WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.780 Mark chapter 4, we were gone last week, about a year ago, a young lady that grew up in the church 00:00:12.780 --> 00:00:22.780 ! text me and said, is there any way that you could do our wedding next January? 00:00:22.780 --> 00:00:33.960 And I said, sure. And then it came and it was time. And so we were in Mississippi last week, did that wedding. 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:40.420 And I don't do 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Saturday weddings and drive all night and then preach twice on Sunday morning anymore. 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:48.219 So anyway, so we worshiped with the church that I pastored for 15 years there on Sunday morning and back in place. 00:00:48.219 --> 00:00:55.200 And I hated not being here. I'm not good. Don told me God called me into ministry so I didn't have to sit in a pew. 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:05.480 And because I'm not very good at it. But I'm thankful for Jeff Rafferty, who's faithful to bring God's word. 00:01:05.939 --> 00:01:15.159 And I was blessed by him and thankful that I can rely on him like that to be faithful and you not miss a beat when I'm gone. 00:01:15.159 --> 00:01:23.920 I appreciate him. People love a good story. We connect with stories. 00:01:25.539 --> 00:01:36.900 And nobody knows that better than Jesus. Jesus knew that and he used stories often and some were very simple on the surface. 00:01:38.179 --> 00:01:43.439 Yet the meaning behind those stories was anything but simple. 00:01:43.439 --> 00:01:46.620 We call these stories parables. 00:01:47.620 --> 00:01:55.620 And the gospel writers use that word to remind us that Jesus is not reporting on events when he tells these stories. 00:01:56.459 --> 00:01:58.000 They're not news stories. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:02.159 They're truth teaching stories. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.000 The word parables means to place alongside. 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:14.400 So Jesus places these stories alongside a truth that he is teaching to give further explanation. 00:02:15.620 --> 00:02:21.080 I've often heard it described as earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. 00:02:21.180 --> 00:02:23.300 Well, that sounds kind of trite to me, just to be honest with you. 00:02:24.340 --> 00:02:27.620 The reality is they were earthly stories. 00:02:27.759 --> 00:02:29.500 They were very relative stories. 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:35.719 Stories that met people where they were and they told deep spiritual truths. 00:02:36.800 --> 00:02:39.360 And here's the thing about parables. 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:44.180 Is they don't just communicate truth. 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:50.039 They also reveal the heart of the listener. 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:59.079 Because the same story that brings clarity to one person can also cause confusion for another. 00:03:00.799 --> 00:03:03.879 It's not the story that creates the difference. 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:08.280 It's the heart and the mind of the listener that makes the difference. 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:17.460 And as we look at Mark chapter 4 this morning, Jesus explains the purpose of parables to the apostle. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:21.400 And then gives some parables to show how God is at work in the world. 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:23.979 And we're going to look at several of those this morning. 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:25.979 We're going to take it piece by piece. 00:03:27.139 --> 00:03:32.020 I'm going to begin in Mark chapter 4, beginning in verse 10. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:35.620 And it says, when he's speaking of Jesus, 00:03:35.620 --> 00:03:38.560 When Jesus was alone, those around him with the twelve. 00:03:38.620 --> 00:03:39.780 In other words, what he meant was, 00:03:40.259 --> 00:03:43.580 There was a lot of people with him before this passage. 00:03:44.379 --> 00:03:46.039 And when they dispersed and left, 00:03:46.140 --> 00:03:49.200 There were just the apostles and a few others. 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:51.080 And when he was alone with them, 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:54.259 Those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 00:03:55.540 --> 00:03:56.740 And he said to them, 00:03:56.860 --> 00:04:00.360 To you have been given the secret of the kingdom of God, 00:04:00.480 --> 00:04:03.700 But for those outside, everything is in parables. 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:06.979 They may indeed see but not perceive, 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:09.739 And they may indeed hear but not understand, 00:04:09.859 --> 00:04:13.859 Lest they should turn and be forgiven. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:18.659 God's at work. 00:04:20.039 --> 00:04:23.099 And this passage and the parables that we'll look at this morning 00:04:23.099 --> 00:04:24.459 Tells us how God's at work. 00:04:25.039 --> 00:04:27.199 God is at work relationally. 00:04:27.199 --> 00:04:31.659 In Mark chapter 4, verse 1, 00:04:32.240 --> 00:04:34.639 Jesus tells the parable of the soils. 00:04:35.019 --> 00:04:37.159 It's often called the parable of the sowers, 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:39.800 But that subtitle that's been placed in your Bible 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:41.339 Was not in the original Greek. 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:44.819 That's been added by editors along the way. 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:47.719 And I believe that when you look at that parable, 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:50.120 What you see is not the focus on the sower, 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:51.500 But the focus on the soils. 00:04:52.139 --> 00:04:53.680 The difference in the soils. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:58.040 He then, he tells that parable, 00:04:58.180 --> 00:05:00.019 And then he explains that parable, 00:05:00.199 --> 00:05:04.000 And we looked at that weeks ago before Christmas. 00:05:06.180 --> 00:05:10.379 Between the parable and the explanation in Mark chapter 4, 00:05:10.540 --> 00:05:16.300 Jesus quotes Isaiah to explain why he teaches this way. 00:05:16.300 --> 00:05:19.280 His parables are effective. 00:05:19.540 --> 00:05:20.759 They are thought-provoking. 00:05:20.900 --> 00:05:22.180 They are life-changing. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:24.180 Yet sadly, 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:27.620 Everyone did not get it. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:30.900 And sadly, 00:05:31.420 --> 00:05:34.060 Everyone is not going to get it. 00:05:35.580 --> 00:05:37.960 He speaks to where we understand it. 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:39.280 He speaks on our level. 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:41.620 He uses familiar images. 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:43.939 He makes truth accessible. 00:05:43.939 --> 00:05:46.439 And many will be convinced. 00:05:46.719 --> 00:05:47.920 And many will be strengthened. 00:05:48.339 --> 00:05:50.939 And many will be changed by the truth of these stories. 00:05:51.939 --> 00:05:52.219 However, 00:05:52.439 --> 00:05:54.319 All will not be changed. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:05:58.939 Some will even grow hardened. 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:07.159 Some people are raised in church. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:11.220 But it never clicks. 