WEBVTT

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 Happy New Year!

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 This is the time of year that we often think of as a new beginning,

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 and many people set New Year's resolutions,

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 a time that we can begin thinking about ways we want to see ourselves different in the New Year,

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 or, you know, different goals and things that we want to correct,

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 like weight, or time management, money, jobs, stuff like that.

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 Well, I got to thinking, well, let me ask, how many of you set New Year's resolutions?

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 Not many, just a handful, but we still thank you for those of you,

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 because it would have broke my whole sermon this morning if we didn't have a few people set a New Year's resolution.

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 But anyway, we have a few of those resolutions, but I got to thinking, what are New Year's resolutions?

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 And so I searched a little bit on the internet, and this is what I found.

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 First of all, what exactly is a New Year's resolution?

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 It's a to-do list for the first week of January, right?

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 Most New Year's resolutions end up getting broken in the first week of January,

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 or possibly by the end of January.

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 Most New Year's resolutions don't see February.

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 There's also two types of people that focus on resolutions.

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 The first one is New Year's resolutions, spend more time on the treadmill, right?

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 We want to set goals of ourself.

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 Or you might be like Maxine here, and you try to break everybody else's New Year's resolution.

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 Maxine says, I put out a box of donuts to see how many New Year's resolutions I can break on the first day.

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 I did that one for Fred, because I figured that's the type of guy he is.

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 That he would just try to break people's New Year's resolutions.

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 But unfortunately, like I said, most New Year's resolutions are short-lived.

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 We go into a new year, and we think about all the ways we would like to see ourselves be different in the new year,

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 whether it's our weight or physical exercise, time management, money management, relationships, all kinds of things.

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 But most of them don't last beyond January, do they?

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 Most of us, especially as we're adults, we're in those habits and routines.

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 That's why we're the way we are, and it's hard to break out of those.

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 Well, this year, I want to challenge us all.

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 Instead of trying to look for resolutions to make into the new year,

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 and most of you didn't make one, so hopefully when you leave here today, you will.

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 Instead of making resolutions on how we can change ourselves by physical appearance or other,

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 I want to challenge you this year to make a goal, or a commitment might be a better term than a resolution.

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 A commitment to the Lord.

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 As we enter into a new year, make a commitment that we're going to focus on our relationship with God this year,

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 and we're going to grow deeper in a more intimate love relationship with Him in the coming year.

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 Now, when we make a goal, what do we have to do?

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 We've got to make a plan of how we're going to do that.

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 It may mean getting up early.

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 It might mean, you know, making sure you've got an accountability partner or somebody holding you accountable.

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 It might be your spouse to get up, read your Bible, spend more time with the Lord this year.

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 But also, and not just growing in our personal relationship with the Lord,

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 but I want to challenge us to set a goal that we're going to make God known around us more.

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 And we're going to be involved in advancing the kingdom of God all around us.

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 It's easy to live in the South.

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 It's easy to live in Pickens County.

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 And think everyone around us knows the gospel message.

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 Everyone around us is aware of Christ.

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 However, I think that's not true.

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 We have churches on every street corner.

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 That is true.

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 And a lot of people are connected.

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 But I think there's a false gospel that's also proclaimed in a lot of churches today.

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 And I think many around us, maybe even in your families,

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 extended families or friends, co-workers, neighbors, and various people you know,

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 how many of them think, well, if I go to church, I'm okay.

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 Or if I have a head knowledge belief, I believe in Jesus, then I'll go to heaven.

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 Or if I've been baptized and my name is upon the roll, then I'll go to heaven.

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 And that's not true, is it?

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 I believe there are individuals right around us, right here in Pickens, Pickens County,

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 maybe in our own families, that have never heard or never understood

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 a clear and accurate presentation of the gospel

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 where they understand the truth of why Jesus came.

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 Why did He come?

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 That I'm a sinner and I can do nothing for myself.

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 I cannot do anything to be set free from the penalty and the bondage of sin.

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 And that's why Christ came to us.

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 And it is only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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 It's only through a personal relationship with Him

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 where we receive that free gift through faith that we might be saved.

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 And I think there are so many that are confused about that

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 because I run into people that are Christian or they claim to be Christian,

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 but then they question me,

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 is Jesus really the only way to heaven?

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 Well, when a person asks me a question like that,

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 I know from the very beginning they do not understand the true gospel message

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 or they wouldn't ask that question.

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 Because yes, Jesus is the only one who died for the sin of the world.

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 He's the only one who came and lived a sinless life

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 and was able to take the sin of the world upon Himself

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 to pay the penalty for that sin.

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 And so as we enter into a new year this year,

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 let me encourage you to make some goals or commitments

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 or surrender more to the Lord

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 to grow in your relationship with God,

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 but also to be involved in making Him known

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 and to be involved in helping to advance the kingdom of God

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 in places like proclaiming the gospel message,

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 in places where maybe people have not heard

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 and make those goals and commitments in our life this year.

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 Have you ever asked yourself,

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 why did God create the world to begin with?

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 Have you ever wondered that?

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 The Bible teaches us that God knew

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 before He created the foundations of the earth,

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 He knew we were sinners.

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 He knew we would be sinners

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 and that we would need Him to send His Son to die for our sin.

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 And so have you ever wondered,

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 why did God create anyway

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 when He knew that we would mess up His perfect creation?

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 Have you ever wondered,

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 then what has God been doing throughout history?

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 You know, the Bible says that God created this perfect creation

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 and we believe that He's sovereign, holy God,

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 working, fulfilling, and bringing about His perfect will.

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 So what is that will?

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 And what is He doing throughout history

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 as He's working and He's bringing about that perfect will?

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 Well, I want us to look at that today

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 and hopefully when we leave here,

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 we're going to have a deeper understanding

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 of what God's vision or God's purpose was for His creation

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 and what His purpose is for us today

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 and how we can be a part of His will

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 and His plan unfolding upon the earth today.

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 So if you have your Bibles,

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 I'd like to ask you to open them with me, if you will,

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 to Revelation.

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 Revelation chapter 7,

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 and also will be on the board.

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 Revelation chapter 7, verses 9 and 10.

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 Now I always encourage you, if you have your Bible,

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 to open your Bible and read along there

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 because I don't want us to become unfamiliar with the Scriptures.

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 And so many churches, individuals never take their Bibles

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 and they totally rely upon the Scripture on the screen

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 and it's a danger putting it up on the screen

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 because then we get lazy.

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 And I want us to stay, you know,

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 very able to turn to Scripture passages

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 and know where they are.

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 We should be doing that

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 as we study our Bibles throughout the weeks anyway.

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 But hopefully we won't get lazy

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 and just depend upon it on the screen.

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 But let's look together at Revelation 7, verses 9 and 10.

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 After this I looked and behold,

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 a great multitude that no one could number

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 from every nation,

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 from all tribes and peoples and languages,

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 standing before the throne

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 and before the Lamb,

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 clothed in white robes,

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 with palm branches in their hands,

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 and crying out with a loud voice,

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 Salvation belongs to our God

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 who sits on the throne

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 and to the Lamb.

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 Let's go to the Lord in prayer.

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 Father, we just thank You today

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 that we have Your Word

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 and Your truth.

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 And through it,

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 we can have an understanding

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 more of who You are

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 and Your will and Your purpose

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 as You unfold Your perfect plan

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 upon the earth

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 and how You desire to include us in that

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 and how we can be faithful

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 and obedient to that.

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 So I pray today

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 that You speak to every heart,

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 everyone here,

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 and help us to understand

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 where You would have us to serve

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 and be involved

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 and be a part of Your will.

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 And we thank You for that.

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 In Jesus' name we pray.

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 Amen.

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 In this passage,

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 we see a multitude that is so large

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 that it says no one can count.

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 A multitude made up of people

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 from every nation,

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 every tribe,

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 every language,

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 and every people group

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 throughout the world.

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 And they're gathered around the throne.

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 What are they doing?

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 I feel like we've stayed up too late

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 and you're more lively

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 than the 8 o'clock service,

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 but I want to make sure

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 the blood's still flowing.

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 What are they doing around the throne?

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 They're worshiping.

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 They're surrounding the throne

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 and they're worshiping God,

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 the Father and the Lamb,

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 Jesus Christ.

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 And here we see the fulfillment

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 of everything God has been doing

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 throughout history.

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 We see a fulfillment

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 of what God's purpose was

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 in creation

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 in the very beginning

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 and all that He's been doing

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 throughout history

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 from the very moment

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 that He created.

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 God has been working

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 upon the earth,

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 drawing people unto Himself

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 and bringing people

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 into the family of God,

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 bringing them unto Himself

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 to become worshipers of God

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 so that one day

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 for those who accept

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 this free gift

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 through faith in Jesus

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 Christ,

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 those who receive salvation

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 through faith in Jesus Christ

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 will one day stand around

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 the throne of God

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 and bring worship

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 and praise and glory

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 unto Him.

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 That is why God created

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 for the first place.

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 He didn't create

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 this glorious earth

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 and people

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 so that He could step in heaven

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 and just do things for us

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 as we say,

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 Lord, give me this,

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 give me this,

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 do this, do this.

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 That's not why He created.

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 He created for Himself.

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 He created that we would

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 bring glory and honor

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 unto Him.

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 And that's what He's been doing

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 as throughout all of history

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 He's drawing people

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 unto Himself,

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 drawing people unto Christ

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 that we can come

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 to faith in Jesus Christ

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 and have our sins forgiven.

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 We can be set free

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 from the penalty of sin

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 and the bondage

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 of sin in our life

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 and we can one day

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 stand in eternity

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 around the throne of God

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 and worship Him.

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 Now I hesitate

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 to even say that

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 because of the imagery

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 or the picture

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 I think that modern day

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 movies and music

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 and stuff paints

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 of heaven being

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 a boring place

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 and we think about

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 standing around

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 the throne of God

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 worshiping for eternity.

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 Movies and music

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 and maybe even poetry

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 have made that sound

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 like it's boring.

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 I want to tell you something,

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 there's going to be

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 nothing boring

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 about heaven.

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 When we step

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 into the presence

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 of God

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 and we come

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 to a full knowledge

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 of what Jesus Christ

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 has done for us

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 that we could not

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 do for ourselves,

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 that He took our sins

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 upon Himself

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 and He paid

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 the ultimate price

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 dying for our sin

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 and that made a way

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 for us to be delivered

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 from the penalty

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 and the bondage

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 of sin and hell.

