WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.280 We're going to get started on our Sunday school hour here this morning as Hebrews chapter 11. 00:00:05.280 --> 00:00:21.359 ! Hebrews chapter 11 this morning as we continue here with our series of those in Scripture with no name, you know, more than a name, but the impact they had is critical in our lives. 00:00:21.359 --> 00:00:33.140 And we're going to see here this morning as we begin looking here at this, and others with no name is going to be this morning, Hebrews chapter 11. 00:00:33.740 --> 00:00:40.359 But I'll know if anyone has ever counted all the names listed in the Bible, you know, listed with the genealogies. 00:00:41.039 --> 00:00:46.219 You know, it's quite a list of individuals that the Bible speaks specifically of. 00:00:46.219 --> 00:01:02.679 You know, we find names on that list, you know, of Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham and Sarah and Isaac and Jacob and Joseph and Moses and Rahab and Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah and David and Samuel. 00:01:03.239 --> 00:01:07.819 And the prophets like Elijah and Elisha and Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel. 00:01:07.819 --> 00:01:12.559 You know, you know, in Hebrews chapter 11, all those are listed specifically. 00:01:13.439 --> 00:01:15.979 Listed and spoken about within the Scripture. 00:01:16.679 --> 00:01:20.579 And why? Because of their faith. 00:01:21.639 --> 00:01:24.679 You know, their faith made the list. 00:01:25.699 --> 00:01:34.739 And we're going to look here this morning at these because as we look down through here, look at verse 33 in chapter 11. 00:01:34.739 --> 00:02:04.719 And it says, 00:02:04.739 --> 00:02:34.719 And so, 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:42.360 And what you'll see here today is we're going to be looking at these others that were not mentioned but had great faith. 00:02:42.500 --> 00:02:43.020 Let's pray. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:47.780 Heavenly Fathers, we come before you this morning, Lord, as we take a look at the reality that they, 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:55.900 people that not even mentioned by name but stood fast in trusting you in their life. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:59.879 Lord, not only for salvation but just for who you are, Lord, 00:02:59.879 --> 00:03:03.960 holding on to you in the midst of the storms of life. 00:03:03.960 --> 00:03:07.579 And Lord, we pray just have your hand upon each heart, each life here today. 00:03:07.659 --> 00:03:12.799 Lord, you just work in our hearts and lives in a mighty way. 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:24.599 Lord, we might understand the importance of these untold individuals and their faith that has impacted so many. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:27.639 And Lord, we ask it all in your precious name. 00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:28.719 Amen. 00:03:29.379 --> 00:03:34.459 You know, as we see here that the Bible speaks of those, the others, you know, 00:03:34.900 --> 00:03:42.840 the understanding of these different ones that were mentioned and understanding the importance of it, 00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:45.860 the other ones who did these things. 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:46.800 In verse 36, 00:03:46.939 --> 00:03:53.099 And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourging, yea, moreover, bonds and imprisonment. 00:03:53.640 --> 00:03:55.439 You know, others and their faith. 00:03:56.080 --> 00:03:59.879 You know, that covers a lot of territory because it doesn't just list, 00:04:00.020 --> 00:04:02.819 it doesn't stop with the list of people mentioned in the Bible. 00:04:02.960 --> 00:04:06.120 That list, you could extend that list today. 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:12.300 That Hebrews chapter 11, the hall of faith, I believe that list continued. 00:04:12.840 --> 00:04:15.900 And I think that's the reason God had it do, the others. 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:20.680 Because if that was to be added to, I think throughout history, 00:04:20.759 --> 00:04:23.100 you'll find many others that could be put on that list. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.040 Others whose faith impacted people. 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:33.079 Impacted not only their relationship with God, but impacted others. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:37.540 Have you stopped to consider whose faith has impacted your life? 00:04:37.740 --> 00:04:41.379 Because as a believer, there's always somebody who impacts your life. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:43.959 That impacts those things. 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:46.500 And I know what I'm going to do quick here before I go any farther. 00:04:46.740 --> 00:04:50.779 Because I don't want to stumble around up here. 00:04:51.459 --> 00:04:52.219 Better tie my shoe. 00:04:54.019 --> 00:04:55.339 Just stepped on my shoelace. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:04:57.060 And we don't need any good acts this morning. 00:04:58.719 --> 00:05:01.540 But you know, have you ever thought about those who have impacted your faith? 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:03.980 You know, I was working through this. 00:05:03.980 --> 00:05:07.500 I was thinking, you know, a lot of people, you know, it doesn't take a great name. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:13.240 You know, oftentimes people list maybe some famous evangelist or other people who may have impacted. 00:05:13.360 --> 00:05:19.020 But you know, some of the most influential people are those that others might not know. 00:05:19.259 --> 00:05:23.520 Because it's just their faithfulness made a difference in your life. 00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:32.799 You know, I was thinking about individuals that have made an impact in my life, you know, by examples of faith. 00:05:32.919 --> 00:05:36.519 I mean, I remember my pastor as a kid, Dean Button. 00:05:38.019 --> 00:05:39.919 Very few in here even know who that is. 00:05:40.159 --> 00:05:44.339 But he was a man that made an impact on my faith because of his. 00:05:44.339 --> 00:05:50.959 You think about individuals of, like, some of you may know who Eldon Stevens is. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:52.079 I mean, he was another one. 00:05:52.159 --> 00:05:54.139 Great influence, you know. 00:05:54.439 --> 00:05:59.539 You have individuals by a friend of mine, Ron Moxon, and pastors down Tucson. 00:05:59.859 --> 00:06:01.059 And you had a chance to meet him. 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:03.039 He's one that's impacted my faith. 00:06:04.919 --> 00:06:06.359 Or even Dan Inman. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:08.399 You know, many remember Pastor Inman. 00:06:09.559 --> 00:06:09.799 You know. 00:06:10.479 --> 00:06:12.219 His faithfulness made a difference. 00:06:12.220 --> 00:06:19.880 You could have, I could add names on the list like men like Eli Haru or Cecil Tolbert or even Tom Schulte. 00:06:19.980 --> 00:06:28.800 I mean, you could add a list when you start thinking about all the people who made an impact in your life because of their faith. 00:06:30.640 --> 00:06:37.500 These others without a name are here at the end of Hebrews 11 represent the many who have been persecuted, 00:06:37.700 --> 00:06:39.880 in some cases been martyred for their faith. 