WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.379
 Good morning, First Family.

00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:09.000
 If you're watching this video, that means that inclement weather has hindered us from gathering together at worship today.

00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:14.359
 My name is Andy Childs. I serve as the Assistant Executive Director of your Georgia Baptist Mission Board.

00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:18.400
 And my wife Melissa and I have the privilege of being members here at First Baptist with you.

00:00:18.420 --> 00:00:22.339
 And I'm so grateful to Pastor Brett for the opportunity to bring God's Word today.

00:00:22.460 --> 00:00:27.199
 And I want to pray for him and the others on the mission trip, and that they'll be able to return safely.

00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:33.359
 And want to pray right now for us, because obviously if we're enjoying this video together, this time of worship,

00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:40.539
 via social media and all technology things, that means we are in our homes and many of us are probably without power.

00:00:40.740 --> 00:00:42.600
 So let me take a moment and just pray for us.

00:00:43.060 --> 00:00:45.739
 Lord, I come to you and I thank you for your goodness and grace.

00:00:45.840 --> 00:00:51.719
 And I thank you for our Pastor Brett and Lord for our staff here, the deacons, the leadership at First Baptist Toccoa.

00:00:52.219 --> 00:00:54.739
 And Lord, today I pray especially as we are in our homes.

00:00:54.739 --> 00:00:57.019
 Lord, many of us are probably without power.

00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:00.320
 Lord, I pray that you would give us grace, that you give us patience.

00:01:00.960 --> 00:01:05.859
 Lord, I pray specifically for the first responders, for the power linemen and women,

00:01:06.020 --> 00:01:11.240
 those who are working hard to restore our power and all of the things we take so for granted.

00:01:11.320 --> 00:01:12.359
 Lord, keep them safe.

00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:13.579
 Lord, give them wisdom.

00:01:14.260 --> 00:01:17.040
 Lord, I pray now in these few moments as we come to your Word,

00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:19.500
 Lord, we would be reminded it is significant.

00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:21.600
 It matters that we gather and worship.

00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:24.020
 But Lord, the fact is we can worship you wherever we are.

00:01:24.019 --> 00:01:28.340
 And that your Word can speak into our hearts, into our minds.

00:01:28.500 --> 00:01:33.239
 And Lord, it can live out in our lives even in moments like this when we are interrupted,

00:01:33.679 --> 00:01:38.039
 when there's disruptions, when things are not the way we had intended or hoped they would be.

00:01:38.439 --> 00:01:43.759
 So Lord, in spite of all of these distractions, Lord, let us meet you in these moments.

00:01:44.140 --> 00:01:45.299
 We pray in Jesus' name.

00:01:45.739 --> 00:01:46.039
 Amen.

00:01:46.040 --> 00:01:51.360
 Well, First Family, you know that Pastor Brett and our staff have been walking us through a series

00:01:51.360 --> 00:01:57.320
 talking about core values and talking specifically about what we believe,

00:01:57.420 --> 00:02:01.140
 these core commitments that define us as First Baptist Church.

00:02:01.620 --> 00:02:03.920
 And if you recall, we've talked about the authority of Scripture,

00:02:04.320 --> 00:02:07.860
 the power of prayer, and the importance of community.

00:02:08.480 --> 00:02:12.680
 It's important that we all are reminded that prayer and Scripture and community

00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:18.620
 are all an expression not only of what we believe and what we do corporately as a church,

00:02:18.860 --> 00:02:22.200
 but they've got to be reflected in our own individual lives as well.

00:02:22.780 --> 00:02:26.819
 Well, this morning, I want to take a few moments and talk about another one of those core commitments,

00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:27.860
 and it's simply this.

00:02:28.260 --> 00:02:31.760
 We believe in everyday evangelism.

00:02:32.219 --> 00:02:34.900
 We believe in everyday evangelism.

00:02:34.900 --> 00:02:38.460
 Now, I know for most of us as believers, if we were honest,

00:02:39.080 --> 00:02:41.879
 the word believe doesn't frighten us.

00:02:42.340 --> 00:02:45.060
 The word everyday doesn't frighten us.

00:02:45.520 --> 00:02:49.120
 But when I said the word evangelism, some of us kind of went, oh, here we go.

00:02:49.740 --> 00:02:50.580
 Because here's the thing.

00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:55.300
 Too often we think evangelism is the call of someone else.

00:02:56.140 --> 00:02:58.159
 Evangelism is the gift of someone else.

00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:01.560
 Evangelism is the responsibility of someone else.

00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:05.120
 But the fact is, those of us who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,

00:03:05.580 --> 00:03:08.360
 we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ.

00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:11.659
 We are all called to be salt and light.

00:03:12.180 --> 00:03:14.740
 We're all called to be fishers of men.

00:03:15.400 --> 00:03:18.219
 And so this morning, I want to take a few moments and talk about the fact

00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:20.280
 that if we're going to be not only the church,

00:03:20.740 --> 00:03:23.500
 but if we're going to be the followers of Christ that we ought to be,

00:03:23.980 --> 00:03:28.699
 then we've got to embrace the call to everyday evangelism.

00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:32.060
 Now, I know in my own life, just like you,

00:03:32.199 --> 00:03:35.459
 oftentimes when there's an opportunity to talk about Jesus,

00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:38.280
 I may think, well, there's probably a better place.

00:03:39.119 --> 00:03:41.179
 Maybe there is even a better time.

00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:44.639
 Sometimes I even think there may be even someone better than me

00:03:44.639 --> 00:03:47.000
 that could answer someone's questions even better.

00:03:47.239 --> 00:03:50.519
 So what happens is we tend to default away from evangelism.

00:03:51.079 --> 00:03:52.099
 And I want to encourage you,

00:03:52.139 --> 00:03:56.519
 the fact is the enemy steals this joy from us and we don't even know it.

00:03:56.520 --> 00:04:00.240
 In other words, we hear evangelism and we become afraid.

00:04:00.860 --> 00:04:04.300
 We hear evangelism and we become concerned.

00:04:04.680 --> 00:04:07.400
 We hear the word evangelism and we step away

00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:11.460
 when in fact, if we would have clarity and if we would be on mission

00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:12.939
 and we would seize those moments,

00:04:13.140 --> 00:04:14.460
 we would see the joy of the Lord

00:04:14.460 --> 00:04:19.019
 and we would personally see the power of the gospel at work right in front of us

00:04:19.019 --> 00:04:21.100
 even as we sow the seeds of the gospel.

00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:25.340
 So as we take a few moments and think about this whole idea

00:04:25.340 --> 00:04:28.040
 of we believe in everyday evangelism,

00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:29.879
 the question is, what does that look like?

00:04:30.520 --> 00:04:32.540
 I mean, it's one thing when we're on a mission trip.

00:04:32.980 --> 00:04:35.180
 It's one thing when we're having vacation Bible school.

00:04:35.560 --> 00:04:38.020
 It's another thing when we're at church on Sunday or Wednesday.

00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:40.160
 There are those moments when evangelism,

00:04:40.260 --> 00:04:42.420
 there are those moments when talking about the gospel,

00:04:42.580 --> 00:04:44.860
 talking about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection,

00:04:45.379 --> 00:04:48.540
 talking about the fact that that message is not just religious,

00:04:48.540 --> 00:04:51.960
 but it's relational and it's not just global, but it's personal.

00:04:52.580 --> 00:04:54.660
 There are times when that just makes more sense.

00:04:55.500 --> 00:04:56.920
 But what about the everyday part?

00:04:57.620 --> 00:05:00.000
 What does it look like when we're not at church,

00:05:00.100 --> 00:05:01.520
 when we're not on a mission trip,

00:05:01.640 --> 00:05:03.360
 when we're not on a choir tour,

00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:04.939
 when we're not at youth camp,

00:05:05.120 --> 00:05:06.680
 when we're not at vacation Bible school?

00:05:06.840 --> 00:05:09.060
 What does it look like in everyday life

00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:12.420
 to be the follower of Jesus that reflects the gospel

00:05:12.420 --> 00:05:16.120
 and tells the gospel, verbalizes the gospel,

00:05:16.460 --> 00:05:17.939
 calls people to repentance,

00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:19.360
 as Paul would say,

00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:21.779
 we've been given the ministry of reconciliation,

00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:24.980
 imploring people to be made right with God.

00:05:25.959 --> 00:05:28.660
 Well, the good news is the Bible gives us a snapshot of this.

00:05:28.740 --> 00:05:29.180
 As a matter of fact,

00:05:29.540 --> 00:05:32.459
 the Apostle Paul in the book of Colossians chapter number four,

00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:34.300
 we get to the end of that chapter

00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:35.800
 and Paul's giving some instructions.

00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:38.139
 And what's interesting is that Paul,

00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:40.740
 as he's writing to the believers at Colossae,

00:05:40.819 --> 00:05:41.519
 the Colossians,

00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:43.579
 a place that he's not been,

00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:44.800
 people that he doesn't know,

00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:47.040
 and yet he's heard about how they've trusted Christ.

00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:49.420
 He's heard about how the gospel has changed their life.

00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:51.760
 He encourages them to stay in the gospel.

00:05:52.080 --> 00:05:53.439
 And then toward the end of his letter,

00:05:53.500 --> 00:05:54.520
 in chapter number four,

00:05:55.040 --> 00:05:58.220
 Paul really gives a picture of what it looks like

00:05:58.220 --> 00:06:01.200
 to live on mission every day in our lives.

00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:06.660
 He gives a snapshot of everyday evangelism for every believer.

00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:08.760
 So if you have your copy of scripture,

00:06:08.900 --> 00:06:11.580
 I want you to turn with me to Colossians chapter four,

00:06:11.660 --> 00:06:13.760
 whether it's on your phone or on your iPad,

00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:15.680
 or you actually have a print Bible,

00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:17.260
 let's go to Colossians chapter four

00:06:17.260 --> 00:06:18.640
 and look at just two verses,

00:06:18.800 --> 00:06:20.520
 verses four and five.

00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:21.820
 And here's what the scripture says,

00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:22.980
 Colossians chapter four,

00:06:23.660 --> 00:06:24.900
 beginning in verse number five.

00:06:25.700 --> 00:06:26.300
 Paul says,

00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:28.759
 walk in wisdom toward outsiders,

00:06:29.340 --> 00:06:31.759
 making the best use of the time.

00:06:32.340 --> 00:06:34.220
 Let your speech always be gracious,

00:06:34.540 --> 00:06:35.600
 seasoned with salt,

00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:40.660
 so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:42.259
 Just two verses,

00:06:42.460 --> 00:06:44.400
 Paul's concluding his letter here.

00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:45.699
 He's encouraged them.

00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:47.560
 He's talked about putting on the new self.

00:06:47.639 --> 00:06:49.500
 He's talked about how we're alive in Christ.

00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:51.240
 He gives some final instructions.

