You Can't Stream Community | Bryan Loritts

[applause] [applause] >> Well, let me just chime in and say happy >> Well, let me just chime in and say happy >> Well, let me just chime in and say happy happy Father's Day, brothers. It's our happy Father's Day, brothers. It's our happy Father's Day, brothers. It's our day. Get all you can, can all you get. day. Get all you can, can all you get. day. Get all you can, can all you get. My wife asked me what she wanted what I My wife asked me what she wanted what I My wife asked me what she wanted what I wanted for Father's Day, what she wanted wanted for Father's Day, what she wanted wanted for Father's Day, what she wanted what I wanted for Father's Day. I just what I wanted for Father's Day. I just what I wanted for Father's Day. I just said let's just order some food. I want said let's just order some food. I want said let's just order some food. I want to sit on my back porch and watch a to sit on my back porch and watch a to sit on my back porch and watch a little US Open golf today. That's a little US Open golf today. That's a little US Open golf today. That's a perfect day for me. Yes, three people perfect day for me. Yes, three people perfect day for me. Yes, three people clapped on that one. Loved it, loved it, clapped on that one. Loved it, loved it, clapped on that one. Loved it, loved it, loved it, loved it. If you have your loved it, loved it. If you have your loved it, loved it. If you have your Bibles, I want you to meet me in Bibles, I want you to meet me in Bibles, I want you to meet me in Philippians chapter two. We're going to Philippians chapter two. We're going to Philippians chapter two. We're going to look at verses 19 to 30. If you're new look at verses 19 to 30. If you're new look at verses 19 to 30. If you're new with us, we've been making our way with us, we've been making our way with us, we've been making our way through the book of Philippians as we've through the book of Philippians as we've through the book of Philippians as we've just kind of as we roll here at the just kind of as we roll here at the just kind of as we roll here at the Summit Church, we just make our way Summit Church, we just make our way Summit Church, we just make our way through books of the Bible most of the through books of the Bible most of the through books of the Bible most of the time. And we're going to be in again time. And we're going to be in again time. And we're going to be in again chapter two verses 19 to 30. The guy who chapter two verses 19 to 30. The guy who chapter two verses 19 to 30. The guy who wrote this, his name is Paul, and Paul wrote this, his name is Paul, and Paul wrote this, his name is Paul, and Paul says these words. I hope in the Lord says these words. I hope in the Lord says these words. I hope in the Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I to send Timothy to you soon, so that I to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. too may be cheered by news of you. too may be cheered by news of you. For I've no one like him who will be For I've no one like him who will be For I've no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

genuinely concerned for your welfare. genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, For they all seek their own interests, For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. not those of Jesus Christ. not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth. But you know Timothy's proven worth. But you know Timothy's proven worth. How is a son with a father he has served How is a son with a father he has served How is a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore with me in the gospel. I hope therefore with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send them just as soon as I see how to send them just as soon as I see how to send them just as soon as I see how it will go with me. And I trust in the it will go with me. And I trust in the it will go with me. And I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come Lord that shortly I myself will come Lord that shortly I myself will come also. I thought it necessary to send to also. I thought it necessary to send to also. I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier and your worker and fellow soldier and your worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need. For messenger and minister to my need. For messenger and minister to my need. For he has been longing for you all and has he has been longing for you all and has he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that been distressed because you heard that been distressed because you heard that he was ill. he was ill. he was ill. Indeed, he was ill, Indeed, he was ill, Indeed, he was ill, near to death. near to death. near to death. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But God had mercy on him and not only on >> But God had mercy on him and not only on >> But God had mercy on him and not only on him, but on me also lest I should have him, but on me also lest I should have him, but on me also lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow, I am the more eager sorrow upon sorrow, I am the more eager sorrow upon sorrow, I am the more eager to send him therefore that you may to send him therefore that you may to send him therefore that you may rejoice at seeing him again and that I rejoice at seeing him again and that I rejoice at seeing him again and that I may be less anxious. So, receive him in may be less anxious. So, receive him in may be less anxious. So, receive him in the Lord with all joy.

the Lord with all joy. the Lord with all joy. And honor such men. And honor such men. And honor such men. Last verse. Last verse. Last verse. For he nearly died For he nearly died For he nearly died for the work of Christ, for the work of Christ, for the work of Christ, risking his life risking his life risking his life to complete to complete to complete what was lacking in your service to me. what was lacking in your service to me. what was lacking in your service to me. God, would you speak to us today? I I God, would you speak to us today? I I God, would you speak to us today? I I don't I don't have it within myself, don't I don't have it within myself, don't I don't have it within myself, Lord God, to Lord God, to Lord God, to um um um to change anyone, to save anyone. I'm so to change anyone, to save anyone. I'm so to change anyone, to save anyone. I'm so glad that's that's not the call, that's glad that's that's not the call, that's glad that's that's not the call, that's not my responsibility, Lord God, cuz I not my responsibility, Lord God, cuz I not my responsibility, Lord God, cuz I can't even do those things to myself. can't even do those things to myself. can't even do those things to myself. But I'm calling on a savior who can. But I'm calling on a savior who can. But I'm calling on a savior who can. God, the needs are so great. God, the needs are so great. God, the needs are so great. And yet you're greater. And yet you're greater. And yet you're greater. And so, here's what I'm asking, Lord And so, here's what I'm asking, Lord And so, here's what I'm asking, Lord God, that you would take this ancient God, that you would take this ancient God, that you would take this ancient text. text. text. It just I I'll be honest with you, it It just I I'll be honest with you, it It just I I'll be honest with you, it seems so random. seems so random. seems so random. We're talking about Paul's friends and We're talking about Paul's friends and We're talking about Paul's friends and Timothy and Epaphroditus and Timothy and Epaphroditus and Timothy and Epaphroditus and and yet there's gold here. and yet there's gold here. and yet there's gold here. There's There's things that you want us There's There's things that you want us There's There's things that you want us to grab a hold of.

to grab a hold of. to grab a hold of. And so, Lord God, would you just give me And so, Lord God, would you just give me And so, Lord God, would you just give me wisdom and clarity and insight? wisdom and clarity and insight? wisdom and clarity and insight? But at the end of the day, I pray that But at the end of the day, I pray that But at the end of the day, I pray that the seed of your word would just fall on the seed of your word would just fall on the seed of your word would just fall on good ground, take root, bear great good ground, take root, bear great good ground, take root, bear great fruit. fruit. fruit. Give us ears to hear, feet to apply Give us ears to hear, feet to apply Give us ears to hear, feet to apply the truth that we're going to we're the truth that we're going to we're the truth that we're going to we're going to receive today. Save souls, going to receive today. Save souls, going to receive today. Save souls, transform lives. transform lives. transform lives. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. By far one of the most poignant scenes, By far one of the most poignant scenes, By far one of the most poignant scenes, maybe the most emotional scene in sitcom maybe the most emotional scene in sitcom maybe the most emotional scene in sitcom history, history, history, I'm going to take you back late '80s, I'm going to take you back late '80s, I'm going to take you back late '80s, early early '90s, Fresh Prince of early early '90s, Fresh Prince of early early '90s, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Bel-Air. Bel-Air. Sure that wasn't on your bingo card when Sure that wasn't on your bingo card when Sure that wasn't on your bingo card when you were thinking about church today. you were thinking about church today. you were thinking about church today. But this is one particular episode that But this is one particular episode that But this is one particular episode that just gets me every time. just gets me every time. just gets me every time. Will Smith Will Smith Will Smith his dad, biological dad, is in town. his dad, biological dad, is in town. his dad, biological dad, is in town. He's been estranged from his father for He's been estranged from his father for He's been estranged from his father for the better part of his whole life. the better part of his whole life. the better part of his whole life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> His biological father just pops up. >> His biological father just pops up. >> His biological father just pops up. And boy, for most of this this And boy, for most of this this And boy, for most of this this particular episode you can just see the particular episode you can just see the particular episode you can just see the joy and excitement on Will's face.

joy and excitement on Will's face. joy and excitement on Will's face. They're spending time together. They're They're spending time together. They're They're spending time together. They're reconnecting. reconnecting. reconnecting. It's beautiful. It's phenomenal. It's beautiful. It's phenomenal. It's beautiful. It's phenomenal. They go to an amusement park. Um they're They go to an amusement park. Um they're They go to an amusement park. Um they're they're having great times. Will is even they're having great times. Will is even they're having great times. Will is even stepping out there and he does the stepping out there and he does the stepping out there and he does the unthinkable. He calls him dad. unthinkable. He calls him dad. unthinkable. He calls him dad. They're They're reconnecting is so great They're They're reconnecting is so great They're They're reconnecting is so great that his his dad actually invites him on that his his dad actually invites him on that his his dad actually invites him on a trip that summer with him. And boy, a trip that summer with him. And boy, a trip that summer with him. And boy, Will, you can just see him grow another Will, you can just see him grow another Will, you can just see him grow another foot taller. He's on cloud nine. foot taller. He's on cloud nine. foot taller. He's on cloud nine. And then at the 11th hour his dad bails. his dad bails. Ghosts him. Ghosts him. Ghosts him. And you can just see the And you can just see the And you can just see the the excitement just leak out of him. the excitement just leak out of him. the excitement just leak out of him. And the disappointment And the disappointment And the disappointment take up residence. In a moving scene In a moving scene Will's Uncle Phil checks in on him. Will's Uncle Phil checks in on him. Will's Uncle Phil checks in on him. And initially Will hides behind a facade And initially Will hides behind a facade And initially Will hides behind a facade of bravado.

