WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.060 I want you to turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 5, 2 Corinthians chapter 5. 00:00:05.139 --> 00:00:07.379 By the way, the deacons got a unanimous vote. 00:00:07.459 --> 00:00:11.279 Man, a unanimous vote in a Baptist church is an amazing thing. 00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:16.780 That is an amazing thing, so I appreciate you affirming that. 00:00:18.379 --> 00:00:24.420 When we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus, we are forever changed. 00:00:25.920 --> 00:00:28.359 I'm not speaking of a small change. 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:31.399 It's a big change. 00:00:31.539 --> 00:00:34.679 It's a complete transformation. 00:00:35.979 --> 00:00:39.820 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17 says, 00:00:39.960 --> 00:00:43.980 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 00:00:44.859 --> 00:00:46.320 The old has passed away. 00:00:46.460 --> 00:00:49.179 Behold, the new has come. 00:00:49.620 --> 00:00:56.920 Now, when it says the new has come, some of that newness comes immediately. 00:00:56.920 --> 00:00:58.920 In this world. 00:00:59.640 --> 00:01:05.099 Because when we're saved, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. 00:01:05.240 --> 00:01:13.280 We are empowered by the Holy Spirit over the sinful nature that not only we've inherited, 00:01:13.920 --> 00:01:17.719 but also that we've fed along the way, that we're guilty of. 00:01:17.719 --> 00:01:25.420 And now, because of the Holy Spirit, we have the strength to say no to temptation that hits us. 00:01:25.539 --> 00:01:32.180 And to walk away from that sin that so, as the Hebrew writer said, so easily entangles us. 00:01:32.180 --> 00:01:36.600 We have the power of the Holy Spirit of God in us. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:44.440 Christian, if you are still walking in the same sinful patterns that you were walking before you gave your heart and life to Christ, 00:01:44.700 --> 00:01:53.500 if you are a child of God, you have the power of God in you to rise above that, to say no to that, to walk away from that, 00:01:53.620 --> 00:01:56.620 to gain victory of that in Christ. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:01:58.820 We are changed people. 00:01:59.420 --> 00:02:01.840 We are new creations. 00:02:02.960 --> 00:02:07.500 Additionally, there are even more benefits that are beyond this world. 00:02:08.580 --> 00:02:16.560 Now, there's a lot you will hear from folks about the moment after you die. 00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:22.540 People on their deathbed, slipping from this life into the next. 00:02:22.539 --> 00:02:26.079 Some of those common threads are there's a dark tunnel. 00:02:26.459 --> 00:02:28.659 There's a light at the end of that tunnel. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:34.219 There's then somehow, some way they've been turned away and they've come back. 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:42.699 There always seems to be this warm and breezy sensation as they head toward the light. 00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:51.340 I have never heard someone say, however, that they were near death and walked right into hell and the devil turned them away. 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:52.800 You never hear that. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:54.340 You never hear them talk about that. 00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:57.599 It's always heaven that they're going to. 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:05.039 And seldom is there radical change in the lives of those testimonies in which they've heard. 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:09.599 The Apostle Paul said that he knew a man that went to the third heaven. 00:03:09.699 --> 00:03:16.159 When he says the third heaven, that means, and we'll get into this later, but the first heaven is when you go out today and look up. 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:17.699 That's what you see, the first heaven. 00:03:17.699 --> 00:03:24.119 If we have a clear night tonight when you look up and see the stars, that's the second heaven. 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:24.659 Okay. 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:27.819 The third heaven is where the Lord dwells. 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:30.039 The promised eternity that we have. 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:31.859 He said, I knew a man that went to the third heaven. 00:03:32.019 --> 00:03:33.299 Sounds like he's talking about himself. 00:03:33.479 --> 00:03:35.959 But he said he couldn't even discuss it. 00:03:36.019 --> 00:03:37.039 Couldn't even talk about it. 00:03:37.679 --> 00:03:40.479 And so when they come back and write books about it, I get a little skeptical. 00:03:40.479 --> 00:03:41.500 You know? 00:03:42.379 --> 00:03:50.179 Matter of fact, years ago, a child had some kind of near-death experience and came back and a book was written about it. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:56.959 And come to find out after millions of copies or at least a bunch were sold that it was all made up along the way. 00:03:57.039 --> 00:03:58.500 But they made a lot of money off of it. 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:04.020 It's interesting how that happens. 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:11.000 I know a man who has been to, he's with the Lord now, but he went to death's door several times with heart ailments. 00:04:11.699 --> 00:04:22.480 We were talking about this one day and he said, you know, preacher, looking back, they had me on so much stuff that I think my near-death experience might have been a drug-induced state. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:29.939 Now, I'm not taking away from what somebody else has experienced and don't want to get into all that. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:30.319 Okay? 00:04:30.540 --> 00:04:31.100 Maybe so. 00:04:32.780 --> 00:04:45.200 But the testimonies of people who have near-death is, this is what I want you to get, is not how I know what is coming. 00:04:46.460 --> 00:04:46.980 Okay? 00:04:47.840 --> 00:04:51.620 I know what's coming because the Bible tells me so. 00:04:52.480 --> 00:05:00.980 And so there's a lot of understandings of heaven and of hell and near-death and all that stuff that you may have heard. 00:05:01.040 --> 00:05:04.500 But I want to be clear, we're going to spend several weeks on this. 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:11.780 And throughout those several weeks, we will take time to better grasp the reality of eternity. 00:05:12.140 --> 00:05:14.439 But I'm not talking about something that's wispy or whimsical. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:17.560 It's factual and it's biblical. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:29.259 Today, I want to begin this series by talking about what you will know firsthand one minute after you die. 00:05:29.259 --> 00:05:32.980 Now, the truth is, that's a conservative estimate. 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:36.279 Because it's probably much quicker than that. 00:05:37.180 --> 00:05:42.560 But at least in the first minute, you'll know these things. 