00:06:51.420 --> 00:06:53.080
 But right here toward the end of his letter,

00:06:53.079 --> 00:06:55.300
 he reminds them and he reminds us,

00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:58.479
 what does it look like when you and I who've been saved,

00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:00.719
 when you and I who've gone from death to life,

00:07:00.779 --> 00:07:01.939
 from darkness to light,

00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:05.439
 what does it look like when we live on mission every day,

00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:07.579
 understanding that evangelism,

00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:10.299
 the telling of the good news of Jesus Christ,

00:07:11.079 --> 00:07:14.139
 the verbal clarity of the fact that without Christ,

00:07:14.219 --> 00:07:14.919
 the Bible says,

00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:15.939
 no one is righteous,

00:07:16.099 --> 00:07:16.779
 no, not one.

00:07:17.099 --> 00:07:19.039
 And the wages of sin is death,

00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:21.339
 but the free gift of God is eternal life

00:07:21.339 --> 00:07:22.259
 through Jesus Christ our Lord.

00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:25.579
 What does it look like when we live that out every day?

00:07:26.039 --> 00:07:28.099
 Obviously, we can't preach every day.

00:07:28.279 --> 00:07:30.620
 We don't have revival services every day.

00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:32.379
 We don't have small groups every day.

00:07:32.659 --> 00:07:35.800
 We don't have 20 minutes or 15 minutes or 45 minutes.

00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:37.099
 Sometimes it's just a moment.

00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:38.500
 So what does that look like?

00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:40.279
 Well, I want to use these two verses

00:07:40.279 --> 00:07:42.379
 to walk through just a couple of simple principles

00:07:42.379 --> 00:07:46.620
 that help us know how we live out this core commitment.

00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:50.279
 We believe in everyday evangelism.

00:07:50.279 --> 00:07:52.919
 First thing I want you to notice there in verse number five

00:07:52.919 --> 00:07:53.659
 is he says,

00:07:54.059 --> 00:07:54.679
 walk in wisdom.

00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:55.399
 And then catch this.

00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:56.139
 This is really interesting.

00:07:56.539 --> 00:07:59.379
 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders.

00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:01.599
 Now, isn't that interesting

00:08:01.599 --> 00:08:03.399
 that Paul's writing to the church,

00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:04.659
 he's writing to believers,

00:08:05.219 --> 00:08:05.979
 and he doesn't say,

00:08:06.059 --> 00:08:07.519
 hey, it doesn't matter what those people

00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:08.519
 outside the church say.

00:08:08.599 --> 00:08:09.119
 Who cares?

00:08:09.719 --> 00:08:10.659
 They're not on the know.

00:08:10.739 --> 00:08:11.879
 They don't know what we know.

00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:13.219
 They've not experienced what we've experienced.

00:08:13.220 --> 00:08:14.880
 So we don't really care what their opinion is.

00:08:14.940 --> 00:08:16.220
 No, he says the opposite.

00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:17.800
 He says,

00:08:18.180 --> 00:08:20.480
 walk in wisdom toward outsiders.

00:08:20.620 --> 00:08:22.460
 Now, who are the outsiders?

00:08:23.100 --> 00:08:25.640
 It's not just those who live in a different town

00:08:25.640 --> 00:08:26.480
 or a different city.

00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:28.660
 It's not just those who maybe have

00:08:28.660 --> 00:08:30.180
 a different food preference

00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:31.480
 or different music preference.

00:08:31.960 --> 00:08:33.500
 No, literally what he's talking about,

00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:35.620
 the outsiders in this text,

00:08:35.940 --> 00:08:38.320
 is talking about those who are outside the faith.

00:08:39.180 --> 00:08:41.660
 Your family members who are not yet believers.

00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.919
 Your neighbors, your coworkers,

00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:45.500
 the people you go to school with,

00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:48.339
 the people that you see every time you go in

00:08:48.339 --> 00:08:49.519
 and get a cup of coffee,

00:08:49.879 --> 00:08:52.600
 the people who are yet lost

00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:54.259
 and have not come to Christ.

00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:56.039
 Those are the outsiders.

00:08:56.199 --> 00:08:58.179
 And Paul literally says to the Colossians

00:08:58.179 --> 00:08:58.639
 and to us,

00:08:58.759 --> 00:09:01.360
 walk in wisdom toward outsiders.

00:09:01.459 --> 00:09:02.639
 So here's the first simple principle.

00:09:03.459 --> 00:09:04.980
 Others matter.

00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:07.819
 See, church, if we ever begin to think

00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:10.079
 that somehow it doesn't really matter

00:09:10.079 --> 00:09:10.980
 about anybody else.

00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:11.940
 Hey, I've got Jesus.

00:09:12.159 --> 00:09:13.300
 My family's got Jesus.

00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:14.879
 Some of my close friends have got Jesus.

00:09:15.080 --> 00:09:15.700
 I'm good.

00:09:15.920 --> 00:09:16.720
 Forget everybody else.

00:09:16.860 --> 00:09:19.940
 Then we are no longer like Jesus.

00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:22.879
 We're not reflecting his mission.

00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:24.100
 Because Jesus said,

00:09:24.300 --> 00:09:26.960
 I came to seek and save those who are lost.

00:09:27.800 --> 00:09:29.240
 So when we think about this idea

00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:30.600
 of others matter,

00:09:31.100 --> 00:09:32.820
 we're reminded that Paul here

00:09:32.820 --> 00:09:34.180
 is writing from prison

00:09:34.180 --> 00:09:36.779
 to people that he's never met.

00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:37.940
 He's a Jew.

00:09:37.940 --> 00:09:39.120
 They're Gentiles.

00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:41.200
 And yet their heart for them,

00:09:41.380 --> 00:09:42.980
 his heart for them is huge

00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:45.120
 because they know Christ.

00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:45.500
 And he says,

00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:46.880
 and I celebrate that.

00:09:47.040 --> 00:09:48.820
 But he also reminds them,

00:09:49.540 --> 00:09:50.680
 be conscious of those

00:09:50.680 --> 00:09:52.340
 in your circle of influence,

00:09:52.440 --> 00:09:53.640
 those in your city,

00:09:54.300 --> 00:09:55.360
 those in your neighborhood,

00:09:55.540 --> 00:09:56.480
 those in your family,

00:09:57.100 --> 00:09:58.460
 those in your life

00:09:58.460 --> 00:10:00.660
 who are not yet followers of Jesus.

00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:02.100
 Others matter.

00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:03.800
 I think about what God taught Peter

00:10:03.800 --> 00:10:05.320
 in Acts chapter number 10

00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:06.960
 and verse number 28.

00:10:07.300 --> 00:10:07.540
 It says,

00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:08.180
 and he said to them,

00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:09.000
 this is Peter speaking,

00:10:09.340 --> 00:10:10.120
 you yourselves know

00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:11.879
 how unlawful it is for a Jew

00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:13.360
 to associate with

00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:15.700
 or visit anyone of another nation.

00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:17.220
 But God has shown me

00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:18.960
 that I should not call any person

00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:21.200
 common or unclean.

00:10:22.040 --> 00:10:22.420
 So see,

00:10:22.659 --> 00:10:24.300
 Peter kind of was at first

00:10:24.300 --> 00:10:25.879
 distant from the Gentiles

00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:26.440
 and he realized

00:10:26.440 --> 00:10:28.399
 by God revealing to him

00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:29.440
 that others matter.

00:10:30.080 --> 00:10:32.040
 Even those who are not like us.

00:10:32.140 --> 00:10:34.080
 Even those who don't believe yet like us.

00:10:34.280 --> 00:10:36.080
 Even those who may mock the cross.

00:10:36.220 --> 00:10:37.740
 Even those who deny Jesus

00:10:37.740 --> 00:10:39.000
 that other people matter.

00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:39.280
 Why?

00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:40.920
 Because our ultimate mission

00:10:40.920 --> 00:10:42.780
 as individual followers of Christ,

00:10:43.020 --> 00:10:44.720
 the ultimate mission of the church

00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:46.800
 is not just to gather for ourselves,

00:10:47.040 --> 00:10:49.000
 but it's to gather so that we can go

00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:51.180
 and share the gospel of Jesus Christ

00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:52.760
 to outsiders.

00:10:53.400 --> 00:10:55.460
 To those who have yet to trust Christ

00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:56.680
 as Lord and Savior.

00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:58.100
 Throughout Paul's writings,

00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.820
 we see that believers are pushed

00:10:59.820 --> 00:11:01.639
 to be aware of the perception

00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:03.080
 of those outside the church.

00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:04.340
 In other words,

00:11:04.560 --> 00:11:05.920
 how do people in Toccoa,

00:11:06.259 --> 00:11:07.580
 how do people in your family,

00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:08.980
 how do people in your school,

00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:10.220
 how do people in your workplace,

00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:12.920
 how do they view you

00:11:12.920 --> 00:11:14.620
 as a follower of Christ?

00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:16.620
 How do they view us as a church?

00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.600
 Do they see us as selfish?

00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:21.680
 Do they see us as only concerned

00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:22.500
 about ourselves?

00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.200
 Do they see us judgmental

00:11:25.200 --> 00:11:26.340
 rather than desiring

00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:27.519
 to see them come to Christ?

00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:28.860
 Here's some things Paul said.

00:11:29.180 --> 00:11:31.420
 He said in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 12,

00:11:31.820 --> 00:11:33.460
 your daily life may win

00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:35.480
 the respect of outsiders.

00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.139
 Your daily life.

00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:37.899
 Isn't that interesting?

00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:40.200
 1 Timothy 3, verse 7,

00:11:40.280 --> 00:11:41.759
 he's describing church leaders.

00:11:42.060 --> 00:11:42.820
 He said they should have

00:11:42.820 --> 00:11:43.879
 a good reputation

00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:46.019
 with outsiders.

00:11:47.080 --> 00:11:47.800
 See, here's the thing.

00:11:47.800 --> 00:11:48.940
 When we understand

00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:50.160
 that others matter,

00:11:50.420 --> 00:11:51.960
 we live our life in such a way

00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:54.379
 that we push people forward

00:11:54.379 --> 00:11:55.379
 rather than trying

00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:56.560
 to fight with them.

00:11:57.320 --> 00:11:57.720
 In other words,

00:11:57.780 --> 00:11:59.620
 we push them toward the cross

00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:00.740
 rather than pull them

00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:01.960
 away from the cross.

00:12:02.820 --> 00:12:04.360
 We desire to see them

00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:05.139
 know Christ

00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:05.920
 and His forgiveness

00:12:05.920 --> 00:12:06.639
 and His grace

00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:08.240
 rather than rejoicing

00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:09.139
 or kind of getting

00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:10.120
 a smirk on our face

00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:10.620
 about, man,

00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:11.480
 God's judging them.

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:12.280
 That's what they deserve.

00:12:13.180 --> 00:12:14.160
 We choose to live

00:12:14.160 --> 00:12:15.440
 in the grace of God.

00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:16.460
 We value others.

00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:16.860
 As a matter of fact,

00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.259
 Paul says to the Philippians

00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:19.259
 in chapter number 2,

00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:20.179
 verse 3,

00:12:20.960 --> 00:12:21.279
 he says,

00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:22.240
 do nothing out of

00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:23.259
 selfish ambition

00:12:23.259 --> 00:12:24.659
 or vain conceit,

00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:25.679
 but in humility

00:12:25.679 --> 00:12:28.179
 consider others better,

00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:29.059
 more important

00:12:29.059 --> 00:12:30.360
 than yourselves.

