WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:06.299 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.820 --> 00:00:14.720 I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.019 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.539 --> 00:00:29.019 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.100 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:33.740 Happy New Year. 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:37.119 How many of you guys stayed up for the New Year? 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:39.359 All right, let's be honest here. 00:00:39.460 --> 00:00:41.620 And how many of us went to bed early? 00:00:42.280 --> 00:00:43.140 All right, all right. 00:00:43.179 --> 00:00:45.759 So we have all sorts of variety. 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:55.719 You know, ever since moving here, one of the things that really just gets me around the New Year time is in Boise, they drop a potato. 00:00:56.799 --> 00:00:57.820 What's up with that? 00:00:57.820 --> 00:01:03.920 I mean, I know Idaho is known for its potato, and here in this area, we are known for our onions. 00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:12.760 And I haven't seen any dropping of onions, but if there is any, that would be really cool to see for next New Year's Eve party. 00:01:12.760 --> 00:01:15.600 So maybe we could put something like that. 00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:23.859 But it was very interesting because I had the opportunity to show my kids as they're dropping this potato, and they're kind of like, a potato? 00:01:24.859 --> 00:01:27.840 What's, why is a potato dropping? 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:30.700 And I'm like, well, that's part of the celebration. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.000 And he thought it was the most hilarious thing ever. 00:01:34.820 --> 00:01:38.000 And I got to admit, it was kind of funny even watching as a parent here. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:44.000 But I'd like to welcome all of you here as this is the first Sunday this year in 2025. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:47.900 It seems like, you know, last year was yesterday. 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:52.260 We were celebrating our time of the Advent season and Christmas. 00:01:52.660 --> 00:01:55.820 And now here we are in the 5th of January 2025. 00:01:56.820 --> 00:02:01.580 For some of us, we've made New Year's resolutions, yes? 00:02:02.300 --> 00:02:03.160 Maybe, maybe not. 00:02:03.520 --> 00:02:05.860 Are you continuing your New Year's resolution? 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:07.439 Maybe, maybe not, right? 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:14.039 And as we're here in January, for a lot of us, we think of New Year's resolutions. 00:02:14.319 --> 00:02:25.599 We think of times how we can, you know, we got to go to the gym or we need to eat healthier or maybe not drink too many Mountain Dews or whatever it is that, whatever it is you need to improve on. 00:02:25.659 --> 00:02:29.159 And it's just a kind of a fun thing that happens in the beginning of the year. 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:40.199 And I think for this year how important it is for us to not only come to know Jesus Christ, but to grow in Him and to be molded by Him. 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:46.659 Because the God that we worship and the God that we serve transforms us every single day. 00:02:47.259 --> 00:02:53.439 And it is my prayer for each and every one of you, whether this is your first time or whether you've been faithfully attending, 00:02:53.439 --> 00:02:57.020 that you know you are loved by Jesus. 00:02:57.819 --> 00:03:03.379 And that God extends an invitation for you to enter into a relationship with Him. 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:09.359 And that believing in the Lord and being saved is just the beginning of your journey in Christ. 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:12.259 We are all a work in progress. 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:18.939 And we are to continue to be molded by the Word and have transformation that comes to our very lives. 00:03:18.939 --> 00:03:24.939 And through this transformation, the learning and growing, we share in the gospel message with other people. 00:03:25.659 --> 00:03:28.060 We let people know that Jesus lives. 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:32.699 We let people know of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:34.780 We share that. 00:03:35.439 --> 00:03:40.419 And part of knowing the Lord and growing in Him is living it out. 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:45.419 And I want to ask you this question as you see this kind of image here. 00:03:45.419 --> 00:03:50.079 When was the last time you did something nice for someone else? 00:03:50.159 --> 00:03:54.399 You could say I did something nice this year and kudos for you on that one. 00:03:54.899 --> 00:03:59.759 But I want you to think for a moment, when was the last time you did something that was just above and beyond? 00:04:00.519 --> 00:04:09.060 Maybe you paid for someone's coffee and you found out they were hosting an entire party of five and you had to spend $50 on their coffee. 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:20.579 Or perhaps you did the whole pay it forward thing where you were in the drive-thru at McDonald's and you wanted to pay the next person's cart or something. 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:25.579 Or maybe it was just something simple as a smile. 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:28.579 Maybe saying hello, good morning. 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:33.879 And maybe not wanting to get angry when somebody is trying to cut you off as you're driving. 