WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.039 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.460 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.460 Alright, well good morning everyone. 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:39.679 What a special Sunday it's been as we've had this family dedication and celebrating Mother's Day. 00:00:40.359 --> 00:00:47.780 It's just such a special time for us to just remember how important every single person is in the eyes of God. 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:58.340 How mothers play such a crucial and critical role when it comes to children, when it comes to mentorship, when it comes to that sense of nurturing. 00:00:58.340 --> 00:01:04.939 The reality is, we all have a mother, don't we? Anyone here not have a mother? We should talk after, right? 00:01:05.540 --> 00:01:08.040 The reality is, we all have a mother. 00:01:08.040 --> 00:01:18.440 And it's so important for us to recognize and to have this sense of gratitude and thankfulness for our own mothers. 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:32.039 Today, as we've had the Scripture reading from the Gospel of Mark, and we're going to focus today on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 26 through 29, if you'd like to turn there. 00:01:32.040 --> 00:01:38.180 In your ESVPU Bible, that's going to be page 998. It's a short parable. 00:01:38.880 --> 00:01:42.020 And this parable only shows up in the Gospel of Mark. 00:01:42.019 --> 00:01:49.119 It's important for us to not only understand that parables are all scattered throughout the Gospels. 00:01:49.699 --> 00:01:59.359 Sometimes we find parables that they show up in three Gospels, but this particular one shows up only in the Gospel of Mark. 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:05.239 And I had the reading, starting from verse 21, the lamp under a basket. 00:02:05.239 --> 00:02:12.680 It's kind of interesting when you're reading that, where it says a lamp be put under a basket or under a bed. 00:02:13.579 --> 00:02:23.259 Going on in that verse 22, that nothing is hidden except to be made manifest, nor is anything secret except to come to light. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:34.719 We see the lamp under a basket, the parable of the growing seed, and the parable of the mustard seed. 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:40.300 This helps us with the context in our understanding of what's happening in Scripture. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:45.939 That that which is small, that which is hidden, it will expand. 00:02:46.280 --> 00:02:53.200 It will grow, especially when we're thinking about the Lord, when we think about who He is. 00:02:53.780 --> 00:02:58.980 We've gone over a lot of seed and agricultural language when we've gone over the parables. 00:02:59.480 --> 00:03:01.480 The seed representing the Word. 00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:07.340 We've talked about the soil and how important it is for our hearts to be suitable ground. 00:03:07.859 --> 00:03:11.859 In other words, we shouldn't have hardened hearts towards God. 00:03:12.519 --> 00:03:14.139 We should have softened hearts. 00:03:14.699 --> 00:03:20.539 That our heart, represented as soil, should be ready to receive the Word. 00:03:21.299 --> 00:03:25.939 Be ready to receive salvation, as it were, in the same manner and in the same way. 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:31.699 And so Jesus is teaching these series of teachings and of parables about the kingdom. 00:03:33.180 --> 00:03:36.359 It is unique to the Gospel of Mark. 00:03:36.780 --> 00:03:38.500 Let's think about it for a second here. 00:03:39.259 --> 00:03:40.560 We can go to that next slide. 00:03:41.579 --> 00:03:46.840 You have this picture of someone who has got a watering can. 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:48.159 It's kind of big, I know. 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:49.919 He's watering. 00:03:50.740 --> 00:03:54.340 And over time, this isn't a real plant, by the way. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:57.500 But it's a representation of what happens. 00:03:58.099 --> 00:04:01.460 The seed is planted into the ground and it is growing. 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:04.939 And what does it say in Scripture? 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:10.400 That the kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed onto the ground. 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:13.400 He sleeps and rises night and day. 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:16.220 And the seed sprouts and grows. 00:04:16.220 --> 00:04:18.240 Isn't it kind of funny? 00:04:18.340 --> 00:04:19.780 He said he doesn't know how. 00:04:20.700 --> 00:04:22.180 He doesn't know how this happens. 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:24.820 But he just knows that it happens. 00:04:25.840 --> 00:04:27.520 It's very simplistic language. 00:04:28.020 --> 00:04:29.900 Especially if we've ever had a garden before. 00:04:30.020 --> 00:04:31.440 How many of us have had a garden? 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:33.800 Planted tomatoes. 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:37.780 You've planted apricots or grapes or whatever it is. 00:04:38.500 --> 00:04:39.320 I think of my wife. 00:04:39.380 --> 00:04:40.700 She's been working on strawberries. 00:04:40.880 --> 00:04:42.800 And I've got little tiny strawberries recently. 00:04:43.340 --> 00:04:44.780 They're actually really good, by the way. 00:04:44.779 --> 00:04:46.639 But there's only like two of them. 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:48.199 So I can't share with you guys. 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:48.879 I apologize. 00:04:49.679 --> 00:04:53.439 But in the event I have enough strawberries, I'd love to share them with all of you. 00:04:54.179 --> 00:04:58.619 But that's kind of the really beautiful thing when we think of the physical world. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:00.919 When we think of plants. 00:05:01.119 --> 00:05:03.359 We want our plants to produce fruit. 00:05:03.459 --> 00:05:05.119 And to produce an abundance of them. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:06.819 Giving them the proper time. 00:05:06.819 --> 00:05:09.180 It says in verse 28. 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:12.259 The earth produces by itself. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:14.860 It's kind of a weird language, isn't it? 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:18.139 The earth produces by itself. 00:05:18.899 --> 00:05:22.800 First the blade, then the ear, and then the full grain in the ear. 00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:28.980 When the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. 00:05:28.980 --> 00:05:31.980 How many of you know the word automate? 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:35.500 We think about this in technology nowadays, right? 00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:37.680 There's machine automation. 00:05:38.360 --> 00:05:40.220 Or artificial intelligence. 