WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.500 If you haven't been here in a while or you've been attending for quite some time, you know that we've been in the book of Romans for over a year. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:10.240 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:44.679 So, we thought it would be good for a couple of weeks to really just talk about local missions this week and global missions next week. 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:47.519 So, that's kind of the plan where we're headed. 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:55.960 I was thinking earlier when Nathan was praying that we can say that we love Jesus. 00:00:56.280 --> 00:00:57.740 We can say that we love God. 00:00:57.740 --> 00:01:03.300 We can say that we honor Him and we glorify Him with this service and our singing. 00:01:04.019 --> 00:01:07.840 But unless there's action behind those words, those are just words. 00:01:08.579 --> 00:01:18.540 Unless there's true humility, repentance, believing, faith, unless any of that is behind those words, they're just words. 00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:25.520 And this morning, this sermon, as practical as it may be or as impractical, I hope it's practical, 00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:39.859 it's pointless and worthless if we don't have action attached to our love, attached to our faith, attached to our belief, and on and on and on. 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:46.799 So, that's kind of where I really wanted to start this morning. 00:01:47.439 --> 00:01:51.959 We're going to be in John chapter 20, if you guys want to take your Bibles and turn there. 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:54.099 We'll be there in just a few minutes. 00:01:54.640 --> 00:02:00.799 But let me kind of give you a quick summary of where we've been sitting in Romans chapter 10. 00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:07.519 Paul, in chapter 9 and a little bit into chapter 10, Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome, 00:02:08.599 --> 00:02:16.879 has just lamented over the unbelief of Israel, moved emotionally, just couldn't understand, 00:02:17.019 --> 00:02:21.859 can't understand why they haven't believed the truth of the Gospel. 00:02:21.860 --> 00:02:29.380 And that lamenting, that emotional stress and distress over the truth, 00:02:29.980 --> 00:02:35.720 moves him and brings him to chapter 10 in Romans, 00:02:35.920 --> 00:02:39.040 where I'm going to read, and you guys can turn there if you want. 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:45.640 It brings him to the simplicity of the Gospel, as Nathan said last week, 00:02:45.639 --> 00:02:51.059 that Paul is brought, or the week before, Paul is brought to the simplicity of the Gospel 00:02:51.059 --> 00:02:53.539 after lamenting over Israel. 00:02:53.679 --> 00:02:58.519 Let me read in chapter 10, starting in verse 5. 00:03:00.139 --> 00:03:03.879 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:07.159 that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 00:03:07.579 --> 00:03:09.759 But the righteousness based on faith says, 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:14.599 do not say on your heart, who will ascend into heaven, that is, to bring Christ down, 00:03:14.599 --> 00:03:18.259 or who will descend into the abyss, that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 00:03:18.799 --> 00:03:20.079 But what does it say? 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:23.240 The Word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart. 00:03:23.359 --> 00:03:26.479 That is, the Word of faith that we proclaim. 00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:29.939 Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, 00:03:30.340 --> 00:03:35.519 and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:38.340 For with the heart one believes and is justified, 00:03:38.699 --> 00:03:41.400 and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:45.319 For the Scripture says, everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:49.000 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:54.240 For the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. 00:03:54.700 --> 00:03:58.480 For everyone who calls in the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:03:58.800 --> 00:04:06.259 Now, moving into the next few verses, we get this practical outline that Paul gives us. 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:09.219 He says, how then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? 00:04:09.219 --> 00:04:13.319 And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have not heard? 00:04:14.599 --> 00:04:17.500 And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:20.319 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:25.600 As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:27.980 That's where we are. 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:30.019 That's kind of where we sit this morning. 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:31.439 Preaching the good news. 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:34.180 Who will preach the good news? 00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:35.160 Who is sent? 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:37.000 How will they hear if nobody is sent? 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:39.160 How will they hear the good news? 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:42.860 And that's where we are camped out. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:44.500 That's where we're kind of moving from. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:46.060 So this week, local missions. 00:04:46.560 --> 00:04:48.720 And next week, global missions. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:53.560 And I hope between the two weeks, it's really not a big difference. 00:04:54.579 --> 00:04:55.779 The difference will be where you go. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:57.879 That will be the big difference. 00:04:57.980 --> 00:05:01.620 I hope we can prove that to you. 00:05:01.620 --> 00:05:04.699 So, John chapter 20. 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:07.360 We're going to start reading in verse 21. 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:14.579 As Paul, in the book of Romans, is writing to the Christians in Rome, 00:05:15.220 --> 00:05:18.120 so too this morning is to Christians. 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:26.160 This message is to those of you who once were dead and are now alive. 00:05:26.160 --> 00:05:31.120 Those who once had a heart of stone and now have a heart of flesh. 00:05:31.200 --> 00:05:40.880 Those who once lived, wallowed, and slept in your sin and in the muck of bad choice after bad choice after bad choice. 00:05:41.140 --> 00:05:42.300 Worshiping yourselves. 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:47.060 Those of you who now worship God, live for God. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:50.660 Your purpose is to glorify Him and honor Him. 00:05:50.760 --> 00:05:54.060 And there's action behind that purpose. 00:05:54.060 --> 00:05:56.600 That's who I'm speaking to this morning. 00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:59.620 That's who this message is for. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:04.100 And if we're Christians, we bear the name of Christ. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:05.399 Christian. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:06.759 Simple as that. 00:06:06.840 --> 00:06:08.480 We belong to Him. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:10.639 So in John chapter 20, 00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:15.420 verse 21, 00:06:16.279 --> 00:06:17.939 Jesus said to them again, 00:06:18.340 --> 00:06:20.379 and this is the apostles, this is the disciples, 00:06:20.379 --> 00:06:26.219 Peace be with you as the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:29.579 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:30.959 Receive the Holy Spirit. 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:34.120 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:38.060 If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:39.899 Let's pray together. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:45.639 Father, I ask your grace this morning as we gather, 00:06:46.479 --> 00:06:52.000 as I preach this morning a sermon that I believe is from you. 00:06:52.739 --> 00:06:54.359 God, speak clearly to us. 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:58.019 Communicate your will, your purposes to us. 00:06:58.379 --> 00:07:03.399 Show us areas in our lives where we need to step up. 00:07:03.919 --> 00:07:07.139 Areas where we're not painting a clear picture of the gospel. 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:09.399 Our picture is muddied. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:15.860 And show us areas where our action needs to be to let go of some things. 00:07:15.959 --> 00:07:20.240 Our action needs to be to clean up our life a little bit 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:23.719 so that we can be clear in communicating the hope that we have. 00:07:25.099 --> 00:07:25.879 Speak through me. 00:07:26.659 --> 00:07:29.240 God, if there's any error that comes from my mouth, 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:30.439 let it fall from our ears. 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:33.500 That we can honor you and glorify you completely 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:37.220 through the preaching of your word and through the hearing of it this morning. 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:39.100 In Jesus' name I pray. 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:40.300 All of this. 00:07:40.839 --> 00:07:41.060 Amen. 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:44.939 So, some quick background here in the book of John. 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:46.579 Jesus has died. 00:07:47.160 --> 00:07:47.939 He has resurrected. 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:52.019 And in this context, he has not yet appeared to the disciples. 00:07:52.660 --> 00:07:55.279 And if you look back a couple of verses to verse 19, 00:07:55.939 --> 00:07:57.420 this is where the disciples are. 00:07:57.420 --> 00:08:00.140 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, 00:08:00.220 --> 00:08:05.259 the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, 00:08:06.100 --> 00:08:08.060 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 00:08:08.140 --> 00:08:09.000 Peace be with you. 00:08:10.020 --> 00:08:15.080 Now, what I want you to see here is that the disciples are scared out of their mind, 00:08:15.460 --> 00:08:17.340 fearing for their life from the Jews 00:08:17.340 --> 00:08:20.020 because Jesus has died. 00:08:20.460 --> 00:08:21.860 They don't know that he's resurrected. 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:23.700 They think all is lost. 00:08:23.699 --> 00:08:25.339 What they have put their hope in, 00:08:25.399 --> 00:08:28.420 what they had followed for these three and a half years 00:08:28.420 --> 00:08:29.680 has all just crumbled apart. 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:34.439 Everything has just been broken down in their eyes. 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:37.100 And so now they're hiding out, 00:08:37.319 --> 00:08:38.220 fearing for their lives, 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:42.539 afraid of the religious leaders, 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:43.879 afraid of the Jewish people, 00:08:44.059 --> 00:08:46.559 afraid of those that at some point 00:08:46.559 --> 00:08:48.659 they watch Jesus stand up against, 00:08:49.039 --> 00:08:50.059 Jesus call out, 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:53.000 Jesus give them a piece of his mind. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:54.660 He's watched this. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:57.379 These are the guys that they are now afraid of. 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:03.140 And for the kind of the first point here back into verse 21, 00:09:03.300 --> 00:09:05.060 what I want you to see is that we all, 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:10.120 all of us in this room have been commissioned for a specific task. 00:09:10.280 --> 00:09:12.160 We have been commissioned for a specific task. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:16.100 And I know that word means something to a lot of you in here, 00:09:16.180 --> 00:09:17.220 those who are in military, 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:19.660 those who are in the Corps at North Georgia, 00:09:19.800 --> 00:09:20.360 commissioned. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:22.539 And definition, 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:26.720 empowered to carry out a particular task or duty. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:30.639 All of us have been commissioned to a specific task. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:31.539 We say a lot, 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:32.720 Nathan said last week, 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:33.759 the Great Commission, 00:09:34.919 --> 00:09:35.320 go, 00:09:35.919 --> 00:09:36.759 and in your going, 00:09:37.060 --> 00:09:37.639 make disciples. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:40.680 All of us have been sent to a specific place, 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:41.800 to a specific area, 00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:43.139 a specific group of people. 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:46.080 All of us have been sent. 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:47.659 So all of us have been commissioned. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.679 We have been commissioned by Jesus, 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:55.000 empowered to carry out a particular task or duty. 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:57.480 You and I have been sent. 00:09:57.580 --> 00:09:59.379 Verse 21 says to the disciples, 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:00.699 Peace be with you. 00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:02.259 As the Father has sent me, 00:10:02.960 --> 00:10:04.720 even so I am sending you. 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:08.000 In America, 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:10.580 we romanticize the daring. 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:13.540 We romanticize the dangerous, 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:14.519 the brave. 00:10:15.940 --> 00:10:16.080 We, 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:18.600 sadly, 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:19.639 in our churches, 00:10:19.940 --> 00:10:21.700 we do the same with missionaries. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:25.560 We romanticize the fact that they're willing to go 00:10:25.560 --> 00:10:27.139 to the ends of the earth, 00:10:27.399 --> 00:10:28.420 where it's dangerous, 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.800 where it's not safe, 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:32.139 where they may not see any conversions. 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:33.199 And we say, 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:33.879 These guys, 00:10:35.100 --> 00:10:35.220 they, 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:35.799 you know, 00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:36.399 the whetstones, 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.360 I think of the whetstones, 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:40.659 and their willingness to put everything aside for the gospel. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:42.039 And I look at them, 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:43.740 and I look at other missionaries, 00:10:43.819 --> 00:10:44.179 and I say, 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:44.539 Man, 00:10:45.860 --> 00:10:46.159 that's, 00:10:46.319 --> 00:10:47.039 they're amazing. 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:48.120 And, 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:49.960 and what happens when I do that, 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:51.939 is I disconnect global missions, 00:10:52.019 --> 00:10:53.879 and local missions from my life. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:54.259 I say, 00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:54.759 That's them. 00:10:55.199 --> 00:10:55.559 That's, 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.480 that's their job. 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:57.179 So we look at, 00:10:57.220 --> 00:10:57.379 like, 00:10:57.460 --> 00:10:58.539 frontier ministries, 00:10:58.639 --> 00:10:59.200 or we look at, 00:10:59.200 --> 00:11:00.759 the international mission board, 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:01.419 or we look at, 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:02.939 whatever the case may be, 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:03.539 whatever group, 00:11:03.639 --> 00:11:04.039 ministry, 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:04.599 missions, 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:06.719 oriented group that you can think of, 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.219 and we say, 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:08.959 They're amazing. 00:11:09.099 --> 00:11:09.319 That's, 00:11:09.339 --> 00:11:10.139 that's their job. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:12.139 Global missions is their job. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:12.319 But, 00:11:12.759 --> 00:11:13.719 to be honest with you, 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.039 all of us in this room, 00:11:15.699 --> 00:11:17.360 our call is global missions. 00:11:18.179 --> 00:11:20.279 We are the missionaries in this room. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:21.339 Likewise, 00:11:21.979 --> 00:11:23.819 we look at ministries in town, 00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.459 we look at, 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.919 the Lauderdale Care Center, 00:11:26.039 --> 00:11:27.079 the Gainesville Care Center, 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:27.759 we look at, 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:30.539 all these places that are doing great things, 00:11:30.539 --> 00:11:31.360 the potter's house, 00:11:31.459 --> 00:11:31.879 we say, 00:11:32.339 --> 00:11:32.599 man, 00:11:32.659 --> 00:11:33.679 they are ministering, 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:34.500 they are reaching people. 00:11:34.539 --> 00:11:35.439 We look at Set Free, 00:11:35.819 --> 00:11:37.120 see the conversions that, 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:38.299 that God is doing, 00:11:38.419 --> 00:11:39.579 and changing lives there, 00:11:39.599 --> 00:11:39.980 and we say, 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:40.860 man, 00:11:41.259 --> 00:11:42.360 God is doing something, 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:43.019 and they are, 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:44.699 they are part of what God is doing, 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.559 and that is great stuff. 00:11:45.799 --> 00:11:46.839 What happens is, 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:49.379 we disconnect ourselves from that. 00:11:49.459 --> 00:11:49.740 We say, 00:11:49.779 --> 00:11:50.419 that's them. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:51.500 But guys, 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:53.120 we are local missions, 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.959 here in this room. 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:54.839 We, 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:56.759 are the sent ones. 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:58.199 Not somebody else, 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.420 not some other ministry, 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:01.180 not people going to India, 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:01.960 or Afghanistan, 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:03.240 or Burma, 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:03.860 or wherever. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:05.780 We, 00:12:06.060 --> 00:12:07.040 our local missions, 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.360 and global missions, 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:10.100 sitting in this room. 00:12:11.140 --> 00:12:12.620 It's not thinking biblical, 00:12:12.800 --> 00:12:13.700 if we say it's them. 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:15.600 To think biblically, 00:12:16.140 --> 00:12:17.620 it's all of us being sent. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:18.660 We have been commissioned, 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:21.160 for a specific task. 00:12:22.520 --> 00:12:23.900 We have been empowered, 00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:26.759 to a specific place, 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:28.000 for a specific reason, 00:12:28.079 --> 00:12:29.199 to a specific people. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:29.639 Now, 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:31.059 your people may be in Afghanistan, 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:32.079 like the Whetstones, 00:12:32.319 --> 00:12:34.679 but your people also may be at Chesity High School, 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:36.919 or Gainesville High School, 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:38.679 or Phenicity, 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:41.779 or fill in the blank, 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:43.139 North Georgia College, 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.360 Truett McConnell College, 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:45.419 wherever you are. 00:12:47.179 --> 00:12:48.519 You've been sent there, 00:12:48.519 --> 00:12:49.399 for a purpose, 00:12:49.539 --> 00:12:51.419 and a specific task. 00:12:51.699 --> 00:12:52.539 And you've been commissioned, 00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:53.839 you've been empowered, 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.019 by Jesus, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:55.839 to go. 00:12:57.079 --> 00:12:57.240 Now, 00:12:57.599 --> 00:12:59.539 remember who Jesus is talking to. 00:13:00.039 --> 00:13:01.199 He's talking to his disciples. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:01.539 Now, 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.740 context wise, 00:13:02.860 --> 00:13:03.740 they're in this room, 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:04.959 scared out of their mind. 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.539 But these are fishermen, 00:13:07.319 --> 00:13:08.179 tax collectors. 00:13:08.699 --> 00:13:09.799 These guys aren't, 00:13:09.980 --> 00:13:11.179 the smart of the smart, 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:13.219 classroom, 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:14.980 A plus students. 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:15.759 These aren't, 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.759 these aren't the, 00:13:16.759 --> 00:13:18.659 the elite of the elite, 00:13:19.319 --> 00:13:19.839 ranger, 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:20.339 or, 00:13:20.339 --> 00:13:21.860 or Navy SEAL, 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:22.600 or anything like that. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:23.639 These are just guys, 00:13:23.800 --> 00:13:25.519 who God set apart, 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:26.980 to do a specific task. 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:28.700 Just like you and I, 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.360 in this room, 00:13:29.800 --> 00:13:30.980 we have been set apart, 00:13:32.060 --> 00:13:33.220 and commissioned, 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:35.360 to do a specific task. 00:13:36.659 --> 00:13:37.720 So how do we do that? 00:13:37.779 --> 00:13:38.139 What are we, 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:39.480 what are we to do? 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:39.820 You know, 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:41.399 if Jesus is our example, 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:42.539 and all of us, 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:43.600 and every Christian would say, 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:43.940 yes, 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:45.180 Jesus is our example. 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:46.060 We need to strive, 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:47.399 to be like Jesus. 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:47.740 Well, 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:49.039 if Jesus is that example, 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:51.539 Jesus fulfilled everything, 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:52.820 that the Father sent Him to do. 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:54.379 All the way, 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:55.419 to death on the cross, 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:56.340 and resurrection. 00:13:57.560 --> 00:13:57.799 Now, 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:58.440 are you willing, 00:13:58.440 --> 00:13:59.180 to fulfill everything, 00:13:59.180 --> 00:14:00.320 that God has called you, 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:01.060 to do? 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:01.700 Has called, 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:02.860 has sent you to do? 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:04.320 God has commissioned you, 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:05.039 to do, 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.440 to the specific area, 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:07.980 in your life, 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:09.539 the specific people group, 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:10.399 around you. 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:12.399 So what are we, 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:13.000 to do then? 00:14:13.200 --> 00:14:14.019 As Christians, 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.100 what are we to do? 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:15.840 How do we, 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:17.879 do this? 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:18.600 Well, 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:19.299 first of all, 00:14:19.659 --> 00:14:20.299 we must, 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.799 need to engage, 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:23.460 the culture we live in. 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.120 We need to engage, 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:26.679 the culture we live in. 00:14:26.699 --> 00:14:27.860 We need to get involved, 00:14:28.659 --> 00:14:29.720 in the culture. 00:14:29.819 --> 00:14:30.899 We need to get involved, 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:32.360 in the lives of people, 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:33.159 around us. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.240 For example, 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:36.019 Jamie and I, 00:14:36.079 --> 00:14:36.600 took the kids, 00:14:36.699 --> 00:14:37.299 Friday night, 00:14:37.439 --> 00:14:39.079 to the movie, 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:39.939 in the park, 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:40.419 there in, 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:41.100 in downtown, 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:42.019 Dahlonega. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:43.860 Never been there before, 00:14:44.060 --> 00:14:44.560 but we, 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.720 had a great time, 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:47.159 met a lot of people, 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.060 had just a great, 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:48.779 fellowship time, 00:14:48.840 --> 00:14:49.500 with believers, 00:14:49.659 --> 00:14:50.419 and non-believers. 00:14:52.300 --> 00:14:53.279 Didn't have any, 00:14:53.560 --> 00:14:54.480 gospel centered, 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:55.580 conversation per se, 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:56.460 didn't lead anybody, 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:57.060 to Christ, 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:58.220 but we were there, 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.100 with the people, 00:14:59.320 --> 00:14:59.879 of Dahlonega, 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.399 sharing time together. 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:02.960 Another example, 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:03.279 that, 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:05.460 a few weeks ago, 00:15:05.580 --> 00:15:05.899 we were, 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:06.860 Nathan and I, 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:07.580 and some of us, 00:15:07.580 --> 00:15:08.019 in this room, 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:08.860 participated with, 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.200 the Dahlonega Care Center. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:12.200 They had a family fund, 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:14.820 it was a, 00:15:15.040 --> 00:15:15.259 you know, 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.379 we were in a dunk tank. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.840 There's not much, 00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:19.080 gospel preaching, 00:15:19.160 --> 00:15:19.840 in a dunk tank. 00:15:20.540 --> 00:15:21.740 But we were in a dunk tank, 00:15:21.780 --> 00:15:22.740 because we believed, 00:15:22.780 --> 00:15:23.360 in what they were doing, 00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:24.540 and we wanted to support them, 00:15:24.900 --> 00:15:26.120 and we wanted to engage, 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.060 what they were, 00:15:27.160 --> 00:15:28.480 trying to accomplish. 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:31.020 Another example, 00:15:31.180 --> 00:15:31.820 in the political, 00:15:32.060 --> 00:15:33.240 circles right now, 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.620 Mormonism is a big deal, 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:35.460 especially in, 00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:37.200 in Christianity, 00:15:37.540 --> 00:15:37.879 do we, 00:15:38.200 --> 00:15:39.320 do we vote for a Mormon, 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:39.840 do we not? 00:15:39.920 --> 00:15:40.060 Well, 00:15:40.180 --> 00:15:40.520 that's not, 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:42.140 not even going to talk about that. 00:15:43.780 --> 00:15:44.460 Have you noticed, 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:45.900 have you paid attention to, 00:15:46.300 --> 00:15:46.560 the, 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:48.200 and I'm a Mormon videos, 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:48.860 commercials? 00:15:49.280 --> 00:15:49.980 Have you seen any of those? 00:15:50.020 --> 00:15:50.460 Raise your hand, 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:51.379 if you've seen any of those. 00:15:51.820 --> 00:15:52.020 Okay, 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:53.060 so a lot of you have. 00:15:54.180 --> 00:15:55.980 The Church of Latter Day Saints, 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:56.680 the Mormons, 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.280 are trying really hard, 00:15:58.620 --> 00:16:00.020 to infiltrate culture, 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:00.640 and to, 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:01.920 dismiss, 00:16:02.260 --> 00:16:03.060 the stereotype, 00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:04.880 that they are, 00:16:05.200 --> 00:16:05.920 you know, 00:16:05.920 --> 00:16:07.200 multi-wives, 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.160 multi-kids, 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.220 going to take over the world, 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:10.200 building their kingdom, 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.240 so that when they die, 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:12.040 they got all the, 00:16:12.160 --> 00:16:12.340 you know, 00:16:12.400 --> 00:16:12.680 whatever. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:14.580 They're trying to do this, 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:17.000 and they're trying to strip away, 00:16:17.160 --> 00:16:17.400 that, 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:18.700 that stereotype. 00:16:19.040 --> 00:16:19.320 Why? 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:19.680 Because, 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:21.020 because they believe, 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:22.740 that the best way, 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:23.420 to reach, 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:24.540 the culture, 00:16:24.660 --> 00:16:24.960 the rest, 00:16:25.060 --> 00:16:26.220 best place to reach, 00:16:26.580 --> 00:16:26.960 people, 00:16:27.060 --> 00:16:27.660 is to show them, 00:16:27.700 --> 00:16:28.240 that they're cool. 00:16:29.020 --> 00:16:29.560 So you get, 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:30.900 lead singers of, 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:32.000 of the band, 00:16:32.060 --> 00:16:32.580 The Killers, 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:33.140 you get, 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:33.680 um, 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.080 design, 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:35.280 fashion designers, 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:35.780 you get, 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:36.500 architects, 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:37.580 you get all these guys, 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:38.420 to do commercials, 00:16:38.540 --> 00:16:39.120 and talk about, 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:40.480 just their morality, 00:16:40.760 --> 00:16:42.100 and how God has led them, 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:42.700 and then they say, 00:16:42.780 --> 00:16:43.400 and I'm a Mormon. 00:16:45.760 --> 00:16:46.320 Shows you, 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:46.780 that they're, 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:47.420 they're cool, 00:16:47.780 --> 00:16:48.220 that they're, 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:49.720 they're mainstream now, 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:50.600 instead of being, 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:51.879 multi-wives, 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:52.920 hundred kids, 00:16:54.300 --> 00:16:54.520 which, 00:16:54.660 --> 00:16:55.740 I'm sure that still exists, 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:56.160 but they're, 00:16:56.160 --> 00:16:57.120 trying really hard. 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:58.960 They're engaging the culture, 00:16:59.160 --> 00:17:00.240 showing that they're relevant, 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:01.320 showing that they're cool. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.100 Um, 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:03.220 do we need to make videos, 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:04.700 and show how cool we are? 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:05.440 No. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.620 We need to just show the world, 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.460 that we're people, 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:10.840 sinners, 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:12.080 who need Jesus, 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:13.380 who need the grace of God, 00:17:14.019 --> 00:17:14.539 and show them, 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.500 that we're real, 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.519 engaging culture. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.220 A biblical example, 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.840 is Jesus' first miracle. 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.279 His coming out party, 00:17:22.360 --> 00:17:22.920 was at a what? 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.480 At a wedding. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:25.039 And he changed water, 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:25.700 into wine. 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:26.740 Now, 00:17:27.600 --> 00:17:28.160 the wedding, 00:17:28.360 --> 00:17:28.539 is a, 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:29.940 is a culturally rich, 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:30.640 celebration. 00:17:31.560 --> 00:17:31.680 Now, 00:17:31.840 --> 00:17:32.200 Jesus, 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.620 could have said, 00:17:34.100 --> 00:17:34.920 um, 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.460 to everyone, 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:36.800 now we need to stop this wedding, 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:37.640 because I have some things, 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.280 I need to say. 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:40.340 He could have done that, 00:17:40.360 --> 00:17:40.960 because he's Jesus. 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:42.020 But he didn't. 00:17:42.520 --> 00:17:42.800 He, 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:43.660 was there, 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:44.720 he participated, 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.000 and he blessed, 00:17:46.320 --> 00:17:46.700 the wedding. 00:17:46.820 --> 00:17:47.440 He blessed them, 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.600 by changing the water, 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:49.860 into wine. 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:50.560 And he showed, 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.380 his power. 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.500 He showed, 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:53.960 his grace. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.560 He showed, 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.460 who he was. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:56.160 A hint, 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:57.580 of who he was, 00:17:57.660 --> 00:17:58.460 even at that, 00:17:58.780 --> 00:17:59.040 wedding. 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.720 And guys, 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.119 let's, 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.359 let's be honest. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.159 When, 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.279 when Jesus goes through, 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:05.000 and he travels, 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:07.180 he doesn't stay, 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:07.879 in the synagogue. 00:18:08.659 --> 00:18:09.319 Jesus doesn't, 00:18:09.899 --> 00:18:10.279 you know, 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.420 mail out mailers, 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:12.299 send out stuff, 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:12.579 and say, 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.240 I'm going to be here, 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.859 at six o'clock, 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.839 come hear my message. 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:16.359 Jesus, 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.759 preaches in the synagogue, 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:18.839 and then he goes, 00:18:18.899 --> 00:18:19.359 to the people. 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:20.159 He goes, 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:20.700 to the city. 00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:21.700 He eats with, 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.779 prostitutes, 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.579 and tax collectors. 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:24.259 He stays, 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:24.879 with sinners. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.519 We too, 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:29.200 have to, 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:31.160 be with sinners. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.079 Be with people. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:33.259 We have to engage, 00:18:33.539 --> 00:18:34.779 the people like Jesus. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:36.819 Jesus went out, 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.980 and he engaged, 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:38.839 the people. 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:40.660 And the whole time, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.259 Jesus did that, 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:41.839 what did he do? 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:43.460 He pointed out, 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.420 who he was. 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:45.700 He showed, 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.460 the people, 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.440 that he was God, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:47.960 that he was, 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:49.619 the son of God. 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:50.700 Showed his power, 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:51.579 through his miracles. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.139 And he showed, 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:53.819 and he told them, 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:54.720 that he was the savior, 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:55.559 of the world. 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.299 He pointed, 00:18:56.899 --> 00:18:58.519 his conversation, 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.599 his words, 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:00.799 to the truth, 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:02.339 that he was God. 00:19:03.179 --> 00:19:03.759 We too, 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:04.419 do the same, 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:04.960 should, 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:05.919 do the same, 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:06.859 pointing people, 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.740 not that we're God, 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.500 pointing people, 00:19:08.619 --> 00:19:09.899 to Jesus. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.599 Pointing people, 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.700 to the better, 00:19:13.879 --> 00:19:14.419 life. 00:19:17.539 --> 00:19:18.720 We are to point, 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:19.700 people, 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:22.839 in 1 Corinthians 13, 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:23.759 we have the famous, 00:19:23.879 --> 00:19:24.419 love chapter, 00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:25.200 love is patient, 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.160 love is kind, 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:28.500 follow, 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:28.819 you know, 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:29.480 all the way through. 