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:45.719 You may have doubts and wonderings here. 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:47.319 That's pretty common. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:53.219 But I assure you, you will not there. 00:05:55.279 --> 00:06:04.300 One minute after you die, you will know that eternity is immediate. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:07.180 Eternity is immediate. 00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:09.900 James chapter 4 verse 14 says, 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:11.540 What is your life? 00:06:11.720 --> 00:06:15.360 For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 00:06:16.300 --> 00:06:23.720 And I will promise you, when it does, you will be thrust into eternity immediately. 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:29.819 There you will stand before the gate of pearl and glory or the horrible gates of hell. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:32.980 Now, some have said that's not the case. 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:35.879 There's many solutions to that. 00:06:35.879 --> 00:06:41.540 And one of them, and some of these come in Christian circles, one of them is soul sleep. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:52.360 And soul sleep is the idea that until the Lord comes back, the soul simply waits upon him. 00:06:53.519 --> 00:06:54.939 Now, I'll tell you what that comes from. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:58.800 It's a misinterpretation of the words of Jesus. 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:02.899 In John 11 verse 11, he spoke of Lazarus. 00:07:03.240 --> 00:07:05.600 And he said that Lazarus was sleeping. 00:07:05.879 --> 00:07:15.600 Paul describes Christians in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 as those who sleep in Jesus. 00:07:15.959 --> 00:07:17.600 Now, I want to be clear about both those statements. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:21.860 The only thing that sleeps upon your death is this old body. 00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:25.719 The soul does not sleep. 00:07:25.819 --> 00:07:26.480 It rests. 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:26.560 It rests. 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:29.720 It rests from strife and labor of this earth. 00:07:30.020 --> 00:07:34.319 But it does that in the presence of God, if you're a Christian. 00:07:35.020 --> 00:07:39.160 And upon his return, we are reunited with our body. 00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:44.160 But look, if you're like me, don't be discouraged by that because it's going to be a glorified body. 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:44.560 Okay? 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:45.439 You know? 00:07:46.100 --> 00:07:47.680 I'm going to be buff and beautiful. 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:53.079 It will be made perfect in eternity. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:55.160 The soul slips one thought. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:56.639 Another thought is purgatory. 00:07:57.879 --> 00:08:02.560 And purgatory, Scripture is, it comes from this. 00:08:02.680 --> 00:08:06.939 Scripture is clear that one must be perfect to get to heaven. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.600 Jesus said that in Matthew 5. 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:12.160 And that leads to a problem, folks. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:15.260 Because I'm far from perfect. 00:08:16.460 --> 00:08:19.980 And in case you're feeling robust this morning, you're far from perfect. 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:22.480 We're all far from perfect. 00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:29.760 However, when asked who could be saved, Jesus said in Matthew chapter 19, 00:08:30.460 --> 00:08:34.779 with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:41.100 It is the blood of Christ that makes us righteous. 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:44.000 We just got done studying Abraham. 00:08:44.339 --> 00:08:51.819 Hebrews says that Abraham was righteous because God credited him with righteousness because he was obedient. 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:54.459 So it's not that his obedience was perfect. 00:08:54.579 --> 00:08:55.319 We studied that. 00:08:55.419 --> 00:08:56.199 You ought to know that. 00:08:56.459 --> 00:09:01.759 His obedience wasn't perfect by any means, but he was credited righteousness. 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:05.580 The blood of Christ is what makes us righteous. 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:15.159 He died as the perfect one and became the substitute to God for all the imperfect ones that would trust him for salvation. 00:09:15.679 --> 00:09:21.939 Purgatory is this idea that we must work to earn our salvation. 00:09:22.340 --> 00:09:25.639 Now listen, if you've got to do anything to earn your salvation, 00:09:25.860 --> 00:09:29.659 that means that somehow you've got to make up for what the cross don't cover. 00:09:29.659 --> 00:09:31.439 And I got news for you, friend. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:33.040 The cross covers it all. 00:09:33.580 --> 00:09:36.200 The only hope we have is in Christ on the cross. 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:39.280 And because of that, we rest completely in that. 00:09:39.440 --> 00:09:43.240 There's nothing we can do to make up the difference. 00:09:43.580 --> 00:09:49.140 However, those that think of purgatory believe that somehow you have to make up this difference. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:49.940 And how you do that? 00:09:50.160 --> 00:09:51.300 You confess your sin. 00:09:52.760 --> 00:09:54.080 You confess your sin. 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:56.620 The other way you do that is by taking sacraments. 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:59.400 And they call those means of grace. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:03.179 Now, I don't want to get into all those theological things, but I'll tell you, sacraments, 00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:07.639 one of the sacraments that we'd be familiar with is somewhat like the Lord's Supper. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:15.480 And some people take it weekly because they think it's a requirement in order to maintain their salvation. 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:22.480 And so they take it weekly in order to be able to do that because it keeps you right with God. 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:27.860 And so what happens when you don't do that? 00:10:28.360 --> 00:10:35.600 What happens when you got sin that you haven't confessed to somebody else who's a standby for God? 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:40.220 What happens when you hadn't taken a sacrament? 00:10:40.920 --> 00:10:46.960 What happens when there's sin that's not been dealt with in those theological patterns? 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:50.019 I shouldn't have to take this, but I will take this. 