WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.039 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.559 Alright, well good morning everyone. 00:00:32.659 --> 00:00:40.880 It's great to be here with all of you as we are going back into our sermon series through the parables of Christ. 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:50.060 Parables are so interesting. They're very unique. They're very simple, but yet they're full of depth. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:56.799 Today, as we are in this Easter season, let us remember first and foremost 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:01.379 the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:06.519 Let us recognize that it is Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:01:06.519 --> 00:01:16.399 Jesus being born in a manger, Him teaching these parables that we are going over, the miracles that He performed, 00:01:17.039 --> 00:01:22.739 walking on water, calming the storm, healing the sick, raising people from the dead. 00:01:22.739 --> 00:01:26.859 It goes to show you the power of who our God is. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:29.560 That God is consistent in His Word. 00:01:30.039 --> 00:01:34.939 And God continues to speak to us through His Word and through others as well. 00:01:35.899 --> 00:01:39.219 And we're grateful for our Lord and our God. 00:01:39.219 --> 00:01:48.760 You've just heard Mark Iseri read the parable of the wicked tenants from the Gospel of Matthew. 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:52.319 And we're going to go into this. 00:01:53.459 --> 00:01:59.359 Because it's a very interesting parable that shows us something of great significance. 00:01:59.359 --> 00:02:03.239 You see, this parable is found in the Gospel of Matthew. 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:06.939 It's found in the Gospel of Mark and in Luke as well. 00:02:06.939 --> 00:02:13.020 So when you see something that shows up three times, it's something that you should pay attention to. 00:02:13.099 --> 00:02:13.280 Amen? 00:02:14.579 --> 00:02:20.919 So we see this three times where Jesus entered in Jerusalem and He's confronting the religious leaders. 00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:26.939 And the religious leaders, they realize that this parable is targeted. 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:28.919 It's aimed directly at them. 00:02:28.979 --> 00:02:34.379 The Scripture says that they acknowledged or they realized that this parable was towards them. 00:02:34.379 --> 00:02:37.919 So stewardship and judgment. 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:39.259 Let's go to that next slide. 00:02:40.620 --> 00:02:41.939 And I want to take a moment. 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:43.019 Let's go one more. 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:47.599 I want you to look at this image here. 00:02:48.699 --> 00:02:51.280 You see here, what is this church? 00:02:51.960 --> 00:02:52.500 What is this? 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:54.800 Like a vineyard, right? 00:02:54.800 --> 00:02:59.020 You see there, you know, you have grapes, you have the hills and all that. 00:02:59.120 --> 00:03:02.640 I kind of think of Napa, California specifically, or Sonoma. 00:03:02.860 --> 00:03:06.560 Those kind of things where you can see that kind of imagery. 00:03:07.700 --> 00:03:16.180 And what we have in here are certain symbols from the text that they have certain representations. 00:03:16.180 --> 00:03:23.159 So we have the vineyard then, which represents the people of God. 00:03:23.900 --> 00:03:26.060 It's representing Israel. 00:03:27.360 --> 00:03:33.780 We then have the fence, which is symbolic for God's protection. 00:03:34.340 --> 00:03:37.560 You want to have a fence or a wall around your vineyard, right? 00:03:37.600 --> 00:03:42.360 Because in a lot of times in Scriptures, it's saying you don't want people stealing your crops kind of thing. 00:03:42.360 --> 00:03:46.040 That makes a lot of sense, right, why we have fences and walls especially. 00:03:47.200 --> 00:03:56.960 And then you have the winepress here, which you see that there's the fruit that's growing on the vine or in the vineyard. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:04:04.520 And there's this expectation from the Lord to an expectation of harvest. 00:04:04.520 --> 00:04:15.760 So not only are we to bear fruit, there's this expectation, at least in this scene, where there must be producing fruit. 00:04:15.879 --> 00:04:19.759 And in this case, we could just say making wine for this sake. 00:04:20.480 --> 00:04:28.420 You have the tower in the background then, which is representing God's care and provision for his people, right? 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:34.400 Like when you have a tower for a vineyard especially, you want to be able to look out, yes, at the beautiful sunrise and sunset. 00:04:34.400 --> 00:04:40.240 But you also want to be able to also protect if anyone is going into the vineyard. 00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:41.360 Does that make sense, church? 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:42.439 Okay. 00:04:43.340 --> 00:04:48.639 Now, we don't have the picture of the tenants or the servants or the son or the owners and the new tenants. 00:04:48.639 --> 00:04:52.280 But you still get at least the scene of what is going on. 00:04:52.279 --> 00:05:04.299 So we have the tenants, which is a representation of the people of God, their leaders, representing also the people of God. 00:05:04.679 --> 00:05:11.419 We have also the servants, which represents the prophets that were sent by God. 00:05:12.419 --> 00:05:21.299 Then the son, which represents Jesus Christ as the, well, as the heir, as the messenger. 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:25.459 And then the owner, which is God the Father. 00:05:26.539 --> 00:05:28.639 And then new tenants. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:35.359 Well, as we know in scripture, that there is the mystery of Christ that is revealed, 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:43.879 going from what used to be exclusive to the people of God, being available for everyone who believes in the Lord. 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:52.240 So, it is showing that from once the Jewish people, now going to all who believe in Christ. 00:05:52.360 --> 00:05:53.620 Does that make sense, church? 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:54.659 Okay. 00:05:55.480 --> 00:06:00.259 So, the new tenants is those who respond to Christ. 00:06:00.759 --> 00:06:02.600 I want us to go back here. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:05.779 Let's turn to the Gospel of Matthew. 00:06:05.779 --> 00:06:11.579 And I want you to see, knowing this, what we just went over, 00:06:12.119 --> 00:06:19.779 how beautiful this parable aligns with our understanding of God, His Word, and His plan for us. 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:21.239 Right? 00:06:21.659 --> 00:06:30.000 There was a master of a house, God, who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:30.480 Okay? 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:33.220 And He dug a wine press, right? 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:36.759 The expectation of producing fruit. 00:06:38.279 --> 00:06:40.199 And leased it to tenants, right? 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:42.879 There's this idea of stewardship that's in there. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:46.240 The people of God were to steward God's promises. 00:06:47.740 --> 00:06:48.860 And where did He go? 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:54.400 So, the master went to another country, or the owner went to another country. 00:06:55.100 --> 00:07:00.900 When the season for fruit drew near, so there was a certain amount of time for fruit to be produced, 00:07:01.400 --> 00:07:04.460 He sent His servants to the tenants to get fruit, 00:07:05.379 --> 00:07:12.319 sending the messengers, the prophets, to go to the people of God to collect the fruit. 00:07:14.280 --> 00:07:15.600 And what did the tenants do? 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:19.840 They take His servants, and do they welcome Him in? 00:07:21.020 --> 00:07:26.360 No, it says, they beat one, they killed another, and they stoned another. 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:29.620 Again, He sent other servants. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:35.120 I mean, if one servant got killed, if I was the owner, I'd be pretty upset. 00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:41.520 But continuing of sending servants here, giving more opportunity for the people of God. 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:41.959 Okay? 00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:45.259 He sent other servants, more than the first. 00:07:46.159 --> 00:07:47.359 And did they welcome Him in? 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.019 No. 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:51.279 They did the same to them. 00:07:51.979 --> 00:07:57.159 And finally, He sent His Son, the heir. 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.259 He sent His Son to them, saying, 00:08:00.399 --> 00:08:01.979 They will respect My Son. 00:08:02.819 --> 00:08:03.180 Right? 00:08:03.240 --> 00:08:04.680 That makes perfect sense. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:05.879 They're being disrespectful. 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:10.579 They're doing all these terrible things to these messengers that I'm sending. 