WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.980 All right, take your Bibles if you would, turn with me to 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:12.019 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:28.359 If you would put a thumb there and then turn with me over to 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:35.780 So if you want to mark 1 Corinthians 11 and then go over to 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:00:35.880 --> 00:00:39.719 If you don't have a Bible, there should be one there in your pew back. 00:00:40.859 --> 00:00:46.340 You may have an app on your phone you can use or look on with someone next to you. 00:00:46.379 --> 00:00:50.739 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 1. 00:00:51.480 --> 00:00:57.700 As you're turning to these two passages, I'd like to talk to you about the subject of communion or the Lord's Supper. 00:00:57.700 --> 00:01:00.400 Those terms can be used interchangeably. 00:01:01.160 --> 00:01:14.700 Communion, the Lord's Supper, both represent this time of honoring and recognizing and remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:17.520 And this harkens back to the Passover. 00:01:18.520 --> 00:01:24.600 If you read back in the Old Testament, you would understand what we're talking about when we say the Passover. 00:01:24.599 --> 00:01:36.479 This became a great Jewish tradition for the Hebrew people, remembering back what God did in rescuing them from His judgment. 00:01:38.399 --> 00:01:42.560 So where does this Lord's Supper come from or the communion come from? 00:01:43.119 --> 00:01:51.579 We read about it in the book of Exodus, this Passover feast when God's people, the Israelite people, were trapped in the nation of Egypt. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:53.519 And he would not let them go. 00:01:53.640 --> 00:02:00.259 And God sent judgment after judgment upon the Egyptian people because of Pharaoh's resistance to let them go. 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:05.620 And finally, he allowed the death angel to pass over all the households. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:09.159 And the firstborn son in each household would die. 00:02:09.879 --> 00:02:11.240 And so it was a terrible thing. 00:02:11.240 --> 00:02:23.540 But he rescued his people from that judgment by telling them to swipe the top and the doorposts of their households with the blood of a sacrificial lamb. 00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:32.460 And that, when the death angel passed over, when he saw that blood on the doorpost, he would not take the life of the firstborn son in that house. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:48.180 So a very dark moment, a very tragic moment, but something that would pave the way for how important blood sacrifice is in paying the penalty for sin. 00:02:49.040 --> 00:02:52.680 You see, sin is a huge deal in God's eyes. 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:55.379 We like to gloss it over. 00:02:56.439 --> 00:03:00.960 We like to try to act like it's not really as bad as it is. 00:03:01.760 --> 00:03:17.960 And yet sin not only separates us from God, it causes irreparable harm to us, those we care about, and then people we may not even ever realize are affected by sin. 00:03:18.819 --> 00:03:21.120 So God does not tolerate sin. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:24.560 Sin must be paid for. 00:03:25.539 --> 00:03:27.080 A price must be paid. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:45.599 And of course, this blood of these sacrificial lambs that was painted on the doorpost was a type, a representation of what would come when Jesus Christ, called the Lamb of God, became a sacrificial lamb himself. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:49.180 For all people of all time. 00:03:49.180 --> 00:03:53.939 And his blood is what is necessary to cleanse us. 00:03:53.939 --> 00:04:03.079 And so when God then sees the blood of his son that has washed our sins away, then he says, you're safe. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:04.400 You're forgiven. 00:04:04.859 --> 00:04:08.099 You don't have to pay that terrible penalty for sin. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:12.379 So that's where we get this idea of the Passover. 00:04:12.379 --> 00:04:20.300 And then I'd love to go to 1 Corinthians 11 here. 00:04:20.300 --> 00:04:31.900 Because what the question we need to ask or the understanding that we need to come to is the final Passover then became the first communion. 00:04:31.899 --> 00:04:37.039 So as Jesus sat in the upper room, we read about it in Luke 22. 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:45.459 He sat there in the upper room before his crucifixion and his disciples are there and they're gathered and they take the Passover together. 00:04:45.459 --> 00:04:55.500 He is then paving the way for this transition from the Passover to communion. 00:04:55.959 --> 00:05:00.359 So we no longer have to recognize as the Hebrew people did. 00:05:00.419 --> 00:05:02.740 And there's nothing wrong with having a Passover feast. 00:05:03.299 --> 00:05:08.240 But now we are under a different commandment of now taking communion together. 00:05:08.899 --> 00:05:10.199 Well, why do we call it communion? 00:05:10.199 --> 00:05:25.659 Because that word represents not only the community of believers, but being in a spirit of communion, communing with the Lord himself as we recognize and remember his great sacrifice that happened for us. 00:05:26.480 --> 00:05:33.379 So this Passover, this communion, Lord's Supper are all tied together inextricably. 00:05:33.480 --> 00:05:35.060 So let's go to 1 Corinthians 11 now. 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:42.000 1 Corinthians 11, and we'll read down at the end of the passage in verse 23. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:47.519 For I received from the Lord, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, and he says, 00:05:47.639 --> 00:05:50.759 I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you. 00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:59.439 On the night when Jesus was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:03.199 This is my body, which is for you. 00:06:03.740 --> 00:06:06.500 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:06:06.600 --> 00:06:07.300 Verse 25. 00:06:07.600 --> 00:06:11.660 In the same way also he took the cup after supper and said, 00:06:11.980 --> 00:06:14.819 This cup is the new covenant in my blood. 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:19.600 Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:28.399 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 00:06:28.399 --> 00:06:35.159 What a powerful thing to proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:36.859 That is our instruction. 00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:44.639 All throughout Scripture from Matthew 28 and Mark 16, and all throughout the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament, 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:52.339 God's people have always been commanded to proclaim him, to proclaim God to the nations. 00:06:53.039 --> 00:06:55.439 We are not just to keep our faith silent. 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.959 We are to proclaim it. 00:06:59.299 --> 00:07:02.279 Proclaiming is the same word in Scripture as preaching. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:07.079 And that's not just a job for the pastor. 00:07:07.699 --> 00:07:15.379 That's a job for all of us to preach this gospel, this good news of the Lord's sacrificial death, 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:20.359 not just for us that are sitting in these pews, but for everyone, everywhere. 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:26.340 So, when we proclaim his death, what are we doing? 00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:30.240 We are bringing it back to the gospel. 