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.200 At the beginning, 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:31.940 of the chapter though, 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.220 it says, 00:19:32.340 --> 00:19:33.039 if we don't have, 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:34.180 love, 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.340 what are we? 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:37.220 Noisy, 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.480 gong, 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:39.840 or clanging cymbal. 00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:41.160 Our actions, 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.900 have to be, 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.700 filled with, 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:45.660 love. 00:19:47.700 --> 00:19:48.160 As, 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:50.519 as we live, 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:52.319 and as we try, 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:52.319 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.559 to engage culture, 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.900 as we try, 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:56.579 to display, 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:58.599 the glory of God, 00:19:58.740 --> 00:20:00.400 and the grace of God, 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:01.680 and the beauty of the gospel, 00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:02.859 we're, 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.480 we're, 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:05.099 we're trying to paint, 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.379 a picture for people, 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:06.639 to, 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:07.460 to come, 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.139 and to see, 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:08.960 that, 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:09.779 this, 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.879 the way we live, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.539 is better, 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.039 than the way, 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.319 a non-Christian is living. 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.399 And not because, 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.559 of anything in us, 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:18.259 not because, 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.500 of our decisions, 00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:20.379 we have made, 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.019 although that is, 00:20:21.139 --> 00:20:22.439 evidence of, 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.119 but because, 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:23.960 we have Christ, 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:24.879 and we have hope, 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:26.000 and we have joy, 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:26.740 and we have, 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.619 love, 00:20:28.439 --> 00:20:29.019 for one another, 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:29.659 we have love, 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.159 for God, 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:30.359 that, 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.000 that is, 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.619 as Nathan, 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:32.939 prayed earlier, 00:20:33.659 --> 00:20:35.259 because he first loved us, 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:37.000 we then love him. 00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.720 We have that, 00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:39.519 that love. 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.019 So, 00:20:40.639 --> 00:20:41.980 if we don't have love though, 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:43.339 if we try to live this out, 00:20:43.399 --> 00:20:44.000 and try to live, 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:44.960 in a specific way, 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.039 for people to see, 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:47.200 and we don't have love, 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:47.460 then, 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:48.240 we are, 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.960 noisy gong, 00:20:50.059 --> 00:20:51.400 or a clanging cymbal. 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:52.700 So, 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.980 when we engage the culture, 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:55.559 we also must love the people, 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:57.120 in the culture. 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.200 And, 00:20:58.400 --> 00:20:59.980 some of this is very elementary, 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:00.640 I understand, 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:01.740 but sometimes, 00:21:01.860 --> 00:21:03.059 we need to hear the basics. 00:21:04.100 --> 00:21:05.059 We need to be challenged, 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:05.700 in the basics, 00:21:05.840 --> 00:21:06.460 so that we can, 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.039 strive more. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.779 We need to love, 00:21:09.860 --> 00:21:10.840 the people in the culture. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.759 And the truth, 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.819 and I think why, 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:16.279 Paul wrote what he wrote, 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.880 in Corinthians 13, 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:20.019 in 1 Corinthians chapter 1, 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:21.840 is that Christians, 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:22.819 can come across, 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:23.960 as arrogant people. 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:25.600 We can come across, 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:26.840 as some arrogant people, 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:27.720 because, 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.079 we know the truth, 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:30.380 and we have the answer. 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.740 But the truth, 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.840 the reality, 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.440 I don't want to confuse you, 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:36.460 the reality is, 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:38.000 is that if we truly understood, 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.740 and had a true, 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.960 right understanding, 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.759 of the gospel, 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:43.340 arrogance, 00:21:43.340 --> 00:21:44.180 arrogance wouldn't be, 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.059 even close, 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:46.640 to the emotion, 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.840 that we share, 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:48.360 with somebody, 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.079 the emotion, 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:50.160 that we show somebody. 00:21:51.120 --> 00:21:52.200 We would be, 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:53.720 full of humility, 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:55.740 and full of thanksgiving, 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:56.640 and full, 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:57.920 of, 00:21:58.000 --> 00:22:00.319 grace, 00:22:00.440 --> 00:22:01.079 to others, 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.480 even, 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:02.140 because, 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.640 of that grace, 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.240 and that mercy, 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:05.240 that we have been shown, 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.440 through Christ, 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:06.940 through, 00:22:06.940 --> 00:22:07.900 the gospel. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.279 So, 00:22:10.840 --> 00:22:11.460 how do we, 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.200 then, 00:22:12.320 --> 00:22:12.700 love? 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.860 If we've got the right, 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:15.000 understanding of the gospel, 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.400 we're not going to come across, 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.779 arrogant. 00:22:16.940 --> 00:22:17.759 So how do we love, 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:18.640 the people in the culture? 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:18.820 Well, 00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:19.900 just three real quick. 00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:20.660 We love them, 00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:21.920 by inviting them, 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:23.400 into our life. 00:22:23.600 --> 00:22:24.440 We invite them, 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.820 into our life. 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.700 In a big picture, 00:22:28.820 --> 00:22:29.960 I shared this Thursday night, 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:30.740 with our little group, 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.240 afterwards, 00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:32.360 in a big, 00:22:32.420 --> 00:22:32.980 big, 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:34.019 humanity picture, 00:22:34.120 --> 00:22:34.880 we love all, 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:35.539 humanity, 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:35.880 right? 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:36.640 Because, 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:37.920 every person, 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:39.040 is created, 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.920 in the image of God. 00:22:40.260 --> 00:22:41.140 And I can look at you, 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:41.780 and I can say, 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:42.800 I love you, 00:22:43.080 --> 00:22:43.780 because you're, 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:44.540 you're a man, 00:22:44.600 --> 00:22:45.140 or you're a woman. 00:22:45.780 --> 00:22:46.160 I'm you, 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:47.240 and if you're a Christian, 00:22:47.800 --> 00:22:48.280 you and I, 00:22:48.340 --> 00:22:49.120 are brothers and sisters, 00:22:49.120 --> 00:22:50.180 so you're family too, 00:22:50.260 --> 00:22:51.340 so now I love you even more. 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:52.900 But that love, 00:22:53.820 --> 00:22:55.580 that love becomes even more, 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.980 intense, 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:57.600 more, 00:22:57.760 --> 00:22:58.480 vibrant, 00:22:59.100 --> 00:23:00.020 when we get to know, 00:23:00.400 --> 00:23:01.180 said person. 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:02.820 When I get to know you, 00:23:02.820 --> 00:23:04.520 I get to share life with you, 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:05.380 I get to invite you, 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.060 into my life, 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:07.420 and I get to learn about you, 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.060 and you, 00:23:08.340 --> 00:23:09.320 the same with me, 00:23:10.580 --> 00:23:11.700 that love becomes, 00:23:11.960 --> 00:23:12.960 even more, 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:13.940 real, 00:23:14.080 --> 00:23:14.740 even more, 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.600 flavorful, 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:16.580 more, 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:18.400 robust, 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:20.320 more emotional, 00:23:20.520 --> 00:23:21.020 for you, 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:21.740 and for me. 00:23:22.800 --> 00:23:23.060 So, 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:24.380 we love all people, 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:25.360 so we love the people, 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:26.040 of Dahlonegar, 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:26.880 we love the people, 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:27.740 of Hall County, 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.180 true statement, 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:30.259 but, 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:32.240 we really love somebody, 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.660 when we share life together, 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:35.539 and we share our lives, 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.480 we invite people, 00:23:36.580 --> 00:23:38.660 into our lives, 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:39.519 by, 00:23:39.600 --> 00:23:39.860 you know, 00:23:40.060 --> 00:23:40.560 meals, 00:23:41.100 --> 00:23:42.460 sharing hobbies together, 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.220 you get to know them, 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:46.279 we also, 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:47.259 love them, 00:23:47.320 --> 00:23:48.420 by making sacrifices, 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:49.299 for them, 00:23:50.060 --> 00:23:51.360 by making sacrifices, 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:51.799 for them, 