WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:17.980 Jesus, we do cry out to you this morning and beseech you. 00:00:19.240 --> 00:00:22.500 We want to be your church like that. 00:00:22.500 --> 00:00:30.300 Would your church, not just here but around the world, be a church like that? 00:00:30.740 --> 00:00:32.519 Founded on Christ. 00:00:33.480 --> 00:00:37.480 Reaching the brokenhearted and binding up the wounded. 00:00:39.079 --> 00:00:41.840 Proclaiming the truth of Jesus. 00:00:44.480 --> 00:00:47.439 Would you make that true of us here? 00:00:47.439 --> 00:00:55.140 Father, we long to be the church that you have created us and called us to be. 00:00:56.320 --> 00:01:01.219 And so this morning we turn to your word and ask that you would guide us. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:02.859 Would you teach us? 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:05.840 Would you show us what that looks like? 00:01:06.700 --> 00:01:09.140 Show us the beauty of where you're doing that here. 00:01:09.319 --> 00:01:15.400 Show us the places where we're struggling and the places we need to turn back to you afresh. 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:19.420 Jesus, you've promised to build your church. 00:01:20.740 --> 00:01:25.660 And there will be nothing, not even the gates of hell that can stand against her. 00:01:26.120 --> 00:01:29.380 And so will you do that even through our time this morning. 00:01:30.740 --> 00:01:32.140 Build us up through your word. 00:01:33.420 --> 00:01:34.460 We ask in your name. 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:35.620 Amen. 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:41.960 You can turn with me this morning to 1 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:43.780 1 Corinthians 3. 00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:46.900 We're not leaving Luke entirely this morning. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:49.620 If your Bible falls open there, you just hold your place. 00:01:49.719 --> 00:01:50.400 We'll be back. 00:01:51.400 --> 00:01:55.579 But we are going to build a little on what we discussed last week. 00:01:56.680 --> 00:02:04.760 Last week Jesus concluded his sermon in Luke chapter 6 with an incisive warning about examining ourselves. 00:02:05.520 --> 00:02:10.080 Looking at the foundations of our lives as we've been talking about this morning. 00:02:10.080 --> 00:02:14.820 I showed you some of the cracks in the walls of my home. 00:02:15.920 --> 00:02:19.780 Which can be warning signs of foundation issues. 00:02:21.140 --> 00:02:28.920 We talked about the eternal significance of shaping our lives around the person and work and words of Christ. 00:02:29.180 --> 00:02:33.160 Having him truly be our foundation personally and individually. 00:02:33.159 --> 00:02:41.379 We're going to see this morning that individual struggles can easily become corporate struggles. 00:02:41.900 --> 00:02:46.819 In other words, if it can happen with individual people, it can happen in a church. 00:02:48.159 --> 00:02:51.400 Just check out these pictures from the doorway to my office. 00:02:51.400 --> 00:02:56.140 The first one is looking in there on the left. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:57.719 That's not artistic. 00:02:58.140 --> 00:02:58.939 That's a crack. 00:02:59.920 --> 00:03:04.500 The second one is the view that I have each week while I'm writing my sermons. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:07.800 A great reminder actually. 00:03:07.800 --> 00:03:11.540 Of the importance of the importance of a good foundation. 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:14.340 There are some foundation issues in the office. 00:03:14.840 --> 00:03:17.120 You should know that they're being addressed. 00:03:17.360 --> 00:03:18.520 That we've already engaged someone. 00:03:18.620 --> 00:03:22.939 That there's work underway to make sure my office doesn't slide off the side of the building. 00:03:23.600 --> 00:03:25.560 And if some of you were praying to that end. 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:34.759 But the cracks that I have in front of me each week are a great reminder of the importance of building a church. 00:03:34.759 --> 00:03:35.580 Not just a home. 00:03:35.699 --> 00:03:36.920 Not just an individual life. 00:03:37.020 --> 00:03:39.659 But a church on the foundation of Christ. 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:41.319 On something firm. 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:44.680 It's equally vital for a church as it is for an individual. 00:03:45.539 --> 00:03:48.680 Not just for a physical building that we would call a church. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:54.879 But for us spiritually as God's people to have a firm foundation. 00:03:54.879 --> 00:03:59.099 As we ordain and install officers in this church this morning. 00:03:59.099 --> 00:04:03.240 I thought it would be good to revisit that priority that Jesus speaks of. 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:08.060 And talk about the corporate application of that for us as a church. 00:04:09.039 --> 00:04:11.919 Paul is writing here in 1 Corinthians to a church. 00:04:12.340 --> 00:04:13.659 A church with some health. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:15.699 And with some dysfunction. 00:04:16.620 --> 00:04:19.339 Like every church I have ever known. 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:21.800 He's using the picture of a building. 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:26.579 And he writes to a church that he planted about their corporate foundation. 00:04:26.780 --> 00:04:30.180 Listen to God's word in 1 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:04:30.600 --> 00:04:32.060 Beginning at verse 9. 00:04:33.460 --> 00:04:35.540 We are God's fellow workers. 00:04:36.100 --> 00:04:37.460 You are God's field. 00:04:37.660 --> 00:04:38.639 God's building. 00:04:39.900 --> 00:04:42.120 According to the grace of God given to me. 00:04:42.199 --> 00:04:43.759 Like a skilled master builder. 00:04:43.960 --> 00:04:45.000 I laid a foundation. 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:47.340 And someone else is building upon it. 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:50.259 Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:53.139 For no one can lay a foundation. 00:04:53.599 --> 00:04:55.300 Other than that which is laid. 00:04:56.079 --> 00:04:58.000 Which is Jesus Christ. 00:04:58.680 --> 00:04:59.800 The grass withers. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:01.060 The flowers fade. 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:04.920 But these words of our God will stand forever. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:08.620 I don't want to complicate this morning. 00:05:08.719 --> 00:05:09.920 A very simple statement. 00:05:10.379 --> 00:05:11.240 That we just read. 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:15.439 That Paul makes as the bottom line of what's going on here for the church. 