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:34.180 We're bringing it back to the good news. 00:07:34.540 --> 00:07:38.180 My friend Dan Curry preached last week all about the gospel, 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:46.240 how we are supposed to be proud of this gospel, this good news that God has given to us, free gift from him. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:47.759 We did nothing to earn it. 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:51.500 And we are supposed to let it change us. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:54.639 Live it out. 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.379 How do we do that? 00:07:56.379 --> 00:08:01.379 We live the actual gospel. 00:08:02.259 --> 00:08:03.800 So, how do you do that? 00:08:03.860 --> 00:08:05.500 How do you live the gospel? 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:12.240 Well, you remember the truth that you did nothing to earn God's goodness and favor. 00:08:13.060 --> 00:08:19.800 You did nothing to earn Jesus dying on the cross, rising from the dead, and offering forgiveness to you. 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:27.879 And you take that truth, and you remind yourself of it every day, and you live that way. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:34.460 That I have done nothing to earn God's favor, so I'm not going to make anybody else do anything to earn mine. 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:36.960 I'm going to forgive freely. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:38.899 I'm going to show love freely. 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:45.539 And I'm going to tell everybody about this saving message that Jesus revealed to me. 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:49.259 That's how we live the gospel. 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:52.500 You live it very practically. 00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:55.319 You live it with your family. 00:08:55.719 --> 00:08:56.839 Live it with your spouse. 00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:58.500 Live it with yourself. 00:08:59.859 --> 00:09:06.899 Reminding yourself and those around you daily of the power of the gospel. 00:09:07.519 --> 00:09:08.059 Now, guess what? 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:09.019 You're going to fail at that. 00:09:11.240 --> 00:09:19.779 We're going to go back to our old way of thinking, and we're not going to let the gospel affect how we think and how we act at times. 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:33.379 But this is one of the biggest reasons why I believe Jesus told the church, and Paul repeated this instruction to the church, to stop and remind ourselves. 00:09:33.379 --> 00:09:37.419 He said, do this in remembrance of me. 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:47.139 So stop and remember just what Jesus did and the impact that that has on our life and our relationships. 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:53.120 So the Lord's Supper represents our new life in Christ. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:59.340 And we could remind ourselves of that every day, every week, every month. 00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:08.500 But we are going to stop as a church and make sure we intentionally remind ourselves of that at the Lord's Supper, at communion. 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:21.080 Last time we observed the Lord's Supper, I preached on how the Lord's Supper, the communion time, is supposed to be a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:22.840 And that's absolutely true. 00:10:23.159 --> 00:10:25.340 That's spelled out in Scripture in black and white. 00:10:26.559 --> 00:10:30.820 But if you take it a step further, it's also a new beginning. 00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:48.040 Every time that you remember His body and His blood, it's not just a traditional religious rite that we stop and we feel fuzzy inside and we feel solemn and we feel sober and we just think, 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:51.379 Oh, I feel holy in this moment. 00:10:52.519 --> 00:11:00.740 I believe that, unfortunately, that's what this kind of religious rite has become for a lot of man-made religions out there. 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:06.679 It's just become an escape from the world around us. 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:13.059 And you get into a holy moment like this and it makes you feel better about everything. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:16.599 But there's some reality missing there. 00:11:16.600 --> 00:11:20.960 There's some reality missing because there's truth missing. 00:11:21.980 --> 00:11:24.500 Because we worship a real God. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:31.019 We worship a real risen Savior who really hears us when we pray. 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:34.820 Who really works actively in our lives. 00:11:34.820 --> 00:11:40.899 And so stopping to remember Him re-centers us on a very real power. 00:11:40.899 --> 00:11:49.259 And it reminds us of the new life and new beginning we have in Jesus Christ. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:54.500 So, the Lord's Supper represents our new life in Christ. 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:57.879 Let's go now to 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:11:57.879 --> 00:12:06.159 As we think of how Jesus' death represents our life. 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:07.379 What a contrast there. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:11.340 Jesus died so we could live. 00:12:13.100 --> 00:12:14.700 That's how it's always been. 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:23.200 Because of the evil of sin, something has had to die so something else could live. 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:25.740 Now, 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:12:28.300 --> 00:12:29.120 Let's look. 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.680 Let's start in verse 13. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:39.940 Before we get there, I want to share a quote with you. 00:12:42.640 --> 00:12:45.480 Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a great theologian from Germany. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.680 A pastor. 00:12:48.519 --> 00:12:53.019 God used him powerfully during a very troubled time in Germany. 00:12:54.080 --> 00:12:55.500 And look at this that he wrote. 00:12:55.580 --> 00:13:02.879 The cross of Jesus is not the terrible end to an otherwise God-fearing and happy life. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:07.960 Which we understand that Jesus certainly lived and His followers try to live. 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:14.539 So, this cross of Jesus is not the terrible end to this otherwise God-fearing and happy life. 00:13:14.539 --> 00:13:21.139 Instead, it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. 00:13:21.839 --> 00:13:23.000 You understand what he said there? 00:13:23.679 --> 00:13:27.959 So, the cross of Jesus is not this symbol of defeat. 00:13:28.360 --> 00:13:30.079 Even though that's what they hung Him on. 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:31.539 That's what He suffered on. 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.599 That's what He bled on. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:34.199 And that's what He died on. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:37.839 So, you would think that that would be the end of it. 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:40.339 As I'm sure the devils rejoiced. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:42.059 The demons threw a party. 00:13:42.059 --> 00:13:45.599 Darkness seemed like it had won the day. 00:13:46.359 --> 00:13:47.019 But we knew. 00:13:48.219 --> 00:13:49.179 Looking back. 