WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.300 All right, welcome. Good morning, everybody. It's good to see you. 00:00:03.839 --> 00:00:08.679 And if you haven't been joining us, we've been doing a series on relationships. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:11.439 ! And what kind of relationships have we been doing? Shout it out. 00:00:12.560 --> 00:00:15.740 ! Huh? Singleness. What did you say? 00:00:15.960 --> 00:00:19.379 All of them. All of them. Okay, thank you. Well, that concludes it. 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:21.679 I think our sermon's done. I'm joking. 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:26.320 But we've done, last week we did friendship. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:31.300 And Pastor James walked us through the story of David and Jonathan. 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:34.700 How they spurred each other on towards the Lord. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:39.179 How Jonathan was like, you are the anointed. 00:00:39.579 --> 00:00:41.359 And I'm here to back you up. 00:00:41.620 --> 00:00:46.039 Do you have friends that will back you up and spur you on towards the Lord? 00:00:46.100 --> 00:00:47.240 We talked about singleness. 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:51.539 And Pastor James talked about the story of the Ethiopian eunuch. 00:00:51.740 --> 00:00:55.120 How he used his singleness to seek the Lord. 00:00:55.119 --> 00:00:57.280 He went to the temple to seek the Lord. 00:00:57.699 --> 00:00:59.140 He wasn't able to find him there. 00:00:59.399 --> 00:01:02.320 But then he met, who did he meet? 00:01:03.939 --> 00:01:05.679 Which disciple? Philip. 00:01:06.379 --> 00:01:06.679 All right? 00:01:06.780 --> 00:01:10.679 And he opened the word of the Lord to him. 00:01:10.900 --> 00:01:12.039 We talked about marriage. 00:01:12.819 --> 00:01:14.780 And 1 Corinthians 13. 00:01:15.239 --> 00:01:18.359 How love is the foundation of marriage. 00:01:18.359 --> 00:01:23.840 And as we, as the husband and the wife, get closer towards the Lord, 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:27.180 they will also get closer to one another. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:31.039 Is the marriage founded on love? 00:01:31.659 --> 00:01:32.659 And lastly, family. 00:01:33.219 --> 00:01:33.560 Right? 00:01:33.640 --> 00:01:35.640 We have our given family. 00:01:36.200 --> 00:01:38.460 The Lord has provided a family, our parents. 00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:42.019 But we also have a new family. 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:45.039 A new family that is in Christ. 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:47.420 Are the slides working today? 00:01:48.160 --> 00:01:48.760 Yeah? 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:49.940 Don't know? 00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:56.219 So today we're going to talk about the book of Colossians. 00:01:56.940 --> 00:02:02.160 And it is from the book, one of the epistles. 00:02:02.800 --> 00:02:07.420 And Paul was writing from prison to the church in Colossae. 00:02:07.660 --> 00:02:09.060 Anybody been to Colossae before? 00:02:09.980 --> 00:02:10.200 No? 00:02:10.259 --> 00:02:11.280 Anybody know where it is? 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:12.180 Modern day? 00:02:12.180 --> 00:02:15.439 It's modern day Turkey. 00:02:15.960 --> 00:02:16.120 Okay? 00:02:16.219 --> 00:02:17.000 Anybody been to Turkey? 00:02:18.020 --> 00:02:22.180 Very, very interesting historical country. 00:02:24.060 --> 00:02:27.020 Paul writes to the Corinthian church. 00:02:27.159 --> 00:02:30.200 Sorry, Colossian church about the Messiah. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:31.780 What about the Messiah? 00:02:32.120 --> 00:02:34.439 The Messiah is the firstborn of all creation. 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:35.719 He is the creator. 00:02:36.120 --> 00:02:37.280 He is the sustainer. 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:42.180 And he is not just one of the Roman gods like they worshipped back then. 00:02:42.300 --> 00:02:44.680 But he is the Lord of creation. 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:46.280 He is the God of all creation. 00:02:47.199 --> 00:02:49.479 And he's also responsible for a new creation. 00:02:50.099 --> 00:02:54.960 And this new creation is this new body in Christ. 00:02:55.139 --> 00:02:56.259 New body in Christ. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:03:02.840 Back then, in the church of Colossae, there might have been different Christians from different backgrounds. 00:03:02.840 --> 00:03:06.659 Romans that came to know Jesus. 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:10.460 They had a religious background of worshipping different Roman gods. 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:11.900 There could have been Jews. 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:16.780 There could have been Jews that had come to know Jesus. 00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:18.800 And they came from a Jewish background. 00:03:19.340 --> 00:03:21.480 And they were following the law still. 00:03:22.340 --> 00:03:25.599 And today, in our church, there's people from different backgrounds. 00:03:26.199 --> 00:03:26.980 We have Canadians. 00:03:26.979 --> 00:03:27.259 Canadians. 00:03:28.459 --> 00:03:31.019 We have the Aussies. 00:03:32.639 --> 00:03:35.379 We have from South Africa. 00:03:36.179 --> 00:03:38.859 We have, right, from UK. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:40.939 We have people from different backgrounds. 00:03:41.399 --> 00:03:43.399 How do we get along together? 00:03:44.519 --> 00:03:44.759 Right? 00:03:44.859 --> 00:03:46.039 How do we get along together? 00:03:46.179 --> 00:03:48.939 And so Paul is writing to the church in Colossians. 00:03:49.599 --> 00:03:53.000 You are a new body. 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:54.959 You are a new body. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:00.960 And because we're a new body, there's no longer Jew or Gentile. 00:04:01.159 --> 00:04:03.780 But we are one body in Christ. 00:04:04.480 --> 00:04:11.159 And so this book offers a template for what our church, here at the gathering, should also look like. 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:11.960 So let's stand. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:15.080 And we're going to read together the scripture together. 