WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.280 I hope you enjoyed that this morning. 00:00:03.600 --> 00:00:07.440 You know, as we enjoy singing with that. 00:00:07.620 --> 00:00:07.440 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.939 And then rising again the third day. 00:00:33.140 --> 00:00:37.020 And, you know, it's a story that's been told and retold down through the ages. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:43.219 And as familiar as it is, and we know the facts, we enjoy the good feelings. 00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:46.519 The memories that are entailed at Christmas. 00:00:47.500 --> 00:00:53.579 I mean, we gather here, you could probably think back many times to all the different Christmas programs that you were a part of. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:59.379 Or sang in or participated or sat through or, you know, and enjoyed. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:03.460 And you hear the words and the terms that are there. 00:01:03.980 --> 00:01:09.219 You know, when we sing, we use words at Christmas time that we have no idea what they mean. 00:01:10.180 --> 00:01:10.859 Like Noel. 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:15.100 You know, you hear a lot of times people say, you know, sing Noel. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:16.939 The first Noel. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:18.520 You hear all these terms. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:22.000 And, you know, we sang together, you know, sing We Know Well. 00:01:22.120 --> 00:01:23.180 And you've heard it. 00:01:23.599 --> 00:01:25.219 But how many have ever gave thought to it? 00:01:26.579 --> 00:01:28.520 Have gave thought to what are you singing? 00:01:29.379 --> 00:01:30.379 It's part. 00:01:30.500 --> 00:01:31.060 It's familiar. 00:01:32.019 --> 00:01:35.899 It's what we see many times at Christmas. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:41.899 We begin to participate in those well-known things. 00:01:42.119 --> 00:01:46.140 And we would almost think that, you know, singing Noel is just part of Christmas. 00:01:46.439 --> 00:01:48.519 And it wouldn't be Christmas without it. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:50.759 But, you know, I want to help you this morning. 00:01:50.899 --> 00:01:52.879 You know, a little bit here. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:58.519 The modern word Noel, we find, is just a shout of joy or refers to a Christmas song. 00:01:58.679 --> 00:02:03.579 So, I mean, it's literally just saying you want to sing about Christ. 00:02:03.699 --> 00:02:04.560 Sing about Christmas. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:07.039 Sing about the things that he's done. 00:02:07.119 --> 00:02:10.019 And it traces its back to a Latin word that means birth. 00:02:10.020 --> 00:02:20.280 And since Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, it naturally has come to refer to the celebration itself and what we enjoy. 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:25.620 And, you know, even this morning here, just a little bit ago, we used another term in, you know, Emmanuel. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:31.879 You know, Emmanuel is another term of Christmas that, you know, we find it throughout the Bible. 00:02:32.020 --> 00:02:39.780 It's an Old Testament term from Isaiah chapter 7 or Emmanuel in Matthew chapter 1 and verse 23. 00:02:40.140 --> 00:02:45.020 And Matthew chapter 1 tells us what it is. 00:02:45.080 --> 00:02:47.800 You know, Matthew chapter 21 and verse 23 tells us this. 00:02:47.800 --> 00:02:58.900 Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us. 00:03:00.020 --> 00:03:03.560 Very important things that we talk about at Christmas. 00:03:04.400 --> 00:03:09.780 You know, we talk about those things and we just think through what it is. 00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:13.140 But, you know, oftentimes the kids earlier had a story of the Savior. 00:03:13.139 --> 00:03:19.000 You know, a story of the Savior, but really, we know the story of the Savior. 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:21.719 The question is, what's your story with the Savior? 00:03:23.479 --> 00:03:28.479 Because everybody comes to a terms with the reality that your life intersects with the Savior. 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:31.279 Where you have to make a decision. 00:03:32.779 --> 00:03:36.839 Is it just about something that we sing or something that we do? 00:03:36.959 --> 00:03:41.619 Or is it something that impacts, something that has substance? 00:03:41.620 --> 00:03:46.740 Is it just a cultural event or is it something that transforms lives? 00:03:48.060 --> 00:03:49.300 What's involved in it? 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:54.680 Because as we think through the story of Jesus, we think about it's God with us. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:56.900 You know, we have to ask ourselves a question this morning. 00:03:57.800 --> 00:04:06.480 I think a very important question is that why would the God who created the world have a desire to be with us? 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:10.340 You know, that's something to consider and contemplate. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:17.480 Why would God step out of His place in glory to come here for us? 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:25.540 Or why would He leave His place of honor and glory to be born as a man? 00:04:27.280 --> 00:04:31.160 Why would He put on flesh and endure the things of this life? 00:04:31.160 --> 00:04:36.960 All those things that He did, the kids talked earlier over there in John chapter 1 and verse 14. 00:04:37.180 --> 00:04:40.760 And to help you out this morning, each of you should have got a verse sheet. 00:04:40.840 --> 00:04:42.420 That's the verses we're going to go down through. 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:46.940 That'll kind of help you to follow along and you can take that home with you. 00:04:47.140 --> 00:04:49.420 I encourage you to read through them and think about them. 00:04:50.180 --> 00:04:55.660 And contemplate, you know, how does this intersect with my story? 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:59.880 Because the story of the Savior intersects with us. 00:04:59.900 --> 00:05:01.040 That's the reason He came. 00:05:01.920 --> 00:05:08.340 He came not just for us to have a celebration or to feel good or just to be able to rejoice. 00:05:08.339 --> 00:05:16.439 Jesus came and His story was purposeful to intersect with yours. 00:05:17.459 --> 00:05:20.919 To have that point of intersection in your life to say, 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:24.139 this is what God has done for me. 00:05:24.259 --> 00:05:26.239 You know, John 1 verse 14 there says, 00:05:26.359 --> 00:05:29.079 The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. 00:05:29.819 --> 00:05:34.039 And we beheld His glory and the glory of the only begotten of the Father, 00:05:34.159 --> 00:05:36.379 full of grace and truth. 00:05:36.379 --> 00:05:39.680 You know, here we find the Savior this morning. 00:05:40.980 --> 00:05:47.459 He speaks very specifically about the reality that Jesus Christ, He put on flesh. 