WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.459 If you have your Bibles, I want you to turn to Luke chapter 1. 00:00:03.700 --> 00:00:05.219 Luke chapter 1. 00:00:06.940 --> 00:00:10.000 The corner of tomorrow is frightening. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:13.599 We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:19.019 We think we want to know what's coming, but in reality, 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:24.379 if we knew all that we may face, we'd often be overwhelmed. 00:00:24.379 --> 00:00:30.219 And Scripture is often explored, explained, and even abused 00:00:30.219 --> 00:00:35.259 to try to determine what tomorrow's have that we can't know. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:39.560 And that's what God intended. 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:46.719 He intended us to live by faith. 00:00:46.719 --> 00:00:54.700 Faith living is not so much knowing what tomorrow holds, 00:00:54.820 --> 00:00:59.200 but knowing who holds tomorrow and being able to rest in that. 00:00:59.379 --> 00:01:02.679 And God has called us to live by that. 00:01:03.719 --> 00:01:06.400 He's always worked that way, and it hasn't changed. 00:01:06.539 --> 00:01:10.799 Living by faith is not easy, not always anyway. 00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:16.340 However, I want to share with you this Christmas season some facts 00:01:16.340 --> 00:01:20.539 that will make living by faith worth it. 00:01:22.039 --> 00:01:25.659 You see, the truth is that God has gone before us 00:01:25.659 --> 00:01:28.739 in every step that we take. 00:01:29.560 --> 00:01:30.579 He's already there. 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:38.560 And he prepares us for what is to come when we lean on him, 00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:40.560 when we trust him. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:43.859 No matter how blindsided we may be, 00:01:44.359 --> 00:01:49.099 God has already went before us in his providential care, 00:01:50.079 --> 00:01:51.780 prepared the way for us. 00:01:51.920 --> 00:01:53.959 And we don't always see that. 00:01:54.739 --> 00:01:58.079 Sometimes it comes much later, and you look back on it, 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:02.239 and you think, you know, I see how God... 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:03.439 And I'll be honest with you, 00:02:03.479 --> 00:02:05.780 sometimes we won't see it in this lifetime. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:09.259 I think it'll be made known one day to us very clearly. 00:02:09.259 --> 00:02:11.599 But sometimes we don't see it in this lifetime. 00:02:11.819 --> 00:02:14.079 But our sight, get this now, 00:02:14.739 --> 00:02:18.539 our sight does not determine his faithfulness. 00:02:19.899 --> 00:02:22.039 He's more faithful than we can see. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:25.579 And not only does he prepare us for what's to come, 00:02:25.859 --> 00:02:29.319 but he's already there in the midst of it, whatever it is. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:34.399 And I don't believe anything points to that more than the incarnation of Christ, 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:39.259 which is what Christmas is all about and why Christmas is so important. 00:02:39.259 --> 00:02:42.780 If not for the virgin birth incarnation of Christ, 00:02:43.419 --> 00:02:46.079 he would not have lived before us. 00:02:46.539 --> 00:02:48.939 He would not have died for us. 00:02:49.379 --> 00:02:53.340 He would not have rose again on our behalf, 00:02:54.539 --> 00:02:57.620 our promise to return to receive us. 00:02:57.699 --> 00:03:00.840 And so the reality is the coming of Christ is the greatest event 00:03:00.840 --> 00:03:03.680 with the greatest impact that can ever be felt. 00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:09.860 For without him, we have no hope. 00:03:11.020 --> 00:03:16.460 So how do you prepare for the greatest arrival in human history? 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:19.640 Can you prepare for that? 00:03:21.300 --> 00:03:23.140 Well, I believe there was preparation. 00:03:23.139 --> 00:03:28.699 And I believe God sent one to prepare the people. 00:03:29.779 --> 00:03:34.359 And I believe God still is preparing us for what's to come. 00:03:35.539 --> 00:03:38.039 And although we don't know what's to come, we have to wait. 00:03:38.119 --> 00:03:39.199 It's worth the wait. 00:03:40.899 --> 00:03:44.419 And I don't want you to miss the impact of his preparation 00:03:44.419 --> 00:03:49.719 and what that has on us in the meantime. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:53.699 So during the month of December, 00:03:53.699 --> 00:03:58.159 as we study the story of God in the flesh, Jesus Christ, 00:03:58.159 --> 00:04:01.319 I want to start with a man named John. 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:07.539 Part of his story is found in Luke chapter 1, beginning in verse 5, 00:04:07.939 --> 00:04:08.979 and it says this. 00:04:09.979 --> 00:04:14.319 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, 00:04:14.319 --> 00:04:21.839 there was a priest named Zechariah of the division of Abijah. 00:04:23.079 --> 00:04:25.459 And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, 00:04:25.599 --> 00:04:27.560 and her name was Elizabeth. 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:30.539 And they were both righteous before God, 00:04:30.659 --> 00:04:34.060 walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:37.120 But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, 00:04:37.139 --> 00:04:39.439 and both were advanced in years. 