WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.500 From the Great Commission in Matthew 28 until the great multitude in Revelation 7, 00:00:09.160 --> 00:00:12.480 God invites us to join Him in the great pursuit. 00:00:13.259 --> 00:00:17.339 In a world filled with diverse cultures, languages, and people, 00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:21.519 we are unified in this mission, His mission. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:28.179 Since 1845, IMB missionaries have embarked on a journey to share the gospel, 00:00:28.179 --> 00:00:32.780 make disciples, and plant churches in places where Jesus is not yet known. 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:35.119 But the task is monumental. 00:00:35.979 --> 00:00:40.600 Billions are still unreached, living without the hope and love of Christ. 00:00:41.619 --> 00:00:52.899 In 2023, over 879,000 people heard the gospel, 141,000 people believed, and 116,000 were baptized. 00:00:52.899 --> 00:00:58.659 Yet, so many more still wait for their chance to hear and believe. 00:01:00.060 --> 00:01:02.519 Lostness is not just a statistic. 00:01:03.339 --> 00:01:06.219 It's an eternal reality for billions of souls. 00:01:07.079 --> 00:01:09.799 But amidst the challenges, there's hope. 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:15.120 The Great Pursuit is a faithful journey fueled by love, compassion, 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:19.599 and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of the gospel. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:26.039 Stories of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration inspire us to press on. 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:30.620 Our vision is rooted in Revelation 7, verse 9. 00:01:30.620 --> 00:01:37.260 A multitude from every corner of the world united in worshiping Jesus Christ. 00:01:38.100 --> 00:01:40.700 You are called to play your part in this vision. 00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:46.580 Whether you pray fervently, give generously, go boldly, or send faithfully, 00:01:47.100 --> 00:01:49.960 your role is vital in the Great Pursuit. 00:01:50.960 --> 00:01:55.719 Join us in solving the greatest problem in the world, lostness. 00:01:55.719 --> 00:02:02.640 Together, we spread the message of hope and salvation to every nation, tribe, and tongue. 00:02:03.659 --> 00:02:06.120 This is the Great Pursuit. 00:02:08.159 --> 00:02:10.919 If you have your Bibles, I want to turn to Matthew 28. 00:02:11.419 --> 00:02:13.560 Matthew 28, I'm going to be looking at a couple different places, 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:15.639 but that's where I'm going to start. 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:19.280 It is, as the song says, the most wonderful time of the year. 00:02:19.340 --> 00:02:21.680 Whether you're ready or not, it's December. 00:02:22.139 --> 00:02:25.620 And they say it's the most wonderful time of the year. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:26.759 I say somewhat. 00:02:26.939 --> 00:02:30.640 College football is almost over, so the most wonderful time of the year is leaving us. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:34.480 But after yesterday, you can go. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:34.960 But anyway. 00:02:37.159 --> 00:02:39.819 However, this is one of those times. 00:02:40.219 --> 00:02:47.640 We have a lot going on, and I want to encourage you to pay attention to the calendar in your bulletin 00:02:47.640 --> 00:02:51.159 and make note of it on your personal calendar. 00:02:51.580 --> 00:02:54.860 Next weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity. 00:02:54.860 --> 00:03:00.560 Our choir and orchestra and drama team have been working together for Merry Christmas Pickens, 00:03:00.720 --> 00:03:05.440 and it'll be a wonderful presentation of the gospel story. 00:03:05.860 --> 00:03:10.920 It'll take place on Saturday night as well as both worship hours on Sunday morning. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:15.199 And I want to encourage you not only to be here but to invite folks. 00:03:15.199 --> 00:03:21.799 If they have their own church and can't come on Sunday here, then that's what Saturday's for, 00:03:21.919 --> 00:03:25.759 is to allow folks and encourage folks to come and to be a part of that. 00:03:25.859 --> 00:03:28.659 It's a great time together. 00:03:29.019 --> 00:03:32.479 And then the Sunday preceding Christmas, December the 22nd, 00:03:32.979 --> 00:03:35.539 please make note that we'll have our two worship hours. 00:03:35.539 --> 00:03:36.979 We will not have life groups. 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:39.819 We'll not be meeting for those two hours for life groups, 00:03:39.900 --> 00:03:44.299 but we will have our both worship hours on the 22nd. 00:03:44.399 --> 00:03:48.239 There is no midweek because midweek is Christmas Day. 00:03:48.840 --> 00:03:53.840 And then the 29th as well, we'll have one worship hour. 00:03:53.979 --> 00:03:57.359 We'll all come together for one worship hour, one combined worship hour. 00:03:57.620 --> 00:04:02.599 No life groups on the 29th, just one hour of worship together. 00:04:02.599 --> 00:04:04.620 So please make note of that. 00:04:05.019 --> 00:04:09.659 And we will not be meeting for midweek on January the 1st either. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:18.959 Throughout all of that, however, we are focusing in on one of my favorites. 00:04:19.899 --> 00:04:24.180 And that is the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions. 00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:28.240 And I will say that we have a task before us. 00:04:28.240 --> 00:04:34.460 The national goal for the International Mission Board in this offering is $205 million. 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:39.439 And our church goal is $66,000. 00:04:40.960 --> 00:04:43.500 Admittedly, we brought in more than that last year. 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:46.519 And this year's goal is our highest yet. 00:04:46.780 --> 00:04:55.259 So if you're new to a Southern Baptist church and are not familiar with the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:58.839 who is this lady and when are we going to pay her off? 00:04:58.939 --> 00:05:04.740 That's what I've heard from children sometimes when they get done hearing somebody talk about Lottie Moon 00:05:04.740 --> 00:05:06.920 and think, when are we ever going to pay that lady off? 00:05:06.980 --> 00:05:08.159 Well, hopefully we won't. 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:14.139 Lottie Moon was a missionary in China at the turn of the 20th century. 00:05:14.139 --> 00:05:18.839 And she had a tremendous burden to see folks come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:18.839 --> 00:05:21.099 And she served faithfully. 00:05:21.100 --> 00:05:23.240 The mission board ran out of money. 00:05:23.820 --> 00:05:27.600 And they told the missionaries to come home, that they could not afford to keep them on the field. 00:05:28.080 --> 00:05:29.500 She refused to come home. 00:05:30.040 --> 00:05:32.879 She knew that God had called her there and would not come home. 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:36.920 And she grew so burdened for that that it affected her health. 00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:40.360 As well, she deprived herself in order to give to others. 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:42.920 And she dealt with some malnutrition. 00:05:43.080 --> 00:05:46.560 Her faith became, I mean, her health became poor. 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:54.259 And finally, she was forced, because she was going to die if she didn't, to get on a boat and start home. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:57.680 And it was on that boat on the way home that she died. 00:05:58.920 --> 00:06:07.639 Before she died, she started a special offering because of the great financial need that the International Mission Board had, 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:10.120 the Foreign Mission Board at that time, had. 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:16.860 And she started asking for churches to give a Christmas offering for International Missions. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:25.879 And after she died, some years later, that offering was named after her, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:30.259 Now, so why do we bother to spend so much money on International Missions? 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:36.720 I will tell you that if we reach our goal this year, if you combine that with our cooperative program giving 00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:42.400 and the portion of our cooperative program giving, because when you give a tithe to this church, 00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:49.580 a portion of that in 2024, 10% of that will go toward the cooperative program. 00:06:49.980 --> 00:06:56.100 Of that that goes to the cooperative program, about a quarter of that goes directly to International Missions. 00:06:56.260 --> 00:07:01.300 If you put all those formulas together, between us reaching our goal for Lottie Moon 00:07:01.300 --> 00:07:04.640 and between our cooperative program giving that goes to International Missions, 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:10.180 we'll give over $100,000 to International Missions as a church. 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:14.120 Why in the world would we put that much money into that? 00:07:14.779 --> 00:07:15.759 Well, I'm glad you asked. 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:20.199 Matthew 28, verse 18 says this, 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:22.479 And Jesus came and said to them, 00:07:22.620 --> 00:07:25.779 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:07:26.159 --> 00:07:29.919 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:33.060 baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, 00:07:33.060 --> 00:07:36.000 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:39.680 and behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:42.180 That is known as the Great Commission. 00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:47.040 It is the last words that Jesus spoke before he ascended into heaven, 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:51.000 and those words say that he has empowered us 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:56.420 and sent us out to reach the world for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:07:56.680 --> 00:07:58.699 We are to share Christ. 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:04.659 We are to make disciples by nurturing them in his word. 00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:07.620 Now, our schedule changes about this time of year, 00:08:07.719 --> 00:08:09.860 but if you typically look at a worship bulletin 00:08:09.860 --> 00:08:11.740 and look at the schedule of the week, 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:13.819 you'll notice that on Sundays, 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:17.759 not only do we have corporate worship together, 00:08:17.919 --> 00:08:19.519 but we also have life groups. 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:21.620 In addition to that, on Sunday evenings, 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:24.879 we have sessions for children and for youth, 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:26.480 as well as for adults. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:28.840 You'll notice as well on Tuesday mornings 00:08:28.840 --> 00:08:32.440 that we have Bible studies that take place across this campus. 00:08:32.620 --> 00:08:35.740 On Wednesday morning, we have a Bible study on Wednesday evening. 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:39.060 We have opportunities for all ages as well. 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:43.759 All of those things are about making disciples. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:45.519 Why do we meet on Sunday? 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.659 Why do we meet on Tuesday? 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:47.800 Why do we meet on Wednesday? 00:08:48.060 --> 00:08:49.800 Why are we available throughout the week 00:08:49.800 --> 00:08:53.620 and challenging you often to make disciples? 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.539 That means not only do we have the responsibility 00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:57.379 to lead people to Christ 00:08:57.379 --> 00:09:01.519 and be a part of Christ saving them, 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:04.379 but also we have a responsibility once they are saved 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:06.820 to grow them up in the Lord. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:08.080 It's what we're called to do. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:10.360 He also tells us to baptize. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:13.320 To baptize, folks, is to lead people, 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:15.539 to take a private committal faith 00:09:15.539 --> 00:09:19.299 and to make it public in a way that by Christ's commission 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:22.139 and by his example, he's told us to do. 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:27.620 Your faith, if it's in Christ, is not a private matter. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:29.259 I want to be clear. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:31.199 I've heard people say that before. 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:32.919 Well, my faith is a private matter. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:35.039 Well, it's not a gospel faith then, friend, 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:40.139 because the reality is Jesus told us to tell. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:44.439 He told us to go and to tell and to make disciples. 00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:46.980 He told us to share our faith. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.620 And so our faith is not a private matter. 00:09:49.740 --> 00:09:51.259 We are to win the world of Christ. 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:54.720 He assures us that he will be with us all the way. 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:56.259 And I want you to notice something. 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.559 When it says making disciples, 00:09:58.700 --> 00:10:02.220 it says make disciples of all nations. 00:10:03.580 --> 00:10:05.740 Why are we always going places? 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:07.439 Or why should I go anywhere? 00:10:08.179 --> 00:10:10.200 Because God's called us to go. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:14.259 And so I want to challenge you as you look toward 2025, 00:10:15.539 --> 00:10:16.700 go get your passport. 00:10:16.939 --> 00:10:17.659 Let's go somewhere. 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:20.519 Let's do something for the Lord Jesus. 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:22.379 Let's get after it. 00:10:22.439 --> 00:10:24.959 Because he guides us all the way, 00:10:25.100 --> 00:10:26.039 and that's a big deal. 00:10:26.360 --> 00:10:28.059 I want us to be a part. 00:10:28.839 --> 00:10:33.019 I want us to influence the great multitude. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:38.659 I hate the misuse of the book of Revelation so much. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:43.279 The point of that book was to give a future hope 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:47.139 to a persecuted church in Asia Minor. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:49.259 There were seven churches, 00:10:49.799 --> 00:10:52.559 central locations where many, many small churches 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:53.919 met around those areas. 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:58.979 And John, while on the island of Patmos, 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:01.360 received a vision from the Lord 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:04.360 of a message that he was to share 00:11:04.360 --> 00:11:07.559 to those seven groups of people. 00:11:08.559 --> 00:11:12.919 He gives individual messages to those seven regions. 00:11:13.719 --> 00:11:16.500 And then the rest of that book is to give them hope 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:19.000 in the midst of their circumstances. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:24.279 The point of the book is to give them hope 00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:28.460 by proclaiming not only a future victory by the Lord, 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:32.759 but sharing that God has already been victorious. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:34.620 He is victorious. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:37.320 And we will celebrate that around his throne. 00:11:37.440 --> 00:11:42.399 It's going to be much better and more obvious in the future. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:44.799 That's after it gets worse. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.779 But I want you to notice something, 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:49.319 a beautiful scene in the book of Revelation. 00:11:50.719 --> 00:11:52.679 I happen to love Revelation 1. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:53.959 That's not our text for the day. 00:11:54.099 --> 00:11:54.919 You don't have to look there. 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:56.779 But I'm just telling you, while I'm here, 00:11:56.839 --> 00:11:57.839 I'm just going to camp out a minute. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:59.699 Revelation 1 I absolutely love 00:11:59.699 --> 00:12:03.279 because it's an amazing description of Christ 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:06.299 walking among the churches that were hurting. 00:12:06.459 --> 00:12:09.299 He's addressing seven churches that are hurting. 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:14.019 And it says that Christ, and it's a powerful image of Christ, 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:16.500 is walking among the candlesticks. 00:12:16.579 --> 00:12:18.319 The candlesticks represent the churches 00:12:18.319 --> 00:12:20.519 that are to keep their flame lit 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:24.159 and are to light the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:27.579 We're like a candlestick here in the midst of the darkness. 00:12:27.839 --> 00:12:29.419 And he is walking among the candlesticks. 00:12:29.439 --> 00:12:30.179 You know what that means? 00:12:30.359 --> 00:12:32.359 That means that no matter how you're hurting, 00:12:32.859 --> 00:12:34.199 no matter what's going on, 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:36.139 no matter what the world's doing around you, 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:38.899 the Lord Jesus loves this church 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:40.840 and is walking in the midst of us. 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:44.620 He is there with us, walking with us. 00:12:44.679 --> 00:12:48.720 And then there's an amazing description of heaven at the end. 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:52.080 And there's a beautiful image of heaven in Revelation 7. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:55.659 And when God allowed John to see a vision into heaven, 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.179 the scene is amazing. 00:12:57.600 --> 00:12:58.879 And I want you to get this scene. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:00.600 It's in Revelation 7, verse 9. 00:13:00.639 --> 00:13:01.120 It says this, 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:04.179 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude 00:13:04.179 --> 00:13:07.719 that no one could number from every nation, 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:11.599 from all tribes and people and languages, 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:14.939 standing before the throne and before the Lamb, 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:19.839 clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, 00:13:20.059 --> 00:13:23.039 and crying out with a loud voice, 00:13:23.299 --> 00:13:26.659 Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:27.959 and to the Lamb. 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:30.859 And all the angels were standing around the throne 00:13:30.859 --> 00:13:33.479 and around the elders and the four living creatures, 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:35.600 and they fell on their faces before the throne 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:37.500 and worshipped God, saying, 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:38.200 Amen. 00:13:38.940 --> 00:13:41.759 Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving 00:13:41.759 --> 00:13:43.680 and honor and power and might 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:46.940 be to our God forever and ever. 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:47.360 Amen. 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.700 What a scene. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.580 What a scene. 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:50.440 Can you imagine? 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:55.200 It says there that there will be people from all nations 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:57.640 and there will be more than we could count 00:13:57.640 --> 00:14:02.259 from all tribes, all peoples, all languages 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:04.980 around the throne of God together. 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.400 Can you imagine that? 00:14:07.280 --> 00:14:08.820 Well, I want to let you in on something. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:13.280 Not only can we be a part of that through Christ Jesus, 00:14:13.660 --> 00:14:15.379 we can influence that. 00:14:16.520 --> 00:14:18.040 We can influence that. 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:22.459 The reality is that most people that die today 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:25.639 will not get there. 00:14:28.579 --> 00:14:32.699 Most people that die today will not be in heaven. 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:37.159 There will be more than we can count 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:40.519 from around the world throughout all generations there, 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:43.559 but the reality is most will not be there. 00:14:44.059 --> 00:14:46.059 And so I'm saying let's play a part 00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:47.299 and let's make it bigger. 00:14:47.819 --> 00:14:49.159 Let's make the crowd bigger. 