WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.379 I want to turn to Mark chapter 8. 00:00:03.160 --> 00:00:04.160 Mark chapter 8. 00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:08.900 Last week I challenged you to write down four names 00:00:08.900 --> 00:00:08.900 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.859 I handed out a little card that looks very similar to what they handed out today. 00:00:34.579 --> 00:00:36.480 It's got a perforation on the bottom. 00:00:36.780 --> 00:00:41.920 And if you didn't get one of those, I encourage you to write those names down 00:00:41.920 --> 00:00:43.240 and grab one of these afterwards. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:45.539 You tear off the bottom of it. 00:00:45.780 --> 00:00:46.939 You write the names twice. 00:00:47.240 --> 00:00:48.179 Tear off the bottom of it. 00:00:48.539 --> 00:00:49.439 Lay it at this cross. 00:00:49.519 --> 00:00:54.200 And I'll join you in praying for those names as we lead up to Easter. 00:00:54.379 --> 00:00:55.740 And then take that top card. 00:00:56.079 --> 00:00:57.120 That's your prayer card. 00:00:57.119 --> 00:01:03.419 And you pray that God would intervene in those dear folks' lives 00:01:03.419 --> 00:01:07.159 as well as in your life and set up a divine appointment 00:01:07.159 --> 00:01:12.560 where you can share with them and have the opportunity to invite them 00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:15.479 to come to worship with you. 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:19.579 And I simply ask that you ask God daily and faithfully 00:01:19.579 --> 00:01:23.420 to prepare their heart for an invitation, 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:26.120 to prepare your heart to share, 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:29.920 and to give the opportunity to invite. 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:32.719 I want you to understand something, folks. 00:01:32.799 --> 00:01:35.780 We're not responsible for the soil 00:01:35.780 --> 00:01:40.000 or the state of the soil to where the seed falls. 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:45.299 We're responsible for the scattering of the seed. 00:01:45.299 --> 00:01:51.219 In other words, we're not responsible for somebody's heart 00:01:51.219 --> 00:01:53.500 or for their response. 00:01:54.500 --> 00:01:57.340 We're responsible to get the message out, 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:01.539 to share with them, to get the invitation out, 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:06.819 to get the consistent prayers that changes everything. 00:02:06.819 --> 00:02:08.879 And as you came in this morning, 00:02:09.039 --> 00:02:11.639 you should have received another card 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:14.939 that has perforated three times 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:17.239 and it has four invitation cards. 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:21.979 And the idea is that as you pray for these dear folks 00:02:21.979 --> 00:02:25.060 and God gives you opportunity to invite, 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:28.759 that you just tear off one of these and hand it to them. 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:31.340 Let them know the details of the worship. 00:02:31.859 --> 00:02:33.879 Let them know which hour you'll be in worship. 00:02:34.340 --> 00:02:35.919 Let them know you'll meet them at the door 00:02:35.919 --> 00:02:37.359 and you would love to sit with them. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:41.059 If you're in the choir or orchestra, can't do that, 00:02:41.139 --> 00:02:42.780 that you'll line up somebody to do that 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:46.039 and to be able to sit with somebody 00:02:46.039 --> 00:02:48.039 and to worship with them. 00:02:48.639 --> 00:02:50.779 And if you didn't get one as you came in, 00:02:50.839 --> 00:02:52.299 make sure you get one as you leave. 00:02:52.339 --> 00:02:53.560 You're not gonna turn this in today. 00:02:53.639 --> 00:02:54.500 You're gonna give it to somebody. 00:02:54.579 --> 00:02:55.099 It needs it. 00:02:55.659 --> 00:02:56.799 God's laid on your heart. 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:59.039 And if you got one and you need another, 00:02:59.159 --> 00:03:00.299 go get another, okay? 00:03:00.519 --> 00:03:03.079 Because we got extra of these 00:03:03.080 --> 00:03:07.080 and they won't do diddly for us on April the 21st. 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:07.700 Okay? 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:10.620 There's nothing good but the landfill. 00:03:10.940 --> 00:03:12.760 So I encourage you to take advantage of that. 00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:17.080 As well, we have yard signs that are available in the foyer. 00:03:17.480 --> 00:03:18.800 Last year we bought them. 00:03:18.900 --> 00:03:19.540 We ran out. 00:03:19.640 --> 00:03:20.340 We ordered more. 00:03:20.439 --> 00:03:22.360 This year we ordered more to start with. 00:03:22.360 --> 00:03:25.360 And they won't do us any good on April the 21st. 00:03:26.160 --> 00:03:28.060 Matter of fact, get them up out of your yard. 00:03:28.520 --> 00:03:30.400 I don't like political signs hanging around 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:31.860 after an election. 00:03:32.060 --> 00:03:33.039 And these aren't political. 00:03:33.259 --> 00:03:33.920 These are gospel. 00:03:34.420 --> 00:03:37.300 But still, get them up out of your yard after Easter. 00:03:37.420 --> 00:03:39.840 But put them in your yard until Easter 00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:42.159 and make sure that we take advantage of that. 00:03:42.219 --> 00:03:43.640 There shouldn't be one of them left. 00:03:43.699 --> 00:03:45.860 Don't let them go to waste at all. 00:03:47.140 --> 00:03:49.560 So I want to share something with you this morning. 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:50.400 But let me say this. 00:03:50.460 --> 00:03:51.340 And I meant to say this earlier, 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:52.259 but I said too much anyway. 00:03:52.259 --> 00:03:54.039 I don't have time to say it this morning, 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:54.699 but I'm gonna say it anyway. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:04:00.899 So last week we started finding out about meals for folks 00:04:00.899 --> 00:04:02.959 and all that stuff that were working up there. 00:04:03.039 --> 00:04:06.459 So I contacted South Carolina Disaster Relief. 00:04:06.519 --> 00:04:07.959 And I said, are y'all aware of what's happening 00:04:07.959 --> 00:04:08.799 at Table Rock? 00:04:09.339 --> 00:04:14.560 And the lady, although she was in Alabama 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:18.079 with her mother who had been severely burned 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:19.439 trying to put out a brush fire. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:21.099 And she was at UAB. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:24.780 That dear lady emailed me back and let me know 00:04:24.780 --> 00:04:27.700 that she had works in progress and those type things. 00:04:27.820 --> 00:04:32.240 And they worked with the people up in that area to respond. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:34.540 They got in touch with the people who were responsible for food 00:04:34.540 --> 00:04:36.080 and lined up some things. 00:04:36.180 --> 00:04:37.580 And I don't know how that panned out. 00:04:37.740 --> 00:04:40.879 There was some changing of direction and those type things. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:45.180 But we wanted to make sure we could do more than what just we could do 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:47.360 and make sure that that was taken care of. 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:53.520 But at the same time, I had Jeff go to Holly Springs Fire Department, 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:55.560 which at the time was the reception area. 00:04:55.960 --> 00:04:58.920 And I said, talk to them and find out what they need. 00:04:59.060 --> 00:05:00.939 I know we get lists and all that stuff. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:06.220 But sometimes I've seen pallets of water laying around after the fact. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:07.920 And so I said, find out what they need. 00:05:08.340 --> 00:05:10.620 And what they needed were small things. 