WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.100 You know, life change happens when somebody gives his or her life to the Lord Jesus. 00:00:06.540 --> 00:00:09.279 And when you do that, it's a surrender to Christ. 00:00:10.660 --> 00:00:13.580 And when it's real, there's proof of that surrender. 00:00:14.859 --> 00:00:16.179 It shows forth. 00:00:16.320 --> 00:00:18.359 It authenticates the commitment. 00:00:18.359 --> 00:00:22.219 And your life serves as a proof. 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:29.300 One proof that your life ought to show if you're in Christ is that we live by the truth. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.340 People can see it in our lives. 00:00:33.119 --> 00:00:36.299 We trust God at his word and it shows forth through our lives. 00:00:36.399 --> 00:00:37.359 He makes us trustworthy. 00:00:37.960 --> 00:00:39.019 He makes us truthful. 00:00:39.780 --> 00:00:43.460 We also have a commitment to live righteous lives. 00:00:43.460 --> 00:00:48.280 We're not perfect, but we consistently yield our lives to the Lord. 00:00:48.879 --> 00:00:50.579 Ask him to show us what's wrong. 00:00:50.960 --> 00:00:53.320 When he shows us what's wrong, we respond to that. 00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:54.539 We strive to live right. 00:00:55.340 --> 00:00:58.840 We show a different effort when we're in the Lord Jesus. 00:00:58.840 --> 00:01:02.180 Another proof is that we live out the gospel. 00:01:02.400 --> 00:01:04.760 And I'm going to explain that to you this morning. 00:01:04.900 --> 00:01:07.120 But salvation begins with conversion. 00:01:07.840 --> 00:01:13.760 That's a one-time occurrence, a one-time decision that our Christian life begins with. 00:01:13.960 --> 00:01:19.379 You don't have a Christian life unless there's been a time when you've surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:19.540 --> 00:01:20.780 And that is the start. 00:01:21.300 --> 00:01:24.040 But it's a life for Christ from that day forward. 00:01:24.040 --> 00:01:29.500 Now, I want you to notice the armor of God this morning. 00:01:29.600 --> 00:01:38.160 Because we've been talking about spiritual warfare and how the evil one is working in our world and what he's doing and his strategies and how we are to combat that and all that stuff. 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:45.219 But I'm telling you, the best defense we got, as well as offense, honestly, in this spiritual battle is found in Ephesians chapter 6. 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:46.680 It all kind of comes back to this. 00:01:46.680 --> 00:01:51.560 I told you from the very beginning that we'd be kind of tethered to Ephesians chapter 6. 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:54.680 And now we're kind of getting to the nucleus of it all. 00:01:54.900 --> 00:01:58.120 But it explains our protection against spiritual warfare. 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:05.160 And it's made up of godly traits and godly helps that protect us from the enemy. 00:02:05.240 --> 00:02:10.219 I want you to see how the apostle Paul puts this and read it in basically its entirety. 00:02:10.740 --> 00:02:12.600 Ephesians chapter 6 verse 10 says this. 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:15.319 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:21.740 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:34.299 For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 00:02:34.379 --> 00:02:37.219 Now, what that passage speaks of, go back to that for just a moment. 00:02:37.219 --> 00:02:43.319 What that passage speaks of when it talks about authorities and cosmic powers and present darkness against the spiritual forces of evil. 00:02:44.039 --> 00:02:46.840 It means there's an unseen war going on around us. 00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:51.259 It's even more real than the seen war or the seen battles. 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:54.139 But it's even more real than that. 00:02:54.219 --> 00:02:59.180 But it influences every one of those spiritual battles that we see evidence of. 00:02:59.180 --> 00:03:09.260 And there's some who've tried to take this passage and clearly define the military ranks of the evil presence. 00:03:10.540 --> 00:03:11.580 Be careful. 00:03:12.080 --> 00:03:12.599 Be careful. 00:03:13.260 --> 00:03:25.520 What he's telling us is that there is, we don't wrestle against rulers and authorities, but against the cosmic powers over this present, against the spiritual forces of evil. 00:03:26.360 --> 00:03:28.159 It's not a fleshly battle here. 00:03:28.159 --> 00:03:29.560 We're not fighting other people. 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:31.960 We're fighting evil forces. 00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:35.319 That we can't see, and it's very real. 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:38.620 And because of that, verse 13 says, 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:46.000 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 00:03:46.139 --> 00:03:51.139 Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 00:03:51.139 --> 00:03:58.379 and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 00:03:59.299 --> 00:04:05.539 In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one, 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:11.379 and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 00:04:11.379 --> 00:04:19.879 The apostle Paul is describing our spiritual protection, and he describes it as a Roman soldier's battle gear. 00:04:20.600 --> 00:04:26.899 Now, what we'll begin today is a deep dive into each part of this armor. 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:35.819 But I want you to notice something before we get started with it, because I have preached on this passage many times over the years, 00:04:35.919 --> 00:04:39.799 but I've never seen it like I saw it this time when I was studying. 00:04:39.899 --> 00:04:40.839 I want you to notice something. 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:44.000 In verse 13 and 14, it says this, 00:04:44.000 --> 00:05:01.620 So, in other words, the first three pieces of battle gear, if you're a Christian today, 00:05:01.939 --> 00:05:07.300 if you've surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, you have the belt of truth. 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:10.220 Having put on the breastplate of righteousness. 00:05:10.660 --> 00:05:12.699 Having put on the readiness given by the gospel. 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:15.360 You're equipped to those things. 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:17.300 We have the truth. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:20.500 We have imputed righteousness in Christ. 00:05:21.180 --> 00:05:22.840 We've received the gospel. 00:05:23.680 --> 00:05:26.900 We just have to rely upon those gifts from God. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:28.600 Don't look for them. 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:29.620 You got them. 00:05:30.259 --> 00:05:30.720 Use them. 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:37.199 During the aftermath of Helene, we did without power for 10 days. 00:05:37.300 --> 00:05:43.680 Our generator died on the second day, and we were reluctant to bar another one. 00:05:44.120 --> 00:05:48.139 I'm thankful that several people offered to, they had generators, let's bar them. 00:05:48.280 --> 00:05:50.120 No, they'll get the power back on. 00:05:50.160 --> 00:05:50.960 They'll get the power back. 00:05:51.020 --> 00:05:53.220 They'll get, maybe, they'll get the, maybe. 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:58.080 And we went without anything for five days, and finally someone insisted, 00:05:58.080 --> 00:06:03.400 and he came by and set up a generator, wired it in, and all that stuff. 00:06:03.399 --> 00:06:12.839 But in the times of darkness, I remembered that we had these flat solar lights that we had bought that you put in the bed, 00:06:13.099 --> 00:06:18.399 the garden bed in front of the house, in the flower bed, and we hadn't taken them out of the box. 