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.600 I want to be clear about something. 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:56.680 The only hope you have for forgiveness and salvation is through the cross of Christ. 00:10:56.679 --> 00:11:01.419 And I thank God for what 1 John 1, 9 says when it says that if we confess our sins, 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:06.439 he's faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:11:06.699 --> 00:11:09.899 You know, if he was willing to do it but couldn't do it, we'd be in a mess. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:12.859 And if he could do it but he wouldn't do it, we'd be in a mess. 00:11:13.319 --> 00:11:17.019 But thank God he can do it and he will do it. 00:11:17.599 --> 00:11:22.099 And what I love about it is, is that if we confess our sins, he's faithful and just to forgive us of our sins 00:11:22.099 --> 00:11:25.500 and to cleanse us, listen to this, from all unrighteousness. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:30.139 So if I were to tell you to go home and write your sins down today, nobody else going to look at it? 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:33.500 You just get honest with God and write all your sins down, okay? 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:37.159 There ain't enough paper in Pickens County to cover us, okay? 00:11:38.100 --> 00:11:45.299 But if you write down everything you can think of, you've got so good at sinning that you're not going to come up with all of it. 00:11:46.659 --> 00:11:53.399 What I love about that passage is it says that if we wholeheartedly confess our sin to God, 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:56.840 confess their means to agree with God in our sin. 00:11:58.199 --> 00:12:04.539 Not to do it in passing, but to realize the weight of our sin, the things that you consider little white sins, 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:12.379 the things that we consider big sins, the weight of your sin, or even one of them, sent Christ to the cross. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:20.220 When you agree with God on the weight of your sin, he cleans your slate. 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:24.080 The stuff that you're so good at, you don't even think about anymore. 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:27.139 He'll clean your slate. 00:12:27.639 --> 00:12:28.320 You'll wash clean. 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:32.460 Just a little excursion to remind you where I stand on things, okay? 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:37.879 But some believe that you have to do that by confessing it to somebody else. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:45.879 Some believe you have to do that by taking part in sacraments that are means of grace. 00:12:45.900 --> 00:12:47.120 I'll tell you what the means of grace is. 00:12:47.420 --> 00:12:49.120 The means of grace is the cross of Christ. 00:12:50.060 --> 00:12:51.519 That's the means of grace, period. 00:12:53.180 --> 00:12:58.100 And if you don't do those things, or if you're missing something, or you've got unconfessed sin, 00:12:58.100 --> 00:13:06.779 that sin and purgatory has to be, this is the belief, has to be purged out in some type of temporary hell 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:13.960 until it's no longer remaining, and then you've earned the right for heaven. 00:13:16.180 --> 00:13:19.940 I hope you understand all that's wrong with such a theology as that. 00:13:20.700 --> 00:13:22.440 You can't earn your way to heaven. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:25.320 Jesus earned your way to heaven. 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:27.620 Jesus died in your place. 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:29.720 Only hope you have is in Christ, period. 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:31.539 Yes, you need to confess your sins. 00:13:31.820 --> 00:13:37.320 If you can't stop sinning what you're doing, and you need to find somebody else to mentor you through that, 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:40.700 then confess it to somebody else and let them walk through that with you. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:44.419 But the only person that can forgive you is the Lord Jesus Christ, period. 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:47.279 That's the only hope you have for forgiveness, is through him. 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:49.639 And so you walk away from that sin. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:51.159 You agree with him on that sin. 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:54.899 You celebrate the Lord's Supper with us. 00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:59.799 Because he told us to do it regularly and to remember him in that way. 00:13:59.959 --> 00:14:01.179 Because we honor him. 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:02.799 We're being obedient when we do that. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:04.600 That's why we do those things. 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:05.919 Baptism. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:07.579 We're going to celebrate baptism next week. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:08.459 It's going to be a cool event. 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:09.840 I'm excited about it. 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:11.279 We're going to celebrate baptism. 00:14:11.399 --> 00:14:11.840 Baptism. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:13.420 And I told the baptismal candidates. 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:19.519 I said, I want you to know, when somebody asks you when you got saved, don't tell them you got baptized at Camp McCall. 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.240 Don't tell them that. 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.820 Tell them when you got saved. 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:28.360 Because that water is not going to do anything but tell everybody else what's already happened in your heart. 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:30.180 You tell them when you got saved. 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:31.840 You tell them about that camp experience. 00:14:32.040 --> 00:14:33.340 You tell them about when you were a child. 00:14:33.580 --> 00:14:34.840 You tell them how you got saved. 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:37.660 Then you can say, you know what? 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:39.219 And I followed that up by letting people know. 00:14:39.319 --> 00:14:39.959 And I was baptized. 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:41.699 And I said, it was cool. 00:14:41.839 --> 00:14:42.579 You can say all that. 00:14:42.699 --> 00:14:45.839 But don't you dare say, when did you get saved? 00:14:46.439 --> 00:14:48.559 I got baptized back in 23. 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:50.759 Who gives a rip? 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:52.039 We can baptize you every year. 00:14:52.079 --> 00:14:53.339 But you're only going to get saved once. 