WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.160 Your Bibles turn to Mark chapter 3. Mark chapter 3. There's nothing like family. You can feel like you can't live with them, but you know you can't live without them. 00:00:12.160 --> 00:00:27.300 One minute you're thanking God for them, and the next you ask them to give you help dealing with them. They make you as mad as anybody in the world, but you'd fight to your death for your family. 00:00:27.300 --> 00:00:41.679 You can talk about them, but you better never hear nobody else talk about them. Comedian Ray Romano talks about how when kids are in the house, he said, having children is like living in a frat house. 00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:46.439 Nobody sleeps. Everything's broken, and there's a lot of throwing up. 00:00:50.819 --> 00:01:00.219 Well, Jesus had a family too. After Jesus was born, his earthly parents had children, and therefore he had half-brothers. 00:01:01.299 --> 00:01:10.179 And as wonderful as Christ was in every way, his family didn't quite get it. They didn't quite understand him. 00:01:10.180 --> 00:01:21.540 I want us to look today at the family of God. In the second half of Mark chapter 3, there's something unique happens here. 00:01:22.700 --> 00:01:31.040 Theologians call it a marking sandwich. It's a technique that Mark uses six times in his gospel. 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:46.780 It happens when he begins to talk about one subject, and then he moves to another subject, and then he goes back to the first subject and shows the connection between the two. 00:01:47.520 --> 00:01:56.580 And what you see in the second part of Mark chapter 3 is that he talks about the family of Jesus and their misunderstanding of Jesus. 00:01:56.579 --> 00:02:02.280 And then he talks about the scribes and their misunderstanding of Jesus. 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:07.679 And then he goes back to the family of God and shows that commonality. 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:12.000 Now, we're going to tear the sandwich apart this morning, okay? 00:02:12.340 --> 00:02:16.639 I'm going to take the two pieces of bread off the sandwich and deal with the family. 00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:22.619 And we'll see the accusation of the scribes later. 00:02:23.459 --> 00:02:25.500 But I want you to remember the context. 00:02:26.459 --> 00:02:33.019 We spent three weeks talking about him calling the apostles, okay? 00:02:33.699 --> 00:02:37.479 After he calls the apostles, Mark tells us. 00:02:37.479 --> 00:02:39.659 Then he went home. 00:02:39.659 --> 00:02:47.239 And the crowd gathered again so that they could not even eat. 00:02:48.199 --> 00:02:55.219 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they thought he was out of his mind. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:03:00.459 Now, Mark then speaks of the scribes who thought he was of the devil. 00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:04.359 And when Mark comes back to the family, he says this. 00:03:04.360 --> 00:03:07.120 And his mother and his brothers came. 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:12.440 And standing outside, they sent to him and called him. 00:03:13.540 --> 00:03:16.400 And a crowd was sitting around him. 00:03:17.040 --> 00:03:23.460 And they said to him, your mother and your brothers are outside seeking you. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:28.780 And he answered them, who are my mother and my brothers? 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:38.460 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, here are my mother and my brothers. 00:03:39.020 --> 00:03:47.180 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:51.939 Let's talk for a few minutes about the family of God. 00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:55.060 First is a natural family. 00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:59.640 The natural family is the one that we were raised in. 00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:02.599 We all have a natural family. 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:03.500 Warts and all. 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:07.680 Whether we want to claim them or not, we all have a natural family. 00:04:08.479 --> 00:04:12.039 And some of our families have been the Christian example that we needed. 00:04:13.140 --> 00:04:15.020 And we know the Lord today. 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:17.399 And we've walked with the Lord. 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:21.759 And we've been inspired by those that lived in our home. 00:04:22.259 --> 00:04:23.899 And by those that love the Lord. 00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:28.759 And if that's in your category this morning, you're a blessed person. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:37.019 Others have family that have allowed you to pursue your trek toward God. 00:04:37.719 --> 00:04:39.560 They weren't combative about it. 00:04:40.439 --> 00:04:42.959 They weren't really supportive about it. 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:44.899 They just allowed it. 00:04:44.899 --> 00:04:50.679 Maybe they superficially were religious of some sorts. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:57.239 And then some of you never saw God in your homes growing up. 00:04:58.699 --> 00:05:00.419 And you may be scarred by that. 00:05:02.339 --> 00:05:05.719 Jesus was raised in a godly home. 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:10.439 He was dedicated in church after his birth. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:13.699 He was brought to the temple as a boy. 00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:18.379 He was raised by a mom that supported him his whole life. 00:05:19.459 --> 00:05:24.300 But his family didn't understand what he was doing. 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:29.699 Now, I said his mom because we don't have any record of his father after his boyhood. 00:05:30.599 --> 00:05:31.680 We just don't know. 00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:37.079 Theologians have said he must have died because we don't know what happened to Joseph. 00:05:37.500 --> 00:05:41.099 He's never mentioned after the boyhood of Christ. 00:05:41.100 --> 00:05:44.860 But his mother loved him. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:47.360 But they didn't understand what he was doing. 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:55.280 It appeared that he had stopped working as a carpenter. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:06:01.780 And by the way, a carpenter in that day primarily worked with stone, interestingly enough. 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:05.459 More of a stonemason than what we would call a carpenter today. 00:06:06.659 --> 00:06:08.799 But he no longer was doing that. 00:06:08.859 --> 00:06:11.419 No longer was he supporting his extended family. 00:06:11.539 --> 00:06:20.839 He had become a wandering preacher that was hanging out with the wrong people and colliding with the wrong people. 00:06:20.839 --> 00:06:24.939 Actually, the people he was colliding with was thought of as the right people. 00:06:25.659 --> 00:06:28.039 They were the leaders people looked up to. 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:32.399 But now you need to understand the family dynamic of the first century. 00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:37.599 The first century Jewish family was not the same as the Western family today. 00:06:37.599 --> 00:06:38.659 They were tighter. 00:06:39.539 --> 00:06:42.239 Meaning they were more dependent upon one another. 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:47.100 Several generations lived together by choice. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:49.960 Are in a compound setting. 00:06:50.379 --> 00:06:55.639 And remain dependent upon each other throughout their lives. 00:06:56.240 --> 00:07:01.240 And it appeared apparently to his family that Jesus had abandoned them. 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:03.879 And now he was running into trouble. 00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:06.139 Now I don't think they were judging him. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:07.780 They were concerned. 00:07:07.779 --> 00:07:11.659 But they thought that he had lost his mind. 00:07:11.759 --> 00:07:15.699 Therefore, they traveled from Nazareth to Capernaum. 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:16.839 About 30 miles. 00:07:17.179 --> 00:07:18.519 About 25 to 30 miles. 00:07:19.199 --> 00:07:22.459 About a 10 to 12 hour walk to get to him. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:25.359 To seize him is what the gospels say. 00:07:26.179 --> 00:07:27.959 They were going to make a citizen's arrest. 00:07:28.359 --> 00:07:29.579 And take him home. 00:07:30.439 --> 00:07:33.459 They were concerned about his safety. 00:07:34.459 --> 00:07:36.199 One, he was running with the wrong people. 00:07:37.779 --> 00:07:39.500 He was running with fishermen. 00:07:40.099 --> 00:07:40.879 They can be rough. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:42.279 I know some. 00:07:42.359 --> 00:07:43.099 There's some in here. 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:44.139 They are. 00:07:45.099 --> 00:07:47.399 Not only that, but he was running with tax collectors too. 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:48.299 A tax collector. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:50.399 He had a zealot with him. 00:07:50.799 --> 00:07:51.599 Who was known. 00:07:52.399 --> 00:07:54.639 Zealots, at least some of them, were known to have daggers. 00:07:55.059 --> 00:07:56.219 With curved blades. 00:07:57.099 --> 00:07:58.679 Under the folds of the robe. 00:07:59.859 --> 00:08:02.379 He was also going after the wrong people. 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:05.000 He was going after the religious establishment. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:08.319 They knew that he was not safe. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:10.560 They were concerned about his health. 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:13.620 Verse 20 tells us he was missing meals. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:17.040 So busy with the crowds and the people around him. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:19.899 He was putting himself at risk. 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:23.139 Not only that, but they were also concerned about the family name. 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:26.100 They were getting embarrassed. 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:27.959 About what he was doing. 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:31.699 He wasn't concerned about what people thought. 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:33.779 Of what he was doing. 00:08:34.419 --> 00:08:36.860 But they were concerned about what people thought. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:37.740 Of what they were doing. 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:40.019 The author H.G. Wells. 00:08:40.679 --> 00:08:41.939 Said for most people. 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:45.319 The voice of their neighbors is louder than the voice of God. 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:48.980 The reality is that most people. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:51.039 And too many Christians. 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:53.220 Are always worried more. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:55.379 About what other people think. 00:08:56.019 --> 00:08:57.580 Than what God thinks. 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:59.879 What other people want. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:02.100 Instead of what God wants. 00:09:04.020 --> 00:09:05.580 A stand for Christ. 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:07.200 Hear me today. 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:10.660 A stand for Christ will cause ripples in your family. 00:09:12.040 --> 00:09:13.639 If you stand up for Christ. 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:15.320 It can cause ripples. 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:17.520 Even in a good meaning family. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:18.680 You know what Christ said. 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:20.520 In Matthew chapter 10 verse 36. 00:09:20.520 --> 00:09:22.480 He said a person's enemies. 00:09:22.780 --> 00:09:25.320 Will be those of his own household. 00:09:25.320 --> 00:09:27.500 Now don't misunderstand me. 00:09:27.540 --> 00:09:28.879 I'm not speaking bad of family. 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:30.620 I believe in them. 00:09:30.900 --> 00:09:31.620 I'm part of them. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:32.500 I'm in one. 00:09:32.740 --> 00:09:32.920 Okay. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.180 And they're watching me. 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:34.680 You know. 00:09:34.760 --> 00:09:37.020 So I'm not speaking bad of them. 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:38.980 But don't be surprised. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:41.680 When your family is not supportive. 00:09:41.680 --> 00:09:43.640 Of your stand for Christ. 00:09:45.280 --> 00:09:46.260 Thank God. 00:09:46.760 --> 00:09:48.000 For the believer. 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:49.860 You have another family. 00:09:50.260 --> 00:09:52.400 Another family besides your natural family. 00:09:53.400 --> 00:09:54.360 You have a church family. 00:09:54.360 --> 00:09:58.039 Notice in this passage. 00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:00.840 As Christ is inside. 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:04.240 His family is outside. 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:08.000 When people told him that his family was outside. 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:09.419 He replied and said. 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.440 Who are my mothers and brothers? 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:16.259 And looking at those who sat around him. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:16.759 He said. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:18.659 Here are my mothers. 00:10:19.060 --> 00:10:20.740 My mother and my brothers. 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:22.960 For whoever does the will of God. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:25.800 He is my brother. 00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:27.040 And sister. 00:10:27.580 --> 00:10:28.379 And mother. 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:28.920 Now listen. 00:10:29.160 --> 00:10:31.060 He's not throwing shade on his family here. 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:33.340 He's not putting them off. 00:10:34.060 --> 00:10:34.580 However. 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:35.700 What he's saying is. 00:10:35.800 --> 00:10:37.019 I'm not going to be slowed. 00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:38.259 By my family. 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:43.120 He could not let them hold him back. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:44.700 From the mission. 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:46.420 That he was called to do. 00:10:46.419 --> 00:10:47.659 And. 00:10:48.099 --> 00:10:49.360 That they couldn't see. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:50.759 They didn't understand. 00:10:51.799 --> 00:10:53.439 He is aligning himself. 00:10:53.959 --> 00:10:54.879 With people. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:56.199 That were hungry. 00:10:56.599 --> 00:10:57.539 To do the will of God. 00:10:58.099 --> 00:10:59.399 He was aligning himself. 00:10:59.399 --> 00:10:59.939 With people. 00:11:00.099 --> 00:11:01.500 Who wanted God to lead. 00:11:02.079 --> 00:11:03.599 And those that were dedicated. 00:11:04.099 --> 00:11:04.719 To him. 00:11:04.939 --> 00:11:06.240 And after the death. 00:11:06.299 --> 00:11:06.959 And resurrection. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:08.199 And ascension of Christ. 00:11:08.479 --> 00:11:09.519 Those people. 00:11:09.699 --> 00:11:11.039 That were around him. 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:12.039 That were committed. 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:14.439 Those that were aligning with him. 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:15.960 Became the church. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:17.280 Of Jesus Christ. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:19.300 Let me tell you something folks. 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:21.800 The common bond of Christ. 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:24.100 Is what makes the church strong. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:26.580 There are a lot. 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:28.060 Of differences. 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:30.040 Among the people. 00:11:30.540 --> 00:11:32.020 Of Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:11:33.020 --> 00:11:34.600 There's a lot of differences. 