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.620 for an example, 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.860 you have, 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.599 an extra room, 00:23:54.659 --> 00:23:55.219 in your house, 00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:56.259 that is your office, 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:58.119 your office, 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.599 could be just a desk, 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.179 make that office, 00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:02.719 into an extra bedroom, 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:03.619 and have people, 00:24:03.719 --> 00:24:04.219 stay with you, 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.839 who are in need, 00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:05.759 who are suffering, 00:24:05.879 --> 00:24:06.219 who have, 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.519 who God has brought to you, 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:08.199 now, 00:24:08.379 --> 00:24:09.259 that's just an example, 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:09.740 I'm not saying, 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:10.619 go out and do that, 00:24:10.719 --> 00:24:11.279 college students, 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.099 don't go out and do that, 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.719 because all you have, 00:24:12.719 --> 00:24:13.319 is a desk, 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:13.899 and a bed, 00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:15.240 I understand that, 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:16.759 don't go crazy, 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:19.500 but you understand, 00:24:19.579 --> 00:24:20.079 what I'm saying, 00:24:20.379 --> 00:24:21.519 make sacrifices, 00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:22.779 your comfort, 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.519 may need to be, 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.039 sacrificed, 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:26.299 for the gospel, 00:24:26.379 --> 00:24:26.879 and the advancement, 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:28.019 of the kingdom, 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.879 another example, 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.859 Nathan mentioned this, 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.420 this morning, 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.779 in our CFC 101, 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:33.900 love them, 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.940 by speaking to them, 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:35.480 in love, 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.599 that sounds very basic, 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.200 and elementary, 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:39.420 but if we're not, 00:24:39.420 --> 00:24:40.139 speaking to people, 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:40.680 in love, 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:42.779 if I'm not speaking, 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:43.539 to you in love, 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.440 you're not going, 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:45.079 to listen to me, 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:45.900 you're not even, 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:46.519 going to hear me, 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:46.980 probably, 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.980 and that's just a given, 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:51.139 human tendency, 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:52.819 we need to speak, 00:24:52.819 --> 00:24:53.579 to people in love, 00:24:53.659 --> 00:24:54.220 we need to, 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.000 encourage them, 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:55.619 we need to, 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.939 stand, 00:24:57.139 --> 00:24:58.559 for the right things, 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.319 stand, 00:25:00.419 --> 00:25:01.480 for the right things, 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:03.519 not for the trivial things, 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:04.720 when Nathan, 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.539 was talking about it, 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.059 this morning, 00:25:06.139 --> 00:25:06.939 in CFC 101, 00:25:07.179 --> 00:25:08.079 we were talking about, 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:09.519 congregationalism, 00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:10.119 and how, 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:11.879 and when is the right time, 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.519 to, 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:14.599 discuss issues, 00:25:14.919 --> 00:25:16.220 and what kind of issues, 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.599 are worth discussing, 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:20.619 the color of the carpet, 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.559 we could talk about it, 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:23.740 but, 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:25.179 is that really important, 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:26.759 whether somebody, 00:25:26.939 --> 00:25:27.839 is a member or not, 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:29.119 or we need to discipline them, 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:32.000 inviting somebody, 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:32.639 to be a member, 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.500 those types of things, 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:34.439 we need to talk about, 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.959 and we need to talk about it, 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.439 in love, 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.379 if somebody is, 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:39.199 is in sin, 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.980 and we need to go, 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:40.779 and confront them, 00:25:40.819 --> 00:25:41.559 we confront them, 00:25:41.639 --> 00:25:43.039 in love, 00:25:43.139 --> 00:25:43.539 not, 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.099 arrogance, 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:46.259 not, 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:48.619 dude I've got it all figured out, 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:49.919 and you are messing up, 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.439 big time, 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.079 no, 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:53.639 we go and say man, 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:56.539 I understand it's hard, 00:25:57.399 --> 00:25:57.939 you know I've, 00:25:58.179 --> 00:25:59.500 you know I'm only here, 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.379 by the grace of God, 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.480 I have tasted, 00:26:01.959 --> 00:26:02.679 God's mercy, 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:04.179 and let me share with you, 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.299 let me help you, 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:06.119 because I love you, 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.719 not because, 00:26:07.219 --> 00:26:08.059 not because I want you, 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:08.819 to achieve, 00:26:09.659 --> 00:26:10.639 said goals, 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.779 but I love you, 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.839 and I want to see the best, 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:13.339 for you, 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:15.240 that's totally different, 00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:16.679 than speaking of them, 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.359 just out of, 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:18.879 straighten up, 00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:20.159 or ship out, 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:22.939 so, 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:24.619 we have been commissioned, 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:26.879 we have been commissioned, 00:26:26.879 --> 00:26:27.659 by Jesus, 00:26:28.439 --> 00:26:29.079 to accomplish, 00:26:29.619 --> 00:26:30.740 a specific task, 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.740 we've also been resourced, 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.220 to accomplish, 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:36.459 a specific task, 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:38.939 verse 22 says, 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:41.000 and when he had said this, 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:42.000 he breathed on them, 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:42.599 and said to them, 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:44.379 receive the Holy Spirit, 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.539 the only resource, 00:26:46.719 --> 00:26:47.959 we need is Jesus, 00:26:48.199 --> 00:26:49.259 is the Holy Spirit, 00:26:49.939 --> 00:26:51.339 that is the only resource, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.299 that you and I need, 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:53.019 to achieve, 00:26:53.359 --> 00:26:54.779 what God has put before us, 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.299 Jesus breathes, 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:56.980 on the disciples, 00:26:57.199 --> 00:26:58.379 to show that, 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.699 that part of him, 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.619 now resides, 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:01.159 in them, 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:02.879 part of him, 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:04.039 resides in them, 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.839 and thus, 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:05.879 in us, 00:27:06.459 --> 00:27:07.339 now there's debate, 00:27:07.399 --> 00:27:07.779 on whether, 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.259 they receive the Holy Spirit, 00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:09.740 here, 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:10.579 or at Pentecost, 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.000 and, 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:12.000 it doesn't matter, 00:27:12.399 --> 00:27:12.839 either way, 00:27:12.899 --> 00:27:13.399 they've received, 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.139 the Holy Spirit, 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:15.619 and us, 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.460 have received, 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:17.399 we have received, 00:27:17.639 --> 00:27:18.439 the Holy Spirit, 00:27:18.939 --> 00:27:19.779 through Christ, 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:22.539 and he displays that, 00:27:22.639 --> 00:27:23.480 here by breathing, 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:24.539 on them, 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:27.439 kind of puts a stamp, 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:28.759 on their commission, 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.619 you've been empowered, 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.000 now, 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:31.740 and this is how, 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.480 you're going to, 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.539 do the task, 00:27:34.639 --> 00:27:35.220 I have laid out, 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:35.779 before you, 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:37.799 this is how, 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:39.039 you're going to do it, 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.799 in Matthew 28, 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:41.759 last week, 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.579 Nathan talked about, 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.339 the great commission, 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:44.619 and it says, 00:27:46.059 --> 00:27:46.420 therefore, 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.700 go and make disciples, 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.579 and right before that, 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:50.960 Jesus says, 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:51.460 I have, 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.500 all authority, 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:53.039 in heaven, 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.599 and on earth, 00:27:53.639 --> 00:27:54.379 have been given to me, 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:55.599 go therefore, 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.319 and make disciples, 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:57.059 of all nations, 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.180 God is, 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.039 Jesus is, 00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:01.920 has commissioned, 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:02.740 the disciples, 00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:03.920 he's commissioned us, 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.480 to go, 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.759 and make disciples, 00:28:06.120 --> 00:28:07.259 Acts 1.8 says, 00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:08.940 but you will receive power, 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:10.339 when the Holy Spirit, 00:28:10.420 --> 00:28:11.259 has come upon you, 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.599 Nathan mentioned that, 00:28:13.900 --> 00:28:14.559 last week as well, 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:15.519 and that, 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.539 that word power, 00:28:16.680 --> 00:28:17.440 is the word we get, 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.160 in the Greek, 