1 00:00:00,259 --> 00:00:02,744 I am going to preach a message tonight 2 00:00:02,744 --> 00:00:10,371 that has angered many, many, many churchmen. 3 00:00:10,371 --> 00:00:15,538 It has angered many of the older people. 4 00:00:15,538 --> 00:00:18,298 It has angered many of the youth. 5 00:00:18,298 --> 00:00:20,634 Many of the youth that I've preached this to 6 00:00:20,634 --> 00:00:23,216 have become fiercely angry, 7 00:00:23,216 --> 00:00:26,059 but the people that have become most angry 8 00:00:26,059 --> 00:00:28,171 at hearing this message 9 00:00:28,171 --> 00:00:31,794 have been the parents of youth. 10 00:00:31,794 --> 00:00:33,567 I have found that there is something 11 00:00:33,567 --> 00:00:37,654 quite amazing among parents, 12 00:00:37,654 --> 00:00:40,978 that if they can get some sort of a claim 13 00:00:40,978 --> 00:00:42,181 out of their children 14 00:00:42,181 --> 00:00:44,974 that they profess faith in Jesus Christ, 15 00:00:44,974 --> 00:00:46,741 that they seem to hold on to that 16 00:00:46,741 --> 00:00:48,869 and it gives them assurance and joy. 17 00:00:48,869 --> 00:00:50,929 And it seems that they're bothered 18 00:00:50,929 --> 00:00:52,706 anytime someone would come 19 00:00:52,706 --> 00:01:01,752 and question that claim. 20 00:01:01,752 --> 00:01:03,774 It seems we would rather hold on 21 00:01:03,774 --> 00:01:06,355 to a false hope 22 00:01:06,355 --> 00:01:08,930 than to hear the truth. 23 00:01:08,930 --> 00:01:11,842 There are many people who do not want to hear the truth 24 00:01:11,842 --> 00:01:14,205 because it will shake up the false hope they have 25 00:01:14,205 --> 00:01:15,615 that they're going to heaven, 26 00:01:15,615 --> 00:01:17,792 when indeed they are not. 27 00:01:17,792 --> 00:01:20,630 There are so many people 28 00:01:20,630 --> 00:01:23,761 in Christianity - American Christianity - 29 00:01:23,761 --> 00:01:26,038 that believe themselves right with God; 30 00:01:26,038 --> 00:01:27,873 that believe themselves saved 31 00:01:27,873 --> 00:01:31,041 because they were told that by a preacher 32 00:01:31,041 --> 00:01:32,695 who should have spent more time 33 00:01:32,695 --> 00:01:34,082 studying the Bible, 34 00:01:34,082 --> 00:01:37,565 and less time preaching. 35 00:01:37,565 --> 00:01:39,932 I hear people all over the world, 36 00:01:39,932 --> 00:01:41,529 and especially in this country, 37 00:01:41,529 --> 00:01:42,886 tell me that they're saved. 38 00:01:42,886 --> 00:01:44,368 And I ask them how do they know 39 00:01:44,368 --> 00:01:45,468 that they're saved. 40 00:01:45,468 --> 00:01:48,380 Well, because they believe. 41 00:01:48,380 --> 00:01:50,731 And no one asks them the second question: 42 00:01:50,731 --> 00:01:54,900 how do you know that you believe? 43 00:01:54,900 --> 00:01:57,778 If we were to dismiss this congregation tonight 44 00:01:57,778 --> 00:01:59,289 and send everyone out 45 00:01:59,289 --> 00:02:01,286 to every part of this city, 46 00:02:01,286 --> 00:02:03,452 we would find out that the great majority 47 00:02:03,452 --> 00:02:05,071 of the people in this city 48 00:02:05,071 --> 00:02:07,313 believe that they believe. 49 00:02:07,313 --> 00:02:08,843 And we know that's not true. 50 00:02:08,843 --> 00:02:12,155 If we would go to taverns and crack houses tonight; 51 00:02:12,155 --> 00:02:15,005 if we were to go to casinos, anywhere in this world, 52 00:02:15,005 --> 00:02:18,308 we would find people who believe that they believe. 53 00:02:18,308 --> 00:02:19,478 And the question is, 54 00:02:19,478 --> 00:02:22,831 how can we be sure that we believe 55 00:02:22,831 --> 00:02:24,698 when so many people say they believe 56 00:02:24,698 --> 00:02:28,248 and we know they don't? 57 00:02:28,248 --> 00:02:30,166 In America, we have combined 58 00:02:30,166 --> 00:02:31,183 two doctrines, 59 00:02:31,183 --> 00:02:33,691 and we have lost both of them. 60 00:02:33,691 --> 00:02:35,706 There are two very important doctrines 61 00:02:35,706 --> 00:02:36,938 in the Christian faith. 62 00:02:36,938 --> 00:02:38,814 The first one is commonly called - 63 00:02:38,814 --> 00:02:41,584 a name I do not like, but I will use here tonight - 64 00:02:41,584 --> 00:02:44,921 the security of the believer. 65 00:02:44,921 --> 00:02:47,235 That every person who has truly 66 00:02:47,235 --> 00:02:49,183 believed in Jesus Christ 67 00:02:49,183 --> 00:02:51,991 is born again and they are secure. 68 00:02:51,991 --> 00:02:54,006 The very God who saved them 69 00:02:54,006 --> 00:02:55,708 will keep them saved. 70 00:02:55,708 --> 00:02:58,316 Security of the believer. 71 00:02:58,316 --> 00:03:01,072 But there's another doctrine 72 00:03:01,072 --> 00:03:04,353 of which we do not hear much about. 73 00:03:04,353 --> 00:03:06,309 It's not just the doctrine of security 74 00:03:06,309 --> 00:03:10,147 but the doctrine of assurance. 75 00:03:10,147 --> 00:03:13,385 It is true that every true believer 76 00:03:13,385 --> 00:03:15,534 is kept by the power of God. 77 00:03:15,534 --> 00:03:17,179 That's the doctrine of security. 78 00:03:17,179 --> 00:03:19,021 But the doctrine of assurance is this: 79 00:03:19,021 --> 00:03:22,575 how can you be assured that you're a true believer? 80 00:03:22,575 --> 00:03:27,105 How can you know that you are a true believer? 81 00:03:27,105 --> 00:03:28,628 I've had people tell me, 82 00:03:28,628 --> 00:03:32,799 "Well, I just know that I know." 83 00:03:32,799 --> 00:03:36,358 I tell them, "there's a way that seems right unto men. 84 00:03:36,358 --> 00:03:37,840 It leads to death." 85 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,276 I've heard people tell me, 86 00:03:39,276 --> 00:03:41,356 "Well, I know in my heart of hearts 87 00:03:41,356 --> 00:03:44,193 that I am saved." 88 00:03:44,193 --> 00:03:49,427 The Bible says that the heart is deceitfully wicked. 89 00:03:49,427 --> 00:03:52,096 It goes beyond knowledge in its wickedness. 90 00:03:52,096 --> 00:03:54,746 So do you really want to trust a mind that is faulty? 91 00:03:54,746 --> 00:03:56,609 Do you really want to trust a heart 92 00:03:56,609 --> 00:03:59,242 that can be wicked? 93 00:03:59,242 --> 00:04:00,739 I've even heard people tell me, 94 00:04:00,739 --> 00:04:02,354 "Well, I know I'm saved because 95 00:04:02,354 --> 00:04:06,203 the preacher told me I'm saved." 96 00:04:06,203 --> 00:04:09,847 And since when did men have such authority? 97 00:04:09,847 --> 00:04:12,438 And then, the worst of all: 98 00:04:12,438 --> 00:04:14,555 "I know I'm saved because 99 00:04:14,555 --> 00:04:17,191 I have walked with God." 100 00:04:17,191 --> 00:04:19,111 My dear friend, let me tell you this: 101 00:04:19,111 --> 00:04:22,439 If you are not walking with God now, 102 00:04:22,439 --> 00:04:23,903 you can have no assurance 103 00:04:23,903 --> 00:04:25,773 that you have ever been saved. 104 00:04:25,773 --> 00:04:27,376 We are not teaching here tonight 105 00:04:27,376 --> 00:04:29,647 that if you walk with God and you're saved 106 00:04:29,647 --> 00:04:31,409 and then you stop walking with God, 107 00:04:31,409 --> 00:04:32,860 that you lose your salvation. 108 00:04:32,860 --> 00:04:34,778 What we're telling you is this: 109 00:04:34,778 --> 00:04:36,365 We have assurance that we have 110 00:04:36,365 --> 00:04:37,515 come to know Him, 111 00:04:37,515 --> 00:04:40,002 not just because one time we repented, 112 00:04:40,002 --> 00:04:43,162 but we are continuing to repent today. 113 00:04:43,162 --> 00:04:45,485 And it is not just that at one time we believed, 114 00:04:45,485 --> 00:04:48,774 but that we are continuing to believe today. 115 00:04:48,774 --> 00:04:50,620 And it is not just that one time 116 00:04:50,620 --> 00:04:52,045 we walked with Him, 117 00:04:52,045 --> 00:04:54,761 we continue to walk with Him today 118 00:04:54,761 --> 00:04:56,585 because He who began a good work 119 00:04:56,585 --> 00:05:03,320 will finish it. 120 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:05,807 It says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 - 121 00:05:05,807 --> 00:05:07,426 Paul had come to a church - 122 00:05:07,426 --> 00:05:09,244 many of them professing Christ; 123 00:05:09,244 --> 00:05:11,242 many of them walking in carnality. 124 00:05:11,242 --> 00:05:14,196 And he doesn't say to them, 125 00:05:14,196 --> 00:05:15,495 let me ask you something, 126 00:05:15,495 --> 00:05:17,723 "when was the time that you first asked 127 00:05:17,723 --> 00:05:20,223 Jesus Christ into your heart?" 128 00:05:20,223 --> 00:05:22,884 He doesn't even refer to their conversion experience. 129 00:05:22,884 --> 00:05:24,384 He goes right to present tense, 130 00:05:24,384 --> 00:05:25,471 and he says this: 131 00:05:25,471 --> 00:05:27,505 "Test yourselves (in v. 5) 132 00:05:27,505 --> 00:05:29,088 to see if you are in the faith. 133 00:05:29,088 --> 00:05:30,361 Examine yourselves. 134 00:05:30,361 --> 00:05:32,800 Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, 135 00:05:32,800 --> 00:05:34,675 that Jesus Christ is in you? 136 00:05:34,675 --> 00:05:39,120 Unless indeed you fail the test." 137 00:05:39,120 --> 00:05:41,207 If I see someone who, let's say, 138 00:05:41,207 --> 00:05:42,569 for three or four years, 139 00:05:42,569 --> 00:05:45,116 seems to have walked with God, 140 00:05:45,116 --> 00:05:47,374 loved the saints, 141 00:05:47,374 --> 00:05:49,726 endeavored to pray, to know the Word, 142 00:05:49,726 --> 00:05:51,651 to congregate with other believers, 143 00:05:51,651 --> 00:05:53,597 and all the such. 144 00:05:53,597 --> 00:05:57,683 And then they begin to fall away gradually. 145 00:05:57,683 --> 00:05:59,165 They begin to walk away. 146 00:05:59,165 --> 00:06:00,973 They begin to allow the world and sin 147 00:06:00,973 --> 00:06:02,641 and other things into their life. 148 00:06:02,641 --> 00:06:07,354 They begin to enjoy the fellowship of the wicked. 149 00:06:07,354 --> 00:06:08,963 I don't go to them and tell them, 150 00:06:08,963 --> 00:06:11,438 "You know you're a Christian, 151 00:06:11,438 --> 00:06:13,369 and you need to avoid backsliding." 152 00:06:13,369 --> 00:06:14,496 I go to them and say, 153 00:06:14,496 --> 00:06:16,738 "You have made the good profession. 154 00:06:16,738 --> 00:06:18,269 You have declared among many 155 00:06:18,269 --> 00:06:19,503 that you are a believer, 156 00:06:19,503 --> 00:06:21,755 but now you are beginning to live 157 00:06:21,755 --> 00:06:22,993 like an unbeliever. 158 00:06:22,993 --> 00:06:27,145 It is very, very possible you never knew Him. 159 00:06:27,145 --> 00:06:28,443 That up until this point, 160 00:06:28,443 --> 00:06:30,625 it has all been a very deceiving 161 00:06:30,625 --> 00:06:32,183 work of the flesh, 162 00:06:32,183 --> 00:06:35,429 because if a work of God does not continue, 163 00:06:35,429 --> 00:06:39,774 it never was a work of God." 164 00:06:39,774 --> 00:06:41,890 Now what does Paul say to this person? 165 00:06:41,890 --> 00:06:44,701 He says, "Test yourselves." 166 00:06:44,701 --> 00:06:46,834 Test yourself. 167 00:06:46,834 --> 00:06:48,834 Take a test. 168 00:06:48,834 --> 00:06:50,892 Let me tell you something my dear friend, 169 00:06:50,892 --> 00:06:52,036 heaven and hell, 170 00:06:52,036 --> 00:06:53,662 eternity and death 171 00:06:53,662 --> 00:06:56,447 may not be very much a reality to you, 172 00:06:56,447 --> 00:06:58,463 but it most certainly is to this preacher. 173 00:06:58,463 --> 00:07:00,100 I could care less whether or not 174 00:07:00,100 --> 00:07:01,697 your bank account is balanced 175 00:07:01,697 --> 00:07:03,164 or you have self-esteem. 176 00:07:03,164 --> 00:07:05,122 My only thing - the only thing 177 00:07:05,122 --> 00:07:08,745 that might keep me up this evening 178 00:07:08,745 --> 00:07:10,554 and steal sleep from my eyes 179 00:07:10,554 --> 00:07:17,657 is the fact that many of you will die and go to hell. 180 00:07:17,657 --> 00:07:19,657 Test yourself. 181 00:07:19,657 --> 00:07:21,489 This is not just some whimsical thing. 182 00:07:21,489 --> 00:07:24,038 This is not just something to worry about for a day. 183 00:07:24,038 --> 00:07:25,423 We're talking about eternity. 184 00:07:25,423 --> 00:07:27,469 Is it well with your soul? 185 00:07:27,469 --> 00:07:29,976 If you test yourselves in the light of Scripture, 186 00:07:29,976 --> 00:07:32,368 will you be found whole and complete? 187 00:07:32,368 --> 00:07:34,330 Born again? 188 00:07:34,330 --> 00:07:35,763 Kept by the power of God. 189 00:07:35,763 --> 00:07:37,318 It's time to take a test 190 00:07:37,318 --> 00:07:40,131 and stop relying on your emotions, 191 00:07:40,131 --> 00:07:42,737 and stop relying on what everyone is telling you, 192 00:07:42,737 --> 00:07:45,890 and stop comparing yourself to other people 193 00:07:45,890 --> 00:07:47,434 who call themselves Christians, 194 00:07:47,434 --> 00:07:50,282 because the great majority of people in America 195 00:07:50,282 --> 00:07:54,265 who call themselves Christians are lost. 196 00:07:54,265 --> 00:07:57,425 Some leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention have said this: 197 00:07:57,425 --> 00:07:59,625 If we take seriously what the Bible says 198 00:07:59,625 --> 00:08:02,179 about Christianity, we would have to say 199 00:08:02,179 --> 00:08:05,677 that less than 10 - 15% of all our membership 200 00:08:05,677 --> 00:08:08,839 is even saved. 201 00:08:08,839 --> 00:08:11,634 And don't think that just applies to Southern Baptists. 202 00:08:11,634 --> 00:08:16,900 It applies to you all. 203 00:08:16,900 --> 00:08:18,286 He says test yourself. 204 00:08:18,286 --> 00:08:20,454 Examine yourself. 205 00:08:20,454 --> 00:08:22,445 Not just some light examination. 206 00:08:22,445 --> 00:08:24,790 Not just hear the words of this preacher 207 00:08:24,790 --> 00:08:26,414 and walk out there and allow Satan 208 00:08:26,414 --> 00:08:28,459 to steal the Word of God from your heart. 209 00:08:28,459 --> 00:08:29,477 While you're here 210 00:08:29,477 --> 00:08:31,037 and while Christ is present 211 00:08:31,037 --> 00:08:32,666 and while the Word is preached, 212 00:08:32,666 --> 00:08:34,220 examine yourself. 213 00:08:34,220 --> 00:08:35,768 It is a deadly thing - 214 00:08:35,768 --> 00:08:37,659 sin waits outside this door. 215 00:08:37,659 --> 00:08:41,198 It is crouching and its desire is to have you. 216 00:08:41,198 --> 00:08:42,955 While you are here 217 00:08:42,955 --> 00:08:44,941 and Christ is present, 218 00:08:44,941 --> 00:08:47,235 examine yourself. 