1 00:00:14,119 --> 00:00:17,339 Welcome to the Lansdale Life Church podcast. 2 00:00:18,379 --> 00:00:24,100 If you're seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, this podcast is for you. 3 00:00:24,900 --> 00:00:27,079 Thank you for joining us today. 4 00:00:34,679 --> 00:00:35,960 All right. 5 00:00:37,159 --> 00:00:42,020 Well, my opening remark to you before we pray is elections do not save America. 6 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:43,039 God does. 7 00:00:44,039 --> 00:00:44,299 Amen. 8 00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:44,820 Right? 9 00:00:44,979 --> 00:00:45,799 All right. 10 00:00:46,060 --> 00:00:46,460 Okay. 11 00:00:47,140 --> 00:00:54,020 So, Father, we thank you tonight for the opportunity to see you grow your kingdom 12 00:00:54,859 --> 00:01:01,960 in spite of all that we see and all that has been experienced, Lord, in this last bit of time. 13 00:01:02,619 --> 00:01:09,439 And we ask, Lord, that you become King of kings and Lord of Lords in this land, 14 00:01:10,140 --> 00:01:15,359 that your reign is a reign of justice and truth and mercy. 15 00:01:16,239 --> 00:01:26,239 So, Father, we give you, in the name of Jesus, our leaders, watch over them, Lord, direct them 16 00:01:26,239 --> 00:01:31,180 with righteous thoughts and acts, we pray, in the name of Jesus. 17 00:01:31,540 --> 00:01:31,719 Amen. 18 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:42,319 So, the turning point that we have in this chapter is a bit disappointing. 19 00:01:42,319 --> 00:01:50,859 And why I say this is that if you remember in our study for all these months and back in now, 20 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:58,359 probably a year and a half, we have seen the Lord build his kingdom in the people of Israel 21 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:05,840 and how he has longed to bring them to a knowledge of him. 22 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:12,539 And through the ritual that they have had, that they were going to be a people that were 23 00:02:12,539 --> 00:02:15,300 righteous to the rest of the world. 24 00:02:17,180 --> 00:02:20,379 And I want to read from Deuteronomy 6. 25 00:02:20,539 --> 00:02:21,400 It just says this. 26 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:26,219 This is what he anticipated in looking at the nation. 27 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:30,599 You will show other nations how wise you are. 28 00:02:31,239 --> 00:02:35,479 In fact, everyone that hears about your laws will say, 29 00:02:35,500 --> 00:02:38,620 that great nation certainly is wise. 30 00:02:39,460 --> 00:02:42,460 And what makes us greater than other nations? 31 00:02:43,219 --> 00:02:46,520 We have a God who is close to us. 32 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:50,639 Think about those words and think about what we have been studying 33 00:02:51,319 --> 00:02:54,719 and the consequences of our cycle. 34 00:02:55,300 --> 00:02:56,479 Our cycle is what? 35 00:02:57,359 --> 00:03:02,780 Following God, slipping from God, crying out to God, 36 00:03:03,039 --> 00:03:06,599 repenting and God restoring the nation Israel. 37 00:03:07,460 --> 00:03:12,860 And for all that he did, for all the blessings, the miracles that he had, 38 00:03:13,460 --> 00:03:18,979 he anticipated that he would have a people that would be a triumphant glory to him 39 00:03:18,979 --> 00:03:25,960 and that people in the nations and in the kingdoms would look and would experience 40 00:03:26,479 --> 00:03:31,599 through their testimony what he was and who he was. 41 00:03:32,259 --> 00:03:39,099 But now we enter in this chapter the civil war of the Israelites. 42 00:03:39,939 --> 00:03:45,780 The civil war, the unrest that we have been seeing in individual lives 43 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:54,020 and the individual people that we have studied, the differences of opinion, 44 00:03:54,659 --> 00:04:01,319 the criticisms that we had talked about, that these were a stiff-necked and rebellious people. 45 00:04:01,500 --> 00:04:05,599 And remember what God said, I wish that I would have never brought them together. 46 00:04:05,719 --> 00:04:09,960 And then in another time and issue, he said that these people are worse 47 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:11,840 than the pagan people around them. 48 00:04:12,599 --> 00:04:13,939 And yet he loved them. 49 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:20,300 And now we have a situation through this cycle that we see a deteriorating aspect 50 00:04:20,300 --> 00:04:24,120 of the kingdom within Israel. 51 00:04:24,699 --> 00:04:31,040 And it's a shame, but this chapter brings forth the real testimony of the heart, 52 00:04:31,660 --> 00:04:35,720 the heart that wasn't what God wanted. 53 00:04:36,860 --> 00:04:38,800 He didn't want chaos. 54 00:04:39,019 --> 00:04:40,240 He didn't want differences. 55 00:04:40,959 --> 00:04:41,899 He wanted peace. 56 00:04:42,740 --> 00:04:46,879 And you know in your life and you experience, 57 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:51,540 especially when you talk with other people that don't know the Lord, 58 00:04:52,639 --> 00:04:55,079 that we have peace in our hearts. 59 00:04:56,180 --> 00:04:59,740 And that's something that God only gives. 60 00:05:01,100 --> 00:05:03,300 There is temporary peace and satisfaction, 61 00:05:03,300 --> 00:05:08,300 but the heart is seeking and looking for things that usually aren't there. 62 00:05:09,019 --> 00:05:10,399 So now we have this dilemma. 63 00:05:11,360 --> 00:05:16,600 We have a people that are deteriorating in their relationship with God. 64 00:05:17,439 --> 00:05:20,839 And now there's going to be a civil war. 65 00:05:21,660 --> 00:05:25,500 So let's take a look at these things as we develop this theme. 66 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:33,579 So, Jephthah's conflict with Ephraim, and this is a conflict. 67 00:05:34,759 --> 00:05:35,660 Let's start out. 68 00:05:35,860 --> 00:05:40,279 And I'm just going to review the first six verses of this chapter real quickly. 69 00:05:40,600 --> 00:05:43,180 Ephraim confronts, that's Ephraim the tribe, 70 00:05:43,180 --> 00:05:48,519 confronts Jephthah for not inviting them to fight against the Amorites 71 00:05:49,100 --> 00:05:51,240 and threatens to burn down his house. 72 00:05:51,740 --> 00:05:52,819 You didn't include us. 73 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:54,600 What's wrong with you? 74 00:05:54,879 --> 00:05:55,800 Why weren't we there? 75 00:05:56,339 --> 00:05:59,379 And we'll talk about some of the reasoning behind that in a bit. 76 00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:03,139 So Jephthah explains to them, look, he said, 77 00:06:03,459 --> 00:06:08,459 I had asked you to do war with me and help me fight the Amorites 78 00:06:08,459 --> 00:06:10,100 and you didn't even respond. 79 00:06:10,900 --> 00:06:14,420 You didn't even so much as to send any soldiers. 80 00:06:15,100 --> 00:06:16,579 We had to do it ourselves. 81 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:20,360 So you can paint the picture here about his disappointment. 82 00:06:21,339 --> 00:06:26,959 And then as Ephraim begins to disparage Jephthah and the Gideonites, 83 00:06:28,179 --> 00:06:32,759 the disagreement escalates into civil war between the two tribes. 84 00:06:33,420 --> 00:06:37,819 A war that's okay to have as long as it's outside 85 00:06:38,459 --> 00:06:43,839 and establishing the kingdom of God in the areas that they were to take, 86 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:46,339 that was okay because that's what he said. 87 00:06:47,139 --> 00:06:47,779 Here's the land. 88 00:06:47,920 --> 00:06:48,600 You possess it. 89 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:49,459 You conquer it. 90 00:06:49,660 --> 00:06:50,620 You do what you do. 91 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:54,800 Get rid of all the individual people and the tribes. 92 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:55,920 And this land is yours. 93 00:06:56,339 --> 00:06:58,079 But now they're fighting inside. 94 00:06:58,259 --> 00:06:59,100 They're quarreling. 95 00:06:59,259 --> 00:07:00,480 They're disagreeing. 96 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:03,180 And the Gideonites defeat Ephraim. 97 00:07:03,779 --> 00:07:05,959 And then they control the Jordan River. 98 00:07:06,840 --> 00:07:10,899 So what did the Gideonites do to make sure they got all the people? 99 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:15,459 They asked the returning defeated tribe of Ephraim soldiers 100 00:07:15,459 --> 00:07:18,300 to repeat the word Shebelath. 101 00:07:19,459 --> 00:07:23,579 And because they knew that the people of Ephraim would pronounce it differently, 102 00:07:23,980 --> 00:07:28,899 and it was Sibyleth, they knew then that these people were soldiers 103 00:07:28,899 --> 00:07:30,060 and they killed them. 104 00:07:30,480 --> 00:07:34,000 Because of this test, they killed up to 42,000 people. 105 00:07:34,639 --> 00:07:38,100 And this was their own internal battle. 106 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:41,579 And that's disappointing when you think of all that was done. 107 00:07:42,620 --> 00:07:44,180 So let's ask the question. 108 00:07:44,980 --> 00:07:48,019 I wonder what was behind Ephraim's complaint. 109 00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:50,680 They wanted to go to war. 110 00:07:51,819 --> 00:07:56,920 For me, I would have been satisfied to be home and not do that. 111 00:07:57,459 --> 00:07:58,540 But no, they weren't. 112 00:07:58,860 --> 00:08:00,279 So let's take a look at some of this. 113 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:05,759 Their complaint suggests that they believe that they should have had been included 114 00:08:05,759 --> 00:08:12,000 in the military campaign and share in the recognition that comes with victory. 115 00:08:12,860 --> 00:08:15,000 Think about that, the recognition. 116 00:08:16,060 --> 00:08:19,420 And you can put the word pride in there, parenthesis. 117 00:08:20,759 --> 00:08:25,199 And notice by contrast, here is Jephthah. 118 00:08:25,639 --> 00:08:28,399 He defeated the enemy of Israel. 119 00:08:28,960 --> 00:08:33,419 But Ephraim only focused on the fact that they had not been included. 120 00:08:33,759 --> 00:08:36,139 They weren't even happy that he conquered them. 121 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:40,720 Not happy that there should be a celebration of victory. 122 00:08:41,360 --> 00:08:46,659 And they threatened the issues of this through that tribe. 123 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,600 So why did the disagreement elevate and escalate? 124 00:08:50,860 --> 00:08:52,659 Two sides to every story. 125 00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:59,700 Jephthah had excluded them from the battle. 126 00:09:01,100 --> 00:09:04,580 And Jephthah's position was he had sought their help, 127 00:09:05,379 --> 00:09:07,000 but they had failed to respond. 128 00:09:07,159 --> 00:09:08,179 So that's the issue. 129 00:09:08,360 --> 00:09:09,919 There's two different sides to that. 130 00:09:10,740 --> 00:09:11,000 All right. 131 00:09:11,139 --> 00:09:13,399 So the question now that we ask is, 132 00:09:13,879 --> 00:09:19,580 what do you think were the reasons for Ephraim's attitude toward Jephthah? 133 00:09:21,259 --> 00:09:24,940 Why do you get in the mind of these people? 134 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:30,539 What was going on in their mind? 135 00:09:30,759 --> 00:09:32,200 Why didn't you include us into battle? 136 00:09:34,120 --> 00:09:35,700 In your wildest imagination? 137 00:09:36,299 --> 00:09:37,159 What are your thoughts? 138 00:09:37,940 --> 00:09:39,559 I said in here, they called him once and they didn't help. 139 00:09:40,700 --> 00:09:40,919 Right. 