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:17.220 Colossians chapter 3. 00:04:18.780 --> 00:04:20.660 Let's read together. 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:22.740 All right. 00:04:22.840 --> 00:04:23.500 One, two, three. 00:04:23.500 --> 00:04:25.240 Put on then. 00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:26.759 As God's truth is. 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:30.620 Giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:04:31.100 --> 00:04:31.420 Amen. 00:04:31.839 --> 00:04:32.120 All right. 00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:32.800 You may be seated. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:35.360 Once again, there's some seats in the front. 00:04:35.740 --> 00:04:39.339 If you want to come up, you can come up to the front. 00:04:40.779 --> 00:04:41.100 All right. 00:04:41.160 --> 00:04:47.220 So the first question we are going to discuss in our groups is, let's go to the next slide. 00:04:47.220 --> 00:04:52.340 What does this passage tell us about God and relationships? 00:04:52.740 --> 00:04:56.580 So go into groups of three or four to the people beside you. 00:04:56.800 --> 00:04:57.800 Get to know each other. 00:04:58.300 --> 00:05:00.040 And have some discussion. 00:05:00.220 --> 00:05:04.920 Especially about the first two or three verses. 00:05:05.280 --> 00:05:09.920 What does this passage tell us about God and relationships? 00:05:10.420 --> 00:05:10.680 Okay. 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:11.900 So let's go into groups. 00:05:12.840 --> 00:05:14.199 Colossians chapter 3. 00:05:14.860 --> 00:05:16.000 Have a great time of discussion. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:18.699 We're going to have a discussion for around three minutes. 00:05:18.920 --> 00:05:19.060 Okay. 00:05:19.280 --> 00:05:19.819 Three minutes. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:27.660 Once again, the question is, what does this passage have to do with God and relationships? 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:28.939 About God and relationships. 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:29.240 Okay. 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:35.680 All right. 00:05:35.980 --> 00:05:38.000 How's everybody's discussion going? 00:05:39.319 --> 00:05:39.800 Good. 00:05:43.079 --> 00:05:43.699 All right. 00:05:43.720 --> 00:05:44.939 I want to hear from some groups. 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:49.319 Any groups want to share? 00:05:50.100 --> 00:05:51.160 Any groups want to share? 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:52.300 Any groups want to share? 00:05:52.660 --> 00:05:53.960 Let's get two groups to share. 00:05:55.100 --> 00:05:55.920 Let's take two groups. 00:05:56.120 --> 00:05:57.160 Maybe a group in the back. 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:57.220 Okay. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:06:00.840 Shout it out. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:04.960 What was one thing that you observed about God and relationships? 00:06:05.280 --> 00:06:05.879 Betty, your group. 00:06:06.100 --> 00:06:07.019 Just shout one thing out. 00:06:08.120 --> 00:06:08.560 Okay. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:08.980 Very good. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:09.740 Give a hand to Betty. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:10.780 Yes. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:11.319 Absolutely. 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:13.600 God loves us. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:14.240 Forgives us. 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:14.720 Absolutely. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:19.180 What about, um, Mihi, your group? 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:20.079 Anything? 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:21.840 Very good. 00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:22.980 Let's give a hand to Mihi. 00:06:22.980 --> 00:06:22.980 00:06:27.040 --> 00:06:27.480 Yeah. 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:28.960 Those are great points. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.340 And, uh, Mihi brought it out. 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:32.319 My first point is we are chosen. 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:34.139 God has chosen you. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:37.980 God has chosen you to have a relationship. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:44.819 The reason we were created in this world is to enjoy a relationship with our heavenly father. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:49.079 God knew us before we were formed in our mother's womb. 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:54.599 You know, before MJ was, you know, before MJ was born, God knew, right? 00:06:54.599 --> 00:06:57.800 God knew before James and Christina, right? 00:06:58.219 --> 00:07:00.979 We are fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:05.740 Now, this word chosen, right? 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:06.879 What nation? 00:07:06.879 --> 00:07:07.800 Right? 00:07:07.960 --> 00:07:10.600 The chosen nation is Israel. 00:07:10.960 --> 00:07:13.620 Because Abraham followed the Lord. 00:07:14.400 --> 00:07:23.620 And out of him came a nation, a chosen nation, a holy people, a royal priesthood, God's special possession. 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:29.480 And so the first observation is that we were chosen for a relationship with the Lord. 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:32.500 Number two, we are consecrated. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:35.480 Holy and pleasing to the Lord. 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.800 Be holy for I am holy. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:40.860 First Peter, it says. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:42.300 What does holy mean? 00:07:43.220 --> 00:07:44.840 Holy means we are set apart. 00:07:45.020 --> 00:07:45.759 We are different. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:59.900 If we are Christians in this world, how are we different from the people in our workplaces, in our industry, in our schools, in our workplaces? 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:07.920 How are we distinguished if we are distinguishable from others who are not Christians? 