WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.700 Luke chapter 2, Luke chapter 2, I hope you've been as blessed as I have through the music. 00:00:04.780 --> 00:00:07.200 Brian, don't you ever apologize for singing that song? 00:00:08.099 --> 00:00:13.259 That and It Is Well is probably my two favorite songs and whatever else I think of later. 00:00:13.660 --> 00:00:17.780 But I really, it is, it means the world to me. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:22.420 That song does, first time I ever heard him sing that, I was thinking, does he know Lorna 00:00:22.420 --> 00:00:23.359 Harris sings that? 00:00:24.039 --> 00:00:25.080 Is he going there? 00:00:25.140 --> 00:00:28.440 And he went there and he does an excellent job and I appreciate that. 00:00:28.440 --> 00:00:34.079 And then we sang about, redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die. 00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:36.000 Think about that, folks. 00:00:37.020 --> 00:00:38.820 Woo, that's a message there. 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:40.420 And Josh, thank you so much, brother. 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:43.000 Last man to let you down, Josh Hyatt, right there. 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:43.939 He'll take care of you, brother. 00:00:44.280 --> 00:00:45.980 If you don't know him, he's a mortician. 00:00:46.060 --> 00:00:49.760 So anyway, he'll take care of you. 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:53.480 Y'all will get that later, won't you? 00:00:54.219 --> 00:00:54.859 Do you hear that? 00:00:54.939 --> 00:00:57.719 Kind of like the wave, you know, some people get it and then, you know. 00:00:58.439 --> 00:01:05.480 I want us this morning to close out our year together and to preface the new year by responding 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:13.980 to the difference that the birth of Christ really makes in our world and in our lives. 00:01:14.739 --> 00:01:20.799 And I do that by reading my favorite part of the Christmas story. 00:01:20.799 --> 00:01:23.939 Now, listen, I know Christmas is over. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:26.420 And some of y'all are like me. 00:01:27.060 --> 00:01:32.019 As we were opening up gifts around the tree, I thought, I didn't know I bought that. 00:01:32.159 --> 00:01:34.479 I wouldn't have bought that if I'd known I bought that, you know. 00:01:34.659 --> 00:01:37.479 So Christmas ain't over, but yet Christmas is over. 00:01:37.599 --> 00:01:38.579 And I get that. 00:01:38.759 --> 00:01:43.459 But there's parts of it that just stay with you. 00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:50.239 And Luke chapter 2, verse 15 through 20 is probably my favorite part of the Christmas story. 00:01:50.759 --> 00:01:54.739 Don't know if that's theologically correct to say, but I'll just tell you that it is. 00:01:55.099 --> 00:01:56.879 Because it's about our response to it. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:00.819 What difference does it really make in our hearts and lives? 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:06.500 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 00:02:07.039 --> 00:02:12.400 let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that's happened, which the Lord has made known to us. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:14.299 And they went with haste. 00:02:14.359 --> 00:02:15.019 They were hurrying. 00:02:15.479 --> 00:02:18.560 And they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. 00:02:18.780 --> 00:02:24.699 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 00:02:24.759 --> 00:02:26.359 It means they told folks about it, folks. 00:02:26.359 --> 00:02:30.780 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:36.819 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 00:02:37.419 --> 00:02:44.120 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them. 00:02:45.299 --> 00:02:53.019 It's my favorite part because it deals with how people were affected by witnessing the newborn babe 00:02:53.019 --> 00:02:56.280 and the happenings around Jesus. 00:02:56.280 --> 00:02:57.699 And what a scene it was. 00:02:57.699 --> 00:03:25.439 How do you respond to that? 00:03:25.439 --> 00:03:30.120 We treasure it. 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:35.520 How do you respond to what Christ has done for us? 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:36.439 We treasure it. 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:40.699 It says Mary treasured all the parts of the event that she had witnessed. 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:41.479 She took it in. 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:47.899 I really think that if she had not paused and reflected, she would have been so overwhelmed, 00:03:49.060 --> 00:03:54.299 so overstimulated by the atmosphere and the guests and the activities and all of that, 00:03:54.379 --> 00:03:55.919 that she might have missed it. 00:03:55.919 --> 00:04:02.060 But in the midst of all of that, she paused. 00:04:06.060 --> 00:04:12.819 As 2023 leaves us, and as 2024 comes, 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:26.060 it is my hope that for 2024 that you'll make a commitment to pause spiritually in your life in a few different ways. 00:04:26.060 --> 00:04:36.459 One is to pause weekly and faithfully be in corporate worship with the family of believers that you're part of. 00:04:36.459 --> 00:04:42.099 The devil loves to side track us in this area. 00:04:43.419 --> 00:04:45.899 He loves to throw us off our game. 00:04:45.899 --> 00:04:50.839 And there's a reason why he likes to throw us off our game. 00:04:52.099 --> 00:04:54.139 We need this, folks. 00:04:57.799 --> 00:04:59.459 I need this. 00:05:00.639 --> 00:05:02.379 You need this. 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:10.919 And don't ever be mistaken that we need this and you to be a part of it. 00:05:11.699 --> 00:05:13.799 It makes a difference, I promise you. 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:16.100 We need the spiritual encouragement. 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:18.300 We need the biblical confrontation. 00:05:19.620 --> 00:05:25.600 We need the rhythm of rest, worship rest, with the body of believers. 00:05:26.540 --> 00:05:27.560 It's like milk. 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:29.340 It does a body good, I'm telling you. 00:05:29.780 --> 00:05:32.480 Your body as well as this body, 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:35.740 unless, of course, you're lactose intolerant. 