WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 Amen. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.000 Amen. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.000 Amen. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.000 Amen. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:02.000 Amen. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:19.860 And as a result of that, they're kind of under the rug and somewhere around the corner. 00:02:20.180 --> 00:02:22.159 And I don't see that in Scripture. 00:02:22.960 --> 00:02:28.300 I see that the Word of God brings us to the table and says, here are things for us to work on. 00:02:28.300 --> 00:02:34.340 And as a result of that, when there's a challenge, it's appropriate for us to do what it says here. 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:35.540 Speak, O Lord. 00:02:35.600 --> 00:02:37.420 We want to hear what God has to say. 00:02:38.180 --> 00:02:45.840 Because when we are listening to what God has to say, the church is built and the earth is filled with His glory. 00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:47.720 Now think with me just for a moment. 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:59.599 A passage in Titus chapter 2 says this, that the behavior of believers is something that should adorn the doctrine of God. 00:03:00.479 --> 00:03:01.819 Do you understand what that means? 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:12.560 It means that the way in which God's people act can bring glory to Him. 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:14.860 Now what's the reverse side of that? 00:03:15.939 --> 00:03:24.259 Sadly, sometimes when people don't act according to the Word of God and the direction of His counsel, 00:03:24.699 --> 00:03:30.180 they end up dishonoring God and not glorifying Him. 00:03:30.180 --> 00:03:40.159 I have to tell you, from the outset, it would be honoring to God for this family of believers 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:48.740 to always have the nursery cared for without question and without a lot of nagging and wheedling and pleading 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.600 and Megan doing little skits that we giggle at. 00:03:51.599 --> 00:03:54.359 It should just happen. 00:03:56.019 --> 00:04:00.979 And God's people said, that was very, very encouraging. 00:04:02.579 --> 00:04:05.979 In other words, I understand that you get the memo and I can move on, right? 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:14.819 I want you to recognize this morning that as we come to this issue of facing the challenge of staffing the nursery 00:04:14.819 --> 00:04:20.279 completely and appropriately and not actually having to have our nursery coordinators run around 00:04:20.279 --> 00:04:25.719 and kind of gang press, you know, kind of Shanghai people into doing it. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:27.259 And we have willing people that help. 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:34.279 But I want you to recognize there's a fair percentage of people that really do not participate consistently. 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:37.159 And that's the only reason the problem's here. 00:04:37.160 --> 00:04:49.300 And so my challenge is to trust the reliability of the Word of God that we profess is profoundly significant, reliable, 00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:54.379 and use it to encourage you in doing your part as a believer. 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:59.420 If you're here today and you don't know Jesus, I am not talking to you about the nursery. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:06.840 The one thing I would love to talk to you about is the fact that the Lord Jesus is the only one who can solve the need of your heart. 00:05:06.839 --> 00:05:08.319 Not happy to do that any time. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:12.779 But this morning I'm talking primarily to you who are part of our family of believers 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:18.000 and have an opportunity of serving for the testimony and glory of Christ. 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:23.779 So let's start by really actually sizing up the need that we have. 00:05:24.659 --> 00:05:27.099 The Bible has a great deal to say about children, 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:31.039 and it tells us that they're a blessing and an inheritance from the Lord. 00:05:31.479 --> 00:05:33.939 Psalm 127, verse 4 and 5, it says, 00:05:33.939 --> 00:05:38.740 As arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, so are the children of one's youth. 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:44.839 And I've got to tell you, if you were to go to China, or you were to go to Japan, 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:48.620 or you were to go to Russia, or you were to go to Germany, 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:52.360 you would find population that is shrinking, 00:05:52.620 --> 00:06:00.139 and as a result of it, older people are finding it very difficult to care for their basic needs. 00:06:00.139 --> 00:06:05.879 Culture collapses in the absence of children. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:09.839 I don't mean just music and drama and poetry. 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:15.199 I'm talking about the well-being of a culture collapses when children aren't in the mix. 00:06:16.659 --> 00:06:19.240 And the Bible says, hey, you're blessed to have them. 00:06:19.579 --> 00:06:24.740 And I've got to tell you, we are blessed in our fellowship by having many well-stocked quivers. 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:25.819 It's a good thing. 00:06:25.819 --> 00:06:27.800 It's a good thing. 00:06:29.439 --> 00:06:33.019 It's also a gift that I don't take lightly, 00:06:33.459 --> 00:06:37.319 that our congregation is atypical in its demographics. 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:41.920 What I mean by that is that if you were to go to the website and Google, 00:06:42.060 --> 00:06:47.039 so what is the average senior pastor's age and what is the average congregation's age, 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:49.319 what you would find is that in most cases, 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:54.819 there is a little band that kind of directly correlates to the age of the senior pastor. 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:57.480 I happen to be 67, will be 68, 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:01.180 and it is atypical that when you look around this congregation, 00:07:01.579 --> 00:07:03.180 most of you aren't gray-headed. 00:07:04.399 --> 00:07:05.659 And mine's not colored. 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:09.159 It's a blessing. 00:07:10.579 --> 00:07:16.199 You are a congregation that is younger than your pastor by a long shot. 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:24.599 And with that comes the fact that we, as we come together as God's people, 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:26.899 we have lots of kids. 00:07:27.959 --> 00:07:29.259 And I'm thankful for that. 00:07:29.399 --> 00:07:35.099 I am always blessed to see what God is doing in our fellowship. 00:07:35.980 --> 00:07:38.579 But having said that, when we're blessed with many kids, 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:43.560 it also means that we need more help in our fellowship to take care of them. 00:07:43.560 --> 00:07:44.899 That's what goes with it. 00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:47.600 If you have more children, guess what happens? 