1 00:00:30,339 --> 00:00:31,499 Matthew chapter number six. 2 00:00:31,499 --> 00:00:32,899 We're going to be in verse number 19. 3 00:00:34,899 --> 00:00:36,099 Jesus says this. 4 00:00:36,099 --> 00:00:38,019 Matthew chapter number six, verse number 19. 5 00:00:38,179 --> 00:00:41,499 Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth where moth 6 00:00:41,499 --> 00:00:44,979 and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal. 7 00:00:45,219 --> 00:00:48,899 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither 8 00:00:48,899 --> 00:00:51,739 moth nor rust doth, where thieves do not break through nor 9 00:00:51,739 --> 00:00:52,179 steal. 10 00:00:52,259 --> 00:00:56,279 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be be also. 11 00:00:56,279 --> 00:00:56,959 Let's pray. 12 00:00:57,119 --> 00:00:59,479 Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you again for the group of people 13 00:00:59,479 --> 00:01:00,319 gathered here tonight. 14 00:01:00,319 --> 00:01:02,879 God, we thank you for these students and the hard work they've 15 00:01:02,879 --> 00:01:03,679 put in all year. 16 00:01:03,999 --> 00:01:06,399 God, I pray that you would continue to bless their summers. 17 00:01:06,479 --> 00:01:08,559 And God that you would bless them as only you can. 18 00:01:08,559 --> 00:01:12,319 And bless their parents, God, as they continue to raise them and 19 00:01:12,319 --> 00:01:12,919 nurture them. 20 00:01:12,919 --> 00:01:15,959 God, that they would raise them in the way that God would have 21 00:01:15,959 --> 00:01:16,679 them to be raised. 22 00:01:16,679 --> 00:01:20,079 And God that they would make sure that they take on this responsibility 23 00:01:20,079 --> 00:01:23,269 of being a parent, Lord, and that you continue to give them ease 24 00:01:23,269 --> 00:01:26,509 in their life, God, that you continue to strengthen them and encourage 25 00:01:26,509 --> 00:01:27,469 them in your word. 26 00:01:27,549 --> 00:01:29,829 And God, we'll give you all the praise and honor for it. 27 00:01:29,829 --> 00:01:31,629 Pray all these things in Jesus name. 28 00:01:31,949 --> 00:01:32,589 Amen. 29 00:01:34,429 --> 00:01:35,229 I heard that. 30 00:01:35,309 --> 00:01:35,869 That was good. 31 00:01:35,869 --> 00:01:36,829 Amen right there. 32 00:01:37,309 --> 00:01:40,069 Some of these kids will amen better than some adults sometimes. 33 00:01:40,069 --> 00:01:40,749 That's awesome. 34 00:01:41,469 --> 00:01:43,069 But Matthew chapter number six. 35 00:01:43,069 --> 00:01:46,589 We see Christ speaking here and he says something that's very 36 00:01:46,589 --> 00:01:49,789 important, very profound, something that we can apply to every 37 00:01:49,789 --> 00:01:53,069 single one of our lives as we examine ourselves that, hey, are 38 00:01:53,069 --> 00:01:55,909 you laying up for yourself treasures in heaven? 39 00:01:55,909 --> 00:01:58,709 If you've been in church long, you've probably heard thousands and 40 00:01:58,709 --> 00:02:00,509 countless sermons on this very subject. 41 00:02:00,509 --> 00:02:01,749 Where is your heart at? 42 00:02:01,909 --> 00:02:04,628 Hey, where are you putting your time and investment in? 43 00:02:04,949 --> 00:02:07,429 Hey, where is your focus at? 44 00:02:07,589 --> 00:02:10,389 And this is one of the great reminders, this is one of the great 45 00:02:10,389 --> 00:02:13,149 obvious things that we can look to in that it says that for 46 00:02:13,149 --> 00:02:16,939 where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 47 00:02:17,019 --> 00:02:19,099 We're going to look at little things tonight what that treasure 48 00:02:19,099 --> 00:02:19,579 might be. 49 00:02:19,819 --> 00:02:22,099 But it's just an amazing reminder to us that, hey, if you 50 00:02:22,099 --> 00:02:24,419 want to know really where someone's heart is at, really want 51 00:02:24,419 --> 00:02:28,339 to know where someone's mind is on constantly look where their 52 00:02:28,339 --> 00:02:29,059 treasure is. 53 00:02:29,059 --> 00:02:32,419 Look at where their time, their finances, their effort, look 54 00:02:32,419 --> 00:02:34,859 to where they place all of that and you'll see really what's 55 00:02:34,859 --> 00:02:36,779 at the center of their heart most of the time. 56 00:02:37,579 --> 00:02:40,299 But there's also something else that we see in this passage. 57 00:02:40,709 --> 00:02:45,269 It's not just the idea of it, not just the Self examination of 58 00:02:45,269 --> 00:02:46,949 what we're supposed to see in our lives. 59 00:02:46,949 --> 00:02:51,109 But we get the antidote to a very wrong mindset even in our lives. 60 00:02:52,229 --> 00:02:56,029 Often we want to put treasures in our lives and place it on maybe 61 00:02:56,029 --> 00:02:59,309 our work, maybe it's on finances and money, maybe it's on 62 00:02:59,309 --> 00:03:00,789 some material possession. 