WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:08.040 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.040 --> 00:00:10.140 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:12.759 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.759 --> 00:00:14.000 from the Word of God, 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:20.100 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.100 --> 00:00:21.500 Good morning, Ontario. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:23.199 Good morning. 00:00:23.199 --> 00:00:24.519 All right. 00:00:24.519 --> 00:00:26.000 My name is Patrick Daly, 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:29.640 and I am the pastor here at Ontario Community Church. 00:00:29.640 --> 00:00:32.880 And it is a privilege and it's an honor to serve here 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:34.880 as the pastor. 00:00:34.880 --> 00:00:37.280 These past few weeks, we've been going through 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:39.640 our mission, our vision, 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:41.640 and our discipleship framework, 00:00:41.640 --> 00:00:44.740 known as the 3E pathway. 00:00:44.740 --> 00:00:46.039 You know, as a church, 00:00:46.039 --> 00:00:49.880 we are a church that points to Jesus Christ, 00:00:49.880 --> 00:00:54.439 who is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:58.000 We follow what the Bible says. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:02.159 We use the Bible for wisdom, for understanding. 00:01:02.159 --> 00:01:04.040 We study the pages of scripture, 00:01:04.040 --> 00:01:08.900 and we use it as a framework to go towards Jesus Christ, 00:01:08.900 --> 00:01:11.560 instead of away from Christ. 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:14.439 We search for biblical truth. 00:01:14.439 --> 00:01:18.700 So the 3E pathway, it is to encourage people 00:01:18.700 --> 00:01:21.799 to love God and to love others. 00:01:21.799 --> 00:01:23.359 The second week we went over this, 00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:25.560 we were talking about equip, 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:28.299 to be equipped in God's word, 00:01:28.299 --> 00:01:30.960 and learning what it means to be a Christian. 00:01:30.960 --> 00:01:34.200 And that leads us to our third E this Sunday, 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:36.299 which is engage. 00:01:36.299 --> 00:01:39.540 Engaging the community through service, 00:01:39.540 --> 00:01:44.540 and through the sharing of our faith with other people. 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:47.640 All of these are so important. 00:01:47.640 --> 00:01:52.079 They are biblical, and they have that foundation. 00:01:52.079 --> 00:01:57.079 So I want us to turn to page 1206 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:02.159 in our ESG study Bibles. 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:05.599 It's the blue books that you'll find in your pews, 00:02:05.599 --> 00:02:08.000 or if you're using different translation, 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:11.439 it's gonna be 1 Peter chapter four, verse 10. 00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:17.000 All right, so let's go ahead, 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:22.000 let's find that together, page 1206, 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:27.400 verse Peter chapter four, verse 10. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:28.919 I want us all to read it together. 00:02:28.919 --> 00:02:31.360 It's just that one verse. 00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:33.159 All right, here we go. 00:02:33.159 --> 00:02:36.120 As each has received a gift, 00:02:36.120 --> 00:02:40.080 use it to serve one another as good stewards 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:43.219 of God's very grace. 00:02:43.219 --> 00:02:44.639 You know, this letter, 00:02:44.639 --> 00:02:49.599 it was written to the early Christians in Asia Minor. 00:02:49.599 --> 00:02:51.199 This letter to the early church, 00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:55.799 it's a reminder that our hope is in Jesus Christ. 00:02:55.799 --> 00:03:00.279 And we are called as Christians to live for Christ. 00:03:00.279 --> 00:03:02.159 We're called to be witnesses, 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:05.839 and we're also called to be prepared 00:03:05.839 --> 00:03:08.560 at times to suffer in this life. 00:03:09.479 --> 00:03:14.199 The verse is saying to use our gift, not gifts, 00:03:14.199 --> 00:03:17.000 but our gift to serve each other. 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:18.799 I'm sure that you can imagine 00:03:18.799 --> 00:03:22.519 the persecution that the early church went through, 00:03:23.799 --> 00:03:26.399 the persecution that happened throughout history 00:03:26.399 --> 00:03:28.079 of Christianity. 00:03:28.079 --> 00:03:30.799 So there's that sense of the idea of suffering 00:03:30.799 --> 00:03:32.439 was very real. 00:03:32.439 --> 00:03:35.179 The gift that Peter was referring to 00:03:35.179 --> 00:03:40.179 is the free gift of salvation that we receive in Christ. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:44.860 Peter is talking about the gift that the early church, 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:47.540 the early Christians scattered through Asia Minor 00:03:47.540 --> 00:03:49.260 had received. 00:03:49.260 --> 00:03:53.020 This gift can, it can mean some people have translated it 00:03:53.020 --> 00:03:56.460 or interpreted it to mean spiritual gifting, 00:03:56.460 --> 00:03:58.580 which it can certainly mean that. 00:03:58.580 --> 00:04:01.580 But contextually, Peter is talking about 00:04:01.580 --> 00:04:02.780 the gift of salvation. 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:07.659 So although this verse can be used for spiritual gifting, 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:10.340 let's remember that it's specifically talking 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:12.259 towards salvation. 00:04:12.259 --> 00:04:13.740 But it does remind us though, 00:04:13.740 --> 00:04:16.860 that each and every one of us as Christians, 00:04:16.860 --> 00:04:19.219 we've made a decision for Christ, 00:04:19.219 --> 00:04:21.620 or at least I hope that all of us have. 00:04:21.620 --> 00:04:23.500 When we make a decision for Christ, 00:04:23.500 --> 00:04:26.699 we are receiving the free gift of salvation 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:29.459 and we are given spiritual gifts. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:34.420 God gives us the gift of life. 00:04:34.420 --> 00:04:37.939 God gives us our talents, our abilities. 00:04:37.939 --> 00:04:40.460 He gives us the gift of salvation. 00:04:40.460 --> 00:04:42.140 And it's the question of whether or not 00:04:42.140 --> 00:04:43.620 you have received that gift, 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:47.140 have you said yes to Jesus Christ? 00:04:47.140 --> 00:04:49.259 And with everything that we are given, 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:52.700 we should use everything that we have, 00:04:52.700 --> 00:04:54.379 everything that we are given, 00:04:54.379 --> 00:04:56.780 the resources, the spiritual gifting, 00:04:56.780 --> 00:04:59.939 and in this context, even our salvation, 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:03.139 to serve the Lord and to serve others. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:06.139 We can apply this today to the Christian, 00:05:06.139 --> 00:05:08.500 to our brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:10.939 and also to our neighbor. 