WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.980 Welcome to Ontario Community Church Sermon Podcast. 00:00:05.640 --> 00:00:10.019 My name is Pastor Patrick Daly, and wherever or whenever you're listening from today, 00:00:10.260 --> 00:00:14.940 I would like to invite you to slow down for a moment and center your heart on Christ. 00:00:15.700 --> 00:00:21.640 Today's message is rooted in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 35 through 45, 00:00:22.019 --> 00:00:28.960 where Jesus redefines leadership, not as power over others, but as service for others. 00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:35.500 In a world that constantly tells us that greatness is about position, control, or visibility, 00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:38.299 Jesus offers a radically different way. 00:00:38.899 --> 00:00:42.600 Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. 00:00:43.399 --> 00:00:48.640 This message continues our journey as a church, learning what it means to belong to Christ, 00:00:48.939 --> 00:00:53.920 to grow in maturity, and now to lead through humble, faithful service. 00:00:54.400 --> 00:00:57.700 Leadership in the kingdom of God doesn't begin with authority. 00:00:57.700 --> 00:01:01.520 It begins with love, sacrifice, and presence. 00:01:02.220 --> 00:01:07.159 As you listen today, I encourage you not to hear these words, but to ask yourself, 00:01:07.820 --> 00:01:09.620 How is Christ inviting me? 00:01:10.260 --> 00:01:15.579 Inviting me to live, to love, and lead like Him, right where I am. 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:21.340 Let us open God's Word together, and listen for what the Lord is teaching us today. 00:01:23.480 --> 00:01:25.219 Alright, well, good morning everyone. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:26.540 Good morning. 00:01:27.700 --> 00:01:32.260 Today we are doing a message titled, How We Lead. 00:01:32.920 --> 00:01:35.400 Called to lead through service. 00:01:36.340 --> 00:01:42.520 Since the beginning of the year, we've been kind of going over the mission, the vision, 00:01:43.100 --> 00:01:49.180 who we are as a church, and how we grow here at Ontario Community Church. 00:01:49.180 --> 00:01:57.880 Part of this is knowing that as we hear the Word of God, as we come together and we belong to Christ, 00:01:57.880 --> 00:02:01.220 as we make a decision for Christ, we grow. 00:02:01.980 --> 00:02:07.500 And as we grow, there is a call for each and every one of us to act, 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:13.520 to live out the faith, and to serve God as well as serving people. 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:19.780 Many of you know the famous saying, the great commandment, to love God and to love others, right? 00:02:19.820 --> 00:02:21.500 To love God and to love neighbor. 00:02:22.219 --> 00:02:29.100 And there's sufficient amount of Scripture that would show that as we love God and as we love other people, 00:02:29.100 --> 00:02:32.980 we are called to serve the Lord and to serve other people. 00:02:32.979 --> 00:02:35.819 To have that heart of service. 00:02:36.239 --> 00:02:40.659 And this notion of servant leadership is very important for us. 00:02:41.699 --> 00:02:45.799 And I want to go to this next slide here, and I want to ask you this question. 00:02:45.939 --> 00:02:51.759 And this question will be, as we're going along, to think of this question. 00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:56.719 How can we lead like Christ? 00:02:57.419 --> 00:03:00.019 It's a very important question for us to think about, 00:03:00.519 --> 00:03:05.060 because we think of Jesus Christ as being the Savior of the world. 00:03:05.519 --> 00:03:08.939 The one who fulfilled promises and prophecy. 00:03:09.799 --> 00:03:13.639 But he also teaches us so many things. 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:19.139 Teaches us how we can come to know him and grow in him in discipleship, 00:03:19.139 --> 00:03:24.959 but also the idea and the notion of service is so important. 00:03:25.759 --> 00:03:27.339 And you know, throughout Scripture, 00:03:28.179 --> 00:03:35.779 it's important for us to know that God calls everyday, ordinary people for extraordinary purpose. 00:03:36.179 --> 00:03:43.719 Because God has a plan for each and every one of us to be saved and to reach our God-given potential. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:52.139 And part of that is knowing that God's plans, God's ways are higher than ours. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:54.719 Higher than the ways of the world. 00:03:54.879 --> 00:03:59.800 And as you come to know him, right, as you grow in him, you bear fruit. 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:02.460 You are molded and transformed. 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:10.259 And this molding process, well, certainly there's a lot of movement that happens in our very lives. 00:04:10.259 --> 00:04:18.180 And we think for a moment how we are called to serve others just as Christ served humanity. 00:04:19.180 --> 00:04:24.060 We think about that to care for the least of these. 00:04:25.259 --> 00:04:30.300 And I want you to think about how has God called you to live and love, 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:34.039 to lead and to serve as Christ did. 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:40.120 Many of us have grown in our own faith journey, in our own walk with the Lord. 00:04:40.200 --> 00:04:42.340 For many of us, we may have learned Scripture. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:47.080 For many of us, we may have habits of prayer and been formed in Christ. 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:53.660 But it's important to know that when you believe in Christ, that's not the end. 00:04:53.920 --> 00:04:56.460 That is the beginning of your new life in Christ. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:00.820 And as you grow, you continue to grow and to be molded. 00:05:01.580 --> 00:05:02.939 It's not the end of the journey. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:06.660 We bear fruit and growth produces fruit. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:13.300 And Jesus shows us in the word we will be turning to the gospel of Mark. 00:05:14.060 --> 00:05:20.319 But I want you to think about, before we turn there, is how Christ served. 00:05:21.079 --> 00:05:25.240 Even in the famous example of Christ washing the disciples' feet. 00:05:25.319 --> 00:05:27.720 How many of you guys know of that one? 00:05:27.779 --> 00:05:29.600 Or at least have the idea? 00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:32.040 You think of the idea of washing someone's feet. 00:05:32.900 --> 00:05:35.500 Some people may be grossed out by that very idea. 00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:40.920 Even nowadays, I don't know about you, it would be very difficult for me to wash someone's feet. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:46.620 Not that I can't do it, but kind of a germ kind of thing, as I admit. 00:05:47.160 --> 00:05:50.660 But we have to think, nonetheless, of how Christ had this heart to serve. 00:05:50.660 --> 00:05:54.700 His love and his sacrifice for all of us. 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:59.860 Just as we think of how God so loved the world that he gave his only son. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:04.520 That whosoever believes shall not perish, but have eternal life. 00:06:04.960 --> 00:06:08.480 We are called to belong to Christ and to grow in him. 00:06:08.480 --> 00:06:14.160 And as we grow, we are called to serve others and to lead others to Christ. 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:25.120 To make an impact, a greater impact upon the community, as well as serving the church through humility, through service, and through love. 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:29.500 I want us to pray, and we'll go ahead and we'll keep going. 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:33.819 Father, we thank you just for us gathering today. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:38.879 As we're going over this important truth. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:45.740 That not only are we called to receive salvation, this gift that is available for all. 00:06:46.220 --> 00:06:47.759 But we're also called to grow. 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:54.740 And as we are called to grow, we're called to serve and to be servant leaders, as Christ has shown us. 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:57.660 Bless this time together. 00:06:58.240 --> 00:07:00.680 I pray for everyone who is here this morning. 00:07:01.180 --> 00:07:03.259 And pray for those that are there online. 00:07:03.639 --> 00:07:07.459 And even those who will be watching or listening to this later. 00:07:08.300 --> 00:07:09.959 May God bless you. 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:15.399 And may you grow to understand more of God's word. 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:17.639 May you come to know him. 00:07:18.360 --> 00:07:21.899 And may you be on a spiritual journey of growth and formation. 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:26.339 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray and we all say together, church, amen? 00:07:26.799 --> 00:07:27.079 Amen. 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:30.539 And so last week we talked about how to grow, right? 00:07:30.579 --> 00:07:34.599 How Christ forms us, matures us, and shapes us. 00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:44.800 We have to think for a moment how when we are as children, the idea is that your parents are to show you right from wrong. 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:50.460 To show you not to go certain ways and to do certain things. 