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:19.179 They were still clean. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:27.220 And so I peeled off the cover of them and put them out on the sidewalk to let them sun or fire up or whatever, 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:29.680 and did that for a day. 00:06:29.879 --> 00:06:32.340 And then one evening when Dawn was gone, I came back in. 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:33.259 I cut those things on. 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:34.360 I put them all over the house. 00:06:35.899 --> 00:06:37.139 Looked like candlelight. 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:42.180 And she came home and said, what meanest thou this? 00:06:45.419 --> 00:06:47.279 And I believe in solar now. 00:06:47.860 --> 00:06:51.360 But we utilized what we had. 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:52.139 It's what we had. 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:54.719 And we made the most of it. 00:06:56.979 --> 00:06:57.819 Listen, my friend. 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:03.379 We need to realize what we have in Christ. 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:06.620 And if you're here today and you don't know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:12.139 I want to begin to show you today what you can have in the Lord Jesus. 00:07:12.699 --> 00:07:16.159 And if you are a child of God, you've surrendered your life to the Lord, 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:18.860 you need to realize what you've got in Christ. 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:20.639 And you need to utilize what you've got. 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:24.159 And then, notice the second part of this. 00:07:24.980 --> 00:07:27.180 Then take up the shield of faith. 00:07:27.300 --> 00:07:28.399 That's a decision, folks. 00:07:29.079 --> 00:07:32.579 Take up the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, 00:07:32.579 --> 00:07:35.759 which is the Word of God. 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:39.319 After we realize and utilize what we have, 00:07:39.500 --> 00:07:44.199 we take up the shield, the helmet, the sword. 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:49.779 So today I want to look at verse 14 about what we have in Christ. 00:07:50.539 --> 00:07:52.079 Just the very first part of this. 00:07:52.079 --> 00:07:56.819 It says, therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day. 00:07:57.659 --> 00:07:59.399 And having done all to stand firm, 00:07:59.399 --> 00:08:05.279 standing, therefore, having fashioned on the belt of truth. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:11.239 Now the belt was first put on over the tunic 00:08:11.239 --> 00:08:15.479 when a Roman soldier was putting on his battle attire. 00:08:15.479 --> 00:08:18.139 It was an essential piece. 00:08:18.679 --> 00:08:20.579 It had many purposes. 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:28.579 The primary purpose was to serve as a protective piece for the midsection of a soldier. 00:08:28.859 --> 00:08:33.439 It was a protective leather garter of sorts. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:38.699 But it was also the central link in this fighting outfit that they wore. 00:08:38.819 --> 00:08:42.319 He secured the breastplate to it. 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:46.259 The sword would be kept in a holster on that belt. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:49.980 Possibly a dagger would be on the other side. 00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:58.240 It also served as a way for a soldier to gird his loins in the winter when he wore a long robe. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:03.500 And what he would do is by lifting, by reaching the back of that robe, 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:07.519 he would pull that up, both pieces up, and tuck them in. 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:10.879 And he would gird his loins in that way. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:16.939 That gave him a mobility and a freedom to move that a long robe would not allow. 00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:18.700 Free movement in battle. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:22.939 He did that so it wouldn't be a hindrance to him. 00:09:24.299 --> 00:09:27.240 And if he was off duty, he could unbuckle that belt. 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:30.200 He could allow that girdle to release. 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:32.600 Let that long robe go back to flowing. 00:09:33.080 --> 00:09:36.580 However, when in battle, he'd buckle his protective gear 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:40.639 that kind of held everything else together. 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:49.440 Now, why does Paul refer to the belt of the armor of God as a belt of truth? 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:53.940 I believe it could be a reference to Isaiah 11 verse 5. 00:09:54.500 --> 00:09:55.680 Isaiah 11 verse 5 says, 00:09:56.040 --> 00:09:58.320 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, 00:09:58.860 --> 00:10:01.759 and faithfulness the belt of his loins. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:06.020 In other words, truthfulness holds it all together. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:13.060 Truth and truthfulness are what protects the most vulnerable parts of our walk with God. 00:10:13.160 --> 00:10:14.520 They'll help you walk with God. 00:10:14.780 --> 00:10:16.180 They'll help you run with the Lord. 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:20.600 They'll help you fight alongside the Lord without a hindrance, without a hiccup. 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:23.920 It all comes back to the truth. 00:10:24.940 --> 00:10:27.160 Now, let me explain what I mean by truth here. 00:10:29.020 --> 00:10:31.420 There's a lot of people that don't understand what truth is today. 00:10:32.060 --> 00:10:34.759 I want you to understand what truth is, okay? 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:43.600 The truth that I speak of this morning in the belt of truth is not the objective truth of the gospel message. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:47.960 Let me tell you what the objective truth of the gospel message is. 00:10:48.900 --> 00:10:54.040 The gospel truth, and we use that phrase sometimes flippantly, don't, okay? 00:10:54.220 --> 00:10:56.340 Because this is what the gospel truth is. 00:10:56.340 --> 00:11:02.300 The gospel truth is that Jesus came to the earth, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:08.500 training others to live by truth and freedom found only in him. 00:11:09.220 --> 00:11:16.019 The gospel truth is that he died a substitutionary death for us, and he paid a price for our sins. 00:11:16.019 --> 00:11:23.419 The gospel truth is that three days later, thank God, he rose again, defeating death and hell, 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:27.340 and told us to share his message as we went. 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:33.039 And then he ascended into the Father, ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:36.399 and speak up for you and me as our advocate. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:41.740 The gospel truth is that he's coming back, as we sang a little while ago, 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:47.340 to take us to be where he is where we can spend eternity with him. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:50.480 That, my friend, is the gospel truth. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:52.740 That is objective truth. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:54.439 You may say, well, preacher, I don't agree with that. 00:11:56.340 --> 00:11:58.480 Well, guess what? 00:11:59.199 --> 00:12:00.740 You're wrong, okay? 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:04.480 And I would say I don't care, but it's not true. 