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:44.459 Now, while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 00:04:44.920 --> 00:04:46.759 according to the custom of the priesthood, 00:04:47.540 --> 00:04:52.259 he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 00:04:53.139 --> 00:04:57.079 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 00:04:57.379 --> 00:04:59.819 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord 00:04:59.819 --> 00:05:02.639 standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 00:05:03.639 --> 00:05:06.339 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:09.120 and fear fell upon him. 00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:11.719 But the angel said to him, 00:05:11.860 --> 00:05:13.600 Do not be afraid, Zechariah, 00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:15.240 for your prayer has been heard, 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:18.100 and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, 00:05:18.540 --> 00:05:21.060 and you shall call his name John. 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:24.519 And you will have joy and gladness, 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.980 and many will rejoice at his birth, 00:05:27.060 --> 00:05:28.500 for he will be great before the Lord. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:31.439 And he must not drink wine or strong drink, 00:05:31.480 --> 00:05:34.959 and he'll be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. 00:05:35.180 --> 00:05:38.740 And he'll turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 00:05:38.740 --> 00:05:43.000 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:46.740 to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, 00:05:47.480 --> 00:05:51.199 and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:54.199 And then if you're an underliner, this is what you want to underline. 00:05:54.699 --> 00:05:59.699 To make ready for the Lord a people prepared. 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:05.099 How do you prepare people for the coming of Christ? 00:06:05.479 --> 00:06:08.599 You at least let people know that he's coming. 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:12.340 And that's what John the Baptist did. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:15.920 That's what God called him to do from the womb. 00:06:16.400 --> 00:06:18.140 That's what he was dedicated to doing. 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:23.720 Notice that God also prepared John's parents for their son's arrival. 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:25.920 God's in the preparation business. 00:06:26.920 --> 00:06:30.180 And John came to this earth shortly before Christ. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:32.900 God raised him up to run ahead of Christ, 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:36.639 to let people know of the ministry of Christ. 00:06:38.359 --> 00:06:43.819 John the Baptist prepared for the coming of the Lord. 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:45.899 That's why he was there. 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:50.579 Luke elaborates on it in Luke chapter 3 00:06:50.579 --> 00:06:53.959 about this making ready the people of the Lord. 00:06:54.479 --> 00:06:56.959 And he says this in Luke chapter 3, verse 3. 00:06:56.959 --> 00:07:26.939 He said, 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:35.000 John the Baptist was sure of his calling. 00:07:35.879 --> 00:07:40.359 John the Baptist in his life was up front about his purpose. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:44.779 He came for no other reason than to prepare the way of the Lord. 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:46.500 And prepare he did. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:48.060 Let me tell you how. 00:07:48.219 --> 00:07:50.479 One, he told of the coming of Christ. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:54.240 John came for one purpose and it was clear. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:56.639 He came to prepare the way for Christ. 00:07:56.959 --> 00:08:00.919 And some were so enamored with John that they thought it was enough. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:05.039 They thought the baptism of repentance that they got from him would be enough. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:07.279 That if they just believed in him of sorts. 00:08:07.639 --> 00:08:10.719 But John's desire was to stay out of the way of Christ. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:13.139 He kept pointing people to Christ. 00:08:13.679 --> 00:08:16.939 He even felt uncomfortable and not worthy to baptize Christ 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:19.120 when Christ asked him to baptize him. 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:23.500 But once he did baptize Christ, he got out of the way. 00:08:24.220 --> 00:08:25.639 He didn't want to be the focus. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.720 He told of his coming. 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:29.000 Not only that, but he shared his message. 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:34.759 John made a clear preview of the message of Christ. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:39.100 He told them to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:41.159 You know what that means? 00:08:41.159 --> 00:08:47.659 That means let your life reflect that you have turned from your sins 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:49.820 and are walking with the Lord. 00:08:51.420 --> 00:08:54.920 Show it like a fruit tree shows its fruit. 00:08:55.680 --> 00:09:00.000 Show that you have turned from your old ways and followed God. 00:09:00.659 --> 00:09:05.560 He was trying to awaken them to the coming message of the Lord. 00:09:05.559 --> 00:09:09.359 As well, he also warned of his importance. 00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:11.299 And I'm talking about of Christ's importance. 00:09:11.979 --> 00:09:13.819 He says in Luke chapter 3 verse 16, 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:17.500 John answered them all saying, 00:09:17.919 --> 00:09:19.299 I baptize you with water, 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:22.979 but he who is mightier than I am coming, 00:09:23.819 --> 00:09:28.859 the strap of whose sandals I'm not worthy to untie, 00:09:29.639 --> 00:09:32.359 he'll baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. 