To Treasure Jesus Together (Membership)
Series: HIS PURPOSE OUR PURPOSE MY PURPOSE
Speaker: Steve Jeffrey
Date: 10th November 2018
00:00:00 --> 00:00:04 Jack and Grace met through a mutual friend.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 From day one, they just seemed to be perfect for each other.
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 Grace was everything Jack had always wanted.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:18 She was beautiful and she was outgoing and she was caring.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:22 She was always there whenever Jack needed her.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:27 For the first five months, they were inseparable.
00:00:27 --> 00:00:32 Jack could hardly think of anything else but Grace.
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 He didn't need to look further.
00:00:34 --> 00:00:38 He, in fact, told his friends, she's the one for sure.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:42 But now almost three years have passed.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:49 Jack still enjoys the comfort and the familiarity of being with Grace.
00:00:49 --> 00:00:52 But that sort of initial spark is gone.
00:00:52 --> 00:00:59 Grace's flaws seem a little more obvious to him now.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:03 He's not sure he finds her as attractive as he once did.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:11 And he's beginning to resent all the time that she wants to spend with him.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:22 And so one day when she asks if she can define the nature of their relationship, Jack blows up.
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 We're together, aren't we?
00:01:25 --> 00:01:27 He asks angrily.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:29 Why isn't that enough for you?
00:01:31 --> 00:01:34 Obviously, Jack isn't quite ready for commitment.
00:01:34 --> 00:01:43 He's not sure he, in fact, ever will be ready for commitment or, in fact, ever really needs to be ready for commitment.
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 Have you ever been in a relationship like that?
00:01:49 --> 00:01:52 Do you know people who are in a relationship like that?
00:01:54 --> 00:01:54 I do.
00:01:54 --> 00:02:02 Let me say, if that is you, if you're in a relationship like that, this is not God's purpose for your life.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:11 God wants you to be in a relationship that is defined by both passion and commitment.
00:02:14 --> 00:02:21 The reality is there are millions of Jacks walking around today.
00:02:21 --> 00:02:24 But there is something more you should know.
00:02:25 --> 00:02:26 Grace isn't a girl.
00:02:28 --> 00:02:30 Grace is a church.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:37 And this is the let's define the nature of the relationship talk.
00:02:39 --> 00:02:42 Three things I want us to explore this morning.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:43 Number one, what is the church?
00:02:44 --> 00:02:46 Number two, what is the purpose of the church?
00:02:46 --> 00:02:51 And number three, how to be a church member on purpose.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:53 So what is the church?
00:02:54 --> 00:03:04 It's really hard to get clarity on the word when there are so many different uses of the word church running around today.
00:03:04 --> 00:03:11 In fact, as I was writing this message, it was Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday.
00:03:11 --> 00:03:17 I was sitting on the balcony over at the rectory, just having a quiet moment writing this.
00:03:17 --> 00:03:24 And as I was writing this message, there was someone walking through the car park on the other end of their phone.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 And they said to whoever was on the other end of their phone,
00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 hey, you could park in the church.
00:03:30 --> 00:03:31 There's plenty of room here.
00:03:35 --> 00:03:36 Well, actually, no.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:39 I've got two problems with that.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:44 Number one, your definition of church, because I'm writing in this space right now.
00:03:44 --> 00:03:46 But I won't go there in this moment.
00:03:46 --> 00:03:50 But secondly, no, you can't just park here whenever you choose to.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:58 So other views of church is that church is a set of a system of beliefs,
00:03:58 --> 00:04:05 or it's a program that you attend for an hour and a half, two hours on a Sunday,
00:04:05 --> 00:04:08 or it's a denomination that you belong to, or it's an institution.
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 That exists in society.
00:04:11 --> 00:04:17 The word that is translated as church in our Bible, in our New Testament,
00:04:18 --> 00:04:21 comes from the Greek word ecclesia.
00:04:22 --> 00:04:27 It's used just under 80 times in the New Testament.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:31 And all but three of them in the New Testament,
00:04:31 --> 00:04:35 it is translated into the English word church.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:41 Now, if we look at one of the places where it isn't translated into the English word church,
00:04:42 --> 00:04:47 you actually get an idea of what the New Testament meaning is behind,
00:04:47 --> 00:04:50 but what is the meaning behind the original word for ecclesia?
00:04:50 --> 00:04:53 So it's Acts chapter 19.
00:04:54 --> 00:05:02 And a silversmith named Demetrius used to make a great living out of making idols
00:05:02 --> 00:05:06 until the apostle Paul arrives.
00:05:06 --> 00:05:10 He preaches and all these people start to become Christians.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:15 So that's great for the church, not so great for the idol business.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:22 And so what Demetrius does, realising that his income's dropping,
00:05:23 --> 00:05:26 he decides to whip the city up into a riot.
00:05:27 --> 00:05:32 And next thing you know, there's this large gathering in this amphitheatre,
00:05:33 --> 00:05:37 and it says this in Acts 19.32.
00:05:37 --> 00:05:49 Now, that's not the description of the church,
00:05:49 --> 00:05:52 but let me just pick up the word assembly there,
00:05:52 --> 00:05:55 is the Greek word ecclesia.
00:05:56 --> 00:06:00 It's translated elsewhere in the New Testament as church.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:01 So you could literally read this,
00:06:02 --> 00:06:03 the church was in confusion.
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 It's just a gathering.
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 The word church, at its core,
00:06:08 --> 00:06:12 simply refers to a crowd of people gathered together.
00:06:13 --> 00:06:13 It's a mob.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:17 Sometimes in the New Testament,
00:06:17 --> 00:06:21 church is used to refer to the gathering of Christians
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 around God in heaven from all time and places.
00:06:25 --> 00:06:29 Theologians refer to this as the invisible church.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:35 Everyone who knows Jesus from every time and place,
00:06:35 --> 00:06:36 both alive and dead,
00:06:36 --> 00:06:41 are gathered spiritually in God's presence and magnifying him.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:44 And what we are waiting for is the end of all things
00:06:44 --> 00:06:45 when we will physically,
00:06:46 --> 00:06:47 everyone be in his presence,
00:06:47 --> 00:06:48 magnifying him.
00:06:50 --> 00:06:50 Mostly,
00:06:51 --> 00:06:54 the word refers to the local church,
00:06:55 --> 00:06:57 the local gathering in a particular place,
00:06:57 --> 00:06:59 like the church at the corner of Fuller's Road
00:06:59 --> 00:07:01 and View Street in Chatswood.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:03 This is the church visible.
00:07:05 --> 00:07:09 But it's not just any mob.
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 It's not just any crowd that has gathered.
00:07:12 --> 00:07:14 The Greek word ecclesia
00:07:14 --> 00:07:17 is made from two other words,
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 two other Greek words which are joined together.
00:07:20 --> 00:07:24 And these words mean to call out.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:26 Two words, to call and out.
00:07:26 --> 00:07:27 To call out.
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 And so the word church
00:07:30 --> 00:07:34 really refers to those who were called out by God
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 from the world
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 to join together as his people,
00:07:39 --> 00:07:40 the followers of his son,
00:07:41 --> 00:07:41 the Lord Jesus.
00:07:43 --> 00:07:44 Now this is crucial
00:07:44 --> 00:07:45 for us to,
00:07:46 --> 00:07:47 in understanding
00:07:47 --> 00:07:50 what the church is.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:52 But also,
00:07:52 --> 00:07:55 what the purpose of the church is.
00:07:57 --> 00:07:58 Last week,
00:07:59 --> 00:08:00 we looked at the
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 much broader question
00:08:02 --> 00:08:03 of
00:08:03 --> 00:08:05 what is the purpose of life?
00:08:06 --> 00:08:07 And we saw that God
00:08:07 --> 00:08:08 created us
00:08:08 --> 00:08:09 and saved us
00:08:09 --> 00:08:10 to magnify him
00:08:10 --> 00:08:12 because he is magnus.
00:08:13 --> 00:08:14 He is great.
00:08:14 --> 00:08:16 We saw that God
00:08:16 --> 00:08:17 is worthy
00:08:17 --> 00:08:18 to be magnified
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 because he is great
00:08:20 --> 00:08:21 and he is good.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:23 And this great and good God
00:08:23 --> 00:08:25 has a great
00:08:25 --> 00:08:26 and good plan.
00:08:27 --> 00:08:29 So let's have a look
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 at what that plan is.
00:08:31 --> 00:08:32 And we're going to begin
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 in Ephesians chapter 1 verse 8.
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 I've given you a list of references
00:08:36 --> 00:08:37 so
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 you can go back
00:08:39 --> 00:08:41 and check them later on
00:08:41 --> 00:08:41 or scribble them down
00:08:41 --> 00:08:42 if you like.
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 So Ephesians chapter 1 verse 8,
00:08:44 --> 00:08:45 with all wisdom
00:08:45 --> 00:08:46 and understanding,
00:08:47 --> 00:08:47 he,
00:08:48 --> 00:08:48 that's God,
00:08:49 --> 00:08:50 made known to us
00:08:50 --> 00:08:51 the mystery of his will
00:08:51 --> 00:08:53 according to his good pleasure
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 which he purposed
00:08:55 --> 00:08:56 in Christ
00:08:56 --> 00:08:58 to be put into effect
00:08:58 --> 00:09:00 when the times
00:09:00 --> 00:09:01 reach their fulfillment
00:09:01 --> 00:09:04 to bring unity
00:09:04 --> 00:09:06 to all things
00:09:06 --> 00:09:07 in heaven
00:09:07 --> 00:09:08 and on earth
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 under Christ.