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:07.500 I do care. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:09.899 I want you to believe the truth of the gospel. 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:12.199 I want you to live the truth of the gospel. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:19.379 And the reality is that the truth of that is not based upon our belief of it or not. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:20.639 It's true. 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:23.179 We can believe it or not. 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:24.039 It's still truth. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:28.220 The truth is not our decision. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.480 We don't have that kind of power. 00:12:31.439 --> 00:12:35.019 That's the truth, but that's not the truth that this belt's talking about. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:42.340 The truth that this belt stands for is the effect that that truth, the gospel truth, 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:45.939 the effect that it has on our lives. 00:12:46.699 --> 00:12:51.919 The truth that the belt's talking about is a believing, living truth. 00:12:53.319 --> 00:12:57.939 To having been fastened on with the belt of truth. 00:12:57.940 --> 00:13:02.120 No one can put this on for us. 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:07.060 God's fastened that on to us, and we need to rely upon it. 00:13:07.680 --> 00:13:11.680 When we believe in our hearts, the real truth about a very real Lord. 00:13:12.460 --> 00:13:16.400 And when we've done that, it will change our lives. 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:20.420 Faithful truth becomes practiced in our lives. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:25.280 And when faithful truth is practiced in our life, it's going to hold everything else together. 00:13:25.380 --> 00:13:26.320 Now, let me explain that. 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:32.200 The first step is this, that we honestly come to Christ. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.540 We honestly come to Christ. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:39.520 I believe the key passage in the New Testament about our faith in Christ is Romans 10, 9, 00:13:39.680 --> 00:13:42.820 that says, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, 00:13:43.140 --> 00:13:48.180 and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:50.200 I want to be clear about something. 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:58.980 When it speaks here of confessing the Lord, it does not speak of repeating a prayer with the rest of the congregation, 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:02.900 but really meaning it. 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:11.220 If I tell everybody to bow their heads and close their eyes and repeat this prayer after me, 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:14.840 now, if you prayed that prayer, and if you did what I told you to do, everybody would have prayed that prayer. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:17.120 And you prayed that prayer, and you really meant it, raise your hand. 00:14:18.120 --> 00:14:20.159 Now, if you've raised your hand, you just gave your heart and life to the Lord. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:21.620 That's not true, folks. 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:22.340 It's not true. 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:25.279 If you didn't mean, I'm not saying you can't get saved that way. 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:27.839 I'm just saying that prayer, don't do it. 00:14:28.379 --> 00:14:30.539 It's a heartfelt belief that happens. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:35.799 And you can follow your tail in front of you straight to the slaughter if you want to, 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:39.600 but the reality is you have to make a decision for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:44.360 He's not speaking of whispering in a preacher's ear, listen, 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:47.279 I don't want to make a big deal out of this, but I want to get saved. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.500 I don't really want anybody else to know about it. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.259 It's just between me and you. 00:14:50.459 --> 00:14:51.220 My faith's private. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.500 It's not what he's talking about. 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:57.399 He's not talking about telling your mama after years of her trying to convince you to do it, 00:14:57.460 --> 00:14:58.080 that you'll do it. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:01.539 He's not talking about joining hands with somebody else and looking at them and saying, 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.620 if you'll do it, I'll do it. 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:04.240 Let's go together. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.860 That's not what he's talking about, friend. 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:11.500 He's speaking of boldly speaking up about your faith, no matter who is listening. 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:17.480 Now, we get a clue here because he uses in that Jesus is Lord. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:22.480 Okay, and that phrase there gives us strong clues to what the Apostle Paul was talking about. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:30.080 Because after the ascension of Christ, there were things in the Roman Empire got difficult for the followers of Christ. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:38.500 And the time came when Roman soldiers had the authority to demand anyone at any time to pay homage to Caesar. 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:40.360 And they would demand it. 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:46.600 And when they did, the faithful citizen, Roman citizen, would take a pinch of incense, 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:50.120 would throw it into a small altar fire, and declare, 00:15:50.680 --> 00:15:55.360 Kaiser Curus, which is Caesar is Lord. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:16:05.659 Now, what they said were they were pledging allegiance to the empire, which was personified in Caesar. 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:11.240 And they were declaring Caesar as their divine leader. 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:20.320 When Christians, true, bold Christians, were put in that spot, 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:23.019 they would respond, 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:27.100 Easis Curius, 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:31.919 or either Christos Curius, 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:34.759 which is Jesus is Lord, 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.879 or Christ is Lord. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:39.860 And when they did, 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:42.759 many of them were killed instantly. 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:48.580 We know that Paul was imprisoned for continuing to buck the empire 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:50.439 with the message of Jesus. 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:53.659 We know that John was exiled on the island of Patmos 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:55.799 to try to shut him up, 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:59.799 to get him no longer to talk about the gospel. 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:00.539 And you know what he did? 