WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.660 You'll often hear people say in the media, it's a regular thing in response to some kind of a tragedy. 00:00:06.259 --> 00:00:10.500 Our thoughts and our prayers are with their loved ones. 00:00:11.560 --> 00:00:17.080 I've heard it even from the mouths of avowed atheists tweeted. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:20.300 Our prayers are with you. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. 00:00:20.339 --> 00:00:24.179 And I'm kind of thinking in that moment, what does that mean for you? 00:00:25.480 --> 00:00:27.120 The word prayer in that moment. 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:34.620 You see, most people on this planet pray at least some time in their lives. 00:00:35.719 --> 00:00:41.359 It is true, I think, that prayer is practically a worldwide activity. 00:00:42.219 --> 00:00:49.280 But what prayer actually means is vastly different from individual to individual. 00:00:49.280 --> 00:01:05.599 The difference in what prayer means or what it is or how you go about it is determined by what we think the God or the being is that we're praying to. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:11.319 What we think that relationship is with our God will determine what prayer is like for us. 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:23.819 So, in other words, when a Buddhist spins his prayer wheel or the Hindu sits in mystic silence or the Muslim with his prayer mat faces Mecca five times a day, 00:01:23.819 --> 00:01:36.759 all are reflecting the character of the God or the gods to whom they're praying to and what that relationship with that God or that being is like. 00:01:36.760 --> 00:01:40.939 And it's exactly the same for the Christian. 00:01:41.359 --> 00:01:45.100 Our prayer is shaped and defined by the being to whom we pray. 00:01:45.100 --> 00:01:54.260 And what the Bible reveals about God shapes our prayer life in two major kind of ways. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:02:02.320 First of all, for instance, Jeremiah 32 is a great little passage, 32 verse 17, which says, 00:02:02.320 --> 00:02:20.300 That verse alone shapes the way you pray and your expectations when you pray. 00:02:20.300 --> 00:02:25.160 Or take it from that and go to, for instance, Romans 8. 00:02:25.740 --> 00:02:33.420 And you get this stunning picture in Romans 8 of the Christian life where it says that we were once slaves to sin. 00:02:33.920 --> 00:02:36.780 We were slaves to death and fear. 00:02:37.300 --> 00:02:39.040 We were hostile to God. 00:02:39.140 --> 00:02:42.320 We were unable to please God in any kind of way. 00:02:43.080 --> 00:02:48.760 And now we are free sons of the Father and co-heirs of his kingdom in Christ. 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:57.019 That is, through being united with Jesus, who died to free us, 00:02:57.519 --> 00:03:03.579 we now live a new life in which God himself dwells with us by his Holy Spirit. 00:03:03.939 --> 00:03:10.479 It's because of the saving work of God that we are raised up from our low position of being cut off from God 00:03:10.479 --> 00:03:17.120 and being granted free access to the almighty, true and living God, 00:03:17.239 --> 00:03:21.000 which Jeremiah says nothing is too hard for him. 00:03:21.500 --> 00:03:24.899 He's the one who creates everything and sustains everything. 00:03:26.219 --> 00:03:31.560 And according to Romans 8, there's no barrier between us and this God because of Jesus. 00:03:31.699 --> 00:03:32.799 It's been torn down. 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:39.620 It's like Jesus, through his life and death and resurrection, has reconnected the phone lines. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:44.000 And we can start communicating with God again. 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:50.900 What that means is that prayer is not an addition. 00:03:51.280 --> 00:03:52.939 It's not an appendix to the Christian life. 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:57.620 It's not sort of sitting over here, one of these things that we get to do when we get around to it. 00:03:57.620 --> 00:04:03.400 But our prayer life is, in fact, at the very heart of who we are as Christians. 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:08.840 It's the very heart of who we are as Christians and how we relate to our heavenly Father. 00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:16.060 It is phenomenal that the most famous of prayers, the Lord's Prayer, 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:22.240 simply starts with our Father or quite literally, my Dad. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:30.160 It's phenomenal. 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:38.340 And our prayer life is, therefore, one of the greatest indicators of our spiritual health, 00:04:38.439 --> 00:04:39.500 individually and corporately. 00:04:40.360 --> 00:04:46.439 It shines light on whether we know about God through theological concepts 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:52.660 or actually in communion with our Father, our Dad. 00:04:52.660 --> 00:04:58.900 That relationship is operating, working, communion with God. 00:05:00.760 --> 00:05:04.020 So what an incredible privilege that we have as Christians. 00:05:04.780 --> 00:05:10.680 One of the photos I love is JFK in the Oval Office 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:14.160 with a bunch of the heads of the United States at that time, 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:15.960 having obviously a very important meeting, 00:05:16.320 --> 00:05:19.680 and little John Jr. coming into the Oval Office, 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:24.000 having direct access to the Commander-in-Chief, 00:05:24.340 --> 00:05:26.439 unquestioned, not stopped by anyone. 00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:30.439 Everyone else in that room needs to make an appointment, 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:32.740 except the son. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:36.160 At any time, he wanders in. 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:40.620 What a privilege we have in prayer. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:45.780 And so it is one of the greatest indicators of our spiritual health. 00:05:46.759 --> 00:05:48.720 Not your Bible knowledge. 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:55.220 How well are you communing with God? 00:05:55.780 --> 00:05:58.860 And so as we kick off this new year of ministry, 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:02.280 as we do for, and have been doing for a number of years, 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:06.399 we begin the ministry year in a week of prayer. 00:06:06.399 --> 00:06:11.779 And it's just a week, and a week of 52 weeks is one thing, 00:06:11.899 --> 00:06:14.539 but I think what I want to do every year 00:06:14.539 --> 00:06:16.719 is at very least symbolically 00:06:16.719 --> 00:06:20.639 to start the ministry year on our knees 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:24.259 and to independence upon God, 00:06:24.739 --> 00:06:27.439 seeking His agenda, His will for our church, 00:06:27.979 --> 00:06:29.819 His enabling for Him to do His work, 00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:34.099 and to continue the year on our knees. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:39.500 So we do this every year to make a statement as a church. 00:06:39.700 --> 00:06:41.280 It's a statement to God. 00:06:41.379 --> 00:06:43.480 It's a statement to this world in which we live. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:45.240 It's a statement to our own consciences 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:47.800 that we exist as a church 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:49.980 to do things that we cannot do 00:06:49.980 --> 00:06:51.840 without the supernatural grace of God. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:54.360 Everything good, everything worthwhile, 00:06:54.720 --> 00:06:55.520 everything eternal, 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:59.580 and God-glorifying that we seek to do as a church, 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:03.700 we cannot do without the supernatural grace of God. 00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:07.860 And so this prayer week, as it does every year, 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:13.120 proclaims that we exist as a church here at St. Paul's 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:19.120 mainly to do the humanly impossible. 00:07:20.680 --> 00:07:21.960 The humanly impossible. 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:24.100 I love what Jacob said just a moment ago 00:07:24.100 --> 00:07:27.820 and how that shapes the organisation of IJM. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:34.779 I communicated at our heartbeat night in November 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:36.459 that for the next three years, 00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:38.779 we're going to make a concerted effort 00:07:38.779 --> 00:07:42.360 into breaking what is known as the 200 Barrier. 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:46.980 It's details that I'm going to talk about a lot 00:07:46.980 --> 00:07:48.600 and have talked about a lot, 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:49.560 breaking this 200 Barrier. 00:07:49.659 --> 00:07:51.240 We've hovered around as a church 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:53.000 for at least a couple of decades, 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:55.459 and so we're going to put energy and focus 00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:57.500 into taking steps, deliberate steps, 00:07:57.639 --> 00:07:59.019 to move beyond that. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:02.920 And the intention and the vision 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:05.819 behind this concerted effort 00:08:05.819 --> 00:08:09.639 is to see people know and treasure 00:08:09.639 --> 00:08:11.860 the Lord Jesus Christ for the first time 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:13.579 through the ministry of, 00:08:13.839 --> 00:08:15.620 and the people of this church. 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:19.959 And our vision statement says 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:22.019 that we are desperate 00:08:22.019 --> 00:08:24.980 for people to encounter the Lord Jesus. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:27.740 And the word desperate 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:31.480 just implies for me sweat, 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:34.940 labouring, sacrifice, 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:38.620 change for God to be glorified. 00:08:39.060 --> 00:08:41.060 Our Lord has not called us 00:08:41.060 --> 00:08:42.320 to an impossible mission. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:44.919 He's called us to a demanding mission. 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:53.019 And I chose Colossians 4, 2-4, 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:54.259 for the beginning of prayer week 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:56.320 for this very reason. 00:08:58.960 --> 00:09:00.720 Because we cannot be comfortable 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:04.060 sitting the size of the church we are 00:09:04.060 --> 00:09:06.179 and not making desperate moves 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:08.060 for more people to see Jesus. 00:09:08.159 --> 00:09:09.440 If God chooses not to grow, 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:10.919 that's His business. 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:14.699 But it's another thing 00:09:14.699 --> 00:09:17.779 where there's moral and spiritual apathy 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.419 not to want to change. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:22.699 That's reprehensible 00:09:22.699 --> 00:09:23.779 as far as I'm concerned. 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:27.819 And so we're making deliberate changes. 00:09:27.979 --> 00:09:28.860 Nick's alluded to them. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:30.299 They're going to start next week 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:32.539 of moving forward as a church. 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:33.839 But I want us to know 00:09:33.839 --> 00:09:34.779 that we're moving forward, 00:09:34.939 --> 00:09:36.139 seeking God to do 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.219 what we cannot do 00:09:37.219 --> 00:09:38.179 as we work forward. 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:40.399 Yes, there is sacrifice, 00:09:40.559 --> 00:09:41.339 there is sweat, 00:09:41.459 --> 00:09:43.039 and there is thoughtful strategy, 00:09:43.239 --> 00:09:45.299 there is risk on our behalf. 00:09:45.899 --> 00:09:48.839 But it is a deeply spiritual 00:09:48.839 --> 00:09:51.299 and God-dependent activity 00:09:51.299 --> 00:09:52.459 that we are doing. 