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:57.500 And those who believed Him, followed Him truly, knew that His moment was not over. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.379 The grave could not hold Him. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:06.179 And Jesus arose powerfully from the dead and proved that He is God. 00:14:06.979 --> 00:14:08.259 That we can trust Him. 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:12.019 And so, the cross is not a symbol of defeat. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:13.840 It's not the end of the story. 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:15.939 It's not the end of your story or mine. 00:14:16.179 --> 00:14:22.779 It meets us at the beginning of our relationship, our communion with Jesus Christ. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:28.600 So, when we stop and we think about His body, we think about His blood, we're not thinking of defeat. 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:32.580 We're not thinking of the tragic end to the story. 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:34.139 We're thinking of the beginning. 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:37.540 The sacrifice that allowed us to have communion. 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:40.100 Allowed us to have communion with God. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:42.300 Allowed us to have communion with one another. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:46.360 Allowed us to have communion and real relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:51.740 So, we can say rightly that communion is a new beginning. 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:55.420 Now, you're going to understand why I highlighted the B and the E right there. 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:58.439 We're going to get into a few different B's this morning. 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:02.539 But a communion is a new beginning for us. 00:15:02.579 --> 00:15:05.519 So, let's look now at 1 Peter 1 and verse 13. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:16.719 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:15:16.979 --> 00:15:17.679 Did you catch that? 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:21.620 With your minds ready for action, be sober-minded. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.240 And then in verse 14. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:27.299 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:32.899 But as the one who called you is holy, you are also to be holy in all your conduct. 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:36.320 Because it is written, be holy because I am holy. 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:40.600 If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one's work, 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:46.700 you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:52.000 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life, inherited from your fathers, 00:15:52.220 --> 00:15:57.140 not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, 00:15:57.640 --> 00:16:00.420 like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:06.700 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but he was revealed in these last times for you. 00:16:07.520 --> 00:16:15.700 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:19.180 Man, don't put your faith and hope in anything else. 00:16:19.780 --> 00:16:20.800 It will let you down. 00:16:21.400 --> 00:16:23.780 But put your faith and hope in God. 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:24.540 Verse 22. 00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:28.800 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:32.440 so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:36.360 from a pure heart, love one another constantly. 00:16:36.900 --> 00:16:39.560 Because you have been born again. 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:47.479 Not of perishable seed, like the rest of us are, but of imperishable. 00:16:48.359 --> 00:16:51.539 That's what happens when we are born again. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:56.019 Through the living and enduring word of God. 00:16:56.119 --> 00:16:59.939 It means born into a life that cannot die. 00:16:59.940 --> 00:17:04.440 For all flesh is like grass. 00:17:04.840 --> 00:17:06.460 Everything else dies. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:11.279 All the glory like a flower of the grass. 00:17:11.620 --> 00:17:12.779 The grass withers. 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.900 The flower fades or falls. 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:19.299 But the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:26.879 And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you. 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:30.019 And is still being proclaimed to you. 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.119 And by you. 00:17:32.119 --> 00:17:34.659 So, let's dive into this text. 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:37.960 And I pray that it impacts you as it has for me. 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:43.339 I want to give you this line from this quote from John Newton. 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:46.859 And we know it in this very powerful song here. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:50.980 Well, I'm not sure why it's not showing up. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.039 And I apologize for that. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:54.000 Here we go. 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:54.519 Here we go. 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.299 There we are. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.539 See this up here? 00:18:00.139 --> 00:18:03.119 Y'all know this because you've sung Amazing Grace many times. 00:18:03.199 --> 00:18:06.199 But have you ever stopped to think about this verse here? 00:18:06.639 --> 00:18:08.899 Of this part of this song? 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:13.580 Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:16.840 Grace has brought me safe thus far. 00:18:17.120 --> 00:18:20.580 And grace will lead me home. 00:18:21.860 --> 00:18:25.960 Now, the first B. 00:18:26.540 --> 00:18:28.660 And I'm going to tie these two together in just a moment. 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:33.240 But the first B, B-E, word, that I want to draw your attention to here. 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:38.100 Was back in 1 Peter chapter 1 again that we just read in verse 13. 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:41.100 Be sober. 00:18:42.360 --> 00:18:43.680 Be sober. 00:18:44.320 --> 00:18:47.000 So if you're going to write something down in the notes section of your bulletin, 00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:49.960 write down number one, be sober. 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:57.440 These are our instructions when it comes to proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes. 00:18:57.440 --> 00:19:07.840 This communion time when we stop and we recenter ourselves on the death, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:19:07.840 --> 00:19:11.420 We are commanded here to be sober. 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:13.380 What does that look like? 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:17.539 It looks like relying on grace. 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.960 Relying on grace. 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:23.640 Do you see what it says in the next part right after? 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.860 Be sober minded. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:26.039 Verse 13. 