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Practical Christian Living · Providence Baptist Church - Sermons

• 0:00
  We are at a crossroads at Christ Family Church.
• 0:05
  If we count leadership, the methodology, the way we do church, and the direction of the church,
• 0:13
  ! If we put all those together, then we've been around just for a little over two years.
• 0:19
  I know some of you have been here a lot longer than that.
• 0:22
  Sid, Ruth, a couple others.
• 0:24
  But we count January 2009 as our birthday, if a church has a birthday.
• 0:31
  We're almost halfway through our third year.
• 0:35
  And God is blessing us even through the summer, when if you would have asked us in March what summer would have been like,
• 0:42
  it wouldn't have been like this.
• 0:43
  We thought May through July would be maybe 20, 30 people.
• 0:48
  And that's kind of been the last couple summers.
• 0:49
  So we're super excited about what God is doing and how He continues to amaze.
• 0:55
  Just the fact that Nathan and I have the ability alone to do any of this and be part of this is a sign of God's grace to us.
• 1:07
  First three years of a new church plant are an important time for several reasons.
• 1:12
  And I'm only going to give you two this morning.
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  The first one is the newness starts to wear off.
• 1:17
  You buy a pair of jeans, you wear those jeans, you get holes in the jeans and then they're no good,
• 1:23
  except unless you buy jeans with holes in them and then they're perfect.
• 1:27
  But with a church, the newness tends to wear off.
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  Now, for us, there wasn't really newness.
• 1:36
  We didn't move from California.
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  God called us here and found a building and started a church and 300 people showed up.
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  There wasn't this big, giant, good story to tell.
• 1:47
  But we now see how God has been doing some great things among us.
• 1:54
  We must always be dependent on God and plead with Him to continue to bless here at Christ Family Church.
• 2:07
  For a church, the newness sometimes tends to wear off and then people tend to leave.
• 2:12
  And, you know, you can just kind of fill in the blanks.
• 2:15
  The other reason is usually a church reaches a point between two and three years where more people need to be involved in ministry, serving and volunteering.
• 2:24
  Now, up to this point, the elders, the leaders, some people, the wives of those can handle most of what the needs are.
• 2:34
  But as the church grows, we come into a transition year or years, getting people in places, getting ministry set up, getting gifts matched up with what they're doing, what people are doing.
• 2:47
  I'm getting, as Nathan said last week of you here, getting program, non-program started.
• 2:54
  It's just just a couple of reasons.
• 2:57
  With that said, this morning, I want to talk about this summer, the fall, the future of Christ Family Church by discussing a topic that many times have been mentioned in here at Christ Family Church.
• 3:09
  And that is missional church.
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  What is missional church?
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  It's a word.
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  Missional is a word that's thrown out a lot in evangelicalism.
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  There's books written on it.
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  People blog about it.
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  People start churches based on it alone.
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  College Bible study is even doing a Bible study that that topic comes up a lot on Thursday nights.
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  The idea is nothing new.
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  It's biblical.
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  It is New Testament and it is Old Testament.
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  Think of Abraham or Abram at the time where God told him to get up and go.
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  Didn't tell them where, but to go.
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  Missional is the idea that all of us, young and old, rich and poor, tall and short are all missionaries.
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  We are the sent ones.
• 4:00
  Turn to Matthew 28.
• 4:02
  You guys, if you know anything about our direction, you know where we're headed.
• 4:08
  We're going to be in Matthew and then we're going to be in Titus.
• 4:14
  Matthew 28 is the last chapter of the book of Matthew.
• 4:18
  And at the end of the chapter, Jesus gives what we call the Great Commission to his disciples.
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  And he says,
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  And Jesus came and said to them,
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  Go, therefore,
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  Another way to say it is,
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  In your going.
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  Another way to say it is,
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  As you go.
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  We are the sent ones.
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  We are the ones to go.
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  Now, Jesus is speaking to his disciples,
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  so you can make the argument that he's talking to his disciples and we aren't disciples.
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  I'm sorry, you're wrong.
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  If you are a Christian and you are his disciples,
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  and this applies to you.
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  This is what's so powerful about the Great Commission.
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  Verse 18 says that,
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  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
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  Go, therefore.
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  So, Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and earth.
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  So, in light of that, now go.
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  So, out of Christ, we go and we minister and we share the good news of the gospel.
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  Jesus gives them authority.
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  And they go and reproduce followers of Christ.
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  And if we go back,
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  You and I are descendants of those disciples.
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  Okay?
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  We are disciple descendants of the first 11 disciples.
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  So cool.
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  If you just think about it that way.
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  Now, we can live on the legacy of these men by making disciples ourselves.
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  We must obey what Christ has told us.
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  And here clearly, go.
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  In your going, as you go, as you live your life, make disciples.
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  So, when was the last time that you had an evangelistic conversation with someone?
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  When was the last time that you talked about the gospel outside of this building or community group?
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  Now, these are questions that have to be asked.
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  We have to ask these questions of ourselves.
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  Of each other.
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  If we are the sent ones.
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  If we are to be missional.
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  To be missionaries.
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  Then we have to look through that lens as we live.
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  As we go.
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  No matter where that is.