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:56.939 And so if I understand Colossians 4, 00:09:57.339 --> 00:09:59.679 which hopefully got in front of you right now, 00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:02.120 open that is, 00:10:02.120 --> 00:10:05.700 if I understand this text correctly, 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:07.659 the human key 00:10:07.659 --> 00:10:09.360 that might unlock 00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:11.120 the blessing of God's power and grace 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.500 in our mission to Chatswood 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:13.720 is devoted, 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:15.240 watchful, 00:10:15.720 --> 00:10:17.159 and thankful prayer. 00:10:18.580 --> 00:10:19.779 You see, this text here 00:10:19.779 --> 00:10:20.960 gives me a strong hope 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:23.460 that God will open a door 00:10:23.460 --> 00:10:25.860 to His word in Chatswood 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:28.320 and that faith will come to many people 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:30.120 if we pray desperately 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.659 for Him to do that. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:37.120 In Colossians 4, 2-4, 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:38.700 Paul is urging the Colossians 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:39.419 to pray 00:10:39.419 --> 00:10:42.519 just like I am urging us today 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:44.000 to pray. 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:44.639 In fact, 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:46.879 to pray for something quite specific. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:49.560 And I see two things here 00:10:49.560 --> 00:10:50.919 in these verses 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:52.820 that he wants them to pray for. 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:56.159 We'll look at those first, 00:10:56.560 --> 00:10:57.639 those two things first 00:10:57.639 --> 00:10:59.700 before I will then turn our attention 00:10:59.700 --> 00:11:00.900 to how it is 00:11:00.900 --> 00:11:01.680 that we pray 00:11:01.680 --> 00:11:02.879 for those two things. 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:05.140 The two things 00:11:05.140 --> 00:11:06.540 are for an open door 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:08.400 and for a powerful word. 00:11:08.700 --> 00:11:09.420 An open door 00:11:09.420 --> 00:11:10.480 and a powerful word. 00:11:11.180 --> 00:11:12.379 Paul here 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:13.080 wants God 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:14.100 to work both 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:15.020 in the recipients 00:11:15.020 --> 00:11:16.080 of the message 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:17.860 and him, 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:18.540 the preacher 00:11:18.540 --> 00:11:19.300 of the message. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:20.620 So in verse 3, 00:11:20.700 --> 00:11:21.240 he says, 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:31.919 Now there are 00:11:31.919 --> 00:11:32.919 at least 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:34.740 three other times 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:35.720 in the New Testament 00:11:35.720 --> 00:11:37.120 that Paul uses 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:39.200 this same image 00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:39.960 that he does here 00:11:39.960 --> 00:11:41.080 of an open door. 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:42.620 He uses it 00:11:42.620 --> 00:11:44.120 in Acts 14, 27, 00:11:44.720 --> 00:11:47.400 in 1 Corinthians 16, 8, 9 00:11:47.400 --> 00:11:49.520 and in 2 Corinthians 2, 12. 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:51.460 And each time 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:53.780 this open door 00:11:53.780 --> 00:11:54.720 means, 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:56.639 seems to be 00:11:56.639 --> 00:11:58.280 a remarkable set 00:11:58.280 --> 00:11:59.440 of circumstances 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:01.400 that would have been 00:12:01.400 --> 00:12:02.700 very effective 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:04.060 for the gospel. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:05.360 That's what he's praying for. 00:12:06.080 --> 00:12:07.840 Remarkable circumstances 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:09.680 for the gospel, 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:11.040 reception of the gospel. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:13.400 And so when Paul says 00:12:13.400 --> 00:12:14.620 in verse 3, 00:12:15.040 --> 00:12:15.840 Pray for us too 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:16.620 that I may, 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:18.000 that God may open a door 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:18.879 for our message 00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:20.020 so that we may reclaim 00:12:20.020 --> 00:12:20.840 the mystery of Christ, 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.780 I take him to mean 00:12:22.780 --> 00:12:24.240 that God 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:26.100 changes 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:27.080 things 00:12:27.900 --> 00:12:28.580 and changes 00:12:28.580 --> 00:12:29.480 people's hearts 00:12:29.480 --> 00:12:29.920 and changes 00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:31.060 circumstances 00:12:31.060 --> 00:12:33.259 and does a remarkable work 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:34.139 when people pray. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:37.080 When Christians pray. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:39.080 Circumstances 00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:40.320 and attitude 00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:41.460 and receptivity 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.620 of the gospel 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:43.600 change 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.940 so that instead of 00:12:44.940 --> 00:12:47.080 hitting a brick wall 00:12:47.080 --> 00:12:48.160 again and again 00:12:48.160 --> 00:12:48.800 and again, 00:12:49.160 --> 00:12:49.540 the gospel 00:12:49.540 --> 00:12:50.879 finds an open door 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:52.080 and becomes 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:53.640 inexplicably 00:12:53.640 --> 00:12:54.560 effective. 00:12:58.560 --> 00:12:59.340 Give you some, 00:12:59.480 --> 00:13:00.580 one example 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:01.280 of this 00:13:01.280 --> 00:13:03.440 was a case 00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:05.360 of Duncan Campbell. 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:06.180 He's a minister 00:13:06.180 --> 00:13:08.720 last century 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:10.680 in the United Free Church 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:11.300 of Scotland. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.700 And on the Monday 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:15.120 of Easter 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:17.639 1952, 00:13:18.180 --> 00:13:18.519 Campbell 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.180 was seated 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:20.500 on the platform 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:21.759 of Hamilton Road 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:22.700 Presbyterian Church 00:13:22.700 --> 00:13:23.300 in Bangor, 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:24.300 Northern Ireland 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:25.899 and it's a church 00:13:25.899 --> 00:13:26.599 that Nat and I 00:13:26.599 --> 00:13:27.919 have visited twice 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.879 and I've spoken at 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:31.279 and he had just 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.699 finished speaking. 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:33.659 He's sitting on the platform, 00:13:33.819 --> 00:13:35.019 just finished speaking 00:13:35.019 --> 00:13:36.959 to the Faith Mission 00:13:36.959 --> 00:13:37.759 Convention 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:40.220 when he 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.319 sensed 00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:42.559 an inner voice 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:43.620 say to him, 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:45.600 Bernare. 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:49.620 Now Bernare 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.080 is a small 00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:51.720 island 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:53.960 in the Hebrides 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:56.220 and 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:57.419 in that moment 00:13:57.419 --> 00:13:58.240 Duncan bowed 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:58.759 his head 00:13:58.759 --> 00:14:00.259 and he prayed 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:00.919 silently 00:14:00.919 --> 00:14:03.099 and again 00:14:03.099 --> 00:14:04.039 came the name 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.519 Bernare. 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:07.899 He prayed on 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:08.839 and it came again 00:14:08.839 --> 00:14:09.419 Bernare. 00:14:10.339 --> 00:14:10.959 And so 00:14:10.959 --> 00:14:11.860 in that moment 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:12.539 sitting on the 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:13.259 platform 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:14.199 Campbell turned 00:14:14.199 --> 00:14:14.959 to the chairman 00:14:14.959 --> 00:14:15.759 of the convention 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.979 and whispered 00:14:16.979 --> 00:14:17.459 in his ear 00:14:17.459 --> 00:14:17.799 brother 00:14:17.799 --> 00:14:19.319 you'll need 00:14:19.319 --> 00:14:20.279 to excuse me 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:22.039 the Holy Spirit 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:23.539 has just told me 00:14:23.539 --> 00:14:24.120 that I've got to 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:24.839 go to Bernare. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.079 Chairman 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:28.620 objected 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.919 mildly 00:14:29.919 --> 00:14:31.679 you're the 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:32.139 speaker for 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:32.539 tomorrow. 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:34.839 What are we 00:14:34.839 --> 00:14:35.179 going to do? 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:36.519 But nothing 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:36.979 would stop 00:14:36.979 --> 00:14:37.379 Campbell. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:38.379 He'd never 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:39.579 been to Bernare 00:14:39.579 --> 00:14:40.039 before. 00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:41.179 He had never 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.459 known anyone 00:14:42.459 --> 00:14:42.939 from Bernare 00:14:42.939 --> 00:14:43.500 before. 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:44.459 He had 00:14:44.459 --> 00:14:46.079 never received 00:14:46.079 --> 00:14:47.120 any correspondence 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.679 from anyone 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:48.219 from there. 00:14:49.579 --> 00:14:50.019 He went 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:50.719 straight back 00:14:50.719 --> 00:14:51.620 walked off 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.000 the platform 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:52.559 went straight 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:53.039 back to his 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:53.419 hotel 00:14:53.419 --> 00:14:53.980 packed his 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:54.779 two suitcases 00:14:54.779 --> 00:14:55.459 and contacted 00:14:55.459 --> 00:14:56.099 the airport. 00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.139 The airport 00:14:57.139 --> 00:14:57.679 said 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:59.360 we don't have 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.100 any connections 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:01.399 with that 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:01.680 island. 