1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,776 >> The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First 2 00:00:06,776 --> 00:00:08,776 Colony Church. 3 00:00:08,776 --> 00:00:10,776 Thank you for joining us today. 4 00:00:10,776 --> 00:00:40,222 We are glad you're here. 5 00:03:16,354 --> 00:03:24,492 ♫ 6 00:03:24,492 --> 00:03:26,492 >> Thank you for joining us today. 7 00:03:26,492 --> 00:03:31,098 We want to let you know about a few items of interest. 8 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:34,950 First, go to our website, firstcolonychurch.org, and go there often. 9 00:03:34,951 --> 00:03:42,429 You'll find links to our worship services; Bible study options; online 10 00:03:42,430 --> 00:03:46,505 giving; and our podcast, Anchor Point. 11 00:03:46,506 --> 00:03:49,145 You can also download our church app. 12 00:03:49,148 --> 00:03:54,300 Just search for "First Colony Church of Christ" in the App Store or on 13 00:03:54,300 --> 00:03:56,300 Google Play. 14 00:03:56,300 --> 00:03:59,403 The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First Colony 15 00:03:59,403 --> 00:04:01,403 Church. 16 00:04:01,403 --> 00:04:04,365 Thank you for joining us today. 17 00:04:04,369 --> 00:04:13,059 We are glad you're here. 18 00:04:13,059 --> 00:04:17,136 >> Grant: Well, good morning and welcome to the First Colony Church of 19 00:04:17,136 --> 00:04:21,524 Christ, where our mission is to honor God and to lead people into a 20 00:04:21,524 --> 00:04:23,524 growing relationship with Him. 21 00:04:23,524 --> 00:04:27,775 I'm excited you've decided to join us today as we center on the Biblical 22 00:04:27,784 --> 00:04:30,283 truths found in the book of Jude. 23 00:04:30,286 --> 00:04:32,635 Church, honestly, I'm just excited we can meet today. 24 00:04:32,636 --> 00:04:37,043 We have electricity; we've got heat; we've got light in the house; this 25 00:04:37,045 --> 00:04:39,045 is a great day. 26 00:04:39,045 --> 00:04:41,045 You've got Internet at home. 27 00:04:41,045 --> 00:04:43,055 We're able to do this so let's not take advantage of this wonderful day 28 00:04:43,055 --> 00:04:45,902 the Lord has made when we get to come together and worship. 29 00:04:45,905 --> 00:04:50,158 So with that, let's stand and enjoy worship together this morning. 30 00:04:50,162 --> 00:04:52,162 >> Richard: Amen! 31 00:04:52,162 --> 00:04:54,162 Thank you, Grant! 32 00:04:54,162 --> 00:04:56,441 Our God is faithful! 33 00:04:56,443 --> 00:04:59,553 ("Every Giant Will Fall" playing 34 00:04:59,553 --> 00:05:30,141 >> Richard: Let's sing. 35 00:08:32,165 --> 00:08:34,165 >> Richard: Yes! 36 00:08:34,165 --> 00:08:37,514 Nothing is impossible with our God! 37 00:08:37,514 --> 00:08:39,514 (Applause) 38 00:08:39,514 --> 00:08:42,823 we just want to worship the Lord this morning from a thankful heart, 39 00:08:44,275 --> 00:08:46,276 amen? 40 00:08:46,276 --> 00:09:17,382 ("10,000 Reasons/Bless the Lord" playing) 41 00:13:33,725 --> 00:13:35,725 (Applause) 42 00:13:35,725 --> 00:13:38,359 >> Richard: You may be seated. 43 00:13:38,359 --> 00:13:40,359 >> Joel: Well, good morning, everyone. 44 00:13:40,359 --> 00:13:42,359 It is so good to see you. 45 00:13:42,359 --> 00:13:45,413 It's kind of hard to believe that just a week ago on Sunday, it seems 46 00:13:45,416 --> 00:13:49,988 like almost a month ago; and inbetween we had a pretty incredible 47 00:13:49,991 --> 00:13:53,039 snowstorm and freeze and all that fun stuff. 48 00:13:53,041 --> 00:13:56,319 And what I thought was really fascinating is we have plans. 49 00:13:56,321 --> 00:13:58,321 Last Sunday, I had plans. 50 00:13:58,321 --> 00:14:00,321 I had food I was gonna make. 51 00:14:00,321 --> 00:14:04,329 I had projects I was gonna get caught up with. 52 00:14:04,329 --> 00:14:06,329 Typically you're planning for school. 53 00:14:06,329 --> 00:14:08,455 You're planning things for work. 54 00:14:08,455 --> 00:14:13,015 And then all of a sudden everything is shut down, and all your plans are 55 00:14:13,588 --> 00:14:15,588 gone. 56 00:14:15,588 --> 00:14:17,720 And the question is: what's really important to you? 57 00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:21,099 And so we may write out our lists and write things that are important to 58 00:14:22,527 --> 00:14:27,922 us, and in Scripture in Matthew chapter 6, verses 20-21, it says "But 59 00:14:27,927 --> 00:14:32,492 store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where Mott and critic, 60 00:14:32,496 --> 00:14:37,891 vermin, do not destroy, where thieves do not break in and steal, for 61 00:14:37,896 --> 00:14:41,631 where your treasure is, there is your heart also." 62 00:14:41,634 --> 00:14:46,183 And it was so cool to look on Facebook and see people's plans were 63 00:14:46,183 --> 00:14:48,184 destroyed. 64 00:14:48,185 --> 00:14:51,380 What was really important, property, was messed up; but yet, families 65 00:14:51,385 --> 00:14:53,385 were together. 66 00:14:53,385 --> 00:14:55,385 People were helping people. 67 00:14:55,385 --> 00:14:57,661 There was even someone who set up a coffee station out in front of his 68 00:14:57,665 --> 00:15:00,789 house because he knew what it's like to not have coffee. 69 00:15:00,792 --> 00:15:03,922 And I'm sure many of you experienced that as well. 70 00:15:03,924 --> 00:15:09,804 And so I have right here the word "Treasure" and the question is: what's 71 00:15:09,807 --> 00:15:11,807 important to you? 72 00:15:11,807 --> 00:15:18,444 Because one day your treasure is going to be tested, and it's going to 73 00:15:18,444 --> 00:15:25,290 take the test of fire; and only what's done for God will last. 74 00:15:25,291 --> 00:15:30,491 There's a famous quote that says, "Only one life will soon be passed, 75 00:15:30,491 --> 00:15:33,291 only what's done for Christ will last." 76 00:15:33,291 --> 00:15:35,631 As you look and say, okay, what is really important? 77 00:15:35,634 --> 00:15:37,634 Where should I spend my time? 78 00:15:37,634 --> 00:15:39,634 God's Word and people's souls. 79 00:15:39,634 --> 00:15:43,051 That's my prayer for myself as well as each one of us as well. 80 00:15:43,150 --> 00:15:45,150 Thank you very much. 81 00:15:45,150 --> 00:15:47,150 (Applause) 82 00:15:47,150 --> 00:15:49,620 >> Grant: Thank you, Joel, as always. 83 00:15:49,620 --> 00:15:54,241 As Pete and Missy Edgmon come couple to lead us in communion, please 84 00:15:54,241 --> 00:15:56,241 gather your supplies at home. 85 00:15:56,241 --> 00:15:59,474 If you're at home, get your packets out. 86 00:15:59,479 --> 00:16:02,008 If you don't have one, they're in the back. 87 00:16:02,009 --> 00:16:05,924 When you finish, please put them in the bags and baskets at the end of 88 00:16:05,925 --> 00:16:07,925 the aisle, that would be great. 89 00:16:07,925 --> 00:16:11,261 Let's prepare our mind and hearts into enter into in time of communion. 90 00:16:11,262 --> 00:16:13,262 Pete and Missy? 