1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:04,880 Well we’ re continuing today our series 10 distinctives of a gospel centered church 2 00:00:04,880 –> 00:00:10,400 and today believe it or not is week number 7 and we’re looking at this great subject 3 00:00:10,400 –> 00:00:16,799 of gospel compassion. I hope you’re getting the flow of this letter. We’ve been seeing from 4 00:00:16,799 –> 00:00:23,200 chapter 2 onwards that Christ has called the church to a global ministry of the word and of 5 00:00:23,200 –> 00:00:27,680 prayer. We’ ve asked the question what kind of people are going to get this job done. 6 00:00:28,400 –> 00:00:33,520 And we’ ve looked at the kind of character and competence that we need in order to maximize our 7 00:00:33,520 –> 00:00:39,439 effectiveness for the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And then we’ve asked the question 8 00:00:39,439 –> 00:00:46,720 how are we going to develop that character. How can I grow in a godly life. And we’ ve seen 9 00:00:46,720 –> 00:00:55,439 together that the answer is not a program but it is thank God a person. Jesus Christ is the mystery 10 00:00:55,439 –> 00:01:01,759 of godliness. And it’ s Christ in you that is the hope of glory. Jesus Christ in your 11 00:01:01,759 –> 00:01:08,800 life is the hope of you living the life that God is calling you to live. Now if the life of Jesus 12 00:01:08,800 –> 00:01:14,400 Christ is in us, and that was what we were looking at last time, it stands to reason that the 13 00:01:14,400 –> 00:01:21,120 character of the Lord Jesus Christ will be seen through us. And so the last two chapters of First 14 00:01:21,120 –> 00:01:27,919 Timothy that we’re going to look at over these next weeks, really spell out what a life that is 15 00:01:28,879 –> 00:01:35,599 motivated by the presence of Jesus Christ really looks like. And so today we’re going to look at 16 00:01:35,599 –> 00:01:43,160 Gospel Compassion in the first part of Chapter Five. A gospel-centered church will show the 17 00:01:43,160 –> 00:01:52,919 compassion of Jesus Christ. Now, the Bible is full of this marvelous theme of the compassion of God, 18 00:01:53,480 –> 00:02:00,839 how God cares for His children, how God especially has a heart for those who do not have other people 19 00:02:00,839 –> 00:02:07,239 who are able to care for them. Listen to the testimony of Moses, for example, in Deuteronomy 20 00:02:07,239 –> 00:02:15,080 10 and verse 18. He says about God he defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow. 21 00:02:16,440 –> 00:02:23,800 He loves the alien and gives to the alien food and clothing. That’s what Moses says about God. 22 00:02:24,440 –> 00:02:29,960 King David puts it the same way in the Psalms. He says, sing to God a song of praise. Here is 23 00:02:29,960 –> 00:02:36,919 something really to be celebrated. That God is a father to the fatherless he says and a defender 24 00:02:37,720 –> 00:02:44,679 of widows. Have you ever thought about the fact that an entire book of the Bible is given to the 25 00:02:44,679 –> 00:02:56,199 story of three widows? Ruth and Orpah and Naomi and how God cared in his sovereign power over 26 00:02:56,199 –> 00:03:03,880 the whole universe, God cared for these three women and gave them hope and gave them a future. 27 00:03:05,160 –> 00:03:12,360 Of course we see the compassion of God most clearly in our Lord Jesus Christ, Luke tells us 28 00:03:12,360 –> 00:03:19,399 in chapter seven about a time when Jesus went to a town called Nain, and can you picture this as he 29 00:03:19,399 –> 00:03:25,720 comes with his disciples to the town gate, he sees a large crowd and they’re coming out of the town 30 00:03:25,720 –> 00:03:34,279 and there’s a widow and she is overwhelmed with sorrow. Not only has her husband obviously died, 31 00:03:34,279 –> 00:03:41,880 but now her only son has died and the crowd is there to support her in the funeral. And Luke 32 00:03:41,880 –> 00:03:49,000 tells us that Jesus had compassion on her, that one word in English hardly gets it, 33 00:03:49,960 –> 00:03:56,839 the original word means something like this, Jesus was moved to the core of his being when he saw 34 00:03:56,839 –> 00:04:07,080 this and in his divine power he touches the corpse and raises this boy to life and gives him back to 35 00:04:08,360 –> 00:04:16,760 his mother. It’s not surprising when you think of how full the whole bible is of the compassion 36 00:04:16,839 –> 00:04:22,440 of God and especially the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ in the gospels 37 00:04:23,000 –> 00:04:26,600 that when you come towards the end of the New Testament what you find 38 00:04:26,600 –> 00:04:33,239 is that ministries of compassion are a distinctive mark of faithful churches. 39 00:04:33,239 –> 00:04:38,200 You find it right from the beginning in Acts chapter six where we read about a daily 40 00:04:38,200 –> 00:04:44,679 distribution of food organized by the church for widows within the congregation 41 00:04:45,480 –> 00:04:49,799 and then we come to first Timothy in chapter 5 that I hope you have open in front of you 42 00:04:49,799 –> 00:04:53,640 today and I want you to notice I actually counted up the verses 43 00:04:53,640 –> 00:04:59,239 about 1 6th of this entire New Testament letter 44 00:04:59,959 –> 00:05:05,399 is devoted to the single subject of the church’s care for widows. 