00:05:15.659 --> 00:05:16.399 Verse 11. 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:20.819 No one can lay a foundation. 00:05:21.359 --> 00:05:22.939 Other than that which is laid. 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:24.399 Which is Jesus Christ. 00:05:25.379 --> 00:05:30.359 The church must be built on the foundation of Christ alone. 00:05:30.599 --> 00:05:31.620 How's that for profound? 00:05:31.859 --> 00:05:33.399 I really jazzed it up there didn't I? 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:36.459 The church is one foundation. 00:05:36.679 --> 00:05:37.839 Is Jesus Christ her Lord. 00:05:37.899 --> 00:05:38.719 We've been singing it. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:40.239 We've been talking about this. 00:05:40.279 --> 00:05:41.399 It's not new information. 00:05:41.399 --> 00:05:48.259 But maybe being a Christ centered church sounds to you like something redundant. 00:05:49.039 --> 00:05:50.719 Something to be taken for granted. 00:05:51.459 --> 00:05:52.199 Of course. 00:05:52.579 --> 00:05:53.479 Of course will. 00:05:53.599 --> 00:05:55.979 What else would be going on at a church? 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:58.079 Of course we're going to be Christ centered. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:06:00.120 Built on that foundation. 00:06:00.899 --> 00:06:03.419 Paul doesn't take it for granted at all. 00:06:04.219 --> 00:06:07.799 It's something that he's hammering home time and time again. 00:06:07.800 --> 00:06:09.600 As he writes to a variety of churches. 00:06:09.860 --> 00:06:12.000 This one in particular in Corinth. 00:06:12.460 --> 00:06:13.740 Just at the beginning of the book. 00:06:13.819 --> 00:06:14.560 Chapter 1. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:15.439 Here's what he says. 00:06:15.720 --> 00:06:17.819 He says people talk about a lot of things. 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:21.060 But we preach Christ crucified. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:22.620 Period. 00:06:24.580 --> 00:06:25.540 Chapter 2. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:28.540 He says it's tempting to use flowery language. 00:06:28.540 --> 00:06:31.300 To try to sound impressive as a pastor. 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:34.139 And talk about all sorts of creative things. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:40.159 But I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 00:06:41.659 --> 00:06:42.740 Now chapter 3. 00:06:43.279 --> 00:06:47.939 Paul says you're being divided into allegiances to human beings. 00:06:48.419 --> 00:06:51.339 Different human leaders that are distracting you. 00:06:51.719 --> 00:06:55.259 But no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid. 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:57.099 Which is Christ. 00:06:58.419 --> 00:07:03.399 He's reminding this church who is at the center of their community. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:07.679 Just as Jesus and his followers demonstrated in Luke 6. 00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:08.939 It's all about him. 00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:11.139 They're all there for him. 00:07:11.259 --> 00:07:11.479 Right? 00:07:12.979 --> 00:07:17.120 Jesus is the source of our salvation from beginning to end. 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:20.899 He's the one in whom we find every spiritual blessing. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:23.239 None of that comes apart from him. 00:07:24.099 --> 00:07:26.959 The church exists because of the work of Jesus. 00:07:27.339 --> 00:07:29.739 It grows through the grace of Jesus. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:32.399 And lives for the glory of Jesus. 00:07:32.399 --> 00:07:33.000 Right? 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:34.560 Isn't that true? 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:38.379 The church doesn't exist but for the work of Jesus. 00:07:39.519 --> 00:07:43.620 The church lives in everything we do for the glory of Jesus. 00:07:43.739 --> 00:07:49.339 Only being able to do that because of the grace of Jesus at work in and through us. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:51.019 That's our hope. 00:07:51.259 --> 00:07:54.459 We can't be reminded of that truth often enough. 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:55.019 Can we? 00:07:55.019 --> 00:08:02.359 But it's also important that we not just say it and hear it and think that sounds wonderful. 00:08:03.359 --> 00:08:05.159 But that we know what that means. 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:09.399 What does it look like to be a Christ-centered church? 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:10.679 I mean that sounds good. 00:08:11.259 --> 00:08:12.579 We should probably do that. 00:08:12.679 --> 00:08:14.279 But what does that mean about us? 00:08:14.359 --> 00:08:17.779 What does health look like in that regard? 00:08:18.179 --> 00:08:22.819 When a church is built on the foundation of Jesus, what's a healthy sign? 00:08:22.819 --> 00:08:25.019 And what's perhaps a crack? 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:35.439 What things do we see that might be cracks indicating that our corporate foundation is shifting, losing sight of the focus on Jesus? 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:41.220 There are probably hundreds of good answers to those questions. 00:08:41.340 --> 00:08:47.620 This morning I just want us to see three areas that Jesus highlights in his sermon in Luke 6. 00:08:48.400 --> 00:08:52.920 We've talked about this sermon already and about the personal application of it. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:56.259 But let's focus on the corporate application. 00:08:56.439 --> 00:09:06.819 What does it mean for Southwood or any church, any gathering of God's people to be Christ-centered, to have our foundation built on Christ alone? 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:12.939 First, it means that we must follow Christ's leadership. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:21.219 Jesus addresses the issue of leadership in his new community in verses 39 to 42 of Luke 6. 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:23.960 Jesus told them a parable. 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.980 Can a blind man lead a blind man? 00:09:26.060 --> 00:09:28.320 Will they not both fall into a pit? 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:35.080 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone, when he is fully trained, will be like his teacher. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:38.519 Here's Jesus again is reminding them. 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:39.960 And remember what he's saying here. 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:47.660 The goal is not to surpass Jesus, to outperform him, to be a better person than Jesus. 