00:06:11.220 --> 00:06:15.720 It's hard to understand. 00:06:18.820 --> 00:06:22.980 And some can read the Bible through again and again. 00:06:23.260 --> 00:06:25.280 But if they never apply that truth, 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:29.800 It's like reading a novel and forgetting it as soon as you close the book. 00:06:32.380 --> 00:06:35.600 Some hear the hope of salvation again and again. 00:06:35.880 --> 00:06:37.820 And never surrender their lives. 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:44.540 The scribes and the Pharisees are listening to Jesus. 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:45.939 And they were like that. 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:52.899 In almost all of these conversations that Jesus has with a large group of folks, 00:06:53.060 --> 00:06:54.699 There's scribes and Pharisees there. 00:06:54.819 --> 00:06:56.500 And in my sanctified imagination, 00:06:56.860 --> 00:06:57.899 That's fairly accurate. 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:00.060 They're normally standing in the back there. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:03.139 Now sometimes it actually says they're sitting up front. 00:07:03.139 --> 00:07:04.419 But normally, 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:04.800 You know, 00:07:04.839 --> 00:07:05.860 I just see them kind of, 00:07:06.219 --> 00:07:06.560 You know, 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:08.419 A little peanut gallery in the back. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:10.159 Scornful. 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:10.860 Like some of you. 00:07:10.959 --> 00:07:11.139 No, 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:11.539 I'm not. 00:07:15.959 --> 00:07:17.300 They just grew hardened 00:07:17.300 --> 00:07:19.360 As he spoke. 00:07:19.479 --> 00:07:19.680 I mean, 00:07:19.719 --> 00:07:20.560 There were exceptions. 00:07:20.779 --> 00:07:22.120 Nicodemus came to him in the night. 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:24.159 Because he was ashamed to come to him. 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:27.260 But they just grew hardened as he spoke. 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:31.000 And here he quotes Isaiah. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:39.720 And he is referencing a moment when God sent Isaiah to confront a rebellious and hardened people. 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:42.800 Isaiah chapter 6 may be one of the, 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:44.480 Besides the book of Revelation, 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:48.080 May be one of the best worship passages in all of Scripture. 00:07:48.080 --> 00:07:50.440 I believe it kind of sets a model for us of how, 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:52.840 What worship ought to be in Isaiah chapter 6. 00:07:52.839 --> 00:07:54.739 But what leads to Isaiah chapter 6, 00:07:54.799 --> 00:07:55.819 Isaiah 1 through 5, 00:07:56.099 --> 00:08:02.019 Talks about the hardened nature of a people that Isaiah is to confront with the truth. 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:05.019 And the reality is that a lot of them ain't going to get it. 00:08:05.679 --> 00:08:06.539 Still got to share it, 00:08:06.579 --> 00:08:08.019 But they're not going to get it. 00:08:10.419 --> 00:08:11.579 The truth was given, 00:08:11.699 --> 00:08:12.859 But their hearts were closed. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:14.199 And here's the hard reality. 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:17.339 We can put truth out there, 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:20.139 But we cannot control what happens to somebody else's life. 00:08:20.219 --> 00:08:21.039 We can't do that. 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:23.100 We can try, 00:08:23.200 --> 00:08:23.819 But we can't. 00:08:24.960 --> 00:08:26.720 And God does not coerce faith. 00:08:28.540 --> 00:08:30.740 He does not override our will. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:31.879 He confronts. 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:34.300 He calls. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:36.580 He commands. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:37.860 Repentance. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:41.960 And he often does it through simple everyday stories. 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:44.139 Now, I want to be clear. 00:08:44.300 --> 00:08:46.960 We are saved only by the sovereignty of God. 00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:51.700 We can only come as God calls us to come. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:54.660 But get this as well. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:09:02.580 The sovereignty of God never removes the personal responsibility for the unbeliever. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:09.300 It also never removes the responsibility for the believer to share. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:15.139 We must do all we can to reach as many as we can for the cause of Christ, 00:09:15.280 --> 00:09:19.020 While we are aware that all of them will not come. 00:09:19.280 --> 00:09:22.280 And that tension is hard to grasp. 00:09:22.279 --> 00:09:25.779 Charles Spurgeon. 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:31.299 Wonderful Baptist pastor. 00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:36.019 In London years ago said this. 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:40.259 That God predestines. 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:43.620 And that man is responsible. 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:47.620 Are two things that few can see. 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:54.120 They are believed to be inconsistent and contradictory. 00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:56.279 But they are not. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:58.939 It is the fault. 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:00.879 Of our weak judgment. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:03.919 He presses us further. 00:10:04.679 --> 00:10:06.399 When he says, and I quote. 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:09.259 If sinners be damned. 00:10:10.059 --> 00:10:13.659 At least let them leap to hell over our bodies. 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:15.980 And if they perish. 00:10:16.699 --> 00:10:20.220 Let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:22.179 Imploring them to stay. 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:24.779 If hell must be filled. 00:10:24.779 --> 00:10:26.879 Let it be filled. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:28.759 Let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions. 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:34.779 And let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:36.839 End of quote. 00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:41.579 Folks, we have a responsibility to share. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:46.019 And we have a responsibility to respond. 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:51.159 Do you know what makes both of them work really well together? 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:54.339 A relationship with the Lord Jesus. 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:59.039 The reason Christ spoke in parables. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:02.100 And the reason why you and I ought to share as consistently. 00:11:02.459 --> 00:11:03.639 And compassionately. 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:04.600 And convincingly. 