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:42.240 Or we think of software, right? 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:44.819 These big machines that are automatic. 00:05:45.960 --> 00:05:50.740 I don't know if I can trust automatic cars yet. 00:05:50.840 --> 00:05:52.680 And I mean self-driving cars. 00:05:52.680 --> 00:05:54.139 I need to be specific here. 00:05:54.459 --> 00:05:55.720 Because I use an automatic. 00:05:55.900 --> 00:05:57.300 I'm talking about self-driving. 00:05:57.579 --> 00:05:59.579 One that drives itself automatically. 00:06:00.720 --> 00:06:02.079 We think about this. 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:03.879 In the world that we live in. 00:06:03.959 --> 00:06:05.400 Things that happen automatically. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:07.639 Things that are self-driving, as it were. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:09.399 Using, utilizing technology. 00:06:09.740 --> 00:06:14.160 The language that is used in the Greek is automate. 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:16.860 That the earth produces by itself. 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:19.519 Now, something that's very interesting in here. 00:06:19.620 --> 00:06:21.860 When we're looking at scripture for a second here. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:26.900 That language, scattering the seed on the ground. 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:29.879 And the earth producing by itself. 00:06:30.100 --> 00:06:31.280 It's the same Greek word. 00:06:31.840 --> 00:06:33.639 Where it's talking about the soil. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:35.480 Isn't that interesting? 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:39.379 Because it's connected with how we understand scripture. 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:41.560 And how we understand parables. 00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:45.780 Do you remember how important it is for our heart. 00:06:46.399 --> 00:06:47.500 Our soil. 00:06:48.160 --> 00:06:49.560 To be good ground. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:50.060 Right? 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:51.240 To be good earth. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:52.399 To be planted in. 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:53.920 And so. 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:57.780 When it's talking about scattering seed into the ground. 00:06:57.959 --> 00:06:59.160 You could say the soil. 00:06:59.759 --> 00:07:02.240 And that in the proper soil. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:03.500 Well. 00:07:04.340 --> 00:07:05.879 The plant will grow. 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:07.160 Over time. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:08.199 Church. 00:07:08.280 --> 00:07:09.280 Does this make sense? 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:11.879 I mean it makes sense when we think of the physical world. 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:13.699 But when we're thinking of the spiritual world. 00:07:13.699 --> 00:07:17.120 How our heart posture needs to be correct with the Lord. 00:07:18.360 --> 00:07:19.439 That we need. 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:21.939 We need to ask God to change our minds. 00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:23.300 And to change our hearts. 00:07:23.899 --> 00:07:26.600 Because our God is the God of transformation. 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:28.040 Renewal. 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:29.379 Putting on the new self. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:31.620 We think about this. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:37.360 This parable is not necessarily about man's ability to grow the plant. 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:40.420 But it also shows the importance that. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:41.120 Well. 00:07:41.740 --> 00:07:43.939 The person who plants the seed into the ground. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:45.939 There is still work that has to be done. 00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:48.939 But it is God that grows the plant. 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:53.079 It's kind of like how you work with the Lord. 00:07:53.579 --> 00:07:55.800 It's much like how we are called to pray. 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:58.079 And God answers our prayers. 00:07:58.079 --> 00:08:02.099 It's much like how we are to spread in the good news of the gospel. 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:05.279 How we are called to do good in the name of Christ. 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:07.680 And let God take care of the rest. 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:08.919 Church. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:12.180 Do you see how important it is for us to respond? 00:08:12.779 --> 00:08:15.740 There is certainly work that we are to do. 00:08:16.039 --> 00:08:18.219 We're not saved by that work. 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:21.259 But because of us being saved. 00:08:21.879 --> 00:08:24.199 There is much that we are supposed to do. 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:28.279 And it is understanding that we partner with God as it were. 00:08:28.899 --> 00:08:31.500 That there is this sense of human responsibility. 00:08:32.080 --> 00:08:33.899 And yet divine sovereignty. 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:37.379 It's somehow there is this balance between the two. 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:40.159 And when we think of. 00:08:40.319 --> 00:08:42.679 Well how we just had family dedications. 00:08:42.939 --> 00:08:44.600 And we think of Mother's Day. 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:47.419 We can not only think of gardens. 00:08:47.759 --> 00:08:50.200 But we can also think of children. 00:08:51.399 --> 00:08:52.299 How many of you. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:54.399 Even I am included in this. 00:08:55.479 --> 00:08:57.159 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:08:57.799 --> 00:08:59.179 But you went to bed one night. 00:08:59.859 --> 00:09:00.759 And you woke up. 00:09:01.559 --> 00:09:03.419 And your child like grew. 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:05.740 And grew a lot. 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:07.299 And you think. 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:09.199 What in the world just happened? 00:09:09.899 --> 00:09:10.939 It's a very similar. 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:14.179 It's a parallel that we can see when we consider children. 00:09:14.719 --> 00:09:15.559 And we consider. 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:17.259 Well. 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:18.120 The spiritual. 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:19.519 And the physical. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:22.740 It's important for us to recognize this. 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:24.319 And growth. 