WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.040 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.540 --> 00:00:14.720 We're in Ephesians chapter 1 this morning. 00:00:15.960 --> 00:00:19.679 James wrote that song because I asked him for a song about the power of God and he thought 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:20.300 that would be good. 00:00:22.039 --> 00:00:27.940 Continuing our study in Ephesians, we're picking up where we were a couple of weeks 00:00:27.940 --> 00:00:33.760 ago, this great doxology where Paul revels in the blessings that we have because we're 00:00:33.760 --> 00:00:34.700 connected to Jesus. 00:00:35.480 --> 00:00:41.200 He's going to continue this morning with some remarkable personal and encouraging words. 00:00:41.820 --> 00:00:46.260 So look with me at Ephesians 1 verses 15 through 23. 00:00:46.880 --> 00:00:53.980 This is God's inerrant and infallible word in a world of fleeting things, something eternally 00:00:53.980 --> 00:00:55.040 permanent. 00:00:55.039 --> 00:01:00.600 In a world of things that fail, something absolutely reliable. 00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:02.920 God's holy word. 00:01:03.979 --> 00:01:08.599 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:13.379 all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 00:01:14.200 --> 00:01:18.879 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom 00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:21.259 and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:26.939 Having the eyes of your heart enlightened that you may know what is the hope to which He has 00:01:26.939 --> 00:01:31.660 called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the 00:01:31.660 --> 00:01:35.560 immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe. 00:01:36.100 --> 00:01:41.040 According to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from 00:01:41.040 --> 00:01:46.620 the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:53.300 authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age, but 00:01:53.300 --> 00:01:54.500 also in the one to come. 00:01:54.980 --> 00:02:00.719 And He put all things under His feet and gave Him His head over all things to the church, 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:06.300 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. 00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:07.219 Will you pray with me? 00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:12.699 Father, this is Your Word. 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:20.120 And so would You use it this morning by Your Spirit to give us a great and glorious picture 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:20.979 of who You are. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:28.579 Would You have Jesus exalted here that He would be lifted up, that we would be drawn to worship 00:02:28.579 --> 00:02:31.539 and praise and find comfort in Him. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:34.400 Oh Jesus, would You be made great. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:37.260 Holy Spirit, do that in each of our hearts. 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:41.540 Speak to our hearts where we need to know this, Your truth. 00:02:42.379 --> 00:02:44.540 Teach us, we ask, in Jesus' name. 00:02:45.420 --> 00:02:45.740 Amen. 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:53.280 We're going to start this morning by looking at the first two verses of this passage for 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:53.580 a minute. 00:02:54.020 --> 00:03:01.180 Paul rejoices in the good news he's heard about the Ephesian church, particularly their faith 00:03:01.180 --> 00:03:04.480 in the Lord Jesus and their love toward all the saints. 00:03:05.099 --> 00:03:10.860 Now, Paul's talking especially about the church in Ephesus, but I've got to tell you what a joy 00:03:10.860 --> 00:03:17.219 it is to be given the occasion to rejoice in what God is doing through you, Southwood. 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:24.400 It only took me a few minutes of sitting down and thinking to make just a short list. 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:30.640 Just in the last couple weeks as this year has started, how is it that God has worked this 00:03:30.640 --> 00:03:32.700 in us and in this place? 00:03:33.040 --> 00:03:39.740 I think of the way you pray for and visit and encourage those in the hospital to the point 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:44.120 that you've been running into each other and bumping into each other while you're there 00:03:44.120 --> 00:03:46.500 crowding the room and running in on the way out. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:52.000 I think of the meetings I've been in this week with the deacons and the elders, praying 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:57.340 for this flock, intentionally caring for them and what a blessing that is. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:05.740 The ways that you overwhelm new mothers with love and support and mostly food to where they're 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:09.939 putting stuff away in their refrigerators and freezers for later because you've given 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:14.000 them so much their families can't eat it and you've loved each other so well. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:21.879 I had a member call last week looking for resources to help two older ladies who were being displaced 00:04:21.879 --> 00:04:23.240 from their home. 00:04:24.040 --> 00:04:28.379 A really painful situation with a lot of difficulties and moving parts. 00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:32.019 I was at a loss, honestly, to know which direction to point him. 00:04:32.660 --> 00:04:34.699 And I was thinking about that this week. 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:37.220 Please keep befuddling your staff. 00:04:37.920 --> 00:04:41.040 Please be loving people in such a way that we don't even know where to point you. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:44.379 You're trying so much and so often to love people. 00:04:45.319 --> 00:04:51.340 I think of how much you trust Jesus and his love for you that you'd come out of a great 00:04:51.340 --> 00:04:57.420 weekend of an Express Grace conference last weekend and I'd have conversations with people 00:04:57.420 --> 00:05:03.340 thinking about moving their families to another part of town to love on people there. 00:05:03.820 --> 00:05:07.860 That's what the grace of God they heard about then did in their heart is it caused them to 00:05:07.860 --> 00:05:09.240 think about maybe I need to move. 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:10.319 I love my house. 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:13.960 I don't need another one but maybe I could live somewhere else and love people there. 00:05:15.220 --> 00:05:20.620 A member organizing food and tutoring and prayer for kids at a local school. 00:05:22.500 --> 00:05:27.960 I think of the way in the last few weeks you've loved a family facing terminal illness. 