WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.400 A social worker was sitting at her desk one day, looking out a window at some children 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:11.320 playing on a playground close by. 00:00:12.839 --> 00:00:16.600 A bunch of guys, boys playing soccer. 00:00:17.940 --> 00:00:24.120 Well, she noticed on the side of the field there was one boy, and he was just hobbling 00:00:24.120 --> 00:00:26.460 around more than a limp. 00:00:26.460 --> 00:00:31.600 He just was just not able to hardly stand, much less walk. 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:37.120 And so she decided she was going to go and just talk with him and see what was going on, 00:00:37.179 --> 00:00:38.320 maybe cheer him up a little bit. 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:46.540 Well, she went out and approached him, and he was very friendly, talked with her. 00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:50.420 And she finally asked him, well, what's wrong with your foot? 00:00:50.520 --> 00:00:53.280 Why are you not able to be out here and run? 00:00:53.359 --> 00:00:54.060 What happened? 00:00:54.060 --> 00:00:59.600 He said, well, I had an accident on the soccer field. 00:01:00.300 --> 00:01:02.340 I broke a bone in my foot. 00:01:03.700 --> 00:01:06.579 She said, well, what did the doctor say? 00:01:07.140 --> 00:01:08.879 What's the situation? 00:01:09.180 --> 00:01:15.300 He said, well, my parents didn't really think it was that big a deal. 00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:19.780 They thought it would heal, but it hasn't. 00:01:20.939 --> 00:01:24.620 Some of you teachers in this room, you can relate, can't you, unfortunately? 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:34.140 Well, this social worker had a doctor friend, and she took the boy to the doctor, and he looked 00:01:34.140 --> 00:01:40.000 at it, and he said, it's going to take some, it needs to be rebroken, set properly in order 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:40.579 for it to heal. 00:01:40.579 --> 00:01:47.359 And there was something like Samaritan's Health Clinic, this is in Pickens County, that was 00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:48.460 willing to do that. 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:55.960 And so this little boy had the surgery, had his foot broken, set, and over a period of, 00:01:56.000 --> 00:02:00.200 you know, a couple of months, three months maybe, it was a little drawn-out process, he 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:01.019 fully recovered. 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:05.799 He was back on the soccer field as if nothing had happened. 00:02:06.799 --> 00:02:15.620 Well, that social worker, she was rightfully proud that she did more than just feel sorry 00:02:15.620 --> 00:02:20.480 for him, that she got involved, that she tried to help him, and, you know, just thrilled 00:02:20.480 --> 00:02:21.460 at the results. 00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:30.200 Well, years later, she told this story to a women's club, and she asked the question, 00:02:30.520 --> 00:02:32.260 would you like to know where the boy is today? 00:02:33.700 --> 00:02:36.200 Well, he is in the state penitentiary. 00:02:37.580 --> 00:02:46.060 And she said, I was so busy trying to help him run that I forgot to teach him how to walk, 00:02:46.920 --> 00:02:49.260 and what she was talking about, how to live. 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:52.060 I want you to think about it. 00:02:52.899 --> 00:02:53.219 We. 00:02:55.919 --> 00:03:05.399 It is vitally important that we teach Christians, younger Christians, immature Christians, how 00:03:05.399 --> 00:03:08.099 to walk, how to live. 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:16.579 And you know as well as I do, one of the most important ways we do that is by our example. 00:03:16.580 --> 00:03:22.500 And that's what Paul is talking about in Philippians chapter 3, verses 17 through 21. 00:03:22.740 --> 00:03:30.640 He's talking about the importance of having the right kind of examples or models that we 00:03:30.640 --> 00:03:33.720 can imitate, that we can learn from them by watching them and be like them. 00:03:34.240 --> 00:03:38.060 And at the same time, he's talking about how it's important that each one of us as Christians 00:03:38.060 --> 00:03:46.879 be so faithful, so committed, so sold out to the Lord that other people can imitate us. 00:03:47.539 --> 00:03:50.599 Turn back, if you would, to Philippians chapter 3. 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:53.000 We're going to begin reading in verse 17. 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:58.719 Last week we looked at primarily the wrong example, the bad example. 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:05.640 Today we're going to focus on the right example, the right kind of example we need to be and we need to follow. 00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:07.739 Philippians 3, 17. 00:04:08.859 --> 00:04:15.359 Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example 00:04:15.359 --> 00:04:16.539 you have in us. 00:04:16.680 --> 00:04:19.319 He's talking about his fellow missionaries like Timothy. 00:04:19.659 --> 00:04:24.240 When he wrote this letter, he included Timothy in the greeting, in the opening to Paul and 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:24.599 Timothy. 00:04:25.979 --> 00:04:32.779 For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of 00:04:32.779 --> 00:04:33.800 the cross of Christ. 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:35.920 Their end is destruction. 00:04:36.620 --> 00:04:38.379 Their God is their belly. 00:04:38.980 --> 00:04:43.740 And they glory in their shame with minds set on earthly things. 00:04:44.840 --> 00:04:46.960 But our citizenship is in heaven. 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:53.120 And from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to 00:04:53.120 --> 00:04:59.780 be like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 00:04:59.779 --> 00:05:09.119 Paul is contrasting two basic examples of behavior that are found among professing Christians. 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:17.479 He's holding up two examples that can be seen in a lot of churches. 00:05:17.480 --> 00:05:26.540 And what he's telling us is we've got to make an intentional effort, an intentional effort to 00:05:26.540 --> 00:05:36.379 note and follow the right example and to note and reject the influence of the wrong examples. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:38.040 Let's look at it. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:41.960 Last week we looked at this first part, the bad examples like this. 00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:44.719 Don't follow the example of fake Christians. 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:49.819 Paul warns us not to follow the example of everyone who claims to be a Christian. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:53.519 See, we looked at it last week and I won't go into detail. 00:05:53.719 --> 00:05:56.859 It's on, you can get a copy of this on our website. 00:05:57.319 --> 00:05:58.459 We'll look at it again on the website. 00:05:59.719 --> 00:06:03.620 Paul is writing to the church about these people, he says, with tears. 00:06:03.740 --> 00:06:04.740 I've told you about it before. 