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:38.220 And if you are, that illustration probably don't work for you. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:40.379 But it does you good. 00:05:40.960 --> 00:05:41.740 It really does. 00:05:41.740 --> 00:05:47.600 Now, that may sound for some like a selfish plea for my job security, 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:48.939 but I promise you it's not. 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:50.600 It's the truth. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:55.699 And I have seen what happens when people wander away. 00:05:55.699 --> 00:06:02.800 I've seen what happens when corporate worship becomes less of a priority. 00:06:05.279 --> 00:06:09.599 When other priorities in your life get skewed along with it. 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:13.140 And when it begins to affect your family, 00:06:13.140 --> 00:06:17.020 it begins to affect your witness. 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:21.060 It begins to affect your testimony. 00:06:23.160 --> 00:06:26.260 Always by more than you can ever see. 00:06:27.340 --> 00:06:32.320 Because the devil works in darkness and he loves to blind us in those areas. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:35.360 To help us miss our blind spots. 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:38.139 I promise you it makes a difference. 00:06:39.280 --> 00:06:41.300 But I want to be clear about something this morning. 00:06:42.420 --> 00:06:46.139 Church attendance does not make enough of a difference. 00:06:48.160 --> 00:06:51.280 You need more than just corporate worship for this hour. 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:55.319 It's not to take anything away from your commitment to be here, 00:06:55.379 --> 00:06:56.740 and I'm thankful that you're here. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:07:00.720 You have a lot of reasons this week to not be here. 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:04.340 You can come up with a lot of excuses to not be here. 00:07:06.460 --> 00:07:07.800 I'm thankful that you are. 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:13.840 But you need to connect with folks more personally around the Word of God. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:18.700 And we try to promote, 00:07:18.840 --> 00:07:21.960 but I'm not going to bang a drum every week, I promise you, 00:07:22.600 --> 00:07:25.860 to let you know how strong it is for you, 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:30.200 how much it will help you to be a part of a Bible study class on Sunday morning. 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:33.060 A smaller group we call Sunday school. 00:07:33.720 --> 00:07:35.900 To be a part of that and to grow together. 00:07:36.880 --> 00:07:38.480 The fellowship that comes from that. 00:07:38.920 --> 00:07:40.800 The outreach that comes from that. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:42.060 What I call the in-reach. 00:07:42.180 --> 00:07:45.920 When people are hurting and your Sunday school class knows more about those circumstances 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:47.140 than anybody else in the church, 00:07:47.260 --> 00:07:49.940 and they can wrap around you and love on you 00:07:49.940 --> 00:07:52.600 and how we're blessed in this church for that to happen. 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:56.400 It is needed. 00:07:56.860 --> 00:07:58.100 I promise you it's needed. 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:02.780 And then to be faithful in the discipleship class. 00:08:02.900 --> 00:08:08.220 This week is kind of one of our weeks where we emphasize all these new opportunities. 00:08:09.600 --> 00:08:12.260 Because we have new opportunities coming in January. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:18.120 If you've not been a part before and looked for a door to get into, 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:20.300 hello, welcome. 00:08:20.539 --> 00:08:21.079 It's time. 00:08:21.539 --> 00:08:21.699 You know? 00:08:22.039 --> 00:08:24.099 I mean, there's a page full of them. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:26.219 And if that ain't enough, we'll come up with more. 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:26.759 You know what I mean? 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:28.399 I mean, we'll... 00:08:28.399 --> 00:08:35.340 Because I want you to be able to take a step deeper than where you are now. 00:08:35.340 --> 00:08:42.340 Now, sanctification is the process of one who's given his or her heart and life to the Lord Jesus 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:47.740 to become more like Christ throughout the rest of their life until they see him face to face. 00:08:47.920 --> 00:08:53.000 And we want to do everything we can to help you become a disciple of Christ 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:59.120 and grow in him throughout your life and not stop until you see him face to face. 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:01.600 And that's why we do what we do. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:06.420 If you're already there in Sunday school, for instance, 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:11.519 then come back on a Sunday night or come back on a Wednesday and dig deeper. 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:15.480 Treasure what God has given you in Christ. 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:20.600 But I challenge each one of you, take a step further in 2024. 00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:26.680 Not to more obligation, but to more growth. 00:09:26.679 --> 00:09:30.679 But even more than that, 00:09:32.799 --> 00:09:36.859 treasure what you have in the Lord daily. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:40.899 Spend time in God's Word. 00:09:43.179 --> 00:09:44.259 Now, let me be clear. 00:09:44.359 --> 00:09:49.279 You may have a method and a procedure that you use daily to dig into God's Word, 00:09:49.339 --> 00:09:50.179 and that works. 00:09:50.319 --> 00:09:52.519 And if that works, don't let it throw you off your game. 00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:56.559 You don't have to do what everybody else is doing. 