140 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:41,600 Okay. 141 00:09:42,019 --> 00:09:42,519 They didn't help. 142 00:09:42,659 --> 00:09:43,559 We got a haircut, too. 143 00:09:43,879 --> 00:09:44,460 Yes, thank you. 144 00:09:44,620 --> 00:09:46,460 I mean, yeah, it looks good. 145 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:48,500 It means a lot when you say that. 146 00:09:50,939 --> 00:09:51,899 Thank you. 147 00:09:53,659 --> 00:09:55,139 I didn't almost know you coming in the door. 148 00:09:55,360 --> 00:09:55,720 Not kidding. 149 00:09:56,639 --> 00:09:57,000 All right. 150 00:09:58,079 --> 00:09:59,379 So that's the truth. 151 00:09:59,679 --> 00:10:03,320 But why did they want to be included in the battle? 152 00:10:03,519 --> 00:10:07,220 And when they weren't, they felt, you know, that's the issue. 153 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:09,360 Don't feel bad. 154 00:10:09,580 --> 00:10:10,240 Male idiocy. 155 00:10:10,639 --> 00:10:11,860 Yeah, you're right there. 156 00:10:12,080 --> 00:10:12,279 Okay. 157 00:10:12,580 --> 00:10:12,700 Yes. 158 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:16,000 Well, I think it's a matter of pride. 159 00:10:16,279 --> 00:10:16,759 Okay. 160 00:10:16,759 --> 00:10:22,379 And because they didn't get the chance to get that recognition that they could have gotten, 161 00:10:22,759 --> 00:10:26,620 but I really see it because we've been doing the bait of Satan, 162 00:10:27,159 --> 00:10:29,879 but that was the bait of Satan to be offended. 163 00:10:31,179 --> 00:10:35,539 Instead of recognizing what had been accomplished, 164 00:10:35,879 --> 00:10:38,440 they're just taking offense because of their pride. 165 00:10:39,300 --> 00:10:41,639 They didn't have John Bevere back then, did they? 166 00:10:46,759 --> 00:10:51,360 Coming from Philly, it would have been a point of disrespect. 167 00:10:52,159 --> 00:10:53,500 You disrespected me. 168 00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:53,759 Okay. 169 00:10:54,059 --> 00:10:54,360 All right. 170 00:10:54,759 --> 00:10:54,879 Yeah. 171 00:10:55,139 --> 00:10:57,220 So what's in your heart when you say that? 172 00:10:57,519 --> 00:10:58,379 You didn't respect me. 173 00:10:59,179 --> 00:11:00,600 Oh, pride, of course. 174 00:11:01,419 --> 00:11:02,019 Okay. 175 00:11:02,340 --> 00:11:07,320 So we're narrowing down some of the thoughts about this whole thing. 176 00:11:07,539 --> 00:11:09,399 So let's develop this a little bit. 177 00:11:12,759 --> 00:11:16,019 Their complaints suggest the following. 178 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:19,799 They felt overlooked and excluded. 179 00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:22,980 We kind of said that, and that's one. 180 00:11:24,159 --> 00:11:25,340 They wanted recognition. 181 00:11:25,820 --> 00:11:31,220 We kind of defined what that was as an important tribe. 182 00:11:33,279 --> 00:11:37,759 They resented being left out of a significant military victory. 183 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:46,720 The tribal pride that they had and personal interest may have been wounded. 184 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:56,759 And then another thing, they wanted to receive the share of the plunder. 185 00:11:57,679 --> 00:12:04,279 Remember, they used to go in, defeat the enemy, kill everyone, 186 00:12:04,919 --> 00:12:08,279 take the lambs, the sheep and the gold and all that stuff. 187 00:12:08,659 --> 00:12:13,159 So there's a lot of various reasons that they were offended. 188 00:12:13,580 --> 00:12:17,740 That's not to justify, but that's some of the reasons why. 189 00:12:18,639 --> 00:12:26,399 So their response was extraordinary aggressively put out there as part of what Jephthah didn't do. 190 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:34,600 This was not the first time that Ephraim had expressed resentment over being excluded. 191 00:12:35,639 --> 00:12:37,360 So let's go take a look at that. 192 00:12:38,399 --> 00:12:45,080 Consider an earlier incident where, in Judges 8.1.3, after Gideon defeated the Midianites, 193 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:51,399 Ephraim confronted him for not calling them earlier to participate in the battle. 194 00:12:51,399 --> 00:12:58,580 So we see a commonality and repeatability of their feelings, and that's bad. 195 00:13:00,179 --> 00:13:07,320 Unlike Jephthah, Gideon responded diplomatically, and he calmed the anger. 196 00:13:07,559 --> 00:13:12,799 He didn't take the offense, and he didn't go in charge against the offense. 197 00:13:13,179 --> 00:13:17,980 He calmed them down, and he settled the argument, and hence there was no battle. 198 00:13:18,539 --> 00:13:23,460 But you can see now that we're getting more agitated in the life of the Israelites. 199 00:13:24,519 --> 00:13:32,720 So the question then we ask is, how can pride, need for recognition and or resentment, 200 00:13:32,899 --> 00:13:36,259 create damage in our relationship with others? 201 00:13:36,419 --> 00:13:40,940 Let's bring it forward to our lives, to our situations. 202 00:13:41,779 --> 00:13:43,100 How can that bring... 203 00:13:43,100 --> 00:13:44,159 We have offenses. 204 00:13:45,299 --> 00:13:47,659 We have the need for recognition. 205 00:13:48,620 --> 00:13:52,659 How does that affect our relationship with fellow Christians? 206 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:56,159 We need to prove we're better than someone else. 207 00:13:57,279 --> 00:13:59,580 We need to prove that we're better than somebody else. 208 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:03,559 And that I'm right and you're wrong. 209 00:14:06,820 --> 00:14:09,659 We're making assumptions about somebody else when we're offended. 210 00:14:09,860 --> 00:14:12,679 We're making assumptions that they did such and such. 211 00:14:13,100 --> 00:14:16,460 That offended me, and we don't really know their reasoning behind it, 212 00:14:16,460 --> 00:14:17,940 but we're going to take offense anyway. 213 00:14:19,120 --> 00:14:25,139 And if we find the truth out often, what we thought isn't even the truth of the situation. 214 00:14:25,779 --> 00:14:26,340 Could be. 215 00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:28,639 We know what this situation is here. 216 00:14:29,399 --> 00:14:29,980 What else? 217 00:14:30,879 --> 00:14:31,899 What other thoughts? 218 00:14:34,960 --> 00:14:35,340 All right. 219 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:40,960 So we have the issues before us. 220 00:14:41,759 --> 00:14:43,419 We have the difference of opinion. 221 00:14:45,360 --> 00:14:50,320 Now, this concern about receiving recognition has some serious consequences. 222 00:14:50,639 --> 00:14:52,779 And I think about these things. 223 00:14:55,680 --> 00:14:59,700 It can result in disunity in the family, 224 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:07,080 in relationships, in the church, in the kingdom of God. 225 00:15:08,300 --> 00:15:12,559 All sorts of things can happen when there is disunity and feelings. 226 00:15:13,559 --> 00:15:20,519 Israel's internal conflicts demonstrate the destructive consequences of pride and rivalry. 227 00:15:21,539 --> 00:15:22,279 So we have this. 228 00:15:22,519 --> 00:15:23,019 Here it is. 229 00:15:23,159 --> 00:15:24,100 It's in our face. 230 00:15:25,059 --> 00:15:25,340 Uh-oh. 231 00:15:25,799 --> 00:15:26,120 All right. 232 00:15:26,120 --> 00:15:26,740 Let's go back. 233 00:15:27,100 --> 00:15:28,259 Let's go forward, I mean. 234 00:15:33,560 --> 00:15:36,240 Leadership disagreements, and there has been many. 235 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:40,879 We know that many pastors have fallen because of sin. 236 00:15:41,159 --> 00:15:42,860 We know many churches have split. 237 00:15:43,919 --> 00:15:50,500 But Jephthah's victory over an eternal enemy is followed by devastating conflict within Israel. 238 00:15:51,419 --> 00:15:57,720 And many, many churches, they often say about Christianity that you divide and conquer. 239 00:15:58,220 --> 00:16:00,539 In other words, the church divides on differences, 240 00:16:00,879 --> 00:16:03,480 and then they conquer the area, and then they grow again. 241 00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:07,120 That's not the way it should be, but often that's the way it works. 242 00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:12,259 A troubling pattern begins to emerge here. 243 00:16:12,659 --> 00:16:20,360 This account emphasizes a military conflict, a leadership disagreement, a family status 244 00:16:21,080 --> 00:16:28,980 and death while saying little about the Israelites' condition and the need to repent. 245 00:16:29,419 --> 00:16:31,659 They were all consumed about this thing. 246 00:16:31,659 --> 00:16:34,639 They didn't even ask God into the situation of the equation. 247 00:16:35,740 --> 00:16:41,320 And we can go on and on and on, and we can disagree, and we can grumble, and we can fight, 248 00:16:41,500 --> 00:16:46,860 and we can disagree, and we go round and round again when we didn't ask God to come in 249 00:16:46,860 --> 00:16:50,299 and work through us and reunite us. 250 00:16:50,980 --> 00:16:52,440 So we have that. 251 00:16:53,399 --> 00:16:57,700 So another question, how can we respond to differences of opinion 252 00:16:57,700 --> 00:17:06,259 and competing interests without allowing them to disrupt the unity that we share with believers? 253 00:17:06,579 --> 00:17:07,460 How can that be? 254 00:17:09,960 --> 00:17:11,079 So we have disagreements. 255 00:17:11,900 --> 00:17:16,140 Ken and I, we don't disagree on everything, but we disagree on some things. 256 00:17:16,599 --> 00:17:17,339 It's just natural. 257 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:21,839 Ron and I, as we sit down and we iron out who is who and what is what, 258 00:17:22,119 --> 00:17:22,859 there will be differences. 259 00:17:22,859 --> 00:17:27,900 So why aren't we to make that offense, and how do we get around it? 260 00:17:34,259 --> 00:17:35,960 Gail, my anchor lady. 261 00:17:37,240 --> 00:17:40,960 We aren't to take offense because we need to think about 262 00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:44,779 the fact that we were forgiven by God. 263 00:17:44,980 --> 00:17:50,299 So we need to in turn forgive, and we also need to think of others 264 00:17:50,299 --> 00:17:53,339 as more highly than ourselves. 265 00:17:54,579 --> 00:17:59,099 And so we're not to worry about whether we're being recognized. 266 00:17:59,259 --> 00:18:01,839 We need to be more concerned about how that other person is feeling 267 00:18:02,539 --> 00:18:07,140 and talk it out instead of making assumptions. 268 00:18:08,059 --> 00:18:11,720 Also, the opinion is like, it's just someone's opinion. 269 00:18:12,440 --> 00:18:16,819 You're not here to persuade each other who's right and who's wrong, 270 00:18:16,819 --> 00:18:21,380 and calls this disunity and resentment. 271 00:18:21,660 --> 00:18:23,579 Just give an opinion and drop it. 272 00:18:24,940 --> 00:18:25,039 Yeah. 273 00:18:25,839 --> 00:18:31,660 If you don't have that in your heart, and you don't need to be right, 274 00:18:31,799 --> 00:18:37,079 and you don't need to make the argument of which years ago I was guilty of, 275 00:18:37,700 --> 00:18:40,660 you know, you bring a situation up, boy, I'd argue to the end. 276 00:18:40,859 --> 00:18:46,240 But I've learned through my gracious wife and through experience that that doesn't work. 277 00:18:46,819 --> 00:18:48,380 And so we have, go ahead. 278 00:18:49,180 --> 00:18:55,019 I think we have to major on the, or focus on the major things 279 00:18:55,019 --> 00:18:58,220 and forget about the little minor things. 280 00:18:58,980 --> 00:19:03,960 And I, when we first got, well, when I first got saved, 281 00:19:04,599 --> 00:19:11,460 we went to a church that had a meeting, a yearly meeting. 