WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.179 It probably was Walter Lord's classic on the shipwreck, but I was fascinated with that great ship. 00:00:09.179 --> 00:00:16.280 ! It was an engineering marvel, a floating palace whose maiden voyage ended in tragedy. 00:00:17.480 --> 00:00:24.940 ! Some have even died trying to reach the sunken vessel just to get a haunted glimpse of its remains resting on the ocean floor. 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:41.540 In June 2023, more than a century after that ship went down, a small deep sea capsule called the Titan imploded while carrying five people down to see the wreckage. 00:00:41.540 --> 00:00:54.380 Among those attempting to travel almost two and a half miles deep into the North Atlantic, where the water pressure is 380 times worse than on the surface. 00:00:54.939 --> 00:01:09.900 There was a billionaire explorer there, a father and a son, and Ocean Gate Expeditions founder, Stockton Rush, all died instantly, lost instantly in the same waters of the North Atlantic, 00:01:10.739 --> 00:01:15.439 about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, where the Titanic herself went down. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:19.120 We may want to leave that watery grave alone. 00:01:20.620 --> 00:01:25.539 The maiden voyage of the Titanic was to be a grand event. 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:28.480 A ticket was not easy to get. 00:01:29.079 --> 00:01:33.019 The world's elite clamored to be aboard the Titanic. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:36.979 There were millionaires there, much more rare in that day than today. 00:01:36.980 --> 00:01:46.740 Industrialists and celebrities all wanted to be on that ship that was called the ship that God himself couldn't sink. 00:01:47.540 --> 00:01:53.219 It is estimated that 10% of the world's wealthiest people were on that ship. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:02:07.260 Among those planning to sail were J.P. Morgan, the powerful financer who owned the White Star Line, the company that owned the fleet that included the Titanic, 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:12.419 as well as a man named Milton Hershey, the king of chocolate. 00:02:13.259 --> 00:02:16.240 Both of them had tickets in hand. 00:02:17.099 --> 00:02:19.780 Morgan canceled at the last minute, blamed it on business. 00:02:19.780 --> 00:02:25.479 Hershey and his wife chose to sail home earlier on another vessel. 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:28.520 They both had tickets purchased. 00:02:29.719 --> 00:02:31.340 Tickets they never punched. 00:02:32.520 --> 00:02:34.420 Lives were spared because they didn't. 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:40.780 Because four days after it set sail, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic 00:02:40.780 --> 00:02:46.020 and slipped beneath the waves, breaking in half along the way. 00:02:46.020 --> 00:02:49.620 Never reaching the shores of New York. 00:02:50.380 --> 00:02:53.040 Never completing her maiden voyage. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:59.860 I thought about that story when I thought about who I want to talk about this morning. 00:03:02.160 --> 00:03:13.719 Unpunched tickets reminds me of one that had a ticket of opportunity like no one else and just wasted it. 00:03:13.719 --> 00:03:19.400 The last two weeks, we've looked at 11 of the apostles. 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:23.199 I want to look at the last one today. 00:03:24.639 --> 00:03:27.099 They are listed four times in Scripture. 00:03:27.300 --> 00:03:29.780 Three times in the Gospels, one time in the book of Acts. 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:38.900 All three of those lists in the Gospels have Judas Iscariot last on the list. 00:03:39.960 --> 00:03:46.300 Acts does not even include him because of some of the things we'll talk about today. 00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:50.500 And Judas never got on board. 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:54.960 And I'm not speaking of boarding a failed voyage. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:00.820 I'm speaking instead of getting aboard an opportunity of a lifetime, of eternal lifetime. 00:04:01.379 --> 00:04:02.580 And he was close. 00:04:03.920 --> 00:04:06.200 But yet he was so very far. 00:04:08.700 --> 00:04:12.659 He is the last of the 12 apostles chosen by Christ. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:14.860 However, he is unlike the rest. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:18.100 To be blunt, he's a waste. 00:04:18.100 --> 00:04:21.080 And I call him the wasteful. 00:04:22.280 --> 00:04:31.600 I want you to see in Mark chapter 3, beginning in verse 13, it says that Christ appointed the 12, Simon to whom he called the name Peter, 00:04:32.900 --> 00:04:41.480 James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Barnugas, that is, sons of thunder, 00:04:41.480 --> 00:04:49.400 Andrew and Philip and Bartholomew and Matthew, and Thomas and James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus and Simon the zealot, 00:04:50.400 --> 00:04:54.660 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 00:04:55.879 --> 00:04:59.040 As I mentioned earlier, he's always last in these lists. 00:04:59.960 --> 00:05:04.220 Twice referenced this way as the one who betrayed Christ. 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:05.560 Luke calls him the traitor. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:10.939 And then when Luke writes Acts, he does not even include him in the list. 00:05:11.019 --> 00:05:11.600 He's a waste. 00:05:13.379 --> 00:05:16.240 For one, there's a wasted opportunity here. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:19.840 Judas was called by Christ to follow him. 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:25.340 He was entrusted with the money bag, Scripture tells us, of the ministry of Christ. 00:05:26.500 --> 00:05:29.800 He witnessed what others witnessed as well of Christ did. 00:05:29.860 --> 00:05:31.500 He saw the miracles that Christ did. 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:33.639 He heard the teaching of Christ. 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:37.620 He heard it directly from the mouth of Christ. 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:41.360 He saw the impact of his words. 00:05:41.479 --> 00:05:44.180 He saw the power of God firsthand. 00:05:44.500 --> 00:05:52.620 I believe that when he joined Jesus on this journey, that he was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. 00:05:53.599 --> 00:05:58.419 And that they were looking for from the very beginning. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:04.180 However, he never laid truth of Christ by faith. 00:06:04.840 --> 00:06:09.620 He expected, as many Jews did, he expected certain things to come from the Messiah. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:12.379 As his understanding of what prophecy said. 00:06:12.540 --> 00:06:14.420 With some emphasis on some prophecy. 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:17.400 With an ignorance of other types of prophecy. 00:06:17.740 --> 00:06:21.480 And the reality is, many people have made Christ out. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:22.740 They still make Christ out. 00:06:22.900 --> 00:06:24.660 To be who they want him to be. 00:06:25.020 --> 00:06:27.240 And not who, in fact, he is. 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:33.660 The reality is, he was never transformed by Christ. 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:35.200 He even betrayed him. 00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:42.100 And that's why Judas is thought of to be the most notorious and universally scorned traitor in all of human history. 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:48.340 The most colossal spiritual failure ever recorded. 00:06:49.080 --> 00:06:51.740 It was a wasted opportunity. 