00:07:50.459 --> 00:08:00.299 I think of, there's a book, I don't remember the name of the book, but it was this idea that we teach our children to one day become parents themselves. 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:06.000 And I think of that idea of passing the torch and focusing on the next generation. 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:15.379 Focusing on our children to come as well to know Christ and to be, to know that difference between right and wrong. 00:08:15.520 --> 00:08:19.019 And to be able to live in society and all these different things. 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:28.240 And when we think about that, just as we have physical children, well, we become as spiritual infants, right? 00:08:28.299 --> 00:08:30.180 Knowing the ways of the Lord. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:38.659 And as we grow in our understanding, this idea that we lead, we serve, and we teach other people is so important for us. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:45.740 And we have to think, this question that I brought up in the beginning is, what does it mean to lead like Christ? 00:08:46.319 --> 00:08:51.139 Well, many people, they grow spiritually, but they don't act upon their faith. 00:08:52.259 --> 00:08:56.179 And it's a call for us that as we grow, we've got to share and we've got to live it out. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:04.899 And many people, when we think of this idea of serving or even leading, we may have a misunderstanding of what leadership actually is. 00:09:04.899 --> 00:09:13.539 If you think of militaries or corporations, sometimes you don't have the best idea of what a leader is, right? 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:19.899 You think of bosses or politicians and CEOs, they're not always the best of people, right? 00:09:20.439 --> 00:09:21.759 We can understand that. 00:09:22.179 --> 00:09:23.459 That they're human, right? 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:28.120 And we may associate leadership with position or control. 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:31.600 And we can even think of titles, right? 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:34.560 If you think of a big corporation out there, right? 00:09:34.560 --> 00:09:41.100 All the fancy titles, the vice president of cultural development and people, and the list goes on and on, right? 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:44.320 We have all of these different things in the world that we live in. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:53.120 But when we think of the kingdom of God, when we think about serving and the idea of leadership, it's something that is very different. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:56.759 It is about being equipped to serve, right? 00:09:56.759 --> 00:10:01.279 And that service is leading like Christ. 00:10:01.799 --> 00:10:03.019 It's very different, right? 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:13.679 When you think of those in leadership, unfortunately, when I'm mentioning politicians and all these CEOs, very often, you don't always think of service. 00:10:13.799 --> 00:10:14.279 You should. 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:15.899 You certainly should. 00:10:16.299 --> 00:10:17.960 But you don't always think about that. 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:21.919 But when it comes to leading like Christ, it's the idea of service. 00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:31.779 And what matters for us is to be led by Christ so that we can lead others to Christ, but also we can serve others in the same capacity as Christ did. 00:10:32.079 --> 00:10:41.599 And God gives us the resources, the tools, the training, and the equipping so that we can lead in excellence, turning to the Lord. 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:46.179 Now, I want us to let's I have this slide up here. 00:10:46.179 --> 00:10:55.319 Let's turn our Bibles, then it's going to be on page 1006 in your ESVP Bible or your Bible of choice, the Gospel of Mark. 00:10:55.659 --> 00:11:04.439 And I know if you guys have been paying attention, I said we're going to go over Mark chapter 10, verses 42 through 45. 00:11:04.439 --> 00:11:11.659 But we're going to read from 35 to 45 to understand what exactly is going on here, right? 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:12.779 Sometimes it's important. 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:16.980 It's very important to know the context of what is happening here. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:28.559 And so we have in the Gospel of Mark, right, where Jesus is teaching about divorce, where the children coming to him and the rich young man. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:34.419 And we have in, are we all there in Gospel of Mark chapter 10, right? 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:39.720 So we're starting at verse 35, where you have the request of James and John. 00:11:39.819 --> 00:11:40.839 So let's read it together. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:44.180 You can read out loud or or quietly, but we're going to read together. 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:54.420 Nonetheless, it starts off by saying, and James and John, right, the sons of Zebedee came up to him and said, pay attention to this teacher. 00:11:54.420 --> 00:11:57.399 We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. 00:11:59.100 --> 00:11:59.500 What? 00:12:00.820 --> 00:12:01.980 Did I read that right? 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:07.740 They're saying, Jesus, hey, how about you are going to be my genie for a moment here, right? 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:10.139 I want you to do everything I want you to do, right? 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:11.299 That's what's happening here. 00:12:11.960 --> 00:12:13.100 Well, what does Jesus say? 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:16.819 He said to them, well, what do you want me to do for you, right? 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:18.199 It's important. 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.500 Verse 37. 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:25.799 And they said to him, grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:27.159 What are they wanting? 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:30.080 They're wanting positions of power, right? 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.419 Positions of authority, right? 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:36.439 You think of a King Jesus or you think of a monarch, right, to sit on your right and your left hand. 00:12:36.440 --> 00:12:39.280 It's a pretty high authority that you have in there, right? 00:12:40.140 --> 00:12:41.300 Well, what does Jesus say? 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:41.940 Verse 38. 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:43.440 Jesus said to them, what? 00:12:44.020 --> 00:12:46.000 You do not know what you're asking. 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:48.700 That's, we could just stop right there, right? 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:51.800 Jesus is saying, you have no idea what you're asking me to do, right? 00:12:51.799 --> 00:13:00.279 Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:08.939 We can go on and on into all of that, but it's saying, look, there's something more than what you're actually asking here, okay? 00:13:09.559 --> 00:13:10.439 Verse 39. 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:12.700 They said to him, we are able. 00:13:13.380 --> 00:13:14.580 And Jesus said to them, what? 00:13:15.420 --> 00:13:17.600 The cup that I drink, you will drink. 00:13:17.760 --> 00:13:21.380 And with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:29.580 But to sit at my right hand and my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. 00:13:30.640 --> 00:13:31.980 Well, that's pretty powerful, right? 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:34.980 So it goes on in there. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.680 Verse 41. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:42.899 And when the 10 had heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John, right? 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:46.479 There's some humor in the Bible, isn't there, right? 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:51.219 And in verse 42, and this is where we kind of focus in on, right? 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:52.279 So what's happening here? 00:13:52.779 --> 00:13:55.399 We see that the disciples are wanting power. 00:13:56.019 --> 00:14:00.740 And it's talking about, are you able to drink of the cup and to be baptized, which I have? 00:14:00.859 --> 00:14:01.179 Yes. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.159 The answer is yes. 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:10.339 But to sit at the right and the left hand of Christ, that's not for you to decide, essentially, right? 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:12.379 And so, verse 42. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:14.899 This is the important part. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:23.379 And Jesus called them to him and said to him, you know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles, what do they do? 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:26.139 They lorded over them, right? 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:30.460 And their great ones exercise authority over them. 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:32.519 So he's dealing with power. 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:33.659 We'll go into that, right? 00:14:34.039 --> 00:14:34.860 Verse 43. 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:38.519 But it shall not be so among you, right? 