WEBVTT

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 Well, please turn with me to Romans chapter 15. We're going to read verses 1 to 13.

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 So Romans chapter 15 and verses 1 to 13.

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 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

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 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

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 For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written,

00:00:35.899 --> 00:00:40.399
 the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

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 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us

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 so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

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 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves

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 as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

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 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth,

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 to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy.

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 As it is written,

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 Again, it says in Deuteronomy, in Moses' song,

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 And again, Psalm 117,

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 And again, Isaiah says,

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 Let's pray for a moment.

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 Heavenly Father, these words of scripture were, we remember, words in a letter to your people in Rome.

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 And for them, they were truth and nourishment and correction.

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 They were, from the apostle, what they needed to hear.

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 And no less so tonight, Lord, may these words be your words to us.

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 For we need truth, your truth.

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 We need to be nourished by your word.

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 We need to be corrected.

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 And taught and shaped.

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 So by your spirit, our prayer is that you would speak.

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 For Jesus' name's sake. Amen.

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 Well, before I get into the text, I want to speak firstly of two introductory thoughts

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 as we turn to the letter to the Romans.

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 My guess is that after a summer break, you maybe can't remember what the rest of Romans is about.

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 And so I want to just make two introductory remarks before we look at the text in a bit more detail.

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 And the first is this.

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 Romans, the letter to the Romans,

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 for all its theological substance,

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 and for all its rich and deep truth,

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 and for all the intricacy and precision of its argument,

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 and the way in which the apostle builds his case for the gospel as he writes to the church in Rome.

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 For all of that, the letter to the Romans is,

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 and we must remember this every time we believe it,

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 it is every time we read it,

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 it is for ordinary believers in Jesus Christ.

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 Romans can become labeled in our minds,

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 even if not by our mouths,

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 as a letter of the New Testament to be avoided

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 because it's theologically complicated,

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 or because it is full of truth

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 and not so full as some of the other letters

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 in terms of practical advice for living.

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 But Romans was not written for theologians or for academics,

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 it was written for believers,

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 just like you and me.

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 It was written for people who loved Christ

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 and who formed a church fellowship in the city of Rome

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 way back in the earliest days of the New Testament church.

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 I love to remember,

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 when I turned to the letter to the Romans,

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 a true instance that took place some 30 years ago,

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 where a pastor here in the city of Edinburgh

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 was preaching through the letter to the Romans

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 to a large Sunday evening congregation week by week.

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 And after one of the services in his series on Romans,

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 an academic student came to the pastor,

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 having never been in the church before,

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 and said to him,

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 now I really think you ought to avoid preaching

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 as in-depth and as deeply as that sermon was.

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 If you want ordinary people to understand what you're saying,

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 I really think you should concentrate on more simple things.

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 Can you imagine the embarrassment of it?

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 This 19 or 20-year-old student

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 telling the experienced pastor this.

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 And the pastor, because he was kind,

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 listened for a while.

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 And after some minutes of listening to this,

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 he said, well, I think you're quite, quite wrong.

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 Romans may have stretched you

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 beyond what you can understand,

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 but see that man sitting over there?

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 He's a plumber,

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 and he loves listening to sermons in Romans.

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 And that lady over there,

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 she's a single mum,

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 and she's been drinking it in Sunday night by Sunday night.

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 And you've never been here before,

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 and you have the nerve to comment,

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 I suggest you come for another 10 weeks and listen,

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 and then we'll chat again.

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 That was his advice,

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 because Romans is for ordinary believers.

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 And the experience of the church

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 down through the centuries is that

00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:09.180
 when the letter to the Romans

00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.860
 is preached and taught

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 as God's word for ordinary folks,

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 normal believers are captured

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 and grasped by this divine word in this letter.

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 And their lives are mastered

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 by the gospel that Romans contains.

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 This letter is for you.

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 It is for your church here,

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 a local fellowship of God's people.

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 It is not primarily for anything else.

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 That's my first introductory thought.

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 My second introductory thought is this,

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 and here we turn to the section of Romans

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 that we find ourselves in tonight.

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 The section begins at the beginning of chapter 14,

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 and you may remember,

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 if you've looked at this in earlier weeks,

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 that Paul is speaking about the weak and the strong.

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 The particular issue in his day

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 was whether or not believers should eat meat

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 which had already been sacrificed to pagan idols.

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 And some, the strong, as Paul called them,

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 said, yes, it's fine, it's just meat.

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 It doesn't matter a hoot what it's been sacrificed to.

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 It's meat, it's food provided by God.

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 And idols are just dead bits of stone and metal and wood anyway,

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 and if the meat has been sacrificed to them,

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 well, it's only been sacrificed to nothing,

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 and so I'm quite happy to eat it and to enjoy it.

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 The strong.

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 But the weak found themselves thinking,

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 no, no, no, I just couldn't.

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 I couldn't eat that meat.

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 Once it has been sacrificed to a pagan idol

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 and used in that way

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 and been involved in the lives

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 of those who are worshipping false gods,

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 it wouldn't be right for me

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 as a follower of the Lord Jesus

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 to eat that food,

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 to associate myself with it.

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 I couldn't possibly,

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 I couldn't bring myself to eat it.

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 They, to use Paul's language,

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 were the weak.

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 Slightly more full of tender conscience,

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 perhaps, we might think.

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 Slightly more afraid

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 to take steps into the unknown.

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 Slightly more fearful

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 that they would be doing something

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 that might upset God.

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 They were weak,

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 weak in their faith,

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 unable to see as yet

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 that all good things are given by God

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 for us to enjoy.

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 It's fine.

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 Eat the meat,

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 as their brothers and sisters,

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 their strong brothers and sisters,

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 were saying.

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 And so there was,

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 at that time,

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 a very obvious difference of opinion

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 over this particular issue.

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 And Paul is writing

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 to this local community of believers

00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.600
 in Rome

00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:09.980
 to help them sort this difficulty out.

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 And the danger

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 in becoming either the weak

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 or the strong,

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 one of the dangers in our churches

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 is that perversely and paradoxically,

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 the weak are often,

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 in reality,

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 as strong as an ox.

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 Now let me explain

00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:37.779
 what I mean by that.

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 The issue in their day was

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 whether to eat meat sacrificed to an idol.

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 I shouldn't think

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 that many of us

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 have been faced

00:10:47.159 --> 00:10:48.740
 with that particular difficulty

00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:50.759
 in recent months or years.

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 But we will have been faced

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 with innumerable,

00:10:54.980 --> 00:10:57.139
 comparable issues.

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 Whether or not

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 we should dress

00:11:01.779 --> 00:11:02.779
 in a particular way

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 to come to church

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 and meet with our brothers and sisters

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 on a Sunday.

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 Whether or not

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 believers should

00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:11.519
 drink alcohol.

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 Whether or not

00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:14.860
 believers should

00:11:14.860 --> 00:11:16.620
 pop into Sainsbury's

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 on the way back from church

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 or not.

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 Whether or not

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 you should

00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:23.600
 feel free

00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.620
 to go to the

00:11:24.620 --> 00:11:25.960
 baptismal service

00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:26.780
 of someone

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 where the

00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:28.940
 practice of baptism

00:11:28.940 --> 00:11:29.740
 is different

00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.740
 from what you hold

00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:32.139
 in your particular church.

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 Or

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 much more painful

00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:39.040
 and much more

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 difficult

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 and real

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 in people's lives

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 if I have

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 a non-Christian

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 family member,

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 my brother

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 or sister

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 or son

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 or cousin

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 and they

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 are

00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:58.759
 getting married

00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:00.180
 to somebody

00:12:00.180 --> 00:12:00.779
 who

00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:02.680
 is

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 a Muslim,

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 should I go

00:12:06.860 --> 00:12:07.420
 to the wedding?

00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:11.379
 The strong

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 will say,

00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:12.560
 well yes,

00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:13.720
 he's your cousin.

00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:15.000
 Go to the wedding.

00:12:15.180 --> 00:12:16.440
 Show him that you love him.

00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:18.120
 He knows

00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:18.980
 you're not a Muslim

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 and that you're not

00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:22.320
 wanting him

00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:23.940
 to follow this

00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:24.800
 religious route

00:12:24.800 --> 00:12:25.920
 but he's your

00:12:25.920 --> 00:12:26.759
 cousin.

00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:27.560
 Go to the wedding.

00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:30.000
 Whereas the weak

00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.300
 would say,

00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:31.840
 no, no,

00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:32.420
 I couldn't.

00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:33.000
 I couldn't.

00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:33.680
 I just couldn't

00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.879
 take part in it.

00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:38.379
 There is no right

00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.039
 or wrong

00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:40.940
 but

00:12:40.940 --> 00:12:42.340
 there is a very

00:12:42.340 --> 00:12:43.259
 obvious difference

00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:43.840
 of opinion,

00:12:43.960 --> 00:12:44.440
 isn't there?

00:12:45.300 --> 00:12:45.860
 And therefore

00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:47.379
 a great potential

00:12:47.379 --> 00:12:48.279
 for believers

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 even within

00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:49.939
 one fellowship

00:12:49.939 --> 00:12:52.200
 to find themselves

00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:53.039
 on different

00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:54.100
 pages

00:12:54.100 --> 00:12:55.639
 and pulling

00:12:55.639 --> 00:12:56.179
 in different

00:12:56.179 --> 00:12:56.759
 directions

00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:58.039
 over such

00:12:58.039 --> 00:12:58.439
 an issue

00:12:58.439 --> 00:12:58.860
 as this.

00:12:58.939 --> 00:12:59.100
 Now,

00:12:59.240 --> 00:12:59.960
 in a church

00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:00.460
 fellowship,

00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:01.360
 the weak,

00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:02.840
 the person

00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:03.439
 who has a

00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:04.480
 tender conscience,

00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:06.120
 the person

00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:06.860
 who says,

00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:08.000
 no, no, no,

00:13:08.059 --> 00:13:09.120
 we mustn't

00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.659
 be selling

00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:11.220
 books

00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:12.419
 on a Sunday.