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:12.659 Surely they would respect My Son. 00:08:12.740 --> 00:08:13.800 They're living in the vineyard. 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:14.740 They're being there. 00:08:14.839 --> 00:08:15.740 They're dwelling there. 00:08:16.599 --> 00:08:17.899 Well, this is not the case. 00:08:19.579 --> 00:08:21.779 When the tenants saw the Son, they said to themselves, 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.000 This is the heir. 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:25.959 Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:29.439 Thinking that the death of the Son, 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:32.220 they would, by killing him, 00:08:32.939 --> 00:08:33.639 they would gain. 00:08:34.559 --> 00:08:35.639 But here's the thing. 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:39.039 And just as we talk about in this Easter season, 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:42.539 evil thinks it can win. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:45.819 But in the end, evil does not win. 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:51.139 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, 00:08:51.319 --> 00:08:52.879 what will he do to those tenants? 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:55.220 He said to them, 00:08:55.299 --> 00:08:58.039 He will put wretches to a miserable death 00:08:58.039 --> 00:09:00.840 and let out the vineyard to other tenants 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:02.960 who give him the fruits in their season. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:05.379 That is a very important thing, church, 00:09:06.060 --> 00:09:07.580 when we read that. 00:09:08.100 --> 00:09:10.600 Because it's representing the old covenant, 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:13.720 the old system in which the Jewish people had 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:16.500 prior to the new covenant. 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:20.820 But it's all based in this kind of vineyard language, 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:21.539 as it were. 00:09:23.700 --> 00:09:26.100 Those who will give him the fruits in their seasons, 00:09:26.220 --> 00:09:28.460 which goes to show the importance. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:31.799 Church, it's important for us to recognize 00:09:31.799 --> 00:09:33.679 to believe in Jesus Christ, 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:36.080 the death, burial, and resurrection. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:40.299 It's also important that upon believing in him, 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:42.159 we are to bear fruit. 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:45.480 We are to be molded by our Lord and our God, 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:48.219 being transformed, right? 00:09:48.339 --> 00:09:49.740 The transformation of mind, 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:51.219 the transformation of heart, 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.699 the very essence of who we are 00:09:53.699 --> 00:09:56.679 should be on a trajectory of being more like him. 00:09:57.259 --> 00:09:59.600 That doesn't mean we're going to be perfect, though, does it? 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:01.600 Are any of us perfect in here? 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:02.339 Don't raise your hand. 00:10:02.459 --> 00:10:03.699 We'll talk later, right? 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:06.039 But the reality is, 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.659 nobody is perfect. 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:10.019 But God continues to mold us. 00:10:10.019 --> 00:10:12.000 He continues to make us like him. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:15.419 And so that's a very pivotal point there. 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:18.240 Jesus said to them, 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:19.879 have you not read in the scriptures? 00:10:19.980 --> 00:10:21.299 It's in the Gospel of Luke, 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:23.879 where the Pharisees actually interject and said, 00:10:23.939 --> 00:10:24.759 this isn't the case. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:27.199 But Jesus is still saying in here, 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:29.240 have you not read the scriptures? 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:31.600 The stone that the builders rejected 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:32.919 has become the cornerstone. 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:34.240 This was the Lord's doing, 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:36.340 and it is marvelous in our eyes. 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:38.899 Therefore, the kingdom of God 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:40.060 will be taken away from you 00:10:40.060 --> 00:10:42.340 and given to a people producing fruit, 00:10:42.420 --> 00:10:43.420 which goes to show, 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:45.940 paving the way for salvation 00:10:45.940 --> 00:10:48.240 to be available for all who believe. 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:50.780 And in that belief, 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:52.899 we are called to be transformed, 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:54.300 to grow in Christ, 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:57.420 and to live and love like Jesus Christ. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:57.720 Amen? 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:00.060 Does this make sense, church? 00:11:00.920 --> 00:11:01.440 Okay. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:04.220 And the one who falls on this stone 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:05.500 will be broken to pieces, 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:07.259 and when it falls on anyone, 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:08.320 it will crush him. 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:09.620 And when the chief priests 00:11:09.620 --> 00:11:11.320 and the Pharisees heard this parable, 00:11:11.899 --> 00:11:14.080 they perceived that he was speaking about them. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.100 And although they were seeking to arrest him, 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:17.180 they feared the crowds 00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:19.040 because they held him to be a prophet. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:20.779 I want you to think for a moment. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:24.000 That language about tripping over a stone 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:24.540 and breaking, 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:27.980 how many of you know Daniel 2, verse 35? 00:11:28.139 --> 00:11:28.960 It's in your notes. 00:11:29.899 --> 00:11:31.279 Where it talks about a stone 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:33.700 that gets thrown into a great statue. 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:35.060 Some of you know what I'm talking about. 00:11:35.460 --> 00:11:38.120 The statue is made of bronze and iron and copper, 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.640 and it shatters to pieces. 00:11:39.640 --> 00:11:42.520 It's actually a direct connection to Daniel, 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:45.560 which is representing all of the kingdoms of the world 00:11:45.560 --> 00:11:47.220 will be shattered against God. 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:50.060 Nations, people, groups, people 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:54.180 without the stone will not prevail. 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:57.040 So it's this wonderful tie-in 00:11:57.040 --> 00:11:58.560 with the Old Testament 00:11:58.560 --> 00:12:01.960 and just with lots of scripture in this. 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:05.019 And so it's very interesting that in Daniel, 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:06.480 where you have this stone, 00:12:06.540 --> 00:12:07.800 that's a very small stone, 00:12:07.879 --> 00:12:09.480 it takes down this giant statue 00:12:09.480 --> 00:12:10.740 and then grows into a mountain. 00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:12.379 What in the world's happening there? 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:14.740 It's representing the kingdom of God, 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:18.040 just like we've talked about the mustard seed, right? 00:12:18.100 --> 00:12:20.019 The seed that gets planted into the ground 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:22.580 and it grows into something that is more powerful, 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:23.700 something that is great, 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:25.360 because that's how God works. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:28.340 It gets planted and it expands. 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:31.639 And so the stone being our foundation, 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:33.320 it expands. 00:12:34.300 --> 00:12:36.899 Do you build your life on Jesus Christ? 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:39.220 Is he your firm foundation? 