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:56.799 By the way, I ain't going to baptize you every year. 00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:58.799 So, just for the record. 00:14:58.899 --> 00:14:59.199 But anyway. 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:07.559 But the thought is that they can purge their sin in some temporary. 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:09.659 Hell and then earn their right to go to heaven. 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:10.819 Isn't that beautiful? 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:14.419 The problem is it's not biblical. 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:16.299 It's not biblical. 00:15:16.519 --> 00:15:19.539 It's contrary to the belief that we are justified. 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:21.600 Which means made right in God's eyes. 00:15:21.719 --> 00:15:23.439 By Christ and not ourselves. 00:15:23.439 --> 00:15:26.399 And because it's not biblical, it makes it bogus. 00:15:26.799 --> 00:15:27.980 Third thought is this. 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:31.899 Others believe that you go to paradise. 00:15:31.899 --> 00:15:37.720 And they would describe paradise as this intermediate state. 00:15:38.379 --> 00:15:41.600 Before you are reunited with a glorified body. 00:15:43.000 --> 00:15:44.779 Scripture speaks of paradise. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:49.919 When Jesus said to the thief on the cross, you shall be with me today in paradise. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:57.259 But if it's as I've seen it defined, there's a problem there. 00:15:57.259 --> 00:16:02.700 For one, number one, Christ is there. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:03.279 Okay? 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:12.980 And Hebrews chapter 1 verse 3 tells us that after the ascension, that Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father. 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:15.840 To make intercession for the saints. 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:17.399 In heaven. 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:21.100 So, where Christ is, is heaven. 00:16:21.179 --> 00:16:23.759 He said the same thing in Luke chapter 22 verse 69. 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:31.639 So, listen, if Jesus is there, and the Father is there, and heaven is God's home, then paradise is heaven. 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.240 Now, I want to be clear about something. 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:36.419 It's going to get even better when all the saints come home. 00:16:36.860 --> 00:16:39.819 But paradise is heaven. 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:51.519 I think heaven is now somewhat like, in a much more glorified state, somewhat like we are in the sanctuary about five minutes till the hour. 00:16:52.059 --> 00:16:52.299 Okay? 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:56.299 I mean, we see in folks, and we fellowship and all that stuff, you know. 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:57.139 It's good. 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:58.719 It's good. 00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:00.500 I enjoy that time, you know. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:07.879 I'm torn weekly between going in that room and praying with deacons and visiting with folks out here. 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:12.659 I think it's important, and I've asked them to do it, to pray for me before we go out. 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:16.379 And so, they pray for me in the family room right before I go out. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.759 That's why I usher into that. 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.980 Sometimes I never make it in there. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.099 Sometimes they have to pray without me. 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:23.159 Because I get so caught up with the people, because I love that. 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:23.419 Okay? 00:17:23.939 --> 00:17:25.379 That's just like a foretaste. 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:25.679 Okay? 00:17:26.939 --> 00:17:29.619 There's going to be a day when all God's saints come home. 00:17:30.659 --> 00:17:32.339 And when they do, worship's going to start. 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.899 And that's when the real thing kicks. 00:17:34.379 --> 00:17:35.079 You get the difference? 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:38.179 I always compared it to going to mama's to eat, you know. 00:17:39.120 --> 00:17:44.720 She'd be cutting out ham, and I'd get trimmings off that ham, check her out, make sure it was good enough for everybody else to eat. 00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:47.360 I'm willing to do that kind of thing for folks. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.100 And you can tell. 00:17:49.100 --> 00:17:55.640 But it really gets sweet when the whole family gets there, and we join hands on a circle and pray to God. 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:58.660 That's when it, well, for a little while, you know. 00:17:58.860 --> 00:17:59.740 It's like a typical family. 00:17:59.840 --> 00:18:00.039 But anyway. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:02.579 But that's when it gets sweet. 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:05.059 And so there's coming a day when we'll all be home. 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:07.960 And in the meantime, they're just getting ready. 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:16.279 They're just tuning the instruments to prepare for what Scripture calls the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.659 But be clear. 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:26.060 We who are Christians will behold the lovely face of God immediately. 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:33.560 Those without Christ will face hell immediately. 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:39.200 Their doom is faced immediately. 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:49.819 Second thing you'll know one minute after you die is that eternity is real. 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:52.400 It's real. 00:18:53.620 --> 00:19:01.240 Many believe that heaven is some cultural appeasement, some kind of made-up utopia to ease the fear of death. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:11.839 Those same may believe that hell is just a made-up threat to kind of jar somebody to get something right in their life or to follow some religious pattern of sorts. 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:14.960 In some minds, it may be. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:18.740 But the reality is the eternity that Scripture teaches of is real. 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:23.620 And Scripture again and again points to the reality of hell. 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:28.259 And if you're one of those folks that say, yeah, but I just pay attention to what Jesus said. 