00:06:04.979 --> 00:06:07.099 These are people that he knows, he cares about. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:15.960 It broke his heart that there were Christians or professing Christians who just walked away from the Lord. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:25.720 They stayed in the church, but they lived such ungodly lives that he had to warn the rest of the church, don't follow their example. 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:30.840 So he's telling us here, we need to be on guard for fake Christians in the church. 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:32.120 Look at it again. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:38.100 For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:39.920 There are fake Christians. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:43.899 People who profess to be Christians but are not in the church. 00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:45.720 Among God's people we're talking about. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:52.319 Now we can identify some fake Christians because they show no signs of spiritual life. 00:06:53.319 --> 00:06:55.519 I want you to look at what he says about them in these verses. 00:06:56.139 --> 00:07:00.500 They focus on satisfying their sensual or physical appetites. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:02.879 That's why he says their God is their belly. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:06.180 They live by what feels good to them. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:10.540 They are proud of what they should be ashamed of. 00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:11.980 He says they glory in their shame. 00:07:13.300 --> 00:07:17.379 And then he says they have a worldly view of life with minds set on earthly things. 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:20.500 I think it's important that we define what earthly things are here. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:23.420 Frank Thielman does a good job of explaining. 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:27.379 Earthly things are not the practical affairs of everyday life. 00:07:27.520 --> 00:07:30.699 But things that characterize worldly life. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:33.140 A life that opposes God. 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:35.360 A life that ignores God. 00:07:38.780 --> 00:07:46.660 We know that these fake Christians are not real for several reasons. 00:07:46.660 --> 00:07:49.980 But the bottom line is because they end up in hell. 00:07:50.880 --> 00:07:53.760 He says their end is destruction. 00:07:54.760 --> 00:07:55.980 That was last week's message. 00:07:56.880 --> 00:07:59.340 Don't follow the example of fake Christians. 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:05.740 Don't be an example of a fake Christian. 00:08:06.400 --> 00:08:09.000 Let's move on now to the good example. 00:08:10.140 --> 00:08:11.800 Follow the example of faithful Christians. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:13.940 Follow the example of real Christians. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:16.600 Let's first look at this. 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:19.279 We need to identify faithful Christians in our church. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.339 And learn from them. 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:23.879 See Paul is writing to a church. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:26.779 He's not only going to say imitate me. 00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:30.139 But others like me that you can see and know. 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:30.680 Look at this. 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:32.600 Brothers join in imitating me. 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:37.179 And keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:40.720 Paul modeled faithful Christian living. 00:08:40.720 --> 00:08:44.620 And he told Christians who knew him. 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.080 Who saw him. 00:08:46.160 --> 00:08:47.040 Who interacted with him. 00:08:48.139 --> 00:08:48.720 Imitate me. 00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:51.259 He didn't just do it in the Philippian church. 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:52.620 He did it in some other churches. 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:53.940 Like the church at Corinth. 00:08:55.960 --> 00:08:58.920 But Paul wasn't trying to build himself up. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:00.700 He wasn't trying to build a following. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:03.379 He didn't want disciples of Paul. 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:05.860 He was trying to help people become disciples of Jesus. 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:09.659 And so just so we understand. 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:11.180 He didn't just hold himself up. 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:11.480 Look. 00:09:12.060 --> 00:09:14.320 He also held up other faithful Christians. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:16.639 Who were worth imitating. 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:21.779 Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:25.139 And then he told the Thessalonians. 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:26.860 Imitate us. 00:09:28.539 --> 00:09:29.680 His fellow workers. 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:37.239 Paul did this because he knew that some aspects of Christian living is better caught than taught. 00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:41.059 You know, you learn a lot about, for example. 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:44.319 You can learn a lot about how to pray by listening to somebody pray. 00:09:45.979 --> 00:09:51.759 You can learn a lot about being involved in church by looking at who's involved, how they're involved. 00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:54.240 Watching, following their example. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:10:03.480 We need to understand that Paul never thought of himself or other leaders that he's calling attention to as super Christians. 00:10:04.940 --> 00:10:10.519 He's not thinking of himself as some kind of unique, no one can ever be like me example. 00:10:11.220 --> 00:10:12.120 Not at all. 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:20.080 He's holding up himself and these other Christians in this situation as just examples of what it means to be a Christian. 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:22.460 Example of what it means to be a faithful Christian. 00:10:22.460 --> 00:10:24.800 A committed Christian. 00:10:26.139 --> 00:10:27.820 We need to understand something this morning. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:30.580 Christian commitment is the same for everybody. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:34.360 Christian commitment. 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:36.920 They're not different levels. 00:10:38.160 --> 00:10:39.600 It's the same for everybody. 00:10:40.040 --> 00:10:41.019 Leaders and followers. 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:42.100 Men and women. 