00:06:52.640 --> 00:06:55.920 But not only that, but it was also a wasted influence. 00:06:56.840 --> 00:07:04.379 While Judas could have easily been influenced by Christ, he literally walked with Christ daily. 00:07:05.820 --> 00:07:09.379 The sad reality is that he was never influenced by Christ. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:11.939 That he never actually walked with Christ. 00:07:12.100 --> 00:07:13.379 All along the way. 00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:17.379 There seems to be a growing animosity for Christ. 00:07:18.280 --> 00:07:19.439 Within his heart. 00:07:19.780 --> 00:07:22.980 And because Christ was not who he thought he ought to be. 00:07:23.340 --> 00:07:27.140 And then an event happens that is recorded in John. 00:07:27.320 --> 00:07:32.439 That looks like it set the wheels in the motion of his portrayal. 00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:33.340 I want you to see it. 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:35.220 It's in John chapter 12. 00:07:35.640 --> 00:07:36.879 Beginning in verse 1. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:37.660 And it says this. 00:07:38.220 --> 00:07:40.040 Six days before the Passover. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:44.439 Jesus therefore came to Bethany where Lazarus was. 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.319 Whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 00:07:48.060 --> 00:07:50.460 So they gave a dinner for him there. 00:07:51.460 --> 00:07:52.540 Martha served. 00:07:52.780 --> 00:07:55.540 And Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:59.540 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment. 00:08:00.280 --> 00:08:02.040 Made from pure nard. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:04.400 And anointed the feet of Jesus. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:08.599 And wiped his feet with her hair. 00:08:09.659 --> 00:08:14.719 The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:16.819 Now I want you to get this setting real quick. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:19.799 This is six days before the Passover. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:22.459 That would precede the death of Christ. 00:08:22.719 --> 00:08:25.639 This is his final days before the cross. 00:08:25.859 --> 00:08:28.079 He's having dinner with dear friends. 00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:32.419 And Mary takes a pound of expensive ointment. 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:35.919 It is often described as spikenard in scripture. 00:08:36.819 --> 00:08:41.179 That is the most prized fragrance used on the dead. 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:45.240 It was harvested from the high slopes of the Himalaya mountains. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.939 It was hard to get. 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:48.279 Hard to reach. 00:08:48.620 --> 00:08:49.720 Costly to buy. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:57.319 It was a sacrifice for her to use probably her most prized possession on Christ. 00:08:57.320 --> 00:09:00.400 It was worth a year's wages. 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:08.240 And she liberally, even recklessly washed his feet with it. 00:09:08.420 --> 00:09:10.160 Using her hair. 00:09:13.140 --> 00:09:14.780 I said it's her hair. 00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:25.740 A woman didn't let her hair down anywhere except in the privacy of her own home with her husband. 00:09:27.320 --> 00:09:30.420 Her hair was considered her glory. 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:33.800 It was not for others to see. 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:40.120 Mary took her glory and laid it at the feet of Jesus. 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:42.660 And I said the feet. 00:09:42.659 --> 00:09:49.480 Because in that day the feet was thought to be the filthiest part of the body. 00:09:50.120 --> 00:09:57.600 Only the lowest servants of the household washed feet because they wore sandals. 00:09:58.199 --> 00:10:00.699 And because they walked on dusty roads. 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:03.500 The same place that the animals walked. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.279 It was not pretty. 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:08.699 But when she did this. 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:14.439 Scripture says the house was filled with the fragrance. 00:10:16.819 --> 00:10:20.079 Not only does that speak of good fragrance. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:25.240 But I believe it speaks of influential sacrifice. 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:30.779 Because everybody was affected. 00:10:33.060 --> 00:10:37.299 Not only by the scene of her surrendering herself there. 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:41.960 But by the waff of the finest fragrance known to them. 00:10:41.960 --> 00:10:45.940 That is everybody. 00:10:46.940 --> 00:10:48.060 But Judas. 00:10:49.460 --> 00:10:51.120 It goes on to say. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:52.560 But Judas Iscariot. 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:54.759 One of his disciples. 00:10:55.800 --> 00:10:56.040 Who. 00:10:56.920 --> 00:10:59.860 He who was about to betray him. 00:11:00.100 --> 00:11:00.460 Said. 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:04.820 Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii. 00:11:05.060 --> 00:11:06.879 That's about a year's wages. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:09.100 A denarii is a day's wage. 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:11.800 And given to the poor. 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:14.040 He said this. 00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:16.040 John just tells us. 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:17.940 He said this not because. 00:11:18.580 --> 00:11:19.600 He cared about the poor. 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.420 But because he was a thief. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:24.740 And having charge of the money bag. 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.120 He used to help himself. 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:28.320 To what was put in it. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:30.680 Jesus said. 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:32.100 Leave her alone. 00:11:33.320 --> 00:11:34.540 So that she may. 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:36.660 Keep it for the day of burial. 00:11:36.660 --> 00:11:38.220 For the poor. 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:40.139 You'll always have with you. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:43.580 But you do not always have me. 00:11:45.540 --> 00:11:47.399 Judas sees the value. 00:11:47.860 --> 00:11:49.340 Of what's been poured out. 00:11:49.420 --> 00:11:50.540 And what's being kept. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:51.940 For the day of his burial. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.460 However. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:53.840 Remember. 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:58.100 When the ladies got to the tomb. 00:11:58.220 --> 00:11:59.019 On Sunday morning. 00:12:00.440 --> 00:12:01.840 To anoint his body. 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:03.639 He'd already risen. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:07.060 There was no need to anoint the body. 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:07.979 Because it wasn't dead. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:11.659 This anointing. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.799 Had been enough. 00:12:14.979 --> 00:12:15.419 But. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:17.479 Judas was not trying. 