WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.700 Luke chapter 19, I'm well aware that we've had church and I don't even need to preach, 00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:10.519 but I'm going to, so that's the way it works. Luke chapter 19, 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:19.160 beginning in verse 1, says this, he entered Jericho and was passing through, 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:25.199 and behold there was a man named Zacchaeus, he was a chief tax collector and was rich, 00:00:25.199 --> 00:00:30.559 and he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not because he was 00:00:30.559 --> 00:00:38.379 small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about 00:00:38.379 --> 00:00:43.039 to pass that way, and when Jesus came to the place he looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus hurry and 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:49.280 come down, for I must say stay at your house today. So he hurried and came down and received him 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:55.480 joyfully, and when they saw it, they all grumbled. He's gone in to be the guest of a man who is a 00:00:55.480 --> 00:01:01.120 sinner. And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the 00:01:01.120 --> 00:01:06.920 poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold. And Jesus said to him, today 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:14.560 salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham, for the son of man came to seek 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:24.159 and to save the lost. Now look at verse 11. As they heard these things, he, speaking of Christ, 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:33.400 proceeded to tell a parable because he was near to Jerusalem and because they supposed that the 00:01:33.400 --> 00:01:43.560 kingdom of God was to appear immediately. The changing of the life of Zacchaeus serves as a 00:01:43.560 --> 00:01:51.939 wonderful introduction to some truths about what we ought to be doing and what we ought to be doing 00:01:51.939 --> 00:02:00.659 right now. He told the parable that I want to talk about this morning because he was near Jerusalem. 00:02:01.219 --> 00:02:11.379 He had been making his way near to Jerusalem. And there is a powerful passage in Luke chapter 9 verse 51 00:02:11.379 --> 00:02:19.219 that's kind of a turning point of sorts in the life of Christ when it says, when the days drew near for 00:02:19.219 --> 00:02:28.800 him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Do you know what it means to set your face? 00:02:31.019 --> 00:02:37.560 That's what you say to football teams before they hit the field. Set your face. Put blinders on. 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:48.960 Focus on the task at hand. We see chapters in the life of Christ. One of them was when he came out of 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:56.460 the desert. Having been tempted by Satan a sermon for another day, but the temptations that he faced 00:02:56.460 --> 00:03:01.640 there in the desert were the same kind of temptations that people were going to continue to try to put 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:06.919 upon him throughout his ministry. But he came out of the desert settled in what he was to do in ministry. 00:03:07.359 --> 00:03:12.219 And he was not fazed when other people tried to tempt him to be something that he was not because he had 00:03:12.219 --> 00:03:21.859 already faced it. And now in Luke 9 51, he turns his face toward Jerusalem. That means he turned his face 00:03:21.859 --> 00:03:30.139 toward the cross. That means the focus of raising up the disciples and empowering the establishment and the 00:03:30.139 --> 00:03:36.739 foundation of the church and those type things had begin to make a turn toward the most important 00:03:36.739 --> 00:03:42.879 reason that he came to the earth. And that was the cross of Christ. At the time that he set his face, 00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:52.039 he was about 120 miles from Jerusalem. Now, as he speaks, he's in Jericho. Jericho is 20 miles from 00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:59.899 Jerusalem. He's getting closer. And the next event Luke records after this parable is the triumphal 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:09.480 entry into Jerusalem. So he is there. So one reason that he tells this story is his location and the 00:04:09.480 --> 00:04:16.720 timing of what he was doing. The other reason he tells this parable is because of people's expectations. 00:04:18.180 --> 00:04:25.000 Now in verse 11 that I just read, it says they. That they there is somewhat unclear. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:31.879 Because we know that the Pharisees and the Sadducees have always been critical of him. And so there's 00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:37.839 no doubt that it could speak to them. Is it the disciples that it's talking about? Is it the 00:04:37.839 --> 00:04:43.660 followers that it's talking about? Is it both or all of those folks? I believe specifically the 00:04:43.660 --> 00:04:50.459 disciples, but in a larger sense, all of those. The Messiah that they had hoped was about to enter 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:57.339 Jerusalem. And they had connotations in their mind of what kind of kingdom they wanted to establish. 00:04:57.899 --> 00:05:02.060 You want to know why Peter tried to cut the man's ear off in the garden? One, he was messing with 00:05:02.060 --> 00:05:07.319 Jesus. You don't mess with Jesus. Number two, he didn't want anything to come in the way of the 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:13.240 establishment of the kingdom. And he thought that that was what was happening. And so there's a 00:05:13.240 --> 00:05:18.099 combination of things happening here. And as he took over his kingdom upon his arrival, 00:05:18.100 --> 00:05:26.020 how would he do it? They had anticipated it. They had read prophecy about it. They had conjured in 00:05:26.020 --> 00:05:31.320 their mind of what it meant. So how in the world was it to take place? What he did in Jerusalem would 00:05:31.320 --> 00:05:38.100 be a surprise, even to those that he had given more detail to. And the delay of what they anticipated 00:05:38.100 --> 00:05:46.040 for his kingdom would need to be dealt with. And he deals with it in this parable. It's true for them. 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:50.680 Thank God, thank God, through the Holy Spirit of God, it's true for us. I want you to notice what it 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:57.840 says in Luke 19, verse 12. He said, therefore, a nobleman went into a far country to receive for 00:05:57.840 --> 00:06:06.520 himself a kingdom and then return. Some theologians believe that this is a speaking of a modern day 00:06:06.519 --> 00:06:18.219 event. Because when a ruler was established in a smaller entity that was under the influence of Rome, 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:25.799 they had to go to Rome to get permission to be the ruler. And so to get his kingdom. And so he's hitting 00:06:25.800 --> 00:06:35.360 on a news bulletin of the day and speaking from that, a relevant illustration to where they are. 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:39.259 He said this, a nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 00:06:39.720 --> 00:06:45.800 Calling 10 of his servants, he gave them 10 menas and said to them, engage in business until I come. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:51.340 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him saying, we don't want this man to reign over 00:06:51.339 --> 00:06:56.639 us. When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the 00:06:56.639 --> 00:07:01.979 money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. And the first 00:07:01.979 --> 00:07:07.060 came before him saying, Lord, your mena has made 10 menas more. And he said to him, well done, good 00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:11.139 servant. Because you've been faithful in very little, you shall have authority over 10 cities. 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:15.799 And the second came saying, Lord, your mena has made five menas. And he said to him, 00:07:16.359 --> 00:07:21.299 and you are to be over five cities. And then another one came saying, Lord, 00:07:21.339 --> 00:07:28.679 here is your mena, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief. For I was afraid of you 00:07:28.679 --> 00:07:35.439 because you're a severe man. You take what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow. 00:07:36.919 --> 00:07:41.839 He said to him, I'll condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant. You knew that I was a 00:07:41.839 --> 00:07:47.599 severe man, taking what I did not deposit, reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:52.140 in the bank and at my coming? I might've collected it with interest. And he said to those who stood 00:07:52.140 --> 00:07:56.160 by, take the mena from him and give it to the one who has the 10 menas. And they said to him, Lord, 00:07:56.260 --> 00:08:03.400 he has 10 menas. I tell you that to everyone who has more will be given, but from the one who has not, 00:08:03.400 --> 00:08:10.520 even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:17.079 over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me. Well, that'll wake you up there at the 00:08:17.079 --> 00:08:24.699 end of the story, won't it? This parable is a prophetic foretelling of the accounting that is 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:30.579 coming to take place in the future. It will take place for the disciples in which he spoke. 00:08:31.039 --> 00:08:36.600 It will affect the Christian in that day. It'll affect the Christian in our day. It will affect the 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:43.800 one that chose not to receive Christ. That's who he describes at the end. And the nobleman that 00:08:43.800 --> 00:08:53.460 travels away is Christ himself who ascended into heaven about 2000 years ago, almost. Make no mistake, 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:59.440 he told us again and again that he will return. And as we anticipate his return, we need to recognize 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:09.780 the truth that he want us to know in this story. Because we live in the meantime. So what do you do 00:09:09.780 --> 00:09:22.380 in the wait? In the meantime, acknowledge some truths. One is we have been left a trust. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:33.139 We've been left a trust. He left us with a trust, an investment of opportunity with responsibility. 00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:38.559 And that opportunity to better our lives and to better other people's lives. And he left us 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:49.840 the message to change the world and left us also the power to change the world. He left us a trust. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:58.379 Now the minute here, man, I bet I've read 40 different commentators in preparing for this sermon. And 00:09:58.379 --> 00:10:06.080 what that amounts to and the amount of money it is ranges from $200 to $50,000. You know, it's all over 00:10:06.080 --> 00:10:14.680 the place. The most reliable says that it's about three months worth of wages. And if that's $50,000, 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:22.759 you're doing pretty good. But even those thousands of dollars, it really don't matter what the amount 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:29.399 is. Quite honestly, the point was that they gave them a great investment. Those thousands of dollars 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:36.419 are a lot less than the trust that Christ has referred to. What does that mena represent? 00:10:36.419 --> 00:10:44.740 Well, it represents the message that he left us because he left us the gospel. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:55.719 We have the opportunity to claim the gospel and to be changed by it. But we also have the responsibility 00:10:55.719 --> 00:11:02.699 to do something with it as well. Scripture tells us whosoever will may come. And Romans 10, 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:07.320 9 tells us how to come when it says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord 00:11:07.320 --> 00:11:15.480 and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It's a two-step process. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:25.100 It's an outward, bold confession of our faith, not a hidden matter that makes it private. No, 00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:32.800 you don't see private faith lived out in the New Testament. It's bold, it's real, it's life-changing. 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:39.019 And then as well, a belief. That's not just a historic belief that Jesus was a real man and really died 00:11:39.019 --> 00:11:48.019 and really coming back. No, it's a life commitment belief. I compare it to when I was a kid and we went 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:54.639 to on vacation in Savannah and the pool had a diving board. Well, first the hotel had a pool. 00:11:54.639 --> 00:12:00.740 Which is common, but not in that day. And it had a diving board. Man, the luxuries of the day. 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:07.439 And I remember my daddy asked me, will you jump off that diving board and let me catch you? 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:12.620 And in that car, I was bold and said, yeah, I had no doubt. If you were to ask me, 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:16.159 you think your daddy would catch you? I wouldn't have no doubt at all. But when I got to that pool 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:19.939 and walked out on that diving board and looked over that deep end and saw my daddy treading water, 00:12:19.940 --> 00:12:29.120 I questioned it. Historic belief that he is who he says he is is what I had in the car. 00:12:30.400 --> 00:12:35.500 Commitment belief is what I had on that diving board. And to give your heart and life to the 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:42.400 Lord Jesus Christ, you need to be openly confessing what it means to you to surrender your life to 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:46.639 Christ, agreeing with him on the state of your circumstances and the need that you have for him. 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:52.620 And then you need to commit your life to him. Not just a historic belief, not just a Bible belief, 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:54.559 but a life belief. 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:58.059 That's the message 00:12:58.059 --> 00:12:59.720 that we're to live by. 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:02.139 It's the message that we're to share. 00:13:02.139 --> 00:13:05.919 And that message is an investment left with us 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:09.100 that will only grow as you share it. 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:09.960 You're not going to lose it. 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:11.740 It'll only grow. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:16.720 But that man is not only a message, but it also represents a power. 00:13:17.180 --> 00:13:19.379 And that is the power of the Holy Spirit of God. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:24.560 Because we've been given a trust as well that when we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:27.220 we are empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:31.560 Not only is there a message to share and to live in response to, 00:13:31.899 --> 00:13:37.920 but Christians have been given the power of the Holy Spirit of God indwelt within us. 00:13:37.919 --> 00:13:44.079 Listen, the Spirit is described as the helper, the Holy Spirit. 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:47.279 And Jesus spent his time in the upper room. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:52.240 The longest discourse that we have of him speaking is in John 13 through 17. 00:13:52.479 --> 00:13:56.519 And he spends it talking about the power of the Holy Spirit of God 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:58.319 in the lives of individual believers 00:13:58.319 --> 00:14:01.459 and the difference that it makes within the church of Jesus Christ 00:14:01.459 --> 00:14:07.419 when the lives of individuals live out the power of the Holy Spirit of God within them. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:10.360 Listen to how Christ describes him. 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:12.019 In John 16, 7, he says, 00:14:12.579 --> 00:14:15.779 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it's to your advantage that I go away. 00:14:17.199 --> 00:14:19.899 For if I don't go away, the helper will not come to you. 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:22.519 But if I go, I will send him to you. 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:26.599 He goes on in that passage to describe what the Spirit will do. 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:29.819 And he says that the Spirit will convict of sin. 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:32.639 He says the Spirit will convict of righteousness. 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:35.919 He says the Spirit will convict of judgment. 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:42.879 In other words, he will guide us into all truth and he will glorify Christ as he does that. 00:14:43.199 --> 00:14:47.779 He glorifies Christ through the gifts that he has given to us. 00:14:48.059 --> 00:14:49.080 What are those gifts? 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:51.480 Those gifts are the gifts of evangelism. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:56.100 Those gifts are the gifts of proclamation, of teaching, of exhorting, 00:14:56.100 --> 00:14:58.879 or spiritually urging is what that means, 00:14:59.420 --> 00:15:03.240 of discernment between the Holy Spirit and the work of the evil one deceiving. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:06.800 God has gifted us with the Holy Spirit of God 00:15:06.800 --> 00:15:11.659 who gives us gifts to help us not only live out our faith, 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:15.759 but to act on it and watch other people's lives change because of it. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:23.819 All of those gifts, folks, are a trust that has been given to us. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:29.819 Don't be like the guy with one that said the little bit that I got, 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:31.899 I think I'll hide it so I don't lose it. 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:40.779 The gospel, the guidance, the gifting of the Holy Spirit, 00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:43.200 it is a trust. 00:15:43.200 --> 00:15:47.200 And if you're a child of God today, 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:50.600 you've surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:15:50.800 --> 00:15:53.379 that has been given to you. 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:56.160 Don't tell me about your inabilities. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:59.640 Tell me about his abilities in you 00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:01.740 because that's what makes the difference. 00:16:03.040 --> 00:16:03.640 And by the way, 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:07.060 if you're not a child of God today 00:16:07.060 --> 00:16:10.640 and you've never given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:12.920 I wouldn't be standing here 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:15.079 if every opportunity I get 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:16.539 to tell you 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.899 that Jesus, 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:19.939 I wouldn't be standing here if this wasn't true, 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:23.299 Jesus saves and changes lives. 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:26.279 And when you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ today, 00:16:26.599 --> 00:16:28.559 he'll save you from where you are 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:31.399 and make you to be what he'd have you to be. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:34.159 It is an open invitation. 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:38.319 And I can say it without any misgiving, 00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:41.879 any concern with whether it's relevant to anyone's life. 00:16:42.219 --> 00:16:45.339 And I can tell you that if that's never happened to you, 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:47.539 you desperately need it. 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:49.139 I don't care how talented you are. 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:50.939 I don't care how educated you are. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.819 I don't care how much money you have. 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:57.539 You desperately need the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:57.539 --> 00:17:00.179 And when you accept him, 00:17:00.699 --> 00:17:02.159 he'll change you. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:03.839 It's trust. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:06.319 We've been given a trust. 00:17:07.639 --> 00:17:08.799 Second thing is this. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:11.399 We must work the trust. 00:17:12.399 --> 00:17:13.779 We're not to sit on it. 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:15.879 We must work it. 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:18.659 Anyone who has been saved, 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.720 has received the gospel, 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.960 they've received the spirit of God, 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.440 they've received his gifting, 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:26.980 and all have not been gifted the same, 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.820 but we all have a responsibility 00:17:28.820 --> 00:17:30.740 for what we've been given. 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:34.200 The proper way to respond to what's been given to you 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:36.759 is to invest wisely and allow it to grow. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:39.019 And when you do, 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:42.900 not only will other people's lives be blessed by it, 00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:45.019 but you'll be rewarded for it. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.799 So I ask you this morning, 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:50.100 what have you done with the trust of the gospel 00:17:50.100 --> 00:17:51.320 that God has left for you? 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:54.259 Have you given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus? 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:56.019 Have you surrendered your life to the Lord? 00:17:56.220 --> 00:17:58.099 Do you live surrendered to the Lord? 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:00.799 Because the opportunity of salvation 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:02.220 is a trust that's been left to us, 00:18:02.399 --> 00:18:05.259 and we must respond correctly to that. 00:18:05.399 --> 00:18:08.079 And then the power of the Holy Spirit within us, 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.259 man, I'm telling you, 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.960 1 Corinthians 10, 13, 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.519 you can hang your hat on it 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:15.879 and rest in it and rely on it. 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:19.579 No temptation has overtaken you. 00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:21.720 That's not common to man. 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:23.859 I ain't got time this morning to explain this, 00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:24.599 but I'm going to anyway. 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:28.879 One of Satan's key strategies 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:30.220 is to try to tell you 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:32.039 that somehow you're different than anybody else, 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:33.480 that nobody really understands 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:34.740 what your circumstances are, 00:18:34.879 --> 00:18:36.779 and that the temptations that you face 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:39.079 are somehow different and somehow justified, 00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:41.579 or either nobody else will know the difference. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:45.699 And you think that's unique with you, 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:48.940 is common to man. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:52.480 And God is faithful. 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:55.200 Do you hear me? 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:56.980 God's faithful. 00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:59.720 He's right there in the trenches, 00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:02.740 right there in the tough stuff, 00:19:03.600 --> 00:19:05.340 right there in the midst of your weakness. 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.559 God's still there. 00:19:07.840 --> 00:19:09.720 When you want Him to be there, He's there. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:12.299 When you don't want Him there, He's there. 00:19:12.860 --> 00:19:13.720 God is faithful, 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:17.839 and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:19.160 But with the temptation, 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:21.420 He will also provide the way of escape 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:23.660 that you may be able to endure it. 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.660 And I'm telling you, when it comes, 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:27.299 regardless of what kind of temptation it is, 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:29.160 you run like Joseph, run, 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:30.799 leave your coat in her hand, 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:31.759 and get out of there! 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.940 Because the Holy Spirit of God 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:37.259 has empowered you to do it. 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:40.420 Your way of escape is the power of the Holy Spirit of God. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:43.319 Jesus told us He would guide us in the truth. 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.460 Temptation comes through deception. 00:19:45.640 --> 00:19:46.519 The devil will lie to you. 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:47.559 He'll tell you your sin's okay. 00:19:47.660 --> 00:19:49.039 He'll tell you that it's not hurting anything. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:51.279 He'll tell you that there's not going to be a reckoning. 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.839 That nobody will know. 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:53.740 That there's no penalty. 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.619 That you'll be somehow left out 00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:58.879 if you don't participate in whatever He's trying to get you to do. 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:00.420 So we indulge. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:02.460 But I want you to be clear about some things this morning. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.599 You're not different. 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.000 We're all tempted. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:09.799 Be clear that God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.960 If you have the Holy Spirit of God in you, 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:15.200 you don't have the can't help it's when it comes to sin. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:18.559 You've got the power of a living Lord in you. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:21.660 God, through the Holy Spirit, has provided a way out, 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.940 and you need to walk in it. 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:25.680 And you can endure by the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:28.960 and by the Holy Spirit who has indwelled within you. 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:31.900 Don't bury the gift. 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:35.360 Don't hide the treasure in a handkerchief. 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:38.480 The opportunity that God has given you is there. 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:40.259 Put it to work. 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:43.600 Put the gospel to work in your own life 00:20:43.600 --> 00:20:45.080 and then share it with others 00:20:45.080 --> 00:20:47.800 and watch and see what God will do. 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:49.040 Put it to work. 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:52.259 A man asked a farmer one day, 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:52.680 he said, 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:54.840 how's the cotton coming along? 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:56.100 He said, 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:56.820 I ain't got none. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:20:58.700 He said, 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.980 I was worried about the bull weevil, 00:21:00.080 --> 00:21:00.960 so I didn't plant any. 