00:13:13.240 --> 00:13:13.899
 That is

00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:16.100
 some kind

00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.220
 of business

00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:18.379
 matter

00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.180
 that shouldn't

00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:19.740
 take place

00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:20.360
 on a Sunday.

00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:21.840
 Whereas the

00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:22.519
 strong believer

00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:22.940
 will say,

00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.340
 nonsense,

00:13:23.540 --> 00:13:24.040
 we want to

00:13:24.040 --> 00:13:24.540
 sell all

00:13:24.540 --> 00:13:25.120
 the Christian

00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:25.540
 books that

00:13:25.540 --> 00:13:25.820
 we can

00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:26.800
 possibly sell

00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:27.779
 and get

00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:28.899
 the good

00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:29.379
 news of

00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:29.899
 the gospel

00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:30.480
 and good

00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.139
 teaching from

00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:31.580
 the Bible

00:13:31.580 --> 00:13:32.300
 out into

00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:32.840
 the lives

00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:33.399
 and the minds

00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.000
 and the hearts

00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:34.600
 of all who

00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:35.060
 are in our

00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:35.560
 church.

00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:38.879
 But the weak

00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:39.100
 says,

00:13:39.180 --> 00:13:39.420
 no, no,

00:13:39.420 --> 00:13:40.139
 I'll be offended,

00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.980
 I'll be hurt

00:13:40.980 --> 00:13:42.600
 if you do that.

00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:43.200
 I couldn't

00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:43.600
 possibly,

00:13:43.740 --> 00:13:44.080
 I might have

00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:44.360
 to leave

00:13:44.360 --> 00:13:44.960
 the church.

00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:47.320
 And so,

00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:48.580
 the weak

00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:49.440
 can become

00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:50.379
 as strong

00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.200
 as an ox

00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:52.940
 because sometimes

00:13:52.940 --> 00:13:54.100
 it only takes

00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:55.080
 two or three

00:13:55.080 --> 00:13:56.720
 of the weak

00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.899
 to effectively

00:13:58.899 --> 00:13:59.940
 hold a whole

00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:00.580
 fellowship

00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:01.279
 to ransom

00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:03.779
 and to actually

00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.519
 be strong

00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:05.019
 enough to

00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:06.019
 force their

00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:06.500
 opinion

00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:07.879
 on everybody

00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:09.960
 and to be

00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:10.920
 very strong

00:14:10.920 --> 00:14:11.480
 indeed.

00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.100
 So,

00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:12.560
 that's a

00:14:12.560 --> 00:14:13.399
 great danger

00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:14.420
 when we're

00:14:14.420 --> 00:14:15.060
 speaking about

00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:15.600
 the weak

00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:16.480
 and the

00:14:16.480 --> 00:14:17.019
 strong.

00:14:18.220 --> 00:14:18.860
 And that's

00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:19.259
 my other

00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:19.840
 introductory

00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:20.580
 thought

00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:21.300
 this evening.

00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:21.580
 So,

00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.180
 that's the

00:14:22.180 --> 00:14:22.840
 kind of

00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:23.300
 issue

00:14:23.300 --> 00:14:24.320
 that is

00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:24.820
 being dealt

00:14:24.820 --> 00:14:25.460
 with here.

00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:26.879
 That,

00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:27.960
 by way of

00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:30.060
 introduction,

00:14:30.700 --> 00:14:31.080
 and so

00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:32.259
 now to

00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:33.360
 the text.

00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:34.379
 And in

00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:35.240
 chapter 15

00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:35.940
 verses 1

00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:36.639
 to 13,

00:14:37.300 --> 00:14:37.759
 Paul is

00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:38.659
 really wrapping

00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.980
 up his

00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:41.240
 thinking about

00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:41.840
 this area.

00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:42.539
 Most of

00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.100
 his teaching

00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:43.500
 on this

00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:44.019
 topic is

00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:44.420
 done in

00:14:44.420 --> 00:14:45.240
 chapter 14.

00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:46.600
 And in

00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:47.539
 chapter 15,

00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:48.580
 he is

00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:49.120
 wrapping

00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:50.320
 things up.

00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:52.500
 And having

00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:53.659
 had two

00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:54.399
 introductory

00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.220
 thoughts as

00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:55.759
 my first

00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:56.180
 point,

00:14:56.920 --> 00:14:57.539
 what I want

00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.259
 as my second

00:14:58.259 --> 00:14:58.820
 point this

00:14:58.820 --> 00:14:59.300
 evening is

00:14:59.300 --> 00:14:59.680
 to draw

00:14:59.680 --> 00:15:00.360
 your attention

00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.300
 to three

00:15:01.300 --> 00:15:02.680
 enduring

00:15:02.680 --> 00:15:04.720
 and central

00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:06.019
 fundamentals

00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:06.620
 of the

00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:07.039
 gospel.

00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:09.199
 just look

00:15:09.199 --> 00:15:09.939
 at how

00:15:09.939 --> 00:15:10.539
 Paul

00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.759
 concludes

00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:12.399
 this part

00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:12.740
 of his

00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:13.039
 letter.

00:15:13.199 --> 00:15:13.699
 He takes

00:15:13.699 --> 00:15:14.399
 the believers

00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:16.480
 right back

00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:18.099
 to basic

00:15:18.099 --> 00:15:19.480
 fundamentals.

00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:21.679
 The word

00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:22.339
 fundamental,

00:15:22.599 --> 00:15:23.039
 by the way,

00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:24.659
 is a very,

00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:25.959
 very good

00:15:25.959 --> 00:15:27.159
 and positive

00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:28.240
 word.

00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:29.839
 And what

00:15:29.839 --> 00:15:30.599
 Paul does

00:15:30.599 --> 00:15:31.419
 in verses

00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:33.259
 1 to 6

00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:34.219
 is he

00:15:34.219 --> 00:15:35.079
 reminds them

00:15:35.080 --> 00:15:36.020
 of the

00:15:36.020 --> 00:15:36.580
 cross,

00:15:37.520 --> 00:15:37.700
 the

00:15:37.700 --> 00:15:38.240
 scriptures,

00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.759
 and the

00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:40.620
 Holy Spirit.

00:15:41.820 --> 00:15:42.460
 Three

00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:44.360
 absolutely

00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:45.460
 core

00:15:45.460 --> 00:15:46.320
 Christian

00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:47.100
 beliefs

00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:48.980
 around which

00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:49.620
 both the

00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:50.379
 weak and

00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.200
 the strong

00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.379
 can and

00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:53.740
 must unite

00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.820
 in any

00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.820
 local church.

00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:58.700
 A

00:15:58.700 --> 00:15:59.640
 fundamental

00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:01.460
 is

00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:02.520
 a

00:16:02.520 --> 00:16:03.420
 necessary

00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:04.180
 base

00:16:04.179 --> 00:16:05.179
 foundation

00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:06.179
 is

00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:06.719
 the word

00:16:06.719 --> 00:16:07.379
 fundamental

00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:07.620
 or

00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.519
 fundamentalist

00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.239
 we understand

00:16:09.239 --> 00:16:09.599
 in our

00:16:09.599 --> 00:16:09.959
 culture

00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:10.539
 is now

00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:10.919
 seen

00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:11.399
 almost

00:16:11.399 --> 00:16:12.399
 entirely

00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:13.079
 negatively.

00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.500
 But you

00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.019
 do not

00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:16.739
 have a

00:16:16.739 --> 00:16:17.159
 negative

00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:17.899
 opinion,

00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.299
 for example,

00:16:20.079 --> 00:16:20.719
 of the

00:16:20.719 --> 00:16:21.339
 fundamental

00:16:21.339 --> 00:16:22.699
 importance

00:16:22.699 --> 00:16:24.000
 of the

00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:24.679
 foundation

00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:25.519
 that sits

00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:25.959
 underneath

00:16:25.959 --> 00:16:26.879
 your house.

00:16:28.459 --> 00:16:29.279
 It is

00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:30.539
 absolutely

00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.779
 fundamentally

00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:32.500
 important

00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:33.039
 that that

00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:33.700
 foundation

00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.240
 on which

00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:34.500
 your

00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:34.980
 house

00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:35.159
 or

00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:35.559
 flat

00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:35.759
 or

00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:36.059
 wherever

00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:36.299
 you

00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:36.580
 live

00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.379
 sits

00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.759
 is

00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:38.500
 strong

00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.080
 and

00:16:39.080 --> 00:16:39.399
 well

00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:39.860
 built.

00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.580
 And it

00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:42.000
 is the

00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.799
 necessary

00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:43.700
 base

00:16:43.700 --> 00:16:44.539
 of the

00:16:44.539 --> 00:16:44.919
 cross

00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:45.600
 of Christ

00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.080
 in the

00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:46.539
 thinking

00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:46.940
 of the

00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:47.360
 believer

00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.820
 that Paul

00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:49.440
 takes these

00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:49.980
 people to

00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:50.519
 in verses

00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.059
 1 to

00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:51.419
 3.

00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.279
 And this

00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:53.659
 is very

00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:54.299
 costly

00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:55.559
 for us

00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.139
 to hear

00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:56.740
 properly.

00:16:56.740 --> 00:16:58.019
 we who

00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.220
 are

00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:58.820
 strong

00:16:58.820 --> 00:17:00.200
 ought

00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:00.519
 to

00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.159
 bear

00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:02.039
 with

00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.440
 the

00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:02.960
 failings

00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.180
 of

00:17:03.180 --> 00:17:03.360
 the

00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:03.740
 weak

00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:04.539
 and

00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:04.819
 not

00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:05.019
 to

00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.279
 please

00:17:05.279 --> 00:17:05.720
 ourselves.