00:12:39.560 --> 00:12:41.680 Is he the anchor for your life? 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:43.659 And it's interesting in this language 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:46.840 when it's saying that someone who falls, 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:48.320 trips and falls on the stone 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:50.820 is very similar to the idea of the stone 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:53.260 being cast upon this statue 00:12:53.260 --> 00:12:55.580 and shattering to pieces. 00:12:56.160 --> 00:12:57.700 Does that make sense, church? 00:12:58.140 --> 00:12:59.260 Do you understand? 00:13:00.400 --> 00:13:01.780 I sure hope that you do. 00:13:02.780 --> 00:13:04.600 And so in all of this, 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:06.980 the vineyard is planted with care. 00:13:07.640 --> 00:13:09.160 God entrusts his people. 00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:11.600 The servants are beaten and they're killed. 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:13.160 It's prophetic rejection. 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:16.420 The son is killed outside of the vineyard, 00:13:16.560 --> 00:13:18.840 which foretells of Christ's crucifixion 00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:20.680 and judgment comes 00:13:20.680 --> 00:13:22.180 and the wicked tenants are destroyed. 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:25.060 And then there is the cornerstone prophecy, 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:28.280 which Christ is the new foundation 00:13:28.280 --> 00:13:30.860 and the kingdom is transferred 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:33.060 for all who bear fruit. 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:35.519 So not we must believe in the Lord, 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:37.800 but we also must grow in him 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:40.000 and be moved to do good in his name. 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:42.060 So what does all of this mean then 00:13:42.060 --> 00:13:43.879 as we go into this? 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:46.740 Here at Ontario Community Church, 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:49.080 we use what is known as the OIA method. 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:50.700 O as an observation. 00:13:50.860 --> 00:13:52.460 What in the world is going on in the text? 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:54.259 I is for interpretation. 00:13:54.460 --> 00:13:55.820 What are the lessons we can learn? 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:57.740 And thirdly is the application. 00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:59.159 What do we do about this? 00:13:59.799 --> 00:14:01.680 So let's go to that next slide. 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:03.620 It is the I interpretation. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:06.000 What can we learn and interpret from this? 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:08.799 The first thing is that God sends people 00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:11.820 even when we reject them. 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:16.000 God's patience is showing 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:19.500 that God is not quick to anger 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:22.540 because he is continually sending these prophets 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:24.780 to speak to the people 00:14:24.780 --> 00:14:26.660 to get them to change, 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:29.400 to get them to see their evil ways 00:14:29.400 --> 00:14:31.320 and to turn to the Lord. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:33.300 That's a pattern that we see 00:14:33.300 --> 00:14:35.280 and we also can recognize 00:14:35.280 --> 00:14:38.140 that mercy is shown before judgment 00:14:38.140 --> 00:14:40.320 that God does extend mercy. 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:43.840 It's much like when we think about salvation here 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:45.660 for the Christian. 00:14:46.320 --> 00:14:48.500 God gives a certain amount of time 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:49.480 but not forever. 00:14:50.160 --> 00:14:51.379 That's an important thing. 00:14:53.140 --> 00:14:55.160 And so in 2 Chronicles, 00:14:55.260 --> 00:14:56.500 it's in your notes, 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:58.820 chapter 36, verses 15 through 16, 00:14:58.820 --> 00:15:01.620 it mentions that time and time again 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:04.080 he sent messengers. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:07.300 Again, showing the mercy of God. 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:11.019 In Hebrews, chapter 1, verses 1 through 2, 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:12.199 in time past, 00:15:12.559 --> 00:15:14.559 God spoke now through his son, 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:16.359 which is talking about Christ, 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:18.259 from prophets to Christ. 00:15:19.439 --> 00:15:20.659 And so in all of this, 00:15:20.719 --> 00:15:21.959 it just means that God 00:15:21.959 --> 00:15:23.779 doesn't give up easily on you. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:25.399 God is merciful and he gives, 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:27.279 he gave the people of God 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.959 lots and lots of time. 00:15:29.339 --> 00:15:30.620 In the same way, 00:15:30.719 --> 00:15:32.279 he gives us the opportunity 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:34.959 to turn to him in faith. 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:37.280 The second thing then 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:38.700 is rejecting the son 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.860 leads to what, church? 00:15:40.920 --> 00:15:41.800 To judgment. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.720 The murder of the son 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:46.040 goes to show the depravity, right? 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:47.340 It goes to show the depth 00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:49.320 of the rebellion of these people. 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:51.580 And the stone imagery then 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:53.000 is showing that Christ, 00:15:53.680 --> 00:15:56.460 well, he is showing a new system, 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.620 a new way of doing things. 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:01.120 Instead of following the law, 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:03.419 it is now about grace. 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:06.960 Going from the old system 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:07.940 to the new system. 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:12.039 In Psalm 118, 22, 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:13.100 the very reference 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:14.320 that Christ is using, 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:16.740 the stone the builders rejected 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:18.940 has become the cornerstone. 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:21.019 And then as I mentioned 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:22.440 in Daniel chapter 2, 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:24.100 the stone became a mountain 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:26.200 that filled the whole earth. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:27.080 Do you see the pattern 00:16:27.080 --> 00:16:28.740 when it comes to the stone here? 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:32.100 And then in Acts 4.11, 00:16:32.279 --> 00:16:34.399 Jesus is the stone. 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:36.000 If you need it more clear, 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:38.139 in Acts 4.11, 00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:39.940 Jesus is the stone 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:41.840 that the builders rejected. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:44.220 How powerful. 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:46.320 How powerful is that? 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:49.879 And so Jesus dying on the cross, 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:51.080 right, his death, burial, 00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:51.860 and resurrection 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.759 is the cornerstone 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:55.379 for our salvation. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:56.879 We think of that 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.360 as the firm foundation 00:16:58.360 --> 00:17:00.399 in which we build our lives. 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:02.399 Let us not be like the fool 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:04.500 who builds their house on the sand. 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:06.059 Who does that anyways, right? 