1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,559 Marcel: Good morning, church. 2 00:00:02,760 --> 00:00:06,360 My name is Marcel Hall and, I have the honor and privilege of being able 3 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:08,700 to preach God's word this morning. 4 00:00:09,100 --> 00:00:11,410 Again, my name is Marcel with my wife Karina, we've been 5 00:00:11,410 --> 00:00:13,570 married, almost 21 years. 6 00:00:14,620 --> 00:00:15,220 Oh, amen. 7 00:00:15,220 --> 00:00:16,390 I wasn't expecting that. 8 00:00:16,390 --> 00:00:16,960 There you go. 9 00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:19,270 A brother appreciates that. 10 00:00:19,940 --> 00:00:24,044 We have three kids of 15, 13, and this week will be eight. 11 00:00:24,674 --> 00:00:29,714 So it is active at our place and, uh, so I'm grateful and I do wanna 12 00:00:29,714 --> 00:00:33,645 thank all those who help us be able to have our worship service. 13 00:00:33,645 --> 00:00:36,855 We have our AV team, our ushers, those who set up the snacks. 14 00:00:36,855 --> 00:00:38,085 Can we go ahead and thank them? 15 00:00:38,505 --> 00:00:42,705 We are so grateful for all that you do and are doing. 16 00:00:45,105 --> 00:00:47,505 We're gonna go ahead and get into the word here today. 17 00:00:47,505 --> 00:00:49,405 Now, many of you have heard me preach. 18 00:00:49,405 --> 00:00:52,420 There are several of you have not heard me preach. 19 00:00:52,420 --> 00:00:58,900 And so I want to let you know this is an interactive time, and so if you want to be 20 00:00:58,900 --> 00:01:04,599 quiet, that's great in about 30 minutes, but I'm gonna need some feedback, some 21 00:01:04,599 --> 00:01:08,620 positive feedback for our time together. 22 00:01:08,620 --> 00:01:09,130 Amen. 23 00:01:10,090 --> 00:01:11,050 Because there you go. 24 00:01:11,140 --> 00:01:13,480 The brother right here in the front said You got this, Marcel. 25 00:01:14,275 --> 00:01:17,095 And that's what I need in order for this to go well, if you want this to 26 00:01:17,095 --> 00:01:20,664 go bad, then put your hands, sit on your hands and say nothing, and it'll 27 00:01:20,664 --> 00:01:22,045 be the worst sermon that you've heard. 28 00:01:22,075 --> 00:01:22,465 Okay? 29 00:01:23,365 --> 00:01:26,605 But if you want the spirit to move, then I believe that you're gonna have 30 00:01:26,605 --> 00:01:28,735 to go ahead and be with me on this one. 31 00:01:28,735 --> 00:01:29,155 All right. 32 00:01:29,245 --> 00:01:30,445 Especially my teenagers. 33 00:01:30,445 --> 00:01:32,995 I saw y'all the other day here, so don't get quiet on me now. 34 00:01:32,995 --> 00:01:33,475 All right. 35 00:01:33,775 --> 00:01:35,095 I will call you out. 36 00:01:35,095 --> 00:01:35,455 All right. 37 00:01:35,455 --> 00:01:35,725 Amen. 38 00:01:35,770 --> 00:01:35,950 Amen. 39 00:01:36,610 --> 00:01:38,530 We're gonna continue our sermon series. 40 00:01:38,530 --> 00:01:41,370 We started a sermon series, at the beginning of February 41 00:01:41,370 --> 00:01:43,680 here called Rise Up and Build. 42 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:47,039 And so we are walking through the book of Nehemiah. 43 00:01:47,039 --> 00:01:49,530 So I want us to do a little recap here 'cause I know we have some 44 00:01:49,530 --> 00:01:52,530 people that have been here with us and we have some people that, that 45 00:01:52,530 --> 00:01:53,820 necessarily haven't been here with us. 46 00:01:53,820 --> 00:01:57,120 So I want us to all be able to capture the context so we can see 47 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:59,460 God's message for us here today. 48 00:01:59,460 --> 00:02:03,000 And so we're gonna do a little brief recap here of Israel's story. 49 00:02:03,335 --> 00:02:06,695 And so the people of Israel, the Israelites, God's chosen people, 50 00:02:06,965 --> 00:02:09,365 they had rebelled against God, started to worship other God. 51 00:02:09,395 --> 00:02:10,625 They were unfaithful to God. 52 00:02:10,625 --> 00:02:15,905 And so, uh, as a result, they were exiled and then God restored them and 53 00:02:15,905 --> 00:02:18,695 brought them back into their land. 54 00:02:18,875 --> 00:02:21,065 And then they started to rebuild. 55 00:02:21,095 --> 00:02:25,475 They rebuild the altar, they rebuild the temple, and then they rebuild the wall. 56 00:02:25,475 --> 00:02:28,775 And that's where we are in the story of, in the book of 57 00:02:28,775 --> 00:02:30,485 Nehemiah, they are rebuilding. 58 00:02:30,795 --> 00:02:36,524 The wall, and then they have a time in which can be categorized as a, maybe 59 00:02:36,524 --> 00:02:41,594 a revival or a sacred assembly, and they decide to hear God's word, and 60 00:02:41,594 --> 00:02:45,855 so they listen to God's word again and be able to receive God's message 61 00:02:45,855 --> 00:02:47,175 that's been there the whole time. 62 00:02:47,355 --> 00:02:51,855 But yet they have deviated from actually adhering to it, and then 63 00:02:51,855 --> 00:02:53,954 they're broken by what they hear. 64 00:02:53,954 --> 00:02:57,224 They realize, wow, we have strayed from. 65 00:02:57,585 --> 00:02:58,335 God. 66 00:02:58,454 --> 00:03:03,015 And so now they want to, and they have this time of confession, and that's 67 00:03:03,015 --> 00:03:05,595 what we saw in Nehemiah chapter nine. 68 00:03:06,599 --> 00:03:07,950 The last time we were there. 69 00:03:08,130 --> 00:03:11,190 And so we see there's a spiritual renewal taking place. 70 00:03:11,190 --> 00:03:15,990 There's a spiritual revival taking place, and so we're gonna catch up right after 71 00:03:15,990 --> 00:03:20,730 this time in which they have this, this, this corporate gathering, meaning a 72 00:03:20,730 --> 00:03:24,899 collective gathering in which they're, they're reading God's word and, and then 73 00:03:24,899 --> 00:03:27,779 they're praying and they're confessing, God, we've done all these things, and 74 00:03:27,779 --> 00:03:30,690 then now they're going to make a decision. 