00:09:24.539 --> 00:09:25.840 It happens in stages. 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.379 It happens in seasons. 00:09:27.579 --> 00:09:29.139 Much like in Ecclesiastes. 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:32.299 That in everything there is a season under heaven. 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:35.240 Or for those of you who like listening to the 60s. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:36.439 You'll probably know the song. 00:09:36.579 --> 00:09:37.620 Turn, turn, turn. 00:09:37.699 --> 00:09:38.079 By who? 00:09:39.379 --> 00:09:40.079 The birds. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:40.659 There you go. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:41.199 There you go. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:41.799 Thank you Matt. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:43.179 Perfect. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:45.340 Quoting scripture. 00:09:45.340 --> 00:09:47.800 Even though the band wasn't a Christian band. 00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:49.019 Still utilized. 00:09:49.660 --> 00:09:50.580 Utilized those. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:52.300 Those verses in there. 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:53.720 And so. 00:09:54.980 --> 00:09:57.220 We think of how we must sow. 00:09:58.060 --> 00:10:00.720 We have to think of how we plant the seed. 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:01.320 How God. 00:10:02.440 --> 00:10:03.840 Entrusts us to do this. 00:10:04.560 --> 00:10:05.840 But there's this divine. 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.040 Well. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:08.980 This divine mystery. 00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:10.040 As it were. 00:10:10.900 --> 00:10:12.280 That growth does happen. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:14.139 And we may not fully understand it. 00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:16.679 Do you understand that we all. 00:10:16.740 --> 00:10:20.100 I mean we all grow in different stages and seasons. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:25.039 Isn't it weird how one child will just sprout up really quick. 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:26.980 And the other one won't. 00:10:28.139 --> 00:10:31.039 I think of my own two daughters right now. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:33.179 They are taller than my twin boys. 00:10:33.319 --> 00:10:35.179 And yet the twin boys are a year older. 00:10:35.939 --> 00:10:37.419 I can't explain that. 00:10:38.059 --> 00:10:39.240 But yet that happens. 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:41.200 You can think about that with your children. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:43.939 You can think about that with our own spiritual growth. 00:10:43.940 --> 00:10:46.200 Where you're at in your own spiritual journey. 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:48.500 Is going to be different than the person next to you. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:51.760 But we should be all headed in the same direction. 00:10:51.760 --> 00:10:53.800 Of knowing who Jesus Christ is. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:54.940 And growing in him. 00:10:55.040 --> 00:10:57.280 So that we too like plants. 00:10:57.600 --> 00:10:59.320 Can produce fruit. 00:11:00.080 --> 00:11:01.500 Do you see how all of this is connected? 00:11:01.640 --> 00:11:03.100 It's really remarkable. 00:11:03.900 --> 00:11:05.540 And this is connected with. 00:11:05.900 --> 00:11:07.140 The mustard seed. 00:11:07.139 --> 00:11:08.759 Daniel 2.35. 00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:10.740 The stone that becomes the mountain. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:14.159 Even in John 15.5. 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.139 Where Christ says. 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:17.179 Apart from me you can do nothing. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:19.980 It's all connected in here. 00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:22.500 And so what do we do with this then? 00:11:23.340 --> 00:11:25.439 Because here at Ontario Community Church. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:25.799 Sorry. 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:26.759 What can we learn from this? 00:11:26.819 --> 00:11:27.179 My bad. 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:30.699 At Ontario Community Church. 00:11:30.699 --> 00:11:33.100 It's important for us to turn to the text. 00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:34.899 And know what in the world is going on. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:37.699 What are the lessons then we can learn? 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:39.059 And what do we do about this? 00:11:39.199 --> 00:11:40.840 So what can we learn from this? 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:41.519 Number one. 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:43.399 Growth is God's work. 00:11:43.939 --> 00:11:45.459 Not ours alone. 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.819 Does that make sense church? 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:51.840 The seed grows. 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:53.919 Just as the man didn't know how. 00:11:54.199 --> 00:11:55.939 There is a mystery to that. 00:11:56.379 --> 00:11:58.100 But it does happen nonetheless. 00:11:58.679 --> 00:12:01.899 And it's a call for us to trust in the process. 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:05.000 To trust in God's divine timing. 00:12:05.699 --> 00:12:08.120 Much like how we teach our children. 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:11.639 Or how we grow in learning about scripture. 00:12:11.919 --> 00:12:13.000 Or living it out. 00:12:13.079 --> 00:12:15.340 What it means to live in love like Christ. 00:12:15.699 --> 00:12:17.860 That growing does take time. 00:12:19.059 --> 00:12:21.039 We think about children then. 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:22.579 Well. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:25.740 The call to plant. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:27.259 And to nurture your children. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.159 And to pray. 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:31.319 That God will give them growth. 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:34.100 And it's important for us to recognize. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:34.360 Look. 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:38.120 Much like how I can't force my wife to love me. 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:41.799 Much like how I can't force my children to obey me. 00:12:42.459 --> 00:12:42.980 Right? 00:12:43.480 --> 00:12:44.339 We can't. 00:12:46.740 --> 00:12:48.879 God gives the growth. 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:52.779 We continue at it with our children. 00:12:52.779 --> 00:12:55.019 We continue at it in our marriages. 