WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.620 Well, good morning. 00:00:02.280 --> 00:00:05.179 See, I don't always get that response in my home church when I say that. 00:00:06.520 --> 00:00:08.939 But I like trying twice because the second one's always better. 00:00:09.080 --> 00:00:09.439 Good morning. 00:00:10.259 --> 00:00:12.080 Yeah, see, it's always better the second time. 00:00:14.580 --> 00:00:17.559 Yeah, I'm really looking forward to our time together in God's Word this morning. 00:00:17.820 --> 00:00:19.519 But I've already been blessed and encouraged. 00:00:19.940 --> 00:00:21.839 Thank you for that extended time of prayer. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:24.620 I just was blessed by doing that with you, 00:00:25.060 --> 00:00:27.339 getting to hear some of the stories in those prayer requests, 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:30.140 but to pray along with you for the things that God has put on your heart this morning. 00:00:30.280 --> 00:00:32.000 So thank you for that. 00:00:33.320 --> 00:00:35.579 Before I begin, though, I just want to introduce myself briefly. 00:00:35.780 --> 00:00:37.740 So my name is Dallas, and this is my wife, Marcy. 00:00:38.219 --> 00:00:42.280 And I am the Global Ministries Pastor at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Regina, 00:00:42.759 --> 00:00:44.039 where I've been for 20 years. 00:00:44.640 --> 00:00:48.840 And I have three kids, now four, including my daughter-in-law, 00:00:49.299 --> 00:00:50.620 but no grandkids yet. 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:55.260 I think I'm ready for grandkids but not ready for the title. 00:00:55.259 --> 00:00:58.699 But we'll see what the Lord has in store. 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:04.019 For the last few years, I've also served as the board chair 00:01:04.019 --> 00:01:06.599 of the Baptist General Conference of Saskatchewan. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:10.039 And so as a result, it was my privilege this last year 00:01:10.039 --> 00:01:13.239 to be part of the interview team with your church 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:16.359 and some of your men regarding joining our denomination. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:20.539 And I was really encouraged by what I heard during that time 00:01:20.539 --> 00:01:22.000 about you as a church, 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:25.079 your heart for the Lord, for the gospel and his word, 00:01:25.939 --> 00:01:29.140 your heart for ministry and for your outreach into your community, 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:32.480 and also the way that you are working to care for your pastor. 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:34.560 I love the way you shared about Josh 00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:37.359 and the need to pray for our pastors. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:40.659 And so just for that reason and so many more, 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:42.719 we are encouraged to have you now 00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:45.000 as part of the Baptist General Conference of Saskatchewan. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:47.000 And we're blessed to have you. 00:01:47.159 --> 00:01:48.959 And we'll see what the Lord has for us 00:01:48.959 --> 00:01:52.159 as a part with you being part of our denomination together. 00:01:52.219 --> 00:01:53.120 And we look forward to that. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:56.460 But another one of the reasons that I'm excited to be here 00:01:56.460 --> 00:02:01.840 is that when Pastor Josh and his family were in Regina, 00:02:01.939 --> 00:02:03.819 they actually moved to our church 00:02:03.819 --> 00:02:05.519 while I was the youth pastor there. 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:07.719 And so Pastor Josh was in my youth group. 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:11.280 And I won't tell you a bunch of bad stories about him 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:12.080 while he's not here, 00:02:12.520 --> 00:02:14.740 in part because I just don't have any. 00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:17.520 Pastor Josh has just always been a good guy. 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:20.539 I had the privilege actually of, 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:22.560 with him and one of his friends, 00:02:22.979 --> 00:02:25.139 we met together probably for a couple years 00:02:25.139 --> 00:02:26.539 for breakfast once a week 00:02:26.539 --> 00:02:28.219 to talk about things of the Lord 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:29.680 and what it meant to walk with him. 00:02:30.219 --> 00:02:31.479 And so to be here this morning 00:02:31.479 --> 00:02:33.259 in the place where he serves faithfully 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:34.840 is a real blessing to me. 00:02:34.840 --> 00:02:36.939 And to see that he is continuing on 00:02:36.939 --> 00:02:38.280 in his love for the Lord 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:40.640 and his love for ministry is an encouragement. 00:02:40.920 --> 00:02:42.379 So that's another one of the reasons 00:02:42.379 --> 00:02:43.900 that I'm grateful to be here this morning. 00:02:46.219 --> 00:02:48.719 In my life, I have had the privilege 00:02:48.719 --> 00:02:52.699 of many spiritual mentors and influences. 00:02:53.719 --> 00:02:55.659 And just for the sake of this morning's message, 00:02:55.659 --> 00:02:57.340 I wanna highlight one more for you. 00:02:57.879 --> 00:02:59.960 And that is my grandfather, Jake Rempel. 00:03:00.480 --> 00:03:02.080 Now, I know that you as a church 00:03:02.080 --> 00:03:04.199 have supported from my understanding 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:05.299 Nipwin Bible College. 00:03:05.819 --> 00:03:07.500 And my grandfather was the president 00:03:07.500 --> 00:03:09.419 at Nipwin Bible College for many years. 00:03:10.039 --> 00:03:12.500 And he is 92 years old now. 00:03:13.039 --> 00:03:14.939 And I talked with him just on the phone 00:03:14.939 --> 00:03:15.899 just a few weeks ago 00:03:15.899 --> 00:03:18.519 just to tell him of my great appreciation for him, 00:03:18.959 --> 00:03:21.899 his faithful walk with Jesus Christ 00:03:21.899 --> 00:03:23.839 and his desire to do ministry. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:25.139 And so he was telling me 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:26.560 about what some of the things that he is doing. 00:03:27.079 --> 00:03:29.599 He works at the food bank a few times a week. 00:03:30.419 --> 00:03:32.039 He is on the advisory board 00:03:32.039 --> 00:03:33.759 for a new church in his area. 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:35.679 And he will be actually preaching 00:03:35.679 --> 00:03:36.900 a couple times in August. 00:03:38.579 --> 00:03:41.280 He also mentioned that the prison in Prince Albert 00:03:41.280 --> 00:03:43.359 asked if he would come in and do Bible studies 00:03:43.359 --> 00:03:44.500 with the men in the fall, 00:03:44.699 --> 00:03:46.399 which he is planning to do, Lord willing. 00:03:47.859 --> 00:03:49.439 And did I mention he's also planning 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:50.919 to do a couple stucco jobs this summer? 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:54.859 He is 92 years old 00:03:54.859 --> 00:03:57.620 and going strong in his walk with Jesus Christ. 00:03:57.620 --> 00:03:59.800 And I am so thankful for his example. 00:04:00.520 --> 00:04:02.780 He is wholeheartedly following the Lord 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:04.080 even into his old age. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:07.740 And I share his story with you this morning 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:09.360 because he is a living example 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:10.500 of the kind of story 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:11.900 that we're gonna see from God's word. 00:04:12.700 --> 00:04:14.219 And so I wanted to highlight his story 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:14.920 a little bit for you. 00:04:14.939 --> 00:04:16.459 But today we are gonna look at the story 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:17.379 of a man named Caleb. 00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:19.399 Now, of course, many of you 00:04:19.399 --> 00:04:20.579 are gonna know the story of Caleb. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:22.680 And maybe even as I mention his name, 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:24.420 there's a song that starts ringing in your head. 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:26.579 12 men went to spy on Canaan. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:28.100 And? 00:04:29.220 --> 00:04:29.620 And? 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:30.860 Two were good. 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:32.620 Okay, I'm not gonna sing the whole song 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:33.240 for you this morning. 00:04:33.720 --> 00:04:34.920 I won't put you through that. 00:04:35.600 --> 00:04:37.560 But many of you will know this story, of course. 00:04:38.980 --> 00:04:40.860 But we also know that 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:42.860 while all of the spies 00:04:42.860 --> 00:04:44.879 saw the goodness and the bounty of the land, 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:49.240 10 of them responded with fear and disobedience. 00:04:49.699 --> 00:04:50.199 They said, 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:52.019 we are not able to go up against these people. 00:04:52.740 --> 00:04:54.340 And it was only Joshua and Caleb 00:04:54.340 --> 00:04:55.560 who responded in faith and said, 00:04:55.560 --> 00:04:57.280 no, let's go and take this land. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:59.180 And we are able to overcome it. 00:05:00.459 --> 00:05:01.680 Sadly, the people of Israel 00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:03.120 listened to the 10 spies 00:05:03.120 --> 00:05:04.240 who gave the bad report. 00:05:04.680 --> 00:05:06.300 And they responded in disobedience 00:05:06.300 --> 00:05:08.500 by not taking what God had promised to them. 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:11.199 And we also know that God's punishment 00:05:11.199 --> 00:05:13.199 for this disobedience was strong. 00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:16.039 The people were sent into the wilderness 00:05:16.039 --> 00:05:17.659 to wander for 40 years. 00:05:18.259 --> 00:05:21.219 And all of those who were 20 years old and older 00:05:21.219 --> 00:05:22.719 were all going to pass away 00:05:22.719 --> 00:05:25.139 before they would be able to enjoy the promise. 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:27.759 It would only be Joshua and Caleb 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:29.180 because of their faith 00:05:29.180 --> 00:05:30.699 along with the next generation 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:32.319 that would inherit the land 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:33.800 according to God's promise. 00:05:33.800 --> 00:05:36.960 And so then that brings us this morning 00:05:36.960 --> 00:05:38.879 to Joshua, the book of Joshua. 00:05:39.900 --> 00:05:41.160 And you can turn in your Bibles already 00:05:41.160 --> 00:05:42.480 to Joshua chapter 14 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:44.340 where we'll be looking this morning. 