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.339 You want to build your house 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.920 on the firm foundation then. 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:12.200 And then thirdly, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:13.720 the kingdom is given to those 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.839 who will bear fruit. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.920 The tenants then, 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:19.720 they failed to steward 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:21.339 all that they were given. 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:22.799 Right? 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:25.240 Fruitfulness is a sign. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.419 It's kind of this 00:17:26.419 --> 00:17:28.240 outward expression 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:30.059 of faith to the Lord. 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.460 You're going to have 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:32.440 to produce fruit. 00:17:33.139 --> 00:17:33.460 Right? 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.940 I will tell you, 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:37.299 believe in Jesus Christ. 00:17:37.399 --> 00:17:39.000 That's the call for us. 00:17:40.319 --> 00:17:41.119 Be saved, 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:43.180 but also be transformed. 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:45.240 Grow in Christ 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:47.639 and do good 00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:49.279 in his holy name. 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:50.980 Bear fruit. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:52.160 And what does bearing fruit 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:52.819 look like? 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.759 It's being transformed 00:17:54.759 --> 00:17:56.079 from the inside out, 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:58.220 knowing that you're becoming 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:59.860 more like Jesus 00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:01.259 in what you say 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.980 and in what you do. 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.279 And in the gospel accounts, 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:08.839 it mentions in Matthew and John, 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:10.920 every tree or every branch 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:12.019 that does not bear fruit, 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.980 he cuts off. 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.880 And certainly, 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:16.460 that's a heavier one, 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:16.920 isn't it? 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:18.980 But we are called to bear fruit. 00:18:19.079 --> 00:18:20.160 Let that be an encouragement 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:20.720 for you. 00:18:21.560 --> 00:18:22.960 How is your fruit? 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:25.160 Are you producing fruit? 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:25.779 If you're not, 00:18:25.860 --> 00:18:27.000 let this be a call for you 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:28.000 to produce fruit. 00:18:30.140 --> 00:18:31.519 We then go into 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:33.519 the application then. 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:35.900 How can I apply 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:37.400 and live this out 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.600 in my life? 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.820 Well, the first thing is to, 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:43.019 well, it's pretty obvious. 00:18:43.560 --> 00:18:44.660 What does it say, church? 00:18:44.660 --> 00:18:46.880 Receive the Son. 00:18:47.560 --> 00:18:48.940 Don't reject Him. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.279 Jesus, 00:18:51.840 --> 00:18:53.720 we have to acknowledge 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:55.019 who He is. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.240 That He is what we need 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.880 in our lives. 00:18:58.540 --> 00:18:59.900 That Jesus Christ, 00:19:00.060 --> 00:19:00.300 again, 00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:01.000 is the way, 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:01.600 the truth, 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.580 and the life. 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:05.540 God extends 00:19:05.540 --> 00:19:06.480 an invitation 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:08.279 for each and every one of us 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.400 to come 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:10.620 to the feast. 00:19:11.060 --> 00:19:12.220 Will you respond 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:12.880 to that? 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.600 Receive the Lord 00:19:15.600 --> 00:19:17.680 and integrate Him 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.940 into every part 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:19.880 of your life. 00:19:21.620 --> 00:19:22.720 Having Christ 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.180 as the center 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:25.100 of your life. 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:27.759 maybe you're resisting 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:29.119 God's call 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.859 for your life. 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:31.879 Don't do that. 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:34.000 Listen to God's call 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.859 because I'm here 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:35.379 to tell you 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:36.779 that Jesus provides 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.579 a better way. 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:39.359 A better way 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.359 than what the world 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:41.259 has to offer. 00:19:41.679 --> 00:19:42.579 A better way 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:43.019 than what, 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:43.839 when we think of 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:45.279 this constant fighting, 00:19:46.179 --> 00:19:47.319 brother against brother, 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.719 left versus right, 00:19:48.719 --> 00:19:51.119 and denominations 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:53.099 fighting against one another. 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:54.799 There is an ugliness 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:55.219 in that 00:19:55.219 --> 00:19:56.359 when really what matters 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.699 is us coming to the Lord, 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.799 coming before Him 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:01.279 and being molded. 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:04.159 Let's remember that. 00:20:04.919 --> 00:20:06.539 Don't reject the Lord. 00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:07.879 I know 00:20:07.879 --> 00:20:10.399 it's so important 00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.659 for us to recognize 00:20:11.659 --> 00:20:14.159 that God 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:15.639 is constant 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:18.279 and He does not fail us. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:22.500 I've said it before 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:23.440 and I'll say it again. 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:25.399 Man can 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:27.379 and man will fail you. 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.799 But God 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:30.639 will not fail you. 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:32.879 That's important. 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:35.940 The second thing then 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:37.359 is to let the stone 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:38.059 establish 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:39.399 and shape 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.259 your life. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.799 He is the foundation 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:45.200 for our lives. 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:47.559 Consider Christ 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:49.360 as the most important stone 00:20:49.360 --> 00:20:50.039 that you have 00:20:50.039 --> 00:20:50.900 when we talk about 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:52.059 this foundation. 