00:07:47.660 --> 00:07:48.819 You need more people to help. 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:53.800 And we actually have 67 people that are volunteers on volgistics. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:55.339 Would you write that word down? 00:07:55.399 --> 00:07:57.500 It's not a Bible word, but it's a word to hold on to. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:58.660 Volgistics. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:02.680 In other words, it comes from two Greek and Latin words. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:03.560 I don't care which. 00:08:04.720 --> 00:08:07.600 Volunteer, vol, gistics, logistics. 00:08:07.600 --> 00:08:14.060 The idea is we have a software program that puts together people with need. 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:14.939 Got that? 00:08:15.920 --> 00:08:20.520 And Pastor Andrew, would you stand up just for a moment and wave at everybody so we know who? 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:23.740 He will be in the lobby, right? 00:08:25.460 --> 00:08:28.800 And all you have to do is if you are convicted by the Holy Spirit, 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:30.360 and I hope that's who does the work, 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:32.919 if you're convicted by the Holy Spirit, 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:37.120 that you could play a more significant, more consistent part, 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:40.600 stand in line, because I know there's going to be about 15 or 20 people, 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:42.659 I mean, convicted, and so I'm here, Pastor. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:45.300 And all he has to do is take your name down. 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.180 He'll take it from there. 00:08:46.600 --> 00:08:48.340 And he will get you signed up. 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:50.720 We have plenty of gaps in the calendar. 00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:56.240 Pastor Andrew is going to help you with volgistics, 00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:00.740 and the reason that we're using volgistics is because along with that program 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:04.799 is the fact that people who are registered on it will get an email. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.080 Do they do texting as well? 00:09:06.840 --> 00:09:11.159 Oh, you can have a text and an email telling you that you're due on next week, Sunday morning? 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:12.879 Isn't that exciting? 00:09:13.100 --> 00:09:20.519 I mean, in other words, there's no excuse once you sign up for not knowing it's your turn. 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:23.100 Ta-da! 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:24.360 That'll work. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:30.899 Well, I do want you to understand that some churches actually come to grips with this 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:33.680 by hiring people from outside their fellowship. 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:45.000 Some churches completely avoid the issue and just slog along 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:49.480 and continue to have trouble that eventually ends up in heartache. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:55.600 But, you know, I am fully persuaded that the Word of God speaks explicitly to our responsibility, 00:09:56.019 --> 00:09:59.139 and it's appropriate for me to open up the Word and say, 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:01.800 hey, we have a part to play together for the glory of Christ. 00:10:04.060 --> 00:10:06.920 I do want you to understand that, as I said earlier, 00:10:07.220 --> 00:10:12.680 this lesson on the matter of our nursery and our care together 00:10:12.679 --> 00:10:17.120 is one that relies upon some basic biblical principles that we're going to look at together. 00:10:18.319 --> 00:10:22.579 Now, we all believe what it says in 2 Timothy 3, verse 16 and 17, 00:10:22.959 --> 00:10:24.539 that the Word of God is what? 00:10:25.179 --> 00:10:28.399 It's inspired by God, and it gives to us everything we need. 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:32.459 That the man of God can be completely furnished for all good works. 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:39.800 Over in the passage in 2 Peter, it says that we have all that we need for life and godliness. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:44.780 And so I want you to recognize that as we look today into the Word of God 00:10:44.780 --> 00:10:47.960 and come to grips with the fact we all have a part to play 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:54.980 in dealing with the need we have for consistent, willing service in the nursery, 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:59.420 we can look to the Word of God and understand what our part is. 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:06.120 Now, having said that, I want you to take a moment and turn over, if you would, 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:10.419 to Ephesians and remind ourselves that we're together in this as a body of believers. 00:11:11.219 --> 00:11:16.879 Look at Ephesians chapter 4, verse 11 through 16. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.959 I'm not going to read the entire passage to you, 00:11:19.039 --> 00:11:24.799 but I just want you to focus on the outcome here that flows from verse 11. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:33.579 First of all, it says that he gave, and last week in our preaching regarding Pastor Shearer coming to us, 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:37.240 we recognize that God is the one who gives pastors to a congregation. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:41.199 And part of a pastor's responsibility is to teach the Word of God 00:11:41.199 --> 00:11:47.259 so God's people are actively involved in doing what needs to be done for the glory of Christ. 00:11:48.219 --> 00:11:51.959 Now, I want you to look there at Ephesians chapter 4, verse 16 in particular. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:54.980 It says, from whom the whole body, talking about Jesus Christ, 00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:58.860 joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:04.400 when each part, would you think about that, when each part is working properly. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:06.740 Now, what does working properly mean? 00:12:07.680 --> 00:12:11.060 It means all the parts are doing their part. 00:12:11.059 --> 00:12:17.319 And when some of the parts do not decide that it's their part to play, 00:12:18.199 --> 00:12:22.539 they cause challenges to the rest of the body and to the testimony of Christ. 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:27.599 They're held together by every joint with which it is equipped. 00:12:27.719 --> 00:12:33.959 When each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:35.879 I've got to tell you something. 00:12:35.879 --> 00:12:43.919 If we, by God's grace, respond with humility to the clear teaching of the Word of God, 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:50.240 we're convicted that this is our challenge and one that we will meet for the glory of Christ, 00:12:50.480 --> 00:12:51.439 here's what will happen. 