.579 --> 00:05:27.319 We seek earnestly. 00:05:28.039 --> 00:05:29.500 If you know me well enough. 00:05:29.599 --> 00:05:31.459 You know I want everything yesterday. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:32.680 You know. 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:38.459 We need to patiently but earnestly seek those gifts. 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:41.120 To build up the body of Christ. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:43.279 Bearing with one another. 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:45.339 In love. 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:47.299 It says though. 00:05:47.299 --> 00:05:49.599 When somebody wants to come to you and say. 00:05:49.599 --> 00:05:50.279 Oh. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:52.459 I need to tell you something in love. 00:05:52.659 --> 00:05:54.359 Head for an air raid shelter. 00:05:55.799 --> 00:05:57.019 And you know. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:06:00.439 Because probably it isn't in love. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:04.859 We have to learn how to talk and act and be. 00:06:05.239 --> 00:06:07.000 In kindness and in love. 00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:08.899 To build up the body. 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:10.779 When unity fractures. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:11.459 When unity fractures. 00:06:11.679 --> 00:06:14.120 Love is invariably lost. 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:16.479 I don't need to tell us that. 00:06:16.859 --> 00:06:20.199 We would know that from our own time in life. 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:22.739 No wonder as Paul is spelling it out. 00:06:23.079 --> 00:06:24.959 Make every effort. 00:06:25.739 --> 00:06:27.719 Make every effort. 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:30.100 To keep the unity of the spirit. 00:06:30.100 --> 00:06:31.580 Through the bond of peace. 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:34.080 All that the spirit speaks to us. 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:35.420 And embraces us. 00:06:35.900 --> 00:06:36.200 Why? 00:06:37.440 --> 00:06:39.360 Because the essential is. 00:06:40.060 --> 00:06:40.640 One Lord. 00:06:41.320 --> 00:06:42.100 One faith. 00:06:42.700 --> 00:06:43.460 One baptism. 00:06:44.400 --> 00:06:46.120 One God and father of all. 00:06:46.500 --> 00:06:47.800 Who is over all. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:49.220 And through all. 00:06:49.640 --> 00:06:50.840 And in all. 00:06:51.960 --> 00:06:52.840 One God. 00:06:53.940 --> 00:06:54.260 You know. 00:06:54.360 --> 00:06:55.320 Post-reformation. 00:06:55.820 --> 00:06:57.700 Accelerated the growth of dynasty. 00:06:57.720 --> 00:06:58.380 Diversity. 00:06:58.860 --> 00:06:59.500 And maybe. 00:06:59.820 --> 00:07:00.700 We may see. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:01.720 That is fracture. 00:07:02.780 --> 00:07:03.740 Of what was. 00:07:04.140 --> 00:07:05.240 God's view. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:06.540 Of the church. 00:07:06.780 --> 00:07:07.560 And through us. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:08.620 Should have been. 00:07:09.500 --> 00:07:11.220 And in this global body. 00:07:11.220 --> 00:07:11.940 Of more than. 00:07:12.320 --> 00:07:13.240 Two million. 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:14.480 Billion Christians. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:15.880 We are now. 00:07:16.080 --> 00:07:16.760 Separated. 00:07:16.760 --> 00:07:18.000 Into thousands. 00:07:18.640 --> 00:07:19.760 Of denominations. 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:20.900 And in fact. 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:22.460 I think at the last count. 00:07:22.900 --> 00:07:23.720 It is estimated. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:24.200 There are. 00:07:24.520 --> 00:07:25.100 Forty five. 00:07:25.380 --> 00:07:26.040 Thousand. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:27.020 Different. 00:07:27.019 --> 00:07:27.979 Christian. 00:07:27.979 --> 00:07:28.019 Christian. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:29.180 Denominations. 00:07:32.859 --> 00:07:33.579 Perhaps. 00:07:34.359 --> 00:07:34.699 Just. 00:07:34.979 --> 00:07:35.779 Because. 00:07:36.599 --> 00:07:37.180 Of that. 00:07:37.579 --> 00:07:38.219 We need. 00:07:38.219 --> 00:07:39.299 To refocus. 00:07:39.500 --> 00:07:39.919 Again. 00:07:40.359 --> 00:07:41.219 On the purposes. 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:41.819 Of God. 00:07:42.279 --> 00:07:43.000 In the power. 00:07:43.159 --> 00:07:44.039 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:44.859 --> 00:07:45.219 You know. 00:07:45.359 --> 00:07:46.039 Put aside. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:46.879 Our historic. 00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:47.819 Differences. 00:07:48.019 --> 00:07:49.019 Our disagreements. 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:50.299 Our deviations. 00:07:50.459 --> 00:07:51.240 Our preferences. 00:07:51.620 --> 00:07:52.599 Our mistakes. 00:07:52.799 --> 00:07:53.939 Maybe more importantly. 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:55.800 Our insecurities. 00:07:56.339 --> 00:07:57.819 In order to come back. 00:07:57.939 --> 00:07:59.620 Empowered by the Holy Spirit. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:00.579 To move. 00:08:00.579 --> 00:08:01.980 As a people of God. 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:02.620 You know. 00:08:02.839 --> 00:08:04.300 Here is the early church. 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:05.500 Preparing. 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:06.480 To be one. 00:08:06.899 --> 00:08:07.480 To go out. 00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:08.680 And impact. 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:09.560 The world. 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:11.500 Where did we lose. 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:12.439 The impact. 