00:12:55.480 --> 00:12:57.539 We continue at it in our family. 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:00.439 And let's face it. 00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:03.480 We have to rely on God with our lives. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:06.339 Why don't we rely on God? 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:09.459 For healing and restoration in our marriages. 00:13:09.720 --> 00:13:11.159 And in the growth of our children. 00:13:13.299 --> 00:13:14.720 The second thing then. 00:13:14.860 --> 00:13:18.339 Is that growth is invisible before it is visible. 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:21.100 That's why you have so much of this language. 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:23.779 Of seeds being planted into the ground. 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:25.080 Well they're hidden. 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:27.420 I mean most plants. 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:29.180 I don't know of any plant that just. 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:30.720 It just sits on top of the ground. 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:31.980 Do you know any off the top of your head? 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:33.320 It's not. 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:34.560 I can't think of any. 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:35.800 So let's go with that. 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.519 You have to plant it into the ground. 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:39.720 So it's hidden for a while. 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:41.899 But you give it time to cultivate it. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:43.200 So that it will grow. 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:46.779 Well the man sleeps and rises. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:49.080 Is he micromanaging the seed? 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:50.980 He's not. 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:54.500 I mean otherwise he'd be there 24-7. 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:56.860 Can you imagine if that's what we actually had to do. 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:59.379 When we're planting plants or crops. 00:14:00.180 --> 00:14:03.620 I mean I know we can say raising children is a full-time job. 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:04.500 But we still sleep. 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:06.000 I mean at least I hope we do right? 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:09.059 We think about that. 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:12.159 And parents and even discipleship. 00:14:12.219 --> 00:14:13.579 It can feel slow. 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:15.199 It can feel discouraging. 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:19.599 But let us remember that God works behind the scenes. 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:27.279 And I always think of one of my favorite verses is from Habakkuk where basically you have the prophet who's saying, 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:31.939 you know, God I don't understand why all of these things are happening. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:40.520 And in the book of Habakkuk, that's one of the only times in scripture where God responds by saying, I'm doing something. 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:41.740 I'm paraphrasing here. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:47.240 That if you even knew what I was doing, you would not be able to fully understand it. 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:50.560 And then he goes on in explaining what he is, what he's doing. 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:58.279 And the premise of that is to show that God works behind the scenes in our own lives. 00:14:58.519 --> 00:15:00.859 And as we continue to sow, right? 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:04.139 As we continue to pour out our love to our children. 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:06.219 Think of how mothers do that. 00:15:06.599 --> 00:15:09.379 All the time they're pouring out their love to their children. 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:11.079 You keep going at it. 00:15:12.079 --> 00:15:13.339 You keep at it. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:14.579 You trust in the Lord. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:20.339 You pray to the Lord that your children will grow much like our gardens will grow kind of thing. 00:15:20.559 --> 00:15:31.759 We think about how God works in such remarkable and hidden ways. 00:15:32.739 --> 00:15:35.359 Sometimes we don't see God at work. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:43.019 Sometimes we think, why isn't God working in this person immediately? 00:15:43.199 --> 00:15:43.759 Not you, Mark. 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:47.899 But why is God not working in this specific person? 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:51.519 You keep at it, remaining faithful to God. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:58.600 Let us remember that God works in ways that we cannot understand. 00:15:58.819 --> 00:16:03.740 And sometimes, very often, hindsight is 20-20, amen? 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:06.179 You don't understand it at first. 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:09.939 But later on, you do in the grand scheme of things. 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:16.300 And then the third thing that we can learn here is that growth follows God's timing, not ours. 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:18.720 I wish it was on my timing. 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:20.520 Don't we all wish it was on our timing? 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.020 Don't raise your hand. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.040 Right? 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:26.520 We wish it would be on our own timing. 00:16:26.640 --> 00:16:30.260 But we place our trust in the living God in His divine timing. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:33.860 Much like how it is when it comes to our prayer life. 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:35.740 When it comes to patience, right? 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:38.000 That's the classic example we can think of. 00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:41.120 How many of us have prayed for patience right now? 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:44.340 You see the problem with that prayer, right? 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:46.840 Because God's going to make you wait a little bit. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.480 We think about that. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:54.840 We think that when the verse is saying in there, verse 28, 00:16:54.840 --> 00:17:00.500 first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:02.700 It's sequential. 