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:54.059 When we're considering 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:56.519 that prophecy of Daniel 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.680 and this tie-in 00:20:57.680 --> 00:20:58.559 with the parable, 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.720 the stone 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.980 which the builders rejected 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.740 has become 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.720 the cornerstone. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:05.340 And 00:21:05.340 --> 00:21:07.120 in the same way 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:07.960 that this stone 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:09.519 can destroy a statue 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:11.340 or people can trip on it 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.220 and get destroyed, 00:21:12.620 --> 00:21:13.480 those are the ones 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:13.960 that are going 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.019 against the stone. 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.840 Well, let us consider 00:21:16.840 --> 00:21:18.660 when we have the stone 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:20.740 as our foundation. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:23.160 Not only having it 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:24.519 as our foundation, 00:21:25.080 --> 00:21:26.120 but continuing 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:27.920 to let the stone grow 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.600 just like the mustard seed, 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:29.900 right? 00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:31.620 Being planted 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:32.460 and growing 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.380 or the stone 00:21:33.380 --> 00:21:33.799 going 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:35.580 from a small stone 00:21:35.580 --> 00:21:36.480 into a mountain, 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:37.580 growing 00:21:37.580 --> 00:21:38.700 and transforming 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:39.480 your life. 00:21:40.360 --> 00:21:41.360 When we think 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.039 of leadership, 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.299 when we think 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:43.960 of family 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:45.000 or finances, 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.920 every part 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.680 of our life 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:49.480 will be transformed 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.240 by Jesus. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.019 That is the beautiful thing. 00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:54.160 And when we think 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:54.660 about it, 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.440 I'm sure that many 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:57.480 of you may know 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:59.059 someone that is 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:00.100 close to the Lord. 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:01.980 Someone that you know 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.039 who you have seen 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:04.279 has been transformed 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:06.200 and it's remarkable. 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:07.359 There's one individual, 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.139 I won't give him 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.619 the name. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.740 If he's watching, 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:10.220 he'll probably 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:10.960 make fun of me, 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:12.599 but there's a gentleman 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:13.240 that I know 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:15.180 who was really 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:16.440 like the gothic 00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:17.759 dark type of person 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:18.599 who was listening. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.420 And there's nothing 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:20.339 wrong with dressing 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:20.839 in black. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.799 I do it all the time, 00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:22.160 okay? 00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.619 But he was living 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.980 a very worldly life 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:26.480 where there was 00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:27.279 such division 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.119 in his marriage 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.440 and in his relationships. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:33.759 people prayed for him. 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:34.559 His wife, 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:37.320 he started attending church 00:22:37.320 --> 00:22:38.160 and it was kind of 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:38.860 this rebellion 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.700 that was happening. 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:42.279 And over a few years, 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.460 it was little by little 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:45.180 where God was 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.440 transforming the man 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.940 to where he became 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.660 a believer in Jesus Christ, 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:51.240 to where he became 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.880 baptized. 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:53.759 And he's a much 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.360 different man. 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:55.539 If you knew him, 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:57.360 I've known him 00:22:57.360 --> 00:22:58.220 for about a decade. 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.360 From when I first 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:00.880 met him, 00:23:01.080 --> 00:23:01.900 he was kind of scary, 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.400 I admit, 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:04.279 to where he is now, 00:23:04.900 --> 00:23:06.160 a very loving man. 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:07.420 Now, he doesn't 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:08.240 understand everything 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:09.059 about scripture. 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.039 Who does? 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.940 But God is continuing 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:14.019 to work in him 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:14.940 in his life. 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:16.559 And in the same way, 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:18.100 you might identify 00:23:18.100 --> 00:23:18.900 as someone 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:20.160 who is rebelling 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.100 against the Lord. 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:23.160 Maybe you have 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:23.960 rebelled before. 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:25.519 Or does no one 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.320 here rebel anymore, 00:23:26.320 --> 00:23:26.640 right? 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.820 We've all had our moments 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:29.559 where we rebelled 00:23:29.559 --> 00:23:30.279 against God 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:30.819 and we thought 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:31.359 we could do it 00:23:31.359 --> 00:23:31.879 on our own. 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.779 We thought that the world 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:35.019 or that our own way, 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.279 our own understanding 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:36.939 was better than 00:23:36.939 --> 00:23:37.859 what God offered. 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.579 What God offers 00:23:40.579 --> 00:23:42.639 is not just salvation, 00:23:42.639 --> 00:23:43.879 but transformation. 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:46.639 The ability to love, 00:23:47.359 --> 00:23:47.619 right? 