WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.960 Today's topic is the power of invitation and we all love an invitation. 00:00:07.740 --> 00:00:14.300 It tells us that there's something great going to happen and invitations come for a variety 00:00:14.300 --> 00:00:14.980 of reasons. 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:23.280 Only just two weeks ago I received, this is not normal I have to say, two birthday invitations, 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:31.300 a 50th, a 60th, two wedding invitations, a baptism invitation and an invitation to my 00:00:31.300 --> 00:00:32.020 own birthday. 00:00:32.560 --> 00:00:35.079 So all within one week. 00:00:35.900 --> 00:00:46.320 But today we're going to talk about a particular invitation and this particular invitation is 00:00:46.320 --> 00:00:49.520 one that has power attached to it. 00:00:49.520 --> 00:00:58.540 But before we do that we need to review what happens when we accept the invitation to come 00:00:58.540 --> 00:01:01.700 to Jesus when we first came to know him. 00:01:02.660 --> 00:01:07.920 Now we know and we've been doing this through Romans, we know that the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:01:07.920 --> 00:01:15.420 has the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes and we accept that the gospel 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:23.340 we commit, sorry, for everyone who believes and when we accept that gospel we are committing 00:01:23.340 --> 00:01:24.980 to three things. 00:01:25.180 --> 00:01:32.040 I'm not sure that you actually notice that we commit to these things but first and foremost 00:01:32.040 --> 00:01:34.740 we all know that we're committing to Jesus Christ. 00:01:35.340 --> 00:01:42.420 It is Jesus who has come into the world to live the perfect life, to die the perfect death 00:01:42.420 --> 00:01:50.740 death on our behalf and who has risen from death to life to proclaim his power over sin and death. 00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:53.159 We know that when we see the gospel. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:02:01.540 But the second commitment is to the church, to the universal church and to our local church. 00:02:02.099 --> 00:02:06.780 We're committed to the body of Christ when we come to the gospel. 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:14.180 We participate together in worship, in serving each other, in loving each other. 00:02:14.960 --> 00:02:24.000 It's why our mission statement here at St Paul's is to know Jesus, to treasure Jesus and to represent 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:27.900 Jesus for God's glory and the joy of all people. 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:37.060 But the third commitment is that when we come to the gospel is to the cause of Jesus. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:41.400 It's to Jesus and his mission is what we come to. 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:51.740 If we are not committed to what Jesus is committed to, then it's going to question that first and 00:02:51.740 --> 00:02:52.759 second commitment. 00:02:52.759 --> 00:03:03.299 You cannot truly be committed to Jesus and his saving power for us personally and truly committed 00:03:03.299 --> 00:03:12.819 to the church locally and universally if in fact you are not committed to the cause and 00:03:12.819 --> 00:03:14.199 the mission of Jesus. 00:03:15.299 --> 00:03:21.959 You can, on the other hand, be committed to church and to serving and doing lots of things 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:31.360 within a church and to a mission and not be committed to the cause of Jesus, to his mission. 00:03:32.680 --> 00:03:36.659 And if that was the case, then we have a serious problem. 00:03:38.140 --> 00:03:40.040 So we need all three commitments. 00:03:41.219 --> 00:03:43.800 Now, what is the cause of Jesus? 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:50.080 Well, 1 John 3.8, and I will be jumping from verse to verse all over the place. 00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:55.000 So if you're a person who wants to reflect on what has been said, you might want to just 00:03:55.000 --> 00:04:01.300 jot those verses down or flick quickly in your Bible. 00:04:02.060 --> 00:04:11.060 But in 1 John 3.8, it tells us the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's 00:04:11.060 --> 00:04:11.480 work. 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:15.859 And 2 Corinthians 5.18 says, 00:04:15.859 --> 00:04:34.819 That is, Jesus' ministry is to destroy the devil's work. 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:40.860 And the Father says that we too have that ministry. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:50.120 Not only do we have the ministry, but we are given the message as well in verse 19, where 00:04:50.120 --> 00:04:50.579 it says, 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:55.759 And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:05:07.819 So, every one of us here who is a child of God's, who has Jesus as their saviour, has a job title. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:11.199 That is, we are all ministers. 00:05:12.539 --> 00:05:16.639 And not only do we have a job title, but we have a job description. 00:05:17.579 --> 00:05:20.800 And that is the ministry of reconciliation. 00:05:22.219 --> 00:05:23.860 So how do we do that? 00:05:23.860 --> 00:05:28.160 Well, we follow the example that scripture gives us. 00:05:28.960 --> 00:05:32.439 And of course, we follow God's example. 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:35.879 So God says to come. 00:05:36.680 --> 00:05:37.580 We read this. 00:05:38.080 --> 00:05:39.819 Come all you who are thirsty. 00:05:40.060 --> 00:05:41.120 Come to the waters. 00:05:41.580 --> 00:05:45.180 And you who have no money, come buy and eat. 00:05:45.400 --> 00:05:49.180 Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 00:05:49.180 --> 00:05:54.240 Why spend money on what is not bread and your labour on what does not satisfy? 00:05:54.600 --> 00:06:01.519 Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:08.660 The only thing that will satisfy is if you come. 00:06:09.399 --> 00:06:14.899 You cannot buy it and you cannot earn it, these verses tell us. 00:06:14.899 --> 00:06:17.759 Matthew 11, 28 says, 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:24.939 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 00:06:25.659 --> 00:06:27.219 So Jesus says come. 00:06:27.719 --> 00:06:28.819 God says come. 00:06:29.399 --> 00:06:30.519 Jesus says come. 00:06:31.399 --> 00:06:32.719 John 14, 6. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:35.739 Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth and the life. 00:06:36.339 --> 00:06:40.299 No one comes to the Father except through me. 00:06:40.300 --> 00:06:43.180 So Jesus is the way. 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:50.160 And if we go to the very end of the Bible in Revelation 22, 17, we read, 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:55.520 The Spirit and the Bride say come. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:07:00.120 And let him who hears say come. 00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:03.500 Whoever is thirsty, let him come. 00:07:03.500 --> 00:07:10.500 And whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:15.980 The Spirit and the Bride say come. 00:07:16.660 --> 00:07:18.079 Who is the Bride? 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:20.120 It's you and me. 