00:09:58.079 --> 00:10:01.259 But let me tell you, the devil loves to stump us in this area. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:07.159 He wants us to not pray faithfully. 00:10:08.439 --> 00:10:13.480 He wants us to not take time in God's Word daily. 00:10:13.819 --> 00:10:18.079 And I promise you, if it's not a priority to you, it won't happen. 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:18.980 It just won't. 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:22.320 If it's not a daily appointment for you, it won't happen. 00:10:22.840 --> 00:10:25.560 Satan does not want you to be blessed. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:32.060 Listen to Psalm 1 that shows us how to be blessed. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:33.840 It says this, 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:38.379 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:41.279 nor stands in the way of sinners, 00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:42.980 nor sits in the seat of scoffers. 00:10:43.539 --> 00:10:45.460 Do you see the progression there? 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:51.360 If you're walking in the wrong way for long, you'll stop and stand there, 00:10:51.420 --> 00:10:53.420 and if you're not, you'll plop down and get comfortable. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:55.800 That's what happens. 00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:57.259 It's a drift, folks. 00:11:00.400 --> 00:11:02.340 But the one who's blessed don't do those things. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:05.340 But instead, his delight is in the law of the Lord, 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:08.960 and on his law he meditates day and night. 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:14.940 He's like a tree planted by streams of water who yield its fruit in its season, 00:11:15.139 --> 00:11:17.000 and its leaf does not wither. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.620 In all that he does, he prospers. 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:21.960 Why? 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:25.860 Because he meditates on the Word. 00:11:25.860 --> 00:11:29.000 I want you to be blessed. 00:11:29.680 --> 00:11:31.180 I want your life to be blessed. 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:36.919 And I know the difference that spending time daily in the Word of God will make in your life. 00:11:37.440 --> 00:11:41.220 I will say the effort of spending time daily in the Word of God 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:43.860 is probably going to be the greatest emphasized effort 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:47.060 at Pickens First Baptist Church in 2024. 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:51.980 It's amazing to me to see how God has worked around that. 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:52.920 Let me tell you why. 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:57.819 I came in almost 19 months ago, 00:11:58.839 --> 00:12:02.959 and I started with a sermon series called First Things First, 00:12:03.059 --> 00:12:04.519 and I told you right off the bat 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:08.219 that I believe one of the first things in your life ought to be 00:12:08.219 --> 00:12:10.500 spending time daily in the Word of God. 00:12:11.659 --> 00:12:14.500 We had bookmarks made that gave a reading plan, 00:12:14.599 --> 00:12:16.159 and those bookmarks are out, 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:19.439 and they are on the offertory boxes on both sides of me 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:21.699 as well as in the foyer. 00:12:22.919 --> 00:12:28.539 If you've been to our introductory discovery class, 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:31.099 you've heard me talk about that as well. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:33.120 I don't want to spend a lot of time on it this morning 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:34.939 because I've talked a lot about it. 00:12:34.940 --> 00:12:40.480 I will post a post on Facebook this afternoon 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:42.460 that talks even more about it. 00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:46.520 I emphasized in 2023 that, 00:12:46.760 --> 00:12:49.280 and many of you join me in that if you're not already doing that. 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:51.140 Jeff has two meetings a week with men 00:12:51.140 --> 00:12:54.420 who are reading the Word together and studying together. 00:12:54.540 --> 00:12:55.320 It's called D-Life. 00:12:55.320 --> 00:12:56.480 I encourage you to be a part of that. 00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:59.740 The difference that this year, 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:04.180 the difference in this year is that God has stoked a fire 00:13:04.180 --> 00:13:07.740 under the ladies of our church in this particular area, 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:13.080 and they have a plan, and they have a layout, 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:16.900 and they have a system that ladies will help you succeed 00:13:16.900 --> 00:13:19.600 in spending time daily in the Word of God. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:24.279 Dozens of ladies have signed up to be a part of this. 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.300 It's called the Bible Recap. 00:13:26.540 --> 00:13:28.240 The Bible Recap has a, there's a, 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:30.340 I mean, there's a brunch Saturday about it, you know. 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:33.440 So, I mean, the Bible Recap has a plan of reading. 00:13:33.779 --> 00:13:37.700 They have a podcast that they explain what you've read. 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:40.580 They have, that backs up that plan daily. 00:13:40.680 --> 00:13:42.540 They have a very good little commentary 00:13:42.539 --> 00:13:45.419 that explains what you've read that day 00:13:45.419 --> 00:13:47.480 in a very simple way. 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:50.079 On top of that, 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:53.740 there are at least five small group bunches 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:55.079 that meet twice a month, 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:57.500 or there's that quarterly brunch that I just mentioned. 