WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.560 Well, follow with me as we go to Colossians. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:13.880 We're almost through Colossians. 00:00:14.140 --> 00:00:16.080 We've got another one to go next week. 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:25.839 And today's reading is chapter 4. 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:29.580 2 to 6 is a flicker around. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.440 Yeah, thank you. 00:00:39.679 --> 00:00:42.079 So a short text today. 00:00:43.399 --> 00:00:46.480 Colossians 4, starting at verse 2 to 6. 00:00:46.539 --> 00:00:51.879 So let's read and then we'll pray and then look at his word together. 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:55.260 So let's read God's word. 00:00:55.260 --> 00:00:58.240 Colossians 4, starting at verse 2. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:07.439 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 00:01:07.439 --> 00:01:18.480 And pray for us too that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. 00:01:18.480 --> 00:01:23.040 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:27.939 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders. 00:01:29.520 --> 00:01:32.180 Make the most of every opportunity. 00:01:32.180 --> 00:01:42.780 And let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:45.620 Well, let's pray. 00:01:52.620 --> 00:01:55.219 Father, we ask for your help. 00:01:55.219 --> 00:01:56.219 Lord, I pray that you may know how to answer your heart. 00:01:56.219 --> 00:01:57.219 Lord, I pray that you may know how to answer your heart. 00:01:57.219 --> 00:02:10.960 Lord, I pray that you would open doors to our hearts and to our minds so that we may receive the message of Christ. 00:02:10.960 --> 00:02:12.960 Lord, I pray that you may know how to answer your heart. 00:02:12.960 --> 00:02:13.960 Lord, I pray that you may know how to answer your heart. 00:02:13.960 --> 00:02:19.800 And that you would help me to clearly teach the truth of your word. 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:32.240 So that it honours you and pleases you and equips us as a church to be the kind of people you call us to be. 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:36.460 Thank you that you hear us. 00:02:38.060 --> 00:02:41.379 And that now you are speaking to us through your word. 00:02:43.460 --> 00:02:44.020 Amen. 00:02:49.020 --> 00:02:53.740 Violent stabbings and mindless violence. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:59.780 I'm sure we all saw the scenes as they unfolded in our capital city. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:04.020 And we were shocked and saddened by those events. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:08.120 Lives changed and ruined in just a moment. 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:12.500 Businesses and livelihoods wrecked in an instant. 00:03:14.319 --> 00:03:21.780 And as surgeons went to work on the injured and politicians gathered and planned, so came the questions. 00:03:22.920 --> 00:03:24.979 How can we stop this? 00:03:26.099 --> 00:03:28.840 What can be done in our society? 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:34.680 Some say, well, it will take more powers for our policing. 00:03:35.979 --> 00:03:38.979 Others will say stricter laws on immigration. 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:45.360 And of course, with all of these and many more answers, there may be some help. 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:48.860 It may bring some kind of change. 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:51.639 But how long is it going to last? 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:56.719 We need something better. 00:03:57.839 --> 00:04:05.000 And you and I, the church here in Carrigoline, are at the very heart of the solution. 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:07.399 Yes, we are. 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:17.480 You see, the answer to our broken lives and our disordered society is the gospel. 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:24.920 A gospel that reconciles people to God and to each other. 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:35.860 A gospel that will bring people from every race and every background under the lordship of Jesus Christ. 00:04:35.860 --> 00:04:41.360 This gospel had come to Colossae. 00:04:41.460 --> 00:04:45.900 Have a look with me in chapter 1, verse 2. 00:04:46.020 --> 00:04:50.199 The gospel had come and it had radically changed the lives of the people. 00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:54.079 Do you see it there, verse 2? 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.759 The letter to God's holy people. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:05:01.259 Not that they were perfect, but they had been changed. 00:05:01.379 --> 00:05:03.480 They were holy in God's sight. 00:05:04.639 --> 00:05:06.300 They were set apart for God. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:10.480 The faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:13.120 But the gospel didn't stop there. 00:05:13.200 --> 00:05:14.800 It didn't just change their lives. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:16.319 Have a look down at verse 6. 00:05:18.080 --> 00:05:26.080 In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world. 00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:34.300 Just as it has been doing amongst you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:40.980 These words that we've just read were written nearly 2,000 years ago. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:52.280 And the fact that we are meeting today here in Karageline is evidence that the gospel has been bearing fruit and growing throughout the world over the generations. 00:05:53.860 --> 00:06:01.240 And today there are millions of believers just like us gathering together throughout the world. 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:12.120 God's people who are called to bring the gospel of hope to a broken and disordered society. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:18.620 So how is the gospel going to bear fruit in our country? 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:27.019 How is the gospel going to reach into our communities and into our town of Karageline? 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:33.240 Well, two very simple things that we're going to see if we go back to chapter 4. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:38.219 Two simple things that's going to bring about gospel growth. 00:06:39.339 --> 00:06:43.719 We talk to God and we talk to people. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:45.779 Very simple. 00:06:47.019 --> 00:06:50.240 Talk to God and talk to people. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:55.879 First, we talk to God about gospel work. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:06:57.199 Verse 2. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:00.920 Devote yourselves to prayer. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:04.019 Well, that sounds hard work, doesn't it? 00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:05.899 Devoting ourselves to prayer. 00:07:06.300 --> 00:07:09.219 Well, look, prayer isn't a duty to perform. 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:12.819 It's a gift and a privilege. 00:07:13.339 --> 00:07:20.579 Through prayer, we get to talk to the creator of the universe, our Father God, about what matters most. 00:07:20.579 --> 00:07:27.359 We talk to God about the gospel and its impact in our society. 00:07:28.719 --> 00:07:32.879 So three things that we can pray for as a church. 00:07:33.019 --> 00:07:37.459 We talk to God firstly about open doors. 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:39.039 Look at verse 3. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:44.539 Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, 00:07:44.659 --> 00:07:48.779 that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:54.479 In many countries around the world, it's illegal to preach the gospel. 00:07:55.179 --> 00:07:56.439 You'll be put in prison. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:00.219 And that's what's happened to Paul, the writer of this letter. 00:08:00.619 --> 00:08:03.259 He is, at the end of verse 3, in chains. 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:09.000 So, in some ways, it's natural to think that he's praying to God and asking God, 00:08:09.159 --> 00:08:12.199 pray for us that the doors will be opened. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:17.539 The prison doors will be opened so that I can go free. 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:24.020 But that's not what he's asking for, is it? 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:25.720 Look closely at verse 3. 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:32.139 Pray for us that God may open a door for what? 00:08:32.800 --> 00:08:33.960 Our message. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:39.240 His concern is not so much his release from chains, 00:08:39.500 --> 00:08:42.519 but that the gospel would be spread. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:46.319 You see, the opening of doors is not a physical thing, 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:48.960 but a spiritual work. 00:08:50.559 --> 00:08:54.600 Go back with me to Acts chapter 14. 00:08:56.939 --> 00:08:58.779 Acts chapter 14. 00:09:00.559 --> 00:09:05.539 Keep your finger in Colossians and go back to Acts chapter 14. 00:09:05.539 --> 00:09:10.039 Here, Paul has been on one of his mission trips. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:17.399 And he's just returned and he's reporting back to his home church 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:21.139 all that God had done amongst the people. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.740 Verse 27. 00:09:22.939 --> 00:09:24.799 It's right at the end of chapter 14. 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:28.500 Do you see what he says? 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:33.759 On arriving there, that is, at his home church, 00:09:33.860 --> 00:09:35.519 they gathered the church together 00:09:35.519 --> 00:09:39.700 and reported all that God had done through them 00:09:39.700 --> 00:09:46.440 and how God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:52.779 You see, God was preparing hearts and minds of the people 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:56.500 so that they would be receptive to the gospel. 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:58.220 And he can report back and say, 00:09:58.559 --> 00:10:00.620 God has opened up doors. 00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:06.019 We see something similar if you go on a couple of chapters. 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:09.080 Chapter 16 and verse 14. 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:18.419 Here they meet a lady, a businesswoman. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.899 And this is what we hear. 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:22.960 Verse 14. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:26.379 One of those listening to the preaching of the gospel 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:29.980 was a woman from the city of Thyatira, 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:33.420 named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:35.840 a very expensive clothing item. 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:38.040 She was a worshipper of God, not a believer, 00:10:38.280 --> 00:10:41.820 but somebody who had great respect for God. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:46.040 The Lord opened her heart 00:10:46.040 --> 00:10:50.060 to respond to Paul's message. 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:54.759 Let's go back to Colossians 4. 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:58.899 Do you see the opening of doors that is taking place? 00:10:59.399 --> 00:11:02.659 God is opening the doors for people. 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:06.859 We can't force people to be interested in the gospel. 00:11:07.699 --> 00:11:11.079 We can't make people see their need for Christ. 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:15.119 If somebody is going to listen to the message, 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:17.899 if people are going to be engaged, 00:11:18.440 --> 00:11:22.080 God must open a door in their life. 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:26.360 So we need to ask God, by prayer, 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:29.299 to do what we can't do. 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:34.460 Open doors in people's hearts and minds. 00:11:34.460 --> 00:11:37.360 The second thing we can pray 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:41.160 is that we would proclaim Christ. 00:11:42.300 --> 00:11:43.960 You see, praying for open doors 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:45.280 is just the first step. 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:46.360 Look again at verse 3. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:50.000 Pray for us so that God may open a door for our message 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:52.259 so that we may proclaim 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:54.540 the mystery of Christ. 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:56.600 The mystery 00:11:56.600 --> 00:11:58.960 is to be proclaimed. 00:11:59.660 --> 00:12:01.139 Well, you say, that's not very helpful, 00:12:01.300 --> 00:12:02.740 proclaiming a mystery. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:06.019 People mightn't understand what the mystery is. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.279 Well, no, the mystery here 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:10.840 is something that God has revealed. 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:13.799 It's like God has pulled back the curtain 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:15.899 to show us something glorious. 00:12:16.180 --> 00:12:19.980 It's the unveiling of God's promised salvation. 00:12:21.440 --> 00:12:24.259 We've already learnt about God's mystery. 00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:26.860 If you go back to chapter 1, verse 27, 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:34.240 we learn there about this mystery of Christ 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:35.440 and what it is. 00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:37.480 Verse 27, 00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:39.500 to them, to God's people, 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:41.620 God has chosen to make known 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.279 among the Gentiles, 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:44.800 among all people, 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:47.519 the glorious riches 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:49.480 of this mystery. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:53.039 God has made known 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:53.860 what was hidden. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:56.100 God has revealed the mystery. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:12:57.560 Well, what is the mystery? 00:12:57.779 --> 00:12:58.379 Read on. 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:02.240 Which is Christ in you, 00:13:03.580 --> 00:13:04.740 the hope of glory. 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:07.519 What an amazing, 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:10.100 rich message this is. 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:12.899 It's got a double edge to it. 00:13:13.300 --> 00:13:14.480 Christ in you. 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:16.580 God's promise 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:18.340 that he will never leave you 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:20.039 and always be with you. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:23.300 God who came in the person of Christ 00:13:23.300 --> 00:13:25.200 and the person of Christ 00:13:25.200 --> 00:13:27.360 who now dwells in all who believe. 