00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:34.519 Set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:45.980 Do you understand that John Newton caught a glimpse of that when he wrote this great hymn that's probably lasted longer than any other hymn that people have written? 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:50.819 Any other gospel song, amazing grace kind of is at the top of that pile, isn't it? 00:19:51.940 --> 00:20:01.440 And he said, grace has brought me safe this far through all the dangers, all the toils, all the snares, and grace will lead me home. 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:02.579 What does that mean? 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.819 It wasn't you. 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:10.119 It wasn't me that brought us safely through these dangers, toils, and snares. 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:12.759 It was only by God's grace. 00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:15.299 Well, that sobers us up a little bit. 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:20.460 We're completely reliant and dependent on God's grace. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.480 It's not your money. 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:25.220 It's not your retirement. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:31.559 It's not your skills, your brain power, your expertise, your experience. 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:36.259 None of that will get you safely home. 00:20:36.599 --> 00:20:39.359 It's only by God's grace. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:45.139 So that line is so powerful when we sing it. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:50.679 Grace has brought me safely this far, and grace will lead me home. 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:53.259 That makes our minds sober. 00:20:53.919 --> 00:20:55.859 That kills pride. 00:20:56.679 --> 00:20:58.279 That kills ego. 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.559 It's not me. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.960 It's God. 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:06.839 Anything good you see in me is God working through me. 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.019 It's not me. 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:09.559 I don't deserve the pat on the back. 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:11.940 Jesus deserves the praise. 00:21:12.879 --> 00:21:16.279 So being sober-minded means relying on grace. 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:20.879 Being sober-minded also means being ready for action. 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:24.019 Did you catch that line in verse 13 at the very beginning there? 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:28.579 With your minds ready for action, be sober-minded. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:34.539 So that's what it looks like to be sober is to be ready for action. 00:21:34.879 --> 00:21:39.500 You know what I think of when I think of this being ready for action? 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:48.299 I think of back in Judges chapter 7 when Gideon was trying to get an army together to go fight the Midianites. 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:57.680 And he knew that all their soldiers combined had no chance against this mighty Midianite army that was oppressing them. 00:21:57.680 --> 00:22:01.700 And so God told him he had too many soldiers. 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:06.019 And he said, you've got to weed these guys down here. 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:11.060 And he told them to get down by the river and he told them to drink out of the water. 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:13.180 And he said, watch how they do it. 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:21.180 The guys that get down there and they set down their weapons and they just all in on drinking the water because they're thirsty, 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:23.380 that's not the guys you're going to be able to fight with. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:30.940 The guys that stay ready for action, that's the guys that you can take into battle with you. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:41.720 Now God knew that he wouldn't even need those soldiers because they wouldn't raise their spears or raise their swords one time in battle. 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:46.799 God was going to win the victory without anyone lifting a finger. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:52.659 He had the whole plan with the jars and the torches and the trumpets. 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.720 God knew how it was going to work. 00:22:55.359 --> 00:23:01.419 But he wanted to make that point to Gideon that as this new leader of this army, 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:04.200 and Gideon was the most unlikely candidate for that, 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.839 but he says the new leader for this army, 00:23:07.379 --> 00:23:10.720 you've got to find the guys who are sober minded, 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:13.579 whose minds are ready for action. 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:17.439 They understand what the task at hand is, 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:19.039 and they're ready to go. 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:22.039 It means they've set aside themselves. 00:23:22.899 --> 00:23:24.579 They've set aside their preferences. 00:23:25.419 --> 00:23:27.379 They've set aside their passions. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:32.599 And they've substituted the Lord's in their place. 00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:35.859 I am sober minded, 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:41.079 understanding how important this mission is, 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:46.539 understanding that my life has been given a meaning that it never had before, 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:51.219 understanding that all the goals that I personally have 00:23:51.219 --> 00:23:54.879 must fall under the umbrella of Almighty God 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:57.559 because his ways are greater than mine. 00:23:58.139 --> 00:24:00.079 His goals are greater than mine. 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:04.059 So mine must come underneath his. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:08.839 My mind must stay ready for action. 00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:11.119 So be sober. 00:24:12.439 --> 00:24:15.119 And then 1 Peter chapter 1, 00:24:15.699 --> 00:24:17.099 we read it just a moment ago, 00:24:17.679 --> 00:24:18.879 minds ready for action, 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:20.000 sober minded, 00:24:20.419 --> 00:24:24.279 and setting our hope completely on God's grace. 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:26.199 Number two, be smart. 00:24:27.199 --> 00:24:28.000 Be smart. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:30.680 As we're prepared to take the Lord's Supper, 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:36.140 as we leave this place and go on about our daily lives, 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.819 be sober, 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.079 but be smart. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:41.299 Well, where do we find that in the Scriptures? 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:46.220 We find that back in verse 14. 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:48.140 As obedient children, 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:52.539 do not be conformed to the desires of your former, 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:53.380 what's that word? 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:55.120 Ignorance. 