WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:06.299 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.820 --> 00:00:14.720 I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.019 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.539 --> 00:00:29.019 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.660 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:34.000 You guys can hear me all right? 00:00:34.679 --> 00:00:38.200 Well, I'm glad that you're all here on this cold morning. 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:43.480 Pretty much anything below 32 degrees is awfully cold, I've got to admit. 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:45.920 And we had this snow that was going on. 00:00:45.980 --> 00:00:48.760 I mean, that was really nice for a short time. 00:00:48.980 --> 00:00:50.039 Let's be honest here. 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:56.439 And I've got to tell you, my wife took the van to go to a birthday party yesterday, 00:00:56.439 --> 00:00:58.879 and she got stuck on the ice. 00:00:59.339 --> 00:01:04.120 A certain road, you know, up a hill can get a little complicated with that. 00:01:04.179 --> 00:01:05.219 So that was fun. 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:10.799 And I'm very grateful for those that were able to get my, the van out of that area. 00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:15.739 Well, today we are going over, the sermon is titled today, 00:01:15.899 --> 00:01:18.959 The Leaven, Building Bridges with Others. 00:01:19.620 --> 00:01:25.079 And it's going to be based off of what we find in Matthew chapter 13, verse 33. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:26.539 I'd like for us to turn to there. 00:01:26.620 --> 00:01:28.000 It's just one verse. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:32.760 We have been going over through the parables of Christ. 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:39.420 There are many parables that Jesus taught that are very simplistic, but yet they are very deep. 00:01:40.079 --> 00:01:44.299 And what's important for us is to try to understand what is the word of God saying? 00:01:44.420 --> 00:01:45.420 What can we observe? 00:01:45.680 --> 00:01:47.599 What can we interpret and learn? 00:01:47.680 --> 00:01:50.900 And what can we apply to our very lives? 00:01:51.460 --> 00:01:55.859 This last week, we went over the parable of the mustard seed. 00:01:55.859 --> 00:02:07.480 And what's really important for us as we turn our Bibles to the gospel of Matthew is how these two parables piggyback off of each other. 00:02:08.039 --> 00:02:13.800 And it's this idea that God plants that which is small and it expands. 00:02:14.400 --> 00:02:21.740 We think of the kingdom of God and God's plan for humanity and how it started small and how it expands. 00:02:21.740 --> 00:02:27.960 We can think of salvation regarding this, how God had the plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. 00:02:28.240 --> 00:02:33.240 That which was hidden, the mystery of Christ that was revealed in the New Testament. 00:02:33.640 --> 00:02:40.160 The very fact that Jesus Christ was born, the miracles that he performed was fulfillment of prophecy. 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:47.020 And we can see that God speaks in some incredible ways through his word. 00:02:47.080 --> 00:02:47.280 Amen. 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:49.520 So let's turn our Bibles. 00:02:49.640 --> 00:02:52.539 Are we all there to Matthew chapter 13, verse 33? 00:02:52.819 --> 00:02:58.460 That's on page 973 in your ESVP Bible or whatever Bible of choice you wish to use. 00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:07.780 So last week I had us read the mustard seed and the leaven. 00:03:07.879 --> 00:03:13.819 And let's do that again today so we can see how they are closely knit together. 00:03:13.819 --> 00:03:16.959 So we'll read the mustard seed and verse 33. 00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:18.840 So starting from verse 31. 00:03:18.840 --> 00:03:22.520 He put another parable before them saying, 00:03:22.700 --> 00:03:28.719 The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 00:03:29.140 --> 00:03:35.259 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is larger than all the garden plants 00:03:35.259 --> 00:03:40.819 and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:41.900 Right? 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:45.740 And we understood when we were talking about the seed being planted into the ground, 00:03:45.740 --> 00:03:47.900 that it grows into this tree. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:54.240 And we can think of how scripture talks about how we are to grow in Christ and to bear fruit. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:56.920 Well, then it goes on into verse 33. 00:03:57.379 --> 00:03:59.120 He told them another parable. 00:03:59.960 --> 00:04:07.160 The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour 00:04:07.160 --> 00:04:09.760 till it was all leavened. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:17.699 And what's fascinating about this before we pray and we go any further is that amount of leaven that was used 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:19.519 was to feed hundreds of people. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:22.699 So that's something we should kind of take note right away. 00:04:22.779 --> 00:04:25.699 And we'll go further into the significance of that. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:29.680 But let's go ahead and pray together and we will expand on this. 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:36.120 Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, we are grateful that we are gathered here today. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:41.639 I pray that everyone today will know that they are loved by you. 00:04:42.160 --> 00:04:48.040 You created all of us in your image and you have a divine plan for each and every one of us. 00:04:48.579 --> 00:04:54.420 We pray that our hearts may be like the soil that receives the seed of your word. 00:04:54.420 --> 00:05:00.500 We pray that we may come to know you, that we may grow in you, that we may bear fruit, 00:05:01.300 --> 00:05:03.720 and that we will do good in your holy name. 00:05:04.379 --> 00:05:08.540 We pray that truth is spoken here and that lives are transformed. 00:05:09.259 --> 00:05:10.560 We pray for healing. 00:05:11.160 --> 00:05:12.139 We pray for comfort. 00:05:12.620 --> 00:05:17.379 And we pray for us to recognize that our brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:21.520 may we all be on a journey to know you. 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:27.560 And upon knowing who you are, may we be on a journey in you. 00:05:28.299 --> 00:05:32.439 So be with us this morning as we are just not only going over the leaven, 00:05:32.579 --> 00:05:36.060 this remarkable, this very small parable, 00:05:36.759 --> 00:05:40.039 but also what it means to be Christ's leaven. 00:05:41.039 --> 00:05:44.359 What it means for us to build bridges with other people. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:49.639 In all of this, we all say together in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:50.439 can I get an amen? 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:50.620 Amen. 00:05:53.379 --> 00:05:54.599 You know, recently, 00:05:55.180 --> 00:06:01.439 I've had a lot of time to pray and reflect upon what is the theme for this year. 00:06:02.039 --> 00:06:06.319 Every year at Ontario Community, we think of different themes, 00:06:07.079 --> 00:06:11.639 different questions that we can focus on for the entire year. 00:06:11.779 --> 00:06:13.659 And here we are in February already. 00:06:13.779 --> 00:06:16.860 It's like, man, time's already flying by. 00:06:16.860 --> 00:06:22.800 It's important for us to go over what is God calling us as a church to do 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:27.180 in this church context as well as our community. 00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:35.240 And I'd like to show you that our theme for this year is building bridges. 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:37.600 Building bridges. 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:42.160 We have this image on the screen of this idea of a bridge. 00:06:42.960 --> 00:06:46.000 What does it mean to build bridges? 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:48.700 And how is this tied in with the leaven of Christ? 00:06:48.840 --> 00:06:50.500 Well, let's go to that next slide then. 00:06:51.260 --> 00:06:53.460 This helps us with our understanding that 00:06:53.460 --> 00:06:57.660 when we are doing the work of Christ, right, 00:06:57.660 --> 00:07:00.020 we are all called to know Jesus Christ. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:04.020 We are called to reach the lost. 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:08.159 There are many people in our own lives that we know 00:07:08.159 --> 00:07:10.699 and those in the community who do not know the Lord. 00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:16.299 And it's important for us to share in the gospel message with others. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:20.199 Sharing the death, the burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:24.479 to evangelize, to share in your testimony to other people. 00:07:25.339 --> 00:07:27.379 This is the core of Christianity. 00:07:28.419 --> 00:07:32.979 Sharing that salvation is free to all who believe. 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:35.600 So we have, these are the three ways, right? 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:36.640 Reaching the lost. 00:07:37.340 --> 00:07:40.460 These are the people who are yet to believe in Christ. 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:44.480 We can think about the culture in which we live today. 