WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.240 Deuteronomy chapter 6, I believe family matters and because of that we're going to talk about family matters this summer. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:09.900 And today we're going to look at Deuteronomy chapter 6. 00:00:10.580 --> 00:00:14.400 An old adage is familiarity breeds contempt. 00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:25.719 It means that when you expose to something or someone a lot, been around it a lot, you start to lag in respect of them. 00:00:25.719 --> 00:00:29.859 And we often take family for granted like that. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.859 I heard about a man who asked his wife, he said, honey, would you have married me if my father hadn't left us a fortune? 00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:40.880 She said, oh, sweetie, I'd have married you no matter who left you a fortune. 00:00:42.840 --> 00:00:45.219 We take family for granted. 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:50.179 But we also many times can take other matters for granted. 00:00:50.359 --> 00:00:51.359 For instance, scripture. 00:00:51.359 --> 00:01:04.219 If you're a regular attender at Pickens First or a watcher at Pickens First, you've heard me refer to this passage in Deuteronomy chapter 6 several times. 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:14.200 And in preparation for today, I have prayed that familiarity would not breed content or boredom or lack of attention. 00:01:14.200 --> 00:01:18.799 Because it is an important passage that we need to live by. 00:01:19.340 --> 00:01:22.900 It's found in Deuteronomy chapter 6, beginning in verse 4. 00:01:23.020 --> 00:01:23.620 And it says, 00:01:23.620 --> 00:01:26.799 Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:32.540 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:37.579 And these words that I command you today shall be upon your heart. 00:01:37.579 --> 00:01:41.280 You shall teach them diligently to your children. 00:01:41.859 --> 00:01:48.759 You shall talk of them when you sit in the house and when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise. 00:01:49.179 --> 00:01:55.299 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 00:01:55.939 --> 00:02:00.780 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:06.459 That's a very common passage in Jewish life. 00:02:06.459 --> 00:02:08.539 It is called the Shema. 00:02:09.159 --> 00:02:13.379 That is simply a Hebrew word for the first word in verse 4. 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:15.159 Here is what it means. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:19.740 Every Jew knew that passage. 00:02:19.979 --> 00:02:21.900 They recited it daily. 00:02:22.519 --> 00:02:25.120 It was the Jewish confession of faith. 00:02:25.759 --> 00:02:33.060 And it begins with this great acknowledgement that we worship one God and one God only. 00:02:33.060 --> 00:02:39.120 In that way, the Jewish faith was set apart because of their monotheism. 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:44.120 The Egyptians and those from the east believed in many gods. 00:02:44.920 --> 00:02:49.360 They believed that you had to work and live your life in harmony with the gods. 00:02:49.480 --> 00:02:54.620 And that each of these gods had strengths and each of them had weaknesses. 00:02:54.620 --> 00:03:00.000 Some gods tended to be unpredictable and some gods were immoral. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:07.240 And so one god could protect you from another god and you had to keep all your gods in balance. 00:03:07.539 --> 00:03:08.379 It was tangled. 00:03:09.020 --> 00:03:10.879 And the reality is it was all made up. 00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:14.860 It was just a type of Egyptian mythology of sorts. 00:03:14.900 --> 00:03:15.680 All made up. 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:21.520 And the Israelites, on the other hand, served one supreme God. 00:03:21.659 --> 00:03:24.219 And they boasted about that God. 00:03:24.480 --> 00:03:28.000 Jeremiah chapter 9 verse 23 and 24 says this. 00:03:28.420 --> 00:03:32.439 Thus says the Lord, let not the wise man boast in his wisdom. 00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:35.439 Let not the mighty man boast in his might. 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:38.300 Let not the rich man boast in his riches. 00:03:38.300 --> 00:03:44.820 But let him who boasts, I hope you'll mark this on your life. 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:45.700 This is good stuff. 00:03:46.820 --> 00:03:49.540 Him who boasts, boast in this. 00:03:50.460 --> 00:03:52.780 That he understands and knows me. 00:03:53.260 --> 00:04:00.720 That I'm the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. 00:04:01.260 --> 00:04:04.760 For in these things I delight, declares the Lord. 00:04:04.759 --> 00:04:10.179 Even the most humble among us boast. 00:04:11.099 --> 00:04:13.199 We boast about the fish we caught. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:17.079 We don't take pictures and put it on Facebook when we catch minors. 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:21.259 We boast about the brilliance of our children. 00:04:22.219 --> 00:04:26.199 You never see report cards boasted when they're barely getting by. 00:04:27.159 --> 00:04:29.319 We boast about our ball team. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:32.360 We did this and we did that. 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:36.639 In reality all we did was get up in the middle of commercials and go get something else to eat. 00:04:37.319 --> 00:04:37.500 You know. 00:04:38.340 --> 00:04:40.240 We boast about our work ethic. 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:42.620 We boast about what we just bought. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:46.939 The question is do we brag on God? 00:04:49.439 --> 00:04:52.900 That's the only thing that we really ought to be bragging on. 00:04:54.240 --> 00:04:55.520 Is bragging on Jesus. 00:04:57.139 --> 00:05:01.120 I'm telling you today you ought to brag on Jesus and you ought to brag on him to your family. 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:10.879 The thrust of the Shema is to love God at home and to encourage and raise your family to love God. 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:12.399 And let me say this. 00:05:12.819 --> 00:05:15.899 To those who do not have children in your home. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:22.699 To encourage and love the Lord Jesus before your spouse. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:25.079 Before whoever is in your home. 00:05:25.220 --> 00:05:26.819 Or when you're visiting a home. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:28.879 So how do we do that? 00:05:29.579 --> 00:05:30.600 Well the text is clear. 00:05:30.600 --> 00:05:32.580 One is we live it daily. 00:05:33.540 --> 00:05:34.360 We live it daily. 00:05:34.820 --> 00:05:37.240 Real love does not wane and fade. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:40.100 It is strong and it grows stronger. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:45.760 And it's always interesting to me to see when somebody falls in love with Jesus. 00:05:46.840 --> 00:05:48.900 And they have young love for God. 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:50.580 It is fresh. 00:05:51.280 --> 00:05:52.680 And it is impressionable. 00:05:53.400 --> 00:05:56.340 And they are hungry to grow in the Lord. 00:05:56.339 --> 00:05:58.419 And then as they mature in the Lord. 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:00.299 And they grow in their faith. 00:06:00.299 --> 00:06:02.379 That mature love is seasoned. 00:06:02.899 --> 00:06:04.060 And it is faithful. 00:06:04.479 --> 00:06:06.219 Because you've been through some stuff. 00:06:06.419 --> 00:06:08.759 And you've seen God bring you through some stuff. 00:06:09.079 --> 00:06:10.439 And so you can trust him more. 00:06:10.500 --> 00:06:12.799 And you can encourage other people along the way. 00:06:13.099 --> 00:06:14.259 God has been good. 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:15.279 So in response. 00:06:15.279 --> 00:06:17.899 As he's been faithful to us. 00:06:18.059 --> 00:06:19.519 We're faithful to him. 00:06:19.599 --> 00:06:20.739 And that's not just talk. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:23.659 But it ought to be something that we talk about. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:28.819 This passage speaks of loving him with all of your heart. 00:06:28.919 --> 00:06:30.539 That means wholeheartedly love. 00:06:30.599 --> 00:06:31.979 No holding back. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:33.819 Give all you got. 00:06:33.819 --> 00:06:36.659 When he ramps it up. 00:06:36.779 --> 00:06:38.879 By not only saying with all your heart. 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:40.839 But he says with all your soul. 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:43.259 With all your might. 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:44.920 To put it simply. 00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:46.000 What he's saying is. 00:06:46.399 --> 00:06:50.019 The love of God ought to invade every part of our being. 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:52.279 In everything that we do. 00:06:52.639 --> 00:06:54.159 It ought to propel us. 00:06:54.259 --> 00:06:58.420 It's a love that is overflowing into all of our day. 00:06:58.480 --> 00:06:59.539 Not just our Sunday. 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:01.659 Not just early in the morning. 00:07:01.659 --> 00:07:03.639 Not just at certain times. 00:07:03.819 --> 00:07:06.019 So we talk about him. 00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:08.420 But we also live for him. 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:11.060 If that love is real. 00:07:11.759 --> 00:07:15.759 The truths of God will touch our heart. 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:17.740 It will mark our lives. 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:21.180 And it will be seen in our complete devotion to him. 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:22.480 And our worship of him. 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:24.539 And I just want you to know. 00:07:24.680 --> 00:07:26.719 You were made for worship. 00:07:27.740 --> 00:07:28.980 You were made for worship. 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:30.699 And when you're not worshiping the Lord. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:33.060 When you're not putting him in proper place. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:35.939 You're not doing what you're made for. 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.920 Because we're made for worship. 00:07:39.560 --> 00:07:41.879 He made us for a need for worship. 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:43.560 And if we don't worship him. 00:07:43.939 --> 00:07:44.719 You know what we'll do? 00:07:44.779 --> 00:07:45.699 We'll worship something else. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:48.920 We'll replace it with something else. 00:07:49.500 --> 00:07:50.500 For the Egyptians. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:51.980 It was other gods. 00:07:52.100 --> 00:07:52.839 Is what they did. 00:07:52.839 --> 00:07:54.959 But for us. 00:07:57.119 --> 00:07:58.679 We may worship ourselves. 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:01.979 And what I mean by that is. 00:08:02.060 --> 00:08:03.319 We may worship what we want. 00:08:05.659 --> 00:08:07.759 We may worship what we feel like we need. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:10.519 We worship our hobbies. 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:14.839 We worship our misplaced priorities. 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:18.319 Now today we're talking about the family. 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:22.359 But if the family is going to be what the family ought to be. 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:24.719 Regardless of what structure your family is. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:25.899 If it's going to be what it ought to be. 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:27.639 It has to start with us. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:29.719 Don't point at your spouse about this. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:32.579 Don't point at your kids about this. 00:08:33.439 --> 00:08:35.659 Don't point at your parents about this. 00:08:36.439 --> 00:08:38.679 Don't blame your brother or sister about this. 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:40.500 It starts with us. 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:43.799 And that starting point. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:47.159 Is a relentless love for God. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:50.419 And if you truly love God. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.000 It will show forth in your life. 00:08:53.819 --> 00:08:55.719 You'll have what I call the can't help it. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:58.739 I mean you can't help but talk about him. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:03.039 You can't help but emphasize his impact upon your life. 00:09:03.959 --> 00:09:05.500 You can't help but reflect him. 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:07.099 You can't help but lean upon him. 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:10.159 You are love struck for God. 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:13.379 Because he sent his only son to die. 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:17.420 And he sent his Holy Spirit to guide. 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:20.820 So live it daily. 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:23.300 Just live it out. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:24.600 Daily. 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:27.740 Second thing he tells us to do is to share it daily. 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:30.540 Now I want to be honest with you. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:34.879 These lessons were given to people that were a nomadic people. 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:39.599 They went out each morning. 00:09:40.919 --> 00:09:44.579 And scripture tells us that God gave them manna to eat. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.679 They went to bed at night. 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:50.679 Under a pillar of fire. 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.980 Of God's presence. 00:09:52.980 --> 00:09:53.740 Every night. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:59.720 And in the morning they were led by a cloud of his presence. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:01.120 Every day. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:03.860 They didn't have cars. 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:07.220 They didn't have streaming services. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:09.960 They didn't have iPads. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:12.899 They didn't have cell phones. 00:10:12.899 --> 00:10:15.439 They didn't have television. 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:18.459 They didn't play rec ball. 00:10:19.459 --> 00:10:21.279 Not that we have recorded in scripture. 00:10:23.079 --> 00:10:24.819 And they camp every day. 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:26.840 You should have seen Moses' fifth wheel. 00:10:27.459 --> 00:10:28.000 He was set. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:31.600 There were no beach vacations. 00:10:32.919 --> 00:10:34.639 There were no amusement parks. 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.580 There was no indoor plumbing. 00:10:39.580 --> 00:10:40.960 There was no air conditioning. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:43.919 And they lived in the desert. 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:48.440 As hot as a July South Carolina day. 00:10:51.059 --> 00:10:53.559 They needed God daily. 00:10:55.419 --> 00:10:56.539 And they knew it. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.220 Now I want to be clear about something. 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:05.159 We need God just as bad as they did. 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:09.860 But if we don't make an effort to turn to him. 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:16.100 If we don't deliberately impress these truths upon our family. 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:17.899 We'll miss it. 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:19.019 We'll miss it. 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:23.120 And we have so much to distract us. 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:26.559 It is so easy to drift away. 00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:29.079 It is easier to drift away from the Lord. 00:11:29.219 --> 00:11:31.219 Than it is to stay faithful to the Lord. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:34.559 And so share the love of God. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:36.119 With your family. 00:11:37.299 --> 00:11:37.699 When? 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:41.059 He says we do it when you get up. 