1 00:00:31,699 --> 00:00:32,339 Thank you, brother. 2 00:00:39,139 --> 00:00:39,659 Amen. 3 00:00:39,659 --> 00:00:40,899 My name is Russell James. 4 00:00:40,899 --> 00:00:44,499 I'm in Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hondo, Texas. 5 00:00:44,579 --> 00:00:49,539 You go down to San Antonio and turn straight west towards Del Rio, 6 00:00:49,619 --> 00:00:50,179 Texas. 7 00:00:50,179 --> 00:00:52,419 You'll run right through Hondo. 8 00:00:52,419 --> 00:00:55,499 It's about a town with about 10,000 people in it, but it's the 9 00:00:55,499 --> 00:00:57,599 county seat of, of Medina County. 10 00:00:58,079 --> 00:01:02,439 So we chose to try to minister to the whole county, Medina, it's 11 00:01:02,439 --> 00:01:04,559 got about five small towns in it. 12 00:01:05,119 --> 00:01:09,279 And we, we decided to hit the hub, which is Hondo. 13 00:01:09,759 --> 00:01:11,319 And the Lord led us there. 14 00:01:11,319 --> 00:01:15,119 My wife and I, Rebecca, I was, I, I was assistant pastor for many, 15 00:01:15,119 --> 00:01:15,759 many years. 16 00:01:15,759 --> 00:01:17,759 Many, many years, actually decades. 17 00:01:18,239 --> 00:01:24,609 And the Lord moved on me to pastor before it got too late for 18 00:01:24,609 --> 00:01:25,449 me to pastor. 19 00:01:26,249 --> 00:01:27,089 I've got to try. 20 00:01:27,089 --> 00:01:28,089 I've got to do it. 21 00:01:28,169 --> 00:01:29,089 I've got to do it. 22 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:32,649 And after much praying, the Lord sent us to Hondo. 23 00:01:32,649 --> 00:01:35,449 It's interesting because at the time I didn't, I didn't understand 24 00:01:35,529 --> 00:01:39,089 why, but after just a few weeks of being there, I understood 25 00:01:39,089 --> 00:01:39,449 why. 26 00:01:40,329 --> 00:01:41,609 And the Lord blessed. 27 00:01:41,609 --> 00:01:48,329 So we started on October 15, 2025, just under three years ago 28 00:01:48,799 --> 00:01:52,079 we started the church and we're about to have our anniversary 29 00:01:52,079 --> 00:01:55,519 service, third year anniversary, in just a couple weeks 30 00:01:55,519 --> 00:01:55,919 now. 31 00:01:56,319 --> 00:01:58,959 And we just want to be faithful. 32 00:01:59,439 --> 00:02:06,719 And your pastor, he met me and he came up to me and he said, we're 33 00:02:06,719 --> 00:02:07,439 going to support you. 34 00:02:07,439 --> 00:02:09,199 Our church is going to support you. 35 00:02:09,919 --> 00:02:14,839 And he's kept his word from the very beginning and I'm very grateful 36 00:02:14,839 --> 00:02:15,359 for that. 37 00:02:16,239 --> 00:02:19,879 And all of you have been in part of this. 38 00:02:19,879 --> 00:02:22,799 You know, I think about every, every cent you give to missions, 39 00:02:22,959 --> 00:02:25,879 it comes, some of it comes to our church and we're very grateful 40 00:02:25,879 --> 00:02:26,319 for that. 41 00:02:26,479 --> 00:02:29,799 So any fruit that comes into our through our church is going right 42 00:02:29,799 --> 00:02:31,519 into your eternal bank account. 43 00:02:31,679 --> 00:02:35,199 It's an amazing thing to think about, but it's true. 44 00:02:35,759 --> 00:02:39,999 I don't think there's a greater investment in ever than in 45 00:02:39,999 --> 00:02:43,429 giving toward the propagation of the gospel. 46 00:02:44,229 --> 00:02:47,789 So through outreach we were able to meet many, many people. 47 00:02:47,789 --> 00:02:51,109 They were actually waiting for us, just didn't know they were waiting 48 00:02:51,109 --> 00:02:51,909 for us to come. 49 00:02:52,229 --> 00:02:56,829 So we've met men and women from all walks of life and been able 50 00:02:56,829 --> 00:03:00,629 to win them to Christ and baptize many of them. 51 00:03:01,029 --> 00:03:06,989 And many of them lifetime adherence to a certain religion and, 52 00:03:07,139 --> 00:03:09,619 and knew it was empty, in vain and they came to Christ. 53 00:03:10,019 --> 00:03:13,139 And you'll see some of them in the video here that we'll show here 54 00:03:13,459 --> 00:03:14,819 in just a minute. 55 00:03:15,139 --> 00:03:16,979 But I don't want to take up too much time. 56 00:03:17,139 --> 00:03:18,979 We've been here three years, I would say. 57 00:03:19,219 --> 00:03:24,099 I want to tell you we have 52 adult members on the roll. 58 00:03:24,499 --> 00:03:28,859 We average about in the mid-70s right now in attendance on 59 00:03:28,859 --> 00:03:29,699 a Sunday morning. 60 00:03:30,499 --> 00:03:33,699 And we're hoping for a big day on our anniversary, which is the 61 00:03:34,519 --> 00:03:36,919 15th, which is in just a couple weeks. 62 00:03:37,159 --> 00:03:39,919 We're going to try to blow that place out. 63 00:03:39,919 --> 00:03:43,839 See, we meet in one room, it's called the Hondo Community Center. 64 00:03:43,839 --> 00:03:45,639 We go in and we rent it by the hour. 65 00:03:46,039 --> 00:03:49,599 So we move in, we put, we bring in all of our equipment like 66 00:03:49,599 --> 00:03:53,839 all church planters do and we move it out when it's over and we 67 00:03:53,839 --> 00:03:56,199 get in there and we have church in one big room. 68 00:03:56,199 --> 00:04:01,089 We have a closet for our nursery and we use an RV for Sunday 69 00:04:01,089 --> 00:04:01,489 school. 70 00:04:01,649 --> 00:04:07,249 Pull in out across the parking lot and we do have a really generous 71 00:04:07,249 --> 00:04:12,209 man who lets us use some office buildings for our Sunday school 72 00:04:12,209 --> 00:04:15,329 classes for our adults and for our teens. 73 00:04:15,809 --> 00:04:20,609 But we're trying and I really believe it's been three years. 74 00:04:20,609 --> 00:04:24,289 The Lord has established a church in Hondo. 75 00:04:25,339 --> 00:04:25,899 But we. 76 00:04:26,459 --> 00:04:27,179 I'll go on. 77 00:04:27,179 --> 00:04:28,859 We have a building that we purchased. 78 00:04:29,099 --> 00:04:34,579 We had a man very generously agree to financing, owner financing 79 00:04:34,579 --> 00:04:38,219 property to us, which is about the only way we could ever get it. 80 00:04:38,459 --> 00:04:41,258 And the Lord gave us eight acres right on the highway. 81 00:04:42,619 --> 00:04:46,219 Real a lot of exposure, I mean, thousands of cars a day. 82 00:04:46,459 --> 00:04:48,379 And so we're real excited about that. 83 00:04:48,379 --> 00:04:49,339 We're trying to move. 84 00:04:49,499 --> 00:04:53,259 We're going to be moving east of Hondo between Hondo and Castroville 85 00:04:53,519 --> 00:04:56,839 and we're going to try to set up a church there and minister all 86 00:04:56,839 --> 00:04:59,599 the way into San Antonio, which is not too far away. 87 00:04:59,839 --> 00:05:01,999 It's getting closer every day, seems like. 88 00:05:04,399 --> 00:05:07,519 But I do believe the Lord has established the church. 89 00:05:09,599 --> 00:05:13,799 If the vision comes to pass, we'll try to break ground sometime 90 00:05:13,799 --> 00:05:16,479 in December to build. 91 00:05:16,879 --> 00:05:18,639 And we're really grateful. 92 00:05:19,079 --> 00:05:22,119 I can't tell you how grateful I am to each and every one of you. 93 00:05:22,119 --> 00:05:25,319 I wish I could shake your hand and tell you personally, thank you. 94 00:05:25,319 --> 00:05:27,879 Maybe I'll get to here in just a bit, but. 95 00:05:28,039 --> 00:05:32,359 So when you look at our video, it's a slideshow and what we've decided 96 00:05:32,359 --> 00:05:37,519 to do is just give a history, three year history of what our church 97 00:05:37,519 --> 00:05:40,919 has been doing up until just last week. 98 00:05:40,919 --> 00:05:44,439 So you'll just get a little history and what you'll see are some 99 00:05:44,439 --> 00:05:48,899 converts that were saved and led to Christ and baptized. 