1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,952 >> You can also download our church app. 2 00:00:02,952 --> 00:00:07,702 Just search for "First Colony Church of Christ" in the App Store or on 3 00:00:07,708 --> 00:00:09,708 Google Play. 4 00:00:09,708 --> 00:00:12,750 The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First Colony 5 00:00:12,751 --> 00:00:14,751 Church. 6 00:00:14,751 --> 00:00:18,284 Thank you for joining us today. 7 00:00:18,285 --> 00:00:48,745 We are glad you're here. 8 00:03:33,423 --> 00:03:35,423 >> Thank you for joining us today. 9 00:03:35,423 --> 00:03:39,510 We want to let you know about a few items of interest. 10 00:03:39,516 --> 00:03:44,404 First, go to our website, firstcolonychurch.org, and go there often. 11 00:03:44,404 --> 00:03:50,747 You'll find links to our worship services; Bible study options; online 12 00:03:50,753 --> 00:03:54,911 giving; and our podcast, Anchor Point. 13 00:03:54,913 --> 00:03:57,566 You can also download our church app. 14 00:03:57,568 --> 00:04:02,790 Just search for "First Colony Church of Christ" in the App Store or on 15 00:04:02,793 --> 00:04:04,793 Google Play. 16 00:04:04,793 --> 00:04:07,799 The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First Colony 17 00:04:07,800 --> 00:04:09,800 Church. 18 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:13,074 Thank you for joining us today. 19 00:04:13,074 --> 00:04:21,757 We are glad you're here. 20 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:25,607 >> Grant: Well, good morning and welcome to the First Colony Church of 21 00:04:25,607 --> 00:04:29,747 Christ, where our mission is to honor God and lead people into a growing 22 00:04:29,747 --> 00:04:32,339 relationship with Him. 23 00:04:32,340 --> 00:04:36,677 We're excited you joined us today for worship as we center on the 24 00:04:36,677 --> 00:04:40,008 Biblical themes found in the Scriptures in 3 John. 25 00:04:40,010 --> 00:04:43,776 Of course, today is Valentine's Day so happy Valentine's Day to you all; 26 00:04:43,776 --> 00:04:49,396 and as we think about love and as we enter into this time of worship, 27 00:04:49,594 --> 00:04:56,262 let's remember that our God is the definition of love at His very core. 28 00:04:56,262 --> 00:05:00,762 Let's stand as we enter into this time of worship today. 29 00:05:00,762 --> 00:05:03,539 >> Richard: We want to teach you a new song today! 30 00:05:03,542 --> 00:05:39,182 ("Your Love awakeness me" playing) 31 00:08:20,980 --> 00:08:24,836 >> God's love is greater and stronger, amen! 32 00:08:24,836 --> 00:08:27,459 We want to stand in His love. 33 00:08:27,462 --> 00:08:58,494 His love is a shelter of protection and strength. 34 00:08:58,494 --> 00:09:29,717 ("Stand in Your Love" playing) 35 00:11:18,269 --> 00:11:21,059 >> Richard: Oh, yes, I'm standing in Your love. 36 00:11:21,156 --> 00:11:51,156 ♫ 37 00:11:57,583 --> 00:11:59,583 (Applause) 38 00:11:59,583 --> 00:12:01,583 >> Joel: All right! 39 00:12:01,583 --> 00:12:03,583 You guys can be seated. 40 00:12:03,583 --> 00:12:07,237 Well, happy Valentine's Day to everyone here. 41 00:12:07,237 --> 00:12:11,237 Thank you for braving the elements and joining us here at worship. 42 00:12:11,237 --> 00:12:15,237 Those of you that are home, we're glad you're here as well. 43 00:12:15,237 --> 00:12:18,104 Well, it's Valentine's Day, and what is so exciting is that people often 44 00:12:18,104 --> 00:12:20,104 look for the perfect gift. 45 00:12:20,104 --> 00:12:26,422 They want to give the very best, and so often maybe that's chocolate. 46 00:12:26,426 --> 00:12:28,426 Maybe it's gift cards. 47 00:12:28,426 --> 00:12:30,426 Maybe it's clothes. 48 00:12:30,426 --> 00:12:34,854 I actually looked up online, what are the worst gifts that people have 49 00:12:34,855 --> 00:12:37,740 given on Valentine's Day, and one of them was a trash can, and another 50 00:12:37,740 --> 00:12:40,376 one was jumper cables. 51 00:12:40,377 --> 00:12:45,195 So apparently those aren't good, just in case you got those and haven't 52 00:12:45,195 --> 00:12:50,165 given them yet, maybe add something to them. 53 00:12:50,165 --> 00:12:53,276 So the question is we are looking for the perfect gift, and we're 54 00:12:53,278 --> 00:12:57,716 looking for each other; but as a believer we want to give God the 55 00:12:57,719 --> 00:12:59,719 perfect gift. 56 00:12:59,719 --> 00:13:02,123 You know, what is that? 57 00:13:02,123 --> 00:13:07,501 Is that, you know -- I'm gonna spend more time with You, God. 58 00:13:07,502 --> 00:13:10,854 I'm gonna sacrifice somewhere and give You just a little bit more in 59 00:13:10,978 --> 00:13:12,978 this area. 60 00:13:12,978 --> 00:13:15,127 What is the perfect gift for God? 61 00:13:15,127 --> 00:13:17,983 Well, we have an awesome worship team, as you know, and so often they 62 00:13:17,985 --> 00:13:22,768 have to try to look through my back to see what is going on, and don't 63 00:13:22,768 --> 00:13:26,262 you feel bad they don't necessarily get to see? 64 00:13:26,262 --> 00:13:28,262 They have to watch the cameras. 65 00:13:28,262 --> 00:13:32,664 So I will give them a glimpse of what the most incredible gift that you 66 00:13:32,664 --> 00:13:34,664 could give God is. 67 00:13:34,664 --> 00:13:36,664 Are you surprised? 68 00:13:36,664 --> 00:13:38,664 Is it true? 69 00:13:38,664 --> 00:13:40,664 Nod your head. 70 00:13:40,664 --> 00:13:42,664 Is that the most incredible gift you could give God? 71 00:13:42,664 --> 00:13:44,664 It is. 72 00:13:44,664 --> 00:13:46,664 How about that? 73 00:13:46,664 --> 00:13:48,664 It is? 74 00:13:48,664 --> 00:13:50,664 I will go -- poor Thomas. 75 00:13:50,664 --> 00:13:52,664 He's in a cage. 76 00:13:52,664 --> 00:13:54,664 He never gets to get out. 77 00:13:54,664 --> 00:13:56,664 (Laughter) 78 00:13:56,664 --> 00:13:58,664 Do you see what that is? 79 00:13:58,664 --> 00:14:00,664 Is it what you expected? 80 00:14:00,664 --> 00:14:02,664 The most incredible gift? 81 00:14:02,664 --> 00:14:04,664 Do you guys wanted to see? 82 00:14:04,664 --> 00:14:06,664 >> Yea! 83 00:14:06,664 --> 00:14:08,664 >> Joel: Are you sure? 84 00:14:08,664 --> 00:14:10,664 Can you handle this? 85 00:14:10,664 --> 00:14:12,664 Well, first you get the Bible verse. 86 00:14:12,664 --> 00:14:14,664 And the Bible verse is this: Matthew 22. 87 00:14:14,664 --> 00:14:18,460 Someone ask asked gussets, what's the most important commandment? 88 00:14:18,562 --> 00:14:20,562 And Jesus responded in verse 37. 89 00:14:20,562 --> 00:14:23,362 He said, YOU shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, 90 00:14:23,362 --> 00:14:25,362 mind, and strength. 