75 00:03:31,920 --> 00:03:35,430 And so the title of our lesson here today is from a Motion. 76 00:03:35,715 --> 00:03:36,615 To devotion. 77 00:03:37,425 --> 00:03:38,774 Let's go to God in prayer. 78 00:03:38,774 --> 00:03:40,485 Father, thank you so much for your word. 79 00:03:40,485 --> 00:03:41,834 Thank you for the chance already. 80 00:03:42,045 --> 00:03:45,195 We've been able to hear good news that's taking place through our 81 00:03:45,195 --> 00:03:47,925 sacrifice and offering over in Tijuana. 82 00:03:47,925 --> 00:03:51,584 Thank you for the chance to remember the cross in Jesus and his 83 00:03:51,584 --> 00:03:53,325 resurrection and how that trans. 84 00:03:53,430 --> 00:03:55,050 Forms are very live. 85 00:03:55,050 --> 00:03:59,099 Thanks for opportunity we've had already to worship you through song and through 86 00:03:59,099 --> 00:04:03,659 prayer and God, we pray right now that that your word may minister to our hearts. 87 00:04:03,659 --> 00:04:06,959 Father, whether we are afflicted, as was mentioned earlier, we come 88 00:04:06,959 --> 00:04:10,650 in ready to praise you, God, we know you have a message for us today. 89 00:04:10,650 --> 00:04:16,079 May we receive that and may we not just receive it, but may it transform us. 90 00:04:16,620 --> 00:04:17,790 In the name of Jesus. 91 00:04:17,790 --> 00:04:18,839 Amen. 92 00:04:19,055 --> 00:04:19,345 Amen. 93 00:04:19,950 --> 00:04:22,860 Alright, we're gonna go back to Nehemiah chapter nine and verse 94 00:04:22,860 --> 00:04:27,300 38 and uh, because again, this is right after this time of prayer. 95 00:04:27,300 --> 00:04:31,560 So imagine this church service and we all got up and we started, started confessing 96 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:35,790 our sin and we're all feeling convicted and broken, and we were feeling emotional. 97 00:04:35,790 --> 00:04:37,170 And this is a good emotion. 98 00:04:37,620 --> 00:04:39,420 It's emotion that God wants to use. 99 00:04:39,420 --> 00:04:44,490 And it says right after this, it says, in view of all this we are making. 100 00:04:44,865 --> 00:04:50,715 A binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and 101 00:04:50,715 --> 00:04:54,105 our priests are fixing their seals to it. 102 00:04:54,105 --> 00:04:56,685 Let's go ahead and let's stop right there again. 103 00:04:56,685 --> 00:05:02,055 So after the time of prayer, confession, they're moved to make a binding agreement. 104 00:05:03,405 --> 00:05:07,575 What comes to mind when you hear a binding agreements contract? 105 00:05:07,965 --> 00:05:09,495 You're thinking contract, right? 106 00:05:09,495 --> 00:05:12,555 You're thinking, man, we just got real up in here. 107 00:05:13,770 --> 00:05:16,320 Because what does putting something in writing do? 108 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:17,700 What does that communicate? 109 00:05:18,420 --> 00:05:21,030 It means this is serious, right? 110 00:05:21,030 --> 00:05:25,289 This isn't just a verbal agreement or acknowledgement. 111 00:05:25,469 --> 00:05:28,260 This isn't a handshake saying, Hey, yeah, we got this. 112 00:05:28,260 --> 00:05:28,800 Okay. 113 00:05:28,860 --> 00:05:32,729 No, this is something that is serious. 114 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:35,640 This is more serious than going Instagram official with your 115 00:05:35,640 --> 00:05:38,700 relationship because that's serious. 116 00:05:39,135 --> 00:05:39,224 Yes. 117 00:05:39,914 --> 00:05:41,115 No, this is serious. 118 00:05:41,115 --> 00:05:44,655 And again, it makes sense because all of us, sometimes there's situations 119 00:05:44,655 --> 00:05:46,395 where like, Hey, an agreement is cool. 120 00:05:46,425 --> 00:05:47,775 All right, I'll see you at 10. 121 00:05:47,775 --> 00:05:48,855 All right, that's okay. 122 00:05:49,815 --> 00:05:50,505 That's okay. 123 00:05:50,505 --> 00:05:54,765 But then if it deals with some money, we don't wanna just do a handshake, do we? 124 00:05:55,815 --> 00:05:59,085 Uh, can we put this in writing please, because I wanna make 125 00:05:59,085 --> 00:06:00,404 sure I get my money back. 126 00:06:00,915 --> 00:06:02,055 That's what the banks do, right? 127 00:06:02,055 --> 00:06:03,884 The banks say, Hey, oh, you wanna buy a house? 128 00:06:03,884 --> 00:06:06,884 We'll give you a loan, but you need to sign a whole lot of documentation 129 00:06:06,884 --> 00:06:07,815 saying you're gonna pay us back. 130 00:06:08,955 --> 00:06:11,384 And so we understand when you put something in writing, 131 00:06:11,565 --> 00:06:14,055 it communicates commitments. 132 00:06:14,114 --> 00:06:17,894 You know, everybody loves the idea of change until it requires commitments. 133 00:06:19,065 --> 00:06:20,384 Yes, I'm down to change. 134 00:06:20,415 --> 00:06:21,644 Ooh, you want me to commit? 135 00:06:21,915 --> 00:06:22,604 Hmm. 136 00:06:23,085 --> 00:06:24,764 And we start acting like Outkast forever. 137 00:06:25,035 --> 00:06:26,984 Forever, ever, forever, ever. 138 00:06:30,585 --> 00:06:35,624 But this revival moved them from emotion to dedication. 139 00:06:36,555 --> 00:06:41,835 From, we feel convicted to, we're putting our names on this. 140 00:06:43,065 --> 00:06:46,094 They move from emotion to devotion. 141 00:06:46,635 --> 00:06:51,525 And so we re, we continue, and in verse one, in Nehemiah it says, those who sealed 142 00:06:51,525 --> 00:06:55,275 it were, and then they list the names, a whole bunch of names on this seal. 143 00:06:55,275 --> 00:06:58,425 So we're not sure if they just literally put their John Hancock on there, or 144 00:06:58,425 --> 00:06:59,955 they had a seal for their family. 