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:35.600 Among the people. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:36.800 In this room. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:39.920 There are different backgrounds here. 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:42.680 There are different heritages here. 00:11:43.320 --> 00:11:44.420 There are different experiences. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:45.960 Here growing up. 00:11:46.520 --> 00:11:47.440 There are different circumstances. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:48.980 That you face. 00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:51.140 We have couples here. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.640 We have families. 00:11:52.640 --> 00:11:53.680 With small kids. 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:55.380 We have parents. 00:11:55.380 --> 00:11:56.420 Of college kids. 00:11:57.020 --> 00:11:58.580 We have empty nesters. 00:11:58.940 --> 00:12:00.340 We have those whose nest. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.160 Ain't empty anymore. 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:03.620 We have retired folks. 00:12:04.380 --> 00:12:05.800 We have the widowed. 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:07.720 We have a lot. 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:08.600 Of differences. 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:09.560 Along the way. 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:11.100 And the thing. 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:12.520 That makes us one. 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:13.120 One. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:14.059 Is not. 00:12:14.059 --> 00:12:15.199 The everyday. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:17.059 Different circumstances. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.259 What makes us one. 00:12:19.419 --> 00:12:20.840 Is the common bond. 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:21.699 That we have. 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:22.559 In Christ. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:23.720 Listen. 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:25.120 You can't be a member. 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:26.559 Of Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:27.980 Unless you publicly. 00:12:28.179 --> 00:12:29.340 Proclaim Christ. 00:12:29.799 --> 00:12:30.919 Unless you follow. 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:32.439 A salvation experience. 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:33.439 With baptism. 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.159 By immersion. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:36.319 And commit to live your life. 00:12:36.319 --> 00:12:37.259 For Christ. 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:39.419 That is a common bond. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:40.360 That we have. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:41.360 Or let me say it this way. 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:42.779 That's a common bond. 00:12:43.079 --> 00:12:44.759 That we are to have. 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:46.620 Among all of us. 00:12:47.319 --> 00:12:49.179 Now I want you to listen to what the Apostle Paul. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:51.079 Urges us to do. 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:52.159 The Church of Jesus Christ. 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:53.480 He says. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.919 Walk in a manner worthy of the calling. 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:56.919 To which you've been called. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:12:59.000 With all humanity. 00:12:59.179 --> 00:12:59.740 And with humility. 00:13:00.019 --> 00:13:00.699 And gentleness. 00:13:00.699 --> 00:13:01.519 With patience. 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:03.159 Bearing one another in love. 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:06.039 Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit. 00:13:06.419 --> 00:13:07.620 In the bond of peace. 00:13:08.199 --> 00:13:09.299 There is one body. 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:10.539 And one Spirit. 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:12.500 Just as you were called to the one hope. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:13.779 That belongs to your call. 00:13:14.339 --> 00:13:15.079 One Lord. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:16.419 One faith. 00:13:16.839 --> 00:13:17.639 One baptism. 00:13:18.179 --> 00:13:18.839 One God. 00:13:18.959 --> 00:13:19.860 And Father of all. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:21.299 Who is over all. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.459 And through all. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:23.559 And in all. 00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:24.360 Amen. 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:25.059 Listen. 00:13:25.299 --> 00:13:26.059 The Church family. 00:13:26.319 --> 00:13:28.139 Is all about Christ. 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:31.240 That's the common bond that we have. 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:33.580 It is Christ that we stand. 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:35.960 It is in Christ that we stand. 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:38.360 And we stand together in Christ. 00:13:38.560 --> 00:13:40.379 Through the hurt that we feel. 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:43.120 We're there for each other. 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:45.620 In the triumphs. 00:13:46.340 --> 00:13:48.259 We celebrate together. 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:50.399 In fellowship. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:52.680 We dedicate ourselves. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:54.460 To dig a little deeper. 00:13:55.419 --> 00:13:56.940 I want to encourage you. 00:13:57.259 --> 00:13:58.700 Don't stand on the outside. 00:13:58.700 --> 00:14:00.620 Come on in. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:02.620 Be a part of us. 00:14:03.280 --> 00:14:05.160 Be a part of the many possibilities. 00:14:05.160 --> 00:14:05.920 That you have. 00:14:06.340 --> 00:14:07.240 In this church. 00:14:07.300 --> 00:14:08.440 Because I really believe. 00:14:08.780 --> 00:14:10.560 That if you walk in the doors of this church. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.440 Right before we start. 00:14:11.520 --> 00:14:12.040 At 1030. 00:14:13.400 --> 00:14:14.020 And you. 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:16.320 Leave out of here like some of y'all do. 00:14:16.400 --> 00:14:17.080 Like Stampede. 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.259 Worried somebody going to get in front of you. 00:14:19.300 --> 00:14:19.800 At the restaurant. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:23.080 I believe if that's the case. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:25.240 If you do both of those. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:27.799 I believe you miss the blessings. 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:28.960 What the church is about. 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:29.580 I really do. 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:33.120 You need to find a life group. 00:14:33.419 --> 00:14:34.259 People that you can bond with. 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:35.060 You can't bond with people. 00:14:35.060 --> 00:14:36.519 Just when you sit in the pew. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:37.879 For an hour with them. 00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:39.680 We won't let you talk to each other. 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:41.519 We're too busy doing other stuff. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:44.220 You need to be able to build a bond with folks. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:46.039 And that's what life groups are about. 00:14:46.560 --> 00:14:48.259 You'll miss the nucleus. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:51.279 The secret sauce. 00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:52.060 Of the church. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.919 If you're not a part of that. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:55.360 So commit to that. 00:14:55.459 --> 00:14:56.919 Find a discipleship class. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:58.399 That speaks to you. 00:14:58.459 --> 00:14:59.719 That speaks to a need in your life. 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:01.199 That speaks to something God's leading you to. 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.139 Find a place to serve. 00:15:03.419 --> 00:15:03.620 Listen. 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:05.099 I'm firmly convinced. 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:06.019 Based on God's word. 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:09.519 That we are all to be served in the church. 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:12.459 And we're all to serve in the church. 00:15:12.679 --> 00:15:13.819 In some capacity. 00:15:14.459 --> 00:15:16.939 When God leads you to a people of God. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:18.199 Commit yourself. 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:19.059 And be a part of that. 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:22.379 I heard a clip from probably my favorite preacher. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.579 Adrian Rogers. 00:15:23.919 --> 00:15:25.339 I heard a clip from him this week. 00:15:25.819 --> 00:15:26.599 And he said this. 00:15:27.699 --> 00:15:29.439 He said you're to go to church. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:30.579 Why? 00:15:30.959 --> 00:15:31.779 Why church attendance? 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:33.039 You say pastor. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:35.219 I don't have to go to church to be a Christian. 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:36.299 That's right. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.939 You can be saved anywhere. 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:40.139 But if you love Jesus. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:42.379 You're going to love what Jesus loves. 00:15:42.699 --> 00:15:44.259 And he loves the church. 00:15:44.959 --> 00:15:46.679 The church is not this building. 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:49.480 It's the people gathered together. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:51.580 And when you're here this morning. 00:15:51.920 --> 00:15:53.240 Do you know what you're saying? 00:15:53.800 --> 00:15:56.039 There are two things that you're saying by being here. 00:15:56.320 --> 00:16:00.539 Living in the light of the soon coming of Jesus Christ. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:01.700 One. 00:16:02.060 --> 00:16:04.460 You're saying God is important to me. 00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:05.940 And number two. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:10.139 You're saying that the people here are important to me. 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:11.580 End of quote. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:12.820 Listen. 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:12.920 Listen. 00:16:14.760 --> 00:16:20.280 Your family may not always get your passion for Christ. 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:22.780 But your church will. 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:28.539 So let's go above and beyond for his cause. 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.279 And for his people. 00:16:32.199 --> 00:16:33.339 But do you know what else? 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:36.500 It's bigger than the church. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.100 It is. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:39.439 We're part of something bigger than the church. 00:16:40.079 --> 00:16:42.220 Because it's also about a kingdom family. 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:44.559 Now I want to be clear this morning. 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:47.100 I love Pickett's First Baptist Church. 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:49.319 I think this is a great church. 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:53.120 And I thank God daily to be a part of it. 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:56.540 It's a privilege to be your pastor. 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:59.080 It's a privilege to be a part of it. 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:01.100 And one thing that I love. 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:02.020 There's many things. 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:06.100 But one thing that I love about it. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:08.120 Is that we know it's not about us. 00:17:10.100 --> 00:17:11.279 It's about the gospel. 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:16.299 It's about go and therefore make disciples. 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:18.680 And by the way, go is not a command. 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:19.680 It makes for a good sermon. 00:17:19.820 --> 00:17:20.580 But it's just not true. 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.299 It's not a command. 00:17:21.600 --> 00:17:22.400 It's a participle. 00:17:24.340 --> 00:17:26.000 Really what it means is as you go. 00:17:26.080 --> 00:17:28.039 That means daily in what you do. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:30.039 Whenever you leave the house. 00:17:30.120 --> 00:17:30.740 Whatever you do. 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:34.400 It means that you make disciples. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.120 That's the command. 00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:37.539 You make disciples. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.960 That means that as you go each day. 00:17:40.360 --> 00:17:42.960 And as far as God allows you to go. 00:17:43.560 --> 00:17:45.400 You go in the name of Christ. 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:49.340 We have a strong mission mind in this church. 00:17:49.540 --> 00:17:51.800 We give faithfully to missions. 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.560 Pick up that budget. 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.080 You'll see. 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:55.840 We're faithful to give to missions. 00:17:56.040 --> 00:17:57.340 We promote missions. 00:17:57.620 --> 00:17:59.460 We do a missions conference every year. 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:01.500 Bring in missionaries that we support. 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:03.280 And that we pray for. 00:18:03.780 --> 00:18:05.220 We support individual missionaries. 00:18:05.560 --> 00:18:08.140 And we're trying to fight to keep some of them on the field. 00:18:08.580 --> 00:18:11.740 I've been in contact with nominational leaders in the past two weeks. 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:15.780 Saying I know a man that needs more support on the field. 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:17.980 God's called him there and I want him to stay. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.300 And you need to do more. 00:18:20.580 --> 00:18:24.480 Through the Light and Moon Christmas offering that we'll be promoting in coming days. 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:27.600 We support 3,500 missionaries across the world. 00:18:28.280 --> 00:18:29.140 Friend, I'm going to tell you something. 00:18:29.300 --> 00:18:31.180 It's not just the church family. 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:34.380 God has given us a kingdom family. 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:38.180 We stand on the shoulders of those that have went before us. 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:42.240 We stand on the shoulders of those who wait in glory for us. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.480 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:18:44.540 --> 00:18:44.900 Now listen. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:45.880 I'm going to tell you something. 00:18:49.420 --> 00:18:50.960 And I don't know everything about this. 00:18:51.080 --> 00:18:53.140 But nobody that writes in books knows everything about it either. 00:18:53.540 --> 00:18:53.680 Okay. 00:18:54.320 --> 00:18:54.860 I'm just going to tell you. 00:18:55.320 --> 00:18:56.760 There's some mystery here. 00:18:57.300 --> 00:18:58.740 That we'll know when we get there. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:59.280 Okay. 00:19:01.780 --> 00:19:03.040 I don't know everything about heaven. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:05.539 I know what scripture tells us about heaven. 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:12.099 I don't think that people in heaven are fascinated with what we're doing. 