WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.660 If you have your Bibles, I want you to turn to 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. 00:00:06.299 --> 00:00:12.019 I have a lot to be thankful for, and I could stand up here and share that today. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:20.480 And I thought about that, but it sounds mighty me-centered, and so I'll be quick about it. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:27.199 As a point of testimony, I want to say I'm thankful for my salvation, for without it, 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:34.579 I'd be eternally lost. I want to thank God for my raising, my family. 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:41.359 My parents were always committed to the Lord, my life, throughout my life they have been, 00:00:42.179 --> 00:00:49.399 and always had me in church, and I'm thankful for that. It wasn't a choice. 00:00:49.399 --> 00:00:56.299 I'm thankful for my marriage. God's blessed us, and I'm thankful for my children. 00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:04.539 He's blessed us. I'm thankful for this church and my calling that God's placed upon my life. 00:01:04.620 --> 00:01:07.159 I'm thankful for my health. As far as I know, I'm doing all right. 00:01:07.159 --> 00:01:16.879 And I'm thankful that every morning I wake up, the Lord's ready and waiting to spend time with me. 00:01:17.539 --> 00:01:20.739 And I'm thankful for that time. 00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:27.739 I want to focus instead not on what I'm thankful for, but what we ought to be thankful for. 00:01:27.739 --> 00:01:36.379 Possibly some things that we don't automatically think of, because what I've just said would be on the tip of your tongue 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:40.099 if we were having a testimony time in this service probably. 00:01:40.939 --> 00:01:43.560 Many of those same things that you could thank God for. 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:54.939 I think we ought to always be thankful, and while we're thankful, we ought to also inform our face that we're thankful. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:02:02.420 I think we ought to radiate thankfulness for what God has given to us and act like it. 00:02:03.420 --> 00:02:06.959 1 Thessalonians tells us that we ought to ooze with thanksgiving. 00:02:08.079 --> 00:02:09.979 I mean, be serious about it. 00:02:10.259 --> 00:02:11.939 Paul's letters are great. 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:16.120 They're inspired. They're doctrinal. They're instructional. 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:20.460 But I like the end of them the best. 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:27.560 Because the Apostle Paul has a way of ending most of his letters with short bullet points 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:32.719 that hit to the core of how we ought to live. 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:37.120 It don't take a lot of explanation to understand what he's saying. 00:02:37.580 --> 00:02:39.360 That's good news for you this morning, by the way. 00:02:40.640 --> 00:02:43.460 But it hits right where we live. 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:48.760 It is good, practical stuff, and I want to look at some today. 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:53.739 It's in 1 Thessalonians 5, beginning in verse 16. 00:02:54.919 --> 00:02:55.239 He said, 00:02:55.560 --> 00:03:02.139 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances, 00:03:02.819 --> 00:03:07.039 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:14.879 It's interesting, that phrase, rejoice always, is the shortest verse in the New Testament. 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:17.680 Now, somebody quick is going to say, no, Jesus wept. 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:19.219 Well, I was speaking of the Greek. 00:03:20.180 --> 00:03:25.079 The original Greek, that is the shortest verse in all the New Testament. 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:29.319 Yet it is one of the most powerful verses in the New Testament. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:30.879 Rejoice always. 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:37.319 Literally, to enjoy your state of well-being at all times. 00:03:37.319 --> 00:03:40.500 Romans 14, 17 says, 00:03:40.639 --> 00:03:46.519 The kingdom of God is about, among many other things, having joy in the Holy Spirit. 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:51.199 And I want you to notice that Paul's not saying, when he says rejoice always, 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:53.719 he's not saying, look like you're rejoicing. 00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:56.900 He's not saying, act like you're rejoicing. 00:03:56.900 --> 00:03:59.819 He's saying, rejoice. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:01.800 Be rejoicing. 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:04.040 And I'm not talking about church joy, okay? 00:04:04.580 --> 00:04:06.240 You know what church joy is, don't you? 00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:06.680 You know? 00:04:07.080 --> 00:04:13.379 I mean, rough ride to church, and then you get out smiling, you know? 00:04:15.980 --> 00:04:19.340 Have a hard time brushing the kid's hair for hitting them in the head with it. 00:04:19.459 --> 00:04:24.079 And I'm not advocating that by any means, but you know, there's mornings like that. 00:04:24.079 --> 00:04:27.919 And then everybody gets in the car, nobody speaks to anybody, 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:30.539 and then you get to church, and everything's perfect, you know? 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:32.779 We're wonderful, you know? 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:35.180 That's that church joy. 00:04:36.899 --> 00:04:37.959 I'll tell you how you do it. 00:04:37.979 --> 00:04:40.419 You get up really early, and you drive to church alone. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:41.659 That's how I do it, you know? 00:04:42.180 --> 00:04:46.740 It works, but no, this speaks of real joy. 00:04:46.860 --> 00:04:49.779 I mean, this speaks of not based on our circumstances, 00:04:50.560 --> 00:04:53.279 because circumstances are going to change. 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:55.599 You're going to have good days, you're going to have bad days, 00:04:55.659 --> 00:04:56.979 it's going to be up and down. 00:04:57.539 --> 00:05:01.019 And your joy in the Lord, and your rejoicing in the Lord, 00:05:01.099 --> 00:05:02.799 should not be based upon those things. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:03.959 It can't be. 00:05:04.399 --> 00:05:06.339 Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. 00:05:06.439 --> 00:05:09.279 That means it's a spiritually natural budding 00:05:09.899 --> 00:05:14.079 that bears fruit in the lives of those who truly walk with God. 00:05:15.599 --> 00:05:17.459 It's not godly to be grumpy. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:19.859 It's not. 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:24.360 Even to those who live with you. 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:30.040 And over and over again in Scripture, 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:34.879 you'll see the imperative, and it's a command. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:36.480 Rejoice. 00:05:38.139 --> 00:05:38.759 Rejoice. 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:44.500 And if you are rejoicing, inform your faith, you know? 00:05:45.480 --> 00:05:46.080 Rejoice. 00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:46.479 Rejoice. 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:50.899 Verse 17 says, pray without ceasing. 00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:56.539 Now, that does not mean to pray without any interruption, really. 00:05:56.779 --> 00:05:57.259 I mean, you know? 00:05:57.680 --> 00:05:59.800 And it does not mean to go home and get on your knees 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:00.740 and never come back up. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:02.259 That's not what it's saying at all. 00:06:02.339 --> 00:06:05.680 It's actually a word that would be used 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:08.680 when they talk about somebody who has a hacking cough. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:13.420 You know, he just won't stop coughing. 00:06:15.540 --> 00:06:18.120 Well, that's the kind of terminology, 00:06:18.600 --> 00:06:20.100 or like a hiccup, you know? 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:22.920 That it's irritating you. 00:06:22.980 --> 00:06:25.360 Well, how do you think the fellow who's hiccuping feels, you know? 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:26.300 I mean, how about him? 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:28.019 And it just keeps coming. 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:31.480 It just won't stop. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:33.759 That's what he's talking about. 00:06:34.040 --> 00:06:35.340 Don't stop praying. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:36.879 Don't give up. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:40.120 Let prayer be on the tip of your tongue. 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:43.959 Are you consistently praying about matters? 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:48.040 If not, realize that and then get after it 00:06:48.040 --> 00:06:51.139 and pray without ceasing. 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:53.600 When do I stop praying about this? 00:06:54.219 --> 00:06:54.699 Don't. 00:06:55.980 --> 00:06:57.759 Don't stop praying about it. 00:06:57.759 --> 00:07:04.539 And sometimes it is our natural tendency 00:07:04.539 --> 00:07:07.819 to try to take care of matters, 00:07:08.360 --> 00:07:10.599 to do what we need to do, 00:07:10.839 --> 00:07:13.719 and to make sure that we're doing all we can do. 00:07:14.279 --> 00:07:15.579 And if we're not careful, 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:17.579 we'll get so much into that mode, 00:07:17.659 --> 00:07:19.800 especially when we're in emergency mode there, 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:24.379 that we'll fail to pray through those things. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:27.540 And I'm just telling you, 00:07:27.620 --> 00:07:29.560 we need to bring God in on those things. 00:07:29.779 --> 00:07:30.639 He's already there. 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:34.240 He don't need the informing, okay? 00:07:35.060 --> 00:07:37.920 If you don't get the diagnosis right in the prayer, it's okay. 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:40.079 God can handle it, okay? 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:43.920 But you need, and I need, 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:47.860 to surrender the matters that's in our lives to him 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:51.360 and realize we ain't toting this alone. 00:07:52.240 --> 00:07:53.900 As a matter of fact, he'll tote it for us 00:07:53.900 --> 00:07:55.020 if we just give it to him. 00:07:56.780 --> 00:07:58.300 And we, how often do you, 00:07:58.379 --> 00:07:59.720 you just keep doing it. 00:08:01.300 --> 00:08:02.800 You just keep doing it. 00:08:03.139 --> 00:08:03.960 Pray without ceasing. 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:04.960 And then he says, 00:08:05.960 --> 00:08:08.240 we ought to be thankful in all circumstances. 00:08:08.759 --> 00:08:10.379 Even when things don't go well, 00:08:10.460 --> 00:08:11.220 we ought to be thankful. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:13.740 Romans 8, 26 through 28 says this, 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:17.620 likewise, the spirit helps us in our weakness. 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:20.660 For we don't know what to pray for as we ought, 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:22.900 but the spirit himself intercedes for us 00:08:22.900 --> 00:08:25.319 with groanings too deep for words. 00:08:26.280 --> 00:08:29.280 And he who searches hearts knows 00:08:29.280 --> 00:08:32.740 what is the mind of the spirit 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:35.399 because the spirit intercedes for the saints 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:37.159 according to the will of God. 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:41.379 And we know that those who love God, 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:44.360 all things work together for good 00:08:44.360 --> 00:08:47.080 for those who are called according to his purpose. 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:50.039 What I mean by that is 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:53.779 God is up to something bigger than we can see, 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:54.659 always. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:59.100 And so even in the midst of our circumstances, 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:00.019 we're thankful. 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:02.360 God's already there. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:04.200 And so we give thanks. 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:06.519 Thankful for what then? 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:07.820 I mean, what are we thankful for? 00:09:07.899 --> 00:09:09.539 Let me give you some perspective. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:13.399 One, I think you ought to be thankful for the church. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:15.299 I really do. 00:09:15.459 --> 00:09:18.659 Colossians 3, 15 through 17 says this, 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:21.860 and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:24.000 to which indeed you were called in one body 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:24.839 and be thankful. 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:28.519 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:30.579 teaching and admonishing one another 00:09:30.579 --> 00:09:31.519 in all wisdom, 00:09:32.860 --> 00:09:35.539 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:39.399 with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 00:09:40.319 --> 00:09:41.699 And whatever you do, 00:09:42.079 --> 00:09:44.000 man, this is a key passage. 