WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.120 A dear friend and brother, Marty Krause, he's come to us from Regina. 00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:16.679 And he was actually my young adult pastor when I was just a youngling at Hillsdale Baptist Church in Regina. 00:00:17.620 --> 00:00:21.980 And Marty and his wife Ruth, they ran the young adult ministry. 00:00:22.699 --> 00:00:29.219 And I got to just enjoy the benefit of having fellowship with other Christians through that and growing in my faith. 00:00:29.219 --> 00:00:34.500 And the Lord really did use their ministry in a big way to bless me. 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:39.320 And so it's my honor to welcome Marty to come and share the word with us this morning. 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:49.340 I was away at the BGC School of Orientation this week meeting with other pastors and just getting oriented to the Baptist General Conference, which we've now joined. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:56.620 And so Marty was gracious to come and be willing to share the word with us this morning. 00:00:56.719 --> 00:00:57.480 So come on up, Marty. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:03.519 Am I on? 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:05.760 Good morning. 00:01:07.280 --> 00:01:07.680 Yeah. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:09.579 Really good to be here with you folks. 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:14.640 I have been reminiscing about Josh the last couple of days. 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:19.560 But we've known each other for a long time, at least as long since the days when I could comb my hair. 00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:23.219 Yeah, those days are kind of gone. 00:01:24.840 --> 00:01:28.579 But I consider this a real privilege to be here this morning. 00:01:28.579 --> 00:01:34.780 I was visiting with Josh's parents last Sunday evening. 00:01:35.840 --> 00:01:40.920 And they are thrilled with their son, as they should be. 00:01:41.140 --> 00:01:44.039 But they're also thrilled with what's happening here at the church here in Davidson. 00:01:44.319 --> 00:01:46.140 So they passed their hellos along. 00:01:46.140 --> 00:01:50.500 And, yeah, so this is good to be here. 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:54.040 I've recently retired from formal pastoral ministry. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:01:59.519 I was on our staff at Hillsdale for 25 years and just retired as of September 30th. 00:01:59.519 --> 00:02:02.500 So we're kind of starting a new adventure here. 00:02:02.500 --> 00:02:08.819 My role was kind of a visitation slash mentoring kind of a pastor. 00:02:08.900 --> 00:02:10.240 I had a number of guys that I would meet. 00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:11.219 I could still do that. 00:02:12.120 --> 00:02:16.960 But I don't have kind of like, as our pastor would say, the caller of ministry has been kind of removed from me. 00:02:17.719 --> 00:02:21.060 But it's always fun to get out and to do some preaching. 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:24.479 Bill, we were on holidays and Bill texted me and asked if I wanted to come up here. 00:02:24.780 --> 00:02:25.860 It was a quick yes. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:28.219 But glad to be here. 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:35.199 My spot at Hillsdale was always the, you know, that Sunday between Christmas and New Year's? 00:02:35.599 --> 00:02:36.879 You know, the one where nobody comes? 00:02:38.319 --> 00:02:40.699 That was my spot for 25 years. 00:02:40.840 --> 00:02:42.500 And I guess it still is. 00:02:43.460 --> 00:02:46.620 But interesting, I kind of joke about that. 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:49.400 I told people that on the 25th time. 00:02:50.139 --> 00:02:53.259 I said, Pastor Bill's given me one more chance to get this right. 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:56.539 So hopefully with the number 25 I can do it. 00:02:56.539 --> 00:02:58.239 But I also hold the record. 00:02:58.859 --> 00:03:03.299 I also hold the record for the lowest giving on a Sunday morning on one of those. 00:03:03.579 --> 00:03:06.180 I told them, I said, listen, take the offering before I preach. 00:03:06.399 --> 00:03:06.620 Okay. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:08.219 That's the way it should go. 00:03:09.159 --> 00:03:13.699 But anyways, it's a real honor and a privilege to be here this morning. 00:03:13.919 --> 00:03:19.620 And I really enjoyed listening to your worship and your testimony this morning. 00:03:19.620 --> 00:03:23.400 And the praying, because that's part of what I want to share about this morning. 00:03:24.020 --> 00:03:31.500 But all the requests and the heart behind them is so good and so critical as Christians to how we live and to what we do. 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:42.780 As a new believer way back in 1978, at the age of 22, I can still remember hearing a conversation between two Christian gentlemen. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:47.780 I remember those days because anything that had to do with the Lord was so new to me. 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:51.060 And I was just eating everything up. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:58.340 And the one thing that one gentleman said to the other was that preaching has to be the overflow of your life. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.259 And I remember that. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:08.080 And I can tell you quite honestly this morning that the message I have is that. 00:04:08.420 --> 00:04:12.500 And we're going to be looking later at 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11. 00:04:13.080 --> 00:04:14.800 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11. 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:22.500 But for months now, 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11 has been the overflow of my life. 00:04:24.519 --> 00:04:25.740 I've pondered over it. 00:04:25.780 --> 00:04:26.699 I've prayed over it. 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:30.579 I think of its contents often throughout my days. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:38.420 And I'm really coming to you this morning to share what the Lord's been speaking to me about. 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:42.079 And my prayer this morning is that it might be helpful to you as well. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:45.939 I have to tell you this, that I'm not a theologian. 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:50.579 I would probably describe myself as a hillbilly who reads his Bible. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:56.639 What I would share from God's Word this morning comes directly from my devotional reading. 00:04:56.699 --> 00:05:08.680 And it's simple, biblical, and hopefully practical enough that we can apply it to our lives and to your lives and anywhere else that the Lord may send us. 00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:11.220 Just join me in a word of opening prayer here, okay? 00:05:12.019 --> 00:05:16.579 Father in heaven, thank you so much for this privilege and opportunity to be here in Davidson today, this morning. 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:18.560 We thank you for this church. 00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:21.560 We thank you that we're connected now with the BGC. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:23.759 We're so thrilled in Regina about that. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:26.300 We're so glad that Josh is here. 00:05:26.420 --> 00:05:29.100 And we hear so many good things about the church here. 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:36.840 Father, the message this morning from 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11 is really about the church. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:38.260 It's about us. 00:05:38.320 --> 00:05:40.040 It's about this church and this community. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:49.040 How it operates, what we pray it would look like, and the privileges that they have to do what they do. 00:05:49.400 --> 00:05:50.240 Also the challenges. 00:05:50.360 --> 00:05:54.640 There's many challenges to be the outpost of hope and faith in any community. 00:05:54.639 --> 00:06:00.479 Peter, or Paul called the church the pillar and support of the truth. 