00:09:32.360 --> 00:09:35.740 In other words, John is saying, don't miss this. 00:09:36.300 --> 00:09:37.500 Don't miss this. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:40.019 He is just pointing to Christ. 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:41.100 Don't look at me. 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:43.820 Make sure you don't miss him. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:46.480 Because if you do, and John was clear about this, 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:49.360 you will face judgment. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:52.159 Now understanding that and that message, 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:55.360 isn't it sad that Bethlehem didn't get it? 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:58.340 Didn't have any room for Christ? 00:09:58.340 --> 00:10:04.200 Isn't it sad that John tells us that, 00:10:04.460 --> 00:10:06.560 as we read earlier as a congregation, 00:10:06.820 --> 00:10:10.080 that John tells us that his own did not receive him? 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:14.740 Isn't it sad that some still miss him today? 00:10:16.560 --> 00:10:18.080 He's right there before us. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:22.300 And ready or not, Jesus came, thank God, 00:10:23.300 --> 00:10:25.680 and he lived an example before us, 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:27.899 and he died a sacrificial death on our behalf, 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:30.819 and he has given us victory over death, 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:32.639 and he has given us resurrection. 00:10:34.239 --> 00:10:36.359 But I want you to notice something else too. 00:10:38.099 --> 00:10:43.659 As I began to think about how John prepared people for Christ, 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:49.000 I got to thinking about God's pattern of preparedness. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:54.620 Christ had the way prepared for him, 00:10:55.340 --> 00:10:57.740 and then Christ prepared the way. 00:10:59.580 --> 00:11:05.899 Because Christ prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:09.200 --> 00:11:10.580 God prepares his people. 00:11:11.840 --> 00:11:13.200 He did it through Christ. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:16.300 Christ, in his last days, 00:11:16.400 --> 00:11:18.000 and again, before he ascended into heaven, 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:20.340 he promised that the Spirit would come. 00:11:21.300 --> 00:11:22.080 And you know what he did? 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:23.100 He told of his coming. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:27.460 Jesus spent his last hours with the disciples before the cross, 00:11:27.820 --> 00:11:29.940 telling them of the coming of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:30.620 --> 00:11:31.000 He said, 00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:34.420 It will be different when my physical presence is not with you, 00:11:34.480 --> 00:11:36.340 but the Spirit of God will come, 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:41.680 and his presence will be just as real as when I was walking among you. 00:11:41.679 --> 00:11:43.479 In John 14, 16, he says, 00:11:43.779 --> 00:11:45.079 And I will ask the Father, 00:11:45.199 --> 00:11:51.299 and he will give you another helper to be with you forever. 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:54.239 Let me say one. 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:58.939 If you've never given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:01.019 you've never surrendered your life to the Lord. 00:12:02.059 --> 00:12:03.219 Maybe you don't get it. 00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:05.539 You don't understand what it's all about. 00:12:06.479 --> 00:12:07.839 Let me tell you one piece of it. 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:12.639 And that is that when you give your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:12:12.759 --> 00:12:13.740 surrender your life to him, 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:18.100 the Holy Spirit will come and help you. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:20.800 He will guide you. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:24.300 If you'll listen to him, he'll lead you out of temptation. 00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:26.980 He'll make a way for you. 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:28.320 He's there. 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:30.680 Jesus called him the helper. 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:31.319 He's there. 00:12:31.319 --> 00:12:31.679 He's there. 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:33.359 He's there. 00:12:35.239 --> 00:12:39.259 It's part of a renewed life. 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:42.159 And if you're a Christian today, 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:45.539 and you've surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus, 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:48.299 I want you to hear me. 00:12:49.799 --> 00:12:51.179 I don't know what you're going through. 00:12:52.979 --> 00:12:54.599 I might know a fragment of it. 00:12:55.859 --> 00:12:57.879 I might know a little bit of the past of it. 00:12:57.879 --> 00:13:00.679 You might have shared a little bit with me, 00:13:01.220 --> 00:13:03.379 but I don't really know what you're going through. 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:06.080 But I know one who does. 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:10.639 And I may be of little help to you, 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:12.659 but you've got a helper. 00:13:13.939 --> 00:13:17.480 You've got one that's walking with you daily, 00:13:18.039 --> 00:13:19.519 ready to guide you. 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:20.259 Just listen. 