00:06:39.879 --> 00:06:47.159 But there's much more we can learn from their lives that have come through the fire rather than having been destroyed in their faith, 00:06:47.339 --> 00:06:49.959 have become pure and noble. 00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:51.240 You know. 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:55.319 Think about who are some of the others who have influenced your life. 00:06:55.319 --> 00:07:03.139 They might not have faced devastating consequences of their faith like these, 00:07:03.240 --> 00:07:06.300 but you'll see faith is impacted in your life. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:10.259 And you see God working through trials in their life. 00:07:10.579 --> 00:07:13.459 You know, will we exercise faith when times get difficult? 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:17.420 Will we exercise those things? 00:07:17.420 --> 00:07:22.160 If we will, we like Job can come out better on the other side. 00:07:22.280 --> 00:07:23.540 Job 23.10 says, 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:28.560 But he knoweth the way that I take, and when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:31.020 You know, what an impact. 00:07:31.660 --> 00:07:36.920 It had all the struggles, all the things that happened, but he remained faithful and had the blessing. 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:43.960 And as we look here this morning, we see first here a persecution template because, you know, 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:47.600 no generation has ever prayed for persecution. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:54.000 You know, if somebody said, I want to be persecuted, you would look at them and say, what's wrong with you? 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:57.100 Because it's not natural for us to want to have problems. 00:07:57.460 --> 00:08:02.120 It's not natural for us to be persecuted and be tested for our faith. 00:08:02.120 --> 00:08:09.019 You know, many of us here today really aren't, in America, we're really not put to a hard test on our faith oftentimes. 00:08:10.340 --> 00:08:13.540 Oftentimes, it's pretty minuscule compared to other places. 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:21.759 I mean, there's many things that we do not face that others in history of faith have faced for their faith. 00:08:21.840 --> 00:08:26.720 And we have to learn, even from these, to trust God in those moments. 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:34.920 But it's because whenever we find people in the Bible or in history being persecuted, there's always growth as a result. 00:08:36.040 --> 00:08:41.840 You know, every time Satan tries to stomp out the revival fires in the book of Acts, 00:08:41.899 --> 00:08:47.500 a spark would fly up and land in another city or region and a great work would result. 00:08:47.500 --> 00:08:52.279 You know, Acts chapter 8 talks about this in verse 1. 00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:56.779 And at that time, there was a great persecution against the church, which was at Jerusalem. 00:08:56.919 --> 00:09:01.519 And they scattered abroad them, all the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:08.779 And we see that they, it goes on, it says, therefore, they were scattered abroad, went everywhere preaching the word. 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:15.980 You know, in other words, persecution had a positive impact overall. 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:17.680 God used it. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:21.420 What others meant for evil, God used for good. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:30.539 When we understand it was not comfortable, it wasn't chosen, but what God worked through those things. 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:34.279 But these individuals here, we have a notable past. 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:37.159 There's a common thread that runs through every child of God. 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:40.019 It's the thread of trials and temptations. 00:09:41.019 --> 00:09:44.480 You know, the Bible says it doesn't matter what generation you are, you're going to have them. 00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:48.080 It puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 10. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:50.860 It says, there hath no temptation taken you, but such is what? 00:09:51.659 --> 00:09:54.120 Common to man. 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:58.700 In other words, if it's common, means it happens what? 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:00.659 All the time. 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:05.639 You know, things that are common is something that takes place very regularly. 00:10:06.659 --> 00:10:10.980 Every person that's used of God has to overcome difficulties. 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:17.580 No Christian arrives at the destination in the will of God, traveling on what you might call easy street. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:22.960 But God uses problems and situations in our life to grow us. 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:30.840 You know, oftentimes we don't like to grow because there's pain involved. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:34.920 There's something that causes us to be challenged. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:43.180 You know, even we talked earlier this morning about Paul's battle with the thorn in the flesh there in 2 Corinthians. 00:10:43.780 --> 00:10:47.240 You know, we realize he asked the Lord three times to deliver him, 00:10:47.860 --> 00:10:53.780 and God's response was exactly what he needed, but not what he wanted. 00:10:54.460 --> 00:10:56.240 Why did Paul desire to get rid of it? 00:10:56.259 --> 00:10:57.379 He said, this is uncomfortable. 00:10:57.379 --> 00:10:59.299 This is a problem. 00:10:59.399 --> 00:11:00.220 This is difficult. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:02.340 Lord, deal with the problem. 00:11:02.580 --> 00:11:04.580 And you know, remember, what did God tell him? 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.860 He says, my grace is what? 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:07.759 Sufficient. 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:10.740 You know, struggle makes us stronger. 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:14.600 You know, we understand that reality. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:16.820 I mean, that's the reason people go to the gym to get stronger. 00:11:16.939 --> 00:11:19.019 They don't go there because it's easy. 00:11:19.019 --> 00:11:23.779 They go there because they do something that causes resistance. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:25.659 Because resistance does what? 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:27.659 Makes you stronger. 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.600 Actually, oftentimes makes you more fit. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:33.259 You know, that's a problem they have. 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:37.720 You know, when they, you see the astronauts come down from space, what's the big problem they've had? 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:42.360 They've been in an environment lacking resistance. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:46.600 And it had a negative impact on their life physically. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:49.700 They have difficulties. 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:53.300 And that's the reason they, they put things to have resistance. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:57.860 Why they're up there to help them adjust when they come back. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:11:59.879 Because that's, it's needful. 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:03.659 Resistance isn't always a problem. 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:04.779 It's not easy. 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:06.860 But it's something that's needful. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:11.460 You know, think about Isaiah 48 and verse 10 tells us this. 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:17.680 It says, behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:21.840 You know, a notable past. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:24.259 You know, think about a negative promise here. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:25.100 You know, notice this. 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:26.879 The Bible is filled with promises. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:29.040 And most of them we like. 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:32.860 But, you know, think about, turn to 2 Timothy chapter 3 for a moment. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:35.660 2 Timothy chapter 3 and verse 12. 00:12:36.280 --> 00:12:37.460 Here's a promise for you. 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:38.800 The Bible says this. 00:12:38.799 --> 00:12:44.779 Yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall not have any problems. 00:12:45.919 --> 00:12:47.120 Is that what it says? 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:49.599 What's it say? 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:52.559 Shall suffer what? 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.399 Persecution. 00:12:55.779 --> 00:13:02.159 This persecution that definitely comes to godly Christians is not without reason. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:11.480 You know, we are persecuted because we bear the name of Jesus who was perfect yet was persecuted above anyone who has ever lived. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:14.039 Jesus was without sin. 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:17.199 He never wronged anyone in any way, but yet he was hated. 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:20.819 You know, the Bible tells us in John 15, it says that the world hates you. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:24.799 Know that it hated him before it hated you. 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:29.740 You know, we understand that we're no longer of the world. 00:13:29.819 --> 00:13:35.979 The persecution template has been in place for centuries and we're not going to be the exception to the rule. 00:13:36.199 --> 00:13:40.959 We can, you know, wherever it can be the exception is how we handle the persecution. 00:13:42.279 --> 00:13:43.879 You know, Jesus was our example. 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:45.719 Think about 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:47.540 Verse 23 says this, 00:13:47.620 --> 00:14:02.259 You know, we need to let God be the final judge of those who make it tough to live for Christ. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:09.660 You know, our job is to be faithful to the Lord and let God work out the details. 00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:12.840 Because we understand that not everything that happens we enjoy. 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:27.300 You know, we often speak about Joseph because, I mean, Joseph had an understanding or at least came in maturity to understand the problems that he had and why those things came to pass. 00:14:27.800 --> 00:14:36.220 Because if you think about all the history of Joseph and his family, notice he says God did this for a purpose. 00:14:36.220 --> 00:14:45.399 I went through these trials and struggles and rejection, false accusations, all the things that he faced. 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:47.700 And he said all that came because God had a reason. 00:14:48.040 --> 00:14:49.580 Genesis 50 says this, 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:51.840 Joseph said unto them, 00:14:51.920 --> 00:14:54.399 Fear not, for I am in the place of God. 00:14:55.160 --> 00:15:03.100 But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it to good to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:05.600 I mean, you think about that. 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:17.580 God took the very evil his brothers put upon him, the choices brothers made to do evil, and God turned it around and saved the very ones who did it. 00:15:17.860 --> 00:15:21.420 Joseph kept his eyes on God through the trial. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:28.320 You know, he was able to see God's perspective rather than focusing on what he had to endure. 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:35.020 To understand that the things we go through are for better and greater things that God has. 00:15:35.680 --> 00:15:37.800 God allows those things for a purpose. 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:45.200 When your trial comes, ask God to give you the right perspective and the right spirit about dealing with it. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:48.660 You know, I think we've seen a shift in our nation. 00:15:49.060 --> 00:15:52.420 The comfort zone for Christians is not going to be present much longer. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:55.160 You see a major shift. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:58.419 It's okay to be religious. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:15:59.980 Just don't follow Jesus. 00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:03.500 You can talk about Jesus. 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:06.600 You can talk about, you know, being kind to each other. 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.799 You can talk about all those things. 00:16:07.839 --> 00:16:14.039 But don't talk about the fact that you're going to be held to account, personal responsibility that Jesus puts forth. 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:15.159 You know, Jesus is... 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:18.159 God tells us very clearly that we have a personal responsibility. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:26.019 That's the reason he came and paid the price for our sin as individuals is because we have a personal accountability to God. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:30.120 You're not judged for what somebody else did. 00:16:30.199 --> 00:16:32.379 You're going to stand in God's judgment for what you did. 00:16:32.579 --> 00:16:34.139 Help us have the right perspective. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.699 But notice here, probable temptation. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:43.519 You know, in all this persecution and trials of those in Hebrews 11 faced, they had to endure temptation. 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:50.980 Temptation, verse 37, look here, it says, it talks about when they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted. 