1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:03,528 Hello, and welcome to the Middletown Baptist Church podcast, 2 00:00:03,624 --> 00:00:06,552 where we are proclaiming the truth to the world. 3 00:00:06,656 --> 00:00:09,672 My name is Pastor Josh, and I want to thank you for listening to 4 00:00:09,696 --> 00:00:10,728 this podcast. 5 00:00:10,904 --> 00:00:14,616 I hope that this podcast can be a blessing to you and strengthen 6 00:00:14,648 --> 00:00:16,300 you in the word of God. 7 00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:17,576 Now, come along. 8 00:00:17,648 --> 00:00:21,700 Let's look into the Bible and see what God has for us here today. 9 00:00:23,520 --> 00:00:25,800 Well, it's great to be here with you this morning. 10 00:00:25,920 --> 00:00:28,840 I know Pastor John did a little bit of announcement of who 11 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:29,534 we are. 12 00:00:29,672 --> 00:00:34,434 I'm joined, obviously, by my boys and my wife Katie. 13 00:00:34,562 --> 00:00:40,866 And I met John years ago, and when I say years ago, we were both 14 00:00:40,938 --> 00:00:42,002 young men. 15 00:00:42,186 --> 00:00:46,258 Now, as I look out at some of you, I know we're still young men, 16 00:00:46,394 --> 00:00:48,626 but we were younger men, okay? 17 00:00:48,658 --> 00:00:50,498 We were still children at that time. 18 00:00:50,634 --> 00:00:54,130 And I had the privilege of being one of his managers in. 19 00:00:54,170 --> 00:00:55,922 In the work program. 20 00:00:56,106 --> 00:01:00,514 And then when he moved here, he introduced me to your pastor, 21 00:01:00,562 --> 00:01:01,698 Pastor Josh. 22 00:01:01,874 --> 00:01:03,010 And I will say this. 23 00:01:03,050 --> 00:01:07,426 Over the last few years, Pastor Josh and I have become almost 24 00:01:07,498 --> 00:01:09,190 like a David and Jonathan. 25 00:01:09,530 --> 00:01:12,754 Him and I have been able to encourage one another in the moments 26 00:01:12,802 --> 00:01:16,594 of sorrow and moments of heartache, and then also in the moments 27 00:01:16,642 --> 00:01:17,282 of joy. 28 00:01:17,426 --> 00:01:19,698 And so now Josh and I get together. 29 00:01:19,754 --> 00:01:22,862 Pastor Josh and I get together quite frequently, and we spend time 30 00:01:22,886 --> 00:01:24,462 together, and we encourage each other. 31 00:01:24,566 --> 00:01:28,926 And so I love your pastoral staff. 32 00:01:28,998 --> 00:01:31,130 Like, I love it. 33 00:01:31,670 --> 00:01:36,606 And so I want you to know that coming here this morning is a great 34 00:01:36,678 --> 00:01:41,310 privilege, a great honor, and I hope to be able to give that kind 35 00:01:41,350 --> 00:01:44,654 of respect to your staff and to your church. 36 00:01:44,782 --> 00:01:46,862 But I will also say this. 37 00:01:47,046 --> 00:01:48,502 I miss my church. 38 00:01:48,686 --> 00:01:49,238 All right? 39 00:01:49,294 --> 00:01:53,462 I miss my church just driving here for an hour and not being able 40 00:01:53,486 --> 00:01:55,462 to be with my church this morning. 41 00:01:55,646 --> 00:02:00,054 So, you know, I want to finish this morning so that way I can go 42 00:02:00,062 --> 00:02:00,694 back to my church. 43 00:02:00,742 --> 00:02:02,886 Because actually, tonight we have something going on. 44 00:02:03,038 --> 00:02:04,310 We have a chili cook off. 45 00:02:04,350 --> 00:02:09,690 It's kind of like our yearly thing that we do, and we do it annually. 46 00:02:10,030 --> 00:02:12,662 So this is our fourth annual Chili Cook Off. 47 00:02:12,686 --> 00:02:15,776 And you pray for me, um, because I've had my chili cooking 48 00:02:15,808 --> 00:02:17,232 since yesterday morning. 49 00:02:17,416 --> 00:02:19,552 Because this year, I want to win. 50 00:02:19,656 --> 00:02:20,320 All right? 51 00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:23,632 I have been thwarted the past three years. 52 00:02:23,816 --> 00:02:26,032 And so this year, I am. 53 00:02:26,136 --> 00:02:27,424 I am trying to win. 54 00:02:27,512 --> 00:02:30,784 Hey, if you have your Bibles, I hope you do open up to Acts chapter 55 00:02:30,832 --> 00:02:32,784 11 this morning. 56 00:02:32,872 --> 00:02:34,980 We're going to be in the last few verses. 57 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:39,072 Acts, chapter 11, verse 27 is where we're going to be starting 58 00:02:39,136 --> 00:02:39,960 this morning. 59 00:02:40,120 --> 00:02:41,656 And we're going to look at some of these verses. 60 00:02:41,688 --> 00:02:44,536 We're going to see kind of the whole picture kind of coming together 61 00:02:44,608 --> 00:02:45,272 here. 62 00:02:45,456 --> 00:02:50,376 Now, I know that this year, your church, the theme of your church, 63 00:02:50,488 --> 00:02:53,620 you're embracing the theme go. 64 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:54,488 Go. 65 00:02:54,544 --> 00:02:58,136 And then you use that word, you know, depends on where you're 66 00:02:58,168 --> 00:02:59,352 at in circumstances. 67 00:02:59,416 --> 00:03:03,060 But go can mean many things, but it always means action. 68 00:03:03,360 --> 00:03:07,662 It always means that there's some movement behind the word. 69 00:03:07,806 --> 00:03:12,574 But I also know, and I've thought through this for my own self, 70 00:03:12,702 --> 00:03:18,846 that there's a question that comes with the word go, and that's 71 00:03:18,878 --> 00:03:19,450 this. 72 00:03:19,990 --> 00:03:21,130 Does it work? 73 00:03:21,990 --> 00:03:23,006 Does it work? 74 00:03:23,158 --> 00:03:23,918 I don't know if you. 75 00:03:23,974 --> 00:03:28,318 You're like me, but when my first vehicle that I had was an 86 76 00:03:28,374 --> 00:03:32,462 Toyota Corolla, and when I first started driving that car, it 77 00:03:32,486 --> 00:03:33,870 was as old as I was. 78 00:03:33,910 --> 00:03:38,228 I was born in 1985, so, you know, it was an older car. 79 00:03:38,364 --> 00:03:42,212 And there were times that I would step on the pedal to go at 80 00:03:42,236 --> 00:03:46,320 a green light and it didn't go. 81 00:03:47,260 --> 00:03:52,160 And so I would ask myself, the question is, does it work? 82 00:03:52,940 --> 00:03:57,280 Does the action to which I desire to happen here work? 83 00:03:58,300 --> 00:04:02,932 Now, instead of me just giving you the answer to the gospel mandate 84 00:04:02,996 --> 00:04:06,972 that we see and what we'll read here in a second, I would like 85 00:04:06,996 --> 00:04:11,280 to walk through the Scriptures and direct us through this passage 86 00:04:11,860 --> 00:04:15,228 where the early church applied this same question. 87 00:04:15,284 --> 00:04:16,620 So you have your bibles. 88 00:04:16,780 --> 00:04:22,300 Acts, chapter 11, verse 27 says, and in these days came prophets 89 00:04:22,380 --> 00:04:27,484 from Jerusalem unto Antioch, and there stood up one of them named 90 00:04:27,532 --> 00:04:32,902 Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great 91 00:04:33,006 --> 00:04:37,382 dearth throughout all of the world which came to pass in the days 92 00:04:37,406 --> 00:04:39,190 of Claudius Caesar. 93 00:04:39,350 --> 00:04:43,286 Then the disciples, every man, according to his ability, determined 94 00:04:43,398 --> 00:04:48,518 to send relief unto the brethren which dwell in Judea, which 95 00:04:48,574 --> 00:04:53,414 also they did, and sent it unto the elders by the hands of Barnabas 96 00:04:53,542 --> 00:04:54,570 and Saul. 97 00:04:54,990 --> 00:04:59,010 Now, I came across a story I wanted to share with you this morning. 98 00:04:59,700 --> 00:05:01,436 It goes like something like this. 99 00:05:01,588 --> 00:05:06,428 There was a gentleman and his wife who had gone to a crowded religious 100 00:05:06,524 --> 00:05:07,580 convention. 101 00:05:07,740 --> 00:05:09,916 And there was only standing room. 102 00:05:10,068 --> 00:05:13,676 And they noticed that there are some people that got up to leave. 103 00:05:13,708 --> 00:05:17,660 And after they hadn't returned for several minutes, they went and 104 00:05:17,700 --> 00:05:18,524 they took their seats. 