00:04:34.959 --> 00:04:37.779 When was the last time that you did something nice for that? 00:04:37.779 --> 00:04:40.199 A simple thank you. 00:04:41.119 --> 00:04:46.279 Smiling at someone or doing something good in the name of Christ or paying it forward. 00:04:46.399 --> 00:04:49.699 A small act of kindness can cross boundaries. 00:04:50.519 --> 00:04:54.699 And as Christians, we are called to live and love like Jesus Christ. 00:04:55.979 --> 00:04:57.199 In every single day. 00:04:57.359 --> 00:04:58.259 In every moment. 00:04:58.259 --> 00:04:58.420 In every moment. 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:03.599 Now for some of you, you may have heard of this guy. 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:05.319 He was on a famous TV show. 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:06.579 Mr. Rogers. 00:05:07.579 --> 00:05:08.699 Many of you guys know it. 00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:10.120 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:12.980 But if you don't, that would be surprising. 00:05:13.099 --> 00:05:13.259 Right? 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:15.620 Many of us have heard of Mr. Rogers. 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:16.039 Right? 00:05:16.579 --> 00:05:18.439 It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. 00:05:18.599 --> 00:05:20.259 We're not going to bust out in singing in here. 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:20.539 Right? 00:05:22.319 --> 00:05:23.959 Won't you be my neighbor? 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:24.039 However. 00:05:25.579 --> 00:05:27.339 Now, something I found. 00:05:27.419 --> 00:05:29.620 There's a documentary that came out about Mr. Rogers. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:31.299 I didn't know that he was a pastor. 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:32.359 Did you guys know that? 00:05:32.919 --> 00:05:34.719 He was a Presbyterian pastor. 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:37.299 And he was in... 00:05:37.299 --> 00:05:39.799 That was, in essence, his ministry. 00:05:40.519 --> 00:05:42.579 Of being the light... 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:46.599 Exhibiting the light and love of Christ on television. 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:51.220 Now, I got to tell you, that's a crazy ministry, as it were. 00:05:51.820 --> 00:05:57.520 But we know the profound impact when every single episode, there's that question. 00:05:58.060 --> 00:05:59.320 Won't you be my neighbor? 00:05:59.900 --> 00:06:04.340 And we think about this not only in the world, but we think about it in the scriptures today. 00:06:04.340 --> 00:06:07.040 When we think about the parable of the Good Samaritan. 00:06:08.260 --> 00:06:09.439 Who is your neighbor? 00:06:11.020 --> 00:06:12.300 Have you thought about that? 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:18.180 You can think literally of who is next door to you, or if you live out in the country. 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:20.720 Maybe a few miles away. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:23.300 Who is your neighbor? 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:28.020 Maybe it's the person you meet in the grocery store. 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:31.519 Maybe it's the person who you see at the post office. 00:06:32.220 --> 00:06:33.680 Who is your neighbor? 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:37.280 Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. 00:06:37.780 --> 00:06:42.740 It shocked his audience by elevating the hated Samaritan. 00:06:43.699 --> 00:06:47.259 And placing him as the hero of the story. 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:51.139 And so, church, let's turn our Bibles. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:56.319 We're going to go to page 1032. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:59.860 We're going to go into the Gospel of Luke. 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:03.680 So, it's going to be Luke chapter 10, verses 25 through 37. 00:07:05.659 --> 00:07:07.180 And we're going to read the text. 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:14.779 We have been going through our sermon series known as Thy Kingdom Come. 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:18.699 We've been going through the parables of Jesus Christ. 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:21.319 Some of these parables are so easy. 00:07:22.620 --> 00:07:24.259 Maybe they're easier said than done. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:28.319 Maybe they're a little more complex and we don't know the meaning. 00:07:28.459 --> 00:07:32.180 But for the Good Samaritan, I think most of us have known this one or heard it before. 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:35.439 And if you haven't, this might be a good refresher or a good introduction. 00:07:36.180 --> 00:07:36.779 So, are we there? 00:07:36.899 --> 00:07:39.599 Luke chapter 10, verses 25 to 37. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:41.959 Let's read together. 00:07:42.939 --> 00:07:47.039 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:51.560 Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:54.579 And he said to him, what is written in the law? 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:55.379 Right? 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:57.379 How do you read it? 00:07:57.459 --> 00:07:58.500 And he answered what? 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:07.480 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:08.500 And your what? 00:08:09.340 --> 00:08:10.439 And your neighbor. 00:08:10.699 --> 00:08:10.959 Right? 00:08:11.019 --> 00:08:12.100 Your neighbor as yourself. 00:08:12.100 --> 00:08:19.660 And he said to them, he said to him, you answered correctly, but do this and you will live. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:28.840 But he, the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, and who is my neighbor? 