WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.060 Wonderful job, choir and music and children. 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:04.780 Man, what a blessing. 00:00:05.160 --> 00:00:07.960 If you have your Bibles and want to turn to 2 Timothy chapter 1, 00:00:09.040 --> 00:00:12.120 2 Timothy chapter 1, I'm a little overwhelmed this morning, 00:00:12.220 --> 00:00:12.900 quite honestly. 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:19.879 It's always special to see a young couple bring a child 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:21.440 and dedicate that child to the Lord. 00:00:21.539 --> 00:00:24.620 That's a precious thing that I get to be a part of, 00:00:25.140 --> 00:00:27.339 and I thoroughly enjoy that. 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:33.299 It's a special day anyway because I think about the blessings, 00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:35.539 ladies, that you are to the church. 00:00:36.240 --> 00:00:40.299 And we're blessed, and I'm thankful for you. 00:00:40.780 --> 00:00:42.980 And the music's been wonderful, 00:00:43.340 --> 00:00:47.939 and I got a blessed surprise right before we started 00:00:47.939 --> 00:00:52.000 when my dear mother, who's been very limited in being able to go 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.519 and do and those type things because of the state of my father, 00:00:55.520 --> 00:00:58.160 walked in and is worshiping with us. 00:00:58.700 --> 00:00:59.340 You're a blessing. 00:00:59.740 --> 00:01:00.520 Thank you so much. 00:01:05.920 --> 00:01:07.560 For years, she'd travel. 00:01:07.740 --> 00:01:10.120 They'd do whatever they had to do to be there on Mother's Day 00:01:10.120 --> 00:01:13.340 as much as possible, and didn't see that coming this year. 00:01:13.460 --> 00:01:15.140 You blessed me. 00:01:15.320 --> 00:01:16.439 Thank you so much. 00:01:16.439 --> 00:01:21.200 Throughout my years in church life, which has been all my life, 00:01:21.319 --> 00:01:26.259 I've often been blessed by ladies that are dedicated to serving the Lord. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:28.319 Some are young. 00:01:29.439 --> 00:01:31.200 They don't have families of their own, 00:01:31.259 --> 00:01:34.400 and in those younger years that are often selfish, 00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:38.359 they instead serve the Lord by serving others. 00:01:38.359 --> 00:01:41.459 I've watched my own oldest daughter, 00:01:42.340 --> 00:01:44.400 while a commuting college kid, 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:47.140 take on assisting a Sunday school class 00:01:47.140 --> 00:01:50.439 and nannying three boys on the day she'd have class. 00:01:51.539 --> 00:01:53.959 It's grown her up a lot and taught her a lot about serving. 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:59.340 I've seen the old, those who continue to invest. 00:02:00.140 --> 00:02:01.760 There are those of all ages, 00:02:02.400 --> 00:02:06.359 helping in the nursery and in Awana and in teaching Sunday school. 00:02:06.359 --> 00:02:09.740 I've seen moms shattering their own children 00:02:09.740 --> 00:02:12.080 while teaching a gaggle of others along the way. 00:02:12.759 --> 00:02:15.560 I've seen those with no children of their own 00:02:15.560 --> 00:02:19.180 take that extra energy and not turn it inward, 00:02:19.419 --> 00:02:20.180 but turn it outward 00:02:20.180 --> 00:02:25.180 and lead a lot of other people's children in the way of the Lord. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:27.460 I've watched my wife over the years 00:02:27.460 --> 00:02:31.240 turn young children's music programs to gold for the glory of God 00:02:31.240 --> 00:02:34.020 while investing in the lives of those children 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:36.460 through a church kindergarten program and music ministry. 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:39.500 And the tireless efforts of so many 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:42.140 are why you need to have your children in church 00:02:42.140 --> 00:02:45.300 when we can 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:49.640 and never miss a moment that we can help. 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:54.580 I've been blessed by all my life by such ladies. 00:02:55.620 --> 00:02:56.600 And Timothy was too. 00:02:57.540 --> 00:03:00.760 2 Timothy chapter 1 beginning in verse 5, 00:03:00.759 --> 00:03:03.819 The Apostle Paul wrote to him and said, 00:03:03.979 --> 00:03:06.419 I am reminded of your sincere faith, 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:09.060 a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois 00:03:09.060 --> 00:03:10.639 and in your mother Eunice, 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:12.919 and now I am sure dwells in you as well. 00:03:14.299 --> 00:03:18.579 For this reason, I remind you to fan and to flame the gift of God 00:03:18.579 --> 00:03:21.840 which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 00:03:21.959 --> 00:03:24.359 For God gave us a spirit, not of fear, 00:03:24.459 --> 00:03:27.699 but of power and of love and self-control. 00:03:27.699 --> 00:03:32.659 Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, 00:03:33.119 --> 00:03:34.359 nor of me his prisoner, 00:03:34.519 --> 00:03:39.359 but share in his suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 00:03:40.359 --> 00:03:45.739 Timothy was blessed by a godly mother and a godly grandmother. 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:47.879 They left a legacy, 00:03:48.339 --> 00:03:51.379 a legacy that not only shone forth in his life, 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:57.879 but others could see the evidence of their walk with God upon Timothy's life. 00:03:58.500 --> 00:03:59.699 Paul knew about him. 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:04.939 He placed greater confidence in Timothy because of who had molded him 00:04:04.939 --> 00:04:10.419 and the evidence that he had seen in Timothy's life that the mold had took. 00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:15.000 And I'll just tell you this morning that I am blessed like Timothy. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:20.500 I come from a legacy of godly ladies and my mother and my grandmother. 