145 00:07:00,135 --> 00:07:04,515 But they put their seals on there too to confirm what they were declaring. 146 00:07:04,515 --> 00:07:09,405 And so there was over 84 names on here and that had priests, the 147 00:07:09,405 --> 00:07:13,244 leaders and heads of families who represented all the other families. 148 00:07:13,244 --> 00:07:14,685 So they're all committing. 149 00:07:15,045 --> 00:07:20,864 To this binding agreement, and so we jump on down For the sake of 150 00:07:20,864 --> 00:07:23,205 time, we're gonna jump, we're gonna, we're gonna skip all the names. 151 00:07:23,205 --> 00:07:28,695 We're gonna go to verse 28, and it says here the rest of the people, priests, 152 00:07:28,724 --> 00:07:33,764 Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants, and all who separated themselves 153 00:07:33,764 --> 00:07:38,354 from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the law of God, together with 154 00:07:38,354 --> 00:07:41,984 their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand. 155 00:07:42,315 --> 00:07:46,485 All these now join their fellow Israelites, the Nobles, and bind 156 00:07:46,485 --> 00:07:51,195 themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the law of God, given through 157 00:07:51,195 --> 00:07:57,135 Moses the servant of God, and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations, 158 00:07:57,135 --> 00:08:00,585 decrees of the Lord, our Lord. 159 00:08:01,035 --> 00:08:02,115 And so what do we have here? 160 00:08:02,115 --> 00:08:07,215 All the people commits and it says here, all who are able to understand. 161 00:08:07,619 --> 00:08:10,800 So it wasn't just the older folks, it wasn't just the middle aged 162 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:12,539 folks, it wasn't the young adults. 163 00:08:12,599 --> 00:08:16,889 It reached all the way down to the young people, to the 164 00:08:16,889 --> 00:08:18,779 junior high and high schoolers. 165 00:08:19,019 --> 00:08:23,129 Everybody was able to understand was included in this, and they 166 00:08:23,129 --> 00:08:27,570 decided, yes, we are going to follow the law of the Lord. 167 00:08:27,675 --> 00:08:27,825 Amen. 168 00:08:28,245 --> 00:08:29,474 And they made an oath. 169 00:08:29,474 --> 00:08:30,645 So they said it out loud. 170 00:08:30,645 --> 00:08:33,855 And I know Greg has been having this at, at the beginning of sermons, 171 00:08:34,034 --> 00:08:35,835 say our, I think it's a declaration. 172 00:08:35,835 --> 00:08:38,445 I'm not sure the exact title of it, but we're saying, Jesus is 173 00:08:38,445 --> 00:08:40,695 the son of God and Jesus is what? 174 00:08:40,695 --> 00:08:40,815 Lord. 175 00:08:41,565 --> 00:08:42,554 Jesus is Lord. 176 00:08:42,554 --> 00:08:43,424 So I'm gonna say it again. 177 00:08:43,424 --> 00:08:45,315 Jesus is what Lord? 178 00:08:45,405 --> 00:08:46,875 Oh, y'all didn't say anything over here. 179 00:08:46,875 --> 00:08:48,405 I said, Jesus is what Lord. 180 00:08:49,035 --> 00:08:49,365 Okay. 181 00:08:49,365 --> 00:08:50,445 I told you I call you out. 182 00:08:50,445 --> 00:08:50,805 All right. 183 00:08:50,805 --> 00:08:51,735 So here we go. 184 00:08:52,125 --> 00:08:54,345 He said to everybody who understands us. 185 00:08:54,345 --> 00:08:55,755 So that's what they did. 186 00:08:55,815 --> 00:08:55,965 Amen. 187 00:08:56,385 --> 00:09:00,975 They all declared, we are going to follow the law of God. 188 00:09:01,035 --> 00:09:04,695 And it says they bound themselves with a curse. 189 00:09:05,835 --> 00:09:08,715 Oh yeah, this got real serious. 190 00:09:09,525 --> 00:09:12,675 I don't know about you, but I've never made an agreement with somebody and put 191 00:09:12,675 --> 00:09:14,295 a curse to myself if I didn't fulfill it. 192 00:09:15,250 --> 00:09:17,595 When I got married, I didn't say, oh, I'm Karina. 193 00:09:17,595 --> 00:09:20,955 I love you today in my life, but if I don't, may God curse me. 194 00:09:22,545 --> 00:09:24,285 I never thought about that one time. 195 00:09:24,285 --> 00:09:24,975 You know what I'm saying? 196 00:09:25,695 --> 00:09:26,745 And neither have you. 197 00:09:26,745 --> 00:09:29,625 I know there's nobody in here like, oh, I put curses on myself all the time. 198 00:09:29,625 --> 00:09:30,405 No, you don't. 199 00:09:32,445 --> 00:09:35,955 And so this shows how serious they were taking this. 200 00:09:36,105 --> 00:09:41,955 Yes, they were emotional, which was good, but now it's becoming concrete devotion. 201 00:09:43,215 --> 00:09:44,745 It is becoming dedication. 202 00:09:45,645 --> 00:09:47,565 You know what if we don't fulfill this? 203 00:09:48,060 --> 00:09:49,200 Maybe we receive a curse now. 204 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:50,070 I dunno what kind of curse. 205 00:09:50,070 --> 00:09:52,500 I'm sure they were thinking like some light curses, like, uh, 206 00:09:52,530 --> 00:09:55,170 maybe I don't get, you know, some fish next week or something. 207 00:09:55,170 --> 00:09:59,070 I'm sure that they were maybe thinking some light curses, but they said 208 00:09:59,070 --> 00:10:01,050 that they would even be cursed. 209 00:10:02,730 --> 00:10:03,660 And what else? 210 00:10:04,230 --> 00:10:07,350 It says they were basically recommitting themselves to God. 211 00:10:07,530 --> 00:10:13,080 They gave an oath to follow God and obey God's word, not partially. 212 00:10:15,765 --> 00:10:21,945 But fully, we're not going to pick and choose what parts we want to 213 00:10:21,945 --> 00:10:26,055 follow because that's what's got us into this nonsense and trouble. 