WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.060 Have you all been enjoying this series on the church for the last few Sundays? 00:00:04.860 --> 00:00:10.400 Well, I have too, and I hope that we continue to learn from it, be challenged from it, each one of us. 00:00:10.779 --> 00:00:18.080 The idea is we are the church. It's a study in ecclesiology, which is a big word that just means the Bible doctrine 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:21.160 that has to do specifically with the church. 00:00:21.339 --> 00:00:27.900 We have been adopting some statements that we can all unite around and agree upon from the Word of God. 00:00:27.899 --> 00:00:34.039 And the first statement is we don't just go to church. We are the church. Let's say it together. Ready? 00:00:34.579 --> 00:00:38.960 We don't just go to church. We are the church. Amen. 00:00:39.399 --> 00:00:42.960 And then the next statement that we have adopted is, ready, let's say it together. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:50.060 The church is not about me. Who's the church about? God. That's right. The church is about God. 00:00:50.259 --> 00:00:55.219 Seems like a simple, obvious truth. Everybody would say, yeah, sure, church is about God. 00:00:55.219 --> 00:01:03.200 But sometimes the way we act, the way we talk, the way we live communicates more that we feel like the church is about us rather than about God. 00:01:03.299 --> 00:01:06.120 So we need to remind ourselves of that continually. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:12.400 And then last Sunday we talked about this. Don't let what is secondary become primary. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:18.460 Let's say that together. Ready? Don't let what is secondary become primary. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:19.560 What do we mean by that? 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:28.640 Don't let our personal opinions about things, our personal agendas get in the way of the main thing, keeping the main thing the main thing. 00:01:29.100 --> 00:01:32.740 And that is the church is about Jesus. It's not about me. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:38.180 The mission of the church is to go out and share the gospel with all who will hear it. 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:46.380 And that is the main thing to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ through obedience to him and accomplishing the mission that he gave the church. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:53.880 So don't let other things, other secondary things, take the place of the main things, the primary things. 00:01:54.600 --> 00:01:56.800 And so today we're going to look at this one. 00:01:57.360 --> 00:02:00.580 This was not original with me. A friend of mine gave it to me, but I love it. 00:02:00.620 --> 00:02:01.800 I want to share it with you all. 00:02:01.799 --> 00:02:06.120 Well, as the church, we gather, we grow, we give, and we go. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:06.879 Think about that. 00:02:07.159 --> 00:02:11.719 Those are some of the things that we have covered already in our series on the church. 00:02:11.859 --> 00:02:14.219 The first couple of weeks we talked about gathering. 00:02:14.859 --> 00:02:22.180 We talked about how important it is to gather together, to be here as a body of believers, unified together, worshiping together. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:29.659 How we can encourage one another, grow together from our obedience to God's command together as the church. 00:02:29.659 --> 00:02:31.379 And then we did talk about growing. 00:02:31.859 --> 00:02:38.680 And we talked about how it is important for every member of the body to take on their role within the church. 00:02:38.780 --> 00:02:39.699 We're not all the same. 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:42.719 We're all different, but there is unity in that diversity. 00:02:43.259 --> 00:02:49.219 And it brings glory to God when people who are so different from one another all take up their roles within the church 00:02:49.219 --> 00:02:55.060 and serve together, grow together, and take the next step in their journey with Christ together. 00:02:55.060 --> 00:03:03.099 A couple weeks ago we talked about giving, how important it is for it to take ownership, financial ownership of our church body 00:03:03.099 --> 00:03:06.000 and give to support the work that we do. 00:03:06.099 --> 00:03:13.140 There's nothing that the church does without the support, direct financial support of its members. 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:17.379 And so that is an essential command and ingredient in a healthy church. 00:03:17.560 --> 00:03:18.900 So let's say these together. 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:21.259 Today we're going to do the last one. 00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:22.400 We're going to talk about going. 00:03:22.920 --> 00:03:23.259 All right? 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:24.280 We're going to talk about going. 00:03:24.679 --> 00:03:26.919 We've got a couple of weeks left in our church series. 00:03:27.099 --> 00:03:29.739 We're going to kind of do a summary and wrap up at the end. 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:33.099 But today we're talking about the mission of the church, the going. 00:03:33.259 --> 00:03:34.319 So let's read this together. 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:34.599 Ready? 00:03:35.039 --> 00:03:39.739 We gather, we grow, we give, and we go. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:40.519 That's right. 00:03:40.680 --> 00:03:42.620 We gather, we grow, we give, and we go. 00:03:44.359 --> 00:03:44.759 Alliteration. 00:03:45.180 --> 00:03:47.159 They all start with the same letter. 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:48.739 You know, preachers love alliteration. 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.040 So it's kind of a memory tool. 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:53.580 Sometimes it sticks in our minds a little better when we do that. 00:03:53.920 --> 00:03:55.060 But that's all right if it doesn't. 00:03:56.100 --> 00:03:57.960 So Matt, I just lost this for some reason. 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:00.820 There we go. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:04.200 I don't know if you advanced that or if I did, but regardless, here we go. 00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:05.020 All right. 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:12.060 Our topic today, as we talked about going, is the church on mission together. 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:14.400 That is our title. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.660 That's our topic that we're going to dive into today from the scriptures. 00:04:18.180 --> 00:04:21.000 The church on mission together. 00:04:21.259 --> 00:04:24.199 You and I have a common mission from God. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:26.100 It's not just my mission. 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:27.280 It's not just your mission. 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:30.779 It's our mission together that God gave to his people. 00:04:31.180 --> 00:04:34.259 So we are on mission together. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:41.019 That evokes images of nighttime commando raids in my mind. 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:44.379 And, you know, because I was a little boy and thought that stuff was cool growing up. 00:04:44.459 --> 00:04:50.879 And so that's something that paints a picture in my mind of being on a mission together. 00:04:50.879 --> 00:04:58.839 On a special mission that we have been commanded by the Heavenly Father himself to fulfill. 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:05.299 So I pray that we are challenged today to accomplish the mission that God has given us. 00:05:05.919 --> 00:05:07.439 The common mission. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:08.879 Would you stand with me? 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:10.459 Let's go to John chapter 17. 00:05:10.679 --> 00:05:11.959 John chapter 17. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:15.079 We're going to spend a little time in John 17. 00:05:15.239 --> 00:05:18.799 Then we're going to turn back a page and be in John 15 for a little bit later. 00:05:19.359 --> 00:05:24.179 So John chapter 17, beginning in verse 6. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:25.959 Let's read together. 00:05:25.959 --> 00:05:30.199 I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. 00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:32.000 Jesus is speaking to his father. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:35.579 He's praying to his heavenly father saying, 00:05:35.779 --> 00:05:39.039 I have revealed your name, God, to the people you gave me from the world. 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:40.680 They were yours. 00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:42.299 You gave them to me. 00:05:42.899 --> 00:05:44.359 And they have kept your word. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:48.699 Now they know that everything you have given is from you. 00:05:49.299 --> 00:05:52.779 Because I have given them the words you gave me. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:57.599 They have received them and have known for certain that I came from you. 00:05:58.179 --> 00:06:00.399 They have believed that you sent me. 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:00.939 Verse 9. 00:06:01.500 --> 00:06:04.519 I pray for them. 00:06:05.479 --> 00:06:07.159 I pray for them. 00:06:07.819 --> 00:06:11.919 I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me. 00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:14.099 Because they are yours. 00:06:14.679 --> 00:06:19.019 How amazing is it to know that Jesus prays for us? 00:06:19.019 --> 00:06:24.620 This isn't the only time in scripture that we read that Jesus prays for us. 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:30.240 Another time he says, Satan would desire to have you, to lead you astray, but I have prayed for you. 00:06:30.779 --> 00:06:35.560 That's an incredibly encouraging note to pop back into our mind. 00:06:36.299 --> 00:06:38.959 Every morning, every day, during those dark moments, 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:44.779 Jesus, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Messiah, is praying for me. 00:06:46.359 --> 00:06:47.879 Y'all ever said you pray for somebody? 00:06:47.959 --> 00:06:48.359 I have. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:49.719 Sometimes we do it. 00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:50.799 Sometimes we might forget. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:55.120 Sometimes it's a good idea to stop and do it right then so we don't forget to do it later. 