63 00:03:01,269 --> 00:03:05,109 And maybe we've been trying for years, maybe we've been trying 64 00:03:05,109 --> 00:03:08,389 for decades in our lives to get to the point where, hey, we're 65 00:03:08,389 --> 00:03:11,109 trying to get our mind and heart in the right place. 66 00:03:11,779 --> 00:03:13,099 And we've done it a few times. 67 00:03:13,099 --> 00:03:14,939 We've had it where we've been on fire for God. 68 00:03:14,939 --> 00:03:17,459 We've had it to where we've had our hearts in the right place. 69 00:03:17,459 --> 00:03:20,859 The focus towards our kids, the focus towards our families in 70 00:03:20,859 --> 00:03:21,619 the right place. 71 00:03:22,099 --> 00:03:23,779 But you may be here tonight. 72 00:03:23,779 --> 00:03:27,699 You may say my focus hasn't been in the right place all the time. 73 00:03:28,579 --> 00:03:30,659 My focus hasn't been on Jesus Christ. 74 00:03:30,659 --> 00:03:34,019 But let me tell you this, if you want your focus placed on Jesus, 75 00:03:34,339 --> 00:03:38,139 it tells you right here in verse number 21, for where your treasure 76 00:03:38,139 --> 00:03:39,499 is, there will your heart be also. 77 00:03:39,499 --> 00:03:41,539 You want your heart to be on certain things. 78 00:03:42,019 --> 00:03:43,619 It's gotta become a treasure to you. 79 00:03:43,939 --> 00:03:45,699 It's gotta become invaluable. 80 00:03:46,099 --> 00:03:50,819 When the word of God becomes a precious treasure in your life, you'll 81 00:03:50,819 --> 00:03:53,299 find yourself reading your Bible as you ought to. 82 00:03:54,019 --> 00:03:57,499 When church has become a treasure in your life, when you find 83 00:03:57,499 --> 00:04:00,619 yourself going to church and it's a delight for you, when you 84 00:04:00,619 --> 00:04:03,739 can't wait for it, when you make in your life to where you're 85 00:04:03,739 --> 00:04:06,219 giving towards your church, you're spending your time giving 86 00:04:06,219 --> 00:04:08,979 your effort and energy towards your church, you'll find that you'll 87 00:04:08,979 --> 00:04:10,939 have a heart for your church. 88 00:04:11,899 --> 00:04:15,819 If you're spending time with your kids, if you are putting love 89 00:04:15,819 --> 00:04:19,059 and effort into them, your money into their finances, investing 90 00:04:19,059 --> 00:04:19,899 in their future. 91 00:04:20,299 --> 00:04:23,019 And many of you here this morning can attest that y' all are 92 00:04:23,259 --> 00:04:25,979 investing in your kids in a very wise way. 93 00:04:26,539 --> 00:04:29,259 But if you want to make sure that your heart is on your children, 94 00:04:29,419 --> 00:04:31,779 make sure that you're investing, make sure that they are 95 00:04:31,779 --> 00:04:33,739 a treasure in your mind. 96 00:04:35,879 --> 00:04:36,719 It's very clear. 97 00:04:36,719 --> 00:04:40,519 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, things 98 00:04:40,519 --> 00:04:42,959 that are temporary, things that will never last, but lay up 99 00:04:42,959 --> 00:04:44,839 for something that will last in eternity. 100 00:04:45,559 --> 00:04:47,119 So what do you treasure this evening? 101 00:04:47,119 --> 00:04:49,479 I would like everyone to ask themselves that this evening. 102 00:04:49,719 --> 00:04:50,999 What do you treasure? 103 00:04:51,319 --> 00:04:54,479 It's a question that Jesus asks us in many ways throughout the 104 00:04:54,479 --> 00:04:57,319 Gospels, that God asks us throughout the entirety of Scripture. 105 00:04:57,639 --> 00:05:00,439 We live In a world that teaches us to chase after things. 106 00:05:00,439 --> 00:05:02,789 Money, success, reputation. 107 00:05:03,429 --> 00:05:05,349 But Jesus redirects our focus. 108 00:05:06,149 --> 00:05:10,229 He doesn't condemn work or success, but he does warn about it. 109 00:05:11,109 --> 00:05:15,349 Earthly treasures fade, but heavenly treasures will last forever. 110 00:05:16,069 --> 00:05:18,469 First point I want to make out tonight is that earthly treasure 111 00:05:18,469 --> 00:05:22,789 does in fact fade, but heavenly treasures will last all 112 00:05:22,789 --> 00:05:23,909 of eternity. 113 00:05:24,149 --> 00:05:26,989 Jesus said not to store up treasures here on earth. 114 00:05:26,989 --> 00:05:27,349 Why? 115 00:05:28,179 --> 00:05:30,419 Because everything here will soon be gone. 116 00:05:30,899 --> 00:05:33,539 It says in the Bible that our life is as a vapor. 117 00:05:33,619 --> 00:05:36,259 Appeareth for a little time, then vanisheth away. 118 00:05:37,219 --> 00:05:40,139 Things that we have here, our clothes will wear out, our money 119 00:05:40,139 --> 00:05:41,219 will lose its value. 120 00:05:41,859 --> 00:05:43,539 Homes will be in need of repair. 