WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.620 If you have your Bibles, I want you to turn to Micah chapter 6. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:13.740 Micah chapter 6. 00:00:13.859 --> 00:00:18.660 God's allowed me to serve on five continents through mission 00:00:18.660 --> 00:00:20.019 trips and those type things. 00:00:20.140 --> 00:00:25.699 And although I've enjoyed most moments on every trip, I don't 00:00:25.699 --> 00:00:28.719 want to live anywhere else besides America. 00:00:28.719 --> 00:00:33.539 I also happen to believe I'm in the best part of America with the 00:00:33.539 --> 00:00:34.700 best people in America. 00:00:34.700 --> 00:00:37.060 So I get to enjoy the best of the best. 00:00:37.379 --> 00:00:39.739 And I am for America. 00:00:40.340 --> 00:00:42.000 I don't worship America. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:45.159 I worship God. 00:00:46.060 --> 00:00:52.719 And I don't want to try to institutionalize Christianity as a 00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:56.079 religion in people's hearts that don't want it. 00:00:56.079 --> 00:00:58.739 That does not work. 00:00:58.859 --> 00:01:05.060 Constantine tried that in Rome after he felt like God spoke to him in a 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:08.299 dream and he had victory in battle. 00:01:09.019 --> 00:01:12.000 And so he institutionalized Christianity as a religion. 00:01:13.379 --> 00:01:16.359 And the reality is you can't force conversions. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:17.920 You can't force manipulations. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:21.879 You can't make people do that. 00:01:22.099 --> 00:01:27.599 And it led in that day and age to a weak and fake and watered down church 00:01:27.599 --> 00:01:30.240 filled with more tears than wheat. 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:33.640 And that's very much what it would do. 00:01:34.219 --> 00:01:35.320 Folks, I want to be clear. 00:01:36.579 --> 00:01:38.060 America is not a Christian nation. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:41.480 It's a nation that was founded on Christian principles. 00:01:42.040 --> 00:01:44.820 But you cut the TV on when you get home, if you dare. 00:01:45.579 --> 00:01:50.820 And you'll find that this nation that was established for us to have the right to 00:01:50.820 --> 00:01:56.120 worship the way we're to worship was a nation that was started the right way, 00:01:56.719 --> 00:02:00.900 even though it was flawed at the time, 248 years ago. 00:02:00.900 --> 00:02:06.260 It is now a nation that went far away from its foundation. 00:02:07.100 --> 00:02:11.120 It's a nation where Christianity is freely shared, and I'm thankful for that. 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:14.259 But most Americans are not Christians. 00:02:15.259 --> 00:02:21.080 I'll go as far as to say that most that claim to be Christians are not Christians. 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:25.800 Verbal agreement with something is not enough. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:28.159 You've got to be hooked into the vine. 00:02:28.159 --> 00:02:32.340 You've got to be, you've got to know Jesus Christ. 00:02:32.439 --> 00:02:33.960 And we can't legislate that. 00:02:34.579 --> 00:02:38.579 Pass all the laws you want to and enforce them so that everyone does what's right. 00:02:38.800 --> 00:02:44.939 But listen, if we get all the laws straight and everybody behaves and don't break any laws, 00:02:45.340 --> 00:02:49.500 if they don't know Christ, they'll spend eternity apart from him. 00:02:51.079 --> 00:02:54.759 I believe as American citizens we have a responsibility to vote. 00:02:54.759 --> 00:03:01.359 The vote is not really about making America Christian. 00:03:02.399 --> 00:03:06.759 It's about participating in the process to do everything we can to get the best, 00:03:07.139 --> 00:03:10.479 most godly decisions that we can for America. 00:03:11.799 --> 00:03:17.060 And when leadership in America appears to have no moral compass, 00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:21.079 at least from a godly standpoint, 00:03:21.080 --> 00:03:23.600 Did you watch the debate? 00:03:26.219 --> 00:03:28.280 You may have to hold your nose when you vote. 00:03:30.160 --> 00:03:35.800 America is desperate for good, godly leadership. 00:03:36.620 --> 00:03:41.880 And you may have been like me and looked at the television and said, 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:48.479 How in the world can a nation, as great with opportunity as America is, 00:03:49.479 --> 00:03:55.280 not have good, godly leadership in place to carry through? 00:03:55.900 --> 00:03:56.859 I'll tell you why. 00:03:56.919 --> 00:03:58.039 Our country senses it. 00:03:58.759 --> 00:03:59.280 It is. 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:06.359 You can smell it and all the liberal, perverted godlessness that fills the news stories. 00:04:07.300 --> 00:04:08.460 But I want to be clear about something. 00:04:08.460 --> 00:04:12.020 Jesus said the devil is the ruler of this world. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:13.159 You know what that means? 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:20.800 That means that people listen to evil influences more than they do godly ones. 00:04:21.960 --> 00:04:26.660 However, we're not the first nation to deal with poor leadership. 00:04:27.660 --> 00:04:30.980 We're not the first nation to have an ungodly atmosphere. 00:04:32.100 --> 00:04:34.819 We're not the first nation to be plagued with lostness. 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:36.040 It's not a new thing. 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:37.500 It goes way back. 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:44.279 Sin sickness is one of the main reasons why Israel fell in 722 B.C. 00:04:45.339 --> 00:04:48.060 Sin sickness will lead a nation to fall. 00:04:49.379 --> 00:04:55.500 And in that day, God allowed the Assyrians, which was a very evil people among themselves, 00:04:56.199 --> 00:05:00.339 to overtake the capital of Israel and lead to the fall of a nation. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:03.680 And the prophet Micah predicted it would happen. 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:06.139 The word of the Lord came to him. 00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:08.800 In Micah 1 verse 6, he said, 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:16.079 Therefore, I will make Samaria a heap in the open country, a place for planting vineyards, 00:05:16.139 --> 00:05:21.139 and I will pour down her stones into the valley and uncover her foundation. 