219 00:08:47,235 --> 00:08:48,743 So many times in South America 220 00:08:48,743 --> 00:08:50,291 working in the Andes Mountains, 221 00:08:50,291 --> 00:08:53,904 I would have to cross foot bridges. 222 00:08:53,904 --> 00:08:58,743 Gorges that you almost couldn't see to the bottom. 223 00:08:58,743 --> 00:09:01,066 Test the ropes. 224 00:09:01,066 --> 00:09:02,682 Test the wood. 225 00:09:02,682 --> 00:09:04,321 Is this a sound bridge? 226 00:09:04,321 --> 00:09:06,091 Examine it carefully. Why? 227 00:09:06,091 --> 00:09:08,075 You get out in the middle of that thing, 228 00:09:08,075 --> 00:09:10,970 it breaks - you're dead. 229 00:09:10,970 --> 00:09:12,548 In the same way that salvation 230 00:09:12,548 --> 00:09:14,343 that you hold on to, 231 00:09:14,343 --> 00:09:18,161 that you trust in, 232 00:09:18,161 --> 00:09:21,351 it might be like a horse's hair. 233 00:09:21,351 --> 00:09:23,650 When you swing out into eternity, 234 00:09:23,650 --> 00:09:26,094 many of you are going to swing out 235 00:09:26,094 --> 00:09:29,534 on nothing stronger than a horse's hair. 236 00:09:29,534 --> 00:09:33,492 And when the fires of hell blast up, 237 00:09:33,492 --> 00:09:38,481 you'll wither and you'll fall. 238 00:09:38,481 --> 00:09:40,429 Examine yourself. 239 00:09:40,429 --> 00:09:42,257 Take the Word of God 240 00:09:42,257 --> 00:09:44,081 and what the Word of God says 241 00:09:44,081 --> 00:09:45,926 about a true Christian, 242 00:09:45,926 --> 00:09:48,202 and examine yourself in light of it. 243 00:09:48,202 --> 00:09:50,574 And if you fall short of the test, 244 00:09:50,574 --> 00:09:53,615 repent and believe. 245 00:09:53,615 --> 00:09:55,587 Throw yourself upon the mercy of God. 246 00:09:55,587 --> 00:09:59,421 Cry out to Him until a work is done. 247 00:09:59,421 --> 00:10:01,212 And that's another thing isn't it? 248 00:10:01,212 --> 00:10:02,708 A whole other sermon? 249 00:10:02,708 --> 00:10:06,986 Until a work is done. 250 00:10:06,986 --> 00:10:11,528 This silly Christianity in America! 251 00:10:11,528 --> 00:10:14,336 "Repeat these words after me." 252 00:10:14,336 --> 00:10:17,569 No, you might have to wait upon God. 253 00:10:17,569 --> 00:10:19,686 You might have to cry out to Him 254 00:10:19,686 --> 00:10:23,311 until a work is done. 255 00:10:23,311 --> 00:10:24,921 A true work. A finished work. 256 00:10:24,921 --> 00:10:32,131 A complete work. 257 00:10:32,131 --> 00:10:34,342 How can we take a test? 258 00:10:34,342 --> 00:10:35,710 How can we test our lives? 259 00:10:35,710 --> 00:10:37,954 How can you test yourself tonight? 260 00:10:37,954 --> 00:10:41,786 To see whether or not you truly are a Christian? 261 00:10:41,786 --> 00:10:44,787 Well, we just have to go to the Word of God to do that. 262 00:10:44,787 --> 00:10:50,976 Go to 1 John 5. 263 00:10:50,976 --> 00:10:54,600 1 John 5:13 264 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:56,863 John gives us the reason in his Gospel. 265 00:10:56,863 --> 00:11:01,478 In John 20:31, he tells us why he writes his Gospel. 266 00:11:01,478 --> 00:11:03,838 He writes his Gospel so that men might believe 267 00:11:03,838 --> 00:11:05,378 that Jesus is the Son of God; 268 00:11:05,378 --> 00:11:06,590 that He's the Christ; 269 00:11:06,590 --> 00:11:08,562 that they might have eternal life. 270 00:11:08,562 --> 00:11:10,184 Why does he write his epistle? 271 00:11:10,184 --> 00:11:13,493 He tells us here in 1 John 5:13. 272 00:11:13,493 --> 00:11:16,072 "These things (this epistle) 273 00:11:16,072 --> 00:11:17,992 I have written to you who believe 274 00:11:17,992 --> 00:11:19,563 in the name of the Son of God..." 275 00:11:19,563 --> 00:11:23,381 Those of you who profess Christ. 276 00:11:23,381 --> 00:11:26,947 Why? "That you may know that you have eternal life." 277 00:11:26,947 --> 00:11:29,690 You want to know whether or not you're born again? 278 00:11:29,690 --> 00:11:32,464 Read the book of 1 John. 279 00:11:32,464 --> 00:11:34,639 Because the book of 1 John is made up 280 00:11:34,639 --> 00:11:37,638 of a series of tests. 281 00:11:37,638 --> 00:11:41,206 And we're going to take those tests this evening. 282 00:11:41,206 --> 00:11:50,435 And I pray to God that God gives you ears to hear. 283 00:11:50,435 --> 00:11:52,657 I want to tell you something, 284 00:11:52,657 --> 00:11:56,845 and I want to make it very, very clear. 285 00:11:56,845 --> 00:12:02,252 Do not listen to your heart. 286 00:12:02,252 --> 00:12:05,745 Listen to the Word of God. 287 00:12:05,745 --> 00:12:09,050 Do not listen to what your daddy says 288 00:12:09,050 --> 00:12:10,469 about your salvation. 289 00:12:10,469 --> 00:12:13,269 Do not listen to what your mother says 290 00:12:13,269 --> 00:12:15,219 about your salvation. 291 00:12:15,219 --> 00:12:18,008 Listen to the Word of God. 292 00:12:18,008 --> 00:12:19,813 Compare what you know 293 00:12:19,813 --> 00:12:21,958 about your secret life. 294 00:12:21,958 --> 00:12:25,825 Now, what did I say that for? 295 00:12:25,825 --> 00:12:27,349 So many of you young people, 296 00:12:27,349 --> 00:12:29,006 you have your parents so deceived, 297 00:12:29,006 --> 00:12:31,620 it's unbelievable. 298 00:12:31,620 --> 00:12:35,596 Because externally, you conform to their law. 299 00:12:35,596 --> 00:12:37,391 But it's not your law. 300 00:12:37,391 --> 00:12:39,346 It's not in your heart. 301 00:12:39,346 --> 00:12:43,196 And in the secret place, 302 00:12:43,196 --> 00:12:45,191 you know who you are. 303 00:12:45,191 --> 00:12:47,533 And then some of you who are not children, 304 00:12:47,533 --> 00:12:50,579 but adults, teenagers that are older, 305 00:12:50,579 --> 00:12:52,414 that are out in the world. 306 00:12:52,414 --> 00:12:54,378 You go out there. 307 00:12:54,378 --> 00:12:57,379 You know who you are. 308 00:12:57,379 --> 00:13:00,607 Your mom and dad - they do not know. 309 00:13:00,607 --> 00:13:01,889 Some of you adults, 310 00:13:01,889 --> 00:13:03,378 church members do not know, 311 00:13:03,378 --> 00:13:05,299 but when you're out there by yourself, 312 00:13:05,299 --> 00:13:07,791 that's the person I want you to compare 313 00:13:07,791 --> 00:13:09,808 to the Word of God tonight. 314 00:13:09,808 --> 00:13:11,894 Not the one in here that looks pretty. 315 00:13:11,894 --> 00:13:12,925 Not the one in here 316 00:13:12,925 --> 00:13:14,509 that's got religious makeup on. 317 00:13:14,509 --> 00:13:16,217 No, the one out there 318 00:13:16,217 --> 00:13:17,478 when no one is looking. 319 00:13:17,478 --> 00:13:19,584 You take that person and compare them 320 00:13:19,584 --> 00:13:21,276 tonight to the Word of God 321 00:13:21,276 --> 00:13:29,150 and see if you stand. 322 00:13:29,150 --> 00:13:32,699 See if you stand. 323 00:13:32,699 --> 00:13:33,987 You say, Brother Paul, 324 00:13:33,987 --> 00:13:36,677 you seem quite intense tonight. 325 00:13:36,677 --> 00:13:40,731 How would you expect me to be 326 00:13:40,731 --> 00:13:42,897 if a train - a slow moving train - 327 00:13:42,897 --> 00:13:45,187 was going across our path, 328 00:13:45,187 --> 00:13:47,853 and to see my little boy 329 00:13:47,853 --> 00:13:51,087 just inches from the wheel, 330 00:13:51,087 --> 00:13:53,502 would you expect for me to whispher 331 00:13:53,502 --> 00:13:55,251 in his ear: 332 00:13:55,251 --> 00:13:57,617 "Back up boy." 333 00:13:57,617 --> 00:13:59,394 Would you expect for me to not even 334 00:13:59,394 --> 00:14:00,563 make a commotion, 335 00:14:00,563 --> 00:14:02,461 but kind of motion with my hand? 336 00:14:02,461 --> 00:14:04,380 Or would you expect me to scream out: 337 00:14:04,380 --> 00:14:10,182 "No!!!" 338 00:14:10,182 --> 00:14:15,241 How would you expect me to preach about these things? 339 00:14:15,241 --> 00:14:17,394 Let's take that secret life of yours 340 00:14:17,394 --> 00:14:21,668 and compare it to the Word of God. 341 00:14:21,668 --> 00:14:27,083 1 John 1:5 342 00:14:27,083 --> 00:14:28,729 "This is the message which we have 343 00:14:28,729 --> 00:14:30,497 heard from Him and announce to you, 344 00:14:30,497 --> 00:14:31,583 that God is light, 345 00:14:31,583 --> 00:14:33,633 and in Him there is no darkness at all." 346 00:14:33,633 --> 00:14:34,632 What does that mean? 347 00:14:34,632 --> 00:14:37,027 As in all the writings of John, 348 00:14:37,027 --> 00:14:39,839 he leaves things open. 349 00:14:39,839 --> 00:14:41,244 He leaves things open. 350 00:14:41,244 --> 00:14:43,356 I believe that as you look through this text 351 00:14:43,356 --> 00:14:46,239 you will find out that there are two things John is saying. 352 00:14:46,239 --> 00:14:48,603 First of all, whenever we're talking about light, 353 00:14:48,603 --> 00:14:50,102 and we see this in John 3, 354 00:14:50,102 --> 00:14:51,864 we're talking about holiness, 355 00:14:51,864 --> 00:14:52,875 righteousness. 356 00:14:52,875 --> 00:14:55,683 God is a holy God. 357 00:14:55,683 --> 00:14:58,194 He is a righteous God. 358 00:14:58,194 --> 00:14:59,570 Has no sin. 359 00:14:59,570 --> 00:15:02,093 No flaw. No shadow. 360 00:15:02,093 --> 00:15:04,688 No speck of immorality in Him. 361 00:15:04,688 --> 00:15:06,434 God cannot be tempted. 362 00:15:06,434 --> 00:15:07,871 You can be tempted because 363 00:15:07,871 --> 00:15:10,093 there's still an element of evil in you 364 00:15:10,093 --> 00:15:11,326 that is drawn to evil. 365 00:15:11,326 --> 00:15:13,509 God has no evil in Him. 366 00:15:13,509 --> 00:15:15,475 Evil cannot draw Him. 367 00:15:15,475 --> 00:15:17,567 He disdains it. He despises it. 368 00:15:17,567 --> 00:15:19,596 He's holy. 369 00:15:19,596 --> 00:15:21,214 But that's not, I think, 370 00:15:21,214 --> 00:15:23,016 John's primary meaning here. 371 00:15:23,016 --> 00:15:25,301 John is dealing with a group of false teachers 372 00:15:25,301 --> 00:15:27,124 who basically are telling everybody 373 00:15:27,124 --> 00:15:30,209 that God is a very dark and shadowy 374 00:15:30,209 --> 00:15:31,583 and hidden figure, 375 00:15:31,583 --> 00:15:34,006 and that knowledge about God is esoteric. 376 00:15:34,006 --> 00:15:35,318 It is hidden and dark, 377 00:15:35,318 --> 00:15:36,845 and only some people know it. 378 00:15:36,845 --> 00:15:39,445 And I believe that John is contradicting 379 00:15:39,445 --> 00:15:40,715 these false prophets, 380 00:15:40,715 --> 00:15:41,812 and he is saying this. 381 00:15:41,812 --> 00:15:43,252 And you listen very carefully. 382 00:15:43,252 --> 00:15:45,924 This is what he is saying. 383 00:15:45,924 --> 00:15:49,469 He's saying, "God is light." 384 00:15:49,469 --> 00:15:51,402 And he means this: 385 00:15:51,402 --> 00:15:55,957 God has revealed to us who He is 386 00:15:55,957 --> 00:15:58,774 and He has revealed to us His will. 387 00:15:58,774 --> 00:16:02,446 He has it made it very clear. 388 00:16:02,446 --> 00:16:04,315 Now let me just say something 389 00:16:04,315 --> 00:16:06,664 about how that would change everything in America 390 00:16:06,664 --> 00:16:08,261 if the media truly believed that. 391 00:16:08,261 --> 00:16:10,239 What kind of god do we have in America? 392 00:16:10,239 --> 00:16:12,488 What is the god of the politician in America? 393 00:16:12,488 --> 00:16:14,985 It's this kind of god: it's the god you can pray to, 394 00:16:14,985 --> 00:16:17,464 but you cannot define who he is. 395 00:16:17,464 --> 00:16:18,996 It's the god you can talk about 396 00:16:18,996 --> 00:16:20,094 in a political speech, 397 00:16:20,094 --> 00:16:24,217 but you cannot define what his will is. 398 00:16:24,217 --> 00:16:26,192 And that's a good god to have. Why? 399 00:16:26,192 --> 00:16:28,020 Because you're no longer accountable 400 00:16:28,020 --> 00:16:29,031 to a god like that. 401 00:16:29,031 --> 00:16:30,354 You don't know who he is 402 00:16:30,354 --> 00:16:32,017 and you don't know what he wants. 403 00:16:32,017 --> 00:16:34,756 So you just do whatever your carnal, 404 00:16:34,756 --> 00:16:36,592 wicked heart wants to do. 405 00:16:36,592 --> 00:16:37,999 That's a very convenient god. 406 00:16:37,999 --> 00:16:39,292 And that's the kind of god 407 00:16:39,292 --> 00:16:41,535 some supposed Christians have. 408 00:16:41,535 --> 00:16:43,504 But John counters that, and he says this: 409 00:16:43,504 --> 00:16:45,612 No, my friend. God has told you 410 00:16:45,612 --> 00:16:49,380 exactly who He is. 411 00:16:49,380 --> 00:16:51,927 And, God has told you exactly 412 00:16:51,927 --> 00:16:56,131 what He requires of thee, o man. 413 00:16:56,131 --> 00:16:57,859 He's not a hidden God. 414 00:16:57,859 --> 00:17:03,156 Now, learning that, let's go to the next verse. 415 00:17:03,156 --> 00:17:07,014 He says this: "If we say we have fellowship with Him..." 416 00:17:07,014 --> 00:17:08,211 What does that mean? 417 00:17:08,211 --> 00:17:11,616 If we say that we are saved. 418 00:17:11,616 --> 00:17:13,695 That's exactly what it means. 419 00:17:13,695 --> 00:17:15,788 If we say that we know Him. 420 00:17:15,788 --> 00:17:17,992 If we say that we abide in Him. 421 00:17:17,992 --> 00:17:19,467 For so many years in America, 422 00:17:19,467 --> 00:17:21,896 because of a certain seminary 423 00:17:21,896 --> 00:17:23,518 that has propogated this, 424 00:17:23,518 --> 00:17:25,395 we have been taught and led to believe 425 00:17:25,395 --> 00:17:27,536 that 1 John is talking about the difference 426 00:17:27,536 --> 00:17:30,342 between a Christian who walks in communion with God 427 00:17:30,342 --> 00:17:33,191 or a Christian that does not walk in communion with God. 428 00:17:33,191 --> 00:17:35,028 They take this text to mean 429 00:17:35,028 --> 00:17:37,834 that if we say that we know Him; 430 00:17:37,834 --> 00:17:40,145 if we say that we know Him; 431 00:17:40,145 --> 00:17:42,311 if we say that we know Him, 432 00:17:42,311 --> 00:17:44,223 and yet walk in darkness, 433 00:17:44,223 --> 00:17:45,869 we're just a confused Christian. 434 00:17:45,869 --> 00:17:47,757 That's not what this text means. 435 00:17:47,757 --> 00:17:50,376 What this text is saying is this: 436 00:17:50,376 --> 00:17:53,054 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him 437 00:17:53,054 --> 00:17:54,465 and yet walk in darkness, 438 00:17:54,465 --> 00:17:56,662 we lie and do not practice the truth." 439 00:17:56,662 --> 00:17:59,238 If we say that we are a Christian 440 00:17:59,238 --> 00:18:01,770 and yet we walk in darkness, 441 00:18:01,770 --> 00:18:04,574 we are lying. 442 00:18:04,574 --> 00:18:06,379 Now, I know what's going to happen 443 00:18:06,379 --> 00:18:08,161 in your heart right now. 444 00:18:08,161 --> 00:18:10,539 "Yeah, but you don't know my heart, Brother Paul." 445 00:18:10,539 --> 00:18:12,916 "I know that I know that I know that I'm saved." 