WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.820 Isaiah chapter 9, the easiest way to get across the country is to buy a plane ticket and fly. 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:08.160 ! It's not the most scenic way to do it. 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:10.620 If there's a cloud coverage, you won't see anything. 00:00:11.620 --> 00:00:12.740 But it is efficient. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:16.339 And most of us know the routine. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:20.559 You got the 311 bag and you can leave your shoes on now. 00:00:20.760 --> 00:00:21.359 Thank the Lord. 00:00:23.320 --> 00:00:28.500 Some love flying and some hate flying and some do it for a living. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.240 For most of her life, my oldest daughter Abby's flights have been unpredictable. 00:00:35.980 --> 00:00:42.820 She has an ear condition that sometimes the pressure change causes intense pain. 00:00:43.899 --> 00:00:45.420 And sometimes it don't bother her at all. 00:00:45.500 --> 00:00:47.379 And if you know Abby, you understand that. 00:00:47.799 --> 00:00:49.519 Sometimes it bothers her, sometimes it don't. 00:00:49.939 --> 00:00:52.579 But if it does bother her, she'll let you know it. 00:00:53.039 --> 00:00:57.460 We were flying together once not long ago and the pain hit hard. 00:00:57.460 --> 00:01:03.660 She was sitting at the window and there was a seat between us that was empty and I was sitting in the aisle. 00:01:03.939 --> 00:01:05.719 And we were at 30,000 feet. 00:01:05.879 --> 00:01:09.099 And she looked at me and said, Daddy, I can't do this. 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:12.760 And I said, Honey, you don't have a choice. 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:14.540 We are going to do it. 00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:16.540 And we're going to land this plane. 00:01:16.540 --> 00:01:22.540 So the fear that she gets is different than what some other people get when they fly. 00:01:23.240 --> 00:01:24.620 Some people dread the takeoff. 00:01:24.880 --> 00:01:26.480 They just don't like leaving the ground. 00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:28.840 And some people don't like landing. 00:01:29.740 --> 00:01:32.400 They don't like rushing toward the ground. 00:01:34.920 --> 00:01:36.600 It don't really bother me a whole lot. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:38.600 But what bothers me the most is turbulence. 00:01:38.599 --> 00:01:41.459 Because it comes out of nowhere. 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:44.000 You hit an air pocket and drop. 00:01:44.259 --> 00:01:51.459 And what I've learned to do is pay attention to where I look and see what happens. 00:01:51.599 --> 00:01:54.579 See, I watch the faces of the flight attendants. 00:01:56.179 --> 00:01:58.859 And when they tell them to buckle up and sit down, 00:01:58.939 --> 00:02:02.659 I look at their faces to see if they're whispering to one another and those type things. 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:04.879 If they're calm, I'm calm. 00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:10.219 Now, I found out since I believe that that they're actually trained to look calm even when they're freaking out. 00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:11.639 So that don't really help. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:16.599 But anyway, I also find comfort in the voice of the pilot. 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:20.000 Because when the pilot comes on and says, 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:22.639 All right, we're going to hit some turbulence. 00:02:22.900 --> 00:02:23.979 And there are going to be some air pockets. 00:02:24.120 --> 00:02:26.359 And it's going to be a little rough coming in. 00:02:26.419 --> 00:02:27.159 But we're steady. 00:02:28.919 --> 00:02:30.280 And he sounds confident. 00:02:30.280 --> 00:02:34.919 And he sounds instructional on what he tells us to do. 00:02:36.780 --> 00:02:38.300 We know what to expect. 00:02:38.860 --> 00:02:40.259 And we know what to do. 00:02:40.539 --> 00:02:41.960 And it just kind of calms things. 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:46.080 Wouldn't it be nice 00:02:46.080 --> 00:02:51.060 if when turbulence hits our lives, 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:56.759 if we had someone to look to for comfort, 00:02:58.120 --> 00:03:00.920 someone to look to for guidance? 00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:05.140 I'm thankful today that we do. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:11.539 And that Prince of Peace came to us as a babe in a manger. 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:15.099 He's the reason we celebrate Christmas. 00:03:15.099 --> 00:03:18.799 And once again, I want you to listen to the prophet. 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:25.319 Predict the coming of the Lord 700 years before his arrival. 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:28.019 And notice how he introduces him. 00:03:30.060 --> 00:03:32.840 Isaiah chapter 9, 6 and 7 says, 00:03:32.959 --> 00:03:36.180 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. 00:03:37.519 --> 00:03:40.060 And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:03:40.060 --> 00:03:49.420 And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:54.420 Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end. 00:03:55.680 --> 00:04:01.599 On the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:12.439 From this time forth and forevermore, the zeal of the Lord will do this. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:16.579 This passage is weighty. 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:22.500 It gathers up all that begins when Christ comes into the world. 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:27.060 It encapsulates the totality of what will begin when Christ is born. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:32.180 It says, for under us a child is born. 00:04:32.280 --> 00:04:34.720 That means that Christ is born. 00:04:34.860 --> 00:04:35.240 He's human. 00:04:36.220 --> 00:04:39.340 A real boy in a real world, he came dependent. 00:04:39.819 --> 00:04:40.819 He came limited. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:42.160 He came human. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:45.680 But he's also a son that's given. 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:48.600 This didn't start in Bethlehem. 00:04:49.279 --> 00:04:52.660 This is the eternal son of God. 00:04:53.160 --> 00:04:54.060 Given to us. 00:04:54.620 --> 00:04:56.360 He didn't stop being God. 00:04:57.060 --> 00:04:58.980 Humanity was added to him. 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:05.500 Only God can bear the weight of sin, but only man can stand in our place. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:06.500 He's the God man. 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:12.019 Then it says, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:17.639 When a king was enthroned, a royal robe was draped across his shoulders. 00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:20.240 It symbolized rule and authority. 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:24.439 But with this king, it's more than just a robe. 