00:05:45.600 --> 00:05:46.620 But at this time, 00:05:46.759 --> 00:05:48.520 the older generation had passed away 00:05:48.520 --> 00:05:50.900 and Joshua had taken over leadership from Moses. 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:53.800 And the first 12 chapters of Joshua 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:55.500 described the people taking the land. 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:58.220 And then in chapter 13, 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:00.079 after listing the land 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:01.300 that was still to be conquered, 00:06:02.019 --> 00:06:03.759 the task begins of dividing the land 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:05.120 between all the different tribes. 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:07.420 And we see that in chapters 14 to 19. 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.100 And then in bookending, 00:06:10.259 --> 00:06:10.939 both of those, 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:11.899 or all of those chapters, 00:06:12.019 --> 00:06:12.800 14 to 19, 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:14.319 we see the land given specifically 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:15.439 to Joshua and Caleb 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:17.259 who had faithfully followed the Lord. 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:20.420 Which serves to emphasize for us 00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:21.660 God's faithfulness to them. 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:23.360 And that their example of faith, 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:24.899 Joshua and Caleb's example of faith 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:26.579 is what the rest of the tribes would need 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:29.139 in order to take what was promised to them 00:06:29.139 --> 00:06:30.579 and experience God's blessing. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:33.679 So with that background, 00:06:33.839 --> 00:06:34.959 let me start reading for us 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:37.459 in verse 6 of Joshua chapter 14. 00:06:39.159 --> 00:06:40.419 Now the people of Judah 00:06:40.419 --> 00:06:42.419 approached Joshua at Gilgal. 00:06:43.239 --> 00:06:44.639 And Caleb, son of Jephunneh, 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:45.839 the Kenizzite, said to him, 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:48.000 You know what the Lord said to Moses, 00:06:48.120 --> 00:06:48.779 the man of God, 00:06:48.859 --> 00:06:50.579 at Kadesh Barnea about you and me? 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:52.939 I was 40 years old 00:06:52.939 --> 00:06:54.439 when Moses, the servant of the Lord, 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.759 sent me from Kadesh Barnea 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:56.879 to explore the land. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:06:58.959 And I brought him back a report 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.300 according to my convictions. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:02.420 But my fellow Israelites 00:07:02.420 --> 00:07:03.540 who went up with me 00:07:03.540 --> 00:07:04.980 made the hearts of the people 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:06.139 melt in fear. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:07.819 I, however, 00:07:08.339 --> 00:07:09.259 followed the Lord, 00:07:09.339 --> 00:07:09.959 my God, 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:11.060 wholeheartedly. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.459 So on that day, 00:07:13.540 --> 00:07:14.399 Moses swore to me, 00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:15.699 The land on which your feet 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:16.379 have walked 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:18.000 will be your inheritance 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:19.540 and that of your children forever 00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:21.340 because you have followed 00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:21.840 the Lord, 00:07:21.920 --> 00:07:22.520 my God, 00:07:22.600 --> 00:07:23.260 wholeheartedly. 00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:25.400 Now then, 00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:27.100 just as the Lord promised, 00:07:27.260 --> 00:07:28.220 he has kept me alive 00:07:28.220 --> 00:07:29.680 for 45 years 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:30.580 since the time 00:07:30.580 --> 00:07:31.700 he said this to Moses 00:07:31.700 --> 00:07:33.220 while Israel moved about 00:07:33.220 --> 00:07:33.820 in the wilderness. 00:07:34.700 --> 00:07:36.040 So here I am today, 00:07:36.540 --> 00:07:37.960 85 years old. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:39.840 I am still 00:07:39.840 --> 00:07:40.879 as strong today 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:41.720 as the day Moses 00:07:41.720 --> 00:07:42.400 sent me out. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:44.080 I am just as vigorous 00:07:44.080 --> 00:07:45.180 to go out to battle 00:07:45.180 --> 00:07:46.500 now as I was then. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:49.279 Now give me this hill country 00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:50.279 that the Lord promised me 00:07:50.279 --> 00:07:50.800 that day. 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:53.019 You yourself heard then 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:54.220 that the Anakites were there 00:07:54.220 --> 00:07:55.800 and their cities were large 00:07:55.800 --> 00:07:56.540 and fortified, 00:07:57.019 --> 00:07:58.860 but the Lord helping me, 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:00.319 I will drive them out 00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:01.959 just as he said. 00:08:03.779 --> 00:08:05.139 Then Joshua blessed Caleb, 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:05.879 son of Jephunneh, 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.240 and gave him Hebron 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:08.120 as his inheritance. 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:10.740 So Hebron has belonged 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:11.199 to Caleb, 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:11.939 son of Jephunneh, 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:12.519 the Kenizzite, 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:13.180 ever since 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:15.600 because he followed the Lord, 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:16.760 the God of Israel, 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:18.020 wholeheartedly. 00:08:21.260 --> 00:08:21.740 Now, 00:08:22.260 --> 00:08:23.820 as I read through 00:08:23.820 --> 00:08:24.640 the book of Joshua 00:08:24.640 --> 00:08:25.480 this last year 00:08:25.480 --> 00:08:26.680 in my personal devotions, 00:08:26.920 --> 00:08:28.560 I found myself inspired 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:29.920 by this story specifically. 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:32.180 It really is incredible 00:08:32.180 --> 00:08:33.100 to see a man 00:08:33.100 --> 00:08:34.320 at 85 years old 00:08:34.320 --> 00:08:35.840 still so filled 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:36.899 with passion 00:08:36.899 --> 00:08:37.960 and strength 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:38.860 for the things 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:39.899 that God had called him to do. 00:08:41.180 --> 00:08:42.240 And in this passage, 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:43.899 we see Caleb described 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:44.759 three times 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:45.860 as one who followed 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:46.679 the Lord God 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:48.199 wholeheartedly. 00:08:48.939 --> 00:08:49.959 That's a pretty great 00:08:49.959 --> 00:08:50.759 way to be known, 00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:51.559 to come to the end 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:51.980 of your life 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:52.500 and to be known 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:52.860 as someone 00:08:52.860 --> 00:08:53.919 who wholeheartedly 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:55.120 followed the Lord. 00:08:56.319 --> 00:08:57.159 And so I just want 00:08:57.159 --> 00:08:57.699 to take a little bit 00:08:57.699 --> 00:08:58.340 of time to talk 00:08:58.340 --> 00:08:59.279 about that this morning. 00:08:59.860 --> 00:09:00.799 What did it mean 00:09:00.799 --> 00:09:01.579 for Caleb 00:09:01.579 --> 00:09:02.379 to follow the Lord 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:03.039 wholeheartedly? 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:04.840 What can we learn 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:06.259 from this hero of faith? 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:09.539 Now, 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:10.659 this phrase itself 00:09:10.659 --> 00:09:11.840 points us to the idea 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:12.639 that this is someone 00:09:12.639 --> 00:09:14.220 who is all in, right? 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:14.779 This is someone 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:15.659 who is all in 00:09:15.659 --> 00:09:16.960 with his relationship 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:17.500 with God. 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:19.659 But in looking 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:20.460 at this passage this morning, 00:09:20.480 --> 00:09:21.039 I want to point out 00:09:21.039 --> 00:09:21.740 three things 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:23.000 that I think it looked like 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:24.199 in Caleb's life. 00:09:24.259 --> 00:09:25.080 What did it look like 00:09:25.080 --> 00:09:25.960 to wholeheartedly 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:26.960 follow the Lord God? 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:28.679 And so those things, 00:09:28.779 --> 00:09:29.559 three things are this, 00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:30.919 that Caleb endured, 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:33.139 he acted, 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:34.919 and he believed. 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:37.259 So he endured, 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:37.980 he acted, 00:09:38.059 --> 00:09:38.519 and he believed. 00:09:38.580 --> 00:09:39.240 I want to talk about 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:40.100 each of those. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:41.319 And so let's start 00:09:41.320 --> 00:09:41.940 with the first one. 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:44.280 The first example 00:09:44.280 --> 00:09:44.920 we see of Caleb 00:09:44.920 --> 00:09:45.820 wholeheartedly following 00:09:45.820 --> 00:09:46.060 the Lord 00:09:46.060 --> 00:09:46.960 is that he endured 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:47.600 in faith. 