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:12.819 They needed things like Allegra. 00:05:12.819 --> 00:05:17.980 They needed things like nose sprays and eye cleansers and those type things. 00:05:18.099 --> 00:05:23.579 And so he went and got hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. 00:05:24.099 --> 00:05:28.540 And listen, when you're buying allergy medicine and eye wash, 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:29.939 it don't look like much, okay? 00:05:30.019 --> 00:05:32.860 You can spend a few hundred dollars in a heartbeat. 00:05:33.039 --> 00:05:36.939 But anyway, but we took that up there and got that up there and took care of that. 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:42.240 Now, I would have asked you to give to make sure that we cover the cost of that. 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:43.620 That came out of our missions budget. 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:45.199 And we got a lot of people going on mission trips. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:47.519 And I'm thankful for that and all that stuff. 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:50.780 But if I ask you to give, you'll over-respond. 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:52.740 You'll give too much money. 00:05:52.819 --> 00:05:54.300 And we don't want to keep buying stuff. 00:05:54.560 --> 00:05:57.800 So just give faithfully as the Lord allows you. 00:05:57.900 --> 00:05:59.519 And it'll all pan out in the end, I think. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.319 That's my executive decision. 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:02.600 I'll get in trouble for that in a little while. 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:04.819 But anyway, you just give and trust God. 00:06:04.819 --> 00:06:15.599 But I want you to know that First Baptist Church responded and wanted to make sure that we let them know we love them and we appreciate them and wanted to be there for them. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:24.039 I want you to see something this morning that the Lord showed me years ago and that I often think about. 00:06:24.040 --> 00:06:32.480 And as we approach Easter and our outreach challenge, I want us to follow the Lord's pattern. 00:06:33.520 --> 00:06:40.620 As we look toward Easter, once again, we have a wonderful example in our Lord Jesus. 00:06:41.340 --> 00:06:48.340 And I want us to see how we're to set our minds as he set his mind. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:49.679 I want you to see this. 00:06:49.759 --> 00:06:52.899 It's in Mark, beginning in Mark chapter 8, verse 31. 00:06:53.060 --> 00:06:53.799 And it says this. 00:06:54.599 --> 00:07:04.159 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:07.179 And after three days, rise again. 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:11.519 And he said this plainly. 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:18.740 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:24.299 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:35.079 Get behind me, Satan, for you are not setting your minds on the things of God, but on the things of man. 00:07:35.079 --> 00:07:43.039 Now, the passage that precedes this begins to change the climate of the ministry of Jesus. 00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:46.939 When he sat down in Caesarea Philippi and asked them, 00:07:47.039 --> 00:07:48.979 Who do you say that I am? 00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:53.659 He was preparing them for the last days of his ministry. 00:07:54.219 --> 00:08:01.599 Unless they knew who they believed in and was persuaded to keep that which they committed unto, 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:06.060 As 2 Timothy chapter 1, verse 12 puts it, 00:08:06.960 --> 00:08:09.540 It was going to be rough and shaky times for them. 00:08:11.320 --> 00:08:13.360 It already was not going to be easy. 00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:17.500 Not knowing who or what to believe was going to make it worse. 00:08:18.260 --> 00:08:22.160 He told them how those that had scoffed him, 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:24.840 those that had questioned him, 00:08:25.660 --> 00:08:26.939 those that had probed him, 00:08:27.080 --> 00:08:28.920 those that had drove him into a corner, 00:08:28.920 --> 00:08:33.240 those who would turn vicious. 00:08:34.440 --> 00:08:35.379 It would change. 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:38.420 He told them that the courts would become kangaroo. 00:08:38.600 --> 00:08:41.460 He told them that the charges would become exaggerated. 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:44.639 He told them that punishment would lead to death. 00:08:45.180 --> 00:08:49.200 And he told them that when they thought their faith had ran out, 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:51.899 that he would rise again three days later. 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:53.279 And he made no bones about it. 00:08:53.340 --> 00:08:55.680 Verse 32 says that he said it plainly. 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:56.820 He laid it out there. 00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:58.100 He shot it straight. 00:08:58.919 --> 00:08:59.879 He didn't let up. 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:01.279 He didn't let back. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.419 He told them how it would be. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:10.860 Now, that's quite different than the veil of secrecy that he spoke of in earlier days. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:14.419 Because if you'll notice, when he spoke in the parables, 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:16.779 oftentimes it was mysterious the way he said it. 00:09:18.059 --> 00:09:20.139 Oftentimes when he told those who were healed, 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:23.419 after he healed someone, he told them not to tell anyone. 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:27.000 It was veiled of sorts. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:30.460 He had some tasks to take care of. 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:33.860 I believe he told them that because he needed more time. 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:37.500 Because Christ came to die for the sins of the world, 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:45.159 but he also came to establish the infrastructure for the church to thrive after his ascension. 00:09:45.159 --> 00:09:48.139 Pay close attention to the gospels, 00:09:48.139 --> 00:10:00.519 and you will see that he used every event that we see in the gospels as a training ground for the apostles to learn from 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:05.240 and to do, as he put it, even greater things than he had done. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:07.579 That's what he said in John 14, verse 12. 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:12.280 However, at this point, it was time. 00:10:13.820 --> 00:10:16.759 The training of the 12 was winding down. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:25.680 However, the longest discourse that we have of any point in scripture of Jesus' teaching was in John 13 through chapter 17. 00:10:26.800 --> 00:10:29.900 And that was in the upper room when he spent time with the disciples, 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:34.320 right before he went to the garden to pray and then be arrested. 00:10:34.320 --> 00:10:39.680 But now he's coming to the point where the training is going to begin to stop 00:10:39.680 --> 00:10:45.240 because there's a greater task, the one that makes the church possible, to take place. 00:10:46.020 --> 00:10:48.300 Now is the time, and they must know. 00:10:49.420 --> 00:10:54.060 And when he tells them in our passage today, it's more than Peter can take. 00:10:55.400 --> 00:10:58.980 He took Jesus aside, and Peter tried to order Jesus. 00:10:59.180 --> 00:11:00.320 Don't talk like that. 00:11:01.220 --> 00:11:03.180 Don't tell them that people are going to hurt you. 00:11:03.179 --> 00:11:04.599 We're not going to let anybody hurt you. 00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:11.839 Now remember the man that said this to Jesus was the one that kept a dagger on his thigh. 00:11:12.879 --> 00:11:19.379 He was also the one that was in the garden when the soldiers came to get Jesus that reached for that dagger 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:24.299 and aimed for somebody's neck and missed and hit their ear. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:26.839 That's what I believe happened anyway. 00:11:26.839 --> 00:11:29.959 Why cut their ear off when you cut their head off? 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:33.940 But in reality, that's Peter. 00:11:34.400 --> 00:11:35.460 That's who he is. 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:37.200 He's a zealot. 00:11:37.780 --> 00:11:38.360 He's excited. 00:11:38.540 --> 00:11:40.900 And he says, don't talk like that. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:42.160 We're not going to let anything happen to you. 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:46.879 What Peter did not understand was what must come forth. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:49.519 And so in response to that, Jesus rebuked Peter. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:56.899 And notice that in verse 33, it says that Jesus saw the disciples watching them talk about this. 00:11:57.579 --> 00:12:03.600 And as he watched the disciples hear them talk about this, he ordered Satan to get behind him. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:08.819 In other words, either you'll follow the Lord or you'll follow the evil one. 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:12.879 Peter's ignorant words were like a follower of the evil one. 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:20.439 That was attempting to tempt Jesus to back away from the responsibility that God had commissioned him to do. 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:22.559 And that was to go to the cross. 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:28.019 He then makes a statement that I want to unpack for the rest of our time together this morning. 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:38.419 And it's in verse 33, and it says, for you're not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:45.259 Scripture is clear that the way one sets his mind makes a world of difference. 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:50.840 And Jesus set his mind. 00:12:50.840 --> 00:13:03.700 After he was baptized by John the Baptist, he went into the desert for 40 days to prepare his heart and set his mind toward the mission that his father had for him. 00:13:05.460 --> 00:13:10.019 This time of fasting and praying came with great temptation as well. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:19.160 And the temptations in the desert had more to do with the direction of his ministry than it did with his physical state. 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:32.439 People would have a lot of expectations for the coming Messiah based upon their interpretation of the prophecy that proclaimed that he was coming. 00:13:33.439 --> 00:13:41.279 And a lot of them misunderstood prophecy or they took part of prophecy and understood part of prophecy and didn't understand the rest of it. 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:43.579 Or they picked their favorites and they hung on to that. 00:13:44.299 --> 00:13:46.220 But they misunderstood a lot of prophecy. 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:48.120 And by the way, people still do today. 00:13:49.159 --> 00:13:50.419 They still do the same thing. 00:13:52.199 --> 00:14:00.139 The question was, for Jesus in the desert was, was he going to meet the expectations of people? 00:14:02.539 --> 00:14:06.480 Was he going to do what they expected the Messiah to do? 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:14.579 Or was he to stick to the path needed to fulfill what I believe was a two-fold ministry? 00:14:14.580 --> 00:14:20.220 The primary one being going to the cross sinless and dying in our place. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:30.280 And the second one being to establish the church of Jesus Christ to carry out his will after he ascended. 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:35.600 There were three temptations in the desert that are mentioned. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:41.000 They're mentioned in Matthew chapter 4 and they're mentioned in Luke chapter 4. 00:14:42.040 --> 00:14:48.279 And the first one is the same, but the second two are in different orders. 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:50.300 One in Matthew, one in Luke. 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:57.059 I don't have time to dig into those two passages very much, but I want to summarize it for you this morning for the sake of time. 00:14:58.539 --> 00:15:02.219 The first temptation was to turn the stones to bread. 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:06.120 Satan tempted him to do that. 00:15:06.339 --> 00:15:09.199 And he answered Satan in Matthew 4.4. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:16.559 It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:18.959 Now don't misunderstand me this morning. 00:15:19.079 --> 00:15:19.699 Jesus was hungry. 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:20.939 He hadn't eaten in 40 days. 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:25.199 However, this temptation was not just about filling his own belly. 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:30.359 It was more about being a Messiah that provided physical needs. 00:15:30.619 --> 00:15:37.419 Because people would have a great anticipation that Jesus was going to provide their physical needs if he was the Messiah. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:39.219 People would expect that. 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:42.279 If you remember, they were in a place alone. 00:15:42.439 --> 00:15:43.739 Just he and the disciples. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:49.200 And 5,000 men and their families came to them. 00:15:49.820 --> 00:15:50.980 They'd come a long way. 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:54.440 They were not near a local fast food restaurant. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.279 And they were hungry. 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:59.159 And the disciples asked him how it was going to happen. 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:01.259 And he fed those 5,000. 00:16:02.120 --> 00:16:07.580 And then as immediately after he fed them, he immediately retreated from the crowd. 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:11.460 Whose scripture says wanted to make him king. 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:13.920 Why did they want to make him king? 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:15.800 Because they got their belly full. 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:16.500 That's why. 00:16:17.420 --> 00:16:18.340 It's a gravy train. 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:23.620 That was never a temptation for him. 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:27.160 To just keep throwing out meals for folks. 00:16:28.060 --> 00:16:29.759 To make them really like him. 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:35.440 Or to reach their expectation of what a Messiah ought to be. 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:37.700 It was never a temptation for him. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.400 To simply provide. 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:41.820 Even though expectations were high. 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:45.940 And the reason why it was not a temptation for him is because he dealt with it in the desert. 00:16:46.900 --> 00:16:48.320 With the first temptation. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:57.840 Another temptation that's mentioned in the desert was the attempt to get Jesus to throw himself off the highest point of the temple. 00:16:57.840 --> 00:17:07.100 And the highest point of the temple is thought to be the temple's southeast corner that looms over a cliff. 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:12.360 The Kindred Valley is below it. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:23.420 And if someone were to leap off of the top of the temple wall there and fall into the Kindred Valley, they would fall 450 feet below. 00:17:23.420 --> 00:17:28.120 And so what Satan's saying to Jesus is, jump. 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:31.480 Let God the Father save you. 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:37.720 And Jesus was not about tempting the Father. 