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.500 When I've talked about 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:50.039 the peace that surpasses 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.919 all understanding, 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.819 when I've talked about 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:53.939 the inexhaustible joy 00:23:53.939 --> 00:23:55.419 that comes from him, 00:23:55.420 --> 00:23:58.100 there is so much. 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:58.640 And so, 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:01.240 let your life 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:04.140 be dedicated 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.500 for the Lord. 00:24:07.080 --> 00:24:08.100 And so, 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:10.080 in the same way 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:10.700 where you've heard 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.380 that story, 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:12.740 you either have 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:13.880 the rock 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:15.180 as your foundation 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.279 or the sand, 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:17.400 well, 00:24:18.800 --> 00:24:19.600 you can either, 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.480 you're either built 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.480 by the stone 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.960 or you're shattered 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.480 by it. 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.660 That's another way 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.440 to look at it. 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:29.539 And the third thing, 00:24:29.640 --> 00:24:29.860 then, 00:24:30.120 --> 00:24:31.480 is to grow 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.660 and to bear fruit 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.620 as witness 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.360 to others. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.880 It's a call 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.319 for us 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.400 to believe in Christ, 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:40.319 to grow in him, 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.620 but to go out 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:42.500 into the world 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.940 and to share 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.940 in the good news 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.720 of the gospel. 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:48.559 Talking about 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:50.319 character change, 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.599 your life-changing 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.139 love, 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:52.759 justice, 00:24:52.959 --> 00:24:53.559 and mission. 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:55.939 All of these things 00:24:55.939 --> 00:24:56.740 are part of the 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.240 transformation 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:58.059 that happens. 00:24:58.439 --> 00:24:58.579 Now, 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.279 here's the thing. 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.939 As we come 00:25:01.939 --> 00:25:02.519 to Christ 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.500 and as we grow 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:04.279 in Christ, 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.959 there comes a point 00:25:05.959 --> 00:25:06.619 where you gotta 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.379 live it out. 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:09.740 If you receive, 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.319 right now, 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:12.240 a check for a million dollars 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.819 and it was legit, 00:25:14.219 --> 00:25:16.559 you wouldn't tell 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.339 people about it? 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:18.039 I mean, 00:25:18.099 --> 00:25:18.980 I know technically 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.819 you probably shouldn't 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.219 because people 00:25:20.219 --> 00:25:20.980 would come after you 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.220 for it, 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.839 but just for the 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:22.339 sake here, 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.559 you would most 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.240 likely want to 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:26.160 tell people about it. 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.000 Right? 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.120 If you think of a debt 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:29.980 that's been cleared 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:31.420 or receiving 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:32.480 a wonderful gift, 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.180 we can think of 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:34.059 all these things 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.380 here on the earth. 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:37.220 When we think 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.900 about this, 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:38.360 well, 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:39.480 think about a far 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.360 greater gift 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:41.740 that comes from above. 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:43.039 Think of a far 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.680 greater gift 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:44.940 that comes from Christ. 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.680 Wouldn't you 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.519 want to go out 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:49.099 to the world 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:50.879 and tell your friends 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.559 and your family 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.619 of the transforming 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:54.660 power of Jesus Christ? 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:57.319 Saying, 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:57.639 look, 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:59.539 I believe in Jesus. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.359 I'm going to 00:26:00.359 --> 00:26:01.500 declare his name. 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.139 And maybe 00:26:03.139 --> 00:26:05.019 you might be 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.920 in a situation 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.940 where you just 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.259 can't 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.440 speak the words. 00:26:09.859 --> 00:26:10.639 How many of you 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.200 have been in that 00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:11.879 situation? 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:14.720 You go out 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.240 and you want to 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.080 share the good news 00:26:16.080 --> 00:26:16.680 of the gospel 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:18.180 and it's not allowed 00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:19.280 or it might ruin 00:26:19.280 --> 00:26:20.120 the relationship. 00:26:20.300 --> 00:26:20.520 Right? 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:21.920 Do we have any of those? 00:26:22.540 --> 00:26:23.440 Don't raise your hand. 00:26:23.760 --> 00:26:24.080 Please. 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.540 But I'm sure 00:26:25.540 --> 00:26:26.300 for a lot of us 00:26:26.300 --> 00:26:27.080 we've had those 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:28.140 situations where 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:29.380 it might be 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:30.000 your workplace. 00:26:31.060 --> 00:26:31.780 It might be 00:26:31.780 --> 00:26:32.520 Uncle Steve 00:26:32.520 --> 00:26:33.080 if there's anyone 00:26:33.080 --> 00:26:33.900 named Steve here. 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.980 Or Uncle John. 00:26:36.060 --> 00:26:36.800 Whatever it is. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.980 There might be 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.880 that family member 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:39.620 you just don't 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:40.520 talk about the Lord 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.819 when you go over 00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:42.480 to his house. 00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.980 It may not be 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.299 the words that you say. 