00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:08.500
 totally separated

00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:09.000
 from God

00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.179
 and yet because

00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:11.179
 of Christ

00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:14.000
 we're able to stand

00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:14.860
 in the presence

00:13:14.860 --> 00:13:15.559
 of God

00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:16.279
 and worship Him

00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:16.799
 and I want to tell you

00:13:16.799 --> 00:13:17.039
 something,

00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:19.519
 we're not going to

00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:21.059
 have any other response

00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:21.659
 in our hearts

00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:22.340
 at that moment

00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:22.980
 and that time

00:13:22.980 --> 00:13:24.620
 except to worship

00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:26.720
 and to praise

00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:27.939
 and to thank Him

00:13:27.939 --> 00:13:28.919
 and the more we come

00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:29.879
 into that understanding

00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:30.939
 right now

00:13:30.939 --> 00:13:32.279
 in the here

00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:32.819
 and the now

00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:33.600
 the more we will

00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:34.559
 worship and praise

00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.399
 Him now

00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:37.019
 but we will

00:13:37.019 --> 00:13:38.000
 understand more

00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:38.699
 fully

00:13:38.699 --> 00:13:39.859
 one day

00:13:39.859 --> 00:13:40.659
 when we stand

00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:41.319
 in the presence

00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:42.479
 of God in Heaven

00:13:42.479 --> 00:13:44.019
 and come to a full

00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:45.179
 knowledge and understanding

00:13:45.179 --> 00:13:46.219
 of what He's done

00:13:46.219 --> 00:13:46.959
 for us

00:13:46.959 --> 00:13:48.519
 but the only response

00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:49.299
 that we should really

00:13:49.299 --> 00:13:49.859
 be giving

00:13:49.859 --> 00:13:51.859
 is worship

00:13:51.859 --> 00:13:53.059
 and praise to Him

00:13:53.059 --> 00:13:53.959
 and Heaven

00:13:53.959 --> 00:13:54.959
 will not be a boring

00:13:54.959 --> 00:13:55.459
 place

00:13:55.459 --> 00:13:56.379
 and I think we will

00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:57.059
 do more

00:13:57.059 --> 00:13:58.159
 than just stand

00:13:58.159 --> 00:13:58.899
 around the throne

00:13:58.899 --> 00:13:59.579
 and worship

00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:00.960
 but it will not

00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:01.700
 be boring

00:14:01.700 --> 00:14:03.340
 in any sense

00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:04.040
 of the imagination

00:14:04.040 --> 00:14:05.520
 and it's certainly

00:14:05.520 --> 00:14:06.639
 better than the alternative

00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.080
 right?

00:14:08.139 --> 00:14:08.720
 It's going to be

00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.860
 better than

00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:11.040
 being separated

00:14:11.040 --> 00:14:11.820
 from God

00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:12.920
 for all eternity

00:14:12.920 --> 00:14:14.560
 so this is God's vision

00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:16.040
 when we think about

00:14:16.040 --> 00:14:17.320
 what was God's vision

00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:18.840
 or what was God's purpose

00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:20.120
 for creating

00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.240
 we see it here

00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.139
 fleshed out

00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:24.259
 in Revelation chapter 7

00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:25.800
 now as we think

00:14:25.800 --> 00:14:26.860
 about our lives

00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:28.820
 in light of God's vision

00:14:28.820 --> 00:14:31.280
 as we think about

00:14:31.280 --> 00:14:32.260
 who we are

00:14:32.260 --> 00:14:33.820
 and how we live

00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:35.940
 in light of God's vision

00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:37.860
 I want to ask you

00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:40.400
 how are you being a part

00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:42.500
 of helping God's vision

00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:43.340
 be fulfilled?

00:14:44.420 --> 00:14:46.220
 How are you being a part

00:14:46.220 --> 00:14:48.260
 of helping the gospel

00:14:48.260 --> 00:14:49.900
 or the kingdom of God

00:14:49.900 --> 00:14:51.660
 to advance upon the earth?

00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:53.560
 How is your life?

00:14:53.660 --> 00:14:54.780
 How is my life?

00:14:55.520 --> 00:14:57.580
 How are we using the time

00:14:57.580 --> 00:14:58.860
 that we have been given

00:14:58.860 --> 00:15:00.540
 and the lives

00:15:00.540 --> 00:15:01.900
 that we have been given?

00:15:01.900 --> 00:15:04.900
 How are we using that

00:15:04.900 --> 00:15:08.820
 to align with God's vision

00:15:08.820 --> 00:15:09.680
 for creation

00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:12.360
 to help draw people

00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:13.400
 unto Himself?

00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:14.639
 The Holy Spirit's the only one

00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.900
 that can draw people

00:15:15.900 --> 00:15:16.900
 to the Father

00:15:16.900 --> 00:15:17.780
 and to the Son

00:15:17.780 --> 00:15:19.620
 but God chooses

00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:20.660
 to use us

00:15:20.660 --> 00:15:21.980
 in that process

00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:23.879
 and so how are we

00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:25.000
 making ourselves

00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:25.800
 available

00:15:25.800 --> 00:15:29.259
 to be a part

00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:30.159
 of that process

00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.519
 to share the gospel

00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:33.500
 or to be a part

00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.560
 of discipleship?

00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.600
 How are we being a part

00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:38.120
 of seeing people

00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:38.860
 come to faith

00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.980
 in Jesus Christ

00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:40.899
 and becoming

00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:42.300
 worshipers

00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:44.060
 of God the Father

00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:44.960
 and the Lamb?

00:15:44.960 --> 00:15:48.700
 I hope that as we enter

00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:50.180
 into a new year

00:15:50.180 --> 00:15:51.000
 this year

00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.780
 and we think about that

00:15:52.780 --> 00:15:55.120
 that part of our goals

00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:57.540
 part of our commitments

00:15:57.540 --> 00:15:58.600
 or if you want to use

00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.759
 the word resolution

00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:03.360
 is that we set these goals

00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:04.100
 or resolutions

00:16:04.100 --> 00:16:05.040
 in our life

00:16:05.040 --> 00:16:06.360
 to be more available

00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:06.940
 to God

00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:08.600
 to be a part

00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:09.500
 of His plan

00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.879
 and to make ourselves

00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:12.540
 available to Him

00:16:12.539 --> 00:16:13.799
 that we can be a part

00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:15.019
 of this vision

00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.019
 of seeing people

00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:17.139
 come to faith

00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:17.639
 in Christ

00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:18.620
 that we can make sure

00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:19.839
 that everyone we know

00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:20.819
 and around us

00:16:20.819 --> 00:16:22.339
 has at least heard

00:16:22.339 --> 00:16:23.779
 the gospel message

00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:24.839
 they've heard

00:16:24.839 --> 00:16:25.519
 an accurate

00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.879
 and clear presentation

00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:27.719
 of the gospel

00:16:27.719 --> 00:16:28.919
 that they may have

00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:29.620
 the opportunity

00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:31.099
 to respond

00:16:31.099 --> 00:16:32.059
 or not

00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.740
 in Romans

00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:33.740
 it tells us

00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:35.779
 how can they believe

00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.459
 if they have not heard

00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:39.779
 and how can they hear

00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.059
 unless someone goes

00:16:41.059 --> 00:16:42.240
 and proclaims

00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:43.240
 to them

00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:46.019
 so those around us

00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.180
 who have never heard

00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:48.340
 a clear presentation

00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:49.360
 of the gospel

00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:51.080
 how are they ever

00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:51.659
 going to hear

00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:54.120
 if someone

00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:55.220
 with that

00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:56.440
 clear understanding

00:16:56.440 --> 00:16:57.639
 does not tell them

00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:58.399
 and don't assume

00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:58.919
 that people

00:16:58.919 --> 00:17:00.399
 that are in church

00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:02.060
 have an accurate

00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:02.860
 understanding

00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:03.700
 of the gospel

00:17:03.700 --> 00:17:04.940
 you know

00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.759
 I went to a funeral

00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:07.099
 at my last church

00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:08.759
 and I won't tell you

00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.319
 what denomination

00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:09.900
 it was

00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:11.300
 but I went into

00:17:11.300 --> 00:17:11.820
 a different

00:17:11.820 --> 00:17:13.160
 denominational church

00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:14.340
 and some of our

00:17:14.340 --> 00:17:15.280
 some of my church

00:17:15.280 --> 00:17:16.180
 members sat down

00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:16.700
 beside me

00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.240
 and they used

00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:18.360
 to attend that church

00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:20.360
 and they got a book

00:17:20.360 --> 00:17:21.340
 out of the pew

00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.320
 that was in front of them

00:17:22.320 --> 00:17:23.200
 and they opened it up

00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:23.860
 and they pointed

00:17:23.860 --> 00:17:25.440
 at a passage in it

00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.140
 and said

00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:27.340
 this is why we no longer

00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:28.200
 attend this church

00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.340
 and I started reading

00:17:29.340 --> 00:17:31.540
 and in that religion

00:17:31.540 --> 00:17:33.060
 that denomination

00:17:33.060 --> 00:17:35.220
 within their beliefs

00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.279
 they believe

00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.420
 that you are saved

00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:39.920
 through the baptismal waters

00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:41.339
 meaning that if you go

00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:42.059
 and you get baptized

00:17:42.059 --> 00:17:42.600
 you're saved

00:17:42.600 --> 00:17:42.920
 right

00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:45.339
 how many believe that

00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:46.079
 how many in the

00:17:46.079 --> 00:17:46.900
 Baptist church

00:17:46.900 --> 00:17:47.759
 actually believe it

00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.360
 even though that's

00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:49.299
 not what we teach

00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.900
 that if you were baptized

00:17:50.900 --> 00:17:52.759
 you were saved

00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:55.480
 so we want to make sure

00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.339
 those around us

00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.079
 have a clear

00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:58.500
 and accurate understanding

00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:00.640
 that that is not salvation

00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.059
 just walking forward

00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.819
 and being baptized

00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.559
 but having that personal

00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.879
 relationship with the Lord

00:18:05.879 --> 00:18:07.439
 and Jesus connects

00:18:07.439 --> 00:18:09.099
 to this vision

00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:09.839
 that we looked at

00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:10.740
 in Revelation 7

00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.919
 Jesus connects

00:18:11.919 --> 00:18:12.919
 to this perfectly

00:18:12.919 --> 00:18:14.079
 in a command

00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:14.819
 that he gives

00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.500
 his followers

00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.579
 right before he

00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:18.519
 ascends back into heaven

00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:19.419
 and this is a command

00:18:19.419 --> 00:18:20.960
 that we're very familiar with

00:18:20.960 --> 00:18:21.839
 but what is it

00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.759
 what do we call it

00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:26.200
 right before he ascended

00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:26.819
 into heaven

00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:29.700
 great commission

00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.359
 thank you

00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:31.919
 it's found in Matthew

00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:34.380
 28 verses 18

00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:35.259
 and 20

00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:36.740
 so let's turn to that

00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.860
 and look with me

00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:38.380
 if you will

00:18:38.380 --> 00:18:39.240
 at this passage

00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:44.060
 Matthew 28 verses 18

00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:44.560
 through 20

00:18:44.560 --> 00:18:45.700
 and Jesus came

00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.480
 and said to them

00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:48.460
 all authority in heaven

00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.120
 and on earth

00:18:49.120 --> 00:18:50.539
 has been given to me

00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.700
 go therefore

00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:52.660
 and make disciples

00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.620
 of all nations

00:18:53.620 --> 00:18:54.940
 baptizing them

00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:55.920
 in the name of the Father