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:16.699 If God has called us, chosen us, we should be holy and set apart. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:20.980 We need to reflect Christ-likeness. 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:24.700 And not only does he say we are holy, but we are beloved. 00:08:25.500 --> 00:08:33.980 Do you remember a couple, I think maybe a month ago, James shared, what is that image that reminds you of the love of God in your life? 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:34.899 Right? 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:38.240 Some people said, I think Jordans, you remember? 00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:41.379 Jordans, somebody said butterflies, right? 00:08:41.439 --> 00:08:47.179 We need constant reminders that God loves us so much that he created this world. 00:08:47.459 --> 00:08:52.939 He sent his son to redeem this relationship that has been ruined. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:56.579 And the last thing is character. 00:08:56.580 --> 00:09:03.879 God has called us to be ambassadors for who he is. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:05.139 An ambassador is what? 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:08.300 A representative of a country. 00:09:09.160 --> 00:09:09.720 Right? 00:09:10.160 --> 00:09:16.080 When you represent a country, you want to share the qualities of that country. 00:09:16.520 --> 00:09:19.180 And we are God's nation. 00:09:19.820 --> 00:09:21.259 A chosen nation. 00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:24.860 We are to exemplify Christ-likeness. 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.700 Christ was compassionate. 00:09:28.439 --> 00:09:31.879 He saw the multitudes like sheep without a shepherd. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:35.340 And he had compassion upon them. 00:09:36.100 --> 00:09:37.100 Christ was humble. 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:42.019 He stepped down from heaven to be among us as flesh. 00:09:43.240 --> 00:09:44.700 He was meek. 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:54.300 He humbled himself before the father's authority to come down, to be the ultimate sacrifice. 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:56.280 He was patient with his disciples. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:09:58.220 He bared with them. 00:09:58.580 --> 00:10:00.860 Especially Peter, who had to learn multiple times. 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:02.900 He forgave them. 00:10:02.899 --> 00:10:12.720 And at the end, it says, above all things we should put on, above all things we should put on, love. 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:13.659 Right? 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:16.480 Love is the supreme virtue. 00:10:17.199 --> 00:10:20.240 If you have love, you have all the virtues. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:25.139 It's like you have the infinity gauntlet. 00:10:26.120 --> 00:10:27.539 The infinity stone. 00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:27.840 Right? 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:31.860 You can have Spider-Man's, you know, web shooting. 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:35.820 You can have our Professor Xavier's, you know, mind controlling. 00:10:36.700 --> 00:10:39.200 You can have Wolverine's healing ability. 00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:43.420 But if you have the infinity gauntlet, you have them all. 00:10:43.680 --> 00:10:48.480 You can control time and space and, I don't know, the souls of people. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:49.220 Right? 00:10:49.440 --> 00:10:50.340 You have it all. 00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:53.320 If you have love, you have it all. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:55.440 If you have love, you will forgive. 00:10:55.440 --> 00:10:57.820 If you have love, you will care. 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:02.320 If you have love, you will place the other person first. 00:11:03.440 --> 00:11:05.900 And so, these are the three things. 00:11:06.380 --> 00:11:09.640 Chosen, consecrated, and character. 00:11:10.580 --> 00:11:11.400 Is it easy? 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:13.180 It's not easy. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:16.940 If you know, I'm a pastor's kid. 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:24.400 And with a pastor's kid comes also the expectations of being like a pastor. 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:28.860 And so, I've had comments like, oh, you know, you should know it all. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:29.980 You're a pastor's kid. 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:30.279 Right? 00:11:30.439 --> 00:11:32.980 And believe me, back then, we didn't have ChatGBT. 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:34.000 Right? 00:11:34.319 --> 00:11:37.840 We couldn't just Google anything and be like, yeah, I know it all. 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:38.539 Right? 00:11:38.579 --> 00:11:47.899 Or, you know, if you did something wrong, you know, you'd be like hurting your parents' position or reputation. 00:11:47.899 --> 00:11:50.459 And I felt restricted. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:51.980 I felt like I didn't want this. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:53.679 I don't want to be chosen. 00:11:54.299 --> 00:11:55.419 I just want to be free. 00:11:55.559 --> 00:11:59.379 That's why I love to travel and go out and be free and get away. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:02.860 Because sometimes the expectations are heavy. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:03.980 Right? 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:06.019 You've had expectations on you. 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:07.059 Maybe it's at work. 00:12:07.199 --> 00:12:08.259 Maybe it's with your family. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:13.159 And it's not easy. 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:17.240 But God has not called us to have an easy life. 