00:07:45.340 --> 00:07:50.420 There's so many voices, so many TikTok influencers out there, 00:07:50.460 --> 00:07:52.060 and so many people who are saying, 00:07:52.640 --> 00:07:54.460 this way is right or this way is wrong. 00:07:54.860 --> 00:07:59.520 But we know as Christians that Jesus Christ is the way, 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:01.860 the truth, and the life. 00:08:01.860 --> 00:08:05.620 And so we build bridges by reaching the lost. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:09.660 And the second one then is restoring the broken. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:15.680 For some of you, you may have heard me use the language of those that are de-churched. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:20.400 There's a lot of people out there who might have been hurt. 00:08:21.720 --> 00:08:23.620 Might have been hurt by a person. 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:26.500 They might have been hurt by a moral failing. 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:29.120 They might have even been hurt by a church. 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:34.620 And it's very tragic when we, as the body of Christ, we hear about these things, 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:38.639 we read about these things, or we know someone who's experienced this. 00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:46.860 The church, it is so important for us to create a culture where healing can happen, 00:08:47.419 --> 00:08:49.259 where restoration can happen. 00:08:49.259 --> 00:08:54.379 That's why it's so important for us to recognize that no matter who you are, 00:08:55.139 --> 00:08:59.899 where you come from, what it is you have been through, or what it is you are going through, 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:06.379 that Jesus Christ extends that invitation for you to belong with the body of Christ. 00:09:06.960 --> 00:09:10.600 In the same way that Christ calls you to receive salvation, 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:13.720 be with your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:19.379 And the reason why we speak to this is because there are people who have, 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:22.639 I think of my own context, I think of my own story, 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:26.300 the people that I have met who grew up in church and have walked away. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:30.379 And usually, it's the most ridiculous reasons, let's be honest here. 00:09:31.160 --> 00:09:34.779 Sometimes it is something that's much more deep than we cannot discount that. 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:38.440 But it's so important for us to extend the hand, 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:44.480 letting people know, man will fail you, but God will never fail you. 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:49.080 That God loves you, and he made you in his image, 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:51.040 and he calls you for much greater things. 00:09:51.660 --> 00:09:55.880 That is why it's so important for us when we're talking about building bridges, 00:09:55.880 --> 00:10:00.660 that we are focusing on the core tenets of our faith. 00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:05.180 We focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:10.099 We focus on the fact that Christ calls us for greater things in our lives. 00:10:10.459 --> 00:10:13.000 That God has a better way for us. 00:10:13.699 --> 00:10:18.539 And very often, unfortunately, we are all sinners that are in need of a Savior. 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:23.459 And we have got to allow for people to heal, 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:26.319 and to be reconciled, and to be restored. 00:10:26.439 --> 00:10:29.019 So that's the second thing, restoring the broken. 00:10:29.179 --> 00:10:33.199 And that third thing of building bridges is raising up disciples. 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:37.939 Believing in Jesus Christ is the beginning. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.759 It's not the end of your life. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:41.279 It's the end of your former life. 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:44.379 But it's the beginning of your walk in Christ. 00:10:44.739 --> 00:10:48.120 And you are called not to remain as an infant, 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:49.979 not to remain as a baby, 00:10:50.500 --> 00:10:51.299 but to grow. 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:54.039 Opening your Bible, and I mean, 00:10:54.079 --> 00:10:57.399 how many of you have read the same verse over and over, 00:10:57.479 --> 00:10:59.959 but God has spoken to you in a different capacity? 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:04.480 That's what's so important for us to read and study the Word, 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:06.019 to be active in prayer, 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:11.519 and to become the man or the woman that God has intended for us in our own life. 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:15.580 For some of us, we can think of people that might have, 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:17.660 that are completely different. 00:11:18.980 --> 00:11:21.320 Maybe you identify as one of them. 00:11:22.180 --> 00:11:23.340 Maybe you can think, 00:11:23.340 --> 00:11:27.120 man, I was not happy with who I was back then, 00:11:27.540 --> 00:11:29.080 but God has molded me. 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:31.660 Maybe you can identify with that. 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:35.519 And that's how we build bridges in this year, 2025. 00:11:35.920 --> 00:11:38.860 And how is this all connected then to what we're talking about? 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:41.460 Well, when we think about last week, 00:11:41.460 --> 00:11:42.780 and we think about this week, 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:45.540 we talked about the mustard seed 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:47.919 being planted into the soil 00:11:47.919 --> 00:11:49.319 and growing, 00:11:50.019 --> 00:11:51.759 much like how our hearts 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:54.179 must be ready to receive the Word. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:56.339 Our hearts must be ready 00:11:56.339 --> 00:11:58.379 to say yes to Jesus Christ. 00:11:58.860 --> 00:11:59.879 And in the same way, right? 00:11:59.959 --> 00:12:00.919 So the mustard seed, 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:01.980 it starts small, 00:12:02.079 --> 00:12:03.139 and it expands. 00:12:03.299 --> 00:12:04.000 It grows. 00:12:04.199 --> 00:12:05.679 When we're talking about the leaven, 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:08.599 the kingdom starts hidden, 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:11.319 but it expands in power. 00:12:12.459 --> 00:12:14.860 When we read about leaven, 00:12:14.860 --> 00:12:15.720 and we, I mean, 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:17.580 we should all think about baking, yes? 00:12:18.279 --> 00:12:19.779 How many of us have baked before? 00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:22.919 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:25.080 Your body language is good enough, right? 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:27.840 So I have to tell you, 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:29.320 I am not a cook. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.740 I'm just not. 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:33.980 And I'm very blessed to be married 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:35.480 to someone who loves cooking. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:37.960 I did not put an image on the screen here, 00:12:37.960 --> 00:12:40.700 but when we first moved out here, 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:43.560 my wife went through this sourdough phase. 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:47.299 Yeah, you've probably been through the sourdough phase, right? 00:12:47.599 --> 00:12:50.919 And she made her first loaf of sourdough bread, 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:52.019 and let me tell you, 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:54.579 for that being her first time, 00:12:55.139 --> 00:12:56.239 I was not convinced. 00:12:56.359 --> 00:12:59.039 I think she knew how to cook sourdough bread, 00:12:59.119 --> 00:13:00.839 or how to bake it kind of thing. 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:03.179 We think of the leaven. 00:13:03.839 --> 00:13:05.759 We think of baking, right? 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:08.500 We think of this kind of imagery of, 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:10.980 when we go back to that verse, right? 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:14.819 A woman took and hid the three measures of flour 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:16.439 till it was all leavened. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:18.379 And we see on here, 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:23.620 we can look at this from a truly a literal sense, right? 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:26.500 You have a woman who's basically making bread here, 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:28.840 and is going to feed a bunch of people. 00:13:29.440 --> 00:13:30.200 That's a very, 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:32.259 that's one way that we can read it. 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:34.220 We can also look at it 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:37.500 when we think of the leaven of Christ. 