00:09:10 --> 00:09:10 Christ.
00:09:12 --> 00:09:13 So
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 that's where
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 everything's going.
00:09:19 --> 00:09:20 That's
00:09:20 --> 00:09:21 the plan.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:23 That's the goal.
00:09:24 --> 00:09:25 This big God
00:09:25 --> 00:09:27 has a big plan
00:09:27 --> 00:09:28 and the big plan
00:09:28 --> 00:09:29 is everything
00:09:29 --> 00:09:30 gathered together
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 under Jesus.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:33 Jesus supreme
00:09:33 --> 00:09:34 and Lord
00:09:34 --> 00:09:35 over everything.
00:09:35 --> 00:09:38 So that's the end.
00:09:38 --> 00:09:39 So let's go back
00:09:39 --> 00:09:40 to the beginning
00:09:40 --> 00:09:42 and let's see
00:09:42 --> 00:09:43 that this is in fact
00:09:43 --> 00:09:44 been God's plan
00:09:44 --> 00:09:45 all along.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:47 It's the reason
00:09:47 --> 00:09:48 why you and I
00:09:48 --> 00:09:49 were created
00:09:49 --> 00:09:50 and saved.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:51 So back in the beginning
00:09:51 --> 00:09:52 it's the Garden of Eden
00:09:52 --> 00:09:53 and in the Garden of Eden
00:09:53 --> 00:09:54 you're not going to read it
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 but there's a real sense
00:09:55 --> 00:09:56 in Genesis 1 and 2
00:09:56 --> 00:09:59 where all things
00:09:59 --> 00:09:59 are gathered
00:09:59 --> 00:10:00 to God.
00:10:01 --> 00:10:02 He's made it.
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 Everything's at peace.
00:10:04 --> 00:10:05 Everything is ordered.
00:10:06 --> 00:10:07 Everything is perfect
00:10:07 --> 00:10:08 in relationship
00:10:08 --> 00:10:09 with Him.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:10 And then
00:10:10 --> 00:10:11 the first people
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 make the decision
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 to
00:10:14 --> 00:10:15 instead of
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 magnifying
00:10:16 --> 00:10:17 God
00:10:17 --> 00:10:18 they decide
00:10:18 --> 00:10:19 to magnify
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 themselves.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:21 They decide
00:10:21 --> 00:10:22 to live life
00:10:22 --> 00:10:23 their way
00:10:23 --> 00:10:23 and to make everything
00:10:23 --> 00:10:24 about them
00:10:24 --> 00:10:25 rather than about God.
00:10:26 --> 00:10:27 The Bible calls
00:10:27 --> 00:10:28 this attitude
00:10:28 --> 00:10:29 in this action
00:10:29 --> 00:10:30 sin.
00:10:31 --> 00:10:32 And the consequence
00:10:32 --> 00:10:33 of sin
00:10:33 --> 00:10:34 is everything
00:10:34 --> 00:10:36 that is ordered
00:10:36 --> 00:10:39 now becomes
00:10:39 --> 00:10:39 disordered.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:41 There's no more
00:10:41 --> 00:10:42 harmony.
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 There's no more
00:10:43 --> 00:10:44 peace.
00:10:44 --> 00:10:44 Everything's turned
00:10:44 --> 00:10:45 upside down
00:10:45 --> 00:10:46 and relationships
00:10:46 --> 00:10:47 with God
00:10:47 --> 00:10:48 is broken.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 Where there used
00:10:49 --> 00:10:50 to be unity
00:10:50 --> 00:10:51 and closeness
00:10:51 --> 00:10:51 with God
00:10:51 --> 00:10:52 now because of sin
00:10:52 --> 00:10:53 there is just
00:10:53 --> 00:10:53 distance and
00:10:53 --> 00:10:54 disunity.
00:10:56 --> 00:10:56 And then God
00:10:56 --> 00:10:57 what He does
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 is He removes
00:10:59 --> 00:11:00 people from
00:11:00 --> 00:11:01 His presence.
00:11:03 --> 00:11:03 He judges
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 their sin
00:11:05 --> 00:11:06 by
00:11:06 --> 00:11:07 it's a theological
00:11:07 --> 00:11:08 word
00:11:08 --> 00:11:10 scattering them.
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 He scatters
00:11:13 --> 00:11:13 them from
00:11:13 --> 00:11:13 Himself.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:16 And this is
00:11:16 --> 00:11:16 the principle
00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 that you see
00:11:18 --> 00:11:20 right throughout
00:11:20 --> 00:11:21 the entire
00:11:21 --> 00:11:21 Bible.
00:11:22 --> 00:11:23 You can trace
00:11:23 --> 00:11:24 it right to
00:11:24 --> 00:11:24 the Bible.
00:11:25 --> 00:11:26 Wherever
00:11:26 --> 00:11:27 humanity
00:11:27 --> 00:11:28 sets itself
00:11:28 --> 00:11:29 up against
00:11:29 --> 00:11:29 God
00:11:29 --> 00:11:31 He scatters
00:11:31 --> 00:11:32 them.
00:11:33 --> 00:11:34 But when
00:11:34 --> 00:11:34 He saves
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 them
00:11:35 --> 00:11:37 He gathers
00:11:37 --> 00:11:37 them to
00:11:37 --> 00:11:38 Himself.
00:11:40 --> 00:11:41 You see it
00:11:41 --> 00:11:42 not far
00:11:42 --> 00:11:43 into
00:11:43 --> 00:11:44 Genesis
00:11:44 --> 00:11:45 where the
00:11:45 --> 00:11:45 Tower of
00:11:45 --> 00:11:46 Babel
00:11:46 --> 00:11:47 in Genesis
00:11:47 --> 00:11:47 11
00:11:47 --> 00:11:48 and where
00:11:48 --> 00:11:49 He scatters
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 people from
00:11:50 --> 00:11:50 Himself
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 and from
00:11:52 --> 00:11:52 each other
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 and yet
00:11:54 --> 00:11:55 in
00:11:55 --> 00:11:55 Genesis
00:11:55 --> 00:11:56 12
00:11:56 --> 00:11:57 He calls
00:11:57 --> 00:11:57 Abraham
00:11:57 --> 00:11:58 to
00:11:58 --> 00:11:58 Himself.
00:12:00 --> 00:12:01 It's a
00:12:01 --> 00:12:01 theme that
00:12:01 --> 00:12:01 runs right
00:12:01 --> 00:12:02 through the
00:12:02 --> 00:12:02 Bible.
00:12:02 --> 00:12:02 When God
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 saves He
00:12:03 --> 00:12:03 gathers
00:12:03 --> 00:12:04 people to
00:12:04 --> 00:12:04 Himself
00:12:04 --> 00:12:05 but when
00:12:05 --> 00:12:05 they rebel
00:12:05 --> 00:12:06 against
00:12:06 --> 00:12:06 Him He
00:12:06 --> 00:12:07 scatters
00:12:07 --> 00:12:07 them from
00:12:07 --> 00:12:07 His
00:12:07 --> 00:12:08 presence.
00:12:10 --> 00:12:10 Which is
00:12:10 --> 00:12:11 the ultimate
00:12:11 --> 00:12:11 thing that
00:12:11 --> 00:12:12 happens.
00:12:13 --> 00:12:13 The goal
00:12:13 --> 00:12:13 of all
00:12:13 --> 00:12:14 things God
00:12:14 --> 00:12:15 will gather
00:12:15 --> 00:12:15 those to
00:12:15 --> 00:12:15 Himself
00:12:15 --> 00:12:16 who are
00:12:16 --> 00:12:16 His for
00:12:16 --> 00:12:17 eternity
00:12:17 --> 00:12:17 in His
00:12:17 --> 00:12:17 presence
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 and those
00:12:18 --> 00:12:18 who are
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 not His
00:12:19 --> 00:12:19 He will
00:12:19 --> 00:12:19 cast them
00:12:19 --> 00:12:20 from His
00:12:20 --> 00:12:20 presence for
00:12:20 --> 00:12:21 all eternity.