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:22.939 To go to the beaches and Phuket and Bali and just live an easy life. 00:12:23.039 --> 00:12:27.000 No, God has called us for a holy life. 00:12:27.700 --> 00:12:27.899 Amen? 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:33.500 And out of living this holy life will come eternal blessings. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:36.720 I want to invite Brayden. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:37.559 Let's give him a hand. 00:12:42.919 --> 00:12:45.860 So Brayden is one of our youngest teens here. 00:12:46.419 --> 00:12:51.500 And I had the privilege of, yeah, just connecting with him while he's here. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:54.899 And we've been able to play ball a couple times after a youth group. 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:58.340 And believe me, I've never seen so many air balls in my life. 00:12:58.340 --> 00:13:05.560 And it became so constant that it became our strategy to win. 00:13:05.620 --> 00:13:08.200 Because I would run and get the rebound and score afterwards. 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:12.500 And so he's part of the winning strategy. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:16.700 And we utilized his weaknesses for our greater gain. 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:18.620 So let's give a hand to Brayden. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:30.720 Even in the midst of really busy exam season assignments, he has made the time to really prepare himself to share with us today. 00:13:31.080 --> 00:13:35.080 And so Brayden, how long have you been with us in the gathering now? 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:38.659 I've been to the gathering for seven to eight months now. 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:39.299 Right. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:41.139 And what brings you to the gathering? 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:42.259 Why did you choose the gathering? 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:46.639 When I came to the gathering for the first time, I felt very welcomed. 00:13:47.220 --> 00:13:49.220 So I gave it a few more tries. 00:13:49.819 --> 00:13:53.980 And I just feel like every time I came, it felt more like a family to me. 00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:56.000 And everyone's very welcoming. 00:13:56.480 --> 00:14:00.139 And everyone here in this room just brings me closer to God overall. 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:01.139 Wow. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:01.779 Very good. 00:14:01.939 --> 00:14:02.259 Awesome. 00:14:02.840 --> 00:14:03.159 All right. 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:05.120 And what's the discussion that we're going to have? 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:07.299 The second discussion question that we're going to have. 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:17.279 So the second discussion question we're going to have is, what does this passage tell us about humanity and relationships? 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:18.339 All right. 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:20.819 So go in your groups and we'll go back to the passage. 00:14:21.299 --> 00:14:23.500 And you can discuss for three minutes. 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:24.419 We'll see you in a bit. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:31.779 All right. 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:34.339 Let's hear from another two groups. 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:36.720 Maybe we can. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.420 All right. 00:14:38.560 --> 00:14:40.480 One of the kids groups. 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:43.980 Liam, Ryan, you want to share one thing? 00:14:44.160 --> 00:14:47.240 What did you see about humanity and relationships? 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.379 Very good. 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:50.600 Give Ryan a hand. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:56.200 Ryan actually came to know Jesus a couple months ago. 00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:58.240 So let's give a hand for that also. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.320 All right. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.580 Let's hear from another group. 00:15:04.340 --> 00:15:06.160 Grace, you want to share something? 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:06.899 Your group? 00:15:08.540 --> 00:15:09.160 Very good. 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.180 Let's give a hand to Grace. 00:15:10.420 --> 00:15:11.060 Great sharing. 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:12.500 All right. 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:12.899 One more. 00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:14.920 Okay. 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:15.500 Very good. 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:16.280 Thanks for your sharing. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:18.420 All right. 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.200 Brayden, take it away. 00:15:20.040 --> 00:15:20.320 All right. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:25.379 So from what you guys have said, I believe there are some truths. 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:25.820 Yeah. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:25.879 Yeah. 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:39.799 But in this sense, God has given us a higher calling, right? 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:42.679 In the way that we are in relationships with others. 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:49.339 And God says in Colossians 3.12, he says, put on. 00:15:49.599 --> 00:15:56.359 As these characteristics mean they don't come naturally for us, which needs us to have more trust within the Lord. 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:56.939 Right. 00:15:56.940 --> 00:16:01.460 And that will help us begin to have more of these qualities. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:07.360 And as these qualities just don't come very easy towards each person. 00:16:07.880 --> 00:16:08.020 Right. 00:16:09.160 --> 00:16:17.420 But as I have grown as a Christian, I found it a little hard to overcome some of these characteristics. 