WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.120 Well, tomorrow is Labor Day, and that was started to celebrate those that labor and 00:00:09.120 --> 00:00:13.300 to give them a working man's holiday at the end of the summer. 00:00:14.160 --> 00:00:19.879 It was intended to be there for those who were wore slap out. 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:24.179 Well, and somebody yawned as soon as I said that. 00:00:24.179 --> 00:00:30.300 We all need a break sometimes, especially when you wore slap out. 00:00:30.879 --> 00:00:31.719 You know what that means? 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:33.140 You know what it means to be wore slap out? 00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:37.519 Now, when a dog's tired, it lays down. 00:00:39.380 --> 00:00:43.100 But when a dog's wore slap out, his tongue hangs out sideways, 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:46.859 his heart's racing on the floor when he's laying there, 00:00:46.859 --> 00:00:51.079 and he won't move even if a squirrel goes right by his nose. 00:00:51.399 --> 00:00:52.879 That's when you wore slap out. 00:00:54.179 --> 00:00:57.659 When I played football, I used to come in from football practice. 00:00:57.859 --> 00:00:58.659 Couldn't even eat. 00:00:58.780 --> 00:01:01.240 I was so tired and worn out. 00:01:01.320 --> 00:01:04.959 I'd just go get a cup and put a couple of scoops of ice cream in it 00:01:04.959 --> 00:01:09.719 and some whole milk and a couple of eggs and a banana 00:01:09.719 --> 00:01:15.599 and some Joe Weider weight gain because I weighed 155 pounds, 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:17.620 praying for 170. 00:01:18.500 --> 00:01:19.900 Some things never change. 00:01:19.980 --> 00:01:21.180 I'm praying for 170. 00:01:21.180 --> 00:01:25.540 Not really. 00:01:26.540 --> 00:01:27.900 I was skinny once. 00:01:27.960 --> 00:01:30.380 I said I'll never be skinny again, but I meant it apparently. 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:34.480 What I didn't read on that package was, 00:01:34.740 --> 00:01:37.680 Joe Weider weight gain is time release. 00:01:38.580 --> 00:01:40.980 And about five years later, it kicked in. 00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:43.360 And it ain't let up. 00:01:43.600 --> 00:01:44.520 It's serious. 00:01:44.519 --> 00:01:49.899 I worked lawn maintenance for a summer between college and seminary, 00:01:50.039 --> 00:01:52.479 and I could not wait to get back in the truck 00:01:52.479 --> 00:01:57.179 because you could sleep from one stop to the next. 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:00.280 War slap out. 00:02:00.280 --> 00:02:06.099 If you're wore out, you want to sit down. 00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:09.860 But if you're wore slap out, you don't want to move. 00:02:11.379 --> 00:02:16.599 Now let me just ask you, have you ever been worn slap out? 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:19.400 I don't mean from the yard. 00:02:20.739 --> 00:02:22.120 I mean in life. 00:02:23.579 --> 00:02:25.840 Maybe your life is just too hectic. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:28.000 It's too busy. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:33.060 Maybe your marriage is not honoring God like it needs to be, 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:34.120 and it's wearing you out, 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:37.060 and not honoring each other, and it's wearing you out. 00:02:37.199 --> 00:02:38.639 Maybe your children are rebelling, 00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:42.500 scaring you to death, going in the wrong direction, 00:02:43.459 --> 00:02:45.740 wearing you out. 00:02:45.740 --> 00:02:49.520 Maybe you feel dry inside, 00:02:51.200 --> 00:02:52.760 spiritually sapped, 00:02:54.080 --> 00:02:54.879 worn out. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:02:58.080 It could be that your finances are horrible. 00:02:58.480 --> 00:03:00.120 It could be that your debt's growing. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:02.260 It could be that your bills are piling up. 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:07.860 Maybe it's because you have the weight of a sin 00:03:07.860 --> 00:03:09.820 bearing down upon you. 00:03:10.900 --> 00:03:14.820 Maybe habitual sin in your life weighing down upon you. 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:17.459 You are unclean, and you are miserable, 00:03:17.799 --> 00:03:20.479 and you are worn slap out. 00:03:24.900 --> 00:03:27.060 Sometimes it seems like there's not an end in sight 00:03:27.060 --> 00:03:28.120 when you feel like that. 00:03:29.019 --> 00:03:29.959 So what do you do? 00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:34.519 What do you do when you don't know what to do? 00:03:34.520 --> 00:03:40.740 How do you survive when you're worn slap out? 00:03:42.320 --> 00:03:43.800 Well, I'm glad you asked. 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:48.480 Because today we're going to take a break 00:03:48.480 --> 00:03:51.219 from the stories that Jesus told, 00:03:52.379 --> 00:03:53.580 the parables in Luke, 00:03:53.580 --> 00:03:58.600 to hear a request of Jesus 00:03:58.600 --> 00:04:02.000 that I believe we all need to hear, 00:04:02.640 --> 00:04:04.260 at least from time to time. 00:04:05.260 --> 00:04:07.040 It's in Matthew chapter 11, 00:04:08.040 --> 00:04:09.760 beginning in verse 28. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:11.780 Jesus said, 00:04:12.379 --> 00:04:13.399 come to me. 00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:19.300 All who labor and are heavy laden, 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:20.279 I'll give you rest. 00:04:21.099 --> 00:04:23.579 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 00:04:23.699 --> 00:04:25.459 for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 00:04:25.579 --> 00:04:27.259 and you'll find rest for your souls. 00:04:28.860 --> 00:04:30.360 For my yoke is easy, 00:04:30.360 --> 00:04:34.120 and my burden is light. 00:04:36.920 --> 00:04:41.699 Come to the Lord and rest, folks. 00:04:42.780 --> 00:04:45.100 Thank God he invites us to come. 00:04:45.460 --> 00:04:48.060 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7 says, 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:51.040 cast all your anxieties on him 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:53.600 because he cares for you. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:56.180 Now Peter's not just saying, 00:04:56.780 --> 00:04:58.460 give him your worries one by one 00:04:58.460 --> 00:04:59.319 as they come up. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:00.180 No, that's not what he's saying. 00:05:00.520 --> 00:05:01.420 Peter is saying, 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:03.160 commit your life 00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:07.740 to cast your burdens upon the Lord. 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:09.840 I heard from a man 00:05:09.840 --> 00:05:12.340 that led Orlando Wilson to the Lord. 00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:15.740 Orlando Wilson, a famous fisherman, 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:18.160 TV shows and those things. 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:21.080 And he asked Orlando Wilson, 00:05:21.080 --> 00:05:22.120 asked his pastor, 00:05:22.280 --> 00:05:22.580 he said, 00:05:22.680 --> 00:05:24.199 will you teach me about Jesus? 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:25.699 And he asked Orlando, 00:05:25.840 --> 00:05:27.180 will you teach me how to fish? 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:28.680 He said, I will. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:29.460 Sounds like a deal. 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:31.740 He said they went fishing 00:05:31.740 --> 00:05:36.040 and he cast out of line. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:38.480 And Orlando said, 00:05:38.520 --> 00:05:39.480 no, that's not how you do it. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:42.920 You don't just throw it out there. 00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:45.680 If you want to fish, 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:45.699 if you want to fish, 00:05:45.699 --> 00:05:47.480 when you cast, 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:49.980 you cast it out there. 00:05:50.660 --> 00:05:51.980 Throw it out there. 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:55.180 That's what that word means. 00:05:56.180 --> 00:05:58.439 That word means sling it. 00:05:59.379 --> 00:06:01.160 Sling it down at the Lord. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:03.259 Give it to him. 00:06:03.259 --> 00:06:05.779 I like the way the Amplified Bible puts it. 00:06:05.860 --> 00:06:06.319 It says this, 00:06:06.839 --> 00:06:09.039 casting the whole of your care, 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:11.139 all your anxieties, 00:06:11.300 --> 00:06:12.319 all your worries, 00:06:12.579 --> 00:06:13.759 all your concerns, 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:16.099 once and for all on him. 00:06:16.699 --> 00:06:18.920 For he cares for you affectionately 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:22.240 and cares for you watchfully. 00:06:23.599 --> 00:06:27.240 Too many times we want to care for us, 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:30.860 but we want him to care for us, 00:06:30.920 --> 00:06:32.579 but we still want to carry it. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:34.900 Three generations ago, 00:06:35.579 --> 00:06:37.939 there was a guy coming down the road on a cart. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:40.759 There was a man on the side of the road 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:42.540 with a big old bag on his back, 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:43.819 weighed down, 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:45.920 wore slap out. 00:06:46.980 --> 00:06:48.699 The cart stopped to pick him up. 00:06:48.699 --> 00:06:51.019 When the man got on the cart, 00:06:52.120 --> 00:06:52.959 he sat down, 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:55.379 but he kept that bag over his shoulder, 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:58.459 continued to be weighed down by that bag. 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:02.539 And the man driving that cart said, 00:07:02.680 --> 00:07:04.659 why don't you just lay that down? 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:06.319 And the man said, 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:06.860 oh no, 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:09.159 it's good for you to carry me. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:11.159 I couldn't expect you to carry my burden as well. 00:07:13.599 --> 00:07:16.019 That's about how silly we are sometimes, folks. 00:07:16.019 --> 00:07:18.919 When we continue to carry stuff 00:07:18.919 --> 00:07:21.719 that the Lord has told us to give to him. 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:24.899 Don't pick it back up. 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:29.759 Cast it upon the Lord. 00:07:31.039 --> 00:07:33.620 Come to the Lord and rest. 00:07:35.099 --> 00:07:38.060 Listen to the Lord and follow. 00:07:39.859 --> 00:07:41.319 Listen to him and follow. 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:43.259 It says, 00:07:44.219 --> 00:07:45.259 Jesus says, 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:47.539 for my yoke is easy. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:49.500 Literally, 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:50.199 that means, 00:07:50.360 --> 00:07:51.899 yoke means to walk alongside 00:07:51.899 --> 00:07:52.819 and learn from. 00:07:52.939 --> 00:07:55.219 It's the name for that wood 00:07:55.219 --> 00:07:56.259 or iron frame 00:07:56.800 --> 00:07:59.379 that joins two oxen together 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:00.839 or draft animals together 00:08:00.839 --> 00:08:02.039 to pull a plow 00:08:02.039 --> 00:08:02.860 or a cart 00:08:02.860 --> 00:08:04.060 or a load. 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:06.339 A new ox 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:07.060 is always 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.259 a yoke 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:10.480 to an experienced ox 00:08:10.480 --> 00:08:12.680 and they pull that cart together 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:15.019 so he can teach the younger one 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.660 and to share that load. 00:08:17.280 --> 00:08:18.959 But when he talks about yoke here, 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:19.980 it's also talking about 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:21.680 the yoking of students 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:23.100 to a rabbi. 