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:43.419 But whoever would be great among you must be your what, church? 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:45.019 Servant, right? 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:50.840 So immediately here, Jesus is addressing this idea of authority and power, right? 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:53.019 I mean, let's be honest here. 00:14:53.080 --> 00:14:56.200 The world that we live in, we want to have nice fancy titles, right? 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.379 We want to be at the top. 00:14:58.200 --> 00:15:00.519 Or at least a lot of us do at one point or another. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.379 Maybe someone's like, no, Pastor, I don't know. 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:03.519 I don't want to be at the top. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:05.180 But you think about that. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:09.620 There's a lot of people who have the desire to have power, status, authority, right? 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:10.780 All these different things. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:14.120 And Jesus is putting it on its head. 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:16.139 It shall not be so among you. 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:19.820 Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:21.120 So it's this idea. 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:24.240 If you want to lead, you have got to serve. 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:25.660 That's important. 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:26.960 Verse 44. 00:15:27.640 --> 00:15:32.040 And whoever would be first among you must be a slave of all. 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:36.000 It's still this idea of service to other people. 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:38.360 Verse 45. 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.560 Can we read this together? 00:15:40.440 --> 00:15:48.260 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:50.259 Isn't that interesting? 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:58.379 That even Christ is giving the example saying, look, I'm going to serve humanity by being that ransom for many. 00:15:58.939 --> 00:16:03.019 I'm going to give my life in service to people. 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:07.720 And in turn, that's how Christ is the greatest. 00:16:07.819 --> 00:16:08.500 Isn't that interesting? 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:12.679 It's very different than, you know, climbing the corporate ladder. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:17.740 It's very different than using force or fighting to get to the top, right? 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:21.139 There's a lot of things in the world that we live in where it's that way as well. 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:32.319 And so, when we go in this, these verses explain why leadership is so different in the eyes of God rather than what the world says, right? 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:36.080 The disciples wanted power, but they misunderstood leadership. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:39.340 They viewed leadership as what the world is. 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:47.200 And to me, that's very interesting because it's the same just as it was back then, as it is now, right? 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:49.040 Very similar, right? 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:52.139 When we find patterns like that, it's very important for us. 00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:56.120 Christ explains then what leadership is. 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:59.580 It is something that is greater than worldly power. 00:17:00.160 --> 00:17:02.519 It is focusing on service. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:06.619 And Christ is saying, look, the Son of Man, look at what I'm doing. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.680 I'm going to serve you. 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:12.519 And so, we go through verse 42, right? 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:16.379 Those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, right? 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:21.940 Well, this idea of lording is, right, authority is used as control. 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:25.440 How many of you guys ever played King of the Mountain before? 00:17:26.379 --> 00:17:27.500 Or King of the Castle? 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:29.420 My daughters, they play King of the Castle. 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:32.420 I don't know why, but they do, right? 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:37.079 And it's always, this is my castle and you got to get out of here, right? 00:17:37.220 --> 00:17:39.079 I am ruling the castle, right? 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:42.639 And you think as adults, you would think that would only be with children. 00:17:42.639 --> 00:17:44.639 But sometimes adults are like that too, right? 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:45.759 Let's be honest here, right? 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:51.759 We think about this that with children and even with adults, it's, you know, this is mine. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:53.839 I'm going to rule and I'm going to reign. 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:57.480 And, you know, it's all this kind of me, me, me kind of language that happens, right? 00:17:57.900 --> 00:18:01.400 And the power then is by having that status or the title. 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:03.700 That's where the power is flowing from. 00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:05.480 We think about bosses. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:10.759 We can even think about people who are in control in the world around us. 00:18:11.080 --> 00:18:17.140 But again, it's important for us to know, is every ruler on earth a good person? 00:18:17.560 --> 00:18:17.820 No. 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:18.240 No. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:18.680 Okay. 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:20.400 That's a very quick answer, right? 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:20.660 Okay. 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:22.660 I just wanted to make sure we understood that, right? 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:29.060 In fact, more often than not, there's a bunch of, well, not so good people, right? 00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:32.420 You hear about all the scandals and all the things that are going on in the news. 00:18:32.560 --> 00:18:35.400 And yeah, I don't want to go further into that. 00:18:35.560 --> 00:18:38.880 So Jesus at this point is acknowledging the model, right? 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:42.160 He's recognizing that this is how the world is, right? 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:46.019 It's about who has control or power and I'm going to force my power over you. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.539 But it's not so, right? 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:53.839 Jesus is honest about how the world leads, but yet he is clear that regarding him and 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:56.680 his people, they are fundamentally different. 00:18:57.079 --> 00:19:02.139 For in the same way that Christ is providing a better way for our individual lives, right? 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:04.240 Providing a better way for the body of Christ. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:08.420 He provides a better way when it comes to serving others first. 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:16.220 Not force, not titles, not positions, but rather the idea of service, right? 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:19.900 The second thing is, so the first thing I put, right? 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:22.140 The world defines leadership through power, right? 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:24.420 The second thing is Jesus changes the what? 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:27.380 The definition of leadership, right? 00:19:27.800 --> 00:19:31.960 In verse 43 through 44, but it shall not be so among you, right? 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:39.380 We observe that in this sense, to serve one another is to have more of a relationship, right? 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:44.539 When we think of Christ having a relationship with each and every one of us, and so too how 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:49.620 we become brothers and sisters in Christ, how we are to encourage one another, how we are 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:53.500 to build up one another, it's this idea of service. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:56.120 And that's very interesting, right? 00:19:56.119 --> 00:20:02.119 That in the kingdom of God, leadership is given through your ability to serve. 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:07.679 We think about that, how important it is for us not only to serve in the local church, but 00:20:07.679 --> 00:20:11.579 also when it comes to the community or those in need, right? 00:20:11.739 --> 00:20:15.699 You think of the parable of the Good Samaritan, right? 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:17.039 You guys remember that? 