00:13:27.800 --> 00:13:29.639 He is with us. 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:32.200 And secondly, 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.060 the hope of glory. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:35.200 God's promise 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:37.360 that he is going to bring his people 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:39.800 to his eternal kingdom. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:45.819 What a glorious message this is. 00:13:47.359 --> 00:13:47.839 You know, 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:49.419 when a woman gets engaged, 00:13:50.719 --> 00:13:51.719 she's given a ring. 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:54.819 And we hope that it will be 00:13:54.819 --> 00:13:56.599 a nice ring. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:59.919 Perhaps a double diamond ring. 00:14:00.979 --> 00:14:02.120 And it's symbolic, 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:02.779 if you like, 00:14:02.859 --> 00:14:04.000 these two diamonds 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:05.959 of intimacy 00:14:05.959 --> 00:14:07.899 and security. 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:09.699 The intimacy, 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:11.279 I am with you forever. 00:14:11.439 --> 00:14:12.139 The security, 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:14.079 I will keep you forever. 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:15.419 And every time 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:16.459 she looks at the ring, 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.399 she's reminded 00:14:17.399 --> 00:14:19.360 of the deep love 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:20.899 that is shown towards her. 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:22.439 Well, 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:24.159 this is the message of Christ 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:25.519 that we have. 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:27.000 The glorious, 00:14:27.559 --> 00:14:28.919 twin riches 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:30.779 of Christ in you, 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:32.120 which is intimacy. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:34.059 Christ is with you. 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:35.159 And the other one, 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.519 the hope of glory, 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:38.360 which is his security, 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:40.159 his keeping of you. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:43.600 That is a glorious message 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:45.000 to reach out 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:46.939 into our broken society. 00:14:48.819 --> 00:14:50.799 To proclaim anything else 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:51.579 but Christ 00:14:51.579 --> 00:14:53.960 would be like a young man 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:55.139 splitting one of his 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:56.360 Christmas crackers 00:14:56.360 --> 00:14:57.759 and taking out 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.879 that plastic ring 00:14:58.879 --> 00:14:59.779 and putting it on 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:01.620 his fiancé's finger. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.720 Not very rich 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:05.399 or precious. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.379 No, 00:15:07.439 --> 00:15:08.159 we proclaim 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:09.100 that Christ 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.639 is proclaimed. 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:12.840 Anything else 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:13.779 is empty 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:15.379 and hollow. 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:17.699 So we pray 00:15:17.699 --> 00:15:19.740 for open doors 00:15:19.740 --> 00:15:21.120 that people 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.620 may hear 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.120 the glorious message 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:24.779 of Christ. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.340 And third, 00:15:26.460 --> 00:15:26.980 we pray 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:28.500 for a clear message. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:31.080 as we began, 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:32.059 we pray 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:33.019 that I would 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:34.799 speak clearly, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.480 that you would 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:36.200 understand 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:37.259 what is being said. 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:38.639 I don't want to make it 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:39.240 complicated 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.240 or confusing. 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:42.120 I want us to see 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.080 Christ 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:43.980 clearly. 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:44.460 You see, 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:45.779 as we proclaim 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:46.419 Christ, 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:47.379 we're introducing 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:48.779 people to a person. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.399 Not just 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:51.480 information 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.899 or facts. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:54.539 We want people 00:15:54.539 --> 00:15:55.080 to know 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.080 Christ, 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:57.299 who he is, 00:15:57.299 --> 00:15:59.199 and what he has done. 00:16:00.099 --> 00:16:00.919 It's like 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.479 the big 00:16:01.479 --> 00:16:02.399 spotlight 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.539 on a stage 00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:04.379 at a theatre. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.519 We want 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:06.240 the light 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:06.939 to shine 00:16:06.939 --> 00:16:07.620 clearly 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.759 on Christ 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:10.219 so people 00:16:10.219 --> 00:16:11.179 can see him 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:12.259 for who he is 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.439 and what he has 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:14.179 come to do. 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:15.639 So we pray 00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:16.759 for open doors. 00:16:17.439 --> 00:16:18.120 We pray 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:18.679 that we would 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.839 proclaim Christ 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.300 and that we 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:21.980 would proclaim 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:22.440 it 00:16:22.440 --> 00:16:23.519 clearly. 00:16:25.060 --> 00:16:25.480 You see, 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.480 prayer is 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.420 vital 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:28.399 in all of 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:29.139 these areas. 