of bravado. of bravado. Acting as if it's no big deal. Acting as if it's no big deal. Acting as if it's no big deal. Look at what he says. Look at what he says. Look at what he says. No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Um I'm No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Um I'm No, you know what, Uncle Phil? Um I'm going to get through college without going to get through college without going to get through college without him. I'm going to get a great job him. I'm going to get a great job him. I'm going to get a great job without him. I'm going to marry me a without him. I'm going to marry me a without him. I'm going to marry me a beautiful honey and I'm a have me a beautiful honey and I'm a have me a beautiful honey and I'm a have me a whole bunch of kids. I'll be a better whole bunch of kids. I'll be a better whole bunch of kids. I'll be a better father than he ever was. And I sure father than he ever was. And I sure father than he ever was. And I sure don't need him for that cuz there ain't don't need him for that cuz there ain't don't need him for that cuz there ain't ain't a thing he can ever teach me about ain't a thing he can ever teach me about ain't a thing he can ever teach me about how to love my kids. I I I I share this story for several I I I I share this story for several reasons. reasons. reasons. One is I I know that there's a group of One is I I know that there's a group of One is I I know that there's a group of you this story you this story you this story hits really close to home. hits really close to home. hits really close to home. You You You know exactly what Will is You You You know exactly what Will is You You You know exactly what Will is feeling. You You grew up in a home where feeling. You You grew up in a home where feeling. You You grew up in a home where your dad just your dad just your dad just he wasn't there. Either he wasn't there he wasn't there. Either he wasn't there he wasn't there. Either he wasn't there physically and or emotionally. He punted physically and or emotionally. He punted physically and or emotionally. He punted on his responsibilities to you. And here on his responsibilities to you. And here on his responsibilities to you. And here you are a decade couple decades later you are a decade couple decades later you are a decade couple decades later and and you're on this manhood journey and and you're on this manhood journey and and you're on this manhood journey and it feels as if you are walking in and it feels as if you are walking in and it feels as if you are walking in the dark making it up as you go along.

the dark making it up as you go along. the dark making it up as you go along. You Maybe you're just entering into You Maybe you're just entering into You Maybe you're just entering into fatherhood and you're like, "Man, I I I fatherhood and you're like, "Man, I I I fatherhood and you're like, "Man, I I I feel like I'm doing this without the feel like I'm doing this without the feel like I'm doing this without the GPS. My dad should have been that GPS. My dad should have been that GPS. My dad should have been that blueprint." And and you feel over blueprint." And and you feel over blueprint." And and you feel over whelmed and lost. And I don't say this whelmed and lost. And I don't say this whelmed and lost. And I don't say this to flatter you at all. I'm telling you to flatter you at all. I'm telling you to flatter you at all. I'm telling you the absolute truth. Some of the best the absolute truth. Some of the best the absolute truth. Some of the best men, some of the best dads, especially, men, some of the best dads, especially, men, some of the best dads, especially, that I've ever met in my life are those that I've ever met in my life are those that I've ever met in my life are those dads who who came from fatherless homes, dads who who came from fatherless homes, dads who who came from fatherless homes, who in their own way just at some point who in their own way just at some point who in their own way just at some point in their lives go, "My kids will never in their lives go, "My kids will never in their lives go, "My kids will never know that pain that I felt." And many of these dads now are followers And many of these dads now are followers of Jesus Christ. They're like, "MAN, BUT of Jesus Christ. They're like, "MAN, BUT of Jesus Christ. They're like, "MAN, BUT POWER OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THE GENERATIONAL curse stops with me. GENERATIONAL curse stops with me. GENERATIONAL curse stops with me. I'm turning a page. I'm turning a page. I'm turning a page. I I'm I'm I'm I'm just going to write a I I'm I'm I'm I'm just going to write a I I'm I'm I'm I'm just going to write a new legacy. new legacy. new legacy. And that's my word to you. And that's my word to you. And that's my word to you. Write a new legacy. Write a new legacy. Write a new legacy. That when father and mother deserts you That when father and mother deserts you That when father and mother deserts you as as David wrote, the Lord will take as as David wrote, the Lord will take as as David wrote, the Lord will take you up. you up. you up. Lean into him.

Lean into him. Lean into him. But others of you this But others of you this But others of you this this hits close to home because you this hits close to home because you this hits close to home because you don't so much identify with the son. Going to tell the truth, you were the Going to tell the truth, you were the one who walked out. You were the one who bailed. You were the one who bailed. Oh, I want you to receive the grace and Oh, I want you to receive the grace and Oh, I want you to receive the grace and mercy of God today. The very fact that mercy of God today. The very fact that mercy of God today. The very fact that you are inhaling and exhaling right now, you are inhaling and exhaling right now, you are inhaling and exhaling right now, the very fact that you are alive under the very fact that you are alive under the very fact that you are alive under the sound of my voice, it is a sign not the sound of my voice, it is a sign not the sound of my voice, it is a sign not of coincidence or happenstance, but the of coincidence or happenstance, but the of coincidence or happenstance, but the fact that you are breathing, each breath fact that you are breathing, each breath fact that you are breathing, each breath is a gift from God in which he's saying is a gift from God in which he's saying is a gift from God in which he's saying to you, "I'm giving you room to repent." to you, "I'm giving you room to repent." to you, "I'm giving you room to repent." My Bible says in Lamentations, "Morning My Bible says in Lamentations, "Morning My Bible says in Lamentations, "Morning by morning, new mercies I see." That by morning, new mercies I see." That by morning, new mercies I see." That here we are on June 21st and God didn't here we are on June 21st and God didn't here we are on June 21st and God didn't wake you up with June 20th mercies, he wake you up with June 20th mercies, he wake you up with June 20th mercies, he woke you up with June 21st mercies. He's woke you up with June 21st mercies. He's woke you up with June 21st mercies. He's giving you an opportunity to lean into giving you an opportunity to lean into giving you an opportunity to lean into the spirit of God and to repent. So, the spirit of God and to repent. So, the spirit of God and to repent. So, maybe today [laughter] maybe today [laughter] maybe today [laughter] you need to send the text, write the you need to send the text, write the you need to send the text, write the email, send the note, make the phone email, send the note, make the phone email, send the note, make the phone call, ask for forgiveness, and lean into call, ask for forgiveness, and lean into call, ask for forgiveness, and lean into the spirit of God. It's not too late.

Finally, I share that story because Finally, I share that story because we all know disappointment, don't we? we all know disappointment, don't we? we all know disappointment, don't we? Unmet expectations. We all understand that. We all understand that. In fact, In fact, In fact, it's not just my experience, I actually it's not just my experience, I actually it's not just my experience, I actually think it's it's a truth of life. think it's it's a truth of life. think it's it's a truth of life. Life's greatest disappointments are Life's greatest disappointments are Life's greatest disappointments are relational. relational. relational. They're tied to people. They're tied to people. They're tied to people. And some of you, maybe that And some of you, maybe that And some of you, maybe that disappointment is, yes, tied to a dad disappointment is, yes, tied to a dad disappointment is, yes, tied to a dad who didn't do what he's supposed to do. who didn't do what he's supposed to do. who didn't do what he's supposed to do. Maybe it's tied to a mother who was Maybe it's tied to a mother who was Maybe it's tied to a mother who was impossible to please. Maybe it's tied to impossible to please. Maybe it's tied to impossible to please. Maybe it's tied to a sibling or a friend who betrayed you a sibling or a friend who betrayed you a sibling or a friend who betrayed you or ghosted you. On down the line we or ghosted you. On down the line we or ghosted you. On down the line we could go. And to just zoom on in, maybe could go. And to just zoom on in, maybe could go. And to just zoom on in, maybe maybe there's there's plenty of you who maybe there's there's plenty of you who maybe there's there's plenty of you who could say, "No, my my disappointment is could say, "No, my my disappointment is could say, "No, my my disappointment is with the family of God. It's with the with the family of God. It's with the with the family of God. It's with the local church. I I walked into a church, local church. I I walked into a church, local church. I I walked into a church, maybe your last church, maybe maybe it's maybe your last church, maybe maybe it's maybe your last church, maybe maybe it's this church and you just said, man, I I this church and you just said, man, I I this church and you just said, man, I I had on rose-colored glasses. I I assumed had on rose-colored glasses. I I assumed had on rose-colored glasses. I I assumed this was going to be a real authentic this was going to be a real authentic this was going to be a real authentic community and there is just some community and there is just some community and there is just some assumptions that I made and only to assumptions that I made and only to assumptions that I made and only to discover, man, I I'm wounded by the discover, man, I I'm wounded by the discover, man, I I'm wounded by the gospel. I'm wounded by the slander.

