WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.200 I want to turn to Hebrews chapter 10. 00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:03.740 Hebrews chapter 10. 00:00:03.820 --> 00:00:05.560 We're talking about first things first. 00:00:06.360 --> 00:00:11.120 And I wanted to come and during the month of May 00:00:11.120 --> 00:00:14.540 and be as transparent as I know how to be with you, 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:17.960 full disclosure about if you wonder 00:00:17.960 --> 00:00:19.780 what makes the new guy tick, 00:00:20.400 --> 00:00:23.699 I want to share with you this month what makes me tick. 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:27.539 I first started talking about the need of 00:00:27.539 --> 00:00:30.000 knowing that you are saved. 00:00:30.460 --> 00:00:32.820 If someone is haunted by those questions, 00:00:33.100 --> 00:00:36.479 it always defeats them in their spiritual walk 00:00:36.479 --> 00:00:38.679 as well as limits them in their testimony. 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:40.679 I don't want you to doubt your salvation. 00:00:41.219 --> 00:00:43.320 I want you to be sure of that at the same time. 00:00:43.679 --> 00:00:46.039 I don't want you to be sure of something that you don't have. 00:00:46.359 --> 00:00:47.500 And so if you don't have Jesus, 00:00:47.899 --> 00:00:49.939 I want to tell you how you can have Jesus. 00:00:49.939 --> 00:00:52.079 And so I began with that 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:54.879 and we took some time to honor our ladies on Mother's Day. 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:59.560 I continued by encouraging you to be in the Word of God daily. 00:00:59.880 --> 00:01:01.540 And how many of you read the Word? 00:01:01.679 --> 00:01:02.280 No, I'm kidding. 00:01:02.580 --> 00:01:03.480 I'm not going to do that. 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:05.960 Because that's not why we read it. 00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:08.320 And if you're one of those who are taking that bookmark 00:01:08.320 --> 00:01:09.420 and checking it off 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:12.219 and showing it to people when you check it off, 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:13.140 you know, real big, 00:01:13.820 --> 00:01:15.960 you know, that's not what the point is, folks, you know. 00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:18.420 It is to have a time with the Lord. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:21.140 And so I encourage you to do that. 00:01:21.140 --> 00:01:24.079 And today I want to encourage you to spur one another on. 00:01:25.260 --> 00:01:26.439 I want to tell you why. 00:01:27.579 --> 00:01:28.719 And I want to tell you how. 00:01:29.260 --> 00:01:33.400 It's in Hebrews chapter 10, beginning in verse 23. 00:01:34.260 --> 00:01:35.219 And it says, 00:01:35.219 --> 00:02:03.960 First, I want to tell you why 00:02:03.959 --> 00:02:07.119 we ought to spur one another on. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:10.259 Because we have a great opportunity. 00:02:10.519 --> 00:02:11.019 That's why. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:16.379 I have a friend that has made a great impact on football 00:02:16.379 --> 00:02:17.620 for the cause of Christ. 00:02:17.780 --> 00:02:20.319 He's on the board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:21.560 He's in their Hall of Fame. 00:02:21.659 --> 00:02:25.159 And he is known by all Christian coaches in college 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:26.159 and in the NFL. 00:02:26.159 --> 00:02:28.459 And God's used Ken Smith in a mighty way. 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:33.020 And I've enjoyed following him around on occasion. 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:35.379 When he spoke at Ole Miss, 00:02:36.080 --> 00:02:37.719 he invited me to come along. 00:02:37.819 --> 00:02:40.140 And we went before a ball game. 00:02:40.379 --> 00:02:42.580 And I waited for that game to start 00:02:42.580 --> 00:02:44.600 in the coach's locker room with the coaches. 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:47.719 I went to the head coach's office for a little while. 00:02:48.600 --> 00:02:50.700 When the game started, I had two options. 00:02:51.260 --> 00:02:52.460 One, I could either be on the sidelines 00:02:52.980 --> 00:02:53.900 and watch a ball game. 00:02:53.900 --> 00:02:55.520 Or I could be in the coach's box. 00:02:57.020 --> 00:02:58.180 I chose both. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:02.180 I spent the first half of the game on the sidelines. 00:03:02.920 --> 00:03:04.960 I was moved out of the way for just a moment 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:09.120 for a presentation when Joe Gibbs of NASCAR fame 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:11.340 and before that of the Washington Redskins, 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:13.300 if you can say Redskins. 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:13.719 But anyway. 00:03:13.719 --> 00:03:17.520 As well as Archie Manning. 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:19.900 And Archie Manning, you may know him 00:03:19.900 --> 00:03:22.579 as a quarterback that suffered for the New Orleans Saints. 00:03:22.759 --> 00:03:24.819 But in Mississippi, I'm telling you, 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:26.259 he hung the moon. 00:03:27.079 --> 00:03:27.979 He was a hero. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:30.840 The golden boy of Mississippi in so many ways. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:32.860 And at any point I wanted to, 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:34.039 I chose halftime. 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:36.039 I went up an eight and sat 00:03:36.039 --> 00:03:38.599 in the head coach's box with his family. 00:03:39.539 --> 00:03:41.180 I was sitting there with Monty Kiffin. 00:03:41.579 --> 00:03:43.099 Some of you who know a lot about NFL 00:03:43.099 --> 00:03:44.180 may know who that is. 00:03:44.239 --> 00:03:46.620 He's a legendary defensive coordinator 00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:48.000 throughout the years. 00:03:48.400 --> 00:03:49.780 As well, Jimmy Sexton. 00:03:49.960 --> 00:03:51.639 And Jimmy Sexton is an agent to, 00:03:52.079 --> 00:03:53.019 the last time I looked, 00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:55.959 11 of the 14 coaches in the SEC 00:03:55.959 --> 00:03:59.079 as well as a bunch of NFL greats. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.599 And I looked and the governor 00:04:00.599 --> 00:04:02.299 was in a box over from us. 00:04:02.639 --> 00:04:04.120 Waved at him through the glass. 00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:07.199 For a football fan, I'm just telling you, 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:08.519 it was amazing. 00:04:09.159 --> 00:04:10.719 I'm not trying to drop names here. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:11.919 I'm just telling you, I didn't belong. 00:04:12.280 --> 00:04:13.060 I was invited. 00:04:13.519 --> 00:04:15.280 I was on somebody else's invitation. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:17.420 And I was having a heyday 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:20.000 until the fajitas did not agree with me. 00:04:20.100 --> 00:04:21.120 And then everything changed. 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:26.579 But it was as good as college football can get 00:04:26.579 --> 00:04:29.540 unless, of course, there's another team playing. 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:30.560 I won't bring them up. 00:04:31.159 --> 00:04:33.480 I don't want to make folks mad this morning, 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:34.379 so I'll be quiet. 00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:37.699 But I do love games locally as well. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:40.600 However, there is nothing compared, 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:42.480 that is nothing compared, 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:46.800 nor any interaction that we've had upon this earth 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:49.939 compared to what Hebrews chapter 10 00:04:49.939 --> 00:04:54.500 talks about in the verses before the ones I read. 00:04:54.500 --> 00:04:57.779 The Hebrew writer is saying there, 00:04:58.180 --> 00:05:00.620 because Christ has died in our place, 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:05.000 and because he has removed every barrier that we have 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:07.120 to keep us from God, 00:05:07.920 --> 00:05:10.399 we can approach, get this, 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:15.800 we can approach the very throne of God with boldness. 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:19.939 We are welcomed into his presence. 00:05:20.720 --> 00:05:21.579 Now, understand this. 00:05:21.800 --> 00:05:24.400 He knows everything about us. 00:05:25.520 --> 00:05:27.160 He knows what we've done. 00:05:28.840 --> 00:05:31.020 He knows what we would have done. 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:34.560 He knows what we've said. 00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:38.000 He knows what we thought about saying. 00:05:39.459 --> 00:05:42.160 He knows what we wish we'd have done. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:45.680 He knows what we wish we hadn't done. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:48.019 He knows it all, 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:51.980 and loves us enough to die for us 00:05:51.980 --> 00:05:55.420 and give us the opportunity for salvation, 00:05:56.220 --> 00:05:59.759 giving us access to the throne of God for forgiveness 00:05:59.759 --> 00:06:02.579 and for the presence of God in worship. 00:06:02.579 --> 00:06:04.959 And if you are a born-again believer today, 00:06:05.099 --> 00:06:06.359 you are blessed. 00:06:06.979 --> 00:06:09.219 And it is not because you deserve it, 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:11.099 because we do not deserve it. 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:12.899 It is not because we've earned it, 00:06:12.979 --> 00:06:14.560 because we have not earned it. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:18.300 It's because he came to us, 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:20.099 not because we came to him. 00:06:20.919 --> 00:06:26.399 We were dead, dead, dead in our trespasses and sins. 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:30.139 And he's made us alive through his death and resurrection. 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:33.339 And because of that, we have access to him. 00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:35.379 So we take it. 00:06:36.039 --> 00:06:38.579 And every day, we read his word, 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:40.399 we seek his face, 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:43.599 and we spur one another on. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:46.339 It is necessary that we do that, 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:47.919 the Hebrew writer says, 00:06:48.019 --> 00:06:50.919 because the day is approaching. 00:06:50.920 --> 00:06:54.920 Jesus is coming again. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:06:57.100 Like the old hymn says, 00:06:57.460 --> 00:06:59.060 maybe morning, maybe noon, 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:01.400 maybe evening, and maybe soon. 00:07:01.460 --> 00:07:02.060 I love that hymn. 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:03.500 It's what's irritating him, honestly. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:04.500 But it's the truth. 00:07:04.960 --> 00:07:06.020 He's coming back. 00:07:06.280 --> 00:07:09.420 And nothing on this earth is keeping him from coming back. 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:11.639 I don't know what kind of chart you have, 00:07:11.700 --> 00:07:12.480 but I'm telling you, 00:07:12.580 --> 00:07:15.319 nothing is keeping him from coming back. 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:17.400 He can return at any moment. 00:07:17.399 --> 00:07:19.419 And so we be ready. 00:07:20.539 --> 00:07:23.899 We are to be ready and be spurring one another on. 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:27.259 The ESV, I think, does an injustice to this 00:07:27.259 --> 00:07:28.679 when it says stir. 00:07:29.719 --> 00:07:32.199 Now, if you know what stir means there, 00:07:32.279 --> 00:07:33.439 it's okay to use that word. 00:07:34.599 --> 00:07:37.439 But it really depends on what kind of stirring 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:38.479 you're talking about. 00:07:39.239 --> 00:07:42.179 I eat that fruit bottom yogurt every morning, 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:43.279 or just about every morning. 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:47.379 And the first thing I do with my spoon is I stir that. 00:07:48.839 --> 00:07:50.179 Just stir it a little bit. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:52.459 And get that fruit from the bottom 00:07:52.459 --> 00:07:54.799 to where I can taste it. 00:07:56.299 --> 00:07:58.419 That's not the kind of stirring he's talking about. 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:02.039 If when you think of stirring, 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:06.339 he's talking about how you stir people 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:09.759 when there's a breakaway, go-ahead touchdown 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.879 that happens late in the game 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:14.159 to a fan base of a team 00:08:14.159 --> 00:08:16.740 that has been down by less than a touchdown. 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:18.980 If you've been in that kind of atmosphere, 00:08:19.339 --> 00:08:20.860 you know what that does to the crowd. 00:08:21.139 --> 00:08:23.459 That's the kind of stirring that he's talking about. 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:26.399 He's talking about a stirring that makes a difference. 00:08:27.399 --> 00:08:29.199 And that's why some translations, 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:30.120 and I agree with them, 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:31.819 translate this spur. 00:08:33.439 --> 00:08:37.319 Because you can spur a horse along to get it going. 00:08:37.320 --> 00:08:42.879 Now, I say, you can spur a horse because of Old Blue. 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:47.000 I think it was the Wanata Valley, if I'm not mistaken. 00:08:47.780 --> 00:08:51.520 Years ago, when I had the opportunity to go on a horse ride, 00:08:52.260 --> 00:08:55.360 we all lined up, one tail in front of the other, 00:08:55.460 --> 00:08:57.660 you know, and we all got on there. 00:08:57.720 --> 00:08:58.980 Nobody knew what they were doing. 00:08:59.379 --> 00:09:01.200 Hard enough just to get on the horse. 00:09:01.540 --> 00:09:03.280 We're all standing in line, 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:05.220 about from here to the back of the room. 00:09:05.220 --> 00:09:07.920 And I'm looking at the tail in front of me, 00:09:08.560 --> 00:09:10.139 talking to Old Blue, my buddy. 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:12.320 I got a legend right here before me. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:17.899 And this legend sees something up an embankment 00:09:17.899 --> 00:09:19.379 that he liked. 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:21.740 We wasn't moving along the way. 00:09:21.840 --> 00:09:23.060 We were just standing still. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:26.379 And instead of me looking like I had my act together, 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:29.200 Old Blue had to get the weed on top of that embankment. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:31.759 And so up we climbed about 15 feet. 00:09:32.600 --> 00:09:34.580 I kicked him in the gut. 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:37.200 I yanked on his ropes. 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:38.500 I did whatever I could. 00:09:39.140 --> 00:09:40.660 And Old Blue wanted to go to the top of that hill. 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:41.800 And Old Blue went to the top of that hill. 00:09:41.900 --> 00:09:44.740 So now I'm standing on top of the hill 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:47.080 like a victorious captain, 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:49.080 looking down at everyone else, 00:09:49.180 --> 00:09:50.980 when all they want to do is go on the ride. 00:09:51.040 --> 00:09:53.879 And somebody came and helped me get Old Blue down the hill. 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:56.500 So when I say, you can spur a horse, 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:59.679 I mean, you can spur a horse because I'm not going to. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:02.419 But I'll tell you what, you can spur a horse 00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:06.000 and we can also spur one another along. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:10.360 And we're instructed to do that by Scripture. 00:10:11.539 --> 00:10:14.820 So not only do I want to tell you why you ought to spur, 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:17.360 but I want to tell you how we ought to spur, 00:10:17.440 --> 00:10:21.200 just some ways of how we ought to spur one another along. 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:24.279 One way we do that is to pray. 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:26.939 You say, oh, preacher, 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.559 I thought you were talking about something we could do. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:32.639 Well, whatever you're going to do for the Lord, 00:10:33.939 --> 00:10:35.519 you ought to pray about it before you do it. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:40.339 You ought to pray about it while you're doing it. 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:44.279 You ought to pray about it after you're doing it. 00:10:45.199 --> 00:10:47.319 Because the difference that you make 00:10:47.319 --> 00:10:51.459 comes only from a complete dependence upon the Lord 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:55.460 that allows him to work in us and through us. 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:56.940 And so we must pray. 00:10:57.780 --> 00:10:59.080 Now, let me be honest with you. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:00.019 I'm not just preaching here. 00:11:00.060 --> 00:11:00.820 I'm telling the truth. 