91 00:14:25,362 --> 00:14:28,562 Do you want to know what the most incredible gift you can give God is? 92 00:14:28,562 --> 00:14:30,562 It's YOU. 93 00:14:30,562 --> 00:14:32,562 It's love. 94 00:14:32,562 --> 00:14:34,562 But as you can see, it's a mirror. 95 00:14:34,562 --> 00:14:37,362 I don't know if you can get zapped in the eyes as I twist it around to 96 00:14:37,362 --> 00:14:40,562 make sure everyone gets hit -- now I'm going for the camera. 97 00:14:40,562 --> 00:14:42,562 Boom! 98 00:14:42,562 --> 00:14:44,562 Nailed you! 99 00:14:44,562 --> 00:14:47,229 All right, well, bottom line, it is you; and friends, as we celebrate 100 00:14:47,230 --> 00:14:49,230 Valentine's Day, we think about love. 101 00:14:49,231 --> 00:14:51,611 And we say, okay, how can I love God more? 102 00:14:51,611 --> 00:14:54,061 He who has My commandments and keeps them loves Me, but ultimately it's 103 00:14:54,732 --> 00:14:58,776 giving ourself to Him, and that is where love begin. 104 00:14:58,776 --> 00:15:00,776 Thank you very much. 105 00:15:00,776 --> 00:15:02,776 (Applause) 106 00:15:02,776 --> 00:15:07,449 >> There's one day of the year when love is celebrated in abundance. 107 00:15:07,449 --> 00:15:10,116 Big red hearts pass to all our friends, bags of the best chocolate 108 00:15:10,116 --> 00:15:12,116 consumed by the pound. 109 00:15:12,116 --> 00:15:14,470 Cards, candy, nice meals, surprise gifts. 110 00:15:14,472 --> 00:15:20,014 It's lavish and lovely and reminds us of all the good things. 111 00:15:20,014 --> 00:15:23,891 But what does love look like when it spills to every other day of the 112 00:15:23,891 --> 00:15:25,891 year? 113 00:15:25,891 --> 00:15:27,891 Maybe it's food banks always stocked. 114 00:15:27,891 --> 00:15:29,891 Hard conversations over hot cups of coffee. 115 00:15:29,891 --> 00:15:31,891 Holding the hand of a stranger. 116 00:15:31,891 --> 00:15:34,078 Sticking it out through hard times. 117 00:15:34,149 --> 00:15:36,149 Sitting in grief. 118 00:15:36,149 --> 00:15:38,149 It's not even yours. 119 00:15:38,149 --> 00:15:40,315 Delivering hope through a simple card. 120 00:15:40,318 --> 00:15:42,318 (Laughter) 121 00:15:42,318 --> 00:15:44,550 er and goodwill. 122 00:15:44,550 --> 00:15:46,550 Provision, protection, patience. 123 00:15:46,550 --> 00:15:48,550 Forgiveness before it's asked. 124 00:15:48,550 --> 00:15:50,626 Walking a mile in another's shoes. 125 00:15:51,058 --> 00:15:54,814 We know this kind of love because we saw it. 126 00:15:54,814 --> 00:15:56,814 . 127 00:15:56,814 --> 00:16:01,156 Love is the Son willing to hang on the cross, that God willing to die in 128 00:16:01,156 --> 00:16:05,112 our place, the Father who had a plan to save His children from the 129 00:16:05,112 --> 00:16:07,112 moment He created us. 130 00:16:07,112 --> 00:16:09,658 We were always on His heart and still are. 131 00:16:09,660 --> 00:16:16,875 Every day of the year. 132 00:16:16,875 --> 00:16:19,730 >> Grant: There we go. 133 00:16:19,730 --> 00:16:24,388 As Josea and Maria Casanueva come their way up to lead us in communion, 134 00:16:24,391 --> 00:16:29,055 if you're at home, go ahead and get your supplies out. 135 00:16:29,056 --> 00:16:31,056 If you're here, get your back its out. 136 00:16:31,056 --> 00:16:33,399 If you don't have one, we have extras in the back. 137 00:16:33,399 --> 00:16:36,127 As we finish up, if you will take those and put them in the bags and 138 00:16:36,127 --> 00:16:40,004 baskets at the end of the aisle and you can throw them out on your way 139 00:16:40,004 --> 00:16:42,004 out. 140 00:16:42,004 --> 00:16:44,932 Let's enter into this sacred time of communion. 141 00:16:44,932 --> 00:16:46,932 Thank you. 142 00:16:46,932 --> 00:16:48,932 Jose? 143 00:16:48,932 --> 00:16:50,932 >> Jose: Good morning. 144 00:16:50,932 --> 00:16:53,948 My name is Jose Casanueva, my wife Maria, and we're grateful to lead you 145 00:16:53,951 --> 00:16:58,523 in celebrating the Lord's Super this -- Supper this morning. 146 00:16:59,526 --> 00:17:04,167 We will pray for the bread, representing the body of Christ, given for 147 00:17:04,172 --> 00:17:08,456 us; and the cup, which represents the blood He poured for the 148 00:17:08,461 --> 00:17:10,461 forgiveness of our sins. 149 00:17:10,461 --> 00:17:15,625 Let's pray. 150 00:17:15,628 --> 00:17:22,529 Heavenly Father, in the book of Romans chapter 5, verses 6-8, it is 151 00:17:22,529 --> 00:17:29,426 written: you see, at just the right time when we were still powerless, 152 00:17:29,426 --> 00:17:33,668 Christ died for the ton Godly -- the ungodly. 153 00:17:33,868 --> 00:17:39,115 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person. 154 00:17:39,118 --> 00:17:43,468 For a good person, someone might possibly there to die. 155 00:17:43,471 --> 00:17:46,255 God demonstrates His love for us in this. 156 00:17:46,256 --> 00:17:50,108 While we were still shynesses, Christ died for us. 157 00:17:50,108 --> 00:17:54,725 While we were still shynesses, Christ died for us. 158 00:17:54,727 --> 00:18:00,475 Thank you for providing a way for all of us to be reconciled back to 159 00:18:00,481 --> 00:18:02,481 You. 160 00:18:02,481 --> 00:18:05,483 We receive by faith Your gift of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice for 161 00:18:05,489 --> 00:18:07,489 us on the cross. 162 00:18:07,489 --> 00:18:11,705 Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love, grace, and mercy. 163 00:18:11,706 --> 00:18:15,630 In Jesus' Name we pray. 164 00:18:15,630 --> 00:18:19,232 let's partake. 165 00:18:19,233 --> 00:18:38,917 >> Maria: Today I will be reading from 1 Peter, chapter 4, verses 7 166 00:18:38,923 --> 00:18:58,607 through 11, the Scripture will be on the screen for you to follow along. 167 00:19:16,026 --> 00:19:46,252 ("Resurrecting" playing) 168 00:23:32,949 --> 00:23:34,949 >> Grant: yeah, amen. 169 00:23:34,949 --> 00:23:36,949 Round of applause there. 170 00:23:36,949 --> 00:23:40,756 We are about to enter into our time of offering and leading us in our 171 00:23:40,756 --> 00:23:44,029 prayer today is David Avera, an elder of the church. 172 00:23:44,029 --> 00:23:46,029 Thank you, David. 173 00:23:46,029 --> 00:23:49,996 >> David: As we proposer our offering today, the eldership would like to 174 00:23:49,996 --> 00:23:53,110 thank you for your continued giving during this difficult time. 175 00:23:53,127 --> 00:23:57,771 For those of you who may not know, online giving is safe, secure, and 176 00:23:57,771 --> 00:24:02,757 easy to set is up; or you may also text to give. 177 00:24:02,757 --> 00:24:04,757 The link to giving is on your screen. 