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:28.819 Be careful. 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:29.480 Okay? 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.259 Be careful. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.200 Period. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.319 For that kind of theology. 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:41.579 Because the truth of the Holy Spirit of God working and moving in the God-breathed Word of God works throughout Scripture. 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.079 Period. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:42.700 Okay? 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:44.920 Everywhere. 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:53.059 The words that Paul wrote down on a page are just as inspired by the Holy Spirit of God as the red letters are. 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:53.420 Okay? 00:19:53.420 --> 00:20:01.519 But if you're struggling with whether there's a reality of hell, just look at the red letters. 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:01.800 Okay? 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:04.220 Because Jesus is clear about it. 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:10.039 Jesus spends more time talking about hell and money than he does just about anything else. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:11.860 And y'all don't want to hear either one of them, do you? 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:13.860 But the reality is what he deals with. 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:19.820 Because he wants us warned about what's coming. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:22.059 Christ warned us of the reality of hell. 00:20:22.379 --> 00:20:27.179 And Luke chapter 16 speaks of the rich man in hell in agony, begging for mercy. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:32.099 Revelation 21 is a clear revelation of what God wanted John to know about heaven. 00:20:32.339 --> 00:20:33.960 You can throw the Bible out. 00:20:34.179 --> 00:20:35.379 You can call it unreal. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:37.039 You can call it irrelevant. 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:39.659 You can forget about heaven and hell. 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:47.720 Although the truth and the existence of heaven and hell will not go away. 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:50.579 Even if you say, preacher, I'm not going to believe that. 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.659 Well, I promise you. 00:20:54.779 --> 00:21:01.200 I promise you, one minute after you die, you'll know eternity is real. 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:10.799 But if you believe the Bible is the inspired God-breathed word, God's revelation to us, you'll have to believe in the glory of heaven and the agony of hell. 00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:11.319 You'll have to. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:21.819 W.A. Crystal, classic pastor, served in First Baptist Dallas from the 50s until the end of the century, said this. 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:34.179 Unfortunately, the only conclusion conceivable is that those who are blood-bought sinners whose names are entered into the book of life are saved, while others are forever excluded. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:37.659 This was not God's design for man. 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:42.339 The everlasting fires of hell were prepared for the devil and his angels. 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:44.399 Matthew 25 verse 41 says that. 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:51.940 But God is so gracious that he never coerces anyone to be the object of his affection and adore him. 00:21:52.780 --> 00:21:58.400 If there is rejection of his overtures, then the only option is the place called hell. 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:03.060 Tragically, it is the destination of most. 00:22:04.580 --> 00:22:09.120 I get people that ask me sometimes, preacher, why would a loving God send anyone to hell? 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:09.740 He wouldn't. 00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:11.980 And he never will. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:13.600 He gives us a choice. 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:23.900 And if we refuse to submit to his lordship, we will live with the eternal consequences forever. 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:26.160 Hell was not made for man. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:31.300 It was made for a rebellious devil and his angels. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:36.300 But when sin entered in, eternal separation and condemnation entered in. 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:43.280 It is only removed by accepting the sacrifice of Christ with your submission to his lordship. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:46.660 Life is not over when you die. 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:51.119 It is simply a transfer into eternity. 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:54.319 A real and certain one. 00:22:55.599 --> 00:23:00.980 To close your eyes in death is to open them instantly in eternity. 00:23:03.399 --> 00:23:04.779 You'll know one minute. 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.039 I believe one second. 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.619 But I'll say one minute for sure. 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:09.940 Because I ain't been there. 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:13.059 That eternity is real. 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:15.539 Third thing is this. 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:24.980 One minute after you die, you'll know that eternity is beyond your imagination. 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:31.319 Scripture gives details of heaven, especially in Revelation 21. 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:33.500 And we're going to dig it apart, folks. 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:37.180 But there's other clues as well throughout Scripture. 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:45.200 And when the passages of hell are combined together, it makes for a horrid but very clear picture. 00:23:45.880 --> 00:23:47.900 However, I will be clear. 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:51.960 It is still beyond your imagination. 00:23:53.100 --> 00:23:55.700 It is still beyond your comprehension. 00:23:55.700 --> 00:24:00.200 Even the words that we could speak to describe it. 00:24:00.900 --> 00:24:03.299 Because we have finite minds. 00:24:03.580 --> 00:24:05.380 And we have finite language. 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:07.640 We have finite intellect. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:17.759 And it is so far inferior and impoverished compared to what is to come that we can only begin to understand. 