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:53.600 You know? 00:16:55.679 --> 00:17:02.559 Temptation comes in many different forms and it's common to us and certainly to the others here in Hebrews 11. 00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:04.400 You know, because you know what? 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:11.940 One of the most frequent temptations that we face is quitting. 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:13.259 You've ever been tempted to quit. 00:17:13.580 --> 00:17:18.200 You know, the reality is the easiest thing to do when conflict comes is to run the other direction. 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:20.000 It's easy to begin with. 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:28.000 You know, it's easy to run away from the battle, but it takes an extra measure of God's strength and grace to stay faithful in the battle. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:29.940 But God commands faithfulness. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.920 You know, take a look. 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:33.740 Look over to 1 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:36.440 1 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:17:36.980 --> 00:17:40.799 And you see over here this very simple principle that you find in God's word. 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.299 He says this in verse 2. 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.159 He says, 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:48.940 Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found what? 00:17:50.119 --> 00:17:50.599 Faithful. 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.419 I want you to understand, it's not optional. 00:17:56.119 --> 00:17:57.180 It's a requirement. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:00.720 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58 tells us this. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:12.120 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:17.120 You know, steadfast, unmovable, abounding in the work of the Lord. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.480 And you know what it tells us? 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.440 It says your labor. 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:22.360 When you labor, it means automatically it's not easy. 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:24.160 You know, labor involves effort. 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:25.420 It involves intention. 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.620 It doesn't just happen. 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:28.159 It's intentional. 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:31.119 You know, 2 Peter 3, verse 17 says, 00:18:31.239 --> 00:18:49.500 You know, the interesting thing, if you start studying history and you study, read a little bit about the martyrs throughout the generations, 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:57.339 You know, one of the things that almost all of them were given was a chance to deny Christ. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:19:00.440 Just deny Him and we'll spare your life. 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:05.619 Just deny Him and do this and everything will be okay. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:08.220 You know, many times they were faced with torture. 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:16.099 You know, when you read through different accounts, many of their experiences were brutal and inhumane. 00:19:16.380 --> 00:19:18.680 Some of them endured it for months and years. 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:22.080 You know, I guarantee you that every one of them had a temptation to quit. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:23.480 You say, how do you know that, preacher? 00:19:23.560 --> 00:19:24.420 Because there were people. 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:29.019 When difficulty comes, our first inclination is, how do I get out? 00:19:29.320 --> 00:19:31.960 The question is, what do we do when that temptation comes? 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:34.759 Because it's not the fact that temptation is there. 00:19:34.860 --> 00:19:38.880 It's how we respond to the temptation that makes the difference. 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:44.100 There's nothing that we shouldn't be upset that temptation comes. 00:19:44.340 --> 00:19:46.940 The question is, how do we respond to it? 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:49.440 Do we throw in the towel or do you stick with it? 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:51.380 You know, what we enjoy even today. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:53.460 You know, we're talking about Memorial Day tomorrow. 00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:59.380 You know, what the liberties we enjoy is because somebody had the fortitude to stick through difficulties. 00:19:59.380 --> 00:20:06.540 Even to the price of their life, they were steadfast and unmovable. 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:10.200 It had been easy to quit, but to see things through is not easy. 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:14.780 The reality is great to quit. 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:21.100 You know, we're challenged with that, but we need to understand that we need to have the fortitude to continue. 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:24.659 Because the quenching is essential. 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:32.759 You know, one of the keys to remaining faithful in battle is being diligent to quench the fiery darts of the devil's temptations. 00:20:33.399 --> 00:20:36.539 You know, think about Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 15 says this, 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:42.539 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:47.420 You know, darts come in all sizes and shapes. 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:51.259 And when your fear is bigger than your faith is when you'll quit. 00:20:51.420 --> 00:20:56.539 Because really, when challenges come, we have fear on one side that says self-preservation. 00:20:58.019 --> 00:21:02.460 And you have faith on the other side that says this is the right thing. 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:03.200 This is the direction. 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:05.319 This is how and what we must do. 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.539 This is what's going to be beneficial. 00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:08.220 Beneficial. 00:21:09.480 --> 00:21:13.440 To take the shield of faith, every one of those darts can be quenched. 00:21:14.639 --> 00:21:16.759 You know, 1 John chapter 5 says this, 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:19.259 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:23.980 For this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 00:21:25.639 --> 00:21:32.119 You know, the faith to trust God and to obey God even when it's not easy. 00:21:32.119 --> 00:21:39.599 You know, by faith we focus on Christ rather than the crisis, rather than the circumstance, 00:21:39.939 --> 00:21:42.959 rather than the chaos, rather than the catastrophe that happens. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:46.099 We keep our eyes upon the Lord. 00:21:46.179 --> 00:21:47.359 You know, think about Hebrews 12. 