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.379 To be a steward. 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:21.459 He was not trying. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:22.939 To take care of the less fortunate. 00:12:24.979 --> 00:12:26.279 He was trying to get rich. 00:12:28.479 --> 00:12:30.339 And Christ called him on it. 00:12:30.340 --> 00:12:34.060 And that is the step. 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:35.639 This is the altercation. 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:35.960 That. 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:37.379 That broke him. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:38.740 Mark chapter 14. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.500 Tells us. 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:40.920 That he left them. 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:42.980 To go to the chief priest. 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:44.899 To betray Christ. 00:12:45.320 --> 00:12:45.980 Luke 22. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:46.920 Tells us. 00:12:47.340 --> 00:12:48.580 What led him. 00:12:48.960 --> 00:12:49.980 To leave them. 00:12:50.300 --> 00:12:51.820 And go to that meeting. 00:12:51.879 --> 00:12:52.540 Of betrayal. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:54.180 It says in Luke. 00:12:54.420 --> 00:12:55.800 22 verse 3. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.080 Then Satan. 00:12:57.300 --> 00:12:58.720 Entered into Judas. 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:00.259 Called Iscariot. 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:02.320 Who was of the number. 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:03.980 Of the tribe. 00:13:04.560 --> 00:13:05.820 Now when Luke says. 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:06.779 Then Satan. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:08.480 Entered into Judas. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.360 I want you to understand. 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:12.660 That was not a sudden ambush. 00:13:12.660 --> 00:13:13.879 By the evil one. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:14.639 It was not. 00:13:15.320 --> 00:13:16.660 It was the result. 00:13:16.800 --> 00:13:17.580 Of a long. 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:18.500 Quiet. 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:19.779 Invitation. 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:22.000 Judas. 00:13:22.139 --> 00:13:22.580 Had been. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:23.360 Walking. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:24.500 Beside. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:25.600 Christ. 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:28.379 But he had been walking. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.139 Toward. 00:13:29.560 --> 00:13:29.860 Sin. 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:32.360 He had dipped his hands. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.220 Into greed. 00:13:33.820 --> 00:13:34.980 Dabbled in deceit. 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:35.740 And before long. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:36.800 The sin. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:38.100 That he toyed with. 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:39.600 Had taken over his life. 00:13:39.700 --> 00:13:41.060 And I want you to see. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:42.540 The progression. 00:13:42.540 --> 00:13:43.519 That happens. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:44.879 In such a pattern. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:46.480 First. 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:47.440 There's a foothold. 00:13:48.300 --> 00:13:49.139 Ephesians 4. 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:49.960 Verse 27. 00:13:50.060 --> 00:13:50.300 Says. 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:51.720 Do not give the devil. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:52.600 The opportunity. 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:55.639 That word opportunity there. 00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:56.980 Speaks also. 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:58.300 And is often translated. 00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.720 A foothold. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:02.100 And the foothold. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:03.320 Of Judas was. 00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:04.840 That he had a love. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:05.620 Of money. 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.720 Enough to steal. 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:09.240 Jesus said. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.360 In Matthew 6. 00:14:10.379 --> 00:14:10.740 24. 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:12.320 You can't serve both. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.259 God and money. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:14.080 You'll hate one. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.240 And love the other. 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:16.200 And that's exactly. 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:17.379 What's happening here. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:19.620 But a foothold. 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.779 That is allowed. 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:25.279 Let's just say. 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:26.279 A weakness. 00:14:27.339 --> 00:14:28.919 That's recognized. 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:30.319 In our lives. 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:32.659 A sinful pattern. 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.439 That's recognized. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:34.299 In our life. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:35.379 That's allowed. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.819 To happen. 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:39.139 That's not broken. 00:14:40.139 --> 00:14:41.500 That foothold. 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.079 Becomes. 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:43.179 A stronghold. 00:14:44.459 --> 00:14:45.679 And when it becomes. 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:46.600 A stronghold. 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.539 That's much more. 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:49.379 Deliberate. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:51.919 It's not an. 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:52.740 Accidental. 00:14:52.960 --> 00:14:53.399 Mess up. 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:54.460 From time to time. 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:55.000 It's a. 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:55.939 It's a pattern. 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:56.820 Within our lives. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:58.600 You have all. 00:14:58.820 --> 00:14:59.720 You have allowed. 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:00.519 Influence. 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:01.759 To permeate. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:02.740 A matter. 00:15:02.820 --> 00:15:03.779 Until it takes over. 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:04.620 That's a stronghold. 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:05.919 And he's now. 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:07.259 Looking for an opportunity. 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.340 To snuff. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:09.139 Jesus. 