00:05:22.639 --> 00:05:26.540 Their turn from God led to their demise. 00:05:27.420 --> 00:05:31.860 Because God does not hide the heartache that comes from waywardness. 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:34.460 And we ought to learn from that example. 00:05:35.139 --> 00:05:39.160 I believe he put it in scripture for us to see so that we'll learn from that example. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:44.819 Not only did Micah speak of the fall of Israel, which he lived right in the midst of, 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:51.319 but he also spoke a concern of the same nature for Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:55.860 And his message was one of warning. 00:05:57.040 --> 00:06:00.599 I believe we live in a day when America needs a warning. 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:06.319 And if America is going to be renewed, I got news for you. 00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:11.439 Renewal starts with God's people. 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:16.920 Not by voting it in, although we have a responsibility, again, 00:06:16.920 --> 00:06:20.580 as citizens and godly folks to vote appropriately. 00:06:21.580 --> 00:06:25.400 But by living and watching God bless that faithfulness. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:30.540 Micah makes it clear what our priority is in such a situation as he lived 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:32.939 and in the situation as we live. 00:06:33.060 --> 00:06:38.819 And it's actually the key passage in all of the prophecy of Micah. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:45.180 It's found in our key passage, Micah chapter 6, verse 6 through 8, and says this, 00:06:45.180 --> 00:06:50.240 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? 00:06:50.360 --> 00:06:54.060 Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 00:06:54.660 --> 00:06:59.680 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? 00:07:00.220 --> 00:07:04.819 Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 00:07:05.460 --> 00:07:09.220 He has told you, O man, what is good. 00:07:09.960 --> 00:07:12.019 Key verse in all this book. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:17.939 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness 00:07:17.939 --> 00:07:20.979 and to walk humbly with your God? 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:30.819 Micah was a country preacher that went to a big city in Jerusalem with a burden and a message. 00:07:31.459 --> 00:07:34.579 He described his situation in Micah chapter 3, verse 8, 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:41.019 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:46.379 to declare to Jacob his transgressions and to Israel his sin. 00:07:47.039 --> 00:07:50.699 Micah was just a common man with a burning message, 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:55.979 and he knew if his nation didn't change their ways that it would not last. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:57.419 And his prophecy came true. 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:01.519 Within these nations, there were a lot of unfair treatment. 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:08.139 There were corrupt leaders in business, corrupt leaders in politics, and in every way of life. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:13.060 And their fatal sins involved moral corruption, violence, deceitfulness. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:18.979 In Micah chapter 3, verse 9 and 10, he reveals the sad lack of loyalty among the leaders. 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.439 When he says this, 00:08:20.439 --> 00:08:25.379 Hear this, you heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, 00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:29.000 who detest justice and make crooked all that is straight, 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:33.659 who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity. 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:37.919 Micah predicted disaster would come to a nation, 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:42.059 and such disgrace would come to the whole nation, 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:46.460 would cause them to blush with embarrassment. 00:08:46.460 --> 00:08:51.860 Proverbs 14, 34, and I always think about this passage on July the 4th and the week of. 00:08:52.900 --> 00:08:54.300 Righteousness exalts a nation, 00:08:55.360 --> 00:09:00.920 but sin is a reproach, also translated a disgrace to any people. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:04.060 With the moral corruption, 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.019 the unfair treatment, 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:09.379 the riotous living, 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:11.799 the lack of purity, 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:14.299 and the lack of loyalty 00:09:14.299 --> 00:09:17.080 that characterize these nations. 00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:19.980 Their profile, sadly, but surely, 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:23.039 resembles some things we see in our country today. 00:09:23.659 --> 00:09:24.580 It does. 00:09:25.139 --> 00:09:26.240 And let me imply, therefore, 00:09:26.340 --> 00:09:27.600 if we heed their warnings, 00:09:27.679 --> 00:09:28.480 we can be helped. 00:09:29.419 --> 00:09:31.960 In a day when we celebrate sodomy 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:34.059 for a whole month, 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:37.159 and are proud of our sin, 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:41.339 and parade our shameless sin around, 00:09:42.919 --> 00:09:45.939 when we have outward demonstrations of hatred 00:09:45.939 --> 00:09:47.600 toward God's chosen people, 00:09:48.959 --> 00:09:53.179 when somehow you can be racist 00:09:53.179 --> 00:09:56.019 toward some people, 00:09:57.019 --> 00:09:59.379 we have looked 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:01.240 to an amoral, 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:03.120 incapable, 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:05.340 ungodly 00:10:05.340 --> 00:10:07.340 host of leadership 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:08.059 in our country. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:10.439 And we've traded bedfellas 00:10:10.439 --> 00:10:11.620 like baseball cards 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:14.059 to the nation 00:10:14.059 --> 00:10:14.879 in so many ways 00:10:14.879 --> 00:10:15.639 as a disgrace. 00:10:16.580 --> 00:10:17.919 When illicit sex 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:18.679 is celebrated, 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:20.779 and drug moderation 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.539 is promoted, 00:10:21.679 --> 00:10:22.240 and by the way, 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:22.939 alcohol is still 00:10:22.939 --> 00:10:23.779 the most deadly of them, 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:26.059 homosexuality 00:10:26.059 --> 00:10:26.379 is condoned 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.080 and celebrated, 00:10:28.080 --> 00:10:30.100 abortion is ignored, 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:31.660 lying is expected, 00:10:32.400 --> 00:10:33.560 most marriages fail, 00:10:33.660 --> 00:10:35.080 and most kids are parentless. 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:37.400 When government is helpless 00:10:37.400 --> 00:10:38.540 and crime is relentless, 00:10:38.800 --> 00:10:40.060 Christians too often 00:10:40.060 --> 00:10:40.740 are gutless. 00:10:41.460 --> 00:10:42.259 The church 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:44.560 has little influence 00:10:44.560 --> 00:10:46.080 in those atmospheres. 00:10:46.180 --> 00:10:47.680 So how does the church 00:10:47.680 --> 00:10:48.480 respond 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:50.379 to America? 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:52.920 What can we do 00:10:52.920 --> 00:10:54.440 to change a nation? 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:56.940 Well, I encourage you 00:10:56.940 --> 00:10:58.060 to learn from our past 00:10:58.060 --> 00:11:00.820 because we can continue 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:01.620 to protest, 00:11:02.220 --> 00:11:03.580 we can picket, 00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:05.680 we can sue folks, 00:11:05.780 --> 00:11:06.380 we can march, 00:11:07.760 --> 00:11:08.760 we can pass laws, 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:09.860 we can publicly pray, 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:10.780 we can hold vigils, 00:11:10.880 --> 00:11:11.720 we can make posts, 00:11:12.820 --> 00:11:14.680 we can retweet stuff, 00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:15.560 we can write books, 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:16.180 raise money, 00:11:16.260 --> 00:11:16.820 wear t-shirts, 00:11:17.020 --> 00:11:18.100 we can even smack 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:18.960 on bumper stickers. 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:21.420 It's not making 00:11:21.420 --> 00:11:22.020 a lot of difference 00:11:22.020 --> 00:11:22.520 in America. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:24.919 it's on a downward 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:26.019 moral spiral. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:27.840 And the church 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:29.600 is too often 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:31.019 influenced by the culture 00:11:31.019 --> 00:11:33.840 instead of influencing 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:34.860 the culture. 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:37.500 And that's the exact 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.840 opposite as to how 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:39.919 Christ told us 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:41.159 to respond to our world. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:42.699 So don't hide 00:11:42.699 --> 00:11:43.879 the light of God's love 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.899 and truth under a basket. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:45.659 As Jesus said, 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:46.439 let it shine. 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:48.399 Shine forth. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:49.439 We are the spiritual 00:11:49.439 --> 00:11:50.600 zest of this nation. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:52.940 the guiding lights. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:55.360 It is our responsibility 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:56.500 as the salt of the world 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:58.360 to flavor our society. 00:11:58.560 --> 00:11:59.560 And the best options 00:11:59.560 --> 00:12:00.720 that Americans have 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:01.940 is the same options 00:12:01.940 --> 00:12:03.200 that all Americans have. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:04.840 The best option 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:06.980 is salvation 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:08.060 through Christ. 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:09.800 And we must do 00:12:09.800 --> 00:12:11.120 everything we can 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.139 to honor 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:13.540 and glorify Christ. 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:14.639 We have a message 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:15.920 the world needs to hear 00:12:15.920 --> 00:12:16.740 through our mouths, 00:12:16.860 --> 00:12:17.500 through our lives, 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.300 through our love. 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:20.699 We grow disgusted 00:12:20.699 --> 00:12:21.339 often because 00:12:21.339 --> 00:12:22.579 we're looking at a world 00:12:22.579 --> 00:12:23.699 that lacks hope, 00:12:24.159 --> 00:12:25.199 that lacks peace, 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:27.399 and we're wondering 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.500 why they act like they do. 00:12:28.579 --> 00:12:29.679 We're expecting righteousness 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:30.500 to come from people 00:12:30.500 --> 00:12:31.319 who don't know the Lord. 00:12:31.399 --> 00:12:32.679 That's a bogus thought, folks. 00:12:32.979 --> 00:12:34.199 Don't expect godliness 00:12:34.199 --> 00:12:34.979 from those 00:12:34.979 --> 00:12:36.279 that don't know the Lord. 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.319 It's not going to happen. 