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:05.720 As we possibly can. 00:11:05.939 --> 00:11:09.059 Is because God is at work relationally. 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:12.500 I will tell you ahead of time. 00:11:14.220 --> 00:11:15.679 All will not get it. 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:16.679 Some will draw near. 00:11:16.679 --> 00:11:19.059 Some will draw near. 00:11:19.059 --> 00:11:20.159 Some do not. 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:24.859 But it is never because Jesus failed to make the truth known. 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:29.620 May it never be because we refuse to share it effectively. 00:11:30.059 --> 00:11:33.059 Because God is at work relationally. 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:37.399 After he shared the parable of the soils. 00:11:38.319 --> 00:11:41.619 He shares more parables and more truths about how he works. 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:44.099 Not only does God work relationally. 00:11:44.199 --> 00:11:45.799 But God also works openly. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.379 I want you to see this in verse 21. 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:49.259 It says. 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:50.220 And he said to them. 00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:52.120 Is a lamp brought in. 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:53.960 To be put under a basket. 00:11:54.080 --> 00:11:54.840 Or under a bed. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:55.919 And not on a stand. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.460 For nothing is hidden. 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:00.220 Except to be made manifest. 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:02.120 Nor is anything secret. 00:12:02.220 --> 00:12:03.200 Except to come to light. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:04.919 If anyone has ears to hear. 00:12:05.200 --> 00:12:06.419 Let him hear. 00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:10.659 Light is a blessing. 00:12:10.659 --> 00:12:14.799 It is wonderful to walk in a dark room. 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:16.000 Be able to flip the light on. 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:18.120 And to know what is in front of you. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:23.079 My wife calls me a lover of darkness. 00:12:23.939 --> 00:12:25.579 Because when she cuts on a lamp. 00:12:25.719 --> 00:12:26.500 I cut it off. 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:33.459 Unless I have stubbed my toe three times in the same room. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:34.459 I never cut a light on. 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:35.379 That is just the way I am. 00:12:37.579 --> 00:12:39.000 However when you leave a room. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.980 Turn the light off. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.939 A light left on. 00:12:43.339 --> 00:12:45.379 That no one is using is useless. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:46.939 And I say that a lot at the house. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:52.079 Right before worship. 00:12:52.219 --> 00:12:53.059 One Sunday evening. 00:12:53.339 --> 00:12:54.980 In another place of ministry. 00:12:56.419 --> 00:12:57.600 I went into a restroom. 00:12:57.719 --> 00:12:58.480 That had no windows. 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:02.259 And when I left. 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:05.019 I did like my mother taught me. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:06.039 I turned the light off. 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.699 And I went into worship. 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:11.140 And about ten minutes later. 00:13:11.140 --> 00:13:12.520 A fellow walked into worship. 00:13:12.520 --> 00:13:13.400 Real sheepishly. 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:16.200 He sat down next to me. 00:13:16.280 --> 00:13:16.780 And said. 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:19.600 I have been in the bathroom for ten minutes. 00:13:19.660 --> 00:13:20.520 Trying to find a light. 00:13:23.520 --> 00:13:25.540 Somebody turned the light out on me. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:29.300 And if you see Brett Turner. 00:13:29.440 --> 00:13:30.320 You remind him of that. 00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:36.660 Who cuts a light on in a room. 00:13:36.660 --> 00:13:37.800 That will not be used. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:38.840 And then shuts the door. 00:13:39.140 --> 00:13:40.280 I mean who does that. 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:42.020 Who lights a lamp. 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:43.500 And then puts it under a basket. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.100 It's useless. 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:45.100 Christ. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:47.060 Christ. 00:13:48.420 --> 00:13:49.639 Is the light of the world. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:52.680 And when we come to him. 00:13:52.800 --> 00:13:53.840 He encourages us. 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:55.540 To shine before others. 00:13:55.920 --> 00:13:57.019 What good would it do. 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:58.500 To shine in your heart. 00:13:58.580 --> 00:13:59.240 Before God. 00:13:59.340 --> 00:14:00.800 And not let it show in your life. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.960 So don't hide your flame for God. 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:04.519 Let it burn. 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:08.660 Don't bottle up the power of God. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.180 In your life. 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:09.860 Burn brightly. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:11.220 Let your light shine. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:14.779 Jesus says one day secrets will come to light. 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:15.160 In other words. 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:17.899 People may hide their need for God. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:20.759 But they can only hide it for a season. 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:23.060 It will be known. 00:14:24.420 --> 00:14:25.899 But before the end. 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:28.060 When all the evil of the world is exposed. 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.940 Let us expose. 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:32.259 The hope of Jesus to the world. 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:34.920 Because God works. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.120 In the open. 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:41.000 He reveals to us. 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:44.759 And he reveals through us. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:49.940 God works. 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:51.840 Openly. 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:54.519 Not only that. 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:56.160 But God is at work generously. 00:14:58.980 --> 00:15:00.379 Verse 24 says. 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:01.180 And he said to them. 00:15:01.300 --> 00:15:03.019 Pay attention to what you hear. 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:04.220 With the measure you use. 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:05.580 It will be measured to you. 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:07.399 And still more will be added to you. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:10.600 For the one who has. 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.659 More will be given. 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:14.039 And from the one who has not. 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:15.179 Even what he has. 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:16.500 Will be taken away. 00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:20.100 When we respond to him. 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.139 He blesses us. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:22.860 By revealing more of himself. 00:15:24.459 --> 00:15:26.240 The measure that we bring. 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:27.100 And what I mean by that. 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:27.959 Is our devotion. 00:15:28.959 --> 00:15:30.019 Our openness. 00:15:30.459 --> 00:15:30.959 To the Lord. 00:15:30.959 --> 00:15:32.799 Our obedience to God. 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:35.599 Is the measure that God uses. 00:15:35.599 --> 00:15:37.120 To pour into us. 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:38.559 It is true. 00:15:38.819 --> 00:15:40.319 When it comes to God's word. 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:42.299 Put your time. 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.439 Into God's word. 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:44.819 And you will dig out. 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.799 The nuggets of truth. 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:47.259 That bring value to your life. 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:50.000 If you just glance. 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:50.740 And skim. 00:15:50.859 --> 00:15:52.319 You will find the word of God. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.620 About as deep as you are. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:55.539 And about as deep as you read. 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:59.679 But it's also true for worship. 00:16:02.719 --> 00:16:05.000 What did you bring to worship today? 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:07.939 And I don't mean exteriorly. 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:08.959 I mean inside. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:10.199 I mean in your heart. 00:16:10.319 --> 00:16:13.480 Did you come merely to get something? 00:16:17.579 --> 00:16:19.839 I've seen a many a time in a congregation. 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.879 Of course never here. 00:16:23.439 --> 00:16:24.719 Somebody come into worship. 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:26.899 With their arms crossed. 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:29.939 With an attitude on their face. 00:16:31.459 --> 00:16:32.860 Well I dare you to bless me. 00:16:36.819 --> 00:16:37.699 Looking judging. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.500 The whole time. 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:42.919 And the reality is. 00:16:45.379 --> 00:16:47.480 Those same people sometimes leave and say. 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:48.319 I didn't get fed. 00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:53.879 Well I got news for you folks. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:56.039 We have a self-feeding program around here. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:59.299 Most of the folks. 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.480 If not all folks in this room. 00:17:00.559 --> 00:17:01.120 Can feed yourself. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:03.139 And. 00:17:04.359 --> 00:17:06.359 Maybe you don't need to be spoon fed anymore. 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.980 Maybe it's time to dig into God's word. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.960 And then walk. 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:15.099 Into corporate worship. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.700 In the overflow. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:20.580 Of what God has already done. 00:17:20.580 --> 00:17:21.539 In your life. 00:17:22.580 --> 00:17:24.400 To take in God's word. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:24.960 Before. 00:17:25.580 --> 00:17:26.819 We even get here. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.799 The other question I have. 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:29.519 And I try to. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:32.220 Build this up a little bit on Saturdays. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:32.840 With a text. 00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:34.799 But do you come with expectation? 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.700 I mean. 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.960 More than just a habit. 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:40.819 And listen. 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.740 If you come here. 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.380 Strictly. 00:17:42.380 --> 00:17:42.860 Strictly. 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:44.039 Habitually. 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:45.920 I'd rather you come out of habit. 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.920 Than not come at all. 00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:50.440 But it'd be a lot better. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:51.420 If you came out of hunger. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:54.599 Hunger to see God work. 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:55.339 And move in your life. 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:56.700 Hunger for more of God. 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:59.119 And if you are. 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:00.200 Did you come prepared? 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.539 The Jewish rabbis. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.379 Used to teach. 00:18:05.440 --> 00:18:07.079 They pray best together. 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:08.379 Who first pray alone. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:12.339 Prepare your heart for worship. 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.220 Before arriving. 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:15.019 And when you arrive. 00:18:15.079 --> 00:18:16.339 It'll be so much better. 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:19.079 As Jesus told us in these verses. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:20.759 God will never leave us short. 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:23.940 And he will always give us more. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.960 Than what we give. 00:18:25.859 --> 00:18:26.980 He always will. 00:18:29.639 --> 00:18:30.759 God's at work generously. 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:32.319 He's also at work patiently. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.680 And he said. 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:38.799 The kingdom of God. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:39.779 Is as if a man. 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:41.299 Should scatter seed on the ground. 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:42.099 He sleeps. 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:42.099 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:44.579 And rises night and day. 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:46.240 And the seed sprouts and grows. 00:18:46.359 --> 00:18:47.279 He knows not how. 