00:06:01.500 --> 00:06:08.339 The church of Jesus Christ is the only, is the only place anywhere that can stand for truth. 00:06:08.979 --> 00:06:09.680 And so they're important. 00:06:09.759 --> 00:06:11.919 This is an important place in Davidson. 00:06:12.099 --> 00:06:13.259 So I pray your blessing on it. 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:14.300 Protect it and guide it. 00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:20.219 And I pray that the words that we share together this morning might be helpful in their endeavor. 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:21.659 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:21.760 Amen. 00:06:23.760 --> 00:06:24.320 All right. 00:06:24.380 --> 00:06:25.420 Why don't we just take a second. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:30.580 We'll read through 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11. 00:06:33.580 --> 00:06:35.480 The end of all things is at hand. 00:06:36.360 --> 00:06:40.620 Therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 00:06:41.840 --> 00:06:46.840 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:50.460 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 00:06:50.459 --> 00:06:57.839 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:02.060 Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God. 00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:06.399 Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies. 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:10.319 In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 00:07:11.159 --> 00:07:14.019 To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. 00:07:14.539 --> 00:07:14.919 Amen. 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:15.000 Amen. 00:07:16.540 --> 00:07:21.580 Just a couple of introductory comments before we look at the passage. 00:07:23.140 --> 00:07:30.000 Among other realities of living in 2024, I've noticed in particular two things which I keep hearing from many people. 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:32.840 First is this, and it's about COVID. 00:07:33.840 --> 00:07:35.920 That the COVID experience changed the world. 00:07:35.920 --> 00:07:43.840 One change seems to be that people don't seem to be getting out together as much as they did before this event. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:48.800 I'm not sure what happened, but I do see that as well. 00:07:50.140 --> 00:07:58.120 Secondly, I hear many people seem to be certain that we're really living in the last days before the Lord's return. 00:07:58.120 --> 00:08:05.980 Even many sound, credible, biblically solid and balanced Bible teachers seem to be indicating that to us. 00:08:06.680 --> 00:08:09.300 I'm aware that end time scenarios have been around forever. 00:08:09.680 --> 00:08:14.120 But many signs seem to indicate this is truly where we seem to be in history. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:21.459 I still remember as a new believer in 1978 hearing things I had never heard before. 00:08:22.100 --> 00:08:25.840 People were talking about the return of Christ and the rapture. 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:31.240 And I had never, ever heard growing up, I'd never heard anything about any of that at all. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:36.019 And I found it thrilling and unbelievable, but very real. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:42.180 And the anticipation of that has had an impact on how I live. 00:08:42.179 --> 00:08:47.179 So we've come through the COVID era and are still anticipating the Lord's return. 00:08:48.079 --> 00:08:51.019 With a changed and somewhat damaged world from COVID, 00:08:51.599 --> 00:08:55.939 and with an anticipation of the return of Christ at any moment, how are we to live? 00:08:57.719 --> 00:09:01.659 As I mused over those thoughts a few days ago, I was reminded of Hebrews 10. 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:04.399 I'll just read it here, Hebrews 10, 24 and 25, 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:08.979 which is a very familiar passage, probably to most of us, and it reads like this. 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:13.480 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:17.460 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:22.860 but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 00:09:25.680 --> 00:09:26.960 The question is this. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:31.159 If the day of the Lord's return is near, what do we do? 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:38.399 The commands in Hebrews 10, 24 and 25 are echoed, actually, in 1 Peter 4, 7 to 11. 00:09:39.199 --> 00:09:42.319 So let's examine the passage, and we'll go verse by verse. 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:46.939 In the first part of verse 7, Peter states this. 00:09:47.839 --> 00:09:48.240 He says, 00:09:48.319 --> 00:09:49.839 The end of all things is at hand. 00:09:51.500 --> 00:09:54.299 And we must understand that Christ's second coming has been anticipated 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:58.000 in every generation for 2,000 years, 00:09:58.459 --> 00:10:02.019 and was anticipated by the church in Peter's day. 00:10:03.379 --> 00:10:07.639 God's design has been for it to be an incentive for holy living, 00:10:08.099 --> 00:10:11.279 not a signal to sell your home and go to the mountain and sit 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:12.879 and wait for Jesus to come back. 00:10:14.579 --> 00:10:17.179 Peter's message, in anticipation of Christ's return, 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:21.599 is not for the church to run and hide and to wait secretly for this. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:24.779 There were many difficult days for the church to endure 00:10:24.779 --> 00:10:26.360 that Peter was writing to, 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:29.500 and hiding might have made sense to them. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:34.200 If we look at the surrounding chapters where 1 Peter 4, 7, 11 is found, 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:39.620 we can see that the church was enduring persecution and difficult times. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:43.019 In 1 Peter 3, 14, just before the passage, it states, 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:46.019 Even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:47.920 And it goes on to that. 00:10:47.940 --> 00:10:49.120 So they were suffering for that. 00:10:49.120 --> 00:10:52.340 1 Peter 5, 9 and 10 states, 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:54.740 Knowing that the same kind of suffering, 00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:55.620 and then it says, 00:10:55.720 --> 00:10:57.080 And after you have suffered a little while. 00:10:57.159 --> 00:10:59.659 So the church, where it was placed, 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:01.120 the church Peter was referring to, 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:02.879 had gone through difficult times. 00:11:03.299 --> 00:11:05.519 So he's talking to them in the midst of that. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:09.620 An initial human response to spiritual pressure, 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:10.960 producing suffering, 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:13.440 coming from an unbelieving world that surrounded them, 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.279 would have been to hide away 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:16.980 and to protect themselves. 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:20.980 But this is not the message God has for them. 00:11:21.700 --> 00:11:23.300 What does the Lord command them to do? 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:27.080 In the second part of verse 7, 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:28.580 Peter states this, 00:11:29.539 --> 00:11:33.200 Therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded 00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:34.800 for the sake of your prayers. 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:39.719 Firstly, Peter is emphasizing the importance of prayer in the church. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:42.399 That blessed me to hear you folks pray this morning. 