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:38.680 The time, the tears you've shed with them, the work and sweat you've put in on their home 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:42.599 to make it ready for this season that they're in. 00:05:44.039 --> 00:05:49.959 Corporately you open the doors freely for a funeral from another church whose sanctuary was flooded. 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:52.399 Please come, use ours. 00:05:52.799 --> 00:05:54.159 Loving all the saints. 00:05:54.160 --> 00:05:59.680 I think of the intentional ways you care for your pastors and your staff that's such an encouragement 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:00.980 and blessing to us. 00:06:02.880 --> 00:06:05.300 Y'all, we thank God for those things. 00:06:05.900 --> 00:06:06.880 This is not a list. 00:06:08.400 --> 00:06:09.700 I love this church. 00:06:10.300 --> 00:06:11.480 I didn't mean to do that. 00:06:12.460 --> 00:06:18.560 It's not a list to tell you how wonderful you are so you'll get puffed up with pride and think, 00:06:18.680 --> 00:06:19.620 aren't we so great? 00:06:20.340 --> 00:06:21.400 That's not the point. 00:06:21.399 --> 00:06:24.319 Who does Paul thank for what he's heard? 00:06:24.919 --> 00:06:30.620 I thank God because what's happening when you see that, when you see love demonstrated, 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:32.479 is that the gospel is taking root. 00:06:32.959 --> 00:06:36.459 What you've received from him is something that's changing you in such a way that you 00:06:36.459 --> 00:06:38.639 actually care about others. 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:40.839 I thank God for that. 00:06:41.099 --> 00:06:47.979 And it's evidence that you trust God enough to care for others sacrificially because God's 00:06:47.979 --> 00:06:49.239 got you taken care of. 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:51.199 That's what it says. 00:06:51.680 --> 00:06:56.720 I hope each of you have an opportunity to give and receive that kind of love here at 00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:57.259 Southwood. 00:06:57.720 --> 00:07:00.439 Because what Paul's going to say is, keep doing that. 00:07:00.900 --> 00:07:01.920 That's a priority. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:03.800 That's what I thank God for. 00:07:03.900 --> 00:07:05.220 It's so important. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:08.620 Because I see those things are gospel priorities. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:13.819 It's evidence of the gospel taking root and bearing fruit among God's people. 00:07:14.420 --> 00:07:15.400 That's what that looks like. 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:19.819 When you see that, when you look around and see that, rejoice that God's given you the 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:22.599 privilege of being part of a community like that. 00:07:22.679 --> 00:07:24.620 What a great gift that is. 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:32.599 Before we look more closely at the rest of the passage, which is Paul's passion, his prayer 00:07:32.599 --> 00:07:37.139 for the church, I want to tell you about an event that was part of the story of the church 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:37.719 in Ephesus. 00:07:37.879 --> 00:07:38.979 Part of their history. 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:41.800 Luke writes about it in Acts 19. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:44.160 It's during one of Paul's trips to Ephesus. 00:07:44.920 --> 00:07:50.040 And so many people are hearing and believing his message and coming to trust in Jesus that 00:07:50.040 --> 00:07:52.800 the craftsmen of the city start to get worried. 00:07:53.400 --> 00:07:58.759 They make a living off the economy surrounding their gorgeous temple of Artemis. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:02.700 And all the idols they make and sell associated with that. 00:08:02.900 --> 00:08:04.319 And they get concerned. 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:07.439 These people are starting to worship another God. 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:10.800 They don't like having competition for who is greatest in Ephesus. 00:08:11.839 --> 00:08:16.620 So they grab Gaius and Aristarchus and whatever Christians they can find and they drag them 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:18.000 down to the theater. 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:19.779 I want to show you a picture of this theater. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:22.480 It's still standing today. 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:23.560 You can go see it. 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:26.399 I haven't, but it's really easy to see on the internet. 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:35.100 This huge, huge stone theater seating 20,000 people. 00:08:35.500 --> 00:08:37.799 It's a small college football stadium. 00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:40.600 And can you see in that picture the people? 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:44.600 You can see some of them sitting, some of them standing down there on the floor. 00:08:44.679 --> 00:08:48.079 It gives you a little bit of an idea of the size of the place. 00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:50.080 And so there they were. 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:54.580 They dragged the Christians into that theater and put them right there. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:58.440 Little Christians down at the bottom of the theater. 00:08:58.560 --> 00:08:59.560 Listen to what happened. 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:00.860 Acts chapter 19. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:06.639 Alexander, one of the Christians, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:07.180 the crowd. 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:12.799 But when they recognized that he was a Jew for about two hours, they all cried out with 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:16.199 one voice, great is Artemis of the Ephesians. 00:09:16.719 --> 00:09:21.539 For two hours, the people filling the theater shout them down. 00:09:22.599 --> 00:09:25.979 Just a side note on biblical reliability. 00:09:26.759 --> 00:09:33.819 One of the things that can strengthen your confidence in God's word and being able to trust 00:09:33.819 --> 00:09:35.919 the historicity of what you're reading about. 00:09:35.919 --> 00:09:42.740 Think of 20,000 some people who participated in this event and even more who heard it in 00:09:42.740 --> 00:09:43.500 the town around. 00:09:43.659 --> 00:09:49.099 And then the book of Acts written describing this event given to them not long after, just 00:09:49.099 --> 00:09:54.199 a couple decades, many of them still alive and eyewitnesses of what's being written. 00:09:54.439 --> 00:09:56.879 And do they debunk this story? 00:09:57.019 --> 00:09:58.019 Is that what happens? 00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:00.519 That all the people in Ephesus say that didn't really happen? 