WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.100 Luke chapter 23, Easter is just two weeks away and I always love Easter. 00:00:06.100 --> 00:00:12.480 It's the day that we focus on the Christian celebration on the empty tomb. 00:00:12.480 --> 00:00:17.019 ! It's especially a great day in the life of Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:00:17.140 --> 00:00:19.839 It's going to be a great day and I encourage you to pray. 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:23.420 And I encourage you to invite folks. 00:00:24.420 --> 00:00:29.280 And I encourage you to expect God to do great things. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.299 In our midst, I see over and over again in Scripture a correlation when people come in faith expecting God to move in a mighty way. 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:41.620 He does it. 00:00:41.700 --> 00:00:50.100 We just looked last week, week four, when four friends picked up a paralytic and took him to see Jesus. 00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:54.200 They had expectations that Jesus would change the man's life. 00:00:54.780 --> 00:00:58.060 And it says that he healed them because he saw their faith. 00:00:58.060 --> 00:01:05.260 And so I'm telling you, I believe we need to pray and ask God to do mighty things beyond our expectations and then expect great things. 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:07.659 And just watch and see what happens. 00:01:07.719 --> 00:01:08.480 It's going to be a great day. 00:01:09.140 --> 00:01:11.760 Jesus is the resurrection and the life. 00:01:11.859 --> 00:01:13.180 And we need to grasp that. 00:01:13.859 --> 00:01:16.079 And we need to live in response to that. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:21.099 And that needs to affect us each and every day. 00:01:21.099 --> 00:01:28.199 And Easter, or really the resurrection celebration, helps us to do that. 00:01:28.859 --> 00:01:34.479 However, I really believe that in order to understand the victory of the empty tomb, you need to understand the cross of Christ. 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:41.979 You need to understand what Jesus endured and why he endured it for us to be able to have new life in Christ. 00:01:41.980 --> 00:01:51.640 I want us to look this morning briefly at a man who is mentioned in three of the gospels, yet is seldom talked about. 00:01:53.060 --> 00:01:58.600 He's found in Luke chapter 23, beginning in verse 26. 00:01:59.380 --> 00:02:00.620 And it says this, 00:02:00.620 --> 00:02:04.780 As they led him away, speaking of Jesus, leading him away, 00:02:04.780 --> 00:02:17.180 they seized one Simon of Cyrene who was coming in from the country and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. 00:02:18.580 --> 00:02:27.659 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 00:02:30.620 --> 00:02:41.120 When one was to be crucified, part of the agony in the Roman process was having to carry his own cross. 00:02:41.879 --> 00:02:53.340 We're not absolutely sure, but most likely what Jesus carried and then Simon carried was the horizontal crossbar of the cross. 00:02:53.340 --> 00:03:04.340 As often depicted, the whole cross is often depicted, but in reality, usually it was the horizontal bar that was strapped to their arms and shoulders. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:10.439 The patibulum is the horizontal crossbar of the cross. 00:03:11.099 --> 00:03:14.340 It weighed about 75 to 125 pounds. 00:03:15.080 --> 00:03:18.219 Now, Jesus was a carpenter by trade. 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:23.060 He was about 33 years, which is not far from prime. 00:03:23.340 --> 00:03:24.379 Physical prime, I guess. 00:03:24.420 --> 00:03:29.240 He could have normally handled that, I believe, without a real problem. 00:03:30.420 --> 00:03:32.780 However, we must realize what he had been through. 00:03:34.259 --> 00:03:38.199 John chapter 19, verse 1 tells us that he was flogged. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:43.360 Flogging was not intended for execution. 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:47.480 It was sometimes used instead of execution. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:55.319 Pilate attempted to have Jesus released after he was scourged or flogged. 00:03:55.959 --> 00:04:08.899 The purpose of a flogging was not to kill a man, but to brutally, painfully humiliate the man forever, for the rest of his life anyway. 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:14.620 From the marks that would be upon his body and from the limp that he may walk with. 00:04:15.040 --> 00:04:26.280 The purpose was to be demeaning and to be belittling of someone who messed with the Roman government. 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:38.539 Now, it was such a degree that Roman citizens were not to be flogged, which made for some interesting conversation when Paul was being persecuted later. 00:04:39.179 --> 00:04:43.099 But when they would flog a man, they would use a flagellum. 00:04:43.659 --> 00:04:48.379 A flagellum was a, the British call it a cat of nine tails. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:55.480 It was a whip that had several strands on it, usually up to nine strands. 00:04:56.060 --> 00:05:04.300 And each one of those strands tied into that leather would either be lead balls or glass or pieces of bone. 00:05:04.300 --> 00:05:15.939 And the thought was that if you whip someone on the back, those strands were made to dig in to the flesh. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:19.379 And so once it dug in, they'd rip it. 00:05:19.800 --> 00:05:26.759 And the hope was that it would cut the skin as it was brought down with the proper force. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:38.980 One historian that lived in the first century stated that people were amazed to see the depths of the wounds that such a flogging would cause. 00:05:38.980 --> 00:05:41.819 The lacerations were, and I quote, 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:57.939 End of quote. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:02.959 They'd bind a man to a post or they'd stretch him out over a frame. 00:06:03.719 --> 00:06:10.439 And they'd beat him from his neck to his knees and mark him as best they could. 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:16.100 Now I want to make one clarification that a lot of preachers have messed up on, including this one. 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:25.360 That I've often been told that they were limited to 40 lashes when they hit a man. 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:29.699 And the reality is that's a Jewish limitation. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:33.920 And it's found in Deuteronomy chapter 25 verse 3. 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:42.000 And the reason why they limited those lashes was because the flogging was not intended to kill somebody. 00:06:42.720 --> 00:06:45.560 It was intended to make them wish they was dead. 00:06:46.840 --> 00:06:53.860 And they had watched to see how many it would take to kill a man, and they didn't want to do that. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:07:07.120 So they limited it to 40, and I was always told that you got your best counter, buddy, and hopefully a good friend, to stand there with you and count and tell you when you got to 39 and stop. 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:10.520 Because if you went over, you got the same treatment. 00:07:10.519 --> 00:07:16.219 But the reality is that was a Jewish law. 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.979 Romans didn't care about Jewish laws. 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:22.639 Romans would beat somebody as long as they wanted to. 00:07:23.399 --> 00:07:26.259 Because they had come against the Roman government. 00:07:28.299 --> 00:07:38.299 It's understandable why Jesus could not carry a 100-pound railroad tie, the equivalent to, on his shoulders for very long. 00:07:38.300 --> 00:07:49.840 And when he could no longer, a man named Simon was shocked to be a part of the execution parade of Jesus. 00:07:50.600 --> 00:07:53.300 He was from Cyrene in North Africa. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:56.460 Today that would be part of Libya. 00:07:57.720 --> 00:08:04.240 And all the Synoptic Gospels, that's Matthew, Mark, and Luke, mention this man. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:09.699 And the question I want to answer this morning is why? 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:14.480 Why did they bring him up again and again? 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:17.600 I'll tell you why. 00:08:18.540 --> 00:08:22.720 Because the cross changed Simon's life. 00:08:25.019 --> 00:08:28.240 Simon was apparently a Jew from Cyrene. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:34.539 And there was a large group of Jews in a synagogue at the time in that area. 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:37.720 They're mentioned a few times in the book of Acts. 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:42.399 And Mark, who wrote primarily aimed at believers in Rome, 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:46.360 mentioned that Simon, in Mark 15, verse 21, 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:50.299 is the father of Alexander and Rufus. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:09:00.179 The gospel of Mark was written 40 years after the death of Christ, or at least 30. 00:09:01.519 --> 00:09:05.659 Why would he include the name of Simon's son? 00:09:07.259 --> 00:09:08.279 I'll tell you why. 00:09:08.359 --> 00:09:12.500 Because the church, the first audience that Mark wrote to, 00:09:13.339 --> 00:09:14.779 knew who they were. 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:22.019 In Romans chapter 16, verse 13, Paul writes about Rufus. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:24.679 And he writes about Rufus' mother. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:34.600 And he says that Rufus' mother was like a mother to him. 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:40.519 To me, it sounds like the whole house got saved. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:45.899 He was leading his family to Jerusalem for the Passover. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:51.019 But when he came, he met Jesus. 00:09:52.439 --> 00:09:56.220 And Jesus changes everything. 00:09:57.740 --> 00:10:06.199 Christ changed his life that day and changed his household forever. 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:12.460 And I believe he's mentioned because of the difference that the event made on his life 00:10:12.460 --> 00:10:16.879 and the difference that his life made on the kingdom. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:24.320 But I also believe it's mentioned because of the difference it can make in us. 00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:31.520 Because the cross will change our lives as well. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:37.840 I believe what we see here is a physical example of a spiritual truth 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:41.059 that should mark every one of our lives. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:46.299 Simon was willing to bear the weight of the cross of Christ. 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:52.079 And if you stand up today for Christ in the world in which we live, 00:10:53.059 --> 00:10:54.259 you may be criticized. 00:10:54.259 --> 00:11:00.059 If you stand up for the cause of Christ in the world in which we live, 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:02.019 you may be misunderstood. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:09.980 You at least at times will be unappreciated for taking such a stand. 00:11:11.559 --> 00:11:14.379 And if you're not willing to feel the weight of the cross, 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:19.700 if you're not willing to live a life of sacrifice for God, 00:11:19.700 --> 00:11:24.280 if we're not willing to deny ourselves and follow him, 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:26.759 then in reality we're not truly following God. 00:11:28.420 --> 00:11:30.700 Simon was willing to do that. 00:11:32.040 --> 00:11:34.140 And it forever changed his life. 00:11:35.520 --> 00:11:38.220 His example is one that rattles personal cages. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:42.300 At the turn of the 19th century, 00:11:42.920 --> 00:11:43.860 in the Church of England, 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:46.540 there was a pastor named Charles Simeon. 00:11:46.539 --> 00:11:50.099 In the midst of that, 00:11:50.339 --> 00:11:54.679 there was a great church renewal going on in that denomination. 00:11:56.079 --> 00:11:57.059 And amid criticism, 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:59.519 he preached the word without reservation. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:02.759 Early in his ministry, 00:12:03.079 --> 00:12:06.360 this passage that we study today changed his life. 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:08.699 And he wrote about it and he said this. 00:12:09.719 --> 00:12:10.139 He said, 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:14.819 One day when I was an object of much contempt and derision in the university, 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:16.660 I strolled forth, 00:12:16.920 --> 00:12:18.420 buffeted and afflicted, 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:21.520 taking my little Greek New Testament in my hand. 00:12:22.300 --> 00:12:26.740 I prayed that God would comfort me with some cordial from his word. 00:12:27.520 --> 00:12:28.379 And opening it, 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:30.840 the first text which caught my eye was this. 00:12:31.580 --> 00:12:34.920 They found a man of Cyrene, 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:36.379 Simon by name. 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:39.360 They compelled him to bear his cross. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.000 Simon, 00:12:41.180 --> 00:12:41.639 you know, 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:44.399 is the same name as Simeon. 00:12:45.519 --> 00:12:47.700 It was the very word that I needed. 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:49.480 What a privilege 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:51.539 to have the cross 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:53.919 laid on me 00:12:53.919 --> 00:12:55.940 to bear it with Jesus. 00:12:57.080 --> 00:12:57.980 It was enough. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:00.060 I could leap. 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:02.259 I could sing for joy. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:03.879 Lay it on me, 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:04.180 Lord, 00:13:04.539 --> 00:13:05.220 I cried. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.720 And henceforth, 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:08.200 I bound persecution 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:10.600 as a wreath of glory 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:12.360 round my brow. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:13.759 End of quote. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:15.200 And you can tell when I'm talking 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:16.000 and when he's talking. 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:17.019 I'll probably don't have to tell you 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:17.700 when I end the quote. 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:19.580 It's a burden 00:13:19.580 --> 00:13:21.320 of every Christian 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.759 to take up the cross 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:24.220 and follow Christ. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:26.680 Christ said in Luke chapter 9, 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:27.420 verse 23, 00:13:28.420 --> 00:13:30.019 If anyone would come after me, 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:31.360 let him deny himself 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.759 and take up his cross daily 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:35.419 and follow me. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:37.360 What does that mean? 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:38.820 Well, 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:39.840 the first thing that means 00:13:39.840 --> 00:13:41.100 is to say no. 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:45.659 Just because we want to do it 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:47.659 does not mean 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:49.399 that we need to do it. 00:13:50.899 --> 00:13:53.180 Just because we want to say it 00:13:53.180 --> 00:13:57.600 don't mean that we need to say it. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:01.980 Just because we think on it 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:06.139 don't mean we need to be thinking on it. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:11.259 Just because we want to do something, 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:12.220 say something, 00:14:12.540 --> 00:14:13.399 think on something 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:15.399 does not mean we need to do it. 00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:19.759 We are people who are born in sin. 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.180 Because of that, 00:14:22.279 --> 00:14:23.740 we are prone to sin. 00:14:23.740 --> 00:14:25.840 Not only that, 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:27.440 but we've committed sin. 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:30.019 As a matter of fact, 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.720 we kind of lean into sin. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:35.360 We don't stand upright many times. 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:39.440 And one of our greatest enemies sometimes 00:14:39.440 --> 00:14:41.379 is the flesh that is within us. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.720 That leads us in ways 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.680 that we don't need to go. 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.759 And we need to say no. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.060 No to ourselves. 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:56.139 Not only to our comforts, 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.279 not only to our cares, 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:59.560 we need to say no 00:14:59.560 --> 00:15:00.560 to the carnal nature 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:02.100 that rises up within us 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:04.480 and leads us to say things 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:06.420 that are not pleasing to the Lord. 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:08.759 And leads us to do things 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:10.080 that are not pleasing to the Lord. 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:12.200 And it leads us to thank things 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.540 that are not pleasing to the Lord. 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:16.060 And that set us back. 00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:17.720 All of those things set us back. 00:15:17.800 --> 00:15:19.840 And it's hard to hear no. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:25.220 There was a drug prevention campaign 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.960 when I was a kid. 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:30.120 Nancy Reagan was the first lady 00:15:30.120 --> 00:15:33.040 and in a fight against drugs, 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:36.960 they came up with the Just Say No campaign. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:39.259 Just say no to drugs. 00:15:40.800 --> 00:15:42.480 When you was watching television, 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:45.540 commercial would come on 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:48.120 that you couldn't fast forward through. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.079 You had to endure. 00:15:52.679 --> 00:15:53.819 They'd crack an egg, 00:15:54.939 --> 00:15:56.139 throw it in a frying pan, 00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:56.639 and say, 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:58.699 this is your brain. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:00.120 This is your brain on drugs. 00:16:01.079 --> 00:16:02.639 And anybody that's about my age 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.799 was marked by the fact 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:05.439 that if you take drugs, 00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:07.199 you'll turn into a fried egg. 00:16:07.199 --> 00:16:07.279 Okay. 