00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:57.140
 and of the Son

00:18:57.140 --> 00:18:58.160
 and of the Holy Spirit

00:18:58.160 --> 00:18:58.960
 teaching them

00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.620
 to observe

00:18:59.619 --> 00:19:01.039
 all that I have

00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:01.899
 commanded you

00:19:01.899 --> 00:19:02.879
 and behold

00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.859
 I am with you

00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:04.500
 always

00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:05.779
 to the end

00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.679
 of the age

00:19:06.679 --> 00:19:08.399
 we see

00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:10.019
 Jesus giving this

00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:11.000
 command to his

00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.519
 followers

00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.519
 right before

00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.579
 he ascends

00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.399
 back into heaven

00:19:14.399 --> 00:19:15.419
 and it aligns

00:19:15.419 --> 00:19:16.139
 perfectly

00:19:16.139 --> 00:19:17.599
 with the vision

00:19:17.599 --> 00:19:18.699
 that we've looked at

00:19:18.699 --> 00:19:19.759
 the vision of God

00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:21.319
 in Revelation

00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.359
 chapter 7

00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:24.079
 we see Jesus

00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:24.500
 saying

00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.079
 go

00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:26.720
 and make disciples

00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:28.240
 of all nations

00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:29.720
 baptizing them

00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.699
 in the name of the Father

00:19:30.699 --> 00:19:31.720
 the Son

00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:32.839
 and the Holy Spirit

00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:33.899
 and teaching them

00:19:33.899 --> 00:19:34.919
 to obey

00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:36.379
 not just teaching

00:19:36.379 --> 00:19:37.319
 but teaching

00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:38.159
 to obey

00:19:38.159 --> 00:19:39.619
 everything I have

00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.299
 commanded you

00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:41.859
 now there's two elements

00:19:41.859 --> 00:19:43.460
 in the Great Commission

00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:44.399
 we often think

00:19:44.399 --> 00:19:45.299
 of the Great Commission

00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:47.759
 as purely evangelism

00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:48.059
 right

00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:50.500
 we all recognize this

00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.819
 as a passage

00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:52.639
 for missions

00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:55.240
 and what would you expect

00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:55.980
 from the missions

00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.500
 pastor

00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.759
 on a day like today

00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.600
 other than

00:19:58.600 --> 00:20:00.500
 a passage like this one

00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:02.259
 it's evangelism

00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:03.660
 but there's more to it

00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:05.700
 there's more to the Great Commission

00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:08.080
 than evangelism

00:20:08.080 --> 00:20:08.320
 right

00:20:08.320 --> 00:20:09.220
 what else is there

00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:14.620
 make disciples

00:20:14.620 --> 00:20:15.860
 that's exactly right

00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.940
 discipleship

00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:18.840
 there's evangelism

00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:20.100
 and discipleship

00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:21.680
 you know this is a command

00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.480
 that Jesus gives

00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:24.620
 to his believers

00:20:24.620 --> 00:20:26.140
 not just a hand select

00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:27.519
 or a few

00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:29.200
 but to all believers

00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.539
 it's not just

00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.400
 for the pastors

00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.799
 it's not just

00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.640
 for deacons

00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:35.640
 or for a hand select

00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:36.340
 few throughout

00:20:36.340 --> 00:20:36.920
 the congregation

00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:38.080
 this was a command

00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:39.660
 that Jesus really gave

00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:40.539
 that we should all

00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.259
 be observing

00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.640
 within our lives

00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.880
 each and every one

00:20:43.880 --> 00:20:44.840
 of us should be

00:20:44.840 --> 00:20:46.440
 about making disciples

00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:47.440
 now often

00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.440
 we interpret

00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.120
 this scripture

00:20:49.120 --> 00:20:50.720
 go and make disciples

00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.140
 thinking

00:20:51.140 --> 00:20:52.100
 well I've got to

00:20:52.100 --> 00:20:52.700
 pick up

00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:54.460
 my belongings

00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.480
 and move to

00:20:55.480 --> 00:20:56.960
 another country

00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:57.500
 somewhere

00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:59.420
 or move to

00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.300
 another part of

00:21:00.300 --> 00:21:00.960
 the country

00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:02.080
 but I've got to

00:21:02.080 --> 00:21:03.000
 get up and go

00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:04.820
 but another translation

00:21:04.820 --> 00:21:06.000
 or a better translation

00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:06.780
 may be

00:21:06.780 --> 00:21:08.840
 as you are going

00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:11.120
 as you are living

00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:12.340
 your life

00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:14.520
 make disciples

00:21:14.520 --> 00:21:17.220
 as you are living

00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:18.900
 and everything

00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.559
 and everything you do

00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.779
 throughout your days

00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.319
 whether it's

00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:22.460
 as you go to work

00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:24.299
 as you raise your children

00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:26.480
 as you come to church

00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:29.460
 as you do recreation

00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:31.720
 whatever you're doing

00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:34.480
 use your life

00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.240
 in a way

00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:37.380
 that is making disciples

00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:39.079
 whether it's through evangelism

00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:40.700
 or whether it's certainly

00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:42.600
 through discipleship

00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:44.740
 that as we are going

00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:46.740
 we're a part

00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:48.000
 of God's work

00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.759
 and his plan

00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.740
 we're making ourselves

00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.939
 available to him

00:21:50.939 --> 00:21:52.859
 that he can use us

00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:55.259
 to make his name known

00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:56.319
 so I want you to think

00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:56.919
 for a moment

00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:57.980
 at your life

00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:59.699
 you might think

00:21:59.699 --> 00:22:01.099
 back over this past year

00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:02.199
 in 2016

00:22:02.199 --> 00:22:04.379
 you know this has been

00:22:04.379 --> 00:22:05.019
 a good year

00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:05.779
 for a lot of people

00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.399
 it's also been

00:22:06.399 --> 00:22:07.419
 a challenging year

00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:09.539
 I was thinking about

00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:11.820
 how many saints

00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.880
 and church members

00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:13.259
 we

00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:15.519
 I won't say lost

00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:16.279
 but how many went

00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.160
 to be with the Lord

00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:17.880
 this year

00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:19.620
 we had a significant number

00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.880
 in this church

00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:22.160
 to go be with the Lord

00:22:22.160 --> 00:22:22.880
 and I know that

00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.320
 they're there

00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:24.320
 in his presence today

00:22:24.320 --> 00:22:25.160
 and we can celebrate

00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.140
 for that

00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:27.360
 but as we look back

00:22:27.360 --> 00:22:28.740
 over 2016

00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:33.060
 how were you involved

00:22:33.060 --> 00:22:34.960
 in God's vision

00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:38.779
 what were you doing

00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:40.160
 with your life

00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:44.880
 that was in connection

00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:46.640
 to God's vision

00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.980
 of seeing individuals

00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:49.160
 come to become

00:22:49.160 --> 00:22:50.500
 worshipers of him

00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:52.200
 or to connect

00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:53.579
 with the great commission

00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:55.740
 of go and make disciples

00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.759
 how did you use your life

00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.539
 did you witness

00:22:58.539 --> 00:23:00.000
 to even one person

00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:01.319
 throughout the year

00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:04.579
 did you go

00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.319
 verbally

00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.039
 and share

00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:06.819
 the gospel

00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:08.199
 with those around you

00:23:08.199 --> 00:23:09.539
 in your own family

00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:10.559
 and sometimes

00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.859
 that can be

00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.639
 the hardest place

00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:13.159
 to begin

00:23:13.159 --> 00:23:13.779
 isn't it

00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:16.019
 in our own families

00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.779
 I've got some

00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.519
 family members

00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:19.359
 that I do not

00:23:19.359 --> 00:23:20.279
 believe are saved

00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:22.379
 and it's a challenge

00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:24.039
 it's a challenge

00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.359
 to witness

00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:26.619
 and share with them

00:23:26.619 --> 00:23:27.199
 because

00:23:27.199 --> 00:23:28.460
 well I don't know why

00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.199
 why is it

00:23:29.199 --> 00:23:30.579
 why is it so difficult

00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.119
 to share with

00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:31.879
 our own families

00:23:31.880 --> 00:23:34.760
 but as you lived

00:23:34.760 --> 00:23:35.360
 your life

00:23:35.360 --> 00:23:36.460
 in 2016

00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:37.680
 how were you involved

00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.840
 in making disciples

00:23:38.840 --> 00:23:42.860
 if

00:23:42.860 --> 00:23:44.580
 you're a parent

00:23:44.580 --> 00:23:45.220
 and your children

00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.300
 are still at home

00:23:46.300 --> 00:23:48.060
 one of the places

00:23:48.060 --> 00:23:48.740
 to begin

00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.900
 in making disciples

00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:51.080
 is with your children

00:23:51.080 --> 00:23:53.520
 that is the first

00:23:53.520 --> 00:23:54.660
 probably the greatest

00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.680
 place that we can

00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.900
 be involved

00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:57.480
 because

00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:59.300
 what does it profit us

00:23:59.299 --> 00:24:00.159
 if we go out

00:24:00.159 --> 00:24:01.379
 and we travel the world

00:24:01.379 --> 00:24:02.740
 and yet our children

00:24:02.740 --> 00:24:03.759
 grow up and do not

00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.379
 know the Lord

00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:05.899
 or they're not equipped

00:24:05.899 --> 00:24:07.019
 to go into the world

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:08.139
 and to face

00:24:08.139 --> 00:24:09.159
 the challenges

00:24:09.159 --> 00:24:09.899
 of the world

00:24:09.899 --> 00:24:10.839
 because we've not

00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:11.700
 grounded them

00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.419
 in the faith

00:24:12.419 --> 00:24:14.639
 so as parents

00:24:14.639 --> 00:24:15.819
 we should begin

00:24:15.819 --> 00:24:16.539
 with our own

00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:17.359
 homes

00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:17.980
 our families

00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.639
 our children

00:24:18.639 --> 00:24:19.419
 and dads

00:24:19.419 --> 00:24:20.700
 that solely

00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.379
 rest

00:24:21.379 --> 00:24:23.720
 mainly upon us

00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:25.879
 it is our responsibility

00:24:25.879 --> 00:24:26.960
 if we fail

00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:28.599
 we're responsible

00:24:28.599 --> 00:24:30.740
 and so as dads

00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.759
 that means more

00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.839
 than just bringing

00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.419
 your children

00:24:34.419 --> 00:24:35.219
 to church

00:24:35.219 --> 00:24:36.899
 that is an important

00:24:36.899 --> 00:24:37.579
 aspect

00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:38.839
 of being in church

00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:40.339
 setting an example

00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:41.199
 for your children

00:24:41.199 --> 00:24:42.719
 to let them see you

00:24:42.719 --> 00:24:43.359
 in church

00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:45.399
 serving in church