446 00:18:12,916 --> 00:18:15,985 I could care less again about your heart. 447 00:18:15,985 --> 00:18:17,853 Because that's not what John says. 448 00:18:17,853 --> 00:18:21,751 John says, "If we say that we have 449 00:18:21,751 --> 00:18:22,944 fellowship with God..." 450 00:18:22,944 --> 00:18:24,342 that we are a Christian, 451 00:18:24,342 --> 00:18:26,668 "and yet we walk in the darkness, 452 00:18:26,668 --> 00:18:28,476 we are a liar." 453 00:18:28,476 --> 00:18:30,940 Now, what does it mean to walk in the darkness? 454 00:18:30,940 --> 00:18:34,017 Well, first of all, you need to understand what darkness is. 455 00:18:34,017 --> 00:18:36,382 It's the opposite of light. 456 00:18:36,382 --> 00:18:39,148 If we say we are a Christian, 457 00:18:39,148 --> 00:18:40,695 and yet we walk. 458 00:18:40,695 --> 00:18:42,153 Now what does it mean to walk? 459 00:18:42,153 --> 00:18:44,235 Peripateo. To walk around. 460 00:18:44,235 --> 00:18:45,413 A style of life. 461 00:18:45,413 --> 00:18:47,348 If we say that we are Christian 462 00:18:47,348 --> 00:18:49,223 and yet our style of life 463 00:18:49,223 --> 00:18:52,088 contradicts everything God has told us 464 00:18:52,088 --> 00:18:53,219 about Himself, 465 00:18:53,219 --> 00:18:55,312 and contradicts God's will, 466 00:18:55,312 --> 00:18:57,210 we're a liar. 467 00:18:57,210 --> 00:18:58,380 That's what it means. 468 00:18:58,380 --> 00:19:00,078 That's what this text is saying. 469 00:19:00,078 --> 00:19:02,611 It's as clear as a bell. 470 00:19:02,611 --> 00:19:04,155 Now listen to me! Listen to me! 471 00:19:04,155 --> 00:19:06,951 I'm going to tell you again. Look at this. 472 00:19:06,951 --> 00:19:10,689 In v. 6, "if we say that we have fellowship with Him..." 473 00:19:10,689 --> 00:19:12,462 If we say that we are Christian, 474 00:19:12,462 --> 00:19:14,274 and yet we walk - 475 00:19:14,274 --> 00:19:17,271 we lead a style of life in the darkness, 476 00:19:17,271 --> 00:19:21,223 we lead a style of life that contradicts 477 00:19:21,223 --> 00:19:23,157 the attributes and the nature of God - 478 00:19:23,157 --> 00:19:25,102 what God has told us about Himself. 479 00:19:25,102 --> 00:19:29,293 Our style of life reflects nothing of God's character. 480 00:19:29,293 --> 00:19:32,740 And our style of life totally contradicts 481 00:19:32,740 --> 00:19:35,588 what God has said to be His will, 482 00:19:35,588 --> 00:19:39,235 then we are a liar when we say we're a Christian. 483 00:19:39,235 --> 00:19:40,951 We've got to understand this! 484 00:19:40,951 --> 00:19:43,768 Do you have ears? 485 00:19:43,768 --> 00:19:47,076 You've got to understand it. 486 00:19:47,076 --> 00:19:49,551 There are so many people walking around. 487 00:19:49,551 --> 00:19:50,557 You can see them. 488 00:19:50,557 --> 00:19:52,954 It is like a fog over their head. 489 00:19:52,954 --> 00:19:54,768 That is why religion is so dangerous. 490 00:19:54,768 --> 00:19:56,538 All these silly little boys out here 491 00:19:56,538 --> 00:19:58,349 preaching that if you repeat a prayer, 492 00:19:58,349 --> 00:19:59,550 you're going to heaven. 493 00:19:59,550 --> 00:20:01,947 And the moment they pronounce that upon a person, 494 00:20:01,947 --> 00:20:07,349 it is like a fog comes over them. 495 00:20:07,349 --> 00:20:09,357 But it's time to cut through that fog 496 00:20:09,357 --> 00:20:12,437 with a deeper, greater light. 497 00:20:12,437 --> 00:20:13,851 And that is the Word of God. 498 00:20:13,851 --> 00:20:15,357 My dear friend, listen to me. 499 00:20:15,357 --> 00:20:17,794 John is saying that if you say you're a Christian, 500 00:20:17,794 --> 00:20:20,127 and yet your style of life - 501 00:20:20,127 --> 00:20:22,931 the way you are - 502 00:20:22,931 --> 00:20:25,892 does not reflect His character 503 00:20:25,892 --> 00:20:28,867 and the things you do go against His will 504 00:20:28,867 --> 00:20:30,702 as a style of life, he's telling you, 505 00:20:30,702 --> 00:20:35,214 you are a liar when you say you're a Christian. 506 00:20:35,214 --> 00:20:37,458 Now, let's go on. 507 00:20:37,458 --> 00:20:41,193 Here's the next test. 508 00:20:41,193 --> 00:20:44,099 V. 8 "If we say that we have no sin, 509 00:20:44,099 --> 00:20:45,720 we are deceiving ourselves 510 00:20:45,720 --> 00:20:47,449 and the truth is not in us. 511 00:20:47,449 --> 00:20:48,716 If we confess our sins, 512 00:20:48,716 --> 00:20:51,346 He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins 513 00:20:51,346 --> 00:20:53,679 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 514 00:20:53,679 --> 00:20:56,298 Now, he says if we say we have no sin, 515 00:20:56,298 --> 00:20:57,776 we are deceiving ourselves 516 00:20:57,776 --> 00:21:01,205 and the truth is not in us. 517 00:21:01,205 --> 00:21:04,190 There have been strains of Christianity 518 00:21:04,190 --> 00:21:05,675 or marginal Christianity 519 00:21:05,675 --> 00:21:07,518 down through the history of the church 520 00:21:07,518 --> 00:21:10,442 that believed in sinless perfection. 521 00:21:10,442 --> 00:21:13,132 Well, the Bible doesn't teach that. 522 00:21:13,132 --> 00:21:15,403 The Bible teaches that even the most mature, 523 00:21:15,403 --> 00:21:17,647 the most godly Christian is still 524 00:21:17,647 --> 00:21:20,423 susceptible to sin. 525 00:21:20,423 --> 00:21:24,121 What this is teaching us is this: 526 00:21:24,121 --> 00:21:26,111 One of the greatest evidences 527 00:21:26,111 --> 00:21:29,506 that a person has truly been born again - 528 00:21:29,506 --> 00:21:31,687 that a person is truly a child of God - 529 00:21:31,687 --> 00:21:35,128 is that they will be sensitive to the sin 530 00:21:35,128 --> 00:21:36,940 in their life. 531 00:21:36,940 --> 00:21:39,166 And they will be led to repentance 532 00:21:39,166 --> 00:21:44,067 and confession of that sin. 533 00:21:44,067 --> 00:21:45,793 Isn't it amazing? Most pastors, 534 00:21:45,793 --> 00:21:47,903 when I preach this, they smile. 535 00:21:47,903 --> 00:21:49,970 They know exactly what I'm talking about. 536 00:21:49,970 --> 00:21:51,765 Whenever I'm preaching in a church 537 00:21:51,765 --> 00:21:53,212 and there is a move of God 538 00:21:53,212 --> 00:21:55,889 and a move of God with regard to sin, 539 00:21:55,889 --> 00:21:59,862 I find it amazing that when people start breaking 540 00:21:59,862 --> 00:22:01,270 and in American churches, 541 00:22:01,270 --> 00:22:03,591 some of them coming forward and praying, 542 00:22:03,591 --> 00:22:05,168 I think it is quite amazing 543 00:22:05,168 --> 00:22:07,199 that it is always the most godly, 544 00:22:07,199 --> 00:22:10,070 most devoted, most spiritual people 545 00:22:10,070 --> 00:22:12,989 coming forward weeping over their sin 546 00:22:12,989 --> 00:22:14,953 and it is always the most carnal, 547 00:22:14,953 --> 00:22:17,902 godless, hateful, spiteful, 548 00:22:17,902 --> 00:22:19,950 wicked church members that sit back there 549 00:22:19,950 --> 00:22:23,048 cold as a stone as though they were perfect. 550 00:22:23,048 --> 00:22:24,891 What you are seeing is the difference 551 00:22:24,891 --> 00:22:26,502 between the lost and the saved 552 00:22:26,502 --> 00:22:28,681 in the congregation. 553 00:22:28,681 --> 00:22:32,122 A true Christian is sensitive to sin. 554 00:22:32,122 --> 00:22:34,877 Sensitive to sin. 555 00:22:34,877 --> 00:22:36,690 Sensitive to sin. 556 00:22:36,690 --> 00:22:38,093 Let me ask you a question: 557 00:22:38,093 --> 00:22:41,458 When was the last time you wept over your sin? 558 00:22:41,458 --> 00:22:44,024 That's frightening. 559 00:22:44,024 --> 00:22:45,956 When was the last time you were broken 560 00:22:45,956 --> 00:22:48,601 over your sin? 561 00:22:48,601 --> 00:22:50,442 That's frightening. 562 00:22:50,442 --> 00:22:59,319 Some of you don't even know what I'm talking about. 563 00:22:59,319 --> 00:23:01,477 When we are a child of God, 564 00:23:01,477 --> 00:23:03,461 God guards us. 565 00:23:03,461 --> 00:23:06,031 He talks about His jealous love for Israel. 566 00:23:06,031 --> 00:23:13,270 Is it not greater for the church? 567 00:23:13,270 --> 00:23:16,626 Does God guard you? 568 00:23:16,626 --> 00:23:20,096 I can remember my great love for books in seminary. 569 00:23:20,096 --> 00:23:23,595 And I went to the bookstore there in seminary 570 00:23:23,595 --> 00:23:25,438 to buy a book with a friend of mine. 571 00:23:25,438 --> 00:23:28,150 And there were only two volumes left. 572 00:23:28,150 --> 00:23:31,741 There were two. There were two of us. 573 00:23:31,741 --> 00:23:33,282 I pulled out the first volume 574 00:23:33,282 --> 00:23:36,353 and I love books and there was a little tear 575 00:23:36,353 --> 00:23:38,531 on one of the pages. 576 00:23:38,531 --> 00:23:41,055 I swapped books with him. 577 00:23:41,055 --> 00:23:44,295 I gave him that book and pulled out the other one. 578 00:23:44,295 --> 00:23:46,507 We go to the counter. We buy our books. 579 00:23:46,507 --> 00:23:48,147 I go home. 580 00:23:48,147 --> 00:23:52,672 The whole time as though I had murdered a man. 581 00:23:52,672 --> 00:23:56,832 As though I had murdered a man! 582 00:23:56,832 --> 00:23:59,267 And finally prayed, having to call him up, 583 00:23:59,267 --> 00:24:00,793 saying I've got to talk to you. 584 00:24:00,793 --> 00:24:03,152 Well, what is it? You can tell me over the phone? 585 00:24:03,152 --> 00:24:06,566 No, I can't tell you over the phone. I have got to meet you face to face 586 00:24:06,566 --> 00:24:08,937 and then go before him weeping 587 00:24:08,937 --> 00:24:10,522 and ask forgiveness. 588 00:24:10,522 --> 00:24:13,341 Why? Because I'm pious? No! 589 00:24:13,341 --> 00:24:18,833 Because God guards His children. 590 00:24:18,833 --> 00:24:21,320 I see Christians and it's amazing to me. 591 00:24:21,320 --> 00:24:23,240 "Brother Paul, come and preach for us. 592 00:24:23,240 --> 00:24:24,620 We want revival." 593 00:24:24,620 --> 00:24:26,610 And yet before they come to the meetings 594 00:24:26,610 --> 00:24:28,367 and after the meetings they go home, 595 00:24:28,367 --> 00:24:29,747 sit in front of a television 596 00:24:29,747 --> 00:24:32,680 and watch all that filth! 597 00:24:32,680 --> 00:24:40,762 And they're not even sensitive to the sin of it. 598 00:24:40,762 --> 00:24:42,965 Are you sensitive to sin? 599 00:24:42,965 --> 00:24:45,001 Does it lead you to confession? 600 00:24:45,001 --> 00:24:47,436 Now, let me ask you. 601 00:24:47,436 --> 00:24:48,422 Some of you here, 602 00:24:48,422 --> 00:24:50,633 here's something you need to understand. 603 00:24:50,633 --> 00:24:55,507 Just recently, a man that I know 604 00:24:55,507 --> 00:24:58,349 was found in grievous, grievous sin. 605 00:24:58,349 --> 00:25:00,759 And someone said how did a man like him 606 00:25:00,759 --> 00:25:02,507 fall into sin? 607 00:25:02,507 --> 00:25:04,449 And I said he didn't fall into sin. 608 00:25:04,449 --> 00:25:06,443 No man falls into sin. 609 00:25:06,443 --> 00:25:09,689 He slid there like everyone else. 610 00:25:09,689 --> 00:25:10,937 Let me ask you, 611 00:25:10,937 --> 00:25:13,197 because some of you are maybe Christians 612 00:25:13,197 --> 00:25:14,709 and you need to hear a warning. 613 00:25:14,709 --> 00:25:17,761 Are you sliding into sin? 614 00:25:17,761 --> 00:25:19,991 Are you starting to do things now, 615 00:25:19,991 --> 00:25:21,541 gradually, gradually, 616 00:25:21,541 --> 00:25:23,638 that you would not have thought of doing 617 00:25:23,638 --> 00:25:26,292 a month ago? 618 00:25:26,292 --> 00:25:27,909 And little by little by little, 619 00:25:27,909 --> 00:25:29,447 you know what's going to happen? 620 00:25:29,447 --> 00:25:31,750 You keep going. It will be evidence you're lost. 621 00:25:31,750 --> 00:25:37,191 If God pulls you back, it will be evidence you're saved. 622 00:25:37,191 --> 00:25:39,600 You say, oh, Brother Paul, but you don't know me. 623 00:25:39,600 --> 00:25:41,899 I don't need to know you. I know the Word of God, 624 00:25:41,899 --> 00:25:48,907 and I know it's the same for every individual. 625 00:25:48,907 --> 00:25:52,060 Are you sensitive to sin? 626 00:25:52,060 --> 00:25:56,278 I want to read a passage to you just quickly. 627 00:25:56,278 --> 00:25:58,965 Just listen. 628 00:25:58,965 --> 00:26:02,412 It's one of my, to me, one of the most blessed passages 629 00:26:02,412 --> 00:26:05,503 in all of Scripture. 630 00:26:05,503 --> 00:26:07,623 Let me ask you, is this your attitude? 631 00:26:07,623 --> 00:26:10,183 Has it ever been your attitude? 632 00:26:10,183 --> 00:26:12,632 God says, "'For My hand made all these things, 633 00:26:12,632 --> 00:26:14,527 thus all these things came into being,' 634 00:26:14,527 --> 00:26:15,656 declares the Lord. 635 00:26:15,656 --> 00:26:17,887 'But to this one I will look, 636 00:26:17,887 --> 00:26:19,136 to him who is humble 637 00:26:19,136 --> 00:26:20,484 and contrite of spirit 638 00:26:20,484 --> 00:26:22,195 and who trembles at My Word.'" 639 00:26:22,195 --> 00:26:23,758 Do you tremble at His Word 640 00:26:23,758 --> 00:26:27,311 or do you look for loopholes around it? 641 00:26:27,311 --> 00:26:29,772 Do you excuse your sin? 642 00:26:29,772 --> 00:26:31,476 Do you avoid the Word now? 643 00:26:31,476 --> 00:26:33,517 Because you know it's going to talk to you 644 00:26:33,517 --> 00:26:37,469 and talk about you. 645 00:26:37,469 --> 00:26:40,358 People come to me all the time, and they say, "Brother Paul, 646 00:26:40,358 --> 00:26:42,112 I have a new relationship with God." 647 00:26:42,112 --> 00:26:43,923 And I go to 1 John 1:8 and I say, 648 00:26:43,923 --> 00:26:45,937 "Do you have a new relationship with sin? 649 00:26:45,937 --> 00:26:48,560 Because if you don't have a new relationship with sin, 650 00:26:48,560 --> 00:26:53,325 you don't have a new relationship with God." 651 00:26:53,325 --> 00:26:56,790 Are you sensitive to sin? 652 00:26:56,790 --> 00:27:01,533 Now, third test is found in 1 John 2:3. 653 00:27:01,533 --> 00:27:03,966 "By this we know that we have come to know Him 654 00:27:03,966 --> 00:27:05,634 if we keep His commandments." 