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:02.480 He had a vision from the Lord 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:05.700 to give to the churches of Turkey 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.839 about what in the world was going on, 00:17:07.879 --> 00:17:08.740 and what was going to happen, 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:10.200 and what was happening, 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:11.240 and what was going to happen. 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.619 And that's where the book of Revelation, 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.039 it don't have an S on the end of it, friend. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:15.039 The book of Revelation, 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:15.899 that's where that came from. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:17.139 It was one big revelation. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.639 Anytime somebody stands up and says, 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:20.879 I want to talk to you about revelations, 00:17:21.099 --> 00:17:22.420 he don't know what he's talking about, okay? 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:23.220 I'm just going to tell you. 00:17:26.139 --> 00:17:27.180 That's a pet peeve of mine. 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:27.680 I'm sorry. 00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:28.819 I shouldn't have said that. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:30.759 Just because he got the name wrong 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.720 don't mean he knows what's... 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:35.599 Anyway, the writer of Hebrews says this about those folks. 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:37.980 Hebrews 11, 35 through 37 says this. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:40.700 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:43.240 so that they might rise again to a better life. 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:45.500 Others suffered mocking and flogging 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:46.980 and even chains and imprisonment. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:48.359 They were stoned. 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:50.700 They were sawn in two. 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:54.179 James, the apostles thought to be one. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:57.159 They were killed with the sword. 00:17:57.160 --> 00:18:00.200 To stand against the Roman Empire 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:01.620 for any reason is serious. 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:04.460 To stand against them for a rival of faith, 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.759 commitment, and life dedication is deadly. 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:08.200 It's treason. 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:11.880 And for Christians to be confronted at any time 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:13.019 and stand strong for the Lord, 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:16.160 whenever it came, took a true commitment. 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:18.500 That's what the apostle Paul was talking about 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:19.940 in Romans chapter 10. 00:18:20.080 --> 00:18:21.779 And that's what he's referring to 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.120 in Ephesians chapter 6 00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:26.040 when he talks about the belt of truth. 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:28.559 That's the evidence of one who truly 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:30.960 has committed his or her life to Christ. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:35.180 An unashamed, honest commitment to Christ 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:37.940 is what conversion is. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:40.279 That's what true salvation is. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:42.539 You have to honestly come to Christ. 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:44.740 That's believing in your heart 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:46.779 that God raised him from the dead. 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:50.180 And because of that, you are forever changed. 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:52.600 Now, it is my fear 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:55.140 that this church is like a lot of churches 00:18:55.140 --> 00:18:57.620 and that there is possibly a lot of people 00:18:57.620 --> 00:18:59.200 that have membership in this church 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:01.779 that have never truly given their heart and life 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.660 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.580 I promise you, you come down here this morning 00:19:04.580 --> 00:19:05.400 and say, I want to join this church. 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:07.600 That is not where salvation comes from. 00:19:09.100 --> 00:19:10.400 That's a fruit of salvation. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.700 It's an evidence of salvation, 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.820 but that's not where it comes from. 00:19:14.620 --> 00:19:15.680 There's a lot of people in church 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:17.220 that don't apply the truths of the faith 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:17.960 into their lives. 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:20.180 And that's not real salvation. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.920 Listen to what the Hebrew writer said. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:25.200 Hebrews chapter three, what he says about this. 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:26.559 He says, take care, brothers, 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:28.860 lest there be in any of you 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:30.180 an evil and unbelieving heart 00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:33.460 leading you to fall away from the living Lord. 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.400 But exhort one another every day 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:36.640 as long as it's called today 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:38.380 that none of you may be hardened 00:19:38.380 --> 00:19:40.180 by the deceitfulness of sin. 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:42.880 For we have come to share in Christ 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:45.460 if indeed we hold our original confidence 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:47.640 firm to the end. 00:19:48.559 --> 00:19:49.640 As it is said today, 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.519 if you hear his voice, 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.559 do not harden your hearts 00:19:51.559 --> 00:19:53.160 as in the rebellion. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:55.120 Some say, well, can you lose your salvation? 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:56.640 Not if you ever really got it. 00:19:58.340 --> 00:20:00.019 Not if you ever really got it. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.200 You know what my concern is? 00:20:01.319 --> 00:20:02.480 A lot of people never got it 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.380 and they think they did 00:20:03.380 --> 00:20:04.680 because they repeated something, 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:05.940 because they followed somebody, 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:08.120 because they did whatever they told them to do, 00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:09.340 because they signed a document 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:10.400 or whatever the case may be. 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:12.059 They went through a class or whatever. 