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:48.920 He held on 00:09:48.920 --> 00:09:49.500 to the promise 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.400 that God had made 00:09:50.400 --> 00:09:50.780 to him. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:52.820 Verse nine again. 00:09:53.760 --> 00:09:54.420 So on that day 00:09:54.420 --> 00:09:55.320 Moses swore to me, 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:56.420 the land on which 00:09:56.420 --> 00:09:57.300 your feet have walked 00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:58.640 will be your inheritance 00:09:58.640 --> 00:09:59.520 and that of your children 00:09:59.520 --> 00:09:59.960 forever, 00:10:00.400 --> 00:10:01.300 because you have 00:10:01.300 --> 00:10:02.100 followed the Lord 00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:03.240 my God wholeheartedly. 00:10:04.120 --> 00:10:04.680 Now then, 00:10:04.780 --> 00:10:05.940 just as the Lord promised, 00:10:06.280 --> 00:10:07.200 he has kept me alive 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:08.560 for 45 years 00:10:08.560 --> 00:10:09.420 since the time 00:10:09.420 --> 00:10:10.340 he said this to Moses. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:10.500 Moses. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:12.600 Now think about that 00:10:12.600 --> 00:10:12.920 for a minute. 00:10:13.120 --> 00:10:14.200 45 years, 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:15.860 Caleb held on 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:16.879 to the promise. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:19.019 I don't know 00:10:19.019 --> 00:10:19.879 what your patience 00:10:19.879 --> 00:10:20.720 level is like, 00:10:21.580 --> 00:10:23.080 but 45 years 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:23.660 of holding on 00:10:23.660 --> 00:10:24.340 to a promise 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.879 is a long time 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:27.340 without seeing 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:28.340 movement towards 00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:28.740 that promise 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.480 in many ways. 00:10:30.180 --> 00:10:31.320 But 45 years 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:32.040 he held on. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:33.500 And this wouldn't 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:33.960 have been without 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:34.480 challenges. 00:10:35.220 --> 00:10:36.000 Remember who he was 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:36.800 walking in the wilderness 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:37.219 with? 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:38.799 And often 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:39.599 rebellious 00:10:39.599 --> 00:10:40.679 and faithless 00:10:40.679 --> 00:10:41.079 people. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:42.839 And yet, 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:43.319 in the midst 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:43.599 of that, 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:44.419 he held on 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:45.099 to the promise 00:10:45.099 --> 00:10:45.399 that God 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:45.959 had made to him. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.599 You know the stories, 00:10:47.699 --> 00:10:47.839 right? 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:49.079 All the complaining 00:10:49.079 --> 00:10:50.199 and the grumbling 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:51.000 and the lack 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:51.519 of faith. 00:10:53.519 --> 00:10:54.459 As I was preparing 00:10:54.459 --> 00:10:55.639 for this message 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.240 again this week, 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:57.000 I found myself 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:57.519 wondering what 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:57.879 that would have 00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:58.319 been like 00:10:58.319 --> 00:10:58.899 for Caleb. 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:00.559 I think it would 00:11:00.559 --> 00:11:00.799 have been 00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:01.719 very easy 00:11:01.719 --> 00:11:02.639 to throw a bit 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.419 of a pity party 00:11:03.419 --> 00:11:04.240 at some point. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:05.139 Right? 00:11:05.219 --> 00:11:05.399 Lord, 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.099 why am I 00:11:06.099 --> 00:11:07.099 suffering along 00:11:07.099 --> 00:11:07.799 with this 00:11:07.799 --> 00:11:08.719 faithless people? 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:11.019 I believe in you. 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:12.059 I'm ready to 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:12.539 follow you. 00:11:12.719 --> 00:11:13.500 Why am I also 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:14.199 being punished? 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:16.779 I'm also sure 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:17.039 it would have 00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:17.479 been easy 00:11:17.479 --> 00:11:18.039 during times 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:18.679 of particular 00:11:18.679 --> 00:11:19.299 difficulty 00:11:19.299 --> 00:11:19.979 to wonder, 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:21.399 is God ever 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:21.919 going to keep 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:22.479 this promise 00:11:22.479 --> 00:11:23.079 that was made 00:11:23.079 --> 00:11:23.399 to me? 00:11:25.860 --> 00:11:26.259 Now, 00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:27.179 we of course 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:27.639 don't know 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:28.339 what was actually 00:11:28.339 --> 00:11:28.939 in Caleb's heart. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:29.279 The Bible 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:30.079 doesn't tell us. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:31.959 But what we can 00:11:31.959 --> 00:11:32.539 see is that 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:33.399 later in his life, 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:34.579 at 85 years old, 00:11:34.679 --> 00:11:35.699 we see the fruit 00:11:35.699 --> 00:11:36.199 of someone 00:11:36.199 --> 00:11:37.259 who held on, 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:38.479 who endured 00:11:38.479 --> 00:11:39.419 in faith 00:11:39.419 --> 00:11:40.139 in the promise 00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:40.620 that was made 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:40.959 to him. 00:11:42.159 --> 00:11:43.419 At 85 years old, 00:11:43.519 --> 00:11:44.179 Caleb remained 00:11:44.179 --> 00:11:45.479 ready to receive 00:11:45.479 --> 00:11:46.339 the promise. 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:47.839 And he acknowledges 00:11:47.839 --> 00:11:48.979 specifically in verse 10 00:11:48.979 --> 00:11:49.719 that he knows 00:11:49.719 --> 00:11:50.599 that it was God 00:11:50.599 --> 00:11:51.699 who had kept him alive. 00:11:51.819 --> 00:11:52.039 Why? 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:53.839 In order to fulfill 00:11:53.839 --> 00:11:54.500 that promise. 00:11:55.959 --> 00:11:56.919 And so after all 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:57.740 of these years 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:58.360 of waiting, 00:11:59.120 --> 00:11:59.699 Caleb was not 00:11:59.699 --> 00:12:00.480 going to miss out 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:01.419 on the blessing 00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:02.779 for being faithful. 00:12:03.419 --> 00:12:05.759 So, 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.079 this is one 00:12:07.079 --> 00:12:07.779 example 00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.399 of what it looked 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:09.120 like in Caleb's 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:09.959 life to wholeheartedly 00:12:09.959 --> 00:12:10.659 follow the Lord. 00:12:10.979 --> 00:12:11.959 He endured in faith 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:13.000 that God would 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:13.799 keep his promise. 00:12:15.479 --> 00:12:15.860 And so let me 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:16.360 pause here 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:17.000 and ask you 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:17.519 this morning, 00:12:17.579 --> 00:12:17.939 those of you 00:12:17.939 --> 00:12:18.479 who are here, 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:21.139 are you enduring 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:23.019 today with faith 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:23.759 in God's promises? 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.539 You know that the Lord 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:27.080 has made some 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:27.800 incredible promises 00:12:27.800 --> 00:12:28.420 to you, right? 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:29.539 And the scriptures 00:12:29.539 --> 00:12:31.360 are full of the Lord's 00:12:31.360 --> 00:12:32.300 promises to us. 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:34.740 Let me highlight a few. 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:35.840 For one, 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:37.279 through faith in Christ, 00:12:37.360 --> 00:12:38.139 we not only can have 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.080 a relationship with God 00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:39.460 today, 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.840 but we have the hope 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:41.700 of one day spending 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:43.240 eternity with the Lord. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:45.440 Free from earthly pain, 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:46.379 right? 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:47.899 Free from earthly pain 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.860 and the reality of sin. 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:50.259 I can't wait to be free 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.759 from the reality of sin. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:53.799 The scriptures have made 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:55.059 us incredible promises. 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:56.519 He has promised 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:57.279 that we can grow 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:58.439 in holiness today 00:12:58.439 --> 00:12:59.659 through his indwelling 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:00.179 spirit 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:01.620 as we wait 00:13:01.620 --> 00:13:02.539 for that future day 00:13:02.539 --> 00:13:03.100 when we will 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:03.980 finally be free. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.139 He has promised, 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:05.879 as was reminded 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.639 in our prayer time, 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.179 that he is our 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:07.860 great provider, 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:08.860 that he is going 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:09.279 to give us 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:10.179 everything that we 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:10.779 need today. 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.519 that is an amazing 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.079 promise. 00:13:14.579 --> 00:13:15.199 And of course, 00:13:15.259 --> 00:13:15.839 I could go on 00:13:15.839 --> 00:13:16.519 because the scriptures 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:17.519 are full of God's 00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:17.899 promises, 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:19.839 but the question is, 00:13:19.959 --> 00:13:20.799 how are you doing 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:21.279 this morning 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:22.360 with enduring faith? 00:13:22.839 --> 00:13:23.620 Are you clinging 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:24.579 on to the promises 00:13:24.579 --> 00:13:25.579 that God has made, 00:13:26.079 --> 00:13:26.639 believing that he 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:27.439 will do everything 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:28.519 that he has said? 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:30.959 Now, 00:13:31.419 --> 00:13:32.819 as a guest preacher, 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.659 I don't know the stories 00:13:34.659 --> 00:13:35.319 that are represented 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:35.919 in this room. 00:13:36.179 --> 00:13:37.059 I don't know them. 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:38.079 I heard a little bit 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:38.860 through the prayer time. 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:41.000 But I can assume 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:41.800 that there are 00:13:41.800 --> 00:13:42.500 numbers of you 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.180 who are following 00:13:43.180 --> 00:13:44.060 Caleb's example 00:13:44.060 --> 00:13:45.620 in enduring faith. 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:47.259 You are clinging 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:48.440 to the promises of God. 00:13:48.780 --> 00:13:49.379 You are longing 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:50.280 for the blessing 00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:50.860 that comes 00:13:50.860 --> 00:13:51.980 when God fulfills 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:53.040 everything that he has said. 00:13:55.300 --> 00:13:56.639 But I can also assume 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.860 that for some of you 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:58.600 who are here this morning, 00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.440 this hasn't been easy. 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:02.180 Maybe God has brought 00:14:02.180 --> 00:14:03.259 some really difficult 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.280 challenges your way. 00:14:04.660 --> 00:14:05.800 Maybe even recently. 00:14:06.540 --> 00:14:07.520 It could be physical, 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.559 it could be relational, 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:09.679 it could be some 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:10.579 spiritual challenges 00:14:10.579 --> 00:14:11.679 that you are wrestling through. 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:12.960 But in the midst 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:13.759 of those challenges, 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:15.159 you have clung on to faith. 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:16.960 Can I encourage you, 00:14:17.079 --> 00:14:18.639 please continue to hold on. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:21.960 I know it would be tempting 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:23.360 to be impatient 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:24.399 or discouraged, 00:14:25.299 --> 00:14:26.199 but we need to remember 00:14:26.199 --> 00:14:26.879 who God is 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:27.519 and what he has said 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.059 in his word. 00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:30.100 That he will do everything 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:30.860 that he has said 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:31.579 he will do. 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:33.759 And so my prayer 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.439 for each of us 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:35.279 is that we will see 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:36.939 the long-term endurance 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:37.600 of Caleb 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.700 and his example 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.800 and that we will hold on 00:14:39.800 --> 00:14:40.300 to faith. 00:14:42.780 --> 00:14:43.540 We're going to come back 00:14:43.540 --> 00:14:44.380 to this in a few minutes, 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:45.520 but whatever comes our way, 00:14:45.880 --> 00:14:46.660 we need to remember 00:14:46.660 --> 00:14:47.660 that God has never failed 00:14:47.660 --> 00:14:48.800 to keep any of his promises. 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:50.040 If you turn later 00:14:50.040 --> 00:14:51.240 in the book of Joshua 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:52.180 to Joshua 21, 00:14:52.400 --> 00:14:52.900 what does it say 00:14:52.900 --> 00:14:53.780 in verse 45? 00:14:54.520 --> 00:14:55.040 It says, 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:55.980 not one, 00:14:56.440 --> 00:14:57.700 not one 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.660 of all the Lord's 00:14:58.660 --> 00:14:59.180 good promises 00:14:59.180 --> 00:15:00.140 to Israel failed. 00:15:00.760 --> 00:15:01.480 Every one 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:02.320 was fulfilled. 00:15:03.160 --> 00:15:03.920 This is the God 00:15:03.920 --> 00:15:04.520 that we serve. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.759 not one 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.439 of his promises 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:07.340 to Israel failed. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.279 We need to remember 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:11.000 that as we hold 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:11.579 on to faith. 00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:14.079 If we are to wholeheartedly 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:14.639 follow the Lord 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.100 like Caleb, 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:16.039 we will need to endure. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.819 45 years 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:18.579 he held on, 00:15:19.439 --> 00:15:20.399 but he endured 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.539 in faith 00:15:21.539 --> 00:15:22.139 and he was about 00:15:22.139 --> 00:15:22.799 to receive 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:23.539 his reward. 00:15:25.079 --> 00:15:26.039 So that's number one, 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:26.899 enduring in faith. 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:28.960 But his receiving 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:29.460 of the blessing 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.559 connected to the promise 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:31.500 that was made to him 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:33.220 would also require action. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:35.180 It would also 00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:35.940 require action. 00:15:37.180 --> 00:15:37.540 See, Caleb 00:15:37.540 --> 00:15:38.279 not only held 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.040 on to the promise 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:39.740 of land that God 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.259 had made to him, 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:40.840 but he remained 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:41.639 ready to act 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:43.060 in order to receive 00:15:43.060 --> 00:15:43.560 the blessing. 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:44.180 Right? 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:45.180 Go back to verse 11. 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:47.460 I am still 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:48.560 as strong today 00:15:48.560 --> 00:15:49.180 as the day 00:15:49.180 --> 00:15:50.220 Moses sent me out. 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:51.779 I am just as vigorous 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:53.139 to go to battle now 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:54.300 as I was then. 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:55.899 Now give me 00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:56.560 this hill country 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:57.040 that the Lord 00:15:57.040 --> 00:15:57.720 had promised me 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.220 that day. 00:15:59.800 --> 00:16:00.560 Now first, 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.240 I don't know 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:01.899 how that sits 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:02.120 with you, 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:02.820 but I'm still 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:03.720 as strong today 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:05.300 at 85 years old. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.720 That's pretty awesome. 00:16:07.560 --> 00:16:08.240 I could tell you 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.260 again a side story 00:16:09.260 --> 00:16:09.900 about my grandpa. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.220 Two years ago 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:12.300 I did a stucco job 00:16:12.300 --> 00:16:12.660 with him. 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:14.600 It was the four, 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:15.700 actually the three generations, 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.280 my grandfather, 00:16:16.420 --> 00:16:16.740 my father, 00:16:16.800 --> 00:16:17.560 and myself 00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.480 were stuccoing together. 00:16:19.180 --> 00:16:19.500 And there were 00:16:19.500 --> 00:16:20.220 some low parts 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:20.640 on the wall 00:16:20.640 --> 00:16:21.100 and I was starting 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:21.940 to complain a little bit 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:22.420 that my knees 00:16:22.420 --> 00:16:23.080 were getting sore. 