00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:46.879
 being involved

00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.779
 but that's not

00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.740
 all there is to it

00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:49.419
 we must take

00:24:49.419 --> 00:24:50.500
 the responsibility

00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.719
 of teaching them

00:24:51.719 --> 00:24:52.199
 at home

00:24:52.199 --> 00:24:53.980
 lead Bible studies

00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:54.519
 at home

00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.639
 look for those

00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:56.779
 teaching moments

00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.399
 at home

00:24:57.400 --> 00:24:58.400
 where you can

00:24:58.400 --> 00:24:59.380
 apply truths

00:24:59.380 --> 00:24:59.860
 and things

00:24:59.860 --> 00:25:00.340
 that have gone

00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:00.800
 on in your

00:25:00.800 --> 00:25:01.680
 children's lives

00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.500
 to begin

00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.660
 teaching them

00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:05.360
 but as we look

00:25:05.360 --> 00:25:07.140
 at our lives

00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.240
 where are we

00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.900
 connecting

00:25:08.900 --> 00:25:10.200
 with God's vision

00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:11.480
 or how are we

00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.660
 being obedient

00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:14.040
 to the great commission

00:25:14.040 --> 00:25:15.580
 to go and make

00:25:15.580 --> 00:25:16.220
 disciples

00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.460
 you know

00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.300
 there are numerous

00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:19.140
 opportunities

00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:20.000
 to do this

00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:20.980
 besides just

00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:22.180
 raising our children

00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:22.620
 to be

00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.880
 disciples

00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:25.460
 there are numerous

00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.340
 opportunities

00:25:26.340 --> 00:25:27.040
 for you to be

00:25:27.040 --> 00:25:27.460
 involved

00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.260
 if you just

00:25:28.260 --> 00:25:28.980
 look at the

00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.500
 ministries

00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.580
 within our church

00:25:30.580 --> 00:25:32.780
 just within

00:25:32.780 --> 00:25:33.460
 our church

00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.380
 there are numerous

00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:35.560
 ministries

00:25:35.560 --> 00:25:36.480
 and opportunities

00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:37.520
 to be involved

00:25:37.520 --> 00:25:38.940
 evangelistically

00:25:38.940 --> 00:25:40.920
 as well as

00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.880
 discipleship

00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:43.060
 you know

00:25:43.060 --> 00:25:43.660
 I could stand

00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.200
 up here today

00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.040
 and list a whole

00:25:45.040 --> 00:25:46.120
 number of things

00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:46.800
 that we do

00:25:46.800 --> 00:25:47.280
 that you could

00:25:47.280 --> 00:25:48.040
 be involved in

00:25:48.040 --> 00:25:48.660
 and you might

00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.160
 think well I'm

00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:49.660
 not a Sunday

00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:50.340
 school teacher

00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:51.320
 or you know

00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:52.000
 I can't go on

00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.540
 mission trips

00:25:52.539 --> 00:25:53.539
 well a lot

00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:53.980
 of times

00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:55.259
 these ministries

00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:55.940
 need people

00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.899
 behind the scenes

00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.220
 too

00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:59.779
 we need people

00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.559
 behind the scenes

00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.059
 most of you

00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:01.500
 would not be

00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:02.180
 hearing me

00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.159
 this morning

00:26:03.159 --> 00:26:03.700
 if we didn't

00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.399
 have someone

00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:05.619
 running sound

00:26:05.619 --> 00:26:08.139
 most of us

00:26:08.139 --> 00:26:08.599
 would not

00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.299
 come here

00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:11.839
 and worship

00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:12.500
 if somebody

00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.099
 didn't take care

00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:13.559
 of the building

00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:15.039
 we've got

00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.420
 ministry opportunities

00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:17.059
 that are behind

00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:17.839
 the scenes

00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:19.119
 that you can

00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:19.819
 get involved in

00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.399
 God has given

00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:21.180
 us all spiritual

00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:21.579
 gifts

00:26:21.579 --> 00:26:22.299
 he's given

00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:22.939
 us talents

00:26:22.939 --> 00:26:23.379
 he's given

00:26:23.379 --> 00:26:24.099
 us abilities

00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.139
 that he

00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:25.960
 desires for

00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.720
 us to use

00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.319
 within the

00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:27.720
 church

00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.639
 and so we

00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:29.119
 can all get

00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:29.679
 involved

00:26:29.679 --> 00:26:30.919
 and make

00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:31.659
 disciples

00:26:31.659 --> 00:26:32.599
 we can all

00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.199
 be involved

00:26:33.199 --> 00:26:34.079
 in some way

00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:35.079
 directly or

00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:35.599
 indirectly

00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:36.559
 in evangelism

00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:38.960
 we also can

00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:40.319
 look at other

00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.439
 ministry opportunities

00:26:41.439 --> 00:26:42.480
 outside the

00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:42.879
 church

00:26:42.879 --> 00:26:44.659
 we've tried to

00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:45.220
 make some

00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.899
 opportunities

00:26:45.899 --> 00:26:46.980
 known to you

00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:48.259
 over the years

00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:49.539
 that you can

00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:50.399
 be involved in

00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:50.960
 things like

00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.840
 cafe connection

00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:52.460
 that's literally

00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.480
 across the

00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:53.980
 street from

00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.300
 us

00:26:54.300 --> 00:26:56.720
 dream center

00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:58.480
 united christian

00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.200
 ministries

00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.440
 samaritan's

00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:00.840
 purse

00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:01.840
 things like

00:27:01.840 --> 00:27:02.500
 this that you

00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.480
 can be involved

00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:04.440
 in to help

00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:05.800
 support their

00:27:05.800 --> 00:27:06.600
 ministries

00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:07.519
 you may not

00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:08.400
 be directly

00:27:08.400 --> 00:27:09.000
 out on the

00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.640
 front line

00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.620
 in evangelism

00:27:10.620 --> 00:27:12.440
 or discipleship

00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.860
 but you're

00:27:12.860 --> 00:27:13.640
 strengthening

00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:14.980
 their ministries

00:27:14.980 --> 00:27:15.920
 at times

00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:16.559
 where you can

00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.200
 be aiding

00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:18.559
 them to be

00:27:18.559 --> 00:27:19.079
 involved in

00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:19.420
 that a lot

00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:19.680
 of our

00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.299
 mission trips

00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:20.640
 are that

00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:21.299
 very thing

00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:22.579
 we've gone

00:27:22.579 --> 00:27:23.720
 to help

00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:25.299
 others and

00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.160
 their ministries

00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:27.059
 be stronger

00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:28.220
 whether I

00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.660
 think of

00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.940
 Dakota sunshine

00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.799
 we've spent a

00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.880
 lot of money

00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:32.559
 there and a

00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:33.039
 lot of man

00:27:33.039 --> 00:27:33.579
 hours there

00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.200
 and woman

00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:34.940
 hours there

00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:36.019
 I think of

00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.680
 Jennifer Payne

00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.259
 being up on

00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:37.620
 the roof

00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.140
 helping us

00:27:38.140 --> 00:27:39.180
 put a roof

00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:39.740
 on a building

00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.360
 and so women

00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:41.860
 you can be

00:27:41.860 --> 00:27:42.539
 involved too

00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:43.920
 but we've

00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.619
 gone up there

00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:45.180
 and we've

00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:46.379
 worked and

00:27:46.379 --> 00:27:46.899
 most of us

00:27:46.899 --> 00:27:47.359
 have never

00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:47.940
 come into

00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:49.240
 contact directly

00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.639
 with the

00:27:49.639 --> 00:27:50.279
 Native American

00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:50.899
 children that

00:27:50.899 --> 00:27:51.359
 come to that

00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.500
 camp but we've

00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.680
 strengthened Dakota

00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:55.139
 sunshine so

00:27:55.139 --> 00:27:55.720
 that their

00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.700
 ministry is

00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:58.099
 greater so

00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:58.819
 there's a lot

00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.559
 of opportunities

00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.599
 that you can

00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.240
 get involved

00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.399
 in and be a

00:28:02.399 --> 00:28:03.819
 part of in

00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:05.399
 helping our

00:28:05.399 --> 00:28:06.359
 church's ministry

00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:07.480
 as we reach

00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.139
 out into our

00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.859
 community or

00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.619
 make the gospel

00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:10.500
 known right here

00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.619
 in Pickens or

00:28:11.619 --> 00:28:13.039
 other parts

00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:14.759
 certainly of

00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.319
 the world

00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.759
 now you may

00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.419
 be thinking I

00:28:17.419 --> 00:28:18.299
 can't do that

00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.639
 I don't know

00:28:19.639 --> 00:28:20.379
 enough I don't

00:28:20.379 --> 00:28:20.739
 have enough

00:28:20.739 --> 00:28:22.099
 skills I'm not

00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:24.419
 in construction

00:28:24.419 --> 00:28:25.079
 or I don't

00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:25.459
 have enough

00:28:25.459 --> 00:28:26.379
 training I

00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:26.759
 don't have

00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:28.159
 enough life

00:28:28.159 --> 00:28:29.299
 experience

00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:31.739
 you may be

00:28:31.739 --> 00:28:32.419
 thinking all of

00:28:32.419 --> 00:28:32.819
 that and I

00:28:32.819 --> 00:28:33.559
 just want to

00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.679
 remind you of

00:28:34.679 --> 00:28:35.419
 a lady in

00:28:35.419 --> 00:28:36.000
 John chapter

00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:37.459
 4 that Jesus

00:28:37.459 --> 00:28:38.439
 met we often

00:28:38.439 --> 00:28:39.539
 refer to as the

00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.000
 woman at the

00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.259
 well

00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:42.099
 Jesus was

00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:42.660
 going from

00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:44.019
 Jerusalem to

00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:46.900
 Galilee and

00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:47.960
 he had to pass

00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.940
 through Samaria

00:28:48.940 --> 00:28:50.039
 and he was

00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:51.460
 fully man and

00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:51.960
 so he was

00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:53.440
 tired he was

00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.000
 weary from

00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.799
 traveling he

00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:56.619
 wasn't driving

00:28:56.619 --> 00:28:58.039
 his Honda down

00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.279
 the Jerusalem

00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.200
 Express or

00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:00.700
 anything like

00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.200
 that he was

00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.859
 walking and he

00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:03.779
 was thirsty and

00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.319
 he came to

00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:05.099
 Jacob's well and

00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:05.779
 he sat down

00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:07.099
 at the well and

00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:08.059
 the disciples went

00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:08.799
 into town to

00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.720
 try to buy food

00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:11.319
 and this lady

00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.539
 comes out that

00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:14.079
 Jesus engages in

00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:15.200
 conversation with

