WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.980 If you have your Bibles, I want you to turn to 2 Samuel 18. 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:11.419 Put a finger there, and then 1 Chronicles 22. 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:23.120 Hardest job in the world is being a parent. 00:00:25.120 --> 00:00:26.460 You can't clock out. 00:00:27.400 --> 00:00:28.100 You better not. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.579 And the rewards of it come a lot later sometimes than you anticipate. 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:41.359 But I don't believe there's anything that America needs more than Christian parents, 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:49.240 particularly men of God, who will lead their families in God's will. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:58.900 I believe we live in a country that's feeling the effects of men who've played enough of their games 00:00:58.899 --> 00:01:06.760 and it's time to get in the game and be an active participant that makes a difference for the sake of Christ. 00:01:07.359 --> 00:01:08.659 That is for men of God. 00:01:08.659 --> 00:01:14.379 Now we need men to be an active part in the church. 00:01:15.619 --> 00:01:18.659 We need men to lead in the church. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:30.479 We need men of God, not men consumed by their own power, not by their own way, but consumed with the Holy Spirit of God. 00:01:30.480 --> 00:01:32.920 And we need men of God in the workplace. 00:01:34.120 --> 00:01:41.540 We need to be salt of the earth and flavoring our world for the cause of Christ, preserving a godly heritage and healing a warped people 00:01:41.540 --> 00:01:48.420 and to be light in the world, shining light in the midst of darkness through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:01:48.580 --> 00:01:51.080 If you ought to know what the hope of America is, I'll tell you what it is. 00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:53.099 It's the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:56.659 The only thing that will save us is salvation itself. 00:01:57.859 --> 00:02:03.280 And people living out their faith outwardly and openly. 00:02:03.579 --> 00:02:06.079 We need to make a difference where God has planted us. 00:02:07.319 --> 00:02:09.639 Get in the game and see lives change. 00:02:10.860 --> 00:02:14.180 But what you do at work is not my first concern. 00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:15.539 It matters. 00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:16.539 I promise you. 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:24.500 My concern, and the one God bore into my heart in preparation for this, is men, what you do at home. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:29.000 My concern is who you are for your wife and your kids. 00:02:29.780 --> 00:02:33.500 Do you model a godly leadership example to respect? 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:36.219 Or are you the old guy that's sitting on the bench watching it all go by? 00:02:39.099 --> 00:02:41.840 And I believe, as I've told you through the life of Abraham, 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:47.920 that God has placed people's lives in Scripture for us to learn from their mistakes. 00:02:48.700 --> 00:02:49.840 And to learn from their triumphs. 00:02:50.740 --> 00:02:53.699 But what a waste it would be to have all of this information 00:02:53.699 --> 00:02:59.140 about the lives of all the people that are mentioned in Scripture and not learn from them. 00:02:59.199 --> 00:03:02.159 And I believe a lot can be learned from King David. 00:03:03.800 --> 00:03:08.939 King David of Israel was immensely successful at a lot of things. 00:03:09.020 --> 00:03:10.580 He was a successful king. 00:03:10.580 --> 00:03:13.280 He was a successful general. 00:03:14.040 --> 00:03:16.420 He was a successful financer. 00:03:17.020 --> 00:03:18.860 He was a successful writer. 00:03:19.620 --> 00:03:21.540 He was a successful builder. 00:03:22.360 --> 00:03:26.580 When he was king, he brought Israel to its greatest years. 00:03:26.939 --> 00:03:32.180 As a general, the borders of that country grew beyond anything they had ever known. 00:03:33.040 --> 00:03:37.480 As a financer, he amassed a great treasury. 00:03:37.479 --> 00:03:41.539 As a writer, he wrote most of the book of Psalms. 00:03:42.159 --> 00:03:45.519 As a builder, he established Jerusalem. 00:03:46.159 --> 00:03:48.419 And he dreamed of building the temple. 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:54.099 And when God chose his son Solomon to build it instead, 00:03:55.280 --> 00:04:00.339 David donated close to $100 million to the cause. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:02.640 He was a great man. 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:08.840 But in his most important role, he had a lot of failures. 00:04:09.900 --> 00:04:12.640 And the evidence of that is seen over and over again. 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:16.160 41 chapters of the Bible deal with David's life. 00:04:16.519 --> 00:04:20.220 15 of them deal with his childhood and his rise to prominence. 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:24.080 26 of them deal with his reign. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:28.200 And 16 of those 26 deal with his troubles. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:33.160 He fell in love with another man's wife and had her husband killed in battle. 00:04:34.360 --> 00:04:37.500 His eldest son raped his own half-sister. 00:04:38.320 --> 00:04:40.860 One of his other sons killed the guilty son. 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:44.620 And then that son left the country to escape his father. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:50.379 Two years later, he came back to overthrow his father, David. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:53.040 And David fled for his life. 00:04:54.160 --> 00:04:58.680 While he was gone, Absalom disgraced his father's household. 00:04:59.520 --> 00:05:00.280 Embarrassed him. 00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:02.860 And David fought back. 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:04.980 And in the fight, Absalom was killed. 00:05:04.980 --> 00:05:10.520 And the spiral of sin all came down on top of David. 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:18.240 And there's a passage in 2 Samuel 18, verse 33, that just stands out to me. 00:05:18.340 --> 00:05:23.540 When it all came on top of David, in our passage, he is mourning his son. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:28.180 And it says this in 2 Samuel 18, verse 33. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:34.860 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:40.240 And as he went, he said, oh, my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom. 