45 00:05:05,959 –> 00:05:13,720 That should tell us the importance of compassion in the heart of God. 46 00:05:13,720 –> 00:05:17,160 I want to say to all of the widows in the church today 47 00:05:18,839 –> 00:05:22,119 and I want to include along with all who have been widowed 48 00:05:23,720 –> 00:05:29,480 all the godly women who struggle with the unique pressures 49 00:05:30,519 –> 00:05:32,679 that come with being a single mother 50 00:05:33,880 –> 00:05:39,160 you have a special place in the heart of God 51 00:05:39,239 –> 00:05:44,040 and this passage of scripture that’s open before us today 52 00:05:44,040 –> 00:05:46,920 is just one of many places 53 00:05:47,880 –> 00:05:53,959 where the heart of God towards you is made very clear indeed 54 00:05:55,399 –> 00:05:56,760 what Paul is doing here 55 00:05:56,760 –> 00:06:05,320 is he is urging the church to cultivate a culture of caring and of serving 56 00:06:06,279 –> 00:06:09,880 and we want to take that seriously in the orchard 57 00:06:09,880 –> 00:06:12,519 because of our commitment to the gospel 58 00:06:13,239 –> 00:06:16,679 it is a distinctive of a gospel centered church 59 00:06:16,679 –> 00:06:20,519 that reflecting the heart of God as seen in our Lord Jesus Christ 60 00:06:20,519 –> 00:06:22,040 it will be a caring church 61 00:06:22,040 –> 00:06:23,799 a compassionate church 62 00:06:24,200 –> 00:06:30,279 a church where people learn what it is to serve one another in the body of Christ 63 00:06:31,000 –> 00:06:33,640 we’re going to look at what that is in the new testament 64 00:06:33,640 –> 00:06:36,279 I’m going to give you a number of examples today 65 00:06:36,279 –> 00:06:38,839 of that actually happening in our midst 66 00:06:38,839 –> 00:06:40,119 for our encouragement 67 00:06:40,119 –> 00:06:43,559 that we would pursue this kind of ministry 68 00:06:43,559 –> 00:06:48,119 as a distinctive of a gospel centered church 69 00:06:49,000 –> 00:06:51,079 so cultivating a culture of caring 70 00:06:51,079 –> 00:06:53,799 cultivating a culture of serving 71 00:06:53,799 –> 00:06:55,399 we’re going to focus most on caring 72 00:06:55,399 –> 00:06:58,359 which is in verses one to eight 73 00:06:59,480 –> 00:07:01,880 now the first thing I want you to notice here today 74 00:07:02,040 –> 00:07:05,480 is that there will be genuine need in the church 75 00:07:07,079 –> 00:07:10,920 three times the apostle Paul makes this clear 76 00:07:10,920 –> 00:07:11,480 verse three 77 00:07:12,119 –> 00:07:14,440 give proper attention to those widows 78 00:07:14,440 –> 00:07:16,279 who are really in need 79 00:07:17,000 –> 00:07:18,119 so he’s making it clear 80 00:07:18,119 –> 00:07:21,640 there will be real needs in the church of Jesus Christ 81 00:07:22,279 –> 00:07:23,959 God allows it to be so 82 00:07:23,959 –> 00:07:26,440 so that we may learn to minister to one another 83 00:07:27,480 –> 00:07:28,519 verse five 84 00:07:28,519 –> 00:07:31,160 the widow who is really in need 85 00:07:31,320 –> 00:07:32,119 real need 86 00:07:32,119 –> 00:07:35,000 she’s left all alone and she puts her hope in God 87 00:07:36,279 –> 00:07:37,799 or verse 16 88 00:07:37,799 –> 00:07:41,880 where Paul speaks about the responsibility of the family first 89 00:07:41,880 –> 00:07:43,399 but then at the end of the verse 90 00:07:43,399 –> 00:07:47,799 he says that the church can help those widows who are really in need 91 00:07:47,799 –> 00:07:48,839 so three times 92 00:07:49,480 –> 00:07:50,440 that one phrase 93 00:07:50,440 –> 00:07:51,480 really in need 94 00:07:51,480 –> 00:07:52,679 really in need 95 00:07:52,679 –> 00:07:53,959 really in need 96 00:07:53,959 –> 00:07:55,640 he’s making it very clear 97 00:07:55,640 –> 00:07:57,720 that in a local church 98 00:07:57,720 –> 00:08:00,040 there will be real needs 99 00:08:00,760 –> 00:08:02,760 among the people of God 100 00:08:03,720 –> 00:08:05,160 and what that means for us therefore 101 00:08:05,160 –> 00:08:07,640 is that we need to learn to discern 102 00:08:07,640 –> 00:08:09,799 where the genuine needs are 103 00:08:10,600 –> 00:08:12,600 it’s always right in that situation 104 00:08:12,600 –> 00:08:15,399 to ask what provision God has already made 105 00:08:16,359 –> 00:08:20,600 what can a person do for himself or for herself 106 00:08:21,480 –> 00:08:23,799 what means are already available 107 00:08:25,000 –> 00:08:26,519 but Paul is making it clear 108 00:08:26,519 –> 00:08:30,760 that there will be genuine needs in the church 109 00:08:31,559 –> 00:08:35,000 and that the church, verse 3, must give proper recognition 110 00:08:35,559 –> 00:08:38,599 to those widows who are really in need 111 00:08:39,239 –> 00:08:42,039 and he says, verse 16, the church should help 112 00:08:42,039 –> 00:08:45,159 notice that word, those widows 113 00:08:46,520 –> 00:08:49,000 now this gets to a very important question 114 00:08:49,400 –> 00:08:52,479 and how do you know in life 115 00:08:53,760 –> 00:08:58,159 who you should help and who you should support 116 00:08:59,440 –> 00:09:02,559 and this is not simply a question for pastors 117 00:09:02,559 –> 00:09:06,080 in seeking to discern how church money should be used 118 00:09:06,080 –> 00:09:07,919 it’s a question for all Christians 119 00:09:07,919 –> 00:09:10,559 with regards to our generosity 120 00:09:11,119 –> 00:09:13,200 and particularly for some of us 121 00:09:14,039 –> 00:09:16,200 these are very real questions 122 00:09:16,200 –> 00:09:18,919 in relation to our own family circle 123 00:09:20,520 –> 00:09:22,359 how do you know when to help 124 00:09:23,960 –> 00:09:26,679 and how do you know when to stand back 125 00:09:28,119 –> 00:09:31,159 especially when money is involved 126 00:09:32,760 –> 00:09:36,359 Now folks, the Bible is a wonderfully practical book 127 00:09:37,080 –> 00:09:40,280 and right here, in 1 Timothy, in chapter 5 128 00:09:40,280 –> 00:09:43,159 Paul shows us the path of wisdom 129 00:09:43,200 –> 00:09:45,919 in two abiding principles 130 00:09:46,840 –> 00:09:48,440 the first is that god’s first 131 00:09:48,440 –> 00:09:50,799 provision comes through the family 132 00:09:50,799 –> 00:09:52,719 I want you to see how clear that is 133 00:09:52,719 –> 00:09:53,760 in the scripture 134 00:09:53,760 –> 00:09:55,280 it comes again three times 135 00:09:55,280 –> 00:09:58,239 in verse 4, verse 8 and verse 16 136 00:09:58,820 –> 00:10:00,479 3 times, Paul makes it clear 137 00:10:00,479 –> 00:10:02,479 that God’s