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:43.339 Tell your young'un. 00:11:43.439 --> 00:11:45.299 Get your sorry tail out of bed. 00:11:45.919 --> 00:11:47.279 Don't you know Jesus loves you? 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:49.279 Share what you read. 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:53.679 Share what you read. 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:54.799 With them. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.679 If you're able to have breakfast together. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:00.240 Share a scripture with them. 00:12:00.959 --> 00:12:02.399 Share something that God showed you. 00:12:02.699 --> 00:12:03.959 Play the right kind of music. 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:07.699 It's amazing what a few encouraging words can do along the way. 00:12:08.199 --> 00:12:09.860 Sitting at home may be a meal. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.199 At that meal. 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:12.419 Make the most of that. 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:13.939 Give opportunity for that. 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:18.880 If the sitting down is in front of the TV. 00:12:19.680 --> 00:12:21.240 Then cut it off for 10 minutes. 00:12:21.400 --> 00:12:22.800 Or mute the commercials. 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:24.740 Or pause a minute. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:32.480 That time together is to be used wisely. 00:12:33.160 --> 00:12:35.100 It is valuable. 00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:39.300 But it's not only when we're sitting at the house. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.519 It also says when we're walking by the way. 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:45.220 And the modern translation of that is when you're riding in your car. 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:49.100 Don't miss the opportunity. 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:52.040 I mean you got them in there. 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:54.379 You're going down the road at 55 miles per hour. 00:12:54.420 --> 00:12:55.240 They can't go anywhere. 00:12:55.920 --> 00:12:56.779 They're contained. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:00.100 They're in like a Jesus cell. 00:13:01.340 --> 00:13:02.840 That you can just share him. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:05.980 Ask him to forgive you. 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:07.879 For hitting them with a hairbrush. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.960 As they got ready that morning. 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:11.340 Tell them that Jesus loves them. 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:13.220 And forgive all that. 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:15.660 If we'll call upon him. 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:18.080 And then get out of the car and come on into church. 00:13:18.300 --> 00:13:18.680 I mean you know. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:19.780 I know how all that works. 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:22.220 That's why I come to church alone. 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:24.879 Seriously. 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:26.879 The ride to school. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:28.759 Or the ride to the caretaker. 00:13:29.160 --> 00:13:30.879 Ought to be filled with sweet words. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:32.420 It's a great opportunity. 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:35.519 And then end your day. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:36.899 Praying with. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:38.860 And over your child. 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:42.580 When I took my kids to school. 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:44.480 I would often tell them on the way. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.220 I want you to know. 00:13:45.280 --> 00:13:46.399 You've been prayed for this morning. 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:48.800 I want you to know. 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:49.920 I've already prayed for you. 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:52.399 You may face tough stuff today. 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:54.000 I know what this is going on. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.540 You got a test here. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:57.720 You got a little drama going on over here. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:58.420 Or whatever. 00:13:58.420 --> 00:14:00.560 I done prayed for you. 00:14:00.559 --> 00:14:04.279 Let them know that. 00:14:06.679 --> 00:14:08.239 And at the end of the day. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.839 Pray with them. 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:13.000 Or over your child. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:16.299 Now let me be clear. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:21.659 Some days it's not going to happen. 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:24.959 You'll miss it. 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:28.720 Most days it should happen. 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.500 And so share it daily. 00:14:32.560 --> 00:14:33.280 Share it daily. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:35.759 Lastly show it daily. 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:37.379 Show it. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:43.639 Verse 8 and 9 here are not meant to be taken literally. 