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:13.959 And where are we losing it. 00:08:14.159 --> 00:08:15.680 Maybe to come back. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.139 And be that church. 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:18.939 That Paul is talking about here. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.860 In the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:22.279 In that. 00:08:22.819 --> 00:08:23.259 Growing. 00:08:24.019 --> 00:08:24.540 Maturity. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.300 And I think. 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:27.180 There is something here. 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:28.120 That Paul is talking about. 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:28.920 Let's be mature. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:29.740 About this thing. 00:08:30.279 --> 00:08:30.480 You know. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:31.480 Let's be mature. 00:08:31.660 --> 00:08:32.299 And own this. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:33.519 And grow into being. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:34.659 More like Christ. 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:35.059 Don't. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:35.340 You know. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:35.700 It's. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:36.279 This. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:37.399 Binding us. 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:37.980 Together. 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:39.120 Don't worry. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:40.240 I'm not going to break into. 00:08:40.360 --> 00:08:41.740 A 60s chorus here. 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:43.679 Bind us together. 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:44.120 But. 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:45.559 But it's a good song. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:47.080 And it's a good meaning. 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:49.379 And it brings us. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:50.580 To this place. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:51.820 Of unity. 00:08:52.300 --> 00:08:53.100 And maturity. 00:08:54.120 --> 00:08:55.500 A person goes in at Christmas. 00:08:55.620 --> 00:08:57.000 Into the post office. 00:08:57.160 --> 00:08:57.440 And said. 00:08:57.780 --> 00:08:59.639 I'd like sort of 50 stamps. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:00.680 And she said. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:01.300 What would you like? 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:02.639 I'd like the Christmas stamps. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:03.080 You know. 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:03.400 She said. 00:09:03.420 --> 00:09:04.200 What denomination? 00:09:04.660 --> 00:09:05.000 She said. 00:09:05.020 --> 00:09:05.180 Well. 00:09:05.220 --> 00:09:06.860 I'll have 15 Roman Catholic. 00:09:07.139 --> 00:09:07.540 I'll have. 00:09:08.060 --> 00:09:09.120 Eight Protestant. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:11.100 I'll have the rest in Pentecostals. 00:09:11.160 --> 00:09:11.740 Is that okay? 00:09:14.040 --> 00:09:14.560 You know. 00:09:14.560 --> 00:09:14.980 I think. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:15.879 We laugh. 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:16.700 And I'm glad you did. 00:09:17.080 --> 00:09:17.520 But. 00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:21.000 When the whole message. 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:22.160 Is about love. 00:09:22.420 --> 00:09:22.759 Hope. 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:23.379 Forgiveness. 00:09:23.560 --> 00:09:24.800 And being one body. 00:09:25.060 --> 00:09:26.240 We have to admit. 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:28.180 That we are a fragmented body. 00:09:28.780 --> 00:09:29.580 We need. 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:30.480 To be one. 00:09:31.180 --> 00:09:32.820 And it starts with us. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:34.200 You know. 00:09:34.280 --> 00:09:35.180 We can point out. 00:09:35.360 --> 00:09:36.600 We can point our finger. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:37.960 Wherever we like. 00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:38.600 But invariably. 00:09:39.440 --> 00:09:40.680 It points back at ourselves. 00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:42.540 And we become. 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:43.600 One body. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:44.440 One Lord. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:45.840 One faith. 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:47.060 One baptism. 00:09:47.800 --> 00:09:48.360 One God. 00:09:48.420 --> 00:09:49.340 And Father of all. 00:09:49.639 --> 00:09:50.620 Who is over all. 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:51.500 And through all. 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.960 And in all. 00:09:53.180 --> 00:09:54.780 Even amongst Christians today. 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:55.940 The verse may not seem. 00:09:56.139 --> 00:09:57.879 To be politically correct. 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.000 Isn't that a shame? 00:10:00.460 --> 00:10:00.740 You know. 00:10:00.800 --> 00:10:01.280 That your. 00:10:01.399 --> 00:10:02.360 Your God. 00:10:02.519 --> 00:10:03.980 In your own denomination. 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:04.560 Become. 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:05.199 Actually. 00:10:05.819 --> 00:10:06.579 Who your God. 00:10:06.579 --> 00:10:07.059 Who is made. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:08.699 Within your denomination. 00:10:09.279 --> 00:10:10.559 And that is really sad. 00:10:11.859 --> 00:10:12.099 You know. 00:10:12.159 --> 00:10:13.159 It's like those teddy bears. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:14.159 That you buy at the mall. 00:10:14.339 --> 00:10:14.579 You know. 00:10:14.959 --> 00:10:15.979 I can go in. 00:10:16.059 --> 00:10:17.419 And I can make it look like. 00:10:17.579 --> 00:10:18.919 Whatever I want it to be. 00:10:19.079 --> 00:10:20.439 To suit my preference. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.679 And to suit whatever it wants to be. 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:23.819 You know. 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:24.699 I had a bit in here. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:25.699 And I had a bit in there. 00:10:26.319 --> 00:10:26.699 No. 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:28.039 One God. 00:10:28.299 --> 00:10:29.139 In unity. 00:10:29.459 --> 00:10:30.959 Even amongst Christians today. 00:10:31.339 --> 00:10:31.639 You know. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:32.659 In the early church. 00:10:32.779 --> 00:10:34.740 There was plenty of those gods around. 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:37.299 That's why Paul is reinforcing this point. 00:10:37.580 --> 00:10:38.580 That's why Paul is saying. 00:10:38.679 --> 00:10:40.379 Don't choose the God that you want. 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:42.179 Choose the one true God. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:43.159 To follow. 00:10:43.699 --> 00:10:44.360 In unity. 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:45.480 In maturity. 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:46.779 And in love. 00:10:47.539 --> 00:10:49.720 No wonder Paul is passionate. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:50.379 And insistent. 00:10:51.360 --> 00:10:53.000 About this continued message. 00:10:53.939 --> 00:10:55.700 This was the new covenant. 00:10:56.340 --> 00:10:57.799 This was the reminder. 00:10:58.200 --> 00:10:59.439 Of the early church. 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:00.799 About adventure. 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:04.699 Most people. 00:11:04.699 --> 00:11:05.840 I meet. 00:11:06.059 --> 00:11:06.740 And talk to. 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:08.379 Who aren't yet Christians. 00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:09.480 I love that term. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:11.659 Who aren't yet Christians. 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:12.759 It gives some hope. 00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:15.779 Don't really bother. 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:16.779 About denomination. 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:18.720 They haven't got a clue. 00:11:19.539 --> 00:11:20.899 And maybe they don't want to. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:22.460 Because. 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:23.360 The fact is. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:24.480 I watched the other night. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:25.700 My son invited me. 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:26.600 To join him. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:27.580 Worshipping. 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:29.080 At their church online. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.700 Up in Brighton. 00:11:30.700 --> 00:11:33.680 And they had this lovely term. 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:34.620 That they used. 00:11:35.660 --> 00:11:36.120 Of. 00:11:36.560 --> 00:11:37.940 We're here to exist. 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:38.940 To invite people. 00:11:39.040 --> 00:11:39.900 To meet with Jesus. 00:11:41.320 --> 00:11:42.780 That is our sole purpose. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:44.140 To invite people. 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:45.759 To meet with Jesus. 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:47.340 It doesn't matter. 00:11:47.340 --> 00:11:47.360 It doesn't matter. 00:11:47.360 --> 00:11:48.299 What denomination. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.919 They're being invited to. 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:50.759 They're being invited. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:51.419 To meet. 00:11:51.819 --> 00:11:52.840 With Jesus. 00:11:53.819 --> 00:11:55.019 And I watched this. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:55.819 And I thought. 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:57.419 As we earnestly. 00:11:57.419 --> 00:11:58.460 Seek the gifts. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:00.279 And name those gifts. 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:00.960 More and more. 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:01.840 Amongst ourselves. 00:12:02.100 --> 00:12:02.639 As a body. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.439 To encourage. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:04.679 And build each other up. 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.539 In the body. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.460 That we've been given. 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:07.580 And we discover. 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.960 How to use those gifts. 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:10.139 We get courageous. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:10.919 And confident. 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:12.159 In the adventure. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:13.759 Of inviting people. 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:15.340 To meet with Jesus. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:17.360 Just like the early church. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.519 Can we do that? 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.819 I'm sure we can. 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:26.179 Maybe. 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:27.379 As we talk about. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.679 These spiritual gifts. 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:29.460 Today. 00:12:30.100 --> 00:12:30.960 We would ask. 