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  We have to be like missionaries to a foreign land.
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  Even if we have been here our whole lives.
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  We still have to act and live like missionaries.
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  Being missional puts the emphasis on what happens outside of this building.
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  What happens outside of these 14 acres.
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  Far more important than what happens in here.
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  Our mission field is where we work.
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  Where we live.
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  Where we play.
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  And is where we have been sent.
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  So, now turn to Titus chapter 3.
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  Titus chapter 3.
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  Paul lays out for Titus.
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  What a healthy missional church looks like.
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  It's right after the Timothys.
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  Right before Philemon.
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  In Titus chapter 1 is about qualified leadership.
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  Guys who are in leadership positions must be qualified.
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  They must be placed there by God.
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  So, you have to have the proper leadership.
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  Now, qualified not in schooling or training.
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  I'm one that's not been to seminary.
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  But in life.
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  In integrity.
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  Does their life match the qualifications of Titus 1 or 1 Timothy 3?
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  Chapter 2 is about proper teaching.
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  Sound doctrine.
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  Is discipleship happening?
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  Is the Bible being preached and taught?
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  Or are all of us being tossed to and fro by every wind and doctrine as Paul writes to Timothy?
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  And then we come to chapter 3.
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  Chapter 3 is all about missional living.
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  Living as missionaries.
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  Being the sent ones.
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  So, let's read chapter 3.
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  We're going to skip a couple verses.
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  And then we'll dig in.
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  Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities.
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  To be obedient.
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  To be ready for every good work.
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  To speak evil of no one.
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  To avoid quarreling.
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  To be gentle.
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  And to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
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  For we ourselves were once foolish.
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  Disobedient.
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  Led astray.
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  Slaves to various passions and pleasures.
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  Passing our days in malice and envy.
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  Hated by others.
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  And hating one another.
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  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared.
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  He saved us.
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  Not because works done by us in righteousness.
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  But according to His mercy.
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  By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
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  Whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
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  So that being justified by His grace.
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  We might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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  The saying is trustworthy.
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  And I want you to insist on these things.
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  So that those who have believed in God.
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  May be careful to devote themselves to good works.
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  These things are excellent and profitable for people.
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  But avoid foolish controversies.
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  Genealogies.
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  Dissensions and quarrels about the law.
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  For they are unprofitable and worthless.
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  As for a person who stirs up division.
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  After warning him once and then twice.
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  Have nothing more to do with him.
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  Knowing that such a person is warped and sinful.
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  He is self condemned.
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  Down to verse 14.
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  And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works.
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  So as to help cases of urgent need.
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  And not be unfruitful.
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  All who are with me send greetings to you.
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  Greet those who love us in the faith.
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  Grace be with you all.
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  Now this chapter is very practical.
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  For writing of Paul.
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  Paul.
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  It is very practical and very clear.
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  There is not a lot of hidden meanings here.
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  So these.
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  I think I have five points.
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  Nothing special.
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  Nothing deep about them.
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  Very very practical and applicable to our lives.
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  To be missional.
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  To live a missional life.
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  To be a missionary.
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  The first thing we have to be is a good citizen.
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  And that is found in verse 1.
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  Have to be a good citizen.
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  Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities.
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  To be obedient.
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  To be ready for every good work.
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  No matter what side of the fence you fall on.
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  Okay.
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  This world is full of division.
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  So no matter what side you fall on.
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  Democrat.
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  Republican.
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  Right wing.
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  Left wing.
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  Conservative.
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  Liberal.
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  Doesn't matter.
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  There is division.
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  And there are a lot of people who think the answer to.
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  Is to just reject the rule.
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  Reject the rulers.
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  Fight for freedom.
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  Those in charge.
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  Forget them.
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  With that thought.
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  In Matthew 22.
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  The Pharisees come to Jesus.
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  Now the Pharisees thought.
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  That the Messiah was going to come.
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  And they were going to save.
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  The Messiah was going to save them from this.
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  Rule.
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  That they were under.
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  From Rome.
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  And the Pharisees thought.
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  Okay.
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  Let's try to trick Jesus.
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  So they asked him a question.
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  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.
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  Or not.
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  And thinking that.
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  That if Jesus claims to be the Messiah.
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  If he claims to be God.
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  If he claims not to be of this world.
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  Then he'll answer.
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  Blaspheming Caesar.
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  And then they could turn him in.
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  And it's said that they marveled at his response.
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  Jesus says.
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  Whose likeness and inscription is this?
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  And they answered him.
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  Of course.
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  That it's Caesar.
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  Therefore.
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  Render to Caesar.
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  The things that are Caesar's.
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  And to God.
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  The things that are God's.
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  In other words.
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  Submit to the rulers.
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  And the authorities.
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  God has placed the kings.
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  He has put them in power to rule.
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  So whether you are under suffering.
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  Or in plenty.
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  God will be just in the end.
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  Right now.
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  Our job is to submit.
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  To those authorities.
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  This word of submission.
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  Is a military term.
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  Lining up under the direction.
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  Of the person in charge.
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  So in this context.
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  It's a perfect fit.
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  We are to line up underneath.
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  The leaders that God has put there.
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  Being missional.
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  Accepts the leaders.