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:22.139 It's the Church. 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:26.819 The Universal Church says come. 00:07:26.819 --> 00:07:32.279 It's the heart of the Trinity to call people. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:41.259 And we have the pleasure and the privilege to be part of the work that the Trinity is doing. 00:07:42.719 --> 00:07:46.139 Don't you find that absolutely amazing? 00:07:46.699 --> 00:07:50.060 That the Trinity is actually saying, 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:51.680 Come on, church. 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:55.519 You are part of the same work that we're doing here. 00:07:55.519 --> 00:07:59.620 We want you to be part of this same ministry. 00:08:01.599 --> 00:08:06.039 And did you notice the flow on effect in this verse? 00:08:06.719 --> 00:08:11.759 The one who hears is also to say come. 00:08:12.659 --> 00:08:18.259 That is for every person who responds to the call to come 00:08:18.259 --> 00:08:24.599 is also then to give that same call to others to come. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:26.539 It's a mandate. 00:08:26.539 --> 00:08:29.779 It's something that we have to be part of. 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:32.419 If we have accepted the call to come, 00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:34.039 we then must, 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:36.899 not if you wish 00:08:36.899 --> 00:08:40.319 or if you feel like it, 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:45.220 but we must be giving that same invitation to others. 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:49.620 Why did Jesus call us to himself? 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:52.300 Well, you most probably know this, 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:56.540 because God the Father knows that we have a serious problem 00:08:56.540 --> 00:09:00.560 and he also knows how to fix that problem because we could not. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:06.720 Many of us have problems that we're not even aware of. 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:10.740 And then some of us have problems that we know about, 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:12.620 but we know that we cannot fix. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:18.040 A really simple problem often can happen with my computer. 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:22.919 I know very clearly when I have a problem with my computer. 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:26.819 I also know I have no idea how to fix it. 00:09:27.199 --> 00:09:30.519 And so I have to take it to the geniuses, 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:33.319 the genius bar down at the Mac shop, 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:35.219 and they fix it for me. 00:09:36.079 --> 00:09:40.779 Because I know I'm totally inept when it comes to that. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:46.759 But you see, we have a much larger problem than my computer. 00:09:49.319 --> 00:09:54.860 We know that we cannot fix the problem of our sin 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:56.980 by our own efforts. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:00.399 Only God has the answer through Jesus. 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:03.480 So there's an invitation to come, 00:10:03.939 --> 00:10:07.679 and we have the ministry of giving that invitation 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:12.179 if we are committed to the cause of Jesus. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:15.659 But I believe that there's actually power 00:10:15.659 --> 00:10:18.179 in this particular invitation. 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:22.419 There's power in this one, 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:27.019 not so much in the invitation to my birthday lunch 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:30.099 or to the weddings or anything of that nature, 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:32.399 even though they're really lovely invitations. 00:10:32.819 --> 00:10:36.139 But this one, there is power attached to it. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:38.259 Why would I say that there's power? 00:10:38.919 --> 00:10:41.819 Well, if you look at John 6, 44, 00:10:42.960 --> 00:10:43.819 it says, 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:46.019 No one can come to me 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:49.319 unless the Father who sent me draws him, 00:10:49.819 --> 00:10:52.340 and I will raise him up on the last day. 00:10:53.100 --> 00:10:55.220 John 16, 8 says, 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:57.399 Speaking of the Holy Spirit, 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.460 Jesus says, 00:10:58.460 --> 00:10:59.920 When he comes, 00:10:59.920 --> 00:11:02.480 He will convict the world of guilt 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:06.480 in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:11:07.340 --> 00:11:11.720 We see again that the Trinity is involved. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:14.759 The Father, by the Spirit, 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:17.400 draws a person to Jesus. 00:11:18.280 --> 00:11:21.480 So we are joining with God 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:24.759 as co-laborers to say, 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:25.419 Come. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:29.299 And there's a power linked to any invitation 00:11:29.299 --> 00:11:32.220 when you are working with God. 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:34.519 It's the power of God. 00:11:34.639 --> 00:11:37.000 The one who created the world 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:40.840 adds his power to these invitations. 00:11:42.439 --> 00:11:44.500 But there's also a power 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:47.840 that stops that from happening. 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:52.580 There is an enemy to a person's soul. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:56.019 Satan is prowling around 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:57.860 like a roaring lion 00:11:57.860 --> 00:12:00.040 ready to kill and destroy, 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:01.080 Scripture tells us. 00:12:02.200 --> 00:12:03.920 In the parable of the banquet 00:12:03.920 --> 00:12:06.680 that we had read in Luke 14, 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:09.600 we saw that there's an escalation 00:12:09.600 --> 00:12:11.700 of the invitation that went out 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:12.820 to attend that banquet. 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:16.220 There was every excuse given 00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:18.840 to stop those who were invited attending. 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:21.279 Some were distracted 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:23.360 by their real estate purchases, 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:25.480 others by their work, 00:12:26.279 --> 00:12:27.779 others by their relationships. 