gospel. I'm wounded by the slander. gospel. I'm wounded by the slander. People have let me down. And so maybe People have let me down. And so maybe People have let me down. And so maybe some of you now the page you're on is, some of you now the page you're on is, some of you now the page you're on is, man, I listen, I I'm just going to keep man, I listen, I I'm just going to keep man, I listen, I I'm just going to keep it a buck with you, Brian. I'm only at it a buck with you, Brian. I'm only at it a buck with you, Brian. I'm only at the Summit Church for the teaching. I I I'm not going to do a small group. I I I'm not going to do a small group. I'm not not going to do community. In I'm not not going to do community. In I'm not not going to do community. In fact, I kind of like the fact that fact, I kind of like the fact that fact, I kind of like the fact that Summit's kind of large. I can just kind Summit's kind of large. I can just kind Summit's kind of large. I can just kind of float in and float out. Gives me a of float in and float out. Gives me a of float in and float out. Gives me a high degree of anonymity. I I'm I'm not high degree of anonymity. I I'm I'm not high degree of anonymity. I I'm I'm not here for the community. I'm just here here for the community. I'm just here here for the community. I'm just here for the teaching. And I just want to say this. And I just want to say this. Let me just put a warning label on it. Let me just put a warning label on it. Let me just put a warning label on it. This is the most un-American text in all This is the most un-American text in all This is the most un-American text in all the Bible. Most un-American just kind of the Bible. Most un-American just kind of the Bible. Most un-American just kind of it just flies in the face of it just flies in the face of it just flies in the face of individualism. Let me just say this. individualism. Let me just say this. individualism. Let me just say this. For anyone who says, man, the local For anyone who says, man, the local For anyone who says, man, the local church for me is just about the teaching church for me is just about the teaching church for me is just about the teaching and and you're talking to a teacher. I and and you're talking to a teacher. I and and you're talking to a teacher. I love preaching the word of God. Teaching love preaching the word of God. Teaching love preaching the word of God. Teaching is going to be a fundamental part of is going to be a fundamental part of is going to be a fundamental part of what we do. But if that's [snorts] all what we do. But if that's [snorts] all what we do. But if that's [snorts] all that the church is to you, you have to that the church is to you, you have to that the church is to you, you have to understand this is so beneath the vision understand this is so beneath the vision understand this is so beneath the vision of what the New Testament thought of of what the New Testament thought of of what the New Testament thought of when it thought of the church.

when it thought of the church. when it thought of the church. A hundred times, a hundred times, a A hundred times, a hundred times, a A hundred times, a hundred times, a hundred times in the New Testament we hundred times in the New Testament we hundred times in the New Testament we see a little phrase, see a little phrase, see a little phrase, one another. one another. one another. Love one another. Love one another. Love one another. Encourage one another. Serve one Encourage one another. Serve one Encourage one another. Serve one another. You don't have to spend a day another. You don't have to spend a day another. You don't have to spend a day in seminary to figure out the in seminary to figure out the in seminary to figure out the implication here. What is implied is I implication here. What is implied is I implication here. What is implied is I am relationally am relationally am relationally connected. I'm relationally invested so connected. I'm relationally invested so connected. I'm relationally invested so that I can pour into and help to shape that I can pour into and help to shape that I can pour into and help to shape and be poured into and be shaped by this and be poured into and be shaped by this and be poured into and be shaped by this mutual sense of community. In fact, in mutual sense of community. In fact, in mutual sense of community. In fact, in John 13, it's uh Jesus talking to his John 13, it's uh Jesus talking to his John 13, it's uh Jesus talking to his disciples and he actually says something disciples and he actually says something disciples and he actually says something stunning stunning stunning about the community of faith. Look at about the community of faith. Look at about the community of faith. Look at what he says here in John chapter 13 what he says here in John chapter 13 what he says here in John chapter 13 beginning in verse 34, Jesus says, "A beginning in verse 34, Jesus says, "A beginning in verse 34, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you that you new commandment I give to you that you new commandment I give to you that you love Here's that phrase again one love Here's that phrase again one love Here's that phrase again one another. Just as I have loved you, you another. Just as I have loved you, you another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to Here it is again love one also are to Here it is again love one also are to Here it is again love one another. By this, don't miss it, all another. By this, don't miss it, all another. By this, don't miss it, all people will know that you are my people will know that you are my people will know that you are my disciples not by your quiet times, disciples not by your quiet times, disciples not by your quiet times, not by the content that you stream, not by the content that you stream, not by the content that you stream, not even by the preaching and not even by the preaching and not even by the preaching and proclamation of the word of God as proclamation of the word of God as proclamation of the word of God as essential as this is, but that but but essential as this is, but that but but essential as this is, but that but but by this all people know that you're my by this all people know that you're my by this all people know that you're my disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one another. Here's what Jesus is saying, another. Here's what Jesus is saying, another. Here's what Jesus is saying, the community of faith, the people of the community of faith, the people of the community of faith, the people of God, when they lean into each other and God, when they lean into each other and God, when they lean into each other and love one another, it is a powerful

love one another, it is a powerful love one another, it is a powerful piercing witness of the glory and piercing witness of the glory and piercing witness of the glory and goodness of God And so now we come to our text. And so now we come to our text. I got to be honest with you, man. When I I got to be honest with you, man. When I I got to be honest with you, man. When I saw this on the teaching calendar, I saw this on the teaching calendar, I saw this on the teaching calendar, I just went, "Okay, Philippians 2, not just went, "Okay, Philippians 2, not just went, "Okay, Philippians 2, not ringing a bell. Philippians 2:19, I hope ringing a bell. Philippians 2:19, I hope ringing a bell. Philippians 2:19, I hope in the Lord Jesus and Timothy 2 you soon in the Lord Jesus and Timothy 2 you soon in the Lord Jesus and Timothy 2 you soon that I too may be cheered by news of you that I too may be cheered by news of you that I too may be cheered by news of you for I have no one like you who will be for I have no one like you who will be for I have no one like you who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare." genuinely concerned for your welfare." genuinely concerned for your welfare." Then later on reading and uh Then later on reading and uh Then later on reading and uh and I thought it necessary to send you and I thought it necessary to send you and I thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus. Who the heck is Epaphroditus. Who the heck is Epaphroditus. Who the heck is Epaphroditus? Uh Epaphroditus? Uh Epaphroditus? Uh My brother and fellow worker fellow My brother and fellow worker fellow My brother and fellow worker fellow messenger. Man, what am I going to do messenger. Man, what am I going to do messenger. Man, what am I going to do with this? No wonder Pastor JD's not here. No wonder Pastor JD's not here. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And why could I get Philippians 1:6? He >> And why could I get Philippians 1:6? He >> And why could I get Philippians 1:6? He who began the good work in you will be who began the good work in you will be who began the good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Man, that's faithful to complete it. Man, that's faithful to complete it. Man, that's shouting stuff right there. shouting stuff right there. shouting stuff right there. Epaphroditus? Epaphroditus? Epaphroditus? Timothy?

And then I'm thinking Philippians 3 And then I'm thinking Philippians 3 Excuse me, 2 Timothy 3:16 says Excuse me, 2 Timothy 3:16 says Excuse me, 2 Timothy 3:16 says All scripture's inspired by God. All scripture's inspired by God. All scripture's inspired by God. And it's profitable. And it's profitable. And it's profitable. The idea of profitable means it's The idea of profitable means it's The idea of profitable means it's useful. In other words, all scripture. useful. In other words, all scripture. useful. In other words, all scripture. In other words, In other words, In other words, there's some gold here. This is not a didactic text. This is not a didactic text. He's He's He's not giving us He's He's He's not giving us He's He's He's not giving us um um um just some deep doctrinal teaching just some deep doctrinal teaching just some deep doctrinal teaching as [snorts] much as he is as [snorts] much as he is as [snorts] much as he is giving us a picture a picture of giving us a picture a picture of giving us a picture a picture of community. It's as if Paul's saying, community. It's as if Paul's saying, community. It's as if Paul's saying, "Come here. Come here. "Come here. Come here. "Come here. Come here. I I want you to see I I want you to see I I want you to see this picture of community. I I want you this picture of community. I I want you this picture of community. I I want you to see how me and Timothy and to see how me and Timothy and to see how me and Timothy and Epaphroditus Epaphroditus Epaphroditus and the Philippians, how we do life with and the Philippians, how we do life with and the Philippians, how we do life with one another."

one another." one another." And and and I don't want you to just see And and and I don't want you to just see And and and I don't want you to just see it. Remember, all scripture is it. Remember, all scripture is it. Remember, all scripture is profitable. It's useful. So, Paul's profitable. It's useful. So, Paul's profitable. It's useful. So, Paul's saying, "Come here. I want you to see it saying, "Come here. I want you to see it saying, "Come here. I want you to see it so that you're inspired to replicate so that you're inspired to replicate so that you're inspired to replicate it." it." it." This is a word for us because one of the This is a word for us because one of the This is a word for us because one of the things Paul's going to show us is that things Paul's going to show us is that things Paul's going to show us is that it's just it's just it's just nothing compares to Christian community. nothing compares to Christian community. nothing compares to Christian community. That That's really his idea. And I'm That That's really his idea. And I'm That That's really his idea. And I'm going to give you the picture. In fact, going to give you the picture. In fact, going to give you the picture. In fact, I I just did I was just thinking about I I just did I was just thinking about I I just did I was just thinking about this this morning. I just did lunch with this this morning. I just did lunch with this this morning. I just did lunch with one of my sons in the ministry, a guy by one of my sons in the ministry, a guy by one of my sons in the ministry, a guy by the name of Chris. He's pastoring a the name of Chris. He's pastoring a the name of Chris. He's pastoring a major church, great gospel movement major church, great gospel movement major church, great gospel movement right in the heart of San Francisco. If right in the heart of San Francisco. If right in the heart of San Francisco. If ever you're in San Francisco, go to his ever you're in San Francisco, go to his ever you're in San Francisco, go to his church, Redemption San Francisco. And we church, Redemption San Francisco. And we church, Redemption San Francisco. And we just did lunch this week in Palo Alto. just did lunch this week in Palo Alto. just did lunch this week in Palo Alto. And Chris is my old resident. I I first And Chris is my old resident. I I first And Chris is my old resident. I I first met Chris about 18 years ago. He was 22, met Chris about 18 years ago. He was 22, met Chris about 18 years ago. He was 22, 23 years old, had just graduated from 23 years old, had just graduated from 23 years old, had just graduated from college. Showed up at the church I was college. Showed up at the church I was college. Showed up at the church I was planting. I didn't know him, he didn't planting. I didn't know him, he didn't planting. I didn't know him, he didn't know me. He reached out to me, know me. He reached out to me, know me. He reached out to me, 22-year-old kid, man, and just invited 22-year-old kid, man, and just invited 22-year-old kid, man, and just invited me out to coffee. And I went out to me out to coffee. And I went out to me out to coffee. And I went out to coffee with him. And And he said some coffee with him. And And he said some coffee with him. And And he said some very encouraging things to me. I said, very encouraging things to me. I said, very encouraging things to me. I said, "Man, what's your story?" He goes, "Man, "Man, what's your story?" He goes, "Man, "Man, what's your story?" He goes, "Man, I grew up in inner-city St. Louis. My I grew up in inner-city St. Louis. My I grew up in inner-city St. Louis. My dad's been locked up since I was 2 years dad's been locked up since I was 2 years dad's been locked up since I was 2 years old. I've just I didn't grow up in a old. I've just I didn't grow up in a old. I've just I didn't grow up in a godly home. I grew up in a single-parent godly home. I grew up in a single-parent godly home. I grew up in a single-parent home, man." He goes, "Man, there's just home, man." He goes, "Man, there's just home, man." He goes, "Man, there's just something about you, man. Can I just get something about you, man. Can I just get something about you, man. Can I just get some time with you? I I just feel like some time with you? I I just feel like some time with you? I I just feel like God is just shifting me. And maybe I God is just shifting me. And maybe I God is just shifting me. And maybe I want to go into vocational ministry."