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:31.600 Earnestly. 00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:32.559 More and more. 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:33.179 Why? 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:34.519 To build up the body. 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:36.019 The eye doesn't do. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:36.980 What the foot does. 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.419 It's unique. 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:39.679 The hand doesn't do. 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:40.740 What the ear does. 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:42.620 But as a body. 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:44.419 Which is what we're called. 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:45.580 To do in the gifts. 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:47.159 We have that unity. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.200 And that thrill. 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.500 Of being who God calls us to be. 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:52.299 Unity. 00:12:52.299 --> 00:12:53.740 That keeps the unity. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.620 Of the spirit. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:55.820 And the bond of peace. 00:12:56.299 --> 00:12:57.279 Bond is an agreement. 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:58.419 We are in agreement. 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:01.279 We are not at variance. 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:02.100 With one another. 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:04.080 We have a common purpose. 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:05.539 Next week. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:06.799 Is covenant Sunday. 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:08.399 And we will stand. 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:09.799 And we will make. 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:12.019 Some hefty promises. 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:14.759 We will read the words. 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:15.779 Off the screen. 00:13:16.539 --> 00:13:17.679 But I don't know about you. 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:19.639 I can't fulfill those. 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:20.919 Unless I do them. 00:13:21.080 --> 00:13:21.720 In the power. 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:22.740 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.460 I am incapable. 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:26.019 In my humanness. 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:27.919 Of fulfilling those things. 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:29.120 That I am promising. 00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:30.080 To God. 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.659 And maybe. 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:32.440 As next week. 00:13:32.440 --> 00:13:33.519 As we prepare for that. 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.480 As we stand. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:36.299 To renew our covenant promises. 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:37.659 As a body of Christ. 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:38.659 We will think this week. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.560 How can I do that. 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:40.339 More and more. 00:13:40.699 --> 00:13:41.479 In the power. 00:13:41.619 --> 00:13:42.599 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:46.919 I had this. 00:13:47.359 --> 00:13:47.879 Thing as well. 00:13:47.959 --> 00:13:48.619 About unity. 00:13:49.519 --> 00:13:50.659 We met this week. 00:13:50.719 --> 00:13:51.959 As a strategy team. 00:13:52.239 --> 00:13:53.000 To think about. 00:13:53.119 --> 00:13:53.719 The year ahead. 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:54.719 And I thought. 00:13:54.819 --> 00:13:55.639 What does that actually. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.979 Look to me for. 00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.359 About unity. 00:13:58.939 --> 00:13:59.459 And I thought. 00:13:59.579 --> 00:14:00.339 One of the things. 00:14:00.479 --> 00:14:01.619 Which would be wonderful. 00:14:01.619 --> 00:14:02.219 For us. 00:14:02.939 --> 00:14:03.779 As a church. 00:14:04.659 --> 00:14:05.759 That we wouldn't have. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.799 Any notices. 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:08.319 Asking for people. 00:14:08.320 --> 00:14:09.080 To do anything. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:11.440 That actually. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.940 As a body of Christ. 00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:14.040 The Holy Spirit. 00:14:14.040 --> 00:14:15.060 Would speak to us. 00:14:15.260 --> 00:14:16.000 And we would say. 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:17.480 I have these gifts. 00:14:18.280 --> 00:14:19.660 How can I use them. 00:14:20.260 --> 00:14:21.360 In the service of God. 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:23.420 No more notices. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.300 Asking for. 00:14:24.680 --> 00:14:25.620 People to do this. 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.840 Or people to do welcome. 00:14:27.580 --> 00:14:28.240 That sense. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:29.160 The Holy Spirit. 00:14:29.260 --> 00:14:30.220 Speaking to each. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.180 And every one of us. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:32.120 That says. 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:34.020 How can I serve. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.340 How can I serve. 00:14:35.400 --> 00:14:36.200 Not only here. 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.560 But how can I serve. 