WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.660 --> 00:00:19.260 We're thinking this morning as we've already begun celebrating God's love about relationships 00:00:19.260 --> 00:00:20.820 in the family of God. 00:00:21.900 --> 00:00:26.600 And as we get started this morning, I want us to look briefly at a passage in Ephesians 00:00:26.600 --> 00:00:35.079 3 that orients this topic in the broader conversation that we've been having about our core commitments, 00:00:35.660 --> 00:00:40.679 about being a church that God would use to bring revival and renewal. 00:00:42.179 --> 00:00:48.939 See, it's really easy to think that relationships within the church are about this inwardly focused, 00:00:48.939 --> 00:00:58.000 self-serving idea, but they're actually at the heart of the others-focused, outwardly focused 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:01.259 mission that God has called us to. 00:01:02.239 --> 00:01:08.359 We see that in Ephesians where Paul's writing to a church and he's telling its members about 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:11.759 God's grace that has come and rescued each of them. 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:12.879 That's where it starts. 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:19.119 But very quickly he moves to say God's grace hasn't just come to each of you individually, 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:21.439 but to a whole community of you. 00:01:22.060 --> 00:01:29.359 That actually Jesus in the cross has rescued Jew and Gentile and brought them into one family. 00:01:29.560 --> 00:01:30.879 That's chapter 2. 00:01:31.399 --> 00:01:36.079 It's the work of Christ on the cross, the bond of His love that unites. 00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:43.719 And that group that's united, he then says this is where the remarkable power of God is at work, 00:01:44.099 --> 00:01:47.239 to do things that they couldn't even imagine doing. 00:01:48.239 --> 00:01:55.019 He says the way you plug in to that power that He's going to show through you is through knowing 00:01:55.019 --> 00:01:57.060 more and more of His love. 00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:05.640 This is what we've been saying the last three weeks, that the church must be focused on Jesus. 00:02:06.079 --> 00:02:16.079 That when we are, God promises to do amazing things, to build His kingdom, to storm the gates of hell through us. 00:02:16.960 --> 00:02:26.960 And that of course we are utterly dependent upon Him, His power that is going to be working if that's going to happen. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:32.780 So as we figure out what does it look like together to depend on Him today, 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:37.580 one little phrase in the midst of this conversation in Ephesians, 00:02:37.960 --> 00:02:47.379 says the necessity of vital relationships within the church. 00:02:47.379 --> 00:02:55.419 This love of God is what we must grasp more and more for His power to flow through us. 00:02:55.500 --> 00:02:58.159 And it is experienced, this one phrase says, 00:02:58.579 --> 00:03:01.979 together with all the saints. 00:03:03.299 --> 00:03:06.939 In other words, what Paul's saying in one sentence, 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:18.439 a church prayerfully dependent on God for its Christ-centered mission must lock arms in meaningful relationships. 00:03:19.240 --> 00:03:22.659 Locking arms with each other to move outward. 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:27.539 Listen to this glorious passage in that light. 00:03:27.900 --> 00:03:31.199 Ephesians 3 verse 17, this is God's holy word. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:36.639 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 00:03:37.419 --> 00:03:40.560 may have power together with all the saints 00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:46.599 to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:49.719 To know this love that surpasses knowledge, 00:03:50.039 --> 00:03:53.239 that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 00:03:53.699 --> 00:03:57.419 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, 00:03:57.419 --> 00:04:00.780 according to His power that is at work within us, 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:04.319 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, 00:04:04.919 --> 00:04:08.079 throughout all generations, forever and ever. 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:09.439 Amen. 00:04:10.519 --> 00:04:11.439 Let's pray together. 00:04:13.419 --> 00:04:16.039 Father, all glory is Yours. 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:20.800 May there be glory to You in this place, 00:04:20.800 --> 00:04:22.459 in this community, 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:28.819 as we know and love and reflect our Savior more. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:35.139 May they know You because they see Your love in us. 00:04:36.659 --> 00:04:39.060 Through that we ask for the glory of Jesus. 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:40.360 Amen. 00:04:44.300 --> 00:04:49.100 It's been a long time since I agreed to participate in a three-legged race. 00:04:49.819 --> 00:04:51.779 You may have been in one before. 00:04:51.899 --> 00:04:55.159 If you're at all like me, it's fraught with danger. 00:04:55.160 --> 00:04:58.020 If you're like me, a person who is very competitive 00:04:58.020 --> 00:05:01.939 and who believes that everything should be done at full speed, 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:05.260 all the time, no matter what, three-legged race is. 00:05:05.320 --> 00:05:06.640 It's not where you should start. 00:05:07.220 --> 00:05:10.380 The idea, of course, is to move in sync with your partner 00:05:10.380 --> 00:05:12.560 across the finish line, right? 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:14.580 Seems fairly simple. 00:05:15.640 --> 00:05:20.740 The catch, of course, is that you each have a leg tied together. 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:24.040 If you've never been to a field day before, 00:05:24.160 --> 00:05:26.439 you know how disastrous these can be. 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:29.980 And if you haven't seen it, let me tell you the secret. 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:35.199 The key is that bond that is connecting the two legs. 00:05:35.540 --> 00:05:40.620 It has to be tied really tightly to keep you together. 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:44.759 Working with your teammate to move at the same pace, 00:05:44.920 --> 00:05:46.460 to support each other, 00:05:46.460 --> 00:05:49.879 to cross the finish line and win the race together. 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:55.680 If that bond gets loose or you try to win the race alone, 00:05:55.759 --> 00:05:57.780 no matter how good an athlete you are, 00:05:58.079 --> 00:06:00.819 it will get ugly very fast. 00:06:01.319 --> 00:06:02.879 This is usually the way it ends, 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:05.379 and the finish line is far in the distance. 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:10.340 It's simply not a race that you can win on your own. 00:06:11.660 --> 00:06:14.199 We've said that the same is true 00:06:14.199 --> 00:06:16.199 for the mission God has called us to 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:18.100 as His people in this world. 00:06:18.100 --> 00:06:21.379 We're designed to lean on each other. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:24.900 It's together with all the saints 00:06:24.900 --> 00:06:27.740 that our vision of God's love grows. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:33.840 We say that, but we love to try on our own, don't we? 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:38.560 And we often end up face down in the grass. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:40.560 We've bought into the lie 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:43.820 that me and Jesus is enough, really. 00:06:43.819 --> 00:06:49.560 That surface relationships and social media connections 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:53.560 is really deep community and all that I'll ever need. 00:06:54.779 --> 00:06:58.540 That having a busy schedule where I see lots of people, 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:00.879 that that qualifies as true community. 00:07:01.019 --> 00:07:02.420 That's one I believe a lot. 00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:08.539 We like the perceived safety of anonymity, don't we? 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:13.620 We fear being exposed if we move out of our isolation 00:07:13.620 --> 00:07:16.360 and we're truly known by someone. 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:19.540 We've been hiding behind fig leaves 00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:23.020 since the very first sin in the garden, haven't we? 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:25.960 We all do it differently, 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:29.160 but do you feel that reality in your life? 00:07:29.640 --> 00:07:31.540 That you have that tendency to do that? 00:07:31.580 --> 00:07:32.980 Let me ask you a couple of questions. 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:34.960 Is there anyone at all 00:07:34.960 --> 00:07:38.500 with whom you have shared your secret sin struggle? 00:07:40.700 --> 00:07:44.580 Who has a hunting license in your heart and life 00:07:44.580 --> 00:07:46.319 to ask you hard questions? 