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:24.759 We're going to spend several weeks exploring the Bible, looking for the reality of eternity. 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:29.519 But the grand expanse of heaven will be beyond us when we get to the end of this. 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.140 I promise you. 00:24:30.379 --> 00:24:33.319 The agony of hell is too terrible to picture. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:40.279 When you know all there is to know about heaven and hell on this earth, 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:44.759 it will only be a fraction of the whole truth. 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:52.559 It will simply be a dim reflection of the breathtaking reality. 00:24:54.240 --> 00:25:00.000 We have never experienced anything like the victory of heaven. 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:00.519 Never. 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:03.200 I like what John MacArthur said about it. 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:03.799 He said this. 00:25:03.859 --> 00:25:04.359 Listen to this. 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:09.500 The best of our spiritual experiences here are only samples of heaven. 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.980 Our highest spiritual heights. 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:18.180 The profoundest of all of our joys and the greatest of our spiritual blessings will be normal in heaven. 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:25.079 When we consider that Christ prayed for all who know him to spend eternity with him in unbroken fellowship, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.559 John 17 verse 24, 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:31.720 our hearts should overflow with gratitude and expectation. 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:36.400 I want you to listen to Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel, 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:39.740 who saw a vision of heaven. 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:43.339 And I want you to listen to how he tries to describe it, 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:46.200 the stammering in which he tries to describe it. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:49.279 He says in Ezekiel chapter 1 verse 26 and it says this, 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:56.880 And above the expanse over their heads there was like the likeness of a throne, 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.480 excuse me, 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:59.019 the likeness of a throne, 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:01.799 in appearance like sapphire. 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:10.879 He sounds like a teenager. 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:14.000 Man, it was like this and it was like that and it was like that. 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:16.700 He was baffled by even being attempted, 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:18.680 as I was baffled by trying to read what he said, 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:22.359 he was baffled by even attempting to explain it. 00:26:22.359 --> 00:26:26.119 And what about hell? 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:31.399 Can we get a clear picture of what a dark, 00:26:32.219 --> 00:26:34.500 yet fiery, bottomless pit, 00:26:34.619 --> 00:26:38.179 yet lake of fire where God's presence has never graced it? 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:42.059 Can we get a clear picture of what that'll be like? 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:47.419 When Jesus described it, 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:51.579 he normally used the Greek word Gehenna. 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:57.139 And ge in that word means valley. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:27:00.379 And Hinnah was short for Hinnom. 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:04.940 He was speaking of the valley of Hinnom. 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:12.160 And Gehenna was the trash dump outside the city of Jerusalem. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:16.039 It's where they dumped the trash in that valley. 00:27:17.340 --> 00:27:21.940 It's also where they would take criminal bodies that had been executed 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:26.900 and they would throw them in that valley. 00:27:28.680 --> 00:27:34.460 The cultic sacrifices that would kill folks. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:41.660 For their gods would many times dump those sacrificed bodies into that valley. 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:45.960 And for sanitation purposes in that valley, 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:48.160 they would keep a fire going. 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:51.500 That they would constantly feed with more trash. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:55.019 So because the trash was there, 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:57.140 the worms were there. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:59.660 And for sanitation purposes, 00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:01.259 the fire was there. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:04.660 And so Jesus referred to hell as Gehenna. 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:07.420 It'd be like living your life in that pit. 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.460 And he said, 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:12.039 where the fire never goes out 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:15.000 and the worm never dies. 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:19.759 That was the most graphic illustration on this earth 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.960 that he could describe 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:23.660 what hell would be like. 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:30.560 I want you to think about your spiritual mountaintop experience. 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:35.420 Best time you ever had enraptured in the presence of God. 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:39.420 When God moved in your life and you felt a strong sense of his presence. 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:42.279 I want you to know that's a down day in heaven. 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:50.700 And I want you to think about the worst in this life you've experienced. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:53.160 That you would say, 00:28:53.240 --> 00:28:55.740 Preacher, it was like hell for me that day. 00:28:56.599 --> 00:29:03.059 I want you to know that's just a fraction of all eternity. 