1 00:00:29,859 --> 00:00:32,899 And I do have my family here with me if you want to go ahead and 2 00:00:32,899 --> 00:00:33,979 stand just for a moment. 3 00:00:33,979 --> 00:00:37,379 I have my wife, Chrissy, and then we have been blessed with six 4 00:00:37,379 --> 00:00:37,859 kids. 5 00:00:38,099 --> 00:00:42,019 I have Emily and Ella, Aiden, Avery, Oliver and Olivia. 6 00:00:42,339 --> 00:00:47,179 And so two E's, two A's and two O's just all worked out in that 7 00:00:47,179 --> 00:00:47,459 way. 8 00:00:47,859 --> 00:00:50,579 But so thankful for God's blessing us with that. 9 00:00:50,979 --> 00:00:53,699 And I'm also thankful that they're willing to serve with us 10 00:00:53,699 --> 00:00:56,099 as we head over to the country of Italy. 11 00:00:56,639 --> 00:01:00,639 They want to serve the Lord with their lives as well, and we 12 00:01:00,639 --> 00:01:01,519 can serve together. 13 00:01:03,359 --> 00:01:04,639 My history a little bit. 14 00:01:04,879 --> 00:01:08,119 After graduating Bible college and getting married, my wife and 15 00:01:08,119 --> 00:01:11,799 I went to just north of Oklahoma City, a town called Edmond, 16 00:01:11,799 --> 00:01:16,919 Oklahoma, and went to a church there just to get mentored and to 17 00:01:16,919 --> 00:01:17,999 learn in the ministry. 18 00:01:18,159 --> 00:01:22,239 And after being there for five years, God moved the pastor there 19 00:01:22,239 --> 00:01:27,109 away and the church called me to be the next pastor, then pastor 20 00:01:27,109 --> 00:01:28,469 there for the next 10 years. 21 00:01:28,949 --> 00:01:30,789 And that's where we have been. 22 00:01:31,269 --> 00:01:36,549 And working just in the area and helping other churches, other 23 00:01:36,549 --> 00:01:39,669 pastors, trying to be an encouragement to them as well as 24 00:01:39,749 --> 00:01:43,109 having the opportunity to teach a few Bible classes at Heartland 25 00:01:43,109 --> 00:01:44,149 Baptist Bible College. 26 00:01:44,309 --> 00:01:45,709 And so really plugged in. 27 00:01:45,709 --> 00:01:49,029 I loved what I was doing, where we were at, what God was doing 28 00:01:49,189 --> 00:01:51,269 in the church and in our lives. 29 00:01:51,969 --> 00:01:54,969 And then we took a missions trip, and we took a missions trip 30 00:01:54,969 --> 00:01:59,169 over to Italy and visited our missionaries that we had there. 31 00:01:59,729 --> 00:02:05,769 And through that time, God planted a seed in our hearts for 32 00:02:05,769 --> 00:02:06,929 the country of Italy. 33 00:02:07,329 --> 00:02:10,049 Just seeing all of the darkness in the Catholic Church, 34 00:02:10,129 --> 00:02:14,769 seeing the idol worship that is there, seeing that there is no 35 00:02:14,769 --> 00:02:17,889 hope at all inside the Catholic Church. 36 00:02:18,129 --> 00:02:22,809 And just seeing the people just opened our hearts and burdened 37 00:02:22,809 --> 00:02:24,889 our hearts for the people there of Italy. 38 00:02:25,609 --> 00:02:30,049 And then God took me on a journey over this past year to be 39 00:02:30,049 --> 00:02:34,969 able just to say, not my will, Lord, but yours. 40 00:02:35,209 --> 00:02:38,649 And being able to surrender everything that God had me doing. 41 00:02:38,649 --> 00:02:40,009 I said, I'm doing good. 42 00:02:40,729 --> 00:02:41,849 I'm serving the Lord. 43 00:02:41,849 --> 00:02:42,809 I'm serving you. 44 00:02:42,809 --> 00:02:45,769 But he guided and directed each piece. 45 00:02:46,569 --> 00:02:50,929 He led me to surrender and then led us to the country of Italy. 46 00:02:50,929 --> 00:02:54,059 And I, I'm so thankful that I have confidence here today. 47 00:02:54,059 --> 00:02:57,699 Just as Paul had confidence, assuredly gathering that God had 48 00:02:57,699 --> 00:03:00,659 called for us to preach the gospel unto them. 49 00:03:00,899 --> 00:03:04,219 And that's what God has called us to do, to preach the gospel to 50 00:03:04,219 --> 00:03:05,219 the Italian people. 51 00:03:06,099 --> 00:03:09,459 God has led us to the northwestern area of the country 52 00:03:09,459 --> 00:03:12,659 of Italy, not northwestern, Northeastern. 53 00:03:12,979 --> 00:03:13,699 Excuse me. 54 00:03:13,939 --> 00:03:18,659 If you're familiar with Italy, it'd Be over by Venice, about north 55 00:03:18,659 --> 00:03:19,539 of Venice there. 56 00:03:19,779 --> 00:03:23,919 And in that whole region there is no, far as I can tell, there is 57 00:03:23,919 --> 00:03:27,519 no outreach to the Italian people with the gospel. 58 00:03:28,319 --> 00:03:32,479 There is a military work there, to the English speaking US 59 00:03:32,479 --> 00:03:36,519 military base in Aviano, and that's where friends of ours are 60 00:03:36,519 --> 00:03:37,359 serving there. 61 00:03:37,679 --> 00:03:40,119 But there is no outreach to the Italian people. 62 00:03:40,119 --> 00:03:43,679 And so God has called us to go into that area and reach the people 63 00:03:43,679 --> 00:03:44,559 of Italy. 64 00:03:44,879 --> 00:03:46,959 And so that's who we are. 65 00:03:47,119 --> 00:03:50,519 And now what we're endeavoring to do, we've been on deputation now 66 00:03:50,519 --> 00:03:51,199 for four months. 67 00:03:51,359 --> 00:03:54,319 And God is blessing and I'm excited to see what God is going 68 00:03:54,319 --> 00:03:54,879 to do. 69 00:03:55,579 --> 00:03:56,419 I'm going to go ahead and have. 70 00:03:56,419 --> 00:04:01,179 The video, show the video, and then after the video, I'll explain 71 00:04:01,179 --> 00:04:02,219 a little bit more about the country. 72 00:04:07,499 --> 00:04:16,699 Stunningly beautiful, vibrantly colorful, romantic, passionate 73 00:04:18,299 --> 00:04:19,019 Italy. 74 00:04:19,739 --> 00:04:23,739 You hear about it and read about it on social media, you see 75 00:04:23,739 --> 00:04:28,499 it in the backdrop of movies, and many of you have even experienced 76 00:04:28,499 --> 00:04:28,779 it. 77 00:04:29,579 --> 00:04:32,059 What comes to mind when you think of Italy? 