WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.339 Let's turn to Mark chapter 2. 00:00:03.140 --> 00:00:06.860 Mark chapter 2, we are talking this month about first things first. 00:00:07.700 --> 00:00:13.679 And that is the new guy coming in, wanted you to know the priorities that stir me. 00:00:14.380 --> 00:00:20.679 I wanted you to know what it is that sets my focus and seems to guide my direction as a pastor. 00:00:21.640 --> 00:00:23.420 Just to put it bluntly, I want you to know my heart. 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:33.460 I want you to know what makes me tick and what gets me up in the morning because we're family. 00:00:34.859 --> 00:00:39.520 I don't know everybody's name, but I've been to some family reunions like that before. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:47.320 So now I'm just trying to figure out who's the ones that bull through the lines and get all the food and then leave and don't speak to anybody. 00:00:47.480 --> 00:00:48.740 You know, so those type of things. 00:00:50.100 --> 00:00:51.820 So we've been talking about first things first. 00:00:51.820 --> 00:00:55.380 We began to talk about the need of knowing that you are saved. 00:00:56.460 --> 00:00:57.899 There's doubt in your mind. 00:00:58.020 --> 00:01:01.740 We need to nail that down because the reality is you won't grow. 00:01:02.240 --> 00:01:03.439 You won't share. 00:01:04.120 --> 00:01:08.599 You won't thrive in your Christian walk if you're struggling, whether it's even there or not. 00:01:09.340 --> 00:01:10.460 So you need to know that. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:16.939 And if you don't know the Lord Jesus today, I want you to know that of all the things that we talk about and all the things that we do, 00:01:16.939 --> 00:01:24.959 the most important thing that we want you to know is the Lord Jesus on a personal basis, surrendering your life to him. 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:26.420 So I believe it's important. 00:01:27.259 --> 00:01:31.759 I believe it's bedrock to know that you know the Lord, you're saved. 00:01:32.759 --> 00:01:35.819 Then if you do know him, I think you'll live for him. 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:38.979 That includes spending time daily with him. 00:01:39.239 --> 00:01:49.699 And we've shared that, a plan of reading the word of God daily and implementing that and allowing God to speak to you and use that in your life. 00:01:49.759 --> 00:01:59.679 I'm going to speak to that again in coming days because I just believe that it ought to be a part of our life, you know, like brushing your teeth. 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:04.080 And if you don't do that at least a couple times a day, you need to, okay? 00:02:04.420 --> 00:02:07.480 You need to brush your teeth, but you also need to spend some time in God's word. 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:09.540 So I believe it ought to be as natural as that. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:13.920 You know, when I say that, I think, well, some people may not think it's natural to brush their teeth, but I hope you do. 00:02:15.400 --> 00:02:17.879 And if you don't, your neighbor will let you know it. 00:02:18.159 --> 00:02:26.680 So, and then I think we ought to spur one another on because I promise you there's always going to be times of discouragement. 00:02:26.680 --> 00:02:33.000 There's always going to be times when we need one another and we try to hide that on Sunday, okay? 00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:40.939 We try to look our best and we try to act like that all the pieces of our pie are in place and all those things. 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:48.460 But the reality is we need the Lord Jesus and he established the church because we need one another. 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:55.219 And we need to be spurring one another on in so many different ways that we can do that. 00:02:55.219 --> 00:03:01.900 Today, I just want to encourage you to do a simple thing and that is grab a corner. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:04.400 Just grab a corner. 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:10.699 Mark chapter 2, beginning in verse 1, it says this. 00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:18.759 And when he, speaking of Christ, returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:25.500 And many were gathered together so that there was no more room, not even at the door. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.159 And he was preaching the word to them. 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:34.319 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:40.680 And when they could not get near because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him. 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:44.819 And when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 00:03:44.819 --> 00:03:52.299 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, son, your sins are forgiven. 00:03:53.419 --> 00:04:00.579 Now, some of the scribes were sitting there questioning in their hearts, why does this man speak like this? 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:02.539 He's blaspheming. 00:04:03.199 --> 00:04:05.599 Who can forgive sins but God alone? 00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:14.659 And immediately Jesus perceived in his spirit that those questioned within themselves, that they questioned within themselves. 00:04:15.359 --> 00:04:18.519 And said to them, why do you question these things in your heart? 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:22.219 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, your sins are forgiven? 00:04:22.879 --> 00:04:25.079 Or to rise, take up your bed and walk? 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:29.800 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:35.780 He said to the paralytic, I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home. 00:04:35.780 --> 00:04:42.720 And when he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, 00:04:42.840 --> 00:04:52.800 so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, we never saw anything like this. 00:04:52.800 --> 00:05:00.780 When Jesus entered Capernaum again, there was a buzz in the air. 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:04.020 His reputation had preceded him. 00:05:05.080 --> 00:05:06.360 Jesus was in town again. 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:12.240 When he had previously been there, Scripture tells us that he had taught in the synagogue. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:18.040 After teaching and eating at Simon's house, literally across the street from the synagogue, 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:21.400 the whole town came and more were healed. 00:05:21.399 --> 00:05:24.779 He pulled up the next morning and went to pray. 00:05:26.019 --> 00:05:30.779 And when he got up, he went and preached in Galilee, that same region, 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:34.819 that larger, greater region around Capernaum. 00:05:35.799 --> 00:05:38.859 That is a beautiful area. 00:05:39.739 --> 00:05:42.399 All of it overlooks the Sea of Galilee. 00:05:43.039 --> 00:05:45.399 It is pretty rolling pasture. 00:05:46.459 --> 00:05:48.199 It smells of Jesus up there. 00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:50.579 It's just a special spot. 00:05:51.399 --> 00:05:53.299 You can sense his influence. 00:05:54.639 --> 00:05:57.679 And still today, the Galilean people are different. 00:05:58.459 --> 00:06:01.139 There's a different flavor to them. 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:07.099 There's a pleasantness about them, a different countenance than you see in other folks in that area. 00:06:07.620 --> 00:06:08.779 They look Galilean. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:10.779 They act Galilean. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:14.119 And when they first told me that, I didn't really understand what that meant. 00:06:14.179 --> 00:06:16.339 But once I met them, I understood what they meant by that. 00:06:16.479 --> 00:06:17.099 It's pretty neat. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:22.500 And while this morning in our passage, he returns to Capernaum, 00:06:23.160 --> 00:06:25.180 he had taught folks. 00:06:25.280 --> 00:06:26.320 He had healed folks. 00:06:26.439 --> 00:06:28.120 He had fellowship with folks. 00:06:28.300 --> 00:06:30.600 And they had spread the word about that. 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:35.320 And folks were coming because they had spread the word about what God was doing. 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:42.839 While stopping at someone's house, a crowd began to gather and surround the place. 00:06:43.219 --> 00:06:44.800 And Jesus began to teach. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.480 It was a crowd. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:53.700 An overwhelming crowd surrounded the house, hung in the windows, all those things. 00:06:55.520 --> 00:07:03.620 As much as they do wonderful in reaching out and how you need to take advantage of the opportunity, 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:06.980 they didn't have Facebook ads in that day. 00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:08.700 And they didn't have yard signs in that day. 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:10.980 They just had word of mouth. 