00:08:24.459 --> 00:08:25.579 Ancient rabbis 00:08:25.579 --> 00:08:27.319 saw their role in the community 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:29.300 as one of studying, 00:08:30.399 --> 00:08:31.040 discussing, 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:32.759 and interpreting 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:35.240 the revealed word of God 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:36.620 and for them at that time 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:37.620 was the Old Testament. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:40.340 They were to help people 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:42.200 understand that text 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:43.720 and they were to live out 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:45.139 that text before them. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:46.100 For instance, 00:08:46.600 --> 00:08:47.879 what does it mean 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:49.060 when the text says 00:08:49.060 --> 00:08:50.940 to remember the Sabbath day 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:52.399 and keep it holy? 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:54.639 How do you do that? 00:08:55.659 --> 00:08:56.819 Well, my mama told me 00:08:56.819 --> 00:08:57.340 growing up 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.120 it meant you didn't go 00:08:58.120 --> 00:08:59.179 to the movies on Sunday. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:00.620 That's one way you do it, 00:09:00.759 --> 00:09:01.059 you know. 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:03.779 There's different interpretations 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:05.100 of how you handle that. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:05.419 Well, 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:06.779 the rabbi 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:08.240 would make that determination 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.559 and some would say 00:09:09.559 --> 00:09:09.840 that 00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:12.240 if you walked over a mile 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:13.039 in one day 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:15.079 that it was considered work. 00:09:16.139 --> 00:09:16.720 And so therefore, 00:09:17.259 --> 00:09:17.759 and remember, 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:18.799 we're not talking about folks 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:19.659 who did it for exercise, 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:20.399 we're talking about people 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:21.419 who did it to get around, 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:22.860 that if you went more 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:23.599 than a mile, 00:09:24.219 --> 00:09:25.620 then it was work 00:09:25.620 --> 00:09:26.279 and you were not 00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:27.259 keeping the day holy. 00:09:27.559 --> 00:09:28.740 Another one said 00:09:28.740 --> 00:09:30.379 you can walk 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:31.959 a mile and a half. 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:34.339 It was different interpretations. 00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:34.659 Now, 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:36.179 some of those interpretations 00:09:36.179 --> 00:09:37.719 depend on how far 00:09:37.719 --> 00:09:38.799 they live from the synagogue. 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:43.419 Because if the synagogue 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:44.539 is a mile and a half away 00:09:44.539 --> 00:09:45.099 and you can't walk 00:09:45.099 --> 00:09:45.719 but a mile a day, 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:46.519 you can't go to the synagogue 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:47.959 on the Sabbath. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:50.779 And so there were interpretations 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:51.939 that were different 00:09:51.939 --> 00:09:52.899 for each one. 00:09:53.539 --> 00:09:54.179 One would say 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:54.799 you could do this, 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:55.620 one would say that. 00:09:55.720 --> 00:09:56.259 Different ones had 00:09:56.259 --> 00:09:57.100 different set of rules 00:09:57.100 --> 00:09:57.779 and they added 00:09:57.779 --> 00:09:59.019 to the word of God 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:00.459 their rules. 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:02.939 One rabbi's set of rules 00:10:02.939 --> 00:10:04.500 or his list of interpretations 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:05.600 was considered 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:07.600 his rabbi's yoke 00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:09.100 is what they called that. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:10.539 And he would invite 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:11.360 young men 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:12.659 to be trained by him 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:14.500 to become a Talmud 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:16.000 or a Jewish scholar. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:18.840 And if that young man 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:20.080 accepted that invitation, 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:21.539 he would leave his family, 00:10:22.039 --> 00:10:23.460 he would leave his village, 00:10:23.639 --> 00:10:25.220 he would leave all that he knew 00:10:25.220 --> 00:10:26.659 and from that day forward 00:10:26.659 --> 00:10:27.820 he was devoted 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:28.879 to the rabbi, 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:30.139 not just teaching, 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:31.039 not just learning 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:31.820 his teachings 00:10:31.820 --> 00:10:33.440 but becoming like him 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:34.259 in every way, 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:36.240 going wherever he went, 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.179 doing whatever he was doing, 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:39.940 teaching whatever he taught. 