WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.220 Chapter 12, Luke, chapter 12. 00:00:03.300 --> 00:00:06.360 I've never been a fan of high-pressure sales. 00:00:07.940 --> 00:00:10.400 Somebody who does high-pressure sales will tell you, 00:00:10.480 --> 00:00:12.480 you know, you better buy it because if you don't, 00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:14.380 it'll be gone and you'll miss it. 00:00:15.500 --> 00:00:18.199 And I always tell them, well, it wasn't the Lord's will for me to have it. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:20.500 That's the one reason why I hated the housing market 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:26.060 looking at Pickens County because it was, you like it? 00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:28.800 Pay it to window right now, you know. 00:00:28.800 --> 00:00:32.039 I mean, there was no thinking about it at all. 00:00:32.160 --> 00:00:36.460 I remember specifically when we had the joint service weekend 00:00:36.460 --> 00:00:39.020 with Griffin Ebenezer, we had a picnic on Saturday, 00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:42.760 and I was at that picnic, 00:00:43.460 --> 00:00:47.380 and I was trying to get somebody who was at that picnic 00:00:47.380 --> 00:00:50.079 checking on a piece of property for me. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:53.900 At the same time, I had a deadline to decide 00:00:53.900 --> 00:00:57.340 whether to put a contract on another house by 3 o'clock. 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:01.220 I had a real estate agent who was texting me saying, 00:01:01.380 --> 00:01:02.340 we're running out of time. 00:01:02.660 --> 00:01:06.159 It was 1.30, and I was going to spend a fortune over here, 00:01:06.460 --> 00:01:09.540 or I was going to be able to get, it was, I said, look, 00:01:09.900 --> 00:01:11.180 I'm tapping out. 00:01:11.219 --> 00:01:12.140 I'm done, you know. 00:01:12.200 --> 00:01:13.240 I'm not doing this. 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:16.340 I'm not going to bite with that much pressure. 00:01:16.460 --> 00:01:19.000 I just don't do well with high-pressure sales, 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:23.040 and I don't like it at church either. 00:01:23.719 --> 00:01:24.420 I don't. 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:27.900 I realize it's my job to try to motivate folks 00:01:27.900 --> 00:01:29.980 and my job to try to encourage folks 00:01:29.980 --> 00:01:31.500 and even plead if necessary, 00:01:31.620 --> 00:01:33.680 but I'm not into high pressure. 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:35.659 We need to give faithfully, 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:37.939 but I don't like talking about it. 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:39.599 Now, don't misunderstand me. 00:01:39.620 --> 00:01:40.620 I will talk about it, 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:43.280 because God's given me that responsibility to do that, 00:01:43.280 --> 00:01:45.659 but it's just a discipling method. 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:46.680 That's why I talk about it. 00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:47.900 It's just part of discipleship. 00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:49.099 If you're going to grow in the Lord, 00:01:49.159 --> 00:01:50.060 you're going to give to the Lord, 00:01:50.120 --> 00:01:51.019 you're going to trust the Lord. 00:01:52.140 --> 00:01:53.640 When you realize that everything you have 00:01:53.640 --> 00:01:54.820 has been given to you by God, 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:56.640 you realize it's a responsibility that you have 00:01:56.640 --> 00:01:58.859 to honor Him with what you have, 00:01:59.460 --> 00:02:00.879 and so you respond to that, 00:02:00.960 --> 00:02:03.060 and we trust God with that. 00:02:04.020 --> 00:02:06.000 We need to be faithful to be in church, 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:08.979 to be consistently walking with the Lord, 00:02:09.819 --> 00:02:11.800 but I'm not going to hound you about it, 00:02:11.939 --> 00:02:13.020 for one, because you're here. 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:16.479 You know, so the people I need to talk to aren't here, 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:18.319 so, you know, I'm not going to hound you about it. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:19.740 I'm going to encourage you, 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:22.500 and I will remind you when needed. 00:02:23.120 --> 00:02:26.599 I don't like high-pressure prophetic speakers, 00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:29.400 those folks that have all the answers 00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:31.199 about what tomorrow holds. 00:02:31.920 --> 00:02:34.920 I personally believe that God purposely left out 00:02:34.920 --> 00:02:36.379 a lot of the coming details, 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:37.939 that He left it out, 00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:40.300 so that we can have faith and trust Him, 00:02:40.920 --> 00:02:43.139 and that we don't need to fill in the gaps 00:02:43.139 --> 00:02:44.199 that we don't know about, 00:02:44.279 --> 00:02:45.559 although a lot of people do it. 00:02:46.340 --> 00:02:48.939 I don't like when they ask people 00:02:48.939 --> 00:02:50.500 to raise their hand while nobody's looking, 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:53.979 or to simply repeat a magical prayer. 00:02:54.699 --> 00:02:55.939 If you'll just say these words, 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:56.719 that's not true. 00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:58.039 You've got to commit your life. 00:02:58.680 --> 00:03:01.199 However, I do believe that you need 00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:02.819 to give your heart and life to the Lord Jesus. 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:04.360 I do believe that I have a responsibility 00:03:04.360 --> 00:03:06.400 to give you the opportunity to do that, 00:03:06.480 --> 00:03:08.219 and instruct you in how to do that, 00:03:08.219 --> 00:03:10.259 and I do believe that requires 00:03:10.259 --> 00:03:14.580 a personal surrendering prayer to the Lord, 00:03:14.740 --> 00:03:18.099 and I know that Christ is returning 00:03:18.099 --> 00:03:18.979 to receive His own. 00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:23.360 Now, I've said a lot about my style, 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:25.860 what I like, 00:03:26.860 --> 00:03:29.419 but I want to be clear about something this morning. 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:33.339 Jesus, on several occasions, 00:03:34.519 --> 00:03:36.280 including our passage today, 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.379 was clear, 00:03:38.379 --> 00:03:40.139 was urgent, 00:03:40.679 --> 00:03:42.539 and was warning. 00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:46.919 He will return, 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:51.219 and we need to be ready. 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:54.459 Judgment is coming. 00:03:54.460 --> 00:03:59.020 God has charged me 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:01.360 to preach the Word, 00:04:01.920 --> 00:04:04.040 and like it or not, 00:04:04.920 --> 00:04:06.780 Jesus clearly says, 00:04:07.620 --> 00:04:08.840 be ready. 00:04:09.879 --> 00:04:10.780 Let me show you. 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:13.600 It's in Luke chapter 12, 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:15.700 beginning in verse 35, 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:17.280 and it says this, 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:19.600 stay dressed for action 00:04:19.600 --> 00:04:20.939 and keep your lamps burning. 00:04:20.939 --> 00:04:24.160 Be like men that are waiting 00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:25.000 for their master 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:26.660 to come home from the wedding feast, 00:04:26.660 --> 00:04:29.319 so that they may open the door to him 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:31.040 at once when he comes and knocks. 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:33.980 Blessed are those servants 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:36.300 whom the master finds awake when he comes. 00:04:37.279 --> 00:04:38.459 Truly, I say to you, 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:40.100 he will dress himself for service 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:42.300 and have them recline at table, 00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:45.279 and he will come and serve them. 00:04:45.860 --> 00:04:47.939 If he comes in the second watch 00:04:48.540 --> 00:04:49.540 or in the third 00:04:49.540 --> 00:04:51.140 and finds them awake, 00:04:51.260 --> 00:04:52.920 blessed are those servants. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:54.620 But know this, 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:56.180 that if the master of the house 00:04:56.180 --> 00:04:57.300 had known at what hour 00:04:57.300 --> 00:04:58.200 the thief was coming, 00:04:58.319 --> 00:04:59.840 he would not have left 00:04:59.840 --> 00:05:02.060 his house be broken into. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:04.040 You also must be ready 00:05:04.040 --> 00:05:04.820 for the Son of Man 00:05:04.820 --> 00:05:05.939 is coming 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:07.520 at an hour 00:05:07.520 --> 00:05:09.580 that you do not expect. 00:05:10.860 --> 00:05:11.700 Peter said, 00:05:12.540 --> 00:05:14.720 Lord, are you telling this parable 00:05:14.720 --> 00:05:16.120 for us or for all? 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:19.060 Matthew Henry was a commentator 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:20.540 preacher and commentator 00:05:20.540 --> 00:05:24.000 that wrote in the early 1700s, 00:05:24.199 --> 00:05:25.220 and I love a comment 00:05:25.220 --> 00:05:26.120 he put about this passage. 00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:26.579 He said, 00:05:26.680 --> 00:05:27.540 thank God for Peter. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:29.280 He's always asking the questions, 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:29.899 you know, 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:31.439 and he does here. 00:05:31.840 --> 00:05:32.980 And then Jesus goes on 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:34.139 to clear up the matter. 