00:05:48.920 --> 00:05:51.180 And in doing so, He humbled Himself. 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:56.560 He gave up His place in glory for a time. 00:05:56.659 --> 00:05:58.040 He put that away. 00:05:58.180 --> 00:06:00.139 In Philippians, it refers to it this way. 00:06:00.139 --> 00:06:06.040 In Philippians 2 verses 5-7 tells us, 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:10.280 Let this mind be in you, which also in Christ Jesus, 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:14.600 who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, 00:06:14.920 --> 00:06:17.379 but notice this, made Himself of no reputation, 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:19.220 took on Him the form of a servant, 00:06:19.700 --> 00:06:22.480 and was made in the likeness of men. 00:06:22.480 --> 00:06:29.660 You know, the story of Jesus is a story about one that had authority who came as a servant, 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:32.400 that His story might connect with yours. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:37.140 He understood what it was, and a servant that would accomplish a task. 00:06:38.620 --> 00:06:39.960 You know, the one thing about a servant, 00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:43.379 servants are sent forth to accomplish something, 00:06:43.480 --> 00:06:45.240 to perform something, 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:47.500 to do something of substance. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:50.480 And we find here that this is the case, 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:56.379 because Jesus came specifically in the form of a servant to accomplish a specific task. 00:06:57.819 --> 00:06:59.240 He came with purpose. 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.660 Because I want you to understand this morning, 00:07:02.740 --> 00:07:04.660 oftentimes at Christmas, we think of Jesus, 00:07:04.740 --> 00:07:06.180 we think of the babe in the manger, 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:11.139 and we have all sorts of warm thoughts of family and the dynamics with it. 00:07:11.300 --> 00:07:12.920 And sometimes we'll think of Jesus, 00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:16.639 He came as an example of a good person for us to follow, 00:07:16.920 --> 00:07:19.160 or instructor in righteousness, 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:21.280 or, you know, that He was a good teacher. 00:07:21.980 --> 00:07:23.860 But I want you to understand, 00:07:24.680 --> 00:07:26.319 those things may be true, 00:07:27.259 --> 00:07:28.800 but it wasn't His purpose. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:37.160 Because a purpose entails more around it than just the item itself. 00:07:37.259 --> 00:07:39.100 And this purpose that Jesus came, 00:07:40.400 --> 00:07:43.879 was that He might have a connection with you. 00:07:45.460 --> 00:07:46.819 Because He loved you. 00:07:46.879 --> 00:07:48.680 And I want you to understand this morning, 00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:51.480 as we think about this story of the Savior, 00:07:52.660 --> 00:07:55.180 and how that story connects with you, 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:57.980 because this purpose was very clear. 00:07:57.980 --> 00:08:00.800 You know, Philippians chapter 2 and verse 8 tell us this, 00:08:00.860 --> 00:08:01.080 it says, 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:02.819 Being found in fashion as a man, 00:08:03.520 --> 00:08:07.340 He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, 00:08:07.400 --> 00:08:09.080 even the death of the cross. 00:08:10.280 --> 00:08:12.080 You know, I want you to see here this morning, 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:13.340 the story of Jesus, 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:15.540 as we saw with the kids. 00:08:15.720 --> 00:08:18.819 It's a great reality that it began clear back 00:08:18.819 --> 00:08:21.360 in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:22.840 and with Abraham. 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:25.040 But I want you to understand, 00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:28.840 it wasn't just there with Moses and the law. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:33.519 The story of Jesus began even before those things. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:38.820 The Bible makes it clear that God set forth a plan for us, 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:41.360 and we understand it was set forth before. 00:08:41.920 --> 00:08:44.659 It's a story set from the foundation of the world. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:48.120 A plan that would provide all that was needed 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:49.659 for a sinner to be rescued, 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:52.120 a sinner to be secured forever. 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:56.159 You know, there in John 1 verse 17, 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:57.360 the Bible says this, 00:08:57.419 --> 00:08:59.139 For the law was given by Moses, 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:02.080 but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:05.519 You know, we read over that verse many times, 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:07.580 but I want you to stop and consider for a moment. 00:09:09.159 --> 00:09:13.240 Moses was given the law, 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:17.440 but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:19.440 Jesus preceded Moses. 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:21.260 He preceded Abraham. 00:09:21.260 --> 00:09:23.900 He preceded at the very foundation of the world. 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:26.360 He is God himself. 00:09:26.460 --> 00:09:27.720 In other words, when it came from him, 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:31.840 it came from what was before even the law. 00:09:32.060 --> 00:09:34.180 To understand that God had a plan. 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:39.820 The story of Jesus didn't begin in a manger in Bethlehem, 00:09:39.860 --> 00:09:42.760 and it didn't end when he died and rose again. 00:09:42.840 --> 00:09:43.700 I want you to understand, 00:09:43.800 --> 00:09:45.380 the story of Jesus continues. 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:48.379 The story of Jesus continues, 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:52.539 and that story intersects with you 00:09:52.539 --> 00:09:54.240 right even here this morning, 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:57.740 because he was a Savior that came to redeem you 00:09:57.740 --> 00:10:00.139 so that he might be forgiven and live. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.159 You know, I want you to understand, 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:03.539 the story of the Savior 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:05.200 isn't something we just celebrate. 00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:07.519 It's something that we have to have a connection with. 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:12.340 That connection must be real. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:15.799 It has to have some substance behind it, 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:18.659 and we find here that the story of the Savior 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:19.480 is just that. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:20.740 It's revealed to us. 00:10:21.220 --> 00:10:23.699 You know, 1 John chapter 4 and verse 9, 00:10:24.159 --> 00:10:25.779 the scripture reminds us of this. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:26.079 It says, 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:30.620 In this was manifest the love of God towards us. 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:31.159 I want you to see, 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:32.620 why did Jesus come? 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:33.779 Because he loves you. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:35.759 I'm not talking that mushy love 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:37.000 that the world talks about. 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:39.039 It isn't just a feeling he had. 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:44.080 It was a sincere connection 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:46.000 that he wanted to have with you. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.500 When the Bible says he loved you, 00:10:49.559 --> 00:10:50.860 he says he's willing to give. 00:10:51.939 --> 00:10:52.860 I want you to understand, 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:53.960 love isn't a feeling. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:55.019 A love involves 00:10:55.019 --> 00:10:57.159 not just how you feel about something, 00:10:57.240 --> 00:10:58.379 but what you do about it. 00:10:58.500 --> 00:11:01.139 It involves something to invest. 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:04.100 Because when you love, 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:05.100 you invest, 00:11:05.180 --> 00:11:06.019 you care for, 00:11:06.220 --> 00:11:08.620 you're looking out for the best need of another. 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:10.320 But see, 00:11:10.420 --> 00:11:11.139 notice what it says here, 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:12.180 because God sent 00:11:12.180 --> 00:11:14.680 his only begotten son into the world 00:11:14.680 --> 00:11:16.560 that we might live through him. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:17.980 How is his love manifest? 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:21.300 Because he sent his son as a savior, 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:22.700 as a, 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:23.980 in the form of a servant. 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.440 He didn't come demanding, 00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:27.379 he came giving. 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:31.740 He came to give unto us eternal life. 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:34.240 Now notice in verse 10 here, 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:36.039 this is important to understand, 00:11:36.200 --> 00:11:37.500 herein is love. 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:40.379 Not that we loved God, 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:41.220 but what? 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:43.039 That he loved us 00:11:43.039 --> 00:11:44.220 and sent his son 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:46.500 to be the propitiation for our sins. 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:48.820 Say, preacher, 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:50.279 that's another one of those words. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:52.580 You know, 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:54.560 propitiation is another important word 00:11:54.560 --> 00:11:57.200 that you can read over 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:59.040 and sometimes it doesn't even connect. 00:11:59.920 --> 00:12:01.920 The importance of what's being said. 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:04.320 Because propitiation, 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:04.600 you know, 00:12:04.640 --> 00:12:05.060 that's one of them, 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:06.780 that's a big theological term, 00:12:06.900 --> 00:12:07.140 preacher, 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:07.860 but I want you to, 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:09.320 let me boil it down for you. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.000 It simply means this, 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:13.879 the act of appeasing wrath 00:12:13.879 --> 00:12:15.900 are conciliating the favor 00:12:15.900 --> 00:12:17.259 of the offended person. 00:12:18.700 --> 00:12:19.240 In other words, 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.600 I want you to understand, 00:12:21.160 --> 00:12:21.960 as we're going to look here 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:22.759 in just a moment, 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:23.740 that there was something 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.799 that Jesus came to do. 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:28.279 He loved us enough 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:29.560 that he came on purpose 00:12:29.560 --> 00:12:31.519 as a servant 00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:32.740 to give unto us 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:34.039 eternal life. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:35.759 Why did he have to do that? 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:37.019 Because of sin. 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:40.960 You cannot separate sin 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:42.360 from the story of the Savior. 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:46.039 He loved us enough to say, 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:47.580 you are a sinner. 00:12:48.060 --> 00:12:49.740 You have separated yourself. 00:12:50.460 --> 00:12:51.039 There's something 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.740 that must be taken care of 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:54.620 because I want you to understand 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:56.460 that God hates sin. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.740 Sin separates us. 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:00.899 Sin is that rejection 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:01.940 and violation 00:13:01.940 --> 00:13:03.519 of God's authority. 00:13:04.659 --> 00:13:05.720 I want you to understand 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:07.200 the Bible makes it clear, 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:08.060 very clear. 