00:09:47.659 --> 00:09:52.199 No, instead, to be trained to be like him. 00:09:53.019 --> 00:10:01.360 And if we're blind to our own weaknesses, we will ruin ourselves and others, misleading them. 00:10:02.219 --> 00:10:03.959 And so he goes on in verse 41. 00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:10.580 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:18.720 How can you say to your brother, brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:19.940 You hypocrite! 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:27.540 First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:36.539 If a leader is to be of help to anyone else, he must first address his own sin. 00:10:37.719 --> 00:10:39.399 He's not the ultimate leader. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:50.919 Elders, deacons, God has called you to lead this body, to give us direction, even at times to help us see the specks in our eyes. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:56.079 Don't overlook your own log. 00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:58.620 Don't stop repenting. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:04.040 Don't forget there's only one perfect leader, and you're not the one. 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:08.500 We must follow Christ's leadership. 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:17.000 This is not merely for church officers, small group leaders, youth leaders who volunteer with our young people, 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:20.920 children's leaders who teach and lead them. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:28.959 Ask yourself, are we submitting ourselves to God's word for ourselves before we call others to do so? 00:11:29.459 --> 00:11:32.139 Is our sin bigger than our brothers? 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:38.219 Are we quick to find fault in ourselves and slow to find fault in others? 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:49.840 See, following Christ's leadership, seeing him as the true king and head of the church, the only one who's the perfect leader, 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:58.220 it means that human leadership in God's church looks in many ways very different from the kind of leadership the world seeks. 00:11:58.220 --> 00:12:07.460 Worldly leadership looks like always having the right answers or faking it when you don't, pretending that you do. 00:12:08.180 --> 00:12:13.340 Godly leadership looks like sometimes getting it wrong and admitting it. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:17.160 In worldly leadership, you have to step up. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:20.320 In godly leadership, you have to kneel down. 00:12:21.259 --> 00:12:24.560 Worldly leadership says, never let them see you sweat. 00:12:25.800 --> 00:12:32.019 Godly leadership says, let them see you sweat and cry and repent. 00:12:32.019 --> 00:12:36.600 Godly leadership points to self. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:39.960 Godly leadership points to another. 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:47.879 See, what's the real issue in all of these examples of the difference in two kinds of leadership? 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:52.199 It's in worldly leadership, you're asked to be the man, right? 00:12:52.799 --> 00:12:54.199 It's up to you. 00:12:54.579 --> 00:12:55.419 Be the leader. 00:12:55.419 --> 00:13:04.079 In godly leadership, Jesus remains the man, the leader. 00:13:04.679 --> 00:13:10.759 And you must know you need him to actually be led by him. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:13.059 He's your leader too. 00:13:14.939 --> 00:13:19.759 So I would say this to you, when you find someone who makes much of Jesus, 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:25.480 who makes Jesus be great in your eyes, in your heart, 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:29.639 when you find that person, follow him. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:35.759 Stick with her so that you can keep being led to Jesus. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:41.600 It may well be that you're not impressed with him personally on a regular basis. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:45.019 But when you're around him, you're impressed with Jesus. 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:47.799 Follow there. 00:13:48.319 --> 00:13:49.419 Stay there. 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:53.039 So that you'll always be led to Jesus. 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:59.100 Jesus paints this unusual picture of leadership in his new community. 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:03.919 Talks about logs and specks and leaders being blind. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:09.100 What he's saying is leaders following Jesus lead in humble repentance. 00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:12.960 We should be quick to listen and slow to be defensive. 00:14:14.340 --> 00:14:18.259 Quick to serve and slow to flaunt our authority. 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:20.819 Take advantage of those under our leadership. 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:25.659 Leaders following Jesus lead in dependent prayer. 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:28.500 Quick to ask for God's help. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:31.840 Slow to go anywhere in their own wisdom. 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:37.680 So as church members, you must pray for us. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:41.980 I told you we're going on a retreat this weekend, your elders and deacons. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:44.060 Pray then, but pray all the time. 00:14:44.180 --> 00:14:47.139 We desperately need God's help. 00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:50.759 We're being called to lead in a very counter-cultural way, 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:53.220 in a way that's not natural for any of us. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:57.000 So pray, pray that we would lead that way. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:15:01.899 Pray that our hearts would fight against the temptation to lead differently. 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:10.539 One of the things I'm most thankful for about this church is that God is creating that kind of leadership here. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:14.899 The men being installed this morning are a continuation of that. 00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:20.899 I wish you all got to sit in meetings and in conversations with these guys, 00:15:20.959 --> 00:15:25.199 as some of you do get the opportunity to do with our elders and deacons, 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:28.580 and see them examine their hearts together. 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:30.620 See them cry together. 