00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:18.920 Right. 00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:21.879 And just be more like God. 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:28.339 Each person has been chosen to be different and born different and built different. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:29.219 Right. 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:32.099 Each of us are different in this room. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:38.000 And God has created us to be like that. 00:16:39.059 --> 00:16:44.819 And God also has created us to have different paths and different careers and different dreams. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:45.639 Right. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:49.179 He has given us a different guidance. 00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:53.840 And yet we still struggle to bear with one another. 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:55.559 Because each of us are just different. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:58.059 And some of us are just not compatible with one another. 00:16:58.819 --> 00:17:02.759 But that's what makes, that's why we must bear with one another. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:05.879 And just be able to accept them no matter what. 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:07.440 All right. 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:12.119 And secondly, as you much bear with, like as you have to bear with them, 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:15.359 you also have to be able to forgive them and accept them. 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.000 Right. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:20.700 Well, in the Bible, what does it mean to forgive? 00:17:21.060 --> 00:17:22.440 And what is the meaning for it? 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:33.660 Well, it means to let go of the desire to get even or the right to require the offender to pay for what he has done. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:38.980 And to forgive is to say, you are free. 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:41.000 Your debt is paid. 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:41.720 Right. 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:43.860 As Jesus paid for our debt. 00:17:44.820 --> 00:17:45.040 Right. 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:57.000 and when we say we offend God it's because he he is justice right and because we still sin every 00:17:57.000 --> 00:18:04.819 single day and we can't pay for that for our own costs right and he had to send his own 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:16.099 self to bring Jesus to pay for our debts right and I find it hard to forgive sometimes and I bet all of 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:21.359 you guys do too all right I had a difficult relationship last season with my basketball team 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:30.659 and if you know me I really love basketball right at that moment all my teammates then always 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:35.140 discouraged me never passed me the bond just didn't really like accept me was on the team 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:39.900 right made me feel useless made me feel like I wasn't a part of the community I wanted to be with 00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:48.720 right and it's gotten worse when I got into a game in the finals I was we were at a crucial moment 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:55.720 I was completely open and he didn't pass me the ball one of my one of the best teammates on the 00:18:55.720 --> 00:19:03.160 court he took it to himself and he said I'm gonna take control of the game because I'm because he 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:09.039 wanted to be a little more selfish and I I got really angry at that because it costed us right 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:18.900 but in the end I realized something why why do I have to be so frustrated at them if it's my it's my 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:25.200 fault that I can't I can't be improving on my own skills right and God would forgive them no matter what 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:32.279 so I should do what God has done forgive them and learn from learn from hope they will learn from 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:42.100 their mistake for not being able to accept one another right and finally I just realized that and 00:19:42.100 --> 00:19:51.420 I learned that um God has given me the courage to do this and I was be I was able to be confident 00:19:51.420 --> 00:19:59.500 enough to talk to them and fix my situation right and that's why sometimes forgiving is difficult you 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:04.860 feel like you don't want to do it but you kind of have to because God has called you to right and God 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:13.940 has forgiven even the people who has hung him on the cross he's forgiven everybody right and from that 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:21.019 Christ also can help you from your most difficult situations no matter what if you're struggling with 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:27.480 and you just want to figure out what to do next God is probably going to help you and be there 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:32.940 and tell you it's okay and everything's under control that's why you should put your trust in God and 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:36.000 yeah great let's give Breeden a hand 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:47.039 I've also experienced uh difficult teammates uh Mr. James 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:56.359 uh I think three years ago our season ended because of uh COVID when we are expected to win it all 00:20:56.359 --> 00:21:03.140 and of course this season something else happened also but it's okay I will I will call my inner LeBron 00:21:03.140 --> 00:21:10.340 uh tonight today and uh we will try and get the victory so all right we're gonna move into the 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:17.200 last part of our discussion and the last part of our discussion