655 00:27:05,634 --> 00:27:07,754 Now listen to this. 656 00:27:07,754 --> 00:27:10,631 "The one who says 'I have come to know Him,' 657 00:27:10,631 --> 00:27:12,859 and does not keep His commandments 658 00:27:12,859 --> 00:27:15,977 is a liar and the truth is not in him." 659 00:27:15,977 --> 00:27:17,532 Now let's look at this text. 660 00:27:17,532 --> 00:27:21,007 "By this we know that we have 661 00:27:21,007 --> 00:27:23,037 come to know Him." 662 00:27:23,037 --> 00:27:25,327 You know, in America, I tell you what, 663 00:27:25,327 --> 00:27:27,808 I was talking to a Scotsman a while back in Peru, 664 00:27:27,808 --> 00:27:29,229 and he said, "you Americans - 665 00:27:29,229 --> 00:27:31,815 your theology is three thousand miles wide 666 00:27:31,815 --> 00:27:34,139 and a half inch deep." 667 00:27:34,139 --> 00:27:36,314 And he's right. 668 00:27:36,314 --> 00:27:39,765 Our gospel here is pathetic. 669 00:27:39,765 --> 00:27:44,486 Our evangelism borderlines on heresy. 670 00:27:44,486 --> 00:27:46,657 How do you know that you came to know Him? 671 00:27:46,657 --> 00:27:49,030 If you go to most pastors in this city right now, 672 00:27:49,030 --> 00:27:50,033 and you say to them, 673 00:27:50,033 --> 00:27:51,964 "I don't know whether or not I'm saved," 674 00:27:51,964 --> 00:27:53,806 this is the question they'll ask you: 675 00:27:53,806 --> 00:27:55,614 "Was there ever a point in time in your life 676 00:27:55,614 --> 00:27:57,932 when you prayed and asked Jesus to come into your heart?" 677 00:27:57,932 --> 00:28:00,216 If you say yes, they'll go, "were you sincere?" 678 00:28:00,216 --> 00:28:02,101 If you say, "I think so," they'll say, 679 00:28:02,101 --> 00:28:03,703 "then you're saved and you need 680 00:28:03,703 --> 00:28:07,852 to stop the devil from bothering you." 681 00:28:07,852 --> 00:28:20,460 There's not a biblical bone in their brain. 682 00:28:20,460 --> 00:28:22,312 Look what the Bible says. 683 00:28:22,312 --> 00:28:24,058 How can you know that you're saved? 684 00:28:24,058 --> 00:28:25,173 How can you know it? 685 00:28:25,173 --> 00:28:26,344 Look what he says. 686 00:28:26,344 --> 00:28:30,967 "By this we know that we have come to know Him..." 687 00:28:30,967 --> 00:28:33,215 because our heart tells us? 688 00:28:33,215 --> 00:28:34,737 Because the preacher tells us? 689 00:28:34,737 --> 00:28:36,975 Because we just feel it? 690 00:28:36,975 --> 00:28:38,789 Look what he says. 691 00:28:38,789 --> 00:28:41,242 "By this we know that we have come to know Him 692 00:28:41,242 --> 00:28:43,260 if we keep His commandments." 693 00:28:43,260 --> 00:28:45,510 And that "keep" there is in present tense 694 00:28:45,510 --> 00:28:47,306 as well as many of the other things 695 00:28:47,306 --> 00:28:48,395 here in this text. 696 00:28:48,395 --> 00:28:50,689 And what he's saying is if we keep on 697 00:28:50,689 --> 00:28:52,625 keeping His commandments, 698 00:28:52,625 --> 00:28:54,307 we know that we know Him. 699 00:28:54,307 --> 00:28:57,101 If we persevere in His commandments, 700 00:28:57,101 --> 00:28:58,764 we know that we know Him. 701 00:28:58,764 --> 00:29:00,973 And then he goes on and says 702 00:29:00,973 --> 00:29:03,949 the one who's opposite doesn't know Him. 703 00:29:03,949 --> 00:29:06,348 Now, I want you to look at something for a moment. 704 00:29:06,348 --> 00:29:08,531 What does it mean to keep His commandments? 705 00:29:08,531 --> 00:29:10,594 Does it mean to walk in sinless perfection? 706 00:29:10,594 --> 00:29:13,330 No, again, it is a style of life. 707 00:29:13,330 --> 00:29:15,693 If we were to take your life out 708 00:29:15,693 --> 00:29:17,526 and film it every day, 709 00:29:17,526 --> 00:29:19,051 24 hours a day, 710 00:29:19,051 --> 00:29:21,113 would we see a style of life 711 00:29:21,113 --> 00:29:24,393 that desired to know God's commandments, 712 00:29:24,393 --> 00:29:25,944 desired to obey them, 713 00:29:25,944 --> 00:29:28,246 was growing in victory in obedience 714 00:29:28,246 --> 00:29:30,587 and was also broken when it didn't obey? 715 00:29:30,587 --> 00:29:33,322 Would we see that in your life? 716 00:29:33,322 --> 00:29:35,845 You say, "Well, I kept the commandments before." 717 00:29:35,845 --> 00:29:37,289 You forget - what did he say? 718 00:29:37,289 --> 00:29:39,500 If you keep on keeping. 719 00:29:39,500 --> 00:29:40,600 Perseverance. 720 00:29:40,600 --> 00:29:41,425 Why perseverence? 721 00:29:41,425 --> 00:29:43,069 Because of the promises of God. 722 00:29:43,069 --> 00:29:46,191 "He who began a good work in you will finish it." 723 00:29:46,191 --> 00:29:51,918 And if the work isn't finished, He didn't do it. 724 00:29:51,918 --> 00:29:55,908 Is your lifestyle marked 725 00:29:55,908 --> 00:29:59,532 by a keen interest in God's commandments 726 00:29:59,532 --> 00:30:02,306 and a desire to obey them? 727 00:30:02,306 --> 00:30:04,052 Again, someone comes to me and says, 728 00:30:04,052 --> 00:30:06,524 "Brother Paul, I have a new relationship with God." 729 00:30:06,524 --> 00:30:09,363 And I tell them, "Do you have a new relationship with sin? 730 00:30:09,363 --> 00:30:11,808 Because if you don't have a new relationship with sin, 731 00:30:11,808 --> 00:30:13,311 you don't have a new relationship with God." 732 00:30:13,311 --> 00:30:15,687 And then I ask them, "You've got a new relationship with God? 733 00:30:15,687 --> 00:30:17,655 Well, tell me, do you have a new relationship 734 00:30:17,655 --> 00:30:19,599 with His commands? 735 00:30:19,599 --> 00:30:21,858 Do you have a new relationship with His Word? 736 00:30:21,858 --> 00:30:24,736 Because if you don't have a new relationship with His Word, 737 00:30:24,736 --> 00:30:29,237 you don't have a new relationship with Him." 738 00:30:29,237 --> 00:30:31,363 Now look at v. 4. 739 00:30:31,363 --> 00:30:34,569 "The one who says, 'I've come to know Him,' 740 00:30:34,569 --> 00:30:36,204 and does not keep His commandments 741 00:30:36,204 --> 00:30:38,459 is a liar and the truth is not in him." 742 00:30:38,459 --> 00:30:40,747 If you've been in any kind of meetings, 743 00:30:40,747 --> 00:30:43,115 especially among people who consider themselves 744 00:30:43,115 --> 00:30:46,981 to be super spiritual and vocal about it - 745 00:30:46,981 --> 00:30:48,604 I mean, meetings will get going 746 00:30:48,604 --> 00:30:50,414 and the preacher will start preaching 747 00:30:50,414 --> 00:30:52,012 or the music will get rolling, 748 00:30:52,012 --> 00:30:53,580 and someone will jump up and say, 749 00:30:53,580 --> 00:30:56,118 "Oh Hallelujah! He's my Savior!" 750 00:30:56,118 --> 00:30:59,109 "Hallelujah! I know Him!" 751 00:30:59,109 --> 00:31:01,685 That's exactly what John's talking about right here. 752 00:31:01,685 --> 00:31:04,093 The one who jumps up in the middle of the meeting 753 00:31:04,093 --> 00:31:07,685 and says, "I know I've come to know Him," 754 00:31:07,685 --> 00:31:09,437 but does not keep His commandments 755 00:31:09,437 --> 00:31:19,485 is a liar. 756 00:31:19,485 --> 00:31:20,807 He's a liar. 757 00:31:20,807 --> 00:31:23,012 Now again, look at this from the context. 758 00:31:23,012 --> 00:31:28,924 John is the "Apostle of Love." 759 00:31:28,924 --> 00:31:31,142 Paul was known for his great mind, 760 00:31:31,142 --> 00:31:34,568 but I think John was known for his great love. 761 00:31:34,568 --> 00:31:38,382 And yet, this humble, broken apostle 762 00:31:38,382 --> 00:31:40,570 is laying down the verdict: 763 00:31:40,570 --> 00:31:44,564 you are a liar. 764 00:31:44,564 --> 00:31:46,639 It's an amazing thing, isn't it. 765 00:31:46,639 --> 00:31:51,570 Now, it goes on. Let's go to another test. 766 00:31:51,570 --> 00:31:53,239 1 John 2:6, 767 00:31:53,239 --> 00:31:55,291 "The one who says he abides in Him 768 00:31:55,291 --> 00:31:57,598 ought himself to walk in the same manner 769 00:31:57,598 --> 00:31:59,801 as He walked." 770 00:31:59,801 --> 00:32:02,606 The Christian ought to walk as Jesus walked. 771 00:32:02,606 --> 00:32:03,956 And you say, "Brother Paul, 772 00:32:03,956 --> 00:32:05,211 you've gone too far now. 773 00:32:05,211 --> 00:32:07,140 Who can walk like Jesus walked?" 774 00:32:07,140 --> 00:32:09,014 Well, let me give you an illustration 775 00:32:09,014 --> 00:32:14,731 to try to explain to you what I mean. 776 00:32:14,731 --> 00:32:16,640 When I was a little boy, 777 00:32:16,640 --> 00:32:18,465 my father was a very big man, 778 00:32:18,465 --> 00:32:20,571 very smart man. 779 00:32:20,571 --> 00:32:22,651 And like all little boys, 780 00:32:22,651 --> 00:32:24,386 I wanted to be just like him. 781 00:32:24,386 --> 00:32:26,761 Now, up north, we raised cattle 782 00:32:26,761 --> 00:32:28,941 and raised quarter horses. 783 00:32:28,941 --> 00:32:30,587 We'd get big snows. 784 00:32:30,587 --> 00:32:33,292 And my dad would come into my room at 5 in the morning, 785 00:32:33,292 --> 00:32:34,728 even when I was a little boy, 786 00:32:34,728 --> 00:32:37,352 and say, "Paul boy, get up. 787 00:32:37,352 --> 00:32:39,044 No rest for the wicked." 788 00:32:39,044 --> 00:32:41,448 And when he said, "get up," you got up. 789 00:32:41,448 --> 00:32:43,960 And we would walk out there in the snow. 790 00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:46,392 And the one thing I can always remember doing 791 00:32:46,392 --> 00:32:48,582 is my father would take these big strides 792 00:32:48,582 --> 00:32:51,232 and leave these footprints in the snow. 793 00:32:51,232 --> 00:32:54,535 Now, I wanted to walk like my dad walked. 794 00:32:54,535 --> 00:32:56,870 And so I would try to stretch my legs out 795 00:32:56,870 --> 00:32:59,666 and put my foot in his footprint. 796 00:32:59,666 --> 00:33:01,798 And I would stretch my legs out. 797 00:33:01,798 --> 00:33:03,404 Now, you can imagine, 798 00:33:03,404 --> 00:33:05,972 I was stretching out farther than I could ever go. 799 00:33:05,972 --> 00:33:08,009 You can imagine I looked ridiculous. 800 00:33:08,009 --> 00:33:10,335 And you can imagine I fell down, 801 00:33:10,335 --> 00:33:12,848 but you will also know by looking at that picture 802 00:33:12,848 --> 00:33:14,715 that the greatest desire in my heart 803 00:33:14,715 --> 00:33:17,657 was to walk like he walked. 804 00:33:17,657 --> 00:33:19,963 You could tell looking at that little boy, 805 00:33:19,963 --> 00:33:21,388 he wanted to be like his dad 806 00:33:21,388 --> 00:33:23,256 even though sometimes he didn't look 807 00:33:23,256 --> 00:33:25,373 anything like him. 808 00:33:25,373 --> 00:33:26,349 Let me ask you. 809 00:33:26,349 --> 00:33:29,003 What's the greatest desire in your heart? 810 00:33:29,003 --> 00:33:31,575 Is your great desire to walk like He walked? 811 00:33:31,575 --> 00:33:33,641 To be like He was? 812 00:33:33,641 --> 00:33:35,135 Is that your great desire? 813 00:33:35,135 --> 00:33:38,916 Are you seeking to put your foot in His footprint? 814 00:33:38,916 --> 00:33:41,080 Listen to me, man. 815 00:33:41,080 --> 00:33:42,399 Listen to me, woman, 816 00:33:42,399 --> 00:33:44,943 because if you're not, be afraid. 817 00:33:44,943 --> 00:33:46,718 A reporter came up to me one time 818 00:33:46,718 --> 00:33:49,308 and he said why are you telling people to be afraid all the time? 819 00:33:49,308 --> 00:33:52,985 And I said because they ought to be afraid. 820 00:33:52,985 --> 00:33:55,406 Again, this is the test. 821 00:33:55,406 --> 00:33:57,674 This is the exam. 822 00:33:57,674 --> 00:33:59,249 If I were to look at your life; 823 00:33:59,249 --> 00:34:01,105 if I were to film the whole thing, 824 00:34:01,105 --> 00:34:03,384 would I see since the supposed day 825 00:34:03,384 --> 00:34:04,517 of your conversion, 826 00:34:04,517 --> 00:34:07,124 this desire to walk like Him? 827 00:34:07,124 --> 00:34:08,715 Or do you desire to walk 828 00:34:08,715 --> 00:34:10,078 like everybody else? 829 00:34:10,078 --> 00:34:11,889 Do you desire to walk like the world, 830 00:34:11,889 --> 00:34:14,205 and act like the world, and talk like the world, 831 00:34:14,205 --> 00:34:15,721 and fellowship with the world? 832 00:34:15,721 --> 00:34:19,551 Do you identify with the world? 833 00:34:19,551 --> 00:34:21,690 Or is it Jesus? Is it Jesus? 834 00:34:21,690 --> 00:34:23,695 We're not talking about whether or not 835 00:34:23,695 --> 00:34:25,811 you need to rededicate your life tonight. 836 00:34:25,811 --> 00:34:32,044 We're talking about whether or not you need to get saved. 837 00:34:32,044 --> 00:34:38,795 Now let's go on. 838 00:34:38,795 --> 00:34:41,927 The next test. 1 John 2:9. 839 00:34:41,927 --> 00:34:43,738 "The one who says he is in the light 840 00:34:43,738 --> 00:34:44,863 yet hates his brother 841 00:34:44,863 --> 00:34:46,529 is in the darkness until now. 842 00:34:46,529 --> 00:34:48,047 The one who loves his brother 843 00:34:48,047 --> 00:34:49,053 abides in the light 844 00:34:49,053 --> 00:34:51,221 and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 845 00:34:51,221 --> 00:34:52,889 But the one who hates his brother 846 00:34:52,889 --> 00:34:55,029 is in the darkness and walks in the darkness 847 00:34:55,029 --> 00:34:56,878 and does not know where he is going 848 00:34:56,878 --> 00:34:59,804 because the darkness has blinded his eyes." 849 00:34:59,804 --> 00:35:02,672 Now "brother" here is not referring to the poor. 850 00:35:02,672 --> 00:35:05,400 Even though we ought to love the poor. 851 00:35:05,400 --> 00:35:07,621 It's not referring to someone of another race. 852 00:35:07,621 --> 00:35:10,654 Now, I always thought that was a quite stupid statement anyways 853 00:35:10,654 --> 00:35:14,155 because there's no more than one race, folks. 854 00:35:14,155 --> 00:35:15,497 It's called human. 855 00:35:15,497 --> 00:35:18,483 Unless you've got a martian tucked in your pocket somewhere, 856 00:35:18,483 --> 00:35:22,421 there's only one race. 857 00:35:22,421 --> 00:35:24,992 And we're to love people of all different colors 858 00:35:24,992 --> 00:35:26,982 and cultures and all that. We know that. 859 00:35:26,982 --> 00:35:29,111 But that's not what he's talking about here. 860 00:35:29,111 --> 00:35:33,734 When he says "brother," he's talking about believers. 861 00:35:33,734 --> 00:35:37,107 If you say that you know God 862 00:35:37,107 --> 00:35:41,208 and yet you do not love other believers 863 00:35:41,208 --> 00:35:44,050 in a real and practical way 864 00:35:44,050 --> 00:35:46,106 and desire fellowship with them, 865 00:35:46,106 --> 00:35:47,146 you're lost. 866 00:35:47,146 --> 00:35:48,774 Now let me give you an example. 867 00:35:48,774 --> 00:35:50,312 Do you remember when Jesus said, 868 00:35:50,312 --> 00:35:52,189 "I was in prison. You did not visit Me. 869 00:35:52,189 --> 00:35:53,834 I was hungry; you did not feed Me. 870 00:35:53,834 --> 00:35:55,584 I was naked; you did not clothe Me?" 871 00:35:55,584 --> 00:35:57,155 And guys who do prison ministry 872 00:35:57,155 --> 00:35:58,787 will always use that verse, saying 873 00:35:58,787 --> 00:36:00,398 we need to go into the prisons. 