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:46.519 Whatever you do, 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:49.299 it'll change what you do, by the way. 00:09:49.639 --> 00:09:52.299 But in whatever you do in word or de, 00:09:52.339 --> 00:09:55.179 do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:09:55.339 --> 00:09:58.039 giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:09:59.579 --> 00:10:02.319 Folks, to me, that's what church is about. 00:10:02.320 --> 00:10:04.680 Let the word of God be first and foremost. 00:10:05.520 --> 00:10:08.280 Let's speak and teach one another the word of God. 00:10:08.540 --> 00:10:10.200 Let's chat about the word of God. 00:10:10.460 --> 00:10:12.020 Let's discuss the word of God. 00:10:12.260 --> 00:10:13.840 Let's understand the word of God. 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:16.200 Let's pine together for the word of God. 00:10:16.440 --> 00:10:18.080 Let's seek out the word of God. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:20.480 Even let that flow into song. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:23.240 And that means that when the congregation sings, 00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:24.700 we sing, you know? 00:10:28.660 --> 00:10:31.060 As I study the word, I often break into song. 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:36.379 Just an overflow of thankfulness. 00:10:37.900 --> 00:10:39.560 And that's what the church is about. 00:10:39.660 --> 00:10:41.860 We need to be thankful for it 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:43.340 and we need to be dedicated to it. 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:47.060 Faithfulness to congregated worship 00:10:47.060 --> 00:10:50.300 is less a priority today 00:10:50.300 --> 00:10:52.980 than it used to be for Christians. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:55.720 And we suffer because of it. 00:10:56.240 --> 00:10:57.500 Baptist Press put out an article 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:59.140 just a couple of weeks ago 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:02.100 that said churches are now, 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:04.679 the churches that were surveyed, 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:08.379 100% of them are now having worship in person. 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.679 But they're finding that attendance is lagging 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:14.779 since COVID. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:18.939 It seems to me 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:23.819 that the same numbers of people are coming. 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:25.899 I know of exceptions there, 00:11:26.019 --> 00:11:27.339 but for the most part, 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:29.699 the same numbers of people are coming. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:33.819 But the consistency is not what it needs to be. 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:36.299 It is common today 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:38.779 for good Christians to go to church 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:40.620 if nothing else is going on. 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:43.340 If we got anything booked on Sunday, 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:45.580 then we're liable to go to church. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:49.720 When it's better to prioritize what's going on 00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:51.740 and remain faithful to church, 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:53.980 I encourage you to make this your policy. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:57.139 Miss for the extraordinary, 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:59.480 but don't just miss for the ordinary. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.539 I mean, there's good things that come. 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:02.840 I get it, you know. 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:04.840 I get it. 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:07.620 Miss for the extraordinary, 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.680 but if we're not careful, 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.700 and when you do miss, 00:12:11.820 --> 00:12:13.840 then get yourself right back the following week 00:12:13.840 --> 00:12:16.340 because the devil has a heyday 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:20.740 with uncommitted, compromised Christians 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:25.560 that are not circulating in the body of Christ 00:12:25.560 --> 00:12:26.340 on a regular basis 00:12:26.340 --> 00:12:27.379 and quite honestly, 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:29.900 usually are not making a whole lot of difference for Christ. 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:32.639 Don't misunderstand me. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.519 Church attendance does not make you a Christian. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:38.720 That's why I will probably close this message out 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:40.439 like I do just about every other message 00:12:40.439 --> 00:12:41.659 by saying, 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:43.879 if you've never given your heart and life 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:45.000 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:12:45.080 --> 00:12:47.159 I'm thankful today that he will save you 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:48.100 and change you 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:49.699 and you need to surrender your life 00:12:49.699 --> 00:12:51.100 and give your life to Christ. 00:12:51.460 --> 00:12:54.460 And you don't get that simply by attending church. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:55.620 That don't come that way. 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:57.840 It comes through a life commitment, 00:12:58.100 --> 00:12:59.899 not just committing to attendance. 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:02.240 Church attendance does not make you a Christian, 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.539 but if you're a Christian, 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:05.019 you'll want to be in church. 00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:07.860 It's evidence 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:11.759 because remember what Colossians told us, 00:13:12.039 --> 00:13:14.820 do everything in his name. 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:15.879 Everything. 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:19.700 And when your life is circulating around 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:22.700 everything being in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:25.440 giving thanks to God in everything that I face, 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:27.840 then it's going to naturally adhere you 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:29.300 to the body of Christ 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:31.000 and to the people of God. 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:33.000 Be thankful for the church. 00:13:33.300 --> 00:13:33.980 The second thing is 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:37.320 be thankful for the opportunity to give. 