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:22.419 The guy is left for dead on the side of the road, and you have these religious people who 00:20:22.419 --> 00:20:24.419 walk by and they don't have a care in the world. 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:29.900 But the Samaritan, the guy who is the least likely to help someone out, is the one who 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:30.539 helps out. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:33.440 And then Christ says, go and be like the Samaritan. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:35.039 Could you imagine being taught that? 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:39.180 That, oh, none of you guys are like that, but you need to be like this one. 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:41.120 You need to serve others, right? 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.880 To be there for people, right? 00:20:43.120 --> 00:20:48.539 The third thing then is Jesus models leadership through sacrifice, right? 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:55.920 And we find in verse 45, for the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:57.819 give his life as a ransom for many. 00:20:58.639 --> 00:21:00.980 So Jesus does not exempt himself. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.700 Isn't that interesting, right? 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:04.319 He is showing the example. 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:08.680 Follow in Christ's footsteps and look at what he's doing. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:11.839 The same thing, to come and to serve. 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:18.619 And so we think of even the life, the ministry of Jesus, the cross, right? 00:21:18.659 --> 00:21:20.299 The death, the burial, and the resurrection. 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:27.579 It is a leadership model where Christ is sacrificing himself because of the love that he has for 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:27.919 others. 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:35.359 And so it's important for us to know that Jesus is not only teaching leadership, go be like 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:35.639 this. 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:38.400 He is showing it how to do so. 00:21:38.800 --> 00:21:44.300 And that's very important for us to know that Jesus is redefining leadership in that point. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:49.320 And so when we're reading that, what does all of this mean? 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:51.420 What are the lessons then that we can learn? 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:57.020 We've seen through the text that you have these disciples that are wanting power and they're 00:21:57.020 --> 00:22:02.080 wanting to be on the right and left side of Christ. 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:03.820 And he's saying that that's not so. 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:06.480 For leadership is very different, right? 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:08.000 So what are the lessons then, right? 00:22:08.159 --> 00:22:11.759 The first thing then is leadership what to people? 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:15.639 It influences people to change and not force. 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:17.200 And this is something that's very important. 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:23.119 You find in Philippians where it's talking about that Christ is emptying himself for on, 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:23.319 right? 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:26.139 Taking on the form of a servant, right? 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:34.380 You find throughout scripture this idea where Christ coming down in humble beginnings, right? 00:22:35.020 --> 00:22:38.320 To become a person in flesh, right? 00:22:38.360 --> 00:22:39.759 The word made flesh. 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:45.660 That is a lowly position, as it were, to be a human like us. 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.980 You think about that. 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:50.300 And that Christ chooses to submit to the Father. 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:57.559 And in the same way, just as Christ even submits to the Father, we're to submit to what the 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:59.200 Lord has for us, right? 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:07.039 And so when we're thinking about this, this idea of influence and not force, I think is 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:14.319 something that's very important because very often you hear about, can we force people 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:16.200 to believe in Christ? 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:18.420 Well, the answer is no, okay? 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:22.960 It's very important that we understand the difference between building a relationship 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:26.319 and influencing someone rather than forcing someone. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:32.720 And it's very unfortunate when sometimes people, I understand at times we can get so excited 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:38.019 to share the gospel message, but we should never do it by forcing it upon people. 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:43.160 Because you think about it, does God force us to choose him? 00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:51.279 It's important for us that every single one of us has a choice and it's what we do in response 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:55.019 to Christ's salvation for us, right? 00:23:55.560 --> 00:24:00.680 And in the same way, if the Lord doesn't force us to make a decision, what in the world are 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.940 we forcing people? 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:10.220 We influence, we motivate, we encourage, we even at times through us inspire people. 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:15.880 We don't force people to change, but we influence people by showing them the better way. 00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:22.400 And that's so important for us to know because you think Christ leads by invitation, inviting 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:24.839 all of us to the wedding feast, right? 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:30.779 And even by showing the example rather than by force or coercion. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:38.579 And so when we think of leadership then, again, it's about service and through service comes influence. 00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:40.299 Does that make sense? 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:46.879 You know, when I got married, it wasn't a forced marriage. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:49.240 And I hope none of you had a forced marriage, right? 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:55.519 It's very important that you are choosing to get married, right? 00:24:55.659 --> 00:24:59.740 Choosing into that relationship, choosing in that marriage covenant, as it were. 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:07.440 And that's so important that you think of marriage, you think of any sort of relationship that there's 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:10.960 so much choice rather than force and control. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:14.960 The second thing then, we read this together. 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:20.220 All believers are called to servant leadership, right? 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.819 That's very important, right? 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:25.220 We're all invited to believe in Christ. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:29.620 We're all invited to grow, to be transformed, right? 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:34.559 To have our minds and our hearts changed and through that to act upon our faith. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:43.019 It's just like how it's mentioned in quite a few verses where we are called into a royal priesthood in Christ, 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:45.680 which is a higher calling, right? 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:49.120 Or how the language talks about putting on the new self, right? 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:51.400 Putting on new clothing, right? 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:57.540 There's so many different language, there's so many different references that happen within Scripture. 00:25:58.240 --> 00:26:00.720 We're equipped to serve in ministry, right? 00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:05.120 It's not we're just equipped just for the sake of, you know, for no reason or whatnot. 00:26:05.940 --> 00:26:11.200 When you're trained in, you know, whether it's vocational training or education, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:14.500 hopefully you use that training for what you're going to do. 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:20.860 It wouldn't really make sense for you to get training in something and do it for nothing, right? 