00:14:49.359 --> 00:14:50.739 We don't have the ability to save. 00:14:50.839 --> 00:14:51.739 Don't misunderstand me. 00:14:51.959 --> 00:14:52.939 We don't have that ability. 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:56.639 We have the ability to point people to a Christ 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:59.819 that will save, that wants to save them. 00:15:00.199 --> 00:15:02.539 God has instructed us to share 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:05.359 and promised us that he would bless us 00:15:05.359 --> 00:15:07.759 and Jesus saves eternally. 00:15:09.339 --> 00:15:11.119 Yes, he can save them without us, 00:15:11.199 --> 00:15:12.859 but why in the world should he? 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:14.459 Why would we want him to? 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:17.560 Don't you want to be a part of that cause? 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:21.759 Which leads to the great pursuit. 00:15:23.560 --> 00:15:25.220 In Acts chapter 1 verse 8, 00:15:26.060 --> 00:15:26.800 Jesus said, 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:28.200 but you will receive power 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:30.740 when the Holy Spirit's come upon you 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:32.720 and you will be my witnesses 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:37.480 in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:40.460 and to the end of the earth. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:45.379 Now Jesus ascended from Jerusalem. 00:15:45.900 --> 00:15:47.780 So let's get the context of this passage. 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:50.220 He ascended from Jerusalem. 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:52.259 When he tells them 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:55.300 that they are to be witnesses in Jerusalem, 00:15:55.759 --> 00:15:57.840 he means that they are to be witnesses 00:15:57.840 --> 00:16:01.060 right where they are. 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:03.239 Folks, 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:06.179 we have a responsibility 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:08.659 to be witnesses 00:16:08.659 --> 00:16:11.399 right where we are. 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:14.559 Your neighbor, 00:16:15.739 --> 00:16:17.479 God may have strategically placed 00:16:17.479 --> 00:16:18.799 that neighbor beside you 00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:22.159 so that they can have a relationship with you 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:24.599 and can possibly hear the gospel. 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:28.159 You're not responsible 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:30.500 for their response. 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:33.240 You are responsible 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:35.620 that they have a personal invitation 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:37.720 to come to Christ. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:40.759 In the middle of football yesterday, 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:44.740 I sent out a message 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:47.340 in anticipation of the day 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:49.299 to over 700 people 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:49.740 and said, 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:50.259 pray, 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:52.659 invite, 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.259 anticipate. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:59.039 And the reason why I sent that 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:01.039 was because I believe 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:02.259 God's placed us here 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.500 in our Jerusalem 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:05.539 where we live 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:07.379 to make a difference 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.359 in the lives of people 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:10.539 that are around us. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:11.819 He goes beyond that. 00:17:11.879 --> 00:17:13.359 He speaks of Judea. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:15.559 How does that relate to us? 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:17.480 That's the wider region. 00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:20.700 That's the South Carolina for us. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:24.579 That's the North America for us. 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:27.420 He goes on to talk about Samaria. 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:29.640 You may be familiar that 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:31.420 I didn't like people in Samaria. 00:17:34.619 --> 00:17:36.000 It's the further reaches. 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:38.259 It's the people around the world. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:40.500 It's the people that 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:42.759 you may not have a burden for. 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:46.039 It's the people that 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:48.740 you may not want to have much to do with. 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:51.599 The reality is 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:53.500 that we have a responsibility 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:55.539 to those that would go unnoticed 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:58.240 unless we respond 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:00.460 if we don't do our part. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:02.299 So what is our part? 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:03.319 Well, for one, 00:18:04.079 --> 00:18:04.819 it's to pray. 00:18:06.259 --> 00:18:08.559 We have 3,600 missionaries 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.139 with the International Mission Board 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:11.899 on the field 00:18:11.899 --> 00:18:13.500 serving throughout the world. 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.519 In September, 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:18.000 I flew to Richmond, Virginia 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:21.339 to go to what was called 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.919 an International Mission Board 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:24.299 Senders Summit. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:26.879 They said they wanted to talk 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:28.200 about building a pipeline. 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:30.539 I didn't really know 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:31.419 what they were building 00:18:31.419 --> 00:18:32.440 a pipeline to 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:35.180 and I wasn't really sure 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:36.559 what the conference was about. 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.480 But quite honestly, 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:39.859 the reason I went to the conference 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:41.359 is because it was held 00:18:41.359 --> 00:18:43.159 at a training center 00:18:43.159 --> 00:18:45.599 for the IMB missionaries. 00:18:45.839 --> 00:18:47.460 When they are called 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:49.279 and commissioned to go, 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:51.440 they go to this training center 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:53.159 for six weeks to be trained. 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:54.940 And I wanted to smell it 00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:56.220 and taste it a little bit 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:57.860 and see what we were talking about. 00:18:58.500 --> 00:18:59.840 I'll go far reaches 00:18:59.840 --> 00:19:00.940 for a sermon illustration. 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:03.960 And so I wanted to be a part of that. 00:19:04.320 --> 00:19:04.840 But as well, 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:06.300 I wanted to be a part of 00:19:06.300 --> 00:19:08.360 meeting some of my heroes, 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:09.700 which are missionaries, 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:11.480 those that God has called 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.720 to go to other places 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:14.120 to serve the world, 00:19:14.820 --> 00:19:15.880 pick up their families 00:19:15.880 --> 00:19:17.800 and move them to other places. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.279 It was quite amazing 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:19.960 to be a part of that 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:21.320 because the week that I was there, 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.160 the few days, 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:22.800 it wasn't a week, 00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:25.140 the few days that I was there, 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:26.440 they had more 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:27.800 international missionaries 00:19:27.800 --> 00:19:29.400 on that campus 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:30.200 than they had had 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:31.100 in over a decade. 00:19:31.580 --> 00:19:33.080 There were over 100 folks there 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:34.600 doing the training 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:36.480 before they went overseas 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:38.220 to serve the world. 00:19:38.540 --> 00:19:39.560 Now, our conference 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:41.200 was not interacting 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:42.140 with missionaries. 00:19:42.360 --> 00:19:43.160 I was interacting 00:19:43.160 --> 00:19:44.279 with IMB personnel 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:45.900 and some churches 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:48.220 that play a major part 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:50.800 in helping new missionaries 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.659 go to the field 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.720 and they were sharing 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:53.799 their stories with us 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:54.599 and those type things. 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:56.759 But we were on the same campus 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:58.720 and we ate in the same cafeteria 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:00.240 as all those missionaries 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:00.859 and their families. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.700 And so I always made a point 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.259 with every meal 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.839 to sit down 00:20:03.839 --> 00:20:06.000 and sit with another missionary's family 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:07.539 to get to know them 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.399 and to meet them 00:20:08.399 --> 00:20:08.960 and to find out 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.839 what their story is 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.680 and where they were going. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:13.680 I met guys 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.660 that had just graduated, 00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:16.940 were about to graduate 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.680 from college 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:19.140 that were going to serve 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:20.299 as what's called journeymen. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.840 It's a two-year mission 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:23.620 overseas 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:25.360 where they were, 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:25.960 one of them 00:20:25.960 --> 00:20:26.940 was going to be a trekker. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.960 He was simply going 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:29.680 to take people hiking 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:31.720 and while he took them hiking, 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:33.180 share the gospel with them 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.720 and build relationships with them. 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.940 There were all kinds 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:37.060 of different aspects 00:20:37.060 --> 00:20:37.960 that they would do 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:38.720 and it was fascinating 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:40.519 to see these 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:42.660 who had been touched 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.120 by the Lord 00:20:43.120 --> 00:20:43.880 and called by the Lord 00:20:43.880 --> 00:20:44.360 to go. 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:46.680 It was amazing to see. 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:48.059 It's a training center 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:49.039 that's on the countryside 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:50.839 outside of Richmond 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:53.460 on I think about 140 acres. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.140 I might have just made 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.779 that figure up 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.360 but you know 00:20:55.360 --> 00:20:56.600 most statistics 00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:57.559 are made up on the spot anyway 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:59.920 but I was able 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:02.120 to spend time with them 00:21:02.120 --> 00:21:04.539 and I learned 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:05.620 that the strategy 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.900 that we have 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.500 as Southern Baptists 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.619 to reach the world 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:11.000 is through eight 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:12.960 different strategic areas 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:14.099 called affinities. 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:16.720 One is Europe. 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.859 The second one 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:20.259 is North Africa 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:22.099 and the Middle East. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:23.700 The third is 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:25.099 Sub-Saharan Africa. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:27.599 The fourth is Central Asia. 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:30.279 The fifth is South Asia. 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:32.680 The sixth is the Pacific Rim. 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:35.740 Seven is the Americas 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:37.140 and I don't know 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:38.279 if you can see that or not 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:39.859 but when it says number eight 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:42.819 it's sitting over South America 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:44.599 but it's got a little asterisk beside it 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:46.200 and that asterisk speaks 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.519 of not just South America 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.420 but the rest of the world. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.980 That's the deaf community. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.279 One of our affinities 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:52.380 are the deaf community 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:53.759 throughout the world 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:57.500 and how desperately folks 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.839 need to know the Lord. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:00.399 I want you to understand 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:02.839 how desperate the need is. 00:22:02.939 --> 00:22:03.619 For instance, 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.480 the United Kingdom 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.759 which we have had 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.699 a missionary here 00:22:07.699 --> 00:22:09.159 a couple of times 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:09.939 since I've been here 00:22:09.939 --> 00:22:11.240 from England. 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.240 Kenny is over 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:14.759 a large number 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.599 of missionaries 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.279 in the UK 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:18.579 and I grew up with him. 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.119 He's a dear friend of mine 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:21.599 and because of his position 00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:23.299 with the International Mission Board 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.299 he had the opportunity 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:26.379 to move to other parts 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:27.020 of the UK 00:22:27.020 --> 00:22:29.120 and he has recently moved 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:29.760 to Ireland. 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:31.420 He had planned to move 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.380 earlier than this 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:32.940 to Ireland 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:34.120 to Dublin area 00:22:34.120 --> 00:22:36.600 and there was a hold up 00:22:36.600 --> 00:22:37.660 that kind of delayed 00:22:37.660 --> 00:22:39.060 not only his move 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:40.060 but our participation 00:22:40.060 --> 00:22:42.600 with his new ministry there 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.640 in Ireland 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:46.800 but in the UK 00:22:46.800 --> 00:22:51.440 only 1.46% of people 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.000 are Christian 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:55.920 and have a personal relationship 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:58.560 professing relationship 00:22:58.560 --> 00:22:59.200 with Christ 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:02.019 1.46% 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:04.180 in Russia 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:07.980 only 1 in 500 people 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.500 are Christian 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:12.240 and I got to thinking 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.480 about 1 in 500 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:14.240 how does that range? 00:23:14.320 --> 00:23:14.920 So if you 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:18.160 if that was the case 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:19.000 in Pickens County 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:21.600 if only 1 in 500 00:23:21.600 --> 00:23:22.420 knew the Lord 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:24.600 those in attendance 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:26.100 here today 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:27.380 between our two 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.080 worship hours 00:23:28.080 --> 00:23:29.759 would almost double 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:30.779 the amount of believers 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:32.259 in our county 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:34.060 that would be the entirety 00:23:34.060 --> 00:23:36.860 of those 00:23:36.860 --> 00:23:39.620 that would be saved 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:40.380 in our county 00:23:40.380 --> 00:23:42.060 on those kind of 00:23:42.060 --> 00:23:43.000 representations 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.620 in other words 00:23:44.620 --> 00:23:46.220 people need 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:47.259 the Lord 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:49.380 and we need to pray 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:50.980 for that to happen 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:52.279 now to give more 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.299 guided prayer 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:55.380 during this particular week 00:23:55.380 --> 00:23:56.779 there is available 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.460 in a foyer 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.319 a little booklet 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.620 it looks just like this 00:23:59.620 --> 00:24:00.640 on both those black tables 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:01.579 I put them out there myself 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:02.200 just right before 00:24:02.200 --> 00:24:02.900 the first service 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:05.000 and it's the Week of Prayer 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.220 for International Missions 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:06.720 2024 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:08.339 Prayer Guide 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.880 and it'll give you 