00:21:47.439 --> 00:21:48.119 What's it tell us? 00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:53.479 Looking unto Jesus, what the author and finisher of what? 00:21:54.479 --> 00:21:55.399 Our faith. 00:21:55.579 --> 00:21:56.859 The author and finisher. 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:59.759 In other words, from the beginning of your faith to the end of your faith, 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:02.079 it must be Christ. 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:05.099 Christ is the essential. 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:10.920 Our faith is not to be in ourselves, but rather it has to be in God and the power of His Word. 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:14.160 You know, people are tempted to quit. 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:15.460 You'll see a lot of things today. 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:19.079 Churches are folding to popular opinion. 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:24.200 You know, you see it taking place with people. 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:29.840 You know, I've talked to some different individuals and they talk about their churches. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:32.160 You know, as a pastor, it's easy to get in church conversations. 00:22:32.660 --> 00:22:38.080 But here at the elections, one of the co-workers that I was with and she was talking about her church. 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:39.620 She says, I just don't understand. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:42.700 The more inclusive we become, the smaller congregation we get. 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:47.400 Now the preacher's in a quandary because you're not supposed to discuss that stuff at the election table. 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:52.120 But what I'm thinking in my mind is, is that you're, when you get away from God's Word, 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:53.539 how do you expect God's blessing? 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:54.619 And then she goes on. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:59.299 Well, our, well, our, I'm trying to remember how she phrased it now. 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:04.299 She talked, she made a reference to her female preacher and how even fewer people came when she showed up. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:07.179 Now I want you to understand that what's the problem? 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:14.299 The farther they move from the truth of God's Word, the farther they are. 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:16.339 They've compromised truth. 00:23:17.659 --> 00:23:21.959 They're not willing to remain faithful because their eyes are on what other people think. 00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:23.279 Rather than the Word of God. 00:23:24.979 --> 00:23:28.599 If you're going to stand with the Word of God, it's sometimes going to make other people uncomfortable. 00:23:31.239 --> 00:23:33.659 Because it goes against the grain of the world. 00:23:33.659 --> 00:23:36.199 It goes against the grain that they would want. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:41.699 We see here that Jesus, though, gives us an example of how do we endure temptation? 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:45.899 How does our faith keep focused upon Him? 00:23:45.900 --> 00:23:51.140 Well, very simply, when you think about it, when Jesus was tempted in Matthew chapter 4, 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:54.720 Jesus gives us a template to deal with temptation. 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:58.980 Because the Bible says He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:23:59.840 You know what He said? 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:01.540 I'm going to show you how to be faithful. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:09.340 And faithfulness in Matthew chapter 4, when it talks about the temptation of the devil tempting Jesus, 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:15.779 you know, there's something interesting about that passage is the fact that Jesus did the same thing to face every temptation. 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:19.899 The exact same thing He did each time. 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.919 What was that? 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:21.919 He quoted Scripture. 00:24:22.159 --> 00:24:23.919 Every time He went back to Scripture. 00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:27.839 You know, Matthew 4, 4 says, 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:37.939 Matthew 4, 7, 00:24:37.939 --> 00:24:43.939 Matthew 4, verse 10, 00:24:43.939 --> 00:24:51.000 How do we endure temptation? 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:55.819 By knowing what God says of the direction we need to take with it. 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:57.519 To know what God says. 00:24:57.939 --> 00:25:00.460 You know, the Word of God ought to be our foundation. 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:06.740 Not opinion, or not what people desire, or not what's comfortable, but what does God say? 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:09.639 It's not always going to be easy, but it's going to be the best. 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.919 It's what's going to be a blessing. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.179 It's what's going to be beneficial. 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:19.339 We might not always see it working the way we think it ought to. 00:25:20.379 --> 00:25:23.779 You know, think about even in Ephesians 6, what's it talk about? 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:29.019 He has all these defensive things, and the only offensive weapon we have is the Word of God. 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:35.399 The defense is built on the things of God, from the truth of God's Word, and our only offense is the Word of God. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:39.460 You know, it talks about Ephesians 6, 17, the sword of the Spirit, which is what? 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:42.119 The Word of God. 00:25:42.379 --> 00:25:44.619 Knowing your Bible is important. 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:46.779 What is God's perspective on it? 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:52.359 You know, the devil will sneak up and attack when we least expect it. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:57.319 We have to have our understanding of God's Word set in our mind. 00:25:57.420 --> 00:26:00.240 What does God have to say about it? 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:05.579 You know, that's the reason things, not only memorizing God's Word or reading God's Word, 00:26:05.639 --> 00:26:07.119 but actually studying God's Word. 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:12.059 Because study is where we say, how does this apply? 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:16.959 How does it interact with one another? 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:23.639 Because, you know, today, you know, soundbite theology is a major issue. 00:26:23.939 --> 00:26:26.859 People take a passage, and then this becomes their filter. 