105 00:05:18,572 --> 00:05:20,908 And as they went to go take their seats, the. 106 00:05:20,964 --> 00:05:23,404 There was a lady who was sitting in the seat right next to 107 00:05:23,412 --> 00:05:26,250 the two seats that they sat in that she kind of whispered over, 108 00:05:26,290 --> 00:05:32,150 and she said, these states are taken, right? 109 00:05:32,610 --> 00:05:33,178 So they. 110 00:05:33,234 --> 00:05:34,314 The gentleman replied. 111 00:05:34,362 --> 00:05:37,990 He said, well, we'll be glad to move if they come back. 112 00:05:38,770 --> 00:05:40,058 And the. 113 00:05:40,114 --> 00:05:41,514 They sang some songs. 114 00:05:41,562 --> 00:05:43,482 And after they Sang some songs. 115 00:05:43,626 --> 00:05:47,658 The song leader turned to the congregation and said, hey, turn 116 00:05:47,714 --> 00:05:52,086 to your neighbor and say that you love them, right? 117 00:05:52,238 --> 00:05:57,222 So the lady turned over to the couple who had taken the seat and 118 00:05:57,246 --> 00:05:59,382 they said, I love you. 119 00:05:59,566 --> 00:06:02,450 But the seats are still taken, right? 120 00:06:03,070 --> 00:06:07,670 Sometimes when we think of serving and loving, that's what we 121 00:06:07,710 --> 00:06:08,342 think. 122 00:06:08,526 --> 00:06:09,798 That's how we act. 123 00:06:09,934 --> 00:06:11,734 We kind of do it begrudgingly. 124 00:06:11,782 --> 00:06:14,530 We kind of do it just because we're told to do it. 125 00:06:15,550 --> 00:06:18,010 And we're not even sure if it really matters. 126 00:06:21,110 --> 00:06:24,046 Because of what I have seen God do in my life. 127 00:06:24,118 --> 00:06:27,410 Because what I have seen happen throughout the Word of God 128 00:06:27,830 --> 00:06:29,450 again and again and again. 129 00:06:30,390 --> 00:06:33,450 I just want to tell you, I'm going to give it to you right now. 130 00:06:33,830 --> 00:06:36,290 Love works. 131 00:06:37,510 --> 00:06:38,158 Love works. 132 00:06:38,174 --> 00:06:40,542 It's not like the 86 Torta Corolla. 133 00:06:40,686 --> 00:06:43,006 It's not like you put your foot to the pedal and it doesn't 134 00:06:43,038 --> 00:06:43,638 move. 135 00:06:43,814 --> 00:06:46,570 It works. 136 00:06:47,390 --> 00:06:52,422 As the church grew, I want you to understand that the devil fought 137 00:06:52,566 --> 00:06:56,966 the work of Christ by first of all trying to persecute the church. 138 00:06:57,158 --> 00:07:00,918 Then it tried to instill, instill fear into the church. 139 00:07:01,014 --> 00:07:04,774 Then it started to work on inwardly dividing and conquering 140 00:07:04,822 --> 00:07:05,254 the church. 141 00:07:05,302 --> 00:07:10,442 But as Christ had said and continues to speak this truth, upon 142 00:07:10,506 --> 00:07:13,930 this rock which is the foundation of Christ, I will build 143 00:07:13,970 --> 00:07:19,270 my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 144 00:07:19,970 --> 00:07:23,754 But we know as it grew, the Gospel spread outside of the Jerusalem, 145 00:07:23,802 --> 00:07:28,698 into the Samaritan communities, into the Gentile cities. 146 00:07:28,874 --> 00:07:33,674 And in our text that we see that God was doing a work in another 147 00:07:33,842 --> 00:07:39,076 gospel living church, the Church of Antioch. 148 00:07:39,268 --> 00:07:45,172 Now there are some differences between the Church of Antioch and 149 00:07:45,196 --> 00:07:46,804 the Church of Jerusalem. 150 00:07:46,932 --> 00:07:51,012 The Church of Jerusalem was directly underneath the leadership, 151 00:07:51,076 --> 00:07:53,844 especially in the very beginning of the Apostles. 152 00:07:53,972 --> 00:07:57,508 You guys know James, the half brother of Jesus, he became known 153 00:07:57,564 --> 00:08:01,204 as the pastor of the Church of Jerusalem. 154 00:08:01,252 --> 00:08:03,016 Pretty cool thought there, by the way. 155 00:08:03,148 --> 00:08:07,040 And then the, the Church of Antioch, the leaders of the church 156 00:08:07,120 --> 00:08:11,180 were Paul and Barnabas and a few other. 157 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:18,000 But context also tells us that the believers of the Church of Antioch 158 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:20,656 had been given a a name in their community. 159 00:08:20,808 --> 00:08:26,384 In fact, I don't know if you tell people this often, but you probably 160 00:08:26,432 --> 00:08:29,090 are known as a Christian, right? 161 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:30,782 Someone who follows Christ, right? 162 00:08:30,886 --> 00:08:33,326 Now I know there's a lot of people who will claim to be a Christian 163 00:08:33,358 --> 00:08:35,822 who aren't truly followers of Christ, but did you know where that 164 00:08:35,846 --> 00:08:36,810 term came from? 165 00:08:37,430 --> 00:08:41,950 The community of Antioch, they looked at all these people who are 166 00:08:41,990 --> 00:08:45,214 going to church where Paul and Barnabas were, who are worshiping 167 00:08:45,262 --> 00:08:49,550 God with with singing psalms and hymns and, and opening the Bible. 168 00:08:49,630 --> 00:08:52,526 And they were learning the spiritual truths and the Holy Ghost 169 00:08:52,558 --> 00:08:53,758 was doing a work in their lives. 170 00:08:53,814 --> 00:08:59,208 And they said, you are Christ, little ones, you're Christians. 171 00:08:59,304 --> 00:09:02,312 And so this is where we hear this term, some history for us this 172 00:09:02,336 --> 00:09:02,900 morning. 173 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:05,000 So I ask the question again. 174 00:09:05,120 --> 00:09:08,100 Does love work? 175 00:09:10,160 --> 00:09:14,056 Jesus gave a command in Acts or sorry, in John chapter 13. 176 00:09:14,128 --> 00:09:17,640 He said, A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another 177 00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:22,104 as I have loved you, and that you also love one another. 178 00:09:22,192 --> 00:09:25,214 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples. 179 00:09:25,392 --> 00:09:29,070 If you have love, one to another. 180 00:09:29,770 --> 00:09:34,402 So does that mean just within our personal work, like, like you 181 00:09:34,426 --> 00:09:37,042 got some family sitting over here and some families over here. 182 00:09:37,066 --> 00:09:39,986 So does that mean this is the love that we're talking about? 183 00:09:40,058 --> 00:09:42,030 Or is there more? 184 00:09:42,410 --> 00:09:46,994 I find that Antioch joins in a love offering for the church of Jerusalem. 185 00:09:47,042 --> 00:09:52,888 But why wasn't it their responsibility to give, offer their 186 00:09:52,944 --> 00:09:54,504 goods to their own church? 187 00:09:54,552 --> 00:09:57,032 Why they have to go with outside of their church? 188 00:09:57,176 --> 00:10:00,020 Why can't the people just do it from within? 189 00:10:00,880 --> 00:10:05,608 You know, these are questions to which I have continued to have 190 00:10:05,744 --> 00:10:09,144 in my life as a, as just a follower of Jesus. 191 00:10:09,192 --> 00:10:11,480 Is it my responsibility to care for that person? 192 00:10:11,520 --> 00:10:13,672 Is it my responsibility to do it over here? 193 00:10:13,776 --> 00:10:16,980 Is it my responsibility to do it over there? 194 00:10:18,570 --> 00:10:22,082 Here's the main thought and what we're going to focus on for 195 00:10:22,106 --> 00:10:23,618 this morning is this. 196 00:10:23,674 --> 00:10:30,546 Every one of us is responsible to obey the gospel mandate, to see 197 00:10:30,618 --> 00:10:33,830 firsthand that love works. 198 00:10:34,490 --> 00:10:39,554 If you're here this morning, you want to see God do a work of 199 00:10:39,642 --> 00:10:44,150 love, then you're responsible to be invested. 200 00:10:44,730 --> 00:10:47,670 You're responsible to be involved. 201 00:10:48,010 --> 00:10:52,030 You might say, okay, I get it, Pastor Brad, but how? 202 00:10:52,490 --> 00:10:57,378 In this passage alone, I see two convicting lessons from these 203 00:10:57,434 --> 00:11:01,314 few verses that teach us how love works. 