want to go into vocational ministry." want to go into vocational ministry." And And And And here's what I thought, And And And And here's what I thought, And And And And here's what I thought, and I don't want this to come across as and I don't want this to come across as and I don't want this to come across as arrogant. So, please forgive me if it arrogant. So, please forgive me if it arrogant. So, please forgive me if it does. I left there, and that kid moved does. I left there, and that kid moved does. I left there, and that kid moved me. He moved me. And I'm going, "Man, me. He moved me. And I'm going, "Man, me. He moved me. And I'm going, "Man, this kid This kid, man, he just come this kid This kid, man, he just come this kid This kid, man, he just come from a broken home. Dad's been locked up from a broken home. Dad's been locked up from a broken home. Dad's been locked up since age 2." So, here's what I said, "I since age 2." So, here's what I said, "I since age 2." So, here's what I said, "I want to give him a picture." So, for the next 3 years, he's over my So, for the next 3 years, he's over my house, ate me out of house and home. house, ate me out of house and home. house, ate me out of house and home. Sitting at the table. Sitting at the table. Sitting at the table. He never sat at a table before, mother, He never sat at a table before, mother, He never sat at a table before, mother, father, father, father, kids opening up the Bible. kids opening up the Bible. kids opening up the Bible. Here I am giving him my best stuff to my Here I am giving him my best stuff to my Here I am giving him my best stuff to my kids. They're not paying attention. kids. They're not paying attention. kids. They're not paying attention. But he's seeing all this. And we're on But he's seeing all this. And we're on But he's seeing all this. And we're on planes, and we're traveling. And And planes, and we're traveling. And And planes, and we're traveling. And And here I am, just the other day, doing here I am, just the other day, doing here I am, just the other day, doing lunch with him in Palo Alto. He's been lunch with him in Palo Alto. He's been lunch with him in Palo Alto. He's been married coming up on 15 years, three married coming up on 15 years, three married coming up on 15 years, three beautiful kids, pastoring a church in beautiful kids, pastoring a church in beautiful kids, pastoring a church in San Francisco, loving Jesus, all glory San Francisco, loving Jesus, all glory San Francisco, loving Jesus, all glory to God, BUT BUT GOD USED ME TO GIVE HIM to God, BUT BUT GOD USED ME TO GIVE HIM to God, BUT BUT GOD USED ME TO GIVE HIM A PICTURE.

Pictures inspire. Pictures inspire. THAT'S WHAT PAUL'S DOING. SO, PAUL SAYS, THAT'S WHAT PAUL'S DOING. SO, PAUL SAYS, THAT'S WHAT PAUL'S DOING. SO, PAUL SAYS, "LISTEN, "LISTEN, "LISTEN, I want to I've I've talked a lot ABOUT I want to I've I've talked a lot ABOUT I want to I've I've talked a lot ABOUT COMMUNITY. I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A COMMUNITY. I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A COMMUNITY. I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A PICTURE." nothing compares to Christian community. nothing compares to Christian community. So, let me just draw out three So, let me just draw out three So, let me just draw out three three principles, three points of three principles, three points of three principles, three points of application, and we're done. application, and we're done. application, and we're done. Number one, nothing compares to Christian community nothing compares to Christian community because we have because we have because we have the best the best the best foundation. foundation. foundation. Here's Paul, he's in jail. Here's Paul, he's in jail. Here's Paul, he's in jail. He says I He opens up and says, "I I He says I He opens up and says, "I I He says I He opens up and says, "I I hope the Lord Jesus sends Timothy to you hope the Lord Jesus sends Timothy to you hope the Lord Jesus sends Timothy to you soon." Paul first met Timothy in a town soon." Paul first met Timothy in a town soon." Paul first met Timothy in a town called Lystra. He goes there in Acts called Lystra. He goes there in Acts called Lystra. He goes there in Acts chapter 14, preaches the gospel. chapter 14, preaches the gospel. chapter 14, preaches the gospel. They stone him. Paul miraculously They stone him. Paul miraculously They stone him. Paul miraculously survives. I'm going to tell you survives. I'm going to tell you survives. I'm going to tell you something, Summit, if you stone me, I'm something, Summit, if you stone me, I'm something, Summit, if you stone me, I'm never coming back. never coming back. never coming back. Okay? Two chapters later, Paul is such a Okay? Two chapters later, Paul is such a Okay? Two chapters later, Paul is such a beast for the kingdom of God, he's back beast for the kingdom of God, he's back beast for the kingdom of God, he's back back in Lystra two chapters later. Acts back in Lystra two chapters later. Acts back in Lystra two chapters later. Acts chapter 16, there he hears about chapter 16, there he hears about chapter 16, there he hears about Timothy. Off they go, a relationship is Timothy. Off they go, a relationship is Timothy. Off they go, a relationship is formed. And and now decades later, here formed. And and now decades later, here formed. And and now decades later, here they are still going strong in the Lord.

they are still going strong in the Lord. they are still going strong in the Lord. I just want you to see a little phrase I just want you to see a little phrase I just want you to see a little phrase that Paul uses when he's talking about that Paul uses when he's talking about that Paul uses when he's talking about Timothy, "And I trust," verse 24, "and I Timothy, "And I trust," verse 24, "and I Timothy, "And I trust," verse 24, "and I trust," here's the phrase, "in the Lord trust," here's the phrase, "in the Lord trust," here's the phrase, "in the Lord in the Lord in the Lord that shortly I in the Lord in the Lord that shortly I in the Lord in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also." Now, verse 25, myself will come also." Now, verse 25, myself will come also." Now, verse 25, he moves to Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus, he moves to Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus, he moves to Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus, we don't know much about him. In fact, we don't know much about him. In fact, we don't know much about him. In fact, the bulk of what we know about him comes the bulk of what we know about him comes the bulk of what we know about him comes from the book of Philippians in this from the book of Philippians in this from the book of Philippians in this passage. Remember we talked a couple passage. Remember we talked a couple passage. Remember we talked a couple weeks ago, Paul is in jail, Philippians weeks ago, Paul is in jail, Philippians weeks ago, Paul is in jail, Philippians are worried about him, they encourage are worried about him, they encourage are worried about him, they encourage him, they take up a collection. We'll him, they take up a collection. We'll him, they take up a collection. We'll get to that in Philippians chapter 4. get to that in Philippians chapter 4. get to that in Philippians chapter 4. And the person they entrust the money to And the person they entrust the money to And the person they entrust the money to is Epaphroditus who now takes it to is Epaphroditus who now takes it to is Epaphroditus who now takes it to Paul. Paul now is looking to send him Paul. Paul now is looking to send him Paul. Paul now is looking to send him back and notice what he says about back and notice what he says about back and notice what he says about Epaphroditus, verse 29, so receive him, Epaphroditus, verse 29, so receive him, Epaphroditus, verse 29, so receive him, here it is, in the Lord. here it is, in the Lord. here it is, in the Lord. Do you see? Same thing he says when he's Do you see? Same thing he says when he's Do you see? Same thing he says when he's talking about Timothy, in the Lord. So talking about Timothy, in the Lord. So talking about Timothy, in the Lord. So same thing about Epaphroditus, in the same thing about Epaphroditus, in the same thing about Epaphroditus, in the Lord. Paul is watching out. Paul is Lord. Paul is watching out. Paul is Lord. Paul is watching out. Paul is rooting his community, his friendships, rooting his community, his friendships, rooting his community, his friendships, his relationships in the Lord, in the his relationships in the Lord, in the his relationships in the Lord, in the Lord, in the Lord. In other words, Paul Lord, in the Lord. In other words, Paul Lord, in the Lord. In other words, Paul says the foundation, says the foundation, says the foundation, the gravitational pull, what really the gravitational pull, what really the gravitational pull, what really makes Christian community work makes Christian community work makes Christian community work it's not just basic affinities. It's not it's not just basic affinities. It's not it's not just basic affinities. It's not that we enjoy the same hobbies, it's not that we enjoy the same hobbies, it's not that we enjoy the same hobbies, it's not ultimately that we live in geographical ultimately that we live in geographical ultimately that we live in geographical proximity, it's not ultimately that our proximity, it's not ultimately that our proximity, it's not ultimately that our kids are in the same season of life.