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:13.980 Listen, friend, it's a personal strength. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:17.680 It's honestly committing your life to Christ. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:19.720 And the real evidence of salvation 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:21.500 is a heart that's set on Christ 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:24.180 and not sold out to selfish rebellion. 00:20:25.079 --> 00:20:29.980 That's what the belt of truth is talking about. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:33.920 It's also talking about honestly living for Christ. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:38.579 The Christian life begins with conversion. 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:40.019 It has to, 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:41.980 but when one believes enough 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.460 to commit his or her life to him, 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:46.639 it's also being faithful 00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:48.200 to the premises of the faith. 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.819 The belt of truth speaks 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:52.500 to one's faithfulness to the Lord. 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:55.500 It speaks of sincerely walking with the Lord. 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.579 Don't just believe it. 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.839 Apply it faithfully. 00:20:58.920 --> 00:20:59.960 Be faithful to God. 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:01.139 Be faithful to his word. 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:02.619 Be open to God's leadership. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.799 Be honest with God. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:05.339 There's a responsibility that comes 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:07.799 with accepting God's gracious gift of salvation. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.399 We don't do that in our own strength, 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:12.799 but we have a responsibility 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:14.440 to respond as God speaks. 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.819 And once we're saved, 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:19.899 we have been fastened with the belt of truth. 00:21:20.139 --> 00:21:21.259 We got to use it. 00:21:22.659 --> 00:21:23.879 We got to use it. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.680 There's folks today sometimes 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.859 that have a belt on their jeans, 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:29.039 but they don't know how to use them. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:34.720 That wasn't in my notes. 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.339 That's dangerous. 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:39.220 But the way you properly use them 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:41.099 is you pull your britches up, okay? 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:42.200 And I'm sorry, 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:43.639 Don don't like me to say britches. 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:44.659 It makes me sound redneck. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:46.559 But y'all know what I'm talking about, 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:46.920 don't you? 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.119 See? 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.680 I told you they would. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.240 Tighten it. 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.460 Use it. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:57.000 And if it's been fastened on us as believers, 00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.019 we got to use it. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:04.400 We got to put it in to use. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.680 Be faithful. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.759 It's not in our strength, 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:13.980 but we have a responsibility to respond when he speaks. 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:18.940 And we're to set our minds on the things of God. 00:22:19.840 --> 00:22:20.960 I was reading this morning 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:22.640 and I came to my scripture for the day. 00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:23.700 God gives me a scripture, 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:25.720 a verse every day when I'm reading his word. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:27.920 I ask him to before I start reading. 00:22:28.060 --> 00:22:29.440 God give me a verse for the day. 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:31.560 I put that on social media, 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:33.360 but I also try to apply that to my life 00:22:33.360 --> 00:22:34.620 and I pray through that verse. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.600 And I came to my favorite, 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.520 one of my favorites, 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:39.860 my favorite today anyway. 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:41.000 I got a lot of favorites, 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:41.540 but anyway. 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:44.440 Colossians 3, 17, 00:22:44.560 --> 00:22:45.960 and whatever you do in word or deed, 00:22:46.280 --> 00:22:47.680 do everything. 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.440 Don't leave any of it out. 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:53.180 Everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:54.960 giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.320 Every word, 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:58.539 hello. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.779 Think about that a minute. 00:23:01.860 --> 00:23:02.680 Every deed, 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:06.779 do it all for the Lord. 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:11.619 we are to seriously pursue the truth of his word, 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:14.980 to allow it to saturate our lives 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.420 and prepare us for the task at hand. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.240 If we're not careful, 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:20.259 we'll go through the spiritual motions 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:21.220 of going to church, 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:22.700 reading our Bible sporadically, 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:24.319 praying half-hearted prayers, 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:27.599 and still let the garbage of this world 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:29.159 just seep into our thinking. 00:23:31.639 --> 00:23:32.700 And if we're not careful, 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.419 we'll look up 00:23:33.419 --> 00:23:35.339 and we'll live our lives 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.179 and raise our kids 00:23:36.179 --> 00:23:36.960 and spend our money 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:38.359 just like the rest of the world does 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:42.740 instead of honestly living for Christ. 00:23:45.139 --> 00:23:46.460 Living by the belt of truth, 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.919 having fastened that on 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:50.359 is honestly living for Christ, 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:52.019 honestly girding up, 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:55.180 understanding the war in which we're in 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:56.859 and preparing for it. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:23:59.900 Honestly tightening up, 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:01.139 honestly committing our lives, 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:03.019 honestly living for the Lord Jesus. 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:05.440 And lastly, 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:08.059 it's also honestly winning in Christ. 00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:10.940 Winning in Christ. 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:12.680 Hebrews 12, verse 1 and 2, 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.180 I love it. 00:24:14.639 --> 00:24:18.039 It follows the hall of fame of faith, 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.279 which is Hebrews chapter 11, 00:24:19.379 --> 00:24:20.599 which talks about all those 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:22.279 Old Testament heroes of the faith 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:24.519 that stood so strong for the Lord. 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:26.159 Man, I'm telling you, 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.059 it's special. 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:28.759 And then he follows it by saying this, 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.039 therefore, 00:24:29.699 --> 00:24:31.079 since we are surrounded 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:32.699 by so great a cloud of witnesses, 00:24:33.699 --> 00:24:35.839 let us lay aside every weight and sin 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.859 which clings so easily 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:38.079 and let us run with endurance 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.399 the race that's set before us, 00:24:39.619 --> 00:24:40.819 looking to Jesus, 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:42.879 the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:24:42.939 --> 00:24:44.919 who for the joy that was set before him 00:24:44.919 --> 00:24:46.439 endured the cross, 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:48.539 despising the shame 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:50.299 and is seated at the right hand 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.840 of the throne of God. 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.840 You know what I think of 00:24:52.840 --> 00:24:54.420 when I read that? 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:56.019 And I don't know if this is how it happens, 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.880 but this is what I think of. 00:24:58.620 --> 00:24:59.940 When I was visiting Israel, 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.740 I went to, 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:04.360 I went to, 00:25:04.360 --> 00:25:06.940 to Philippi by the sea 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:08.039 and they, 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:08.660 they, 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:08.940 they, 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.960 they, 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.440 they had their, 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:13.720 Caesar's spot there 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:16.500 and they had a hippodrome, 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:17.160 which, 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:18.039 which was a, 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.580 which was a, 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.519 it was, 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.620 hippa is horse in Greek 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.059 and it was, 00:25:23.180 --> 00:25:24.440 it was a horse track 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.160 is what it was. 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:26.580 And there were stands around it. 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:27.299 Looks like a, 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:28.840 a track field is what it looks like. 00:25:29.900 --> 00:25:30.380 And, 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:32.160 and I was, 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.600 I was, 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.680 I was looking at that 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.059 and thinking 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:37.059 when those people fill up those stands 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:38.200 and, 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:38.919 and look 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:40.179 and watch that, 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.379 in my mind, 00:25:41.399 --> 00:25:42.139 when I read this, 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:42.980 what I think about 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:45.480 is as if there's not a horse track there. 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:47.079 There's not a Olympic track there. 00:25:47.179 --> 00:25:48.579 It's just hollow of sorts. 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.099 It's just, 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:49.399 and, 00:25:49.419 --> 00:25:49.940 and they're just, 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:51.119 they're just peering down 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:51.879 and looking at us. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:52.200 Now, 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.899 I don't know if any of that's the way it is. 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.700 I don't mean sounding, 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:55.200 but, 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:56.200 but I'm just telling you 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:57.139 there's a cloud of witnesses 00:25:57.139 --> 00:25:58.720 and they're cheering us on. 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.299 You say, 00:25:59.339 --> 00:25:59.460 well, 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.679 what do people in heaven see 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:01.399 about what's going on? 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:01.879 Well, 00:26:01.899 --> 00:26:02.440 I'm telling you, 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.039 there's no tears 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.940 so they can't see a lot 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.860 of what's going on in America. 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.640 I can tell you that. 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.100 But, 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:07.220 but I do believe 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.340 they're cheering us on. 00:26:09.120 --> 00:26:09.559 And, 00:26:09.600 --> 00:26:10.180 and it says 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:11.940 that because we have 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:13.259 such a great cloud of witnesses, 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:15.440 because there's been so many 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:17.320 who have went before us, 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.320 carried the faith before us, 00:26:20.160 --> 00:26:22.380 let us lay aside every weight. 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.320 You know what that means? 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:25.559 Take that robe 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.640 and get it out of the way. 