178 00:24:04,757 --> 00:24:08,756 Just remember, our giving is our partnership to make a difference for 179 00:24:08,760 --> 00:24:15,438 Jesus and His mission in this world so please pray with me for our 180 00:24:15,443 --> 00:24:17,443 offer. 181 00:24:17,443 --> 00:24:19,892 Most Graciously and Loving Heavenly Father, we, as a body of believe 182 00:24:19,894 --> 00:24:23,866 commerce, come before You now with glad and sincere hearts, thanking You 183 00:24:23,868 --> 00:24:28,502 for Your love and pleasings You shower down on us each and other day. 184 00:24:28,504 --> 00:24:34,310 We thank You for loving us first before we ever knew You. 185 00:24:34,314 --> 00:24:38,036 As we give back to You just a small sliver of what is already Yours, we 186 00:24:38,039 --> 00:24:43,079 do so in hopes that these gifts will be used to expand Your kingdom both 187 00:24:43,081 --> 00:24:46,441 here in our area but also in throughout the world. 188 00:24:46,443 --> 00:24:51,314 May those who have never heard the Name of Jesus come to know You. 189 00:24:51,316 --> 00:24:54,340 In Christ's Name we pray, amen. 190 00:24:54,340 --> 00:24:56,340 >> Grant: Thank you, David. 191 00:24:56,340 --> 00:24:59,340 All right, at this time we're about to enter into our fellowship 192 00:24:59,340 --> 00:25:01,340 greeting. 193 00:25:01,340 --> 00:25:03,521 Let me just remind y'all if you have first to fifth graders, they are 194 00:25:03,522 --> 00:25:09,505 able to go with Mr. Joel, who's back center here, to Main Street Live, a 195 00:25:09,574 --> 00:25:12,814 fantastic kids' worship service with age-appropriate teaching and 196 00:25:12,817 --> 00:25:14,817 activities. 197 00:25:14,817 --> 00:25:17,578 So they can head right there. 198 00:25:17,578 --> 00:25:22,436 Parents, you do need to sign your kid in for Main Street and can to that 199 00:25:22,439 --> 00:25:24,439 before service. 200 00:25:24,439 --> 00:25:27,663 If you haven't, you can go with Joel and sign them in right now. 201 00:25:27,669 --> 00:25:31,896 All right, let's go ahead and stand up for our time of fellowship 202 00:25:31,896 --> 00:25:33,896 greeting. 203 00:25:33,896 --> 00:25:35,896 Say hello to the folks around you. 204 00:25:35,896 --> 00:25:37,896 First to fifth graders, head to the back, and if you're online, thank 205 00:25:37,896 --> 00:25:39,896 you so much for joining us today. 206 00:25:39,896 --> 00:25:41,896 We love to know you're with us. 207 00:25:41,896 --> 00:25:46,466 Just sign in to the chat box and say hello. 208 00:25:49,205 --> 00:26:20,021 ("From the Day" playing) 209 00:29:09,927 --> 00:29:11,927 >> Richard: Yes, from the day You saved my soul! 210 00:29:11,927 --> 00:29:17,808 Thank you today for worshiping with us! 211 00:29:17,913 --> 00:29:24,385 You may be seated! 212 00:29:24,387 --> 00:29:29,236 >> Ronnie: Richard and team, thank you so very, very much; and good 213 00:29:29,238 --> 00:29:34,222 morning, everyone to those of you in the room. 214 00:29:34,224 --> 00:29:36,224 We're glad to see you. 215 00:29:36,224 --> 00:29:40,341 Those of you watching online, we welcome you as well, and it's just to 216 00:29:40,341 --> 00:29:43,395 be together for a time of worship whether we're in the room or together 217 00:29:43,395 --> 00:29:45,398 virtually. 218 00:29:45,398 --> 00:29:50,511 It's good to sort of recalibrate and root ourselves into big picture of 219 00:29:50,511 --> 00:29:53,676 things in God's grace and truth. 220 00:29:53,678 --> 00:29:56,824 We'd love to hear from you and pray for you. 221 00:29:56,824 --> 00:30:03,542 You can contact us via our online app or just right there on your screen 222 00:30:03,542 --> 00:30:05,542 as you're watching us. 223 00:30:05,542 --> 00:30:07,542 (clearing throat) 224 00:30:07,542 --> 00:30:09,542 Excuse me. 225 00:30:09,542 --> 00:30:12,780 We have some folks ready to visit with you and pray with you this 226 00:30:12,987 --> 00:30:14,987 morning. 227 00:30:14,987 --> 00:30:17,430 Well, in our teaching time, we're in a message series called "Small 228 00:30:17,430 --> 00:30:19,430 Books and Big Messages," looking at four big in the New Testament that 229 00:30:19,430 --> 00:30:21,820 are one-chapter books or in essence no-chapter books. 230 00:30:22,162 --> 00:30:24,484 There's no chapter 2. 231 00:30:24,484 --> 00:30:26,484 So two weeks ago we were in 2 John. 232 00:30:26,484 --> 00:30:33,509 Today we will be in 3 John, which is the shortest book in the New 233 00:30:33,758 --> 00:30:35,758 Testament. 234 00:30:35,758 --> 00:30:37,758 Only 219 words. 235 00:30:37,758 --> 00:30:39,758 Greek words. 236 00:30:39,758 --> 00:30:41,758 The title of today's message is "Walking in the Truth" because the word 237 00:30:41,758 --> 00:30:43,758 "Truth" is a keyword. 238 00:30:43,758 --> 00:30:47,264 You know, whenever you read a section of Scripture, you're looking for 239 00:30:47,410 --> 00:30:51,790 repeated terms; and the word "Truth" is repeated seven times in the book 240 00:30:51,790 --> 00:30:53,790 of 3 John. 241 00:30:53,791 --> 00:30:55,791 We love in the truth. 242 00:30:55,791 --> 00:30:57,791 The truth of God is our boundaries. 243 00:30:57,791 --> 00:30:59,791 We walk in the truth. 244 00:30:59,791 --> 00:31:01,791 We live in the truth. 245 00:31:01,791 --> 00:31:03,791 We love in the truth. 246 00:31:03,791 --> 00:31:09,375 And truth was the teaching handed down from the apostles. 247 00:31:09,427 --> 00:31:12,713 To us, it's the Word of God P written and revealed in the Bible to know 248 00:31:12,714 --> 00:31:17,018 the Bible is to have a standard of truth. 249 00:31:17,019 --> 00:31:21,411 To obey the truth is to obey the truth so that's where we are today. 250 00:31:21,411 --> 00:31:27,653 And gang, whenever we come before Scripture like this, our ultimate aim 251 00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:36,076 and goal is to help you add impact and influence and legacy to your 252 00:31:36,077 --> 00:31:38,078 circle. 253 00:31:38,078 --> 00:31:41,323 I believe this section of Scripture can help us. 254 00:31:41,325 --> 00:31:43,325 Let me introduce you to our cast of characters. 255 00:31:43,325 --> 00:31:49,169 This is the most personal of the apostle John's writings. 256 00:31:49,171 --> 00:31:51,171 It's incredibly personal. 257 00:31:51,171 --> 00:31:56,790 You know 2 John was written to a woman not really named. 258 00:31:56,790 --> 00:31:58,790 This letter has some very specific names. 259 00:31:58,790 --> 00:32:00,790 So here are our cast of characters on the screen. 260 00:32:00,790 --> 00:32:04,017 The apostle John is the one writing. 261 00:32:05,136 --> 00:32:10,326 Gaius, we'll meet Gaius, a great guy, a good leader. 