78 00:04:32,379 --> 00:04:37,099 The biblical significance of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum, 79 00:04:37,739 --> 00:04:45,419 Dark ages, the Renaissance, fast cars, high fashion, exquisite 80 00:04:45,819 --> 00:04:46,219 food. 81 00:04:46,859 --> 00:04:48,379 All of these are true. 82 00:04:49,268 --> 00:04:53,908 However, behind the inspiring scenes and rich cultural heritage, 83 00:04:53,988 --> 00:04:56,308 there is a great spiritual darkness. 84 00:04:57,268 --> 00:05:03,228 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, in whom the God of this world hath blinded 85 00:05:03,228 --> 00:05:06,508 the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the 86 00:05:06,508 --> 00:05:10,628 glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine 87 00:05:10,628 --> 00:05:11,188 unto them. 88 00:05:12,468 --> 00:05:17,619 Italy is a country with deep cultural connection to Christianity. 89 00:05:18,179 --> 00:05:22,099 But sadly, much of the population is spiritually lost. 90 00:05:22,739 --> 00:05:27,139 Catholicism, while historically dominant, has not led 91 00:05:27,139 --> 00:05:29,699 to the genuine relationship with Christ. 92 00:05:30,339 --> 00:05:35,979 There are millions who need to hear the gospel and many who don't 93 00:05:35,979 --> 00:05:37,299 even know they need it. 94 00:05:38,419 --> 00:05:42,259 Italy is home to some of the world's most magnificent churches 95 00:05:42,259 --> 00:05:43,379 and cathedrals. 96 00:05:44,089 --> 00:05:46,649 Yet a deep spiritual void persists. 97 00:05:47,449 --> 00:05:53,449 Many Italians attend church only on holidays or are simply indifferent 98 00:05:53,769 --> 00:05:55,449 to the message of Christ. 99 00:05:56,409 --> 00:05:59,289 That is where our mission comes in. 100 00:05:59,608 --> 00:06:03,889 Romans 10:14 says, how then shall I call on him in whom they 101 00:06:03,889 --> 00:06:05,049 have not believed? 102 00:06:05,369 --> 00:06:09,449 And how shall they believe on him in whom they have not heard? 103 00:06:09,849 --> 00:06:12,969 And how shall they hear without a preacher? 104 00:06:20,789 --> 00:06:25,869 It was here in the city of Perugia that God first started working 105 00:06:25,869 --> 00:06:29,109 on our hearts about the great need in Italy. 106 00:06:29,429 --> 00:06:34,069 Acts chapter 16 at the end of verse number 10 says, Assuredly gathering 107 00:06:34,229 --> 00:06:38,389 that the Lord had called for us to preach the gospel unto them. 108 00:06:39,429 --> 00:06:45,479 God has called our family, the story family, to preach the gospel 109 00:06:45,799 --> 00:06:47,239 to the Italian people. 110 00:06:47,799 --> 00:06:51,399 It took time for God to work on my heart because I was very Content 111 00:06:51,959 --> 00:06:53,079 where I was serving. 112 00:06:53,559 --> 00:06:57,479 Nevertheless, as God continued to speak, I fully surrendered to 113 00:06:57,479 --> 00:07:01,399 the call God placed on our lives to reach the people of Italy. 114 00:07:01,799 --> 00:07:07,519 Our mission is to evangelize the lost through tracts and Bible 115 00:07:07,519 --> 00:07:08,689 distributions throughout. 116 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:13,799 To equip the saints through preaching, discipleship and mentorship. 117 00:07:14,279 --> 00:07:17,879 To establish local churches as God allows. 118 00:07:19,559 --> 00:07:25,799 Our vision is to see lives transformed and communities revitalized 119 00:07:25,959 --> 00:07:27,959 through the power of the gospel. 120 00:07:29,559 --> 00:07:34,559 As we step out in faith, we invite you to be part of what God 121 00:07:34,559 --> 00:07:35,959 is doing in Italy. 122 00:07:36,499 --> 00:07:40,619 Whether it's through prayer, financial support, or even joining 123 00:07:40,619 --> 00:07:44,659 us for a short missions trip, you can make a difference. 124 00:07:45,459 --> 00:07:49,379 Together, we can bring hope to those who are searching for meaning 125 00:07:49,379 --> 00:07:51,059 and purpose in their lives. 126 00:07:51,779 --> 00:07:54,899 Please pray about how God wants you to be involved. 127 00:07:55,539 --> 00:07:59,939 The fields truly are white for harvest and we are working to share 128 00:08:00,019 --> 00:08:03,979 the hope that only God through Jesus Christ can give us. 129 00:08:04,609 --> 00:08:08,689 Together, we can make a profound impact in Italy. 130 00:08:21,889 --> 00:08:22,529 Amen. 131 00:08:23,889 --> 00:08:32,059 Well, out of 106 provinces in the country of Italy, 10 have a gospel 132 00:08:32,059 --> 00:08:33,099 preaching church. 133 00:08:34,619 --> 00:08:37,019 10 out of 106. 134 00:08:37,659 --> 00:08:40,419 That's statistics from the missionaries that are already there, 135 00:08:40,419 --> 00:08:44,379 the tacons, the maedas and others that are already there doing 136 00:08:44,379 --> 00:08:46,619 the work and have been there for many years. 137 00:08:47,099 --> 00:08:49,739 And I'm very thankful of the ministry that they have. 138 00:08:49,899 --> 00:08:53,219 But right now there's been missionaries in the past and even 139 00:08:53,219 --> 00:08:55,019 the Apostle Paul went to Rome. 140 00:08:56,409 --> 00:09:00,809 But for this generation, there's not a lot giving the gospel 141 00:09:00,809 --> 00:09:02,169 in the country of Italy. 142 00:09:02,249 --> 00:09:04,609 And so that's where God has called us to. 143 00:09:04,609 --> 00:09:09,049 And I'd like for you to pray for us on the, on the back table, 144 00:09:09,049 --> 00:09:12,409 we have a prayer card, has a picture of my family on it and then 145 00:09:12,649 --> 00:09:14,569 some information on the back there. 146 00:09:15,209 --> 00:09:18,329 But if you would take this prayer card and pray for us in three 147 00:09:18,329 --> 00:09:19,209 different ways. 148 00:09:19,289 --> 00:09:20,049 One, pray. 149 00:09:20,049 --> 00:09:22,819 Please pray for us as we travel across this country. 