00:12:29.180 --> 00:12:30.740 And so the invitation went 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:33.080 to other people 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:35.420 who were ready to hear 00:12:35.420 --> 00:12:36.860 and accept 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:40.139 that very special invitation 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:40.820 to a banquet. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.540 And you would have noticed 00:12:42.540 --> 00:12:43.700 there's an urgency. 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:45.020 near the end, 00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:45.700 it's, you know, 00:12:45.800 --> 00:12:46.540 a compelling, 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:48.460 go out and compel people 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:49.600 to actually come. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:52.560 So what are we to do? 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.120 We're the children of God 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:56.400 led by the Spirit of God. 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:59.360 And so we are not to have 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:01.840 a scattergun approach 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:03.700 to sending out invitations. 00:13:04.259 --> 00:13:05.080 That is, 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:07.780 we're not called 00:13:07.780 --> 00:13:09.259 to just go and put 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:10.460 some flyers 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:12.080 maybe down in the mall 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:12.900 and hope that, 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.520 for an invitation 00:13:14.520 --> 00:13:15.580 and hope that one day 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.940 somebody's going to pick it up 00:13:16.940 --> 00:13:19.639 and come and be here at church 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.800 and see Jesus. 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:23.420 That might happen. 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:24.940 But that's not what 00:13:24.940 --> 00:13:26.240 we're being called to do. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:26.840 No, 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.780 we are relational people 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:32.120 and our invitations 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:36.000 are to be about relationships. 00:13:37.160 --> 00:13:38.120 Let me give you 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:39.780 three really quick tips. 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:43.139 Pray and ask God 00:13:43.139 --> 00:13:44.799 who he would like you 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:45.500 to invite 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:47.179 to either church 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:49.659 or to your community group 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:51.079 social event 00:13:51.079 --> 00:13:52.679 or maybe 00:13:52.679 --> 00:13:54.480 to your own home 00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:55.259 to a barbecue 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.559 where you have invited 00:13:56.559 --> 00:13:57.980 some other Christian friends 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:59.419 just so that 00:13:59.419 --> 00:14:00.699 you can get to know 00:14:00.699 --> 00:14:01.559 other people 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:02.459 and your friends 00:14:02.459 --> 00:14:03.299 can get to know 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.759 your Christian friends. 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:09.340 The Holy Spirit 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:09.819 is about 00:14:09.819 --> 00:14:10.860 the Father's work. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:12.840 Drawing people 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:13.980 to the Father 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:15.879 so why not 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:17.080 partner 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.879 with the Father 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:20.039 in the work 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:20.439 that God 00:14:20.439 --> 00:14:21.480 is already doing? 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:23.519 Open up 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:25.039 your spiritual eyes 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:26.759 and be aware 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.700 of when God 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:28.840 is leading you. 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:30.759 So ask God 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:31.679 who are you working 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.200 with at this moment 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:33.640 in time? 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.879 Who are you drawing 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.920 to yourself 00:14:35.920 --> 00:14:37.560 and let me 00:14:37.560 --> 00:14:38.200 invite them 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:38.759 to something. 00:14:39.140 --> 00:14:40.180 That's the partnership 00:14:40.180 --> 00:14:41.140 that I'm talking about. 00:14:41.660 --> 00:14:42.700 Pray for the person 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:43.460 or the persons 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:44.440 that God has laid 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:45.259 on your heart. 00:14:46.440 --> 00:14:48.100 We're in a spiritual battle 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.700 and we need 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:51.300 to take that role 00:14:51.300 --> 00:14:53.480 very seriously. 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.020 Give an invitation 00:14:56.020 --> 00:14:57.000 and when you've given 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:57.820 the invitation 00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:58.900 then follow up 00:14:58.900 --> 00:14:59.900 on the invitation 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:01.519 a few days 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:02.360 before whatever 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:03.620 the event might be. 00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:05.199 Opposition 00:15:05.199 --> 00:15:06.199 as we've seen 00:15:06.199 --> 00:15:07.240 in the parable 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:07.919 for the banquet 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:09.100 opposition 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.459 will come 00:15:10.459 --> 00:15:10.980 in the form 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:11.799 of distractions 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:13.179 just like 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:13.799 that banquet. 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:15.759 So be on your guard 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:17.079 be in prayer 00:15:17.079 --> 00:15:18.480 and follow up 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.579 in love. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.399 Now let me 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:22.500 quickly remind us 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:23.199 that church 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:23.740 is not 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:25.000 an exclusive club. 00:15:26.079 --> 00:15:26.500 We are 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.620 always 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.919 to be on the ready 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:29.720 for change 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.860 and for growth. 00:15:32.560 --> 00:15:33.200 We are 00:15:33.200 --> 00:15:34.279 always 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:35.600 to have 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:36.639 a heart 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:38.179 to reach out 00:15:38.179 --> 00:15:38.840 to others 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:40.220 as mentioned 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:41.720 right at the beginning. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.159 To be committed 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.159 to the cause 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.279 of Jesus' 00:15:45.560 --> 00:15:45.980 ministry. 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.519 And it is 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:48.519 our heart 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:50.019 that will test 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:50.860 the validity 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:52.240 of your commitment 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:54.139 to the person 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:55.120 of Jesus 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:56.600 by the commitment 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:58.220 to his cause. 00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.340 Let me say 00:15:59.340 --> 00:15:59.960 that again. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:01.419 It is 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:02.460 your heart 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.519 that will 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.580 test the validity 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.919 of your commitment 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.860 to Jesus 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:08.500 by your commitment 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:10.120 to his cause. 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:12.259 So 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.560 who do we invite? 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:14.460 Let me 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.240 actually tell you 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:15.980 really quickly 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:16.779 there are four 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:18.259 groups of people 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:19.440 that are 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:20.840 in your circle 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:21.820 of influence 00:16:21.820 --> 00:16:23.260 without even 00:16:23.260 --> 00:16:24.379 working hard 00:16:24.379 --> 00:16:25.040 to go and 00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:25.560 meet people. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:26.740 Okay, 00:16:26.900 --> 00:16:27.500 the first one 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.500 is your family. 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:29.600 John 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:30.900 1, 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:32.500 35 to 42. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.420 John the Baptist 00:16:33.420 --> 00:16:34.300 is with two 00:16:34.300 --> 00:16:35.240 of his disciples 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.680 and 00:16:36.680 --> 00:16:37.920 he sees 00:16:37.920 --> 00:16:38.379 Jesus 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.360 and he points 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.280 the two disciples 00:16:40.280 --> 00:16:41.040 to Jesus. 00:16:41.700 --> 00:16:42.780 In verse 40 00:16:42.780 --> 00:16:43.840 it reads, 00:16:44.280 --> 00:16:44.700 Andrew, 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:46.360 Simon Peter's 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:46.700 brother, 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.020 was one of the two 00:16:48.020 --> 00:16:48.620 who heard 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.680 what John had said 00:16:49.680 --> 00:16:50.580 and who had 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.560 followed Jesus. 00:16:52.520 --> 00:16:53.540 The first thing 00:16:53.540 --> 00:16:54.340 Andrew did 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:55.240 was to find 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:55.760 his brother 00:16:55.760 --> 00:16:56.300 Simon 00:16:56.300 --> 00:16:57.520 and tell him 00:16:57.520 --> 00:16:59.080 we have found 00:16:59.080 --> 00:16:59.860 the Messiah, 00:17:00.400 --> 00:17:01.220 the Christ 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:03.080 and he brought 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.160 him to Jesus. 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:05.600 And then 00:17:05.600 --> 00:17:06.180 as we know 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.779 the story 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.200 there's a 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.720 transformation 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:09.140 occurs in 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:09.799 Simon, 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.000 Jesus gives him 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.840 a new name 00:17:11.840 --> 00:17:13.320 and that 00:17:13.320 --> 00:17:14.259 becomes Peter 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.740 and then Peter 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.360 has this 00:17:16.360 --> 00:17:17.480 amazing ministry 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:19.000 but his brother 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:19.779 was the one 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.400 who introduced 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.460 him to Jesus. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:23.599 You see, 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.339 it seems 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:25.019 that it's 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:25.599 a fruit 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:26.720 of a disciple 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:28.359 is to have 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.279 a passion 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:31.119 and a heart 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:32.200 to bring people 00:17:32.200 --> 00:17:32.879 to Jesus. 