00:05:10.939 --> 00:05:13.779 Peter goes on to say that in doing this, 00:05:13.779 --> 00:05:16.620 we are showing that we are good stewards 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:19.060 of God's varied grace. 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:22.860 To be a steward, it means someone who manages, 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:26.699 or someone who has been entrusted with resources 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:31.060 of God's kindness, God's love and favor to others. 00:05:31.060 --> 00:05:34.259 A steward can also mean managing finances 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:36.660 or managing a household, if you will. 00:05:37.579 --> 00:05:42.579 When we're talking about being stewards of God's varied grace, 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:45.939 we're talking specifically about kindness, love, 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:48.540 and favor to others. 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:51.819 This verse is, it's a call for Christians. 00:05:51.819 --> 00:05:54.300 Let us use our salvation. 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:57.459 Let us also use our spiritual gifts. 00:05:57.459 --> 00:06:00.459 Even the abilities, the gifts, the talents, 00:06:00.459 --> 00:06:04.379 our treasure, our time to serve one another. 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:09.379 We can be encouraged today to serve other people. 00:06:09.659 --> 00:06:11.779 We are to be stewards of everything 00:06:11.779 --> 00:06:13.659 that God has given to us. 00:06:13.659 --> 00:06:17.659 This should encourage us to live for Christ, 00:06:17.659 --> 00:06:20.019 to love God and to love others, 00:06:20.019 --> 00:06:23.019 to grow in the faith, and to serve others, 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:24.779 and share in our faith. 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:29.179 May we encourage others, may we engage others 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:32.500 in the name of Christ and share in our faith. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:33.540 Let's pray together. 00:06:34.660 --> 00:06:37.019 And Father, we thank you for this time 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:38.620 for us to come together. 00:06:38.620 --> 00:06:42.180 We ask that you open our minds to learning 00:06:42.180 --> 00:06:44.100 and understanding your word, 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:49.100 and open our hearts to live and to love like you. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:52.160 May we come to know you and grow in you. 00:06:52.160 --> 00:06:55.259 May we learn, may we be curious about what it means 00:06:55.259 --> 00:06:58.579 to engage the community through service to you 00:06:58.579 --> 00:07:02.060 and to others, and may we engage the community 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:04.779 by sharing in our faith with others. 00:07:04.779 --> 00:07:07.419 May we never be afraid of who you are. 00:07:07.419 --> 00:07:09.419 May you strengthen us. 00:07:09.419 --> 00:07:10.819 You God, give us clarity. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:14.219 You give us new life in you. 00:07:14.219 --> 00:07:16.299 We love you so much, and we thank you 00:07:16.299 --> 00:07:18.299 for sending your son Jesus Christ, 00:07:18.299 --> 00:07:21.639 who is the way, the truth, and the life. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:24.979 Be with us this morning as we go through so many verses 00:07:24.980 --> 00:07:29.259 about what it means to engage the community 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:32.379 through service and in sharing our faith. 00:07:32.379 --> 00:07:34.500 It is in Jesus' name that we pray, 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:35.819 and we all say together. 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:40.900 So I wanna put a question up on the screen. 00:07:40.900 --> 00:07:44.020 So what comes to mind when you hear 00:07:44.020 --> 00:07:46.819 engage through service and sharing? 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:49.660 I want you to think about that as we go through. 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:54.060 What does service look like to you? 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:56.540 How does sharing your faith with others? 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:59.180 What does that look like to you? 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:01.579 For some of us, service can look like 00:08:01.579 --> 00:08:04.240 serving in the local food pantry. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:06.579 It can be serving in the church. 00:08:06.579 --> 00:08:08.340 For others, service can look like 00:08:08.340 --> 00:08:10.379 being present with our neighbors, 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:13.019 exhibiting love and kindness and asking, 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:15.100 how can I help my neighbor? 00:08:16.660 --> 00:08:20.079 How one person can answer can be different 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:21.740 from the next person. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.980 And the same applies for sharing your faith. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:27.460 Some people share their faith through their everyday living, 00:08:27.460 --> 00:08:30.460 the actions that they do, the words that they speak. 00:08:30.460 --> 00:08:33.899 Others share their faith through street evangelism. 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:35.820 I'm sure many of you guys have seen it before, 00:08:35.820 --> 00:08:38.259 someone holding a sign saying, repent, right? 00:08:38.259 --> 00:08:42.980 Or many different approaches, door to door ministry. 00:08:42.980 --> 00:08:46.500 Again, how a person answers that question will vary. 00:08:48.420 --> 00:08:52.180 We began this series with the idea that we are to love God. 00:08:52.179 --> 00:08:56.219 It's the biblical concept of loving God and loving others. 00:08:56.219 --> 00:08:59.259 We love God because he loved us. 00:08:59.259 --> 00:09:02.819 And we are to share in that same kind of love with others. 00:09:02.819 --> 00:09:06.699 And part of that first E, to encourage to love God 00:09:06.699 --> 00:09:11.699 and to love others, it is exhibited through love in action. 00:09:11.939 --> 00:09:15.979 We do that by engaging the community for Christ. 00:09:15.979 --> 00:09:19.139 We are all encouraged first and foremost, 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:23.460 first and foremost to make a decision for Jesus Christ, 00:09:23.460 --> 00:09:27.779 to say yes to Jesus and to have a relationship with him. 00:09:28.659 --> 00:09:33.019 We are not saved by the things that we do. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:38.019 We are saved by what Christ has done for us on the cross. 00:09:38.860 --> 00:09:41.100 There is a difference, a fundamental difference 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:44.620 between many of the other religions of the world 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:47.059 as opposed to Christianity. 00:09:47.059 --> 00:09:50.179 When we think of other religions, 00:09:50.179 --> 00:09:54.459 it's about what you can do to obtain salvation. 00:09:54.459 --> 00:09:57.259 But when it comes to Jesus Christ, 00:09:57.259 --> 00:09:59.939 it's about what he has done. 00:09:59.939 --> 00:10:04.299 It's about him dying on that cross for us. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:08.299 We are saved so that we can do good things 00:10:08.299 --> 00:10:10.259 in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:12.379 We are to believe in Christ. 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:16.459 We are to have that relationship with him. 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:19.700 And we can do greater things. 00:10:19.700 --> 00:10:20.780 This verse is always been, 00:10:20.780 --> 00:10:22.060 there's a verse I wanna share with you. 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:24.340 It's always been a challenge for me. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.700 And it may be a challenge for you. 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:27.780 It's in John 14, 12. 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:33.780 Christ says here, truly I say to you, 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:37.980 whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do. 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:40.500 Okay, that makes sense. 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:44.740 Then he goes on to say, and greater works than these 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:48.379 will he do because I am going to the Father. 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:51.060 So Christ is saying, listen, 00:10:51.060 --> 00:10:54.259 whoever believes in me will do the works that I've done. 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:56.139 That makes sense. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:58.700 But even greater things, 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:02.620 that's a very difficult wording. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:06.460 This can mean more works than Christ's ministry, 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:09.139 but it can also mean greater magnitude. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:12.539 It has even been said that greater things will happen 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:16.500 because Christ is talking to his disciples, 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:20.919 there to go out into the world, Christ is the example. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:23.620 It's a challenging one. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:25.819 It's like, I don't know if I can do 00:11:25.819 --> 00:11:27.419 greater things than Christ can. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:31.539 But we're talking about the things that 00:11:31.539 --> 00:11:36.539 Christ sends us into the world to make disciples, 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:41.539 to baptize believers, to go out and do great things. 00:11:42.659 --> 00:11:46.139 So we are to engage lives for Christ. 00:11:46.139 --> 00:11:50.579 And this idea of engaging is broken down into two sections. 00:11:50.579 --> 00:11:55.459 The first section is engaging people through service. 00:11:55.459 --> 00:11:57.980 And the second is engaging people 00:11:57.980 --> 00:12:00.259 through the sharing of your faith. 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:02.019 Both of these concepts are biblical 00:12:02.019 --> 00:12:05.379 and they are practical for us because we're called to know 00:12:05.379 --> 00:12:07.259 Christ, we're called to grow in him 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:12.019 and to exhibit that same kind of agape love towards others. 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:15.259 It is love in action. 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:16.980 So I wanna put that slide in there. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:21.980 Engaging through service, service is love in action. 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:25.820 You know, previously as we've gone over the 3D pathway, 00:12:25.820 --> 00:12:28.059 we've talked about 1 Corinthians 13. 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:33.059 There have been many bits and pieces from that set of verses. 00:12:33.059 --> 00:12:35.739 It can be said that to love somebody 00:12:35.739 --> 00:12:40.739 in the way that God loves is something that is ongoing. 00:12:40.979 --> 00:12:44.179 Do you tell your spouse you love them once? 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:47.139 I mean, if you do, you probably should do it 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:48.539 more than once, right? 00:12:48.539 --> 00:12:51.939 Do you tell your children that you love them once? 00:12:53.139 --> 00:12:54.979 No, you need to tell them more than once. 00:12:54.979 --> 00:12:59.979 And if you have, be encouraged to tell your family 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:01.939 that you love them. 00:13:01.940 --> 00:13:05.220 Share that love, love is ongoing. 00:13:06.140 --> 00:13:07.660 It's an action. 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:13.340 The way that we treat others and the things that we do, 00:13:13.340 --> 00:13:15.340 it is an exhibition. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:18.020 It exhibits love to others. 00:13:18.020 --> 00:13:23.020 People will know and learn who we are through action. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:27.300 Now I have to say this, I'm gonna say this many times today. 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:32.299 We're not saved by, we are not saved by works. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:35.939 We are saved for works. 00:13:35.939 --> 00:13:37.859 Okay, I need to make that. 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:41.219 In your notes, you'll see James chapter two 00:13:41.219 --> 00:13:43.659 verses 14 through 17. 00:13:43.659 --> 00:13:46.099 You don't have to turn there, but if you'd like to, 00:13:46.099 --> 00:13:48.620 I'm gonna go over a lot of verses here. 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:50.979 It says, what good is it my brothers 00:13:50.979 --> 00:13:54.179 if someone says he has faith but does not have works? 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:55.819 Can that faith save him? 00:13:55.820 --> 00:13:58.100 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed 00:13:58.100 --> 00:14:01.379 and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:03.340 go in peace, be warmed and filled 00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:05.580 without giving them the things needed for the body, 00:14:05.580 --> 00:14:06.740 what good is that? 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:11.740 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:13.420 How many of you have heard that before, right? 00:14:13.420 --> 00:14:15.180 Faith without works is dead. 00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:18.100 I've heard it many times and what's unfortunate 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:20.780 about this verse is that it's often misquoted 00:14:20.780 --> 00:14:23.020 and it is misunderstood. 00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:27.059 Is James actually suggesting that we can attain salvation 00:14:27.059 --> 00:14:28.779 by the things that we do? 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:30.419 What am I gonna do with that? 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:33.059 What are we gonna do when we read that verse? 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:35.379 The answer is no. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:38.899 James is writing to existing Christians 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:42.500 that have faith in Christ and he's talking about 00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:46.860 that same faith to be able to do works. 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:49.620 So imagine if you're writing to existing Christians, 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:51.740 you have to have that understand, 00:14:51.740 --> 00:14:55.060 look, I'm writing to people who are already Christian 00:14:55.060 --> 00:14:58.580 and I'm saying that same faith is to be exhibited 00:14:58.580 --> 00:15:00.500 in the things that we do. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:04.060 James is not talking about how to achieve salvation, 00:15:04.060 --> 00:15:07.860 but he is talking about how faith needs to have action 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:10.180 because Christ is the foundation. 00:15:10.180 --> 00:15:13.860 He is the solid rock on which we build our lives on. 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:19.820 We need to have action that is from that salvation. 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:24.820 Good works do not save us, but God saved us 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:29.940 so that we can engage others by doing good. 00:15:29.940 --> 00:15:31.740 Do you have faith in Christ? 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:33.420 I hope that all of us do. 00:15:34.300 --> 00:15:37.860 Seek first the kingdom of God. 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:41.300 Make that decision for Christ first and foremost. 00:15:42.260 --> 00:15:46.940 When you have, how does that faith manifest? 00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:50.500 What does it look like through action or works? 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.660 Having faith in him, like I said, 00:15:52.660 --> 00:15:55.380 it's having that firm foundation in Christ. 00:15:55.380 --> 00:15:59.700 Having continued faith is manifest through action 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:02.020 which builds upon the foundation. 00:16:03.060 --> 00:16:06.140 I want you to consider John chapter 15 verse five. 00:16:06.140 --> 00:16:07.660 It's the famous verse that says, 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:09.620 I am the vine and you are the branches. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.820 Whoever abides me and I am him, 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:14.780 he it is that bears much fruit. 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:17.500 For apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:21.100 I bring this verse up in John 15, five 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:25.500 because it continues with the idea of the foundation. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:28.220 We are the branches that come from the vine. 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:29.779 And it's the question of whether or not 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:31.539 we're going to produce fruit. 00:16:31.539 --> 00:16:33.779 We're still part of the vine, 00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:35.699 but are we going to produce good fruit 00:16:35.699 --> 00:16:38.579 or are we gonna produce bad fruit? 00:16:38.579 --> 00:16:41.620 When we make that decision for Christ, 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:43.779 we are a new creation. 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:47.019 We are part of the vine and we are like a tree 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:48.620 that is planted, if you will. 00:16:50.459 --> 00:16:53.100 When we receive salvation through faith, 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:55.899 it is from that point, 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:58.579 what kind of fruit are you going to produce? 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:01.980 I'm gonna put up this slide up here, 00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:03.699 this next slide. 00:17:03.699 --> 00:17:05.019 It's also when you know, 00:17:06.379 --> 00:17:11.379 good works are not required for us to be Christians 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:13.500 or for us to be saved. 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:18.500 They are a manifestation of our true faith in Christ. 00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:21.140 That's second sense. 00:17:21.140 --> 00:17:24.539 It is faith that leads us to Christ 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:27.220 that secures our salvation. 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:32.140 That same faith moves us to action to bear good fruit. 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:35.819 We have to remember that. 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:37.980 We have to remember that Jesus Christ 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:39.339 is the firm foundation. 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:41.380 You do that first and foremost, 00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:44.420 then go to the world and act 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:47.420 and oh what great things we can do in Jesus' name. 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:53.900 Engaging through service, service is love and action. 00:17:55.300 --> 00:17:58.060 In Galatians chapter five verse 13 through 14, 00:17:58.060 --> 00:18:01.060 it says you were called to freedom brothers, 00:18:01.060 --> 00:18:03.500 only do not use your freedom as an opportunity 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:08.060 for the flesh but through love serve one another. 00:18:08.060 --> 00:18:10.380 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word 00:18:10.380 --> 00:18:13.180 that you shall love your neighbor as yourself. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.980 And in the Galatians passage, 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:16.660 Paul is referring to the idea 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:21.500 that he's talking about the freedom that we have in Christ. 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:24.580 When we make a decision for Christ, we are set free. 00:18:25.780 --> 00:18:28.060 Does that mean we can go out and sin? 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.580 No. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:34.500 We are free, and you might have heard me say this before 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:37.180 in conversation, I might have said it in another sermon. 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:41.779 We are free from sin, we're not free to sin. 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:43.100 There's a difference there. 00:18:43.100 --> 00:18:45.060 I know it's like, oh one word can make a difference 00:18:45.060 --> 00:18:47.340 but it doesn't give you that take it to ride. 00:18:47.340 --> 00:18:48.980 Oh I'm saved by grace through faith, 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.860 I'm gonna go steal, I'm gonna go murder, 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:52.779 and God's got me covered. 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:54.100 Absolutely not. 00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:58.460 Do you even understand the salvation that you've received? 00:18:58.460 --> 00:19:00.660 Do you even understand what Christ has done for you 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:03.980 and you're going to take advantage of that? 