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:51.480 Do you ever feel like no one at church 00:07:51.480 --> 00:07:56.000 or maybe no one at all truly understands you? 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:01.220 Have you had friends from church get divorced 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:03.879 and you didn't even have any idea 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:05.939 they were struggling or having any trouble at all? 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:11.160 When was the last time you redirected plans you had made 00:08:11.160 --> 00:08:13.100 based on input from a brother or sister? 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:17.860 See, all too often we try to run on our own, don't we? 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:20.060 We think, I got this. 00:08:20.699 --> 00:08:21.680 I can win this race. 00:08:21.720 --> 00:08:22.339 I'm strong. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:23.160 I'm fast. 00:08:23.160 --> 00:08:28.040 Plus, it's risky to involve anybody else. 00:08:29.260 --> 00:08:31.340 All too often the church is sprawled 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:33.300 face down across the grass 00:08:33.300 --> 00:08:36.720 with legs loosely dangling from each other 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:38.720 rather than running in sync 00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:42.080 towards our neighbors bound tightly together. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:46.660 No one has ever won a three-legged race 00:08:46.660 --> 00:08:50.120 or brought revival on his own. 00:08:50.120 --> 00:08:55.220 The bond for our three-legged race, if you will, 00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:56.659 is Jesus. 00:08:57.799 --> 00:09:00.259 He unites us to each other 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:02.480 in a way that must produce 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:05.060 radically different relationships 00:09:05.060 --> 00:09:07.060 from what most of us are used to. 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:10.399 What kind of relationships develop 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:12.460 in a Christ-centered community? 00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:15.379 One where his influence is primary, 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:18.460 where his word directs our relationships. 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:23.540 What's different when the bond of Jesus unites us? 00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:28.019 Well, first, and there are a lot of these. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:30.360 I'm just looking at a couple this morning. 00:09:30.940 --> 00:09:34.540 We value people not because of what they offer us, 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:36.740 but because of who they are. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:40.440 Relationships in this world often form 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:42.000 because someone helps us. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:44.600 We invest further in the relationship 00:09:44.600 --> 00:09:46.519 because they offer us laughter 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:49.000 or support or advancement 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:50.379 in some sort of way, right? 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:51.919 You do this all the time. 00:09:52.919 --> 00:09:54.179 They help the team succeed. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:56.100 It makes me look good or feel good 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:56.960 to be with them. 00:09:57.399 --> 00:10:00.139 Value comes from something you do. 00:10:02.059 --> 00:10:05.220 In God's family, it must be different. 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:09.259 We value people, period. 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:12.679 They are not a means to an end. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:15.279 We don't see them merely as tools. 00:10:15.580 --> 00:10:17.519 People are valuable in themselves 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:20.379 as created in the image of God, 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:22.720 a relational God within the Trinity 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:25.100 who creates us to reflect that image 00:10:25.100 --> 00:10:27.039 in relationship with each other. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:31.019 And then people are valuable and significant 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:33.360 as children of God. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:38.460 In his family, the bond of Jesus unites us, 00:10:38.460 --> 00:10:40.820 whether you improve my social status, 00:10:41.920 --> 00:10:43.519 whether you help me get the project done, 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:46.780 whether you have money to contribute or not. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:52.820 All the saints, valuable in one body, 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:54.100 one family. 00:10:56.019 --> 00:10:57.820 We say in our core commitments, 00:10:58.259 --> 00:11:00.580 we genuinely love people 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:02.840 and are committed to developing 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:05.460 life-giving relationships. 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:08.740 These relationships where people are valued 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.740 for themselves. 00:11:09.920 --> 00:11:13.340 It means that we genuinely listen to each other, 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.519 that we sincerely seek to understand 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:17.580 each other's perspective. 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:19.360 We even share of ourselves 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:21.639 and of our lives with each other. 00:11:22.560 --> 00:11:24.060 Listen, we've all been in relationships 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:25.740 where we know we're not valuable 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:27.200 to the other person, right? 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:30.440 They didn't really care about what I said. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:33.220 They never shared vulnerably with me. 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:35.220 They just got what they needed from me 00:11:35.220 --> 00:11:36.500 and moved on. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:39.200 What I had to offer was valuable. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:41.759 I was not. 00:11:43.300 --> 00:11:46.759 They and I stayed safely hidden. 00:11:47.420 --> 00:11:48.920 We didn't have to know each other 00:11:48.920 --> 00:11:50.620 to get what we needed, perhaps, 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.040 from each other. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:57.160 Jesus creates a different kind of relationship. 00:11:57.159 --> 00:12:01.379 Secondly, the bond of Jesus 00:12:01.379 --> 00:12:02.899 produces relationships 00:12:02.899 --> 00:12:06.579 where sins are regularly confessed 00:12:06.579 --> 00:12:08.120 and forgiven. 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:10.319 Listen to James chapter 5. 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:13.259 Therefore, confess your sins to one another 00:12:13.259 --> 00:12:14.740 and pray for one another 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:16.719 that you may be healed. 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:22.019 This is to be normative in Jesus' church. 00:12:22.419 --> 00:12:24.539 It's the way we're to relate regularly. 00:12:24.539 --> 00:12:27.240 When was the last time you sat down 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:28.860 with someone outside your family 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:31.980 and confessed specific sin? 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:35.279 It seems a little scary, 00:12:35.559 --> 00:12:36.939 like something really bad 00:12:36.939 --> 00:12:37.939 must have happened, right? 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:40.019 God's word says this is normal. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:42.379 This is how we relate to each other. 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:44.799 It's a pretty tight bond, isn't it, 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:46.539 that Jesus creates. 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:48.980 See, because our value 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.819 comes not from our performance, 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:54.379 but from being in His family, 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:56.360 we're freed to be honest 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:58.080 with each other. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:01.420 See, because that's true of all of us, 00:13:01.480 --> 00:13:03.560 because I'm never the only sinner 00:13:03.560 --> 00:13:04.760 in the conversation, 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:06.480 because we all are sinners 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.680 saved by grace, 00:13:07.900 --> 00:13:10.620 I never open up and confess a sin 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:12.120 to an innocent party 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.420 who can look down on me 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:14.280 and condemn me. 