150 00:09:22,819 --> 00:09:25,219 We're going to be traveling from one coast to the other coast 151 00:09:25,219 --> 00:09:26,459 this, this next year. 152 00:09:27,499 --> 00:09:31,819 And listen, the, the amount of people that we see on the side of 153 00:09:31,819 --> 00:09:33,499 the road is just astronomical. 154 00:09:33,819 --> 00:09:34,499 Everywhere. 155 00:09:34,499 --> 00:09:37,019 Every time we get on the road, it's like we always see someone over 156 00:09:37,019 --> 00:09:38,139 there having problems. 157 00:09:38,139 --> 00:09:41,219 Today on the way from just Bridgeport to here, I saw somebody 158 00:09:41,219 --> 00:09:44,859 over there hooking up a tow line from one truck to another truck 159 00:09:44,859 --> 00:09:46,539 and they were about ready to pull one away. 160 00:09:47,109 --> 00:09:50,229 Listen, safety on the road is not guaranteed. 161 00:09:51,589 --> 00:09:54,309 We need to pray and ask God for his protection. 162 00:09:54,549 --> 00:09:57,749 And we'd ask you to pray for us in that way, pray for our vehicle 163 00:09:57,749 --> 00:10:01,229 and also pray that God would protect us from other vehicles and 164 00:10:01,229 --> 00:10:03,909 from the weather that we travel through. 165 00:10:04,069 --> 00:10:05,989 And so please pray for us as we travel. 166 00:10:05,989 --> 00:10:09,349 And then we also ask you pray for us as we are seeking support, 167 00:10:09,509 --> 00:10:12,309 monthly support so we can get to the country of Italy. 168 00:10:12,829 --> 00:10:17,589 I cannot work in the country of Italy and so I can't take money 169 00:10:17,589 --> 00:10:17,949 there. 170 00:10:18,829 --> 00:10:22,749 I have to get all my support from the States or I cannot be there. 171 00:10:23,389 --> 00:10:27,909 And so we just asking that God would supply the support, the monthly 172 00:10:27,909 --> 00:10:31,229 support that we need to be able to not only live there but to 173 00:10:31,229 --> 00:10:33,469 also be able to start churches there. 174 00:10:33,709 --> 00:10:36,269 And so to have ministry support as well as personal support. 175 00:10:36,589 --> 00:10:39,509 And so just ask you to pray that God would supply that quickly 176 00:10:39,509 --> 00:10:41,629 so we can get to the field as soon as possible. 177 00:10:42,459 --> 00:10:45,939 And then lastly I'd ask you to pray for the hearts of the Italian 178 00:10:45,939 --> 00:10:46,299 people. 179 00:10:46,939 --> 00:10:49,659 Jesus puts it that the heart is like soil. 180 00:10:49,899 --> 00:10:55,339 And the soil can be good soil or bad soil, hard soil, different 181 00:10:55,339 --> 00:10:56,699 kinds of soil that is there. 182 00:10:57,259 --> 00:11:00,939 But we're praying that God would soften the soil of the hearts 183 00:11:00,939 --> 00:11:03,019 of the Italian people before we ever go. 184 00:11:03,419 --> 00:11:05,579 All we can do is bring the seed. 185 00:11:05,979 --> 00:11:08,179 That's our job and that's what we. 186 00:11:08,179 --> 00:11:09,299 Are going to do. 187 00:11:09,299 --> 00:11:13,469 And so we're praying and asking God to, to soften the soil 188 00:11:13,469 --> 00:11:17,269 of their hearts so that when we bring the seed, it's ready for 189 00:11:17,269 --> 00:11:20,509 the seed and that we can spread the news of the gospel and 190 00:11:20,509 --> 00:11:21,869 many can come to know Christ. 191 00:11:22,109 --> 00:11:25,829 Churches can be started and God's work can go forward in the 192 00:11:25,829 --> 00:11:27,109 country of Italy. 193 00:11:27,109 --> 00:11:31,309 So as you pray for us in those three ways, safety on the road, support 194 00:11:31,389 --> 00:11:35,069 quickly and being able to pray for the hearts of the Italian people. 195 00:11:35,309 --> 00:11:37,869 And I greatly appreciate those prayers. 196 00:11:38,629 --> 00:11:39,549 Well tonight why don't you go and. 197 00:11:39,549 --> 00:11:42,869 Take your bibles tonight, turn to the book of Romans. 198 00:11:44,149 --> 00:11:45,189 Book of Romans. 199 00:11:45,509 --> 00:11:48,389 And I'm not going to get theologically deep tonight. 200 00:11:48,389 --> 00:11:50,069 Tonight I want to do one thing. 201 00:11:50,069 --> 00:11:53,029 I want to encourage you this Christmas. 202 00:11:53,029 --> 00:11:57,069 Time, this, this time of the year right here, as we get to the. 203 00:11:57,069 --> 00:12:02,709 End of 2025, about to start 2026, we're thinking about Christmas 204 00:12:02,709 --> 00:12:03,189 presents. 205 00:12:03,189 --> 00:12:06,909 You have many of you probably already have wrapped Christmas presents 206 00:12:06,909 --> 00:12:09,429 under your tree and if you don't yet, you're one of those that 207 00:12:09,429 --> 00:12:11,489 waits minute you're going. 208 00:12:11,489 --> 00:12:13,489 To be wrapping Christmas presents this week. 209 00:12:13,889 --> 00:12:19,369 And wrapping them up and doing all the corners and tape and bows 210 00:12:19,369 --> 00:12:22,689 and gift bags and you're putting them under the tree or, or 211 00:12:22,689 --> 00:12:23,889 giving them out to people. 212 00:12:24,129 --> 00:12:26,209 You have gifts that you give to people. 213 00:12:26,849 --> 00:12:31,209 And we know we reminded this time of year of Jesus Christ coming. 214 00:12:31,209 --> 00:12:36,959 We reminding of the gift of God, his son, Jesus Christ, coming 215 00:12:36,959 --> 00:12:38,639 and being born in a manger. 216 00:12:38,879 --> 00:12:41,079 No doubt you've heard of it already this year. 217 00:12:41,079 --> 00:12:42,319 You've thought about that. 218 00:12:42,559 --> 00:12:45,519 You're going to read the Christmas story maybe on Christmas 219 00:12:45,519 --> 00:12:49,559 Eve or Christmas morning, whatever your tradition is, and you're 220 00:12:49,559 --> 00:12:53,999 reminded about the greatest gift God has given and that is his 221 00:12:53,999 --> 00:12:57,679 son, Jesus Christ, not just be born in a manger. 222 00:12:58,079 --> 00:13:00,079 But be born so that he can. 223 00:13:00,079 --> 00:13:02,079 Pay the penalty for our sin. 224 00:13:02,359 --> 00:13:08,469 But because we are sinners and we need a savior and so we think 225 00:13:08,469 --> 00:13:12,029 about that this time of year and the gift that God has given. 