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  And we know that God is sovereign.
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  And he has put them there.
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  Being missional.
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  Missional.
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  Accepts the leaders.
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  They may be right.
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  They may be wrong.
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  They may be left wing.
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  They may be right wing.
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  But we accept them.
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  As our leaders.
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  And Jesus knew.
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  When they asked him the question.
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  He knew who Caesar was.
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  He knew about the taxes.
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  He knew about how.
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  How much he wasn't a people leader.
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  Caesar was.
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  Was all about Caesar.
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  He knew that.
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  And he still said.
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  Render to Caesar.
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  What is Caesar?
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  Missional living is about.
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  Seeing the world.
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  Through a different lens.
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  Now it doesn't mean.
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  We accept injustice.
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  We fight injustice.
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  It doesn't.
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  We help those who are affected.
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  In injustice.
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  It doesn't mean.
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  We don't love the homeless.
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  We fight for the homeless.
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  It doesn't mean.
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  We accept abortion.
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  We fight against it.
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  And we vote against it.
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  But all of that.
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  Is done.
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  Under the submission.
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  To authorities.
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  And rulers.
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  We pay our taxes.
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  We don't cheat.
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  On our taxes.
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  We vote.
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  We support.
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  The city officers.
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  We pray.
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  For the leaders.
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  You love the city.
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  By loving the leaders.
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  By supporting the leaders.
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  And by submitting.
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  To the leaders.
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  So not only.
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  Are we a good citizen.
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  But we're also.
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  A good neighbor.
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  Look at the second part.
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  Of verse one.
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  And then verse two.
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  Says.
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  To be ready.
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  For every good work.
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  To speak evil.
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  Of no one.
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  To avoid quarreling.
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  To be gentle.
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  And to show perfect courtesy.
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  Toward all.
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  People.
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  We have a message.
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  That needs to be proclaimed.
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  We have a sermon.
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  That needs to be preached.
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  But no one will listen.
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  If we are jerks.
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  In the community.
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  And to our neighbors.
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  When was the last time.
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  That you did something.
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  For a neighbor.
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  Without wanting.
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  Or expecting something.
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  In return.
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  Now.
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  That's.
• 15:47
  That's.
• 15:47
  That's.
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  That's a hard question.
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  To answer.
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  It's a hard question.
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  To be asked.
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  And I'm asking it.
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  And I want you to know.
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  That I've already asked myself.
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  That question.
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  When was the last time.
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  That you were willing.
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  To do that.
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  Living.
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  As a missionary.
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  Not only must be nice.
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  We must not.
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  Not only be nice to people.
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  But we also.
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  Must know.
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  The people.
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  We must know.
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  Our neighbors.
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  Know those around us.
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  To speak evil of no one.
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  Avoid quarreling.
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  Does your mouth have a filter on it?
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  Does your brain have a filter on it?
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  Do you go out of your way.
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  To argue?
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  Do you gossip.
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  And slander people?
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  Now.
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  If God sent you.
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  If you left.
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  Dahlonega.
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  Georgia.
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  And God was sending you.
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  To the Sudan.
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  In Africa.
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  As a missionary.
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  You are not going to go.
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  And talk negative.
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  About the people there.
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  You're not going to start.
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  Calling names.
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  And talking negative.
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  About the way things are done.
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  And you're going to go there.
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  And you're going to love people.
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  And you're going to be part of the community.
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  And you're going to try to help that.
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  So why are we doing anything different.
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  Here.
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  If we are missionaries.
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  Here.
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  Then we must live the same way we would.
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  In Sudan.
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  Or in New Zealand.
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  Or in Australia.
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  Or in wherever.
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  That is.
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  We've.
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  We've romanticized these.
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  Big trips that we take.
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  When here.
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  We're called just as much as we're called to there.
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  It says be gentle.
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  A fruit of the spirit.
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  And listed in Galatians 5.
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  Another word for gentleness.
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  Is considerate.
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  We should be willing to defer to others.
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  Even if that means to lose status.
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  Or the upper hand.
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  We like the upper hand.
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  To show perfect courtesy towards all people.
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  Another way that is said.
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  Is show true humility.
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  This means that we have the willingness.
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  And ability to look to the needs.
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  And desires of others.
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  Do you look to others.
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  And try to fill their needs.
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  Are you selfless?
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  This.
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  It says.
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  Toward all people.
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  Now this is not hyperbole.
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  Paul's not exaggerating.
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  When he says all people.
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  He means.
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  All people.
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  Christian.
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  Non-Christian.
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  Mission of living is centered on a greater good.
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  A life that speaks to the lost around us.
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  With word.
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  And with deed.
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  To all people.
• 18:33
  Now we've all been.
• 18:34
  Everybody in here has been to either a coffee shop.
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  Or a restaurant.
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  Okay.
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  I can safely say that.
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  Do you care more about the ingredients.
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  And the way that the barista is making your coffee.
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  Or do you care more about the barista.
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  Her himself.
• 18:52
  Do you care more about the food.
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  That is being provided for you.
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  Or do you care more about the server.
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  Who brought it to you.
• 19:02
  Here's some.
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  Let me find it.
• 19:04
  Here's some practical.