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:39.840 And I want to make a real quick distinction here, 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:43.160 because some of you may know in your notes, 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:45.680 1 Corinthians 5, verse 6, 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:48.440 and Galatians 5, verse 9, 00:13:48.540 --> 00:13:50.879 where leaven is used in a negative sense. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:55.840 It's basically saying that a little leaven can lump the bunch. 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:57.460 It's along those lines, right? 00:13:58.340 --> 00:14:01.280 We're not talking about the negative sense of leaven here. 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:03.540 In fact, when we're looking at this connection 00:14:03.540 --> 00:14:05.240 with the mustard seed, 00:14:05.420 --> 00:14:07.920 it's being used in a positive sense. 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:10.500 So the leaven of Christ, 00:14:10.540 --> 00:14:13.639 we're talking about that which is small and is expanding. 00:14:14.280 --> 00:14:15.660 And we can think about, 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:20.759 when we're thinking of the leaven, 00:14:20.920 --> 00:14:23.360 something that's growing through transformation, right? 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:27.919 Isn't it kind of amazing when you're seeing bread bake, right? 00:14:27.940 --> 00:14:30.779 When you think of things that are rising, so to speak, 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:33.659 that's kind of a very, very interesting parallel. 00:14:35.680 --> 00:14:39.519 We also see that the woman taking and hiding the leaven. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:42.460 Now, there's a lot of debate on what this means. 00:14:43.500 --> 00:14:46.220 It can mean the Lord, right? 00:14:46.300 --> 00:14:50.440 The Lord spreading the kingdom, right? 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:53.600 Putting that which is small and expanding it, 00:14:53.800 --> 00:14:55.680 being salvation through Christ. 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:59.980 It can also be viewed upon as the church, right? 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:03.920 That which is small, expanding the gospel message going. 00:15:04.040 --> 00:15:05.460 There's some other debates on it, 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:06.860 on what else it can mean. 00:15:07.400 --> 00:15:09.440 Some have even debated that the three, 00:15:10.180 --> 00:15:11.580 what is it? 00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:14.240 The three measures of flower representing the Trinity. 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:18.320 Some have argued that it means the three days 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:21.560 in which Christ died and rose again on the third day. 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:22.879 There's some debate on that. 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:26.360 We really, we can see that in Genesis, 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:27.560 it's actually in your notes. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:30.500 It's Genesis chapter, let's see. 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:34.360 I think it's in Genesis. 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:37.060 I think it's Genesis, yeah. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:41.419 Genesis 18.6 is where you see 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:43.599 a very similar language in that, 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:45.479 which is preparing the way 00:15:45.479 --> 00:15:47.959 for God working kind of thing. 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:49.459 So there is some debate on that. 00:15:49.500 --> 00:15:52.139 But we can see that looking at other parables, 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:53.819 that it could be the Lord, 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:55.599 it could be the church spreading the kingdom, 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:57.759 that which is small and expanding. 00:15:57.899 --> 00:15:59.879 And when we're looking at the parable 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:02.219 of the mustard seed, it's the same context. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:05.219 That helps us with our understanding, right? 00:16:05.819 --> 00:16:07.480 The Lord bringing Christ 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:11.460 into humble beginnings like the seed, 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.360 like the leaven, 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:16.080 and expanding by having salvation available for all. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:18.120 And the church doing the same thing 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:20.659 by spreading the gospel message to others, 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:24.080 something that's small and is expanding to others. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:28.000 And then finally, the three measures of flower, 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:31.279 transformation, all people, nations, 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:32.460 and maturity in Christ. 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:35.120 I mentioned how these three measures of flower 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:37.139 can feed hundreds of people. 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:37.860 And that's actually, 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:40.139 when you're reading it just literally, 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:41.899 that's pretty significant. 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:43.820 And there's some debate, 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:45.320 it's about 100 to 300, 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:46.460 somewhere between there, 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.720 but it's still a lot of people. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:49.080 And when you're thinking of this woman 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:52.279 who's preparing this bread, 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.460 that's very interesting. 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.539 So we can still see that 00:16:56.539 --> 00:16:57.759 it's something that's small, 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.960 that it is expanding, 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:00.159 and that goes to completion. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:02.840 And we can see this in the gospel message, 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.720 transformation in our own lives, 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:07.539 we can see that it is connected 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:09.559 in some incredible ways. 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:13.380 And that then leads us into this next slide then 00:17:13.380 --> 00:17:15.579 of what can we learn? 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:18.279 What can we interpret from this verse? 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:19.440 I put these verses, 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:21.420 but really it's one verse here. 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:24.059 The first thing then is that 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:28.279 Christ's leaven transforms from the inside out. 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:29.480 And I wanted to make a distinction 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:32.680 between Christ's leaven and this negative leaven. 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:35.299 Because there's verses where you see positive 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:36.700 and negative attributes, 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.600 but again, 00:17:38.440 --> 00:17:40.039 the leaven that's mentioned here 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:43.340 is viewed upon in a positive 00:17:43.340 --> 00:17:44.820 and not a negative light. 00:17:46.060 --> 00:17:49.019 And so leaven works from the inside out. 00:17:49.560 --> 00:17:51.180 It takes time though. 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:54.279 And when we think of the case of transformation, 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:56.480 it will happen. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:59.860 We think of how God works in and through our lives, 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:02.319 God transforms us from the inside out, 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:03.679 from how we think, 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:05.399 our ability to love, 00:18:05.459 --> 00:18:07.779 and even our ability to act with other people. 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:11.159 God calls for us to be transformed, right? 00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:12.799 Just as it says in scriptures, 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:15.240 do not be conformed to the patterns of this age 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.399 or the patterns of this world, 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:19.279 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:22.479 And so when we're thinking of this leaven, 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:25.420 one of the incredible things 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:28.519 is that God works in such incredible ways, 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:30.799 very often we don't see it. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:34.160 That's another way we can look at the comparison 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:37.019 between the mustard seed and the leaven. 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:39.940 There's a lot of people who view this 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:43.700 as the mustard seed is the external manifestation 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.539 of the kingdom, 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.400 and the leaven is the internal, 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:48.740 meaning that which we cannot see. 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:51.000 You can debate on that if you'd like to, 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:53.160 but in any sense, it is transformation, 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:55.279 and that God does work 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:57.980 in some incredible and unseen ways. 00:18:58.380 --> 00:19:00.480 One of my favorite books of the Bible 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:02.200 is actually the book of Habakkuk. 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:04.259 And there's a verse in there 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:07.799 where basically you have Habakkuk saying, 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:09.680 all these terrible things are happening. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:11.460 God, I don't know what's going on. 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:13.559 And God responds by saying, 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:16.359 look, I'm doing something 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:18.519 that even if I were to tell you, 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.900 you would not believe it. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:21.960 And then he goes on and tells them, 00:19:22.040 --> 00:19:24.320 which is the amazing thing. 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:26.380 But that's one of many verses 00:19:26.380 --> 00:19:27.300 where we think about 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:29.180 that God works behind the scenes. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:31.259 I know for us as humans, 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:33.019 we like to see tangible things. 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:35.060 We like to see things when they're working, 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:36.660 especially if you are someone 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:38.420 that likes to work with their hands. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.680 You like to tinker with things. 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.820 I know my twin boys, 00:19:40.820 --> 00:19:42.560 they love taking everything apart, 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:44.820 especially books that are not meant 00:19:44.820 --> 00:19:46.000 to be taken apart, right? 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:47.839 But the reality is 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:50.119 we like to see how things work, right? 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:53.099 I mean, most of us, I would think. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:55.700 But there's some things that we cannot see 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.519 and there's some things 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.759 we just do not understand. 00:19:58.279 --> 00:20:00.359 That can be not only in the natural world, 00:20:00.420 --> 00:20:02.119 that can be in the scientific community, 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:05.400 and certainly it exists in the spiritual realm. 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:07.000 It looks like... 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:10.460 Can someone get the door for Tim out there? 00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:14.340 And so we think of, 00:20:15.380 --> 00:20:17.660 in Isaiah chapter 55, 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:22.160 that God's word never returns void, 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:24.420 but it accomplishes his purpose. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:27.059 Do you not realize that the word 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:29.380 works in incredible ways? 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:32.120 When we've looked at this language of the seed 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:34.400 or we're looking at this language of the leaven, 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:38.000 that God transforms that which is small 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:39.500 and expands it. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:41.660 And in Galatians, 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:44.140 do not be weary in doing good, right? 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:47.339 Knowing that transformation takes time. 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:49.539 And ask yourself, 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:52.759 has God been working in your life 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.799 in hidden ways? 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.059 Well, it's kind of a hard question 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.920 to answer, isn't it? 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.720 If it's hidden, you can't see it, 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.279 but more often than not, 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:02.059 you'll see it after the fact. 00:21:03.140 --> 00:21:05.319 You'll see, oh, okay, God, 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:07.140 you were working in this capacity. 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:08.980 I just didn't see it at the time. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:10.420 It's just like how people say 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:12.180 hindsight is 20-20, right? 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.059 And so the second thing then 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:16.960 is that the church is called 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:19.299 to be his leaven to the world. 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:20.799 Right? 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:22.360 Leaven must mix. 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:22.940 Now this is, 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:26.299 leaven must mix into the dough 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:27.900 to have an effect. 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:30.460 Much like the seed being planted 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.360 into the ground, 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:33.259 the leaven must be mixed with the dough 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:35.920 to allow for transformation to happen. 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:39.200 Do you understand the magnitude of that? 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:41.220 When we're thinking of, 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:44.920 well, transformation that we, 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:47.259 being the leaven in this case, 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:50.579 are called to transform the world, 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.339 to transform our communities, 00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:54.240 and we're called to be transformed 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:55.420 in our own lives. 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:58.580 It's not just about hearing the word of God 00:21:58.580 --> 00:22:00.519 and just growing individually. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:03.840 It's acting upon that transformation. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:07.720 It's just like when you receive salvation, 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:10.060 you're going to want to tell people about it. 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:13.100 It's just like learning a new discovery, right? 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:15.640 Or learning something that the word of God 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:17.440 is speaking through to you. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:19.500 Don't you want to share that? 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:22.000 We are called to expand 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:24.180 by sharing the kingdom of God, 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:26.380 by sharing in the gospel message. 00:22:27.619 --> 00:22:29.039 And so in that, 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:31.259 when we think of the church, 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:33.059 we think of the body of Christ, 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.680 parts that make up a whole, 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:38.400 that we are better when we all work together 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:40.720 in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:42.240 Not being divided, 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:44.079 like when I'm mentioning those 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:45.140 that have been hurt. 