226 00:13:12,989 --> 00:13:15,789 Tonight, I want to shift your thinking. 227 00:13:15,789 --> 00:13:19,949 Just for a moment and I want you to think about this. 228 00:13:20,829 --> 00:13:28,759 What is the best gift I can give that will glorify God? 229 00:13:30,359 --> 00:13:31,239 What is that? 230 00:13:32,919 --> 00:13:34,839 Let's look at romans chapter number 12. 231 00:13:36,599 --> 00:13:38,799 Like I said, you're probably already beating. 232 00:13:38,799 --> 00:13:40,919 Me there and beating me to the punchline. 233 00:13:41,159 --> 00:13:42,399 But we're going to, we're going to. 234 00:13:42,399 --> 00:13:44,919 Just try to be an encouragement to you this evening. 235 00:13:44,999 --> 00:13:48,359 Ephesians, chapter 12, verse number one says this, I beseech you 236 00:13:48,359 --> 00:13:52,359 therefore, brethren, brethren. 237 00:13:53,479 --> 00:13:55,599 By the mercies of God, that ye. 238 00:13:55,599 --> 00:14:03,279 Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 239 00:14:03,279 --> 00:14:13,039 God, which is your reasonable service, your life is the greatest 240 00:14:13,039 --> 00:14:18,279 gift you can give that will glorify God. 241 00:14:19,239 --> 00:14:22,999 Let's pray and let's open up this word of God this evening. 242 00:14:22,999 --> 00:14:24,559 Father, thank you for the opportunity we. 243 00:14:24,559 --> 00:14:25,799 Have to open your word. 244 00:14:26,249 --> 00:14:27,889 Thank you that you have given us. 245 00:14:27,889 --> 00:14:34,249 Your word to speak to us, to edify us, to challenge us, and at 246 00:14:34,249 --> 00:14:35,529 times convict us. 247 00:14:37,129 --> 00:14:44,089 Father, I pray as we look at your word tonight that it would not 248 00:14:44,089 --> 00:14:47,209 just be another check mark of I came to church. 249 00:14:47,929 --> 00:14:50,249 But Father, it's a time where we. 250 00:14:50,249 --> 00:14:53,499 Are attentive to you speaking to our. 251 00:14:53,499 --> 00:14:59,459 Hearts that our lives will be different, transformed and honoring 252 00:14:59,459 --> 00:15:02,339 and glorifying you as we leave here tonight. 253 00:15:03,059 --> 00:15:08,019 So Father, as you speak, help us to listen and be yielded to you. 254 00:15:08,259 --> 00:15:09,459 In Jesus name. 255 00:15:09,859 --> 00:15:10,579 Amen. 256 00:15:13,619 --> 00:15:19,219 When we think of a gift, when we think of giving something to someone, 257 00:15:19,299 --> 00:15:22,509 we think of going to the store and buying something. 258 00:15:22,589 --> 00:15:24,589 We think of something maybe that is. 259 00:15:24,589 --> 00:15:27,989 Super personal that we go, you know, it's something I have cherished 260 00:15:27,989 --> 00:15:28,309 and I'm. 261 00:15:28,309 --> 00:15:29,989 Going to pass it on to my. 262 00:15:29,989 --> 00:15:31,429 Children or I'm going to pass it. 263 00:15:31,429 --> 00:15:37,069 On to a friend or a family member that really would be special 264 00:15:37,149 --> 00:15:38,429 to them as well. 265 00:15:38,429 --> 00:15:41,229 We think of gifts giving to God. 266 00:15:41,229 --> 00:15:44,749 We think of giving financially, we think of maybe giving 267 00:15:44,749 --> 00:15:50,029 extra in tithe or to missions, or you think of maybe giving in other 268 00:15:50,029 --> 00:15:52,989 Ways when we think of giving to God, we think of maybe serving 269 00:15:52,989 --> 00:15:57,149 him and maybe taking a tract and giving it to a coworker. 270 00:15:57,149 --> 00:15:59,429 Or you think of giving different things. 271 00:15:59,429 --> 00:16:02,389 And doing different things for God in those ways. 272 00:16:03,429 --> 00:16:07,429 But when we truly stop and think about it, the gift God desires 273 00:16:07,429 --> 00:16:11,909 from us is for our lives to be a living sacrifice. 274 00:16:12,549 --> 00:16:17,029 Now I don't know about you, but, but when I consider sacrifice, 275 00:16:17,029 --> 00:16:17,469 it's not. 276 00:16:17,469 --> 00:16:19,869 Something that really excites me. 277 00:16:20,589 --> 00:16:24,509 Sacrifice means something has to die, something. 278 00:16:24,509 --> 00:16:28,669 Is going away, something is being relinquished. 279 00:16:29,069 --> 00:16:33,509 And so when the people here would be thinking of a sacrifice, 280 00:16:33,509 --> 00:16:37,149 no doubt their mind would be going back to the Old Testament and 281 00:16:37,629 --> 00:16:41,669 the things that were given in Leviticus about the different offerings 282 00:16:41,669 --> 00:16:43,709 and sacrifices that they would make. 283 00:16:44,559 --> 00:16:50,279 Now, to the best of my knowledge and study here, what I 284 00:16:50,279 --> 00:16:55,559 would say, what God is tying to from the New Testament to the 285 00:16:55,559 --> 00:16:58,879 Old Testament here would be the burnt offering. 286 00:16:59,119 --> 00:17:01,559 The burnt offering in Leviticus. 287 00:17:01,559 --> 00:17:04,959 If you go back to Leviticus chapter number six, I know the real 288 00:17:04,959 --> 00:17:07,599 exciting book of Leviticus, but there's good information. 289 00:17:07,839 --> 00:17:10,559 There and there's information we can grow from. 290 00:17:10,559 --> 00:17:14,369 And so we go back to Leviticus chapter number six, we find this 291 00:17:14,369 --> 00:17:15,889 about the burnt offering. 292 00:17:16,049 --> 00:17:21,289 We find out that the burnt offering was a spotless animal that 293 00:17:21,289 --> 00:17:22,329 was given there. 294 00:17:22,329 --> 00:17:23,609 It could be a couple different animals. 295 00:17:23,609 --> 00:17:25,409 They could be given for the burnt offering. 296 00:17:25,569 --> 00:17:31,489 It was given and as it was given it was to be completely consumed. 297 00:17:32,289 --> 00:17:37,169 So there wasn't, it wasn't to be eaten for the priest to eat off 298 00:17:37,169 --> 00:17:40,369 of and survive off of some of the other sacrifices and offerings. 