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:38.159 In the everyday. 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:38.959 In my workplace. 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:39.719 In my home. 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.959 In my family life. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.759 How can I serve you Lord. 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:43.699 How can I serve you. 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.259 In unity. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.299 Across this time. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:48.119 And then. 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:49.239 I was thinking. 00:14:49.959 --> 00:14:50.399 Maturity. 00:14:51.359 --> 00:14:52.739 The thing about maturity. 00:14:52.859 --> 00:14:54.219 Is growing up. 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:55.099 And I'll tell you. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:55.659 The measure. 00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:56.099 I think. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:56.979 Of that culture. 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:58.419 Is in that maturity. 00:14:59.259 --> 00:15:00.719 Of maturing so much. 00:15:00.719 --> 00:15:02.099 That we can dwell. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.579 And bear with one another. 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:05.559 No more complaints. 00:15:05.559 --> 00:15:06.319 No more. 00:15:07.199 --> 00:15:08.379 No more criticism. 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:10.739 Being together. 00:15:10.739 --> 00:15:11.559 As one. 00:15:11.779 --> 00:15:12.779 That when people. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:13.759 Join us. 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:14.579 They come. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.000 And they say. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:15.439 Wow. 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.699 I've never been in. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.619 I've never been in. 00:15:18.619 --> 00:15:19.479 A setting like this. 00:15:19.539 --> 00:15:20.399 Where everybody speaks. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.359 Well of one another. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:22.959 Where people are kind. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:24.199 Where people are understanding. 00:15:24.479 --> 00:15:25.799 Where I walk out that door. 00:15:26.059 --> 00:15:26.459 Feeling. 00:15:26.459 --> 00:15:27.479 As though I'm ready. 00:15:27.479 --> 00:15:28.199 For the week. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:29.839 So encouraged. 00:15:29.839 --> 00:15:30.559 And empowered. 00:15:30.739 --> 00:15:31.539 Somebody came over. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.339 And gave me a word. 00:15:32.339 --> 00:15:32.939 Of encouragement. 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:34.840 That really built me up. 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:35.580 For this week. 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:40.440 And maybe. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:41.300 As well. 00:15:41.780 --> 00:15:42.840 Not only in there. 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:44.900 But thinking about this thing. 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:46.420 About love. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:49.140 Being more disciples. 00:15:49.140 --> 00:15:49.960 In the making. 00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:51.780 Unity. 00:15:52.280 --> 00:15:52.860 Maturity. 00:15:53.400 --> 00:15:54.060 And love. 00:15:54.800 --> 00:15:55.580 That the love. 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.360 Of God. 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:57.580 Just flows in us. 00:15:57.640 --> 00:15:58.140 And through us. 00:15:58.220 --> 00:15:59.480 In the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:01.280 That people are drawn to us. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:03.220 But most importantly. 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:05.759 Do you want to meet with Jesus? 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:08.179 Because they're drawn to us. 00:16:09.579 --> 00:16:10.939 That's Christian maturity. 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:11.899 This coming week. 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:12.939 The week of prayer. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.879 For Christian unity. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.899 Maybe we could ask. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.620 For that vision. 00:16:16.699 --> 00:16:17.600 Of adventure again. 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.980 That vision of us. 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:21.539 Being an adventurous people. 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.679 In the power. 00:16:23.839 --> 00:16:24.399 And gifts. 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:26.059 Of God's Holy Spirit. 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:26.199 Amen. 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:26.259 Amen. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:26.279 Amen. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:26.339 Amen. 00:16:26.339 --> 00:16:26.399 Amen. 00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:26.459 Amen. 00:16:26.459 --> 00:16:26.519 Amen. 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:26.899 Amen. 00:16:26.899 --> 00:16:26.959 Amen. 00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:27.399 Amen. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:27.459 Amen. 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:27.959 Amen. 00:16:27.959 --> 00:16:28.399 Amen. 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:28.519 Amen. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:28.939 Amen. 00:16:28.939 --> 00:16:29.519 Amen. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:31.259 Amen.