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:43.080 Old and young. 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:49.820 In the preceding verses of this chapter that we've looked at in days gone by, 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:59.379 Paul explained his commitment in terms of he wanted to have a growing relationship with his Lord. 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:01.500 He wanted to know Jesus better. 00:11:01.820 --> 00:11:03.620 He wanted to become more like him. 00:11:04.820 --> 00:11:06.080 He explains that. 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:08.200 They're sort of in the middle of chapter 3. 00:11:09.560 --> 00:11:16.360 Well, he goes on in verse 15 to make it clear that he considers this every Christian's commitment. 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:18.039 Look at this verse. 00:11:18.539 --> 00:11:27.039 After he talked about how he wasn't perfect, he hadn't arrived, he strained to become more of what he should be, 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:28.720 to know Christ, to become like him. 00:11:29.580 --> 00:11:33.460 He said, let those of us who are mature think this way. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:40.280 And if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:45.060 Paul's writing to the church that he loved. 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:52.360 He's not talking here to or about false teachers. 00:11:54.040 --> 00:12:01.620 He's trying to help them all to understand what I'm explaining about being a growing Christian, being a committed Christian. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.840 This is what God expects for every mature Christian. 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.799 But he knew that only God could change a person's mind. 00:12:11.060 --> 00:12:13.720 Only God can change minds in here this morning. 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:15.320 You think about this. 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:21.460 As a preacher, if you're a Sunday school teacher or a teacher in other ways in the church, 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:28.919 or if you're just trying to explain something to a younger Christian to help them better understand God's Word and live it out, 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:35.939 we can teach it, we can explain it, we can illustrate it, we can try to model it. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:47.079 But only God can turn the light on for them and help them say, yes, I see it, I understand it, I believe it, this is how I want to live. 00:12:47.779 --> 00:12:50.360 Only God can do that in a person's life. 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:59.779 And that's basically what he's saying here, that God, he's confident that God would in time give them the same desire and ability to become more like Jesus, 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:04.940 just like he does, just like mature Christians do. 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:15.539 Over the past 25 years, I have observed good examples of what it means to be a committed Christian in this church. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:22.839 Some of those people that I look to as good examples are now in heaven. 00:13:24.219 --> 00:13:26.019 Some are here every Sunday. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:34.919 Now, I'm not about to call any names, because those who are truly committed, humble servants, they'd be embarrassed. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.899 They wouldn't really think they're that kind of person. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:38.759 They wouldn't want to be held up. 00:13:40.699 --> 00:13:43.799 Then there's some who think they ought to be named that nobody would ever name. 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:48.059 But there are people in this church every Sunday. 00:13:49.099 --> 00:13:50.120 They're not perfect. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:52.759 No Christian has ever been perfect. 00:13:53.339 --> 00:13:55.599 We're followers of the perfect one, Jesus. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:14:01.599 But there are Christians that you know, some of you are family members who have died, they're in heaven today, 00:14:01.859 --> 00:14:07.819 and there's some in this church right now, your friends, or just somebody that you just know by coming to church here with them. 00:14:08.579 --> 00:14:12.039 They're not perfect, but you can see they truly love the Lord. 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:14.759 They're seeking to follow Him. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:17.500 They're seeking to be an obedient Christian, a faithful Christian. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:21.120 And when they fail, they don't pretend otherwise. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:25.219 They confess their sin, not just to God, but to other people. 00:14:25.459 --> 00:14:27.459 They let people know when they come up short. 00:14:27.659 --> 00:14:28.819 They don't try to fake it. 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:33.939 Don't ever think that because you're not perfect, you can't be a good model for others to imitate. 00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:44.860 When we are weak and we admit our weaknesses, our faults, our sins, that can help some Christians. 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:47.840 Well, they don't have it all together either. 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:50.020 Nobody has it all together. 00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:52.900 No human being does. 00:14:52.899 --> 00:15:01.079 Don't ever think that you're not capable of being a faithful model for other people because you're not perfect. 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:04.000 You never will be until heaven. 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:08.360 You can be a faithful witness, example, model. 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:11.759 Here's what I want you to think about. 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:20.879 Look around for committed Christians in this church or wherever else you go when you're around some mature Christians. 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.779 Look for some models. 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:25.360 Watch them. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:27.740 Talk to them. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:36.000 Spend some time with them so that you can learn from them firsthand how to grow, 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:39.720 how to become a more mature Christian. 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:42.460 Spend time with them. 00:15:42.660 --> 00:15:43.220 Talk to them. 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:43.960 Watch them. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:48.779 And learn from their example how committed Christians live. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:52.600 We need to identify faithful Christian models all around us. 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:56.800 But then we need to zero in on what it is that makes them good models. 