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.279 I really don't. 00:19:14.899 --> 00:19:15.740 I really don't. 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:18.559 I think they got a lot more going on than we do. 00:19:18.920 --> 00:19:19.079 Okay. 00:19:19.779 --> 00:19:22.639 And I think that they're with them in the presence of Jesus. 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.720 Physically or spiritually. 00:19:24.839 --> 00:19:25.779 Whatever you want to work that out. 00:19:25.899 --> 00:19:27.339 But I mean they're there. 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:27.920 Okay. 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:29.099 They've made it. 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:31.200 So I don't think they're caught up with us. 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:34.160 But it's interesting. 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:42.640 Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1 tells us that we're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:50.660 And the Hebrew writer says that right after he goes through what I call the hall of fame of faith. 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:59.259 Where he talks about all those fathers that have went before us. 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:01.580 All those who live for the Lord before us. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.740 Who are now in glory. 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:07.500 And he says we have a great cloud of witnesses around us. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:16.180 I think that somehow at times heaven gets a glimpse of what's happening on earth. 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:16.779 Now listen. 00:20:16.859 --> 00:20:19.920 They don't see it all because there's no more tears in heaven. 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.200 It's like they sang a little while ago. 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:21.440 Okay. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:25.539 And if they saw the mess that we're in today they'd be crying. 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:25.859 Okay. 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:26.180 So. 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:27.160 But listen. 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:30.420 The reality is they see the rest of the story. 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:34.000 They see it from a different perspective than we can now. 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:38.279 Because I believe once you see the face of Christ it all becomes clear. 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:42.300 It's not like a whole bent out piece of metal mirror like Paul was talking about. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.420 By any means. 00:20:43.580 --> 00:20:45.480 It becomes clear. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.600 We don't know what's around the corner tomorrow. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.580 They already know all that. 00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:49.440 They got it figured out. 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:50.400 They know all that. 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:51.860 So they're not worried. 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:53.100 Not wringing their hands. 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:54.440 Book of Revelation. 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:56.620 One of the powerful passages of the book of Revelation is to say. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:21:01.539 Heaven is praising God the whole time the earth's doing whatever the earth's doing. 00:21:01.899 --> 00:21:03.679 They never stop in their worship. 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:04.339 Ever. 00:21:05.739 --> 00:21:06.879 And the reality is. 00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:10.319 I believe they catch a glimpse from time to time. 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:12.179 And I'll tell you how I know that. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.619 Jesus tells us in Luke chapter 15. 00:21:14.979 --> 00:21:17.419 That all of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:20.619 Oh can you think about heaven? 00:21:21.239 --> 00:21:22.679 Can you imagine what it must be like? 00:21:23.459 --> 00:21:25.079 All the believers through Christ. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.919 That have ever lived. 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:29.559 Will gather together around the throne of God in glory. 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:31.740 Just notice what John says. 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:34.740 When God just peeled back the curtain of heaven. 00:21:35.379 --> 00:21:37.699 And gives John a glimpse on the island of Patmos. 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.500 And he says this in Revelation 7. 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.119 He says. 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:41.759 After this I looked. 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:44.799 And behold a great multitude that no one could number. 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.899 From every nation. 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:48.859 From all tribes and peoples and languages. 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:51.379 Standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.740 Clothed in white robes. 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:54.359 With palm branches in their hands. 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:56.079 And crying out with a loud voice. 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:58.479 Salvation belongs to our God. 00:21:58.579 --> 00:21:59.959 Who sits on the throne. 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:01.719 And to the Lamb. 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:02.779 Folks I want to tell you something. 00:22:02.959 --> 00:22:04.259 It's not about me. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:06.079 And I'm sorry. 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.439 It's not about you. 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:09.759 It's not even about us. 00:22:10.699 --> 00:22:13.919 We are in a kingdom family. 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:16.500 You know what excites me. 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.480 He says. 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:19.960 We give faithfully to missions. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:22.200 And as we go. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.640 On the mission field. 00:22:23.800 --> 00:22:25.100 When God gives us opportunity. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:27.560 And we follow the Lord's lead. 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.880 In those things. 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:30.720 All those tribes. 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.740 And language. 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:32.759 And people. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.759 That we see. 00:22:35.820 --> 00:22:37.820 What about the people that's in heaven today? 00:22:38.820 --> 00:22:40.460 Because it's something we gave. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:42.840 To enable a missionary to be on a field. 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:43.819 And share Christ with them. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.840 What about the. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:49.539 What about the people who sit in the churches. 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:52.180 That those pastors. 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:52.779 Pastor. 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:55.880 That this church has been dedicated to training. 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:58.900 In South America. 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:00.720 Training them. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.680 To teach God's word. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:04.720 To those people. 00:23:05.360 --> 00:23:06.779 I believe there will be thank yous in heaven. 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:07.700 We know nothing about. 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:09.400 We don't even know what they're talking about. 