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  Practical ideas for living missionally.
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  By being a good neighbor.
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  Okay.
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  This is from Jonathan Dodson.
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  Who's lead pastor in Austin.
• 19:17
  Texas.
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  At a church that he planted a few years ago.
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  Says.
• 19:22
  Eat with non-Christians.
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  Do you eat with non-Christians.
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  Do you have lunch with your co-workers.
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  Do you invite neighbors over for family dinner.
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  Do you cook out and invite Christians and non-Christians.
• 19:37
  Says.
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  We have to flee the Christian subculture.
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  Okay.
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  Now I don't know if this applies to a lot of us.
• 19:45
  Maybe some of you college students.
• 19:46
  And maybe somebody in here lives really close to town.
• 19:49
  Walk.
• 19:50
  Don't drive.
• 19:51
  Walk places.
• 19:52
  Say hello to people you don't know.
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  Strike up conversations.
• 19:58
  Take interest in your neighbors.
• 20:00
  Now you certainly can walk around your neighborhoods.
• 20:03
  Be a regular.
• 20:06
  Instead of hopping all over the city for gas and groceries.
• 20:10
  And haircuts.
• 20:12
  And eating out.
• 20:13
  Be a regular somewhere.
• 20:15
  Smile.
• 20:16
  Ask questions.
• 20:17
  Build relationships with people.
• 20:19
  Be a regular.
• 20:20
  Talk.
• 20:22
  Talk.
• 20:23
  This made me laugh.
• 20:24
  Talk to your co-workers.
• 20:26
  It made me laugh because.
• 20:28
  I put blinders on when I get to work.
• 20:30
  I mean.
• 20:31
  I only work with one person.
• 20:32
  Then that's me.
• 20:33
  So it would be kind of weird if I talk to myself.
• 20:36
  But if I've got something.
• 20:37
  If I've got a task at hand.
• 20:39
  I'm headed at that task.
• 20:40
  And only that task.
• 20:41
  So I tend to not talk to people.
• 20:43
  I just want to go and get it done.
• 20:45
  And you know.
• 20:45
  People have problems and issues.
• 20:47
  And then they make your life a little more difficult.
• 20:50
  And talk to your co-workers.
• 20:53
  Take your breaks with intentionality.
• 20:56
  Show interest in them.
• 20:57
  Take your breaks with intentionality.
• 21:02
  Participate in city events.
• 21:04
  Go to fundraisers and festivals.
• 21:06
  Cleanups.
• 21:07
  Summer shows and concerts.
• 21:09
  Study the culture.
• 21:11
  Pray for the city.
• 21:13
  And then lastly.
• 21:14
  Serve your neighbors.
• 21:16
  Help a neighbor by weeding.
• 21:18
  Mowing.
• 21:19
  Building.
• 21:20
  Building a cabinet.
• 21:21
  Fixing a car.
• 21:23
  Serve your neighbors.
• 21:23
  Simple ways of being a good neighbor.
• 21:32
  Let me be straight with you though.
• 21:34
  These are great ideas.
• 21:36
  These are great things to be done.
• 21:38
  But if we're not people of integrity.
• 21:42
  Meaning our talk and our walk line up.
• 21:47
  Then they're worthless.
• 21:49
  Then they speak more to our depravity.
• 21:52
  Than they do to the gospel.
• 21:53
  They speak more to how bad we are.
• 21:55
  Than how good God is.
• 21:57
  Our words must line up with our actions.
• 22:00
  Inside.
• 22:01
  And out.
• 22:03
  So.
• 22:04
  We're supposed to be a good citizen.
• 22:06
  But not only a good citizen.
• 22:07
  A good neighbor.
• 22:10
  Next.
• 22:11
  We're supposed to do good works.
• 22:15
  Let's look at the second part of verse 8.
• 22:18
  We'll read verse 8.
• 22:19
  Verse 14.
• 22:20
  But kind of highlight the second parts of these verses.
• 22:23
  Now of course.
• 22:25
  All of this.
• 22:26
  That I've kind of.
• 22:26
  Given you.
• 22:27
  Has been good works.
• 22:28
  They've been good things.
• 22:30
  But look at verse 8.
• 22:32
  And verse 14.
• 22:34
  Says the saying.
• 22:35
  The saying is trustworthy.
• 22:37
  And I want you to insist.
• 22:38
  On these things.
• 22:39
  So that those.
• 22:40
  Who have believed in God.
• 22:42
  May be careful.
• 22:43
  To devote themselves.
• 22:44
  To good works.
• 22:45
  These things.
• 22:46
  These things are excellent.
• 22:47
  And profitable.
• 22:49
  For people.
• 22:51
  Now good works.
• 22:52
  Is a theme.
• 22:53
  That is repeated.
• 22:53
  Throughout Titus.
• 22:55
  Chapter 2.
• 22:56
  Verse 7.
• 22:57
  Chapter 2.
• 22:58
  Verse 14.
• 22:59
  Chapter 3.
• 22:59
  Verse 1.
• 23:00
  Verse 8.
• 23:00
  Verse 14.
• 23:01
  All use this term.
• 23:03
  I didn't expect you guys.
• 23:04
  To write that down.
• 23:06
  All.
