1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,530 Amen. 2 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:02,170 Welcome to Church Unplugged. 3 00:00:04,660 --> 00:00:09,110 . My name is Marcel Hall and I want to, , express how grateful I am to 4 00:00:09,120 --> 00:00:13,260 be part of our church family and be able to worship God together, whether 5 00:00:13,260 --> 00:00:15,660 we have amplified sound or not. 6 00:00:16,109 --> 00:00:19,790 And I do want to thank Brian Turner and the Ushers always doing their 7 00:00:19,790 --> 00:00:21,380 job and Brian on his birthday. 8 00:00:21,565 --> 00:00:22,485 Over here serving. 9 00:00:22,615 --> 00:00:23,135 Amen. 10 00:00:24,595 --> 00:00:27,295 And and Chris just mentioned, you know, it's also Corinna's 11 00:00:27,325 --> 00:00:28,615 birthday today as well. 12 00:00:28,615 --> 00:00:33,204 So she was hooking up some sandwiches afterwards. 13 00:00:33,355 --> 00:00:35,125 So that's what, that was where she was right there. 14 00:00:35,125 --> 00:00:35,785 But amen. 15 00:00:36,095 --> 00:00:39,105 Alright, so we're gonna go ahead and we're starting up a new 16 00:00:39,124 --> 00:00:41,605 sermon series for the summer. 17 00:00:41,815 --> 00:00:44,205 And we're calling it Psalms of the Summer. 18 00:00:44,765 --> 00:00:50,355 The soundtracks of life and so we actually have we can have the ushers go ahead 19 00:00:50,395 --> 00:00:54,634 We have some handouts here for you that we want to I think we're gonna have it 20 00:00:54,635 --> 00:00:58,094 on the app as well But I don't think it's on there right now But we're gonna 21 00:00:58,095 --> 00:01:01,804 have some of these handouts and want to go over it real quickly because it's 22 00:01:01,805 --> 00:01:07,495 a breakdown of the book of Psalms And so I want to go over this real quickly 23 00:01:07,495 --> 00:01:10,954 here because we're going to be studying out now There are a hundred and fifty 24 00:01:10,954 --> 00:01:15,990 songs And we are not going to go over 150 songs over the next few weeks. 25 00:01:16,500 --> 00:01:18,860 If we were to do one song a week, that would be, what would that be? 26 00:01:18,860 --> 00:01:20,380 About three years almost, right? 27 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:22,408 So we are not going to do that. 28 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:27,310 But we will have some songs over the next two months here that I believe will really 29 00:01:27,310 --> 00:01:30,900 help us out in our relationship with God. 30 00:01:31,340 --> 00:01:34,430 And so, I see that ushers are passing them out here. 31 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:36,410 So I'm gonna go ahead and go over. 32 00:01:37,035 --> 00:01:40,575 The handout that we have here, and again, this will be a guide 33 00:01:40,575 --> 00:01:45,645 and help you as well to go deeper in your own personal Bible study. 34 00:01:46,145 --> 00:01:49,325 And so, it starts off here with the purpose. 35 00:01:50,215 --> 00:01:55,835 The Psalms are a collection of poems used by the Jews as songs of worship. 36 00:01:56,445 --> 00:01:58,465 A hymn book, if you will. 37 00:01:58,985 --> 00:02:03,925 The Psalms express the full range of human emotion and display the 38 00:02:03,925 --> 00:02:05,935 writer's relationships with God. 39 00:02:06,460 --> 00:02:09,060 The thoughts and feelings they express help their readers 40 00:02:09,070 --> 00:02:11,550 draw near to the Lord as well. 41 00:02:11,610 --> 00:02:16,200 And so, one of the great things about the Book of Psalms is it's very real, 42 00:02:16,270 --> 00:02:18,640 honest vulnerable, and authentic. 43 00:02:19,079 --> 00:02:23,239 And and so as you read and study out the Psalms, it really reveals 44 00:02:23,579 --> 00:02:28,094 how to have a deep, personal, intimate relationship with God. 45 00:02:28,935 --> 00:02:34,105 And so you, because you know that these are psalms or poetry, it also helps us 46 00:02:34,115 --> 00:02:36,175 to make sure we interpret it correctly. 47 00:02:36,875 --> 00:02:41,355 Because as you read the psalms, if you are thinking that these are all commands 48 00:02:41,375 --> 00:02:45,765 from the Lord, then you will be confused on some of the psalms that you read. 49 00:02:46,025 --> 00:02:50,365 Because King David was, wrote several of the psalms and he gets 50 00:02:50,365 --> 00:02:52,945 very real in his prayers to God. 51 00:02:53,510 --> 00:02:55,470 Where he's like crush my enemies. 52 00:02:55,480 --> 00:02:56,640 You know what I'm saying? 53 00:02:56,890 --> 00:02:59,350 And so some of us would be fired up and like, yeah, God 54 00:02:59,390 --> 00:03:00,640 You want me to crush my enemies? 55 00:03:00,650 --> 00:03:04,819 Let's go, but that's not necessarily Correct theology. 56 00:03:04,889 --> 00:03:06,089 Okay, you with me here? 57 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:10,270 So let's continue going over this the dates almost all of the Psalms written 58 00:03:10,270 --> 00:03:15,610 between the time of David 1000 BC and the time of the return of Jews from exile 59 00:03:15,610 --> 00:03:20,850 in Babylon about 500 BC this collection of Psalms was assembled gradually over 60 00:03:20,850 --> 00:03:24,655 time and completed by at least 400 B. 61 00:03:24,665 --> 00:03:25,065 C. 62 00:03:25,515 --> 00:03:29,325 Some of the author David is attributed with writing 73 A. 63 00:03:29,335 --> 00:03:33,295 Sasson, the Cora, Solomon, Moses and etcetera. 64 00:03:33,295 --> 00:03:36,145 Not all the songs are credit to a specific author. 65 00:03:36,435 --> 00:03:39,135 The titles were added later and should not be considered part 66 00:03:39,145 --> 00:03:42,405 of the inspired text structured. 67 00:03:42,444 --> 00:03:44,704 150 songs are arranged in five books. 68 00:03:44,704 --> 00:03:48,925 You have book one Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and Book 5. 69 00:03:48,935 --> 00:03:52,535 Book 1 was probably the first organized collection of Psalms, and the other 70 00:03:52,535 --> 00:03:55,095 books were added successfully over time. 71 00:03:55,545 --> 00:03:57,834 Biblical scholars have attempted to classify the 72 00:03:57,835 --> 00:03:59,465 Psalms that are similar types. 73 00:03:59,465 --> 00:04:02,415 Lament Psalms expressing grief and appeal for help. 74 00:04:02,675 --> 00:04:04,935 More than 60 of those, the largest group. 75 00:04:05,245 --> 00:04:07,575 Royal Psalms concerning Israel's king. 76 00:04:07,955 --> 00:04:12,405 Thanksgiving psalms, praise psalms, wisdom psalms, and trust psalms. 77 00:04:12,405 --> 00:04:15,705 Other types of psalms that have been suggested, and some psalms seem to 78 00:04:15,715 --> 00:04:19,644 be a combination of different types, and some psalms are individual while 79 00:04:19,685 --> 00:04:22,635 others are meant for the Jewish nation. 80 00:04:22,934 --> 00:04:27,145 Important considerations, poetry uses symbolism and vivid imagery 81 00:04:27,145 --> 00:04:34,645 to communicate emotionally similes, comparisons, hyperbole, and parallelism. 