214 00:10:26,325 --> 00:10:32,085 No, we're going to go ahead and follow fully, fully, even if it means it might 215 00:10:32,085 --> 00:10:35,355 require a sacrifice and denial of myself. 216 00:10:35,385 --> 00:10:35,415 Okay. 217 00:10:37,065 --> 00:10:38,715 That's what they were committing to. 218 00:10:39,285 --> 00:10:41,325 They weren't committing to something easy. 219 00:10:41,535 --> 00:10:45,255 They were committing fully to the Lord God Almighty. 220 00:10:46,035 --> 00:10:49,275 Some of you thinking, man, that's too much, is it? 221 00:10:49,275 --> 00:10:49,935 Really 222 00:10:52,125 --> 00:10:57,795 think about this when you love it, and I love it when somebody commits the same 223 00:10:57,795 --> 00:11:03,435 level of energy, passion, and, and, and sacrifice to us that we gave to them. 224 00:11:03,435 --> 00:11:03,885 Don't you? 225 00:11:03,915 --> 00:11:03,975 Yeah. 226 00:11:04,470 --> 00:11:04,760 Yeah. 227 00:11:05,535 --> 00:11:10,035 And in fact, we would actually have a problem when we give fully to 228 00:11:10,035 --> 00:11:12,915 someone and they give less back to us. 229 00:11:13,755 --> 00:11:14,685 What's up with that? 230 00:11:15,195 --> 00:11:15,285 Right. 231 00:11:16,665 --> 00:11:17,655 Think about this. 232 00:11:17,805 --> 00:11:23,685 God has given fully to them, so the only natural response 233 00:11:23,745 --> 00:11:26,265 is to give fully back to God. 234 00:11:27,285 --> 00:11:32,745 You and I today receive so many blessings through Christ, so what should our natural 235 00:11:32,745 --> 00:11:36,315 response be to give ourselves fully? 236 00:11:36,780 --> 00:11:41,820 To Christ and so it's not unreasonable. 237 00:11:41,850 --> 00:11:42,180 No. 238 00:11:42,180 --> 00:11:45,750 It's actually very logical and reasonable. 239 00:11:46,620 --> 00:11:51,395 God has given so much, so therefore, we are going to give back to God. 240 00:11:51,990 --> 00:11:52,140 Amen. 241 00:11:53,265 --> 00:11:53,555 Amen. 242 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:54,570 Let's continue reading. 243 00:11:54,570 --> 00:11:55,890 Churchill, you're still with me here? 244 00:11:56,370 --> 00:11:56,460 Yes. 245 00:11:56,520 --> 00:11:57,510 Alright, here we go. 246 00:11:57,600 --> 00:11:57,930 Alright. 247 00:11:58,140 --> 00:11:59,550 So he, so here's what happens. 248 00:11:59,700 --> 00:12:02,610 So now after this they decide, let's get real practical. 249 00:12:02,610 --> 00:12:06,270 We decided we're gonna devote ourselves fully, but let's address some specific 250 00:12:06,270 --> 00:12:08,130 areas that we need to right now. 251 00:12:08,130 --> 00:12:10,980 Maybe these are areas that ain't been completely lacking, or they 252 00:12:10,980 --> 00:12:14,370 saw, Hey, for our time we need to address some specific issues. 253 00:12:14,490 --> 00:12:17,640 So he says, we promise not to give our daughters and marriage 254 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:20,435 to the peoples around us, or take their daughters for our sons. 255 00:12:21,180 --> 00:12:25,530 You see God to command his people not to intermarry with the other nations, not for 256 00:12:25,530 --> 00:12:29,190 racial reasons, but on spiritual grounds. 257 00:12:29,730 --> 00:12:33,870 He says, I want you to be united with someone who's on the same level with 258 00:12:33,870 --> 00:12:38,850 you spiritually, because if that doesn't happen, we're gonna have a problem. 259 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:40,680 And then it can affect your faith. 260 00:12:40,680 --> 00:12:41,160 But guess what? 261 00:12:41,160 --> 00:12:43,740 Also affect the generations after you. 262 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:48,270 And so this was God's logic and I believe and we see a new New Testament, 263 00:12:48,390 --> 00:12:50,640 that same principle applies to us. 264 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:52,980 Today is disciples of Jesus. 265 00:12:54,360 --> 00:12:55,530 Let's keep, let's continue. 266 00:12:55,530 --> 00:12:56,310 Verse 31. 267 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,730 When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise of grain to sell on the 268 00:12:59,730 --> 00:13:03,330 Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or any other holy day. 269 00:13:03,570 --> 00:13:07,890 Every seventh year, we will forego working the land and we'll cancel all debts. 270 00:13:08,070 --> 00:13:09,120 What are they agreeing to? 271 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:09,900 What are they down to? 272 00:13:09,900 --> 00:13:11,490 Really to follow the Sabbath. 273 00:13:11,490 --> 00:13:14,730 That was a Saturday, a de designated day to be holy. 274 00:13:14,730 --> 00:13:16,980 It was supposed to be a day of rest and worship. 275 00:13:17,265 --> 00:13:18,705 And so they said, we're gonna follow that. 276 00:13:18,705 --> 00:13:19,875 We're gonna adhere to that. 277 00:13:19,995 --> 00:13:23,685 And also God has said, Hey, every seventh year is gonna be a sabbatical year. 278 00:13:23,865 --> 00:13:27,795 It's a year that you're gonna have trust and rest in canceling the debts. 279 00:13:27,795 --> 00:13:32,025 And they say, we're going to actually follow that going forward. 280 00:13:32,640 --> 00:13:34,050 Going on in verse 32. 281 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:37,380 It says, we assume, and it's gonna, we're gonna skip through 282 00:13:37,410 --> 00:13:38,370 'cause it's, it's a lot there. 