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:32.820 Repent to each other. 00:15:33.400 --> 00:15:36.200 Pray together for God's direction. 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:38.020 You would be so encouraged. 00:15:39.140 --> 00:15:40.500 I'll show you a video next time. 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:46.540 We must pray God continues to make us such leaders. 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:49.420 Leaders who point to Christ. 00:15:50.920 --> 00:15:53.580 As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, that there's a danger, 00:15:53.580 --> 00:15:59.440 a real danger in the church when people look to human leadership more than to Christ. 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:08.759 When we lose focus on the glory of God because of our obsession with human strengths and gifts and successes and results. 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:12.160 It's what's been going on in Corinth and what's happening there, do you know? 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:13.720 It's dividing the church, isn't it? 00:16:14.160 --> 00:16:15.400 Into a bunch of different groups. 00:16:15.520 --> 00:16:16.280 I'm with Paul. 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.400 I'm with Apollos. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.900 Splitting them up. 00:16:19.900 --> 00:16:22.980 These days we would call it a cult of personality, right? 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:28.480 A human leader looming too large in front of Christ. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:36.860 Now you may think, oh, we got that easy at Southwood because our senior pastor doesn't sound amazing enough 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:41.800 or look cool enough to develop a cult of personality. 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:43.840 That's just not something we're going to struggle with. 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:45.560 He certainly isn't funny enough. 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:48.719 But, don't amen that. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.639 That's not nice. 00:16:50.739 --> 00:16:51.739 I heard that. 00:16:54.359 --> 00:16:55.959 But in all sincerity, 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:57.899 beware. 00:16:58.739 --> 00:17:02.679 Beware of cracks that look like things like 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:06.700 only getting excited to hear God's word from one preacher. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:12.960 A crack could be having a church leader who in your mind can do no wrong. 00:17:14.580 --> 00:17:20.519 It might be finding yourself consistently agreeing with the same group in the church all the time. 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:27.720 It may mean when you see those things, we're shifting off our foundation of Christ alone. 00:17:28.080 --> 00:17:30.680 Y'all, only His leadership is flawless. 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.720 Only His. 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:34.299 No one else's. 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:36.419 Don't be confused. 00:17:37.220 --> 00:17:40.480 We must always push each other back to Him. 00:17:42.399 --> 00:17:48.680 Secondly, a church built on the foundation of Christ alone must follow Christ's word. 00:17:50.419 --> 00:17:57.139 We noticed in Luke chapter 6 that it's Jesus Himself who's bringing shape to this new community, right? 00:17:57.419 --> 00:17:59.079 They must follow His words. 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:01.759 He's the one who's going to tell them how it's going to work. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:06.039 He concludes His sermon by driving that home at the very end. 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:09.779 It's the passage we read earlier when Ron was leading us in confession. 00:18:10.359 --> 00:18:12.920 Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you? 00:18:13.680 --> 00:18:17.220 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:18.759 I will show you what he is like. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:23.379 He's like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:26.819 And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:29.659 and could not shake it because it had been well built. 00:18:29.659 --> 00:18:34.159 But the one who hears my words and does not do them 00:18:34.159 --> 00:18:38.220 is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:41.679 When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:45.359 and the ruin of that house was great. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:49.599 We must preach God's word. 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:52.659 We must teach God's word. 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:56.480 And we often think we do that merely because it's true, 00:18:56.599 --> 00:19:00.019 because it's the only thing that can infallibly give us direction. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:02.679 And that is true, but it's even more than that. 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:06.719 You know why especially we must preach and teach the word 00:19:06.719 --> 00:19:09.599 if we are to keep Christ as our foundation? 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:14.319 Because when you preach the word, you preach Jesus. 00:19:15.459 --> 00:19:16.279 That's what happens. 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:19.079 That's what Jesus tells the guys on the road to Emmaus, right? 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:22.159 As he's walking with them, having risen from the dead, 00:19:22.199 --> 00:19:24.819 he goes back and he tells them all the things taught 00:19:24.819 --> 00:19:27.099 and all the scriptures concerning himself. 00:19:27.859 --> 00:19:32.460 Every time you open this word, that's where it's pointing you, to Jesus. 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:37.399 The story of the Bible, cover to cover, on every page, 00:19:37.639 --> 00:19:41.659 is the story of God's grace through Jesus. 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:46.220 It is God redeeming and restoring his people and his world 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:49.160 that he created for relationship with himself. 00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:51.960 And he's bringing us back into that relationship 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:54.759 and making us what we were meant to be all through Jesus. 00:19:56.799 --> 00:20:00.680 When we stick with the word, we stick with Jesus. 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:04.759 If you begin regularly to hear a lot of good advice, 00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:07.000 and I mean this here as much as anywhere else. 