00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:31.899
 So he says here

00:12:31.899 --> 00:12:32.720
 in Colossians 4

00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.740
 as we're unpacking

00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:34.159
 these words,

00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:34.460
 he says,

00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:35.460
 walk in wisdom

00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:36.460
 toward outsiders.

00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:37.379
 So in other words,

00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:38.960
 others matter.

00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:40.340
 And I'm so grateful

00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:41.319
 that here at First Baptist

00:12:41.319 --> 00:12:42.600
 we are demonstrating

00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.799
 that corporately

00:12:43.799 --> 00:12:44.600
 and individually

00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:45.580
 with things like

00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:46.439
 Hope for the Hungry,

00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:47.819
 with the mission trips

00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:48.419
 that we do,

00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.779
 with the Vacation Bible

00:12:49.779 --> 00:12:50.419
 school we do,

00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:51.279
 with the way that

00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:52.500
 we serve our community,

00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:53.699
 whether it's first responders

00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:54.539
 or school teachers,

00:12:54.699 --> 00:12:55.539
 I'm so grateful

00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.519
 that we're putting

00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:57.500
 into action

00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:58.939
 this principle

00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:00.479
 that's easy to agree with,

00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:01.719
 but sometimes

00:13:01.719 --> 00:13:02.439
 it's hard to live.

00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.959
 Others matter.

00:13:04.679 --> 00:13:05.360
 But I want you to notice

00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:05.979
 the second thing

00:13:05.979 --> 00:13:06.599
 in verse 5,

00:13:06.860 --> 00:13:07.639
 he goes on to say

00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:08.740
 as we're walking

00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:09.199
 in wisdom

00:13:09.199 --> 00:13:10.120
 toward these outsiders,

00:13:10.339 --> 00:13:11.379
 the last part of verse 5,

00:13:11.599 --> 00:13:11.899
 he says,

00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:13.360
 making the best use

00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:14.659
 of time.

00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.360
 Isn't that interesting?

00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.579
 Making the best use

00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:17.960
 of time.

00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:18.639
 So in other words,

00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:19.639
 Paul recognizes

00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.860
 that all of us

00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.940
 have limited time.

00:13:22.160 --> 00:13:23.500
 We have limited moments

00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:25.200
 with those who are outsiders,

00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:26.980
 so when we have those moments

00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:27.820
 with the outsiders,

00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:29.220
 those who are not followers

00:13:29.220 --> 00:13:29.700
 of Jesus,

00:13:29.940 --> 00:13:31.160
 we ought to make the most of it.

00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:32.639
 It shouldn't be

00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:33.440
 that we just talk about

00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:34.120
 the ball game

00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:35.220
 or the weather,

00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:35.920
 catch that,

00:13:36.060 --> 00:13:37.200
 that we ought to talk

00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:37.960
 about Christ.

00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.259
 It's interesting

00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.240
 because when Paul

00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:41.060
 writes this,

00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:42.720
 there's a very precise word

00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:43.379
 that he uses

00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:43.860
 when he says,

00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:45.440
 making the best use

00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:46.780
 of the time.

00:13:47.660 --> 00:13:48.400
 There are two different

00:13:48.400 --> 00:13:49.020
 Greek words

00:13:49.020 --> 00:13:49.940
 that he could have used.

00:13:50.100 --> 00:13:50.760
 He could have used

00:13:50.760 --> 00:13:51.960
 the word chronos,

00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:52.860
 which has to do

00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:54.160
 with chronological time.

00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:54.500
 That is,

00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:55.300
 the seconds,

00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:56.200
 the minutes,

00:13:56.520 --> 00:13:57.140
 the hours.

00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:58.600
 But that's not

00:13:58.600 --> 00:14:00.300
 what he chooses to use.

00:14:01.040 --> 00:14:01.800
 So it's not just

00:14:01.800 --> 00:14:02.480
 that Paul's saying,

00:14:02.900 --> 00:14:03.340
 make the most

00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:04.160
 of those minutes,

00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:05.020
 make the most

00:14:05.020 --> 00:14:05.960
 of those hours,

00:14:06.540 --> 00:14:07.180
 but literally

00:14:07.180 --> 00:14:08.100
 he uses the word

00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.700
 keros,

00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:10.100
 which emphasizes

00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:11.720
 defining moments.

00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:13.519
 So literally

00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:14.279
 what Paul says

00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:15.180
 at the end of verse 5

00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:16.000
 in Colossians 4,

00:14:16.420 --> 00:14:17.340
 making the best use

00:14:17.340 --> 00:14:17.820
 of the time

00:14:17.820 --> 00:14:18.519
 could be literally

00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:19.180
 translated,

00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.580
 buy up

00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:22.600
 the defining moments

00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:23.920
 that are set before you.

00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:26.139
 And I started thinking,

00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.220
 how do I know

00:14:27.220 --> 00:14:28.000
 when there's

00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:28.800
 a defining moment?

00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:30.399
 How do I know

00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:31.200
 what that looks like?

00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:31.440
 Well,

00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.540
 the way I know

00:14:32.540 --> 00:14:34.360
 is that every moment

00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.720
 that we talk about Jesus,

00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.120
 every moment

00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:38.240
 that we help

00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:39.139
 a person understand

00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.080
 that the gospel

00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:41.120
 is not just something

00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.080
 to agree with

00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:42.759
 theologically

00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.660
 or intellectually,

00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:44.800
 but it's got to be

00:14:44.800 --> 00:14:45.700
 personal to us

00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:46.740
 that every time

00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:47.500
 we do that,

00:14:48.220 --> 00:14:49.280
 we are potentially

00:14:49.280 --> 00:14:50.160
 stepping into

00:14:50.160 --> 00:14:51.620
 a defining moment

00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.400
 for that person.

00:14:53.560 --> 00:14:53.820
 You see,

00:14:53.920 --> 00:14:54.500
 if all we do

00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.440
 is talk about church

00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:56.960
 and talk about values

00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:58.800
 and talk about community

00:14:58.800 --> 00:15:00.200
 and talk about prayer

00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:01.480
 and even talk about Scripture,

00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.660
 which are all core values

00:15:02.660 --> 00:15:03.379
 and all matter,

00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.780
 but we never explain

00:15:04.780 --> 00:15:05.160
 to them

00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:06.540
 how they can know

00:15:06.540 --> 00:15:07.940
 the Jesus of the Scripture.

00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:08.740
 They can know

00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:09.800
 the one who answers

00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:10.219
 the prayer.

00:15:10.439 --> 00:15:10.879
 They can know

00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:11.419
 the source

00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.179
 of our community.

00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:13.620
 In fact,

00:15:13.719 --> 00:15:14.759
 we've missed the moment.

00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:16.099
 Not just for us,

00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:17.459
 but we've potentially,

00:15:18.099 --> 00:15:19.519
 possibly caused them

00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:20.059
 to miss

00:15:20.059 --> 00:15:21.459
 a defining moment.

00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:23.099
 So the second principle,

00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:23.719
 we've talked about

00:15:23.719 --> 00:15:24.299
 others matter,

00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:24.979
 but the second part

00:15:24.979 --> 00:15:25.500
 of verse 5

00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.139
 is simply this,

00:15:26.459 --> 00:15:27.959
 time flies.

00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.219
 Those defining moments

00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:31.139
 which are captured

00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:31.899
 in seconds

00:15:31.899 --> 00:15:32.500
 and minutes

00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:33.179
 and hours

00:15:33.179 --> 00:15:33.779
 and days

00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:34.319
 and weeks

00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:35.099
 and months

00:15:35.099 --> 00:15:35.639
 and years,

00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:37.199
 those defining moments

00:15:37.199 --> 00:15:37.979
 are contained

00:15:37.979 --> 00:15:39.159
 within those

00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:40.620
 chronological moments,

00:15:41.079 --> 00:15:42.179
 but it's so easy

00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:42.679
 to miss it,

00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:43.059
 isn't it?

00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.980
 Time flies.

00:15:45.719 --> 00:15:45.899
 See,

00:15:45.959 --> 00:15:46.559
 I think about this,

00:15:46.659 --> 00:15:47.759
 gospel priority

00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:48.539
 really does

00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:49.779
 cost us something

00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:50.339
 that's precious,

00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:51.419
 something we can never

00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:51.860
 get back,

00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:52.939
 because if you and I

00:15:52.939 --> 00:15:53.419
 are going to be

00:15:53.419 --> 00:15:53.879
 the witnesses

00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.579
 we ought to be,

00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:55.919
 sometimes we have

00:15:55.919 --> 00:15:56.639
 to pause

00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:58.019
 when we don't want

00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:58.480
 to pause.

00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.439
 We have to listen

00:16:00.439 --> 00:16:01.259
 when we don't want

00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:01.659
 to listen.

00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:03.500
 Sometimes we have

00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.299
 to step into

00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:04.899
 the messy

00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.899
 and step into

00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:06.439
 the sin

00:16:06.440 --> 00:16:07.160
 and step into

00:16:07.160 --> 00:16:07.900
 the brokenness

00:16:07.900 --> 00:16:08.320
 of someone

00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.020
 that we would

00:16:09.020 --> 00:16:09.680
 rather avoid.

00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:11.660
 We all know

00:16:11.660 --> 00:16:12.620
 we have limited time.

00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:14.020
 Yes,

00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:14.700
 the big picture,

00:16:14.800 --> 00:16:15.560
 limited time

00:16:15.560 --> 00:16:16.180
 in life,

00:16:16.280 --> 00:16:17.640
 but even limited time

00:16:17.640 --> 00:16:18.720
 in the moments

00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:19.260
 of a day,

00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:19.520
 right?

00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.320
 Maybe we're on our way

00:16:21.320 --> 00:16:22.140
 and we're running late

00:16:22.140 --> 00:16:22.620
 and we go in

00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.580
 to grab a cup of coffee

00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:24.760
 and that same person

00:16:24.760 --> 00:16:25.840
 who's always in line

00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:26.460
 is right there

00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:27.420
 and maybe we say,

00:16:27.540 --> 00:16:27.580
 hey,

00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:28.180
 have a good day

00:16:28.180 --> 00:16:28.540
 and they say,

00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:29.120
 I hope so.

00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:30.240
 I hope I do.

00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:32.040
 And just by their tone,

00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:32.360
 we're like,

00:16:32.440 --> 00:16:32.620
 oh,

00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:34.280
 I probably should

00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:35.340
 pause for a moment,

00:16:35.340 --> 00:16:35.879
 but I'm already

00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:36.379
 running late.

00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.139
 I just wanted

00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:37.820
 a cup of coffee.

00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.399
 I didn't want

00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:38.980
 to have a gospel

00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:39.540
 conversation,

00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.440
 but yet God's

00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:41.139
 giving you a

00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:42.200
 keros.

00:16:42.399 --> 00:16:42.940
 He's giving you

00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.620
 potentially a

00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.920
 defining moment.