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:29.639 He bears the weight of the responsibility that he has been given. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:31.899 And that is the burden of redemption. 00:05:33.500 --> 00:05:38.160 He's bearing the weight of the sins of a fallen world upon his shoulders. 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:40.339 He is our savior. 00:05:40.339 --> 00:05:46.500 But he's not only our savior, but he is a wonder of a counselor. 00:05:47.399 --> 00:05:50.739 He knows what we need before we ask. 00:05:52.339 --> 00:05:54.399 He is the mighty God. 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:58.699 He has power over sin, death, and hell. 00:05:58.779 --> 00:06:00.419 And he has the power to save. 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:03.879 He is everlasting father. 00:06:04.039 --> 00:06:06.439 He will never leave us. 00:06:07.620 --> 00:06:15.519 He knows, can do all things, and remains forever. 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:26.839 Yet with all of those titles, my favorite title appropriates his position is this last one, and that is he's the prince of peace. 00:06:29.039 --> 00:06:32.339 I don't know anybody who likes scrapes and squabbles. 00:06:32.439 --> 00:06:34.899 I know people who have a tendency to get into it. 00:06:34.899 --> 00:06:38.879 Some just learn how to cause commotion. 00:06:38.979 --> 00:06:39.779 That's kind of what they do. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:42.379 But even when they do that, they kind of wish it would stop. 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:43.159 They just want to win. 00:06:45.599 --> 00:06:49.479 But peace is a good thing for all people. 00:06:50.479 --> 00:06:52.060 We're all in the need of peace. 00:06:52.060 --> 00:06:57.740 And the gift of Christmas is, in Christ, is that we have peace. 00:06:58.259 --> 00:07:00.959 But that only comes through the prince of peace. 00:07:01.120 --> 00:07:08.480 He did everything that he did and does everything that he does so that we can have peace. 00:07:10.220 --> 00:07:18.060 So I just want to tell you what we have this morning when we have the prince of peace. 00:07:18.060 --> 00:07:20.680 And just look at what scripture teaches us. 00:07:22.060 --> 00:07:29.019 As it elaborates on the peace that we can find only in the Lord Jesus. 00:07:31.660 --> 00:07:34.420 In him we have a prevailing peace. 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:40.579 In John chapter 14 through John chapter 16, Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples. 00:07:41.160 --> 00:07:45.819 He is preparing them for a time when he will no longer physically be present with them. 00:07:45.819 --> 00:07:51.459 And he promises them that the coming of the Holy Spirit, he promises them of the coming of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:55.419 And he assures them that he will be in their presence. 00:07:56.060 --> 00:08:01.000 He speaks of his prevailing presence even after his ascension. 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:05.379 And he closes that out by saying in John 16, 33, 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:08.500 In me you may have peace. 00:08:09.299 --> 00:08:11.679 In this world you will have tribulation. 00:08:11.799 --> 00:08:12.479 But take heart. 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:16.220 I have overcome the world. 00:08:16.280 --> 00:08:23.020 Now the tribulation that he speaks of in this passage is not talking about some end time, certain number of year kind of tribulation. 00:08:23.140 --> 00:08:23.560 No, no, no. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:28.120 He's talking about the stuff that we deal with every day of our life. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:38.799 The pains and the sorrows and the difficulties that we deal with every day of our life. 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:44.960 And sometimes on the worst days of our life. 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:50.700 It's been a rough week. 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:54.320 It really has. 00:08:54.440 --> 00:09:00.660 I spent the first part of the week one day afternoon going to a father's funeral. 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:04.519 One lost his father. 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:06.200 A good, godly man. 00:09:07.060 --> 00:09:08.420 That went on to be with the Lord. 00:09:08.900 --> 00:09:11.519 And he buried his beloved dad. 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:15.779 And the next day I got a call. 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:22.620 That somebody had tragically, quickly lost their son. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:27.159 And tried to walk through that with that family. 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:30.059 Through their celebration of life for him this week. 00:09:30.199 --> 00:09:31.539 It's been a rough week. 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:33.960 There's tribulation. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:39.220 Trials and difficulties in our lives. 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:43.519 That are tough to walk away. 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:45.159 To walk through. 00:09:45.439 --> 00:09:46.600 You can't really walk away from it. 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:47.379 It goes with you. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.799 It hangs out. 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:53.120 And so he tells us. 00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:54.759 And he knows this, by the way. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:56.159 He knows all those things. 00:09:58.879 --> 00:09:59.559 Take heart. 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:03.299 I've overcome the world. 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:05.659 And when he says that, he's not only talking about some world power. 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:08.339 He's talking about whatever this world has. 00:10:08.859 --> 00:10:10.719 Whatever it throws at you. 00:10:10.979 --> 00:10:13.299 He can handle that. 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:16.419 I want you to understand that peace is not an end of conflict. 00:10:16.599 --> 00:10:17.199 It's not. 00:10:18.679 --> 00:10:21.799 It is his presence in the midst of that conflict. 00:10:22.019 --> 00:10:24.459 It is his presence in the midst of that stress. 00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:27.339 It is his presence in the midst of that difficulty. 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:33.180 And when he says that he has overcome, that means that he's won through the cross. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:44.519 And in him, because if we've given our lives to him, in his victory, we find victory. 00:10:44.660 --> 00:10:45.780 In him we win too. 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:49.820 The empty tomb is the evidence of our triumph of the Lord. 00:10:50.280 --> 00:10:53.160 There's a prevailing peace that he gives us. 00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:58.519 But not only that, but scripture also teaches that we have a perpetual peace. 