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:11.659 About that time, 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.240 new song, 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:12.980 Christian group, 00:16:13.819 --> 00:16:15.480 came out with a song called 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:17.019 Say Yes to Jesus. 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:19.379 And the lyric said, 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:21.399 how can you say no 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:23.039 until you say yes? 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:25.019 Say yes to Jesus. 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:26.220 My friend, 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:29.539 we can't say yes to Jesus 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:33.360 until we say no to ourselves. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:37.639 We've got to deny ourselves. 00:16:39.419 --> 00:16:40.879 The second thing we have to do 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:42.019 is take up his cause. 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:45.159 He said take up his cross daily. 00:16:46.279 --> 00:16:48.720 The Roman cross was a symbol of shame 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:51.080 and guilt and suffering and rejection. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.139 It's a horrible way to die. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.680 People didn't wear gold crosses 00:16:55.680 --> 00:16:58.420 on their necklines in those days. 00:16:58.779 --> 00:17:00.060 That would have been like somebody 00:17:00.060 --> 00:17:01.259 wearing an electric chair 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:02.200 around their neck now. 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:02.440 I mean, 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:03.400 you just wouldn't do it. 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:04.980 It'd be odd. 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:05.900 It'd be strange. 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.880 When it says take up his cross daily, 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:11.120 it speaks of living boldly 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:12.759 in our Christian faith, 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:14.320 not living like the world, 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:16.259 being surrendered to Christ. 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:19.019 It means willing to suffer ridicule 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:19.640 when it comes. 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:21.100 It means willing to suffer 00:17:21.100 --> 00:17:22.500 a lack of popularity. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:25.220 It means willing to sacrifice 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:27.460 your wants for his. 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.539 You know what that means? 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:30.779 That means you may not be invited 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:32.539 to the same functions as you have been. 00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:34.240 And if you are, 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:35.200 when you're living for Christ, 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:36.180 you may not feel as comfortable 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:37.619 in those functions as you have been. 00:17:38.579 --> 00:17:41.960 You may have to walk away at times. 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:45.899 You may have to speak up at times. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:50.019 You may have to stand strong at times. 00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:53.420 It's the Romans 12, 00:17:53.560 --> 00:17:54.820 one and two lifestyle. 00:17:56.820 --> 00:17:59.080 The Apostle Paul said in Romans 12, 00:17:59.160 --> 00:17:59.660 verse one, 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.580 I appeal to you, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.880 therefore brothers, 00:18:02.580 --> 00:18:04.960 by the mercies of God. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:06.340 And let me just stop there. 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:10.759 Because the things that I'm talking about, 00:18:10.919 --> 00:18:12.519 we are unable to do 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.740 in our own ability. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:15.559 And you may think, 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:16.179 I'm preaching, 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:17.019 some of that stuff you're saying, 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:17.679 I can't do. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.480 I know, I know, 00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:18.919 you're right, 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:19.619 you can't do it. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:23.240 But I am thankful 00:18:23.240 --> 00:18:25.480 that when one surrenders 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.259 his or her life 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:27.679 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:30.019 acknowledges the sin 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:31.399 that they've committed in the past, 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.500 ask Christ to forgive them 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.319 of their sins, 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.859 and commit their life 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:36.919 to follow Christ, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:40.480 something transformational happens 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:42.879 that it's hard for us to grasp. 00:18:43.919 --> 00:18:45.839 And that is the Holy Spirit of God 00:18:45.839 --> 00:18:47.819 comes to indwell within us. 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:49.659 And when the Holy Spirit 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:51.639 comes to indwell within us, 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:53.960 he gives us the strength 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:54.899 and the power 00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:55.919 and the correction 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:57.000 and the direction 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:58.220 that we need 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:59.519 in order to live a life 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:01.079 that's pleasing to the Lord. 00:19:01.179 --> 00:19:02.259 Now, I will tell you 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.720 that our human nature, 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:04.980 our flesh, 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:05.700 our carnal, 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.980 whatever you want to call it, 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:08.360 the us in us 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:10.579 fights against 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:12.319 the Holy Spirit so often. 