00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:17.059
 and this lady

00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:18.759
 was an

00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:19.680
 uneducated

00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:20.920
 Samaritan

00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:22.759
 woman who

00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:23.519
 was living in a

00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.620
 very adulterous

00:29:24.620 --> 00:29:25.500
 and sinful

00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.839
 lifestyle

00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:28.279
 but you think

00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.079
 about that story

00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:29.700
 most of you know

00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.420
 that story very

00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:30.819
 well and I'm

00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.160
 going to read a

00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.640
 couple verses

00:29:31.640 --> 00:29:32.019
 here in a

00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.100
 moment in verse

00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:33.799
 28 and 30

00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:35.980
 as Jesus engaged

00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.740
 in conversation

00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.819
 with this lady

00:29:37.819 --> 00:29:38.980
 and he begins

00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:39.759
 to explain to

00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.839
 her he is the

00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:41.380
 Messiah

00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:43.079
 what did she

00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:43.480
 do

00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:44.960
 well let's look

00:29:44.960 --> 00:29:45.779
 in verse 28

00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:47.599
 John 4

00:29:47.599 --> 00:29:49.120
 28

00:29:49.120 --> 00:29:49.980
 so the woman

00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.779
 left her water

00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.440
 jar and went

00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:52.319
 away into town

00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:52.859
 and said to the

00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:53.960
 people come

00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:55.200
 see a man who

00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:55.960
 told me all that

00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.620
 I ever did

00:29:56.620 --> 00:29:57.960
 can this be the

00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:58.480
 Christ

00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.380
 what did the

00:29:59.380 --> 00:29:59.900
 people do

00:29:59.900 --> 00:30:00.799
 there was a

00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:02.480
 sinful woman

00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.440
 who was going

00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:04.059
 to the well in

00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.740
 the middle of the

00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.359
 day because she

00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:05.740
 probably didn't

00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.079
 want to be

00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.900
 harassed by the

00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:07.400
 other women

00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:08.220
 who went to

00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:08.779
 the well early

00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.240
 in the morning

00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:09.759
 before the

00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.519
 noonday heat

00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:12.980
 did they listen

00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.700
 to her or did

00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.420
 they think she's

00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.700
 crazy just ignore

00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:17.480
 her look at

00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.099
 verse 30

00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:19.220
 they went out

00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.480
 of the town

00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:21.200
 and were coming

00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:22.000
 to him coming

00:30:22.000 --> 00:30:22.660
 to Christ

00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:24.759
 here's an

00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:25.660
 adulterous

00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:28.480
 Samaritan

00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:30.519
 probably uneducated

00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:32.720
 woman that

00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.120
 Christ used

00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.159
 really as a

00:30:35.159 --> 00:30:35.879
 missionary in

00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:36.399
 that village

00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:36.979
 in that town

00:30:36.979 --> 00:30:37.959
 to go

00:30:37.959 --> 00:30:39.119
 and to say

00:30:39.119 --> 00:30:39.939
 come meet a

00:30:39.939 --> 00:30:40.719
 man who's told

00:30:40.719 --> 00:30:41.500
 me everything

00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:42.319
 about me

00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:42.979
 come

00:30:42.979 --> 00:30:43.579
 and they went

00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:45.239
 out to inquire

00:30:45.239 --> 00:30:46.519
 about Christ

00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.459
 and so you may

00:30:47.459 --> 00:30:48.019
 be sitting here

00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.659
 thinking today

00:30:48.659 --> 00:30:49.759
 I can't do that

00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:51.139
 I don't have a

00:30:51.139 --> 00:30:52.059
 bible college degree

00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.159
 I didn't grow up

00:30:53.159 --> 00:30:53.519
 in church

00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:54.139
 I don't know

00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:54.559
 enough

00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.299
 I haven't been

00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:56.079
 a Christian long

00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.399
 enough

00:30:56.399 --> 00:30:59.219
 when we look at

00:30:59.219 --> 00:30:59.939
 the woman at the

00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:00.799
 well it tears

00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:02.119
 down every one

00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:03.119
 of those excuses

00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:04.959
 it begins to

00:31:04.959 --> 00:31:05.659
 tear down

00:31:05.659 --> 00:31:06.559
 every excuse

00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:07.299
 you can imagine

00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:07.899
 if you go

00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:08.599
 throughout the

00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:08.939
 scriptures

00:31:08.939 --> 00:31:10.119
 we run into

00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:11.000
 other characters

00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:11.819
 and other people

00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:13.019
 that God used

00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:14.159
 to fulfill his

00:31:14.159 --> 00:31:14.879
 purpose and his

00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:15.039
 will

00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.559
 people like

00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.099
 Moses

00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:17.459
 or David

00:31:17.459 --> 00:31:18.739
 or I even

00:31:18.739 --> 00:31:19.639
 think of Paul

00:31:19.639 --> 00:31:20.899
 a man who was

00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:22.479
 killing Christians

00:31:22.479 --> 00:31:23.659
 hunting them

00:31:23.659 --> 00:31:24.099
 down

00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:24.959
 throwing them

00:31:24.959 --> 00:31:25.539
 in prison

00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.379
 and killing

00:31:26.379 --> 00:31:26.879
 them

00:31:26.880 --> 00:31:29.140
 and yet

00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:29.920
 God saw

00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:30.540
 fit to

00:31:30.540 --> 00:31:31.700
 use him

00:31:31.700 --> 00:31:32.200
 to be one

00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:32.380
 of the

00:31:32.380 --> 00:31:32.700
 greatest

00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.360
 apostles

00:31:33.360 --> 00:31:34.500
 that we've

00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.100
 ever known

00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:38.120
 when we look

00:31:38.120 --> 00:31:38.500
 throughout

00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.200
 scripture

00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:41.180
 any excuse

00:31:41.180 --> 00:31:42.040
 that we come

00:31:42.040 --> 00:31:42.580
 up with

00:31:42.580 --> 00:31:43.300
 of why

00:31:43.300 --> 00:31:44.200
 we can't

00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:45.000
 be involved

00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:45.760
 in fulfilling

00:31:45.760 --> 00:31:46.300
 the great

00:31:46.300 --> 00:31:46.840
 commission

00:31:46.840 --> 00:31:48.020
 and going

00:31:48.020 --> 00:31:48.740
 and making

00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.560
 disciples

00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:51.020
 is torn

00:31:51.020 --> 00:31:51.680
 apart

00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.740
 by scripture

00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:53.820
 and it all

00:31:53.820 --> 00:31:54.800
 basically comes

00:31:54.800 --> 00:31:55.380
 down to

00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:56.040
 obedience

00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:58.220
 faithfulness

00:31:58.220 --> 00:31:59.220
 are we

00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.000
 willing to

00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:01.039
 make ourselves

00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:01.899
 available

00:32:01.899 --> 00:32:02.960
 to God

00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:03.920
 are we going

00:32:03.920 --> 00:32:04.859
 to put God

00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:06.220
 first in our

00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:07.059
 lives this

00:32:07.059 --> 00:32:07.980
 new year

00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:09.399
 and seek him

00:32:09.399 --> 00:32:10.159
 with all of

00:32:10.159 --> 00:32:10.779
 our heart

00:32:10.779 --> 00:32:12.000
 to seek

00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.859
 after him

00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:13.720
 and make

00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.359
 ourselves

00:32:14.359 --> 00:32:15.279
 available for

00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:16.059
 whatever God

00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:16.759
 chooses to

00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.659
 use us for

00:32:17.659 --> 00:32:19.039
 are we

00:32:19.039 --> 00:32:19.700
 willing to

00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.299
 do that

00:32:20.299 --> 00:32:21.779
 are we

00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:22.579
 willing to

00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:23.240
 get out of

00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.819
 our comfort

00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.220
 zone

00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:25.500
 and even

00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.519
 risk humiliating

00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.119
 ourselves

00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:27.920
 or just

00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:28.960
 being uncomfortable

