WEBVTT 00:06:49.190 --> 00:06:51.090 各位早安,請坐下 00:06:51.090 --> 00:06:54.250 歡迎收看Share Foundation Baptist Church 00:06:54.250 --> 00:06:56.210 我們今天要唱的歌曲是 379 00:06:56.210 --> 00:06:58.180 379 00:06:58.180 --> 00:07:01.250 "Bringing In the Sheaves" 00:07:01.250 --> 00:07:03.200 "Bringing In the Sheaves" 00:07:03.200 --> 00:07:05.160 379 00:07:05.160 --> 00:07:08.150 379,第一首 00:07:08.150 --> 00:07:11.320 "Sowing in the morning" 00:07:11.320 --> 00:07:13.370 "Sowing seeds of kindness" 00:07:13.370 --> 00:07:15.330 "Sowing in the new time" 00:07:15.330 --> 00:07:17.370 "Waiting for the harvest" 00:07:17.370 --> 00:07:21.830 "The time of reaping" 00:07:21.830 --> 00:07:24.410 "We shall come re-growing" 00:07:24.410 --> 00:07:26.650 "We shall come rejoicing" 00:07:26.650 --> 00:07:28.600 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:30.970 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:30.970 --> 00:07:33.180 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:35.690 "We shall come rejoicing" 00:07:35.690 --> 00:07:37.650 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:37.650 --> 00:07:39.610 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:39.610 --> 00:07:41.820 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:41.820 --> 00:07:44.200 "We shall come rejoicing" 00:07:44.200 --> 00:07:46.650 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:07:46.650 --> 00:07:48.610 "Sowing in the sunshine" 00:07:48.610 --> 00:07:50.920 "Sowing in the shadows" 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:52.880 "Fearing neither the sun nor the moon" 00:07:52.880 --> 00:07:54.840 "We shall come rejoicing" 00:07:54.840 --> 00:07:56.890 "Sowing in the shadows" 00:07:56.890 --> 00:08:16.710 "Fearing neither clouds" 00:08:16.710 --> 00:08:27.430 "Chilling shall come" 00:08:27.430 --> 00:08:32.370 "She shall come rejoicing" 00:08:32.370 --> 00:08:47.870 "She forth with we" 00:08:47.870 --> 00:08:53.390 "We shall come rejoicing" 00:08:53.390 --> 00:09:00.920 "Bringing in the sheaves" 00:09:00.920 --> 00:09:08.530 "She shall come rejoicing" 00:09:08.530 --> 00:09:14.610 "She shall come rejoicing" 00:09:14.610 --> 00:09:26.650 "She shall come rejoicing" 00:09:26.650 --> 00:09:28.860 "She shall come rejoicing" 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:31.560 Good singing brother Jerry, can you please clean us up with a word of prayer? 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:46.630 Revive Us Again, song 343, song 343 in your handbooks, 343, Revive Us Again, 343, on the 1st. 00:09:46.630 --> 00:09:52.960 We praise thee, O God, for the son of thy love 00:09:52.960 --> 00:11:20.830 For Jesus who died, the glory of thy spiritual savior 00:11:20.830 --> 00:11:49.330 Some announcement. 00:11:49.330 --> 00:11:52.340 To Foundation Baptist Church, today is the Orthodox Easter. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:59.530 They want to do everything different, but raise your hand if you need a bulletin and the usher will bring one to you. 00:11:59.530 --> 00:12:02.670 They must be calculating that the feast day is wrong or something. 00:12:02.670 --> 00:12:04.630 They might get a new moon wrong. 00:12:04.630 --> 00:12:07.730 Maybe Artemis can show them the moon. 00:12:07.730 --> 00:12:12.120 Anyway, the verse of the week is Matthew 4, verse 19. 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:18.140 Jesus Christ said this, and he said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 00:12:18.140 --> 00:12:21.080 That means if you're not winning souls to Christ, then you're not following Jesus. 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:23.110 That's a great verse here. 00:12:23.110 --> 00:12:25.100 Let's look at the inside page. 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:27.090 We're on YouTube, Facebook, Rumble, and X. 00:12:27.090 --> 00:12:30.070 Although Facebook has been on me yesterday. 00:12:30.070 --> 00:12:34.040 Facebook took down five of my posts just one day for some reason. 00:12:34.040 --> 00:12:38.020 It must be super triggered with my dog picture. 00:12:38.020 --> 00:12:41.740 Yeah, whatever. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:46.710 Service time Sunday morning at 11, Sunday afternoon service at 4. 00:12:46.710 --> 00:12:48.690 Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. 00:12:48.690 --> 00:12:52.670 We finished the book of Ruth and then we're going to start a new book this coming Wednesday. 