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:02.980 It's too 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:03.440 small. 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:03.820 It's too 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:04.279 far out of 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:04.620 the way. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:06.000 No one 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:06.620 flies there. 00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:07.879 So he said 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:08.360 fly me to 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:08.700 the nearest 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:09.100 island. 00:15:09.340 --> 00:15:09.759 So he flew 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:09.940 him to 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:10.340 the nearest 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:11.639 island and 00:15:11.639 --> 00:15:12.080 when he got 00:15:12.080 --> 00:15:12.360 to the 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:12.580 nearest 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.080 island he 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:13.560 went down 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:13.800 to the 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:14.779 coast and 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:16.360 asked how 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:17.019 do I get 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:17.620 to Bernare? 00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:18.960 And the 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:19.500 answer from 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:20.340 fishermen was 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:21.300 there's no 00:15:21.300 --> 00:15:22.080 commercial route 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:22.759 between here 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.139 and Bernare 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:24.539 but as it 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:25.560 happens I'm 00:15:25.560 --> 00:15:26.000 going that 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.759 way and I'll 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.360 take you there 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:27.620 on my 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.159 fishing boat 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:29.460 for a 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.159 certain amount 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:30.500 of money 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.180 and the 00:15:31.180 --> 00:15:31.659 certain amount 00:15:31.659 --> 00:15:32.000 of money 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.360 was exactly 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.000 what he had 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:34.480 in his pocket 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:34.779 in that 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.120 moment. 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:40.779 Got to 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:41.120 Bernare 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:41.960 fishermen 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.539 dumped him 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:42.800 on the 00:15:42.800 --> 00:15:43.159 beach 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:45.159 he climbed 00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:45.840 up a hill 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:46.360 on the 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:46.740 beach 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:49.139 found himself 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:50.180 alone 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:50.879 sitting up 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:51.200 there 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.460 except he's 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:52.899 on the 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:53.759 edge of a 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:54.759 ploughed field 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:55.580 where the 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.240 farmer's doing 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.860 some work 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.300 he called 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:57.759 the farmer 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:58.800 over and 00:15:58.800 --> 00:15:59.220 said can 00:15:59.220 --> 00:15:59.800 you go and 00:15:59.800 --> 00:16:00.259 tell your 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.639 pastor of 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:02.399 this island 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:02.879 that Duncan 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:03.560 Campbell has 00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:04.159 arrived 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:07.580 and the 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.220 farmer said 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:09.320 we don't 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:09.600 have a 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:09.919 minister 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.899 do you 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:12.639 have elders 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:13.060 Campbell 00:16:13.060 --> 00:16:13.620 asked 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:15.340 yes 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:16.500 well then 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:16.840 go and get 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:17.340 the nearest 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:17.899 elder and 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:18.180 tell him 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:18.440 Duncan 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:18.899 Campbell's 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:19.460 arrived 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:22.200 so the 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:22.539 farmer 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:25.039 somewhat 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:25.580 puzzled 00:16:25.580 --> 00:16:26.019 as you 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:26.500 would be 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:28.240 headed off 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:28.940 across the 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:29.299 field 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:31.419 and Campbell 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:31.980 sat there 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:32.220 on his 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.840 suitcases 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:34.120 and waited 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:34.379 for him 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:34.620 to come 00:16:34.620 --> 00:16:35.000 back 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:37.980 the farmer 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.600 comes back 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.120 after some 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:39.539 time and 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:39.840 says 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:41.580 he's expecting 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:41.940 you 00:16:41.940 --> 00:16:43.200 he's been 00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:43.679 waiting for 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:43.899 you to 00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:44.440 arrive 00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:47.779 he has a 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.440 place ready 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:49.039 for you 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:49.519 and he's 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:49.960 already 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:50.659 announced 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:52.419 the meetings 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:52.879 are beginning 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:53.299 at nine 00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:53.559 o'clock 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.059 tonight 00:16:54.059 --> 00:16:57.219 you see 00:16:57.219 --> 00:16:57.899 while Campbell 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.259 had been 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:59.339 speaking at 00:16:59.339 --> 00:17:00.059 that convention 00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:00.719 in northern 00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:01.299 Ireland 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:03.379 three days 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.079 earlier this 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:04.740 elder had 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:05.700 spent his 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.899 day praying 00:17:06.899 --> 00:17:07.399 in his 00:17:07.399 --> 00:17:08.000 shed 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:09.220 for God 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:09.740 to send 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.599 revival to 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:11.259 this island 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:14.240 and his 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:15.640 wife heard 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.619 him from 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:17.440 the house 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:18.180 praying in 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:18.779 the shed 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.920 and his 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:20.799 wife heard 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:21.259 him say 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:21.960 Lord I 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.539 don't know 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.440 where he 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:25.160 is but 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:25.819 you know 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.319 where he 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:27.180 is and 00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:28.200 everything is 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:28.940 possible for 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:30.279 you according 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.160 to Jeremiah 00:17:31.160 --> 00:17:33.379 32 so you 00:17:33.379 --> 00:17:34.480 send Uncle 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.099 Campbell to 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:35.859 this island 00:17:35.859 --> 00:17:40.479 and he 00:17:40.479 --> 00:17:40.839 knew that 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:41.279 God was 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:41.559 going to 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.319 do it 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:48.279 he was 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.240 so sure 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:49.599 of it 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.579 that he 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:50.979 would be 00:17:50.979 --> 00:17:51.419 there in 00:17:51.419 --> 00:17:52.099 three days 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:52.339 that he 00:17:52.339 --> 00:17:52.899 made all 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:53.479 the arrangements 00:17:53.479 --> 00:17:54.159 to use the 00:17:54.159 --> 00:17:54.919 local church 00:17:54.919 --> 00:17:55.439 and announced 00:17:55.439 --> 00:17:55.819 all the 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:56.319 services 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:58.299 and from 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:58.759 nine o'clock 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.240 that night 00:17:59.240 --> 00:17:59.899 great revival 00:17:59.899 --> 00:18:00.500 came to the 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:01.019 island of 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:01.319 Bernare 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:04.479 