121 00:05:43,698 --> 00:05:46,859 Even our accomplishments, our titles, the things that we hold in 122 00:05:46,859 --> 00:05:50,979 high regard in our lives, in a generation or two, they will be forgotten. 123 00:05:52,899 --> 00:05:54,139 Heavenly treasures, though. 124 00:05:54,139 --> 00:05:57,789 On the other hand, things like faithfulness, church attendance, 125 00:05:58,589 --> 00:06:01,549 love, mercy and obedience, they're eternal. 126 00:06:01,789 --> 00:06:05,789 They'll have a lasting impact, not just here on this earth, but 127 00:06:05,789 --> 00:06:06,989 for all of eternity. 128 00:06:08,669 --> 00:06:12,709 When we invest in the things of God, when we serve others, when 129 00:06:12,709 --> 00:06:17,789 we teach the Word, when we give generously, we're making deposits 130 00:06:17,789 --> 00:06:21,069 into a heavenly bank account rather than a physical one. 131 00:06:22,509 --> 00:06:22,869 Be clear. 132 00:06:22,869 --> 00:06:25,829 Nothing is more heavenly and nothing is more worthwhile. 133 00:06:25,829 --> 00:06:30,429 Nothing is more lasting in eternity than leading a soul to Christ. 134 00:06:31,069 --> 00:06:35,069 There is no soil more ready and no heart more tender, I would 135 00:06:35,069 --> 00:06:37,069 say though, than that of a child. 136 00:06:38,509 --> 00:06:43,069 My second point here is raising children is a heavenly investment. 137 00:06:43,709 --> 00:06:44,909 Now, I am not a parent. 138 00:06:44,909 --> 00:06:47,469 There are so many in here in this audience that are parents, even 139 00:06:47,469 --> 00:06:48,269 grandparents. 140 00:06:48,429 --> 00:06:51,489 And you will be understanding this far more than then. 141 00:06:51,489 --> 00:06:51,769 Mr. 142 00:06:51,769 --> 00:06:53,369 Day will have experienced this. 143 00:06:53,609 --> 00:06:56,489 You'll be understanding this something far more than Mr. 144 00:06:56,489 --> 00:06:57,849 Day can wrap his head around. 145 00:06:57,849 --> 00:07:01,289 I may have an idea, according to the word of God, what parenting 146 00:07:01,289 --> 00:07:01,769 looks like. 147 00:07:01,769 --> 00:07:05,369 I've had two godly parents in my life that have raised me in church 148 00:07:05,369 --> 00:07:08,009 and have been great Christian influences on my life. 149 00:07:08,729 --> 00:07:12,489 But I still will not understand, to that extent and to 150 00:07:12,489 --> 00:07:17,569 that full understanding and fathoming what it is that to be a 151 00:07:17,569 --> 00:07:18,009 parent. 152 00:07:18,729 --> 00:07:23,049 Psalm 127, verse number three, says, Lo, children are inherited 153 00:07:23,049 --> 00:07:25,929 of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 154 00:07:26,489 --> 00:07:30,409 The greatest treasure that God entrusts to parents is children. 155 00:07:31,209 --> 00:07:34,809 They are not distractions from your calling or purpose in life, 156 00:07:34,809 --> 00:07:38,169 from your ambitions, but they are your calling. 157 00:07:38,409 --> 00:07:39,729 They are your ministry. 158 00:07:39,729 --> 00:07:41,609 They are your ambitions in your life. 159 00:07:42,089 --> 00:07:45,489 Every Bible verse you teach them, every prayer that you pray 160 00:07:45,489 --> 00:07:49,609 over them, every bedtime story that ends with Jesus, every correction 161 00:07:49,609 --> 00:07:52,689 that is done in love and for their betterment, every time that 162 00:07:52,689 --> 00:07:56,969 you bring them to church, you are laying up treasure in heaven. 163 00:07:57,769 --> 00:08:00,649 Raising children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord isn't just 164 00:08:00,649 --> 00:08:01,209 parenting. 165 00:08:01,209 --> 00:08:02,249 It's discipleship. 166 00:08:02,809 --> 00:08:04,089 It's eternal work. 167 00:08:04,249 --> 00:08:05,649 It's often quiet work. 168 00:08:05,649 --> 00:08:08,089 It goes unnoticed, it's hidden work. 169 00:08:08,329 --> 00:08:10,249 But it is still godly work. 170 00:08:10,649 --> 00:08:13,849 The hidden work that you do now in your kids lives that many 171 00:08:13,849 --> 00:08:17,359 people may not see, many people may not understand to the 172 00:08:17,359 --> 00:08:17,959 fullest effect. 173 00:08:18,359 --> 00:08:22,199 It will become obvious in your children's lives as they grow older. 174 00:08:22,679 --> 00:08:26,639 It will be something undeniable that their parents, that 175 00:08:26,639 --> 00:08:29,319 people have had a godly influence on their lives. 176 00:08:29,559 --> 00:08:32,119 Because it will be mirrored in their lives. 177 00:08:32,359 --> 00:08:34,359 It will be mirrored in their lifestyles. 178 00:08:34,679 --> 00:08:37,039 It will be mirrored in their hearts and minds and the way that 179 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:38,679 they speak and the way that they treat others. 