WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.960 Turn to Genesis chapter 18. 00:00:03.760 --> 00:00:04.940 Genesis chapter 18. 00:00:05.020 --> 00:00:06.339 I'm going to stand right here this morning. 00:00:07.360 --> 00:00:09.240 Because if I don't, I'm going to make a mess. 00:00:11.700 --> 00:00:15.259 We go back to a special place today. 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:21.640 Our passage brings us back to the Oaks of Mamre. 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:24.600 That's a special place. 00:00:25.600 --> 00:00:29.339 It was there under those oaks that an altar was built. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.199 By Abraham. 00:00:32.079 --> 00:00:35.359 It was built when he was called Abram. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:42.519 And when he and Lot split and God promised Abram the land as far as he could see it. 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:45.880 God told him to walk it. 00:00:46.679 --> 00:00:56.200 And being blessed, Abram built an altar to honor the Lord for the paving of his path. 00:00:56.200 --> 00:01:03.160 Now he returns to those same oaks. 00:01:04.520 --> 00:01:06.620 God's doing a new work in his life. 00:01:07.980 --> 00:01:12.659 Refortifying another promise to Abraham and Sarah. 00:01:13.280 --> 00:01:16.659 And there is much that we can learn from this event. 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:18.659 It's in Genesis chapter 18. 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:21.200 Beginning in verse 1 it says this. 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:25.379 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre. 00:01:26.219 --> 00:01:29.520 As he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 00:01:30.159 --> 00:01:32.100 He lifted up his eyes and looked. 00:01:32.200 --> 00:01:34.659 And behold three men were standing in front of him. 00:01:35.180 --> 00:01:37.680 When he saw them he ran from the tent door. 00:01:38.099 --> 00:01:40.480 To meet them and bowed himself to the earth. 00:01:40.560 --> 00:01:41.300 And said, O Lord. 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:43.960 If I found favor in your sight. 00:01:44.060 --> 00:01:46.200 Do not pass by your servant. 00:01:46.200 --> 00:01:48.359 Let a little water be brought. 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:49.680 And wash your feet. 00:01:50.299 --> 00:01:51.719 And rest yourself under the tree. 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:53.719 While I bring a morsel of bread. 00:01:54.140 --> 00:01:56.020 That you may refresh yourselves. 00:01:56.140 --> 00:01:57.540 And after you have passed on. 00:01:57.620 --> 00:01:58.859 Since you have come to your servant. 00:01:59.400 --> 00:02:01.079 So they said, do as you've said. 00:02:01.879 --> 00:02:04.100 And Abram went quickly into the tent to Sarah. 00:02:04.300 --> 00:02:05.140 And said, quick. 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:09.020 Three seeds of fine flour. 00:02:09.580 --> 00:02:11.199 Knead it and make cakes. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:16.179 And Abram ran to the herd and took a calf and tender and good. 00:02:16.419 --> 00:02:17.579 And gave it to the young man. 00:02:17.799 --> 00:02:19.459 To a young man who prepared it quickly. 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:23.060 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared. 00:02:23.179 --> 00:02:24.119 And set it before them. 00:02:24.479 --> 00:02:26.919 And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. 00:02:27.739 --> 00:02:28.699 They said to him. 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:32.039 Where is Sarah your wife? 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:34.659 And he said. 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:36.599 She's in the tent. 00:02:36.599 --> 00:02:39.379 The Lord said. 00:02:39.379 --> 00:02:43.659 I will surely return to you about this time next year. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:46.419 And Sarah your wife shall have a son. 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:50.680 And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 00:02:51.819 --> 00:02:53.560 Now Abraham and Sarah were old. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:54.780 Advanced in years. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:57.539 The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 00:02:57.659 --> 00:02:59.500 So Sarah laughed to herself and said. 00:03:00.039 --> 00:03:01.579 After I am worn out. 00:03:01.879 --> 00:03:03.000 And my Lord is old. 00:03:03.099 --> 00:03:04.039 Shall I have pleasure? 00:03:04.819 --> 00:03:06.620 And the Lord said to Abraham. 00:03:06.620 --> 00:03:08.780 Why did Sarah laugh and say. 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:11.219 Shall I indeed bear a son now that I am old? 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:13.379 Is anything too hard for the Lord? 00:03:13.919 --> 00:03:16.300 At the appointed time I will return to you. 00:03:16.420 --> 00:03:18.039 About this time next year. 00:03:18.599 --> 00:03:20.620 And Sarah shall have a son. 00:03:21.639 --> 00:03:22.740 But Sarah denied it. 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:23.080 Saying. 00:03:23.699 --> 00:03:24.979 I did not laugh. 00:03:25.060 --> 00:03:25.900 For she was afraid. 00:03:26.699 --> 00:03:27.420 He said no. 00:03:28.379 --> 00:03:29.719 But you did laugh. 00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:31.780 Let's pray together. 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:34.099 Heavenly Father. 00:03:34.099 --> 00:03:34.140 Heavenly Father. 00:03:34.140 --> 00:03:34.180 Heavenly Father. 00:03:34.180 --> 00:03:34.939 I pray today. 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:35.780 That you'll help us. 00:03:35.960 --> 00:03:37.580 Not only to gain a better understanding. 00:03:37.580 --> 00:03:39.219 Of what happened under the oaks. 00:03:39.219 --> 00:03:40.020 And Mamre. 00:03:40.780 --> 00:03:42.819 And what happened in the days that followed. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:44.580 God. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:45.860 I pray that you'll help us. 00:03:45.920 --> 00:03:46.780 To see the relevance. 00:03:47.039 --> 00:03:48.659 That it has to our lives today. 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:49.219 Dear God. 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:51.659 I pray Lord. 00:03:51.740 --> 00:03:52.860 That you will give us. 00:03:53.860 --> 00:03:54.259 Encouragement. 00:03:54.379 --> 00:03:55.659 Where encouragement is needed. 00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:57.699 And conviction. 00:03:57.840 --> 00:03:58.979 Where conviction is needed. 00:03:59.099 --> 00:03:59.560 And hope. 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:00.580 Where hope is needed. 00:04:00.580 --> 00:04:01.180 Dear God. 00:04:02.820 --> 00:04:03.719 And compassion. 00:04:03.840 --> 00:04:04.820 Where compassion is needed. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:07.440 Allow your sweet Holy Spirit. 00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:08.200 To speak to us. 00:04:08.220 --> 00:04:10.100 Exactly as we need to hear it. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:10.420 Father. 00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:11.520 Personalize it. 00:04:11.760 --> 00:04:12.320 Customize it. 00:04:12.380 --> 00:04:12.720 For us. 00:04:12.760 --> 00:04:13.200 Oh God. 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:14.520 And have your will. 00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:14.900 And your way. 00:04:14.960 --> 00:04:15.360 In our midst. 