first provision 138 00:10:02,479 –> 00:10:05,520 is in the circle of the family 139 00:10:05,520 –> 00:10:06,479 verse 4 140 00:10:06,479 –> 00:10:10,080 If a widow has children or grandchildren 141 00:10:10,780 –> 00:10:13,479 these should learn first of all 142 00:10:13,479 –> 00:10:15,119 to put their religion into practice 143 00:10:15,119 –> 00:10:16,760 by caring for their own family 144 00:10:16,760 –> 00:10:18,280 so the responsibility is first 145 00:10:18,280 –> 00:10:19,400 within the family 146 00:10:19,400 –> 00:10:21,000 he’s saying in verse 4 147 00:10:21,000 –> 00:10:23,000 at verse 16 the same thing 148 00:10:23,000 –> 00:10:24,640 if any woman who is a believer 149 00:10:24,640 –> 00:10:26,400 has widows in her family 150 00:10:26,400 –> 00:10:28,200 she should help them 151 00:10:28,200 –> 00:10:31,479 and her responsibility comes before 152 00:10:31,479 –> 00:10:33,479 the responsibility of the church 153 00:10:34,440 –> 00:10:36,440 the Bible says it is God who sets 154 00:10:36,440 –> 00:10:38,440 the solitary in families 155 00:10:39,080 –> 00:10:41,559 and where we have members of our own family 156 00:10:41,559 –> 00:10:43,640 what Paul is saying here 157 00:10:43,640 –> 00:10:44,640 is where there are needs 158 00:10:44,640 –> 00:10:47,520 we have a particular responsibility 159 00:10:47,520 –> 00:10:51,000 to consider how we might help 160 00:10:51,000 –> 00:10:52,880 verse 8 161 00:10:52,880 –> 00:10:57,159 if anyone does not provide for his own relatives 162 00:10:57,159 –> 00:10:59,880 and especially for his immediate family 163 00:10:59,880 –> 00:11:02,719 he has denied the faith 164 00:11:02,719 –> 00:11:05,280 and is worse than an unbeliever 165 00:11:05,280 –> 00:11:08,039 can you see the point that Paul is making here 166 00:11:08,479 –> 00:11:10,719 he’s saying look even Pagans 167 00:11:10,719 –> 00:11:13,320 even unbelievers in many cases 168 00:11:13,320 –> 00:11:16,039 know what it is to care for their own 169 00:11:16,039 –> 00:11:21,440 how much more we who know Jesus Christ 170 00:11:21,440 –> 00:11:25,039 now it’s worth thinking for a moment 171 00:11:25,039 –> 00:11:28,679 about how financial support worked in the early world 172 00:11:28,679 –> 00:11:34,159 in those times as in many other parts of the world still today 173 00:11:34,159 –> 00:11:37,599 financial support for a woman 174 00:11:37,599 –> 00:11:42,119 and for her children came in the form of a dowry 175 00:11:43,039 –> 00:11:48,039 that is money that followed a woman into her marriage 176 00:11:48,840 –> 00:11:52,080 and was kept there the dowry was kept 177 00:11:52,719 –> 00:11:56,479 and if the husband died the dowry 178 00:11:56,479 –> 00:11:58,840 became the means of financial support 179 00:11:58,840 –> 00:12:01,520 for the widow and indeed if there were young children 180 00:12:01,520 –> 00:12:03,039 for the family also 181 00:12:04,119 –> 00:12:06,200 but what if the downy has been spent 182 00:12:07,119 –> 00:12:10,520 then a woman could be in genuine need 183 00:12:12,479 –> 00:12:14,599 guys i don’t know about you when you got married 184 00:12:14,599 –> 00:12:17,719 but my wife didn’t bring a dowry into the marriage 185 00:12:21,559 –> 00:12:26,039 but it is my responsibility as a christian husband 186 00:12:26,039 –> 00:12:30,320 to consider how my wife would be provided for 187 00:12:30,320 –> 00:12:32,320 if God should call me homely 188 00:12:33,000 –> 00:12:37,599 and particularly that has been my responsibility 189 00:12:37,599 –> 00:12:40,479 during the years of our children growing up 190 00:12:41,719 –> 00:12:44,320 i found a great way to do this by the way 191 00:12:45,359 –> 00:12:50,119 it’s called a life insurance policy 192 00:12:50,119 –> 00:12:55,000 and i want to tell you i’m receiving no commissions whatsoever for saying this 193 00:12:55,640 –> 00:12:57,760 but i’ll tell you every family should have one 194 00:12:57,760 –> 00:13:00,559 John Stott, the great commentator 195 00:13:00,679 –> 00:13:02,840 says that precisely on this verse 196 00:13:02,840 –> 00:13:05,400 i was fascinated that he made this point in print 197 00:13:05,400 –> 00:13:08,559 he says of Timothy chapter five and verse eight 198 00:13:08,559 –> 00:13:10,320 this verse tells us 199 00:13:10,320 –> 00:13:13,119 that it is a fundamental Christian duty 200 00:13:13,119 –> 00:13:14,799 to provide for our relatives 201 00:13:16,239 –> 00:13:20,679 this is plain biblical warrant, he says, for a life insurance policy 202 00:13:20,679 –> 00:13:25,479 which is only a self-imposed savings plan for the benefit of our dependents 203 00:13:25,479 –> 00:13:26,520 Christian wisdom 204 00:13:26,799 –> 00:13:32,280 but there will be some folks who do not have this kind of provision 205 00:13:32,280 –> 00:13:36,239 Paul says now let’s exercise wisdom while we have opportunity 206 00:13:36,239 –> 00:13:39,359 but lets also exercise compassion 207 00:13:39,359 –> 00:13:42,559 where such provision has not been made 208 00:13:42,559 –> 00:13:47,080 and if there is someone in need within your family circle 209 00:13:47,080 –> 00:13:48,880 then together with other relatives 210 00:13:48,880 –> 00:13:50,919 you will want to consider 211 00:13:50,919 –> 00:13:54,520 what you might be able to do to help 212 00:13:55,359 –> 00:13:58,640 now I want you to notice what Paul says about the motive here 213 00:13:58,640 –> 00:13:59,919 he gives this too 214 00:13:59,919 –> 00:14:01,880 he says in verse 4 215 00:14:01,880 –> 00:14:06,039 when you’re caring for other members within your own family circle 216 00:14:06,039 –> 00:14:09,440 and especially if you are caring 217 00:14:09,440 –> 00:14:10,919 whether it be financially 218 00:14:10,919 –> 00:14:13,239 or whether it be in other forms of support 219 00:14:13,239 –> 00:14:16,400 if you are caring for elderly parents 220 00:14:16,400 –> 00:14:21,359 or if you are caring for grandparents in need 221 00:14:21,760 –> 00:14:22,960 