100 00:05:48,899 --> 00:05:50,819 You'll see the place where we meet. 101 00:05:51,299 --> 00:05:52,579 Get a good view of that. 102 00:05:52,899 --> 00:05:57,139 You'll see our land that the Lord has provided. 103 00:05:57,219 --> 00:05:59,139 You'll see the people of Cornerstone. 104 00:05:59,379 --> 00:06:03,339 Oh, and before I forget, our whole church thanks you all very 105 00:06:03,339 --> 00:06:03,619 much. 106 00:06:03,619 --> 00:06:05,019 All right, we're going to have. 107 00:06:05,019 --> 00:06:06,019 Are we ready, brother? 108 00:09:29,299 --> 00:09:36,359 I can't heal the sick nor cause the blinded eyes to see a sinner's 109 00:09:36,359 --> 00:09:39,239 empty soul I cannot save. 110 00:09:41,879 --> 00:09:46,679 I am nothing more than what the Lord has given me. 111 00:09:47,639 --> 00:09:57,479 And through his grace alone I boldly say God can and he will. 112 00:10:00,779 --> 00:10:05,659 He can move the mountain still and speed the water still. 113 00:10:06,219 --> 00:10:16,779 If you believe, you will see that everything impossible will soon 114 00:10:16,779 --> 00:10:17,659 be possible. 115 00:10:18,779 --> 00:10:22,699 God can and he will. 116 00:10:35,539 --> 00:10:42,379 Humbled in your presence, Lord, I fall down to my knees knowing 117 00:10:42,379 --> 00:10:45,299 you are there to carry on. 118 00:10:47,939 --> 00:10:53,059 I received your love and mercy undeservedly. 119 00:10:54,339 --> 00:10:57,779 In my every weakness you are strong. 120 00:10:59,919 --> 00:11:03,759 God can and he will. 121 00:11:06,879 --> 00:11:11,839 He can move the mountains tall and speak the water still. 122 00:11:12,399 --> 00:11:23,039 If you believe you will see that everything impossible will soon 123 00:11:23,039 --> 00:11:23,839 be possible. 124 00:11:25,039 --> 00:11:38,939 God can and he will no matter the task, no matter the hour, he 125 00:11:39,019 --> 00:11:40,379 will supply. 126 00:11:41,659 --> 00:11:50,779 He knows our need, he knows our everything and he will provide 127 00:11:53,419 --> 00:12:03,399 God can and he will he can move the mountain, mountains tall 128 00:12:03,399 --> 00:12:05,399 and speed the water still. 129 00:12:06,039 --> 00:12:16,679 If you believe you will see that everything impossible will soon 130 00:12:16,679 --> 00:12:28,159 be possible God can and he will and he will and he will and 131 00:12:28,159 --> 00:12:35,699 he will and he will and he will and he will. 132 00:12:52,419 --> 00:12:55,219 All right, appreciate you watching that with us. 133 00:12:55,779 --> 00:12:58,899 We very excited about what the Lord is doing. 134 00:12:59,139 --> 00:13:02,209 That last shot of the overhead, that's eight acres there 135 00:13:02,209 --> 00:13:05,969 that we're going to hopefully build a building on very, very soon. 136 00:13:06,849 --> 00:13:08,609 Amen and thank you. 137 00:13:08,689 --> 00:13:14,449 I count it a joy to get to speak to you tonight and appreciate 138 00:13:14,449 --> 00:13:15,209 this very much. 139 00:13:15,209 --> 00:13:18,369 Please turn to the book of Luke, chapter 15. 140 00:13:19,409 --> 00:13:20,689 Where's Brother Lundead? 141 00:13:20,689 --> 00:13:21,249 There he is. 142 00:13:21,649 --> 00:13:23,809 He opened his door to a stranger today. 143 00:13:24,689 --> 00:13:26,769 He opened his door and I walked right in. 144 00:13:29,479 --> 00:13:30,999 He entertained strangers. 145 00:13:31,159 --> 00:13:32,919 Wasn't angel unawares though. 146 00:13:35,159 --> 00:13:36,639 But at least I'm a saint. 147 00:13:36,639 --> 00:13:37,239 Amen. 148 00:13:37,559 --> 00:13:37,959 All right. 149 00:13:37,959 --> 00:13:40,439 But they've been really good to me and the church. 150 00:13:40,439 --> 00:13:41,719 The meal was wonderful. 151 00:13:42,679 --> 00:13:48,119 Everyone's received us so graciously and I count it an honor 152 00:13:48,279 --> 00:13:49,359 to stand here today. 153 00:13:49,359 --> 00:13:50,159 Thank you, brother. 154 00:13:50,159 --> 00:13:51,879 Alright, Luke chapter 15. 155 00:13:52,039 --> 00:13:53,239 What I would like to do. 156 00:13:56,509 --> 00:13:57,789 How can I repay you? 157 00:13:58,749 --> 00:14:00,109 How can I repay you? 158 00:14:00,429 --> 00:14:03,709 I want to be a blessing to the faithful. 159 00:14:03,789 --> 00:14:08,589 You know those obviously it's Monday night, the faithful are here. 160 00:14:08,749 --> 00:14:10,269 How can I be a blessing? 161 00:14:10,349 --> 00:14:13,869 I want to so much and so desperately. 162 00:14:14,109 --> 00:14:16,989 So I want to bring a message to you out of Luke chapter 15. 163 00:14:17,069 --> 00:14:17,509 All right. 164 00:14:17,509 --> 00:14:20,909 And this is the very popular, well known passage. 165 00:14:21,769 --> 00:14:22,889 Look at verse 25. 166 00:14:23,929 --> 00:14:26,329 To begin this is about. 167 00:14:26,329 --> 00:14:29,609 The prodigal son says now his elder son was in the field. 168 00:14:30,649 --> 00:14:33,889 And as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and 169 00:14:33,889 --> 00:14:34,489 dancing. 170 00:14:35,129 --> 00:14:39,929 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things 171 00:14:39,929 --> 00:14:40,409 meant. 172 00:14:41,369 --> 00:14:45,529 He said unto him, thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed 173 00:14:45,529 --> 00:14:46,449 the fatted calf. 174 00:14:46,449 --> 00:14:50,629 Because he hath received him safe and sound, and he was angry 175 00:14:51,189 --> 00:14:52,629 and would not go in. 176 00:14:52,949 --> 00:14:55,589 Therefore came his father out and entreated him. 177 00:14:56,149 --> 00:15:00,229 And he answering, said to his father, lo, these many years do I 178 00:15:00,229 --> 00:15:01,029 serve thee. 179 00:15:01,669 --> 00:15:06,909 Neither transgressed thou any time thy commandment, and yet thou 180 00:15:06,909 --> 00:15:11,109 never gavest me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. 181 00:15:11,429 --> 00:15:16,199 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy 182 00:15:16,199 --> 00:15:20,399 living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 183 00:15:21,039 --> 00:15:26,679 And he said unto him, son, thou art ever with me, and all that 184 00:15:26,679 --> 00:15:27,759 I have is thine. 185 00:15:28,719 --> 00:15:33,519 It was meet that we should make merry and be glad for this. 186 00:15:33,519 --> 00:15:40,239 Thy brother was dead and is alive again and was lost and is found 187 00:15:40,239 --> 00:15:43,419 and what I want to speak to you tonight and you'll see here in 188 00:15:43,419 --> 00:15:47,659 a minute why I call it the miracle of normal. 189 00:15:48,139 --> 00:15:49,659 The miracle of normal. 190 00:15:50,379 --> 00:15:51,739 And let's pray together. 191 00:15:51,739 --> 00:15:54,459 Father, I ask that you'd help us to understand these things. 