00:12:38.019 --> 00:12:38.839 It's not going to happen. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:41.919 America cares little 00:12:41.919 --> 00:12:42.679 about Christianity 00:12:42.679 --> 00:12:43.799 because most that claim 00:12:43.799 --> 00:12:45.179 Christ are not living for Him. 00:12:45.779 --> 00:12:46.679 And the world sees 00:12:46.679 --> 00:12:47.819 the difference in that 00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:48.819 in too many lives. 00:12:49.939 --> 00:12:50.899 Faith's not merely 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:52.599 associating with Christ. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.839 It's having your life 00:12:55.839 --> 00:12:56.959 changed by Christ. 00:12:58.419 --> 00:12:59.919 It stirs what we do. 00:13:00.039 --> 00:13:01.579 It stirs why we do it. 00:13:02.859 --> 00:13:03.559 And I believe 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:04.479 to win the world, 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:07.019 we have to do 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:07.639 what verse 8 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:08.899 instructs us to do. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:11.299 Christians, 00:13:11.479 --> 00:13:12.139 this is how 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.279 you can make a difference 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:15.059 in your nation. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:17.159 act justly. 00:13:19.619 --> 00:13:21.079 Uphold what is right 00:13:21.079 --> 00:13:22.039 in our lifestyle. 00:13:23.239 --> 00:13:24.419 Take on spiritual 00:13:24.419 --> 00:13:25.500 responsibility 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:27.000 seriously. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:27.719 I want you to hear 00:13:27.719 --> 00:13:28.519 what John says 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:30.179 in 1 John 1, 5-7. 00:13:30.239 --> 00:13:30.659 He says this, 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:32.079 this is the message 00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:33.099 we've heard from Him 00:13:33.099 --> 00:13:34.679 and proclaim to you 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:35.539 that God is light. 00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:36.359 In Him there is 00:13:36.359 --> 00:13:37.299 no darkness at all. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:38.559 Listen to this, 00:13:38.599 --> 00:13:39.779 if we say we have 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:40.659 fellowship with Him 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:41.699 while we walk in darkness, 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:42.899 we lie and do not 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:43.979 practice the truth. 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:45.220 But if we walk 00:13:45.220 --> 00:13:46.360 in the light 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:48.580 as He is in the light, 00:13:48.820 --> 00:13:50.480 we have fellowship 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.240 with one another 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:52.120 and the blood 00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:53.620 of Jesus His Son 00:13:53.620 --> 00:13:54.940 cleanses us 00:13:54.940 --> 00:13:56.480 from all of our sin. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.759 If our lives 00:13:58.759 --> 00:13:59.899 are not marked 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:00.860 by our fellowship 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:01.580 with God, 00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:03.019 by our fellowship 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.960 with His people, 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.519 we're not in fellowship 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:06.180 with the Lord. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:09.019 It has to show forth 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:09.560 in our lives. 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.320 And any time 00:14:10.320 --> 00:14:11.120 that we proclaim 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:13.279 to have the Lord 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:17.060 and feel secure 00:14:17.060 --> 00:14:17.840 about that, 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:19.440 but yet don't resemble 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:20.299 that in our life, 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.759 it's shady at best. 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:24.159 Our lives are to be marked 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:25.580 by acting out our faith 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.600 and that is described 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:27.720 here as justly. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:29.139 So how do you do that? 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:29.740 Well, you surrender 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.580 your lives to Him. 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:33.500 It begins in one day 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:34.320 when you surrender 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:35.500 your life to the Lord Jesus, 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:36.700 asking Him to forgive you 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:37.259 of your sins, 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.379 to come into your life 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:39.139 and to cleanse you. 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:40.320 There has to be 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:41.179 a starting point 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.100 to this relationship 00:14:42.100 --> 00:14:43.299 as any other relationship. 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:44.179 There has to be 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:45.500 a starting point to that. 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.000 And so one day 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.080 you surrender your life to Him 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:48.399 and do you know 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:49.379 what you do the next day? 