299 00:17:40,839 --> 00:17:46,039 God allowed that and allowed the priests there to be able to live 300 00:17:46,039 --> 00:17:46,279 off. 301 00:17:46,279 --> 00:17:48,519 Of those sacrifices and the offerings of those. 302 00:17:50,119 --> 00:17:52,679 But this one here, the burnt offering. 303 00:17:53,639 --> 00:17:55,639 Was to be burnt completely. 304 00:17:57,159 --> 00:17:58,039 Nothing left. 305 00:18:00,439 --> 00:18:04,759 The skins was the only thing that was kept for clothing that the 306 00:18:04,759 --> 00:18:05,359 priest could have. 307 00:18:05,359 --> 00:18:10,059 But everything was, it was completely burnt up and given holy 308 00:18:10,059 --> 00:18:10,419 to God. 309 00:18:10,419 --> 00:18:14,099 And it was supposed to go up to God as a sweet smelling savor. 310 00:18:14,099 --> 00:18:15,779 Okay, that was his purpose. 311 00:18:16,179 --> 00:18:19,939 So this, this was a, an offering that was given and although 312 00:18:20,339 --> 00:18:24,619 it was told to them, they were to put their hands on the, the animal 313 00:18:24,619 --> 00:18:24,819 and. 314 00:18:24,819 --> 00:18:26,779 It was going to be for their sin. 315 00:18:26,779 --> 00:18:30,179 It was for a general sin, it wasn't for specific sin. 316 00:18:30,499 --> 00:18:33,659 It wasn't that they've done wrong and they come and they would 317 00:18:33,659 --> 00:18:37,199 give a sin sacrifice in that way, it wasn't for atonement in that 318 00:18:37,199 --> 00:18:37,359 way. 319 00:18:37,359 --> 00:18:39,479 It was be more of a general atonement. 320 00:18:39,559 --> 00:18:42,679 And it would be just saying, I want to draw close to God. 321 00:18:43,159 --> 00:18:47,319 Because this offering Wasn't an offering given by the law to say, 322 00:18:47,399 --> 00:18:49,879 if you sin, you have to sacrifice this. 323 00:18:50,358 --> 00:18:52,839 This was a voluntary offering. 324 00:18:52,999 --> 00:18:56,199 The burnt offering was a voluntary offering that they would 325 00:18:56,199 --> 00:18:59,919 bring, and you could bring it at any time during the year and it 326 00:18:59,919 --> 00:19:01,159 was there to give. 327 00:19:01,819 --> 00:19:05,579 And saying, I want to give it all and I want to show my love for 328 00:19:05,579 --> 00:19:05,939 God. 329 00:19:05,939 --> 00:19:06,779 I want to show. 330 00:19:07,339 --> 00:19:09,699 I want to show my closeness to God. 331 00:19:09,699 --> 00:19:13,259 I want to be close to God, and I want nothing between me and my 332 00:19:13,259 --> 00:19:13,579 God. 333 00:19:13,579 --> 00:19:17,139 And I want to show that my expense that I've given and I'm willing 334 00:19:17,139 --> 00:19:21,819 to give of what I have and give it wholly to God without reservation, 335 00:19:22,219 --> 00:19:24,619 without any other thought of return. 336 00:19:25,099 --> 00:19:27,419 No, I am going to give this to God. 337 00:19:28,149 --> 00:19:32,389 This is what I believe here In Romans, chapter 12, when he talks 338 00:19:32,389 --> 00:19:35,909 about a living sacrifice, I believe that it's correlating that 339 00:19:35,909 --> 00:19:37,349 from the burnt offering. 340 00:19:38,069 --> 00:19:39,189 Well, why do you believe that? 341 00:19:39,189 --> 00:19:40,109 Well, let's look at it. 342 00:19:40,109 --> 00:19:41,589 There's a couple of pieces in here. 343 00:19:41,829 --> 00:19:46,629 He says this, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies 344 00:19:46,629 --> 00:19:48,149 of God that ye present. 345 00:19:48,869 --> 00:19:52,709 So he's showing there the voluntary nature of this. 346 00:19:52,949 --> 00:19:55,589 He's saying, I want this to be voluntary for you. 347 00:19:56,099 --> 00:19:57,539 This isn't for your sin. 348 00:19:57,779 --> 00:20:00,019 Jesus Christ is our offering. 349 00:20:00,099 --> 00:20:02,019 He is our sin penalty. 350 00:20:02,819 --> 00:20:06,259 He's the one that sacrificed and it's his blood upon the altar 351 00:20:06,419 --> 00:20:08,659 that our sins are washed away. 352 00:20:08,899 --> 00:20:09,539 Amen. 353 00:20:09,539 --> 00:20:10,419 Praise God. 354 00:20:10,819 --> 00:20:14,099 Right, but what next? 355 00:20:14,819 --> 00:20:16,259 What about the rest of our lives? 356 00:20:16,739 --> 00:20:18,179 And so here, Paul. 357 00:20:18,579 --> 00:20:19,299 I'm sorry. 358 00:20:19,379 --> 00:20:22,739 Yeah, here, Paul, he's writing to the Romans here and he's saying, 359 00:20:23,179 --> 00:20:24,299 here's what I want you to do. 360 00:20:24,299 --> 00:20:27,259 I want you to give your lives as a living sacrifice. 361 00:20:27,419 --> 00:20:30,219 I want you to give, not because you have to. 362 00:20:30,619 --> 00:20:32,699 This is going to take away your sin. 363 00:20:33,019 --> 00:20:33,699 No, no, no. 364 00:20:33,699 --> 00:20:37,979 I want you to give your life for God because he took away your 365 00:20:37,979 --> 00:20:38,379 sin. 366 00:20:38,539 --> 00:20:44,099 Because all that God has done for you, I want you to, because of 367 00:20:44,099 --> 00:20:46,939 your love for God and what he's done, I want you to give your 368 00:20:46,939 --> 00:20:49,859 life back to him and I want you to serve Him. 369 00:20:49,859 --> 00:20:52,179 He talks about a reasonable service. 370 00:20:52,659 --> 00:20:56,819 So when we're talking about a living sacrifice, we're literally 371 00:20:56,819 --> 00:20:58,579 talking about serving God. 372 00:20:59,859 --> 00:21:01,939 There's three things I want to point out tonight. 373 00:21:02,339 --> 00:21:06,019 Try to encourage you with thinking this time of year. 374 00:21:06,819 --> 00:21:12,499 Christmas gifts, giving your life to God. 375 00:21:12,979 --> 00:21:14,259 What would that look like? 376 00:21:15,909 --> 00:21:18,629 What are some of the things I can encourage you in as we go into 377 00:21:18,629 --> 00:21:23,029 2026 that God wants to see in your life? 378 00:21:23,909 --> 00:21:25,509 Three things real quickly. 379 00:21:25,509 --> 00:21:35,269 One is Paul is encouraging us to give completely Give completely, 380 00:21:36,629 --> 00:21:37,749 no holding back. 381 00:21:38,629 --> 00:21:41,989 The burnt offering was there to be completely consumed. 