192 00:15:54,459 --> 00:16:00,459 And as simple as it is, may we take comfort and courage in thy word. 193 00:16:01,019 --> 00:16:05,339 I ask that you'd speak to the faithful today and encourage and 194 00:16:05,339 --> 00:16:06,219 strengthen them. 195 00:16:07,179 --> 00:16:09,999 And we pray this in Jesus name, Amen. 196 00:16:12,239 --> 00:16:17,039 I've often said, and I say it pretty regular, you never realize 197 00:16:17,039 --> 00:16:20,319 how good normal is until you lose it. 198 00:16:21,999 --> 00:16:23,679 Everything's just going normal. 199 00:16:24,159 --> 00:16:26,039 Everybody thinks, well, it's the mully grub. 200 00:16:26,039 --> 00:16:27,439 It's just old doldrums. 201 00:16:27,439 --> 00:16:28,319 No, it's good. 202 00:16:28,639 --> 00:16:29,759 It's normal. 203 00:16:30,319 --> 00:16:32,399 Wait till that normal is taken away. 204 00:16:33,119 --> 00:16:34,759 And you long for the normal. 205 00:16:34,759 --> 00:16:35,999 Isn't that what Job did? 206 00:16:35,999 --> 00:16:37,709 He said, oh, I wish I longed for the. 207 00:16:37,859 --> 00:16:41,219 The days when the secret of God was on my tabernacle. 208 00:16:41,699 --> 00:16:42,979 The good old days. 209 00:16:43,939 --> 00:16:50,259 I don't think anyone can fully appreciate good health if their health 210 00:16:50,259 --> 00:16:53,699 has not been tested a little and they've lost a little of it. 211 00:16:54,019 --> 00:16:57,459 Someone who's healthy for their whole lifetime, who is that? 212 00:16:58,019 --> 00:16:59,539 Who is that special one? 213 00:17:04,029 --> 00:17:05,429 They can't appreciate health. 214 00:17:05,429 --> 00:17:06,669 They have it all the time. 215 00:17:06,829 --> 00:17:08,029 Take a little of it away. 216 00:17:08,349 --> 00:17:10,829 Some people, a lot of it is taken away. 217 00:17:11,229 --> 00:17:14,109 And they long for, I just want to feel good again. 218 00:17:14,589 --> 00:17:16,189 I just want to feel normal again. 219 00:17:16,269 --> 00:17:18,269 I just want to feel right again. 220 00:17:20,029 --> 00:17:21,229 My dad was that way. 221 00:17:21,229 --> 00:17:22,429 He never got sick. 222 00:17:22,429 --> 00:17:23,909 He never talked about pain. 223 00:17:23,909 --> 00:17:24,669 I said this. 224 00:17:25,069 --> 00:17:28,749 I don't understand it because honestly, this week has been a good 225 00:17:28,749 --> 00:17:29,389 week for me. 226 00:17:29,689 --> 00:17:31,529 I felt pretty pain free this week. 227 00:17:32,409 --> 00:17:36,649 Felt pretty good and I'm glad for it. 228 00:17:36,809 --> 00:17:38,009 Based on this message. 229 00:17:38,009 --> 00:17:41,569 I'm trying to be really excited about the fact that normal 230 00:17:41,569 --> 00:17:42,169 is good. 231 00:17:42,409 --> 00:17:45,049 And we'll find out normal is a miracle. 232 00:17:45,129 --> 00:17:51,049 One cannot fully appreciate financial security if he's never 233 00:17:51,049 --> 00:17:55,809 been tested, if he's never lost some of it, if he's never suffered 234 00:17:55,809 --> 00:17:56,969 some loss. 235 00:17:59,159 --> 00:18:03,119 Those who never struggle financially their whole life and 236 00:18:03,119 --> 00:18:03,599 amazing. 237 00:18:03,599 --> 00:18:05,799 There's some people, I guess, that are out there that are like 238 00:18:05,799 --> 00:18:06,119 that. 239 00:18:06,359 --> 00:18:09,079 They can never appreciate what they have. 240 00:18:14,519 --> 00:18:15,479 Such is the case. 241 00:18:15,559 --> 00:18:17,079 And let's read these verses. 242 00:18:17,479 --> 00:18:18,559 I don't want to go too long. 243 00:18:18,559 --> 00:18:19,559 Look at verse three. 244 00:18:22,359 --> 00:18:27,619 And he spake this parable with them saying, what man of you having 245 00:18:27,619 --> 00:18:31,339 an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the 90 246 00:18:31,339 --> 00:18:37,179 and 9 in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until he 247 00:18:37,179 --> 00:18:37,819 find it? 248 00:18:38,219 --> 00:18:42,059 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 249 00:18:42,059 --> 00:18:45,179 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and 250 00:18:45,179 --> 00:18:48,499 neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me, for I have found 251 00:18:48,499 --> 00:18:50,379 my sheep which was lost. 252 00:18:50,809 --> 00:18:56,089 I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner 253 00:18:56,489 --> 00:19:02,409 that repenteth more than over 90 and nine just persons which need 254 00:19:02,649 --> 00:19:03,529 no repentance. 255 00:19:03,769 --> 00:19:07,769 Remember, he's speaking to the Pharisees when he's saying this. 256 00:19:07,849 --> 00:19:12,569 But the case of the lost sheep, you know, a man has a hundred 257 00:19:12,569 --> 00:19:14,569 sheep, he loses one. 258 00:19:15,209 --> 00:19:20,909 One sheep wanders away and the man says, I've got to go get that 259 00:19:20,909 --> 00:19:21,709 lost sheep. 260 00:19:22,189 --> 00:19:24,109 99 is not enough. 261 00:19:24,749 --> 00:19:25,789 I need the hundred. 262 00:19:26,189 --> 00:19:30,029 I want what I had before when life was normal. 263 00:19:30,189 --> 00:19:31,229 I want it. 264 00:19:31,309 --> 00:19:32,109 What does it say? 265 00:19:32,109 --> 00:19:36,029 He went so he wanted it so much he left the 90 and nine behind. 266 00:19:36,189 --> 00:19:41,469 And he went out and sought that lost sheep far and wide until 267 00:19:41,789 --> 00:19:42,829 he found it. 268 00:19:43,149 --> 00:19:44,909 Until he didn't come back. 269 00:19:45,309 --> 00:19:49,429 Until notice says he left those 99 in the wilderness. 270 00:19:49,829 --> 00:19:53,549 Well, he went after that one lost sheep so that he. 271 00:19:53,549 --> 00:19:56,389 And what did it say when he finally found that sheep? 272 00:19:56,389 --> 00:19:58,269 He put it, you know, that's the famous picture. 273 00:19:58,269 --> 00:20:00,949 He puts it on his shoulders and he carries it back. 274 00:20:02,309 --> 00:20:06,069 He calls all his friends and neighbors and says, it's party time. 275 00:20:06,229 --> 00:20:07,909 It's celebration time. 276 00:20:07,989 --> 00:20:09,829 I found my lost sheep. 277 00:20:10,069 --> 00:20:17,529 My life is back to where it ought to be before I lost this sheep. 278 00:20:19,049 --> 00:20:20,089 Look at verse eight. 279 00:20:20,649 --> 00:20:22,009 Have another picture here. 280 00:20:22,089 --> 00:20:22,489 Either. 281 00:20:22,489 --> 00:20:25,129 What woman having ten pieces of silver? 282 00:20:25,129 --> 00:20:26,489 If she lose one piece. 283 00:20:27,209 --> 00:20:31,929 Doth not light a candle and sweep the house and seek diligently 284 00:20:31,929 --> 00:20:33,129 until she find it? 285 00:20:33,609 --> 00:20:37,449 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors 286 00:20:37,449 --> 00:20:43,679 together, saying, rejoice with me, for I found the peace which I 287 00:20:43,679 --> 00:20:44,239 had lost. 288 00:20:44,399 --> 00:20:47,559 Likewise, I say unto you, there's joy in the presence of the 289 00:20:47,559 --> 00:20:52,079 angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 290 00:20:52,719 --> 00:20:55,679 Here is a woman had 10 pieces of silver. 291 00:20:56,319 --> 00:21:00,959 She loses one of them, it mysteriously disappears. 292 00:21:01,039 --> 00:21:04,919 I think she forgot she spent it at Walmart because there was a 293 00:21:04,919 --> 00:21:05,359 cell. 294 00:21:05,999 --> 00:21:07,039 799. 295 00:21:07,439 --> 00:21:08,959 They get you on the 99? 296 00:21:09,519 --> 00:21:11,839 No, she knew it was in the house somewhere. 