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:08.980 You're going to, some of us may not have to be reminded 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:12.620 of that, some of us are. 00:19:12.620 --> 00:19:14.180 It's a verse that speaks to that. 00:19:14.180 --> 00:19:15.700 Paul is letting Christians know 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:17.740 that they should not use their freedom 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:21.900 as an opportunity to pursue lustful passions. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:26.740 But through love, we are to serve one another. 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:31.500 It's significant because the scripture is very clear. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.539 I don't know how much clear 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:37.339 it should be that use our freedom to serve one another 00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:40.940 and not to go out in sin or pursue lustful passions. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:44.659 In 1st John chapter three, 16 through 18, 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:48.460 this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:50.899 We ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 00:19:50.899 --> 00:19:52.779 But if anyone has the world's good 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:54.579 and sees his brother in need, 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:56.700 yet closes his heart against him, 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:59.059 how does God's love abide in him? 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:01.779 Little children, let us not love in word or talk 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:03.579 but indeed and in truth. 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:05.740 And this verse goes on to say that 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:08.259 we know that Jesus sacrificed his life for us 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:10.740 and in the same manner and in the same type of love 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:15.539 that Christ has for us, we should be able to do the same. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:17.819 So the apostle John is asking the question, 00:20:17.819 --> 00:20:22.740 will you help those in need when you have the resources? 00:20:22.740 --> 00:20:25.139 If you have the ability to help someone, 00:20:25.139 --> 00:20:26.740 do you actually do it? 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:29.460 Do you practice what you preach? 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:31.420 And I know that's a hard one 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:33.700 because sometimes we have the resources, 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:35.100 how do we want to help? 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:36.700 I'm too busy. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:39.259 I got places to go, people to see. 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:41.539 But if you have those resources, 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:44.660 we should exhibit that love to others 00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:48.059 in the same manner that Christ loves us. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:50.660 John goes on with the encouraging words 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:53.259 that we are to show that agape love 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:57.500 in the actions that we do with genuineness. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:21:02.500 Do you have genuine love or authentic faith? 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:09.539 In Matthew chapter 25 verse 34 through 40, 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:12.140 that's a lot of verses, but it's talking about, 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:15.740 some of you may know it, the sheep and the goats, right? 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:17.740 Come you who are blessed by my father 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:19.059 and here at the kingdom prepared 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:20.579 from the foundation of the world. 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:22.539 I was hungry, you gave me food. 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:24.380 I was thirsty, you gave me drink. 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:26.380 I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:28.180 I was naked and you clothed me. 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:30.220 I was sick and you visited me. 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:33.140 Aren't these examples of how we can serve people? 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:40.140 Thirsty and you gave me something to drink. 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:43.580 Think of the farmers out there 00:21:43.580 --> 00:21:45.940 when they're out in the hot sun. 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.780 They need water. 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:50.260 Might be an encouragement to give them water. 00:21:50.260 --> 00:21:53.020 Or when someone is hungry, do you feed them? 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:55.540 And I love how it goes on. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:57.259 It says, Lord, when did we see you hungry? 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:59.019 What thirsty and give you drink? 00:21:59.019 --> 00:22:01.379 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you 00:22:01.379 --> 00:22:03.259 or naked and clothed you? 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:04.700 And the king will answer them, 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:07.139 truly I say to you as you did 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:11.059 to one of the least of these, my brothers, 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:12.139 you did it to me. 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:15.940 That is a call for action. 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:18.500 That is a call for service. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:20.579 Even Christ's scope of showing, 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:23.579 exhibiting that love through action. 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:27.139 Let us show that unconditional love 00:22:27.139 --> 00:22:30.339 through sincere, through genuine action. 00:22:31.419 --> 00:22:33.139 I know that Matthew passage, 00:22:33.139 --> 00:22:36.579 the sheep and the goats is a powerful one. 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:39.699 Christ is calling for believers to act. 00:22:39.699 --> 00:22:43.139 Do you show compassion to those in need? 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:45.019 Do you care? 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:46.659 The ones who are the sheep, 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:48.619 they are the ones that know the Lord 00:22:48.619 --> 00:22:50.500 and they exhibit that love. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.660 Just think of the next time 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:55.299 that you see someone in need. 