00:12:52.919 --> 00:12:55.700 Not only will you be blessed by your obedience, 00:12:56.220 --> 00:13:00.659 but I'll be doing seminars in other churches on how to help other people do the nursery deal. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:05.539 One of the things that I've done as I've been preparing for this is I've been asking other churches, 00:13:05.699 --> 00:13:06.600 so how do you do this? 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:07.339 How do you do this? 00:13:07.539 --> 00:13:08.719 Guess what I come back with? 00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:11.620 We don't have a problem. 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.360 Don't talk about that much. 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:15.100 There's a problem there. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:23.620 And the problem is that God's people together are not all working together equally. 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:27.600 Guess what? 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:31.940 When I looked at the statistics, 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:39.240 I found out that more of older people who no longer have children in the nursery, 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:43.500 they're the ones who do most of the care in that area. 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:51.920 There are some younger couples that are consistent in working in Sunday school or music, 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:58.779 and I appreciate, John, the fact that when you come in, you're in here before 8.30, 8 o'clock, whatever it is, 00:13:58.860 --> 00:14:02.079 and there are people that work in different parts of the ministry, 00:14:02.079 --> 00:14:09.679 but there are a number of younger families where they do not participate in ministry 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:11.719 other than dropping their kids off. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:15.800 By the way, that doesn't work in Little League, 00:14:16.300 --> 00:14:20.340 and it doesn't work in recreational soccer, 00:14:20.680 --> 00:14:23.100 and it shouldn't work in the church. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:25.680 And all God's people said, amen. 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:27.860 Okay, we're moving in the right direction. 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:32.259 Well, I want you to understand that God is most honored 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:36.259 when the body works together to meet its own needs, 00:14:36.300 --> 00:14:39.320 and there are some things that we honestly do pretty well. 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:44.259 I get excited when I think about the spring tea because it's going to be a bang-up job. 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:46.800 I am praying about the gospel ministry, 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:50.840 and one of the things that I enjoy watching is how all of God's people get into this. 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:52.980 It is an all-hands-on-deck. 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:57.440 There will be lots of work that will be done in short order, and it's impressive. 00:14:58.280 --> 00:15:01.220 When we do VBS, it is phenomenal. 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.379 It goes off well. 00:15:03.180 --> 00:15:07.320 When we have a Maranatha moving moment, you know, that's on a Saturday or whenever, 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:12.100 I can't tell you how many times I've ended up at one of your homes, 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:15.259 and there have been 12, 15, 20 people loading a truck, 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:17.980 and all the neighbors are keep on looking out and saying, 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.420 what is that? 00:15:19.419 --> 00:15:22.959 And, you know, they had their uncle come from Philadelphia, 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:26.459 and their aunt is standing there carrying out four or five pots, 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.799 and they're all stuck. 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:29.860 And here we got 20. 00:15:29.939 --> 00:15:32.339 I remember one move we did not too long ago 00:15:32.339 --> 00:15:35.360 where after we finished moving one couple, we helped move another. 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:37.719 Two people were moving out Kendra. 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:39.000 That was you a while back. 00:15:40.099 --> 00:15:43.259 There was another person that was moving when we moved Kendra, 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:47.139 and we had enough horsepower there that we divided up and helped them move, 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:49.840 and then us got it done in how much time was that? 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.340 Bang, it was done. 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:54.299 We do some things great. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.159 We're good at mowing. 00:15:57.199 --> 00:16:00.600 I was studying the other day and actually trying to carry... 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:02.379 John, are you in here so I can talk about you? 00:16:02.819 --> 00:16:03.439 There you are. 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:07.740 I was in there studying and, you know, and then had the phone conversation, 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:10.900 and John goes buzzing by on that large... 00:16:10.900 --> 00:16:12.780 Just a second. 00:16:14.520 --> 00:16:15.140 You know? 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:18.380 We're good at some things, and I appreciate that. 00:16:18.920 --> 00:16:19.980 But let me come back and say it. 00:16:20.260 --> 00:16:24.960 God is most honored when the body works together to meet its own needs. 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:31.379 At the same time, there are parts that each individual plays in meeting needs 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:34.480 that go along with being part of a family. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:37.560 Let me have you look at a passage just for a second in 1 Timothy. 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:41.080 Go to 1 Timothy chapter 5. 00:16:41.160 --> 00:16:42.540 Here was an interesting case. 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:45.860 In 1 Timothy chapter 5, let me pick up. 00:16:46.420 --> 00:16:47.180 In verse 3, it says, 00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:49.240 Honor widows who are truly widows. 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:54.460 Actually, beginning in verse 5 and carrying all the way down to verse 8, 00:16:55.419 --> 00:17:00.340 you find that Paul is addressing a problem that had crept into the early church. 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:01.600 Guess what it was? 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.680 Everybody listening? 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.960 Here's the underlying truth. 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:09.759 The benevolence and kindness of the early church 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:15.940 ended up being used and abused by some in the family of God. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.120 You wouldn't believe that, would you? 