297 00:21:12,239 --> 00:21:15,599 You know, my mom used to say it didn't walk away on its own, did 298 00:21:15,599 --> 00:21:15,919 it? 299 00:21:16,079 --> 00:21:17,439 It's somewhere in the house. 300 00:21:17,679 --> 00:21:19,119 She scoured it. 301 00:21:19,679 --> 00:21:22,319 She searched far and wide throughout that house. 302 00:21:22,639 --> 00:21:27,279 She dug and cleaned the whole house until she found that lost piece 303 00:21:27,279 --> 00:21:28,079 of silver. 304 00:21:29,119 --> 00:21:33,259 Calls them up, says, all my friends and family come home with. 305 00:21:33,259 --> 00:21:34,539 It's so strange, isn't it? 306 00:21:34,539 --> 00:21:36,979 Comes home and have a party with me. 307 00:21:37,059 --> 00:21:37,939 I've lost. 308 00:21:38,019 --> 00:21:39,859 I found my lost peace. 309 00:21:40,819 --> 00:21:45,139 Notice one out of a hundred and then one out of ten. 310 00:21:45,699 --> 00:21:49,539 I'm not settling except for the full ten. 311 00:21:50,419 --> 00:21:52,499 And what we're seeing here today, I'm trying. 312 00:21:52,659 --> 00:21:55,779 I want us to see things from God's viewpoint. 313 00:21:56,349 --> 00:22:02,189 Both of these said until they found it, they went out and did this. 314 00:22:02,509 --> 00:22:04,029 Now here's an interesting thought. 315 00:22:04,349 --> 00:22:07,829 Before they lost a sheep and brought it back, he didn't have a 316 00:22:07,829 --> 00:22:08,109 party. 317 00:22:09,389 --> 00:22:15,149 Before she lost her coin and brought it back, she didn't have 318 00:22:15,149 --> 00:22:15,709 the party. 319 00:22:17,549 --> 00:22:20,989 It was the getting the life back and the normality of the life 320 00:22:20,989 --> 00:22:24,029 back, and all things are settled and we'll find it here in 321 00:22:24,029 --> 00:22:25,429 a minute, safe and sound. 322 00:22:25,509 --> 00:22:29,909 That she said it's time to have a celebration and calls her 323 00:22:29,909 --> 00:22:30,789 family and friends. 324 00:22:32,069 --> 00:22:33,349 Look at the next case. 325 00:22:33,749 --> 00:22:34,469 Verse 11. 326 00:22:34,709 --> 00:22:37,269 And he said a certain man had two sons. 327 00:22:38,069 --> 00:22:41,789 The younger of them said to his father, father, give me the portion 328 00:22:41,789 --> 00:22:43,429 of goods that falleth to me. 329 00:22:44,149 --> 00:22:46,229 And he divided unto them his living. 330 00:22:47,029 --> 00:22:51,139 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, 331 00:22:51,539 --> 00:22:56,659 took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance 332 00:22:57,059 --> 00:22:58,739 with riotous living. 333 00:22:59,619 --> 00:23:02,179 Now we find here's a lost son. 334 00:23:03,299 --> 00:23:07,779 Now it's hitting home hard because it's dealing with relationships. 335 00:23:08,179 --> 00:23:13,379 This is one who didn't wander off accidentally or be lost casually. 336 00:23:13,619 --> 00:23:19,889 This one went off on its own, presumptively on purpose, and wasted 337 00:23:20,129 --> 00:23:21,649 his father's goods. 338 00:23:22,929 --> 00:23:27,489 Now he gave away and surrendered and lost and squandered 339 00:23:27,889 --> 00:23:36,129 all of his money, probably his health, all of his dignity, he disappeared. 340 00:23:36,369 --> 00:23:37,249 It's amazing. 341 00:23:37,249 --> 00:23:39,649 The father let him go. 342 00:23:39,729 --> 00:23:41,169 That's the amazing thing. 343 00:23:41,489 --> 00:23:43,979 This is a man, you know what he did. 344 00:23:44,219 --> 00:23:45,659 The money didn't matter. 345 00:23:45,739 --> 00:23:48,699 He stole precious time from his father. 346 00:23:49,339 --> 00:23:53,179 He stole a relationship that a father ought to have with his son. 347 00:23:53,259 --> 00:23:54,779 He walked away with it. 348 00:23:54,779 --> 00:24:00,299 And his dad is sitting back at home just basically begging God to 349 00:24:00,299 --> 00:24:02,219 bring this son back. 350 00:24:02,219 --> 00:24:04,539 And it took a long time to get him back. 351 00:24:04,539 --> 00:24:08,139 He didn't come home immediately when he lost all and 352 00:24:08,139 --> 00:24:12,349 threw away all of his money through pride, he hung around a while, 353 00:24:12,349 --> 00:24:13,229 he stayed put. 354 00:24:13,309 --> 00:24:17,429 He stubbornly sat and actually lived in the pigsty, it says, and 355 00:24:17,429 --> 00:24:20,549 tried to eat off the pig's food when they were slopping the 356 00:24:20,549 --> 00:24:22,669 hogs back home. 357 00:24:23,309 --> 00:24:25,389 The father's wanting some fellowship. 358 00:24:25,789 --> 00:24:27,469 The father misses his son. 359 00:24:28,109 --> 00:24:30,829 The father wants his son back so they can be together. 360 00:24:32,989 --> 00:24:34,789 Well, this son finally wised up. 361 00:24:34,789 --> 00:24:39,559 It uses the term, when he came to himself, you know, always a time 362 00:24:39,559 --> 00:24:43,279 there when it finally he came to himself, he said, what am I doing 363 00:24:43,279 --> 00:24:43,639 here? 364 00:24:45,639 --> 00:24:47,159 I literally have nothing. 365 00:24:47,159 --> 00:24:48,919 I've been rejected by everyone. 366 00:24:49,319 --> 00:24:52,679 And I know what dad has father has at home. 367 00:24:53,239 --> 00:24:54,839 He said, I'll go back home. 368 00:24:55,719 --> 00:24:59,559 He might receive me as a servant and a hired servant. 369 00:24:59,639 --> 00:25:01,119 Maybe he'll receive me back. 370 00:25:01,119 --> 00:25:02,999 It's a lot better than what I have now. 371 00:25:03,599 --> 00:25:08,239 And so the son is going back, really, for not the best reason. 372 00:25:10,079 --> 00:25:12,399 His dad wants the relationship back. 373 00:25:13,199 --> 00:25:14,559 Now look at verse 20. 374 00:25:16,159 --> 00:25:17,039 I must hasten. 375 00:25:17,599 --> 00:25:20,399 And he arose and came to his father he did. 376 00:25:20,879 --> 00:25:26,559 And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, had 377 00:25:26,559 --> 00:25:29,829 compassion, and ran and fell on his neck, kissed him. 378 00:25:29,989 --> 00:25:32,469 His dad was most amazing. 379 00:25:32,629 --> 00:25:33,829 The father was looking. 380 00:25:34,469 --> 00:25:37,509 The father saw him afar off. 381 00:25:37,669 --> 00:25:39,829 And they didn't have binoculars back then. 382 00:25:39,829 --> 00:25:42,149 I mean, he saw him way off. 383 00:25:42,389 --> 00:25:44,149 You know why he's looking? 384 00:25:45,429 --> 00:25:51,709 He was daily looking and longing and waiting for that form 385 00:25:51,709 --> 00:25:53,989 to hit the horizon coming back. 386 00:25:54,229 --> 00:25:56,389 And he knew, that's my son. 387 00:25:56,469 --> 00:25:58,429 And it says he ran on him. 388 00:25:58,429 --> 00:26:02,369 He ran to him, and he fell on and gave and had compassion. 389 00:26:03,649 --> 00:26:07,129 And the son said unto him in verse 21, Father, I've sinned against 390 00:26:07,129 --> 00:26:11,249 heaven, and in thy sight I'm no more worthy to be called thy son. 391 00:26:11,889 --> 00:26:15,729 But the father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe 392 00:26:16,289 --> 00:26:17,569 and put it on him. 393 00:26:17,889 --> 00:26:22,289 Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet, and bring hither 394 00:26:22,289 --> 00:26:23,489 the fatted calf. 395 00:26:23,889 --> 00:26:29,379 The calf's been waiting for a reason, kill it and let us eat and 396 00:26:29,379 --> 00:26:30,139 be merry. 