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:25.140 My grandpa comes over 00:16:25.140 --> 00:16:26.300 and taps my shoulder. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:26.940 Don't worry, 00:16:27.080 --> 00:16:27.300 grandson, 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:28.000 I'll take care 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:28.440 of that spot. 00:16:30.260 --> 00:16:31.280 That's just not nice. 00:16:31.540 --> 00:16:32.380 That's just not nice. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:33.960 At 92, 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:34.920 he still had all 00:16:34.920 --> 00:16:35.480 that strength 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:35.860 and vigor, 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:36.280 right? 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:36.900 But here, 00:16:37.020 --> 00:16:37.300 Caleb, 00:16:37.620 --> 00:16:38.400 it's different. 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:39.860 I'm ready to go out 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.300 to battle 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:41.460 in the same way 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:42.400 as I was back then 00:16:42.400 --> 00:16:43.720 at 85 years old. 00:16:43.780 --> 00:16:44.660 That's just amazing. 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:47.020 But he understood 00:16:47.020 --> 00:16:48.120 that receiving the promise 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:49.000 that God made to him 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:50.080 was going to take work 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:51.060 on his part. 00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:53.579 And we need to remember 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.019 that he knew 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:54.379 it wasn't going 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:54.839 to be easy. 00:16:56.219 --> 00:16:57.279 It says in verse 12 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:57.959 that he remembered 00:16:57.959 --> 00:16:58.639 that the Anakim 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.000 were there. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.539 These were the great men 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.339 that the Israelites, 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:01.919 the spies, 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.579 saw when they went 00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:02.939 into the land 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:03.559 the first time 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:04.599 that made them feel 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:05.399 like grasshoppers 00:17:05.399 --> 00:17:06.000 in their presence. 00:17:06.879 --> 00:17:07.559 He knew that this 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.339 is where he was going. 00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:11.339 And in verse 15, 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:12.279 we read that Hebron, 00:17:12.359 --> 00:17:13.079 which was given to him, 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:14.079 was originally named 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:15.159 after the greatest 00:17:15.159 --> 00:17:16.500 of these Anakites. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:17.319 That's the land 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:17.980 that he's going in 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:18.339 to take. 00:17:20.160 --> 00:17:20.839 In addition, 00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:21.339 he remembered 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:21.720 that there were 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.859 great fortified cities 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:23.440 in the land. 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:24.779 But all of this 00:17:24.779 --> 00:17:25.759 changed nothing. 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:27.839 Caleb remained 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:28.660 ready to act 00:17:28.660 --> 00:17:30.400 to take the land 00:17:30.400 --> 00:17:31.539 that was promised to him. 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:35.119 So let me pause here again. 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.880 What can we learn here 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.819 from Caleb's example? 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:40.579 Well, if you've been in church 00:17:40.579 --> 00:17:41.759 for any length of time, 00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:43.059 you will not be surprised 00:17:43.059 --> 00:17:43.859 to hear me say 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:45.660 that real faith in God 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:47.500 takes action. 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.600 In order to receive 00:17:49.600 --> 00:17:50.660 all the blessings 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.880 of the promises 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:53.360 of God, 00:17:53.580 --> 00:17:54.540 we not only need 00:17:54.540 --> 00:17:55.060 to endure, 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:57.560 but we need to do 00:17:57.560 --> 00:17:58.640 the will of God. 00:18:00.340 --> 00:18:01.420 Hebrews 10.36 00:18:01.420 --> 00:18:02.320 makes this clear. 00:18:03.060 --> 00:18:03.820 Here's what it says. 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:05.800 You need to persevere. 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.480 That's the first part 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:07.880 we talked about 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.259 with Caleb, 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.200 enduring in faith. 00:18:09.300 --> 00:18:10.120 You need to persevere 00:18:10.120 --> 00:18:11.060 so that 00:18:11.060 --> 00:18:12.980 when you have done 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:13.940 action, 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:15.200 done the will of God, 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:16.600 you will receive 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:17.380 what he has promised. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:20.680 You need to persevere 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:22.420 so that when you have 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:23.340 done the will of God, 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.120 you will receive 00:18:24.120 --> 00:18:24.880 what he has promised. 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:28.279 So let me just pause 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:28.940 and point out 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.900 two big overarching ideas 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:31.400 that show us 00:18:31.400 --> 00:18:32.700 how this receiving 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.200 of the blessings 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:33.700 of promises 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:34.220 and action 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.779 work together. 00:18:35.860 --> 00:18:36.259 First, 00:18:36.800 --> 00:18:37.900 as I already highlighted, 00:18:38.060 --> 00:18:38.940 God has called us 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:40.240 to grow in holiness, right? 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:41.060 We know that that's 00:18:41.060 --> 00:18:41.900 what God's word has said. 00:18:42.340 --> 00:18:42.840 He's called us 00:18:42.840 --> 00:18:43.519 to grow in holiness. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.480 And if we put our faith 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:45.920 in the death 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:47.000 and resurrection of Christ, 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.240 God promises 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:49.379 that we are forgiven 00:18:49.379 --> 00:18:50.660 and we are set free 00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:51.680 from the power of sin. 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.039 This is truth. 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:54.220 This is past tense 00:18:54.220 --> 00:18:55.000 if we have put our faith 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.799 in Jesus Christ. 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.680 But then, 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:58.859 we are commanded 00:18:58.859 --> 00:18:59.920 to put to death 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:01.259 the sin that remains 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:01.960 in our lives. 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:04.900 Our continued enjoyment 00:19:04.900 --> 00:19:06.000 of freedom 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.960 and forgiveness 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.460 in our walk 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:08.299 with Jesus Christ 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.339 is going to take work 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.660 on our part. 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:12.680 He's given us 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:13.200 work to do. 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:15.400 So let me just ask 00:19:15.400 --> 00:19:16.100 the question here. 00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:17.080 Are you actively 00:19:17.080 --> 00:19:18.860 pursuing the victory 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:19.940 that God has promised 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:20.900 as it relates 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:21.880 to sin in your life? 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.140 Because He's promised it, 00:19:24.580 --> 00:19:25.300 but it's going to take 00:19:25.300 --> 00:19:26.120 some work on your part 00:19:26.120 --> 00:19:26.960 to receive all the 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.880 blessings of that. 00:19:29.340 --> 00:19:30.660 What might it look for you, 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:31.440 what might it look like 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:32.620 for you to act on that today? 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:34.920 Maybe even as I mentioned 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:35.740 that to you this morning, 00:19:35.840 --> 00:19:36.400 God is already 00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:37.740 prompting you 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.400 by His Spirit 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:38.960 of some things 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.880 that He's been asking you 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:40.180 to do. 