• 23:07
  Of those.
• 23:08
  Use.
• 23:09
  This term.
• 23:09
  Good works.
• 23:11
  Paul knows.
• 23:12
  The need.
• 23:12
  For missional people.
• 23:13
  To do good.
• 23:14
  As well as be good.
• 23:16
  Here's the good news.
• 23:18
  Ephesians 2.
• 23:19
  10.
• 23:19
  Says.
• 23:20
  For we are his.
• 23:22
  Workmanship.
• 23:22
  Created.
• 23:23
  In Christ Jesus.
• 23:25
  For good works.
• 23:26
  Which God.
• 23:27
  Prepared.
• 23:27
  Before him.
• 23:28
  That we.
• 23:29
  Should walk in them.
• 23:30
  So God.
• 23:30
  Has.
• 23:31
  Created us.
• 23:31
  To do good works.
• 23:33
  He has made us.
• 23:34
  And he's.
• 23:35
  Prepared it.
• 23:36
  Before him.
• 23:36
  That we should.
• 23:37
  Walk in them.
• 23:39
  Now.
• 23:40
  I've.
• 23:40
  Touched on this.
• 23:41
  Already.
• 23:41
  But one thing.
• 23:42
  I want you to see.
• 23:43
  Is that.
• 23:43
  The end of verse 8.
• 23:44
  Says.
• 23:44
  All people.
• 23:47
  Says.
• 23:48
  All people.
• 23:49
  Devote themselves.
• 23:50
  To good works.
• 23:50
  These things are excellent.
• 23:51
  And profitable.
• 23:52
  For all.
• 23:53
  People.
• 23:54
  Or for.
• 23:54
  People.
• 23:56
  Christian.
• 23:57
  And Muslim.
• 23:58
  Doesn't matter.
• 24:00
  Democrat.
• 24:01
  And Republican.
• 24:02
  Verse 14.
• 24:03
  Says.
• 24:05
  And let our people.
• 24:06
  Learn to devote themselves.
• 24:07
  To good works.
• 24:09
  So as to help.
• 24:10
  Cases.
• 24:10
  Of urgent need.
• 24:11
  And not be unfruitful.
• 24:15
  Cases.
• 24:15
  Of urgent need.
• 24:17
  How many cases.
• 24:18
  Do you know of?
• 24:20
  Are you asking?
• 24:22
  Am I asking?
• 24:25
  Cases.
• 24:26
  Of urgent need.
• 24:28
  And it says.
• 24:29
  Good works.
• 24:30
  So that.
• 24:31
  We.
• 24:32
  Would not be.
• 24:33
  Unfruitful.
• 24:36
  Living.
• 24:37
  Missional lives.
• 24:38
  Changes.
• 24:38
  Everything.
• 24:40
  No longer.
• 24:40
  Can we just coast.
• 24:42
  We must do.
• 24:44
  For the sake.
• 24:44
  Of the people.
• 24:45
  Around us.
• 24:45
  For the sake.
• 24:46
  Of the community.
• 24:48
  And for the sake.
• 24:48
  Of the gospel.
• 24:50
  So not only.
• 24:51
  Are we supposed.
• 24:52
  To do good works.
• 24:53
  We're also supposed.
• 24:54
  To have a good head.
• 24:55
  On our shoulders.
• 24:57
  Verse 9.
• 24:58
  Look at verse 9.
• 24:59
  It says.
• 25:00
  But avoid.
• 25:01
  Foolish controversies.
• 25:03
  Genealogies.
• 25:04
  Dissensions.
• 25:05
  And quarrels.
• 25:05
  About the law.
• 25:06
  For they are unprofitable.
• 25:08
  And worthless.
• 25:10
  Now Crete.
• 25:11
  Is where Titus is.
• 25:12
  And at this time.
• 25:14
  A pretty large problem.
• 25:15
  With false teachers.
• 25:17
  The teachers arose.
• 25:19
  They arose.
• 25:19
  Out of the church.
• 25:20
  In Crete.
• 25:21
  And just started teaching.
• 25:22
  Things that were a little off.
• 25:24
  They were in one of two camps.
• 25:27
  They either added to the gospel.
• 25:29
  Which means.
• 25:30
  For example.
• 25:30
  Would be.
• 25:31
  Gospel plus circumcision.
• 25:32
  Or gospel plus.
• 25:34
  Following or obeying the law.
• 25:35
  Galatians.
• 25:37
  Is all about.
• 25:38
  Fighting against that teaching.
• 25:41
  You need to obey the law.
• 25:43
  Also.
• 25:44
  Along with Jesus.
• 25:45
  Jesus is good.
• 25:46
  But you also need.
• 25:48
  The other camp though.
• 25:49
  Are people who take away.
• 25:51
  From the gospel.
• 25:52
  Those who believe the gospel.
• 25:53
  But.
• 25:54
  But say that it's too harsh.
• 25:56
  They say that.
• 25:59
  That they need to soften it.
• 26:00
  Because.
• 26:01
  So the hearers.
• 26:02
  To follow.
• 26:04
  They say that it's too brutal.
• 26:05
  It's too bloody.
• 26:06
  It's too serious.
• 26:08
  It needs to be sugar coated.