00:05:34.720 --> 00:05:35.920 Who is he speaking to? 00:05:36.220 --> 00:05:37.879 And notice how he answers this. 00:05:38.139 --> 00:05:38.480 It says, 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:39.580 and the Lord said, 00:05:39.960 --> 00:05:41.580 who then is the faithful 00:05:41.580 --> 00:05:43.759 and wise manager 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:45.660 whom his master 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:47.280 will set over his household 00:05:47.280 --> 00:05:48.100 to give them 00:05:48.100 --> 00:05:49.160 their portion of food 00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:49.920 at the proper time? 00:05:51.200 --> 00:05:52.400 Blessed is the servant 00:05:52.400 --> 00:05:53.280 whom his master 00:05:53.280 --> 00:05:54.200 will find so doing 00:05:54.200 --> 00:05:54.620 when he comes. 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:55.620 Truly I say to you, 00:05:55.759 --> 00:05:56.480 he will set him 00:05:56.480 --> 00:05:57.520 over all his possessions. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:05:58.439 But if that servant 00:05:58.439 --> 00:05:59.160 says to himself, 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:00.600 my master is delayed 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:01.120 in coming 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:02.620 and begins to beat 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:03.860 the male and female servants 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:04.800 and to eat and drink 00:06:04.800 --> 00:06:05.420 and get drunk, 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.740 the master of that servant 00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:07.580 will come on a day 00:06:07.580 --> 00:06:08.800 when he does not expect him. 00:06:09.319 --> 00:06:09.860 At an hour, 00:06:09.960 --> 00:06:10.580 he does not know 00:06:10.580 --> 00:06:11.480 and will cut him in pieces 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:13.100 and put him with the unfaithful. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:14.220 And that servant 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:15.759 who knew his master's will 00:06:15.759 --> 00:06:17.140 but did not get ready 00:06:17.140 --> 00:06:18.379 or act according to his will 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:19.640 will receive a severe beating. 00:06:19.840 --> 00:06:21.560 But the one who did not know 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:23.920 and did what deserved a beating 00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:25.259 will receive a light beating. 00:06:25.439 --> 00:06:27.700 Everyone to whom much was given 00:06:27.700 --> 00:06:28.939 of him, 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:30.340 much will be required. 00:06:30.980 --> 00:06:31.759 And for him 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:33.720 to whom they've entrusted much, 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:35.580 they will demand 00:06:35.580 --> 00:06:37.500 the more. 00:06:38.820 --> 00:06:40.000 I do want to remind you, 00:06:40.020 --> 00:06:41.080 I didn't make up those words. 00:06:42.080 --> 00:06:43.240 That's the words of Jesus. 00:06:44.820 --> 00:06:45.960 And first I want you to see 00:06:45.960 --> 00:06:47.960 the truths that we see here 00:06:47.960 --> 00:06:49.780 about the return of the Lord. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:50.900 What we know 00:06:50.900 --> 00:06:51.940 about the return of the Lord. 00:06:52.020 --> 00:06:53.480 I know it's a story 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:54.680 about a master coming home 00:06:54.680 --> 00:06:55.800 after a wedding feast, 00:06:56.460 --> 00:06:58.020 but it is really speaking 00:06:58.020 --> 00:07:00.120 of how the Lord will return. 00:07:00.840 --> 00:07:02.140 The themes he gives here 00:07:02.140 --> 00:07:03.460 are recurring in scripture. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:04.860 And we need to be clear 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:06.500 about three certainties, 00:07:06.580 --> 00:07:07.080 all of us. 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:07.700 One is, 00:07:08.080 --> 00:07:09.740 the return of the Lord 00:07:09.740 --> 00:07:10.500 is certain. 00:07:11.940 --> 00:07:13.160 It will happen. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:14.340 It's not up for debate. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.540 Jesus is coming again. 00:07:16.840 --> 00:07:18.060 I want you to notice 00:07:18.060 --> 00:07:18.620 what was, 00:07:19.200 --> 00:07:19.900 what happened 00:07:19.900 --> 00:07:21.420 as Christ ascended 00:07:21.420 --> 00:07:21.940 into heaven. 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:23.740 Acts chapter 1 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:24.620 tells us about 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:26.100 Christ ascending into heaven. 00:07:26.260 --> 00:07:27.140 Notice what happens. 00:07:27.220 --> 00:07:27.460 It says, 00:07:27.680 --> 00:07:29.160 so when they had come together, 00:07:29.240 --> 00:07:29.640 they asked, 00:07:29.720 --> 00:07:29.840 Lord, 00:07:29.960 --> 00:07:31.080 will you at this time 00:07:31.080 --> 00:07:32.180 restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:33.120 And he said to them, 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:34.060 it's not for you to know 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:35.459 times or seasons 00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:36.480 that the Father 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.019 has fixed by his own authority. 00:07:38.959 --> 00:07:40.400 But you will receive power 00:07:40.400 --> 00:07:41.180 when the Holy Spirit 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:41.840 has come upon you 00:07:41.840 --> 00:07:42.620 and you'll be my witnesses 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:43.280 in Jerusalem 00:07:43.280 --> 00:07:44.740 and Judea and Samaria 00:07:44.740 --> 00:07:46.540 and to the end of the earth. 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:47.379 And by the way, 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:50.000 when you throw a rock 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:51.740 into a body of water 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:53.079 and watch it ripple out 00:07:53.079 --> 00:07:53.720 like that, 00:07:53.780 --> 00:07:55.680 when he says Jerusalem, 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:57.139 he's talking about right here, 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:58.620 Pickens, 00:07:58.740 --> 00:07:59.819 if you live in this area, 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:01.500 that's our Jerusalem, 00:08:01.639 --> 00:08:01.899 okay? 00:08:02.579 --> 00:08:03.599 And then Judea 00:08:03.599 --> 00:08:04.800 is that county. 00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:06.699 And then Samaria 00:08:06.699 --> 00:08:07.680 is, man, 00:08:07.740 --> 00:08:08.800 taking in them other counties. 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:10.259 And the uttermost 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:11.180 is the rest of them. 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:13.579 We have a responsibility 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:15.459 to share the gospel 00:08:15.459 --> 00:08:16.539 with those 00:08:16.539 --> 00:08:17.300 that God has put 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:18.120 right here with us 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:19.339 and not just to stop there, 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:20.699 but to continue on. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.579 And when he had said 00:08:21.579 --> 00:08:22.139 these things, 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:23.180 as they were looking on, 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.159 he was lifted up 00:08:24.159 --> 00:08:25.180 and a cloud 00:08:25.180 --> 00:08:26.180 took him 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.240 out of sight. 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:28.660 And while they were 00:08:28.660 --> 00:08:29.840 gazing into heaven, 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:33.560 he went, 00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:35.139 as he went, 00:08:35.340 --> 00:08:35.720 behold, 00:08:35.860 --> 00:08:37.080 two men stood by him 00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:37.899 in white robes 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:38.500 and he said, 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:39.779 Men of Galilee, 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:41.220 why do you stand here 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:41.980 looking into heaven? 00:08:42.100 --> 00:08:42.720 This Jesus 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:43.740 who has taken you up 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:44.220 into heaven 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:46.340 will come in the same way 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:48.060 as you saw him 00:08:48.060 --> 00:08:49.060 go into heaven. 00:08:49.580 --> 00:08:51.360 His return 00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:52.519 is certain. 00:08:53.180 --> 00:08:54.320 The second certainty 00:08:54.320 --> 00:08:55.379 that we need to understand 00:08:55.379 --> 00:08:56.000 is this. 00:08:57.559 --> 00:08:58.659 No one 00:08:58.659 --> 00:08:59.720 on earth 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:00.860 knows 00:09:00.860 --> 00:09:02.840 when he will return. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:06.039 Nobody. 00:09:06.840 --> 00:09:07.820 Don't care how big 00:09:07.820 --> 00:09:08.500 their church is, 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:09.600 how big their ministry is, 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:10.500 what book they wrote. 00:09:11.059 --> 00:09:12.720 Nobody knows. 00:09:14.439 --> 00:09:15.340 1 Thessalonians 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:16.000 chapter 5 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:16.779 verse 2 through 8 00:09:16.779 --> 00:09:17.360 says this. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:18.620 Paul says to Timothy, 00:09:18.759 --> 00:09:19.399 For you yourselves 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:20.059 are fully aware 00:09:20.059 --> 00:09:20.860 that the day of the Lord 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:22.440 will come like a thief 00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:23.279 in the night. 