00:10:40.039 --> 00:10:42.860 It was a total life commitment. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:46.340 It was taking on his yoke. 00:10:47.460 --> 00:10:49.419 It means you see how he walks 00:10:49.419 --> 00:10:50.700 and you walk the same. 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:52.460 You commit to him 00:10:52.460 --> 00:10:54.620 and let him lead. 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:56.500 And then one rabbi said, 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:59.080 my yoke is easy. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.960 And his name is Jesus. 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:07.620 And when you commit 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:09.080 your life to Christ, 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:10.980 you're taking on 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:14.539 as an unexperienced sheep. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:16.680 You're taking on 00:11:16.680 --> 00:11:18.720 the yoke of the Lord 00:11:18.720 --> 00:11:20.740 for him to train you, 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:22.920 for him to walk with you, 00:11:23.420 --> 00:11:25.060 for him to interpret life 00:11:25.060 --> 00:11:26.539 through his word to you, 00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:28.500 and for you to have 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.519 total commitment 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:31.000 to follow him. 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:33.920 Jesus didn't drag 00:11:33.920 --> 00:11:35.420 folks down 00:11:35.420 --> 00:11:36.700 like a rabbi would. 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:39.940 Jesus don't belabor you 00:11:39.940 --> 00:11:40.680 with a bunch of rules 00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:42.040 like the Pharisees did. 00:11:42.140 --> 00:11:42.400 Matter of fact, 00:11:42.460 --> 00:11:43.500 Jesus spoke against them 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:46.180 again and again 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:47.100 in Matthew 23. 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:49.240 But he said 00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:50.180 in verse 4 particularly, 00:11:50.300 --> 00:11:50.600 he said, 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:51.680 they tie up 00:11:51.680 --> 00:11:52.980 heavy burdens, 00:11:53.700 --> 00:11:54.680 hard to bear, 00:11:55.259 --> 00:11:55.980 and lay them 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:56.900 on people's shoulders, 00:11:57.040 --> 00:11:57.759 but they themselves 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:58.280 are not willing 00:11:58.280 --> 00:11:59.160 to move them 00:11:59.160 --> 00:12:00.080 with their finger. 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.259 I know preachers 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:04.860 like that. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:07.600 I do. 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:10.240 Deacons may be like that. 00:12:10.340 --> 00:12:10.759 Church leaders 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:11.659 may be like that. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:13.460 Church people sometimes 00:12:13.460 --> 00:12:14.399 will look down on you. 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:17.560 But I want to be clear, 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:18.340 whatever your path 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:18.779 has been, 00:12:19.580 --> 00:12:21.060 that is not of God, 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:22.820 and that is not 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:23.700 what God does, 00:12:24.060 --> 00:12:25.159 and that's not 00:12:25.159 --> 00:12:25.820 his message. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.419 Romans chapter 8 00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:29.279 verse 1 says, 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:30.420 there is therefore 00:12:30.420 --> 00:12:31.860 now no condemnation 00:12:32.779 --> 00:12:33.539 for those, 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:34.680 thank God, 00:12:34.860 --> 00:12:36.139 who are in Christ Jesus. 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:37.700 No condemnation. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.960 In reality, 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:42.159 it was the Pharisee type, 00:12:42.300 --> 00:12:44.659 it was the hypocritical 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:46.639 church aristocracy 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:47.460 that Christ 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.759 was offering 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:50.500 relief from 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:51.940 when he said, 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:53.740 my yoke is easy. 00:12:54.680 --> 00:12:55.460 He's talking about 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:56.019 those that have 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:57.320 loaded you down 00:12:57.320 --> 00:12:58.759 with rules and regulations 00:12:58.759 --> 00:12:59.600 on your shoulders, 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:00.139 and some people 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:01.300 make it their mission 00:13:01.300 --> 00:13:02.440 to sap the joy 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:03.420 out of your salvation 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:04.039 completely. 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:05.819 I mean, 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.740 if you're enjoying it, 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:07.779 it must not be of God, 00:13:07.839 --> 00:13:08.099 right? 