WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:02.140 Amen. You can be seated. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:15.599 I want to introduce to you Matt Tyler. Many of you already know him, and if not, then hopefully you'll have a chance to get to know him this evening. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:24.120 You all know that First Baptist Church has been such an integral part of the story of this congregation from the very beginning. 00:00:24.120 --> 00:00:29.920 So First Baptist planted this church as First Baptist Allendahl, Allendahl Baptist Church. 00:00:30.379 --> 00:00:36.100 When it became the church at Seaweed Bay, that was First Baptist doing. They were behind that work. 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:45.000 And then when the elders at First Baptist discussed how to best serve this congregation and decided this needs to be an autonomous church, 00:00:45.480 --> 00:00:48.400 the elders at First Baptist Church got behind this work. 00:00:48.400 --> 00:00:56.060 And so you may not know all of the work that they've been doing behind the scenes, all the many ways that they've been praying for us, 00:00:56.060 --> 00:01:04.019 praying for you, seeking the Lord's guidance as we've moved forward, all the ways that Matt in particular has been an encouragement to me. 00:01:04.560 --> 00:01:08.939 I still remember one of the first conversations I had when I heard about Seaweed Bay. 00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:13.400 It was with Matt and some of the other guys from the Pillar Network, and I left that conversation saying, 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:23.460 I have no idea what an Allendahl is, what a Seaweed is, but I couldn't shake the thought of coming here from my mind. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:29.520 And I believe that that's an answer to the Lord answering the prayers of these elders at First Baptist Mount Pleasant. 00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:36.439 And so I asked Matt to come and to speak to us tonight, just to give a charge to the church as we get established this evening, 00:01:36.939 --> 00:01:40.979 a charge to the pastors as well as the leaders of this flock. 00:01:41.199 --> 00:01:43.159 And we're just excited to hear from him. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:46.239 So, Matt, if you would come up and bring the word to us tonight. 00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:47.359 Yes, sir. 00:01:49.879 --> 00:01:53.340 Well, it is a joy to be with you guys tonight. 00:01:53.340 --> 00:01:59.400 And I'm so thankful to that conversation that Jonathan and I were able to have. 00:02:00.260 --> 00:02:03.939 And it's been a couple of years ago now when we first met. 00:02:04.480 --> 00:02:08.960 But on behalf of the members of First Baptist Mount Pleasant, the elders, the deacons there, 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:10.379 just want to say greetings. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:16.680 They're having we're having a service right now and they're praying for you and they're thankful for you. 00:02:16.879 --> 00:02:20.120 And we are excited for what God is doing out here. 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:24.300 And several years ago, I could I think Trey could speak to this. 00:02:24.420 --> 00:02:28.500 We were in an elder meeting discussing how to best serve this church in this community. 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:36.520 And we just ran around the room in an elder meeting and asked the question, OK, does there need to be a church in all and all? 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:39.040 And the answer was obviously yes. 00:02:39.420 --> 00:02:42.280 Does there need to be a Baptist church in all and all? 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:43.939 And the answer was yes. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:46.560 Is Siwi Bay that church? 00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:50.719 And as we talked and considered and prayed and went before the Lord about that, the answer was yes. 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:55.840 And we're so thankful that God has allowed us to play a very small part in his eternal plan. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:58.659 It didn't start just a few years ago. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:03.080 It started a long time ago, really in eternity past. 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:09.900 As God the Father and God the Son were working things out in what we call the covenant of redemption. 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:12.719 They had a plan for all and all. 00:03:12.860 --> 00:03:13.699 They had a plan for you. 00:03:13.699 --> 00:03:22.959 They had a plan for those who don't know it yet, who live in this community, who are going to be impacted by the gospel that this church shares, but that you share. 00:03:23.939 --> 00:03:27.780 And so tonight, I want us to look to a passage of scripture. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:29.819 I'm not going to keep you long. 00:03:31.079 --> 00:03:32.780 There's food out in the lobby. 00:03:33.899 --> 00:03:35.259 And that would be dangerous. 00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:44.139 But I felt led this week to look to a passage of scripture I can honestly say is my favorite in all of the Bible. 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:47.719 But we're going to look a little bit broader than just my favorite verses. 00:03:47.819 --> 00:03:51.620 We're going to look to Colossians 1, verses 15 through 20. 00:03:51.739 --> 00:03:54.139 So if you have a Bible, I want to encourage you to turn there. 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:56.419 Colossians 1. 00:03:56.419 --> 00:03:57.019 Colossians 1. 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:04.219 Verses 15 through 20. 00:04:09.519 --> 00:04:14.579 I've entitled this, All Things to the Glory of Christ. 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:19.639 Let's read God's Holy Word. 00:04:19.639 --> 00:04:27.759 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:37.879 For by him, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. 00:04:38.539 --> 00:04:47.560 Whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:50.800 And he is before all things. 00:04:51.379 --> 00:04:53.959 And in him, all things hold together. 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:59.220 And he is the head of the body, the church. 00:05:00.519 --> 00:05:01.660 He is the beginning. 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:04.399 The firstborn from the dead. 00:05:04.959 --> 00:05:07.160 That in everything, he might be preeminent. 00:05:07.459 --> 00:05:11.160 For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. 00:05:11.160 --> 00:05:17.540 And through him, to reconcile to himself all things. 00:05:18.100 --> 00:05:20.480 Whether on earth or in heaven. 00:05:21.280 --> 00:05:24.360 Making peace by the blood of his cross. 00:05:25.240 --> 00:05:26.380 This is the word of the Lord. 00:05:26.440 --> 00:05:26.960 Would you pray? 00:05:27.260 --> 00:05:28.460 Let's ask for the Spirit's help. 00:05:30.020 --> 00:05:32.120 Oh God, we praise you for this night. 00:05:33.140 --> 00:05:34.560 But not just for this night. 00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:40.800 We praise you for all that you have been doing in the hearts and the lives of your people in this church up to this point. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:46.079 And we praise you for all that you are going to continue to do in the hearts and the lives of your people in this church. 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:47.639 And in this community. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:49.420 And around the world. 00:05:50.300 --> 00:05:54.240 Through the efforts and the ministries of Seawee Bay Baptist Church. 00:05:55.379 --> 00:05:57.740 We ask now, though, that you help us in our weakness. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:01.220 That you would keep us focused upon you. 00:06:01.220 --> 00:06:04.140 That our eyes would be open to see your beauty. 00:06:05.160 --> 00:06:10.000 That our ears would be open to hear the glorious goodness of your grace. 00:06:11.400 --> 00:06:13.520 And, oh God, that you would bend our wills. 00:06:14.500 --> 00:06:16.860 That we might be conformed to the image of Christ. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:18.640 It's in his name that I pray. 00:06:19.400 --> 00:06:19.700 Amen. 00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:27.500 In 1914, on December 24th, in the middle of the Great War. 00:06:27.500 --> 00:06:30.360 There was much loss. 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:33.360 There were many who were dying. 00:06:34.399 --> 00:06:39.860 On that Christmas Eve, two opposing sides laid down their arms. 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:43.160 And they met in the neutral ground in between the two fighting forces. 00:06:43.279 --> 00:06:46.519 Or you would call that, actually, the deadly ground between the two fighting forces. 00:06:47.279 --> 00:06:48.519 And they came together. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:52.959 And they began to sing hymns. 00:06:53.779 --> 00:06:55.060 And Christmas carols. 00:06:55.479 --> 00:06:56.959 And to fellowship together. 00:06:57.339 --> 00:07:03.680 Those who were enemies, at one point, came together to spend time together. 00:07:04.419 --> 00:07:05.979 To acknowledge this day. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:07.519 Both pagan and Christian alike. 00:07:07.680 --> 00:07:09.819 To acknowledge this day as something special. 00:07:10.599 --> 00:07:11.859 Now, I can't prove it. 00:07:11.860 --> 00:07:17.980 But I believe that that moment in human history, that probably will never be reproduced. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:19.420 I mean, think about that. 00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:25.420 But that moment in history, I believe, was led by some Christian individuals. 00:07:26.120 --> 00:07:27.540 In the throes of war. 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:30.400 Who decided, we're going to lay down our arms. 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:33.620 And we're going to glorify God on this day. 00:07:34.420 --> 00:07:35.840 Now, we know the war raged. 00:07:36.460 --> 00:07:37.280 And things were horrible. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:46.259 But for that moment, the people of God drew the masses together for a time of peace. 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:50.039 In this text that we look at tonight. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:51.979 In this charge, to you as church members. 00:07:52.219 --> 00:07:54.719 And to you who are elders in this church. 00:07:54.819 --> 00:07:55.919 Pastors in this church. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:58.159 I want to remind you that all things. 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:00.099 All things. 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:01.399 Not some things. 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:02.639 But all things. 00:08:03.359 --> 00:08:04.439 Are held together. 00:08:04.539 --> 00:08:05.359 They're being sustained. 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:07.060 All things. 00:08:07.780 --> 00:08:09.000 Are being redeemed. 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:11.360 All things are working together, as Paul wrote. 00:08:11.460 --> 00:08:13.100 For the glory and for the good. 00:08:13.699 --> 00:08:17.840 Of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:20.939 And so, if we look at these five verses. 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:22.080 It's interesting. 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:24.020 And important to point out. 00:08:24.180 --> 00:08:26.360 That five times in five verses. 00:08:27.259 --> 00:08:29.460 The two words, all things, are used. 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:31.080 Five times. 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:32.500 In so many verses. 00:08:32.899 --> 00:08:34.960 The two words, all things. 00:08:35.579 --> 00:08:36.480 Are used. 00:08:36.579 --> 00:08:37.379 And they're used. 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:39.259 To show that God. 00:08:40.299 --> 00:08:40.939 Chose. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:44.139 To use his son. 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:45.519 To send his son. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:47.319 To redeem. 00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:48.960 All things. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:51.879 And so, we look first. 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:54.299 It says, by him, all things were created. 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:56.919 Now, this doesn't mean that Christ. 00:08:57.319 --> 00:08:58.000 Was created. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:58.659 That's heresy. 00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:01.159 But, Christ is eternal. 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:04.500 And in Christ. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:06.899 All things were created. 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:07.980 By Christ. 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:09.299 All things were created. 00:09:09.399 --> 00:09:10.960 When you look back to the creation account. 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:12.639 You see the Trinity present there. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:17.019 And so, I think it's important for us to look at the history. 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:17.799 Just briefly. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:18.779 Of this church. 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:20.460 You see. 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:22.600 By him, all things were created. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:24.500 It wasn't by First Baptist Mount Pleasant. 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:27.700 That the Baptist Church was created here so many years ago. 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:30.440 It was by Christ. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:32.600 You see. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:35.639 It was Christ who moved in the hearts of his people. 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:37.600 To draw them together. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:40.039 To form what is his bride. 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:42.860 It wasn't the works of men or women. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:44.899 It was the work of God. 00:09:46.379 --> 00:09:48.720 And some individuals got to play a part in that. 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:49.960 You see. 00:09:50.040 --> 00:09:53.379 Because by him, all things were created. 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:54.800 You see. 00:09:54.840 --> 00:09:55.840 Christ had a plan. 00:09:56.519 --> 00:09:58.580 For this particular church. 00:09:58.660 --> 00:10:00.120 And for this particular community. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:02.300 Long ago. 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:05.399 Long before the world was created. 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:08.100 God had planned in Christ. 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:10.420 To gather you together. 00:10:10.420 --> 00:10:11.519 In this place. 00:10:11.519 --> 00:10:13.399 And so, we praise him. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:15.259 That he brought people along. 00:10:15.659 --> 00:10:16.460 In the way. 00:10:16.679 --> 00:10:17.919 That through Sea Wee Bay. 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:19.799 And through it being the church that it was. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:20.539 Many years ago. 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:21.419 And along the way. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:22.639 And by God's grace. 00:10:22.659 --> 00:10:23.319 Where we are today. 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:24.439 We praise him for that. 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:28.120 But let us not settle for where we are today. 00:10:29.199 --> 00:10:29.600 Church. 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:30.980 Let me remind you. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:33.279 That all things were created by him. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.519 But we will see in just a moment. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:36.480 All things are being held together by him. 00:10:37.439 --> 00:10:39.519 And all things are being reconciled. 00:10:40.240 --> 00:10:40.899 Unto him. 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:42.220 And so, yes. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.220 We celebrate today. 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:44.840 But today is not the ending point. 00:10:45.199 --> 00:10:46.699 Today is merely a diving board. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:49.779 Into the pool, if you will. 00:10:49.819 --> 00:10:51.699 Of what God has planned for you. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:53.319 And for this community to come. 00:10:54.799 --> 00:10:55.100 You see. 00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:58.899 All things would be reconciled to Christ. 00:10:59.779 --> 00:11:00.600 But first. 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:02.460 All things were created. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:04.399 And what a joy it is. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:07.039 To be a part of his created order. 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:10.220 Second thing that we see in this text. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:12.420 As we look at this idea of all things. 00:11:13.040 --> 00:11:14.399 We see through him. 00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:15.399 And for him. 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:16.800 All things were created. 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:18.639 So, he created all things. 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:20.440 And yet through him. 00:11:20.560 --> 00:11:21.480 And for him. 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:22.940 All of these things. 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:24.240 Were created. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.700 The eternal son of God. 00:11:26.820 --> 00:11:27.440 Through whom God. 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:28.779 Made heaven and earth. 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:29.620 According to John. 00:11:30.259 --> 00:11:31.080 Or first John 1. 