397 00:26:30,139 --> 00:26:33,099 For this, my son Was dead and is alive again. 398 00:26:33,579 --> 00:26:35,179 He was lost and is found. 399 00:26:35,819 --> 00:26:39,979 And they began to be merry. 400 00:26:41,259 --> 00:26:49,579 This father got his son back and things were well again. 401 00:26:50,139 --> 00:26:55,719 You know, the once again, the rejoicing didn't start until the 402 00:26:55,719 --> 00:26:58,959 son came, until the lost one came back into the fold. 403 00:26:59,759 --> 00:27:04,519 And he had been saving the fatted calf because he knew there's 404 00:27:04,519 --> 00:27:06,559 a time coming when he will come home. 405 00:27:06,639 --> 00:27:11,439 There will be renewal, there will be a restored position and a 406 00:27:11,439 --> 00:27:12,319 saved life. 407 00:27:12,399 --> 00:27:13,679 And it says, he received. 408 00:27:14,319 --> 00:27:15,039 I love this. 409 00:27:15,039 --> 00:27:15,599 Your son. 410 00:27:15,599 --> 00:27:18,149 My son is home, safe and sound. 411 00:27:18,629 --> 00:27:19,509 We love that term. 412 00:27:19,509 --> 00:27:21,349 You've heard that term, right? 413 00:27:21,589 --> 00:27:22,789 They're safe and sound. 414 00:27:22,869 --> 00:27:26,349 There's not a better feeling, especially for a family member to 415 00:27:26,349 --> 00:27:28,629 know that their family is safe and sound. 416 00:27:28,629 --> 00:27:34,069 Especially after like a long journey, you worry, they made it 417 00:27:34,069 --> 00:27:34,389 back. 418 00:27:35,269 --> 00:27:38,229 They're home, they're safe and they're sound. 419 00:27:38,549 --> 00:27:40,029 All is going to be well. 420 00:27:40,029 --> 00:27:42,389 Now notice with me these three stories. 421 00:27:42,389 --> 00:27:43,789 You got three different types. 422 00:27:43,789 --> 00:27:45,109 The first one is a sheep. 423 00:27:45,999 --> 00:27:49,279 That's a man's possession, lost and found. 424 00:27:49,279 --> 00:27:50,159 He got it back. 425 00:27:50,159 --> 00:27:51,999 One of a hundred, his possession. 426 00:27:52,079 --> 00:27:57,519 The coin represents value to his life or her life. 427 00:27:57,839 --> 00:28:00,479 It was Lost and found, one of 10. 428 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:05,599 The son is relationship lost and found. 429 00:28:06,079 --> 00:28:07,199 One of two. 430 00:28:08,079 --> 00:28:10,959 The greatest wealth of all of these is the son. 431 00:28:11,379 --> 00:28:15,059 The relationship is much more important than the others. 432 00:28:15,299 --> 00:28:22,339 The father, son relationship was so important to the father, his 433 00:28:22,339 --> 00:28:23,619 life or death to the father. 434 00:28:23,939 --> 00:28:25,379 He wanted him so much. 435 00:28:26,499 --> 00:28:31,379 Now, can you imagine when he saw him, you know, his son came humbly 436 00:28:31,379 --> 00:28:32,179 and said, well, you just. 437 00:28:32,179 --> 00:28:33,259 I'm so sorry, Father. 438 00:28:33,259 --> 00:28:35,059 I sinned against heaven in thy sight. 439 00:28:35,299 --> 00:28:37,459 I'm not even worthy to be called thy son. 440 00:28:38,589 --> 00:28:39,469 He said, what? 441 00:28:40,189 --> 00:28:42,669 Hey, I got my son back. 442 00:28:43,869 --> 00:28:45,069 My son is back. 443 00:28:46,749 --> 00:28:48,389 This is all that matters to me. 444 00:28:48,389 --> 00:28:49,389 You know what he's saying? 445 00:28:49,629 --> 00:28:51,229 It's back to normal. 446 00:28:51,389 --> 00:28:52,509 I got it back. 447 00:28:52,589 --> 00:28:54,109 Now we're in place here. 448 00:28:54,349 --> 00:28:58,029 I can have the fatted calf slain and prepared. 449 00:28:58,029 --> 00:28:59,869 Y' all have good barbecue up here. 450 00:28:59,949 --> 00:29:00,669 Can you imagine? 451 00:29:00,669 --> 00:29:04,229 This one is probably the best he could ever put out his son's back. 452 00:29:05,589 --> 00:29:08,469 He put on a special robe upon his back. 453 00:29:10,629 --> 00:29:16,229 Put a ring on his finger which represents power again, family power. 454 00:29:16,789 --> 00:29:20,389 He's giving him his station back and his stature back. 455 00:29:20,389 --> 00:29:22,709 He's not a servant, he's a son. 456 00:29:23,109 --> 00:29:25,909 And it's normal, just as it ought to be. 457 00:29:27,029 --> 00:29:31,839 You know, but there's one more element to this story, and it's the 458 00:29:31,839 --> 00:29:32,519 other son. 459 00:29:33,399 --> 00:29:37,159 It's the other son in verse 25. 460 00:29:37,959 --> 00:29:41,359 Now, the elder son was doing what he was supposed to do, wasn't 461 00:29:41,359 --> 00:29:42,999 he, he was in the field working. 462 00:29:43,319 --> 00:29:46,359 And as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard that music. 463 00:29:47,559 --> 00:29:52,439 Boy, he comes home after a hard day of work and there's a party 464 00:29:52,439 --> 00:29:53,559 going on in the house. 465 00:29:55,159 --> 00:29:56,519 And he didn't get invited. 466 00:29:57,019 --> 00:29:58,299 He doesn't even know why. 467 00:29:59,339 --> 00:30:03,699 He almost seems like he's forgotten after a very tough day 468 00:30:03,699 --> 00:30:04,379 in the field. 469 00:30:04,459 --> 00:30:07,219 You know, it's interesting because Christians, we work for the 470 00:30:07,219 --> 00:30:10,219 Father in the field, which is the world, and we work for the Father 471 00:30:10,219 --> 00:30:11,899 in the vineyard, which is his people. 472 00:30:12,059 --> 00:30:13,739 We are working for the Father. 473 00:30:13,819 --> 00:30:15,659 The faithful work for the Father. 474 00:30:15,659 --> 00:30:17,819 And hopefully you do that every day of your life. 475 00:30:17,899 --> 00:30:20,939 We're serving our God, our Heavenly Father. 476 00:30:21,019 --> 00:30:22,419 Well, he stayed home and worked. 477 00:30:22,649 --> 00:30:25,449 He didn't run off and squander the fortune like his little brother 478 00:30:25,449 --> 00:30:25,769 did. 479 00:30:26,969 --> 00:30:31,129 But he hears the music, he hears the laughter. 480 00:30:31,369 --> 00:30:34,329 He says, something is just not right here. 481 00:30:35,689 --> 00:30:36,969 Something's going on. 482 00:30:36,969 --> 00:30:42,489 He pulls over A servant, verse 26, calls one of the servants and 483 00:30:42,489 --> 00:30:44,329 asks what these things meant. 484 00:30:45,769 --> 00:30:47,049 What's happening here? 485 00:30:49,219 --> 00:30:50,659 Well, your brother's home. 486 00:30:52,739 --> 00:30:54,859 Oh, my brother's back. 487 00:30:54,859 --> 00:30:57,659 You know, he's probably thinking he'd come back someday. 488 00:30:57,659 --> 00:30:58,259 I knew it. 489 00:30:58,339 --> 00:31:01,779 But he's going, oh, that's what this is about. 490 00:31:02,259 --> 00:31:04,338 My wayward brother's back. 491 00:31:04,499 --> 00:31:07,139 And he says, yeah, and your dad slew the fatted calf. 492 00:31:07,459 --> 00:31:07,859 What? 493 00:31:08,979 --> 00:31:10,659 That's what he was saving it for. 494 00:31:11,379 --> 00:31:15,209 And your dad's in there having a celebration right now with him. 495 00:31:15,609 --> 00:31:18,529 And they're making merry and they're having the time of their 496 00:31:18,529 --> 00:31:18,809 life. 497 00:31:18,969 --> 00:31:21,289 This is as good as it gets for the Father. 498 00:31:21,369 --> 00:31:22,769 He's so happy in there. 