00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:14.140 And the reality is 00:19:14.140 --> 00:19:15.140 we do things, 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.120 as Paul said, 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.259 the things I want to do 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.180 is not what I do 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:19.240 and the things I don't want to do 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:19.819 is what I do. 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:21.319 Yes, that is the struggle 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.259 that we face. 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:23.700 But if you're not fighting 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.420 that battle, 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.579 it's because you're losing 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.240 that battle. 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:27.440 You're not paying attention 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:27.960 to it. 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.039 But in reality, 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:30.400 if you're a child of God today, 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.480 the Holy Spirit of God 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.440 has come within you 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.720 and empowered you 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:35.299 to rise above the things 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:36.180 that come in the way 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:37.400 of you being everything 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.319 that you can be 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.180 for the Lord Jesus. 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.799 And that only comes, 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:41.640 thank God, 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:43.200 by the mercies of God. 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:44.220 That's the only hope 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.220 we got is in his mercy. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:46.660 It's not in our ability. 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.700 It wasn't that we woke up 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:49.720 one day and realized, 00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:50.640 hey, I think I need 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.799 something besides the Lord. 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:53.920 I need something besides me. 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.599 I need the Lord. 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.940 No, no, I'm sorry. 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:58.240 The Holy Spirit of God 00:19:58.240 --> 00:20:00.080 laid a conviction upon us 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:01.160 of the need of God, 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.019 made us aware 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.000 of our need of God. 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:04.400 And then we surrender 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:05.820 our lives to follow God. 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.759 And when we do that, 00:20:06.840 --> 00:20:08.480 by the mercies of God, 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.279 the same mercy 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:10.720 that sent Christ to the cross 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.960 is the same mercy 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.960 that empowers us 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:13.900 with the Spirit of God. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.100 So I want to be clear 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:15.620 this morning 00:20:15.620 --> 00:20:17.320 that what I'm about to say, 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.559 we're not able to do 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.279 on our own. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.840 But if you're a child 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:22.580 of God today, 00:20:22.580 --> 00:20:23.320 and if you're not, 00:20:23.420 --> 00:20:24.160 you can be. 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:26.420 Because today's 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:27.279 the day of salvation. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.300 And he'll meet you 00:20:29.300 --> 00:20:29.980 where you are. 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:32.080 And he'll change your life 00:20:32.080 --> 00:20:33.160 when you surrender to him. 00:20:34.860 --> 00:20:36.019 If you have done that, 00:20:36.060 --> 00:20:36.940 I want you to know 00:20:36.940 --> 00:20:39.940 by the mercies of God, 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:43.800 we can present our bodies 00:20:43.800 --> 00:20:46.259 as a living sacrifice. 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:49.300 Holy and acceptable to God. 00:20:50.360 --> 00:20:53.440 That is true worship. 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:56.080 That's true worship. 00:20:57.040 --> 00:20:58.440 I love corporate worship. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:01.019 You know what makes it better? 00:21:02.700 --> 00:21:03.540 When we've done 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:04.279 what we need to do 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:05.259 to have spiritual worship. 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:09.680 When we've surrendered 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.360 to the Lord, 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:13.100 and when we're following 00:21:13.100 --> 00:21:13.540 the Lord, 00:21:14.620 --> 00:21:16.140 being led by the Spirit of God, 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:20.040 worship is that much better 00:21:20.040 --> 00:21:21.900 in the midst of it. 00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:23.580 And because of what 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.700 he does for us, 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:26.120 I want you to notice 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:27.060 what verse 2 says. 00:21:27.860 --> 00:21:28.140 It says, 00:21:28.280 --> 00:21:29.200 Do not be conformed 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:29.759 to this world, 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:32.080 but be transformed 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:33.060 by the renewal 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:34.140 of your mind, 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:36.080 that by testing 00:21:36.080 --> 00:21:37.880 you may discern 00:21:37.880 --> 00:21:39.519 what is the will of God. 