262 00:32:10,326 --> 00:32:14,416 And then there's Diotrephes, not so much a good guy. 263 00:32:14,422 --> 00:32:21,827 In fact, if we had an audiencer, you cheer for Gaius and boo for 264 00:32:21,827 --> 00:32:23,827 Diotrephes. 265 00:32:23,827 --> 00:32:26,767 And then there's Demetrius, basically the mailman. 266 00:32:26,767 --> 00:32:30,568 He's the one who brought this letter to the readers, and he's also a 267 00:32:32,030 --> 00:32:35,949 traveling missionary, a traveling minister. 268 00:32:35,952 --> 00:32:40,334 Now, here's what you got to know, and this is somewhat encouraging that 269 00:32:40,334 --> 00:32:45,507 the apostle John, he's up in years now. 270 00:32:45,508 --> 00:32:48,848 This is about the last decade of the first century. 271 00:32:48,848 --> 00:32:52,441 It's been a LONG time since he was physically walking with Jesus, and 272 00:32:52,441 --> 00:32:57,179 even though he's an apostle and these are early churches, they have 273 00:32:57,179 --> 00:32:59,177 problems. 274 00:32:59,177 --> 00:33:03,642 Wherever you have people, you're gonna have challenges, and you had a 275 00:33:03,642 --> 00:33:09,685 number of people who wanted to open the door too widely. 276 00:33:09,687 --> 00:33:13,900 Whether they were just overly sentimental or perhaps they weren't 277 00:33:13,900 --> 00:33:19,064 discerning, there was no sense of truth; and they just endorsed 278 00:33:19,064 --> 00:33:21,064 everything. 279 00:33:21,064 --> 00:33:23,064 There was no discernment. 280 00:33:23,064 --> 00:33:25,064 They endorsed and blessed everything. 281 00:33:25,064 --> 00:33:27,064 And listen, we should love every one. 282 00:33:27,064 --> 00:33:29,064 We LOVE even our enemies. 283 00:33:29,064 --> 00:33:37,945 But we do not endorse every teaching, every idea, every concept. 284 00:33:39,296 --> 00:33:43,772 So you had some folk who just wanted to OPEN everything indiscriminately 285 00:33:43,776 --> 00:33:48,524 with no sense of discernment, no filter. 286 00:33:48,527 --> 00:33:54,111 Then you had others who wanted to make it so narrow -- maybe because of 287 00:33:54,115 --> 00:33:56,115 self-centered motives. 288 00:33:56,115 --> 00:34:01,623 They were TOO narrow and sometimes even mean-spirited so John would 289 00:34:01,823 --> 00:34:03,823 write about love. 290 00:34:03,823 --> 00:34:05,823 He'd also write about truth. 291 00:34:05,823 --> 00:34:07,823 He said both are vital. 292 00:34:07,823 --> 00:34:09,823 We walk in the truth. 293 00:34:09,823 --> 00:34:11,823 We walk in love. 294 00:34:11,823 --> 00:34:13,823 And we can do both. 295 00:34:13,823 --> 00:34:17,452 Let's not be too harsh, and let's not be too non-discerning as well. 296 00:34:17,686 --> 00:34:20,420 We can do this, all right? 297 00:34:20,422 --> 00:34:27,402 So reading 3 John 1, the elder -- that's the apostle John. 298 00:34:27,402 --> 00:34:29,402 (reading) 299 00:34:29,402 --> 00:34:32,989 He's gonna say "My dear friend Gaius" repeatedly. 300 00:34:32,989 --> 00:34:34,989 Whom I love in the truth. 301 00:34:34,989 --> 00:34:37,226 In other words, we share something in common. 302 00:34:37,226 --> 00:34:39,226 "I don't love you just as an enemy. 303 00:34:39,226 --> 00:34:41,226 WE are partners. 304 00:34:41,226 --> 00:34:43,226 We have fellowship with one another. 305 00:34:43,226 --> 00:34:45,226 I love you in the truth." 306 00:34:45,226 --> 00:34:47,226 Now, that name Gaius. 307 00:34:47,226 --> 00:34:51,318 There are three other people named Gaius in the New Testament. 308 00:34:51,318 --> 00:34:53,748 Is this one of those? 309 00:34:53,748 --> 00:34:55,748 Probably not. 310 00:34:55,748 --> 00:34:58,987 The name Gaius is actually one of the more common names at this time and 311 00:34:58,989 --> 00:35:00,988 in this area. 312 00:35:00,988 --> 00:35:02,988 Very common name. 313 00:35:02,988 --> 00:35:05,806 Did you ever see the movie "My big fat Greek wedding?" 314 00:35:06,641 --> 00:35:08,641 Funny, great movie. 315 00:35:08,641 --> 00:35:14,858 Remember the scene where the two families, the family of the bride and 316 00:35:14,858 --> 00:35:17,900 groom meet for the first time? 317 00:35:17,901 --> 00:35:23,177 The bride's family is this big, Greek family, and the patriarch, Gus, is 318 00:35:23,184 --> 00:35:27,620 introducing his family to the other family. 319 00:35:27,623 --> 00:35:31,179 He says, and this is my brother and his children. 320 00:35:31,179 --> 00:35:33,179 Nick, Diana, and Nick. 321 00:35:33,179 --> 00:35:39,063 And my other brother and his children -- Nick, Diana, and Nick. 322 00:35:39,080 --> 00:35:41,080 These are cousins and nieces and nephew. 323 00:35:42,027 --> 00:35:49,755 There's Nick, Nick, Nicky, Nick -- so you get where I'm going. 324 00:35:49,755 --> 00:35:52,189 So the name Gaius was a very, very common name. 325 00:35:52,189 --> 00:35:54,189 It's a cool name. 326 00:35:54,189 --> 00:35:58,141 It's a great-sounding name, kind of like our modern, you know, 327 00:35:58,143 --> 00:36:03,017 contemporary -- Bob, Bill, John, Ronald, COOL sounding names like that. 328 00:36:03,539 --> 00:36:07,901 So this is Gaius and he's a great guy. 329 00:36:07,987 --> 00:36:09,987 Fabulous guy. 330 00:36:09,987 --> 00:36:11,987 Verse 2. 331 00:36:11,987 --> 00:36:19,610 (reading) 332 00:36:19,610 --> 00:36:24,796 You're doing so well spiritually, I pray your business prospers. 333 00:36:24,800 --> 00:36:26,800 I pray your health prospers. 334 00:36:26,800 --> 00:36:30,360 Listen, and it's okay to pray for people to prosper, not just 335 00:36:30,365 --> 00:36:35,945 spiritually but in other ways because, listen, as the Old Testament will 336 00:36:35,949 --> 00:36:41,064 tell us, when righteous men and women prosper, EVERYTHING around them 337 00:36:41,068 --> 00:36:43,068 gets better. 338 00:36:43,068 --> 00:36:45,451 Haven't you ever worked for a wonderful boss? 339 00:36:45,451 --> 00:36:48,027 And she walks with the Lord? 340 00:36:49,091 --> 00:36:51,091 He walks with the Lord? 341 00:36:51,091 --> 00:36:53,415 And everything around them is better. 342 00:36:53,415 --> 00:36:55,733 It's a good thing. 343 00:36:56,806 --> 00:37:08,489 (reading) 344 00:37:08,489 --> 00:37:19,058 And now the best known statement in all of 3 John, verse 4. 345 00:37:19,058 --> 00:37:23,380 As any parent or spiritual parent can attest, that's a fabulous, 346 00:37:23,385 --> 00:37:25,385 fabulous joy. 347 00:37:25,386 --> 00:37:28,736 He says it again. 348 00:37:28,737 --> 00:37:30,737 "Dear friend." 349 00:37:30,737 --> 00:37:36,873 (reading) 350 00:37:36,873 --> 00:37:38,873 Now, what's Gaius doing for everyone? 351 00:37:38,873 --> 00:37:45,833 Listen carefully: Gaius is an underwriter. 352 00:37:45,833 --> 00:37:48,273 He is a sponsor. 