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.019 Out. 00:15:11.340 --> 00:15:12.419 Not only that. 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:13.700 But to benefit. 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:14.340 From it. 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:15.379 Financially. 00:15:16.980 --> 00:15:18.080 Wasn't able to benefit. 00:15:18.080 --> 00:15:18.860 From the anointing. 00:15:19.360 --> 00:15:20.300 It was wasted. 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.480 As he saw it. 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.240 So now he wants. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:23.759 To benefit. 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:24.520 Financially. 00:15:25.400 --> 00:15:26.280 By setting. 00:15:26.420 --> 00:15:27.240 Jesus up. 00:15:27.660 --> 00:15:29.040 And handing him over. 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:30.280 That. 00:15:30.280 --> 00:15:31.280 That deliberate. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:33.440 Alliance. 00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:34.340 To sinfulness. 00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:35.860 That. 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:37.320 Rationalization. 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:38.520 Of wrongdoing. 00:15:39.660 --> 00:15:40.300 Leads. 00:15:40.540 --> 00:15:41.379 To satanic. 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:41.940 Control. 00:15:42.420 --> 00:15:42.640 And. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:43.379 Satan. 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.220 Entered in. 00:15:44.540 --> 00:15:45.040 To Judas. 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:46.500 That's what scripture says. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:47.840 John says. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.580 That it happened. 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:49.539 The moment. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:50.700 He took the bread. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:51.720 In the last supper. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.000 With the disciples. 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.860 In the upper room. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.759 And now. 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:56.840 What Satan's entered in. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.600 He is now. 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:58.440 Controlled. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:15:59.539 By Satan. 00:15:59.600 --> 00:15:59.980 Now listen. 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:01.399 That's a lot. 00:16:01.399 --> 00:16:02.740 About the state of his soul. 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:08.179 Because that can't happen. 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:08.840 To a Christian. 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:15.879 That tells me. 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:18.600 That he never came to Christ. 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:21.320 Because the reality is. 00:16:22.040 --> 00:16:23.460 Satan can't possess. 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:23.879 A. 00:16:24.560 --> 00:16:25.379 A Christian. 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:29.560 You can't be possessed by. 00:16:30.280 --> 00:16:31.780 Christ through salvation. 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:35.600 And by Satan at the same time. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:38.519 First Corinthians 6 says. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:40.440 That our body is a temple. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:42.800 Of the Holy Spirit of God. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.379 Christians can be. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:45.460 Hear me now. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:47.980 Christians can be influenced. 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:51.340 And they can be oppressed. 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:55.259 But they cannot be possessed. 00:16:57.040 --> 00:16:58.340 Let me be more clear. 00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:00.759 Satan can knock. 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:05.599 Satan can peer in the windows. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:07.079 Of your life. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:09.740 He can scare you. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.680 He can scar you. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.379 He can bully you. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:15.119 But he cannot possess you. 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.299 Judas. 00:17:18.140 --> 00:17:19.579 Was possessed. 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:22.759 And demons. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:25.660 Can possess the lost. 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:29.240 Oppress the saved. 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:31.240 And obsess. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:32.480 Anyone. 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:34.120 Who toys too long. 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:35.299 In the shadows of sin. 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:37.799 Judas. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:40.220 Was not an innocent victim. 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.240 He was a willing vessel. 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:44.019 And he bit off more nicotine. 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:48.539 The influence of Christ. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.400 Was wasted. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.960 Because his heart was unguarded. 00:17:53.620 --> 00:17:55.039 He carried the money bag. 00:17:55.120 --> 00:17:56.039 But money carried him. 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:58.819 He stood in the light of every day. 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:00.259 But yet let darkness move in. 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:02.839 He wasted the opportunity. 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:04.079 To be influenced by Christ. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.759 He chose another route. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.179 Now. 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:10.139 Let me go back to the anointing. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:10.759 For just a minute. 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:11.099 Okay. 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:13.139 The anointing. 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:14.859 In that special worship hour. 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:16.859 When they're sharing a meal. 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:19.179 She brings out the most precious thing they have. 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:21.159 It's in a clay jar. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:23.720 That does not have a screw on top. 00:18:24.559 --> 00:18:26.680 It does not have a sprayer on the top of it. 00:18:27.880 --> 00:18:28.700 It's sealed. 00:18:30.100 --> 00:18:31.600 She breaks that seal. 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:35.039 It can never be completely closed again. 00:18:35.600 --> 00:18:37.519 Unless they put it in another vessel. 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:40.819 And she anoints his feet. 00:18:41.600 --> 00:18:43.200 With that fragrance. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.839 With her hair. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.579 And the fragrance. 