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:05.920 The word there, stir, for encouragement, 00:11:06.400 --> 00:11:08.780 excuse me, the word for encourage there, 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:13.720 that stir, is the same word in English as paracism. 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:19.500 Paracism is a medical term that speaks of a sudden shaking, 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.960 like a convulsion of sorts, an emotion. 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:25.419 It's normally used as a negative word in the Greek. 00:11:26.220 --> 00:11:29.580 Now, you don't have to be negative to spur one another on, 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:31.120 but you might need to be. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.200 But I'm telling you, 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:34.860 whether it's negative or whether it's positive, 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.860 when you try to spur others along, 00:11:37.220 --> 00:11:40.080 you ought to pray before you do. 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:44.540 The second thing is invite and share. 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:48.800 Spur one another along by inviting and sharing. 00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:50.720 Notice what he says. 00:11:50.800 --> 00:11:54.639 He says, all the more as you see the day drawing near. 00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:55.879 What day is he talking about? 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:59.660 He's talking about that day there is short 00:11:59.660 --> 00:12:01.180 for the day of the Lord. 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:04.800 He's talking about a day of judgment that is coming. 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:07.020 The chickens will come home to roost. 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:08.240 You can count on it. 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:10.259 The signs of the times tell me 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:11.879 that it's closer than it's ever been. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:14.100 We need to act on it. 00:12:14.779 --> 00:12:16.960 And listen, if they needed to act on it 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:20.200 as the day was approaching 2,000 years ago, 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:22.840 how much more do we definitely need to act on it? 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:25.379 So tell somebody about Jesus. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.759 Invite them to worship with you. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:31.360 Share what Christ is doing in your life. 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:33.680 If you're rooting for a ball team 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.700 and they win a championship, 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:37.539 you're gonna go tell everybody that already knows it, 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.099 ain't you? 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:40.279 You want everybody to know it 00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:41.959 because your team won 00:12:41.959 --> 00:12:43.980 even though it's been well publicized 00:12:43.980 --> 00:12:44.519 and people know. 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:47.219 Well, tell them something bigger than that. 00:12:48.279 --> 00:12:50.399 Tell them something more lasting than that. 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:52.120 Tell them something better than that 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:53.379 and much more important 00:12:53.379 --> 00:12:55.799 that they need to know and may not. 00:12:56.419 --> 00:12:57.620 And that is Jesus saves. 00:12:58.599 --> 00:13:00.159 Jesus changes lives. 00:13:00.959 --> 00:13:03.179 That is that God wants to do a wonderful work 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:04.779 in a local church 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:05.859 and I want to encourage you 00:13:05.859 --> 00:13:07.059 to come to church with me. 00:13:07.679 --> 00:13:09.879 What a wonderful opportunity you have. 00:13:10.359 --> 00:13:12.159 The power that is in you 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:15.539 because you pray in a dependence upon the Lord, 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.879 ask God to use you. 00:13:18.199 --> 00:13:20.599 Simply walk through the doors that he opens 00:13:20.599 --> 00:13:24.299 and has the opportunity to invite and to share. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:26.719 There's some VBS cards out there. 00:13:27.459 --> 00:13:28.159 That's easy. 00:13:28.159 --> 00:13:29.339 If we run out of those, 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:31.279 there's postcards as well that we can use. 00:13:31.459 --> 00:13:32.159 That's easy. 00:13:32.579 --> 00:13:33.819 You see a kid in the neighborhood, 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:36.100 that kid that won't get off your lawn, 00:13:36.339 --> 00:13:36.959 just tell him, 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:37.899 get off my lawn. 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:39.899 Here, come to Vacation Bible School. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.299 Spur one another on. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.759 Shake each other up. 00:13:48.179 --> 00:13:49.539 We missing somebody this morning? 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:53.120 Spur each other on. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:55.460 And then smile. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:57.580 Smile. 00:13:58.340 --> 00:14:00.399 You know, you can love God and live for him 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:01.539 and still be happy. 00:14:02.340 --> 00:14:02.820 You can. 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:04.379 And you can be winsome 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:06.060 and you can be pleasing to others. 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:07.539 Don't mean they're always going to agree 00:14:07.539 --> 00:14:08.480 with everything you say. 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.139 Probably shouldn't agree with everything you say. 00:14:10.500 --> 00:14:12.100 You really can, though. 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:14.620 And so I want to tell you to make a point 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:18.200 to be for his honor and for his glory 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:20.120 one who's winsome. 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:23.560 Why are we spurring each other along? 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:25.379 The middle of verse 24 says 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:27.940 that we do it for love and good works. 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:29.500 Love is an eternal matter. 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.060 It's a heart matter. 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:33.039 It's taking care of things in the heart. 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:34.620 And if the heart is right, 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:37.379 that drives outward into those good works. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:39.500 But if love is not right, 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:41.620 it will not promote good works. 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:44.000 If the love in the heart is right, 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:45.440 it'll promote good works. 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:47.779 You can't do that grumbling. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:50.860 You can't do it like when you look like 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.939 you've been sucking on a lemon. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:53.360 That's not holy. 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:53.980 It's ugly. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:56.659 And so if Jesus has changed your heart, 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:58.059 inform your face. 00:14:58.159 --> 00:14:58.699 And listen, 00:14:59.699 --> 00:15:01.079 the guest here today 00:15:01.079 --> 00:15:05.720 probably will not remember what I said. 00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:08.740 But they'll remember what you said. 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:11.720 And they'll remember how you treated them. 00:15:12.319 --> 00:15:13.959 And they'll remember the love 00:15:13.959 --> 00:15:16.659 and the smiles of the people. 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:18.639 So smile. 00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:20.939 I promise you folks, 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:22.199 it ain't that hard to smile. 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:25.519 Next thing is respond. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:29.480 When God speaks, 00:15:30.939 --> 00:15:31.419 respond. 00:15:32.579 --> 00:15:34.219 If it's in this worship hour, 00:15:35.579 --> 00:15:35.879 respond. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.679 If it's in your prayer time, 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:39.899 respond. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:43.220 If the spirit prods you, 00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:43.740 respond. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:47.879 If the spirit waves a red flag on your life, 00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:50.080 respond. 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:54.240 If the spirit waves a green flag on your life, 00:15:55.440 --> 00:15:55.740 respond. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.879 I think about Philip. 00:15:59.180 --> 00:16:01.220 God told Philip to go down to the crossroads. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:02.580 He didn't really know what he was getting into. 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:05.799 But he went because God told him to go. 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:07.779 And when he got there, 00:16:07.859 --> 00:16:12.519 what he didn't know was that God was working on that Ethiopian eunuch in that chariot 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:16.579 by leading him to a passage that spoke of a coming Messiah. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:20.679 And when they met up at that divine appointment, 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.539 that man said, 00:16:22.959 --> 00:16:25.439 how can I understand this unless somebody explains it? 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:28.060 And he sat down and explained it to him, 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:29.600 led him to Christ, 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.240 baptized him right there. 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:31.500 Listen, 00:16:32.020 --> 00:16:34.400 in every church I've pastored, 00:16:34.900 --> 00:16:37.360 I've had people meet me at the door and tell me, 00:16:37.940 --> 00:16:39.920 I felt led to come down. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.840 I felt led to make a decision, 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:44.380 but I didn't. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:47.039 And when I hear that, 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:48.059 do you know what I want to do? 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:50.519 I want to spur them on. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:53.019 And I mean in a horse kind of way. 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:55.899 I want to take a pointy thing on the end of my boot 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:57.840 and stick it in their side of sorts. 00:16:57.939 --> 00:16:58.340 Why? 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.700 Because your disobedience, 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:02.200 my disobedience, 00:17:02.439 --> 00:17:03.659 our disobedience, 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.259 quenches the spirit of God 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:08.539 from moving and working in the way he'd had moved. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.579 What if your obedience 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:13.180 would have given someone else the courage 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:14.620 to come up as well? 00:17:14.820 --> 00:17:16.259 By following your example. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:18.140 I'm not asking you to orchestrate something. 00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:20.460 I'm simply asking you to be obedient to God. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:22.120 Just do what God tells you to do 00:17:22.120 --> 00:17:24.539 because God has a way of using us 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:25.500 to help each other. 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:27.180 Spur one another along. 00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:28.600 We can build an atmosphere 00:17:28.600 --> 00:17:29.900 of being stiff as a board, 00:17:30.420 --> 00:17:31.240 scared to death, 00:17:31.820 --> 00:17:33.259 that God's going to move in a mighty way. 00:17:33.940 --> 00:17:35.360 Or either we can be one 00:17:35.360 --> 00:17:37.180 built on obedience 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:39.180 and an expectancy 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:41.740 that God wants to change lives, 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:44.980 that God's still in the saving business. 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.539 He's still doing miracles 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.859 and he wants to work 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:49.660 and to move in people's lives 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.940 and we ought to expect it. 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:52.240 We ought to pray for it. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:53.440 We ought to look for it. 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:56.279 We ought to invite people to experience it. 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:59.259 I'll never ask you to do more 00:17:59.259 --> 00:18:00.920 than what God tells you to do 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:03.279 and I'll never want you to be satisfied 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.160 with doing less. 00:18:04.680 --> 00:18:05.720 You shouldn't do less. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:08.640 When God speaks, respond. 00:18:09.460 --> 00:18:11.079 It'll be like a kick in the pants 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:11.799 to the rest of us. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:13.100 When you respond 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:15.960 to what God tells you to do, respond. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:18.180 The next thing is to reach. 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:19.640 To reach. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.620 To assure you 00:18:20.620 --> 00:18:22.579 that I have not left the text. 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:25.839 If you're going to stir one another along 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:27.620 to love and good works, 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:29.759 you're going to have to rattle a cage or two 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.519 from time to time. 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:32.759 If they're missing, 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:34.319 check on them. 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:36.659 If they need Jesus, 00:18:37.899 --> 00:18:38.899 reach out to them. 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:41.119 Pray before you do. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:44.419 Ask God to open up the opportunity 00:18:44.419 --> 00:18:47.059 and then step out boldly 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:49.339 and reach out to them. 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:51.779 If you need a church home, 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.679 if they need a church home, 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:54.559 touch base with them. 00:18:55.139 --> 00:18:56.899 If they're missing here this morning, 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:57.659 check on them. 00:18:58.359 --> 00:18:59.519 If they're sick, 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:00.859 reach out to them. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:02.279 If they're hurting, 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.619 love on them. 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:06.200 Worship is not, 00:19:07.319 --> 00:19:08.419 I'm here, 00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:10.359 I dare you to bless me. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.980 That is not worship, folks. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.419 That's a standoff. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:16.099 It's not worship at all. 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.419 Worship is Isaiah chapter 6. 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:20.539 In Isaiah chapter 6, 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.439 Isaiah said, 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:21.879 whoa, 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:25.139 I am a man of unclean lips. 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:26.700 Cleanse me, Lord. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.399 And then he said, 00:19:27.599 --> 00:19:28.619 send me, Lord. 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:30.099 That's what worship is, friend. 00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:32.059 It's getting right with God 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:34.879 and then being ready to walk with God. 00:19:35.219 --> 00:19:38.559 He'll use you this very hour 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:41.099 if you respond as he tells you to 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:42.979 and you reach out to somebody 00:19:42.979 --> 00:19:44.059 on the way out of here. 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.579 I promise. 00:19:48.159 --> 00:19:49.459 He'll do works in you 00:19:49.459 --> 00:19:51.000 you don't expect. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:54.019 Spur one another on 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.900 and then attend. 00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:57.759 It says, 00:19:58.220 --> 00:20:00.700 not neglecting to meet together. 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:04.160 Being faithful in worship 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:06.140 is the gift that just keeps on giving 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:08.079 because you need it 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:09.740 but not only do you need it 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:12.099 but Christ established the church 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:13.880 because we need each other 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:16.500 and we have a job to do. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.740 We're to reach the world. 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:20.900 We're to spur one another on 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:23.079 and you can't do that from the couch. 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:26.339 You can't do it online. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:28.099 It's a great option 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:29.920 for those that can't be here physically 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.420 but if you can be, 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:32.799 be here physically. 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:35.180 You can't do it from the lake. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:37.799 You can't do it from the ball field. 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.099 Now I know 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:45.279 as the Hebrew writer knows, 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:47.399 so many preacher 00:20:47.399 --> 00:20:49.559 are in the habit of doing it. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:52.139 He warns us 00:20:52.139 --> 00:20:54.079 of that very thing. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.539 Let's don't act like some. 00:20:58.139 --> 00:20:59.299 Notice in scripture, 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.960 it's the people 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:02.940 who were not like others 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:04.899 that God used mightily. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:07.200 It was the exceptions. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:09.379 It was not the normal. 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:12.599 They said Noah was blameless 00:21:12.599 --> 00:21:14.639 and above reproach. 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:17.019 You know what that means? 00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:18.779 That means when a man 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:20.779 builds a huge boat 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.879 in the middle of the desert 00:21:21.879 --> 00:21:23.019 and people walk by and go, 00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:24.940 I think he's losing it. 00:21:26.119 --> 00:21:27.799 Somebody else is going to say, 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.660 you know what? 00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:31.099 He must be on to something 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:32.339 because that old boy 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:33.099 has got it going on. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:35.279 I don't understand 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:36.200 what he's telling us 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.639 but there's something 00:21:37.639 --> 00:21:38.440 about what he's doing 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.220 that must be right. 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:40.940 He was blameless. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.000 That means people 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:43.139 didn't accuse him. 00:21:43.140 --> 00:21:44.640 He was above reproach. 00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:46.460 That means if they did accuse him, 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:47.800 that somebody else would go, 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.080 nah, I'm sorry. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:50.300 Not Noah. 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:52.340 Noah stood out 00:21:52.340 --> 00:21:53.120 and because of that, 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:53.840 God used him. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.620 It says David was a man 00:21:55.620 --> 00:21:56.720 after God's own heart. 00:21:56.980 --> 00:21:58.640 Man, David was as imperfect 00:21:58.640 --> 00:21:59.860 as any of us. 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:02.040 But the reality is 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:03.020 he had a heart for God. 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.480 And when God told him 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.960 to do something, 00:22:05.040 --> 00:22:06.400 he did it and God used him. 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:09.259 Abraham went to a land 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.620 that God would show him 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:12.259 and was willing to go 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:13.180 and do what God 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:14.340 would have him to do. 00:22:15.280 --> 00:22:18.360 The disciples dropped their agenda 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:20.340 and followed Christ. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.860 Do you know how significant it is 00:22:21.860 --> 00:22:24.320 when your daddy has a fishing business 00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:26.200 and you're cleaning out the net 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:27.860 on the side of the water 00:22:27.860 --> 00:22:29.259 and Jesus says, 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:30.220 come and follow me 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:31.300 and he don't wait on them 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:32.540 and he don't beg them 00:22:32.540 --> 00:22:34.000 and he don't plead with them. 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:35.779 I believe he just turned 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:37.180 and began to walk 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:39.380 and they dropped their net. 00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:41.859 They dropped their inheritance. 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:47.240 They left their career behind 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:52.039 to follow Christ. 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.380 Oh, you know what? 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.700 Two millenniums later, 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.980 we're still talking about them 00:22:57.980 --> 00:23:01.180 because they stepped out 00:23:01.180 --> 00:23:02.440 for the Lord 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:06.039 because Christ uses those 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.259 who are willing 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:10.000 to be used mightily of God. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:12.880 So let's not be in the habit 00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:13.480 of so many. 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.799 Let's be faithful 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:19.880 to not neglect meeting together 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:22.779 because not only do you miss, 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.120 but you are missed, 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:24.960 I promise you. 00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:28.920 And another way to spur, 00:23:29.080 --> 00:23:29.480 and listen, 00:23:29.600 --> 00:23:30.620 what I always say is 00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:31.740 miss for the extraordinary. 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.840 But don't miss for the ordinary. 00:23:34.580 --> 00:23:35.960 There's great opportunities 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:36.480 to come around 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.559 and they come around on weekends. 00:23:38.080 --> 00:23:38.680 It happens. 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.259 Miss for the extraordinary, 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.740 but don't miss for the ordinary. 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:42.960 Attend. 00:23:44.320 --> 00:23:45.360 And then give. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.420 You knew I was going there. 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.480 I want you to notice 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:52.180 the impact of giving. 