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:50.059 The earth produces by itself. 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:50.859 First the blade. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:51.519 Then the ear. 00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.480 Then the full grain. 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:53.319 In the ear. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:53.579 But. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:55.579 When the grain is ripe. 00:18:55.639 --> 00:18:57.259 At once he puts in the sickle. 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:58.399 Because the harvest. 00:18:58.680 --> 00:18:59.119 Has. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.319 Come. 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:05.859 One of the most exciting things. 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.740 That ever happened to me. 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:07.339 In kindergarten. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.139 Was pizza day. 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:12.379 We ate a rectangular piece. 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:13.179 Of pizza. 00:19:13.619 --> 00:19:15.819 With some type of abstract meat. 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.339 On it. 00:19:17.179 --> 00:19:19.179 That I have never seen before. 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.500 And never since. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:23.279 But man. 00:19:23.359 --> 00:19:24.439 It was good as a five-year-old. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.259 I'm just telling you. 00:19:25.559 --> 00:19:26.159 It's fine. 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:32.700 The second most exciting thing. 00:19:32.800 --> 00:19:33.540 That ever happened to me. 00:19:33.580 --> 00:19:34.140 In kindergarten. 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:37.740 Was when my teacher came in. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:39.820 With eight ounce styrofoam cups. 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:42.880 Half full of soil. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:47.380 She told us to take our finger. 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:47.740 And. 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:50.400 Put them in the soil. 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:51.860 And make a hole in the soil. 00:19:51.859 --> 00:19:56.159 And then she gave us a bean. 00:19:57.459 --> 00:19:59.119 And we put that bean. 00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.039 In the soil. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:01.099 And covered it up. 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:05.319 With just a little bit of water. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:07.039 And surely she didn't let us pour it. 00:20:07.199 --> 00:20:07.359 But. 00:20:07.579 --> 00:20:08.919 It was just a little bit of water. 00:20:09.059 --> 00:20:09.199 We. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:10.439 Put water. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.319 In that soil. 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:15.579 And set that cup. 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:17.219 In the window seal. 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:20.879 With a high anticipation. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:22.880 That we were going to grow. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:23.680 A mess of beans. 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:27.300 Y'all know what a mess of beans is. 00:20:27.340 --> 00:20:27.580 Don't you? 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:29.580 You look like you do. 00:20:35.280 --> 00:20:35.940 Next day. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.040 I was jacked. 00:20:40.040 --> 00:20:40.780 I came back. 00:20:40.800 --> 00:20:41.880 And looked in that window seal. 00:20:43.800 --> 00:20:44.160 Nothing. 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:48.660 Came back the next day. 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:50.860 Nothing. 00:20:50.880 --> 00:20:50.980 Nothing. 00:20:52.520 --> 00:20:53.740 I went into the weekend. 00:20:53.840 --> 00:20:55.020 Knowing the lady was a fraud. 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.960 So set up. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.980 Done got us jacked up for nothing. 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:07.080 Came back after the weekend. 00:21:09.540 --> 00:21:10.440 On Monday morning. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.700 I had no confidence whatsoever. 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:15.400 I decided to look anyway. 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:18.860 And I saw a green hook. 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.840 Coming out of the soil. 00:21:24.200 --> 00:21:26.420 That same bean had sprouted. 00:21:28.320 --> 00:21:29.440 The next day. 00:21:29.580 --> 00:21:30.600 That hook. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:32.040 Was standing up. 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:35.860 And every day after that. 00:21:36.120 --> 00:21:37.700 We could see growth. 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:41.779 I don't remember us getting a mess of beans out of it. 00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:48.259 That's the way God works. 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:48.900 He works. 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:49.259 He works. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:49.259 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:49.259 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:53.359 He works. 00:21:53.359 --> 00:21:54.539 In our lives. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:56.299 Patiently. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:01.519 Some of you need to hear this this morning. 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.079 He works. 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:06.920 In our loved ones lives. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.319 Patiently. 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:14.599 He's so much more patient than we are. 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:19.159 I never wanted to be one of those pastors. 00:22:19.159 --> 00:22:20.519 That stood up on a Sunday morning. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:22.099 And had to confess something. 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.279 But I will. 00:22:27.199 --> 00:22:28.639 I'm not gifted with patience. 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:32.039 I know it's a fruit of the spirit. 00:22:33.079 --> 00:22:34.240 And I struggle with it. 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:36.059 And I know what some of you are going to say. 00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:37.079 And don't tell me. 00:22:37.419 --> 00:22:38.500 Don't pray for patience. 00:22:38.639 --> 00:22:39.459 God will make you miserable. 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:39.899 Okay. 00:22:40.699 --> 00:22:41.959 I tend to disagree with that. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.039 But a long line never hurts. 00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:43.699 Every now and then. 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:49.299 We pray for God to move. 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.000 And then we get upset. 00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:53.939 When the next day. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.259 Things have not changed. 