283 00:13:38,370 --> 00:13:42,510 We're gonna read through a couple passages here from 32 to 38, but basically 284 00:13:42,690 --> 00:13:48,540 they commit to giving their tithes and their offerings for the worship of God. 285 00:13:49,230 --> 00:13:53,070 It says, we assume the responsibility of carrying out the command to give 286 00:13:53,070 --> 00:13:57,120 a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God. 287 00:13:57,165 --> 00:14:01,185 For all the duties of the house of our God, we, the priests, the Levites, 288 00:14:01,215 --> 00:14:05,925 and the people have cast lots to determine when each of our families 289 00:14:05,925 --> 00:14:09,885 is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of 290 00:14:09,885 --> 00:14:14,715 wood to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law. 291 00:14:14,895 --> 00:14:18,525 We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the Lord each 292 00:14:18,525 --> 00:14:22,155 year, the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree, and they 293 00:14:22,155 --> 00:14:24,090 close out this whole time by with this. 294 00:14:24,735 --> 00:14:30,285 In verse 38, it says, we will not neglect the house of our God. 295 00:14:32,085 --> 00:14:36,015 They decide we're gonna give their first, and we're gonna give our best to 296 00:14:36,015 --> 00:14:40,695 God so he can be worshiped and that the temple of God can function properly. 297 00:14:40,710 --> 00:14:45,630 Yeah, because that was a big part of their devotion to God, and not only 298 00:14:45,630 --> 00:14:49,410 in their daily lives, but also when we gather together, we wanna see God's glory. 299 00:14:49,530 --> 00:14:53,340 So the temple has been designed and God has given some instruction, and in 300 00:14:53,340 --> 00:14:57,180 order for that to really happen, if we can receive the spiritual benefit, we 301 00:14:57,180 --> 00:14:58,530 need to make sure it's working properly. 302 00:14:58,530 --> 00:15:01,380 So we need to give so that this can happen. 303 00:15:01,380 --> 00:15:02,790 So they decide to give. 304 00:15:02,970 --> 00:15:05,280 They had their weekly offerings, if you will. 305 00:15:05,670 --> 00:15:08,670 They had their special mission offerings, if you will. 306 00:15:08,715 --> 00:15:08,775 Yeah. 307 00:15:09,110 --> 00:15:09,400 Yeah. 308 00:15:09,765 --> 00:15:10,275 And it's interest. 309 00:15:10,275 --> 00:15:13,305 It says, we will not neglect the house of our God. 310 00:15:14,655 --> 00:15:19,995 It seems to imply that they had neglected the house of their God 311 00:15:21,375 --> 00:15:26,655 that they were deciding, whoa, we have neglected God in this way, and 312 00:15:26,655 --> 00:15:28,290 we're not gonna do that any longer. 313 00:15:28,290 --> 00:15:34,335 We're gonna make sure we tend to the house of God the way it should be, and 314 00:15:34,335 --> 00:15:36,135 so we're gonna give ourselves fully. 315 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:40,950 And so their, you know, devotion to God is partially determined by how 316 00:15:40,950 --> 00:15:42,660 people spend their time and money. 317 00:15:43,500 --> 00:15:46,290 'cause we support and invest in what's important to us, don't we? 318 00:15:47,250 --> 00:15:52,020 You can always tell somebody's values by what their calendar and their 319 00:15:52,020 --> 00:15:54,510 pocketbook or their bank statements. 320 00:15:55,620 --> 00:15:57,180 You can tell what I value. 321 00:15:57,180 --> 00:16:00,240 I can tell what you value by what you spend your time on 322 00:16:00,330 --> 00:16:01,500 and how you spend your money. 323 00:16:03,615 --> 00:16:05,745 And so we see here they're deciding, you know what? 324 00:16:05,745 --> 00:16:10,065 We're gonna devote our time and our money to our creator, 325 00:16:10,575 --> 00:16:12,795 our merciful God in heaven. 326 00:16:13,125 --> 00:16:16,785 You know, our offerings today are for the worship of God and for 327 00:16:16,785 --> 00:16:18,975 his church to function properly. 328 00:16:19,365 --> 00:16:23,475 May we never neglect the house of God, which is the church. 329 00:16:25,035 --> 00:16:29,115 You and me, may we never neglect it, but may we give our first 330 00:16:29,355 --> 00:16:30,735 and our very best to God. 331 00:16:31,035 --> 00:16:31,185 Amen. 332 00:16:31,480 --> 00:16:31,680 Amen. 333 00:16:31,785 --> 00:16:34,845 May that be our rock solid conviction. 334 00:16:35,925 --> 00:16:40,335 And we see here their commitment, well, it touched every area of their 335 00:16:40,335 --> 00:16:47,415 lives, their relationships, their lifestyle, and their values, how 336 00:16:47,415 --> 00:16:49,905 they lived and their priorities. 337 00:16:50,445 --> 00:16:53,625 And I stepped back and I noticed something that their commitment 338 00:16:53,625 --> 00:16:54,765 touched all these areas. 339 00:16:55,125 --> 00:16:58,965 And, and we see this change that God is producing in them, 340 00:16:58,965 --> 00:17:01,155 in which they desire as well. 341 00:17:01,335 --> 00:17:02,685 They desire a change. 342 00:17:02,685 --> 00:17:06,855 They desire a revival, and we see that real change doesn't 343 00:17:06,855 --> 00:17:08,865 happen when you feel something. 344 00:17:09,165 --> 00:17:10,935 It happens with dedication. 345 00:17:12,825 --> 00:17:18,224 You see real change takes divine dedication. 346 00:17:21,329 --> 00:17:23,490 God has been dedicated to his people. 347 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:24,780 That's clear. 348 00:17:24,780 --> 00:17:25,829 He brought them back. 349 00:17:25,829 --> 00:17:26,730 He's been merciful. 350 00:17:26,730 --> 00:17:27,630 He's blessed them. 351 00:17:27,750 --> 00:17:31,200 Even when they were in sin, his mercy brought them back. 352 00:17:31,230 --> 00:17:36,990 So we see the divine dedication this way, but now we see God's people 353 00:17:37,260 --> 00:17:41,670 respond with dedication back, with the dedication that is divine. 