then you are doing two things 222 00:14:23,039 –> 00:14:25,000 he says verse 4, number 1 223 00:14:25,000 –> 00:14:26,840 you are repaying 224 00:14:26,840 –> 00:14:30,840 of the good things that they have poured into your life 225 00:14:30,840 –> 00:14:32,039 and second he says 226 00:14:32,039 –> 00:14:35,640 you are bringing pleasure to the heart of God 227 00:14:35,640 –> 00:14:39,359 he says this is pleasing to God 228 00:14:39,359 –> 00:14:41,960 don’t you think one of the most poignant and beautiful moments 229 00:14:41,960 –> 00:14:46,000 in all of the suffering and passion of the Lord Jesus 230 00:14:46,000 –> 00:14:48,359 is when in his agony on the cross 231 00:14:48,359 –> 00:14:50,799 the Lord Jesus Christ looks down 232 00:14:51,000 –> 00:14:54,919 and he sees John the disciple and he sees Mary his mother 233 00:14:55,760 –> 00:14:59,799 do you remember how John records these poignant words 234 00:14:59,799 –> 00:15:03,400 how the Lord Jesus said dear woman here is your son 235 00:15:03,400 –> 00:15:06,400 and then said to John his disciple son 236 00:15:06,400 –> 00:15:08,359 here is your mother and John says 237 00:15:08,359 –> 00:15:13,000 from that time this disciple took her, took Mary 238 00:15:13,000 –> 00:15:14,039 into his own home 239 00:15:14,039 –> 00:15:15,200 do you see what’s happening 240 00:15:15,200 –> 00:15:19,960 that even in his agony on the cross 241 00:15:20,099 –> 00:15:24,479 the Lord Jesus Christ is providing 242 00:15:24,479 –> 00:15:27,520 for the care of his mother 243 00:15:27,520 –> 00:15:28,599 that’s your God 244 00:15:30,320 –> 00:15:31,640 Although there may have been people in the world 245 00:15:31,640 –> 00:15:33,159 who did not do that for you 246 00:15:33,159 –> 00:15:34,479 but that’s your God 247 00:15:36,299 –> 00:15:38,799 And what he’s saying here is that 248 00:15:38,799 –> 00:15:40,760 first we are to take responsibility 249 00:15:40,760 –> 00:15:42,520 within the context of our own family 250 00:15:42,520 –> 00:15:45,479 but second as the family of God 251 00:15:45,479 –> 00:15:48,679 we are to be sensitive and compassionate 252 00:15:48,979 –> 00:15:50,020 toward particular needs 253 00:15:50,020 –> 00:15:52,859 within the body of Christ 254 00:15:54,679 –> 00:15:57,320 let me give this word of encouragement 255 00:15:59,119 –> 00:16:01,719 there are many in our congregation 256 00:16:03,200 –> 00:16:06,559 who are doing an amazing job 257 00:16:06,559 –> 00:16:10,159 caring for elderly parents 258 00:16:10,159 –> 00:16:12,760 caring for grandparents 259 00:16:12,760 –> 00:16:14,679 I want you to hear this today 260 00:16:14,679 –> 00:16:19,780 your ministry is a reflection of the heart of God 261 00:16:20,919 –> 00:16:22,419 it really is 262 00:16:22,940 –> 00:16:27,179 Paul says this is pleasing to God 263 00:16:28,520 –> 00:16:33,099 it is a ministry that brings a reflection of Christ 264 00:16:33,099 –> 00:16:36,460 and a touch of the Holy Spirit 265 00:16:37,419 –> 00:16:40,020 God made a great promise in the Old Testament 266 00:16:40,020 –> 00:16:43,739 He said, even to your old age and to your gray hairs 267 00:16:43,739 –> 00:16:46,539 God said, I am He who will sustain you 268 00:16:46,539 –> 00:16:51,500 so if you are caring for an elderly person 269 00:16:52,080 –> 00:16:58,219 you are reflecting the promise and the heart of God 270 00:16:59,260 –> 00:17:00,539 this is not a small thing 271 00:17:01,840 –> 00:17:05,199 visitation, care, help, compassion 272 00:17:06,699 –> 00:17:11,660 a reflection of the heart of Jesus Christ 273 00:17:12,660 –> 00:17:15,660 God’s first provision is through the family 274 00:17:16,699 –> 00:17:21,660 and then God’s first priority is a Godly life 275 00:17:21,660 –> 00:17:24,140 I want you to see the second principle here 276 00:17:24,140 –> 00:17:25,520 it’s very important 277 00:17:25,520 –> 00:17:26,760 Look at verse 5-6 278 00:17:26,760 –> 00:17:30,380 Paul describes here two kinds of widow 279 00:17:31,180 –> 00:17:32,920 and do you notice the contrast? 280 00:17:32,920 –> 00:17:35,500 he talks about one who puts her hope in God 281 00:17:35,500 –> 00:17:39,339 and then he talks about another who lives for pleasure 282 00:17:39,800 –> 00:17:43,140 The widow who is really in need and left all alone 283 00:17:43,140 –> 00:17:46,300 puts her hope in God and continues night and day 284 00:17:46,300 –> 00:17:48,380 to pray and to ask God for help 285 00:17:48,380 –> 00:17:52,239 but the widow who lives for pleasure 286 00:17:52,239 –> 00:17:54,719 is dead even while she lives 287 00:17:54,719 –> 00:17:57,599 He’s talking about spiritual death there 288 00:17:57,599 –> 00:18:01,260 Now this introduces a second and also very important 289 00:18:01,260 –> 00:18:06,079 consideration in discerning how we should help a person in need 290 00:18:06,079 –> 00:18:12,579 The church should not give in a way that supports or enables 291 00:18:12,579 –> 00:18:14,880 an ungodly lifestyle 292 00:18:14,880 –> 00:18:17,760 and so it’s right to ask a question 293 00:18:17,760 –> 00:18:21,000 As we’re seeking to discern what we should do in any situation 294 00:18:21,000 –> 00:18:25,959 Is this person committed to pursue a godly life? 295 00:18:25,959 –> 00:18:30,300 So here are two practical questions that we should consider 296 00:18:30,300 –> 00:18:32,579 when we’re faced with a situation of need 297 00:18:32,739 –> 00:18:37,380 What provision has God already made for this person 298 00:18:37,380 –> 00:18:43,319 and what commitment has this person already made with regards to God 299 00:18:43,319 –> 00:18:45,959 and Paul is making it clear 300 00:18:45,959 –> 00:18:49,420 that although the family responsibility comes first 301 00:18:49,420 –> 00:18:54,359 there will be times when God provides for his people 302 00:18:54,359 –> 00:19:00,900 through the kindness that is expressed within the body of the local church 303 00:19:00,979 –> 00:19:05,959 when the family is not there or when the family isn’t interested 304 00:19:05,959 –> 00:19:08,479 there is the family of God 305 00:19:08,479 –> 00:19:12,420 and we are God’s household. 