00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.220
 That is

00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:06.640
 with the

00:17:06.640 --> 00:17:07.120
 failings

00:17:07.120 --> 00:17:07.500
 of the

00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:08.259
 genuinely

00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:08.940
 weak,

00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:09.940
 not the

00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:10.339
 weak who

00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:11.120
 are actually

00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:12.339
 just being

00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:13.079
 like strong

00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:13.759
 bulldozers

00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.200
 in the

00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:14.640
 church.

00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:15.480
 We who

00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.240
 are strong

00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:17.359
 ought to

00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:17.859
 bear

00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:18.440
 with the

00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:19.140
 failings

00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:19.480
 of the

00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:19.759
 weak.

00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:20.240
 Each

00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.900
 of us,

00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:21.779
 whatever

00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:22.480
 our view,

00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:23.980
 should

00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:25.059
 please his

00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:25.460
 neighbor

00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.460
 for his

00:17:26.460 --> 00:17:27.019
 good.

00:17:27.860 --> 00:17:28.559
 That is,

00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.680
 you and

00:17:30.680 --> 00:17:31.440
 how you

00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:32.180
 are doing

00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:33.500
 in your

00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.940
 faith and

00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.519
 in your

00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.039
 life,

00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:37.279
 that is

00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.200
 much more

00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.079
 important to

00:17:39.079 --> 00:17:40.640
 me than

00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:41.319
 how I am

00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:41.720
 doing.

00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:44.740
 Each of

00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.160
 us should

00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:45.860
 please his

00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:46.680
 neighbor for

00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:47.120
 his good,

00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:47.720
 to build

00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.340
 him up,

00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:50.160
 because,

00:17:51.640 --> 00:17:52.180
 and here's

00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:52.779
 the cross,

00:17:52.860 --> 00:17:53.700
 even Christ

00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.220
 did not

00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:55.039
 please himself,

00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:56.079
 but as

00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:56.440
 it is

00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:56.839
 written,

00:17:57.819 --> 00:17:59.019
 the insults

00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.619
 of those

00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.720
 who insult

00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:02.879
 you have

00:18:02.879 --> 00:18:03.519
 fallen on

00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:03.899
 me.

00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:06.519
 Remember

00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:07.539
 Jesus hanging

00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:07.920
 on the

00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.519
 cross and

00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.500
 how the

00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.279
 passers-by,

00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:10.779
 as if it

00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.519
 wasn't bad

00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:12.220
 enough that

00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.659
 he was

00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:13.460
 hanging there,

00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.159
 the only

00:18:15.159 --> 00:18:16.119
 innocent human

00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:16.680
 being to

00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:17.500
 have ever

00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.319
 walked the

00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:18.779
 face of

00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:19.399
 the earth,

00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.039
 being punished

00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:22.779
 unjustly,

00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:24.099
 with no

00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:24.660
 mercy,

00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.420
 as if that

00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.099
 wasn't bad

00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:27.599
 enough.

00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:30.139
 He then

00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:31.759
 had the

00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:33.839
 insults of

00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:35.000
 the passers-by

00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:37.359
 pouring out of

00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.079
 their mouths

00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:38.700
 into his

00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.160
 ears.

00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:44.360
 some leader

00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:44.820
 you.

00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:47.000
 If you

00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:47.340
 were up

00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:47.500
 to

00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:47.960
 anything,

00:18:48.320 --> 00:18:48.720
 if you

00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.680
 are even

00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.380
 half of

00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:50.960
 what you're

00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:52.019
 cracked up

00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.460
 to be,

00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.060
 then come

00:18:53.060 --> 00:18:53.700
 down off

00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.180
 the cross

00:18:54.180 --> 00:18:54.820
 and rescue

00:18:54.820 --> 00:18:55.440
 yourself,

00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.600
 and then we

00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:57.180
 might believe

00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:57.660
 in you.

00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.680
 Talk about

00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.519
 kicking a man

00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.060
 when he is

00:19:02.060 --> 00:19:02.480
 down,

00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.279
 and talk

00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.060
 about the

00:19:05.060 --> 00:19:07.560
 slicing and

00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:08.919
 stabbing effect

00:19:08.919 --> 00:19:10.679
 of wicked

00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:11.379
 words.

00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:12.779
 And Paul

00:19:12.779 --> 00:19:13.179
 says,

00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:13.599
 well,

00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:16.159
 if that

00:19:16.159 --> 00:19:16.579
 was how

00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.339
 the Lord

00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:18.960
 bore these

00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.819
 insults for

00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:20.399
 us,

00:19:21.059 --> 00:19:21.759
 then in our

00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.379
 fellowships

00:19:22.379 --> 00:19:22.819
 together,

00:19:23.419 --> 00:19:24.399
 are we not

00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:25.079
 willing for

00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:25.919
 the sake of

00:19:25.919 --> 00:19:26.480
 our neighbor

00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.899
 to look out

00:19:27.899 --> 00:19:28.519
 for what

00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:29.940
 is good

00:19:29.940 --> 00:19:30.960
 and up-building

00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.779
 for him,

00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.519
 regardless of

00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.259
 what people say

00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:34.759
 about me

00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.179
 and my

00:19:35.179 --> 00:19:35.679
 position,

00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.759
 whether it's

00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.099
 one of

00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:37.639
 weakness or

00:19:37.639 --> 00:19:38.279
 strength in

00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:38.619
 the two

00:19:38.619 --> 00:19:39.179
 categories,

00:19:39.679 --> 00:19:40.299
 what people

00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:40.839
 say about

00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.359
 me doesn't

00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:41.759
 matter.

00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.399
 But what I

00:19:43.399 --> 00:19:44.019
 do for my

00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:44.799
 neighbor matters.

00:19:44.919 --> 00:19:45.299
 It matters

00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:45.839
 for him.

00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.139
 And that is

00:19:48.139 --> 00:19:48.980
 the cross

00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:50.959
 engrafted

00:19:50.959 --> 00:19:51.639
 into the

00:19:51.639 --> 00:19:53.019
 attitudes and

00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:53.819
 the lives

00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:55.019
 of Christian

00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:56.519
 believers in

00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.339
 a church

00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:58.659
 family like

00:19:58.659 --> 00:19:59.240
 this one.

00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.639
 That's the

00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:02.859
 first fundamental,

00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:03.500
 and it's a

00:20:03.500 --> 00:20:04.259
 very costly

00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.019
 thing to hear,

00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:05.539
 isn't it?

00:20:05.719 --> 00:20:06.419
 Because it's

00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.120
 telling us

00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:09.000
 to bear

00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.740
 the scorn,

00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.100
 to bear

00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:12.960
 the comment,

00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:14.800
 to bear

00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:15.700
 the insult,

00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:17.539
 following in

00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.160
 the steps

00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.340
 of our

00:20:19.340 --> 00:20:19.720
 Savior,

00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:20.560
 the Lord

00:20:20.560 --> 00:20:20.960
 Jesus.

00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.120
 The second

00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:25.360
 fundamental is

00:20:25.360 --> 00:20:26.320
 in verse 4,

00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:27.220
 and it is the

00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.240
 core truth

00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:29.640
 of the

00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:30.180
 scriptures.

00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:30.320
 pillars.

00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:32.740
 And here,

00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:33.660
 if you like,

00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.000
 another

00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.340
 illustration to

00:20:35.340 --> 00:20:36.580
 remind us that

00:20:36.580 --> 00:20:37.560
 fundamentals are

00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:38.080
 very good

00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:38.480
 things.

00:20:38.600 --> 00:20:39.360
 A fundamental

00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:40.500
 thing is like

00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.460
 a central

00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:43.220
 core around

00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.420
 which everything

00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:45.700
 else is

00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.060
 built.

00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:46.640
 Think, if you

00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:47.140
 like, of a

00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:48.400
 spiral staircase.

00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.279
 Now, the

00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:50.620
 staircase, the

00:20:50.620 --> 00:20:51.100
 thing that you

00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:52.019
 step on to

00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:53.440
 get down the

00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:54.240
 stairs, are

00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.060
 the wooden

00:20:55.060 --> 00:20:56.160
 steps themselves.

00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:56.600
 But the

00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:57.200
 vital,

00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:59.920
 fundamental

00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:02.019
 feature of

00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.660
 that staircase

00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:03.320
 is the

00:21:03.320 --> 00:21:04.400
 metal core

00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.100
 that goes up

00:21:05.100 --> 00:21:05.860
 the middle to

00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:06.580
 which all the

00:21:06.580 --> 00:21:07.140
 steps are

00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:07.660
 attached,

00:21:07.779 --> 00:21:08.279
 isn't it?

00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.279
 Now, that is

00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:11.340
 what the

00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.060
 place of the

00:21:12.060 --> 00:21:12.800
 scriptures is

00:21:12.800 --> 00:21:13.860
 like in the

00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:14.440
 life of the

00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:14.720
 church.

00:21:14.860 --> 00:21:15.120
 Look at

00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:15.820
 verse 4,

00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:16.779
 as Paul

00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.860
 takes them to

00:21:17.860 --> 00:21:18.480
 this topic.

00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.019
 4,

00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:20.920
 everything that

00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.619
 was written in

00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:22.839
 the past, in

00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:23.139
 the Old

00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:23.559
 Testament

00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.980
 scriptures, was

00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.700
 written to

00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.839
 teach us.

00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.039
 So that

00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.460
 through endurance

00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.059
 and the

00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:32.319
 encouragement of

00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.039
 the scriptures,

00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.720
 we might have

00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.039
 hope.

00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:35.900
 What a wonderful

00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:36.599
 thing for him

00:21:36.599 --> 00:21:37.680
 to say when

00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:38.359
 he has just

00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:39.259
 taught them

00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.319
 about the

00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.960
 Christian

00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:42.720
 prospect of

00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.579
 bearing the

00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:44.839
 pain of

00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.180
 others'

00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:46.900
 comments and

00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:48.279
 abuse and

00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.519
 cutting words

00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.839
 and all the

00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.779
 costliness of

00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:52.019
 that.