354 00:17:41,700 --> 00:17:45,360 That does mirror and reflect God's faithfulness to them. 355 00:17:45,764 --> 00:17:49,065 They in return, have their faithfulness toward God. 356 00:17:49,545 --> 00:17:53,595 You know, God's people are dedicated people dedicated fully to God, 357 00:17:53,655 --> 00:17:57,615 dedicated fully to God's honor and dedicated fully to God's will. 358 00:17:58,185 --> 00:17:59,475 Here's what's incredible. 359 00:17:59,774 --> 00:18:03,250 The people decided on this binding agreement on their own. 360 00:18:05,445 --> 00:18:08,655 It wasn't commanded in the scripture, Hey, you need to go ahead and 361 00:18:08,655 --> 00:18:09,735 have this binding agreement. 362 00:18:10,890 --> 00:18:13,290 When you sin, go ahead and have this binding agreement. 363 00:18:13,350 --> 00:18:17,520 They got together at their worship service and they said, wow, you know what? 364 00:18:17,700 --> 00:18:19,050 This, we are moved. 365 00:18:19,050 --> 00:18:20,160 We gotta do something. 366 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:21,570 In fact, let's do this. 367 00:18:21,660 --> 00:18:22,620 Let's get serious. 368 00:18:22,740 --> 00:18:25,230 Let's get an agreement together and let's go worship and 369 00:18:25,230 --> 00:18:26,610 follow God the way we should. 370 00:18:27,750 --> 00:18:30,930 I believe the Holy Spirit prompted them, but it was on their own. 371 00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:36,240 They felt compelled to rededicate themselves to God in a way that 372 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:38,880 would be everlasting and true. 373 00:18:39,930 --> 00:18:44,189 Not just with words, but at with a tangible vow. 374 00:18:44,850 --> 00:18:51,570 Not just personal dedication, but as a whole group basically. 375 00:18:51,570 --> 00:18:55,169 We all did this and we all need to get ourselves out of this together. 376 00:18:56,459 --> 00:19:00,149 You know, we too must be fully dedicated to God. 377 00:19:00,959 --> 00:19:02,114 You know, we tend to drift. 378 00:19:02,849 --> 00:19:07,499 And we can forget that God deserves our best, or sometimes we can be deceived 379 00:19:07,499 --> 00:19:09,719 in thinking we are giving our best. 380 00:19:10,559 --> 00:19:11,909 Have you not been there before? 381 00:19:12,479 --> 00:19:15,269 I know I have drifted in my dedication to God. 382 00:19:15,479 --> 00:19:18,029 I know I just had a time recently, just as I was studying the South a 383 00:19:18,029 --> 00:19:21,899 couple weeks ago, I realized, you know, there's areas in my life in which I 384 00:19:21,899 --> 00:19:26,009 don't know if I've been fully dedicated to giving and surrendering to God. 385 00:19:27,480 --> 00:19:30,330 And that you would've asked me for three or weeks ago, I'd say, oh, yeah. 386 00:19:30,360 --> 00:19:34,889 But then as as God ministered to me, I realized there are these areas that 387 00:19:34,889 --> 00:19:39,000 don't have a divine dedication the way they should or the way they used to. 388 00:19:40,620 --> 00:19:44,280 But again, real change takes dedication. 389 00:19:45,564 --> 00:19:50,939 The problem is we want the quick and the great results for free, right? 390 00:19:50,939 --> 00:19:54,040 We want it at no cost, but it doesn't work that way. 391 00:19:55,635 --> 00:19:59,865 I remember, uh, there was this time, uh, uh, EJ Vasquez, a lot 392 00:19:59,865 --> 00:20:01,185 of you guys know EJ Vasquez. 393 00:20:01,575 --> 00:20:04,095 And, uh, and so EJ was talking about changing. 394 00:20:04,095 --> 00:20:05,565 We were in LA together at this time. 395 00:20:05,774 --> 00:20:09,465 And, uh, EJ was, he was making a decision about his, his, uh, his, uh, 396 00:20:09,495 --> 00:20:11,774 his, um, eating habits and lifestyle. 397 00:20:11,955 --> 00:20:13,575 And so e j's, like, yeah, you know what? 398 00:20:13,605 --> 00:20:16,575 I only gonna have like one or two cheat meals a week, or something like that. 399 00:20:16,635 --> 00:20:18,435 And I had never heard of a cheat meal idea. 400 00:20:18,435 --> 00:20:19,544 I was like, what in the world is that? 401 00:20:21,090 --> 00:20:22,139 And so I was like, man, you know what? 402 00:20:22,139 --> 00:20:25,050 I'm inspired a brother trying to get a six pack back, you know what I'm saying? 403 00:20:25,050 --> 00:20:28,709 And I'm like, man, I'm, I'm gonna do, I'm gonna do three cheat meals a week. 404 00:20:28,979 --> 00:20:31,830 I was like, you know, if I have seven meal, I mean three times seven, that's 405 00:20:31,830 --> 00:20:33,419 21 meals, I'm doing pretty good. 406 00:20:33,419 --> 00:20:34,139 You know what I mean? 407 00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:37,379 Those three cheat meals, I was like, well, maybe I'll make that five. 408 00:20:40,080 --> 00:20:41,790 And then I looked up, man, after a couple weeks, there 409 00:20:41,790 --> 00:20:43,530 were all meals were cheap meals. 410 00:20:43,530 --> 00:20:44,340 You know what I'm saying? 411 00:20:45,570 --> 00:20:46,110 Because why? 412 00:20:46,110 --> 00:20:48,120 I never fully dedicated myself. 413 00:20:48,120 --> 00:20:49,560 I had good intentions. 414 00:20:49,709 --> 00:20:50,729 I had a heart. 415 00:20:50,820 --> 00:20:56,459 I was moved emotionally, but I didn't dedicate myself spiritually. 416 00:20:56,459 --> 00:20:57,570 That's some of us. 417 00:21:01,409 --> 00:21:06,689 We have the prayers, we have maybe emotion, we have a desire. 418 00:21:06,689 --> 00:21:09,149 We might even have some really good intentions. 419 00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:14,340 However, we haven't fully committed to Jesus and his word. 420 00:21:15,719 --> 00:21:18,389 You can have all the feelings in the world. 421 00:21:18,749 --> 00:21:21,300 You can have all the emotional prayers. 