00:06:56.179 --> 00:06:57.279 But Jesus will never forget. 00:06:57.719 --> 00:06:59.560 He'll always be praying for us. 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:03.819 And when God makes intercession for us on our behalf with the Father, 00:07:04.779 --> 00:07:05.719 that can move mountains. 00:07:05.720 --> 00:07:08.480 So, I pray for them. 00:07:09.640 --> 00:07:10.440 And then in verse 10, 00:07:11.540 --> 00:07:13.380 Everything I have is yours. 00:07:13.820 --> 00:07:15.560 Everything you have is mine. 00:07:15.760 --> 00:07:17.660 And I am glorified in them. 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:20.080 I am no longer in the world, 00:07:20.660 --> 00:07:22.160 but they are in the world. 00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:24.300 And I am coming to you. 00:07:24.420 --> 00:07:27.160 This was right before Jesus was crucified. 00:07:27.560 --> 00:07:29.960 And then resurrected and went home to be with his Father. 00:07:30.580 --> 00:07:32.620 And so he said, I am no longer in the world. 00:07:32.880 --> 00:07:34.000 I'm coming to you. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:37.100 He knew he was on physically on his way out. 00:07:37.579 --> 00:07:39.699 But the Holy Spirit would be left behind. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:41.759 And so he said, 00:07:43.139 --> 00:07:49.740 Holy Father, protect them by your name that you have given me. 00:07:50.220 --> 00:07:54.439 Protect them that you have given me by your name. 00:07:54.540 --> 00:07:58.660 So that they may be one as we are one. 00:07:58.759 --> 00:07:59.500 I highlighted that. 00:07:59.560 --> 00:08:00.019 Did you see? 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:05.459 They may be one as the Father and the Son are one. 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:08.639 That is his prayer for us. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:10.019 Verse 12. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:11.019 While I was with them, 00:08:11.579 --> 00:08:14.680 I was protecting them by your name that you have given me. 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:15.839 I guarded them. 00:08:15.979 --> 00:08:17.419 And not one of them is lost, 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:19.339 except the Son of Destruction, 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:21.539 so that the Scripture may be fulfilled. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:23.939 Now I am coming to you. 00:08:23.939 --> 00:08:27.779 And I speak these things in the world, 00:08:27.899 --> 00:08:31.300 so that they may have my joy completed in them. 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:33.679 I have given them your word. 00:08:34.120 --> 00:08:35.620 The world hated them. 00:08:39.460 --> 00:08:41.159 Because they are not of the world. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:45.179 Just as I am not of the world. 00:08:45.179 --> 00:08:49.279 You ever wonder why Christians just don't seem to fit in? 00:08:50.199 --> 00:08:51.259 It's because we don't. 00:08:53.279 --> 00:08:58.000 The world hates us because we are not of the world. 00:08:59.099 --> 00:09:00.500 And Jesus wasn't of this world. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:06.259 Now that's a different reason than when the world hates us 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:12.179 because we are living in a way that would invoke that kind of hate. 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:16.659 When we are unkind, when we are selfish. 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:18.539 That's not what this is talking about. 00:09:20.939 --> 00:09:24.639 But darkness and light cannot come together. 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:27.639 Light erases darkness. 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:31.200 Darkness is what happens when the light is gone. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:33.899 They cannot agree together. 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:38.139 So the world and God and the things of God 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:39.699 will never be compatible. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:44.199 But Jesus, despite that, 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:48.379 impacted this world in a positive way 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:50.679 like no one else ever could. 00:09:52.199 --> 00:09:55.939 So that doesn't mean that because we are not of this world, 00:09:56.159 --> 00:09:58.620 that we don't leave a positive impact on this world. 00:09:59.179 --> 00:10:00.840 That doesn't mean that just because 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:04.519 we cannot dive in and agree with everything 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:06.120 that this world promotes, 00:10:06.920 --> 00:10:10.840 that doesn't mean that we can't make a profound difference 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:12.060 in this world. 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:14.240 Jesus was magnetic. 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:16.360 He drew people to Him. 00:10:17.399 --> 00:10:20.040 And He wants us to do the same thing. 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:23.519 Even though we are strangers in this world. 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:26.419 So let's dive back into the text. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:27.899 Verse 18. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:30.579 Last two verses that we're reading today. 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:31.319 Verse 18. 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:35.519 He said in verse 16, 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:37.139 They are not of the world, 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:38.399 just as I am not of the world. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:40.559 So sanctify them by the truth. 00:10:40.819 --> 00:10:42.419 And your word is truth. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:43.620 Then in verse 18, 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:45.819 As you sent me into the world. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:46.399 Here we go. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:49.360 I also have sent them. 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:50.980 Let's change that pronoun 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:53.879 because He's praying to His Father on behalf of us. 00:10:54.180 --> 00:10:55.519 And so let's change it to us. 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:56.600 He has sent, 00:10:56.779 --> 00:10:57.220 He said, 00:10:57.320 --> 00:10:58.879 I also have sent them. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:11:02.720 So He has sent us into the world. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:06.039 He has sent us into the world. 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:06.740 Verse 19. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.580 I sanctify myself for them 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:11.899 so that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:14.360 God, I pray for our church right now. 00:11:14.920 --> 00:11:16.600 I pray for myself, my family, 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:19.159 and everyone represented in this building this morning. 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:21.919 Those watching online, 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:24.080 we're grateful that they are able to, 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.220 through technology, 00:11:25.399 --> 00:11:27.279 have a part continually in our service. 00:11:27.419 --> 00:11:28.840 We know there's people who can't be here 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:29.480 and would love to. 00:11:30.919 --> 00:11:32.440 But God, our church, 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.200 those away on trips, 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:35.960 those at home sick, 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:38.860 think of Nicole and others 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:41.279 who are not able to be here right now 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.940 because of extenuating circumstances. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:47.039 I pray on behalf of everyone that you have given us 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:51.599 that we would be on mission together. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:54.659 That's not going to look the same for every person, 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:58.839 but you have sent each of us into this world 00:11:58.839 --> 00:12:01.219 and you have not yet called us home. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:05.139 So I pray that we would be on mission together. 00:12:05.779 --> 00:12:07.600 That we would hear from your word this morning 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:09.700 and let it minister to our hearts in Jesus' name. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:10.420 Amen. 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:11.860 You may be seated. 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:16.460 Thank you for standing for that extended period of time. 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:17.800 We don't always do that, 00:12:18.060 --> 00:12:20.860 but sometimes we like to give honor 00:12:20.860 --> 00:12:22.860 to the scriptures by doing that. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:25.720 John 17. 00:12:26.560 --> 00:12:29.279 Jesus gives us our commandment. 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:31.200 This is not the only place. 00:12:31.779 --> 00:12:32.919 There are many other places, 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:35.100 Matthew 28, Mark 16, 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:37.399 many other places throughout the scriptures 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:40.820 that God gives us the command to go out. 00:12:41.560 --> 00:12:43.960 God has commissioned his church 00:12:43.960 --> 00:12:45.200 as messengers, 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:47.600 as ambassadors to go out. 00:12:47.680 --> 00:12:48.539 So here's the problem. 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:52.480 There's really no option for a believer 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:58.360 to not be willing to accept his mission from God. 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:01.539 There is no option for that. 