00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:52.440
 What a

00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:53.299
 wonderful thing

00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:53.799
 for him to

00:21:53.799 --> 00:21:54.579
 say that the

00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:55.720
 fundamental

00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:57.940
 Christian help

00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:58.859
 for you,

00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:01.000
 bearing such

00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.799
 pain and

00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:03.500
 cost, is

00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.240
 the teaching

00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:04.720
 of the

00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:05.180
 scriptures.

00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:07.460
 Everything that

00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.099
 was written in

00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:08.839
 the past was

00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:10.039
 written not

00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.660
 only for the

00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.359
 people then,

00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.180
 but to teach

00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:12.660
 us.

00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:13.759
 Now, he is

00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.319
 saying to the

00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:14.639
 Romans.

00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.420
 And it's

00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:16.899
 written to

00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:17.579
 teach us

00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:19.159
 so that

00:22:19.159 --> 00:22:20.240
 through

00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:21.359
 endurance and

00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:22.480
 the encouragement

00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:23.099
 of the

00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:23.759
 scriptures, you

00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.220
 might have

00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.319
 hope to

00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:26.059
 go on

00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.899
 where there

00:22:27.899 --> 00:22:28.539
 are fights

00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:29.279
 and factions

00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.119
 and differences

00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:31.019
 of opinion in

00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:31.559
 the fellowship.

00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:33.039
 Have hope and

00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.819
 encouragement.

00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.480
 Keep going as

00:22:35.480 --> 00:22:36.699
 brothers and

00:22:36.699 --> 00:22:37.619
 sisters because

00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.799
 week by week

00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.559
 by week and

00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.299
 day by day,

00:22:40.699 --> 00:22:41.480
 the scriptures

00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.460
 will give you

00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:43.299
 that hope.

00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:43.359
 hope.

00:22:45.159 --> 00:22:45.799
 They will,

00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.359
 when you are

00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:49.940
 enduring the

00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:51.039
 pain of

00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:51.819
 standing for

00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.159
 the Lord

00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:53.720
 Jesus, they

00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:56.259
 will encourage

00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:57.740
 you and point

00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.839
 you to the

00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.279
 future.

00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.720
 That's the

00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.740
 second fundamental

00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:03.279
 then, the

00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.720
 cross and the

00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:06.159
 scriptures, and

00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:07.919
 thirdly, the

00:23:07.919 --> 00:23:09.200
 spirit, verses

00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:10.779
 five and six.

00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.220
 may the

00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:12.660
 God who

00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.519
 gives endurance

00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.680
 and encouragement

00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:16.660
 from the

00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.539
 scriptures, as

00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.000
 he's just

00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:19.859
 said, also

00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.980
 give you a

00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.920
 spirit of

00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.879
 unity among

00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:25.559
 yourselves as

00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.299
 you follow

00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:27.259
 Christ Jesus

00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:29.420
 so that with

00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:30.819
 one heart

00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:31.779
 and mouth

00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:33.240
 you may

00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.359
 glorify the

00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:34.819
 God and

00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.359
 Father of

00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:35.819
 our Lord

00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.759
 Jesus Christ.

00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.920
 Now, bear

00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:43.660
 with me here.

00:23:44.119 --> 00:23:44.700
 We're going to

00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:45.859
 look at a few

00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:47.099
 verses throughout

00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:47.960
 the New Testament.

00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.680
 Now, when a

00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:51.180
 preacher does

00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:52.139
 this, I can

00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.799
 have an allergic

00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.759
 reaction to

00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.579
 looking at five

00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.319
 or six different

00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.319
 cross-references in

00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.059
 the Bible, but

00:23:57.059 --> 00:23:58.460
 tonight I want

00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.819
 to risk you

00:23:59.819 --> 00:24:00.339
 having that

00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.240
 allergic reaction

00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:01.819
 to really

00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.619
 persuade you

00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:03.259
 that this

00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:05.240
 plea for

00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:06.680
 united thinking

00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:08.039
 born by the

00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:08.720
 Holy Spirit

00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:11.460
 is found

00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:13.299
 everywhere in

00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:13.620
 the New

00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.019
 Testament

00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.620
 scriptures.

00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.500
 So look

00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.059
 first of all

00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.839
 with me at

00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.720
 Romans chapter

00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.700
 12, verse

00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.140
 16.

00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:20.940
 You can

00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.519
 manage that

00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:21.660
 one.

00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:21.980
 It's just

00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.460
 back one

00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:22.880
 page.

00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:24.259
 Romans 12,

00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.519
 verse 16.

00:24:31.860 --> 00:24:33.140
 Live in

00:24:33.140 --> 00:24:35.160
 harmony with

00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:35.720
 one another.

00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.299
 In other

00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.539
 words, as he

00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.400
 explains, do

00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:38.840
 not be

00:24:38.840 --> 00:24:41.259
 proud, but

00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.280
 be willing

00:24:42.280 --> 00:24:43.160
 to associate

00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:43.860
 with people

00:24:43.860 --> 00:24:44.220
 of low

00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.620
 position.

00:24:44.780 --> 00:24:45.340
 Do not

00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:46.180
 be conceited.

00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:47.259
 Live in

00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:49.060
 harmony with

00:24:49.060 --> 00:24:49.660
 one another

00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:51.120
 and appeal

00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:51.940
 for unity

00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:53.460
 with a very

00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.220
 practical

00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.019
 implication

00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:56.820
 against

00:24:56.820 --> 00:24:57.660
 conceit

00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:58.540
 and pride.

00:24:59.860 --> 00:25:00.460
 Now, you

00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:01.000
 can manage

00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.440
 the next

00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:02.320
 cross-reference

00:25:02.320 --> 00:25:02.840
 too because

00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:03.300
 it's just

00:25:03.300 --> 00:25:03.920
 one page

00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.320
 in the other

00:25:04.320 --> 00:25:04.780
 direction.

00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.620
 1 Corinthians

00:25:05.620 --> 00:25:06.800
 chapter 1,

00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:08.319
 verse 10.

00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:12.519
 1 Corinthians

00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.339
 chapter 1,

00:25:13.419 --> 00:25:14.099
 verse 10.

00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:15.779
 These are

00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.779
 very strong

00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.519
 commandments.

00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.480
 I appeal

00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.079
 to you,

00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:20.460
 brothers,

00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.460
 in the name

00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:21.799
 of our

00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:22.399
 Lord Jesus

00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:22.980
 Christ,

00:25:23.659 --> 00:25:24.619
 that all

00:25:24.619 --> 00:25:25.019
 of you

00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:25.759
 agree with

00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.319
 one another

00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.039
 so that there

00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:27.619
 may be no

00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:28.720
 divisions among

00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.839
 you and that

00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.419
 you may be

00:25:30.419 --> 00:25:31.759
 perfectly united

00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.619
 in mind and

00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.159
 thought.

00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:34.920
 that's a

00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:35.620
 very high

00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.340
 and lofty

00:25:36.340 --> 00:25:36.740
 appeal,

00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:37.400
 isn't it,

00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.200
 to Christian

00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:39.640
 people?

00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.860
 But it's

00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:42.740
 very strong

00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.779
 and it was

00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.460
 very necessary

00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:44.960
 for the

00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.420
 Corinthian

00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.040
 church.

00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.320
 Keep going

00:25:48.320 --> 00:25:48.960
 forward to

00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.800
 2 Corinthians

00:25:49.800 --> 00:25:50.880
 chapter 13,

00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:51.980
 the famous

00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:53.580
 love chapter

00:25:53.580 --> 00:25:55.380
 and to

00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:56.160
 verse 11.

00:25:57.100 --> 00:25:57.380
 These

00:25:57.380 --> 00:25:57.880
 Corinthians

00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.480
 who were

00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.380
 so puffed

00:25:59.380 --> 00:26:00.320
 up and

00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.519
 immature and

00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:01.940
 full of

00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.820
 themselves and

00:26:02.820 --> 00:26:03.519
 their gifts.

00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.279
 2 Corinthians

00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:06.080
 chapter 13

00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:07.620
 verse 11.

00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.920
 When I

00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.460
 was a

00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:10.980
 child,

00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:12.680
 I talked

00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.200
 like a

00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:13.680
 child,

00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:15.080
 I thought

00:26:15.080 --> 00:26:15.539
 like a

00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.000
 child,

00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:17.779
 I reasoned

00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.360
 like a

00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:18.840
 child.

00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.320
 When I

00:26:20.320 --> 00:26:20.779
 became a

00:26:20.779 --> 00:26:21.140
 man,

00:26:21.820 --> 00:26:22.320
 I put

00:26:22.320 --> 00:26:23.059
 childish

00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.880
 ways

00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:25.380
 behind me.

00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:27.980
 We went

00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.460
 for a walk

00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:29.080
 this afternoon

00:26:29.080 --> 00:26:29.519
 with two

00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:30.160
 lovely little

00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:30.840
 girls aged

00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:31.600
 about five

00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:32.099
 and three

00:26:32.099 --> 00:26:33.259
 and they

00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:33.719
 were dressed

00:26:33.719 --> 00:26:34.219
 in their

00:26:34.219 --> 00:26:35.399
 matching

00:26:35.399 --> 00:26:35.819
 pretty

00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.539
 dresses like

00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.079
 something out

00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.459
 of a

00:26:37.459 --> 00:26:38.019
 postcard

00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.599
 from the

00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:39.579
 southern

00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.199
 states of

00:26:40.199 --> 00:26:40.579
 the United

00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:41.159
 States of

00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:41.559
 America

00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.199
 and they

00:26:42.199 --> 00:26:42.459
 looked

00:26:42.459 --> 00:26:43.119
 angelic

00:26:43.119 --> 00:26:43.759
 as they

00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.519
 wandered

00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:44.939
 along the

00:26:44.939 --> 00:26:45.500
 path and

00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:45.980
 the dappled

00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.459
 light of

00:26:46.459 --> 00:26:47.019
 the trees

00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.379
 and they

00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.379
 were arguing

00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:50.019
 the whole

00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:50.419
 time.