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:44.199 But I had died instead of you. 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:48.660 Oh, Absalom, my son, my son. 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:53.899 Men, you can't control the actions of your children. 00:05:55.259 --> 00:05:57.340 And the older they get, the harder it is. 00:05:57.339 --> 00:06:01.199 But surely David realized that when he said these words that he could have done a lot more. 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:10.000 And so based on the life of David as a father, I want to give you some do's and don'ts this morning, men. 00:06:12.419 --> 00:06:13.419 First is this. 00:06:13.699 --> 00:06:14.919 Do make time for your children. 00:06:17.079 --> 00:06:18.779 A lot of things that David had to do. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:19.659 He ran a country. 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:21.939 He fought for a country. 00:06:22.099 --> 00:06:23.979 He expanded the borders of a country. 00:06:24.859 --> 00:06:27.179 It's hard to run a country in its greatest years. 00:06:27.339 --> 00:06:31.939 But if it takes all you've got, it's taking too much. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:35.779 David didn't make time for his family. 00:06:38.039 --> 00:06:40.859 But you don't have to be running an empire to run short on time. 00:06:41.399 --> 00:06:43.879 Because there's a lot in this world that grabs at us. 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:50.500 But if it takes all you've got, it takes too much. 00:06:52.620 --> 00:07:00.019 Whoever told dads that making a living was enough was a messenger of the evil one. 00:07:00.019 --> 00:07:06.319 The greatest thing you can do for your kids is offer yourself. 00:07:08.659 --> 00:07:10.120 Do make time for your children. 00:07:11.259 --> 00:07:12.039 Second thing is this. 00:07:12.139 --> 00:07:14.659 Don't live an inconsistent Christian life. 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:17.979 Don't live an inconsistent Christian life. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:21.600 Sadly, David is known as much for his mistakes as his victories. 00:07:22.740 --> 00:07:27.580 And even with all of that, with God's forgiveness, David was still able to accomplish many things. 00:07:28.400 --> 00:07:31.500 But his sins didn't come without a cost. 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:36.700 And when we sin, don't be mistaken, if we repent, God will wash us clean. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:39.099 He holds it against us no more. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.219 But the ramifications are there. 00:07:43.500 --> 00:07:48.279 What you do and the damage you cause in the midst of your sin sticks. 00:07:50.039 --> 00:07:52.039 I mean, you get mad and kill a man. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:56.120 Yes, God will forgive you for that. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:58.800 That man's family may forgive you for that. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:01.180 But the man's still dead. 00:08:02.919 --> 00:08:05.060 The ramifications are still there. 00:08:06.699 --> 00:08:14.079 If you commit adultery, you may be able to sustain your family. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:17.019 You may not lose everything. 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:22.779 But the trust has been breached. 00:08:23.939 --> 00:08:25.120 It stings. 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:25.959 It sticks. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:28.579 The ramifications are there. 00:08:30.079 --> 00:08:33.899 The things that shame David's life show his inconsistency. 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:38.259 It's not what you preach unless you practice it. 00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:41.819 Your kids aren't listening near as much as they're watching. 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:45.159 You can't teach more character than you have. 00:08:46.579 --> 00:08:47.959 I mean, it's basic things. 00:08:48.059 --> 00:08:49.919 Any advice without example is tragic. 00:08:50.079 --> 00:08:51.639 And it's usually rejected, honestly. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:56.759 Three of the four sons of David demonstrated their father's sins. 00:08:56.919 --> 00:09:00.340 A failing dad says one thing and does another. 00:09:00.340 --> 00:09:02.360 Makes one commitment while breaking the other. 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:07.120 You don't want to be a failure as a Christian father. 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:13.319 And you will if you say you love Jesus, but you live like you don't. 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:16.819 They know the difference. 00:09:18.759 --> 00:09:23.259 If nobody else does, the household knows the difference. 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:29.480 Don't live an inconsistent Christian life. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:33.120 Third thing is this. 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:35.600 Do discipline your children. 00:09:38.939 --> 00:09:40.819 Somebody's going to get their feathers raised down here. 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:42.039 It's all right. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:46.840 We live in an age that doesn't support discipline. 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:50.780 Because it's really not our fault. 00:09:51.060 --> 00:09:52.080 It's always something else. 00:09:53.920 --> 00:10:00.220 But we have a hard time figuring out what's wrong with our society. 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:04.620 At the same time, we have a hard time with discipline. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:09.340 When a child misbehaves, you discipline that child. 00:10:09.340 --> 00:10:09.700 Years ago. 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:11.740 Years ago. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:14.220 I love what Tommy Bowden said. 00:10:14.280 --> 00:10:14.940 I heard him say. 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:18.399 He said, we didn't have time out when I was growing up. 00:10:18.519 --> 00:10:21.840 Time out was the time I went to the next room to get a belt for my dad. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:27.740 And he said, you can do it any way that works. 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:29.560 But I was raised giving a spanking. 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:31.040 I raised mine like that. 00:10:31.040 --> 00:10:33.360 And I just want you to know it can still be done like that. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:43.320 I don't believe in beating kids. 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:47.840 But I do believe in finding out what works. 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:52.019 And make sure your child knows what's right and wrong. 00:10:52.180 --> 00:10:54.860 And that there's ramifications when they do wrong. 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:01.720 1 Kings 1, verse 6. 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:07.740 Says that when dealing with his son, Adoniah. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:13.259 It says his father had never rebuked him by asking. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:16.360 Why do you behave as you do? 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:20.039 Did you get that? 00:11:22.320 --> 00:11:24.460 David, for whatever he was caught up with, 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:29.420 never questioned the actions of his child. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:36.899 The message, which I do not consider a translation of scripture. 00:11:38.219 --> 00:11:40.539 But it does help us to understand it sometimes better. 00:11:41.799 --> 00:11:45.199 Says his father had spoiled him rotten as a child. 00:11:45.579 --> 00:11:47.419 Never once reprimanding him. 00:11:49.539 --> 00:11:52.019 Adoniah went on to try and overthrow his dad. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:56.699 So, men, if you want to be a sorry dad, never bother disciplining your children. 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:59.000 Never give them direction. 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:02.799 Never enforce their need to follow your direction. 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:08.299 David's son Solomon said it best in Proverbs 29, verse 17, 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:10.720 when he said, discipline your son and he'll give you peace. 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:13.480 He'll bring delight to your soul. 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.059 Do discipline children. 00:12:16.059 --> 00:12:18.099 Fourth thing is this. 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:25.139 Don't miss the opportunity to pave the way for the next generation. 00:12:28.119 --> 00:12:30.739 David messed up a bunch. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:33.559 But one thing he did was quite a testimony. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:38.399 As David drew near to the end of his life, 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:41.659 God told him that he would not be the builder of the house of God. 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:45.139 David built a nice place for himself. 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:50.960 And when he got in that house and enjoyed all the amenities of that new house, 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:53.699 he got convicted 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:57.840 that he needed to build God's house. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:01.740 And when he began to try to work toward that, 00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:07.340 God told him that he was not to be the one to build it. 00:13:08.939 --> 00:13:10.980 That his son was to be the one to build it. 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:17.779 And I want you to notice what he does. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:23.919 It's in 1 Chronicles 22, beginning in verse 1. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:24.659 It says this. 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:26.519 Then David said, 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:29.600 Here shall be the house of the Lord God, 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:32.699 and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel. 00:13:32.700 --> 00:13:38.920 David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel. 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:43.600 And he set stone cutters to prepare dress stone for building the house of God. 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:50.060 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:53.740 as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:56.360 and cedar timbers without number. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:14:03.159 For the Sidonians and the Tyrenians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 00:14:04.060 --> 00:14:04.960 But David said, 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:05.440 Solomon, 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:09.360 My son is young and is inexperienced, 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:15.980 and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent of fame and glory throughout all lands. 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:18.919 I will therefore make preparation for it. 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:23.360 So God provided materials in great quantity. 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:25.479 So David, excuse me, 00:14:25.599 --> 00:14:28.079 provided materials in great quantity before his death. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.759 Then he called for Solomon, his son, 00:14:30.819 --> 00:14:33.459 and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.360 David said to Solomon, 00:14:35.479 --> 00:14:40.459 My son, I have it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. 00:14:40.599 --> 00:14:42.240 But the word of the Lord came to me, 00:14:42.319 --> 00:14:42.579 saying, 00:14:42.699 --> 00:14:45.059 You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:47.159 You shall not build a house to my name, 00:14:47.219 --> 00:14:48.679 because you shed so much blood. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:50.039 Before me on the earth. 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:53.979 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:57.319 I will give him rest from all of his surrounding enemies. 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:59.319 For his name shall be Solomon, 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:02.539 and I'll give him peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:04.939 He shall build a house for my name. 