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:40.620 God's been good to us this year 00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:42.720 and he is faithful. 00:13:42.900 --> 00:13:44.160 Even in hard times, 00:13:45.060 --> 00:13:46.780 even when gas goes to nearly $5 00:13:46.780 --> 00:13:47.620 and all that stuff, 00:13:47.680 --> 00:13:48.880 God's still faithful. 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:51.860 So let's make sure we are. 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:54.759 May we be faithful through the end of the year 00:13:54.759 --> 00:13:55.559 and into the next 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:57.100 and give faithfully. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:58.919 However, when I say that, 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:02.480 that's not really the giving that I'm speaking of. 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:07.460 I instead speak of giving your gifts, 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:12.480 giving your abilities that God has gifted you with, 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:14.559 that God has granted you with, 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:16.239 giving those back to God, 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:18.000 those individual treasures 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:20.379 that we contribute to the church 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:22.699 and help us become a better, 00:14:22.859 --> 00:14:23.779 more productive, 00:14:24.119 --> 00:14:26.159 more winsome people. 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:33.059 Don't shelf what God has given you to give. 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:34.319 Don't hoard that up. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:35.619 Don't bury that. 00:14:35.899 --> 00:14:38.659 Use that for his glory. 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:42.719 I'm thankful that we began worship today 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:45.360 with children giving their gifts to the Lord 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:47.019 and leading us in worship. 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:49.519 How wonderful that is 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:51.540 for instrumentalists 00:14:51.540 --> 00:14:52.800 and for the choir 00:14:52.800 --> 00:14:54.680 and for the band 00:14:54.680 --> 00:14:55.800 and for the orchestra 00:14:55.800 --> 00:14:57.300 and for the solo. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:15:00.279 Giving what they have to the Lord. 00:15:02.040 --> 00:15:04.019 When you come tonight, 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.100 did you get that? 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.420 When you come? 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:08.200 When you do, 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.259 you'll see a room 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:11.659 that is decorated 00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:12.960 and ready to go. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:15.580 We've got special things on the table 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:16.879 that we want to take care of tonight. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.899 We've got a photo booth set up. 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:20.740 All that stuff didn't come 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:21.960 just out of nowhere. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.100 And it all wasn't set up 00:15:26.100 --> 00:15:27.279 by the staff of this church. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:29.460 It was people living out, 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:32.279 using their gifts, 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:36.220 working in God's family 00:15:36.220 --> 00:15:38.720 and strengthening the church through that. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.420 And you don't know 00:15:39.420 --> 00:15:41.200 what a blessing that is for a pastor. 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:45.019 To know when those things are taken care of. 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:45.899 There was something 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:48.220 that I was going to add. 00:15:49.540 --> 00:15:51.139 And somebody saw me with them 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.360 and said, 00:15:51.460 --> 00:15:51.980 just don't worry about it. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:52.820 I'm coming early. 00:15:52.920 --> 00:15:53.700 I'll take care of that. 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:56.879 That's using 00:15:56.879 --> 00:15:59.279 what God has given you 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:01.080 for the kingdom of God. 00:16:01.160 --> 00:16:02.320 That's what it's about, folks. 00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:03.519 And that's when you start getting 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:06.799 Tuesday morning when our men met 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:08.960 at 6 o'clock and at 9 o'clock. 00:16:09.059 --> 00:16:09.699 Men, it's not too late 00:16:09.699 --> 00:16:10.460 to get involved in that. 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.799 And we are meeting this week, 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.299 by the way. 00:16:12.699 --> 00:16:16.779 So, but we're reading through a book 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:20.740 and it's 10 questions 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:22.740 to diagnose your spiritual health. 00:16:22.819 --> 00:16:24.879 And this week's question was, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:28.039 do you delight in the bride of Christ? 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:33.019 Do you delight in the church of Jesus Christ? 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:37.639 Do you find contentment there? 00:16:39.059 --> 00:16:42.819 And we talked about how important it is 00:16:42.819 --> 00:16:45.039 to take a step deeper 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.419 into the body of Christ 00:16:46.419 --> 00:16:48.639 and really absorb yourself 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:49.980 in the life of this church 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:52.079 because I say it often 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:54.220 and I'm not taking anything away 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.579 from the hour that we have together, 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:56.500 but I'm just telling you, 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:58.399 it gets a whole lot better than this. 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:00.600 The more you invest your lives 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:01.840 with the people of this church, 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:03.620 the more you'll be blessed, honestly. 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:05.700 I'm thankful for that 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.079 and it gives us an opportunity 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:10.600 to not bury or hoard 00:17:10.600 --> 00:17:12.039 what God has given to us, 00:17:12.140 --> 00:17:13.799 but to use it for His glory. 