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.659 Don't allow 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.779 your heart 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.559 to go 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:38.460 cold. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:40.399 Irrespective 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:41.480 of your age, 00:17:42.179 --> 00:17:42.879 irrespective 00:17:42.879 --> 00:17:43.599 of how much 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.079 ministry 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:45.019 you may have 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.879 already have 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:46.339 done, 00:17:46.339 --> 00:17:48.859 ask yourself 00:17:48.859 --> 00:17:50.359 who have 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:51.039 I 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:52.119 introduced 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:53.679 to Jesus 00:17:53.679 --> 00:17:54.559 of late? 00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:56.579 Be it 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.240 even in a 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.139 small way, 00:17:58.959 --> 00:17:59.759 ask yourself 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.699 who am I 00:18:00.699 --> 00:18:01.759 praying for 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.359 at this 00:18:02.359 --> 00:18:02.740 moment 00:18:02.740 --> 00:18:03.359 that I 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:04.119 can say 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:05.179 come and 00:18:05.179 --> 00:18:05.480 see? 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.699 So the 00:18:07.699 --> 00:18:08.159 first group 00:18:08.159 --> 00:18:08.480 is your 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:08.819 family, 00:18:08.939 --> 00:18:09.379 the second 00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:10.079 group are 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:10.939 your friends. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.439 Following on 00:18:12.440 --> 00:18:13.100 in John 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:14.080 chapter 1, 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:16.279 we see 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:17.259 in 43 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:18.200 to 46, 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.759 Jesus invites 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.220 Philip to 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:21.820 join him 00:18:21.820 --> 00:18:22.279 and Philip 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:23.120 then invites 00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:23.600 his friend 00:18:23.600 --> 00:18:24.279 Nathaniel. 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.660 Nathaniel 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:27.039 then goes 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.840 into this 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:29.080 little discussion 00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:30.320 and questions, 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.240 is there anything 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:31.960 good that can 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:32.500 come out of 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:32.860 Galilee? 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:34.380 Because Jesus 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:35.019 has come out 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.720 of Galilee and 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.340 so he's sort 00:18:36.340 --> 00:18:37.039 of asking 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.680 questions. 00:18:37.820 --> 00:18:38.660 Surely we can't 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.380 trust this guy, 00:18:39.380 --> 00:18:40.000 he's coming 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.820 out of Galilee. 00:18:41.840 --> 00:18:42.500 And what is 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.240 Philip's answer? 00:18:43.420 --> 00:18:43.980 It's not a 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:45.180 great apologetic 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:45.800 discussion. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.900 What he says 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:49.100 is come 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:49.600 and see. 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:51.420 See, 00:18:51.580 --> 00:18:52.240 we actually 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.300 don't need 00:18:53.300 --> 00:18:53.980 all the 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.720 answers that 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.280 our friends 00:18:55.280 --> 00:18:56.080 might give 00:18:56.080 --> 00:18:56.540 us. 00:18:58.520 --> 00:18:59.480 Jesus can 00:18:59.480 --> 00:18:59.980 stand for 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:00.440 himself. 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:01.760 We just 00:19:01.760 --> 00:19:02.400 need to 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:02.840 give the 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:03.460 invitation. 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.180 But there 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:05.800 will always 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:06.500 be a cost 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.080 involved. 00:19:07.840 --> 00:19:08.600 It may be 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.160 your time, 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:09.620 it might 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:10.300 be your 00:19:10.300 --> 00:19:10.580 money, 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:11.019 it might 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.460 be your 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:11.900 energy. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.440 And we 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:14.040 may need 00:19:14.040 --> 00:19:14.540 to lay 00:19:14.540 --> 00:19:15.440 aside 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:17.259 our own 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:17.900 plans 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:19.800 when we 00:19:19.800 --> 00:19:20.580 are about 00:19:20.580 --> 00:19:21.220 the father's 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:21.680 business. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.720 So there's 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:24.240 your family, 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:24.720 there's your 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:25.080 friends, 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:25.660 there's your 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.120 neighbours. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:27.920 John 4, 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:29.759 28-30, 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.440 it's the 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:30.980 story of 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:31.300 the woman 00:19:31.300 --> 00:19:31.660 at the 00:19:31.660 --> 00:19:31.900 well. 00:19:32.100 --> 00:19:32.460 And you 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:32.960 all know 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:33.660 this story 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:34.040 well. 