00:26:26.959 --> 00:26:28.559 They filter the rest of the Word of God through. 00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:34.039 I want you to understand the Word of God is perfectly connected. 00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:38.839 Sometimes it's difficult. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:41.659 How do I balance this principle with this principle? 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:48.259 What does that look like in real life of how do you stand for truth but yet have grace? 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.799 That's sometimes difficult, isn't it? 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:54.619 Because oftentimes we say truth is hard and harsh. 00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.519 It's fixed. 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:59.500 You know, the Bible talks about His Word being the rock, 00:26:59.839 --> 00:27:02.599 but yet He says we ought to have grace just as He gave to us. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:05.119 The Bible says to speak truth in what? 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.720 Love. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:10.400 In other words, God says both are true, but it's how you do it. 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:14.039 How you employ those things that make a difference. 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:17.220 Because can we employ things wrongly? 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:18.539 You know? 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:23.960 You know, that's the reason the Bible tells dads not to provoke their children to wrath. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:26.680 Is it right for a dad to correct his kids? 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:27.960 Very important, isn't it? 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:32.079 But the how it's done is also important. 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.200 See? 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:37.860 The Bible gives us that balance that you have to understand. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:39.640 It's not just a harsh punishment. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:43.200 It's also bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:45.880 How do those two interact? 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:49.000 And sometimes that's a challenge because when it comes to kids, you know what? 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:49.840 Every kid's different. 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:51.420 Then the kids start getting involved. 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:52.960 You didn't do that with them. 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:53.860 Well, they're different. 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:56.059 That's sometimes a hard balance to work through, isn't it? 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:58.100 But God gives us those balances. 00:27:58.440 --> 00:28:02.019 And the Bible tells us in Psalm 119, verse 9, it says, 00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:08.039 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereunto according to thy word? 00:28:08.400 --> 00:28:10.220 With thy whole heart I have sought thee. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:13.340 Oh, let me not wander from thy commandments. 00:28:13.840 --> 00:28:17.860 Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. 00:28:17.859 --> 00:28:19.000 You know? 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.879 The reality is this. 00:28:20.979 --> 00:28:23.279 Satan studies us and knows your weakness. 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:25.519 You know? 00:28:27.479 --> 00:28:30.839 Those darts of the devil are at the weakness. 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:34.979 As in several times, he'll do that throughout the day. 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:36.199 He'll go to the spot. 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:40.659 He'll look to what he considers a weakness in the shield of faith. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:42.379 You know, where are you struggling? 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:43.299 Where are those things? 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.539 He's going to throw a dart there. 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:47.200 That's the reason we need to have those things ready. 00:28:47.839 --> 00:28:52.319 And have things to not only deflect or to absorb them, 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:58.159 but to be able to be offensive with them in that sense of not offending somebody, 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:59.379 but having an offense. 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:01.659 What should I do when this happens? 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:03.680 You know, what does God's word say about it? 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:05.059 How should I respond to this? 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:09.980 Because we need to understand that the devil is always trying to trick. 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:11.400 He's trying to deceive. 00:29:11.539 --> 00:29:14.500 The Bible tells us he was a murderer from the beginning 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:18.160 and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:20.860 When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, 00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:23.400 for he is a liar and the father of it. 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:27.259 Now, I want you to understand, because we understand this dynamic in real life. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:30.980 When we get caught up in a lie, it's not because the lie was obvious. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:34.680 We get caught up in a lie because it seems to make sense. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:39.380 It seems to be something that, well, that sounds right, 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:42.799 but that's the reason we need the word of God to be able to say, is it right? 00:29:44.840 --> 00:29:47.620 Because we usually don't get caught by lies that are obvious. 00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:52.380 You know, if you were to walk outside and we're standing looking up at the sky 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:53.900 and I'm telling you, it's green. 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.140 The sky is green. 00:29:56.380 --> 00:29:56.840 What would you do? 00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:59.420 You'd look at me and say, preacher, you don't have a clue what color it is. 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:02.019 You need to go get your eyes checked. 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:03.660 How do you know that's not true? 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:07.500 Because you have something, an understanding of what is true. 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:09.240 The same works in the word of God. 