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:03.339 But you see. 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:06.500 They have. 00:23:09.439 --> 00:23:10.799 At least they might have. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.839 Because that Monday morning. 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:17.740 When I saw that hook of green. 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:18.980 Coming up out of that soil. 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:19.980 That wasn't the first day. 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:21.059 There had been movement there. 00:23:23.719 --> 00:23:24.819 For I assume. 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:26.519 And I'm not good at biology. 00:23:27.659 --> 00:23:28.859 But I assume. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:29.980 The next day. 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:32.199 That beam began to change. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:34.099 It was all under the soil. 00:23:34.159 --> 00:23:35.240 We couldn't see what was happening. 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:36.659 But there was change. 00:23:36.719 --> 00:23:38.059 That was taking place. 00:23:38.939 --> 00:23:39.799 There was movement. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.740 That was happening. 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:42.219 Below the surface. 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:45.640 And I want you to know. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:47.400 That whatever that prayer burden is. 00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.319 That you have. 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:51.079 God could be moving under the surface. 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:54.200 Not only in other people's lives. 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.019 But in our own life. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:57.660 He could be quietly transforming us. 00:23:57.700 --> 00:24:00.000 He could be moving in our loved ones. 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:02.319 He could be moving in our prayer burdens. 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:04.259 And our maturity in Christ. 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:06.019 God is at work. 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.920 And thank God. 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:07.680 He's patient. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:07.860 He's patient. 00:24:07.859 --> 00:24:14.119 God is at work. 00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:14.599 He's patient. 00:24:17.219 --> 00:24:19.259 And in case you're doubting today. 00:24:21.699 --> 00:24:23.259 God is at work surely. 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.599 He says. 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:31.839 With what can we compare the kingdom of God? 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:35.579 And what parable shall we use for it? 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:38.819 It's like a grain of mustard seed. 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:40.439 Which when sown on the ground. 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:44.279 Is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. 00:24:44.379 --> 00:24:46.259 Yet when it is sown. 00:24:46.399 --> 00:24:47.079 It grows up. 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:49.339 And becomes larger than all the garden plants. 00:24:49.419 --> 00:24:51.559 And puts out large branches. 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.919 So that the birds of the air. 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.839 Can make nests. 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.359 In its shade. 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.980 The mustard seed. 00:24:58.980 --> 00:25:01.099 Was the smallest known seed. 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:02.720 Of that time and culture. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:05.799 It was about the size of a seed tick. 00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:07.160 I mean it was small. 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:10.319 Now somebody will Google it. 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:11.259 And come back and say. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:12.960 You know there's a seed smaller than the mustard seed. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.000 You missed the point. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:14.620 Okay. 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:21.740 However it grew into a large bush. 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:22.980 Almost a small tree. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:25.980 Sometimes as high as 10 to 12 feet tall. 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:27.200 And who would have thought. 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:29.400 Such a small seed could grow so large. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:34.120 So it is with the kingdom of God. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:37.540 Many things that the Lord start. 00:25:37.780 --> 00:25:38.340 Just small. 00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:42.220 Jesus incarnation. 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:43.519 At least with his birth. 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:45.019 Began in a cattle stall. 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:45.759 In a manger. 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:49.060 But you just wait. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:52.940 We ain't seen nothing yet. 00:25:53.880 --> 00:25:54.960 Excuse me Dr. Butler. 00:25:56.560 --> 00:25:57.480 For poor English. 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:57.519 For poor English. 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:02.040 What started small. 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:02.600 And what. 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:04.620 Some believe still is. 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:06.640 Is the growing kingdom of God. 00:26:10.320 --> 00:26:12.000 When you look at the end of. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.960 Of Genesis. 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:14.200 And the first of Exodus. 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:16.420 What you'll see is the kingdom of Egypt. 00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:19.000 Thriving and strong. 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:19.960 Ruling the world. 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.500 But it is no more. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.880 Then you see the Assyrians. 00:26:25.780 --> 00:26:26.220 Ruthless. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:31.740 Horribly destructive in battle. 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:34.259 But they are no more. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.380 Beat by the Babylonians. 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.940 They were strong for a season. 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:40.019 But they are no more. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.039 Then the Persians. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:41.920 And they are no more. 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:42.799 Then the Romans. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.339 Even the Roman Empire. 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.000 No more. 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:46.420 Then the Aztecs. 