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:10.360 But they're thanking God. 00:23:11.040 --> 00:23:11.340 For our. 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:13.700 We're part of something bigger than us. 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.600 It's a kingdom. 00:23:15.040 --> 00:23:15.360 Family. 00:23:15.640 --> 00:23:16.660 And you know what else. 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:19.040 You know what our faithfulness. 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:19.759 Can lead to. 00:23:19.840 --> 00:23:20.640 And I want you to hear this. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.240 And I'll close. 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:24.140 A changed family. 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:27.780 Jesus' family didn't get it. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.480 They couldn't understand it. 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:32.440 He was putting himself in danger. 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:34.440 And not doing what they thought he should do. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.360 Families often. 00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:37.500 Don't get it. 00:23:37.780 --> 00:23:38.860 When we walk with the Lord. 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:39.539 They don't do it. 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:41.639 Many of us have. 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:43.379 Lost family members. 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:45.519 Family members that don't know the Lord. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:49.039 And they don't see why it's so important to us. 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:52.039 Others in our family claim to know the Lord. 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.639 But they lack a passion for Christ. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.719 As I say sometimes about somebody. 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:57.079 I don't want what he's got. 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.500 You know. 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.719 The Christianity he's got. 00:23:58.779 --> 00:23:59.319 I don't want it. 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.419 When somebody. 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:02.879 Around them. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.619 Gets a passion for Christ. 00:24:04.699 --> 00:24:05.619 They try to dampen it. 00:24:05.619 --> 00:24:08.939 Even Christians sometimes. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.459 It's weird. 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.599 But your family. 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:15.559 May not want you to be closer to the Lord. 00:24:15.639 --> 00:24:16.599 Than they are. 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.459 In reality. 00:24:18.179 --> 00:24:19.419 And if that's the case. 00:24:19.459 --> 00:24:20.259 I want to tell you something. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.399 Live on. 00:24:22.939 --> 00:24:23.759 For Jesus Christ. 00:24:24.719 --> 00:24:25.899 Pray for your family. 00:24:26.459 --> 00:24:27.699 And watch God work. 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:28.739 In you. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:30.680 And through you. 00:24:31.279 --> 00:24:32.279 And in them. 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:33.759 Because. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:35.880 This is not the last. 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:37.339 Of Jesus' family. 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:39.180 His mother Mary. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:40.940 Begins. 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.660 To have her eyes opened. 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.059 She's at the cross. 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.720 When her son dies. 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:49.660 She watches him get tortured to death. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:53.039 She watches the worst kind of death that can happen. 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.779 She also goes to the tomb. 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:57.339 To take care of his body. 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.559 And finds that it's empty. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.959 And she knows he's arose. 00:25:00.199 --> 00:25:00.959 She also. 00:25:01.359 --> 00:25:03.439 Is a devout follower of Christ. 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:04.439 In the book of Acts. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:06.379 She's with the apostles. 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:07.639 When the Holy Spirit comes. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:09.539 And when everything changes. 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:10.879 When the Holy Spirit comes. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.259 His brothers. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:13.839 His brothers. 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:15.500 His brothers that he addresses in Mark chapter 3. 00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:16.359 They come around too. 00:25:16.439 --> 00:25:16.879 By the way. 00:25:18.099 --> 00:25:19.379 They're in the upper room. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.839 On the day of Pentecost. 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:22.939 As well with the apostles. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.919 His brother James. 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:28.500 Would go on to be a strong Christian leader. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:31.680 He would speak boldly. 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:33.480 In the book of Acts. 00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:34.960 During the Jerusalem council. 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:36.080 When they were trying to figure out. 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.200 What to do with Gentiles. 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:39.019 As they joined the church. 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.920 How do we handle that? 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:42.640 James spoke out about that. 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:44.180 James became the pastor. 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:45.440 Of the church. 00:25:45.800 --> 00:25:46.600 Of Jerusalem. 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:48.120 The half brother of Jesus. 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:50.779 He writes the book that bears his name. 00:25:50.860 --> 00:25:51.680 The book of James. 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:54.860 He served the Lord faithfully. 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:56.980 In leadership for the Lord. 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:59.120 Until he was thrown off. 00:25:59.340 --> 00:26:01.400 Of the pinnacle of the temple. 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.080 And when his body landed. 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:04.320 They stoned him. 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:06.100 Until somebody finally grabbed a club. 00:26:06.360 --> 00:26:07.180 And hit him in the head. 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:07.740 And killed him. 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:10.640 That's the brother of Jesus. 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.940 He never mentioned. 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:16.279 He was a brother. 00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:18.920 He never mentioned. 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:19.920 He was a servant. 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.840 Tell you about another brother. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:24.080 His name was Jude. 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.740 His given name was Judas. 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.900 He changed his name. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.539 I don't blame him. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.980 But his brother's name was Jude. 00:26:30.300 --> 00:26:32.240 He was a faithful follower. 