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:06.039 It takes time for these things to happen. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:11.279 And I know for a lot of us, especially in the culture that we live in, 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:17.940 we have packages that get delivered, maybe not here, 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:22.519 in an hour or the same day delivery. 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:25.779 How many of us pay for that extra charge to get it? 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.680 You can be honest here. 00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.440 I know I do. 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:30.440 Or instant ramen noodles. 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:33.579 It's not really instant, though. 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:37.139 Because I wish you could snap your fingers and the ramen's there. 00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:41.759 But the idea being speed and time, we like that. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:43.920 But when it comes to the spiritual matters, 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:46.599 it's on God's timing. 00:17:48.859 --> 00:17:49.900 It's all in Him. 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:57.680 We have to wait upon the Lord, not on our own will, but on God's. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:01.700 And so what do we then, because you see, growth, growth, growth. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:04.840 What do we do about this? 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:06.580 And how do we live this out? 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:12.980 Well, parents, specifically mothers as well, 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:18.740 dedicate your children and trust in the process. 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:22.279 You don't have to have all the answers. 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:24.240 Oh, do we wish we do, though? 00:18:25.079 --> 00:18:26.940 We wish we had all the answers. 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:31.559 You keep sowing faith, love, and truth 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:36.099 into your children or whoever it is you are caring for. 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:39.119 When it comes to children, 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.959 even if it's foster children or adopted children, 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:46.119 or maybe someone you're just taking under your wing, 00:18:47.159 --> 00:18:48.919 maybe someone you're mentoring even, 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:51.759 you're not doing this alone. 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:56.299 Ask God to help lead and guide you. 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:58.939 Ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit, 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:02.160 because essentially, that is what we are called to do. 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:05.200 Planting the seed into the ground 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:09.160 and waiting for God's timing for the plant to grow. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.380 It's the same thing with children. 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.820 It's the same thing with us. 00:19:14.400 --> 00:19:15.880 That it takes time. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:18.980 And it takes a lot of trust as well. 00:19:20.620 --> 00:19:23.660 For the church, what does it say? 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:26.559 Be a garden. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:28.059 Not a factory. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.500 Why did you put that there, pastor? 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:30.960 That doesn't make any sense. 00:19:32.159 --> 00:19:33.460 Well, you think about factories, 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:36.319 you think of mass production, pollution. 00:19:36.659 --> 00:19:39.720 You think of all of these different things with factories. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:41.879 They demand output. 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:44.059 But gardens, though, 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:48.019 it requires trust in the process. 00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:51.059 That each plant will take time, 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:53.240 but they will all grow together. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:55.500 In other words, 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:57.319 as a church, 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:59.700 we are to cultivate spiritual formation, 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:01.759 knowing that each and every one of us, 00:20:01.859 --> 00:20:03.779 we have our own backstory. 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:06.720 It's a reminder for us that, 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.400 look, 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:09.700 for some of us in this room, 00:20:10.019 --> 00:20:11.900 you may have a pretty wild backstory, 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:14.019 and I don't have to know it, 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:15.140 but you know it. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.799 It doesn't matter 00:20:16.799 --> 00:20:19.299 where you come from. 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:22.339 It doesn't matter what you have been through, 00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:24.579 what you are going through, 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.539 or quite frankly, 00:20:25.659 --> 00:20:27.039 what you will go through. 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:28.899 Know 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:32.200 that God loves you, 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:33.799 and He calls for you, 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.500 and ask God 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.759 to mold you 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.680 in your life. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:40.339 I don't know about you, 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.659 but knowing that 00:20:42.659 --> 00:20:45.099 when crisis or trials 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:46.960 or tribulations enter my life, 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:48.920 I don't want to do that alone. 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:52.000 I want to trust in the living God 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:54.059 when crisis hits. 