499 00:31:22,769 --> 00:31:25,689 You wouldn't believe what your dad's countenance right now, how 500 00:31:25,689 --> 00:31:29,529 excited your father is that he got his son back from afar. 501 00:31:31,129 --> 00:31:33,129 Well, I'm sure the son. 502 00:31:33,209 --> 00:31:34,089 You know what he did? 503 00:31:34,409 --> 00:31:36,169 He said, get out of the way. 504 00:31:36,169 --> 00:31:37,369 He blew through the door. 505 00:31:37,369 --> 00:31:39,289 He said, let's have a three way hug. 506 00:31:39,289 --> 00:31:39,689 Dad. 507 00:31:40,119 --> 00:31:40,519 Brother. 508 00:31:41,639 --> 00:31:43,399 He didn't do that at all, did he? 509 00:31:43,639 --> 00:31:45,799 He basically said, I'm not going in. 510 00:31:46,119 --> 00:31:51,719 I refuse to go in there and join that party because it's making 511 00:31:51,719 --> 00:31:52,839 no sense to me. 512 00:31:53,079 --> 00:31:56,759 He lost everything and he's been gone forever. 513 00:31:56,919 --> 00:32:00,279 And now he's back and dad let him ride in. 514 00:32:00,359 --> 00:32:02,839 So in protest, he would not let go in. 515 00:32:03,319 --> 00:32:04,199 Amazing. 516 00:32:04,519 --> 00:32:06,009 The Father came out to him. 517 00:32:07,359 --> 00:32:08,359 Now isn't this amazing? 518 00:32:08,359 --> 00:32:13,919 The Father went out to both sons, they didn't come in. 519 00:32:14,079 --> 00:32:15,119 He went out. 520 00:32:16,559 --> 00:32:19,479 And he says in verse 29, I won't read it for time. 521 00:32:19,479 --> 00:32:24,399 But he says, father, I served you my Whole adult life. 522 00:32:25,039 --> 00:32:29,919 I did not ask you for big parties and big plans and all these 523 00:32:29,919 --> 00:32:30,559 great things. 524 00:32:30,559 --> 00:32:32,639 And I never transgressed your word. 525 00:32:33,499 --> 00:32:34,779 I stuck to the path. 526 00:32:35,579 --> 00:32:38,459 I worked hard for the family way and fortune. 527 00:32:39,099 --> 00:32:40,299 Not like he did. 528 00:32:40,539 --> 00:32:46,059 And you're having a party for one that does not deserve it. 529 00:32:46,299 --> 00:32:48,299 You never gave me special treatment. 530 00:32:49,019 --> 00:32:52,339 You never said me and my friends could go out and have a barbecue 531 00:32:52,339 --> 00:32:52,939 of our own. 532 00:32:55,099 --> 00:32:57,979 You never rejoiced over me and killed the fatted calf. 533 00:33:00,069 --> 00:33:01,029 He's really bitter. 534 00:33:01,909 --> 00:33:05,789 And the father says, nobody says, but as soon verse 30, as soon 535 00:33:05,789 --> 00:33:10,709 as this thy son was come, which has devoured thy living with 536 00:33:10,709 --> 00:33:16,069 harlots, horrible lifestyle, soon thou hast killed for him the 537 00:33:16,069 --> 00:33:16,949 fatted calf. 538 00:33:17,269 --> 00:33:25,589 Now the father puts him in the right frame of mind, he hopes, basically 539 00:33:25,589 --> 00:33:28,989 saying, you turned him from that into a king's son. 540 00:33:29,069 --> 00:33:31,549 Once again, you turned him into a king's son. 541 00:33:31,549 --> 00:33:35,629 And he says in verse 31, Son, you don't understand. 542 00:33:36,029 --> 00:33:36,909 You don't get it. 543 00:33:37,069 --> 00:33:41,229 Thou art ever with me and all that I have is thine. 544 00:33:42,509 --> 00:33:45,309 Don't you think it's meet your brother's home? 545 00:33:45,469 --> 00:33:46,109 The lost. 546 00:33:46,189 --> 00:33:48,749 He was dead, he was gone. 547 00:33:48,749 --> 00:33:49,549 Now he's back. 548 00:33:50,119 --> 00:33:52,999 Don't you think it's meet that we make celebration over this? 549 00:33:53,719 --> 00:33:55,959 You got your brother back too, by the way. 550 00:33:58,279 --> 00:34:02,199 He pointed out everything's still intact. 551 00:34:03,239 --> 00:34:07,719 All the father's goods and the older son's goods are not wasted. 552 00:34:08,039 --> 00:34:10,359 And he said, everything I have is yours. 553 00:34:10,359 --> 00:34:11,839 You know what he's basically saying? 554 00:34:11,839 --> 00:34:13,719 Nothing's changed here, son. 555 00:34:14,279 --> 00:34:15,399 Nothing's changed. 556 00:34:16,459 --> 00:34:20,059 The conclusion of the matter is I got my son back. 557 00:34:21,019 --> 00:34:25,739 And I want you to rejoice with me over the fact that I got my son 558 00:34:25,739 --> 00:34:26,059 back. 559 00:34:26,619 --> 00:34:28,059 And you're missing the moment. 560 00:34:29,099 --> 00:34:34,219 My heart craved wanting my son back. 561 00:34:34,859 --> 00:34:36,459 And I didn't know where he went. 562 00:34:36,539 --> 00:34:38,779 He went to a far, far country, you know. 563 00:34:38,779 --> 00:34:41,799 You think the older son should have gone out looking for his brother? 564 00:34:42,509 --> 00:34:42,989 Never did. 565 00:34:43,629 --> 00:34:44,229 Never did. 566 00:34:44,229 --> 00:34:45,949 He kept working in the field though. 567 00:34:46,429 --> 00:34:51,389 But he says, don't you understand it from my viewpoint as 568 00:34:51,389 --> 00:34:52,349 a father would. 569 00:34:52,909 --> 00:34:54,109 Don't you get it? 570 00:34:54,509 --> 00:34:56,909 The relationship is back. 571 00:34:57,708 --> 00:35:03,149 Don't you understand how much I suffered while he was gone? 572 00:35:04,829 --> 00:35:06,589 Don't you get this with me? 573 00:35:06,589 --> 00:35:09,629 He said, can't you make merry with me for my sake? 574 00:35:10,189 --> 00:35:12,669 If you don't get the moment, can't you get it from me? 575 00:35:12,669 --> 00:35:15,789 We read two places there where it says, there's joy in the presence 576 00:35:15,789 --> 00:35:16,669 of the angels. 577 00:35:16,669 --> 00:35:21,509 There's joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth rather than 578 00:35:21,509 --> 00:35:25,149 over 90 and 9, just persons who don't need any repentance, which 579 00:35:25,149 --> 00:35:27,389 is a joke because all need repentance. 580 00:35:27,469 --> 00:35:33,229 But he's saying, listen, don't you understand? 581 00:35:34,909 --> 00:35:38,669 I've had a hole in my heart from the day he walked out the door. 582 00:35:42,509 --> 00:35:46,909 And the restoration is here and there's a dead man, his life 583 00:35:46,909 --> 00:35:49,789 is back and my son is reborn. 584 00:35:49,949 --> 00:35:53,789 And he's saying, you ought to be happy with me over your little 585 00:35:53,789 --> 00:35:55,709 brother and you ought to rejoice. 586 00:35:55,709 --> 00:35:57,869 And you know what else he probably said to him? 587 00:35:58,189 --> 00:36:00,029 Everybody wins in this, son. 588 00:36:00,189 --> 00:36:01,309 All of us win. 589 00:36:01,949 --> 00:36:04,109 Everybody wins in this occasion. 590 00:36:05,329 --> 00:36:09,809 Now herein is found an important truth that I've been saying 591 00:36:09,809 --> 00:36:10,369 all along. 592 00:36:10,849 --> 00:36:12,289 Normal is really good. 593 00:36:14,849 --> 00:36:17,409 You know, the older son didn't realize how good he had. 594 00:36:18,649 --> 00:36:23,809 Took his son coming back to wake him up again, I mean his brother 595 00:36:24,049 --> 00:36:25,249 to wake him up. 596 00:36:25,969 --> 00:36:26,809 You know, the older. 597 00:36:26,809 --> 00:36:27,569 Think about this. 598 00:36:27,569 --> 00:36:33,029 The older son got his father every day of his life, while the 599 00:36:33,029 --> 00:36:37,389 younger son never got his father any days of his life at all. 600 00:36:37,949 --> 00:36:39,749 He got blessing and fruit. 601 00:36:39,749 --> 00:36:41,389 He had stability of life. 602 00:36:41,549 --> 00:36:44,509 He had power of the son, of this Father. 