180 00:08:38,839 --> 00:08:42,999 It will be obvious to other people that you have made a godly 181 00:08:42,999 --> 00:08:44,359 investment into your children. 182 00:08:45,239 --> 00:08:49,479 Proverbs 22:6 says this train up a child in the way he should go 183 00:08:49,639 --> 00:08:53,159 and when he is old he will not depart from it. 184 00:08:53,639 --> 00:08:56,439 You raise a child right according to the word of God. 185 00:08:56,439 --> 00:08:58,039 You raise them according to the scriptures. 186 00:08:58,119 --> 00:09:01,279 It doesn't say you'll give them the best chance to succeed for 187 00:09:01,279 --> 00:09:01,559 God. 188 00:09:01,559 --> 00:09:04,239 It doesn't say that you you'll get put them in the right position 189 00:09:04,239 --> 00:09:04,879 to see God. 190 00:09:04,879 --> 00:09:07,399 It says that they will not turn away from it. 191 00:09:07,969 --> 00:09:11,169 They will not depart from the way that they should go. 192 00:09:11,889 --> 00:09:13,169 They will remember it. 193 00:09:13,169 --> 00:09:16,529 It'll be something written upon their hearts and minds forever. 194 00:09:17,729 --> 00:09:21,889 Treasure that doesn't rust on this earth is your investment into 195 00:09:21,889 --> 00:09:23,009 the next generation. 196 00:09:24,289 --> 00:09:28,209 A godly generation raised in your home is a crown that shines 197 00:09:28,289 --> 00:09:32,129 forever and one that will one day get to cast at Jesus feet. 198 00:09:33,099 --> 00:09:36,299 My third point here would be the gospel, the greatest gift. 199 00:09:37,019 --> 00:09:40,259 The Bible shows us very clearly that children are a blessing 200 00:09:40,259 --> 00:09:40,819 from the Lord. 201 00:09:40,819 --> 00:09:43,419 But I want you to show something even greater than that. 202 00:09:43,899 --> 00:09:47,299 As great as your kids are and as important as they will be in your 203 00:09:47,299 --> 00:09:51,019 life, there will be no job, there will be no ministry that you 204 00:09:51,019 --> 00:09:55,779 have that's more important than your work at the home, more 205 00:09:55,779 --> 00:09:59,019 important than the work that you put into raising your kids. 206 00:09:59,019 --> 00:10:01,179 There will be nothing that compares to it. 207 00:10:02,079 --> 00:10:07,039 You are ultimately responsible for your child and how they are raised. 208 00:10:08,639 --> 00:10:10,799 We talked about laying up treasure in heaven. 209 00:10:10,799 --> 00:10:12,719 We've talked about children as gifts from God. 210 00:10:12,719 --> 00:10:16,559 But let me end by pointing us to the greatest treasure of all. 211 00:10:16,719 --> 00:10:19,119 And that is Jesus Christ Himself. 212 00:10:19,839 --> 00:10:20,959 John 3:16. 213 00:10:21,039 --> 00:10:26,679 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, 214 00:10:26,679 --> 00:10:30,799 that whosoever believeth in him who should not perish but have 215 00:10:30,799 --> 00:10:31,919 everlasting life. 216 00:10:33,199 --> 00:10:36,119 How many of you could say, parents here in this audience, how 217 00:10:36,119 --> 00:10:39,839 many of you could say, I'm willing to give up my own children 218 00:10:40,399 --> 00:10:41,759 for the sake of another? 219 00:10:43,119 --> 00:10:48,799 How many of you could say, I am willing to let my child be a sacrifice 220 00:10:48,959 --> 00:10:50,319 for someone else. 221 00:10:51,119 --> 00:10:55,439 I'm willing to give them up, give them over for someone else's 222 00:10:55,439 --> 00:10:57,439 benefit, someone else's betterment. 223 00:10:58,439 --> 00:11:01,319 I would say there's no parent in you that would be ever willing 224 00:11:01,319 --> 00:11:02,679 to do something like that. 225 00:11:03,479 --> 00:11:06,839 There is no one more important in your life than your family. 226 00:11:07,719 --> 00:11:10,959 Back when we see in Genesis, chapter number one, God did not start 227 00:11:10,959 --> 00:11:13,319 the world establishing government of a nation. 228 00:11:13,638 --> 00:11:16,519 He did not establish anything close to that. 229 00:11:16,519 --> 00:11:18,119 He established a family. 230 00:11:18,919 --> 00:11:21,479 It's one of the most important things in all of your lives. 231 00:11:21,559 --> 00:11:25,459 If you want America to succeed, if you want America to be 232 00:11:25,459 --> 00:11:28,459 in the place that it needs to be and have God's blessing upon it, 233 00:11:28,459 --> 00:11:31,179 we have got to start looking at our homes. 234 00:11:32,139 --> 00:11:35,019 The gospel has got to be the center of it. 235 00:11:35,259 --> 00:11:38,939 Jesus Christ has got to be the center of your life, and it's got 236 00:11:38,939 --> 00:11:40,859 to be the center of your children's lives. 