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:06.059 If a believer is not making an attempt, 00:13:06.199 --> 00:13:07.279 a personal attempt, 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:10.199 to fulfill the mission from God, 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:14.480 then that believer is wrong in his relationship 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:16.259 and thinking about God. 00:13:16.259 --> 00:13:19.220 That's not coming from me. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:21.299 That's coming from the word of God. 00:13:21.819 --> 00:13:22.980 Time and time again, 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:26.720 God commands us to obey his commandments 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:30.039 in going out and bringing them in. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:31.919 What does that mean? 00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:33.700 Is that bringing them into church? 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:35.480 Well, that's a great place to bring them 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:38.100 because you know that they will hear the gospel there. 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:41.639 You know that they will meet other believers in Jesus there. 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:44.299 And you know there's an increased opportunity 00:13:44.299 --> 00:13:48.120 for them to continually be presented with chances 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.199 to receive Christ. 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:53.199 So that's a great place to bring them in. 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:55.240 But that's not the only thing. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:58.379 That's not the only goal that we have 00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.779 is inviting people to church. 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:05.100 So Jesus said he wants us to go out 00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:06.980 and send them in. 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:09.379 Now, before he did this, 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:10.680 let me back up a little bit. 00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:11.700 He said, 00:14:12.120 --> 00:14:13.379 I have sent them into the world. 00:14:13.460 --> 00:14:14.180 That's our mission. 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:16.080 But before he got there, 00:14:16.180 --> 00:14:16.600 he said, 00:14:16.840 --> 00:14:19.300 may they all be as one. 00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:20.940 May they all be one as you, 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.360 Father, 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:22.740 are in me 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.720 and I am in you. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:25.639 As we are unified, 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.440 as you and I, God, 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.879 are together 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.100 of one mind, 00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:30.899 of one accord, 00:14:31.039 --> 00:14:32.480 may they be the church. 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:35.279 May the church be that way as well. 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:36.799 So, point number one, 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:37.740 if you're writing anything down, 00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:38.500 point number one, 00:14:38.959 --> 00:14:41.259 we are to be a unified body. 00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:43.360 A unified body. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.319 That's what we are. 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:47.139 The church is not a building, right? 00:14:47.579 --> 00:14:48.779 The church is a body. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:50.620 We thank God for our building, 00:14:51.059 --> 00:14:52.539 but if the building was destroyed, 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.299 we could still meet and have church. 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.639 We'd figure out a way to do it 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:58.360 because we are a body of believers, 00:14:58.559 --> 00:14:59.980 of Jesus' followers, 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:02.000 and we are to be unified in that body. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:04.639 A body that's not unified 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:06.120 doesn't operate very well, 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:06.659 does it? 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:08.200 Of course not. 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:11.200 How many of y'all work in the medical field? 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:12.580 Anybody? 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:13.519 Slip your hands up. 00:15:14.419 --> 00:15:15.360 Don't be ashamed of it. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:16.039 Slip your hands up. 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:18.360 There you go. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:20.179 Y'all have seen firsthand 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.919 when the body doesn't work right. 00:15:22.200 --> 00:15:22.500 Correct? 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:24.360 If you're a parent, 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:25.179 you've raised kids, 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:26.080 you've seen firsthand. 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:28.899 Everyone has seen firsthand 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:29.620 what happens 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:31.440 when the body is not unified, 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:33.380 when it's not working together 00:15:33.380 --> 00:15:35.000 in cohesion, 00:15:35.140 --> 00:15:35.820 cohesively 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:38.780 with all its different parts. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:41.520 So we are to be a unified body. 00:15:41.920 --> 00:15:42.720 I like this quote. 00:15:42.800 --> 00:15:43.740 I know it's kind of small 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.900 and probably a little bit hard to read. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:46.720 It says, 00:15:46.820 --> 00:15:48.640 it is not so much the case 00:15:48.640 --> 00:15:50.160 that God has a mission 00:15:50.160 --> 00:15:51.700 for His church in the world 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:54.640 as that God has a church 00:15:54.640 --> 00:15:56.260 for His mission in the world. 00:15:57.460 --> 00:15:59.600 Mission was not made for the church. 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:01.899 The church was made for mission. 00:16:02.420 --> 00:16:03.159 God's mission. 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:09.080 That is the polar opposite way of thinking, 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:10.360 I believe firmly. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:12.940 After 20 years of preaching, 00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:16.080 I believe firmly that most churches 00:16:16.080 --> 00:16:18.740 do not think this way. 00:16:19.040 --> 00:16:21.040 They might claim this line of thinking, 00:16:21.180 --> 00:16:23.320 but that's not really probably how they operate. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:26.520 So if we were able to get to the place 00:16:26.520 --> 00:16:28.020 where we operated this way, 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:30.160 we'd probably be setting ourselves apart 00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:31.660 from a lot of the churches in America. 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:34.740 And I believe tearing down 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:35.879 some of the walls 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:37.440 that limit God 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.860 from working through our church 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:39.680 how He wants to. 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:41.720 So the idea here 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:44.420 is that God did not ordain the church 00:16:44.420 --> 00:16:47.900 as that is the main thing 00:16:47.900 --> 00:16:49.260 and then come up with a job 00:16:49.260 --> 00:16:50.160 for the church to do. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:51.659 God had a mission 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:53.179 before time ever began. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:56.179 It's a diametric shift 00:16:56.179 --> 00:16:57.939 in our way of thinking 00:16:57.939 --> 00:17:00.000 that would then trickle down 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.439 to the other parts of our lives. 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:04.399 So if you are going to be a Jesus follower, 00:17:04.859 --> 00:17:06.960 then you can't just be a casual Christian. 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:12.659 If you're going to claim Jesus Christ, 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:15.159 then you can't just say, 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.359 oh yeah, I go to church on Sundays 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:18.619 because that's what you're supposed to do. 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:22.699 Jesus talks about those kinds of churches 00:17:22.699 --> 00:17:23.439 in Revelation 00:17:23.439 --> 00:17:25.159 and He says, 00:17:25.679 --> 00:17:26.859 we talked about it a little bit earlier, 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:27.539 He said, 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.559 I'd rather you be hot 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:29.979 or I'd rather you be cold. 00:17:30.199 --> 00:17:31.479 This middle of the road stuff, 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:32.519 this lukewarm stuff, 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.639 He just wants to spit it out. 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:36.419 That's not what it's about. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:37.459 He said, 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:38.500 either be for me 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:39.939 or be against me. 00:17:40.659 --> 00:17:41.359 That doesn't mean 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:42.579 He's requiring perfection 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:43.619 as a Christian 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:44.459 or as a church, 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:47.039 but He is requiring a commitment 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.480 to Him 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.240 that says, 00:17:49.840 --> 00:17:50.600 I will strive 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:52.100 to be more like Jesus every day. 00:17:52.360 --> 00:17:54.380 I will strive to fulfill the mission 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.920 that God gave me 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:57.160 as part of this church. 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.299 And if I fail, 00:17:58.759 --> 00:18:00.160 I know God forgives me 00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:01.180 and I will get up 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:02.140 and try again. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.059 It's so important 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:05.180 to get up 00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:06.740 and try again 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:08.120 because we're all going to fail. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:10.799 We're all going to miss opportunities 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:12.340 to share the gospel with somebody. 00:18:12.339 --> 00:18:14.720 We're all going to chicken out sometimes. 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:17.359 We're all going to get distracted by life. 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:19.439 We're all going to let the secondary things 00:18:19.439 --> 00:18:20.720 become primary things. 00:18:21.459 --> 00:18:23.439 We're all going to not do the things 00:18:23.439 --> 00:18:24.759 that we should do sometimes. 00:18:24.919 --> 00:18:26.459 Paul the Apostle wrote about it 00:18:26.459 --> 00:18:27.659 throughout his letters 00:18:27.659 --> 00:18:28.939 that we read in the New Testament 00:18:28.939 --> 00:18:30.259 time and time again 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:32.059 how he wishes that he was better 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.879 at doing the things 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:33.839 God wants him to do. 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:37.939 But when we continually say, 00:18:38.159 --> 00:18:39.399 I committed to this, 00:18:39.459 --> 00:18:41.199 I'm not going to give up on God. 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:42.660 I'm not going to give up 00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:44.120 on seeking him daily. 00:18:44.340 --> 00:18:45.660 I'm not going to give up 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:46.340 and just say, 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:46.840 forget it. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:47.920 This is just who I am 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:48.580 and everybody's going to have 00:18:48.580 --> 00:18:49.380 to be okay with that. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.860 Now we probably all know 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:53.779 somebody like that 00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:56.220 or multiple people like that. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:58.400 Well, this is just who I am 00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:00.059 and I'm not going to change. 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:02.600 Well, that's unfortunate 00:19:02.600 --> 00:19:03.720 because what if God wants 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:04.539 to change you? 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:07.299 Then you're saying, 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.019 sorry God. 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:11.799 Well, that's a sad 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:13.940 and depressing thing to see 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:15.460 from a child of God 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:18.279 that Jesus shed his blood for. 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:21.299 Let his only son die 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.180 and suffer for. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:25.460 So this kind of shift 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:26.220 in our thinking, 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:29.039 God doesn't have a mission 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:30.359 for the church. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.959 God has a church 00:19:31.959 --> 00:19:33.779 for his eternal mission. 00:19:34.719 --> 00:19:36.079 His eternal mission 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:38.219 is to bring glory to himself. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:40.279 His eternal mission 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:41.579 as it regards to mankind 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:43.000 is to redeem 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.099 or to buy back 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:45.759 those who went astray. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:47.240 And that's us. 00:19:48.439 --> 00:19:49.240 That's the people 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:50.799 on this earth. 00:19:51.679 --> 00:19:53.199 Jesus said he came 00:19:53.199 --> 00:19:53.899 to seek 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:55.199 and to save 00:19:55.199 --> 00:19:57.359 those who are lost. 00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:58.679 So, 00:19:59.679 --> 00:20:02.719 that's the mission 00:20:02.719 --> 00:20:04.879 and the church 00:20:04.879 --> 00:20:06.279 was created 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:08.319 to fulfill 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.179 the mission. 00:20:10.859 --> 00:20:12.839 Our common mission 00:20:12.839 --> 00:20:14.599 unites us. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:17.479 Each one of these sermons 00:20:17.479 --> 00:20:18.379 in this series 00:20:18.379 --> 00:20:20.079 has, by God's grace, 00:20:20.179 --> 00:20:21.439 been building blocks 00:20:21.439 --> 00:20:22.779 on top of one another 00:20:22.779 --> 00:20:25.539 to get to this point. 00:20:27.359 --> 00:20:29.859 we must gather together. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.579 We shouldn't forsake that. 00:20:32.719 --> 00:20:34.339 It's easy to stay at home 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.699 and sleep in on Sunday morning. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:36.719 We shouldn't 00:20:36.719 --> 00:20:37.919 fight 00:20:37.919 --> 00:20:39.059 and bicker 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:39.899 back and forth 00:20:39.899 --> 00:20:41.439 and talk badly 00:20:41.439 --> 00:20:42.179 about each other 00:20:42.179 --> 00:20:43.019 and spread rumors 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.419 and all this kind of stuff 00:20:44.419 --> 00:20:45.879 that tears us up 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:46.679 from the inside. 00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:50.339 We shouldn't let 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:51.559 the secondary things 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:52.299 become the most 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.240 important things 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:55.459 or let them distract us 00:20:55.459 --> 00:20:56.319 or pull us away 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:57.279 from the most 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:58.159 important things. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.879 Remove the focus 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:01.119 from what's truly important. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:03.079 But all of this 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.039 is leading up 00:21:04.039 --> 00:21:05.039 to the mission 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.099 of the church. 00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:08.659 If we are just 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.179 gathering 00:21:09.179 --> 00:21:11.359 and singing 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:12.819 and hearing 00:21:12.819 --> 00:21:13.359 the preaching 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.879 and then it doesn't 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:15.759 go and change 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:16.539 how we live 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.839 and more than that, 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.679 more than just 00:21:18.679 --> 00:21:19.359 changing us, 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:20.319 it's not just all 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.799 about us, 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.319 remember that? 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.639 More than just 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:23.500 changing us, 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.799 it's not affecting 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:26.399 others that we encounter 00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:27.200 throughout the week. 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:28.700 If that is not 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:29.099 happening, 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.980 then we're not 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.879 accomplishing the mission. 00:21:33.919 --> 00:21:34.799 Then we're just 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.519 nice people 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:36.680 and we've got 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:37.220 a nice little 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:38.039 social club here. 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.559 And we all 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:41.419 more or less 00:21:41.419 --> 00:21:42.159 like each other 00:21:42.159 --> 00:21:43.019 and get along 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:44.940 and fellowship 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:45.500 together 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.200 and all that 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.180 and it's a nice 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:48.279 enjoyable thing, 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:50.440 but we're not 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:51.399 really accomplishing 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:52.019 the mission 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:53.160 that God gave us. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.359 So that is 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.379 what should unite 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:57.399 us as a church, 00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:58.899 our common 00:21:58.899 --> 00:21:59.539 mission. 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:02.039 Jesus said, 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:02.920 I have sent 00:22:02.920 --> 00:22:03.359 them 00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:05.379 into the world. 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.759 Otherwise, 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:08.039 y'all, 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:09.299 as good as you 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:10.220 think this is, 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:11.859 heaven's going 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.379 to be so much 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:12.680 better. 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:14.839 Let's just get 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:15.619 on home to heaven 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.139 and it'll be 00:22:16.139 --> 00:22:16.660 great. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:18.340 It'll be 00:22:18.340 --> 00:22:18.860 wonderful. 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.540 But if God 00:22:20.540 --> 00:22:21.259 is not ready 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.160 to call us 00:22:22.160 --> 00:22:22.800 home to heaven, 00:22:23.660 --> 00:22:24.279 it's because 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:24.920 he's got a 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:25.740 divine purpose, 00:22:25.840 --> 00:22:26.600 a divine mission 00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:28.019 for each of us 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.560 individually 00:22:28.560 --> 00:22:29.500 that works 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:30.560 together and 00:22:30.560 --> 00:22:31.240 unites us 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.180 together as 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:32.900 the church. 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:33.880 Let's look over 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:34.640 now in John 15. 00:22:35.080 --> 00:22:35.779 Turn the page 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:36.840 back to John 15. 00:22:39.320 --> 00:22:40.100 We'll spend 00:22:40.100 --> 00:22:40.740 just a few 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.340 minutes here 00:22:41.340 --> 00:22:43.240 and then we'll 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:43.720 be done this 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:43.960 morning. 00:22:44.540 --> 00:22:45.400 John 15 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.540 verse 1. 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:47.220 We're going 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:47.500 to read the 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:47.940 first eight 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:48.259 verses. 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:49.440 For sake of time, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:49.800 I'm going to go 00:22:49.800 --> 00:22:50.200 ahead and read. 00:22:50.800 --> 00:22:51.540 I am the 00:22:51.540 --> 00:22:52.040 true vine. 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:52.600 That's Jesus. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.240 That's not me, 00:22:53.320 --> 00:22:53.480 okay? 00:22:53.660 --> 00:22:54.500 Jesus is talking. 00:22:54.600 --> 00:22:54.880 He says, 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:56.120 I am the 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:57.279 true vine. 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:57.720 What does he 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.220 mean by that? 00:22:58.300 --> 00:22:58.880 Jesus always 00:22:58.880 --> 00:23:00.000 spoke allegorically. 00:23:00.320 --> 00:23:00.700 Now, I can't 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.200 say always, 00:23:01.300 --> 00:23:01.820 but so much 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:02.240 of the time. 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:02.860 You know, 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:03.320 you read the 00:23:03.320 --> 00:23:03.680 parables, 00:23:03.800 --> 00:23:04.160 he would get 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.660 up there and 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:05.180 people are like, 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.600 what does he 00:23:05.600 --> 00:23:06.140 mean by that? 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:07.019 I am the 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:08.880 true vine and 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:10.040 my father is 00:23:10.040 --> 00:23:10.880 the gardener. 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.720 So he's painting 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.440 a picture here. 00:23:12.540 --> 00:23:12.920 We got the 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:18.060 horticulturalists 00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:18.759 in the room. 00:23:19.320 --> 00:23:19.840 Did I get that 00:23:19.840 --> 00:23:20.120 one right? 00:23:22.120 --> 00:23:23.600 So he's probably 00:23:23.600 --> 00:23:24.420 appealing, you 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:25.539 know, to this 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.759 demographic here. 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:27.279 And he says, 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:28.500 every branch in 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.579 me that does 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.319 not produce 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:31.700 fruit, God 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.240 the father 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.500 removes and 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:35.019 he prunes every 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.899 branch that 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:37.660 produces fruit 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:38.599 so that it 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.299 will produce 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:39.740 what? 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:41.339 More fruit. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.119 That's why we 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.920 prune things 00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:43.500 back, right? 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:45.059 See, God knew 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:45.639 that before 00:23:45.639 --> 00:23:46.819 science ever 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:47.460 figured it out. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.220 God created 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:51.139 all of that 00:23:51.139 --> 00:23:51.740 so he knew 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.440 exactly how it 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:52.859 should work. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.599 In verse 3, 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.500 you are already 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.779 clean because of 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.639 the word that 00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:57.220 I have spoken 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.680 to you. 00:23:58.860 --> 00:23:59.520 Remain in 00:23:59.520 --> 00:24:00.540 me and 00:24:00.540 --> 00:24:01.240 I in you. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.120 Just as a 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:03.180 branch is unable 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:04.060 to produce fruit 00:24:04.060 --> 00:24:05.000 by itself unless 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.880 it remains on 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:06.240 the vine, 00:24:06.580 --> 00:24:07.120 neither can 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:08.040 you unless 00:24:08.040 --> 00:24:08.759 you remain 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.440 in me. 00:24:09.800 --> 00:24:10.700 I am the 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.440 vine, you 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:11.920 are the 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:12.320 branches. 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:13.180 The one who 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:13.759 remains in 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.360 me and I 00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:14.740 in him 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.820 produces much 00:24:15.820 --> 00:24:16.660 fruit because 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.200 you can do 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.560 nothing without 00:24:18.560 --> 00:24:19.180 me. 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:19.700 What are you 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.120 talking about? 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:20.620 I can do all 00:24:20.620 --> 00:24:21.140 kinds of things 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:21.620 without God. 00:24:22.020 --> 00:24:22.580 I can go to 00:24:22.580 --> 00:24:23.180 bed, I can get 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:24.259 up, I can go 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.540 eat, I can work, 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:27.659 I can argue 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:29.339 and fight and 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:29.879 I can do all 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:30.480 kinds of things 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.279 on my own, God. 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.119 Yeah, you can't 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:33.000 produce anything 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:34.639 spiritual apart 00:24:34.639 --> 00:24:35.259 from God. 