603 00:36:44,589 --> 00:36:45,709 He had purpose. 604 00:36:46,669 --> 00:36:50,669 He had one on one relationship with the Father and he had truth. 605 00:36:50,829 --> 00:36:54,749 Really, if he looked at it, the Father saying, you have fulfillment, 606 00:36:54,989 --> 00:36:56,769 you ought to be so happy. 607 00:36:57,239 --> 00:37:00,039 And he said, but he says, son, it's called, you know, we always 608 00:37:00,039 --> 00:37:01,479 call it the same old grind. 609 00:37:01,799 --> 00:37:04,759 Did you know that the Christian grind is a pretty good 610 00:37:04,759 --> 00:37:05,239 grind? 611 00:37:07,799 --> 00:37:10,719 Did you know, I don't think there's a better grind out there 612 00:37:10,719 --> 00:37:12,479 than the Christian life. 613 00:37:12,479 --> 00:37:14,159 And sometimes it's tough. 614 00:37:14,159 --> 00:37:15,159 We understand that. 615 00:37:15,159 --> 00:37:24,009 It's day in and day out, with patience, serving God and we ought 616 00:37:24,009 --> 00:37:28,729 to all be singing that famous song, I am happy in the service of 617 00:37:28,729 --> 00:37:29,409 the King. 618 00:37:29,889 --> 00:37:33,329 I am happy, oh so happy. 619 00:37:33,889 --> 00:37:36,369 While you're working, that's singing. 620 00:37:36,369 --> 00:37:40,049 While you work for the Father in the field, knowing that he's given 621 00:37:40,049 --> 00:37:42,529 you your joint heir with Christ, you're getting everything 622 00:37:42,609 --> 00:37:46,369 he has it said we will inherit with him all things. 623 00:37:48,699 --> 00:37:55,099 Our version is, I've been slaving in the field every day while 624 00:37:55,099 --> 00:37:58,379 my brother's been living and wasting frivolity. 625 00:37:59,579 --> 00:38:02,219 Oh, I wish that I could go and be with him. 626 00:38:02,539 --> 00:38:03,419 No, you don't. 627 00:38:04,219 --> 00:38:06,859 No, you don't, you don't. 628 00:38:07,579 --> 00:38:08,939 You're in a great place. 629 00:38:09,899 --> 00:38:12,539 Christianity is the greatest life there is. 630 00:38:13,019 --> 00:38:17,809 Serving God in a local church is the most fulfilling life there 631 00:38:17,809 --> 00:38:18,129 is. 632 00:38:18,209 --> 00:38:20,529 And we don't want to admit it, but it is. 633 00:38:20,769 --> 00:38:23,529 See it from the Father's viewpoint and I'll see. 634 00:38:23,529 --> 00:38:26,849 You know, I hope that this older son figured it out. 635 00:38:27,569 --> 00:38:28,689 I'm getting a little late. 636 00:38:29,009 --> 00:38:33,009 I'll finish quick now. 637 00:38:33,009 --> 00:38:34,129 Let me give you a few points. 638 00:38:35,489 --> 00:38:36,289 We'll be done. 639 00:38:39,489 --> 00:38:47,139 We ought to rejoice with the Father over one who repents, a new 640 00:38:47,139 --> 00:38:47,659 convert. 641 00:38:48,219 --> 00:38:50,859 See it from God's viewpoint, not yours. 642 00:38:50,859 --> 00:38:51,659 Oh, we've seen. 643 00:38:51,659 --> 00:38:54,219 We saw 20 people get saved last week. 644 00:38:55,019 --> 00:38:56,779 Don't even think anything about it. 645 00:38:57,899 --> 00:38:59,499 See it from God's viewpoint. 646 00:39:00,699 --> 00:39:04,339 Every one of those was a sinner that if they got saved, a 647 00:39:04,339 --> 00:39:05,499 sinner that repented. 648 00:39:05,659 --> 00:39:09,719 And there's a part of your celebration in heaven and it meant 649 00:39:10,599 --> 00:39:12,919 Jesus came from the bosom of the Father. 650 00:39:12,999 --> 00:39:14,679 Jesus is the heart of God. 651 00:39:14,679 --> 00:39:17,079 He came to seek and save that which was lost. 652 00:39:18,119 --> 00:39:22,559 You know, a saved sinner, a fresh Christian, a new convert is 653 00:39:22,559 --> 00:39:23,719 as good as it gets. 654 00:39:23,879 --> 00:39:25,239 We should never get. 655 00:39:26,039 --> 00:39:29,919 It should never get old, seeing people come to Christ and 656 00:39:29,919 --> 00:39:30,599 get saved. 657 00:39:30,999 --> 00:39:32,519 This is the heart of God. 658 00:39:33,319 --> 00:39:34,279 He says, why not? 659 00:39:34,279 --> 00:39:37,029 He's telling the angels, rejoice with us over this. 660 00:39:37,339 --> 00:39:40,219 I don't think the angels can because they don't know redemption. 661 00:39:40,939 --> 00:39:41,739 But we do. 662 00:39:42,939 --> 00:39:43,579 We were. 663 00:39:43,659 --> 00:39:49,179 Many of us were that, Son, when we came home, we didn't get 664 00:39:49,179 --> 00:39:52,219 kicked out, man. 665 00:39:53,019 --> 00:39:56,179 When I first got saved at 18, I was telling them that I got saved 666 00:39:56,179 --> 00:39:56,619 at 18. 667 00:39:56,699 --> 00:39:58,939 I was so fired up for God. 668 00:39:59,339 --> 00:40:02,099 And I remember some older folks in there, they didn't want 669 00:40:02,099 --> 00:40:03,319 me sit in front of row. 670 00:40:04,039 --> 00:40:05,319 I was an embarrassment. 671 00:40:06,199 --> 00:40:09,639 Hey, you sit in the back a while, bud, where you belong. 672 00:40:09,719 --> 00:40:12,679 I remember I tried to join the choir and they said, you're not. 673 00:40:12,679 --> 00:40:13,839 You earn it a little bit. 674 00:40:13,839 --> 00:40:16,519 And I kind of understand that you need to earn it. 675 00:40:16,599 --> 00:40:18,639 But they were. 676 00:40:18,639 --> 00:40:22,839 They resented the fact that that old wicked Russell James came 677 00:40:22,839 --> 00:40:27,879 home and got saved and tried to spoil the party. 678 00:40:29,089 --> 00:40:33,689 And I could see the Father saying to the son, listen, son, you 679 00:40:33,689 --> 00:40:37,009 may not get the point, but you're not ruining my celebration. 680 00:40:37,649 --> 00:40:39,409 You're not ruining it for me. 681 00:40:39,489 --> 00:40:43,049 That a sinner, my son, came home, back home to me. 682 00:40:43,049 --> 00:40:46,089 And now I have a restored relationship with my son. 683 00:40:46,089 --> 00:40:47,449 You're not going to ruin it for me. 684 00:40:47,449 --> 00:40:47,729 Son. 685 00:40:47,729 --> 00:40:51,009 If you want to sit out on the porch and sulk, you go right ahead. 686 00:40:51,089 --> 00:40:54,499 But he said, I think you ought to come in and appreciate what's 687 00:40:54,499 --> 00:40:55,499 taking place here. 688 00:40:59,339 --> 00:41:03,299 The next thing we ought to realize when all these people, and 689 00:41:03,299 --> 00:41:05,979 we hope hundreds and hundreds come to Christ. 690 00:41:06,619 --> 00:41:07,259 But we. 691 00:41:07,659 --> 00:41:09,659 Nothing changes for us if they do. 692 00:41:10,139 --> 00:41:11,739 We still get all of God. 693 00:41:12,059 --> 00:41:13,819 We still get all of the Father. 694 00:41:14,299 --> 00:41:17,739 We still get to serve him faithfully every day of our Life 695 00:41:17,819 --> 00:41:18,619 in the field. 696 00:41:18,859 --> 00:41:19,599 I love it. 697 00:41:20,069 --> 00:41:22,549 All is ours and all is theirs. 698 00:41:24,869 --> 00:41:28,309 Paul said, he's mine, he's yours, he's ours. 699 00:41:28,549 --> 00:41:31,629 And you know what's the amazing thing about this is I know 700 00:41:31,629 --> 00:41:34,269 this and it almost seems selfish. 701 00:41:34,269 --> 00:41:35,509 I get all of God. 702 00:41:35,909 --> 00:41:37,909 Me, I get all of God that I want. 703 00:41:39,829 --> 00:41:41,669 And you can come in and do the same. 704 00:41:43,269 --> 00:41:45,589 All of us can have all of God. 705 00:41:46,189 --> 00:41:49,869 We can have the greatest relationship with God as a one on 706 00:41:49,869 --> 00:41:52,029 one son of God or a child of God. 707 00:41:52,109 --> 00:41:53,789 And anybody else can too. 708 00:41:53,869 --> 00:41:56,029 That's the greatness of our Heavenly Father. 