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:32.980 That's kind of a snarky response, don't you think? 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:34.899 Well, who's my neighbor, Jesus? 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:38.120 So Jesus replied, and this is where we have the parable. 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:41.639 A man was going down from Jerusalem to where? 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:43.060 Jericho. 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:48.840 And he fell among robbers who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 00:08:49.679 --> 00:08:51.919 Now by chance, a what? 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:52.519 Or who? 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:54.879 A priest was going down that road. 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:57.259 And when he saw him, what did he do? 00:08:57.820 --> 00:09:00.000 He passed by on the other side. 00:09:00.679 --> 00:09:02.460 And so likewise, a Levite. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:06.360 When he came to the place and saw him, what did he do? 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:08.200 Passed by on the other side. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.759 The same language here, right? 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:13.000 But then, a Samaritan. 00:09:14.159 --> 00:09:16.879 As he journeyed, he came to where he was. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:19.560 And when he saw him, he, what? 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:21.440 He had compassion. 00:09:22.279 --> 00:09:26.580 He went to him and he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:31.960 And he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:38.920 And the next day, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, saying what? 00:09:39.460 --> 00:09:40.660 Take care of him. 00:09:42.340 --> 00:09:45.879 And whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back. 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:54.139 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:58.240 And he said, the one who showed him mercy. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:10:00.559 And Jesus said to him, what? 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:04.399 You go and do likewise. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:08.779 And so what we can see in the text here, it's very simple. 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:10.419 Let's go to that next slide here. 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:12.639 What is happening in these verses? 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:15.259 A lawyer is testing Jesus. 00:10:15.439 --> 00:10:19.000 He's asking this question, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:24.320 And Jesus is pointing out to the law to love the Lord your God with all your heart. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:27.840 He's going on also that you are to love your neighbor, right? 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:28.840 There's much more to this. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.600 This is kind of a paraphrase with that. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:35.980 And then finally, the lawyer trying to justify himself. 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:38.000 Who is my neighbor? 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:43.620 Now, again, that's kind of a snarky reply, but it's still a good question nonetheless. 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:48.620 It's a question that can be asked back then and certainly for us today. 00:10:49.559 --> 00:10:50.799 Who is my neighbor? 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:53.720 Well, Jesus answers very clearly. 00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:54.960 Let's go to that next slide. 00:10:55.100 --> 00:10:56.320 What is happening here? 00:10:56.500 --> 00:11:01.159 We have the victim who is robbed, beaten, and left for dead, right? 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:03.639 He was on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:07.379 We have the priest who passed by on the other side. 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:13.460 And there's many scholars who said, well, maybe if you guys have watched Veggie Tales before, 00:11:14.039 --> 00:11:15.879 you probably know that one, right? 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:19.320 I'm busy, busy, dreaded, if you're going to sing it, right? 00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:19.939 You guys know. 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:27.559 They go into a musical number where it's like, oh, you know, I'm too busy to care for this guy. 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:29.100 I have things to do. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:34.879 And that's commonly what is implied here, what is concluded here, right? 00:11:34.939 --> 00:11:37.360 So prioritizing his duties over compassion. 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:40.220 How many of us have had those moments before? 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:42.040 I got a doctor's appointment. 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:43.259 I can't help you out here. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:45.279 We may have had those moments. 00:11:46.420 --> 00:11:49.200 The Levite also passed by on the other side. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:53.120 And some scholars say it was avoiding an inconvenience. 00:11:53.820 --> 00:11:55.940 Same idea, right? 00:11:56.259 --> 00:12:02.040 Passing him by and noticing that you looked, but you didn't do anything. 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:05.879 And very often that hits home for us. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:11.360 Sometimes we do get inconvenienced in our own life to help someone who is in need. 00:12:11.879 --> 00:12:17.259 This is part of us living out the Christian faith to feed those who are hungry, 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:20.059 to give clothes to those who are in need. 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:22.959 But we're too busy. 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:29.419 I certainly hope that in those moments you take time to care for your neighbor. 00:12:29.419 --> 00:12:33.679 And the Samaritan then, he acts out of compassion. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:37.839 And he is crossing these societal boundaries. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:41.979 Because you have to think for a moment that a Samaritan was hated by the Jewish people. 00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:46.799 Well, we can think of people who's outside of the cultural norms, 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:49.120 who's outside of the line, as it were. 00:12:50.219 --> 00:12:54.919 Well, imagine someone who is across the line who's exhibiting kindness and you're not. 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:56.860 That's very difficult. 00:12:56.860 --> 00:12:59.419 That can be a challenge for us. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:06.879 But in that challenge, we have to think, let us check our hearts in moments such as this. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:10.980 The Samaritan, he cleans and bandages the wounds. 00:13:11.800 --> 00:13:14.060 And transports the man to safety. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:18.220 And pays for his care and commits to ongoing support. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:22.980 And Jesus is saying that you need to go and do likewise. 00:13:23.800 --> 00:13:25.580 Like the Samaritan Jesus? 00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:28.519 The one that we can't stand? 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:29.720 The one that we hate? 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:31.000 Yes. 00:13:32.080 --> 00:13:32.600 Exactly. 00:13:33.759 --> 00:13:38.019 That's part of our spiritual walk in Christ. 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:40.279 Believing in the Lord and being saved. 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:42.980 Growing in him and acting upon that faith. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:47.820 Let us be that beacon of hope to other people in the new year. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:52.560 There are a lot of people who don't know who Jesus Christ is. 00:13:52.920 --> 00:14:01.539 There's a lot of people who God gives us this opportunity to show loving kindness to others. 00:14:01.539 --> 00:14:05.439 And so then we go into this next section. 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:08.299 What can we learn? 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:10.240 What can we interpret from these verses? 00:14:10.399 --> 00:14:13.439 Well, the first one is that love crosses boundaries. 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:17.919 When we're thinking of the Samaritan, we're talking socioeconomics. 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:20.319 We're talking racial divides. 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:23.259 And just differences in people. 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:25.279 We don't have that today, do we? 00:14:25.719 --> 00:14:28.519 We don't have any division in socioeconomics. 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:30.079 We don't have any racial divides. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:32.200 We don't have anything like that back then. 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:33.480 We do. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:36.660 And we're very, well, at least we should be aware of it. 00:14:36.920 --> 00:14:37.540 Shouldn't we? 00:14:38.360 --> 00:14:44.879 And so the Samaritan here, hated by the Jews, still exhibits that kindness. 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:48.660 And it also has to think for a moment. 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:52.940 Take a step back and think about the love that God has for you. 00:14:53.020 --> 00:14:57.140 That it doesn't matter who you are, what you have been through, or what you are going through. 00:14:57.139 --> 00:15:03.360 It is my prayer, and it should be our prayer, that if you don't know Jesus Christ, may your 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:07.399 spiritual walk be towards knowing who Jesus Christ is. 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:13.759 And upon believing in him, you grow and you move in the direction that God wants you to go. 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.779 Because let me tell you something. 00:15:15.779 --> 00:15:20.439 God will put you on a wonderful path of transformation, of healing. 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:25.639 A journey that is unlike anything that the world has to offer. 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:32.539 And so God's love is transcendent of culture, racial, and even societal divides. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:38.879 Many of you may know Galatians chapter 3, verse 28, that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:41.039 for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:44.439 And specifically, yes, that is talking about when you are a believer. 00:15:45.339 --> 00:15:47.360 That God sees you all as the same. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:53.779 The second thing, then, is that love is active towards others. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:59.720 There are many verses in Scripture that talk about that we shouldn't have a dead faith. 