00:26:20.859 --> 00:26:22.139 Well, you think about that. 00:26:22.859 --> 00:26:26.859 When we're being equipped, when we're being trained, the ability to discern, 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:31.639 to seek the higher things, to build upon the foundation that exists in Christ, 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:36.399 it's so important for us to live it out and to act accordingly, 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:40.759 to live as changed people, right? 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:48.099 We are all called to serve in ministry, the whole body, not just a select few. 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:51.459 Now, how we serve is different. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:54.719 We all have different spiritual gifts. 00:26:55.299 --> 00:27:01.419 We all have different talents, different abilities, different capacities in which we can serve the church 00:27:01.419 --> 00:27:03.879 as well as how we can serve the community. 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:05.619 Very important. 00:27:06.699 --> 00:27:12.639 We are all, just as we are called individually, we are called as a group to do good in the name of Christ. 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:17.700 And so we think about this call to serve Christ, leading others, 00:27:17.780 --> 00:27:23.620 because so many times you think about the culture in which we live in, 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:27.480 about our testimony, about how we interact with people. 00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:32.880 Just as that song says, they'll know we are Christians by our love. 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:40.320 I wouldn't want people to know we are Christians by our anger and hatred and aggression and division in the world, 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:46.080 but rather for people to know who we are because we are set apart, 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:49.940 because there is something that God is doing in each and every one of us 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:53.680 by changing and transforming us to become more like him. 00:27:54.820 --> 00:27:57.560 How many of you, before you were a Christian, 00:27:58.020 --> 00:28:01.900 knew someone who was Christian and you knew something was different about them? 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:04.700 I have some very distinct memories of that. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:09.259 When it's like, I can't put my finger on it. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.540 There's something about you, right? 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:19.160 You have all these different, it's kind of like you think of the light that is shining, right? 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:24.200 I'm going to let my light shine, not hiding it under a bushel, right? 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:30.040 It's as though that light is shining in a spiritual sense and it's drawing people near towards the light. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:32.220 It's very important for us. 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:37.700 And so servant leadership, then it flows through service and responsibility. 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:45.659 And we think of this idea of responsibility as our ability to respond to what God has in store for us. 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:49.659 And so we are all called to lead like Christ. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:54.099 The third thing then is that leadership is personal and communal. 00:28:54.099 --> 00:29:00.359 What's important about that is that Jesus is washing in community, right? 00:29:01.219 --> 00:29:02.159 Serving others. 00:29:02.379 --> 00:29:08.819 And we think how important it is that leadership happens through presence with others and not away from it. 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:19.079 So as God is working in you and developing you, you serve people individually as well as within the body of Christ, within the community. 00:29:19.659 --> 00:29:24.220 And so it grows best within the body of Christ, not apart from it. 00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:31.019 It's so important for us when we think of growth and development and leadership and even when we receive salvation, 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:38.639 for us to come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, for us to be a part of the local body, to be a part of the church. 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:44.879 Because how easy is it for us to get distracted by things? 00:29:45.799 --> 00:29:49.259 How easy is it for us to not want to get up in the morning? 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:51.220 Let's all admit here, right? 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:57.700 Sometimes we're like, I could just use another 30 minutes and then that 30 minutes turns into 45 and you're running late. 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:59.580 I get it. 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:09.660 It gets very easy to fall into those kind of things, but it's still important to the life givingness, the encouragement, the inspiration, 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:13.340 and even at times correction can be good. 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:20.420 Sometimes when we're doing the wrong thing, we need to be shown the truth in love, the right thing. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:26.519 You know, many years ago I got rebuked and I did not like it. 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:28.900 But it did a lot of good for me. 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:34.700 Sometimes we can remember when we have been corrected or rebuked and that's okay. 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:41.859 There's so much change that happens with us to become more like Christ. 00:30:43.359 --> 00:30:49.539 And to think, to be separated from that, you become vulnerable. 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:53.500 You become susceptible to attack, as it were. 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:59.079 And so it's very important for us, even if someone is sick or missing, that's why we pray for them. 00:30:59.160 --> 00:31:00.900 That's why we keep in contact with them. 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:08.200 Because what happens in a church is very different than really anywhere in the world, any place in the world. 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:11.079 You think you're going to find that in a bar? 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:13.079 Or in a club? 00:31:13.899 --> 00:31:14.839 The answer's no. 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.000 Right? 00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:20.699 And so, leadership then is spiritual formation, right? 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:24.039 God is continuing to mold you as you serve others. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:32.200 Very often when you are ministering, when you're caring for someone, you'd be surprised the lessons you learn. 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:37.139 You'd be surprised how God will speak to you through someone as you're serving them. 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:39.440 It may be teaching you patience. 00:31:39.579 --> 00:31:43.940 It may be teaching you how to love someone through sickness. 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:48.799 It may be, there's all different kinds of scenarios and situations that you can think about. 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:52.799 All of this is important when we think of this. 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:58.420 Let's go to our application then, which is, so what do we do about this? 00:31:58.519 --> 00:32:00.200 How do we live this out? 00:32:00.840 --> 00:32:01.720 All right, pastor. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:05.860 You mentioned that the disciples wanted power and Jesus corrected them. 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:08.400 And there's these lessons that we're all called to lead. 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:10.140 So what does that look like then? 00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:13.120 Well, the first thing is to lead by what? 00:32:13.119 --> 00:32:15.659 I made it short and sweet for you guys, right? 00:32:15.699 --> 00:32:16.619 Only a couple words here. 00:32:16.699 --> 00:32:18.419 Lead by serving others, right? 00:32:18.919 --> 00:32:24.179 It begins by showing up and offering help to those in need, right? 00:32:24.399 --> 00:32:27.659 We think about this church. 00:32:28.699 --> 00:32:31.379 The Lord's doing an amazing thing in this place. 00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:37.059 To think that when Amber and I are doing these steam nights, 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:44.319 to know that 40 to 50 people show up every single time and it's continuing to grow, 00:32:45.440 --> 00:32:51.799 that we tell people, if you don't know the Lord, you should come to believe in the Lord. 00:32:51.919 --> 00:32:52.919 We will pray with them. 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:57.319 We will say, hey, if you don't have a church home, come and join us. 00:32:57.319 --> 00:33:01.639 And it's a good way to establish relationships over food, 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:07.299 as well as fun for the kiddos, a safe place and environment for people within the community. 00:33:07.579 --> 00:33:14.319 I can tell you from my own experience that meeting people who either don't know the Lord 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:18.740 or might have grown up a little bit and then just stopped going. 