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:41.080 People ask me all the time, 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.000 how in the world 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.440 do I know 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:43.660 what the will of God is? 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.220 I'll tell you how you know. 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:47.440 Don't conform to this world. 00:21:48.060 --> 00:21:48.880 Be transformed 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.680 by the renewal 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:50.340 of your mind. 00:21:50.780 --> 00:21:51.980 Take in the word of God. 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.780 Seek the Lord in prayer. 00:21:54.520 --> 00:21:56.020 Be faithful to follow him. 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.680 Be faithful in worship. 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.700 Be faithful to do 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:01.620 exactly what he tells you to do. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:03.500 Don't second guess 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.780 the Holy Spirit of God. 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:06.380 Just follow his will 00:22:06.380 --> 00:22:07.100 and his way. 00:22:08.100 --> 00:22:09.160 And what he'll show you 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:09.960 is the will of God 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:10.660 for your life, 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.240 what's good 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.200 and what's acceptable 00:22:12.200 --> 00:22:13.060 and what's perfect. 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:17.220 Few, if any of us, 00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:19.039 will ever be asked 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:20.639 to die for the cross 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:21.659 cause of Christ. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:24.059 But all of us 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:25.500 who are Christians 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.819 are commanded 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:27.919 to live for him. 00:22:29.419 --> 00:22:31.079 The preacher didn't say that. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.519 The Lord said that. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:34.940 We're to take up 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:36.839 our cross daily. 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:38.859 And the last thing 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:40.859 is to follow Christ. 00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:43.359 At the very beginning 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.099 of the Gospels, 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.439 we see men walk away 00:22:45.439 --> 00:22:46.839 from everything they knew 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:48.039 to follow the Lord. 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:49.939 James and John 00:22:49.939 --> 00:22:50.500 walked away 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.359 from a business 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:53.279 they would have inherited. 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:55.219 Peter walked away 00:22:55.219 --> 00:22:56.119 from his livelihood. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.639 Matthew was a Roman 00:22:58.639 --> 00:23:00.639 commissioned tax collector 00:23:00.639 --> 00:23:03.619 that left his booth 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:05.439 to follow Christ. 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:08.039 And scripture gives us 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.919 no indication 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:11.300 that Jesus ever stopped 00:23:11.300 --> 00:23:12.019 and pleaded 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:13.120 for any of these men 00:23:13.120 --> 00:23:14.460 to come after him. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.920 It don't say anything 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:16.640 about him coming back 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.500 the second time. 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.500 It don't say anything 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.039 about him coming back 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.880 the third time. 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:20.920 It don't say anything 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.420 about that. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.140 As a matter of fact, 00:23:22.320 --> 00:23:23.360 I happen to believe 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:25.240 that Jesus never lost 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.160 his stride. 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.100 He just said, 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:27.820 follow me. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.900 And Matthew looked 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:30.000 at all his tax stuff 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:30.400 and went, 00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:31.640 hey, 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.320 I'm going to do that. 00:23:33.560 --> 00:23:34.900 And closed the books 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:36.100 and left the booth. 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:38.059 They all left 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:38.919 what they were doing. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:41.079 They left what they were up to. 00:23:41.179 --> 00:23:43.419 They left what their plans were 00:23:43.419 --> 00:23:47.039 to follow what Christ had 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:47.899 for them. 00:23:49.459 --> 00:23:50.579 And scripture says 00:23:50.579 --> 00:23:51.399 again and again, 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.159 Mark especially, 00:23:52.699 --> 00:23:54.259 that they left immediately 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:56.000 to do that. 00:23:58.179 --> 00:23:58.459 You know, 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:58.980 sometimes, 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:02.579 I'll just say it 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.259 all the time, 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:05.799 delayed obedience 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:07.660 is disobedience. 