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:30.019 If we are 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:30.560 to see 00:16:30.560 --> 00:16:31.720 gospel 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:32.660 growth, 00:16:32.800 --> 00:16:33.280 if we are 00:16:33.280 --> 00:16:33.980 to see the 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:34.899 gospel bear 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:35.259 fruit, 00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:35.960 if we're 00:16:35.960 --> 00:16:36.580 going to see 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.420 a change 00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:37.840 in our 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.560 society, 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:40.620 then the 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.080 church 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:41.620 gathered 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.139 together 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:42.940 needs to 00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.379 pray. 00:16:44.280 --> 00:16:44.980 Look at 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.500 verse 2 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:45.900 again. 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:47.799 Devote 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:48.419 yourselves 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:49.279 to prayer 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:50.759 being 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.679 watchful 00:16:51.679 --> 00:16:52.779 and 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:53.399 thankful. 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:55.720 You see, 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:56.319 prayer is 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:56.740 hard. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.360 We all 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:57.919 struggle 00:16:57.919 --> 00:16:58.439 with it 00:16:58.439 --> 00:16:59.259 and very 00:16:59.259 --> 00:16:59.939 often it's 00:16:59.939 --> 00:17:00.720 prayer that's 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.299 pushed out 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:02.019 to the side. 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:03.120 We never 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:03.959 seem to have 00:17:03.959 --> 00:17:04.420 time. 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:05.240 It's always 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.799 rushed. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.279 That's why 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:08.920 we need to 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:10.359 be watchful. 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:12.420 Remember 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.039 what Jesus 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:13.500 said to 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.240 his disciples 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.900 as Jesus 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:16.100 was preparing 00:17:16.100 --> 00:17:16.820 to go to 00:17:16.820 --> 00:17:17.420 the cross 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:18.120 as he 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:18.540 went to 00:17:18.540 --> 00:17:19.120 the Father 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:19.500 and he 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.019 prayed. 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:20.860 He said 00:17:20.860 --> 00:17:21.259 to his 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:21.860 disciples, 00:17:22.080 --> 00:17:22.300 and I 00:17:22.300 --> 00:17:22.820 quote from 00:17:22.820 --> 00:17:23.240 Matthew, 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:24.640 watch and 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.780 pray so 00:17:25.780 --> 00:17:26.140 that you 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:26.680 do not 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.320 fall into 00:17:27.320 --> 00:17:28.019 temptation. 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:29.120 The 00:17:29.120 --> 00:17:29.840 spirit is 00:17:29.840 --> 00:17:30.420 willing but 00:17:30.420 --> 00:17:30.900 the flesh 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:31.440 is weak. 00:17:33.580 --> 00:17:34.360 I think 00:17:34.360 --> 00:17:34.820 we've all 00:17:34.820 --> 00:17:35.560 experienced 00:17:35.560 --> 00:17:36.040 that. 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:37.700 The spirit 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.320 is willing 00:17:38.320 --> 00:17:38.820 but the 00:17:38.820 --> 00:17:40.040 flesh is 00:17:40.040 --> 00:17:40.460 weak. 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:41.759 So we 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.040 need to 00:17:42.040 --> 00:17:42.820 be watchful. 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:43.280 We need 00:17:43.280 --> 00:17:44.340 to carve 00:17:44.339 --> 00:17:45.099 out time. 00:17:45.259 --> 00:17:45.579 We need 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.019 to be 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:47.159 thankful 00:17:47.159 --> 00:17:48.819 because as 00:17:48.819 --> 00:17:49.639 we come 00:17:49.639 --> 00:17:50.159 to God 00:17:50.159 --> 00:17:50.779 and thank 00:17:50.779 --> 00:17:51.319 God for 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:51.759 all that 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.240 he's done, 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.459 it encourages 00:17:53.459 --> 00:17:54.099 us to 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:54.779 pray, to 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:55.199 remind 00:17:55.199 --> 00:17:55.659 ourselves, 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.539 this is 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.059 what God 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:57.519 has given 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:57.859 me. 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:58.919 I give 00:17:58.919 --> 00:17:59.599 thanks to 00:17:59.599 --> 00:17:59.759 him. 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.439 It creates 00:18:00.439 --> 00:18:01.459 a dependency. 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:03.799 So we 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:04.799 are intentional 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.980 about praying 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:07.319 for God 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.059 to be at 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:08.439 work. 00:18:09.679 --> 00:18:10.220 We 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:10.759 especially 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:11.379 need to 00:18:11.379 --> 00:18:12.459 pray for 00:18:12.459 --> 00:18:13.299 those reaching 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:13.759 out with 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.299 the gospel. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:14.980 That's 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.460 why we 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:15.960 have our 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:16.419 partners 00:18:16.419 --> 00:18:17.519 like Mickey 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:18.579 in Kashmir 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.859 or Amy 00:18:19.859 --> 00:18:20.579 over in 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.220 Sheffield 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.740 or think 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.480 more closer 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.039 to home. 