• 26:09
  Or softened a little bit.
• 26:11
  Look at Titus chapter 1.
• 26:13
  Verse 10 and 11.
• 26:16
  It says.
• 26:16
  For there are many.
• 26:18
  Who are insubordinate.
• 26:19
  Empty talkers.
• 26:20
  And deceivers.
• 26:22
  Especially those.
• 26:23
  Of the circumcision party.
• 26:25
  They must be silenced.
• 26:27
  Since they are upsetting.
• 26:28
  Whole families.
• 26:29
  By teaching.
• 26:31
  For shameful gain.
• 26:32
  What they ought not.
• 26:34
  To teach.
• 26:37
  They are teaching.
• 26:38
  For shameful gain.
• 26:39
  They did this.
• 26:39
  For personal gain.
• 26:41
  So Paul tells Titus.
• 26:43
  Tells the elders.
• 26:44
  And to the church.
• 26:45
  In chapter 3.
• 26:46
  To avoid.
• 26:47
  Foolish controversies.
• 26:49
  To turn from them.
• 26:50
  To walk the other direction.
• 26:53
  He puts a seriousness.
• 26:54
  To even entertaining.
• 26:56
  The conversation.
• 26:57
  So not only.
• 26:58
  Don't have the conversation.
• 27:01
  Of controversies.
• 27:02
  But don't even entertain them.
• 27:03
  Don't even.
• 27:05
  Think about them.
• 27:08
  Genealogies.
• 27:08
  You see.
• 27:09
  Another.
• 27:09
  Next thing on the list is.
• 27:11
  But avoid foolish controversies.
• 27:13
  Avoid genealogies.
• 27:16
  Now he's speaking of the genealogies in scripture.
• 27:19
  Now.
• 27:19
  Paul is not discounting.
• 27:21
  Genealogies.
• 27:22
  Matthew chapter 1.
• 27:23
  Starts off.
• 27:24
  By saying.
• 27:25
  Matthew.
• 27:25
  The genealogy of Jesus Christ.
• 27:27
  The son of David.
• 27:28
  The son of Abraham.
• 27:29
  He's not saying.
• 27:30
  They're not good.
• 27:31
  There's good things in them.
• 27:33
  But.
• 27:34
  These people were wasting their time.
• 27:37
  Trying to interpret them.
• 27:39
  When there really wasn't anything to interpret.
• 27:43
  So they were wasting their time.
• 27:45
  On something.
• 27:45
  Way over here.
• 27:47
  And ignoring the gospel.
• 27:53
  The word dissensions.
• 27:54
  In verse 9.
• 27:56
  The next word.
• 27:57
  Dissensions.
• 27:58
  Do you know anyone who argues about everything?
• 28:02
  And anything?
• 28:03
  They just love to argue.
• 28:05
  Now I'm.
• 28:06
  I'm a product of that.
• 28:08
  I have two brothers and a sister.
• 28:10
  We're two years apart.
• 28:11
  We argued about everything.
• 28:13
  To the point now.
• 28:14
  I kind of enjoy arguing with them.
• 28:15
  Just about anything.
• 28:16
  And.
• 28:17
  My wife has called me out on it.
• 28:19
  Several times.
• 28:20
  And said.
• 28:20
  You're.
• 28:20
  You're being.
• 28:21
  You're being an idiot.
• 28:23
  You're just arguing.
• 28:24
  Just argue.
• 28:25
  And I'm glad she has.
• 28:27
  I'm glad.
• 28:27
  It's part of God's sanctification.
• 28:29
  I'm glad she has.
• 28:30
  Called me out on it.
• 28:31
  But do you know.
• 28:32
  People like that.
• 28:36
  These people will disagree.
• 28:38
  Just to disagree.
• 28:39
  And within the church and community.
• 28:41
  Is not beneficial for anyone.
• 28:44
  Or any message.
• 28:45
  In fact.
• 28:46
  Paul says.
• 28:47
  At the end of verse 9.
• 28:50
  Says.
• 28:50
  For they.
• 28:51
  This list.
• 28:52
  Are unprofitable.
• 28:54
  And worthless.
• 28:58
  To live a missional life.
• 29:00
  A life as a missionary.
• 29:02
  We must know the truth.
• 29:05
  Avoid the false teaching.
• 29:07
  By not allowing them.
• 29:08
  Into the church.
• 29:09
  To teach.
• 29:10
  Clear.
• 29:11
  You guys would all agree with that.
• 29:12
  Whether you.
• 29:12
  You believe.
• 29:14
  Half of what I'm saying or not.
• 29:15
  You would say.
• 29:16
  Let's avoid false teachers.
• 29:17
  In the church.
• 29:20
  But here's the thing.
• 29:22
  You can only avoid something.
• 29:23
  Either.
• 29:24
  If you either know the truth.
• 29:26
  To combat.
• 29:27
  The teaching.
• 29:28
  Or you know the counterfeit message.
• 29:31
  It's one or the other.
• 29:32
  You either.
• 29:32
  Know the truth.
• 29:34
  Or you know the counterfeit message.
• 29:35
  That they're trying to.
• 29:37
  Teach.
• 29:38
  The problem with the latter.