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:57.360 Look at this. 00:15:57.700 --> 00:16:02.920 We need to identify the qualities of faithful Christians that make them worthy of imitating. 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:13.000 He says, brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example that you have enough things you've seen. 00:16:13.839 --> 00:16:14.360 Look at this. 00:16:14.819 --> 00:16:16.120 The NIV translates this. 00:16:16.339 --> 00:16:18.159 Keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:26.259 We've already seen several examples of how a faithful Christian lives as we've gone through this letter. 00:16:27.219 --> 00:16:28.939 For example, I'll be real quick here. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:32.539 Paul exemplified how to make the best of a bad situation. 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:37.719 You remember when we first started, I really emphasized, Paul wrote this letter to this church. 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:41.179 He was under house arrest in Rome. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.319 He's a prisoner. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:46.379 At all times, he's chained to a Roman soldier. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:54.280 He is awaiting trial before the emperor who could pronounce him guilty of whatever and have him executed. 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:58.500 That's a terrible situation to be in, isn't it? 00:16:59.300 --> 00:17:01.600 But Paul made the best of it. 00:17:02.640 --> 00:17:05.160 One of the ways he did it, he's focused on other people, not himself. 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:09.779 When Paul was under house arrest here, he couldn't go anywhere. 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:13.599 He was confined, but he was given the freedom to have other people come and go. 00:17:14.639 --> 00:17:15.700 And he could teach them. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:23.680 In this time of imprisonment, he wrote four letters to churches that are in our New Testament. 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:27.500 Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:33.899 Instead of just sitting there having a pity party because he was falsely charged back in Jerusalem. 00:17:33.900 --> 00:17:40.519 And a long story, he's here in Rome for no reason, really. 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:44.960 But instead of having a pity party, feeling sorry for himself, he focused on other people. 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.800 He made the best of the bad situation. 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:48.759 Think about this. 00:17:49.100 --> 00:17:55.240 He also stayed positive by focusing on the good things that God was doing in his life. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.920 And he gave thanks. 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:58.580 He rejoiced in them. 00:17:58.579 --> 00:18:10.119 For example, we saw one week how Paul, he gave thanks to God because more people were hearing the gospel as a result of him being in prison there in Rome. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:17.939 Some of the people in Caesar's imperial guard were being exposed to the gospel because they were guarding him. 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.579 And so he thanked God for that. 00:18:21.939 --> 00:18:26.199 Later on in chapter 2, at the end of chapter 2, he holds up two examples, Timothy and Epaphroditus. 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:28.360 He says they're also worth imitating. 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:36.779 They're people, they're just godly men who demonstrate Christian character in just everything they do. 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:42.360 They are engaged in sacrificial service to God and other people. 00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:44.380 And Epaphroditus almost lost his life. 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:46.759 He was sick at the point of death, Paul says. 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:52.240 What I just want to say real quickly here is the New Testament provides us with many, 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:58.319 many examples of what Christian commitment looks like in daily life. 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:02.859 But I want us to think about some current examples. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:07.559 We, in the world in which we live today, in today's culture, 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:16.980 we need a lot more of living examples of Christian commitment here in this church, 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:22.360 in this whole Pickens community, and even in our homes. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:30.039 The New Testament scholar D.A. Carson, he challenges us, church members, 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.640 provide such an example. 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.460 Look at what he says. 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:38.740 He says, if we Christians are responsible for finding suitable examples to emulate, 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:47.120 then, of course, when we do, we shall become suitable examples whom others will emulate. 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:50.140 Not all ministry in the church is verbal. 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:52.539 Not all ministry is prominent. 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:58.660 But all Christians are called upon to set a standard of talk and life 00:19:58.660 --> 00:20:04.440 that influences a new generation of converts in a godly and Christ-honoring way. 00:20:04.440 --> 00:20:10.039 We need to be worthy examples. 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:18.920 And in today's culture, it is urgent that we, you and me, be worthy examples. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:24.100 Just think about the way we live today, where people are today. 00:20:25.820 --> 00:20:33.900 Don't we need married couples to model what a Christian marriage looks like? 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:40.660 Don't we need Christian couples who have children 00:20:40.660 --> 00:20:45.279 to model what a Christian home for children looks like? 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.120 You think about it. 00:20:47.580 --> 00:20:51.160 Today, and these teachers here today, if you have any doubts what I'm going to say, 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.500 you just ask them after this is over. 00:20:53.360 --> 00:20:57.259 There are so many broken home situations in Pickens County. 00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:59.259 There are so many broken home situations in Pickens County. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:06.180 There are so many broken parents that do not grow up in a two-parent home. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:11.700 Some grow up with one parent or no parent. 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.359 A grandparent. 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.480 An aunt and uncle. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:15.980 A foster home. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:20.980 Some grow up with two mamas or two daddies. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:30.480 In Pickens County today, children need, and especially Christian children and families 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:35.960 need to see good models of home stability. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:39.900 Where a husband and wife are committed to the Lord and committed to one another, 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:43.599 and they demonstrate what it means to love one another, to serve one another, 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:46.880 to build a life and enjoy a life together, 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:49.720 to serve God together in the church. 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:56.520 People today need our example as Christians to show how to be godly parents, 00:21:56.640 --> 00:22:01.440 to love our children, to discipline our children in the right way. 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:04.580 Will you be that? 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:10.080 Will you provide that kind of model, that kind of example, 00:22:11.040 --> 00:22:14.120 so that, you know, there are people in churches, 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:16.700 maybe even in our church, there are people in churches 00:22:16.700 --> 00:22:19.880 who are Christians, who love the Lord, 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:21.660 and they won't have a Christian marriage and home. 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:24.860 But some of them have never been in a Christian home. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:29.279 They've never seen how a Christian husband and wife 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:32.920 love each other and live together in harmony. 00:22:33.840 --> 00:22:35.380 Because home was hell for them. 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:39.860 They've never seen children loved and cared for 00:22:39.860 --> 00:22:43.100 and disciplined the right way in the church. 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:48.419 So we need to provide, we need to look for those kind of examples. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.240 If you need that, look for it. 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:54.059 And we need to provide that to the best of our ability with God's help. 00:22:56.459 --> 00:23:02.359 We also need to model how faithful Christians do such things as face hardships. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.099 Life's hard for everybody. 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:11.039 But we as Christians, with the Spirit of God within us 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:13.439 and all the resources God makes available to us, 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:19.699 we should be living examples of how to deal with hardships. 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:27.180 I'm talking about serious illness, facing death. 00:23:30.140 --> 00:23:34.160 WYFF TV Channel 4, Jeff Hart, 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:40.500 he has just announced that he has early onset Alzheimer's. 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:45.579 He and his family are Christians 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:51.839 who want to be good examples of how God's people deal with such tragedy. 00:23:52.880 --> 00:23:57.940 You can go on Channel 4's website and see a six or seven minute interview 00:23:57.940 --> 00:24:02.500 that Jeff Hart and his wife and children gave with Jane Robelow. 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:04.019 It's edited. 00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:05.660 Everything that he said is not in there, 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:08.359 but it's very apparent by what is in there. 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:11.719 He and his wife are strong Christians. 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:16.459 And they are looking, as they say, 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:20.979 they're looking to the Lord for the strength and the ability to deal with this 00:24:20.979 --> 00:24:24.679 and just go on with life with this. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.759 And a lot of people in this room, you know what that's going to be. 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:29.899 You know how hard that's going to be. 00:24:30.639 --> 00:24:33.539 They're trying to be, by opening up to this kind of interview, 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:38.599 they're trying to be good, faithful witnesses of how Christians deal 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:43.319 with one of the worst tragedies that human beings can experience today. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:47.519 That's what we need to be. 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.960 All of us in this room who are Christians. 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:51.539 We need to be strong models 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:55.940 who demonstrate how to live the Christian life in good times and in bad. 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:59.259 We need to be strong Christian models for how to be content 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:03.019 in a world that tells us we need to be everything but. 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:07.579 We need to be models of giving of our time, 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:11.559 our talents, and our money to God through the church, 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:17.119 being involved in meaningful ministry, time, talent, and money. 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:19.599 I want you to look again at what Carson said. 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.299 He says, 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:33.779 What is your standard of talk and life at home? 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:38.700 What is your, in your house, your home, 00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:42.740 what is your standard, as Carson says, of talk and life? 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:47.339 What is your standard of talk and life at work or at school? 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:51.240 Or on the ball field, the golf course, the lake, 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.900 wherever you are. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:57.920 What kind of example are you setting for others to follow? 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.319 You know, just about all of us in this room, 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:05.299 we need to ask God to help us to get serious or more serious 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:10.460 about being consistent examples 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:14.139 of faithful Christian commitment 00:26:14.139 --> 00:26:18.839 that other people can see and imitate. 