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:06.419 No, they support the veracity of the story in the scripture. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:08.220 Be encouraged. 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:13.419 This is a great example of a passage where people who had no investment in Christianity 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:15.519 going anywhere would have said, I was there. 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:18.259 I know what I yelled for two hours. 00:10:20.340 --> 00:10:24.019 And so the Christians feared for their lives because of this riotous crowd. 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:24.799 You can imagine. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:28.259 They told Paul who was in town, don't go near the theater. 00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:29.039 Paul wanted to go. 00:10:29.100 --> 00:10:29.819 They wouldn't let him. 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:31.659 They were afraid he would be killed. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:35.399 They tried to speak, but they were drowned out. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:38.740 Shouted down by the crowds for two hours. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:45.019 The crowds wanting to make sure that everyone knew who was really great, who really held the 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:45.480 power. 00:10:46.159 --> 00:10:48.939 Imagine how these first century Christians would have felt. 00:10:48.940 --> 00:10:54.640 They were killed, silenced in the public square, facing a culture seemingly out of control 00:10:54.640 --> 00:11:01.660 and violent, rejected perhaps by many friends and neighbors, mocked by those in seats of power. 00:11:02.560 --> 00:11:04.260 Certainly they were afraid, right? 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:09.500 Certainly they felt small and insignificant in that huge theater. 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:13.200 They couldn't even speak to defend themselves. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:17.380 So great were the shouts of those worshiping the pagan goddess. 00:11:18.940 --> 00:11:22.620 Can you relate to any of those emotions they would have experienced? 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:27.660 Have you ever turned on the news lately and felt a world out of control and violent? 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:31.480 Does it ever seem like there's nothing you could do? 00:11:31.900 --> 00:11:32.900 Makes you feel fearful? 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:34.320 Small? 00:11:35.580 --> 00:11:38.380 Make you think that God or good has been defeated? 00:11:39.260 --> 00:11:44.300 Maybe closer to home, maybe you've experienced feeling silenced in the public square, rejected 00:11:44.300 --> 00:11:48.080 by friends and neighbors, mocked by those in power. 00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:54.259 Do you feel like the church of Jesus Christ is losing ground or being beaten down all around 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:57.240 the world in your neighborhood or city or country? 00:11:59.400 --> 00:12:03.660 It's not Artemis of the Ephesians whom people are shouting about these days. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:06.620 I've never heard anybody shouting about Artemis recently. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:10.480 Although there certainly are some following other gods. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:17.039 But I think in the theater of our own culture today, the voices that are loud, the voices 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:23.399 that would be shouting at us as we seek to follow Jesus are saying things like, great is 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:24.840 the autonomous self. 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:30.220 Voices of moral relativity, self-determination. 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:32.480 They often seem unchallenged. 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:35.820 They can get away with anything. 00:12:35.940 --> 00:12:37.519 Of course they're right. 00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:40.000 Great is the almighty dollar. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:48.259 Certainly strength and security and power comes through having enough or being able to 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:49.899 control the ability to make more. 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:57.159 Those voices and others, some just in our own hearts, would be shouting today at those seeking 00:12:57.159 --> 00:12:58.439 to worship Jesus. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:00.720 You know what you hear. 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:04.220 You know what you struggle with and battle against. 00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:10.259 And Paul writes to these Ephesian believers and to us and says to believe and remember 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:15.279 that there really is a God greater and more powerful than all other powers, authorities 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:16.660 and philosophies. 00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:22.620 Notice that his prayer for them is that they would know not what but who. 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:24.639 That they would know him. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:27.000 Verse 17. 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:31.759 The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give you the spirit of wisdom 00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:35.039 and revelation and the knowledge of him. 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:43.759 Just knowing him, a personal experiential knowledge of the reality of God himself is what Paul 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.679 prays for. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:47.080 It's priority number one of the Christian life. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:48.879 Knowing God. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:55.039 Being in a relationship where you learn moment by moment and one life experience at a time, 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:57.659 more of who he is and what he's like. 00:13:58.959 --> 00:14:01.360 And this is what we talked about a couple of weeks ago. 00:14:01.459 --> 00:14:08.199 Not knowing stuff about God, but day by day in your life knowing him more. 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:15.079 Actually having a relationship, being connected to him, knowing who he is. 00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:21.219 And so Paul reminds us of two of the highlights of the first section of the book that come when 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.000 we know God. 00:14:22.820 --> 00:14:28.899 We know the hope to which he's called us and the riches of his glorious inheritance in 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.320 the saints. 