WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:04.240 Luke chapter 1, Christmas is a big deal to a Christian. 00:00:05.280 --> 00:00:10.339 Well, it's a big deal to most, you know, with the busy shopping, the gifts, the decor, 00:00:11.259 --> 00:00:18.879 fla-la-la-la-la, all those things that make it up and it's fun and it's family. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:24.879 Christmas ought to be a really big deal to the Christian because of the real meaning of Christmas. 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:32.179 It's this time of year when we acknowledge the virgin-born incarnation of Christ and without him, 00:00:33.119 --> 00:00:35.600 we'd have no hope at eternal redemption. 00:00:36.479 --> 00:00:46.879 But the biblical account of the birth of Christ also serves as a wonderful teaching guide for us in our lives. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:53.840 Teaches us some great spiritual truths that I just felt led this year to focus on. 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:59.080 Over the last few weeks, we've looked at the events that preceded the birth of Christ. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:06.600 And we first learned about the preparation of the Lord, that John prepared us for Jesus. 00:01:07.740 --> 00:01:10.400 And Jesus prepared us for the Holy Spirit. 00:01:11.420 --> 00:01:14.580 And the Holy Spirit prepares us for the return of the Lord. 00:01:15.240 --> 00:01:20.000 And last week, we learned from the narrative that we can trust God. 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:21.080 God will provide. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:22.600 We can rest in that. 00:01:22.599 --> 00:01:25.079 And don't know what you're dealing with today. 00:01:25.959 --> 00:01:27.459 Don't know what you're uncertain about. 00:01:27.579 --> 00:01:29.819 But I can promise you, God will provide. 00:01:29.899 --> 00:01:30.459 He's faithful. 00:01:31.119 --> 00:01:33.939 The prophecies of Christmas proclaim that. 00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:45.159 And today, I want us to look for just a few minutes at a model of worship that's found in the preceding passages in the Gospel of Luke. 00:01:45.159 --> 00:01:53.640 When we learn a lot about how to worship, how to respond to God, we grow in the Lord. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:58.200 And we have that opportunity to do that when we pay attention to what we read. 00:01:58.679 --> 00:02:01.519 Today, we look at the mother of Jesus. 00:02:02.179 --> 00:02:03.159 Her name was Mary. 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:14.639 And the song she sang in the midst of her joy and in the midst of her humility upon finding out about her pregnancy. 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:16.699 Something pretty powerful. 00:02:17.379 --> 00:02:21.219 Luke chapter 1, beginning in verse 39, it says this. 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:28.360 In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town in Judah. 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:33.199 And she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:39.060 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. 00:02:39.139 --> 00:02:39.860 That's John the Baptist. 00:02:39.860 --> 00:02:42.580 And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:46.600 And she exclaimed with a loud cry, blessed are you among women. 00:02:47.020 --> 00:02:50.020 And blessed is the fruit of your womb. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:03:00.700 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 00:03:00.880 --> 00:03:07.900 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:14.760 And blessed is she who will believe that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:20.140 And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:24.540 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. 00:03:25.480 --> 00:03:29.080 For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:34.520 For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 00:03:34.520 --> 00:03:38.140 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. 00:03:38.640 --> 00:03:41.080 And holy is his name. 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:46.879 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 00:03:47.420 --> 00:03:49.640 He's shown strength with his arm. 00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:52.800 He's scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 00:03:53.260 --> 00:03:57.820 He's brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate. 00:03:58.320 --> 00:04:02.439 He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he sent away empty. 00:04:02.439 --> 00:04:12.639 He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring. 00:04:14.379 --> 00:04:20.199 The summary of the song of Mary is, the Lord is worthy of our praise. 00:04:20.939 --> 00:04:28.540 And if you pay attention to the words in which she says there, she prophesies a lot upon what Christ actually would be. 00:04:28.540 --> 00:04:35.819 And how because of who he would be and the difference he would make, we have a lot to give him praise for. 00:04:36.120 --> 00:04:38.220 I just want to look at a few this morning. 00:04:39.240 --> 00:04:48.439 Mary praised him because in Christ, his strength empowers our weakness. 00:04:49.800 --> 00:04:52.620 How overwhelmed Mary must have felt. 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:57.240 We truly can't imagine what was going through her mind. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:59.480 There's been some who've tried to figure that. 00:04:59.579 --> 00:05:07.360 A song that probes into that, you'll have the opportunity to hear tonight as well, is a song called Mary Did You Know. 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:12.500 Great questions that Mark Lowry wrote in that song. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:14.680 We don't know what she knew. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:21.120 But we know from this song, we know that she knew that this was a mighty act. 00:05:21.560 --> 00:05:24.620 And she knew it was done only by the hand of God. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:31.000 She knew it was a holy act set apart by God before the foundation of the earth. 00:05:31.639 --> 00:05:34.040 She also knew it was an act of mercy. 