[0.00 --> 2.66] I hope you sing, rejoice. [4.10 --> 9.70] Come and lift your hands and raise your voice. [10.10 --> 12.84] He is worthy of all praise. [14.36 --> 15.64] Rejoice. [15.92 --> 22.80] Sing the mercies of your King and with trembling rejoice. [30.00 --> 42.38] As you'll see, this beautiful little [43.98 --> 49.52] means the certainly scores tule [49.52 --> 58.64] your first time in eat conference. [58.64 --> 62.48] A great high priest whose name is love [62.48 --> 67.20] Whoever lives and pleads on me [67.20 --> 72.20] My name is graven on his hands [72.20 --> 76.84] My name is written on his heart [76.84 --> 81.80] I know that while in heaven he stands [81.80 --> 86.48] No tongue can bid me this deep heart [86.48 --> 91.36] No tongue can bid me this deep heart [91.36 --> 96.08] When Satan tempts me to despair [96.08 --> 100.92] And tells me of the guilt within [100.92 --> 105.92] Upwards I look and see and then [105.92 --> 110.76] Who made an end of all my sin [110.76 --> 115.62] Because the sinless Savior died [115.62 --> 120.50] My simple soul is grounded free [120.50 --> 125.22] For God that just is satisfied [125.22 --> 130.10] To look on him and part in me [130.10 --> 134.94] To look on him and part in me [134.94 --> 141.78] My life my church may be [141.78 --> 148.14] Found him and part in me [148.14 --> 150.54] I canege over all my sights [150.54 --> 155.50] And even though I don't want to me [155.50 --> 161.50] Behold Him there, the risen Lamb [161.50 --> 165.84] My perfect spotless righteousness [165.84 --> 171.06] The greater change of all I am [171.06 --> 176.06] The King of glory and of grace [176.06 --> 183.10] One with Himself, I cannot die [183.10 --> 187.96] My soul is purchased with His blood [187.96 --> 192.78] My life is in with Christ on high [192.78 --> 197.60] With Christ my Savior and my God [197.60 --> 202.48] With Christ my Savior and my God [213.10 --> 221.26] One with His Savior and his Lord [221.26 --> 224.26] I am so happy to be saved [224.26 --> 231.00] My grace was my Savior and my Savior [231.00 --> 247.14] Where's your heart at? [248.96 --> 251.76] Is it gripped by idols? [253.42 --> 255.64] Where's your head at? [255.64 --> 261.02] Is it lost in foolish strife? [261.74 --> 263.54] Where'd your lips speak? [265.54 --> 268.50] Do they praise and curse at the same time? [273.38 --> 275.32] Good morning. [276.90 --> 279.14] Welcome to worship. [279.38 --> 282.86] A special welcome if you are a guest with us this morning. [283.04 --> 283.82] My name is Chris. [284.50 --> 286.30] I'm one of the pastors here. [286.82 --> 289.70] And in fact, this is the last time you'll see me on stage this morning. [289.80 --> 291.82] Because Pastor Kevin is going to lead us in preaching. [292.44 --> 294.60] And others are up here leading as well. [294.78 --> 302.22] So if you are here this morning and wondering about what it is that you can sign up for and volunteer. [302.54 --> 303.66] Because that's at least one of you. [304.38 --> 306.14] Do we have an announcement for you? [307.28 --> 311.22] Coming in September, we're hosting Reactivate, which is a youth conference. [311.22 --> 318.20] We get youth from Christian Reformed churches all over BC who descend into our space here. [318.60 --> 322.86] And about 200 of them come for the weekend to worship and to learn. [323.42 --> 324.32] And we host them. [324.68 --> 326.48] And to do that, we need a bunch of volunteers. [326.82 --> 330.24] And so we've had a volunteer list out for quite some time. [330.86 --> 331.96] It's in the e-bulletin. [332.46 --> 336.54] There are 40 vacancies that still need to be filled. [336.54 --> 339.52] So 40 volunteer slots that need to plug in. [339.64 --> 344.20] So even if you've signed up for one already, maybe go back and check if you've got another spot in you. [344.58 --> 346.06] So we can round that out together. [347.50 --> 352.48] That being said, it is an amazing weekend and a wonderful time. [352.58 --> 355.30] So I really encourage you to check that out and to connect there. [355.94 --> 361.12] As far as announcements go for me, just the last one is more of a prayerful announcement. [361.12 --> 366.86] And that's next week, Sunday, when we gather for worship, we're going to participate in Lord's Supper together. [367.56 --> 372.80] And so we encourage you to use this week to prepare your hearts and to talk with your families, if you have them, [373.26 --> 377.04] about what it means to come to the table, be ushered into the presence of God, [377.10 --> 379.86] and to taste and see that the Lord is good. [380.86 --> 385.54] With those two things out of the way, I'm going to invite you to stand, if you are able, and as you are able. [385.74 --> 387.86] And we're going to be welcomed into God's presence. [387.86 --> 392.64] Following the greeting of God, I invite you to turn to those around you and welcome them into worship. [393.16 --> 395.60] You can do that by passing the peace of Christ, saying, [395.68 --> 397.40] The Lord be with you, peace of Christ. [397.98 --> 402.50] Or you can shake a hand, you can do a fist bump, you can nod your head, [402.64 --> 406.30] you can look glaringly at the person beside you who forgot to put deodorant on. [406.74 --> 409.66] Whatever the case may be, welcome them in the Lord. [410.10 --> 411.40] Receive God's greeting. [411.40 --> 420.94] Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, from the Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and our Savior, [421.40 --> 423.76] through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. [424.36 --> 424.62] Amen. [424.62 --> 424.74] Amen. [424.74 --> 424.78] Amen. [441.40 --> 458.70] Good morning, everyone. [459.54 --> 463.12] Our call to worship this morning comes from Psalms 103. [463.12 --> 468.16] Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my innermost being, praise his holy name. [468.68 --> 472.30] Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. [472.94 --> 478.12] Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. [478.82 --> 482.98] Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. [483.66 --> 487.00] Praise the Lord, all his works, everywhere in his dominion. [487.46 --> 489.12] Praise the Lord, O my soul. [489.12 --> 519.10] Praise the Lord, O my soul. [519.12 --> 549.10] Praise the Lord, my soul, and my son, and my son, and my son, and my son. [549.10 --> 553.52] His wings so, so gently sustaining. [554.70 --> 565.20] Have you not seen all that His people has been sent by His gracious ordaining? [569.64 --> 577.50] Praise to the Lord who will prosper your work and defend you. [577.50 --> 585.42] Surely His goodness and mercy shall dimly attend you. [585.86 --> 597.36] Father anew, what the all-white He can do, as with His love He befriends you. [599.44 --> 607.24] Praise to the Lord who will all that is in need adore Him. [607.50 --> 614.70] All that has lined you have come out with praises before Him. [614.70 --> 621.36] Let the all men stand from His people again. [621.68 --> 627.02] Let me forever adore Him. [627.02 --> 634.22] Let the all men stand from His people again. [634.22 --> 636.22] Let the all men stand from Him. [636.22 --> 640.22] Let the all men stand from Him. [640.22 --> 647.42] Let the all men stand from Him. [647.42 --> 654.12] Let the all men stand from Him. [654.62 --> 656.62] ống polynomial high Boot creator. [656.62 --> 658.62] Let the all men stand from Him. [658.62 --> 659.46] cis sing a会 Am 후�rel quej DE & O 1970 [659.84 --> 661.76] Let the all men stand at Him. [661.76 --> 669.08] Jesus, life in darkness, Jesus, the Lord understands. [670.44 --> 674.64] You are the source of heaven and fire. [676.12 --> 679.94] In history, you live in us. [680.12 --> 683.86] You broke the chains you rose to life. [685.12 --> 688.52] You are the hope living in us. [688.52 --> 692.32] You are the rock in whom we trust. [692.72 --> 697.98] You are the light shining for all the world to see. [699.86 --> 703.68] You rose from the dead, conquering fear. [704.12 --> 707.50] Our chisthenes, drawing us near. [707.94 --> 713.24] Jesus, our hope living for all the will we see. [713.24 --> 717.12] For we will be. [718.52 --> 727.90] Jesus, hope of the nations. [728.54 --> 732.82] Jesus, comfort for all who are born. [733.30 --> 737.32] You are the source of heaven and fire. [737.32 --> 742.94] Jesus, life in darkness. [743.96 --> 747.28] Jesus, through many circumstances. [748.70 --> 752.70] You are the source of heaven and fire. [752.70 --> 754.80] You are the source of heaven and fire. [754.80 --> 758.44] In history, you live in us. [758.58 --> 762.36] You broke the chains you rose to life. [763.08 --> 767.20] You are the hope living in us. [767.58 --> 771.06] You are the rock in whom we trust. [771.42 --> 776.76] You are the light shining for all the world to see. [776.76 --> 782.66] He rose from the dead, conquering fear [782.66 --> 786.46] Heartless to be, dry in a spear [786.46 --> 792.28] Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive [792.28 --> 796.06] Lord we believe [796.06 --> 800.00] Lord we believe [800.00 --> 803.46] Lord we believe [806.76 --> 813.76] Brothers and sisters, the proof of God's amazing love is this [813.76 --> 817.30] While we were sinners, Christ died for us [817.30 --> 821.38] He is the hope of all the nations, not just for Israel [821.38 --> 823.10] but also the Gentiles [823.10 --> 827.32] He died for the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak [827.32 --> 830.02] the good Samaritan and the thief [830.02 --> 834.44] Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness [834.44 --> 839.50] so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need [839.50 --> 842.46] Trusting in God's faithfulness and compassion [842.46 --> 844.90] Let us confess our sin before God [844.90 --> 848.68] In a time of silent confession [848.68 --> 862.88] Let us remember [862.88 --> 869.66] Let us ring the peace [869.66 --> 898.66] All the poor and powerless [898.66 --> 905.06] All the lost and lonely [905.06 --> 911.66] All the fears were found in us [911.66 --> 917.66] Know that you are holy [917.66 --> 923.66] Know that you are holy [923.66 --> 930.46] And all will sing out [930.46 --> 933.56] Alleluia [933.56 --> 937.32] And we will cry out [937.32 --> 940.66] Alleluia [940.66 --> 950.96] And all the hearts of our content [950.96 --> 957.46] And all the fears are hurting [957.46 --> 963.46] And all the fears are not regret [963.46 --> 969.46] Know that you are holy [969.46 --> 976.16] And all will sing out [976.16 --> 979.26] Alleluia [979.26 --> 982.26] And we