WEBVTT 00:00:01.120 --> 00:00:02.799 Hey, good morning, church. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:09.519 And this is a great day that the Lord has made, and we should rejoice and be glad in it. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:10.080 Amen? 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:11.439 Amen. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:12.160 Amen. 00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:15.199 It's so good to see you all here this morning. 00:00:15.279 --> 00:00:30.719 I realize that it's uh fall break and uh people are out getting the hunting camp ready to go for uh stocking it with some deer meat and whatever else they they hunt, but I'm thankful that y'all are here. 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:31.600 Amen. 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:34.320 You know, I uh I started out this morning. 00:00:34.399 --> 00:00:39.840 I wasn't supposed to be playing the drums, and uh my wife uh just came by. 00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:49.280 You know, y'all know she she thinks she's the boss, but I keep trying to tell her here at Lake Church, Pastor Jared is my boss, but she ain't trying to hear that, y'all. 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:54.880 So I'm gonna have to talk to Pastor Jared and tell him don't leave her in charge of me next time he goes out of town. 00:00:55.439 --> 00:01:11.040 But no, it is it is great to be in the house of the Lord, to be here worshiping, and I'm just glad to serve at any place, any time that the Lord allows me to serve, because it is a privilege and a pleasure to serve the Lord. 00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:11.760 Amen. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:12.640 Amen. 00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:16.079 I'm glad that I have the capacity to serve. 00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:24.319 I'm glad that I have the mind to serve and the ability and the opportunity to serve the Lord. 00:01:24.480 --> 00:01:26.159 And I say this often. 00:01:26.319 --> 00:01:29.200 You know, we live in America. 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:35.120 We have the freedom to serve the Lord, to worship the Lord. 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:45.200 We don't have to hide out and do it, we don't have to do it in secret, we don't have to uh worry about being persecuted or someone coming in and throwing us out. 00:01:45.359 --> 00:01:57.040 So we ought to take every opportunity that we have to truly worship the Lord in spirit and in truth and not hold back anything. 00:01:57.280 --> 00:01:57.920 Amen. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:25.840 I recall the times of COVID when uh they restricted us from being able to meet because of COVID, and uh it even affected the churches, and there are some people who got comfortable uh watching television from their sofas and never actually returned back to the house of the Lord, where God says, forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:34.560 But we also often get so used to having things that we take it for granted. 00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:43.599 And I don't take for granted the opportunity that I have to worship the Lord, to freely speak about what I believe in Jesus Christ. 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:48.560 And I know that no matter where I am, that I am on mission for the Lord. 00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:52.240 So in this particular message this morning, I'm gonna try to make it short. 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:59.439 Every time I say that, I go a little bit longer than I should go, but I've scripted it out so I can I can really just kind of stay on track. 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:05.360 I don't have to at-lib a whole lot, but there's something that is important for us at the end of the message. 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:07.680 And that's a time of reflection. 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:15.199 As I preach through this message today, I want you all to think about where you are in your serving. 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:20.639 Because the title of this message is Faithful Where God has placed you. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:32.159 No matter what your situation is, no matter what your circumstance is, no matter where you are, be faithful in serving the Lord where he has placed you. 00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:43.039 Now, I I often wanted to um go full-time in ministry, and uh God told me that that's not what I told you. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:58.639 And I as the more I was unsettled with that, there was a gentleman, uh uh actually one of the pastors at Fellowship Church when we were having uh one of our grow conferences, and he said to me, He said, Byron, you know uh God needs believers in the workplace too. 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:02.159 Y'all think about that. 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:10.879 Sometimes our minds are on trying to go do something that has been defined for us as ministry. 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:16.959 When God has said, your ministry is wherever I have placed you. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:22.319 You don't have to be the same as someone else, you don't have to do it like somebody else. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:31.519 God has given you something unique about you, and he has placed you in the place where you can be used for his glory. 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:35.920 The question is, are you comparing yourself to somebody else? 00:04:36.079 --> 00:04:49.120 Are you looking to do what somebody else is doing, or are you searching and seeking and asking God, what is it that you have uniquely called me to do, and where is that place that you have uniquely placed me to do it? 00:04:49.360 --> 00:05:01.680 So in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24, uh Paul begins to talk about uh being faithful in the place where God has called them to be. 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:08.879 This is after Paul has done uh teaching about marriage, and people were concerned about uh okay, so what do you do if you're single? 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:10.399 What do you do if you're married? 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:18.879 Paul says, those that are single, you have the best opportunity to do what you can do for the Lord because your time is not split. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:27.839 Those who are married have to be concerned about the things of their spouse, how they're going to please their spouse, and decisions have to be made with other people in mind. 