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:47.039 We help heal those. 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:48.420 I mean, it's no different. 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:51.519 When you scratch your finger, 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:54.220 do you not give it a band-aid? 00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:55.680 Right? 00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:58.140 When you trip and fall, 00:22:58.240 --> 00:23:00.220 do you not wash your face 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:01.080 or whatever it is? 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:02.160 You get your hands dirty, 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.500 you wash it after a while? 00:23:04.100 --> 00:23:06.800 It's no different than with the body of Christ. 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:08.640 We help one another out. 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:10.519 We bear one another's burdens. 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:13.200 We help each other grow 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:16.100 and we work together for the glory of God. 00:23:16.800 --> 00:23:18.340 That's important for us. 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:22.180 And so the church is meant to be a bridge 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:23.480 to other people. 00:23:23.600 --> 00:23:25.580 You can think of those, again, 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:27.039 who do not know the Lord. 00:23:28.820 --> 00:23:30.259 Certainly you can think of someone 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:31.160 who's not a Christian. 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:32.840 Certainly you can think of someone 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:34.720 who has been hurt 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:36.300 or someone who's been away. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:37.600 It doesn't even have to be hurt. 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.259 It can just be, 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:40.820 they haven't been part of the body 00:23:40.820 --> 00:23:41.759 in a long time. 00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:44.380 Could be life just happened, right? 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:45.880 We've had that happen before. 00:23:45.880 --> 00:23:46.940 We just got too busy. 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:49.320 We can think about that. 00:23:51.540 --> 00:23:54.000 And it's a reminder for us 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:56.560 when we're thinking about being His leaven, 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.960 just like how we are meant to be 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:01.180 salt and light unto the world, 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:04.060 exhibiting the light of Christ to others. 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:06.579 as I've mentioned many times before, 00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:08.639 being an ambassador for Christ. 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:11.799 And so, 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:14.399 ask yourself the question then, 00:24:15.399 --> 00:24:17.720 where is God calling you 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:20.240 to be a bridge 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:22.639 of transformation for others? 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:24.480 when we're thinking about 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:25.520 not only the leaven, 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:27.020 but we're thinking about this year, 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:28.940 I want us to think about this. 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:31.160 How can we be a bridge 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.320 to other people? 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:35.340 How can we be a bridge for healing? 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:40.180 How can we grow the kingdom this way? 00:24:40.360 --> 00:24:41.520 This is how we do it, 00:24:41.560 --> 00:24:44.040 is by building bridges together. 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:46.599 And then finally, 00:24:46.899 --> 00:24:49.799 we have the kingdom of God is, 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:50.980 is it stoppable? 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:53.559 No, it's unstoppable 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.819 and it's expanding. 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:58.700 That is encouragement for us. 00:24:59.420 --> 00:25:01.420 We look at Scripture 00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:06.039 in Isaiah chapter 9, verse 7. 00:25:06.039 --> 00:25:10.139 Of the increase of His government 00:25:10.139 --> 00:25:11.539 and of peace, 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:13.440 there will be no end. 00:25:14.399 --> 00:25:16.220 Referencing the kingdom. 00:25:17.359 --> 00:25:18.480 That's powerful. 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:20.759 You usually see that passage 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:22.059 for Christmas, right? 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:25.200 But it's important nonetheless. 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.519 Or we also think of 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.700 the Great Commission 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:29.759 that we're called to go out 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.059 and to make disciples. 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:32.839 Right? 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.940 Baptizing though. 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.279 Baptizing believers 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.359 in the name of the Father 00:25:36.359 --> 00:25:36.899 and the Son 00:25:36.899 --> 00:25:37.839 and the Holy Spirit. 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:41.180 Maybe you can think of 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:42.899 a part of our culture 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:45.740 that needs to be transformed. 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.940 There was a previous sermon 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.920 I gave about 00:25:48.920 --> 00:25:51.559 Christ, the transformer of culture. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.899 That we shouldn't be afraid 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:55.440 of the world, 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:57.779 nor should we become the world. 00:25:58.440 --> 00:25:59.420 But we are to be 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:01.139 those ambassadors for Christ, 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.700 transforming the world 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:04.119 in the name of Christ. 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:05.159 And part of that 00:26:05.159 --> 00:26:06.399 is in what we say. 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.559 Part of that 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:09.199 is in what we do. 00:26:10.219 --> 00:26:11.959 About building relationships. 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:14.000 It's about 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.899 who do you know 00:26:15.899 --> 00:26:17.479 that you can talk to? 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:18.179 Who do you know 00:26:18.179 --> 00:26:20.079 that you can be present with? 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.559 We think of that 00:26:22.559 --> 00:26:23.500 kind of transformation. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:25.579 That should encourage you. 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.299 I certainly know 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.179 it encourages me 00:26:27.179 --> 00:26:28.259 in my walk with the Lord. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.779 Knowing that there is 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.839 healing and transformation 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:32.259 that comes from the Lord. 00:26:33.199 --> 00:26:34.039 And we are called 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:35.339 to continue 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:36.459 the mission of Christ. 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:37.559 The leaven 00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:38.720 that expands. 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:41.319 And then in all of this, 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:42.959 we finally have 00:26:42.959 --> 00:26:43.720 the application. 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.339 How can I apply 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:47.639 and live out this verse? 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.359 I know, again, 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.199 I put verses, 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:49.599 but 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:52.439 how do we live that out then? 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:54.839 Well, first and foremost, 00:26:56.139 --> 00:26:57.399 you trust in God first. 00:26:58.340 --> 00:26:59.100 You've got to believe 00:26:59.100 --> 00:27:00.140 in Jesus Christ. 