306 00:19:13,359 –> 00:19:16,260 Now folks, that’s the teaching that we have here 307 00:19:16,260 –> 00:19:19,400 and I want you to know that this kind of ministry 308 00:19:19,400 –> 00:19:22,420 happens regularly at The Orchard 309 00:19:22,420 –> 00:19:25,900 because of your kindness. 310 00:19:26,319 –> 00:19:31,699 Every week, when we leave from the communion table 311 00:19:31,699 –> 00:19:35,560 we have an opportunity to give to the Benevolent Fund 312 00:19:35,560 –> 00:19:40,180 which is used to help people in need. 313 00:19:40,180 –> 00:19:45,160 And I want to read some extracts just from four letters that I’ve chosen 314 00:19:45,160 –> 00:19:49,660 letters that have been received by different members of our pastoral staff 315 00:19:49,660 –> 00:19:52,280 from folks in the congregation who really 316 00:19:52,359 –> 00:19:56,739 were in exactly the situation of 1Timothy 5.5. 317 00:19:56,739 –> 00:19:59,439 They were putting their hope in God. 318 00:19:59,439 –> 00:20:02,099 They were asking God for help. 319 00:20:02,099 –> 00:20:05,000 And they found that God answered their prayers 320 00:20:05,000 –> 00:20:07,280 through a ministry that came from 321 00:20:07,280 –> 00:20:10,959 your kindness in the body of Christ. 322 00:20:10,959 –> 00:20:15,140 I want you to notice as I read these four testimonies to you 323 00:20:15,140 –> 00:20:21,680 that each of these folks saw what they received from others 324 00:20:21,760 –> 00:20:26,380 as being a gift that came from the hand of God Himself. 325 00:20:26,380 –> 00:20:28,959 That’s the joy of Christian giving isn’t it? 326 00:20:28,959 –> 00:20:33,619 The people would discern in the kindness of believers 327 00:20:33,619 –> 00:20:38,060 that God Himself, the Father, 328 00:20:38,060 –> 00:20:42,880 is through His own children caring for their needs. 329 00:20:42,880 –> 00:20:46,579 Let me just read to you then. 330 00:20:46,579 –> 00:20:51,579 First, please accept my sincere appreciation 331 00:20:51,660 –> 00:20:55,180 for your help with some of my medical bills. 332 00:20:55,180 –> 00:20:58,680 It was definitely a gift from God, 333 00:20:59,800 –> 00:21:02,479 but it was extended by the Church, 334 00:21:02,479 –> 00:21:04,160 and I appreciate all involved. 335 00:21:04,160 –> 00:21:07,199 God bless you for all your generosity, 336 00:21:07,199 –> 00:21:09,780 and thank you, here’s another. 337 00:21:09,780 –> 00:21:12,520 I want to thank you so much for your part 338 00:21:12,520 –> 00:21:14,640 in helping me get a replacement car. 339 00:21:15,640 –> 00:21:18,020 I am so grateful to God for the person 340 00:21:18,020 –> 00:21:22,079 who donated the car to the Church and to you. 341 00:21:23,380 –> 00:21:24,339 Here’s another one. 342 00:21:25,260 –> 00:21:27,900 As you know, my family and I have been 343 00:21:27,900 –> 00:21:31,680 through some very hard times these past few years. 344 00:21:31,680 –> 00:21:33,739 I truly never expected this Church 345 00:21:33,739 –> 00:21:37,839 to receive my family and I as openly as it did, 346 00:21:37,839 –> 00:21:41,699 but that it would help us without hesitation financially 347 00:21:41,699 –> 00:21:45,060 the way it did was something that left me speechless. 348 00:21:46,180 –> 00:21:48,939 The benevolent fund aid that we received from the Orchard 349 00:21:48,939 –> 00:21:50,599 came at a time in my life 350 00:21:50,599 –> 00:21:53,540 that I sincerely could not see a way out. 351 00:21:54,680 –> 00:21:57,319 We were in an extremely desperate situation. 352 00:21:58,160 –> 00:22:00,739 That wonderful ministry was made available to us 353 00:22:00,739 –> 00:22:03,819 before anyone here even knew our names. 354 00:22:04,900 –> 00:22:06,760 You in the Church were the Good Samaritan 355 00:22:06,760 –> 00:22:08,500 and I and my family were the victim 356 00:22:08,500 –> 00:22:10,439 on the side of the road where many 357 00:22:10,599 –> 00:22:13,380 had passed us by and looked the other way. 358 00:22:13,380 –> 00:22:15,739 I thank God for never abandoning us 359 00:22:15,739 –> 00:22:18,400 during our darkest hours. 360 00:22:18,400 –> 00:22:21,719 It is by his grace and ever ending mercy 361 00:22:21,719 –> 00:22:23,800 that we have persevered. 362 00:22:23,800 –> 00:22:26,160 There is a heart filling gratitude 363 00:22:26,160 –> 00:22:27,920 that I feel toward this church 364 00:22:27,920 –> 00:22:30,920 and all those who give to the benevolent fund 365 00:22:30,920 –> 00:22:34,420 that I simply cannot put into words. 366 00:22:35,739 –> 00:22:36,579 Here’s another. 367 00:22:37,400 –> 00:22:42,400 This letter was addressed to the Intercessory Prayer Team. 368 00:22:43,719 –> 00:22:45,900 I want to thank you for your prayers. 369 00:22:47,079 –> 00:22:49,900 I had lost my job and it took over a year 370 00:22:49,900 –> 00:22:51,920 to find another full time position. 371 00:22:52,959 –> 00:22:55,280 I went through all my savings during that time 372 00:22:55,280 –> 00:22:57,719 and could only rely on God to help me 373 00:22:57,719 –> 00:23:00,260 through this very terrifying time. 374 00:23:01,400 –> 00:23:05,459 I have a teenage daughter and it got very tough for us. 375 00:23:05,459 –> 00:23:07,319 The church was my safety net. 376 00:23:08,479 –> 00:23:12,060 I had gotten to a point that I had no money and no job. 377 00:23:13,859 –> 00:23:16,819 When I mean I had no money I mean 378 00:23:16,819 –> 00:23:19,339 I had some change in my pocket and that was it. 379 00:23:20,260 –> 00:23:23,500 During this time, God showed me who he was 380 00:23:23,500 –> 00:23:26,819 and I found fellowship in the church. 381 00:23:26,819 –> 00:23:29,140 At first it was very hard to tell people 382 00:23:29,140 –> 00:23:31,699 about my situation, she writes. 