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:43.600 If you want to experience 00:19:43.600 --> 00:19:44.260 all the blessings 00:19:44.260 --> 00:19:45.200 of freedom and forgiveness 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.100 that God has promised, 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:48.020 then we need to act 00:19:48.020 --> 00:19:48.740 to put to death 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.200 the sin 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:51.380 that is still there 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:51.960 in our lives. 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.060 So that's one example 00:19:54.060 --> 00:19:55.020 of how promises 00:19:55.020 --> 00:19:56.120 and action work together. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.920 Here's a second example. 00:19:59.040 --> 00:19:59.920 God has commanded us 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.960 to expand His kingdom 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:01.540 by going out 00:20:01.540 --> 00:20:02.300 and making disciples 00:20:02.300 --> 00:20:03.040 of all nations. 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:04.660 And He has promised 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:05.640 that the good news 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:06.060 of the gospel 00:20:06.060 --> 00:20:06.740 will go out. 00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:07.380 When you read 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.100 the book of Revelation, 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:08.740 what does it say? 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:09.900 That every nation, 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:10.680 tribe, and tongue 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.519 is going to be represented 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.980 before the throne of God. 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:15.079 But how do we get 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.819 from the promise 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:16.519 to there? 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:17.799 Right? 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:18.680 We get the command. 00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:19.319 Right? 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.000 The Great Commission. 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:21.279 Go into all the world 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:21.980 and make disciples. 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:24.660 It's not going to happen 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.500 if we as believers 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.480 simply come to church 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.180 on a Sunday morning 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.000 and sit in a chair. 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:30.279 That's not how we're going to get 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:31.319 to what we see in Revelation. 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:33.920 So again, 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.740 let me ask the question. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:36.579 Are you acting on God's command here 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:38.120 in order to receive the blessing? 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:40.160 How are you involved 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:41.019 in making disciples? 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.759 Are you serving here 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.339 in this church 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.900 as part of that overall mission? 00:20:45.880 --> 00:20:47.240 Are you sharing your faith 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.160 with those that are around you 00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:48.839 here in Davidson 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:50.480 but also in the surrounding communities? 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.440 How are you involved 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.180 in acting on this promise 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:54.880 that God has made? 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:56.140 That His word will bear fruit? 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:57.579 That people will come to faith 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.279 in Jesus Christ? 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:00.120 I'm looking forward to 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:00.819 on your behalf 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:01.440 of what's going to happen 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:01.940 this next day 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:02.720 with five day clubs. 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:03.440 Or this next week 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:04.180 with five day clubs. 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:05.759 As those of you 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:07.019 who walk out in action 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:08.880 what God has commanded you to do 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:10.200 with faith in the promise 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:10.900 that God has made 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.220 so that you will receive 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.360 all the blessings of that. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:15.100 I will continue to pray 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:15.820 for you as a church 00:21:15.820 --> 00:21:17.400 in that regard this week. 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:20.820 From talking with Pastor Josh 00:21:20.820 --> 00:21:21.360 and your elders 00:21:21.360 --> 00:21:22.539 I know that many of you 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.160 are doing this 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:24.420 and this is fantastic. 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:26.920 See we as followers 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.580 of Jesus Christ 00:21:27.580 --> 00:21:28.440 we have work to do. 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:30.420 God has made many 00:21:30.420 --> 00:21:31.740 many incredible promises 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.320 to us 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.359 but again 00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:34.480 enjoying all the blessings 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.179 of those promises 00:21:35.179 --> 00:21:36.299 is going to take some work 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:37.200 on our part. 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.579 And it won't be easy. 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:40.679 Like Caleb 00:21:40.679 --> 00:21:41.619 we have some giants 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:42.639 that we will need to face 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:43.319 along the way 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.759 as we work at these things. 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.419 But here's the thing 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.559 what are we missing 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.200 if we don't? 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.799 One of the sadnesses 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.339 in my heart 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.220 for my own life 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.059 but for the church 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:53.759 of Jesus Christ 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.299 in general 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.960 is I wonder 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.700 what blessings 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:58.740 what spiritual fruit 00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:00.379 are we missing out on 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.480 because we are not acting 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.400 on our faith. 00:22:02.540 --> 00:22:03.180 We are not doing 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:03.960 the will of God. 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:05.440 I don't want to miss anything 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.440 that he has for me. 00:22:07.760 --> 00:22:09.120 But what are we missing out on 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:09.960 if we don't act? 00:22:11.260 --> 00:22:12.280 Caleb wasn't going to miss out. 00:22:13.100 --> 00:22:14.140 At 85 years old 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:15.540 he remained ready to act 00:22:15.540 --> 00:22:17.160 and receive God's blessing. 00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:20.700 But then maybe one 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:21.920 last comment here. 00:22:22.760 --> 00:22:23.940 If it hasn't been clear yet 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:24.960 this is not a challenge 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:26.040 that's just for the young people. 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:28.279 If you are here this morning 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.619 you're in the later years of life 00:22:29.619 --> 00:22:31.700 see the challenge 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.539 of Caleb's example. 00:22:33.079 --> 00:22:34.399 There is no retirement 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:36.079 from doing God's will. 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:36.460 Right? 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.680 We don't retire 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:39.920 from doing God's will. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:41.259 And I know that 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:42.659 none of us has promised 00:22:42.659 --> 00:22:43.819 the health that we see 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:45.119 in Caleb's life 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:46.539 at 85 years old 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.480 or like my grandfather 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:48.579 in his example at 92. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.279 I know none of us 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:49.960 are promised that. 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.200 So it may look 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.819 a little different 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.819 as we get older 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:54.500 but we don't retire 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.779 from active obedience. 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.500 to God. 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.740 As one commentator said 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:01.119 Caleb didn't simply 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:02.119 look for an easy task 00:23:02.119 --> 00:23:03.319 suited to an old man. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.000 He asked Joshua 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.000 for mountains to climb 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:07.220 and giants to conquer. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:08.819 How cool is that? 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:12.039 Do you know some people 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:12.639 like that here 00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:14.259 at Davidson Community Bible Church? 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.579 Men and women 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.379 young or old. 00:23:18.299 --> 00:23:19.299 People who are actively 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:20.559 walking out their faith 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:23.000 and watching 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.579 for how God 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.279 is going to bless 00:23:24.279 --> 00:23:25.839 and fulfill 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.440 his promises. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.539 Are you one of those? 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.519 I pray that this church 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.160 will be filled 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:33.500 with those kind of people 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.920 who understand 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:35.740 that wholeheartedly 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.559 following the Lord 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.799 enjoying his blessings 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:38.940 will take some action 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.879 on their part. 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:43.040 All right, 00:23:43.080 --> 00:23:43.580 last point. 00:23:44.800 --> 00:23:45.720 Where did this kind 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.740 of enduring faith 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:48.600 and active obedience 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:49.160 come from? 00:23:49.580 --> 00:23:50.340 Where did it come from? 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.800 Was Caleb just 00:23:51.800 --> 00:23:53.020 a special human being? 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:54.660 Is this even attainable 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.360 for us today? 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.920 I think we need to finish up 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.840 with the key right here. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.960 Caleb endured 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.960 in the promise 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.600 that God had made. 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.740 He was willing to act 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.860 in order to take the land 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.900 that was promised to him 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:07.380 regardless of the giants 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:08.440 because what? 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:10.240 Because he believed 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.680 in the Lord 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:11.940 and that the Lord 00:24:11.940 --> 00:24:12.860 was going to be with him. 00:24:14.080 --> 00:24:14.820 Verse 12. 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.140 Now give me this hill country 00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:18.120 that the Lord promised me 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:18.560 that day. 00:24:19.260 --> 00:24:20.480 You yourself heard then 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.540 that the Anakites were there 00:24:21.540 --> 00:24:22.480 and their cities were large 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.040 and fortified 00:24:23.040 --> 00:24:25.100 but the Lord helping me 00:24:25.100 --> 00:24:27.000 I will drive them out 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:28.120 just as he said. 00:24:30.360 --> 00:24:31.360 Just as he said. 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:33.639 It is so easy 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:34.779 for us 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.699 to set the heroes of faith 00:24:36.699 --> 00:24:37.699 up on a pedestal. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:38.479 Right? 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.599 But we need to remember 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.339 that these stories 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:42.339 that we read in God's word 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:43.199 of the heroes of faith 00:24:43.199 --> 00:24:44.079 those stories aren't really 00:24:44.079 --> 00:24:44.619 about them. 00:24:45.699 --> 00:24:46.479 These stories are about 00:24:46.479 --> 00:24:46.859 the Lord. 00:24:48.719 --> 00:24:49.939 They are normal human beings 00:24:49.939 --> 00:24:50.599 like us 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:51.559 with struggles 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.299 and weaknesses. 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:53.799 What makes them 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:54.539 heroes of faith 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.219 is their belief 00:24:55.219 --> 00:24:56.059 in who God is. 00:24:56.639 --> 00:24:56.779 Right? 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.959 Their belief in a great God 00:24:57.959 --> 00:24:58.959 who is with them 00:24:58.959 --> 00:25:00.159 and will do everything 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:00.939 that he has said. 00:25:01.359 --> 00:25:02.579 This is what causes them 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.019 to attempt 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:04.439 what seems incredible to us. 00:25:04.959 --> 00:25:05.059 Right? 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:05.899 Not because of them 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:06.919 but because of who 00:25:06.919 --> 00:25:07.679 the Lord is. 00:25:09.719 --> 00:25:10.899 We can see the clarity 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.539 of the object 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.299 of Caleb's faith 00:25:12.299 --> 00:25:13.399 back in Numbers 14 00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:14.139 when they came back 00:25:14.139 --> 00:25:14.579 to the land 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.339 when they came to the land 00:25:15.339 --> 00:25:15.939 the first time. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.119 What does he say there? 00:25:17.979 --> 00:25:19.119 As one writer put it 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:20.159 Caleb essentially says 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:20.959 to his fellow Israelites 00:25:20.959 --> 00:25:21.959 look the Lord is going 00:25:21.959 --> 00:25:22.639 to give us this land 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:23.519 because it's already his. 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:24.659 Right? 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:25.679 The people who are living there 00:25:25.679 --> 00:25:26.679 they've lost their protection 00:25:26.679 --> 00:25:27.740 from their sovereign creator. 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.859 So let's go take it. 00:25:28.959 --> 00:25:29.819 It's already ours. 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:32.740 And then 45 years later 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.699 Caleb's faith in God 00:25:33.699 --> 00:25:34.479 remains the same. 00:25:34.959 --> 00:25:35.719 What does it say here 00:25:35.719 --> 00:25:36.299 in our passage? 00:25:36.959 --> 00:25:37.979 With the Lord helping me 00:25:37.979 --> 00:25:39.359 I'm going to drive them out 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:40.119 just as he said. 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:44.219 And I think it's important 00:25:44.219 --> 00:25:44.919 to note here 00:25:44.919 --> 00:25:46.419 that this isn't blind faith. 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:46.740 Right? 00:25:47.159 --> 00:25:48.319 This isn't blind faith. 00:25:48.979 --> 00:25:50.459 Caleb had seen God act 00:25:50.459 --> 00:25:51.519 on behalf of his people. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:53.619 He saw God deliver his people 00:25:53.619 --> 00:25:54.559 from slavery in Egypt. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.740 He saw God lead the people 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.639 across the Red Sea. 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:58.860 He saw God provide 00:25:58.860 --> 00:26:00.280 daily manna for his people 00:26:00.280 --> 00:26:01.460 40 years in the wilderness. 00:26:02.340 --> 00:26:03.560 This isn't blind faith. 00:26:05.280 --> 00:26:06.300 And this is part of what 00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.540 made Israel's disobedience 00:26:07.540 --> 00:26:08.120 the first time 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.840 when they came to the land 00:26:08.840 --> 00:26:09.800 so devastating. 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:12.380 You saw God do all of these things 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.040 and you don't believe 00:26:13.040 --> 00:26:14.000 you can take the land? 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:16.440 Did you forget who God is? 00:26:20.120 --> 00:26:21.220 Caleb along with the rest 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:21.620 of the people 00:26:21.620 --> 00:26:22.660 had seen God act 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.300 on their behalf. 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:25.080 But while others responded 00:26:25.080 --> 00:26:26.720 with fear and disobedience 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:28.000 Caleb was ready to go. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.200 Give me the land. 00:26:29.559 --> 00:26:30.319 The Lord is with me. 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:34.559 As I reflected 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:35.660 in preparing this message 00:26:35.660 --> 00:26:36.519 I felt like 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.700 this was a place 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:38.700 I often come to 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:39.900 as I prepare to preach. 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:43.200 The reality of who God is. 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:44.799 That he is with us 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:45.360 and how that 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.860 it really changes everything. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.940 Now is this because 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:50.620 it is something 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:52.299 that's easy to go back to? 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:54.259 Am I simply reading something 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:54.960 into the text 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.779 that I want to see? 