91 00:16:13,262 --> 00:16:15,262 >> Pete: Thank you, Grant. 92 00:16:15,262 --> 00:16:17,262 Good morning, church. 93 00:16:17,262 --> 00:16:19,963 My name is Pete Edgmon and my wife Missy. 94 00:16:19,968 --> 00:16:26,674 It's truly a privilege to be able to lead you and celebrate the Lord's 95 00:16:26,681 --> 00:16:30,034 Supper this morning and be together today. 96 00:16:30,037 --> 00:16:32,545 Let's bow. 97 00:16:32,545 --> 00:16:35,254 Holy Father in heaven, how great is Your Name. 98 00:16:35,256 --> 00:16:43,572 You're the great and everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth. 99 00:16:43,573 --> 00:16:46,015 How abundant are Your mercies, Lord. 100 00:16:46,015 --> 00:16:51,160 Father, help us cast aside our daily troubles of this world from our 101 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:55,909 thoughts and prepare our minds to consider the sacrifice that Your Holy 102 00:16:55,909 --> 00:16:58,677 Son, Jesus, made for all of us. 103 00:16:58,679 --> 00:17:03,344 Father, from the Scriptures in the gospel of Luke, Jesus says, "No one 104 00:17:03,345 --> 00:17:08,012 lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. 105 00:17:08,012 --> 00:17:13,708 Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where its light can be seen by all 106 00:17:13,713 --> 00:17:15,713 who enter the house." 107 00:17:15,713 --> 00:17:19,895 Father, may we all have that brilliant light that radiates the Spirit of 108 00:17:19,901 --> 00:17:24,659 God and avoid the distraction and division of this world and be unified 109 00:17:24,664 --> 00:17:26,664 through Jesus Christ. 110 00:17:26,664 --> 00:17:31,208 Father God, bless this bread that represents Jesus' broken body on the 111 00:17:31,208 --> 00:17:36,198 cross and bless this cup that represents His precious blood shed. 112 00:17:36,199 --> 00:17:40,267 Let us take these emblems in remembrance of Him. 113 00:17:40,267 --> 00:17:44,414 In Jesus' Holy and Almighty Name, amen. 114 00:17:44,419 --> 00:17:57,683 Let us partake together. 115 00:17:57,683 --> 00:18:04,058 >> Missy: I will read from the book of Jude, 1, verses 17 through 21. 116 00:18:04,062 --> 00:18:34,062 (reading) 117 00:18:42,985 --> 00:19:15,665 ("This I Believe/The Creed" playing) 118 00:19:55,117 --> 00:19:58,926 >> Richard: Why don't we all stand together and continue to worship the 119 00:19:58,929 --> 00:20:00,929 Lord? 120 00:20:00,929 --> 00:20:29,222 ♫ 121 00:22:30,110 --> 00:22:32,110 >> Richard: Thank you for your worship. 122 00:22:32,110 --> 00:22:34,725 You may be seated. 123 00:22:34,725 --> 00:22:38,403 >> Grant: Scott Wolfe, an elder of the church, will lead us in our 124 00:22:39,057 --> 00:22:41,057 offering prayer. 125 00:22:41,057 --> 00:22:43,057 >> Scott: Good morning, everyone. 126 00:22:43,057 --> 00:22:45,988 It's really great to worship with all of you this morning. 127 00:22:45,988 --> 00:22:50,718 As an eldership, we really like to thank you for your continued support 128 00:22:50,718 --> 00:22:52,894 and faithful giving at first Colony. 129 00:22:52,897 --> 00:22:57,374 Please note you are making a kingdom impact in transforming lives. 130 00:22:57,379 --> 00:23:03,549 Many of you are aware of different ways to contribute. 131 00:23:03,645 --> 00:23:08,099 There are different boxes at the doors and online are couple of digital 132 00:23:08,099 --> 00:23:10,099 places to give. 133 00:23:10,099 --> 00:23:12,216 Would you pray with me? 134 00:23:12,216 --> 00:23:14,225 Father, we thank You for the many things that You give us, Father. 135 00:23:15,191 --> 00:23:20,591 May we continue to be generous with Your gifts. 136 00:23:20,592 --> 00:23:25,992 Father, we pray Your oversight this morning on our giving so that it may 137 00:23:25,992 --> 00:23:28,299 advance Your kingdom and Your church. 138 00:23:28,303 --> 00:23:30,303 In Christ's Name we pray. 139 00:23:30,303 --> 00:23:32,303 >> Grant: Amen. 140 00:23:32,303 --> 00:23:34,303 Thank you, Scott. 141 00:23:34,303 --> 00:23:38,359 We're about to have our time of fellowship greeting and before we do, 142 00:23:38,359 --> 00:23:40,388 let me just remind our first to fifth graders, you are invited to Main 143 00:23:40,393 --> 00:23:43,513 Street Live, a great worship service with age-appropriate teaching and 144 00:23:43,517 --> 00:23:45,517 activities. 145 00:23:45,517 --> 00:23:47,957 So when we release, you see Joel right here in the center. 146 00:23:47,958 --> 00:23:49,958 You can find Joel. 147 00:23:49,958 --> 00:23:53,554 They will head across the hall to the chapel and have a great time over 148 00:23:53,554 --> 00:23:55,554 there. 149 00:23:55,554 --> 00:23:58,164 Parents, you need to sign your kids in so if you haven't done that this 150 00:23:58,164 --> 00:24:00,164 head across the lobby and go sign them in over there. 151 00:24:00,164 --> 00:24:02,164 Then you can pick them up there after service. 152 00:24:02,164 --> 00:24:05,704 All right, let's go ahead and stand for our fellowship greeting. 153 00:24:05,957 --> 00:24:10,429 Ask your neighbor how their pipes are doing and first to fifth graders, 154 00:24:10,429 --> 00:24:12,429 head with Joel. 155 00:24:12,429 --> 00:24:14,429 If you're online, sign in. 156 00:24:14,429 --> 00:24:23,646 We would love to hear you're with us and how you're doing this week. 157 00:24:23,650 --> 00:24:54,690 ("Only King Forever" playing) 158 00:28:15,990 --> 00:28:18,318 >> Richard: Thank you for your worship today! 159 00:28:18,318 --> 00:28:25,456 You may be seated! 160 00:28:25,459 --> 00:28:27,459 >> Ronnie: Fantastic! 161 00:28:27,459 --> 00:28:30,239 Richard and team, thank you so very, very much for leading us so well. 162 00:28:30,245 --> 00:28:32,245 Good morning, everyone. 163 00:28:32,245 --> 00:28:34,245 Glad to see you here in the room. 164 00:28:34,245 --> 00:28:37,085 To those watching online, we welcome you as well. 165 00:28:37,085 --> 00:28:39,499 We'd love to hear from you and there on your church app, which is on 166 00:28:40,774 --> 00:28:45,064 your computer screen, you can contact us and someone would be happy and 167 00:28:45,070 --> 00:28:47,380 eager to pray with you this morning. 168 00:28:47,383 --> 00:28:53,413 As Joel mentioned, it has been indeed quite a week. 169 00:28:53,413 --> 00:28:55,413 You've heard of Armageddon. 170 00:28:55,413 --> 00:29:01,122 This is iceageddon, snowageddon, freeze ageddon. 171 00:29:01,125 --> 00:29:04,588 It's been a challenging week, more so for some than others. 172 00:29:04,588 --> 00:29:07,416 These are first-world problems. 173 00:29:07,417 --> 00:29:13,129 They're first-world pipes and first-world expenses and first-world 174 00:29:13,129 --> 00:29:15,129 hassles. 175 00:29:15,129 --> 00:29:17,129 It's not been a lot of fun. 176 00:29:17,129 --> 00:29:23,613 Martha and I were without power for 36 hours and some of you much longer 177 00:29:23,613 --> 00:29:25,613 than that. 178 00:29:25,613 --> 00:29:29,154 I never appreciated or treasured our fireplace as much as I did this 179 00:29:29,164 --> 00:29:34,339 past week -- I don't know if I would call it a lifesaver but a sanity 180 00:29:34,346 --> 00:29:36,346 saver for a bit. 181 00:29:36,346 --> 00:29:40,511 Our church building was without power from Monday through mid-morning on 182 00:29:40,533 --> 00:29:42,533 Thursday. 