great door 00:18:04.479 --> 00:18:05.379 had opened 00:18:05.380 --> 00:18:05.860 to the 00:18:05.860 --> 00:18:06.340 word 00:18:06.340 --> 00:18:07.760 that no 00:18:07.760 --> 00:18:08.380 man could 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:08.760 shut 00:18:08.760 --> 00:18:09.700 because God 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.260 had opened 00:18:10.260 --> 00:18:11.120 it beyond 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:12.040 expectations 00:18:12.040 --> 00:18:15.280 do you pray 00:18:15.280 --> 00:18:16.040 like that 00:18:16.040 --> 00:18:20.100 desperate 00:18:20.100 --> 00:18:20.780 for people 00:18:20.780 --> 00:18:21.460 to know 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.200 Christ 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:22.820 desperate 00:18:22.820 --> 00:18:23.580 for revival 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:24.240 to come 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.280 to Chatswood 00:18:25.280 --> 00:18:29.220 so the 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.580 first thing 00:18:29.580 --> 00:18:29.860 we should 00:18:29.860 --> 00:18:30.260 pray for 00:18:30.260 --> 00:18:30.740 this year 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.120 is that 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:31.560 God 00:18:31.560 --> 00:18:33.640 would work 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:34.140 in all the 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:35.040 circumstances 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:35.579 surrounding 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.079 our people 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:36.399 and our 00:18:36.399 --> 00:18:36.740 ministry 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.079 including 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:37.500 the hearts 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.079 of everyone 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:38.480 who hears 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:38.960 the gospel 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.480 to open 00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:39.940 wide 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:41.139 and effective 00:18:41.139 --> 00:18:41.519 the door 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:42.039 of the gospel 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:44.700 let this 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:46.119 sink into 00:18:46.119 --> 00:18:46.980 your minds 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:47.420 and your 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:48.119 hearts today 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:48.619 the key 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:50.639 to opening 00:18:50.639 --> 00:18:51.259 the door 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:51.920 of God's 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:52.379 blessing 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:52.799 on our 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.259 vision 00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:54.099 is in 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:54.579 seeing people 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:54.920 come to 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:55.359 Christ 00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:57.799 is that 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.220 kind of 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:58.659 prayer 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:58.720 prayer 00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:02.740 but it's 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:03.080 risky 00:19:03.080 --> 00:19:03.300 isn't 00:19:03.300 --> 00:19:03.519 it 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:08.200 it is 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:08.680 risky 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:09.340 trustful 00:19:09.340 --> 00:19:09.779 hopeful 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:10.300 prayer 00:19:10.300 --> 00:19:11.880 and that's 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.200 the first 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.400 thing 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:12.759 that Paul 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:13.200 mentions 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:13.740 for prayer 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:14.580 and the 00:19:14.580 --> 00:19:14.900 second 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.400 thing 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:16.340 for prayer 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:17.460 is for 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:17.860 clarity 00:19:17.860 --> 00:19:18.100 of the 00:19:18.100 --> 00:19:18.400 message 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:19.000 and boldness 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:19.200 of the 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:19.500 messenger 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:19.840 have a look 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:20.120 there in 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:20.560 verses 3 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:20.740 and 4 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.259 pray for us 00:19:21.259 --> 00:19:21.579 2 00:19:21.579 --> 00:19:22.400 that God 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:23.099 may open 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.819 a door 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:24.180 to our 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:24.480 message 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:24.920 so that 00:19:24.920 --> 00:19:25.759 we may 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.379 proclaim 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:27.079 the mystery 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:27.500 of Christ 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:27.819 for which 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.059 I'm in 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.500 chains 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.500 and pray 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:29.799 that I 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.000 may 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.440 proclaim 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:30.680 it 00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.240 clearly 00:19:31.240 --> 00:19:32.519 as I 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:32.940 should 00:19:32.940 --> 00:19:34.819 so Paul 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.379 exhorts 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:35.680 the 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.460 Colossians 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:36.819 here 00:19:36.819 --> 00:19:37.879 to persevere 00:19:37.879 --> 00:19:38.720 in prayer 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.220 and follows 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.379 it immediately 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:43.359 with a request 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:43.859 for them 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:44.599 to pray 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:45.759 for himself 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:47.119 and his 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:47.920 co-workers 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:50.059 and the 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:50.680 content of 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.320 his prayer 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.900 is not 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:53.440 for personal 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:53.940 benefit 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.039 for Paul 00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:56.360 it's not 00:19:56.360 --> 00:19:57.080 about his 00:19:57.080 --> 00:19:58.039 retirement plans 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:58.360 it's not 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:58.720 about his 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.440 superannuation 00:19:59.440 --> 00:19:59.860 it's not 00:19:59.860 --> 00:20:00.240 about his 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:00.900 family 00:20:00.900 --> 00:20:01.400 it's not 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:01.759 about 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.740 you know 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:03.140 his 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:03.880 work 00:20:03.880 --> 00:20:04.640 scenario 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:05.200 it's 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:08.940 it's for 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:09.519 Paul 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:11.039 and his 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:11.620 companions 00:20:11.620 --> 00:20:12.460 to preach 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:12.940 the word 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.340 of God 00:20:13.340 --> 00:20:14.000 clearly 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:16.620 and he 00:20:16.620 --> 00:20:17.100 mentions 00:20:17.100 --> 00:20:17.799 specifically 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:18.340 here 00:20:18.340 --> 00:20:19.180 that he 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:19.880 is in 00:20:19.880 --> 00:20:20.740 chains 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:22.100 for his 00:20:22.100 --> 00:20:22.540 preaching 00:20:22.540 --> 00:20:25.300 but he 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:25.760 doesn't 00:20:25.760 --> 00:20:26.300 ask 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:28.260 for prayer 00:20:28.260 --> 00:20:29.300 to be 00:20:29.300 --> 00:20:29.760 released 00:20:29.760 --> 00:20:30.100 from the 00:20:30.100 --> 00:20:30.560 chains 00:20:30.560 --> 00:20:31.120 in order 00:20:31.120 --> 00:20:31.440 to go 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:31.580 on 00:20:31.580 --> 00:20:31.880 preaching 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:33.700 he's not 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.220 asking for 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:34.480 that 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.660 he's not 00:20:35.660 --> 00:20:36.380 asking God 00:20:36.380 --> 00:20:37.020 you know 00:20:37.020 --> 00:20:37.720 guys pray 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:38.120 for me 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.640 that God 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:39.400 will solve 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:39.720 all these 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.200 issues 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:40.960 so that I'm 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.380 now set 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:41.800 free to 00:20:41.800 --> 00:20:42.120 proclaim 00:20:42.120 --> 00:20:42.780 his gospel 00:20:42.779 --> 00:20:46.879 doesn't 00:20:46.879 --> 00:20:47.240 pray for 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:47.599 personal 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:48.000 benefit 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.859 he prays 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.079 for the 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:49.500 effectiveness 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:49.779 of the 00:20:49.779 --> 00:20:50.039 message 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:50.399 going 00:20:50.399 --> 00:20:50.819 out 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:51.819 and we 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:52.359 see 00:20:52.359 --> 00:20:53.099 at a 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:53.299 number 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:53.420 of 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:53.619 points 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:53.839 in the 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.019 New 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:54.440 Testament 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.399 that Paul 00:20:55.399 --> 00:20:55.940 places 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:57.220 a great 00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:58.220 importance 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:58.779 on his 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.299 converts 00:20:59.299 --> 00:20:59.680 and other 