00:12:21 --> 00:12:24 In Isaiah
00:12:24 --> 00:12:24 11
00:12:24 --> 00:12:25 several
00:12:25 --> 00:12:26 hundred
00:12:26 --> 00:12:26 years
00:12:26 --> 00:12:26 before
00:12:26 --> 00:12:27 Jesus
00:12:27 --> 00:12:28 Isaiah
00:12:28 --> 00:12:28 is looking
00:12:28 --> 00:12:29 forward
00:12:29 --> 00:12:29 to this
00:12:29 --> 00:12:30 day
00:12:30 --> 00:12:30 when
00:12:30 --> 00:12:30 everything
00:12:30 --> 00:12:31 is
00:12:31 --> 00:12:31 finally
00:12:31 --> 00:12:32 ordered
00:12:32 --> 00:12:32 and
00:12:32 --> 00:12:32 harmonious
00:12:32 --> 00:12:33 and
00:12:33 --> 00:12:34 peaceful
00:12:34 --> 00:12:34 and in
00:12:34 --> 00:12:34 right
00:12:34 --> 00:12:35 relationship
00:12:35 --> 00:12:36 like it
00:12:36 --> 00:12:37 was in
00:12:37 --> 00:12:37 Genesis
00:12:37 --> 00:12:38 1 and
00:12:38 --> 00:12:38 2
00:12:38 --> 00:12:39 and he
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 refers to
00:12:40 --> 00:12:40 a particular
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 person
00:12:41 --> 00:12:43 who will
00:12:43 --> 00:12:44 accomplish
00:12:44 --> 00:12:45 God's
00:12:45 --> 00:12:46 great
00:12:46 --> 00:12:46 plan
00:12:46 --> 00:12:47 and in
00:12:47 --> 00:12:48 Isaiah
00:12:48 --> 00:12:48 11
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 this person
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 is called
00:12:50 --> 00:12:50 the root
00:12:50 --> 00:12:51 of Jesse
00:12:51 --> 00:12:53 this person
00:12:53 --> 00:12:53 is the
00:12:53 --> 00:12:54 Messiah
00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 he is
00:12:55 --> 00:12:56 historically
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 known as
00:12:57 --> 00:12:58 the son
00:12:58 --> 00:12:59 of great
00:12:59 --> 00:12:59 King
00:12:59 --> 00:12:59 David
00:12:59 --> 00:13:01 and in
00:13:01 --> 00:13:02 verse 12
00:13:02 --> 00:13:02 it says
00:13:02 --> 00:13:02 this
00:13:02 --> 00:13:04 he will
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 raise a
00:13:05 --> 00:13:06 banner
00:13:06 --> 00:13:06 for the
00:13:06 --> 00:13:07 nations
00:13:07 --> 00:13:08 and gather
00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 the exiles
00:13:10 --> 00:13:11 of Israel
00:13:11 --> 00:13:13 he will
00:13:13 --> 00:13:13 assemble
00:13:13 --> 00:13:15 the scattered
00:13:15 --> 00:13:16 people
00:13:16 --> 00:13:16 of Judah
00:13:16 --> 00:13:18 from the
00:13:18 --> 00:13:18 four
00:13:18 --> 00:13:19 quarters
00:13:19 --> 00:13:20 of the
00:13:20 --> 00:13:20 earth
00:13:20 --> 00:13:24 then
00:13:24 --> 00:13:26 as
00:13:26 --> 00:13:26 Isaiah
00:13:26 --> 00:13:27 keeps
00:13:27 --> 00:13:27 going
00:13:27 --> 00:13:28 you get
00:13:28 --> 00:13:28 to
00:13:28 --> 00:13:28 Isaiah
00:13:28 --> 00:13:29 56
00:13:29 --> 00:13:29 8
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 and
00:13:30 --> 00:13:30 God
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 himself
00:13:31 --> 00:13:31 declares
00:13:31 --> 00:13:32 there
00:13:32 --> 00:13:33 that he
00:13:33 --> 00:13:33 will
00:13:33 --> 00:13:34 expand
00:13:34 --> 00:13:35 his
00:13:35 --> 00:13:36 plan
00:13:36 --> 00:13:37 beyond
00:13:37 --> 00:13:37 his
00:13:37 --> 00:13:38 historic
00:13:38 --> 00:13:38 people
00:13:38 --> 00:13:39 Israel
00:13:39 --> 00:13:40 and this
00:13:40 --> 00:13:40 is what
00:13:40 --> 00:13:40 God
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 says
00:13:41 --> 00:13:41 he says
00:13:41 --> 00:13:42 I
00:13:42 --> 00:13:42 will
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 gather
00:13:43 --> 00:13:44 still
00:13:44 --> 00:13:44 others
00:13:44 --> 00:13:45 to
00:13:45 --> 00:13:46 them
00:13:46 --> 00:13:46 besides
00:13:46 --> 00:13:47 those
00:13:47 --> 00:13:48 already
00:13:48 --> 00:13:49 gathered
00:13:49 --> 00:13:51 and the
00:13:51 --> 00:13:51 climax
00:13:51 --> 00:13:53 of God's
00:13:53 --> 00:13:54 plans
00:13:54 --> 00:13:54 is revealed
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 at the end
00:13:55 --> 00:13:55 of the book
00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 of Isaiah
00:13:56 --> 00:13:56 in Isaiah
00:13:56 --> 00:13:57 66
00:13:57 --> 00:13:58 18
00:13:58 --> 00:13:59 we read
00:13:59 --> 00:14:00 and I
00:14:00 --> 00:14:00 this is
00:14:00 --> 00:14:00 God
00:14:00 --> 00:14:00 again
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 and I
00:14:01 --> 00:14:02 because
00:14:02 --> 00:14:03 of what
00:14:03 --> 00:14:03 they have
00:14:03 --> 00:14:04 planned
00:14:04 --> 00:14:04 and done
00:14:04 --> 00:14:05 am about
00:14:05 --> 00:14:06 to come
00:14:06 --> 00:14:07 and gather
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 the people
00:14:08 --> 00:14:08 of all
00:14:08 --> 00:14:09 nations
00:14:09 --> 00:14:10 and languages
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 and they
00:14:11 --> 00:14:12 will come
00:14:12 --> 00:14:13 and see
00:14:13 --> 00:14:15 my glory
00:14:15 --> 00:14:17 see
00:14:17 --> 00:14:17 God's
00:14:17 --> 00:14:18 plan
00:14:18 --> 00:14:19 is to
00:14:19 --> 00:14:20 gather
00:14:20 --> 00:14:20 people
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 from all
00:14:21 --> 00:14:21 nations
00:14:21 --> 00:14:22 and tribes
00:14:22 --> 00:14:23 and peoples
00:14:23 --> 00:14:23 and cultures
00:14:23 --> 00:14:25 to himself
00:14:25 --> 00:14:26 that they
00:14:26 --> 00:14:27 might see
00:14:27 --> 00:14:28 his glory
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 that they
00:14:29 --> 00:14:29 might
00:14:29 --> 00:14:31 magnify
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 his
00:14:32 --> 00:14:33 magnus
00:14:33 --> 00:14:35 it's a
00:14:35 --> 00:14:36 plan
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 that starts
00:14:37 --> 00:14:38 to get
00:14:38 --> 00:14:39 worked out
00:14:39 --> 00:14:39 in history
00:14:39 --> 00:14:41 with the
00:14:41 --> 00:14:41 creation
00:14:41 --> 00:14:42 of the
00:14:42 --> 00:14:42 church
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 by the
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 Lord Jesus
00:14:44 --> 00:14:44 Christ
00:14:44 --> 00:14:46 and you
00:14:46 --> 00:14:47 see that
00:14:47 --> 00:14:48 in Ephesians
00:14:48 --> 00:14:49 2 11
00:14:49 --> 00:14:49 the passage
00:14:49 --> 00:14:50 that was
00:14:50 --> 00:14:50 read out
00:14:50 --> 00:14:50 to us
00:14:50 --> 00:14:51 therefore
00:14:51 --> 00:14:53 formally
00:14:53 --> 00:14:54 remember
00:14:54 --> 00:14:54 that formally
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 you
00:14:55 --> 00:14:56 who are
00:14:56 --> 00:14:56 Gentiles
00:14:56 --> 00:14:57 by birth
00:14:57 --> 00:14:57 and court
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 uncircumcised
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 by those
00:14:59 --> 00:14:59 who call
00:14:59 --> 00:15:00 themselves
00:15:00 --> 00:15:01 the circumcision
00:15:01 --> 00:15:01 which is
00:15:01 --> 00:15:02 done in
00:15:02 --> 00:15:02 the body
00:15:02 --> 00:15:02 by human
00:15:02 --> 00:15:03 hands
00:15:03 --> 00:15:04 remember
00:15:04 --> 00:15:05 that at
00:15:05 --> 00:15:06 that time
00:15:06 --> 00:15:07 you were
00:15:07 --> 00:15:08 separated
00:15:08 --> 00:15:09 you were
00:15:09 --> 00:15:09 scattered
00:15:09 --> 00:15:11 from Christ
00:15:11 --> 00:15:12 excluded
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 from
00:15:13 --> 00:15:14 citizenship
00:15:14 --> 00:15:15 in Israel
00:15:15 --> 00:15:16 and foreigners
00:15:16 --> 00:15:17 to the
00:15:17 --> 00:15:17 covenants
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 of the
00:15:18 --> 00:15:18 promise
00:15:18 --> 00:15:19 without
00:15:19 --> 00:15:20 hope
00:15:20 --> 00:15:20 and without
00:15:20 --> 00:15:21 God
00:15:21 --> 00:15:21 in this
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 world
00:15:22 --> 00:15:24 see what
00:15:24 --> 00:15:24 Paul does
00:15:24 --> 00:15:25 here in
00:15:25 --> 00:15:25 Ephesians
00:15:25 --> 00:15:26 is he
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 highlights
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 the
00:15:28 --> 00:15:29 massive
00:15:29 --> 00:15:31 division
00:15:31 --> 00:15:31 between
00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 Jews
00:15:32 --> 00:15:33 and Gentiles
00:15:33 --> 00:15:35 but also
00:15:35 --> 00:15:36 between
00:15:36 --> 00:15:38 them all
00:15:38 --> 00:15:38 both Jews
00:15:38 --> 00:15:39 and Gentiles
00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 and God
00:15:40 --> 00:15:41 there is
00:15:41 --> 00:15:42 deep
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 deep
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 hostility
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 which is
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 hard for
00:15:46 --> 00:15:46 us to
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 understand
00:15:47 --> 00:15:49 and what
00:15:49 --> 00:15:49 Paul does