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:10.660 If you're hearing what you think is pawned off as good advice, 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:13.560 but you're not sure where in God's word it came from, 00:20:13.860 --> 00:20:15.420 you may be seeing a crack. 00:20:17.320 --> 00:20:19.080 When God's word is not read. 00:20:20.080 --> 00:20:23.860 Or perhaps when it's read at the beginning of a sermon, 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:28.659 but not connected in any way to the 30-minute lecture you hear afterwards. 00:20:30.479 --> 00:20:32.399 Now there's more than one way to do that. 00:20:33.679 --> 00:20:35.479 But you must always be careful. 00:20:36.719 --> 00:20:42.219 Please, never hesitate to ask me or any other teacher here at this church, 00:20:42.459 --> 00:20:44.779 were you basing that comment on God's word? 00:20:45.939 --> 00:20:47.679 Can you show me where that's coming from? 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:49.139 Can we look at that together? 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:51.899 Help me understand where you're getting that. 00:20:51.900 --> 00:20:55.900 Depending on God's word has been a hallmark of Southwood 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:57.660 since long before I got here. 00:20:57.820 --> 00:21:00.360 All the way back to the founding of the church. 00:21:00.560 --> 00:21:03.200 But we must never let that priority waver. 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.040 And it can. 00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:10.019 And it happens fast in churches and with devastating effects. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:13.980 Following God's word, Jesus says, 00:21:14.120 --> 00:21:16.360 is not merely about hearing it, right? 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:19.120 It's not just, let's make sure the pastor gets this one right. 00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:21.820 But it's actually about doing it. 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:23.160 As well. 00:21:23.940 --> 00:21:25.080 Jesus is really clear. 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:27.259 He hears my words and does them. 00:21:28.080 --> 00:21:34.300 It's a danger for churches to find themselves only reading and teaching the easy parts of the Bible. 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:37.300 The ones they like and agree with and make them feel good. 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:40.899 But if we're to follow Christ's word, 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.480 we should expect, 00:21:43.139 --> 00:21:44.559 we're not going to get it all right. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:49.799 So we expect that we open God's word and find it to challenge some of our assumptions. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:52.220 To challenge some of our actions. 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:53.819 To redirect us. 00:21:53.899 --> 00:21:55.099 That's what we should expect. 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:58.899 And we must be willing to be shaped by all of it. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:02.460 Even when our instincts lead us a different direction. 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:06.840 Is the word of Christ our source of life? 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:11.059 Together, as a group, do we teach it? 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.360 Preach it? 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:13.460 Study it? 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:16.240 Talk about it together in conversation? 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:19.539 Do we get challenged and redirected by it? 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:23.000 Have our priorities shaped by it? 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:25.180 Do we read it? 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:27.640 Meditate upon it? 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:30.839 Make our decisions based on it? 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:33.920 Find our comfort in it? 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:36.000 Why? 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:41.960 All because it always keeps our focus fixed on our great Savior. 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:43.819 Come back here. 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.200 That's why. 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:45.079 That's what you'll find. 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:49.259 Comfort, direction, teaching, 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:51.859 pointing you to Jesus. 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:55.440 All right, one more. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:23:01.240 We could go on all day, but we wouldn't be here all day. 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.420 I'd be alone. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:08.140 If we as a church are to be built on the foundation of Christ alone, 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:12.380 not only are we always looking to His ultimate leadership, 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:16.099 not only are we always turning to His word, 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:19.519 but also we must follow Christ's heart. 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:21.339 What do I mean by that? 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:25.139 There are a lot of things following Christ's heart could mean, 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:28.259 but we're just thinking here this morning in Luke chapter 6. 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:33.000 We've seen in Luke 6 the heart of Christ, haven't we? 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:37.279 Jesus spends all night in prayer with His Father, 00:23:37.699 --> 00:23:40.859 bringing His heart into alignment with the heart of God, 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:43.899 and He comes down from the mountain after praying all night, 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.799 and what's His heart got on it? 00:23:46.419 --> 00:23:47.679 It's people, isn't it? 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.679 His heart is for people, 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:53.459 particularly for those who are not yet a part of His community. 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:56.019 It's His 12 disciples. 00:23:56.619 --> 00:23:59.740 It's people from all over the place who've come, 00:23:59.879 --> 00:24:01.699 Jews and Gentiles. 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:03.960 He's going to teach. 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:04.860 He's going to heal. 00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:07.120 He's moving towards people. 