00:16:00.839 --> 00:16:02.519 We should have an active faith. 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:06.279 How does faith in action look towards you? 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:08.220 It should certainly be to other people. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:10.379 It should certainly be to our neighbors. 00:16:12.319 --> 00:16:15.379 It should be for the ones that are suffering. 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:18.620 The ones that may have been distanced. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:21.639 Who can you think has been beaten? 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:23.299 It may not even be physically. 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:29.959 There are people out there who have been spiritually hurt that need healing from the Lord. 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:38.600 When we think of the ministry of presence, being present with someone who is in pain or in suffering, 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:42.199 being there with them and helping them out. 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:45.500 The Samaritan's love was shown through action, right? 00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:47.240 Again, cleaning the wounds, right? 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:49.879 Offering transport and paying for care. 00:16:50.059 --> 00:16:53.759 These things cost money, especially back then, right? 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:58.480 For us, it may be a little harder for us to think, all right, we put someone in our car and drive. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:01.159 I mean, you could say that's gas, right? 00:17:01.199 --> 00:17:03.539 You could say that's taking time out of your day. 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:05.039 But think for a moment. 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:07.980 It's going out of your way for someone. 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:11.139 1 John 3, verse 18. 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:16.360 Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. 00:17:16.359 --> 00:17:20.859 Many of you may know Micah, chapter 6, verse 8. 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:26.679 What does the Lord require of you to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God? 00:17:27.719 --> 00:17:30.500 The third thing here then is to love your neighbor. 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:34.059 So these are the things that we learn because remember, we observe the text. 00:17:34.139 --> 00:17:35.000 We read the text. 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:38.759 We think of what we can learn about it for our spiritual growth. 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:41.920 And the third part is, how can we act upon this? 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:48.799 So this third piece here, Jesus challenges us to see our neighbors, to consider them. 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:51.839 Who is someone in need that you know? 00:17:52.639 --> 00:17:55.279 Who is someone that needs comfort? 00:17:56.460 --> 00:18:00.579 It might be as simple as, who can you show up to and pray with? 00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:03.960 Who can you show up to and be present with? 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:07.480 It could be the homeless person. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:11.359 It could be someone that's struggling. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:16.099 And I mean, when we think of the word struggle, we always think of physical, but there's other types of struggles. 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:24.319 Mental, spiritual, emotional, there's all these different, that's part of the brokenness of the world that we live in. 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:28.240 That there's a lot, we live in a broken and fallen world. 00:18:29.659 --> 00:18:35.519 And when we think of the love of Christ that transforms us from the inside out, we are to exhibit that to other people. 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.179 Love your neighbor. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:41.339 Romans 13, 10, love does no harm to a neighbor. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.919 Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:47.779 Then we go into the third thing. 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:49.539 The application. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:53.159 How can I apply or live out these verses? 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:56.279 The first thing is to consider your neighbor. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:19:00.119 If you haven't gotten it by now, you should get it now, right? 00:19:00.879 --> 00:19:01.899 Consider your neighbor. 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.379 Think for a moment. 00:19:04.199 --> 00:19:06.079 Do you get kind of a mental image? 00:19:06.219 --> 00:19:08.459 Or you know someone that's your neighbor? 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:12.319 If you don't, maybe go to the grocery store. 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:14.059 Look around, right? 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:17.900 I mean, I don't know all of my next door neighbors. 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:20.640 And part of that is because they're never home. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:22.279 But some of them I do. 00:19:23.360 --> 00:19:24.380 Introduce yourself. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.400 Just see how they're doing. 00:19:27.400 --> 00:19:28.980 Won't you be my neighbor? 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:29.700 Right? 