WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.839 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.839 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.719 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.719 --> 00:00:19.879 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:36.799 Let's go ahead and mentor our seats at this time. 00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:38.840 Let's give her a round of applause for him. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:40.159 Woo-hoo! 00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:58.519 As always, we're going to have a very quick meeting. 00:00:58.519 --> 00:01:02.920 In that meeting, we're going to be going over what that schedule looks like on a Sunday, 00:01:02.920 --> 00:01:05.599 what we're going to be doing around the church, 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:10.159 how it's parking in a word or what are the classes are going to be, 00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:13.119 and then I have some areas that you can volunteer. 00:01:13.119 --> 00:01:15.439 If you don't want to be a teacher, 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:17.439 an assistant, or an aide, 00:01:17.439 --> 00:01:19.599 we always can use readers. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:23.679 We can use people who can help with check-in, 00:01:23.679 --> 00:01:26.439 people who could give out flyers, 00:01:26.439 --> 00:01:30.079 people who can help make coffee. 00:01:30.079 --> 00:01:33.199 So there's a lot of things that you can get involved in, 00:01:33.200 --> 00:01:35.799 even if you do not want to teach, 00:01:35.799 --> 00:01:37.920 you don't want to interact. 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:40.760 That's fine, and we can find a place for you. 00:01:40.760 --> 00:01:44.480 And maybe you have an idea of where you can help and we haven't thought about it. 00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:46.799 So if you'd like to come to that meeting, 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:49.960 it's going to be in the conference room right after church, 00:01:49.960 --> 00:01:53.000 and then we'll try to get everyone out, 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:57.400 and you can enjoy some more fellowship time and time with your family. 00:01:57.400 --> 00:02:00.920 So quick, easy, please come and join. 00:02:00.920 --> 00:02:03.359 Thank you. 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:05.840 Let's give it a round of applause. 00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:08.360 APPLAUSE 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:11.719 Definitely, as we are going through this year, 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:17.080 we're really just preparing to be able to really have an outreach for children, 00:02:17.080 --> 00:02:19.479 where kids can learn life skills, 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:25.120 but also be in a safe environment where they come to know the Lord. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:29.159 And one of the great things that just really stands out to me 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:36.039 is seeing that there is such a need for young children to be in a safe environment. 00:02:36.039 --> 00:02:39.599 And what better environment than to be in the church, 00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:42.680 and to be in that Christian context, right? 00:02:42.680 --> 00:02:46.840 Where we have Christian principles that are embedded in that. 00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:50.680 So it's just definitely something that has been on my heart 00:02:50.680 --> 00:02:54.599 and also has been on Amber's heart, something we've been praying about. 00:02:54.599 --> 00:03:00.079 It's something that's so critical for us to focus on the next generation. 00:03:00.079 --> 00:03:05.560 Children are a gift from the Lord, and that's something we should never take for granted. 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:09.000 We should never take for granted how beautiful this life is 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:12.159 and how wonderful children are. 00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:15.359 Sometimes they tell the truth much better than we do. 00:03:15.359 --> 00:03:20.240 Sometimes they say things that make observations of life that you're like, 00:03:20.240 --> 00:03:23.799 oh, you know, I haven't thought about that, or, you know, it's been a while. 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:26.080 Okay, why is the sky blue? 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:27.920 Or why do the waves go like this? 00:03:27.920 --> 00:03:29.400 Or whatever it is. 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:30.760 It's just really a great thing. 00:03:30.760 --> 00:03:33.680 Children can be great teachers. 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:36.200 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:36.200 --> 00:03:40.480 It is great to be here with you as we are, you believe, 00:03:40.480 --> 00:03:43.000 we're almost done with the month of January, 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:49.480 almost into February and preparing for Valentine's Day or whatever your February plans are. 00:03:49.480 --> 00:03:52.880 And, you know, it's just been, what? 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:56.560 How blink of an eye that January is over. 00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:01.199 And so this morning, this is going to be our final message on building community 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:04.079 from little hearts to loving hands. 00:04:04.079 --> 00:04:12.039 And the title of this sermon is Walking the Talk, Being the Church in the World. 00:04:12.039 --> 00:04:16.719 You know, this year is a year of new beginnings, 00:04:16.720 --> 00:04:23.040 where we as Christians, we as the Church, as the body of Christ, 00:04:23.040 --> 00:04:28.240 we should be focusing on what it means to have a deeper faith with the Lord, 00:04:28.240 --> 00:04:32.720 what it means to open the word of God and to read and study it, 00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:37.880 but also what it means for us to focus on loving our community, 00:04:37.880 --> 00:04:42.360 loving our city and focusing on the next generation. 