00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:15.880 I pray. 00:04:16.780 --> 00:04:17.920 In Jesus name. 00:04:18.660 --> 00:04:18.960 Amen. 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:21.660 Did you catch it? 00:04:23.500 --> 00:04:25.300 There's three men that came. 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:28.180 And it's not just three men. 00:04:28.180 --> 00:04:31.920 It is apparently two angels. 00:04:32.860 --> 00:04:33.819 And the Lord. 00:04:35.139 --> 00:04:37.759 Now there's much to learn from this. 00:04:37.840 --> 00:04:39.439 And the first thing you need to know is this. 00:04:40.199 --> 00:04:42.560 God comes to us. 00:04:43.420 --> 00:04:44.759 It's not that we come to him. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:45.879 He comes to us. 00:04:47.340 --> 00:04:50.540 I don't know that Abraham recognized what was happening. 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:51.819 But when they came. 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:54.100 He bowed as they walked up. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:56.720 He bowed all the way to the ground. 00:04:56.720 --> 00:05:00.440 Now a bow in that culture was like a handshake. 00:05:01.420 --> 00:05:03.760 Normally not much more than a head nod. 00:05:04.780 --> 00:05:06.120 But this was different. 00:05:07.660 --> 00:05:11.160 What Abraham did as they walked up was a rare display of honor. 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:14.660 And then he provided water so that they could refresh themselves. 00:05:15.940 --> 00:05:18.460 He had to know something was up. 00:05:18.600 --> 00:05:21.080 But he didn't quite know what. 00:05:21.079 --> 00:05:27.060 And the reason why is because sometimes God shows up unrecognized. 00:05:27.399 --> 00:05:28.379 At least at first. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:31.740 Remember it happened after the resurrection. 00:05:32.039 --> 00:05:36.599 Jesus was mistaken for the gardener in the garden by one who knew him well. 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:38.360 Meaning recognizing. 00:05:38.360 --> 00:05:42.400 He was not recognized on the road to Emmaus. 00:05:43.319 --> 00:05:45.939 By those that should have recognized him. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:47.420 Until he ate with them. 00:05:48.199 --> 00:05:51.560 When Jesus stood on the shore with seven of his disciples. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:54.220 That he had walked with for over three years. 00:05:54.280 --> 00:05:55.520 As they fished. 00:05:56.080 --> 00:05:57.400 They didn't recognize him. 00:05:57.480 --> 00:05:59.180 Until they made the big catch. 00:05:59.280 --> 00:06:01.280 By following his directions. 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:03.580 But he was there. 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:05.740 Before the big catch. 00:06:05.740 --> 00:06:09.840 I believe it was Christ that Joshua saw. 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:16.460 When he saw the one standing before him with a sword drawn. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:18.780 In Joshua chapter 5. 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:19.840 Joshua asked him. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:21.100 Are you for us? 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:23.019 Or one of our adversaries? 00:06:23.939 --> 00:06:25.300 And the man answered no. 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:26.819 But I am. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:27.740 I love that. 00:06:27.840 --> 00:06:28.519 Did you get that? 00:06:28.860 --> 00:06:29.939 Are you with us? 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:32.560 Or our adversaries? 00:06:33.180 --> 00:06:35.079 And it says the man said no. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:38.019 But I am the commander of the army of the Lord. 00:06:38.459 --> 00:06:39.680 Now I have come. 00:06:40.479 --> 00:06:42.459 And then Joshua recognized immediately. 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:44.419 And knelt down before him. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:49.240 I believe it was Christ that was the fourth man in the fiery furnace. 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:52.339 That heated up seven times beyond normal. 00:06:52.899 --> 00:06:54.579 For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:56.799 For when the king looked in. 00:06:56.839 --> 00:06:58.620 He saw men no longer bound. 00:06:58.799 --> 00:07:01.079 But freely walking around. 00:07:01.180 --> 00:07:02.339 And he saw four. 00:07:02.339 --> 00:07:05.519 And pagans looked in and saw the fourth man. 00:07:05.719 --> 00:07:07.939 And said that he looked like the son of God. 00:07:08.500 --> 00:07:10.779 In fact, he was the son of God. 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:14.519 The presence of God is often missed. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:18.000 But I assure you, he comes to us. 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:21.359 Revelation chapter 3 verse 20. 00:07:22.059 --> 00:07:23.479 A familiar passage says, 00:07:23.679 --> 00:07:25.120 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. 00:07:25.179 --> 00:07:26.799 If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, 00:07:26.800 --> 00:07:30.699 I'll come into him and eat with him and he with me. 00:07:30.780 --> 00:07:34.460 A very familiar passage that we often use evangelically. 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:39.040 But in reality, we speak of those that need Christ. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:42.040 But that's not really what the passage is talking about. 00:07:42.180 --> 00:07:46.060 Because if you look at what happens in Revelation chapter 1, 2, and 3. 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:49.360 He's addressing the church of Jesus Christ. 00:07:49.460 --> 00:07:51.199 That's spread out across Asia Minor. 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:52.840 In seven different churches. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:54.800 Representative of that whole region. 00:07:54.800 --> 00:07:55.460 In one region. 00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:59.180 And so in reality, who he's talking to is the church. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:02.680 And he is saying he is the one that is pursuing. 00:08:02.960 --> 00:08:05.100 He is the one that comes to us. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:08.420 And sadly, not only do they not recognize him sometimes, 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:10.120 but we don't recognize him. 00:08:11.819 --> 00:08:16.420 Things change in this passage when these visitors are eating 00:08:16.420 --> 00:08:17.939 and they ask about Sarah. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:21.740 What in the world? 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:24.160 It wasn't long ago that her name was Sarai. 00:08:25.420 --> 00:08:29.620 And now these strangers, these visitors are asking about Sarah. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:33.740 Abraham and Sarah had to know something was up then. 00:08:33.799 --> 00:08:35.659 This is not just where a fair are strangers. 00:08:36.940 --> 00:08:41.460 They knew who Abraham and Sarah was. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:44.940 So first two of them are angels. 00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:51.820 Now, I really want you to understand what angels are. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:58.240 Because there's a lot of misunderstandings and ideas about angels that are not biblical at all. 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:02.440 Naked babies with bird wings are not angels. 00:09:02.440 --> 00:09:10.360 Pasty face women in white robes do not reflect what the Bible teaches. 00:09:11.240 --> 00:09:17.520 The Bible instead speaks of them as messengers that come to worship God, 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:21.840 give guidance from God, or to protect for God. 00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:26.220 I heard somebody say one time that the angels are there protecting God. 00:09:26.660 --> 00:09:27.440 I'm sorry. 00:09:27.980 --> 00:09:28.960 That's not true. 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:30.860 He don't need our protection. 00:09:30.860 --> 00:09:35.200 But we sure need protection, spiritual protection. 00:09:35.560 --> 00:09:37.560 And God sends angels to give that to us. 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:40.320 They are spiritual, but they can come in human form. 00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:45.460 As a matter of fact, the Hebrew writer warns us in Hebrews chapter 13, verse 2, 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:48.759 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 00:09:49.100 --> 00:09:53.519 for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:56.879 You may not know who you're messing with. 00:09:56.879 --> 00:10:04.679 And here they're in physical forms like humans, and they can be touched, and they can talk, and they can eat, and they can drink. 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:10.080 But notice in the passage it says that God himself is the one that speaks. 00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:18.639 We still have a hard time sometimes recognizing that God, when he comes to see us, 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:26.480 we sometimes don't listen when he speaks into our lives, and when he gives us guidance, 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:30.500 and when he silently walks with us in our valleys. 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:32.759 But I don't want you to make a mistake today. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:36.939 God comes to us. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:43.819 The second thing is, God wants us to serve him. 00:10:46.360 --> 00:10:49.720 I want you to notice the welcome that Abraham gave. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:53.980 He gave them, he wanted them to refresh themselves, 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:58.200 and while he brought them what he said would be a morsel of bread, 00:10:58.759 --> 00:10:59.759 a morsel of bread. 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:06.840 He killed the fatted calf and took about five gallons of flour to make bread. 00:11:07.439 --> 00:11:10.659 He brought fresh milk and cheese for them to eat. 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:16.799 It was like he was feeding an army because he gave the best that he had. 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:25.039 I had the opportunity a couple of times to travel overseas to Southeast Asia 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:30.639 and to teach doctrine, theological doctrine, to leaders of the persecuted church. 00:11:32.719 --> 00:11:39.219 We met in hiding, and I saw this example carried out. 00:11:39.220 --> 00:11:42.620 We taught all morning. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:52.320 Lunchtime came, and they ushered us into a small room that had a table there 00:11:52.320 --> 00:11:59.759 and two chairs and a heated concrete bed 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:03.879 that another could sit on. 00:12:03.879 --> 00:12:10.679 Often in their circumstances, in the poverty-riven areas, 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:15.799 they had their oven on the opposite side of the wall, 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:18.840 and the chute where the smoke would come out 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:23.759 went under this concrete base and heated that bed 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:27.220 and then came up a chute and went out. 00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:34.820 And so what you had in the cold was a heated concrete bed, 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:40.379 and they purposely put us in somebody's bedroom 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:42.820 so that we would be comfortable, 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:45.560 so that we would relax, 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:49.620 and encouraged us to make sure that we rest. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:52.799 And the translator, my co-teacher, and I sat down, 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:59.340 and they brought to us a meal that was twice the size of a typical Chinese meal. 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:03.919 Typically, they'd have a dish for each person there. 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:07.860 If there were three people eating, there'd be three separate dishes to be shared. 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:13.620 Not really a plate, maybe a bowl of rice that you could put things in and eat out of, 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:17.860 but then oftentimes you would just eat out of your side. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:23.320 But for us, the three of us, 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:26.960 they brought seven different dishes out. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:32.500 I remember the stew beef that was mixed in with some beans. 00:13:33.940 --> 00:13:36.779 That first day, we ate the stew beef out of the beans, 00:13:37.299 --> 00:13:40.799 and the next day, they just brought us the stew beef 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:42.120 because they knew that's what we wanted. 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:47.200 And then one day after that lunch break, 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:51.720 when we walked back in, I noticed what they were eating. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:59.080 The people in that room were eating the, 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:03.480 had the water from the rice they had fixed for us. 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:09.320 And in that rice, they had boiled some very bland-looking vegetables. 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:17.980 And they were having a rice broth vegetable soup 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:21.860 with a steamed bun they called a bowser. 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:26.720 Just a steamed roll. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:31.260 They had done without 00:14:31.259 --> 00:14:37.220 and sacrificially given their very best to us. 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:43.840 That's all God requires of us 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:47.019 is to give our best. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:54.759 Serving leads to intimate fellowship. 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:58.720 It leads to intimate fellowship with the Lord. 00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:01.759 That fellowship with the Father 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:03.779 and fellowship with His people are stronger. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:07.700 Serving is what makes the church strong. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:12.779 When we work alongside one another in the kingdom, 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:16.139 it makes us strong. 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:23.299 If you want to make the most of your church experience 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:25.340 and to gain the most that you can 00:15:25.340 --> 00:15:27.199 out of Pickens First Baptist 00:15:27.199 --> 00:15:30.720 and put the most that you can back into First Baptist, 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:35.759 then you faithfully gather in worship. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:38.080 We're approaching summer. 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:39.960 I will warn you. 00:15:40.700 --> 00:15:42.980 The devil will distract you along the way. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.560 I will always encourage you. 00:15:45.660 --> 00:15:47.960 Don't miss the extraordinary events of your life. 00:15:48.280 --> 00:15:48.720 Take them. 00:15:49.300 --> 00:15:49.920 Enjoy them. 00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:50.440 Go. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:53.420 But don't just miss for the ordinary 00:15:53.420 --> 00:15:57.100 because the devil loves to sidetrack us 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:59.480 about the ordinary things. 00:16:00.920 --> 00:16:03.500 But you be faithful together, together. 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:05.940 Be faithful to grow. 00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:09.360 Find yourself a small group. 00:16:09.520 --> 00:16:10.920 Let us help you do that. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:14.980 A small group where you can grow your lives together 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:17.800 around God's Word and grow in Him. 00:16:19.420 --> 00:16:22.820 If you're just worshiping in this hour with us, 00:16:23.680 --> 00:16:25.400 I hope you're blessed 00:16:25.400 --> 00:16:29.280 because I know that we have spirit-filled worship 00:16:29.280 --> 00:16:31.040 in this room, and I'm thankful for that. 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:32.940 I'm thankful for those who lead us today. 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:35.280 I'm thankful that other churches ask some 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:36.879 from our church to come lead them 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.919 for a special service. 00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:39.360 That says something, folks, 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:40.480 and I'm thankful for that. 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:42.740 And I may not do a good job of it, 00:16:42.779 --> 00:16:44.439 but I promise you I'll preach God's Word 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:46.899 each and every time you come to this place. 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.959 But if you want to grow in the Lord, 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.939 you need to venture out 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:53.039 and find your small group, 00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:54.459 a Sunday school class, 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:56.919 these small group Bible studies that we do, 00:16:56.919 --> 00:17:01.599 and make sure that you connect with folks like that. 00:17:01.599 --> 00:17:05.339 And then, thirdly, to serve. 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:07.680 To go in His name. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:09.759 Find a place for you to serve. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:13.399 And I would love to take time this morning 00:17:13.399 --> 00:17:15.740 to talk about all the different areas 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:19.000 of voluntary service that we have 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.740 in this building on Sunday morning 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:22.200 and the people that get here early 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:24.460 and the people that stay late 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:26.779 and then the ways of serving 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:29.259 and all the mission opportunities that we have. 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:31.620 I'm not going to start listing those things 00:17:31.620 --> 00:17:32.640 because I'll miss somebody 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:33.559 and they'll get mad at me 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.640 and they'll defeat the whole purpose. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:39.559 Because I don't think we do it for recognition. 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.600 I think we do it for the Lord. 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:46.659 If you want to know what it's like 00:17:46.659 --> 00:17:47.819 to live for the Lord Jesus, 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:50.299 then you worship Him together 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:53.519 and you find folks that walk along with you 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:55.259 with commonalities in your life 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:58.539 and dig deeper in God's Word together 00:17:58.539 --> 00:18:00.480 and walk through some valleys together 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:02.779 and bond together through that 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:05.259 and then go out and serve in His name. 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:08.819 Welcome people into the body of Christ. 00:18:08.959 --> 00:18:10.259 It makes a whole lot of difference 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:12.000 when we work alongside one another in the kingdom. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:13.420 It makes us stronger. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:16.420 And remember when we serve others, 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.440 we're serving the Lord. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.119 He said that Himself. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.660 Let's just not miss the opportunity 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:26.579 to tell them why we're doing what we're doing 00:18:26.579 --> 00:18:30.339 and how Christ has changed our lives. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:33.099 I want you to know this morning 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:34.880 that God comes to us 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:37.619 and God wants us to serve Him in response. 00:18:39.319 --> 00:18:40.799 And also I want you to know 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.839 that God can do anything. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.460 He really can. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.440 God can do anything. 00:18:48.140 --> 00:18:50.119 Some of you are struggling with some stuff today. 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.640 You've got areas of your life 00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:57.880 where there's some doubt 00:18:57.880 --> 00:19:02.319 about exactly how and what God's going to do. 