00:04:21.399 --> 00:04:25.220 And the lessons that they taught me resonate in my heart and life 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:28.240 and I just want to share four of them this morning. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:30.560 The first one is this. 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:33.500 Trust the word of God. 00:04:34.639 --> 00:04:35.879 Trust the word of God. 00:04:36.600 --> 00:04:38.839 I loved my grandfather. 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:40.339 He died when I was young 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:45.799 and I don't remember much about him except his very presence 00:04:45.799 --> 00:04:50.500 and his vibrant passion for the gospel of Christ. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:55.319 And it left a mark on me how that man could walk up to somebody that he had never met 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:58.120 and turn a conversation to a gospel conversation 00:04:58.120 --> 00:05:01.859 almost immediately with a passion that was unmarked. 00:05:02.019 --> 00:05:04.159 And it left a mark on me. 00:05:04.160 --> 00:05:08.420 But I remember so much more about my grandmother who lived much longer 00:05:08.420 --> 00:05:14.380 from the early days until the day her faith became sight. 00:05:15.420 --> 00:05:17.840 When I was a child I'd spend the night with her 00:05:17.840 --> 00:05:21.680 and sleep in one of the twin beds in her bedroom 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:26.580 that had her mean dog lying on the floor between us. 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:30.720 It was a young man with a small bladder and a lot of fear. 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:35.940 Afraid to go to the bathroom 00:05:35.940 --> 00:05:42.020 and that I'd wake up later with her sitting at the table, the kitchen table 00:05:42.020 --> 00:05:44.560 with her Bible before her 00:05:44.560 --> 00:05:51.240 drinking her coffee, eating her toast and her government cheese. 00:05:52.160 --> 00:05:54.100 Ain't nothing as good as government cheese. 00:05:54.880 --> 00:05:58.020 And taking in the word of God. 00:05:58.019 --> 00:06:04.180 She showed me what it means to make the word of God a lamp to my feet 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:09.120 and a light unto your path before I ever knew about Psalm 119, 105. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:10.759 She showed it to me. 00:06:11.699 --> 00:06:16.879 One of the most cherished times when I lived away from my parents 00:06:16.879 --> 00:06:20.719 and would visit was our coffee time in the morning. 00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:28.500 I rise earlier than my family does and my parents typically did too. 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:33.300 But before my family would wake up I could share a cup of coffee with my parents. 00:06:33.820 --> 00:06:38.440 Mom's always lapped with her Bible for her morning Bible reading. 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:41.120 Paul put it this way. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:43.819 In 2 Timothy 3, 14 and 15 he said, 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:51.199 But as for you, and in context he's talking about as opposed to the sinful world, 00:06:52.639 --> 00:06:55.420 continue in what you've learned and have firmly believed 00:06:55.420 --> 00:06:57.660 knowing that whom you've learned it. 00:06:58.100 --> 00:07:01.540 And how from childhood you become acquainted with the sacred writings 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:06.540 which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:10.800 In other words, don't leave the legacy that's been left to you. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.319 There were four scholars that were arguing over Bible translations. 00:07:16.780 --> 00:07:17.480 And one of them said, 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:22.160 I like the King James Version because of its beauty and because of its eloquence. 00:07:23.240 --> 00:07:24.280 And another said, 00:07:24.340 --> 00:07:27.439 Well, I like the New American Standard Version because of its accuracy 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:29.460 and because of its literalism. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:31.500 And somebody else said, 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:36.500 Well, I like the New International Version because of its ability to understand 00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:37.959 and reliability. 00:07:39.220 --> 00:07:40.819 And the fourth guy grew very quiet. 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:44.339 He snickered a little bit to himself and he finally said, 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:49.759 I personally prefer my mother's translation. 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:52.259 The others laughed and he continued. 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:53.579 And he said, 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:55.300 Yes, she translated the scriptures. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:08:00.120 My mom translated each page of the Bible into life. 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:05.540 It is the most convincing translation I've ever read. 00:08:06.500 --> 00:08:10.459 I was taught to trust the Word of God. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.139 I'll tell you what else I was taught. 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:13.680 I was also taught to go to church. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:19.699 I'm thankful that my parents made a priority for me to be in church on Sunday. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:21.899 I didn't know there was an option. 00:08:23.399 --> 00:08:25.279 I just knew I was to be in church. 00:08:26.220 --> 00:08:27.699 And my friend, that's the way it ought to be. 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:33.700 The writer of Hebrews tells us not to neglect meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, 00:08:33.879 --> 00:08:36.480 but encourage one another all the more. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:44.620 Of all the medical pandemic that we've suffered through with COVID, 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:46.379 I don't make light of it. 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:48.939 I buried too many of my friends that died from it. 00:08:48.940 --> 00:08:53.520 But with everything that it did to us medically, 00:08:53.900 --> 00:08:58.160 the reality is the greater damage that COVID has done is spiritual. 00:08:59.160 --> 00:09:02.460 It's like a spiritual pandemic across this country. 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:08.660 And in 2020, COVID did one of two things to churchgoers. 00:09:08.659 --> 00:09:14.879 It either got you out of a habit or it made you hungry to be there. 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:19.799 And the evil one, going back to the spiritual pandemic part, 00:09:20.339 --> 00:09:22.980 the evil one has had a field day. 00:09:23.679 --> 00:09:29.259 And this country was set back spiritually significantly during those days. 00:09:29.559 --> 00:09:31.299 And I believe you see the evidence of that. 00:09:31.339 --> 00:09:31.819 I really do. 00:09:32.579 --> 00:09:36.000 The ripple effects of that have made our problems that much worse. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:42.279 And it's almost like we're having to spiritually build back up the body of Christ. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:44.440 I'm not speaking of this church. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:45.080 Don't misunderstand. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:48.139 God's blessing us in a mighty way, and I'm thankful today. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:52.320 I'm speaking of the church of Jesus Christ. 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:58.179 The Lord established the church for the body of Christ to build one another up. 00:09:58.220 --> 00:10:00.840 And that's not out of date, and it's not old-fashioned. 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:05.460 It's as needed, if not more, today than ever it's been needed. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:09.879 So with every opportunity that we have, let's make the most of it. 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:15.799 For those of us who were less than faithful before, give the Lord Sunday. 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:17.840 Dedicate it to Him. 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.639 Be faithful to Him. 00:10:19.779 --> 00:10:22.779 I'm living proof that when you're raised in church, 00:10:22.940 --> 00:10:26.639 there's a lot better chance that you'll be in church when you grow up, 00:10:26.919 --> 00:10:28.299 or at least when you wise up. 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:30.220 And sometimes that don't fall in line. 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:31.299 Just the same. 00:10:31.299 --> 00:10:35.500 As opposed to those who are not raised in church 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:38.419 and really have a hard time ever getting there. 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:42.120 I was taught to go to church. 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:47.120 But I've also been taught how to serve in the church. 00:10:48.459 --> 00:10:51.839 My grandmother and mother have always been faithful to serve. 00:10:51.840 --> 00:10:56.460 I know what it's like to be a kid with your dad in the choir and your mom on the organ. 00:10:57.899 --> 00:11:01.080 Somehow she could stare me down and read a hymn book at the same time. 00:11:01.180 --> 00:11:04.680 I don't know how that happens, but she could do it. 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:09.899 And I've seen her be faithful with taking care of Homebound. 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:18.000 I've seen her be faithful to volunteer for nursery and vacation Bible school and all those things. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:24.600 I saw her faithfully man a food ministry in a community that so desperately needed it. 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:30.740 However, the one I want to emphasize that's taught me how to serve 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:35.980 is my wife. 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:41.320 She's never been one at the forefront. 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:45.679 Always willing to lend a hand. 00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:50.959 Dawn has been gifted musically and is a blessing to children. 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:53.620 And she uses those gifts 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:56.879 for the Lord. 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.739 Never showcasing. 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.339 Never out front. 00:12:02.579 --> 00:12:03.339 That's my job. 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:05.819 Never forceful. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.419 Always sensitive. 00:12:09.699 --> 00:12:11.779 She'll give you a word or a cue when you need it. 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:15.500 She's a godsend. 00:12:16.679 --> 00:12:20.699 And I've been taught and shown how to serve in church. 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.059 Lastly, 00:12:23.739 --> 00:12:25.979 I was taught 00:12:25.979 --> 00:12:28.439 if it's the Lord's will. 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:34.120 I was not familiar with the biblical concept of this growing up. 00:12:34.199 --> 00:12:36.519 I was familiar with the mama concept of it. 00:12:37.219 --> 00:12:38.819 That no matter what we planned, 00:12:38.919 --> 00:12:39.979 no matter what we did, 00:12:41.479 --> 00:12:43.759 mama would always say if it's the Lord's will. 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:46.960 We'd be planning on getting together and having a meal together. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:47.419 Something like that. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:48.620 She said if it's the Lord's will. 00:12:48.700 --> 00:12:50.879 Why wouldn't the Lord want us to get together? 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:51.819 You know? 