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:46.440 For many of us, I'm going to have us remember when we were young 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:50.199 and we had experienced the love of Christ. 00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:52.959 Maybe it was a teacher, maybe it was a pastor, 00:04:52.959 --> 00:04:57.560 or maybe it was someone who came alongside you and helped you grow in your faith. 00:04:57.560 --> 00:05:01.160 Maybe you remember Sunday's school, maybe you remember VDS 00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:05.519 and all the fun you had with other kids your age at that time. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:10.959 There's so much that, memories that we may have, or even if you don't have, 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:16.839 it is a great opportunity for us this year to focus on that next generation. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:21.319 And as we begin our time today, I want you to think of the question of 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:26.039 what are some ways that you can think of in your own personal walk with the Lord? 00:05:26.039 --> 00:05:30.240 How can we better engage with families and with children this year? 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:33.000 That's a very good question to ask. 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:39.319 We are encouraged to, by the word of God, to be a church that is intentional with our faith. 00:05:39.319 --> 00:05:43.959 We don't want to just, okay, now I'm saved and I'm not going to tell anyone about it. 00:05:43.959 --> 00:05:50.920 We are just sharing our testimonies, our stories of how God has worked in and through our lives. 00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:56.600 But also that Jesus Christ, that He was born in that manger, that He lived, 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:59.279 that He performed these miracles. 00:05:59.279 --> 00:06:01.560 I mean, I would love to see water turn into wine. 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:05.639 I would love to see someone being graced from the dead. 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:09.439 I would love to see for someone being healed. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:12.599 God continues to work in our lives even today. 00:06:12.599 --> 00:06:18.240 And how wonderful is it for us to hear, to see, or to experience the transforming love 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:20.519 and power that comes from our God, amen? 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:23.039 It's so powerful. 00:06:23.039 --> 00:06:26.759 So we've been talking about community, that we are the church. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:32.079 Let us believe in the Lord, let us grow together and let us go out and do good in the name 00:06:32.079 --> 00:06:33.719 of Jesus Christ. 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:36.160 And so today we're going to be bringing it all home. 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:37.160 We're going to bring it all together. 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:43.160 We're going to focus on the great commission that is found in Matthew 28, verses 19 through 00:06:43.160 --> 00:06:44.160 20. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:45.520 You'll find that in your notes. 00:06:45.520 --> 00:06:52.640 And also the fellowship of believers, which is found in Acts 29, or excuse me, Acts chapter 00:06:52.640 --> 00:06:55.640 2, verses 42 through 47. 00:06:55.640 --> 00:06:58.160 There is no Acts 29. 00:06:58.160 --> 00:07:02.640 But it's Acts chapter 2, verses 42 through 47. 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:05.360 These verses, like I said, they'll be found in your notes and we're going to go through 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:06.360 that together. 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:10.279 But before we go any further, will you pray together? 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:11.279 Let's pray together. 00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:16.439 Father, we come before you as we're finishing our sermon series. 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:21.519 As certainly the year is just starting off and it's still cold, but things are starting 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:22.839 to move. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:28.159 We ask that you are with us as we are going through the great commission and through the 00:07:28.159 --> 00:07:30.800 fellowship of believers in your word. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:36.560 We ask that truth is spoken here and that love is exhibited, that lives are softened, 00:07:36.560 --> 00:07:43.840 that hearts may be moved to believe in you and to live and to love like you. 00:07:43.840 --> 00:07:48.759 We know that you are here with us as Scripture says, where two or three are gathered. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:49.759 There you are with us. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:52.319 So be with us this morning. 00:07:52.319 --> 00:08:00.759 And may we be encouraged to engage the community, lives for Christ, making a decision to believe 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:05.079 in you and be saved and growing in the faith, all of these things. 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:06.920 May we be a church that is transformed. 00:08:06.920 --> 00:08:07.920 So be with us this morning. 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:16.920 It is in Jesus' name, the name that is above all names that we pray and we all say together, 00:08:16.920 --> 00:08:17.920 amen? 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:18.920 Amen. 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:22.519 You know, I want to start off with a story that when my wife and I, we first came to 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:23.519 Ontario Community Church. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:28.439 When we first came here, that was seven months ago or maybe eight, I think it gets seven 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:29.439 months, right? 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:34.759 But I cannot help but tell you how loving and how accepting this community has been 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:40.799 to myself, my wife and let's be honest here, having five children is not an easy thing. 