353 00:37:48,273 --> 00:37:50,395 He is an energizer. 354 00:37:50,397 --> 00:37:57,329 He is a generous giver and supporter of missionaries and ministers. 355 00:37:57,329 --> 00:38:07,405 And if believers don't support missionaries and ministers, who will? 356 00:38:07,405 --> 00:38:09,405 Unbelievers are not. 357 00:38:09,405 --> 00:38:15,398 The federal government is not. 358 00:38:15,398 --> 00:38:20,635 In 2 John, we studied two weeks ago, the apostle John says, you cannot 359 00:38:20,637 --> 00:38:22,637 endorse everything. 360 00:38:22,637 --> 00:38:24,676 You got to have a sense of discernment about you. 361 00:38:24,676 --> 00:38:30,395 You can't just bless every teaching and teacher that comes along. 362 00:38:31,759 --> 00:38:33,759 Some deny Christ. 363 00:38:33,759 --> 00:38:35,759 Some have the spirit of the Antichrist. 364 00:38:35,759 --> 00:38:40,123 But good missionaries and teachers, my goodness! 365 00:38:40,125 --> 00:38:42,353 Support them. 366 00:38:42,353 --> 00:38:44,353 Underwrite them. 367 00:38:44,353 --> 00:38:47,399 Be a co-laborer with them. 368 00:38:47,399 --> 00:38:49,630 Notice what he said in verse 6. 369 00:38:49,634 --> 00:38:57,123 (reading) 370 00:38:57,123 --> 00:39:03,448 You know, over the years all of our missionary partners, we tried to do 371 00:39:03,448 --> 00:39:05,448 that. 372 00:39:05,448 --> 00:39:09,491 If we have a partnership to support and honor them in a way that honors 373 00:39:09,500 --> 00:39:15,095 God -- and it was for the sake of the Name they went out, receiving no 374 00:39:15,101 --> 00:39:17,101 help from the pagans. 375 00:39:17,101 --> 00:39:20,067 Again, ministers and missionaries -- unbelievers are not going to 376 00:39:20,260 --> 00:39:22,260 support them. 377 00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:24,260 Federal government is not going to support them. 378 00:39:24,260 --> 00:39:27,835 If WE don't, who will? 379 00:39:28,850 --> 00:39:30,850 Verse 8. 380 00:39:30,850 --> 00:39:36,319 (reading) 381 00:39:36,319 --> 00:39:38,319 Think support. 382 00:39:38,319 --> 00:39:40,319 Underwriting. 383 00:39:40,319 --> 00:39:42,319 Engaging, having a relationship with. 384 00:39:42,319 --> 00:39:46,205 We show hospitality to such people so that we may -- here's the 385 00:39:46,212 --> 00:39:49,608 phrase -- work together for the truth. 386 00:39:49,831 --> 00:39:51,952 In other words, not everyone can go. 387 00:39:51,952 --> 00:39:55,552 Not everyone can be a minister. 388 00:39:55,553 --> 00:39:57,553 Not everyone can be a missionary. 389 00:39:57,553 --> 00:40:05,411 But we can all play a part and support and as Jesus said, whoever 390 00:40:05,419 --> 00:40:11,509 partners with a righteous person also receives that righteous person's 391 00:40:11,513 --> 00:40:13,513 reward. 392 00:40:13,513 --> 00:40:21,647 I am fully aware that what I do is made possible by the sacrifice and 393 00:40:21,647 --> 00:40:28,628 donated dollars and cents of righteous -- not everybody can be a 394 00:40:28,630 --> 00:40:30,629 minister. 395 00:40:30,629 --> 00:40:32,629 Not everybody can be a missionary. 396 00:40:32,629 --> 00:40:34,629 We are co-laborers. 397 00:40:34,629 --> 00:40:42,077 Our missionaries, -- WE are co-laborers with them and YOU get, too, a 398 00:40:42,149 --> 00:40:45,312 righteous person's reward in that. 399 00:40:45,834 --> 00:40:47,834 And that's Gaius. 400 00:40:47,834 --> 00:40:54,126 That's who he is, a fabulous supporter, cheerleader, generous benefactor 401 00:40:54,126 --> 00:40:56,126 of good! 402 00:40:56,126 --> 00:40:58,126 That's wonderful! 403 00:40:58,126 --> 00:41:00,191 That's the kind of person we want to be! 404 00:41:00,191 --> 00:41:05,846 And now he, John turns it a little bit and we come to verse 9. 405 00:41:07,041 --> 00:41:09,041 (reading) 406 00:41:09,041 --> 00:41:11,628 Here's another church character, Diotrephes. 407 00:41:11,628 --> 00:41:16,974 Diotrephes loves to be first and Diotrephes would not welcome us. 408 00:41:16,975 --> 00:41:20,651 Hey, the apostle John is the apostle of love. 409 00:41:20,651 --> 00:41:25,305 Who would have anything against the apostle John? 410 00:41:25,306 --> 00:41:28,819 Answer: someone who didn't want to share the stage with the apostle 411 00:41:28,819 --> 00:41:30,818 John. 412 00:41:30,818 --> 00:41:32,819 Someone who didn't want to make room for him. 413 00:41:32,819 --> 00:41:37,729 Here's the way I would define the "Loves to be first" mentality. 414 00:41:39,061 --> 00:41:41,061 It's not a love to excel. 415 00:41:41,061 --> 00:41:43,061 That's not it. 416 00:41:43,061 --> 00:41:47,404 Love is to be first. 417 00:41:47,404 --> 00:41:50,004 An unwillingness to make room for the other substantial gifts that other 418 00:41:50,004 --> 00:41:53,402 brothers and sisters can bring to the table and wanted it all. 419 00:41:53,404 --> 00:41:57,390 Now, some of you remember -- and some of you probably didn't see this 420 00:41:57,472 --> 00:42:01,782 movie paw it's a very high-class movie called "Talledega Nights." 421 00:42:01,783 --> 00:42:03,783 (Laughter) 422 00:42:03,783 --> 00:42:08,030 And the key character in the movie is a guy by the name of Ricky Bobby. 423 00:42:08,030 --> 00:42:10,710 Remember Ricky Bobby? 424 00:42:10,712 --> 00:42:12,712 Here he is. 425 00:42:12,712 --> 00:42:14,712 He's on screen now. 426 00:42:14,712 --> 00:42:17,714 "If you ain't first, you're last." 427 00:42:17,714 --> 00:42:21,055 That was his motto. 428 00:42:21,055 --> 00:42:24,283 "If you ain't first, you're last." 429 00:42:24,286 --> 00:42:27,733 And he said, that's what his dad always said. 430 00:42:27,733 --> 00:42:31,430 You remember towards the end of the movie his dad said, "That's the 431 00:42:31,440 --> 00:42:33,720 dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. 432 00:42:33,723 --> 00:42:39,077 I didn't say that, or if I did, I didn't know what I was thinking. 433 00:42:39,077 --> 00:42:42,740 That's just not true "If you're not first you're last." 434 00:42:42,743 --> 00:42:45,071 You could be second, third, fourth. 435 00:42:45,071 --> 00:42:49,629 That's fine." 436 00:42:49,629 --> 00:42:54,769 but Diotrephes lives by the moto, if you're not first, you're last. 437 00:42:54,771 --> 00:42:56,996 What does that look like? 438 00:42:56,996 --> 00:42:58,996 John tells us. 439 00:42:58,996 --> 00:43:00,996 Verse 10. 440 00:43:00,996 --> 00:43:02,996 (reading) 441 00:43:02,996 --> 00:43:07,045 He said, I'm going to come there -- and we're not going to ignore this. 442 00:43:07,045 --> 00:43:09,045 You can't ignore church or any kind of bullies. 443 00:43:09,045 --> 00:43:13,563 When I come, I'm going to call attention to what he's doing. 