00:24:56.340 --> 00:25:00.220 I say this frequently because the Bible just doesn't hold back, you know. 00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:01.180 I didn't write it. 00:25:01.320 --> 00:25:02.480 The Lord put it in there. 00:25:03.300 --> 00:25:05.940 The desires of your former ignorance. 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:10.440 Because he knows that in our flesh, 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:12.660 in our sinful desires, 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:14.040 we are ignorant. 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.960 We're dummies. 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.579 So he said, 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:19.680 don't go back to that way of thinking. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.200 That's not smart. 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.720 Be smart. 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:24.700 Be obedient children, 00:25:25.100 --> 00:25:27.819 and don't go back to the desires 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:32.400 of that ignorant way of thinking. 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:36.920 That's going to lead you where you don't want to go. 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:39.259 Ephesians chapter 4 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:41.820 sheds a little more light on this. 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.620 Verse 22, 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:47.000 down through verse 24, 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.980 put off your old self, 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.519 which is being corrupted 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:53.300 by its deceitful desires. 00:25:53.300 --> 00:25:55.120 That's that ignorant way of thinking. 00:25:55.600 --> 00:25:56.779 To be made new 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:59.140 in the attitude of your minds. 00:25:59.960 --> 00:26:00.740 You understand 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:02.279 how the Lord's Supper, 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:04.420 how communion is a new beginning? 00:26:04.800 --> 00:26:06.060 It makes us new. 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:08.860 Because every day, 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:10.820 we have to perform this exercise. 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:12.519 Put off the old self. 00:26:13.080 --> 00:26:14.220 Because we recognize 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.860 it's corrupted 00:26:14.860 --> 00:26:17.039 by our old, deceitful, ignorant desires. 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.539 And then we're made new 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:20.660 in this new attitude of our minds. 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:22.560 Romans chapter 12 calls that 00:26:22.560 --> 00:26:24.340 changing the way you think, 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:26.279 and then putting on the new self 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.980 created to be like God 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.640 in true righteousness. 00:26:30.380 --> 00:26:30.960 Skipped ahead. 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:31.800 So, 00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:34.940 that's how we be smart. 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:37.019 We go to God 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.640 every day 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:37.980 and say, 00:26:38.100 --> 00:26:38.279 God, 00:26:38.400 --> 00:26:39.920 make me new. 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:43.279 Help me put off 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:44.600 my old desires. 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.299 The ignorance 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:48.680 that's gonna lead me 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:50.180 away from your wisdom, 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:52.500 from your knowledge, 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:54.100 from your understanding. 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.059 Read all about that 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:56.720 in Proverbs. 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:56.839 James. 00:26:58.620 --> 00:26:59.960 If any of you lack wisdom, 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:02.299 let him ask it from God. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.120 That's James. 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:05.519 All throughout the Bible, 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:07.200 we read that our wisdom 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.660 is found in Jesus 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:10.039 because apart from him, 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:11.140 we're ignorant. 00:27:11.819 --> 00:27:12.579 We're not smart. 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.660 So, 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.400 God says, 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:15.799 be smart 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:19.619 as you're being 00:27:19.619 --> 00:27:21.779 sober. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:24.200 So, 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:24.799 be sober, 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:26.259 be smart, 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.579 and then the last one, 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.319 be sincere. 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:29.819 Be sincere. 00:27:31.579 --> 00:27:33.000 Back in 1 Peter 1. 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.399 Verse 22, 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.440 1 Peter 1. 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.279 Would you look there with me? 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:44.779 Since you have purified yourselves 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:47.079 by obedience to the truth, 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:49.440 we're being sober-minded, 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:52.240 trying to be smart, 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.319 don't go back after 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:54.240 those ignorant desires. 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:55.399 So, 00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:56.619 you've purified yourselves 00:27:56.619 --> 00:27:57.359 by your obedience 00:27:57.359 --> 00:27:58.059 to the truth. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.099 What does it say? 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.879 Show sincere, 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.339 brotherly love 00:28:02.339 --> 00:28:03.639 for each other 00:28:03.639 --> 00:28:05.200 from a pure heart. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.899 That's what we're 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:07.559 commanded to do. 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:09.359 Show sincere, 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.940 brotherly love 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:11.940 for each other. 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.259 1 Timothy 1 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:14.420 and verse 5 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:15.100 says this, 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.840 the goal of our instruction, 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:17.860 you want to know 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.900 why we do this up here? 