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:46.919 You guys have been so loving and so welcoming of these children and certainly they're growing 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:50.279 and they're growing in a wonderful environment. 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:54.039 You know, moving here, it was a significant transition for my family. 00:08:54.039 --> 00:08:56.039 I'm going from that tropical climate. 00:08:56.039 --> 00:09:01.039 I know that sounds really good right now, but moving over to, well, an area where there's 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:04.759 four seasons and a lot of winter and a lot of cold. 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:10.879 I got to tell you, facing under below freezing temperature, you know, zero degrees was that 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:11.879 was a new one for me. 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:13.639 I got it next year. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:20.480 But certainly just as God had moved in my life and moved in my family's life, God calls 00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:27.600 you into certain seasons and certain situations in your life and it's the question of how 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:31.120 will you respond when God is calling you? 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:35.480 Maybe God is calling you to have a relationship with him. 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:41.360 Maybe God is calling you to open the word and maybe go through the gospel of John. 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:45.519 Maybe God is calling you to act and to do something that is outside of your comfort 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:46.759 sound. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:52.720 It's something that we certainly need to be mindful of and consider how is God working 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:53.720 in us? 00:09:53.720 --> 00:09:54.720 What is God calling us to do? 00:09:54.720 --> 00:09:59.480 And I remember one day that when I came into the office, I was getting settled in with 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:00.480 my family. 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:05.000 You know, I was learning about the needs of the community, meeting with pastors, meeting 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:09.720 with some of you and just kind of getting to know this church and this community and 00:10:09.720 --> 00:10:11.559 just what are the needs here? 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:15.000 Well, I found this book in the office. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:21.759 And this book is a, it signifies 50 years of ministry that has happened here. 00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:23.519 Praise God for that. 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:29.039 This book was filled with photos and with stories about just how God has worked in this 00:10:29.039 --> 00:10:32.240 congregation, in this church context. 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:37.679 And it goes to show the sense of love and community in this church. 00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:45.079 And then looking back, I found one thing that really stood out to me that just was, it talked 00:10:45.079 --> 00:10:48.519 about the word Ontario, right? 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:53.279 I want you to think about the name of this city, the city of Ontario. 00:10:53.279 --> 00:11:00.399 In reading this book, I learned how important it is for us to look back at what has been 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:07.519 done, how the body of Christ was so focused and dedicated to loving the Lord and just 00:11:07.519 --> 00:11:09.199 being present in the community. 00:11:09.199 --> 00:11:11.000 But what about this word? 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:12.600 What did it say? 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:15.720 You know, the word Ontario, let's put that on the screen. 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:20.759 It can be split into two words in Japanese. 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:23.079 You know what it translates to? 00:11:23.079 --> 00:11:27.399 It talks about grace and sufficient. 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:29.799 Now I don't know about you. 00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:36.839 But those two words are so powerful in the Christian context. 00:11:36.839 --> 00:11:43.279 That means that Ontario is a place where the grace of God is overflowing. 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:46.240 Can I get an amen for that? 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.240 That is so powerful. 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:53.559 And you have to ask yourself the question, how can we incorporate the overflowing grace 00:11:53.559 --> 00:11:55.559 of God with others? 00:11:55.559 --> 00:12:05.199 And seeing this, I got so encouraged to think, wow, even back then, in the 1940s here, that's 00:12:05.199 --> 00:12:10.759 a long time ago, thinking that this is a place where the grace of God should overflow is 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:15.239 an encouragement for me and it should be an encouragement for you. 00:12:15.239 --> 00:12:20.519 Just think about the love of God and the grace that comes from Him to believe in the 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:23.079 Lord and to be saved. 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:27.320 This makes me think not only about the history of the church, but how we as Christians, as 00:12:27.320 --> 00:12:30.920 the body of Christ, we're called to have that relationship with Christ. 00:12:30.920 --> 00:12:32.420 That is the foundation. 00:12:32.420 --> 00:12:33.420 That is the first thing. 00:12:33.420 --> 00:12:38.639 But we are called to grow and faith, to have more knowledge of Scripture and to go out and 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:40.639 to do good in His name. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:44.600 Isn't that a way that we share in God's love? 00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:51.960 Is by serving others, by sharing in your testimony, I can assure you that God works in every single 00:12:51.960 --> 00:12:54.360 one of your lives. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.360 You may not know it. 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.360 You may not see it. 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:57.360 Sometimes we forget. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:13:02.440 Sometimes I forget the little things that happened in my own life. 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:06.960 Do you forget the little things of how God is working in your life? 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:10.680 Do you observe nature around you? 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:18.000 I know when spring comes, you see the animals, where you see the beauty in people. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:24.840 It's just so much that we can think about, and thinking about this, it made me realize 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:28.440 what we are doing is what God has called us to do. 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:34.159 To be focused on the truth of God's Word, right, and to love others. 00:13:34.159 --> 00:13:39.639 Let us build a lasting legacy in our community. 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:46.279 The name Ontario and the history of church, it reminds me of our mission as a church, 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:48.799 to encourage, to equip, and engage. 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:49.799 What does that mean? 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:51.480 It means to know the Lord. 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:52.759 It means to grow in Him. 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:59.159 What it means to be a Christian, and to study and read scripture, but also, as I said, to 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:04.559 do good in the name of the Lord through service, through sharing in your faith. 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:06.759 There are many ways that we can do this. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:11.039 And you'll find in your notes that there are two verses that really just stick out to me. 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:15.919 Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8, 4, by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:18.639 This is not your own doing. 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:19.639 It is what? 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:22.159 It is a gift from God. 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.159 That is powerful. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:29.199 And 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 8, also in your notes, that God is able to make all 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:36.879 grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:39.000 in every good word. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:41.559 It's just all connected here. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:46.439 And what an encouragement is it for us to think about our city, and to think about our church, 00:14:46.439 --> 00:14:51.239 to think about our community, that we are the body of Christ. 00:14:51.239 --> 00:14:54.000 We are on a journey in Christ. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:58.919 And if you don't know the Lord, I pray that you're on a journey to know the Lord, that 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:04.639 you're on a journey to believe in the Lord, just like I always say, John chapter 6 verse 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:10.159 7, verse 47, whoever believes has eternal life. 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:11.159 Amen. 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:13.360 So let's turn our Bibles to page 993. 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:22.519 We're going to go over the Great Commission here. 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:42.360 It's going to be Matthew chapter 28, verse 19 and 24. 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:43.360 We all there? 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:45.480 Let's read it together. 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:54.200 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of who? 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:55.840 The Father and who? 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:57.440 The Son and who? 00:15:57.440 --> 00:16:04.000 The Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold, I am 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.000 what? 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:06.000 I'm going away? 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:12.200 No, I am with you, always to the end of the age. 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:16.840 We start off by reading the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:20.360 These are the final instructions for his disciples. 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:27.320 And they are instructions that we as Christians in this postmodern world, in 2024, we can 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:33.120 apply for today because the truth of God's word will transcend the culture and changes 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.200 in culture. 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:41.200 To go out and make disciples is something that is applicable today as it was back then. 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:43.320 This is a call that exists. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:48.560 It comes from Christ that we are to go out and to be present and to make those disciples. 00:16:48.560 --> 00:16:50.720 Well, how do we do that? 00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:53.120 We share in our testimony. 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:59.600 We proclaim the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ is coming, that salvation is 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:02.960 available for all who believe. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:06.080 Is salvation available only for the rich? 00:17:06.080 --> 00:17:07.080 No. 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:11.960 Is salvation only available for the tall? 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:16.000 Is salvation only available for those who wear blue shirts? 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.500 No. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:19.000 Salvation is available. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:24.119 Whosoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.679 That is the great encouragement. 00:17:25.679 --> 00:17:30.000 If you believe in the Lord, why wouldn't you want to share it with your friends and with 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:34.559 your family and with your neighbors and with the empty chair? 00:17:34.559 --> 00:17:38.839 That is the great encouragement knowing that there is safety and there is security in believing 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:41.119 Jesus Christ. 00:17:41.119 --> 00:17:46.960 I find it very interesting that this idea of making disciples is defined as students 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:48.559 of Jesus Christ. 00:17:48.559 --> 00:17:53.679 May we be students following in the footsteps of Christ. 00:17:53.679 --> 00:17:54.679 May we be disciples. 00:17:54.679 --> 00:17:57.000 It's an ongoing experience. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:18:01.319 It's not like when you go to college and you get your degree and you're done. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:08.399 It's ongoing, it's a lifelong process that we continue to grow, that we continue to learn 00:18:08.399 --> 00:18:12.599 and allow for God to mold us in our life. 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:14.799 We go into all of the ends of the earth. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:17.799 We go, we can go to our neighbor. 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:20.839 That's why we support missionaries. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:26.000 That's why we think of people who are going into countries where Christianity is not. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:28.119 It's not really available. 00:18:28.119 --> 00:18:34.319 How blessed are we to have the Word of God and to be able to open it, to read it and 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:36.839 to study it and to apply it. 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:43.599 I pray that we may continue to have that blessing, to have that availability of Scripture. 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:47.639 We are to go into all of the ends of the earth and in our own context. 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:51.359 We can be missionaries to our neighbor. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:57.159 We can share in the gospel story to others. 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:59.080 That's something to be encouraged of. 00:18:59.080 --> 00:19:04.000 This verse also mentions the idea of baptism. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:09.279 Baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the triune God, 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:12.800 you must remember how important baptism is. 00:19:12.800 --> 00:19:14.880 We're called to believe in the Lord and to be saved. 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:16.360 That is the starting point. 00:19:16.360 --> 00:19:22.360 And from there, there is the meaning of baptism, the call for baptism. 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:27.559 When Christ get baptized after the fact to make a decision for Christ, my friends, it 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:31.639 is an internal decision that has eternal consequences. 00:19:31.639 --> 00:19:35.479 But when we're thinking about baptism, it is an external expression. 00:19:35.479 --> 00:19:41.199 It is a public proclamation saying, I am a Christian. 00:19:41.199 --> 00:19:46.399 When we believe in the Lord, how that's between you and the Lord. 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:49.559 When you get baptized, you're letting everybody know. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:51.759 You're saying, I believe in Jesus. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:54.640 He is my Savior and He is my Lord. 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:56.680 And I want to share in that. 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:59.599 I want to proclaim the name of Christ. 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:02.879 It is a public proclamation of the faith that you have. 00:20:02.879 --> 00:20:08.680 It is saying, yes, I am choosing to be baptized because of this faith, because of this belief 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:10.480 that I have in Jesus Christ. 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:15.119 Let's turn to Acts chapter 2, verses 42 through 47. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:23.719 And that's on page 1082 in your ESPQ Bible or whatever translation you would like to 00:20:23.719 --> 00:20:24.719 use. 00:20:24.719 --> 00:20:41.199 All right, 1082, that's Acts chapter 2, verse 42 through 47. 00:20:41.199 --> 00:20:42.199 Are we there? 00:20:42.199 --> 00:20:44.199 All right, here we go. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:52.400 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship and the breaking 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:56.319 of bread and the prayers. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:21:03.360 And awe came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 00:21:03.360 --> 00:21:07.279 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:11.880 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:14.680 all as any had needed. 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:19.560 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received 00:21:19.560 --> 00:21:25.040 their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God for having favor with all the 00:21:25.040 --> 00:21:26.040 people. 00:21:26.040 --> 00:21:28.040 This last part. 00:21:28.040 --> 00:21:33.880 And the Lord added to their number day by day for those who were being saved. 00:21:33.880 --> 00:21:34.880 Such a powerful verse. 