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:19.779 we get the word dynamite from, 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:21.720 so it's this explosive, 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:24.759 life altering power, 00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:28.279 the power, 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.920 this power, 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:29.819 dwells in, 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:30.620 in you, 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.200 and in me, 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.360 and we have been resourced, 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:32.799 with it, 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.140 so that we can, 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:35.380 accomplish the task, 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.320 that God is, 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:37.520 calling us, 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.300 to do, 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.120 and just, 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.420 you know, 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.120 a reminder, 00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:43.620 who Jesus is talking to, 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:44.920 and where they are, 00:28:45.600 --> 00:28:46.460 they're held up, 00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:47.420 in a room, 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.720 the door is locked, 00:28:48.800 --> 00:28:49.860 they're scared out of their mind, 00:28:49.940 --> 00:28:51.020 they think they're going to die, 00:28:52.259 --> 00:28:52.700 fishermen, 00:28:53.280 --> 00:28:54.020 tax collectors, 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.680 not the religious, 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:57.200 they're scared, 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:57.960 of the religious, 00:28:58.560 --> 00:28:59.420 and you and I, 00:28:59.500 --> 00:29:00.020 have been given, 00:29:00.620 --> 00:29:01.100 power, 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:02.799 just like, 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:04.219 the disciples here, 00:29:05.199 --> 00:29:05.899 to accomplish, 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:07.639 what he has commissioned us for, 00:29:08.939 --> 00:29:13.480 God's not going to lead us, 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.439 into a situation, 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:15.559 that, 00:29:16.419 --> 00:29:18.000 that he hasn't first prepared, 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.500 for us, 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.879 and prepared for us, 00:29:20.939 --> 00:29:22.179 to go for that moment, 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:24.759 he's just, 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.880 he's just not, 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:27.360 he's preparing us, 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:28.460 for what's coming next, 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:29.680 he's preparing the people, 00:29:29.779 --> 00:29:30.759 for who we're going to come, 00:29:30.820 --> 00:29:32.100 in contact with next, 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.759 God is working, 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.140 and so as we live, 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.120 as we strive, 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:37.799 to live, 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:38.460 and to love, 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:39.720 to preach, 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:40.380 and to proclaim, 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.740 God is working in you, 00:29:42.840 --> 00:29:43.279 and in me, 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:44.560 to accomplish his will, 00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:46.160 he's using us, 00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.580 to accomplish, 00:29:48.580 --> 00:29:49.539 his will, 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:50.859 his plan, 00:29:50.960 --> 00:29:51.720 his purpose, 00:29:52.399 --> 00:29:53.559 that we've been sent to, 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:54.359 we've been called to, 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:55.879 we've been commissioned to, 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:57.819 so as missionaries, 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:59.799 all of us, 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:00.339 in this room, 00:30:00.399 --> 00:30:01.079 are missionaries, 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.460 as missionaries, 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.240 we're all sent, 00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.759 to where we are, 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:05.480 right now, 00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:07.740 God sends us, 00:30:07.839 --> 00:30:09.079 to specific places, 00:30:09.879 --> 00:30:10.379 now, 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.500 we're sent, 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.599 to specific places, 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:14.299 where people are hurting, 00:30:15.119 --> 00:30:16.099 people are suffering, 00:30:16.599 --> 00:30:17.240 where pain, 00:30:17.659 --> 00:30:18.180 and agony, 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:19.019 and sadness, 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:21.240 is, 00:30:21.399 --> 00:30:22.659 all around us, 00:30:23.180 --> 00:30:24.240 and to be honest with you, 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:25.059 where it's messy, 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:27.539 people around you, 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.379 are messy, 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:30.420 you're messy, 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.480 I'm messy, 00:30:31.639 --> 00:30:32.039 ministry, 00:30:32.339 --> 00:30:32.619 messy, 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:34.879 why? 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:37.259 Because in those moments, 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:38.899 we can share, 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.899 why we are hopeful, 00:30:40.519 --> 00:30:41.319 we can share, 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:42.599 why we are joyful, 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.079 why we continue, 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:44.799 with patience, 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:45.420 and kindness, 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:46.119 with one another, 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.960 we can share, 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:48.440 why we love, 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:48.480 love, 00:30:49.100 --> 00:30:49.840 and the other side, 00:30:49.840 --> 00:30:50.240 of that is, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.519 when we are suffering, 00:30:51.840 --> 00:30:52.880 when we are in pain, 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:53.440 and agony, 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.180 and sadness, 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:57.860 we can lean, 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.640 on the promises, 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:01.059 that God has given us, 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:02.900 the promises, 00:31:03.900 --> 00:31:05.840 that will occur, 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:06.820 that will happen, 00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:08.380 and we can share, 00:31:08.720 --> 00:31:09.240 the hope, 00:31:09.600 --> 00:31:10.240 and the joy, 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.240 and the love, 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.160 and the mercy, 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:12.860 and the grace, 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.600 that we've been shown, 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:14.740 and we can share that, 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:15.579 with others, 00:31:15.919 --> 00:31:17.339 in even those moments, 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.039 to the answer, 00:31:20.219 --> 00:31:22.259 to all of these struggles, 00:31:22.419 --> 00:31:22.839 the answer, 00:31:22.919 --> 00:31:23.899 to all the pain, 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:24.539 the suffering, 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:25.019 the answer, 00:31:25.099 --> 00:31:25.779 to all the, 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:28.000 the sadness, 00:31:28.419 --> 00:31:29.559 of striving, 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:30.240 for something, 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:31.259 and never being able, 00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:32.339 to achieve it in life, 00:31:32.379 --> 00:31:33.079 because of sin, 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:35.099 the answer, 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:35.599 to, 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:37.839 to, 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:39.779 working, 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:41.339 out, 00:31:41.459 --> 00:31:42.919 trying to be somebody, 00:31:43.699 --> 00:31:44.839 but you just can't get there, 00:31:44.899 --> 00:31:46.319 because it's not of God, 00:31:46.379 --> 00:31:47.659 because you're doing it, 00:31:47.679 --> 00:31:48.319 in your own power, 00:31:48.399 --> 00:31:49.039 the answer, 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.379 is Jesus, 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.759 it's not, 00:31:52.199 --> 00:31:53.179 anything else, 00:31:53.379 --> 00:31:54.339 and that power, 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.439 is in us, 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.319 and it is greater, 00:31:56.459 --> 00:31:57.179 than anything else, 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.500 and that's what we can try, 00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:59.079 to communicate, 00:31:59.379 --> 00:32:01.319 to the people around us, 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.419 1 John 4, 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:03.980 4 says, 00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:05.059 he that is in you, 00:32:05.179 --> 00:32:06.159 is greater than he, 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:07.259 that is in the world, 00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:09.079 which means, 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.000 that no matter, 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.799 what circumstance, 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:11.779 no matter, 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:13.159 what hurt, 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:13.819 or pain, 00:32:14.059 --> 00:32:14.759 Jesus is better, 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:16.279 Jesus is the great physician, 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:16.720 Jesus, 00:32:17.399 --> 00:32:17.859 is, 00:32:18.399 --> 00:32:18.799 better, 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:19.919 and greater, 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.399 than all the pain, 00:32:21.459 --> 00:32:22.220 and all the suffering, 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.659 we have been resourced, 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.339 to accomplish, 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.019 exactly, 00:32:28.379 --> 00:32:29.779 what God calls us to, 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:32.039 so we live out, 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:32.720 our life, 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:33.319 in the power, 00:32:33.439 --> 00:32:34.079 of the Holy Spirit, 00:32:34.179 --> 00:32:34.779 we walk, 00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:35.699 by the Spirit, 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:36.459 we bear, 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:37.099 the fruit, 00:32:37.099 --> 00:32:38.759 of the Spirit, 00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:40.500 and when we do this, 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.839 we're painting a picture, 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.939 we're painting this picture, 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:45.119 of how we live, 00:32:46.159 --> 00:32:47.139 a better way, 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:48.639 how we live, 00:32:49.859 --> 00:32:51.240 so in our marriages, 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.480 we show, 00:32:52.679 --> 00:32:53.480 a better way, 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:54.799 in our decisions, 00:32:54.959 --> 00:32:56.019 we make about finances, 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:56.619 we show, 00:32:56.839 --> 00:32:57.659 the better way, 00:32:58.659 --> 00:33:00.799 in our unity, 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:01.519 that we have, 00:33:01.679 --> 00:33:02.619 here and out, 00:33:02.719 --> 00:33:03.159 among, 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:05.060 the world, 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:05.800 we show, 00:33:06.320 --> 00:33:06.900 a better way, 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.259 in the way, 00:33:07.300 --> 00:33:07.980 that we love, 00:33:08.040 --> 00:33:08.560 one another, 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:09.360 and others, 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.500 we show, 00:33:10.600 --> 00:33:11.180 a better way, 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:12.160 we're painting, 00:33:12.300 --> 00:33:12.860 this picture, 00:33:13.300 --> 00:33:14.140 that people will see, 00:33:14.440 --> 00:33:15.019 and they will see, 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:15.440 Jesus, 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.279 not us, 00:33:17.100 --> 00:33:18.019 we live, 00:33:18.100 --> 00:33:19.060 a specific way, 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:20.180 to show Jesus, 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:20.900 not to show, 00:33:21.060 --> 00:33:21.860 what we can accomplish, 