00:12:52.670 --> 00:12:56.650 We're going to do the book of Acts by Luke. 00:12:56.650 --> 00:13:00.740 So Acts of the Apostles, we're going to go through it verse by verse. 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:03.720 Probably going to break up the chapters up a little bit. 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:11.660 So if you are local in the area, please join us to study the new book. 00:13:11.660 --> 00:13:18.060 We have soul winning this afternoon at 1.30 and Saturday morning soul winning at 10.30 a.m. 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:27.030 Yesterday we have a total of 17 soul winners and 20 plus salvations with the college, the group up north, Omi TV. 00:13:27.030 --> 00:13:31.020 So it's a great day yesterday and the butler was fun. 00:13:31.020 --> 00:13:34.000 It's a preview of the college soul winning marathon planned out this year. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:42.450 We'll be going to IU Bloomington, Chicago State, Purdue University, somewhere else, whatever. 00:13:42.450 --> 00:13:44.430 I'm pretty sure the list will grow. 00:13:44.430 --> 00:13:51.390 Upcoming events, so on Sunday, May 24th, we'll be meeting at a different location, just like last year, 00:13:51.390 --> 00:13:59.510 because of the Indy 500 lease restriction, so more details to come on May 24th. 00:13:59.510 --> 00:14:04.460 That's just a once a year thing because of the location of the building stuff. 00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:12.890 Also, I have posted the QR code for the Gary soul winning marathon, as well as the IU Bloomington soul winning marathon, back to back soul winning. 00:14:12.890 --> 00:14:20.840 So that's going to be fun. Please go to GodResource.com if you want to RSVP or you can RSVP at the church. 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:30.880 So I can get a head count. But all the meetup locations, details, time is on the QR code. It's on GodResource.com. 00:14:30.880 --> 00:14:40.410 You can even filter. It's a very cool website with all the events, soul winning, college things. So feel free to use that resource. 00:14:40.410 --> 00:14:49.560 April,Sunday,Afternoon preaching schedule is for you to see. If you want to know how to be saved or needs to be baptized, please see an actual myself after the service. 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:57.500 On the back you can see the birthdays coming up for the month of April. We'll be seeing, have your head birthday to them during the afternoon service. 00:14:57.500 --> 00:15:04.510 So also we have a place for you to take sermon notes. I mean it's a great way for you to remind yourself what's being preached. 00:15:04.510 --> 00:15:11.470 It might help you to write your own sermons in the future. Maybe you can borrow the outlines. There's nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you study your own sermon. 00:15:11.470 --> 00:15:17.430 So that's a resource for you. So with that being said, let's sing one more song and then we'll take out the offering. 00:15:17.430 --> 00:15:30.060 Alright everybody, please take out your binders and go to Psalm 139, the non-hateful version of Psalm 139. 00:15:30.060 --> 00:17:17.430 Psalm 139, on the 1st, on the 1st. 00:17:17.430 --> 00:17:39.260 Please come up. Stephen, can you please pray for the offering? 00:17:39.260 --> 00:18:19.160 Amen. 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:21.070 Alright, we'll be in Matthew chapter 4 this morning. 00:18:21.070 --> 00:18:25.510 Do you know the Bible? Raise your hand and I'll show you what we're providing one for you. 00:18:25.510 --> 00:18:32.970 Matthew chapter 4, the Bible reads, 00:18:32.970 --> 00:18:36.880 "Then was Jesus led up to the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:42.560 and when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward had hungered. 00:18:42.560 --> 00:18:44.700 And when the tempter came to him, he said, 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:49.170 'If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.' 00:18:49.170 --> 00:18:55.080 But he answered and said, 'It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that preceded out of the mouth of God.' 00:18:55.080 --> 00:19:01.550 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and instead of him on the pinnacle of the temple, 00:19:01.550 --> 00:19:05.490 and saith unto him, 'If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down.' 00:19:05.490 --> 00:19:12.560 For it is written, 'He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up.' 00:19:12.560 --> 00:19:16.320 Thus at any time, now dash thy foot against the stone.' 