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:57.099 If you have the resources, 00:22:57.099 --> 00:22:59.940 are you going to help or not? 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:01.500 It's a challenge. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:03.900 I'm not perfect, Typhoon. 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:05.900 It's definitely a challenge for all of us, 00:23:05.900 --> 00:23:08.180 but it's what the scripture's saying. 00:23:08.180 --> 00:23:10.220 These verses are to show that 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:11.859 engaging the community for Christ 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:14.700 is just showing love in action. 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:17.420 Loving God and loving others, 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:21.580 serving God and serving others. 00:23:21.580 --> 00:23:24.860 You can build a case that we are to serve God 00:23:24.860 --> 00:23:26.300 by serving others. 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:31.779 So then it comes to engage through sharing your faith. 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:34.300 I love this picture on here. 00:23:34.300 --> 00:23:39.060 I'm trying to find good artwork for serving here 00:23:39.060 --> 00:23:39.980 is always a challenge, 00:23:39.980 --> 00:23:44.100 but there's supposed to be sharing in their faith. 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:49.099 I want to share these verses with you. 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:51.980 We have confidence. 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:55.699 We should have confidence in our Lord and our God 00:23:55.699 --> 00:23:59.619 knowing that we are saved by grace through faith. 00:23:59.619 --> 00:24:01.539 We believe in the Lord Jesus 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:04.500 and we all know that whoever believes 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:08.740 shall not perish, but have eternal life. 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:13.740 Whoever, anyone, everyone who confesses. 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:17.299 And because of this saving grace, 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:20.740 this should encourage us to share in our faith. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:25.180 This should encourage us to have a talk with our neighbor. 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:28.859 This should encourage us to talk with our friend, 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:30.180 maybe even our family member. 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:32.180 I know family is always a difficult one. 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:36.460 Christ is the great transformer of culture 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:38.380 and we have been given the great commission 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:42.700 from Christ to go out and to engage culture. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:44.300 Many of us know the great commission. 00:24:44.300 --> 00:24:47.060 Go therefore and make what? 00:24:47.060 --> 00:24:50.660 Disciples of all nations doing what? 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:53.020 Baptizing them in the name of the Father, 00:24:53.020 --> 00:24:54.580 Son and the Holy Spirit, 00:24:54.580 --> 00:24:58.060 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you 00:24:58.060 --> 00:25:01.580 and behold, I am with you always till the end of the age. 00:25:01.580 --> 00:25:04.780 The great commission is so important. 00:25:04.780 --> 00:25:06.180 These are some of the final words 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:10.019 that Jesus gives his disciples before he ascends into heaven. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:12.700 What does Christ call us to do? 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:15.779 He calls for us to act upon our faith 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:20.779 by making disciples, by baptizing them and by teaching them. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:24.660 I find it a great encouragement 00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:28.700 that Christ will be with us wherever we go. 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:31.740 Do you believe that? 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:34.259 Do you know that Christ will be with you? 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:37.819 There is nothing to fear when you're sharing in your faith. 00:25:38.819 --> 00:25:40.779 We don't fear man. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:43.500 We have fear of the Lord 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:45.500 or we should have fear of the Lord. 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:47.819 We're called to love God and to love others 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:49.859 to have that relationship with Jesus. 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:54.579 We're called to be disciples or students of Jesus Christ. 00:25:54.579 --> 00:25:57.940 And as we grow, we're called to go out into the world 00:25:57.940 --> 00:26:00.700 and to exhibit that love 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:04.460 for Christ will be there with us as we go. 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:07.100 May we never be ashamed of being a Christian 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:10.340 or as Romans chapter one verse 16, 00:26:10.340 --> 00:26:12.340 ashamed of the gospel. 00:26:12.340 --> 00:26:13.900 Many of you know that verse. 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:16.140 I am not ashamed of the gospel 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:18.980 for it is the power of God for salvation 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:22.539 to everyone who believes. 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:25.700 Is salvation available only to the elite? 00:26:26.580 --> 00:26:30.299 Is salvation available only to the rich? 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:34.539 Is salvation available by what we do? 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:36.139 Can you imagine what heaven would be like 00:26:36.139 --> 00:26:39.619 if that was actually the way that it worked 00:26:39.619 --> 00:26:41.700 by the things that we do? 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:45.740 Talk about having arrogance or having ego. 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:48.259 I did more than you. 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:51.899 Look at me, I donated $10 million. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.899 That's not how it works. 00:26:55.900 --> 00:27:00.580 I mean, everyone who believes 00:27:00.580 --> 00:27:03.620 to the Jew first and also to the Greek, 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:05.500 the gospel message is something 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:08.580 it is completely different than what culture has to offer. 00:27:08.580 --> 00:27:10.740 Why do you think Christianity 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:13.420 has been persecuted all of these years? 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:16.940 Because it is something that is counter-cultural. 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:19.500 It has been said and it can be said. 