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:54.120 2 Corinthians chapter 9, 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:55.279 verse 6 through 8 says this, 00:23:55.320 --> 00:23:56.680 the point is this, 00:23:57.080 --> 00:23:58.279 whoever sows sparingly 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.600 will also reap sparingly. 00:23:59.599 --> 00:24:01.959 And whoever sows bountifully 00:24:01.959 --> 00:24:04.039 will also reap bountifully. 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:05.519 Each one must give 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:06.679 as he has decided in his heart, 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:08.119 not reluctantly 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:09.759 or under compulsion, 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:12.639 for God loves a cheerful, 00:24:12.639 --> 00:24:13.480 that's that smile 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:14.119 I was talking about. 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:17.000 God loves a cheerful giver. 00:24:17.939 --> 00:24:19.779 And God is able. 00:24:22.939 --> 00:24:24.099 Have you seen the economy? 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:28.199 Have you seen what houses cost? 00:24:29.179 --> 00:24:30.019 Are y'all praying? 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.839 You been in the gas pump lately? 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.819 Been in the grocery store? 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:43.159 Preacher, how in the world 00:24:43.159 --> 00:24:46.759 can we be faithful to the Lord 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:49.819 when things are like they are? 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:53.679 And God is able 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:56.339 to make all grace abound to you 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:59.379 so that having all sufficiency 00:24:59.379 --> 00:25:01.799 in all things 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:03.759 at all times 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:05.679 you may abound 00:25:05.679 --> 00:25:09.980 in every good work. 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:14.179 As long as it's all in your pocket, 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:16.779 you're responsible for it. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:19.440 But when you obey God 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:22.059 and give as he instructs you to give, 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:24.539 I'm not responsible anymore. 00:25:26.160 --> 00:25:27.899 He's going to provide my needs. 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:30.779 He'll be more than sufficient. 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:33.680 And listen, this is the good part. 00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:35.500 Abound, amen? 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:39.359 Abound in every good work. 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:41.099 When you trust God 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:42.759 by giving the tithe and the offering, 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:44.740 God's grace is more than sufficient 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.920 to provide your needs 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:47.039 and to strengthen 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.460 and empower the work 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:49.880 that you are doing in his name. 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:52.080 It will spur us all on. 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:54.420 The lack of faith of those 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:55.860 that do not give 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:58.160 hinders the work of God 00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:59.340 among his people. 00:25:59.600 --> 00:26:00.920 Now, I don't want you to misunderstand. 00:26:01.300 --> 00:26:02.539 My father owns the cattle 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:03.360 on a thousand hills. 00:26:03.560 --> 00:26:04.800 He don't need our money. 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:06.660 But he chooses 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:08.779 to use the obedient. 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.100 That's who he chooses 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:12.360 to be a part of. 00:26:12.580 --> 00:26:13.460 That's who he chooses 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.100 to work in. 00:26:14.099 --> 00:26:15.139 Make a point 00:26:15.139 --> 00:26:15.959 to be obedient 00:26:15.959 --> 00:26:17.119 with what is precious. 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:20.219 Because when we fail 00:26:20.219 --> 00:26:21.019 to give faithfully, 00:26:21.139 --> 00:26:22.819 we are hindered ourselves. 00:26:23.439 --> 00:26:24.599 But we are also 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:25.659 not trusting God 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:26.279 in that matter. 00:26:26.699 --> 00:26:27.359 And that stunts 00:26:27.359 --> 00:26:28.439 personal growth. 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.399 And if you've learned 00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:31.279 anything from this 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.279 passage of scripture today, 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:33.199 I hope you've learned. 00:26:33.639 --> 00:26:34.699 And when we fail 00:26:34.699 --> 00:26:35.599 to grow in the Lord, 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:36.639 and when we fail 00:26:36.639 --> 00:26:37.299 to do what God 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:37.980 tells us to do, 00:26:38.159 --> 00:26:39.519 that fails to spur 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.480 or to stimulate 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.799 the work of the Lord 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.139 in other people as well. 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.839 So give. 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:47.039 Just give faithfully. 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.619 God's got it taken care of. 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:50.359 I promise you. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:51.859 Just be faithful. 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:54.399 And then serve. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:57.159 The Apostle Paul 00:26:57.159 --> 00:26:59.079 said in Galatians 5, 00:26:59.139 --> 00:26:59.839 verse 13, 00:26:59.839 --> 00:27:01.919 through love, 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:03.220 serve one another. 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:04.559 Remember, 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.220 we're talking about 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:06.240 spurring on. 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:06.879 We're talking about 00:27:06.879 --> 00:27:08.059 stirring up. 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.639 We're talking about 00:27:08.639 --> 00:27:09.619 motivating, 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.859 promoting, 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.099 stimulating. 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.980 That's what teachers do. 00:27:15.940 --> 00:27:17.000 That's what was going on 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:18.079 in Sunday school classes 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:19.299 just a few moments ago. 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.500 From the little bitty ones 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:22.960 to the real old ones. 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:24.079 That's what was happening. 00:27:25.279 --> 00:27:26.599 Spurring one another on. 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.539 That's what happens 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:28.539 when those greeters 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.720 stand out there 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.399 on that porch. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.460 Invite you in. 00:27:32.859 --> 00:27:33.960 Stirring one another on. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.579 That's what happens 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:35.639 when people serve. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.119 That's what happens 00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:38.059 when people cook. 00:27:38.939 --> 00:27:39.699 That's what happens 00:27:39.699 --> 00:27:40.679 when people host. 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.199 When they sing. 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:43.359 When they play instruments. 00:27:44.739 --> 00:27:45.659 Every one of us 00:27:45.659 --> 00:27:46.699 needs a small group. 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.839 A Sunday school class 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.339 to share our life with 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.759 and a place of service 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:52.339 to serve God in. 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:54.959 Nobody needs to do everything. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:57.279 Everybody needs to do something. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.639 And we encourage 00:27:58.639 --> 00:27:59.799 one another along 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:01.479 when we serve the Lord. 00:28:02.159 --> 00:28:03.759 God honors such as that. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.819 You've got to find your niche. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:07.839 Get busy for God. 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:11.259 And then follow up. 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:14.339 There's possibly 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:15.740 no better way 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.720 to be an encourager 00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:18.279 than to touch base 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:18.980 with someone 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:20.919 as you have the opportunity. 00:28:21.980 --> 00:28:23.619 When you greet somebody 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:26.279 touch back base with them. 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.919 Don't leave them behind. 00:28:29.859 --> 00:28:31.759 When you pray for somebody 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:34.439 follow up on them. 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:37.259 When you share your faith 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:37.980 with somebody 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:40.180 follow up on them. 00:28:41.320 --> 00:28:43.000 When you invite somebody 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.500 to come 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:45.799 follow up on them. 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:48.279 If the first contact 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.160 means that you care 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:49.820 the second one 00:28:49.820 --> 00:28:50.620 means that you love 00:28:50.620 --> 00:28:51.240 and when folks 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:52.400 are loving one another 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.340 and when folks 00:28:53.340 --> 00:28:54.100 are spurring 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:55.039 one another along 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:57.420 God gets involved 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:58.660 and God does 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.539 wonderful things 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.320 in our midst. 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:03.179 so I encourage you 00:29:03.179 --> 00:29:05.339 spur one another on. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:08.279 If that was an acrostic 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:10.639 it'd be a horrible one. 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:12.819 I don't like acrostics. 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:17.700 I just want you 00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:18.319 to get the point 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:20.700 that we ought to 00:29:20.700 --> 00:29:21.579 spur one another on. 00:29:21.579 --> 00:29:23.980 I've been a part 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.619 of a high school 00:29:24.619 --> 00:29:26.980 football program 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:28.199 as a chaplain 00:29:28.199 --> 00:29:29.639 or as a stat guy 00:29:29.639 --> 00:29:30.819 or as an announcer 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:32.119 for over 25 years. 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:35.339 I've been in a lot 00:29:35.339 --> 00:29:36.119 of field houses 00:29:36.119 --> 00:29:37.699 at halftime. 00:29:39.179 --> 00:29:40.099 Heard a lot of things 00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:40.960 I didn't really want to hear. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:45.240 The coach's job 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.460 may be to chew them out. 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.299 The coach's job 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:50.480 may be to fire them up. 00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:53.600 He may be to console them. 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:57.319 Hopefully not to cry with them 00:29:57.319 --> 00:29:58.680 at least not at halftime. 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:04.039 But he knows his team 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:07.180 and he knows the time 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:10.539 and he knows what they need. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:13.880 And it's his job 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:15.019 to bring that team 00:30:15.019 --> 00:30:16.059 to the next level 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:18.519 for the rest of that game. 00:30:21.680 --> 00:30:22.600 Church, I'm new. 00:30:24.319 --> 00:30:25.279 I don't know you 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.860 as well as I want to. 00:30:27.340 --> 00:30:27.819 I'm trying. 00:30:28.340 --> 00:30:29.400 Studying your pictures 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.340 and names last night. 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:31.340 You didn't get your picture 00:30:31.340 --> 00:30:31.920 made at Easter. 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:32.660 Shame on you. 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:35.200 I'm trying. 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.240 But church, 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:39.579 let's spur one another on. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:41.839 Let's not be satisfied 00:30:41.839 --> 00:30:42.619 with where we are. 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:45.199 Let's spur one another on 00:30:45.199 --> 00:30:47.839 to do great works of God. 00:30:48.059 --> 00:30:48.259 Preacher, 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:49.519 how do we do that? 00:30:49.639 --> 00:30:50.639 Well, you see it. 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:54.519 Find your place. 00:30:55.879 --> 00:30:56.779 Do your thing. 00:30:57.939 --> 00:30:59.439 God has orchestrated 00:30:59.439 --> 00:31:01.460 the body of Christ 00:31:01.460 --> 00:31:03.019 and the body of this 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:04.759 body of Christ 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:05.980 together. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.099 Together, 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.920 we have everything 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.720 we need. 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:10.400 We just got to be obedient 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:11.240 and follow God. 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:12.660 And he'll do 00:31:12.660 --> 00:31:14.480 wonderful things 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.319 among us. 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:16.619 Listen, 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:18.740 if we're going to do it 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:20.460 in the name of the Lord, 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:21.960 let's do it right. 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.319 He deserves 00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:26.180 our best. 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.759 So spur one another 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:30.119 along. 00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:31.819 Find a place 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.720 to click into. 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:34.579 Find a place 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.299 to serve. 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:36.799 Don't try 00:31:36.799 --> 00:31:37.539 to do it all, 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:39.559 but do something 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:41.420 for the Lord Jesus. 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:43.640 With every head bowed 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:46.039 and every eye closed, 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:48.259 I want you to know 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.539 the time is precious. 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:51.440 It's precious. 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.539 I don't know exactly 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:54.400 what that means. 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:56.339 It could mean 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:57.460 for an individual here 00:31:57.460 --> 00:31:58.600 in some capacity. 00:31:58.720 --> 00:31:59.180 I don't know. 