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:36.299 You can't produce 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:37.839 true spiritual 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:39.039 fruit that remains 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:40.000 apart from God. 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.720 You can draw 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:41.220 attention to 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.359 yourself, you can 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.119 accomplish what 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:44.159 seem to be good 00:24:44.159 --> 00:24:45.240 and helpful tasks. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:46.220 There's all kinds 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:46.920 of world relief 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:48.099 organizations that 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:48.899 have nothing to do 00:24:48.899 --> 00:24:49.920 with God and they 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:51.059 accomplish a lot of 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.700 what we would call 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:52.859 good in the world. 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.740 But the reality 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:55.219 is none of that 00:24:55.219 --> 00:24:56.319 will bear true 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:57.939 spiritual fruit unless 00:24:57.939 --> 00:25:00.179 it comes from God 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:01.679 because He is 00:25:01.679 --> 00:25:02.399 divine. 00:25:03.979 --> 00:25:05.019 He's divine. 00:25:05.479 --> 00:25:06.619 It's got to come 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:09.779 from Him or else 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:10.659 it's something else. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:12.439 It's something else 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:12.879 completely. 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.719 It's not true 00:25:14.719 --> 00:25:15.479 spiritual fruit. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.379 So I'm challenging 00:25:17.379 --> 00:25:18.519 you, do you see 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.839 true spiritual fruit 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:21.399 in your life? 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:24.860 I am the vine, 00:25:25.080 --> 00:25:25.920 you're the branches. 00:25:27.320 --> 00:25:28.519 Verse 6, if anyone 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.380 does not remain in 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.320 me, here's the scary 00:25:31.320 --> 00:25:32.740 part, he is thrown 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:34.780 aside like a branch 00:25:34.780 --> 00:25:36.259 and he withers. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.900 They gather them, 00:25:38.600 --> 00:25:39.340 throw them into the 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:40.700 fire and they are 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.060 burned. 00:25:42.580 --> 00:25:45.620 But if you remain 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:47.160 in me and my words 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.880 remain in you, ask 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:50.519 whatever you want and 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.259 it will be done for 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:51.420 you. 00:25:52.559 --> 00:25:53.900 My Father is glorified 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.579 by this. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.819 Y'all, when we read 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.619 things like this in 00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:58.500 Scripture, we ought to 00:25:58.500 --> 00:25:58.940 pay attention. 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:00.900 When we see a 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:01.639 statement that says, 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.339 my Father is glorified 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:04.559 by this, colon, 00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:05.819 everybody knows what a 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:06.559 colon does, it 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:07.400 introduces what's 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:09.440 about to come after 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:09.660 it. 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:10.660 Pay attention. 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:12.579 Here it is. 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:13.779 My Father is glorified 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.660 by this, that you 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:17.119 produce much fruit 00:26:17.119 --> 00:26:18.739 fruit and prove to 00:26:18.739 --> 00:26:20.439 be my disciples. 00:26:20.439 --> 00:26:22.439 If we took a poll in 00:26:22.439 --> 00:26:23.779 this room and said, 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:25.500 are you a disciple of 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:25.839 Jesus? 00:26:26.479 --> 00:26:27.619 I guarantee you we 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:29.139 would get over 90%, 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:30.679 if not higher, of the 00:26:30.679 --> 00:26:31.619 people in this room 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:33.599 saying, yes, I am a 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:35.019 disciple of Jesus. 00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:36.879 And then I would say, 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:37.759 prove it. 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:40.019 Prove it. 00:26:40.899 --> 00:26:41.939 That's what Jesus 00:26:41.939 --> 00:26:42.379 said. 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:46.420 You can prove to be 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:48.620 my disciples if you 00:26:48.620 --> 00:26:50.220 produce fruit. 00:26:52.080 --> 00:26:53.140 So if you're not 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:54.940 producing fruit, why 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:55.820 in the world should we 00:26:55.820 --> 00:26:56.600 believe that you're a 00:26:56.600 --> 00:26:57.300 disciple of Jesus? 00:26:59.100 --> 00:27:00.380 If I'm not producing 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:02.200 fruit in my life, and I 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:03.300 get up here and open the 00:27:03.300 --> 00:27:04.780 word of God and preach 00:27:04.780 --> 00:27:05.620 to you on Sunday 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:07.080 morning, why in the 00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:07.900 world should you listen 00:27:07.900 --> 00:27:08.520 to anything I have to 00:27:08.520 --> 00:27:08.720 say? 00:27:10.040 --> 00:27:10.800 Because I'm not 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:11.860 producing spiritual 00:27:11.859 --> 00:27:13.839 fruit in my life. 00:27:15.139 --> 00:27:16.240 So you have every 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:18.939 reason to doubt whether 00:27:18.939 --> 00:27:20.000 or not that's a true 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:21.559 disciple of Jesus. 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.819 Well, that's not very 00:27:23.819 --> 00:27:24.159 nice. 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:26.139 Folks, we don't get to 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:26.599 make the rules. 00:27:26.719 --> 00:27:27.179 God does. 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.740 This is his world. 00:27:29.899 --> 00:27:31.339 This is his plan of 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:31.659 redemption. 00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.319 This is his story. 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:34.959 We're just part of it. 00:27:35.979 --> 00:27:37.619 So that's the challenge. 00:27:38.699 --> 00:27:40.179 We are, we, God called 00:27:40.179 --> 00:27:41.219 us to be, part of our 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:42.079 mission is to be a 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:42.920 unified body. 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.900 But then secondly, we 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:46.000 should be a useful 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.519 branch. 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:48.500 What do you do with 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.259 branches that aren't 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.600 useful? 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:51.019 What do you do with 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.779 branches that don't 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.400 produce fruit? 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.640 You cut them off. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:57.019 You gather them up and 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:57.500 you burn them. 00:27:58.680 --> 00:27:59.579 That's what it said in 00:27:59.579 --> 00:27:59.960 the text. 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:02.240 I don't want to see that 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:05.079 happen to any of us in 00:28:05.079 --> 00:28:05.600 this church. 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:05.639 church. 00:28:07.199 --> 00:28:08.119 But I can promise you 00:28:08.119 --> 00:28:08.480 this. 00:28:08.919 --> 00:28:09.459 It will. 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:11.399 It will happen. 00:28:12.379 --> 00:28:14.259 Unfortunately, despite all 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:15.759 of our best efforts and 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:17.279 best intentions, there will 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:19.379 be people in our church who 00:28:19.379 --> 00:28:21.279 God decides to cut off, 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:23.699 gather up, and get rid of. 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:25.199 Does that mean they're going 00:28:25.199 --> 00:28:25.599 to go to hell? 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:27.199 Well, if they've never put 00:28:27.199 --> 00:28:28.159 their faith in Jesus, then 00:28:28.159 --> 00:28:28.519 yes. 