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.539 Well, how's corn coming? 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:05.480 I didn't plant any. 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:08.400 I don't think we're going to get a lot of rain this year. 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:11.080 Well, how's the taters? 00:21:13.700 --> 00:21:15.319 I'm afraid about a tater blight. 00:21:16.600 --> 00:21:17.539 May not get any. 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:19.420 So what'd you plant? 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.779 I didn't plant anything this year. 00:21:20.860 --> 00:21:22.240 I'm making it safe. 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:25.900 What's that farmer going to harvest? 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.160 Nothing. 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:30.319 Nothing. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.859 And that's what we do with our lives. 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:36.180 How sad it is when people's lives are the same way. 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:38.640 Trust Christ to change your life 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:39.859 and then tell others 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:41.640 how he can change them too. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.480 Let the Holy Spirit of God 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:46.480 work in you as only he can 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.059 because he can 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:49.319 and he will. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:51.079 Don't be like the one that said, 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.900 I like work. 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:53.920 It fascinates me. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.819 I can just sit and watch it all day long. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.220 You know? 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.859 Let the Spirit of God work in you. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.740 Walk away from sin 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:04.519 and work with the Spirit of God. 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.759 Walk through opportunity. 00:22:07.319 --> 00:22:08.579 Allow him to change your life 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.480 and change your world. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:11.339 Don't bury or lay dormant 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:13.339 or neglect what God has given to you. 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:14.640 As the old song says, 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:16.720 work, work till Jesus comes. 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:20.960 We've been left to trust that we're to work. 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:24.339 And it's important that we do 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:27.480 because we will be held accountable. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.160 I want to be clear. 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:32.579 In our jobs, 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:35.259 we work each week for a payday reward. 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:38.960 Well, the Lord wants us to know 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:39.920 there'll be a payday someday. 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:43.180 There'll be an accounting. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:46.200 God has blessed us 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:47.460 with the opportunity of salvation. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.119 We have the responsibility 00:22:50.119 --> 00:22:51.920 to respond to that. 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:53.299 And God has blessed us 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:54.839 with the Holy Spirit, 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:55.519 gifted us, 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.180 empowered us, 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:56.859 enabled us. 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:58.160 The question is, 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.079 what are we doing with it? 00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:01.720 And it's most obvious 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.939 seen in three areas 00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:04.019 of the Christian's life. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.359 And that's in our time, 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:08.119 that's in our treasure, 00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:10.599 and that's in our talent. 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:13.599 And so let's just break it down 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:14.220 for just a minute 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:14.899 and we'll go home. 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:19.379 How do you invest your time 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:21.159 with the Lord? 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:25.420 Do you give Him time personally? 00:23:28.040 --> 00:23:31.480 I mean, is it as regular in your life 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:35.519 as cleaning up? 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:40.120 Brushing your teeth ought to be 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:41.960 more than a daily event, by the way. 00:23:44.440 --> 00:23:45.600 Is it as regular 00:23:45.600 --> 00:23:50.160 as washing your body? 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:53.300 Brushing your teeth? 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:58.120 Is it a pattern in your life 00:23:58.120 --> 00:24:00.420 that's a priority? 00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:04.040 Do you invest in the Lord 00:24:04.040 --> 00:24:06.019 personally? 00:24:07.100 --> 00:24:08.740 Do you take time 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:10.120 to serve Him? 00:24:11.540 --> 00:24:12.540 And I've said this a lot 00:24:12.540 --> 00:24:13.160 in recent days, 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:13.860 I'll say it again. 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:17.120 I don't consider this service. 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.420 What we have today 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.560 is an opportunity to worship. 00:24:23.120 --> 00:24:24.060 To come before 00:24:24.060 --> 00:24:25.440 a living, reigning Lord 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.100 and say, 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:27.660 it ain't about me, 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.500 it's about you. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:31.519 And so I dedicate myself to you. 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.440 And for our time together, 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:35.340 we're going to worship you 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:37.500 for roughly this hour 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:39.019 together 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.380 as a congregation. 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:43.040 and then when we leave here, 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.840 we go serve the Lord. 