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.680 Get that robe out of the way. 00:26:28.740 --> 00:26:29.559 Gird your loins. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.180 The sin that so easily entangles us, 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.820 run with endurance. 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:36.560 The race that's set before us. 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:40.380 When I was getting out of high school, 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.440 they started coming out 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:41.900 with these, 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:43.240 these pants, 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:45.039 these warm-up pants 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:45.759 that had buttons 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.759 going down the side. 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:48.539 I think they've come 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.000 and gone 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.740 and come back 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.539 and then left again, 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:51.680 probably since that time. 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.120 I don't know. 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:54.100 But I always wanted some of them. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:55.600 And when I got to this passage, 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.980 I just wanted to take them 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:57.840 and rip them off 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:59.600 like I saw those guys do. 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.600 And can you imagine 00:27:00.600 --> 00:27:01.500 what would have happened with that? 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.799 Thank God I never tried that. 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:03.220 But anyway, 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:05.500 it might have changed the sermon. 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:09.500 But I love sports, 00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:10.480 but I don't like 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:11.660 to just play to be playing. 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.640 I want to win. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.880 I want to win. 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:17.200 I enjoy a football game, 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:18.619 but I enjoy it a lot more 00:27:18.619 --> 00:27:19.859 when my team wins. 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.339 Somebody came in here 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.599 kind of sad-faced this morning. 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:23.980 I said, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:25.880 did y'all get a moral victory yesterday? 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:27.980 Because one of these teams 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.840 played a mighty good game 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:32.900 and just faltered at the end. 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:34.260 A couple of them did, actually. 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:35.640 And I said, 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:36.320 was that a moral victory? 00:27:36.320 --> 00:27:36.640 She said, 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.640 no, I want to win. 00:27:38.060 --> 00:27:38.320 And I said, 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:39.280 that's exactly right. 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.500 That's exactly right. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.540 That's what your coach said, too. 00:27:42.820 --> 00:27:44.460 In the spiritual race, 00:27:44.560 --> 00:27:45.600 we need to win, friend. 00:27:45.660 --> 00:27:46.340 This is crucial. 00:27:47.280 --> 00:27:48.600 We're not playing games here. 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:52.219 We don't have next week. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:54.379 We got one shot at this. 00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:55.519 One shot. 00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:58.459 We better make the most of it. 00:27:59.579 --> 00:27:59.980 However, 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:01.240 we're not going to win 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.319 by watching the world, 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:05.799 by being like everybody else, 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:08.159 by giving half an effort. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:11.059 We have to keep our eyes 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:11.859 on the prize. 00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:13.559 We have to keep our eyes 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.240 on Jesus. 00:28:14.619 --> 00:28:15.740 He found us. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:17.519 He saved us. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:19.180 He perfects us. 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:21.220 He paid the price for us. 00:28:21.379 --> 00:28:23.099 He made the investment in us. 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:25.000 He has endorsed us. 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:26.859 He has enabled us. 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.619 He has empowered us 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:30.759 to win in Christ. 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:32.619 And we have to run 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:34.680 unhindered to win. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:36.599 And that means to do what it takes 00:28:36.599 --> 00:28:38.559 to remove all hindrances 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:39.720 out of the way. 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:42.200 But we don't do that on our terms. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:47.339 We have to have the initiative 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:51.179 to use the belt of truth 00:28:51.179 --> 00:28:52.740 that's been fastened on to us 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.879 as children of God 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:56.139 to acknowledge it, 00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.339 to live by it. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.179 We get honest with God 00:28:59.179 --> 00:29:01.139 and we ask Him, 00:29:01.939 --> 00:29:02.299 Lord, 00:29:03.439 --> 00:29:05.599 show me the things in my life 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:06.980 that does not line up 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:11.279 with who you want me to be 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:13.980 and who I am to be in you. 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:15.720 I like the way the psalmist put it. 00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:17.740 In Psalm 139, 23, and 24, 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.200 he said this. 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.440 Listen to this prayer, friend. 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.599 Search me, O God, 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.440 and know my heart. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:26.379 Try me and know my thoughts 00:29:26.379 --> 00:29:28.359 and see if there's any grievous way in me 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:31.960 and lead me in the way everlasting. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:35.640 When we sincerely pray that before the Lord 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:38.700 and then we change our lives 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:40.480 in accordance with what He shows us 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:42.059 because through the Word of God 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:43.819 and through the Spirit of God living in us, 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:45.660 He'll show us what we need to do. 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.819 And in order to do that, 00:29:46.900 --> 00:29:47.900 we have to be honest. 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:50.079 We have to be marked 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:52.279 by wearing the belt of truth in our lives 00:29:52.279 --> 00:29:54.140 and utilizing it and using it 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:55.500 and living with openness 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:58.200 and humility before the Lord. 00:29:58.200 --> 00:30:04.240 You say, I just wish the things in my life 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:05.160 would be held together. 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:08.559 I just wish I could hold things together. 00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:10.240 Well, I'll tell you how you do it. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.480 You put on the belt of truth. 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:14.960 You live by it. 00:30:16.380 --> 00:30:19.319 You honestly commit your life to Christ. 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:22.180 You honestly live for Christ. 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:23.680 And then by His power, 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:25.279 by His plan, 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:27.000 trusting in Him, 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:30.559 you honestly win in Christ. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.660 And when we do, 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:34.759 to God be the glory. 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:36.660 He's the one that gets the glory. 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.619 He's the one that does the work. 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:42.220 We just got to do our job along the way. 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:42.619 Amen? 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:46.200 Every head bowed and every eye closed. 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:47.319 Listen, 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:50.099 I would be wrong, I believe, 00:30:50.619 --> 00:30:52.220 to not give you the opportunity 00:30:52.220 --> 00:30:54.160 to surrender your life to the Lord Jesus today. 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:56.000 There may be one here today 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.599 who's never surrendered his or her life 00:30:57.599 --> 00:30:58.299 to the Lord Jesus. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.539 And I'm telling you 00:30:59.539 --> 00:31:00.720 what I've told you today. 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:03.660 That belt of truth 00:31:03.660 --> 00:31:04.880 that's been fastened onto you 00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:06.099 don't apply to you yet. 00:31:06.640 --> 00:31:08.220 You got to surrender your life to the Lord. 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:10.039 You got to believe 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.160 that objective truth 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:12.200 of the gospel truth. 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:14.440 Live your life for it. 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.579 Just surrender to Him. 00:31:15.619 --> 00:31:16.420 He'll empower you 00:31:16.420 --> 00:31:17.779 to do everything you need to do. 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:20.519 You just need to surrender your life to Him. 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.180 Maybe you're here 00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:22.759 and you've done that 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:23.660 but you did it privately. 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.500 You did it quietly. 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.420 You whispered it. 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:26.940 You didn't do it boldly. 00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:28.720 And as I spoke of boldness, 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:30.319 Jesus showed us 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:31.500 that we do that through baptism. 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.579 We let others know. 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:35.420 I call it the first step 00:31:35.420 --> 00:31:36.440 of obedience in Christ. 00:31:37.559 --> 00:31:39.019 We baptized several last week 00:31:39.019 --> 00:31:39.879 thankful for that. 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:43.079 God always seems to use that 00:31:43.079 --> 00:31:44.019 to draw others 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:46.359 to an awareness of their need for it. 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:47.299 If you're here today 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:48.759 and you've never been baptized 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.399 as a believer, 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.459 I encourage you to come. 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:51.379 We'd love to guide you. 00:31:51.479 --> 00:31:52.240 We'll set that up. 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:54.179 Maybe God's drawing you 00:31:54.179 --> 00:31:55.259 to be a part of this church 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:56.039 and you know that. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:58.259 You feel like God's leading you. 00:31:58.299 --> 00:32:00.219 I encourage you to come today. 00:32:00.719 --> 00:32:02.319 I'd love to guide you in that. 00:32:02.399 --> 00:32:03.319 Or maybe you're here 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:06.500 and like Brian talked about, 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:08.159 there's stuff going on in your life. 00:32:08.399 --> 00:32:08.879 There's, there's, 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:13.059 you got the belt of truth 00:32:13.059 --> 00:32:13.759 fastened on you 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.839 but you're not utilizing 00:32:14.839 --> 00:32:15.799 the tools there. 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:20.139 And you need to lay that down 00:32:20.139 --> 00:32:21.039 before the Lord today 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.759 and make that right 00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:22.579 before you leave here. 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:25.119 I don't know how God's leading you 00:32:25.119 --> 00:32:25.799 but I promise you 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.779 you'll never be satisfied 00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:28.019 until you follow Him completely. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:29.699 So just trust Him 00:32:29.699 --> 00:32:31.539 and follow His lead. 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:33.679 Lord Jesus, I love you 00:32:33.679 --> 00:32:34.859 and I thank you for your word. 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.919 Thank you Lord for the truth. 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:39.759 Help us Lord to live by it, God. 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:41.179 Help us to respond 00:32:41.179 --> 00:32:42.599 as you speak to our hearts and lives. 00:32:43.079 --> 00:32:44.500 In Jesus' precious name. 00:32:45.219 --> 00:32:45.539 Amen. 00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:45.639 Amen.