382 00:21:42,539 --> 00:21:43,259 That it wasn't. 383 00:21:43,499 --> 00:21:46,779 Part was going to be consumed and then part of it used for something. 384 00:21:46,779 --> 00:21:50,059 No, it was going to be completely given to be burnt up and 385 00:21:50,059 --> 00:21:54,779 wholly consumed in worship and honor to God for the glory of God. 386 00:21:54,939 --> 00:21:55,619 He's saying this. 387 00:21:55,619 --> 00:21:58,779 I want to give it completely for this purpose. 388 00:21:58,779 --> 00:22:02,379 Listen, God wants you to give your life to be completely given 389 00:22:02,379 --> 00:22:05,499 to him for his honor and for his glory. 390 00:22:05,659 --> 00:22:09,019 A sweet smelling savior for God to. 391 00:22:09,019 --> 00:22:12,419 Be given completely, nothing held back. 392 00:22:14,339 --> 00:22:16,099 That means every area of our life. 393 00:22:17,859 --> 00:22:20,059 Can I bring it down to today's. 394 00:22:20,059 --> 00:22:20,659 Terminology. 395 00:22:23,219 --> 00:22:26,659 That means not just, well, I. 396 00:22:26,659 --> 00:22:30,459 Go to church on Sunday, well, I. 397 00:22:30,459 --> 00:22:32,419 Serve in this area on Sunday. 398 00:22:32,579 --> 00:22:34,099 I teach this Sunday school class. 399 00:22:34,099 --> 00:22:36,659 I, I serve the Lord in this area. 400 00:22:38,979 --> 00:22:41,779 But when it's time to sit back in my easy chair, this is my time. 401 00:22:44,259 --> 00:22:47,619 Well, you know, I'll serve God as long as. 402 00:22:47,779 --> 00:22:51,619 And we can put conditions in there and say, well, as long as. 403 00:22:55,539 --> 00:22:57,859 As long as I have time, as long. 404 00:22:57,859 --> 00:22:59,579 As it doesn't interfere with the other. 405 00:22:59,579 --> 00:23:00,739 Things I like doing. 406 00:23:01,969 --> 00:23:07,129 If it doesn't, if it doesn't cost me too much and it doesn't cost 407 00:23:07,129 --> 00:23:09,409 me my hobbies I like to do. 408 00:23:09,489 --> 00:23:14,049 If it doesn't take away from me wanting to buy these things for 409 00:23:14,049 --> 00:23:16,289 myself, I'll give to God. 410 00:23:16,289 --> 00:23:18,089 And this is in every area of our life. 411 00:23:18,089 --> 00:23:21,769 I'm talking the area of our time, the area of our treasures, 412 00:23:21,769 --> 00:23:25,809 our finances, the area of our priorities and what we say. 413 00:23:25,889 --> 00:23:29,169 This is priority in my life and this is the next priority in 414 00:23:29,169 --> 00:23:29,609 my life. 415 00:23:29,769 --> 00:23:32,249 And listen, does God have all of you? 416 00:23:34,729 --> 00:23:44,329 Have you given him all a living sacrifice to him, or is an 417 00:23:44,329 --> 00:23:44,649 area. 418 00:23:44,649 --> 00:23:46,329 In your life that you say, well. 419 00:23:46,329 --> 00:23:56,629 I give to God and I give him this and I give him this and but 420 00:23:56,629 --> 00:23:57,709 this area is mine. 421 00:23:58,429 --> 00:24:02,709 This pleasure, I like this, this thing is mine. 422 00:24:02,709 --> 00:24:05,349 No, no, God doesn't want you to not have any fun in life. 423 00:24:05,349 --> 00:24:06,509 And I'm not saying if you have. 424 00:24:06,509 --> 00:24:09,469 A hobby that you're sinful and you're in the wrong place. 425 00:24:09,469 --> 00:24:10,829 No, that's not what I'm saying. 426 00:24:10,829 --> 00:24:11,949 I'm saying this. 427 00:24:12,269 --> 00:24:14,109 Does God have all of you? 428 00:24:15,389 --> 00:24:20,269 Is there an area that maybe God has encouraged you to do less 429 00:24:20,269 --> 00:24:20,669 of. 430 00:24:23,129 --> 00:24:24,889 Yet you don't want to give any of it up. 431 00:24:26,009 --> 00:24:28,849 Is there an area of your life that you'd say, if I look back on 432 00:24:28,849 --> 00:24:33,649 20, 25 and I look back at all that my time was spent on, is there 433 00:24:33,649 --> 00:24:37,089 an area that God would say, you see how much time was spent in 434 00:24:37,089 --> 00:24:41,729 this area, you see how much time you spent doing this activity, 435 00:24:41,729 --> 00:24:44,569 whether it's in entertainment, whether it's in hobbies, whether 436 00:24:44,569 --> 00:24:47,129 it's in other things that you like to enjoy. 437 00:24:47,569 --> 00:24:51,089 And you have this much time, only this much time doing, serving 438 00:24:51,089 --> 00:24:53,489 God or witnessing to others. 439 00:24:54,529 --> 00:24:56,449 And we could go on and on about the different things. 440 00:24:56,449 --> 00:25:01,409 Can we say that those are appropriate, appropriately balanced? 441 00:25:01,969 --> 00:25:03,809 Is God leading you to change your. 442 00:25:03,809 --> 00:25:07,249 Life in an area that he's saying, I want you to glorify me 443 00:25:07,249 --> 00:25:08,049 in this area? 444 00:25:10,369 --> 00:25:16,339 Sometimes that's hard to do because we like comfort and we like 445 00:25:16,339 --> 00:25:18,459 to be in comfort and comforted. 446 00:25:19,179 --> 00:25:23,019 We like all of the modern amenities that this world offers. 447 00:25:23,899 --> 00:25:28,939 Are you willing to give everything to God? 448 00:25:30,299 --> 00:25:34,139 The thing that holds us back is the thought of this. 449 00:25:37,579 --> 00:25:39,819 But that's going to mean I'm going to miss out on too much. 450 00:25:41,529 --> 00:25:45,449 You know, one thing I found here in America that us as Americans 451 00:25:45,449 --> 00:25:49,209 just to have a hard time with, it's the fear of missing out. 452 00:25:50,489 --> 00:25:52,249 It just grabs us. 453 00:25:52,889 --> 00:25:57,049 We feel like we're going to miss out on anything from all the 454 00:25:57,049 --> 00:25:57,209 things. 