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:11.099 somebody to pray for 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.799 you can go online 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.660 and get more information 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:12.980 about them 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.460 but they give you 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.620 somebody to pray for 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:15.480 every day 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.900 starting today 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:18.980 through next Sunday 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.960 it's the Week of Prayer 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:21.019 for International Missions 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.360 today's guy 00:24:22.360 --> 00:24:23.440 is named Moses 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:25.339 Moses grew up 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.519 in West Africa 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:29.940 and Moses was saved 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:31.460 while he was in West Africa 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:33.019 and God led him 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:34.120 to come to America 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.720 and become 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:37.660 a Bible college student 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:39.680 and he came over here 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:41.400 and went to Bible college 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:43.480 and he and his wife 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.360 also felt led 00:24:44.360 --> 00:24:45.160 to go to seminary 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.039 and they went to seminary 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:48.119 and then God called them 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:50.180 back to Africa 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:52.980 and he serves in Senegal 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:55.139 actually he serves 00:24:55.139 --> 00:24:57.039 in islands outside of Senegal 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:58.279 now I went to Guinea 00:24:58.279 --> 00:25:00.920 in 2000 April of 2017 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:02.339 on a vision trip 00:25:02.339 --> 00:25:03.559 it was a partnership 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:05.119 that the state of Mississippi had 00:25:05.119 --> 00:25:06.720 and I lived there at the time 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:08.119 and I went over 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:10.220 and went to Guinea 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:11.740 and some of the missionaries 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:12.579 that I dealt with 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.159 there 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:15.000 because again 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.500 I tell you 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.600 they're my heroes now 00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:17.540 I mean 00:25:17.540 --> 00:25:18.680 there was a family 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:20.720 that moved from Arkansas 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:23.759 that I ate in their home 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:25.440 they had about four kids 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:27.600 and they moved from Arkansas 00:25:27.600 --> 00:25:32.420 to the biggest city in Guinea 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:34.240 sent their kids 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:36.500 to a primarily French 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.680 speaking school 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:39.759 their kids did not speak French 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:42.559 and nobody spoke English 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.359 except them 00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:45.740 they had a wall 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:48.119 around their house 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:49.619 with a gate 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:51.879 and on top of that wall 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:53.599 there were pieces of glass 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:55.119 that had been cemented 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:55.879 into the top 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.480 to keep people 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.279 from coming over 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.680 the top of that wall 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:00.259 and they were walking 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.099 their kids to school 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:03.119 it was an amazing sacrifice 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:04.559 that these folks 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.579 successful people 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.700 in Arkansas 00:26:06.700 --> 00:26:07.900 picked up and left 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.220 and went 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.180 I'm telling you 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.200 because of the gospel 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.279 and because of what God's placed 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:11.759 upon their life 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.860 those are my heroes man 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:14.220 to be able to do that 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.000 and move your family 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.579 and all that stuff 00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:16.819 I've never felt led 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.460 to do that 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:18.579 I prayed about that 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:19.140 and asked God 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.500 what would you have me do 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.500 and hey 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.079 y'all are it 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:23.779 but I mean 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.880 I've never felt led 00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:25.720 to do that 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.579 but I'm telling you 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:27.380 the people who 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:29.339 are led to do that 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:30.779 they're my heroes man 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:32.000 I can't help but 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:33.019 bump elbows with them 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.680 and appreciate them 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:35.380 and one of the reasons 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.880 why I love to go 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:38.420 is to encourage them 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.600 to let them know 00:26:39.600 --> 00:26:40.820 we love you 00:26:40.820 --> 00:26:41.700 we care about you 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.660 we're praying for you 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:43.480 and if there's something 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:44.740 we can do to help you 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.860 please tell me 00:26:45.860 --> 00:26:46.500 because these folks 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.260 will step up 00:26:47.260 --> 00:26:48.400 when they need to step up 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:49.740 and let us know 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.580 what we can do 00:26:50.580 --> 00:26:52.020 sometimes it's very simple things 00:26:52.020 --> 00:26:52.940 and sometimes it's not 00:26:52.940 --> 00:26:54.940 but it's a wonderful blessing 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:55.360 to do that 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.100 but those people 00:26:56.100 --> 00:26:57.340 had served previously 00:26:57.340 --> 00:26:58.460 in Senegal 00:26:58.460 --> 00:26:59.800 and Senegal was like 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:01.200 the nice place to stay 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.020 versus Guinea 00:27:02.020 --> 00:27:03.640 Guinea is not the nice place 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:03.940 to stay 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.420 I promise you 00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:04.720 but anyway 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:08.060 so Senegal was a nicer area 00:27:08.060 --> 00:27:09.840 it had presentable beaches 00:27:09.840 --> 00:27:10.620 instead of trash 00:27:10.620 --> 00:27:11.340 all over the beaches 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:12.200 and all that kind of stuff 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:14.180 well Moses went to Senegal 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:15.720 not the Moses of the Bible 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:16.660 the Moses of the missionary 00:27:16.660 --> 00:27:17.380 that I'm talking about 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:18.920 Moses went to Senegal 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:21.779 and he serves in the islands 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.980 off of Senegal 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:24.660 Moses can't swim 00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:26.340 and he's very afraid of water 00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:28.120 and God in his sense of humor 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:28.920 called him 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:30.360 to be an island missionary 00:27:30.360 --> 00:27:32.860 and so he put on a life jacket 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:33.720 got in a boat 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:35.240 and went over to an island 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:37.559 and showed the Jesus film 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:38.779 the Jesus film 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.339 is a film 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.860 that tells the story of Jesus 00:27:40.860 --> 00:27:41.960 I think it's translated 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:43.559 in over a hundred languages 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:45.299 and he showed them 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:45.940 that movie 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:46.839 