00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:46.379
 The fact is

00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.300
 when we look at

00:16:47.300 --> 00:16:47.840
 what the scripture

00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.220
 says,

00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.320
 James reminds us

00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:49.980
 in chapter 4,

00:16:50.060 --> 00:16:50.620
 verse 14,

00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:50.980
 he says,

00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:51.759
 what is your life?

00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:52.940
 It's like a mist

00:16:52.940 --> 00:16:53.519
 that appears

00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:54.480
 for a little time

00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:56.620
 and then it vanishes.

00:16:58.200 --> 00:16:59.220
 Time does fly.

00:17:00.160 --> 00:17:00.600
 I was thinking

00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:01.160
 about the last

00:17:01.160 --> 00:17:01.680
 couple of weeks

00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:02.580
 how God has given

00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:04.380
 us his unlimited love,

00:17:04.380 --> 00:17:06.040
 his unlimited mercy,

00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.680
 his unlimited grace,

00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:08.940
 but the one thing

00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.740
 God does not give

00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.340
 any of us

00:17:10.340 --> 00:17:11.340
 is unlimited time.

00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.320
 So how are we

00:17:13.320 --> 00:17:14.120
 going to use

00:17:14.120 --> 00:17:15.040
 our time?

00:17:15.260 --> 00:17:15.660
 And again,

00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.620
 not just a week,

00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:17.140
 a year,

00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:18.600
 or a couple of nights,

00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:19.380
 or a few hours

00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:19.920
 on Sunday,

00:17:20.060 --> 00:17:20.880
 but how are we

00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:21.460
 going to use

00:17:21.460 --> 00:17:22.160
 every day

00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:23.440
 the 24 hours

00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.060
 in a day

00:17:24.060 --> 00:17:25.100
 that God has given us?

00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:25.980
 The seven days

00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:26.480
 in a week

00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.360
 that God has given us?

00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:29.000
 The 365 days

00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:29.580
 in a year

00:17:29.580 --> 00:17:30.280
 that God has given us?

00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:31.480
 How are we going

00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:32.559
 to make the most

00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.000
 of it?

00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:34.440
 Not just for our good,

00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.759
 but for his glory.

00:17:37.079 --> 00:17:37.299
 You see,

00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:38.200
 I think about the fact

00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.180
 that evangelism

00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:40.700
 and encouragement

00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.740
 have a cost.

00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:43.160
 That sometimes

00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:44.279
 we have to give up

00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:45.099
 something else

00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:47.019
 so that we can give

00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:47.940
 someone else

00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:49.000
 what they most need,

00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:50.640
 which is compassion,

00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:52.360
 which is grace,

00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:53.980
 which is concern,

00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.839
 which is being seen

00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:56.460
 and heard

00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.019
 and valued

00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:57.860
 not just by us,

00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.240
 but by the God

00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.240
 who created them

00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.559
 and reminded

00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:02.319
 that no one

00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:03.039
 is an accident,

00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:05.099
 that even the vilest

00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.559
 offender,

00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.140
 even the one

00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:06.640
 whose life

00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:07.880
 is just such a train wreck

00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.900
 and so far from God,

00:18:09.120 --> 00:18:09.640
 the fact is

00:18:09.640 --> 00:18:11.240
 they are not a mistake

00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:11.759
 even though

00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.839
 they've made mistakes.

00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:14.880
 Time flies.

00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:16.240
 But we've got to look

00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.140
 for those opportunities

00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:18.680
 to share the gospel,

00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:20.140
 to encourage others

00:18:20.140 --> 00:18:21.900
 in their faith.

00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:23.480
 Others matter

00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.400
 if we're going

00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.440
 to be an everyday witness.

00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:26.900
 Time flies.

00:18:27.079 --> 00:18:27.720
 We've got to understand

00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:28.900
 that so we can make

00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:29.819
 the most of moments

00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:30.980
 every day

00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:32.180
 as a witness.

00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:34.100
 Every day evangelism

00:18:34.100 --> 00:18:34.660
 knowing that God

00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:36.180
 doesn't promise us tomorrow.

00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.680
 And then notice back again

00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:38.700
 Colossians chapter 4

00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.380
 we're walking through

00:18:39.380 --> 00:18:39.960
 these verses.

00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:41.539
 Notice verse number 6

00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.140
 the first part.

00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:42.759
 He says,

00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:43.819
 let your speech

00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:46.160
 always be gracious.

00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:47.960
 Hmm.

00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:49.779
 I've got to be honest

00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:52.180
 as a Christian,

00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.339
 as a husband,

00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.100
 as a dad,

00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.600
 as a pastor,

00:18:55.599 --> 00:18:56.799
 as a leader

00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:57.419
 in the Georgia Baptist

00:18:57.419 --> 00:18:58.019
 Mission Board.

00:18:59.079 --> 00:18:59.599
 The fact is

00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.199
 there are times

00:19:00.199 --> 00:19:01.019
 when my speech

00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:02.000
 is not as gracious

00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:02.879
 as it ought to be.

00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:05.399
 And sometimes

00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:06.539
 the very moment

00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.839
 I ought to be most gracious

00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.839
 I'm least gracious.

00:19:09.179 --> 00:19:09.519
 I mean you know

00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:10.179
 what I'm talking about.

00:19:10.719 --> 00:19:11.419
 When someone's,

00:19:11.679 --> 00:19:13.039
 you're trying to be kind

00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:13.299
 and you say,

00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.500
 hey can I pray for you

00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:14.959
 for a moment?

00:19:15.179 --> 00:19:15.639
 And they say,

00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:16.339
 no I'd rather you not.

00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:17.539
 What?

00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.119
 What do you mean

00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:18.399
 you don't want me

00:19:18.399 --> 00:19:18.799
 to pray for you?

00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.039
 What's wrong?

00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:19.839
 You don't believe man

00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.419
 you're going to hell.

00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:22.159
 You may not say it

00:19:22.159 --> 00:19:22.899
 but you think it, right?

00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.279
 And here's the thing,

00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.519
 even if we don't say it

00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:26.319
 quite as harshly,

00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.139
 if we think it,

00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:27.799
 I promise you

00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:29.000
 the next thing that we say

00:19:29.000 --> 00:19:30.180
 does not come across

00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:30.720
 as gracious

00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:32.039
 or helpful

00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:33.220
 or compassionate

00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:34.579
 or mercy filled.

00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.599
 Again, Paul says,

00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.039
 let your speech

00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:41.319
 always be gracious.

00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:43.440
 Now think about this.

00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.139
 Finding fault

00:19:45.139 --> 00:19:46.079
 is easy

00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:48.339
 but extending grace

00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:48.960
 to others

00:19:48.960 --> 00:19:50.519
 in spite of their weakness

00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.440
 is not.

00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:53.660
 We can all find fault.

00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.099
 I mean my goodness,

00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:56.460
 we find it with one another

00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.460
 as believers.

00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:58.839
 We find it with our spouses.

00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.220
 We find it with our parents.

00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:01.359
 We find it with our children.

00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:02.660
 We find it with our pastors.

00:20:02.819 --> 00:20:03.960
 We find it with our small group leaders.

00:20:04.139 --> 00:20:05.299
 We find it with ourselves, right?

00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:05.660
 Listen,

00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:07.599
 I can be my worst critic sometimes.

00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.279
 But Paul knew

00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:11.059
 that oftentimes

00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:12.759
 the brunt

00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.839
 of that negativity,

00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.500
 the brunt

00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.379
 of that lack

00:20:16.379 --> 00:20:17.220
 of compassion

00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.099
 is directed

00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:18.720
 to those

00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:19.940
 who don't know Christ.

00:20:21.139 --> 00:20:21.639
 And can I tell you

00:20:21.639 --> 00:20:22.319
 the enemy loves

00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:22.960
 when we do that.

00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.620
 The enemy loves

00:20:24.620 --> 00:20:25.460
 when we make those

00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:27.100
 who are not yet followers of Christ.

00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.480
 We make non-believers.

00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.360
 We make people

00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:29.840
 who would say

00:20:29.840 --> 00:20:30.740
 I am not a Christian.

00:20:30.840 --> 00:20:31.299
 Maybe they say

00:20:31.299 --> 00:20:32.000
 they're an atheist.

00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:32.600
 Maybe they say

00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:32.940
 they don't know

00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:33.559
 what they believe.

00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:34.500
 Maybe they have

00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.160
 some other religion.

00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.440
 The enemy loves it.

00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.680
 Satan, the deceiver,

00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.259
 loves it

00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.759
 when we speak to them

00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:40.740
 or we look at them

00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.579
 with disgust

00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.840
 and disdain.

00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.480
 That's not what Jesus did.

00:20:46.579 --> 00:20:47.160
 Whether it was

00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:48.000
 the woman at the well

00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:49.460
 or Matthew

00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:50.680
 in the tax collector's booth,

00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:53.900
 Jesus had compassion.

00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:55.840
 We see over and over

00:20:55.840 --> 00:20:57.039
 that he spoke to those

00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:58.120
 no one else would speak to.

00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:59.320
 He valued those

00:20:59.320 --> 00:21:00.160
 no one else valued.

00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:01.420
 He saw those

00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.420
 that no one else saw.

00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.440
 And friends,

00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.799
 can you imagine

00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:06.700
 what would happen here

00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.320
 at First Baptist

00:21:07.320 --> 00:21:08.440
 if we allowed

00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.960
 that Christ-likeness

00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:11.700
 to truly develop in us?

00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:14.600
 That the least of these

00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.920
 are seen and heard.

00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.539
 That the movers

00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.120
 and shakers

00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.680
 and leaders

00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.779
 who seem to have it

00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:20.340
 all together,

00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:21.859
 that they are seen

00:21:21.859 --> 00:21:22.379
 and heard

00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:23.740
 not for their accomplishments,

00:21:23.959 --> 00:21:25.159
 not for their wealth

00:21:25.159 --> 00:21:25.819
 or their power,

00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.919
 not for their influence,

00:21:27.439 --> 00:21:28.240
 but as a person

00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.639
 who has needs.

00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:31.779
 A person who is lonely.

00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.399
 A person who sometimes

00:21:33.399 --> 00:21:34.799
 is confused and desperate

00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:36.019
 because it doesn't matter

00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:37.059
 what's in your bank account.

00:21:37.199 --> 00:21:38.939
 If your soul is empty,

00:21:39.159 --> 00:21:40.240
 your life is empty.

00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:41.959
 You see,

00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.559
 I think about

00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.720
 verse number six

00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.419
 and I realize

00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:45.519
 this principle is true.

00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.199
 If we're going to live

00:21:46.199 --> 00:21:47.819
 as everyday evangelists,

00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:49.259
 if we're going to live out

00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.400
 on mission everyday,

00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.559
 there's got to be

00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:52.200
 encouragement,

00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.879
 not judgment.

00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:55.480
 Verse six says,

00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.240
 let your speech

00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.839
 always be,

00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:57.379
 and that word,

00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.180
 gracious.

00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.759
 The root word

00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.319
 of gracious

00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.839
 obviously is grace.

00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.339
 That's that

00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:03.500
 unmerited favor.