444 00:43:13,568 --> 00:43:15,568 What's he doing? 445 00:43:15,568 --> 00:43:19,945 Spreading malicious nonsense about us. 446 00:43:19,948 --> 00:43:27,648 You know, this is that spirit that just loves to either find fault or 447 00:43:27,655 --> 00:43:29,655 create it. 448 00:43:29,655 --> 00:43:32,184 It's an attack mode mentality. 449 00:43:32,184 --> 00:43:34,280 It's that spirit that says, "Here's the way I'm going to earn your 450 00:43:35,178 --> 00:43:37,178 trust. 451 00:43:37,178 --> 00:43:43,884 I'm going to earn your trust by creating distrust in everybody else." 452 00:43:43,888 --> 00:43:50,993 I'm going to maliciously attack everyone else so the only person left is 453 00:43:50,993 --> 00:43:52,992 me. 454 00:43:52,992 --> 00:43:55,690 That's Diotrephes. 455 00:43:55,690 --> 00:44:01,780 And John say, (reading) 456 00:44:03,187 --> 00:44:08,225 you know like Gaius with a wonderful spirit that is helping? 457 00:44:08,225 --> 00:44:10,225 That's not Diotrephes. 458 00:44:10,225 --> 00:44:14,218 (reading) 459 00:44:14,218 --> 00:44:20,018 You mean to tell me that Diotrephes was even falsely accusing the 460 00:44:20,020 --> 00:44:22,020 apostle John? 461 00:44:22,020 --> 00:44:24,020 Yes. 462 00:44:24,020 --> 00:44:26,020 why? 463 00:44:26,020 --> 00:44:28,474 Because he was a threat. 464 00:44:28,474 --> 00:44:34,247 Listen very carefully: there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be a 465 00:44:34,251 --> 00:44:36,251 leader. 466 00:44:36,251 --> 00:44:41,011 The Bible says you aspire to be a leader that's a good thing. 467 00:44:41,011 --> 00:44:45,473 There's nothing wrong with aspiring to be a leader. 468 00:44:45,477 --> 00:44:50,205 There's nothing wrong with aspiring to excel in everything you do. 469 00:44:50,207 --> 00:44:54,150 Last week, Billy Granville was up here and talked about values and 470 00:44:54,156 --> 00:44:59,436 wanted to press along with his family and his children. 471 00:44:59,440 --> 00:45:02,584 You know, love God first. 472 00:45:02,584 --> 00:45:04,584 Love your family. 473 00:45:04,584 --> 00:45:06,584 Love your country, your nation. 474 00:45:06,584 --> 00:45:12,190 And excel and to excel in everything you do. 475 00:45:12,843 --> 00:45:18,825 He said, "It's okay to aspire to be captain of your team." 476 00:45:18,825 --> 00:45:23,300 Billy was captain of the football team at Duke University. 477 00:45:23,300 --> 00:45:25,300 It's good to aspire to be a leader. 478 00:45:25,300 --> 00:45:30,413 It's good to aspire to excellence in everything you do but in a 479 00:45:30,418 --> 00:45:35,608 community environment and a family environment -- which is what the 480 00:45:35,611 --> 00:45:42,358 church is -- you can't just take the wrong path of command and control 481 00:45:42,363 --> 00:45:47,553 and trying to earn trust by creating distrust in others. 482 00:45:48,075 --> 00:45:55,969 You aim to be a leader by following Jesus, not by following the spirit 483 00:45:55,969 --> 00:45:57,969 of Diotrephes. 484 00:45:57,969 --> 00:46:01,744 By the way, does Diotrephes sound like a happy person to you? 485 00:46:01,746 --> 00:46:04,543 No. 486 00:46:04,543 --> 00:46:12,695 Power and authority and the hands of a good person is a wonderful thing. 487 00:46:14,173 --> 00:46:21,921 Authority in the hands of a good person who's under the authority of the 488 00:46:21,923 --> 00:46:27,451 Lord Jesus Christ, that's a beautiful, wonderful thing. 489 00:46:27,452 --> 00:46:30,200 Well, continuing on, verse 11 here. 490 00:46:30,200 --> 00:46:32,200 (reading) 491 00:46:32,200 --> 00:46:34,200 He says it again today just." 492 00:46:34,200 --> 00:46:36,200 dear friend." 493 00:46:36,200 --> 00:46:40,923 (reading) 494 00:46:43,018 --> 00:47:05,302 And now he endorses the mailman who's bringing this letter who's a 2 00:47:05,305 --> 00:47:16,447 traveling minister, his name is Demetrius. 3 00:47:16,448 --> 00:47:18,448 Okay. 4 00:47:18,448 --> 00:47:22,389 So having read this short little letter, shortest in the New Testament 5 00:47:22,389 --> 00:47:24,389 what are some observations? 6 00:47:24,389 --> 00:47:36,094 Here's the third one: Play your part in both protecting and proclaiming 7 00:47:36,099 --> 00:47:41,081 the historic apostolic Christian message. 8 00:47:41,082 --> 00:47:49,978 Play your part. Listen carefully, in both protecting and proclaiming. 9 00:47:49,978 --> 00:47:55,436 Remember, two weeks ago John talks about protecting the Christian 10 00:47:55,436 --> 00:47:57,436 message. 11 00:47:57,436 --> 00:48:34,358 Let me remind you of what he says in 2 John 7. 12 00:48:37,385 --> 00:48:48,389 And verse 10. 13 00:48:48,389 --> 00:48:56,252 In other words, don't be so undiscerning. Don't be so sentimental that 14 00:48:56,257 --> 00:48:59,887 you endorse everything that you hear. 15 00:48:59,989 --> 00:49:04,469 I mean, as a parent, do you just let any kind of movie come into your 16 00:49:04,473 --> 00:49:06,473 house? 17 00:49:06,473 --> 00:49:09,421 You just let any kind of music come into your house? 18 00:49:09,421 --> 00:49:11,421 You just let any kind of information come around? 19 00:49:11,421 --> 00:49:16,196 And John says, there are deceivers out there, deceivers in the name of 20 00:49:17,128 --> 00:49:20,192 Christianity and they may mean well. 21 00:49:20,193 --> 00:49:22,796 They may be deceived themselves. 22 00:49:22,796 --> 00:49:29,492 But if they are denying essential cart national aspects of the Christian 23 00:49:29,494 --> 00:49:35,632 faith, again, we're not talking about sideline issues but John says 24 00:49:35,634 --> 00:49:42,330 you've got people denying Christ has come in the flesh, the incarnation. 25 00:49:42,332 --> 00:49:49,028 Either out of sentimentality or a lack of discernment, you're endorsing 26 00:49:49,030 --> 00:49:51,030 that. 27 00:49:51,030 --> 00:49:53,554 And he says in verse 11. 28 00:49:53,554 --> 00:50:00,043 In other words, there are things we need to say yes to and things to 29 00:50:00,043 --> 00:50:02,635 which we need to say no. 30 00:50:02,637 --> 00:50:10,056 Remember a couple of weeks ago I put the little gospel triage thing up 31 00:50:10,056 --> 00:50:15,353 here on the screen there you'll see the words: Essential, 32 00:50:15,353 --> 00:50:18,002 congregationally important, third level importance. 33 00:50:18,002 --> 00:50:22,622 I mean, there are certain things of first importance, essential, they 34 00:50:22,623 --> 00:50:27,243 define what a Christian is and someone who's not a Christian. 