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.859 But I believe specifically, 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.919 this is talking about people 00:28:31.919 --> 00:28:33.419 who have put their faith in 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:34.800 Jesus, but they have 00:28:34.800 --> 00:28:36.300 allowed their own flesh to 00:28:36.300 --> 00:28:37.680 suffocate the Holy Spirit 00:28:37.680 --> 00:28:39.120 in their life, and they do 00:28:39.120 --> 00:28:40.620 not produce any spiritual 00:28:40.620 --> 00:28:40.940 fruit. 00:28:41.840 --> 00:28:42.800 They don't go share the 00:28:42.800 --> 00:28:43.539 gospel with people. 00:28:43.840 --> 00:28:45.460 They don't let God transform 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.779 someone else's life because 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.039 of their efforts on his 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:49.600 behalf and the Holy Spirit 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:51.480 taking hold of those 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.600 efforts and magnifying 00:28:52.600 --> 00:28:54.039 them, making them so much 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.900 more powerful than they 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:55.940 could ever be on their own. 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:58.140 That doesn't happen with 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:58.600 those people. 00:28:59.820 --> 00:29:00.980 They don't produce the 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.920 fruit of kindness and 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.400 compassion. 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:03.700 I mean, you can look at 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.800 the lists of the fruit of 00:29:04.800 --> 00:29:05.840 the Spirit and say, 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.440 is that me? 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:07.540 Am I that person? 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:10.240 And if not, I need to put 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:11.220 my own faith under the 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:13.300 microscope and say, have I 00:29:13.300 --> 00:29:14.460 ever really put my faith in 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:14.700 Jesus? 00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:16.740 Or am I just kind of going 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.480 along with the flow? 00:29:18.780 --> 00:29:19.820 That's why every morning, 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:21.420 every Sunday morning, at the 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.640 end of this time, I always 00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:24.940 ask, is there someone who 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:25.920 needs to put their faith in 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:26.500 Christ today? 00:29:26.560 --> 00:29:27.620 And I will always do that 00:29:27.620 --> 00:29:29.660 every Sunday after church. 00:29:29.660 --> 00:29:29.700 church. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:33.080 Because I truly believe there 00:29:33.080 --> 00:29:34.120 are still people in this 00:29:34.120 --> 00:29:35.720 room who have not yet done 00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.040 that. 00:29:37.080 --> 00:29:37.800 Holding out. 00:29:38.900 --> 00:29:40.440 You're not quite aware of 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.680 what we're talking about. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:44.279 Whatever the reason is, I 00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:45.800 believe God is still giving 00:29:45.800 --> 00:29:46.560 you opportunities. 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:47.980 But there's going to come a 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.920 day when you get your last 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:49.400 opportunity. 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.540 And if you turn that down, 00:29:53.440 --> 00:29:54.420 seal your own fate. 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:56.440 I don't want that to happen. 00:29:57.860 --> 00:29:59.259 Turn to Jesus today. 00:29:59.820 --> 00:30:01.100 Whether it's for salvation 00:30:01.100 --> 00:30:02.700 and forgiveness of sins, or 00:30:02.700 --> 00:30:03.940 whether it's turning back to 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:05.620 God and saying, God, please 00:30:05.620 --> 00:30:06.680 produce fruit through me. 00:30:07.600 --> 00:30:09.960 I am an open, willing vessel, 00:30:10.120 --> 00:30:10.840 willing servant. 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:13.080 I can't go out and accomplish 00:30:13.080 --> 00:30:14.340 the fruits of the Spirit on my 00:30:14.340 --> 00:30:14.519 own. 00:30:14.680 --> 00:30:16.700 I can't go out and accomplish, 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:18.840 reproduce myself spiritually by 00:30:18.840 --> 00:30:20.039 sharing the gospel with someone 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:21.400 who doesn't know Jesus and 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:23.519 seeing them turn to Christ and 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.960 seeing there's my living, 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.460 breathing, spiritual fruit 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.099 right there. 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:30.819 Say, God, do that through me 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:32.500 because I want to be a useful 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.400 branch. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:37.259 I want this church, more than 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:40.019 anything, to be a useful 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.180 branch for God. 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:43.099 He is the vine. 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:45.579 We are the branches. 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:48.980 Let's be branches that bear 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.519 fruit. 00:30:50.160 --> 00:30:51.279 Check out this advertisement. 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.960 Anybody familiar with the story 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:56.059 of Shackleton, the explorer? 00:30:56.360 --> 00:30:58.779 I got a book on Shackleton's 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:03.000 way of leading, his leadership 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:05.680 philosophy, many, many years ago 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:07.000 when I was a teenager, I think it 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:07.200 was. 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:08.799 That's the kind of presence my 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.680 parents got me when I was a 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:09.920 teenager. 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:11.180 They got me books on leadership, 00:31:11.579 --> 00:31:11.940 Shackleton. 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:15.200 Anyway, they didn't get me video 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:16.680 games, so there we go. 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.519 Men wanted. 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.980 Here's the advertisement that 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:21.500 Shackleton put out when he was 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.680 getting ready to take his 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:24.039 expedition to Antarctica. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:24.559 Yeah. 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:26.599 Men wanted for hazardous 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:29.500 journey, small wages, bitter 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:31.799 cold, long months of complete 00:31:31.799 --> 00:31:35.099 darkness, constant danger, safe 00:31:35.099 --> 00:31:39.619 return, doubtful, but honor and 00:31:39.619 --> 00:31:42.579 recognition in event of success. 00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:44.179 Ernest Shackleton. 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.720 Do you think people were just 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:50.699 knocking on the door, beating 00:31:50.699 --> 00:31:52.139 down the door of 4 Burlington 00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:53.960 Street to sign up for his 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:54.419 expedition? 00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:56.579 Probably not. 00:31:58.039 --> 00:32:00.839 But when he put it out there, he 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:02.319 probably had a pretty good idea that 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:03.879 whoever signed up was ready for 00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.980 whatever was going to face them. 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:10.879 Folks, I'm telling you that as we 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:13.560 served Jesus, he did not promise an 00:32:13.560 --> 00:32:14.660 easy road. 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:19.140 He did not promise that we'd always 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:20.380 win the popularity contest. 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:23.680 He didn't promise that our values 00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:25.260 would always line up with the 00:32:25.260 --> 00:32:26.660 cultural values around us. 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:28.900 He didn't promise that family 00:32:28.900 --> 00:32:30.420 relationships would always be 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:30.840 strong. 00:32:32.300 --> 00:32:33.880 He didn't promise that everybody 00:32:33.880 --> 00:32:35.920 would like you, that everybody 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:37.200 would always be patting you on the 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:39.380 back, that everybody would give you 00:32:39.380 --> 00:32:41.060 notice for the good things that you 00:32:41.060 --> 00:32:41.380 do. 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:45.820 But someday, honor and recognition 00:32:45.820 --> 00:32:46.340 will come. 00:32:47.720 --> 00:32:48.740 And you know what we'll do with that 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:49.380 honor and recognition? 