00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.519
 And isn't it interesting

00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:07.220
 that Paul says

00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:07.819
 your speech

00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:08.599
 should always

00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.960
 be that way?

00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:12.180
 Well, here's the fact.

00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.740
 you and I

00:22:13.740 --> 00:22:14.500
 can't always

00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.200
 be gracious

00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:15.880
 apart from

00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.720
 the grace of God

00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.620
 in our life

00:22:17.620 --> 00:22:18.759
 working in us

00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.840
 and through us.

00:22:20.840 --> 00:22:22.240
 So when we talk about

00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:22.900
 encouragement,

00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:24.160
 not judgment,

00:22:24.560 --> 00:22:25.880
 it's not just us.

00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:26.900
 It's the power

00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.539
 of the Spirit

00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.460
 working in

00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.500
 and through us.

00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.680
 That we should always

00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.640
 seek to give people

00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:32.240
 encouragement

00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.200
 even when they

00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.980
 don't deserve it.

00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:35.820
 That even when

00:22:35.820 --> 00:22:36.500
 they deserve

00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.860
 the judgment of God,

00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.920
 just like I deserve

00:22:38.920 --> 00:22:39.920
 and you deserve,

00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.000
 that rather than saying,

00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.940
 well, I'm going to tell them

00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:42.660
 what they deserve.

00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:44.279
 Let's tell them about

00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.299
 the good news,

00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.519
 the grace of God, right?

00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.079
 Our pastor,

00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:48.880
 Pastor Brett,

00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:49.819
 often reminds us

00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:50.339
 that there is

00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.400
 bad news,

00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.900
 that we all have sinned

00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:54.039
 and we're separated

00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.599
 from God.

00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.759
 There's worse news.

00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.579
 Worse news is

00:22:58.579 --> 00:22:58.920
 there's nothing

00:22:58.920 --> 00:22:59.759
 we can do about it.

00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:01.440
 We can't be good enough.

00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.500
 We can't be religious enough.

00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.640
 We can't go to church enough.

00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:05.380
 And then there's

00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.160
 good news.

00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.579
 The fact that Jesus Christ

00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.339
 did for us

00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.480
 what we could never do.

00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.900
 That Jesus died

00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.380
 on the cross

00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:13.119
 for my sin,

00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:13.960
 for your sin,

00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:14.539
 for the sin of

00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.319
 that neighbor,

00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:16.079
 that co-worker,

00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.500
 that person at the restaurant

00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.019
 that you see,

00:23:18.140 --> 00:23:18.940
 that person who's

00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:19.819
 apart from Christ.

00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.420
 And then there's

00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:21.960
 the best news

00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:22.500
 and that is that

00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.519
 God's forgiveness

00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.900
 and mercy is not just

00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.920
 a generic general

00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.660
 kind of thing,

00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:27.880
 but it's personal

00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.960
 and it can change

00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:29.720
 our life.

00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.779
 That whoever calls

00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.720
 on the name

00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.480
 of the Lord

00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:33.480
 will be saved.

00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.259
 See, there's got to be

00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.859
 encouragement,

00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:37.160
 not judgment.

00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.460
 And then notice

00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:39.400
 finally verse 6,

00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.140
 the last part,

00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:41.200
 we're talking about

00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:43.000
 everyday evangelism,

00:23:43.520 --> 00:23:44.480
 that we believe in that,

00:23:44.560 --> 00:23:45.460
 that we believe

00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.520
 that every one of us

00:23:46.520 --> 00:23:47.680
 at First Baptist Church,

00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.340
 Toccoa, Georgia,

00:23:48.520 --> 00:23:49.280
 every one of us

00:23:49.280 --> 00:23:50.340
 who've trusted Jesus Christ

00:23:50.340 --> 00:23:50.940
 as Lord and Savior,

00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:52.480
 we ought to be on mission,

00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.780
 not just during mission trips

00:23:53.780 --> 00:23:55.080
 and not just seasonally,

00:23:55.280 --> 00:23:56.740
 but every single day.

00:23:57.540 --> 00:23:58.800
 That we ought to live

00:23:58.800 --> 00:23:59.860
 in the reality

00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:01.140
 that others matter,

00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:02.800
 that time flies,

00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:04.660
 and in making the most

00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.240
 of that time,

00:24:05.320 --> 00:24:06.360
 we give encouragement,

00:24:06.580 --> 00:24:07.140
 not judgment.

00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:07.720
 Then finally,

00:24:07.800 --> 00:24:08.300
 I want you to notice

00:24:08.300 --> 00:24:08.860
 verse 6,

00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.640
 he says,

00:24:10.060 --> 00:24:10.660
 seasoned with salt.

00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.000
 That is,

00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:12.380
 our speech should be gracious,

00:24:12.860 --> 00:24:14.000
 seasoned with salt,

00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:15.780
 so that you may know

00:24:15.780 --> 00:24:17.520
 how you ought to answer

00:24:17.520 --> 00:24:18.720
 each person.

00:24:19.800 --> 00:24:20.400
 Isn't that interesting?

00:24:21.400 --> 00:24:22.259
 Seasoned with salt,

00:24:22.360 --> 00:24:23.320
 so that you know

00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:24.620
 how to answer

00:24:24.620 --> 00:24:25.640
 each person.

00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.920
 See, here's the thing.

00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.320
 The more we talk,

00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:29.460
 the more is known

00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:30.180
 about us,

00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.060
 even beyond

00:24:31.060 --> 00:24:32.180
 what we're talking about.

00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:33.660
 In other words,

00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:34.180
 it's one thing,

00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.100
 if we're talking about

00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.719
 Georgia football,

00:24:35.919 --> 00:24:36.759
 or we're talking about

00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:38.279
 Clemson or Auburn

00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.359
 or whatever team we're for,

00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:40.459
 and we're having

00:24:40.459 --> 00:24:41.159
 that conversation,

00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:41.599
 and some of you go,

00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:42.480
 man, they really love Georgia.

00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:42.819
 They're really,

00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:43.959
 well, that's obvious

00:24:43.959 --> 00:24:44.519
 from our words,

00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.819
 but sometimes,

00:24:46.379 --> 00:24:46.959
 oftentimes,

00:24:47.399 --> 00:24:48.679
 in the way that we talk

00:24:48.679 --> 00:24:49.639
 about those things,

00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:50.879
 there's more things

00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:51.799
 discovered about us.

00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:53.099
 For example,

00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:54.059
 when we go to Arizona

00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:55.339
 to visit Melissa's family,

00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:57.379
 it doesn't take people long

00:24:57.379 --> 00:24:58.299
 to realize we're not

00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:58.919
 from around there.

00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.939
 When they begin to hear

00:25:00.939 --> 00:25:01.759
 our southern accents,

00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:02.679
 especially when Emily

00:25:02.679 --> 00:25:03.139
 was little,

00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:04.119
 and she would come,

00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:04.699
 and they thought

00:25:04.699 --> 00:25:05.359
 it was the cutest thing

00:25:05.359 --> 00:25:06.419
 to hear Emily talk

00:25:06.419 --> 00:25:07.979
 and her southern drawl

00:25:07.979 --> 00:25:08.719
 and that sweet little

00:25:08.719 --> 00:25:09.319
 southern voice,

00:25:09.399 --> 00:25:09.559
 they're like,

00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.719
 oh, get her to say

00:25:10.719 --> 00:25:11.139
 something else,

00:25:11.159 --> 00:25:11.799
 say something else.

00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.259
 Well, it didn't matter

00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.339
 what she was talking about,

00:25:14.399 --> 00:25:15.179
 whether she was talking

00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:15.979
 about, you know,

00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:17.279
 Tekoa or she's talking

00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.259
 about the mountains

00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.279
 or the lake.

00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.879
 They knew that,

00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:21.439
 they were hearing

00:25:21.439 --> 00:25:22.179
 those words,

00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:24.019
 but beyond the words

00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:25.119
 was her accent.

00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.059
 Beyond the words

00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:27.619
 was who she was

00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:28.819
 past what she was saying.

00:25:29.699 --> 00:25:30.559
 And Paul understood

00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.519
 that as he's talking

00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.359
 to the Colossians,

00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.500
 again, they're Gentiles,

00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.059
 he's a Jew,

00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:35.039
 he understood there

00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.859
 were some things

00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:36.819
 in the conversation

00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.680
 that would be clear,

00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:38.400
 but then there were

00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.380
 things that were known

00:25:39.380 --> 00:25:40.940
 more beyond just

00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.539
 what we say,

00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.660
 that how we say it.

00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.279
 That's why he says

00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:43.880
 in verse 6,

00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:44.859
 the last part there,

00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.920
 seasoned with salt.

00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:48.960
 And you think about salt.

00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:51.500
 Salt is purifying.

00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.799
 Salt is sustaining.

00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:56.259
 Salt is penetrating.

00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:57.559
 So in other words,

00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:57.920
 he says,

00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.859
 don't think that

00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.839
 what you're saying

00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:00.880
 doesn't matter.

00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.360
 We've all heard

00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:03.120
 talk is cheap.

00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.040
 Well, that's not true,

00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:04.360
 is it?

00:26:04.780 --> 00:26:05.540
 Talk's not cheap.

00:26:06.280 --> 00:26:06.780
 Some of us,

00:26:07.080 --> 00:26:08.400
 the greatest wounds

00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:09.480
 of our heart and life

00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.400
 came from something

00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:11.840
 someone said about us

00:26:11.840 --> 00:26:12.660
 or to us

00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.660
 that was so piercing.

00:26:14.520 --> 00:26:15.300
 I've always said

00:26:15.300 --> 00:26:15.940
 whoever wrote

00:26:15.940 --> 00:26:16.720
 that little rhyme,

00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:18.020
 sticks and stones

00:26:18.020 --> 00:26:19.100
 may break my bones,

00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.300
 but names will never hurt me,

00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.400
 they are crazy

00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:21.900
 and they are

00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:23.160
 a pathological liar,

00:26:23.260 --> 00:26:23.480
 right?

00:26:23.540 --> 00:26:24.280
 You know what I'm saying?

00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.400
 Because it's true.

00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.640
 Man, you can say

00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:27.840
 15 nice things

00:26:27.840 --> 00:26:28.320
 to someone

00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:29.439
 and they forget those,

00:26:29.559 --> 00:26:30.439
 but you say something

00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:31.480
 cutting or biting

00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.099
 about them

00:26:32.099 --> 00:26:32.700
 or their spouse

00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.319
 or their children

00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:34.220
 and all of a sudden

00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.059
 it's like you can't

00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:35.779
 get that out of your mind.

00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.919
 You can't unhear it.

00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.419
 Paul knew that.

00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.299
 So Paul knew

00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:41.679
 that if we're cutting

00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:42.720
 with our words

00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.039
 in one moment

00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:45.759
 and then in another moment

00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.460
 we're trying to tell

00:26:46.460 --> 00:26:46.960
 that person

00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.019
 about the grace of God

00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:48.779
 and the love of God

00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.619
 and the mercy of God

00:26:49.619 --> 00:26:50.720
 and the forgiveness of God,

00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:51.939
 that person doesn't

00:26:51.939 --> 00:26:52.879
 hear the grace

00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:55.179
 because they've been

00:26:55.179 --> 00:26:56.379
 scarred by

00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:57.460
 the judgment.