874 00:36:00,398 --> 00:36:02,067 Well, we need to go in the prisons, 875 00:36:02,067 --> 00:36:05,260 but that verse doesn't really have anything to do with that, 876 00:36:05,260 --> 00:36:06,981 unless there's Christians in there. 877 00:36:06,981 --> 00:36:08,666 What this verse is talking about - 878 00:36:08,666 --> 00:36:10,329 and I learned it quite well in Peru 879 00:36:10,329 --> 00:36:12,050 and in other third world countries. 880 00:36:12,050 --> 00:36:14,134 In some third world countries, my friend, 881 00:36:14,134 --> 00:36:14,936 listen to me, 882 00:36:14,936 --> 00:36:16,503 you get thrown into jail? 883 00:36:16,503 --> 00:36:19,386 You will starve to death 884 00:36:19,386 --> 00:36:21,545 unless every day somebody from the outside 885 00:36:21,545 --> 00:36:23,397 brings you food. 886 00:36:23,397 --> 00:36:26,583 You will. They do not provide food for you. 887 00:36:26,583 --> 00:36:28,622 You will die. 888 00:36:28,622 --> 00:36:33,333 Now, let's say that someone is thrown in prison - 889 00:36:33,333 --> 00:36:36,056 not for being an assassin or a thief, 890 00:36:36,056 --> 00:36:37,851 but they're thrown in prison 891 00:36:37,851 --> 00:36:42,674 in the time of the apostles for being a Christian. 892 00:36:42,674 --> 00:36:44,721 And they're locked away in there. 893 00:36:44,721 --> 00:36:46,515 Now, they're going to die. 894 00:36:46,515 --> 00:36:48,171 They're going to starve to death, 895 00:36:48,171 --> 00:36:51,879 unless somebody else brings them food. 896 00:36:51,879 --> 00:36:53,248 Now that presents a problem, 897 00:36:53,248 --> 00:36:54,898 because the authorities know 898 00:36:54,898 --> 00:36:56,746 anybody that brings this guy food 899 00:36:56,746 --> 00:36:58,531 has to be a Christian. 900 00:36:58,531 --> 00:37:00,600 And so the one that goes to take him food 901 00:37:00,600 --> 00:37:02,855 is in danger of being thrown in prison himself. 902 00:37:02,855 --> 00:37:04,638 That's what Jesus is talking about. 903 00:37:04,638 --> 00:37:06,511 A love so great that you would risk 904 00:37:06,511 --> 00:37:08,219 your own life to care for 905 00:37:08,219 --> 00:37:11,847 other brothers and sisters in Christ. 906 00:37:11,847 --> 00:37:17,032 Now, listen to me. 907 00:37:17,032 --> 00:37:20,739 Do you love to be with people 908 00:37:20,739 --> 00:37:24,642 who love to be with and talk about 909 00:37:24,642 --> 00:37:28,596 and worship and serve God? 910 00:37:28,596 --> 00:37:31,008 Or would you rather be with people 911 00:37:31,008 --> 00:37:35,378 who have nothing to do with God? 912 00:37:35,378 --> 00:37:39,199 Because you are demonstrating what you are. 913 00:37:39,199 --> 00:37:41,291 Like I said, I was raised on a farm. 914 00:37:41,291 --> 00:37:43,412 You do not see the chickens over there 915 00:37:43,412 --> 00:37:46,462 having a good time with the pigs. 916 00:37:46,462 --> 00:37:48,836 Chickens hang with chickens. 917 00:37:48,836 --> 00:37:50,388 Pigs do their own thing. 918 00:37:50,388 --> 00:37:53,303 It's their nature. 919 00:37:53,303 --> 00:37:54,883 You say, "Well, I'm a believer, 920 00:37:54,883 --> 00:37:58,395 but man, all my friends..." 921 00:37:58,395 --> 00:38:00,342 Yeah, I know. 922 00:38:00,342 --> 00:38:08,821 You're lost. 923 00:38:08,821 --> 00:38:11,511 Do you love other Christians? 924 00:38:11,511 --> 00:38:15,553 "Well, I come to church." 925 00:38:15,553 --> 00:38:19,384 Big deal. The devil comes to church. 926 00:38:19,384 --> 00:38:21,961 What do you do when you get here? 927 00:38:21,961 --> 00:38:23,227 What do you do outside? 928 00:38:23,227 --> 00:38:24,930 Because the church isn't this tent. 929 00:38:24,930 --> 00:38:26,659 It's not that building. It's the people. 930 00:38:26,659 --> 00:38:28,249 How many Christians are you serving? 931 00:38:28,249 --> 00:38:30,556 How many Christians are you reading the Bible with? 932 00:38:30,556 --> 00:38:32,207 How many Christians are you praying for? 933 00:38:32,207 --> 00:38:33,710 How many Christians are you loving? 934 00:38:33,710 --> 00:38:36,205 I've got a dear friend in my church back home 935 00:38:36,205 --> 00:38:38,662 and he knows I'm here in Texas for a little while. 936 00:38:38,662 --> 00:38:41,344 He's adopted my mother. 937 00:38:41,344 --> 00:38:42,975 He's cleaning up her place. 938 00:38:42,975 --> 00:38:45,242 He's mowing her yard. He's doing all sorts of things. 939 00:38:45,242 --> 00:38:46,828 Why? She's a believer. 940 00:38:46,828 --> 00:38:48,335 And because of the will of God, 941 00:38:48,335 --> 00:38:49,904 her son is being sent to Texas, 942 00:38:49,904 --> 00:38:51,092 so he's taking over. 943 00:38:51,092 --> 00:38:55,151 That's what I mean. 944 00:38:55,151 --> 00:38:56,332 That's what I mean. 945 00:38:56,332 --> 00:38:57,969 I've had both my hips replaced 946 00:38:57,969 --> 00:39:01,201 because my bones are degenerating. 947 00:39:01,201 --> 00:39:02,696 You know how they got replaced? 948 00:39:02,696 --> 00:39:04,987 I was a missionary. I didn't have a dime. 949 00:39:04,987 --> 00:39:06,555 How am I going to get implants? 950 00:39:06,555 --> 00:39:08,324 How am I going to be operated on? 951 00:39:08,324 --> 00:39:14,165 A man in Austin, Texas - Steven Whitlock, III - 952 00:39:14,165 --> 00:39:16,781 a young guy - 32 years old, 953 00:39:16,781 --> 00:39:18,872 but a brilliant man. 954 00:39:18,872 --> 00:39:20,871 He walks into his Sunday school class 955 00:39:20,871 --> 00:39:23,038 one day at a church there in Austin, Texas. 956 00:39:23,038 --> 00:39:25,178 He hears people praying about a missionary 957 00:39:25,178 --> 00:39:27,622 who can hardly walk up in the Andes Mountains. 958 00:39:27,622 --> 00:39:29,708 He goes, "Give me his name." 959 00:39:29,708 --> 00:39:31,984 He calls me. He says, "Come." 960 00:39:31,984 --> 00:39:33,072 Come to Austin. 961 00:39:33,072 --> 00:39:35,418 I'm getting the ticket. I'm getting the doctors. 962 00:39:35,418 --> 00:39:38,336 I'm getting everything. Your hips are taken care of. 963 00:39:38,336 --> 00:39:40,898 That's what I'm talking about. 964 00:39:40,898 --> 00:39:43,122 I was walking through the jungles one time - 965 00:39:43,122 --> 00:39:46,363 high jungles in Departamento Amanzones in Peru 966 00:39:46,363 --> 00:39:49,037 during the war with the Sendero Luminoso. 967 00:39:49,037 --> 00:39:51,201 We were in a place the military wouldn't go. 968 00:39:51,201 --> 00:39:52,694 And we were lost. 969 00:39:52,694 --> 00:39:53,831 Me and another brother. 970 00:39:53,831 --> 00:39:56,207 And we were traveling through the night in the darkness. 971 00:39:56,207 --> 00:39:59,053 We'd smuggled ourselves up there in the back of grain trucks. 972 00:39:59,053 --> 00:40:01,015 And we were going to preach in a place 973 00:40:01,015 --> 00:40:02,520 because the believers were just 974 00:40:02,520 --> 00:40:03,878 depressed and tore apart 975 00:40:03,878 --> 00:40:05,090 and didn't know what to do 976 00:40:05,090 --> 00:40:06,256 and everyone was making fun of them. 977 00:40:06,256 --> 00:40:08,063 We knew we had to go in there. 978 00:40:08,063 --> 00:40:09,774 And so we get lost and we're going 979 00:40:09,774 --> 00:40:11,388 through the jungle, and finally, 980 00:40:11,388 --> 00:40:12,736 we come upon this village. 981 00:40:12,736 --> 00:40:15,193 We walk in there. We don't know where to go. 982 00:40:15,193 --> 00:40:16,741 We don't know where to spend the night. 983 00:40:16,741 --> 00:40:18,992 We know that the terrorists can be absolutely everywhere. 984 00:40:18,999 --> 00:40:20,500 We know we could be dead men. 985 00:40:20,500 --> 00:40:22,657 And Paco walks up to this person 986 00:40:22,657 --> 00:40:24,335 out on the streets almost midnight, 987 00:40:24,335 --> 00:40:26,593 and he goes, "Hay hermanos por aqui?" 988 00:40:26,593 --> 00:40:28,937 Are there brothers through here? 989 00:40:28,937 --> 00:40:33,474 And someone said, "That old lady over there." 990 00:40:33,474 --> 00:40:37,953 And an old Nazarene woman - 991 00:40:37,953 --> 00:40:40,683 we knock on the door. 992 00:40:40,683 --> 00:40:43,577 And I said, "Soy pastor." 993 00:40:43,577 --> 00:40:46,512 She grabs both of us, pulls us in, 994 00:40:46,512 --> 00:40:48,093 shuts the door behind us, 995 00:40:48,093 --> 00:40:49,645 sticks us down in the basement. 996 00:40:49,645 --> 00:40:51,398 Goes out, kills a chicken, 997 00:40:51,398 --> 00:40:52,854 fries up some yuca, 998 00:40:52,854 --> 00:40:54,442 everything you can imagine. 999 00:40:54,442 --> 00:40:56,467 She's feeding us. She's taking care of us. 1000 00:40:56,467 --> 00:40:57,519 She's housing us. 1001 00:40:57,519 --> 00:41:01,760 Could she get in trouble? Yes, she could. 1002 00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:02,809 And then you say, 1003 00:41:02,809 --> 00:41:06,347 "Oh, I'm a Christian because I go to church." 1004 00:41:06,347 --> 00:41:09,097 You've got to be kidding me? 1005 00:41:09,097 --> 00:41:12,487 That's love? To you? 1006 00:41:12,487 --> 00:41:15,158 You need a new definition. 1007 00:41:15,158 --> 00:41:17,454 You say, "Brother Paul, you're using satire." 1008 00:41:17,454 --> 00:41:22,866 Read the prophets. They did the same. 1009 00:41:22,866 --> 00:41:25,391 Some of this Christianity floating around America 1010 00:41:25,391 --> 00:41:29,008 is worthy of making fun of. 1011 00:41:29,008 --> 00:41:32,422 And it ought to be exposed. 1012 00:41:32,422 --> 00:41:34,722 Do you love the people of God? 1013 00:41:34,722 --> 00:41:37,193 You know, who are you with? 1014 00:41:37,193 --> 00:41:39,218 Someone asked me, "how did you know?" 1015 00:41:39,218 --> 00:41:41,349 Young guys always ask me, "How did you know 1016 00:41:41,349 --> 00:41:44,348 that Charo, your wife, was the woman for you?" 1017 00:41:44,348 --> 00:41:46,668 I say it was real easy. I wanted to be with her. 1018 00:41:46,668 --> 00:41:48,394 "How did you know you loved her?" 1019 00:41:48,394 --> 00:41:51,188 I just wanted to be with her. 1020 00:41:51,188 --> 00:41:52,895 How do you know you love them? 1021 00:41:52,895 --> 00:41:56,848 You just want to be with them 1022 00:41:56,848 --> 00:42:01,183 and talk about Jesus. 1023 00:42:01,183 --> 00:42:05,650 Talk about Jesus. 1024 00:42:05,650 --> 00:42:07,864 Do you love? 1025 00:42:07,864 --> 00:42:09,149 Now, let's go on. 1026 00:42:09,149 --> 00:42:10,387 There's much more here, 1027 00:42:10,387 --> 00:42:11,737 but we need to continue on. 1028 00:42:11,737 --> 00:42:13,571 I want to go through another test. 1029 00:42:13,571 --> 00:42:15,118 1 John 2:15 1030 00:42:15,118 --> 00:42:16,523 "Do not love the world, 1031 00:42:16,523 --> 00:42:17,891 nor the things in the world. 1032 00:42:17,891 --> 00:42:19,184 If anyone loves the world, 1033 00:42:19,184 --> 00:42:21,064 the love of the Father is not in him." 1034 00:42:21,064 --> 00:42:22,346 Look at that. 1035 00:42:22,346 --> 00:42:24,743 What is the world? 1036 00:42:24,743 --> 00:42:27,040 Everything in this fallen age 1037 00:42:27,040 --> 00:42:29,552 that contradicts the attributes 1038 00:42:29,552 --> 00:42:31,139 and will of God. 1039 00:42:31,139 --> 00:42:34,266 Everything that does not come forth from God 1040 00:42:34,266 --> 00:42:36,309 and goes back to God in worship - 1041 00:42:36,309 --> 00:42:38,801 that's the world. 1042 00:42:38,801 --> 00:42:42,809 You say, "Well, I love secular music." 1043 00:42:42,809 --> 00:42:44,719 Let me just share something with you. 1044 00:42:44,719 --> 00:42:46,868 I don't care. 1045 00:42:46,868 --> 00:42:48,352 I'm not going to go there. 1046 00:42:48,352 --> 00:42:50,218 This is what I'm going to tell you. 1047 00:42:50,218 --> 00:42:53,046 It doesn't matter to me whether it's secular or Christian. 1048 00:42:53,046 --> 00:42:55,535 My question is: what's being said in those words? 1049 00:42:55,535 --> 00:42:57,690 Because if what's being said in those words 1050 00:42:57,690 --> 00:43:00,869 contradicts the will of God, 1051 00:43:00,869 --> 00:43:03,235 you're violating His will. 1052 00:43:03,235 --> 00:43:05,863 And you're loving it. 1053 00:43:05,863 --> 00:43:08,534 The adults here are probably saying amen. 1054 00:43:08,534 --> 00:43:12,412 Let's talk about your television. 1055 00:43:12,412 --> 00:43:13,645 You watch things. 1056 00:43:13,645 --> 00:43:16,537 You expect God to move? 1057 00:43:16,537 --> 00:43:20,225 You love their jokes - their off-color jokes, 1058 00:43:20,225 --> 00:43:21,129 their humor. 1059 00:43:21,129 --> 00:43:25,615 You find yourself laughing at wickedness. 1060 00:43:25,615 --> 00:43:27,857 And then you want God to move in your family 1061 00:43:27,857 --> 00:43:30,150 and move in your life? 1062 00:43:30,150 --> 00:43:32,292 Do you love the world? 1063 00:43:32,292 --> 00:43:35,834 My dear friend, yesterday, I was 9 years old. 1064 00:43:35,834 --> 00:43:37,472 Today, I am 43. 1065 00:43:37,472 --> 00:43:39,014 Tomorrow, I will be 90. 1066 00:43:39,014 --> 00:43:41,416 Life is a vapor. It is fleeting. 1067 00:43:41,416 --> 00:43:42,738 Everything will die. 1068 00:43:42,738 --> 00:43:44,143 All will pass away. 1069 00:43:44,143 --> 00:43:46,942 We are to love the things of God; 1070 00:43:46,942 --> 00:43:48,468 the things that are eternal. 1071 00:43:48,468 --> 00:43:50,345 And one of the signs of a Christian 1072 00:43:50,345 --> 00:43:52,133 is that they are not entrapped 1073 00:43:52,133 --> 00:43:54,351 or enslaved to the things 1074 00:43:54,351 --> 00:43:56,146 of this present, evil age, 1075 00:43:56,146 --> 00:43:57,626 but they are set free 1076 00:43:57,626 --> 00:43:59,470 to see Christ in His glory 1077 00:43:59,470 --> 00:44:00,516 and follow Him 1078 00:44:00,516 --> 00:44:03,990 and follow hard after Him. 1079 00:44:03,990 --> 00:44:08,229 Christ! 1080 00:44:08,229 --> 00:44:11,633 I was preaching at a university thing 1081 00:44:11,633 --> 00:44:13,231 about a year and a half ago, 1082 00:44:13,231 --> 00:44:15,254 and I noticed that everyone was seated. 1083 00:44:15,254 --> 00:44:17,939 And it was about two minutes before it was to begin. 1084 00:44:17,939 --> 00:44:19,681 And all of a sudden, at a side door 1085 00:44:19,681 --> 00:44:20,799 in the auditorium, 1086 00:44:20,799 --> 00:44:25,974 probably a group of 30 or 40 beautiful girls come walking in 1087 00:44:25,974 --> 00:44:28,430 and just kind of walk down the front there 1088 00:44:28,430 --> 00:44:31,349 and sit down in all the seats. 