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:40.200 And for this verse, it's beautiful imagery that we can see in the Acts of the Apostle, 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:42.400 the fellowship of believers. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:45.440 It is speaking about how there is devotion to truth. 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:47.120 There's devotion to the Lord. 00:21:47.120 --> 00:21:53.160 There's devotion to teaching, much like how we as the church should be devoted and focus 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:57.240 on the Lord, the teaching and preaching of God's Word. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:22:01.759 And of course, there's the mention of breaking bread or having a meal together. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:06.480 Some people read this as literally the breaking of bread, like when we celebrate in communion, 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:10.920 but it can also mean as in sharing meals together, much like when we have fellowship 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.920 time. 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.759 So it's very good in seeing that. 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:17.440 This should remind us in our own context though, right? 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:24.160 That it's applicable to us today as it was in the Book of Acts. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:30.079 The church was focused, the early disciples of Christ were focused on devotion to God 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:32.160 and to Christianity. 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:37.759 That awfully sounds familiar, doesn't it, that we too should focus on devotion to God 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:39.720 and unity. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:44.840 This should inspire us to create a similar fellowship of believers in our own church 00:22:44.840 --> 00:22:48.680 context, but also in the context of our community. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:54.160 And these verses challenge us to deepen our connections with God and with others, much 00:22:54.160 --> 00:23:00.080 like how Christ calls us to love one another as He has loved us. 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:03.439 There should be preaching and teaching in the church and there should be times that 00:23:03.439 --> 00:23:05.039 we fellowship with each other. 00:23:05.039 --> 00:23:10.119 There should be times where we celebrate in communion and pray with one another. 00:23:10.119 --> 00:23:13.240 It is a fantastic description of the church. 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:15.720 It's so powerful. 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:21.079 And that last sentence is very interesting because it's describing, let me read that 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:26.960 last part, the Lord added to their number day by day, those who were being saved. 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:34.200 And it's talking about how God's hand is in it, right, that God is actively working with 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:35.920 these people because sometimes... 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:40.279 Doesn't the Lord lay something on our hearts? 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:44.680 Doesn't God kind of move us to do things sometimes? 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:51.759 Well it's really how God was adding to their numbers, adding to the growth of the early 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.759 church. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:24:00.480 And that's something that is very powerful because we should ask God to help bring people. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:09.879 When we think of this city, the city of Ontario, let's pray for people who do not know the 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:18.319 Lord, that something will stir in their hearts to really search for the Lord. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:24.559 And really, I know for many young people there's always that question of, there's something 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:26.079 missing in my life. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:28.720 And I don't know what it is. 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:34.359 And unfortunately some people, they turn to drugs or they turn to sexual promiscuity 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:36.519 or whatever it is. 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:41.919 They turn to things that are fleeting, but believing in the Lord is eternal security. 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:44.599 It is that which is constant. 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:48.399 And certainly we need to have a constant in our life. 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:54.159 And we see that in this verse, the set of passages, we've talked about the Great Commission, 00:24:54.159 --> 00:24:56.919 we've talked about the fellowship of believers. 00:24:56.919 --> 00:25:01.759 There is a profound impact when we do good in the name of the Lord. 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:06.399 When we share in our testimony, it's like planting seeds, so to speak. 00:25:06.399 --> 00:25:11.439 Last week I told you about the homeless man in the city of Fulickton and how that impacted 00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:12.439 my life. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:18.799 I want you to think about when you share in how God's worked in your life, your testimony 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:22.559 or the good news of Jesus Christ, your planting seed. 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:27.600 You may not see someone come to know the Lord in that moment. 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:31.360 More often than not, that doesn't happen, but it's that planting of the seed. 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:35.480 I remember having that talk with that person. 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.799 They were talking about this Jesus guy. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:39.600 I thought Jesus was just a cool hippie, you know? 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:44.679 And there's that curiosity, that seed that gets planted and cultivated and grows into 00:25:44.679 --> 00:25:46.279 being more curious, right? 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:51.879 It leads you on that path towards Christ. 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:55.439 There is power that is in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:25:55.439 --> 00:25:58.599 There is transformation in the gospel message. 00:25:58.599 --> 00:26:03.079 It is something I know for me personally, how I want to be a part of that. 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:06.599 And I hope that you want to be a part of that as well. 00:26:06.599 --> 00:26:10.000 Let us have an active faith. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:14.319 Let us be doers of the word and not just hearers. 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:16.799 Let us walk the talk. 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:22.039 To be a part of the body of Christ is something that is wonderful because we are coming alongside 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:25.959 each other and we are journeying with Christ. 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:28.759 We're proclaiming the word of God. 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:31.639 We're doing wonderful things together. 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:34.439 To be saved by grace through faith is beautiful. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:36.759 It is not about what we do, my friends. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:40.200 I know I'm talking so much about doing good in the name of the Lord. 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:42.960 Let me make it very abundantly clear. 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:45.240 You believe in the Lord and you get saved. 00:26:45.240 --> 00:26:50.519 It's not by what you do, it's by what has been done for you. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:54.559 Do you remember when I was talking about the word Ontario? 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:58.240 Let's put that slide up there again. 00:26:58.240 --> 00:27:00.400 With Ontario. 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:03.279 Race and sufficiency. 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:08.879 Those two words, I want that to resonate with us as we are closing our time here today. 00:27:08.879 --> 00:27:11.039 I want you to think about that. 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:12.759 Grace overflowing. 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:17.399 Think about the grace that God supplies, that grace is something that is available for all 00:27:17.399 --> 00:27:19.200 who believe. 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:20.200 It is my prayer. 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:27.000 It is my hope and I hope that it is our prayer and our hope that people will come to know 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:28.000 the Lord. 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:33.440 For transformation for those who are yet to believe that lives will be saved. 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:40.759 It is our responsibility and it is our duty to do good, much like it is our duty to grow 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:43.400 in the faith. 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:48.440 There is a challenge for us to live out faith and to exhibit the love of Christ to others. 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:53.920 Let us be reminded that scripture encourages us not to be afraid of the gospel. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:59.200 I know for some of us it is like we get so afraid of making someone angry. 00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:04.880 Don't be afraid of who you are and what you believe in. 00:28:04.880 --> 00:28:08.720 Now certainly there will be people who will reject you. 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:12.720 There will be people who say, you know what, I don't want anything to do with that. 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:19.000 But at least you have had that conversation and shared with your faith with others. 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:24.279 We will be rewarded with treasures in heaven for what we do. 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:27.160 What an encouragement. 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:32.279 Let us be a church that is a beacon of hope in this community. 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:37.400 And in this sermon series, my friends, I have talked about how we need to focus on the next 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:42.400 generation, on children, on young families. 00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:44.680 Think of the next generation of Christianity. 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:47.079 I know we probably, many of us have. 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:53.599 Let me ask you, have you read an article before that says that Christianity is on the decline? 00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:54.599 That it's dying? 00:28:54.599 --> 00:29:02.319 I don't know about you, but that should be a call for us to be in prayer. 00:29:02.319 --> 00:29:10.000 That even if Christianity is dying, we can still do good in the name of the Lord. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:15.119 We can still be a beacon of hope for those who don't know the Lord. 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:19.279 People are more connected than ever before with their phones and their technology and 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:20.279 their social media. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:22.479 How many ways do you need to communicate with each other? 00:29:22.479 --> 00:29:25.879 I think of my talks I've had with my dad before on this. 00:29:25.879 --> 00:29:33.199 You have the pager, you have the rotary phone, and then it went way beyond that. 00:29:33.199 --> 00:29:36.639 Now we have all of the social media programs. 