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.319 Just as that question was in the beginning. 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:34.599 Challenge yourself to see everyone. 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:36.960 Because we're all a needy people. 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:39.599 That's the whole premise of Christianity. 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:41.240 We're sinners in need of a Savior. 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:44.059 We're definitely a needy people, aren't we? 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:48.779 And certainly, it's a call for us to love one another. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.799 Just as the Lord loves us. 00:19:52.659 --> 00:19:53.759 Love your enemies. 00:19:54.399 --> 00:19:56.200 And pray for those who persecute you. 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:58.660 In Hebrews 13.12, it says, 00:19:58.779 --> 00:20:01.039 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers. 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:04.100 For by doing so, this one always gets me. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:08.600 Some of you have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 00:20:09.640 --> 00:20:11.340 Now, that's a wild thought. 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:13.660 If you really think about it. 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:15.400 Entertaining angels at home? 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.819 What do you mean by that? 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:21.799 The second thing, then, is exhibit loving kindness, chesed, 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:24.880 or unconditional agape love. 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:28.080 We find that in the Greek or the Hebrew, for you scholars, 00:20:28.840 --> 00:20:31.060 chesed, right, being the Hebrew, 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:33.900 and agape love, the unconditional love, 00:20:34.380 --> 00:20:38.920 that it's a type of love that is beyond what we can share. 00:20:40.520 --> 00:20:45.360 Love flows from a heart that is aligned with the Lord. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.600 Let me repeat myself here. 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:52.500 Love flows from a heart that is aligned with God's love. 00:20:52.540 --> 00:20:53.700 And what do I mean by that? 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:56.000 I'm talking the love that comes from the Lord. 00:20:57.440 --> 00:21:03.460 Chesed is steadfast, loyal love that goes beyond obligation. 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.360 Think about that. 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:09.299 Or when we think of agape love, many of you have heard that. 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:15.400 The selfless, sacrificial love that is shown by Jesus Christ 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:17.580 being a fulfillment of the scriptures, 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:21.640 being born in the manger, performing miracles, 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:25.380 living, dying, being buried, and on the third day, 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:27.400 raising from the dead. 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:30.240 So exhibit that chesed. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:35.279 And it's such a strange word to say, but think about that. 00:21:35.380 --> 00:21:37.200 Think of the concept behind this. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:40.940 And many of you know that James 2, 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:44.700 faith without works is dead. 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:46.319 And 1 Peter 4, 8, 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:51.079 love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:54.159 And the third thing and the final thing 00:21:54.159 --> 00:22:01.939 is to commit to doing good in the name of Christ. 00:22:03.879 --> 00:22:06.379 First and foremost, you've got to know who Jesus is. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.759 You just have to. 00:22:09.399 --> 00:22:12.419 Come to know, believe in the Lord, and be saved. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:17.819 Specifically, know the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:20.960 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 1 through 4. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.379 The simple gospel. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:25.799 That it is a fulfillment of the scriptures. 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:29.439 And there's specific scriptures that is being fulfilled here. 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:34.319 Know the Lord and grow in him. 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:38.159 Learn to read your Bible. 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:42.000 Commit to praying. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:46.919 We are not saved by what we do. 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:52.200 We are saved by grace through faith so that we can do. 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:56.399 As many of you know, Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 through 9. 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.859 Check out verse 10. 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:01.019 That we are created. 00:23:01.659 --> 00:23:03.460 We are saved by grace through faith. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.139 It goes on in verse 10. 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:09.299 So that we can do good in the name of Christ. 00:23:09.419 --> 00:23:10.939 So that we can do good works. 00:23:11.619 --> 00:23:12.960 It's explicitly there. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:16.920 Live out your faith by serving others. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.840 And think of someone this week. 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:22.740 Think of one neighbor you can think of. 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:25.440 Someone that you can help out. 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.240 Pray for. 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:28.759 Share the gospel story with. 00:23:29.640 --> 00:23:30.579 Offer a meal. 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:35.799 You know, I think of these old movies that my parents would show me as a kid. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:38.359 When people would offer cherry pie. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:38.980 Or, right? 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.419 The meatloaf or something, right? 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:42.899 Exhibit that kindness. 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:45.319 That loving kindness to other people. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:48.200 Walk in love. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:51.940 As Christ loved us and gave himself for us. 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:54.059 As Ephesians 5.2 says. 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:58.559 And I want you to think in all of this. 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:03.519 The Good Samaritan is a challenging parable. 00:24:04.139 --> 00:24:09.399 When we are thinking about someone who you wouldn't expect. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:13.359 Or someone that's kind of hated doing good. 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.759 Us as Christians. 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:18.720 We've got to do good in the name of Christ. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:23.279 So as I opened with the idea of Mr. Rogers. 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:26.220 That it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. 00:24:27.379 --> 00:24:28.819 Won't you be my neighbor? 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:32.899 Whose neighbor are you going to be? 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:34.859 Consider that. 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:38.379 And let this parable be a challenge for you. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:41.000 To exhibit that loving kindness. 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.599 That agape love. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.200 To those in need. 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.019 Let's pray together. 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:48.379 Dear Lord and Heavenly Father. 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.460 We thank you. 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.440 For giving us this time. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:54.600 And this opportunity to sing praises to your holy name. 00:24:57.600 --> 00:24:59.580 To take part in communion. 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:03.460 And to hear this wonderful parable of the Good Samaritan. 00:25:04.320 --> 00:25:05.980 May we recognize in this parable. 00:25:06.620 --> 00:25:07.519 First and foremost. 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:09.160 We've got to have a relationship with you. 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:11.420 And we grow in you. 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.500 Upon that salvation. 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.600 May we be challenged. 00:25:15.320 --> 00:25:16.580 To read our Bibles. 00:25:16.880 --> 00:25:17.519 And to grow. 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:21.279 And learn what it means to exhibit that loving kindness to others. 00:25:21.360 --> 00:25:23.000 And let us be active in our faith. 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:24.460 For some of us here, Father. 00:25:24.820 --> 00:25:26.560 We may have a dead faith. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:29.779 I pray that each and every single one of us here. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.940 Will know that they are loved. 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.519 Make a decision for you. 00:25:33.679 --> 00:25:34.240 Grow in you. 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:36.200 And be moved to do good. 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:39.039 In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.839 And Father. 00:25:41.599 --> 00:25:43.339 As we are beginning this year. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.500 I'd like to pray. 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:47.940 That everyone here. 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:50.019 Will be moved to do good. 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:51.839 In your holy name. 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:54.000 It is in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:55.980 The cornerstone of our faith. 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:57.019 That we pray. 00:25:57.139 --> 00:25:58.079 And we all say together. 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.359 Amen. 00:25:59.299 --> 00:25:59.779 Amen. 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:05.299 Thank you for listening for this week's message from Ontario Community Church. 00:26:05.659 --> 00:26:10.079 I pray that you are encouraged and strengthened in your walk with Christ. 00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:15.459 For more sermons and resources, visit OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:24.660 May God bless you as you live out his grace and truth every single day.