00:32:49.580 --> 00:32:50.660 We'll turn right around and give it 00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:51.220 back to God. 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:53.380 That's what we see. 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:57.020 He will give us the crowns, and then 00:32:57.020 --> 00:32:58.940 we will cast those crowns back at his 00:32:58.940 --> 00:32:59.200 feet. 00:33:01.040 --> 00:33:02.360 It's a hazardous journey. 00:33:02.359 --> 00:33:05.339 The pain is not always great. 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:09.139 Sometimes it can feel cold. 00:33:10.639 --> 00:33:12.899 Those around us tend to drift away. 00:33:13.979 --> 00:33:16.759 Sometimes it can feel dark, even though 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:18.240 we know that Jesus is the light. 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:21.579 There is constant spiritual danger. 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:23.219 There's spiritual warfare going on 00:33:23.219 --> 00:33:25.319 around us every day, even when we 00:33:25.319 --> 00:33:26.139 don't realize it. 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:32.440 This world will not always be safe, but 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:34.280 Jesus will carry us safely home. 00:33:36.660 --> 00:33:38.160 He'll carry us safely home. 00:33:39.900 --> 00:33:44.340 John 15, you didn't choose me, I chose 00:33:44.340 --> 00:33:44.580 you. 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:46.240 I like how the New Living Translation put 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:47.200 this verse in particular. 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:50.380 You didn't choose me, I chose you. 00:33:50.380 --> 00:33:54.560 I appointed you to go and produce 00:33:54.560 --> 00:33:56.400 lasting fruit. 00:33:56.920 --> 00:34:00.900 To go and produce lasting fruit. 00:34:02.600 --> 00:34:04.960 So a key thought for today, we'll have 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:06.080 our takeaway in just a moment. 00:34:06.780 --> 00:34:07.900 A key thought for today. 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:12.900 Our church, our church needs each branch 00:34:12.900 --> 00:34:15.380 to produce lasting fruit. 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:18.220 Each branch. 00:34:18.219 --> 00:34:21.439 I'm looking at every face in this room. 00:34:22.339 --> 00:34:24.659 God has brought us together. 00:34:25.759 --> 00:34:27.359 He does not make mistakes. 00:34:28.039 --> 00:34:29.959 God has brought us together. 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:31.739 For this moment. 00:34:32.959 --> 00:34:35.279 We're not guaranteed tomorrow, but he 00:34:35.279 --> 00:34:36.859 has brought us together for this 00:34:36.859 --> 00:34:37.159 moment. 00:34:37.539 --> 00:34:38.299 Each branch. 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:39.639 Each and every branch. 00:34:40.619 --> 00:34:41.939 You've seen the branches and then the 00:34:41.939 --> 00:34:43.379 little twigs that come off of them, you 00:34:43.379 --> 00:34:43.519 know? 00:34:44.359 --> 00:34:45.939 The church is kind of like the branch 00:34:45.939 --> 00:34:47.399 and we're kind of like the twigs that 00:34:47.399 --> 00:34:48.059 sprout off. 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:51.319 We need every twig. 00:34:51.439 --> 00:34:53.399 We need every branch to produce 00:34:53.399 --> 00:34:54.739 lasting fruit. 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:58.719 Because if you don't, and you don't, 00:34:59.259 --> 00:35:02.039 and you don't some more, and years 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:06.219 later you still don't, I don't know 00:35:06.219 --> 00:35:09.339 when, but some point in there, the 00:35:09.339 --> 00:35:11.659 gardener is going to come and snip off 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.179 your branch. 00:35:12.179 --> 00:35:15.019 And that's it. 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:18.559 And if you weren't a believer and you 00:35:18.559 --> 00:35:21.139 never put your faith in Jesus, then 00:35:21.139 --> 00:35:23.359 eternal punishment in hell is your 00:35:23.359 --> 00:35:23.859 destiny. 00:35:24.819 --> 00:35:27.039 If you were a believer and you did put 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:28.899 your faith in Jesus, but you never 00:35:28.899 --> 00:35:30.739 opened yourself up to the Holy Spirit of 00:35:30.739 --> 00:35:33.619 God and let him produce fruit in you, then 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:35.440 you will be brought home early. 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:38.320 Your twig will be cut off and you'll be 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:41.780 home in heaven with nothing to show, 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:45.980 no honor to give, certainly no honor to 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:46.380 receive. 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:52.079 So, our church needs it. 00:35:52.900 --> 00:35:56.119 One of our key values of our church, let's 00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.539 say them together if you remember them. 00:35:57.599 --> 00:35:57.720 Ready? 00:35:57.719 --> 00:36:03.539 Let's say loving God, seeking truth, 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:05.859 serving people. 00:36:05.919 --> 00:36:06.959 This one's on the screen. 00:36:08.459 --> 00:36:09.559 Let's try that again. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:12.019 We all need to familiarize with ourselves 00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:14.299 with that more as we begin to do 00:36:14.299 --> 00:36:16.579 decorations and different things in our 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:16.839 church. 00:36:16.919 --> 00:36:18.519 We're going to try to get those up on the 00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:21.079 walls and out in front so we know what 00:36:21.079 --> 00:36:21.899 our church is about. 00:36:22.000 --> 00:36:24.099 We're continually reminded of the values of 00:36:24.099 --> 00:36:24.559 our church. 00:36:24.959 --> 00:36:27.000 Loving God, seeking truth, serving people. 00:36:27.059 --> 00:36:27.659 Let's say them together. 00:36:27.799 --> 00:36:27.899 Ready? 00:36:28.419 --> 00:36:32.299 Loving God, seeking truth, serving people. 00:36:32.419 --> 00:36:35.159 So, our third value here is all about 00:36:35.159 --> 00:36:35.659 mission. 00:36:36.359 --> 00:36:39.019 The best way that we serve people, I 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:40.279 didn't create that slide by the way, 00:36:40.379 --> 00:36:41.779 Tabitha Pierce created that slide and she 00:36:41.779 --> 00:36:42.399 did a great job. 00:36:44.379 --> 00:36:47.039 The best way that we can possibly serve 00:36:47.039 --> 00:36:50.099 people is to share Jesus with them, is to 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:51.379 go on mission as the church. 00:36:51.739 --> 00:36:53.139 And so, that's our takeaway this morning. 00:36:53.539 --> 00:36:57.059 We serve people best by introducing them 00:36:57.059 --> 00:36:58.440 to our master. 00:36:58.440 --> 00:37:00.159 You and I are servants. 00:37:00.579 --> 00:37:02.639 Everyone in this world is a servant. 00:37:03.259 --> 00:37:04.500 You're all serving something. 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:07.460 Every one of you is serving something. 00:37:08.320 --> 00:37:09.579 Everyone has a master. 00:37:10.059 --> 00:37:11.559 The master is either sin 00:37:11.559 --> 00:37:13.719 or it's the Savior. 00:37:13.719 --> 00:37:19.819 So, we introduce the lost world who's serving the wrong master 00:37:19.819 --> 00:37:23.899 to our master and say, this is a whole lot better master. 00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:27.280 You can trust what he has to say. 00:37:27.280 --> 00:37:28.760 You can obey him. 00:37:29.860 --> 00:37:31.760 And he will not lead you astray. 00:37:32.119 --> 00:37:34.400 He will not lead you to the path to destruction. 00:37:34.780 --> 00:37:39.920 So, we serve people best by introducing them to our master. 00:37:40.700 --> 00:37:42.539 That is our mission. 00:37:42.960 --> 00:37:45.119 And we are on mission together. 00:37:45.119 --> 00:37:47.599 We should be united in our mission, 00:37:48.139 --> 00:37:49.839 a united body of believers, 00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:52.539 and a useful branch. 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:55.960 As individual members of that united body, 00:37:56.239 --> 00:37:58.199 we should be, each of us, 00:37:58.279 --> 00:38:00.000 a branch that produces fruit. 00:38:00.219 --> 00:38:02.079 So, that's my challenge daily to myself, 00:38:02.199 --> 00:38:02.799 to my family. 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:05.159 Men, I encourage you to keep that 00:38:05.159 --> 00:38:07.059 before your wife and your children. 00:38:07.839 --> 00:38:09.460 Mothers, I encourage you to keep that 00:38:09.460 --> 00:38:10.380 before your children. 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:12.420 And wives, keep it before your husband too. 00:38:12.420 --> 00:38:16.099 Two, we all must keep each other accountable. 00:38:17.079 --> 00:38:18.559 One, are we keeping the main thing? 00:38:18.619 --> 00:38:19.240 The main thing. 00:38:19.320 --> 00:38:20.599 And the main thing is the mission. 00:38:20.940 --> 00:38:23.559 So, let's keep the mission at the top of the heap. 00:38:24.380 --> 00:38:27.039 Let's keep the mission in the forefront of our minds 00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:29.780 and say, God, don't let me be a branch 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:30.639 that doesn't bear fruit. 00:38:31.260 --> 00:38:31.960 Let's pray together. 00:38:32.619 --> 00:38:34.159 Lord Jesus, I thank you so much 00:38:34.159 --> 00:38:36.480 for your continual challenge from the word of God. 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:39.220 I ask right now, God, if there's someone here 00:38:39.220 --> 00:38:40.200 who doesn't know you, 00:38:40.199 --> 00:38:42.759 as their personal, personal Savior, 00:38:43.319 --> 00:38:44.279 Father and friend, 00:38:45.199 --> 00:38:48.839 that they would not leave this building this morning 00:38:48.839 --> 00:38:53.119 without having a true, genuine encounter with Jesus. 00:38:53.119 --> 00:38:53.619 Amen. 00:38:53.619 --> 00:38:54.119 Amen. 00:38:54.119 --> 00:38:54.179 Amen. 00:38:54.179 --> 00:38:54.239 Amen. 00:38:54.239 --> 00:38:54.279 Amen. 00:38:54.279 --> 00:38:54.339 Amen. 00:38:54.339 --> 00:38:54.399 Amen. 00:38:54.399 --> 00:38:54.460 Amen. 00:38:54.460 --> 00:38:54.519 Amen. 00:38:54.519 --> 00:38:54.559 Amen. 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:54.659 Amen. 00:38:54.659 --> 00:38:54.699 Amen. 00:38:54.699 --> 00:38:54.759 Amen. 00:38:54.759 --> 00:38:54.779 Amen. 00:38:54.779 --> 00:38:54.839 Amen. 00:38:54.839 --> 00:38:54.960 Amen.