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.680 Why we do the Sunday school classes? 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:21.980 Why we do the d-groups? 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:22.740 Why I'm preaching 00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.539 on Sunday mornings? 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:26.019 The goal of all this instruction 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.420 is that love 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:28.940 comes from a pure heart, 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:30.059 a good conscience, 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:32.019 and a sincere faith. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.740 If that does not 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.940 describe you, 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.320 and if that does not 00:28:37.320 --> 00:28:38.380 describe me, 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:40.620 then we've got to go back 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.899 and be more sober-minded. 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.559 We've got to go back 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.339 and be smart 00:28:44.339 --> 00:28:45.559 about our old desires 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.639 that's pulling us away 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.239 from this, 00:28:47.439 --> 00:28:48.659 and then we've got to 00:28:48.659 --> 00:28:49.719 check our own hearts 00:28:49.719 --> 00:28:50.119 and say, 00:28:50.219 --> 00:28:51.019 am I sincere? 00:28:51.979 --> 00:28:53.379 Am I sincerely 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.899 loving God 00:28:54.899 --> 00:28:56.339 and loving my fellow 00:28:56.339 --> 00:28:57.279 brother or sister? 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.579 Not just the ones 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.659 you're blood related to, 00:29:01.219 --> 00:29:02.439 but the ones 00:29:02.439 --> 00:29:03.539 in the family of God, 00:29:04.159 --> 00:29:05.779 the neighbors all around you 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.519 in your community, 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:08.119 the people that God 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:09.299 brings across your path 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.000 every day, 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:11.799 the people on the other side 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:13.019 of the keyboard online, 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:14.619 are you showing 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:17.139 a sincere love 00:29:17.139 --> 00:29:18.839 from a pure heart, 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.220 good conscience, 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:22.420 and sincere faith? 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:24.259 1 John 3.18 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.299 says it this way, 00:29:25.639 --> 00:29:26.319 little children, 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:27.759 I love how he calls us 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.379 little children, 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.940 just kind of humbles us 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:31.559 a little bit. 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:32.099 Remember, 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:33.160 it kills off that ego 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:33.720 and pride, 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.139 just in case you think 00:29:35.140 --> 00:29:35.820 you're all that. 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.880 John's reminding us 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:39.240 that we're little children 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.280 in God's eyes. 00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:40.980 He's our father. 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:41.800 We're little children. 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:42.500 We need to take 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.580 this instruction from him. 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.259 He says, 00:29:44.520 --> 00:29:45.500 let us not love 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:47.300 in word or in speech, 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.560 but in action 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:50.000 and in truth. 00:29:50.040 --> 00:29:50.740 What is that? 00:29:50.920 --> 00:29:51.759 That's sincerity. 00:29:52.520 --> 00:29:53.560 That's being sincere. 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:56.020 I don't just tell you 00:29:56.020 --> 00:29:56.700 I love you. 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:58.400 I don't just tell you 00:29:58.400 --> 00:29:59.400 I'll pray for you. 00:30:00.060 --> 00:30:01.160 Don't raise your hand 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:01.940 because it would 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:04.200 just kill the vibe 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:04.780 in here, okay? 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:05.899 But how many times 00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:06.420 have we said 00:30:06.420 --> 00:30:07.240 we'll pray for somebody 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:08.079 and then never did? 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:09.899 Again, 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.819 don't raise your hand. 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:13.019 I've gotten in the habit 00:30:13.019 --> 00:30:13.940 of trying to do it 00:30:13.940 --> 00:30:14.799 on the spot 00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:16.180 right then, 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:16.920 whether I stop 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:17.920 and pray with the person 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:19.819 or just pray in my mind 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:20.759 as I walk away 00:30:20.759 --> 00:30:21.819 because I'm thinking 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:22.819 I may not remember 00:30:22.819 --> 00:30:23.480 this tomorrow. 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:25.359 I might write myself 00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:25.720 a note 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.940 and forget to look at it. 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:30.160 But there is a difference 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:31.399 in loving someone 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.320 in word 00:30:32.320 --> 00:30:34.100 and in speech 00:30:34.100 --> 00:30:36.040 and loving them 00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:36.620 in action 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.940 and in truth. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.880 Be sincere. 00:30:40.300 --> 00:30:41.500 As we take communion, 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.040 as we gather 00:30:43.040 --> 00:30:44.060 for the Lord's Supper, 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:45.280 let it be 00:30:45.280 --> 00:30:46.920 from a sincere heart. 00:30:47.860 --> 00:30:49.140 Not just for show, 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.620 not just because 00:30:50.620 --> 00:30:51.660 that's the tradition 00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:52.680 that we're used to, 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.640 but we're sincerely 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:57.100 reminding ourselves 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:59.959 that Jesus gave his life 00:30:59.959 --> 00:31:02.619 so we could have life. 