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:44.500 I love hearing that, you know, 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:47.379 where you go around and you get a bit of a feel where everybody's at, 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:49.759 and you can pray for everyone the way it is. 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:51.019 That is so important. 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.879 So that's so good to hear that. 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:56.899 Jesus said in Matthew 21, 13, 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:57.620 It is written, 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:00.659 My house shall be called a house of prayer. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:05.080 If there was ever a time for followers of Jesus Christ 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:08.139 to be growing and consistent in their prayer life, 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:09.179 it's now. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:12.480 Too often we think of prayer as an option, 00:12:13.039 --> 00:12:14.000 but it's not. 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:15.419 Too often, 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:17.899 in the New Testament letters, 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:20.899 we see Paul requesting prayer for open doors. 00:12:21.539 --> 00:12:24.759 We see Epaphroditus wrestling in prayer for the church. 00:12:25.439 --> 00:12:27.539 We see Jesus spending nights in prayer 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:29.879 and rising early to pray. 00:12:30.799 --> 00:12:32.159 Can we do any less? 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:36.120 We must learn to be consistent in our prayers 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:38.720 and believe that our prayers are important 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:41.120 and make a difference because they do. 00:12:42.079 --> 00:12:44.419 I read about one pastor who was a man of prayer 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:46.759 and was asked by an unbeliever, 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:48.720 Don't you just think that answered prayers 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:49.539 are just a coincidence? 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:51.879 His response was, 00:12:51.960 --> 00:12:52.360 I don't know. 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:53.860 All I know is this, 00:12:53.939 --> 00:12:54.679 when I stop praying, 00:12:54.759 --> 00:12:56.179 the coincidences stop happening. 00:12:58.319 --> 00:13:00.240 We are commanded to be self-controlled 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:03.100 and sober-minded in our praying. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:06.200 This would suggest that our lives are purposeful 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:09.299 and not impulsive about matters in life. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:10.659 We don't, quote, 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.960 jump to the next trendy thing, 00:13:13.319 --> 00:13:15.679 but have a consistent walk with God. 00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:18.959 Be careful that we don't jump on bandwagons, 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:21.759 especially in things such as the end time events. 00:13:22.459 --> 00:13:24.419 Balance in your prayer life is the key. 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:27.579 In the book of Daniel, 00:13:28.599 --> 00:13:30.099 Daniel was aware of a conspiracy 00:13:30.099 --> 00:13:31.500 to have him thrown to the lions 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.979 if he prayed to anyone but the king. 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:36.739 He was not threatened by this, 00:13:37.239 --> 00:13:38.959 but prayed to God, quote as it says, 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.620 as was his practice. 00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:41.980 In other words, 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.960 he was not thrown off by threats 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:45.899 or intimidating edicts, 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:48.259 but maintained his prayerful walk with God 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.639 as he had always done. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:52.860 He maintained a sober consistency. 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.539 We must learn to be sensitive 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:58.799 to the needs and situations of those around us. 00:13:59.139 --> 00:14:01.120 We must stay sharp and alert 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.860 and pray accordingly. 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:05.460 Again, I would refer back to your prayer time this morning. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:07.280 You guys are staying sharp and alert 00:14:07.280 --> 00:14:09.200 with your prayer requests. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.420 That's so amazing. 00:14:10.540 --> 00:14:11.360 So keep that up. 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:15.700 And it takes work and practice and commitment, 00:14:16.280 --> 00:14:18.800 but it makes a world of difference in our praying. 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:21.480 So we need to be praying. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.560 Let's look at verse 8. 00:14:24.680 --> 00:14:25.220 It states, 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:27.139 Above all, 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:29.240 keep loving one another earnestly 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:32.700 since love covers a multitude of sins. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.560 The picture of loving earnestly 00:14:36.560 --> 00:14:37.779 is a picture of an athlete. 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:40.560 Paul's giving us a picture of an athlete, 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:42.200 or Peter's giving us a picture of an athlete 00:14:42.200 --> 00:14:43.440 who is training, 00:14:43.680 --> 00:14:44.399 training hard 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:46.220 to perfect his sport. 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:49.360 To love others this way takes work. 00:14:50.940 --> 00:14:52.000 Have you ever been disappointed 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.399 in a gift someone gave you? 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:55.480 A gift that was nice, 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:57.360 but missed the mark? 00:14:58.620 --> 00:14:59.879 A gift that indicated 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:02.059 that the person that gave the gift 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:04.000 really didn't know you very well? 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:06.500 I spoke to one gentleman 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.959 who told me that when he was 12, 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:10.179 he had asked his parents for a guitar. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.840 Now, here's a question for you. 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.519 What kind of a guitar 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.860 does a 12-year-old want? 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.799 We kind of know what he wants. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:19.199 He wants something that's going to rock, 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:20.620 that's cool. 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:23.560 So what happened? 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:26.960 His family gave him a huge, 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:27.980 plain, 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:29.460 classical guitar. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:32.899 He was somewhat grateful, 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:33.940 but deeply disappointed. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:37.580 But he was deeply disappointed 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.759 in the fact that the people 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:41.740 that should have known him best 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:43.840 and taken time to figure out 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:45.980 what it was that he really wanted 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:46.940 didn't seem to know that. 00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:48.900 So it takes work. 00:15:49.140 --> 00:15:50.500 It takes work to love. 00:15:51.560 --> 00:15:53.100 Love means earnestly taking work. 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:54.740 It means we observe them 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:56.100 and meet the deep needs 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:57.500 because we know by observation 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:58.020 and prayer 00:15:58.020 --> 00:15:59.720 what those deep needs are. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:03.399 We were away about a year ago 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:04.740 and came back 00:16:04.740 --> 00:16:06.040 and had our kids over 00:16:06.040 --> 00:16:07.320 for Thanksgiving supper. 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.759 And my birthday's in September. 00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:12.200 So we were gone during that time 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:16.139 and one set of our kids 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:16.980 had a gift for us 00:16:16.980 --> 00:16:17.660 or a gift for me. 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:17.840 He said, 00:16:17.920 --> 00:16:18.960 Dad, here's something for you. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.960 We saw this and thought you'd like it. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.639 And you know that Christmas time, 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:23.879 you know that the red truck 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:26.379 with the green Christmas tree 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:26.779 and all that 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:27.320 and all the lights. 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:28.760 I love that picture. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.440 There's just something 00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:30.500 that just touches me. 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:31.320 So they said, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.400 here's a little something for you, Dad. 00:16:32.400 --> 00:16:33.260 They gave me a bag 00:16:33.260 --> 00:16:34.280 and opened it up 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:35.140 and it was three little 00:16:35.140 --> 00:16:36.780 Christmas tree ornaments 00:16:36.780 --> 00:16:37.760 but they were the truck, 00:16:38.180 --> 00:16:39.240 the red truck with the green. 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:41.320 I just went ballistic. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:43.360 I was so thrilled. 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:44.320 And they were watching me. 00:16:44.400 --> 00:16:44.560 They were going, 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:46.920 ooh, what's wrong with this guy? 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:48.760 But I was so excited 00:16:48.760 --> 00:16:50.080 about the fact 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:50.840 that somebody knew 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:51.940 exactly what I wanted. 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:55.060 And that's the picture here 00:16:55.060 --> 00:16:57.260 of loving, 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.720 of loving people, 00:16:59.100 --> 00:16:59.820 of knowing, 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:00.600 you know, 00:17:00.640 --> 00:17:01.860 what can I do, 00:17:02.260 --> 00:17:02.540 you know, 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:04.259 to help somebody out? 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:06.799 But it takes work. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.180 Like an athlete works 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:09.200 at his craft, 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:09.820 his sports craft. 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:10.960 We need to work at knowing 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:11.700 how to love people, 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.320 observing, 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.559 making sure that we pick up 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.220 on little things 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.759 that could make a difference. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:22.240 True love also covers 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:23.460 a multitude of sins. 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.000 You know, 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:25.680 we live in a culture 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.299 that unfortunately 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.839 loves to expose the sins 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:28.960 and weaknesses 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:30.140 of those around us. 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.400 I'm a baseball fan 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:33.079 and I always remember 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.119 the stories of some 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:35.619 of the old Babe Ruths 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:36.440 and things like that. 00:17:37.140 --> 00:17:38.000 And it seems like 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:39.900 the fans from that era 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:41.279 always loved their heroes. 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.539 And we're aware 00:17:43.539 --> 00:17:43.960 of the fact 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.500 that their lives 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:45.200 weren't perfect, 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.640 but they protected them. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:48.059 And it's just, 00:17:48.140 --> 00:17:48.839 it's sad to say 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:50.200 that we seem to live 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.079 in a world that's opposite 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:51.539 and that we love 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:53.140 to expose people. 00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:55.740 And it's sad. 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.259 Imagine if God 00:17:57.259 --> 00:17:58.019 displayed our sins 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.480 and weaknesses 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.299 on a billboard 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:01.000 for all other people 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.420 to see. 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.700 He has the power 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:04.319 to do that, 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.440 but he chooses not to 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:07.319 in his love for us. 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.579 So let's be a people 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.539 that accept one another 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.900 in spite of our imperfections 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:13.480 and protect 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.339 and guard one another. 00:18:15.140 --> 00:18:15.619 I understand 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:16.240 that there's times 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.839 when disclosure 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:17.940 of sin is appropriate. 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:18.759 It is the right thing 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.559 to do at times. 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:22.079 But let's not be too quick 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:23.160 to do that 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:23.880 and let's protect, 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:25.059 let's protect one another. 