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:16.160 And if you're a guest here 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:17.519 and God is leading you 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:19.140 to be a part of this church, 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:20.059 let's talk about that. 00:17:20.180 --> 00:17:21.039 I'm more than available. 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:22.539 My phone number's on the front of the bulletin. 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:24.259 You can contact me anytime. 00:17:25.259 --> 00:17:26.659 If I'm sleeping, I won't answer, 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:28.159 but you can contact me, you know. 00:17:32.339 --> 00:17:33.480 But be careful, 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.899 especially in the meantime, 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:38.000 be careful not to be noncommittal 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:39.039 because before long, 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:40.159 you won't be committed. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:44.359 It's a strategy that the evil one 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:47.159 loves to somehow get people 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.040 between church 00:17:48.040 --> 00:17:48.700 and then, 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:51.820 and if they're in between too long, 00:17:52.820 --> 00:17:55.180 that church really becomes no church. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:58.400 So just do as God leads 00:17:58.400 --> 00:17:59.480 and follow His lead 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:04.220 and be thankful for the opportunity to give, 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:05.860 but also be thankful 00:18:05.860 --> 00:18:07.100 for the opportunity to receive 00:18:07.100 --> 00:18:10.120 because I love how it works two ways 00:18:10.120 --> 00:18:11.160 in the body of Christ. 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:14.500 We are all to serve the Lord 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:16.600 and we're all to be served 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:18.019 by God's people. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:18.720 That's the, 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:19.060 that's the, 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:21.440 that's the sweet spirit of, 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:23.620 there's a mutuality in the church 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.560 that's pretty special. 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.480 We all have gifts to give 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:28.140 and we all are to be given to. 00:18:28.240 --> 00:18:28.920 We all serve 00:18:28.920 --> 00:18:29.900 and we're all to be served 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:31.320 and things get out of order 00:18:31.320 --> 00:18:32.400 when it's all giving 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:33.259 and not receiving. 00:18:34.040 --> 00:18:35.300 People get wore out 00:18:35.300 --> 00:18:38.200 and if it's all receiving 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:38.940 and not giving, 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.519 that's not healthy either. 00:18:41.820 --> 00:18:43.600 Both extremes are disruptive. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.220 So we do both. 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:46.980 We give and we receive 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:48.320 and I am thankful for that. 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.920 I love to hear people talk about 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:52.980 how their church came through 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:54.720 when they needed them to come through 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:57.019 in whatever way they needed to do that. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.380 And I want to do all I can 00:18:59.380 --> 00:19:01.560 for people to be able to rely upon me 00:19:01.560 --> 00:19:04.279 because I deeply rely upon you. 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:08.279 And it's a great opportunity tonight 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:11.120 to just reciprocate that love 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:12.119 to each other 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.719 and our time together. 00:19:13.719 --> 00:19:14.759 And we take the Lord's Supper 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.539 around the table. 00:19:15.939 --> 00:19:16.839 It builds a bond. 00:19:17.099 --> 00:19:17.559 It's biblical. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.439 Breaking bread together 00:19:19.439 --> 00:19:21.239 is how the New Testament church did it. 00:19:22.179 --> 00:19:23.039 So if you have trouble 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:24.519 with how many fellowships we have, 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:26.099 just look at the New Testament, okay? 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:28.139 Acts was eaten every day together. 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:30.339 I'm not going there, okay? 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:32.079 But I'm just telling you, 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:33.720 it's biblical. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:36.679 So let's be thankful to be a part of it 00:19:36.679 --> 00:19:38.079 and be faithful to be a part of it. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:41.419 Be thankful for the opportunity to receive. 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:44.079 Also, be thankful for the opportunity to check. 00:19:44.759 --> 00:19:45.720 And I want you to hear me. 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:49.240 When we come together, 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:50.539 it's a checkup time. 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:57.180 It's a time for us to check our gauges in life of sorts. 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.480 Check your heart. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.960 You want to know how to check your heart? 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:05.180 Hebrews 4.12 says this, 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:20.180 You know what that means? 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:21.720 That means the Word of God 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:23.600 gets to the heart of the matter. 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:26.340 And it can get uncomfortable at times. 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.920 But it gets to the heart of the matter. 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.960 Because by the Holy Spirit of God, 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.960 the Word of God is personal. 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:37.180 But we need it. 