282 00:19:12,159 --> 00:19:17,299 And they were fighting over the color of the drapes or the rugs, I forget. 283 00:19:17,759 --> 00:19:18,180 Something important. 284 00:19:18,759 --> 00:19:26,859 But yes, but it got so heated that a guy got up out of the congregation 285 00:19:27,700 --> 00:19:32,019 and charged the pastor who was leading the meeting. 286 00:19:32,740 --> 00:19:34,839 Two deacons had a tack on. 287 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:41,140 And I said, this is, and here I am a new Christian. 288 00:19:41,460 --> 00:19:48,339 And I'm saying, yeah, they tackled me and they wouldn't leave me up. 289 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:50,460 No, no, no, yeah. 290 00:19:51,660 --> 00:19:57,660 So, you know, we got to leave these stupid little things go. 291 00:19:58,019 --> 00:19:59,099 And they're meaningless. 292 00:19:59,680 --> 00:20:01,319 Really majoring in minors. 293 00:20:01,640 --> 00:20:07,079 We had, we had done a reverse location in our church. 294 00:20:07,599 --> 00:20:09,400 The church was seated this way. 295 00:20:09,400 --> 00:20:14,240 It was wider and we turned it so then everybody could see the platform 296 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:15,420 and made a semi-circle. 297 00:20:15,700 --> 00:20:19,460 And in doing so, that original front wall had a mural on it. 298 00:20:19,799 --> 00:20:23,099 Well, we lost three people because we painted over the mural. 299 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:28,599 You know, because they could see God in it and they could see peace in it. 300 00:20:28,700 --> 00:20:30,839 And I went on, I said, oh my Lord. 301 00:20:31,339 --> 00:20:32,819 You know, and we didn't think anything of it. 302 00:20:32,920 --> 00:20:35,480 I mean, it was part of what we were doing, redecorating. 303 00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:39,359 And boy, I'll tell you what, we get some heat from that. 304 00:20:39,960 --> 00:20:40,940 I'll be there. 305 00:20:41,740 --> 00:20:47,319 So one of the best times I had was I went to stay with my brother for a while 306 00:20:47,319 --> 00:20:48,880 and he went to a very different church. 307 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:52,880 And I went to a Bible study and there was these five guys 308 00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:56,640 and they couldn't agree on anything, but the studies were incredible 309 00:20:56,640 --> 00:20:59,579 because they all knew their position really, really well. 310 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:03,039 And I left there thinking, man, these guys, they're sharp. 311 00:21:03,319 --> 00:21:05,460 They're sharp, but they got to hate each other. 312 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:07,400 Well, then I was invited to a party. 313 00:21:08,140 --> 00:21:08,599 They were all there. 314 00:21:08,759 --> 00:21:12,740 These guys were thick, best friends ever were, you know? 315 00:21:12,839 --> 00:21:16,259 And I took away from that, you know, the best study I'm going to have 316 00:21:16,259 --> 00:21:19,819 is with somebody that really knows their stuff and is willing to talk about it. 317 00:21:20,240 --> 00:21:21,160 And there was one guy there. 318 00:21:21,220 --> 00:21:22,799 He says, what, what denomination you want to be? 319 00:21:22,940 --> 00:21:23,839 I don't know. 320 00:21:23,920 --> 00:21:25,799 He says, because I can convince you any one of them. 321 00:21:26,619 --> 00:21:28,259 He knew the Bible so well. 322 00:21:28,400 --> 00:21:30,579 And it was just, I just cherish that. 323 00:21:30,720 --> 00:21:32,859 So that's the flip side of what we were talking about. 324 00:21:32,940 --> 00:21:33,119 Yeah. 325 00:21:33,119 --> 00:21:33,539 Yeah. 326 00:21:33,839 --> 00:21:38,160 These five guys were just, it was incredible study because they didn't agree. 327 00:21:38,440 --> 00:21:38,579 Right. 328 00:21:39,640 --> 00:21:42,099 And they were still in a yoke fellowship with one another. 329 00:21:42,680 --> 00:21:43,240 Isn't that cool? 330 00:21:43,480 --> 00:21:44,779 It was, it was amazing. 331 00:21:45,099 --> 00:21:46,539 That doesn't happen that often. 332 00:21:48,019 --> 00:21:48,079 Yes. 333 00:21:48,519 --> 00:21:48,960 It's funny. 334 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:52,519 I was having a meeting with my boss and she's only 33. 335 00:21:53,259 --> 00:21:57,400 And I got talking about God and she kind of went like this. 336 00:21:57,519 --> 00:21:58,480 She goes, my dad's a minister. 337 00:21:58,819 --> 00:21:59,940 I went, oh, that's crazy. 338 00:22:00,299 --> 00:22:00,920 I go, what's he doing? 339 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:02,619 She goes, oh, he's a conflict minister. 340 00:22:03,119 --> 00:22:05,380 And I went, a conflict man. 341 00:22:05,559 --> 00:22:06,680 She goes, mm-hmm. 342 00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:09,839 When there's conflicts in the churches, he goes and helps that out. 343 00:22:10,059 --> 00:22:11,500 I'm like, you're kidding me, right? 344 00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:13,559 She went, no, there's conflicts in churches. 345 00:22:14,319 --> 00:22:15,640 I was shocked to hear it's funny here. 346 00:22:15,720 --> 00:22:16,440 We're talking about it. 347 00:22:16,660 --> 00:22:18,319 And she just kept on telling me that. 348 00:22:18,380 --> 00:22:19,799 That's what he is, a conflict minister. 349 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:20,559 Yeah. 350 00:22:20,779 --> 00:22:21,579 We need therapy. 351 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:26,740 So we have these issues. 352 00:22:27,099 --> 00:22:28,220 We have these issues. 353 00:22:28,920 --> 00:22:29,180 All right. 354 00:22:29,359 --> 00:22:32,599 Let's take a thought or two about these things. 355 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:39,220 And take a look at the pride, the resentment, the poor communication, 356 00:22:39,559 --> 00:22:45,460 can then turn fellow believers against one another if you let it. 357 00:22:46,339 --> 00:22:46,920 Now, here we go. 358 00:22:47,099 --> 00:22:48,180 Here's the theme. 359 00:22:49,299 --> 00:22:52,359 Unity among believers is both good and pleasing to God. 360 00:22:52,579 --> 00:22:55,980 We should value it rather than allow pride, 361 00:22:56,500 --> 00:23:00,279 rivalry, or personal differences to divide us. 362 00:23:01,119 --> 00:23:03,380 Here's some scripture along with that. 363 00:23:04,700 --> 00:23:11,579 Psalm 133.1, behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 364 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:14,480 So that's the goal, is unity. 365 00:23:15,319 --> 00:23:17,359 Not unity at any cost. 366 00:23:18,180 --> 00:23:23,160 There will be differences, but unity for the sake of staying together and being together. 367 00:23:23,700 --> 00:23:26,900 And like Ken said, these things are minor. 368 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:29,339 You know, it shouldn't separate us. 369 00:23:29,339 --> 00:23:34,240 There's more things to celebrate in the spirit of unity than there is, 370 00:23:34,579 --> 00:23:38,460 well, I don't agree with you, Ron, or back and forth, and I won't fellowship you. 371 00:23:38,599 --> 00:23:39,420 That means nothing. 372 00:23:40,220 --> 00:23:43,579 So just Jesus prayed for unity for his followers. 373 00:23:44,279 --> 00:23:47,740 Christian unity serves a purpose beyond our own relationships, 374 00:23:47,759 --> 00:23:52,579 and it bears witness to the world that the Father sent Jesus. 375 00:23:53,680 --> 00:23:58,079 If we can live in unity, that's certainly different than what we see outside the door, 376 00:23:58,180 --> 00:23:58,480 right? 377 00:23:59,120 --> 00:24:01,180 So that's the comparison that we have. 378 00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:03,180 How do we live the life? 379 00:24:05,740 --> 00:24:12,960 John 17, 2021, that they may all be one as you, Father, are in me. 380 00:24:13,619 --> 00:24:17,160 And I in you, that they may be one in us. 381 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:19,420 That's not disagreement. 382 00:24:19,700 --> 00:24:20,640 That is unity. 383 00:24:21,380 --> 00:24:24,519 So pride and self-interest can threaten this unity. 384 00:24:24,519 --> 00:24:26,700 So here we are. 385 00:24:26,880 --> 00:24:33,079 We have this issue in Philippians 2 through 4. 386 00:24:33,519 --> 00:24:40,680 Fulfill my joy, he says, that you are like-minded, having the same love, 387 00:24:41,920 --> 00:24:47,380 being of one sound and one mind, being of one accord and one mind. 388 00:24:48,160 --> 00:24:51,940 Let nothing be done through strife and vain glory, 389 00:24:52,820 --> 00:24:58,759 but in lowliness of mind let each esteem one another more than themselves. 390 00:24:58,880 --> 00:25:00,599 And that was already brought out. 391 00:25:00,819 --> 00:25:02,140 How do we get around it? 392 00:25:02,220 --> 00:25:03,660 We esteem one another. 393 00:25:04,799 --> 00:25:09,819 Now, I may not like what Ken says, but I need to esteem him. 394 00:25:10,039 --> 00:25:11,599 I need to respect him. 395 00:25:12,160 --> 00:25:18,359 And out of that mutual respect, we can live and habitate together. 396 00:25:19,140 --> 00:25:20,339 And I still like his haircut. 397 00:25:20,339 --> 00:25:21,980 So, you know, there you go. 398 00:25:22,380 --> 00:25:22,599 All right. 399 00:25:23,220 --> 00:25:25,019 So let's take a look at another question. 400 00:25:25,940 --> 00:25:31,240 Why do you think God places such importance on believers living together in unity? 401 00:25:35,259 --> 00:25:35,400 Because... 402 00:25:35,400 --> 00:25:42,539 Set an example to the rest of the community, 403 00:25:42,859 --> 00:25:47,900 because when you're together in unity, you can also share that love of like-mindedness. 404 00:25:47,900 --> 00:25:52,220 You don't even have to say a word. 405 00:25:52,559 --> 00:25:56,480 If we're in unity and people see love and fellowship and going on, 406 00:25:56,920 --> 00:25:59,180 there's no need for even a testimony. 407 00:25:59,480 --> 00:26:01,299 There may well be opportunities. 408 00:26:01,920 --> 00:26:07,140 But yeah, just the virtue of living together and walking our Christian life out together, 409 00:26:07,599 --> 00:26:08,660 I mean, that's testimony. 410 00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:10,359 And that's what God wanted. 411 00:26:11,039 --> 00:26:11,680 What did he say? 412 00:26:11,759 --> 00:26:15,420 He said, you're going to be a nation that is an example to the world. 413 00:26:16,140 --> 00:26:19,160 And yet here we have this separation and this war. 414 00:26:19,299 --> 00:26:19,519 Matt? 415 00:26:21,079 --> 00:26:24,200 Because we're stronger together than when we are apart. 416 00:26:25,480 --> 00:26:29,640 One can conquer a thousand and two can conquer 10,000. 417 00:26:30,680 --> 00:26:31,460 Think about that. 418 00:26:34,920 --> 00:26:35,420 Yes. 419 00:26:36,859 --> 00:26:37,359 Yeah. 420 00:26:37,980 --> 00:26:39,799 I'm going to live on the other side of Fifth Avenue. 421 00:26:40,099 --> 00:26:41,119 So I just want to mourn you. 422 00:26:41,920 --> 00:26:42,279 All right. 423 00:26:42,500 --> 00:26:42,799 Okay. 424 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:44,799 Now that's a point. 425 00:26:44,799 --> 00:26:50,920 But in different circumstances where we have a redeemed body and new body, 426 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:52,839 I don't think we'll have the differences at all. 427 00:26:53,720 --> 00:26:54,619 No, that's for sure. 428 00:26:55,259 --> 00:26:55,799 Aren't you glad? 429 00:26:56,900 --> 00:26:57,019 Yeah. 430 00:27:01,420 --> 00:27:02,660 Just come to the aisle. 431 00:27:02,980 --> 00:27:07,579 Based on what I know, our bodies is designed to be one. 432 00:27:08,099 --> 00:27:08,500 Yes. 433 00:27:08,960 --> 00:27:12,220 Which means we have some facts and figures. 