455 00:25:57,209 --> 00:25:59,249 We see on social media to the. 456 00:25:59,249 --> 00:26:01,009 Things we see on TV to the. 457 00:26:01,009 --> 00:26:04,889 Things to the advertisements that we see on a constant basis, 458 00:26:05,129 --> 00:26:08,449 to just some somebody being in the other room, not knowing what's 459 00:26:08,449 --> 00:26:09,569 going on in the other room. 460 00:26:09,649 --> 00:26:11,969 Sometimes there's a fear of missing out. 461 00:26:16,049 --> 00:26:20,729 But we can bring that into our spiritual life and say, God, but 462 00:26:20,729 --> 00:26:24,129 if I let this go, I might miss out on this. 463 00:26:25,969 --> 00:26:31,929 And we justify it in our lives by saying, it's not sinful, so it's 464 00:26:31,929 --> 00:26:32,449 okay. 465 00:26:34,269 --> 00:26:35,789 But that's not God's standard. 466 00:26:36,669 --> 00:26:37,989 God's standard is this. 467 00:26:37,989 --> 00:26:39,229 Who has your life? 468 00:26:40,269 --> 00:26:43,149 Is it yours or God's? 469 00:26:44,349 --> 00:26:48,349 Whose is it to use, yours or God's? 470 00:26:50,509 --> 00:26:52,269 We cannot do everything. 471 00:26:53,229 --> 00:26:54,749 We cannot have everything. 472 00:26:56,429 --> 00:26:58,189 We pick and choose every day. 473 00:27:00,339 --> 00:27:03,259 So what is it that goes through your mind when you have to 474 00:27:03,259 --> 00:27:04,019 pick and choose? 475 00:27:04,659 --> 00:27:07,299 Is it based upon what you like the most? 476 00:27:08,419 --> 00:27:13,219 Or do you stop and say, God, what would you have for my life in 477 00:27:13,219 --> 00:27:13,779 this decision? 478 00:27:15,059 --> 00:27:17,859 God, I am a living sacrifice for you. 479 00:27:19,539 --> 00:27:21,459 What would you like for my day today? 480 00:27:22,179 --> 00:27:23,779 You know, that can change our lives. 481 00:27:26,269 --> 00:27:30,029 I wonder how many of your co workers know you're a Christian, 482 00:27:31,469 --> 00:27:35,989 but from there, how many of your co workers have been witnessed 483 00:27:35,989 --> 00:27:37,389 to by you? 484 00:27:38,909 --> 00:27:40,429 Oh, I think they're a Christian. 485 00:27:40,429 --> 00:27:41,469 It's not what I asked. 486 00:27:42,669 --> 00:27:46,429 How many of your co workers have been witnessed to by you? 487 00:27:48,509 --> 00:27:51,229 It's not my responsibility to witness to your co workers. 488 00:27:51,989 --> 00:27:54,389 It's not your pastor's responsibility to witness to your 489 00:27:54,389 --> 00:27:54,789 co workers. 490 00:27:55,269 --> 00:27:58,069 God has given that responsibility to you. 491 00:27:58,629 --> 00:28:06,509 And we could say, friends, family, neighbors, what would our 492 00:28:06,509 --> 00:28:06,789 lives. 493 00:28:06,789 --> 00:28:13,029 What would your life look like if it was a living sacrifice to God? 494 00:28:13,989 --> 00:28:15,509 How would your finances look? 495 00:28:15,669 --> 00:28:16,949 How would your time look? 496 00:28:17,279 --> 00:28:18,799 How would your priorities look? 497 00:28:19,359 --> 00:28:20,559 That's what I'm getting at. 498 00:28:20,959 --> 00:28:23,599 Who does your life belong to? 499 00:28:25,359 --> 00:28:27,999 The second thing I want to encourage you in is this. 500 00:28:29,519 --> 00:28:33,318 It says, and we look down back at verse number one here, Present 501 00:28:33,318 --> 00:28:39,679 your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 502 00:28:39,679 --> 00:28:40,079 God. 503 00:28:40,639 --> 00:28:42,159 I just want to encourage you in this. 504 00:28:42,159 --> 00:28:44,879 As we look back at the burnt offering and it's supposed to be 505 00:28:44,879 --> 00:28:44,999 a. 506 00:28:44,999 --> 00:28:46,959 Spotless animal that they're giving. 507 00:28:48,189 --> 00:28:50,909 Here's what I just want to encourage you very quickly this evening 508 00:28:51,069 --> 00:28:56,669 is this give in a way that will glorify God. 509 00:28:57,869 --> 00:29:02,589 It's a living sacrifice, which means it's continually ongoing. 510 00:29:02,909 --> 00:29:05,349 And with it being a continually ongoing. 511 00:29:05,349 --> 00:29:06,949 Thing, which we'll get to in just. 512 00:29:06,949 --> 00:29:10,429 A second, our life is not going to be perfect. 513 00:29:10,429 --> 00:29:11,789 That's not what I'm talking about. 514 00:29:13,559 --> 00:29:16,439 But the service talks about a reasonable service. 515 00:29:16,759 --> 00:29:20,599 Service to God needs to be accept means to glorify God. 516 00:29:24,039 --> 00:29:26,199 The vehicle matters. 517 00:29:31,479 --> 00:29:34,999 If you have a testimony that you've spent so many years in the 518 00:29:34,999 --> 00:29:41,309 world and God had mercy on you and saved you out of drugs and addiction, 519 00:29:41,789 --> 00:29:45,589 out of a horrible situation that you wish never was a part of 520 00:29:45,589 --> 00:29:47,229 your life, what a testimony. 521 00:29:47,229 --> 00:29:49,229 And praise God for your testimony. 522 00:29:54,029 --> 00:29:57,309 But after salvation, it matters how our life is lived. 523 00:30:01,949 --> 00:30:04,829 The word of God talks about old things are passed away. 524 00:30:04,829 --> 00:30:06,269 Behold, all things become new. 525 00:30:08,499 --> 00:30:13,219 Yet far too many believers live a life like their life on this 526 00:30:13,219 --> 00:30:17,779 earth doesn't matter to God and doesn't matter for God. 527 00:30:18,419 --> 00:30:22,339 That how I live, that what I put before my eyes, that what I. 528 00:30:22,339 --> 00:30:27,219 Listen to, what I watch on tv, what I put into my body and consume, 529 00:30:27,299 --> 00:30:29,499 that it doesn't matter that I can find loopholes. 530 00:30:29,499 --> 00:30:30,739 God doesn't say anything about this. 531 00:30:30,739 --> 00:30:31,939 God doesn't say anything about that. 532 00:30:32,349 --> 00:30:33,869 God doesn't say anything about smoking. 533 00:30:33,869 --> 00:30:35,869 And God doesn't say anything about this and that. 534 00:30:36,109 --> 00:30:40,229 Listen, it matters what our life looks like because it's supposed 535 00:30:40,229 --> 00:30:42,749 to be holy and to glorify God. 536 00:30:44,509 --> 00:30:48,789 So if our life is to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable 537 00:30:48,789 --> 00:30:52,829 unto God, that means the life that we're living shouldn't be lived 538 00:30:52,989 --> 00:30:56,349 like it looks like it's in the world and spotted by the world. 