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:06.079 He shall be my son, 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:07.039 and I'll be his father, 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:10.479 and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever. 00:15:11.319 --> 00:15:12.199 Now, my son, 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:13.740 the Lord be with you, 00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:17.019 so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, 00:15:17.079 --> 00:15:18.799 as he has spoken concerning you. 00:15:19.339 --> 00:15:22.279 Only may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:24.299 that when he gives you charge over Israel, 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:26.219 you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:33.459 Then you will prosper if you're careful to observe the statutes and the rules of the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. 00:15:33.979 --> 00:15:36.099 Be strong and courageous. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.240 Fear not, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:38.259 don't be dismayed. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:42.100 With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord, 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:45.840 a hundred thousand talents of gold, 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:51.200 a million talents of silver and bronze and iron beyond weighing, 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:53.820 for there is so much of it. 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:56.340 Timber and stone too I have provided. 00:15:56.340 --> 00:15:58.160 To these you must add. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:16:00.580 You have an abundance of workmen, 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.519 stone cutters, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.220 masons, 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.060 carpenters, 00:16:03.180 --> 00:16:04.540 and all kinds of craftsmen, 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:05.660 without numbers, 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.080 skilled in working, 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:07.920 gold, 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:08.560 silver, 00:16:08.780 --> 00:16:09.259 bronze, 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:10.160 and iron. 00:16:10.320 --> 00:16:11.519 Arise and work. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:14.360 The Lord be with you. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:26.360 David paved a path for the next generation to be able to worship and serve the Lord in a greater capacity than he was able to do. 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:31.159 He gave generously to a project that he would never see. 00:16:32.939 --> 00:16:37.480 I want us to always get an understanding of that in the house of the Lord. 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:37.560 Lord, 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:41.620 we work hard. 00:16:42.820 --> 00:16:44.200 We give generously. 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.680 We do what we do. 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:50.240 Sometimes for projects that we may never see. 00:16:51.920 --> 00:16:55.139 And thank God for those who've come before us and done it as well. 00:16:56.779 --> 00:17:03.159 Do you realize that if previous generations hadn't seen the need to have a place like this to worship, 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:04.759 we wouldn't be in this place. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.640 But they made sacrifices. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:10.620 Made efforts to do that for the next generation. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:15.400 Some of those people that gave generously knew they'd never see it. 00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:19.420 They knew they may never be able to witness it, 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:20.839 but they gave generously. 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:24.620 I want to tell you on a note, 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:29.640 a burden I shared with the deacons last month, 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:37.920 we're analyzing how we can ramp up and renovate our preschool and children's area to do an even better job of reaching the next generation. 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:42.980 Before we pick up a paintbrush or renew a square carpet, 00:17:44.280 --> 00:17:45.960 it'll all come back to you for approval. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:48.600 But right now, 00:17:48.600 --> 00:17:52.340 I want you to begin to pray that God will give us clear vision 00:17:52.340 --> 00:17:57.860 and provide through our building fund the resources that we need 00:17:57.860 --> 00:17:59.640 to do it right 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:01.620 for the next generation, 00:18:02.100 --> 00:18:04.720 for the honor and the glory of God. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:09.200 I don't believe what we do in God's name ought to be halfway. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:12.960 I bet when you do projects at home, 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:14.840 you try your best to make it right. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:17.660 And so what we do for the Lord, 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:19.819 let's do it to honor the God. 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:22.160 Let's do it done right. 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:25.900 And he deserves our best. 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:28.060 I just ask you to pray. 00:18:29.360 --> 00:18:32.100 I'm so thankful for your generosity. 00:18:33.140 --> 00:18:37.740 I shared a burden with you a couple months ago, 00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:38.920 three months ago probably, 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:45.180 that in the plans of all the renovation that was done on the front of the church 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:49.460 and making handicap accessibility throughout the building 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:53.279 and providing new bathrooms and all the things that were done, 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:57.500 we were mighty close to not being able to borrow any money. 00:18:58.840 --> 00:19:00.279 And on top of that, 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:06.340 we were able to buy a small used bus to help us in our ministry as well 00:19:06.340 --> 00:19:07.900 through that fund. 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:10.900 And you continue to give. 00:19:11.319 --> 00:19:16.940 And I am thankful that we will be able to make the final payment. 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:18.500 Unless it's something we don't expect, 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:22.380 we'll be able to make that final payment without ever borrowing a dime. 