00:13:10.039 --> 00:13:11.099 There's a Greek word 00:13:11.099 --> 00:13:11.579 for that, 00:13:11.699 --> 00:13:12.240 it's baloney. 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:17.219 Some people have 00:13:17.219 --> 00:13:18.219 a persistently 00:13:18.219 --> 00:13:19.379 negative tone 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:20.339 to what they say. 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:21.719 I want to be clear 00:13:21.719 --> 00:13:22.159 this morning, 00:13:22.219 --> 00:13:23.339 that's not of Christ, 00:13:23.699 --> 00:13:24.179 thank God, 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:25.240 that's not the gospel. 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:26.879 Christ came to give us 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:27.339 freedom, 00:13:27.799 --> 00:13:29.879 not for riotous living, 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:31.980 Christ came to give us 00:13:31.980 --> 00:13:33.519 freedom as a standard 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:35.019 to be lived by, 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:36.840 rules to guide 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:37.840 your life by, 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:39.500 but all of them 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:41.200 are for our own protection. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:43.840 We see people 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:44.820 abandon them today, 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:46.159 we see ourselves 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:47.059 abandon them today. 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:48.860 We go our own way, 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:49.960 we make our own decisions, 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:51.500 we sin against God, 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.720 don't say, 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:53.000 preacher, 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:53.559 look at me, 00:13:53.620 --> 00:13:54.500 because I've got news for you, 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:54.960 the word of God 00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:55.879 says we all do it, 00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:57.980 and the reality is 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:59.960 to keep us right 00:13:59.960 --> 00:14:00.539 with God 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:01.720 where true freedom 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:02.519 and wholeness 00:14:02.519 --> 00:14:03.279 and fullness 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:04.259 is found, 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:05.559 we need to listen 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:06.279 to Him 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:08.000 and follow 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:09.120 Him. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.539 Now let me be clear, 00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:14.279 when you take 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:14.879 that little 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:17.639 cup 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:19.559 that has the bread 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:20.340 and the juice 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.000 in it 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:23.320 and we participate 00:14:23.320 --> 00:14:24.419 that in just a little bit, 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:25.139 you know what you're saying? 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.639 I commit my life 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:28.139 to you, Lord. 00:14:31.439 --> 00:14:32.720 Your body was given 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.220 for me, 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:35.320 your blood was shed 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:35.820 for me, 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:37.799 and I've committed 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:38.620 my life, 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.899 I've taken you 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:40.720 in, 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:43.820 I've digested 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:46.159 what you gave me. 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:51.799 Be sure 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:53.860 to come to Him 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:55.300 and rest 00:14:55.300 --> 00:14:56.500 and listen to Him 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.960 and follow 00:14:57.960 --> 00:15:00.360 and trust the Lord. 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.080 Trust Him, 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:03.039 He's easy on you. 00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:05.220 He said, 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:05.820 my burden 00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:06.440 is light. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.419 He's not harsh, 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.620 He's not overbearing, 00:15:09.820 --> 00:15:11.519 He's not oppressive, 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.500 His yoke is easy, 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:14.519 His burden is light, 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:16.080 not because His standards 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:16.879 are less, 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:18.419 but because He 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.379 carries your burden, 00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:20.600 because He 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.720 trains you up, 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:22.159 because He 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:23.080 sends you out, 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:23.740 because He 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.620 accompanies you 00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:25.939 in all of your way. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:26.980 He's looking out 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.419 for you, 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:28.539 He'll give you a peace. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.299 You don't have to worry 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:31.019 about life 00:15:31.019 --> 00:15:32.820 or where He may take you, 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:33.960 peace is resting 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:34.700 in Him 00:15:34.700 --> 00:15:35.779 because He's worthy 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:36.220 of it. 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:37.840 You can rest in Him. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.639 Don't worry about tomorrow, 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.720 today has enough 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.179 of its own, 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.379 tomorrow worry about itself. 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:43.539 God's already there, 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.019 folks, 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.700 you can rest in Him 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:46.100 with that. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:47.240 He'll give you 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.400 the restoration you need, 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:48.940 He'll give you 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:50.120 the rekindling you need, 00:15:50.280 --> 00:15:51.560 the nurture that you need, 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:52.840 He'll give you the power 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:54.060 that you need to face, 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.900 whatever comes tomorrow. 00:15:56.180 --> 00:15:56.800 And He says, 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.340 I am gentle. 00:15:58.640 --> 00:15:59.000 In other words, 00:15:59.020 --> 00:16:00.080 He comes with a loving 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.800 and gentle spirit. 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.320 He says, 00:16:02.400 --> 00:16:03.259 I am humble. 00:16:03.900 --> 00:16:04.840 Philippians chapter 2 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:06.300 says He emptied Himself. 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.640 He became a servant 00:16:08.640 --> 00:16:09.620 for us. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.840 He became obedient 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:12.080 even to the death 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:13.100 on the cross. 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:14.980 He's not, 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:16.019 He's not going to 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:16.860 one-up you. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.879 I want you to hear me 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.360 this morning. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:24.639 Jesus died 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:26.960 for you. 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:30.680 He died for you. 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:35.840 And He definitely 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:37.800 lives for you. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.800 He's making intercession 00:16:40.800 --> 00:16:41.240 for you. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:44.940 And He loves you dearly. 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:49.159 I heard about a photographer 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:51.159 who took pictures 00:16:51.159 --> 00:16:51.759 at school 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.720 on picture day. 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.879 First graders lined up 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.019 to get their picture made. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:00.639 And in order to get 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.620 that picture made 00:17:01.620 --> 00:17:02.919 with a first grader 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.480 that don't want to get 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.200 their picture made, 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:06.440 you got to make small talk 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.319 and all that kind of stuff. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:07.960 I don't want to be 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:09.319 a first grade photographer. 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:13.799 He asked one little girl, 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.059 what are you going to be 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:16.919 when you grow up? 00:17:18.179 --> 00:17:18.799 She said, 00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:19.299 tired. 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:26.500 How many of you 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.099 are there today? 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:32.980 If that's the way you feel, 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.839 come to the table 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.359 of the Lord. 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:39.719 Refresh yourself 00:17:39.719 --> 00:17:42.219 with a fresh reminder 00:17:42.219 --> 00:17:43.199 of what He's done 00:17:43.199 --> 00:17:43.699 for you. 00:17:45.459 --> 00:17:46.500 Confess your sins. 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.799 God will save you. 00:17:51.679 --> 00:17:52.859 Just commit your life 00:17:52.859 --> 00:17:53.240 to Him. 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:56.200 And if He has saved you 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:57.299 and you know that, 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:00.319 recommit your life to Him. 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:03.099 Commit to this church today 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:04.079 as God leads you. 