1089 00:44:31,349 --> 00:44:34,126 I mean, it was designed for them to showcase 1090 00:44:34,126 --> 00:44:36,489 what they were. 1091 00:44:36,489 --> 00:44:38,167 I looked at all of them and I said, 1092 00:44:38,167 --> 00:44:42,029 "Young women, let me give you a little bit of advice. 1093 00:44:42,029 --> 00:44:44,803 I can see - I'm a man - many of you 1094 00:44:44,803 --> 00:44:48,833 are very, very, very beautiful. 1095 00:44:48,833 --> 00:44:50,654 One day, all of you are going to be 1096 00:44:50,654 --> 00:44:58,798 terribly, terribly ugly." 1097 00:44:58,798 --> 00:45:01,083 It's true. 1098 00:45:01,083 --> 00:45:03,500 To the wind with your money! 1099 00:45:03,500 --> 00:45:05,469 To the wind with your beauty! 1100 00:45:05,469 --> 00:45:07,179 To the wind with your wealth! 1101 00:45:07,179 --> 00:45:08,491 It will not remain. 1102 00:45:08,491 --> 00:45:11,500 The only thing that remains 1103 00:45:11,500 --> 00:45:14,024 is the glories of Christ. 1104 00:45:14,024 --> 00:45:16,834 Death is a present reality. 1105 00:45:16,834 --> 00:45:18,344 You say, "how do you know? 1106 00:45:18,344 --> 00:45:19,355 You're not that old." 1107 00:45:19,355 --> 00:45:22,982 My brother died. 1108 00:45:22,982 --> 00:45:25,080 My father died in my arms. 1109 00:45:25,080 --> 00:45:27,569 I preached the funeral of my sister. 1110 00:45:27,569 --> 00:45:31,857 I know about death. 1111 00:45:31,857 --> 00:45:34,149 And I know that it could come to some of you 1112 00:45:34,149 --> 00:45:36,234 before I finish snapping these fingers. 1113 00:45:36,234 --> 00:45:38,715 You say, "Brother Paul, you're trying to scare me." 1114 00:45:38,715 --> 00:45:43,782 You have discerned correctly. 1115 00:45:43,782 --> 00:45:46,304 Love the world? 1116 00:45:46,304 --> 00:45:48,649 You love to listen to the very things 1117 00:45:48,649 --> 00:45:51,150 that nailed your supposed Master 1118 00:45:51,150 --> 00:45:53,966 to the tree? 1119 00:45:53,966 --> 00:45:55,514 Come off of it, man. 1120 00:45:55,514 --> 00:45:56,609 Become a hellion. 1121 00:45:56,609 --> 00:45:57,906 Give yourself to demons. 1122 00:45:57,906 --> 00:45:58,753 Run wild. 1123 00:45:58,753 --> 00:46:01,441 But don't come in here saying you're a believer 1124 00:46:01,441 --> 00:46:04,518 and playing that game. 1125 00:46:04,518 --> 00:46:06,191 You want to dance with the devil, 1126 00:46:06,191 --> 00:46:07,546 then dance all night long, 1127 00:46:07,546 --> 00:46:10,169 but don't come in here dancing with Christ for a moment 1128 00:46:10,169 --> 00:46:14,771 and then go back out there and then share your love. 1129 00:46:14,771 --> 00:46:18,245 We're talking about loyalty. 1130 00:46:18,245 --> 00:46:24,920 Love the world that nailed Christ to a tree? 1131 00:46:24,920 --> 00:46:27,357 Many of you just by professing faith in Christ, 1132 00:46:27,357 --> 00:46:34,293 you crucify again the Son of God. 1133 00:46:34,293 --> 00:46:39,447 You need to realize something. 1134 00:46:39,447 --> 00:46:41,381 This is the Christ. 1135 00:46:41,381 --> 00:46:43,193 This is the Son of God. 1136 00:46:43,193 --> 00:46:46,018 This is the Lord of glory. 1137 00:46:46,018 --> 00:46:47,907 Isn't it amazing that we're going to 1138 00:46:47,907 --> 00:46:50,605 have believers from China, 1139 00:46:50,605 --> 00:46:53,389 believers from Northern Nigeria, 1140 00:46:53,389 --> 00:46:56,668 that have died as martyrs, 1141 00:46:56,668 --> 00:47:01,930 drug through the desert behind camels. 1142 00:47:01,930 --> 00:47:04,975 Some of them skinned alive, 1143 00:47:04,975 --> 00:47:06,845 but they would not deny Jesus. 1144 00:47:06,845 --> 00:47:08,840 And here's all these American Christians 1145 00:47:08,840 --> 00:47:12,051 standing beside them that couldn't even find 1146 00:47:12,051 --> 00:47:15,251 enough anything inside them to even attend 1147 00:47:15,251 --> 00:47:19,012 church on Sunday morning! 1148 00:47:19,012 --> 00:47:21,451 Does anybody have a problem with that? 1149 00:47:21,451 --> 00:47:23,194 One man can be skinned alive 1150 00:47:23,194 --> 00:47:24,534 and not deny Christ, 1151 00:47:24,534 --> 00:47:28,775 and the other denies Him in the smallest of things. 1152 00:47:28,775 --> 00:47:30,832 And yet, they're all born again? 1153 00:47:30,832 --> 00:47:32,599 I think not, my friend. 1154 00:47:32,599 --> 00:47:39,088 I think not. 1155 00:47:39,088 --> 00:47:41,420 If you love the world - 1156 00:47:41,420 --> 00:47:42,484 look at v. 16, 1157 00:47:42,484 --> 00:47:44,378 "For all that is in the world, 1158 00:47:44,378 --> 00:47:45,894 the lust of the flesh, 1159 00:47:45,894 --> 00:47:48,200 the lust of the eyes, 1160 00:47:48,200 --> 00:47:50,082 and the boastful pride of life, 1161 00:47:50,082 --> 00:47:51,882 it is not from the Father, 1162 00:47:51,882 --> 00:47:54,244 but from the world." 1163 00:47:54,244 --> 00:47:56,160 Sometimes I'll get seminary students 1164 00:47:56,160 --> 00:47:57,963 and they've all got this great idea 1165 00:47:57,963 --> 00:48:00,379 that they're all going to go out and do something for God. 1166 00:48:00,379 --> 00:48:01,737 So, I'll stand before them 1167 00:48:01,737 --> 00:48:03,935 and I'll say, "ok, I want everybody to breathe in." 1168 00:48:03,935 --> 00:48:05,145 They all breathe in. 1169 00:48:05,145 --> 00:48:06,412 I say, "breathe out." 1170 00:48:06,412 --> 00:48:07,433 They breathe out. 1171 00:48:07,433 --> 00:48:09,068 I say "theologically, 1172 00:48:09,068 --> 00:48:11,045 from where did that breath come?" 1173 00:48:11,045 --> 00:48:12,353 They say, "from God." 1174 00:48:12,353 --> 00:48:14,127 Okay. You can't breathe on your own. 1175 00:48:14,127 --> 00:48:18,634 Now what are you going to do for God? 1176 00:48:18,634 --> 00:48:20,562 The lust of the flesh. 1177 00:48:20,562 --> 00:48:22,627 The pride of body. 1178 00:48:22,627 --> 00:48:25,618 And we live today basically in the Roman Empire. 1179 00:48:25,618 --> 00:48:27,502 Can't you see that? 1180 00:48:27,502 --> 00:48:29,292 We have around us an empire 1181 00:48:29,292 --> 00:48:34,681 of flesh and muscle and beauty and hair. 1182 00:48:34,681 --> 00:48:38,809 And it will all rot in the tomb. 1183 00:48:38,809 --> 00:48:42,899 Rot in a tomb. 1184 00:48:42,899 --> 00:48:44,461 The wealth and the glamour 1185 00:48:44,461 --> 00:48:48,470 and the glitter and all the things 1186 00:48:48,470 --> 00:48:50,868 in which people are investing their lives 1187 00:48:50,868 --> 00:48:53,849 will all rot. 1188 00:48:53,849 --> 00:48:56,603 But the one who does the will of God 1189 00:48:56,603 --> 00:48:58,793 will abide forever. 1190 00:48:58,793 --> 00:49:00,495 I look at my life right now. 1191 00:49:00,495 --> 00:49:03,975 I'm middle aged. 1192 00:49:03,975 --> 00:49:06,301 And I think sometimes back - 1193 00:49:06,301 --> 00:49:10,935 I think, what if I was not a Christian? 1194 00:49:10,935 --> 00:49:13,237 What would be my attitude now? 1195 00:49:13,237 --> 00:49:14,755 Think about it. 1196 00:49:14,755 --> 00:49:17,986 I'm 43. 1197 00:49:17,986 --> 00:49:25,117 The days of my strength are over. 1198 00:49:25,117 --> 00:49:30,766 The days of my beauty - they're over. 1199 00:49:30,766 --> 00:49:32,767 The days of wonder and dreams 1200 00:49:32,767 --> 00:49:34,784 about what my life is going to be - 1201 00:49:34,784 --> 00:49:36,165 they're over. 1202 00:49:36,165 --> 00:49:37,779 What's left for me? 1203 00:49:37,779 --> 00:49:43,994 Just to grow older, more tired, and die. 1204 00:49:43,994 --> 00:49:48,171 And yet, here I am now. A Christian. 1205 00:49:48,171 --> 00:49:50,387 What does it mean? 1206 00:49:50,387 --> 00:49:55,663 By God's grace, 22 years have not been wasted. 1207 00:49:55,663 --> 00:49:58,554 In a meager trifling sort of way maybe, 1208 00:49:58,554 --> 00:50:00,257 but truly in a way, 1209 00:50:00,257 --> 00:50:02,571 they have been given to Christ. 1210 00:50:02,571 --> 00:50:04,279 And now years ahead of me... 1211 00:50:04,279 --> 00:50:06,111 And you know what? I see men of God. 1212 00:50:06,111 --> 00:50:06,961 I'm a boy of God. 1213 00:50:06,961 --> 00:50:10,833 You're not a man of God until you're about 65. 1214 00:50:10,833 --> 00:50:13,420 I see men of God still alive 1215 00:50:13,420 --> 00:50:15,788 and those that have gone on before me. 1216 00:50:15,788 --> 00:50:19,326 I listen to those old men at 85 and 90; 1217 00:50:19,326 --> 00:50:21,293 barely can stand up in a pulpit 1218 00:50:21,293 --> 00:50:22,433 and begin to speak 1219 00:50:22,433 --> 00:50:24,679 and just glory all around them. 1220 00:50:24,679 --> 00:50:28,898 And I said, "Lord, is that what's awaiting me?" 1221 00:50:28,898 --> 00:50:30,558 I hear about the saints that are 1222 00:50:30,558 --> 00:50:31,776 about to cross over 1223 00:50:31,776 --> 00:50:33,277 and their eyes fly open 1224 00:50:33,277 --> 00:50:35,815 and they just cry out, "Glory! Glory!" 1225 00:50:35,815 --> 00:50:38,692 Lord, is that waiting for me? 1226 00:50:38,692 --> 00:50:40,474 It's just going to get better. 1227 00:50:40,474 --> 00:50:42,229 It's just going to get better. 1228 00:50:42,229 --> 00:50:44,652 Well, you say, your candle's going to be put out! 1229 00:50:44,652 --> 00:50:46,462 Yes, my candle's going to be put out 1230 00:50:46,462 --> 00:50:49,415 only because the sun's coming up. 1231 00:50:49,415 --> 00:50:50,870 This world is passing away, 1232 00:50:50,870 --> 00:50:52,425 and I can tell you biblically 1233 00:50:52,425 --> 00:50:53,813 that if you're living for it, 1234 00:50:53,813 --> 00:50:57,063 you're an absolute fool. 1235 00:50:57,063 --> 00:50:59,346 But the one who does the will of God 1236 00:50:59,346 --> 00:51:02,766 abides forever. 1237 00:51:02,766 --> 00:51:04,457 And for those of you who are young, 1238 00:51:04,457 --> 00:51:06,669 oh, what a precious opportunity now 1239 00:51:06,669 --> 00:51:08,412 to serve the Lord! 1240 00:51:08,412 --> 00:51:10,759 Now to serve Him! 1241 00:51:10,759 --> 00:51:13,534 Many that were called and used mightily of God 1242 00:51:13,534 --> 00:51:15,944 were called as children in the Bible. 1243 00:51:15,944 --> 00:51:17,686 Don't you see that? 1244 00:51:17,686 --> 00:51:20,153 How old was this Samuel 1245 00:51:20,153 --> 00:51:23,172 when he began to hear the voice of God? 1246 00:51:23,172 --> 00:51:24,590 You say, oh, I must wait! 1247 00:51:24,590 --> 00:51:25,987 No, you must not wait. 1248 00:51:25,987 --> 00:51:29,684 Seek Him now! Seek Him hard! 1249 00:51:29,684 --> 00:51:30,947 If you seek Him hard, 1250 00:51:30,947 --> 00:51:35,667 He will let Himself be found by you. 1251 00:51:35,667 --> 00:51:39,544 It goes on... 1252 00:51:39,544 --> 00:51:44,003 Verse 19, "They went out from us, 1253 00:51:44,003 --> 00:51:46,427 but they were not really of us; 1254 00:51:46,427 --> 00:51:47,753 for if they had been of us, 1255 00:51:47,753 --> 00:51:49,482 they would have remained with us, 1256 00:51:49,482 --> 00:51:51,728 but they went out so that it would be shown 1257 00:51:51,728 --> 00:51:53,662 that they are not of us." 1258 00:51:53,662 --> 00:51:55,898 Now, this does not mean that if someone 1259 00:51:55,898 --> 00:51:58,563 leaves our church and goes to another, 1260 00:51:58,563 --> 00:52:00,574 that it means they're not a Christian. 1261 00:52:00,574 --> 00:52:02,319 That's not what that means. 1262 00:52:02,319 --> 00:52:06,366 What it's talking about is this: 1263 00:52:06,366 --> 00:52:08,322 The true Christian who enters in 1264 00:52:08,322 --> 00:52:12,274 to biblical, historical Christianity, 1265 00:52:12,274 --> 00:52:14,424 and then leaves - 1266 00:52:14,424 --> 00:52:18,460 might go into some new stuff; 1267 00:52:18,460 --> 00:52:19,632 "new Christianity," 1268 00:52:19,632 --> 00:52:21,271 new teachings - they're rampant, 1269 00:52:21,271 --> 00:52:22,290 they're everywhere, 1270 00:52:22,290 --> 00:52:23,431 every wind of doctrine; 1271 00:52:23,431 --> 00:52:25,169 leaves what is known as basic, 1272 00:52:25,169 --> 00:52:28,302 historic Christianity to go follow after 1273 00:52:28,302 --> 00:52:30,595 some new stuff that has very little to do 1274 00:52:30,595 --> 00:52:33,756 with Scripture and nothing to do with biblical history, 1275 00:52:33,756 --> 00:52:35,054 they've gone out from us. 1276 00:52:35,054 --> 00:52:36,628 They don't remain in the body. 1277 00:52:36,628 --> 00:52:38,669 Or someone who comes in and they might be 1278 00:52:38,669 --> 00:52:40,719 with the group, you know, with the church, 1279 00:52:40,719 --> 00:52:42,039 with the fellowship, 1280 00:52:42,039 --> 00:52:43,252 with the congregation 1281 00:52:43,252 --> 00:52:44,905 for six months or a year, 1282 00:52:44,905 --> 00:52:46,459 and then they depart 1283 00:52:46,459 --> 00:52:47,627 and they stay departed 1284 00:52:47,627 --> 00:52:49,640 and they don't go to another fellowship. 1285 00:52:49,640 --> 00:52:51,700 What does that mean? They went out from us. 1286 00:52:51,700 --> 00:52:56,049 And what is it showing? They never were of us. 1287 00:52:56,049 --> 00:52:57,876 Because once you're in Christianity, 1288 00:52:57,876 --> 00:52:59,367 you stay in Christianity 1289 00:52:59,367 --> 00:53:04,395 because He who brought you in, keeps you in. 1290 00:53:04,395 --> 00:53:07,012 It wasn't Noah who shut that door 1291 00:53:07,012 --> 00:53:09,278 behind himself on that boat. 1292 00:53:09,278 --> 00:53:12,038 It was God. 1293 00:53:12,038 --> 00:53:13,999 I hear so many people that will say, 1294 00:53:13,999 --> 00:53:17,272 "Oh, if I just make it to heaven, I'll be secure." 1295 00:53:17,272 --> 00:53:19,491 If I just make it to heaven, I'll be secure. 1296 00:53:19,491 --> 00:53:20,631 And I always ask them, 1297 00:53:20,631 --> 00:53:22,727 "where was the devil when he fell?" 1298 00:53:22,727 --> 00:53:25,672 It's not heaven that's going to make you secure, my friend, 1299 00:53:25,672 --> 00:53:30,184 it's being in Christ that makes you secure. 1300 00:53:30,184 --> 00:53:32,197 He goes on. 1301 00:53:32,197 --> 00:53:39,171 Another test. 1 John 2:22. 1302 00:53:39,171 --> 00:53:41,298 "Who is the liar but the one who denies 1303 00:53:41,298 --> 00:53:42,611 that Jesus is the Christ. 1304 00:53:42,611 --> 00:53:43,938 This is the antichrist - 1305 00:53:43,938 --> 00:53:46,112 the one who denies the Father and the Son. 1306 00:53:46,112 --> 00:53:48,810 Whoever denies the Son, does not have the Father. 1307 00:53:48,810 --> 00:53:50,368 The one who confesses the Son 1308 00:53:50,368 --> 00:53:52,423 has the Father also." 1309 00:53:52,423 --> 00:53:56,618 The true Christian is going to embrace 1310 00:53:56,618 --> 00:54:00,640 the fullness of the person of Jesus Christ. 