00:19:16.320 --> 00:19:21.780 Jesus said unto him, 'It is written,' again, 'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.' 00:19:21.780 --> 00:19:31.020 Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. 00:19:31.020 --> 00:19:37.450 And saith he unto him, 'All these things will I give thee, that thou wilt fall down and worship me.' 00:19:37.450 --> 00:19:44.610 Then saith Jesus unto him, 'Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.' 00:19:44.610 --> 00:19:51.400 Then the devil leaveeth him, and behold angels came and ministered unto him. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:20:21.990 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, and he departed into Galilee, and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, and the borders of Zebulun and Nephtalum, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Asiath, the prophet, saying, 'The land of Zebulun and the land of Nephtalum, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee, of the Gentiles, the people which sat in darkness, saw great light, and to them which sat in the region, and in shadow of death, lie the earth.' 00:20:21.990 --> 00:20:27.590 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 00:20:27.590 --> 00:20:36.520 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. 00:20:36.520 --> 00:20:40.450 And he saith unto them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' 00:20:40.450 --> 00:20:43.410 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 00:20:43.410 --> 00:20:57.620 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, and his ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 00:20:57.620 --> 00:21:13.060 And they immediately left the ship, and their father, and followed him.And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people. 00:21:13.060 --> 00:21:39.030 And his fame went throughout all Syria, and they brought unto him all sick people, that they were taken with diverse diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy, and he healed them.And there followed him great multitudes of people, from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. 00:21:39.030 --> 00:21:51.620 Brother Matthew, could you pray us to the service? 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:55.590 Yes, Amen. You are in Matthew chapter 4. Look at verse number 18, Matthew 4.18. 00:21:55.590 --> 00:22:04.610 The Bible says, "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. 00:22:04.610 --> 00:22:11.760 And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.And they straightway left their nets, and followed him." 00:22:11.760 --> 00:22:16.800 And the title of the sermon this morning is called "Follow Me." 00:22:16.800 --> 00:22:23.760 And people, including Christians, have some warped ideas about the concept of "followship." 00:22:23.760 --> 00:22:28.720 So I look up the definition of the word "followship." 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:41.750 Followship is the capacity of people to effectively support leaders, contribute to team goals, and exercise independent judgment within an organizational structure. 00:22:41.750 --> 00:22:55.530 Some Christians would make claims that we should never follow a man, but only follow Christ, while others think that we should follow a man to the bitter end. 00:22:55.530 --> 00:23:01.560 So we have two extremes of the warped ideas of the so-called "followship." 00:23:01.560 --> 00:23:08.500 So this morning I want to preach a sermon called "Follow Me" just to tell you what the Bible teaches about the concept of "followship." 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:12.560 Point number one, the call to follow Christ. 00:23:12.560 --> 00:23:13.600 The call to follow Christ. 00:23:13.600 --> 00:23:16.530 Look at verse number 19 again, Matthew 419. 00:23:16.530 --> 00:23:22.090 The Bible says, "And he said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 00:23:22.090 --> 00:23:26.050 And they straightway left their nets and followed him." 00:23:26.050 --> 00:23:30.120 So Jesus Christ wants people to follow him. 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:35.040 And the only way to be fishers of men, also known as soul winners, is to follow Christ. 