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:38.180 So we check our heart. 00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:41.440 Second thing we do is we check our direction. 00:20:43.320 --> 00:20:44.440 We check our direction. 00:20:44.560 --> 00:20:48.480 When I hike, I have a GPS app on my phone 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:50.440 that tells us the inclines, 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.880 the distance, 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:55.400 the landmarks, 00:20:55.580 --> 00:20:59.539 and I'm the navigator of the bunch, you know? 00:21:00.820 --> 00:21:02.299 So when we slow down, I'll go, 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.360 look, we ain't but halfway there. 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.400 You got to keep going, you know? 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:08.620 It gives us the guidance each step of the way. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:12.779 And I can spoil a trip or a hike by overplanning. 00:21:12.840 --> 00:21:13.920 That's just the way I am, you know? 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:19.019 The Word of God is what guides us on the path of life. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:26.660 A passage that has marked my life and probably yours too, 00:21:26.879 --> 00:21:28.599 if you've rested in the Word of God, 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:30.139 is Proverbs 3, 5, and 6. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.900 Trust in the Lord. 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.539 Lean not on your own understanding. 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.660 In all your ways acknowledge Him. 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:36.779 And He will make your path straight. 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:38.460 He'll direct your paths. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:42.340 He'll smooth bumps. 00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:47.480 Psalm 119, 105 says, 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:50.200 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:52.180 I don't know if you've noticed, 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:55.980 but we live in an ever-increasing dark world. 00:21:57.640 --> 00:22:00.559 And if we're not guided by the Word of God, 00:22:00.620 --> 00:22:02.720 and if we don't stick to the Word of God, 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:09.640 we will wonder in darkness when we need to be walking in the light. 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:11.039 So we check our direction. 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:14.180 The other thing we do is we check our focus. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:16.940 What's our focus in life? 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.640 Check our focus. 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:20.140 Hebrews 12, 1 and 2 says this, 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:23.799 Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so easily, 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:25.840 and let us run with endurance that race 00:22:25.840 --> 00:22:28.320 that is set before us, looking to Jesus, 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:30.840 the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:22:31.340 --> 00:22:34.240 There are a lot of places to put your eyes today, 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:35.640 so check your focus. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:38.080 Where's your focus at? 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:40.180 They need to be focused on the Lord. 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:42.080 Don't look back and live in the past. 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:47.220 Because the devil loves to rip up and bring back the past. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.659 And if you're a child of God 00:22:49.659 --> 00:22:51.579 and you've asked for forgiveness for your sins, 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:53.240 those things are gone. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.939 The slate is clean. 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.039 The past is forgiven. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.199 It's under the blood. 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.119 It's gone. 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:01.500 Don't look back. 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.699 Don't look around. 00:23:03.919 --> 00:23:04.960 This world's a mess. 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.879 I promise you. 00:23:06.399 --> 00:23:07.359 It's a mess. 00:23:08.159 --> 00:23:09.399 So don't get caught up in it. 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:14.500 Look ahead to the one who started us on this journey 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:17.259 and the one who will perfect us 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:19.040 and the one who will lead us to that goal. 00:23:19.320 --> 00:23:22.380 Be thankful for the opportunity to check our lives 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:25.340 by the power and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:29.220 And we're thankful by making sure that we do put a check 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:32.720 on where our mind is, 00:23:33.060 --> 00:23:34.700 on where our heart is, 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:37.200 on what our direction is in life 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:38.660 and what our focus is in life. 00:23:40.340 --> 00:23:42.120 And then be thankful for the fellowship. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:46.039 I love the Church of Jesus Christ. 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:49.580 Greatest thing my parents ever did for me 00:23:49.580 --> 00:23:50.779 was to share Christ with me 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.940 and take me to church every week. 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.140 Every week. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:57.160 Whether I felt like it or not, 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.100 whether I wanted to or not. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:24:00.620 It did not take the whole family 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:02.000 to stay home with somebody 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:02.700 and wipe their nose. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:04.279 That didn't happen. 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:05.840 My brother got sick. 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.519 He stayed home. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.779 We all went, you know. 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.500 I mean, that's the way 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.960 somebody would stay with him, I guess. 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:10.960 I don't remember that. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.380 But anyway, 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.480 they didn't stay with me. 