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.799 You surrender your life to Him. 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:53.980 No, you don't get saved again, 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:56.100 but you get renewed once again. 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:58.580 You spend the rest of your days 00:14:58.580 --> 00:15:00.679 giving the Lord your life, 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.879 surrendering our lives to Him. 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:05.000 Not one time just, 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.259 but all the time 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:07.919 from this day forward. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:10.620 seeking His will in prayer. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:13.580 We live our lives by His word 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:15.320 where His will is revealed. 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:18.539 We grow together with His people 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:24.639 because you will not be everything 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:26.200 that you need to be for the Lord 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:28.120 if you try to go it alone. 00:15:30.279 --> 00:15:31.120 Jesus came 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:34.559 to go on a cross 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:35.659 and die for sinners. 00:15:35.659 --> 00:15:38.659 rise again 00:15:38.659 --> 00:15:39.959 and promise eternal life 00:15:39.959 --> 00:15:40.559 found in Him. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:44.059 And He came to establish a church 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:47.079 to reach the rest of the world 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:49.279 and to give us strength 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.559 to do everything that we can 00:15:50.559 --> 00:15:52.559 for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:53.679 We act justly. 00:15:54.339 --> 00:15:55.659 Second thing is we love mercy. 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:59.019 There's a difference in grace and mercy. 00:15:59.219 --> 00:15:59.659 Acting gracefully 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.539 is giving to people 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.720 what they do not deserve. 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:05.040 treating people better. 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.480 Mercy 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:08.340 is not giving people 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.220 what they deserve. 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:12.820 And God calls us 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:14.300 to be merciful. 00:16:15.540 --> 00:16:17.139 To treat people better 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:18.019 than they deserve. 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:20.519 It is a word, 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.960 this word for mercy 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:24.100 is a word that is used 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:25.040 in consistency 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:26.659 to talk about 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.759 the consistent, 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:29.279 reliable, 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.319 kind, 00:16:30.819 --> 00:16:31.500 love 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:33.259 that God has for us. 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:37.399 And when we love mercy, 00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:40.120 we share His love 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:40.719 with other people. 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:43.459 I want you to hear me clearly. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:46.519 There's no greater need on earth 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:48.759 than the love of Jesus Christ. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:51.579 And so we love folks 00:16:51.579 --> 00:16:52.099 in the Lord 00:16:52.099 --> 00:16:52.919 and when they ask us 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:53.599 why we're doing it, 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:54.279 we tell them why. 00:16:55.199 --> 00:16:56.679 Because Jesus changed my life 00:16:56.679 --> 00:16:57.539 and He changed yours too. 00:16:59.159 --> 00:17:00.019 We love mercy. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:01.679 Lastly, 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:02.439 we walk humbly 00:17:02.439 --> 00:17:03.259 before our God. 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:08.119 How much time 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:08.720 do you give the Lord 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.180 each day? 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:12.839 You don't have to be honest 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:13.160 with me, 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:13.940 be honest with yourself, 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:14.680 be honest with the Lord. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.180 How much time 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.000 do you give the Lord 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:16.359 each day? 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.259 When He reveals 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:21.639 what you ought to do 00:17:21.639 --> 00:17:22.279 in your life, 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:25.099 either through the precepts 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:25.619 of His word 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.779 that you're familiar with 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:28.920 or in your own time 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:29.319 with Him 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:31.059 when He reflects 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:32.079 and uses His word 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:33.160 to speak into your life, 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:35.779 how much do you obey His will? 