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:24.019 That whole talk 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:24.720 of thief in the night 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:25.399 means you don't know 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:25.960 when they're coming. 00:09:27.920 --> 00:09:28.279 Unannounced. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:28.700 Okay? 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:30.320 While people are saying 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:31.580 there is peace and security, 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:32.899 then suddenly destruction 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:33.580 will come upon them 00:09:33.580 --> 00:09:34.420 as labor pains 00:09:34.420 --> 00:09:35.460 come upon a pregnant woman 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:36.899 and they will not escape. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:38.259 But you are not 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:39.160 in darkness, brothers, 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:40.300 for that day 00:09:40.300 --> 00:09:41.000 to surprise you 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:41.460 like a thief. 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:42.120 For you are all 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:42.899 children of light, 00:09:43.060 --> 00:09:43.720 children of the day. 00:09:43.899 --> 00:09:44.980 We are not of the night 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:45.600 and of the darkness. 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:46.779 So then let us 00:09:46.779 --> 00:09:48.040 not sleep 00:09:48.040 --> 00:09:49.519 as others do, 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:50.500 but let us 00:09:50.500 --> 00:09:51.600 keep awake 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:53.580 and sober. 00:09:55.139 --> 00:09:56.560 For those who sleep 00:09:56.560 --> 00:09:57.320 sleep at night 00:09:57.320 --> 00:09:59.240 and those who get drunk 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:00.420 are drunk at night. 00:10:00.700 --> 00:10:01.700 But since we belong 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:02.220 to the day, 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:04.100 let us be sober 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:05.259 having put on 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:05.980 the breastplate 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:06.700 of faith 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:07.360 and love 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:08.220 and for the helmet 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:08.759 of hope 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:10.000 of salvation. 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:12.680 The thief comment 00:10:12.680 --> 00:10:14.200 speaks of the uncertainty 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:14.960 of the time. 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:17.060 It's not that we're trying 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:18.500 to bar the Lord 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:19.259 from returning 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:20.279 like I would a thief 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:21.079 coming in my home 00:10:21.079 --> 00:10:21.480 at night. 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:22.459 It's not that. 00:10:23.100 --> 00:10:23.699 We're not. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:25.600 We couldn't bar him 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:26.000 from coming 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:26.959 if we wanted to. 00:10:27.059 --> 00:10:27.519 We're not trying 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:27.959 to do that. 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:28.699 There's no need 00:10:28.699 --> 00:10:29.500 to try that. 00:10:30.339 --> 00:10:31.720 It is that we don't 00:10:31.720 --> 00:10:33.039 know when he's coming 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:33.759 and so we are 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:34.480 on the lookout. 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:36.439 But we know 00:10:36.439 --> 00:10:37.039 as believers 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:37.980 that he is coming. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:38.819 Therefore, 00:10:38.939 --> 00:10:39.860 we're not in the dark. 00:10:40.339 --> 00:10:41.100 We're aware 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:41.980 and so we live 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.059 our lives in a way 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:44.439 that show we believe 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:45.220 that the Lord 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:45.980 could return 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:47.259 at any time. 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:49.600 No one on this earth 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:51.540 knows when he will return. 00:10:51.659 --> 00:10:52.139 The third certainty 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:52.560 is this. 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:54.500 He's talking to us. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.860 This is relevant to us. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:10:59.680 Why? 00:10:59.779 --> 00:11:00.139 Because he ain't 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:00.740 come back yet. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:01.620 Hello? 00:11:03.120 --> 00:11:04.200 It's relevant to us 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:05.320 because we need 00:11:05.320 --> 00:11:05.940 to live in response 00:11:05.940 --> 00:11:06.519 to that. 00:11:06.680 --> 00:11:07.820 We need to be alert 00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:08.300 and make sure 00:11:08.300 --> 00:11:09.800 that we and ours 00:11:09.800 --> 00:11:10.600 are ready. 00:11:11.800 --> 00:11:12.360 He mentions 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:12.920 that some 00:11:12.920 --> 00:11:13.820 in their waiting 00:11:13.820 --> 00:11:14.680 for their master's 00:11:14.680 --> 00:11:15.639 return got careless. 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:17.460 They did wrong. 00:11:17.540 --> 00:11:17.840 They lived 00:11:17.840 --> 00:11:19.060 in a riotous fashion. 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:20.019 It's very graphic 00:11:20.019 --> 00:11:20.680 in the things 00:11:20.680 --> 00:11:21.240 that they did. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:22.639 How they treated 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.259 other people. 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:24.960 What they did 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:25.440 at night. 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:27.399 How they had 00:11:27.399 --> 00:11:29.000 a lack of self-control. 00:11:30.060 --> 00:11:30.519 They treated 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:31.200 others badly. 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:31.600 They lived 00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:32.420 in a bad way. 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:34.060 Don't be like 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:34.680 one of those. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:35.639 That's what he's saying. 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:36.139 Don't be like 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:36.680 those folks. 00:11:36.980 --> 00:11:37.820 Let's live each day 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.120 as if it was our last. 00:11:39.860 --> 00:11:40.420 You know why? 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.440 It might be. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:44.680 Let's live each day 00:11:44.680 --> 00:11:45.280 as if our last. 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:47.480 So how do we do that? 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:55.720 How do you prepare yourself? 00:11:58.019 --> 00:11:59.120 One, be faithful. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.240 The faithful 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:05.120 will be rewarded. 00:12:05.879 --> 00:12:06.600 They'll be rewarded. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:08.500 There are two terms 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.679 used in these passages. 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:11.019 One is for servant. 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:12.879 And that speaks 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:14.439 of all who come to Christ. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:15.920 When we are saved, 00:12:16.620 --> 00:12:17.480 we commit 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:18.860 to serve the Lord 00:12:18.860 --> 00:12:20.400 as a bond servant. 00:12:20.400 --> 00:12:21.780 As if we have been 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:22.360 bought 00:12:22.360 --> 00:12:23.860 and paid for. 00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:24.740 Because spiritually, 00:12:24.880 --> 00:12:25.220 my friend, 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:26.120 we have. 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:27.500 Now that is not popular 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:28.420 in today's time. 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:29.420 People don't want 00:12:29.420 --> 00:12:30.200 to hear that. 00:12:30.400 --> 00:12:31.680 But it is very timely 00:12:31.680 --> 00:12:32.800 to the first century. 00:12:33.040 --> 00:12:34.420 And it is also true 00:12:34.420 --> 00:12:35.360 for us. 00:12:36.180 --> 00:12:37.120 The other term 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:37.840 he uses here 00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:38.820 is basically 00:12:38.820 --> 00:12:39.800 a house manager. 00:12:39.900 --> 00:12:40.500 That's what verse 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:41.180 42 00:12:41.180 --> 00:12:43.020 talks about. 