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.759 When God speaks, 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.059 you answer. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:12.879 Now let's get back 00:24:12.879 --> 00:24:13.519 to the text. 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:16.180 Because Simon 00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:18.599 picked up the burden 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.339 of Christ. 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:21.559 And then I want you 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.619 to notice what it says. 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:25.700 It says that he carried 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.539 the cross 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:29.460 behind Christ. 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.079 From the time 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.140 he picked up the cross, 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:35.460 he was following Jesus. 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:38.039 That's exactly 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:40.579 what we're to do as well. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.359 Christ 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.819 denied himself. 00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.960 He took up his cross 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.039 and he followed 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:48.099 the plan of God 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:50.819 so that 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:53.079 we could deny ourselves, 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:55.099 take up our cross 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:57.480 for his causes 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.980 and follow him. 00:24:58.980 --> 00:25:01.539 I believe our job 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:03.139 as we approach 00:25:03.139 --> 00:25:03.879 the celebration 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:04.579 of the resurrection 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:05.099 of the Lord 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:06.619 is to take up 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.599 the matters of God, 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:09.879 to bear his cross 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:11.759 and to follow Christ 00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:13.579 in all that we do. 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:17.000 With every head bowed 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.659 and every eye closed, 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:18.579 I want to ask you 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.279 something this morning. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.079 I want to ask you 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.859 if you've ever 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:24.399 come to know 00:25:24.399 --> 00:25:25.059 the Lord Jesus 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:25.819 as your personal 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:26.440 Lord and Savior. 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:28.980 have you ever 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.860 surrendered your life 00:25:29.860 --> 00:25:30.340 to him? 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.960 As I mentioned earlier 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:34.039 to ask him 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.680 to forgive you 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.580 and to come into your life 00:25:35.580 --> 00:25:36.539 and to change you 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:39.039 and then to surrender 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:39.539 your will 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.160 to his will. 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.860 It's a personal thing. 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.779 It does not come 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.640 through a transaction 00:25:44.640 --> 00:25:45.620 of a church membership. 00:25:46.320 --> 00:25:47.380 It does not come 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.779 through some physical process. 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.900 It comes instead 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.860 by a personal surrender 00:25:51.860 --> 00:25:53.039 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:55.920 And anything that takes place 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:56.759 beyond that 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.559 spiritually 00:25:57.559 --> 00:26:00.039 is no good 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.859 because it's missing 00:26:00.859 --> 00:26:01.659 the key thing 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.319 and that is 00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:03.859 the personal surrender 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:05.079 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:26:06.099 --> 00:26:07.359 If you've never done that, 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.539 I want to encourage you 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.680 as soon as we stand 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.039 to sing, 00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:10.899 you come and say, 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.259 Pastor, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:13.059 I need to give my life 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:13.619 to Christ. 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:16.059 I need to nail down 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:16.879 my salvation. 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:17.700 Pastor, 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.379 I'm not sure. 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.720 Whatever your circumstances, 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:21.399 you share that. 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:24.060 Maybe you have done that, 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:24.940 but you've never 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:25.860 followed that up 00:26:25.860 --> 00:26:26.980 publicly with baptism. 