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:10.619 The devil loves to deceive, 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:15.819 but we need to know what the truth is in order to identify a lie 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:20.720 because the problem is, is a lie gets caught up very simply because it sounds good. 00:30:22.639 --> 00:30:25.639 Our culture manipulates with lies all the time. 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:28.160 This will be beneficial for you. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:30.339 I mean, you think, well, let's use a big one in society. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.119 How about abortion? 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:34.119 Abortion is a lot of people buying a big lie. 00:30:34.479 --> 00:30:38.039 It's there because they believe the lie, this is beneficial for me. 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:40.319 But we know from God's word, it's not. 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:41.859 It's killing of a person. 00:30:42.179 --> 00:30:43.179 It's selfishness. 00:30:43.439 --> 00:30:46.739 It's seeking what I want because it's comfortable or convenient. 00:30:47.239 --> 00:30:48.439 I mean, there's a lot of elements. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:50.079 It's more than just killing a child, 00:30:50.159 --> 00:30:53.259 but how many lies and layers of lies do they believe to get there? 00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:56.339 It's lies that they believe that are counter to the word of God. 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:59.699 How do you counteract them in your mind to say, what does God say? 00:30:59.699 --> 00:30:59.939 What does God say? 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:02.379 How does that fit? 00:31:02.479 --> 00:31:03.599 How does that put together? 00:31:03.899 --> 00:31:05.199 Because there's no truth. 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:10.359 We need to understand that you counteract a lie with it is written. 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:16.740 You know, if you were to be named with these others, these unnamed people here in Hebrews chapter 11, 00:31:17.199 --> 00:31:22.339 who live by faith, it is essential to learn how to quench the darts of the devil. 00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:26.819 You know, because we see here they had a purpose tenacity. 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:34.220 There was a tenacity there that stuck with a faithfulness that these others displayed didn't happen by accident. 00:31:35.119 --> 00:31:36.139 It was purposeful. 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:44.259 It was fervent because they deemed him more worthy than the immediate relief or satisfaction. 00:31:44.699 --> 00:31:48.519 You know, oftentimes people give up or give in because it's convenient for the moment. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:50.680 It's easy to give up when it's convenient. 00:31:52.180 --> 00:31:55.299 But we forget to look and see what's the long-term impact. 00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:56.940 You know, they had a heavenly fame. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:58.599 Look here in verse 38. 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.099 It says this, 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:09.439 I mean, these people had some issues. 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:10.939 They had problems. 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:14.599 Notice what happened to them back in verse 37. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:15.379 They were stoned. 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:16.259 They were sawn asunder. 00:32:16.379 --> 00:32:16.859 They were tempted. 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.439 They were slain with the sword. 00:32:18.639 --> 00:32:23.959 They wandered in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. 00:32:24.339 --> 00:32:28.419 You know, these others lived apart from the world that the world wanted nothing to do with them. 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:31.200 And these others were renowned in the earth. 00:32:31.300 --> 00:32:35.220 Their names were never in the limelight, but they were known in heaven. 00:32:35.320 --> 00:32:35.660 You know what? 00:32:36.300 --> 00:32:40.019 Sometimes we worry more about what the world thinks about our name than what God thinks. 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:43.120 Because what we ought to say is, what does God see when he looks at me? 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.620 Where would we be placed? 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:49.420 You know, we understand that we ought to worry about what God's perspective is. 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:55.259 This is why the scripture reminds us over and over to live separate from the world and its influences. 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:57.579 You know, Micah 2.10 says, 00:32:57.779 --> 00:33:00.440 Arise ye and depart, for this is not your rest. 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:05.259 Because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction. 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:10.039 You know, sometimes we have to just avoid the things of the world. 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:11.920 You have to make a choice that's counter. 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:18.279 And the things we do, the places we go, the decisions we make, the priorities we place. 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:21.180 We need to understand Romans 12.2 says this, 00:33:21.180 --> 00:33:33.920 Colossians says, 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:45.840 You know, when we understand this heavenly fame of what God would have, what is God's perspective on it? 00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:48.119 And we see here this hall of faith. 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:52.059 And as we read down the list of names here in Hebrews chapter 11, 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:57.699 the words by faith and through faith precede each of those that are named. 00:33:58.399 --> 00:34:04.879 You know, likewise the others are characterized with the words through faith. 00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:06.559 Look at verse 39. 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:12.619 And all these having obtained a good report through faith. 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:14.059 Who was given the report? 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.599 God. 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:19.200 They have obtained a good report through what? 00:34:21.120 --> 00:34:21.559 Faith. 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:24.940 Trusting in what God said. 00:34:25.640 --> 00:34:28.400 You know, to be full of faith is to be faithful. 00:34:29.260 --> 00:34:35.320 You know, consider what Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 verse 21. 00:34:35.820 --> 00:34:36.420 He makes it clear, 00:34:36.539 --> 00:34:40.200 Well done thou what good and faithful servant. 00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:42.740 You know, today we look for a lot of heroes all over. 00:34:42.739 --> 00:34:46.519 You know, people we get all sorts of heroes promoted. 00:34:46.699 --> 00:34:48.659 I mean, you see sports heroes. 00:34:48.899 --> 00:34:52.319 I mean, it's amazing how many people will follow heroes of sports. 