204 00:11:01,442 --> 00:11:04,882 First of all, first lesson, lesson number one, we need to make 205 00:11:04,906 --> 00:11:05,630 it personal. 206 00:11:06,570 --> 00:11:09,762 It says here, then the disciples, every man, according to 207 00:11:09,786 --> 00:11:13,896 his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren. 208 00:11:14,088 --> 00:11:14,936 Every man? 209 00:11:15,008 --> 00:11:16,280 Well, what does every man mean? 210 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:21,400 Well, where they heard of the need, together, they individually 211 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:24,072 decided that what they should do. 212 00:11:24,256 --> 00:11:27,832 Isn't this the process of the working of the Spirit of God in our 213 00:11:27,856 --> 00:11:28,136 lives? 214 00:11:28,208 --> 00:11:29,656 Individualist, individually. 215 00:11:29,768 --> 00:11:34,552 In fact, it says, agabus, signified by the Spirit that there 216 00:11:34,576 --> 00:11:36,712 would be great dearth. 217 00:11:36,856 --> 00:11:41,186 Well, the Holy Spirit spoke and the members of the church responded. 218 00:11:41,218 --> 00:11:43,746 And just so we understand what he's saying here, the great dirt 219 00:11:43,778 --> 00:11:47,618 that he's talking about here is famine. 220 00:11:47,794 --> 00:11:48,642 Famine. 221 00:11:48,786 --> 00:11:54,310 Now famine isn't going to the grocery store because you're hungry. 222 00:11:54,810 --> 00:11:55,810 Famine is. 223 00:11:55,930 --> 00:11:59,330 You go to the grocery store, you're hungry, and there's nothing 224 00:11:59,410 --> 00:12:00,030 there. 225 00:12:00,890 --> 00:12:03,490 There's, there's, there's nothing for you to provide for. 226 00:12:03,530 --> 00:12:07,004 There's, there's no ability to care for the needs that are in your 227 00:12:07,012 --> 00:12:07,340 own home. 228 00:12:07,380 --> 00:12:10,476 Not, not only in your own home, but the homes that are across 229 00:12:10,628 --> 00:12:11,836 the neighborhood. 230 00:12:12,028 --> 00:12:16,412 You have to go all the way down to Egypt to just get a little 231 00:12:16,436 --> 00:12:17,360 bit of corn. 232 00:12:19,220 --> 00:12:25,772 You know, there was not as, according to this passage here, there 233 00:12:25,796 --> 00:12:30,640 was not the thought crossing the room as the need was shared. 234 00:12:31,010 --> 00:12:33,110 I will do it if you will do it. 235 00:12:33,410 --> 00:12:36,186 I don't know if you've ever had a chance to work in children's 236 00:12:36,218 --> 00:12:39,354 ministry, but I love working in children's ministry. 237 00:12:39,482 --> 00:12:43,082 I love working with kids just to see when the, it clicks in their 238 00:12:43,106 --> 00:12:45,978 brain, the, the, the gospel truths click in their brain. 239 00:12:45,994 --> 00:12:47,178 It just, it's just life changing. 240 00:12:47,194 --> 00:12:50,938 I, I love seeing the gospel just unfold in their life and then 241 00:12:50,994 --> 00:12:52,378 how simple it is for them. 242 00:12:52,514 --> 00:12:53,802 Jesus loves me. 243 00:12:53,906 --> 00:12:54,234 Yeah. 244 00:12:54,282 --> 00:12:55,562 Jesus loves you. 245 00:12:55,746 --> 00:12:56,420 Me? 246 00:12:56,570 --> 00:12:57,280 Yeah. 247 00:12:57,440 --> 00:12:58,180 Yeah. 248 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:02,464 Like, just that, that investment, the excitement. 249 00:13:02,512 --> 00:13:06,224 Like sometimes as adults, we need to be reminded of how easy it 250 00:13:06,232 --> 00:13:07,824 is to truly fall in love with Jesus. 251 00:13:07,872 --> 00:13:08,224 Right? 252 00:13:08,312 --> 00:13:11,536 We're like, okay, hang on, let me count on my fingers all the reasons 253 00:13:11,568 --> 00:13:12,592 why I question that. 254 00:13:12,616 --> 00:13:13,152 No, no, no. 255 00:13:13,176 --> 00:13:19,200 Okay, so anyway, if you work with kids in a kids ministry, you, 256 00:13:19,240 --> 00:13:22,858 you, you do an invitation or, or whatever or, or the end of the, 257 00:13:22,914 --> 00:13:26,554 the, the time and you have em raise their hands or maybe they have 258 00:13:26,562 --> 00:13:27,226 a question. 259 00:13:27,378 --> 00:13:28,682 You know what they do? 260 00:13:28,866 --> 00:13:30,670 They don't keep their eyes closed. 261 00:13:31,490 --> 00:13:33,914 They look at their friends across the room. 262 00:13:34,082 --> 00:13:36,906 They see that Billy over here has his hand raised. 263 00:13:36,938 --> 00:13:41,930 So they go, you know, how, how many of you here this morning want 264 00:13:41,970 --> 00:13:43,310 to learn more about Jesus? 265 00:13:46,450 --> 00:13:48,986 Undoubtedly, Undoubtedly that happens. 266 00:13:49,018 --> 00:13:50,490 And it's, and, and it's enjoyable. 267 00:13:50,570 --> 00:13:52,508 So anyway, they're not being kids here. 268 00:13:52,634 --> 00:13:53,780 This is personal. 269 00:13:54,080 --> 00:13:55,660 It is individual. 270 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:59,096 And it says that they, they do it according to his ability. 271 00:13:59,208 --> 00:14:02,680 Now that word we need to, to unveil a little bit. 272 00:14:02,800 --> 00:14:05,176 The word ability actually means wealth. 273 00:14:05,368 --> 00:14:08,120 This was their personal wealth. 274 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:11,320 Now there's a difference between Antioch and Jerusalem that 275 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:12,696 we should see as well. 276 00:14:12,848 --> 00:14:13,704 Jerusalem. 277 00:14:13,752 --> 00:14:17,304 The Church of Jerusalem specifically was known for its financial 278 00:14:17,392 --> 00:14:18,380 depression. 279 00:14:19,450 --> 00:14:23,602 It was known for the fact that there were widows and that there 280 00:14:23,626 --> 00:14:24,066 were beggars. 281 00:14:24,098 --> 00:14:25,538 Remember Acts chapter 6? 282 00:14:25,674 --> 00:14:28,002 There began to be some murmurings in the church. 283 00:14:28,066 --> 00:14:28,450 Well, why? 284 00:14:28,490 --> 00:14:31,970 Because there was a certain group of widows that were not being 285 00:14:32,010 --> 00:14:32,690 cared for the. 286 00:14:32,730 --> 00:14:35,298 As the other group's group of widows. 287 00:14:35,314 --> 00:14:35,442 Why? 288 00:14:35,466 --> 00:14:38,354 Because there was Some financial dearth. 289 00:14:38,402 --> 00:14:38,898 There was. 290 00:14:38,954 --> 00:14:40,470 There was some famine. 291 00:14:41,930 --> 00:14:47,740 Antioch was the capital city of Syria, and it was known for its 292 00:14:47,780 --> 00:14:51,724 key importance as a trade route and the access to the Mediterranean 293 00:14:51,772 --> 00:14:57,516 Sea, which means there was more wealth, it was more valuable 294 00:14:57,628 --> 00:14:58,684 in that way. 295 00:14:58,852 --> 00:15:03,244 Now their financial commitment was not because they were just wealthy, 296 00:15:03,372 --> 00:15:05,640 but they had something to share. 297 00:15:05,940 --> 00:15:08,988 Some more than others, some less. 298 00:15:09,124 --> 00:15:10,412 Now I want to put a plug here. 299 00:15:10,436 --> 00:15:11,880 I want to put a very. 300 00:15:12,020 --> 00:15:14,940 Almost like a flag of importance in this area. 301 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:19,248 Agabus and others, they traveled to more than just Antioch. 302 00:15:19,344 --> 00:15:23,552 They were traveling to raise support for the gospel mission back 303 00:15:23,576 --> 00:15:24,144 in Jerusalem. 304 00:15:24,192 --> 00:15:28,768 Just like you would have a missionary travel here, share their 305 00:15:28,824 --> 00:15:32,512 ministry, their mission, their goal, their vision, and then say, 306 00:15:32,536 --> 00:15:36,352 okay, hey listen, if you would like to join us and support for this, 307 00:15:36,456 --> 00:15:37,168 would you please? 308 00:15:37,224 --> 00:15:37,600 And right. 309 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:38,384 You know, and this is. 310 00:15:38,392 --> 00:15:39,856 The churches kind of get involved in that. 311 00:15:39,928 --> 00:15:41,744 That is what's taking place here. 312 00:15:41,912 --> 00:15:46,256 But what's so important about this and why Antioch is mentioned 313 00:15:46,288 --> 00:15:53,060 here is because of its significance with how they responded. 