00:13:57.839 --> 00:14:03.599 All of that is to encourage you to read God's Word. 00:14:04.599 --> 00:14:07.299 And that kind of encouragement from one another 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:09.699 will grow through the Word of God 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:13.460 when you're having conversations around the Word of God, 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:15.500 people grow in the Lord, period. 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:17.960 Dozens of scores of ladies have signed up, 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.759 and I encourage you to do that if you hadn't already. 00:14:20.060 --> 00:14:21.640 There's sign-ups in the four-year. 00:14:23.140 --> 00:14:25.780 And if none of that attracts you to God's Word, 00:14:27.920 --> 00:14:29.100 well, let me tell you about a man 00:14:29.100 --> 00:14:31.560 who lived 200 years ago in Scotland. 00:14:33.900 --> 00:14:36.320 He was a great preacher with a godly life, 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:43.200 and his name was Robert Murray Macheney. 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:49.020 He loved the Lord and His Word 00:14:49.020 --> 00:14:50.900 and wanted God's people in it, 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:54.600 and I think his picture makes him look a little sweeter 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:56.240 than he really was, quite honestly. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:15:03.680 He developed a calendar to read God's Word daily 00:15:03.680 --> 00:15:07.740 that puts you in four different parts of Scripture daily. 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:10.039 And when you do that daily, 00:15:10.220 --> 00:15:12.080 you'll read the Old Testament through once, 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:14.299 you'll read the New Testament and Psalms twice a year. 00:15:16.060 --> 00:15:19.320 He also provided the option of taking two years to do it, 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.399 to read through the Bible. 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:22.759 And the way it's laid out, you can easily do that. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:26.819 I love it because he gives me some New Testament daily, 00:15:26.939 --> 00:15:29.720 and I need that, and that does me good. 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:37.399 I just want you to hear a few words from him this morning. 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:43.299 He died in 1843, so he won't be here personally. 00:15:43.299 --> 00:15:49.879 And he was not yet 30 years of age. 00:15:52.059 --> 00:15:53.599 Though he was young, 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:58.159 he was called in Scotland and in surrounding areas 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.839 the saintly Macheney. 00:16:02.019 --> 00:16:04.299 This is what he wrote to one young man. 00:16:05.719 --> 00:16:08.879 He said, you read your Bible regularly, of course, 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:13.059 but do try and understand it and steal more to feel it. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:16.480 Read more parts than one at a time. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:19.120 For example, if you're reading Genesis, read a Psalm also. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:21.559 If you're reading Matthew, read a small bit of an epistle also. 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:24.059 Turn the Bible into prayer. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:28.039 Thus, if you were reading the first Psalm, 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:30.399 spread the Bible on the chair before you 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.419 and kneel and pray, 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:34.480 O God, give me the blessedness of the man. 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:37.440 Let me not stand in the counsel of the ungodly. 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:40.760 That's the best way of knowing the meaning of the Bible 00:16:40.760 --> 00:16:43.340 and of learning to pray. 00:16:45.080 --> 00:16:45.700 And he said, 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.880 let our secret reading, 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:50.480 because he has two different things. 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:52.800 He calls some secret reading. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.580 It's for personal devotion. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.820 And he calls another portion family 00:16:56.820 --> 00:17:00.500 to where the family can join in for family devotion 00:17:00.500 --> 00:17:01.540 was his point. 00:17:02.180 --> 00:17:02.840 But he says this, 00:17:03.040 --> 00:17:06.500 let our secret reading precede the dawning of the day. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:11.579 Let God's voice be the first we hear in the morning. 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.700 Now, I'm a morning person, 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:16.579 so it's easy for me to tell you 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:18.619 that Jesus got up while it was still dark 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:19.420 and got with the Lord. 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:19.839 Okay? 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:23.559 But if Jesus had done it at 10 o'clock at night, 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:24.339 I'd be in a mess. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:24.799 Okay? 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:26.019 Because I'm done. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:26.940 You know, I'm done. 00:17:27.079 --> 00:17:28.240 That's just the way it is. 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:31.220 And some of you are just the opposite of that. 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:32.400 And I get that. 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:35.420 So whatever the best time of day for you, 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:37.780 if you want to put on the armor of God 00:17:37.780 --> 00:17:38.900 and go to bed, go ahead. 