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:25.059 The people 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:25.419 who are 00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:26.139 teaching in 00:18:26.139 --> 00:18:26.480 Sunday 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:27.200 school right 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:27.599 now. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.720 The people 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.159 who will be 00:18:30.159 --> 00:18:30.940 teaching in 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:32.000 Rooted this 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.639 afternoon. 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:34.779 The people 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:35.299 who will be 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.200 gathered here 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.220 for Rock 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:38.379 next Friday. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:41.460 The outreach 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.519 events through 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.200 polo. 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.099 The little 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:45.980 flyer for 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.839 Christmas 00:18:46.839 --> 00:18:47.599 carols. 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.619 All of 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:50.379 these things 00:18:50.379 --> 00:18:51.000 we're wanting 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:51.819 people to 00:18:51.819 --> 00:18:53.379 know Christ 00:18:53.379 --> 00:18:55.420 and the 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:55.900 forgiveness 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:56.720 that he has 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.440 for us. 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:58.599 But none 00:18:58.599 --> 00:18:59.119 of this will 00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.480 have an 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.119 impact in 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:00.879 anybody's 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:02.980 life unless 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.019 God opens 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.420 the doors of 00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:06.359 people's hearts 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:07.200 and minds. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.879 There won't 00:19:08.879 --> 00:19:09.859 be a change. 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:09.939 church. 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:11.079 Everything 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.859 will trundle 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.279 on the 00:19:12.279 --> 00:19:12.679 same. 00:19:13.959 --> 00:19:14.519 We need 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.099 to pray. 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:17.379 That's why 00:19:17.379 --> 00:19:17.919 we send 00:19:17.919 --> 00:19:18.759 out texts 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.399 during the 00:19:19.399 --> 00:19:19.719 week. 00:19:20.439 --> 00:19:20.779 You know 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:21.379 on WhatsApp 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.539 you get a 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.199 little message 00:19:23.199 --> 00:19:23.799 that comes 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.119 in. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:25.740 Pray for. 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.240 That's why 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:28.779 we send 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.099 it. 00:19:29.719 --> 00:19:30.500 Because we 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.419 need God 00:19:31.419 --> 00:19:32.019 to work. 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.039 And if you 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:34.459 don't know 00:19:34.459 --> 00:19:35.179 what to pray 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:36.180 well just 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:36.680 turn to 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.200 Colossians 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:37.900 4 verse 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.279 3. 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.560 Pray that 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:40.220 doors will 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.860 be opened. 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:42.220 Pray that 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.640 Christ would 00:19:43.640 --> 00:19:44.120 be at the 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:44.720 heart of the 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.160 message. 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.360 And pray 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:47.200 that those 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:47.900 who teach 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:49.019 would make 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.740 it clear. 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:51.980 So how 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.360 are we going 00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:52.680 to see 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.580 gospel growth? 00:19:54.840 --> 00:19:55.279 Well 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.620 first we 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:57.400 talk to 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:57.840 God 00:19:57.840 --> 00:19:59.200 about 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:00.400 gospel 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:01.200 work. 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.140 Second 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:06.160 we talk 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:06.900 to people 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:08.000 about 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.460 gospel 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:09.000 grace. 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.259 We talk 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:10.880 to God 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.880 and now 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:12.480 we talk 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.480 to people. 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:14.300 Look at 00:20:14.300 --> 00:20:14.900 verses 5 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:15.380 and 6 00:20:15.380 --> 00:20:15.900 with me. 00:20:17.280 --> 00:20:18.320 Be wise 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:18.780 in the way 00:20:18.780 --> 00:20:19.360 you act 00:20:19.360 --> 00:20:19.860 towards 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:20.520 outsiders. 00:20:21.780 --> 00:20:22.140 Make the 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:22.580 most of 00:20:22.580 --> 00:20:22.860 every 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:23.580 opportunity 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:25.160 and let 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:25.340 your 00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:26.020 conversation 00:20:26.020 --> 00:20:26.800 be always 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.220 full of 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:27.680 grace 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:28.680 seasoned 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:29.460 with salt 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.720 so that 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.080 you may 00:20:31.080 --> 00:20:31.420 know 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:31.900 how to 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:32.400 answer 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:33.680 everyone. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:35.780 Look I 00:20:35.780 --> 00:20:36.120 get it 00:20:36.120 --> 00:20:36.540 we might 00:20:36.540 --> 00:20:36.860 not all 00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:37.040 be 00:20:37.040 --> 00:20:37.460 teachers 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:37.740 and 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.200 preachers 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:38.380 we 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:38.640 might 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:38.780 not 00:20:38.780 --> 00:20:39.040 be 00:20:39.040 --> 00:20:39.320 able 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:39.600 to 00:20:39.600 --> 00:20:40.340 teach 00:20:40.340 --> 00:20:40.519 in 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:40.860 Sunday 00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:41.259 school 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:41.480 or 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:41.840 the 00:20:41.840 --> 00:20:42.240 rock 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:43.240 but 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:43.720 we 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:43.960 all 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:44.140 have 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:44.880 conversations 00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:45.300 every 00:20:45.300 --> 00:20:45.700 single 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:45.980 day 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:46.240 with 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.460 all 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:46.880 kinds 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.060 of 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:47.360 people 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:47.820 family 00:20:47.820 --> 00:20:48.420 friends 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:49.160 colleagues 00:20:49.160 --> 00:20:50.620 so the 00:20:50.620 --> 00:20:51.460 expectation 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.019 I think 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:52.360 of these 00:20:52.360 --> 00:20:52.680 couple 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:52.840 of 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.100 verses 00:20:53.100 --> 00:20:53.620 is that 00:20:53.620 --> 00:20:54.259 in 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.480 our 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:54.800 day 00:20:54.800 --> 00:20:55.000 to 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:55.180 day 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:56.060 conversations 00:20:56.060 --> 00:20:56.420 with 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:56.940 people 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:58.300 we 00:20:58.300 --> 00:20:58.480 would 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:58.640 be 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:58.880 looking 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.160 for 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.019 opportunities 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:01.080 to 00:21:01.080 --> 00:21:01.380 talk 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:01.700 about 00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:02.220 Christ 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:02.460 Christ 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:04.460 well how 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:04.740 do we 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.380 do that 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:06.819 well three 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:07.440 things 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:09.460 here's the 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.019 first thing 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:12.000 we need to 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.579 watch 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:13.660 our 00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:14.600 behaviour 00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.960 watch our 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.420 behaviour 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:16.860 look at 00:21:16.860 --> 00:21:17.180 verse 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:17.920 five 00:21:17.920 --> 00:21:20.620 be wise 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:21.940 in the way 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.779 you act 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:23.620 towards 00:21:23.620 --> 00:21:24.680 outsiders 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.039 you see 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.500 yes we're 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.339 to engage 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.240 in conversation 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.360 but it's not 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:29.919 just our 00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.619 words 00:21:30.619 --> 00:21:32.139 but our 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:32.799 behaviour 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.779 that matters 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.199 you see 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:35.859 people don't 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.519 just listen 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:36.959 with their 00:21:36.959 --> 00:21:37.439 ears 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:38.119 they're 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.699 watching 00:21:38.699 --> 00:21:40.399 our 00:21:40.399 --> 00:21:41.179 lives 00:21:41.179 --> 00:21:42.879 one writer 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:43.299 put it 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:43.919 like this 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:44.500 you can 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:44.879 see it 00:21:44.879 --> 00:21:45.539 on screen 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:45.979 here 00:21:45.979 --> 00:21:47.579 God's 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:47.959 purpose 00:21:47.959 --> 00:21:49.479 is that 00:21:49.479 --> 00:21:50.059 the good 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:50.639 news of 00:21:50.639 --> 00:21:50.979 Jesus 00:21:50.979 --> 00:21:51.519 Christ 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.119 is set 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:52.619 forth 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:53.799 visually 00:21:53.799 --> 00:21:55.359 as well 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.379 as verbally 00:21:56.380 --> 00:21:57.760 by seeing 00:21:57.760 --> 00:21:59.080 and hearing 00:21:59.080 --> 00:22:00.140 people have 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:00.760 to see 00:22:00.760 --> 00:22:01.240 with their 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:01.920 own eyes 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:02.360 that the 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.100 gospel we 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:03.740 preach 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.660 has 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.460 transformed 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:06.740 me 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:09.360 to put it 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:09.740 simply 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.780 