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:23.360 not to show, 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.040 how articulate, 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:24.519 we are, 00:33:24.580 --> 00:33:24.980 or how well, 00:33:25.040 --> 00:33:25.740 we can teach, 00:33:26.820 --> 00:33:27.240 we show, 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:28.599 we live, 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:29.460 a specific way, 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:30.099 to show, 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:30.940 Jesus, 00:33:32.059 --> 00:33:32.380 now, 00:33:32.640 --> 00:33:33.359 local missions, 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.859 is not just, 00:33:35.079 --> 00:33:36.420 not just about, 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.099 demographics, 00:33:38.539 --> 00:33:39.519 numbers, 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:41.240 about the area you are, 00:33:41.359 --> 00:33:42.279 or getting to know, 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:43.259 the people around you, 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.660 it's not about strategy, 00:33:44.819 --> 00:33:45.420 or plan, 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:45.799 although, 00:33:46.039 --> 00:33:47.180 that comes into play, 00:33:47.539 --> 00:33:48.279 it's not about, 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:49.700 door to door evangelism, 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:52.279 although it can be, 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:53.480 but it's about, 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:54.960 living in such a way, 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:56.500 that people see a difference, 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:58.420 that people are drawn, 00:33:58.640 --> 00:34:00.059 to a better way, 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:01.839 that people see clearly, 00:34:02.160 --> 00:34:03.359 the picture that you're painting, 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:03.880 which is, 00:34:04.559 --> 00:34:04.940 Jesus, 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:07.799 I think of Daniel, 00:34:07.900 --> 00:34:08.500 chapter 1, 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:09.099 where Daniel, 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:11.280 Daniel says, 00:34:11.780 --> 00:34:12.739 you know, 00:34:12.820 --> 00:34:13.239 I don't, 00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:14.320 I don't eat that stuff, 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:15.340 we're not going to eat that stuff, 00:34:15.380 --> 00:34:16.219 if that's okay with you, 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:16.880 we're just going to eat, 00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:18.480 what God has created for us, 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.420 we're going to eat the fruits, 00:34:19.519 --> 00:34:20.019 and the vegetables, 00:34:20.179 --> 00:34:20.960 and drink the water, 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:22.760 and, 00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:23.679 and all the other, 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:25.159 all the other guys drink, 00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:25.619 or eat, 00:34:25.699 --> 00:34:25.880 you know, 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.360 the meats, 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:27.019 and the kings, 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:27.919 food, 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:29.119 and the wine, 00:34:29.299 --> 00:34:29.339 and, 00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:31.019 and at the end of the 10 days, 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:31.759 or whatever it is, 00:34:32.779 --> 00:34:33.019 you know, 00:34:33.059 --> 00:34:33.419 Daniel, 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:33.779 and, 00:34:33.779 --> 00:34:34.959 and the three other guys, 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.239 they, 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:36.139 Shadrach, 00:34:36.219 --> 00:34:36.500 Meshach, 00:34:36.539 --> 00:34:36.859 and Abednego, 00:34:36.979 --> 00:34:37.079 they, 00:34:37.379 --> 00:34:38.659 they look amazing, 00:34:38.959 --> 00:34:39.719 they're glowing, 00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:41.559 they're strong, 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:41.799 their, 00:34:41.879 --> 00:34:43.439 their bodies look fit, 00:34:43.979 --> 00:34:44.839 and the other guys, 00:34:45.279 --> 00:34:45.559 look, 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:47.279 probably gray, 00:34:47.459 --> 00:34:47.979 or green, 00:34:48.239 --> 00:34:48.579 or just, 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:48.859 you know, 00:34:48.879 --> 00:34:49.379 just blah, 00:34:50.779 --> 00:34:51.279 and, 00:34:51.639 --> 00:34:51.639 00:34:51.639 --> 00:34:52.039 the, 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.379 the, 00:34:52.379 --> 00:34:53.239 the point, 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:55.059 is that Daniel, 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:56.579 showed a better way, 00:34:56.699 --> 00:34:57.000 Daniel, 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:58.099 Daniel communicated to them, 00:34:58.159 --> 00:34:58.639 a better way, 00:34:58.719 --> 00:34:58.860 now, 00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.259 Jesus wasn't involved, 00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:00.579 but, 00:35:00.799 --> 00:35:02.380 but Daniel was able to point to, 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.159 my God, 00:35:03.719 --> 00:35:04.619 this is, 00:35:05.059 --> 00:35:06.440 why I eat this way, 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.519 because God has, 00:35:07.880 --> 00:35:09.159 told me to eat this way, 00:35:09.199 --> 00:35:10.860 and he was able to point people to that, 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:13.200 you and I can make, 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:15.099 decisions that point people, 00:35:15.860 --> 00:35:16.200 likewise, 00:35:17.160 --> 00:35:19.059 don't go out and eat the maker's diet, 00:35:19.140 --> 00:35:19.480 or whatever, 00:35:19.680 --> 00:35:19.860 I mean, 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.500 if you want to, 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:20.940 feel free, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.200 but, 00:35:21.440 --> 00:35:22.280 that's not what I'm saying, 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:23.480 I hope you understand that, 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:24.760 what I'm saying is, 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:26.440 is the decisions that you make, 00:35:26.660 --> 00:35:27.800 the choices that you make, 00:35:28.160 --> 00:35:29.780 can point people to Jesus, 00:35:30.360 --> 00:35:31.740 and can give you opportunities, 00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:33.660 to communicate that truth, 00:35:35.120 --> 00:35:36.460 Daniel was able to communicate, 00:35:37.120 --> 00:35:37.740 that truth, 00:35:37.739 --> 00:35:40.579 so remember, 00:35:41.299 --> 00:35:42.159 that you and I, 00:35:42.279 --> 00:35:43.059 are missionaries, 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.479 that we are communicating, 00:35:44.639 --> 00:35:45.819 we are painting a picture, 00:35:46.379 --> 00:35:47.379 for people, 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:48.779 so, 00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:49.659 the picture, 00:35:50.399 --> 00:35:51.259 will allow people, 00:35:51.479 --> 00:35:52.079 for example, 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:52.839 the addict, 00:35:53.299 --> 00:35:54.519 can see that his addiction, 00:35:54.699 --> 00:35:55.939 can be broken through Jesus, 00:35:56.919 --> 00:35:58.000 the prostitute, 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:59.579 can see that her bondage, 00:35:59.919 --> 00:36:00.739 can be freed, 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:01.799 through Jesus, 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.279 the liar, 00:36:03.279 --> 00:36:04.559 can see that his lies, 00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:05.339 can be forgiven, 00:36:05.659 --> 00:36:06.739 through Jesus, 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:08.319 the idolater, 00:36:08.439 --> 00:36:09.619 can see that his gods, 00:36:09.719 --> 00:36:11.739 no longer supply his desires, 00:36:11.859 --> 00:36:13.099 because he has seen, 00:36:13.799 --> 00:36:14.199 Jesus, 00:36:15.659 --> 00:36:16.679 all of this, 00:36:16.739 --> 00:36:17.779 and more can happen, 00:36:17.859 --> 00:36:18.579 not because, 00:36:18.959 --> 00:36:20.379 of some religious activity, 00:36:20.379 --> 00:36:20.979 that you do, 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.799 or because you're here, 00:36:21.879 --> 00:36:22.479 at 1030, 00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:23.899 or because you pray, 00:36:24.339 --> 00:36:25.379 five times a day, 00:36:25.459 --> 00:36:26.819 or whatever it is, 00:36:27.299 --> 00:36:28.479 this stuff can happen, 00:36:28.539 --> 00:36:29.059 because, 00:36:29.259 --> 00:36:30.619 of the power that's in you, 00:36:30.639 --> 00:36:31.119 and the life, 00:36:31.119 --> 00:36:32.219 that you're trying to live, 00:36:32.219 --> 00:36:32.959 and the picture, 00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:33.939 that you're trying to paint, 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:35.239 for people, 00:36:35.239 --> 00:36:38.859 we have been commissioned, 00:36:39.279 --> 00:36:40.879 for a specific task, 00:36:41.199 --> 00:36:42.339 we have been resourced, 00:36:42.439 --> 00:36:43.219 for that task, 00:36:43.279 --> 00:36:44.599 and we have been outsourced, 00:36:44.819 --> 00:36:46.779 with a specific message, 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.199 verse 23, 00:36:49.779 --> 00:36:51.839 if you forgive the sins of any, 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:53.179 they are forgiven them, 00:36:53.359 --> 00:36:53.939 if you withhold, 00:36:54.039 --> 00:36:55.659 withhold forgiveness from any, 00:36:55.839 --> 00:36:57.199 it is withheld, 00:36:58.339 --> 00:36:59.759 now when I first read this, 00:37:00.699 --> 00:37:01.859 super confusing, 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:02.680 what, 00:37:03.200 --> 00:37:04.300 he's giving forgiveness, 00:37:04.579 --> 00:37:04.860 to the, 00:37:05.000 --> 00:37:06.340 the power of forgiveness, 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.200 to his disciples, 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:07.900 like that, 00:37:08.440 --> 00:37:09.760 doesn't make any sense, 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:12.760 well that's not what he's doing, 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:13.880 so first of all, 00:37:14.160 --> 00:37:15.660 Jesus is not saying, 00:37:15.820 --> 00:37:16.300 that forgiveness, 00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:17.800 is the Christians, 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.500 to give out, 00:37:18.559 --> 00:37:19.860 like tickets to a concert, 00:37:21.260 --> 00:37:22.180 yes I like you, 00:37:22.260 --> 00:37:23.180 so here's two tickets, 00:37:23.440 --> 00:37:24.160 yes I like you, 00:37:24.240 --> 00:37:24.840 you are forgiven, 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:26.220 no that's not what he's saying, 00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:26.640 at all, 00:37:27.579 --> 00:37:29.160 it is not our forgiveness, 00:37:29.380 --> 00:37:29.840 to give, 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:31.960 we forgive, 00:37:31.960 --> 00:37:33.720 because we have first been, 00:37:33.720 --> 00:37:34.559 forgiven, 00:37:35.360 --> 00:37:38.059 so Jesus is, 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:39.320 is telling his disciples, 00:37:40.579 --> 00:37:41.880 and telling us this morning, 00:37:42.100 --> 00:37:43.559 that our message, 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:45.860 is a message of forgiveness, 00:37:46.240 --> 00:37:46.780 of sins, 00:37:46.920 --> 00:37:47.519 that we are, 00:37:47.700 --> 00:37:49.019 to preach forgiveness, 00:37:49.600 --> 00:37:50.059 of sins, 00:37:50.120 --> 00:37:51.380 and if we base, 00:37:52.920 --> 00:37:54.660 if we look at Romans chapter 3, 00:37:54.760 --> 00:37:55.680 through chapter 5, 00:37:55.780 --> 00:37:56.360 we know, 00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:57.420 that forgiveness, 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:57.480 forgiveness, 00:37:57.680 --> 00:37:58.260 is directed, 00:37:58.260 --> 00:37:59.500 to a right relation, 00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.059 with God, 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:01.420 called justification, 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:03.019 God has forgiven our sins, 00:38:03.079 --> 00:38:03.880 we have been justified, 00:38:03.880 --> 00:38:04.740 in Christ, 00:38:05.139 --> 00:38:06.159 and in Christ alone, 00:38:06.639 --> 00:38:07.320 for the forgiveness, 00:38:07.500 --> 00:38:08.000 of sins, 00:38:08.920 --> 00:38:10.280 so if we know that, 00:38:10.340 --> 00:38:11.079 which was probably, 00:38:11.200 --> 00:38:11.780 a year ago, 00:38:11.840 --> 00:38:12.840 when we went through those, 00:38:13.780 --> 00:38:15.099 if we know that, 00:38:16.280 --> 00:38:17.000 then we are to be, 00:38:17.079 --> 00:38:18.180 ministers of forgiveness, 00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:19.480 ministers, 00:38:19.760 --> 00:38:20.320 another way, 00:38:20.400 --> 00:38:21.059 Paul says this, 00:38:21.099 --> 00:38:22.320 in 2nd Corinthians chapter 5, 00:38:22.820 --> 00:38:23.220 ministers, 00:38:23.500 --> 00:38:24.300 of reconciliation, 00:38:24.980 --> 00:38:26.099 making a relationship, 00:38:26.099 --> 00:38:27.299 right again, 00:38:28.819 --> 00:38:29.739 preaching, 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:30.960 forgiveness, 00:38:32.059 --> 00:38:32.960 so that people, 00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:33.900 can be reconciled, 00:38:33.960 --> 00:38:34.360 to God, 00:38:35.299 --> 00:38:36.559 as we were created, 00:38:36.679 --> 00:38:37.440 in God's image, 00:38:37.699 --> 00:38:38.599 as we were created, 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:39.339 for his glory, 00:38:39.480 --> 00:38:40.639 in his image, 00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:43.079 sin came in, 00:38:43.400 --> 00:38:44.039 and destroyed, 00:38:44.279 --> 00:38:45.000 that image, 00:38:45.119 --> 00:38:46.259 destroyed that relationship, 00:38:46.440 --> 00:38:47.639 destroyed our ability, 00:38:47.779 --> 00:38:48.219 to be, 00:38:49.759 --> 00:38:51.339 proper image bearers, 