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:19.479 And that's what happened. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:22.619 There were some in the early church who figured, 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:26.139 Hey, since everybody is being so helpful, 00:17:26.479 --> 00:17:29.219 I'm going to let the early church take care of my own mother, 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:31.299 and it's not all on me. 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.899 Paul turns around and says, 00:17:33.979 --> 00:17:34.479 Hey, listen. 00:17:35.639 --> 00:17:39.579 The first people who ought to take care of family needs is, guess what? 00:17:41.399 --> 00:17:42.679 Can you say it with me loudly? 00:17:43.139 --> 00:17:43.619 Family. 00:17:44.699 --> 00:17:44.979 Okay? 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:45.039 Okay? 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:48.480 So, when you have children, 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:53.039 God wants you to help with children. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:56.019 And saying at the door, 00:17:56.240 --> 00:18:00.620 Well, church is not where I help with my own kids because I do that 24-7. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:02.019 You know, it's like, here, no. 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.039 Yes, here. 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:06.740 Participate and help us with the ministry. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:11.720 Now, I want you to set down several biblical principles that will help us with this. 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:17.019 And just remind yourself of what it says in 2 Timothy 3. 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:19.240 In essence, it's saying this, 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:23.279 That the Bible completely furnishes us with what we need for godly living. 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:25.740 And so, as we look at this issue of what do we do? 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:27.579 How do we go about solving this problem? 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:33.000 Understand that the Bible calls us to work in obedience to His word. 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:41.960 In relationship to that, there are some clear commands in Scripture that we are to follow. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:45.380 And there are Bible commands such as, 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.220 Thou shalt not kill. 00:18:46.340 --> 00:18:47.200 Thou shalt not murder. 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:49.900 Thou shalt take care of thy own children in the nursery. 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:50.720 That's not there. 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:55.340 So, when you don't have a Bible command, 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.500 In fact, I will tell you, 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:59.100 Earlier in the week, as Judith and I were praying together, 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:00.700 I commented, I said, 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.180 Pray for me. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:04.019 I'm working on a sermon that I'm going to preach in relationship to the nursery. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:06.140 And my wife's very on point. 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:06.539 She says, 00:19:06.620 --> 00:19:08.460 Yeah, and what passage are you going to use? 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:11.519 That was a good question, wasn't it? 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:13.460 And I had to say, 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:15.480 Well, I'm going to rely on a biblical warrant. 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.900 A biblical warrant. 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:19.279 Now, a warrant is an example. 00:19:19.340 --> 00:19:19.940 It can be, 00:19:20.380 --> 00:19:22.279 I'm serving a warrant to Steve Rice. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:23.299 It means you're in trouble. 00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:24.900 That's not the deal here. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:30.140 A warrant can also be an example that we rely upon as a model for instruction. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:33.299 So, you have a biblical command that says, 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:34.880 Thou shalt or thou shalt not. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:38.299 Or you have a biblical warrant or example that says, 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.799 Here's how you solve a problem. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:44.120 And so, when we look at the Bible problem that we have, 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:48.960 There are several things that I want to remind you of that are clearly given to us in Scripture 00:19:48.960 --> 00:19:50.279 that we want to work together. 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:53.720 Number one, we're a body of believers drawn together by Christ. 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.680 Fix that in your mind. 00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:58.660 We are a body of believers drawn together by Christ. 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:00.360 Why are you here? 00:20:00.359 --> 00:20:03.639 I trust you are here for the same reason that I am here. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:06.259 And for the same reason that Pastor Shearer is here. 00:20:06.419 --> 00:20:08.939 And for the same reason that Pastor Andrew is here. 00:20:10.199 --> 00:20:16.379 I'm here because Jesus sent me to be part of a family of God for the sake and testimony of Christ. 00:20:17.919 --> 00:20:18.659 That's why. 00:20:19.139 --> 00:20:20.719 And you're here for the same reason. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:26.059 The body of Christ is not something like a shopping center where you drop in and drop out occasionally 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:28.059 on the dependence of whether or not you like it. 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:31.720 It's a place that you connect with. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:37.279 A body that you are linked together into for the sake and testimony of Christ. 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:44.839 Over in 1 Timothy 3, verse 15, just have you look at it to fix it in your mind. 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:49.299 You look at 1 Timothy 3, verse 15, it says this. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:54.299 If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God. 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:58.700 What it's saying is this, is that the church of the living God is a family. 00:20:59.379 --> 00:21:00.240 It is a family. 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:06.019 That's one of the reasons why when you see the purpose statement of this ministry rolling out right there 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:08.839 in the very beginning, it says, we're a family of believers. 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:12.700 We're together because of His grace. 