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:17.019 There was not a break. 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:17.700 There was consistency. 00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:19.519 There was dedication. 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:22.200 And I don't believe it was legalism. 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:25.640 Because I ain't much on legalism. 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:28.319 Because Jesus tears legalism down so much. 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.519 It's based on love. 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:33.879 Love for the body of Christ. 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.420 And that means love for the church 00:24:36.420 --> 00:24:38.299 in the glory days when things are wonderful. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.779 And love for the church when things are slow. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.819 And things are not so great. 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.420 The fellowship is fabulous. 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:49.720 The first church I pastored was a graying church. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:52.779 I think I was the first half-time 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:55.059 or part-time pastor they had ever had. 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.660 They had been through it. 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:58.820 They had split twice in 10 years. 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.040 And the people that were left 00:25:01.040 --> 00:25:02.100 wasn't too happy about it. 00:25:02.940 --> 00:25:04.759 They were bruised and beaten 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:06.779 and old and wore out. 00:25:06.860 --> 00:25:08.320 And I'd walk through that nursery area 00:25:08.320 --> 00:25:09.540 and there wouldn't be a kid inside. 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:11.200 Didn't even cut the lights on for Sunday school. 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:15.720 I'd pray over that parking lot. 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:19.140 Little as much as God is in it. 00:25:19.320 --> 00:25:20.560 God make it much, you know. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.640 But it was great fellowship. 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:26.019 There was nobody there my age. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.440 Nobody. 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:32.039 So, I started dating Dom, brought her in, you know. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:37.480 So, second church I pastored, 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:40.039 we had babies together. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.500 Well, about the same time. 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:45.539 Not together, but about the same time. 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.440 We raised families together. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.299 Built bonds together. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:53.119 In my third church, I watched young families grow 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:56.239 and I buried some of my heroes. 00:25:57.679 --> 00:25:59.719 And we did great things for the Lord together. 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:05.059 And if you, in my new church, 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:11.479 knew how excited I was about what God has in store for us, 00:26:12.479 --> 00:26:15.199 oh my, you'd get excited too. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:19.860 Because I believe that God's got his hand in it. 00:26:22.080 --> 00:26:23.720 And I believe you ought to believe that too. 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:26.200 And I believe it ought to show 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:29.360 in what we do and how we do it. 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:35.139 Lastly, I think we ought to be thankful 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:36.619 that this is not all there is. 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:40.679 Because when you give your life to Christ, 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.799 he takes control. 00:26:43.219 --> 00:26:44.740 And he gives you life, 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:45.819 and as Jesus put it, 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:47.259 life more abundantly. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:53.740 That's not just a quantity of life forever, 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:55.420 it's a quality of life. 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:57.839 It's an uptick that happens 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:59.980 when we give our heart and life 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.180 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:03.420 and the Holy Spirit indwells us, 00:27:03.660 --> 00:27:04.779 and we build a bond 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:06.660 and begin building a stronger bond 00:27:06.660 --> 00:27:08.379 with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.859 And then one day, 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:11.680 we get to see him face to face. 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:18.019 1 Corinthians 15, 19 says this, 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:20.880 if in Christ we have hope in this life only, 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:23.980 we are of all people most to be pitied. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:26.740 But I am thankful, folks. 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:29.440 This is not all there is. 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.460 There's more. 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:35.039 And for that, I'm thankful. 00:27:37.600 --> 00:27:39.539 There's coming a day 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:44.559 When no heartache shall come 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:48.420 No more clouds in the sky 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:52.980 No more tears to dim the eye 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:57.799 All is peace forevermore 00:27:57.799 --> 00:28:02.399 On that happy golden shore 00:28:02.399 --> 00:28:07.859 What a day, glorious day 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:10.740 That will be 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:13.079 Do you know it? 