82 00:04:35,075 --> 00:04:39,925 The New Testament writers quote for themselves more than any other book in 83 00:04:39,925 --> 00:04:42,215 the New, I mean in the Old Testament. 84 00:04:42,455 --> 00:04:45,195 And then there's some several recommendations to help you again 85 00:04:45,195 --> 00:04:49,255 go further in your Bible study in a couple chapters specifically. 86 00:04:49,465 --> 00:04:51,055 And then here are some of the topics. 87 00:04:51,390 --> 00:04:54,840 that we will hit on over the next several weeks there. 88 00:04:54,860 --> 00:04:58,990 So again you want to keep this, use this, this is a helpful guide for you 89 00:04:58,990 --> 00:05:01,720 to go deeper in your walk with God. 90 00:05:01,750 --> 00:05:05,240 Today we're actually going to go and we're going to study out Psalm 1. 91 00:05:05,530 --> 00:05:08,590 Since we're going to study out the Psalm, let's go ahead and start off with Psalm 1. 92 00:05:08,620 --> 00:05:10,720 Actually, the song that we just sang... 93 00:05:11,575 --> 00:05:15,695 It's based off of Psalm 1, and as we read it, you'll be able to go, Oh, 94 00:05:15,695 --> 00:05:18,995 okay, this makes some more sense, and you'll be able to connect it. 95 00:05:19,275 --> 00:05:23,445 And so the title for today is, A Tale of Two Paths. 96 00:05:24,675 --> 00:05:26,555 A Tale of Two Paths. 97 00:05:26,595 --> 00:05:29,565 Let's go ahead and let's pray before we get into the scriptures. 98 00:05:29,595 --> 00:05:32,655 God, thank you so much for your Word. 99 00:05:32,735 --> 00:05:37,545 God, I'm so inspired and excited about our Bible study in the book of Psalms. 100 00:05:37,545 --> 00:05:39,775 I'm excited about the things I've been learning. 101 00:05:39,950 --> 00:05:45,550 Been studying out specifically someone and God, I pray right now father, we will 102 00:05:45,550 --> 00:05:50,420 walk away with decisions about our life, decisions about our faith and decisions 103 00:05:50,430 --> 00:05:52,760 about what path we want to be on. 104 00:05:52,770 --> 00:05:54,750 We pray in the name of Jesus. 105 00:05:54,840 --> 00:05:55,380 Amen. 106 00:05:56,409 --> 00:05:59,990 Alright, let's go ahead, let's go on over to Psalm chapter 1. 107 00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:03,980 And so we have this, in order for us to again understand this as poetry, even 108 00:06:03,980 --> 00:06:07,830 on the screen, or if you're looking on the screen on your phone it's, the way 109 00:06:07,830 --> 00:06:12,060 it is, it's in stanzas, if you will, to help you again understand the type of 110 00:06:12,060 --> 00:06:13,950 literature that you and I are reading. 111 00:06:14,290 --> 00:06:17,760 So let's go ahead, and you know, here's another little cool thing, is that 112 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:22,489 the word the first word in Psalm 1, again, the original language is Hebrew. 113 00:06:23,020 --> 00:06:27,720 And so the first letter of the first word in Psalm 1 starts with the 114 00:06:27,730 --> 00:06:30,100 first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 115 00:06:30,350 --> 00:06:35,990 And the last word begins with the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 116 00:06:36,020 --> 00:06:37,060 You guys hear what I'm saying? 117 00:06:37,260 --> 00:06:38,290 So like A to Z. 118 00:06:38,290 --> 00:06:42,000 So if it started with an A and then the last word started with a Z there, right? 119 00:06:42,180 --> 00:06:43,570 And I believe that's intentional. 120 00:06:43,590 --> 00:06:45,409 We might make a reference to that later. 121 00:06:45,409 --> 00:06:47,210 But let's go ahead and let's get into it. 122 00:06:47,210 --> 00:06:52,390 It says, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked. 123 00:06:52,820 --> 00:06:58,370 or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but 124 00:06:58,370 --> 00:07:04,070 whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on his law day 125 00:07:04,310 --> 00:07:09,210 and night, that a purse that person is like a tree planted by streams 126 00:07:09,210 --> 00:07:14,120 of water, which yields its fruit and season and whose leaf does not wither. 127 00:07:14,150 --> 00:07:16,170 Whatever they do prospers. 128 00:07:16,540 --> 00:07:18,100 Not so the wicked. 129 00:07:18,570 --> 00:07:21,780 They are like chaff, the wicked, okay, I'm sorry. 130 00:07:21,780 --> 00:07:22,360 All right, there you go. 131 00:07:22,950 --> 00:07:26,300 They're like chaff, that the wind blows away. 132 00:07:26,610 --> 00:07:29,930 Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners 133 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:32,140 in the assembly of the righteous. 134 00:07:32,450 --> 00:07:36,510 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of 135 00:07:36,510 --> 00:07:39,650 the wicked leads to destruction. 136 00:07:40,860 --> 00:07:43,270 A tale of two paths. 137 00:07:44,155 --> 00:07:47,305 There's this idea, there's this imagery, there's this conjuring up 138 00:07:47,305 --> 00:07:49,805 this idea of one way and another way. 139 00:07:49,865 --> 00:07:50,765 Did you see that? 140 00:07:51,515 --> 00:07:55,445 And you see here, there's two paths, a path of blessing and a path, 141 00:07:55,455 --> 00:07:58,045 really, of eternal condemnation. 142 00:07:59,025 --> 00:08:01,925 And we all know that God wants His children, His creation, 143 00:08:01,945 --> 00:08:03,505 to be on the right path. 144 00:08:03,995 --> 00:08:08,145 And so, therefore, He encourages and He also calls and warns 145 00:08:08,145 --> 00:08:10,015 us to stay on the right path. 146 00:08:10,565 --> 00:08:14,585 And if we want the blessings of God, if we want God's favor, if we want to 147 00:08:14,595 --> 00:08:20,035 be aligned with our Heavenly Father, then we should heed the wisdom and 148 00:08:20,035 --> 00:08:22,325 the direction that is in this psalm. 149 00:08:22,835 --> 00:08:26,034 So let's go ahead and let's break down this psalm here. 150 00:08:26,415 --> 00:08:31,255 And so I believe that this is definitely by divine order, that this psalm is 151 00:08:31,265 --> 00:08:33,885 placed first of all the 150 psalms. 152 00:08:34,375 --> 00:08:36,054 Because it really is a great preface. 153 00:08:36,345 --> 00:08:40,405 It's a great introductory to all of the teachings and the wisdom that 154 00:08:40,405 --> 00:08:43,245 you will find in the book of Psalms. 155 00:08:43,934 --> 00:08:47,295 And it really serves as a summary, if you will, of all of 156 00:08:47,295 --> 00:08:49,084 the Psalms and their teachings. 157 00:08:49,195 --> 00:08:51,405 So let's go ahead and let's get into it here. 158 00:08:51,425 --> 00:08:52,895 First off, it says blessed. 159 00:08:53,325 --> 00:08:56,575 Now this word blessed in Hebrew means, it means blessed, but you can also 160 00:08:56,575 --> 00:08:58,875 translate it like, oh how happy! 161 00:09:00,030 --> 00:09:04,490 So even in some translations of this, it says, Oh, how happy is the one. 162 00:09:04,490 --> 00:09:06,030 Now think about that for a second. 163 00:09:06,070 --> 00:09:07,929 When you're feeling blessed, how are you feeling? 