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:31.600 But those that are single, now I'm not saying that so anybody go and get divorced now. 00:05:31.920 --> 00:05:32.480 All right? 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:41.439 But those that are single have the greatest opportunities to serve the Lord because they don't have somebody else to answer to. 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:44.000 So think about that. 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:51.120 Think about when you were free to really use your time to bless the kingdom of God. 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:58.240 But think about even now that a husband and a wife are Christians and you're you're married and you're walking with the Lord. 00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:03.680 Guess how much you can do to honor the Lord when both of you are walking in the same direction. 00:06:04.399 --> 00:06:04.879 Amen. 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:12.160 Imagine how we can affect the kingdom of God with what God has already given us. 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:16.879 You are uniquely equipped to do the work that God has given you. 00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:26.720 Before I jump into the message, I'm gonna read pretty fast, okay, because I want to get to the end of this and I want to give us some time because I know y'all get hungry about a certain time. 00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:35.519 I want to make sure that I'm done so that we spend some time really in prayer, spend some time doing some self-reflection. 00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:36.480 All right? 00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:37.439 And so let us pray. 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:42.079 Father in heaven, I thank you for this privilege, this pleasure, this opportunity to share your word today. 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:46.079 I pray that you would speak to me and to speak through me, God. 00:06:46.319 --> 00:06:47.680 Give me your words. 00:06:47.920 --> 00:06:56.480 Help me to make it plain, Lord God, that your people would not just be able to hear it, but they'll be able to receive it and be changed by your word. 00:06:56.800 --> 00:07:00.240 Let us not just be hearers of your word, but let us also be doers. 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:16.319 That when we leave this place today, we will put your word into practice to build your kingdom, to grow spiritually in our maturity, Lord God, so that we can obey, honor, and bless you and your kingdom to the fullest. 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:18.000 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:18.720 Amen. 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:19.519 Amen. 00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:30.560 So, 1 Corinthians chapter 7, starting at verse 17, it says, Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:33.759 This is my rule in all the churches. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:37.920 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:42.000 Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:45.839 Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? 00:07:46.079 --> 00:07:48.560 Let him not seek circumcision. 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:56.079 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 00:07:56.480 --> 00:08:00.319 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 00:08:12.800 --> 00:08:19.040 For he who was called in the Lord as a bond servant is a freed man of the Lord. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:25.120 Likewise, he who was free when called is a bond servant of Christ. 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:27.439 You were bought with a price. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:30.560 Do not become bondservants of men. 00:08:31.199 --> 00:08:38.720 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:46.960 God is not wanting for your circumstances to change before he can use you. 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:52.480 He calls you to walk faithfully with him right where you are. 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:58.240 You may not feel like you're in the place that you desire to be. 00:08:58.480 --> 00:09:02.159 You may not even think that you're in the place that you ought to do to be. 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:07.279 But you can't go to what's next until you are faithful with what's now. 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:15.919 And sometimes we're trying to advance into places that God has said, you're not done with what I'm doing in you right here. 00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:18.639 I'm not finished with you here. 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:32.080 I know that with AI and with all of these instant type of ways to cook things, but I never seen a cake come out of the oven in two minutes and be good. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:35.519 It takes a little bit of time. 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:41.279 I don't care what kind of technology you have, some things just take time. 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:49.759 And sometimes we just have to wait on the Lord and be patient with the Lord and serve Him exactly where we are. 00:09:50.080 --> 00:09:55.519 So there is some blessing in the waiting and in the process. 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:00.399 Here's a central truth. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:03.919 Your circumstances do not determine your calling. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:09.519 Your position does not determine your worth, and your past does not determine your future. 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:14.879 Your identity is found in Jesus Christ. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:33.759 Must understand that it's not the job, it's not the socioeconomical status, it's none of those things where our identity is placed. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:40.559 But our identity is in the Lord because the world will try to redefine you if you allow it to. 00:10:52.879 --> 00:11:01.919 If you had trouble understanding even the Trinity and the way that it functions, some people have a hard time understanding God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:03.759 Well, let's put it in the natural. 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:10.320 I am Byron, known to Soustice Advanced Materials as Byron, the engineering manager. 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:14.080 But to Rashonda, I'm her husband. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.799 To Kennedy, I'm her dad. 00:11:17.279 --> 00:11:20.399 To the church, I'm the associate pastor. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:24.240 I got four different functions, but I'm still the one person. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:30.399 And so if you don't understand God, he's the same person, but he functions differently. 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:50.960 And when we say, Come, Spirit, come, hallelujah, we're asking God to come, to live in our hearts, to take control of us so that we can walk in obedience and do the things that He has called us to do in the place where He has called us. 00:11:51.759 --> 00:12:00.559 Because He has given you an ability, He has given you everything that you need to serve Him right where you are. 00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:05.759 So are you waiting for something to change before you serve the Lord? 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:15.279 Before you decide to step out and say, God, I'm ready to obey and do whatever it is you are calling me to do. 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:18.879 Have you found yourself saying things like this? 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:23.679 I'll serve the Lord more after I finish work and retire. 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:28.639 I thank God for those that are retirees that serve the church today. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:31.679 But you don't have to wait until you retire to serve. 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:41.279 I think Pastor Jared is a great example of someone who's not waiting until life is freed up to serve the Lord and to serve the church. 00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:42.320 We see that. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:47.600 Work and shift, work all night, have a rough night, still come here and preach the gospel like a madman. 00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:51.679 Preach like the Lord is just dropping it on him out of heaven. 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:52.559 We see that. 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:53.519 We have examples. 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:56.399 I'm a bi-vocational pastor, have been forever. 00:12:56.559 --> 00:13:00.240 But that does not hinder us from serving the Lord. 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:05.039 We serve him where we are until God says, I've got something different for you to do. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:11.679 Take the time, take the opportunity that you have now to serve. 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:16.080 Some people say, when I have more money, I'll be able to serve God. 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:22.720 When my family situation improves, I'll get serious about my relationship with God. 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:26.799 When things settle down, I'll do what God is calling me to do. 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:28.320 Right now I'm just too busy. 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:30.159 I got so many things going on. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:37.919 When I finally get it together, I'm going to start doing what I know God wants me to do. 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:41.039 If you could have got it together, you would have had it together by now. 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:45.840 Truth of the matter is, you don't have the power to keep it together, even if you got it together. 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:46.799 Amen. 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:51.679 Some people say, I have too many tattoos of piercings to be used by God. 00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:54.080 God isn't looking at the outward appearance. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:54.960 Let me tell you something. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:14:02.000 There are some people that I can't approach and talk to, but somebody that's tatted up with some piercings, they can relate to them better than they can relate to me. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:04.480 Let God use you where you are. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:07.279 Stop redefining yourself. 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:13.679 Stop letting the world tell you what you can do and what you can't do, what you are effective at doing and what you are not effective at doing. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:16.240 If God can use a donkey, he can use you. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:21.679 Some people say, I don't speak well enough. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:24.879 Moses didn't speak well, but look what God did with Moses. 00:14:26.480 --> 00:14:28.559 I'm still struggling with an addiction. 00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.279 All right? 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:30.879 The Lord will help you through it. 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:31.519 But you know what? 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.440 If you're struggling with an addiction, you know what? 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:38.000 Your testimony will be much more powerful than me trying to tell somebody who's been struggling with an addiction. 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:40.799 You've got a story that I can't tell. 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:45.120 You've got a story that you some things that you walked through, hallelujah. 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:48.799 Some things that you've been through, and God took it through you. 00:14:48.960 --> 00:14:51.679 The beautiful thing is that you're through it. 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:53.200 Hallelujah. 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:55.919 There was deliverance on the other side. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:15:01.279 And God will use that testimony for you right where you are. 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:06.080 But sometimes the devil wants to shut our testimonies up. 00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:11.200 Some people say this I work a nine to five, so I can't participate in ministry opportunities. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:17.600 I want you to know there are plenty of opportunities in the workplace right where you are. 00:15:18.559 --> 00:15:22.480 So God doesn't have to change your situation to change your life. 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:27.759 God can change you in the midst of your circumstances. 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:35.759 And sometimes we're we go through some things and we're saying, Well, God, when I get through this, God's like, I'm working right now. 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:39.840 I'm working in the midst of what you're going through right now. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:43.600 So don't hold back your testimony. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:47.600 Don't hold back what God wants you to move forward with. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:52.480 You know, when the children of Israel were standing at the Red Sea, Moses cried out to God. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:55.519 God said, Moses, why do you stand here crying out to me? 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:57.200 Stretch out your rod. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:16:03.039 God says, Moses, I've already given you what you need to lead the people forward. 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:12.720 And you know, if you don't obey God and start doing what you are supposed to do, there are people that are following you that are depending on you to carry them through. 00:16:13.919 --> 00:16:23.039 And if you don't do your part, their deliverance might be based upon your obedience. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:25.519 Think about that for a moment. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:35.600 Parents that don't raise their children up in a Christian home, that don't have good moral standards and beliefs. 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:38.879 Children end up falling by the wayside. 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:48.399 It's not that they can't meet up with someone and come to know Christ and live a good life, but they have a better chance if they have a foundation to start with. 00:16:50.639 --> 00:17:09.200 So we have responsibility to honor the Lord and to honor his word and to do what his word says because there are some people who are tied to us who need us doing what we're supposed to be doing so that God can reach them through us. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:13.519 Some people say, Well, God, God's gonna do it. 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:15.839 How do you think God does it? 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:20.880 Is God preaching to late church right now? 00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:27.359 Or does Byron have to be obedient to God and prepare and come here to do it? 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:31.680 We are the hands and feet of Jesus. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:40.319 We are the ones who carry the gospel, we are the ones who make the difference in this world through the power of God. 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:43.680 We're the ones that he's using to do that. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:50.079 So no matter where you are, give God your best service. 00:17:50.400 --> 00:18:00.880 In 1 Corinthians chapter 7, the Apostle Paul addresses believers who were struggling to understand how their new relationship with Christ should affect their present circumstances. 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:10.720 Some were married, some were unmarried, some were Jewish, others were Gentiles, some were free, and others were enslaved. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:22.720 So we've got people in all sorts of situations and circumstances with different backgrounds that Paul is teaching this to them. 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:30.319 That you are to serve in whatever way you were called. 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:42.240 You know, the people who have never been to church before, who don't have a closet of clothes that are appropriate for church, but they just want to come to the Lord, and they come in church. 00:18:42.960 --> 00:18:52.559 And sometimes the church judges them, looks at them funny, makes them feel unwelcome when the Lord says, I'm rejoicing. 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:57.200 Because in whatever state you're in, you are coming to me. 00:18:57.440 --> 00:19:02.319 It's not about what they look like, but it's about their heart. 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:03.920 Amen, church. 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:09.039 And our hearts ought to be the heart of God for the people of God. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:15.359 You know, there are so many churches that have restrictions on what they allow in the church. 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:21.200 The way I feel is look, if somebody wants to come be a part of the church, let them come. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.920 You know, I'll tell you this. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:28.480 I I grew up in church, I've known church all my life, but I wasn't saved. 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:40.400 And I'll tell you this: if it wasn't for the drums, I don't know that I would have remained in church after I grew up and was able to make my own decisions. 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:45.759 But it was the interest of playing the drums in the church, and I grew up in a church that they didn't like drums. 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:47.599 We were just called noisemakers. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:50.079 We made racket, is what they said. 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:51.440 Yeah, we made racket. 00:19:52.799 --> 00:20:06.319 But thank God for a community group that made a place for young men to play gospel music, that the gospel hadn't taken place in my heart. 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:11.920 But the more I was around it, the more I heard it, it penetrated my heart. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:19.680 And even though I was about 22 years old when I really gave my life to Christ, thank God that it was still his word that was keeping me. 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:26.960 Because I know what the word of God says, and I was trying to do what it says, but I hadn't surrendered to Jesus. 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:38.400 And because I hadn't surrendered to Jesus, I knew the word, I knew what I ought to be doing, but I was incapable of doing it because I was trying to do it on my own. 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:42.559 But thank God that he accepted me right where I was. 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:45.039 Thank God that he didn't cast me out. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:51.680 Thank God that he didn't say, you know what, Byron, you've been in this for too long and you don't have it right yet. 00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:53.920 You're not even fit for the kingdom. 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:56.400 God says, My son died for you. 00:20:56.640 --> 00:21:08.000 And so, however long it takes you, I don't, I'm not telling you you got all lifelong, because at the end of your life, if you haven't given your life to Jesus Christ, then you will not be in heaven with the Lord. 