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:01.019 It does not go away. 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:06.819 I mean, listen, we may stray, but God's not going anywhere. 00:11:08.459 --> 00:11:12.279 We may not feel his presence in times in our lives. 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:14.419 But he's not went anywhere. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:22.339 Your feelings are not the basis of the truth of the presence of God. 00:11:22.340 --> 00:11:23.200 Understand that. 00:11:25.480 --> 00:11:26.480 He's beyond that. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:32.740 I want you to listen to how Paul closes out the second letter to the Thessalonians. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:36.500 He's saying, 2 Thessalonians 3, 16, he says, 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:43.600 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in every way the Lord be with you all. 00:11:44.879 --> 00:11:46.759 He says, at all times. 00:11:47.920 --> 00:11:48.920 Do you know what that means? 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:51.519 In the Greek, that means at all times. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.019 That's what it means. 00:11:53.500 --> 00:12:03.200 It means every season of your life, everything that you go through, in every way, in every situation that we find ourselves in, he's always there. 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:12.900 Our peace is not found in the absence of conflict or loss or the absence of hardship. 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:17.800 It's found in the perpetual presence of the Lord. 00:12:18.460 --> 00:12:19.580 He's not going anywhere. 00:12:20.940 --> 00:12:22.060 He's right there with you. 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:26.120 He's anchored into the believer's life, and we should be anchored into him. 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:30.779 And as unstable as this world is, the Lord is always stable. 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.840 He's always steady. 00:12:32.980 --> 00:12:33.919 He's always faithful. 00:12:34.039 --> 00:12:36.700 He's a perpetual peace. 00:12:36.700 --> 00:12:46.320 But not only that, but Scripture also teaches us that we have a poised peace in Christ. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:52.080 I want you to listen to how Isaiah writes about this in Isaiah 26, verse 3. 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:52.440 He says, 00:12:52.440 --> 00:12:59.540 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. 00:13:02.900 --> 00:13:08.420 If I were to spin around real fast in this spot right here on this stage, I'd probably fall off. 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:14.040 And the reality is most of you would laugh quicker than you would get up and help. 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:16.439 And that's sad, but that's the truth. 00:13:20.379 --> 00:13:30.319 But have you ever seen how fast a ballet dancer or a figure skater can spin and never lose their balance? 00:13:33.099 --> 00:13:35.719 They use a technique called spotting. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:44.040 And when they spin, they fix their eyes on one unmoving point. 00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:47.860 Maybe it's a spot on the wall or a mark in the room. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:57.680 And as they turn their bodies, the head rotates last as their eyes are fixed on that one spot. 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:04.899 And then they keep that fixed as long as possible. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:12.100 And then when necessary, they quickly snap their head around and find that same spot again. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:16.620 And good ones do it very effectively. 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:28.779 When life is spinning and times are tough and circumstances are turning fast, 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:35.059 peace does not come from life slowing down to a stop because it don't do it. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:36.779 It don't. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:42.519 It comes when we fix our eyes on Jesus in the midst of the turns. 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:45.100 He is stable. 00:14:46.459 --> 00:14:51.120 And we can be stable when we look to him. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:56.960 But not only do we have a poised peace, but we also have a peculiar peace. 00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:05.879 Jesus is clear in John 14 that the peace that he gives us is not like the world can give. 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:09.560 If you don't believe that, watch the news. 00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:13.699 Because world peace is fragile and it's temporary. 00:15:16.579 --> 00:15:21.659 Calm for a time, but built on a false sense of hope. 00:15:22.959 --> 00:15:26.779 However, the peace of Christ is different. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:31.779 The peace of Christ is not just a mere distraction. 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:34.639 Jesus offers rest. 00:15:35.939 --> 00:15:36.959 He removes our fears. 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:38.000 He removes our doubts. 00:15:38.199 --> 00:15:39.559 Peace comes when he speaks. 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:42.679 When he looked at the raging sea, he said, peace be still. 00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:45.279 And all those choppy waters calmed immediately. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:48.519 And with that same power and with that same voice, 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:50.439 he can speak into our lives of a believer. 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:55.240 In the struggle and in the storms that are overwhelming us. 00:15:56.460 --> 00:15:59.180 And somehow give a sense of calm in the midst of that. 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:05.420 But I want to be clear, that does not come for everyone. 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:14.640 I call it a peculiar peace because peculiar is a word that's used twice in the King James Version. 00:16:14.640 --> 00:16:19.120 Once it's used in 1 Peter and once it's used in Titus. 00:16:20.440 --> 00:16:29.460 And when we think of the word peculiar, it normally means strange or odd or awkward. 00:16:29.560 --> 00:16:30.820 Some of y'all may know what that means. 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:37.680 There's even a South Carolina word that when I used this in Mississippi, they looked at me kind of strange. 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:39.960 But some of y'all know what I'm talking about when I say choir. 00:16:41.140 --> 00:16:42.620 Just kind of choir, you know. 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:43.880 It's not queer. 00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:44.840 Choir. 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:46.840 Just kind of choir. 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:49.280 They say that to you and you're not from here. 