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:28.640 Let's look at verse 9. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:29.240 It says, 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:30.160 show hospitality 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:30.940 to one another 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:32.259 without grumbling. 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:35.299 Whether it be a COVID hangover 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.559 or just something 00:18:36.559 --> 00:18:37.359 we haven't done 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.700 or maybe it's something 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.759 we don't like to do, 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.720 we must grow out, 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:42.759 we must grow in our 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.700 living together 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:45.940 outside of the walls 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:46.599 of our church. 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:48.960 Some of the deepest 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:50.279 and most meaningful 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.579 conversations with people 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:53.099 have come at a dinner table 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:55.219 or over a cup of coffee. 00:18:56.659 --> 00:18:57.679 Billy Graham used to talk 00:18:57.679 --> 00:18:59.179 about his crusades 00:18:59.179 --> 00:19:00.980 and there was always 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.859 invitations given 00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:02.619 to come forward. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:03.619 But he said 00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:04.359 most of those, 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:05.379 most of the responses 00:19:05.379 --> 00:19:06.379 to his crusades 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:07.619 came with people 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:08.539 going out for coffee 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:08.980 afterwards. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.379 They didn't actually 00:19:10.379 --> 00:19:11.339 come at the event. 00:19:11.699 --> 00:19:12.639 They came later on 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:13.459 in a kind of a more 00:19:13.459 --> 00:19:16.119 quiet, warmer environment. 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:18.059 so important. 00:19:19.479 --> 00:19:20.259 Our homes are given 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:21.859 to us as gifts 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:22.439 from the Lord. 00:19:23.199 --> 00:19:24.159 We need our homes 00:19:24.159 --> 00:19:25.500 to be places of refuge 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.079 but also to be places 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:28.559 to refresh other people. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.519 How many have made decisions 00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:31.619 to follow Jesus Christ 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.679 in someone's front room? 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.799 Let's pray and ask the Lord 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:35.459 to make our homes 00:19:35.459 --> 00:19:36.299 places for God 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.339 to use for others. 00:19:37.959 --> 00:19:38.779 We will receive 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:39.839 the blessing from God 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:41.119 in our own lives 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:42.139 if we do. 00:19:42.739 --> 00:19:43.419 So you're kind of 00:19:43.419 --> 00:19:44.159 getting the picture 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:46.519 of Peter challenging 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.380 the church 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:47.779 and saying 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.900 don't turtle 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:51.060 because of what's going on. 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:51.700 In other words 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.920 expand the church. 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:53.880 The church needs 00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:54.600 to take charge 00:19:54.600 --> 00:19:55.600 and be the church 00:19:55.600 --> 00:19:57.759 and with one another 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.759 but also let the world 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.500 see what they're doing. 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:03.580 We come to verse 10 and 11. 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:05.120 They read 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:07.240 as each has received a gift 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:09.140 use it to serve one another 00:20:09.140 --> 00:20:10.000 as good stewards 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:11.220 of God's very grace. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:12.779 Whoever speaks 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.680 as one who speaks 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.640 oracles of God. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.460 Whoever serves 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.420 as one who serves 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:18.039 by the strength 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:18.860 that God supplies 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:20.380 in order that 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:20.840 in everything 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:22.000 God may be glorified 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.019 through Jesus Christ. 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:24.940 To him belong glory 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:25.500 and dominion 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.279 forever and ever. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:27.519 Amen. 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:30.299 Now rather than 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.420 dissect these verses 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.259 and their contents 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:33.700 I wanted us 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.660 to rather focus 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:35.580 on what I see 00:20:35.580 --> 00:20:36.420 as one kind of 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:37.519 overriding theme 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:39.180 in these two verses. 00:20:39.600 --> 00:20:40.360 The theme is simply 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:41.140 that our lives 00:20:41.140 --> 00:20:42.519 need to be all about 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.400 Jesus Christ 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.980 and him living 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.680 his life 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:46.460 in us. 00:20:48.339 --> 00:20:50.180 John 1.17 states this 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:50.759 that the law 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.759 was given through Moses 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:53.920 grace and truth 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:55.240 came through Jesus Christ. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.960 We need to experience 00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:58.500 the grace 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.460 and the reality 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.160 and the presence 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:01.639 of Jesus Christ 00:21:01.639 --> 00:21:02.779 among us 00:21:02.779 --> 00:21:03.799 and within our own hearts. 