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:30.380 The reality is 00:26:30.380 --> 00:26:31.780 by the commission of Christ 00:26:31.780 --> 00:26:32.860 and by his example, 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:35.560 he shows us 00:26:35.560 --> 00:26:36.759 that the first step 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.300 of obedience 00:26:37.300 --> 00:26:38.140 in our salvation 00:26:38.140 --> 00:26:40.160 is to follow that up 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:40.820 with baptism. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.460 Baptism is a way 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.640 for us to honor the Lord 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:45.720 by obeying him, 00:26:45.800 --> 00:26:46.340 but it's also 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:47.240 a wonderful testimony 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:49.540 that I see every time 00:26:49.540 --> 00:26:50.480 impact lives 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:52.140 of those around them 00:26:52.140 --> 00:26:53.480 much more than 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.059 they ever know. 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:56.099 And I really don't believe 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:57.360 we will see this side 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:57.839 of eternity, 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.039 the whole extent of that. 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:01.740 Maybe you're here 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.240 this morning 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:03.079 and God's leading you 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:04.640 to Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.220 You feel like 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.079 this is the place 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:07.980 where you are to serve. 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:08.819 This is the place 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.740 where you are to join. 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:11.200 You invest in us, 00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:12.099 we invest in you, 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:12.839 we grow together 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:14.140 for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:16.000 And if you sense that, 00:27:16.099 --> 00:27:16.599 feel that, 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.660 by the Holy Spirit of God, 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.500 I encourage you to come. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.500 I'd love to guide you 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:21.480 in what that means. 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.940 For the rest of us, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.759 maybe we just, 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.920 maybe we just need 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:28.039 to deny ourselves. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.599 Maybe this morning 00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:32.420 we just need to 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:34.099 take up our cross 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:35.279 and to follow Christ. 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.599 If there's an area 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:38.220 of your life 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:38.799 that's suffering 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.640 because you failed 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:40.200 to do that, 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:40.980 why don't you lay that 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:42.000 before the Lord today? 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.599 You can do that 00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.240 where you'll stand 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:44.940 in just a moment. 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:45.599 You can do that 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:46.240 at this altar. 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:47.259 I'll be happy 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:48.099 to pray for you. 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.559 Whatever God 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.460 would have you to do, 00:27:51.099 --> 00:27:51.859 I just want you 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:52.519 to do exactly 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.579 what He tells you to do. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.279 Nothing more 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:56.220 or nothing less. 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:57.319 I don't have a clue 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:58.359 what God's telling you. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.500 I just know 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.460 what He wanted me to share. 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:02.440 And so I encourage 00:28:02.440 --> 00:28:03.059 you to be obedient 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:03.839 and follow Him 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:05.160 as He speaks 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:05.680 to your heart. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:06.680 Lord Jesus, 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.799 lead us right now. 00:28:08.339 --> 00:28:09.140 Help us to simply 00:28:09.140 --> 00:28:09.839 follow you 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:11.519 and guide our every step. 00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:12.460 Give us a boldness 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.299 beyond measure. 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:14.599 Lord, 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.460 give us a strength 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:16.200 that we don't have 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:16.840 for our own. 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.200 Give us a willingness 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.840 to obey 00:28:18.840 --> 00:28:19.680 as only comes 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.420 from the Holy Spirit 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:20.860 of God. 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:22.860 In Jesus' precious name, 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:23.519 Amen.