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:41.300 And he was not about challenging the Father. 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:46.360 Nor about marveling people with what God could do. 00:17:47.300 --> 00:17:48.779 Because of how he acted. 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:53.019 If you could get there this morning, I think the road's closed. 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:57.759 And you went to Caesar's head and crawled over that fence and stood on the edge and said, God, catch me. 00:17:58.720 --> 00:17:59.900 I got news for you. 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:01.440 A pine tree would probably catch you. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:03.379 It's not smart. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:05.980 Satan knew what he was doing. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:14.619 Tempting Jesus to become a miracle worker. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:16.799 Now don't misunderstand me. 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:18.139 Jesus was a miracle worker. 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:21.279 But it was never about the miracle. 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:26.160 It was always about the message of the miracle. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:27.839 And throughout scripture you'll see this. 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.480 If you pay close attention. 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:33.339 Every time there's that miraculous miracle, there's another message there. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:36.180 Sometimes it's implied and sometimes it's spoken. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:38.200 But there's always another message there. 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:43.700 I look forward one day to digging into the miracles of Christ with you and showing you the message there. 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:44.879 I enjoy that. 00:18:44.880 --> 00:18:48.460 But it's fun to see how God used miracles. 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:51.640 But they were never the focus of Christ. 00:18:51.840 --> 00:18:52.960 Satan wanted them to be. 00:18:56.400 --> 00:19:00.520 The other temptation was to rule the world. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:05.319 And Christ does rule the world. 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:10.359 And he will rule in a more sane fashion in the future. 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:14.119 But it's not a kingdom of this world. 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:18.240 People expected another David. 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:21.039 And David was a mighty king. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.479 And a mighty warrior. 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:24.500 And a mighty warrior king. 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:28.339 And he expanded the borders of Israel larger than it ever had been. 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:30.899 And they expected another David. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:36.139 Based on prophecy, they expected another David to come to grow Israel further than even David could. 00:19:36.140 --> 00:19:39.920 But that's not exactly what Christ's mission was at this time. 00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:43.640 So the devil tempted him to provide for people. 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:46.080 To provide their needs. 00:19:46.140 --> 00:19:47.400 That's a social gospel. 00:19:48.620 --> 00:19:50.540 Instead of a saving gospel. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.780 And I want to be clear this morning. 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.780 You can feed the hungry. 00:19:57.520 --> 00:19:59.340 And take care of their needs. 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.180 All you want to. 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:03.900 But if you never give them the gospel. 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:07.620 They'll go to hell with a full belly. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:10.340 But they'll still go to hell. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:14.259 I'm not saying bypass the need. 00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:20.740 I'm saying open the door for them to listen by loving them. 00:20:21.300 --> 00:20:22.660 And then really love them. 00:20:23.340 --> 00:20:24.340 And give them the gospel. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:28.460 The devil would love to get that backwards for us. 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.759 He tried to do that with Jesus. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:33.500 When he talked about turning the stones into bread. 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:37.759 It was a social gospel instead of a saving gospel. 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:41.540 He tempted him to be miraculous for the sake of being great. 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:45.120 He tempted him to amaze people. 00:20:45.360 --> 00:20:48.840 And to get glory instead of saving and giving God the glory. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:52.980 He tempted him to rule the kingdoms of the world as people expected. 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:58.140 But as Jesus said when Pilate questioned him about being the king of the Jews. 00:20:58.620 --> 00:21:01.000 Jesus responded in John 18 verse 36. 00:21:01.599 --> 00:21:03.599 My kingdom is not of this world. 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:07.319 If my kingdom were of this world my servants would have been fighting. 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:10.039 That I might not be delivered over to the Jews. 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:13.160 But my kingdom is not from the world. 00:21:13.160 --> 00:21:16.880 So because of what happened to Jesus in the desert. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:20.880 Because these temptations were not only physical temptations because he was fasting. 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:26.720 But because they were temptations that had to do with what kind of ministry he was going to carry out. 00:21:26.880 --> 00:21:28.880 I call that his seminary experience. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:31.660 And I base that on my own experience. 00:21:31.860 --> 00:21:39.380 Because the seminary experience is a time to become more clear on your ministry. 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:44.920 After one's called to the ministry and if they go in a traditional format as I did. 00:21:45.060 --> 00:21:46.940 And they go to seminary. 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:50.080 It's time to become clear of your ministry. 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.820 It's time to become clear of your theology. 00:21:52.280 --> 00:21:54.600 It's time to become clear of your focus. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:56.060 At least it was for me. 00:21:57.540 --> 00:22:00.120 And I gained a great confidence in God's word. 00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:01.220 I mean it wasn't easy. 00:22:02.080 --> 00:22:03.000 I'm a mama's boy. 00:22:03.620 --> 00:22:06.960 And I didn't care anything about driving 600 miles by myself. 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.460 To New Orleans. 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:10.740 There's nothing glamorous about New Orleans. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:12.340 The beignets are alright. 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:14.000 And the jambalaya is good. 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:15.440 And so are the red beans and rice. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.740 But besides that. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:19.100 There's nothing glamorous about New Orleans. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:21.259 It's the armpit of America. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.579 But God led me to go there. 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:32.220 I packed everything I had in a Honda Civic and drove 600 miles away from my mama. 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.860 And got down there. 