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:42.780 That God himself in human form would come to build a bridge so that we could be united with God the Father. 00:05:42.779 --> 00:05:47.479 She knew that it was somewhat of a balancing of the scales of justice. 00:05:48.039 --> 00:05:52.759 That his strength would overwhelm the strong while strengthening the weak. 00:05:53.399 --> 00:05:59.059 That his might would pull down thrones of man and exalt the humble. 00:05:59.779 --> 00:06:02.539 That the hungry would now be filled. 00:06:03.139 --> 00:06:05.839 That the wicked rich would be impoverished. 00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:09.719 Mary praised the Lord for his strength. 00:06:10.399 --> 00:06:15.259 Because she knew it was only by him. 00:06:16.259 --> 00:06:17.659 Understand this Christmas. 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:24.859 When God sent Jesus, he sent him because he knows our weaknesses. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:32.059 He came in weakness to reach the weak and to make them strong. 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:34.479 I like the way Moses said it. 00:06:34.480 --> 00:06:36.800 Well before the birth of Christ. 00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:39.640 In Exodus chapter 15 verse 2. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:44.939 He said the Lord is my strength and my song and he has become my salvation. 00:06:45.740 --> 00:06:49.220 This is my God and I will praise him. 00:06:49.580 --> 00:06:52.879 My Father's God and I will exalt him. 00:06:53.740 --> 00:06:56.300 But the passages preceding the birth of Christ. 00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:59.600 Also give us reason to give him praise. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:09.160 We ought to give him praise this Christmas because his holiness saves us from condemnation. 00:07:10.840 --> 00:07:13.960 Zachariah was a righteous man. 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:16.200 A priest in the temple. 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:21.260 And he and his wife Elizabeth had sought a child for all of their adult life. 00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:23.740 And unable to have one they gave up. 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:30.120 But the angel Gabriel came to them and told him that they would bear a child. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:32.199 And he laughed at the angel. 00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:34.960 He didn't think it was possible and said it couldn't be. 00:07:35.660 --> 00:07:38.180 And he was instantly struck mute. 00:07:39.519 --> 00:07:45.100 It was after the baby John the Baptist was born that Zachariah regained his voice. 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:50.800 In response to being obedient to God in naming the child. 00:07:51.460 --> 00:07:53.340 What he was told to name the child. 00:07:53.920 --> 00:07:55.640 And immediately he began speaking. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:08:02.620 His proclamation when he began speaking again was one that praised the Lord for all that he had done. 00:08:03.280 --> 00:08:05.080 In that time of quiet. 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:10.140 God had revealed himself to Zachariah. 00:08:10.139 --> 00:08:13.219 And now that John the Baptist had come. 00:08:14.300 --> 00:08:16.919 Zachariah had regained his voice. 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:20.180 It was somewhat overwhelming for him. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:23.240 I want you to notice what he speaks of. 00:08:23.300 --> 00:08:24.779 He first talks about salvation. 00:08:25.279 --> 00:08:27.719 It's found in Luke 1, 68 and 69. 00:08:27.839 --> 00:08:28.319 It says this. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:32.740 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he has visited and redeemed his people. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:38.899 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. 00:08:38.899 --> 00:08:40.879 Now when it says a horn of salvation. 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:43.799 A horn speaks of strength. 00:08:44.959 --> 00:08:46.279 And if you don't understand that. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:48.220 Get tangled up with a bull. 00:08:49.199 --> 00:08:50.279 You don't know about a horn. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.179 After speaking of salvation. 00:08:53.799 --> 00:08:56.939 He also speaks to God's willingness to fulfill. 00:08:57.199 --> 00:08:58.399 To faithfully fulfill. 00:08:58.879 --> 00:09:02.340 That message that the prophets told throughout time. 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:03.759 He says in verse 70. 00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:04.340 He says this. 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:08.100 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. 00:09:08.660 --> 00:09:10.600 That we should be saved from our enemies. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.280 And from the hand of all who hate us. 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:16.320 To show the mercy promised to our fathers. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:18.840 And to remember his holy covenant. 00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:22.259 The oath that he swore to our father Abraham. 00:09:22.780 --> 00:09:24.000 To grant us. 00:09:24.280 --> 00:09:27.920 That we being delivered by the hand of our enemies. 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:30.300 Might serve him without fear. 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:33.500 In holiness and righteousness. 00:09:34.079 --> 00:09:35.299 Before him. 00:09:36.079 --> 00:09:37.339 All of our days. 00:09:38.359 --> 00:09:38.899 In other words. 00:09:39.039 --> 00:09:39.219 It's. 00:09:39.579 --> 00:09:42.779 It was all about knowing the promise of God. 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:47.079 And the claiming the promise of God. 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:48.719 What was that promise? 00:09:48.859 --> 00:09:50.699 The promise that he spoke of is. 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:54.059 That John the Baptist would come to proclaim. 00:09:54.219 --> 00:09:56.079 As he walked before Christ. 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:58.679 Preparing the way. 