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:00.119 Christians 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:01.039 partnering 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:01.660 with him 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:02.059 through 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:02.579 prayer 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.420 as he 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:03.859 seeks to 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.139 win the 00:21:04.139 --> 00:21:04.460 Gentile 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:04.700 world 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:04.899 for 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:05.399 Christ 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.319 see that 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:06.700 in Romans 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.119 15 00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:07.559 Ephesians 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:07.879 6 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:09.680 1 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:11.780 he 00:21:11.780 --> 00:21:12.560 earnestly 00:21:12.560 --> 00:21:14.300 desired 00:21:14.300 --> 00:21:15.260 their help 00:21:15.260 --> 00:21:15.800 and support 00:21:15.800 --> 00:21:16.200 as he 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:16.580 labored to 00:21:16.580 --> 00:21:16.820 see the 00:21:16.820 --> 00:21:17.060 gospel 00:21:17.060 --> 00:21:17.520 spread to 00:21:17.520 --> 00:21:17.780 the ends 00:21:17.780 --> 00:21:17.960 of the 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.240 earth 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.540 and I 00:21:19.540 --> 00:21:19.780 want to 00:21:19.780 --> 00:21:20.000 suggest 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.300 there is 00:21:20.300 --> 00:21:20.700 no 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.420 better 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:21.880 way 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:22.300 to 00:21:22.300 --> 00:21:22.800 express 00:21:22.800 --> 00:21:23.040 this 00:21:23.040 --> 00:21:23.640 partnership 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.320 than 00:21:24.320 --> 00:21:25.300 intercessory 00:21:25.300 --> 00:21:26.180 prayer 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:28.860 no better 00:21:28.860 --> 00:21:29.220 way to 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:29.580 express 00:21:29.580 --> 00:21:30.860 this 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:31.420 partnership 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:34.080 we 00:21:34.080 --> 00:21:34.820 exist 00:21:34.820 --> 00:21:35.240 in a 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:35.900 materialistic 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:36.420 world 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:37.640 that is 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.240 so 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.200 obsessed 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:39.660 with 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.480 doing 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:42.740 partnership 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.540 is me 00:21:43.540 --> 00:21:44.220 doing 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:44.820 stuff 00:21:44.820 --> 00:21:47.360 I 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:47.640 want to 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:47.980 suggest 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.380 to you 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:48.900 if you 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:49.300 cannot 00:21:49.300 --> 00:21:49.800 fill a 00:21:49.800 --> 00:21:50.140 roster 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:50.560 here 00:21:50.560 --> 00:21:52.080 that 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:52.420 in 00:21:52.420 --> 00:21:52.880 no 00:21:52.880 --> 00:21:53.240 way 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.200 is 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:54.900 prayer 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.360 at 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:56.060 all 00:21:56.060 --> 00:21:56.400 a 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:57.040 secondary 00:21:57.040 --> 00:21:57.920 activity 00:21:57.920 --> 00:22:02.160 when 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:02.380 he 00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:02.800 calls 00:22:02.800 --> 00:22:03.060 these 00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:03.440 Christians 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:03.920 to pray 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:04.480 for him 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.900 and his 00:22:04.900 --> 00:22:05.259 colleagues 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:05.520 he's 00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:05.880 calling 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.120 them 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:06.480 to an 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.060 ongoing 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:07.700 activity 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.220 this 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:08.480 is a 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:08.839 prayer 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.399 for the 00:22:09.399 --> 00:22:09.700 preacher 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.059 for the 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.619 evangelist 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:10.839 for the 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.039 community 00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:11.240 group 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:11.440 leader 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:11.679 for the 00:22:11.679 --> 00:22:11.899 music 00:22:11.899 --> 00:22:12.279 director 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.980 for everyone 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:15.240 every 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:15.740 Christian 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:16.399 who has 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.079 the word 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:17.879 of God 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.679 on their 00:22:18.679 --> 00:22:19.139 lips 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:20.579 can I 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:20.940 say 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.720 that as 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.139 your senior 00:22:22.139 --> 00:22:22.779 pastor here 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.059 at St. 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:23.619 Paul's 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.659 that I 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.960 am aware 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:27.200 constantly 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.359 every day 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:28.859 that I 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.720 need your 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.419 prayers 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:32.680 the 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:32.700 the 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.019 the 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.580 longer 00:22:33.580 --> 00:22:33.960 I 00:22:33.960 --> 00:22:34.140 have 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:34.420 been 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:34.720 in 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.160 pastoral 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:35.600 ministry 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.180 which is 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:36.720 over 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.160 20 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:37.580 years 00:22:37.580 --> 00:22:38.060 now 00:22:38.060 --> 00:22:39.240 I 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.440 am 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:39.860 becoming 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:40.539 more 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:41.380 and more 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.200 aware 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:43.400 that the 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:43.960 work 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:44.519 that God 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.019 has called 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:45.400 me to 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:45.820 do 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.360 is 00:22:46.360 --> 00:22:47.060 very 00:22:47.060 --> 00:22:47.600 demanding 00:22:47.599 --> 00:22:51.099 and I 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:51.519 can't do 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.000 it 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:54.319 I 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:54.719 barely 00:22:54.719 --> 00:22:55.079 know my 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:55.339 own 00:22:55.339 --> 00:22:55.639 heart 00:22:55.639 --> 00:22:56.019 let alone 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:56.519 yours 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:57.119 and God 00:22:57.119 --> 00:22:57.459 is in the 00:22:57.459 --> 00:22:57.980 business of 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.319 shifting 00:22:58.319 --> 00:22:58.759 people's 00:22:58.759 --> 00:22:59.179 hearts 00:22:59.179 --> 00:22:59.919 and minds 00:22:59.919 --> 00:23:00.959 to align 00:23:00.959 --> 00:23:01.319 themselves 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:01.899 to Jesus 00:23:01.899 --> 00:23:03.319 that's a 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:03.819 work that 00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:04.679 he does 00:23:04.679 --> 00:23:07.699 and so 00:23:07.699 --> 00:23:08.579 Paul needed 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.299 their prayers 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:09.919 because he 00:23:09.919 --> 00:23:10.639 could imagine 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.279 himself 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:12.779 speaking the 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.679 gospel in a 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:14.199 way that was 00:23:14.199 --> 00:23:14.919 not clear 00:23:14.919 --> 00:23:15.939 that was not 00:23:15.939 --> 00:23:16.439 bold 00:23:16.439 --> 00:23:17.240 that was 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:17.620 not 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.220 powerful 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:19.259 I 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.599 got to 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:20.000 say how 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.240 much 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:20.740 more 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:22.140 can I 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:22.620 imagine 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:23.019 that for 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.440 myself 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:23.839 of needing 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.299 that prayer 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:27.140 the greatest 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:28.279 preacher 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.460 and 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:30.339 missionary 00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:31.240 who ever 00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:31.599 lived 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.120 said that 00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:32.279 the 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:33.120 effectiveness 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:34.200 of his 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:34.620 preaching 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.279 depended on 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:35.640 the prayers 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:35.880 of the 00:23:35.880 --> 00:23:36.259 church 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:40.160 so if 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:40.359 you're 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:40.559 