709 00:41:56,909 --> 00:41:58,589 But we're still getting all of him. 710 00:41:58,829 --> 00:42:03,549 We're not sharing, we're not all getting a piece of the pie. 711 00:42:05,229 --> 00:42:06,989 We're all getting the whole pie. 712 00:42:08,349 --> 00:42:12,589 And the kingdom is expanded as a new son, a child came home. 713 00:42:13,939 --> 00:42:19,539 Now, lastly, we ought to renew the fact that normal is good. 714 00:42:20,819 --> 00:42:23,899 Did you know normal Christian living is a miracle. 715 00:42:23,899 --> 00:42:27,779 You getting to be here on Monday night is a miracle. 716 00:42:30,019 --> 00:42:31,059 It's a miracle. 717 00:42:31,859 --> 00:42:32,579 It's special. 718 00:42:34,819 --> 00:42:37,059 You say, I've been doing this a whole long time. 719 00:42:37,139 --> 00:42:39,059 Can you imagine doing something else? 720 00:42:39,379 --> 00:42:41,859 I mean, can you imagine having to do something else? 721 00:42:42,019 --> 00:42:44,099 Say, man, I've been at this my whole life. 722 00:42:45,139 --> 00:42:49,619 Listen, we don't know how good things are until they're taken away. 723 00:42:49,859 --> 00:42:54,739 And I'm asking you today, can we just appreciate the Christian 724 00:42:54,739 --> 00:42:59,059 life together, how wonderful it is being at home with the Father 725 00:42:59,859 --> 00:43:04,419 and appreciate how wonderfully normal it is? 726 00:43:05,789 --> 00:43:08,749 You say, well, we do this all the time. 727 00:43:08,749 --> 00:43:10,509 It's a miraculous way of life. 728 00:43:10,909 --> 00:43:11,869 It really is. 729 00:43:12,589 --> 00:43:14,989 Getting to read your Bible every day. 730 00:43:15,149 --> 00:43:16,509 It's not a goldrum. 731 00:43:16,509 --> 00:43:18,109 It's an unbelievable privilege. 732 00:43:19,309 --> 00:43:20,429 It's a privilege. 733 00:43:20,668 --> 00:43:24,589 And we get to partake of that as much as we want every day. 734 00:43:26,109 --> 00:43:30,269 We can sing, we get the fellowship, you know, all of us can 735 00:43:30,269 --> 00:43:32,769 pray to the Heavenly Father as much as we want. 736 00:43:32,849 --> 00:43:34,689 And we do it every day. 737 00:43:35,489 --> 00:43:36,689 It doesn't get old. 738 00:43:37,089 --> 00:43:41,089 It stays refreshing because we have the most greatest life there 739 00:43:41,089 --> 00:43:41,409 is. 740 00:43:41,489 --> 00:43:45,649 We get to enjoy God's presence upon our lives all the time. 741 00:43:46,049 --> 00:43:47,649 That lost son didn't get it. 742 00:43:48,849 --> 00:43:50,129 We get to serve God. 743 00:43:50,129 --> 00:43:52,689 We get to feel his comfort, you understand? 744 00:43:52,769 --> 00:43:54,689 And partake of his grace. 745 00:43:55,809 --> 00:43:57,409 We know what his power is. 746 00:43:57,569 --> 00:43:59,709 Everybody in here knows what forgiveness is. 747 00:44:01,379 --> 00:44:04,339 And partakers of his love, his truth. 748 00:44:04,499 --> 00:44:08,379 We can all appreciate the brethren, you can appreciate this 749 00:44:08,379 --> 00:44:10,779 wonderful church that the Lord has given you. 750 00:44:10,779 --> 00:44:12,019 It's amazing place. 751 00:44:12,179 --> 00:44:17,859 It's amazing people, Amazing pastor. 752 00:44:18,579 --> 00:44:22,259 You can appreciate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and draw 753 00:44:22,259 --> 00:44:24,899 waters out of the well of salvation every day. 754 00:44:25,139 --> 00:44:27,939 It's the most miraculous way to live there is. 755 00:44:28,969 --> 00:44:30,249 You say it's just normal. 756 00:44:30,409 --> 00:44:36,449 Aren't you glad in his care and his provision is open ear to 757 00:44:36,449 --> 00:44:36,729 you. 758 00:44:38,169 --> 00:44:41,129 And then the good stuff's waiting on us in heaven now. 759 00:44:42,409 --> 00:44:46,009 It's very normal sameness. 760 00:44:46,409 --> 00:44:47,929 He's with us all the time. 761 00:44:49,609 --> 00:44:52,569 I cannot imagine not having this. 762 00:44:53,859 --> 00:45:00,299 You realize you get to call him Abba Father every day, all the 763 00:45:00,299 --> 00:45:00,579 time. 764 00:45:02,819 --> 00:45:04,739 You can have that spirit in your heart. 765 00:45:04,739 --> 00:45:06,579 You can speak to him all day long. 766 00:45:06,739 --> 00:45:10,419 You get to talk to God about all your problems all day long. 767 00:45:10,419 --> 00:45:14,339 If you so choose and ask him for his help, you can expose your 768 00:45:14,339 --> 00:45:16,659 needs to him and pour out your heart to him. 769 00:45:16,899 --> 00:45:18,739 He wants to hear your desires too. 770 00:45:19,549 --> 00:45:21,069 Your hopes and your dreams. 771 00:45:21,709 --> 00:45:23,389 We get to eat of his bounty. 772 00:45:23,469 --> 00:45:24,429 You know it's funny. 773 00:45:24,509 --> 00:45:28,349 That oldest son, he probably ate like a king. 774 00:45:29,229 --> 00:45:32,269 He just was mad that the fatted calf wasn't for him. 775 00:45:34,269 --> 00:45:35,229 It's normal. 776 00:45:35,229 --> 00:45:38,189 I call it the miracle of normal. 777 00:45:38,909 --> 00:45:42,389 So when one returns from a life of sin or comes to Christ from 778 00:45:42,389 --> 00:45:46,599 a false religion, that's an amazing miracle. 779 00:45:46,679 --> 00:45:48,999 And we need to rejoice with God on that. 780 00:45:49,079 --> 00:45:50,799 And the Pharisees didn't get it. 781 00:45:50,799 --> 00:45:54,119 These publicans and sinners and harlots were coming to Christ 782 00:45:54,119 --> 00:45:59,719 and having a life change and they resented it rather than wow. 783 00:46:00,119 --> 00:46:03,199 And Jesus said, you're watching them come in and you're 784 00:46:03,199 --> 00:46:04,199 not following them. 785 00:46:05,399 --> 00:46:06,599 Most amazing thing. 786 00:46:08,599 --> 00:46:13,489 So just tell everybody, come on in, there's plenty of room for 787 00:46:13,489 --> 00:46:13,809 all. 788 00:46:15,729 --> 00:46:17,089 It's an eternal party. 789 00:46:17,969 --> 00:46:21,489 Our brother was lost, but now he's found. 790 00:46:21,649 --> 00:46:22,689 Let's bow our heads. 791 00:46:23,009 --> 00:46:29,809 I will just want to ask you, can you have a renewal of appreciation 792 00:46:31,249 --> 00:46:32,369 of your salvation? 793 00:46:32,449 --> 00:46:36,449 Just renew it in the Christian life, this miraculous life. 794 00:46:37,789 --> 00:46:40,989 And can I ask you, would you really honestly aspire to have something 795 00:46:40,989 --> 00:46:41,389 else? 796 00:46:41,389 --> 00:46:42,429 I don't think so. 797 00:46:45,789 --> 00:46:54,229 Getting to win souls and helping the kingdom and a lifetime 798 00:46:54,229 --> 00:46:58,189 of serving him in a local church and giving of your time and 799 00:46:58,189 --> 00:47:02,389 money and efforts to the greatest investment there is in the 800 00:47:02,389 --> 00:47:07,159 fellowship of the Gospel and the fact that we are home. 801 00:47:07,719 --> 00:47:08,359 Amen. 802 00:47:08,439 --> 00:47:11,319 And we're able to serve the Father. 803 00:47:11,639 --> 00:47:12,999 I'll have it called Pre and truth. 804 00:47:14,919 --> 00:47:15,639 Let's all stand. 805 00:47:15,639 --> 00:47:16,719 We have a verse invitation.