00:11:31.160 --> 00:11:31.460 3. 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:33.700 All of these things. 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:34.879 Were created for him. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:36.580 For his glory. 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:37.519 For his enjoyment. 00:11:39.180 --> 00:11:39.820 And so. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:40.879 When we think about. 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:42.560 This community. 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:45.080 Let us not. 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:46.639 Think about this community. 00:11:46.780 --> 00:11:47.139 As just. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:49.440 People living out in homes. 00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:50.560 In different areas. 00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:51.340 Of all in all. 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:52.120 McClellanville. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:52.720 And in. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:53.320 In. 00:11:53.420 --> 00:11:53.639 In. 00:11:53.700 --> 00:11:53.759 In. 00:11:53.940 --> 00:11:53.960 In. 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:54.040 In. 00:11:54.040 --> 00:11:54.060 In. 00:11:54.060 --> 00:11:54.080 In. 00:11:54.080 --> 00:11:54.620 In. 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:54.900 In. 00:11:54.900 --> 00:11:55.200 In. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:55.500 In. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:55.519 In. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:55.540 In. 00:11:55.540 --> 00:11:55.639 In. 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:55.740 In. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:55.820 In. 00:11:55.820 --> 00:11:55.900 In. 00:11:55.900 --> 00:11:56.100 In. 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:56.139 In. 00:11:56.139 --> 00:11:56.180 In. 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:56.620 In. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:56.700 In. 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:57.180 In. 00:11:57.180 --> 00:11:57.700 In. 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:58.259 In. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:58.559 In. 00:11:58.559 --> 00:11:58.580 In. 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:00.620 In. 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:01.539 In. 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:02.559 In. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.779 In. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:04.539 In. 00:12:04.539 --> 00:12:04.679 In. 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.059 In. 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:08.259 In. 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:08.500 In. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:08.919 In. 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:10.919 In. 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:16.500 In. 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:17.179 In. 00:12:17.460 --> 00:12:17.659 In. 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:18.039 In. 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:22.100 In. 00:12:23.539 --> 00:12:24.620 In. 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.319 In. 00:12:26.439 --> 00:12:26.740 In. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:27.319 In. 00:12:27.320 --> 00:12:33.280 has been created for the glory of God in Christ. 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:40.060 I hope you are stirred on this evening that as you drive from this place 00:12:40.060 --> 00:12:42.760 and as you leave from this place, members of this church, 00:12:43.020 --> 00:12:46.220 that you begin to see all in all, not just as a place where you live 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:50.200 and where you come to worship, but as a place that has been included 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:54.260 in these all things, the all things of Christ. 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:57.899 And do you know what he allows us to do? 00:12:59.159 --> 00:13:02.639 He allows you to play a part in going and finding it. 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:05.500 I think about little kids on Easter. 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:08.080 Now, I know this illustration breaks down, okay? 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.480 All illustrations do, right? 00:13:09.980 --> 00:13:12.200 This one really breaks down, but it helps me. 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:14.679 Think about kids on Easter. 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:16.460 You know, we put out the eggs. 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:19.519 And let's just say you've got some eggs out here in the nice grass, 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:23.039 and, you know, adults, we go out and we hide the eggs, 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:26.759 and you let the kids loose to go run after the eggs. 00:13:26.839 --> 00:13:27.399 What do the kids do? 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.219 They run. 00:13:28.319 --> 00:13:29.019 They tear. 00:13:29.219 --> 00:13:31.659 And they start finding eggs, and they're throwing them in their basket, 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:33.240 and they're so excited about what they're finding. 00:13:33.559 --> 00:13:37.459 But before long, the obvious eggs are gone. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.919 What do the kids do at that point? 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.679 They begin to look back at the adults, 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:47.179 because they know that some of you guys hide them in the hard places. 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:50.299 And they start looking, and what do you start doing? 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:51.019 You start pointing. 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:53.139 Look under the tire. 00:13:53.979 --> 00:13:55.219 Look under the bush. 00:13:55.979 --> 00:13:57.579 And you start helping them find the eggs, 00:13:57.599 --> 00:13:59.219 because you know where they are. 00:14:01.079 --> 00:14:04.120 You see, friends, God has given us a role in his kingdom, 00:14:04.959 --> 00:14:07.059 in the all-thingsness of Christ, 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:11.359 that we get to play this role of going out and displaying his beauty 00:14:11.359 --> 00:14:14.919 and finding his children and sharing the gospel with them. 00:14:16.119 --> 00:14:19.159 And many times we run out of moments like this really excited. 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:22.939 And we're going, and we're telling them about the new church. 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.339 We're telling them about Christ. 00:14:24.439 --> 00:14:27.000 And we're telling our neighbors and our coworkers and our family 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.659 all of the wonderful things of God. 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:30.699 But a few years from now, 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:35.860 the romantic side of being part of a church wears off. 00:14:37.139 --> 00:14:38.019 And things get hard. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:40.740 Not every Sunday is an up Sunday. 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:42.799 Not every month is an exciting month. 00:14:42.899 --> 00:14:43.919 Sometimes the numbers go up. 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:44.899 Sometimes the numbers go down. 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:47.299 Sometimes we don't sing your favorite song 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:50.039 or don't study your favorite book of the Bible. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.399 But it's in those moments. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:54.220 Where do you look when things get hard? 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:59.259 I hope we, like the little kids in the Easter egg hunt, 00:14:59.340 --> 00:15:01.259 begin to look back not to an adult, 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:04.440 but to our Savior. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:07.180 We begin to look to him and we begin to say, 00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:08.279 what do we do now? 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:10.259 How do we glorify you now? 00:15:11.160 --> 00:15:12.600 Where are your people now? 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.480 How do we worship you now? 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:16.399 We don't look around to other things. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:19.840 We look back to the one who has created all things 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:24.180 and to whom all things were created for. 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:27.200 All things were created through. 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:30.200 In him it goes on to say, 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:32.500 all things are held together. 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:34.820 So he's the creator of all things. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:38.379 All things were made through him and for him, 00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:41.580 but he's also the sustainer of all things. 00:15:42.800 --> 00:15:45.019 Do you know right now there's not one atom 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:50.279 in all of the universe that is in chaos 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:52.139 or that is out of order? 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.319 Because if there were one, 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:58.159 all of existence would cease to exist 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.960 in that moment except for the Trinity. 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:04.559 But you see, God in Christ is sustaining all things. 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:06.120 He's keeping all things together 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:08.840 for the glory of his Son right now. 00:16:09.939 --> 00:16:12.299 He's doing that in your life and in my life. 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:14.719 And do you know he's done that through this church? 00:16:15.799 --> 00:16:18.719 There have been seasons that were difficult in this church. 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:22.500 There have been seasons that have been great celebration in this church. 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:25.199 But in all things and in all times, 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:29.159 Christ the sustainer has ruled and reigned. 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:31.179 And so Jonathan, 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:32.679 Trey, 00:16:33.179 --> 00:16:36.779 what is it that you will turn to 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:38.379 when things are difficult in this church? 00:16:40.159 --> 00:16:41.299 Where will you look? 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:43.339 Where will you look for the foundation 00:16:43.339 --> 00:16:45.399 and for the propping up of that 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.919 which will sustain this church? 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:48.319 Friends, it is just Christ. 00:16:49.219 --> 00:16:50.399 There's nowhere else to look. 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:53.379 There will be many things that will tempt you 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:54.580 to turn to them. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:55.480 Many strategies, 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:58.139 many helps, 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:00.279 many opportunities will be offered. 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.559 But the only one 00:17:01.559 --> 00:17:03.220 who has all things 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:04.819 in his hands 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:06.220 is Christ. 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.940 Because you see, 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:11.160 it goes on to say that he is before all things. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:14.579 He is the head of the church. 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:17.539 He is the Son of the living God. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:19.660 In 1 Corinthians 12 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.940 and in other places in Scripture, 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:22.380 we see that this idea 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:24.060 that Christ is the head of the body. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:26.700 That we as his church 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:27.520 are the body. 00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:28.720 And he is the head. 00:17:28.800 --> 00:17:30.200 He is moving and shaping 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:31.380 and working every part. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:33.000 And every part is equally as important. 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:35.640 Some of us don't like being the toe, 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:36.800 but the toe is important. 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:38.680 You know, 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:40.040 I had a friend in high school. 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.680 She cut her big toe off. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:43.020 Cutting grass. 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:45.080 She was quite the athlete. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.320 After she cut her big toe off, 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:49.580 she had to learn to walk again. 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:52.319 And for that year, 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.559 her athletic career 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:54.639 was on pause. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:57.759 And so if you feel sometimes, 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:58.619 church member, 00:17:58.740 --> 00:17:59.339 that, man, you know, 00:17:59.379 --> 00:18:00.279 I don't have a place. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.299 I don't have a role. 00:18:02.359 --> 00:18:02.839 Let me tell you, 00:18:02.879 --> 00:18:03.519 yes, you do. 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.980 Because when I look at 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:08.019 the fruit of the Spirit, 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:09.359 when I look at those attributes, 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:10.879 the love, the joy, 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:11.399 the peace, 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:11.879 the patience, 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:12.480 the kindness, 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.379 and self-control, 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:14.159 all of those things, 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:16.560 those are roles to play 00:18:16.560 --> 00:18:17.140 in the church. 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:18.360 You know, 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:20.100 a smile across a room 00:18:20.100 --> 00:18:22.580 can be the role that you play. 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:25.200 A card sent to someone 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:25.860 on their birthday, 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:26.740 just letting them know 00:18:26.740 --> 00:18:27.700 that you know about them 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.620 and that you care for them, 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:29.779 that could be the role 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:30.360 that you play. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:32.500 A kind word, 00:18:32.600 --> 00:18:33.519 even when you know 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:34.259 that you are right 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.220 and the person you're talking to 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:35.700 is wrong, 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:36.640 you show a little bit 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:37.620 of self-control and kindness, 00:18:37.800 --> 00:18:38.680 that could be the role 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:39.920 that you play in the church. 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.300 And all of those roles 00:18:42.300 --> 00:18:43.180 are important. 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:46.080 And so it's not just 00:18:46.080 --> 00:18:47.240 to be up here on the stage 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:48.279 or to be in a Sunday school 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.960 class leading. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:50.440 Those are important. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.400 But you have a role to play 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:54.580 and that role 00:18:54.580 --> 00:18:55.600 has been secured 00:18:55.600 --> 00:18:58.320 in the work of God 00:18:58.320 --> 00:18:59.040 through Christ 00:18:59.040 --> 00:18:59.880 for his church 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.920 and all of that 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.920 is being held together 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:03.960 by the finished work 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:04.519 of Christ. 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:07.140 It says he is the beginning, 00:19:07.300 --> 00:19:09.040 the firstborn from the dead, 00:19:09.320 --> 00:19:10.140 that in everything 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:12.240 he might be preeminent. 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:13.880 We don't have time 00:19:13.880 --> 00:19:14.440 to go into that. 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.620 So we're just going 00:19:15.620 --> 00:19:16.040 to move on. 