00:15:49 --> 00:15:50 in verse
00:15:50 --> 00:15:50 13
00:15:50 --> 00:15:51 is he
00:15:51 --> 00:15:52 shows us
00:15:52 --> 00:15:54 how God
00:15:54 --> 00:15:55 brings about
00:15:55 --> 00:15:56 the end
00:15:56 --> 00:15:56 of this
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 hostility
00:15:57 --> 00:15:59 and gathers
00:15:59 --> 00:15:59 these people
00:15:59 --> 00:16:00 to each
00:16:00 --> 00:16:00 other
00:16:00 --> 00:16:01 and to
00:16:01 --> 00:16:02 himself
00:16:02 --> 00:16:04 so
00:16:04 --> 00:16:04 Ephesians 2
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 verse 13
00:16:05 --> 00:16:06 now in
00:16:06 --> 00:16:07 Christ Jesus
00:16:07 --> 00:16:08 you who
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 once were
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 far away
00:16:10 --> 00:16:10 you who
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 once were
00:16:11 --> 00:16:11 scattered
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 have been
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 brought near
00:16:13 --> 00:16:13 been gathered
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 by the
00:16:14 --> 00:16:15 blood of
00:16:15 --> 00:16:15 Christ
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 for he
00:16:16 --> 00:16:17 himself is
00:16:17 --> 00:16:17 our peace
00:16:17 --> 00:16:18 who has
00:16:18 --> 00:16:19 made the
00:16:19 --> 00:16:19 two groups
00:16:19 --> 00:16:20 one
00:16:20 --> 00:16:20 and has
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 destroyed
00:16:21 --> 00:16:21 the barrier
00:16:21 --> 00:16:22 the dividing
00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 wall of
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 hostility
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 by setting
00:16:25 --> 00:16:25 aside in
00:16:25 --> 00:16:26 his flesh
00:16:26 --> 00:16:27 the law
00:16:27 --> 00:16:27 with its
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 commandments
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 and regulations
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 his purpose
00:16:30 --> 00:16:32 was to
00:16:32 --> 00:16:32 create
00:16:32 --> 00:16:34 in himself
00:16:34 --> 00:16:34 one
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 new
00:16:35 --> 00:16:36 humanity
00:16:36 --> 00:16:38 out of
00:16:38 --> 00:16:38 the two
00:16:38 --> 00:16:40 thus making
00:16:40 --> 00:16:40 peace
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 and in
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 one body
00:16:42 --> 00:16:43 to reconcile
00:16:43 --> 00:16:44 both of
00:16:44 --> 00:16:44 them to
00:16:44 --> 00:16:45 God
00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 through the
00:16:46 --> 00:16:46 cross
00:16:46 --> 00:16:48 by which
00:16:48 --> 00:16:48 he put
00:16:48 --> 00:16:48 to death
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 their hostility
00:16:49 --> 00:16:53 sin
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 death
00:16:54 --> 00:16:56 hostility
00:16:56 --> 00:16:57 between
00:16:57 --> 00:16:57 Jew and
00:16:57 --> 00:16:58 Gentile
00:16:58 --> 00:16:59 is finally
00:16:59 --> 00:17:00 dealt with
00:17:00 --> 00:17:01 by Jesus
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 at the
00:17:02 --> 00:17:02 cross
00:17:02 --> 00:17:04 Jesus
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 is the
00:17:05 --> 00:17:05 one who
00:17:05 --> 00:17:06 gathers
00:17:06 --> 00:17:06 these
00:17:06 --> 00:17:08 diverse
00:17:08 --> 00:17:08 people
00:17:08 --> 00:17:09 together
00:17:09 --> 00:17:10 and he
00:17:10 --> 00:17:11 calls them
00:17:11 --> 00:17:12 a new
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 people
00:17:13 --> 00:17:15 a new
00:17:15 --> 00:17:15 humanity
00:17:15 --> 00:17:16 and we
00:17:16 --> 00:17:17 will talk
00:17:17 --> 00:17:17 a little
00:17:17 --> 00:17:18 bit more
00:17:18 --> 00:17:18 about that
00:17:18 --> 00:17:19 next week
00:17:19 --> 00:17:20 a new
00:17:20 --> 00:17:21 people
00:17:21 --> 00:17:21 gathered
00:17:21 --> 00:17:23 to God
00:17:23 --> 00:17:24 in relationship
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 with God
00:17:25 --> 00:17:27 so what's
00:17:27 --> 00:17:28 God's purpose
00:17:28 --> 00:17:28 in all of
00:17:28 --> 00:17:28 this
00:17:28 --> 00:17:29 we're still
00:17:29 --> 00:17:30 asking that
00:17:30 --> 00:17:30 question
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 what is the
00:17:31 --> 00:17:32 purpose of
00:17:32 --> 00:17:32 the church
00:17:32 --> 00:17:35 why do
00:17:35 --> 00:17:36 this
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 why gather
00:17:37 --> 00:17:38 like this
00:17:38 --> 00:17:40 Ephesians 3
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 10
00:17:41 --> 00:17:44 his intent
00:17:44 --> 00:17:45 God's intent
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 was that
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 now
00:17:47 --> 00:17:48 right now
00:17:48 --> 00:17:50 here
00:17:50 --> 00:17:52 through the
00:17:52 --> 00:17:52 church
00:17:52 --> 00:17:54 the
00:17:54 --> 00:17:55 manifold
00:17:55 --> 00:17:57 wisdom
00:17:57 --> 00:17:58 wisdom
00:17:58 --> 00:17:58 of God
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 should be
00:17:59 --> 00:18:00 made known
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 to the
00:18:01 --> 00:18:01 rulers
00:18:01 --> 00:18:02 and the
00:18:02 --> 00:18:02 authorities
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 in the
00:18:03 --> 00:18:04 heavenly realms
00:18:04 --> 00:18:06 according to
00:18:06 --> 00:18:06 his eternal
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 purpose
00:18:07 --> 00:18:07 that he
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 accomplished
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 in Christ
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 Jesus
00:18:10 --> 00:18:11 our
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 Lord
00:18:12 --> 00:18:14 the
00:18:14 --> 00:18:14 manifold
00:18:14 --> 00:18:15 wisdom
00:18:15 --> 00:18:15 the
00:18:15 --> 00:18:17 multi
00:18:17 --> 00:18:18 colored
00:18:18 --> 00:18:20 spectacular
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 wisdom
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 of God
00:18:22 --> 00:18:22 should be
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 made known
00:18:23 --> 00:18:23 through the
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 church
00:18:24 --> 00:18:26 the great
00:18:26 --> 00:18:27 and glorious
00:18:27 --> 00:18:27 God's great
00:18:27 --> 00:18:28 and glorious
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 plan
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 is to gather
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 a very diverse
00:18:31 --> 00:18:31 people
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 to each
00:18:32 --> 00:18:32 other
00:18:32 --> 00:18:33 in unity
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 with each
00:18:34 --> 00:18:34 other
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 and to
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 himself
00:18:36 --> 00:18:37 in such
00:18:37 --> 00:18:37 a way
00:18:37 --> 00:18:38 that his
00:18:38 --> 00:18:39 greatness
00:18:39 --> 00:18:40 and his
00:18:40 --> 00:18:41 glory
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 is made
00:18:42 --> 00:18:42 known
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 to all
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 the heavenly
00:18:44 --> 00:18:44 realms
00:18:44 --> 00:18:47 God
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 does this
00:18:48 --> 00:18:48 work
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 so that
00:18:49 --> 00:18:49 his
00:18:49 --> 00:18:51 magnus
00:18:51 --> 00:18:52 might be
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 seen
00:18:53 --> 00:18:57 there is
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 a sense
00:18:58 --> 00:18:58 here
00:18:58 --> 00:19:00 where
00:19:00 --> 00:19:01 right now
00:19:01 --> 00:19:03 God
00:19:03 --> 00:19:03 calls
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 over
00:19:04 --> 00:19:05 the rulers
00:19:05 --> 00:19:05 and the
00:19:05 --> 00:19:06 authorities
00:19:06 --> 00:19:07 and the
00:19:07 --> 00:19:07 heavenly
00:19:07 --> 00:19:07 realms
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 and he
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 says
00:19:09 --> 00:19:09 hey
00:19:09 --> 00:19:11 Gabriel
00:19:11 --> 00:19:12 Michael
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 have a
00:19:13 --> 00:19:13 look at
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 that
00:19:14 --> 00:19:16 have a
00:19:16 --> 00:19:16 look at
00:19:16 --> 00:19:17 that
00:19:17 --> 00:19:19 look at
00:19:19 --> 00:19:19 St.