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:35.660 This woman 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:36.279 is someone 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:36.759 who is 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.440 already 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.620 rejected by 00:19:38.619 --> 00:19:39.479 her community. 00:19:40.179 --> 00:19:40.719 She's 00:19:40.719 --> 00:19:41.719 ostracised 00:19:41.719 --> 00:19:42.599 and that 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:42.939 is why 00:19:42.939 --> 00:19:43.619 she's out 00:19:43.619 --> 00:19:43.919 in the 00:19:43.919 --> 00:19:44.279 middle of 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:44.739 the day 00:19:44.739 --> 00:19:45.459 gathering 00:19:45.459 --> 00:19:46.479 water at 00:19:46.479 --> 00:19:47.219 the hottest 00:19:47.219 --> 00:19:48.079 part of 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:48.500 the day. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.659 But she's 00:19:50.659 --> 00:19:51.879 touched by 00:19:51.879 --> 00:19:52.819 God when 00:19:52.819 --> 00:19:53.299 she meets 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:53.759 Jesus. 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.579 And even 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:56.439 though she 00:19:56.439 --> 00:19:57.039 is an 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:58.599 outcast in 00:19:58.599 --> 00:19:59.399 her community, 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:01.319 she didn't 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:01.959 let that 00:20:01.959 --> 00:20:02.919 stop her 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:03.839 from the 00:20:03.839 --> 00:20:04.619 possibility 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.939 of being 00:20:05.939 --> 00:20:06.539 shunned 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.739 again when 00:20:07.739 --> 00:20:08.279 she goes 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:08.739 back to 00:20:08.739 --> 00:20:09.299 the community 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:09.759 with a 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.159 message. 00:20:10.679 --> 00:20:11.759 She ran 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.519 and told 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.259 the community 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.419 that they 00:20:14.419 --> 00:20:15.919 must see 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:17.199 the man 00:20:17.199 --> 00:20:18.079 who could 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:18.639 be the 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:19.179 Christ. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:19.979 She's not 00:20:19.979 --> 00:20:20.739 even certain 00:20:20.739 --> 00:20:21.199 at this 00:20:21.199 --> 00:20:21.719 moment in 00:20:21.719 --> 00:20:22.079 time. 00:20:22.959 --> 00:20:23.399 She's been 00:20:23.399 --> 00:20:24.199 ostracised 00:20:24.199 --> 00:20:24.639 by her 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:25.159 community 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:26.159 and yet 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:27.099 she still 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:27.500 has an 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:27.939 important 00:20:27.939 --> 00:20:28.439 message 00:20:28.439 --> 00:20:29.119 that she 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:29.659 wants her 00:20:29.659 --> 00:20:30.099 community 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:30.559 to know 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:30.859 about. 00:20:31.739 --> 00:20:32.359 How did 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:33.219 they respond 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.059 to the 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:34.460 person 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:34.960 that they 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.579 had cast 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:35.980 out? 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.100 They 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:37.759 responded 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:38.620 by going 00:20:38.620 --> 00:20:39.640 and seeing 00:20:39.640 --> 00:20:40.160 Jesus. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:41.640 Friends, 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.759 this story 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.480 I think 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.460 is remarkable. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.519 It's not 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.299 just remarkable 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:46.819 from the 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.220 woman's 00:20:47.220 --> 00:20:47.660 perspective 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.120 but it's 00:20:48.120 --> 00:20:48.620 remarkable 00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:49.400 from the 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.860 community's 00:20:50.860 --> 00:20:51.720 perspective 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.940 in responding 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:53.559 to her. 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:54.539 This is 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:54.940 the woman 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:55.380 who they 00:20:55.380 --> 00:20:55.880 thought 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.339 was a 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:56.799 nobody 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:57.920 and yet 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.579 she comes 00:20:58.579 --> 00:20:59.100 with this 00:20:59.100 --> 00:20:59.579 message 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:00.180 come 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:01.500 I think 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:01.720 I've 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:02.259 actually met 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:02.880 the Christ 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:03.400 come and 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:03.820 see for 00:21:03.820 --> 00:21:04.320 yourselves. 00:21:05.780 --> 00:21:06.380 You see 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:07.680 if we 00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:08.320 bring people 00:21:08.320 --> 00:21:09.440 to meet 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:09.940 Jesus 00:21:09.940 --> 00:21:11.280 it's 00:21:11.280 --> 00:21:11.760 Jesus 00:21:11.760 --> 00:21:12.700 who does 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.460 the rest. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:14.600 It actually 00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.960 is very 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.700 freeing 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.120 in so 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:17.920 many ways. 