00:29:36.639 --> 00:29:42.799 We have all sorts of apps and text messages, and the list goes on. 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.799 Wearables. 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:47.960 It vibrates when you get a message now. 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:54.319 But with this connection though, it seems that we're more connected than ever, but 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:57.960 yet a lot of us feel more disconnected than ever. 00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:58.960 What? 00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.960 That doesn't make sense. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:04.359 You would think that if we're more connected, we would be more closer with each other, but 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:10.000 how many people feel that sense of isolation or that sense of division? 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:16.160 There's a better way, and that way isn't Christ. 00:30:16.160 --> 00:30:21.480 It is time for us to uphold, to build upon the legacy that we have in this church, and 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:31.440 to continue the momentum in doing good, not for our glory, not for my glory, but for God's 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:33.440 glory. 00:30:33.440 --> 00:30:37.559 Let us be ambassadors for Christ in all that we say and all that we do. 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:43.279 Let us be encouraged to have Christ at the center of our lives, in our work, in our play, 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:46.679 in our dealings with others, in our friends, in our families. 00:30:46.679 --> 00:30:48.079 Think about our neighbor. 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:52.399 Think about the empty chair, the needs of this church and this community. 00:30:52.399 --> 00:30:59.279 And let us be on mission for Christ. 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:01.839 What does Christ call us to do? 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:04.359 Let's be encouraged by that. 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:09.879 It is through conversation and intentionality where we share in our testimony. 00:31:09.879 --> 00:31:14.759 Our testimony, it goes to testify about how God works in our life. 00:31:14.759 --> 00:31:20.919 And I encourage each and every one of you to consider how you can personally act this 00:31:20.919 --> 00:31:21.919 week, today. 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:22.919 February is coming up. 00:31:22.919 --> 00:31:29.359 I know the month's about to end, so think of next month then, with February coming up. 00:31:29.359 --> 00:31:34.240 How can you exhibit in the love of Christ, or how can we incorporate the overflowing 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:37.839 grace of God with others? 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:39.440 There's many ways that we can do that. 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:45.519 So I want you to consider that as we are closing our time in this sermon series. 00:31:45.519 --> 00:31:52.759 Let us think of the love of Christ, how He shares, how He gives grace freely to all who 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.759 believe. 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:59.279 Why wouldn't that be encouragement for us to share in the gospel message to others? 00:31:59.279 --> 00:32:02.640 There are so many ways that we can do that nowadays. 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:08.480 Let us use technology to do good, and not to bring division among people. 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:16.440 We can use technology as a means of evangelism, and a means to reach out to people. 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:20.400 So let us do good in the name of the Lord. 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:28.400 Let's pray together, and let us be encouraged by focusing on the next generation of Christians, 00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:36.040 young children, young family, and about our city, Ontario, where the grace of God is overflowing. 00:32:36.040 --> 00:32:37.040 Let's pray. 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:42.519 And Father God, as we close our time together, we thank You for Your presence and Your guidance 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:44.000 in all of this. 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:50.680 Be with us as we plan to find ways to love our city, to exhibit the love of Your Son, 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:52.560 Jesus Christ to others. 00:32:52.560 --> 00:32:56.280 May we not be afraid of who we are and what we believe in. 00:32:56.279 --> 00:33:03.039 We realize that You have done so much for us. 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:08.319 You make salvation freely available for all who believe, but You still encourage us to 00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:11.319 do good in Your name. 00:33:11.319 --> 00:33:17.079 May we be inspired to live out the great commission and to be that fellowship of believers who 00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:21.399 are dedicated to You and the truth of Your work. 00:33:21.400 --> 00:33:28.759 For it is in Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:34.640 Move us to share Your love and Your grace and Your truth with those around us. 00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:41.240 May we be a beacon of hope to our friends, our family, and to the community. 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:46.600 We ask for Your strength to walk the talk, and may we take to heart the teachings of 00:33:46.599 --> 00:33:53.839 Jesus Christ and the truth of the Word of God, for Your Word is living and active. 00:33:53.839 --> 00:33:57.240 We are blessed by having Your Word. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:34:01.599 It is in Jesus' name that we pray and we all say together in man. 00:34:01.599 --> 00:34:05.559 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:09.880 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, please 00:34:09.880 --> 00:34:13.480 visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:17.440 May God's blessings be with you.