164 00:09:08,849 --> 00:09:09,409 Happy. 165 00:09:10,620 --> 00:09:11,820 You're like, man, I'm fired up. 166 00:09:11,820 --> 00:09:12,730 I'm blessed. 167 00:09:12,990 --> 00:09:15,150 You know, just the fact that we were able to have service today. 168 00:09:15,150 --> 00:09:15,860 I'm blessed. 169 00:09:15,860 --> 00:09:18,460 I'm happy to be here in the worship. 170 00:09:18,520 --> 00:09:21,070 My wife is happy that today is her birthday. 171 00:09:21,090 --> 00:09:22,440 You guys get what I'm saying. 172 00:09:22,810 --> 00:09:26,340 And so it says blessed is the one that would get remember that. 173 00:09:27,070 --> 00:09:29,110 Because that sets up the whole song. 174 00:09:29,150 --> 00:09:29,640 Blessed. 175 00:09:30,710 --> 00:09:31,430 Happy. 176 00:09:32,420 --> 00:09:33,240 Is the one. 177 00:09:33,970 --> 00:09:35,240 Now, there's something interesting here. 178 00:09:35,480 --> 00:09:38,589 It had this idea of walking, standing, and sitting. 179 00:09:38,589 --> 00:09:40,639 I don't know if you caught that. 180 00:09:41,029 --> 00:09:44,459 But there is really a progression, or you can argue, in this 181 00:09:44,459 --> 00:09:48,659 case maybe a regression, here, of someone in their faith. 182 00:09:49,939 --> 00:09:54,584 And you see this progression there of being loosely associated with. 183 00:09:55,034 --> 00:09:59,294 to being completely identified with the wicked. 184 00:10:01,994 --> 00:10:03,344 And so let's break this down. 185 00:10:03,794 --> 00:10:05,104 Church, are you still with me here? 186 00:10:06,194 --> 00:10:07,304 You better take some notes here. 187 00:10:07,304 --> 00:10:08,804 I'm going to drop a little Hebrew on you today. 188 00:10:08,804 --> 00:10:09,474 Okay, alright? 189 00:10:09,744 --> 00:10:10,954 I've been working on my Hebrew. 190 00:10:11,154 --> 00:10:12,194 Just like I work on my Greek. 191 00:10:12,194 --> 00:10:12,894 So that's very little. 192 00:10:12,894 --> 00:10:13,624 Alright, here we go. 193 00:10:14,054 --> 00:10:15,574 Alright, so here we go again. 194 00:10:15,594 --> 00:10:16,424 Let's look at this here. 195 00:10:16,424 --> 00:10:19,054 It says, Walk in step of the wicked. 196 00:10:19,809 --> 00:10:23,669 Now this idea, usually, especially the way NIV does it, walking 197 00:10:23,669 --> 00:10:25,069 step means the way you live. 198 00:10:25,079 --> 00:10:29,499 But really the way this should be translated, or literally translated, 199 00:10:29,729 --> 00:10:33,329 is really this idea of walking in the advice or the counsel. 200 00:10:35,079 --> 00:10:40,094 So blessed is the one who does not walk in the advice or the counsel of the wicked. 201 00:10:42,124 --> 00:10:44,904 And this word wicked wicked is Rasha. 202 00:10:44,924 --> 00:10:45,914 Can you say Rasha? 203 00:10:45,915 --> 00:10:46,804 Rasha. 204 00:10:46,804 --> 00:10:47,294 There you go. 205 00:10:47,294 --> 00:10:48,924 That's one of your Hebrew words for the day. 206 00:10:48,924 --> 00:10:49,414 Rasha. 207 00:10:49,624 --> 00:10:53,944 Now this word wicked here, it means wicked, but it means to have been 208 00:10:53,954 --> 00:10:56,204 judged or will be judged guilty. 209 00:10:57,564 --> 00:11:00,704 But in this regard, we know guilty as far as sinning and 210 00:11:00,704 --> 00:11:02,654 in defiance of God Almighty. 211 00:11:04,034 --> 00:11:08,594 So it says, Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel, 212 00:11:08,764 --> 00:11:11,584 in the advice, of the wicked. 213 00:11:13,344 --> 00:11:14,664 Now that seems to be smart. 214 00:11:14,744 --> 00:11:15,444 Doesn't it? 215 00:11:16,394 --> 00:11:21,724 Because the advice or the input that you receive has a huge influence 216 00:11:22,024 --> 00:11:24,054 on your thinking and your behavior. 217 00:11:24,054 --> 00:11:26,464 Doesn't it? 218 00:11:26,464 --> 00:11:28,404 And so, how blessed, it makes sense. 219 00:11:28,404 --> 00:11:34,394 How much wise it would be to go ahead and make sure that you avoid evil influences 220 00:11:34,564 --> 00:11:39,454 because they will influence your world view and then what your behavior. 221 00:11:40,924 --> 00:11:44,524 I remember, we were actually having this conversation yesterday, and I remembered 222 00:11:44,694 --> 00:11:49,564 yesterday how I used to listen to all types of rap music, and and when I became 223 00:11:49,564 --> 00:11:53,394 a Christian, and through the years, I started to realize that some of the rap 224 00:11:53,394 --> 00:11:57,624 music that I was listening to wasn't really healthy for me spiritually. 225 00:11:59,304 --> 00:12:00,234 You know what I'm saying? 226 00:12:00,854 --> 00:12:03,604 I don't want to mention any of the songs, cause y'all might start relapsing, 227 00:12:03,604 --> 00:12:05,394 and you know what I'm saying, you might get to tripping up in here. 228 00:12:07,219 --> 00:12:11,779 But some of the songs I realized that as I would listen to it, it would influence me. 229 00:12:12,439 --> 00:12:15,029 Because those words would come to mind later on. 230 00:12:15,489 --> 00:12:18,989 And so as situations would happen, I would battle, What, wait, wait, am 231 00:12:18,989 --> 00:12:22,079 I thinking like a man of God or am I thinking like a man of the world? 232 00:12:23,249 --> 00:12:26,790 And so I started to realize, well this is having a huge influence on me. 233 00:12:26,790 --> 00:12:31,659 And I realized for many years, That yes, I would probably have been as 234 00:12:31,709 --> 00:12:36,329 sinful as Worley without rap music, but it definitely enhanced my sinfulness. 235 00:12:36,359 --> 00:12:37,459 You guys get what I'm saying? 236 00:12:38,549 --> 00:12:41,209 And it affected the way I viewed, especially the way I viewed women. 237 00:12:41,229 --> 00:12:42,209 They were objectified. 238 00:12:42,809 --> 00:12:45,179 The way I viewed people was us against them. 239 00:12:45,339 --> 00:12:50,929 And so it had a huge, so I was walking in the council of wickedness. 240 00:12:51,089 --> 00:12:52,169 You guys get what I'm saying? 241 00:12:54,869 --> 00:12:57,259 And so, I have to mention this though, church. 242 00:12:58,364 --> 00:13:00,344 Can I just be honest for a quick second? 243 00:13:01,334 --> 00:13:02,754 Well, hopefully I'm honest the whole time. 244 00:13:04,484 --> 00:13:05,734 But you get what I'm saying. 245 00:13:05,734 --> 00:13:07,204 I hate when I have to say, Can I be honest? 246 00:13:07,204 --> 00:13:08,394 Well, what you been doing before? 247 00:13:08,394 --> 00:13:08,734 Okay. 248 00:13:10,814 --> 00:13:11,924 We have to be honest. 249 00:13:12,594 --> 00:13:16,074 There is a concern for our congregation. 250 00:13:18,184 --> 00:13:21,204 There is a concern for our congregation. 251 00:13:21,205 --> 00:13:24,414 And it's who are we listening to? 252 00:13:27,145 --> 00:13:28,594 Who are we listening to? 253 00:13:29,660 --> 00:13:37,560 TV personalities, the four letter networks, podcasters, radio personalities, 254 00:13:37,680 --> 00:13:39,980 social media, TikTok and Instagram. 255 00:13:40,180 --> 00:13:44,350 Are these the ones who are having the most influence in our lives? 