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.940 How much do you even ask 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:37.559 of His will? 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:40.819 A humble walk 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.779 before God 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:43.379 is one where 00:17:43.379 --> 00:17:44.859 we put God first, 00:17:44.859 --> 00:17:47.719 then we put others 00:17:47.719 --> 00:17:48.579 before ourselves 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.399 and then 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:50.839 we come along. 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:53.479 Now, 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:54.240 if you look at this 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:54.879 whole passage 00:17:54.879 --> 00:17:55.719 and you look at 00:17:55.719 --> 00:17:57.219 everything that it calls for 00:17:57.219 --> 00:17:58.139 to 00:17:58.139 --> 00:18:00.500 do justice 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:01.399 and love kindness 00:18:01.399 --> 00:18:01.979 and to walk 00:18:01.979 --> 00:18:03.339 humbly with your God, 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:05.240 if we do those things, 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:07.079 that means that 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.679 humility, 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:08.559 obedience, 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:09.960 and mercifulness 00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:11.440 proclaimed in a total 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.659 lifestyle 00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:14.139 is not only 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.240 our Christian duty, 00:18:16.379 --> 00:18:17.960 but if being a good 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:18.819 American means 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.879 loving your country, 00:18:21.159 --> 00:18:22.059 leading it in the 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:22.879 right direction, 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.059 helping all Americans 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:25.819 to succeed, 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.720 and letting everyone 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:27.700 enjoy their rights 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.480 without the infringement 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:28.819 of others, 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:30.779 then our American duty 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:32.639 is to share Christ. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:36.840 I believe 00:18:36.840 --> 00:18:37.420 our greatest 00:18:37.420 --> 00:18:38.140 infringement 00:18:38.140 --> 00:18:38.840 as Christians, 00:18:39.780 --> 00:18:41.580 our greatest 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.060 infringement 00:18:42.060 --> 00:18:42.680 to America 00:18:42.680 --> 00:18:43.280 is failing 00:18:43.280 --> 00:18:44.840 to tell them 00:18:44.840 --> 00:18:45.280 their house 00:18:45.280 --> 00:18:45.860 is on fire. 00:18:49.060 --> 00:18:49.900 It's failing 00:18:49.900 --> 00:18:50.540 to tell them 00:18:50.540 --> 00:18:51.120 that the smoke 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:51.820 of our nation's 00:18:51.820 --> 00:18:52.259 activities 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.220 are choking them. 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:54.400 Now, 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.200 let's just get real. 00:18:55.300 --> 00:18:56.280 The fires of damnation 00:18:56.280 --> 00:18:56.660 are licking 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.300 at their feet. 00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:01.740 But that's exactly 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:02.560 what we do 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.819 when we don't 00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:04.519 share Christ. 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:06.940 We just don't 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.859 bother to get involved. 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.500 Jesus said, 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:11.039 what does it, 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:12.619 what does one 00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:13.599 prosper if he gains 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:14.139 the whole world 00:19:14.139 --> 00:19:14.700 yet loses 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:15.779 his own soul? 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:19.519 And because of that, 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.759 we have a responsibility 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.819 to share Christ 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.559 with our nation, 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.399 sharing the greatest 00:19:25.399 --> 00:19:26.139 love possible. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.700 We have a responsibility 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:28.379 to sharing Christ 00:19:28.379 --> 00:19:29.059 with our neighbor, 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.359 pointing them 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:32.220 toward righteousness. 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:35.039 We have a responsibility 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:35.679 to sharing Christ 00:19:35.679 --> 00:19:36.399 with our coworkers, 00:19:37.379 --> 00:19:38.460 giving them the opportunity 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.399 at true success 00:19:39.399 --> 00:19:40.359 because true success 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:40.919 can't be found 00:19:40.919 --> 00:19:41.599 outside of Christ. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.299 We do not have 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:45.279 the right to stand 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:45.799 in the way 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:46.720 of one's opportunity 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:47.379 in Christ. 