00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:09.159 Romans chapter 1 00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:09.960 and verse 18 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:10.740 tells us this, 00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:12.200 for the wrath of God 00:13:12.200 --> 00:13:13.399 is revealed from heaven 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:14.879 against all ungodliness 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:16.399 and unrighteousness 00:13:16.399 --> 00:13:17.639 of men who hold the truth 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:18.779 in unrighteousness. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:19.759 Now I want us to talk 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.600 just a moment there 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.940 because I think this is important 00:13:21.940 --> 00:13:22.600 to understand 00:13:22.600 --> 00:13:24.240 because we all have 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:25.320 an innate nature 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:26.140 to understand 00:13:26.140 --> 00:13:27.360 and desire justice. 00:13:28.900 --> 00:13:30.860 When something's been violated, 00:13:31.160 --> 00:13:32.180 we want justice. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:35.960 It's an innate thing with us 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:37.240 that as a human being 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.300 it's part of the image 00:13:38.300 --> 00:13:39.400 that we have of God 00:13:39.400 --> 00:13:40.620 when God created us, 00:13:40.780 --> 00:13:41.920 that we have a sense 00:13:41.920 --> 00:13:42.900 that we want things 00:13:42.900 --> 00:13:43.780 to be made right. 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:45.640 When somebody offends us, 00:13:46.140 --> 00:13:48.580 we need something 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:49.920 to reconcile that, 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:51.820 to take care of that. 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:53.060 It's innate within us. 00:13:53.280 --> 00:13:54.220 It's something that God 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:54.660 put there 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:55.940 that we might understand 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:56.680 our need 00:13:56.680 --> 00:13:58.780 because that innate nature 00:13:58.780 --> 00:13:59.580 of needing 00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:00.820 to reconciliation, 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:03.379 of dealing with offense 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:06.620 because we've all offended God. 00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.139 But the reality is this, 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:09.180 I want you to keep in mind, 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:10.300 you may have offended them, 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:10.879 but you know what? 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:11.680 Love said, 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:13.560 I'm still going to provide. 00:14:13.559 --> 00:14:16.719 That's real love 00:14:16.719 --> 00:14:18.139 when somebody offends you 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:18.639 and you say, 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.239 I'm still willing to give 00:14:20.239 --> 00:14:21.959 what's needed to reconcile. 00:14:22.479 --> 00:14:23.299 That's genuine, 00:14:23.579 --> 00:14:24.000 true love 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.259 that God has for you. 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:27.839 I want you to understand 00:14:27.839 --> 00:14:28.919 that God's wrath 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:29.679 is revealed 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:31.399 not because he's hateful, 00:14:31.459 --> 00:14:32.479 because he's just. 00:14:35.719 --> 00:14:36.779 Violation and offense 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:38.059 have to be dealt with. 00:14:38.339 --> 00:14:38.479 You know, 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:39.679 none of us look at it 00:14:39.679 --> 00:14:39.859 and say, 00:14:39.959 --> 00:14:40.019 well, 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:41.359 there's a big offense 00:14:41.359 --> 00:14:41.959 against me. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:42.159 Well, 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.379 I'll just brush it off 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.600 and we can still be friends. 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.179 I don't know of anybody 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:48.360 that just brushes it off. 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:49.600 If we're going to be able 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.980 to be reconciled together, 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:51.840 there has to be something 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:53.259 that deals with 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.980 the offense. 00:14:56.919 --> 00:14:58.559 Takes care of that offense. 00:14:58.939 --> 00:14:59.919 I want you to understand 00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:00.799 it's natural 00:15:00.799 --> 00:15:02.919 and to understand 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.179 the wrath of God. 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:05.139 We all understand 00:15:05.139 --> 00:15:05.759 that one day 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.379 we're going to stand 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:08.279 accountable before God. 00:15:08.580 --> 00:15:10.480 Your conscience speaks to you 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:12.279 of the reality 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:12.960 of accountability. 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:16.179 that conscious 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:17.899 reality 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:20.299 of justice. 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:21.659 Verse 19 says, 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:22.939 because that which may be 00:15:22.939 --> 00:15:23.700 known of God 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:25.179 is manifest in them, 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:26.779 for God has showed 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.500 it unto them. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:27.919 You know, 00:15:27.939 --> 00:15:28.759 the reality is 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:29.700 we're all sinners 00:15:29.700 --> 00:15:30.620 that need a Savior. 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:31.840 But the problem is 00:15:31.840 --> 00:15:32.340 is oftentimes 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:33.399 we look past 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:34.700 how Jesus' story 00:15:34.700 --> 00:15:35.600 connects with ours. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:38.220 To understand 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:38.960 that connection, 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.899 we fail to see 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:40.539 our story 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.620 connecting directly 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:42.799 to the story 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.440 of the Savior. 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.419 You know, 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.379 we come and we hear 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.360 things at Christmas 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.480 and oftentimes 00:15:48.480 --> 00:15:50.519 we love the feeling 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.379 and the enjoyment 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:51.860 of it. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:52.779 We love the family, 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:53.720 but we miss 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:54.799 what the story is. 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.299 The theme of the story 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:57.419 is that a Savior 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:58.080 came 00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:00.799 for you 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:02.899 and for me. 00:16:03.099 --> 00:16:04.159 Jesus didn't come 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:04.659 so there'd be 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:05.259 a good story 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:05.679 to write. 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.359 He came 00:16:06.359 --> 00:16:06.799 that it might 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:07.779 connect with you. 00:16:09.459 --> 00:16:10.319 Because there needs 00:16:10.319 --> 00:16:10.839 to be a point 00:16:10.839 --> 00:16:11.219 in time 00:16:11.219 --> 00:16:12.379 where it intersects 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:12.919 with your life. 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:13.359 You have to make 00:16:13.359 --> 00:16:13.859 a decision. 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:16.460 what are you going 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:16.960 to do 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:18.080 with Jesus? 00:16:18.779 --> 00:16:19.899 We're all sinners 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:21.960 that need a Savior, 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:23.000 yet when we fail 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:24.060 to see our story 00:16:24.060 --> 00:16:25.200 connecting directly, 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:26.860 we reject the truth 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:28.100 that is before us. 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:29.800 And you know 00:16:29.800 --> 00:16:30.259 what we do 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.080 when we reject 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:31.639 the truth 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.240 of the story 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.800 of the Savior? 00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:33.700 We want to make up 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.620 how we want to do it. 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:35.620 Because we think 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:37.220 salvation oftentimes 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:38.240 is accomplished 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.159 by information. 00:16:39.539 --> 00:16:39.700 You know, 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:40.300 this morning 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:41.539 there's many people 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:42.460 who believe in God. 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:43.100 But I want you 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.500 to understand, 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.679 Jesus didn't come 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:45.179 that you might 00:16:45.179 --> 00:16:45.740 just believe 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.519 that there's a God. 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.480 He didn't come 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:47.980 that you just 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:48.539 might know 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:49.419 who He is. 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:51.620 Many people 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.320 believe that, 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.200 you know, 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:54.360 I believe in God. 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:54.600 You know, 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:55.220 that's basically 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:55.860 it's called this. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.740 It's called theism. 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.320 There's a lot 00:16:59.320 --> 00:17:00.440 of theistic people. 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:03.039 They like the idea 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.519 of God. 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:04.799 They recognize God, 00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:05.240 but it's all 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:06.200 the farther it goes. 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.480 They like the fact 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.180 that God holds 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:09.480 somebody else accountable. 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:11.759 Have you ever noticed 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.420 that people like 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.319 that God might hold 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.240 somebody else accountable, 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:15.179 but we never equate 00:17:15.179 --> 00:17:16.439 it to us? 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:17.419 When you stop 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:18.059 and consider 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:18.939 the reality 00:17:18.939 --> 00:17:21.000 of what's happening, 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:21.279 you know, 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:22.399 I want you to know 00:17:22.399 --> 00:17:23.720 that Bible tells us 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:24.480 this in James. 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:24.759 It says, 00:17:24.939 --> 00:17:25.480 thou believest 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.659 that there is one God, 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:27.960 thou doest well. 00:17:28.439 --> 00:17:29.220 And then he goes on, 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:30.480 the devils also 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:31.399 believe and tremble. 