314 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:55,600 There are other churches that they travel to. 315 00:15:55,720 --> 00:16:00,752 Agabus went to other churches, but Antioch responded in a way that 316 00:16:00,776 --> 00:16:04,660 was significant enough to record in Scripture. 317 00:16:07,170 --> 00:16:08,570 Here's what I want to say about this. 318 00:16:08,610 --> 00:16:12,910 Making the gospel work personal comes down to spiritual, 319 00:16:14,370 --> 00:16:15,290 spiritual surrender. 320 00:16:15,370 --> 00:16:17,802 We sing the song we didn't sing this morning, obviously, but 321 00:16:17,826 --> 00:16:19,030 I Surrender All. 322 00:16:19,490 --> 00:16:20,750 You know that song? 323 00:16:22,370 --> 00:16:28,042 I remember one time, I'm a pastor's kid, so I grew up church, 324 00:16:28,186 --> 00:16:31,802 you know, even if the church doors weren't open, I was at church. 325 00:16:31,866 --> 00:16:32,154 That's. 326 00:16:32,202 --> 00:16:32,922 That's how we did it. 327 00:16:32,946 --> 00:16:33,436 Right? 328 00:16:33,578 --> 00:16:35,460 Some of you could probably relate to that. 329 00:16:35,760 --> 00:16:39,624 And I remember one time I was a young person and we were singing 330 00:16:39,672 --> 00:16:40,980 I Surrender all. 331 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:49,032 And I began thinking, wait, wait, wait, do I, do I surrender 332 00:16:49,096 --> 00:16:49,700 All? 333 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:52,680 Because I'm pretty sure if God was asking me about this one area 334 00:16:52,720 --> 00:16:57,064 of my life or this other area or this other area, I don't know 335 00:16:57,072 --> 00:16:58,220 if I would surrender. 336 00:16:59,850 --> 00:17:03,842 So here's how I made this very personal to me as I share this with 337 00:17:03,866 --> 00:17:04,098 you. 338 00:17:04,154 --> 00:17:09,250 I know that I am surrendered when my conviction is not based on 339 00:17:09,290 --> 00:17:10,670 what others are doing. 340 00:17:11,610 --> 00:17:16,050 You know, being a husband, being a father, being a pastor. 341 00:17:16,210 --> 00:17:21,042 A lot of times I struggle with my personal decision of surrender. 342 00:17:21,186 --> 00:17:22,242 And there's a reason for that. 343 00:17:22,266 --> 00:17:23,762 I'm also a people pleaser. 344 00:17:23,906 --> 00:17:25,042 If you know anything about me. 345 00:17:25,066 --> 00:17:27,211 I like to do things to make people happy. 346 00:17:27,385 --> 00:17:31,655 And my wife can tell you how much I do that. 347 00:17:31,807 --> 00:17:36,151 And I have to remember that when God is doing a work in my life, 348 00:17:36,255 --> 00:17:40,359 he doesn't care that I'm thinking about another person, what 349 00:17:40,399 --> 00:17:43,559 they think of about this area, that he's trying to do work. 350 00:17:43,599 --> 00:17:47,687 He just cares how I respond in that moment. 351 00:17:47,863 --> 00:17:51,079 Hey, church, you need to recognize something in your life. 352 00:17:51,199 --> 00:17:55,471 God wants to work in each and every single one of your lives individually, 353 00:17:55,655 --> 00:17:58,220 personally, because you matter. 354 00:17:58,600 --> 00:17:59,840 He loves you. 355 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:01,520 He cares for, he created you. 356 00:18:01,560 --> 00:18:02,800 He died for you. 357 00:18:02,920 --> 00:18:08,220 You are personally, personally important. 358 00:18:08,760 --> 00:18:11,020 So he wants to do a personal work in your heart. 359 00:18:11,640 --> 00:18:14,720 He wants you to be individually responsible to that 360 00:18:14,760 --> 00:18:16,860 personal work in your heart. 361 00:18:18,840 --> 00:18:21,152 So I need to come to the concept in my heart that even if 362 00:18:21,176 --> 00:18:23,820 no one else does this, I will. 363 00:18:24,360 --> 00:18:27,600 Even if no one else walks with me on the water, I will. 364 00:18:27,640 --> 00:18:30,128 Because this is what God wants for my life. 365 00:18:30,264 --> 00:18:35,088 Now, other scripture teaches us that the spiritual gifts that 366 00:18:35,144 --> 00:18:38,608 all of us receive, it says that he individually gifts us as 367 00:18:38,664 --> 00:18:39,780 he wills. 368 00:18:40,120 --> 00:18:43,840 So if that's the case, then he is doing a work and he is going to 369 00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:46,080 lead us all differently. 370 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:49,060 Not every single one of you can be Pastor Josh. 371 00:18:49,910 --> 00:18:51,370 Actually, none of you can. 372 00:18:51,670 --> 00:18:53,998 Not every single one of you can be Pastor John. 373 00:18:54,054 --> 00:18:55,614 Actually, only one of you can. 374 00:18:55,782 --> 00:18:59,422 Not every one of you can be a deacon, or not every one of you can 375 00:18:59,446 --> 00:19:01,150 be another ministry leader. 376 00:19:01,190 --> 00:19:02,302 Not every one of you can be that. 377 00:19:02,326 --> 00:19:08,130 But you can be what he wants you to be because he wants to individually 378 00:19:08,950 --> 00:19:11,610 direct you and lead you. 379 00:19:12,470 --> 00:19:15,150 So I know that I'm surrendered where my conviction is not based 380 00:19:15,190 --> 00:19:16,526 on what others are doing. 381 00:19:16,598 --> 00:19:20,700 Also, I know that I'm surrendered when my response costs 382 00:19:20,780 --> 00:19:22,600 me something. 383 00:19:23,540 --> 00:19:25,260 See, faith is not calculated. 384 00:19:25,340 --> 00:19:26,236 It's obedience. 385 00:19:26,348 --> 00:19:30,428 In fact, as one preacher has coined the term, it's acting like 386 00:19:30,484 --> 00:19:32,080 God is telling the truth. 387 00:19:32,580 --> 00:19:36,860 Faith, it costs us something because it's all about God's glory, 388 00:19:37,020 --> 00:19:37,740 not our own. 389 00:19:37,780 --> 00:19:39,996 In fact, it's equivalent with worship. 390 00:19:40,188 --> 00:19:43,698 Did you know that in the Old Testament, when, When. 391 00:19:43,754 --> 00:19:47,950 When the Jew would practice worship, it cost them something? 392 00:19:49,130 --> 00:19:52,434 A lot of times we don't want to think about that today, especially 393 00:19:52,522 --> 00:19:56,562 in our society, because we live in such a society that. 394 00:19:56,666 --> 00:19:58,350 What do I get out of this? 395 00:19:59,050 --> 00:19:59,986 You know, I came to church. 396 00:20:00,018 --> 00:20:01,250 What am I getting out of this today? 397 00:20:01,290 --> 00:20:01,890 Hang on a second. 398 00:20:01,930 --> 00:20:03,230 It's not about you. 399 00:20:04,730 --> 00:20:06,350 It's not about me. 400 00:20:07,130 --> 00:20:08,470 It's about God. 401 00:20:09,380 --> 00:20:13,772 You know, as we, as we step into the throne room, the, The. 402 00:20:13,796 --> 00:20:13,980 The. 403 00:20:14,020 --> 00:20:20,800 The kingdom of heaven, one day I guarantee you me will say, oops, 404 00:20:21,220 --> 00:20:23,480 I made things way too much about me. 405 00:20:23,780 --> 00:20:26,364 Known unto his brethren, and he wept aloud. 406 00:20:26,412 --> 00:20:29,840 And the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. 407 00:20:30,180 --> 00:20:30,780 Heard. 408 00:20:30,860 --> 00:20:33,196 Now this is what it says. 409 00:20:33,268 --> 00:20:36,962 Just a few verses after this and the fame thereof was heard in 410 00:20:36,986 --> 00:20:40,018 Pharaoh's house saying Joseph's brethren are all come. 411 00:20:40,154 --> 00:20:41,970 And it pleased Pharaoh. 412 00:20:42,050 --> 00:20:44,690 Well now just, just track this with me. 413 00:20:44,730 --> 00:20:47,170 Maybe it will reveal to you my crazy brain. 414 00:20:47,330 --> 00:20:50,082 But when I've read that and I've studied this, it's really, it 415 00:20:50,106 --> 00:20:53,394 really bothered me because wouldn't, wouldn't it make sense 416 00:20:53,442 --> 00:20:56,950 that Pharaoh had known the horrible beginnings of Joseph? 