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:22.679 Through God's word, you just listen. 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:26.939 You've got a helper to bring you through. 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:30.219 He told of his coming. 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:31.739 He also shared his message. 00:13:32.839 --> 00:13:35.199 Jesus said there's a reason the spirit came, 00:13:35.359 --> 00:13:38.219 and Christ wanted us to find comfort in that. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:42.039 He says in John 14, 26 and 27, he says, 00:13:42.239 --> 00:13:43.839 but the helper, the Holy Spirit, 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.399 whom the Father will send in my name, 00:13:45.739 --> 00:13:47.279 he will teach you all things 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:50.579 and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 00:13:50.580 --> 00:13:51.080 Hello? 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:56.180 Don't you need a reminder from time to time 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:57.660 of what God says about things? 00:14:00.180 --> 00:14:02.360 Have you ever felt your mind begin to wander 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:05.020 into areas of discouragement or waywardness, 00:14:05.379 --> 00:14:07.240 and all of a sudden something just 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:10.020 puts a check in your spirit of sorts, 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:12.000 and you're reminded of something God says? 00:14:12.040 --> 00:14:12.800 You know what that is? 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:14.280 That's not your memory. 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:17.420 That's the Holy Spirit of God working in you. 00:14:17.419 --> 00:14:20.979 He's reminding you of the things that he said. 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:23.500 He says, peace I leave with you, 00:14:23.539 --> 00:14:24.539 my peace I give to you, 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:26.539 not as the world gives do I give to you. 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:28.099 Let not your hearts be troubled, 00:14:28.199 --> 00:14:29.099 neither let it be afraid. 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:34.059 Listen, I am well aware that I can't bring you peace. 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:36.199 I mean, I try my best to comfort folks 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:36.759 when they're hurting. 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:40.159 I do, but I'll be inadequate with it. 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:43.600 But I am thankful that my job is 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:45.799 to just point people to the one 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:48.000 who can give you a peace 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:49.679 unlike anything this world can give, 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:52.319 because he's the one that does it. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:53.679 He told of his coming. 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:54.579 He shared his mission. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.939 But not only that, he warned of his importance. 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.759 As the Spirit of God works, 00:14:59.839 --> 00:15:00.659 he pricks hearts. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:02.120 He speaks personally, 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:04.919 sometimes through the still, small voice 00:15:04.919 --> 00:15:07.559 within your, that's not audible, 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:08.579 but louder than that. 00:15:08.580 --> 00:15:09.740 And sometimes God will speak 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:10.900 through the thunder and the storms. 00:15:11.020 --> 00:15:12.020 Either way, it's important 00:15:12.020 --> 00:15:13.420 that we hear the Spirit of God 00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:14.400 and what he has to say. 00:15:15.180 --> 00:15:16.980 John 14, 29 says, 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:19.020 and now, Jesus said, 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:21.759 and now I have told you before it takes place 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:23.759 so that when it does take place, 00:15:24.020 --> 00:15:24.960 you may believe. 00:15:25.020 --> 00:15:26.940 In other words, I prepared you for this. 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:28.960 I've told you about the Spirit coming. 00:15:29.700 --> 00:15:31.740 And when you surrender your life to Christ 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:33.600 and commit to live for him, 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:35.220 he empowers you 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:37.560 with the Holy Spirit of God living in you. 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:39.439 The conscience of a person 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:42.219 simply influenced by his or her background 00:15:42.219 --> 00:15:43.379 or surroundings, 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:45.359 when they give their heart and life 00:15:45.359 --> 00:15:46.459 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:15:46.739 --> 00:15:48.039 that conscience is invaded 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:50.099 by the very Spirit of God. 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.639 God speaks. 00:15:52.059 --> 00:15:53.239 He speaks through his word, 00:15:53.579 --> 00:15:55.539 and the Spirit of God individualizes 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:56.599 the word of God 00:15:56.599 --> 00:15:58.579 so that we get it. 00:15:59.319 --> 00:16:00.639 He speaks into our hearts. 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:03.619 He stirs us to respond in obedience to him. 