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:01.500 And listen to how John is described. 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:03.679 It says in verse 66. 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:07.799 And you child will be called the prophet of the most high. 00:10:08.439 --> 00:10:10.939 For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. 00:10:11.359 --> 00:10:13.599 To give knowledge of salvation to his people. 00:10:14.079 --> 00:10:15.639 In the forgiveness of their sins. 00:10:16.079 --> 00:10:18.259 Because of the tender mercy of our God. 00:10:18.359 --> 00:10:21.479 Whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high. 00:10:21.699 --> 00:10:23.839 To give light to those who sit in darkness. 00:10:24.339 --> 00:10:25.639 And in the shadow of death. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:29.120 To guide our feet into the way of peace. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.100 Therefore the message. 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:34.580 Is that a holy God loved us so much. 00:10:35.319 --> 00:10:37.139 That he sent his only son. 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:38.659 That whoever believes in him. 00:10:39.319 --> 00:10:41.259 And turns from their wicked ways. 00:10:41.319 --> 00:10:42.199 And follows him. 00:10:42.799 --> 00:10:44.159 Will not go to hell. 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:46.659 But will live with God. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.000 For eternity. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:51.379 Your relationship with God. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:54.039 Could begin today. 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:56.899 And why is that? 00:10:57.539 --> 00:10:59.440 Because the holy one came. 00:10:59.679 --> 00:11:00.480 To save. 00:11:00.899 --> 00:11:01.840 The condemned. 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:03.899 And for that. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:06.139 We ought to give him praise. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:07.899 But notice also. 00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:10.539 We ought to give him praise. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:11.379 This Christmas. 00:11:12.580 --> 00:11:14.919 Because his peace. 00:11:14.919 --> 00:11:16.879 Settles. 00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.159 Our chaos. 00:11:19.539 --> 00:11:21.159 It's only by the peace of the Lord. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:24.439 That the chaos that goes on in our lives. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.899 Sometimes showing on our face. 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:28.059 Sometimes just feeling in our gut. 00:11:28.479 --> 00:11:30.979 But the chaos that we deal with in our life. 00:11:31.259 --> 00:11:32.360 It's only by his peace. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.799 That we can be settled. 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:38.299 The angel soared over that field of sheep. 00:11:38.919 --> 00:11:41.579 Scared those shepherds to death. 00:11:41.699 --> 00:11:42.860 And said don't be afraid. 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:44.339 How ironic is that? 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:46.620 I got some good news. 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.860 The savior is being born. 00:11:49.660 --> 00:11:51.620 And then in Luke chapter 2 verse 14. 00:11:51.780 --> 00:11:54.480 It says glory to God in the highest. 00:11:55.080 --> 00:11:58.700 And on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:01.780 You know what biblical peace is? 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:07.300 Biblical peace is not an absence of conflict. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.980 It's not an absence of war. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:13.040 It's not an absence of difficulty. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:18.240 Biblical peace is instead wholeness. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:22.000 It is completeness. 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:26.519 In the midst of whatever is happening. 00:12:27.580 --> 00:12:30.519 Up until now this picture had been incomplete. 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:33.379 The story had not been written. 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:36.120 The ending was still to come. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:40.699 Up to this point any forgiveness that was given. 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:44.059 Was simply based on what was to come. 00:12:44.240 --> 00:12:45.879 Because that forgiveness would come. 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:48.199 Because of what Christ would do. 00:12:48.200 --> 00:12:50.980 But once Christ came. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:57.660 Now the bow has been tied on the greatest gift humanity would ever be offered. 00:12:58.920 --> 00:12:59.600 And that's Jesus. 00:13:00.440 --> 00:13:02.700 Now it is complete. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:06.100 Now all is complete. 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:12.060 Folks what I want you to hear this morning is now we can be complete. 00:13:13.920 --> 00:13:16.240 Because of what he's done for us. 00:13:16.759 --> 00:13:19.840 He is worthy of our praise. 00:13:20.560 --> 00:13:24.540 And it ought to mark our lives. 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:26.219 Folks. 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:29.159 I realize on Christmas Eve. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:31.719 There's a lot of things you could be doing. 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:33.879 And a lot of busyness. 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:35.179 With family. 00:13:35.620 --> 00:13:36.759 And with friends. 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.319 And going and doing. 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:40.799 And you paused today. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:43.539 To come into this house of worship. 00:13:44.319 --> 00:13:46.759 And to take a moment to give God praise. 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:47.839 To remember. 00:13:48.579 --> 00:13:49.860 What this season. 