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:01.880 You've got to believe 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.980 in the death, burial, 00:27:03.040 --> 00:27:03.600 and resurrection 00:27:03.600 --> 00:27:05.380 of Jesus Christ. 00:27:05.600 --> 00:27:07.400 First Corinthians chapter 15 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.540 verses 1 through 4 00:27:08.540 --> 00:27:10.440 is the most simplistic way 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.880 of understanding 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:13.340 the heart of the gospel. 00:27:14.560 --> 00:27:16.580 That is non-negotiable. 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:19.080 That is what we believe in. 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.940 That by believing 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:22.440 in Jesus Christ, 00:27:22.580 --> 00:27:23.519 we are saved. 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:25.040 And we are called 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:27.619 to put on the new self, 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:30.259 to grow in Jesus Christ. 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:34.079 Let God transform your life. 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.779 Just as I put here, 00:27:36.139 --> 00:27:37.220 let God work 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.559 from the inside out. 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.859 Some of us may know 00:27:39.859 --> 00:27:40.639 that song, right? 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.740 From the inside out. 00:27:42.079 --> 00:27:42.899 That hill song. 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:44.920 I guess it's a classic song 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:45.579 at this point. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.440 Time flies, right? 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:49.159 But in any case, 00:27:49.839 --> 00:27:51.059 there's a truth to that. 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:53.259 Spiritual growth 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.079 takes time, 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:55.119 just like the leaven 00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:56.400 takes time to spread 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.140 through the dough. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.980 We can think again. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.920 That which is hidden 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:03.000 will expand. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:05.240 That which is planted, 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.940 that which is small, 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:10.000 it transforms our lives 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:10.819 and it transforms 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.920 other people. 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:16.539 Ask yourself, 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:17.420 where do you need 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.680 to trust in God? 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:21.319 Maybe it's believing 00:28:21.319 --> 00:28:23.059 in Jesus for the first time. 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.299 Maybe you've had 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.419 your hesitations. 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:27.179 Maybe you've even 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:27.980 had your doubts. 00:28:28.879 --> 00:28:29.899 Maybe it's time 00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:31.259 to return 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:32.599 and to come back 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.139 to the Lord. 00:28:35.619 --> 00:28:36.639 The second thing, 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:36.939 then, 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:38.740 is to be a bridge builder 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:39.480 for someone. 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:41.500 Who do you know 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:43.779 that doesn't know 00:28:43.779 --> 00:28:44.159 the Lord? 00:28:44.879 --> 00:28:45.859 Who do you know 00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:47.200 that's been disgruntled 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.399 or been discouraged 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:49.960 or maybe just life 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.519 has happened 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.580 that you can talk to? 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.920 Maybe invite them. 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.460 Whether that's 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:57.259 coming to church, 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:57.880 whether that's 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.759 praying for them, 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:00.480 whatever that looks like. 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:02.480 Be a bridge builder. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.800 When we think 00:29:04.800 --> 00:29:05.519 of the things 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.660 that even we're doing 00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:09.620 here at Ontario Community, 00:29:10.620 --> 00:29:12.340 we have a lot of partnerships 00:29:12.340 --> 00:29:13.840 with different organizations. 00:29:14.840 --> 00:29:16.120 The Building Healthy Families, 00:29:16.119 --> 00:29:17.899 the Treasure Valley Relief Nursery, 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.559 just to name a couple of them. 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:22.439 It's us being present 00:29:22.439 --> 00:29:23.559 in the community, 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:25.179 being a representative 00:29:25.179 --> 00:29:25.919 of Christ. 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:29.019 That allows for conversation, 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:31.179 which allows for the building 00:29:31.179 --> 00:29:32.399 of a relationship. 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.179 It's not about 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:34.839 shoving things down 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.559 anyone's throat. 00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:38.679 It's about relationships. 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:40.779 It's about knowing people. 00:29:41.799 --> 00:29:41.879 Right? 00:29:41.979 --> 00:29:43.079 Just as Christ 00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:44.259 walked alongside 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.259 and did life 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:46.099 with the disciples, 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:48.819 so too 00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:50.039 should we follow 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:51.059 in the footsteps 00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:51.879 of Christ. 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:54.539 So transformation, 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.539 it happens 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.460 through relationships 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:58.000 and quite honestly, 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:58.599 it happens 00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:59.460 through questions 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.720 and interactions. 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.839 Just a simple, 00:30:03.240 --> 00:30:04.240 what do you believe in? 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:05.819 I don't believe 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:06.259 in anything. 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.339 What do you believe in? 00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:10.500 Oh, I'm a Christian. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:12.980 Well, I thought Christians 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.940 are this. 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:15.039 We've heard that statement 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:15.500 before. 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:16.259 Right? 00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:17.640 I thought Christians 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:18.420 only do that. 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:20.339 Or what gets really, 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:21.799 what hits home a lot is, 00:30:22.119 --> 00:30:23.319 I thought Christians 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:24.160 were against 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:24.839 X, 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.579 Y, 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:26.339 Z. 00:30:28.079 --> 00:30:29.319 But what's more powerful 00:30:29.319 --> 00:30:30.779 than the negative 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:32.539 is the positive. 00:30:32.680 --> 00:30:33.640 And what I mean by that 00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:35.019 is what we are for. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:37.920 the invitation 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:39.539 to believe in Jesus Christ, 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:40.980 the call 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:42.279 to be transformed 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:44.680 and to be molded 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:45.259 by God. 