00:07:10.980 --> 00:07:14.800 Now, I will say that we've got BBS yard signs. 00:07:14.900 --> 00:07:16.520 If they're still available, they're out there. 00:07:16.700 --> 00:07:17.280 Pick them up. 00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:19.460 Put them in your yard. 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:20.400 Invite some kid. 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:23.740 Get off my lawn and come to BBS and learn of the love of Jesus. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:36.319 But the reality is, the best way to share the news of Jesus Christ is to tell somebody. 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:38.300 Just tell them. 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:40.100 And that's what they had done. 00:07:40.100 --> 00:07:40.660 They told them. 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:47.620 And the result of them telling that was a house that was overflowing with people. 00:07:49.040 --> 00:07:54.180 Church, don't ever underestimate your influence. 00:07:56.040 --> 00:08:00.060 God has placed you here to use you here. 00:08:01.400 --> 00:08:03.759 Tell somebody about Jesus. 00:08:03.759 --> 00:08:11.759 The evil one wants you to underestimate your influence. 00:08:11.819 --> 00:08:14.319 To say you don't know what to say. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:17.420 To worry about questions someone may ask. 00:08:18.399 --> 00:08:20.579 Just share what you know. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.699 The room was filled. 00:08:23.699 --> 00:08:26.759 The doorway was filled. 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:28.039 The windows were filled. 00:08:28.039 --> 00:08:29.159 People were everywhere. 00:08:29.159 --> 00:08:33.600 And there was a special need on the outer edge of the crowd. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:36.000 And thankfully that man had help. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:41.819 He was a paralyzed man being carried on a cot by his friends. 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:44.419 And they had a burden. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:45.419 They wanted this man well. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:47.299 They wanted this man well. 00:08:47.299 --> 00:08:53.659 And when they heard of Jesus and they heard of his power, they wanted to get that man to Jesus. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:09:01.179 When it comes to seeing lives changed by Christ, I believe we have a lot to learn from this account. 00:09:02.299 --> 00:09:04.480 And I believe we ought to practice what we learn. 00:09:05.939 --> 00:09:09.240 He came to Christ because of his friends. 00:09:10.799 --> 00:09:12.639 He came to Christ because of his friends. 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:14.439 He could not come on his own. 00:09:14.440 --> 00:09:16.580 He was physically unable to. 00:09:17.340 --> 00:09:18.740 Jesus may pass by him. 00:09:18.780 --> 00:09:21.800 But he was not going to pass by Jesus because the man was paralyzed. 00:09:22.100 --> 00:09:24.540 He was incapable of coming. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:33.580 That reminds me of a spiritual, biblical concept in Romans chapter 3, 10 and following when it says, 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:36.280 None is righteous, no, not one. 00:09:37.060 --> 00:09:39.900 For no one understands, no one seeks for God. 00:09:40.420 --> 00:09:42.020 All have turned aside. 00:09:42.020 --> 00:09:43.580 Together they become worthless. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:46.180 No one does good. 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.620 Not even one. 00:09:48.060 --> 00:09:51.480 This man was physically incapable of coming to Christ. 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:57.360 But there are a lot more that are spiritually incapable of coming to Christ. 00:09:58.860 --> 00:10:01.140 We are not brought unless we're drawn. 00:10:02.200 --> 00:10:07.340 And God uses his own people through the Holy Spirit of God to help draw folks to Christ Jesus. 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:11.420 You don't wake up to the fact one day that you need Jesus on your own. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:13.419 God always makes the initiative. 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:19.919 And listen, he uses us believers in that process of making that initiation. 00:10:20.339 --> 00:10:26.679 He has commissioned us to join him in the task of bringing others to Christ. 00:10:27.059 --> 00:10:28.559 It is his last words. 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:31.379 I've been at the bedside of those who are dying. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:33.279 I've heard their last words. 00:10:33.619 --> 00:10:38.159 And people hang on the very end to see what it is they last say. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:43.039 And Jesus, of all things, right before he ascended, told us to go. 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:45.619 Just like the ladies sang just a few minutes ago. 00:10:45.699 --> 00:10:49.379 Go tell folks the difference that Christ makes. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:52.339 He's commissioned us to do that. 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:53.439 We ought to live by that. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:57.840 Now having said that, it is challenging today. 00:10:59.040 --> 00:11:01.100 It seems that less come to Christ. 00:11:01.260 --> 00:11:01.520 Why? 00:11:01.760 --> 00:11:04.960 Because our country's filled with so many spiritual options. 00:11:06.420 --> 00:11:11.460 America is a melting pot that has brought in people from all over the world. 00:11:11.560 --> 00:11:13.240 And they brought their gods with them. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:18.220 And what we found is we have a spiritual mess on our hands. 00:11:18.900 --> 00:11:20.920 We are a very enlightened bunch. 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:25.059 Plus, we've tried our best after breaking off from Europe. 00:11:25.219 --> 00:11:27.479 We've tried our best to become more like Europe. 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:28.240 And you know what? 00:11:28.279 --> 00:11:28.819 It's happening. 00:11:30.199 --> 00:11:31.079 It's happening. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.719 America feels too smart for God. 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:38.500 We've become so open-minded our brains are falling out. 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:46.459 And another reason that happens is because Christians have decided, 00:11:47.459 --> 00:11:49.879 whether in their head or just in their practice, 00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:52.439 that they'll just keep their faith to their self. 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:56.120 They'll just mind their own. 00:11:57.500 --> 00:12:02.939 To be blunt, the devil is pulling out all the stops. 00:12:04.539 --> 00:12:08.820 To discourage Christians from sharing their faith 00:12:08.820 --> 00:12:13.120 and to allow lost people to stay lost. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:18.659 If you're a Christian today, the devil can't have your soul, 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:21.139 so he'll try to rip your testimony out of your life. 00:12:23.419 --> 00:12:27.080 And if you don't know the Lord Jesus, he don't want you to. 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:33.980 The reality is, he is trying his best. 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:36.679 And he'll oppress the Christian. 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.240 He'll influence the society. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:41.000 He'll indoctrinate the carnal man. 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:44.639 The reality is, as the Apostle Paul tells us, we're in a war. 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:48.000 And if we're not sharing Christ, we're losing that war. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:54.179 Most people will never come to know the Lord if Christian friends don't bring them to Christ. 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:58.139 He allows us to play a part in that process. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:13:01.819 We are responsible for that. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:06.220 We think it's none of our business when Scripture tells us that it is. 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:12.159 We think that they can see the Christ option clearly when Scripture tells us that they can't. 00:13:12.199 --> 00:13:13.240 Why can't they see it? 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:16.939 John 1 verse 5 says that Jesus is the light that has shined in the darkness, 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:19.120 but the darkness has not understood it. 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:24.580 Never expect someone spiritually in the dark to become spiritually enlightened 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:27.139 without the outreach of a Christian friend. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:31.620 God chooses to use us in that process. 00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:38.460 All folks in need must know the Savior that solves their needs. 