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:07.359 It is beyond us. 00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:11.379 I will do my best 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:15.079 to dig out what scripture says about heaven 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.859 and about hell. 00:29:16.940 --> 00:29:19.019 But I promise you when we get to the end of this, 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:22.679 we'll still only see a fragment. 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:25.919 Just a crack 00:29:25.919 --> 00:29:28.000 in the door 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:30.819 to what it really is. 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:33.279 Fourth and last thing. 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:36.079 One minute after you die, 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:38.539 you will know 00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:40.059 eternity 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:41.759 is your 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.839 future. 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:45.079 It will be personalized 00:29:45.079 --> 00:29:46.480 for you 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.939 immediately. 00:29:48.899 --> 00:29:50.159 You can believe it 00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:51.460 or not believe it. 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.839 But I promise you, 00:29:53.899 --> 00:29:54.960 if you don't believe now, 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.960 you will then. 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:58.879 There are no atheists in hell. 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:00.279 When they got there, 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.059 they started believing. 00:30:04.399 --> 00:30:05.599 How does that make you feel? 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:09.220 Are you ready? 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.799 Are you living 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:15.839 like you're ready to die? 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:15.920 Are you? 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:20.039 One of my favorite preachers 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:21.220 is a man named Steve Brown. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.779 Steve Brown says 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.399 many people have told him 00:30:25.399 --> 00:30:26.399 that they wonder 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:28.079 what it will be like 00:30:28.079 --> 00:30:29.000 when they die. 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:30.579 not so much 00:30:30.579 --> 00:30:31.279 in the manner 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:33.039 in which they die 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:35.700 because I always say, 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:35.920 you know, 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:36.619 I want to die 00:30:36.619 --> 00:30:37.299 like my grandpa 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.420 who died in his sleep 00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:39.299 instead of all the people 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.059 in the car with him 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.519 that was yelling 00:30:40.519 --> 00:30:41.079 all the way. 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:41.460 But anyway. 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.839 So it's not so much 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.519 in the manner 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.700 that we wonder about 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:50.059 but the feeling. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.140 Seeing it coming. 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:58.860 When the breath ceased 00:30:58.860 --> 00:31:00.440 here, 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:06.319 he says, 00:31:06.319 --> 00:31:09.240 I've seen many die 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:12.299 and I can assure you, 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:14.700 you will die 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:16.740 as you have lived. 00:31:20.900 --> 00:31:21.799 If eternity 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:24.860 is your future 00:31:24.860 --> 00:31:26.840 and it is, 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:28.980 are you ready for it? 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:33.039 If you were to die today 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:34.059 and that's not a threat, 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:34.940 it's just a question. 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:37.279 If you were to die today 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.059 and you were to stand 00:31:38.059 --> 00:31:38.680 before God 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:39.539 and he were to ask you 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:40.759 why should I let you 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.240 into my heaven, 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:41.660 what do you think 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:42.180 you'd say? 00:31:46.540 --> 00:31:47.259 I asked a guy 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:47.960 that one time. 00:31:49.860 --> 00:31:50.220 I said, 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:51.060 if you were to die today 00:31:51.060 --> 00:31:51.820 and ask the Lord 00:31:51.820 --> 00:31:53.560 and you were to stand 00:31:53.560 --> 00:31:53.980 before God 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:54.580 and he would ask you 00:31:54.580 --> 00:31:55.160 why should I let you 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.360 into my heaven, 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:55.779 what do you think 00:31:55.779 --> 00:31:56.040 he'd say? 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:56.580 He said, 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.100 please. 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.660 That ain't the right answer. 