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:23.559 And that's important because every single person needs to know the Lord 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:28.120 and to be in a place where they are safe, where they know that they are safe. 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:34.019 Safe to ask questions, just like how we're going to have that Q&A. 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:37.160 I'm dreading those questions, but you know what? 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:37.720 We're going to answer. 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:39.519 I'm going to answer those questions, Lord willing. 00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:45.140 And if I don't know, then Lord, give me the wisdom and the insight to be able to answer the questions. 00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:49.080 But the thing is, it's okay to have questions. 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:52.400 It's okay to not know the answer to everything. 00:33:52.860 --> 00:33:59.820 The most important things is knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:34:00.300 --> 00:34:01.800 His death, burial, and resurrection. 00:34:03.080 --> 00:34:04.860 That's the most important piece. 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:10.240 Who the Nephilim are, people debate about that all the time. 00:34:11.200 --> 00:34:12.559 Are they giants? 00:34:13.119 --> 00:34:14.500 Are they, is it a tribe? 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:17.559 Some people scratch their head, the Nephilim who? 00:34:18.279 --> 00:34:18.559 Right? 00:34:19.139 --> 00:34:24.219 We think about this and that it's okay to have those kind of questions and even debate upon it. 00:34:25.859 --> 00:34:28.299 To be in a safe place, right? 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.259 Serving others. 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:34.379 As the Lord is doing a wonderful thing in this church, 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:38.619 it is important for us as the church, as this congregation, 00:34:38.619 --> 00:34:46.359 for us to think of how can we serve in the church and to be active and to help and contribute. 00:34:46.359 --> 00:34:52.119 And look, with all the things that are starting now, we have our Sunday school that's happening. 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:55.099 We have Bible studies that are happening. 00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:58.719 Even this youth event. 00:34:58.779 --> 00:35:02.440 Once a month, we're going to have a youth event for teenagers. 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:07.699 You know how quickly word spreads among young people? 00:35:07.699 --> 00:35:09.339 It's different when you're a child. 00:35:09.339 --> 00:35:12.939 You can't really spread the word. 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:14.460 I mean, I guess you kind of can, right? 00:35:15.619 --> 00:35:21.279 But it's so important for us to share the love of Christ and for us to help each other as we are growing this church. 00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:25.160 God is doing a wonderful and remarkable thing in this place. 00:35:25.680 --> 00:35:32.740 And when I think of how this congregation, this church body has been faithful to God and his word, 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:36.640 and how God is doing a new thing in this new season, 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:43.180 what a remarkable thing for each and every one of us to know and to ask how we can serve. 00:35:44.260 --> 00:35:50.340 It may just be, you know, maybe talking to Nora a little bit about singing and helping with the worship team. 00:35:50.340 --> 00:35:55.760 It may be talking to Tim or Aaron or Jose back there about the sound system. 00:35:56.280 --> 00:35:58.019 It may be helping as a greeter. 00:35:58.680 --> 00:36:00.160 It may be helping with social media. 00:36:00.240 --> 00:36:03.880 I know I've been lacking on that, but it may be all these different things here. 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:08.880 And then also how we can serve our community is another thing that's important. 00:36:09.860 --> 00:36:12.780 There are so many ways in which we can serve. 00:36:13.240 --> 00:36:20.000 Let us remember that Christ showed us leadership defined as through service. 00:36:20.340 --> 00:36:22.300 Very important for us. 00:36:22.840 --> 00:36:27.900 So serving, serving others without the need to control. 00:36:29.160 --> 00:36:32.079 I know for a lot of us, you may be a type A personality. 00:36:32.200 --> 00:36:32.840 I know I am. 00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:38.019 But you still serve because that's what God calls for you to do. 00:36:38.840 --> 00:36:40.900 Let the Lord work through you. 00:36:40.900 --> 00:36:45.320 You'd be amazed the outcome or how things will happen. 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:48.340 Be amazed by that. 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:53.160 Having a heart for God and people and a willingness to go where God leads. 00:36:54.460 --> 00:36:55.820 It's just like that prayer. 00:36:56.840 --> 00:36:57.920 Speak to me, Lord. 00:36:58.539 --> 00:37:00.340 How will you have me serve? 00:37:01.280 --> 00:37:02.840 What do you want me to do? 00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:03.960 Do you want me to do anything? 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:07.860 Or how can I encourage someone and help build up the body? 00:37:09.139 --> 00:37:13.599 Ask yourself the question then, where is God inviting me to serve? 00:37:13.980 --> 00:37:15.679 Is he inviting you to serve? 00:37:16.820 --> 00:37:18.840 The second thing is three words, church. 00:37:20.260 --> 00:37:21.800 Lead by example, right? 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:22.960 Important. 00:37:24.539 --> 00:37:28.619 In Zechariah, many of you know the Zechariah 4, 6 verse, right? 00:37:28.619 --> 00:37:32.940 Not by power, not by might, but by the Spirit. 00:37:33.019 --> 00:37:34.579 It's a very quoted verse, right? 00:37:35.559 --> 00:37:36.940 Where it's talking about the temple. 00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:40.880 How it will be built by the working of the Holy Spirit, right? 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:43.380 When you're talking about the second temple being built. 00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:48.880 And how the Holy Spirit was working in the heart of pagan kings 00:37:48.880 --> 00:37:52.759 to have the people of God return from exile. 00:37:53.699 --> 00:37:55.279 You find that in Ezra. 00:37:55.380 --> 00:37:56.339 You find that in Nehemiah. 00:37:56.559 --> 00:37:58.139 Wonderful stories if you haven't read them. 00:37:58.619 --> 00:37:59.719 I encourage you to. 00:38:00.239 --> 00:38:02.759 But in all of this, in the same way, 00:38:03.539 --> 00:38:05.319 the working of the Holy Spirit. 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:08.400 Let the Holy Spirit work through you, right? 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:10.039 And leading by example, 00:38:10.599 --> 00:38:14.380 when I say you'd be amazed at how God will work through you, 00:38:15.159 --> 00:38:18.319 oftentimes, as you are serving someone, 00:38:18.579 --> 00:38:20.400 the Holy Spirit will speak through you. 00:38:21.279 --> 00:38:23.339 Sometimes it's through the words that you're speaking. 00:38:23.759 --> 00:38:26.119 Other times, it's through the actions that you're doing. 00:38:26.119 --> 00:38:28.900 It's kind of like the famous, 00:38:29.179 --> 00:38:31.619 I saw Christ through that person. 00:38:33.339 --> 00:38:35.239 I saw the Lord work, 00:38:36.119 --> 00:38:37.799 speak to me through this person. 00:38:37.859 --> 00:38:39.339 And I had no idea who they were, right? 00:38:39.339 --> 00:38:40.500 How many of you had that happen? 00:38:41.179 --> 00:38:43.279 It's the one person you've never seen before. 00:38:44.559 --> 00:38:47.039 You know, you go to Walmart the same time of day. 00:38:47.159 --> 00:38:49.239 You go to Albertsons the same time of day, right? 00:38:49.239 --> 00:38:52.459 And you finally talk to one person who you just see once, 00:38:52.539 --> 00:38:53.699 and they disappear, and you're like, 00:38:54.139 --> 00:38:55.659 all right, God, 00:38:55.759 --> 00:38:57.899 you were doing something there, 00:38:57.979 --> 00:38:59.959 and I need to pay attention to that, right? 00:38:59.979 --> 00:39:02.059 We need to pay attention to those kind of moments. 00:39:03.379 --> 00:39:05.639 And it's also, when we're leading by example, 00:39:05.759 --> 00:39:08.699 it's having our words and our actions in alignment, right? 00:39:09.039 --> 00:39:12.399 To not be double-minded, as Scripture talks about, right? 00:39:12.399 --> 00:39:13.919 To not be a hypocrite. 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:18.320 And certainly, we are all imperfect. 00:39:18.500 --> 00:39:20.420 At times, we may, you know, 00:39:20.500 --> 00:39:22.059 we have our moments, 00:39:22.059 --> 00:39:24.240 but it's important to have that intentionality 00:39:24.240 --> 00:39:26.300 and focus, that dedication, 00:39:26.680 --> 00:39:27.800 your words and your actions 00:39:27.800 --> 00:39:29.880 to be in alignment with each other. 00:39:30.460 --> 00:39:31.760 Very important for us. 00:39:31.900 --> 00:39:33.880 And so, when we are, 00:39:34.720 --> 00:39:35.820 Christ was leading, 00:39:35.960 --> 00:39:37.740 he was showing a better way, right? 00:39:37.780 --> 00:39:40.619 Not by force or by might, 00:39:40.619 --> 00:39:43.280 but showing us by example in the same way. 00:39:43.280 --> 00:39:45.060 We lead by example, 00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:46.940 not by force, 00:39:47.540 --> 00:39:50.019 but let the Spirit work through you. 00:39:50.660 --> 00:39:52.960 You'd be amazed at how people will follow, 00:39:54.040 --> 00:39:56.680 will come to the Lord by knowing who you are 00:39:56.680 --> 00:39:58.540 and how you live your life. 00:39:59.240 --> 00:40:00.360 You'd be amazed by that. 00:40:02.120 --> 00:40:03.640 And ask yourself the question, 00:40:04.540 --> 00:40:07.620 is my life pointing people to Christ? 