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.759 Fill the room. 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:47.779 Is what scripture says. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:49.460 And I'll always believe. 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.660 That that was literal. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:52.119 But I also believe. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.279 That it was spiritual. 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.460 Because she. 00:18:55.399 --> 00:18:56.500 Impacted others. 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:57.599 By her. 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:58.740 Sacrifice. 00:19:00.899 --> 00:19:02.460 But there was somebody in the room. 00:19:04.379 --> 00:19:05.839 Whose worship was hindered. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:07.819 Who. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:09.420 Who never got it. 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:13.299 And I want you to hear me today. 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:17.759 I pray for you. 00:19:17.879 --> 00:19:19.619 Before we ever walk in this room. 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.859 Be careful. 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:23.960 If your worship. 00:19:24.700 --> 00:19:25.599 Is hindered. 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:29.980 There's always a few. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.339 That just don't get it. 00:19:34.379 --> 00:19:36.859 And while Mary was worshiping. 00:19:36.859 --> 00:19:44.119 While Mary was worshiping. 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:45.500 At the feet of Jesus. 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:48.759 Judas was calculating. 00:19:54.159 --> 00:19:55.659 With a cynical eye. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.719 For the whole scene. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.159 He's calculating. 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:03.619 I want you to hear me this morning. 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:04.959 He was in worship. 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:07.079 But worship was not in him. 00:20:09.360 --> 00:20:11.019 And that's a bad place to be. 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:15.500 So if you feel like that today. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.840 Brian thank you. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.920 This week and every week. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.960 For the music that you choose. 00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:25.819 And for what this choir does. 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:27.559 And for the specials that are set up. 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:29.500 And all of that that goes into that. 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.819 It's obvious to me. 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:32.600 There's an anointing upon. 00:20:32.600 --> 00:20:34.600 The preparation that takes place. 00:20:34.599 --> 00:20:36.199 Before we ever come in this room. 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:37.139 And I'm thankful for that. 00:20:38.399 --> 00:20:39.419 I cherish it. 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.579 So if you feel like today. 00:20:43.679 --> 00:20:44.299 With the songs. 00:20:44.419 --> 00:20:44.779 The prayers. 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:45.439 And the sermons. 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:46.759 If you. 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.899 If you just don't get it. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:49.139 I want you to take note of that. 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.980 I want you to take note of that. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.579 What is it? 00:20:54.579 --> 00:21:00.439 Is it possible that it's within you? 00:21:03.699 --> 00:21:05.579 Is there a hindrance that's within you? 00:21:05.659 --> 00:21:07.319 Possibly unconfessed sin? 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:09.579 Possibly besetting sins? 00:21:09.639 --> 00:21:12.839 Those sins that continue to build patterns in your life. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:16.079 Sin that so easily clings to you. 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:17.259 And entangles you. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:20.599 Is there a stronghold in your life? 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:24.319 The bigger question is. 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:26.160 Do you know the Lord personally? 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:29.619 Have you ever surrendered your life to the Lord? 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.759 And that's not an accusation. 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.519 It's just a question. 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:35.420 If there's something wrong. 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:37.279 What is wrong with your worship? 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:40.720 I'm telling you. 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.599 It blows my mind. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.279 That Judas. 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.399 Wasted. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:44.980 Influence. 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:46.960 He wasted his opportunity to influence. 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:49.899 He wasted the influence of Christ. 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:50.660 Upon him. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:55.639 If I could go back to any time. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.319 In history. 00:21:58.139 --> 00:21:59.680 And somehow time travel back. 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.680 To any place in history. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:06.139 I'd like to be in Galilee. 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:10.359 It's a special place. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.000 Galilee is. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.220 I'd like to be in Galilee. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.960 And watch him walk by. 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:16.859 And hear what he had to say. 00:22:21.460 --> 00:22:22.980 I've been to the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:25.420 I'd like to walk among that olive grove. 00:22:25.519 --> 00:22:27.079 And see him out there. 00:22:34.680 --> 00:22:36.379 I don't know if I want to see him on the cross. 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:36.660 But. 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:44.480 I'm jealous of the opportunities that Judas had. 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:46.840 To witness Christ. 00:22:47.580 --> 00:22:48.620 First hand. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:51.300 But yet he never. 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.600 Got it. 00:22:54.300 --> 00:22:56.140 And that leads to the last wasted. 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:57.400 He wasted his life. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:23:00.780 The tailspin. 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:03.420 At the end of his life is horrible. 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.519 And it is fast. 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.460 And listen folks. 00:23:05.620 --> 00:23:06.420 It often is. 00:23:10.300 --> 00:23:14.420 Because a pattern of increased sinfulness often ends in tragedy. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.420 He negotiated. 