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.519 Then the Mongols. 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:49.059 Then the Ottoman Empire. 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.740 All great at one time. 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.819 And all gone now. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:56.779 What about the United States? 00:26:58.740 --> 00:27:00.079 We need to be great again. 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.439 In a lot of different ways. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:03.899 What will happen. 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:05.299 To this great experiment. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:06.059 Of democracy. 00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:07.099 That we're living in. 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:11.779 I tell you this. 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:15.639 It will not last forever. 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:20.799 Empires rise. 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:22.039 And fall. 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.899 But the kingdom of God. 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.839 Will never die. 00:27:27.039 --> 00:27:28.960 It's much bigger than we think. 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:31.379 It is more lasting. 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:32.259 Than we can imagine. 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:34.700 It is more sure. 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:37.899 Than we could ever be. 00:27:37.980 --> 00:27:39.799 About anything else. 00:27:41.419 --> 00:27:42.759 The kingdom of God. 00:27:42.919 --> 00:27:44.599 Was planted like a small grain. 00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:45.579 Of mustard seed. 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:47.159 On the bloody soil. 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:47.819 Of a hill. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.599 Soil. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.519 On a hill. 00:27:49.639 --> 00:27:50.599 Called Galgotha. 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:51.779 And it is growing. 00:27:52.859 --> 00:27:53.299 Relationally. 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:55.159 God is drawing people. 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:55.839 To himself. 00:27:56.619 --> 00:27:57.859 It is beaming. 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.639 Openly. 00:27:58.639 --> 00:27:59.419 Like a light. 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.039 On a hill. 00:28:00.219 --> 00:28:01.059 It is growing. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.899 Generously. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.219 None of us. 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:04.299 Deserve salvation. 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:06.339 Yet he gives. 00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:07.159 To all. 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:07.980 That will surrender. 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.459 To him. 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.759 He is at work. 00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:11.500 Patiently. 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.799 Keep checking. 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.500 The soil. 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.279 Where you flung. 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:15.939 The seed. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:16.919 Keep checking. 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.879 The harvest. 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:19.419 Is coming. 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:22.200 And have no doubt. 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:22.759 My friend. 00:28:24.080 --> 00:28:24.680 God. 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:25.720 Is at work. 00:28:26.420 --> 00:28:26.759 Surely. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:29.580 The little movement. 00:28:29.580 --> 00:28:31.120 That started at Pentecost. 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:34.100 Is growing large enough. 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:34.840 To house. 00:28:34.840 --> 00:28:36.039 Every tribe. 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.620 Every tongue. 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:39.360 Every nation. 00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:41.420 And every people. 00:28:41.420 --> 00:28:46.000 I don't know. 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:46.759 All that's going on. 00:28:46.840 --> 00:28:47.380 In your life. 00:28:49.340 --> 00:28:50.019 I don't know. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.900 All that you're burdened. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:51.580 About today. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.720 But I want you. 00:28:54.800 --> 00:28:55.300 To know something. 00:28:57.560 --> 00:28:58.539 God is at work. 00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:01.380 God is at work. 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:05.039 Don't be discouraged. 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:08.960 God is at work. 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:12.180 With every head bowed. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.799 And every eye closed. 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:13.720 I ask you this morning. 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.920 If there's been a stirring. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.899 In your heart. 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.420 About a matter. 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.920 That you've never taken care of. 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:29.220 If there's never been a time. 00:29:29.220 --> 00:29:29.920 In your life. 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:31.000 When you've surrendered your life. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.740 To the Lord Jesus. 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:33.839 It could be. 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:34.559 That he's stirring. 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.500 In your heart today. 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:39.319 If there's never been a time. 00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:40.039 When you've confessed. 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:40.920 Your sins to him. 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:42.240 And told him. 00:29:42.359 --> 00:29:43.240 How much you need him. 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:44.000 To forgive you. 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:45.000 And to come into your life. 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:45.819 And to save you. 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:46.839 And to change you. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.680 He could be knocking. 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:52.359 At your heart's door. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.099 Today. 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:55.220 To use an illustration. 00:29:55.400 --> 00:29:56.220 That Jesus used. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:03.620 If you've never given your life. 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:04.500 To Christ today. 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.779 We're going to stand. 