00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:30.259
 to tell people

00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:30.920
 about Jesus

00:32:30.920 --> 00:32:31.559
 Christ

00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:32.559
 can you tell

00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.039
 people

00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:34.579
 your testimony

00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:37.000
 not necessarily

00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.940
 how you came

00:32:37.940 --> 00:32:38.500
 to faith in

00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:38.880
 Christ

00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:40.839
 but what is

00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:41.700
 God doing

00:32:41.700 --> 00:32:42.400
 in your life

00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:42.859
 today

00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:45.200
 who is Christ

00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:45.779
 to you

00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.799
 why is he so

00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.579
 important to

00:32:47.579 --> 00:32:47.920
 you

00:32:47.920 --> 00:32:49.160
 why do you

00:32:49.160 --> 00:32:49.960
 worship him

00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.440
 why do you

00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.279
 live for him

00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:52.019
 why do you

00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:52.640
 spend time

00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.279
 studying the

00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:53.680
 Bible

00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:54.960
 how is your

00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:55.900
 life different

00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:56.580
 today

00:32:56.580 --> 00:32:57.900
 because you

00:32:57.900 --> 00:32:58.600
 know Jesus

00:32:58.600 --> 00:32:59.220
 Christ

00:32:59.220 --> 00:33:00.820
 can we do

00:33:00.820 --> 00:33:01.160
 that

00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:02.820
 are we

00:33:02.820 --> 00:33:03.560
 willing

00:33:03.560 --> 00:33:06.640
 like I go

00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:07.180
 back to the

00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:07.960
 Christmas story

00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:08.440
 and when the

00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:09.120
 angel appeared

00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:09.580
 to Mary

00:33:09.580 --> 00:33:11.580
 and he told

00:33:11.580 --> 00:33:12.000
 her she was

00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:12.400
 going to have

00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:12.880
 a baby

00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.560
 and she was

00:33:13.560 --> 00:33:14.279
 like how can

00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:14.700
 this be

00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:15.440
 and he explained

00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:15.799
 it all

00:33:15.799 --> 00:33:16.460
 and how did

00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.100
 she end up

00:33:17.100 --> 00:33:17.980
 ending that

00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:18.620
 conversation

00:33:18.620 --> 00:33:19.500
 I am your

00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.000
 servant

00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:20.940
 may it be

00:33:20.940 --> 00:33:21.500
 as you have

00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:21.880
 said

00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:23.720
 are we

00:33:23.720 --> 00:33:24.200
 willing to

00:33:24.200 --> 00:33:25.040
 respond today

00:33:25.040 --> 00:33:25.720
 and say

00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:27.040
 Lord I am

00:33:27.040 --> 00:33:28.100
 your servant

00:33:28.100 --> 00:33:29.140
 take me

00:33:29.140 --> 00:33:29.960
 use me

00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.760
 and do with

00:33:30.760 --> 00:33:31.480
 me what

00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:32.400
 you will

00:33:32.400 --> 00:33:33.540
 and don't

00:33:33.540 --> 00:33:34.180
 just say it

00:33:34.180 --> 00:33:34.640
 and then sit

00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:35.160
 back down

00:33:35.160 --> 00:33:35.620
 and wait for

00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:36.120
 God to come

00:33:36.120 --> 00:33:36.900
 pick you up

00:33:36.900 --> 00:33:37.340
 and do

00:33:37.340 --> 00:33:37.820
 something with

00:33:37.820 --> 00:33:37.960
 you

00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:39.000
 but seek

00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:39.380
 him

00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:41.420
 follow him

00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:42.760
 obey him

00:33:42.760 --> 00:33:44.000
 do what he's

00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:44.620
 called us to

00:33:44.620 --> 00:33:45.380
 do through

00:33:45.380 --> 00:33:46.000
 scripture

00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:49.120
 Jesus said

00:33:49.120 --> 00:33:49.940
 not everyone

00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.680
 who comes to

00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:51.200
 me and says

00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:51.960
 Lord Lord

00:33:51.960 --> 00:33:52.620
 will enter

00:33:52.620 --> 00:33:53.080
 into the

00:33:53.080 --> 00:33:53.580
 kingdom of

00:33:53.580 --> 00:33:53.960
 God

00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.660
 but only

00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:55.360
 those who

00:33:55.360 --> 00:33:56.340
 obey

00:33:56.340 --> 00:33:59.740
 his

00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.220
 commandments

00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:00.779
 and what

00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:01.259
 he's taught

00:34:01.259 --> 00:34:01.600
 us

00:34:01.600 --> 00:34:03.580
 are we

00:34:03.580 --> 00:34:04.100
 living in

00:34:04.100 --> 00:34:04.600
 obedience

00:34:04.600 --> 00:34:06.519
 are we

00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:07.160
 obeying

00:34:07.160 --> 00:34:08.440
 all of

00:34:08.440 --> 00:34:09.240
 God's word

00:34:09.240 --> 00:34:09.840
 and message

00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:10.280
 are we

00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:10.599
 picking

00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:11.039
 I like

00:34:11.039 --> 00:34:11.539
 this part

00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:12.039
 I don't

00:34:12.039 --> 00:34:12.280
 know if

00:34:12.280 --> 00:34:12.579
 I like

00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:12.980
 that one

00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:13.639
 I like

00:34:13.639 --> 00:34:14.079
 this one

00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:14.720
 over here

00:34:14.720 --> 00:34:15.079
 how about

00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:15.360
 I do

00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:15.659
 that

00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.039
 but

00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:17.240
 let's

00:34:17.240 --> 00:34:17.460
 skip

00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:17.980
 that book

00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:18.679
 don't like

00:34:18.679 --> 00:34:19.019
 that too

00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.159
 much

00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:19.720
 are we

00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:20.240
 willing to

00:34:20.240 --> 00:34:20.699
 pick up

00:34:20.699 --> 00:34:21.219
 the word

00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:21.779
 of God

00:34:21.779 --> 00:34:22.619
 and read

00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:22.859
 it

00:34:22.859 --> 00:34:23.919
 study it

00:34:23.919 --> 00:34:25.019
 digest it

00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:25.679
 and say

00:34:25.679 --> 00:34:26.239
 I'm going

00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:26.859
 to believe

00:34:26.859 --> 00:34:27.739
 every word

00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:28.079
 in this

00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:28.319
 book

00:34:28.319 --> 00:34:28.719
 and I'm

00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.079
 going to

00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:29.839
 obey it

00:34:29.839 --> 00:34:30.179
 to the

00:34:30.179 --> 00:34:30.619
 best of

00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.099
 my power

00:34:31.099 --> 00:34:31.500
 through the

00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.359
 Holy Spirit

00:34:32.359 --> 00:34:33.379
 living within

00:34:33.379 --> 00:34:33.819
 me

00:34:33.819 --> 00:34:35.199
 and at the

00:34:35.199 --> 00:34:35.559
 end of

00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:36.460
 2017

00:34:36.460 --> 00:34:37.199
 we can

00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:37.960
 look back

00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.799
 and realize

00:34:38.799 --> 00:34:39.439
 where we've

00:34:39.439 --> 00:34:39.879
 grown

00:34:39.879 --> 00:34:41.019
 and where

00:34:41.019 --> 00:34:41.559
 God has

00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:42.259
 been working

00:34:42.259 --> 00:34:43.579
 using us

00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:44.579
 because

00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:46.339
 success

00:34:46.339 --> 00:34:46.919
 in sharing

00:34:46.919 --> 00:34:47.500
 the gospel

00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:48.400
 and

00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:49.840
 making

00:34:49.840 --> 00:34:50.260
 the

00:34:50.260 --> 00:34:51.079
 kingdom

00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:51.659
 advance

00:34:51.659 --> 00:34:51.860
 the

00:34:51.860 --> 00:34:52.099
 kingdom

00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:52.500
 of God

00:34:52.500 --> 00:34:52.800
 is not

00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.480
 about us

00:34:53.480 --> 00:34:53.840
 it's not

00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:54.239
 about our

00:34:54.239 --> 00:34:54.539
 gifts

00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:54.960
 it's not

00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.400
 about our

00:34:55.400 --> 00:34:55.780
 talents

00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:56.260
 it's not

00:34:56.260 --> 00:34:56.599
 about

00:34:56.599 --> 00:34:57.639
 resources

00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:58.079
 and us

00:34:58.079 --> 00:34:58.380
 doing

00:34:58.380 --> 00:34:58.659
 anything

00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:59.239
 it's about

00:34:59.239 --> 00:34:59.539
 being

00:34:59.539 --> 00:35:00.139
 faithful

00:35:00.139 --> 00:35:02.159
 it's about

00:35:02.159 --> 00:35:02.480
 being

00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.320
 obedient

00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:05.280
 and God

00:35:05.280 --> 00:35:05.559
 is the

00:35:05.559 --> 00:35:06.059
 one doing

00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:06.599
 the work

00:35:06.599 --> 00:35:07.519
 God

00:35:07.519 --> 00:35:08.159
 is working

00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:09.199
 through us

00:35:09.199 --> 00:35:10.239
 and in

00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:10.579
 us

00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:11.579
 to draw

00:35:11.579 --> 00:35:12.099
 people

00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:12.420
 unto

00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:12.699
 himself

00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:13.340
 we can't

00:35:13.340 --> 00:35:13.780
 do that

00:35:13.780 --> 00:35:15.519
 I can

00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:15.760
 never

00:35:15.760 --> 00:35:16.140
 change

00:35:16.140 --> 00:35:16.560
 a heart

00:35:16.560 --> 00:35:18.780
 I have

00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.080
 a hard

00:35:19.080 --> 00:35:19.280
 enough

00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:19.540
 time

00:35:19.540 --> 00:35:19.880
 with my

00:35:19.880 --> 00:35:20.060
 own

00:35:20.060 --> 00:35:20.360
 heart

00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:22.860
 but what

00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:23.280
 we can

00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:23.740
 do is

00:35:23.740 --> 00:35:24.560
 be obedient

00:35:24.560 --> 00:35:25.580
 and to

00:35:25.580 --> 00:35:26.380
 be faithful

00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:27.300
 and trust

00:35:27.300 --> 00:35:27.680
 that the

00:35:27.680 --> 00:35:28.300
 Lord is

00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:28.640
 the one

00:35:28.640 --> 00:35:29.180
 working

00:35:29.180 --> 00:35:29.900
 through our

00:35:29.900 --> 00:35:30.440
 efforts

00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:31.940
 trusting

00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:32.760
 that God

00:35:32.760 --> 00:35:34.100
 is drawing

00:35:34.100 --> 00:35:34.580
 people

00:35:34.580 --> 00:35:34.840
 unto

00:35:34.840 --> 00:35:35.340
 himself

00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:35.840
 God

00:35:35.840 --> 00:35:36.340
 is working

00:35:36.340 --> 00:35:36.780
 in their

00:35:36.780 --> 00:35:37.200
 hearts

00:35:37.200 --> 00:35:37.880
 God

00:35:37.880 --> 00:35:38.480
 is opening

00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:39.460
 their eyes

00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:40.019
 God

00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:40.500
 is setting

00:35:40.500 --> 00:35:41.340
 them free

00:35:41.340 --> 00:35:42.160
 from sin

00:35:42.160 --> 00:35:42.680
 and things

00:35:42.680 --> 00:35:43.000
 they've

00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:43.580
 been

00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:44.319
 in bondage

00:35:44.319 --> 00:35:44.819
 to for

00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:45.420
 years

00:35:45.420 --> 00:35:47.559
 but how

00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.239
 can they

00:35:48.239 --> 00:35:49.840
 believe

00:35:49.840 --> 00:35:51.480
 if they

00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.000
 have not

00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:52.460
 heard

00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:55.179
 and how

00:35:55.179 --> 00:35:55.639
 can they

00:35:55.639 --> 00:35:56.079
 hear

00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:58.199
 if someone

00:35:58.199 --> 00:35:58.739
 does not

00:35:58.739 --> 00:35:59.299
 go to

00:35:59.299 --> 00:35:59.659
 them

00:35:59.659 --> 00:36:00.860
 and proclaim

00:36:00.860 --> 00:36:01.840
 to them

00:36:01.840 --> 00:36:04.000
 I want to

00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:04.380
 tell you about

00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:05.239
 another opportunity