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:01.180 But I know 00:32:01.180 --> 00:32:01.980 that what I see 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.560 in Scripture 00:32:02.560 --> 00:32:04.000 over and over again 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.920 that was all written 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:06.240 over 2,000 years ago, 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:08.860 all of it 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:10.940 is to telling us 00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:12.600 to spur 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:13.680 one another along, 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:15.880 to encourage 00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:16.400 one another 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.200 along the way 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:18.700 because the day 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:19.240 is approaching. 00:32:20.820 --> 00:32:22.120 We're on barred time. 00:32:22.119 --> 00:32:24.639 We only have 00:32:24.639 --> 00:32:25.259 so long 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.019 in this life. 00:32:28.619 --> 00:32:29.859 God tells us 00:32:29.859 --> 00:32:31.299 to make the most 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:32.159 of it for His cause 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:32.699 and His kingdom. 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:35.099 If we're Christians 00:32:35.099 --> 00:32:35.959 and we're set apart 00:32:35.959 --> 00:32:36.459 for Him, 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:38.319 let's make a difference 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:38.899 in His life. 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:41.099 Now what is it 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:42.119 in your life today 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:43.259 that's hindering you 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.059 from being everything 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:45.119 that God would have you to be? 00:32:46.479 --> 00:32:47.199 Maybe it's that 00:32:47.199 --> 00:32:47.979 you've never taken 00:32:47.979 --> 00:32:48.739 that first step. 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.979 You've never asked 00:32:49.979 --> 00:32:50.539 the Lord Jesus 00:32:50.539 --> 00:32:51.519 to come into your life. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.220 You've never asked 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:52.879 Him to save you 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:53.700 and to change you. 00:32:54.879 --> 00:32:55.400 And if you're here 00:32:55.400 --> 00:32:55.859 this morning 00:32:55.859 --> 00:32:56.660 and you've never 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.460 surrendered your life 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.500 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.579 I am thankful 00:32:59.579 --> 00:33:00.599 that today is the day 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.259 of salvation 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:02.279 and that if you'll 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.079 surrender your life 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:03.359 to Him 00:33:03.359 --> 00:33:03.819 and ask Him 00:33:03.819 --> 00:33:04.319 to forgive you 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:04.920 and to cleanse you 00:33:04.920 --> 00:33:06.019 of your sin 00:33:06.019 --> 00:33:07.759 and you'll turn from it 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.460 and follow Him 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.119 in His way, 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.500 He'll save you today. 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.579 I'm thankful for that. 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:12.700 When we stand 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.680 and sing in just a moment, 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.480 you come down this aisle, 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:15.019 I'll be happy 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:16.900 to guide you in that. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:19.059 Maybe you're here 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:19.440 and you know 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:20.079 you're a Christian 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.639 but you know 00:33:20.639 --> 00:33:21.379 there's some stuff 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:21.900 missing. 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.040 Ain't enough 00:33:23.040 --> 00:33:24.120 spurn going on 00:33:24.120 --> 00:33:24.740 for you. 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:28.520 Well, I hope 00:33:28.520 --> 00:33:29.620 the sharp point 00:33:29.620 --> 00:33:30.320 has hit you 00:33:30.320 --> 00:33:31.440 in the side today. 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.720 Not just to make you 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.220 feel bad 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:35.260 but to respond to it 00:33:35.260 --> 00:33:36.240 in a way 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.220 that will honor God 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:38.880 and please Him. 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:40.280 Will you be faithful 00:33:40.280 --> 00:33:40.860 to Him 00:33:40.860 --> 00:33:41.380 today? 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:43.000 Maybe you're here 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:43.980 and God's drawing you 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:44.500 to this body 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:45.060 of believers. 00:33:45.840 --> 00:33:46.340 You come. 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:47.300 Let's talk about that. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.899 What a wonderful 00:33:48.899 --> 00:33:49.299 it would be 00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:50.079 for you to join us 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:51.000 along the journey 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:53.059 of serving the Lord. 00:33:53.919 --> 00:33:54.460 Lord Jesus, 00:33:54.559 --> 00:33:55.039 I love you 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:55.799 and I thank you 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:57.440 for your Holy Spirit 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.079 and how He works 00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:58.480 and moves 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:59.279 and I ask right now, 00:33:59.339 --> 00:33:59.720 dear God, 00:34:00.159 --> 00:34:01.059 that you'll just lead us 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:01.740 to be obedient 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.839 whatever you tell us 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:03.220 to do. 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:05.279 In Jesus' precious name, 00:34:05.960 --> 00:34:06.259 amen. 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.119 Let's pray to Him 00:34:07.119 --> 00:34:08.159 and Alpha 00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:09.179 and��ides. 00:34:09.179 --> 00:34:09.940 Thank you, 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:10.320 at Brook Lead, 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:10.539 and other projects 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.019 folk movement 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:11.420 that I've ever 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.440 left with While 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.239 Twine is a responsible 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:14.280 and should be 00:34:14.280 --> 00:34:14.880 helping the earth 00:34:14.880 --> 00:34:15.179 and their son 00:34:15.179 --> 00:34:15.980 and has a medicine 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:16.159 in the circle of 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:16.440 disciples. 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:17.539 I don't see you 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:18.699 like the building 00:34:18.699 --> 00:34:18.960 and the fragile 00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:19.079 and the world 00:34:19.079 --> 00:34:20.280 and the unknown 00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:21.699 and the 91. 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.760 And that we have 00:34:22.760 --> 00:34:23.480 them before 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.239 that where 00:34:24.239 --> 00:34:25.179 when the people 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:25.239 went past 00:34:25.860 --> 00:34:26.619 their dual 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.440 and the automobile 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:27.860 and the Prep 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:28.980 and história 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.579 to become 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:32.059 master father 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.320 after that 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:32.820 all 00:34:32.820 --> 00:34:32.860 and the 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:34.099 child 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.280 and life 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:35.500 and became 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:35.860 very