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.500 Rest in the Lord today. 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.779 What's that burden 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:09.140 that you have 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:10.279 upon your heart today? 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:12.779 You leave it with God. 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:15.039 He can handle it. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.660 He already knows 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:17.539 how it's going to turn out. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.720 We just need to rest it 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:21.599 in His hands. 00:18:23.240 --> 00:18:25.500 With every head bowed 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.720 and every eye closed, 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:29.079 I want to ask you 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.539 this morning, 00:18:30.259 --> 00:18:32.420 if there's ever been 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:33.559 a time in your life 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:35.160 when you've surrendered 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:35.740 your life 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.920 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:39.759 you've ever confessed 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.620 your sins to Him 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:41.660 and agreed with Him 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.380 that you're a sinner, 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:44.900 needing a Savior, 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.259 knowing that you're 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.180 separated from God 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:48.980 due to your sin. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:53.200 If you've never done that, 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:53.860 today's the day 00:18:53.860 --> 00:18:54.640 for you to do that. 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:56.860 Today's the day 00:18:56.860 --> 00:18:57.480 for you to say, 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:57.759 Lord, 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.759 I want you to save me. 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:00.960 I want you to change me. 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:03.519 I want you to make me 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:04.559 what you'd have me to be. 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:07.299 And I want you to know 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.039 there's a lot of things 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.460 we're going to do 00:19:08.460 --> 00:19:09.299 in the next few moments, 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:09.920 but there's nothing 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:10.460 more important 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.240 than the opportunity 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.160 that you have 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:13.640 to surrender your life 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:14.680 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.700 If you've never done that, 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.519 I encourage you to come. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.460 In just a few moments, 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.180 when we stand to sing, 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:19.680 you come. 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:21.220 I'd be happy to guide you 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:21.839 in that process. 00:19:23.559 --> 00:19:24.900 Maybe you have done that 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.039 and you know you're a Christian, 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:26.759 but you know 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:28.059 that you are wore out 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.879 probably from your own mistakes, 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:31.539 but maybe from somebody else's. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.599 And today you need to be clean. 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:38.240 The Apostle Paul said that, 00:19:39.460 --> 00:19:40.639 told the church in Corinth, 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:41.240 he said, 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.339 some of y'all are sick 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.200 because you've come 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:44.240 to the table of the Lord 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.900 with unconfessed sin 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:46.539 in your life. 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.740 Because you've not acted 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:50.220 appropriately toward each other. 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:52.339 Because you're not clean 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:53.099 before him 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:55.000 and take part in that. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.579 It's making you sick. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.299 That's what he said. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:01.019 God takes it seriously, folks. 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:03.220 And so if there's matters 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:03.819 in your life 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:04.980 that you need to confess, 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.420 repent of today, 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:07.099 you do that 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.839 before you take 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:08.819 this bread and this cup. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:11.319 It is open for all 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:12.039 who've been saved 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.639 and baptized 00:20:12.639 --> 00:20:14.359 to take today. 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:16.419 If you're a child here 00:20:16.419 --> 00:20:17.259 and that's never happened 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:17.719 to you, 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:19.500 your parents do something, 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:20.500 it's not snack time. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.479 When you leave here, 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.119 I encourage you 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:24.719 to ask them about. 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:26.859 Ask them about 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:27.659 what they did today 00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:28.579 and what that means. 00:20:29.339 --> 00:20:29.740 Parents, 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:30.319 that can cause 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:32.039 a wonderful gospel conversation 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.079 to come in the home. 00:20:34.459 --> 00:20:34.979 Maybe you're here 00:20:34.979 --> 00:20:35.679 and you're not a kid, 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.579 but the reality is 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.199 you've never given 00:20:37.199 --> 00:20:37.859 your heart and life 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:38.379 to the Lord. 00:20:38.919 --> 00:20:39.759 Are there's hindrances 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:40.439 in your life 00:20:40.439 --> 00:20:41.419 even as a Christian 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:42.140 that cause you 00:20:42.140 --> 00:20:42.800 from being everything 00:20:42.800 --> 00:20:43.860 God would have you to be? 00:20:45.320 --> 00:20:46.160 Scripture tells us 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.039 to be clean. 00:20:48.560 --> 00:20:49.340 And so I would tell you 00:20:49.340 --> 00:20:50.060 today to repent 00:20:50.060 --> 00:20:50.880 and make it right. 00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:51.880 You can do that 00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:52.440 where you are, 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:52.840 you can do it 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:53.460 at this altar. 00:20:54.300 --> 00:20:55.400 That's what it's here for. 00:20:56.680 --> 00:20:57.700 You just obey God 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.740 and do what He tells you to do. 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:00.940 Maybe God's drawing you 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.019 to be a part of this church. 00:21:04.120 --> 00:21:05.039 God's doing a work 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:05.660 in this church 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.240 and I'm thankful 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.120 to be a part of it. 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:09.740 If God's drawing you 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:10.420 to be a part of that, 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:10.900 there's no need 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.019 for you to hold that off. 00:21:14.560 --> 00:21:15.820 So I encourage you to come. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:16.920 We'd love to guide you 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:17.660 in that process 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.259 of what it means 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.759 to be a member 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.400 of Pickens First. 00:21:22.280 --> 00:21:23.340 Maybe you've been saved 00:21:23.340 --> 00:21:24.400 but never been baptized 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:25.940 as a believer. 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.220 That's the first step 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:28.740 of obedience 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.620 and it's a hindrance 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:30.200 in your life 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.019 if that's not happened. 00:21:31.600 --> 00:21:32.540 So I encourage you 00:21:32.540 --> 00:21:33.000 to be obedient 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.720 and follow Him today. 00:21:33.780 --> 00:21:34.340 We'll be happy 00:21:34.340 --> 00:21:35.259 to guide you in that. 00:21:35.320 --> 00:21:36.100 We're not doing it today, 00:21:36.160 --> 00:21:36.720 but we'll be happy 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.420 to guide you 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:39.060 and set that up for you 00:21:39.060 --> 00:21:40.240 because we do plan 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.200 to do it in the near future. 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.339 I don't know 00:21:43.339 --> 00:21:44.319 what God's telling you folks, 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:45.539 but let's get right, okay? 00:21:46.120 --> 00:21:47.299 Let's do this thing right. 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:49.099 Let's do exactly 00:21:49.099 --> 00:21:50.240 what God tells us to do. 00:21:50.880 --> 00:21:51.259 Lord Jesus, 00:21:51.359 --> 00:21:51.779 I love you 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:52.680 and I thank you, dear God, 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:53.680 for your love for us. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.279 Lead us right now 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.960 to be obedient 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.799 to follow you 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.920 as you lead. 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:59.740 In Jesus' precious name, 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.500 amen. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:00.620 Amen. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.000 Stand up.