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:09.440 Amen. 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:13.440 But thank God for his patience. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.359 Thank God for his goodness. 00:21:15.599 --> 00:21:24.160 And somebody, if you're in here today and you have not confessed Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, that just means that God has been patient with you one more day. 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:29.200 And that today could be your day to give your life to Jesus. 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:38.240 See, the best time to start living for Jesus is right now. 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:46.640 If you ever decided to make a decision to serve the Lord, now is the time. 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:54.720 And to delay that decision is still making a decision to not serve the Lord. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:59.680 See, people who decide that uh I don't know that I want to get saved today. 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:03.599 You made a decision to not be saved. 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:05.759 Let that settle in. 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:12.000 Every time we don't make a decision, we're actually making a decision. 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:17.920 So I want to say this to every believer in the house today. 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:21.920 The church needs you to serve now. 00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:24.960 Because the next generation needs you now. 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:36.000 When you look at the fact that as Christians, we ought to be raising up our sons and our daughters to become Christians. 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:40.400 And we're not doing what we need to be doing. 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:48.000 If we're not serving right now, the generations that are before us right now are at risk. 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:51.119 I know that's not that's not good news. 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:54.400 That's not the kind of news that we want to hear, but let me bring it to the Bible for you. 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:58.799 Titus chapter 2, verses 1 through 8 says this. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:04.720 But as for you, teach what uh what accords with sound doctrine. 00:23:05.200 --> 00:23:15.200 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:22.880 Older women likewise are to be reverence in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:34.799 They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children. 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:36.640 Let's pause for a moment. 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:45.119 That the divorce rate, even in among Christians, is at an all-time high. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:51.680 And somehow people just feel like today they're entitled to have it the way that they want it. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:57.039 And if it ain't working, just get rid of that and go on to something else that you think works for you. 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:04.640 Our generation needs some good examples of what a godly Christian marriage looks like. 00:24:05.359 --> 00:24:08.319 The Bible says we're supposed to be teaching. 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:13.359 That's convicting, isn't it? 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.799 I know. 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:18.000 That's what we're supposed to be doing. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:29.759 We can have successful marriages amongst our young people who walk in godliness, but they don't need us to be silent and just watch them fail. 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:33.200 I've already told my daughters. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:35.759 I'm gonna be all in your business. 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.519 Yeah. 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:39.519 There's a criteria. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:46.720 I take my daughters on daddy-daughter date nights because I want to set a standard for what they ought to be looking for. 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:52.240 I don't want them to accept just anything. 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:56.799 I want them to have a godly man who loves the Lord. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:59.279 And yes, daddy's gonna sit down and we're gonna talk. 00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:04.160 Daddy's gonna get to know them, and they're gonna have to ask me for my daughter's hand. 00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:12.880 They're gonna have to be respectful, they're gonna have to respect her, they're gonna have to love her as much as they see how I love their mother. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:21.920 He's gonna have to be willing to do the things, to sacrifice, the things that I'm willing to sacrifice, that they see me sacrificing for our family. 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:25.279 We've got to be examples. 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:34.079 Because wherever you are, what no matter what's going on in your family, we haven't always had it great and wonderful in our family, y'all. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:36.640 We've been through some tough times. 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:39.920 But they've seen that too. 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:43.119 And they see us stick it out. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:46.000 That matters. 00:25:46.240 --> 00:26:06.559 And if you're going to say you are a Christian and that you want to be impactful in your children's lives, in your friends' lives, in your coworkers' lives, and anybody that God places in your life, you've got to be consistently obeying and following the Lord. 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:09.279 Right where you are. 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:27.279 Whether you have much or whether you have little, whether life is going great or whether life is just tough, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:33.599 Consistently walking the walk. 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:38.160 And today, church, our young people need that. 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:42.880 They need to see that type of example amongst the church. 