237 00:11:42,139 --> 00:11:46,779 Romans 6:23, for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God, 238 00:11:47,579 --> 00:11:49,659 aren't you glad salvation is a gift? 239 00:11:50,139 --> 00:11:53,819 Aren't you glad Jesus Christ came to this earth to die for you? 240 00:11:54,639 --> 00:11:57,559 We like to think of things in a very broad understanding that, 241 00:11:57,559 --> 00:12:00,559 yes, Jesus Christ came because he loved all the world. 242 00:12:00,799 --> 00:12:02,719 Because God loved all of the world. 243 00:12:03,279 --> 00:12:06,079 Yes, he loved a Heritage Baptist church. 244 00:12:06,079 --> 00:12:08,119 Yes, he loved Hazlett, Texas. 245 00:12:08,119 --> 00:12:11,399 Yes, he loved the United States, but he loved the entire world. 246 00:12:11,399 --> 00:12:15,079 We put this in such a broad span, but I want you to make this 247 00:12:15,079 --> 00:12:21,289 a very individualized idea in your mind that, hey, God loved Isaac 248 00:12:21,289 --> 00:12:24,889 Day so much that he would send his son. 249 00:12:26,089 --> 00:12:28,689 And I wanted to remind each one of my third graders every time 250 00:12:28,689 --> 00:12:32,649 that I got a chance in Bible class that, hey, God so loved you. 251 00:12:33,609 --> 00:12:37,449 I wanted to remind everyone in my teen youth department out in Weatherford, 252 00:12:37,449 --> 00:12:39,849 I want to remind them that, hey, God loved you. 253 00:12:40,489 --> 00:12:43,129 God made you with a specific purpose. 254 00:12:43,849 --> 00:12:48,449 God, he would pour out his wrath on his only son because he 255 00:12:48,449 --> 00:12:52,429 loved you and he wanted to make an investment in your life that'll 256 00:12:52,429 --> 00:12:53,589 last all of eternity. 257 00:12:53,669 --> 00:12:57,189 And I want to ask you parents, I want to ask you Sunday school teachers, 258 00:12:57,349 --> 00:13:00,109 I want to ask you teachers here at Heritage Christian Academy, 259 00:13:00,109 --> 00:13:04,629 grandparents, family members, friends, are you making an investment 260 00:13:04,709 --> 00:13:07,989 in your children's lives that will last eternity? 261 00:13:08,789 --> 00:13:12,869 Are you having a gospel influence on these kids lives? 262 00:13:13,429 --> 00:13:15,069 Are you having a godly influence? 263 00:13:15,069 --> 00:13:17,669 Not just on your children's lives, not just on these students 264 00:13:17,669 --> 00:13:18,069 lives. 265 00:13:18,479 --> 00:13:23,319 Are you having a godly gospel influence on people around you, on 266 00:13:23,319 --> 00:13:23,999 your neighbor? 267 00:13:24,399 --> 00:13:28,159 Are you having a godly influence, maybe some of your siblings? 268 00:13:28,639 --> 00:13:31,599 You having a godly influence on maybe some of your co workers? 269 00:13:33,039 --> 00:13:36,279 There is someone around in your life that God has placed you 270 00:13:36,279 --> 00:13:40,479 in their life specifically so that you could show them the love 271 00:13:40,479 --> 00:13:41,519 of Jesus Christ. 272 00:13:42,319 --> 00:13:46,919 So you could show them that he came and died on the cross for their 273 00:13:46,919 --> 00:13:47,439 soul. 274 00:13:47,479 --> 00:13:49,549 And not just that he died for everyone. 275 00:13:49,549 --> 00:13:52,989 And yes he did, but he died for them specifically. 276 00:13:54,109 --> 00:13:57,469 I can't believe Jesus Christ would love someone like me. 277 00:13:57,949 --> 00:14:02,429 I can't believe Jesus would come to die for someone like me. 278 00:14:02,989 --> 00:14:07,269 I can't believe Jesus would lay aside a throne in heaven, that 279 00:14:07,269 --> 00:14:11,029 he would temporarily lay aside the show of his glory, come and submit 280 00:14:11,029 --> 00:14:13,069 himself, appear as a servant. 281 00:14:13,379 --> 00:14:14,099 The Creator. 282 00:14:14,099 --> 00:14:17,779 God became his creation and he died for it. 283 00:14:18,099 --> 00:14:22,019 He laid down his life for it, willingly, lovingly. 284 00:14:22,819 --> 00:14:26,699 That's the love of Christ that God has put into you, by the way 285 00:14:26,699 --> 00:14:29,859 parents, by the way teachers, by the way Christians. 286 00:14:29,939 --> 00:14:34,019 He wants you to put that same love into everyone else around you. 287 00:14:34,499 --> 00:14:37,939 Be it your kids, yes, they're the utmost priority in your life. 288 00:14:38,259 --> 00:14:41,699 Be it your spouse, yes, they are a great priority in your life. 289 00:14:42,279 --> 00:14:43,879 Be it those around you, yes. 290 00:14:43,879 --> 00:14:47,239 But everyone you meet, you're responsible. 291 00:14:48,199 --> 00:14:52,999 Not just are you encouraged, not just are you suggested you are 292 00:14:52,999 --> 00:14:57,959 responsible for showing them the love of Jesus Christ. 293 00:14:58,599 --> 00:15:01,559 This whole year that I've been with these third graders and these 294 00:15:01,559 --> 00:15:05,759 other students, I have been responsible for showing them the 295 00:15:05,759 --> 00:15:06,399 love of Christ. 