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:27.619 But I'll tell you about this project as well as any other. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:29.440 It is not the project to end all projects. 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:33.980 And so I encourage you, 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:36.700 as God enables you, 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.440 and as God allows you to give generously, 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:42.420 it's never wrong 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:45.900 to continue to tithe. 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:47.339 It's always right to do that. 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:50.740 And you can always feel free to give above the tithe 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.980 because I'll tell you what we do. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:56.259 If we take in a surplus at the end of the year, 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:57.839 that'll roll over, 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:02.399 allow us building fund capacity 00:20:02.399 --> 00:20:04.679 for future projects. 00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:05.980 That's how it works. 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.500 So you give to the tithe, 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.980 you give to everything, quite honestly. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:12.160 But if God enables you 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:14.799 and burdens you to give in another cause, 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.339 I want you to know 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:17.920 we got things cooking. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:20.360 We got things in the works 00:20:20.360 --> 00:20:22.140 that we'll present back to you 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:23.160 before we ever do it. 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.920 But we want you to know we're moving forward. 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:28.720 And I want to ask you to give generously 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.019 as God allows you to do that. 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:31.960 We'll clarify that vision in the future. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:34.120 But I just couldn't help but think 00:20:34.120 --> 00:20:35.220 as I read about David 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:40.360 and I read about 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:43.400 how he prepared 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:47.240 for his son, 00:20:48.360 --> 00:20:50.940 everything that was needed, 00:20:51.360 --> 00:20:52.799 and then he just said, 00:20:53.360 --> 00:20:54.500 arise and work. 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.680 The Lord be with you. 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:57.380 There's something to that, folks. 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:59.259 God honors such as that. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:01.740 And I thank God for previous generations, 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:04.059 the one before that made sacrifices 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:04.740 that we have, 00:21:04.879 --> 00:21:06.079 and it's now our time. 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:08.839 Let's pave the way for the next generation 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.900 for the honor of God. 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:12.319 Men at home, 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:14.819 in this church, 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.879 in this community, 00:21:17.879 --> 00:21:20.160 don't fail to pave the way 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:21.799 for the next generation. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:25.039 If you want to mess up 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:26.180 at being a dad, 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:28.900 don't make time for your children. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:32.740 don't lead them by example 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.579 through a life 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:35.460 filled with Christian commitment. 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:38.720 Don't bother to discipline them. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:41.660 And don't leave a legacy 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:44.480 paving the way for them to worship. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:48.339 But if that's your decision, 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:51.619 don't ever look at your society, 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:55.220 don't ever look at your church, 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:58.140 and don't ever look at your family 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.860 and ask the question, 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:00.360 why? 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:04.519 Because God's placed us here 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:06.600 to make a difference 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:08.279 for his cause 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:10.019 and for his kingdom. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.600 With every head bowed 00:22:12.600 --> 00:22:13.519 and every eye closed, 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.920 it is my persistent burden 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:20.100 that one or more 00:22:20.100 --> 00:22:22.840 may faithfully attend worship 00:22:22.840 --> 00:22:25.560 and never give his or her heart 00:22:25.560 --> 00:22:26.880 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.880 And so each week, 00:22:29.300 --> 00:22:30.980 I encourage you 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:33.700 to secure your personal relationship 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.320 with Christ 00:22:34.320 --> 00:22:36.360 by asking him 00:22:36.360 --> 00:22:37.600 to forgive you of your sins, 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.660 to come into your life, 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.620 and to change you 00:22:39.620 --> 00:22:40.560 from this day forward. 