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:51.719 Is all about. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:54.279 And I'm glad you're here. 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:58.340 It ought to mark our lives. 00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:01.740 It ought to mark our lives. 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:04.019 We go out of this place. 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:05.860 Change people. 00:14:06.040 --> 00:14:07.379 Because Christ has come. 00:14:08.300 --> 00:14:10.399 And if you don't know Jesus personally. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:13.240 There's not a need for you to wait. 00:14:13.540 --> 00:14:14.320 Any longer. 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.560 He is the greatest gift. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:18.220 You could ever receive. 00:14:19.060 --> 00:14:21.620 And the only gift that he asks of you. 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:24.300 Is to believe that he is the Christ. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.180 The son of God. 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:27.320 And to surrender your life. 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:28.379 To him. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:31.060 Because the salvation he gives. 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:32.060 Is complete. 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:35.100 It meets you where you are. 00:14:36.180 --> 00:14:37.980 It solves what you need. 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:38.940 And it is offered. 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:40.259 Thank God to all. 00:14:41.040 --> 00:14:42.279 We ought to give him praise. 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:43.899 This Christmas. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:45.960 Mary praised him. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:48.240 Because he touched her personally. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:51.419 Zachariah praised him. 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:54.100 What else should come from the lips. 00:14:54.259 --> 00:14:55.500 After a state of muteness. 00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:58.440 The angels praised him. 00:14:59.299 --> 00:15:00.419 What are we to do? 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:02.360 We ought to praise him. 00:15:03.060 --> 00:15:04.340 We ought to praise him. 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:05.759 With all of our lives. 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:08.700 Let it not only mark this day. 00:15:10.560 --> 00:15:12.320 Let it mark this season. 00:15:12.320 --> 00:15:16.060 Let it mark our worship. 00:15:18.280 --> 00:15:20.360 Let it mark our lives. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:22.900 He is worthy. 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:25.140 To be praised. 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:27.780 With every head bowed. 00:15:28.640 --> 00:15:30.140 And every eye closed. 00:15:31.280 --> 00:15:32.580 We've looked. 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:35.120 At the words that came. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.740 Before the birth of Christ. 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:38.880 That proclaimed him. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.439 Coming. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.200 I purposely. 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:42.980 Went through. 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:45.539 The first chapter. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.000 Of the gospel of Luke. 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:47.559 This year. 00:15:48.320 --> 00:15:49.779 To focus upon that. 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:51.419 Because I wanted you to see. 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:53.419 How poignant. 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:55.019 The coming of Christ. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:55.720 Was. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:58.179 Through his virgin birth. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.220 And friend. 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.179 If you're here this morning. 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:02.659 And there's never been a time. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:04.799 When you've surrendered your life. 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:06.039 To the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:08.059 You've never asked him. 00:16:08.079 --> 00:16:09.419 To forgive you of your sins. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.500 You've never asked him. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.500 To change your life. 00:16:12.579 --> 00:16:14.159 You've never surrendered your life. 00:16:14.219 --> 00:16:15.039 To follow him. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:16.740 From this day forward. 00:16:17.719 --> 00:16:18.939 I will tell you. 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:20.039 The only hope. 00:16:20.399 --> 00:16:21.839 But it's not a wistful hope. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:22.879 It's a strong hope. 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.539 The only hope you have. 00:16:24.599 --> 00:16:25.699 Is to give your heart and life. 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:26.980 To the Lord Jesus today. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.779 To surrender. 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.379 To him. 00:16:31.199 --> 00:16:32.399 Everything that you are. 00:16:33.219 --> 00:16:34.079 And ask him to make you. 00:16:34.079 --> 00:16:35.240 Everything he'd have you to be. 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:38.039 If that's never happened to you today. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.799 I want you to know. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:39.360 In just a moment. 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.059 We're going to stand. 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:40.899 And we're going to sing. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:42.539 The invitation is open. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:44.019 I'd love to guide you. 00:16:44.079 --> 00:16:45.000 And what that means. 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:46.719 To give your heart and life. 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:48.519 To the Lord Jesus. 00:16:49.439 --> 00:16:51.179 Maybe you've done that privately. 00:16:52.699 --> 00:16:55.199 Maybe you've never told others about that. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.159 Or if you have. 00:16:56.219 --> 00:16:57.559 You've never done it publicly. 00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.559 Jesus. 00:16:58.559 --> 00:16:58.919 Jesus. 00:16:58.919 --> 00:16:59.559 Jesus. 00:16:59.559 --> 00:16:59.919 Jesus. 00:17:00.119 --> 00:17:00.779 By his. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.359 Example. 00:17:02.479 --> 00:17:04.059 As well as by his commission. 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:06.419 Told us that we as Christians. 00:17:06.419 --> 00:17:07.399 Ought to be baptized. 00:17:08.679 --> 00:17:10.099 Ought to show our faith. 00:17:10.179 --> 00:17:11.039 Before others. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:13.700 That if we'll be ashamed of people. 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.960 We'll be ashamed of him before people. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:17.679 He'll be ashamed of his father before us. 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:19.659 So I'm wondering today. 00:17:19.659 --> 00:17:20.500 If there's one here. 00:17:20.599 --> 00:17:21.599 Who possibly has. 00:17:22.879 --> 00:17:24.319 Looks back at a point in your life. 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.500 When you know. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:27.879 You've surrendered your life to Christ. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:30.099 But you've never been baptized. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.980 You've never followed the Lord. 00:17:35.159 --> 00:17:36.339 In that obedience step. 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:38.859 If that's the case. 00:17:38.939 --> 00:17:40.179 I encourage you to come today. 00:17:40.319 --> 00:17:41.819 We'd love to line that up for you. 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:44.399 Maybe God's drawing you to this church. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.319 You've been saved. 00:17:46.419 --> 00:17:46.879 You've been baptized. 00:17:46.879 --> 00:17:49.259 But God's drawing you to be a part of this church. 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:51.599 And you want to join us in the journey. 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:53.619 God's blessed us in recent days. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:55.259 We're thankful for that. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.659 We'd love for you to join us in this journey. 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:59.739 Let's be faithful to the Lord together. 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:01.000 Let's hold each other accountable. 00:18:01.459 --> 00:18:02.819 Let's grow in him together. 00:18:03.459 --> 00:18:05.119 Or maybe there's just stuff. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:07.019 You need to lay before the Lord. 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:08.500 Maybe you need somebody to pray with you. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.699 Or you want to come to these steps. 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:12.139 And make it your altar. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:14.199 Lay it down before the Lord. 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:16.619 I don't know what you need to deal with this Christmas. 00:18:16.739 --> 00:18:18.579 But I know this is the time to do it. 00:18:20.239 --> 00:18:20.879 God's ready. 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:24.120 Willing and able to meet you where you are. 00:18:24.200 --> 00:18:25.020 And change you forever. 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:27.080 Lord Jesus I love you. 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:28.080 And I thank you dear God. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.420 For the love that you have for us. 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:32.740 I pray that you'll bless each and every person in this place today. 00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:35.320 Lord you know their needs. 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:37.040 You know their burdens. 00:18:38.060 --> 00:18:39.100 You know what they need to do. 00:18:39.820 --> 00:18:40.520 Lead them Lord. 00:18:40.760 --> 00:18:41.760 And help us to be obedient. 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:43.400 In Jesus name. 00:18:43.520 --> 00:18:43.740 Amen. 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:44.640 Stand together for you. 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:45.700 97. 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:46.360 Jesus is grateful for you. 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.420 8 décor Anyikuvo is with him. 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.680 Cast their eyes, Beacon you love up. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.060 Oh what you are seeding? 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:51.580 Have a love going to be for you in Jesus. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.520 surgical care. 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:53.020 Of course goodbye. 00:18:53.100 --> 00:18:53.600 No need to be assistance. 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:55.000 I am stepping on the 것. 00:18:55.060 --> 00:18:55.900 I thought this match basically. 00:18:56.040 --> 00:18:57.100 That will help you. 00:18:57.100 --> 00:18:57.880 Remember I will enjoy it. 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:58.920 And I will be connecting to you in the palace. 00:18:59.280 --> 00:19:07.680 Ahhh, oh 00:19:08.380 --> 00:19:09.920 לא�ON interacting, church, being in hands. 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:11.420 I taught this match. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:11.960 OK way. 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:14.080 apon которой, even though this match against you when it appears.