00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.659
 So last principle

00:26:59.659 --> 00:27:00.339
 is simply this

00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.000
 as we think about

00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:02.059
 everyday evangelism,

00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:04.700
 talk is not always cheap.

00:27:05.439 --> 00:27:06.139
 It just isn't.

00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:08.899
 Talk is not always cheap.

00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.279
 Those flippant conversations,

00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:11.279
 those coarse jokes,

00:27:11.379 --> 00:27:12.379
 that negative gossip,

00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:13.480
 they are literally

00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.039
 a waste of words

00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.159
 and not only is it

00:27:16.159 --> 00:27:17.279
 a waste of words,

00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.759
 but that kind of talk

00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.839
 is dangerous

00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.240
 because that talk

00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:22.079
 can cause someone

00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:22.899
 to miss

00:27:22.899 --> 00:27:24.339
 the most important thing

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:24.799
 that we say

00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.720
 about Jesus Christ.

00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:25.799
 Christ.

00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:27.720
 So talk

00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:29.920
 is not always cheap.

00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:31.339
 Ephesians 4 verse 29,

00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.940
 Paul says this

00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:33.559
 to the Ephesians,

00:27:33.640 --> 00:27:33.900
 he says,

00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:34.920
 don't use foul

00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.440
 or abusive language.

00:27:37.059 --> 00:27:38.180
 Let everything you say

00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.059
 be good

00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:39.740
 and helpful

00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.360
 so that your words

00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:41.980
 will be

00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.900
 an encouragement

00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.980
 to those

00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:45.039
 who hear them.

00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:46.819
 That's something

00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.519
 I've been working on

00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:48.100
 for a long time.

00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:49.720
 I want to speak truth,

00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:52.440
 but I want to speak truth

00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.140
 with grace.

00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.340
 Where that really

00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:56.279
 drove home to me

00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.860
 was years ago.

00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:58.080
 I was teaching

00:27:58.080 --> 00:27:59.920
 through the book of John

00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.539
 and I got hung up

00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:01.180
 in chapter 1

00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:02.799
 because John chapter 1

00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.840
 talks about how the Word,

00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.000
 with a capital W,

00:28:05.100 --> 00:28:06.380
 the Word became flesh

00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:08.019
 and dwelt among us.

00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:09.440
 So the Word of God

00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:10.180
 that was with God

00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:10.759
 in the beginning

00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.840
 became flesh

00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:12.700
 and dwelt amongst us.

00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.160
 We beheld

00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:14.580
 the glory of God,

00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.279
 John says.

00:28:15.860 --> 00:28:16.860
 And then he says this,

00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.299
 full of grace

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.799
 and truth.

00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.240
 Isn't that interesting?

00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:22.720
 Because I don't know

00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:22.980
 about you,

00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:23.700
 but oftentimes

00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:25.700
 I kind of see

00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.559
 and I don't mean to,

00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:27.500
 but just practically

00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:29.180
 I see grace and truth

00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:30.259
 as almost fighting

00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.940
 one another.

00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.279
 Or I see grace and truth

00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:34.640
 as grace is over here

00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:35.180
 at one end

00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.480
 and truth is over here.

00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:36.920
 And you know,

00:28:37.059 --> 00:28:37.599
 there's been times

00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:38.140
 I've been guilty

00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:38.359
 saying,

00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:38.620
 hey,

00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:39.140
 I'm just going to

00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.859
 speak the truth.

00:28:40.980 --> 00:28:41.339
 Well,

00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.400
 but am I speaking it

00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:42.880
 with grace?

00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.519
 Or other times

00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.339
 I'm over here

00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:45.859
 on this side

00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:46.539
 and I'm like,

00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:46.700
 man,

00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:47.420
 I just want to be

00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:48.420
 kind and compassionate.

00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:50.039
 I just want to be

00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:50.779
 full of grace.

00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:52.200
 But I'm not

00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.000
 dealing with truth.

00:28:53.120 --> 00:28:53.259
 Well,

00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.599
 the rest of the book

00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:55.539
 of John shows us

00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:56.259
 what it looks like

00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:57.480
 in the life of Jesus

00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:59.599
 to see how grace

00:28:59.599 --> 00:29:00.339
 and truth

00:29:00.339 --> 00:29:01.559
 are not competitors,

00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.819
 but they are co-laborers

00:29:03.819 --> 00:29:05.000
 in the work of God

00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.579
 in our lives.

00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.880
 That the grace of God

00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:09.579
 gives us

00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:10.819
 what we do not deserve.

00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.740
 The truth of God

00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.259
 shows us

00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:14.519
 what we do deserve

00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.559
 and in understanding

00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.720
 what we ought to have,

00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:17.539
 the wrath of God,

00:29:17.620 --> 00:29:18.420
 the judgment of God,

00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:18.980
 and instead

00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.680
 we have the grace

00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:19.960
 of God,

00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:21.000
 the grace becomes

00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:21.720
 even more powerful

00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.519
 but also we don't

00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:23.620
 lose sight of who God is,

00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.519
 that He is holy

00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.420
 and He is righteous

00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.519
 and He is just.

00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:28.300
 See,

00:29:28.360 --> 00:29:28.900
 here's the thing.

00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:30.680
 Paul understood

00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:32.400
 that for many

00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:33.519
 of those outsiders

00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.240
 that he says

00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:34.960
 we're to be

00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.340
 wise toward,

00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:38.660
 it would do us well

00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.160
 to realize

00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:40.039
 that for many of them

00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.340
 we're the only Jesus

00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:42.080
 they'll ever see.

00:29:43.160 --> 00:29:44.100
 So when we claim

00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:44.820
 to have the Spirit

00:29:44.820 --> 00:29:45.680
 of God living with us,

00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.240
 we claim to be

00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.140
 a follower of Jesus,

00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:47.980
 we claim to be

00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.500
 a Christian,

00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.259
 we claim to be

00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:50.980
 in the light,

00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:51.539
 we claim to know

00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.359
 the grace of God

00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:53.359
 and yet none of that's

00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.579
 reflected in our life.

00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.460
 There's no light,

00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:56.880
 there's no hope,

00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.039
 there's no grace,

00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:59.059
 there's no mercy.

00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:00.599
 It's confusing

00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:01.920
 and conflicting

00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:03.779
 to those outsiders.

00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:05.259
 You see,

00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:05.920
 the goal is

00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:06.620
 simply this.

00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:08.079
 The goal is

00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:09.440
 that for those outsiders

00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.940
 who are outside

00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:11.880
 the faith of Christ,

00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:12.880
 who are outside

00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:13.640
 the body of Christ

00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.259
 called the church,

00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.259
 the goal is

00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:16.319
 for the outsider

00:30:16.319 --> 00:30:18.079
 to become an insider

00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:19.400
 through trusting Christ

00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.099
 as Lord and Savior.

00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:21.879
 See, again,

00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:22.640
 I think the enemy

00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:23.720
 has taken this idea

00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.839
 of evangelism

00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:25.279
 and we think

00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.339
 we've got to be able

00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.019
 to articulate

00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.960
 all kinds of things

00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:28.799
 and answer all kinds

00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:29.279
 of questions.

00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.220
 Well, what if they ask me

00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:30.819
 about dinosaurs?

00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:31.859
 What if they ask me

00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:32.920
 about the different

00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:35.660
 theories about the flood?

00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.700
 What if this?

00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:37.180
 What if that?

00:30:37.379 --> 00:30:38.420
 Well, that may happen,

00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.420
 but here's what I've learned.

00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:40.819
 If we would just

00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:42.140
 graciously and kindly

00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:43.680
 guide the conversation

00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:44.799
 back to the gospel,

00:30:45.640 --> 00:30:47.160
 oftentimes the very person

00:30:47.160 --> 00:30:48.860
 who may seem to be far

00:30:48.860 --> 00:30:50.100
 from trusting Christ,

00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:52.380
 if we stay on the message

00:30:52.380 --> 00:30:54.019
 that we've been given

00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:55.640
 to be reconciled to God,

00:30:55.660 --> 00:30:56.200
 there's no way

00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.160
 to be made right with God

00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:58.060
 except through Christ,

00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:59.700
 and we choose to do that

00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:01.160
 consistently day in

00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:01.900
 and day out,

00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:03.220
 that our life

00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:04.820
 and our lips,

00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.100
 that our words

00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:07.299
 and our deeds,

00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:09.019
 that they line up together,

00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.640
 that we will see

00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:12.040
 the impact that Paul

00:31:12.040 --> 00:31:13.240
 desires the Colossians

00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:13.700
 to have,

00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:15.340
 and he desires us

00:31:15.340 --> 00:31:16.220
 to have.

00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.360
 So as we think about

00:31:18.360 --> 00:31:19.360
 this core commitment,

00:31:20.060 --> 00:31:21.360
 we believe in

00:31:21.360 --> 00:31:22.440
 the authority of Scripture.

00:31:23.060 --> 00:31:24.240
 We believe in

00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:25.300
 the power of prayer.

00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:27.320
 We believe in the

00:31:27.320 --> 00:31:28.420
 importance of community,

00:31:28.580 --> 00:31:28.920
 but listen,

00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:30.780
 we also believe

00:31:30.780 --> 00:31:33.040
 in everyday evangelism

00:31:33.040 --> 00:31:34.420
 that really is

00:31:34.420 --> 00:31:35.240
 the responsibility

00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:37.840
 of every believer.

00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:39.779
 So as we think about

00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:40.859
 what does it look like

00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:42.179
 in your life

00:31:42.179 --> 00:31:43.939
 to live out

00:31:43.939 --> 00:31:45.439
 everyday evangelism?

00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:47.859
 Just two simple thoughts,

00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:49.559
 two questions.

00:31:49.679 --> 00:31:50.439
 The first one is this,

00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:52.179
 who is an outsider

00:31:52.179 --> 00:31:53.359
 in your life?

00:31:53.399 --> 00:31:53.980
 Who is someone

00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:55.000
 who doesn't know

00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:55.779
 Christ as Lord and Savior?

00:31:55.879 --> 00:31:57.039
 It might be your spouse.

00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.980
 It might be a sibling.

00:31:59.699 --> 00:32:00.639
 It might be a cousin.

00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.439
 It might be some other

00:32:01.439 --> 00:32:01.939
 family member.

00:32:02.119 --> 00:32:03.019
 It might be a neighbor.

00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:03.899
 It might be a co-worker.

00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:05.240
 It might be your best friend.

00:32:06.439 --> 00:32:07.539
 Who in your life

00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:09.440
 is an outsider

00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:11.779
 with whom you can become

00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:12.720
 more intentional

00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:15.000
 about taking those

00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:17.259
 chronological moments,

00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.259
 those minutes,

00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:19.079
 those days,

00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:19.779
 those hours

00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:20.700
 that you're hanging out

00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:22.819
 and transforming those

00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.539
 into keros,

00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:25.220
 defining moments

00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:26.859
 because they matter.