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:05.879 And I can't answer that for you. 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:07.039 But I can answer this. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:09.700 God can do anything. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:13.740 Abraham is told by one of those men 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:17.139 that this time next year they will have a son. 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.919 But it was not just one of those men. 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:22.059 The Word of God says it was the Lord. 00:19:22.059 --> 00:19:28.839 It was the human form of the pre-incarnate Christ, I believe. 00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:32.639 And so what God is saying to Abraham is, 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:34.500 Abraham, it's time. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:37.419 What you've been waiting on for decades, 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:40.240 I'm going to fulfill what I said I would do. 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:44.039 And Abraham heard what he had been waiting on. 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:46.940 And I really don't think that Abraham was surprised. 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:50.259 Because remember, we just looked, 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.620 I believe last week, 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:53.320 at the reiteration of the covenant 00:19:53.320 --> 00:19:54.539 that had come to Abraham 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:57.720 as recorded in Genesis chapter 17. 00:19:58.240 --> 00:20:00.019 And I believe it fixed his vision. 00:20:00.860 --> 00:20:03.240 I believe not only was his skin circumcised, 00:20:03.340 --> 00:20:05.000 but I believe his heart was circumcised. 00:20:05.220 --> 00:20:07.100 I believe he knew that God was at work 00:20:07.100 --> 00:20:10.259 and he was ready to let God do what God wanted to do. 00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:12.160 And I don't believe he had any doubt in it. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:16.040 But Sarah was sitting in the next tent. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:20.700 And Sarah heard what they said. 00:20:22.300 --> 00:20:24.200 And she was not so sure. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:27.400 And in the midst of that, she laughed to herself. 00:20:28.040 --> 00:20:29.779 The way that Hebrew reads there, 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:32.460 it was not a belly laugh, not a loud laugh, 00:20:32.560 --> 00:20:34.660 just a laugh to herself. 00:20:34.840 --> 00:20:35.640 Probably a, huh. 00:20:37.120 --> 00:20:39.620 Just under her breath. 00:20:39.619 --> 00:20:45.919 And scripture gives us an insight 00:20:45.919 --> 00:20:48.819 into what she was thinking when she did it. 00:20:50.719 --> 00:20:53.019 And it says that her question was, 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:55.959 shall I at my age have such pleasure? 00:20:57.679 --> 00:21:01.059 And that word pleasure speaks of a rare, 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:04.959 exclusive luxury to very few. 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:10.940 Am I at 90? 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:13.200 Can I have a child? 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:18.120 Shall I indeed bear a child now that I am old? 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:19.620 Was the question that she asked. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:21.259 And when she said old there, 00:21:21.360 --> 00:21:22.960 that literally means worn out. 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:25.240 It's kind of like old, shabby clothes. 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:26.799 You know, when they get comfortable, you know. 00:21:27.140 --> 00:21:28.720 When they wore out, you know. 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:31.340 There was a day, young people, 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:33.680 when you bought clothes that didn't have holes in them. 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:36.920 And they got that way after you wore them too long. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.880 I know that sounds strange, but anyway. 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:43.720 To be honest, this is about as shocking 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:45.740 as when Gabriel came to Zacharias 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:48.400 and while he was well advanced in years 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:51.720 and telling them that Elizabeth would bear a son. 00:21:51.840 --> 00:21:53.340 And she was so shocked that, 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:56.100 he was so shocked that he questioned it. 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:59.240 And he was mute until the child was born. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:02.400 I don't believe it's quite as shocking 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:04.400 as when Gabriel told a teenage virgin 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:06.660 that she was going to bear the son of God. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:08.539 But I believe it's still a shock. 00:22:09.140 --> 00:22:11.240 But I want you to understand that God can do anything. 00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:15.059 We don't always believe that, but he can. 00:22:15.140 --> 00:22:17.579 And ironically, because we struggle to believe it, 00:22:17.620 --> 00:22:19.940 get this, because we struggle to believe it, 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:21.380 we see less of it. 00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:26.020 Jesus said in Matthew 13, verse 58, 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:29.500 excuse me, it says of Jesus in Matthew 13, verse 58, 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:31.820 Jesus did not do many miracles there 00:22:31.820 --> 00:22:34.260 because of their unbelief. 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.240 Now, understand something. 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:40.060 We don't have the power to limit God. 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:41.220 That's not what I'm saying at all, 00:22:41.260 --> 00:22:42.360 and that's not what Scripture says. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:45.620 But he chooses to work in those that believe. 00:22:45.619 --> 00:22:51.339 And oh, how we need to see the but gods in our life. 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:54.599 We need to be like Jacob 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:56.919 when he recognized God's intervention. 00:22:58.159 --> 00:23:00.439 In Genesis 31, verse 42, it says, 00:23:00.859 --> 00:23:02.459 if the God, Jacob said, 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.599 if the God of my father, the God of Abraham, 00:23:04.739 --> 00:23:06.579 the fear and the God of Isaac, 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:08.779 excuse me, and the fear of Isaac 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:10.599 had not been on my side, 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:13.839 surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. 