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:23.399 We need to be worthy of imitating. 00:26:23.559 --> 00:26:24.079 You and I do. 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:26.899 For the benefit of those watching us, 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:31.519 especially younger Christians or younger people. 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:34.859 We need to be worthy of imitating 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:38.559 because God holds us accountable for how we live. 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:44.019 God holds us accountable for how we influence others. 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:47.319 I want you to look at one thing very quickly, 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:51.559 how Paul, Paul's final point about faithful Christians. 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:52.639 Look at this. 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:56.319 We can be confident that as faithful Christians, 00:26:56.859 --> 00:26:59.819 we are citizens of the kingdom of God now 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:02.960 and will be forever. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:06.439 We are at this moment, if we're Christians, 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.639 we have dual citizenship. 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:11.619 We're citizens of the kingdom of heaven. 00:27:12.819 --> 00:27:14.079 Citizens of the kingdom of God. 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.159 We're part of God's family. 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:17.799 And we're citizens of the United States. 00:27:17.799 --> 00:27:20.799 He says our citizenship is in heaven. 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:24.019 Now when Paul wrote that to this church, 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:28.700 these people understood exactly the kind of point 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:33.900 Paul was making because Philippi was a Roman colony. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:37.059 And New Testament commentator Ray Robbins 00:27:37.059 --> 00:27:39.240 puts this in perspective for us. 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:39.799 Look at this. 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:40.680 He says, 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:42.480 Paul chose an appropriate figure 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:45.640 to express the truth of a Christian's dual citizenship. 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.980 Philippi was a Roman colony. 00:27:48.539 --> 00:27:51.920 A Roman colony was the city of Rome 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:55.420 transplanted into some part of the empire. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:28:00.060 The colonists lived with the pride and privileges 00:28:00.060 --> 00:28:02.460 of Roman citizenship. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:08.300 Just as Roman colonists never forgot 00:28:08.300 --> 00:28:11.640 they belonged to Rome. 00:28:12.580 --> 00:28:14.800 You and I as Christians should never forget 00:28:14.800 --> 00:28:16.960 that we belong to God. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:17.880 Always. 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:21.200 We're God's people and God's citizens. 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:23.920 Citizens of his kingdom right now. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:25.680 You know, 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:27.039 what we do now matters. 00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.460 I don't want to go off 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.880 in some kind of tangent and say, 00:28:30.080 --> 00:28:31.560 well it doesn't matter how we live, 00:28:31.620 --> 00:28:32.620 it's all going to pass away. 00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:34.279 No, it matters how we live today 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:35.519 and God holds us responsible 00:28:35.519 --> 00:28:36.700 for how we live today. 00:28:37.060 --> 00:28:38.519 We need to be responsible 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.840 citizens of the United States. 00:28:42.100 --> 00:28:43.279 We need to be faithful 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:45.100 where we are at any given moment. 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:48.120 We're called to be salt and light 00:28:48.120 --> 00:28:49.600 in this world, 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.400 Jesus said. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:53.840 But we also need to live with awareness 00:28:53.840 --> 00:28:55.900 that nothing in this world 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.940 has eternal value. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.160 Nothing that we have, 00:28:59.240 --> 00:28:59.840 that we own, 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.600 that we touch, 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.540 that we play with, 00:29:02.100 --> 00:29:04.820 it doesn't have eternal value. 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:06.680 So we need to learn 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:07.960 to make a choice every day. 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:11.540 Will we live 00:29:11.540 --> 00:29:14.220 according to the values of this world 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:17.740 like fake Christians do? 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:21.079 If we do, 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:22.779 Paul says how it's going to end, 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:24.039 their end is destruction. 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.000 Or, 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:27.460 will we live 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:29.740 according to the eternal values 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.640 of God 00:29:31.640 --> 00:29:34.279 like committed Christians do? 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:37.420 Paul encourages us strongly 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.519 to live this way 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:39.359 by telling us 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:40.579 what we can look forward to one day. 00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:41.059 Look at this. 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:42.700 Jesus Christ will transform 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:43.680 our lowly body 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:45.279 to be like His glorious body 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:47.319 by the power that enables Him 00:29:47.319 --> 00:29:48.679 even to subject all things 00:29:48.679 --> 00:29:49.379 to Himself. 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.559 Every true Christian 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:52.259 is going to experience 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:54.139 that transformation 00:29:54.139 --> 00:29:56.460 one day. 