00:36:05.239 --> 00:36:05.819
 and I know

00:36:05.819 --> 00:36:07.179
 time is

00:36:07.179 --> 00:36:09.659
 ticking away

00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:10.119
 here but I

00:36:10.119 --> 00:36:10.460
 want to tell you

00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:10.860
 about another

00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:11.699
 opportunity to

00:36:11.699 --> 00:36:12.219
 get involved

00:36:12.219 --> 00:36:12.739
 this year

00:36:12.739 --> 00:36:14.319
 to be a

00:36:14.319 --> 00:36:14.759
 part of

00:36:14.759 --> 00:36:15.059
 something

00:36:15.059 --> 00:36:15.699
 exciting

00:36:15.699 --> 00:36:17.239
 that I'm

00:36:17.239 --> 00:36:17.839
 more excited

00:36:17.839 --> 00:36:18.500
 about this

00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:18.919
 than anything

00:36:18.919 --> 00:36:19.419
 I've been

00:36:19.419 --> 00:36:20.039
 involved in

00:36:20.039 --> 00:36:20.559
 for 21

00:36:20.559 --> 00:36:21.039
 years of

00:36:21.039 --> 00:36:21.439
 ministry

00:36:21.439 --> 00:36:23.979
 and that's

00:36:23.979 --> 00:36:24.159
 something

00:36:24.159 --> 00:36:24.899
 Jim Gilstrap

00:36:24.899 --> 00:36:25.299
 and I went

00:36:25.299 --> 00:36:25.739
 to Birmingham

00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:26.199
 Alabama

00:36:26.199 --> 00:36:27.179
 last May

00:36:27.179 --> 00:36:27.679
 and we got

00:36:27.679 --> 00:36:28.779
 trained in

00:36:28.779 --> 00:36:29.759
 an evangelism

00:36:29.759 --> 00:36:30.799
 strategy called

00:36:30.799 --> 00:36:31.739
 four fields

00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:32.879
 and this is

00:36:32.879 --> 00:36:33.500
 something that a

00:36:33.500 --> 00:36:34.479
 Chinese pastor

00:36:34.479 --> 00:36:36.199
 upon praying to

00:36:36.199 --> 00:36:36.799
 God looking

00:36:36.799 --> 00:36:37.319
 around him

00:36:37.319 --> 00:36:37.719
 saying there's

00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:38.219
 all these

00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:39.659
 millions of

00:36:39.659 --> 00:36:40.699
 Chinese living

00:36:40.699 --> 00:36:41.460
 around me

00:36:41.460 --> 00:36:42.339
 I'm one

00:36:42.339 --> 00:36:42.679
 man

00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:43.419
 how can I

00:36:43.419 --> 00:36:44.019
 reach them

00:36:44.019 --> 00:36:44.359
 all

00:36:44.359 --> 00:36:45.419
 and through

00:36:45.419 --> 00:36:45.960
 prayer

00:36:45.960 --> 00:36:48.079
 and through

00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:48.739
 seeking the

00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:49.419
 Lord God

00:36:49.419 --> 00:36:50.039
 led him to

00:36:50.039 --> 00:36:50.699
 a strategy

00:36:50.699 --> 00:36:51.980
 that is now

00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:52.799
 referred to by

00:36:52.799 --> 00:36:54.039
 many missionaries

00:36:54.039 --> 00:36:55.199
 called the

00:36:55.199 --> 00:36:56.000
 four fields

00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:57.839
 and I stumbled

00:36:57.839 --> 00:36:58.599
 upon this by

00:36:58.599 --> 00:36:59.419
 accident because I

00:36:59.419 --> 00:37:00.099
 had my eyes

00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:00.719
 focused on

00:37:00.719 --> 00:37:01.579
 something else

00:37:01.579 --> 00:37:02.619
 and I was

00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:03.460
 talking to a

00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:04.460
 guy saying I

00:37:04.460 --> 00:37:04.879
 need you to

00:37:04.879 --> 00:37:05.480
 come here train

00:37:05.480 --> 00:37:06.079
 us he's like

00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:07.339
 I'll come train

00:37:07.339 --> 00:37:07.739
 you in that but

00:37:07.739 --> 00:37:08.359
 what you really

00:37:08.359 --> 00:37:08.960
 need is this

00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:09.260
 because we

00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:09.619
 were looking

00:37:09.619 --> 00:37:10.500
 for a

00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:11.440
 strategy to

00:37:11.440 --> 00:37:12.539
 focus in

00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:13.300
 Peru with

00:37:13.300 --> 00:37:14.619
 and so Jim

00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.280
 and I went

00:37:15.280 --> 00:37:17.039
 and we trained

00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:17.699
 in what's called

00:37:17.699 --> 00:37:18.539
 the four fields

00:37:18.539 --> 00:37:19.440
 and in November

00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:20.199
 we went to

00:37:20.199 --> 00:37:20.880
 Peru and we've

00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:21.440
 trained over

00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:22.360
 a hundred people

00:37:22.360 --> 00:37:23.420
 there we're

00:37:23.420 --> 00:37:24.480
 going back in

00:37:24.480 --> 00:37:24.940
 the end of

00:37:24.940 --> 00:37:25.720
 February early

00:37:25.720 --> 00:37:26.860
 March and I

00:37:26.860 --> 00:37:28.039
 hope to hear

00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:28.840
 a lot of

00:37:28.840 --> 00:37:29.880
 things that have

00:37:29.880 --> 00:37:30.699
 happened because

00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.300
 the people were

00:37:31.300 --> 00:37:32.260
 excited about it

00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.240
 people were

00:37:33.240 --> 00:37:34.240
 excited and they

00:37:34.240 --> 00:37:35.000
 knew they could

00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:35.960
 do it through

00:37:35.960 --> 00:37:36.659
 the power of the

00:37:36.659 --> 00:37:37.699
 Holy Spirit and

00:37:37.699 --> 00:37:38.519
 it essentially is

00:37:38.519 --> 00:37:39.300
 focused around

00:37:39.300 --> 00:37:40.360
 home Bible study

00:37:40.360 --> 00:37:41.960
 groups starting

00:37:41.960 --> 00:37:43.059
 home Bible study

00:37:43.059 --> 00:37:43.679
 groups and some

00:37:43.679 --> 00:37:43.980
 of them were

00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:44.500
 like we already

00:37:44.500 --> 00:37:45.179
 have a home Bible

00:37:45.179 --> 00:37:46.079
 study we can

00:37:46.079 --> 00:37:47.019
 take these truths

00:37:47.019 --> 00:37:47.759
 that you've taught

00:37:47.759 --> 00:37:48.699
 us these strategies

00:37:48.699 --> 00:37:49.800
 and apply and

00:37:49.800 --> 00:37:50.440
 they're simple

00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:51.960
 they're designed

00:37:51.960 --> 00:37:53.659
 for this whole

00:37:53.659 --> 00:37:55.179
 strategies designed

00:37:55.179 --> 00:37:57.420
 to be or outreach

00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:58.880
 to illiterate

00:37:58.880 --> 00:38:00.519
 Chinese people

00:38:00.519 --> 00:38:02.659
 living out in

00:38:02.659 --> 00:38:03.940
 the bush or out

00:38:03.940 --> 00:38:04.500
 in the country

00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:05.639
 somewhere and

00:38:05.639 --> 00:38:06.239
 being able to

00:38:06.239 --> 00:38:07.539
 reach them raise

00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:08.259
 them up from

00:38:08.259 --> 00:38:08.820
 within because

00:38:08.820 --> 00:38:09.179
 they don't have

00:38:09.179 --> 00:38:10.320
 opportunities to

00:38:10.320 --> 00:38:11.279
 go to seminary and

00:38:11.279 --> 00:38:12.000
 places like that

00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:13.099
 but train them from

00:38:13.099 --> 00:38:14.440
 within to then go

00:38:14.440 --> 00:38:15.480
 start another Bible

00:38:15.480 --> 00:38:16.599
 study group and you

00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:17.800
 begin reaching people

00:38:17.800 --> 00:38:18.880
 through multiplication

00:38:18.880 --> 00:38:21.400
 if you'd like to go

00:38:21.400 --> 00:38:23.880
 with us to Peru and

00:38:23.880 --> 00:38:25.119
 be a part of this

00:38:25.119 --> 00:38:28.679
 then I've got the

00:38:28.679 --> 00:38:29.940
 discipleship classes

00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:31.619
 sign up sheets are in

00:38:31.619 --> 00:38:33.380
 the foyer and one of

00:38:33.380 --> 00:38:34.779
 those is entitled the

00:38:34.779 --> 00:38:35.659
 four fields and I'm

00:38:35.659 --> 00:38:36.379
 going to be teaching

00:38:36.379 --> 00:38:37.799
 this strategy on

00:38:37.799 --> 00:38:39.519
 Sunday nights beginning

00:38:39.519 --> 00:38:43.559
 January 15th and I

00:38:43.559 --> 00:38:44.699
 hope that you'll be

00:38:44.699 --> 00:38:45.539
 interested in maybe

00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:46.659
 going with us sometime

00:38:46.659 --> 00:38:48.239
 to Peru because this

00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:49.819
 is the focus of our

00:38:49.819 --> 00:38:51.019
 strategy in Peru from

00:38:51.019 --> 00:38:53.099
 this point forward and

00:38:53.099 --> 00:38:54.079
 this is what we're going

00:38:54.079 --> 00:38:56.819
 to be doing however I

00:38:56.819 --> 00:38:57.679
 believe that we can do

00:38:57.679 --> 00:38:59.500
 it right here too and I

00:38:59.500 --> 00:39:00.819
 know that because I'm

00:39:00.819 --> 00:39:02.339
 doing it already Jim

00:39:02.340 --> 00:39:03.220
 Gilstrap and I have

00:39:03.220 --> 00:39:04.059
 already started a Bible

00:39:04.059 --> 00:39:05.220
 study at Pickens Gardens

00:39:05.220 --> 00:39:07.360
 apartment complex what

00:39:07.360 --> 00:39:08.380
 I'd like to see is

00:39:08.380 --> 00:39:09.559
 starting other Bible

00:39:09.559 --> 00:39:10.820
 studies throughout the

00:39:10.820 --> 00:39:12.579
 area so you may have no

00:39:12.579 --> 00:39:13.440
 interest in going to

00:39:13.440 --> 00:39:14.440
 Peru but you want to see

00:39:14.440 --> 00:39:15.480
 people come to faith in

00:39:15.480 --> 00:39:16.900
 Christ and you think I

00:39:16.900 --> 00:39:17.920
 can host a home Bible

00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:19.140
 study if you train me

00:39:19.140 --> 00:39:20.079
 what to do and I want to

00:39:20.079 --> 00:39:21.140
 tell you once you go

00:39:21.140 --> 00:39:23.180
 through the training once

00:39:23.180 --> 00:39:24.300
 you see what we're

00:39:24.300 --> 00:39:24.920
 talking about it's

00:39:24.920 --> 00:39:27.180
 simple anyone can lead a

00:39:27.180 --> 00:39:28.600
 home Bible study when we

00:39:28.600 --> 00:39:29.960
 were in Peru we had a man

00:39:29.960 --> 00:39:30.659
 that was there at the

00:39:30.659 --> 00:39:32.380
 training we taught him

00:39:32.380 --> 00:39:33.240
 something and some of

00:39:33.240 --> 00:39:34.619
 you heard me teach this

00:39:34.619 --> 00:39:35.559
 on a Wednesday night it's

00:39:35.559 --> 00:39:36.539
 called the sword Bible

00:39:36.539 --> 00:39:38.740
 study method and all it

00:39:38.740 --> 00:39:40.860
 is is asking six questions

00:39:40.860 --> 00:39:42.880
 of any passage what do we

00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:44.920
 learn about God what do we