00:19:19 --> 00:19:19 Paul's
00:19:19 --> 00:19:20 Chatswood
00:19:20 --> 00:19:22 that is
00:19:22 --> 00:19:22 what I've
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 been doing
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 for all
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 of history
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 working
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 this out
00:19:27 --> 00:19:31 my son
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 made that
00:19:32 --> 00:19:32 possible
00:19:32 --> 00:19:34 he brought
00:19:34 --> 00:19:35 these diverse
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 people together
00:19:36 --> 00:19:36 he broke
00:19:36 --> 00:19:36 down the
00:19:36 --> 00:19:37 dividing
00:19:37 --> 00:19:37 walls
00:19:37 --> 00:19:38 and he
00:19:38 --> 00:19:38 says to
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 the demons
00:19:39 --> 00:19:39 hey
00:19:39 --> 00:19:39 Satan
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 get over
00:19:40 --> 00:19:40 here
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 and take
00:19:41 --> 00:19:41 a look
00:19:41 --> 00:19:42 at this
00:19:42 --> 00:19:45 not even
00:19:45 --> 00:19:45 the gates
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 of hell
00:19:46 --> 00:19:47 are going
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 to stop
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 my son
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 doing that
00:19:50 --> 00:19:52 until I call
00:19:52 --> 00:19:52 them all to
00:19:52 --> 00:19:52 myself
00:19:52 --> 00:19:55 you can't
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 stop that
00:19:56 --> 00:20:00 every
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 every tribe
00:20:01 --> 00:20:01 every tribe
00:20:01 --> 00:20:01 and language
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 and peoples
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 gathered
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 together
00:20:04 --> 00:20:04 unified
00:20:04 --> 00:20:06 in my
00:20:06 --> 00:20:06 son
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 that
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 displays
00:20:08 --> 00:20:09 the
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 magnificence
00:20:10 --> 00:20:11 of God
00:20:11 --> 00:20:14 United
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 Nations
00:20:15 --> 00:20:15 can't do
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 this
00:20:16 --> 00:20:19 it can't
00:20:19 --> 00:20:20 achieve
00:20:20 --> 00:20:20 this
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 God
00:20:21 --> 00:20:26 you see
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 what did
00:20:27 --> 00:20:28 you say
00:20:28 --> 00:20:28 that you
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 what is
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 church
00:20:30 --> 00:20:30 about
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 what did
00:20:31 --> 00:20:31 you say
00:20:31 --> 00:20:32 this morning
00:20:32 --> 00:20:35 you see
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 before church
00:20:36 --> 00:20:36 is about
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 serving one
00:20:37 --> 00:20:37 another
00:20:37 --> 00:20:38 before it
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 is about
00:20:39 --> 00:20:39 learning
00:20:39 --> 00:20:40 more about
00:20:40 --> 00:20:40 God
00:20:40 --> 00:20:42 before it's
00:20:42 --> 00:20:42 about
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 whatever
00:20:43 --> 00:20:43 other things
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 you came
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 up with
00:20:44 --> 00:20:45 it's about
00:20:45 --> 00:20:46 us being
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 gathered
00:20:47 --> 00:20:47 together
00:20:47 --> 00:20:48 to God
00:20:48 --> 00:20:50 so that
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 God
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 looks
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 magnificent
00:20:53 --> 00:20:55 that's
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 what it's
00:20:56 --> 00:20:56 about
00:20:56 --> 00:21:01 this
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 is so
00:21:02 --> 00:21:03 fundamental
00:21:03 --> 00:21:04 for us
00:21:04 --> 00:21:04 to grasp
00:21:04 --> 00:21:05 in fact
00:21:05 --> 00:21:05 I'd say
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 it's
00:21:06 --> 00:21:06 critical
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 for us
00:21:07 --> 00:21:08 to grasp
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 before
00:21:09 --> 00:21:10 church
00:21:10 --> 00:21:10 is about
00:21:10 --> 00:21:11 me
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 before it's
00:21:12 --> 00:21:12 about
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 you
00:21:13 --> 00:21:14 before it's
00:21:14 --> 00:21:14 about
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 us
00:21:15 --> 00:21:15 it's
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 about
00:21:16 --> 00:21:16 God
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 this is
00:21:17 --> 00:21:17 his
00:21:17 --> 00:21:18 design
00:21:18 --> 00:21:18 this is
00:21:18 --> 00:21:18 his
00:21:18 --> 00:21:19 grand
00:21:19 --> 00:21:19 plan
00:21:19 --> 00:21:20 for all
00:21:20 --> 00:21:20 time
00:21:20 --> 00:21:20 and
00:21:20 --> 00:21:21 eternity
00:21:21 --> 00:21:24 dare I
00:21:24 --> 00:21:25 say it
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 transcultural
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 church is
00:21:27 --> 00:21:27 his
00:21:27 --> 00:21:27 grand
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 plan
00:21:28 --> 00:21:33 transcultural
00:21:33 --> 00:21:33 church is
00:21:33 --> 00:21:33 his
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 grand
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 plan
00:21:34 --> 00:21:39 and I
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 think this
00:21:40 --> 00:21:40 is again
00:21:40 --> 00:21:40 captured in
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 our purpose
00:21:41 --> 00:21:41 statement
00:21:41 --> 00:21:42 here at
00:21:42 --> 00:21:42 St.
00:21:42 --> 00:21:42 Paul's
00:21:42 --> 00:21:43 treasuring
00:21:43 --> 00:21:43 Jesus
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 together
00:21:44 --> 00:21:45 for God's
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 glory
00:21:46 --> 00:21:47 and the
00:21:47 --> 00:21:47 joy
00:21:47 --> 00:21:48 of all
00:21:48 --> 00:21:48 peoples
00:21:48 --> 00:21:50 so let's
00:21:50 --> 00:21:50 move on
00:21:50 --> 00:21:52 how to be
00:21:52 --> 00:21:52 a church
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 member on
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 purpose
00:21:54 --> 00:21:55 how do we
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 as individuals
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 be members
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 of a church
00:21:58 --> 00:21:58 on purpose
00:21:58 --> 00:22:00 let me say
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 first of all
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 first of all
00:22:02 --> 00:22:04 that you
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 become a
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 member of
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 God's
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 church
00:22:06 --> 00:22:08 not by
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 completing a
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 membership
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 course
00:22:11 --> 00:22:11 church
00:22:11 --> 00:22:12 or by
00:22:12 --> 00:22:14 attending a
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 church for
00:22:14 --> 00:22:15 a very
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 long time
00:22:15 --> 00:22:17 that's not
00:22:17 --> 00:22:17 how you
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 become a
00:22:18 --> 00:22:18 member of
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 a church
00:22:19 --> 00:22:21 you become a
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 member of
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 God's church
00:22:22 --> 00:22:24 by repenting
00:22:24 --> 00:22:25 of living
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 independent of
00:22:26 --> 00:22:26 God
00:22:26 --> 00:22:27 by putting your
00:22:27 --> 00:22:28 trust in the
00:22:28 --> 00:22:28 Lord Jesus
00:22:28 --> 00:22:30 by receiving the
00:22:30 --> 00:22:30 Holy Spirit
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 who unites you
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 with God and
00:22:32 --> 00:22:32 with other
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 believers
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 that's how you
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 become a member
00:22:35 --> 00:22:35 of the church
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 that's the
00:22:36 --> 00:22:37 fundamental
00:22:37 --> 00:22:39 first step
00:22:39 --> 00:22:40 so you could
00:22:40 --> 00:22:40 be sitting in
00:22:40 --> 00:22:41 church for
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 decades and
00:22:42 --> 00:22:43 not taking that
00:22:43 --> 00:22:44 fundamental first
00:22:44 --> 00:22:44 step
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 there will be
00:22:45 --> 00:22:46 plenty of
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 people in
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 heaven who
00:22:48 --> 00:22:48 haven't done
00:22:48 --> 00:22:49 the St.
00:22:49 --> 00:22:49 Paul's
00:22:49 --> 00:22:49 Chatswood
00:22:49 --> 00:22:50 pathways
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 course
00:22:51 --> 00:22:52 plenty of
00:22:52 --> 00:22:52 people
00:22:52 --> 00:22:55 but there
00:22:55 --> 00:22:55 won't be
00:22:55 --> 00:22:57 anyone who
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 hasn't repented
00:22:58 --> 00:22:58 of sins and
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 trusted in
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 Jesus
00:22:59 --> 00:23:02 not a single
00:23:02 --> 00:23:02 one
00:23:02 --> 00:23:06 and maybe
00:23:06 --> 00:23:08 today this is
00:23:08 --> 00:23:08 the first
00:23:08 --> 00:23:10 fundamental step
00:23:10 --> 00:23:10 that you need
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 to take
00:23:11 --> 00:23:12 maybe you've
00:23:12 --> 00:23:13 come along
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 you got involved
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 in the local
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 expression of the
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 church and
00:23:16 --> 00:23:16 you're doing a
00:23:16 --> 00:23:17 bunch of stuff
00:23:17 --> 00:23:17 maybe doing a
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 bunch of stuff
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 for ages
00:23:18 --> 00:23:21 but you've got
00:23:21 --> 00:23:22 confused
00:23:22 --> 00:23:23 you're doing
00:23:23 --> 00:23:23 step two
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 before you even
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 got to step
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 one
00:23:24 --> 00:23:26 maybe today's
00:23:26 --> 00:23:26 the day you
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 need to take
00:23:27 --> 00:23:27 step one
00:23:27 --> 00:23:32 if you've
00:23:32 --> 00:23:32 taken step
00:23:32 --> 00:23:33 one
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 then the
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 most important
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 way you can
00:23:35 --> 00:23:35 be a member
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 on purpose
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 at St.