296 00:15:06,399 --> 00:15:09,079 And I pray that I've done that to the best of my ability. 297 00:15:09,879 --> 00:15:13,279 I pray that I've been a good teacher and I've taught them arithmetic, 298 00:15:13,279 --> 00:15:15,959 I've taught them science and history, and I've taught them to 299 00:15:15,959 --> 00:15:16,759 a great extent. 300 00:15:16,759 --> 00:15:19,799 I pray that I've done that to a good, fair and decent job. 301 00:15:19,799 --> 00:15:24,159 But more than that, I pray that I've had a godly influence on 302 00:15:24,159 --> 00:15:27,639 these kids because God's going to use them to do something even 303 00:15:27,639 --> 00:15:28,679 far greater than Mr. 304 00:15:28,679 --> 00:15:30,439 Day could ever even dream to do. 305 00:15:30,919 --> 00:15:33,199 It's amazing the intelligence of these kids. 306 00:15:33,199 --> 00:15:35,639 It's amazing sometimes their love for God. 307 00:15:36,139 --> 00:15:39,459 They come in with questions about the Bible, when they come in 308 00:15:39,459 --> 00:15:42,619 with stories about how they saw someone get saved at their church, 309 00:15:42,859 --> 00:15:45,419 when they saw the love of God in someone else's lives. 310 00:15:45,419 --> 00:15:48,539 And not only that, they like to share it with other people. 311 00:15:49,419 --> 00:15:50,019 I've told You. 312 00:15:50,019 --> 00:15:54,059 I've had such a kind class this year, and many teachers wanted 313 00:15:54,059 --> 00:15:57,059 to instill that in me and make me aware that you have had such a 314 00:15:57,059 --> 00:16:00,779 special and sweet nature class this year. 315 00:16:00,779 --> 00:16:02,939 And it was exactly true. 316 00:16:03,489 --> 00:16:06,089 And each and every one of them, at least at one point in this 317 00:16:06,089 --> 00:16:10,449 year, multiple times this year, they have tried to show love 318 00:16:10,449 --> 00:16:14,129 to their classmates, tried to show love to their friends. 319 00:16:14,289 --> 00:16:17,809 Not just because it was the right thing to do, not just because 320 00:16:17,809 --> 00:16:21,689 they wanted to be friendly and they wanted to be kind and have them 321 00:16:21,689 --> 00:16:25,609 be kind to them, but they wanted to show them the love of Jesus 322 00:16:25,609 --> 00:16:25,929 Christ. 323 00:16:25,929 --> 00:16:29,169 And that is a great praise and hallelujah to God for it. 324 00:16:31,719 --> 00:16:32,519 I'm so glad. 325 00:16:32,519 --> 00:16:35,239 Salvation isn't something that we had to earn. 326 00:16:35,639 --> 00:16:38,799 It's not stored in a bank or locked behind good deeds. 327 00:16:38,799 --> 00:16:44,999 It's a free gift bought by Christ's blood and received by faith. 328 00:16:45,959 --> 00:16:49,559 That's the message that your children need more than anything 329 00:16:49,559 --> 00:16:49,879 else. 330 00:16:49,879 --> 00:16:52,759 That's the message this whole world needs more than anything else. 331 00:16:54,039 --> 00:16:55,519 That God loves them. 332 00:16:55,519 --> 00:16:55,799 That. 333 00:16:55,869 --> 00:16:56,909 That they are sinners. 334 00:16:57,309 --> 00:17:00,309 And that even though they have fallen short and even though they 335 00:17:00,309 --> 00:17:03,349 have done things that are unpleasing to God and they have sinned 336 00:17:03,349 --> 00:17:06,669 against God, God still loves them in spite of that. 337 00:17:06,909 --> 00:17:08,149 God still loves Mr. 338 00:17:08,149 --> 00:17:09,669 Day in spite of his sin. 339 00:17:09,669 --> 00:17:12,469 God still loves you in spite of your sin. 340 00:17:12,469 --> 00:17:13,349 And he always will. 341 00:17:13,349 --> 00:17:15,149 There's nothing that will ever change that. 342 00:17:17,389 --> 00:17:20,349 They need to understand that Jesus died for them. 343 00:17:20,509 --> 00:17:23,299 He gave his life for their sakes. 344 00:17:23,299 --> 00:17:25,619 He gave his light for your sakes. 345 00:17:26,259 --> 00:17:28,739 We ought to give our lives right back to Him. 346 00:17:29,699 --> 00:17:32,499 That is the treasure that will never fade. 347 00:17:33,619 --> 00:17:36,579 That is the treasure that will last beyond this world. 348 00:17:38,339 --> 00:17:41,539 So church, so parents, so Christians. 349 00:17:42,819 --> 00:17:46,579 Lay up treasure in heaven by investing in things that last. 350 00:17:47,868 --> 00:17:51,148 Treasure your children as a heritage from the Lord. 351 00:17:51,548 --> 00:17:55,468 Treasure your calling upon your life as something you can use 352 00:17:55,948 --> 00:17:57,308 to spread the gospel. 353 00:17:57,868 --> 00:18:02,588 Above all, give everyone that you may the greatest treasure of 354 00:18:02,588 --> 00:18:02,908 all. 355 00:18:03,068 --> 00:18:05,068 The Gospel of Jesus Christ. 