is about uh let's go to the third slide 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:24.660 how do we apply this passage what this passage teaches into relationships how do we apply what this 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:32.700 passage teaches into our relationships all right so we'll look into this uh for three minutes go 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:35.340 new groups and we'll conclude afterwards 00:21:35.340 --> 00:21:41.819 all right let's gather back together 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:51.519 all right which group wants to share 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:55.039 all right let's have our university students share 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:58.460 which university students want to share 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:01.159 Ryan you want to share 00:22:01.159 --> 00:22:03.659 Matthew come up 00:22:03.659 --> 00:22:05.200 let's encourage Matthew 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:10.159 all right share us uh one of the points that you guys shared in your group 00:22:10.159 --> 00:22:12.779 very good let's give a hand to Ryan 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:19.779 and let's invite let's invite Darren to come up who just got engaged also 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:22.019 let's give a hand with that 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:25.839 all right Darren you want to share something from your group 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:28.399 all right let's give a hand to Darren 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:34.220 yeah some great points you guys great points 00:22:34.220 --> 00:22:40.140 uh my first point from this uh this section is number one is peace 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:44.420 let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:48.279 what does that mean that the peace of God would rule in our hearts 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:50.680 it's surrendering to the Lord 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.940 letting him 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:54.700 be in control 00:22:54.700 --> 00:22:56.839 right surrendering 00:22:56.839 --> 00:22:59.259 to Christ and what he has 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.900 in store for us 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:04.279 and so when we surrender ourselves 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:08.140 then this peace will also pass on 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.900 to our outer community 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:12.779 and so this is not just an inner peace 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:16.240 this is a peace within the community 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:18.539 where we can then reconcile 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:21.059 and forgive one another 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:24.740 it says in in first John chapter one 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:26.859 if we claim to fellowship with him 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:28.500 and yet walk in darkness 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.500 we lie 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:31.460 and we do not live out the truth 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:34.859 but if we walk in light as he is in the light 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:37.119 we have fellowship with one another 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:39.059 and the blood of Jesus's son 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:40.319 purifies us 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:42.140 from all sin 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:44.940 as we walk with Jesus 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:47.220 we will have fellowship 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.400 we will have peace 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:49.779 as we 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:52.660 are one body in Christ 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:55.480 imagine if our 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:57.380 church here at the gathering 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:58.660 we 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:01.180 we're a gathering 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.020 of peace 00:24:02.020 --> 00:24:04.120 peaceful people 00:24:04.120 --> 00:24:05.600 people who are different 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.900 but yet are willing 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:07.820 to reconcile 00:24:07.820 --> 00:24:08.680 with one another 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.880 forgive one another 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:10.900 accept one another 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:12.160 love one another 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.940 what kind of church 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:15.380 would we be 00:24:15.380 --> 00:24:16.720 what kind of church 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:17.740 would we be 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:19.920 my second point 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:20.780 is thankfulness 00:24:20.780 --> 00:24:21.480 how many times 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.060 was thank 00:24:22.060 --> 00:24:22.840 be thankful 00:24:22.840 --> 00:24:23.680 or thankfulness 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.720 mentioned in this passage 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:26.160 how many times 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:28.019 you guys remember 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:30.940 many times 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:33.440 very good 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:34.000 good answer 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.799 first 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.480 Thessalonians 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:35.920 it says 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.660 