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:16.420 He negotiated. 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:17.620 He negotiated. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.600 30 pieces of silver. 00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:21.259 That's about. 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:21.640 And it. 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:23.180 There's a range there. 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:24.200 What do we mean by silver? 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:24.640 But. 00:23:24.840 --> 00:23:24.940 But. 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:28.140 That's about 40% of the 300 denarii. 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.600 He was trying to get at the dinner. 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:37.139 He got that from the chief priest and the elders. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:39.859 He led them to Jesus along with the Roman guard. 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.939 Matthew 26 tells us about it. 00:23:42.439 --> 00:23:43.679 It says in verse 47. 00:23:43.679 --> 00:23:44.719 While he was still speaking. 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.419 Judas came. 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.139 One of the 12. 00:23:46.619 --> 00:23:49.359 And with him a great crowd with swords and clubs. 00:23:49.879 --> 00:23:50.159 Listen. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.420 When it says a great crowd there. 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.160 I want you to know. 00:23:52.320 --> 00:23:53.759 If you've been to a church passion play. 00:23:53.800 --> 00:23:54.920 I've been the Roman soldier. 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:56.040 I was one when I was a teenager. 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:57.960 If you've been to one of those passion plays. 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.580 I'm telling you. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.920 What showed up at that garden. 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.480 Ain't anything like you've seen in the church. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:07.080 There could have been more than 100 soldiers show up. 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.720 They were waiting for a mutiny. 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:14.680 They were waiting for something wild. 00:24:14.680 --> 00:24:14.880 And. 00:24:15.540 --> 00:24:19.060 They show up with swords and clubs for the chief priests and the elders of the people. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.500 Now the betrayer. 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:22.119 What a name to give a man. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.460 Had been given. 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:25.019 Had given them a sign saying. 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:26.059 The one I kiss. 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:27.899 Is the man. 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.519 Seize him. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:30.059 And he came up to Jesus at once and said. 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:30.480 Greetings. 00:24:30.859 --> 00:24:31.119 Rabbi. 00:24:31.919 --> 00:24:32.659 And he kissed him. 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.599 And Jesus said. 00:24:35.659 --> 00:24:35.859 Friend. 00:24:35.919 --> 00:24:37.019 Do what you've come to do. 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:40.759 And then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:42.119 He betrayed him with a kiss. 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:43.299 He's sorry. 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.519 He's sorry. 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:45.740 I'd like to meet him in an alley. 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.139 Honestly. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:47.399 Sorry. 00:24:47.399 --> 00:24:47.460 Sorry. 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:51.839 He later regretted it. 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:56.500 The guilt was too much for him. 00:24:58.399 --> 00:25:00.319 Matthew 27 verse 3 says this. 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:01.879 Then when Judas. 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.819 His betrayer. 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:05.839 Saw that Jesus was condemned. 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:07.000 He changed his mind. 00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:12.579 And he brought back the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:15.819 Saying I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.819 And they said. 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:18.579 What is that to us? 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:22.359 See to it yourself. 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:26.379 And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple. 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:26.899 He departed. 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.679 And he went out. 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:29.480 And hanged himself. 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:34.679 Notice he tried to pay back for his wrongdoing. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:39.740 We can't pay back for our sins. 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.820 Not only Judas. 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.820 But none of us can. 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:47.259 We can't somehow pay God off. 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.259 Because of the sin. 00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:51.220 And the times that we betrayed him. 00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:52.220 We can't do that. 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:53.180 He couldn't do that either. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:57.279 Notice he also went to the wrong place. 00:25:57.279 --> 00:26:01.000 He needed to be going to the Lord. 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:01.899 It's where he needed to be going. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.980 But instead of going to the Lord. 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:05.339 He didn't do that. 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:08.539 He didn't repent. 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.279 He didn't pray. 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.720 He don't say anything about that. 00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:15.420 Satan's influence drove him. 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:17.420 To hang himself. 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.599 By the way. 00:26:18.899 --> 00:26:21.519 That's a common trait of the evil one. 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:26.720 Whether it be through suicide. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:29.920 Whether it be through drugs. 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:33.579 Whether it be through stupid action. 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:39.379 How does some clown. 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:42.359 Buy an automatic weapon. 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:43.960 And go in and clean out. 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.240 A school of children. 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:47.819 Or a grocery store with people there. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:48.900 And then kill himself. 