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:35.079 And hadn't been there long. 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:38.919 To where I walked out in the president's garden behind his office. 00:22:39.359 --> 00:22:40.519 There was a fountain in the middle. 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:42.099 And there were some benches around there. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:44.079 And I looked up to heaven and said. 00:22:44.159 --> 00:22:44.699 Dear God. 00:22:44.899 --> 00:22:46.079 Why am I here? 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:54.599 Why did you take me away from everybody that I knew? 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.960 To come down here. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:23:00.579 I'm half afraid to go across the street. 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:02.720 And eat at Popeye's. 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:07.200 Too poor to do it if I had the strength. 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.720 Something happened that day. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:11.539 I don't know what. 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:16.319 But I walked out of that little garden changed of sorts. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:20.619 Wasn't long after that before God allowed me to pastor a church. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:22.359 Well before I ever thought anybody. 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:24.480 Why in the world would somebody. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.980 Want somebody who was. 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.279 23 years old. 00:23:31.159 --> 00:23:31.639 Single. 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:34.500 Never pastor a church. 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:36.819 To be able to pastor. 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:40.399 And God used that time. 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:41.740 As I commuted with my buddies. 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:43.000 Back and forth to New Orleans. 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:45.559 Sitting in class. 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:46.759 And listening to people that. 00:23:47.399 --> 00:23:48.980 Mentors to me still to this day. 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:52.639 He used that time in my life. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:56.220 To help me gain a greater confidence in God's word. 00:23:57.960 --> 00:24:00.519 To gain a greater passion for the pastor. 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:04.740 And to gain a greater appreciation for the calling. 00:24:04.740 --> 00:24:08.160 Clarity is a good thing. 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.779 And Christ's mission. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:13.720 When he comes out of the desert. 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:15.400 Was set. 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:19.880 It would not be about marveling. 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:23.460 It would not be about appeasing. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:27.240 It would not be about crowning people. 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:29.720 It would be about the training of the 12. 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:31.000 And going to the cross. 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:32.900 And he set his face. 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:34.140 He set his mind. 00:24:34.540 --> 00:24:35.120 Toward that. 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:35.960 He does it again. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:38.540 The second time that he sets his face. 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:40.860 Is in Luke chapter 9 verse 51. 00:24:41.040 --> 00:24:42.680 Which is the verse that kind of awakened me. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.680 To all of these times. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:45.440 And it says. 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:47.740 When the days drew near for him to be taken up. 00:24:47.820 --> 00:24:49.420 He set his face to go to Jerusalem. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:54.080 Here his ministry takes a turn. 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.460 For Jerusalem. 00:24:56.880 --> 00:24:57.740 Before this. 00:24:57.860 --> 00:24:59.380 He had spent the bulk of his ministry. 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.300 In Galilee. 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:02.700 But the last six months or so. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:04.220 Before he would go to the cross. 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:05.659 He spent it in Jerusalem. 00:25:06.460 --> 00:25:09.359 And that turn is made here. 00:25:10.159 --> 00:25:10.960 And it said. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:12.559 He set his face. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:14.019 Toward that. 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:16.419 That reminds me of Isaiah chapter 50 verse 7. 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:16.960 That says. 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:20.019 But the Lord God helps me. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:22.259 Therefore I have not been disgraced. 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:24.639 Therefore I have set my face like a flint. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:28.119 And I know that I shall not be put to shame. 00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:30.559 The Luke passage. 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:32.139 About the setting of his face. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:34.500 Does not happen long. 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:36.239 After our focal passage. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.879 Of him telling them plainly. 00:25:37.979 --> 00:25:39.039 What was to come. 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:42.039 He told his disciples openly. 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:43.019 That what was coming. 00:25:43.159 --> 00:25:44.459 And then he went to Jerusalem. 00:25:44.719 --> 00:25:47.159 And openly ministered as the Messiah. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:48.979 He was on his way to Calvary. 00:25:49.139 --> 00:25:51.399 And there was a narrowing of his vision. 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.939 That was taking place. 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:56.279 And then we see a third time. 00:25:56.380 --> 00:25:58.059 Where he sets his mind. 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:59.320 Or sets his face. 00:25:59.600 --> 00:26:00.940 And it's in the garden of Gethsemane. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:03.759 In Luke chapter 22 verse 42. 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:04.799 He prayed. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:06.160 Father if you are willing. 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:07.720 Remove this cup from me. 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:09.180 Nevertheless not my will. 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.740 But yours be done. 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:14.299 But the father did not spare Jesus. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:16.100 The cup of his wrath. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:18.380 And we know from Old Testament prophecy. 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:20.160 That the cup that he's referring to. 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:22.180 Is the cup of God's wrath. 00:26:22.300 --> 00:26:24.620 That he was to drink down to his drigs. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:26.480 Because he was taking on the sin. 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:27.440 Of the world. 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:30.740 And the father didn't spare Jesus. 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:31.720 The cup of his wrath. 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:33.140 And because he didn't. 00:26:33.320 --> 00:26:34.460 Now we celebrate. 