sitting 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.000 here 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.680 and you're 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.059 going 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:42.660 I'm not 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:43.160 being gripped 00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:43.539 by this 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:43.900 preaching 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:45.380 it might 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:45.779 be your 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:46.120 fault 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:52.479 I'll 00:23:52.479 --> 00:23:52.799 just put 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.119 that as 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:53.279 a 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:53.699 side 00:23:53.699 --> 00:23:57.939 if it's 00:23:57.939 --> 00:23:58.319 true for 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.759 Paul it's 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.059 true a 00:23:59.059 --> 00:23:59.559 hundred times 00:23:59.559 --> 00:24:00.039 over for 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:00.139 me 00:24:00.139 --> 00:24:00.439 I put 00:24:00.439 --> 00:24:00.539 that 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:00.979 aside 00:24:00.979 --> 00:24:01.819 slightly 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.239 as a 00:24:02.239 --> 00:24:02.919 humorous 00:24:02.919 --> 00:24:03.119 thing 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.019 but it's 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:04.259 actually 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.679 true 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:05.579 I sort 00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:05.739 of 00:24:05.739 --> 00:24:06.279 emphasize 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:06.579 that 00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:06.779 it 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:07.179 actually 00:24:07.179 --> 00:24:07.539 is 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:07.979 true 00:24:07.979 --> 00:24:08.539 preaching 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:08.839 is a 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.219 two-way 00:24:09.219 --> 00:24:09.659 activity 00:24:09.659 --> 00:24:10.000 I'll 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.579 preach 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:10.859 on this 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.279 one day 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:11.799 once upon a 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.039 time 00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:12.959 one day 00:24:12.959 --> 00:24:13.439 sometime in 00:24:13.439 --> 00:24:13.879 the future 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:14.199 it's a 00:24:14.199 --> 00:24:14.459 two-way 00:24:14.459 --> 00:24:14.799 activity 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.119 if you've 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:15.240 not 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.519 prepared 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:15.740 your 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.059 heart 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.899 don't 00:24:16.899 --> 00:24:17.259 expect me 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:17.419 to be 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:17.619 able to 00:24:17.619 --> 00:24:17.839 prepare 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.079 it for 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.279 you 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:20.019 we're 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.259 gathered 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.519 for 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:20.940 worship 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.460 your 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:22.700 heart 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:22.919 needs 00:24:22.919 --> 00:24:23.099 to be 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.460 prepared 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:26.180 so what 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:26.859 what happens 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:27.659 right now 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:29.539 even as we 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.220 have the 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:30.680 word of 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:30.919 God 00:24:30.919 --> 00:24:31.460 open in 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.759 front of 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:31.960 us 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.240 in 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:32.819 Colossians 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.159 4 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:33.399 2 00:24:33.399 --> 00:24:33.819 4 00:24:33.819 --> 00:24:35.000 depends 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.779 in great 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:36.180 measure 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.879 on how 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:37.419 you have 00:24:37.419 --> 00:24:37.700 prayed 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.200 for me 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:40.919 or us 00:24:40.919 --> 00:24:41.460 as we 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:41.740 gather 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:43.359 have you 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:43.879 ever thought 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:44.379 about that 00:24:44.380 --> 00:24:47.640 these are 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.380 Paul's 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:48.820 two prayer 00:24:48.820 --> 00:24:49.280 requests 00:24:49.280 --> 00:24:49.660 for a 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:50.380 door to 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:51.500 be open 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:51.840 in the 00:24:51.840 --> 00:24:52.340 lives of 00:24:52.340 --> 00:24:52.920 unbelievers 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.720 and secondly 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.760 for a 00:24:54.760 --> 00:24:55.600 clear and 00:24:55.600 --> 00:24:56.160 powerful 00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:57.080 gospel message 00:24:57.080 --> 00:24:57.500 to go 00:24:57.500 --> 00:24:58.000 through that 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.320 door 00:24:58.320 --> 00:25:00.260 and it is 00:25:00.260 --> 00:25:00.660 with a 00:25:00.660 --> 00:25:02.380 real sense 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.540 of urgency 00:25:03.540 --> 00:25:04.320 that I 00:25:04.320 --> 00:25:05.000 call you 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.660 to devote 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:06.320 yourselves 00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:07.420 to those 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:08.020 prayers 00:25:08.020 --> 00:25:09.280 in 2018 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:12.119 so this 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.619 brings me 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:13.440 to how 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:14.039 we are 00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:14.500 to pray 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:16.539 and Paul 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.220 mentions three 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:17.960 things in 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:18.619 verse 2 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:20.180 devote 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:20.799 yourselves 00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:21.759 to prayer 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:23.259 being watchful 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.039 and thankful 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:26.539 pray with 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.180 devotion 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:28.940 with watchfulness 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:30.440 and with 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:31.000 thanksgiving 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:33.579 the call 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:34.099 of God's 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:34.740 word here 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.200 is to 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:35.700 devote 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.299 yourselves 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.980 to prayer 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.400 it should 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:38.720 not come 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:38.980 as a 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.460 surprise 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.539 given what 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.180 Paul has 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:41.680 requested 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.119 we pray 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.759 for in 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.319 verses 3 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:43.720 and 4 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.920 if prayer 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:45.519 is so 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:45.920 great 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:46.740 and central 00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.599 to unlocking 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.339 God's purpose 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:48.700 for the 00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:49.019 universe 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.960 and for 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.539 your life 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:50.839 and for 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.480 my life 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.799 it's not 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:53.380 surprising 00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:54.079 that God 00:25:54.079 --> 00:25:54.839 would command 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:55.660 us to 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:56.420 devote 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:57.000 ourselves 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.339 to 00:25:57.339 --> 00:25:57.740 prayer 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:59.559 and to 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.079 this prayer 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:00.920 specifically 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.039 the word 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.740 be devoted 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.140 to 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:04.079 or persevere 00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:04.440 in 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:05.180 or continue 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:05.740 in 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.460 occurs 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.279 six times 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:07.559 in the 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.160 New Testament 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:09.079 in relation 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:09.660 to prayer 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:11.059 Acts 1 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.839 14 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:12.920 they all 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:13.759 join together 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.660 constantly 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:15.859 in prayer 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:17.039 Acts 2 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.500 42 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:17.960 they 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.480 that's the 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.200 