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.160 How does that happen? 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.440 It's the evil one. 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:51.759 Folks. 00:26:51.819 --> 00:26:52.879 That's exactly what it is. 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:55.900 It is irrational. 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:57.240 It is unbelievable. 00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:59.519 And I believe it is often possession. 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.259 Quite honestly. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:04.119 Because Jesus told us. 00:27:04.879 --> 00:27:06.319 The thief comes to steal. 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.099 Kill and destroy. 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:10.920 Satan don't want to give you a headache. 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:13.139 He wants to ruin your life. 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.400 And if you are a Christian. 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:15.759 And he can't have your soul. 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:18.279 He'll try his best to steal your testimony. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:18.539 He's a Christian. 00:27:20.839 --> 00:27:22.299 Acts goes on to tell us. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:24.339 That the silver was used to buy the land. 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:26.940 That he hung himself on. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.660 And after he died. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:32.639 Either the branch that he was hanging from. 00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:34.180 Or the rope that was hanging. 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.259 Broke. 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:38.079 And his body fell. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.059 And it burst open. 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:41.059 And that field became known. 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.779 As the field of blood. 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.579 It was bought. 00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:44.759 With the money. 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:46.059 That he threw down. 00:27:46.379 --> 00:27:47.299 Trying to turn it in. 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:51.779 What a sad. 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.039 Sad. 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:54.000 Ending. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.940 But let me show you. 00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:56.500 Show you. 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:58.240 The saddest part. 00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:01.420 As Jesus says. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.299 In Matthew 26. 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:02.779 24. 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:05.980 It would have been better for that man. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:09.559 If he had not been born. 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.720 What a statement. 00:28:15.899 --> 00:28:17.379 Why did he say that? 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:19.839 Because although Judas walked beside Jesus. 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:21.940 Although he heard the words of Jesus. 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:26.379 Although he had hopes for Jesus at one time I believe. 00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:28.980 Although he had seen the power of Jesus. 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:30.920 He never accepted Jesus. 00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:33.400 Jesus chose him. 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.500 But he never chose Jesus. 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:37.100 And he was close enough to touch Jesus. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:39.460 But not close enough to trust Jesus. 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.400 And that brings us back to the Titanic. 00:28:48.060 --> 00:28:50.240 Because there were warnings for that ship. 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:56.480 The USS Californian was about 15 or 20 miles away from them. 00:28:56.480 --> 00:29:01.099 And they sent six warnings to the Titanic. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:04.039 To tell them about the iceberg that was there. 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:07.120 And it was ignored. 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:13.500 The operator aboard the Titanic was too busy with other things. 00:29:13.860 --> 00:29:15.839 He was trying to accommodate other people. 00:29:15.920 --> 00:29:17.420 Instead of taking care of his job. 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:20.039 And he finally said shut up I'm busy. 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:27.480 And a few minutes later the operator of the Californian cut the radio off. 00:29:28.379 --> 00:29:30.960 They were stopped by the way because of the iceberg. 00:29:32.339 --> 00:29:33.659 And he went to bed. 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.940 And that was the last warning. 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:41.339 Within one hour the Titanic hit the iceberg. 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:50.980 I believe Judas' life is shown to us as a warning. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.679 To heed the warning. 00:29:58.299 --> 00:30:00.079 To not waste the opportunity. 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:04.199 To not waste the influence. 00:30:04.419 --> 00:30:05.759 To not waste your life. 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:12.740 Because the reality is many of us can adhere to Christ. 00:30:12.879 --> 00:30:14.379 Or adhere to Christian things. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:17.119 And can kind of go along with them along the way. 00:30:17.200 --> 00:30:20.160 But in reality it never really changes our lives. 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:24.359 There's a vague familiarity there. 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:27.779 We might even play the part. 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:33.299 But if you've never surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:35.240 And said Lord I'm a sinner and I know it. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:37.000 And I need you to forgive me of my sins. 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:38.079 To come into my life. 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:38.779 And to save me. 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:39.759 And to change me. 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:41.920 If that's never happened to you. 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:42.859 I'm telling you. 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:47.519 If you don't change your mind about those matters. 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:49.380 You'll waste your life. 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:53.779 Both now and for eternity. 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:59.240 And the story of Judas is one for church goers. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:04.180 The story of Judas is one that has seen the work of God. 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:05.940 Has witnessed the work of God. 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:07.519 Has seen those things happen. 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:09.720 And it's never stuck. 