00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:47.759 So, first point, be faithful. 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:51.759 Where God has placed you, right where he's placed you. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:56.400 Notice he doesn't say, wait on your situation to change, nor your circumstance to improve. 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:58.480 In 1 Corinthians 7, 17. 00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:11.039 Uh the writer says, But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk, and so I ordain in all the churches. 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:17.440 Whatever condition God has placed you in, walk in that. 00:27:19.119 --> 00:27:21.359 Life gets hard sometimes. 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:24.079 Sometimes we have to be caregivers. 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:29.759 We have to give up a portion of our lives to care for those who once cared for us. 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:33.440 Been there, done that, and doing that. 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:37.200 But that's just where life is right now. 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:44.640 And life isn't always the way that we define it, or the way that we want it to be, or the way that we mapped out for it to be. 00:27:45.119 --> 00:27:48.559 Life comes with a whole bunch of curveballs. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:52.559 Life comes with a whole bunch of bumps in the road. 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:55.039 And sometimes we set deadlines. 00:27:55.680 --> 00:28:01.200 By the time I get to this point in my life, I want to be here, I want to be doing this. 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:05.039 And sometimes life doesn't work out that way. 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:14.079 But just because it doesn't work out the way that we planned it doesn't mean that we can't still obey and serve God right where we are. 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:19.359 It doesn't mean that we have to abort the mission that God has assigned to us. 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:23.039 But we stay the course. 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:28.319 You see, your present circumstances do not prevent your obedience. 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:46.960 Whatever your health is, whatever your financial state is, whatever situations you're dealing with, don't allow them to stop you from moving forward in what God has called you to do. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:50.880 Don't compare your calling to someone else's calling. 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:55.200 God may have called you to a different place of serving. 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.799 We have two examples of that. 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:58.559 Paul and Apollos. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:01.200 Different assignments, but the same kingdom. 00:29:01.599 --> 00:29:05.359 Both of them served in the kingdom of God, but had very different assignments. 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:12.319 In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, verses 5 through 9, it says, Paul and Apollos ministered to the Corinthian church in different ways. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:19.759 Some believers began identifying themselves with their favorite leaders, like some people do today. 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:23.680 Some said they followed Paul, while others said they followed Apollos. 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:25.920 But Paul had to correct their thinking. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:34.799 In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, verses 6 through 7, he says, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:44.400 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 00:29:45.920 --> 00:29:51.359 Paul recognized that their ministries were different, but they were complementary. 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:55.119 You don't have to do it like somebody else does it. 00:29:55.359 --> 00:30:00.559 You don't have to do it by someone else's definition. 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:06.720 But Paul had planted the church, and Apollo's helped strengthen the believers. 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:10.000 Teamwork, they say, makes the dream work. 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:16.400 And as believers, we ought to team up with one another and just knock the devil's kingdom down. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:31.039 We ought to build our kids up to be so strong that they're the leaders of this world, that they're the ones that are taking the stand when the government and everybody else are making laws that don't follow the word of God. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:40.640 But we ought to be raising up some believers who are strong and who are true to the word of God, that will walk in boldness and won't turn back. 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:43.519 That's who we ought to be. 00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:47.599 But if we're not walking like that, we can't see them walk like that. 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:56.000 You see, ministry is never meant to compete with itself. 00:30:57.200 --> 00:31:00.240 The Holy Spirit does not work against itself. 00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:07.680 It doesn't matter what church you're part of, it doesn't matter what denomination you're a part of. 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:11.839 If we're part of the kingdom of God, then we ought to be going in the same direction. 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:14.480 And we ought not be cutting each other down. 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:18.960 Because the truth of the matter is there is variety in the body of Christ. 00:31:19.119 --> 00:31:20.240 We're not all the same. 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.759 Amen. 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:35.440 We have different isms and schisms and denominations, but at the end of the day, if Jesus is the central theme and he's the only way by which man can be saved, then you can run around the church if you want. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:43.519 If you love Jesus and you know that's the only way to be saved, if that's the way you worship, so be it. 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:56.720 If the only way you worship is to stand and sing from a hymn book and sit down, as long as Jesus is still on the throne and that's the only way by which man can be saved, worship however you worship. 00:31:58.319 --> 00:32:02.799 But too often we compare and we compete. 