00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:17.319 We need to be like Joseph 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:19.919 who was betrayed by his brothers 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:21.220 and was falsely accused 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:23.559 and placed in prison and then forgotten. 00:23:25.099 --> 00:23:26.199 But in the end, 00:23:26.699 --> 00:23:28.819 saw God's hand upon it the whole time. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:31.679 And in Genesis 50, verse 20, 00:23:32.379 --> 00:23:34.879 he said, as for you to his brothers, 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:36.159 you meant evil against me, 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:38.439 but God meant it for good 00:23:38.439 --> 00:23:40.919 to bring it about that many people 00:23:40.919 --> 00:23:43.779 shall be kept alive as they are today. 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:47.819 We need to recognize the protective hand of God 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:50.000 as seen in David's life. 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:52.339 In 1 Samuel 23, verse 14, 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:53.619 and it says, 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:55.599 and David remained in the strongholds, 00:23:55.639 --> 00:23:56.220 in the wilderness, 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:58.859 in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph, 00:23:59.319 --> 00:24:01.079 and Saul sought him every day, 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:05.779 but God did not give him into his hand. 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:08.419 Can you say with the psalmist 00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:09.959 that you know where your strength is? 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:12.980 Psalm 73, verse 26 says, 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:14.700 my flesh and my heart may fail, 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:17.759 but God is the strength of my heart 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:20.100 and my portion forever. 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:23.299 When the lame man was healed in the temple gate 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:24.140 called Beautiful, 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:27.680 Peter wanted him to know why he was healed. 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:29.820 And he said, 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:34.720 and he wanted to know how and why he was healed. 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:36.400 And in Acts 3, verse 16, 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:37.580 he said, 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.900 and his name, 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:41.740 by faith in his name, 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:42.539 he's talking about the Lord, 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:44.240 by faith in his name, 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:45.560 has made this man strong, 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.340 whom you see and know. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:48.100 And the faith that is through Jesus 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:50.340 has given the man this perfect health 00:24:50.340 --> 00:24:52.180 in the presence of you all. 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:53.539 He is saying, 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.759 don't you look at me, 00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:56.000 look at him. 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:58.180 It's a but God moment. 00:24:59.840 --> 00:25:01.840 But oh, let me show you the best, 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:03.580 best but God in scripture. 00:25:04.560 --> 00:25:06.320 It's in Ephesians chapter 2. 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:09.980 And don't let the extended nature 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:11.680 of this passage ever lose 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:14.580 the meaning or the weight of it. 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:16.100 I want you to hear this this morning. 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:19.099 And you were dead in the trespasses 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:21.480 and sins in which you once walked, 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:23.259 following the course of this world, 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:26.539 following the prince of the power of the air, 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:28.059 the spirit that is now at work 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.099 in the sons of disobedience, 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:32.779 among whom we all once lived 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:34.079 in the passions of the flesh, 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:37.099 carrying out the desires of the body 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:39.279 and the mind. 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:42.839 And we by nature, 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.839 children of wrath, 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:45.199 like the rest of mankind, 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.860 but God, 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:49.920 being rich in mercy 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:52.720 because of the great love 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:54.460 with which he loved us, 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:57.059 even when we were dead in our trespasses, 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:59.640 made us alive together with Christ. 00:26:00.340 --> 00:26:02.400 By grace you've been saved 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:04.940 and raised us up with him 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:06.400 and seated us with him 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.799 in the heavenly places 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:10.299 in Christ Jesus 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:12.580 so that in the coming ages 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:15.119 he might show the immeasurable riches 00:26:15.119 --> 00:26:16.500 of his grace and kindness 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.899 toward us in Christ Jesus. 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:20.419 For by grace you've been saved through faith. 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.480 This is not of your own doing. 00:26:22.579 --> 00:26:23.599 It is a gift. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.699 It is the gift of God, 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.439 not as a result of works, 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:30.079 so that no one can boast 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:32.559 for we are his workmanship, 00:26:32.899 --> 00:26:34.279 created in Christ Jesus 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:35.199 for good works, 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:37.099 which God prepared us beforehand, 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:40.439 that we should walk in them. 