we need 00:22:10.780 --> 00:22:11.320 to look 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:12.420 like the 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.180 message that 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:13.860 we're talking 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:14.240 about 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.560 so if I'm 00:22:15.560 --> 00:22:16.320 talking about 00:22:16.320 --> 00:22:16.900 grace 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:18.120 I should 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:18.720 demonstrate 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.240 grace 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:20.120 if I'm 00:22:20.120 --> 00:22:21.200 talking about 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:21.920 forgiveness 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:23.540 I should 00:22:23.540 --> 00:22:24.160 practice 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.760 forgiveness 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.819 my life 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:27.259 should be 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.539 a 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.660 demonstration 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:29.660 model of 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.579 what happens 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:31.500 when you 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.099 believe the 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:32.559 gospel 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:36.859 even when 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.279 we're not 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:38.339 in conversation 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:40.200 our lives 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:40.920 are witnessing 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.660 our actions 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.379 as we say 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:44.279 can sometimes 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.460 speak louder 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.579 than our 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:47.099 words 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:49.079 here's two 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:49.680 examples 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.140 two 00:22:50.140 --> 00:22:51.460 texts 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:52.140 from 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:52.619 scripture 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.059 the first 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:53.379 one is 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:53.559 from 00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.220 Titus 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.240 and it's 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.980 talking about 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:57.200 our relationships 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:57.860 one to 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:58.180 another 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:58.620 and how 00:22:58.620 --> 00:22:59.240 we treat 00:22:59.240 --> 00:22:59.720 each other 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:00.019 and the 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:00.680 difference 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.519 that makes 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:03.000 and here's 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.720 the difference 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.259 look at the 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.839 top one 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:07.059 so that in 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.140 every way 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.480 they will 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:09.940 make the 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:10.779 teaching about 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:11.400 God our 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:11.980 saviour 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:13.200 attractive 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:15.680 do you 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.500 see that 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.519 our behaviour 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:19.000 makes the 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.660 message of 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:20.120 Christ 00:23:20.120 --> 00:23:21.339 attractive 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:22.120 to people 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.979 here's 00:23:23.979 --> 00:23:24.439 another one 00:23:24.439 --> 00:23:24.919 that comes 00:23:24.919 --> 00:23:25.259 from 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:25.879 Peter 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:27.279 in this 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:27.619 case 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:27.879 it's 00:23:27.879 --> 00:23:28.219 talking 00:23:28.219 --> 00:23:28.579 about 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.299 two 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:29.839 wives 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.179 about 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:30.419 their 00:23:30.419 --> 00:23:30.859 husbands 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:31.199 who 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:31.399 may 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:31.619 not 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:31.839 be 00:23:31.839 --> 00:23:32.279 believers 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:32.639 and 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:33.159 it 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:33.359 can 00:23:33.359 --> 00:23:34.239 apply 00:23:34.239 --> 00:23:34.579 the 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:34.799 other 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.119 way 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:35.459 as 00:23:35.459 --> 00:23:35.779 well 00:23:35.779 --> 00:24:05.779 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:35.779 00:24:35.779 --> 00:25:05.779 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:35.779 00:25:35.779 --> 00:26:05.779 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:06.839 our 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:07.420 message 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.279 itself 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:09.599 is 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.339 grace 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:11.339 filled 00:26:11.339 --> 00:26:13.440 that's 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:13.740 what it 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.059 says 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:14.700 verse 6 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.099 I think 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.539 this can 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.180 apply two 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:16.519 ways 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:17.440 let your 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.200 conversation 00:26:18.200 --> 00:26:19.299 be always 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.220 full of 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.599 grace 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.680 not just 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.819 graciously 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.819 in how 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.639 we talk 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.500 but that 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.399 the message 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:26.879 would be 00:26:26.879 --> 00:26:27.559 graceful 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:34.019 You see, we're not passing on a message for people to download information 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:38.619 or to offer some advice that you can take or leave. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:42.839 No, our message is full of transforming grace. 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:46.319 It's a work that God does. 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.919 That's what grace is. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:53.980 It's God's free gift of salvation that is unearned and undeserved. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:58.099 Have a look back to chapter 1, verse 12. 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:05.700 Here's a wonderful example of showing us that this is God's work in us. 00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:09.200 Look at verse 12 of chapter 1. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:19.740 Give joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in his inheritance 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:22.980 of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:25.740 Who qualified you? 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:28.720 He qualified you. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.180 He made you right. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.000 Verse 13. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:37.339 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:41.200 and he has brought us into the kingdom of his Son 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:45.200 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:49.819 You see, it's God who is doing the work in us. 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:52.980 It's a message of grace. 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:54.779 It's free. 00:27:55.859 --> 00:28:01.359 And we are simply pointing people to the one who has done everything for us. 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:06.460 Here's a quote to help us get our minds around it. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:13.059 The gospel, the good news of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:15.900 is the astonishing announcement 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:19.819 that God has done the whole work of reconciliation 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:24.299 without a scrap of human assistance. 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:26.299 Isn't that wonderful? 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:26.779 Isn't that wonderful? 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:31.480 That God was the one who came searching for me 00:28:31.480 --> 00:28:33.359 and reached down to me. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:35.960 That he would come and forgive me. 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:39.779 You see, when we fail others, 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:41.919 they write us off. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:45.879 But when we come to Christ with our failures, 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:48.519 he welcomes us in. 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:53.180 You will not see or hear a more radical message. 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:55.879 This is what our friends, our family, 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.779 our colleagues and our neighbours 00:28:57.779 --> 00:29:00.819 and we need to hear constantly. 00:29:01.879 --> 00:29:05.220 May our message be grace-filled. 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:11.319 You see, the gospel comes wrapped up in our lives. 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:14.359 It's not just a message detached from us as people. 00:29:14.359 --> 00:29:19.119 It's like giving that diamond ring to your fiancé. 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:24.159 If you put that ring into an old, torn and dirty box 00:29:24.159 --> 00:29:26.019 and just left it on the side, 00:29:26.179 --> 00:29:27.599 it might never be opened. 00:29:27.719 --> 00:29:29.259 It could be thrown into the bin. 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:33.979 But if that diamond ring is placed in a velvet box 00:29:33.979 --> 00:29:36.000 with a beautiful red ribbon, 00:29:37.199 --> 00:29:39.299 it most certainly will be opened. 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:41.699 Well, in the same way, 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:44.420 we have the treasures of the gospel 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:46.720 that are wrapped up in the beauty 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:48.819 of our words and our behaviour. 00:29:49.380 --> 00:29:51.039 So as we disperse, 00:29:51.340 --> 00:29:54.480 as we scatter into our community, 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.840 to our workplaces, 00:29:57.200 --> 00:30:00.420 we go with a message of grace. 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:05.720 How are people going to see gospel growth? 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:10.660 We talk to people about the gospel of grace. 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:13.340 Our community, 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:16.819 our country is in desperate need 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:20.460 and God has called us to the very forefront 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:23.680 of bringing hope to a needy people. 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:26.840 It's people like you and me. 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:29.500 As we talk to God 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:32.059 and as we talk to people, 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:36.100 that's what will make a difference. 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:40.380 Let's talk to God now. 00:30:40.380 --> 00:30:54.260 Our Father God, 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:55.940 we thank you so much 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:59.740 for the grace of your gospel. 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:04.360 We thank you for those who have taught us 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:09.279 and who are willing to share their lives with us 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:13.740 so that we might hear and receive 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:15.659 the good news of Jesus. 00:31:17.659 --> 00:31:18.879 So we pray 00:31:18.879 --> 00:31:21.699 that as we go into this week, 00:31:22.699 --> 00:31:25.679 we would be a people who talk to God 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:28.360 and talk to people. 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.000 Father, 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:33.140 Father, open doors for us. 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:38.120 Help us to take every opportunity given to us 00:31:38.120 --> 00:31:42.519 and help us to live our lives out well 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:46.700 so that we reflect all that we say 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:50.519 through the beauty of our words and our lives. 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:54.539 Father, do your work in this country 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:56.819 and in our community 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:59.420 for your glory, 00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:02.259 the praise of your name 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:06.359 and for the good of our nation. 00:32:07.720 --> 00:32:08.139 Amen.