kids are in the same season of life. kids are in the same season of life. What makes gospel community work is that What makes gospel community work is that What makes gospel community work is that there's home base and home base is the there's home base and home base is the there's home base and home base is the gospel. gospel. gospel. We keep coming back to it. We keep coming back to it. We keep coming back to it. It's what It's what brings us together. It's what It's what brings us together. It's what It's what brings us together. In fact, if you read Acts chapter 16, In fact, if you read Acts chapter 16, In fact, if you read Acts chapter 16, when Paul plants the church, have you when Paul plants the church, have you when Paul plants the church, have you just thought about the people who made just thought about the people who made just thought about the people who made up the first church there in in up the first church there in in up the first church there in in Philippians, man? It's this diverse Philippians, man? It's this diverse Philippians, man? It's this diverse church. In fact, Paul's community, right church. In fact, Paul's community, right church. In fact, Paul's community, right here. Uh Paul's a Jew, Timothy's half here. Uh Paul's a Jew, Timothy's half here. Uh Paul's a Jew, Timothy's half Jew, half Gentile. Epaphroditus, Jew, half Gentile. Epaphroditus, Jew, half Gentile. Epaphroditus, probably all Gentile. Yeah, how does probably all Gentile. Yeah, how does probably all Gentile. Yeah, how does this work? PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT this work? PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT this work? PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT ETHNICITIES. What makes it work is ETHNICITIES. What makes it work is ETHNICITIES. What makes it work is there's something greater than their there's something greater than their there's something greater than their ethnic difference and it's what they ethnic difference and it's what they ethnic difference and it's what they have in common in Christ. have in common in Christ. have in common in Christ. It's what pulls them together? Go and put this image on the screen. Go and put this image on the screen. This is one of the most shockingly This is one of the most shockingly This is one of the most shockingly beautiful images beautiful images beautiful images that I've come across. Some of you will that I've come across. Some of you will that I've come across. Some of you will recognize There's John Lewis, recognize There's John Lewis, recognize There's John Lewis, former congressman.

former congressman. former congressman. John Lewis grew up in a Christian home. John Lewis grew up in a Christian home. John Lewis grew up in a Christian home. In fact, John Lewis In fact, John Lewis In fact, John Lewis He was so in love with Jesus and was so He was so in love with Jesus and was so He was so in love with Jesus and was so inspired by Christ in his walk in those inspired by Christ in his walk in those inspired by Christ in his walk in those early days early days early days that he actually was preparing for life that he actually was preparing for life that he actually was preparing for life of full-time vocational ministry. He got of full-time vocational ministry. He got of full-time vocational ministry. He got derailed, became a civil rights leader, derailed, became a civil rights leader, derailed, became a civil rights leader, and not just a civil rights leader, he and not just a civil rights leader, he and not just a civil rights leader, he was a freedom writer. He's sitting next was a freedom writer. He's sitting next was a freedom writer. He's sitting next to a guy by the name of Elwin Wilson. to a guy by the name of Elwin Wilson. to a guy by the name of Elwin Wilson. Elwin Wilson, former member of the KKK. Elwin Wilson, former member of the KKK. Elwin Wilson, former member of the KKK. 1961, Elwin Wilson actually assaulted 1961, Elwin Wilson actually assaulted 1961, Elwin Wilson actually assaulted John Lewis, almost killed him. But some John Lewis, almost killed him. But some John Lewis, almost killed him. But some years later, Elwin Wilson, the great years later, Elwin Wilson, the great years later, Elwin Wilson, the great Hound of Heaven, Jesus Christ, tracks Hound of Heaven, Jesus Christ, tracks Hound of Heaven, Jesus Christ, tracks him down. Elwin Wilson gets saved. So, him down. Elwin Wilson gets saved. So, him down. Elwin Wilson gets saved. So, now he's in the Lord, John Lewis is in now he's in the Lord, John Lewis is in now he's in the Lord, John Lewis is in the Lord. Now that Elwin is in the Lord, the Lord. Now that Elwin is in the Lord, the Lord. Now that Elwin is in the Lord, he felt feels convicted, quits being a he felt feels convicted, quits being a he felt feels convicted, quits being a part of the KKK, and because he's in the part of the KKK, and because he's in the part of the KKK, and because he's in the Lord, picks up the phone, tracks down Lord, picks up the phone, tracks down Lord, picks up the phone, tracks down John Lewis, and says, "Look, man, I John Lewis, and says, "Look, man, I John Lewis, and says, "Look, man, I almost killed you. And I just want to almost killed you. And I just want to almost killed you. And I just want to I'm in Christ now. I just want to ask I'm in Christ now. I just want to ask I'm in Christ now. I just want to ask for forgiveness." John Lewis forgives for forgiveness." John Lewis forgives for forgiveness." John Lewis forgives him, and now what are they doing him, and now what are they doing him, and now what are they doing together? They spend the winter years of together? They spend the winter years of together? They spend the winter years of their life traveling across the country their life traveling across the country their life traveling across the country doing reconciliation workshops, talking doing reconciliation workshops, talking doing reconciliation workshops, talking about the power of the gospel to give about the power of the gospel to give about the power of the gospel to give them grace and mercy and forgiveness and them grace and mercy and forgiveness and them grace and mercy and forgiveness and to reconcile the former civil rights to reconcile the former civil rights to reconcile the former civil rights leader and the former K What brings them leader and the former K What brings them leader and the former K What brings them together? In the Lord.

In the Lord. In the Lord. What brings us together? What brings us together? What brings us together? In the Lord. It's It's what we keep In the Lord. It's It's what we keep In the Lord. It's It's what we keep coming back to, and this IS VERY coming back to, and this IS VERY coming back to, and this IS VERY IMPORTANT. IMPORTANT. IMPORTANT. BECAUSE THE LOCAL CHURCH is not a BECAUSE THE LOCAL CHURCH is not a BECAUSE THE LOCAL CHURCH is not a perfect place. We understand that perfect place. We understand that perfect place. We understand that cognitively, but I think on an emotional cognitively, but I think on an emotional cognitively, but I think on an emotional level we don't really get that. level we don't really get that. level we don't really get that. You hang out at the Summit Church like You hang out at the Summit Church like You hang out at the Summit Church like any other church long enough. YOU HANG any other church long enough. YOU HANG any other church long enough. YOU HANG OUT WITH me long enough. I'm going to OUT WITH me long enough. I'm going to OUT WITH me long enough. I'm going to frustrate you. I'm going to disappoint frustrate you. I'm going to disappoint frustrate you. I'm going to disappoint you. I'll I'll say something I you. I'll I'll say something I you. I'll I'll say something I shouldn't. I'm going to offend you, but shouldn't. I'm going to offend you, but shouldn't. I'm going to offend you, but if we're anchored in the Lord Let listen if we're anchored in the Lord Let listen if we're anchored in the Lord Let listen Let me Let me Let me just say it this Let me Let me Let me just say it this Let me Let me Let me just say it this way. way. way. If I really want to know what what you If I really want to know what what you If I really want to know what what you believed about the gospel. You know the believed about the gospel. You know the believed about the gospel. You know the best way to find that out? How do you best way to find that out? How do you best way to find that out? How do you react to individuals who've wronged you? If every time someone offends you, you If every time someone offends you, you bail. bail. bail. You fundamentally don't understand the You fundamentally don't understand the You fundamentally don't understand the gospel.

Jesus says, Jesus says, Matthew 5, Matthew 5, Matthew 5, What credit is it if you love the What credit is it if you love the What credit is it if you love the lovable? lovable? lovable? Even the Gentiles do that. Big deal! You get along with people who Big deal! You get along with people who get ALONG WITH YOU. BIG DEAL! WHAT MAKES THE SUMMIT, what makes WHAT MAKES THE SUMMIT, what makes Christian community beautiful, is when I wrong someone, is when I wrong someone, the spirit of God convicts me. In the spirit of God convicts me. In the spirit of God convicts me. In humility, I apologize. When I've been humility, I apologize. When I've been humility, I apologize. When I've been offended, offended, offended, I [clears throat] I in humility confess I [clears throat] I in humility confess I [clears throat] I in humility confess that I'm hurting and we got to have a that I'm hurting and we got to have a that I'm hurting and we got to have a conversation and and I give you an conversation and and I give you an conversation and and I give you an opportunity to apologize and then I opportunity to apologize and then I opportunity to apologize and then I respond with grace and mercy and respond with grace and mercy and respond with grace and mercy and forgiveness. And I said, "I don't know. forgiveness. And I said, "I don't know. forgiveness. And I said, "I don't know. WE'RE NOT GOING TO QUIT ON EACH OTHER. WE'RE NOT GOING TO QUIT ON EACH OTHER. WE'RE NOT GOING TO QUIT ON EACH OTHER. We're going to lean in and reconcile We're going to lean in and reconcile We're going to lean in and reconcile because our our foundation is in the because our our foundation is in the because our our foundation is in the Lord and grace and mercy and forgiveness Lord and grace and mercy and forgiveness Lord and grace and mercy and forgiveness and reconciliation." I do that because and reconciliation." I do that because and reconciliation." I do that because every single day that's what God in every single day that's what God in every single day that's what God in Christ does for me.