00:38:51.440 --> 00:38:52.940 of God, 00:38:52.940 --> 00:38:55.260 and Jesus came, 00:38:55.579 --> 00:38:56.079 and died, 00:38:56.280 --> 00:38:57.559 and allowed us, 00:38:57.760 --> 00:38:58.880 through his righteousness, 00:38:59.400 --> 00:39:00.619 through his death, 00:39:01.400 --> 00:39:01.920 life, 00:39:02.179 --> 00:39:02.440 death, 00:39:02.639 --> 00:39:03.179 and resurrection, 00:39:03.320 --> 00:39:03.800 on the cross, 00:39:04.099 --> 00:39:04.800 allowed us, 00:39:04.860 --> 00:39:06.360 to be image bearers, 00:39:06.420 --> 00:39:07.000 once again, 00:39:07.320 --> 00:39:08.220 of the glory, 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:09.579 and the grace, 00:39:09.720 --> 00:39:10.240 of God, 00:39:10.400 --> 00:39:11.039 and that's what we're, 00:39:11.099 --> 00:39:12.000 talking about this morning, 00:39:12.079 --> 00:39:13.860 is we live out a life, 00:39:14.159 --> 00:39:15.200 painting a picture, 00:39:15.679 --> 00:39:16.139 showing, 00:39:16.480 --> 00:39:17.200 the image, 00:39:17.360 --> 00:39:18.599 of Jesus Christ, 00:39:18.599 --> 00:39:19.559 who we now, 00:39:19.840 --> 00:39:20.780 are image bearers, 00:39:20.780 --> 00:39:22.400 of as well, 00:39:22.460 --> 00:39:23.400 so we live out, 00:39:23.500 --> 00:39:24.200 specifically, 00:39:25.600 --> 00:39:27.980 we have this specific, 00:39:28.360 --> 00:39:29.080 message, 00:39:30.680 --> 00:39:33.780 so remember, 00:39:34.860 --> 00:39:37.540 we are painting a picture, 00:39:38.460 --> 00:39:38.740 now, 00:39:39.640 --> 00:39:40.960 I was going to try to do, 00:39:41.080 --> 00:39:41.820 like an art lesson, 00:39:41.820 --> 00:39:42.340 for you, 00:39:42.420 --> 00:39:43.540 and talk about this artist, 00:39:43.640 --> 00:39:44.140 and this artist, 00:39:44.220 --> 00:39:45.019 and how I hate this one, 00:39:45.060 --> 00:39:45.780 and I like this one, 00:39:45.820 --> 00:39:46.560 because this is clear, 00:39:46.920 --> 00:39:47.960 but I'm not going to do that, 00:39:48.840 --> 00:39:50.580 you guys, 00:39:50.780 --> 00:39:52.300 all of us in here, 00:39:52.360 --> 00:39:53.040 like art, 00:39:53.140 --> 00:39:54.400 for some reason, 00:39:54.500 --> 00:39:55.180 there's just a picture, 00:39:55.340 --> 00:39:55.800 that really just, 00:39:55.900 --> 00:39:56.860 stands out to us, 00:39:57.180 --> 00:39:58.240 it communicates, 00:39:58.340 --> 00:39:59.400 something to us, 00:39:59.519 --> 00:40:00.940 and we see exactly, 00:40:00.940 --> 00:40:01.960 what it communicates, 00:40:02.000 --> 00:40:02.519 and we are just, 00:40:02.640 --> 00:40:03.300 drawn to it, 00:40:04.019 --> 00:40:04.480 shake your head, 00:40:04.519 --> 00:40:05.000 if you agree, 00:40:05.860 --> 00:40:06.580 everybody's agreeing, 00:40:07.640 --> 00:40:08.880 and there's some pictures, 00:40:09.000 --> 00:40:09.620 where you look at, 00:40:09.680 --> 00:40:10.040 and you go, 00:40:10.880 --> 00:40:12.380 I don't get it, 00:40:12.740 --> 00:40:13.940 I don't get that one, 00:40:14.420 --> 00:40:15.280 that guy was, 00:40:15.440 --> 00:40:15.880 I don't know, 00:40:16.340 --> 00:40:16.960 he was sleeping, 00:40:16.960 --> 00:40:17.620 when he did that, 00:40:18.300 --> 00:40:18.760 something, 00:40:19.280 --> 00:40:19.800 we just, 00:40:19.860 --> 00:40:20.580 we just don't get it, 00:40:20.579 --> 00:40:20.940 because, 00:40:21.039 --> 00:40:21.579 maybe because, 00:40:21.659 --> 00:40:22.559 it just doesn't speak to us, 00:40:22.579 --> 00:40:23.380 it doesn't communicate, 00:40:23.380 --> 00:40:24.460 something clearly, 00:40:24.659 --> 00:40:25.059 to us, 00:40:25.400 --> 00:40:25.900 well, 00:40:26.139 --> 00:40:26.880 for the painting, 00:40:27.019 --> 00:40:28.179 that we're trying to paint, 00:40:28.579 --> 00:40:29.179 the picture, 00:40:29.299 --> 00:40:30.059 that we're trying to, 00:40:30.119 --> 00:40:31.420 to show the world, 00:40:32.559 --> 00:40:33.599 what makes that picture, 00:40:33.739 --> 00:40:34.179 clear, 00:40:34.739 --> 00:40:35.579 what makes that picture, 00:40:35.719 --> 00:40:36.059 different, 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:37.079 than any other picture, 00:40:37.299 --> 00:40:38.380 is our message, 00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:39.099 of forgiveness, 00:40:39.559 --> 00:40:40.739 is our message, 00:40:40.860 --> 00:40:41.719 of reconciliation, 00:40:42.619 --> 00:40:43.279 because, 00:40:44.039 --> 00:40:45.000 every other religion, 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:46.019 may have forgiveness, 00:40:46.759 --> 00:40:47.739 every other religion, 00:40:47.900 --> 00:40:48.259 may have, 00:40:48.260 --> 00:40:48.740 your sins, 00:40:48.800 --> 00:40:49.240 have been, 00:40:49.720 --> 00:40:50.960 forgiven, 00:40:51.760 --> 00:40:53.540 but not by grace, 00:40:54.280 --> 00:40:55.680 not by grace alone, 00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:56.680 through faith alone, 00:40:57.680 --> 00:40:59.180 they've got to do something, 00:40:59.480 --> 00:41:00.320 there's a task, 00:41:00.500 --> 00:41:01.720 that they have to accomplish, 00:41:01.900 --> 00:41:02.680 there's a task, 00:41:02.820 --> 00:41:02.860 or, 00:41:02.980 --> 00:41:04.040 or many tasks, 00:41:04.080 --> 00:41:04.940 that they have to do, 00:41:04.980 --> 00:41:05.600 in order to be, 00:41:06.100 --> 00:41:07.180 have their, 00:41:07.280 --> 00:41:07.960 their weight, 00:41:08.160 --> 00:41:09.060 leaning towards good, 00:41:09.100 --> 00:41:09.840 instead of evil, 00:41:11.120 --> 00:41:11.680 well, 00:41:11.800 --> 00:41:12.440 you and I, 00:41:12.500 --> 00:41:13.280 have a message, 00:41:13.280 --> 00:41:14.040 of forgiveness, 00:41:14.560 --> 00:41:15.360 by grace, 00:41:15.980 --> 00:41:16.920 by grace alone, 00:41:17.480 --> 00:41:18.260 undeserving, 00:41:18.440 --> 00:41:19.400 are all of us, 00:41:19.500 --> 00:41:20.220 in this room, 00:41:20.620 --> 00:41:21.640 of this forgiveness, 00:41:21.940 --> 00:41:22.640 undeserving, 00:41:22.800 --> 00:41:23.720 of this grace, 00:41:24.680 --> 00:41:25.640 we have done nothing, 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:26.900 we have not worked, 00:41:26.960 --> 00:41:27.900 a specific way, 00:41:27.980 --> 00:41:28.640 we have not made, 00:41:28.740 --> 00:41:29.600 the right decision, 00:41:30.560 --> 00:41:31.980 we are all recipients, 00:41:32.240 --> 00:41:33.000 as Christians, 00:41:33.540 --> 00:41:34.000 recipients, 00:41:34.460 --> 00:41:35.519 of the grace of God, 00:41:35.880 --> 00:41:36.400 and the forgiveness, 00:41:36.560 --> 00:41:37.180 of our sins, 00:41:37.800 --> 00:41:39.080 so this message, 00:41:39.400 --> 00:41:40.320 clears up, 00:41:40.540 --> 00:41:41.080 that painting, 00:41:41.840 --> 00:41:42.400 clears up, 00:41:42.500 --> 00:41:42.980 that picture, 00:41:43.280 --> 00:41:43.780 the message, 00:41:43.900 --> 00:41:44.360 of forgiveness, 00:41:44.800 --> 00:41:45.280 that Jesus, 00:41:45.440 --> 00:41:46.220 is the only way, 00:41:46.660 --> 00:41:47.120 that Jesus, 00:41:47.260 --> 00:41:47.720 is the only way, 00:41:47.780 --> 00:41:48.280 you're going to receive, 00:41:48.340 --> 00:41:49.060 forgiveness of sins, 00:41:49.220 --> 00:41:49.740 that Jesus, 00:41:49.740 --> 00:41:50.300 has died, 00:41:50.300 --> 00:41:51.440 for that very sin, 00:41:51.700 --> 00:41:52.100 that you are, 00:41:52.180 --> 00:41:53.700 dead in, 00:41:54.600 --> 00:41:54.960 the sin, 00:41:55.040 --> 00:41:55.980 that you can't get out of, 00:41:56.040 --> 00:41:56.300 Jesus, 00:41:56.300 --> 00:41:57.120 has died for that, 00:41:57.300 --> 00:41:58.200 and this picture, 00:41:58.600 --> 00:41:59.340 let me show you, 00:41:59.580 --> 00:42:00.320 let me show you, 00:42:00.320 --> 00:42:01.240 what Jesus, 00:42:01.480 --> 00:42:02.040 has done, 00:42:02.100 --> 00:42:02.780 let me show you, 00:42:02.820 --> 00:42:03.860 the truth of God's word, 00:42:04.060 --> 00:42:04.920 and we live out, 00:42:05.080 --> 00:42:06.260 a specific way, 00:42:06.660 --> 00:42:07.820 so that people see that, 00:42:07.900 --> 00:42:08.880 so people know that, 00:42:08.960 --> 00:42:10.160 though there's no doubt, 00:42:10.860 --> 00:42:11.900 so that you look at it, 00:42:11.920 --> 00:42:12.260 and you say, 00:42:12.260 --> 00:42:13.560 I like that, 00:42:13.660 --> 00:42:14.280 because, 00:42:14.880 --> 00:42:15.900 and everybody in here, 00:42:15.940 --> 00:42:16.600 looks at the picture, 00:42:16.720 --> 00:42:17.200 Jesus says, 00:42:17.380 --> 00:42:18.180 I like that, 00:42:18.260 --> 00:42:18.880 because, 00:42:18.880 --> 00:42:19.860 I'm a recipient, 00:42:20.420 --> 00:42:20.980 of grace, 00:42:21.440 --> 00:42:22.160 and I've done nothing, 00:42:22.260 --> 00:42:22.960 to deserve that, 00:42:23.660 --> 00:42:24.620 and everyone in here, 00:42:24.680 --> 00:42:25.580 looks the same way, 00:42:25.840 --> 00:42:27.360 looks the same picture, 00:42:27.520 --> 00:42:28.440 the picture the same, 00:42:28.440 --> 00:42:30.440 so we were, 00:42:30.700 --> 00:42:31.800 we were once, 00:42:32.079 --> 00:42:32.679 the addict, 00:42:32.900 --> 00:42:33.599 we were once, 00:42:33.720 --> 00:42:34.139 the thief, 00:42:34.260 --> 00:42:34.800 we were once, 00:42:34.880 --> 00:42:35.539 the prostitute, 00:42:35.619 --> 00:42:36.619 but by God's grace, 00:42:36.740 --> 00:42:37.420 our story, 00:42:37.760 --> 00:42:38.460 is changed, 00:42:38.740 --> 00:42:39.679 by God's grace, 00:42:39.900 --> 00:42:40.679 our hearts, 00:42:40.679 --> 00:42:41.760 have been changed, 00:42:41.840 --> 00:42:42.519 our desires, 00:42:42.679 --> 00:42:43.380 have been changed, 00:42:43.579 --> 00:42:44.440 our lives, 00:42:44.559 --> 00:42:45.639 have been changed, 00:42:46.220 --> 00:42:48.119 all by God's grace, 00:42:48.220 --> 00:42:49.220 to paint a picture, 00:42:49.679 --> 00:42:50.200 of who, 00:42:50.619 --> 00:42:51.280 Jesus is, 00:42:51.679 --> 00:42:52.860 why he came, 00:42:53.220 --> 00:42:54.280 why he lived, 00:42:54.639 --> 00:42:55.420 why he taught, 00:42:55.500 --> 00:42:56.139 what he taught, 00:42:56.139 --> 00:42:57.299 why he died, 00:42:57.339 --> 00:42:58.099 on the cross, 00:42:58.400 --> 00:42:59.539 and why he resurrected, 00:43:00.119 --> 00:43:00.559 all, 00:43:01.199 --> 00:43:02.179 in that one picture, 00:43:02.279 --> 00:43:02.920 that we can paint, 00:43:02.980 --> 00:43:03.699 with our lives, 00:43:04.139 --> 00:43:04.940 we can paint, 00:43:05.500 --> 00:43:06.779 so people can see it, 00:43:07.239 --> 00:43:07.659 clearly, 00:43:08.940 --> 00:43:10.059 local missions, 00:43:10.299 --> 00:43:11.819 is painting this picture, 00:43:12.500 --> 00:43:13.119 around, 00:43:13.659 --> 00:43:14.879 so that people can see it, 00:43:15.319 --> 00:43:16.319 painting this picture, 00:43:16.420 --> 00:43:17.579 so people can clearly, 00:43:18.219 --> 00:43:18.519 see, 00:43:19.019 --> 00:43:19.500 Jesus, 00:43:20.759 --> 00:43:21.619 local missions, 00:43:21.900 --> 00:43:23.359 is also volunteering, 00:43:23.859 --> 00:43:25.039 is also participating, 00:43:25.379 --> 00:43:25.960 in groups, 00:43:25.960 --> 00:43:26.539 and ministries, 00:43:26.639 --> 00:43:27.179 that I mentioned, 00:43:27.300 --> 00:43:27.780 at the beginning, 00:43:28.480 --> 00:43:29.139 it is, 00:43:29.900 --> 00:43:30.960 but if you don't, 00:43:31.000 --> 00:43:32.099 get the picture right, 00:43:33.340 --> 00:43:35.079 then for you, 00:43:35.139 --> 00:43:35.699 it doesn't matter, 00:43:36.400 --> 00:43:37.139 if you don't, 00:43:37.139 --> 00:43:38.079 get the picture right, 00:43:38.159 --> 00:43:38.920 if you're not painting, 00:43:39.019 --> 00:43:39.800 the right picture, 00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:41.380 then your intentions, 00:43:41.519 --> 00:43:42.179 and your intentions, 00:43:42.340 --> 00:43:42.720 are wrong, 00:43:42.800 --> 00:43:43.840 and your decisions, 00:43:44.039 --> 00:43:44.400 are wrong, 00:43:44.579 --> 00:43:45.460 then you're not pointing, 00:43:45.559 --> 00:43:46.340 to the right thing, 00:43:47.099 --> 00:43:47.860 you're pointing, 00:43:47.960 --> 00:43:48.440 to yourself, 00:43:48.559 --> 00:43:48.900 you're pointing, 00:43:49.000 --> 00:43:49.599 to confusion, 00:43:49.740 --> 00:43:50.099 you're pointing, 00:43:50.099 --> 00:43:50.539 to stuff, 00:43:50.599 --> 00:43:51.579 that people don't get, 00:43:53.139 --> 00:43:53.599 stuff, 00:43:53.699 --> 00:43:54.820 that they're already hearing, 00:43:54.820 --> 00:43:58.200 what's, 00:43:58.240 --> 00:43:59.220 what's more important, 00:44:00.000 --> 00:44:01.360 your activities, 00:44:02.039 --> 00:44:02.700 what you can put, 00:44:02.800 --> 00:44:03.440 on your calendar, 00:44:03.660 --> 00:44:04.680 or the kingdom of God, 00:44:05.340 --> 00:44:07.360 what's more important, 00:44:07.440 --> 00:44:07.980 the activities, 00:44:07.980 --> 00:44:08.840 that you accomplish, 00:44:08.980 --> 00:44:09.620 or your heart, 00:44:09.619 --> 00:44:12.759 all of that, 00:44:13.299 --> 00:44:15.159 points to, 00:44:15.299 --> 00:44:16.119 helps us, 00:44:16.179 --> 00:44:16.980 paint this picture, 00:44:17.119 --> 00:44:17.859 our intentions, 00:44:18.480 --> 00:44:19.219 our heart, 00:44:19.579 --> 00:44:20.420 the kingdom of God, 00:44:20.519 --> 00:44:20.900 building, 00:44:21.339 --> 00:44:22.519 the kingdom of God, 00:44:22.559 --> 00:44:22.839 and we, 00:44:23.839 --> 00:44:24.380 live, 00:44:25.099 --> 00:44:26.299 a specific way, 00:44:27.000 --> 00:44:27.880 for Jesus, 00:44:28.099 --> 00:44:28.400 because, 00:44:28.719 --> 00:44:29.500 we have been commissioned, 00:44:29.699 --> 00:44:30.839 for a specific task, 00:44:31.599 --> 00:44:32.500 God has sent, 00:44:32.679 --> 00:44:33.440 all of us, 00:44:33.719 --> 00:44:34.679 into the world, 00:44:35.739 --> 00:44:36.639 into the circles, 00:44:36.759 --> 00:44:37.420 of people, 00:44:37.420 --> 00:44:38.340 and influence, 00:44:38.460 --> 00:44:39.240 that we are around, 00:44:39.380 --> 00:44:40.280 for a purpose, 00:44:41.119 --> 00:44:42.059 for a reason, 00:44:43.619 --> 00:44:44.559 and we have been commissioned, 00:44:44.680 --> 00:44:45.260 we have been given, 00:44:45.579 --> 00:44:47.059 his power to do so, 00:44:47.119 --> 00:44:47.280 which, 00:44:48.639 --> 00:44:49.760 we have been resourced, 00:44:49.920 --> 00:44:50.820 for that task, 00:44:51.000 --> 00:44:51.820 he has given us, 00:44:51.880 --> 00:44:52.559 the Holy Spirit, 00:44:52.840 --> 00:44:53.559 to accomplish, 00:44:53.760 --> 00:44:54.659 what he has called us, 00:44:54.720 --> 00:44:55.220 to accomplish, 00:44:56.340 --> 00:44:57.619 and we have been outsourced, 00:44:57.680 --> 00:44:58.680 with a specific message, 00:44:58.800 --> 00:44:59.820 we have a message, 00:44:59.820 --> 00:45:01.099 to proclaim, 00:45:01.579 --> 00:45:02.360 to preach, 00:45:02.559 --> 00:45:03.480 to display, 00:45:05.200 --> 00:45:06.260 and God has called us, 00:45:06.260 --> 00:45:06.700 to do, 00:45:07.400 --> 00:45:08.340 to do it, 00:45:08.980 --> 00:45:10.540 our message is different, 00:45:10.640 --> 00:45:11.660 than any other message, 00:45:12.520 --> 00:45:13.400 because forgiveness, 00:45:13.600 --> 00:45:14.500 by grace alone, 00:45:15.160 --> 00:45:15.920 through faith alone, 00:45:16.340 --> 00:45:17.620 not by works, 00:45:18.820 --> 00:45:19.420 lest any man, 00:45:19.580 --> 00:45:20.080 should boast, 00:45:20.660 --> 00:45:22.220 let's pray together, 00:45:22.220 --> 00:45:22.220