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:09.039 And as He begins to teach, 00:24:09.080 --> 00:24:10.279 who else is on His heart? 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.920 He starts with the poor, doesn't He? 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:14.380 At the very beginning. 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.400 The poor. 00:24:16.340 --> 00:24:19.720 Those outsiders who are not in His community. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.319 Who are we going to love? 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.779 Who does He tell us to love? 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.640 Your enemies. 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:28.080 Let's just read a little bit of it. 00:24:28.120 --> 00:24:28.960 Verse 27. 00:24:29.560 --> 00:24:30.940 I say to you who hear, 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.400 love your enemies. 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:34.259 Do good to those who hate you. 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.920 Bless those who curse you. 00:24:36.060 --> 00:24:37.740 Pray for those who abuse you. 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:39.500 If you love those who love you, 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:40.900 what benefit is that to you? 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:43.100 Even sinners love those who love them. 00:24:44.020 --> 00:24:45.700 And if you do good to those who do good to you, 00:24:45.780 --> 00:24:47.240 what benefit is that to you? 00:24:47.560 --> 00:24:48.900 Even sinners do the same. 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:52.140 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:54.020 what credit is that to you? 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:57.259 Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:25:00.059 But love your enemies. 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:04.039 Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return. 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.539 And your reward will be great. 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:07.759 And you will be sons of the Most High. 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:11.379 For He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:13.200 Be merciful. 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:13.559 How? 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:17.220 Even as your Father is merciful. 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:21.440 It's easy to forget the fact 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:24.680 that a church built on the foundation of Christ alone 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:28.559 is not primarily for us in the church. 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.539 It's for Him. 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:34.340 It's for Jesus. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:38.240 And therefore, it must share His heart 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:40.799 for those outside the community. 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:43.740 The heart of Jesus is for the poor, 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:46.139 the hungry, the enemies. 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:49.059 And by those words here in Luke 6, 00:25:49.139 --> 00:25:50.319 He particularly means 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:52.220 those who don't know Jesus 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:55.159 as the treasure above all other treasures. 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:56.899 That's what He's talking about. 00:25:57.639 --> 00:26:00.740 The heart of Jesus is for the unreligious. 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:04.640 The cynical towards religion. 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:07.480 The anti-religious. 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:10.980 His heart moves towards those 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:12.099 who are different 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:16.359 ethnically, spiritually, socially. 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:19.559 He moves towards them so much 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:22.420 that He would go all the way to the cross 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:24.960 and be rejected and cast out 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:26.440 so that people like that 00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:28.599 who weren't naturally a part of His community 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:30.120 could be welcomed into it. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:32.059 That's His heart, isn't it? 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:33.599 That's the heart of God 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:35.859 sent in flesh in Christ 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:38.180 coming for those who are outside 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.620 to bring them in. 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:42.640 To bring them into His community 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.599 where they're gonna do what? 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:45.660 Where they will meet Him. 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:48.400 That's what His community's all about, right? 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.319 It's about Him. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.319 We wanna invite people in 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.319 not so they'll meet us. 00:26:53.620 --> 00:26:55.519 So they'll meet Him. 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:59.000 It's really easy though 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:03.279 to fall into a consumer approach to church. 00:27:03.920 --> 00:27:05.619 To think of church like we do 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:07.519 most of the rest of our lives. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:10.759 Do I get what I want or need there? 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:11.900 Right? 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:13.420 Thought about church that way before? 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:15.059 When you were looking for a church 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.660 you may have thought 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:17.720 I need to find a place that can do 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:19.680 fill in the blank for me. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.519 How's it gonna meet my needs? 00:27:21.619 --> 00:27:22.319 I mean, be honest. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:25.079 Have you had more conversations 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:28.399 wrestling over the mission of the church 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.960 to help those in need 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:33.019 or wrestling with whether or not 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:35.480 your church is meeting your needs? 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.939 Which one do you tend to talk about 00:27:37.939 --> 00:27:39.339 more with your friends? 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.460 That can be a crack. 00:27:42.419 --> 00:27:44.599 A warning for us to come back 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:46.500 to the foundation of Christ alone 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:48.259 and share His heart. 00:27:48.919 --> 00:27:50.879 What really drives our lives? 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:54.520 Is it our comfort or Christ's heart? 00:27:57.940 --> 00:28:00.640 Another dynamic that can be a crack 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:01.480 for a church 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:04.160 is where your new members are coming from. 00:28:05.300 --> 00:28:07.380 What's your church growth strategy? 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.560 Does your church only grow 00:28:09.560 --> 00:28:11.700 because people from the church 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:13.640 down the street get pulled over 00:28:13.640 --> 00:28:15.060 because they like what you do better? 00:28:16.520 --> 00:28:18.260 You do church more the way 00:28:18.260 --> 00:28:19.320 they want you to do it? 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:20.859 And so you get some people 00:28:20.859 --> 00:28:21.980 from some of the other churches 00:28:21.980 --> 00:28:23.079 and your church gets bigger? 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:27.480 Or do we long and work and pray 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:30.319 to help people meet Jesus 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:31.980 for the first time even? 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:35.460 If we're not at least praying for 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:38.119 and then talking to our neighbors, 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:41.539 unbelieving school or work acquaintances, 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:44.599 we may be losing Christ's heart. 00:28:44.599 --> 00:28:47.879 His heart to reach out, 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:50.779 to welcome in all sorts of people 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:52.559 who need to experience 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:54.659 the good news of the kingdom 00:28:54.659 --> 00:28:55.819 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:58.819 This is an area I'd love to challenge us 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.419 because it's so central 00:29:00.419 --> 00:29:01.500 to the heart of Christ. 00:29:01.939 --> 00:29:03.139 And I love this church. 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:05.199 We love each other so much sometimes 00:29:05.199 --> 00:29:08.099 that we're just happy to have us here. 00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:10.259 And we just love each other. 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.799 And I'm delighted in that. 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:13.680 But sometimes it makes us just, 00:29:13.899 --> 00:29:15.460 let's not really mess with what we got, 00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:15.819 you know? 00:29:16.399 --> 00:29:17.940 I kind of like the people here. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:19.019 We're friends. 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:21.759 We love Jesus together. 00:29:22.419 --> 00:29:24.099 I'm not telling you to stop 00:29:24.099 --> 00:29:25.419 loving each other. 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:28.279 But Jesus says there are others 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:31.879 we must love as well. 00:29:32.359 --> 00:29:33.819 If we're to have His heart, 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:36.200 we're to love not only each other, 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.799 but others as well. 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.259 I was writing this sermon. 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.559 I wrote the words, 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:41.539 keep your friends, 00:29:41.639 --> 00:29:42.899 but make some enemies too. 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:45.500 That doesn't sound quite right. 00:29:46.619 --> 00:29:47.559 Keep some friends 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:48.379 and make some enemies. 00:29:48.659 --> 00:29:50.039 But keep your friends 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:52.379 and love some enemies too. 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:56.299 Find others who are not already in, 00:29:57.299 --> 00:30:00.339 who don't know Christ. 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:02.200 Not just those who look 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:03.339 and act like you, 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:04.319 but the poor 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:05.959 and the have-nots. 00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:08.199 Or some of us, 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:09.119 we need to hear, 00:30:09.199 --> 00:30:10.059 not just the poor 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:11.119 and the have-nots, 00:30:11.319 --> 00:30:13.519 but your wealthy next-door neighbor 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:15.179 who on the inside 00:30:15.179 --> 00:30:16.359 is full of loneliness 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:17.839 and emptiness 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:20.059 and needs to know the hope 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:22.139 and fulfillment of Christ. 00:30:22.899 --> 00:30:23.980 Don't overlook them. 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:28.259 This is one of my favorite images 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:29.059 of Southwood 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:30.419 when I'm walking around 00:30:30.419 --> 00:30:31.679 this building praying. 00:30:32.340 --> 00:30:33.799 Some of you have seen me circling. 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.759 It means I'm confused 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:36.299 and I don't know what to preach on Sunday. 