• 29:40
  Problem with.
• 29:41
  With knowing the counterfeit message.
• 29:42
  Is how many counterfeit messages.
• 29:43
  Do you have to know.
• 29:46
  I mean.
• 29:47
  How many false teachings.
• 29:48
  Are there.
• 29:49
  Out there.
• 29:50
  Now.
• 29:50
  Some of you have heard.
• 29:51
  This illustration before.
• 29:53
  One of the ways.
• 29:54
  That the.
• 29:55
  A bank.
• 29:55
  Will train its tellers.
• 29:57
  Is not to show them.
• 29:58
  A lot of counterfeit bills.
• 30:00
  Because there's probably.
• 30:01
  Thousands of different.
• 30:03
  Options out there.
• 30:03
  They'll show them.
• 30:05
  The real.
• 30:06
  50 or 100.
• 30:07
  Or whatever it is.
• 30:08
  And they'll make them know it.
• 30:10
  Back and front.
• 30:11
  Left and right.
• 30:11
  Everything about it.
• 30:12
  So that when they see something counterfeit.
• 30:15
  They know exactly what it is.
• 30:16
  It's counterfeit.
• 30:17
  And let's put it aside.
• 30:19
  This is wrong.
• 30:20
  This is not the true.
• 30:22
  Dollar bill.
• 30:22
  Or a hundred dollar bill.
• 30:25
  Likewise.
• 30:25
  We have to know the truth.
• 30:28
  And how do we do that?
• 30:30
  Found in verse 3 through 7.
• 30:32
  And that's the final point.
• 30:34
  For a missional life.
• 30:35
  We have to have.
• 30:36
  Or we have.
• 30:36
  A good.
• 30:37
  Message.
• 30:39
  Verse 3 through 7.
• 30:42
  Paul says.
• 30:42
  For we ourselves were once foolish.
• 30:46
  Disobedient.
• 30:47
  Led astray.
• 30:49
  Slaves to various passions and pleasures.
• 30:51
  Passing our days in malice and envy.
• 30:53
  Hated by others.
• 30:55
  And hating one another.
• 30:57
  But when the goodness.
• 30:58
  And loving kindness of God.
• 30:59
  Our Savior appeared.
• 31:01
  He saved us.
• 31:02
  Not because of works done by us.
• 31:04
  In righteousness.
• 31:06
  But according to his home mercy.
• 31:08
  By the washing.
• 31:09
  Of regeneration.
• 31:10
  And renewal of the Holy Spirit.
• 31:12
  Whom he poured out on us richly.
• 31:13
  Through Jesus Christ our Savior.
• 31:16
  So that being justified by his grace.
• 31:18
  We might become heirs.
• 31:19
  According to the hope.
• 31:21
  Of eternal life.
• 31:23
  Now Paul.
• 31:25
  Always.
• 31:26
  Most of the time.
• 31:27
  Gives you.
• 31:28
  The indicative.
• 31:29
  Gives you.
• 31:30
  Who God is.
• 31:31
  And what God has done.
• 31:32
  Followed by the imperative.
• 31:33
  What we are to do.
• 31:34
  In light of that.
• 31:35
  Okay.
• 31:36
  So.
• 31:36
  Who God is.
• 31:37
  Then he follows it with.
• 31:38
  What we're to do.
• 31:39
  Ephesians is usually the go to example.
• 31:42
  The first three chapters.
• 31:43
  Are who we are in Christ.
• 31:44
  The last three chapters.
• 31:45
  Are what are we going to do.
• 31:46
  In light of that.
• 31:47
  Okay.
• 31:48
  Here.
• 31:48
  Paul kind of throws it in the middle.
• 31:51
  He gives us to do.
• 31:52
  In the first two verses.
• 31:53
  To do.
• 31:54
  In the last few verses.
• 31:55
  And in the middle.
• 31:56
  Gives us the indicative.
• 31:57
  What God has done.
• 32:00
  So.
• 32:00
  In verse three.
• 32:02
  He tells us who we are.
• 32:03
  Or who we were.
• 32:04
  Before Christ.
• 32:06
  For we were ourselves.
• 32:07
  Once foolish.
• 32:10
  Disobedient.
• 32:11
  Led astray.
• 32:13
  Slaves.
• 32:14
  To various passions.
• 32:15
  And pleasures.
• 32:16
  Passing our days.
• 32:17
  In malice.
• 32:18
  And envy.
• 32:19
  Hated by others.
• 32:20
  Hating one another.
• 32:22
  Horrible people.
• 32:25
  Wretched.
• 32:26
  Verse four.
• 32:27
  Tells us what God did.
• 32:29
  But when the goodness.
• 32:31
  And loving kindness.
• 32:31
  Of God.
• 32:32
  Our Savior.
• 32:33
  Appeared.
• 32:34
  Verse five.
• 32:35
  Says.
• 32:35
  He saved us.
• 32:36
  Not because of works.
• 32:37
  Done by us.
• 32:38
  And righteousness.
• 32:39
  But according to his own mercy.
• 32:42
  By the washing.
• 32:43
  And region.
• 32:44
  Of regeneration.
• 32:45
  And renewal.
• 32:46
  Of the Holy Spirit.