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.780 I would agree with it. 00:27:20.780 --> 00:27:22.780 The gospel is counter-cultural. 00:27:22.780 --> 00:27:24.420 Love your enemies? 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:26.259 What? 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:28.380 Helping the poor? 00:27:28.380 --> 00:27:30.259 What are you talking about? 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:33.300 Showing forgiveness to those who have done wrong to me? 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:37.900 I think of that meme, if you've ever seen that meme before. 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:43.380 We are secure in Jesus Christ and what the gospel, 00:27:43.380 --> 00:27:46.620 what the Bible tells us, what Jesus tells us 00:27:46.620 --> 00:27:50.340 is something that certainly is counter-cultural. 00:27:50.340 --> 00:27:53.100 I'm reminded of Acts chapter one, verse eight, 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:55.500 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:59.219 has come upon you and you will be my witness in Jerusalem 00:27:59.219 --> 00:28:04.219 and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:07.539 This passage is referring to the fact that the Holy Spirit 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:11.819 but stows upon us the power to transform lives 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:13.099 through the Holy Spirit. 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:16.299 It's not my power, it's power that comes 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.980 through the Holy Spirit. 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:20.339 God empowers us with spiritual gifts 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:23.099 and abilities to do great work in His name. 00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:25.379 It's like God's giving you the tools necessary 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:28.779 to be able to do work in His name. 00:28:30.099 --> 00:28:32.419 In the early church, the disciples were commissioned 00:28:32.419 --> 00:28:35.659 to be witnesses to testify to what they had seen, 00:28:35.659 --> 00:28:38.299 to what they had heard, to what they had experienced 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:41.740 and in the same way, we too can testify 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:43.980 to how God has worked in our life 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:47.299 with the transformative power of the gospel. 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:50.019 I know times are different. 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:52.379 I know that technology is different 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:54.740 but the message of God is the same 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:57.379 and we believe in Jesus Christ who is the constant 00:28:57.379 --> 00:29:00.859 in an ever changing world of culture. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:04.099 We are to still witness to other people. 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:06.500 We are to share in our faith. 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:10.220 We are to open the word of God and say, 00:29:10.220 --> 00:29:12.099 this is what I believe in. 00:29:12.099 --> 00:29:15.420 Have you heard the message of Jesus Christ? 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:17.779 In first Peter chapter three, verse 15, 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:22.379 but in your heart, honor Christ the Lord as holy. 00:29:22.379 --> 00:29:26.019 Always be prepared to make a defense 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:28.339 to anyone who asks you for a reason 00:29:28.339 --> 00:29:30.660 for the hope that is in you. 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:35.660 Yet, do it with gentleness and respect. 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:40.539 Oh man, could we just have gotten rid of that other part? 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:44.500 Many of us who go out and defend the faith, 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:49.180 it fires you up and you wanna give him something 00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:54.180 but gentleness and respect is something scripture says that. 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:56.660 We are to be able. 00:29:56.660 --> 00:30:00.539 Look, as we engage lives for Christ, we must realize, 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:04.019 look, there are going to be people who do not agree, 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:07.019 people who attack our faith, people who question 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:08.700 or people who make fun of you. 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:12.539 I mean, probably seen it in high school 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:16.299 if you grew up as a Christian, see people make, 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.899 oh, you're Christian? 00:30:17.899 --> 00:30:19.500 You one of those? 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:21.659 What are you talking about? 00:30:21.659 --> 00:30:23.139 I like my way. 00:30:23.139 --> 00:30:24.259 Do you though? 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:28.139 Do you know where your way will lead without Christ? 00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:31.579 We must realize there will be people 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:33.899 who will do such things. 00:30:33.899 --> 00:30:37.940 This verse mentions that we are to make a defense 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:40.299 or an apologia. 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:44.019 That is where we get the word apologetics, 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:47.899 which is where we must answer and defend in our faith 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:51.460 but with gentleness and respect. 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:56.579 We are to love the Lord and we're to love others 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:58.339 but we are to stand firm. 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:02.299 It's a reminder of the balance between two, 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:06.379 of standing firm on the truth of the word of God, right? 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:09.059 And dealing in love. 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:12.259 That can be a very, it doesn't sound very difficult 00:31:12.259 --> 00:31:13.099 but it is. 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.659 There's a lot of people who stand firm 00:31:14.659 --> 00:31:18.179 but they may not exhibit love very well 00:31:18.179 --> 00:31:19.779 or there's people who are very loving 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:22.259 but they get walked all over. 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:25.899 They don't stand firm and it's a challenge for us 00:31:25.899 --> 00:31:28.579 to stand firm and to exhibit love. 00:31:28.579 --> 00:31:32.019 In Philemon chapter one verse six, 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:34.500 and I pray that the sharing of your faith 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:37.539 may become effective for the full knowledge 00:31:37.539 --> 00:31:41.859 of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:45.339 The apostle Paul is praying that we share our faith. 