00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:50.699
 And when

00:26:50.699 --> 00:26:50.980
 we got

00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.319
 home,

00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.139
 they were

00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:53.059
 arguing about

00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.539
 whose was

00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:54.019
 the dolphin

00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:54.519
 and whose

00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:54.899
 was the

00:26:54.899 --> 00:26:56.159
 frog and

00:26:56.159 --> 00:26:56.639
 they never

00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.219
 stopped.

00:26:58.179 --> 00:26:58.980
 They argued

00:26:58.980 --> 00:26:59.599
 as little

00:26:59.599 --> 00:26:59.939
 children

00:26:59.939 --> 00:27:00.399
 can,

00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:00.980
 morning,

00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.079
 noon and

00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:02.439
 night.

00:27:02.639 --> 00:27:03.039
 And what

00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.939
 that verse

00:27:03.939 --> 00:27:04.779
 in 1

00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.199
 Corinthians

00:27:05.199 --> 00:27:06.240
 13 is

00:27:06.240 --> 00:27:07.039
 saying to

00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.980
 Christians is

00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.599
 grow up,

00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.359
 grow up

00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:13.139
 and stop

00:27:13.139 --> 00:27:14.399
 bickering

00:27:14.399 --> 00:27:15.980
 and arguing.

00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:18.619
 It's a very

00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:19.500
 strong appeal.

00:27:20.679 --> 00:27:21.619
 Look at

00:27:21.619 --> 00:27:22.459
 Ephesians

00:27:22.459 --> 00:27:23.359
 chapter 4

00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:24.039
 verse 3.

00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.639
 He's still

00:27:26.639 --> 00:27:27.019
 awake.

00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:27.679
 I'll keep

00:27:27.679 --> 00:27:28.139
 going with

00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:28.600
 another one

00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:29.000
 or two

00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.820
 until I

00:27:29.820 --> 00:27:30.460
 see someone

00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:31.280
 convulsing.

00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:33.180
 Ephesians

00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.000
 chapter 4

00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.740
 verse 3.

00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.720
 Make

00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:38.960
 every effort.

00:27:39.280 --> 00:27:39.600
 It's all

00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.259
 very strong

00:27:40.259 --> 00:27:40.740
 language,

00:27:40.840 --> 00:27:41.160
 full of

00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:41.880
 superlatives.

00:27:42.060 --> 00:27:42.240
 Make

00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.360
 every effort

00:27:43.360 --> 00:27:45.000
 to keep

00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.860
 the unity

00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:46.420
 of the

00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:46.940
 spirit

00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:48.120
 through the

00:27:48.120 --> 00:27:48.640
 bond of

00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:48.920
 peace.

00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.259
 Now if

00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.720
 you flick

00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.220
 back to

00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.540
 Romans

00:27:50.540 --> 00:27:51.680
 chapter 15,

00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.880
 our text

00:27:53.880 --> 00:27:54.420
 tonight,

00:27:55.020 --> 00:27:55.560
 and look

00:27:55.560 --> 00:27:55.800
 at the

00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:56.400
 verse there,

00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.840
 Paul says,

00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:58.579
 may God

00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.139
 give you

00:27:59.139 --> 00:28:00.259
 a spirit

00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:01.439
 of unity.

00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:02.359
 Now that,

00:28:02.659 --> 00:28:03.419
 what can

00:28:03.419 --> 00:28:04.019
 that mean

00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.779
 other than

00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:06.980
 a spirit

00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.659
 of unity

00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:08.879
 born by

00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:09.419
 the Holy

00:28:09.419 --> 00:28:09.859
 Spirit?

00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.379
 He's not

00:28:10.379 --> 00:28:11.299
 saying may

00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:11.779
 God give

00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.099
 you a

00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:12.439
 kind of

00:28:12.439 --> 00:28:13.419
 transcendental

00:28:13.419 --> 00:28:14.119
 feeling of

00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.519
 peace

00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:15.339
 washing over

00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:15.839
 you as

00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:16.679
 you sit

00:28:16.679 --> 00:28:16.959
 and have

00:28:16.959 --> 00:28:17.419
 your coffee

00:28:17.419 --> 00:28:17.779
 together.

00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:18.059
 It's not

00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:18.539
 that kind

00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:18.859
 of thing.

00:28:18.939 --> 00:28:19.359
 This is

00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:20.500
 a work

00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.199
 of God

00:28:21.199 --> 00:28:21.519
 in the

00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:21.819
 hearts

00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.459
 and minds

00:28:22.459 --> 00:28:23.099
 of believers

00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:23.799
 where some

00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.299
 are weak

00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:25.079
 and some

00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:25.699
 are strong

00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:26.179
 and never

00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:26.640
 the twain

00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.320
 shall meet.

00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:28.700
 May God

00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.560
 by his

00:28:29.560 --> 00:28:30.000
 spirit,

00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:30.420
 and here

00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:30.840
 it is in

00:28:30.840 --> 00:28:31.320
 Ephesians

00:28:31.320 --> 00:28:32.180
 chapter 4

00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:34.720
 verse 3,

00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:35.980
 make every

00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:36.500
 effort to

00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.140
 keep the

00:28:37.140 --> 00:28:38.259
 unity of

00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.160
 the Spirit,

00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:39.980
 capital S,

00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:41.440
 through the

00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.019
 bond of

00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:42.519
 peace.

00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.240
 Philippians

00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:45.019
 chapter 2

00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.799
 verse 2,

00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:48.519
 make my

00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:49.860
 joy complete

00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:51.320
 by being

00:28:51.320 --> 00:28:52.539
 like-minded,

00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.080
 having the

00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:54.679
 same love,

00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.539
 being one

00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:56.819
 in spirit

00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:58.220
 and purpose.

00:28:59.119 --> 00:28:59.980
 Colossians

00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:00.919
 chapter 3

00:29:00.919 --> 00:29:01.919
 verse 14,

00:29:02.119 --> 00:29:02.579
 this one

00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.000
 and one

00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.179
 other to

00:29:04.179 --> 00:29:05.139
 make my

00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:05.740
 point.

00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:06.599
 Colossians

00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:07.579
 chapter 3

00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:09.139
 verse 14,

00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.059
 and over

00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:11.619
 all these

00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.259
 virtues,

00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.319
 put on

00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:14.799
 love which

00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:15.819
 binds them

00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:16.659
 all together

00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:18.500
 in perfect

00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.720
 unity.

00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:21.500
 And finally,

00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:22.819
 not just

00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:23.519
 Paul, but

00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.480
 1 Peter

00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.579
 chapter 3,

00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:29.399
 1 Peter

00:29:29.399 --> 00:29:30.519
 chapter 3

00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.599
 verse 8,

00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.139
 finally,

00:29:35.639 --> 00:29:36.259
 all of

00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:36.559
 you,

00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.619
 live in

00:29:38.619 --> 00:29:39.279
 harmony

00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:39.799
 with one

00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.099
 another,

00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:41.059
 be sympathetic,

00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:42.119
 love as

00:29:42.119 --> 00:29:42.559
 brothers,

00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.559
 be compassionate

00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:45.039
 and humble,

00:29:45.919 --> 00:29:46.679
 live in

00:29:46.679 --> 00:29:47.179
 harmony

00:29:47.179 --> 00:29:48.679
 with one

00:29:48.679 --> 00:29:49.039
 another.

00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:49.159
 another.

00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:50.659
 So,

00:29:51.099 --> 00:29:52.299
 this is a

00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.700
 very widespread

00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.920
 New Testament

00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.579
 command,

00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.139
 isn't it?

00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.180
 I'm sure

00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.180
 you're glad

00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:00.720
 I didn't,

00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:01.259
 but I could

00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:01.720
 have done

00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:02.139
 as many

00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:02.639
 references

00:30:02.639 --> 00:30:03.200
 again.

00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:06.259
 The Spirit,

00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:07.759
 the Holy

00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.099
 Spirit of

00:30:09.099 --> 00:30:09.579
 God,

00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:10.940
 is the

00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:11.379
 one who

00:30:11.379 --> 00:30:12.079
 works

00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:13.539
 amongst

00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:14.139
 and within

00:30:14.139 --> 00:30:14.839
 his people

00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:15.420
 to bring

00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:16.180
 about a

00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:17.080
 God-given

00:30:17.080 --> 00:30:17.680
 unity,

00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.720
 even where

00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.560
 there are

00:30:21.560 --> 00:30:22.400
 very different

00:30:22.400 --> 00:30:23.259
 opinions about

00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.240
 certain issues.

00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:25.480
 Paul is not

00:30:25.480 --> 00:30:26.240
 papering over

00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:26.860
 the cracks

00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.160
 here.

00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:27.500
 Why?

00:30:27.600 --> 00:30:28.640
 He's devoted

00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:29.360
 a chapter and

00:30:29.360 --> 00:30:29.860
 a half of

00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.380
 his letter

00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:31.539
 to dealing

00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.160
 with how

00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:32.700
 to cope

00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:33.100
 with the

00:30:33.100 --> 00:30:33.400
 strong

00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:33.880
 differences

00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.500
 of opinion

00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:34.840
 in the

00:30:34.840 --> 00:30:35.220
 fellowship.

00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.960
 But the

00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:37.680
 Holy Spirit

00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:39.600
 is the

00:30:39.600 --> 00:30:40.000
 one who

00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:41.060
 brings about

00:30:41.060 --> 00:30:43.240
 a harmony

00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:43.900
 and a

00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.319
 unity

00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:44.960
 within the

00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.319
 church

00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:46.400
 that will,

00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:48.279
 verse 6,

00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.579
 lead to

00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:52.779
 us glorifying

00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.500
 God with

00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.559
 one heart

00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:56.140
 and one

00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:56.700
 mouth.