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:56.980 Because we live in an imperfect world, 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:59.340 and we're certainly imperfect people. 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.460 And so, 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:03.340 when we think of us 00:21:03.340 --> 00:21:04.480 as a church body, 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.559 as a congregation, 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:07.400 it's not about 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:08.940 quantity. 00:21:09.360 --> 00:21:10.940 It's about quality. 00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:12.779 It's about us 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.160 growing into the man, 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:14.579 the women, 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.480 the individual 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:17.519 that God wants you to be. 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.939 And we should help 00:21:19.939 --> 00:21:21.119 in that process. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.679 Much like you read 00:21:23.679 --> 00:21:24.960 so much in Scripture 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.519 about the body of Christ 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.460 working together, 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.119 you think you don't want 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.599 your hand to do something 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:33.079 it's not supposed to, 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.759 or your foot 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:35.039 doing something strange. 00:21:35.879 --> 00:21:37.220 Every part of the body 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:38.419 has to work together 00:21:38.419 --> 00:21:40.179 in order for it to, 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:40.939 well, 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:43.559 to work properly. 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:45.799 how is that any different 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.839 than when we think 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:48.419 of the body of Christ, 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.559 the church? 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:52.659 And we have to think 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:54.480 of the quality of fruit 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.619 that is produced, 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.539 not quantity. 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:57.940 How many of you 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.119 have ever gone to the store 00:21:59.119 --> 00:21:59.700 and you bought 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:00.519 maybe an apple, 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.119 and it just didn't taste 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:04.079 the same as having 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:05.179 a locally grown one? 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.679 I've had that experience. 00:22:10.419 --> 00:22:12.139 Apricots are a particular one 00:22:12.140 --> 00:22:13.160 that I've experienced. 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:15.460 Gone down to Weezer, 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:18.200 gotten a local apricot. 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.280 Juicy. 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.460 Went to Walmart. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:23.120 Not so good. 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:24.860 I'm sure many of you 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.360 can identify. 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:26.340 It doesn't have to be apricots. 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:26.840 You don't even have to 00:22:26.840 --> 00:22:27.620 like apricots, 00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:28.980 but understand the concept 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:29.600 with this. 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.900 When we're thinking about 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.580 mass-produced factories, 00:22:33.580 --> 00:22:35.300 it's a pretty good example. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.140 You think of the amount 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.540 of time things get shipped 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.220 and all that, 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:38.940 all the things 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:39.799 that go into that. 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:42.299 The idea being, 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:45.039 focus on the quality 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:46.819 rather than quantity. 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:49.720 Because God wants us 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:52.259 to grow and to produce fruit. 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.819 So let us respond 00:22:54.819 --> 00:22:56.980 by having quality fruit 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:58.700 in our walk with the Lord. 00:22:59.119 --> 00:22:59.940 And then finally, 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:01.339 the third one for all 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:02.480 is for everyone 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.619 to keep planting 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:05.359 even when you don't see 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:06.139 the progress. 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:07.919 We think about this 00:23:07.919 --> 00:23:08.740 in our families. 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:10.319 We think about this 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:11.099 in our friendships. 00:23:11.919 --> 00:23:13.119 We should think about this 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:13.879 with our children. 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.879 In our marriage as well. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:20.379 Not everyone is perfect. 00:23:21.379 --> 00:23:22.839 But we keep sowing 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:24.459 those seeds into people. 00:23:25.939 --> 00:23:28.240 And even if you are separate 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:29.599 or even if your family 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.899 is divided or broken, 00:23:30.899 --> 00:23:31.679 that doesn't mean 00:23:31.679 --> 00:23:32.839 you can't pray for them. 