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:41.720 And God chooses to use believers. 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:49.299 I want you to notice something else. 00:13:49.299 --> 00:13:56.979 I want you to notice that his friends had to make an extreme effort. 00:13:58.819 --> 00:14:03.799 They had planned to lead him through, but the crowd was too great. 00:14:04.859 --> 00:14:06.000 They couldn't get through. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.059 So they went to the nth degree. 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:10.000 Four of them carried him up to the roof. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:16.100 Now typically, in that day, a house in that region would be a flat-roofed house. 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:23.080 And on the side of that house would be clay steps that led up the side of that house 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:25.399 to allow them to get to a flat place. 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:27.460 It's where you dried out things. 00:14:27.559 --> 00:14:29.059 It's where you stored things. 00:14:29.059 --> 00:14:34.319 But they climbed up the top and began to tear through that roof, 00:14:34.979 --> 00:14:37.799 that roof of hay and dried mud, 00:14:38.239 --> 00:14:41.599 and that began to fall in that room with Jesus. 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:44.239 Can you imagine the scene there as Jesus is teaching, 00:14:44.579 --> 00:14:46.199 and the roof is beginning to fall? 00:14:47.699 --> 00:14:49.219 What if the friends would have said, 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:50.439 that's too much work? 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:53.680 I mean, we tried. 00:14:53.800 --> 00:14:57.180 We got him this far, but why bother going any further? 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:00.480 What if the friends would have said, 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:01.740 well, let's try again later? 00:15:03.540 --> 00:15:06.500 Or what in the world are people going to think? 00:15:09.260 --> 00:15:11.440 A good question is, what will the owner think? 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.060 I mean, you know. 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:15.280 What will Jesus think? 00:15:16.300 --> 00:15:17.840 I mean, we're interrupting him. 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:21.040 Maybe we ought to do this next time. 00:15:22.440 --> 00:15:24.820 All of those reasons would have been unacceptable 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:26.620 because it was a day of a miracle, 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:29.820 and none of these friends knew when they got up that morning 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:31.280 what they were going to see happen. 00:15:31.560 --> 00:15:34.379 You never know what God is going to do 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:37.740 and when he's going to do a miracle in somebody else's life, 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:41.820 and he uses your effort to carry that out. 00:15:42.900 --> 00:15:44.840 So the question is, what is too much? 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:53.879 When have you went too far to lead one to Christ? 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.960 When have you done too much 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:02.960 to encourage somebody to come to Christ? 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:07.040 When is it too much to do, 00:16:07.160 --> 00:16:09.259 to do our part, 00:16:09.820 --> 00:16:12.639 to keep somebody out of an eternal hell? 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:15.799 When do you give up trying on that? 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:20.120 These guys show us, you don't stop. 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.399 It's never too late. 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:25.500 God chooses to work in the extreme efforts. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:28.399 He chooses to use us in that process. 00:16:28.819 --> 00:16:29.939 And don't misunderstand me. 00:16:30.199 --> 00:16:31.759 God can save folks without us, 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:33.620 but why should he have to? 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:36.159 Why can't he involve us in that process 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.539 after he's changed our life, 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:39.059 we've committed our life to him, 00:16:39.059 --> 00:16:40.559 and he's commissioned us, 00:16:40.859 --> 00:16:41.719 empowered us, 00:16:41.779 --> 00:16:43.759 and promised us he'd be right there with us 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:45.500 the whole time we go? 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:48.579 Why not get in on what God wants to do? 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:53.199 And it is in those times 00:16:53.199 --> 00:16:56.339 that he often makes his greatest moves. 00:16:57.699 --> 00:17:00.099 Notice the reason Jesus did what he did. 00:17:00.500 --> 00:17:01.819 I didn't put this in here. 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:08.200 Verse 5 says he did it because of their faith. 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.080 That's what it says. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:16.740 It does not say simply that man's faith. 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:18.620 It says their faith. 00:17:19.580 --> 00:17:20.640 Don't look at me like that. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.580 I didn't put that in there. 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:23.940 It's in there. 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.620 I didn't write it. 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:27.299 Our faith, get this, 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:29.440 our faith, our active faith, 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:32.559 plays a role in changing the world 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.720 for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.620 I promise you. 00:17:35.559 --> 00:17:37.820 Could it be that we have given up too easily? 00:17:39.640 --> 00:17:40.900 Could it be that we've said 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:42.660 there's no need to go to an extreme effort 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:43.880 to reach somebody? 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.360 They did. 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:49.180 And it worked. 00:17:49.860 --> 00:17:51.039 I want you to notice something else too. 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:55.920 Jesus knew the man's greatest needs. 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.460 He knew his greatest needs. 00:17:58.460 --> 00:18:00.360 After they did all that, 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:02.319 Jesus didn't even do what they wanted him to do. 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:07.079 At least he didn't do it in an obvious way. 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:09.019 He handled something else. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:12.000 Man had a physical condition. 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:12.680 He couldn't move. 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:14.079 He was paralyzed. 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:17.480 Had to be carried on a cot by four friends. 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.700 Torn through a roof and dropped down 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:22.799 in the middle of that teaching spot. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:26.039 And Jesus looked past his physical condition 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:27.980 and saw his spiritual condition. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:33.240 And he first dealt with the spiritual condition. 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:36.639 He ends up dealing with the physical condition, 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:39.659 but just as an evidence of what he can do spiritually. 00:18:40.659 --> 00:18:43.159 Because he was more concerned about the spiritual condition. 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.019 By the way, 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:48.519 he always is more concerned about the spiritual condition. 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:51.940 We can make a prayer list all we want to. 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:54.759 We can pray for physical needs 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:57.139 and God chooses to heal when he wants to heal. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:59.059 And he chooses to do it in a way, 00:18:59.139 --> 00:19:00.660 I ask him to do it in a way 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:03.339 where we know it's been by his hand 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:05.139 and we give him all the credit. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.259 Not the medicine, 00:19:06.599 --> 00:19:07.379 not the doctor, 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:08.599 not the hospital, 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:11.180 that we get him the credit. 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:11.460 Lord, 00:19:11.580 --> 00:19:12.900 make it obvious to us 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.799 so we don't miss it 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:15.340 that it's been by your hand. 00:19:17.140 --> 00:19:17.940 And thank God, 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:19.320 we've seen him heal 00:19:19.320 --> 00:19:22.120 and we've seen him do wonderful things. 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.840 But I promise you, 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:25.920 he's always more concerned 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:27.720 about the spiritual condition. 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:34.180 He's always more concerned about that. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:35.620 Yes, 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:36.940 he healed this man as proof 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:38.799 of what he could do in somebody's heart, 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:41.359 but I bet nobody thought 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:42.799 that was how it was going to go. 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.639 I want you to understand something. 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:48.779 It is not our job 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:51.619 to determine someone's greatest need. 00:19:52.159 --> 00:19:53.419 That is not our job. 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:56.359 It is not our job to qualify somebody. 00:19:56.659 --> 00:19:59.599 It is not our job to disqualify somebody. 00:19:59.940 --> 00:20:02.940 It is our job commissioned by Christ 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:04.759 to get them to Jesus. 00:20:06.139 --> 00:20:07.519 He'll work out the details. 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.660 Just get them to Christ. 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:11.639 If you'll get them to Christ, 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.319 he'll work it out. 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.660 We often think somebody needs 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:15.359 to change their lifestyle first. 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:22.180 They need to change the places 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:23.480 that they go first. 00:20:24.859 --> 00:20:27.139 They need to act differently first. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.480 They need to show a concern 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:32.379 for such things as that first. 00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:36.360 I want you to understand something 00:20:36.360 --> 00:20:37.580 and I want you to remember it. 00:20:38.540 --> 00:20:40.960 Never forget that people without Jesus 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:42.760 are without Jesus. 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:46.380 Lost people are going to be lost 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:48.320 and they're going to act lost. 00:20:50.100 --> 00:20:51.460 Don't expect any different. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.800 The only hope they have 00:20:53.800 --> 00:20:55.580 is in Christ Jesus. 00:20:55.780 --> 00:20:57.460 If we could fix the things 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:59.680 in our life that's broke, 00:20:59.760 --> 00:21:00.800 we would need a Savior. 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:02.559 And so listen, 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:03.299 if you're here today 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:05.079 and you're waiting to fix 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:06.379 some things in your life 00:21:06.379 --> 00:21:07.619 before you come to Christ, 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:08.940 stop waiting. 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.759 It's not going to happen. 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:12.559 And by the way, 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.619 once you give your heart 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:14.440 and life to Christ, 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:16.000 you'll still find out 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:17.379 that you're imperfect. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:19.139 You'll still find out 00:21:19.139 --> 00:21:20.379 that you can't get it all right. 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:21.639 And that is why, 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:23.180 two weeks ago I said, 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:25.180 let's spend daily time 00:21:25.180 --> 00:21:25.740 with the Lord, 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:27.940 asking Him to empower us 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:28.660 and strengthen us 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:30.500 to rise above the frailties 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:33.640 that so condemn our lives 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:34.460 and that the devil 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:36.440 kicks our teeth in about 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:38.180 and that we are discouraged 00:21:38.180 --> 00:21:39.259 along the way about. 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:41.180 Let's continue to bring 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.500 those matters before God 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.440 daily 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:45.059 because then 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:46.320 there's a relationship. 00:21:47.100 --> 00:21:48.279 We've established something 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.500 real with the Lord 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.400 that forever will change our lives. 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:54.540 But do not expect the world 00:21:54.540 --> 00:21:55.519 to act Christian 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.560 when they're not Christian. 00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:59.200 It's not going to happen, folks. 00:22:00.600 --> 00:22:01.720 Don't worry about 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.720 what God needs to do 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.780 in somebody's life. 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:06.040 Get them to Jesus. 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:08.840 Let them take care of it. 00:22:08.840 --> 00:22:09.759 Let Him take care of it. 00:22:09.800 --> 00:22:10.000 Listen. 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.840 And when it comes 00:22:12.840 --> 00:22:13.700 to the decisions 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.920 that people make today, 00:22:16.120 --> 00:22:17.400 when it comes to the persuasions 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:18.900 that they follow, 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:20.780 when it comes to how 00:22:20.780 --> 00:22:22.400 they mark their life 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.580 in so many ways 00:22:23.580 --> 00:22:24.720 that make us sick 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.800 to even think about, 00:22:27.040 --> 00:22:28.720 instead of condemning folks, 00:22:29.340 --> 00:22:30.900 let's get a burden for folks 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.400 and realize the only hope 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:33.600 they have is in the Lord Jesus. 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:34.940 Just bring them 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:36.440 to Jesus. 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.740 One more thing to notice. 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.300 This is as much 00:22:43.300 --> 00:22:44.800 why I share this this morning 00:22:44.800 --> 00:22:46.200 as anything. 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:50.600 Many lives were changed 00:22:50.600 --> 00:22:53.180 by what they witnessed. 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.840 Verse 12 says 00:22:56.840 --> 00:22:58.980 that He went out 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.980 before them all. 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.539 That paralytic 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.460 that was now walking. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:04.860 Went out before them all 00:23:04.860 --> 00:23:07.600 so that they were all amazed 00:23:07.600 --> 00:23:09.559 and glorified God, 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:10.799 saying, 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:13.180 we never saw 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:14.559 anything 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.299 like this. 00:23:20.899 --> 00:23:22.099 This transformation 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:23.819 was not done in secret. 