434 00:27:12,220 --> 00:27:18,200 75 trillion cells working together in unison by body design. 435 00:27:18,859 --> 00:27:21,259 There is never, ever a mistake. 436 00:27:22,100 --> 00:27:28,180 So that's how God meant us to live in that plane of being in peace and harmony. 437 00:27:30,760 --> 00:27:32,420 Unless I can go in depth. 438 00:27:32,539 --> 00:27:33,500 I'm not going to say a word. 439 00:27:34,359 --> 00:27:35,519 This man's honor. 440 00:27:37,339 --> 00:27:45,079 So even our physical body represents unity in function, 441 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:48,700 and the outgrowth of that is strength. 442 00:27:49,119 --> 00:27:52,359 The outgrowth of that is having a sound mind. 443 00:27:53,079 --> 00:27:54,539 So yeah, that even starts there. 444 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:59,960 And also, we are the, excuse me, I'm choking. 445 00:28:00,960 --> 00:28:02,319 We are the body of Christ. 446 00:28:02,879 --> 00:28:07,539 And the body, as a body, it has different parts that do different things, 447 00:28:07,740 --> 00:28:11,119 but it all works together, as he was saying, to make it work. 448 00:28:11,140 --> 00:28:12,019 Yeah, right. 449 00:28:12,680 --> 00:28:13,660 Scripture says that. 450 00:28:14,119 --> 00:28:15,660 Can the arm do without the leg? 451 00:28:17,180 --> 00:28:17,460 No. 452 00:28:19,180 --> 00:28:20,420 Okay, I thought you, Jim? 453 00:28:21,860 --> 00:28:23,059 What say is that? 454 00:28:23,619 --> 00:28:24,359 No, nothing. 455 00:28:24,740 --> 00:28:24,799 Okay. 456 00:28:25,279 --> 00:28:25,700 All right. 457 00:28:25,819 --> 00:28:27,660 I thought maybe we're leaning forward to contribute. 458 00:28:27,859 --> 00:28:28,380 That's okay. 459 00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:29,700 That's all right. 460 00:28:33,199 --> 00:28:34,480 Oh, I'm sorry. 461 00:28:34,960 --> 00:28:36,279 Yes, here we are. 462 00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:37,079 Good. 463 00:28:37,380 --> 00:28:38,000 Take it away. 464 00:28:38,500 --> 00:28:41,480 Well, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, they live in unity, 465 00:28:41,799 --> 00:28:44,940 and we're the Imago Dei, so we're the image bearers of God. 466 00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:48,259 So in order for us to be considered children of God, 467 00:28:48,319 --> 00:28:50,299 we have to live in unity with each other, 468 00:28:50,380 --> 00:28:52,220 the way that the Holy Spirit, the Father, and the Son 469 00:28:52,220 --> 00:28:53,940 live in unity with each other, maybe. 470 00:28:54,599 --> 00:28:55,519 No, that's right. 471 00:28:55,720 --> 00:28:56,180 You're right. 472 00:28:56,839 --> 00:28:59,759 Now, if we live that out, 473 00:29:00,539 --> 00:29:04,420 that doesn't necessarily mean that life will be easy. 474 00:29:04,480 --> 00:29:07,900 We have to find the mutuality and the love 475 00:29:07,900 --> 00:29:09,980 and the consideration for one another. 476 00:29:12,019 --> 00:29:15,799 And out of that, not knowing one another, 477 00:29:16,500 --> 00:29:19,299 like a lot of churches, you come in, the churches are big. 478 00:29:19,880 --> 00:29:22,420 My son goes to a church, and they have three services, 479 00:29:22,559 --> 00:29:26,240 and there's about 400 or 500 people in each service. 480 00:29:26,240 --> 00:29:30,920 So how do you get to know what that relationship 481 00:29:30,920 --> 00:29:31,880 could look like? 482 00:29:32,119 --> 00:29:33,839 It's almost like a movie theater. 483 00:29:34,500 --> 00:29:36,220 You come in, you go, and da-da-da-da. 484 00:29:36,339 --> 00:29:39,339 So I'm not criticizing him, but it's just a different perspective. 485 00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:41,819 Whereas here, we can get to know one another, 486 00:29:42,079 --> 00:29:45,039 and when we know one another, what happens? 487 00:29:45,240 --> 00:29:48,720 The esteem and the mutuality begins to build 488 00:29:49,759 --> 00:29:53,900 if, like you say, we don't major on those things 489 00:29:53,900 --> 00:29:54,799 that are our differences. 490 00:29:54,799 --> 00:29:57,000 Well, I don't believe that, or, you know, 491 00:29:57,359 --> 00:29:59,259 Gail has a brown shirt on her, a blouse, 492 00:29:59,359 --> 00:30:00,220 and I don't like brown. 493 00:30:00,480 --> 00:30:02,380 I mean, you know, it could be anything. 494 00:30:02,660 --> 00:30:04,359 It could be the mural on the wall. 495 00:30:04,920 --> 00:30:06,119 It could be the disagreements, 496 00:30:06,539 --> 00:30:09,319 but we don't let those things overcome us. 497 00:30:10,799 --> 00:30:12,900 Don't be like children, the word says. 498 00:30:13,759 --> 00:30:14,440 Be mature. 499 00:30:14,900 --> 00:30:15,420 Grow up. 500 00:30:16,339 --> 00:30:18,420 And so we have these things, and, you know, 501 00:30:18,480 --> 00:30:22,339 as you look back in the juvenile aspects 502 00:30:22,339 --> 00:30:27,019 of the accusations, well, why didn't you include us? 503 00:30:27,720 --> 00:30:32,059 For the sake of the tribes of Israel being one, 504 00:30:32,500 --> 00:30:34,579 they should have not engaged in that. 505 00:30:34,660 --> 00:30:35,680 Let me read this again. 506 00:30:36,240 --> 00:30:38,779 You will show other nations how wise you are. 507 00:30:39,480 --> 00:30:42,400 In fact, everyone that hears about your laws will say 508 00:30:42,400 --> 00:30:45,019 that great nation certainly is wise, 509 00:30:45,380 --> 00:30:47,579 and what makes us greater than the other nations? 510 00:30:48,279 --> 00:30:50,559 We have a God who is close to us, 511 00:30:50,559 --> 00:30:52,180 and yet here we are. 512 00:30:52,539 --> 00:30:53,740 We find the deterioration. 513 00:30:54,740 --> 00:30:56,299 After all that has been said and done, 514 00:30:56,640 --> 00:30:58,519 now we're fighting amongst ourselves. 515 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:00,859 Now, because of what? 516 00:31:01,559 --> 00:31:04,380 Unity reflects the character of God. 517 00:31:05,059 --> 00:31:06,079 And here you go, see? 518 00:31:07,559 --> 00:31:09,740 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, 519 00:31:09,900 --> 00:31:12,000 and therefore our unity with one another 520 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,240 should be tightly bound together. 521 00:31:15,359 --> 00:31:18,519 The more time you spend with your fellow brothers 522 00:31:18,519 --> 00:31:20,960 and sisters, the more opportunity it is 523 00:31:20,960 --> 00:31:24,240 to respect their calling and their giftings. 524 00:31:25,279 --> 00:31:27,819 And if you shake hands and go out the door 525 00:31:27,819 --> 00:31:31,259 and don't fellowship, you think there's a party of one, me. 526 00:31:31,920 --> 00:31:32,740 So it's not. 527 00:31:33,039 --> 00:31:35,819 It's many member body, all one. 528 00:31:36,680 --> 00:31:38,779 That's how we are to be known. 529 00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:43,200 Now, we should cherish our common spiritual identity, 530 00:31:43,539 --> 00:31:44,500 commitment, and purpose. 531 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:46,200 What is that? 532 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:48,539 It's to declare the kingdom of God. 533 00:31:48,880 --> 00:31:49,599 It's to be a witness. 534 00:31:50,339 --> 00:31:51,759 It's to be strong enough together 535 00:31:51,759 --> 00:31:53,559 that we can do outreach programs. 536 00:31:54,099 --> 00:31:55,319 It's strong enough together 537 00:31:55,319 --> 00:31:57,859 that we can have children's ministry that's dynamic. 538 00:31:58,079 --> 00:32:00,220 If you look at all the little babies in our congregation, 539 00:32:01,099 --> 00:32:03,240 my, won't we have a youth group? 540 00:32:03,859 --> 00:32:04,640 My word. 541 00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:07,140 I mean, it's starting small, 542 00:32:07,259 --> 00:32:09,559 but we're building and we're responding to that. 543 00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:11,680 How many little babies do we have? 544 00:32:13,019 --> 00:32:13,380 Gail? 545 00:32:17,159 --> 00:32:19,119 Yeah, gee. 546 00:32:20,039 --> 00:32:22,279 Well, you can either grow without or grow within, right? 547 00:32:23,099 --> 00:32:24,460 So, all right. 548 00:32:26,099 --> 00:32:29,900 This doesn't mean believers must agree on everything, 549 00:32:31,159 --> 00:32:33,759 but these things should be minor, 550 00:32:35,240 --> 00:32:36,460 should be minor. 551 00:32:37,859 --> 00:32:40,220 The goal is to maintain the unity, 552 00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:43,619 and secondarily, we may not agree, but so what? 553 00:32:44,059 --> 00:32:45,160 It's not that important. 554 00:32:46,240 --> 00:32:49,759 Okay, unity demonstrates the transforming power 555 00:32:49,759 --> 00:32:51,579 of the gospel to the world. 556 00:32:51,960 --> 00:32:55,319 Like we said, you don't even have to declare witness. 557 00:32:55,799 --> 00:32:57,500 You can be together as a group, 558 00:32:57,640 --> 00:33:01,059 and I tell you in different picnic associations 559 00:33:01,059 --> 00:33:03,500 that we have been involved with in different churches 560 00:33:03,500 --> 00:33:05,839 when we go to a public thing like we've done here, 561 00:33:06,059 --> 00:33:08,180 people say, boy, you guys get together. 562 00:33:08,259 --> 00:33:09,380 You have fun, you have games, 563 00:33:09,880 --> 00:33:12,279 and nobody was hurt, feelings and so forth. 564 00:33:12,359 --> 00:33:13,380 Well, that's the way it should be. 565 00:33:14,019 --> 00:33:16,859 So, the gospel brings together people 566 00:33:16,859 --> 00:33:19,579 who might otherwise have little in common. 567 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:20,839 Think about that. 568 00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:23,140 The common denominator is what? 569 00:33:23,279 --> 00:33:23,880 Jesus Christ. 570 00:33:25,519 --> 00:33:28,059 Now, we come from all different walks of life. 571 00:33:28,799 --> 00:33:31,000 We have tradesmen, we have executives, 572 00:33:31,200 --> 00:33:32,500 we have people that are retired, 573 00:33:32,680 --> 00:33:33,539 people that are young, 574 00:33:35,420 --> 00:33:38,539 and yet, we see that there is one body, 575 00:33:39,579 --> 00:33:41,480 one love, one purpose. 576 00:33:41,480 --> 00:33:42,920 All right. 577 00:33:43,059 --> 00:33:45,079 I'm preaching to the choir here, I think. 578 00:33:45,960 --> 00:33:51,000 The world is accustomed to divisions based on differences. 579 00:33:51,440 --> 00:33:53,539 Well, I don't believe like you do. 580 00:33:55,779 --> 00:33:58,140 Disagreements and competing interests. 581 00:34:04,479 --> 00:34:07,559 When you have a difference of opinion like that, 582 00:34:07,940 --> 00:34:10,639 you need to not only confess your anger 583 00:34:10,639 --> 00:34:12,519 or your pride, 584 00:34:12,840 --> 00:34:15,019 but you have to ask God to show you 585 00:34:15,019 --> 00:34:17,679 and show you how not only to be patient 586 00:34:17,679 --> 00:34:19,260 and gentle with people and compassionate, 587 00:34:19,480 --> 00:34:20,699 but to show you the truth. 588 00:34:21,300 --> 00:34:23,579 So, as you seek him, he'll open those doors for you. 589 00:34:23,719 --> 00:34:25,059 And what else should we do 590 00:34:25,059 --> 00:34:26,500 when we have disagreements, Gail? 591 00:34:27,719 --> 00:34:28,659 Talk them out. 592 00:34:28,800 --> 00:34:29,860 Yet, to one another. 593 00:34:30,619 --> 00:34:31,059 Communicate. 594 00:34:31,380 --> 00:34:31,659 Yeah. 595 00:34:32,280 --> 00:34:33,199 If I sit here and have... 596 00:34:33,199 --> 00:34:34,480 That's just a personal thing. 597 00:34:34,639 --> 00:34:36,579 You need to talk to God about what you think. 598 00:34:36,579 --> 00:34:39,599 First, give me humility, Lord. 599 00:34:40,639 --> 00:34:44,400 And then as the opening of opportunity comes, 600 00:34:44,659 --> 00:34:46,059 we share those things. 