• 32:47
  God did that for us.
• 32:49
  Six and seven.
• 32:50
  Tells us why.
• 32:52
  Whom he poured out on us.
• 32:54
  Richly.
• 32:55
  Poured out on us.
• 32:56
  Richly.
• 32:57
  Through Jesus Christ.
• 32:57
  Our Savior.
• 32:59
  So that being justified.
• 33:00
  By his grace.
• 33:01
  We might become heirs.
• 33:02
  According to the hope.
• 33:04
  Of eternal life.
• 33:06
  If I can become an heir.
• 33:09
  You can become an heir.
• 33:10
  If you can become an heir.
• 33:12
  Then you can become an heir.
• 33:13
  And if you guys can become heirs.
• 33:15
  Then they can become heirs.
• 33:17
  Anybody around us.
• 33:18
  Those you work with.
• 33:20
  Those you live next to.
• 33:23
  Those you walk down the street with.
• 33:25
  Can become heirs.
• 33:27
  And that's the point.
• 33:29
  We have a message to tell.
• 33:33
  We have this great message to proclaim.
• 33:36
  In 2 Corinthians chapter five.
• 33:39
  Paul says.
• 33:42
  In verse 11.
• 33:44
  He says.
• 33:45
  Therefore.
• 33:46
  Knowing the fear of the Lord.
• 33:48
  We persuade others.
• 33:51
  Knowing the fear of the Lord.
• 33:53
  We persuade others.
• 33:54
  We.
• 33:55
  Guide them.
• 33:56
  We push them.
• 33:57
  We prod them.
• 33:58
  We try to talk them into.
• 34:01
  This message.
• 34:02
  And seeing it.
• 34:03
  What is this?
• 34:07
  The fear of the Lord.
• 34:08
  What is this truth.
• 34:09
  That he's speaking of.
• 34:12
  Eternal.
• 34:14
  God is made with hands.
• 34:15
  Eternal.
• 34:16
  A house.
• 34:17
  Made with hands.
• 34:18
  Eternal.
• 34:19
  In the heavens.
• 34:20
  He who has prepared us.
• 34:21
  For this very thing.
• 34:22
  Is God.
• 34:23
  Who has given us the spirit.
• 34:24
  As a guarantee.
• 34:26
  God has done.
• 34:27
  A lot.
• 34:28
  For us.
• 34:29
  We.
• 34:30
  Have this message.
• 34:31
  To share.
• 34:32
  And we must persuade.
• 34:33
  People.
• 34:37
  Verse 14.
• 34:38
  Of 2nd Corinthians 5.
• 34:40
  Says.
• 34:41
  For the love of Christ.
• 34:42
  Controls us.
• 34:44
  For the love of Christ.
• 34:45
  Compels us.
• 34:46
  Is another way to say it.
• 34:48
  Let us.
• 34:49
  Let the love of Jesus.
• 34:51
  Control us today.
• 34:54
  Now.
• 34:55
  I know.
• 34:55
  That some of these things.
• 34:56
  That were said.
• 34:57
  This morning.
• 34:58
  Have been hard.
• 34:58
  They've been hard.
• 34:59
  For me.
• 34:59
  To even.
• 35:00
  Think about this week.
• 35:01
  And.
• 35:01
  And.
• 35:02
  Write down.
• 35:06
  They're not easy.
• 35:08
  I mean.
• 35:09
  To shake up.
• 35:10
  Or challenge.
• 35:11
  The way that we live.
• 35:12
  Is not.
• 35:14
  It's not enjoyable.
• 35:16
  But we're called.
• 35:17
  To do it.
• 35:19
  We're called.
• 35:20
  To be different.
• 35:21
  We're called.
• 35:21
  To look.
• 35:21
  Through a different lens.
• 35:22
  Friends.
• 35:26
  And the gospel.
• 35:27
  And the love of Jesus.
• 35:28
  Compels us.
• 35:29
  To do so.
• 35:30
  Compels us.
• 35:31
  To go.
• 35:33
  As we go into a time.
• 35:34
  To celebrate.
• 35:35
  What Christ has done for us.
• 35:36
  And I ask the guys.
• 35:37
  To come up.
• 35:38
  And get ready.
• 35:38
  For the Lord's Supper.
• 35:42
  As we.
• 35:42
  As we celebrate.
• 35:44
  This.
• 35:46
  Let it be done.
• 35:46
  In reverence.
• 35:47
  Not in foolish pride.
• 35:51
  There.
• 35:51
  There are some.
• 35:52
  In this room.
• 35:52
  That.
• 35:53
  That maybe need to repent.
• 35:54
  Of some things.
• 35:57
  Eating of the cracker.
• 35:58
  Jesus's body.
• 36:00
  And drinking of the grape juice.
• 36:02
  Jesus's blood.
• 36:03
  Is to be done with clean hands.
• 36:05
  And pure hearts.
• 36:08
  So examine yourselves.
• 36:10
  This morning.
• 36:11
  And when you are ready.
• 36:12
  When God tells you.
• 36:14
  You are ready.
• 36:14
  Partake of this glorious celebration.
• 36:16
  Let me pray.
• 36:18
  Let me pray.