35 00:50:27,244 --> 00:50:32,113 And then there are matters of congregational importance and 36 00:50:32,116 --> 00:50:38,067 distinctiveness where, you know, it's like Paul and B. disagreed on 37 00:50:38,070 --> 00:50:46,185 whether you take John -- you can't take him and not take him at the same 38 00:50:46,190 --> 00:50:51,059 time. So they won't on separate missionary journeys. 39 00:50:51,162 --> 00:50:58,035 But they did not demonize each other. Sometimes you can't do a small 40 00:50:58,035 --> 00:51:04,417 group or a local church with people of really good faith, good people. 41 00:51:04,417 --> 00:51:09,017 But there are congregational distinctives, that's the reality. 42 00:51:09,018 --> 00:51:11,514 And then there are third level importance things. 43 00:51:11,514 --> 00:51:19,476 What a John is telling us here is you play your part in protecting the 44 00:51:19,476 --> 00:51:25,837 gospel message as Karen and her commentary on first, second and third 45 00:51:25,838 --> 00:51:31,671 John stays the essence of Christian leadership has a protective nature 46 00:51:31,674 --> 00:51:33,674 to it. 47 00:51:33,674 --> 00:51:38,302 We protect the teaching of the apostles that's been passed down and 48 00:51:38,308 --> 00:51:43,876 innovation in Christian belief and practice, it has to be bounded by 49 00:51:43,880 --> 00:51:49,448 apostolic orthodoxy and that's true until Jesus returns. Now, we also 50 00:51:49,453 --> 00:51:54,557 play a part in proclaiming, protecting and proclaiming and that's the 51 00:51:54,561 --> 00:51:56,881 message here in 3 John. 52 00:51:56,883 --> 00:52:01,719 In other words, be like Gaius, support, encourage the good. Underwrite, 53 00:52:01,720 --> 00:52:03,720 play a part. 54 00:52:03,720 --> 00:52:05,720 Be generous. 55 00:52:05,720 --> 00:52:09,264 And when you do that, you're a partner. 56 00:52:09,264 --> 00:52:11,264 You're a colaborer. 57 00:52:11,264 --> 00:52:17,337 You work together -- not everyone can go but we can all help support. 58 00:52:19,086 --> 00:52:22,137 Secondly, hold the loves to be first attitude accountable. 59 00:52:22,241 --> 00:52:29,675 Hold it accountable in yourself first. 60 00:52:29,675 --> 00:52:33,363 Hold it accountable in your little circle next. 61 00:52:33,366 --> 00:52:37,291 Let's protect ourselves from pride. 62 00:52:37,292 --> 00:52:43,076 Pride at every stage is your worst enemy. 63 00:52:43,076 --> 00:52:45,076 Humility is your best friend. 64 00:52:45,076 --> 00:52:51,101 And may I remind you, humility's not a lack of conviction. Humility is 65 00:52:51,107 --> 00:52:56,747 not a lack of doctrinal conviction, only the humble person can have 66 00:52:56,752 --> 00:52:58,752 convictions. 67 00:52:58,752 --> 00:53:00,752 Why? 68 00:53:00,752 --> 00:53:03,789 Because we're willing to come under -- we don't trust ourselves and we 69 00:53:03,793 --> 00:53:07,705 come under what the Lord has to say. 70 00:53:08,080 --> 00:53:12,116 Humility is not passivity, it's not being cowardly. Humility, though, 71 00:53:12,116 --> 00:53:17,248 is a willingness to put God in the spotlight to, want to develop others, 72 00:53:17,249 --> 00:53:22,384 to cheer others on. It's that willingness to use our own gifts and 73 00:53:22,385 --> 00:53:26,785 strengths even to benefit others and not just to our own benefit. 74 00:53:26,785 --> 00:53:36,559 And that's the beauty of humility. And so be aware of that loves to be 75 00:53:36,562 --> 00:53:43,283 first mindset, guard against it in yourself and in your circle. 76 00:53:43,285 --> 00:53:47,626 And by the way, you want to feed humility -- and we'll never perfectly 77 00:53:47,626 --> 00:53:49,626 get there, you know? 78 00:53:49,626 --> 00:53:54,157 No one will ever be able to say I'm proud to say I'm no longer proud, 79 00:53:54,231 --> 00:53:56,229 you know? 80 00:53:56,229 --> 00:53:58,828 None of us can say that. 81 00:53:58,828 --> 00:54:01,992 But how can you feed humility? 82 00:54:01,996 --> 00:54:04,404 First and foremost, you glory in the cross. 83 00:54:04,404 --> 00:54:10,820 And you realize that Jesus has not just saved us from low self-esteem. 84 00:54:10,821 --> 00:54:15,126 He has saved us from eternal death and from the just due of our sins. 85 00:54:15,127 --> 00:54:23,135 And we glory in the cross. And secondly, you know, celebrate God's 86 00:54:23,137 --> 00:54:26,833 gifts and grace to other people. 87 00:54:26,834 --> 00:54:30,974 Be willing to share the spotlight. 88 00:54:30,974 --> 00:54:37,327 And cheer one another on and be grateful for the gifts of and their 89 00:54:37,327 --> 00:54:39,327 gifts in your life. 90 00:54:39,327 --> 00:54:41,730 And listen to scripture. 91 00:54:41,730 --> 00:54:43,986 More than you listen to yourself. 92 00:54:43,988 --> 00:54:56,487 Last of all, I'm just going to quote John and what says to Gaius. 93 00:54:56,487 --> 00:55:02,435 There's a lot of junk around you and you'll have to be discerning. 94 00:55:02,439 --> 00:55:07,114 Don't imitate what's evil, I am at a time what's good. 95 00:55:07,217 --> 00:55:12,703 You see a Diotrephes, don't go there. You see a Gaius, yeah. 96 00:55:12,709 --> 00:55:16,627 You want to imitate that spirit. 97 00:55:16,627 --> 00:55:18,627 All right? 98 00:55:18,627 --> 00:55:21,170 Everybody, I want to thank you for being with us today watching online. 99 00:55:21,176 --> 00:55:23,717 I want to thank you for being here in the room. 100 00:55:23,719 --> 00:55:31,111 I want to remind you no one loves you like the Lord Jesus Christ. 101 00:55:31,116 --> 00:55:37,195 And you might say from time to time I just don't feel like I'm worthy to 102 00:55:37,195 --> 00:55:39,195 be called God's child. 103 00:55:39,195 --> 00:55:44,352 Listen carefully: Jesus Christ is fully worthy to be your savior and 104 00:55:44,359 --> 00:55:49,529 that makes you worthy to be God's son and God's daughter. 105 00:55:49,533 --> 00:55:55,084 And wherever you may be this day in your life -- I know we'd all like to 106 00:55:55,084 --> 00:56:00,284 know how things are going to turn out for us personally, I wish I could 107 00:56:00,284 --> 00:56:03,058 know about tomorrow and three months from now. 108 00:56:03,335 --> 00:56:10,721 Can God give a guarantee? I know your future is in His hand's. 109 00:56:10,721 --> 00:56:12,741 I know ultimately we in. 110 00:56:12,741 --> 00:56:15,480 I don't know what three months from today will look like for you. 111 00:56:15,580 --> 00:56:18,370 But I know this, we're called to walk in truth. 112 00:56:18,372 --> 00:56:23,367 What that means is we're going to walk day by day and we're going to 113 00:56:23,367 --> 00:56:25,367 trust God. 114 00:56:25,367 --> 00:56:33,623 We're going to trust God for our future and what He will bring about. 115 00:56:33,630 --> 00:56:38,817 And there's no better place to be than in his hands and purposes. 