356 00:18:05,948 --> 00:18:08,748 Let your heart be where your treasure is. 357 00:18:10,908 --> 00:18:14,588 Let it not just be in the things of God, but let it be in Christ 358 00:18:14,748 --> 00:18:15,388 himself. 359 00:18:15,468 --> 00:18:17,068 Getting to know him more. 360 00:18:17,779 --> 00:18:18,619 Philippians 3. 361 00:18:18,619 --> 00:18:22,299 Paul shows us all the things that he had done as a Pharisee. 362 00:18:22,299 --> 00:18:23,459 He had kept the law. 363 00:18:23,779 --> 00:18:26,259 He had done all these things from his youth. 364 00:18:26,819 --> 00:18:29,739 He had made sure that he had lived a good life. 365 00:18:29,739 --> 00:18:30,619 But guess what? 366 00:18:30,619 --> 00:18:32,819 None of that mattered in the end. 367 00:18:33,299 --> 00:18:34,739 He said it was worthless. 368 00:18:35,139 --> 00:18:37,699 He said his good deeds, none of it would have mattered. 369 00:18:37,699 --> 00:18:40,339 None of it would have earned him any right to go to heaven. 370 00:18:40,579 --> 00:18:42,739 It was Jesus Christ himself. 371 00:18:45,219 --> 00:18:49,139 He said that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection 372 00:18:49,299 --> 00:18:53,299 and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable 373 00:18:53,539 --> 00:18:54,579 unto his death. 374 00:18:54,579 --> 00:18:58,898 So I could be more like Jesus Christ and my prayer Even after school 375 00:18:58,898 --> 00:19:01,979 year is done we go into this summer Students, I hope you have 376 00:19:01,979 --> 00:19:03,539 worked so hard this year. 377 00:19:03,619 --> 00:19:09,739 You have earned a well fund summer, one that you enjoy, one that 378 00:19:09,739 --> 00:19:13,099 you get to have fun, play with your friends, enjoy your vacation 379 00:19:13,099 --> 00:19:14,099 times with your family. 380 00:19:14,259 --> 00:19:17,779 But I also want to remind you, you're still going to live for God 381 00:19:17,779 --> 00:19:18,499 this summer. 382 00:19:19,379 --> 00:19:22,899 Even as students, they can do great things for God. 383 00:19:22,899 --> 00:19:25,579 In fact, they can sometimes do things that are far greater than 384 00:19:25,579 --> 00:19:27,139 things we could ever do. 385 00:19:28,739 --> 00:19:32,139 I want to show a couple of things here, things I wanted to get 386 00:19:32,139 --> 00:19:35,589 to that I probably won't get to tonight, but just a few things 387 00:19:35,589 --> 00:19:38,709 on raising children Proverbs 22:6 I've already read this Train 388 00:19:38,709 --> 00:19:41,789 up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he 389 00:19:41,789 --> 00:19:43,149 will not depart from it. 390 00:19:44,269 --> 00:19:47,909 Ephesians 6:4 Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, 391 00:19:47,909 --> 00:19:51,869 but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 392 00:19:53,709 --> 00:19:57,749 Colossians 3:21 very similar verse Fathers, provoke not your children 393 00:19:57,749 --> 00:19:59,949 to anger, lest they be discouraged. 394 00:20:01,569 --> 00:20:06,929 Deuteronomy 6:6 7 and these words thou shalt teach them diligently 395 00:20:07,809 --> 00:20:10,809 gave an award for diligence unto one of my third graders. 396 00:20:10,809 --> 00:20:13,329 I think they're all deserving for it, for their hard work they've 397 00:20:13,329 --> 00:20:14,049 had this year. 398 00:20:14,929 --> 00:20:16,929 But in that same way they worked hard. 399 00:20:16,929 --> 00:20:21,489 But how hard working are you towards teaching your kids about 400 00:20:21,489 --> 00:20:21,889 Christ? 401 00:20:22,609 --> 00:20:25,769 Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children when 402 00:20:25,769 --> 00:20:29,839 thou sittest, walkest, liest down, and when thou risest up. 403 00:20:31,279 --> 00:20:36,399 Psalm 78:4 we will not hide them from their children, showing 404 00:20:36,399 --> 00:20:40,559 to the generation to come the praises of the Lord. 405 00:20:42,479 --> 00:20:46,959 Isaiah 54:13 and all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, 406 00:20:47,119 --> 00:20:50,719 and great shall be the peace of thy children. 407 00:20:51,999 --> 00:20:57,759 2nd Timothy 3:15 and that from a child thou hast known the Holy 408 00:20:57,759 --> 00:21:03,399 Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation not 409 00:21:03,399 --> 00:21:07,399 wise to be the smartest person in the world, most successful person 410 00:21:07,399 --> 00:21:09,879 in the world most athletic, talented person in the world. 411 00:21:09,879 --> 00:21:13,959 But make thee wise unto salvation, something that will Last 412 00:21:13,959 --> 00:21:14,759 eternity. 413 00:21:17,159 --> 00:21:20,559 Luke 6:35 but love ye your enemies, and your reward shall be 414 00:21:20,559 --> 00:21:22,919 great, and ye shall be the children of the highest. 