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:35.519 Even if there is 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:37.599 any sort of dysfunctionality 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:39.199 or unhealth that exists 00:23:39.199 --> 00:23:40.599 in families, 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.319 we can still love 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.419 through prayer 00:23:43.419 --> 00:23:45.659 and asking for God 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:47.139 to soften hearts. 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.240 We think of 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.659 how we are called 00:23:50.659 --> 00:23:51.939 to share in the gospel. 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.899 It's the same thing 00:23:52.899 --> 00:23:54.339 of scattering the seed 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:56.139 so that transformation 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:57.779 will happen to other people. 00:23:58.939 --> 00:24:00.819 That is what we are called 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.279 to do. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:04.059 We plant, 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.779 we water, 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.440 but it is God 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:09.139 that gives the growth. 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.980 And so let us consider 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.700 how important it is 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.200 for us 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:15.539 to know 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:16.420 the Lord, 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:19.119 to grow in Him, 00:24:19.879 --> 00:24:21.059 and to be moved 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:22.259 to do good 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.339 in His name. 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:25.399 It is the continuation 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:27.279 of that agricultural language 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.899 language. 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:29.759 For us, 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:31.160 when we became 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:31.680 Christian, 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.980 it's receiving that seed 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.259 and letting it grow 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:36.160 in our hearts. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:38.259 If you don't know 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:38.680 the Lord, 00:24:39.099 --> 00:24:40.079 let this be a call 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:41.399 for you to respond 00:24:41.399 --> 00:24:42.740 to the gospel message. 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.220 Secondly, 00:24:45.899 --> 00:24:47.299 may you grow 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:49.359 and produce fruit, 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:50.460 living and loving 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.200 like Christ. 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:52.640 And thirdly, 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.420 may you respond 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.539 by word, 00:24:55.940 --> 00:24:56.940 by action, 00:24:57.620 --> 00:24:59.080 continuing the process, 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.000 just as God 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.580 has done 00:25:01.580 --> 00:25:02.840 by sending His Son. 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:05.660 Whether you're a parent, 00:25:06.340 --> 00:25:07.220 a mother, 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:09.080 a grandparent even, 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:10.600 a young believer, 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:11.640 remember 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:13.220 that God 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.580 is the grower. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:18.420 Plant those seeds. 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:21.039 Trust in the Lord. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.580 Trust in the process. 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.220 And let God 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.160 work in 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:26.160 and through people. 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:27.880 You may not see 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:28.700 fruit today, 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:30.380 but you're still 00:25:30.380 --> 00:25:31.000 a part 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:32.500 of the process. 00:25:33.060 --> 00:25:34.000 Let's pray together. 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.519 And Father, 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:37.380 we thank you 00:25:37.380 --> 00:25:38.519 for this time 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.360 and this opportunity 00:25:39.360 --> 00:25:40.519 for us to come together 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:41.460 as we've gone over 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:42.680 this very short 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.620 parable 00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:45.300 about a man 00:25:45.300 --> 00:25:45.640 who 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:47.140 scattered seed 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:48.220 into suitable 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.759 soil. 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.539 And basically, 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.440 he went to bed. 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.559 Day and night, 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.640 he didn't understand 00:25:54.640 --> 00:25:55.740 how the plant grew. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:59.160 Going to show 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:01.900 that this person 00:26:01.900 --> 00:26:02.480 trusted 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.620 in the process 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:04.319 of growth. 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.400 May we learn 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.259 from this parable 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:07.900 the importance 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.740 of scattering 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:09.420 the seed, 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:10.740 not just 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.880 in physical plants, 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.460 but how we 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.720 pour into people 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.880 and how we 00:26:15.880 --> 00:26:16.660 share the gospel. 