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:17.399 I'm always confessing 00:13:17.399 --> 00:13:18.419 to a fellow sinner 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:21.299 who has forgiveness in Jesus 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:23.779 to extend to me. 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:25.319 We share our sins 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:26.759 and pray for each other, 00:13:26.959 --> 00:13:27.799 and there's healing 00:13:27.799 --> 00:13:29.019 in that kind of prayer, 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.559 that kind of relationship, 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.000 James says. 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:34.519 There is, isn't there? 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:36.339 Have you experienced that? 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:40.019 Healing in my relationship with God 00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:41.779 and healing in my relationship 00:13:41.779 --> 00:13:43.339 with my brother or sister 00:13:43.339 --> 00:13:45.720 because we look to Jesus together. 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:48.240 Our experience of that bond 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.600 grows stronger, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:51.019 and we're pulled together 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:53.079 to run the race better. 00:13:54.939 --> 00:13:56.299 Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes 00:13:56.299 --> 00:13:57.879 in his classic book 00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:59.120 on Christian community, 00:13:59.299 --> 00:14:00.419 Life Together, 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:02.679 in confession, 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:05.100 the breakthrough to community 00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:06.139 takes place. 00:14:07.079 --> 00:14:08.600 Sin demands to have a man 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:09.559 by himself. 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:11.119 It withdraws him 00:14:11.119 --> 00:14:12.359 from the community. 00:14:12.979 --> 00:14:15.059 Sin wants to remain unknown. 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:16.939 Hiding, right? 00:14:17.479 --> 00:14:18.919 That's why we don't share 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:20.479 and confess much. 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:22.179 Sin pulls us away 00:14:22.179 --> 00:14:23.379 and wants us to keep it 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:24.459 to ourselves, 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:25.459 and Bonhoeffer says 00:14:25.459 --> 00:14:26.839 there's danger there 00:14:26.839 --> 00:14:28.119 in being pulled away 00:14:28.119 --> 00:14:28.959 into isolation 00:14:28.959 --> 00:14:29.919 with our sin, 00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:32.039 but the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:32.799 breaks in 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:34.359 and allows confession 00:14:34.359 --> 00:14:35.819 that brings the sinner 00:14:35.819 --> 00:14:36.879 back to the fellowship 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:39.059 of sinners saved by grace. 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:41.539 Bonhoeffer concludes this, 00:14:41.619 --> 00:14:42.059 beautiful. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:45.039 If a Christian is in the fellowship 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.279 of confession 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:47.500 with a brother, 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:50.399 he will never be alone again 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.479 anywhere. 00:14:53.079 --> 00:14:53.599 Yes. 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:55.839 Yes, as we confess 00:14:55.839 --> 00:14:58.299 and we forgive each other. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:59.619 And listen, 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.859 to us natural hiders, 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:02.079 that sounds a bit scary, 00:15:02.339 --> 00:15:02.779 doesn't it? 00:15:03.579 --> 00:15:04.519 I know it can 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.079 to think about 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:05.979 stepping out there 00:15:05.979 --> 00:15:06.759 and being exposed. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:08.019 It's not really worth the risk. 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:09.279 Why would I bother? 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:10.899 But God is telling us 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:11.539 in His Word, 00:15:11.939 --> 00:15:13.439 this is the kind of relationship 00:15:13.439 --> 00:15:14.899 I've created you for. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:16.179 To know this 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:17.480 and to enjoy this. 00:15:17.919 --> 00:15:19.039 I've sent my son 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:19.960 so that you can have 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:21.019 the safety, 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:21.899 the ability 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:23.139 to have this kind of 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:25.000 honest relationship 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:26.799 where people know 00:15:26.799 --> 00:15:28.720 and they forgive 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:30.279 and love, 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:32.740 and they love the real you. 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.899 the sinful version, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.379 not merely the Facebook version 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:37.220 of you 00:15:37.220 --> 00:15:38.680 that some of them like, 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:40.259 but they know and love 00:15:40.259 --> 00:15:42.480 and forgive the real you. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.759 One more unique thing 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:46.799 about relationships 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:48.539 through the bond of Jesus. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:50.379 We delight 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:52.740 to carry each other's burdens. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:55.120 In the world, 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.620 relationships are typically 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.840 you scratch my back, 00:15:57.899 --> 00:15:59.419 I'll scratch yours, right? 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:01.779 Community does come. 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:03.399 It comes when you invest 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:03.860 in others. 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:04.839 You give to them. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:06.240 You serve them. 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:08.019 And when you need help, 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:09.799 they'll give back to you. 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.279 They'll be there for you. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.980 They'll carry your burdens. 00:16:14.339 --> 00:16:15.360 I remember watching this 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:16.439 unfold at our school 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:17.579 a few years ago 00:16:17.579 --> 00:16:18.959 when one family 00:16:18.959 --> 00:16:20.299 who seemed to lovingly 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.279 and tirelessly 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.939 serve everybody 00:16:22.939 --> 00:16:23.779 in every situation 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.659 had a child 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.399 that had surgery. 00:16:28.079 --> 00:16:29.059 And all of a sudden, 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:30.179 out of the woodwork, 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:31.539 everybody came out 00:16:31.539 --> 00:16:33.079 because they'd been served 00:16:33.079 --> 00:16:33.839 by this family 00:16:33.839 --> 00:16:34.699 so many times. 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:34.919 They thought, 00:16:35.059 --> 00:16:35.899 how can we support you? 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:36.659 How can we help? 00:16:36.739 --> 00:16:37.959 We're all in. 00:16:38.179 --> 00:16:38.939 And that's beautiful 00:16:38.939 --> 00:16:39.579 and wonderful 00:16:39.579 --> 00:16:41.279 and good in community 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:42.539 that you respond 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:43.319 to help someone 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:44.259 who has helped you. 00:16:46.199 --> 00:16:46.399 Y'all, 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:47.479 biblical community 00:16:47.479 --> 00:16:49.359 goes far beyond that 00:16:49.359 --> 00:16:51.099 and is so much more glorious. 