00:14:43.639 --> 00:14:47.980 When it says you shall bind them as a sign on your hand. 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:50.000 And they shall be as frontless between your eyes. 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:51.799 You shall write them on the doorpost of your house. 00:14:51.819 --> 00:14:52.600 And on your gates. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:55.159 But the Jews took it literally. 00:14:56.439 --> 00:14:57.639 They put phylacteries. 00:14:58.379 --> 00:15:01.699 Which are boxes that contain the law. 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:03.860 Just little pieces of the Ten Commandments. 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:05.199 Are in those boxes. 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:07.100 You'll see one on his bicep there. 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:09.600 You'll see another on his forehead in the picture. 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:14.320 And they wrapped that around their arm. 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:17.680 Religiously. 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:20.420 I was on a plane going to Israel. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:24.879 And there was an Orthodox Jew. 00:15:25.560 --> 00:15:26.879 And it got to his prayer time. 00:15:26.920 --> 00:15:28.240 It was about 4 a.m. somewhere. 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:29.720 I mean you change time zones so fast. 00:15:29.759 --> 00:15:30.399 I don't know what time it was. 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:32.519 It was 4 a.m. in Milo mine. 00:15:33.300 --> 00:15:36.080 And he started wrapping his arm. 00:15:36.180 --> 00:15:38.040 And when it didn't get just right. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:39.699 He unwrapped it and wrapped it again. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.539 Unwrapped it. 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:41.039 Wrapped it again. 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:41.659 Unwrapped it. 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.019 Wrapped it again. 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.240 Just constantly. 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:47.159 Making sure that it was just the right way. 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:48.219 Whatever that means. 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:51.120 And then he started praying. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:53.039 And you knew he was praying. 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.039 He was rocking and praying. 00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:57.179 Taking it before him. 00:15:58.240 --> 00:16:00.759 They put a mezuzah. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:04.080 Which is a little metal box. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.080 On the doorway. 00:16:06.139 --> 00:16:08.279 That they touch as they leave. 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:09.379 Or as they arrive. 00:16:09.819 --> 00:16:11.360 And when you stay in Israel hotels. 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:13.159 You'll see that at each door. 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:15.340 And it's slanted sideways. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:16.759 This is fascinating to me. 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:19.059 Because some believe. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.659 That it ought to sit upright. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:22.960 It's the law of God. 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:24.779 And it ought to be represented upright. 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:26.779 And then some believe. 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:28.120 That it ought to be laying down. 00:16:28.179 --> 00:16:29.600 Just like it was in the Ark of the Covenant. 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:32.200 But the Ten Commandments ought to be laying down. 00:16:32.279 --> 00:16:33.379 So you ought to put it sideways. 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:34.700 And so they compromised. 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:35.680 And just put it slanted. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.340 That's a true story. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.399 They did. 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:40.540 But when they walk by that. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:41.320 They touch it. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:42.360 And say a prayer. 00:16:42.920 --> 00:16:43.720 In the doorway. 00:16:43.920 --> 00:16:44.779 As they leave. 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:45.639 And as they arrive. 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:47.360 Is that what verse 8 and 9 is talking about? 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.920 The New Testament tells me. 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:52.300 That that's not what it's talking about. 00:16:53.800 --> 00:16:54.560 Jesus said. 00:16:54.560 --> 00:16:56.120 That good practicing Jews. 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.480 That lacked wholeheartedness. 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:59.160 Was like a cup. 00:16:59.159 --> 00:16:59.939 And a dish. 00:16:59.939 --> 00:17:02.219 That had been washed well on the outside. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:04.379 But was full of greed. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.259 And self-indulgence on the inside. 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:09.899 He compared them to whitewashed tombs. 00:17:09.899 --> 00:17:11.579 That were beautiful on the outside. 