256 00:13:47,999 --> 00:13:50,369 I especially have to mention the parenting. 257 00:13:51,810 --> 00:13:53,109 You know, it's really concerning. 258 00:13:54,274 --> 00:13:58,064 When it comes to our parenting, how many of us are going to websites and books 259 00:13:58,264 --> 00:14:02,304 more than we're going to the biblical principles laid out in God's Word? 260 00:14:04,834 --> 00:14:08,634 We're going to books or we're just winging it and we're not going to people who can 261 00:14:08,644 --> 00:14:14,064 give us godly input or godly application of the godly principles in God's Word. 262 00:14:16,294 --> 00:14:20,555 And then we're wondering what's happening in our homes. 263 00:14:22,064 --> 00:14:23,264 Who are we listening to? 264 00:14:25,375 --> 00:14:32,255 But it says blessed is the one who doesn't walk in the advice of the world. 265 00:14:32,415 --> 00:14:33,964 Let's continue going forward here. 266 00:14:33,964 --> 00:14:35,045 Church, are you still with me? 267 00:14:35,964 --> 00:14:39,344 Stand in the way, or stand in the way that sinners take. 268 00:14:39,564 --> 00:14:43,545 Now this means to closely associate with them in their sinful behavior. 269 00:14:43,545 --> 00:14:46,724 If I'm standing in the way that the sinners take, that means I'm 270 00:14:46,724 --> 00:14:48,704 associating with their type of behavior. 271 00:14:49,589 --> 00:14:51,739 And so let's break down another Hebrew word. 272 00:14:51,790 --> 00:14:53,489 This word is a little harder than it sounds. 273 00:14:53,550 --> 00:14:54,269 It's haqta. 274 00:14:56,180 --> 00:14:57,569 There's a haq. 275 00:14:57,619 --> 00:14:58,589 Haqta, can you say that? 276 00:14:59,670 --> 00:15:00,539 Haqta, there you go. 277 00:15:00,660 --> 00:15:01,489 Hopefully that was right. 278 00:15:01,489 --> 00:15:03,319 If it was wrong, then go ahead and blame me. 279 00:15:03,379 --> 00:15:04,479 Okay, alright, there you go. 280 00:15:05,739 --> 00:15:09,239 But what this word means, it can be used as an adjective, but basically what it 281 00:15:09,239 --> 00:15:11,989 means as a noun, it's just sinful person. 282 00:15:11,999 --> 00:15:12,959 It's a sinner. 283 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:17,199 But more in this context of one who's live. 284 00:15:17,670 --> 00:15:21,449 Is dominated and shaped by the inclination to sin. 285 00:15:22,709 --> 00:15:26,369 So I'm just inclined that we're all, to a certain extent, inclined to sin. 286 00:15:26,430 --> 00:15:27,789 But that's not really what we're talking about. 287 00:15:27,789 --> 00:15:33,669 This is a lifestyle which I'm inclined, so my life is dominated and shaped by sin. 288 00:15:33,729 --> 00:15:34,899 You guys get what I'm saying here. 289 00:15:35,619 --> 00:15:38,560 And so how can we see this in our lifestyle in, in our day? 290 00:15:38,919 --> 00:15:43,989 Well, when we have lifestyles or we have choices that are eerily similar 291 00:15:44,739 --> 00:15:46,629 to the sinful world that we live. 292 00:15:47,324 --> 00:15:47,615 Yeah. 293 00:15:48,175 --> 00:15:56,874 When our lifestyles, when our choices look mirror, if you will, the world that we 294 00:15:56,874 --> 00:16:03,309 live in, that's how you and I can stand in this in, in the path that sins take. 295 00:16:03,519 --> 00:16:08,759 But again, blessed or those who don't closely associate you with sinful 296 00:16:08,909 --> 00:16:13,409 behavior, we keep moving forward or sit in a company of mockers. 297 00:16:13,859 --> 00:16:18,029 And this word mockers is, uh, it's loots, it's go ahead and 298 00:16:18,029 --> 00:16:20,609 say loots Luke's then, right? 299 00:16:20,609 --> 00:16:24,399 And so this is probably the worst and the furthest from God 300 00:16:24,439 --> 00:16:25,809 when it comes to being a sinner. 301 00:16:26,699 --> 00:16:30,059 So even what was mentioned before, this is the absolute worst because 302 00:16:30,069 --> 00:16:35,309 this type of sinner is one who's arrogantly defiant and mocking God 303 00:16:35,509 --> 00:16:36,929 and those who want to be righteous. 304 00:16:38,254 --> 00:16:39,404 So there's an arrogance. 305 00:16:39,434 --> 00:16:40,414 There's a mocking. 306 00:16:40,564 --> 00:16:41,804 Oh, you want to be like that? 307 00:16:41,804 --> 00:16:43,624 You want to be righteous and you mock it. 308 00:16:43,844 --> 00:16:45,584 That's why the word mocker is there. 309 00:16:45,724 --> 00:16:49,144 It's mocking God, but with an arrogant defiance. 310 00:16:50,454 --> 00:16:53,214 And so again, you see what you see this progression. 311 00:16:54,544 --> 00:16:57,704 Or maybe you could call it a regression in the faith. 312 00:16:59,034 --> 00:17:04,204 And so to sit in the company of mockers means that people 313 00:17:04,915 --> 00:17:06,894 are now completely identifying. 314 00:17:07,334 --> 00:17:10,753 With them in their proud, sinful plans and behavior. 315 00:17:11,654 --> 00:17:14,243 So all of you right now, you're sitting in the assembly of the church. 316 00:17:14,243 --> 00:17:17,473 So right now, you are associating, identifying yourself, in some form or 317 00:17:17,473 --> 00:17:20,654 fashion, with the church, with God's people, as you're listening to God's word. 318 00:17:20,824 --> 00:17:23,714 But now, if we were all a bunch of mockers, you would be sitting 319 00:17:23,714 --> 00:17:24,864 in the company of mockers. 320 00:17:24,904 --> 00:17:27,915 Therefore, clearly identifying yourself as one of them. 321 00:17:29,395 --> 00:17:36,564 He says, blessed is the one who doesn't sit in the company of mockers. 322 00:17:37,745 --> 00:17:41,174 And again, we see, if you will, three degrees of departure from 323 00:17:41,174 --> 00:17:45,564 God by conforming to the world at three different levels. 324 00:17:45,864 --> 00:17:50,935 First of all, accepting its advice, second, participating in its ways, and 325 00:17:50,935 --> 00:17:53,554 third, completely identifying with it. 326 00:17:55,014 --> 00:17:59,254 But again, blessed is the one who doesn't go down that path. 327 00:17:59,634 --> 00:18:00,374 Let's continue. 328 00:18:00,804 --> 00:18:05,455 It says, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord. 329 00:18:06,614 --> 00:18:13,434 Delight to enjoy, to value, to follow God's teachings and directions. 330 00:18:13,474 --> 00:18:16,704 This is what the blessed are like, the path of God. 331 00:18:16,984 --> 00:18:19,694 They delight in God's word. 332 00:18:19,964 --> 00:18:23,964 And if you think about this, whatever we enjoy, we tend to what? 333 00:18:24,344 --> 00:18:25,494 Think about and pursue. 334 00:18:27,154 --> 00:18:31,934 If you enjoy something, you tend to think about it and pursue it. 335 00:18:32,754 --> 00:18:36,284 So if we enjoy God's Word, we'll tend to what? 336 00:18:36,544 --> 00:18:39,495 Think about it and pursue it. 337 00:18:39,495 --> 00:18:41,824 And this is what the righteous are like. 338 00:18:43,124 --> 00:18:45,964 Meditate on God's Word. 339 00:18:46,054 --> 00:18:50,524 It says meditate on His law day and night. 340 00:18:51,389 --> 00:18:53,239 Even though we think about this for a second, right? 