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.419 It says something 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:53.319 a little different. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:56.660 Jesus has carried 00:16:56.660 --> 00:16:58.980 all my burdens, 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.920 poured himself out 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:01.820 for me 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:03.060 to overflowing, 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:05.200 served me so consistently 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:06.820 that I am delighted 00:17:06.820 --> 00:17:08.160 to do the same 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:09.400 for all of you, 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:10.580 whether you've personally 00:17:10.580 --> 00:17:11.600 poured into me 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:12.380 or not, 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:13.680 for all of you, 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:15.080 and especially if Jesus 00:17:15.080 --> 00:17:15.799 has brought you 00:17:15.799 --> 00:17:17.000 into his family too, 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:17.580 right? 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:18.680 Say, 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:19.320 come on, preacher. 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:20.980 That's what it's like. 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:22.819 That's what Jesus does, 00:17:22.900 --> 00:17:23.400 doesn't he? 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:25.519 He pours himself into us 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.519 so that it will overflow 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:28.279 from us to others, 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:29.460 not so that we'll see 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.480 who we owe lately. 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:33.079 That's community 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:35.220 created by God's word 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:35.920 and his spirit. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.460 Doesn't your spirit resonate 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:38.720 with that truth, 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.620 with that reality? 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:41.259 It's not because 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:42.099 it's my words, 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:44.079 it's God's word. 00:17:44.660 --> 00:17:45.200 It's right there 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.200 in James 5, 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:48.180 the passage we looked 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:48.620 at earlier. 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:49.420 You're suffering, 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:51.279 you're sick, 00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:51.840 you're struggling 00:17:51.840 --> 00:17:52.560 with sin, 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:54.600 share those things, 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.340 pray together, 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.440 mourn with those 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:56.820 who mourn, 00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:58.240 rejoice with those 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.080 who rejoice. 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:01.519 Galatians 6, 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:01.800 2, 00:18:01.900 --> 00:18:03.560 carry one another's 00:18:03.560 --> 00:18:03.920 burdens 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:05.740 and so fulfill 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:07.759 the law of Christ. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.380 This passage 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.080 in Galatians 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:10.940 is in the context 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.779 of our sin, 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.779 burdens of sin, 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:14.820 spiritual burdens. 00:18:15.820 --> 00:18:17.220 In Acts chapter 2, 00:18:17.340 --> 00:18:18.160 the picture 00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:18.980 of the early church 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.599 that we read 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:20.559 last week 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:21.160 says they were 00:18:21.160 --> 00:18:21.620 committed 00:18:21.620 --> 00:18:23.480 to the fellowship 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:25.339 among other things. 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:26.940 Carrying each other's 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:28.140 physical burdens, 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:29.519 sharing all they had 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:30.640 to care for each other's 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:31.799 physical needs, 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:32.240 right? 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:34.900 I love how this 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:35.839 church family 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.740 here at Southwood 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.539 does this. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:40.539 We've experienced that. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.660 We as a church 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.799 are not perfect. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.720 We want to keep 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.920 growing here 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:45.740 in this area. 00:18:46.380 --> 00:18:47.599 But brothers and sisters 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.599 helping others 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:49.419 walk through 00:18:49.419 --> 00:18:51.079 healing from an affair. 00:18:52.419 --> 00:18:53.539 Crying and supporting 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:54.099 each other 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:55.359 through the loss 00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:56.279 of a loved one. 00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.419 Just this week 00:18:58.419 --> 00:18:58.959 showing up 00:18:58.959 --> 00:18:59.839 to help someone 00:18:59.839 --> 00:19:01.819 recover from a car accident. 00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:04.179 And that church member 00:19:04.179 --> 00:19:04.959 that was in the accident 00:19:04.959 --> 00:19:05.579 this week 00:19:05.579 --> 00:19:07.679 said of the love 00:19:07.679 --> 00:19:09.079 that she'd received 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:10.139 not just in that moment 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:11.939 but over the previous months, 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:13.720 I don't know 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:15.120 how I could ever 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:16.580 repay all of them. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.559 You don't. 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:21.740 We're family. 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:23.680 That's what being 00:19:23.680 --> 00:19:24.400 a community 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.620 of grace 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:26.480 means. 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:27.380 You don't 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:28.360 repay anybody. 00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.160 You just look 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:30.059 for the next person 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:30.860 who's got a burden 00:19:30.860 --> 00:19:32.519 that you can help carry 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.820 because Jesus 00:19:33.820 --> 00:19:34.920 has already 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:36.460 carried yours, 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:36.960 right? 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:38.279 Y'all, 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:38.940 this is the kind 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:39.580 of community 00:19:39.580 --> 00:19:41.120 God is making us 00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:42.580 if we will but 00:19:42.580 --> 00:19:43.480 lean into Him, 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:45.320 trust Him, 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.620 let His love 00:19:46.620 --> 00:19:48.320 overwhelm us together 00:19:48.320 --> 00:19:48.940 so that it overflows 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:51.140 from us. 00:19:52.580 --> 00:19:52.820 See, 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:53.799 Ephesians told us 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:54.539 it was all about 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:56.360 experiencing God's love, 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:56.940 right? 