00:12:43.019 --> 00:12:44.360 And that speaks 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:44.840 of somebody 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:45.419 who's not just 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:46.039 a servant, 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:46.779 yet they work 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:47.840 under the owner. 00:12:48.279 --> 00:12:48.919 But they've given, 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:49.860 they've been given 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.620 the responsibility. 00:12:51.579 --> 00:12:52.799 And because of 00:12:52.799 --> 00:12:53.539 the responsibility 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:54.360 they've been given, 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:57.399 much more is expected 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:57.759 of them. 00:12:58.319 --> 00:12:59.279 So much is 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.759 given, 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:02.799 much is required. 00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:04.879 And there are wolves 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.759 in sheep's clothing 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:06.559 that may fool 00:13:06.559 --> 00:13:07.459 a lot of people, 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:08.859 but they will never 00:13:08.859 --> 00:13:09.879 fool God. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:10.779 The Pharisees 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.240 loved their religion. 00:13:12.719 --> 00:13:13.219 They loved it. 00:13:13.339 --> 00:13:13.879 And they loved 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.199 to hold it over people. 00:13:16.539 --> 00:13:17.659 As if what they had 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:18.679 nobody else could have. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:19.859 And they rejected 00:13:19.859 --> 00:13:20.859 Christ as Savior 00:13:20.859 --> 00:13:21.799 because they didn't want 00:13:21.799 --> 00:13:22.459 him to change 00:13:22.459 --> 00:13:23.059 their program. 00:13:23.539 --> 00:13:24.699 They liked their program. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.120 And so they didn't 00:13:26.120 --> 00:13:26.899 want him to change it. 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:29.139 There are those today 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:30.939 that as Paul warned 00:13:30.939 --> 00:13:31.439 Timothy, 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:33.060 folks that have 00:13:33.060 --> 00:13:34.640 a form of godliness 00:13:34.640 --> 00:13:36.500 but deny the power 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.280 thereof. 00:13:38.280 --> 00:13:39.720 And if that be the case, 00:13:39.800 --> 00:13:40.920 they may look 00:13:40.920 --> 00:13:42.500 affiliated, 00:13:43.160 --> 00:13:44.020 but in reality 00:13:44.020 --> 00:13:45.700 they are without Christ. 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:48.100 And without Christ, 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:49.620 you'll have hell to pay. 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.180 Period. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:52.320 It's true. 00:13:53.660 --> 00:13:54.860 That's who he speaks of 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:55.260 when he says 00:13:55.260 --> 00:13:56.740 cutting them in half 00:13:56.740 --> 00:13:58.200 or cutting them out. 00:13:59.140 --> 00:14:00.340 God sees what wolves 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:00.880 are up to 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:01.759 and the unfaithful 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:02.480 that he puts 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:04.519 them with 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:05.500 are those who have 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.399 never entrusted 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:08.799 their lives to Christ. 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:10.620 God has given 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:11.200 each person 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:12.200 a gift to invest 00:14:12.200 --> 00:14:13.120 and to use 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:13.860 for his glory. 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:15.100 And when you waste 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:16.340 that life, 00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:17.740 that investment, 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:19.820 by never giving it 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:20.779 back to God, 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:23.939 you lose that opportunity 00:14:23.939 --> 00:14:25.840 for all of eternity. 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:28.280 Now, 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.320 boy, 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:29.780 preacher, 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:30.500 that's unpleasant 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.240 on Sunday morning. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.100 I'm in my soul. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:34.960 It's not fun 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:35.560 to talk about. 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:37.680 I don't say it 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.759 with a grin on my face. 00:14:38.920 --> 00:14:39.519 I don't say it 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:40.680 with zeal in my bones. 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:41.960 But I have to say it 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:42.920 because Jesus said it 00:14:42.920 --> 00:14:43.540 so much. 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:44.980 He didn't just say it here. 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:45.840 He said it again and again. 00:14:46.080 --> 00:14:46.920 There will come a day 00:14:46.920 --> 00:14:47.800 when eternal punishment 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:48.320 will come 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:49.379 to all those 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:50.120 who have not 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:51.080 surrendered their lives 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:51.700 to Christ. 00:14:51.700 --> 00:14:52.900 And those who hear 00:14:52.900 --> 00:14:54.040 the gospel again 00:14:54.040 --> 00:14:54.759 and again 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.259 and never respond, 00:14:56.780 --> 00:14:57.600 it says here, 00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:59.320 will face greater punishment 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:01.300 or degrees of separation 00:15:01.300 --> 00:15:02.040 from the Father 00:15:02.040 --> 00:15:03.300 than those who have 00:15:03.300 --> 00:15:05.220 never heard the gospel. 00:15:05.960 --> 00:15:06.160 Now, 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:07.400 I realize that's unsettling, 00:15:07.480 --> 00:15:08.480 but Christ said it himself. 00:15:08.900 --> 00:15:09.860 I don't like it. 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:11.660 I don't quite understand it. 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.580 But God is not conditioned 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:14.580 to what I like. 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:15.840 God's not conditioned 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:16.900 to my understanding. 00:15:17.480 --> 00:15:19.040 We have to be conditioned 00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:20.600 to his word. 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.040 Now, 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:22.040 I want you to get this, 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:22.420 church, 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:24.340 not just about this topic, 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.899 but about all topics. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:26.399 Okay? 00:15:27.060 --> 00:15:28.360 I don't really understand 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:29.580 what God says about that. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.840 It ain't our job 00:15:31.840 --> 00:15:33.100 to ascertain 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:35.100 why it's wrong 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:36.040 or why it's right. 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:37.440 It's our job 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:38.100 to follow it. 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:39.879 The rest of the world, 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:42.200 those outside of Christ, 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:44.019 will tell us 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:45.440 we're ludicrous, 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:46.860 we're narrow-minded, 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:48.420 we're backwards, 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:49.519 we're yesterday, 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:50.259 or what? 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:50.480 No. 00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:51.180 No, 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:52.040 we're just people 00:15:52.040 --> 00:15:52.920 of the word of God. 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:55.920 And that cannot change. 00:15:56.720 --> 00:15:57.220 Amen? 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:00.100 That cannot change. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:02.600 The world's gonna change. 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:03.720 It's gonna continue 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:04.779 to spiral out of control. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:06.620 And when it does, 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.800 we just stick 00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:10.759 to the word of God. 