341 00:18:53,549 --> 00:18:57,649 If I'm delighting in the law of the Lord and I'm meditating day and night, that's 342 00:18:57,649 --> 00:18:59,519 going to influence the way I think. 343 00:18:59,549 --> 00:19:04,859 It will transform and shape my worldview and directly influence 344 00:19:04,859 --> 00:19:08,739 and determine the path, the steps, or the lifestyle that I live. 345 00:19:09,599 --> 00:19:14,129 And if I'm consumed, With God in some form or fashion, whether it's 346 00:19:14,139 --> 00:19:18,679 study, diligently studying the word, meditating on it, trying to talk 347 00:19:18,699 --> 00:19:21,029 about it, trying to live it out. 348 00:19:21,299 --> 00:19:22,439 Guess what's going to happen? 349 00:19:22,459 --> 00:19:25,379 I'm going to have behavior that follows that, but I'm not even 350 00:19:25,379 --> 00:19:27,839 going to have enough time to get involved with a whole bunch of sin. 351 00:19:28,879 --> 00:19:29,759 You get what I'm saying? 352 00:19:30,620 --> 00:19:34,159 Because if I'm delighting in God's word, if I'm going ahead and I'm 353 00:19:34,169 --> 00:19:38,080 meditating on it, then again, I don't even have enough capacity. 354 00:19:38,359 --> 00:19:41,859 To go ahead and indulge in sinful behavior. 355 00:19:44,029 --> 00:19:46,350 And it says meditate on it day and night. 356 00:19:46,399 --> 00:19:49,319 I don't think it means, hey, I thought about God's word in 357 00:19:49,319 --> 00:19:50,569 the morning and in the evening. 358 00:19:50,999 --> 00:19:52,580 Kind of like prayers before you eat. 359 00:19:52,589 --> 00:19:53,339 You know what I mean? 360 00:19:53,859 --> 00:19:56,779 Like, okay, I prayed, yeah, before I ate and then, you know, it's 361 00:19:56,779 --> 00:19:58,139 morning or lunch again or whatever. 362 00:19:58,379 --> 00:20:02,810 No, it's talking about this idea of the Lord's instruction governing 363 00:20:02,870 --> 00:20:06,069 and guiding the whole of our lives. 364 00:20:09,120 --> 00:20:14,469 God's word should govern and guide the whole of our lives. 365 00:20:15,020 --> 00:20:16,739 Now here, this hit me the other day. 366 00:20:17,020 --> 00:20:22,509 You know, the initial audience who read this, who stood up in the 367 00:20:22,509 --> 00:20:25,520 congregation as they read these things, who might have sang these. 368 00:20:25,569 --> 00:20:28,949 The initial audience, most of them were illiterate. 369 00:20:32,639 --> 00:20:33,869 Think about that for a second. 370 00:20:35,179 --> 00:20:36,809 Most of them were illiterate. 371 00:20:38,539 --> 00:20:43,589 And so how can they meditate on the law day and night if they couldn't read it? 372 00:20:45,620 --> 00:20:49,449 Well that meant that when they came together and they heard the word, 373 00:20:49,449 --> 00:20:52,669 that meant they valued the word of God so much that, Hey, I'm going to come 374 00:20:52,669 --> 00:20:54,279 together and hear the word of God. 375 00:20:54,609 --> 00:20:56,219 So they made it to their church service. 376 00:20:58,009 --> 00:21:01,409 But then they took it and they thought about it. 377 00:21:02,699 --> 00:21:06,420 And the Deuteronomy says you are called to talk about it and 378 00:21:06,420 --> 00:21:12,029 instill it as you walked, as you worked, as you did your day. 379 00:21:13,580 --> 00:21:17,239 And so I don't need to be able to read all of it if it's on my mind 380 00:21:17,259 --> 00:21:20,810 and I'm talking and I'm engaging it and I'm trying to understand what 381 00:21:20,810 --> 00:21:22,830 does God want me to do with this? 382 00:21:23,759 --> 00:21:25,460 And life was more simple back then. 383 00:21:25,469 --> 00:21:29,650 They didn't have as many things pulling at their attention so you 384 00:21:29,650 --> 00:21:31,079 can think more about God's work. 385 00:21:32,509 --> 00:21:37,100 But it made me think, wow, there is no excuse for us today when 386 00:21:37,100 --> 00:21:38,980 it comes to consuming God's Word. 387 00:21:39,830 --> 00:21:41,060 It's readily available. 388 00:21:42,389 --> 00:21:46,190 I think every one of us, except for maybe a couple of the kids don't have phones. 389 00:21:46,229 --> 00:21:50,260 And so every single one of us can get on an app and read God's Word, 390 00:21:50,470 --> 00:21:54,540 and allow it to minister to us at any point of the day that we want. 391 00:21:55,550 --> 00:21:59,300 And everyone here, I believe, is literate, so you can read God's Word. 392 00:21:59,775 --> 00:22:03,285 And you can consume it in a fashion that they couldn't even enjoy. 393 00:22:04,785 --> 00:22:08,564 Again, blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord 394 00:22:08,565 --> 00:22:11,455 and meditates on it day and night. 395 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:16,140 It says that person is like a tree planted by streams of water. 396 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:19,900 And the way to translate this, streams of water, is accurate. 397 00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:23,740 But literally it means channels or irrigation channels. 398 00:22:24,290 --> 00:22:26,270 And so you have this channel of water. 399 00:22:26,270 --> 00:22:31,590 So back in the ancient Palestine, the streams of Palestine regularly dried up. 400 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:36,250 But the irrigation channels that came off the great rivers never did. 401 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:40,130 And so they would see that the imagery is in their head. 402 00:22:40,370 --> 00:22:45,130 Hey, we know about these streams that dry up, but we know about those that never do. 403 00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:50,660 And so he gives this imagery for you and me, saying that the godly 404 00:22:50,660 --> 00:22:56,180 individual is like a tree that has a rich water supply, a strong root system. 405 00:22:56,700 --> 00:22:59,270 So then it's filled with leaves and fruits. 406 00:23:02,350 --> 00:23:04,110 Suggesting to us. 407 00:23:04,885 --> 00:23:08,975 That the godly will have a continual source of life, which produces 408 00:23:08,985 --> 00:23:12,715 stability and uninterrupted prosperity. 409 00:23:14,245 --> 00:23:16,035 But then it says it doesn't wither. 410 00:23:17,545 --> 00:23:19,515 And so this is helpful for us as well. 411 00:23:19,525 --> 00:23:24,125 Leap doesn't weather because there is a time when our seasons 412 00:23:24,155 --> 00:23:26,505 or natural seasons are dry. 413 00:23:27,275 --> 00:23:28,775 But it means we won't crumble. 414 00:23:29,545 --> 00:23:31,755 We won't fail or we won't fall. 415 00:23:32,764 --> 00:23:33,825 But that our faith... 416 00:23:34,265 --> 00:23:36,195 We'll be strong even during those times, 417 00:23:40,775 --> 00:23:41,435 and I love this. 418 00:23:41,435 --> 00:23:46,545 How it says yielded fruit in season or streams of water 419 00:23:47,454 --> 00:23:48,855 and whatever they do prospers. 420 00:23:48,855 --> 00:23:53,534 And it reminds me of what Jesus said in John 7 38. 