00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.220 That's where 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:59.580 the power was from. 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.620 It told us 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:01.140 we needed 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.620 all the saints 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:02.940 to grasp 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.279 the height 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:04.820 and width 00:20:04.820 --> 00:20:05.420 and breadth 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:06.519 and depth 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:08.099 of God's love. 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:09.900 All the saints. 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:13.139 It's a pretty 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:14.259 broad term. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.559 Involves a lot 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.180 of people, 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:17.779 some of whom 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.420 you've probably 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.400 never met. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.019 With whom 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:21.759 does the bond 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.339 of Jesus 00:20:22.339 --> 00:20:23.940 put us 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:25.200 in relationship? 00:20:26.519 --> 00:20:27.160 We're going to 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:27.879 talk about this 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:28.879 more in our last 00:20:28.879 --> 00:20:30.099 core commitment 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:31.420 where we see 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.059 particularly 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.839 the beauty 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:33.680 and the priority 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:34.259 of loving 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:34.900 the least, 00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:35.759 the lost, 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.480 the littlest, 00:20:36.599 --> 00:20:37.079 the lonely, 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:37.980 and the left out, 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.000 even beyond 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:40.279 God's family. 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:42.019 But for today, 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:43.420 let's stop at 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:44.700 what all 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.079 the saints 00:20:46.079 --> 00:20:46.960 means. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:49.879 It means 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:50.640 at least this. 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.619 I need 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.359 way more 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:54.640 than those 00:20:54.640 --> 00:20:55.379 like me 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:56.859 and those 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:57.379 I like. 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.740 Way more 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.319 than those 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.000 like me 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:02.279 and those 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:02.879 I like. 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:04.540 this is 00:21:04.540 --> 00:21:05.120 where the 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:06.080 power of 00:21:06.080 --> 00:21:06.680 the gospel, 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.060 the beauty 00:21:08.060 --> 00:21:09.480 of Christ-centered 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.300 community 00:21:10.300 --> 00:21:11.560 really becomes 00:21:11.560 --> 00:21:11.940 evident 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:13.040 because Jesus 00:21:13.040 --> 00:21:14.040 bonds together 00:21:14.040 --> 00:21:15.040 people who are 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:15.600 otherwise 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:16.560 different. 00:21:17.040 --> 00:21:17.300 Remember, 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:17.880 he makes 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.460 enemies 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.380 family 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:20.760 who love 00:21:20.760 --> 00:21:21.300 each other 00:21:21.300 --> 00:21:22.620 for Christ's 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:22.840 sake, 00:21:22.900 --> 00:21:23.440 even if there's 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:23.800 no other 00:21:23.800 --> 00:21:24.180 reason. 00:21:25.820 --> 00:21:26.540 We don't 00:21:26.540 --> 00:21:27.360 gather out of 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:29.000 mutual admiration 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.859 we like 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.539 each other, 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.480 but out of 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.740 shared admiration 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:35.559 we love 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.740 God 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:38.019 because he 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:38.839 has loved 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:39.839 us. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:40.960 See, 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.759 apart from 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:42.779 Christ, 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:43.559 the power 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:46.599 of self-pursuit 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:47.579 and my own 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.259 preferences, 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:49.759 it puts me 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.400 in relationship 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:50.960 with people 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.700 who are like 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:52.259 me. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:52.900 It puts me 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:53.579 in community 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:54.279 with others 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:54.660 that I 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.460 naturally 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:56.019 and easily 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.779 click with, 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:57.319 who root 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:57.819 for the same 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.559 football team, 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.299 who vote 00:21:59.299 --> 00:21:59.839 for the same 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:00.220 party, 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:00.619 who like 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:01.220 the same 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:02.700 worship style. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:03.779 Listen, 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:05.000 Jesus doesn't 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:05.480 need to be 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.059 around for 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.379 you to 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:06.839 connect with 00:22:06.839 --> 00:22:07.359 people like 00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:07.619 that, 00:22:07.659 --> 00:22:07.859 right? 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.440 That's how 00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:10.099 you naturally 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:11.119 function, 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:12.480 pursuing what's 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.240 comfortable for 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:13.500 you. 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:14.500 But Jesus 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.839 puts me in 00:22:15.839 --> 00:22:16.139 different 00:22:16.139 --> 00:22:16.819 relationships. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:17.799 He puts me 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:18.559 in relationship 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.220 where our 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.859 differences, 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:20.919 which are 00:22:20.919 --> 00:22:22.179 usually divisive 00:22:22.179 --> 00:22:22.639 in other 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.579 arenas in 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:23.980 life and 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:24.399 keep us 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:24.839 apart, 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:25.960 are actually 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.799 desirable 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:28.180 people because 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.799 they show 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.339 us what? 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:30.899 Greater 00:22:30.899 --> 00:22:32.000 dimensions 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:33.359 of God's 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:34.139 love. 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.460 Remember, 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:35.960 that's what 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:36.379 we need 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:37.240 all the 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.159 saints for, 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:38.539 right? 00:22:39.379 --> 00:22:40.259 Grasping a 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.220 greater vision 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:42.339 of God's 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:42.700 love. 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:44.240 Think with me 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.740 for just a 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.180 minute how 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.759 people different 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.339 from you 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:48.139 enlarge and 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.019 expand your 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.759 view of 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.419 God's love 00:22:50.419 --> 00:22:51.279 as you live 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:52.000 in relationship 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:52.519 with them, 00:22:52.639 --> 00:22:53.339 valuing them 00:22:53.339 --> 00:22:53.960 personally, 00:22:54.399 --> 00:22:55.079 confessing and 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:55.980 forgiving sins, 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.759 carrying each 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.960 other's burden. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:58.759 We could go 00:22:58.759 --> 00:22:59.259 on all day, 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:00.720 but think just 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.519 a few examples. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.120 When you share 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:04.099 life with a 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.220 materially poor 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.099 brother or 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:07.039 sister and you 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.839 listen to them 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:09.440 well, you might 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.400 get a glimpse of 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.740 depending on God 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:13.140 to provide one 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.420 meal at a 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:14.860 time. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.039 Like God 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:16.680 thought was so 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:17.640 important to 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:18.519 teach his Old 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:19.980 Testament people, 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:21.720 his daily 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:23.660 love may become 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:25.620 sweeter to you. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:26.539 love. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:27.720 When you engage 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.420 in relationship 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.460 with a married 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:30.240 couple, you may 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.360 see a broken 00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:32.539 but beautiful 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.579 picture of the 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:34.460 love of God 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.299 and people 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:35.980 bearing with 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.480 one another 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.180 through deep 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:38.319 sin and 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:38.980 offense. 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:40.460 Forgiving as 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:40.920 God has 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.620 forgiven them 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.420 and his 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.599 persistent love 00:23:43.599 --> 00:23:44.160 may become 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:44.920 more glorious 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.940 in your eyes. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.079 But when those 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:48.480 of us who are 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.299 married engage 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.160 in relationship 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:50.660 with an 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.259 unmarried 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.160 brother or 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:53.079 sister, you 00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:53.839 may realize 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.939 afresh the 00:23:54.939 --> 00:23:55.679 reality that 00:23:55.679 --> 00:23:56.419 God's love 00:23:56.419 --> 00:23:57.619 is so great 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:58.480 it provides 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.659 fulfillment and 00:23:59.659 --> 00:24:01.480 identity apart 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:02.879 from my family 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:04.319 or my sexuality. 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:07.179 You might learn 00:24:07.179 --> 00:24:07.639 the joy of 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:08.399 singleness that 00:24:08.399 --> 00:24:09.339 such brothers as 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:10.679 Jesus and 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:12.399 Paul knew. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.419 And God's 00:24:13.419 --> 00:24:14.539 love may become 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.500 more satisfying 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.259 to your heart 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.019 than you realized 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.639 it could be. 00:24:17.640 --> 00:24:20.400 I wish you 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:20.800 all would have 00:24:20.800 --> 00:24:21.320 the privilege 00:24:21.320 --> 00:24:22.020 I have to 00:24:22.020 --> 00:24:22.660 know former 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:23.740 prostitutes, 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:25.560 ex-convicts, 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.759 recovering addicts 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:28.340 who find freedom 00:24:28.340 --> 00:24:29.800 from their shame 00:24:29.800 --> 00:24:31.080 in this forgiving 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:32.100 and cleansing 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:33.680 love of God. 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.200 By the way, 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:35.880 if you listen 00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:36.620 long enough 00:24:36.620 --> 00:24:37.540 to people's 00:24:37.540 --> 00:24:38.360 stories in this 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:38.900 church, you 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:40.240 will know them. 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.300 If you confess 00:24:41.300 --> 00:24:42.160 sins to each 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:42.620 other, you'll 00:24:42.620 --> 00:24:44.040 learn that. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:44.840 And your 00:24:44.840 --> 00:24:45.460 ability to 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.320 comprehend the 00:24:46.320 --> 00:24:46.880 love of a 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.580 God who makes 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:48.240 you new 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.740 will grow. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:52.339 I wish every 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:53.099 newlywed couple 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.619 in the church 00:24:53.619 --> 00:24:54.000 could have been 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:54.659 in my small 00:24:54.659 --> 00:24:56.539 group to watch 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.179 Miss Betty 00:24:57.179 --> 00:24:59.019 love Mr. John 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.079 through his 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:00.879 last few years 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:01.939 of life as he 00:25:01.939 --> 00:25:03.539 struggled to 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.779 know where he 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.259 was or what 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.019 was going on. 00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:08.240 As I got to 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.759 watch them 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.359 together, I 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:09.980 witnessed the 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:11.779 patient and 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:13.379 tender love 00:25:13.379 --> 00:25:14.159 of God in her 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:15.240 that treasures 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.319 us in our 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:16.819 weakness. 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:18.039 in a new 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:18.599 way that has 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.159 helped me 00:25:19.159 --> 00:25:19.579 in my 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.119 marriage. 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:21.700 Younger 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:22.339 people struggling 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.559 to hope in 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.419 God's promises 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:24.960 as they 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.859 parent. 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:27.839 They may see in 00:25:27.839 --> 00:25:28.480 older people's 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:29.319 stories a God 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:29.899 whose love is 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:30.980 faithful to his 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.859 promises even 00:25:31.859 --> 00:25:32.559 when it doesn't 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.279 look like it. 00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:35.079 Older people 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:35.899 struggling to 00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:37.039 maintain a zeal 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.679 for the kingdom 00:25:37.679 --> 00:25:38.359 in their later 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:39.599 years may see in 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:40.439 younger people's 00:25:40.439 --> 00:25:41.819 stories a God 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.519 whose love is the 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:43.559 only hope of the 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.759 next generation. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:46.160 God's love is 00:25:46.160 --> 00:25:46.720 so great. 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.700 I still have a 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:49.180 purpose to 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.140 testify to that 00:25:50.140 --> 00:25:50.879 love and it's a 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.720 great purpose. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.940 You get the idea 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.920 of how beautiful 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:56.200 God's design for 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:57.319 his church is? 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.920 We're a family. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.339 Same loving 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.759 father, same 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:03.920 older brother, 00:26:04.140 --> 00:26:05.259 same indwelling 00:26:05.259 --> 00:26:06.200 spirit. 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.700 This is why we 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.500 need to lean into 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:09.140 these deep 00:26:09.140 --> 00:26:10.500 relationships with 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.700 each other so we 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:12.779 will experience his 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:14.180 love more and be 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.220 empowered to share 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.500 that love so that 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.660 my neighbors and 00:26:17.660 --> 00:26:18.680 Huntsville and the 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.339 whole world will 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:21.000 know more of his 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.420 glory. 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.799 Let me talk to you 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.460 for just a couple 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.799 minutes as we close 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:29.539 about our new 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:31.039 Connect communities. 00:26:32.399 --> 00:26:33.299 I really want to 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:34.299 encourage you all to 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.819 participate in these 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.139 Connect communities as 00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:38.119 we pursue these kind 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:38.899 of life-giving 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:40.220 relationships. 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.480 relationships. 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:43.420 To be clear, I hope 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:44.500 you realize as we 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.680 talk this morning that 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.759 these kind of 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:47.900 relationships where 00:26:47.900 --> 00:26:49.360 we're confessing sin 00:26:49.360 --> 00:26:50.259 and carrying burdens 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.539 and valuing each 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.620 other, they don't 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.900 take place in one 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:55.160 hour a week in a 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:56.120 room of 30 people. 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.680 We got way too many 00:26:58.680 --> 00:26:59.700 sins and burdens for 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.220 that, yes? 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:01.539 Yep, we don't have 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.420 time for mine next 00:27:02.420 --> 00:27:02.600 week. 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:06.420 So it's not just 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:08.160 there, but God's 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:09.540 word is calling us, 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:11.180 challenging us to 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:13.000 lock arms with 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:14.019 brothers and sisters 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:15.880 more often than on 00:27:15.880 --> 00:27:16.620 Sundays. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:18.460 Breaking bread together 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:19.380 in each other's homes, 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:20.560 helping each other out 00:27:20.560 --> 00:27:22.400 day by day, praying in 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:23.560 every situation. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.279 Those relationships take 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:26.600 time to foster, don't 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:26.840 they? 00:27:27.540 --> 00:27:29.160 And they're well worth 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:29.400 it. 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:32.200 Even our precious time 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:33.779 that is so valuable is 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:35.080 well worth the 00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:35.580 investment. 