00:17:40.880 --> 00:17:42.820 That's of little consequence, quite honestly. 00:17:43.060 --> 00:17:47.280 But regular habits are of the most importance. 00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:50.100 He wrote a letter to his church, 00:17:50.280 --> 00:17:52.120 and I'm going to read parts of it. 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:56.879 Because it summarizes a lot of what I want to share this morning. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:58.139 He said, 00:17:58.199 --> 00:17:58.839 My dear flock, 00:17:58.939 --> 00:18:01.000 the approach of another year stirs up within me 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.619 new desires for your salvation 00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:04.059 and for the growth of those of you 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:06.399 who were saved. 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.479 God is my record, 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.119 how greatly I long after you 00:18:10.119 --> 00:18:13.279 all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:15.039 which is a quote of Scripture. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:18.200 What the coming year is to bring forth, 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:19.099 who can tell? 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:22.000 It's been long in my mind 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.920 to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:26.779 in which as many as you were made willing by God 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:28.579 might agree so that the whole Bible 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:30.920 might be read once by you in a year 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:32.480 and by feeding in the same portion 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:34.119 of the green pasture at the same time. 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:37.920 I am quite aware that such a plan 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:39.740 is accompanied with many dangers. 00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:41.779 And he lists the dangers. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.659 And I want you to hear this. 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:46.540 Number one, formality. 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.860 We are such weak creatures 00:18:49.860 --> 00:18:52.019 that any regular returning duty 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:55.500 is apt to degenerate into a lifeless form. 00:18:56.840 --> 00:18:59.240 The tendency of reading the word by a fixed rule 00:18:59.240 --> 00:19:00.340 may in some minds 00:19:00.340 --> 00:19:03.700 be to create this skeleton religion. 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:07.720 This is to be the peculiar sin of the last days, 00:19:07.820 --> 00:19:09.000 having a form of godliness 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:10.440 but denying the power thereof. 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:11.759 Guard against this. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:14.039 Let this calendar perish 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:17.859 rather than this rust eat up your souls. 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.819 So don't empty read. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:21.859 That's what he's saying. 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:24.759 Number two, it could lead to self-righteousness. 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:29.920 Some, when they are devoted their set time 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:30.859 to reading of the word 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:32.619 and accomplish their prescribed portion, 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:34.559 may be tempted to look at others 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:36.079 with self-deprecation. 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:38.640 Self-complacence, excuse me. 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:41.160 Many, as I am persuaded, 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.900 are living without any divine work on their soul, 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:46.100 unpardoned and unsanctified and ready to perish, 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:47.640 who spend their appointed times 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.900 in secret and family devotion. 00:19:50.100 --> 00:19:51.320 Just because you read God's word 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.240 don't mean you're saved. 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:53.160 That's what he's saying. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:57.980 This is going to hell with a lie in their right hand. 00:19:57.980 --> 00:20:01.140 Third danger is this, 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.120 careless reading. 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:05.480 Few tremble at the word of God. 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:09.400 Few in reading it hear the voice of Jehovah 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:10.759 which is full of majesty. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:13.920 Some, by having such so large a portion, 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:16.599 may be tempted to be weary of it, 00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:19.860 as Israel did of the daily manna, 00:20:19.859 --> 00:20:24.919 and to be read in a slight and careless manner. 00:20:26.479 --> 00:20:30.639 And the fourth danger is a yoke too heavy to bear. 00:20:32.119 --> 00:20:36.359 Some may engage in reading with alacrity for a time. 00:20:36.899 --> 00:20:38.559 If you're like me, you may have to look that word up, 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:41.819 and that means brisk and cheerful readiness. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:47.839 Some may engage in reading with alacrity for a time, 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:50.839 and afterwards feel it a burden. 00:20:52.179 --> 00:20:53.519 Grievous to be born. 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:57.240 They may find conscience dragging them 00:20:57.240 --> 00:20:58.459 through the appointed task 00:20:58.459 --> 00:21:01.220 without any relish of any heavenly food. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:03.959 If this be the case with any, 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.559 throw aside the fetter 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:08.339 and feed at liberty in the sweet garden of God. 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:11.740 My desire is not to cast a snare upon you, 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:14.539 but to be a helper of your joy. 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:17.940 Don't be burdened down by this. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.799 More than anything else, God wants you. 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:25.480 The advantages, however, is you read the whole Bible 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:27.399 in an orderly manner in a course of a year. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:32.980 Number two, time will not waste 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:35.079 in choosing what portions to read. 00:21:35.159 --> 00:21:36.019 You already got a schedule. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.579 You know what to do. 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:40.859 Third, parents will have a regular subject 00:21:40.859 --> 00:21:43.180 upon which to examine your children and servants, 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:45.600 because all of these, the Bible recap, 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:50.660 his, Macheney, this Bible bookmark, 00:21:50.860 --> 00:21:53.180 all of them have a plan 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:55.000 where children can read just a few verses, 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:57.400 but they coincide with the verses the adults read, 00:21:57.560 --> 00:22:00.720 so you can actually have a conversation about that. 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:04.700 The sweet bond of Christian love and unity 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:07.180 will be strengthened is another advantage. 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:12.440 I said all that because Macheney says it better than I do. 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:14.960 And that's exactly what my burden is, 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:17.740 that somebody feel like that they're burdened down by something. 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:22.039 They start out with great gusto and try to do that, 00:22:22.080 --> 00:22:23.080 and they get the Leviticus, 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:25.620 and things just come apart on them. 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:27.400 You know, it happens. 00:22:29.320 --> 00:22:32.180 There are brochures of Macheney's plan available 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:33.920 right here at the foot of the stage 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:35.820 on both sides as well in the back. 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:37.799 If you'd like to do that, 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.339 I'm not trying to sell it. 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:45.339 I'm just telling you that's what my personal journey will be this year. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:49.139 I just want you in God's Word 00:22:49.139 --> 00:22:52.519 because I think it'll be the best thing for you. 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:57.379 Some of you will do well to listen to it through an app, 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:59.759 and you have a lot of capability to do that now. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:01.539 That's better than nothing. 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:04.879 But don't just tolerate the Word. 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:06.299 Treasure it. 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:07.740 Treasure it. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.279 Take it in. 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:10.079 Whatever you do, do this. 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.920 Before you read, 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:16.000 pause and pray, please. 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:20.039 Ask God to speak to your life. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:23.599 Ask Him to move in your life. 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:27.579 And then I encourage you to write down how He works. 00:23:29.379 --> 00:23:31.539 You need a record of it from time to time. 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:36.019 The journals that I have on shelves 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:37.919 have been a treasure for me. 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:41.099 So how do you respond? 00:23:41.199 --> 00:23:42.000 You treasure it. 00:23:43.139 --> 00:23:45.019 Treasure what Christ has done for you. 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:46.480 And you ponder on it. 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:48.279 The second thing you do is we share it. 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.599 We share it. 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:52.399 The shepherd's left telling folks about it. 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:55.959 Verse 17 said they made it known. 00:23:56.139 --> 00:23:57.740 And verse 18 says, 00:23:58.199 --> 00:24:01.719 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:05.539 Get people to start asking questions 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:07.159 because your life has been changed 00:24:07.159 --> 00:24:09.179 because of your encounter with Christ. 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:12.359 It's fun to be at the manger, 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:13.859 but you don't stay at the manger. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.339 Nobody did. 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.599 Life moved on. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:18.000 And they returned. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:19.919 And as they returned, they left. 