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.660 It's just strange, awkward. 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:52.540 It's just kind of choir, you know. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.500 Biblically, that's not what it means. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:01.680 Biblically, it means one's own possession. 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:08.400 Something that's different because it's set apart as a treasure. 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:19.040 You can't have the peace of Christ apart from a relationship with Christ. 00:17:20.300 --> 00:17:21.120 You can't. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:27.300 If he had not come as a babe, there'd be no relationship to have with him. 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:28.220 But he has come. 00:17:28.300 --> 00:17:31.120 And because he's come, we have that opportunity. 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:33.840 And that peace is only found in him. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:36.600 Have no fear. 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:39.439 This peace is not elusive. 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:49.019 Scripture teaches us that not only is it for us who come in Christ, but it is also promised. 00:17:49.679 --> 00:17:52.539 It is a promised peace. 00:17:54.419 --> 00:17:56.339 John 14, 27. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.740 Jesus said, peace I leave with you. 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.099 My peace I give to you. 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:02.319 Not as the world gives do I give to you. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:05.039 Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:14.200 Listen, I try my best to give comfort to those who are hurting. 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.279 Try to find the words to say. 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:24.299 Most of the time I spend a lot of time quiet. 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:29.200 Because I've heard a lot of preachers say dumb stuff and I don't want to say something dumb. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:30.519 I just shouldn't not say anything. 00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:33.019 Sometimes presence is the best. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:42.920 But I want you to know that whatever you go through, whatever you face, 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:48.220 I'm well aware that I, 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:52.180 as good as he is, 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:52.740 Brian, 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:54.319 Jeff, 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.680 anybody on this staff, 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:57.279 we can't give you 00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:00.400 a real sense 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:04.200 of wholeness and completeness and peace 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:07.160 like the Lord Jesus can. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.220 Matter of fact, 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:12.220 all I want to do is point you to Christ 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:14.000 because he's the one 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:16.120 that provides that 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:17.279 for you 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.259 and he promises it. 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.860 And so you can rest in that. 00:19:21.059 --> 00:19:22.460 There's times that feels shaky, 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.180 but I believe you can rest in that. 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:25.960 The word for peace there is shalom 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.200 and it means wholeness 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:29.200 and it means completeness. 00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:32.019 Augustine of HIPAA wrote this. 00:19:32.100 --> 00:19:32.380 He said, 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:34.240 you may, 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:37.060 you have made us for yourself, 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:37.520 oh Lord, 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.640 and our hearts are, 00:19:39.040 --> 00:19:39.060 is, 00:19:39.540 --> 00:19:41.080 and our heart is restless 00:19:41.080 --> 00:19:42.960 until it rests in you. 00:19:44.320 --> 00:19:45.560 That's where we find our hope. 00:19:47.320 --> 00:19:47.760 And, 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:49.380 and when we hope in him, 00:19:49.460 --> 00:19:50.180 we find peace. 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:51.900 And it is my prayer for you this Christmas 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:54.700 that you find your peace in Christ. 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:57.920 Now let's go back to the text 00:19:57.920 --> 00:20:00.000 and look at verse seven. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.859 It says, 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:03.299 of the increase of his government 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:03.740 and of his, 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.700 of the peace, 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.660 there'll be no end 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.779 on the throne of David 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.619 and over his kingdom 00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:09.400 to establish it 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:10.579 and to uphold it with justice 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:11.440 and with righteousness 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.700 from this time forth 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.819 and forevermore. 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:15.779 What, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:17.519 what began as 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:19.559 Christ's birth 00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:21.200 did not stop at his death. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.859 His resurrection 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:24.880 did not stop it. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:27.380 His ascension into heaven 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:28.359 did not stop it. 00:20:28.859 --> 00:20:29.579 Christ rule 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.659 and reigns today 00:20:30.659 --> 00:20:31.379 in the hearts 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:32.179 and the lives 00:20:32.179 --> 00:20:32.759 of believers 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:33.519 and one day 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.059 he'll rule 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:34.939 on this earth 00:20:34.939 --> 00:20:36.159 and all will know 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:37.079 of his rule and reign 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:38.740 and it cannot be stopped. 