00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:14.120 We've never been radically changed. 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:19.779 I spent last week talking about seven different apostles. 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:22.099 All of them except John. 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:24.799 And I think I talked about John the week before. 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:27.519 But all of them died for their faith. 00:31:27.619 --> 00:31:28.420 History tells us. 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:33.420 The only one that didn't was John who died on the island of Patmos. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.779 At an old age. 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:40.079 After writing five of the books in the New Testament. 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:45.559 But there was one among them. 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:48.500 That never got it. 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.819 Never had a zeal for the Lord. 00:31:52.939 --> 00:31:54.599 Never had been changed by the Lord. 00:31:56.879 --> 00:31:58.220 And he died without him. 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:01.079 Even with a strong familiarity. 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:09.939 Please don't darken the doors of this church. 00:32:10.919 --> 00:32:12.500 Week after week after week. 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:15.419 And never surrender your life to Christ. 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:18.960 You are my greatest burden. 00:32:22.220 --> 00:32:23.439 Surrender your life to Christ. 00:32:24.819 --> 00:32:25.819 And then live it. 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:27.919 Share it. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.839 Enjoy it. 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:32.539 Be changed by it. 00:32:33.939 --> 00:32:35.419 Let it show in your life. 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:38.139 Let it show on your face. 00:32:41.659 --> 00:32:42.799 Tell others about it. 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:46.240 So they don't waste the opportunity. 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:49.539 They don't waste the influence. 00:32:51.159 --> 00:32:52.459 And they don't waste their life. 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:55.819 With every head bowed and every eye closed. 00:32:55.879 --> 00:32:56.459 I want to ask you. 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:58.299 If you've never given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus. 00:32:58.419 --> 00:32:59.480 I encourage you to do that. 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:04.019 Within the hour I'm going to baptize. 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.599 A young lady that. 00:33:06.159 --> 00:33:08.059 That met me about a month ago. 00:33:09.899 --> 00:33:11.839 At the front door of the church after worship. 00:33:14.599 --> 00:33:16.240 And said she needed to get saved. 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:17.620 And she did. 00:33:17.620 --> 00:33:19.720 And she did. 00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:23.480 And she's publicly professing that. 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:24.859 Today. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.519 If you've never done that. 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:31.339 If you've never given your life to Christ. 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:34.839 I want you to know now is the time. 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:36.700 Now I'll be honest. 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:39.160 The invitation is not over when we close this service down. 00:33:39.220 --> 00:33:40.120 I'm always available. 00:33:40.119 --> 00:33:41.859 But. 00:33:44.139 --> 00:33:46.639 Don't miss out on the greatest opportunity you'll ever have in Christ. 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:49.500 If you have done that and it's private. 00:33:49.639 --> 00:33:50.519 You've never made it public. 00:33:50.739 --> 00:33:50.799 Then. 00:33:52.799 --> 00:33:55.059 Christ tells us by his example and by his commission. 00:33:55.179 --> 00:33:56.500 That we all do that by baptism. 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:59.039 I encourage you. 00:34:00.680 --> 00:34:02.480 To honor God by being baptized. 00:34:04.779 --> 00:34:07.140 Maybe you're here and God's drawing you to First Baptist Church. 00:34:07.940 --> 00:34:09.440 God's doing a wonderful work in our church. 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:10.360 I'm thankful for that. 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.119 And if God's leading you here. 00:34:13.179 --> 00:34:14.420 We'll be happy to guide you in that. 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.320 Or maybe there's. 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:17.559 Maybe there's a foothold in your life. 00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:18.840 That God's shown you today. 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:21.659 A slip there. 00:34:21.759 --> 00:34:23.039 That's more than once. 00:34:23.619 --> 00:34:24.599 Not a pattern yet. 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:25.480 But more than once. 00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:27.039 That you need to deal with. 00:34:27.340 --> 00:34:28.619 Or maybe there's a stronghold there. 00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:29.179 And it's a pattern. 00:34:29.820 --> 00:34:30.480 It's legit. 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.779 It's real. 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:34.179 It's ever before you. 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:35.440 As David said about his sin. 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:38.380 You need to give that over to the Lord. 00:34:40.840 --> 00:34:41.779 If you're a Christian. 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:42.840 He can't possess you. 00:34:42.920 --> 00:34:43.940 Satan can't possess you. 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:44.340 But man. 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:45.139 He can oppress you. 00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:47.320 He can weigh you down. 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:48.080 And make you miserable. 00:34:48.840 --> 00:34:49.700 And I'll tell you. 00:34:49.720 --> 00:34:50.380 The way he does it. 00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.580 The open door is sin. 00:34:52.080 --> 00:34:53.180 So just repent of that. 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:54.140 And walk away from it. 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:56.500 By the power of the Spirit of God. 00:34:56.580 --> 00:34:58.000 That's put within a safe person. 00:34:58.539 --> 00:34:59.740 You can walk away from it. 00:35:01.360 --> 00:35:02.539 You're not a slave to sin. 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:04.100 You don't have to live that way. 00:35:05.600 --> 00:35:06.220 Heavenly Father. 00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:06.820 I love you. 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:07.500 And I thank you. 00:35:07.500 --> 00:35:09.340 For the horrible stories. 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:10.300 That's in the Word of God. 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:11.660 As well as the beautiful stories. 00:35:11.740 --> 00:35:12.340 That's in the Word of God. 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:13.940 Help us to learn from both. 00:35:14.240 --> 00:35:15.780 And help us to respond in obedience. 00:35:15.780 --> 00:35:17.220 As you speak to our hearts and lives. 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:19.080 In Jesus' precious name. 00:35:19.800 --> 00:35:20.120 Amen.