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:06.259 So, 00:31:07.819 --> 00:31:10.799 Charles Deems 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:12.819 was an old-time 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:13.659 Methodist pastor 00:31:13.659 --> 00:31:14.919 who led one of the largest 00:31:14.919 --> 00:31:16.480 and most effective churches 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.439 in New York City 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:19.359 many, many years ago. 00:31:20.159 --> 00:31:21.799 I found this quote by him 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:22.579 and I wanted to share it 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.240 with you today. 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:24.779 He said, 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.599 the Lord's Supper 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:27.740 has been greatly instrumental 00:31:27.740 --> 00:31:29.639 in keeping his cause, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.599 Jesus' cause, 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.099 alive. 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:33.079 It's the voice 00:31:33.079 --> 00:31:34.200 of all believers 00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:36.399 preaching the Lord's death 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:37.139 till he comes. 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:37.740 That's what Jesus 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:38.500 told us to do. 00:31:39.940 --> 00:31:41.379 He who believes 00:31:41.379 --> 00:31:42.079 that the Lord 00:31:42.079 --> 00:31:42.879 did come 00:31:42.879 --> 00:31:44.099 and die for us 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:45.680 and will come again 00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:47.099 and take us to himself 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:49.039 will not hesitate 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.500 to regard 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:52.220 this last request 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.579 of our Lord 00:31:53.579 --> 00:31:54.420 and Savior. 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:56.139 Do you understand 00:31:56.139 --> 00:31:57.240 the whole point 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:57.740 of this? 00:31:58.859 --> 00:32:00.059 The Lord's Supper 00:32:00.059 --> 00:32:01.680 is to continue 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:03.619 to proclaim 00:32:03.619 --> 00:32:04.879 and preach 00:32:04.879 --> 00:32:06.559 the Lord's death 00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:08.579 until he comes again. 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.420 Someday, 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.740 we'll trade in 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.519 the Lord's Supper 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:14.079 for the marriage supper 00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:14.680 of the Lamb. 00:32:15.119 --> 00:32:16.399 We'll all gather in heaven 00:32:16.399 --> 00:32:17.839 around a great big feast 00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:18.920 and we won't have 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:19.859 to do this anymore. 00:32:19.859 --> 00:32:22.500 But until that day, 00:32:22.639 --> 00:32:23.319 we gather, 00:32:23.659 --> 00:32:24.299 we stop, 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.219 we remember, 00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:26.539 and we proclaim 00:32:26.539 --> 00:32:28.439 the Lord's death. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:29.839 It's a new beginning 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:30.399 for us. 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:31.819 Every time. 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:33.159 You might have walked in here 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:34.399 laden down with baggage. 00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:36.479 You might have walked in here 00:32:36.479 --> 00:32:37.599 with all kinds of baggage 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.179 in your heart 00:32:38.179 --> 00:32:39.039 and in your mind. 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:40.500 I invite you 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.779 to lay it down 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.399 at the cross. 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:44.059 Remind yourself 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:45.059 of the broken body 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.039 and the shed blood 00:32:46.039 --> 00:32:47.319 of Jesus Christ 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:49.379 and lay that down. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.440 Let him take it. 00:32:52.119 --> 00:32:53.460 Cast your burden on him 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:55.399 because he cares for you. 00:32:56.899 --> 00:32:58.159 That's what the Lord's Supper 00:32:58.159 --> 00:32:59.299 is there to do. 00:32:59.720 --> 00:33:00.680 It's a new beginning 00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:02.659 of proclaiming 00:33:02.659 --> 00:33:04.259 the Lord's death. 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:06.359 We don't just proclaim it 00:33:06.359 --> 00:33:07.960 to those who have never heard. 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:09.639 We proclaim it 00:33:09.639 --> 00:33:10.460 to ourselves. 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.940 We proclaim it 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:12.639 to our families. 00:33:13.379 --> 00:33:14.659 And we remind ourselves 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:16.080 to be sober, 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:17.560 be smart, 00:33:18.060 --> 00:33:18.920 be sincere 00:33:18.920 --> 00:33:20.460 as we proclaim 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:21.580 the Lord's death. 00:33:21.640 --> 00:33:22.660 Would you bow in prayer with me? 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.660 God, I pray right now 00:33:24.660 --> 00:33:25.360 that you would speak 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:26.120 to our minds. 00:33:28.120 --> 00:33:29.000 Our minds 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:30.300 are the devil's playground. 00:33:31.060 --> 00:33:32.000 He gets in there 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:33.340 when we lower our guard 00:33:33.340 --> 00:33:35.040 and messes us around. 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:37.600 I pray that you would 00:33:37.600 --> 00:33:38.759 speak to our flesh. 00:33:40.300 --> 00:33:41.540 That we would be smart 00:33:41.540 --> 00:33:42.400 and not go back 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:43.500 to those desires 00:33:43.500 --> 00:33:45.940 that lead us 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.640 away from you. 00:33:47.720 --> 00:33:48.839 The lust of the flesh, 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:51.539 the lust of the eyes, 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.539 the pride of life 00:33:52.539 --> 00:33:55.039 that you warn us about. 00:33:57.559 --> 00:33:59.160 I pray that we would be sincere. 