415 00:21:22,919 --> 00:21:26,969 Matthew 19:14 One of my favorite verses in all the Bible 416 00:21:27,529 --> 00:21:31,969 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to 417 00:21:31,969 --> 00:21:36,729 come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven suffer Little 418 00:21:36,729 --> 00:21:38,729 children, let them come unto Jesus. 419 00:21:39,129 --> 00:21:41,609 Parents, let your kids come unto Christ. 420 00:21:42,409 --> 00:21:45,449 Let your kids see the love of Jesus Christ. 421 00:21:46,169 --> 00:21:51,129 Christians, let others in your life, let them see Christ in you. 422 00:21:53,299 --> 00:21:57,939 Christ's own words reveal the high value that he places on children. 423 00:21:58,259 --> 00:22:01,699 And they should have a high value in our hearts and minds that 424 00:22:01,699 --> 00:22:04,819 we raise them according to the word of God. 425 00:22:06,179 --> 00:22:09,819 Christian, I want to charge you tonight that you are making an 426 00:22:09,819 --> 00:22:13,379 impact that will last eternity in other people's lives. 427 00:22:14,179 --> 00:22:18,139 Parents, I want to charge you tonight to make continue investing 428 00:22:18,139 --> 00:22:18,979 in your kids. 429 00:22:18,979 --> 00:22:21,589 Continue teaching them that which is right. 430 00:22:21,589 --> 00:22:25,069 Continue showing them the right example that they should live 431 00:22:25,069 --> 00:22:25,429 by. 432 00:22:27,349 --> 00:22:31,389 I want us all to examine our hearts this evening and I pray that 433 00:22:31,389 --> 00:22:35,669 if there is someone here that has not accepted the greatest treasure, 434 00:22:35,669 --> 00:22:39,389 the greatest gift that has ever been given Jesus Christ, the 435 00:22:39,389 --> 00:22:42,589 gospel, his death on the cross, if you have never accepted 436 00:22:42,589 --> 00:22:45,949 that great gift of salvation, I pray that tonight would be the 437 00:22:45,949 --> 00:22:46,229 night. 438 00:22:48,179 --> 00:22:50,179 The love of God is overwhelming. 439 00:22:50,979 --> 00:22:53,059 The love of God is eternal. 440 00:22:53,619 --> 00:22:56,099 The love of God is life changing. 441 00:22:56,819 --> 00:22:59,779 Let it have a change in someone else's life. 442 00:23:00,979 --> 00:23:02,979 Christian tonight, are you having that impact? 443 00:23:03,619 --> 00:23:05,139 Parents, are you having that impact? 444 00:23:05,859 --> 00:23:10,899 Soul, have you accepted that greatest treasure in Jesus Christ? 445 00:23:11,379 --> 00:23:15,569 Let's make sure our hearts and minds, not only this summer, not 446 00:23:15,569 --> 00:23:19,209 only in the years to come, but for the rest of our lives on heavenly 447 00:23:19,209 --> 00:23:22,249 things more so than they are on the physical things. 448 00:23:22,809 --> 00:23:25,209 Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for tonight. 449 00:23:25,689 --> 00:23:28,889 God, we thank you for these students that have poured their lives 450 00:23:28,889 --> 00:23:31,729 into their work this semester and this year. 451 00:23:31,729 --> 00:23:35,649 God, not just working hard for good grades, but working hard, Lord, 452 00:23:35,649 --> 00:23:39,009 that they would glorify you with their abilities, that they would 453 00:23:39,009 --> 00:23:41,209 glorify you with their talents. 454 00:23:41,769 --> 00:23:44,129 God, I continue to pray it would be over these students that 455 00:23:44,129 --> 00:23:46,889 you would keep a hedge of protection about them. 456 00:23:47,129 --> 00:23:50,329 That God, you would always keep a godly influence in their lives 457 00:23:50,329 --> 00:23:53,649 by way of their parents, by way of their teachers, by many that 458 00:23:53,649 --> 00:23:57,169 they meet, by their pastors and their youth pastors and children's 459 00:23:57,169 --> 00:23:57,489 pastors. 460 00:23:57,489 --> 00:24:00,809 God, that you would continue to have a godly influence in their 461 00:24:00,809 --> 00:24:01,129 life. 462 00:24:01,929 --> 00:24:04,329 God, I pray that you'd be with everyone here, that you would bless 463 00:24:04,329 --> 00:24:05,329 them as only you can. 464 00:24:05,329 --> 00:24:08,009 And God, if there is someone here tonight that has not accepted 465 00:24:08,499 --> 00:24:11,699 that free gift of salvation, I pray that tonight would be the night 466 00:24:11,939 --> 00:24:15,819 that they would see your love and that they would accept it and 467 00:24:15,819 --> 00:24:18,819 have their life changed forever and their eternity changed 468 00:24:18,899 --> 00:24:19,459 forever. 469 00:24:20,019 --> 00:24:22,499 God, I pray that you'd continue to bless as only you can 470 00:24:22,499 --> 00:24:24,499 and pray all these things in Jesus name. 471 00:24:24,739 --> 00:24:25,299 Amen.