will cry out [982.26 --> 986.26] Alleluia [986.26 --> 989.76] And we will sing out [989.76 --> 993.06] Alleluia [993.06 --> 996.56] And we will cry out [996.56 --> 1000.26] Alleluia [1000.26 --> 1012.06] And we will cry out [1012.06 --> 1016.44] Shout it. [1017.30 --> 1022.34] No one scream it from the mountains. [1022.34 --> 1035.34] No one tell it to the masses that He is alive. [1035.34 --> 1043.52] Shout it. [1043.52 --> 1048.78] Go on and scream it from the mountains. [1050.18 --> 1061.24] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. [1065.34 --> 1069.62] Shout it. [1069.62 --> 1075.02] Go on and scream it from the mountains. [1075.02 --> 1087.02] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. [1087.02 --> 1091.30] Go on and scream it from the mountains. [1091.30 --> 1098.40] We will sing out, hallelujah. [1098.40 --> 1105.00] We will cry out, hallelujah. [1105.00 --> 1111.42] We will sing out, hallelujah. [1111.42 --> 1117.70] We will sing out, hallelujah. [1117.70 --> 1120.70] We will sing out, hallelujah. [1120.70 --> 1127.70] Go on and scream it from the mountains. [1127.70 --> 1133.70] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. [1133.70 --> 1139.98] That He is alive. [1139.98 --> 1145.98] Shout it. [1145.98 --> 1151.98] Go on and scream it from the mountains. [1151.98 --> 1155.98] Go on and tell it to the masses that He is alive. [1155.98 --> 1168.00] To the masses that He is alive. [1168.00 --> 1174.26] And He is alive. [1174.26 --> 1203.50] I know a place, a wonderful place, [1203.50 --> 1212.22] We're accused and condemned by mercy and grace, [1212.80 --> 1220.96] The wrongs we have done and the wrongs done to us, [1220.96 --> 1230.96] We're ill, ill, there within, there on the cross. [1230.96 --> 1240.06] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1240.06 --> 1249.36] At the cross, He gave us life again. [1249.36 --> 1259.88] I know a place, a wonderful place, [1259.88 --> 1268.36] We're accused and condemned by mercy and grace, [1268.36 --> 1277.46] Where the wrongs we have done and the wrongs done to us, [1277.46 --> 1286.46] We're ill, ill, there within, there on the cross. [1286.46 --> 1295.56] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1295.56 --> 1303.46] At the cross, He gave us life again. [1303.46 --> 1312.56] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1312.56 --> 1322.46] At the cross, He gave us life again. [1322.46 --> 1333.94] I know a place, a wonderful place, [1333.94 --> 1343.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1343.04 --> 1348.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1348.04 --> 1353.04] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1353.04 --> 1354.64] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1354.64 --> 1358.74] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1358.74 --> 1363.14] At the cross, He died for our sins, [1363.14 --> 1370.24] Good morning, [1370.24 --> 1373.14] We have an opportunity to give up our gifts this morning, [1373.14 --> 1375.14] For the ministry of missions here, [1375.14 --> 1382.44] At Emmanuel, as well as for the refugee chaplain. [1382.44 --> 1412.42] Thank you. [1412.44 --> 1424.88] Let the presence of the risen Lord come in my heart and make me whole. [1426.52 --> 1432.44] Cause your word to come alive in me. [1433.14 --> 1438.70] Give me faith for what I cannot see. [1438.70 --> 1445.00] Give me passion for your purity. [1445.56 --> 1450.70] Holy Spirit, renew my peace. [1453.14 --> 1458.78] Holy Spirit, come alive with me. [1458.78 --> 1464.78] May your joy be seen in all I do. [1466.52 --> 1472.16] Love may not to cover every sin. [1472.56 --> 1476.78] In each pause and lead and act to. [1476.78 --> 1478.78] Amen. [1478.78 --> 1480.78] Amen. [1480.78 --> 1482.78] Amen. [1482.78 --> 1484.78] Amen. [1484.78 --> 1486.78] Amen. [1486.78 --> 1488.78] Amen. [1488.78 --> 1490.78] Amen. [1490.78 --> 1492.78] Amen. [1492.78 --> 1494.78] Amen. [1494.78 --> 1495.78] Amen. [1495.78 --> 1496.78] Amen. [1496.78 --> 1500.78] Amen. [1506.68 --> 1508.78] Amen. [1508.78 --> 1510.78] Amen. [1510.78 --> 1517.78] giving life to all that God has made. [1519.18 --> 1525.10] Show your power once again on earth, [1525.42 --> 1530.78] cause your church to hunger for your grace. [1532.64 --> 1537.78] Let the prayers of our prayers arise, [1537.78 --> 1543.78] He has gone the road of sacrifice, [1545.78 --> 1550.78] that in unity the face of Christ [1550.78 --> 1556.78] may be clear for all the world to see. [1567.78 --> 1572.78] I would love to invite all of the kids aged preschool and up to kindergarten [1572.78 --> 1575.78] and anybody else who feels like a kid or wants to be a kid right now, [1575.78 --> 1579.78] you can come forward and join me up here at the front. [1579.78 --> 1592.78] Good morning everyone, how are we doing today? [1592.78 --> 1594.78] Good? [1594.78 --> 1597.78] Are we enjoying the summer? [1597.78 --> 1599.78] What are we doing right now outside? [1599.78 --> 1602.78] Playing? Are you playing a lot? [1602.78 --> 1604.78] Who here has gone camping? [1604.78 --> 1605.78] Me! [1605.78 --> 1607.78] Who here has gone swimming? [1607.78 --> 1608.78] They're camping. [1608.78 --> 1609.78] You're camping right now? [1609.78 --> 1610.78] No. [1610.78 --> 1611.78] Tomorrow? [1611.78 --> 1612.78] Tomorrow? [1612.78 --> 1613.78] That is so exciting. [1613.78 --> 1614.78] We can't go right through. [1614.78 --> 1615.78] You did? [1615.78 --> 1616.78] I swear. [1616.78 --> 1617.78] Oh that's so fun. [1617.78 --> 1623.78] And also, and also there was a river. [1623.78 --> 1624.78] Oh, a river. [1624.78 --> 1625.78] Did you swim in the river? [1625.78 --> 1626.78] Yeah. [1626.78 --> 1627.78] Yeah. [1627.78 --> 1630.78] Just a few more seconds. [1630.78 --> 1631.78] Yeah? [1631.78 --> 1633.78] It was a big one. [1633.78 --> 1634.78] A big river. [1634.78 --> 1636.78] Well we're going to spend... [1636.78 --> 1637.78] Oh. [1637.78 --> 1638.78] Really? [1638.78 --> 1641.78] That is very exciting. [1641.78 --> 1643.78] Well we're going to do something else very exciting right now. [1643.78 --> 1644.78] Do you know what we're going to do? [1644.78 --> 1647.78] We're going to pray and then we're going to go to children's worship time. [1647.78 --> 1648.78] Does that sound fun? [1648.78 --> 1649.78] Yeah? [1649.78 --> 1651.78] Okay, so let's pray, let's fold our hands and close our eyes, [1651.78 --> 1654.78] and then we're going to do the Lord's blessing or the children's blessing. [1654.78 --> 1655.78] Okay? [1655.78 --> 1656.78] All right, let's pray. [1656.78 --> 1659.78] Dear God, thank you so much that we could come to church today [1659.78 --> 1662.78] and we pray for the kids now as they go to children's worship time [1662.78 --> 1664.78] and the grown-ups as we stay back here. [1664.78 --> 1666.78] May we all learn a little bit more about you today. [1666.78 --> 1668.78] We pray this in your name. [1668.78 --> 1669.78] Amen. [1669.78 --> 1672.78] Okay, before you run off, let's everybody stand up [1672.78 --> 1675.78] and then we're going to say the Lord be with you at the same time. [1675.78 --> 1676.78] Are you ready? [1676.78 --> 1677.78] Let's say it together. [1677.78 --> 1679.78] God the Lord. [1679.78 --> 1682.78] And also with you. [1682.78 --> 1685.78] Come with me, Naomi. [1707.78 --> 1715.00] Hi, my name is Courtney and it is my privilege to lead us all in the congregational prayer. [1715.38 --> 1716.36] Please bow your heads with me. [1718.06 --> 1722.36] Dear Heavenly Foddler, thank you for the opportunity for us to gather together this morning. [1722.90 --> 1725.58] We praise you for the healing that you have brought to Everly Varshtra. [1726.06 --> 1729.96] Thank you that everything came back clear from the surgery site and lymph node biopsy. [1730.96 --> 1739.68] Give Stephen and Karen strength and patience as they are waiting on the results from her MRI and her gene sequencing test to determine the next steps. [1740.28 --> 1742.40] Please bring continued healing in Everly's body. [1743.52 --> 1747.78] Be near to Emo and Benita Smid as Emo goes in for open heart surgery. [1748.44 --> 1750.78] Give him patience as his surgery has been postponed. [1751.70 --> 1753.70] Give them your peace and strength during this time. [1753.70 --> 1761.62] Be with Tanya, sister to Amanda Hogan-Wonning, who is currently in the hospital undergoing tests for spots seen on her lungs. [1762.22 --> 1765.14] Give her strength and comfort as she waits for the test results. [1767.12 --> 1773.02] We ask that you be with Nick Kolein and Kelsey Craddock as they plan to be married in Fort Langley this week. [1773.44 --> 1775.74] Grant them your blessing as they begin their new life together. [1776.84 --> 1780.30] Thank you for summer and for a time of relaxation and travel. [1780.80 --> 1782.04] Help us to feel refreshed. [1782.04 --> 1785.14] Give all those who are traveling your traveling mercies. [1785.78 --> 1789.92] We thank you for every blessing you have poured into our lives, seen and unseen. [1790.38 --> 1793.42] Your handiwork is evident in all aspects of our existence. [1794.26 --> 1799.86] We are grateful for the many ways you enrich our journey, often beyond what we recognize or request. [1800.82 --> 1803.64] We lift up those who are facing challenges within their families. [1804.24 --> 1809.42] Bring healing to strained relationships, understanding where there is conflict, and love where there is hurt. [1809.42 --> 1813.62] Guide each family member in navigating their difficulties with grace and empathy. [1815.08 --> 1817.52] Be with Kevin as he delivers us your word today. [1817.82 --> 1818.60] Bless the message. [1818.78 --> 1820.70] May it be your word spoken through him. [1821.18 --> 1823.08] Give us open hearts to receive the message. [1823.74 --> 1825.80] We pray this all in Jesus' most holy name. [1825.80 --> 1826.14] Amen. [1826.14 --> 1826.26] Amen. [1826.26 --> 1853.96] So, since September of 2018, I have had the opportunity and the privilege, [1853.96 --> 1861.48] and probably about 85% of the time, the joy of going to seminary to receive my Master's of Divinity. [1862.48 --> 1868.58] I'm about 28 and three quarters of the way through, and I've got three and a quarter left. [1869.28 --> 1873.10] And at first, I thought I was going there, and when I was done and getting my Master's of Divinity, [1873.18 --> 1874.08] I could become a wizard. [1874.34 --> 1878.72] But I found out a few years in that it's actually become a pastor, which is also pretty neat. [1878.72 --> 1886.64] Now, I tell you