383 00:23:31,739 –> 00:23:36,079 Money and no job has some shame in it, she says. 384 00:23:36,079 –> 00:23:38,660 But God did not let me go. 385 00:23:38,660 –> 00:23:41,260 He provided church members who were generous, 386 00:23:41,260 –> 00:23:45,520 some anonymously and the Benevolent Fund. 387 00:23:45,520 –> 00:23:50,520 Many times, after that, when my gas tank was low 388 00:23:51,140 –> 00:23:54,020 and there was very little food, I would check my mail 389 00:23:54,020 –> 00:23:56,640 and there would be an envelope from someone, 390 00:23:56,640 –> 00:23:58,920 maybe a friend but many times from someone 391 00:23:59,719 –> 00:24:02,520 who did not sign their name with money. 392 00:24:02,520 –> 00:24:05,760 The card would just say, God loves you 393 00:24:05,760 –> 00:24:07,839 and with tears, I would thank God. 394 00:24:08,800 –> 00:24:11,160 My situation has changed. 395 00:24:11,160 –> 00:24:14,459 I now have a full-time job with great benefits. 396 00:24:14,459 –> 00:24:17,060 I’m not out of the woods financially as of yet 397 00:24:17,060 –> 00:24:19,880 but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 398 00:24:19,880 –> 00:24:22,239 It is because of people’s prayers, 399 00:24:22,239 –> 00:24:25,020 the Benevolent Fund and God’s mercy and grace 400 00:24:25,020 –> 00:24:27,800 that I’m where I am now. 401 00:24:27,800 –> 00:24:29,719 I now know that every breath I take 402 00:24:29,719 –> 00:24:33,780 and every step I make is because of our awesome God 403 00:24:33,780 –> 00:24:36,780 and I praise Him. 404 00:24:39,579 –> 00:24:42,880 It is a wonderful thing, folks. 405 00:24:42,880 –> 00:24:46,619 A wonderful thing to be in the kind of ministry 406 00:24:46,619 –> 00:24:48,599 that God calls us to pursue. 407 00:24:49,699 –> 00:24:52,719 To be part of the body of Christ. 408 00:24:54,239 –> 00:24:56,219 Whose life will you touch today? 409 00:24:58,079 –> 00:25:00,079 Who will experience the help of God 410 00:25:00,079 –> 00:25:02,300 through your kindness this week? 411 00:25:04,239 –> 00:25:07,979 Responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit 412 00:25:07,979 –> 00:25:10,520 so that a person in need would experience 413 00:25:10,520 –> 00:25:13,579 the provision of God is a wonderful ministry 414 00:25:14,500 –> 00:25:15,819 that glorifies Him. 415 00:25:17,959 –> 00:25:19,119 Thank God for it. 416 00:25:20,939 –> 00:25:23,479 Now, that takes me to the last thing today 417 00:25:23,479 –> 00:25:24,880 because there are really two things 418 00:25:24,880 –> 00:25:27,199 in this chapter of great importance. 419 00:25:27,800 –> 00:25:32,619 God calls us to cultivate a culture of caring 420 00:25:32,619 –> 00:25:36,500 and a culture of serving. 421 00:25:36,500 –> 00:25:39,119 And these two go together, and you find serving 422 00:25:39,119 –> 00:25:42,239 especially in verses nine through 16. 423 00:25:42,239 –> 00:25:46,359 A caring church is going to be a church, 424 00:25:46,359 –> 00:25:51,140 a community of people who serve one another well. 425 00:25:51,140 –> 00:25:54,760 And this theme really is the focus of verses nine 426 00:25:54,760 –> 00:25:56,719 through 16 and I want you to notice 427 00:25:56,739 –> 00:26:00,839 what I believe is a move from one subject to another. 428 00:26:00,839 –> 00:26:03,260 So watch this carefully with me. 429 00:26:03,260 –> 00:26:06,400 In verse three, we read about widows 430 00:26:06,400 –> 00:26:09,119 who are to be recognized. 431 00:26:09,119 –> 00:26:12,599 That is honored and clearly supported. 432 00:26:13,479 –> 00:26:16,239 But in verse nine, Paul speaks about widows 433 00:26:16,239 –> 00:26:19,040 who are to be enrolled or to be registered. 434 00:26:19,040 –> 00:26:21,880 He talks particularly here about a list. 435 00:26:21,880 –> 00:26:23,439 Do you see that in verse nine? 436 00:26:24,479 –> 00:26:26,160 Now the question that’s raised, of course, 437 00:26:26,540 –> 00:26:29,599 is this a list of widows who are being supported 438 00:26:29,599 –> 00:26:33,859 by the church, or is this referring to something else? 439 00:26:35,760 –> 00:26:40,000 Now the qualification for being on the list 440 00:26:40,000 –> 00:26:43,239 is quite clearly different from the qualifications 441 00:26:43,239 –> 00:26:47,199 of those who are receiving support earlier in the chapter. 442 00:26:47,199 –> 00:26:48,959 And so I’ve come to the conclusion 443 00:26:48,959 –> 00:26:50,839 that the list is not talking simply 444 00:26:50,839 –> 00:26:52,400 about those who receive support, 445 00:26:52,400 –> 00:26:55,439 but it is talking about something different. 446 00:26:55,500 –> 00:26:57,000 Notice what the qualifications 447 00:26:57,000 –> 00:27:00,680 for being on this list are. 448 00:27:00,680 –> 00:27:03,219 The first qualification is age. 449 00:27:03,219 –> 00:27:06,119 Widows on the list must be over 60. 450 00:27:06,119 –> 00:27:09,239 Very unusual to have a specific age reference 451 00:27:09,239 –> 00:27:12,199 like that in the Bible, but you find it here. 452 00:27:12,199 –> 00:27:13,900 Secondly, fidelity. 453 00:27:13,900 –> 00:27:15,760 The person on the list must have been faithful 454 00:27:15,760 –> 00:27:17,119 to her husband. 455 00:27:17,119 –> 00:27:19,400 Third, ministry. 456 00:27:19,400 –> 00:27:21,880 The person on the list is someone well-known 457 00:27:21,880 –> 00:27:24,880 for good deeds, such as bringing up children, 458 00:27:24,920 –> 00:27:27,959 showing hospitality, washing the feet of saints, 459 00:27:27,959 –> 00:27:29,119 helping those in trouble, 460 00:27:29,119 –> 00:27:31,920 devoting herself to all kinds of deeds. 461 00:27:31,920 –> 00:27:35,839 This is describing particularly a believer 462 00:27:35,839 –> 00:27:39,040 who is seasoned in ministry. 