00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:33.180 As well. 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:35.220 He wrote the book of Jude. 00:26:35.820 --> 00:26:37.180 And in his humility. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:38.759 He called James. 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:39.860 His brother. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:43.240 But he only identified himself. 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:44.400 As the servant. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:46.700 Of Jesus Christ. 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:48.620 He never mentioned. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.400 He was his brother. 00:26:50.080 --> 00:26:51.680 James never mentions. 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.319 He's his brother. 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:54.740 They only address him. 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:56.380 As their Lord. 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:59.360 I want to give you hope today friend. 00:27:00.340 --> 00:27:02.500 If your natural family. 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:05.740 Is not a part of your kingdom family. 00:27:06.259 --> 00:27:08.680 And they're not a part of a church family. 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.460 Well then let's pray. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:12.640 Let's pray for them. 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:15.039 Let's share with them. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.879 Let's live it out. 00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:18.220 Before them. 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:20.139 So that they will know. 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:21.659 That Christ is the answer. 00:27:22.279 --> 00:27:24.000 And that he is worth us. 00:27:24.359 --> 00:27:24.759 Giving. 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:26.079 Our all. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.319 To him. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.000 Two stories. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.099 One. 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:31.519 I was a youth minister. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.559 A long long time ago. 00:27:32.659 --> 00:27:33.379 For a short time. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.019 And one of the girls. 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:37.019 That came to our youth group. 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:38.799 Got a passion for Christ. 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.039 She went home. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:41.059 Her parents didn't like it. 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.759 They didn't really like her attending. 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.500 They let her attend. 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:45.339 But they said you don't need to get so serious about this. 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.799 She'd go home. 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:48.000 And she'd read her Bible at night. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.720 They didn't like that. 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.920 They said stop reading your Bible. 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.900 She would get a light. 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:53.799 And put it under her bed. 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.400 And after she went. 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.380 After they went to bed. 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:58.019 She'd get down under her bed. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.980 And read her Bible. 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.339 Under her bed. 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:02.439 So they wouldn't know. 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.459 That a light. 00:28:04.099 --> 00:28:04.659 Was on. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:05.959 And for those of you. 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.819 Who ain't been around. 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:08.419 Less than 20 years. 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:10.279 We didn't have a phone to read off of then. 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:10.619 Okay. 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.419 There wasn't no phones. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:13.480 She was reading the Bible. 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:15.579 Off a lamp under her bed. 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:16.939 I'm going to tell you something. 00:28:17.959 --> 00:28:18.319 Years. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:19.559 And years later. 00:28:20.679 --> 00:28:21.579 Her mom and daddy. 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:23.579 Got faithful in church. 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.339 Got right with God. 00:28:25.959 --> 00:28:26.980 And lived for the Lord. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:28.720 A grandparent. 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:30.360 Was here earlier today. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.400 And told me they had a burden. 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:33.140 For their children. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:34.839 Getting in church. 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:36.960 And they've shared that burden. 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:38.779 And tried to live that burden out. 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:40.120 Before their kids. 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:42.319 Well one of the grandkids. 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:43.039 Said. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.059 Asked their parents. 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:46.180 Why don't we go to church? 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:49.380 Why don't we pray when we sit down to eat? 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.860 Why don't we do that? 00:28:51.360 --> 00:28:52.140 Last week. 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:53.779 They were in church. 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:55.720 They were in church. 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:55.920 They were in church. 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:56.160 They were in church. 00:28:56.980 --> 00:28:57.779 By a child. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.599 Let me tell you something. 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:02.120 If you'll live for the Lord Jesus. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.900 And you'll pray for your family. 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:07.120 And you'll share with your family. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:09.220 And you'll live it out before them. 00:29:12.160 --> 00:29:13.519 And teach them that. 00:29:13.660 --> 00:29:15.120 God will do a work in their life. 00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:17.299 Your family can change. 00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:18.700 So I'm telling you. 00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:20.960 As long as God gives us breath. 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:22.740 There's hope for the living. 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:25.400 And that only hope is found. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.500 In Christ. 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:27.920 So listen Christian. 00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:28.620 Don't back up. 00:29:28.940 --> 00:29:29.539 Don't back up. 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:31.319 Live faithfully for Christ. 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:32.819 For your sake. 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:36.120 Live faithfully for the Lord. 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.360 For Christ's sake. 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:39.440 Live faithfully for the Lord. 00:29:39.599 --> 00:29:40.900 For this world's sake. 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:43.440 And if you're here today. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.780 And you acknowledge. 