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:34.580 Both of those he's already mentioned in these chapters and wonderful spiritual blessings, 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:34.940 right? 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:40.180 Among the list of every spiritual blessing that he catalogs in the first 14 verses. 00:14:40.820 --> 00:14:43.440 Now these two he points out again. 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:49.360 Things we have in Christ that we could talk about more, but we already talked quite a bit 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:50.060 last time. 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:54.580 Eternal security and riches that we have because we're connected to Jesus. 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:57.820 Because of what he's done and because of who he is. 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:07.220 But then in verse 19, the third result of knowing God, the third thing Paul's praying for that's 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:08.840 going to happen is we know him. 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.180 What else are we going to experience? 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:15.220 It's experiencing the immeasurable greatness of his power. 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.700 Look at verse 19. 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:25.040 He prays that we would know what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:28.300 Here's where Paul's focus begins to go in this passage. 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:32.280 And so it's going to be our focus for a few minutes this morning. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:35.200 The immeasurable greatness of his power. 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:40.420 So mighty that you can't measure it or compare it to the strength of anyone else. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:42.680 What is it like, Paul? 00:15:42.800 --> 00:15:43.100 Tell me. 00:15:43.280 --> 00:15:44.940 Give me an image for it. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:46.520 What can I compare it to? 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:48.200 How strong is he? 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:50.160 And Paul's got nothing. 00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:53.300 All other analogies fail. 00:15:53.540 --> 00:15:57.520 And so Paul uses an example of God's power itself. 00:15:58.240 --> 00:16:02.920 It's according to the power that raised Jesus from the dead. 00:16:04.160 --> 00:16:05.720 That's what his power is like. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:08.420 Paul says that there's resurrection power. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:11.339 It's not like anything else I can describe to you. 00:16:11.699 --> 00:16:16.899 It's the power that brought life from death, that conquered sin, death, and the grave. 00:16:17.599 --> 00:16:23.799 Literally in the Greek it says it's power according to the energy of the power of his strength. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:27.039 It doesn't say that in English because that doesn't mean anything. 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:29.839 He's piling up words about power, right? 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:32.639 He's trying to say it's all of these things. 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:35.860 It's the active working of his strength and his power and his might. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.639 Every power word Paul knows. 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:41.540 That kind of power that raised Jesus from the dead. 00:16:41.660 --> 00:16:43.100 That resurrection power. 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:50.240 Not just narrow influence over hunting and wild animals like Artemis would have had. 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:53.379 But power over death itself. 00:16:53.540 --> 00:16:55.500 Over all of creation. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:58.100 That's how strong your God is. 00:16:58.100 --> 00:17:02.759 That's the kind of power that is yours at work in you who believe. 00:17:03.540 --> 00:17:06.460 Paul says I want you to experience that. 00:17:06.660 --> 00:17:09.839 To know that personally and in your life. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:13.960 But Paul's not done yet with this power. 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:18.799 He says that resurrection power brought Jesus out of the tomb and set him where? 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:23.160 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:25.200 And above every name that is named. 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:28.660 Not only in this age but also in the one to come. 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:33.480 That's what this power has done with Jesus having raised him from the dead. 00:17:33.860 --> 00:17:37.340 Paul says the power of Jesus is greater than all other powers. 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:39.299 Greater than all rulers. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:41.400 Caesar included. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:44.319 Greater than every name that is named. 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:46.640 Artemis included. 00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:50.520 And oh by the way not just these that you know of. 00:17:50.520 --> 00:17:54.480 Let me make sure you understand how exhaustive this list is intended to be. 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:58.300 Any powers, rulers or names in the age to come. 00:17:58.780 --> 00:18:00.140 Ones you haven't heard of yet. 00:18:00.600 --> 00:18:02.120 No one will ever be greater. 00:18:02.460 --> 00:18:06.660 The autonomous, independent, educated self included. 00:18:07.620 --> 00:18:10.280 People, spirits, philosophies, ideas. 00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:12.820 All bow to Jesus. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:18.419 I'm reminded of the passage we started this service with from Philippians chapter 2. 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:19.220 Do you remember it? 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.980 What has happened to Jesus? 00:18:22.679 --> 00:18:25.259 He's come and he's suffered and died and risen. 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:28.179 And therefore God has highly exalted him. 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:31.139 And bestowed on him the name that is above every name. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:34.839 So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:37.980 In heaven and on earth and under the earth. 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:39.640 And every tongue confess. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:43.860 That Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:44.519 Everyone. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:48.039 Do you see how Paul goes all inclusive in these passages? 