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:44.359 The same God that did the miraculous 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:46.980 for Abraham and Sarah. 00:26:48.719 --> 00:26:50.759 The same God that did the miraculous 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:52.059 on all those occasions 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.059 that I brought up today 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.019 is the same God 00:26:54.019 --> 00:26:56.259 that can do the miraculous for us. 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:58.859 And I want you to understand something today. 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.179 The greatest miracle 00:27:01.179 --> 00:27:02.679 is not to bring life. 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:05.440 The greatest miracle 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.120 is not to sustain life. 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:08.200 The greatest miracle 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:10.160 is not to lengthen life. 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.720 The greatest miracle 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:13.100 is to give life 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:15.620 and life more abundant 00:27:15.620 --> 00:27:18.160 and life eternal 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:21.039 and life sanctified 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:22.759 and life justified 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:24.720 and life promised 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.840 to be glorified. 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:29.019 The greatest miracle 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:31.660 is life in Christ. 00:27:32.680 --> 00:27:33.299 And you may say, 00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:33.720 oh preacher, 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.140 you don't know 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:35.060 what I'm dealing with. 00:27:36.560 --> 00:27:37.160 You don't know 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.279 what's going on in my life. 00:27:38.320 --> 00:27:38.820 And you know what? 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:39.500 You're right. 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:43.080 But God does. 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:45.680 You say, 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.180 you don't understand 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.539 the road that I'm dealing with 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.960 is really tough. 00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:51.400 And I don't know the answers. 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.740 You know what? 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.799 I don't either. 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.420 But God does. 00:27:58.420 --> 00:28:03.340 You may not know 00:28:03.340 --> 00:28:04.000 what's ahead. 00:28:05.400 --> 00:28:06.680 And I sure don't. 00:28:08.080 --> 00:28:09.300 But God does. 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.840 And He's already there. 00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:14.259 So rest, my friend. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.019 Renew, my friend. 00:28:18.620 --> 00:28:19.620 Rejoice, my friend. 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.259 God's in the midst. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:25.400 I pray you have a 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:28.400 but God moment 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:30.220 in your life 00:28:30.220 --> 00:28:31.819 because it changes 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.259 everything. 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:36.259 With every head bowed 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:36.839 and every eye closed, 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.400 I want to ask you 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:38.039 something this morning. 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:41.779 Has there ever been 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.839 a time in your life 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:43.920 when you have said, 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.900 Lord, I don't have 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.640 the answers 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:48.460 and there's sin 00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:49.040 in my life 00:28:49.040 --> 00:28:49.660 and things that I've 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:50.300 done wrong 00:28:50.300 --> 00:28:52.100 and I need forgiveness 00:28:52.100 --> 00:28:54.340 and I need cleansing 00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:54.920 and I need you 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.820 to change me. 00:28:57.540 --> 00:28:58.940 And today I ask you, 00:28:59.060 --> 00:28:59.520 dear God, 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.240 to forgive me 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:01.060 of my sins. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.220 I ask you 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:04.100 to come into my life 00:29:04.100 --> 00:29:05.120 and empower me. 00:29:08.340 --> 00:29:09.200 I ask that you'll 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:09.680 indwell me 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:10.540 with the Holy Spirit 00:29:10.540 --> 00:29:10.920 of God 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.640 and that you'll give me 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.900 a life that's more abundant, 00:29:13.020 --> 00:29:14.220 a life that's more free, 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.960 a life that's full. 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:19.559 God, I realize 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.400 that you made me 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:21.140 for yourself 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:21.880 and made me 00:29:21.880 --> 00:29:22.680 to be in relationship 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.160 with you 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:23.700 and so God, 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:25.299 today I surrender 00:29:25.299 --> 00:29:26.279 my life to you. 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:29.819 Folks, 00:29:29.900 --> 00:29:30.460 I don't care 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.100 what protocol 00:29:31.100 --> 00:29:31.880 you've been through 00:29:31.880 --> 00:29:32.440 in your life 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.640 in the past religiously. 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:34.920 If you've never 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:35.660 surrendered your life 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:36.920 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.600 that's what needs 00:29:37.600 --> 00:29:38.460 to happen today. 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:41.120 You need to settle that 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:43.259 and know that 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.039 beyond a shadow of a doubt. 