421 00:23:53,535 --> 00:23:54,365 Look what he says here. 422 00:23:54,365 --> 00:23:58,385 He says, whoever believes in me as scripture has said, rivers of 423 00:23:58,385 --> 00:24:00,715 living water will flow from within. 424 00:24:01,845 --> 00:24:06,215 Wow, how incredible is that? 425 00:24:06,815 --> 00:24:10,115 We see this connection from the Old Testament to what Jesus is saying. 426 00:24:10,275 --> 00:24:14,275 And we know that in between, Jesus provides the Holy Spirit for those 427 00:24:14,275 --> 00:24:16,065 who would repent and get baptized. 428 00:24:16,135 --> 00:24:19,804 And so now we have the Holy Spirit who is readily available to provide 429 00:24:19,805 --> 00:24:22,065 living water that flows from within us. 430 00:24:23,705 --> 00:24:27,215 Calling us to be in step with the Holy Spirit, be close to God. 431 00:24:27,365 --> 00:24:30,714 Hence, why we should read our Bibles, why we should pray, why we should 432 00:24:30,754 --> 00:24:34,214 connect with each other in relationship, and build each other up, so that the 433 00:24:34,214 --> 00:24:36,865 living waters may flow through us. 434 00:24:37,414 --> 00:24:43,554 So no matter what the season may be, we will never wither, fail, fall, or crumble. 435 00:24:44,894 --> 00:24:46,724 I don't know about you, but that's some good news. 436 00:24:47,604 --> 00:24:49,305 I say hallelujah for the Lord Jesus. 437 00:24:51,575 --> 00:24:53,055 You know, I do want to mention this, though. 438 00:24:54,135 --> 00:24:56,605 This does not promote health and wealth teaching. 439 00:24:57,485 --> 00:25:00,665 Some can use this passage out of context and say, Well, 440 00:25:00,675 --> 00:25:02,175 this is a prosperity gospel. 441 00:25:02,194 --> 00:25:05,344 See, God provides all these material blessings. 442 00:25:06,674 --> 00:25:09,955 One thing, again, we have to remember, that as we're reading this as poetry, this 443 00:25:09,955 --> 00:25:12,875 is a general truth, not an absolute truth. 444 00:25:13,975 --> 00:25:15,895 So that's helpful to remember in the context. 445 00:25:16,475 --> 00:25:19,715 But also that the blessings that God refers to throughout the 446 00:25:19,715 --> 00:25:23,525 Psalms, and as we see in Christ, are more spiritual blessings 447 00:25:23,565 --> 00:25:25,625 than they are material blessings. 448 00:25:25,625 --> 00:25:26,995 Are you understanding what I'm saying? 449 00:25:28,825 --> 00:25:34,755 And even if we read the Psalms, even as your sheet shows, the most Psalms 450 00:25:34,785 --> 00:25:37,005 can be categorized as lament Psalms. 451 00:25:38,275 --> 00:25:42,355 Times of struggle, of hardness, of God, where are you? 452 00:25:42,365 --> 00:25:43,845 Why is this happening to me? 453 00:25:44,024 --> 00:25:45,855 But yet God pulling them through. 454 00:25:48,640 --> 00:25:50,900 And so again, this is not health and wealth gospel. 455 00:25:51,120 --> 00:25:55,179 This is a general truth that God provides, and we see what it's like for 456 00:25:55,229 --> 00:25:57,850 us on this side of the new covenant. 457 00:25:57,889 --> 00:25:59,190 Church, are you still with me here? 458 00:25:59,690 --> 00:26:01,129 Let's go to verse 4 here. 459 00:26:01,130 --> 00:26:03,920 It says, But not so the wicked. 460 00:26:04,190 --> 00:26:04,780 Interesting. 461 00:26:05,320 --> 00:26:06,680 We know what it's like for the blessed. 462 00:26:06,680 --> 00:26:08,950 It would be like rivers, streams, and water. 463 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:10,680 He says, But not so with the wicked. 464 00:26:11,810 --> 00:26:12,950 He says, They're like chaff. 465 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:14,080 The wind blows away. 466 00:26:16,280 --> 00:26:22,480 And so we see this contrast from the well rooted, productive tree to the 467 00:26:22,490 --> 00:26:27,790 now, the dry plant that has no root system and is blown away by the wind. 468 00:26:28,945 --> 00:26:31,815 And chap is basically the husk on corn or seed. 469 00:26:32,085 --> 00:26:35,665 And so what they would do when you winnow that or whatever, is you 470 00:26:35,665 --> 00:26:36,925 get that off and it just blows. 471 00:26:36,925 --> 00:26:40,235 And especially during the wind in the Palestine area, you would just 472 00:26:40,235 --> 00:26:43,305 go ahead and you're winnowing your whatever it is, your seed or your coin. 473 00:26:43,515 --> 00:26:45,375 They just go like this and the wind will blow it away. 474 00:26:45,375 --> 00:26:47,065 He says, that's what it's like for the wicked. 475 00:26:47,485 --> 00:26:51,815 They're just going to be blown away at the eternal judgment. 476 00:26:54,105 --> 00:26:56,454 And this is the image of the destiny. 477 00:26:57,850 --> 00:27:00,370 For that path of the wicked. 478 00:27:01,840 --> 00:27:05,659 And he goes on and he says, Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment. 479 00:27:05,660 --> 00:27:08,149 Basically, the wicked won't have a leg to stand on. 480 00:27:08,150 --> 00:27:11,190 When it's time for God to judge, they won't have a leg to stand on. 481 00:27:11,190 --> 00:27:16,710 And he says, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 482 00:27:18,180 --> 00:27:22,930 Did you catch a little bit of word similarities from verse 1 in this one? 483 00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:28,000 This idea again of rising up within this one and sitting in 484 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:30,840 the assembly of the righteous. 485 00:27:32,340 --> 00:27:36,180 And so those who sit in the company of mockers will not sit 486 00:27:36,540 --> 00:27:38,730 in the assembly of the righteous. 487 00:27:39,529 --> 00:27:43,920 Those who identify with the mockers will not sit with those 488 00:27:43,920 --> 00:27:46,160 who identify with God Almighty. 489 00:27:47,390 --> 00:27:52,550 And so we can see the path of God and blessing. 490 00:27:53,340 --> 00:27:55,650 And the path of destruction. 491 00:27:56,840 --> 00:27:59,650 And this serves to be really two things, at least for me. 492 00:27:59,830 --> 00:28:02,270 It's encouraging and it's sobering. 493 00:28:03,480 --> 00:28:06,300 It's encouraging because I feel like, Hallelujah! 494 00:28:06,410 --> 00:28:10,579 To be, in Christ, to be clear and confident that I sit amongst 495 00:28:10,629 --> 00:28:12,629 those who God considers righteous. 496 00:28:12,630 --> 00:28:15,290 Not because of what we've done, but because of what Christ's 497 00:28:15,290 --> 00:28:16,950 done and Him covering over us. 498 00:28:18,095 --> 00:28:23,175 And so we can rejoice and we can say that we can do that. 499 00:28:25,315 --> 00:28:25,845 Come on, man. 500 00:28:25,845 --> 00:28:26,455 I'm auditioning. 501 00:28:26,515 --> 00:28:27,284 I keep auditioning. 502 00:28:27,324 --> 00:28:30,605 They keep telling me, wait, keep working on it. 503 00:28:30,605 --> 00:28:31,284 That's what I hear. 504 00:28:33,074 --> 00:28:40,175 But we can be encouraged that by God's grace, where we sit amongst 505 00:28:40,195 --> 00:28:44,545 all those who are righteous from beginning of time until now. 506 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:47,530 But yet it's sobering at the same time. 507 00:28:49,070 --> 00:28:53,800 It's sobering because it's God's warning and God's calling to get right. 