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:21.000 Scripture says, 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:23.720 Glorifying and praising God 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:25.720 for all they had heard and seen. 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:29.080 And it's my prayer that we leave worship that way. 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:31.820 Not only congregated worship, 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:34.000 but daily personal worship with the Lord. 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.740 If God's moving in your life, 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.900 if He's moving in your life, 00:24:38.080 --> 00:24:39.300 in the life of this church, 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:40.279 and through His Word, 00:24:40.560 --> 00:24:41.779 share that with people. 00:24:43.060 --> 00:24:44.740 God blesses such as that. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:47.920 And that's the proper response 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:48.940 to not only Christmas, 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:51.359 but to all Christ has done for us. 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:54.420 To the Savior incarnate coming into the world 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.220 to give us hope, 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:56.140 to treasure, 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:57.940 and to share that. 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:02.240 And before we go out and share it, 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:04.740 let's treasure it. 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:07.240 Let's treasure it today, 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.900 right now, 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:11.339 around the table of the Lord. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:16.039 I can't think of a better way 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:17.619 to close out the old 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:20.740 and bring in the new. 00:25:25.139 --> 00:25:27.099 But I encourage you to be sure 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:28.959 that you come before this table 00:25:28.959 --> 00:25:30.859 clean before the Lord. 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:35.119 I want you to listen to what the Apostle Paul says. 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.779 Hear me clearly this morning. 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:40.019 Whoever therefore eats the bread 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:42.579 or drinks the cup of the Lord 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:45.139 in an unworthy manner 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:47.539 will be guilty concerning 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:49.700 the body and blood of the Lord. 00:25:51.139 --> 00:25:53.460 Let a person examine himself then 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.700 and so eat of this bread 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.500 and drink of this cup. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:57.839 For anyone who eats and drinks 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:59.440 without discerning the body 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:02.000 eats and drinks judgment on himself. 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.299 I like this verse. 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:05.639 That's why many of you are weak and ill. 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.840 Some have died. 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:10.320 Don't look at me like that. 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:10.940 I didn't say it. 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.660 He said it. 00:26:12.100 --> 00:26:13.460 And the Word says it. 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.560 We need to be right. 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:17.580 We don't need to be flippant 00:26:17.580 --> 00:26:18.500 with what we do. 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.300 We need to be right. 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.460 So I ask you today, 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:25.060 on the last day of the year, 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:26.720 do you know Christ? 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:29.980 Have you ever surrendered your life 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:31.500 to follow the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:35.880 If you've never done that, 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:36.779 forget this. 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:38.000 We're not worried about this. 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.740 You need to surrender your life 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.400 to the Lord Jesus. 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:45.640 You need to get that right. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:50.200 You need to ask him to forgive you 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:50.720 of your sins, 00:26:50.779 --> 00:26:51.619 to come into your life 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:52.500 and change you. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:55.160 And he'll meet you where you are 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:57.119 and make you what he'd have you to be. 00:26:57.119 --> 00:27:00.219 And if you've done that, 00:27:01.179 --> 00:27:02.459 if you surrender your life to him, 00:27:03.239 --> 00:27:04.299 then let's take a moment, 00:27:04.939 --> 00:27:07.919 before we ever approach the table, 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:09.079 let's take a moment 00:27:09.079 --> 00:27:10.899 to confess our sins to God 00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:12.619 and to walk away from them. 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:16.259 And if you can't do that, 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:18.319 then don't take part. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:20.299 That's what the Apostle Paul is saying. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:23.980 It's not for the unclean. 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:27.720 It's not a snack for the kids. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.599 Children, 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:34.220 if you've never publicly acknowledged 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:35.359 your faith in Christ, 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.960 you're not welcome to take this today. 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.740 It's not a snack for your parents. 00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:41.639 Ask them about it at lunch. 00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:44.079 Have that conversation. 00:27:47.639 --> 00:27:48.720 It's not for those 00:27:48.720 --> 00:27:49.779 who've made private decisions 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.519 and never bothered 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.279 to make them public 00:27:51.279 --> 00:27:52.000 through baptism. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.799 Does that mean 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.599 that you have to be perfect? 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:56.940 No. 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:58.220 If it does, 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.259 ain't none of us taking it. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.339 We're all in a mess. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:05.119 It means we're clean 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:07.099 and we're forgiven. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.940 Forgiveness comes 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:12.660 when we agree with God 00:28:12.660 --> 00:28:15.240 on what the state of our sin is. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.980 Not the way we see it, 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:20.440 but the way he sees it 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:23.660 and the way his word describes it. 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:26.120 So get clean. 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.740 Get right. 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:31.759 Follow his lead 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:33.400 and treasure him 00:28:33.400 --> 00:28:34.860 today. 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:38.200 He's honored by such 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:40.779 and he blesses such. 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.700 With every head bowed 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.460 and every eye closed, 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.420 what do you need to do 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.600 to be right today? 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:49.900 Do you need to give your heart 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.860 and life to the Lord Jesus? 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:54.140 Do you need to make 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:54.880 what's been private 00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:55.819 in your life public 00:28:55.819 --> 00:28:58.180 and tell folks 00:28:58.180 --> 00:29:00.059 that you've surrendered 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.880 your life to the Lord 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:02.000 but never publicly 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:02.840 acknowledge that? 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:05.740 Or is there something 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.480 in your life 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.939 that's a hindrance to you? 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:10.759 A sinful blockade 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.579 that you need to get 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.639 right before God? 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.959 I'm thankful today 00:29:14.959 --> 00:29:16.480 that if the Lord so wills, 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.240 you can do that 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:18.059 where you sit. 00:29:20.639 --> 00:29:21.879 Or we'll take a moment 00:29:21.879 --> 00:29:23.299 and you can walk down this aisle 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:24.759 and come before this altar 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.759 and give that to the Lord. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.720 I'm here to pray for you. 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:31.759 Maybe God's drawing you 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:33.339 to be a part of this church. 00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:34.960 What a wonderful way 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.799 to end the year. 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.579 Don't ever let this 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:40.539 preclude that by any means. 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:42.500 You follow the Lord. 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:43.880 You do what God told you to do. 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:45.900 We'd love to welcome you. 00:29:46.180 --> 00:29:48.380 I'll explain all of that to you. 00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:51.440 I just want you obedient, folks. 00:29:51.600 --> 00:29:52.440 I want to be obedient. 00:29:53.120 --> 00:29:54.039 I want you obedient. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.700 Let's grow in the Lord together. 00:29:56.539 --> 00:29:58.460 Lord Jesus, lead us right now 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.120 as we sing, 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.400 but more importantly 00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:01.519 as we obey you. 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:03.340 Help us do exactly, Lord, 00:30:03.380 --> 00:30:04.420 what you'd have us to do. 00:30:04.819 --> 00:30:06.240 In Jesus' precious name. 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:06.819 Amen. 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:07.880 Stand together if you will.