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:15.960 And we have a familial relationship with one another. 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:23.259 Can you imagine Thanksgiving dinner in which you decided you just weren't going to take care of your kids 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:26.359 because you'd been doing it all the time and it was time to take a break in Thanksgiving? 00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:28.819 How would that go over with some of the older ones? 00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:31.639 Mary Ellen, how would that go with you? 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.480 It wouldn't go well. 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:40.660 Well, you'd probably get a hold of Jeffrey afterwards and say, honey, go talk to your daddy. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:42.259 He's the one who, you know, there we go. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.860 We work together because we're a family. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.759 Now, there's another thing that I want you to understand. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:51.640 Secondly, we are a body that honors Christ by caring for one another's needs. 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:56.259 Yes, we're a family, and family cares for their own needs, but we also help each other with them. 00:21:56.259 --> 00:22:01.920 And I am excited when I look at the statistics, and I recognize there's part of it that's encouraging, 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:05.879 and that is there are a lot of you that are older and no longer have kids 00:22:05.879 --> 00:22:10.299 that are actively and consistently involved in helping in the nursery. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.039 Amen. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:16.720 But there... 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.640 Yes! 00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:17.700 Yes! 00:22:21.119 --> 00:22:23.160 Draw a pint and pass it around. 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:23.960 Okay. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:34.400 But there are also a number of you that have children that I want to challenge you to think carefully 00:22:34.400 --> 00:22:40.160 about the fact that you have a part to play in meeting the needs of this family of believers. 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:49.140 And we're here to honor Christ by caring for one another's needs. 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:54.360 Now, I admit that serving the Lord together takes many different paths. 00:22:56.280 --> 00:23:01.380 For example, it would be inappropriate at the moment for me to quit preaching and go into the nursery and help, right? 00:23:02.840 --> 00:23:09.400 But I can tell you, when I am not in the pulpit on a consistent basis, I will be actively serving somewhere. 00:23:10.780 --> 00:23:11.140 Why? 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.580 Because I'm part of the body. 00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:14.580 And I've been called to do that. 00:23:14.580 --> 00:23:20.900 And so when some of our people are singing in the praise team or playing an instrument or... 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:23.140 There are times that you can't be actively involved. 00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:29.300 But I've got to tell you, there are many times where people who could be actively involved just simply say no. 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:38.339 And I do want you to understand that the way in which we take care of our children willingly and voluntarily is a great testament to Christ. 00:23:38.399 --> 00:23:38.879 Isn't that right? 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.659 Isn't that right? 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:45.779 So you ask yourself the question at this point, 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:54.500 Am I a reliable, consistent helper in the nursery? 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:56.460 That's a fair question, right? 00:23:56.879 --> 00:23:59.059 Am I a consistent helper in the nursery? 00:23:59.659 --> 00:24:01.139 That's a starting question. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:05.839 If you are not, it's a fair question. 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:06.399 Why not? 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:10.480 Well, because I'm 85 and I no longer can pick up children. 00:24:10.599 --> 00:24:12.119 There are some of you that that's true. 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:15.279 Do you follow that? 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:24.000 As people get older, it becomes a little harder to take care of some of the little ones that they're way down there. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:27.019 I remember yesterday in the funeral, someone dropped their bulletin. 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.859 And I looked at it and I thought, okay, I'm a man. 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.680 I've got to pick that up. 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.579 And I thought, I don't want to. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:37.400 I thought, well, suck it up, Tim. 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.220 It is there. 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.839 And it was a woman who dropped that. 00:24:40.920 --> 00:24:42.279 And she was waiting for me to be a gentleman. 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.019 And I went for it. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:44.019 Okay. 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:47.859 So there are times when, do you understand? 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:53.240 There are times when some can't. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:55.940 And I respect that. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:25:02.799 But I do want you to understand that it's fair to ask yourself the question, am I a reliable, consistent helper in the nursery? 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:06.880 Or are there good Bible reasons why I ought not to be involved? 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:13.279 Well, that brings us to a passage that kind of gives us a very interesting picture of how people work together. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:15.980 Turn in your Bible to Nehemiah chapter 3. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:18.039 Go way back into the Old Testament. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:20.640 And we're going to go to Nehemiah chapter 3. 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:28.319 And look at an account of people that were brought together by the glory of God. 00:25:28.360 --> 00:25:30.240 And I want you to have this clearly fixed in your mind. 00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:35.920 At the end of the day, the way in which we respond to the need in the nursery is reflective of what we think about God. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.779 Can I say that slowly? 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:45.579 The way we respond to the need in the nursery is reflective of what we think about God. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:48.440 That won't pop up on the screen, but it's a keeper. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:57.559 At the end of the day, all of our behavior reflects favorably or unfavorably on Christ. 00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:58.240 Isn't that right? 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:02.720 If you act like an absolute troll at work, 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:08.500 Please, don't let anybody know you're a Christian. 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:14.940 Because it harms the testimony of Christ. 00:26:16.360 --> 00:26:20.079 The way in which you act should cause other people to come up and say, 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:23.720 Hey, I've watched you just getting beat up day after day. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:30.920 And in the midst of all of this, you're a person who is calm and joyful and at peace. 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:31.720 Right? 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:33.380 What's it say in Scripture? 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:36.940 It says that they will ask you a reason for the hope that lies within you. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:43.500 And so the way in which we handle problems always gives an opportunity to display our view of God. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:45.120 And that's what's at risk here. 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.579 Or that's what's on the table. 00:26:47.380 --> 00:26:49.019 So we look at Nehemiah chapter 3. 00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:50.920 I'm going to give you a little bit of background just for a second. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:54.740 In Nehemiah chapter 1, we find that here is Nehemiah. 00:26:54.860 --> 00:26:56.259 He is the cupbearer for the king. 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:58.720 He's in a tremendously responsible position. 00:26:58.720 --> 00:27:02.660 And he is doing his job. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:10.079 And he finds out that the people in Israel are living in a pretty desperate condition. 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:14.319 And his heart is deeply burdened for that need. 00:27:15.139 --> 00:27:23.339 Because he recognizes the condition of Jerusalem and the walls was representative really of the spiritual needs of people. 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.659 They were living there. 00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:27.320 They were living in the squalor and the mess. 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:30.980 And their hearts were not really connected to taking care of the need. 00:27:31.320 --> 00:27:34.460 And as a result, the testimony of God was compromised. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:43.039 And so, his burden led him to Jerusalem. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:46.700 I don't know the exact size. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:48.220 I remember studying it at one point. 00:27:48.319 --> 00:27:53.660 But I don't remember the exact size this morning of how large the project was. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:58.799 But it is undeniably evident that it was bigger than one man could solve in his lifetime. 00:27:58.799 --> 00:28:10.399 So, when Nehemiah got to Jerusalem, the first thing he did, if you look in chapter 2, is he kind of went around at night and estimated what the real problem was. 00:28:12.299 --> 00:28:14.159 And then what happened after that? 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:17.200 He brought the nation together, the people of Jerusalem. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:18.200 And he says, hey, listen. 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.419 Here's the deal. 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.799 We're in a mess. 00:28:21.879 --> 00:28:22.559 We've got a problem. 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:23.859 And we need to address it together. 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:26.279 And he called all the people together. 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:29.339 And as a result of that, what happens is this. 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:34.119 Is they agree together to solve the problem and work on it. 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:35.439 How does it go about? 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:41.879 We're going to look at Nehemiah chapter 3 beginning in verse 1. 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:47.619 Then Elisha, the high priest, rose up with his brothers, the priests, and they built the sheep gate. 00:28:48.479 --> 00:28:50.740 Now, kind of work your way through. 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:53.960 And I want you to notice in verse 2, it says, and next to him. 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.819 Do you know what that means? 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:58.460 That means, okay, Elisha started here. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:29:01.160 And then next to him, somebody else took off. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:06.740 And if you keep on working your way down through there, next to him, next to him, next to him, next to him, next to him. 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:09.680 Almost to the point of getting overly redundant. 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:12.779 Next to him, next to him, next to him. 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:15.779 And everybody had a part to play, it seems. 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:24.019 Later on, as you work your way through the passage, you'll find that the vocabulary switches from next to him to after him. 00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:24.480 Okay? 00:29:24.599 --> 00:29:25.819 Next to them, after him. 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:28.759 Now, put your finger on verse 5. 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.940 I want you to read verse 5. 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:35.460 And next to them, the Techoites repaired. 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:40.779 But here's a little, how would you like to be included in Scripture permanently as this little reference? 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.059 What's it say? 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:42.920 Look at it. 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:45.019 But. 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:49.079 How many of you know that when you hit a but, it's really time to pay attention? 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:50.279 There's something coming important. 00:29:50.920 --> 00:29:53.600 But their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:54.319 Oops. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:59.420 But their nobles would not. 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:05.120 Did they have any good reason for not being part of this phenomenal project of rebuilding the city? 00:30:05.380 --> 00:30:06.400 No, they didn't. 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:08.840 But their attitudes were self-focused. 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:10.560 And they were full of themselves. 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:13.560 And they weren't ready to step up to the plate and do their part. 