1311 00:54:00,640 --> 00:54:02,244 Now, many of you are saying, 1312 00:54:02,244 --> 00:54:04,534 yes, that is true, they are going to believe 1313 00:54:04,534 --> 00:54:06,178 that Jesus is God in the flesh. 1314 00:54:06,178 --> 00:54:07,390 Yes, that's true. 1315 00:54:07,390 --> 00:54:09,760 They're going to believe that God became man; 1316 00:54:09,760 --> 00:54:11,753 that He was a real man. Yes, that's true. 1317 00:54:11,753 --> 00:54:13,083 But that's not all it means 1318 00:54:13,083 --> 00:54:15,195 to embrace the fullness of Christ's person. 1319 00:54:15,195 --> 00:54:17,831 This silly little stuff going around in America today 1320 00:54:17,831 --> 00:54:20,578 that you can receive Jesus as Savior and not Lord 1321 00:54:20,578 --> 00:54:23,186 is absolutely absurd. 1322 00:54:23,186 --> 00:54:26,289 The fullness of His person 1323 00:54:26,289 --> 00:54:28,586 you believe in, you receive, 1324 00:54:28,586 --> 00:54:30,778 you embrace all of it. 1325 00:54:30,778 --> 00:54:33,521 Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Lord. 1326 00:54:33,521 --> 00:54:37,445 Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King. 1327 00:54:37,445 --> 00:54:39,853 Jesus is the only Prophet 1328 00:54:39,853 --> 00:54:41,900 who ever walked on this earth. 1329 00:54:41,900 --> 00:54:44,485 Jesus is the only King. 1330 00:54:44,485 --> 00:54:47,460 Jesus is the only true Priest. 1331 00:54:47,460 --> 00:54:50,335 Jesus is, again, the only true wise man. 1332 00:54:50,335 --> 00:54:52,165 Let me ask you, do you believe that? 1333 00:54:52,165 --> 00:54:54,353 Alright, how much are you going to His Word 1334 00:54:54,353 --> 00:54:55,544 to find His wisdom? 1335 00:54:55,544 --> 00:54:56,749 You believe He's King? 1336 00:54:56,749 --> 00:54:59,598 How much are you going to His Word to find His law? 1337 00:54:59,598 --> 00:55:01,401 You believe He's Prophet and He knows 1338 00:55:01,401 --> 00:55:02,817 about your latter days, 1339 00:55:02,817 --> 00:55:04,937 then how much are you going to the Word 1340 00:55:04,937 --> 00:55:06,631 to settle those latter days 1341 00:55:06,631 --> 00:55:11,785 through your own obedience? 1342 00:55:11,785 --> 00:55:21,344 Now finally, look in 1 John 2:29. 1343 00:55:21,344 --> 00:55:24,914 "If you know that He is righteous, 1344 00:55:24,914 --> 00:55:27,859 you know that everyone who practices righteousness 1345 00:55:27,859 --> 00:55:29,039 is born of God." 1346 00:55:29,039 --> 00:55:30,448 Now, what is righteousness? 1347 00:55:30,448 --> 00:55:36,455 Everything that conforms to the nature and law of God. 1348 00:55:36,455 --> 00:55:37,963 Do you practice righteousness? 1349 00:55:37,963 --> 00:55:39,572 If we were to look at your life, 1350 00:55:39,572 --> 00:55:42,463 are you practicing God's law? 1351 00:55:42,463 --> 00:55:44,342 Are you practicing God's wisdom? 1352 00:55:44,342 --> 00:55:46,618 God's Word? God's precepts? 1353 00:55:46,618 --> 00:55:47,724 Are you? 1354 00:55:47,724 --> 00:55:49,837 Is it a practice in your life? 1355 00:55:49,837 --> 00:55:54,206 Or are you departing from it? 1356 00:55:54,206 --> 00:55:59,855 Does it have absolutely nothing to do with you? 1357 00:55:59,855 --> 00:56:03,409 Matthew 7, Jesus says, 1358 00:56:03,409 --> 00:56:05,693 "Depart from Me, 1359 00:56:05,693 --> 00:56:07,880 you who practice lawlessness." 1360 00:56:07,880 --> 00:56:10,122 That's one of the most terrifying statements 1361 00:56:10,122 --> 00:56:12,633 in the Bible for American Christianity 1362 00:56:12,633 --> 00:56:14,680 because basically what He's saying is this: 1363 00:56:14,680 --> 00:56:17,264 "Depart from Me those of you who claim to be 1364 00:56:17,264 --> 00:56:19,560 My disciples and yet you lived as though 1365 00:56:19,560 --> 00:56:23,364 I never gave you a law to obey." 1366 00:56:23,364 --> 00:56:25,190 I just described most of what's called 1367 00:56:25,190 --> 00:56:28,197 the church in America today. 1368 00:56:28,197 --> 00:56:29,380 "I'm a disciple." 1369 00:56:29,380 --> 00:56:32,100 What's your relationship to His Word? 1370 00:56:32,100 --> 00:56:33,216 "I know Him." 1371 00:56:33,216 --> 00:56:36,759 What's your relationship to His Word? 1372 00:56:36,759 --> 00:56:39,684 Are you seeking to know His wisdom, 1373 00:56:39,684 --> 00:56:41,739 His precepts, His commands, 1374 00:56:41,739 --> 00:56:44,534 and to practice them? 1375 00:56:44,534 --> 00:56:45,959 Is it a part of your life? 1376 00:56:45,959 --> 00:56:50,798 Now, let me tell you something. 1377 00:56:50,798 --> 00:56:53,420 I think legalism is death. 1378 00:56:53,420 --> 00:56:57,168 Let me tell you that. I think it is. 1379 00:56:57,168 --> 00:57:01,754 I think it's death, but I want to tell you something. 1380 00:57:01,754 --> 00:57:05,403 The Bible tells us what we can think about 1381 00:57:05,403 --> 00:57:08,068 and what we can not think about. 1382 00:57:08,068 --> 00:57:10,509 Do you know those commands? 1383 00:57:10,509 --> 00:57:12,578 And are you practicing them? 1384 00:57:12,578 --> 00:57:15,638 The Bible tells us what we ought to watch 1385 00:57:15,638 --> 00:57:18,697 and we should not watch. 1386 00:57:18,697 --> 00:57:21,245 Do you know those commands? 1387 00:57:21,245 --> 00:57:24,145 Do you care? 1388 00:57:24,145 --> 00:57:26,721 Are you practicing them? 1389 00:57:26,721 --> 00:57:32,201 The Bible tells us - now listen to me - 1390 00:57:32,201 --> 00:57:36,960 the Bible tells us what we can wear 1391 00:57:36,960 --> 00:57:38,308 and not wear. 1392 00:57:38,308 --> 00:57:40,000 You say, "oh boy, here he goes." 1393 00:57:40,000 --> 00:57:40,994 No, listen to me. 1394 00:57:40,994 --> 00:57:43,271 I'm not talking about defining every last - 1395 00:57:43,271 --> 00:57:45,852 crossing every T, dotting every I - 1396 00:57:45,852 --> 00:57:47,104 you can't wear this.... 1397 00:57:47,104 --> 00:57:48,658 It is telling us this: 1398 00:57:48,658 --> 00:57:52,821 whatever you put on your body better be decent. 1399 00:57:52,821 --> 00:57:54,051 It better be decent 1400 00:57:54,051 --> 00:57:55,853 and it ought to enhance the beauty 1401 00:57:55,853 --> 00:57:57,445 God's already given you. 1402 00:57:57,445 --> 00:57:59,980 I look around today and see what people are wearing 1403 00:57:59,980 --> 00:58:02,517 and it reminds me of the communist countries 1404 00:58:02,517 --> 00:58:05,400 I've preached in right after their liberation. 1405 00:58:05,400 --> 00:58:07,339 One thing about a communist country, 1406 00:58:07,339 --> 00:58:08,523 the communists come in - 1407 00:58:08,523 --> 00:58:10,367 Eastern Europe, filled with all these 1408 00:58:10,367 --> 00:58:12,066 beautiful little brick roads 1409 00:58:12,066 --> 00:58:13,762 and beautiful little stone houses. 1410 00:58:13,762 --> 00:58:15,234 Communists come in, 1411 00:58:15,234 --> 00:58:17,338 tear it all down, put in pavement 1412 00:58:17,338 --> 00:58:19,924 and these ugly concrete blocks. 1413 00:58:19,924 --> 00:58:22,224 They take beauty and destroy it. 1414 00:58:22,224 --> 00:58:24,878 Look at fashion today. 1415 00:58:24,878 --> 00:58:27,068 Look at it. 1416 00:58:27,068 --> 00:58:30,042 It's not conformed to the will of God. 1417 00:58:30,042 --> 00:58:33,941 God wants His people to be beautiful! 1418 00:58:33,941 --> 00:58:38,987 But to God that also means modest and decent. 1419 00:58:38,987 --> 00:58:40,403 But He wants them beautiful. 1420 00:58:40,403 --> 00:58:41,736 He wants them full of life, 1421 00:58:41,736 --> 00:58:42,645 full of color. 1422 00:58:42,645 --> 00:58:44,601 He wants them to be a beautiful people. 1423 00:58:44,601 --> 00:58:47,583 But what do we see? Grunge. 1424 00:58:47,583 --> 00:58:50,562 Dress in black. 1425 00:58:50,562 --> 00:58:52,163 Hangover like this. 1426 00:58:52,163 --> 00:58:53,235 It's unbelievable. 1427 00:58:53,235 --> 00:58:55,245 In a way, I think it's really, really good 1428 00:58:55,245 --> 00:58:56,816 because I mean, a man who's godly 1429 00:58:56,816 --> 00:58:58,583 no longer will have much temptation. 1430 00:58:58,583 --> 00:59:04,849 The girls are trying to look as ugly as possible. 1431 00:59:04,849 --> 00:59:07,532 I mean that's not what God wants. 1432 00:59:07,532 --> 00:59:10,064 I don't have much time to preach here, 1433 00:59:10,064 --> 00:59:12,193 so I'm going to use a shotgun approach. 1434 00:59:12,193 --> 00:59:15,122 Girls and guys, let me give you 1435 00:59:15,122 --> 00:59:16,799 a thing that my wife uses. 1436 00:59:16,799 --> 00:59:18,751 It's really, really good. It's this: 1437 00:59:18,751 --> 00:59:21,517 If your clothing is a frame for your face, 1438 00:59:21,517 --> 00:59:23,457 it's of God. 1439 00:59:23,457 --> 00:59:26,318 If your clothing brings attention to your face 1440 00:59:26,318 --> 00:59:30,591 from which the glory of God should be shining, 1441 00:59:30,591 --> 00:59:31,927 it's of God. 1442 00:59:31,927 --> 00:59:35,623 If your clothing is a frame for your body, 1443 00:59:35,623 --> 00:59:40,247 it is sensual and God hates it. 1444 00:59:40,247 --> 00:59:43,329 Now, I know they're pretty broad guidelines, 1445 00:59:43,329 --> 00:59:45,132 but there they are. 1446 00:59:45,132 --> 00:59:47,542 It doesn't mean you have to dress like a Puritan, 1447 00:59:47,542 --> 00:59:50,035 put buckles on your shoes or anything like that, 1448 00:59:50,035 --> 00:59:56,518 but those are the guidelines right there. 1449 00:59:56,518 --> 00:59:58,568 Righteousness. And why am I saying this? 1450 00:59:58,568 --> 01:00:02,933 Because the Bible touches every aspect of our lives. 1451 01:00:02,933 --> 01:00:05,516 There's something in there for every area 1452 01:00:05,516 --> 01:00:07,586 of our life, and what we need to do 1453 01:00:07,586 --> 01:00:08,922 is discover what that is 1454 01:00:08,922 --> 01:00:10,500 and conform our lives to it. 1455 01:00:10,500 --> 01:00:12,174 And you say, "oh, what a burden!" 1456 01:00:12,174 --> 01:00:13,699 You're lost! 1457 01:00:13,699 --> 01:00:15,931 Because the Bible says the commandments of God 1458 01:00:15,931 --> 01:00:17,997 for a Christian are not a burden. 1459 01:00:17,997 --> 01:00:20,583 They're a joy. 1460 01:00:20,583 --> 01:00:28,393 They're a joy. 1461 01:00:28,393 --> 01:00:29,914 1 John 3:3 1462 01:00:29,914 --> 01:00:31,569 "Everyone who has this hope 1463 01:00:31,569 --> 01:00:35,574 fixed on Him purifies himself 1464 01:00:35,574 --> 01:00:36,719 just as He is pure." 1465 01:00:36,719 --> 01:00:37,929 Now look at this. 1466 01:00:37,929 --> 01:00:39,204 What is it talking about? 1467 01:00:39,204 --> 01:00:41,500 The hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ. 1468 01:00:41,500 --> 01:00:43,757 Everybody reading these "Left Behind" books - 1469 01:00:43,757 --> 01:00:46,016 the only thing left behind in the "Left Behind" series 1470 01:00:46,016 --> 01:00:48,498 was the Bible. 1471 01:00:48,498 --> 01:00:49,648 But everybody's excited. 1472 01:00:49,648 --> 01:00:51,153 "I believe in the second coming." 1473 01:00:51,153 --> 01:00:52,432 "I believe Jesus is going to come." 1474 01:00:52,432 --> 01:00:53,368 I believe all this stuff. 1475 01:00:53,368 --> 01:00:55,428 Okay, we'll see whether you believe it or not. 1476 01:00:55,428 --> 01:00:56,663 Because it says in verse 3, 1477 01:00:56,663 --> 01:00:59,583 "Everyone who has this hope..." 1478 01:00:59,583 --> 01:01:02,202 What does he do? "Purifies himself 1479 01:01:02,202 --> 01:01:03,884 just as He is pure." 1480 01:01:03,884 --> 01:01:05,477 Now here's something, Christian, 1481 01:01:05,477 --> 01:01:07,302 that's just going to blow your mind. 1482 01:01:07,302 --> 01:01:09,814 We are told to purify ourselves 1483 01:01:09,814 --> 01:01:11,730 and some of you guys need to hear this 1484 01:01:11,730 --> 01:01:15,853 who are really, really theological. 1485 01:01:15,853 --> 01:01:19,235 Not only has God sanctified us in Christ, 1486 01:01:19,235 --> 01:01:22,137 He calls us to strive to be holy. 1487 01:01:22,137 --> 01:01:25,090 He calls us to purify ourselves. 1488 01:01:25,090 --> 01:01:30,109 Let me ask you a question. 1489 01:01:30,109 --> 01:01:33,757 Could I sit down with you right now 1490 01:01:33,757 --> 01:01:35,873 and you talk to me - we're all alone - 1491 01:01:35,873 --> 01:01:38,101 you talk to me about the ways in which 1492 01:01:38,101 --> 01:01:43,029 you're seeking to purify yourself? 1493 01:01:43,029 --> 01:01:46,109 Can you? 1494 01:01:46,109 --> 01:01:47,894 If we went into the book of Hebrews, 1495 01:01:47,894 --> 01:01:49,644 could you sit down with me right now 1496 01:01:49,644 --> 01:01:51,358 and we could open it up and I'd say, 1497 01:01:51,358 --> 01:01:53,268 "Just share with me how this affects your life." 1498 01:01:53,268 --> 01:01:55,084 Could you sit down with me right now 1499 01:01:55,084 --> 01:01:56,465 and explain to me the ways 1500 01:01:56,465 --> 01:02:00,564 in which you're striving after holiness? 1501 01:02:00,564 --> 01:02:03,348 Do you see? 1502 01:02:03,348 --> 01:02:05,230 Do you see? 1503 01:02:05,230 --> 01:02:08,422 This Bible is not poetry. 1504 01:02:08,422 --> 01:02:12,442 It's not just little maxims that are cute. 1505 01:02:12,442 --> 01:02:14,955 It is your life. 1506 01:02:14,955 --> 01:02:19,217 It is your life. 1507 01:02:19,217 --> 01:02:21,597 "Everyone who has this hope..." 1508 01:02:21,597 --> 01:02:22,980 That hopes in Him. 1509 01:02:22,980 --> 01:02:24,993 How do we really know that we hope in Him? 1510 01:02:24,993 --> 01:02:29,167 Because we're seeking to make ourselves pure. 1511 01:02:29,167 --> 01:02:34,618 We're striving after holiness. 1512 01:02:34,618 --> 01:02:38,362 We're striving after holiness. 1513 01:02:38,362 --> 01:02:40,106 We really are. 1514 01:02:40,106 --> 01:02:44,341 Are you striving after holiness? 1515 01:02:44,341 --> 01:02:52,639 My mom - she's almost 77. 1516 01:02:52,639 --> 01:02:58,391 And she raised most of us kids by herself 1517 01:02:58,391 --> 01:03:00,874 because my dad died. 1518 01:03:00,874 --> 01:03:03,268 Tough lady. 1519 01:03:03,268 --> 01:03:05,314 She's Croatian. Her parents came over 1520 01:03:05,314 --> 01:03:06,788 through Ellis Island. 1521 01:03:06,788 --> 01:03:08,354 She went through the Depression. 1522 01:03:08,354 --> 01:03:10,090 She's a tough lady. 1523 01:03:10,090 --> 01:03:11,623 She's from Detroit. 1524 01:03:11,623 --> 01:03:16,738 It makes her mean. 1525 01:03:16,738 --> 01:03:21,148 She'll sit there sometimes. 1526 01:03:21,148 --> 01:03:22,179 I'll be over there. 