00:17:11.700 --> 00:17:12.920 But inside that tomb. 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:15.339 Were reeking of death. 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:17.480 Friend. 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:19.099 What verses 8 and 9. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:19.940 Speak of. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.579 Is more than the Christian fish. 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:22.379 On your car. 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:26.159 It's more than posting scripture. 00:17:26.159 --> 00:17:27.579 On the walls of your home. 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:30.099 It's more than putting a Bible. 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:30.980 On your table. 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:33.019 Or wearing a Christian t-shirt. 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:33.919 On your wardrobe. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:37.899 It's saying that we need minds. 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:40.919 The law needs to be stamped. 00:17:40.919 --> 00:17:42.720 As frontlets upon your eyes. 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:44.519 It needs to be on your mind. 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:46.460 Your thoughts and your desires. 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:48.139 Ought to be the things of God. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:51.259 It ought to be upon your hands. 00:17:51.899 --> 00:17:53.559 The things that you do. 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:57.139 We need hands that are willing to work out our salvation. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:00.279 Through what we do. 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:01.419 And what we revere. 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:03.159 Let it mark what you do. 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:04.859 Let it mark what you think about. 00:18:05.359 --> 00:18:06.879 You can talk a good game. 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:09.139 But your family knows you. 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:10.960 And the question is. 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:12.559 What do they know of you? 00:18:14.159 --> 00:18:16.019 Let your homes be marked. 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:19.879 By a love for the law of God. 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:22.200 By a love for God. 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:25.400 Teach them to love the word of God. 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:28.220 Teach them to follow Christ. 00:18:28.580 --> 00:18:30.759 Teach them to hunger for God. 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:32.480 Not just by telling them. 00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:35.600 Teach them by showing them. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.059 Through your life. 00:18:37.140 --> 00:18:38.420 How to do his will. 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:41.580 How to trust his hand. 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:44.819 How to please him with your life. 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:45.480 Show it. 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:49.259 Legacy is not built in a day. 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:51.259 It takes longevity. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:51.819 It takes longevity. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:52.900 So be faithful. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:56.819 And leave your mark. 00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:59.279 Make an impression. 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:05.960 Henry Winston was a diamond merchant in New York City. 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:09.400 And a customer came to him. 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:14.740 That wanted to buy a particular very expensive type of diamond. 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:18.360 And because of the potential of a great sale. 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:23.799 Winston had who he believed to be his best most knowledgeable salesperson. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:27.440 To go into the vault and pull out this expensive diamond. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.400 For this man to look at. 00:19:30.140 --> 00:19:33.559 The salesman shared the diamond with the customer. 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:37.619 He spoke of the four C's of the diamond. 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.399 He spoke of the carrot. 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:41.399 He spoke of the color. 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.659 He spoke of the clarity. 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.779 He spoke of the cut. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:53.679 In addition to the appreciation that would come to such a jewel as this diamond. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:56.519 And how scarce it was in the world market. 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:58.859 And after hearing all of that. 00:19:58.940 --> 00:19:59.859 The customer said. 00:20:00.419 --> 00:20:01.379 No thank you. 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:03.880 And he started to leave. 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:07.740 Henry Winston stopped him. 00:20:09.020 --> 00:20:10.020 And asked him. 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:10.360 He said. 