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:12.840 Charles Spurgeon 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:14.019 was approached one time 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:16.100 about what happens 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.779 to the heathen 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:17.860 that we don't preach to. 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:20.060 And he replied, 00:16:20.180 --> 00:16:21.620 my great concern is, 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:24.519 are we saved 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:26.019 if we don't preach 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:26.879 the gospel to him? 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:30.940 Because the evidence 00:16:30.940 --> 00:16:33.100 of our walk with God 00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:33.919 is more than a Sunday 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:34.620 morning attendance. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.720 The evidence 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:37.500 of our relationship 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:38.039 with God 00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:39.060 is how we live out 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:41.180 that faith daily. 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:42.359 our salvation 00:16:42.359 --> 00:16:42.979 is not based 00:16:42.979 --> 00:16:43.559 upon that. 00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:44.439 That's based 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.299 upon our salvation. 00:16:46.979 --> 00:16:48.159 Hell is certain. 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:50.039 And there are certainly 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:51.259 degrees of hell. 00:16:51.339 --> 00:16:51.939 And I'm not talking 00:16:51.939 --> 00:16:53.979 about the Fahrenheit. 00:16:53.980 --> 00:16:56.159 but all of it 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.700 and everyone in it 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:58.420 is separated 00:16:58.420 --> 00:17:00.240 from God forever. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:01.560 If you want to understand 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.159 the hell of hell, 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.379 that's the hell of hell 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.259 that you're separated 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.480 from God forever. 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:07.339 Don't try to change that. 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:08.559 If you believe something else, 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:10.140 you believe a lie. 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.440 It's not true. 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:13.559 If you share something else, 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:15.140 you share a lie. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:16.339 It's not true. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.640 What a shame that is. 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:19.779 Be faithful in how you live. 00:17:20.180 --> 00:17:21.980 Be faithful in how you share. 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:23.160 Be faithful. 00:17:24.360 --> 00:17:24.900 The other thing 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:25.960 we do in response to this 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:27.360 is we be ready. 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.120 Be ready 00:17:29.120 --> 00:17:29.759 because we don't know 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.360 when he's coming. 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:32.880 And don't try to figure it out 00:17:32.880 --> 00:17:33.900 because you don't know. 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:35.860 Neither does the guy 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:36.819 selling that book. 00:17:38.360 --> 00:17:39.059 I mean, listen, 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:40.460 the first century knew 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.360 that he was coming back 00:17:41.360 --> 00:17:42.019 in their lifetime. 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:42.779 They knew it. 00:17:42.860 --> 00:17:43.660 They knew it. 00:17:44.059 --> 00:17:45.400 They were sure of it. 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:47.539 And that's why Paul tells them, 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:49.920 you're stealing my punchline, dude. 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:53.420 That's why Paul tells them 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:55.440 in 1 Thessalonians 4.13, 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:57.120 not to worry about those 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:57.640 who died 00:17:57.640 --> 00:17:58.820 and will miss his return. 00:17:59.860 --> 00:18:00.880 A lot of confusion. 00:18:01.100 --> 00:18:02.519 Edgar Wisnett 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:05.539 was a former NASA engineer 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.300 when he wrote 00:18:06.300 --> 00:18:07.039 this little booklet 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.519 called 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.820 88 Reasons 00:18:08.820 --> 00:18:09.539 Why the Rapture 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.620 Happened in 1988. 00:18:10.619 --> 00:18:13.719 This guy sold 00:18:13.719 --> 00:18:15.719 nearly 5 million copies 00:18:15.719 --> 00:18:17.359 of this book. 00:18:19.679 --> 00:18:20.899 If you can find it, 00:18:20.959 --> 00:18:21.619 you can get it today 00:18:21.619 --> 00:18:22.259 pretty cheap. 00:18:23.959 --> 00:18:25.279 It ain't quite as relevant 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.599 as it was in 1987. 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:29.379 He followed it up 00:18:29.379 --> 00:18:31.519 with a book called 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.399 The Final Shout, 00:18:32.559 --> 00:18:33.959 Rapture Report, 1989. 00:18:35.199 --> 00:18:36.279 That's because he sold 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.199 5 million copies 00:18:37.199 --> 00:18:38.000 the year before. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:39.839 His next work, 00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:40.779 listen to how it changes. 00:18:41.160 --> 00:18:42.359 His next work was this, 00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:43.799 23 Reasons Why 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:45.039 Pre-Tribulation Rapture 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.559 Looks Like It Will Occur 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:48.440 on Rosh Hashanah, 1993. 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:50.420 No certainty anymore, 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.599 it just kind of looks like it. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:51.880 You know, 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:52.779 and the next year's book 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.920 was not near as specific 00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:55.720 and it was the last book. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:57.660 Every time there's 00:18:57.660 --> 00:18:58.880 a Middle East war, 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:00.240 people think it's Armageddon. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:02.940 You know what Jesus 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.599 says about it? 00:19:03.599 --> 00:19:05.980 In Matthew 24, 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:06.579 6 through 8, 00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:06.980 he says, 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.179 and you will hear 00:19:08.179 --> 00:19:09.179 of wars and rumors 00:19:09.179 --> 00:19:09.639 of wars, 00:19:09.719 --> 00:19:10.759 see that you're not alarmed, 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.779 for this must take place, 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:13.500 but in the end, 00:19:13.679 --> 00:19:14.779 but the end is not yet. 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:16.099 For nation will rise 00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:16.819 up against nation 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:17.719 and kingdom against kingdom 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.480 and there'll be famines 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:18.899 and earthquakes 00:19:18.899 --> 00:19:19.659 in various places. 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:21.359 All these are but 00:19:21.359 --> 00:19:22.099 the beginning 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:23.419 of the birth pains. 00:19:25.399 --> 00:19:26.539 Please tell me 00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:28.639 when there hadn't been wars 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:30.459 in the Middle East. 00:19:30.460 --> 00:19:33.140 At midweek service 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:33.600 this week, 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:34.460 I spent time 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.180 talking about 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:37.079 generation after generation, 00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:38.279 century after century, 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:38.880 how the Jews 00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:39.700 have been attacked 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.860 over and over 00:19:40.860 --> 00:19:41.519 and over again. 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:42.200 Jerusalem's been 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.360 at the middle of it 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:44.059 over and over 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:44.640 and over again. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:45.680 You can't tell me 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.299 when there's not been 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.140 wars in the Middle East 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:48.240 and every time 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.559 that there is one, 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.180 somebody thinks 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.799 it's the end. 