463 00:27:39,920 –> 00:27:42,760 And so it seems to me that although there may well 464 00:27:42,760 –> 00:27:45,119 be overlap between the two groups 465 00:27:45,119 –> 00:27:46,900 that are described earlier and later 466 00:27:46,900 –> 00:27:48,939 in 1 Timothy chapter 5, 467 00:27:48,939 –> 00:27:52,439 that this list that Paul refers to in verse nine 468 00:27:52,439 –> 00:27:54,040 is not a register of people 469 00:27:54,079 –> 00:27:56,199 who are receiving financial support. 470 00:27:56,199 –> 00:28:00,780 It is in fact a list of people who are devoting themselves 471 00:28:00,780 –> 00:28:05,219 to particular forms of service within the church. 472 00:28:06,560 –> 00:28:08,359 Now that leads me to say this, 473 00:28:09,479 –> 00:28:12,119 to all of us mature believers, 474 00:28:12,119 –> 00:28:16,420 you realize I’m using a euphemism for over 60, 475 00:28:18,260 –> 00:28:20,119 to all of us mature believers, 476 00:28:21,119 –> 00:28:24,479 to those who have brought up children, 477 00:28:26,000 –> 00:28:27,319 and you’ve opened your home 478 00:28:29,000 –> 00:28:31,619 and you’ve helped folks in trouble 479 00:28:32,800 –> 00:28:36,420 and you have gained experience and maturity 480 00:28:36,420 –> 00:28:38,719 and you’re over 60, 481 00:28:41,219 –> 00:28:44,680 your experience is a gift 482 00:28:46,300 –> 00:28:49,739 that you can offer into the hands of Christ 483 00:28:49,780 –> 00:28:54,619 for ministry in your golden years. 484 00:28:55,880 –> 00:28:58,239 And I think that is what Paul is talking about here, 485 00:28:58,239 –> 00:29:00,540 particularly about a group of women 486 00:29:00,540 –> 00:29:05,540 who did this and gave themselves to it in a dedicated way, 487 00:29:05,680 –> 00:29:08,719 and I want to take that theme and to expand it out 488 00:29:08,719 –> 00:29:11,479 and for us to see the potential 489 00:29:11,479 –> 00:29:16,479 for ministry among mature believers 490 00:29:16,479 –> 00:29:20,520 and for us to have a vision for that among us here. 491 00:29:21,520 –> 00:29:25,239 In fact, all over our congregation, 492 00:29:26,199 –> 00:29:28,260 there are folks over the age of 60 493 00:29:29,400 –> 00:29:30,839 who are already doing this. 494 00:29:32,479 –> 00:29:35,119 Last Wednesday, we had five teams 495 00:29:35,119 –> 00:29:38,800 of our people, mostly retired, 496 00:29:39,640 –> 00:29:42,099 along with some younger women, 497 00:29:42,099 –> 00:29:46,459 serving 22 guests who came into the church 498 00:29:46,459 –> 00:29:47,819 with various needs. 499 00:29:48,939 –> 00:29:53,939 Our people listened to them, prayed with them, 500 00:29:53,939 –> 00:29:57,339 helped them with clothing, with gift cards 501 00:29:57,339 –> 00:29:59,939 for food and for gas. 502 00:29:59,939 –> 00:30:02,260 I wish you could see every Thursday 503 00:30:02,260 –> 00:30:05,020 the team of men, mostly retired, 504 00:30:05,020 –> 00:30:06,699 who serve here every week, 505 00:30:06,699 –> 00:30:10,199 working on projects all over the building. 506 00:30:10,239 –> 00:30:14,119 Their joy is infectious and their ministry 507 00:30:14,119 –> 00:30:16,439 is a gift from the Lord to all of us. 508 00:30:17,880 –> 00:30:19,680 I could multiply examples. 509 00:30:21,719 –> 00:30:22,959 But you know just the other week 510 00:30:22,959 –> 00:30:27,160 I was talking to one of our over 60s in his home 511 00:30:27,160 –> 00:30:32,160 and he said to me, he said I want to know 512 00:30:32,640 –> 00:30:36,400 who it ws that defined the American dream. 513 00:30:36,739 –> 00:30:40,540 I want to know, he said. 514 00:30:40,540 –> 00:30:41,640 Guy over 60. 515 00:30:42,579 –> 00:30:46,319 Who said that the American dream 516 00:30:46,319 –> 00:30:48,040 is to make enough money 517 00:30:48,040 –> 00:30:51,640 so that you can go off someplace 518 00:30:51,640 –> 00:30:53,459 with no responsibilities 519 00:30:53,459 –> 00:30:56,479 and spend your golden years 520 00:30:56,479 –> 00:30:59,099 with no other interest but yourself? 521 00:30:59,099 –> 00:30:59,959 Who said that? 522 00:30:59,959 –> 00:31:01,780 He said it’s not my dream. 523 00:31:01,780 –> 00:31:06,180 Folks, we desperately need 524 00:31:06,180 –> 00:31:08,260 a redefinition of retirement. 525 00:31:08,260 –> 00:31:10,239 And I want to offer one to you. 526 00:31:10,239 –> 00:31:15,239 To retire is to get a new set of tires 527 00:31:16,520 –> 00:31:17,880 to keep you rolling 528 00:31:17,880 –> 00:31:19,920 in the service of Jesus Christ. 529 00:31:19,920 –> 00:31:21,839 That’s my definition of retirement. 530 00:31:21,839 –> 00:31:24,819 And I want to encourage everyone 531 00:31:24,819 –> 00:31:27,260 in the congregation over 60 today. 532 00:31:27,260 –> 00:31:30,900 Get a new vision for your golden years 533 00:31:31,619 –> 00:31:33,420 as the most useful years 534 00:31:33,420 –> 00:31:35,060 that you can offer to Jesus Christ. 535 00:31:35,060 –> 00:31:39,400 One man who had that vision 536 00:31:39,400 –> 00:31:42,939 is one of my heroes of the faith, Alan Redpath. 537 00:31:42,939 –> 00:31:47,939 He served as a pastor in London for some years 538 00:31:48,140 –> 00:31:50,140 and then came to pastor 539 00:31:50,140 –> 00:31:52,579 the Moody Church here in Chicago. 540 00:31:52,579 –> 00:31:54,760 He was here for nine years. 541 00:31:54,760 –> 00:31:57,300 Then he returned to Scotland 542 00:31:57,300 –> 00:32:00,420 and he became the pastor of Charlotte Chapel, 543 00:32:00,420 –> 00:32:03,020 which is my home Church in Edinburgh. 544 00:32:05,060 –> 00:32:08,060 Redpath had been there for just two years 545 00:32:09,119 –> 00:32:11,079 when at the age of 57, 546 00:32:12,119 –> 00:32:14,719 he suffered a near fatal stroke. 547 00:32:16,260 –> 00:32:20,400 That crisis led him into a deep, deep depression. 548 00:32:21,900 –> 00:32:24,140 But God met him there in a powerful way 549 00:32:24,140 –> 00:32:27,020 and after prolonged suffering, 550 00:32:27,020 –> 00:32:30,000 God gave him a remarkable recovery. 551 00:32:31,319 –> 00:32:34,319 He returned to preaching at the chapel for only a short time 552 00:32:34,319 –> 00:32:37,739 and then he embarked on an itinerant ministry 553 00:32:37,739 –> 00:32:39,739 as a conference speaker. 