116 00:56:38,820 --> 00:56:42,580 May the Lord keep you and protect you. 117 00:56:42,580 --> 00:56:47,528 You are elder David is going to lead us now in prayer. 118 00:56:47,529 --> 00:56:50,181 >> Let's pray together. 119 00:56:50,183 --> 00:56:55,180 Dear heavenly father as we close our time together today we pray that as 120 00:56:55,180 --> 00:57:00,173 our world appears to be in turmoil at every turn we as Christians all 121 00:57:00,174 --> 00:57:04,101 remember that it is not politicians or governments, not doctors or 122 00:57:04,102 --> 00:57:08,739 hospitals, not even money or weather forecasts that we put our trust in. 123 00:57:08,740 --> 00:57:15,608 I pray that we all remember above all we trust and serve the king of 124 00:57:15,608 --> 00:57:17,608 kings. 125 00:57:17,608 --> 00:57:20,836 God I pray no matter what our personal beliefs are that we can pray for 126 00:57:20,836 --> 00:57:25,288 our leaders in whatever capacity they serve and that they all do what is 127 00:57:25,289 --> 00:57:27,289 right in your eyes. 128 00:57:27,289 --> 00:57:33,085 God, so often we focus on things of this Earth that ultimately do not 129 00:57:33,087 --> 00:57:35,087 matter. 130 00:57:35,087 --> 00:57:39,976 I pray that we keep our focus on what matters to you and I pray that we 131 00:57:39,976 --> 00:57:42,617 will always show love in every situation. 132 00:57:42,619 --> 00:57:46,095 Both when it is easy and especially when it is not. 133 00:57:46,100 --> 00:57:52,680 God, I pray that you intervene and heal us both our bodies and our 134 00:57:52,682 --> 00:57:54,682 spirits. 135 00:57:54,682 --> 00:57:58,774 Many of our numbers here in this church and many more of our friends and 136 00:57:58,774 --> 00:58:02,140 family are in desperate need of you right now. 137 00:58:02,144 --> 00:58:05,682 COVID as well as cancers, chronic pain and numerous other conditions are 138 00:58:05,688 --> 00:58:08,048 making many feel like they have no hope. 139 00:58:08,052 --> 00:58:13,308 We pray for your intervention and healing, for everyone who needs you. 140 00:58:13,309 --> 00:58:19,277 And God, I pray that you search us and use us in whatever way you need 141 00:58:19,278 --> 00:58:21,278 to expand your kingdom. 142 00:58:21,278 --> 00:58:24,370 I pray you give each of us a servant heart. 143 00:58:24,370 --> 00:58:28,492 God, thank you for loving us more than we will ever know. 144 00:58:28,492 --> 00:58:32,686 In Christ's name we pray. 145 00:58:32,686 --> 00:58:34,686 Amen. 146 00:58:34,686 --> 00:58:36,686 >> Thank you David. 147 00:58:36,686 --> 00:58:39,127 Well, church there are a ton of great ways to continue to be spiritually 148 00:58:39,127 --> 00:58:41,127 fed during this season. 149 00:58:41,127 --> 00:58:45,426 So don't miss out the things First Colony is offering. 150 00:58:45,432 --> 00:58:51,900 We have connections groups in full swings, men's and ladies groups. 151 00:58:52,003 --> 00:58:57,775 Great opportunities to jump in. Our classes at 9:45, there's something 152 00:58:57,778 --> 00:58:59,778 for everybody. 153 00:58:59,778 --> 00:59:02,048 We've got children's programs, students. 154 00:59:02,048 --> 00:59:04,216 Students also have the opportunity to be up here on campus Wednesday 155 00:59:05,254 --> 00:59:09,499 nights at 6:45 so that's a great opportunity students to stay connected 156 00:59:09,499 --> 00:59:11,500 there. 157 00:59:11,500 --> 00:59:15,494 And if you're online, , of course, every Sunday Kyle is teaching our 158 00:59:15,500 --> 00:59:17,500 online class. 159 00:59:17,500 --> 00:59:21,690 So you can stay on this live feed and connect or join from the YouTube 160 00:59:21,690 --> 00:59:23,690 channel. 161 00:59:23,690 --> 00:59:25,690 So another great opportunity. 162 00:59:25,690 --> 00:59:30,020 Church, I also want to make sure you know about a ministry we have 163 00:59:30,020 --> 00:59:35,058 called celebrate recovery that provides a safe confidential place on the 164 00:59:35,058 --> 00:59:37,806 road to hurts, habits and hangups. 165 00:59:37,806 --> 00:59:42,496 So if you're ready to take your first step they are now meeting in 166 00:59:42,497 --> 00:59:44,497 person on Friday nights. 167 00:59:44,497 --> 00:59:50,256 6:30, you can come up and find a great group of people to walk through 168 00:59:50,256 --> 00:59:52,256 life's struggles with. 169 00:59:52,256 --> 00:59:57,635 The online option is still available but they're meeting Friday nights. 170 00:59:57,637 --> 01:00:01,701 You can search celebrate recovery on the website. 171 01:00:01,702 --> 01:00:05,680 For our ladies Tuesday mornings is going to be canceled on campus here 172 01:00:05,683 --> 01:00:09,355 this week because of the building will be closed due to weather. 173 01:00:09,457 --> 01:00:15,726 So check in with your teacher, see what the plan S. but we won't be 174 01:00:15,726 --> 01:00:20,739 meeting at the building for ladies Tuesday morning studies this week. 175 01:00:20,739 --> 01:00:26,169 And last but surely not least we want to extend our sympathies and 176 01:00:26,169 --> 01:00:29,513 condolences to friends and family of Danny Murphy. 177 01:00:29,515 --> 01:00:32,747 His memorial was held Friday and just a great Godly man. 178 01:00:32,747 --> 01:00:38,551 He was married to AB Murphy who magnified a little over a year ago and 179 01:00:38,551 --> 01:00:40,551 just a wonderful couple. 180 01:00:40,551 --> 01:00:47,438 And I will say as we sit her in on Valentine's Day they were a couple in 181 01:00:47,537 --> 01:00:53,147 their 80's known for holding hands and walking as they got their daily 182 01:00:53,147 --> 01:00:55,147 exercise. 183 01:00:55,147 --> 01:00:58,121 It's just a beautiful picture of the love they had for each other but 184 01:00:58,124 --> 01:01:02,669 this was a couple that loved the Lord and the church and just a 185 01:01:02,669 --> 01:01:04,669 wonderful man and Danny Murphy. 186 01:01:04,669 --> 01:01:06,829 So we extend our sympathies there. 187 01:01:06,831 --> 01:01:10,945 Church, please know we love you and are praying for you guys. 188 01:01:10,946 --> 01:01:15,756 As you fill out those prayer requests every week our staff is praying 189 01:01:15,756 --> 01:01:17,756 for you by name. 190 01:01:17,756 --> 01:01:20,796 Now we're walking with you this week as we go. 191 01:01:20,796 --> 01:01:29,367 As we do that let's go ahead and stand as we close with one last song. 192 01:01:29,367 --> 01:01:58,025 ("From the Day" playing) 193 01:01:58,026 --> 01:02:00,762 >> Thank you for joining us for worship today. 194 01:02:00,764 --> 01:02:02,764 You are dismissed. 195 01:02:02,764 --> 01:02:06,813 Have a great week.