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:49.200 Let me tell you. 00:18:49.360 --> 00:18:50.220 Every time. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.460 Every place. 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.640 All of them. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:54.059 Bowing to Jesus. 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:55.460 Every knee will bow. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.660 And every tongue confess. 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:59.940 Not great is Artemis of the Ephesians. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:02.200 Not Caesar is Lord. 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:06.140 But Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:07.720 Every knee and every tongue. 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:09.820 Because all things are under his feet. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:10.100 Right? 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:13.280 This is indeed the promised Christ. 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:16.540 The one who would have his enemies made his footstool. 00:19:16.960 --> 00:19:22.060 All things under his feet that he'd reign forever as king over everything. 00:19:23.820 --> 00:19:26.600 Stop and think about what Jesus has gained power over. 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:28.520 He's conquered sin. 00:19:29.520 --> 00:19:31.400 The kind you battle against. 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:34.280 He's conquered spiritual forces. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:38.720 The kinds that wage war on you every day. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:40.940 He's conquered death itself. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:44.180 The great foe of life that God created. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:46.500 And so Jesus reigns. 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:48.180 And he will reign in power. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:50.579 He's conquered all his and our enemies. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:52.839 They are all being put under his feet. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:55.000 His power is without parallel. 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.660 Incomparably great. 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:58.980 You can't measure it. 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:01.299 And you can't compare it to anything else. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:05.559 All this power. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.539 All this majesty. 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.680 All this authority. 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:11.339 And to what end is he going to use it? 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:14.240 What's he going to use it for? 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:18.399 Who's going to benefit from his unchallenged eternal reign? 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:21.200 It's the church, isn't it? 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:23.039 It's the church. 00:20:23.899 --> 00:20:25.419 He is, verse 22, 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:29.820 The head over all things to the good of the church. 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:32.920 For the benefit of the church. 00:20:33.300 --> 00:20:34.700 He loves his bride. 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:38.759 The corporate gathering of his people called out to be his very own. 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.779 His body. 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:41.560 The organism through which. 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:46.160 The means through which he rules fully over all things. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:49.100 That's who his power is for. 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:51.380 Let me go back and read you, church. 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:58.380 The description of the power of Jesus for the sake of his church from the beginning of this section. 00:20:58.800 --> 00:21:00.240 At verse 19. 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:06.300 This is the power at work in you as his church. 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:09.860 And for your good as his church. 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:14.439 The immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:17.159 According to the working of his great might. 00:21:17.479 --> 00:21:20.139 That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:22.779 And seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:26.799 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:29.039 And above every name that is named. 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:31.759 Not only in this age but also in the one to come. 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:34.019 And he put all things under his feet. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:38.299 And gave him as head over all things to the church. 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:40.339 Which is his body. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:44.440 The fullness of him who fills all in all. 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:48.419 That's incomparable power working for us. 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:53.819 Paul is going to tease out in places later in Ephesians. 00:21:54.139 --> 00:21:57.619 Some of the implications of this incomparable power. 00:21:57.839 --> 00:22:00.619 That we can know and experience in Christ. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:03.240 But this morning three points of application. 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:08.279 Three areas that Jesus power addresses in our own hearts. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.440 First. 00:22:09.639 --> 00:22:10.200 First. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:15.339 It addresses our fear by bringing comfort. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:20.639 His power is such that he will care for and protect you. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:24.180 Imagine the feeling of being threatened. 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:27.480 And dragged into the Ephesian theater by rioters. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:30.960 Think of Christians around the world today. 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.879 Being chased. 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:33.159 And tormented. 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:38.360 That has and will happen closer and closer to us. 00:22:39.800 --> 00:22:42.820 Think of people in this room facing suffering. 00:22:42.820 --> 00:22:45.420 In ways they've never anticipated. 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:47.320 Feeling out of control. 