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:47.240 That is something 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:48.980 that is far more powerful. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.779 And it's very sad 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:51.819 when we think of things 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:53.359 that people divide over, 00:30:54.420 --> 00:30:55.240 things that people, 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.920 the hills that they die on 00:30:57.920 --> 00:30:58.900 that are unnecessary. 00:30:59.859 --> 00:31:01.039 Let us focus 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.079 on the things 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:03.139 that we stand for, 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:03.680 the things 00:31:03.680 --> 00:31:04.920 that bring us together. 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.079 Not the things 00:31:06.079 --> 00:31:07.019 that divide us. 00:31:07.980 --> 00:31:08.639 Are you kidding me? 00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:10.019 This isn't Thanksgiving dinner. 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:12.879 It's not about, 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.400 oh, you know, 00:31:13.480 --> 00:31:14.019 what policy 00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:15.660 or what politics 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.180 or what, 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:17.220 how do you view 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:18.059 the end times? 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.819 How do you view 00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:19.440 revelation? 00:31:19.639 --> 00:31:20.720 How do you view baptism? 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:23.259 It's us coming together 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.980 and being united 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:25.599 in Christ. 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.079 For me, 00:31:27.139 --> 00:31:28.240 it always pains me 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:29.359 when I hear people say, 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:29.599 oh, 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.660 don't Christians, 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:33.079 aren't they against this? 00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:34.960 I hate it. 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:36.559 Absolutely hate it. 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:38.440 Yeah, 00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:39.160 let's talk about 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:40.579 what Christianity is for. 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:42.240 And let's talk about 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:42.799 for a minute 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:45.019 what Jesus stands for. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:47.359 Not only salvation 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:48.339 being available 00:31:48.339 --> 00:31:49.079 for all, 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:50.139 but transformation 00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:51.940 that happens 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:53.099 in our lives 00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:54.639 and certainly 00:31:54.639 --> 00:31:55.339 in yours. 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.299 And hopefully, 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.519 you believe 00:31:58.519 --> 00:31:59.420 in Jesus Christ. 00:31:59.420 --> 00:32:00.200 if you don't, 00:32:00.340 --> 00:32:01.120 by all means, 00:32:02.080 --> 00:32:03.220 let this be a call 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:03.680 for you. 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:06.720 Think of those 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.660 that need encouragement, 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:09.320 those that you need 00:32:09.320 --> 00:32:09.940 to speak to, 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:10.680 an invitation, 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:11.279 or even 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.880 someone that you 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:13.640 can pray for. 00:32:15.580 --> 00:32:16.480 Who haven't you 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:17.380 prayed for in a while? 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:18.820 Is it your uncle? 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:20.240 Right? 00:32:21.300 --> 00:32:22.440 Is it a family member? 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:23.100 Is it a friend 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:23.960 you've given up on? 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.120 Maybe you should 00:32:25.120 --> 00:32:25.740 pray for them 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:27.380 and continue 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.120 to pray for them. 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:30.720 And then finally, 00:32:30.880 --> 00:32:31.559 it's commit to 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:32.859 expanding the kingdom 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:34.500 beyond the church. 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.819 We're not just called 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:39.180 to just sit idly. 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:41.880 It's going beyond 00:32:41.880 --> 00:32:43.120 just coming to church. 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.599 It's living it out. 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:46.920 Live out what you believe in. 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:47.620 I know, 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:49.380 even when I read this, 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:50.279 I get very convicted 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.140 because I'm the kind 00:32:51.140 --> 00:32:52.079 of person that loves 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:53.660 reading a lot of books 00:32:53.660 --> 00:32:54.660 and filling my head 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:55.440 up with knowledge. 00:32:56.620 --> 00:32:57.540 And I think for a moment, 00:32:57.680 --> 00:32:58.519 well, I've got to execute 00:32:58.519 --> 00:32:59.580 on that knowledge, right? 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.700 We can think about that 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:02.600 in education period. 00:33:04.259 --> 00:33:05.420 When you fill your mind 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:06.040 up with things, 00:33:06.120 --> 00:33:07.279 how do you live it out? 00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.660 It's no different 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:10.300 than when we think 00:33:10.300 --> 00:33:11.100 of Scripture. 00:33:12.800 --> 00:33:14.420 Just like that famous song, 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:15.120 they will know 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:15.920 we are Christians 00:33:15.920 --> 00:33:17.060 by our love. 00:33:18.279 --> 00:33:19.440 Or we can even think 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:19.880 they will know 00:33:19.880 --> 00:33:20.540 we are Christians 00:33:20.540 --> 00:33:22.080 by who we are. 00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:24.659 what kind of people 00:33:24.659 --> 00:33:25.179 we are. 00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:27.439 How do we share 00:33:27.439 --> 00:33:28.500 in the love of Christ 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.439 with other people? 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:31.519 We are called 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.779 to build the kingdom. 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:34.220 We are called 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:35.720 to be the witness 00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:37.339 to others. 00:33:39.500 --> 00:33:40.359 And so, 00:33:40.579 --> 00:33:42.019 ask yourself 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.679 that question. 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:44.179 How can you commit 00:33:44.179 --> 00:33:46.460 to being the leaven 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:48.439 and expanding 00:33:48.439 --> 00:33:49.659 the kingdom of God 00:33:49.659 --> 00:33:50.960 through those 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.539 that you know? 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:53.399 let transformation 00:33:53.399 --> 00:33:54.139 happen. 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.259 Be that light 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:57.039 unto the world. 00:33:57.159 --> 00:33:58.079 Be salt and light 00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:58.679 for others. 