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:19.300 And the 00:21:19.300 --> 00:21:19.780 fourth group 00:21:19.780 --> 00:21:20.320 is our 00:21:20.320 --> 00:21:21.140 work colleagues. 00:21:21.760 --> 00:21:22.340 Luke 5 00:21:22.340 --> 00:21:23.000 27 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.640 to 32 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.180 the passage 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:24.860 is the 00:21:24.860 --> 00:21:25.500 calling of 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:25.820 Levi 00:21:25.820 --> 00:21:26.420 the tax 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:26.800 collector. 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.480 He later 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:27.880 gets a 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.060 name 00:21:28.060 --> 00:21:28.440 Matthew. 00:21:29.280 --> 00:21:29.720 Remember 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.240 Levi 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:31.180 is rich 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.539 because 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.539 he skimmed 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.000 money 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:34.920 from the 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.279 taxes 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:35.680 for 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.259 himself 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.120 and the 00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:37.420 Jews 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:37.980 looked down 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.500 on all 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:39.259 tax collectors. 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:39.880 Levi 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.600 was a 00:21:40.600 --> 00:21:41.080 hated 00:21:41.080 --> 00:21:42.100 man. 00:21:42.820 --> 00:21:43.440 But Jesus 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.220 sees something 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.080 different in 00:21:45.080 --> 00:21:45.400 Levi 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:47.160 and Levi 00:21:47.160 --> 00:21:48.220 in turn 00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:49.620 sees 00:21:49.620 --> 00:21:50.320 Jesus 00:21:50.320 --> 00:21:51.240 for who 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.080 he is 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:52.539 as well. 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:53.860 Levi 00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:54.700 then throws 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.380 a banquet 00:21:55.380 --> 00:21:56.740 and who 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.120 does he 00:21:57.120 --> 00:21:57.680 invite to 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:58.160 the banquet? 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:59.480 his fellow 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.740 tax collectors. 00:22:01.420 --> 00:22:01.840 It's his 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:02.900 work colleagues. 00:22:03.360 --> 00:22:03.700 They're all 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.120 the people 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:04.440 that are 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:04.820 hated. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:05.660 It's 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:06.040 great. 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.680 The banquet 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:08.620 is to 00:22:08.620 --> 00:22:09.120 honour 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:11.000 Jesus 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.560 because 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:12.080 Levi 00:22:12.080 --> 00:22:13.180 has found 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:14.259 that his 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:14.980 deepest 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:15.759 needs 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.480 have been 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.000 met 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:18.000 in Jesus. 00:22:18.860 --> 00:22:19.580 He uses 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:20.700 this banquet 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:21.880 to testify 00:22:21.880 --> 00:22:22.540 to what 00:22:22.540 --> 00:22:23.259 Jesus has 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.720 done 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:25.360 and it's 00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:26.300 a non-threatening 00:22:26.300 --> 00:22:26.779 way 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.019 to invite 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.359 work 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:28.819 colleagues 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:29.440 to your 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:29.839 home 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:30.299 to have 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:30.759 a meal 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.660 and introduce 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:33.000 the person 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:34.899 who has 00:22:34.899 --> 00:22:35.420 met 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.460 his deep 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:36.960 needs. 00:22:38.099 --> 00:22:38.839 There is 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:40.119 great work 00:22:40.119 --> 00:22:41.500 going on 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.059 in this 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:42.440 banquet. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:43.059 You can 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.619 see it 00:22:43.619 --> 00:22:44.220 all happening. 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.200 God 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:47.220 has changed 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:49.039 Levi's 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:49.819 heart 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:50.899 and his 00:22:50.899 --> 00:22:51.399 heart has 00:22:51.399 --> 00:22:51.879 gone out 00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:52.319 to all 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.680 of his 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.299 friends 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:55.659 and so 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:55.899 there is 00:22:55.899 --> 00:22:56.599 great work 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:57.159 going on 00:22:57.159 --> 00:22:58.059 and yet 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:59.919 the Pharisees 00:22:59.919 --> 00:23:01.279 are still 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:02.399 complaining. 