183 00:29:42,533 --> 00:29:44,693 We really didn't have a whole lot of damage. 184 00:29:44,693 --> 00:29:46,693 We had a small water leak out back. 185 00:29:46,693 --> 00:29:48,693 It was easily fixed. 186 00:29:48,693 --> 00:29:52,788 You'll notice there's not much lighting in here right now so that is an 187 00:29:53,672 --> 00:29:59,117 issue with the power outage that will be addressed over the next few 188 00:29:59,117 --> 00:30:01,629 days, but other than that, okay. 189 00:30:01,630 --> 00:30:06,596 As Joel mentioned, it was really encouraging to at least hear and be 190 00:30:06,598 --> 00:30:11,946 aware of the way so many of you were just checking on one another, 191 00:30:11,949 --> 00:30:16,915 checking on your actual neighbors; and being a friend in the Presence of 192 00:30:16,917 --> 00:30:18,917 Christ. 193 00:30:18,917 --> 00:30:21,881 It's good to be together today. 194 00:30:21,881 --> 00:30:23,881 In our first service, my wife said "It is a little warm?" 195 00:30:23,881 --> 00:30:29,488 It's above 25 so it's probably gonna feel warm, whatever it is. 196 00:30:29,840 --> 00:30:35,350 We're in a message series called "Small Books, Big Messages." 197 00:30:35,352 --> 00:30:42,125 Today we're in the book of Jude with the title "Protecting the Faith." 198 00:30:42,125 --> 00:30:47,069 If ever this theme of small books and big messages, it's certainly 199 00:30:47,069 --> 00:30:51,186 apropos for this small book, only 25 verses, named Jude. 200 00:30:51,188 --> 00:30:54,863 We'll spend two weeks in this book. 201 00:30:54,864 --> 00:31:01,428 We're going through the four no-chapter books of the New Testament 2 202 00:31:01,429 --> 00:31:04,711 John, 3 John, Philemon, and Jude. 203 00:31:04,711 --> 00:31:09,436 Jude will stress to us today that truth matters. 204 00:31:09,436 --> 00:31:12,279 What a Christian believes, matters. 205 00:31:12,281 --> 00:31:14,417 Churches have doctrine statements. 206 00:31:14,417 --> 00:31:18,092 We have a doctrine at the same time where we list what -- statement 207 00:31:18,095 --> 00:31:20,095 where we list what we believe. 208 00:31:20,095 --> 00:31:24,791 I encourage you to believe it and ask every new member -- "You need to 209 00:31:25,016 --> 00:31:27,016 buy in to this. 210 00:31:27,016 --> 00:31:29,016 This is not up for debate here." 211 00:31:29,018 --> 00:31:34,699 You know, another church, they may have a different set of beliefs. 212 00:31:34,699 --> 00:31:38,558 What we believe is pretty much standard for conservative, 213 00:31:38,558 --> 00:31:43,700 Bible-believing churches; but you need to take a look at our docket 214 00:31:43,701 --> 00:31:45,844 ridge at the same time. -- 215 00:31:46,157 --> 00:31:48,157 doctrine statement. 216 00:31:48,157 --> 00:31:50,399 We'll get through the first 11 verses today. 217 00:31:50,402 --> 00:31:54,293 (reading) 218 00:31:54,293 --> 00:31:56,293 now, I like the name Jude. 219 00:31:56,293 --> 00:31:58,483 I got a grandson named Jude. 220 00:31:58,483 --> 00:32:00,483 He's a great kid. 221 00:32:00,483 --> 00:32:02,483 I like the name James. 222 00:32:02,483 --> 00:32:04,483 I got a grandson named James. 223 00:32:04,483 --> 00:32:08,563 Well, this Jude and this James are brothers; and they are half-brothers 224 00:32:09,370 --> 00:32:11,370 to Jesus. 225 00:32:11,370 --> 00:32:13,370 Yeah. 226 00:32:13,370 --> 00:32:16,638 Same mother, different father. 227 00:32:16,638 --> 00:32:18,771 This James is actually the writer of the New Testament book James; but 228 00:32:20,173 --> 00:32:24,342 here Jude -- notice he doesn't mention, though, he's a half-brother to 229 00:32:24,346 --> 00:32:26,346 Jesus. 230 00:32:26,346 --> 00:32:30,965 He said he's a servant of Jesus Christ. 231 00:32:31,024 --> 00:32:37,925 (reading) 232 00:32:37,925 --> 00:32:40,793 That word "Kept" will see it again in the book of Jude. 233 00:32:40,796 --> 00:32:42,796 It's a great concept here. 234 00:32:42,796 --> 00:32:48,845 Notice how we're called; we're loved; and we are kept for Jesus Christ. 235 00:32:48,847 --> 00:32:51,501 Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. 236 00:32:51,501 --> 00:32:54,579 Now he get to the heart of the his message. 237 00:32:54,580 --> 00:33:16,784 (reading) 238 00:33:16,784 --> 00:33:23,050 Judices, I need to ask you to earnestly guard, protect, and contend for 239 00:33:23,056 --> 00:33:28,840 the faith that's been once and all trusted and delivered to God's 240 00:33:28,845 --> 00:33:30,845 people. 241 00:33:30,845 --> 00:33:34,827 He said, I need you to care and to be aware. 242 00:33:34,827 --> 00:33:39,711 Care about God's truth and I need you to be aware of threats to it. 243 00:33:39,717 --> 00:33:44,189 Now, here when he said "Contend for THE faith" he's not talking about 244 00:33:44,191 --> 00:33:46,191 personal faith. 245 00:33:46,191 --> 00:33:49,532 Contend for THE faith, used to describe the content of what is believed 246 00:33:49,532 --> 00:33:53,465 by Christians including certain things as the identity of Jesus; the 247 00:33:53,466 --> 00:33:58,474 proclam makes of the Gospel; how we come to Christ; how we live for 248 00:33:58,474 --> 00:34:00,474 Christ. 249 00:34:00,474 --> 00:34:03,993 As well as the moral teachings of the Scriptures. 250 00:34:03,999 --> 00:34:06,722 This faith has been once and for all delivered. 251 00:34:06,725 --> 00:34:11,417 In other words, it's not open to change or revision or addition. 252 00:34:11,420 --> 00:34:17,130 We're not looking for a new, improved, more marketable version. 253 00:34:17,130 --> 00:34:24,981 Today we find the content of of this faith on the pages of Scripture, 254 00:34:24,981 --> 00:34:29,460 which provides all doctrine profitable for teaching; reproof; 255 00:34:29,462 --> 00:34:31,462 instruction; and righteousness. 256 00:34:31,462 --> 00:34:35,669 Let me just state it clearly: here we are in 2021, and the Bible should 257 00:34:35,679 --> 00:34:39,001 always be the base, the basis, of our belief in anything. 258 00:34:39,005 --> 00:34:46,403 And if it doesn't square with Scripture, well, Scripture becomes the 259 00:34:46,403 --> 00:34:48,403 filter. 260 00:34:48,403 --> 00:34:53,573 We worship the Lord, and the Bible is our filter. 261 00:34:53,576 --> 00:34:57,966 Now, he says in verse 4, he gets real specific. 262 00:34:57,966 --> 00:35:07,556 (reading) 263 00:35:07,557 --> 00:35:11,239 In other words, nobody comes in wearing a sign saying, "Hey, everybody, 264 00:35:11,239 --> 00:35:13,239 I'm a threat." 265 00:35:13,239 --> 00:35:17,779 Here we are in our day and age -- you really don't have to be in 266 00:35:17,880 --> 00:35:19,879 geographical proximity. 