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:37.120 We'll have a wonderful celebration. 00:26:37.120 --> 00:26:38.120 In three weeks together. 00:26:38.300 --> 00:26:39.519 When it comes Easter time. 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:41.259 And hopefully many folks. 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.700 Who need to hear the gospel. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.920 Will hear the gospel on that day. 00:26:45.340 --> 00:26:46.960 But it's only because he was willing. 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.000 To take the cup up. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:50.140 2 Corinthians 5 verse 21. 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:50.980 Says it this way. 00:26:51.300 --> 00:26:52.020 For our sake. 00:26:52.140 --> 00:26:53.320 He made him to be sin. 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.420 Who knew no sin. 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:55.720 So that in him. 00:26:55.820 --> 00:26:57.080 We might become the righteousness. 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.040 Of God. 00:26:59.020 --> 00:26:59.759 I'm convinced. 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:01.000 It was not the physical agony. 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.900 That Christ would endure. 00:27:02.060 --> 00:27:03.240 That he dreaded the most. 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:05.000 But it was the weight. 00:27:05.020 --> 00:27:06.259 Of literally taking the sin. 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:07.520 Of the world upon his shoulders. 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.880 When he was sinless. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.580 And hadn't even been born into sin. 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:12.700 However when he left the garden. 00:27:12.780 --> 00:27:14.240 After agonizing in prayer. 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.860 His heart. 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.520 His mind. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.040 Was set. 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:17.600 On what needed to be done. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.640 And thank God. 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.640 He went to the cross. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:21.040 And he died for me. 00:27:21.040 --> 00:27:22.380 And he died for you. 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.600 And then he rose again. 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:25.100 And that's what we remember. 00:27:25.380 --> 00:27:26.480 And that's what we celebrate. 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.340 During this season. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:29.400 It's also where we live. 00:27:29.480 --> 00:27:30.740 The rest of our lives. 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:32.120 And that is in the shadow. 00:27:32.120 --> 00:27:33.060 Of the cross. 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.259 As the old hymn says. 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.300 Jesus keep me. 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.440 Near the cross. 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.259 Christ. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:37.859 Christ. 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:39.000 Did what he did. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:40.960 To provide our greatest need. 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.000 But he also did it. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.400 To provide a pattern. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.460 For us. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:46.539 Because he set his mind. 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.460 Toward the task. 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:49.359 At every stage of his life. 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:50.460 He set his mind. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.259 Toward the task. 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.279 That was at hand. 00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.319 And in the same way. 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:54.960 We must set our minds. 00:27:55.140 --> 00:27:55.779 On him. 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:58.240 As he set his mind. 00:27:58.359 --> 00:27:59.160 On ministry. 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:01.039 So we must set our minds. 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.859 Toward ministry. 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.240 He didn't do what he did. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:05.220 To appease people. 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.740 He did what he did. 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:07.860 To please the father. 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:09.440 He didn't do what he did. 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.559 To marvel people. 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:12.079 But to give honor. 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:13.160 And praise to the father. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.279 He didn't do what he did. 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:15.420 To conquer the whole world. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.600 He did what he did. 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:17.880 To save the whole world. 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:20.059 We don't need to appease folks. 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:22.759 We don't need to marvel folks. 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:24.519 We don't need to conquer folks. 00:28:24.860 --> 00:28:25.980 We need to share. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:27.740 We need to serve. 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:29.059 We need to bring honor. 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:29.720 To the Lord. 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:31.559 We need to set our minds. 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.900 Toward the task. 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:33.980 That is at hand. 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.420 And that calls. 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.740 For all of us. 00:28:37.039 --> 00:28:37.740 To remove. 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:39.620 Every hindrance. 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:40.460 In our life. 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:42.240 Philippians chapter 3 verse 13. 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.539 The apostle Paul said. 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:45.579 Forgetting what lies behind. 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:48.839 And straining to what lies ahead. 00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:51.519 I press on toward the call. 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.400 For the prize. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.900 Of the upward call of God. 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:55.099 In Christ Jesus. 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:57.059 Now for Paul. 00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:58.579 What he needed to put behind him. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.940 Was his religiosity. 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.700 Because he had a lot of it. 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:03.240 He knew the law. 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:04.299 Like the back of his hand. 00:29:05.620 --> 00:29:07.160 But before he met the Lord. 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.039 On the road to Damascus. 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:09.080 He didn't know Jesus. 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.680 And he would have died. 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.480 And went to hell. 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:13.840 As a well educated. 00:29:13.840 --> 00:29:14.819 Religious man. 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.299 He said. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.380 I put that behind me. 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.340 Now for some today. 00:29:22.340 --> 00:29:23.880 It ain't your religiosity. 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:25.080 You need to put behind you. 00:29:25.079 --> 00:29:28.579 It's the wickedness. 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.240 In your life. 00:29:30.279 --> 00:29:31.199 You need to put behind you. 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:34.240 It's the compromise. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.119 In your life. 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:37.139 You need to put behind you. 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.919 It's the failures. 00:29:39.919 --> 00:29:40.679 Of the past. 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:41.240 Possibly. 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.919 That you need to put behind you. 00:29:42.939 --> 00:29:43.480 And by the way. 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:45.279 The devil's going to try his best. 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:47.000 For you not to put that behind you. 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:50.259 He'll whisper his sweet nothings. 00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:50.779 In your ear. 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.539 And let you know. 00:29:51.939 --> 00:29:53.279 You don't amount to anything. 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:55.500 When I want you to know. 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:58.139 Jesus thinks so much of you. 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.099 That he died. 00:29:59.160 --> 00:29:59.899 And went to the cross. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.660 On your behalf. 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.059 Forgetting. 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:05.859 Whatever it is. 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.720 In the past. 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.960 I press on. 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:13.420 I press on. 00:30:14.940 --> 00:30:17.099 To do what God has called me. 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.059 To do. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:20.460 Paul speaks in athletic terms here. 00:30:20.859 --> 00:30:21.920 He's a has-been athlete. 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:22.319 I bet. 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.099 He said. 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:25.399 Keep your eyes. 00:30:25.639 --> 00:30:26.639 On the prize. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:28.160 He says. 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:28.879 Run through. 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.799 The tape. 00:30:31.399 --> 00:30:32.579 Hold on to the ball. 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:33.119 Until you get. 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.319 All the way across. 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.339 The goal line. 00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:37.779 Sprint to first base. 00:30:38.359 --> 00:30:39.539 Leave it all on the field. 00:30:40.399 --> 00:30:40.839 Christ. 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:41.980 Set his mind. 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:43.619 On accomplishing his task. 00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:45.039 And he has laid. 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:45.819 A task. 00:30:45.920 --> 00:30:46.619 Before us. 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.099 Folks. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.099 And that is. 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:49.039 To love him. 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:50.399 And to love others. 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:51.839 To serve him. 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:53.139 And to serve others. 00:30:53.919 --> 00:30:55.740 He also set his mind on the cross. 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:58.579 And we must set our mind on the cross. 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:00.500 Matthew 16 verse 24. 00:31:00.639 --> 00:31:01.639 Jesus told his disciples. 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:03.459 If anyone would come after me. 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:05.240 Let him deny himself. 00:31:05.399 --> 00:31:06.639 And take up his cross. 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.799 And follow me. 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:10.339 What does it mean to deny yourself? 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:13.039 It means to say no to you. 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:13.919 That's what it means. 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:17.500 And it's hard to say no to ourselves. 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:19.919 We know what we want. 00:31:20.319 --> 00:31:21.659 And it feels quite legitimate. 00:31:21.659 --> 00:31:22.339 Quite honestly. 00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:27.459 And the world will encourage us. 00:31:27.659 --> 00:31:28.720 To live for ourselves. 00:31:29.039 --> 00:31:30.119 It's the worldly way. 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:32.179 Do what you want to do. 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:34.539 You do you. 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:41.119 That's what you want to think. 00:31:43.059 --> 00:31:44.299 Whatever you want to think. 00:31:44.359 --> 00:31:44.879 You think it. 00:31:44.959 --> 00:31:46.480 Because it's all just in your mind. 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:49.000 That's not what the word of God says. 00:31:49.099 --> 00:31:49.459 Folks. 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:53.180 Philippians chapter 4 verse 8 and 9 says this. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.160 Finally brothers. 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.000 Whatever is true. 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:55.940 Whatever is honorable. 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.180 Whatever is just. 00:31:57.600 --> 00:31:58.319 Whatever is pure. 00:31:58.920 --> 00:31:59.559 Whatever is lovely. 00:31:59.680 --> 00:32:00.500 Whatever is commendable. 00:32:00.860 --> 00:32:01.620 If there's any excellent. 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:03.240 If there's anything worthy of praise. 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:05.640 Think about these things. 00:32:06.360 --> 00:32:08.559 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:09.860 Practice these things. 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:12.900 And the God of peace will be with you. 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:16.059 Don't expect the peace of God to be with you. 00:32:16.160 --> 00:32:18.140 If your mind is full of garbage. 00:32:18.140 --> 00:32:21.780 Don't expect the peace of God to be with you. 00:32:21.860 --> 00:32:23.400 If your tongue is full of foul. 00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:26.280 Don't expect the peace of God to be with you. 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:28.400 If your heart is on a wayward path. 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:32.220 The reason Jesus stood strong in the midst of the temptation. 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:34.740 Was due to what Luke chapter 4 verse 1 said. 00:32:35.040 --> 00:32:38.220 And it says that he was full of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:38.800 --> 00:32:39.160 My friend. 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:41.140 We can't be full of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:41.320 --> 00:32:42.980 And yet full of this world as well. 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.759 We can't be full of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:44.860 --> 00:32:45.920 And be full of ourselves. 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:48.019 There's not enough room in us for both. 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.960 And the truth will come out. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:53.960 So let's set our minds on God's will for our life. 