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:04.759 If there's anything 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.759 you would say 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:08.420 besides I know 00:32:08.420 --> 00:32:08.920 for certain 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:09.620 that I've surrendered 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.440 my heart and life 00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:11.580 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:32:11.660 --> 00:32:12.019 and I gave him 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.860 control of my life, 00:32:13.580 --> 00:32:14.460 I surrendered to him 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:15.080 and because of what 00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:15.540 he did for me 00:32:15.540 --> 00:32:16.019 on the cross, 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:16.660 I know I'll spend 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.340 eternity with him. 00:32:19.380 --> 00:32:20.060 If you'll say 00:32:20.060 --> 00:32:21.180 anything else, 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:24.000 it's the wrong answer 00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:26.640 and you need 00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:27.420 to make it right 00:32:27.420 --> 00:32:28.600 today 00:32:28.600 --> 00:32:32.860 by saying, 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.240 dear Lord, 00:32:33.300 --> 00:32:34.120 I know I'm a sinner 00:32:34.120 --> 00:32:36.480 and I know 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.140 my sin 00:32:37.140 --> 00:32:38.360 has separated me 00:32:38.360 --> 00:32:38.940 from you 00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:40.940 and I ask you 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.519 to forgive me 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.440 and come into my life 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:43.299 and from this day 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:43.980 forward I commit 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:44.600 my life 00:32:44.600 --> 00:32:46.559 to follow you, 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:48.519 to live for you. 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:51.440 Second thing 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.120 is this, 00:32:52.119 --> 00:32:54.939 have you done 00:32:54.939 --> 00:32:55.799 what he's told 00:32:55.799 --> 00:32:57.079 you to do? 00:32:59.479 --> 00:33:00.319 Have you been 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:00.959 faithful 00:33:00.959 --> 00:33:02.939 with the opportunities 00:33:02.939 --> 00:33:04.039 that he's given you? 00:33:07.399 --> 00:33:08.439 Are you 00:33:08.439 --> 00:33:09.159 ready? 00:33:12.959 --> 00:33:13.979 You need to be 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:17.360 because we don't 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:18.059 know what tomorrow 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:18.579 holds 00:33:18.579 --> 00:33:20.920 but thank God 00:33:20.920 --> 00:33:21.440 we know who 00:33:21.440 --> 00:33:22.120 holds tomorrow. 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.400 With every head 00:33:24.400 --> 00:33:24.680 bowed 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.019 and every eye 00:33:25.019 --> 00:33:25.579 closed, 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:27.599 I want you to know 00:33:27.599 --> 00:33:28.440 I prayed for you, 00:33:29.620 --> 00:33:30.599 maybe not by name, 00:33:30.660 --> 00:33:31.079 a lot of you 00:33:31.079 --> 00:33:31.819 I prayed by name 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:33.880 but I prayed 00:33:33.880 --> 00:33:34.640 for you this week 00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:35.380 that God would 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:36.339 work and move 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.200 in our midst 00:33:37.200 --> 00:33:38.660 during this time 00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:43.100 that if you don't 00:33:43.100 --> 00:33:43.580 know the Lord 00:33:43.580 --> 00:33:44.080 you'll come to 00:33:44.080 --> 00:33:44.820 know him today. 00:33:46.360 --> 00:33:47.000 Don't think 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:47.500 that church 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:48.060 membership, 00:33:48.880 --> 00:33:49.320 don't think 00:33:49.320 --> 00:33:50.120 that baptism, 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.360 don't think 00:33:51.360 --> 00:33:52.060 that the Lord's 00:33:52.060 --> 00:33:52.380 supper, 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:53.640 don't think 00:33:53.640 --> 00:33:54.080 that a good 00:33:54.080 --> 00:33:54.960 godly heritage 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.880 is enough 00:33:55.880 --> 00:33:56.420 for you. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.620 It's a personal 00:33:57.620 --> 00:33:58.300 surrender 00:33:58.300 --> 00:33:59.360 to the Lord 00:33:59.360 --> 00:34:00.259 Jesus Christ. 00:34:04.080 --> 00:34:04.519 Today, 00:34:05.060 --> 00:34:06.019 if you need 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.519 to be saved 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:07.000 you ask the 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.440 Lord Jesus 00:34:07.440 --> 00:34:08.240 to save you. 00:34:08.239 --> 00:34:09.099 He will. 00:34:09.279 --> 00:34:09.939 I'll be happy 00:34:09.939 --> 00:34:10.519 to guide you 00:34:10.519 --> 00:34:11.239 in that you come. 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:12.819 Maybe you're here 00:34:12.819 --> 00:34:13.219 and you've done 00:34:13.219 --> 00:34:13.839 that privately 00:34:13.839 --> 00:34:14.539 but you've never 00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.419 done it publicly 00:34:15.419 --> 00:34:16.199 and you need 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:16.739 to do it. 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.759 So I encourage 00:34:18.759 --> 00:34:20.279 you to come 00:34:20.279 --> 00:34:21.299 and to 00:34:21.299 --> 00:34:23.859 acknowledge that 00:34:23.859 --> 00:34:25.279 publicly. 00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:28.919 Maybe you're here 00:34:28.919 --> 00:34:29.439 and God's leading 00:34:29.439 --> 00:34:29.879 you to be a part 00:34:29.879 --> 00:34:30.259 of this church 00:34:30.259 --> 00:34:31.039 and you know that. 00:34:32.279 --> 00:34:33.199 I encourage you 00:34:33.199 --> 00:34:33.719 to just simply 00:34:33.719 --> 00:34:34.259 be obedient 00:34:34.259 --> 00:34:34.919 to do what 00:34:34.919 --> 00:34:36.399 he's asked 00:34:36.399 --> 00:34:36.779 you to do 00:34:36.779 --> 00:34:37.259 or maybe 00:34:37.260 --> 00:34:39.140 maybe this 00:34:39.140 --> 00:34:39.420 morning 00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:39.900 you just need 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.080 to get 00:34:40.080 --> 00:34:40.460 some things 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:40.940 right. 00:34:42.540 --> 00:34:43.460 When wasting 00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:44.140 opportunities 00:34:44.140 --> 00:34:44.440 you need 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:44.560 to get 00:34:44.560 --> 00:34:45.280 things right. 00:34:46.540 --> 00:34:47.060 Make it 00:34:47.060 --> 00:34:47.700 right today. 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:49.560 Heavenly Father 00:34:49.560 --> 00:34:50.180 I love you 00:34:50.180 --> 00:34:50.900 and I thank you 00:34:50.900 --> 00:34:51.620 Lord for your 00:34:51.620 --> 00:34:52.420 love for us. 00:34:53.800 --> 00:34:54.840 I ask dear God 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:55.440 that you will 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:56.380 lead us right now 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:57.000 to simply be 00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:57.720 obedient and follow 00:34:57.720 --> 00:34:58.260 what you'd have 00:34:58.260 --> 00:34:58.780 us to do. 00:34:59.900 --> 00:35:00.800 In Jesus precious 00:35:00.800 --> 00:35:01.240 name. 00:35:01.620 --> 00:35:01.860 Amen. 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:02.079 If you