422 00:21:21,449 --> 00:21:24,840 You can have all the great worship songs and cry. 423 00:21:24,899 --> 00:21:27,060 During a a, a, a worship set. 424 00:21:27,300 --> 00:21:31,080 We can have all the good intentions, but without a commitment, then it's 425 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:33,360 just empty words with no change. 426 00:21:35,189 --> 00:21:37,800 You see change, growth. 427 00:21:38,294 --> 00:21:40,394 A revival collectively. 428 00:21:41,414 --> 00:21:43,844 It doesn't end with emotion. 429 00:21:44,444 --> 00:21:44,745 No. 430 00:21:44,745 --> 00:21:47,985 Those things initiate dedication. 431 00:21:50,414 --> 00:21:55,814 Here's the thing, brother and sisters, good intentions start things. 432 00:21:56,024 --> 00:21:57,975 Dedication, finishes them. 433 00:21:59,009 --> 00:21:59,299 Amen. 434 00:22:01,995 --> 00:22:05,475 Good intentions, start things. 435 00:22:06,344 --> 00:22:07,514 Dedication. 436 00:22:08,264 --> 00:22:09,344 Finishes them. 437 00:22:11,504 --> 00:22:14,985 If we wanna grow, if we wanna change, if we wanna improve, 438 00:22:15,165 --> 00:22:16,965 what is going to be needed? 439 00:22:16,965 --> 00:22:24,104 What it takes is to be fully dedicated to the process and to be faithful. 440 00:22:24,165 --> 00:22:27,104 Until the ends, we gotta have it. 441 00:22:27,104 --> 00:22:29,985 We can't leave that part out. 442 00:22:30,435 --> 00:22:31,094 Think about this. 443 00:22:31,094 --> 00:22:33,104 If you wanna change your life, what's it gonna take? 444 00:22:33,110 --> 00:22:33,689 Dedication. 445 00:22:34,094 --> 00:22:34,184 Yes. 446 00:22:35,084 --> 00:22:39,554 If we want our church to change and grow and have a revival, what's it gonna take? 447 00:22:39,794 --> 00:22:40,995 Dedication. 448 00:22:40,995 --> 00:22:41,264 Dedication. 449 00:22:43,274 --> 00:22:44,594 I wanna lift up Kenny Barber. 450 00:22:44,594 --> 00:22:48,824 Kenny, you know, many of, uh, Kenny's, uh, uh, uh, elder in the church. 451 00:22:48,824 --> 00:22:49,964 Somebody pointed to my man. 452 00:22:49,964 --> 00:22:51,074 Kenny, where are you at, Kenny? 453 00:22:51,464 --> 00:22:52,995 Uh, there he is, my man, Kenny. 454 00:22:53,204 --> 00:22:54,975 Uh, so, oh, there you are. 455 00:22:54,975 --> 00:22:55,334 Standing up. 456 00:22:55,334 --> 00:22:55,874 Come on brother. 457 00:22:55,874 --> 00:22:56,264 There you go. 458 00:22:56,745 --> 00:22:58,874 I looked everywhere, but there I was like, there you go. 459 00:23:00,225 --> 00:23:02,534 You know, Kenny's a great example of being committed when 460 00:23:02,684 --> 00:23:03,644 coupled with good intentions. 461 00:23:05,715 --> 00:23:08,445 Kenny will share, man, you know, I'm feeling prompted by the spirit. 462 00:23:08,445 --> 00:23:10,064 I feel like God is telling me this. 463 00:23:10,274 --> 00:23:13,245 And so he'll decide, you know, I have I, I think I should move. 464 00:23:13,245 --> 00:23:14,955 I think I should act off of this. 465 00:23:15,314 --> 00:23:19,185 And he wouldn't just stop there because then he starts to put and initiate 466 00:23:19,185 --> 00:23:21,044 a plan to get there, and he does it. 467 00:23:21,735 --> 00:23:24,824 And so if I follow up with him, he'll have some good news or 468 00:23:24,824 --> 00:23:26,564 some sharing about the things. 469 00:23:26,564 --> 00:23:29,715 Those good intentions now put into good practices. 470 00:23:30,495 --> 00:23:32,774 And so I look at it and go, man, that's the way. 471 00:23:33,120 --> 00:23:34,350 You see change? 472 00:23:35,429 --> 00:23:36,629 Yes, there's good intention. 473 00:23:36,629 --> 00:23:39,689 Yes, there's good emotion, but it has to develop into what? 474 00:23:40,740 --> 00:23:43,379 Sincere, committed devotion. 475 00:23:44,070 --> 00:23:46,590 You know, God blesses and honors that commitment. 476 00:23:47,250 --> 00:23:51,659 He committed to us and blessed us first, and he loves a reciprocal response. 477 00:23:52,745 --> 00:23:56,790 You know, everything we do is because of the grace of God. 478 00:23:56,939 --> 00:23:57,060 Amen. 479 00:23:57,960 --> 00:23:59,639 It's not like we're doing something first. 480 00:23:59,984 --> 00:24:03,404 We're doing something in response to God's grace. 481 00:24:03,674 --> 00:24:05,324 And so what's the call of the hour? 482 00:24:05,324 --> 00:24:09,974 I believe the call of the hour for you and for me is to dedicate or 483 00:24:09,974 --> 00:24:13,274 rededicate to the lordship of Jesus. 484 00:24:13,904 --> 00:24:19,424 Not just dedicate in theory to Jesus, but to the lordship of Jesus. 485 00:24:19,484 --> 00:24:21,284 You know, Jesus asked the crowd one time. 486 00:24:21,284 --> 00:24:25,214 He said, Hey, why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? 487 00:24:26,715 --> 00:24:30,195 Like you guys are feeling me, and I appreciate that you're calling me, Lord. 488 00:24:30,195 --> 00:24:34,394 However, you're not actually doing what I say and why he say this? 489 00:24:34,394 --> 00:24:38,264 Because calling him Lord is easy living like he's Lord. 490 00:24:38,864 --> 00:24:39,915 That's difference. 491 00:24:41,354 --> 00:24:44,834 And so Jesus makes it clear to another group in Luke chapter nine. 492 00:24:45,344 --> 00:24:49,574 He says, whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their 493 00:24:49,574 --> 00:24:53,205 cross and, uh, daily and follow me. 494 00:24:55,124 --> 00:24:56,475 Jesus again is calling. 495 00:24:56,475 --> 00:25:02,774 This is what Lordship is like, is that I am Lord, I lead, I direct, I center. 496 00:25:02,774 --> 00:25:08,834 I orient your life, not just parts of your life, but your entire life. 497 00:25:09,705 --> 00:25:12,344 I can't be a Savior and not be Lord. 498 00:25:13,725 --> 00:25:18,435 I'm Savior and Lord, and so Jesus helps to de see. 499 00:25:18,435 --> 00:25:21,195 We have to be fully dedicated to the lordship. 500 00:25:21,509 --> 00:25:22,169 Of Jesus. 