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.380 The third thing 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.060 I want you to see 00:19:20.060 --> 00:19:21.460 tonight, 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.820 first we've seen 00:19:22.820 --> 00:19:23.940 that through him 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:26.480 all things were created. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.280 Second, 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:28.160 we've seen through him 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:29.220 and for him 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:30.480 all things were created. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.660 The third point 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:34.300 and maybe the most important 00:19:34.300 --> 00:19:35.460 or the one we're going 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.420 to spend the most time on 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:37.020 is through him 00:19:37.020 --> 00:19:39.420 all things are reconciled. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:41.440 through him 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.580 all things 00:19:42.580 --> 00:19:44.620 are reconciled. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.060 You know, 00:19:47.080 --> 00:19:47.460 it's 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:49.620 an interesting thing 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:50.740 to think about reconciliation. 00:19:51.060 --> 00:19:51.160 Like, 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.660 what does reconciliation mean? 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.360 It means to be made right. 00:19:56.100 --> 00:19:56.860 It means that 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:58.060 that which was wrong 00:19:58.060 --> 00:19:58.660 at one point 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:59.460 is no longer wrong, 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.259 it's now right. 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:02.420 And so through him 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:04.279 all things 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:06.060 are reconciled. 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:08.139 but what we can see 00:20:08.139 --> 00:20:08.779 from this text 00:20:08.779 --> 00:20:09.779 is nothing, 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:11.279 now hear that, 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:11.839 nothing 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:13.940 will be made right 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:15.519 apart from Christ. 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:16.779 Nothing. 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:19.339 There's no making 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:20.419 anything right 00:20:20.419 --> 00:20:22.399 apart from 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.859 the love 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:24.659 and the heart 00:20:24.659 --> 00:20:25.559 and the grace 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.460 of Christ. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.339 Listen to verse 19. 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:28.980 For in him, 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.019 this is my favorite, 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.019 I love this. 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.440 For in him 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.319 all the fullness 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:33.960 of God 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.679 was pleased 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.580 to dwell. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.420 What Paul's writing there 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.259 is in Christ 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:40.340 all the fullness 00:20:40.340 --> 00:20:40.980 of the Trinity, 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:41.980 God the Son, 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:42.700 God the Father, 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:43.759 God the Spirit, 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.860 were pleased 00:20:44.860 --> 00:20:45.580 to dwell. 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:46.860 Now later 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:47.620 in Colossians, 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:48.539 do you know what Paul says? 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:51.019 And in him 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:53.560 you are made complete. 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:54.799 Think about that 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.259 for a moment. 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:56.880 In Christ 00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:58.039 the fullness of God 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.120 was pleased to dwell 00:20:59.120 --> 00:21:00.519 and in him, 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:01.880 dear Christian, 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:03.680 you are complete. 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:05.620 There's nothing 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.380 that you lack. 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.019 You have been made right. 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.960 You have been reconciled. 00:21:10.360 --> 00:21:10.660 You are 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:12.420 experiencing 00:21:12.420 --> 00:21:14.560 a life 00:21:14.560 --> 00:21:15.440 of completeness 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.640 that you could never 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:17.519 cultivate 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.460 on your own. 00:21:20.560 --> 00:21:21.400 And so nothing 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:22.220 can be made right 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.980 apart from Christ. 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:23.820 And so many of us 00:21:23.820 --> 00:21:24.920 try and spend our lives 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:26.420 making our lives right 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:28.279 or making other people's 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:28.880 lives right 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:29.700 by helping them 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:30.920 live moral lives 00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:32.140 or to do good things, 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:33.120 which is fine. 00:21:34.120 --> 00:21:34.940 But to do that 00:21:34.940 --> 00:21:35.980 apart from Christ 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:38.400 leads to nothing. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:40.640 So members, 00:21:42.020 --> 00:21:44.140 can I challenge you? 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:45.240 Can I charge you? 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.140 Don't settle 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:48.020 for anything 00:21:48.020 --> 00:21:50.100 less than Christ. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.180 Settle for nothing 00:21:52.180 --> 00:21:53.860 less than Jesus. 00:21:53.859 --> 00:21:57.359 Demand him 00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.379 and him alone 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.500 and don't demand 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:00.519 anything more 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:02.719 because to add to 00:22:02.719 --> 00:22:03.539 or to take away 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.179 from Christ 00:22:04.179 --> 00:22:05.559 is not to get Christ. 00:22:06.179 --> 00:22:07.419 It's to get it wrong. 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:09.759 And so members, 00:22:09.939 --> 00:22:10.699 as this church 00:22:10.699 --> 00:22:11.439 moves ahead, 00:22:11.979 --> 00:22:13.559 don't demand anything 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:14.500 more from your 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.199 pastors, 00:22:15.399 --> 00:22:16.019 from your elders 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:18.039 than Christ. 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:18.119 Christ. 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:19.819 And if they're 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.779 giving you Christ, 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:22.599 feast upon him 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:24.019 because he is a bread 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.819 that will always satisfy. 00:22:26.460 --> 00:22:27.559 He is a well 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:29.000 of springing water 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.420 that will always nourish. 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.159 And all of these 00:22:32.159 --> 00:22:32.819 other things, 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:35.159 they will let you down. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.740 So demand Christ. 