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:26.000 God gives us 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:27.079 abilities to do acts 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:27.940 which we cannot do 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:28.619 on our own. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.899 To see a newly converted 00:21:30.900 --> 00:21:31.860 former thief 00:21:31.860 --> 00:21:33.420 do acts of service 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.540 and giving 00:21:34.540 --> 00:21:35.920 creates wonder 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:36.720 and brings glory 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.200 to God. 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.960 This is how it should be. 00:21:40.420 --> 00:21:41.180 Now I realize 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:41.720 that the topic 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.500 of gifting 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.660 brings up other questions 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.240 such as 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:45.360 what are my gifts 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:47.500 and how do I find out? 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:49.060 Those are valid questions 00:21:49.060 --> 00:21:49.800 and time does not 00:21:49.800 --> 00:21:50.600 permit us this morning 00:21:50.600 --> 00:21:51.780 to venture into those. 00:21:52.060 --> 00:21:52.519 However, 00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:53.759 I would say 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.560 that if our heart 00:21:54.560 --> 00:21:55.600 is to live 00:21:55.600 --> 00:21:56.420 and to serve others 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.680 as we are commanded 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:59.299 and according 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.080 to his word 00:22:00.080 --> 00:22:00.980 that the Lord 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:01.460 will help us 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.759 discover those gifts 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.380 as we go. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.000 We're also commanded 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:07.980 to speak the oracles 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:08.560 of God. 00:22:09.600 --> 00:22:10.420 Our communication 00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.220 with one another 00:22:11.220 --> 00:22:12.700 is enriching 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.340 and encouraging 00:22:13.340 --> 00:22:15.500 when God's word 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.759 becomes part 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.600 of our communicating. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.180 I have an example 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.900 in my own life 00:22:20.900 --> 00:22:21.440 that I remember. 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:23.000 I had a friend 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.519 from our church 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:23.840 in Regina 00:22:23.840 --> 00:22:24.460 that he just 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:25.060 for years 00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:25.440 had stopped 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.140 coming to church. 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:27.980 He just felt 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.440 uncomfortable 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:30.360 and I met with him 00:22:30.360 --> 00:22:31.680 week after week 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:32.200 after week 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.060 and we'd talk about it 00:22:33.060 --> 00:22:33.780 and talk about it 00:22:33.780 --> 00:22:35.660 and he always resisted. 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.020 He just, 00:22:36.540 --> 00:22:37.380 something had happened 00:22:37.380 --> 00:22:37.680 to him 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:38.259 which is a very 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:38.900 typical story 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.360 sometimes 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:40.200 where something 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:40.640 had happened 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:41.120 and he didn't 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:41.560 want to come. 00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:44.000 And I just said, 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:44.280 you know, 00:22:44.320 --> 00:22:44.680 you've got to 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.800 consider coming back. 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:46.820 And he wanted to 00:22:46.820 --> 00:22:47.300 but he just 00:22:47.300 --> 00:22:48.080 couldn't seem 00:22:48.080 --> 00:22:48.720 to do that. 00:22:49.580 --> 00:22:50.280 So one time 00:22:50.280 --> 00:22:51.140 I was meeting 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:51.580 with him 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:53.360 and I had my Bible 00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:53.780 with me 00:22:53.780 --> 00:22:55.700 and in the course 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.400 of the conversation 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:56.779 I just, 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:58.059 I was reading 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.900 a particular passage 00:22:58.900 --> 00:22:59.519 and it had nothing 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.140 to do with his 00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:00.920 absenteeism. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.319 It was just a passage 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:02.960 that I'd been reading 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.759 in my own devotions 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.500 and I read it to him 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:05.960 and I'm looking down 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.279 and looking 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.080 and then I looked up 00:23:07.080 --> 00:23:08.759 and I looked at him 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:10.340 and he was a bucket 00:23:10.340 --> 00:23:10.819 of tears. 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:12.059 He was crying 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:12.600 and crying 00:23:12.600 --> 00:23:13.140 and crying 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.380 and he said, 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.059 you know, 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.120 I've wanted to come 00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:16.660 back to church 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.200 so badly 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:18.180 but I couldn't. 00:23:18.819 --> 00:23:19.880 My point is this, 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:20.880 it was the word 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:21.420 of God 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.539 that touched him. 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:25.339 My fine advice 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:25.779 and counsel 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.399 did nothing 00:23:26.399 --> 00:23:27.639 for years. 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:28.960 It was good 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:29.839 that I was connected 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:30.240 with him 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.700 but I read one passage 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:32.399 in the word of God 00:23:32.399 --> 00:23:32.920 and he's crying 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.539 his eyes out 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.579 and very soon 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:35.019 after that 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.819 came back to church 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:37.359 and I would tell you 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:37.579 this, 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.680 that he still comes 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:40.680 and he's a healthy 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:41.480 member of our church 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.440 and is doing amazing 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:44.559 but it was the word 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:44.920 of God 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:46.359 that brought him back. 00:23:46.359 --> 00:23:46.420 Thank you. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:46.480 Thank you. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:46.539 Thank you. 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:46.980 Thank you. 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.000 Thank you. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.059 Thank you. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:47.500 Thank you. 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:47.519 Thank you. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:47.539 Thank you. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.000 Thank you. 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.059 Thank you. 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:48.539 Thank you. 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:48.559 Thank you. 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:52.519 Thank you. 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.879 To bring balance 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.500 to this point 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:54.960 I realize 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.599 that we don't invite 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.420 people to come over 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.220 to our homes 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:58.319 and just read 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.159 and chat about scripture 00:23:59.159 --> 00:24:00.099 to the exclusion 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:02.180 of everything else. 00:24:03.099 --> 00:24:04.539 If you have a Super Bowl party 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.039 and all you do 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.740 is read scripture 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:07.339 it might not be 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.220 the best thing to do. 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.460 Not to say you can't 00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:10.339 use the scriptures 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:12.000 but there is balance 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:14.579 that's needed as well. 00:24:16.159 --> 00:24:16.579 However, 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.480 having said that 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.740 I do think we could 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:19.480 move to some degree 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.319 towards incorporating 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:20.859 God's word 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:22.359 into our times together 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:23.919 be it sharing verses 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:25.959 or meaningful experiences 00:24:25.959 --> 00:24:28.059 as we grow in this area 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:29.439 we will bring more glory 00:24:29.439 --> 00:24:29.839 to God. 00:24:29.959 --> 00:24:30.879 I heard that this morning 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.519 with the testimony. 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:32.939 It's that sort of thing 00:24:32.939 --> 00:24:33.899 where you just bring those 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:35.579 and to make those 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.599 a common part 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.219 of what we do. 00:24:38.939 --> 00:24:39.559 Excuse me. 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:42.119 We need to experience 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:43.339 God's mighty hand 00:24:43.339 --> 00:24:45.119 at work among us 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:46.779 and it'll come through 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.240 his word 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.419 and it will thrill us 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:49.000 when it does. 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:53.559 Just a few thoughts 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:54.220 to conclude 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.440 our time this morning. 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.859 I'm always amazed 00:24:57.859 --> 00:24:59.099 that the word of God 00:24:59.099 --> 00:25:00.740 is always current 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:02.500 and it's always relevant. 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:04.559 The needs in the church 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.240 in Peter's day 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.279 are the same as they are 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.359 in our day 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:09.200 2,000 years later. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.440 Pressures from the world 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:12.619 has always had the potential 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:13.900 to make the church stronger. 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.319 As well, 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:16.619 anticipating the Lord 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:17.939 any moment in return 00:25:17.939 --> 00:25:19.119 has had the same potential 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:20.979 to sharpen our focus 00:25:20.979 --> 00:25:22.479 and to make us operate 00:25:22.479 --> 00:25:23.000 as the Lord 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:23.979 has designed the church 00:25:23.979 --> 00:25:24.419 to do 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:26.799 with laser-focused prayer, 00:25:27.979 --> 00:25:28.959 sacrificial love, 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:30.599 hospitality, 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.639 serving one another, 00:25:33.179 --> 00:25:34.179 all centered around 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.839 the word of God. 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:38.879 One final challenge 00:25:38.879 --> 00:25:39.559 for us to consider 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.079 this morning. 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:42.559 We sadly remember 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.439 the tragic events 00:25:43.439 --> 00:25:44.079 of 9-11. 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:46.240 I had heard 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.720 the testimony 00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:47.299 of a preacher 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:48.500 who lived in New York City 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:49.099 at the time 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.740 of the event. 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.859 He said this. 00:25:51.939 --> 00:25:52.319 He said, 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.019 for a year, 00:25:53.699 --> 00:25:54.079 he said, 00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:54.960 you couldn't find a Bible 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.619 in New York City. 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.359 He said, 00:25:57.399 --> 00:25:58.159 churches were full. 00:25:58.899 --> 00:25:59.279 Obviously, 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.399 people were responding 00:26:00.399 --> 00:26:00.879 and were looking 00:26:00.879 --> 00:26:01.659 for some answers. 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.960 A year later, 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.819 he said, 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:05.839 things went back 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.279 to normal. 