508 00:28:55,260 --> 00:28:58,840 And so if you're here today, God is calling you and He's warning you. 509 00:28:59,350 --> 00:29:01,260 Come to me and get right with me now. 510 00:29:01,400 --> 00:29:05,770 I want you to get off of that path and I want you to get on to the right 511 00:29:05,770 --> 00:29:08,070 path which leads to eternal life. 512 00:29:09,030 --> 00:29:12,730 But it's also sobering for us who sit in the assembly of the righteous. 513 00:29:13,040 --> 00:29:14,060 Because know what that means? 514 00:29:15,070 --> 00:29:20,390 is that we have many family, friends, neighbors, co workers and classmates who 515 00:29:20,390 --> 00:29:26,489 are not right with God, who are right now currently don't sit in the assembly 516 00:29:26,490 --> 00:29:29,009 of the righteous and that's sober. 517 00:29:30,390 --> 00:29:34,725 And so I rejoice, but yet I'm sober and feeling a call in a pool. 518 00:29:35,085 --> 00:29:39,505 To do something about that, because somebody did that for me. 519 00:29:40,875 --> 00:29:46,705 They reached out and they helped me to cross over from that path to the other. 520 00:29:47,475 --> 00:29:48,575 Let's continue in verse 6. 521 00:29:48,715 --> 00:29:49,865 Church, are you still with me here? 522 00:29:51,145 --> 00:29:54,725 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of 523 00:29:54,725 --> 00:29:57,345 the wicked leads to destruction. 524 00:29:57,725 --> 00:30:00,535 The Lord watches over, literally means He knows. 525 00:30:01,055 --> 00:30:05,205 And so what this implies, what this communicates to us is that our Heavenly 526 00:30:05,205 --> 00:30:10,905 Father has an intimate knowledge of us and intimate care for each single, every 527 00:30:10,905 --> 00:30:13,495 single one of us that he watches over. 528 00:30:13,495 --> 00:30:19,155 He knows he's there and he's trying to care, provide, protect and guidance. 529 00:30:20,295 --> 00:30:26,055 Again, we are God's chosen people by grace and mercy, and we can rejoice 530 00:30:26,055 --> 00:30:29,575 and celebrate, but may that lead us to great humility and gratitude. 531 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:35,210 But we see here two paths that lead to two different lives or 532 00:30:35,230 --> 00:30:38,850 two different lifestyles that lead to two different judgments. 533 00:30:39,570 --> 00:30:45,330 God blesses and shows favor to one while the other stands condemned. 534 00:30:46,330 --> 00:30:51,430 One leads to joyful prosperity while the other to destruction. 535 00:30:52,120 --> 00:30:59,090 And this is true in part in our lifetime, but in fullness in the life to come. 536 00:31:00,605 --> 00:31:05,655 And so now we have to ask, well, what does that mean for you and me today? 537 00:31:07,365 --> 00:31:13,025 How should we apply God's word and direction to our lives today? 538 00:31:13,725 --> 00:31:14,625 Here's what I believe. 539 00:31:14,625 --> 00:31:19,235 I believe we need to go ahead and we need to go and choose our path. 540 00:31:20,375 --> 00:31:24,465 We need to decide today to choose your path. 541 00:31:25,230 --> 00:31:29,450 We must respond by choosing a path that we will take for our lives. 542 00:31:30,040 --> 00:31:32,210 Because we're on either one path or the other. 543 00:31:32,310 --> 00:31:34,320 We're not in both at the same time. 544 00:31:34,350 --> 00:31:36,630 You can't have one foot in one and one foot in the other. 545 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:37,820 You guys get what I'm saying? 546 00:31:38,180 --> 00:31:39,940 They go in two different directions. 547 00:31:40,330 --> 00:31:43,020 It's like I always tell people, you can't be half pregnant, okay? 548 00:31:43,020 --> 00:31:44,340 You're either pregnant or you're not pregnant. 549 00:31:44,490 --> 00:31:45,070 You get what I'm saying? 550 00:31:45,670 --> 00:31:48,600 So I'm either on the path of God or I'm on the path of not. 551 00:31:49,860 --> 00:31:50,510 Right with God. 552 00:31:51,480 --> 00:31:54,040 And so we have to ask ourselves and especially those of us who might have 553 00:31:54,040 --> 00:31:57,520 grown up in a church, just because you grew up in a church, you know the path, 554 00:31:57,550 --> 00:32:00,420 you've been close to the path, but it doesn't mean you're on that path. 555 00:32:01,550 --> 00:32:03,110 And again, that's a sobering truth. 556 00:32:05,680 --> 00:32:10,680 And so we have to make a choice which path we will choose. 557 00:32:11,750 --> 00:32:15,780 Remember I told you earlier that the first word, that word blessed, that 558 00:32:15,780 --> 00:32:17,600 started with the first Hebrew letter. 559 00:32:17,930 --> 00:32:18,660 You guys remember that? 560 00:32:19,240 --> 00:32:21,480 And that word destruction, that actually is the... 561 00:32:21,735 --> 00:32:24,965 Last, it starts with the last letter of the Hebrew word. 562 00:32:24,985 --> 00:32:25,815 You guys get that, right? 563 00:32:26,345 --> 00:32:28,435 And I think God is really cool in this. 564 00:32:28,995 --> 00:32:31,455 Because you think about it, it's basically saying from A to Z. 565 00:32:31,455 --> 00:32:34,825 We pretty much have a poem that goes, It starts off with A and ends with Z. 566 00:32:34,835 --> 00:32:35,635 You guys with me here? 567 00:32:36,455 --> 00:32:39,825 And when we say from A to Z, we mean A from beginning to end. 568 00:32:40,925 --> 00:32:41,415 Right? 569 00:32:41,415 --> 00:32:45,685 And so at the beginning is blessing, and at the end is destruction. 570 00:32:46,805 --> 00:32:49,965 But in between, there's direction. 571 00:32:51,470 --> 00:32:59,690 On which path you can take and you say, wow, you're telling me you want me to 572 00:32:59,690 --> 00:33:04,510 learn something from beginning to the end and you want me to choose this path 573 00:33:05,370 --> 00:33:12,110 of blessing and of righteousness and a life with you and so we could choose to 574 00:33:12,120 --> 00:33:15,780 be faithful in our relationship to God or we could choose to be unfaithful. 575 00:33:17,385 --> 00:33:21,585 Now, the blessings that come along God's path for the here and now and for the 576 00:33:21,585 --> 00:33:24,485 life to come are awesome and incredible. 577 00:33:24,665 --> 00:33:30,055 But it's clear that there's a call to be righteous in the way we live. 578 00:33:30,635 --> 00:33:36,885 If we're going to remain on that path, there's clearly a call to live 579 00:33:37,455 --> 00:33:41,685 holy, meaning separate sacred of God. 580 00:33:42,600 --> 00:33:45,870 Then to live like those who are in the path of sin. 581 00:33:45,880 --> 00:33:47,240 Did you guys catch all of that? 582 00:33:47,740 --> 00:33:48,900 Yes, of course you did. 583 00:33:49,860 --> 00:33:57,450 And so we see here that we should have an unshakable, unmovable conviction that 584 00:33:57,450 --> 00:33:59,500 is those who are considered righteous. 