00:22:48.100 --> 00:22:48.580 Helpless. 00:22:50.580 --> 00:22:53.759 This is the sentiment of the psalmist and others in the Bible. 00:22:54.100 --> 00:22:55.700 When they face those things. 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.800 God is my helper. 00:22:57.799 --> 00:23:00.139 I will not be afraid. 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:02.940 What can man do to me? 00:23:04.059 --> 00:23:06.399 That because God. 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:09.859 The one with the incomparably great power is his helper. 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:12.680 He doesn't fear what man can do. 00:23:13.639 --> 00:23:14.819 They may threaten. 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:17.220 And they may even kill you. 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:21.700 But they can never snatch you out of his strong hand. 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:24.619 His powerful hand will hold you. 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:26.799 He's not merely all powerful. 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:29.959 He's all powerful for you. 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:32.119 For your good. 00:23:33.919 --> 00:23:36.079 Cancer may be beyond your control. 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.979 But it's not beyond his. 00:23:40.459 --> 00:23:42.679 All things are under his feet. 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:43.859 Terrorists. 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.479 Intimidating power brokers. 00:23:45.679 --> 00:23:46.539 Godless rulers. 00:23:47.139 --> 00:23:48.619 They may seem stronger than you. 00:23:48.679 --> 00:23:50.799 But they're not stronger than he is. 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:55.519 Jesus is seated far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:57.500 For your good. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.579 For your good. 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.639 What makes you afraid? 00:24:03.919 --> 00:24:05.319 What keeps you up at night? 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:11.339 His incomparable power addresses your fear by bringing comfort. 00:24:11.579 --> 00:24:15.159 His power is such that he will care for and protect you. 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:20.740 Second, it addresses our timidity and insecurity. 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:23.380 By bringing boldness and confidence. 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:27.440 His power is such that he will equip and embolden you. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:32.019 I suspect we all know what it's like to feel powerless. 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:33.460 Small. 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:37.560 Like those Ephesian Christians on the floor of that theater. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.880 Feeling insignificant. 00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:43.300 While people are chanting, great is Artemis. 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:45.100 And it's echoing all around them. 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:50.600 We felt silenced at times by the ones wielding power in our culture. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:54.540 Made to feel small by the mockery of friends or family. 00:24:55.840 --> 00:25:00.880 Maybe timid because of the expectation of rejection when we share our faith. 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:06.500 Hopeless to overcome our besetting sin and ready to give up. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:10.160 But the incomparable power of God says this. 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:14.640 If God is for us, who can stand against us? 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.220 Who can? 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:19.339 If that's the kind of guy on your side. 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:21.900 The one with the incomparably great power. 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:23.400 Who can stand against us? 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:26.619 It's the emboldening of a young boy who's being bullied. 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:32.059 And he's cowering back until the biggest kid in the class walks up beside him. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.619 On his side. 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:36.899 And all of a sudden the little kid stands up a little stronger. 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:38.059 A little straighter. 00:25:38.699 --> 00:25:43.159 All of a sudden there's a boldness and a confidence that he didn't have in himself. 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:47.259 Who or what has intimidated you? 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:53.779 Nothing stands before the resurrection power of Christ that is for you. 00:25:54.579 --> 00:25:57.199 Sin no longer is your master, Christian. 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:58.879 United to Christ. 00:25:58.979 --> 00:26:00.279 It doesn't own you any longer. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:03.159 It doesn't have power over you or greater than you. 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:07.919 Your resurrected king has conquered sin and death. 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:09.279 It's a defeated foe. 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:11.099 Even when you don't feel it. 00:26:14.139 --> 00:26:16.939 There's hope in your evangelistic efforts with your friend. 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:22.619 God has raised Jesus to life and has the power to give life to dead hearts too. 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:25.979 Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:29.759 Who or what makes you feel small and hopeless? 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:37.900 His incomparable power addresses your timidity and insecurity by bringing boldness and confidence. 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:41.940 His power is such that he will equip and embolden you. 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.660 He's that strong. 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:45.500 And he loves you. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:57.940 Finally, and I think most painfully for us perhaps, his power addresses our false perceptions of strength. 00:26:57.940 --> 00:27:06.180 His power is such that he will require weakness and dependence from us. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.620 Here's what I mean. 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:08.640 What do I mean by that? 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:12.320 His power addresses our false perceptions of strength. 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:15.119 It's that sometimes we do feel weak. 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:17.299 We do feel insecure. 