00:23:25.159 --> 00:23:26.279 People saw 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.619 what took place 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:29.899 and they couldn't help 00:23:29.899 --> 00:23:30.680 but share it. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.599 Do you know 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:35.379 what is so powerful 00:23:35.379 --> 00:23:36.480 about when somebody 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.379 comes to the Lord? 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.799 A life is changed 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.440 for eternity. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:41.960 However, 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:42.879 it does not only 00:23:42.879 --> 00:23:43.859 affect that person. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.000 It affects 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:48.779 so many 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.960 others. 00:23:51.419 --> 00:23:51.859 Now, 00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:52.680 I will tell you 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:54.919 just 00:23:54.919 --> 00:23:56.379 clearly honest, 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:58.680 I'm a pastor 00:23:58.680 --> 00:23:59.139 at heart. 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:02.079 Greatest concern 00:24:02.079 --> 00:24:02.579 I have 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.059 about the kingdom 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:03.579 of God 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:05.279 is Pickens First 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:05.899 Baptist Church. 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:08.000 that's where 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.560 my heart is. 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:10.140 That's my concern. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.380 Any strategic 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:13.500 moves that I make 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.320 besides personally 00:24:14.320 --> 00:24:14.920 with my walk 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:15.420 with God, 00:24:16.540 --> 00:24:17.660 any strategic moves 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.140 that I make 00:24:18.140 --> 00:24:18.740 spiritually 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:22.060 in doing 00:24:22.060 --> 00:24:22.860 what I do 00:24:22.860 --> 00:24:23.340 for the Lord 00:24:23.340 --> 00:24:23.740 Jesus 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:25.820 is in an effort 00:24:25.820 --> 00:24:26.440 to strengthen 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:26.840 the body 00:24:26.840 --> 00:24:27.400 of believers 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:28.680 and an effort 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:29.720 to help the church 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:31.000 become stronger. 00:24:32.040 --> 00:24:33.000 How does that happen? 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.359 It becomes 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.299 a reaching church. 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.259 It becomes 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:36.599 a church 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.140 that's not afraid 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:37.700 to walk across 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.099 the street 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:38.839 and invite a neighbor 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.920 to come to church 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.619 so that they'll hear 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.079 the gospel 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:41.640 when they come. 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:44.059 It's not afraid 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:45.900 to even initiate 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:46.740 a conversation 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.700 and ask somebody, 00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.380 let me ask you 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:48.700 something. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.779 Has there ever 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.279 been a point 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:52.799 in your life 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.259 where you've 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.400 come to the point 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:54.779 in your life 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:55.099 where you know 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:55.660 for certain 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:56.099 that you have 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.799 eternal life 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:58.279 and you'll go 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:58.579 to heaven 00:24:58.579 --> 00:24:59.160 when you die? 00:24:59.160 --> 00:25:03.019 And if they say 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:03.700 yes, 00:25:04.580 --> 00:25:05.580 then say, 00:25:06.060 --> 00:25:07.360 I love to hear 00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:08.279 people's testimony. 00:25:09.560 --> 00:25:10.660 Can you tell me 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.540 when and how 00:25:11.540 --> 00:25:12.040 that happened? 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.560 Let them share 00:25:15.560 --> 00:25:16.080 with you 00:25:16.080 --> 00:25:17.580 how Jesus 00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:18.740 changed their life 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:20.960 and if that's 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:21.940 not the message 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.680 they share, 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.259 then share 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:24.700 with them 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.300 how Jesus 00:25:25.300 --> 00:25:26.460 can change 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:28.180 their life. 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:31.600 church, 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:33.700 not only 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.220 can you get 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:34.680 involved 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:36.180 in being a part 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.680 of somebody 00:25:36.680 --> 00:25:37.259 coming to the 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:37.680 Lord Jesus 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:38.160 by that, 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.100 but it changes 00:25:40.100 --> 00:25:41.160 your life 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:43.480 and when 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.600 your life 00:25:44.600 --> 00:25:45.500 is changed 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:47.279 the overflow 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:48.019 of that 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:49.420 affects your 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:49.860 household 00:25:49.860 --> 00:25:52.240 and the overflow 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:52.960 of that 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.880 affects your 00:25:53.880 --> 00:25:54.340 church 00:25:54.340 --> 00:25:56.380 and there 00:25:56.380 --> 00:25:57.040 begins to be 00:25:57.040 --> 00:25:57.680 a momentum 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:59.320 built among 00:25:59.320 --> 00:26:00.120 God's people 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:01.980 that we are 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:02.640 looking out 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:04.180 for our 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:04.560 neighbors. 00:26:05.560 --> 00:26:06.259 We are 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:07.039 stepping up 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.160 and taking 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:08.960 the opportunity 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:10.220 to do 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.740 whatever we 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.100 can 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:12.279 to bring 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:12.940 folks 00:26:12.940 --> 00:26:14.100 to Jesus. 