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:25.240 It's encouraging to know we have 67 people that volunteer to help. 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:28.339 But I've got to tell you, this congregation is bigger than that. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:32.359 And here's kind of a sobering little statistic. 00:30:33.599 --> 00:30:38.279 And by the way, I appreciate the help that Pastor Andrew gave in bringing these things together. 00:30:38.859 --> 00:30:40.960 We have 36 families that have children. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:47.599 And of that, 22 are not directly involved in a consistent basis. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.799 Did I get that right? 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.500 People. 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.180 People. 00:30:51.400 --> 00:30:52.000 Not families. 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:56.259 We have 36 people that are eligible to work. 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:58.460 22 that don't have a part to play. 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:07.759 So, if half of those stepped in and filled in the slots, guess what the progress would be? 00:31:08.380 --> 00:31:09.960 We'd make significant progress. 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:18.240 One of the things that is an ongoing challenge for those who are nursery coordinators is doing late-breaking pursuit. 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:23.940 I appreciate Stephanie and Chris, just the newest group in helping with this. 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:27.579 And Judith, my wife, has been involved in this. 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:31.799 Becky and Don involved until they took a sabbatical here for a while. 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:34.980 We have many that have done this over the years. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:39.740 But it's difficult to come in here Sunday morning and then have to chase down people. 00:31:40.099 --> 00:31:41.819 And guess who you usually chase down? 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:44.079 Trick question. 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:45.819 Friends. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:45.939 Friends. 00:31:47.159 --> 00:31:54.099 And so, the five coordinators end up keep on relying on people that they know are going to say yes. 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:56.679 It's funny. 00:31:56.759 --> 00:32:03.519 When you watch a nursery coordinator go into the lobby just before the morning service, here's something I've actually seen happen. 00:32:03.939 --> 00:32:05.319 People see whoever's coming. 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:07.279 And there's kind of a, there's an aura. 00:32:07.399 --> 00:32:08.980 The nursery coordinator carries an aura. 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.099 Do you know what that aura is? 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.459 Guys? 00:32:11.659 --> 00:32:12.599 It's a force field. 00:32:12.699 --> 00:32:15.119 It's kind of like zzzz, come through the door. 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:18.079 And they have this certain level of anxiety. 00:32:18.219 --> 00:32:19.579 I've got to have people in there. 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:26.179 And by the way, we work to have two people in each room for safety and reliability. 00:32:26.180 --> 00:32:32.180 and so the nursery quarter comes through the door with this aura and here's what happens 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:38.580 oh no no i i did it seven months ago don't ask me 00:32:38.580 --> 00:32:48.660 i'm impressed by what happens here in nehemiah 00:32:48.660 --> 00:32:54.860 that at the end of the day what we find in the text recorded for all eternity because 00:32:54.859 --> 00:33:01.479 scripture survives forever that this generation for the most part were willing to work together 00:33:01.479 --> 00:33:05.119 for the glory of christ that's what we do 00:33:05.119 --> 00:33:12.879 and it was a rare exception one in particular where we find people that actually were full 00:33:12.879 --> 00:33:16.740 enough of themselves that they weren't willing to work and they get recorded too 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:21.740 so here we have an example god's people saw the need 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:29.160 were ready to work and they all worked together and accomplished much their efforts glorified god 00:33:29.160 --> 00:33:35.960 and we know that because over in nehemiah chapter 12 verse 43 they they had a party to celebrate the 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:41.839 rebuilding of jerusalem's walls and they were so enthused with the fact that the problem had been 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:48.920 accomplished that they were whooping it up and people a long ways away whoa they're excited 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:54.160 well let's talk about some practical steps as we kind of wrap some things up 00:33:54.160 --> 00:34:00.900 we have reached out one of the things that pastor andrew and i have worked i shouldn't say pastor 00:34:00.900 --> 00:34:03.759 andrew and i it sounds like i was involved pastor andrew did 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:10.139 um he reached out to our volunteers and sent them an email saying hey listen 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:17.360 what we would like to do is is kind of populate the the calendar and so you're on this list and we have 00:34:17.360 --> 00:34:22.640 your email and so we're going to send you an email saying which day would you prefer to serve on 00:34:22.640 --> 00:34:29.539 doesn't that sound nice i mean you know which day how many of you ever do that for dinner dishes you 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:37.400 know who would like to do the dishes okay he sent out an email saying which day would you prefer to 00:34:37.400 --> 00:34:40.500 serve on and how many people actually out of the 67 responded 00:34:40.500 --> 00:34:53.500 oh 50 that's pretty good so there are 50 of you that are on the list that still have the opportunity of 00:34:53.500 --> 00:35:00.099 letting us know what day you would prefer okay now when we have two people that prefer the same day 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:03.039 it'll be loaded pistols at 15 feet 00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:05.900 no 00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:08.480 take that back 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:12.860 we'll try to let you figure that out 00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:18.699 and if that doesn't work we'll go to the process that works well with us 00:35:18.699 --> 00:35:22.099 and that is we'll draw straws we'll figure it out we'll work there 00:35:22.099 --> 00:35:29.559 okay and once the nursery calendar is populated and you're on that list the expectation is this 00:35:29.559 --> 00:35:33.599 is that if you decided that you were going to show up by the way how many of you know what next sunday is 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:38.840 besides the fact that pastor shearer begins preaching that you were thinking that i know that 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:41.840 next sunday is may the first 00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:43.820 may the first 00:35:43.820 --> 00:35:45.259 