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:33.819 I want you to understand, 00:17:33.919 --> 00:17:34.639 just believing 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:35.619 that there's a God 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:36.240 is not enough 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:36.939 to save you. 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:41.000 it's a good start 00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:42.700 because God sent forth 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:44.519 his son to die 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:45.160 upon the cross 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:46.360 in the form of a servant 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.160 with a purpose. 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:50.759 A purpose that we might know 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:52.620 our need 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:54.059 and what he's done for us. 00:17:54.320 --> 00:17:54.500 You know, 00:17:54.539 --> 00:17:55.720 sometimes we replace it 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:56.900 because we believe a lie. 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.279 You know, 00:17:59.320 --> 00:18:00.320 oftentimes one of the greatest 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:02.000 lies I find people have 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.220 is my goodness 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:03.860 will outweigh 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:05.100 my badness. 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.699 They might, 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.480 they express it 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:07.579 many different ways. 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.059 You know, 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:09.319 one of the favorite one is, 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.559 is I'm not as bad as. 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:12.240 I'm not as bad as such and such 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.079 so therefore I must not 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:14.039 be that bad of a person. 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:14.919 The problem is 00:18:14.919 --> 00:18:15.799 that's not the standard. 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:17.039 That's not the measurement. 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:17.559 You know, 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:18.699 I've built a lot of things. 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:18.939 You know, 00:18:18.959 --> 00:18:20.079 if you get the wrong measurement, 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.939 things don't fit together. 00:18:23.959 --> 00:18:24.779 If you don't have 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:26.079 the proper measuring tool, 00:18:26.419 --> 00:18:27.899 things don't get assembled right. 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:29.659 The problem is, 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:30.459 is that when we think 00:18:30.459 --> 00:18:31.159 we're good enough, 00:18:31.199 --> 00:18:31.779 we're not using 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.599 the right measurement 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:33.679 to get to the conclusion 00:18:33.679 --> 00:18:34.419 that we need to be 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:35.759 to build upon the right things. 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.019 When we understand 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:39.120 the reality of what it is, 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:40.620 because I want you 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:41.300 to understand 00:18:41.300 --> 00:18:42.300 that salvation, 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.840 oftentimes when they think 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:44.279 I'm good, 00:18:44.340 --> 00:18:44.940 you know what it is? 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:46.240 I can do enough good things 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.100 to purchase it. 00:18:47.300 --> 00:18:48.400 But I want you to understand 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:49.980 what Jesus Christ offers 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.120 is not a commodity 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:53.720 to be purchased or merited. 00:18:54.120 --> 00:18:54.880 Matter of fact, 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:56.140 it's an insult to him 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:58.300 when somebody thinks 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:59.660 they can purchase salvation. 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:00.800 You say, 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:01.140 preacher, 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:01.860 why is it an insult? 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:03.200 Think about this for a moment. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:06.060 It's Christmas time 00:19:06.060 --> 00:19:07.039 and you go to give a gift 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:07.640 to somebody 00:19:07.640 --> 00:19:08.779 and they say, 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.940 let me buy that from you. 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:11.380 What would be your response? 00:19:11.660 --> 00:19:12.820 Would that not be insulting? 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:15.279 To say, 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:16.000 I've worked, 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:16.640 I've labored, 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.400 I've provided. 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:19.900 I want to give this to you 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:20.560 and the person goes, 00:19:20.620 --> 00:19:21.600 well, let me buy that from you. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:23.000 I think I can get enough together. 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:24.019 The problem is, 00:19:24.060 --> 00:19:24.880 no matter what we do, 00:19:24.920 --> 00:19:26.519 we could never gather enough anyways. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:28.420 But we try to make it 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:30.519 of how we can acquire it 00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:32.539 because I want you to stand. 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:34.639 He's already acquired it for you. 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:37.980 He purchased it with His own blood, 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:39.779 His life for yours. 