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.899 And when we know 00:19:49.899 --> 00:19:50.539 the answer 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:52.339 and don't give it, 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:57.259 would you warn a child 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:58.059 playing in the road 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.919 that a car was coming? 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:05.019 If a family was asleep 00:20:05.019 --> 00:20:05.659 in their house 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:06.199 and you noticed 00:20:06.199 --> 00:20:07.259 their house was on fire, 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.099 would you bother 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:08.639 to wake them up 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:09.059 and tell them? 00:20:09.059 --> 00:20:14.259 much of America, 00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:18.079 much of America 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:23.299 does not know 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:25.720 that they'll spend 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:27.039 eternity apart from God. 00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:29.799 They're just not aware of it. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.720 They haven't listened. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.960 So let's not yell at them. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:35.799 Let's tell them 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.680 of our concern. 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:39.819 Let's live it out 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.420 before them 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:41.519 and walk it before them 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.660 and tell them 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.400 your story. 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:44.860 Has Christ 00:20:44.860 --> 00:20:45.740 changed your life? 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:47.660 best person 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.339 to tell that story 00:20:48.339 --> 00:20:48.759 is you. 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:52.000 And you need to trust 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:54.259 not your eloquence 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.819 in being able 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.559 to say it. 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:58.539 You need to trust 00:20:58.539 --> 00:21:00.380 that God's instructed 00:21:00.380 --> 00:21:01.259 us to do that. 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:02.880 And he gets 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:03.759 in the middle of it. 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:05.200 And the Holy Spirit 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:06.220 gets in the middle of it. 00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:08.200 And your humble, 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:09.680 somewhat broken testimony 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.700 of what Christ did 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.440 to you somehow 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.940 impacts somebody 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.759 else's life, 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.980 not because of the power 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.900 of what you say, 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.220 but because of the power 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:17.900 of the Holy Spirit 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:18.380 of God 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.860 working between you 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:21.339 and working 00:21:21.339 --> 00:21:22.259 in their lives. 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:24.860 You never understand 00:21:24.860 --> 00:21:25.920 the timing of God. 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:29.220 I question it sometimes. 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.380 But I'll tell you 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.299 what's special about it. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:34.180 What I do know 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:36.279 is that God's working 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:37.099 in people's lives 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:37.740 that I don't know 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.460 anything about 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.759 and God's working 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.380 in my life 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:40.819 that people don't 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.599 know anything about. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.960 And when he puts us 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.180 in contact with one another, 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.259 special things 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.320 can happen sometimes. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.440 Divine appointments 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.940 where lives can change. 00:21:50.060 --> 00:21:51.660 And that's our responsibility. 00:21:53.560 --> 00:21:54.960 So my hope and prayer 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:56.000 this week of the 4th, 00:21:57.920 --> 00:21:59.160 may we be stirred 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:00.180 by the power 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:01.180 of the gospel 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:03.500 more than the power 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.360 of politics 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:07.820 and more than the power 00:22:07.820 --> 00:22:09.279 of our own selfish priorities. 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:11.599 may we be stirred 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:13.700 by the power 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.259 of the gospel. 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:16.899 Never head bowed, 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:17.279 never I could...