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:59.059 It's actually going to take place 00:29:59.059 --> 00:30:00.720 at the second coming of Jesus. 00:30:01.179 --> 00:30:02.539 And Paul gives us more details 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.079 about that 00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:06.500 in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:08.439 beginning in verse 13. 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:10.720 But here's how we need to think. 00:30:11.359 --> 00:30:13.339 If we die before the Lord returns, 00:30:13.339 --> 00:30:15.740 when we die, 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.319 we immediately go to be with the Lord. 00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:18.879 We're in His presence. 00:30:20.459 --> 00:30:21.659 But we're not going to receive 00:30:21.659 --> 00:30:24.659 our final eternal body 00:30:24.659 --> 00:30:27.259 that we'll live life forever 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:28.519 in a new heaven and new earth with. 00:30:28.639 --> 00:30:29.819 We're not going to receive that 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:31.199 until Jesus returns. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:33.079 That's what Paul says 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:34.199 in 1 Thessalonians 4. 00:30:35.459 --> 00:30:37.179 So if we die before He comes back, 00:30:37.240 --> 00:30:38.019 when He comes back, 00:30:38.079 --> 00:30:38.899 we'll come with Him 00:30:38.899 --> 00:30:39.679 and that's when we'll get 00:30:39.679 --> 00:30:40.199 our new body. 00:30:40.200 --> 00:30:43.019 If we're alive when Jesus comes, 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:44.640 we won't have to die. 00:30:45.380 --> 00:30:47.340 But we will still be transformed. 00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:48.860 We still will receive 00:30:48.860 --> 00:30:50.200 our new body. 00:30:52.880 --> 00:30:55.120 You know, as I was preparing this, 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.600 I thought, 00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:59.519 and I'm saying this 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.440 because you can identify. 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:03.200 I have seen several of my 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:05.480 Christian family members 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.539 and friends 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:09.859 whose body just absolutely 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:11.420 wasted away 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:13.259 before they died. 00:31:14.899 --> 00:31:16.500 Some are members of this church. 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:20.039 You know from what you've seen, 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:21.079 I know from what I've seen, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.680 it's heartbreaking to see 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.879 how sickness 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:28.539 can just gradually destroy 00:31:28.539 --> 00:31:31.559 our earthly body, 00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:34.000 sometimes beyond the point 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.879 of recognition. 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:38.780 But I thought, 00:31:39.100 --> 00:31:39.920 and you need to think, 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:42.760 when I see my 00:31:42.760 --> 00:31:44.920 parents, 00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:47.100 when I see 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:48.600 my family members 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:49.060 and friends 00:31:49.060 --> 00:31:49.780 who were Christians 00:31:49.780 --> 00:31:51.200 whose body wasted away, 00:31:51.760 --> 00:31:52.940 when I see them in heaven, 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:54.880 they're going to be 00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:55.680 in the best condition 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.380 they've ever been in. 00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:59.520 You're a Christian loved ones. 00:31:59.580 --> 00:32:00.200 If you're a Christian, 00:32:00.360 --> 00:32:01.440 when you see them again, 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:02.700 no matter what they look like 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.200 at death, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.819 they're going to be 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:07.299 in the perfect physical 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:08.860 or whatever that new body 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:10.039 is called condition 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:13.140 that you will see, 00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:14.759 be able to interact with, 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:17.299 and you and them 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.240 will spend your 00:32:18.240 --> 00:32:19.559 whole eternity 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.700 in the presence of the Lord. 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.400 And you'll never have 00:32:23.400 --> 00:32:24.220 another thought about 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:25.440 what life was, 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:26.640 what you had, 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.240 what you lost 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:27.980 in this world. 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:31.220 If you choose 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:31.839 to live life 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.740 like people of the world, 00:32:34.360 --> 00:32:35.240 a day is coming 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.640 when you're going 00:32:35.640 --> 00:32:37.279 to lose everything, 00:32:38.620 --> 00:32:39.880 including your life. 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.759 And if that happens, 00:32:42.819 --> 00:32:43.759 you die in that condition 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.519 away from the Lord, 00:32:45.360 --> 00:32:46.880 you will spend eternity 00:32:46.880 --> 00:32:48.160 away from God 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:48.579 in hell. 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:51.519 But if you choose 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:51.980 to live a committed 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:53.799 Christian life, 00:32:54.720 --> 00:32:55.480 live as a committed 00:32:55.480 --> 00:32:56.960 follower of Jesus, 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:59.559 you will have 00:32:59.559 --> 00:33:01.220 what can never 00:33:01.220 --> 00:33:02.000 be taken away 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:02.480 from you, 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:05.019 an eternal relationship 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:05.620 with the Lord, 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:08.779 an eternal relationship 00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:09.920 with God your Father, 00:33:10.920 --> 00:33:12.920 and an eternal relationship 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:14.799 with all other Christians. 