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:19.079 We do feel powerless. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:22.679 But if we're honest, sometimes we don't feel weak at all, do we? 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:34.000 Perhaps the strongest message to us from this passage is not to settle for counterfeit, lesser versions of power than God's incomparable power. 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:38.820 And the point is, all others are counterfeits of that true power. 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:43.560 The people of Ephesus were proclaiming Artemis to be the great one. 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:47.440 We often think we have all the power we need in ourselves. 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:49.259 I don't need others. 00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:51.600 I can make my own decisions. 00:27:51.599 --> 00:27:53.159 I can handle my own problems. 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:57.039 The spirit of our culture says that's power. 00:27:57.819 --> 00:28:01.059 Strong, independent, self-sufficient, autonomous. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:07.000 Or maybe we look to a political party, an online community. 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:12.899 The amount of money we can accumulate or a unique experience to give us true power. 00:28:13.159 --> 00:28:14.980 That's where power is going to come from. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:19.740 And Jesus says, hear me well, those are counterfeit sources of power. 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:21.779 They're not true. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:30.140 No matter how impressive they appear and how strong you think they are or they'll make you, they can't compare to his power. 00:28:30.140 --> 00:28:34.420 Jesus says, apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:37.160 And you connect with me. 00:28:37.680 --> 00:28:42.660 And you see my power at work primarily in my church. 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:44.460 Oh, listen. 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:46.980 Forget what I said at the beginning. 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:48.700 The church is not perfect. 00:28:49.320 --> 00:28:50.720 That's not Jesus' point. 00:28:51.580 --> 00:28:51.840 No. 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:55.860 The church is a dysfunctional body oftentimes. 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:59.759 But she's my body, Jesus says. 00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:00.960 I'm the head. 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:06.320 And so it's okay that she's weak because my power is perfected where? 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:09.399 Oh, you know the answer to that. 00:29:10.179 --> 00:29:11.679 Where is his power perfected? 00:29:12.179 --> 00:29:13.259 It's in weakness. 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:15.740 So it's okay, body, if you're weak. 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:17.419 The head is strong. 00:29:17.960 --> 00:29:20.679 He's incomparably powerful. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:23.759 So plug in to the church. 00:29:24.159 --> 00:29:29.279 The promise of this passage is that the power of God is at work for the benefit of his church 00:29:29.279 --> 00:29:31.579 as we are corporately connected to him. 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:36.019 And because of that, to each other, because we have the same head. 00:29:37.139 --> 00:29:39.579 And you say, well, Will, you're preaching to the choir. 00:29:40.079 --> 00:29:42.119 Go out there and say that we're in church. 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.379 Here we are. 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:45.139 You know, we've got that. 00:29:45.879 --> 00:29:47.019 And that's true. 00:29:47.199 --> 00:29:47.839 True enough. 00:29:48.899 --> 00:29:54.419 But are you seeking power from the true head of the church, Jesus Christ, or something else? 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:59.539 Is the head of the church you are a part of, a pastor or a leader? 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:06.079 Do you feel like true power comes from a pastor, a previous pastor? 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:08.659 A current pastor? 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:11.240 A future pastor? 00:30:12.579 --> 00:30:14.519 Is that where true power is? 00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:18.139 Is that the hope for the church of Jesus Christ? 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:21.799 Is that where the church's true power comes from? 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:30.119 Is it a church where the budget looks good because money is where your security and power really resides? 00:30:31.759 --> 00:30:36.299 Is it a church where things need to be done my way or I'm totally at a loss? 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.299 Is it a church where the church is? 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.299 Is it a church where the church is? 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:42.859 This is really hard for those of us who love our church, that last question. 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:49.019 Because you can love your church and you can talk about Southwood as the church I love, 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:54.460 but she's not my church or your church. 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.919 I'm not the head. 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:59.480 You're not the head. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:05.720 Jesus is the head of his body, the church, so we have to trust that the power comes from him, 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:08.420 not from things being done our way. 00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:10.680 And that's hard and I hate that. 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:12.900 Because I like things to be done my way. 00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:17.620 It doesn't come from things being done our way, not from any amount of money, 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:19.299 not from any human leader. 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:28.940 What would it look like if we were all corporately convinced that his incomparable power was at work on behalf of Southwood? 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:35.559 What would it look like for all of us together to plug into the power that rules over all things 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:39.139 and controls them all, everything in this world for his church? 00:31:40.419 --> 00:31:44.099 I suspect among other things we'd pray a lot more. 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:45.440 I would. 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:51.299 Prayer is just that opportunity for our weakness to show up rather than our strength, isn't it? 