417 00:20:57,770 --> 00:21:00,514 Wouldn't he have known all the details in which caused Joseph to 418 00:21:00,522 --> 00:21:01,630 be where he was? 419 00:21:02,070 --> 00:21:02,810 Right? 420 00:21:03,270 --> 00:21:07,454 Wouldn't he care about the well being, the future, the longevity 421 00:21:07,502 --> 00:21:08,046 of Joseph? 422 00:21:08,078 --> 00:21:11,742 Wouldn't he want to protect Joseph from harmful people who might 423 00:21:11,846 --> 00:21:13,918 derail him or, or get him off? 424 00:21:13,974 --> 00:21:17,870 Folks, I mean, the reason why Joseph was placed in the authority 425 00:21:17,950 --> 00:21:21,790 was as the second in all command of, of Egypt was because 426 00:21:21,830 --> 00:21:26,702 he had the ability and know how to be able to gain the wealth 427 00:21:26,766 --> 00:21:28,446 of Pharaoh and lead the nation. 428 00:21:28,518 --> 00:21:29,214 Well, right? 429 00:21:29,302 --> 00:21:33,004 Wouldn't you want the best and protect them from, from every negative 430 00:21:33,052 --> 00:21:34,764 thing that could possibly happen? 431 00:21:34,932 --> 00:21:36,748 I, I, I mean I would, right? 432 00:21:36,804 --> 00:21:37,560 I would. 433 00:21:38,740 --> 00:21:43,600 Then why is he pleased with the news of his brother's arrival? 434 00:21:44,180 --> 00:21:47,628 Why would he be pleased with, with understanding that there, there's 435 00:21:47,644 --> 00:21:51,756 this honesty and, and, and revelation made that, that Joseph 436 00:21:51,788 --> 00:21:54,156 is alive and he's revealing himself to his brother? 437 00:21:54,188 --> 00:21:54,972 Why would that matter? 438 00:21:55,076 --> 00:21:55,900 Here's why. 439 00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:59,820 Because the testimony of Joseph was real. 440 00:22:00,680 --> 00:22:02,340 It was powerful. 441 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:04,304 It was authentic. 442 00:22:04,432 --> 00:22:08,140 See, the same message to which Joseph told his brothers years later 443 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:11,968 when his father passed away and they hid themselves from, from 444 00:22:12,024 --> 00:22:13,904 Joseph, saying don't kill us. 445 00:22:14,072 --> 00:22:16,112 You promised to our Father that you wouldn't. 446 00:22:16,256 --> 00:22:19,456 He, he made the statement in that passage about the sovereignty 447 00:22:19,488 --> 00:22:20,096 of God. 448 00:22:20,208 --> 00:22:23,260 You meant it for evil, but God meant it for. 449 00:22:23,970 --> 00:22:25,738 Well, let's try that again, Church. 450 00:22:25,834 --> 00:22:29,114 You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. 451 00:22:29,202 --> 00:22:29,546 Right? 452 00:22:29,618 --> 00:22:30,362 He understood that. 453 00:22:30,386 --> 00:22:33,322 Don't you think that he would have shared that with Pharaoh as 454 00:22:33,346 --> 00:22:33,910 well? 455 00:22:34,210 --> 00:22:35,354 I think so. 456 00:22:35,522 --> 00:22:36,090 Why? 457 00:22:36,210 --> 00:22:40,906 Because it was real to Joseph. 458 00:22:41,098 --> 00:22:44,314 Hey, why was this pow, this moment so powerful to Saul? 459 00:22:44,442 --> 00:22:48,190 Because it was real for Saul. 460 00:22:49,660 --> 00:22:52,036 You know, Jesus, he brought this truth to his followers. 461 00:22:52,068 --> 00:22:55,572 He said, ye have heard that have been said that thou shalt love 462 00:22:55,596 --> 00:22:57,028 thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. 463 00:22:57,124 --> 00:22:59,172 But I say unto you, love your enemies. 464 00:22:59,236 --> 00:23:02,868 Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray 465 00:23:02,884 --> 00:23:07,280 for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. 466 00:23:08,060 --> 00:23:13,972 See, going is never more real than when you follow through, no 467 00:23:13,996 --> 00:23:16,360 matter what or to who. 468 00:23:17,140 --> 00:23:19,980 What I find is that follow through happens when I put my money 469 00:23:20,020 --> 00:23:21,240 where my mouth is. 470 00:23:21,620 --> 00:23:23,740 Kind of a Common phrase that we use in. 471 00:23:23,780 --> 00:23:25,004 In today's world, right? 472 00:23:25,092 --> 00:23:26,540 Put your money where your mouth is. 473 00:23:26,580 --> 00:23:27,068 Right. 474 00:23:27,204 --> 00:23:31,452 I find that it's never more real for me when I have to put my 475 00:23:31,476 --> 00:23:33,560 money where my mouth is. 476 00:23:34,180 --> 00:23:34,540 In. 477 00:23:34,580 --> 00:23:34,780 In. 478 00:23:34,820 --> 00:23:38,844 In the church of Corinth, they struggled with this very same thing. 479 00:23:39,012 --> 00:23:40,540 In fact, Paul at. 480 00:23:40,580 --> 00:23:42,476 Later on in his life, he came to the church of Corinth. 481 00:23:42,508 --> 00:23:44,484 He told him about a need that was happening. 482 00:23:44,652 --> 00:23:46,420 They said, we're gonna raise this much money. 483 00:23:46,460 --> 00:23:50,100 And it was like, significantly, it was so high that 484 00:23:50,140 --> 00:23:53,124 all the other churches that heard about what they did in raising 485 00:23:53,172 --> 00:23:55,236 the love offering was. 486 00:23:55,388 --> 00:23:55,796 Was. 487 00:23:55,868 --> 00:23:59,764 Was a testimony that Paul got to share everywhere he went. 488 00:23:59,852 --> 00:24:00,420 And it was. 489 00:24:00,460 --> 00:24:02,164 It was encouraging, it was powerful. 490 00:24:02,292 --> 00:24:06,100 But over a year went by and they still hadn't sent it in. 491 00:24:06,220 --> 00:24:10,260 So Paul writes a letter in second Corinthians, or, yeah, second 492 00:24:10,300 --> 00:24:11,620 Corinthians, and he says this. 493 00:24:11,660 --> 00:24:15,042 Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren 494 00:24:15,186 --> 00:24:19,122 that they would go before you to make up beforehand your bounty, 495 00:24:19,266 --> 00:24:23,362 whereof ye had noticed before that the same might be ready. 496 00:24:23,426 --> 00:24:26,866 A matter of bounty and not as of covetousness. 497 00:24:26,898 --> 00:24:27,714 But I say this. 498 00:24:27,802 --> 00:24:29,298 He would so as sparingly shall reap. 499 00:24:29,314 --> 00:24:30,194 Also sparingly. 500 00:24:30,242 --> 00:24:32,354 And he would soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully 501 00:24:32,402 --> 00:24:34,178 every man according to this purpose in his heart. 502 00:24:34,234 --> 00:24:38,386 The same thing that's said and said about there in Acts, chapter 503 00:24:38,418 --> 00:24:40,310 11 with the church of Antioch. 504 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:45,120 So let him give not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a 505 00:24:45,160 --> 00:24:47,024 cheerful giver. 506 00:24:47,072 --> 00:24:47,888 Paul says this. 507 00:24:47,944 --> 00:24:49,968 Put your money where your mouth is, and it's time to. 508 00:24:50,024 --> 00:24:51,584 It's time to be a part of this. 509 00:24:51,752 --> 00:24:55,152 It's time to actually do what you said that you were going to do. 510 00:24:55,256 --> 00:24:57,980 It's time to actually go. 511 00:24:58,680 --> 00:25:00,064 You said you would. 512 00:25:00,232 --> 00:25:01,712 You said you would do this. 513 00:25:01,816 --> 00:25:03,056 It's time to do it. 514 00:25:03,208 --> 00:25:04,460 It's time to do it. 515 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:09,180 Secondly, follow through happens for me when I do not hold. 516 00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:12,300 When I don't hold. 517 00:25:14,040 --> 00:25:17,440 See, like Saul here, I need to be involved in serving those who 518 00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:19,580 have not always treated me right. 519 00:25:20,120 --> 00:25:22,912 Christ made it clear that this is the way of our followership, of 520 00:25:22,936 --> 00:25:23,312 him. 521 00:25:23,416 --> 00:25:27,680 Knowing that Judas would betray him did not keep him from 522 00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:29,620 washing his feet. 523 00:25:30,280 --> 00:25:33,472 Can you imagine if the story went in John, chapter 13? 