1527 01:03:22,179 --> 01:03:24,404 I'll go over to her house. 1528 01:03:24,404 --> 01:03:26,274 Pass by there before I go to the office 1529 01:03:26,274 --> 01:03:27,659 in the morning. 1530 01:03:27,659 --> 01:03:29,543 She'll be over the Word. 1531 01:03:29,543 --> 01:03:33,108 I'll look up at her and she'll just be broken. 1532 01:03:33,108 --> 01:03:35,732 She was saved when she was 10. 1533 01:03:35,732 --> 01:03:38,078 She'll look up at me with tears in her eyes 1534 01:03:38,078 --> 01:03:42,702 and say, "I am just so unholy." 1535 01:03:42,702 --> 01:03:47,101 "I am just... I just found, 1536 01:03:47,101 --> 01:03:50,258 look at this verse... 1537 01:03:50,258 --> 01:03:54,772 God's telling me my mouth, my tongue - 1538 01:03:54,772 --> 01:03:57,501 I spoke out of turn the other night. 1539 01:03:57,501 --> 01:04:01,103 I've got to go back and ask my sister 1540 01:04:01,103 --> 01:04:03,226 to forgive me." 1541 01:04:03,226 --> 01:04:04,999 I'm going, "oh, mom..." 1542 01:04:04,999 --> 01:04:07,591 She goes, "sometimes I don't even think I'm saved." 1543 01:04:07,591 --> 01:04:11,670 I said, "Mom, this is the evidence that you are." 1544 01:04:11,670 --> 01:04:14,283 All these years of walking with Christ 1545 01:04:14,283 --> 01:04:17,501 and yet still there, striving to be holy. 1546 01:04:17,501 --> 01:04:20,770 Yes, resting. Resting in the finished work of Christ. 1547 01:04:20,770 --> 01:04:23,403 Yes. But striving to be holy; 1548 01:04:23,403 --> 01:04:24,624 to be righteous. 1549 01:04:24,624 --> 01:04:26,695 "Everyone who has this hope..." 1550 01:04:26,695 --> 01:04:32,045 is going to do that. 1551 01:04:32,045 --> 01:04:35,551 Now he says - v. 4 - 1552 01:04:35,551 --> 01:04:37,498 "everyone who practices sin 1553 01:04:37,498 --> 01:04:40,279 also practices lawlessness, 1554 01:04:40,279 --> 01:04:42,647 and sin is lawlessness." 1555 01:04:42,647 --> 01:04:43,936 What does that mean? 1556 01:04:43,936 --> 01:04:45,355 I'll tell you what it means. 1557 01:04:45,355 --> 01:04:48,734 He's trying to show you how horrible sin is. 1558 01:04:48,734 --> 01:04:52,668 Because we really don't get it. 1559 01:04:52,668 --> 01:04:56,528 I love what Watson says in "A Body of Divinity." 1560 01:04:56,528 --> 01:04:57,999 He's always saying this: 1561 01:04:57,999 --> 01:05:02,834 "You have not sinned against an inferior prince. 1562 01:05:02,834 --> 01:05:05,203 You've not sinned against a small mayor 1563 01:05:05,203 --> 01:05:06,245 from a small village. 1564 01:05:06,245 --> 01:05:09,248 You have sinned against the Lord of Glory! 1565 01:05:09,248 --> 01:05:13,169 The King of kings! The Lord of lords! 1566 01:05:13,169 --> 01:05:16,271 You know not what you've done!" 1567 01:05:16,271 --> 01:05:17,318 Imagine this: 1568 01:05:17,318 --> 01:05:23,309 Here stands God on the day of creation. 1569 01:05:23,309 --> 01:05:25,347 He looks at stars 1570 01:05:25,347 --> 01:05:27,051 that could swallow up 1571 01:05:27,051 --> 01:05:29,692 a thousand of our suns. 1572 01:05:29,692 --> 01:05:31,198 He looks at them. 1573 01:05:31,198 --> 01:05:32,824 And He says, "All you stars, 1574 01:05:32,824 --> 01:05:34,488 move yourself to this place 1575 01:05:34,488 --> 01:05:35,775 and start in this order 1576 01:05:35,775 --> 01:05:36,965 and move in a circle 1577 01:05:36,965 --> 01:05:38,591 and move exactly as I tell you 1578 01:05:38,591 --> 01:05:40,098 until I give you another word." 1579 01:05:40,098 --> 01:05:41,227 And they all obey Him. 1580 01:05:41,227 --> 01:05:43,475 He says, "Planets, pick yourself up and whirl. 1581 01:05:43,475 --> 01:05:45,750 Make this formation at My command 1582 01:05:45,750 --> 01:05:47,254 until I give you another word." 1583 01:05:47,254 --> 01:05:48,874 He looks at mountains and He says, 1584 01:05:48,874 --> 01:05:50,622 "Be lifted up!" And they obey Him. 1585 01:05:50,622 --> 01:05:53,163 He tells valleys, "Be cast down!" And they obey Him. 1586 01:05:53,163 --> 01:05:54,683 He looks at the sea and says, 1587 01:05:54,683 --> 01:05:56,813 "You will come this far," and the sea obeys. 1588 01:05:56,813 --> 01:05:58,481 And then He looks at you and says, 1589 01:05:58,481 --> 01:06:01,647 "Come." And you go, "No." 1590 01:06:01,647 --> 01:06:05,489 Look at the horrid wretchedness of sin; 1591 01:06:05,489 --> 01:06:12,143 the vulgarity, the prostitution of sin. 1592 01:06:12,143 --> 01:06:13,381 It is a horrid thing! 1593 01:06:13,381 --> 01:06:15,048 Not something to be trifled with. 1594 01:06:15,048 --> 01:06:16,523 As I said, it is a beast, 1595 01:06:16,523 --> 01:06:18,142 and it is waiting at the door 1596 01:06:18,142 --> 01:06:23,651 and it's desire is to have you. 1597 01:06:23,651 --> 01:06:25,293 And anyone who practices sin, 1598 01:06:25,293 --> 01:06:28,935 practices outright, open, clench-fisted 1599 01:06:28,935 --> 01:06:35,893 rebellion against the Lord of Glory. 1600 01:06:35,893 --> 01:06:37,505 Now it's here. 1601 01:06:37,505 --> 01:06:39,992 We all realize that the Bible's already taught us 1602 01:06:39,992 --> 01:06:41,266 that believers will sin, 1603 01:06:41,266 --> 01:06:43,195 but there is a difference between 1604 01:06:43,195 --> 01:06:44,675 a believer who sins, 1605 01:06:44,675 --> 01:06:45,751 confesses their sin, 1606 01:06:45,751 --> 01:06:47,634 and going on to greater holiness; 1607 01:06:47,634 --> 01:06:49,062 being disciplined of the Lord, 1608 01:06:49,062 --> 01:06:50,752 but going on to greater holiness; 1609 01:06:50,752 --> 01:06:52,671 and someone who just out and out 1610 01:06:52,671 --> 01:06:59,259 practices sin as a habitual lifestyle. 1611 01:06:59,259 --> 01:07:00,928 Verse 5: "You know that He appeared 1612 01:07:00,928 --> 01:07:02,561 in order to take away sins, 1613 01:07:02,561 --> 01:07:05,586 and in Him there is no sin." 1614 01:07:05,586 --> 01:07:09,926 He appeared to take away the very sin 1615 01:07:09,926 --> 01:07:16,589 that many people relish and love. 1616 01:07:16,589 --> 01:07:20,094 Verse 6: "No one who abides in Him sins; 1617 01:07:20,094 --> 01:07:23,575 no one who has sin has seen Him or knows Him." 1618 01:07:23,575 --> 01:07:25,627 Again, it's talking about a style of life 1619 01:07:25,627 --> 01:07:27,836 of practicing sin. 1620 01:07:27,836 --> 01:07:30,527 "Little children, make sure that no one deceives you." 1621 01:07:30,527 --> 01:07:31,733 Now I'm telling you this, 1622 01:07:31,733 --> 01:07:34,834 little children, adults, make sure no one deceives you. 1623 01:07:34,834 --> 01:07:36,846 Make sure some pastor doesn't deceive you. 1624 01:07:36,846 --> 01:07:38,854 Make sure your mama doesn't deceive you. 1625 01:07:38,854 --> 01:07:40,390 Your dad doesn't deceive you, 1626 01:07:40,390 --> 01:07:42,658 or some well-meaning carnal Christian 1627 01:07:42,658 --> 01:07:43,849 does not deceive you. 1628 01:07:43,849 --> 01:07:45,633 He says, "Little children, make sure 1629 01:07:45,633 --> 01:07:46,995 no one deceives you. 1630 01:07:46,995 --> 01:07:48,793 The one who practices righteousness 1631 01:07:48,793 --> 01:07:51,545 is righteous, just as He is righteous. 1632 01:07:51,545 --> 01:07:54,023 The one who practices sin is of the devil, 1633 01:07:54,023 --> 01:07:58,527 for the devil has sinned from the beginning." 1634 01:07:58,527 --> 01:08:00,799 You practice sin as a habitual lifestyle, 1635 01:08:00,799 --> 01:08:04,353 you love what you can get away with, 1636 01:08:04,353 --> 01:08:12,420 my friend, you're of the devil. 1637 01:08:12,420 --> 01:08:21,573 Now, let's go back to verse 12 of the final chapter. 1638 01:08:21,573 --> 01:08:23,626 Chapter 5. 1639 01:08:23,626 --> 01:08:25,705 The last test. 1640 01:08:25,705 --> 01:08:30,242 There's many more, but we don't have time this evening. 1641 01:08:30,242 --> 01:08:32,811 "He who has the Son has life. 1642 01:08:32,811 --> 01:08:35,082 He who does not have the Son of God 1643 01:08:35,082 --> 01:08:39,273 does not have life." 1644 01:08:39,273 --> 01:08:46,584 My hope is built on nothing less 1645 01:08:46,584 --> 01:08:49,886 than Jesus. 1646 01:08:49,886 --> 01:08:52,036 Jesus. 1647 01:08:52,036 --> 01:09:00,286 It's almost absurd to ask this question. 1648 01:09:00,286 --> 01:09:03,355 We've actually come to believe in American Christianity 1649 01:09:03,355 --> 01:09:04,956 that you can be Christian 1650 01:09:04,956 --> 01:09:10,905 and Jesus not be all the world to you. 1651 01:09:10,905 --> 01:09:16,464 Do you love Jesus? 1652 01:09:16,464 --> 01:09:20,016 What do you think about most? 1653 01:09:20,016 --> 01:09:23,637 What do you think about most? 1654 01:09:23,637 --> 01:09:25,303 I know men who love the ministry 1655 01:09:25,303 --> 01:09:27,454 more than they love Jesus. 1656 01:09:27,454 --> 01:09:29,041 I know men who love the Bible 1657 01:09:29,041 --> 01:09:36,680 more than they love Jesus. 1658 01:09:36,680 --> 01:09:42,526 What do you think about most? 1659 01:09:42,526 --> 01:09:46,626 Because that's what you love. 1660 01:09:46,626 --> 01:09:48,302 Now, my dear friend, listen to me. 1661 01:09:48,302 --> 01:09:49,824 I've got to make a stop here 1662 01:09:49,824 --> 01:09:52,692 and correct a few things. 1663 01:09:52,692 --> 01:09:55,251 There are some struggling believers here tonight 1664 01:09:55,251 --> 01:09:56,824 that need to realize something. 1665 01:09:56,824 --> 01:09:59,372 Again, we are not talking about sinless perfection. 1666 01:09:59,372 --> 01:10:01,788 We are not saying that if you're a true Christian, 1667 01:10:01,788 --> 01:10:05,040 Christ will always be at the forefront of your thoughts. 1668 01:10:05,040 --> 01:10:07,298 We're not saying if you're a true Christian, 1669 01:10:07,298 --> 01:10:08,682 you are always going to be 1670 01:10:08,682 --> 01:10:10,175 practicing righteousness. 1671 01:10:10,175 --> 01:10:12,022 Again, what we're talking about 1672 01:10:12,022 --> 01:10:16,584 is a style of life and a struggle. 1673 01:10:16,584 --> 01:10:18,736 I tell my mother, "Mom, the greatest evidence 1674 01:10:18,736 --> 01:10:20,701 that you're a Christian is the fact that 1675 01:10:20,701 --> 01:10:22,191 right now you're in the Word 1676 01:10:22,191 --> 01:10:25,148 and God's pointing out to you your sin." 1677 01:10:25,148 --> 01:10:27,334 Some of you need to hear this: 1678 01:10:27,334 --> 01:10:28,861 The mere fact that you struggle 1679 01:10:28,861 --> 01:10:32,266 with the fact that you don't love Him enough 1680 01:10:32,266 --> 01:10:35,950 is evidence that you're a believer. 1681 01:10:35,950 --> 01:10:38,302 The mere fact that you look at your own life 1682 01:10:38,302 --> 01:10:40,589 and you realize you're not as holy or righteous 1683 01:10:40,589 --> 01:10:42,379 as you want to be and it bothers you 1684 01:10:42,379 --> 01:10:44,428 is evidence that you've come to know Him. 1685 01:10:44,428 --> 01:10:46,053 What I'm preaching against tonight 1686 01:10:46,053 --> 01:10:49,425 is the person who lives in habitual sin; 1687 01:10:49,425 --> 01:10:50,491 who loves the world 1688 01:10:50,491 --> 01:10:52,011 and all these different things 1689 01:10:52,011 --> 01:10:54,075 or a person sliding in that direction 1690 01:10:54,075 --> 01:10:55,916 or a person who just, yes, 1691 01:10:55,916 --> 01:10:59,692 Jesus is a little accessory onto my life. 1692 01:10:59,692 --> 01:11:02,825 The warning is for that person. 1693 01:11:02,825 --> 01:11:05,044 You know, I hear these preachers today 1694 01:11:05,044 --> 01:11:06,431 and they'll preach - 1695 01:11:06,431 --> 01:11:08,842 and I've heard them give this kind of invitation: 1696 01:11:08,842 --> 01:11:10,649 "Man, you've got it all. 1697 01:11:10,649 --> 01:11:12,847 You've got a wonderful, beautiful family. 1698 01:11:12,847 --> 01:11:14,121 You've got your health. 1699 01:11:14,121 --> 01:11:15,420 You've got a wonderful job 1700 01:11:15,420 --> 01:11:16,482 and all these things. 1701 01:11:16,482 --> 01:11:18,419 You just lack one more thing 1702 01:11:18,419 --> 01:11:20,231 to make your life complete. 1703 01:11:20,231 --> 01:11:21,990 You lack Jesus." 1704 01:11:21,990 --> 01:11:26,185 Makes me want to vomit. 1705 01:11:26,185 --> 01:11:30,471 My friend, he who has the Son has life. 1706 01:11:30,471 --> 01:11:32,949 He who does not have the Son, 1707 01:11:32,949 --> 01:11:35,563 has nothing. 1708 01:11:35,563 --> 01:11:38,051 All your wealth, all your health, 1709 01:11:38,051 --> 01:11:43,565 all your relations, everything you have is dung, 1710 01:11:43,565 --> 01:11:47,560 if Jesus is not Lord and Savior 1711 01:11:47,560 --> 01:11:50,529 and passion of your life. 1712 01:11:50,529 --> 01:11:52,140 He's not an accessory 1713 01:11:52,140 --> 01:11:55,622 that you add on to an already great life. 1714 01:11:55,622 --> 01:11:58,565 He is Life. 1715 01:11:58,565 --> 01:11:59,834 That's what He meant - 1716 01:11:59,834 --> 01:12:01,715 you drink My blood; you eat My flesh. 1717 01:12:01,715 --> 01:12:03,070 What was He talking about? 1718 01:12:03,070 --> 01:12:04,867 He's not some accessory. 1719 01:12:04,867 --> 01:12:10,235 He's the very source of your life. 1720 01:12:10,235 --> 01:12:12,978 Is He yours? 1721 01:12:12,978 --> 01:12:15,215 Is He yours? 1722 01:12:15,215 --> 01:12:19,823 Let's pray. 1723 01:12:19,823 --> 01:12:24,098 Father, we come before You in the name of Your Son. 1724 01:12:24,098 --> 01:12:28,394 And Lord, this has been long and hard, 1725 01:12:28,394 --> 01:12:30,575 but I felt a measure of grace in it, Lord, 1726 01:12:30,575 --> 01:12:32,619 and I pray - 1727 01:12:32,619 --> 01:12:34,929 I pray dear Lord, that You would work 1728 01:12:34,929 --> 01:12:37,017 in the hearts of people; 1729 01:12:37,017 --> 01:12:40,566 that You would save; that You would convert. 1730 01:12:40,566 --> 01:12:43,251 And that, Lord, even some of Your people 1731 01:12:43,251 --> 01:12:46,369 who may have been sliding into the things of the world, 1732 01:12:46,369 --> 01:12:50,474 that this has been used as discipline, 1733 01:12:50,474 --> 01:12:51,310 to turn them. 1734 01:12:51,310 --> 01:12:53,414 To others, Lord, who believe themselves saved, 1735 01:12:53,414 --> 01:12:56,042 that this has been used to show them they are not saved. 1736 01:12:56,042 --> 01:12:57,418 And to struggling believers, 1737 01:12:57,418 --> 01:12:59,188 that it has been used to show them 1738 01:12:59,188 --> 01:13:01,759 that assuredly they are believers. 1739 01:13:01,759 --> 01:13:03,926 God, use Your Word to do many more things 1740 01:13:03,926 --> 01:13:06,943 than what we could ever think or believe. 1741 01:13:06,943 --> 01:13:09,497 In Jesus' name, Amen.