267 00:35:19,879 --> 00:35:22,825 It's easy to sort of communicate. 268 00:35:22,825 --> 00:35:25,775 Well, certain individuals, they've secretly slipped in among you and 269 00:35:25,775 --> 00:35:27,776 here's what is going on. 270 00:35:27,778 --> 00:35:42,481 (reading) 271 00:35:42,482 --> 00:35:46,490 Now, let's keep that stripture on the screen here -- Scripture on the 272 00:35:46,493 --> 00:35:48,493 screen here. 273 00:35:48,493 --> 00:35:51,300 They pervert, the grace of Jesus, the wonderful grace of God, that 274 00:35:51,605 --> 00:35:56,089 forgives our sins, renew us, and gives us access to the Holy Spirit. 275 00:35:56,089 --> 00:36:01,305 But they twist and pervert it into a license for immorality, sexual 276 00:36:01,305 --> 00:36:03,305 immorality. 277 00:36:03,307 --> 00:36:08,154 You know, sex is a wonderful gift from God, given to a husband and wife 278 00:36:08,155 --> 00:36:10,155 in marriage. 279 00:36:10,155 --> 00:36:16,051 Those are the boundaries, according to what the Scriptures teach us. 280 00:36:16,056 --> 00:36:26,302 He says, you have some influencers who have come in, and they want to 281 00:36:26,304 --> 00:36:32,160 redefine Jesus; and they want to redefine morality. 282 00:36:32,160 --> 00:36:37,575 So here's Jude speaking to a group of Christians and they live in a 283 00:36:37,575 --> 00:36:41,438 pluralistic, relativistic culture, follow willing all sorts of fads; but 284 00:36:41,440 --> 00:36:47,237 he says, "I need you to be rooted and grounded in the teaching that has 285 00:36:47,240 --> 00:36:50,336 been passed down and handed down to us." 286 00:36:50,433 --> 00:36:56,495 Part of, I think, this message of turning the grace of God into a 287 00:36:56,499 --> 00:36:59,530 license for immorality -- "Hey, God forgives sins." 288 00:37:00,147 --> 00:37:07,866 "You just -- you do you; however you want to live, go for it because God 289 00:37:07,866 --> 00:37:09,866 specializes in forgiveness." 290 00:37:10,255 --> 00:37:13,908 And "Also, there's no real judgment to come. 291 00:37:14,367 --> 00:37:16,705 Judgment is outdated." 292 00:37:16,705 --> 00:37:22,819 He'll say in verse 5, (reading) 293 00:37:22,819 --> 00:37:27,957 "You may have some teachers or influences who try to give you a new 294 00:37:27,959 --> 00:37:29,959 message. 295 00:37:29,959 --> 00:37:31,959 You already know this. 296 00:37:31,959 --> 00:37:36,257 I want to remind you of the reality of judgment." 297 00:37:36,257 --> 00:37:38,257 he will give Thorel station and pictures of it. 298 00:37:38,257 --> 00:37:40,257 The Lord at one time delivered His people out of Egypt but later 299 00:37:40,257 --> 00:37:42,257 destroyed those who did not believe. 300 00:37:42,257 --> 00:37:44,257 Did they have a good beginning? 301 00:37:44,257 --> 00:37:48,989 They had a GREAT beginning, delivering out of Egypt; but they didn't 302 00:37:49,252 --> 00:37:51,252 have a good ending. 303 00:37:51,252 --> 00:37:53,252 Verse 6. 304 00:37:53,252 --> 00:38:03,391 (reading) 305 00:38:03,391 --> 00:38:08,071 Even the angels who rebelled against the Lord -- great beginning. 306 00:38:08,197 --> 00:38:10,542 They did not finish well. 307 00:38:10,544 --> 00:38:12,544 Verse 7. 308 00:38:12,544 --> 00:38:26,262 (reading) 309 00:38:26,262 --> 00:38:29,988 Obviously a reference here to the reality of hell. 310 00:38:29,990 --> 00:38:36,812 By the way, does your mind have room for a God who judges? 311 00:38:36,812 --> 00:38:48,248 Or have you forgotten or distanced or stiff-armed that part of God's 312 00:38:48,248 --> 00:38:50,248 nature? 313 00:38:50,248 --> 00:38:57,031 You know, all of us in this room, our sins will either be judged and 314 00:38:57,035 --> 00:39:03,299 punished in eternity; or they will be judged and punished in the 315 00:39:03,303 --> 00:39:05,391 sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 316 00:39:05,492 --> 00:39:09,313 Let me just remind you of something I have mentioned the last couple of 317 00:39:09,313 --> 00:39:11,312 weeks. 318 00:39:11,312 --> 00:39:13,385 Jesus Christ does not save us just from low self-esteem. 319 00:39:13,386 --> 00:39:20,451 He saves us from the eternal consequences of our separation from God. 320 00:39:20,451 --> 00:39:26,221 And when we minimize the significance of the Gospel, when we minimize 321 00:39:26,225 --> 00:39:31,516 the significance of what Christ has redeemed us from, honestly our 322 00:39:31,519 --> 00:39:33,924 relationship with Him doesn't last. 323 00:39:33,925 --> 00:39:37,357 You know, people will come to Jesus -- got a little problem, "See if 324 00:39:37,359 --> 00:39:39,359 Jesus can fix it." 325 00:39:39,359 --> 00:39:41,359 Have a little problem with a child or marriage. 326 00:39:41,360 --> 00:39:44,920 "Let me run to Jesus, see if He can fix it." 327 00:39:44,924 --> 00:39:53,907 When you run to Jesus Christ, fully cognizant that without Him "I face 328 00:39:53,910 --> 00:40:02,202 eternal death," THAT's a different mind set and approach to the Gospel. 329 00:40:02,204 --> 00:40:07,622 Judices, you may have people tell you there's no judgment and that grace 330 00:40:07,622 --> 00:40:13,865 of God just means you can rebel against Him; you don't need to listen to 331 00:40:13,865 --> 00:40:17,611 Him; you don't need to love and honor Him. 332 00:40:17,615 --> 00:40:19,615 That's just not true. 333 00:40:19,615 --> 00:40:22,235 You remember so Dom and Gomorrah? 334 00:40:22,236 --> 00:40:24,236 God judged them. 335 00:40:24,236 --> 00:40:26,375 You remember the angels? 336 00:40:26,375 --> 00:40:28,375 God judged them. 337 00:40:28,375 --> 00:40:30,375 Remember Israel in the wilderness? 338 00:40:30,375 --> 00:40:32,375 God judged them. 339 00:40:32,375 --> 00:40:34,940 He doesn't wink in rebellion in a teacher, influencer, or follower. 340 00:40:35,605 --> 00:40:37,605 Verse 8. 341 00:40:37,605 --> 00:40:40,160 (reading) 342 00:40:40,160 --> 00:40:42,589 Notice not only the strength of the faith handed down but on the 343 00:40:44,166 --> 00:40:47,169 strength of their dream and imagine makeses. -- 344 00:40:47,777 --> 00:40:49,777 imaginations. 345 00:40:49,777 --> 00:40:54,388 (reading) 346 00:40:54,388 --> 00:41:02,123 Or one translation says "They just speak irreverently about spiritual 347 00:41:02,123 --> 00:41:04,123 matters." 348 00:41:04,123 --> 00:41:10,309 Verse 9 -- sort of a difficult verse to understand. 349 00:41:10,533 --> 00:41:21,590 (reading) 350 00:41:21,590 --> 00:41:28,237 In other words, Jude's point is, you may have some influencers and 351 00:41:28,237 --> 00:41:34,328 people around you who are arrogant; they reject authority; they speak 352 00:41:34,328 --> 00:41:38,758 irreverently about spiritual things; even the archangel Michael 353 00:41:38,759 --> 00:41:46,512 understands he has a station; he has an assignment; and the Lord is over 354 00:41:46,512 --> 00:41:48,512 him. 355 00:41:48,512 --> 00:41:52,081 Even the archangel says "The Lord rebuke you." 356 00:41:52,082 --> 00:41:55,324 I mean, the Lord. 357 00:41:55,326 --> 00:42:00,702 N.T. Wright, a well-known Bible scholar, says it like this: "Once you 358 00:42:00,706 --> 00:42:05,186 reject supernatural authority, it's easy to reject human authorities as 359 00:42:05,189 --> 00:42:09,669 well, whether in the church or in the wider world. 