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:06.000 And we tear down. 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:11.440 We speak against kingdom work. 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:19.279 But because it's not what we are used to, because it doesn't look like what we think it ought to be defined as, we don't think it's good. 00:32:21.279 --> 00:32:27.839 But God says there's variety, there's diversity in the kingdom of God. 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:39.359 And at the end of the day, I like what I like, you like what you like, and we ought not be talking each other down because our differences. 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:44.319 If you don't like McDonald's, don't go to McDonald's. 00:32:45.839 --> 00:32:47.440 Don't talk them down. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:51.599 Because a whole lot of people are benefiting from McDonald's. 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:53.279 They like it. 00:32:54.079 --> 00:32:55.680 So go wherever you like. 00:32:55.920 --> 00:32:56.559 Amen. 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:58.880 And too often we do that. 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:07.519 And what we don't always understand is that when we start talking down about other ministries, we are speaking against ourselves. 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:10.640 We're speaking against the kingdom of God. 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:17.519 And there are repercussions when we speak against the kingdom of God. 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:20.720 We don't want to ever be blasphemers. 00:33:20.880 --> 00:33:25.519 Because the only unpardonable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:28.319 People think that every sin is forgiven. 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:31.759 Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not a forgivable sin. 00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:43.200 So be careful what we say about what people are doing in the name of the Lord, unless you know that it does not follow God's word. 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:47.680 And even then we speak truth in love. 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:48.640 Amen. 00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:49.920 Amen. 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:54.880 I got to hurry to a close, y'all, because we point number two. 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:59.599 Your outward condition does not define your relationship with God. 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:07.759 I want to say that because sometimes people think that they have to look a certain way. 00:34:08.639 --> 00:34:11.920 People think that they have to act a certain way. 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:14.639 Paul says this in verses 18 and 19. 00:34:14.800 --> 00:34:17.119 Was anyone called while circumcised? 00:34:17.360 --> 00:34:20.320 Let him not become uncircumcised. 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:23.760 Was anyone called while uncircumcised? 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:27.039 Let him not be circumcised. 00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:35.599 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:40.960 Keeping his commandments is what matters. 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:45.840 You don't have to change your ministry, you don't have to change your style. 00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:49.840 Men, Pastor Jared, have two different preaching styles. 00:34:50.159 --> 00:34:55.360 I don't have to try to be him, I just be who God called me to be. 00:34:57.599 --> 00:35:02.239 Because God operates best with me when I'm being the money, the me that he wants me to be. 00:35:02.800 --> 00:35:06.000 He made already a bald head black man named Byron. 00:35:06.719 --> 00:35:08.079 He doesn't need another one. 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:08.719 I'm him. 00:35:09.440 --> 00:35:10.079 Amen. 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:13.440 And some of y'all still get me a passage ever mixed up. 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:18.159 Praise the Lord. 00:35:18.639 --> 00:35:21.280 Ain't nothing wrong with having a little fun in the Lord, amen. 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:23.519 Y'all ought to know me by now, right? 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:26.960 If I ain't crying, I'm saying something crazy. 00:35:28.719 --> 00:35:36.800 But listen, but as Gentiles came to faith in Christ, some people believe they needed to adopt Jewish practices to be fully accepted by God. 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:40.480 Be who God has called you to be. 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:45.440 You see, your standing with God is not determined by outward religious identity. 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:48.960 Denomination doesn't matter. 00:35:49.280 --> 00:35:52.000 A cross on your necklace doesn't matter. 00:35:52.239 --> 00:35:55.360 Doesn't make you any more saved than not having a cross on your neck. 00:35:55.760 --> 00:35:58.960 Wearing religious quotes on a t-shirt doesn't make you saved. 00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:02.880 And some people put on a, they want to clothe themselves with that. 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:05.119 That's not clothing yourself with righteousness. 00:36:05.280 --> 00:36:07.840 That's not what the that's not what the word of God means. 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:08.480 Right? 00:36:08.719 --> 00:36:10.960 Righteousness is a change in your life. 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:17.119 It's a change in your attitude, it's a change in the way that you conduct yourself, it's a change in the inward person. 00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:26.000 So a cross on your neck, a t-shirt, and tattoos with scriptures on them don't make you saved. 00:36:26.719 --> 00:36:32.480 And we can walk around and still disobey God, even with all of those things. 00:36:32.800 --> 00:36:36.559 God is concerned with the transformed heart. 00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:48.880 You know, a transformed heart shows up in places where you show up. 00:36:49.360 --> 00:36:58.639 And it does not matter where you are, it does not matter what you are doing, doesn't matter what your occupation is. 00:36:59.119 --> 00:37:05.199 When your heart is transformed, you're gonna live for Jesus no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing. 00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:11.280 There's a coach, and I'd have to say he's my favorite college coach. 00:37:11.360 --> 00:37:13.519 He's my favorite coach, period. 00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:19.360