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:57.000 Or is it 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:58.319 because this is just 00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.700 such a significant idea 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.299 in the scriptures 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:01.680 and what it really means 00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:02.480 to wholeheartedly 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.160 follow the Lord? 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:05.059 I think it's the latter. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:08.160 See if you're struggling 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:09.339 to wholeheartedly 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:10.339 follow the Lord today 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.759 it is likely 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:13.220 because in some way 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:14.180 you have lost touch 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:15.259 with how great God is. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.460 It's likely that in some way 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:18.079 you've forgotten 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:19.139 what he has done 00:27:19.139 --> 00:27:19.700 in your life. 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.639 You've forgotten 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:22.139 who God's word says he is 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:22.980 and what he is able 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:24.200 to do in your life 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:26.880 and that that God 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:27.420 is with you. 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:31.319 And so as I prepare 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:32.279 to wrap up this morning 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.279 let me take a minute 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.299 just to remind you 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.680 of who our God is. 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:40.140 The same powerful God 00:27:40.140 --> 00:27:41.700 that Caleb believed in 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.319 that we are reading 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:42.720 this morning 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.259 in God's word. 00:27:43.360 --> 00:27:44.240 The same powerful God 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.259 that Caleb believed in 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.759 who he saw act 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.759 on Israel's behalf 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.740 is our God. 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.200 Same God. 00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:52.680 He is the sovereign creator 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:53.840 who rules with power 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:54.559 and authority 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.180 over everything 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:55.940 that he has made. 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.539 He is the God 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.799 who is already victorious 00:27:58.799 --> 00:28:00.539 over sin and death 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:02.220 through the death 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:02.660 and resurrection 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:03.559 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:04.779 Who he sent, why? 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:07.180 Because he loves you so much. 00:28:09.080 --> 00:28:09.680 And if we have put 00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:10.519 our faith in him 00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:12.120 he has made us 00:28:12.120 --> 00:28:12.620 his children 00:28:12.620 --> 00:28:13.980 and he has filled us 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:14.740 with the Holy Spirit 00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:15.620 giving us strength 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.220 to do everything 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.360 that he has called us to do. 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.660 In fact God's word said 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:19.380 it's the same power 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:19.780 within us 00:28:19.780 --> 00:28:20.600 that raised Christ 00:28:20.600 --> 00:28:21.240 from the dead 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:22.840 is in us today. 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:25.580 And then one day 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.460 Christ will return 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:27.300 to judge the living 00:28:27.300 --> 00:28:28.000 and the dead 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.840 and all those 00:28:28.840 --> 00:28:29.760 who are found faithful 00:28:29.760 --> 00:28:31.100 are going to spend 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:31.560 eternity 00:28:31.560 --> 00:28:32.580 with this great God. 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.200 This is who 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:36.100 our God is. 00:28:36.260 --> 00:28:37.000 Do you believe that? 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:39.860 Our great 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:40.740 and glorious king 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:43.220 and he is the one 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.060 who is with us. 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.020 See Caleb believed 00:28:48.020 --> 00:28:48.700 in a great God 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:50.000 and that this God 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.559 was with him. 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.720 It was Caleb's faith 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.440 in this God 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.019 that allowed him 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.580 to endure 00:28:54.580 --> 00:28:55.160 in the promise. 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.019 45 years 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.980 he clung to that promise 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.460 because of who 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.380 he believed God was. 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.539 And the same belief 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.080 in that God 00:29:01.080 --> 00:29:01.860 is what allowed him 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:02.980 to confidently say 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:04.240 at 85 years old 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:04.960 give me the land 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:06.120 I'm going to take it 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:06.880 because I believe 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:07.580 God is with me 00:29:07.580 --> 00:29:08.240 I can take it. 00:29:10.900 --> 00:29:12.059 This is what it looked like 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:13.120 for him to wholeheartedly 00:29:13.120 --> 00:29:13.840 follow the Lord. 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.180 And so the big question 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:16.880 for you this morning 00:29:16.880 --> 00:29:17.539 is are you 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:18.180 wholeheartedly 00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:18.860 following the Lord? 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:19.640 Are you enduring 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:20.160 in faith 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.539 in everything 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.340 that God has promised? 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:22.980 Are you ready 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:23.560 right now 00:29:23.560 --> 00:29:24.200 to do everything 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:24.980 that he has called 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.380 you to do 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:25.840 in his word 00:29:25.840 --> 00:29:26.539 and receive 00:29:26.539 --> 00:29:27.259 all the blessings 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.080 that he longs 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:28.600 to pour out 00:29:28.600 --> 00:29:29.299 in your life? 00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:31.100 And are you doing 00:29:31.100 --> 00:29:31.720 those things 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.600 because of who 00:29:32.600 --> 00:29:33.039 you believe 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:33.720 that he is 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.840 and you know 00:29:34.840 --> 00:29:35.840 that he is with you 00:29:35.840 --> 00:29:36.940 and he loves you? 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.360 This is the kind 00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:39.820 of life 00:29:39.820 --> 00:29:40.680 that will bring 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:41.360 God glory 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:42.580 and will give 00:29:42.580 --> 00:29:43.240 you his blessing. 00:29:46.580 --> 00:29:47.180 So here's what 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:47.700 I'd like to do 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.920 and we do this 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:49.360 in our church 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:50.420 in Regina a lot 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.080 and I love it. 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.120 I'm just going to 00:29:52.120 --> 00:29:52.720 pause for a minute. 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:54.320 I want to allow you 00:29:54.320 --> 00:29:55.299 to respond to the Lord. 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.840 What is the Lord 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:56.539 saying to you 00:29:56.539 --> 00:29:56.980 right now? 00:29:57.080 --> 00:29:58.039 How is he calling 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:59.240 you to respond to him? 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.980 Talk to him about that 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.680 for just a moment 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.420 and then I'm going 00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:03.060 to close in prayer. 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:03.700 Okay? 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.960 So let's just pause. 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.420 Please speak to the Lord 00:30:06.420 --> 00:30:07.820 and then I will pray. 00:30:07.820 --> 00:30:07.880 Amen. 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.680 Amen.