this because one of the coolest parts of seminary are the people that I get to take classes with. [1887.30 --> 1893.24] For example, I just finished a course on the Reformed creeds and confessions with 10 other students. [1893.36 --> 1894.42] There was 11 of us total. [1894.52 --> 1897.04] And in that class, the students were from all over the world. [1897.78 --> 1903.06] There was a student from China, from Korea, from Belize, from Uganda, even Michigan. [1903.06 --> 1908.52] In another class that I'm still just kind of wrapping up, it's a similar situation. [1908.60 --> 1911.86] There's only nine of us in that class, but again, there's students from all over the world. [1911.94 --> 1919.96] There's a student from the Philippines, from Korea, from Nigeria, from Uganda, and from White Horse Yukon. [1921.40 --> 1926.70] Now that school's sort of done online by most people, attending classes with people from all over the world [1926.70 --> 1929.40] has become kind of the norm, at least in my experience. [1929.40 --> 1935.30] And I've had the privilege to learn alongside these Christians who are gaining the same education that I am, [1935.46 --> 1939.46] but they're applying it to contexts and cultures that are so much different than mine. [1940.02 --> 1944.78] So in these churches found in Africa or Asia or South America, the challenges that they face [1944.78 --> 1950.08] are just different than the challenges I face in my church, and it's fascinating discussing that with them. [1950.72 --> 1955.06] A hot-button doctrines that we are finding here in Canada are not even debated overseas, [1955.66 --> 1957.98] but things that they are challenged with we don't even think about. [1957.98 --> 1963.64] I love hearing their stories, and they love hearing about what's happening here, [1963.68 --> 1965.68] and it's been very beneficial for me to take in. [1966.72 --> 1970.36] Well, today we're going to look at a couple of stories in the book of Acts [1970.36 --> 1976.00] that tie into this idea of sort of believers beyond borders, which sounds like a reality TV show. [1976.56 --> 1982.76] The hope is that we were going to come to realize just how the kingdom of God that Jesus illustrates [1982.76 --> 1986.20] in the Bible is one of unity in diversity. [1986.70 --> 1989.70] And so turn with me now, please, to Acts chapter 10. [1990.24 --> 1993.14] We're going to read verses 23 through 48. [1993.48 --> 1994.56] Please use your Bibles. [1994.62 --> 1997.04] If you've brought them along, you can grab a Bible in the back. [1997.12 --> 1997.96] There's plenty there. [1998.18 --> 2002.56] You can also open up your phone, use your apps, but please do have those Bibles in front of you [2002.56 --> 2006.02] because we're going to be kind of hopping around all over the New Testament today [2006.02 --> 2008.02] and around Acts specifically. [2009.28 --> 2012.74] We're going to go over the events leading up to verse 23 in our text, [2012.84 --> 2015.34] but just as a quick one-sentence summary of what's going on here, [2015.86 --> 2020.38] Peter has just had a vision of a bunch of animals that he's now allowed to eat, [2020.44 --> 2024.60] which confuses him, and now he's heading to Cornelius' house, [2024.68 --> 2028.92] who is a Roman centurion and a Gentile whom God has arranged for him to meet. [2029.72 --> 2033.62] All right, so Peter's on the way to meet this man when our text picks up today. [2033.62 --> 2034.96] So join me in reading Acts 10. [2035.16 --> 2038.42] We're going to start verse 23, and we're going to read through 48. [2038.58 --> 2041.70] We're actually starting halfway through 23, but if you read it, you'll see that there. [2043.30 --> 2044.40] There we read this. [2045.22 --> 2050.40] The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. [2051.22 --> 2053.62] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. [2054.24 --> 2058.04] Cornelius was expecting him and had called together his relatives and close friends. [2058.04 --> 2063.80] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [2064.16 --> 2065.30] But Peter made him get up. [2065.74 --> 2066.64] Stand up, he said. [2066.68 --> 2067.80] I'm only a man myself. [2068.84 --> 2072.72] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [2073.00 --> 2073.66] He said to them, [2073.66 --> 2081.08] You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. [2081.74 --> 2085.66] But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. [2085.84 --> 2089.22] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. [2090.14 --> 2093.02] May I ask why you sent for me? [2094.30 --> 2095.20] Cornelius answered, [2095.20 --> 2098.24] Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour. [2098.60 --> 2105.08] At three in the afternoon, suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, [2105.62 --> 2109.94] Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. [2110.54 --> 2112.84] Send to Joppa for Simon who was called Peter. [2113.18 --> 2116.66] He is a guest in the home of Simon the Tanner who lives by the sea. [2117.38 --> 2119.88] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. [2119.88 --> 2125.48] Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us. [2126.64 --> 2128.76] Then Peter began to speak. [2129.92 --> 2134.90] I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, [2135.20 --> 2138.66] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. [2138.92 --> 2141.60] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, [2141.92 --> 2145.70] announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. [2145.70 --> 2148.78] You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, [2149.16 --> 2152.18] beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, [2153.08 --> 2156.56] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, [2156.96 --> 2161.84] and how he went along doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil [2161.84 --> 2163.88] because God was with him. [2164.94 --> 2169.06] We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. [2169.26 --> 2171.20] They killed him by hanging him on a cross, [2171.20 --> 2175.32] but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. [2175.70 --> 2180.92] He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen, [2181.30 --> 2184.18] by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [2184.88 --> 2190.70] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed [2190.70 --> 2192.02] as judge of the living and the dead. [2192.42 --> 2194.36] All the prophets testify about him, [2194.60 --> 2198.88] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. [2198.88 --> 2201.36] While Peter was still speaking these words, [2201.48 --> 2203.82] the Holy Spirit came down on all who heard the message. [2204.16 --> 2207.78] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished [2207.78 --> 2214.70] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles, [2215.58 --> 2219.76] for they had heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. [2219.76 --> 2222.04] Then Peter said, [2222.04 --> 2227.92] Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. [2228.34 --> 2231.68] They have received the Holy Spirit just like we have. [2232.42 --> 2235.38] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. [2235.96 --> 2238.56] Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. [2239.04 --> 2240.12] The word of the Lord. [2240.12 --> 2245.40] Now, kids here today, as always, [2245.88 --> 2250.66] if you want to draw a picture of something that has to do with what I'm saying up here, [2250.70 --> 2252.54] that has to do with the sermon, please go for it [2252.54 --> 2256.10] and hand it in to myself or Pastor Chris afterwards [2256.10 --> 2258.44] because he is starting a bit of a collection. [2259.04 --> 2260.06] And I haven't told him this yet, [2260.10 --> 2261.88] but I'm going to encourage him at the end of the summer [2261.88 --> 2265.94] to make some sort of a presentation or a video of all the pictures he receives. [2266.12 --> 2268.48] But he needs to get quite a few for that to be any good. [2268.48 --> 2271.98] So please write those up and you can give them to me if you can. [2272.04 --> 2277.24] As a hint, today's sermon is going to be about how Christians all over the world [2277.24 --> 2280.04] worship God together [2280.04 --> 2283.00] and how we are all united because of Jesus. [2283.42 --> 2283.60] All right? [2283.64 --> 2285.50] So please keep listening, but that's a gist. [2286.20 --> 2288.82] For you non-kids out there who stopped listening for a paragraph, [2289.30 --> 2292.06] in other words, the big idea is this, [2293.12 --> 2296.66] that God's love breaks down dividing barriers, [2296.66 --> 2299.96] creating a new unity as God's people. [2300.28 --> 2303.34] That God's love breaks down dividing barriers, [2303.72 --> 2306.66] creating a new unity, there's a tongue twister, [2306.96 --> 2308.72] as God's people. [2309.50 --> 2309.72] All right? [2309.76 --> 2310.86] So let's dig into this text. [2311.22 --> 2313.04] Now, the events leading up to this passage, [2313.14 --> 2314.32] like I summed up in one sentence, [2314.38 --> 2315.26] they're very fascinating. [2315.80 --> 2316.06] All right? [2316.06 --> 2319.46] The first 22 and a half verses of Acts 10 [2319.46 --> 2321.06] tell us that Cornelius, [2321.48 --> 2323.06] this Gentile Roman centurion, [2323.74 --> 2325.10] he's not a Jew, that's important, [2325.54 --> 2326.30] he's praying. [2326.80 --> 2329.40] When he gets a vision of an angel [2329.40 --> 2331.58] who tells him that his prayers have been heard by God, [2332.86 --> 2334.26] and that angel tells Cornelius [2334.26 --> 2335.92] to send for Simon Peter, [2336.02 --> 2336.76] who is in Joppa, [2337.16 --> 2338.08] to come to him. [2338.74 --> 2340.32] Meanwhile, while that's happening, [2340.44 --> 2341.12] in Joppa, [2341.54 --> 2343.24] Peter goes up on the roof to pray, [2343.24 --> 2346.32] and he falls into a bit of a trance himself, [2346.48 --> 2347.74] and he sees a vision as well. [2347.96 --> 2351.22] He sees this large sheet come down from heaven, [2351.54 --> 2353.88] and it's filled with a bunch of different animals, [2354.00 --> 2356.18] a bunch of reptiles and a bunch of birds, [2356.28 --> 2358.06] and this voice from heaven says to Peter, [2358.78 --> 2359.64] kill and eat. [2361.10 --> 2361.96] But Peter refuses. [2363.10 --> 2364.80] He says the animals are unclean [2364.80 --> 2366.02] according to the Jewish law, [2366.02 --> 2367.98] but the voice then responds and says, [2368.54 --> 2370.86] do not call anything impure [2370.86 --> 2372.66] that