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.980 This is not a service. 00:24:49.100 --> 00:24:49.960 This is worship. 00:24:52.360 --> 00:24:53.940 So outside of this room 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:54.660 in this hour, 00:24:55.340 --> 00:24:56.340 what are you doing for the Lord? 00:24:57.400 --> 00:24:59.680 How are you serving the Lord? 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:02.019 Are you a steward 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:02.779 of the treasure 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:04.019 that God has given you? 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:06.000 Are you faithful to the Lord 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.860 with your spending? 00:25:08.320 --> 00:25:10.480 And that's about tithing, 00:25:10.600 --> 00:25:11.259 but I'm telling you, 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:12.400 it's also about spending. 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:15.220 Because if you're a tither, 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.259 the question is, 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:19.460 does the other 90% 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:21.620 honor the Lord in your life? 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.400 Do you feel like that's free game, 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:25.420 do whatever you want to with? 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:27.279 Because if you do, 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.019 the concept 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.539 has been misunderstood. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.180 The reality is, 00:25:32.300 --> 00:25:33.259 everything you've got 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:34.200 comes from the Lord. 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.279 And He wants you 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.340 to acknowledge that 00:25:37.340 --> 00:25:39.300 with 10%. 00:25:39.300 --> 00:25:39.960 But don't forget, 00:25:40.060 --> 00:25:41.180 the other 90% still is. 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:43.980 He's just entrusting you 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:46.100 to be a steward of it. 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:49.420 Remember, 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:52.960 all that you have is His. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:55.620 What about your talent? 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.500 What are you doing 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.000 for the Lord? 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:00.460 How has your life 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:01.360 been marked, 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:03.000 changed, 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:03.880 led, 00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:04.700 empowered 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:06.620 by the Holy Spirit of God? 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:07.960 What have you done 00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:08.759 with what the Lord 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:10.460 has given to you? 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:12.779 Because everything we have 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.900 is His. 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.680 And so are you managing it? 00:26:16.840 --> 00:26:17.900 We're in the meantime, folks. 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:19.579 We're in the meantime. 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.840 Are you managing it, 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:21.960 what He's given to you? 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:24.720 And you spend your time 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:25.160 and your money 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.500 on matters that'll last. 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.779 What if you could invest 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.680 your time, 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.519 your money, 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.920 your talent 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:37.620 in something 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:39.200 that could last forever? 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.660 That'd look a lot better 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:43.720 than the retirement accounts 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.480 these days, wouldn't it? 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:49.519 Well, you can, friend. 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:49.940 Thank you. 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:50.539 You can. 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:50.559 You can. 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:53.220 And there are too many people 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:54.139 who claim to be Christians 00:26:54.139 --> 00:26:54.980 that spend their life 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:57.399 minimizing the dangers 00:26:57.399 --> 00:26:58.559 and the risks 00:26:58.559 --> 00:27:00.700 and not trusting 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.980 the Lord of the estate. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.759 I've heard of people 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.759 who are so heavenly-minded 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:08.079 they're not any earthly good. 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.460 I'm going to tell you, 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:10.539 we don't have that problem. 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:14.700 The problem that concerns me 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:17.019 is that we may become 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:18.019 so earthly-minded 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.339 that we're no heavenly good. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.960 And that's small-minded. 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.619 That's limited. 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.420 We need to be faithful 00:27:27.420 --> 00:27:28.779 with what we've got. 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.700 Don't be threatened 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:32.039 by living by faith. 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.740 Don't be threatened enough 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.900 to take God out of it 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:38.559 by bearing the treasure 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:40.039 entrusted to them. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:44.119 You can't find eternal life 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:45.259 or live a life 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.259 for Christ 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:48.200 by trying to hang on 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.819 to everything in your life 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.639 just like it is. 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:51.359 You can't do that. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.200 You've got to give it up. 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:53.819 He may not take it from you, 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:55.500 but you've got to let go of it 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:57.099 and give it to Him. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:00.059 I really believe 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:01.139 it comes down to perspective. 00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:06.379 Four workers were on a 00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:07.859 church site 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:09.039 and a reporter came by 00:28:09.039 --> 00:28:09.319 and said, 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:09.919 what are you doing? 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.699 And the first one said, 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:14.759 I'm busting rocks. 00:28:17.139 --> 00:28:18.079 Went to the next one 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:18.259 and said, 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.779 what are you doing? 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.139 He said, 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:21.299 I'm laying precious treasure. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:22.939 Excuse me, 00:28:22.959 --> 00:28:24.179 I'm laying precious stone. 00:28:25.899 --> 00:28:26.839 Went to the third one 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.039 and said, 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.679 what are you doing? 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:28.459 He said, 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.319 I'm earning a buck 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:30.059 for my family. 00:28:32.399 --> 00:28:33.599 He went to the fourth one 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:33.839 and said, 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:34.479 what are you doing? 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:35.799 He said, 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.240 I'm building 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.019 a great cathedral. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.199 Perspective makes 00:28:39.199 --> 00:28:39.899 a lot of difference, 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:40.299 folks. 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:42.379 And if we get a handle 00:28:42.379 --> 00:28:44.179 on what God wants us 00:28:44.179 --> 00:28:44.939 to be a part of, 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:46.079 it'd make a lot of difference. 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.719 So have no doubt today, 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:50.259 you are making 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:52.439 an eternal difference. 00:28:54.199 --> 00:28:54.879 You are. 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.859 Either for the good 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.419 or for the bad, 00:28:57.959 --> 00:28:59.219 you make an eternal difference. 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:01.679 And if we're not careful, 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.139 we'll miss it. 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:07.200 Little boy confronted 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:07.920 another little boy. 00:29:09.020 --> 00:29:10.080 Let me ask you a question. 00:29:12.360 --> 00:29:13.520 If you had a million dollars, 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:14.100 would you give me 00:29:14.100 --> 00:29:14.640 half of it? 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.040 He said, 00:29:16.100 --> 00:29:16.320 man, 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.060 you're my best friend. 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:17.640 You know I'd give you 00:29:17.640 --> 00:29:18.160 half of it. 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:19.860 He said, 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:20.040 well, 00:29:21.080 --> 00:29:22.060 what if you had 00:29:22.060 --> 00:29:23.520 $4,000? 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:25.759 Would you give me 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.280 half of it? 00:29:27.420 --> 00:29:27.960 Little boy said, 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:28.160 yeah, 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:28.860 you know I'd give you 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.480 half of it. 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:31.000 Be plenty for both of us. 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:33.119 What if you had $200? 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:35.619 Would you give me 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.180 half of it? 00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:38.940 Yeah. 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:41.160 $100, 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:41.579 yeah, 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:42.200 I can do that. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.640 What about if you had $20? 00:29:46.640 --> 00:29:47.299 Would you give me 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:47.819 half of it? 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:49.380 Little boy said, 00:29:49.420 --> 00:29:49.579 man, 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:50.039 that ain't right. 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:51.180 You know I got 20 bucks. 00:29:58.859 --> 00:29:59.819 God wants it all. 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:03.019 I'll just go ahead 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:03.299 and tell you 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.079 he ain't gonna take it all. 00:30:06.960 --> 00:30:07.700 But he wants you 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.160 to lay it out. 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:15.420 He wants you to know 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:18.299 that it's his. 00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:21.240 And the irony is 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:23.480 that when you spend 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:24.319 your life 00:30:24.319 --> 00:30:27.079 avoiding risk, 00:30:27.079 --> 00:30:28.220 risk, 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:28.819 now risk 00:30:28.819 --> 00:30:29.740 for different folks, 00:30:29.939 --> 00:30:31.199 risks are different 00:30:31.199 --> 00:30:32.220 for different folks. 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:33.419 So I don't know 00:30:33.419 --> 00:30:34.659 what you consider risky. 00:30:35.779 --> 00:30:36.839 Speaking to your neighbor 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:37.579 about the Lord 00:30:37.579 --> 00:30:38.599 or inviting them 00:30:38.599 --> 00:30:38.879 to church 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:40.619 may seem risky to you. 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:42.839 Obeying God 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:43.619 with what he's given 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:44.119 to you 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:45.480 and tithing 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.500 and being faithful 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:46.839 to the Lord, 00:30:46.899 --> 00:30:48.240 that may seem risky 00:30:48.240 --> 00:30:48.819 to you. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:51.839 Walking in the gifts 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.419 of your spirit 00:30:52.419 --> 00:30:53.960 and that the Holy Spirit 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:54.559 has given you 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.899 and using those 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:57.539 that may seem risky 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.139 to you. 00:30:59.379 --> 00:31:00.079 You may say 00:31:00.079 --> 00:31:01.980 I can't do that. 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:03.679 Thank God. 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.919 That's when it gets good 00:31:04.919 --> 00:31:05.940 when you can't do it 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:07.639 and you let him do it. 00:31:08.639 --> 00:31:09.440 I don't know 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:10.980 what's considered risky 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:11.859 for you. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.579 I know what it is 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.119 for me. 00:31:13.679 --> 00:31:14.859 But I will tell you 00:31:14.859 --> 00:31:17.599 the irony is 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:18.299 that if you live 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:18.720 your life 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.839 trying to avoid risk, 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:22.480 you'll be like this man 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.460 and so many others, 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:26.539 you'll take the biggest 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.279 gamble of all, 00:31:27.360 --> 00:31:28.539 you'll lose your own soul. 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:30.160 You'll lose the opportunity 00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:31.079 to serve the Lord 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:32.420 with what he's given to you. 00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.759 May our lives 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.500 be marked 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.960 by what we do 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:38.720 for the Lord 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:41.319 and not by what 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:43.000 we fail to do 00:31:43.000 --> 00:31:45.660 for the Lord. 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:47.940 But I want you 00:31:47.940 --> 00:31:48.900 to be clear this morning. 00:31:48.900 --> 00:31:53.660 this is our one chance. 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.600 This is it. 00:32:01.440 --> 00:32:02.700 Let's not waste a day. 00:32:04.420 --> 00:32:05.600 With every head bowed 00:32:05.600 --> 00:32:07.840 and every eye closed, 00:32:08.180 --> 00:32:09.800 if you don't know 00:32:09.800 --> 00:32:10.900 the Lord Jesus today 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:11.519 as your personal 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:12.200 Lord and Savior, 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:14.620 I want to encourage you. 00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:16.200 Soon as we stand 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:16.560 to sing, 00:32:16.620 --> 00:32:17.100 you come 00:32:17.099 --> 00:32:18.819 and say, 00:32:18.899 --> 00:32:19.139 Pastor, 00:32:19.199 --> 00:32:19.939 I want to give my heart 00:32:19.939 --> 00:32:20.219 and life 00:32:20.219 --> 00:32:21.399 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:32:22.359 --> 00:32:23.299 We'll guide you 00:32:23.299 --> 00:32:23.879 in that. 00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:27.199 It's not a manipulative 00:32:27.199 --> 00:32:28.199 or a cheap gospel. 00:32:28.379 --> 00:32:29.240 We don't sell it that way. 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:29.639 It's free. 00:32:30.959 --> 00:32:31.639 It's free. 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:33.079 And when you come, 00:32:33.139 --> 00:32:33.599 we'll be happy 00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:34.480 to guide you in that. 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:35.819 If you know 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.819 you're a Christian today, 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:38.559 what are you doing 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:40.099 with what God's given you? 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:43.199 He's left you a trust. 00:32:43.199 --> 00:32:43.259 He's left you a trust. 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:48.019 Today, 00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:49.119 put it in His hands. 00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:52.000 Use it for His honor 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:52.399 and glory. 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:53.399 Maybe God's leading you 00:32:53.399 --> 00:32:54.319 to be a part of this church. 00:32:56.639 --> 00:32:57.879 You've worshiped with us. 00:32:58.779 --> 00:32:59.619 You felt the power 00:32:59.619 --> 00:33:00.079 of His presence 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:00.839 move in your life 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.179 and you feel 00:33:01.179 --> 00:33:01.959 the Holy Spirit of God 00:33:01.959 --> 00:33:02.740 guiding you. 00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:04.159 We'd love to lead you 00:33:04.159 --> 00:33:04.500 in that. 00:33:04.599 --> 00:33:06.659 Maybe you're a Christian 00:33:06.659 --> 00:33:07.959 who's never publicly 00:33:07.959 --> 00:33:08.719 acknowledged that 00:33:08.719 --> 00:33:09.399 through baptism. 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:11.459 That first step 00:33:11.459 --> 00:33:11.980 of obedience 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:13.019 becomes a hindrance 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:13.819 for so many. 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:14.939 Keeps them 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.880 from ever progressing. 00:33:17.799 --> 00:33:18.700 Just be obedient. 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:19.860 Trust Him. 00:33:20.980 --> 00:33:21.799 Take a risk. 00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:24.220 Do what He tells you to do 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:25.700 and watch Him 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:26.360 change your life. 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:27.640 Lord Jesus, 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:28.299 I love you 00:33:28.299 --> 00:33:29.019 and I thank you 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:29.640 for the privilege 00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:30.140 you give us 00:33:30.140 --> 00:33:31.140 to be together today. 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:33.279 Lead us right now, 00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:33.840 I pray, 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:35.160 to simply be obedient. 00:33:35.340 --> 00:33:36.059 Nothing more, 00:33:36.940 --> 00:33:37.539 nothing less. 00:33:37.600 --> 00:33:37.880 Oh God, 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:39.380 I pray in Jesus' 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:40.160 precious name. 00:33:40.299 --> 00:33:40.539 Amen.