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:47.859 We can share the gospel to others. 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:51.819 It's just how are we going to do it? 00:31:52.879 --> 00:31:56.139 How are you going to share in your faith? 00:31:56.139 --> 00:32:00.779 When we share in our faith, we should do this 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:03.420 because of what God's done for us, 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:07.860 because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. 00:32:07.860 --> 00:32:09.460 If you got a speeding ticket, 00:32:10.340 --> 00:32:11.779 someone paid for it, let's just say, 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:15.019 it's a $500 speeding ticket, you went awfully fast. 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:17.019 Wouldn't you be thankful? 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:19.100 Wouldn't you be like, hey, 00:32:19.100 --> 00:32:21.380 I shouldn't have been driving so fast 00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:22.420 and I thank you. 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:27.100 We are set free from sin. 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:30.539 Doesn't that encourage you to share in your faith 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:34.779 and to tell people the good news 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:37.259 of what God has done in your life? 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:42.059 In all that we do, we are to do an excellence 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:46.339 for the glory of God, and that includes being engaged 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:49.259 in the community through serving others 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:51.700 and sharing of our faith. 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:54.339 And so the final question I have for you is, 00:32:54.339 --> 00:32:59.339 how can I engage the community through service 00:32:59.339 --> 00:33:03.220 and in sharing my faith? 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:06.579 This is the 3E pathway. 00:33:06.579 --> 00:33:10.459 We are encouraged to love God and to love others 00:33:10.459 --> 00:33:12.859 as the scriptures tell us. 00:33:12.859 --> 00:33:16.500 We are to encourage people to make a decision for Christ 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:17.980 and to get baptized. 00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:21.419 We equip people to learn the word of God 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:24.139 and to learn what it means to be a Christian. 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:29.140 And as we make that decision and as we grow in the faith, 00:33:29.860 --> 00:33:32.820 we do all of this so that we can engage the community 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:35.020 for Christ to go out into the world 00:33:35.020 --> 00:33:39.100 and do good in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:33:39.100 --> 00:33:43.860 And this leads us back to the verse that we started with. 00:33:43.860 --> 00:33:44.700 Will you turn? 00:33:46.020 --> 00:33:47.500 Will you turn there with me? 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:52.500 This is page 1206, 1 Peter chapter 4, verse 10. 00:34:00.099 --> 00:34:02.500 I want us to read it together one final time. 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:10.260 All right, here we go. 00:34:10.260 --> 00:34:13.260 As each has received a gift, 00:34:13.260 --> 00:34:18.060 use it to serve one another as good stewards of God. 00:34:18.060 --> 00:34:19.580 Very grace. 00:34:19.580 --> 00:34:22.780 Let us keep that in mind as we go from this week. 00:34:22.780 --> 00:34:23.980 Let's pray together. 00:34:25.260 --> 00:34:29.220 Father God, we thank you for giving us these past four weeks 00:34:29.220 --> 00:34:34.220 to go over, yeah, it's a fancy title, the 3E pathway 00:34:34.220 --> 00:34:38.100 but to go over what scripture says for discipleship 00:34:38.100 --> 00:34:41.180 to love you and to love others. 00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:43.299 To be curious about the word of God 00:34:43.299 --> 00:34:45.019 and what it means to be a Christian. 00:34:46.219 --> 00:34:50.579 May we be a church that loves you and loves other. 00:34:50.579 --> 00:34:55.059 Not loving man or not hating others or hating you 00:34:55.059 --> 00:35:00.059 but loving you and loving others, exhibiting that love. 00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:04.059 May we be a church that equips people in your word, 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:06.940 a culture of biblical literacy, 00:35:06.940 --> 00:35:08.619 of going to the pages of scripture 00:35:08.619 --> 00:35:11.539 and looking at what does the word of God have to say 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:15.539 and what does it mean and how can we apply it for our lives. 00:35:15.539 --> 00:35:18.659 May we be equipped for godly living. 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:21.099 May we be a church that engages in the community 00:35:21.099 --> 00:35:24.500 through service by feeding those who are hungry, 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:27.659 by clothing the naked, by giving drink to those 00:35:27.659 --> 00:35:29.460 who are thirsty. 00:35:29.460 --> 00:35:33.339 May we share in our faith, testifying to how 00:35:34.259 --> 00:35:36.699 you have worked in our lives 00:35:36.699 --> 00:35:39.779 and how you sent your son Jesus Christ 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:43.579 as the ultimate sacrifice, the sacrificial lamb, 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:45.500 the atoning sacrifice. 00:35:46.819 --> 00:35:51.179 May we be reminded Father, as we are concluding our series 00:35:51.179 --> 00:35:52.819 and we're concluding our time. 00:35:55.059 --> 00:35:58.739 All that matters is us making a decision for you. 00:35:58.739 --> 00:36:02.579 May we understand that it's about what you have done for us 00:36:02.579 --> 00:36:06.099 and that we are to receive the free gift of salvation 00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:09.980 saying yes to you and having your son 00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:13.460 at the center of our lives first and foremost. 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:18.460 Because if we don't do that, we are lost with Hallelujah. 00:36:19.739 --> 00:36:21.460 We are found in you. 00:36:22.699 --> 00:36:25.980 Be with us as we leave this place. 00:36:25.980 --> 00:36:29.259 May we dedicate ourselves to you. 00:36:29.259 --> 00:36:33.380 May we know you, grow in you and go in your holy name. 00:36:33.380 --> 00:36:34.500 Be with us this week. 00:36:34.500 --> 00:36:35.339 We love you. 00:36:35.340 --> 00:36:36.460 We thank you. 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:39.980 We glorify you and we praise you. 00:36:39.980 --> 00:36:42.740 It is in Jesus' holy name that we pray 00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:44.500 and we all say together, amen. 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:46.579 Thank you for tuning in 00:36:46.579 --> 00:36:49.579 to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:36:49.579 --> 00:36:51.100 For more about our church 00:36:51.100 --> 00:36:53.780 and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:36:53.780 --> 00:36:57.500 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:36:57.500 --> 00:37:06.940 May God's blessings be with you.