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:56.300 Let's forget our ways. 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:58.660 In the power of God. 00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:01.240 Walk out of the strongholds of the evil one. 00:33:01.360 --> 00:33:03.900 In our lives that weaken us. 00:33:04.600 --> 00:33:06.580 God's enabled us and empowered us to do that. 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:08.460 The devil will tell us we can't do that. 00:33:08.580 --> 00:33:09.460 But he's a liar. 00:33:09.640 --> 00:33:10.460 And he's a thief. 00:33:10.600 --> 00:33:12.480 And he tries to steal our lives. 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:14.579 And our testimonies. 00:33:15.579 --> 00:33:17.860 The same Lord that faced temptation and conquered. 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:20.000 Is the same Lord that lives in believers. 00:33:20.339 --> 00:33:22.140 He's the same Lord that gives us strength. 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:24.500 That we need to walk away from sinful patterns. 00:33:24.839 --> 00:33:25.259 So today. 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.860 Leave the past behind. 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:29.339 Strain toward the goal in Christ. 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:31.099 Live to please the Lord. 00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:32.480 Live to honor the Lord. 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:34.240 Live to share the Lord. 00:33:35.120 --> 00:33:37.160 Sharing the love of Christ with others. 00:33:37.160 --> 00:33:40.460 Will be one of the most encouraging spiritual sources. 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:42.980 That you will ever experience in your life. 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:46.540 It feels like it's the biggest task. 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:48.320 But the reality is when we do it. 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:50.500 God blesses it. 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:52.840 Not only does it change other people's lives. 00:33:52.940 --> 00:33:54.380 But it changes our lives. 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:58.080 It encourages us like nothing else does. 00:33:58.180 --> 00:34:00.360 So share the love of Christ with others. 00:34:02.580 --> 00:34:05.060 It will be one of the most encouraging spiritual sources in our lives. 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:07.559 We need to share and they need to hear. 00:34:09.239 --> 00:34:11.119 So let's set our minds. 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:14.019 Let's set our face. 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:16.579 Live for him. 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:19.480 Seek him. 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.480 Share him. 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:26.440 Be bold about it. 00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:28.480 Share him. 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:32.460 I want to ask you something and I'll close. 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:37.019 And normally when I ask a question, it's rhetorical. 00:34:37.119 --> 00:34:38.179 And I don't want your response. 00:34:38.300 --> 00:34:38.960 Please don't give it. 00:34:39.019 --> 00:34:42.340 Because I'm ADD and I may never go back to where I was preaching. 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:46.699 But this morning, I want a response from you. 00:34:46.780 --> 00:34:47.880 Not a verbal response. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.460 A physical response. 00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:52.400 And I just want you to be honest. 00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:55.320 I want us to see something this morning. 00:34:55.320 --> 00:35:07.840 How many of you got saved in a toilet stall after seeing a gospel track on the back of a toilet? 00:35:11.620 --> 00:35:12.800 How many got saved that way? 00:35:13.600 --> 00:35:15.420 Now, ladies, y'all may not know what I'm talking about. 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:17.019 But fellas, you know what I'm talking about, don't you? 00:35:17.620 --> 00:35:18.780 You can use a public restroom. 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:22.280 You'll see a good presentation of the gospel on the back of the tank. 00:35:22.280 --> 00:35:27.080 Interesting form of evangelism. 00:35:29.820 --> 00:35:32.920 How many of you got saved from a message that you watched on TV? 00:35:33.040 --> 00:35:33.519 Be honest. 00:35:38.120 --> 00:35:40.320 How many of you got saved at a crusade? 00:35:41.440 --> 00:35:42.100 Raise your hand. 00:35:43.140 --> 00:35:43.760 A couple. 00:35:43.960 --> 00:35:44.420 Yeah, three. 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:45.000 Yeah. 00:35:45.560 --> 00:35:47.220 We had about three in the first service, too. 00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:57.379 How many of you got saved because someone personally shared their faith with you 00:35:57.379 --> 00:36:01.119 and told you how to come to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:36:01.799 --> 00:36:02.299 Raise your hand. 00:36:02.339 --> 00:36:03.459 I want you to look across this place. 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:10.199 People need the Lord. 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:16.659 And when you give him away, all you get is more in return. 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:25.059 So let's set our face and set our mind toward what God would have us to do 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:29.939 and let God use us in his kingdom. 00:36:31.779 --> 00:36:34.699 With every head bowed and every eye closed, I ask you this morning, 00:36:34.699 --> 00:36:39.799 have you ever given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:36:41.319 --> 00:36:45.879 If that's never happened to you, I want you to know today is the day of salvation. 00:36:46.719 --> 00:36:52.460 And I'd love to share with you what it means to give your heart and life to the Lord. 00:36:54.279 --> 00:36:59.199 Maybe you're here and you have done that, but you've never acknowledged that publicly. 00:36:59.199 --> 00:37:05.759 Jesus, by his commission and by his example, tells us that the way to do that, 00:37:05.859 --> 00:37:08.359 the first step of obedience is by baptism. 00:37:09.359 --> 00:37:11.879 And if you've never done that, I encourage you to come. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:13.000 We're not going to do it this morning. 00:37:13.139 --> 00:37:15.119 We're lining up a time to do it in the near future. 00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:18.919 So I encourage you to come and we'll set that up for you. 00:37:20.299 --> 00:37:23.699 Or maybe God's leading you to First Baptist Church. 00:37:24.899 --> 00:37:26.639 God's doing a mighty work in our church. 00:37:26.699 --> 00:37:27.599 I'm thankful for that. 00:37:27.599 --> 00:37:30.360 And if God's leading you in that way, you come. 00:37:30.460 --> 00:37:34.539 I'd love to share with you how you can be a part of our fellowship. 00:37:37.219 --> 00:37:43.539 Or maybe you're here this morning and you just got to forget some things in the past. 00:37:45.880 --> 00:37:47.659 You got to put some things behind you. 00:37:51.940 --> 00:37:56.880 And move forward, focusing on the goal that God set before you. 00:37:57.599 --> 00:38:02.659 Letting nothing hinder you from being everything that God would have you to be. 00:38:02.659 --> 00:38:09.619 And if that's your story, then you take that to the Lord today, right now. 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:12.159 You can do it in the pew where you'll stand in just a moment. 00:38:12.239 --> 00:38:13.099 You can do it at this altar. 00:38:13.379 --> 00:38:14.659 I'll be happy to pray with you. 00:38:14.899 --> 00:38:16.699 I don't have a clue how God spoke to you. 00:38:16.759 --> 00:38:17.859 I know what he told me to say. 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:22.980 And so I encourage you to be obedient as you follow his will and his way. 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:31.159 Lord Jesus, work in our lives right now and help us to be obedient to follow you in every way that you would lead us. 00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:33.380 In Jesus' precious name, amen. 00:38:33.380 --> 00:38:34.300 If you would stand together. 00:38:34.300 --> 00:38:34.380 Amen.