00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.859
 We may

00:30:58.859 --> 00:30:59.680
 have all

00:30:59.680 --> 00:31:00.259
 sorts of

00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.019
 different opinions

00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:01.720
 flowing out of

00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:02.279
 our mouths

00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.960
 when it comes

00:31:02.960 --> 00:31:04.319
 to shopping

00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:05.039
 and dressing

00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:06.620
 and sport

00:31:06.620 --> 00:31:07.880
 and goodness

00:31:07.880 --> 00:31:08.460
 knows what

00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:08.720
 else,

00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.559
 Sabbaths and

00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.500
 baptisms and

00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.579
 special days

00:31:11.579 --> 00:31:13.059
 and feasts

00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.559
 and new

00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.039
 moons and

00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:14.599
 all the rest

00:31:14.599 --> 00:31:14.980
 of it.

00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.500
 But with

00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:18.339
 one mouth

00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.939
 together we

00:31:19.939 --> 00:31:21.279
 praise the

00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.779
 God and

00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.339
 Father of

00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:22.839
 our Lord

00:31:22.839 --> 00:31:23.720
 Jesus Christ

00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.439
 who by

00:31:24.439 --> 00:31:25.379
 his Spirit

00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.799
 unites

00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.419
 believers

00:31:27.419 --> 00:31:28.659
 around the

00:31:28.659 --> 00:31:29.099
 gospel.

00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.439
 If I can

00:31:31.439 --> 00:31:32.019
 return to

00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.419
 the world

00:31:32.419 --> 00:31:32.720
 of the

00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.039
 Christian

00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.579
 Union and

00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:33.699
 the

00:31:33.699 --> 00:31:34.220
 university,

00:31:34.419 --> 00:31:34.819
 that is

00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:35.419
 what to

00:31:35.419 --> 00:31:36.019
 pray for

00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.460
 Christian

00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:36.879
 unions.

00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:37.519
 They come

00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:38.339
 to the

00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:38.699
 Christian

00:31:38.699 --> 00:31:40.220
 Union from

00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:41.059
 all manner

00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:41.659
 of different

00:31:41.659 --> 00:31:42.240
 evangelical

00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:42.879
 churches

00:31:42.879 --> 00:31:44.299
 and together

00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:45.740
 these Christian

00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:46.819
 students must

00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.619
 learn to

00:31:47.619 --> 00:31:48.779
 form a

00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:49.480
 united,

00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:51.440
 clear witness

00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:52.299
 to the

00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:52.980
 gospel of

00:31:52.980 --> 00:31:53.899
 Jesus Christ.

00:31:54.759 --> 00:31:55.759
 That is why

00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:56.940
 UCCF, the

00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:57.259
 Christian

00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:57.879
 Unions, or

00:31:57.879 --> 00:31:58.940
 IVF as some

00:31:58.940 --> 00:31:59.299
 of you will

00:31:59.299 --> 00:31:59.619
 have known

00:31:59.619 --> 00:31:59.940
 it in

00:31:59.940 --> 00:32:00.579
 decades gone

00:32:00.579 --> 00:32:02.059
 by, has

00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:03.720
 consistently

00:32:03.720 --> 00:32:04.859
 taken people

00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.519
 to the

00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:06.500
 cross, to

00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:07.200
 the scriptures

00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:08.519
 and to the

00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.059
 work of the

00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:09.679
 Holy Spirit

00:32:09.679 --> 00:32:10.339
 bringing new

00:32:10.339 --> 00:32:10.799
 life to

00:32:10.799 --> 00:32:11.299
 the believer

00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:13.220
 and uniting

00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:13.819
 believers

00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.579
 together in

00:32:14.579 --> 00:32:15.119
 Christ.

00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:17.519
 These things

00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.139
 Paul is

00:32:18.139 --> 00:32:18.939
 saying here,

00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:22.099
 these things,

00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:25.899
 if primary

00:32:25.899 --> 00:32:27.179
 and remembered,

00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.059
 will bring

00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:29.799
 your fellowship

00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:31.259
 to honor the

00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.879
 Lord Jesus

00:32:31.879 --> 00:32:33.039
 Christ, whatever

00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:34.439
 differences of

00:32:34.439 --> 00:32:35.159
 strength and

00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:36.259
 weakness are

00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:37.079
 found among

00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:37.319
 you.

00:32:37.379 --> 00:32:37.740
 And there

00:32:37.740 --> 00:32:38.519
 will be many

00:32:38.519 --> 00:32:40.059
 among you,

00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:40.519
 even a

00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.059
 number like

00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:41.500
 this.

00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:43.119
 Why, we can

00:32:43.119 --> 00:32:43.779
 tell by looking

00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:44.180
 at each

00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:45.920
 other that

00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:46.400
 that would be

00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.019
 the case.

00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:48.900
 So a

00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:50.039
 necessary base,

00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:50.879
 the gospel of

00:32:50.879 --> 00:32:51.500
 the cross,

00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:52.839
 a central

00:32:52.839 --> 00:32:54.420
 core, and a

00:32:54.420 --> 00:32:55.400
 spiral staircase,

00:32:55.700 --> 00:32:56.259
 the scriptures,

00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:57.879
 and a

00:32:57.879 --> 00:32:59.700
 primary rule.

00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:02.299
 Make every

00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:05.539
 effort to be

00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.480
 united amongst

00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.339
 yourselves as

00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:07.779
 you follow

00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.819
 Christ Jesus.

00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:12.059
 Three enduring

00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:13.720
 and central

00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.940
 fundamentals.

00:33:15.400 --> 00:33:15.860
 What a

00:33:15.860 --> 00:33:16.759
 wonderful way

00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:18.339
 to wrap up

00:33:18.339 --> 00:33:20.240
 his conversation

00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.819
 about the

00:33:20.819 --> 00:33:21.640
 strong and

00:33:21.640 --> 00:33:22.140
 the weak.

00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:24.960
 Point one was

00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:25.740
 two introductory

00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:26.319
 words.

00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:27.200
 Point two was

00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.000
 three enduring

00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:28.680
 fundamentals.

00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:29.700
 Point three is

00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:31.059
 one world

00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.860
 summoned to

00:33:31.860 --> 00:33:32.200
 praise.

00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.799
 Here is

00:33:32.799 --> 00:33:33.779
 Paul's

00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:34.680
 final

00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:38.700
 writing on

00:33:38.700 --> 00:33:39.279
 this topic.

00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:40.019
 Verses

00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:42.039
 seven and

00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.779
 eight and

00:33:42.779 --> 00:33:43.400
 the first

00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:44.259
 half of

00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:44.940
 verse nine

00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:45.580
 make the

00:33:45.580 --> 00:33:47.299
 point that

00:33:47.299 --> 00:33:49.080
 one world

00:33:49.080 --> 00:33:49.940
 is summoned

00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:51.420
 to praise.

00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:53.420
 He says in

00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:53.900
 verse seven,

00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.799
 accept one

00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:55.600
 another then,

00:33:56.100 --> 00:33:56.740
 just as

00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:58.019
 Christ accepted

00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:58.360
 you.

00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:59.360
 Now, why did

00:33:59.360 --> 00:34:00.360
 Christ accept

00:34:00.359 --> 00:34:00.699
 you?

00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:01.939
 He accepted

00:34:01.939 --> 00:34:02.479
 you in

00:34:02.479 --> 00:34:03.099
 order to

00:34:03.099 --> 00:34:03.779
 bring praise

00:34:03.779 --> 00:34:04.419
 to God

00:34:04.419 --> 00:34:06.059
 because I

00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:07.000
 tell you that

00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:08.239
 Christ has

00:34:08.239 --> 00:34:09.319
 become a

00:34:09.319 --> 00:34:10.159
 servant of

00:34:10.159 --> 00:34:11.139
 the Jews,

00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.579
 the people of

00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:13.339
 God whom he

00:34:13.339 --> 00:34:14.079
 came to,

00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:16.139
 on behalf of

00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.960
 God's truth,

00:34:17.259 --> 00:34:18.299
 in order to

00:34:18.299 --> 00:34:19.199
 confirm the

00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.380
 promises made

00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:20.799
 to the

00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:22.480
 patriarchs so

00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:23.659
 that the

00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:24.759
 Gentiles may

00:34:24.759 --> 00:34:25.759
 glorify God.

00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.420
 See what

00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:27.199
 Paul is saying?

00:34:27.199 --> 00:34:30.279
 Christ came

00:34:30.279 --> 00:34:30.659
 to the

00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:31.179
 people of

00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:31.639
 God,

00:34:32.359 --> 00:34:32.839
 the Old

00:34:32.839 --> 00:34:33.319
 Testament

00:34:33.319 --> 00:34:33.939
 people of

00:34:33.939 --> 00:34:34.460
 God as

00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:35.219
 their Messiah

00:34:35.219 --> 00:34:37.079
 to confirm

00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:37.759
 the promises

00:34:37.759 --> 00:34:38.559
 made to the

00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.439
 patriarchs and

00:34:39.439 --> 00:34:40.199
 he came to

00:34:40.199 --> 00:34:42.000
 them so

00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:42.599
 that the

00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.719
 Gentile world

00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.919
 with them

00:34:44.919 --> 00:34:46.519
 would honour

00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:48.059
 and praise

00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:48.699
 the living

00:34:48.699 --> 00:34:49.559
 God and

00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:50.359
 glorify him

00:34:50.359 --> 00:34:50.759
 for his

00:34:50.759 --> 00:34:51.199
 mercy.