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:44.619 Maybe you've done 00:29:44.619 --> 00:29:45.240 that privately 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.920 but you've never 00:29:45.920 --> 00:29:46.639 done it publicly. 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:47.059 You've never 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:48.079 acknowledged that. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.339 How important it is, 00:29:50.399 --> 00:29:51.200 scripture points to it 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:51.879 again and again 00:29:51.879 --> 00:29:53.359 in the words of Jesus 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.700 and the examples of Paul 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:56.279 that we ought to be bold 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:57.019 in our faith 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:57.740 toward others. 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:59.220 Jesus gave us 00:29:59.220 --> 00:29:59.920 the example 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:02.619 that we ought to be 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.680 baptized as believers 00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.920 and then commissioned us 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:05.980 to do that very thing. 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.379 And so, 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.359 if there's never been 00:30:07.359 --> 00:30:08.220 a time in your life 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:09.039 when you've acknowledged 00:30:09.039 --> 00:30:10.639 your faith in Christ 00:30:10.639 --> 00:30:11.220 publicly 00:30:11.220 --> 00:30:12.059 through baptism, 00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:14.519 I never told anybody 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:15.399 really what God's 00:30:15.399 --> 00:30:16.079 done in your life, 00:30:16.159 --> 00:30:16.759 I encourage you 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:17.480 to come this morning. 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:18.179 Let me guide you 00:30:18.179 --> 00:30:18.779 in that process. 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:21.740 Maybe God's drawing you 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.339 to this church 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.319 and you know that God 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:23.759 would have you 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:24.159 to be a part 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:24.839 of this fellowship. 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:27.419 We're not perfect 00:30:27.419 --> 00:30:28.339 and nor are you. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.779 We'll be great together. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.460 Let's just follow God 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:32.039 and do what God 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:32.980 would have us to do 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:34.059 together. 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.419 together. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.539 You come 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:38.200 and I'll be happy 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:38.720 to guide you 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:39.319 in that process. 00:30:41.700 --> 00:30:42.440 Most likely, 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:43.460 most of who I deal 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.099 with this morning 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:44.839 are people who are 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:45.259 struggling. 00:30:46.139 --> 00:30:47.079 Maybe they have a faith 00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:47.519 in God 00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:48.200 but they're struggling 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.500 in an area of their life 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:52.000 and you need 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:53.079 to be reminded today 00:30:53.079 --> 00:30:56.279 that there's a but God 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.740 in the midst. 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.700 He'll answer your woe 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.279 and He'll deal 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.259 with your situation 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.740 and you need to turn 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:04.819 that over to Him today. 00:31:05.440 --> 00:31:06.299 That loved one 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.119 you're burdened for, 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:09.039 that crisis 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:10.039 that's in your life, 00:31:11.180 --> 00:31:12.160 that thing 00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:13.000 that's wavering, 00:31:13.900 --> 00:31:15.019 that struggle 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.819 that you have, 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:18.339 turn that over 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.160 to the Lord today. 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:21.059 Give it to Him. 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.500 Trust Him with it. 00:31:23.140 --> 00:31:24.339 God can do 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:25.339 anything 00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:27.879 and He loves 00:31:27.879 --> 00:31:28.539 when we trust Him 00:31:28.539 --> 00:31:29.259 and hand it to Him. 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:31.539 Lord Jesus, 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.200 I love you 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:32.980 and I thank you 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:33.539 for the love 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:34.620 that you have for us. 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.400 Thank you Lord 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:37.059 for the examples 00:31:37.059 --> 00:31:38.019 that you give us 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:38.920 of guys who lived 00:31:38.920 --> 00:31:40.240 thousands of years ago 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.840 and how they trusted you 00:31:41.840 --> 00:31:43.720 and they wavered some 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:45.480 and then they trusted again 00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:47.200 and how you were 00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:48.380 always so faithful. 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.019 Help us, 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:50.460 oh God, 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.819 to be faithful to you 00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:53.039 and to trust 00:31:53.039 --> 00:31:53.819 your faithfulness, 00:31:53.880 --> 00:31:54.039 God, 00:31:54.100 --> 00:31:54.480 I pray. 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:56.100 In Jesus' 00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:56.960 precious name, 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:57.980 Amen. 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.080 Amen.