00:22:38.659 --> 00:22:39.819 Cry out for Christ. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.519 Look for Christ. 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.639 And when you find him, 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:46.460 when you hear of him, 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.180 and I know Jonathan 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:48.140 is preaching Christ, 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:50.299 I know Treg preaches Christ, 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:51.180 they give you Christ, 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.860 feast upon him. 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:55.039 Allow the other things 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.500 of the world 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.759 to wash away 00:22:56.759 --> 00:23:00.160 and allow Christ 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:02.000 to become that 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:03.019 which you gaze upon, 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:04.319 that which you meditate on, 00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:05.000 that which you think 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.420 deeply upon. 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:08.759 You see, 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.420 it's in him 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:12.360 that your neighbors, 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:14.140 that your family, 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.940 and your friends 00:23:15.940 --> 00:23:17.180 will be reconciled to God. 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:19.039 I know if we went 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.620 around the room 00:23:19.620 --> 00:23:20.320 and I said, 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:21.180 do you have loved ones 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:22.100 or neighbors or friends 00:23:22.100 --> 00:23:23.200 that you think 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.279 need to come to church 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.580 and need to know Christ? 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.539 All of us would, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.140 absolutely. 00:23:27.360 --> 00:23:28.580 We could take a list, 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:29.779 we could take some time 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.240 of prayer, 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.140 and we would all 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:32.660 identify those people. 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:35.900 but all too often, 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:38.340 I know in my own life, 00:23:39.340 --> 00:23:42.100 I do a lot better job 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:42.800 telling those people 00:23:42.800 --> 00:23:43.440 how they can make 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:44.240 their lives better 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:45.340 than I do 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:46.180 in telling them 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:46.920 about Christ. 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.400 But friends, 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.480 when you're part of a church 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.660 that gives you Christ 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:52.779 at every turn, 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:55.220 when you're at a church 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:56.620 where you demand Christ 00:23:56.620 --> 00:23:58.019 at every turn, 00:23:58.019 --> 00:24:00.359 it's then that you are 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.660 prepared to give Christ, 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.740 to share Christ, 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.220 to show Christ. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.660 And then, 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:08.200 as you pray for your neighbors, 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:08.859 your family, 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.960 and your friends, 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.700 it's then 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:13.500 that God is pleased to work. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.279 It's then that God 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.039 begins to draw 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.359 those for whom Christ died, 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.299 and it's then 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:20.039 that those folks 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.279 will be reconciled. 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.299 The peace of God 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:24.259 that surpasses 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:24.940 all understanding 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:26.139 will begin to rule 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:27.259 and reign in their hearts 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.740 as it does in yours. 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:32.840 Because 00:24:32.840 --> 00:24:34.660 we love our neighbors. 00:24:35.540 --> 00:24:36.440 You love this community. 00:24:36.600 --> 00:24:37.280 You wouldn't be here. 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:41.120 I think God has great plans 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:42.080 for this community. 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:45.600 And I love to think 00:24:45.600 --> 00:24:48.140 that it pleases God 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:51.300 to provide his peace 00:24:51.300 --> 00:24:54.759 for all who are cleansed 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:56.100 by the blood of the cross. 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.840 It pleases him 00:24:57.840 --> 00:25:00.560 to cleanse all 00:25:00.560 --> 00:25:02.759 who come by the blood 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.280 of the cross. 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:04.780 Have you ever thought 00:25:04.780 --> 00:25:05.160 about that? 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:05.400 Like, 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:07.140 it's pleasing to God 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:09.700 to save, 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:11.920 to sanctify, 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:14.220 to glorify, 00:25:14.620 --> 00:25:16.300 to sustain, 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.620 to build, 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:18.860 to cultivate 00:25:18.860 --> 00:25:20.940 that which is glorious 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:22.720 in Christ. 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:22.819 Christ. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.259 That's what God 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.120 loves to do. 00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:28.740 And the main means 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.740 in which he has chosen 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.460 to do that 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:32.279 is through the church. 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:34.480 It's through you guys. 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:36.880 It's through your lives. 00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:37.120 Yes, 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:37.980 you gather here 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.019 to worship on Sundays, 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:40.559 and we love that. 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:42.200 We elevate that. 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.279 That is a necessity 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:44.279 in your lives. 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:47.000 But what do we do 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:47.660 with the other 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:49.279 six days 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:52.299 or however many hours? 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:54.980 How is it, 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.559 church, 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.700 that we plan 00:25:57.700 --> 00:25:59.019 to display 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.619 the all things 00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:03.279 are Christ 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:05.700 in this community? 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:07.779 how will you 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.319 love them? 