be thankful 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.480 in all 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.500 circumstances 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:40.759 we need to practice 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.420 gratitude 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:42.600 and contentment 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:43.920 as a group 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.220 and that would 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.079 avoid 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:47.100 comparisons 00:24:47.100 --> 00:24:47.960 jealousy 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:49.140 pride 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:49.640 gratitude 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:50.960 did you know 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:53.140 that when we are 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:54.320 practicing gratitude 00:24:54.320 --> 00:24:55.700 there is actually 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.640 psychological 00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.660 changes 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:58.940 in our body 00:24:58.940 --> 00:24:59.920 did you know 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.420 anybody knew 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.920 okay 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.940 it says here 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:04.080 feelings of gratitude 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:05.460 can regulate 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.960 corosal 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:08.640 production in your brain 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:09.300 and reduce 00:25:09.300 --> 00:25:10.240 anxiety 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.340 and stress 00:25:11.340 --> 00:25:12.720 similar to giving 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.620 gratitude 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.820 triggers the brain 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.540 to release 00:25:15.540 --> 00:25:17.040 neurotransmitters 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.879 and hormones 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:19.299 related with happiness 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.599 including dopamine 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:22.099 and serotonin 00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:24.779 God has designed us 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:26.619 to be a people 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:28.180 of gratitude 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:30.759 a people of gratitude 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.799 did you guys notice 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.819 that when you're thankful 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.559 you're happier 00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.039 anybody 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:35.779 anybody agree with this study 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.559 or you want to disagree 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.299 you can disagree 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:37.759 I mean 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:40.059 you can do another study 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:40.480 I mean 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:46.099 imagine if we were 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:46.759 a gathering 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:48.500 of thankful people 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:50.720 people who praised 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.279 the Lord 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:52.720 and were thankful 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:53.599 for what he had done 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:54.339 for us 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:55.559 in and through 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.119 our lives 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:57.160 imagine 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:58.339 what kind of gathering 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:59.220 what kind of church 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.799 would we be 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:02.500 and the last thing 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:04.160 I want to mention 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:05.420 is the word of God 00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:06.740 what did it say 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:08.440 let the word of God 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:09.940 word of Christ 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:11.119 dwell in you 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:11.900 richly 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:13.359 richly 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:14.240 not just like 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.579 oh 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:15.759 if it's convenient 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.599 not just 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:16.920 oh 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:17.859 when I have time 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.640 when I'm done 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.619 my Netflix show 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:20.599 no 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.680 it's richly 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.740 right 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.319 it is 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.279 of valuable 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:25.039 importance 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:25.660 it is 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.200 