00:20:39.139 --> 00:20:40.339 It will not be slowed. 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:41.759 It will not be hindered. 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:42.980 It will not be bothered. 00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:44.480 It will not be compromised. 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:47.000 It speaks of justice. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.419 He is just 00:20:49.419 --> 00:20:51.619 and he displays justice. 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:53.379 It speaks of righteousness. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:54.559 He is right 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:56.819 and he displays righteousness. 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:58.319 Forever. 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.460 forever. 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.619 And you say, 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:01.960 preacher, 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:02.779 how in the world 00:21:02.779 --> 00:21:03.539 does that happen? 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:05.899 Well, 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:06.659 this is the best part. 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.480 The zeal 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:10.439 of the Lord 00:21:10.439 --> 00:21:11.240 of hosts 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.859 will do this. 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:16.099 This is not something 00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:17.399 that we can concoct. 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:20.780 I am thankful 00:21:20.780 --> 00:21:22.060 for those who came 00:21:22.060 --> 00:21:24.120 after the first of December 00:21:24.120 --> 00:21:25.540 and decorated this sanctuary 00:21:25.540 --> 00:21:26.280 and this facility 00:21:26.280 --> 00:21:26.920 so beautifully. 00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:27.700 Thank you 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:29.700 for all that effort. 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:32.720 And I am thankful 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:35.360 for those who help us 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:36.460 to have the fellowships 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.300 that we have 00:21:37.300 --> 00:21:40.140 and do all the background work 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.700 that nobody even sees 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:43.980 to make it all special. 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:46.120 thank you. 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.779 And the choir 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.819 and the orchestra 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:51.360 and the drama team 00:21:51.360 --> 00:21:52.380 and the tech team 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:53.059 and the children 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:53.740 and the youth, 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:55.039 didn't they just 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.299 blow us away? 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:56.799 I mean, 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:57.980 just absolutely. 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:00.880 My mom and dad 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:02.079 came Sunday night 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:03.400 and on the front porch 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:04.039 she said, 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.360 my mama said, 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.500 I'm ready to go to heaven now. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.319 And I said, 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.140 not right now, 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:08.380 mama, 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.059 go to the car. 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:18.579 It was wonderful. 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:22.599 And I've tried my best 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:24.019 through something 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.059 that a man said 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:29.720 about 2,700 years ago 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:32.279 about the hope 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.579 that we'd have in Christ 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:36.500 and point you to Christ. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:40.480 But I want to be clear. 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:43.920 In all our efforts, 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:49.079 we can't concoct. 00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:52.019 We can't drum up. 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.579 We can't do 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:55.680 what only God can do. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.460 We can't make it happen. 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.279 God's plan 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.460 is humanly impossible. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.279 And because of that, 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:06.379 many have a hard time 00:23:06.379 --> 00:23:07.500 believing it is possible 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:08.599 because they can't see it. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.559 They don't place 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.539 their faith in Christ 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.279 because they don't 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:14.480 see it happening. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:16.079 They want to see it. 00:23:18.139 --> 00:23:18.579 Well, 00:23:18.599 --> 00:23:19.180 it's happening. 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.460 And it's not just 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.899 coming from us. 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:25.559 Scripture says 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.420 the zeal 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:27.339 of the Lord 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:28.119 of hosts 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:29.700 will do this. 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.279 Zeal there 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.980 means deep, 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.559 heartfelt passion. 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:36.019 It's a fervent passion. 