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:13.740 Can I personally show you the diamond myself? 00:20:14.560 --> 00:20:17.100 And the man had traveled a long way to see it. 00:20:17.820 --> 00:20:20.240 To make this possible purchase. 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:21.760 And he didn't mind looking again. 00:20:21.900 --> 00:20:24.420 And so Henry started talking to him about it. 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:26.180 But he didn't talk about cut. 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:27.519 And he didn't talk about clarity. 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:30.120 He spoke of the beauty. 00:20:30.800 --> 00:20:31.420 Of the diamond. 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:35.720 He spoke of the joy that the diamond would bring to the owner. 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:38.160 And he spoke of the joy that others would have. 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:39.660 By seeing the diamond. 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.960 And enjoying the diamond. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:42.279 And a few minutes later. 00:20:42.360 --> 00:20:44.080 The man pulled out a checkbook. 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:46.519 And started writing a check for that diamond. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:48.299 And as he wrote that check. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.660 He looked at Henry and said. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:51.279 Mr. Winston I am puzzled. 00:20:52.900 --> 00:20:53.619 He said. 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:56.639 I have just looked with you at the same diamond. 00:20:57.480 --> 00:21:00.059 That your salesman showed me. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:03.400 When I was not interested. 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:05.339 And now I'm interested. 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.259 And I'm buying it. 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.279 Why is that? 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.980 And Winston said this. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:11.759 He said. 00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:14.059 The man who showed you the diamond first. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:17.480 Is the most knowledgeable salesperson I have. 00:21:17.860 --> 00:21:20.200 He understands the details of diamonds. 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:21.720 I wish I had a hundred of him. 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:25.740 He knows more about a diamond than I do. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:28.860 But I would double his salary. 00:21:30.079 --> 00:21:33.059 If he had something that I have. 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:37.380 He knows diamonds. 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:40.160 But I'm in the business. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:43.080 Because I love diamonds. 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:48.080 Our children. 00:21:49.040 --> 00:21:49.620 Our family. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:51.660 Are the buyers. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:54.500 The jewel. 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.580 Is Jesus. 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.740 And we must sell it. 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.300 To our family. 00:22:02.280 --> 00:22:03.160 Because. 00:22:04.040 --> 00:22:05.080 We love him. 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:07.539 And we ought to do it. 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:09.159 With a passion. 00:22:10.439 --> 00:22:11.539 Wake up with him. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:14.159 Walk with him. 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:16.559 Sit with him. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:19.460 End the day with him. 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:21.879 Live for him. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:24.079 Talk of him. 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:26.519 Pray to him. 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:29.159 Share the truth of him. 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:31.040 Every day. 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.540 Daily. 00:22:33.120 --> 00:22:33.680 Family. 00:22:34.800 --> 00:22:35.620 Lessons. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:37.600 An old hymn. 00:22:40.820 --> 00:22:42.019 Puts it good. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.640 It says. 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:51.080 Let others see Jesus in you. 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:58.359 Let others see Jesus in you. 00:22:59.899 --> 00:23:03.460 Keep telling the story. 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:08.799 Be faithful and true. 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:16.439 Let others see Jesus in you. 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:20.779 Especially at the house. 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:23.740 With every head bowed. 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:26.059 And every eye closed. 00:23:27.439 --> 00:23:28.659 I ask you today. 00:23:29.699 --> 00:23:31.179 Do you know the Lord Jesus? 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:36.119 This love relationship begins with a decision. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:38.659 To commit your life to follow him. 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:41.519 And I wonder today. 00:23:41.600 --> 00:23:43.019 Has there ever been a time in your life. 00:23:43.080 --> 00:23:44.640 When you've acknowledged that you're a sinner. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:47.480 That you need God to forgive you. 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:49.400 To change you. 00:23:50.060 --> 00:23:52.300 And you surrender your life to follow him. 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:55.000 Not surrender to the church. 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:57.360 Not went to a class. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.540 And filled out a workbook. 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:01.140 But surrender your life. 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:03.320 To follow Christ. 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:03.399 Christ. 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.439 If you've never done that. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.859 I want you to know I'm here this morning. 00:24:06.919 --> 00:24:08.079 I'd love to share with you. 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:10.700 The love that Christ has for you. 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.799 And how he can change your life. 00:24:14.179 --> 00:24:16.339 Maybe you're here and you have done that. 00:24:16.419 --> 00:24:19.159 But you've never acknowledged that publicly through baptism. 00:24:19.160 --> 00:24:23.420 You've never told others what God has done in your life privately. 00:24:23.600 --> 00:24:25.220 And Jesus by his example. 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:28.120 As well as by his commission. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.120 Tells us. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.019 That that's what we're to do. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.519 To follow that up. 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:36.380 As a first step of obedience. 00:24:37.040 --> 00:24:37.560 To baptism. 00:24:38.840 --> 00:24:41.700 Maybe you're here and God's drawing you to First Baptist Church. 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:43.100 God's blessed us in mighty ways. 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.320 I'm thankful for that. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:47.180 And maybe God's drawing you to be a part of this church. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.940 We'd love to guide you in that process. 00:24:49.160 --> 00:24:52.620 But the reality is. 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:56.620 A majority of us in this room. 00:24:58.080 --> 00:25:00.640 Have things that we need to lay before the Lord today. 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:04.640 Matters that we've not handled right. 00:25:06.460 --> 00:25:08.480 Matters that we need to be renewed. 00:25:08.600 --> 00:25:09.800 And I'm thankful today. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:11.920 That we serve a forgiving God. 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:15.880 We serve one that will take us from where we are. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.960 To where we need to be. 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:18.940 At the pace that we need to go. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:21.120 And he'll guide us all the way. 00:25:22.800 --> 00:25:24.000 And so today you may say. 00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:24.380 Lord I. 00:25:25.100 --> 00:25:26.480 Can I start over again? 00:25:28.380 --> 00:25:30.880 Can I make my life right with you again? 00:25:31.080 --> 00:25:32.600 I know I'm in relationship with you. 00:25:33.080 --> 00:25:34.300 I know that you love me. 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:36.360 But I want my life. 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.519 To reflect you. 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:38.860 In a greater fashion. 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.779 Today and tomorrow. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.740 And the days ahead. 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:43.200 Than I did yesterday. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.540 And the days in the past. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:47.359 You can make such a decision. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.319 A commitment like that. 00:25:48.399 --> 00:25:49.059 Where you sit. 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.940 Where you'll stand. 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:52.039 You can make it at this altar. 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:54.619 Or you can have your pastor pray with you. 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:56.439 Either way. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:58.319 I have no idea what God's telling you to do. 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.839 But I know you'll never be satisfied. 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:01.419 Unless you do exactly what he'd have you to do. 00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:04.039 So I encourage you to be obedient today. 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:05.699 To follow him. 00:26:06.599 --> 00:26:07.219 Lord Jesus. 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.839 Thank you. 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:09.679 For the truths of your word. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:11.039 The clarity of it dear God. 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:12.960 I just pray that you'll enable us to live it out. 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:15.799 Make a difference in the world in which you planted us. 00:26:16.379 --> 00:26:17.920 In Jesus precious name. 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:19.279 Amen.