585 00:33:59,690 --> 00:34:02,870 We will never flirt with the idea of 586 00:34:07,055 --> 00:34:08,675 We're not going to partake. 587 00:34:08,875 --> 00:34:10,855 We're not going to get a little bit. 588 00:34:10,855 --> 00:34:12,985 Just give me a little something, something of the evil. 589 00:34:13,025 --> 00:34:15,025 We're not even going to flirt with the idea. 590 00:34:16,135 --> 00:34:18,114 I'm not going to walk and step. 591 00:34:18,905 --> 00:34:21,585 I'm not going to stand in the path. 592 00:34:22,625 --> 00:34:26,905 And I'm for sure not going to sit down in the company of the mockers. 593 00:34:28,574 --> 00:34:33,915 And so again, which path are you truly on? 594 00:34:35,645 --> 00:34:38,014 Because if we're on the path of God, then our lifestyle and our 595 00:34:38,014 --> 00:34:39,485 choices should reflect that. 596 00:34:40,344 --> 00:34:42,905 So yes, that applies to the music that we listen to. 597 00:34:43,284 --> 00:34:46,324 Yes, that applies to the media that we consume. 598 00:34:46,675 --> 00:34:51,324 But it applies to how I interact in my relationships with the opposite sex. 599 00:34:51,395 --> 00:34:54,135 It applies to how I relate to the relationships in 600 00:34:54,135 --> 00:34:55,355 my home and in the church. 601 00:34:55,554 --> 00:34:57,045 Church, are you with me here? 602 00:34:59,195 --> 00:35:02,615 And so man, there's so many blessings that we all want that and hallelujah, 603 00:35:02,835 --> 00:35:11,725 but those are reserved for those Who walk in step with the Lord and God is 604 00:35:11,725 --> 00:35:16,575 gracious and merciful and he lavishes upon his people But if we want to 605 00:35:16,575 --> 00:35:20,075 stay in tune with him, we got to be in tune with the Holy Spirit church. 606 00:35:20,075 --> 00:35:20,685 Are you with me? 607 00:35:22,065 --> 00:35:24,345 And so the righteous love God's instruction. 608 00:35:24,345 --> 00:35:28,190 They love God's teaching and therefore live by his word Which 609 00:35:28,190 --> 00:35:31,700 makes us wise and live holy lives. 610 00:35:32,220 --> 00:35:36,440 And so, we are called to choose our path today. 611 00:35:37,560 --> 00:35:40,700 I want to get very practical here and give some action steps here real quickly. 612 00:35:41,080 --> 00:35:42,970 And go ahead and take a picture and write these down here. 613 00:35:43,150 --> 00:35:44,960 And I'm asking you here to do this. 614 00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:47,250 Either today, tomorrow, or Tuesday here. 615 00:35:47,380 --> 00:35:48,530 Do it sooner than later. 616 00:35:48,680 --> 00:35:50,040 Is answer these questions. 617 00:35:50,040 --> 00:35:53,340 Just go ahead and write them down as you answer them for yourselves here. 618 00:35:53,570 --> 00:35:54,020 But go ahead. 619 00:35:54,060 --> 00:35:56,020 First off, what path are you on? 620 00:35:56,310 --> 00:35:57,370 And let's be honest, honestly. 621 00:35:57,960 --> 00:36:01,380 Yeah, maybe I was on that path, but man, the way I've been living, it sure does 622 00:36:01,380 --> 00:36:02,875 reflect and look like the other path. 623 00:36:03,735 --> 00:36:05,375 Or maybe you know, Hey, you know what? 624 00:36:05,405 --> 00:36:06,705 I'm not on the path of God. 625 00:36:07,605 --> 00:36:10,055 I'd encourage you even as Chris welcomed us. 626 00:36:10,815 --> 00:36:12,375 Go ahead and seek some help today. 627 00:36:12,875 --> 00:36:15,445 Every single one of us who is a member of this congregation. 628 00:36:15,455 --> 00:36:19,155 We had somebody help us to cross from this path to that path 629 00:36:19,325 --> 00:36:20,745 and we are forever grateful. 630 00:36:21,415 --> 00:36:24,495 And so I encourage you to go ahead and seek that help out. 631 00:36:25,105 --> 00:36:28,875 But again, we can ask this question, how you respond to God's grace. 632 00:36:29,255 --> 00:36:34,055 Or God's calling and warning as you realize the path you are on. 633 00:36:34,545 --> 00:36:37,325 And in the second section here, answer this question. 634 00:36:37,845 --> 00:36:40,975 What path are your family, friends, and neighbors on? 635 00:36:42,145 --> 00:36:47,145 And what will you do this week to help those who are on the wrong path? 636 00:36:49,085 --> 00:36:50,525 Right now we're going to take communion. 637 00:36:50,525 --> 00:36:55,175 This is the time where we remember Jesus death upon the cross, the 638 00:36:55,185 --> 00:36:58,745 sacrifice that allows us to have an opportunity of eternal life. 639 00:36:59,220 --> 00:37:02,480 And we take the emblem representing his body and his blood that was 640 00:37:02,490 --> 00:37:04,610 sacrificed and spilled for us. 641 00:37:05,070 --> 00:37:08,420 And I want to close out right here with the passage that we read earlier. 642 00:37:08,780 --> 00:37:13,900 Because Jesus is the only way that we can even have a chance to be on the path of 643 00:37:13,920 --> 00:37:16,160 the righteous and the holy and of God. 644 00:37:16,550 --> 00:37:21,000 And he says, whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living 645 00:37:21,000 --> 00:37:24,270 water will flow from within them. 646 00:37:24,280 --> 00:37:24,790 Let's pray. 647 00:37:24,790 --> 00:37:27,100 God, thank you so much for Jesus. 648 00:37:27,670 --> 00:37:31,860 Thank you so much that he provides a path that he is, as we learned 649 00:37:31,890 --> 00:37:33,320 last week, or we're reminded of. 650 00:37:33,330 --> 00:37:35,650 He is the way, the truth, and the life. 651 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,570 And God, we're so thankful that all of us who are in Christ, that 652 00:37:38,570 --> 00:37:40,470 we can celebrate our salvation. 653 00:37:40,670 --> 00:37:43,760 That we can celebrate and rejoice of the grace and mercy 654 00:37:43,760 --> 00:37:45,310 that has been extended to us. 655 00:37:45,710 --> 00:37:49,480 But God, we pray that we can soberly assess where we are before you. 656 00:37:49,890 --> 00:37:53,380 And God, that we can make choices in response to the resurrection. 657 00:37:53,580 --> 00:37:54,930 In response to the cross. 658 00:37:55,375 --> 00:37:57,425 To live righteous lives. 659 00:37:57,475 --> 00:38:01,135 God, to live in honor of what you have bestowed upon us. 660 00:38:01,145 --> 00:38:05,055 God, I pray for all those, maybe those online or those here in the room. 661 00:38:05,055 --> 00:38:09,425 God, I pray that they will see that this opportunity is there for them. 662 00:38:09,425 --> 00:38:10,845 And it came at a cost. 663 00:38:11,125 --> 00:38:13,575 It came at the cost of your son, Jesus died. 664 00:38:13,905 --> 00:38:18,785 And if that would move, that would stir and that will compel them to 665 00:38:18,785 --> 00:38:23,370 turn and to look toward you and to move from one path to the other. 666 00:38:23,880 --> 00:38:26,140 God, you are good and we are thankful that we had this 667 00:38:26,140 --> 00:38:28,280 opportunity to worship you today. 668 00:38:28,290 --> 00:38:29,490 It's in the name of Jesus. 669 00:38:29,860 --> 00:38:30,080 Amen. 670 00:38:30,170 --> 00:38:30,320 Amen.