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:42.799 I am thankful 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.480 that not only 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.119 will he give you 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:45.200 an eternity to live in 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:46.079 in heaven with him, 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:47.779 but I'm thankful 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.819 that he'll give you 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:50.619 such an uptick in life 00:22:50.619 --> 00:22:51.859 as Christ put it, 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.679 life and life more abundantly 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:55.460 when you give your heart 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.299 and life to Christ. 00:22:57.319 --> 00:22:58.579 No better way 00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:59.799 to celebrate Father's Day 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.960 than to surrender your life 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.559 to the Father. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.819 You've never done that, 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.440 you do that. 00:23:05.119 --> 00:23:05.940 Maybe you have, 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:06.639 but your life 00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:07.879 does not reflect that. 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:09.099 There's areas of your life 00:23:09.099 --> 00:23:10.339 that does not reflect that. 00:23:10.919 --> 00:23:12.319 You need to make that right today. 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:13.619 You can do it 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:15.279 where you stand, 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:16.159 or you can do it 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:16.720 at this altar, 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.299 or you can do it 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:18.500 with a pastor praying for you. 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.119 Either way, 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:20.899 I just want you to do 00:23:20.899 --> 00:23:21.960 what God tells you to do. 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.740 Maybe God's drawing you 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:24.819 to be a part of this church. 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.179 You've been around, 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:27.819 and you've seen 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.639 what God's doing 00:23:28.639 --> 00:23:29.679 in the midst of our church. 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:31.740 He's blessing us 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.619 with a hand of favor, 00:23:32.679 --> 00:23:33.700 and I'm thankful for that. 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.899 You want to be a part of that. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.379 Feel led to be a part of that. 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.299 You come, 00:23:37.379 --> 00:23:38.700 we'll guide you in that. 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.700 You might be here, 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:40.539 and you've made 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:41.720 a personal decision for him, 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:43.000 but you've never made that public 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.720 through baptism. 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:45.539 That is the first step 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.140 of obedience, 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:47.220 of being a believer. 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:48.600 And it'll be a hindrance 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:49.200 in your life 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:50.220 if you've never done that. 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.080 So I encourage you 00:23:51.080 --> 00:23:51.640 to be obedient 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:52.420 and follow the Lord. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:53.900 I don't know 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.759 what God's telling you, 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.400 but I know you'll never 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:56.019 be satisfied 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:57.120 unless you do what he tells you. 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.980 So let's just surrender to him. 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:00.220 Lord Jesus, 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:01.539 I ask that you'll bless 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.940 every home in this place. 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:04.840 I ask, dear God, 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:06.000 that you'll give each one of us 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.019 the direction of how 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:08.240 we need 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.559 to fortify, 00:24:09.820 --> 00:24:10.279 stabilize 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:12.000 our families, 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.759 oh God, 00:24:12.840 --> 00:24:13.279 in you. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.019 Each one of us, 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:14.460 dear God. 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:15.779 Lord, 00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:16.880 I ask today 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:18.720 that you'll help us 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.519 to hear your voice 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.360 personally, Father, 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.000 and that we'll respond 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.740 to you in obedience 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.360 as you speak 00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:24.340 to our hearts and lives. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.340 Lead us right now, 00:24:26.420 --> 00:24:27.019 dear God. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:29.460 Help us simply 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:30.259 to follow you 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:31.460 and to trust you. 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.660 In Jesus' precious name, 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:34.519 amen.