25 people 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.559 that movie 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.440 in their language 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.799 and 15 of them 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.980 got saved 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:52.200 in that session 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.920 when he first got there 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:55.160 and he's been ministering 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:55.640 to them 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:57.420 ever since 00:27:57.420 --> 00:27:58.059 pray 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:59.500 for Moses 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:01.079 that God would work 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.519 and move 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.720 in his life 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:03.259 life 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:03.620 you know 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.660 what I found out 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.400 when I was in Guinea 00:28:05.400 --> 00:28:07.079 when I was in Guinea 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:08.660 was so many of them 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:11.240 animism is big over there 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.519 which is a cultic 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:14.460 kind of naturalistic 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:17.420 spiritual world 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.279 that they believe in 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.200 that is 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:21.120 that is demonic 00:28:21.120 --> 00:28:21.920 quite honestly 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:24.060 but also 00:28:24.060 --> 00:28:25.740 the Muslim faith 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:26.640 is very strong 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:26.880 there 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.900 and there are people 00:28:27.900 --> 00:28:28.700 who have committed 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:30.180 their lives to Christ 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:32.880 but have yet to be baptized 00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:34.600 because if they're baptized 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:36.700 they'll lose their job 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:38.039 they'll lose their family 00:28:38.039 --> 00:28:40.200 they'll be completely ostracized 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:42.259 and so for somebody 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.480 to get baptized over there 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:44.680 and make a public confession 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:45.259 of faith 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:47.880 it is a life change 00:28:47.880 --> 00:28:49.000 and so so many 00:28:49.000 --> 00:28:49.440 of the people 00:28:49.440 --> 00:28:49.980 that I met 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.660 along the way 00:28:50.660 --> 00:28:51.900 were Christians 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:54.000 that were still struggling 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:55.380 with that whole deal 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:57.000 of what to do about that 00:28:57.000 --> 00:28:58.440 because young people 00:28:58.440 --> 00:28:59.620 give their heart and life 00:28:59.620 --> 00:29:00.340 to the Lord Jesus 00:29:00.340 --> 00:29:01.720 and if they get baptized 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:03.160 their family will disown them 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:03.920 they'll have nothing 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:05.820 and so they struggle with that 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:06.920 I was on a college campus 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:07.440 over there 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:08.340 meeting with 00:29:08.340 --> 00:29:09.760 with the college students 00:29:09.760 --> 00:29:11.160 and went 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.820 rode in 00:29:11.820 --> 00:29:12.920 120 miles 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.920 over 8 hours 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:14.740 into the bush 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.660 and went into 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.819 a small village there 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:18.559 where people over there 00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:21.960 need desperately 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.759 to hear the gospel 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:23.660 and I went over there 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.579 with a medical doctor 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:26.079 who treats folks 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.640 in a hospital 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:27.640 and by treating them 00:29:27.640 --> 00:29:28.160 in a hospital 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:29.700 he also shares Christ 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.180 with them 00:29:30.180 --> 00:29:31.779 Dr. Robert Pepper 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:32.480 wonderful 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.019 but anyway 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.420 God's doing wonderful 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:35.099 things over there 00:29:35.099 --> 00:29:35.960 and he's doing it 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.799 through people like Moses 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.799 and we need to pray 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.279 for him 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:41.640 not only that 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:42.519 to pray 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.960 but we also need to go 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:46.039 it is my prayer 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:47.220 that God would call people 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.240 out of this congregation 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.579 to reach the world 00:29:49.579 --> 00:29:50.220 for Christ 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:51.840 he's done it before 00:29:51.840 --> 00:29:53.539 and I pray 00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.220 he does it again 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:56.220 have you ever considered it 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:59.039 I mean let's think about this 00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.819 have you ever even dared 00:29:59.819 --> 00:30:00.700 to pray about it 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:03.100 it is the greatest pursuit 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.000 for the gospel 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:06.000 and I want you to get 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:06.720 a taste of it 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.960 we have put 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.620 purposely 00:30:08.620 --> 00:30:10.059 put more money 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:11.279 for 2025 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:12.900 toward getting involved 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:13.620 in missions 00:30:13.619 --> 00:30:15.699 and going on mission 00:30:15.699 --> 00:30:17.099 than we've had previously 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:18.919 we have a team 00:30:18.919 --> 00:30:20.299 that's going to Toronto 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.579 this summer 00:30:21.579 --> 00:30:22.799 last summer 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.599 that team went 00:30:23.599 --> 00:30:24.079 and did back 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:25.000 our Bible clubs 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:26.099 they plan to do something 00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:27.299 very similar there as well 00:30:27.299 --> 00:30:28.579 how about Peru 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.739 we've had an ongoing 00:30:29.739 --> 00:30:30.699 relationship with Peru 00:30:30.699 --> 00:30:31.919 for a long time 00:30:31.919 --> 00:30:34.319 and Jeff Rafferty 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:36.879 and Jim Gilstrap 00:30:36.879 --> 00:30:39.359 train pastors online 00:30:39.359 --> 00:30:40.479 since COVID 00:30:40.479 --> 00:30:41.399 they've done 00:30:41.399 --> 00:30:42.759 Zoom calls online 00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:43.959 where they'll meet 00:30:43.959 --> 00:30:44.619 with as many 00:30:44.619 --> 00:30:45.659 as 100 pastors 00:30:45.659 --> 00:30:46.639 on a Friday night 00:30:46.639 --> 00:30:47.799 late Friday night 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:49.519 teaching them doctrine 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:52.219 in order for them 00:30:52.219 --> 00:30:52.879 to get training 00:30:52.879 --> 00:30:53.740 that they can't get 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.159 otherwise 00:30:54.159 --> 00:30:55.899 we support 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:57.059 a missionary 00:30:57.059 --> 00:30:57.559 over there 00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:58.299 that's going 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.099 into the jungles 00:30:59.099 --> 00:31:00.039 he's native from there 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:01.039 but he's going 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:01.859 into the jungles 00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:03.879 and sharing faith 00:31:03.879 --> 00:31:05.079 and there's trips 00:31:05.079 --> 00:31:05.579 that go 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:06.879 into the jungles there 00:31:06.880 --> 00:31:09.260 we also are teaching children 00:31:09.260 --> 00:31:11.740 and want to expand that 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:13.340 there's some light construction 00:31:13.340 --> 00:31:14.440 that we're looking at doing 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:17.100 and so Jeff is already 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:18.120 in the planning stages 00:31:18.120 --> 00:31:18.960 of planning a trip 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:19.540 to Peru 00:31:19.540 --> 00:31:20.940 next year 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:22.000 what about Europe 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:24.760 Kenny has shared with me 00:31:24.760 --> 00:31:25.880 my missionary in Ireland 00:31:25.880 --> 00:31:27.060 has shared with me 00:31:27.060 --> 00:31:27.620 that he'd love 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:28.360 for a small team 00:31:28.360 --> 00:31:29.280 to come in September 