Christ does for me. Christ does for me. Every day. Is this a perfect place? No. Is this a perfect place? No. You will be wronged. Secondly, Secondly, nothing compares to Christian community nothing compares to Christian community nothing compares to Christian community because we have the strongest bond. because we have the strongest bond. because we have the strongest bond. In 2 Timothy chapter 1, Paul is writing In 2 Timothy chapter 1, Paul is writing In 2 Timothy chapter 1, Paul is writing his last documented letter. his last documented letter. his last documented letter. He writes it to Timothy, and if you read He writes it to Timothy, and if you read He writes it to Timothy, and if you read that, you'll notice that Paul calls that, you'll notice that Paul calls that, you'll notice that Paul calls Timothy his child, his son in the faith. Timothy his child, his son in the faith. Timothy his child, his son in the faith. In fact, as Paul is writing Timothy's In fact, as Paul is writing Timothy's In fact, as Paul is writing Timothy's spiritual legacy, he says things like spiritual legacy, he says things like spiritual legacy, he says things like you have a godly grandmother, you have a you have a godly grandmother, you have a you have a godly grandmother, you have a godly mother. Absent from the list is a godly mother. Absent from the list is a godly mother. Absent from the list is a godly dad. In fact, most scholars godly dad. In fact, most scholars godly dad. In fact, most scholars believe that Timothy's father was not a believe that Timothy's father was not a believe that Timothy's father was not a man of faith. Paul now sees this void, man of faith. Paul now sees this void, man of faith. Paul now sees this void, Acts chapter 16. He now calls Timothy to Acts chapter 16. He now calls Timothy to Acts chapter 16. He now calls Timothy to come alongside of him, and you have to come alongside of him, and you have to come alongside of him, and you have to understand that that to Paul, Timothy understand that that to Paul, Timothy understand that that to Paul, Timothy was not just some intern. He was not was not just some intern. He was not was not just some intern. He was not some resident to do the grunt work, uh some resident to do the grunt work, uh some resident to do the grunt work, uh the hard work of planting churches. No, the hard work of planting churches. No, the hard work of planting churches. No, there was a a deep spiritual sense of there was a a deep spiritual sense of there was a a deep spiritual sense of love and affection. We actually get this love and affection. We actually get this love and affection. We actually get this in our text. Look at it with me in verse in our text. Look at it with me in verse in our text. Look at it with me in verse 22. Paul says, "But you know Timothy's 22. Paul says, "But you know Timothy's 22. Paul says, "But you know Timothy's proven worth." Here the familiar proven worth." Here the familiar proven worth." Here the familiar language, "How as a son with a father, language, "How as a son with a father, language, "How as a son with a father, he has served with me in the gospel."

he has served with me in the gospel." he has served with me in the gospel." Paul postures himself as a father and Paul postures himself as a father and Paul postures himself as a father and Timothy his son. Now, notice he Timothy his son. Now, notice he Timothy his son. Now, notice he continues this use of familiar language continues this use of familiar language continues this use of familiar language in verse 25. He says this, "I have in verse 25. He says this, "I have in verse 25. He says this, "I have thought it necessary to send you thought it necessary to send you thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus." Here the description, "my Epaphroditus." Here the description, "my Epaphroditus." Here the description, "my brother." Paul is not the one who came up with Paul is not the one who came up with familiar language to speak of the people familiar language to speak of the people familiar language to speak of the people of God. of God. of God. He actually got this from Jesus. He actually got this from Jesus. He actually got this from Jesus. In chapter 12, they tell Jesus that his In chapter 12, they tell Jesus that his In chapter 12, they tell Jesus that his biological mother and siblings are biological mother and siblings are biological mother and siblings are waiting on him and notice Jesus' waiting on him and notice Jesus' waiting on him and notice Jesus' response. Jesus says, "Who is my mother? response. Jesus says, "Who is my mother? response. Jesus says, "Who is my mother? And who are my brothers?" And who are my brothers?" And who are my brothers?" Turning to his disciples, he says, "Here Turning to his disciples, he says, "Here Turning to his disciples, he says, "Here are my mother and my brothers, for are my mother and my brothers, for are my mother and my brothers, for whoever does the will of my father in whoever does the will of my father in whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and heaven is my brother and sister and heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Oh, in an individualized mother." Oh, in an individualized mother." Oh, in an individualized culture like ours, we don't get the culture like ours, we don't get the culture like ours, we don't get the scandalous nature of what Jesus just scandalous nature of what Jesus just scandalous nature of what Jesus just did. But in Jesus' culture, family was did. But in Jesus' culture, family was did. But in Jesus' culture, family was everything. Who you shared DNA with was everything. Who you shared DNA with was everything. Who you shared DNA with was everything and Jesus flips it on its everything and Jesus flips it on its everything and Jesus flips it on its head.

He says the strongest bond Christ He says the strongest bond Christ followers are to share is not just with followers are to share is not just with followers are to share is not just with your DNA. It's with your spiritual DNA. It's with your spiritual DNA. The blood of Christ unites as Carmen The blood of Christ unites as Carmen The blood of Christ unites as Carmen Imes says it so much better than I Imes says it so much better than I Imes says it so much better than I could. could. could. Carmen Imes is a Carmen Imes is a Carmen Imes is a wonderful woman of God, professor at wonderful woman of God, professor at wonderful woman of God, professor at Biola University. I read whatever she Biola University. I read whatever she Biola University. I read whatever she writes. writes. writes. In her wonderful book Becoming God's In her wonderful book Becoming God's In her wonderful book Becoming God's family, she says, "Westerners often family, she says, "Westerners often family, she says, "Westerners often think of marriages as the building think of marriages as the building think of marriages as the building blocks of society. However, in the first blocks of society. However, in the first blocks of society. However, in the first century, sibling relationships were century, sibling relationships were century, sibling relationships were primary. A wife was more likely to feel primary. A wife was more likely to feel primary. A wife was more likely to feel a close emotional bond with her brother a close emotional bond with her brother a close emotional bond with her brother than her husband even long after getting than her husband even long after getting than her husband even long after getting married. Knowing this helps us married. Knowing this helps us married. Knowing this helps us understand the significance of sibling understand the significance of sibling understand the significance of sibling language in the New Testament. When language in the New Testament. When language in the New Testament. When Jesus speaks of his followers as Jesus speaks of his followers as Jesus speaks of his followers as brothers and sisters, he's tapping into brothers and sisters, he's tapping into brothers and sisters, he's tapping into the Hear it now. Into the deepest the Hear it now. Into the deepest the Hear it now. Into the deepest and most loyal bond anyone in the and most loyal bond anyone in the and most loyal bond anyone in the Mediterranean world experienced. If you Mediterranean world experienced. If you Mediterranean world experienced. If you become my brother, it means I will drop become my brother, it means I will drop become my brother, it means I will drop anything to help you."

Let that sink in the next time you read Let that sink in the next time you read the New Testament. the New Testament. the New Testament. To my brothers, to my sisters. To my brothers, to my sisters. To my brothers, to my sisters. Thank you, Brian. Now, what does all Thank you, Brian. Now, what does all Thank you, Brian. Now, what does all this mean for you and I? Here's what it this mean for you and I? Here's what it this mean for you and I? Here's what it means. means. means. As followers of Jesus, we don't just As followers of Jesus, we don't just As followers of Jesus, we don't just bring our families to church, we come to bring our families to church, we come to bring our families to church, we come to church because it is our family. It's family. It's family. I [snorts] mean, we we we we we get a I [snorts] mean, we we we we we get a I [snorts] mean, we we we we we get a sense of this. Acts chapter 2, Peter sense of this. Acts chapter 2, Peter sense of this. Acts chapter 2, Peter gets up on the day of Pentecost, he gets up on the day of Pentecost, he gets up on the day of Pentecost, he preaches the gospel, thousands of people preaches the gospel, thousands of people preaches the gospel, thousands of people respond, the church is birthed. And respond, the church is birthed. And respond, the church is birthed. And what's the first thing we see them do? what's the first thing we see them do? what's the first thing we see them do? Selling their possessions and giving to Selling their possessions and giving to Selling their possessions and giving to each as they had need. I submit to you, each as they had need. I submit to you, each as they had need. I submit to you, you don't do that for acquaintances, you you don't do that for acquaintances, you you don't do that for acquaintances, you don't just do that for friends, you do don't just do that for friends, you do don't just do that for friends, you do that for family. Buddy of mine planted a church some Buddy of mine planted a church some years ago. Him and, I don't know, a dozen or so Him and, I don't know, a dozen or so other people, they were all in their other people, they were all in their other people, they were all in their early to mid 20s. They didn't have much early to mid 20s. They didn't have much early to mid 20s. They didn't have much money, but they were planting a church money, but they were planting a church money, but they were planting a church in one of the most expensive cities in in one of the most expensive cities in in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

the world. the world. They had a crazy idea. We don't have They had a crazy idea. We don't have They had a crazy idea. We don't have much money, it's going to be expensive. much money, it's going to be expensive. much money, it's going to be expensive. They decided to empty out their bank They decided to empty out their bank They decided to empty out their bank accounts, put all their money into a accounts, put all their money into a accounts, put all their money into a common fund, and to help each other with common fund, and to help each other with common fund, and to help each other with the needs that they had. I'm not saying the needs that they had. I'm not saying the needs that they had. I'm not saying that's the blueprint for church that's the blueprint for church that's the blueprint for church planting. I am saying what motivates planting. I am saying what motivates planting. I am saying what motivates this is this profound sense of family. this is this profound sense of family. this is this profound sense of family. Now, Brian, what does it mean for me to Now, Brian, what does it mean for me to Now, Brian, what does it mean for me to flesh that out in my life? I've been flesh that out in my life? I've been flesh that out in my life? I've been thinking about it. Well, the the thinking about it. Well, the the thinking about it. Well, the the difference between friends and family, I difference between friends and family, I difference between friends and family, I think the the difference is is is is think the the difference is is is is think the the difference is is is is found in the word responsibility. found in the word responsibility. found in the word responsibility. With my family, With my family, With my family, there is just this profound sense of I'm there is just this profound sense of I'm there is just this profound sense of I'm responsible. So, when my sister went through a brutal So, when my sister went through a brutal divorce divorce divorce a couple years ago, a couple years ago, a couple years ago, me and my siblings, my parents, me and my siblings, my parents, me and my siblings, my parents, we just surrounded her like, we got you. We ain't going to let you fall. We ain't going to let you fall. You're not going to fail on our watch.