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.240 There's an 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:15.900 atmosphere 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:17.259 that takes 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:17.759 place with 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.000 that. 00:26:19.120 --> 00:26:20.220 Full revival 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.019 can start 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.700 in a people 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:23.120 when somebody 00:26:23.120 --> 00:26:24.140 walks down 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:24.539 an aisle 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:25.099 and gives 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:25.500 his or her 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:25.899 heart 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:26.379 to the 00:26:26.379 --> 00:26:27.339 Lord Jesus 00:26:27.339 --> 00:26:27.940 Christ. 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.000 Salvation 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.819 is not 00:26:29.819 --> 00:26:30.279 to be 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:30.799 done 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:33.519 in secret. 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:35.839 It's to be 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.220 done 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:37.480 publicly. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:39.079 I just 00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:39.500 shared with 00:26:39.500 --> 00:26:39.819 somebody 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.259 during Sunday 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:40.559 school 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:43.620 who had 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:44.019 questions 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.460 about their 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:44.920 salvation 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:47.519 and I 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.400 said in 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:48.900 Romans 10 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:50.180 9 when 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:50.700 it says if 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:51.140 you confess 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:51.539 with your mouth 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.519 Jesus is 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.019 Lord. 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.120 He's not 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:55.720 talking about a 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:56.539 private confession 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.279 in the preacher's 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:57.640 office. 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:58.240 It's not what he's 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:58.720 talking about. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:00.380 No, 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:01.740 what the 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.500 Apostle Paul is 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.380 looking at is 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:04.120 what was happening 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:04.819 in the Roman 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:06.740 Empire and in 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.460 the Roman Empire 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:08.240 at that time 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:08.680 they were 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:10.039 burning incense 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:11.000 before some 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.079 icon of Caesar 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:12.680 and saying 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.480 Caesar is 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:13.920 Lord. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:15.740 And then they 00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.640 could go on 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.279 about and be 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.099 a Roman citizen 00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:19.279 and have the 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:20.120 right to shop 00:27:20.120 --> 00:27:20.759 and a right to 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.339 live and the 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:21.779 right to have 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.279 the freedom 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:23.420 within that 00:27:23.420 --> 00:27:24.880 empire. 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:26.519 But when 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.180 Christians were 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:27.620 put in that 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:28.039 spot, 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.500 standing before 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.500 some representative 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:32.279 of Caesar and 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:32.700 they burned 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.359 that incense, 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:34.220 instead they said 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.599 in their own 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:35.059 language, 00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:36.700 Kyrios Christo, 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:38.819 which is 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:40.859 Christ is 00:27:40.859 --> 00:27:41.220 Lord. 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.460 And because 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:44.220 of that, 00:27:44.759 --> 00:27:45.920 they were 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:46.380 thrown in 00:27:46.380 --> 00:27:46.680 jail. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:48.819 Because of 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.180 that, 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.759 they were put 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.460 into exile. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:52.319 Ask John, 00:27:53.579 --> 00:27:54.819 the writer of 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.359 Big John, 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:55.799 Three Little 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.279 Johns in 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.660 Revelation. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.839 Or they lost 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:03.400 their life. 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:03.960 They lost 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.039 their life. 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:07.440 Or Nero, 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.539 impaled their 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.140 bodies and 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:10.440 dipped them 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.599 in tar and 00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:12.400 lit his garden 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:12.859 with them. 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.339 Because they 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:16.440 said Christ is 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:16.839 Lord. 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:18.359 Publicly. 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:23.960 There's never a 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:25.559 time when 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.240 Christianity 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:28.460 ought to be done 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:28.980 in private. 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:31.519 is to be done 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.000 publicly. 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.160 Yes, you live 00:28:35.160 --> 00:28:35.400 it out 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:36.460 privately, but 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.000 oh, you let 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.519 it shine 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.120 publicly. 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.019 And when we 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.920 do that, and 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.599 when we confess 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:44.059 our faith before 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:45.180 others, people 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:46.019 get fired up. 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:48.460 Lost people get 00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:48.980 saved. 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:50.900 Private 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.660 Christians make 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.279 their decisions 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:52.860 public. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.759 Churches experience 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.220 revival. 00:28:55.360 --> 00:28:56.000 The kingdom of God 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.480 will grow. 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.680 Heaven celebrates. 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:58.539 I believe the 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.140 Lord shouts. 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.480 Why? 00:28:59.620 --> 00:29:00.259 Because some 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.340 friends went to 00:29:01.340 --> 00:29:02.779 the extreme to 00:29:02.779 --> 00:29:03.920 bring a man to 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:04.480 Jesus. 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.080 Because Jesus 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:06.880 heals their 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:07.759 deepest hurts. 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.640 Because he cures 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.460 the deepest wounds. 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:12.080 Because he changed 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:13.460 that man inside and 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:13.740 out. 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:14.779 And because there 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:16.279 were a flock of 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.460 folk watching it 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.000 happen. 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.460 That scripture 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.420 tells us left 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:21.980 there saying, 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.000 dude, I ain't 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.779 ever seen nothing 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.440 like that. 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:25.880 I mean, I've 00:29:25.880 --> 00:29:26.720 heard some stuff. 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:29.420 But I ain't 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:29.680 ever seen 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.259 nothing like that. 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.320 Did you hear 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:33.759 what happened? 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:35.660 Tell you, I 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:36.039 ain't never seen 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:36.500 nothing like that. 00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:40.420 It changed 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:40.940 our lives. 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:42.820 Let me remind 00:29:42.820 --> 00:29:43.340 you of the last 00:29:43.340 --> 00:29:44.060 thing Jesus said 00:29:44.060 --> 00:29:44.700 before he ascended. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.120 You know it 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:46.400 well. 00:29:46.860 --> 00:29:47.200 It's Matthew 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.279 28, 19, 20. 00:29:48.360 --> 00:29:48.960 Go therefore and 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.620 make disciples of 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.060 all nations, 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:51.240 baptizing them in 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:51.640 the name of the 00:29:51.640 --> 00:29:52.160 Father and the 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:52.400 Son and the 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:52.660 Holy Spirit, 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.240 teaching them to 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:53.799 deserve all that 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:54.320 I've commanded you. 00:29:54.380 --> 00:29:55.680 Behold, I am with 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.500 you always to the 00:29:56.500 --> 00:29:58.000 end of the age. 00:29:58.420 --> 00:30:00.180 The last thing he 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:00.620 said. 00:30:01.140 --> 00:30:02.779 He closed out his 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:04.120 earthly ministry and 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.460 ascended into heaven to 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:06.340 prepare a place for 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:07.180 those who would 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:08.160 surrender their lives to 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:10.039 follow him because he 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:11.000 thought it was the most 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:12.240 important thing for us to 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:14.820 do was to bring folks to 00:30:14.820 --> 00:30:15.299 Jesus. 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.400 Now the good news is 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:17.740 this. 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:20.060 You don't have to do it 00:30:20.060 --> 00:30:20.360 all. 00:30:22.100 --> 00:30:23.100 You don't have to do it 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:23.379 all. 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:25.839 God's the one that 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:26.579 does the work. 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.859 He's the one that 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.719 changes lives. 00:30:30.919 --> 00:30:32.899 But God chooses to 00:30:32.899 --> 00:30:34.699 use us in that 00:30:34.699 --> 00:30:35.219 process. 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:39.599 Andrew got changed by 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:40.059 Christ. 00:30:41.179 --> 00:30:42.559 He looked at Simon who 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.619 later became Peter and 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:45.619 said, hey, come and see 00:30:45.619 --> 00:30:46.000 this. 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:52.259 Philip just did what God 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:53.039 told him to do. 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.599 Listen to me. 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:57.279 He just was sensitive to 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.279 the Holy Spirit of God. 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.920 He just listened to his 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:00.319 leading. 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:03.160 He went where God told 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:03.700 him to go. 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.559 And when he got to the 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:07.879 crossroads, the man was 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:09.279 searching the scriptures, 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:12.019 trying to find an answer 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:13.920 for a prophecy that 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:15.099 proclaimed that Christ was 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:16.059 coming and didn't 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.920 understand it. 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:19.360 And when Philip shared 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:20.300 with him what it meant, 00:31:21.800 --> 00:31:22.840 don't you all see God 00:31:22.840 --> 00:31:23.519 all over that? 00:31:24.340 --> 00:31:25.340 I mean, the man is 00:31:25.340 --> 00:31:27.080 struggling and searching 00:31:27.080 --> 00:31:27.840 on his own. 00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:29.539 And God brings a man 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:31.080 who's led by him to 00:31:31.080 --> 00:31:32.440 speak to him exactly 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.360 where he is. 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:35.160 And his life is changed. 00:31:35.360 --> 00:31:36.240 That's the divine 00:31:36.240 --> 00:31:36.880 appointment, folks. 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:39.660 God loves making divine 00:31:39.660 --> 00:31:40.120 appointments. 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.920 And he wants us a part 00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:42.460 of that. 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:46.579 And some folks are 00:31:46.579 --> 00:31:47.600 going to scatter seed. 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:52.039 And some folks are 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:52.819 going to come behind 00:31:52.819 --> 00:31:53.920 that and water it. 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:58.340 And some folks are 00:31:58.340 --> 00:31:59.079 going to see the harvest 00:31:59.079 --> 00:31:59.480 come. 