00:31:29.280 --> 00:31:32.700 and help in a church 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:35.180 that he is working in there 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.860 and supporting 00:31:35.860 --> 00:31:37.759 to just get the word out 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:40.160 and to just be a help 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:40.840 on the ground 00:31:40.840 --> 00:31:42.259 so we plan to do that 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:42.779 and what about 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.779 a community rebuild 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:45.400 we got communities 00:31:45.400 --> 00:31:45.940 around us 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:47.180 ravaged by floods 00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:47.840 we found out 00:31:47.840 --> 00:31:49.580 after Helene came through 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:50.580 we didn't have to go 00:31:50.580 --> 00:31:51.160 very far 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.080 to help people 00:31:52.080 --> 00:31:53.120 rebuild their lives 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:53.560 and so 00:31:53.560 --> 00:31:55.200 we have mission teams 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.960 that are planning 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.740 on going to 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:58.180 do a community rebuild 00:31:58.180 --> 00:32:00.500 we don't have to go far 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.799 to be productive 00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:02.920 in ministry 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:05.039 my question is 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.960 what would God 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:07.660 have you do 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:11.440 and are you even 00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:12.360 open to do it 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:14.400 if he leads you 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:14.900 to do it 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:17.240 I just encourage you 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.380 to pray about it 00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:20.019 encourage you to pray 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.700 what would God 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:21.360 have you do 00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:22.060 and then prepare 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:22.940 yourself for it 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.840 as I told you earlier 00:32:23.840 --> 00:32:24.800 go get a passport 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:26.000 be ready 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.860 in case God 00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:29.039 leads you to go 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:30.500 go and 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:31.360 to share 00:32:31.359 --> 00:32:33.500 however this time 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.959 I also ask you 00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:35.459 to give 00:32:35.459 --> 00:32:38.099 I ask you to give 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:39.740 10% of our 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:41.359 all undesignated money 00:32:41.359 --> 00:32:41.939 that's given 00:32:41.939 --> 00:32:43.099 to Pickens First 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:43.699 Baptist Church 00:32:43.699 --> 00:32:44.439 in 2024 00:32:44.439 --> 00:32:46.000 goes through 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:47.000 the cooperative program 00:32:47.000 --> 00:32:48.240 more than half 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.740 of that money 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:50.059 stays in the state 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.319 of South Carolina 00:32:51.319 --> 00:32:52.599 to provide support 00:32:52.599 --> 00:32:53.819 for planning churches 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:54.959 and for raising up 00:32:54.959 --> 00:32:55.619 missionaries 00:32:55.619 --> 00:32:56.959 and supporting 00:32:56.959 --> 00:32:58.199 our own county 00:32:58.199 --> 00:33:00.019 RA camp 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:00.919 at Camp McCall 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:02.180 it supports that 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:02.620 however 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.820 when you give 00:33:03.820 --> 00:33:04.800 to the cooperative 00:33:04.800 --> 00:33:05.279 program 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:06.140 and when you give 00:33:06.140 --> 00:33:06.660 your tithe 00:33:06.660 --> 00:33:07.820 to First Baptist 00:33:07.820 --> 00:33:08.720 you give the cooperative 00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:09.039 program 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:10.420 a quarter of what 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.120 goes to the cooperative 00:33:11.120 --> 00:33:11.420 program 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:12.320 goes directly 00:33:12.320 --> 00:33:13.620 to international 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.180 missions 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:16.600 that total 00:33:16.600 --> 00:33:17.200 that comes 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:17.820 from the cooperative 00:33:17.820 --> 00:33:18.300 program 00:33:18.300 --> 00:33:18.960 that goes 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:19.519 to international 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:19.980 missions 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:21.259 that nationwide 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:21.940 total 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:23.480 is about half 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:24.600 of what they need 00:33:24.600 --> 00:33:26.480 the other half 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:27.320 of what they need 00:33:27.320 --> 00:33:28.440 to keep personnel 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:30.120 on the field 00:33:30.120 --> 00:33:31.259 comes from 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:31.980 the Lottie Moon 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:33.380 Christmas offering 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:35.279 and it takes 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:35.920 an average 00:33:35.920 --> 00:33:38.320 of $77,000 00:33:38.320 --> 00:33:39.500 to keep a missionary 00:33:39.500 --> 00:33:40.759 on the field 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:42.100 now in some places 00:33:42.100 --> 00:33:42.580 in the world 00:33:42.580 --> 00:33:43.320 it's more expensive 00:33:43.320 --> 00:33:43.900 than that 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:45.019 in some places 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.559 in the world 00:33:45.559 --> 00:33:46.660 that's impoverished 00:33:46.660 --> 00:33:47.420 it's a lot cheaper 00:33:47.420 --> 00:33:47.940 than that 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:49.140 but on the average 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:49.759 what it takes 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.400 to keep a missionary 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:50.900 on the field 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:52.660 is $77,000 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:54.740 however 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:55.840 I promise you 00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:57.960 that if we don't 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:58.779 support the Lottie Moon 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.540 Christmas offering 00:33:59.540 --> 00:34:01.600 we will not have 00:34:01.600 --> 00:34:02.480 the personnel 00:34:02.480 --> 00:34:05.200 in place 00:34:05.200 --> 00:34:06.180 in those 00:34:06.180 --> 00:34:07.300 hard to reach areas 00:34:07.300 --> 00:34:09.180 missionaries 00:34:09.180 --> 00:34:09.920 will come home 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:13.079 and what we run into 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:14.440 is a real situation 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.460 in real time 00:34:15.460 --> 00:34:15.820 now 00:34:15.820 --> 00:34:17.639 missionaries 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:18.760 are retiring 00:34:18.760 --> 00:34:21.599 and we need 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:22.619 part of that conference 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.259 that I went to 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.940 is to make sure 00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:25.500 that we do 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:26.519 everything we can 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.659 to prepare 00:34:27.659 --> 00:34:28.759 the next generation 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:30.360 to take their place 00:34:30.360 --> 00:34:33.299 that we call 00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:34.079 the called out 00:34:34.079 --> 00:34:35.819 that we 00:34:35.819 --> 00:34:36.759 support 00:34:36.759 --> 00:34:37.480 the cooperative 00:34:37.480 --> 00:34:37.860 program 00:34:37.860 --> 00:34:38.819 to make our 00:34:38.819 --> 00:34:39.719 seminaries strong 00:34:39.719 --> 00:34:40.420 so that they get 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:41.319 the proper training 00:34:41.319 --> 00:34:42.480 in order to go 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:43.699 so that we give 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:44.279 through the cooperative 00:34:44.279 --> 00:34:44.719 program 00:34:44.719 --> 00:34:45.219 to help 00:34:45.219 --> 00:34:46.319 with international 00:34:46.319 --> 00:34:46.759 missions 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.779 but also that we 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:48.599 give through Lottie Moon 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:49.599 because the difference 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.819 in giving to Lottie Moon 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:51.600 versus these other 00:34:51.600 --> 00:34:51.920 things 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:53.019 is when you give 00:34:53.019 --> 00:34:54.140 a dollar to Lottie Moon 00:34:54.140 --> 00:34:55.480 that dollar 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.480 goes directly 00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:58.660 to international 00:34:58.660 --> 00:34:59.100 missions 00:34:59.100 --> 00:35:00.260 it actually goes 00:35:00.260 --> 00:35:01.539 to pay the salaries 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:03.059 of the missionaries 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:04.120 on the field 00:35:04.120 --> 00:35:05.500 that's what it's for 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:07.340 they may raise 00:35:07.340 --> 00:35:08.039 some support 00:35:08.039 --> 00:35:09.480 for ministry 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:10.559 