You're not going to fail on our watch. You're not going to fail on our watch. We're We're responsible. We're We're responsible. We're We're responsible. Oh, my niece and nephew they need they Oh, my niece and nephew they need they Oh, my niece and nephew they need they they they need they need school they they need they need school they they need they need school supplies, I got you. My my my niece and supplies, I got you. My my my niece and supplies, I got you. My my my niece and nephew they need school clothes, I got nephew they need school clothes, I got nephew they need school clothes, I got you. They They need a car, dad's got you. They They need a car, dad's got you. They They need a car, dad's got you. But, baby I'm I'm all in. I just even remember that just I just even remember that just all my kids have gone off to college, all my kids have gone off to college, all my kids have gone off to college, man, and just you know how it is. You man, and just you know how it is. You man, and just you know how it is. You drop kids off at college and drop kids off at college and drop kids off at college and man, you're just kind of lingering and man, you're just kind of lingering and man, you're just kind of lingering and you know it's time. They got to go their you know it's time. They got to go their you know it's time. They got to go their way and you got to go their way and that way and you got to go their way and that way and you got to go their way and that walk it just chokes me up every single walk it just chokes me up every single walk it just chokes me up every single time. Just watching your kid go to the time. Just watching your kid go to the time. Just watching your kid go to the other side of campus and man, it just as other side of campus and man, it just as other side of campus and man, it just as a dad there's just this thing in me that a dad there's just this thing in me that a dad there's just this thing in me that just rises up and I just just rises up and I just just rises up and I just I got you. Summit Church should be one of the most Summit Church should be one of the most welcoming places in the triangle.

welcoming places in the triangle. welcoming places in the triangle. Where no one feels alone. Where no one feels alone. Where no one feels alone. We got you. Nothing compares Nothing compares to Christian community finally The Greek philosopher Aristotle talked The Greek philosopher Aristotle talked about two different time types of about two different time types of about two different time types of communities or friendships. One is what communities or friendships. One is what communities or friendships. One is what he called a utilitarian community and he called a utilitarian community and he called a utilitarian community and what he meant by that is in a what he meant by that is in a what he meant by that is in a utilitarian community people tend to utilitarian community people tend to utilitarian community people tend to view each other as commodities. In other view each other as commodities. In other view each other as commodities. In other words, I tend to look at you in a very words, I tend to look at you in a very words, I tend to look at you in a very transactional way and to think I'm transactional way and to think I'm transactional way and to think I'm here's what you can add value to my here's what you can add value to my here's what you can add value to my life. life. life. So I don't I don't buddy up to you So I don't I don't buddy up to you So I don't I don't buddy up to you for your well-being. I kind of approach for your well-being. I kind of approach for your well-being. I kind of approach you from the lens of what can you do for you from the lens of what can you do for you from the lens of what can you do for me? And tragically Paul alludes to this me? And tragically Paul alludes to this me? And tragically Paul alludes to this kind of person in our text. Look at kind of person in our text. Look at kind of person in our text. Look at verse 21. Paul says, "For they all seek verse 21. Paul says, "For they all seek verse 21. Paul says, "For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus their own interests, not those of Jesus their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." I just want to I just want to Christ." I just want to I just want to Christ." I just want to I just want to apologize for it. It's a problem not apologize for it. It's a problem not apologize for it. It's a problem not just in Paul's day, it's a problem in just in Paul's day, it's a problem in just in Paul's day, it's a problem in our day that even in the church of Jesus our day that even in the church of Jesus our day that even in the church of Jesus Christ, there are people out there who Christ, there are people out there who Christ, there are people out there who WHOM IN THE ONLY TIME I HEAR from you is WHOM IN THE ONLY TIME I HEAR from you is WHOM IN THE ONLY TIME I HEAR from you is when you want something.

The only time I hear from you, it's it's The only time I hear from you, it's it's maybe a few seconds of how's it going maybe a few seconds of how's it going maybe a few seconds of how's it going and then you're getting into the real and then you're getting into the real and then you're getting into the real reason why you're calling. And the real reason why you're calling. And the real reason why you're calling. And the real reason why you're calling is not to reason why you're calling is not to reason why you're calling is not to check on me, it's not for my own check on me, it's not for my own check on me, it's not for my own well-being, it's it's you you need well-being, it's it's you you need well-being, it's it's you you need something from me. I want to encourage you, don't do that. I want to encourage you, don't do that. Don't be that person. Don't be that person. Don't be that person. Don't be transactional. But then Aristotle says there's another But then Aristotle says there's another kind of friendship or community. kind of friendship or community. kind of friendship or community. I I don't like the word he uses, I I don't like the word he uses, I I don't like the word he uses, but here's what he says. but here's what he says. but here's what he says. Some some people are transactional, but Some some people are transactional, but Some some people are transactional, but then he says then he says then he says there's another kind of community, it's there's another kind of community, it's there's another kind of community, it's what he called a perfect community. We what he called a perfect community. We what he called a perfect community. We would all admit perfect's not the right would all admit perfect's not the right would all admit perfect's not the right word. What he meant by that is this kind word. What he meant by that is this kind word. What he meant by that is this kind of community, it's an others oriented of community, it's an others oriented of community, it's an others oriented community. community. community. Where they see each other through the Where they see each other through the Where they see each other through the lens of lens of lens of how can I help you flourish? how can I help you flourish? how can I help you flourish? Like I'm in your life for a reason and Like I'm in your life for a reason and Like I'm in your life for a reason and that reason is you.

that reason is you. that reason is you. I want you to notice I want you to notice I want you to notice that's the kind of community Paul points that's the kind of community Paul points that's the kind of community Paul points to. You just You don't have to spend a to. You just You don't have to spend a to. You just You don't have to spend a day in seminary to see this. Paul says, day in seminary to see this. Paul says, day in seminary to see this. Paul says, "I hope in the Lord Jesus and Timothy to "I hope in the Lord Jesus and Timothy to "I hope in the Lord Jesus and Timothy to to you soon, so that I too may be to you soon, so that I too may be to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you." And this is cheered by news of you." And this is cheered by news of you." And this is Listen to what he says about Timothy. Listen to what he says about Timothy. Listen to what he says about Timothy. "For he will be genuinely concerned not "For he will be genuinely concerned not "For he will be genuinely concerned not about his welfare, but about yours." Is it true of you? Is it true of you? That man, I'm I'm genuinely, not just That man, I'm I'm genuinely, not just That man, I'm I'm genuinely, not just concerned, but I'm genuinely concerned concerned, but I'm genuinely concerned concerned, but I'm genuinely concerned about your welfare. We even see it in about your welfare. We even see it in about your welfare. We even see it in Paul in our text. REMEMBER, PAUL IS IN Paul in our text. REMEMBER, PAUL IS IN Paul in our text. REMEMBER, PAUL IS IN JAIL and Paul is saying, "Listen, I'm JAIL and Paul is saying, "Listen, I'm JAIL and Paul is saying, "Listen, I'm going to send Epaphroditus back to you. going to send Epaphroditus back to you. going to send Epaphroditus back to you. I'm going to send Timothy to you." Now, I'm going to send Timothy to you." Now, I'm going to send Timothy to you." Now, if I'm in jail, I I want at least one of if I'm in jail, I I want at least one of if I'm in jail, I I want at least one of those guys to stay with me. I'm lonely. those guys to stay with me. I'm lonely. those guys to stay with me. I'm lonely. I need someone to talk to. Paul said, I need someone to talk to. Paul said, I need someone to talk to. Paul said, "No, I'm willing to go back to being "No, I'm willing to go back to being "No, I'm willing to go back to being lonely cuz I'm concerned about you. I'm lonely cuz I'm concerned about you. I'm lonely cuz I'm concerned about you. I'm sending these guys to you. I'm concerned sending these guys to you. I'm concerned sending these guys to you. I'm concerned for you."