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:39.680 So I'm praying for our church 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:40.759 and one of the images 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:42.259 that often comes to mind 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.460 is of a storm shelter. 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:46.039 I've shared this with you before. 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:48.120 We need storm shelters 00:30:48.120 --> 00:30:49.140 in this part of the country. 00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:50.320 They come through here. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:51.360 You know, 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:52.360 maybe there's one of those 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:54.039 bad tornadoes coming. 00:30:55.860 --> 00:30:57.340 Imagine that we know 00:30:57.340 --> 00:30:58.880 the tornado is coming. 00:30:58.880 --> 00:31:00.680 It's been picked up on the radar 00:31:00.680 --> 00:31:02.580 and we all run here 00:31:02.580 --> 00:31:04.220 to that storm shelter 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:05.860 that has a firm foundation 00:31:05.860 --> 00:31:06.720 that's secure 00:31:06.720 --> 00:31:08.779 and so we know it's a safe place 00:31:08.779 --> 00:31:11.720 to come in the storm. 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:13.220 And imagine looking out 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:14.480 those windows right here 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.980 and you can see a long way 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:18.500 and you see all sorts of people 00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:20.940 with the wind blowing through their hair 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:23.240 and they're crawling on the ground. 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:25.480 It's the poor, 00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:27.579 your neighbors, 00:31:28.620 --> 00:31:30.120 your enemies, 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:32.120 the rest of Huntsville 00:31:32.120 --> 00:31:35.140 desperate to find a safe place. 00:31:35.839 --> 00:31:37.900 Nowhere with a foundation 00:31:37.900 --> 00:31:39.200 that they can count on 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:40.579 to be secure and to hold 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:42.480 when the storm shows up. 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:44.240 And we all know it's coming 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:45.640 and if you're looking out there 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:46.180 and seeing them, 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.259 wouldn't your heart break? 00:31:48.859 --> 00:31:50.059 Wouldn't you hurt for them? 00:31:50.059 --> 00:31:51.639 Wouldn't you run out 00:31:51.639 --> 00:31:53.599 to yell to them 00:31:53.599 --> 00:31:54.740 and to bring them in 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:55.799 and to welcome them 00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:57.079 into a safe place? 00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:59.059 Of course you would. 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:02.259 We want to offer safety. 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:04.440 We want to give life 00:32:04.440 --> 00:32:07.279 to those facing certain death 00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:09.079 with no protection. 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.799 Y'all, God has given Southwood 00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:13.559 a firm foundation. 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:16.460 He's made us a storm shelter 00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:18.379 and storms are coming. 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:19.799 Those things are certain. 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:21.079 The question is, 00:32:21.179 --> 00:32:23.279 are we bringing others in? 00:32:25.179 --> 00:32:27.460 May we always be a community 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:29.440 where we are built securely 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:32.500 on the foundation of Christ alone. 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.740 Following His leadership 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:36.879 and His Word. 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:39.139 And may we never forget 00:32:39.139 --> 00:32:41.039 that following His heart 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:43.359 means offering the refuge of Christ 00:32:43.359 --> 00:32:46.339 to everyone around us. 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.159 Let's pray. 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:56.659 Father, we're not individually 00:32:56.659 --> 00:32:57.899 that way naturally. 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:01.079 We're not corporately 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:02.859 that way naturally. 00:33:02.859 --> 00:33:04.759 We have the same selfish instincts 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:06.179 that each of us does. 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:09.620 We have a Savior 00:33:09.620 --> 00:33:13.200 whose heart has never stopped 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:14.019 just with us 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:15.420 but has been for the nations, 00:33:16.060 --> 00:33:17.580 for the ends of the earth 00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:20.660 to know Him, 00:33:20.860 --> 00:33:22.880 to live in relationship with Him, 00:33:23.080 --> 00:33:24.720 to praise His name. 00:33:24.720 --> 00:33:27.440 And would you never let that zeal 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:28.559 wane in us. 00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:32.640 Don't let us lose sight of Jesus. 00:33:33.100 --> 00:33:35.620 Don't let us move from His Word. 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:39.319 Holy Spirit, keep our hearts aflame 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:42.720 for more and more knowing 00:33:42.720 --> 00:33:45.100 who Jesus is. 00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:47.839 would we love well 00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:49.459 as Your people. 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:51.419 You have poured it into us. 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:53.379 Would it spill over from us? 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.839 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:33:56.899 --> 00:33:57.240 Amen. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:57.439 Amen. 00:34:01.639 --> 00:34:03.159 For more information, 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:05.759 visit us online at southwood.org. 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:35.739 Abon businesses