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:51.740 Every time there's 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.740 a government mandate, 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:53.519 people think it's 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.579 the mark of the beast. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:57.440 I remember particularly 00:19:57.440 --> 00:20:01.860 when Bilo came out 00:20:01.860 --> 00:20:03.900 with the Bilo bonus card 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:07.299 and on the back 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:08.880 of the Bilo bonus card, 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.840 although it was personalized 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:12.019 for each one of us 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:13.700 to get values 00:20:13.700 --> 00:20:14.779 like none other, 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:18.820 there were 10 digits 00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:19.799 on the back of it. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:21.580 Somebody, 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.500 and when I researched 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.100 this this weekend, 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:24.720 I found out 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:26.640 somebody in Pickens County 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:27.960 came up with this. 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:28.799 So, 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.360 I'm about afraid 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:30.860 to say it 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:31.420 because I might 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.039 offend somebody, 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:32.339 but anyway. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.220 But there were 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.660 10 digits 00:20:35.660 --> 00:20:37.019 on the back 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:37.539 of that card 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.160 and they took 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:39.400 the first six digits. 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.740 Why did they pick six? 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.500 You know why? 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.460 Because it worked. 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:43.100 That's why. 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.620 They picked the first 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:46.299 six digits of that card, 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:47.259 which think about it, 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:48.079 they're practically 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.000 all the same number 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:50.920 because if you got 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:51.880 a 10 digit number, 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:52.860 you know, 00:20:53.059 --> 00:20:54.259 you got four digits. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:54.900 You know, 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:55.740 you got to get 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:58.960 to 9,999 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.740 before you even 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.799 change one of those digits. 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.039 So, 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.400 it's going to be 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:02.440 a very similar digit, 00:21:02.660 --> 00:21:02.920 you know. 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.319 If you take 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.039 the square root 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.519 of the first six numbers 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:08.059 of the 10 number 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:10.460 on the Bilo bonus card, 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:14.319 it is 666 point something. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:17.519 In order for you 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.100 to get a deal 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:18.640 on Doritos, 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.360 you got to sell 00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:20.339 your soul to the devil. 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:20.460 You got to sell 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:22.279 your soul to the devil. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:26.779 It was a PR nightmare. 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.180 I went back 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:29.519 and looked 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.200 and it was right, 00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:31.200 it was just about 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:32.000 the time I first 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:32.900 arrived in Pickens 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:33.960 when all that went down 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:35.519 and they were saying, 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:35.799 man, 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.640 do I take the deal 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.160 or not, 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:38.500 preacher? 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:38.740 I mean, 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.380 what'd I do, 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:39.740 you know? 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:40.640 I said, 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:40.880 dude, 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.880 I'm going for it now. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.500 I'm telling you, 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.400 it's two for five. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:43.640 You know, 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.200 I got to, 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:44.660 but anyway. 00:21:46.100 --> 00:21:46.960 The mark of the B 00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:48.019 is not a grocery store, 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.480 not a grocery card. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.200 It's not. 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:51.480 There is no, 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:52.400 even in the Hebrew 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.380 or the Greek, 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:54.960 there's no talk 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:56.039 of Bilo in the scripture. 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:57.500 It's not there, 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:57.960 you know? 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.299 It's also not a vaccination. 00:22:03.360 --> 00:22:03.759 Sorry. 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.779 It's not a computer chip either. 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:08.319 When the COVID vaccine 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:09.120 first came out, 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:10.440 I remember people talking 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.120 and it was being 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:12.460 pushed aggressively. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:12.960 I mean, 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.920 if you love your country, 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.700 if you love your money, 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.640 if you love anybody, 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.880 you got to get the shot. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.140 You know, 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:18.460 I got the shot. 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:18.500 I got the shot. 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:21.160 By the National Guard, 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:22.980 a qualified 19-year-old 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.599 that had just went 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.279 through boot camp. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.960 And we went 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:28.259 to a horse park 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.160 in Octavio County 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:29.519 where it started 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:29.880 with Mississippi 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:32.319 and drove this line 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:34.000 like a cow to the slaughter. 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:35.000 Just follow the tail 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:35.779 in front of us 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:38.500 and raised up our sleeve, 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:40.120 still in the driver's seat. 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:41.960 Sent us through. 00:22:42.120 --> 00:22:42.360 I mean, 00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:42.940 it would have made 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:44.099 a good end time movie. 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.420 You know, 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.000 it would have, 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:45.500 but man, 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.279 I got my card. 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:46.759 You know, 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:47.599 I'm bonafide. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:47.860 You know, 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:50.500 but I remember 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.419 when that first happened, 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:53.679 there were rumors 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:56.119 that Bill Gates' 00:22:56.219 --> 00:22:56.839 computer chip 00:22:56.839 --> 00:22:57.259 was going to be 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.879 in that shot. 00:22:59.059 --> 00:22:59.839 And he's going to 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.500 monitor us 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:00.879 and he knows 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:01.639 exactly where we are. 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.619 He already knows 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:03.500 exactly where we are. 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:03.740 Why? 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:04.599 Because we got this 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:05.439 in our pocket. 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.419 They know where we are. 00:23:06.459 --> 00:23:07.259 Don't you worry about that. 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:09.339 It was like something 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.039 out of a 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:11.939 gestopian novel 00:23:11.939 --> 00:23:12.579 or something. 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:14.279 Christian end time 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:14.879 enthusiast 00:23:14.879 --> 00:23:16.519 started paralleling it 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.079 with the mark 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.759 of the beast. 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:20.619 Let me be clear. 00:23:21.159 --> 00:23:21.980 The Lord's not waiting 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.899 on a grocery card. 00:23:23.379 --> 00:23:23.619 Okay? 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:25.240 The Lord's not waiting 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.039 on a shot. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.779 He's not waiting 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.939 on a chip. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.259 He's waiting 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.879 on the Father 00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:35.379 to say, 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:37.079 go get them. 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.339 Be ready. 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:42.839 Be ready 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:43.599 because we don't know 00:23:43.599 --> 00:23:43.899 when. 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.500 So be ready. 00:23:46.459 --> 00:23:47.299 Be faithful. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:48.899 Be ready. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.279 Be rewarded. 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.799 It's a fun part. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.500 Jesus liked 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.139 to call himself 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:56.019 more than anything else. 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.799 He liked to call himself 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.539 the Son of Man 00:23:57.539 --> 00:23:58.339 because a son 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.459 was thought to be 00:23:59.459 --> 00:24:00.819 a servant to his father 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.919 until his father passed. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:02.500 Therefore, 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.519 he would gain 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.159 the inheritance 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:04.959 because he had taken 00:24:04.959 --> 00:24:05.659 care of his father, 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:06.879 taken care of the farm, 00:24:07.139 --> 00:24:08.019 taken care of the estate, 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:08.959 whatever needed to be done 00:24:08.959 --> 00:24:10.039 because he took care 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.319 of what he was doing. 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:10.599 He was supposed 00:24:10.599 --> 00:24:11.359 to take care of. 00:24:11.639 --> 00:24:12.500 He was a servant 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.240 to his daddy. 00:24:14.439 --> 00:24:15.339 And so Jesus used 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:15.960 Son of Man 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:17.299 because Jesus 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:18.279 considered himself 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.639 a servant of humanity. 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.539 And that's what 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.500 he liked to call himself 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:22.919 more than anything else. 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.539 And he was 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:26.079 because he gave 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.859 his life for us. 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:28.019 But even before 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.599 he gave his life, 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.919 he showed what he meant 00:24:29.919 --> 00:24:31.039 by that when he washed 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:31.960 the disciples' feet. 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.519 That was the job 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:36.279 of the lowest servant 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.859 of the house. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:45.459 That was like changing 00:24:45.459 --> 00:24:49.399 somebody who was 00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:51.159 sick and unable. 00:24:53.199 --> 00:24:53.839 That was, 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:54.559 in their mind, 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.339 that was a parallel 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:59.199 because they walked 00:24:59.199 --> 00:24:59.919 where they went. 00:25:01.139 --> 00:25:02.779 They had nasty feet. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:04.839 It was the job 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.720 of the lowest servant 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.480 of the house. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.599 But the Lord knelt down 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:08.879 and served in that way. 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.759 And that is the picture 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:11.480 that we get 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.660 when he mentions here 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.960 that you'll recline 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.639 at the table 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.539 in verse 37 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.720 when he talks about that. 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:18.099 He is saying, 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.240 have a seat. 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:20.960 Pull up a chair. 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.160 Share a meal. 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.399 And if you think 00:25:24.399 --> 00:25:25.039 sharing a meal 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:25.480 with somebody 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.200 is a special way 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:26.720 to spend time 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:27.500 with folks you love, 00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:28.379 that is biblical. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.700 You get that 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.420 from the Bible. 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:32.500 Heaven is described 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:34.420 as a wedding feast. 00:25:35.600 --> 00:25:36.539 The joys of heaven 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.580 are who we sit 00:25:37.580 --> 00:25:38.100 at the table 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:39.039 of the Lord with 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:40.980 and who we'll worship 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:42.940 with and who we'll worship 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:43.860 and the reward 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:45.000 that we'll receive. 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:48.580 Understanding that. 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.940 Let's be faithful. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:55.220 The days are short. 00:25:58.580 --> 00:25:59.860 They're short, folks. 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:02.180 They say, 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:03.100 well, how long is that? 00:26:04.740 --> 00:26:05.580 I don't know. 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.720 And anybody 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.860 that tells you they do 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:10.580 is a liar. 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.920 What's the world coming to? 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:15.120 I'll tell you 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:16.000 what the world's coming to. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.920 It's coming to Jesus. 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:20.000 So be ready. 00:26:21.840 --> 00:26:23.779 We ought to live our lives 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:27.599 like Jesus died yesterday, 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:30.500 rose this morning 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:33.319 and is coming back tomorrow 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:38.359 because he just might be. 