00:40:08.100 --> 00:40:09.620 You don't have to answer that right now, 00:40:10.160 --> 00:40:11.320 but reflect on that. 00:40:11.320 --> 00:40:13.280 What is the life that you're living? 00:40:13.380 --> 00:40:14.700 Is it pointing people to Christ 00:40:14.700 --> 00:40:16.039 or is it pointing people away? 00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:17.080 In other words, 00:40:17.160 --> 00:40:19.100 is it pointing people to the truth 00:40:19.100 --> 00:40:20.660 or is it pointing people to lies? 00:40:20.740 --> 00:40:24.260 Is it pointing people to light or darkness? 00:40:25.100 --> 00:40:26.700 Only you can answer that question. 00:40:27.700 --> 00:40:28.940 And the third thing then 00:40:28.940 --> 00:40:31.180 is lead by bearing fruit, right? 00:40:32.039 --> 00:40:33.500 We've talked so much about fruit 00:40:33.500 --> 00:40:34.840 in this sermon series. 00:40:34.940 --> 00:40:35.500 That's okay. 00:40:35.500 --> 00:40:38.260 It goes to show how important it is, right? 00:40:38.579 --> 00:40:40.639 And I keep mentioning Ephesians, 00:40:41.079 --> 00:40:42.519 many of you guys know it, 00:40:42.579 --> 00:40:43.800 Ephesians chapter 2, 00:40:43.880 --> 00:40:45.460 verses 8 through 9, right? 00:40:46.440 --> 00:40:49.519 That we are saved by grace, right? 00:40:49.559 --> 00:40:51.380 Not by works. 00:40:51.880 --> 00:40:53.400 So that no one can boast, right? 00:40:53.420 --> 00:40:54.139 When you think about that, 00:40:54.199 --> 00:40:55.059 I'm better than you. 00:40:55.199 --> 00:40:56.420 Look at what I've done, right? 00:40:57.780 --> 00:40:58.539 Keep going. 00:40:59.400 --> 00:41:00.340 Keep going. 00:41:01.139 --> 00:41:02.860 How we were made, 00:41:03.380 --> 00:41:06.219 we were created for good works. 00:41:07.380 --> 00:41:08.639 How tragic is it 00:41:08.639 --> 00:41:10.920 to just kind of stop at verse 9 there, right? 00:41:11.679 --> 00:41:12.960 For by grace you've been saved, 00:41:13.000 --> 00:41:14.579 not by works so no one can boast. 00:41:15.460 --> 00:41:16.099 Case closed. 00:41:16.279 --> 00:41:16.579 Uh-uh. 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:17.820 You keep going. 00:41:18.139 --> 00:41:20.539 That we have been created by God, right? 00:41:20.800 --> 00:41:23.079 Saved by grace so that we can do good 00:41:23.079 --> 00:41:24.659 in the name of Christ. 00:41:25.179 --> 00:41:26.880 So that we can live out our faith. 00:41:26.880 --> 00:41:29.840 And also about how in John 15, 8, 00:41:30.599 --> 00:41:32.980 that fruit glorifies the Lord. 00:41:33.860 --> 00:41:36.200 We can think about how all of this is connected, right? 00:41:36.240 --> 00:41:37.760 We have faith as the foundation. 00:41:38.280 --> 00:41:40.200 We live with confidence in God 00:41:40.200 --> 00:41:41.260 and we serve others. 00:41:41.740 --> 00:41:43.820 And let the Holy Spirit work in and through us. 00:41:44.420 --> 00:41:46.059 Let us continue to bear fruit. 00:41:46.619 --> 00:41:49.420 Let us continue to do good in the name of Christ. 00:41:49.539 --> 00:41:52.180 We lead so that we can live in love like Christ. 00:41:52.660 --> 00:41:55.200 We serve so that others can grow. 00:41:55.199 --> 00:41:56.199 Right? 00:41:56.319 --> 00:41:58.000 So that they can know the Lord, 00:41:58.119 --> 00:41:59.419 so that they can grow and develop, 00:41:59.559 --> 00:42:00.579 and they too can lead. 00:42:01.419 --> 00:42:02.919 Just think about the disciples. 00:42:04.000 --> 00:42:05.619 How the Lord called. 00:42:06.119 --> 00:42:07.319 Were the disciples perfect 00:42:07.319 --> 00:42:08.859 in any stretch of the imagination? 00:42:10.219 --> 00:42:11.960 And you have a tax collector, right? 00:42:13.199 --> 00:42:14.980 You have a teacher. 00:42:16.299 --> 00:42:17.159 You have all these people 00:42:17.159 --> 00:42:19.480 that are incredibly imperfect. 00:42:19.480 --> 00:42:22.480 Peter denying the Lord three times. 00:42:23.820 --> 00:42:25.099 Let's not forget that, right? 00:42:25.539 --> 00:42:26.800 They were imperfect people, 00:42:26.960 --> 00:42:29.400 but yet God used them for extraordinary purpose. 00:42:30.840 --> 00:42:32.740 When we read the gospel stories, 00:42:32.820 --> 00:42:33.619 when we read about 00:42:33.619 --> 00:42:36.019 just all the things that go on, 00:42:36.119 --> 00:42:37.539 the imperfection of people, 00:42:37.639 --> 00:42:39.260 but yet how God still works through them. 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:40.840 Right? 00:42:40.880 --> 00:42:41.619 We're all imperfect. 00:42:42.559 --> 00:42:44.139 Nobody should raise their hand if I ask. 00:42:44.219 --> 00:42:45.440 Is anyone perfect here, right? 00:42:45.440 --> 00:42:47.740 But we're a work in progress. 00:42:48.280 --> 00:42:50.460 God continues to work in our lives 00:42:50.460 --> 00:42:51.480 every single day. 00:42:52.720 --> 00:42:53.139 And so, 00:42:53.920 --> 00:42:55.740 I want to go to this next slide here. 00:42:56.480 --> 00:42:58.240 And it's this closing question. 00:42:58.380 --> 00:43:00.139 What if Christ is calling you 00:43:00.139 --> 00:43:02.619 into greater works in his name? 00:43:03.940 --> 00:43:05.659 There's a very interesting verse 00:43:05.659 --> 00:43:06.740 in the Gospel of John, 00:43:07.059 --> 00:43:08.740 chapter 14, verse 12. 00:43:08.739 --> 00:43:11.239 And the verse is talking about 00:43:11.239 --> 00:43:15.019 how you will do greater works. 00:43:15.739 --> 00:43:16.059 You know what? 00:43:16.059 --> 00:43:16.739 I'm going to turn there. 00:43:17.139 --> 00:43:18.179 If you guys want to turn there, 00:43:18.239 --> 00:43:18.859 you're welcome to. 00:43:18.919 --> 00:43:19.579 You don't have to. 00:43:23.339 --> 00:43:24.579 It's the Gospel of John. 00:43:27.659 --> 00:43:28.779 It's very interesting. 00:43:33.399 --> 00:43:34.500 Right after where, 00:43:35.279 --> 00:43:37.599 when Christ is talking about 00:43:37.599 --> 00:43:38.380 how he is the way, 00:43:38.460 --> 00:43:38.779 the truth, 00:43:38.819 --> 00:43:39.299 and the life. 00:43:40.900 --> 00:43:41.739 In verse 11, 00:43:41.839 --> 00:43:42.259 it says, 00:43:42.420 --> 00:43:43.099 Believe me 00:43:43.099 --> 00:43:44.759 that I am in the Father 00:43:44.759 --> 00:43:45.900 and the Father is in me, 00:43:46.000 --> 00:43:47.880 or else believe on the account 00:43:47.880 --> 00:43:49.079 of the works themselves. 00:43:49.659 --> 00:43:50.360 He goes on, 00:43:50.420 --> 00:43:51.259 Christ is saying, 00:43:51.400 --> 00:43:52.679 Truly I say to you, 00:43:53.000 --> 00:43:54.380 whoever believes in me, 00:43:54.500 --> 00:43:54.719 right? 00:43:55.440 --> 00:43:56.179 You've got to have belief, 00:43:56.759 --> 00:43:58.019 will also do the works 00:43:58.019 --> 00:43:58.900 that I do, right? 00:43:59.619 --> 00:44:00.339 Living it out. 00:44:00.839 --> 00:44:01.519 Word and deed. 00:44:02.519 --> 00:44:03.739 And then it goes on. 00:44:04.559 --> 00:44:06.219 And greater works than these 00:44:06.219 --> 00:44:06.980 will he do. 00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:08.940 Because I am going to the Father. 00:44:09.319 --> 00:44:10.980 It is a very challenging verse. 00:44:11.059 --> 00:44:12.299 It's such a short one in there. 00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:13.639 What do you mean, 00:44:13.739 --> 00:44:14.039 Christ, 00:44:14.099 --> 00:44:15.119 we're going to do greater works? 00:44:15.860 --> 00:44:16.139 What? 00:44:17.360 --> 00:44:18.279 You're the Christ. 00:44:18.880 --> 00:44:20.139 You're the Son of the living God. 00:44:20.179 --> 00:44:21.000 How could we possibly 00:44:21.000 --> 00:44:21.860 do greater things? 00:44:22.619 --> 00:44:23.500 Whenever I've read that, 00:44:23.559 --> 00:44:24.460 I used to struggle 00:44:24.460 --> 00:44:25.719 with this verse so much, 00:44:25.839 --> 00:44:26.099 thinking, 00:44:26.219 --> 00:44:27.619 how in the world 00:44:27.619 --> 00:44:29.059 could we possibly 00:44:29.059 --> 00:44:29.819 do anything greater? 00:44:29.820 --> 00:44:32.140 But when we think about this, 00:44:32.660 --> 00:44:33.420 we continue 00:44:33.420 --> 00:44:35.180 the Great Commission, 00:44:35.519 --> 00:44:35.740 right? 00:44:35.820 --> 00:44:37.640 To spread the gospel 00:44:37.640 --> 00:44:38.260 to others. 00:44:38.720 --> 00:44:39.660 We continue 00:44:39.660 --> 00:44:40.760 in the Great Commandment 00:44:40.760 --> 00:44:41.539 to love God 00:44:41.539 --> 00:44:42.640 and to love people. 00:44:44.420 --> 00:44:45.280 Through us, 00:44:45.400 --> 00:44:46.039 through the working 00:44:46.039 --> 00:44:46.980 of the Holy Spirit, 00:44:47.080 --> 00:44:48.059 we change culture 00:44:48.059 --> 00:44:48.680 and community 00:44:48.680 --> 00:44:49.640 by serving God 00:44:49.640 --> 00:44:50.500 and serving others. 00:44:51.080 --> 00:44:52.059 And in turn, 00:44:52.600 --> 00:44:54.080 we will do greater works 00:44:54.080 --> 00:44:55.460 in the name of Christ. 00:44:55.460 --> 00:44:55.579 Christ. 00:44:56.760 --> 00:44:57.440 It's something 00:44:57.440 --> 00:44:58.240 that's very heavy. 00:44:58.900 --> 00:44:59.559 It's something 00:44:59.559 --> 00:45:00.519 that's very challenging. 00:45:01.599 --> 00:45:02.619 But we have to think 00:45:02.619 --> 00:45:03.559 that if Christ himself 00:45:03.559 --> 00:45:04.420 is saying that, 00:45:05.139 --> 00:45:06.320 how important it is 00:45:06.320 --> 00:45:07.460 for us to respond 00:45:07.460 --> 00:45:09.220 to not only salvation, 00:45:09.699 --> 00:45:09.900 growth, 00:45:09.960 --> 00:45:10.480 and development, 00:45:10.780 --> 00:45:12.420 but by sharing 00:45:12.420 --> 00:45:14.039 in the gospel message, 00:45:14.380 --> 00:45:16.039 by serving others as well, 00:45:16.440 --> 00:45:17.440 so that they too 00:45:17.440 --> 00:45:18.720 may come to know the Lord. 00:45:20.019 --> 00:45:21.019 Isn't that a challenging verse? 