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.319 And we're going to sing. 00:30:07.339 --> 00:30:07.859 In just a moment. 00:30:07.859 --> 00:30:08.380 When you come. 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:08.660 And say. 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:08.960 Pastor. 00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:10.200 I need to be saved. 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:12.559 I've never surrendered. 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:13.339 My life to Christ. 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:15.759 Been to church. 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:16.859 Numerous times. 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:19.660 Know a lot about it. 00:30:19.920 --> 00:30:20.579 Never surrendered. 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.359 My life to Christ. 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:23.460 I really don't have a relationship. 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:23.920 With the Lord. 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.440 Maybe you have done that. 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:28.559 But you've never acknowledged. 00:30:28.759 --> 00:30:29.779 That publicly. 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:34.160 And whoever told you. 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:35.579 That private faith. 00:30:37.339 --> 00:30:38.359 Is a good thing. 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:40.759 Did not read. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.379 The passages. 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:42.200 We just read. 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:43.660 Because the reality is. 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:44.899 A real faith. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.940 Is a very public faith. 00:30:47.079 --> 00:30:47.720 And Jesus. 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:48.559 By his commission. 00:30:48.639 --> 00:30:49.440 And by his example. 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.180 Show us. 00:30:50.279 --> 00:30:51.000 That the first step. 00:30:51.019 --> 00:30:51.539 Of obedience. 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:51.920 In that. 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:52.480 Is baptism. 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:53.339 Public baptism. 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.299 If you've never been. 00:30:55.379 --> 00:30:56.279 Baptized as a believer. 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:58.460 I encourage you to come. 00:30:58.539 --> 00:30:59.160 We won't do that. 00:30:59.200 --> 00:30:59.680 This morning. 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.619 We'll line it up. 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.839 But you come. 00:31:01.899 --> 00:31:02.079 And say. 00:31:02.139 --> 00:31:02.359 Pastor. 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:03.039 I need to be baptized. 00:31:06.639 --> 00:31:07.359 Maybe you're here. 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.539 God's drawing you. 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:10.759 To Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.899 You visited it with us. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:14.539 And you felt like. 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:15.180 That God is. 00:31:15.879 --> 00:31:16.680 Working and moving. 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.319 In your life. 00:31:17.379 --> 00:31:17.980 And drawing you. 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:18.720 To this place. 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:22.440 2025. 00:31:22.899 --> 00:31:24.200 Was a wonderful year. 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.299 In the life. 00:31:26.379 --> 00:31:27.519 Of Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:29.680 In so many different ways. 00:31:30.340 --> 00:31:31.519 It is fun. 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:35.259 To worship with you. 00:31:39.060 --> 00:31:40.380 If God's drawing you. 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:40.880 You come. 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.640 I'll guide you. 00:31:44.080 --> 00:31:44.700 In what it means. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:46.100 To be a member of First Baptist Church. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.799 For the rest of us. 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:53.700 Maybe today. 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:54.720 We just need to acknowledge. 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.720 That God's at work. 00:31:57.419 --> 00:31:58.879 We need to lay that burden down. 00:31:58.879 --> 00:31:59.619 Before the Lord. 00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:00.619 We need to give him. 00:32:00.819 --> 00:32:01.839 That thing in our life. 00:32:01.919 --> 00:32:02.919 That we want to own. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:04.119 And don't want to give up. 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:07.000 We need to trust him. 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.139 With an area of our life. 00:32:08.139 --> 00:32:09.299 That we're struggling with. 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:11.940 We're going to stand. 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:12.519 And we're going to sing. 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:12.919 In just a moment. 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.400 Some of you. 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.420 May just need to drop your head. 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:15.300 And give it over to God. 00:32:16.160 --> 00:32:17.440 Or you may need your pastor. 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.220 To pray for you. 00:32:18.600 --> 00:32:19.259 And with you. 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:20.980 Or you may want to come. 00:32:21.060 --> 00:32:21.600 To this altar. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.440 Lay your burden down. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.100 Before the Lord. 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:24.179 Lord. 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.359 Oh God. 00:32:27.419 --> 00:32:28.079 Remind me. 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:29.099 That you're at work. 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:30.099 Show me. 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:32.459 Let me see a sprout. 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:32.819 Lord. 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:35.379 And let me trust you. 00:32:35.419 --> 00:32:35.779 In the meantime. 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.659 I have no idea. 00:32:39.659 --> 00:32:40.819 What God's saying to you. 00:32:40.919 --> 00:32:41.379 I just know. 00:32:42.179 --> 00:32:43.639 We'll never be satisfied. 00:32:44.159 --> 00:32:45.439 Until we're completely obedient. 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:46.119 To follow him. 00:32:46.459 --> 00:32:46.959 In every way. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.539 Lord Jesus. 00:32:48.679 --> 00:32:49.740 Help us to have the wisdom. 00:32:49.879 --> 00:32:50.240 The courage. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:50.819 And the boldness. 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.480 To be obedient. 00:32:52.599 --> 00:32:53.039 Right now. 00:32:53.119 --> 00:32:53.379 Father. 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:55.439 In Jesus precious name. 00:32:55.959 --> 00:32:56.199 Amen.