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:47.900 It can certainly 00:26:47.900 --> 00:26:48.759 be the actions 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.480 that you do. 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.379 Doing everything 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:52.500 in excellence 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:53.900 for the glory of God. 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:56.000 Let your schoolwork 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:58.339 or your job performance 00:26:58.339 --> 00:27:01.420 let that reflect 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.259 the light 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.139 love and truth 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:03.720 of Christ. 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.700 And so 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:06.579 in everything 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:07.359 that we are 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:08.460 we're called 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.119 to share 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:10.039 in the gospel 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:10.500 message 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.399 by words 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:13.079 through actions 00:27:13.079 --> 00:27:14.759 living and loving 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.960 like Jesus. 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:18.339 Because you want 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:19.339 to have people 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:21.259 who see Christ 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.099 in you 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.339 as you live 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:24.000 your life. 00:27:24.859 --> 00:27:26.099 Do you realize 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:26.680 that people 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.879 can come to Christ 00:27:27.879 --> 00:27:28.839 just by the way 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.700 that you live 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.259 your life? 00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.200 Say, 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:32.659 you know what? 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.240 There's something 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.839 that's different 00:27:33.839 --> 00:27:34.420 about you. 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:35.299 I don't know 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:36.059 what it is. 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.319 There's something 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.859 that's different 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:39.399 about you. 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.919 What is it 00:27:40.919 --> 00:27:41.439 about you? 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:43.159 And you allow 00:27:43.159 --> 00:27:44.299 for that conversation 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:44.779 to happen 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.639 because that's 00:27:45.639 --> 00:27:46.199 some of the most 00:27:46.199 --> 00:27:47.659 powerful ways 00:27:47.659 --> 00:27:49.079 that we evangelize 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:49.719 is through 00:27:49.719 --> 00:27:50.879 relationships. 00:27:51.719 --> 00:27:52.619 Breaking bread 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:53.039 together. 00:27:53.219 --> 00:27:54.099 As I mentioned 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:55.399 in the Easter message 00:27:55.399 --> 00:27:57.479 where Jesus 00:27:57.479 --> 00:27:58.500 was on the road 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.139 with Emmaus 00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.599 with the two 00:27:59.599 --> 00:28:00.099 disciples 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:00.899 and they broke 00:28:00.899 --> 00:28:01.559 bread together. 00:28:01.679 --> 00:28:02.079 They talked 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.819 about the scriptures 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.159 and they understood. 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.340 And then Christ 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:05.860 disappeared 00:28:05.860 --> 00:28:07.340 just randomly. 00:28:07.800 --> 00:28:08.519 But it was 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:08.980 to show 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.759 that their hearts 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.620 were on fire 00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:11.279 for the Lord. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.040 And as we 00:28:13.040 --> 00:28:14.060 come to Christ, 00:28:14.800 --> 00:28:15.740 as we get 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.279 baptized, 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.340 as we grow 00:28:17.340 --> 00:28:17.900 in Christ 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.480 and we start 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.259 understanding 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:19.800 the deeper 00:28:19.800 --> 00:28:20.840 things of God, 00:28:21.100 --> 00:28:22.140 let us be 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:22.660 moved 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:24.700 to serve 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.360 the community, 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.700 to serve 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:27.340 the church, 00:28:27.340 --> 00:28:28.900 and to live 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:30.600 like Jesus 00:28:30.600 --> 00:28:31.160 Christ. 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:32.300 that is so 00:28:32.300 --> 00:28:32.900 important 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:33.860 for us. 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.840 In Galatians 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:37.700 chapter 5 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:38.460 verse 22 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.240 and 23 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.560 mentions the 00:28:40.560 --> 00:28:41.300 fruit of the 00:28:41.300 --> 00:28:41.759 Spirit. 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:43.900 In Matthew 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:47.160 28, 19 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.900 which talks 00:28:47.900 --> 00:28:49.100 about fruit 00:28:49.100 --> 00:28:50.040 through making 00:28:50.040 --> 00:28:50.800 disciples. 00:28:52.560 --> 00:28:53.060 And so 00:28:53.060 --> 00:28:54.000 can we go 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.620 back to that 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:55.160 vineyard 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:56.660 picture real 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:56.920 quick? 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:59.240 As we 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:00.080 close here, 00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:01.740 I want you 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:03.319 next time 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:03.779 you go 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.379 visit a 00:29:04.379 --> 00:29:04.740 vineyard 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:06.099 or you 00:29:06.099 --> 00:29:06.559 look at 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.000 an image, 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:07.720 it's just 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.259 a generic 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:08.659 image, 00:29:08.699 --> 00:29:08.919 you can 00:29:08.919 --> 00:29:09.419 see lots 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:09.939 of pictures 00:29:09.939 --> 00:29:11.559 of vineyards, 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:14.019 consider 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.960 this concept 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.879 of stewardship 00:29:16.879 --> 00:29:18.919 that with 00:29:18.919 --> 00:29:20.179 our time, 00:29:20.359 --> 00:29:20.859 our talent, 00:29:20.939 --> 00:29:21.279 and our 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:21.679 treasure, 00:29:21.879 --> 00:29:22.659 we are to 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:23.339 steward what 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:23.960 God has 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:24.460 given to 00:29:24.460 --> 00:29:24.839 us. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.359 Consider 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:27.159 the stone 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:28.500 and let 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.099 that be the 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:30.059 foundation for 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:30.740 your life. 00:29:31.879 --> 00:29:32.700 And when 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.339 you hear 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:34.099 the word 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:34.619 of God, 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:36.039 the words 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:36.940 of someone's 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.659 testimony, 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.700 receive 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:41.480 Jesus Christ. 00:29:43.159 --> 00:29:43.839 Receive 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:45.519 salvation from 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:45.980 the Lord 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:46.839 through belief. 00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:48.099 Grow in 00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:49.259 him and 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.980 be moved 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.759 to do good 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.359 in his name. 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:52.960 Ask yourself 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.740 this question 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.039 then. 00:29:54.919 --> 00:29:55.480 Will you 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:56.839 be a 00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:57.220 faithful 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:57.599 tenant 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:57.779 inheritance? 00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.259 Or will 00:29:59.259 --> 00:30:00.519 you let 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:00.699 that 00:30:00.699 --> 00:30:01.240 opportunity 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:02.059 pass away? 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:03.899 Let's 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:04.399 pray together. 00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:06.659 And 00:30:06.659 --> 00:30:06.899 Father, 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.639 we thank 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:08.219 you for 00:30:08.219 --> 00:30:09.839 this time 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.119 and this 00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:10.659 opportunity 00:30:10.659 --> 00:30:11.079 to go 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:11.519 through this 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:13.039 very unique 00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:13.659 parable 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:15.279 that not 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.219 only shows 00:30:16.219 --> 00:30:17.679 the old 00:30:17.679 --> 00:30:18.119 and the new 00:30:18.119 --> 00:30:18.519 covenant, 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:19.219 but also 00:30:19.219 --> 00:30:20.619 shows your 00:30:20.619 --> 00:30:21.179 mercy, 00:30:22.199 --> 00:30:22.799 how you 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.419 send, 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:24.579 how you 00:30:24.579 --> 00:30:25.099 sent your 00:30:25.099 --> 00:30:25.879 messengers to 00:30:25.879 --> 00:30:26.279 the people 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:26.719 of God, 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:27.379 but also 00:30:27.379 --> 00:30:28.159 how you 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:28.899 send people 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.699 to us 00:30:29.699 --> 00:30:31.619 to change 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:32.359 our minds 00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:33.219 and metanoia, 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.079 to repent, 00:30:35.659 --> 00:30:36.500 to come to 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:37.179 believe in 00:30:37.179 --> 00:30:37.459 you. 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.579 Father, 00:30:39.719 --> 00:30:40.240 I pray 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:42.339 let there 00:30:42.339 --> 00:30:43.000 be comfort 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:43.659 where comfort 00:30:43.659 --> 00:30:44.319 is needed. 00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:44.919 Let there 00:30:44.919 --> 00:30:45.879 be understanding 00:30:45.879 --> 00:30:46.859 where understanding 00:30:46.859 --> 00:30:47.459 is needed. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.119 And may we 00:30:49.119 --> 00:30:49.779 not be like 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.439 those wicked 00:30:50.439 --> 00:30:51.299 tenants that 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:53.319 rejected the 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.799 messengers 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.619 and rejected 00:30:54.619 --> 00:30:55.500 the son. 00:30:56.359 --> 00:30:56.799 Instead, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.799 may we be 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.740 in tune 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.919 to your 00:31:00.919 --> 00:31:01.500 calling, 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:02.619 to your 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:03.359 invitation, 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:05.139 to believe 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.599 in you, 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:06.579 to be saved, 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.139 the invitation 00:31:08.139 --> 00:31:09.019 for salvation, 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:09.819 but also 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:10.759 the invitation 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.819 to grow, 00:31:12.399 --> 00:31:13.119 to live out 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:13.700 this faith 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:14.399 essentially 00:31:14.399 --> 00:31:16.059 to produce 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.779 fruit. 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.399 We love 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:18.619 you, 00:31:19.159 --> 00:31:19.799 we praise 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.000 you, 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:20.759 we glorify 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.180 you, 00:31:21.299 --> 00:31:22.000 and we 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:22.480 honor you. 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.740 we thank 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.039 you for 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:24.680 this time 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.539 together. 00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:27.120 It is in 00:31:27.120 --> 00:31:27.599 the name 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.120 of Jesus 00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:28.539 that we 00:31:28.539 --> 00:31:28.980 pray and 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:29.240 we all 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.779 say together 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.039 amen. 00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:31.140 Amen. 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:33.960 Thank you 00:31:33.960 --> 00:31:34.460 for listening 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:34.880 for this 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:35.240 week's 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.599 message 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:35.819 from 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.200 Ontario 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:36.660 Community 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.059 Church. 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:38.160 I pray 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:38.740 that you 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.559 are encouraged 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:40.559 and strengthened 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:40.980 in your 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.460 walk with 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:41.839 Christ. 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:42.759 For more 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.099 sermons 00:31:43.099 --> 00:31:43.880 and resources, 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:44.779 visit 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.299 Ontario 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:45.799 Community 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:46.299 Church 00:31:46.299 --> 00:31:47.180 dot org. 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:48.240 May God 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:48.799 bless you 00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.279 as you 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.700 live out 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.319 his grace 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:51.000 and truth 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.900 every single 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.200 day.