539 00:30:56,509 --> 00:31:00,279 We should look like someone who is a child of God, who has been 540 00:31:00,279 --> 00:31:03,399 redeemed from the world and from the spots of this world through 541 00:31:03,399 --> 00:31:07,359 Jesus Christ and Saying, no, I'm going to live differently because 542 00:31:07,359 --> 00:31:09,239 God has called me to live differently. 543 00:31:09,239 --> 00:31:13,199 That I'm going to live in a way that glorifies God because of 544 00:31:13,199 --> 00:31:16,279 all that he's done for me, that I don't want to live and look 545 00:31:16,279 --> 00:31:16,999 like the world? 546 00:31:17,239 --> 00:31:21,559 No, I want to look like God and I want to be holy as God is holy. 547 00:31:21,639 --> 00:31:24,199 And I want to look like his son, Jesus Christ. 548 00:31:24,599 --> 00:31:27,159 And he let God work on me and work on me. 549 00:31:27,239 --> 00:31:29,559 Listen, I know we're not going to be perfect. 550 00:31:30,679 --> 00:31:33,199 Things are going to come out of our mouth that maybe should never 551 00:31:33,199 --> 00:31:33,439 come. 552 00:31:33,439 --> 00:31:34,599 Out of a Christian's mouth. 553 00:31:34,839 --> 00:31:37,599 There are many things that you're going to do and things that 554 00:31:37,599 --> 00:31:38,119 are going to happen. 555 00:31:38,119 --> 00:31:41,719 But listen, that's why we have Jesus Christ. 556 00:31:43,239 --> 00:31:47,079 That's why we have the one that we can go to and seek forgiveness. 557 00:31:49,079 --> 00:31:54,209 But is that the summary of your life or the exception of your 558 00:31:54,209 --> 00:31:54,489 life? 559 00:31:56,649 --> 00:32:01,969 Have you gone back and your life during the week looks a whole 560 00:32:01,969 --> 00:32:05,849 lot like the unsaved co worker does through the week. 561 00:32:05,849 --> 00:32:07,409 The only difference is you go to. 562 00:32:07,409 --> 00:32:09,129 Church on Sunday and he doesn't. 563 00:32:10,889 --> 00:32:17,049 Is that the difference or is there difference from the inside 564 00:32:17,049 --> 00:32:17,369 out? 565 00:32:19,959 --> 00:32:20,919 My talk is different. 566 00:32:21,639 --> 00:32:23,159 What I listen to is different. 567 00:32:24,359 --> 00:32:25,639 What I watch is different. 568 00:32:26,679 --> 00:32:28,119 How I dress is different. 569 00:32:31,159 --> 00:32:38,479 The question has to be asked, do you want your offering to glorify 570 00:32:38,479 --> 00:32:38,999 God? 571 00:32:39,719 --> 00:32:41,079 And you're the offering. 572 00:32:42,279 --> 00:32:43,639 Who will you glorify? 573 00:32:46,099 --> 00:32:48,099 The last thing is this. 574 00:32:49,619 --> 00:32:52,659 He says, I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies 575 00:32:52,659 --> 00:32:58,339 of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, living 576 00:32:58,979 --> 00:32:59,779 continual. 577 00:33:00,979 --> 00:33:08,099 If you're living for God, I rejoice with you and I glorify God 578 00:33:08,179 --> 00:33:08,979 with you. 579 00:33:09,789 --> 00:33:12,949 If your life is to the place where you say it's honoring to God 580 00:33:12,949 --> 00:33:14,269 and glorifying God. 581 00:33:14,349 --> 00:33:17,189 And I've yielded every area of my life to God. 582 00:33:17,189 --> 00:33:18,589 I'm following after him. 583 00:33:18,669 --> 00:33:20,669 I'm raising my family like God wants. 584 00:33:20,669 --> 00:33:21,629 Me to raise my family. 585 00:33:21,949 --> 00:33:24,949 Our entertainment looks like God glorifies God. 586 00:33:24,949 --> 00:33:26,349 And not the ways of this world. 587 00:33:26,669 --> 00:33:30,789 No, I've put things in place to protect from the evil things of 588 00:33:30,789 --> 00:33:32,429 this world coming into our home. 589 00:33:32,589 --> 00:33:36,919 I have no, I've done all the things and and every area of our 590 00:33:36,919 --> 00:33:37,159 life. 591 00:33:37,159 --> 00:33:40,239 We want to serve God here and serve God there and everywhere we 592 00:33:40,239 --> 00:33:41,039 find ourselves. 593 00:33:41,759 --> 00:33:45,439 We want to give out the gospel and we want God's name to be glorified 594 00:33:45,679 --> 00:33:47,599 in everything that is said and done. 595 00:33:47,839 --> 00:33:49,679 And I want to say praise God. 596 00:33:49,679 --> 00:33:57,919 With you, but we need to continue on in 2026 that this Christmas 597 00:33:57,919 --> 00:33:58,119 needs. 598 00:33:58,119 --> 00:34:03,289 To be a renewing of saying today, God my gift continually and 599 00:34:03,289 --> 00:34:04,249 again today. 600 00:34:04,329 --> 00:34:10,889 Is this me as a living sacrifice for you, wholly acceptable, 601 00:34:11,369 --> 00:34:14,329 which is just my reasonable service. 602 00:34:16,569 --> 00:34:19,849 So who are you going to live for 2026? 603 00:34:20,889 --> 00:34:28,589 Can I say odds are if you live by default, your life is going to 604 00:34:28,589 --> 00:34:29,549 be lived for you. 605 00:34:31,309 --> 00:34:38,829 That means if you don't choose, he's beseeching, will you 606 00:34:38,909 --> 00:34:39,309 give? 607 00:34:40,909 --> 00:34:44,589 If you don't give, your life will be lived for yourself. 608 00:34:47,389 --> 00:34:50,349 So in 2025, who have you lived for? 609 00:34:51,309 --> 00:34:54,269 It's passed, it's done, it's almost in stone. 610 00:34:55,979 --> 00:34:57,819 Who have you lived for in 2025? 611 00:34:59,019 --> 00:35:03,299 But the bigger question, the question that matters today is who 612 00:35:03,299 --> 00:35:04,939 will you live for in 2026? 613 00:35:06,939 --> 00:35:11,379 Can this Christmas be a Christmas that you say, God, I thank 614 00:35:11,379 --> 00:35:14,859 you for your son Jesus Christ and the remembrance of him being 615 00:35:14,859 --> 00:35:17,819 born in a manger to take care of my sins. 616 00:35:19,099 --> 00:35:21,839 And my gift back to you is me. 617 00:35:24,079 --> 00:35:25,839 Will you do that this Christmas.