Do you have an others orientation? Do you have an others orientation? >> [snorts] >> Are you constantly thinking that way >> Are you constantly thinking that way towards others? Are you just saying, "Man, Are you just saying, "Man, I'll go without in order to build you I'll go without in order to build you I'll go without in order to build you up"? A couple decades after Paul wrote this, A couple decades after Paul wrote this, there was a a group of Christians who there was a a group of Christians who there was a a group of Christians who came along. They called themselves They came along. They called themselves They came along. They called themselves They referred to themselves as the gamblers. referred to themselves as the gamblers. referred to themselves as the gamblers. They They got that name actually from They They got that name actually from They They got that name actually from verse 30 of our text. Paul ends by verse 30 of our text. Paul ends by verse 30 of our text. Paul ends by saying, "For he nearly died for the work saying, "For he nearly died for the work saying, "For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking" That's the word. of Christ, risking" That's the word. of Christ, risking" That's the word. "risking his life." They took that Greek "risking his life." They took that Greek "risking his life." They took that Greek word for risking and they applied it to word for risking and they applied it to word for risking and they applied it to themselves. And when we think about themselves. And when we think about themselves. And when we think about gamblers today, we're thinking about gamblers today, we're thinking about gamblers today, we're thinking about people who risk who risk things people who risk who risk things people who risk who risk things in the hopes of they'll be bettered. No, in the hopes of they'll be bettered. No, in the hopes of they'll be bettered. No, these gamblers risk themselves like these gamblers risk themselves like these gamblers risk themselves like Epaphroditus risked himself not for Epaphroditus risked himself not for Epaphroditus risked himself not for themselves, but for the betterment of themselves, but for the betterment of themselves, but for the betterment of others. And so, the gamblers would others. And so, the gamblers would others. And so, the gamblers would always be the first to show up when always be the first to show up when always be the first to show up when there was some plague in the Roman there was some plague in the Roman there was some plague in the Roman Empire and there is disease going around Empire and there is disease going around Empire and there is disease going around and everybody else was withdrawing from and everybody else was withdrawing from and everybody else was withdrawing from them scared that they were going to them scared that they were going to them scared that they were going to catch something the gamblers rushed in.

catch something the gamblers rushed in. catch something the gamblers rushed in. Now there's a need here and if I catch Now there's a need here and if I catch Now there's a need here and if I catch it so what but I'm concerned about you it so what but I'm concerned about you it so what but I'm concerned about you when people were without food they gave when people were without food they gave when people were without food they gave up their own food in fact there's even up their own food in fact there's even up their own food in fact there's even stories of these individuals who didn't stories of these individuals who didn't stories of these individuals who didn't even have enough food beyond their daily even have enough food beyond their daily even have enough food beyond their daily rations but they would fast the rations but they would fast the rations but they would fast the essentials of themselves and give their essentials of themselves and give their essentials of themselves and give their last to help others. THEY HAD AN OTHERS last to help others. THEY HAD AN OTHERS last to help others. THEY HAD AN OTHERS ORIENTATION. I love how Tim Keller I love how Tim Keller defines love write this down. He says love He says love is inconveniencing is inconveniencing is inconveniencing yourself yourself yourself for the convenience of others. I like that. I like that. Keller says love Keller says love Keller says love is inconveniencing yourself for the is inconveniencing yourself for the is inconveniencing yourself for the convenience of others and boy how many convenience of others and boy how many convenience of others and boy how many times in my own life have I felt the times in my own life have I felt the times in my own life have I felt the opposite where I convenience myself at opposite where I convenience myself at opposite where I convenience myself at the inconvenience of others.

Oh but isn't that Jesus Christ? Oh but isn't that Jesus Christ? Aren't you glad Jesus Christ is not Aren't you glad Jesus Christ is not Aren't you glad Jesus Christ is not transactional with us? transactional with us? transactional with us? Aren't you glad Jesus Christ has this Aren't you glad Jesus Christ has this Aren't you glad Jesus Christ has this perfect kind of outlook on us that he's perfect kind of outlook on us that he's perfect kind of outlook on us that he's others oriented? others oriented? others oriented? Jesus Christ you talk about the Jesus Christ you talk about the Jesus Christ you talk about the penultimate example of an individual who penultimate example of an individual who penultimate example of an individual who inconvenienced himself for our inconvenienced himself for our inconvenienced himself for our convenience. He stretched out his hands convenience. He stretched out his hands convenience. He stretched out his hands on a cross, died the horrible death of on a cross, died the horrible death of on a cross, died the horrible death of crucifixion so that we might be crucifixion so that we might be crucifixion so that we might be convenience with the gift OF ETERNAL convenience with the gift OF ETERNAL convenience with the gift OF ETERNAL LIFE AND TO BE a Christian means in some LIFE AND TO BE a Christian means in some LIFE AND TO BE a Christian means in some way, shape, or form, I TAKE CHRIST my way, shape, or form, I TAKE CHRIST my way, shape, or form, I TAKE CHRIST my example. 1 Peter chapter 1 verses 18 to example. 1 Peter chapter 1 verses 18 to example. 1 Peter chapter 1 verses 18 to 25. 25. 25. And I live out that others orientation And I live out that others orientation And I live out that others orientation towards others. towards others. towards others. That's the call. When my boys were little, When my boys were little, they were way into Legos. they were way into Legos. they were way into Legos. We had this little playroom We had this little playroom We had this little playroom in our small little home up there in in our small little home up there in in our small little home up there in Memphis, down in Memphis, Memphis, down in Memphis, Memphis, down in Memphis, and it was just littered with Legos.

and it was just littered with Legos. and it was just littered with Legos. You know how Legos work. I I don't think You know how Legos work. I I don't think You know how Legos work. I I don't think you can buy a Lego you can buy a Lego you can buy a Lego by itself. by itself. by itself. They don't come solo. They come in community. They come in community. In fact, Legos are designed to fit in In fact, Legos are designed to fit in In fact, Legos are designed to fit in community with other Legos. community with other Legos. community with other Legos. In fact, you know how many times I hurt In fact, you know how many times I hurt In fact, you know how many times I hurt my foot walking up in the playroom my foot walking up in the playroom my foot walking up in the playroom stepping on a lone, isolated, solitary stepping on a lone, isolated, solitary stepping on a lone, isolated, solitary Lego? Made me want to speak in tongues. I learned that pretty quickly that I learned that pretty quickly that a Lego by itself is a dangerous thing. In the same way, In the same way, you were not created or crafted to go you were not created or crafted to go you were not created or crafted to go solo. solo. solo. In fact, if you read the creation In fact, if you read the creation In fact, if you read the creation account, over and over again God says, account, over and over again God says, account, over and over again God says, "That's good. That's good. That's good." "That's good. That's good. That's good." "That's good. That's good. That's good." And the only time he says it's not good, And the only time he says it's not good, And the only time he says it's not good, he says it's not good that man is alone.

And the precursor to Legos, And the precursor to Legos, Peter says this. Peter says this. Peter says this. As you come to him a living stone, As you come to him a living stone, As you come to him a living stone, rejected by men, but in the sight of God rejected by men, but in the sight of God rejected by men, but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves, chosen and precious, you yourselves, chosen and precious, you yourselves, like living stones, are being built up like living stones, are being built up like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy as a spiritual house to be a holy as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices accepted to God through Jesus Christ. He accepted to God through Jesus Christ. He accepted to God through Jesus Christ. He says, "You and I are stones, and we says, "You and I are stones, and we says, "You and I are stones, and we weren't meant to be uh single and weren't meant to be uh single and weren't meant to be uh single and solitary. We were meant to fit in with solitary. We were meant to fit in with solitary. We were meant to fit in with other stones building up a spiritual other stones building up a spiritual other stones building up a spiritual house." In Ephesians, Paul says the cornerstone In Ephesians, Paul says the cornerstone is Christ. is Christ. is Christ. Christ alone. Christ alone. Christ alone. Cornerstone. Cornerstone. Cornerstone. So, as we close, I just want to ask you So, as we close, I just want to ask you So, as we close, I just want to ask you some questions. number one, in what ways are you number one, in what ways are you inconveniencing yourself inconveniencing yourself inconveniencing yourself for the convenience of others for the convenience of others for the convenience of others at at at >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our church?

I could easily rush in and just make an I could easily rush in and just make an appeal for volunteers or or whatever. appeal for volunteers or or whatever. appeal for volunteers or or whatever. It's not that. But is church for you just about But is church for you just about consuming consuming consuming or are you actively loving? or are you actively loving? or are you actively loving? Number two, how are you living out Number two, how are you living out Number two, how are you living out things like grace, and mercy, things like grace, and mercy, things like grace, and mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation at the forgiveness, and reconciliation at the forgiveness, and reconciliation at the Summit? People will people. Summit? People will people. Summit? People will people. Count on it. We we will drive each other Count on it. We we will drive each other Count on it. We we will drive each other crazy. But remember, our community is not But remember, our community is not rooted in my happiness or comfort. It's rooted in my happiness or comfort. It's rooted in my happiness or comfort. It's rooted in the Lord. rooted in the Lord. rooted in the Lord. Number three, Number three, Number three, in what ways are you functioning as in what ways are you functioning as in what ways are you functioning as family family family in our church? God, thank you for this in our church? God, thank you for this in our church? God, thank you for this picture. This picture of This picture of >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> the Philippians and Paul and Timothy and >> the Philippians and Paul and Timothy and >> the Philippians and Paul and Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Thank you, Father God. Yes. Thank you, Father God. Yes. We're committed to the clear We're committed to the clear We're committed to the clear and correct exposition, the explaining and correct exposition, the explaining and correct exposition, the explaining and teaching of scriptures. It is It is and teaching of scriptures. It is It is and teaching of scriptures. It is It is to be the hallmark, a hallmark of your to be the hallmark, a hallmark of your to be the hallmark, a hallmark of your church, Lord God, but church, Lord God, but church, Lord God, but but you also call us to lean into but you also call us to lean into but you also call us to lean into community. community. community. Community that is founded on Jesus. Community that is founded on Jesus. Community that is founded on Jesus. So, here's my prayer. That first-time visitors That first-time visitors will come in and just be awed at how we will come in and just be awed at how we will come in and just be awed at how we love. Awed, Lord God, at how we Awed, Lord God, at how we we function as family. Awed at this we function as family. Awed at this we function as family. Awed at this sense of we got you. sense of we got you. sense of we got you. Awed at the selflessness. Awed at the selflessness. Awed at the selflessness. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. >> It's in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.