so 00:35:45.259 --> 00:35:51.880 you will get a text you'll get an email and and we're going to let you know that you have the opportunity 00:35:51.880 --> 00:35:55.159 of serving jesus and making him look good by working in the nursery 00:35:55.159 --> 00:36:04.399 and if for some reason your mother in paducah is sick all you have to do is pick up the phone and call somebody else and say hey 00:36:04.399 --> 00:36:06.139 i can't do it today 00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:10.879 but would you to isn't that fair what do you think is that fair nod your heads 00:36:10.879 --> 00:36:13.440 nod your heads i can wait nod your heads 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:15.679 okay 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:28.500 in practical terms we're also going to have pastor andrew out in the lobby this afternoon right after the morning service with a calendar that has open slots and you can choose them you can talk to him you can have him help you sign up 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:35.559 i would admit that sometimes some of the software programs that are available are a little bit beyond my skill set 00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:43.000 that's all right that's why we have pastor andrew among other things he can solve your problems 00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:47.920 and don't let him say to you that's basic he's done that to me and 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:55.019 in fact when my computer misbehaves 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:57.119 i pick up the phone and call him and i say 00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:59.900 i have a basic problem he knows exactly what we're talking about 00:36:59.900 --> 00:37:05.820 i'd like to take a little hammer and hit the keyboard but he says no 00:37:05.820 --> 00:37:07.260 i'll solve it 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:11.280 so 00:37:11.280 --> 00:37:12.960 some closing thoughts 00:37:12.960 --> 00:37:19.440 are there some that really cannot serve and the answer is yes there are 00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:22.680 and we want to respect those who 00:37:22.680 --> 00:37:29.720 either for health reasons or because other aspects of consistent ministry they cannot be actively involved in 00:37:29.719 --> 00:37:32.599 in helping on our nursery we want to respect that 00:37:32.599 --> 00:37:39.179 are there some that will forget their day on which they're to serve and yeah 00:37:39.179 --> 00:37:43.199 how many of you have walked into the room and forgot why you came 00:37:43.199 --> 00:37:45.639 it's going to happen 00:37:45.639 --> 00:37:54.119 but i want you to know that we are committed to help you remember and to do it with gentleness and with kindness 00:37:54.119 --> 00:37:56.019 we're together in this 00:37:56.019 --> 00:38:02.579 are there some that will choose simply not to serve 00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:04.440 and the answer is yes 00:38:04.440 --> 00:38:11.619 and when that happens i want you to understand that we as a body of believers are going to be humble and gracious 00:38:11.619 --> 00:38:15.840 and focus on christ and not the momentary hiccup in life 00:38:15.840 --> 00:38:18.840 we're going to make that a matter of prayer 00:38:18.840 --> 00:38:21.139 we're going to work at it to be consistent 00:38:21.139 --> 00:38:26.099 and i don't anticipate preaching another nursery sermon six months from now 00:38:26.099 --> 00:38:30.299 but i don't mind doing that 00:38:30.299 --> 00:38:32.420 do you follow that 00:38:32.420 --> 00:38:37.779 because if it is important for us as god's people to work together 00:38:37.779 --> 00:38:40.619 it is important for you to hear it from where 00:38:40.619 --> 00:38:45.779 the place from which the word of god resounds 00:38:45.780 --> 00:38:50.580 i close with this i think about 00:38:50.580 --> 00:38:54.360 something of far greater importance 00:38:54.360 --> 00:38:56.360 in practical terms 00:38:56.360 --> 00:38:58.420 you remember when moses came down from the mount 00:38:58.420 --> 00:38:59.800 and he read the ten commandments 00:38:59.800 --> 00:39:03.080 how many of you know what the nation of israel immediately said 00:39:03.080 --> 00:39:03.820 who knows 00:39:03.820 --> 00:39:08.740 i'll give it to you in king james because that's how i remember 00:39:08.740 --> 00:39:11.300 all that thou has said we will do 00:39:11.300 --> 00:39:14.180 they were saying we're with it 00:39:14.180 --> 00:39:15.620 we're going to do it 00:39:15.620 --> 00:39:16.840 we're in it 00:39:16.840 --> 00:39:18.060 we're going to obey 00:39:18.060 --> 00:39:21.620 we're going to do what god asks us to do 00:39:21.620 --> 00:39:22.080 amen 00:39:22.080 --> 00:39:25.220 and here's the call 00:39:25.220 --> 00:39:26.700 the scripture 00:39:26.700 --> 00:39:28.620 instructs us 00:39:28.620 --> 00:39:29.940 as a family 00:39:29.940 --> 00:39:31.180 of believers 00:39:31.180 --> 00:39:33.039 to care 00:39:33.039 --> 00:39:34.760 for our little ones 00:39:34.760 --> 00:39:37.019 as a representation 00:39:37.019 --> 00:39:38.580 of our love for christ 00:39:38.579 --> 00:39:42.360 and to do so for the glory and testimony of god 00:39:42.360 --> 00:39:44.739 let's close in prayer 00:39:44.739 --> 00:39:53.599 our father god this morning as we think in practical terms of 00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:56.500 the fact that you're the one that has called us together 00:39:56.500 --> 00:39:58.159 and made us a body of believers 00:39:58.159 --> 00:40:00.259 and knit us together here 00:40:00.259 --> 00:40:03.360 on the west side for the testimony and the glory of christ 00:40:03.360 --> 00:40:08.640 we're thankful that when we face a challenge 00:40:08.640 --> 00:40:12.440 that we can come back to the word of god 00:40:12.440 --> 00:40:15.360 and rely upon the teaching of the scriptures that make it clear 00:40:15.360 --> 00:40:18.140 not only that we're the family but we have a part to play 00:40:18.140 --> 00:40:19.559 in honoring christ 00:40:19.559 --> 00:40:23.800 i pray for your convicting power in our lives together 00:40:23.800 --> 00:40:28.400 and for this challenge of how we care for our nursery to be something 00:40:28.400 --> 00:40:32.940 that is solved in such a fashion that only jesus gets credit 00:40:32.940 --> 00:40:35.539 and your people's hearts are lifted together 00:40:35.539 --> 00:40:37.680 for the testimony and glory of christ 00:40:37.680 --> 00:40:43.240 i pray for those who are in our fellowship today that do not know jesus 00:40:43.240 --> 00:40:48.440 that even today as the message of the scripture has been focused primarily 00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:50.940 on the matter of what a family does together 00:40:50.940 --> 00:40:53.680 that their hearts would be convicted by your spirit 00:40:53.679 --> 00:40:57.960 to recognize that that emptiness and that lack of connectedness 00:40:57.960 --> 00:41:02.619 is nothing other than the broken and ruined relationship 00:41:02.619 --> 00:41:04.219 that sin has caused in their life 00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:08.079 that this morning by your grace you would draw them to the cross 00:41:08.079 --> 00:41:10.579 and to realizing that their only hope 00:41:10.579 --> 00:41:15.219 and their only salvation lies in what jesus did for them on the cross 00:41:15.219 --> 00:41:17.879 they would repent and believe 00:41:17.879 --> 00:41:20.259 and come to know him as their savior 00:41:20.259 --> 00:41:22.519 we ask this in jesus name 00:41:22.519 --> 00:41:23.340 amen 00:41:23.340 --> 00:41:23.400 amen