524 00:25:33,576 --> 00:25:35,452 You know, we're talking about love works. 525 00:25:35,616 --> 00:25:40,436 Jesus comes to Judas and says, oh, no, no, no, not you, not you 526 00:25:40,588 --> 00:25:42,404 what you're about to do to me. 527 00:25:42,572 --> 00:25:44,520 I'm not going to wash your feet. 528 00:25:44,940 --> 00:25:47,280 Would we read the story the same way? 529 00:25:47,660 --> 00:25:48,068 No. 530 00:25:48,124 --> 00:25:50,436 In fact, most of us read that story. 531 00:25:50,588 --> 00:25:54,120 We read that passage and we say, well, I'm not like Jesus. 532 00:25:56,860 --> 00:26:02,222 He did it as he said In John chapter 13 as an example, so that 533 00:26:02,246 --> 00:26:05,050 the joy of the Lord might flow through us. 534 00:26:06,470 --> 00:26:09,982 See, it's easy for us to make service self fulfilling instead of 535 00:26:10,006 --> 00:26:11,890 Christ centered. 536 00:26:12,310 --> 00:26:15,790 But if it's all for his glory, then we will not be concerned with 537 00:26:15,830 --> 00:26:17,930 what we get out. 538 00:26:18,950 --> 00:26:19,870 Coming to church. 539 00:26:19,950 --> 00:26:21,710 It's not going to be focused on what we get out of it. 540 00:26:21,750 --> 00:26:24,094 It's going to be focused on the glory of God. 541 00:26:24,222 --> 00:26:26,302 Serving people in church is not going to be about what we get 542 00:26:26,326 --> 00:26:26,856 out of it. 543 00:26:26,958 --> 00:26:30,852 It's about God getting the glory, serving our community with 544 00:26:30,876 --> 00:26:32,164 the needs that are in our community. 545 00:26:32,252 --> 00:26:32,900 I saw in your. 546 00:26:32,940 --> 00:26:35,300 In your bulletin there's something coming up here. 547 00:26:35,420 --> 00:26:36,880 Let me just read it for you. 548 00:26:37,180 --> 00:26:41,380 Outreach surveys actually have no idea what this is, but to me, 549 00:26:41,420 --> 00:26:43,040 this is what it sounds like. 550 00:26:43,660 --> 00:26:48,292 Brother Dan will be distributing out outreach surveys 551 00:26:48,356 --> 00:26:52,852 today, and we asked to be returned to Dan or at the information 552 00:26:52,956 --> 00:26:53,640 desk. 553 00:26:54,330 --> 00:26:55,954 Well, why would we do that? 554 00:26:56,122 --> 00:26:58,030 What benefit does it have for us? 555 00:27:00,410 --> 00:27:01,710 It's not about you. 556 00:27:06,010 --> 00:27:09,710 What do I get out of this thing? 557 00:27:12,090 --> 00:27:13,666 Pray the Lord. 558 00:27:13,858 --> 00:27:19,762 Listen, it's not until you but are want to help me or help our church. 559 00:27:19,826 --> 00:27:22,810 Like I need to know what the investment turnaround is. 560 00:27:22,970 --> 00:27:23,910 Hang on. 561 00:27:26,050 --> 00:27:27,150 No, you don't. 562 00:27:28,770 --> 00:27:34,110 What you need to know is that what you do brings God glory. 563 00:27:37,170 --> 00:27:38,474 I'm glad the bulletin was right here. 564 00:27:38,482 --> 00:27:39,830 I didn't even know it was there. 565 00:27:41,570 --> 00:27:46,058 If you have an opportunity to serve those who treat you poorly, 566 00:27:46,234 --> 00:27:47,470 praise the Lord. 567 00:27:47,970 --> 00:27:48,288 He. 568 00:27:48,314 --> 00:27:53,012 He has given you a chance to make service real. 569 00:27:53,116 --> 00:27:55,840 Saul was able to make service real here. 570 00:27:56,540 --> 00:27:59,320 He was able to because how he was treated. 571 00:28:00,460 --> 00:28:01,924 Now, I have an imagination. 572 00:28:02,052 --> 00:28:04,804 I portray things of what things look like as. 573 00:28:04,892 --> 00:28:06,964 As they brought that love offering in. 574 00:28:07,052 --> 00:28:12,020 But I can imagine a few of the people who saw Saul come in with 575 00:28:12,060 --> 00:28:19,214 that money went, and I imagine some of them were like, oh, Saul, 576 00:28:19,262 --> 00:28:20,410 you brought this. 577 00:28:21,030 --> 00:28:23,006 You're here, Saul. 578 00:28:23,038 --> 00:28:25,806 How's your life going these last several years? 579 00:28:25,958 --> 00:28:26,318 How. 580 00:28:26,374 --> 00:28:28,686 What's God been doing in your life? 581 00:28:28,838 --> 00:28:29,710 Saul, sit down. 582 00:28:29,750 --> 00:28:30,526 Let's break some bread. 583 00:28:30,558 --> 00:28:32,286 I know that I treated you poorly before. 584 00:28:32,358 --> 00:28:34,510 I'm sorry, but tell me more. 585 00:28:34,630 --> 00:28:37,662 In fact, this was not the last time that Saul did this. 586 00:28:37,766 --> 00:28:38,798 He became Paul. 587 00:28:38,894 --> 00:28:39,918 He went out and he. 588 00:28:39,974 --> 00:28:42,900 And he was able to do evangelistical work and. 589 00:28:42,990 --> 00:28:45,656 And see churches grow and. 590 00:28:45,728 --> 00:28:49,464 And become gospel centers for their community. 591 00:28:49,552 --> 00:28:49,896 And. 592 00:28:49,968 --> 00:28:52,872 And then he would raise love offerings and he would bring them 593 00:28:52,896 --> 00:28:53,576 back to Jerusalem. 594 00:28:53,608 --> 00:28:55,912 In fact, the very last time he went to Jerusalem. 595 00:28:56,056 --> 00:28:59,100 Everyone said, in fact, Agabus. 596 00:28:59,600 --> 00:29:05,272 It says it in Acts chapter 20, I believe Agabus said to Saul again 597 00:29:05,376 --> 00:29:09,378 as he was making his way to Jerusalem the last time, said Saul, 598 00:29:09,474 --> 00:29:12,210 if you go, let me take this belt and tie you up. 599 00:29:12,250 --> 00:29:14,190 This is what they're going to do to you there. 600 00:29:14,810 --> 00:29:17,682 And Saul says, I must needs go. 601 00:29:17,866 --> 00:29:20,962 I'm willing to give my life for the cause of Christ. 602 00:29:21,066 --> 00:29:27,602 What kind of testimony being so real with giving everything for 603 00:29:27,626 --> 00:29:29,750 the glory of God? 604 00:29:31,290 --> 00:29:36,778 Every one of us here is responsible to obey the gospel mandate 605 00:29:36,914 --> 00:29:41,002 and to see firsthand that love works. 606 00:29:41,146 --> 00:29:47,098 Love works when I take it personally and love works when I 607 00:29:47,154 --> 00:29:48,870 make it real. 608 00:29:50,210 --> 00:29:53,750 I read that William Howard Taft said it this way. 609 00:29:54,210 --> 00:29:58,746 Too many people don't care what happens so long it doesn't happen 610 00:29:58,818 --> 00:29:59,590 to them. 611 00:30:00,530 --> 00:30:02,938 Let that not be the testimony of. 612 00:30:02,994 --> 00:30:03,754 Of our church. 613 00:30:03,802 --> 00:30:07,626 Your church, I say our church, because collectively right followers 614 00:30:07,658 --> 00:30:08,106 of Christ. 615 00:30:08,178 --> 00:30:09,258 The body of Christ. 616 00:30:09,394 --> 00:30:10,790 Let it not be. 617 00:30:11,490 --> 00:30:13,866 Let it not be the testimony of. 618 00:30:13,938 --> 00:30:14,874 Of this church. 619 00:30:14,922 --> 00:30:15,754 This year, as. 620 00:30:15,842 --> 00:30:19,002 As your ministry, your focus, your theme, your vision for this 621 00:30:19,026 --> 00:30:21,210 year is to go be the thought of. 622 00:30:21,250 --> 00:30:24,586 Well, as long as that doesn't happen to me, as long as doesn't 623 00:30:24,618 --> 00:30:27,430 happen to this church, we'll be good. 624 00:30:28,780 --> 00:30:32,740 During the American Revolution, there was a man named 625 00:30:32,820 --> 00:30:36,228 Whitman who was sentenced to die for treason. 626 00:30:36,324 --> 00:30:40,932 A pastor who had been an object of Whitman's hatred walked 627 00:30:40,996 --> 00:30:42,932 70 miles to plead with General. 628 00:30:43,036 --> 00:30:45,972 General George Washington for Whitman's life. 629 00:30:46,156 --> 00:30:50,804 Washington refused until he discovered that Whitman was the pastor's 630 00:30:50,852 --> 00:30:52,640 enemy, not his friend. 631 00:30:53,020 --> 00:30:57,314 Because the pastor had shown such love for the enemy, Whitman 632 00:30:57,362 --> 00:31:01,186 was released and became the pastor's fast friend. 633 00:31:01,258 --> 00:31:02,350 Does love work? 634 00:31:02,970 --> 00:31:04,190 Does love work? 635 00:31:04,650 --> 00:31:08,226 This is the same question that is is. 636 00:31:08,298 --> 00:31:13,378 Is phrased in the Book of Psalms as Can God furnish a table 637 00:31:13,554 --> 00:31:14,354 in the wilderness? 