601 00:34:46,820 --> 00:34:47,039 Healing. 602 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:50,699 I mean, I can remember one situation 603 00:34:50,699 --> 00:34:52,679 in our, not our immediate family, 604 00:34:53,820 --> 00:34:55,599 but there was an unforgiveness thing 605 00:34:55,599 --> 00:34:56,639 that lasted years. 606 00:34:57,679 --> 00:34:58,579 And when I asked, I said, 607 00:34:58,639 --> 00:34:59,940 well, what's the problem? 608 00:35:00,199 --> 00:35:01,599 They didn't even really know. 609 00:35:02,659 --> 00:35:03,699 It's like, what is it? 610 00:35:03,699 --> 00:35:10,259 The Kentucky Hills between the two warring... 611 00:35:10,920 --> 00:35:11,280 What? 612 00:35:11,820 --> 00:35:13,139 The boys and the ankles in McCoy. 613 00:35:13,519 --> 00:35:15,300 Yeah, and when it came down to it, 614 00:35:15,400 --> 00:35:16,820 nobody ever remembered what it was 615 00:35:16,820 --> 00:35:17,719 because it was generational. 616 00:35:18,260 --> 00:35:19,260 But they hated each other. 617 00:35:20,300 --> 00:35:20,619 Yeah. 618 00:35:21,460 --> 00:35:22,340 Oh my gosh. 619 00:35:22,900 --> 00:35:23,739 What's that all about? 620 00:35:24,380 --> 00:35:26,559 Well, I want my way. 621 00:35:27,940 --> 00:35:28,980 That's not the way. 622 00:35:30,239 --> 00:35:30,500 All right. 623 00:35:31,460 --> 00:35:33,500 Unity demonstrates the transforming power 624 00:35:33,500 --> 00:35:34,000 of the gospel. 625 00:35:34,179 --> 00:35:34,880 We said that. 626 00:35:35,039 --> 00:35:36,900 The gospel brings together people who might. 627 00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:37,739 We have said that. 628 00:35:38,059 --> 00:35:40,500 The world is accustomed to divisions. 629 00:35:40,739 --> 00:35:41,420 We said that. 630 00:35:41,900 --> 00:35:44,260 And when believers demonstrate genuine love, 631 00:35:44,440 --> 00:35:45,579 forgiveness, and unity, 632 00:35:45,619 --> 00:35:47,179 despite their differences, 633 00:35:47,840 --> 00:35:50,860 something remarkable begins to be visible. 634 00:35:51,059 --> 00:35:52,820 And that's the presence of God. 635 00:35:53,420 --> 00:35:54,699 Is God going to be in the presence 636 00:35:54,699 --> 00:35:56,440 if we're all angry about each other 637 00:35:56,440 --> 00:35:58,360 and we come together 638 00:35:58,360 --> 00:35:59,699 but we have differences of opinion? 639 00:35:59,900 --> 00:36:00,179 No. 640 00:36:02,420 --> 00:36:08,019 He is going to be present in the body of Christ 641 00:36:08,019 --> 00:36:10,300 as the body of Christ exalts him 642 00:36:10,300 --> 00:36:12,119 and lives out his word. 643 00:36:13,559 --> 00:36:13,760 All right. 644 00:36:14,539 --> 00:36:17,820 People see evidence that the gospel changes lives. 645 00:36:18,079 --> 00:36:19,379 No two ways about it. 646 00:36:21,039 --> 00:36:24,420 Unity creates an environment for spiritual growth 647 00:36:25,340 --> 00:36:27,960 because you're not talking about differences. 648 00:36:28,219 --> 00:36:30,159 You're talking about wanting to follow God. 649 00:36:31,139 --> 00:36:34,920 So God intends believers to grow together 650 00:36:36,920 --> 00:36:39,219 not discuss our differences 651 00:36:40,099 --> 00:36:41,659 which can separate us 652 00:36:41,659 --> 00:36:45,940 but rather strengthen our common heritage in Christ. 653 00:36:46,739 --> 00:36:48,579 If we talk about our differences 654 00:36:48,579 --> 00:36:50,380 and that's all the further we get, 655 00:36:50,980 --> 00:36:53,820 that's not accomplishing much for the glory of God. 656 00:36:54,019 --> 00:36:55,260 It's when we start to what? 657 00:36:56,119 --> 00:36:57,559 Universally talk about him, 658 00:36:57,780 --> 00:36:59,039 begin to worship together, 659 00:36:59,039 --> 00:37:00,699 begin to read the Bible together, 660 00:37:01,159 --> 00:37:02,420 discipleship together, 661 00:37:03,119 --> 00:37:04,500 living our lives, yes, 662 00:37:05,579 --> 00:37:09,360 but communing together in God's love. 663 00:37:10,539 --> 00:37:10,860 All right. 664 00:37:11,539 --> 00:37:13,780 We need one another for encouragement, 665 00:37:15,200 --> 00:37:16,500 correction, accountability, 666 00:37:16,800 --> 00:37:19,039 instruction, and spiritual support. 667 00:37:20,519 --> 00:37:21,559 Hear me on that. 668 00:37:21,739 --> 00:37:24,300 You can't live Christianity alone, right? 669 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:26,280 Doesn't work. 670 00:37:26,980 --> 00:37:30,079 You don't grow spiritually living unto yourself 671 00:37:31,559 --> 00:37:33,300 in counseling people. 672 00:37:33,880 --> 00:37:34,920 Well, I don't go to church 673 00:37:34,920 --> 00:37:36,659 because the church isn't perfect. 674 00:37:36,940 --> 00:37:38,199 Well, if you went to church, 675 00:37:38,380 --> 00:37:40,260 the church would then not be perfect. 676 00:37:40,780 --> 00:37:42,159 But I have all these differences 677 00:37:42,159 --> 00:37:44,639 and I can find God at home on the TV 678 00:37:44,639 --> 00:37:45,960 or in my prayer closet. 679 00:37:46,440 --> 00:37:47,480 That doesn't make it. 680 00:37:48,260 --> 00:37:50,579 It talks about do not forsake 681 00:37:50,579 --> 00:37:52,780 the assembling of yourself together. 682 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:54,420 Why is that? 683 00:37:54,420 --> 00:37:56,599 It's the common denominator 684 00:37:56,599 --> 00:37:58,119 for spiritual growth 685 00:37:58,119 --> 00:38:00,260 and empathy for one another. 686 00:38:00,760 --> 00:38:02,659 And as you begin to know one another, 687 00:38:03,539 --> 00:38:04,539 you begin to what? 688 00:38:04,780 --> 00:38:06,340 You even pray for one another. 689 00:38:06,860 --> 00:38:08,360 When we first came to this church, 690 00:38:09,639 --> 00:38:11,940 I went out with Ron and Jackie, 691 00:38:12,500 --> 00:38:13,320 Joni and I, 692 00:38:13,780 --> 00:38:15,260 and we're just inquiring about the church 693 00:38:15,260 --> 00:38:17,380 and I saw that they loved the Lord. 694 00:38:18,139 --> 00:38:19,820 There was a peace among them. 695 00:38:20,420 --> 00:38:21,980 Ron wasn't fighting with his wife, 696 00:38:22,860 --> 00:38:24,519 at least in our presence. 697 00:38:24,920 --> 00:38:26,159 No, I'm kidding you. 698 00:38:27,400 --> 00:38:28,860 And I knew that, 699 00:38:28,860 --> 00:38:29,619 that okay, 700 00:38:29,960 --> 00:38:31,840 here's an example of something 701 00:38:31,840 --> 00:38:35,019 that we could attach ourselves to. 702 00:38:35,239 --> 00:38:36,820 And we've been here ever since. 703 00:38:38,079 --> 00:38:43,179 So the idea that we can live our life 704 00:38:43,179 --> 00:38:46,079 alone and mature is ludicrous. 705 00:38:46,539 --> 00:38:48,579 There is a degree of God's blessing, 706 00:38:49,019 --> 00:38:50,900 but it only goes so far. 707 00:38:50,900 --> 00:38:52,199 There's a ceiling to that. 708 00:38:53,139 --> 00:38:54,079 And you plateau. 709 00:38:55,139 --> 00:38:56,039 When you plateau, 710 00:38:56,139 --> 00:38:57,199 you don't move forward. 711 00:38:57,920 --> 00:38:58,960 And when the body of Christ 712 00:38:58,960 --> 00:39:00,019 is moving forward, 713 00:39:00,079 --> 00:39:02,239 you're then left behind after a while. 714 00:39:04,179 --> 00:39:05,760 God has a job for each of us. 715 00:39:06,079 --> 00:39:06,300 Yes. 716 00:39:06,519 --> 00:39:08,000 God has a job for each of us 717 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:08,739 and being at home 718 00:39:08,739 --> 00:39:09,639 is not going to do that. 719 00:39:10,099 --> 00:39:10,159 Right? 720 00:39:10,440 --> 00:39:11,659 Right, yeah. 721 00:39:13,880 --> 00:39:15,739 Like, I always kid Gail 722 00:39:16,759 --> 00:39:18,619 that the church wouldn't function 723 00:39:18,619 --> 00:39:20,420 because she's a little bit of everything. 724 00:39:20,900 --> 00:39:22,400 In each group, 725 00:39:22,780 --> 00:39:23,500 you take Gail away, 726 00:39:23,599 --> 00:39:25,039 the whole church is going to fall apart. 727 00:39:25,139 --> 00:39:25,780 No, not really. 728 00:39:26,340 --> 00:39:27,500 No, it's the idea 729 00:39:27,500 --> 00:39:28,739 that we all have something. 730 00:39:29,280 --> 00:39:30,059 We all contribute. 731 00:39:31,699 --> 00:39:32,000 Yes. 732 00:39:33,900 --> 00:39:35,320 I'm reminded of the time 733 00:39:35,320 --> 00:39:36,719 where Jesus washed the feet 734 00:39:36,719 --> 00:39:37,800 of all the disciples. 735 00:39:38,260 --> 00:39:41,119 And now he was a servant to them. 736 00:39:41,719 --> 00:39:42,539 And so part of that, 737 00:39:42,659 --> 00:39:43,940 like you can't be of service 738 00:39:43,940 --> 00:39:45,320 to your brothers and sisters 739 00:39:45,320 --> 00:39:47,039 if you're staying at home 740 00:39:47,039 --> 00:39:48,699 and you're isolating yourself. 741 00:39:49,099 --> 00:39:50,480 Yeah, you can't get very far, can you? 742 00:39:50,480 --> 00:39:50,880 Correct. 743 00:39:51,380 --> 00:39:52,679 No, me and thee. 744 00:39:53,079 --> 00:39:53,940 Me and thee only. 745 00:39:54,119 --> 00:39:55,360 Right now, that doesn't work. 746 00:39:56,039 --> 00:39:58,400 And when Christ called his disciples, 747 00:39:59,460 --> 00:40:01,400 they didn't get along that well 748 00:40:02,539 --> 00:40:04,500 because they were so different 749 00:40:04,500 --> 00:40:05,179 from one another. 750 00:40:05,539 --> 00:40:06,800 There was a tax collector 751 00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:10,360 amongst them and fishermen. 752 00:40:10,960 --> 00:40:12,139 And I mean, they were all different. 753 00:40:12,400 --> 00:40:13,340 They all had two brothers 754 00:40:13,340 --> 00:40:14,199 who want to be better. 755 00:40:14,739 --> 00:40:15,719 Yeah, yeah. 756 00:40:16,019 --> 00:40:17,420 So, I mean, there you go. 757 00:40:18,159 --> 00:40:19,599 Well, he took the worst of anything. 758 00:40:19,599 --> 00:40:22,139 And if he could bring those 12 together, 759 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:24,139 we can also have unity. 760 00:40:24,960 --> 00:40:26,159 And by the time he was finished 761 00:40:26,159 --> 00:40:27,699 and they cried and they repented 762 00:40:27,699 --> 00:40:29,079 because they denied God, 763 00:40:29,719 --> 00:40:31,139 they loved him so much. 764 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:33,920 Our hearts burned within us, 765 00:40:33,960 --> 00:40:34,800 the word says, 766 00:40:35,659 --> 00:40:38,119 because of his love for those people. 767 00:40:40,059 --> 00:40:41,639 Well, there's a song that, 768 00:40:42,539 --> 00:40:43,360 it's an old song. 769 00:40:44,039 --> 00:40:44,579 And it was, 770 00:40:44,800 --> 00:40:45,920 No man is an island. 771 00:40:46,599 --> 00:40:48,659 No man is an island. 772 00:40:49,599 --> 00:40:52,019 No man can stand alone. 773 00:40:52,659 --> 00:40:55,519 And I never knew the meaning of it 774 00:40:55,519 --> 00:40:57,920 until I came to know Christ. 775 00:40:58,900 --> 00:41:01,380 And I started depending on other people. 776 00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:04,579 And I realized that I couldn't stand alone. 777 00:41:05,219 --> 00:41:06,480 I needed the family. 778 00:41:07,599 --> 00:41:09,619 And I wanted to course correct here. 779 00:41:10,039 --> 00:41:11,239 These two do not fight. 780 00:41:11,420 --> 00:41:12,099 That was a joke. 781 00:41:13,179 --> 00:41:13,599 They are. 782 00:41:14,400 --> 00:41:15,719 No, no, no, no, no. 783 00:41:15,940 --> 00:41:16,760 Yeah, but. 784 00:41:20,559 --> 00:41:21,960 Well, not that bad 785 00:41:21,960 --> 00:41:22,920 because you're still together. 786 00:41:25,360 --> 00:41:27,619 Well, we do have a difference of opinion, right? 787 00:41:27,940 --> 00:41:30,019 Because one is male and one is female, right? 788 00:41:36,019 --> 00:41:36,880 All right. 789 00:41:40,300 --> 00:41:42,960 What happens to our Christian witness 790 00:41:42,960 --> 00:41:46,559 when unbelievers observe division, 791 00:41:46,559 --> 00:41:50,599 resentment, unresolved conflicts within the church. 