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:13.479 Sing it. 00:28:13.479 --> 00:28:15.679 What a day 00:28:15.679 --> 00:28:18.419 That will be 00:28:18.419 --> 00:28:20.740 When my Jesus 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:23.079 I shall see 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:25.139 And I look 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:27.939 Upon his face 00:28:27.939 --> 00:28:29.740 The one who saved 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:32.919 Me by his grace 00:28:32.920 --> 00:28:34.800 When he takes 00:28:34.800 --> 00:28:35.600 When he takes 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:37.860 Me by the hand 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:39.259 And leads me 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:39.860 Through 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:42.580 The promised land 00:28:42.580 --> 00:28:45.320 What a day 00:28:45.320 --> 00:28:47.360 Glorious day 00:28:47.360 --> 00:28:49.800 That will be 00:28:49.800 --> 00:28:51.800 Amen 00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:53.420 Every head bowed 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.500 And every eye closed 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.900 If you don't know 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.940 The Lord Jesus today 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:58.039 I got news for you 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.300 Today is the day of salvation 00:28:59.299 --> 00:29:01.079 He'll save you 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:02.139 He'll change you 00:29:02.139 --> 00:29:03.059 And you can know 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:04.480 Not only where you'll 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.220 Spend eternity 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:07.139 But you can know 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:08.059 That right now 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:09.700 He gives you the power 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:10.279 And the strength 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:10.859 That you need 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:11.720 To live for him 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:13.599 It's the best thing 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.399 Going folks 00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:15.899 It's the greatest opportunity 00:29:15.899 --> 00:29:16.919 We have in this life 00:29:16.919 --> 00:29:18.220 And if you've never 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:19.139 Given your heart and life 00:29:19.139 --> 00:29:20.220 To the Lord Jesus Christ 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:21.019 We're going to stand 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:21.659 And we're going to sing 00:29:21.659 --> 00:29:22.240 In just a moment 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.480 And I want you to come down 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.200 And tell me that 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.919 I'd love to have you guided 00:29:25.919 --> 00:29:26.779 Through what it means 00:29:26.779 --> 00:29:27.720 To give your heart and life 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.319 To Christ 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:30.399 Maybe you're here 00:29:30.399 --> 00:29:31.339 And you have done that 00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.619 But God's drawing you 00:29:32.619 --> 00:29:33.440 Into this fellowship 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:34.359 And you know that 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:36.940 I encourage you to come 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:40.180 Let nothing hinder you 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.339 In God's timing 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.279 For you to just 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:43.139 Simply be obedient 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:44.079 Maybe you're here 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:45.480 And you have received Christ 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:46.259 But you've never 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.559 Publicly acknowledged that 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:47.980 You've never been 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.879 Baptized as a believer 00:29:48.879 --> 00:29:50.420 You need to make 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.379 That right today 00:29:51.379 --> 00:29:52.099 You need to show 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:53.240 Your thankfulness 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:55.279 By getting those things 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:56.399 Right with God 00:29:56.400 --> 00:29:57.900 Maybe you just need 00:29:57.900 --> 00:29:58.440 To get your heart 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.040 Right with God 00:29:59.040 --> 00:29:59.860 There's just matters 00:29:59.860 --> 00:30:00.460 In your life 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.000 That you've tried 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:02.019 To take care of yourself 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:02.480 And you ain't 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.420 Turned it over to Him 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:05.340 And in order to live 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:06.540 A thankful life 00:30:06.540 --> 00:30:08.100 We give it all to Him 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:09.200 And then we thank God 00:30:09.200 --> 00:30:09.759 For it 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:11.560 Whether that's 00:30:11.560 --> 00:30:12.600 Whether you deal 00:30:12.600 --> 00:30:13.500 With that where you are 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:14.060 Or whether you deal 00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:14.680 With this altar 00:30:14.680 --> 00:30:15.300 Or whether you want 00:30:15.300 --> 00:30:16.280 The pastor to pray with you 00:30:16.280 --> 00:30:18.120 It makes little difference 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:19.480 To me as long as you do 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:20.940 What God tells you to do 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:22.340 Just be obedient 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:24.360 You'll never be satisfied 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:26.000 Until you're obedient 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.559 To the Lord 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:29.299 Don't ever do more 00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:29.979 Than He asks you 00:30:29.979 --> 00:30:31.599 And never do less 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:33.439 Just simply follow 00:30:33.439 --> 00:30:34.079 As He leads 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:35.740 Lord Jesus 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.519 Lead us Lord 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:37.899 We're thankful today 00:30:37.899 --> 00:30:39.419 For the power 00:30:39.419 --> 00:30:40.240 Of Your presence 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.399 For how You worked 00:30:41.399 --> 00:30:42.379 And moved in our life 00:30:42.379 --> 00:30:44.079 God lead us 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:44.879 Right now 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.819 To simply be obedient 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:46.539 To You Father 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:48.699 In Jesus precious name 00:30:48.699 --> 00:30:50.079 Amen 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:50.220 Amen