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:06.419 And when the Spirit of God stirs your heart, 00:16:06.919 --> 00:16:07.700 don't ignore it 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:09.519 because that's how the Holy Spirit speaks. 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:11.259 Since Pentecost, 00:16:11.379 --> 00:16:13.340 the Holy Spirit has been whetting 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:15.100 the appetites of believers 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:18.519 to experience more of God. 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:21.480 And as John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ, 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:24.840 the people found out that Christ was worth the wait. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:28.060 And as Christ prepared for the Holy Spirit, 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:30.600 the Spirit was worth waiting for. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:33.259 But thank God Christmas is Christmas 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.659 because it didn't stop in the manger. 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:38.220 It didn't even stop in the ascension of Christ. 00:16:38.340 --> 00:16:38.560 No. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:42.300 God's in the preparation business. 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:47.360 And the Holy Spirit is preparing the church 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:49.740 for the return of the Lord. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:52.700 That's right. 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:55.779 The great victory of the manger 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:57.120 is the promised return of the Lord. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:17:01.019 He created this great earth in seven days 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:01.960 and he's been working on heaven 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:03.860 for over 2,000 years. 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.819 And I'm so glad that through his word, 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:08.420 the Holy Spirit has been preparing the church 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.619 for the return of the Lord 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:11.319 since the day of his ascension. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:11.779 How? 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:13.940 Well, there's a pattern here. 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:16.200 You might be picking up on it. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:18.000 One is he told of his coming. 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:22.119 We see it most graphically illustrated 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:25.200 how the Holy Spirit spoke through the Apostle Paul. 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:28.500 In 1 Thessalonians 4, 16 when it says, 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:30.759 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:32.340 with a cry of command, 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:34.279 with the voice of the archangel, 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:36.299 with the sound of the trumpet of God, 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:38.799 and the dead in Christ will rise first. 00:17:39.840 --> 00:17:41.140 But he didn't stop there. 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.660 Not only did he tell of his coming, 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:45.299 but he also shared his mission. 00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:48.660 He says in the next passages, 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:52.279 Then we who are alive, who are left, 00:17:52.360 --> 00:17:54.019 will be caught up together with him in the clouds 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:55.039 to meet the Lord in the air, 00:17:55.299 --> 00:17:57.319 and so we will always be with the Lord. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:18:01.339 And verse 18 is my favorite of the whole chapter. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:05.420 Therefore, encourage one another with these words. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.279 Friend, this ain't it. 00:18:07.119 --> 00:18:08.379 This ain't all there is. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:12.579 Because God's in a pattern business of preparedness, 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:18.359 that also serves as a warning of the Holy Spirit's importance. 00:18:20.179 --> 00:18:23.279 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 3 and 4 says this, 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:26.179 While people are saying there's peace and security, 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:28.720 then sudden destruction will come upon them 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:31.059 as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, 00:18:31.319 --> 00:18:32.899 and they will not escape. 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:35.799 But you're not in darkness, brothers, 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:40.419 for that day to surprise you like a thief. 00:18:41.639 --> 00:18:42.039 Why? 00:18:42.159 --> 00:18:43.079 Because he's told you. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:48.299 Because the Holy Spirit's been preparing us 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:50.399 for the return of the Lord. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:53.680 Whether you're ready or not, the Lord's going to return. 