792 00:41:51,619 --> 00:41:53,340 And I'll open one statement. 793 00:41:53,539 --> 00:41:55,300 Well, if that's what Christianity is, 794 00:41:55,340 --> 00:41:56,139 I don't want it. 795 00:41:57,579 --> 00:41:58,699 We are judged. 796 00:41:59,320 --> 00:42:00,000 What? 797 00:42:01,260 --> 00:42:04,360 By the very presence of who we represent 798 00:42:04,360 --> 00:42:06,500 or don't represent our attitudes. 799 00:42:07,719 --> 00:42:11,159 I can remember one time my, 800 00:42:11,380 --> 00:42:14,440 I had a little son that was extremely difficult. 801 00:42:14,900 --> 00:42:15,900 It was so difficult 802 00:42:15,900 --> 00:42:17,300 that I had to tell him to leave home 803 00:42:17,300 --> 00:42:18,539 after he got of age 804 00:42:18,539 --> 00:42:20,159 because he couldn't abide. 805 00:42:20,380 --> 00:42:22,900 And he was out for some years of time. 806 00:42:23,119 --> 00:42:25,139 And my wife and I cried, 807 00:42:25,559 --> 00:42:26,500 what did we do wrong? 808 00:42:26,619 --> 00:42:28,539 And I realized it's not what we did wrong. 809 00:42:28,900 --> 00:42:32,199 It's that he just didn't abide by the house rules. 810 00:42:33,340 --> 00:42:34,659 And so consequently, 811 00:42:37,659 --> 00:42:39,340 kind of chokes me up to think about it. 812 00:42:40,039 --> 00:42:43,320 He, coming back to the Lord, 813 00:42:44,340 --> 00:42:45,760 he always said, he said, 814 00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:47,500 dad, he said, it's not what you say. 815 00:42:47,699 --> 00:42:49,900 It's I always looked at you and watched you. 816 00:42:50,460 --> 00:42:52,460 He said, I wouldn't agree to you 817 00:42:52,460 --> 00:42:55,920 or even give you credence of what you said was right. 818 00:42:56,119 --> 00:42:57,119 But I watched you. 819 00:42:57,559 --> 00:42:59,019 And that's what made the difference. 820 00:42:59,199 --> 00:43:03,539 He watched us interdynamically play together 821 00:43:03,539 --> 00:43:05,280 as husband and wife, 822 00:43:05,280 --> 00:43:08,639 administering love to the family and so forth. 823 00:43:08,739 --> 00:43:10,300 And that's what drew him 824 00:43:10,300 --> 00:43:12,000 because he knew it was in the heart. 825 00:43:12,480 --> 00:43:15,780 And so many, I think I've asked a question before, 826 00:43:15,780 --> 00:43:16,800 but I'll ask it again. 827 00:43:16,920 --> 00:43:20,019 How many have had occasions to meet people 828 00:43:20,019 --> 00:43:21,860 and be with people and they say to you, 829 00:43:21,960 --> 00:43:23,280 well, what makes you so different? 830 00:43:24,159 --> 00:43:25,000 You ever have that happen? 831 00:43:26,280 --> 00:43:27,139 Yeah, I mean, you know, 832 00:43:27,920 --> 00:43:30,119 what do you have that I don't have? 833 00:43:30,360 --> 00:43:31,980 It's basically what they're saying. 834 00:43:32,260 --> 00:43:35,699 And that's what the presence of God in your life, 835 00:43:36,119 --> 00:43:37,800 the aura of God. 836 00:43:38,800 --> 00:43:41,300 I mean, God, through Jesus Christ, 837 00:43:42,000 --> 00:43:44,440 there was an aura about him as he ministered. 838 00:43:44,599 --> 00:43:46,380 People were drawn to him 839 00:43:46,960 --> 00:43:49,039 and our people drawn to us. 840 00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:51,059 Why are you so different? 841 00:43:51,539 --> 00:43:54,260 Then that's opportunity to give thanks to the Lord 842 00:43:54,960 --> 00:43:55,940 for who he is. 843 00:43:56,219 --> 00:43:57,059 Nothing we've done. 844 00:43:57,679 --> 00:44:00,179 No credit to our own, but to him. 845 00:44:01,440 --> 00:44:01,840 All right. 846 00:44:05,659 --> 00:44:08,199 Here are important observations 847 00:44:09,500 --> 00:44:12,980 that Israel gradually moved from. 848 00:44:13,320 --> 00:44:14,519 So let's build the case. 849 00:44:16,099 --> 00:44:20,639 A shared identity, one God, one kingdom, 850 00:44:21,099 --> 00:44:25,619 12 tribes living in unity, being an example. 851 00:44:26,059 --> 00:44:26,940 That's what he wanted. 852 00:44:27,699 --> 00:44:29,219 That's what he labored for. 853 00:44:29,519 --> 00:44:30,940 He made them a nation. 854 00:44:31,219 --> 00:44:32,860 He dug them out of differences. 855 00:44:33,440 --> 00:44:34,519 He brought them together. 856 00:44:34,679 --> 00:44:37,579 He laid down laws that could live 857 00:44:37,579 --> 00:44:39,119 peaceably with one another. 858 00:44:40,280 --> 00:44:43,559 And now we see competing interests overtake. 859 00:44:44,980 --> 00:44:48,780 So the degradation, what's happening 860 00:44:48,780 --> 00:44:50,280 over the hundreds of years. 861 00:44:51,179 --> 00:44:52,059 Shared convictions. 862 00:44:53,860 --> 00:44:55,360 What was this big shared conviction? 863 00:44:55,900 --> 00:44:57,900 We are given a promised land. 864 00:44:58,460 --> 00:45:00,019 We will dwell in there. 865 00:45:00,280 --> 00:45:01,059 We will conquer. 866 00:45:01,260 --> 00:45:02,039 We will annihilate. 867 00:45:02,119 --> 00:45:03,500 And the land will be ours. 868 00:45:05,660 --> 00:45:09,679 And so we now have differing spiritual directions. 869 00:45:10,360 --> 00:45:11,659 And we talked about that. 870 00:45:13,000 --> 00:45:17,000 Two weeks ago, I showed you all the different idols 871 00:45:18,039 --> 00:45:22,280 and worshiping modes that the Israelites had. 872 00:45:22,699 --> 00:45:26,159 There were about 13 different things that they did. 873 00:45:26,920 --> 00:45:28,000 And what did God say? 874 00:45:28,219 --> 00:45:29,739 They were worse than the pagans. 875 00:45:29,920 --> 00:45:31,639 They were worse than the other people 876 00:45:31,639 --> 00:45:33,159 that existed in this land. 877 00:45:33,500 --> 00:45:35,139 Because they took a little bit of this 878 00:45:35,139 --> 00:45:37,679 and a little bit of that and put it together 879 00:45:37,679 --> 00:45:40,739 and homogenated what their following was. 880 00:45:41,099 --> 00:45:44,880 And they still maintained the liturgy of the tabernacle. 881 00:45:46,840 --> 00:45:48,280 They had cooperation. 882 00:45:49,199 --> 00:45:53,079 Remember when Gadd and the NASA 883 00:45:53,079 --> 00:45:55,260 didn't want to go to the promised land. 884 00:45:55,320 --> 00:45:58,219 They said, well, the land here is perfect 885 00:45:58,219 --> 00:45:59,780 for our sheep and our herds. 886 00:46:00,260 --> 00:46:03,000 And we don't want to go over there for our allocation. 887 00:46:04,219 --> 00:46:05,519 And what did they do? 888 00:46:05,719 --> 00:46:07,860 Moses said, look, you can stay here. 889 00:46:08,340 --> 00:46:09,679 You establish yourselves. 890 00:46:09,880 --> 00:46:10,980 You build your houses. 891 00:46:11,239 --> 00:46:13,119 You take care of your wives and your children. 892 00:46:13,679 --> 00:46:15,840 When you're established, you then come over 893 00:46:15,840 --> 00:46:20,199 and you fight with us so we can conquer the rest of the land 894 00:46:20,199 --> 00:46:22,219 so we too can live at peace. 895 00:46:22,500 --> 00:46:23,900 And that's what they did. 896 00:46:25,480 --> 00:46:30,239 So there was a mutual agreement, a mutual interest. 897 00:46:32,760 --> 00:46:35,900 Now, we have suspicion and hostility. 898 00:46:37,440 --> 00:46:38,900 We're going down. 899 00:46:39,820 --> 00:46:40,500 We're getting worse. 900 00:46:43,179 --> 00:46:43,840 Tribal disagreements. 901 00:46:44,599 --> 00:46:45,699 We always had those. 902 00:46:46,659 --> 00:46:48,340 Now we have civil war. 903 00:46:49,260 --> 00:46:50,099 Civil war. 904 00:46:51,420 --> 00:46:53,000 This is the anointed one. 905 00:46:53,840 --> 00:46:56,119 This is the nation that's supposed 906 00:46:56,119 --> 00:46:57,840 to be an example to the world. 907 00:47:00,059 --> 00:47:04,900 One kingdom was established, and eventually what? 908 00:47:05,400 --> 00:47:09,659 It evolved into two kingdoms fighting back and forth, 909 00:47:10,680 --> 00:47:11,360 disagreeing. 910 00:47:13,539 --> 00:47:17,519 Don't you think God was disappointed and grieved? 911 00:47:17,980 --> 00:47:19,219 That's what the scripture says. 912 00:47:19,320 --> 00:47:21,880 He was grieved, and he wanted to get rid of them. 913 00:47:22,380 --> 00:47:23,579 I'll annihilate them all. 914 00:47:24,199 --> 00:47:27,280 And I'll make you, Moses, part of the generation 915 00:47:27,280 --> 00:47:28,619 that I want you to bring in. 916 00:47:28,960 --> 00:47:29,960 He said, no, Moses, wait a minute. 917 00:47:30,019 --> 00:47:30,840 No, no, don't do that. 918 00:47:31,380 --> 00:47:32,460 And he pleaded with God. 919 00:47:35,260 --> 00:47:38,800 How can we recognize when disagreements, wounded pride, 920 00:47:39,019 --> 00:47:42,800 and personal differences are beginning to threaten 921 00:47:42,800 --> 00:47:44,960 the unity of our Christian fellowship? 922 00:47:45,460 --> 00:47:48,900 What are those, what might be some of those signs? 923 00:47:50,539 --> 00:47:52,159 I'll start you off, an easy one. 924 00:47:52,480 --> 00:47:54,880 When you see people start to withdraw 925 00:47:55,800 --> 00:48:00,019 from the body of Christ, well, it's not my cup of tea. 926 00:48:00,260 --> 00:48:03,940 Been too busy, wanted to sleep late, yada, yada, yada. 927 00:48:04,820 --> 00:48:06,760 You know, there's nothing wrong with all those things, 928 00:48:06,880 --> 00:48:10,320 but as you withdraw, you then lose that momentum 929 00:48:11,179 --> 00:48:13,000 that you have created. 930 00:48:13,159 --> 00:48:13,780 What else? 931 00:48:15,139 --> 00:48:16,219 What other thoughts? 932 00:48:20,840 --> 00:48:22,199 And everybody was quiet. 933 00:48:22,840 --> 00:48:23,219 All right. 934 00:48:23,219 --> 00:48:25,340 Thank you for anchoring this question. 935 00:48:25,460 --> 00:48:26,980 All right, you stopped thinking about, 936 00:48:26,980 --> 00:48:28,559 you stopped thinking about we, 937 00:48:28,940 --> 00:48:30,559 and you start thinking about me. 938 00:48:30,940 --> 00:48:31,719 Yeah, right. 939 00:48:32,440 --> 00:48:33,639 And me is important, right? 940 00:48:33,980 --> 00:48:34,739 No, no. 941 00:48:34,739 --> 00:48:36,480 I mean, not as important as we. 942 00:48:37,559 --> 00:48:38,559 No, I'm reinforcing. 943 00:48:39,039 --> 00:48:39,079 Yeah. 944 00:48:40,380 --> 00:48:42,920 That's everybody, everybody's strange, 945 00:48:42,920 --> 00:48:45,099 except me and Dee, and I wonder about these 946 00:48:45,099 --> 00:48:47,500 sometimes as the old expression goes. 947 00:48:48,159 --> 00:48:49,760 Yeah, no, that's good, yeah. 948 00:48:50,139 --> 00:48:51,500 And as we talked earlier, 949 00:48:51,500 --> 00:48:53,380 we allow ourselves to be offended 950 00:48:53,380 --> 00:48:55,639 by what people's actions are, 951 00:48:55,760 --> 00:48:57,780 and we don't really understand what they are, 952 00:48:58,099 --> 00:48:59,199 but we take offense anyway. 953 00:49:00,880 --> 00:49:03,420 Because I have a right to have my own opinion. 954 00:49:04,480 --> 00:49:06,440 No, no. 955 00:49:07,519 --> 00:49:09,260 Because opinions are what they are. 956 00:49:11,460 --> 00:49:11,920 All right. 957 00:49:17,779 --> 00:49:22,679 Now, these are questions for you. 958 00:49:23,199 --> 00:49:25,800 I've delineated all the judges 959 00:49:27,360 --> 00:49:30,179 on the left-hand side. 960 00:49:31,400 --> 00:49:35,099 I've put their number of years of leadership 961 00:49:35,099 --> 00:49:37,199 in a column, 962 00:49:37,920 --> 00:49:40,760 and then I put over on the right column 963 00:49:40,760 --> 00:49:44,820 the priority and focus of their interests. 964 00:49:45,960 --> 00:49:48,199 So you can see that we started out 965 00:49:49,960 --> 00:49:54,599 in the beginning with a leader 966 00:49:54,599 --> 00:49:57,800 that led Israel for 40 years. 967 00:49:59,139 --> 00:50:00,340 They delivered Israel 968 00:50:00,340 --> 00:50:02,500 and restored peace and rest. 969 00:50:03,199 --> 00:50:04,360 And you can go down the line. 970 00:50:04,460 --> 00:50:06,460 Here's one, E.H.O.D. 971 00:50:06,559 --> 00:50:09,659 For 80 years, he was a judge. 