00:23:36.139 --> 00:23:37.539 It's a focused passion. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:39.399 It's not always loud. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.619 It's not showy. 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:41.980 It's deep 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.899 and it's settled 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:44.299 and it's real. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:47.279 This is the passion 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.379 that God has 00:23:48.379 --> 00:23:49.480 as he carries out 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:49.819 his will. 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:51.059 This is the passion 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:52.079 that he has for us. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:52.920 This is why 00:23:52.920 --> 00:23:53.799 he sent his son 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:55.019 to be born of a virgin. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:55.899 This is why 00:23:55.899 --> 00:23:56.519 Christ lived 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.220 a sinless life. 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:57.980 This is why 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.500 he died 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.339 a sinner's death. 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.899 That is the zeal 00:24:00.899 --> 00:24:01.659 that raised him 00:24:01.659 --> 00:24:02.099 from the dead 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:03.459 and the same zeal 00:24:03.459 --> 00:24:04.240 that will bring him 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.259 back on a cloud 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:06.599 to receive us 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.819 to be where he is. 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:09.299 That is why 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.259 he is 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.399 as we've talked 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:11.720 about 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:13.359 unto us. 00:24:15.919 --> 00:24:17.199 There's no need 00:24:17.199 --> 00:24:18.099 for you today 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:19.119 to doubt 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:20.059 the zeal 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:21.000 of the Lord. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.159 He is 00:24:22.159 --> 00:24:23.019 passionate 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.899 for you. 00:24:24.959 --> 00:24:25.399 It is 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:26.359 unquestionable. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.939 This is the question. 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:33.720 What about 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.439 your heartfelt 00:24:34.439 --> 00:24:34.959 fervor 00:24:34.959 --> 00:24:35.599 for him? 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.720 Do we have 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.419 a zeal 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:44.119 for Christ? 00:24:44.159 --> 00:24:44.399 I'm talking 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:45.240 about a life-changing 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:45.619 zeal. 00:24:47.659 --> 00:24:48.639 Do we have 00:24:48.639 --> 00:24:49.199 a passion 00:24:49.199 --> 00:24:49.939 for Christ? 00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:52.159 I mean, 00:24:52.199 --> 00:24:52.879 do we really 00:24:52.879 --> 00:24:53.299 want him 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:53.859 to rule 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.439 and reign 00:24:54.439 --> 00:24:55.199 in our lives? 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.619 Not to let us 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.459 have it our way 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.039 and bless 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:58.759 our efforts 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.579 along the way, 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:00.259 but instead 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:01.100 to give up 00:25:01.100 --> 00:25:01.840 on our way 00:25:01.840 --> 00:25:02.279 and say, 00:25:02.340 --> 00:25:02.519 God, 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.500 I want to go 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:04.600 your way. 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.160 I want to have 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.079 a passion 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:13.640 and a zeal 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:17.079 that changes 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:17.900 my life 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:18.900 and my perspective 00:25:18.900 --> 00:25:20.720 of how 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.060 I look 00:25:21.060 --> 00:25:21.580 to you. 00:25:23.060 --> 00:25:23.600 Do you 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:23.960 want him 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:24.320 to have 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:24.780 his way 00:25:24.780 --> 00:25:25.360 in your life? 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.420 Do you 00:25:28.420 --> 00:25:28.700 really 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.280 trust his 00:25:29.280 --> 00:25:29.700 counsel? 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.100 He is 00:25:32.100 --> 00:25:32.780 a wonder 00:25:32.780 --> 00:25:33.780 of a 00:25:33.780 --> 00:25:34.180 counselor. 00:25:37.320 --> 00:25:37.780 Do you 00:25:37.780 --> 00:25:38.360 really stand 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:38.960 not in your 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.320 strength, 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.940 but in his 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.300 might? 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:40.880 He's a 00:25:40.880 --> 00:25:42.300 mighty God. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.100 Hard 00:25:45.100 --> 00:25:45.500 question. 00:25:46.320 --> 00:25:46.660 Do you 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.280 trust his 00:25:47.280 --> 00:25:47.660 timing? 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:51.560 He is 00:25:51.560 --> 00:25:51.780 the 00:25:51.780 --> 00:25:52.160 everlasting 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.960 father. 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.580 He's 00:25:53.580 --> 00:25:53.900 already 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.400 in your 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:55.060 tomorrows. 00:25:58.420 --> 00:25:59.220 Do you 00:25:59.220 --> 00:25:59.640 rest in 00:25:59.640 --> 00:26:00.160 his peace? 00:26:01.860 --> 00:26:02.759 For he 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:03.500 is our 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.140 prince. 