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.819 So we 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.759 must be 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.599 very 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.220 careful 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.339 that we 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:09.059 do not 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.639 hinder 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:10.960 the great 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:11.799 work of 00:23:11.799 --> 00:23:12.240 Jesus 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.559 by our 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.240 complaints 00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.159 and our 00:23:15.159 --> 00:23:15.759 criticism 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:17.200 when things 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:17.899 are not 00:23:17.899 --> 00:23:18.319 happening 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:19.039 as we 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.680 might think 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.079 that they 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:20.460 should. 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:23.180 So in 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:23.860 a nutshell 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:25.480 being 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.200 committed to 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:26.819 the gospel 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:27.819 of Jesus 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:29.079 means that 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:29.700 we are 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.259 committed 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:32.539 to 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.360 Jesus 00:23:33.360 --> 00:23:35.160 the church 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.700 and his 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.539 cause. 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:39.059 The 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:39.539 Trinity 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.880 is involved 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.559 in giving 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.420 the invitation 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.299 to come 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:44.420 and we 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.340 are commanded 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:46.819 to do 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:47.519 so as 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:47.819 well. 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:49.840 There is 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:51.279 special power 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:52.519 attached 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:53.439 when we 00:23:53.439 --> 00:23:54.539 are co-workers 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:55.919 with God. 00:23:56.959 --> 00:23:57.779 We have 00:23:57.779 --> 00:23:58.859 a circle 00:23:58.859 --> 00:24:00.500 of influence 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.879 where we 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:02.899 can give 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:04.099 an invitation 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:05.599 to come 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.379 and see. 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.240 Pray for 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:10.019 your hearts 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:10.939 to be warm 00:24:10.939 --> 00:24:11.519 friends. 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:12.859 Warm 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:13.579 to Jesus 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.899 and warm 00:24:14.899 --> 00:24:15.359 to his 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:15.779 mission 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:17.019 and in 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.899 so doing 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:18.840 we will 00:24:18.840 --> 00:24:19.200 see 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:19.840 God's 00:24:19.840 --> 00:24:20.440 kingdom 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.400 grow. 00:24:21.800 --> 00:24:22.200 Let me 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:22.500 pray. 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:23.740 Our 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.460 Father we 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:25.220 just thank 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:25.640 you that 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:26.080 you have 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:26.820 invited us 00:24:26.820 --> 00:24:27.360 to come 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:28.440 and Father 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.080 I ask 00:24:29.080 --> 00:24:29.800 right now 00:24:29.800 --> 00:24:30.960 that by 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:31.820 your spirit 00:24:31.820 --> 00:24:32.340 you will 00:24:32.340 --> 00:24:33.120 touch each 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:33.820 person here 00:24:33.820 --> 00:24:34.380 who knows 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:35.640 you with 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.320 a person 00:24:36.320 --> 00:24:37.080 to invite 00:24:37.080 --> 00:24:37.660 to just 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.280 come and 00:24:38.280 --> 00:24:38.600 see. 00:24:39.380 --> 00:24:40.100 Father might 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:40.600 you give 00:24:40.600 --> 00:24:41.500 us divine 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:42.180 appointments 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.040 this week. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:43.960 Divine 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.500 appointments 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:44.980 where we 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.460 can see 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:45.980 your hand 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.420 at work 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:46.779 and that 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.360 we give 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:47.940 a little 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.319 bit of 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:48.680 ourselves 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.860 so that 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:50.779 our friends 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:52.160 might meet 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:52.640 Jesus. 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:53.819 We thank 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.140 you in 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.799 Jesus name. 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:55.380 Amen.