00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:28.420
 You see,

00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.079
 it really comes back

00:32:29.079 --> 00:32:29.819
 to that, doesn't it?

00:32:30.159 --> 00:32:31.539
 Do we really care

00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.379
 about that person

00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:33.559
 enough to tell them

00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:35.180
 the truth of the gospel?

00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.879
 So who in your life

00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:37.660
 is an outsider

00:32:37.660 --> 00:32:38.700
 who doesn't know

00:32:38.700 --> 00:32:39.520
 Christ as Lord and Savior?

00:32:39.820 --> 00:32:40.620
 Someone that you can be

00:32:40.620 --> 00:32:41.520
 more intentional

00:32:41.520 --> 00:32:43.160
 about gospel conversations.

00:32:43.280 --> 00:32:43.480
 And listen,

00:32:43.580 --> 00:32:43.840
 understand,

00:32:44.060 --> 00:32:44.860
 our responsibility

00:32:44.860 --> 00:32:46.040
 is simply to sow

00:32:46.040 --> 00:32:46.940
 the seed of the gospel.

00:32:47.180 --> 00:32:47.920
 The Lord is the Lord

00:32:47.920 --> 00:32:48.280
 of the harvest.

00:32:48.520 --> 00:32:49.020
 He's the one

00:32:49.020 --> 00:32:49.980
 that changes lives,

00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:51.400
 but He uses

00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:52.520
 our little sprinkling

00:32:52.520 --> 00:32:53.080
 of seeds,

00:32:53.540 --> 00:32:54.560
 our little moments

00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:56.380
 that we buy up

00:32:56.380 --> 00:32:57.440
 those opportunities

00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:59.180
 to talk about

00:32:59.180 --> 00:33:00.360
 who Christ is

00:33:00.360 --> 00:33:01.280
 and what He's done

00:33:01.280 --> 00:33:01.940
 in our life.

00:33:02.900 --> 00:33:03.880
 That's the first question.

00:33:03.940 --> 00:33:04.740
 Who's an outsider

00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:06.000
 that you can become

00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.980
 more intentional about

00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:08.180
 with gospel conversations,

00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:09.559
 desiring to see them

00:33:09.559 --> 00:33:10.559
 to go from being

00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:11.519
 outside the faith

00:33:11.519 --> 00:33:13.220
 to being inside the faith

00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:14.240
 of trusting Christ

00:33:14.240 --> 00:33:14.900
 as Lord and Savior?

00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:16.299
 The second question

00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:16.779
 is this,

00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:18.839
 what everyday moments

00:33:18.839 --> 00:33:19.620
 do you have?

00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:20.660
 In other words,

00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.759
 what's in the rhythm

00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:22.380
 of your life,

00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:23.519
 those everyday moments

00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.500
 that you can see

00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:25.299
 transformed

00:33:25.299 --> 00:33:27.599
 into missional opportunities?

00:33:28.839 --> 00:33:29.120
 I mean,

00:33:29.140 --> 00:33:30.000
 when we go on a mission trip,

00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.559
 we work hard.

00:33:30.839 --> 00:33:31.640
 Not only do we want

00:33:31.640 --> 00:33:31.940
 to make sure

00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:32.580
 we know what clothes

00:33:32.580 --> 00:33:33.140
 we need to bring

00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:34.000
 and what the schedule is,

00:33:34.140 --> 00:33:35.000
 but most of us,

00:33:35.059 --> 00:33:35.820
 we spend time saying,

00:33:35.900 --> 00:33:37.279
 Lord, help me be prepared.

00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:38.299
 I know I've got to be flexible.

00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.240
 Some things aren't going to go

00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:39.779
 the way I think

00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:40.480
 they're going to go.

00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:42.340
 Lord, I want to be aware

00:33:42.340 --> 00:33:43.299
 of people around me.

00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.299
 Whether I'm doing

00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:45.200
 a construction project,

00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:46.220
 there's still lost people there.

00:33:46.360 --> 00:33:47.240
 Or whether I'm going out

00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:47.840
 and telling people

00:33:47.840 --> 00:33:48.799
 about Jesus on purpose.

00:33:49.160 --> 00:33:50.340
 Lord, help me be intentional.

00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.820
 Well, we ought to have

00:33:51.820 --> 00:33:53.200
 that same kind of focus,

00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:55.500
 that same kind of intentionality

00:33:55.500 --> 00:33:57.460
 in our everyday life.

00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.460
 Those everyday moments,

00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.160
 those patterns,

00:33:59.299 --> 00:33:59.900
 those routines,

00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.779
 those people in those places,

00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:02.519
 that we go to

00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.639
 day after day,

00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:04.779
 week after week.

00:34:05.420 --> 00:34:06.119
 How can we be

00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:06.740
 more intentional?

00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.480
 How can you be

00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.079
 more intentional

00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:10.460
 to transform

00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:11.519
 those everyday moments

00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.779
 into missional

00:34:12.779 --> 00:34:14.320
 gospel opportunities?

00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.139
 Now, it could be

00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:17.420
 that as you listen

00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:18.039
 to this message,

00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:18.820
 you realize that

00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.840
 you're one of those

00:34:19.840 --> 00:34:20.779
 outsiders.

00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:22.360
 Maybe you've been

00:34:22.360 --> 00:34:23.039
 coming to church,

00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:24.079
 maybe you've been coming

00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:25.000
 with family members

00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.539
 or friends,

00:34:25.679 --> 00:34:26.779
 but the fact is

00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:27.599
 when you think about

00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:28.259
 Jesus Christ,

00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:28.900
 He's kind of

00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:30.400
 someone historically,

00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:32.400
 He's someone important,

00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:34.139
 He's someone

00:34:34.139 --> 00:34:35.780
 that you believe in,

00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:36.740
 just like you believe

00:34:36.740 --> 00:34:37.940
 Abraham Lincoln existed

00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:39.480
 or JFK existed,

00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:41.200
 but you don't know Christ.

00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.200
 Well, can I tell you

00:34:43.200 --> 00:34:44.280
 that the Bible says

00:34:44.280 --> 00:34:46.200
 not only does He want you

00:34:46.200 --> 00:34:47.180
 to know about Him,

00:34:47.220 --> 00:34:47.880
 but He wants you

00:34:47.880 --> 00:34:49.039
 to know Him.

00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:50.760
 That whoever calls

00:34:50.760 --> 00:34:51.980
 on the name of the Lord

00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:53.160
 will be saved.

00:34:53.700 --> 00:34:53.960
 You say,

00:34:54.019 --> 00:34:54.880
 well, what does that mean?

00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:56.240
 It means that you recognize

00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:58.139
 that Jesus did for you,

00:34:58.779 --> 00:34:59.920
 that He did for us

00:34:59.920 --> 00:35:00.779
 what we could never do

00:35:00.779 --> 00:35:01.420
 for ourself.

00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:03.279
 That He died on the cross

00:35:03.279 --> 00:35:03.940
 for our sin.

00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.379
 What is sin?

00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:05.659
 It means missing the mark,

00:35:05.739 --> 00:35:05.920
 literally.

00:35:06.259 --> 00:35:07.099
 We miss the mark

00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:08.259
 of God's standard of holiness.

00:35:08.440 --> 00:35:09.379
 None of us are holy.

00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:11.219
 Even the most righteous person

00:35:11.219 --> 00:35:12.000
 who ever lived

00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:13.559
 needed the grace of God.

00:35:14.920 --> 00:35:15.579
 The Bible says

00:35:15.579 --> 00:35:16.799
 the result of that,

00:35:16.859 --> 00:35:17.559
 what we've earned,

00:35:17.659 --> 00:35:18.539
 the wages of sin,

00:35:18.639 --> 00:35:19.779
 what we deserve for that

00:35:19.779 --> 00:35:20.159
 is death,

00:35:20.259 --> 00:35:21.179
 separation from God.

00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:23.019
 But the free gift of God

00:35:23.019 --> 00:35:23.679
 is eternal life

00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:24.339
 through Jesus Christ,

00:35:24.420 --> 00:35:24.739
 our Lord.

00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:26.119
 So it might be

00:35:26.119 --> 00:35:26.619
 that right now

00:35:26.619 --> 00:35:27.179
 you just want to

00:35:27.179 --> 00:35:27.900
 in your heart say,

00:35:27.900 --> 00:35:28.360
 Lord Jesus,

00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:29.260
 I believe you died

00:35:29.260 --> 00:35:29.740
 on the cross.

00:35:30.300 --> 00:35:31.240
 I believe you died

00:35:31.240 --> 00:35:32.139
 there for me.

00:35:32.720 --> 00:35:33.800
 I believe you were buried

00:35:33.800 --> 00:35:34.720
 and you rose again

00:35:34.720 --> 00:35:35.480
 and right now

00:35:35.480 --> 00:35:36.099
 I want to go

00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:36.900
 from the outside

00:35:36.900 --> 00:35:37.460
 looking in.

00:35:37.660 --> 00:35:38.660
 I want you to be

00:35:38.660 --> 00:35:39.760
 Lord of my life.

00:35:40.519 --> 00:35:41.519
 I want my life

00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:42.300
 to be changed

00:35:42.300 --> 00:35:43.280
 by your life.

00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:44.480
 I want your resurrection

00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:46.300
 power to live in me.

00:35:46.400 --> 00:35:47.200
 I want hope.

00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:48.380
 I want forgiveness.

00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:49.860
 I want purpose, Lord.

00:35:50.800 --> 00:35:51.760
 I trust you

00:35:51.760 --> 00:35:52.380
 as my Savior

00:35:52.380 --> 00:35:52.900
 and my Lord.

00:35:54.079 --> 00:35:54.940
 See, the Bible says

00:35:54.940 --> 00:35:56.240
 it's very simple

00:35:56.240 --> 00:35:57.840
 to trust Christ.

00:35:57.900 --> 00:35:58.480
 as your Savior

00:35:58.480 --> 00:35:59.460
 just by praying

00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:00.039
 a simple prayer

00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.720
 in your heart like that.

00:36:00.780 --> 00:36:01.119
 But remember,

00:36:01.380 --> 00:36:02.220
 it's not the words.

00:36:02.360 --> 00:36:03.800
 It's not some incantation.

00:36:03.880 --> 00:36:05.079
 It's not some abracadabra words.

00:36:05.320 --> 00:36:06.539
 It's a full stop.

00:36:06.619 --> 00:36:07.599
 It's a full surrender

00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:08.860
 of all that you are to Him.

00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:09.900
 And listen,

00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:10.780
 if you've trusted Christ,

00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:11.340
 do us a favor.

00:36:11.420 --> 00:36:12.099
 Let us know that.

00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:13.740
 We want to come alongside you

00:36:13.740 --> 00:36:14.559
 and help you know

00:36:14.559 --> 00:36:15.599
 that that's not the end

00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:16.599
 of what God has for you.

00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:17.599
 That's the beginning.