00:26:06.900 --> 00:26:07.500 With 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.080 the zeal 00:26:08.080 --> 00:26:08.440 that he 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:08.960 has for 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.420 us, 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.580 my hope 00:26:12.580 --> 00:26:13.140 this Christmas 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.580 is may 00:26:13.580 --> 00:26:14.560 our lives 00:26:14.560 --> 00:26:17.320 not just 00:26:17.320 --> 00:26:18.140 for Christmas, 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:20.680 but well 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.700 beyond that, 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.259 may our 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:24.420 lives show 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:26.040 our zeal 00:26:26.040 --> 00:26:27.520 for him 00:26:27.520 --> 00:26:31.720 because when 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.100 we get 00:26:32.100 --> 00:26:32.700 passionate 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.360 about the 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:33.620 Lord 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:36.720 and ask 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.040 him to 00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:37.420 rule and 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.920 reign in 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:38.640 our lives, 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:40.780 to guide 00:26:40.780 --> 00:26:41.300 us and 00:26:41.300 --> 00:26:41.800 we'll follow 00:26:41.800 --> 00:26:42.540 his direction, 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:45.620 to lead 00:26:45.620 --> 00:26:46.300 us and we 00:26:46.300 --> 00:26:46.920 won't buck 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.400 along the 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:47.720 way. 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:51.480 But we'll 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.259 try our 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:54.320 best to 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:55.019 carry out 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:56.200 what God 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:56.600 would have 00:26:56.600 --> 00:26:57.220 for us. 00:26:58.900 --> 00:26:59.539 Do you 00:26:59.539 --> 00:26:59.840 know how 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:00.259 his will 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.539 will be 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:00.840 done in 00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:01.340 your life? 00:27:02.660 --> 00:27:03.820 The zeal 00:27:03.820 --> 00:27:05.500 of the 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:05.840 Lord of 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:06.259 hosts 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:08.880 will do 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:09.259 this. 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.740 With every 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.360 head bowed 00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:13.660 and every 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:14.360 eye closed, 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.899 has there 00:27:14.899 --> 00:27:15.119 ever been 00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:15.419 a time 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:15.639 in your 00:27:15.639 --> 00:27:16.059 life 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.099 when you 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:17.519 asked the 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.039 Lord Jesus 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:19.639 to forgive 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:19.959 you and to 00:27:19.959 --> 00:27:20.240 come into 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:20.639 your life 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:20.879 and to 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:21.379 save you? 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.319 It's where 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:23.599 it all 00:27:23.599 --> 00:27:24.199 begins. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.679 And with 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:32.219 that bond, 00:27:32.659 --> 00:27:33.319 a precious 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:33.899 bond, 00:27:33.900 --> 00:27:37.360 an empowerment 00:27:37.360 --> 00:27:37.840 and a 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:38.380 strengthening 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:41.380 that will 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:42.200 carry you. 00:27:44.080 --> 00:27:44.880 And sometimes 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.460 you won't 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.120 sense that 00:27:46.120 --> 00:27:46.519 carry, and 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.060 I'll tell you, 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:47.759 in hard times 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.160 you won't 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.660 sense that 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:48.900 carry. 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:49.720 You'll look 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.300 back and 00:27:50.300 --> 00:27:50.800 you'll see 00:27:50.800 --> 00:27:51.460 how God 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.140 was with 00:27:52.140 --> 00:27:52.640 you all 00:27:52.640 --> 00:27:53.120 the way. 00:27:53.880 --> 00:27:54.480 The evidence 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:54.759 will be 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:55.060 there. 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:56.660 But it 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:57.200 begins with 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.040 a commitment 00:27:58.040 --> 00:27:58.500 to follow 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:58.820 him, a 00:27:58.820 --> 00:27:59.259 surrender of 00:27:59.259 --> 00:27:59.680 your life 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:00.080 to follow 00:28:00.080 --> 00:28:00.400 him. 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:02.820 If you've 00:28:02.820 --> 00:28:03.140 done that, 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:03.480 have you 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:04.940 ever acknowledged 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.640 that publicly? 00:28:05.860 --> 00:28:06.120 Have you 00:28:06.120 --> 00:28:06.700 ever let 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.259 other people 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:07.940 know that? 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:08.400 Is it just 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:09.080 something private 00:28:09.080 --> 00:28:09.740 within you? 