00:45:21.059 --> 00:45:21.679 You can raise your hand 00:45:21.679 --> 00:45:22.039 on that one. 00:45:22.300 --> 00:45:23.320 It's really a challenging one. 00:45:23.320 --> 00:45:24.960 I read it now 00:45:24.960 --> 00:45:26.579 and it's still a hard one. 00:45:28.500 --> 00:45:29.820 Still in Scripture, though, 00:45:29.900 --> 00:45:30.840 and as I said, 00:45:31.639 --> 00:45:33.320 we continue the Great Commission, 00:45:33.480 --> 00:45:34.380 the Great Commandment, 00:45:34.699 --> 00:45:35.559 and through the working 00:45:35.559 --> 00:45:36.440 of the Holy Spirit, 00:45:36.539 --> 00:45:37.179 we serve God 00:45:37.179 --> 00:45:38.000 and we serve others. 00:45:38.740 --> 00:45:40.099 Just imagine how God 00:45:40.099 --> 00:45:41.340 can work in and through you 00:45:41.340 --> 00:45:43.220 and inspire people 00:45:43.220 --> 00:45:44.260 to change. 00:45:45.179 --> 00:45:46.519 Just imagine the lives 00:45:46.519 --> 00:45:48.079 of people that don't know 00:45:48.079 --> 00:45:48.440 the Lord, 00:45:49.059 --> 00:45:50.500 how important it is 00:45:50.500 --> 00:45:51.780 for them to know the Lord. 00:45:51.780 --> 00:45:52.699 In other words, 00:45:53.659 --> 00:45:54.679 greater works than 00:45:54.679 --> 00:45:56.000 are about Christ 00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:57.899 working through everyday people 00:45:57.899 --> 00:45:59.219 to accomplish 00:45:59.219 --> 00:46:00.779 extraordinary purpose. 00:46:01.359 --> 00:46:01.899 Let me say that 00:46:01.899 --> 00:46:02.579 one more time. 00:46:03.099 --> 00:46:03.839 Greater works 00:46:03.839 --> 00:46:05.099 are about Christ 00:46:05.099 --> 00:46:06.960 working through everyday people 00:46:06.960 --> 00:46:08.119 to accomplish 00:46:08.119 --> 00:46:09.599 extraordinary purpose. 00:46:09.839 --> 00:46:11.579 It is working through us 00:46:11.579 --> 00:46:12.619 to accomplish 00:46:12.619 --> 00:46:13.679 His purpose. 00:46:14.559 --> 00:46:15.799 And so when we think 00:46:15.799 --> 00:46:16.339 of all this 00:46:16.339 --> 00:46:17.239 as we close, 00:46:17.359 --> 00:46:17.579 then, 00:46:18.960 --> 00:46:21.259 may you believe 00:46:21.260 --> 00:46:22.740 and trust 00:46:22.740 --> 00:46:23.880 in Jesus Christ 00:46:23.880 --> 00:46:25.940 as the servant, 00:46:26.740 --> 00:46:27.200 the Savior, 00:46:27.860 --> 00:46:28.480 and the King. 00:46:29.640 --> 00:46:30.520 And may you grow 00:46:30.520 --> 00:46:32.420 to lead others 00:46:32.420 --> 00:46:34.080 through service, 00:46:34.840 --> 00:46:35.240 humility, 00:46:35.580 --> 00:46:36.800 and through love. 00:46:37.480 --> 00:46:38.580 And may you 00:46:38.580 --> 00:46:39.900 lead like Christ, 00:46:40.060 --> 00:46:41.140 in a Christ-like way, 00:46:41.280 --> 00:46:41.640 shining 00:46:41.640 --> 00:46:43.000 the light, 00:46:43.420 --> 00:46:44.120 the love, 00:46:44.200 --> 00:46:44.820 and the truth 00:46:44.820 --> 00:46:46.460 for others to see. 00:46:46.460 --> 00:46:48.480 and may you respond 00:46:48.480 --> 00:46:50.000 to Christ's call, 00:46:50.360 --> 00:46:52.119 not to be served, 00:46:52.780 --> 00:46:54.019 but to serve others. 00:46:54.500 --> 00:46:55.440 Let's pray together. 00:46:56.539 --> 00:46:57.240 And Father, 00:46:57.340 --> 00:46:58.139 we thank you 00:46:58.139 --> 00:47:00.340 for us going over 00:47:00.340 --> 00:47:04.000 your word today, 00:47:04.199 --> 00:47:05.740 how we've been talking 00:47:05.740 --> 00:47:08.039 about the gospel of Mark 00:47:08.039 --> 00:47:10.460 and how important 00:47:10.460 --> 00:47:11.320 it is for us 00:47:11.320 --> 00:47:13.759 to serve 00:47:13.759 --> 00:47:15.400 just like you 00:47:15.400 --> 00:47:16.000 have served, 00:47:16.059 --> 00:47:17.000 to have that heart 00:47:17.000 --> 00:47:17.800 for service. 00:47:19.079 --> 00:47:20.059 May we not seek 00:47:20.059 --> 00:47:23.139 power for our own 00:47:23.139 --> 00:47:24.320 honor and glory, 00:47:24.420 --> 00:47:25.159 but for your honor 00:47:25.159 --> 00:47:25.820 and your glory. 00:47:27.320 --> 00:47:28.460 I pray that everyone 00:47:28.460 --> 00:47:29.480 who is here today, 00:47:30.039 --> 00:47:31.059 may they understand 00:47:31.059 --> 00:47:31.759 this message, 00:47:31.880 --> 00:47:32.559 may they understand 00:47:32.559 --> 00:47:33.099 the message 00:47:33.099 --> 00:47:33.739 through the gospel 00:47:33.739 --> 00:47:34.239 of Mark, 00:47:34.659 --> 00:47:35.860 and also the call 00:47:35.860 --> 00:47:36.500 for us 00:47:36.500 --> 00:47:37.960 to do good 00:47:37.960 --> 00:47:39.300 in your holy name. 00:47:40.039 --> 00:47:41.019 I pray for all 00:47:41.019 --> 00:47:41.380 of those 00:47:41.380 --> 00:47:42.099 who are watching 00:47:42.099 --> 00:47:44.880 or listening online, 00:47:45.500 --> 00:47:46.639 that they may come 00:47:46.639 --> 00:47:47.159 to know you, 00:47:48.059 --> 00:47:49.179 that they may believe 00:47:49.179 --> 00:47:49.699 in the Lord, 00:47:50.639 --> 00:47:51.519 they may be 00:47:51.519 --> 00:47:53.239 motivated to grow 00:47:53.239 --> 00:47:55.059 and to act 00:47:55.059 --> 00:47:56.340 and to live accordingly. 00:47:57.239 --> 00:47:58.360 And may we all 00:47:58.360 --> 00:48:00.039 live and love 00:48:00.039 --> 00:48:01.019 like your son Jesus, 00:48:01.199 --> 00:48:01.539 the way, 00:48:01.639 --> 00:48:01.980 the truth, 00:48:02.019 --> 00:48:02.539 and the life. 00:48:04.500 --> 00:48:05.719 May your Holy Spirit 00:48:05.719 --> 00:48:06.199 lead us 00:48:06.199 --> 00:48:06.819 to do those 00:48:06.819 --> 00:48:07.579 greater works 00:48:07.579 --> 00:48:09.500 in and through us. 00:48:10.339 --> 00:48:11.460 For it's not about 00:48:11.460 --> 00:48:13.259 what we do, 00:48:14.179 --> 00:48:14.960 but what has been 00:48:14.960 --> 00:48:16.500 done in your son 00:48:16.500 --> 00:48:18.019 and how you work 00:48:18.019 --> 00:48:18.739 in and through us 00:48:18.739 --> 00:48:19.339 to accomplish 00:48:19.339 --> 00:48:20.279 your purpose. 00:48:21.239 --> 00:48:22.439 It is in the name 00:48:22.439 --> 00:48:24.099 of Jesus Christ 00:48:24.099 --> 00:48:24.919 that we pray. 00:48:25.699 --> 00:48:26.419 And we all say 00:48:26.419 --> 00:48:26.739 together, 00:48:26.859 --> 00:48:27.139 church, 00:48:27.239 --> 00:48:27.539 amen. 00:48:28.039 --> 00:48:28.559 Amen. 00:48:28.559 --> 00:48:31.059 Thank you for listening 00:48:31.059 --> 00:48:32.139 to today's message 00:48:32.139 --> 00:48:33.679 from Ontario Community Church. 00:48:34.059 --> 00:48:35.159 In today's sermon, 00:48:35.159 --> 00:48:36.379 we were reminded 00:48:36.379 --> 00:48:37.619 that Jesus did not 00:48:37.619 --> 00:48:38.859 come to be served, 00:48:39.039 --> 00:48:39.980 but to serve. 00:48:40.299 --> 00:48:41.819 And he calls his followers 00:48:41.819 --> 00:48:43.739 to lead in the same way. 00:48:44.500 --> 00:48:45.679 True Christian leadership 00:48:45.679 --> 00:48:46.960 isn't about titles. 00:48:47.319 --> 00:48:48.699 It's not about control 00:48:48.699 --> 00:48:49.500 or recognition. 00:48:49.899 --> 00:48:51.039 It is about 00:48:51.039 --> 00:48:52.179 faithful presence, 00:48:52.639 --> 00:48:53.480 humble obedience, 00:48:53.819 --> 00:48:55.239 and loving service. 00:48:55.239 --> 00:48:57.399 As we continue our journey 00:48:57.399 --> 00:48:57.899 together, 00:48:58.299 --> 00:48:58.979 learning about 00:48:58.979 --> 00:49:00.039 how to belong, 00:49:00.299 --> 00:49:01.139 how to grow, 00:49:01.239 --> 00:49:02.119 and how to lead, 00:49:02.459 --> 00:49:03.859 I want to encourage you 00:49:03.859 --> 00:49:05.739 to take one simple step 00:49:05.739 --> 00:49:06.259 this week. 00:49:06.859 --> 00:49:07.619 Ask the Lord 00:49:07.619 --> 00:49:08.399 this question. 00:49:08.400 --> 00:49:10.619 where are you inviting me 00:49:10.619 --> 00:49:11.139 to serve? 00:49:11.660 --> 00:49:13.240 Who are you inviting me 00:49:13.240 --> 00:49:14.880 to love more intentionally? 00:49:15.740 --> 00:49:17.440 Leadership in God's kingdom 00:49:17.440 --> 00:49:18.680 often looks small, 00:49:19.220 --> 00:49:19.720 unseen, 00:49:19.960 --> 00:49:20.840 or ordinary, 00:49:21.240 --> 00:49:22.960 but God uses those moments 00:49:22.960 --> 00:49:23.800 to accomplish 00:49:23.800 --> 00:49:25.460 extraordinary things. 00:49:25.920 --> 00:49:27.079 If today's message 00:49:27.079 --> 00:49:27.860 encouraged you 00:49:27.860 --> 00:49:28.960 or challenged you, 00:49:29.280 --> 00:49:29.960 you can find 00:49:29.960 --> 00:49:30.720 sermon notes, 00:49:30.900 --> 00:49:31.280 slides, 00:49:31.500 --> 00:49:32.119 Bible studies, 00:49:32.260 --> 00:49:33.660 and additional resources 00:49:33.659 --> 00:49:37.639 at sermons.ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:49:37.779 --> 00:49:38.819 You can also visit 00:49:38.819 --> 00:49:39.460 our website 00:49:39.460 --> 00:49:41.920 at ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:49:42.359 --> 00:49:43.219 You can even connect 00:49:43.219 --> 00:49:44.139 with us on YouTube, 00:49:44.500 --> 00:49:44.859 Facebook, 00:49:45.099 --> 00:49:45.539 Instagram, 00:49:45.819 --> 00:49:46.099 TikTok, 00:49:46.379 --> 00:49:47.699 or wherever you listen 00:49:47.699 --> 00:49:48.559 to your podcasts. 00:49:49.219 --> 00:49:50.819 May the peace of Christ 00:49:50.819 --> 00:49:51.679 rule in your heart. 00:49:52.159 --> 00:49:53.639 May you grow in wisdom 00:49:53.639 --> 00:49:54.399 and humility, 00:49:54.399 --> 00:49:55.819 and may you live 00:49:55.819 --> 00:49:57.039 and lead in the way 00:49:57.039 --> 00:49:57.920 of Jesus 00:49:57.920 --> 00:49:59.199 through service, 00:49:59.679 --> 00:49:59.960 love, 00:50:00.219 --> 00:50:00.799 and faith. 00:50:01.319 --> 00:50:02.159 God bless you, 00:50:02.399 --> 00:50:03.519 and thank you for listening. 00:50:03.659 --> 00:50:33.639 God bless you, 00:50:33.659 --> 00:51:03.639 God bless you, 00:51:03.659 --> 00:51:05.659 God bless you, 00:51:05.659 --> 00:51:05.659 00:51:05.659 --> 00:51:05.659 00:51:05.659 --> 00:51:05.659 00:51:33.659 --> 00:51:35.659 God bless you, 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:51:36.059 00:51:36.059 --> 00:52:06.039 Thank you. 00:52:06.059 --> 00:52:36.039 Thank you.