00:36:18.680 --> 00:36:19.599
 It may be that you're listening

00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.240
 to this message

00:36:20.240 --> 00:36:21.360
 and the Lord's just putting

00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:21.780
 on your heart

00:36:21.780 --> 00:36:22.420
 that you need to write

00:36:22.420 --> 00:36:23.079
 some names down.

00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:23.840
 There are some people

00:36:23.840 --> 00:36:25.099
 in your circle of influence.

00:36:25.440 --> 00:36:26.579
 There are some outsiders

00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:27.619
 that you're with

00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:28.920
 on a frequent basis

00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:29.960
 that you need to begin

00:36:29.960 --> 00:36:31.519
 to not only pray for by name,

00:36:31.679 --> 00:36:32.980
 but look for those moments

00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.440
 because time flies.

00:36:35.119 --> 00:36:36.079
 Look for those moments

00:36:36.079 --> 00:36:37.000
 where you can give

00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.579
 encouragement,

00:36:37.799 --> 00:36:38.380
 not judgment.

00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:40.219
 Look for those opportunities

00:36:40.219 --> 00:36:42.059
 to make your talk matter,

00:36:42.139 --> 00:36:43.639
 to let your words have weight

00:36:43.639 --> 00:36:44.779
 about the truth of Christ.

00:36:44.839 --> 00:36:45.259
 Maybe you just want

00:36:45.259 --> 00:36:46.079
 to write their names down

00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:47.400
 and maybe put it on a sticky note

00:36:47.400 --> 00:36:48.199
 and put it by your mirror

00:36:48.199 --> 00:36:49.179
 or maybe put a note

00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:49.579
 in your phone.

00:36:49.679 --> 00:36:50.480
 Maybe even send yourself

00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:51.699
 an alert where every day

00:36:51.699 --> 00:36:52.739
 or two those names come

00:36:52.739 --> 00:36:53.460
 and you're just reminded

00:36:53.460 --> 00:36:54.139
 to pray for them

00:36:54.139 --> 00:36:54.960
 and not just pray,

00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:56.460
 but then look for those moments.

00:36:56.599 --> 00:36:57.579
 Look for how God wants

00:36:57.579 --> 00:37:00.099
 to transform the chronological moments,

00:37:00.199 --> 00:37:01.179
 the chronos moments

00:37:01.179 --> 00:37:03.300
 into keros defining moments.

00:37:03.900 --> 00:37:04.920
 He wants you to step in

00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.539
 and be part of that.

00:37:06.440 --> 00:37:07.260
 It might be that you know

00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.300
 Christ is Lord and Savior

00:37:08.300 --> 00:37:09.400
 and the fact is

00:37:09.400 --> 00:37:09.960
 you've been visiting

00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:11.460
 First Baptist for weeks

00:37:11.460 --> 00:37:11.880
 or months

00:37:11.880 --> 00:37:12.920
 and you need to join this church

00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:14.039
 and so the next time we gather

00:37:14.039 --> 00:37:15.019
 you need to come to Pastor Bread

00:37:15.019 --> 00:37:15.800
 or even before them

00:37:15.800 --> 00:37:17.099
 reach out to the church office

00:37:17.099 --> 00:37:17.780
 or send an email,

00:37:17.900 --> 00:37:18.619
 make a phone call

00:37:18.619 --> 00:37:19.760
 or even use Facebook

00:37:19.760 --> 00:37:21.220
 to send a private message

00:37:21.220 --> 00:37:21.820
 and say,

00:37:21.920 --> 00:37:22.280
 hey, you know what?

00:37:22.280 --> 00:37:23.380
 I want to talk more about

00:37:23.380 --> 00:37:24.480
 what it means to be part

00:37:24.480 --> 00:37:25.440
 of what God is doing

00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:26.820
 here at First Baptist

00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:28.540
 because we believe.

00:37:29.300 --> 00:37:30.500
 We believe in the authority

00:37:30.500 --> 00:37:30.880
 of Scripture.

00:37:31.519 --> 00:37:32.820
 We believe in the power

00:37:32.820 --> 00:37:33.240
 of prayer.

00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:34.320
 We believe in the importance

00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:34.980
 of community

00:37:34.980 --> 00:37:36.740
 and here at First Baptist

00:37:36.740 --> 00:37:37.060
 of Koeh,

00:37:37.060 --> 00:37:39.880
 we believe in everyday evangelism.

00:37:41.280 --> 00:37:41.680
 Again,

00:37:41.780 --> 00:37:42.940
 know that we're praying for you.

00:37:43.080 --> 00:37:44.400
 I look forward to worship

00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:45.180
 with you again soon.

00:37:45.280 --> 00:37:45.940
 Pray for our pastor

00:37:45.940 --> 00:37:47.660
 as he makes his way back home

00:37:47.660 --> 00:37:48.519
 from a mission trip

00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:50.079
 and Clay and Evan

00:37:50.079 --> 00:37:52.079
 and Josh and Savannah,

00:37:52.259 --> 00:37:52.759
 our staff

00:37:52.759 --> 00:37:54.139
 as they continue to lead us well,

00:37:54.239 --> 00:37:54.920
 our deacons,

00:37:55.019 --> 00:37:55.880
 our small group leaders.

00:37:56.019 --> 00:37:57.559
 What a blessing it is

00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:58.860
 to be part of what God

00:37:58.860 --> 00:37:59.679
 is doing right here

00:37:59.679 --> 00:38:00.980
 at First Baptist Koeh.

00:38:01.119 --> 00:38:02.119
 Let me pray for you

00:38:02.119 --> 00:38:03.179
 and you stay warm,

00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:03.460
 all right?

00:38:03.539 --> 00:38:04.420
 Lord, we come to you.

00:38:04.960 --> 00:38:05.579
 We thank you

00:38:05.579 --> 00:38:06.539
 for these few moments

00:38:06.539 --> 00:38:08.179
 just to gather virtually.

00:38:08.619 --> 00:38:09.920
 How incredible it is

00:38:09.920 --> 00:38:12.099
 that we can have your word taught

00:38:12.099 --> 00:38:13.440
 and we can experience it

00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:14.739
 together in this moment.

00:38:15.440 --> 00:38:15.659
 And Lord,

00:38:15.659 --> 00:38:16.639
 it's not the power

00:38:16.639 --> 00:38:17.599
 of social media.

00:38:17.859 --> 00:38:18.659
 It's not the power

00:38:18.659 --> 00:38:19.359
 of technology.

00:38:19.599 --> 00:38:20.519
 It's the power

00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:21.399
 of your spirit

00:38:21.399 --> 00:38:22.279
 and your word

00:38:22.279 --> 00:38:24.579
 that makes this moment significant.

00:38:25.379 --> 00:38:25.899
 And I pray,

00:38:26.000 --> 00:38:26.859
 Lord, beginning with me.

00:38:27.379 --> 00:38:28.759
 Lord, you have reminded me

00:38:28.759 --> 00:38:29.279
 repeatedly

00:38:29.279 --> 00:38:30.460
 in the last couple of weeks

00:38:30.460 --> 00:38:32.480
 that I need to be more intentional

00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:33.819
 as an everyday evangelist.

00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:35.480
 Lord, I need to look

00:38:35.480 --> 00:38:37.579
 for those opportunities

00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:40.539
 to see that regular moment,

00:38:40.699 --> 00:38:41.460
 that just pattern,

00:38:41.759 --> 00:38:43.199
 that grabbing a cup of coffee,

00:38:43.279 --> 00:38:44.139
 that getting a tank of gas,

00:38:44.219 --> 00:38:44.839
 that eating lunch

00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:45.660
 at that same place,

00:38:46.160 --> 00:38:47.100
 and transform it

00:38:47.100 --> 00:38:48.920
 into a defining moment.

00:38:49.720 --> 00:38:50.360
 Lord, we thank you

00:38:50.360 --> 00:38:51.320
 for our pastor, Brett.

00:38:51.400 --> 00:38:51.820
 We thank you

00:38:51.820 --> 00:38:52.559
 for his love for you.

00:38:52.640 --> 00:38:53.440
 Thank you for how he is

00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:55.059
 diligent to lead us,

00:38:55.420 --> 00:38:56.380
 to model for us

00:38:56.380 --> 00:38:57.120
 what it looks like

00:38:57.120 --> 00:38:58.480
 to be committed to you.

00:38:58.880 --> 00:38:59.320
 Lord, again,

00:38:59.380 --> 00:39:00.480
 I pray for safety.

00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:02.880
 I pray for physical warmth

00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:03.860
 and spiritual warmth.

00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:05.280
 Pray that we would be aware

00:39:05.280 --> 00:39:06.280
 of those around us,

00:39:06.280 --> 00:39:07.340
 even maybe right now,

00:39:07.760 --> 00:39:08.539
 who maybe need

00:39:08.539 --> 00:39:10.120
 a word of encouragement,

00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:10.800
 whether it's walking

00:39:10.800 --> 00:39:12.780
 across the ice and snow,

00:39:12.880 --> 00:39:13.660
 carefully to say

00:39:13.660 --> 00:39:14.120
 to a neighbor,

00:39:14.119 --> 00:39:14.880
 hey, are you okay?

00:39:15.239 --> 00:39:15.799
 Or whether it's,

00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:16.819
 if our phones are working,

00:39:16.900 --> 00:39:17.920
 being able to send a text

00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:18.460
 just to say,

00:39:18.599 --> 00:39:19.099
 I love you,

00:39:19.119 --> 00:39:19.799
 I'm praying for you,

00:39:19.839 --> 00:39:20.900
 let me know if I can help you.

00:39:21.420 --> 00:39:22.099
 Lord, thank you

00:39:22.099 --> 00:39:24.119
 that even in disruptions,

00:39:24.519 --> 00:39:25.380
 you have a purpose.

00:39:25.779 --> 00:39:26.380
 And ultimately,

00:39:26.539 --> 00:39:27.079
 the purpose

00:39:27.079 --> 00:39:28.719
 is to see those

00:39:28.719 --> 00:39:29.400
 who are lost,

00:39:29.759 --> 00:39:30.019
 found.

00:39:30.159 --> 00:39:31.079
 Those who are hopeless,

00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:32.139
 to know hope.

00:39:32.659 --> 00:39:33.920
 Those who are in darkness,

00:39:34.440 --> 00:39:35.000
 to know light.

00:39:35.099 --> 00:39:36.059
 Those, Lord,

00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:37.960
 who are without you,

00:39:38.259 --> 00:39:39.299
 who are outside,

00:39:40.019 --> 00:39:40.199
 Lord,

00:39:40.239 --> 00:39:41.719
 to come inside

00:39:41.719 --> 00:39:43.039
 the faith family.

00:39:43.799 --> 00:39:44.339
 We thank you

00:39:44.339 --> 00:39:45.239
 for your grace and love.

00:39:45.319 --> 00:39:46.059
 Thank you for your word.

00:39:46.119 --> 00:39:46.699
 We pray this,

00:39:47.119 --> 00:39:47.339
 Jesus,

00:39:47.480 --> 00:39:48.099
 for your glory.

00:39:48.639 --> 00:39:48.899
 Amen.

00:39:48.899 --> 00:39:49.039
 Amen.

00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039


00:39:49.039 --> 00:39:49.039