360 00:42:09,672 --> 00:42:14,787 And once you do that, the most obvious thing to cast off, to cast off 361 00:42:14,790 --> 00:42:19,223 restraint in any and every aspect of the behavior, not the least of 362 00:42:19,226 --> 00:42:21,226 which in relation to sex." 363 00:42:21,226 --> 00:42:27,629 And these teachers are overthrowing or ignoring the proper structures of 364 00:42:27,629 --> 00:42:33,106 authority, and the result is moral chaos and pollution. 365 00:42:33,107 --> 00:42:38,759 The different teachers appear to offer a way of life which is exciting; 366 00:42:38,759 --> 00:42:43,540 it's different; it's liberating; but the only thing they really achieve 367 00:42:43,540 --> 00:42:45,712 is shame, darkness, and chaos. 368 00:42:45,714 --> 00:42:47,898 Back to the book of Jude, verse 10. 369 00:42:47,898 --> 00:42:57,888 (reading) 370 00:42:57,892 --> 00:43:03,744 He says woe to them and gives three more Old Testament illustrations. 371 00:43:03,744 --> 00:43:10,332 (reading) 372 00:43:10,332 --> 00:43:12,332 You remember those three episodes? 373 00:43:12,332 --> 00:43:14,506 The way of Cain? 374 00:43:14,506 --> 00:43:17,350 Run away anger. 375 00:43:18,610 --> 00:43:21,244 and resentment. 376 00:43:21,245 --> 00:43:25,990 Balaam's error, such a gifted profit, could have been such a force for 377 00:43:25,992 --> 00:43:27,992 good! 378 00:43:27,992 --> 00:43:35,587 It was all wrapped up in himself and sold his gift for profit. 379 00:43:35,591 --> 00:43:41,979 And Korah's bobbleon, -- rebellion, it just galled Korah to submit to 380 00:43:41,979 --> 00:43:48,946 someone else's authority; to see someone else used by God; and he 381 00:43:48,946 --> 00:43:55,327 created a rebellion himself and others against Moses and against God's 382 00:43:55,332 --> 00:43:57,332 plan. 383 00:43:57,332 --> 00:44:02,445 What Jude reminds these Christians of the reality of God's judgment 384 00:44:02,740 --> 00:44:08,674 against rebellion and that judgment awaits unrepentant behavior and mind 385 00:44:08,674 --> 00:44:10,674 set. 386 00:44:10,674 --> 00:44:14,699 And his strong teaching here is intended to motivate Jude's readers to 387 00:44:14,700 --> 00:44:20,132 be discerning; to remain committed to the faith once and for all 388 00:44:20,132 --> 00:44:22,388 entrusted to God's holy people. 389 00:44:22,393 --> 00:44:24,393 All right. 390 00:44:24,393 --> 00:44:26,879 We've read it, at least these first 11 verses. 391 00:44:26,880 --> 00:44:31,464 We'll come back next week to the latter part of this book. 392 00:44:31,468 --> 00:44:35,494 Let me give four observations under the heading "These things never 393 00:44:35,496 --> 00:44:37,496 change." 394 00:44:37,496 --> 00:44:39,872 Some things never change. 395 00:44:39,872 --> 00:44:41,872 Some things should. 396 00:44:41,872 --> 00:44:43,872 Here are some things that should never change. 397 00:44:43,872 --> 00:44:45,872 Here's the first one: the faith once delivered. 398 00:44:45,872 --> 00:44:49,646 It should never change. 399 00:44:50,701 --> 00:44:52,701 The faith once delivered. 400 00:44:52,701 --> 00:44:57,415 Jude verse 3. 401 00:44:57,417 --> 00:45:06,601 (reading) 402 00:45:06,601 --> 00:45:15,997 In other words, there are no new gospels coming along; no new moral 403 00:45:15,997 --> 00:45:18,884 codes coming to us. 404 00:45:18,987 --> 00:45:22,333 We did not discover the Christian faith. 405 00:45:22,333 --> 00:45:28,801 We did not discover mystically the information in the Scriptures. 406 00:45:28,801 --> 00:45:32,461 It was delivered to us. 407 00:45:32,461 --> 00:45:35,429 No one mystically discovered the meaning of Jesus. 408 00:45:35,429 --> 00:45:38,955 No one mystically discovers the meaning of salvation. 409 00:45:38,957 --> 00:45:44,405 No one mystically discovers how to access God and what He's thinking. 410 00:45:44,405 --> 00:45:52,562 This information is delivered to us, and faith is basically a response 411 00:45:52,562 --> 00:45:54,562 toinformation. 412 00:45:54,562 --> 00:45:56,839 Jude realizes this body of information is under assault. 413 00:45:56,845 --> 00:45:58,845 It's being attacked. 414 00:45:58,845 --> 00:46:03,417 Some things never change, and our core convictions as Christians should 415 00:46:03,417 --> 00:46:05,417 be rock solid. 416 00:46:05,417 --> 00:46:13,984 Our doctrine statement as a church, if you will. 417 00:46:13,991 --> 00:46:17,442 Now, sometimes people will use this illustration. 418 00:46:17,444 --> 00:46:22,638 There's certain beliefs we should hold in a closed hand and other 419 00:46:22,638 --> 00:46:26,094 beliefs we can hold in an open hand. 420 00:46:26,096 --> 00:46:28,096 Closed hand and open hand. 421 00:46:28,096 --> 00:46:33,224 The closed hand are topics, issues, and items that pretty much separate 422 00:46:33,231 --> 00:46:36,969 being a Christ-follower from someone who's not. 423 00:46:36,972 --> 00:46:41,688 We believe these; we support these; these are fundamental issues of the 424 00:46:41,693 --> 00:46:43,693 faith. 425 00:46:43,693 --> 00:46:45,693 The sufficiency, supremacy of Scripture. 426 00:46:45,693 --> 00:46:50,864 The fallenness of the humanness; that Christ's death upon the cost cross 427 00:46:50,868 --> 00:46:57,193 is the ONLY satisfaction for our sin; justification by faith; the 428 00:46:57,196 --> 00:47:01,796 inseparable connection between faith and personal holiness; God's 429 00:47:01,799 --> 00:47:07,549 eternal hatred against sin but His eternal, immeasurable love towards 430 00:47:07,552 --> 00:47:10,427 sinners like you and me. 431 00:47:10,428 --> 00:47:17,136 The deity of Christ, bodily resurrection of Christ, the coming of 432 00:47:17,136 --> 00:47:20,182 Christ, eternity; heaven and hell. 433 00:47:20,183 --> 00:47:23,343 You know, fundamental things believers hold on to. 434 00:47:23,343 --> 00:47:27,303 Then there are other matters you hold in an open hand. 435 00:47:27,303 --> 00:47:30,911 Open hand are thing that as we study and grow may discuss and debate. 436 00:47:30,911 --> 00:47:33,394 We don't have to agree on them. 437 00:47:33,394 --> 00:47:38,554 You know, in Galatians 1, Paul would say, if anybody preaches to you a 438 00:47:38,554 --> 00:47:42,973 different gospel than what I'm preaching, let that person be acured and 439 00:47:42,974 --> 00:47:48,134 then in Romans 14 he says, some of you will have disputes on disputable 440 00:47:48,137 --> 00:47:51,083 matters and you'll not see certain things alike. 441 00:47:51,084 --> 00:47:53,084 They're not primary matters. 442 00:47:53,084 --> 00:47:55,084 They're secondary things. 443 00:47:55,084 --> 00:48:00,842 And he says, love one another; be patient with one another in those 444 00:48:00,842 --> 00:48:02,842 matters. 