00:34:03.079 --> 00:34:04.619 That this regular reminder 00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:07.680 as we gather to do this 00:34:07.680 --> 00:34:08.579 four times a year 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:11.500 would take us back 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:13.319 to that day on the cross 00:34:13.319 --> 00:34:15.960 when you held nothing back. 00:34:17.319 --> 00:34:18.980 When you gave up everything 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:21.739 so I could stand up here 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:22.199 and preach 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:25.019 so your people 00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:26.500 could gather in this place, 00:34:27.960 --> 00:34:29.599 sing your songs of praise, 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.719 fellowship with one another, 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.519 lift up your name, 00:34:35.519 --> 00:34:37.820 remind ourselves 00:34:37.820 --> 00:34:38.800 of your sacrifice. 00:34:39.679 --> 00:34:40.739 Take us back there, Lord, 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:43.139 and let the sincere love 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:44.639 that you showed to us 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:48.239 bear that same kind 00:34:48.239 --> 00:34:49.159 of sincere love 00:34:49.159 --> 00:34:50.280 within us. 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:52.759 The people we know 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:54.920 would see a difference. 00:34:56.500 --> 00:34:57.460 It's in Jesus' name 00:34:57.460 --> 00:34:58.400 we ask these things. 00:35:00.019 --> 00:35:01.119 Would you keep your heads 00:35:01.119 --> 00:35:02.239 bowed in an attitude of prayer? 00:35:02.239 --> 00:35:03.339 I'm going to have the deacons 00:35:03.339 --> 00:35:04.459 come join me up front 00:35:04.459 --> 00:35:06.179 to distribute the elements 00:35:06.179 --> 00:35:06.859 of the Lord's Supper 00:35:06.859 --> 00:35:07.639 in just a moment. 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.479 As they begin to make 00:35:09.479 --> 00:35:10.199 their way up front, 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:11.939 let me ask you this question. 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:13.879 Is there anybody here 00:35:13.879 --> 00:35:14.679 who would say, 00:35:16.879 --> 00:35:21.339 I know beyond a shadow of doubt 00:35:21.339 --> 00:35:22.579 that Jesus is my Savior. 00:35:24.479 --> 00:35:25.659 I remember the day 00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:27.219 when I placed my faith in Him 00:35:27.219 --> 00:35:28.059 and He forgave me 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.039 and made me His child. 00:35:29.759 --> 00:35:30.599 If that's you, 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:32.000 would you just testify to that 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:32.800 and signify that 00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:33.780 by slipping your hand up 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:35.219 and say, yes, that's me. 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.579 I know I'm a child of God. 00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:37.320 Thank you. 00:35:37.639 --> 00:35:38.500 You can put your hand down. 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.059 Is there anybody 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:40.539 who would say, 00:35:40.639 --> 00:35:41.559 I couldn't raise my hand 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.119 a moment ago 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:43.159 because I'm not sure? 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:48.199 I've got questions. 00:35:50.300 --> 00:35:51.260 I've got concerns 00:35:51.260 --> 00:35:52.079 and I'm not sure 00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:54.860 that I could raise my hand 00:35:54.860 --> 00:35:55.159 and say, 00:35:55.219 --> 00:35:56.260 I know I'm a child of God. 00:35:56.300 --> 00:35:57.260 Would you slip your hand up 00:35:57.260 --> 00:35:58.320 and I'll just pray for you? 00:36:00.179 --> 00:36:01.019 Everyone's heads are bowed. 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:02.059 While we have a moment of privacy, 00:36:02.179 --> 00:36:03.039 I'd love to pray for you. 00:36:04.300 --> 00:36:04.840 Thank you. 00:36:07.300 --> 00:36:08.519 How many of you would say, 00:36:08.659 --> 00:36:10.280 God's working on me 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:12.619 about something I've heard 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.480 in the message today 00:36:13.480 --> 00:36:14.800 or something entirely different, 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:16.659 but God's working on me right now 00:36:16.659 --> 00:36:17.500 in this moment 00:36:17.500 --> 00:36:18.699 of reminder, 00:36:19.099 --> 00:36:19.759 of remembering, 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:21.519 of a new beginning. 00:36:22.739 --> 00:36:23.699 I'm asking Jesus 00:36:23.699 --> 00:36:24.860 to help me with some things 00:36:24.860 --> 00:36:26.179 that are on my heart right now. 00:36:26.239 --> 00:36:27.079 Would you slip your hand up 00:36:27.079 --> 00:36:27.699 and I'll pray for you? 00:36:27.699 --> 00:36:28.579 Thank you. 00:36:28.739 --> 00:36:29.179 Thank you. 00:36:29.799 --> 00:36:30.379 Thank you. 00:36:30.980 --> 00:36:31.539 Thank you. 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:32.539 Thank you. 00:36:33.359 --> 00:36:33.939 Thank you. 00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:36.899 Thank you, God. 00:36:36.939 --> 00:36:37.779 I pray for those 00:36:37.779 --> 00:36:38.939 that lifted their hands. 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:39.919 I pray that you would 00:36:39.919 --> 00:36:41.879 be powerfully moving 00:36:41.879 --> 00:36:43.159 in their hearts right now, God. 00:36:43.239 --> 00:36:44.079 Through your spirit, 00:36:44.819 --> 00:36:45.559 give them wisdom. 00:36:45.739 --> 00:36:46.460 Give them clarity. 00:36:46.679 --> 00:36:47.559 Give them understanding 00:36:47.559 --> 00:36:48.939 of what they need to do, 00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:50.939 the steps they need to take, 00:36:50.940 --> 00:36:52.820 but then help them 00:36:52.820 --> 00:36:53.300 to remember 00:36:53.300 --> 00:36:54.639 who they are 00:36:54.639 --> 00:36:56.179 as your child. 00:36:57.059 --> 00:36:58.059 Remind them of that, God, 00:36:58.099 --> 00:36:59.099 how much you value them, 00:36:59.159 --> 00:37:00.019 how much you love them. 00:37:00.639 --> 00:37:01.880 And as they take these elements 00:37:01.880 --> 00:37:02.659 in just a moment, 00:37:03.380 --> 00:37:04.900 let it be a new beginning 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:06.300 with Jesus 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:07.840 that you want it to be. 00:37:07.900 --> 00:37:08.980 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:37:09.539 --> 00:37:09.820 Amen. 00:37:09.820 --> 00:37:09.920 Amen. 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:09.960 Amen. 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:09.980 Amen. 00:37:09.980 --> 00:37:10.079 Amen. 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:10.139 Amen. 00:37:10.139 --> 00:37:10.500 Amen. 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:10.579 Amen. 00:37:10.579 --> 00:37:11.920 Amen. 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:12.000 Amen. 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:12.059 Amen. 00:37:12.059 --> 00:37:12.099 Amen. 00:37:12.099 --> 00:37:12.200 Amen. 00:37:12.200 --> 00:37:14.119 Amen. 00:37:14.119 --> 00:37:14.139 Amen. 00:37:14.139 --> 00:37:14.159 Amen. 00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:14.179 Amen. 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:14.260 Amen. 00:37:14.260 --> 00:37:16.159 Amen. 00:37:16.159 --> 00:37:16.179 Amen. 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:16.220 Amen. 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:16.280 Amen. 00:37:16.280 --> 00:37:18.119 Amen. 00:37:18.119 --> 00:37:18.179 Amen. 00:37:18.179 --> 00:37:18.240 Amen. 00:37:18.240 --> 00:37:18.300 Amen. 00:37:18.300 --> 00:37:19.200 Amen.