00:23:35.040 --> 00:23:37.090 Look at verse 21. 00:23:37.090 --> 00:23:49.150 "And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, Jim, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee, that their father men in their nets, and he called them. 00:23:49.150 --> 00:23:55.180 And they immediately," don't miss this, "left the ship, and their father, and followed him." 00:23:55.180 --> 00:24:01.790 That means sometimes following Christ means you have to forsake your career, right? 00:24:01.790 --> 00:24:07.430 They left their ship, and also forsake your human relationships. 00:24:07.430 --> 00:24:11.430 They left their ship, and they left their father, and they followed Christ. 00:24:11.430 --> 00:24:16.390 Because sometimes following Christ means you have to forsake earthly things. 00:24:16.390 --> 00:24:23.590 Earthly careers, earthly relationships, friendships, so on and so forth. 00:24:23.590 --> 00:24:29.550 Now we should try our best to maintain our peace with all men, if that's possible. 00:24:29.550 --> 00:24:32.610 But sometimes it's not possible, right? 00:24:32.610 --> 00:24:36.530 Sometimes in order to follow Christ, we have to cut bad friends off. 00:24:36.530 --> 00:24:39.160 We have to cut wicked family members off. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:43.610 And sometimes we even have to cut other Christians off, right? 00:24:43.610 --> 00:24:44.890 In order for us to follow Christ. 00:24:44.890 --> 00:24:46.910 Now turn to Matthew chapter 8. 00:24:46.910 --> 00:24:52.600 Matthew chapter number 8, look at verse number 18. 00:24:52.600 --> 00:24:55.580 Matthew 8, 18, the Bible says this. 00:24:55.580 --> 00:25:01.550 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandments to depart onto the other side. 00:25:01.550 --> 00:25:09.510 And a certain scribe came and said unto him, "Master, I will follow thee, whithersoever thou goest." 00:25:09.510 --> 00:25:16.720 So the scribe decided to follow Jesus, but then Jesus Christ told him the cause to follow him. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:26.110 Look at verse 20.And Jesus said unto him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of man have not where to lay his head." 00:25:26.110 --> 00:25:34.120 So Christ was essentially saying this.If you want to follow me, it may cost you something. 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:40.770 You may lose your comfort.You may lose the place to stay.You may be struggling to find a place to sleep. 00:25:40.770 --> 00:25:56.820 You might be evicted.So at first describe wanting to follow Christ.But then Jesus Christ told him the cost to follow him is that sometimes you may lose the place to stay.You may lose your comfort. 00:25:56.820 --> 00:26:14.180 Let's look at Matthew 8.21.And another of his disciples said unto him,Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.But Jeah said unto him,Follow me,and let the dead bury their dead." 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:25.550 This is not talking about having the dead people burying themselves.And the word dead can mean physically dead or spiritually dead. 00:26:25.550 --> 00:26:33.740 I think it makes more sense that the dead here means spiritually dead.The Bible says in Ephesians 2 verse number 1, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:41.760 And you have the quicken who are dead in trespasses and sins.Before we were saved,we were dead in trespasses and sins. 00:26:41.760 --> 00:26:54.390 So I think Matthew 8 verse 22 means that to let those people who are spiritually dead handle earthly matters while you prioritize following Christ. 00:26:54.390 --> 00:27:02.770 For example,if your parents are not saved,you need to prioritize serving Christ first.Amen,let the dead bury the dead. 00:27:02.770 --> 00:27:14.940 Now go to Matthew chapter 10.Look at verse 37,Matthew chapter 10 verse 37.The Bible says this. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:26.850 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,and he that taketh not his cross and follows after me is not worthy of me. 00:27:26.850 --> 00:27:38.380 See,if your parents want you to stop going to church and you cave into that pressure,then you are not following Christ.Then you are loving your parents more than you love Christ.Amen? 00:27:38.380 --> 00:27:52.850 If you won't obey Jesus because you are afraid of disappointing your parents,then you are not following Christ.If your children keep you out of church and you let them,then you are loving your children more than you love Christ.Right? 