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:56.700 We acknowledge we don't have the wisdom or the resources or the strategy, 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:59.660 but we're plugging into the one with all the power. 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:04.700 Do you really believe he has that kind of power, that that's really where it is? 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:11.440 Do you really believe he employs all of that power on your behalf, for your sake, to your good? 00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:20.100 Then come to him, the one whom to know and experience the reality of in your life is the pinnacle of life itself. 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:23.539 Every knee will bow to him someday. 00:32:23.900 --> 00:32:25.860 Will you bow yours now? 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.960 Will you trust him? 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:29.000 Will you actively depend on him? 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:34.980 Will you acknowledge your weakness so that his strength may be great in our lives and in our church? 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:39.880 When we're plugging into that true source of power for the church, 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:43.720 I suspect we will find individually and corporately, 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:46.799 we'll find ourselves moving boldly into conversations 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:51.980 and even countries that are beyond our ability to manage. 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:58.200 We'll begin going places and doing things that didn't seem possible in our own strength 00:32:58.200 --> 00:33:01.980 that would have certain failure written on them if God didn't show up, 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:04.420 if his power didn't come to bear. 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:06.060 And so it leaves us how? 00:33:06.560 --> 00:33:09.039 Desperately dependent on him to show up. 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:12.140 Sound like fun to anyone? 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:18.360 Sounds a little scary and uncomfortable to me, I'll be honest. 00:33:19.820 --> 00:33:25.080 But it sounds like fun when the one who reigns over all things, 00:33:25.580 --> 00:33:29.240 the one with all the world's power at his disposal, 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:32.180 is using all of that for us. 00:33:32.180 --> 00:33:36.400 He's the one we're desperately dependent on. 00:33:36.400 --> 00:33:41.960 The one who's strong is the one you're desperate for and dependent on. 00:33:42.220 --> 00:33:46.900 That's fun because he's eager to show himself powerful on your behalf. 00:33:47.740 --> 00:33:48.140 Wow! 00:33:48.740 --> 00:33:49.799 What might happen? 00:33:50.180 --> 00:33:51.580 What might he do? 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:55.500 To show his power in our midst. 00:33:58.299 --> 00:34:02.439 Artemis, of course, was revered broadly in Greek mythology 00:34:02.439 --> 00:34:05.359 by lots of people in lots of places, 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:08.539 but Ephesus was a special one of those. 00:34:09.219 --> 00:34:12.019 The Ephesians were particularly possessive of her. 00:34:12.420 --> 00:34:14.219 She was particularly their goddess. 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:20.219 They were uniquely protected by her and very proud of that. 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.819 When they shouted, 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:24.259 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians, 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:26.980 they meant by of the Ephesians, 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:30.859 the one who specially cared for the Ephesians, 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:34.159 who particularly looked out for them. 00:34:34.159 --> 00:34:37.179 Dear friends, 00:34:38.480 --> 00:34:42.839 Our Lord Jesus Christ is great above all greatness. 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:45.719 His is the name above every name. 00:34:45.859 --> 00:34:48.779 His power and dominion surpass all others. 00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:54.019 And he reigns in power for his church. 00:34:54.839 --> 00:34:58.119 We are uniquely protected by him. 00:34:58.500 --> 00:35:01.859 Specially cared for by him. 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:06.140 Great is Jesus of his church. 00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:10.140 Great is Jesus of his church. 00:35:10.740 --> 00:35:14.180 Great is Jesus of his beloved church 00:35:14.180 --> 00:35:15.900 that he gave his life for 00:35:15.900 --> 00:35:18.320 and now is the head of. 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:21.120 May that voice drown out 00:35:21.120 --> 00:35:25.360 the others that would clamor for our loyalty and worship. 00:35:26.120 --> 00:35:27.160 He is powerful 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:29.180 and we are his. 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:30.079 Amen? 00:35:30.960 --> 00:35:31.320 Amen. 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:31.900 Let's pray. 00:35:37.180 --> 00:35:38.220 Holy Spirit, 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:41.519 you know where in each of us 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:44.580 we need to see your power 00:35:44.580 --> 00:35:46.960 be perfected. 00:35:47.160 --> 00:35:48.539 You know where we feel weak. 00:35:48.539 --> 00:35:52.420 would we leave this morning 00:35:52.420 --> 00:35:54.539 with a vision of Jesus 00:35:54.539 --> 00:35:57.559 as exalted and powerful 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:59.500 above all other things 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:03.079 in a way that you make particular 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:05.860 to the hurt places, 00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:08.719 to the insecure spots, 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:11.480 to the places where we would think 00:36:11.480 --> 00:36:12.860 we'd actually be strong. 00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:15.960 would we know your power 00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:18.480 in and through your church. 00:36:19.019 --> 00:36:20.460 We thank you and praise you 00:36:20.460 --> 00:36:21.620 that that's your heart. 00:36:22.519 --> 00:36:23.680 In Jesus' name, 00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:24.320 Amen. 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:24.420 Amen. 00:36:28.420 --> 00:36:29.660 For more information, 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:30.960 visit us online 00:36:30.960 --> 00:36:32.260 at southwood.org. 00:36:32.260 --> 00:36:33.480 For more information, 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.220 visit us online 00:36:34.220 --> 00:36:36.380 at southwood.org. 00:36:36.380 --> 00:36:38.880 Amen.