00:23:37 --> 00:23:37 Paul's
00:23:37 --> 00:23:39 is to
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 embrace the
00:23:40 --> 00:23:40 vision the
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 values
00:23:41 --> 00:23:43 that we have
00:23:43 --> 00:23:43 as a church
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 our mission
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 statement and
00:23:44 --> 00:23:45 live out our
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 core values
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 our shared
00:23:46 --> 00:23:48 values which
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 are driven
00:23:48 --> 00:23:49 by
00:23:49 --> 00:23:51 God's
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 grand plan
00:23:52 --> 00:23:55 one of the
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 key values
00:23:56 --> 00:23:56 that helps us
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 think about
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 the sort of
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 gathering that
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 we are and
00:23:59 --> 00:23:59 the sort of
00:23:59 --> 00:24:00 gathering that
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 we aspire to
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 be at St.
00:24:01 --> 00:24:03 Paul's is
00:24:03 --> 00:24:04 treasuring Jesus
00:24:04 --> 00:24:07 together and
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 it was written
00:24:08 --> 00:24:11 specifically to
00:24:11 --> 00:24:12 enforce if you
00:24:12 --> 00:24:13 like to
00:24:13 --> 00:24:16 highlight the
00:24:16 --> 00:24:16 need to
00:24:16 --> 00:24:19 gather and
00:24:19 --> 00:24:19 how we
00:24:19 --> 00:24:22 gather let
00:24:22 --> 00:24:22 me read it
00:24:22 --> 00:24:23 to you
00:24:23 --> 00:24:25 having been
00:24:25 --> 00:24:26 led individually
00:24:26 --> 00:24:27 by the
00:24:27 --> 00:24:27 spirit of
00:24:27 --> 00:24:28 God to
00:24:28 --> 00:24:28 receive
00:24:28 --> 00:24:30 Jesus Christ
00:24:30 --> 00:24:30 as the
00:24:30 --> 00:24:31 Lord
00:24:31 --> 00:24:32 Saviour
00:24:32 --> 00:24:33 and supreme
00:24:33 --> 00:24:34 treasure of
00:24:34 --> 00:24:35 our lives
00:24:35 --> 00:24:37 we now
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 most solemnly
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 and joyfully
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 enter into
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 covenant with
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 one another
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 as one body
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 in Christ
00:24:44 --> 00:24:47 we believe
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 the people
00:24:48 --> 00:24:48 whom Jesus
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 has called
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 into relationship
00:24:50 --> 00:24:50 with himself
00:24:50 --> 00:24:51 are his
00:24:51 --> 00:24:53 church
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 and not
00:24:54 --> 00:24:54 an institution
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 or a
00:24:55 --> 00:24:55 building
00:24:55 --> 00:24:56 in an
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 age of
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 individualism
00:24:58 --> 00:25:00 we value
00:25:00 --> 00:25:01 vigilance
00:25:01 --> 00:25:02 and accountability
00:25:02 --> 00:25:04 in treasuring
00:25:04 --> 00:25:04 Jesus
00:25:04 --> 00:25:06 together
00:25:06 --> 00:25:06 together
00:25:06 --> 00:25:11 now in
00:25:11 --> 00:25:12 Ephesians
00:25:12 --> 00:25:13 Paul goes
00:25:13 --> 00:25:13 on to
00:25:13 --> 00:25:13 spend
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 extensive
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 time on
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 what God's
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 new humanity
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 his gathering
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 his church
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 looks like
00:25:20 --> 00:25:21 in their
00:25:21 --> 00:25:22 life together
00:25:22 --> 00:25:23 and
00:25:23 --> 00:25:24 treasuring
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 Jesus
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 together
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 is a
00:25:25 --> 00:25:25 value
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 that tries
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 to capture
00:25:26 --> 00:25:28 things like
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 the rest of
00:25:29 --> 00:25:29 Ephesians
00:25:29 --> 00:25:30 and a whole
00:25:30 --> 00:25:30 heap of
00:25:30 --> 00:25:31 New Testament
00:25:31 --> 00:25:32 language
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 it's all
00:25:32 --> 00:25:33 about life
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 together
00:25:34 --> 00:25:34 it's about
00:25:34 --> 00:25:34 relationships
00:25:34 --> 00:25:35 it's about
00:25:35 --> 00:25:35 our
00:25:35 --> 00:25:36 togetherness
00:25:36 --> 00:25:38 and like
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 all our
00:25:39 --> 00:25:40 values
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 this one
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 is highly
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 practical
00:25:43 --> 00:25:44 like all our
00:25:44 --> 00:25:44 values
00:25:44 --> 00:25:45 it is
00:25:45 --> 00:25:46 highly
00:25:46 --> 00:25:46 practical
00:25:46 --> 00:25:47 it says
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 things like
00:25:48 --> 00:25:49 as a church
00:25:49 --> 00:25:49 we are
00:25:49 --> 00:25:50 committed
00:25:50 --> 00:25:50 to
00:25:50 --> 00:25:51 and then
00:25:51 --> 00:25:51 there's a
00:25:51 --> 00:25:51 bunch of
00:25:51 --> 00:25:52 statements
00:25:52 --> 00:25:52 one of
00:25:52 --> 00:25:53 them is
00:25:53 --> 00:25:53 making
00:25:53 --> 00:25:54 corporate
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 worship
00:25:54 --> 00:25:55 a weekly
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 priority
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 in other
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 words
00:25:58 --> 00:25:59 if God's
00:25:59 --> 00:26:00 purpose
00:26:00 --> 00:26:01 is
00:26:01 --> 00:26:02 for all
00:26:02 --> 00:26:03 the time
00:26:03 --> 00:26:03 and eternity
00:26:03 --> 00:26:04 to gather
00:26:04 --> 00:26:05 to himself
00:26:05 --> 00:26:06 people
00:26:06 --> 00:26:08 under the
00:26:08 --> 00:26:08 lordship
00:26:08 --> 00:26:09 of Christ
00:26:09 --> 00:26:10 then we
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 express
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 God's
00:26:12 --> 00:26:12 ultimate
00:26:12 --> 00:26:12 goal
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 by gathering
00:26:13 --> 00:26:15 really
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 simple
00:26:16 --> 00:26:18 we gather
00:26:18 --> 00:26:18 is what
00:26:18 --> 00:26:19 we do
00:26:19 --> 00:26:21 in the
00:26:21 --> 00:26:22 Bible
00:26:22 --> 00:26:23 to
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 magnify
00:26:24 --> 00:26:25 God
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 always
00:26:26 --> 00:26:26 requires
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 the regular
00:26:27 --> 00:26:28 gathering
00:26:28 --> 00:26:28 of God's
00:26:28 --> 00:26:28 people
00:26:28 --> 00:26:37 so
00:26:37 --> 00:26:38 I'm not
00:26:38 --> 00:26:38 going to
00:26:38 --> 00:26:38 throw
00:26:38 --> 00:26:39 around
00:26:39 --> 00:26:39 too
00:26:39 --> 00:26:39 many
00:26:39 --> 00:26:41 statistics
00:26:41 --> 00:26:41 here
00:26:41 --> 00:26:41 but
00:26:41 --> 00:26:42 have you
00:26:42 --> 00:26:42 ever
00:26:42 --> 00:26:43 calculated
00:26:43 --> 00:26:43 how many
00:26:43 --> 00:26:44 gatherings
00:26:44 --> 00:26:44 you miss
00:26:44 --> 00:26:45 a year
00:26:45 --> 00:26:50 did you
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 know
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 that
00:26:50 --> 00:26:51 in our
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 culture