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:48.380 In reality preacher. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.259 I don't know him. 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:55.000 I've never surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:57.040 Well I want you to know. 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:59.080 Same Savior. 00:30:00.120 --> 00:30:01.759 That walked among his family. 00:30:02.080 --> 00:30:03.340 And saw their life change. 00:30:03.780 --> 00:30:04.640 Later in their life. 00:30:05.280 --> 00:30:06.000 After he's gone. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:08.460 Is the same Lord. 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:10.039 That can change your life as well. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:12.640 And if you'll surrender your life to the Lord. 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:14.319 Admit that you need him. 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:15.799 Admit that there's sin in your life. 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.339 And he needs to forgive you of that sin. 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:18.640 And to cleanse you. 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:20.819 And commit your life to follow him. 00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:22.039 And surrender him day. 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:22.640 He'll save you. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.460 I'm thankful for that. 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:25.259 And if you've done that. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:27.460 And you're not active in a church family. 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:28.480 Get in one. 00:30:28.660 --> 00:30:29.279 Get busy. 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:29.960 For the Lord. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:32.420 It's easy to stand on the outskirts. 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.700 And never commit. 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:36.220 But God does not honor that. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.420 When we stand at a distance. 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.940 And God's not honored. 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:40.100 When we stand at a distance. 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:42.039 So honor him. 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:43.860 By committing to him. 00:30:44.539 --> 00:30:45.100 Completely. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.400 Today. 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:48.460 Don't be on the outer skirts. 00:30:51.100 --> 00:30:53.059 Jesus was inside. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.440 His family. 00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:57.299 Was outside. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:31:00.240 Let's come on in. 00:31:01.799 --> 00:31:03.579 Let's be everything that God. 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.579 Would have us. 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:06.819 To be. 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:08.240 For him. 00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:09.859 With his leading. 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.759 Following his lead. 00:31:12.399 --> 00:31:13.559 Doing it in his timing. 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:15.659 But letting nothing in our life. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:17.240 Come in the way of what God wants. 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:19.000 For our hearts and lives. 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.200 With every head bowed. 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:20.740 And every eye closed. 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:21.619 I want to ask you this morning. 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:25.359 Have you ever given your life to Christ? 00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:27.539 If you haven't. 00:31:27.679 --> 00:31:28.879 I encourage you to do that today. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.879 I'll be happy to guide you in that. 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.299 We're going to stand. 00:31:32.359 --> 00:31:33.500 And we're going to sing in just a moment. 00:31:33.599 --> 00:31:34.539 And as we stand to sing. 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.579 As soon as we stand up. 00:31:35.719 --> 00:31:36.619 You come down. 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:38.119 And tell me. 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:40.139 I want to give my life to Christ. 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:43.439 Maybe you've never been baptized as a believer. 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:45.039 You know you've given your life to Christ. 00:31:45.119 --> 00:31:45.500 But you've. 00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:47.479 You've never followed him in baptism. 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:50.459 That can be a tremendous hindrance in your life. 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:51.019 Quite honestly. 00:31:51.579 --> 00:31:53.559 If you've never taken that first step of obedience. 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:54.220 In your life. 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.779 And if you need to do that. 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.759 I encourage you to come. 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:58.019 And share. 00:31:58.399 --> 00:31:58.879 I need to. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.599 I need to be baptized preacher. 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:03.639 Never been baptized as a believer. 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.799 Maybe you're here this morning. 00:32:05.879 --> 00:32:08.079 And God's leading you to be a part of Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:32:09.099 --> 00:32:10.279 God's drawing you here. 00:32:10.359 --> 00:32:11.440 And you feel led. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:13.019 To be a part of here. 00:32:13.159 --> 00:32:14.799 We'll be happy to guide you in that process. 00:32:16.179 --> 00:32:17.200 Or maybe you're here. 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:19.940 And there's stuff that you need to deal with in prayer. 00:32:19.940 --> 00:32:22.980 Stuff that you need to commit to. 00:32:23.120 --> 00:32:24.820 Or people that you need to pray for. 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:28.120 Burdens that you need to leave at his feet today. 00:32:28.900 --> 00:32:30.100 When we stand and sing. 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:30.920 I want you to sing. 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:31.660 But more important than that. 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.580 I want you to follow God. 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:34.600 You may spend that time in prayer. 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.559 You may come to this altar. 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:37.259 If you'd like me to pray for you. 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:38.420 I'll be happy to pray with you. 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:41.400 Whatever God's leading you to do. 00:32:42.320 --> 00:32:43.480 I encourage you to be obedient. 00:32:43.620 --> 00:32:45.519 And follow his will and his way. 00:32:45.620 --> 00:32:47.420 You'll never be satisfied with less. 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:50.560 Than giving God your absolute best. 00:32:51.120 --> 00:32:54.800 So live completely for him today. 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:56.340 Lord Jesus I love you. 00:32:57.060 --> 00:32:59.240 I thank you Lord for the love that you have for us. 00:32:59.300 --> 00:33:00.560 And I ask right now dear God. 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:03.200 That you will lead us and guide us. 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:06.340 And help us to have the boldness and the courage to follow you. 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:09.340 The faith to do exactly what you tell us to do. 00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:14.059 May you be honored in what we do right now in this time of decision. 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:16.039 In Jesus precious name. 00:33:16.419 --> 00:33:16.720 Amen.