00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:01.519 This parable 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.480 tied in 00:34:02.480 --> 00:34:03.539 with the mustard seed 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.039 and even, 00:34:04.439 --> 00:34:05.659 this is not in your notes, 00:34:05.799 --> 00:34:07.279 but what's really amazing, 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:08.739 for those of you 00:34:08.739 --> 00:34:10.519 who really study Scripture, 00:34:10.799 --> 00:34:12.139 Daniel chapter 2, 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:13.119 verse 35, 00:34:13.719 --> 00:34:14.739 which mentions 00:34:14.739 --> 00:34:15.500 the stone 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:16.559 that hits the 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:17.500 statue 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:19.099 and crushes, 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:19.619 you guys know 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.239 what I'm talking about? 00:34:20.239 --> 00:34:21.019 Some of you may know. 00:34:21.859 --> 00:34:22.939 In Daniel's dream, 00:34:23.919 --> 00:34:24.779 there's a statue, 00:34:24.899 --> 00:34:25.739 a stone gets thrown 00:34:25.739 --> 00:34:26.139 at it. 00:34:26.439 --> 00:34:27.459 That is also 00:34:27.459 --> 00:34:28.739 a parallel 00:34:28.739 --> 00:34:30.299 with the mustard seed 00:34:30.299 --> 00:34:31.199 and the leaven. 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:32.759 Because the stone 00:34:32.759 --> 00:34:33.679 hits the statue, 00:34:33.799 --> 00:34:34.299 it shatters, 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:36.099 and then the stone 00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:37.119 grows into a mountain, 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:37.779 which is really 00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:38.699 weird language. 00:34:39.339 --> 00:34:40.859 It's the same thing. 00:34:41.279 --> 00:34:42.379 That which is small 00:34:42.379 --> 00:34:43.579 expands 00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:45.459 much like the kingdom. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:47.420 It's important 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.360 for us to see 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:49.659 these kind of connections 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:50.940 within Scripture. 00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.179 And so, 00:34:54.740 --> 00:34:55.780 the kingdom of God 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:56.639 is expanding. 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:57.840 Are you 00:34:57.840 --> 00:34:58.880 a part of it? 00:34:59.639 --> 00:35:00.900 Only you can answer 00:35:00.900 --> 00:35:01.559 that question. 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:02.920 The leaven 00:35:02.920 --> 00:35:03.720 will spread 00:35:03.720 --> 00:35:04.740 until the dough 00:35:04.740 --> 00:35:05.740 is transformed, 00:35:05.940 --> 00:35:06.599 and for us 00:35:06.599 --> 00:35:07.360 as believers, 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:09.019 we are a part 00:35:09.019 --> 00:35:09.720 of something 00:35:09.720 --> 00:35:10.720 that's much greater 00:35:10.720 --> 00:35:11.760 and much bigger 00:35:11.760 --> 00:35:12.519 than ourselves. 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:14.400 that's something 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.119 that is 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:16.980 amazing. 00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:19.480 It's incredible 00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:20.119 to know. 00:35:21.759 --> 00:35:23.039 To know the Lord, 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.079 and to know 00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:25.059 that we are a part 00:35:25.059 --> 00:35:25.559 of something 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.059 much bigger 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:26.860 than ourselves. 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.179 The expanding 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:31.179 and the unstoppable 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:32.340 kingdom of God. 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:34.139 And so, 00:35:34.340 --> 00:35:35.900 are you willing 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:37.880 to be a bridge builder 00:35:37.880 --> 00:35:38.679 for this year, 00:35:38.820 --> 00:35:39.619 2025? 00:35:39.619 --> 00:35:42.219 I hope 00:35:42.219 --> 00:35:43.019 that in your heart 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:44.279 you respond 00:35:44.279 --> 00:35:45.759 by saying yes. 00:35:46.319 --> 00:35:46.799 First, 00:35:46.920 --> 00:35:47.779 say yes to the Lord. 00:35:48.719 --> 00:35:49.579 Commit to growth, 00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:51.219 but in that 00:35:51.219 --> 00:35:52.219 be a bridge builder. 00:35:53.199 --> 00:35:54.219 Let's pray together. 00:35:55.679 --> 00:35:56.420 And Father, 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.239 we thank you 00:35:57.239 --> 00:35:58.139 for this time 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:58.980 and this opportunity 00:35:58.980 --> 00:36:00.019 to not only go 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:00.920 over the parable 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.659 of the leaven, 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:04.339 but also this theme 00:36:04.339 --> 00:36:05.059 for this year 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:06.179 about bridge building. 00:36:06.900 --> 00:36:07.559 I pray, 00:36:07.880 --> 00:36:07.920 Father, 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:09.059 that people 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:10.440 will understand 00:36:10.440 --> 00:36:12.220 this very unique 00:36:12.220 --> 00:36:12.740 parable, 00:36:13.139 --> 00:36:14.340 talking about that 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:15.159 which is small 00:36:15.159 --> 00:36:15.900 and expanding. 00:36:16.659 --> 00:36:17.680 We know that 00:36:17.680 --> 00:36:18.420 in Scripture, 00:36:19.420 --> 00:36:20.480 the mystery 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:21.280 that is hidden 00:36:21.280 --> 00:36:22.159 is Christ 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:23.079 being revealed 00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:23.780 for all 00:36:23.780 --> 00:36:25.099 and the fulfillment 00:36:25.099 --> 00:36:26.300 that Christ had, 00:36:27.139 --> 00:36:28.139 making salvation 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:29.500 available 00:36:29.500 --> 00:36:30.920 to all who believe. 00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.900 And in the same way, 00:36:33.800 --> 00:36:34.760 that seed 00:36:34.760 --> 00:36:35.519 or that leaven 00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:36.940 that is in our hearts, 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.759 it expands. 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:39.960 We pray 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:40.719 that we may 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:41.800 be filled 00:36:41.800 --> 00:36:43.179 with Christ's leaven 00:36:43.179 --> 00:36:45.000 and that we too 00:36:45.000 --> 00:36:46.759 may continue 00:36:46.759 --> 00:36:48.800 in this process 00:36:48.800 --> 00:36:49.840 of transformation, 00:36:50.840 --> 00:36:51.820 not by, 00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:54.559 not by our own merit, 00:36:54.639 --> 00:36:55.699 but what you have done. 00:36:55.699 --> 00:36:57.519 I pray, 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:57.859 Father, 00:36:58.039 --> 00:37:00.219 that in all 00:37:00.219 --> 00:37:00.719 of this, 00:37:01.480 --> 00:37:04.099 this may encourage 00:37:04.099 --> 00:37:04.980 us to know you, 00:37:05.099 --> 00:37:05.879 to grow in you, 00:37:05.919 --> 00:37:06.759 and to be moved 00:37:06.759 --> 00:37:07.759 to act upon 00:37:07.759 --> 00:37:08.579 our faith. 00:37:09.939 --> 00:37:10.939 We're grateful 00:37:10.939 --> 00:37:11.919 for everyone 00:37:11.919 --> 00:37:12.859 who's here today 00:37:12.859 --> 00:37:13.980 and everyone 00:37:13.980 --> 00:37:15.059 who may be listening 00:37:15.059 --> 00:37:16.439 or watching online. 00:37:17.779 --> 00:37:19.099 May they all know 00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:19.939 that they are loved 00:37:19.939 --> 00:37:20.500 by you 00:37:20.500 --> 00:37:22.780 and that you call 00:37:22.780 --> 00:37:24.019 them for something 00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:24.760 much greater 00:37:24.760 --> 00:37:26.039 than what the world 00:37:26.039 --> 00:37:26.860 has to offer. 00:37:28.920 --> 00:37:29.900 You are 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:31.380 an amazing God. 00:37:32.380 --> 00:37:33.340 We love you, 00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:34.280 we praise you, 00:37:34.400 --> 00:37:35.360 we glorify you, 00:37:35.400 --> 00:37:36.360 and we honor you. 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:37.340 It is in the name 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:38.340 of Jesus Christ 00:37:38.340 --> 00:37:39.099 that we pray 00:37:39.099 --> 00:37:40.519 and we all say together, 00:37:40.599 --> 00:37:40.820 Amen? 00:37:41.480 --> 00:37:42.000 Amen. 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:44.880 Thank you for listening 00:37:44.880 --> 00:37:46.019 for this week's message 00:37:46.019 --> 00:37:47.480 from Ontario Community Church. 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:48.599 I pray 00:37:48.599 --> 00:37:49.980 that you are encouraged 00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:51.000 and strengthened 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:52.260 in your walk with Christ. 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:53.519 For more sermons 00:37:53.519 --> 00:37:54.300 and resources, 00:37:54.940 --> 00:37:55.219 visit 00:37:55.219 --> 00:37:57.619 OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:37:58.119 --> 00:37:59.240 May God bless you 00:37:59.240 --> 00:38:00.119 as you live out 00:38:00.119 --> 00:38:01.440 His grace and truth 00:38:01.440 --> 00:38:02.619 every single day.