00:26:52 --> 00:26:53 regular
00:26:53 --> 00:26:53 nowadays
00:26:53 --> 00:26:55 has become
00:26:55 --> 00:26:56 somewhere
00:26:56 --> 00:26:57 between
00:26:57 --> 00:26:58 30 and
00:26:58 --> 00:26:59 40 percent
00:26:59 --> 00:27:00 attendance
00:27:00 --> 00:27:05 I'll just
00:27:05 --> 00:27:05 let that
00:27:05 --> 00:27:05 sit
00:27:05 --> 00:27:07 we don't
00:27:07 --> 00:27:08 need a
00:27:08 --> 00:27:08 rule
00:27:08 --> 00:27:09 here
00:27:09 --> 00:27:10 I'm not
00:27:10 --> 00:27:10 looking for
00:27:10 --> 00:27:11 rule
00:27:11 --> 00:27:13 what we
00:27:13 --> 00:27:13 need
00:27:13 --> 00:27:15 is to
00:27:15 --> 00:27:16 see
00:27:16 --> 00:27:17 the great
00:27:17 --> 00:27:18 and the
00:27:18 --> 00:27:18 gracious
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 plan of
00:27:19 --> 00:27:20 a great
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 and a
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 gracious
00:27:20 --> 00:27:21 God
00:27:21 --> 00:27:22 I said
00:27:22 --> 00:27:22 it last
00:27:22 --> 00:27:22 week
00:27:22 --> 00:27:23 how do
00:27:23 --> 00:27:24 we grow
00:27:24 --> 00:27:24 in
00:27:24 --> 00:27:25 magnifying
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 God
00:27:26 --> 00:27:26 by
00:27:26 --> 00:27:27 gazing
00:27:27 --> 00:27:28 on him
00:27:28 --> 00:27:28 and being
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 blown away
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 by him
00:27:30 --> 00:27:35 we need
00:27:35 --> 00:27:36 to see
00:27:36 --> 00:27:36 what it
00:27:36 --> 00:27:37 cost him
00:27:37 --> 00:27:37 to gather
00:27:37 --> 00:27:37 us
00:27:37 --> 00:27:38 together
00:27:38 --> 00:27:39 and to
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 gather
00:27:39 --> 00:27:40 us to
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 himself
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 nothing else
00:27:42 --> 00:27:42 will motivate
00:27:42 --> 00:27:43 us to
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 gather
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 no rule
00:27:43 --> 00:27:44 will motivate
00:27:44 --> 00:27:44 us to
00:27:44 --> 00:27:44 gather
00:27:44 --> 00:27:44 that's
00:27:44 --> 00:27:45 for sure
00:27:45 --> 00:27:46 treasuring
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 Jesus
00:27:47 --> 00:27:47 together
00:27:47 --> 00:27:48 not only
00:27:48 --> 00:27:49 says that
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 we value
00:27:49 --> 00:27:50 being
00:27:50 --> 00:27:50 together
00:27:50 --> 00:27:52 but how
00:27:52 --> 00:27:53 we value
00:27:53 --> 00:27:53 being
00:27:53 --> 00:27:53 together
00:27:53 --> 00:27:54 we're
00:27:54 --> 00:27:54 committed
00:27:54 --> 00:27:55 to
00:27:55 --> 00:27:55 meeting
00:27:55 --> 00:27:56 together
00:27:56 --> 00:27:56 in small
00:27:56 --> 00:27:57 groups
00:27:57 --> 00:27:57 for more
00:27:57 --> 00:27:57 intimate
00:27:57 --> 00:27:58 opportunities
00:27:58 --> 00:27:58 for nurture
00:27:58 --> 00:27:59 for growth
00:27:59 --> 00:27:59 accountability
00:27:59 --> 00:28:00 and service
00:28:00 --> 00:28:01 we are
00:28:01 --> 00:28:01 committed
00:28:01 --> 00:28:02 to engaging
00:28:02 --> 00:28:02 to watch
00:28:02 --> 00:28:03 over one
00:28:03 --> 00:28:03 another
00:28:03 --> 00:28:04 in brotherly
00:28:04 --> 00:28:04 love
00:28:04 --> 00:28:04 committed
00:28:04 --> 00:28:05 to remembering
00:28:05 --> 00:28:06 one another
00:28:06 --> 00:28:06 in prayer
00:28:06 --> 00:28:07 committing
00:28:07 --> 00:28:08 to aiding
00:28:08 --> 00:28:08 one another
00:28:08 --> 00:28:09 in sickness
00:28:09 --> 00:28:09 and distress
00:28:09 --> 00:28:10 committed
00:28:10 --> 00:28:11 to cultivating
00:28:11 --> 00:28:11 Christian
00:28:11 --> 00:28:12 sympathy
00:28:12 --> 00:28:13 and joy
00:28:13 --> 00:28:13 committed
00:28:13 --> 00:28:14 to being
00:28:14 --> 00:28:14 slow
00:28:14 --> 00:28:14 to take
00:28:14 --> 00:28:15 offense
00:28:15 --> 00:28:15 but always
00:28:15 --> 00:28:16 ready
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 for
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 reconciliation
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 and mindful
00:28:17 --> 00:28:17 of the
00:28:17 --> 00:28:18 command
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 of our
00:28:18 --> 00:28:19 savior
00:28:19 --> 00:28:19 to secure
00:28:19 --> 00:28:20 without
00:28:20 --> 00:28:20 delay
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 we are
00:28:21 --> 00:28:22 committed
00:28:22 --> 00:28:22 to welcoming
00:28:22 --> 00:28:23 people
00:28:23 --> 00:28:24 from every
00:28:24 --> 00:28:25 background
00:28:25 --> 00:28:26 we are
00:28:26 --> 00:28:26 committed
00:28:26 --> 00:28:28 to openness
00:28:28 --> 00:28:28 towards new
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 people
00:28:29 --> 00:28:29 and the
00:28:29 --> 00:28:30 avoidance
00:28:30 --> 00:28:30 of clickiness
00:28:30 --> 00:28:31 we are
00:28:31 --> 00:28:31 committed
00:28:31 --> 00:28:32 to purging
00:28:32 --> 00:28:32 our lives
00:28:32 --> 00:28:33 of the
00:28:33 --> 00:28:33 sin
00:28:33 --> 00:28:34 that causes
00:28:34 --> 00:28:34 division
00:28:34 --> 00:28:35 we are
00:28:35 --> 00:28:35 committed
00:28:35 --> 00:28:36 to pursuing
00:28:36 --> 00:28:36 increasingly
00:28:36 --> 00:28:37 visible
00:28:37 --> 00:28:37 authentic
00:28:37 --> 00:28:38 and practical
00:28:38 --> 00:28:38 ways of
00:28:38 --> 00:28:39 loving each
00:28:39 --> 00:28:39 other
00:28:39 --> 00:28:43 and patriarchy
00:28:43 --> 00:28:51 so i am
00:28:51 --> 00:29:03 want to
00:29:03 --> 00:29:04 the beach sort of stuff.
00:29:04 --> 00:29:06 So get ready for this.
00:29:07 --> 00:29:09 Jesus started it with these words.
00:29:10 --> 00:29:12 A new commandment I give you, love one another.
00:29:12 --> 00:29:14 As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
00:29:15 --> 00:29:18 By this all people know that you're my disciples if you love one another.
00:29:18 --> 00:29:19 John 13, 34, 35.
00:29:20 --> 00:29:24 Paul states the commandment to love each other in more than a dozen ways.
00:29:24 --> 00:29:25 Romans 12, 5.
00:29:25 --> 00:29:28 In Christ, we who are many for one body,
00:29:28 --> 00:29:30 and each member belongs to all the others.
00:29:31 --> 00:29:33 Romans 12, 10.
00:29:33 --> 00:29:34 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
00:29:35 --> 00:29:36 Again in 12, 10.
00:29:36 --> 00:29:39 Honour one another above yourselves.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:41 Romans 14, 19.
00:29:41 --> 00:29:45 Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
00:29:45 --> 00:29:47 Romans 15, 14.
00:29:47 --> 00:29:48 Instruct one another.
00:29:48 --> 00:29:50 1 Corinthians 12, 25.
00:29:50 --> 00:29:52 There should be no division in the body,
00:29:52 --> 00:29:57 but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
00:29:57 --> 00:29:58 Galatians 5, 13.
00:29:59 --> 00:30:00 Serve one another in love.
00:30:00 --> 00:30:01 Galatians 6, 2.
00:30:01 --> 00:30:02 Carry each other's burdens.
00:30:02 --> 00:30:03 Ephesians 4, 2.
00:30:03 --> 00:30:06 Be patient, bearing with one another in love.
00:30:06 --> 00:30:07 Ephesians 4, 32.
00:30:08 --> 00:30:10 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.
00:30:10 --> 00:30:12 Ephesians 5, 21.
00:30:12 --> 00:30:14 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
00:30:15 --> 00:30:16 Philippians 2, 3.
00:30:17 --> 00:30:19 In humility, consider others better than yourselves.
00:30:19 --> 00:30:21 Colossians 3, 9.
00:30:21 --> 00:30:22 Do not lie to one another.
00:30:23 --> 00:30:25 1 Thessalonians 4, 18.
00:30:25 --> 00:30:26 Encourage one another.
00:30:26 --> 00:30:28 1 Thessalonians 5, 15.
00:30:28 --> 00:30:32 Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
00:30:33 --> 00:30:34 That's Paul.
00:30:34 --> 00:30:34 Okay.
00:30:34 --> 00:30:39 And then the book of Hebrews joins in the chorus.
00:30:39 --> 00:30:43 Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
00:30:43 --> 00:30:46 And do not forget to meet together.
00:30:46 --> 00:30:50 Then James pipes in, in chapter 4, verse 11.
00:30:50 --> 00:30:51 Do not slander one another.
00:30:51 --> 00:30:52 5, 9.
00:30:52 --> 00:30:53 Don't grumble against each other.
00:30:54 --> 00:30:55 5, 16.
00:30:55 --> 00:30:59 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
00:30:59 --> 00:31:03 And then Peter jumps in, in 1 Peter 4, 9.