972 00:50:09,659 --> 00:50:12,159 He delivered Israel from the Moabites. 973 00:50:13,460 --> 00:50:16,400 And we can see that the Philistines 974 00:50:16,400 --> 00:50:17,880 were struck down. 975 00:50:19,120 --> 00:50:23,820 Deborah, which co-authored Deborah's song 976 00:50:23,820 --> 00:50:27,500 and reigned with Barack for 40 years. 977 00:50:27,780 --> 00:50:30,039 They provided leadership alongside of one another. 978 00:50:31,000 --> 00:50:32,519 And Gideon, we talked about him 979 00:50:32,519 --> 00:50:34,199 not too long ago, 40 years. 980 00:50:35,920 --> 00:50:37,320 He delivered Israel 981 00:50:37,320 --> 00:50:39,039 from the Midianites with 300 men. 982 00:50:39,879 --> 00:50:41,820 Tola, 23 years. 983 00:50:42,820 --> 00:50:45,019 Family, marriage, connections. 984 00:50:46,179 --> 00:50:47,500 Jair, 22 years. 985 00:50:47,880 --> 00:50:49,219 Tribal identity and location. 986 00:50:50,859 --> 00:50:53,619 Ibsam, seven years. 987 00:50:54,599 --> 00:50:55,559 Elan, 10 years. 988 00:50:56,159 --> 00:50:57,159 Abdan, eight years. 989 00:50:57,860 --> 00:51:00,059 Family, marriage, tribal identity. 990 00:51:00,579 --> 00:51:02,039 Now let's break this down. 991 00:51:02,860 --> 00:51:05,039 Look at what happened in the first phase. 992 00:51:06,019 --> 00:51:09,199 These judges represented violent events 993 00:51:09,199 --> 00:51:12,480 as they were military deliverance 994 00:51:12,480 --> 00:51:16,179 and bringing peace and excluding 995 00:51:17,280 --> 00:51:19,539 the Abimelech issue. 996 00:51:19,579 --> 00:51:21,960 Remember when he wanted to seize the throne. 997 00:51:21,960 --> 00:51:23,400 I'm not including him 998 00:51:23,400 --> 00:51:25,340 because he never was a judge 999 00:51:25,340 --> 00:51:27,420 because of his personal ambition. 1000 00:51:27,800 --> 00:51:30,219 So that was one group of people. 1001 00:51:31,519 --> 00:51:32,960 Now look what happens 1002 00:51:32,960 --> 00:51:35,500 when we see Israel's leadership 1003 00:51:35,500 --> 00:51:38,539 in phase two that emphasized family, 1004 00:51:38,539 --> 00:51:40,880 tribal identity, social standing, 1005 00:51:41,059 --> 00:51:42,199 governing and stability. 1006 00:51:42,920 --> 00:51:45,179 The numbers start to go down 1007 00:51:45,900 --> 00:51:47,420 with regard to their rule. 1008 00:51:48,219 --> 00:51:49,880 And I'm not saying anything wrong with that, 1009 00:51:49,880 --> 00:51:51,099 but then let's take that 1010 00:51:51,099 --> 00:51:53,019 and extrapolate it one other time. 1011 00:51:55,640 --> 00:51:57,579 In these observations, 1012 00:51:57,599 --> 00:51:59,579 we notice that the earlier judges 1013 00:51:59,579 --> 00:52:03,159 experienced extended periods of leadership. 1014 00:52:04,100 --> 00:52:05,980 While the later judges 1015 00:52:05,980 --> 00:52:09,800 had decreasing periods of leadership. 1016 00:52:10,539 --> 00:52:12,199 What does that say to you? 1017 00:52:14,099 --> 00:52:18,619 The nation was at rest in the beginning 1018 00:52:19,340 --> 00:52:20,760 and now they're becoming 1019 00:52:22,460 --> 00:52:24,500 and looking for things 1020 00:52:24,500 --> 00:52:26,440 that advantages of one another 1021 00:52:27,019 --> 00:52:28,179 and not an agreement. 1022 00:52:28,940 --> 00:52:30,380 So the question I ask you, 1023 00:52:30,820 --> 00:52:33,539 so what conclusion can we draw from this? 1024 00:52:34,840 --> 00:52:35,619 What do you think? 1025 00:52:35,980 --> 00:52:38,380 In your wildest expectations or thoughts? 1026 00:52:41,119 --> 00:52:42,780 80 years, 7 years. 1027 00:52:48,099 --> 00:52:50,659 I told Justin I might hang myself 1028 00:52:50,659 --> 00:52:51,679 on this new cord. 1029 00:52:52,039 --> 00:52:53,780 It doesn't lay down in here. 1030 00:52:54,119 --> 00:52:55,380 So almost did. 1031 00:52:55,760 --> 00:52:56,460 Yes, Jackie. 1032 00:52:57,119 --> 00:53:02,159 Maybe they stop really that connection 1033 00:53:02,159 --> 00:53:04,940 with God and that relationship. 1034 00:53:04,940 --> 00:53:06,239 Not only relationship, 1035 00:53:06,619 --> 00:53:09,880 but yeah, I'm going to go all out for God. 1036 00:53:11,760 --> 00:53:14,599 So that kind of got laxed 1037 00:53:14,599 --> 00:53:16,400 and then they started feeling comfortable 1038 00:53:17,240 --> 00:53:19,739 and they weren't doing their all for the Lord. 1039 00:53:21,619 --> 00:53:23,519 And then they were bickering 1040 00:53:23,519 --> 00:53:27,239 and pride came in and stuff like that. 1041 00:53:27,539 --> 00:53:28,659 What did Moses say 1042 00:53:28,659 --> 00:53:30,300 before they ever went into the land? 1043 00:53:31,079 --> 00:53:32,340 You will be comfortable. 1044 00:53:33,099 --> 00:53:34,860 You will not remember me. 1045 00:53:34,940 --> 00:53:36,239 You will backslide. 1046 00:53:37,440 --> 00:53:39,900 And you will take the Gods of nations 1047 00:53:39,900 --> 00:53:40,920 unto yourself. 1048 00:53:41,719 --> 00:53:44,260 Oh my, what prophetic utterance that was. 1049 00:53:45,500 --> 00:53:49,360 Well, any time a nation stops 1050 00:53:49,360 --> 00:53:52,639 fearing God and being obedient to him, 1051 00:53:53,139 --> 00:53:54,280 they're not going to be blessed. 1052 00:53:55,159 --> 00:53:56,980 And they're going to gradually deteriorate. 1053 00:53:57,219 --> 00:53:58,519 What's that say about our own life? 1054 00:53:59,280 --> 00:54:00,579 Same thing happens, yeah. 1055 00:54:00,840 --> 00:54:02,260 Right, same thing. 1056 00:54:03,219 --> 00:54:07,179 All right, all right. 1057 00:54:07,360 --> 00:54:09,179 Okay, here's some thoughts. 1058 00:54:11,519 --> 00:54:13,599 One, Israel's spiritual problems 1059 00:54:13,599 --> 00:54:15,940 are becoming increasingly persistent 1060 00:54:16,900 --> 00:54:19,460 because of their own self. 1061 00:54:20,340 --> 00:54:21,460 Unwillingness for them 1062 00:54:21,460 --> 00:54:23,460 to remain faithful to God, Jackie. 1063 00:54:23,599 --> 00:54:24,099 There you go. 1064 00:54:25,300 --> 00:54:27,300 Number two, tribal divisions 1065 00:54:27,300 --> 00:54:29,119 and internal conflicts 1066 00:54:29,119 --> 00:54:31,599 were becoming more prevalent. 1067 00:54:33,220 --> 00:54:35,219 Levels of national commitment 1068 00:54:35,219 --> 00:54:37,039 varied by tribe. 1069 00:54:38,139 --> 00:54:39,400 Remember, there was only one tribe 1070 00:54:39,400 --> 00:54:41,900 that was left that wanted to bless God. 1071 00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:42,539 And that was what? 1072 00:54:42,699 --> 00:54:43,480 The tribe of Levi. 1073 00:54:44,619 --> 00:54:45,500 Because they were the priests. 1074 00:54:45,800 --> 00:54:46,699 They were the remaining. 1075 00:54:48,679 --> 00:54:49,739 And then number three, 1076 00:54:49,860 --> 00:54:51,099 the judge's leadership 1077 00:54:51,099 --> 00:54:55,679 was becoming less associated 1078 00:54:55,679 --> 00:54:57,400 with the nation's need 1079 00:54:57,400 --> 00:54:59,480 for national deliverance 1080 00:55:00,280 --> 00:55:03,340 and more focused on the family, 1081 00:55:03,699 --> 00:55:05,659 the tribal identity, 1082 00:55:05,880 --> 00:55:07,440 and the social standing. 1083 00:55:07,860 --> 00:55:08,199 Because remember, 1084 00:55:08,400 --> 00:55:09,219 we talked about the 1085 00:55:09,219 --> 00:55:11,780 out of the shepherds became traders. 1086 00:55:11,940 --> 00:55:14,219 Out of the traders became blacksmiths. 1087 00:55:14,239 --> 00:55:15,679 And they had a whole society 1088 00:55:15,679 --> 00:55:16,619 that they developed. 1089 00:55:17,280 --> 00:55:17,920 Like Jackie said, 1090 00:55:17,980 --> 00:55:19,000 they became comfortable. 1091 00:55:20,519 --> 00:55:21,320 And then probably 1092 00:55:21,320 --> 00:55:22,900 because one guy was successful, 1093 00:55:23,320 --> 00:55:25,019 he has 14,000 sheep 1094 00:55:25,019 --> 00:55:26,059 and I only got 100. 1095 00:55:26,639 --> 00:55:27,960 I want what he has. 1096 00:55:28,679 --> 00:55:29,880 And bickering started. 1097 00:55:30,800 --> 00:55:31,960 And so forth and so on. 1098 00:55:32,500 --> 00:55:33,820 So now the takeaways 1099 00:55:33,820 --> 00:55:35,360 for us to remember 1100 00:55:35,360 --> 00:55:36,619 and act upon. 1101 00:55:36,900 --> 00:55:39,239 This is where it hits home, I hope. 1102 00:55:40,679 --> 00:55:42,780 This chapter then challenges us 1103 00:55:42,780 --> 00:55:45,519 to examine our own attitudes. 1104 00:55:46,559 --> 00:55:47,900 Well, that was the Children of Israel. 1105 00:55:48,119 --> 00:55:49,420 Okay, let's apply it to us. 1106 00:55:50,440 --> 00:55:51,380 Let's ask the question. 1107 00:55:51,579 --> 00:55:52,960 Do we become resentful 1108 00:55:52,960 --> 00:55:55,440 when others receive recognition? 1109 00:55:56,260 --> 00:55:56,860 Boy. 1110 00:55:58,980 --> 00:55:59,239 Now, 1111 00:56:02,159 --> 00:56:05,239 some of you people may ask fire 1112 00:56:05,920 --> 00:56:07,139 to be a teacher. 1113 00:56:07,599 --> 00:56:08,400 And that's great. 1114 00:56:09,920 --> 00:56:11,579 I mean, it's commendable. 1115 00:56:12,980 --> 00:56:16,000 And I had that opportunity to do that. 1116 00:56:16,360 --> 00:56:17,199 But I will tell you, 1117 00:56:17,199 --> 00:56:18,599 there's a price you pay for that. 1118 00:56:19,619 --> 00:56:21,239 There's hours upon hours 1119 00:56:21,239 --> 00:56:22,760 upon hours upon hours 1120 00:56:22,760 --> 00:56:23,760 of waiting on God, 1121 00:56:24,219 --> 00:56:25,320 putting these things down. 1122 00:56:25,320 --> 00:56:27,860 I'm making them taking the complex 1123 00:56:27,860 --> 00:56:28,980 and making it simple. 1124 00:56:29,320 --> 00:56:30,440 That's just an example. 1125 00:56:31,559 --> 00:56:32,260 Say, well, you know, 1126 00:56:32,380 --> 00:56:33,619 I want to be a pastor of a church. 1127 00:56:33,880 --> 00:56:34,280 Ask Chris. 1128 00:56:35,980 --> 00:56:36,980 The only reason he's the pastor 1129 00:56:36,980 --> 00:56:37,579 of the church is 1130 00:56:37,579 --> 00:56:38,659 because God led him to that. 1131 00:56:38,880 --> 00:56:39,880 He didn't want that. 1132 00:56:40,840 --> 00:56:42,019 Neither did I want to be a teacher. 1133 00:56:42,239 --> 00:56:43,940 I didn't aspire to that. 1134 00:56:44,400 --> 00:56:45,659 But God's calling is 1135 00:56:45,659 --> 00:56:47,059 yea and amen in our lives. 1136 00:56:47,800 --> 00:56:50,320 As well as being an instrument, 1137 00:56:50,659 --> 00:56:51,579 playing an instrument, 1138 00:56:53,019 --> 00:56:54,340 being in children's church, 1139 00:56:54,340 --> 00:56:56,639 doing the things that God's called you to do. 1140 00:56:57,059 --> 00:56:58,280 Do we allow disagreements 1141 00:56:58,280 --> 00:56:59,360 to become personal? 1142 00:57:00,599 --> 00:57:02,079 Like Gail said, well, I'm offended. 1143 00:57:03,340 --> 00:57:04,519 I don't know that I'm going to go 1144 00:57:04,519 --> 00:57:05,599 to that church and fellowship 1145 00:57:05,599 --> 00:57:06,460 with Jim anymore. 1146 00:57:08,699 --> 00:57:09,480 Oh, no. 1147 00:57:14,920 --> 00:57:17,599 Do our words help resolve conflict 1148 00:57:17,599 --> 00:57:18,519 or make it worse? 1149 00:57:19,719 --> 00:57:21,179 Remember, there's two things 1150 00:57:21,179 --> 00:57:23,380 that you can judge Christianity by. 1151 00:57:23,380 --> 00:57:25,099 When you walk into a church 1152 00:57:25,099 --> 00:57:26,039 or when you're people 1153 00:57:26,039 --> 00:57:28,059 and you see chaos and confusion, 1154 00:57:28,059 --> 00:57:29,739 that's not God. 1155 00:57:30,780 --> 00:57:31,699 What is God? 1156 00:57:32,440 --> 00:57:35,320 Peace that passes all understanding, 1157 00:57:36,820 --> 00:57:38,380 understanding, unity, love. 1158 00:57:40,880 --> 00:57:42,300 Are we more committed 1159 00:57:42,300 --> 00:57:44,519 to defending our pride 1160 00:57:45,539 --> 00:57:46,960 than preserving unity? 1161 00:57:47,820 --> 00:57:49,219 We should always have 1162 00:57:49,219 --> 00:57:51,440 the priority of preserving unity, 1163 00:57:51,440 --> 00:57:53,039 not at any cost. 1164 00:57:54,079 --> 00:57:55,000 I'm not saying that. 1165 00:57:55,380 --> 00:57:56,320 There are limitations. 