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.519 How will you 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.519 point them 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.580 to the reconciliation 00:26:12.580 --> 00:26:14.019 of the cross? 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.380 Well, 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:19.360 it's by giving them Christ. 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:22.360 It's a simple concept. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.720 When you have a conversation 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:25.299 with someone, 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.779 give them Christ. 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:29.019 You pray for them 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:29.860 in the name of Christ. 00:26:30.700 --> 00:26:31.539 You invite them 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.059 into your home. 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.019 You invite them out 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.480 to lunch. 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.580 You spend time 00:26:34.580 --> 00:26:35.000 with them. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:36.660 You live with them 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:39.140 for the glory 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:40.079 of God in Christ. 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:42.539 And as you're 00:26:42.539 --> 00:26:43.220 discipling them, 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.220 you bring them 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:45.200 into this church. 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.319 And it's here, 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.700 members, 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.599 remember what I said. 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:50.240 You demand Christ 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.859 of your elders. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.740 And elders, 00:26:52.859 --> 00:26:53.259 what do you do? 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:54.319 You give them Christ. 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.299 And it's this 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.119 beautiful cycle. 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.079 It's quite simple, 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:58.440 really. 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.319 You know, 00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:01.359 I've heard it said 00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:02.000 that the gospel 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.400 is simply complex. 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:05.420 I think that's true. 00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:09.980 So as we think about 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:11.920 this passage here, 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:14.280 for in him 00:27:14.280 --> 00:27:14.820 all the fullness 00:27:14.820 --> 00:27:15.280 of God 00:27:15.280 --> 00:27:16.160 was pleased to dwell. 00:27:17.060 --> 00:27:18.120 And through him 00:27:18.120 --> 00:27:19.860 to reconcile 00:27:19.860 --> 00:27:20.780 to himself 00:27:20.780 --> 00:27:22.420 all things. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.500 You see, church, 00:27:24.560 --> 00:27:25.300 there's a day coming 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:28.159 when all things 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:28.799 will be made right. 00:27:29.919 --> 00:27:31.259 And Christ will return, 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:32.379 new heaven 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:33.940 and new earth, 00:27:34.379 --> 00:27:35.839 and all things 00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:36.960 will be reconciled. 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.680 Every knee will bow, 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.639 every tongue will confess 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.440 that Jesus Christ 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:40.899 is Lord. 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:43.240 all that sin 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:43.900 has tainted 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:44.660 and darkened 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.440 in your lives 00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:45.920 and the lives 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:46.560 of my family 00:27:46.560 --> 00:27:47.259 and your families 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:47.880 and throughout 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.500 human history 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.519 will all be made right. 00:27:49.580 --> 00:27:50.920 It will be reconciled. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.920 Through Christ 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:57.480 will be reconciled 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.800 to God 00:27:58.800 --> 00:28:01.080 whether on earth 00:28:01.080 --> 00:28:01.980 or in heaven. 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:03.320 Now that's a fantastic 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:04.200 thing to think about. 00:28:04.300 --> 00:28:05.000 There's not a 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:06.600 cosmic power 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:08.940 that will not be reconciled. 00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:09.500 God 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:10.700 making peace 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.480 by the blood 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.980 of his cross. 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.600 All things. 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:17.799 All things. 00:28:19.039 --> 00:28:20.059 And so the beauty 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:20.580 of tonight, 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.360 in my opinion, 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:23.279 is that we get 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.380 to play a small part 00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:26.019 in the all things 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.059 work of God. 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.400 You see, 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.380 it's a complete work 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:31.600 but it's a not yet work. 00:28:32.820 --> 00:28:33.860 It's kind of like 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:34.720 I was preaching 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.279 this morning 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.299 in Galatians 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.480 and this idea 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.480 that our flesh 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:39.299 has been crucified. 00:28:40.559 --> 00:28:40.940 Well, 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:42.180 our flesh 00:28:42.180 --> 00:28:42.940 has been crucified 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.019 with Christ 00:28:44.019 --> 00:28:44.720 on the cross 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:46.440 but it's also 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:47.259 being crucified 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.819 daily 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.539 as I reject sin. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:52.019 It's a verb form 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:52.900 that we don't really 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:54.160 have a good explanation 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:54.860 for in English. 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:57.400 It's happened 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:58.460 and it's continually 00:28:58.460 --> 00:28:58.980 happening. 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.920 It's the same thing here. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:02.819 All things 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:05.660 have been reconciled 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:07.360 in your life 00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:08.160 and in my life 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:10.720 but all things 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.940 are being reconciled 00:29:11.940 --> 00:29:12.960 as we show 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:13.980 and as we display 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:15.259 and as we share Christ 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:17.100 with his community. 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.680 We get to play a part 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.160 in that 00:29:19.160 --> 00:29:20.980 and then one day 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:23.220 fully and finally 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:24.580 it will all be complete 00:29:24.580 --> 00:29:26.420 because of the finished 00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:27.100 work of Christ. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.279 So elders, 00:29:30.279 --> 00:29:31.340 preach Christ. 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:33.419 elders, 00:29:33.419 --> 00:29:35.240 rest in Christ. 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:37.240 Share 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.159 the peace 00:29:38.159 --> 00:29:39.359 of Christ. 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:42.259 Faith comes by hearing 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.899 and hearing 00:29:43.899 --> 00:29:45.559 by the word 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:46.500 of Christ. 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:48.099 Give them Christ. 00:29:49.379 --> 00:29:49.819 Members, 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:52.679 delight in Christ. 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.720 Abide 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.679 in Christ. 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:58.679 Share 00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.500 the love 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.840 of Christ. 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.220 Jesus said, 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.880 I am the vine. 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:06.080 You are the branches. 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.180 Whoever abides 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:08.640 in me 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:09.740 and I in him, 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:10.740 he it is 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.380 that bears 00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:13.019 much fruit. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:14.980 For apart 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:15.580 from me 00:30:15.580 --> 00:30:17.720 you can do 00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:18.340 nothing. 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.100 Paul said, 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:22.820 for in him 00:30:22.820 --> 00:30:24.480 was the fullness 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:26.019 of the Godhead bodily 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.700 and you 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:28.400 have been made 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:28.980 complete 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.680 in him. 00:30:30.400 --> 00:30:31.079 This church, 00:30:31.319 --> 00:30:32.680 it's complete. 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.680 Not because of 00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:35.180 what's happening 00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:35.660 tonight, 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:37.099 but because of 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:37.500 Christ. 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:40.119 Let us keep 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:40.660 our eyes 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:42.859 upon Christ. 00:30:43.639 --> 00:30:44.139 Would you pray 00:30:44.139 --> 00:30:44.519 with me? 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:46.599 God, 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:47.139 I thank you 00:30:47.139 --> 00:30:50.200 that in him 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.099 is the fullness 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:53.799 of the Trinitarian 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.279 God, 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.440 Father, 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:55.859 Son, 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:56.419 and Spirit. 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:58.159 I pray 00:30:58.159 --> 00:30:58.879 tonight for 00:30:58.879 --> 00:30:59.579 this church, 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:01.720 for Siwi 00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:02.899 Baptist Church, 00:31:02.960 --> 00:31:03.319 O God, 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.099 that she 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:06.680 would be 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:08.220 a beautiful 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:08.639 bride, 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:11.039 that she 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:11.839 would display 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:14.579 a glorious 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.259 goodness 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:16.480 that this 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:16.819 community 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.480 has not yet 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:17.919 seen 00:31:17.919 --> 00:31:19.440 of the person 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:19.819 and work 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.599 of Jesus Christ, 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:22.379 that this 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:22.819 church would 00:31:22.819 --> 00:31:23.419 display the 00:31:23.419 --> 00:31:24.539 all thingsness 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:26.519 of Jesus, 00:31:27.439 --> 00:31:28.879 that he 00:31:28.879 --> 00:31:29.139 is the 00:31:29.139 --> 00:31:29.460 beginning, 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:31.539 that he 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:31.899 is the 00:31:31.899 --> 00:31:32.460 sustainer, 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:33.240 that he 00:31:33.240 --> 00:31:34.119 is preeminent, 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:36.279 that he 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:36.539 is the 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.319 reconciler. 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:38.799 And so, 00:31:38.879 --> 00:31:39.019 God, 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.480 start with 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:39.919 us. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.519 May our 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:41.980 hearts be 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:42.279 pure, 00:31:42.399 --> 00:31:42.700 may our 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.159 hearts be 00:31:43.159 --> 00:31:43.740 set upon 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:46.079 the beauty 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:46.639 of Christ. 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.460 And then, 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:48.659 God, 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.220 I pray 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:51.379 that you 00:31:51.379 --> 00:31:51.759 would begin 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.159 a great 00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:52.700 awakening 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:53.660 in this 00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:54.060 community. 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:55.920 God, 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:56.320 those who 00:31:56.320 --> 00:31:56.779 are far 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:57.220 from you 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:57.700 but close 00:31:57.700 --> 00:31:58.300 to us, 00:31:59.560 --> 00:31:59.900 would you 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.400 draw them 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:00.800 to your 00:32:00.800 --> 00:32:01.400 son by 00:32:01.400 --> 00:32:02.080 your spirit 00:32:02.080 --> 00:32:03.080 and by 00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:03.580 your word. 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:04.980 And may 00:32:04.980 --> 00:32:05.540 you use 00:32:05.540 --> 00:32:05.960 the members 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:06.360 of this 00:32:06.360 --> 00:32:06.900 church and 00:32:06.900 --> 00:32:07.580 this church 00:32:07.580 --> 00:32:08.380 proper in 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:09.019 this community 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:11.279 that your 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.259 glory might 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:13.000 rain down, 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.420 that your 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.040 goodness 00:32:15.040 --> 00:32:16.100 might be on 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:17.920 display in 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:18.560 this community 00:32:18.560 --> 00:32:19.640 as it is in 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:19.860 heaven. 00:32:19.859 --> 00:32:21.159 it's in 00:32:21.159 --> 00:32:21.559 Christ's name 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:21.799 that I 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:22.000 pray. 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:23.479 Amen. 00:32:23.479 --> 00:32:23.599 Amen.