638 00:31:14,402 --> 00:31:18,530 You guys know that passage in the Book of Psalms might sound familiar. 639 00:31:18,690 --> 00:31:20,338 It's connected with the thought. 640 00:31:20,394 --> 00:31:20,990 When. 641 00:31:21,610 --> 00:31:22,354 When. 642 00:31:22,522 --> 00:31:23,730 Psalm 23. 643 00:31:23,850 --> 00:31:24,178 When. 644 00:31:24,234 --> 00:31:24,802 When David. 645 00:31:24,866 --> 00:31:27,430 David pens that beautiful psalm. 646 00:31:28,410 --> 00:31:30,498 He leadeth me beside still waters. 647 00:31:30,594 --> 00:31:33,730 He prepares for me a table in the midst of my. 648 00:31:33,770 --> 00:31:35,650 What enemies? 649 00:31:35,730 --> 00:31:39,234 Can you imagine sitting at a Chick fil a with all of your enemies 650 00:31:39,282 --> 00:31:40,110 sitting around? 651 00:31:43,290 --> 00:31:45,590 How's chicken sandwich? 652 00:31:48,260 --> 00:31:49,916 Some interesting thoughts there. 653 00:31:50,068 --> 00:31:55,720 But can God prepare a. 654 00:31:56,100 --> 00:31:57,484 A table in the wilderness? 655 00:31:57,532 --> 00:31:57,884 Can. 656 00:31:57,972 --> 00:32:00,140 Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 657 00:32:00,300 --> 00:32:03,948 It's also connected with the Israelites as they made their way 658 00:32:04,004 --> 00:32:06,840 through the wilderness for 40 years. 659 00:32:07,380 --> 00:32:07,980 What did. 660 00:32:08,020 --> 00:32:10,828 What did the Israelites eat during those 40 years? 661 00:32:10,884 --> 00:32:11,676 Anybody want to. 662 00:32:11,748 --> 00:32:12,476 Want to. 663 00:32:12,628 --> 00:32:13,052 Go ahead. 664 00:32:13,076 --> 00:32:14,160 What do they eat? 665 00:32:14,800 --> 00:32:15,304 Okay. 666 00:32:15,352 --> 00:32:16,296 Manna and quills. 667 00:32:16,328 --> 00:32:17,620 Where did that come from? 668 00:32:18,160 --> 00:32:19,096 Huh? 669 00:32:19,288 --> 00:32:20,140 Huh? 670 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:21,352 God. 671 00:32:21,496 --> 00:32:22,104 And so? 672 00:32:22,192 --> 00:32:24,700 So can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 673 00:32:25,760 --> 00:32:26,700 Okay. 674 00:32:27,760 --> 00:32:28,440 I don't know. 675 00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:29,000 Pastor does. 676 00:32:29,040 --> 00:32:30,776 Josh says often I do this at my church. 677 00:32:30,808 --> 00:32:32,420 And so he'll forgive me, I'm sure. 678 00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:35,580 Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 679 00:32:35,920 --> 00:32:36,600 Okay. 680 00:32:36,680 --> 00:32:38,100 Does love work? 681 00:32:38,480 --> 00:32:38,856 Yes. 682 00:32:38,888 --> 00:32:44,884 Because it's God's plan, it's his sovereign working. 683 00:32:45,052 --> 00:32:49,364 You know what he wants to do with the mission of go at Middletown 684 00:32:49,412 --> 00:32:50,404 Baptist Church. 685 00:32:50,532 --> 00:32:56,120 He wants to show Middletown that love works. 686 00:32:57,340 --> 00:32:59,508 He wants people to come in from the community and say, wait, 687 00:32:59,524 --> 00:33:02,500 wait, wait, you did something not for our community, you did something 688 00:33:02,540 --> 00:33:04,980 for another church community in Baltimore. 689 00:33:05,140 --> 00:33:05,508 Right? 690 00:33:05,564 --> 00:33:06,950 Baltimore, right. 691 00:33:07,410 --> 00:33:08,150 Why? 692 00:33:08,850 --> 00:33:10,282 Because love works well. 693 00:33:10,306 --> 00:33:13,354 What else are you doing to show that love works well? 694 00:33:13,362 --> 00:33:14,554 Let me tell you about it. 695 00:33:14,722 --> 00:33:17,274 Let me show you from the scripture how much love actually 696 00:33:17,362 --> 00:33:21,270 works here or there or in my life. 697 00:33:21,810 --> 00:33:26,874 Many of you, if not all of you, have a testimony of the gospel, 698 00:33:26,922 --> 00:33:27,930 love working in your life. 699 00:33:27,970 --> 00:33:29,670 You know who's waiting to hear that? 700 00:33:30,450 --> 00:33:31,190 Everyone. 701 00:33:32,460 --> 00:33:34,560 You know how we begin to share that? 702 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:40,480 By going, making it personal, making it real. 703 00:33:41,500 --> 00:33:44,516 Heavenly Father, love ya. 704 00:33:44,708 --> 00:33:46,932 I thank you for the few moments that we've had to be able 705 00:33:46,956 --> 00:33:48,404 to be in your word in this passage. 706 00:33:48,452 --> 00:33:52,004 And Lord, I know that we could go anywhere, we could look at anything, 707 00:33:52,052 --> 00:33:56,084 we could see any time in the word of God that you are constantly 708 00:33:56,132 --> 00:34:00,142 at work or on our behalf so that you receive the glory and the 709 00:34:00,166 --> 00:34:00,670 honor. 710 00:34:00,750 --> 00:34:06,782 And now, Lord, as we are in this, this year 2025, we get to continue 711 00:34:06,886 --> 00:34:10,862 to see you work because we display the love of Christ. 712 00:34:11,046 --> 00:34:14,250 Father, I ask that you would help us to make it personal. 713 00:34:14,870 --> 00:34:18,942 Father, I ask that you would help us to make it real, Lord, that 714 00:34:18,966 --> 00:34:22,558 you would allow the vision of this church this year to make an 715 00:34:22,614 --> 00:34:26,792 impact not just in our lives personally, but maybe in our grandkids 716 00:34:26,856 --> 00:34:30,520 lives, maybe the community, maybe the neighbor that lives right 717 00:34:30,560 --> 00:34:33,460 next to us or a few houses down. 718 00:34:33,840 --> 00:34:38,040 Father, may you receive all the honor and the glory that you 719 00:34:38,080 --> 00:34:39,060 deserve today. 720 00:34:40,160 --> 00:34:44,312 With how you respond, I ask this, can your precious son, Jesus 721 00:34:44,376 --> 00:34:47,180 Christ, with your heads bowed and your eyes closed. 722 00:34:48,160 --> 00:34:50,744 It's going to take a few minutes and ask a couple questions. 723 00:34:50,792 --> 00:34:52,540 We're going to have our time of invitation. 724 00:34:52,940 --> 00:34:54,400 Piano's gonna play. 725 00:34:55,500 --> 00:34:56,532 Let me just ask. 726 00:34:56,636 --> 00:35:00,080 This morning, I don't really know most of you. 727 00:35:00,380 --> 00:35:03,560 I know some of you, I've heard some of your testimonies. 728 00:35:03,900 --> 00:35:07,268 But how many of you here this morning would be willing to testify 729 00:35:07,364 --> 00:35:11,716 the fact that you have a personal relationship with Christ 730 00:35:11,788 --> 00:35:16,324 alone, you know, to whom you have believed that you are saved. 731 00:35:16,372 --> 00:35:18,760 You've accepted Christ as your personal savior. 732 00:35:19,060 --> 00:35:20,012 That's you here this morning. 733 00:35:20,036 --> 00:35:22,636 Would you just put your hand up, just testify of that. 734 00:35:22,708 --> 00:35:27,340 Pastor Brad, I have a personal relationship with Christ. 735 00:35:27,460 --> 00:35:28,604 Just put your hand up this morning. 736 00:35:28,692 --> 00:35:29,900 Hands all around the room. 737 00:35:29,940 --> 00:35:30,348 Thank. 738 00:35:30,444 --> 00:35:31,320 Thank you. 739 00:35:31,940 --> 00:35:33,120 Praise the Lord. 740 00:35:33,460 --> 00:35:36,092 Maybe you're here this morning and you were not able to raise your 741 00:35:36,116 --> 00:35:36,680 hand. 742 00:35:37,860 --> 00:35:40,440 Maybe somebody invited you to church this morning. 743 00:35:40,900 --> 00:35:44,172 Maybe someone's been trying to share with you the love of Christ 744 00:35:44,276 --> 00:35:45,676 and you're not sure if you're saved. 745 00:35:45,708 --> 00:35:50,878 You might even say, well, Pastor Brad, I try really hard, Pastor 746 00:35:50,894 --> 00:35:53,262 Brad, I, I, I think I might be saved. 747 00:35:53,326 --> 00:35:54,094 Or maybe. 748 00:35:54,142 --> 00:35:58,574 Pastor Brad, I don't know if anyone can know if they're saved. 