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:03.840 I don't care if you're 00:32:03.840 --> 00:32:05.799 scattering or you're 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:07.460 watering or you're 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:07.960 harvesting. 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:12.279 Listen, let's just 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:13.019 let it grow. 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:15.019 Let it grow. 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:17.640 You don't have to tote 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.539 the whole man on your 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:18.980 back. 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.960 You just got to grab 00:32:20.960 --> 00:32:21.400 a corner. 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:24.500 Just do something 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:27.100 to share your faith 00:32:27.100 --> 00:32:29.079 with somebody else. 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:32.500 And let God use us. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:36.000 Don't misunderstand me. 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:38.420 He can save the world 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:39.099 without us. 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:41.640 But man, I sure don't 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.140 want him to. 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:45.339 I want to be a part of 00:32:45.339 --> 00:32:45.480 it. 00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:47.339 I want us to be a part 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:47.619 of it. 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:50.339 Let's grab a corner and 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:52.099 make a difference for the 00:32:52.099 --> 00:32:52.740 kingdom of God. 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:55.099 With every head bowed and 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:57.099 every eye closed, I think 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:58.299 you know my burden is that 00:32:58.299 --> 00:32:59.140 if you're here this morning 00:32:59.140 --> 00:32:59.619 and you don't know the 00:32:59.619 --> 00:33:01.259 Lord Jesus, today's the day 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:01.839 of salvation. 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.900 You come, we'd love to 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.579 share with you what it 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.980 means to give your heart 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:06.799 and life to the Lord 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.120 Jesus. 00:33:07.900 --> 00:33:09.039 He will forever change 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.620 you, I promise. 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:11.880 He is better than we 00:33:11.880 --> 00:33:12.160 are. 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.940 Don't look at us as 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.440 examples. 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:19.099 He's stronger and better 00:33:19.099 --> 00:33:19.960 and more real than we 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.799 are, I promise you. 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:23.339 And he'll change your 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:23.799 life. 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:25.279 You come to Christ with 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:25.900 boldness. 00:33:26.680 --> 00:33:27.440 Don't wait. 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:29.079 We'll stand and sing. 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:30.079 You don't sing a note. 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:31.220 You just come. 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.940 Maybe you're here and you 00:33:32.940 --> 00:33:33.720 do know you're a Christian, 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.460 but you've done that 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:34.819 privately. 00:33:34.819 --> 00:33:35.740 You've never made that 00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:36.480 public through baptism. 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:38.059 You've never told anybody 00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:39.559 what God has done in your 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:40.000 life. 00:33:40.140 --> 00:33:41.299 Maybe just a handful of 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:41.880 people know. 00:33:42.420 --> 00:33:43.420 You've never made that 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:44.400 public through baptism. 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:46.079 I want you to know the 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:47.579 first step of obedience to 00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:48.559 follow Christ is through 00:33:48.559 --> 00:33:49.019 baptism. 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:51.420 And the devil would love to 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:52.660 keep you ashamed of the 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:54.440 decision you made and 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:55.880 afraid of the decision you 00:33:55.880 --> 00:33:56.180 made. 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:57.920 I encourage you to come. 00:33:57.980 --> 00:33:58.420 Be bold. 00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:00.920 You will never know this 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.740 side of eternity, the 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.819 difference that it makes 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:05.579 when you obey God and 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:06.380 walk forward and are 00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:06.660 baptized. 00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:09.300 I always, 100% of the 00:34:09.300 --> 00:34:10.699 time, see lives changed 00:34:10.699 --> 00:34:12.099 because somebody else got 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:12.460 baptized. 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:14.659 You don't need to do it 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:16.139 if you've done it as a 00:34:16.139 --> 00:34:16.739 Christian, but if you've 00:34:16.739 --> 00:34:17.320 never done it as a 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.260 Christian, you need to do 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:19.119 it if you're saved today. 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.840 Maybe God's leading you to 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.320 be a part of this 00:34:21.320 --> 00:34:21.699 fellowship. 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:24.360 How we'd love to allow 00:34:24.360 --> 00:34:25.539 you to join us in the 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:25.880 journey. 00:34:26.880 --> 00:34:27.880 Let us grow in the Lord 00:34:27.880 --> 00:34:28.320 together. 00:34:28.320 --> 00:34:31.100 Let us sharpen each other 00:34:31.100 --> 00:34:32.380 as iron sharpens iron. 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:34.180 Let's be faithful to do 00:34:34.180 --> 00:34:34.420 that. 00:34:34.820 --> 00:34:36.280 I don't have a clue what 00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:37.140 God's telling you this 00:34:37.140 --> 00:34:37.400 morning. 00:34:38.200 --> 00:34:38.960 I know what he told me to 00:34:38.960 --> 00:34:40.500 say and I trust him with 00:34:40.500 --> 00:34:41.000 the results. 00:34:41.360 --> 00:34:42.240 I just want you to be 00:34:42.240 --> 00:34:42.600 obedient. 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:43.900 Just do what he tells you 00:34:43.900 --> 00:34:44.200 to do. 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.740 Never do more than what he 00:34:46.740 --> 00:34:47.340 tells you to do. 00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:49.280 Never be satisfied with 00:34:49.280 --> 00:34:49.760 less. 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:52.900 Lord Jesus, I love you and 00:34:52.900 --> 00:34:54.059 I thank you for your word 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:55.780 and I ask your God that 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:57.580 you'll help us to live in 00:34:57.579 --> 00:34:58.500 response to it. 00:34:58.559 --> 00:35:00.480 Oh God, lay somebody on 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.380 our heart right now, 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:01.739 Father. 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.639 Give us the boldness for 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:05.619 it, Father, to follow 00:35:05.619 --> 00:35:06.000 through. 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:07.739 Have your will and your 00:35:07.739 --> 00:35:09.759 way right now in our 00:35:09.759 --> 00:35:10.319 midst, Lord. 00:35:10.799 --> 00:35:12.179 In Jesus' precious name, 00:35:12.739 --> 00:35:12.980 amen. 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:13.079 Amen.