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:54.399 What's he got against us eating? 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:54.840 You know? 00:12:54.840 --> 00:13:00.700 And then one day I read James chapter 4, 13 through 16. 00:13:00.780 --> 00:13:02.360 I know I had read it many times before, 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:02.720 but it, 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:05.040 like cornflakes, 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:06.480 I read it again for the first time. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:09.159 And it says this, 00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:09.700 come now. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:14.440 You who say today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town 00:13:14.440 --> 00:13:16.920 and spend a year there and trade and make a profit, 00:13:18.180 --> 00:13:19.860 yet you don't know what tomorrow will bring. 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:22.320 What is your life? 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:27.759 For you're a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 00:13:28.960 --> 00:13:29.360 Instead, 00:13:29.539 --> 00:13:31.139 you ought to say if the Lord wills, 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:32.800 we'll live and do this or that. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.139 As it is, 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:36.080 you boast in arrogance. 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:39.659 All such boasting is evil. 00:13:39.800 --> 00:13:41.159 And I read that and I went, 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:41.899 wait a minute. 00:13:42.800 --> 00:13:44.300 That ain't original of my mama. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:46.440 She got it from James. 00:13:46.440 --> 00:13:46.520 Friends, 00:13:47.160 --> 00:13:50.320 friend, 00:13:50.380 --> 00:13:51.120 I want you to hear me. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:54.140 I don't believe there's ever been a time in history when that is a more 00:13:54.140 --> 00:13:54.440 pertinent, 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:56.880 prudent word. 00:13:58.200 --> 00:14:00.440 We don't know what tomorrow holds, 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:03.580 but thank God I know who holds tomorrow. 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:06.540 And so let's not be so sure of ourselves, 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:08.360 but instead of being sure of ourselves, 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:13.740 let's make a point to be sure of the Lord and be dependent upon him. 00:14:13.740 --> 00:14:23.500 Or maybe let's be so uncertain because we know that God is already there in the 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:25.240 matter of our concerns. 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:28.399 So we need not be concerned about it. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:31.019 That's what I was taught. 00:14:32.459 --> 00:14:32.980 And moms, 00:14:33.480 --> 00:14:36.279 in the hustle and the bustle of the daily, 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:41.459 when it seems like you are merely just trying to make two ends meet, 00:14:41.579 --> 00:14:45.120 just get them out the door and get them back in the house safely. 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:57.399 I want you to remember the power of the presence of the Lord in your lives and of those that God has placed before you. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:03.740 Teach them to trust his word. 00:15:06.459 --> 00:15:11.019 Even when you read it and are trying to figure out how is this going to work in my life? 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:12.919 I mean, 00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:17.779 I know what he says is true and I know what my circumstances are and I don't know how the two is going to come together, 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:20.699 but I'm going to trust him. 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:23.700 I'm going to trust him. 00:15:24.520 --> 00:15:28.340 And I'm going to share that trust with my family. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:30.720 Let me tell you something. 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:34.860 The word of God will stand when all of us are gone. 00:15:35.640 --> 00:15:36.520 It'll still stand. 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:38.400 You can rest in it. 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:40.360 Go to church. 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:43.360 When they leave your house, 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:45.600 you want them to be faithful in God's house. 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:50.360 And then daily depend upon God and his will. 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:56.600 What would you have us do, Lord? 00:15:58.900 --> 00:16:00.660 What is your will for us? 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:03.140 If it's your will, 00:16:03.900 --> 00:16:05.379 we will. 00:16:07.060 --> 00:16:08.560 And let me finish with a disclosure. 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:11.080 Moms, 00:16:11.640 --> 00:16:14.420 you're not going to get it all right. 00:16:16.280 --> 00:16:17.080 You're not. 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:19.000 And your children aren't. 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:21.899 They're not going to get it all right. 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:24.899 And your husbands aren't. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:26.460 Guys, 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.100 you owe me one. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:30.500 However, 00:16:30.740 --> 00:16:33.659 live to impress upon your children the love of God. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:37.159 Instill his truth in them. 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:41.679 And then just live for Jesus. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:44.279 Just live for Jesus. 