749 00:35:58,622 --> 00:35:59,390 The Bible says this. 750 00:35:59,430 --> 00:36:01,678 These things are written that you may know that you have eternal 751 00:36:01,694 --> 00:36:02,250 life. 752 00:36:02,710 --> 00:36:05,454 I want you to, I want you to know this morning, if you don't know 753 00:36:05,462 --> 00:36:07,790 anything else this morning, if you don't take anything else away, 754 00:36:07,910 --> 00:36:09,210 I want you to know this. 755 00:36:09,590 --> 00:36:14,650 God wants you to know if you have a relationship with. 756 00:36:15,190 --> 00:36:17,850 He is not trying to play hide and seek with you. 757 00:36:18,470 --> 00:36:21,518 He is not trying to stay away from you. 758 00:36:21,654 --> 00:36:27,518 He wants you to know how much he loves you and how much you matter 759 00:36:27,574 --> 00:36:28,410 to him. 760 00:36:29,350 --> 00:36:34,970 You might say, pastor Brad, I'm not sure if I'm, I'm not sure. 761 00:36:35,430 --> 00:36:36,398 Would you mind? 762 00:36:36,534 --> 00:36:37,850 No one's looking around. 763 00:36:38,310 --> 00:36:39,890 Everyone's eyes are closed. 764 00:36:40,350 --> 00:36:41,542 Would you mind just putting your hand up? 765 00:36:41,566 --> 00:36:42,822 This morning, all I want to do is pray for you. 766 00:36:42,846 --> 00:36:44,406 I'm not going to come down there, pull you out of your seat. 767 00:36:44,438 --> 00:36:45,718 You might say, I don't know this guy. 768 00:36:45,734 --> 00:36:47,142 I don't trust this guy. 769 00:36:47,286 --> 00:36:47,894 I understand. 770 00:36:47,982 --> 00:36:49,490 I just want to pray for you. 771 00:36:50,670 --> 00:36:53,210 Pastor Brad, I'm not sure if I'm saved. 772 00:36:53,550 --> 00:36:54,630 Would you pray for me? 773 00:36:54,670 --> 00:36:56,210 Would you just put your hand up right now? 774 00:36:56,510 --> 00:36:57,750 Pastor Brad, that's me. 775 00:36:57,790 --> 00:36:58,886 I'm not sure if I'm saved. 776 00:36:58,918 --> 00:36:59,590 I see that hand. 777 00:36:59,630 --> 00:37:03,654 Thank you, Pastor Brad, I'm not sure if I'm saved. 778 00:37:03,782 --> 00:37:06,860 Would you pray for me? 779 00:37:07,160 --> 00:37:14,400 Put your hand up, Pastor Brad, that's me, Lord, right now. 780 00:37:14,440 --> 00:37:15,920 I pray for the one who raised their hand. 781 00:37:15,960 --> 00:37:19,696 And maybe there's a few others this morning that are here that didn't 782 00:37:19,728 --> 00:37:21,280 raise their hand or I didn't see them. 783 00:37:21,400 --> 00:37:24,880 Father, I ask that you would do the gospel work in their heart 784 00:37:24,920 --> 00:37:28,640 this morning, that you would, you would give them the courage to 785 00:37:28,680 --> 00:37:31,154 respond to the invitation in just a moment. 786 00:37:31,352 --> 00:37:33,182 And, Lord, that they would get that taken care of. 787 00:37:33,206 --> 00:37:34,810 They wouldn't waste another day. 788 00:37:35,270 --> 00:37:38,526 They Wouldn't wait for next Sunday, but, Lord, that they would 789 00:37:38,598 --> 00:37:41,550 talk to someone who could show them through the word of God how 790 00:37:41,590 --> 00:37:45,090 they can know for certain if they're on their way to heaven. 791 00:37:46,470 --> 00:37:49,422 With your heads bowed and your eyes still closed this morning, how 792 00:37:49,446 --> 00:37:53,130 many of you would be willing to say that you have a hard time 793 00:37:55,030 --> 00:37:58,330 making love, work personal? 794 00:37:58,630 --> 00:38:00,190 You see it in other people's lives. 795 00:38:00,230 --> 00:38:00,782 I see that hand. 796 00:38:00,806 --> 00:38:01,550 I see that hand. 797 00:38:01,670 --> 00:38:04,718 It's hard for you because of certain things that maybe you've 798 00:38:04,734 --> 00:38:08,510 had and you happen to your life or something else. 799 00:38:08,670 --> 00:38:11,390 I don't know if it's personal or that's not for me. 800 00:38:11,430 --> 00:38:15,070 That's for someone else willing to actually say that this 801 00:38:15,110 --> 00:38:15,598 morning. 802 00:38:15,734 --> 00:38:16,894 It's not for me. 803 00:38:16,982 --> 00:38:18,350 I have a hard time making this personal. 804 00:38:18,390 --> 00:38:18,862 It's not for me. 805 00:38:18,886 --> 00:38:19,934 It's for someone else. 806 00:38:20,062 --> 00:38:21,022 Just put your hand up this morning. 807 00:38:21,046 --> 00:38:21,550 Let's be real. 808 00:38:21,590 --> 00:38:22,334 Let's be authentic. 809 00:38:22,382 --> 00:38:23,496 I see that hand. 810 00:38:23,678 --> 00:38:24,420 I see that hand. 811 00:38:24,460 --> 00:38:24,932 I see that hand. 812 00:38:24,956 --> 00:38:26,960 I have a hard time making this personal. 813 00:38:27,260 --> 00:38:29,360 I have a hard time making this personal. 814 00:38:29,740 --> 00:38:32,468 How about let's move on to the second thought we had? 815 00:38:32,604 --> 00:38:33,760 Making it real. 816 00:38:35,420 --> 00:38:39,492 You have feelings for those who are in need, but actually following 817 00:38:39,596 --> 00:38:41,556 through with it, that's hard. 818 00:38:41,708 --> 00:38:42,452 That's really hard. 819 00:38:42,476 --> 00:38:46,676 How many would say, pastor Brad, I struggle with making it real. 820 00:38:46,748 --> 00:38:48,036 Would you pray for me? 821 00:38:48,188 --> 00:38:50,252 I struggled with making it real. 822 00:38:50,276 --> 00:38:50,860 I see that hand. 823 00:38:50,900 --> 00:38:53,400 Thank you for struggle with me. 824 00:38:55,140 --> 00:38:56,560 Let's do this church. 825 00:38:57,460 --> 00:39:01,228 We have some men up here who are willing to pray with you, should 826 00:39:01,284 --> 00:39:02,748 walk with you through the Bible. 827 00:39:02,924 --> 00:39:03,532 Let's do this. 828 00:39:03,556 --> 00:39:04,812 Let's all stand together. 829 00:39:04,996 --> 00:39:05,900 We're going to take a. 830 00:39:05,940 --> 00:39:10,800 A few more moments, and we're just going to do business with God 831 00:39:11,140 --> 00:39:13,996 as he has done with us, right? 832 00:39:14,148 --> 00:39:14,508 He. 833 00:39:14,564 --> 00:39:14,876 He's. 834 00:39:14,908 --> 00:39:17,470 He's done a work in our hearts this morning, right? 835 00:39:17,660 --> 00:39:19,306 He's done a work in our hearts. 836 00:39:19,418 --> 00:39:23,754 So now let's follow through in obedience and respond to that work. 837 00:39:23,922 --> 00:39:24,682 You come. 838 00:39:24,786 --> 00:39:25,354 You come. 839 00:39:25,442 --> 00:39:27,802 If you want to pray up here up front, if you want to come down with 840 00:39:27,826 --> 00:39:30,266 someone and pray, maybe there's something specific that you're 841 00:39:30,298 --> 00:39:34,026 praying for the love of Christ, doing a work in your community 842 00:39:34,098 --> 00:39:35,850 or in your family, Come forward. 843 00:39:35,970 --> 00:39:37,754 Let's do business with God. 844 00:39:37,882 --> 00:39:41,962 Maybe you want some counsel through the word of God of how you 845 00:39:41,986 --> 00:39:44,826 can follow through with what God is doing. 846 00:39:44,978 --> 00:39:45,722 Let's respond. 847 00:39:45,786 --> 00:39:46,682 Don't wait anymore. 848 00:39:46,746 --> 00:39:47,274 You come. 849 00:39:47,362 --> 00:39:48,394 You come this morning. 850 00:39:48,482 --> 00:39:49,482 Piano's playing. 851 00:39:49,586 --> 00:39:50,390 You come. 852 00:39:50,770 --> 00:39:53,434 Thank you again for listening to the Middletown Baptist Church 853 00:39:53,482 --> 00:39:54,234 podcast. 854 00:39:54,362 --> 00:39:56,950 I hope that this sermon has been a blessing for you. 855 00:39:57,250 --> 00:39:59,626 If you would like to find out more information about our church 856 00:39:59,658 --> 00:40:03,242 or this sermon, you can find us at middletownbaptistchurch.org 857 00:40:03,386 --> 00:40:06,190 or find us on Facebook or YouTube. 858 00:40:06,610 --> 00:40:11,894 You can also email me directly at Josh Massaro@middletownbaptistchurch.com 859 00:40:12,062 --> 00:40:15,558 if you've enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and follow 860 00:40:15,614 --> 00:40:18,650 along for future podcast and updates. 861 00:40:18,990 --> 00:40:20,150 Thank you so much. 862 00:40:20,270 --> 00:40:21,094 God Bless. 863 00:40:21,222 --> 00:40:22,270 Have a wonderful day.