God has made clean. [2374.24 --> 2375.18] Now, admittedly, [2375.24 --> 2376.38] if you read that part of the text, [2376.50 --> 2377.96] Peter's downright confused. [2378.78 --> 2380.84] But immediately after the vision, [2380.96 --> 2382.28] he's informed by the Holy Spirit [2382.28 --> 2383.50] that there are three men [2383.50 --> 2385.30] that are seeking him at his door. [2385.90 --> 2387.30] And these three men are the men [2387.30 --> 2388.46] that Cornelius has sent. [2388.54 --> 2389.28] And so they arrive, [2389.36 --> 2391.42] and Peter goes to accompany them [2391.42 --> 2393.18] to Cornelius' house. [2393.72 --> 2396.20] We then read our passage that we read today [2396.20 --> 2397.76] about how Peter, [2397.88 --> 2398.68] through the work of the Spirit, [2398.84 --> 2400.22] realizes that Gentiles [2400.22 --> 2402.70] are a part of God's kingdom as well. [2403.24 --> 2404.58] There's some very cool, [2404.96 --> 2406.82] but a little bit of strange things happening here. [2406.90 --> 2408.10] So what's with the animal vision? [2408.34 --> 2409.72] Why is it centered on food? [2409.90 --> 2411.78] And why is Peter so initially confused [2411.78 --> 2412.90] about what's going on here? [2413.94 --> 2415.58] Well, it's important for us to remember [2415.58 --> 2417.60] that God's people were commanded [2417.60 --> 2418.62] in the Old Testament [2418.62 --> 2421.24] not to eat any of the animals [2421.24 --> 2422.46] that Peter saw in that vision. [2423.10 --> 2425.04] And it's not just like kind of mentioned. [2425.28 --> 2427.24] If you read all of Leviticus 11, [2427.40 --> 2428.44] it's a long chapter, [2428.64 --> 2430.06] the whole chapter is about that. [2430.06 --> 2431.78] And if you read Deuteronomy 14, [2432.10 --> 2433.48] three-quarters of that chapter [2433.48 --> 2434.28] are about this as well. [2434.50 --> 2435.66] There's 68 verses [2435.66 --> 2437.14] in those two chapters alone [2437.14 --> 2438.94] explaining that God's people [2438.94 --> 2440.58] aren't allowed to eat things like camels [2440.58 --> 2441.72] or rock badgers [2441.72 --> 2442.54] or shellfish [2442.54 --> 2443.32] or rats [2443.32 --> 2444.14] or weasels [2444.14 --> 2444.74] or geckos [2444.74 --> 2445.26] or vultures [2445.26 --> 2445.74] or rabbits [2445.74 --> 2446.48] or chameleons [2446.48 --> 2448.02] or any kind of owl [2448.02 --> 2448.80] that you can think of. [2448.84 --> 2449.88] There's a bunch listed there. [2450.10 --> 2451.32] And even pigs, [2451.56 --> 2452.60] along with a ton of others. [2453.72 --> 2454.82] The point is, [2455.36 --> 2456.08] the Old Testament [2456.08 --> 2457.16] it's very clear [2457.16 --> 2458.58] that they were not allowed [2458.58 --> 2459.42] to eat those animals. [2462.36 --> 2464.14] Now these laws were given [2464.14 --> 2465.96] to define God's people. [2467.26 --> 2467.46] All right? [2467.50 --> 2468.18] In the Old Testament [2468.18 --> 2469.12] these laws were given [2469.12 --> 2470.84] to set God's people apart [2470.84 --> 2471.96] from the surrounding nations. [2472.32 --> 2473.22] God had called them [2473.22 --> 2474.08] to be different [2474.08 --> 2475.28] from the surrounding nations. [2475.80 --> 2477.10] Defined differently. [2477.50 --> 2478.74] They were not to worship idols. [2479.26 --> 2480.38] They were not to sacrifice [2480.38 --> 2481.20] their children [2481.20 --> 2482.70] to the false gods around them. [2482.96 --> 2483.78] They were not to work [2483.78 --> 2484.36] on the Sabbath [2484.36 --> 2485.60] and they were not to eat [2485.60 --> 2486.72] these kinds of animals. [2488.24 --> 2489.80] Peter was Jewish [2489.80 --> 2491.54] and these laws [2491.54 --> 2493.08] were a part of who he was. [2493.88 --> 2494.86] It helped him. [2495.00 --> 2496.14] It helped form his identity. [2496.32 --> 2497.00] It rooted him [2497.00 --> 2497.92] in his heritage. [2498.46 --> 2500.12] He was proud to be Jewish. [2500.86 --> 2501.56] He was proud [2501.56 --> 2502.82] to uphold these laws [2502.82 --> 2504.26] that were laid out from him [2504.26 --> 2506.60] generations upon generations ago. [2508.10 --> 2509.46] So having a vision [2509.46 --> 2511.02] telling him to kill [2511.02 --> 2512.26] and eat those animals [2512.26 --> 2513.40] would have graded [2513.40 --> 2514.42] against the very core [2514.42 --> 2515.20] of who he was. [2517.38 --> 2518.40] It would have graded [2518.40 --> 2519.22] against his heritage. [2519.44 --> 2520.20] It would have graded [2520.20 --> 2521.46] against his traditions, [2521.60 --> 2522.10] his values. [2522.20 --> 2522.68] This would have been [2522.68 --> 2524.22] a very difficult thing [2524.22 --> 2525.86] for Peter to wrap his head around. [2528.94 --> 2530.10] But the problem was [2530.10 --> 2531.10] while these laws [2531.66 --> 2532.48] were implemented [2532.48 --> 2534.06] in Old Testament Israel [2534.06 --> 2535.72] to define God's people, [2536.62 --> 2537.50] what was happening [2537.50 --> 2538.78] was these same laws [2538.78 --> 2539.26] were starting [2539.26 --> 2540.58] to divide God's people. [2540.58 --> 2543.60] The defining things [2543.60 --> 2544.04] were turning [2544.04 --> 2545.40] into dividing things. [2546.64 --> 2547.72] Those laws [2547.72 --> 2548.88] were implemented [2548.88 --> 2550.16] to keep God's people [2550.16 --> 2550.60] humble [2550.60 --> 2552.08] and focused on him [2552.08 --> 2553.00] and separate [2553.00 --> 2555.90] from the nations [2555.90 --> 2556.70] around him. [2556.76 --> 2558.14] But there was a humility [2558.14 --> 2559.72] intended by those laws [2559.72 --> 2560.92] that God set [2560.92 --> 2561.76] those people apart. [2562.76 --> 2564.38] But as history unfolded, [2564.54 --> 2566.12] what was meant [2566.12 --> 2567.06] to help people [2567.06 --> 2568.10] humbly follow [2568.10 --> 2570.00] turned into something [2570.00 --> 2570.56] that people [2570.56 --> 2571.94] pridefully flaunted. [2573.28 --> 2574.18] And so humility [2574.18 --> 2575.62] intended to set [2575.62 --> 2576.64] God's people apart [2576.64 --> 2578.24] turned into a pride [2578.24 --> 2579.48] which set [2579.48 --> 2580.52] God's people [2580.52 --> 2581.16] against. [2583.24 --> 2584.34] Now Jesus saw [2584.34 --> 2584.88] this happening [2584.88 --> 2585.26] as well [2585.26 --> 2585.96] in his ministry. [2586.10 --> 2586.90] In Matthew 15, [2587.28 --> 2588.62] if you turn to that now, [2588.70 --> 2589.20] the Pharisees [2589.20 --> 2590.04] accuse him [2590.04 --> 2590.62] and the disciples [2590.62 --> 2591.96] of not following [2591.96 --> 2592.86] the Mosaic law. [2593.26 --> 2593.88] And he responds [2593.88 --> 2595.12] in Matthew 15 [2595.12 --> 2595.92] verses 10 and 11 [2595.92 --> 2596.42] by saying, [2596.84 --> 2597.78] listen and understand. [2598.82 --> 2599.68] What goes into [2599.68 --> 2600.40] someone's mouth [2600.40 --> 2601.82] does not defile him, [2602.06 --> 2603.26] but what comes out [2603.26 --> 2604.02] of their mouth, [2604.28 --> 2605.58] that is what [2605.58 --> 2606.38] defiles them. [2607.74 --> 2608.42] See, the shift [2608.42 --> 2609.36] was happening already [2609.36 --> 2610.06] with Jesus [2610.06 --> 2611.58] and now it's trickled [2611.58 --> 2612.26] down to Peter. [2613.58 --> 2614.34] Now this matters [2614.34 --> 2615.14] because this whole [2615.14 --> 2616.32] conversation is centered [2616.32 --> 2616.82] on food, [2617.10 --> 2617.76] but what our text [2617.76 --> 2619.00] today is actually about [2619.00 --> 2620.50] is the kingdom of God. [2621.08 --> 2622.62] Who is allowed [2622.62 --> 2623.68] to sit at the table? [2624.52 --> 2625.46] Who can be a part [2625.46 --> 2626.26] of God's people? [2626.26 --> 2629.86] What once was defined [2629.86 --> 2630.70] by borders [2630.70 --> 2631.50] was now, [2631.68 --> 2632.16] through Christ, [2632.52 --> 2633.88] defined by belief. [2635.06 --> 2636.68] The new defining thing [2636.68 --> 2638.54] was not the culinary rules [2638.54 --> 2639.38] that were set out for you, [2639.42 --> 2640.54] but the understanding [2640.54 --> 2641.26] that you are [2641.26 --> 2642.36] in desperate need [2642.36 --> 2643.42] of the death [2643.42 --> 2644.42] or the life [2644.42 --> 2644.90] and the death [2644.90 --> 2645.52] and the resurrection [2645.52 --> 2646.48] of Jesus Christ. [2646.48 --> 2650.66] to the story again. [2650.74 --> 2651.24] Peter, though, [2651.32 --> 2652.40] after a lot of confusion, [2652.52 --> 2653.34] to his credit, [2654.28 --> 2655.32] he goes along [2655.32 --> 2656.06] with the Holy Spirit. [2656.18 --> 2656.76] He follows [2656.76 --> 2658.50] what he is being led to [2658.50 --> 2659.08] and he is able [2659.08 --> 2660.22] to realize this [2660.22 --> 2661.04] in our text today [2661.04 --> 2661.52] when he says [2661.52 --> 2662.92] in verses 34 and 35, [2663.04 --> 2663.54] he says this, [2663.88 --> 2664.14] he says, [2664.22 --> 2665.52] I now realize [2665.52 --> 2666.84] how true it is [2666.84 --> 2668.08] that God does not [2668.08 --> 2668.98] show favoritism, [2669.66 --> 2670.42] but accepts [2670.42 --> 2671.38] from every nation [2671.38 --> 2672.60] the one who fears him [2672.60 --> 2673.42] and does what is right. [2673.42 --> 2675.54] And he follows that up [2675.54 --> 2676.26] a little bit later [2676.26 --> 2677.24] in verse 43 [2677.24 --> 2678.00] with the words, [2678.58 --> 2679.12] everyone, [2680.14 --> 2680.72] everyone [2680.72 --> 2682.66] who believes in him [2682.66 --> 2683.40] receives forgiveness [2683.40 --> 2684.70] of sins [2684.70 --> 2685.72] through his name. [2687.64 --> 2689.38] A Gentile like Cornelius [2689.38 --> 2690.18] was now welcome [2690.18 --> 2691.10] into the fold. [2691.68 --> 2693.06] God's covenant children [2693.06 --> 2693.82] now expanded [2693.82 --> 2695.56] beyond the Jewish people, [2695.68 --> 2696.86] beyond traditions, [2697.28 --> 2698.58] defining markers [2698.58 --> 2700.92] were redrawn [2700.92 --> 2701.78] and all nations [2701.78 --> 2702.60] were being welcomed [2702.60 --> 2703.74] into the mix. [2704.04 --> 2704.98] This is one [2704.98 --> 2706.34] of the primary stories [2706.34 --> 2707.28] of the kingdom of God [2707.28 --> 2708.28] expanding beyond [2708.28 --> 2709.92] the people of Israel. [2710.82 --> 2711.52] But the story [2711.52 --> 2712.20] in Acts 10 [2712.20 --> 2713.92] is just a microcosm [2713.92 --> 2714.64] of what's to come. [2715.92 --> 2716.94] Five chapters later [2716.94 --> 2717.84] in Exodus 15, [2718.08 --> 2718.72] we hear another [2718.72 --> 2719.60] beautiful