00:34:52.459 --> 00:34:54.419 You know, people who did great things. 00:34:54.500 --> 00:35:01.599 And they'll be able to give you stats all the way down through from when they first did their first little league or whatever it was. 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:03.860 I mean, it's amazing how people follow somebody. 00:35:03.860 --> 00:35:06.259 And they look up to them. 00:35:06.319 --> 00:35:09.639 Or you have individuals in music. 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:14.039 I mean, it's amazing how many people are influenced by musicians. 00:35:14.559 --> 00:35:16.139 You know, your music impacts you. 00:35:16.139 --> 00:35:19.579 It creates a way you think. 00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:21.920 Now, we can look at certain musicians and say, 00:35:22.059 --> 00:35:24.219 Oh, yeah, they're ungodly individuals. 00:35:24.299 --> 00:35:25.239 But you know what the problem is? 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:26.420 Those aren't really the problem. 00:35:26.739 --> 00:35:30.879 The problem are those that promote lies that sound good. 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:35.539 There's a lot of music under a Christian label that promote lies contrary to the Word of God. 00:35:36.599 --> 00:35:42.119 When you hear a song, don't listen to it because somebody you like sang it. 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:46.079 We ought to take a little discernment and look at it and say, is it speaking truth? 00:35:46.239 --> 00:35:50.659 Because if it's not speaking truth by you repeating that into your mind, you know what it's doing? 00:35:50.900 --> 00:35:53.319 It's planting seeds of lies in your head. 00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:55.279 I know a preacher's stepping on toes today, right? 00:35:57.380 --> 00:36:01.279 But it's important to stop and think the things we watch, you know? 00:36:01.960 --> 00:36:03.980 I hate watching shows about the Bible. 00:36:04.299 --> 00:36:04.659 It's funny. 00:36:04.759 --> 00:36:05.519 You'll read these reviews. 00:36:05.599 --> 00:36:06.719 Oh, this is going great. 00:36:07.299 --> 00:36:08.539 And I'm looking at it going, 00:36:09.859 --> 00:36:12.000 I'm five minutes in and this whole thing. 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:12.880 It's messed up. 00:36:13.980 --> 00:36:15.179 But you know what the problem is? 00:36:15.199 --> 00:36:16.960 You have a whole world that believes the lie. 00:36:18.880 --> 00:36:21.159 Because they think what's being shown to them is truth. 00:36:22.719 --> 00:36:23.639 That's the danger. 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:26.039 You know, I'm going to step on toes. 00:36:26.119 --> 00:36:26.800 I guess we're almost done. 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:28.340 We'll just stomp here a little bit. 00:36:28.539 --> 00:36:30.480 A lot of people watch shows like The Chosen. 00:36:30.659 --> 00:36:34.920 Chosen is so contrary to the Word of God. 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:40.400 It promotes Jesus in a light contrary to the Word of God. 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:45.300 By watching it, you're saying that's okay, not only for you, 00:36:45.360 --> 00:36:50.440 but it's promoting and endorsing things that are counter to the Word of God. 00:36:50.720 --> 00:36:53.280 Like I said, the problem is, isn't the big things that are different? 00:36:53.280 --> 00:36:59.340 The danger is when you have a lie that's so close that people believe it to be true. 00:37:01.240 --> 00:37:02.600 You know, I look at it this way. 00:37:02.660 --> 00:37:06.000 If God wanted us to see God in a video form, 00:37:06.060 --> 00:37:07.960 He would have waited to send Jesus till today. 00:37:08.340 --> 00:37:10.800 But the Bible says it was at the appointed time. 00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:12.720 Because we don't, 00:37:13.240 --> 00:37:16.480 the Word of God doesn't give us extra perceptions 00:37:16.480 --> 00:37:20.400 that are added to try to twist Jesus to who they want Him to be. 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:22.480 You can kick another one around about idols. 00:37:23.940 --> 00:37:26.119 Idol is an image that represents God. 00:37:26.360 --> 00:37:28.579 You can chew on that one a while of how that one works out. 00:37:28.820 --> 00:37:31.500 When you try to humanize Jesus in a picture, 00:37:31.659 --> 00:37:34.199 people have a picture in their mind, that's what Jesus is. 00:37:34.460 --> 00:37:37.519 I think there's a very important reason we have no pictures of Jesus. 00:37:37.760 --> 00:37:39.539 Because He's so much more than a picture. 00:37:39.539 --> 00:37:42.280 It becomes an idol that people would worship. 00:37:42.280 --> 00:37:45.920 So I want you to see here, the hall of fame here is those who had faith. 00:37:47.519 --> 00:37:49.400 You know, those that impact your life. 00:37:49.660 --> 00:37:52.980 You know, you need to understand the impact that you have is important 00:37:52.980 --> 00:37:55.560 and the impact that others have upon you is important. 00:37:56.780 --> 00:38:01.680 And the one we ought to look to is not only those that have been faithful to God 00:38:01.680 --> 00:38:03.340 that impact our life, 00:38:03.340 --> 00:38:08.600 but we ought to be looking and keeping our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith. 00:38:08.599 --> 00:38:13.940 Because nobody becomes a child of God without faith. 00:38:14.679 --> 00:38:18.639 And God expects us to keep faith as we move through. 00:38:19.599 --> 00:38:21.259 You know, Romans 5.1 says, 00:38:21.480 --> 00:38:23.319 Therefore being justified by what? 00:38:24.159 --> 00:38:24.639 Faith. 00:38:24.779 --> 00:38:25.599 Faith in what? 00:38:25.699 --> 00:38:27.119 Not just faith that there's a God, 00:38:27.259 --> 00:38:30.420 but faith that Jesus Christ came and died for your sin. 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:34.500 That it wasn't just generic, but it was personal. 00:38:34.900 --> 00:38:37.579 Faith that what He did redeemed you. 00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:39.759 And that you're born again. 00:38:39.880 --> 00:38:41.259 You're new in Christ. 00:38:41.420 --> 00:38:42.799 That's the faith that saves. 00:38:43.159 --> 00:38:46.340 No one reaches the finish line without faith. 00:38:46.460 --> 00:38:47.159 We'll conclude here. 00:38:47.259 --> 00:38:48.880 Think about 2 Timothy 4.7, 00:38:49.400 --> 00:38:50.920 where the Apostle Paul says this, 00:38:51.019 --> 00:38:52.079 I have fought a good fight. 00:38:52.239 --> 00:38:53.579 I have finished my course. 00:38:55.440 --> 00:38:58.920 I have kept the faith. 00:38:59.119 --> 00:38:59.799 What about you? 00:38:59.860 --> 00:39:03.880 What can we learn from the others in the hall of fame of faith? 00:39:03.880 --> 00:39:06.980 The others that made a difference. 00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:09.240 Because the reality is, 00:39:09.300 --> 00:39:13.099 is you could be listed when you choose to follow Christ by faith. 00:39:14.440 --> 00:39:18.920 That list can include you here when God gives an order of this. 00:39:19.000 --> 00:39:20.400 I think one day we're going to see that in heaven. 00:39:20.539 --> 00:39:23.039 God's going to finish the list, you might say. 00:39:23.039 --> 00:39:26.599 When we receive our reward. 00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:27.759 But what about you? 00:39:27.840 --> 00:39:28.179 Let's pray. 00:39:28.259 --> 00:39:30.920 Heavenly Father, as we just come before you here once again.