501 00:25:22,169 --> 00:25:25,409 And that's actually the safest place you and I can be is 502 00:25:25,409 --> 00:25:27,059 under the Lordship of Jesus. 503 00:25:27,179 --> 00:25:33,269 The scariest and most scariest place we can be is outside of the will of God. 504 00:25:34,079 --> 00:25:38,969 And so when we surrender fully with the safest place you and I can be, 505 00:25:39,659 --> 00:25:43,259 and so again, this is a dedication that touches every area of our lives. 506 00:25:43,769 --> 00:25:49,259 And I believe God is calling us not just individually, but collectively to be 507 00:25:49,259 --> 00:25:53,849 fully devoted to following Jesus Christ. 508 00:25:55,109 --> 00:26:02,639 That means we won't accept a culture of compromise because Jesus will be Lord. 509 00:26:03,479 --> 00:26:07,769 That means we'll be holy in our conduct, holy in our relationships, 510 00:26:07,799 --> 00:26:09,929 and not permit worldliness. 511 00:26:10,544 --> 00:26:14,355 That means we're gonna be full of grace and not judgmental. 512 00:26:15,105 --> 00:26:19,335 That means we're going to pursue God's honor and glory, first and 513 00:26:19,335 --> 00:26:24,675 foremost, over worldly treasures or any personal gratification. 514 00:26:25,155 --> 00:26:27,945 It means the church, the people, you and me. 515 00:26:28,034 --> 00:26:32,445 We will be sacred in our eyes and not an afterthought or 516 00:26:32,445 --> 00:26:34,215 something that's disposable. 517 00:26:36,554 --> 00:26:38,534 That means we're gonna first commit ourselves. 518 00:26:39,044 --> 00:26:45,554 To the Lordship of Jesus and then help each other be fully devoted to 519 00:26:45,554 --> 00:26:50,114 the Lordship of Jesus, and then we go out and help those who are far from 520 00:26:50,114 --> 00:26:55,664 God to be able to devote themselves fully to the Lordship of Jesus. 521 00:26:55,964 --> 00:26:59,204 I believe this is the response and the call of the hour to God's 522 00:26:59,204 --> 00:27:03,074 Word and His grace through Jesus. 523 00:27:03,164 --> 00:27:04,725 Can we get real practical right now? 524 00:27:05,250 --> 00:27:05,639 All right. 525 00:27:05,639 --> 00:27:06,480 Y'all know me. 526 00:27:06,570 --> 00:27:07,530 I like some action steps. 527 00:27:07,530 --> 00:27:09,990 So here's some action steps here for the week here. 528 00:27:09,990 --> 00:27:10,680 Try this out. 529 00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:13,290 I did this already this past week. 530 00:27:13,440 --> 00:27:16,770 First, reflect, reflect on God's dedication to you. 531 00:27:17,970 --> 00:27:20,550 Spend some time in prayer, thought meditation. 532 00:27:20,730 --> 00:27:27,120 How has God been dedicated to you from the beginning of your life until now? 533 00:27:28,470 --> 00:27:29,399 And then two, write. 534 00:27:29,970 --> 00:27:31,139 Write your own covenant to God. 535 00:27:32,129 --> 00:27:33,449 Go ahead and write your own covenant. 536 00:27:33,479 --> 00:27:37,529 How are you going to respond to God's dedication to you? 537 00:27:38,159 --> 00:27:40,560 You know, I did this, and I'll be honest with you, as I was doing this, 538 00:27:40,560 --> 00:27:43,649 I was getting inspired, but a part of me was getting a little hesitant. 539 00:27:44,310 --> 00:27:48,175 I started singing a little outcast again forever, forever, forever. 540 00:27:50,729 --> 00:27:55,979 And I was like, wow, I can't believe that there's some hesitancy to recommit, 541 00:27:58,679 --> 00:27:59,879 and I had to pray through that. 542 00:28:01,110 --> 00:28:02,879 I was like, wow, you've been so good to me. 543 00:28:02,879 --> 00:28:05,550 How could I ever give you anything less? 544 00:28:06,030 --> 00:28:09,990 And yes, there might be a hesitancy to to maybe just put my toe into the 545 00:28:09,990 --> 00:28:12,000 pool, but no, I'm gonna jump right in. 546 00:28:12,990 --> 00:28:16,649 And so God in his mercy and the grace move me along during his prayer so that 547 00:28:16,649 --> 00:28:22,139 I can say what true conviction Jesus is. 548 00:28:22,440 --> 00:28:23,190 Lord, 549 00:28:25,620 --> 00:28:29,429 as we close relationship with God is more than emotion. 550 00:28:31,064 --> 00:28:31,875 It's devotion. 551 00:28:32,715 --> 00:28:37,905 God's people have a divine dedication to God, to God's word, and to God's will, 552 00:28:38,445 --> 00:28:45,405 and God is calling us to either commit or recommit fully to the Lordship of Jesus. 553 00:28:45,824 --> 00:28:51,465 Imagine if we all dedicated ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus. 554 00:28:55,485 --> 00:28:57,709 Imagine what would happen. 555 00:28:59,010 --> 00:29:04,530 If we didn't just attend church, but we were fully devoted to Jesus, 556 00:29:06,899 --> 00:29:16,110 marriages would heal, families would reunite, addictions would break. 557 00:29:16,889 --> 00:29:19,620 Priorities would shift. 558 00:29:20,219 --> 00:29:23,189 Peace would be experienced. 559 00:29:23,639 --> 00:29:26,129 Generosity would increase. 560 00:29:26,804 --> 00:29:29,024 Hope would be gained. 561 00:29:29,624 --> 00:29:33,224 People far from God would come home. 562 00:29:33,944 --> 00:29:35,804 Our church wouldn't just grow. 563 00:29:36,014 --> 00:29:41,354 It would become a life giving force in this county, and not 564 00:29:41,354 --> 00:29:46,454 because we tried harder, but because we were surrendered fully. 565 00:29:48,404 --> 00:29:55,874 That's what happens when God's people stop drifting and start dedicating. 566 00:29:57,614 --> 00:30:01,844 May we learn from our brothers and sisters in the faith, our ancestors. 567 00:30:02,084 --> 00:30:11,354 May we also say we will not neglect the house of God because Jesus is Lord. 568 00:30:11,534 --> 00:30:14,145 May we move from emotion to devotion. 569 00:30:14,175 --> 00:30:14,564 Amen.