should be 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:27.319 our focus 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:29.779 what should we do 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.619 with the word of God 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.859 we should be teaching 00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:34.319 we should be 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.000 admonishing 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.740 which means 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.359 correcting 00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:37.140 guiding 00:26:37.140 --> 00:26:37.940 rebuking 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:39.099 seeking the truth 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.160 we should be singing 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:41.400 about the word of God 00:26:41.400 --> 00:26:43.120 just as we sang earlier 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:44.580 and once again 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:44.980 it says 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.180 with thankfulness 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:47.680 in your hearts 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:50.360 the word of God 00:26:50.360 --> 00:26:52.120 changes lives 00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:54.240 the word of God 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:55.200 changes lives 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:56.880 it is powerful 00:26:56.880 --> 00:26:59.940 it is a double edged sword 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:02.500 as you read it 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.440 little by little 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.200 you become 00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:06.660 become more like Christ 00:27:06.660 --> 00:27:08.420 God changes you 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.440 from the inside out 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.820 as we trust in the Lord 00:27:10.820 --> 00:27:11.740 to read the word 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.940 the Holy Spirit 00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.980 teaches us 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.620 the things 00:27:14.620 --> 00:27:16.400 and reveals 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:17.140 the mysteries 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.420 of his will 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:20.160 the word 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:21.320 is a lamp 00:27:21.320 --> 00:27:22.680 for my feet 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:24.140 and a light 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:25.779 into my path 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:28.779 what is the difference 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:30.980 between a community 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:32.400 who just plays sports 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:33.980 and a community 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.920 who focuses 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.100 on the word 00:27:36.100 --> 00:27:36.600 of the Lord 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:38.280 the lather 00:27:38.280 --> 00:27:40.040 is a follower 00:27:40.040 --> 00:27:41.740 and a body 00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.340 of Christ 00:27:42.340 --> 00:27:44.420 imagine 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:45.320 if our 00:27:45.320 --> 00:27:46.420 community 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.320 focused 00:27:47.320 --> 00:27:48.320 on peace 00:27:48.320 --> 00:27:49.080 reconciliation 00:27:49.080 --> 00:27:49.940 forgiveness 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.600 acceptance 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:52.500 imagine 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.340 our community 00:27:53.340 --> 00:27:54.019 focused 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.380 on thankfulness 00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:57.960 imagine 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:59.400 if our community 00:27:59.400 --> 00:28:00.140 focused 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:01.420 on the word 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:02.200 of the Lord 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:04.680 in our small groups 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:07.319 in our fellowships 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:10.100 even in our sports 00:28:10.100 --> 00:28:12.519 we're praying 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:14.279 connecting 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:17.340 connecting 00:28:17.340 --> 00:28:18.039 connecting with each other 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:19.200 let's take a moment 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:20.299 as the band comes up 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:22.100 to just reflect 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:23.960 on what the Lord 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:24.940 is teaching us today 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:27.019 how can we apply 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:28.620 what the Lord 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:29.539 is teaching us 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.880 let's just close our eyes 00:28:30.880 --> 00:28:32.400 and let the Lord 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:33.260 speak to us 00:28:33.260 --> 00:28:35.240 as we sing this 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:37.060 response song 00:28:37.060 --> 00:28:38.680 what is the Lord 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:39.640 teaching us today 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:41.580 how can we grow 00:28:41.580 --> 00:28:42.420 as a community 00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:43.740 to become 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:45.300 the body of Christ 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:45.460 moment