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:42.720 Jesus Christ is not a means to an end, 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:44.819 but He is the means and the end. 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:47.859 We must realize 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:51.200 our part of the story. 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:54.700 We know what Christ has done, 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.259 but our part is simply this. 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.819 Romans 3.23 tells us, 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.059 for all have sinned 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:00.519 and comes short of the glory of God. 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:02.220 You know, 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.659 all of us miss the mark, 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:05.619 come short of what is required 00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:07.419 to redeem ourselves. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:10.339 This is why Jesus' story 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.919 is before us today. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.059 It's why He came. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.099 It's a story 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:16.179 where His story connects with yours. 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:19.200 Because He came, 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.279 as a propitiation, 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:22.259 He came to put that wrath, 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:24.059 that atoning dynamic 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:26.500 that could reconcile us to God. 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:28.819 He came and provided a means 00:20:28.819 --> 00:20:29.740 that we could not. 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.980 And that connects with you 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:35.099 because it wasn't for generic sin 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.720 that He died. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:37.319 He died for your sin 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:38.859 and my sin. 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:42.119 His story connects with you 00:20:42.119 --> 00:20:44.440 where you are. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:48.220 Because all of us miss the mark 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:49.900 and come short of what's required. 00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:53.859 You know, Romans 6 tells us this, 00:20:53.859 --> 00:20:55.720 for the wages of sin is death. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:57.600 But the gift of God 00:20:57.600 --> 00:20:58.640 is eternal life 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.759 through Jesus Christ, 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:00.299 our Lord. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:03.019 I want you to understand this morning, 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:04.920 the wages are results of sin 00:21:04.920 --> 00:21:05.500 as death. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:09.779 That's everlasting separation from God. 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:11.160 An eternal death, 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:11.920 yet Christ, 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:13.500 you can receive the gift 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.519 of eternal life, 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.700 real life. 00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:17.279 You know, 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.500 sometimes we think life 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:20.339 is all about just what we have here. 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:21.039 But you know what? 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:22.200 The Bible makes it clear 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:23.440 that the first day in heaven 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.079 is going to exceed 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:25.059 the best day here. 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:27.480 It's going to exceed 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:28.619 all those things. 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:31.220 Why did He do that? 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:32.359 It's His love for you 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:33.460 that He died for you 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.480 that you might enjoy 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:36.399 new life in Him. 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:39.000 Ephesians 2 tells us this, 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:40.240 that in the ages to come 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:40.859 He might show 00:21:40.859 --> 00:21:42.279 the exceeding riches 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.879 of His grace 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:45.519 and His kindness toward us 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:46.879 through Christ Jesus. 00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.740 But He makes it very clear. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.339 Titus chapter 3 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:50.879 tells us, 00:21:50.880 --> 00:21:52.500 not by works of righteousness 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:54.060 which we have done 00:21:54.060 --> 00:21:55.720 but according to His mercy 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:57.640 He saved us 00:21:57.640 --> 00:22:00.680 by the washing of regeneration 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:03.520 and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 00:22:03.620 --> 00:22:04.260 We're washed 00:22:04.260 --> 00:22:05.520 by the shed blood 00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:06.800 of Jesus Christ 00:22:06.800 --> 00:22:08.800 and we are renewed 00:22:08.800 --> 00:22:10.160 in the Holy Ghost. 00:22:10.300 --> 00:22:11.520 We're made a new creature 00:22:11.520 --> 00:22:12.660 in Christ 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:13.980 which He shed on us 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:14.640 abundantly 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:15.820 through Jesus Christ 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:16.500 our Savior. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.180 Notice this, 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:23.820 being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 00:22:24.080 --> 00:22:30.220 You know, Jesus's story connects with our story because this life is brought about by faith in 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:38.140 Christ. Not just that there is a Christ, but recognizing what Christ did for you 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:46.420 and why he did it. It's not by rites or rituals. You know, sometimes people get caught up, you know, 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:52.560 if I take this or do that, or I take a class or I get a certificate, or somebody tells me I'm okay, 00:22:52.800 --> 00:22:58.960 or if I, you know, just say the right words and, you know, go through all the right actions, I'll be 00:22:58.960 --> 00:23:03.860 okay. But I want you to understand all those things don't connect your story with Christ's story. 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:10.660 Some of those things may be peripheral things that may happen, but it's not the connecting point. 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:16.400 To understand connection comes when we have faith in what Christ has done for us. The Bible says, 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:22.920 for without faith, it is impossible to please him. This is where your story intersects with the 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:27.320 story of the Savior because it's at this intersection that you have to make a choice. 00:23:29.360 --> 00:23:36.259 Because you either call upon him as the one recognizing that he paid the price for your sin, 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:45.779 or you'll leave and continue on your way rejecting what Christ did for you. Many times your life may 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:50.700 intersect with the story of the Savior, but you have to make a choice. Is that story going to continue 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:57.440 with the Savior, or is it going to continue my own way? What are you going to do at that point of 00:23:57.440 --> 00:24:03.779 where they come together? You know, Romans chapter 10 tells us this, it says, 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:17.339 I want you to understand what's involved here. Because the heart, that's the mind and the feelings and 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:36.919 understanding what's going on inside. You need to recognize that you're a sinner that needs a Savior. 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:42.500 But you have to have a connection with that. That connection is to say, Christ, I know that you're 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:51.839 my Savior. You're the one that died for me in my place. You're the one that went to the grave. 00:24:52.299 --> 00:25:00.160 You're the one that paid my penalty, my wages of sin, that death. And he says, you're passed from death 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:08.580 unto life. When we confess, that confession is very clear. It says, with the mouth, confession is made 00:25:08.580 --> 00:25:12.540 unto life. What's it about confessing? I want you to understand, it's not just about coming and crying 00:25:12.540 --> 00:25:21.100 or having emotion. Confessing Christ is to verbalize the reality to say, I can declare for sure I know 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:26.920 who he is. I know how his story has connected with mine, and I know what I need to do. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:35.120 Confession is a recognition of who Christ is. Not just applauding him for what he's done, but saying, 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:41.560 I know that you did it for me. That he is the one that died for your sin and rose in victory on the 00:25:41.560 --> 00:25:49.100 third day. You know, when he rose, it's a promise that this promise of eternal life is true. He says 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:55.539 that I can overcome death. It's at that point when you'll have peace with God and no longer under the 00:25:55.539 --> 00:26:01.680 wrath of God. You know, this morning, your story and the story of the Savior have come together. 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:05.259 The reality is, what are you going to do with it? What are you going to do? You know, this morning, 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:10.480 when you came here, you came through many intersections. Each of those, you made a decision 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:15.720 of what you were going to do. Do I make a decision to turn right or left or go straight or kitty 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:22.019 corner or some of the weird ones here? But I want you to understand, this morning, you're at an 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:29.559 intersection with the Savior. And the only choice, you have two, because it's a yes or no. 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:38.599 There's no in between. The question is, what's that decision going to be? What's that decision 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:46.759 going to be? Will this morning just be another Christmas to come and to sit and to hear, 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:57.740 to sing about a Savior? Or will it be the one that celebrates knowing why He came for you? 00:26:57.960 --> 00:27:03.079 You know, there's no better day than you're at the intersection to make the decision. This morning, 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:09.480 you have a decision to make. I want to ask you for a moment to just, I want you to close your eyes and 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:14.259 just think and consider to yourself for a moment with nobody looking around, because it's really an 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:19.220 important connection, because it's not with what Christ is doing with your person sitting next to 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:26.619 you. It's what has He done for you? What has Christ done for you today? Can you look back and know for 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:34.319 sure that when you came with that intersection of where Christ is with your life, what was your answer? 00:27:34.640 --> 00:27:40.059 Did you recognize and call upon Him as Savior, or did you reject and turn away? This morning, if you 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:43.700 don't know Christ as your Savior, if there's not been a time and a moment when you said, 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:52.159 I know that He's my Savior, and why He's my Savior, and why I need Him. Don't leave here today with a no. 00:27:52.419 --> 00:27:59.819 I want to encourage you to leave here to say yes at this point where the Savior's story intersects with 00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:04.940 yours. Maybe you're here today and you say, preacher, I know this is where I'm at. I know this is a 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:12.700 connection point with the Savior here today. I'd just like to pray for you. If that's you, just slip 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:17.120 your hand up quick. I'm not going to call you by name. I'm not going to... I just want to be able to 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:23.140 pray for you. Do you know for sure that Christ is your Savior? If not, what are you going to do with Him today? 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:53.120 I'm going to call you by name.