00:39:44.920 --> 00:39:46.780
 learn about people is there

00:39:46.780 --> 00:39:50.639
 a sin to avoid a promise to

00:39:50.639 --> 00:39:53.559
 hear an example to follow and

00:39:53.559 --> 00:39:55.579
 a command to obey anybody

00:39:55.579 --> 00:39:57.340
 can sit down with the

00:39:57.340 --> 00:39:59.679
 scripture and begin learning

00:39:59.679 --> 00:40:01.379
 something about God by

00:40:01.379 --> 00:40:03.579
 asking those six simple

00:40:03.579 --> 00:40:06.319
 questions and it's effective

00:40:06.319 --> 00:40:07.500
 and it works this one man

00:40:07.500 --> 00:40:10.239
 in Peru he said he came back

00:40:10.239 --> 00:40:11.559
 the next day and he said I

00:40:11.559 --> 00:40:13.759
 went to a Bible study that I'm

00:40:13.759 --> 00:40:16.199
 involved in it at night and

00:40:16.199 --> 00:40:17.179
 they looked at me and they

00:40:17.179 --> 00:40:18.779
 said you're leading it today

00:40:18.779 --> 00:40:20.639
 and he said he was not

00:40:20.639 --> 00:40:21.919
 prepared at all he's been

00:40:21.919 --> 00:40:23.739
 sitting for three days in a

00:40:23.739 --> 00:40:24.879
 conference we were teaching

00:40:24.879 --> 00:40:28.619
 he said oh wait he said I'll

00:40:28.619 --> 00:40:30.179
 just use the sword Bible study

00:40:30.179 --> 00:40:32.359
 method and so he went through

00:40:32.359 --> 00:40:33.619
 that passage with them with

00:40:33.619 --> 00:40:35.039
 the sword Bible study and he

00:40:35.039 --> 00:40:36.239
 said the people got so

00:40:36.239 --> 00:40:38.339
 excited they were digging into

00:40:38.339 --> 00:40:39.699
 the scripture learning about

00:40:39.699 --> 00:40:40.799
 the scripture and one lady

00:40:40.799 --> 00:40:43.839
 said finally finally I can

00:40:43.839 --> 00:40:46.719
 study the Bible on my own and

00:40:46.719 --> 00:40:48.559
 not have to have someone else

00:40:48.559 --> 00:40:50.759
 teach me I would say it's

00:40:50.759 --> 00:40:52.639
 exciting if you've got a heart

00:40:52.639 --> 00:40:54.460
 which I hope we all do and a

00:40:54.460 --> 00:40:56.759
 passion for reaching lost people

00:40:56.760 --> 00:40:58.820
 making disciples growing them

00:40:58.820 --> 00:41:01.320
 and advancing by simple home

00:41:01.320 --> 00:41:03.640
 Bible study groups sign up for

00:41:03.640 --> 00:41:08.080
 the class four fields and we'll

00:41:08.080 --> 00:41:10.720
 see you on Sunday night January

00:41:10.720 --> 00:41:12.320
 15th also I'm going to use this

00:41:12.320 --> 00:41:14.200
 as an opportunity just another

00:41:14.200 --> 00:41:15.400
 commercial for all of our

00:41:15.400 --> 00:41:16.660
 discipleship classes out there

00:41:16.660 --> 00:41:17.860
 we've got some really good ones

00:41:17.860 --> 00:41:19.680
 but we also have one called

00:41:19.680 --> 00:41:24.020
 single and parenting this is Brian

00:41:24.020 --> 00:41:25.680
 came up with these numbers a few

00:41:25.679 --> 00:41:27.119
 years ago there's seven or 18

00:41:27.119 --> 00:41:28.759
 million single parents living in

00:41:28.759 --> 00:41:31.199
 the United States 18 million

00:41:31.199 --> 00:41:33.679
 17 million of them are unchurched

00:41:34.500 --> 00:41:38.619
 17 out of 18 are unchurched

00:41:38.619 --> 00:41:40.000
 probably because they're worn out

00:41:40.000 --> 00:41:41.899
 wiped out for I'm being a single

00:41:41.899 --> 00:41:44.699
 parent but this is a class that's

00:41:44.699 --> 00:41:46.599
 ministering to them a support

00:41:46.599 --> 00:41:48.219
 group of other parents in the same

00:41:48.219 --> 00:41:51.619
 boat with them and leading them in a

00:41:51.619 --> 00:41:53.500
 study of scripture in the Bible

00:41:53.500 --> 00:41:57.539
 if you know single parents out there

00:41:57.539 --> 00:41:59.940
 that could benefit from a class like

00:41:59.940 --> 00:42:03.000
 this please let them know about it

00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:05.179
 and they can call here and talk to me

00:42:05.179 --> 00:42:07.599
 if they want to know more but single

00:42:07.599 --> 00:42:09.460
 and parenting it'll begin with all of

00:42:09.460 --> 00:42:11.039
 our other discipleship classes on

00:42:11.039 --> 00:42:15.579
 January the 15th let me conclude this

00:42:15.579 --> 00:42:18.679
 morning by saying this we may hear all

00:42:18.679 --> 00:42:20.779
 this you think it's great Jeff that

00:42:20.779 --> 00:42:22.299
 you're excited about this but you've

00:42:22.299 --> 00:42:25.199
 been to seminary it's great that you

00:42:25.199 --> 00:42:27.559
 went to that training you know I just

00:42:27.559 --> 00:42:29.779
 can't do that that's not me I'm not

00:42:29.779 --> 00:42:31.559
 skilled I don't have enough knowledge

00:42:31.559 --> 00:42:33.759
 I want to tell you something of why we

00:42:33.759 --> 00:42:36.980
 cannot fail when we're willing to be

00:42:36.980 --> 00:42:39.039
 obedient and faithful and just make

00:42:39.039 --> 00:42:42.759
 ourselves available look back at the

00:42:42.759 --> 00:42:45.980
 great commission Matthew and look at

00:42:45.980 --> 00:42:51.840
 verse 18 with me if you will treat it

00:42:51.840 --> 00:42:53.840
 together and Jesus came and said to

00:42:53.840 --> 00:42:56.380
 them all authority in heaven and on

00:42:56.380 --> 00:42:59.699
 earth has been given to me Jesus is

00:42:59.699 --> 00:43:02.920
 saying all authority has been given to

00:43:02.920 --> 00:43:06.860
 me by the father in heaven and on

00:43:06.860 --> 00:43:10.740
 earth it's a lot of authority Jesus is

00:43:10.740 --> 00:43:12.900
 the ultimate authority he's authority

00:43:12.900 --> 00:43:16.079
 over life authority over death authority

00:43:16.079 --> 00:43:20.280
 over time authority over nature sickness

00:43:20.280 --> 00:43:23.280
 disease spirits anything you can imagine

00:43:23.280 --> 00:43:27.059
 anything you can think of Jesus has been

00:43:27.059 --> 00:43:29.599
 given all authority and then what does it

00:43:29.599 --> 00:43:35.559
 say next the first word of verse 19 says

00:43:35.559 --> 00:43:39.559
 go go therefore and make disciples he's

00:43:39.559 --> 00:43:43.099
 implying I've been given all authority and I'm

00:43:43.099 --> 00:43:47.579
 sending you out under that authority you are to

00:43:47.579 --> 00:43:50.759
 go under the authority of Jesus Christ and the

00:43:50.759 --> 00:43:55.400
 name of Christ and go out representing him in the

00:43:55.400 --> 00:43:58.880
 world in which we live now jump down to verse

00:43:58.880 --> 00:44:04.059
 20 read with me verse 20 says teaching them to

00:44:04.059 --> 00:44:06.000
 observe all that I have commanded you and

00:44:06.000 --> 00:44:09.780
 behold I am with you always to the end of the

00:44:09.780 --> 00:44:15.739
 age you hear that Jesus is saying go in my

00:44:15.739 --> 00:44:19.659
 authority oh and guess what guess what I'm

00:44:19.659 --> 00:44:21.880
 going to go with you you're not going alone

00:44:21.880 --> 00:44:24.840
 Jesus is saying I'm going to be there with you

00:44:24.840 --> 00:44:29.440
 how can you fail how can you fail if you make

00:44:29.440 --> 00:44:33.659
 yourself available and be obedient to what he said

00:44:33.659 --> 00:44:36.899
 to do and go in his authority and know that he's

00:44:36.899 --> 00:44:40.859
 with us where we fail as we get things screwed up and

00:44:40.859 --> 00:44:43.679
 we look at it from a worldly perspective and not a

00:44:43.679 --> 00:44:46.460
 God perspective so many times we think well I'll go

00:44:46.460 --> 00:44:49.279
 witness and they won't accept Christ there was a

00:44:49.279 --> 00:44:52.379
 pastor in Peru that I was told he said he went out

00:44:52.379 --> 00:44:54.619
 witness to somebody they didn't receive Christ and he

00:44:54.619 --> 00:44:57.899
 said well I'll never do that again it's not what the

00:44:57.899 --> 00:45:00.659
 scriptures say if we're measuring it like a gunfighter

00:45:00.659 --> 00:45:05.440
 put notches in our belt then yeah we'll probably fail but if

00:45:05.440 --> 00:45:08.119
 we're looking at from the perspective of God of being

00:45:08.119 --> 00:45:14.559
 obedient and being faithful we can't lose because it's up to

00:45:14.559 --> 00:45:18.859
 God working in people's lives drawing them unto himself he's

00:45:18.859 --> 00:45:23.079
 just allowing us to be a part of that process of going and

00:45:23.079 --> 00:45:26.719
 communicating and proclaiming that gospel what a wonderful

00:45:26.719 --> 00:45:32.299
 privilege we've been given to share that with the people that

00:45:32.299 --> 00:45:36.139
 we know and come into contact with sometimes even in foreign

00:45:36.139 --> 00:45:42.000
 lands that we've been given and know that we can't fail we also

00:45:42.000 --> 00:45:48.500
 hear people sometimes say they're scared to offend someone they

00:45:48.500 --> 00:45:50.919
 don't want to say anything to them because they're afraid they'll

00:45:50.920 --> 00:45:56.460
 offend them are you more afraid of offending someone or them going

00:45:56.460 --> 00:46:04.059
 to hell would we rather them go to hell and not be mad at us because

00:46:04.059 --> 00:46:08.480
 we offended them they're going to be really offended when they are

00:46:08.480 --> 00:46:11.159
 thrown in hell and realize you had the answers and you didn't tell

00:46:11.159 --> 00:46:16.700
 them we've got to be willing to risk the relationships for people in

00:46:16.699 --> 00:46:22.659
 our lives that we love our neighbors our co-workers or people that we come

00:46:22.659 --> 00:46:29.519
 into contact with we've got to risk that relationship in order to tell them

00:46:29.519 --> 00:46:38.639
 the truth that's what real love is and Jesus loved us enough to come and die

00:46:38.639 --> 00:46:46.679
 for us what is holding us back what's keeping us from going and telling others

00:46:46.679 --> 00:46:54.619
 the truth of the gospel not a watered down not a false gospel but a genuine

00:46:54.619 --> 00:47:01.319
 gospel message of the truth I ran across some statistics a few years ago

00:47:01.319 --> 00:47:09.399
 George Barna he asked teenagers in the United States how many of them were

00:47:09.400 --> 00:47:18.340
 Christians 85 percent claimed to be Christians but his questionnaire was designed to bring it

00:47:18.340 --> 00:47:23.480
 on down and to how many of you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ you know how

00:47:23.480 --> 00:47:33.079
 many of them had it I'll give you a hint you can count it on one hand four percent 85 percent

00:47:33.079 --> 00:47:41.960
 claim to be Christian in America 4 percent claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and

00:47:41.960 --> 00:47:49.719
 that's what it's all about it's about knowing Christ about knowing him and surrendering our lives to him

00:47:49.719 --> 00:48:00.819
 and receiving that free gift of salvation through faith and obeying what he's told us to do from that point on

00:48:00.819 --> 00:48:08.879
 salvation is not based on our obedience but we're obedient because we've come to faith in him

00:48:08.879 --> 00:48:10.319
 let's go to the Lord in prayer

00:48:10.320 --> 00:48:20.200
 father we thank you for this day what a glorious day and a glorious way to begin a new year

00:48:20.200 --> 00:48:28.180
 to enter into your house and to stand together with my brothers and sisters in Christ and to worship you

00:48:28.180 --> 00:48:34.200
 what a glorious way to spend our time in the word of God and learning more about you

00:48:34.199 --> 00:48:41.359
 and how you desire for us to live I pray Lord today that as we leave this place we leave

00:48:41.359 --> 00:48:50.960
 with a desire and a commitment to live our lives better this year for you to walk closer with you

00:48:50.960 --> 00:48:58.879
 this year to spend more time in the word of God this year and to be available to you for you to use us

00:48:58.880 --> 00:49:05.400
 in whatever way you see fit and we praise you we thank you for that in Jesus name amen