activities that they do 00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:11.539 or special projects 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.140 along the way 00:35:12.140 --> 00:35:12.820 and all that stuff 00:35:12.820 --> 00:35:14.100 but they are guaranteed 00:35:14.100 --> 00:35:15.059 through the Lottie Moon 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:15.820 Christmas offering 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:16.460 and through the cooperative 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:16.860 program 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:18.200 that they will be 00:35:18.200 --> 00:35:19.200 covered if they'll go 00:35:19.199 --> 00:35:21.319 and as missionaries 00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:21.879 retire 00:35:21.879 --> 00:35:22.719 we need to keep 00:35:22.719 --> 00:35:23.879 to create 00:35:23.879 --> 00:35:24.659 and keep pipeline 00:35:24.659 --> 00:35:25.519 clear 00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:27.359 to pipe missionaries 00:35:27.359 --> 00:35:28.179 to the field 00:35:28.179 --> 00:35:29.299 to keep them going 00:35:29.299 --> 00:35:30.980 our goal this year 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:31.619 as a church 00:35:31.619 --> 00:35:33.559 is $66,000 00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:35.980 last year 00:35:35.980 --> 00:35:36.379 our goal 00:35:36.379 --> 00:35:37.539 was $1,000 00:35:37.539 --> 00:35:38.679 less than that 00:35:38.679 --> 00:35:40.079 but our goal 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:40.539 and I want you 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:41.399 to hear me this morning 00:35:41.399 --> 00:35:42.500 but our goal 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:43.139 last year 00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:44.039 was reached 00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:46.179 during the month 00:35:46.179 --> 00:35:47.119 of December 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:48.500 I went back 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:49.079 and looked 00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:50.539 this week 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.339 to see 00:35:51.339 --> 00:35:54.359 and we reached it 00:35:54.359 --> 00:35:55.440 during the month 00:35:55.440 --> 00:35:56.000 of December 00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:57.319 my friend 00:35:57.319 --> 00:35:58.819 that's the way 00:35:58.819 --> 00:35:59.380 you do it 00:35:59.380 --> 00:36:00.799 when God 00:36:00.799 --> 00:36:01.400 puts a goal 00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:01.980 before you 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:02.759 and we have 00:36:02.759 --> 00:36:03.460 a responsibility 00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:04.480 to fulfill it 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.579 and it's an aggressive 00:36:05.579 --> 00:36:06.019 goal 00:36:06.019 --> 00:36:08.319 but we get it done 00:36:08.319 --> 00:36:09.859 as God allows us 00:36:09.859 --> 00:36:10.259 to do 00:36:10.259 --> 00:36:10.920 I think you ought 00:36:10.920 --> 00:36:11.500 to set a goal 00:36:11.500 --> 00:36:12.739 for the glory 00:36:12.739 --> 00:36:13.139 of God 00:36:13.139 --> 00:36:14.739 and then get it done 00:36:14.739 --> 00:36:15.939 and as the little kid 00:36:15.939 --> 00:36:16.819 said pay the lady 00:36:16.819 --> 00:36:17.199 off 00:36:17.199 --> 00:36:17.579 you know 00:36:17.579 --> 00:36:19.219 get it done 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:21.079 and give faithfully 00:36:21.079 --> 00:36:22.559 to Lottie Moon 00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:24.239 now to be honest 00:36:24.239 --> 00:36:24.639 with you 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:26.419 this church 00:36:26.419 --> 00:36:27.719 has faithfully 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.699 given to Lottie Moon 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:30.599 for many many years 00:36:30.599 --> 00:36:32.419 I'm thankful 00:36:32.419 --> 00:36:33.479 that that is just 00:36:33.479 --> 00:36:34.119 growing 00:36:34.119 --> 00:36:35.059 quite honestly 00:36:35.059 --> 00:36:36.919 and I feel sure 00:36:36.919 --> 00:36:38.319 that we'll be faithful 00:36:38.319 --> 00:36:39.859 to do that 00:36:39.859 --> 00:36:42.699 there's envelopes 00:36:42.699 --> 00:36:43.500 that look like this 00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:44.099 with the blue 00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:47.000 markings around them 00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:47.619 you can pick one 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.059 of those up 00:36:48.059 --> 00:36:48.699 as you leave 00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:49.879 and always mark 00:36:49.879 --> 00:36:50.619 that Lottie Moon 00:36:50.619 --> 00:36:51.139 and you can give 00:36:51.139 --> 00:36:51.519 that way 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:52.259 you can give online 00:36:52.259 --> 00:36:52.619 you can give 00:36:52.619 --> 00:36:52.960 any way 00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:53.819 God leads you 00:36:53.819 --> 00:36:54.239 to give 00:36:54.239 --> 00:36:55.339 I encourage you 00:36:55.339 --> 00:36:55.739 to give 00:36:55.739 --> 00:36:56.359 to that 00:36:56.359 --> 00:36:57.259 but more importantly 00:36:57.259 --> 00:36:59.079 than all of that 00:36:59.079 --> 00:36:59.980 while we try 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:00.939 to go throughout 00:37:00.939 --> 00:37:01.500 the world 00:37:01.500 --> 00:37:02.819 to share the gospel 00:37:02.819 --> 00:37:03.980 my question is 00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:06.379 do you 00:37:06.379 --> 00:37:08.579 know the Lord 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.379 Jesus Christ 00:37:09.380 --> 00:37:12.559 have you 00:37:12.559 --> 00:37:13.340 ever surrendered 00:37:13.340 --> 00:37:13.900 your life 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:15.500 to follow 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.220 the Lord Jesus 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:18.619 because I'm thankful 00:37:18.619 --> 00:37:20.220 that the gospel 00:37:20.220 --> 00:37:20.680 is 00:37:20.680 --> 00:37:22.240 that if you confess 00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:23.220 that you've done wrong 00:37:23.220 --> 00:37:24.800 and that you're a sinner 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:26.500 that he'll meet you 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:27.280 where you are 00:37:27.280 --> 00:37:28.440 and he'll forgive you 00:37:28.440 --> 00:37:29.180 of your sins 00:37:29.180 --> 00:37:30.240 and he'll come 00:37:30.240 --> 00:37:31.000 into your life 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:32.700 and he'll save you 00:37:32.700 --> 00:37:34.039 and change you 00:37:34.039 --> 00:37:36.119 if you've never 00:37:36.119 --> 00:37:36.840 given your heart 00:37:36.840 --> 00:37:37.200 and life 00:37:37.200 --> 00:37:38.180 to the Lord Jesus Christ 00:37:38.179 --> 00:37:38.980 the greatest decision 00:37:38.980 --> 00:37:39.779 you'll ever make 00:37:39.779 --> 00:37:40.859 is to surrender 00:37:40.859 --> 00:37:41.819 your life to Christ 00:37:41.819 --> 00:37:43.779 maybe you've done that 00:37:43.779 --> 00:37:45.139 and it's a private faith 00:37:45.139 --> 00:37:46.679 you've done it privately 00:37:46.679 --> 00:37:47.719 but you've never 00:37:47.719 --> 00:37:48.579 done it publicly 00:37:48.579 --> 00:37:49.539 you've never let 00:37:49.539 --> 00:37:50.539 anybody else know 00:37:50.539 --> 00:37:51.879 what God has done 00:37:51.879 --> 00:37:52.539 in your life 00:37:52.539 --> 00:37:54.179 I want to encourage you 00:37:54.179 --> 00:37:56.460 to take that private faith 00:37:56.460 --> 00:37:58.019 and be obedient to God 00:37:58.019 --> 00:37:59.559 and make it public 00:37:59.559 --> 00:38:01.739 the way we do that 00:38:01.739 --> 00:38:03.219 by his example 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:05.000 and by his commission 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:06.379 is through baptism 00:38:06.379 --> 00:38:08.119 baptism is a 00:38:08.119 --> 00:38:09.420 public way 00:38:09.420 --> 00:38:10.119 of confessing 00:38:10.119 --> 00:38:10.619 what Christ 00:38:10.619 --> 00:38:11.119 has done 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:12.199 in your life 00:38:12.199 --> 00:38:12.699 privately 00:38:12.699 --> 00:38:13.679 and if you've 00:38:13.679 --> 00:38:14.500 never done that 00:38:14.500 --> 00:38:15.179 I encourage you 00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:15.659 to be obedient 00:38:15.659 --> 00:38:16.119 to that 00:38:16.119 --> 00:38:17.639 maybe God's leading 00:38:17.639 --> 00:38:18.519 you to be a part 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:19.179 of Pickens First 00:38:19.179 --> 00:38:19.880 Baptist Church 00:38:19.880 --> 00:38:21.059 I'm thankful 00:38:21.059 --> 00:38:21.799 we have several 00:38:21.799 --> 00:38:22.699 guests here today 00:38:22.699 --> 00:38:23.460 some of you 00:38:23.460 --> 00:38:23.980 have been with us 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:24.699 for some time 00:38:24.699 --> 00:38:25.279 and I'm thankful 00:38:25.279 --> 00:38:25.799 for that 00:38:25.799 --> 00:38:26.659 God's doing 00:38:26.659 --> 00:38:27.480 a wonderful work 00:38:27.480 --> 00:38:28.059 in Pickens First 00:38:28.059 --> 00:38:28.699 Baptist Church 00:38:28.699 --> 00:38:29.480 and if God's leading 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:30.039 you to be a part 00:38:30.039 --> 00:38:30.659 of this church 00:38:30.659 --> 00:38:31.559 you come 00:38:31.559 --> 00:38:32.380 we'd love to guide 00:38:32.380 --> 00:38:33.359 you in that process 00:38:33.360 --> 00:38:35.240 but listen 00:38:35.240 --> 00:38:37.340 I don't have a clue 00:38:37.340 --> 00:38:38.300 what God's telling you 00:38:38.300 --> 00:38:38.740 in your heart 00:38:38.740 --> 00:38:39.180 and life 00:38:39.180 --> 00:38:40.740 I just want you 00:38:40.740 --> 00:38:41.320 to be obedient 00:38:41.320 --> 00:38:43.720 you'll never be satisfied 00:38:43.720 --> 00:38:45.200 until you follow 00:38:45.200 --> 00:38:46.000 what his will is 00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:46.720 for your life 00:38:46.720 --> 00:38:48.300 and so you be obedient 00:38:48.300 --> 00:38:49.000 if I can help 00:38:49.000 --> 00:38:49.640 in that process 00:38:49.640 --> 00:38:50.680 that's exactly 00:38:50.680 --> 00:38:51.380 what this time 00:38:51.380 --> 00:38:51.840 is for 00:38:51.840 --> 00:38:52.760 stand together 00:38:52.760 --> 00:38:53.340 if you will 00:38:53.340 --> 00:38:56.519 I'm going to pray 00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.360 and we're going to sing 00:38:57.360 --> 00:38:58.220 Heavenly Father 00:38:58.220 --> 00:38:58.960 I love you 00:38:58.960 --> 00:38:59.980 and I thank you Lord 00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:00.860 for your love for us 00:39:00.860 --> 00:39:01.700 and I ask right now 00:39:01.700 --> 00:39:02.500 that you will lead 00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:03.300 and guide us 00:39:03.300 --> 00:39:04.680 help us to simply 00:39:04.680 --> 00:39:05.340 be obedient 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:06.099 as you speak 00:39:06.099 --> 00:39:06.559 to our hearts 00:39:06.559 --> 00:39:06.980 and lives 00:39:06.980 --> 00:39:07.320 Father 00:39:07.320 --> 00:39:09.320 in Jesus precious name 00:39:09.320 --> 00:39:10.420 Amen