00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:53.139
 All of this

00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:54.099
 unity, all of

00:34:54.099 --> 00:34:54.799
 this working

00:34:54.799 --> 00:34:55.519
 out how to

00:34:55.519 --> 00:34:56.199
 cope with the

00:34:56.199 --> 00:34:56.759
 weak and the

00:34:56.759 --> 00:34:57.379
 strong in

00:34:57.379 --> 00:34:58.000
 our fellowship

00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:59.539
 is because

00:34:59.539 --> 00:35:00.460
 God wants

00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:01.319
 there to be

00:35:01.319 --> 00:35:03.339
 one voice

00:35:03.339 --> 00:35:04.079
 of praise

00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:05.119
 from all

00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:05.899
 the nations

00:35:05.899 --> 00:35:07.359
 throughout the

00:35:07.359 --> 00:35:08.379
 world to

00:35:08.379 --> 00:35:09.000
 the praise

00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:09.759
 of his

00:35:09.759 --> 00:35:10.439
 son Jesus.

00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:12.019
 That's his

00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:12.519
 point in

00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:13.199
 verses 7

00:35:13.199 --> 00:35:13.739
 and 8.

00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:17.019
 Accept one

00:35:17.019 --> 00:35:17.500
 another

00:35:17.500 --> 00:35:20.059
 because one

00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:20.819
 world is

00:35:20.819 --> 00:35:21.399
 summoned to

00:35:21.399 --> 00:35:21.939
 praise.

00:35:22.859 --> 00:35:23.379
 And then

00:35:23.379 --> 00:35:24.699
 he effectively

00:35:24.699 --> 00:35:25.659
 makes the

00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:26.759
 same point

00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:27.359
 in verses

00:35:27.359 --> 00:35:28.279
 9 to

00:35:28.279 --> 00:35:29.500
 12 all

00:35:29.500 --> 00:35:30.259
 over again

00:35:30.259 --> 00:35:32.179
 by very

00:35:32.179 --> 00:35:34.019
 beautifully

00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:35.399
 drawing from

00:35:35.399 --> 00:35:35.899
 the Old

00:35:35.899 --> 00:35:36.379
 Testament

00:35:36.379 --> 00:35:36.960
 scriptures

00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:38.339
 this theme

00:35:38.339 --> 00:35:39.319
 of one

00:35:39.319 --> 00:35:40.099
 world being

00:35:40.099 --> 00:35:40.659
 summoned to

00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:40.919
 praise.

00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:41.299
 Look at

00:35:41.299 --> 00:35:41.939
 Psalm 18

00:35:41.939 --> 00:35:42.639
 he says to

00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:42.759
 them.

00:35:42.819 --> 00:35:43.399
 Here is Paul

00:35:43.399 --> 00:35:44.219
 preaching from

00:35:44.219 --> 00:35:44.539
 the Old

00:35:44.539 --> 00:35:44.899
 Testament

00:35:44.899 --> 00:35:45.519
 scriptures.

00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.859
 And here

00:35:46.859 --> 00:35:47.480
 is Paul

00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:48.519
 giving several

00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:49.379
 cross-references

00:35:49.379 --> 00:35:49.939
 which gives

00:35:49.939 --> 00:35:50.480
 me hope.

00:35:51.239 --> 00:35:52.159
 So here he's

00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:53.099
 saying from

00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:53.819
 Psalm 18

00:35:53.819 --> 00:35:54.400
 the song

00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:54.699
 of the

00:35:54.699 --> 00:35:54.940
 king

00:35:54.940 --> 00:35:55.799
 therefore I

00:35:55.799 --> 00:35:56.860
 will praise

00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:58.920
 you among

00:35:58.920 --> 00:35:59.880
 the Gentiles

00:35:59.880 --> 00:36:00.219
 who would

00:36:00.219 --> 00:36:00.599
 ever have

00:36:00.599 --> 00:36:01.279
 thought it.

00:36:02.799 --> 00:36:03.460
 The Old

00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:04.179
 Testament people

00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:04.799
 were used to

00:36:04.799 --> 00:36:05.400
 praising God

00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:05.900
 among their

00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:06.559
 own people

00:36:06.559 --> 00:36:08.000
 but here he's

00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:08.539
 saying I will

00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:09.179
 praise you

00:36:09.179 --> 00:36:09.739
 among the

00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:10.599
 Gentiles.

00:36:12.440 --> 00:36:13.219
 And then he

00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:13.579
 goes to

00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:14.119
 Jishoraname

00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.699
 to Moses

00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:15.779
 song rejoice

00:36:15.779 --> 00:36:17.380
 O Gentiles

00:36:17.380 --> 00:36:18.219
 with his

00:36:18.219 --> 00:36:18.699
 people.

00:36:19.360 --> 00:36:19.819
 It was

00:36:19.819 --> 00:36:20.880
 always God's

00:36:20.880 --> 00:36:22.259
 purpose to

00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:23.160
 have one

00:36:23.160 --> 00:36:24.460
 world summoned

00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:25.360
 to praise.

00:36:26.640 --> 00:36:27.160
 That was

00:36:27.160 --> 00:36:28.620
 his purpose

00:36:28.620 --> 00:36:29.620
 in calling

00:36:29.620 --> 00:36:30.840
 out his

00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:31.220
 covenant

00:36:31.220 --> 00:36:31.800
 people.

00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:33.880
 Then his

00:36:33.880 --> 00:36:35.280
 third reference

00:36:35.280 --> 00:36:35.940
 praise the

00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:36.620
 Lord all

00:36:36.620 --> 00:36:37.820
 you Gentiles

00:36:37.820 --> 00:36:38.620
 again in the

00:36:38.620 --> 00:36:40.000
 Psalms 117

00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:40.880
 this time.

00:36:41.880 --> 00:36:42.260
 Praise the

00:36:42.260 --> 00:36:42.840
 Lord all

00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:44.140
 you Gentiles

00:36:44.140 --> 00:36:45.540
 and sing

00:36:45.540 --> 00:36:46.540
 praises to

00:36:46.540 --> 00:36:46.940
 him all

00:36:46.940 --> 00:36:47.760
 you peoples.

00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:52.220
 and finally

00:36:52.220 --> 00:36:52.940
 in Isaiah

00:36:52.940 --> 00:36:54.940
 David's

00:36:54.940 --> 00:36:55.360
 heir

00:36:55.360 --> 00:36:57.780
 King

00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:58.280
 David

00:36:58.280 --> 00:36:59.000
 the great

00:36:59.000 --> 00:36:59.640
 king of

00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:00.040
 God's

00:37:00.040 --> 00:37:00.320
 people

00:37:00.320 --> 00:37:00.580
 King

00:37:00.580 --> 00:37:00.900
 David

00:37:00.900 --> 00:37:02.140
 his heir

00:37:02.140 --> 00:37:03.400
 will rule

00:37:03.400 --> 00:37:03.960
 the world

00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:04.500
 the root

00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:05.080
 of Jesse

00:37:05.080 --> 00:37:05.800
 will spring

00:37:05.800 --> 00:37:06.060
 up

00:37:06.060 --> 00:37:06.500
 one who

00:37:06.500 --> 00:37:07.760
 will arise

00:37:07.760 --> 00:37:08.660
 to rule

00:37:08.660 --> 00:37:09.520
 over

00:37:09.520 --> 00:37:11.240
 the nations

00:37:11.240 --> 00:37:13.060
 the Gentiles

00:37:13.060 --> 00:37:14.480
 will hope

00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:15.300
 in him.

00:37:15.680 --> 00:37:16.480
 This is not

00:37:16.480 --> 00:37:17.659
 a New Testament

00:37:17.659 --> 00:37:18.880
 idea that

00:37:18.880 --> 00:37:19.539
 suddenly came

00:37:19.539 --> 00:37:19.940
 up in the

00:37:19.940 --> 00:37:20.360
 mind of

00:37:20.360 --> 00:37:20.780
 Paul

00:37:20.780 --> 00:37:22.780
 now that

00:37:22.780 --> 00:37:23.079
 he was

00:37:23.079 --> 00:37:24.300
 engaged in

00:37:24.300 --> 00:37:25.340
 missionary

00:37:25.340 --> 00:37:26.059
 endeavor in

00:37:26.059 --> 00:37:26.579
 the nations.

00:37:26.579 --> 00:37:27.480
 This was

00:37:27.480 --> 00:37:28.980
 fundamental to

00:37:28.980 --> 00:37:29.880
 God's purposes

00:37:29.880 --> 00:37:30.639
 from the word

00:37:30.639 --> 00:37:31.059
 go.

00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.679
 The global

00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.599
 purpose of

00:37:34.599 --> 00:37:35.219
 the gospel

00:37:35.219 --> 00:37:36.440
 and the

00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:37.740
 global purpose

00:37:37.740 --> 00:37:38.460
 of God's

00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:39.480
 call to his

00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:40.880
 people embedded

00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:41.599
 in the very

00:37:41.599 --> 00:37:42.440
 Psalms that

00:37:42.440 --> 00:37:43.139
 they sang

00:37:43.139 --> 00:37:44.739
 was that

00:37:44.739 --> 00:37:45.679
 the Gentiles

00:37:45.679 --> 00:37:46.179
 too

00:37:46.179 --> 00:37:47.539
 would praise

00:37:47.539 --> 00:37:48.000
 the living

00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:48.539
 God.