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:40.819 Be ready. 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.039 With every head bowed 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:43.859 and every eye closed. 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:48.539 If you're here this morning 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.619 and you have never 00:26:49.619 --> 00:26:50.819 surrendered your life 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:52.059 to the Lord Jesus Christ 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:54.379 and ask him to come 00:26:54.379 --> 00:26:54.899 into your life 00:26:54.899 --> 00:26:55.659 and change you, 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.740 today's the day of salvation. 00:26:59.019 --> 00:27:00.219 It's your opportunity. 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:03.059 I've tried very plainly 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:04.459 and very nicely 00:27:04.459 --> 00:27:06.699 to put out before you 00:27:06.699 --> 00:27:08.000 what Jesus says 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:11.779 about the need 00:27:11.779 --> 00:27:12.299 of your life 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:13.180 to commit to him. 00:27:14.920 --> 00:27:16.259 And if you feel him 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:17.779 speaking to your heart 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.180 and life 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:18.960 about giving your heart 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:19.319 and life to God, 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:20.240 you didn't come up with that. 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:21.440 You didn't wake up one day 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.319 and realize you needed God. 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:24.440 He initiated that. 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:26.059 He's stirring your heart. 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:27.259 And so you listen. 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:28.960 You obey. 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:30.140 You do what God tells you. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.900 We'll guide you 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.559 in that process. 00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:33.619 I told you 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:34.480 we're not manipulative. 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:36.679 I'm going to work you over. 00:27:37.419 --> 00:27:38.659 I ask anything of you 00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:39.319 that you don't want. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:41.099 We just want to help you 00:27:41.099 --> 00:27:42.779 make a right decision 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:44.159 about the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.579 So I encourage you to come. 00:27:46.679 --> 00:27:47.159 We're going to stand 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:47.779 and we're going to sing 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:48.440 and when we stand 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.579 and sing in just a few moments, 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.299 it's your time to come 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:52.159 to be obedient 00:27:52.159 --> 00:27:53.240 and follow the Lord. 00:27:54.179 --> 00:27:55.079 Maybe you're here this morning 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:56.059 and you have done that 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:56.799 but you've never 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.799 acknowledged that publicly. 00:27:57.879 --> 00:27:58.799 It was a private decision 00:27:58.799 --> 00:27:59.119 that you made. 00:27:59.179 --> 00:27:59.899 You've never acknowledged 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:00.399 that publicly. 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:01.800 Last week we began 00:28:01.800 --> 00:28:02.259 our service 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.240 with people being baptized. 00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:05.840 I know that's already 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:06.620 stirred the hearts 00:28:06.620 --> 00:28:07.220 of other people. 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:07.980 I've shared with them 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.440 this week 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:10.240 because they realize 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:11.380 the need in their own lives 00:28:11.380 --> 00:28:11.920 to be baptized 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:12.940 and be made right. 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.560 First step of obedience 00:28:15.560 --> 00:28:16.560 after you give your heart 00:28:16.560 --> 00:28:17.180 and life to the Lord 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.820 is to be baptized 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:18.460 as a believer. 00:28:19.060 --> 00:28:19.960 And if you've never done that, 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.500 there's a hindrance 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.040 in your life 00:28:21.040 --> 00:28:21.680 so I encourage you 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.220 to be obedient 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:23.000 and follow the Lord. 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.240 If you've been baptized 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:24.759 as a believer, 00:28:24.860 --> 00:28:25.840 you don't need to do it again. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.940 If you hadn't, 00:28:28.040 --> 00:28:28.519 you need to. 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:30.500 Maybe God's drawing you 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.519 to be a part of this church. 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:33.519 You want to join us 00:28:33.519 --> 00:28:34.119 in the journey. 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:36.839 Do what we need to do 00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:37.639 to follow the Lord 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.440 in the days ahead. 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.019 I encourage you 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:40.940 to be obedient to that. 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:41.799 Just follow the Lord. 00:28:41.879 --> 00:28:42.440 We'll guide you 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:43.200 in that process. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.700 Welcome you in 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.379 and show you 00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:46.139 what that means. 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:48.180 Maybe God's stirring 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:48.500 your heart 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.240 about a personal matter 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.639 in your life 00:28:49.639 --> 00:28:50.319 you need to get right. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:50.960 Maybe it's a burden 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:51.440 that you have 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.079 for somebody else 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:52.759 that needs the Lord. 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:54.019 I don't know 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.700 what God's laid 00:28:54.700 --> 00:28:55.180 on your heart 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.620 but I know 00:28:55.620 --> 00:28:56.759 that now's the time. 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.460 Let's just pause 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.080 before we go out 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:58.980 to the wild world. 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:00.920 Let's just pause. 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.960 Take time to seek 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:03.820 the Lord in these matters. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.019 Bring our petitions 00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:06.660 before Him. 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.460 Maybe bring them 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.039 to this altar 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:08.759 and lay them down 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.539 at His feet. 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.039 Rest them with Him. 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.680 Maybe you want me 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.259 to pray with you. 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:12.640 I don't know 00:29:12.640 --> 00:29:13.100 what you want. 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.560 But you just be obedient 00:29:14.560 --> 00:29:15.259 and follow whatever 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.200 God tells you to do. 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:17.160 Lord Jesus, 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:17.759 I love you 00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:18.400 and I thank you 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:19.000 for the love 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:20.080 that you have for us. 00:29:20.840 --> 00:29:21.759 And I ask today 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.480 that you'll help us 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:23.480 to simply be obedient. 00:29:24.180 --> 00:29:24.839 Simply follow 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.799 your will and your way 00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:26.180 and everything 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:27.059 that you tell us to do 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:28.299 in Jesus' precious name. 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.240 Amen.