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:12.000 The Bible's 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.759 clear by 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.620 Christ's 00:28:13.620 --> 00:28:14.259 example and 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:14.800 by his 00:28:14.800 --> 00:28:15.640 commission that 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:17.160 we are to 00:28:17.160 --> 00:28:17.580 let other 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:18.240 people know 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.840 about that 00:28:18.840 --> 00:28:19.600 through baptism. 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:22.340 What better 00:28:22.340 --> 00:28:23.480 gift to give 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.560 at Christmas 00:28:24.560 --> 00:28:25.100 time than 00:28:25.100 --> 00:28:25.519 your life 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:26.140 to Christ 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:28.700 and your 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.259 commitment to 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:29.740 follow him 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.080 and his 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:30.460 will for 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.019 your life 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:32.159 to publicly 00:28:32.159 --> 00:28:32.679 acknowledge 00:28:32.679 --> 00:28:33.059 him through 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:33.419 baptism? 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:35.179 Either one 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:35.439 of those 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:35.779 things has 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:36.500 never happened 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:36.779 to you. 00:28:36.859 --> 00:28:37.319 I encourage 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:37.799 you to come 00:28:37.799 --> 00:28:38.179 during this 00:28:38.179 --> 00:28:38.619 invitation. 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.379 Maybe you're 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:44.659 here this 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:45.019 morning and 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.500 God's leading 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:45.740 you to 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.240 Pickens First 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.039 Baptist Church. 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.879 You're not a 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:49.439 member and you 00:28:49.439 --> 00:28:50.179 feel drawn to 00:28:50.179 --> 00:28:50.559 be here. 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:51.059 This is the 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:51.639 place that God 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:51.939 would have 00:28:51.939 --> 00:28:52.419 you to serve. 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.720 I encourage 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.099 you to come 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:55.619 and follow the 00:28:55.619 --> 00:28:56.099 Lord in that. 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:58.519 God's 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.859 love and 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.339 for the rest 00:29:00.339 --> 00:29:00.859 of us. 00:29:03.659 --> 00:29:04.559 What is it 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.419 in our lives 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:06.240 that hold us 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:08.319 back from 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:08.839 being as 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:09.459 passionate for 00:29:09.459 --> 00:29:09.759 the Lord 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.559 Jesus as he 00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:11.240 is for us? 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:12.939 Besides our 00:29:12.939 --> 00:29:15.199 own fragile 00:29:15.199 --> 00:29:15.779 humanity? 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:18.599 are there 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.299 hindrances in 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.160 our life today 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.660 that we need 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:21.139 to lay down 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:21.799 before him 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:23.339 and give 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:24.000 over to him 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:25.440 to be 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:25.960 everything 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:27.359 that he'd 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:27.819 have us to 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:28.059 be? 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:29.879 To live with 00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.500 a zeal that 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.059 only he can 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.680 give us? 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:33.819 Whatever that 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.559 is today 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:36.220 give it to 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:36.599 him. 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.500 Lay it down. 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:37.799 You can do 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:38.259 that where you 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.940 stand in just a 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.139 moment. 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:39.460 You can do 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:39.759 it at this 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.019 altar. 00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:40.940 I'll be happy 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.480 to pray with 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:41.899 you whatever 00:29:41.899 --> 00:29:42.539 it is. 00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:46.359 May your 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:46.740 zeal for 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:48.680 Christ mark 00:29:48.680 --> 00:29:49.220 your life. 00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:50.559 Lord Jesus 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:51.660 lead us right 00:29:51.660 --> 00:29:52.299 now to be 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:52.839 obedient to 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:54.160 follow any 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:54.899 way you'd lead 00:29:54.899 --> 00:29:55.599 us Father I 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:56.859 pray in Jesus 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.359 name. 00:29:57.879 --> 00:29:58.240 Amen.