1166 00:57:56,719 --> 00:57:57,480 There are boundaries 1167 00:57:57,480 --> 00:57:58,880 that God's given us, 1168 00:58:00,460 --> 00:58:02,579 but we don't have to have our own way. 1169 00:58:02,780 --> 00:58:04,079 We don't have to be right, 1170 00:58:04,760 --> 00:58:06,500 as I used to think I had to be. 1171 00:58:07,880 --> 00:58:09,940 Are we so self-absorbed 1172 00:58:09,940 --> 00:58:12,719 in our own thoughts and rights 1173 00:58:13,280 --> 00:58:15,679 while excluding opinions 1174 00:58:15,679 --> 00:58:17,460 and convictions of others? 1175 00:58:17,940 --> 00:58:18,579 Now, that hurts. 1176 00:58:19,440 --> 00:58:20,239 Somebody's convicted 1177 00:58:20,239 --> 00:58:21,260 that this is the way 1178 00:58:21,260 --> 00:58:22,059 they should live 1179 00:58:22,059 --> 00:58:23,940 or they shouldn't eat meat 1180 00:58:23,940 --> 00:58:25,460 or they should be a vegetarian. 1181 00:58:25,659 --> 00:58:26,280 Who am I to say, 1182 00:58:26,360 --> 00:58:27,019 well, you're wrong. 1183 00:58:28,159 --> 00:58:29,940 You know, there's varied things 1184 00:58:29,940 --> 00:58:31,760 in the kingdom of God, 1185 00:58:32,559 --> 00:58:34,099 and we all have 1186 00:58:34,099 --> 00:58:35,320 many different convictions. 1187 00:58:36,840 --> 00:58:39,260 The enemy outside Israel 1188 00:58:39,260 --> 00:58:40,719 had been defeated, 1189 00:58:40,780 --> 00:58:43,219 yes, by and large, 1190 00:58:43,639 --> 00:58:44,639 not all the way, 1191 00:58:45,720 --> 00:58:48,219 but the conflict within Israel 1192 00:58:48,219 --> 00:58:50,079 approved even more destructive 1193 00:58:50,079 --> 00:58:51,039 to its people, 1194 00:58:51,099 --> 00:58:51,960 because why? 1195 00:58:52,179 --> 00:58:54,780 They didn't lay hold of the truth. 1196 00:58:56,159 --> 00:58:56,860 Kill the people, 1197 00:58:57,119 --> 00:58:58,159 get rid of them, 1198 00:58:58,659 --> 00:58:59,900 take the spoils, 1199 00:59:00,420 --> 00:59:01,199 take the houses 1200 00:59:01,199 --> 00:59:02,260 that you didn't build, 1201 00:59:03,000 --> 00:59:04,139 harvest the vineyards 1202 00:59:04,139 --> 00:59:05,139 that you didn't make 1203 00:59:05,139 --> 00:59:06,679 and live unto me. 1204 00:59:06,860 --> 00:59:07,940 But yet they left, 1205 00:59:08,159 --> 00:59:08,820 as we know, 1206 00:59:09,059 --> 00:59:10,380 pockets of individuals, 1207 00:59:10,679 --> 00:59:11,400 which then what? 1208 00:59:12,340 --> 00:59:13,099 Influenced them 1209 00:59:13,099 --> 00:59:14,699 because of the idols 1210 00:59:14,699 --> 00:59:16,500 and the worship 1211 00:59:16,500 --> 00:59:17,840 that they had 1212 00:59:18,219 --> 00:59:20,219 then they started to intermarry, 1213 00:59:20,280 --> 00:59:23,179 then they started to follow idolatry, 1214 00:59:23,699 --> 00:59:25,780 and then we have this downward slide 1215 00:59:25,780 --> 00:59:27,880 to civil war. 1216 00:59:28,679 --> 00:59:29,300 Well, I'm right. 1217 00:59:29,420 --> 00:59:29,880 You're wrong. 1218 00:59:30,980 --> 00:59:32,199 This should remind us 1219 00:59:32,199 --> 00:59:33,500 that preserving unity 1220 00:59:33,500 --> 00:59:35,000 requires three things, 1221 00:59:35,739 --> 00:59:36,099 humility, 1222 00:59:36,559 --> 00:59:37,119 restraint, 1223 00:59:37,519 --> 00:59:38,139 and a willingness 1224 00:59:38,139 --> 00:59:40,179 to resolve disagreements 1225 00:59:40,179 --> 00:59:42,500 before they become destructive. 1226 00:59:43,139 --> 00:59:44,059 So let's take a look. 1227 00:59:44,920 --> 00:59:46,480 How should we accomplish 1228 00:59:46,480 --> 00:59:47,820 these things then? 1229 00:59:47,820 --> 00:59:49,400 What's that mean, humility? 1230 00:59:49,679 --> 00:59:50,760 What's that mean, restraint? 1231 00:59:51,579 --> 00:59:52,480 And because it's time, 1232 00:59:52,559 --> 00:59:53,559 I'll just go to the end. 1233 00:59:54,360 --> 00:59:55,119 We want to accomplish 1234 00:59:55,119 --> 00:59:56,800 these things by the following. 1235 00:59:57,960 --> 00:59:59,659 The principle is this, humility. 1236 01:00:00,079 --> 01:00:00,800 Well, what is that? 1237 01:00:01,659 --> 01:00:02,460 It's putting others 1238 01:00:02,460 --> 01:00:03,599 before ourselves. 1239 01:00:04,440 --> 01:00:05,840 More important than us. 1240 01:00:05,960 --> 01:00:06,760 That's been said 1241 01:00:06,760 --> 01:00:07,800 and thank you for that. 1242 01:00:09,460 --> 01:00:11,159 As long as we have that in mind, 1243 01:00:11,780 --> 01:00:12,739 we will be humble. 1244 01:00:14,300 --> 01:00:15,400 Now, you can't glory 1245 01:00:15,400 --> 01:00:16,300 in your humility. 1246 01:00:16,559 --> 01:00:17,039 That's another. 1247 01:00:17,039 --> 01:00:18,400 That's false humility. 1248 01:00:19,219 --> 01:00:20,699 God even talks about that. 1249 01:00:22,380 --> 01:00:23,539 Philippians 2.3 says, 1250 01:00:23,860 --> 01:00:25,260 in loneliness of mind, 1251 01:00:25,360 --> 01:00:26,659 let each esteem other 1252 01:00:26,659 --> 01:00:28,099 better than yourselves. 1253 01:00:33,040 --> 01:00:33,760 Restraint. 1254 01:00:34,119 --> 01:00:34,639 That's important. 1255 01:00:35,920 --> 01:00:37,599 Controlling our reactions 1256 01:00:37,599 --> 01:00:38,780 rather than allowing 1257 01:00:38,780 --> 01:00:41,559 our reactions to control us. 1258 01:00:41,619 --> 01:00:42,719 That's a big statement. 1259 01:00:43,420 --> 01:00:44,900 Well, you know, okay, 1260 01:00:44,900 --> 01:00:46,440 here comes the old man. 1261 01:00:46,440 --> 01:00:47,260 Put it down. 1262 01:00:49,039 --> 01:00:49,860 Control it. 1263 01:00:51,219 --> 01:00:51,880 James 1.9, 1264 01:00:52,059 --> 01:00:54,539 let every man be swift to hear, 1265 01:00:55,519 --> 01:00:56,500 slow to speak 1266 01:00:56,500 --> 01:00:58,400 and slow to wrath. 1267 01:00:59,199 --> 01:01:00,420 Anybody say amen to that? 1268 01:01:02,159 --> 01:01:02,519 All right. 1269 01:01:03,139 --> 01:01:04,219 Here's some things. 1270 01:01:05,880 --> 01:01:07,659 Think before responding. 1271 01:01:08,639 --> 01:01:09,380 All of a sudden, 1272 01:01:09,380 --> 01:01:10,500 the words come out 1273 01:01:10,500 --> 01:01:11,639 and now they're out there 1274 01:01:11,639 --> 01:01:12,300 and they're public 1275 01:01:12,300 --> 01:01:13,920 and oh my gosh, I wish 1276 01:01:13,920 --> 01:01:14,780 I wouldn't have said that. 1277 01:01:15,059 --> 01:01:16,179 Everybody been in that? 1278 01:01:16,440 --> 01:01:17,119 Yeah, I have. 1279 01:01:19,559 --> 01:01:21,539 Don't allow our actions 1280 01:01:23,579 --> 01:01:25,460 to dictate our behavior. 1281 01:01:26,480 --> 01:01:28,679 Well, if that's the way you feel, 1282 01:01:29,519 --> 01:01:30,440 you know, then you go off. 1283 01:01:32,019 --> 01:01:33,579 Know when to remain silent. 1284 01:01:33,760 --> 01:01:35,000 Boy, that's precious, isn't it? 1285 01:01:36,119 --> 01:01:37,460 People don't know your position 1286 01:01:37,460 --> 01:01:38,579 until you open your mouth 1287 01:01:39,480 --> 01:01:42,260 and then you reveal who you are 1288 01:01:42,260 --> 01:01:44,480 by your conversation. 1289 01:01:45,099 --> 01:01:47,119 Refuse to fuel disagreements 1290 01:01:47,920 --> 01:01:49,320 or take sides. 1291 01:01:50,740 --> 01:01:52,480 Well, all of you are against Gail, 1292 01:01:52,579 --> 01:01:53,940 but I'm on her side because, 1293 01:01:54,700 --> 01:01:56,199 you know, you don't take sides. 1294 01:01:56,900 --> 01:01:57,579 You calm. 1295 01:01:58,239 --> 01:01:59,480 Remember like Gideon did. 1296 01:01:59,619 --> 01:02:01,500 He calmed Ephraim. 1297 01:02:02,500 --> 01:02:04,440 Willingness to resolve disagreements. 1298 01:02:06,420 --> 01:02:07,539 Pursue reconciliation 1299 01:02:07,539 --> 01:02:09,619 rather than winning arguments. 1300 01:02:10,320 --> 01:02:11,380 That was my big thing. 1301 01:02:11,500 --> 01:02:12,599 I want to win the argument. 1302 01:02:14,679 --> 01:02:17,519 Think and talk directly 1303 01:02:17,519 --> 01:02:19,539 with the person involved. 1304 01:02:19,739 --> 01:02:20,860 We talked about that. 1305 01:02:22,139 --> 01:02:24,880 Be willing to apologize and forget. 1306 01:02:25,840 --> 01:02:27,900 And please don't keep bringing up 1307 01:02:27,900 --> 01:02:31,440 forgiveness of forgiven offenses. 1308 01:02:31,980 --> 01:02:33,760 Leave them die the death 1309 01:02:33,760 --> 01:02:34,739 that they deserve. 1310 01:02:35,320 --> 01:02:36,119 And after a while, 1311 01:02:36,159 --> 01:02:36,980 you don't even know 1312 01:02:36,980 --> 01:02:37,900 that they existed. 1313 01:02:39,519 --> 01:02:41,719 So in closing, 1314 01:02:42,699 --> 01:02:44,320 preserving unity requires 1315 01:02:44,320 --> 01:02:46,559 each of us to be more concerned 1316 01:02:46,559 --> 01:02:48,239 about honoring Christ 1317 01:02:48,960 --> 01:02:51,380 and protecting our relationships 1318 01:02:51,380 --> 01:02:52,400 with each other 1319 01:02:52,400 --> 01:02:55,360 than defending our personal preferences, 1320 01:02:56,139 --> 01:02:57,780 opinions, and pride. 1321 01:02:58,800 --> 01:02:59,199 Remember that. 1322 01:03:00,059 --> 01:03:01,579 And one last exhortation, 1323 01:03:01,679 --> 01:03:03,659 which is a quote that I got 1324 01:03:03,659 --> 01:03:04,619 not too long ago. 1325 01:03:05,639 --> 01:03:07,079 Let's be people who bring 1326 01:03:07,079 --> 01:03:07,940 others together 1327 01:03:07,940 --> 01:03:09,320 rather than allow ourselves 1328 01:03:09,320 --> 01:03:10,360 to become the reason 1329 01:03:10,360 --> 01:03:11,539 that they're pulled apart. 1330 01:03:12,659 --> 01:03:14,139 Don't be part of anything 1331 01:03:14,139 --> 01:03:14,679 like that. 1332 01:03:15,480 --> 01:03:16,019 All right. 1333 01:03:16,960 --> 01:03:18,059 Lord, we thank you 1334 01:03:18,059 --> 01:03:19,179 for this conversation. 1335 01:03:20,260 --> 01:03:21,639 We thank you so much 1336 01:03:21,639 --> 01:03:24,579 that we have been redeemed. 1337 01:03:25,800 --> 01:03:27,900 And we're not standing up here 1338 01:03:27,900 --> 01:03:29,179 and parsing words 1339 01:03:30,059 --> 01:03:33,239 and defining separations 1340 01:03:33,239 --> 01:03:34,099 as righteous, 1341 01:03:34,699 --> 01:03:36,539 but we're seeking to have unity 1342 01:03:36,539 --> 01:03:39,019 with ourselves with one another. 1343 01:03:39,920 --> 01:03:41,239 With you, Lord. 1344 01:03:42,219 --> 01:03:43,099 And we ask, Lord, 1345 01:03:43,099 --> 01:03:44,280 as we go our way, 1346 01:03:44,280 --> 01:03:45,880 that we'll take these things home 1347 01:03:45,880 --> 01:03:46,500 with us 1348 01:03:47,259 --> 01:03:48,340 and that you'll put a watch 1349 01:03:48,340 --> 01:03:49,380 before our lips 1350 01:03:50,280 --> 01:03:51,800 that it will love 1351 01:03:52,699 --> 01:03:54,219 and esteem our mates, 1352 01:03:54,880 --> 01:03:55,639 our friends. 1353 01:03:56,500 --> 01:03:59,019 Lord, these things are precious. 1354 01:03:59,820 --> 01:04:00,820 So we thank you 1355 01:04:00,820 --> 01:04:02,780 for giving us the courage 1356 01:04:02,780 --> 01:04:04,139 and the patience 1357 01:04:04,139 --> 01:04:05,480 to walk your kingdom 1358 01:04:05,480 --> 01:04:06,539 out in our life 1359 01:04:06,539 --> 01:04:08,920 as an expression of what we do 1360 01:04:08,920 --> 01:04:09,840 and what we think 1361 01:04:09,840 --> 01:04:11,480 in the name of Jesus, 1362 01:04:11,699 --> 01:04:12,480 everyone said. 1363 01:04:12,480 --> 01:04:13,199 Amen. 1364 01:04:13,920 --> 01:04:14,780 God bless you. 1365 01:04:15,179 --> 01:04:15,400 Amen. 1366 01:04:19,460 --> 01:04:21,019 Thanks for joining us 1367 01:04:21,019 --> 01:04:22,380 at Lansdale Life Church 1368 01:04:22,380 --> 01:04:23,559 as we praise God 1369 01:04:23,559 --> 01:04:24,920 and discuss His word. 1370 01:04:25,599 --> 01:04:26,840 Don't forget to join us 1371 01:04:26,840 --> 01:04:28,639 for Worship Lives Sunday mornings 1372 01:04:28,639 --> 01:04:31,059 at 10 a.m. Eastern on YouTube. 1373 01:04:32,039 --> 01:04:32,519 Be blessed 1374 01:04:32,519 --> 01:04:34,159 and have a great day.