445 00:48:02,842 --> 00:48:07,332 As believers, there are certain convictions we hold as Christians, and 446 00:48:07,332 --> 00:48:11,119 we hold them in a closed hand. 447 00:48:11,119 --> 00:48:16,075 There are other items that we hold in an open hand that we discuss, 448 00:48:16,077 --> 00:48:18,077 debate. 449 00:48:18,077 --> 00:48:20,781 We may disagree but at the end of the day, we're brothers and sisters in 450 00:48:20,783 --> 00:48:22,783 Christ. 451 00:48:22,783 --> 00:48:25,428 Here's something else that never really changes, and that's the reality 452 00:48:25,428 --> 00:48:28,199 of false teaching, false teachers, false influencers. 453 00:48:28,299 --> 00:48:31,087 Jesus talked about it. 454 00:48:31,087 --> 00:48:33,087 Paul talked about it. 455 00:48:33,087 --> 00:48:35,087 Peter talked about it. 456 00:48:35,087 --> 00:48:37,087 Jude talks about it. 457 00:48:37,087 --> 00:48:39,279 John talks about it. 458 00:48:39,279 --> 00:48:41,279 As you read through the New Testament, sometimes if you start paying 459 00:48:41,279 --> 00:48:44,009 attention, you're almost surprised at how often it's mentioned. 460 00:48:44,201 --> 00:48:50,545 In other words, it's a reminder -- don't be shocked, but it's just a 461 00:48:50,545 --> 00:48:55,913 reminder that anything beautiful will have some cheap counselor fits to 462 00:48:55,914 --> 00:48:57,914 it -- counterfeits to it. 463 00:48:58,534 --> 00:49:07,197 But the faith has been once and for all delivered and just be aware and 464 00:49:07,243 --> 00:49:14,790 care if ever Jesus, the core message of Jesus, is trying to be 465 00:49:14,790 --> 00:49:16,790 redefined. 466 00:49:16,790 --> 00:49:22,545 Be aware and care when morality that's been handed down is trying to be 467 00:49:22,554 --> 00:49:28,710 redefined, and the grace of God turned into a license for immorality. 468 00:49:28,711 --> 00:49:32,779 Which leads to a third thing that never changes, our need for 469 00:49:32,780 --> 00:49:34,780 discernment. 470 00:49:34,780 --> 00:49:37,643 Jude here is sounding the alarm. 471 00:49:37,645 --> 00:49:40,975 Be aware. 472 00:49:40,975 --> 00:49:47,706 But listen, friends: Christians, well-grounded Christians, you can spot 473 00:49:47,706 --> 00:49:52,189 something spurious, something that is counterfeit. 474 00:49:52,191 --> 00:49:54,375 Have you ever seen a counterfeit $9 bill? 475 00:49:54,375 --> 00:49:56,578 No. 476 00:49:56,580 --> 00:50:01,079 You know why you have never seen a counterfeit $9 bill? 477 00:50:01,080 --> 00:50:04,776 Because there's no such thing as a REAL, authentic $9 bill. 478 00:50:04,781 --> 00:50:11,067 But those things that are beautiful and real and genuine and authentic 479 00:50:11,067 --> 00:50:13,685 sometimes will have cheap counterfeits. 480 00:50:13,686 --> 00:50:21,836 But as believers, well-grounded in the Scriptures, part of a church 481 00:50:21,836 --> 00:50:29,986 that's well-grounded in the Scriptures, we can spot that which is 482 00:50:29,986 --> 00:50:32,207 spurious and off-key. 483 00:50:32,209 --> 00:50:39,251 Now, let me just ask: is there such a thing as objective truth? 484 00:50:39,251 --> 00:50:45,659 Objective right and wrong? 485 00:50:45,659 --> 00:50:47,659 Or is it a matter of personal opinion? 486 00:50:47,659 --> 00:50:53,048 You see, in the Christian value system, God is the source of moral and 487 00:50:53,057 --> 00:50:55,057 spiritual values. 488 00:50:55,057 --> 00:51:03,370 Therefore, God is the source of what is moral; what is immoral; what is 489 00:51:03,370 --> 00:51:06,762 spiritually sound; or spiritually unsound. 490 00:51:06,763 --> 00:51:13,459 Therefore, what's right or wrong, healthy or unhealthy, transcends 491 00:51:13,461 --> 00:51:15,461 personal opinion. 492 00:51:15,461 --> 00:51:17,928 It transcends societal opinion. 493 00:51:17,928 --> 00:51:24,313 Now, without God, without placing Him as Lord and Master, each society, 494 00:51:24,821 --> 00:51:29,754 each individual, we make up our own standards. 495 00:51:29,755 --> 00:51:34,537 This is known as relativism and is sort of a dominant view today. 496 00:51:34,539 --> 00:51:39,315 That's why often in society parents will simply ask their children, "How 497 00:51:39,318 --> 00:51:41,318 do you feel about this?" 498 00:51:41,318 --> 00:51:47,596 Which is okay to ask from time to time as opposed to, "Is this right or 499 00:51:47,599 --> 00:51:49,599 wrong?" 500 00:51:49,599 --> 00:51:54,171 The key element to Christian morality and Christian spirituality remains 501 00:51:54,171 --> 00:51:57,874 simply this: there is a God. 502 00:51:57,876 --> 00:51:59,876 He is not silent. 503 00:51:59,876 --> 00:52:07,364 Right or wrong is independent of my personal opinion. 504 00:52:07,368 --> 00:52:11,602 In order to determine whether or not something is healthy or unhealthy, 505 00:52:11,602 --> 00:52:16,889 I believe I need to first ask: does God have anything to say about this? 506 00:52:16,891 --> 00:52:24,153 What does, what do the Scriptures say? 507 00:52:24,153 --> 00:52:30,259 And that's more important than "How do I personally feel about it?" 508 00:52:30,259 --> 00:52:37,385 Here's one more thing that never changes: God's "Keeping" love for His 509 00:52:37,385 --> 00:52:39,385 people. 510 00:52:39,385 --> 00:52:45,853 Jude just reminds us that in the midst of attacks and influences that 511 00:52:45,857 --> 00:52:53,129 are not friendly to your faith, God knows who His people are. 512 00:52:53,129 --> 00:52:55,129 He loves you. 513 00:52:55,129 --> 00:52:57,672 He gives grace to the humble. 514 00:52:57,672 --> 00:53:00,069 His love for you keeps you in the folds. 515 00:53:00,075 --> 00:53:06,153 Jude 1 (reading) 516 00:53:06,154 --> 00:53:08,154 and here it is. 517 00:53:08,154 --> 00:53:10,154 "Kept." 518 00:53:10,154 --> 00:53:13,346 Kept for Jesus Christ. 519 00:53:13,346 --> 00:53:15,346 He ends his book by saying this. 520 00:53:15,346 --> 00:53:40,071 (reading) 521 00:53:40,884 --> 00:53:46,571 There he closes with just a beautiful doxology, an expression of worship 522 00:53:46,571 --> 00:53:53,202 to our great God and King, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and His 523 00:53:53,202 --> 00:53:57,462 love that allows us to stand before Him -- how? 524 00:53:57,988 --> 00:53:59,988 Blameless. 525 00:53:59,988 --> 00:54:02,085 And without accusation. 526 00:54:02,085 --> 00:54:04,995 As the Bible will say in Romans 9 northbound: we are God's vessels of 527 00:54:06,968 --> 00:54:09,414 mercy and here we are. 528 00:54:09,416 --> 00:54:13,506 We walk in this world and we stumble and fall. 529 00:54:13,506 --> 00:54:19,084 You know, in my own life, I don't turn the grace of God into a license 530 00:54:19,091 --> 00:54:23,977 for immorality; but that doesn't mean I've led a perfect life or lead a 531 00:54:23,980 --> 00:54:25,980 perfect life now. 532 00:54:25,980 --> 00:54:28,844 Not at all. 533 00:54:28,844 --> 00:54:31,222 You know, grace, there is a mutant form of grace. 