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:56.539 Whether that be through death, 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:59.039 or whether that be through his coming, 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:01.899 hell is certain for the sinner, 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:04.660 heaven is sure for the saved, 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:07.000 and so my question is, 00:19:07.060 --> 00:19:09.840 do you have a firm hope? 00:19:12.040 --> 00:19:13.140 Do you have a firm hope? 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:15.380 Jesus put it this way, and I'll close. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:20.360 Matthew 24, in verse 40, he said, 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:22.200 Then two men will be in the field, 00:19:22.300 --> 00:19:23.560 one will be taken and one left. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:26.040 Two women will be grinding at the mill, 00:19:26.100 --> 00:19:27.300 one will be taken and one left. 00:19:28.580 --> 00:19:29.720 Therefore, stay awake. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:37.319 For you don't know on what day your Lord is coming. 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:39.680 But know this, 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.839 that if the master of the house had known 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:44.839 in what part of the night the thief was coming, 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:47.000 he would have stayed awake 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:49.160 and would not have let his house be broken into. 00:19:50.559 --> 00:19:53.579 Therefore, folks, you also must be ready 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:56.360 for the Son of Man is coming at an hour 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:59.279 you do not expect. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:02.859 Jesus is coming back, and I can't wait, 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:04.279 but I'll tell you, he's worth the wait. 00:20:05.139 --> 00:20:06.619 My question is, are you ready? 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:11.139 It's not because he didn't prepare us. 00:20:13.439 --> 00:20:16.240 Because God has a pattern of preparation. 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:19.559 Christmas is about Jesus. 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:23.559 And we're just waiting for Jesus to come back 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:25.079 and receive us unto himself. 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.440 And I'll tell you, as we wait, 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:27.700 it's worth the wait. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:30.400 Because the greatest gifts that have been given 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:31.980 on this earth is Jesus Christ. 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:36.279 And he is a worthy gift. 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:42.539 Now, what does that mean for us today? 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:46.940 What it means for us today is, 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:50.220 Jesus came to this earth 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:53.500 to give each one of us hope, 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:56.899 no matter where we are on our journey. 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:59.660 And if you're here this morning 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:01.680 and you have never surrendered your life 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:03.059 to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:04.899 you're living for you 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:06.639 or you're living for your loved ones, 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.440 but you've never surrendered your life 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.519 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.480 You've never acknowledged 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.759 that there's sin in your life 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:14.259 that separates you from God. 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.899 Sin that you can't remove. 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:19.480 You can ask God to forgive you, 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:19.940 and he will. 00:21:21.179 --> 00:21:22.539 You can ask God to remove it 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.799 and surrender your life to him, 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:25.879 and he'll change you forever. 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:29.480 But until you surrender your life to him, 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:31.039 you're on your own. 00:21:31.039 --> 00:21:33.480 Your hope is found in him. 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:36.119 And I am thankful today 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:38.539 that I can share the message 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:40.619 to know that everyone 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:41.940 who calls upon the name of the Lord 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.460 shall be saved. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:46.379 God's speaking to your heart today, 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.639 not audibly, but louder than that. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:51.119 You just do what he tells you to do 00:21:51.119 --> 00:21:51.700 and obey him. 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:55.619 Maybe you're here this morning 00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:57.420 and you have surrendered your life 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.039 to the Lord Jesus, 00:21:58.139 --> 00:21:59.299 but you never told anybody about it. 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:00.659 It's been a private decision for you. 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:03.019 You've never made that public. 