00:26:07.439 --> 00:26:08.319 His sad comment 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.220 on this was that 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.359 people were looking 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:11.079 for answers 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:11.960 in reaction 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.799 to this tragedy. 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:14.119 Sadly, 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.899 they never found it 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:15.720 in the local church, 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:16.940 so drifted away. 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:18.919 The church 00:26:18.919 --> 00:26:19.680 had an opportunity 00:26:19.680 --> 00:26:22.059 and just didn't do 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.700 with it 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.399 what they could have. 00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:25.980 If the Church 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.740 of Jesus Christ 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:27.599 in 2024 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:29.119 can come to grips 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:29.879 with the directives 00:26:29.879 --> 00:26:31.079 outlined in 1 Peter 4, 00:26:31.159 --> 00:26:31.839 7-11, 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:33.859 what a testimony 00:26:33.859 --> 00:26:34.599 this would be 00:26:34.599 --> 00:26:35.960 to the outside 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:36.859 unbelieving world, 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:38.539 among whom are many 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.480 who are looking 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.019 for answers. 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:41.920 I pray that we are 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.779 up for the challenge 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:44.319 and for the opportunity. 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.339 Amen. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.279 Let me just close this 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:50.039 in a word of prayer 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.639 with you, okay? 00:26:53.579 --> 00:26:54.019 Father, 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:57.819 the church today 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:59.220 is such an important 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:01.980 part of any community. 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:04.119 And Father, 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:05.339 in Peter's day 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.019 it was the same. 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:08.940 it was under pressure. 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.879 And Peter's counsel 00:27:11.879 --> 00:27:12.879 to them was 00:27:12.879 --> 00:27:14.079 don't give in 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:14.559 to the pressure. 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.299 Become the church 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:16.859 more and more. 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:17.579 Be stronger 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.920 in your fellowship, 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:19.839 in your praying. 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.579 Do everything 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.339 more 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.519 than you used to do. 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:25.900 And Father God, 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:26.920 I pray that 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:28.420 the church 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.039 here in Davidson, 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.119 I'm so thankful 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:31.400 that this church 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:32.039 exists here, 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.460 Father God. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.440 Use it for your glory. 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:34.779 And I pray that 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.880 all of the items, 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.220 the list that 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.059 is suggested 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:39.880 in 1 Peter 4, 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.660 7 to 11, 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:43.559 be sober-minded 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.259 for our prayers, 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:44.960 be praying, 00:27:46.320 --> 00:27:48.160 be having fellowship, 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:49.380 having people 00:27:49.380 --> 00:27:50.259 into our homes, 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:52.299 loving, 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.299 learning to love 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.460 in new ways 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.100 that's deeper. 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.360 Everything, 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:56.920 Father God. 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:58.019 and using 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.680 the word of God 00:27:58.680 --> 00:27:59.300 more and more 00:27:59.300 --> 00:27:59.740 and more 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:02.300 and using our gifts 00:28:02.300 --> 00:28:03.660 to encourage 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:04.120 one another 00:28:04.120 --> 00:28:04.640 and to build 00:28:04.640 --> 00:28:05.259 the church up. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.820 I pray that 00:28:06.820 --> 00:28:07.640 Davidson Church 00:28:07.640 --> 00:28:08.519 would be a church 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.360 that grows 00:28:09.360 --> 00:28:10.039 in this area. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.140 And I pray that 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:11.700 it would not only 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:12.560 strengthen the church 00:28:12.560 --> 00:28:13.240 on the inside, 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.640 but that the outside 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:15.440 world looking 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:16.480 would wonder 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.440 about this place 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.800 and would want 00:28:18.800 --> 00:28:19.220 to come in 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:19.720 and find out 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.360 what's going on 00:28:20.360 --> 00:28:20.800 and find out 00:28:20.800 --> 00:28:21.279 that the Lord 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:21.759 is here. 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:22.840 That's our prayer. 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:23.759 That's our prayer 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.300 this morning. 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:25.759 And Father God, 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:26.480 what an amazing thing 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:26.940 to be part of 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.700 the body of Christ, 00:28:27.819 --> 00:28:28.539 especially in the days 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.019 we live in. 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.579 Use us and guide us 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.279 for your purposes 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:31.960 and your glory. 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:32.700 In Jesus' name. 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:33.619 Amen.