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:37.399 So think of connect 00:27:37.399 --> 00:27:39.720 communities as places 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:41.299 that we come together 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:44.619 around God's word, not 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:46.199 as placing you at the 00:27:46.199 --> 00:27:47.559 destination of 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:50.980 relationship, but rather 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:51.960 moving you down the 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.899 path of relationship. 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:54.559 They're called connect 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:57.019 communities for a 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:57.279 reason. 00:27:57.699 --> 00:27:58.740 You may well meet a 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.879 brother or sister there 00:27:59.879 --> 00:28:01.079 with whom you develop 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:02.599 deeper relationship 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:04.599 beyond the group. 00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:05.779 We will urge each 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.480 other there toward 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.519 meeting regularly in 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.359 small groups to share 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:10.779 and confess and forgive 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:12.099 and pray more. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.779 So if it's a three 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:15.000 legged race that we're 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:16.099 on, the connect 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:17.379 community is not the 00:28:17.379 --> 00:28:19.679 finish line, but rather 00:28:19.679 --> 00:28:21.740 the starting line where 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.879 you find your partner, 00:28:23.339 --> 00:28:24.299 where you get bound 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:25.599 together through Jesus 00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:29.039 and his word to run the 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.599 race together. 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.399 together. 00:28:32.399 --> 00:28:34.659 Y'all don't go home to 00:28:34.659 --> 00:28:35.259 run alone. 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:37.359 Lean into the 00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:39.319 relationships that God 00:28:39.319 --> 00:28:40.219 has made us for. 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:43.579 You know, the tightness 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:45.819 of that bond that we have 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:47.939 in Jesus is so vitally 00:28:47.939 --> 00:28:48.559 important. 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:52.199 But no matter how tight you 00:28:52.199 --> 00:28:54.459 tie that bond, most of the 00:28:54.459 --> 00:28:56.019 three legged races I run in 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:58.219 end up with people scattered 00:28:58.220 --> 00:28:59.380 on the ground. 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.579 Relationships, even in 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:04.559 Jesus, even in the church 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.660 are messy, aren't they? 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.100 Yes? 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:08.039 Can we get amen on that 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:08.200 one? 00:29:08.380 --> 00:29:08.980 Yeah, okay. 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:11.200 Come on, we gotta pick our 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:11.759 spots here. 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.600 That seemed like an easy 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:12.779 one. 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.339 It's messier than 00:29:15.339 --> 00:29:17.779 isolation, than hiding 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.640 alone, isn't it? 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.880 But that's actually another 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:22.100 reason that relationships 00:29:22.100 --> 00:29:23.860 are worth the investment. 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:25.620 It's not merely that Jesus 00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:27.579 unites us in relationship. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:30.059 But these relationships 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:32.139 drive us back to Jesus, 00:29:32.719 --> 00:29:33.219 don't they? 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:35.339 Because when I get tied 00:29:35.339 --> 00:29:36.819 tightly to a brother or 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:38.639 sister and rub up against 00:29:38.639 --> 00:29:41.699 them, my selfishness and my 00:29:41.699 --> 00:29:44.119 weakness and my insecurity 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:45.779 become exposed. 00:29:47.239 --> 00:29:48.599 And I see it. 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:51.519 And I see my need for a 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:54.019 Savior and a cross again. 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:54.879 But guess what? 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:56.259 I'm not the only one who 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:56.740 sees it. 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:58.740 This is the scary but 00:29:58.740 --> 00:29:59.440 beautiful part. 00:29:59.759 --> 00:30:01.440 My brother or sister sees 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:04.319 it too and is right there to 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:06.180 point me to the Savior we 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:08.299 both have who will never 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:09.079 leave us. 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:11.539 Two are better than one. 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:14.319 For if they fall, one will 00:30:14.319 --> 00:30:15.359 lift up his fellow. 00:30:16.859 --> 00:30:19.059 But pity the one who falls and 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:21.079 has no one to help him up. 00:30:21.079 --> 00:30:24.539 Praise God for a Savior. 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:27.399 And because of him, brothers 00:30:27.399 --> 00:30:30.619 and sisters to help us up. 00:30:31.419 --> 00:30:32.119 Let's pray. 00:30:38.119 --> 00:30:40.980 Father, we confess our need of 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.819 you again. 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:45.879 We need your help. 00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:46.880 Father, we need your love. 00:30:46.880 --> 00:30:47.880 And we especially this 00:30:47.880 --> 00:30:49.820 morning need your spirit to 00:30:49.820 --> 00:30:50.920 acknowledge that we need 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.420 each other. 00:30:54.260 --> 00:30:56.200 Father, show us that this is 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.600 what you've created us for. 00:30:59.540 --> 00:31:01.940 That we might be known and 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:03.080 that we might be loved. 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:05.200 And you have loved us like 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:05.540 that. 00:31:07.300 --> 00:31:08.580 Thank you for being the one 00:31:08.580 --> 00:31:10.800 place we know we can be safe. 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:14.919 Father, would your love 00:31:14.919 --> 00:31:16.740 transform a community like 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:19.159 this one that people would 00:31:19.159 --> 00:31:20.779 begin to experience more and 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:22.419 more safety among each other 00:31:22.419 --> 00:31:24.039 that they've found in you. 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:27.960 Help us to love as we have 00:31:27.960 --> 00:31:28.519 been loved. 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:33.099 Thank you, Jesus, for your 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:33.379 love. 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.859 Show it to us again this 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:35.159 morning. 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:37.740 It's height and width and 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:39.960 depth and breadth that it 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:40.819 would change our hearts. 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:44.000 We thank you and we pray in 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.360 your name. 00:31:44.840 --> 00:31:45.059 Amen. 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:50.960 For more information, visit us 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:52.759 online at southwood.org.