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:04.399 Never told anybody about that. 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.559 Jesus said, 00:22:05.659 --> 00:22:06.639 if you're ashamed of me before men, 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.759 I'll be ashamed of you before my Father. 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:08.659 And what he means by that is 00:22:08.659 --> 00:22:09.940 it's not a real deal 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:10.960 if it's just a secret. 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:13.059 Y'all let people know. 00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:15.319 And the way we do that 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.420 is by the commission 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:18.579 and by the example of Christ. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:21.259 And that is to publicly acknowledge that 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.500 and to follow that with baptism. 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.500 We're going to do that 00:22:24.500 --> 00:22:25.319 in a couple of weeks. 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:27.559 If you're a believer today 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:29.000 and you've never been baptized 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:31.899 and you want to make that public, 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:32.599 you come. 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:34.339 We'll guide you in that process. 00:22:35.939 --> 00:22:38.240 Maybe God's drawing you to this church. 00:22:39.359 --> 00:22:40.720 You've been sticking your head in 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.899 and fellowshipping with us some 00:22:41.899 --> 00:22:42.819 and worshiping with us 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:45.960 and God's leading you to be a part of us. 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:48.480 You just follow his will. 00:22:49.159 --> 00:22:49.759 Follow his way. 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:51.439 We'll guide you in that process. 00:22:52.320 --> 00:22:53.539 God's doing a wonderful work 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:54.820 at Pickens First Baptist Church. 00:22:55.320 --> 00:22:56.519 Thankful to be a part of it. 00:22:56.840 --> 00:22:58.039 Would love for you to join us 00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:58.720 in that journey. 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:00.759 You just obey God 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.720 and I'll guide you in that. 00:23:03.400 --> 00:23:04.200 Maybe you're here 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:06.680 and you just need the helper. 00:23:09.340 --> 00:23:10.960 There's just some things in your life 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:12.279 that you just need 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:14.519 the Holy Spirit's help. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:17.080 And you just want to take a few minutes 00:23:17.080 --> 00:23:18.160 to close the service 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:21.000 to say, God, will you help me? 00:23:21.880 --> 00:23:22.960 Will you help me to turn 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:24.120 from what I need to turn from? 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.539 Will you help me to lean on 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.440 what I need to lean on? 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:30.960 God, will you clear my cluttered mind? 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:34.019 God, will you work in one 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:35.180 that I've got a burden for? 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:39.480 I never will pretend to know 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:41.100 what God's saying to you. 00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:43.160 But I promise you, 00:23:44.380 --> 00:23:46.160 you'll never be satisfied 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:48.480 until you obediently follow him. 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:50.500 Trust him. 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:52.820 He's worthy of it. 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:55.320 Lord Jesus, I love you. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:57.480 And I thank you for the opportunity 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.500 to worship you today. 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:01.700 I pray that you'll give boldness 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:03.820 to one who needs to receive Christ. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.920 I pray that you'll give boldness 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:07.740 to one who needs 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:09.220 to publicly acknowledge God. 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.400 I pray, dear God, 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.820 that you'll work and move in one 00:24:12.820 --> 00:24:14.640 that just needs help 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.880 from the Holy Spirit today. 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:19.600 Right now, lead us, Lord. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:21.900 Help us to not be reluctant 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:23.700 to simply follow your will 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:25.040 as you lead us, God, I pray. 00:24:25.580 --> 00:24:28.220 In Jesus' precious name, amen. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.600 If you... 00:24:28.600 --> 00:24:28.660 If you... 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.220 If you... 00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:29.600 If you... 00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:34.259 If you...