early church 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.220 devoted 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.700 themselves 00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:20.960 to the 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.220 apostles 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:21.680 teaching 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.440 and to 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.059 the fellowship 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.519 and to 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.960 the breaking 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:24.299 of bread 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.700 and to 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.339 prayer 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.220 Acts 6 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.539 4 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.000 the apostles 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:27.460 said that 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:27.779 they would 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.019 devote 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.539 themselves 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.100 to 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:29.660 prayer 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.500 and to 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:30.960 the ministry 00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:31.259 of the 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:31.660 word 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:32.900 Romans 12 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.259 12 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:33.920 be joyful 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.660 in hope 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:35.579 patient 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:37.000 in affliction 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:38.019 faithful 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:39.500 in prayer 00:26:39.500 --> 00:26:40.660 they go 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:41.420 all together 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:41.920 those three 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.340 things 00:26:42.340 --> 00:26:43.220 can't have 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:43.559 one without 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:43.880 the other 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.480 joyful in 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:44.759 hope 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:45.440 patient 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:46.120 in affliction 00:26:46.120 --> 00:26:46.880 faithful 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:47.539 in prayer 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:50.180 Ephesians 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:50.500 6 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.039 18 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:51.799 pray in 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:52.380 the spirit 00:26:52.380 --> 00:26:53.220 on all 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.799 occasions 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:55.200 it means 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.480 to pray 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:55.860 often 00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:56.200 it means 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:56.420 to pray 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:56.920 regularly 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.480 prayer 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:57.500 prayer 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:57.820 is not 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:58.460 infrequent 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:59.259 and prayer 00:26:59.259 --> 00:26:59.640 is not 00:26:59.640 --> 00:26:59.880 hit 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:00.519 and miss 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.640 being devoted 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.180 to prayer 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:02.680 means that 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.019 you are not 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.620 haphazard 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:03.960 you're not 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:04.660 forgetful 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:05.360 it means 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:05.580 that you 00:27:05.580 --> 00:27:06.180 take steps 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:06.600 to see 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:07.039 that it 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.480 is part 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:07.740 of your 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.160 regular 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.720 life 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:09.400 in the 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:09.800 same way 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:10.240 that eating 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.960 and sleeping 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.800 and going 00:27:11.800 --> 00:27:12.440 to the toilet 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.800 are part 00:27:12.800 --> 00:27:13.060 of your 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:13.420 regular 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:14.000 life 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.660 and I 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:14.840 think 00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:15.200 this is 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:15.460 also 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:15.840 implied 00:27:15.840 --> 00:27:16.460 in the 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:16.700 word 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.380 watchfulness 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.779 to describe 00:27:18.779 --> 00:27:19.340 the sort 00:27:19.340 --> 00:27:19.680 of prayer 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:19.960 life 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:20.240 that we 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:20.779 are called 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.100 to 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.599 watchfulness 00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:23.679 is often 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:24.240 used 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.240 in reference 00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:26.119 to the 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:26.919 second coming 00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:27.579 of Christ 00:27:27.579 --> 00:27:28.119 and the 00:27:28.119 --> 00:27:29.000 final judgment 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.839 in the 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:30.480 New Testament 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:34.199 the vision 00:27:34.199 --> 00:27:34.959 of the future 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:36.939 God's plan 00:27:36.939 --> 00:27:38.000 his purposes 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.679 the coming 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:39.379 of the Lord 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:39.859 Jesus 00:27:39.859 --> 00:27:40.679 and the 00:27:40.679 --> 00:27:41.399 final 00:27:41.399 --> 00:27:42.240 ushering 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.679 in of the 00:27:42.679 --> 00:27:42.919 kingdom 00:27:42.919 --> 00:27:43.599 of God 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.559 is to 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:44.939 govern 00:27:44.939 --> 00:27:46.319 not just 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.279 the content 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:47.759 of our 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.399 prayer life 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.039 but the 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:49.879 devotion to 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:50.240 our prayer 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.699 life 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:53.980 God 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.559 is working 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:54.900 out his 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:55.340 purposes 00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:55.940 and he 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.279 will bring 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.640 it all 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:56.860 to 00:27:56.860 --> 00:27:57.440 completion 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:58.500 so don't 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:58.819 go to 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.180 sleep 00:27:59.180 --> 00:27:59.480 at the 00:27:59.480 --> 00:27:59.740 wheel 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:02.039 direct 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:02.960 your mind 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.740 to Christ 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.700 and his 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.120 coming 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:06.220 and the 00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:06.620 fulfillment 00:28:06.620 --> 00:28:07.620 of all 00:28:07.620 --> 00:28:08.259 our hope 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.019 and joy 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:10.340 labor 00:28:10.340 --> 00:28:10.960 against 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:11.200 the 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:11.819 distractions 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:12.440 labor 00:28:12.440 --> 00:28:12.779 against 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:12.960 the 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:13.440 hindrances 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:13.819 and the 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:14.360 temptations 00:28:14.360 --> 00:28:14.779 towards 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.279 prayerless 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:15.840 praying 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:17.600 prayerless 00:28:17.600 --> 00:28:17.940 praying 00:28:17.940 --> 00:28:18.180 is when 00:28:18.180 --> 00:28:18.460 we go 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:18.640 through 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:19.180 the motions 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:19.559 we're not 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:19.819 actually 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:20.220 communing 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:20.799 with God 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.700 we're 00:28:22.700 --> 00:28:23.759 ticking off 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.180 a list 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:24.460 but we're 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:24.759 not actually 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.380 communing 00:28:25.380 --> 00:28:26.140 with God 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:28.360 that's 00:28:28.360 --> 00:28:28.700 prayerless 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.160 praying 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:30.759 and you 00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:31.319 may as 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:31.680 well not 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.000 pray 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:35.680 be vigilant 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:36.500 my friends 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:37.960 like a 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.740 sentry on 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.519 duty outside 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:40.140 the camp 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.839 at night 00:28:40.839 --> 00:28:42.380 knowing that 00:28:42.380 --> 00:28:42.980 if you go 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:43.500 to sleep 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.160 in this 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:44.559 