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:19.640 may we trust 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:20.140 in you 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.059 and may we 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:22.440 trust in the process 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:25.120 so that we 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:25.759 can produce 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.120 fruit, 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.500 but also 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.360 so that lives 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:29.460 can be transformed. 00:26:31.380 --> 00:26:32.420 We pray 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.420 specifically 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:35.160 for the mothers 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:35.579 today 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:38.440 and just 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.559 all that 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:40.120 they do 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:40.720 and how 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.559 beautiful 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:43.019 it is 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.339 for us 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:44.039 to celebrate 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:46.440 all of the 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:46.720 mothers, 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.319 all of the 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.779 mamas, 00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:48.779 and all of the 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.500 grandmas here 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:49.859 today. 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:51.680 May we celebrate 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.460 that today. 00:26:53.579 --> 00:26:54.720 We pray for all 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.200 the children 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.899 who have been 00:26:55.899 --> 00:26:56.920 dedicated. 00:26:58.659 --> 00:26:59.460 Ten children 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:01.480 is but a blessing 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:02.119 from you. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.740 We pray 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:06.980 that this church 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:08.299 will be a place 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.220 where your grace 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:10.420 is overflowing. 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:12.039 we know 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:12.440 Father 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.860 that you 00:27:12.860 --> 00:27:13.380 are working 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:13.900 in this 00:27:13.900 --> 00:27:14.279 place 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:14.860 in some 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:15.519 remarkable 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.140 ways. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:18.039 And we 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.480 may not 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:19.660 even realize 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.060 it. 00:27:20.580 --> 00:27:21.160 We may not 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:21.779 even see 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.039 it, 00:27:22.300 --> 00:27:23.200 but we know 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:23.759 you're at 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.140 work. 00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:26.460 Father, 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:27.220 I pray for 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.080 healing in 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:28.840 this place, 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.560 restoration, 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.380 transformation. 00:27:34.300 --> 00:27:35.320 May we all 00:27:35.320 --> 00:27:35.960 come to know 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.240 you, 00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:37.740 grow in you, 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:38.720 and continue 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:39.500 the process 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.460 by going 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:40.920 out in the 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:41.960 world and 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:42.559 doing good 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:43.460 in your name. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.519 It is in the 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.380 name of Jesus 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:46.200 Christ that we 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:46.720 pray and we 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.440 all say together, 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.059 Amen, 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:48.559 Church? 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.359 Amen. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:51.880 Thank you for 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:52.420 listening for 00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:52.980 this week's 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.559 message from 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:54.400 Ontario Community 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:54.799 Church. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.279 I pray that 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.680 you are 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.799 encouraged and 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.559 strengthened in 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:59.200 your walk with 00:27:59.200 --> 00:27:59.579 Christ. 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:00.500 For more 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.099 sermons and 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.620 resources, 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.539 visit 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:04.940 OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.319 May God bless 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:07.039 you as you 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.660 live out his 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.360 grace and 00:28:08.360 --> 00:28:09.320 truth every 00:28:09.320 --> 00:28:09.940 single day.