554 00:32:41,199 –> 00:32:43,619 My first memory of him 555 00:32:43,619 –> 00:32:48,119 was when he returned to the pulpits at Charlotte chapel 556 00:32:48,119 –> 00:32:50,160 after he had resigned from that ministry 557 00:32:50,160 –> 00:32:51,959 and had been traveling for awhile. 558 00:32:53,000 –> 00:32:55,560 I would’ve been just 10 years old. 559 00:32:55,560 –> 00:32:57,560 It was a big occasion in the city. 560 00:32:57,560 –> 00:32:59,560 Redpath was back for a Sunday 561 00:32:59,680 –> 00:33:01,939 and people came from all over to hear him. 562 00:33:01,939 –> 00:33:05,859 The place was so packed on a Sunday evening 563 00:33:05,859 –> 00:33:07,880 that the children were asked, 564 00:33:07,880 –> 00:33:08,719 can you imagine this? 565 00:33:08,719 –> 00:33:12,680 The children were all asked to leave their seats 566 00:33:12,680 –> 00:33:14,359 and to sit on the platform 567 00:33:14,359 –> 00:33:16,819 and on the steps going up to the pulpit 568 00:33:16,819 –> 00:33:18,619 to make way for other people 569 00:33:18,619 –> 00:33:20,880 who were outside still wanting to come in. 570 00:33:20,880 –> 00:33:21,959 And as it happened, 571 00:33:21,959 –> 00:33:23,900 the ushers were all moving us around. 572 00:33:23,900 –> 00:33:27,199 I ended up at 10 years of age 573 00:33:28,140 –> 00:33:31,359 sitting on the second top step of the pulpit, 574 00:33:31,359 –> 00:33:33,859 literally at the feet 575 00:33:33,859 –> 00:33:36,660 of one of my heroes of the faith. 576 00:33:36,660 –> 00:33:38,199 Listening to him speak. 577 00:33:38,199 –> 00:33:40,479 Age 10 I was. 578 00:33:40,479 –> 00:33:42,060 About God’s work in his life. 579 00:33:43,479 –> 00:33:45,920 Then when I was 17, 580 00:33:45,920 –> 00:33:48,300 I went to a Christian convention 581 00:33:48,300 –> 00:33:50,180 at a place called Filey in England. 582 00:33:50,180 –> 00:33:51,400 There were thousands of Christians 583 00:33:51,400 –> 00:33:53,900 came to this thing from all over the country 584 00:33:53,900 –> 00:33:55,780 and there were many speakers there. 585 00:33:55,780 –> 00:33:58,540 And every night these men would speak 586 00:33:58,540 –> 00:34:00,199 in one of the venues. 587 00:34:00,199 –> 00:34:02,020 There were four or five different venues 588 00:34:02,020 –> 00:34:04,839 where you could attend an evening service. 589 00:34:04,839 –> 00:34:07,359 And I had my plan worked out. 590 00:34:07,359 –> 00:34:08,639 I was there for a week 591 00:34:08,639 –> 00:34:10,800 and whatever Redpath was speaking, 592 00:34:10,800 –> 00:34:12,639 that was the place I went that night. 593 00:34:14,580 –> 00:34:18,139 One night when he was speaking 594 00:34:18,139 –> 00:34:22,060 about God’s total self giving to us, 595 00:34:22,959 –> 00:34:25,780 he said, and I picture it now, 596 00:34:27,659 –> 00:34:32,379 I have asked God for ten more years 597 00:34:34,139 –> 00:34:37,080 that I may live for Christ more fully 598 00:34:37,080 –> 00:34:38,639 than I have ever done before. 599 00:34:40,080 –> 00:34:44,719 Redpath was 68 when he said that. 600 00:34:45,919 –> 00:34:48,260 And I was listening age 17. 601 00:34:50,719 –> 00:34:52,000 And I said that night. 602 00:34:52,620 –> 00:34:54,679 That’s what I want. 603 00:34:56,100 –> 00:34:57,040 That’s what I want. 604 00:34:59,159 –> 00:35:01,860 Ten more years 605 00:35:04,239 –> 00:35:09,239 to live more fully for Jesus Christ than ever before. 606 00:35:11,780 –> 00:35:16,780 Do you know, the roots of what we do with our senior years 607 00:35:18,979 –> 00:35:21,459 lie in the vision we embrace 608 00:35:21,899 –> 00:35:23,439 when we are young. 609 00:35:24,899 –> 00:35:28,219 So, I wanna ask all who are younger than 60. 610 00:35:29,780 –> 00:35:30,820 What’s your dream? 611 00:35:32,820 –> 00:35:35,919 What are you actually living and working for? 612 00:35:38,580 –> 00:35:41,739 What is it that you’re trying to get to? 613 00:35:43,959 –> 00:35:46,860 What are you gonna do with the years that you have 614 00:35:46,860 –> 00:35:48,459 before you see the Lord? 615 00:35:51,800 –> 00:35:55,120 God gave Alan Redpath his request and more. 616 00:35:56,340 –> 00:35:59,919 He lived for another 14 years 617 00:35:59,919 –> 00:36:02,360 and then went to be with his savior in 1989 618 00:36:02,360 –> 00:36:03,520 at the age of 82. 619 00:36:04,899 –> 00:36:07,239 10 more years 620 00:36:08,639 –> 00:36:12,560 to live for Christ more fully than ever before. 621 00:36:15,040 –> 00:36:16,939 Folks, that’s the gospel dream. 622 00:36:18,020 –> 00:36:19,179 Let’s live it together. 623 00:36:20,320 –> 00:36:21,159 Shall we pray? 624 00:36:22,219 –> 00:36:24,219 Father, for every evidence of your grace 625 00:36:24,219 –> 00:36:25,219 in the life of the church, 626 00:36:25,219 –> 00:36:27,459 we give you our thanks and our praise. 627 00:36:28,899 –> 00:36:30,919 We ask together now that you will make us 628 00:36:30,919 –> 00:36:33,439 increasingly a church marked by compassion, 629 00:36:34,620 –> 00:36:35,800 marked by wisdom, 630 00:36:36,899 –> 00:36:39,439 marked by kindness, 631 00:36:39,439 –> 00:36:44,199 responsive to the promptings of your Holy Spirit. 632 00:36:48,219 –> 00:36:49,600 We know that we can only be that 633 00:36:49,600 –> 00:36:51,419 as we become increasingly a church 634 00:36:51,600 –> 00:36:52,500 that fulfills its serving, 635 00:36:54,439 –> 00:36:56,379 that values time in the light of eternity 636 00:36:58,080 –> 00:37:01,679 and sacrifices every other dream to this great dream 637 00:37:01,679 –> 00:37:04,699 that we would live more fully for Christ 638 00:37:06,520 –> 00:37:08,739 than ever before with all that we are 639 00:37:08,739 –> 00:37:11,100 and with all that we have 640 00:37:12,840 –> 00:37:14,760 for the sake of Jesus who loved us 641 00:37:14,760 –> 00:37:16,879 and gave all for us, 642 00:37:17,800 –> 00:37:20,800 in whose name we pray, amen.