job 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:46.100 the enemy 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:47.039 will overthrow 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:47.579 the mission 00:28:47.579 --> 00:28:50.819 this is 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.319 the tempo 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:51.899 of prayer 00:28:51.899 --> 00:28:53.299 that is 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:53.639 often 00:28:53.639 --> 00:28:54.139 missing 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:54.759 when the 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.039 church 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:55.700 has settled 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.460 into the 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:56.879 world 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:58.359 and is 00:28:58.359 --> 00:28:58.700 just 00:28:58.700 --> 00:28:59.319 using 00:28:59.319 --> 00:28:59.740 prayer 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.579 as a 00:29:00.579 --> 00:29:02.619 domestic 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.279 intercom 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:03.859 system 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:05.200 instead of 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.859 a battlefield 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:06.740 walkie-talkie 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:13.819 and is 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:14.299 so 00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:14.380 serious 00:29:14.380 --> 00:29:15.299 the battle 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:15.680 is 00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:16.380 heaven 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.319 and hell 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:18.180 hang 00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:18.680 in the 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.039 balance 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.220 for 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:19.680 potentially 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.079 people 00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:20.380 sitting 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:20.700 in this 00:29:20.700 --> 00:29:20.940 room 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.680 right now 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:25.960 but a whole bunch of people who are not sitting in this room right now 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:30.519 and it's hanging the balance for those people this year. 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:34.560 This year, it's hanging the balance for them. 00:29:35.600 --> 00:29:39.360 So be watchful, awake, vigilant and pray. 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:45.080 Pray the way you would if you knew that two of your unbelieving friends 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:50.600 would hear the gospel for the very last time next Sunday. 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.720 Pray that way. 00:29:57.140 --> 00:30:00.440 And finally, Paul calls us to pray with thanksgiving. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:07.600 It doesn't seem right to pray for God, to open a door of faith for others 00:30:07.600 --> 00:30:14.259 without remembering that that's the very thing he has done for you if you're a Christian. 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:17.539 Through remarkable circumstances, 00:30:18.140 --> 00:30:21.259 someone has prayed that you would receive the gospel, 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:24.200 and God has done it. 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:28.100 And you didn't do it. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:29.299 You didn't know about it. 00:30:30.060 --> 00:30:31.000 God did it. 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:35.680 When we pray for the salvation of others, 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:44.900 isn't the fervency of our prayer a mirror of how thankful that we are of our own salvation? 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:55.380 That is, if there's not fervency in prayer 00:30:55.380 --> 00:31:00.060 for the gospel to go out to others, 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:05.860 then maybe the issue is not my prayer schedule or the devotional book I'm using, 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:08.420 but in actual fact, my grasp of the gospel itself. 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:12.000 My own gratitude for it. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:20.440 I suspect that as we grow in thankfulness for our own rescue, for our own salvation, 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:25.700 we will pray with a new zeal for others. 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:33.700 Now, I wrote a core value of devotion to prayer based on this passage in Colossians 4. 00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:37.440 It's a core value for us as a church written on board just outside the door there. 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:40.940 But I want to be honest. 00:31:41.039 --> 00:31:46.360 I need this core value to further penetrate my heart and shape my life in 2018. 00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:51.360 I've always, in my 20-something years as a Christian, 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:53.960 always found prayer to be hard work. 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:57.380 It's partly because of my sin, 00:31:58.360 --> 00:32:00.640 and it's probably mostly because of my sin, 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:03.980 but it's also partly the way God has wired me, 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:06.480 although I'm not blaming him for wiring me in a particular way. 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:10.240 I'm not doing the Eve, Adam and Eve issue there. 00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:11.480 You gave me that woman. 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.240 It's your problem. 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.559 I'm an activist, 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:19.120 which means that when my feet hit the ground first thing in the morning, 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:20.380 they generally don't stop. 00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:23.579 I get busy on stuff. 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:27.380 And so what I've got to do is I have to take steps 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:30.559 to ensure it is incorporated into my daily life. 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:35.539 And I do this in a number of ways in terms of meetings with staff 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.639 and other things like that. 00:32:37.359 --> 00:32:38.679 But for me personally, 00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:44.919 there's a window of quietness in my household and in my life 00:32:44.920 --> 00:32:46.920 at the beginning of every day, 00:32:47.140 --> 00:32:49.440 somewhere between 5.30 and 6, 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:52.400 but definitely by 6.30 when I get up 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:55.740 and the first thing I do is I put the kettle on and get a cup of coffee. 00:32:56.160 --> 00:33:00.200 And then I sit in a quiet spot 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:03.000 and I immediately engage with God 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:05.120 through his word and prayer in that moment. 00:33:06.080 --> 00:33:09.100 I need it before everything starts happening for me. 00:33:09.319 --> 00:33:10.259 And I've got a scheduling. 00:33:10.580 --> 00:33:12.019 And because it's so crucial, 00:33:12.380 --> 00:33:14.640 it's in my diary and alarm goes off. 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.580 Bing, bing, bing, bing. 00:33:15.579 --> 00:33:18.619 To make sure that it's happening every day. 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:22.399 Our core value says that as a church, 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:27.019 we are committed to consistently bringing all things to God in prayer, 00:33:27.379 --> 00:33:30.960 intentionally building prayer into the center of our life together, 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:34.539 developing a culture of natural and instructed prayerfulness 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:36.919 when interacting with each other, 00:33:38.619 --> 00:33:42.119 encouraging and equipping for prayer on a personal and family level, 00:33:42.119 --> 00:33:46.039 and incorporating prayer into every church activity. 00:33:46.199 --> 00:33:50.439 So let us join together in seeing this core value, 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:52.839 which is written on the wall, 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:56.259 be written, in fact, into our hearts in such a way 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:58.879 that it shapes our actions and our attitudes, 00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:01.939 which is what values actually are meant to do 00:34:01.939 --> 00:34:03.279 and do, in fact, do. 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:06.139 But in the immediate, 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:09.380 will you join me in this prayer week 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:11.140 and throughout this year 00:34:11.140 --> 00:34:13.160 in being devoted to praying 00:34:13.160 --> 00:34:16.300 that a door would open to the gospel 00:34:16.300 --> 00:34:20.640 among many, many precious unbelievers 00:34:20.640 --> 00:34:24.640 and that we would proclaim the gospel 00:34:24.640 --> 00:34:28.059 with clarity and with power. 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:31.320 So two very simple things to do this week, 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.599 this coming week. 00:34:33.500 --> 00:34:35.300 Come to Heartbeat on Wednesday night 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:37.380 and be reminded of our vision 00:34:37.380 --> 00:34:39.160 and some of the strategies and risks 00:34:39.160 --> 00:34:40.840 that we're taking to reach people 00:34:40.840 --> 00:34:43.160 and then we're going to pray for those things. 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:46.100 So come to Heartbeat this Wednesday night here. 00:34:47.640 --> 00:34:49.640 And this week, as Nick has already said, 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.760 in this coming week, 00:34:50.800 --> 00:34:52.840 we're sending out prayer points via email. 00:34:53.760 --> 00:34:55.700 The staff are going to be gathering 00:34:55.700 --> 00:34:58.940 for prayer at 10 o'clock each day 00:34:58.940 --> 00:35:03.220 and if you are here on site, 00:35:03.220 --> 00:35:04.440 then please come and join us. 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.200 But if you're not, 00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:08.000 which I suspect majority are not, 00:35:08.700 --> 00:35:10.300 then set an alarm, 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:11.200 put in your diary, 00:35:11.320 --> 00:35:12.840 do whatever it is that you need to do, 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:14.500 wrap string around your finger 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:16.960 and wherever you are, 00:35:17.300 --> 00:35:18.960 wherever God has placed you, 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:22.659 stop and pray in that moment 00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:24.559 at 10 o'clock each day. 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:28.200 Another thing you could do 00:35:28.200 --> 00:35:30.000 is join the team here, 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:32.079 nine o'clock every Sunday morning 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:38.299 and we pray not that the music will go well 00:35:38.299 --> 00:35:40.579 or people would come. 00:35:41.340 --> 00:35:44.579 We pray for the proclamation of the gospel. 00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:46.819 Hearts will be open 00:35:46.819 --> 00:35:49.400 in all of our corporate gatherings each Sunday. 00:35:49.400 --> 00:35:51.720 And so, brothers and sisters, 00:35:52.820 --> 00:35:57.559 pray for a door to be opened to the gospel 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:59.260 as we labour, 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:01.200 take risks, 00:36:02.220 --> 00:36:02.740 sacrifice 00:36:02.740 --> 00:36:05.340 to make the gospel known 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:07.000 with clarity and boldness 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:08.900 in our mission field in 2018. 00:36:08.900 --> 00:36:09.960 Amen. 00:36:09.960 --> 00:36:10.019 Amen.