00:37:54.139 --> 00:37:55.159
 So in

00:37:55.159 --> 00:37:55.739
 effect

00:37:55.739 --> 00:37:57.420
 as he

00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:58.199
 ends like

00:37:58.199 --> 00:37:58.519
 that

00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.119
 he's saying

00:37:59.119 --> 00:37:59.619
 you know

00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.219
 when you

00:38:00.219 --> 00:38:00.659
 have your

00:38:00.659 --> 00:38:01.319
 issues

00:38:01.319 --> 00:38:03.559
 of strong

00:38:03.559 --> 00:38:04.519
 and weak

00:38:04.519 --> 00:38:06.639
 I could

00:38:06.639 --> 00:38:07.119
 never do

00:38:07.119 --> 00:38:07.400
 that

00:38:07.400 --> 00:38:07.980
 I could

00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:08.359
 do that

00:38:08.359 --> 00:38:08.679
 what's

00:38:08.679 --> 00:38:09.339
 the problem

00:38:09.339 --> 00:38:09.819
 with that

00:38:09.820 --> 00:38:10.440
 when you

00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:10.960
 have these

00:38:10.960 --> 00:38:11.420
 issues

00:38:11.420 --> 00:38:14.840
 God says

00:38:14.840 --> 00:38:15.340
 here in

00:38:15.340 --> 00:38:16.240
 Romans 15

00:38:16.240 --> 00:38:17.780
 get over

00:38:17.780 --> 00:38:18.140
 it

00:38:18.140 --> 00:38:20.180
 get over

00:38:20.180 --> 00:38:20.640
 it and

00:38:20.640 --> 00:38:21.400
 remember the

00:38:21.400 --> 00:38:22.120
 global

00:38:22.120 --> 00:38:23.059
 purpose of

00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:23.660
 the gospel

00:38:23.660 --> 00:38:27.780
 there is a

00:38:27.780 --> 00:38:28.880
 bigger purpose

00:38:28.880 --> 00:38:29.860
 a much

00:38:29.860 --> 00:38:31.039
 bigger purpose

00:38:31.039 --> 00:38:32.500
 than how you

00:38:32.500 --> 00:38:33.800
 relate in

00:38:33.800 --> 00:38:34.559
 your fellowship

00:38:34.559 --> 00:38:35.900
 over some

00:38:35.900 --> 00:38:36.840
 cultural

00:38:36.840 --> 00:38:37.720
 difference that

00:38:37.720 --> 00:38:38.880
 has spilled

00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:39.700
 through history

00:38:39.699 --> 00:38:40.199
 and landed

00:38:40.199 --> 00:38:40.599
 on your

00:38:40.599 --> 00:38:41.139
 plate in

00:38:41.139 --> 00:38:41.639
 its current

00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:42.159
 form

00:38:42.159 --> 00:38:44.199
 get over

00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:45.480
 it and

00:38:45.480 --> 00:38:46.159
 remember the

00:38:46.159 --> 00:38:47.159
 global purpose

00:38:47.159 --> 00:38:47.919
 of the gospel

00:38:47.919 --> 00:38:48.879
 and the

00:38:48.879 --> 00:38:50.039
 global purpose

00:38:50.039 --> 00:38:51.059
 of the

00:38:51.059 --> 00:38:52.219
 Old Testament

00:38:52.219 --> 00:38:52.899
 scriptures

00:38:52.899 --> 00:38:57.839
 that's how

00:38:57.839 --> 00:38:59.019
 Paul wraps

00:38:59.019 --> 00:39:00.219
 up his

00:39:00.219 --> 00:39:01.239
 description of

00:39:01.239 --> 00:39:01.819
 the strong

00:39:01.819 --> 00:39:02.359
 and the weak

00:39:02.359 --> 00:39:03.259
 and you know

00:39:03.259 --> 00:39:05.259
 verse 22

00:39:05.259 --> 00:39:06.679
 of chapter 14

00:39:06.679 --> 00:39:07.159
 which we

00:39:07.159 --> 00:39:08.359
 didn't read

00:39:08.359 --> 00:39:08.939
 tonight

00:39:08.940 --> 00:39:11.260
 is a very

00:39:11.260 --> 00:39:12.139
 good place

00:39:12.139 --> 00:39:12.820
 to end

00:39:12.820 --> 00:39:14.599
 chapter 14

00:39:14.599 --> 00:39:15.500
 verse 22

00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:16.059
 so

00:39:16.059 --> 00:39:17.619
 whatever you

00:39:17.619 --> 00:39:18.460
 believe about

00:39:18.460 --> 00:39:19.460
 these things

00:39:19.460 --> 00:39:20.179
 the meat

00:39:20.179 --> 00:39:21.059
 the sabbath

00:39:21.059 --> 00:39:21.780
 the shopping

00:39:21.780 --> 00:39:22.599
 the sport

00:39:22.599 --> 00:39:23.920
 whatever it is

00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:24.900
 whatever you

00:39:24.900 --> 00:39:25.559
 believe about

00:39:25.559 --> 00:39:26.320
 these things

00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:27.860
 keep between

00:39:27.860 --> 00:39:28.659
 yourself

00:39:28.659 --> 00:39:30.039
 and God

00:39:30.039 --> 00:39:31.740
 because the

00:39:31.740 --> 00:39:32.320
 cross

00:39:32.320 --> 00:39:33.500
 the scriptures

00:39:33.500 --> 00:39:35.019
 the spirit

00:39:35.019 --> 00:39:36.780
 and God's

00:39:36.780 --> 00:39:37.800
 call to the

00:39:37.800 --> 00:39:38.380
 world

00:39:38.380 --> 00:39:40.000
 should

00:39:40.000 --> 00:39:41.340
 over

00:39:41.340 --> 00:39:42.739
 arch all

00:39:42.739 --> 00:39:43.840
 your squabbles

00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:44.519
 and differences

00:39:44.519 --> 00:39:45.280
 about these

00:39:45.280 --> 00:39:46.500
 petty trivia

00:39:46.500 --> 00:39:48.619
 and there

00:39:48.619 --> 00:39:49.420
 is a time

00:39:49.420 --> 00:39:50.059
 often

00:39:50.059 --> 00:39:51.619
 when these

00:39:51.619 --> 00:39:52.260
 things are

00:39:52.260 --> 00:39:53.260
 about to

00:39:53.260 --> 00:39:53.900
 burst into

00:39:53.900 --> 00:39:54.639
 flames and

00:39:54.639 --> 00:39:55.559
 cause destruction

00:39:55.559 --> 00:39:56.199
 in a church

00:39:56.199 --> 00:39:56.659
 family

00:39:56.659 --> 00:39:58.059
 to say

00:39:58.059 --> 00:39:58.500
 nothing

00:39:58.500 --> 00:40:00.900
 and unite

00:40:00.900 --> 00:40:03.559
 around the

00:40:03.559 --> 00:40:04.119
 Lord Jesus

00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:04.920
 himself

00:40:04.920 --> 00:40:07.599
 well let's

00:40:07.599 --> 00:40:07.940
 pray

00:40:07.940 --> 00:40:10.679
 dear heavenly

00:40:10.679 --> 00:40:11.179
 father

00:40:11.179 --> 00:40:12.320
 sometimes

00:40:12.320 --> 00:40:13.960
 often

00:40:13.960 --> 00:40:14.559
 perhaps

00:40:14.559 --> 00:40:17.179
 we feel

00:40:17.179 --> 00:40:17.679
 it better

00:40:17.679 --> 00:40:18.860
 to speak

00:40:18.860 --> 00:40:19.820
 our mind

00:40:19.820 --> 00:40:20.619
 to others

00:40:20.619 --> 00:40:22.519
 and to

00:40:22.519 --> 00:40:23.199
 keep matters

00:40:23.199 --> 00:40:23.679
 between

00:40:23.679 --> 00:40:24.340
 us

00:40:24.340 --> 00:40:26.099
 and you

00:40:26.099 --> 00:40:27.659
 Lord you

00:40:27.659 --> 00:40:28.079
 know our

00:40:28.079 --> 00:40:28.519
 hearts

00:40:28.519 --> 00:40:28.940
 you know

00:40:28.940 --> 00:40:29.599
 when we

00:40:29.599 --> 00:40:30.759
 rile each

00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:31.119
 other

00:40:31.119 --> 00:40:32.480
 you know

00:40:32.480 --> 00:40:32.900
 in a way

00:40:32.900 --> 00:40:33.279
 that I

00:40:33.279 --> 00:40:33.739
 certainly

00:40:33.739 --> 00:40:34.179
 don't

00:40:34.179 --> 00:40:34.799
 all the

00:40:34.799 --> 00:40:36.299
 potential

00:40:36.299 --> 00:40:37.000
 problems

00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:37.500
 of this

00:40:37.500 --> 00:40:37.940
 fellowship

00:40:37.940 --> 00:40:38.440
 but we

00:40:38.440 --> 00:40:39.039
 pray this

00:40:39.039 --> 00:40:39.339
 evening

00:40:39.339 --> 00:40:39.719
 heavenly

00:40:39.719 --> 00:40:40.139
 father

00:40:40.139 --> 00:40:40.539
 that

00:40:40.539 --> 00:40:44.659
 at one

00:40:44.659 --> 00:40:45.159
 with the

00:40:45.159 --> 00:40:45.500
 savior

00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:46.119
 who died

00:40:46.119 --> 00:40:46.440
 on the

00:40:46.440 --> 00:40:46.980
 cross

00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:50.279
 listening

00:40:50.279 --> 00:40:50.779
 to your

00:40:50.779 --> 00:40:51.139
 word

00:40:51.139 --> 00:40:51.480
 in the

00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:51.940
 scriptures

00:40:51.940 --> 00:40:54.679
 and united

00:40:54.679 --> 00:40:55.259
 by your

00:40:55.259 --> 00:40:55.779
 spirit

00:40:55.780 --> 00:40:56.900
 we might

00:40:56.900 --> 00:40:57.360
 with one

00:40:57.360 --> 00:40:57.780
 voice

00:40:57.780 --> 00:40:58.600
 bring glory

00:40:58.600 --> 00:40:59.680
 to Jesus

00:40:59.680 --> 00:41:00.340
 even

00:41:00.340 --> 00:41:01.560
 this coming

00:41:01.560 --> 00:41:01.980
 week

00:41:01.980 --> 00:41:02.720
 for his

00:41:02.720 --> 00:41:03.100
 name's

00:41:03.100 --> 00:41:03.400
 sake

00:41:03.400 --> 00:41:04.240
 amen