story [2719.60 --> 2720.70] of the unity found [2720.70 --> 2721.70] in the diversity [2721.70 --> 2722.72] of the body of Christ. [2723.04 --> 2723.58] I encourage you [2723.58 --> 2724.44] to read it this week. [2724.52 --> 2725.10] Acts 15, [2725.20 --> 2725.96] read the whole chapter. [2726.28 --> 2727.30] I'll summarize it for now. [2727.66 --> 2728.38] In Acts 15, [2728.48 --> 2729.12] the early church, [2729.22 --> 2729.86] they were once again [2729.86 --> 2730.44] debating [2730.44 --> 2732.28] whether Gentiles [2732.28 --> 2733.22] needed to follow [2733.22 --> 2734.24] Jewish customs [2734.24 --> 2735.92] in order to be included [2735.92 --> 2736.78] with God's people. [2737.16 --> 2737.86] Except this time [2737.86 --> 2739.52] the debate wasn't on food, [2739.84 --> 2740.90] it was on circumcision. [2741.70 --> 2742.58] Some argued [2742.58 --> 2743.62] that Gentiles [2743.62 --> 2744.88] must be circumcised [2744.88 --> 2745.58] to be saved, [2745.90 --> 2746.40] which caused [2746.40 --> 2747.36] a little bit of a stir [2747.36 --> 2748.60] for the Gentile men. [2748.88 --> 2750.46] I think we can all understand [2750.46 --> 2751.36] why that would be true. [2752.72 --> 2753.84] Well, Paul and Barnabas, [2754.00 --> 2755.52] they were sent to Jerusalem [2755.52 --> 2756.18] to consult [2756.18 --> 2756.92] with the apostles [2756.92 --> 2757.64] and the elders. [2757.78 --> 2759.42] People like James [2759.42 --> 2760.02] and Peter [2760.02 --> 2761.14] were there as well. [2761.94 --> 2762.40] And so you've got [2762.40 --> 2763.50] James and Peter [2763.50 --> 2765.30] and Paul and Barnabas [2765.30 --> 2766.54] to be a fly on the wall [2766.54 --> 2767.08] of that room [2767.08 --> 2768.06] would have been fascinating. [2768.96 --> 2769.22] There, [2769.30 --> 2770.70] after a bunch of discussion [2770.70 --> 2771.60] in verse 15, [2772.04 --> 2772.72] Peter speaks, [2773.00 --> 2774.14] no doubt remembering [2774.14 --> 2775.06] what had just happened [2775.06 --> 2776.38] with him at Cornelius' house [2776.38 --> 2778.24] five chapters earlier, [2778.44 --> 2779.60] and he emphasizes [2779.60 --> 2780.82] that God shows [2780.82 --> 2781.52] no distinction [2781.52 --> 2782.76] between Jews and Gentiles. [2782.98 --> 2784.16] He gives the Holy Spirit [2784.16 --> 2784.64] to both. [2784.64 --> 2786.50] He argued that salvation [2786.50 --> 2787.42] is through the grace [2787.42 --> 2788.78] of the Lord Jesus Christ [2788.78 --> 2790.10] and not through the law. [2791.28 --> 2792.34] James supported this [2792.34 --> 2793.04] as well from Peter, [2793.12 --> 2793.82] and he actually quotes [2793.82 --> 2795.24] Amos 9 by saying, [2795.64 --> 2796.54] the rest of mankind [2796.54 --> 2797.70] may seek the Lord, [2798.12 --> 2799.86] even all the Gentiles [2799.86 --> 2801.48] who bear God's name. [2802.74 --> 2804.04] So this council then, [2804.14 --> 2805.04] after debating this [2805.04 --> 2805.50] for a while, [2805.80 --> 2806.50] decides that, [2806.58 --> 2806.66] yeah, [2806.74 --> 2807.80] the Gentiles don't need [2807.80 --> 2808.74] to be circumcised, [2809.20 --> 2810.88] but there are some things [2810.88 --> 2811.56] they do need to do. [2811.62 --> 2812.48] They need to abstain [2812.48 --> 2814.06] from sexual immorality, [2814.06 --> 2815.32] and other forms [2815.32 --> 2816.18] of idolatry. [2816.76 --> 2817.24] In other words, [2817.32 --> 2818.76] the things that defined them [2818.76 --> 2819.36] were changing, [2820.16 --> 2821.14] but there was still [2821.14 --> 2821.98] this bar of holiness [2821.98 --> 2822.62] that we were called [2822.62 --> 2824.46] to live and strive towards. [2825.54 --> 2826.56] Now, this decision [2826.56 --> 2827.82] was met with a ton [2827.82 --> 2828.40] of encouragement [2828.40 --> 2829.88] and joy by the early church, [2830.00 --> 2830.66] and it marked [2830.66 --> 2831.90] another pivotal moment [2831.90 --> 2832.90] in the early church, [2833.30 --> 2834.54] affirming that Gentiles [2834.54 --> 2835.78] were now fully part [2835.78 --> 2836.84] of the Christian community [2836.84 --> 2837.76] without needing [2837.76 --> 2838.46] to adopt all [2838.46 --> 2839.50] of the Jewish customs [2839.50 --> 2840.86] like circumcision [2840.86 --> 2842.12] or not eating bacon. [2845.04 --> 2846.68] So there's two stories, [2847.22 --> 2849.06] five chapters apart [2849.06 --> 2849.68] in Acts, [2850.04 --> 2851.22] about how being a part [2851.22 --> 2852.02] of God's kingdom [2852.02 --> 2853.16] is not about [2853.16 --> 2854.90] the full sort of burden [2854.90 --> 2856.32] of the Mosaic law, [2856.76 --> 2857.92] but about abstaining [2857.92 --> 2858.78] from idolatry [2858.78 --> 2860.60] and worshiping God alone. [2860.70 --> 2861.44] No matter what [2861.44 --> 2862.80] your nationality, [2862.92 --> 2863.50] if you want to use [2863.50 --> 2863.94] that word, [2865.28 --> 2866.46] unity was now centered [2866.46 --> 2867.24] on one truth, [2868.02 --> 2868.70] that Jesus, [2869.24 --> 2869.80] the Redeemer, [2869.94 --> 2871.70] Savior for all, [2873.36 --> 2874.10] needs to be a part [2874.10 --> 2874.68] of our lives [2874.68 --> 2876.24] and that God alone [2876.24 --> 2877.34] is to be worshiped. [2879.20 --> 2880.64] So in light of all of that, [2880.88 --> 2882.32] in light of those two stories, [2883.00 --> 2884.32] I'd like to suggest [2884.32 --> 2885.06] three things [2885.06 --> 2886.12] that we can take from this. [2886.90 --> 2887.84] The first is this, [2888.16 --> 2890.06] that unity is rooted [2890.06 --> 2891.62] in Jesus Christ. [2892.52 --> 2892.68] All right, [2892.72 --> 2894.00] the early church debated [2894.00 --> 2895.86] what the unifying measures [2895.86 --> 2896.74] of church were [2896.74 --> 2897.90] and when they focused [2897.90 --> 2899.84] on laws or customs, [2899.94 --> 2901.10] such as what food [2901.10 --> 2901.98] people had to eat [2901.98 --> 2903.38] or how much of their manhood [2903.38 --> 2904.38] needed to be lopped off, [2904.44 --> 2905.72] there started to become arguments. [2907.34 --> 2908.52] Now, it's not the rules, [2908.72 --> 2909.18] regulations, [2909.32 --> 2909.98] or traditions [2909.98 --> 2911.10] that we keep [2911.10 --> 2911.84] that unite us [2911.84 --> 2912.62] as God's people, [2912.80 --> 2913.40] but the fact [2913.40 --> 2914.30] that we are united [2914.30 --> 2916.30] in Christ that does. [2917.40 --> 2918.28] Now, please hear this. [2918.34 --> 2919.32] In the words [2919.32 --> 2920.86] of a wise pastor [2920.86 --> 2922.16] that I know pretty well, [2922.16 --> 2924.68] don't hear [2924.68 --> 2926.08] what I'm not saying. [2927.70 --> 2929.36] I am not saying [2929.36 --> 2930.86] that all the rules [2930.86 --> 2931.92] are now abolished [2931.92 --> 2932.94] and that there are [2932.94 --> 2933.74] no laws [2933.74 --> 2934.66] that we must follow. [2935.16 --> 2936.14] The story we read [2936.14 --> 2936.84] in Acts 15 [2936.84 --> 2937.64] spells this out [2937.64 --> 2938.40] very clearly, [2938.76 --> 2939.70] that all believers, [2939.82 --> 2940.48] no matter if they were [2940.48 --> 2941.42] Jew or Gentile, [2941.68 --> 2942.38] they're still called [2942.38 --> 2943.80] to abstain from idolatry. [2944.02 --> 2944.72] They're still called [2944.72 --> 2945.46] to abstain from [2945.46 --> 2946.38] sexual immorality. [2946.68 --> 2947.26] It's not that there's [2947.26 --> 2948.62] no bar of holiness anymore. [2948.62 --> 2950.62] It's just that [2950.62 --> 2952.22] the customs that once [2952.22 --> 2953.66] defined God's people [2953.66 --> 2955.52] are no longer [2955.52 --> 2956.70] defining God's people. [2957.80 --> 2959.00] Instead, it's Jesus [2959.00 --> 2960.68] who defines God's people. [2961.02 --> 2961.78] Unity comes [2961.78 --> 2963.20] when we as God's people [2963.20 --> 2964.46] are grafted [2964.46 --> 2964.98] and planted [2964.98 --> 2965.52] and rooted [2965.52 --> 2966.72] in the gospel truth [2966.72 --> 2967.52] of Jesus Christ. [2969.30 --> 2970.28] There's a quote [2970.28 --> 2974.08] from an early church father [2974.08 --> 2975.48] named Siberian. [2976.24 --> 2977.02] He was born [2977.02 --> 2978.50] and he lived in North Africa [2978.50 --> 2979.10] in the beginning [2979.10 --> 2979.98] of the third century. [2980.10 --> 2980.66] So this is like, [2980.72 --> 2981.70] this is a pretty old quote. [2982.24 --> 2983.36] And this quote [2983.36 --> 2984.58] paints just this [2984.58 --> 2985.54] beautiful picture [2985.54 --> 2987.78] of what being believers [2987.78 --> 2989.34] across the globe, [2989.50 --> 2990.48] united everywhere means. [2991.42 --> 2992.72] It's not the practices [2992.72 --> 2993.56] that we perform [2993.56 --> 2994.24] or the heritage [2994.24 --> 2994.96] that we have, [2995.02 --> 2996.14] but it's the Savior [2996.14 --> 2997.24] that we are all rooted in. [2997.58 --> 2998.74] The quote's a little bit long, [2999.00 --> 2999.66] but it's too good [2999.66 --> 3000.44] not to read the whole thing. [3000.60 --> 3001.84] So it'll be on the screen [3001.84 --> 3002.28] behind me. [3002.58 --> 3003.50] Siberian says this, [3004.08 --> 3005.72] the church also is one [3005.72 --> 3007.46] which is spread abroad [3007.46 --> 3008.70] far and wide [3008.70 --> 3009.72] into a multitude [3009.72 --> 3011.10] by an increase [3011.10 --> 3011.80] of fruitfulness. [3012.52 --> 3013.76] As there are many rays [3013.76 --> 3014.30] of the sun [3014.30 --> 3014.98] but one light [3014.98 --> 3016.16] and many branches [3016.16 --> 3016.72] of a tree [3016.72 --> 3017.64] but one strength [3017.64 --> 3019.56] based in its tenacious root. [3020.14 --> 3021.58] And since from one spring [3021.58 --> 3023.06] flow many streams, [3023.60 --> 3024.62] although the multiplicity [3024.62 --> 3025.42] seems diffused [3025.42 --> 3026.22] in the liberality [3026.22 --> 3027.80] of an overflowing abundance, [3028.94 --> 3029.66] yet the unity [3029.66 --> 3031.00] is still preserved [3031.00 --> 3031.84] in the source. [3033.32 --> 3034.08] Separate a ray [3034.08 --> 3034.70] from the sun [3034.70 --> 3035.76] and its body of light, [3036.04 --> 3036.52] its unity [3036.52 --> 3037.32] does not allow [3037.32 --> 3038.24] a division of light. [3038.46 --> 3039.20] Break a branch [3039.20 --> 3039.76] from a tree [3039.76 --> 3040.36] when broken, [3040.72 --> 3041.52] it will not be able [3041.52 --> 3041.94] to bud. [3042.54 --> 3043.50] Cut off the stream [3043.50 --> 3044.30] from its fountain [3044.30 --> 3045.72] and that which is cut off [3045.72 --> 3046.24] dries up. [3047.36 --> 3048.86] Thus is also the church, [3049.60 --> 3050.42] shone over [3050.42 --> 3051.04] with the light [3051.04 --> 3051.56] of the Lord, [3051.98 --> 3053.18] sheds forth her rays [3053.18 --> 3054.20] over the whole world, [3055.12 --> 3056.84] yet is one light [3056.84 --> 3058.50] which is everywhere diffused. [3059.22 --> 3060.12] Nor is the unity [3060.12 --> 3060.90] of the body [3060.90 --> 3061.68] separated. [3061.68 --> 3063.96] Her fruitful abundance [3063.96 --> 3065.36] spreads her branches [3065.36 --> 3066.24] over the whole world. [3066.38 --> 3068.04] She broadly expands [3068.04 --> 3068.56] her rivers, [3068.98 --> 3070.00] liberally flowing, [3070.60 --> 3071.46] yet her head is one, [3071.98 --> 3073.62] her source is one, [3073.74 --> 3074.78] and she is one mother [3074.78 --> 3076.22] plentiful in the results [3076.22 --> 3076.88] of fruitfulness. [3077.44 --> 3078.12] From her womb [3078.12 --> 3078.78] we are born, [3078.90 --> 3079.50] by her milk [3079.50 --> 3080.14] we are nourished, [3080.30 --> 3081.08] by her spirit [3081.08 --> 3082.08] we are animated. [3085.04 --> 3085.84] As believers, [3086.00 --> 3087.06] we cannot be separated [3087.06 --> 3087.82] from Jesus, [3088.02 --> 3088.90] the source of life. [3088.96 --> 3089.70] It is Jesus [3089.70 --> 3091.36] who unites us. [3091.36 --> 3092.56] It is the reality [3092.56 --> 3093.48] that Jesus lived [3093.48 --> 3094.54] a perfect life [3094.54 --> 3095.24] that you and I [3095.24 --> 3096.54] have failed to live [3096.54 --> 3097.42] and the reality [3097.42 --> 3098.90] that he died a death [3098.90 --> 3099.90] that you and I [3099.90 --> 3101.34] deserve to die, [3101.92 --> 3102.74] taking the weight [3102.74 --> 3103.78] of sin and misery [3103.78 --> 3104.46] on his shoulders [3104.46 --> 3105.22] to the grave. [3106.52 --> 3107.00] But it's also [3107.00 --> 3107.64] the understanding [3107.64 --> 3108.44] that after three days [3108.44 --> 3109.38] Jesus rose again [3109.38 --> 3110.34] from the dead [3110.34 --> 3111.64] and after he was witnessed [3111.64 --> 3113.08] by about 500 people [3113.08 --> 3113.60] or more, [3113.66 --> 3114.52] he ascended to heaven [3114.52 --> 3115.20] and is now seated [3115.20 --> 3116.34] at the right hand [3116.34 --> 3117.62] of God the Father [3117.62 --> 3118.22] Almighty, [3118.46 --> 3119.88] interceding on our behalf. [3119.88 --> 3121.74] Now, [3122.26 --> 3123.26] his people [3123.26 --> 3124.80] are defined [3124.80 --> 3125.64] differently. [3126.52 --> 3127.26] There is neither [3127.26 --> 3128.84] Jew nor Greek, [3129.22 --> 3129.64] there is neither [3129.64 --> 3130.70] slave nor free, [3130.82 --> 3131.24] there is neither [3131.24 --> 3132.26] male nor female, [3132.42 --> 3133.22] for all [3133.22 --> 3134.24] of us [3134.24 --> 3135.14] are united [3135.14 --> 3135.92] as one [3135.92 --> 3136.94] in Christ [3136.94 --> 3137.70] Jesus. [3141.26 --> 3142.24] Our source [3142.24 --> 3142.72] is Jesus. [3143.82 --> 3144.20] Unity [3144.20 --> 3144.72] is found [3144.72 --> 3145.16] in him. [3145.16 --> 3146.78] That is why [3146.78 --> 3147.16] when Jesus [3147.16 --> 3147.76] comes again [3147.76 --> 3148.10] we're given [3148.10 --> 3149.18] this picture [3149.18 --> 3149.92] of eternity [3149.92 --> 3150.58] that we read [3150.58 --> 3151.56] in Revelation 7 [3151.56 --> 3152.82] where it says, [3153.08 --> 3153.62] after I looked, [3153.68 --> 3154.68] this is John's vision [3154.68 --> 3155.70] but it's for all of us, [3155.94 --> 3157.40] after this I looked [3157.40 --> 3158.78] and there before me [3158.78 --> 3159.70] was a great multitude [3159.70 --> 3160.98] that no one could count [3160.98 --> 3163.10] from every nation, [3163.84 --> 3164.42] tribe, [3164.84 --> 3165.26] people, [3165.50 --> 3166.34] and language [3166.34 --> 3168.10] standing before the throne [3168.10 --> 3169.18] and before the Lamb. [3169.84 --> 3170.48] They were wearing [3170.48 --> 3171.18] white robes [3171.18 --> 3171.64] and were holding [3171.64 --> 3172.40] palm branches [3172.40 --> 3172.92] in their hand [3172.92 --> 3173.60] and they cried out [3173.60 --> 3174.36] in a loud voice, [3174.76 --> 3176.42] salvation belongs [3176.42 --> 3177.52] to our God [3177.52 --> 3179.02] who sits on the throne [3179.02 --> 3180.48] and to the Lamb. [3181.68 --> 3181.94] See, [3182.34 --> 3183.34] much like this vision [3183.34 --> 3184.14] that Peter had [3184.14 --> 3184.76] with the sheep [3184.76 --> 3185.60] and the animals [3185.60 --> 3186.64] in Acts 10, [3186.96 --> 3187.96] Revelation 7 [3187.96 --> 3189.02] is our vision. [3190.58 --> 3191.62] That's the vision [3191.62 --> 3192.20] for us. [3192.98 --> 3193.92] This positive [3193.92 --> 3195.04] theological vision [3195.04 --> 3195.80] of life together [3195.80 --> 3197.08] is that all people [3197.08 --> 3198.48] from every tribe [3198.48 --> 3199.10] and nation [3199.10 --> 3200.00] and tongue [3200.00 --> 3201.10] will join together [3201.10 --> 3202.34] and worship God [3202.34 --> 3203.72] and that's [3203.72 --> 3204.56] the second point [3204.56 --> 3206.70] that this unity [3206.70 --> 3207.24] in Christ [3207.24 --> 3208.16] is for all people, [3208.76 --> 3209.66] for all nations. [3210.48 --> 3210.82] In Acts, [3210.90 --> 3211.62] the story is about [3211.62 --> 3212.36] Jew and Gentile [3212.36 --> 3212.76] but remember, [3212.88 --> 3213.52] Gentile is just [3213.52 --> 3214.40] everyone who's not a Jew. [3215.36 --> 3215.88] So the story [3215.88 --> 3216.58] of Jesus' life, [3216.68 --> 3216.80] death, [3216.84 --> 3217.36] and resurrection [3217.36 --> 3219.06] is not an isolated gospel. [3219.62 --> 3220.12] It's meant [3220.12 --> 3220.96] for all the world. [3222.54 --> 3223.14] In Acts 10, [3223.24 --> 3223.76] Peter asks, [3224.02 --> 3224.72] is this true [3224.72 --> 3225.58] for Gentiles? [3226.14 --> 3226.80] And he finds out, [3226.86 --> 3227.52] yeah, it is. [3228.14 --> 3229.14] And then in Acts 15, [3229.20 --> 3229.70] they're still kind of [3229.70 --> 3230.28] figuring it out. [3230.34 --> 3230.52] They're like, [3230.56 --> 3230.68] okay, [3230.72 --> 3231.60] it's for the Gentiles, [3231.60 --> 3231.92] sure, [3232.28 --> 3232.98] but they have to be [3232.98 --> 3233.70] like us, right? [3234.72 --> 3235.60] And then as they discuss, [3235.70 --> 3236.08] they conclude, [3236.16 --> 3236.88] no, they don't. [3237.40 --> 3237.68] Actually, [3237.76 --> 3238.20] God's people [3238.20 --> 3239.28] are defined differently now. [3239.82 --> 3240.62] And then in Revelation [3240.62 --> 3241.52] and John's vision, [3241.82 --> 3242.68] it highlights for us [3242.68 --> 3245.50] that this is for everyone. [3245.94 --> 3246.82] We know that salvation [3246.82 --> 3247.80] is for every race, [3248.06 --> 3248.66] every nation, [3248.80 --> 3249.32] every tongue, [3249.62 --> 3250.38] every tribe. [3251.56 --> 3252.60] Like I said off the top, [3252.84 --> 3254.54] I am seeing this in seminary. [3255.12 --> 3256.34] It's a beautiful picture. [3256.46 --> 3257.96] People from all over the world [3257.96 --> 3260.12] studying and worshiping together [3260.12 --> 3261.76] and theologizing, [3261.92 --> 3263.04] which I learned is a real word, [3263.14 --> 3263.82] in seminary, [3263.94 --> 3264.58] so it's working. [3265.62 --> 3267.12] Being the church of God [3267.12 --> 3268.70] in all corners of the world [3268.70 --> 3269.90] is happening. [3270.94 --> 3272.66] It's a beautiful picture [3272.66 --> 3273.48] of God's people [3273.48 --> 3274.58] rooted in Christ [3274.58 --> 3276.28] from across the globe. [3279.86 --> 3281.02] Now, I've heard this said, [3281.06 --> 3281.84] and some will say, [3281.90 --> 3282.98] that the church is united [3282.98 --> 3284.60] despite its diversity. [3284.60 --> 3286.40] But it's not true. [3287.68 --> 3289.02] No, the church is united [3289.02 --> 3290.50] because of its diversity. [3292.52 --> 3294.30] And because that's the reality [3294.30 --> 3294.86] of the church [3294.86 --> 3295.38] that's painted [3295.38 --> 3296.30] in the word of God, [3297.30 --> 3298.68] churches thrive [3298.68 --> 3300.08] when they are made up [3300.08 --> 3300.76] of all nations. [3302.84 --> 3304.06] So then the question becomes, [3304.16 --> 3304.80] what about the church [3304.80 --> 3305.34] in Langley [3305.34 --> 3307.74] in Canada in 2024? [3307.90 --> 3308.40] Or more honed in, [3308.42 --> 3309.26] what does it mean for here? [3309.26 --> 3309.50] Now, [3311.90 --> 3313.86] I'm going to invite you [3313.86 --> 3315.10] to bring your guard down [3315.10 --> 3315.96] for just a second. [3316.76 --> 3316.96] All right? [3317.00 --> 3317.64] It's possible [3317.64 --> 3318.58] what I'm about to say [3318.58 --> 3319.64] might bristle a touch, [3320.22 --> 3320.80] but I'm praying [3320.80 --> 3321.52] for the Holy Spirit [3321.52 --> 3322.48] to massage our hearts [3322.48 --> 3323.30] and really hear [3323.30 --> 3324.56] what He is trying to say [3324.56 --> 3325.44] to us today here. [3325.62 --> 3326.94] So just prayerfully [3326.94 --> 3328.24] give the following [3328.24 --> 3328.80] some thought. [3329.98 --> 3330.18] All right? [3330.22 --> 3331.58] The CRC as a whole [3331.58 --> 3332.60] is often viewed [3332.60 --> 3333.22] or described [3333.22 --> 3334.74] as a Dutch church. [3335.36 --> 3336.60] There's very good reasons [3336.60 --> 3337.12] for this. [3337.12 --> 3338.76] Because the CRC [3338.76 --> 3339.52] in North America [3339.52 --> 3340.24] was started [3340.24 --> 3341.26] by Dutch immigrants. [3342.00 --> 3342.46] Last year, [3342.50 --> 3344.64] I took a course CRC history [3344.64 --> 3345.36] and the stories [3345.36 --> 3346.28] of the Dutch immigrants [3346.28 --> 3347.40] and how they started [3347.40 --> 3348.46] this church are amazing. [3348.58 --> 3349.28] It's fascinating. [3349.38 --> 3350.46] The history is worth [3350.46 --> 3351.52] digging into. [3351.66 --> 3353.12] People like Van Ralt [3353.12 --> 3354.04] and Hahn [3354.04 --> 3354.96] and Boer [3354.96 --> 3355.90] and many others [3355.90 --> 3357.34] did some amazing things. [3358.52 --> 3359.56] And we can remember [3359.56 --> 3360.74] and celebrate [3360.74 --> 3361.82] our history [3361.82 --> 3363.28] and what defined [3363.28 --> 3364.40] the denomination. [3364.40 --> 3367.08] but remember [3367.08 --> 3368.64] what defines us, [3368.80 --> 3369.64] what we celebrate [3369.64 --> 3371.06] that defines us [3371.06 --> 3373.32] cannot divide us. [3374.50 --> 3375.14] So yes, [3375.26 --> 3376.26] the history of the CRC [3376.26 --> 3376.68] was started [3376.68 --> 3377.50] by Dutch immigrants [3377.50 --> 3379.32] but we're not [3379.32 --> 3380.20] a Dutch church. [3381.66 --> 3383.18] We are the church. [3383.96 --> 3385.32] The church universal. [3386.00 --> 3386.66] When we speak [3386.66 --> 3387.56] the Apostles' Creed [3387.56 --> 3388.84] we say we believe [3388.84 --> 3390.14] in one holy Catholic church [3390.14 --> 3391.48] not one Dutch denomination. [3391.48 --> 3395.74] it's one universal church. [3396.32 --> 3397.54] We cannot operate [3397.54 --> 3398.62] with the assumption [3398.62 --> 3400.04] that we are a Dutch church [3400.04 --> 3401.28] because the reality is [3401.28 --> 3402.58] the CRCNA, [3402.72 --> 3404.26] the CRC Church of North America [3404.26 --> 3405.06] has expanded [3405.06 --> 3406.18] far beyond the Netherlands. [3407.46 --> 3408.70] My seminary experience [3408.70 --> 3409.10] is proof. [3409.38 --> 3410.26] Korean, Nigerian, [3410.36 --> 3410.78] Guatemalan, [3410.90 --> 3411.62] Brazilian, Chinese, [3411.74 --> 3413.06] the CRC is growing [3413.06 --> 3413.88] and that's wonderful. [3415.50 --> 3416.40] But it's growing [3416.40 --> 3418.26] because of its diversity. [3418.26 --> 3420.80] not despite it. [3423.22 --> 3424.00] And so can we remember [3424.00 --> 3425.14] and celebrate our history [3425.14 --> 3426.04] that defines us? [3426.14 --> 3427.56] Yeah, of course we can. [3428.18 --> 3429.48] But we should never [3429.48 --> 3431.84] let the Dutchness [3431.84 --> 3433.58] of our denomination [3433.58 --> 3434.28] become something [3434.28 --> 3435.44] that divides us [3435.44 --> 3436.24] from others [3436.24 --> 3437.14] especially guests [3437.14 --> 3437.58] or others [3437.58 --> 3439.22] entering into the fold. [3439.34 --> 3440.20] That's what was happening [3440.20 --> 3440.88] in our text. [3441.82 --> 3442.84] The rules of food [3442.84 --> 3443.64] and circumcision [3443.64 --> 3444.80] once defined a people [3444.80 --> 3446.18] but it was dividing them now. [3447.00 --> 3448.86] The Dutchness of the CRC [3448.86 --> 3450.48] once defines us [3450.48 --> 3452.38] but it cannot divide us. [3453.26 --> 3454.34] We can celebrate [3454.34 --> 3455.52] but we cannot flaunt. [3457.38 --> 3458.18] I know a lot of us [3458.18 --> 3458.76] have heard the phrase [3458.76 --> 3459.38] if you ain't Dutch [3459.38 --> 3459.96] you ain't much. [3460.42 --> 3462.14] That should never be spoken [3462.14 --> 3462.72] in a church. [3463.74 --> 3464.22] Ever. [3465.60 --> 3466.48] And honestly [3466.48 --> 3467.02] I'd be careful [3467.02 --> 3467.78] using that anywhere [3467.78 --> 3468.70] to be honest with you [3468.70 --> 3470.60] because words [3470.60 --> 3471.72] even in jest [3471.72 --> 3473.44] divide [3473.44 --> 3475.24] and they separate [3475.24 --> 3476.84] they polarize. [3478.44 --> 3479.58] And maybe it's more than that. [3479.64 --> 3480.50] The songs we sing [3480.50 --> 3481.48] the prayers we pray [3481.48 --> 3482.32] the events we do [3482.32 --> 3482.90] the hospitality [3482.90 --> 3484.12] that we show [3484.12 --> 3484.98] we cannot fall [3484.98 --> 3486.26] into a trap [3486.26 --> 3487.94] that we see in our text today [3487.94 --> 3488.18] and think [3488.18 --> 3489.44] we have to do things this way [3489.44 --> 3491.04] because we're a Dutch church [3491.04 --> 3493.52] or a Canadian church [3493.52 --> 3495.68] or pick whatever word [3495.68 --> 3496.30] you want to use [3496.30 --> 3496.72] church. [3497.60 --> 3498.76] No, we're the church. [3501.38 --> 3502.34] We've got to be careful [3502.34 --> 3504.12] with our national pride [3504.12 --> 3505.98] when it comes to God's kingdom. [3507.82 --> 3509.24] We are God's church [3509.24 --> 3509.96] full stop. [3512.32 --> 3513.84] So how do we as a church [3513.84 --> 3514.92] here in Langley, B.C. [3515.32 --> 3516.46] grow into the picture [3516.46 --> 3517.36] of God's kingdom [3517.36 --> 3519.42] that's found in Revelation 7? [3519.74 --> 3520.60] The picture painted [3520.60 --> 3521.38] by Peter [3521.38 --> 3522.92] or by the story of Peter [3522.92 --> 3523.74] here in Acts 10. [3525.18 --> 3526.18] Well that's a question [3526.18 --> 3527.14] that I'm going to invite you [3527.14 --> 3527.98] to take home with you [3527.98 --> 3529.54] and discuss around your tables [3529.54 --> 3530.48] today after church. [3530.48 --> 3532.50] And then speaking [3532.50 --> 3533.24] of those tables [3533.24 --> 3534.16] that's the third point. [3535.50 --> 3536.72] Who is at your table? [3539.50 --> 3541.04] Acts 10 focuses on food [3541.04 --> 3542.58] and hospitality throughout [3542.58 --> 3544.40] and so we'll end [3544.40 --> 3545.10] with this question. [3545.74 --> 3547.98] Who sits at your table? [3549.82 --> 3550.54] See our world [3550.54 --> 3551.60] likes to create boxes [3551.60 --> 3553.36] and divide people [3553.36 --> 3554.34] into categories. [3554.56 --> 3555.90] Political lines [3555.90 --> 3556.68] are drawn now [3556.68 --> 3558.22] with thicker and thicker ink [3558.22 --> 3558.86] these days [3558.86 --> 3560.70] and social media algorithms. [3561.22 --> 3562.26] They start sending us [3562.26 --> 3563.78] to other like-minded people. [3564.10 --> 3565.44] Echo chambers are formed [3565.44 --> 3566.34] oftentimes without [3566.34 --> 3567.52] us even realizing it [3567.52 --> 3568.40] and we start hearing [3568.40 --> 3569.16] the same messages, [3569.38 --> 3570.08] the same opinions, [3570.24 --> 3571.10] the same platforms [3571.10 --> 3572.86] that we mostly align with [3572.86 --> 3573.80] and then we start hearing [3573.80 --> 3574.30] those messages [3574.30 --> 3575.10] over and over again [3575.10 --> 3575.82] louder and louder. [3576.68 --> 3577.82] We're defined [3577.82 --> 3578.98] and we're divided [3578.98 --> 3580.64] into pockets of people [3580.64 --> 3581.96] who think and act the same. [3581.96 --> 3583.80] Ironically, [3584.46 --> 3585.48] individualism, [3585.60 --> 3586.44] the pursuit [3586.44 --> 3587.60] and celebration [3587.60 --> 3588.46] of what makes you, [3588.58 --> 3588.90] you, [3589.70 --> 3590.70] and echo chambers, [3590.88 --> 3592.02] places where individuals [3592.02 --> 3593.10] like you are just joined [3593.10 --> 3593.88] with other individuals [3593.88 --> 3594.78] like you, [3595.46 --> 3596.32] work in tandem [3596.32 --> 3598.54] to define who you are. [3599.60 --> 3600.80] And it affects a lot of things, [3600.84 --> 3601.92] even how you read [3601.92 --> 3602.82] and apply the Bible. [3604.98 --> 3606.48] There's an African pastor [3606.48 --> 3607.96] named Conrad Mbuie [3607.96 --> 3609.60] and he says this [3609.60 --> 3611.04] regarding bringing the word [3611.04 --> 3612.86] to his church in Africa. [3613.54 --> 3614.26] He says, [3614.54 --> 3616.60] I'm not trying to make [3616.60 --> 3617.64] the Bible more African. [3618.66 --> 3619.70] I'm trying to get [3619.70 --> 3620.60] the church in Africa [3620.60 --> 3621.92] to be more biblical. [3623.46 --> 3624.18] Our unity [3624.18 --> 3626.28] as God's family, [3626.40 --> 3626.82] the church, [3626.96 --> 3628.16] is our greatest witness [3628.16 --> 3628.96] to unbelievers. [3631.10 --> 3632.06] North American churches [3632.06 --> 3632.58] should be preaching [3632.58 --> 3633.36] the same message, [3633.82 --> 3635.02] becoming more biblical, [3635.96 --> 3637.16] not more Canadian biblical [3637.16 --> 3638.32] or more Dutch biblical, [3638.62 --> 3639.76] but becoming more biblical [3639.76 --> 3642.44] unites us all [3642.44 --> 3643.70] because the church, [3644.68 --> 3645.48] man, the church, [3645.80 --> 3646.80] the church is different. [3647.66 --> 3649.60] It's diverse yet unified [3649.60 --> 3650.34] under Christ. [3650.48 --> 3651.38] We disagree, [3651.94 --> 3653.16] but we worship together. [3653.74 --> 3655.44] We discuss and debate [3655.44 --> 3656.36] and hold councils [3656.36 --> 3657.62] and synods and meetings [3657.62 --> 3658.96] and we don't always agree, [3659.70 --> 3661.06] but we read the same word [3661.06 --> 3662.18] and we pray together [3662.18 --> 3663.66] and we pray to the same God [3663.66 --> 3664.90] and we are unified [3664.90 --> 3665.86] despite our differences. [3665.86 --> 3667.12] It's fascinating [3667.12 --> 3668.42] what the church is. [3669.30 --> 3669.72] Look around. [3669.84 --> 3670.60] Look around right now [3670.60 --> 3671.02] at the sanctuary. [3671.14 --> 3671.74] Look at other people. [3671.84 --> 3672.40] Make some awkward [3672.40 --> 3673.26] eye contact here. [3673.74 --> 3674.70] There are young people [3674.70 --> 3675.56] and old people here. [3675.92 --> 3676.82] There are people you know [3676.82 --> 3677.68] and people you don't. [3677.98 --> 3679.30] There are new Christians here [3679.30 --> 3680.70] and there are lifelong believers [3680.70 --> 3681.88] here in this room. [3682.12 --> 3683.90] There's politically conservative people [3683.90 --> 3685.08] and politically liberal. [3685.36 --> 3686.10] There's traditional [3686.10 --> 3687.48] and there's contemporary. [3687.70 --> 3688.72] There's Oilers fans [3688.72 --> 3689.88] and there's Canucks fans. [3690.00 --> 3690.74] We're all here. [3690.74 --> 3694.68] You're listening right now [3694.68 --> 3696.88] to the same flawed youth pastor [3696.88 --> 3698.40] yammer on up here [3698.40 --> 3700.20] no matter how your last week went. [3701.34 --> 3702.42] We're all singing [3702.42 --> 3703.86] the same worship songs [3703.86 --> 3705.62] no matter what our opinions are [3705.62 --> 3706.68] on the various political [3706.68 --> 3707.88] electoral things [3707.88 --> 3708.54] that are coming up. [3709.64 --> 3710.66] We're all going to go drink [3710.66 --> 3712.58] the same old coffee [3712.58 --> 3714.62] and enjoy some good old fashioned [3714.62 --> 3715.20] koinonia, [3715.52 --> 3716.52] shout out to an old sermon, [3716.84 --> 3718.88] no matter what our heritage is, [3718.88 --> 3721.66] no matter what our Sunday traditions are. [3722.58 --> 3723.22] Look around. [3724.58 --> 3725.18] Do it. [3725.22 --> 3725.66] Look around. [3726.66 --> 3728.18] We all have different stories. [3728.94 --> 3730.34] We all have different stories [3730.34 --> 3731.22] of why we're here. [3732.60 --> 3733.00] And yet, [3733.28 --> 3735.00] within those different stories, [3735.48 --> 3736.66] we are connected [3736.66 --> 3739.34] to the one true story. [3740.14 --> 3742.50] The one true redemption story [3742.50 --> 