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:14.980 Christians. 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:17.779 So I want to ask you, 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:20.500 what you're going 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.019 to choose? 00:33:23.319 --> 00:33:24.240 If you want to be 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:24.759 like the people 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.220 of the world, 00:33:25.419 --> 00:33:26.139 be that way. 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.139 But in the end, 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:29.740 you're going to lose 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.500 it all that you're 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:31.339 trying to hold on to, 00:33:31.399 --> 00:33:31.680 and you're going to 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.200 spend eternity 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.720 in hell. 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:36.519 But if you truly 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.240 have been born again 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:38.240 by the Spirit of God, 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.399 and you are a faithful 00:33:39.399 --> 00:33:40.740 follower of Jesus Christ, 00:33:40.819 --> 00:33:41.659 you're going to lose 00:33:41.659 --> 00:33:42.539 anything that ever 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:43.339 will matter. 00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:46.440 You're just going 00:33:46.440 --> 00:33:47.359 to gain that 00:33:47.359 --> 00:33:48.480 which you will enjoy 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:50.139 forever and ever 00:33:50.139 --> 00:33:51.920 with God and His 00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:52.700 people in heaven. 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:55.759 So you make the choice 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:56.859 you want to live with 00:33:56.859 --> 00:33:59.599 now and forever. 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:01.019 Let's pray together. 00:34:01.839 --> 00:34:02.500 Our Father, 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:06.019 we pray right now 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.720 for people in this room 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:07.599 who are not Christians. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:10.159 they don't pretend 00:34:10.159 --> 00:34:10.519 to be. 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.619 Convict them. 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.380 Make it clear to them 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:18.699 their need to turn 00:34:18.699 --> 00:34:19.259 from their sin 00:34:19.259 --> 00:34:20.159 and trust Jesus 00:34:20.159 --> 00:34:21.259 as their Savior and Lord. 00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:23.659 Compel them, 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:24.159 dear God, 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:27.360 to call upon Jesus 00:34:27.360 --> 00:34:28.519 to save them now. 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:32.460 To turn from their sin. 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:34.880 To stop running 00:34:34.880 --> 00:34:36.079 from you or fighting you. 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:39.179 Compel them, 00:34:39.279 --> 00:34:39.659 dear God, 00:34:39.739 --> 00:34:40.759 to surrender it all 00:34:40.759 --> 00:34:42.099 to you right now. 00:34:43.219 --> 00:34:44.019 Trusting Jesus 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.659 and Him alone 00:34:44.659 --> 00:34:46.259 as their Savior and Lord. 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:48.539 Father, 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:49.739 if there are Christians 00:34:49.739 --> 00:34:50.559 in this room 00:34:50.559 --> 00:34:52.739 that are genuinely 00:34:52.739 --> 00:34:53.420 yours, 00:34:54.819 --> 00:34:55.460 but they live 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:56.779 more like fake Christians 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:57.239 right now 00:34:57.239 --> 00:34:58.079 for whatever reason, 00:34:59.279 --> 00:35:01.980 they've set their sights 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:02.699 too low. 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.679 They're focused 00:35:04.679 --> 00:35:05.480 on too many things 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:06.699 that really do not matter 00:35:06.699 --> 00:35:07.460 or won't matter 00:35:07.460 --> 00:35:08.719 for long. 00:35:12.179 --> 00:35:13.000 They're playing 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:14.039 a game right now. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.759 They're not practicing 00:35:16.759 --> 00:35:17.739 what they profess. 00:35:19.159 --> 00:35:19.679 Lord, 00:35:19.799 --> 00:35:20.599 convict them. 00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:22.159 Help them to know 00:35:22.159 --> 00:35:22.759 that they'll never 00:35:22.759 --> 00:35:24.639 have the sense of peace 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.159 and joy 00:35:25.159 --> 00:35:26.379 that they want 00:35:26.379 --> 00:35:27.819 as long as they're 00:35:27.819 --> 00:35:28.539 running from you 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:29.879 or rebelling against you. 00:35:32.439 --> 00:35:33.119 Help them, 00:35:33.199 --> 00:35:33.500 dear God, 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.079 right now 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:35.960 to just come clean 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:36.579 with you 00:35:36.579 --> 00:35:37.840 to confess their sin, 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:39.360 to seek, 00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:40.780 ask for your forgiveness, 00:35:41.780 --> 00:35:43.260 to make the commitment 00:35:43.260 --> 00:35:44.460 that Jesus will be 00:35:44.460 --> 00:35:45.599 Lord of all 00:35:45.599 --> 00:35:46.320 about their life. 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:49.400 And then, 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:49.559 Father, 00:35:49.619 --> 00:35:50.239 we pray for 00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:51.400 faithful Christians 00:35:51.400 --> 00:35:51.940 in this room. 00:35:53.639 --> 00:35:54.440 Encourage them 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:55.260 to keep on, 00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:56.780 to fight 00:35:56.780 --> 00:35:57.559 the good fight. 00:35:59.860 --> 00:36:00.860 Help them to know, 00:36:00.980 --> 00:36:01.260 dear God, 00:36:01.260 --> 00:36:02.660 that they are being 00:36:02.660 --> 00:36:04.760 good examples 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:05.880 and models. 00:36:07.700 --> 00:36:08.780 They're leading people 00:36:08.780 --> 00:36:09.560 to Jesus. 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:13.320 And Lord, 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:13.960 help all of us.