534 00:54:32,173 --> 00:54:36,901 The mutant form of grace is grace without love for God. 535 00:54:36,905 --> 00:54:38,945 I love the Lord. 536 00:54:38,947 --> 00:54:40,947 I want to please Him. 537 00:54:40,947 --> 00:54:43,437 Did you know that I sin all I want to? 538 00:54:43,442 --> 00:54:47,439 I sin more than I want to. 539 00:54:47,439 --> 00:54:50,479 I don't want to. 540 00:54:50,482 --> 00:54:57,538 If I could take a pill today that would make it possible for me to lead 541 00:54:57,539 --> 00:55:00,626 a practically blameless life, I'd do that. 542 00:55:00,626 --> 00:55:02,626 (chuckling) 543 00:55:02,626 --> 00:55:04,626 I fall so short. 544 00:55:04,626 --> 00:55:06,864 We all do. 545 00:55:06,864 --> 00:55:11,416 But the love of God keeps us because we're not rebelling against Him. 546 00:55:11,418 --> 00:55:13,418 We love Him. 547 00:55:13,418 --> 00:55:15,418 We want to honor Him. 548 00:55:15,418 --> 00:55:17,975 We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 549 00:55:17,978 --> 00:55:21,810 We believe He actually died for our sins. 550 00:55:21,813 --> 00:55:24,253 We believe He rose again. 551 00:55:24,253 --> 00:55:27,501 We believe He's interceding for us now. 552 00:55:27,501 --> 00:55:29,501 We believe we are His children. 553 00:55:29,501 --> 00:55:34,429 We believe He's coming back and He is preparing a place for us 554 00:55:34,430 --> 00:55:36,428 throughout eternity. 555 00:55:36,428 --> 00:55:40,171 My friends, hold on to your faith. 556 00:55:40,174 --> 00:55:42,174 Treasure it. 557 00:55:42,174 --> 00:55:46,702 It's a good, good gift from God that shows us the way. 558 00:55:46,702 --> 00:55:52,582 It shows us the way of wisdom, and it shows us the way of salvation. 559 00:55:52,586 --> 00:55:57,160 Now, as a church, we want to help everyone here take your next step as a 560 00:55:57,160 --> 00:55:59,160 man of God or woman of God. 561 00:55:59,160 --> 00:56:02,636 Those of you watching online, you can communicate with us. 562 00:56:02,636 --> 00:56:05,708 Those of you in this room, you can communicate with us easily. 563 00:56:05,709 --> 00:56:10,959 In fact, here in just a few moments today, woe will witness a baptism 564 00:56:10,960 --> 00:56:12,960 into Christ. 565 00:56:12,960 --> 00:56:14,960 Maybe that is your next step. 566 00:56:14,960 --> 00:56:16,960 We'd love to help you take it. 567 00:56:16,960 --> 00:56:18,960 All right. 568 00:56:18,960 --> 00:56:21,396 Let' ask Scott to come couple here. 569 00:56:21,396 --> 00:56:23,396 Scott Wolfe, one of our elders, will lead us in prayer, before we 570 00:56:23,396 --> 00:56:25,396 celebrate a baptism into Christ. 571 00:56:25,396 --> 00:56:27,396 Scott? 572 00:56:27,396 --> 00:56:31,107 >> Scott: Thank you, Ronnie, for those powerful words. 573 00:56:31,793 --> 00:56:33,793 Would you pray with me, please? 574 00:56:33,793 --> 00:56:38,277 Father, as we close our time together this morning with thankfulness for 575 00:56:38,277 --> 00:56:44,099 the hope, joy, and confidence that we have in Your Word; Lord, we 576 00:56:44,099 --> 00:56:47,231 acknowledge You as the Creator of all. 577 00:56:47,233 --> 00:56:53,457 You created us in Your image and we fully trust in You as our Maker and 578 00:56:53,464 --> 00:56:55,464 Provider. 579 00:56:55,464 --> 00:56:57,669 Lord, may we continue to be unified in spirit in Your church. 580 00:56:57,673 --> 00:57:02,909 Lord, we ask that You fill us with Your Spirit of love and Junety. 581 00:57:02,911 --> 00:57:07,103 We ask Your help to set aside difference and look to You to live a life 582 00:57:07,103 --> 00:57:10,509 full of love and extended grace to others in all that we do. 583 00:57:10,509 --> 00:57:16,728 You modeled for us the perfect example for that. 584 00:57:16,729 --> 00:57:21,643 Lord, guide us to bear with one another in love, always extending grace; 585 00:57:21,645 --> 00:57:26,559 Lord, may our words with each other always be seasoned with love You 586 00:57:26,562 --> 00:57:28,562 showed us. 587 00:57:28,562 --> 00:57:31,387 Father, we are Your church and we know that in order to effectively 588 00:57:31,389 --> 00:57:35,458 disciple; to help others and to lead others to You, which You have 589 00:57:35,460 --> 00:57:39,842 called us to do; we have to love each other deeply and follow the 590 00:57:39,844 --> 00:57:42,974 example You set for us, Lord; so please strengthen us. 591 00:57:42,976 --> 00:57:48,226 Father, guide us to better know the truth, Your Truth, Lord; and help us 592 00:57:48,231 --> 00:57:52,731 not to listen to external influences that can turn us from Your 593 00:57:52,735 --> 00:57:56,485 supernatural authority that may challenge Your Word and doctrine, Lord. 594 00:57:56,489 --> 00:58:00,859 But let us not redefine Your Word or Your precepts. 595 00:58:00,860 --> 00:58:05,624 May we continually strive to discern Your Word and be well-grounded in 596 00:58:05,626 --> 00:58:09,596 Scripture so we can guard, defend, and protect the faith. 597 00:58:09,597 --> 00:58:14,061 Lord, this past week was an historic weather event that impacted not 598 00:58:14,065 --> 00:58:18,157 only our neighborhoods but our city, our state, and our nation. 599 00:58:18,160 --> 00:58:22,744 Lord, this morning we specifically pray for all of those in this 600 00:58:22,746 --> 00:58:26,184 congregation and in this community that suffered hardships -- suffered 601 00:58:26,185 --> 00:58:30,387 property damage and just adverse financial impact of events like this. 602 00:58:30,488 --> 00:58:32,966 We know it can be very stressful. 603 00:58:32,966 --> 00:58:36,200 Lord, we pray for restoration and endurance. 604 00:58:36,200 --> 00:58:41,010 During this event, Father, I was so encouraged to see how our 605 00:58:41,011 --> 00:58:45,422 communities, our neighbors, and our friends stepped up to help people. 606 00:58:45,422 --> 00:58:49,958 And many times it was probably people they didn't know but may we always 607 00:58:49,965 --> 00:58:53,529 step up to help those in need just like Jesus did. 608 00:58:53,534 --> 00:58:58,440 And finally, thank You for the Gift of Jesus, our Emmanuel. 609 00:58:58,443 --> 00:59:03,326 Lord, forgive us forforgetting Your Love never changes; your Love never 610 00:59:03,326 --> 00:59:09,092 fades; and that You never abandon the purpose for which You came, to 611 00:59:09,092 --> 00:59:15,745 save us from our sin self condition; to redeem us; and give us a life 612 00:59:15,747 --> 00:59:17,747 eternal. 613 00:59:17,747 --> 00:59:21,101 The joy of a relationship with a Holy, Living God. 614 00:59:21,105 --> 00:59:25,050 You are our joy and our peace, and we celebrate You, Lord. 615 00:59:25,050 --> 00:59:27,050 Thank You for being our King. 616 00:59:27,050 --> 00:59:29,216 In Christ's Name we pray, amen. 617 00:59:29,216 --> 00:59:31,216 >> Grant: Amen. 618 00:59:31,216 --> 00:59:33,216 Thank you, Scott. 