3744.02] that God has been authoring [3744.02 --> 3745.80] and directing since the dawn of time. [3747.16 --> 3748.00] Different stories [3748.00 --> 3749.44] gets grafted into one story. [3750.20 --> 3751.76] We're united in our diversity. [3752.76 --> 3754.70] What's compelling about the church, [3754.78 --> 3756.36] what's so compelling about the church [3756.36 --> 3758.44] is that we are all different people [3758.44 --> 3759.54] with different stories [3759.54 --> 3760.54] and different ideas [3760.54 --> 3761.60] and different perspectives [3761.60 --> 3762.66] on different things. [3763.34 --> 3763.66] And yet, [3763.76 --> 3764.86] despite all of the different, [3765.70 --> 3769.20] we are united in Christ. [3770.50 --> 3772.58] We can praise God for that truth. [3772.58 --> 3775.82] And so as you go from this place, [3776.34 --> 3778.58] who comes to your table? [3778.64 --> 3779.36] Who's at your table? [3780.46 --> 3781.58] Does the company we keep [3781.58 --> 3783.36] represent the kingdom of God [3783.36 --> 3784.32] as laid out for us [3784.32 --> 3785.10] in Acts 10, [3785.80 --> 3786.62] in Acts 15, [3786.94 --> 3787.92] in Revelation 7? [3788.44 --> 3791.06] We're united in Christ. [3791.94 --> 3793.32] Let's be united in Christ. [3793.62 --> 3793.82] Amen? [3795.08 --> 3795.68] Let's pray. [3795.68 --> 3800.88] Father in heaven, [3802.02 --> 3802.92] Savior in spirit, [3803.12 --> 3803.30] God, [3803.66 --> 3805.16] we come to you today [3805.16 --> 3808.38] as the church, [3809.58 --> 3811.32] united under the truth [3811.32 --> 3812.14] of Jesus, [3812.28 --> 3812.68] your life, [3812.78 --> 3813.10] your death, [3813.18 --> 3813.86] your resurrection, [3814.00 --> 3814.96] your ascension into heaven. [3817.36 --> 3817.62] And Lord, [3817.68 --> 3818.44] the world we live in [3818.44 --> 3819.14] is not united. [3819.64 --> 3819.78] God, [3819.82 --> 3821.66] we live in a very polarized world. [3822.54 --> 3823.76] Opinions fly around, [3823.76 --> 3825.36] arguments happen everywhere, [3825.68 --> 3826.54] in person, [3826.82 --> 3827.36] online, [3827.48 --> 3828.38] all over the place. [3828.56 --> 3829.94] And it is easy to slip [3829.94 --> 3832.28] into a polarized culture [3832.28 --> 3833.48] that exists around us. [3834.02 --> 3834.58] But God, [3835.56 --> 3836.78] you unite. [3838.96 --> 3841.12] Every race, [3842.28 --> 3844.68] every person [3844.68 --> 3847.06] can come to know you [3847.06 --> 3848.96] through the power of your spirit. [3849.66 --> 3850.04] And so God, [3850.10 --> 3852.18] we pray for the church global. [3852.18 --> 3853.24] We pray for the churches [3853.24 --> 3854.58] in Africa, [3854.76 --> 3855.56] in South America, [3855.72 --> 3856.30] in Asia, [3856.46 --> 3856.66] God, [3856.70 --> 3857.70] all over the world [3857.70 --> 3860.38] in all the work [3860.38 --> 3860.96] that they're doing. [3861.40 --> 3861.52] Lord, [3861.54 --> 3862.86] may we join with them. [3863.12 --> 3863.20] Lord, [3863.26 --> 3863.88] today's offering [3863.88 --> 3865.92] was for our refugee chaplain [3865.92 --> 3867.20] who's doing that kind of work [3867.20 --> 3867.98] all over the world, [3868.10 --> 3868.20] Lord. [3868.40 --> 3869.76] We think of those missionaries [3869.76 --> 3870.74] that we know and support. [3871.26 --> 3871.46] God, [3871.56 --> 3873.34] we are your hands and feet [3873.34 --> 3874.12] all over the world. [3875.36 --> 3876.56] May we live [3876.56 --> 3877.68] how you call us to live [3877.68 --> 3878.42] here in Langley [3878.42 --> 3880.14] and may we open our doors [3880.14 --> 3881.10] to the world. [3881.10 --> 3884.38] and preach this good news [3884.38 --> 3886.02] to those around us. [3886.16 --> 3886.32] Lord, [3886.38 --> 3887.12] we live in a culture [3887.12 --> 3888.54] where you call us [3888.54 --> 3889.42] to go to all nations, [3889.56 --> 3889.64] Lord, [3889.68 --> 3890.34] but we live in a culture [3890.34 --> 3890.88] where all nations [3890.88 --> 3891.54] are coming to us. [3893.16 --> 3894.08] May we be bold [3894.08 --> 3895.98] in proclaiming your name [3895.98 --> 3896.50] as Lord. [3897.84 --> 3898.58] We pray this [3898.58 --> 3899.16] in your name. [3899.76 --> 3899.96] Amen. [3899.96 --> 3900.06] Amen. [3904.64 --> 3905.26] Please rise [3905.26 --> 3906.12] as we respond in song. [3906.12 --> 3923.58] A church's one foundation [3923.58 --> 3926.40] is Jesus Christ, [3926.40 --> 3928.08] our Lord. [3928.08 --> 3928.82] Lord, [3928.82 --> 3932.44] He is His new creation [3932.44 --> 3936.90] by water and the word. [3937.50 --> 3939.90] From Him He came [3939.90 --> 3941.94] and sought her [3941.94 --> 3946.04] to be His holy bride. [3946.60 --> 3948.98] With His own blood [3948.98 --> 3951.04] He bought her [3951.04 --> 3955.94] and for her life He died. [3955.94 --> 3961.68] He left from every nation [3961.68 --> 3966.14] yet one o'er all the earth [3966.14 --> 3970.80] her charge of salvation [3970.80 --> 3972.60] one Lord, [3972.72 --> 3973.74] one faith, [3973.86 --> 3975.70] one birth [3975.70 --> 3978.64] one holy name [3978.64 --> 3980.98] She blesses [3980.98 --> 3982.48] partakes [3982.48 --> 3985.18] one holy food [3985.18 --> 3988.14] and to an hope [3988.14 --> 3990.10] she presses [3990.10 --> 3993.34] with every grace [3993.34 --> 3995.38] and hope [3995.38 --> 4001.34] His God and tribulation [4001.34 --> 4006.22] and tumult of her war [4006.22 --> 4011.14] She wakes the consummation [4011.14 --> 4012.66] of peace [4012.66 --> 4015.22] forevermore [4015.22 --> 4020.22] Till His vision glorious [4020.22 --> 4025.48] and all in eyes are blessed [4025.48 --> 4030.46] Then the great church victorious [4030.46 --> 4033.82] shall be the church [4033.82 --> 4035.62] and rest [4035.62 --> 4037.84] shall be the church [4037.84 --> 4038.62] and rest [4038.62 --> 4045.06] Speaking of diversity [4045.06 --> 4045.54] in the church [4045.54 --> 4046.10] he's going to hate [4046.10 --> 4046.78] that I'm doing this [4046.78 --> 4047.96] but we have a guitar player [4047.96 --> 4049.04] who just played the piano [4049.04 --> 4049.90] in a church service [4049.90 --> 4050.60] for the first time [4050.60 --> 4051.92] since he was in grade 6 [4051.92 --> 4053.38] Isn't that something? [4054.76 --> 4055.46] Look at that [4055.46 --> 4057.94] If you go from this place [4057.94 --> 4058.76] please enjoy some [4058.76 --> 4059.92] koinonia in the foyer [4059.92 --> 4061.86] have some fellowship [4061.86 --> 4062.64] with one another [4062.64 --> 4063.66] and let's remember [4063.66 --> 4064.36] that this church [4064.36 --> 4065.16] that we are a part of [4065.16 --> 4065.54] is [4065.54 --> 4066.70] yes Langley [4066.70 --> 4067.06] Emmanuel [4067.06 --> 4067.52] C.R.C. [4067.52 --> 4068.14] but we are part [4068.14 --> 4068.98] of a global [4068.98 --> 4070.42] universal church [4070.42 --> 4071.22] everywhere [4071.22 --> 4072.54] Please hear these [4072.54 --> 4074.18] the priestly blessing [4074.18 --> 4074.80] here found [4074.80 --> 4075.96] in number 6 [4075.96 --> 4077.56] The Lord bless you [4077.56 --> 4078.52] and keep you [4078.52 --> 4079.82] The Lord make His face [4079.82 --> 4080.62] shine on you [4080.62 --> 4081.76] and be gracious to you [4081.76 --> 4083.42] The Lord turn His face [4083.42 --> 4084.20] toward you [4084.20 --> 4085.30] and give you [4085.30 --> 4086.16] peace [4086.16 --> 4087.62] and all of God's people [4087.62 --> 4087.94] said [4087.94 --> 4089.92] Amen [4089.92 --> 4090.34] vie [4090.34 --> 4103.42] Che visibility [4103.42 --> 4105.46] in being [4105.46 --> 4114.20] how we are [4114.20 --> 4116.64] Our God [4116.64 --> 4122.78] Who sits upon the throne [4122.78 --> 4128.90] And unto the Lamb [4128.90 --> 4134.16] Praise and glory, wisdom and grace [4134.16 --> 4139.40] Honor and power and praise [4139.40 --> 4145.00] Me to our God forever and ever [4145.00 --> 4150.38] Me to our God forever and ever [4150.38 --> 4155.00] Me to our God forever and ever [4155.56 --> 4157.00] Amen [4157.00 --> 4165.00] And we shall be strong [4166.04 --> 4171.00] In purpose and unity [4171.00 --> 4175.38] Declaring aloud [4175.38 --> 4182.34] Praise and glory, wisdom and grace [4182.34 --> 4187.00] Honor and power and praise [4187.00 --> 4192.38] Me to our God forever and ever [4192.38 --> 4198.00] Me to our God forever and ever [4198.00 --> 4203.38] Me to our God forever and ever [4203.38 --> 4205.38] Amen [4205.38 --> 4210.76] Be to our God forever and ever [4210.76 --> 4213.76] Amen [4213.76 --> 4219.76] Be to our God forever and ever [4219.76 --> 4224.76] Be to our God forever and ever [4224.76 --> 4225.76] Amen [4225.76 --> 4231.14] Amen [4231.14 --> 4235.14] Be to our God forever and ever [4235.14 --> 4240.14] Be to our God forever and ever [4240.14 --> 4245.14] Be to our God forever and ever [4245.14 --> 4246.14] Amen [4246.14 --> 4262.40] mascots [4262.40 --> 4264.40] Amen [4266.64 --> 4267.00] Amen [4267.18 --> 4267.58] Amen [4267.58 --> 4267.60] Amen [4267.60 --> 4297.58] Thank you. [4297.60 --> 4327.58] Thank you. [4327.60 --> 4329.60] Thank you. [4357.60 --> 4359.60] Thank you. [4387.60 --> 4389.60] Thank you. [4417.60 --> 4419.60] Thank you. [4447.60 --> 4449.60] Thank you. [4477.60 --> 4479.60] Thank you. [4507.60 --> 4509.60] Thank you. [4537.60 --> 4539.60] Thank you. [4567.60 --> 4569.60] Thank you. [4597.60 --> 4599.60] Thank you. [4627.60 --> 4629.60] Thank you. [4657.60 --> 4659.60] Thank you. [4687.60 --> 4689.60] Thank you. [4717.60 --> 4719.60] Thank you. [4747.60 --> 4749.60] Thank you. [4777.60 --> 4779.60] Thank you. [4807.60 --> 4809.60] Thank you. [4837.60 --> 4839.60] Thank you. [4867.60 --> 4869.60] Thank you. [4897.60 --> 4899.60] Thank you. [4927.60 --> 4929.60] Thank you. [4957.60 --> 4959.60] Thank you. [4987.60 --> 4989.60] Thank you. [5017.60 --> 5019.60] Thank you. [5047.60 --> 5049.60] Thank you. [5077.60 --> 5079.60] Thank you. [5107.60 --> 5109.60] Thank you. [5137.60 --> 5139.60] Thank you. [5167.60 --> 5169.60] Thank you. [5197.60 --> 5199.60] Thank you. [5227.60 --> 5229.60] Thank you. [5257.60 --> 5259.60] Thank you. [5287.60 --> 5289.60] Thank you. [5317.60 --> 5319.60] Thank you. [5347.60 --> 5349.60] Thank you. [5377.60 --> 5379.60] Thank you. [5407.60 --> 5409.60] Thank you. [5437.60 --> 5439.60] Thank you. [5467.60 --> 5469.60] Thank you. [5497.60 --> 5499.60] Thank you. [5527.60 --> 5529.60] Thank you. [5557.60 --> 5559.60] Thank you. [5587.60 --> 5589.60] Thank you. [5589.60 --> 5591.60] Thank you. [5591.60 --> 5593.60] Thank you. [5593.60 --> 5595.60] Thank you. [5595.60 --> 5597.60] Thank you.