00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:46.980 They'll see it. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:52.019 There is no guarantee that everything is going to be perfect. 00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:54.139 Because it's not. 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:58.240 There is no guarantee that everything is going to be right with your children. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.219 Because it's not. 00:16:59.220 --> 00:17:07.319 But you'll know that you did everything you could as long and as best as you could. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:10.900 Not even for the sake of your own children. 00:17:10.900 --> 00:17:14.860 But because your life was dedicated to the Lord. 00:17:15.860 --> 00:17:17.720 And that message, 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:23.860 when the details of the everyday fade as memories fade, 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:27.620 that truth will remain. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:32.939 Let's leave legacies for the Lord Jesus. 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:35.079 And trust him. 00:17:36.239 --> 00:17:37.359 With the days ahead. 00:17:38.439 --> 00:17:39.779 With every head bowed. 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:41.479 And every eye closed. 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:46.419 If you've never trusted the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior this morning. 00:17:46.659 --> 00:17:50.659 I want to give you the greatest offer in life you'll ever hear. 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:55.960 And I don't give it to you based on any merit that I have. 00:17:56.060 --> 00:17:59.740 I give it to you based on what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross. 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:03.600 For when he knew already, 00:18:03.820 --> 00:18:05.200 before we were even born, 00:18:05.580 --> 00:18:07.340 how low a sinner we would be. 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:09.759 How many wrong things we had done. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:11.140 When he knew that, 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:13.259 he went to the cross of Christ 00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:17.100 and died for us to have the opportunity for salvation. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:20.300 If you've never surrendered your heart and life to the Lord Jesus 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:20.799 and said, 00:18:20.879 --> 00:18:21.599 Lord, I'm a sinner. 00:18:21.919 --> 00:18:22.940 And I know I am. 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:24.799 And I need you to forgive me 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:26.700 and to cleanse me and to save me. 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:29.440 I want you to know that today's the day of salvation. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.299 What a wonderful Mother's Day it'd be 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:33.859 for you to give your heart and life 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:35.619 to the Lord Jesus Christ today. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:38.079 So if God's leading you in that way, 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:39.440 I encourage you to come 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:41.220 as we stand and sing in just a moment. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.000 Maybe you're here 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:46.019 and the reality is that God's drawing you to this church. 00:18:46.819 --> 00:18:47.899 And you know that. 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:49.480 Just obey him. 00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.259 Just trust him. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.839 We'll guide you through that process. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:56.319 What a wonderful way God's working and moving in our church. 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:57.240 You want to be a part of that? 00:18:57.319 --> 00:18:58.960 You feel like God's leading you to be a part of that? 00:18:59.460 --> 00:19:00.019 You come. 00:19:01.159 --> 00:19:01.899 Maybe you're here 00:19:01.899 --> 00:19:04.139 and you know that you have given your heart and life to the Lord, 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.639 but you've never been baptized as a believer. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:08.200 You've never publicly acknowledged that biblically. 00:19:08.339 --> 00:19:09.319 And if that be the case, 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:11.079 I want to ask you to come. 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.399 Let us know that. 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.899 We're happy to guide you in that. 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:16.519 Or maybe you just need to lay something before the Lord. 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:18.859 Lord, you might want to stay right where you're at 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:22.859 and just thank God for the godly ladies that God's placed in your life. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.740 I don't know what God's telling you to do, 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:29.019 but I know you'll never be satisfied when you do less than what God would have you to do. 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:31.660 So I'll always ask you just to be obedient. 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:36.039 Lord Jesus, I love you and I thank you for the love that you have for us. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:38.519 Thank you, Lord, for your sweet presence here today. 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:43.079 I ask God that you'll guide us right now to just be obedient, 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:45.119 to follow your lead, Father. 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:48.200 In Jesus' precious name, amen. 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:49.000 If you would stand.