619 00:59:33,216 --> 00:59:40,758 Well, at this time we have the privilege of witnessing a baptism of 620 00:59:40,763 --> 00:59:45,978 Frank Carl leverage, baptized by Kyler Cole. 621 00:59:45,980 --> 00:59:50,076 >> It's a blessed day to be in the house of the Lord and we have a 622 00:59:50,076 --> 00:59:52,244 unique opportunity today to witness new birth in Christ. 623 00:59:52,244 --> 00:59:54,244 This is Frank. 624 00:59:54,244 --> 00:59:58,127 He and his wife Janie live in sugarland with two young, beautiful sons. 625 00:59:58,133 --> 01:00:01,143 They're just a wonderful family. 626 01:00:01,144 --> 01:00:03,200 Frank has become a good friend to me. 627 01:00:03,204 --> 01:00:08,638 He got connected to the church through the sell Celebrate Recovery 628 01:00:08,643 --> 01:00:10,643 ministry. 629 01:00:10,643 --> 01:00:13,639 Many men have touched his life here. 630 01:00:13,639 --> 01:00:16,800 It's been a team effort and through that process, he's asked to study 631 01:00:18,304 --> 01:00:23,522 the Bible more deeply; and we went through the first conversations 632 01:00:23,522 --> 01:00:25,894 curriculum here, a Bible study. 633 01:00:25,896 --> 01:00:30,171 In this that time, he relied he wanted to follow Jesus' example in 634 01:00:30,178 --> 01:00:32,178 baptism. 635 01:00:32,178 --> 01:00:34,407 So today, Frank, I want to ask you: do you believe Jesus Christ is the 636 01:00:34,411 --> 01:00:36,411 Son to have God? 637 01:00:36,411 --> 01:00:38,411 >> I do. 638 01:00:38,411 --> 01:00:42,782 >> Do you repent of your sins and do you ask Jesus to be your Lord, 639 01:00:42,786 --> 01:00:44,786 Savior, Redeemer today? 640 01:00:44,786 --> 01:00:46,786 >> I do. 641 01:00:46,786 --> 01:00:50,956 >> With that confession, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, Son, 642 01:00:50,956 --> 01:00:52,956 and Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins. 643 01:00:52,956 --> 01:00:57,783 Today you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 644 01:00:59,417 --> 01:01:07,600 (Applause) 645 01:01:07,600 --> 01:01:09,600 >> Grant: Amen! 646 01:01:09,600 --> 01:01:11,669 What a beautiful sight to see! 647 01:01:11,669 --> 01:01:13,669 Congratulations to Frank and your family. 648 01:01:13,669 --> 01:01:15,954 Well, church, speaking of Celebrate Recovery, it's a phenomenal ministry 649 01:01:15,957 --> 01:01:20,346 that we have of a group of people here at church. 650 01:01:20,350 --> 01:01:25,945 As stress hits us in life, sometimes it can bring out the best in us. 651 01:01:25,948 --> 01:01:27,948 Sometimes stress can bring out the worst in us. 652 01:01:27,948 --> 01:01:32,700 So this is a place that, you know, when habits come; when hard times 653 01:01:32,705 --> 01:01:38,165 come; this is a place where it's safe, confidential, and a great road to 654 01:01:38,167 --> 01:01:40,167 recovery in healing. 655 01:01:40,167 --> 01:01:44,101 Luckily with our Lord, who extend that; who helps heal our brokenness; 656 01:01:44,105 --> 01:01:48,075 and a great church family that to wrap around you. 657 01:01:48,077 --> 01:01:52,076 You may be sitting there thinking, "Well, my thing is not that big." 658 01:01:52,076 --> 01:01:54,418 Well, this is a great place for you. 659 01:01:54,418 --> 01:01:57,488 Or you may say, on the other hand, "This is too big. 660 01:01:57,488 --> 01:01:59,488 Nobody can forgive me. 661 01:01:59,488 --> 01:02:01,488 Nobody wants to be around me. 662 01:02:01,488 --> 01:02:03,794 Nobody wants to hear this." 663 01:02:03,794 --> 01:02:06,143 Well, church, Celebrate Recover I have a great place for you and good 664 01:02:06,143 --> 01:02:09,949 for all of us, no matter our struggle that we face. 665 01:02:09,953 --> 01:02:13,707 Hey, on Friday night, 6:30, it's happening here at the church building. 666 01:02:13,709 --> 01:02:17,801 The online is still meeting as well so that option is there. 667 01:02:17,802 --> 01:02:20,981 You can find the group out in the courtyard at 6:30. 668 01:02:20,985 --> 01:02:22,985 It's a BYOCC event. 669 01:02:22,985 --> 01:02:24,985 What is that? 670 01:02:24,985 --> 01:02:27,205 Bring your own camping chair. 671 01:02:27,205 --> 01:02:29,205 Set out in the courtyard. 672 01:02:29,205 --> 01:02:31,205 Great time, great group of people. 673 01:02:31,205 --> 01:02:33,770 Take advantage of that if you're ready for that next step. 674 01:02:33,771 --> 01:02:37,261 Celebrate Recovery is a great place for that to happen. 675 01:02:37,262 --> 01:02:42,579 Sunday is a lot of options to stay spiritually fed whether that's our 676 01:02:42,581 --> 01:02:46,262 9:45 hour with kids ministries rocking, student ministries going. 677 01:02:46,263 --> 01:02:48,657 There's thing in the gym for the adult ministry. 678 01:02:48,657 --> 01:02:53,904 Great opportunity and everybody online, of course, we have our 10:00 679 01:02:53,909 --> 01:02:55,909 class. 680 01:02:55,909 --> 01:02:58,285 You can be on the live feed or YouTube. 681 01:02:58,285 --> 01:03:00,285 If you want to catch Kyle's class during the week, you can go to the 682 01:03:00,285 --> 01:03:02,285 YouTube channel and catch it on demand. 683 01:03:02,285 --> 01:03:05,275 Great opportunities there. 684 01:03:05,484 --> 01:03:08,355 Like it's been said already, this week was tough. 685 01:03:08,355 --> 01:03:12,105 Luckily as Texans we have a lot of grit to get through this but there's 686 01:03:12,105 --> 01:03:14,105 no way around it. 687 01:03:14,105 --> 01:03:16,317 There were hard moments this week so for everybody that's here, 688 01:03:16,319 --> 01:03:20,407 everybody online, I just want to say thank you guys for joining us; but 689 01:03:20,409 --> 01:03:24,205 also, if your family has experienced some hardship and it's still a hard 690 01:03:24,207 --> 01:03:26,835 time right now with your situation, let me know. 691 01:03:26,836 --> 01:03:28,978 Let one of our church staff know. 692 01:03:28,981 --> 01:03:32,887 We might not have the answers or solutions, but as the body of Christ, 693 01:03:32,888 --> 01:03:35,120 we can come together and help one another. 694 01:03:35,120 --> 01:03:37,670 So don't keep that to yourself. 695 01:03:37,670 --> 01:03:39,900 Let's share that burden with the body of Christ. 696 01:03:39,905 --> 01:03:41,905 All right. 697 01:03:41,905 --> 01:03:45,392 As we go this week, let us center on some central Biblical truth and 698 01:03:45,392 --> 01:03:47,392 foundations of the Bible. 699 01:03:47,392 --> 01:03:49,703 It was helpful for me. 700 01:03:49,705 --> 01:03:53,976 This week was a hard center week so it's love God; love our family; and 701 01:03:53,976 --> 01:03:55,976 love others more than we love ourselves. 702 01:03:55,976 --> 01:04:04,678 So as we do that let's go ahead and stand and close with one more song. 703 01:04:04,682 --> 01:04:36,202 ("Every Giant Will Fall" playing) 704 01:04:47,580 --> 01:04:50,118 >> Richard: Thank you for worshiping with us today! 705 01:04:50,120 --> 01:04:52,120 You are dismissed!