00:31:03 --> 00:31:05 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
00:31:05 --> 00:31:06 5, 5.
00:31:06 --> 00:31:09 Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another.
00:31:10 --> 00:31:12 And that doesn't even get into John.
00:31:13 --> 00:31:14 Revelation.
00:31:15 --> 00:31:16 We'll just leave it at that.
00:31:16 --> 00:31:33 What is obvious from all of this is the prominence of loving, Christ-exalting, other person-centered personal relationships.
00:31:33 --> 00:31:36 So let me say it.
00:31:37 --> 00:31:49 There is no such thing as isolated, individualistic, meet-my-needs consumer Christianity in the Bible.
00:31:50 --> 00:31:52 It doesn't exist.
00:31:53 --> 00:31:56 And it works against all of God's purposes.
00:31:56 --> 00:32:07 You see, a church dater has an attitude towards church that is me-centered.
00:32:08 --> 00:32:09 What can church do for me?
00:32:10 --> 00:32:14 How are my needs and personal preferences going to be met?
00:32:15 --> 00:32:18 Church daters are independent.
00:32:18 --> 00:32:19 They're disconnected.
00:32:19 --> 00:32:22 And they're minimally involved in people's lives.
00:32:22 --> 00:32:27 And don't at all like the idea of accountability to one another.
00:32:28 --> 00:32:33 Essentially, however, a church dater is critical.
00:32:35 --> 00:32:37 They're short on allegiance.
00:32:38 --> 00:32:40 And they are quick to find faults.
00:32:41 --> 00:32:48 They're looking, if you like, for the best product for their price of two hours on a Sunday.
00:32:48 --> 00:32:58 They are, if you like, they're like the lover with a wandering eye, always looking for something better.
00:33:00 --> 00:33:08 The sad thing is, what the church dater is thinking, is working in their favor, is actually working against them.
00:33:09 --> 00:33:13 It results in a serious loss for them and a loss for others.
00:33:13 --> 00:33:19 You cannot fulfill the command to love and to serve and to give by yourself.
00:33:19 --> 00:33:30 Normal, essential Christianity is loving, Christ-exalting, other person-centered, personal relationships in the local church.
00:33:31 --> 00:33:37 And so what we're seeking to do here at St. Paul's is to build a gospel community.
00:33:37 --> 00:33:47 Another way of putting that is what we're seeking to do is to build a supernatural community, rather than simply a natural community.
00:33:48 --> 00:33:56 A natural community is where people feel connected because of a demographic phenomenon.
00:33:56 --> 00:34:09 That is, people who would normally gravitate to each other and find a sense of belonging with each other because of similarities, irrespective of whether gospel is true or not.
00:34:11 --> 00:34:12 That's natural community.
00:34:13 --> 00:34:16 Like, gathering together with like, with similarities.
00:34:18 --> 00:34:21 Now, that's not entirely a bad thing.
00:34:21 --> 00:34:26 I share common interests with basically all of my friends.
00:34:28 --> 00:34:30 In fact, all of my friends.
00:34:31 --> 00:34:34 I can't imagine not having any common interests with any of you.
00:34:34 --> 00:34:37 I think all of my friends have got common interests of mine.
00:34:39 --> 00:34:44 And so it's not a bad thing to have those connections and affinities here at St. Paul's.
00:34:44 --> 00:34:53 What I want to caution us about is not to think it is the sum total of gospel community and what gospel community is about.
00:34:54 --> 00:34:57 In fact, we do church the way we do church.
00:34:58 --> 00:35:08 With a shared discomfort in order that many more people who are diverse might find affinity in a congregation like this.
00:35:08 --> 00:35:17 But at the end of the day, you can have natural community without Jesus.
00:35:18 --> 00:35:29 And when Jesus becomes dominant and we start sacrificing for the sake of Jesus being dominant so that more people might come to know Jesus,
00:35:30 --> 00:35:32 that natural community gets fractured.
00:35:33 --> 00:35:35 That's what happens.
00:35:35 --> 00:35:46 The heavenly realms look on and see the wisdom of God when they gaze on supernatural community.
00:35:47 --> 00:35:51 When they see gospel community.
00:35:52 --> 00:35:59 It's the kind of community that could really only exist because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
00:35:59 --> 00:36:09 This is when people who would not gravitate to each other normally or people groups who have open hostility towards each other historically
00:36:09 --> 00:36:20 are drawn together in peace and in love through the unifying work of the Holy Spirit and Christ's work on the cross.
00:36:23 --> 00:36:26 So how do we be church members on purpose?
00:36:26 --> 00:36:27 Number one, gather.
00:36:27 --> 00:36:28 Really simple.
00:36:29 --> 00:36:31 That's what God has saved you for together.
00:36:32 --> 00:36:35 Number two, by building supernatural community.
00:36:35 --> 00:36:45 And lastly, by being willing to purposefully fracture the community.
00:36:48 --> 00:36:54 It is awesome to be part of a gospel community that God is growing.
00:36:54 --> 00:37:04 But one of the painful realities is the need to keep fracturing it in order to make space for others to be welcomed into it.
00:37:06 --> 00:37:14 One of our principles is we must fracture in order to welcome and to gather more people in.
00:37:14 --> 00:37:20 When we're comfortable and we're comfortable and we're comfortable and we're settled, we don't want to fracture what we have.
00:37:20 --> 00:37:28 And we start moving from gospel community into natural community and affinities.
00:37:28 --> 00:37:35 It is wonderful to form and to build deep relationships.
00:37:35 --> 00:37:36 Deep relationships.
00:37:36 --> 00:37:37 Deep relationships.
00:37:37 --> 00:37:42 But let me say, you can do that naturally.
00:37:42 --> 00:37:45 You can do that naturally.
00:37:46 --> 00:37:48 Deep relationships.
00:37:48 --> 00:37:50 You don't need the gospel for deep relationships.
00:37:50 --> 00:38:08 What is supernatural is the willingness to fracture community groups, to fracture congregations and time with people I love in order that others might be part of what we have in gospel community.
00:38:08 --> 00:38:15 We must never forget that community is not the goal of the church.
00:38:16 --> 00:38:24 As great as it is, the glory of God is the goal of the church and he is magnified as he gathers more and more people to himself.
00:38:26 --> 00:38:27 That they might see his glory.
00:38:29 --> 00:38:34 And so our core value, treasuring Jesus together, living in unity with one another, accepting and loving each other,
00:38:34 --> 00:38:39 is valuable finally because it makes God look good.
00:38:40 --> 00:38:50 It displays to the world the greatness and the glory and the value of the Lord Jesus and his love towards us.
00:38:50 --> 00:38:52 It is from God.
00:38:52 --> 00:38:54 It is through God.
00:38:54 --> 00:38:56 And it is to God.
00:38:56 --> 00:39:04 And we can practice it this morning very simply, very simply by not rushing off.
00:39:07 --> 00:39:10 By engaging with someone totally different this morning.
00:39:10 --> 00:39:12 Rather than just, you know, walk out of here and...
00:39:12 --> 00:39:15 By sitting somewhere different in the...
00:39:15 --> 00:39:16 By going deeper in a relationship.
00:39:16 --> 00:39:27 Now there are a few metaphors that the Bible uses to describe the intimate way that the Lord Jesus views his church.
00:39:27 --> 00:39:28 He calls it his family.
00:39:28 --> 00:39:29 He calls it his body.
00:39:30 --> 00:39:31 He calls it his bride.
00:39:31 --> 00:39:37 He loves his church and he gave himself over to death for his church.
00:39:37 --> 00:39:50 And he looks forward to the day when his bride, in all its perfection, will be presented to him and will be with him forever in delight.
00:39:52 --> 00:39:59 As I said at the beginning, today is the commitment conversation.
00:40:00 --> 00:40:04 Are you still dating his church?
00:40:04 --> 00:40:10 If so, you're still dating him.
00:40:13 --> 00:40:15 You haven't fully surrendered to Jesus.
00:40:17 --> 00:40:26 The church matters because God chose it to show and to tell the universe his wisdom and his love.
00:40:28 --> 00:40:31 This message is the world's only hope.
00:40:31 --> 00:40:38 And if you're a Christian, you have a crucial part in God's eternal plan.
00:40:38 --> 00:40:39 Your life...
00:40:39 --> 00:40:40 Can I just push this a little bit harder?
00:40:40 --> 00:40:44 Your life is so much bigger than a good job.
00:40:45 --> 00:40:48 It's so much bigger than an understanding spouse.
00:40:49 --> 00:40:52 It's so much more important than non-delinquent kids.
00:40:52 --> 00:40:56 Good friends and an active social life.
00:40:56 --> 00:41:01 It's so much bigger than beautiful gardens and nice holidays and fashionable clothes.
00:41:02 --> 00:41:06 You are part of something immense.
00:41:06 --> 00:41:14 Something that began before you were born and will continue long after you are dead.
00:41:14 --> 00:41:27 God is rescuing fallen, scattered humanity, gathering to himself and progressively shaping them into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
00:41:28 --> 00:41:37 He gathers you to himself so that you might be taking part in his grand and glorious plan.
00:41:37 --> 00:41:40 Does your life reflect it?
00:41:40 --> 00:41:40 Does your life reflect it?