00:27:52.850 --> 00:28:21.580 If you defend your family when they are wrong,rather than standing for the truth,then you are loving your family more than Christ.If your family prefers traditions over the scripture and you let these traditions influence your life,then you are loving your family more than Christ.If you can't follow Christ because it will strain a family relationship,then you are loving your family more than Christ. 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:32.480 The Bible says if you love your father,mother or like anyone more than Jesus,you are not worthy of him,right?You are not really following Christ. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:53.780 Going to Matthew 16,Matthew 16,look at verse 24,Matthew 16,verse 24.The Bible says this,then said Jesus unto his disciples,if any man will come after me,let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 00:28:53.780 --> 00:29:04.220 So in order for someone to follow Christ,they need to take up his cross,meaning to die to self,die to their own desires and follow the will of God. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:13.350 Verse 25 says this,for whosoever will save his life shall lose it,and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 00:29:13.350 --> 00:29:19.280 Sometimes following Christ even means that we need to sacrifice our own physical life. 00:29:19.280 --> 00:29:24.940 Go to the Bible to Ephesians chapter 5. 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:28.040 The Bible talks a lot about the concept of followership. 00:29:28.040 --> 00:29:30.000 Jesus Christ wants us to follow him. 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:37.060 He wants us to prefer him above everything else,above anyone else. 00:29:37.060 --> 00:29:40.870 Ephesians chapter 5,look at verse number 1. 00:29:40.870 --> 00:29:46.230 Ephesians 5.1 says this,be ye therefore followers of God as their children. 00:29:46.230 --> 00:29:52.860 So as children should follow their earthly parents,so we should follow God the father as well,right? 00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:54.100 Look at verse number 2. 00:29:54.100 --> 00:30:05.020 And walking love,that's how you follow God,and walking love as Christ also had loved us,and had given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for sweet smelling savour. 00:30:05.020 --> 00:30:20.000 But fornication,and all uncleanness or covetousness,let it not be one's name among you,as become of sins,neither filthiness,nor foolish talking,nor jesting,which are not convenient,but rather giving of thanks. 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:29.520 So this passage tells us that in order for us to be followers of God,we need to flee from sin,right? 00:30:29.520 --> 00:30:36.460 We need to flee from fornication,cleanness,covetousness,all these filthy thoughts,filthy jokes. 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:41.510 And one thing I do want to bring up on this list is jesting,okay? 00:30:41.510 --> 00:30:54.760 I don't think this is talking about that we should never tell jokes at all,because the context is filthiness and foolish talking,which are not convenient,which are not proper. 00:30:54.760 --> 00:31:09.180 So jesting here is not about innocent humor,but,you know,it's talking about those coarse,suggestive,inappropriate jokes,okay? 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:22.740 For example,we should never joke about divorce.Things like,you know,if you don't listen to me,I'm gonna divorce you,hey,that's a wicked,that's a wicked statement,amen? 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:24.690 And we should never joke about railing as well. 00:31:24.690 --> 00:31:33.330 Sometimes people will throw out this word,you know,you are railing as a joke when someone says something that's false unintentionally. 00:31:33.330 --> 00:31:41.420 For example,if I say something like,you know,I think brother,I think brother Rishi was a police chief in,you know,India.Oh,that's railing,you know. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:49.200 Again,we should never joke about something that's clearly wicked,okay?Not everything is,not everything is railing. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:57.060 And we should never use that word flippantly.Don't,don't joke about something that will get people kicked out of the church,amen? 00:31:57.060 --> 00:32:06.260 Also,if someone misquotes a Bible verse,don't say things like,hey,hey,not,not your name is blotted out from,from,from the book of life. 00:32:06.260 --> 00:32:18.090 That's wicked,okay?Don't joke about someone's,someone's eternity,okay?Because we all mess up,we all misquotes things,we all,we all get the facts wrong sometimes. 00:32:18.090 --> 00:32:25.140 Not,not everything is railing,not,not everything is,you know,blotted out of the book of life,okay? 00:32:25.140 --> 00:32:30.440 And also,we should never joke about that penalty offenses either. 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:40.920 There,there,there have been times when,when kids just,you know,played innocently with their parents,and they,and they "hit" them. 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:46.780 And people were like,hey,they shall be put to death.Hey,that's,that's wicked as well. 00:32:46.780 --> 00:32:55.950 Just imagine the impact on the kids,okay?And,you know,if the parents think they are hitting them on purpose,let them,let them deal with it,okay? 00:32:55.950 --> 00:33:05.190 Okay,don't,don't joke about divorce,don't,don't joke about clear,like something that's clearly wicked,don't joke about ruling,don't joke about death penalty offenses,okay? 00:33:05.190 --> 00:33:16.040 Just put away foolish talking,just things which are not convenient.Turn to John chapter 21.John 21.John 21. 00:33:16.040 --> 00:33:30.690 And don't tell your wife she can leave either,okay?That's just stupid talking.John 21,look at verse 18.John 21,look at verse number 18. 00:33:30.690 --> 00:33:58.980 The Bible says,verily,verily,I say unto thee,when thou was young,thou girdest thyself,and walkest whither thou wouldest;but when thou shalt be old,thou shalt stretch forth thy hands;and another shall gird thee and carry thee,whither thou wouldest not.This spake he,signifying by what death he should glorify God;and when he has spoken this,he said unto him,follow me. 00:33:58.980 --> 00:34:14.760 So here Christ is prophesying how Peter would die,right?Peter would die,you know,people think that he,you know,died on the cross because he stretched forth his hand and like how Jesus Christ was crucified. 00:34:14.760 --> 00:34:24.260 So verse 18 talks about,you know,the prophecy on how Peter would die,okay?How Peter would die for following Christ. 00:34:24.260 --> 00:34:32.830 But then in verse 19,after he prophesied this,notice what Jesus Christ said at the end of verse number 19,follow me. 00:34:32.830 --> 00:34:41.030 That's pretty amazing if you think about it,you know,this means we should follow Christ even if it means death. 00:34:41.030 --> 00:34:46.960 Jesus Christ is basically telling Peter,hey,you will die for following me,but follow me anyway. 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:53.050 Notice the sequence,verse 18,you will die,verse 19,follow me anyway. 00:34:53.050 --> 00:34:59.000 So Christ calls us to follow him even when he knows it may cost us our life. 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:02.580 See,followship is not conditional based on the outcome. 00:35:02.580 --> 00:35:06.720 Followship is obedience regardless of the outcome,right? 00:35:06.720 --> 00:35:13.600 And that's a hard saying,and Christ knows some people will literally die if they follow him, 00:35:13.600 --> 00:35:18.540 but he expects us to follow him anyway because it is right. 00:35:18.540 --> 00:35:28.660 Turn to Romans 12,Romans chapter number 12,Romans chapter number 12. 00:35:28.660 --> 00:35:41.140 Some people may think that is extreme,that is crazy,but this is not really unreasonable 00:35:41.140 --> 00:35:49.670 because Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for you,so even if you give your life for Christ,that's still reasonable. 00:35:49.670 --> 00:36:01.680 Romans 12 says this,I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice wholly acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service. 00:36:01.680 --> 00:36:14.700 The word reasonable means not extreme,not excessive,moderate,fair.It's fair for you,it's moderate for you to sacrifice your life for Christ. 00:36:14.700 --> 00:36:23.580 Think about this,Jesus went to hell for you.So even if you die a physical death,you will go to heaven anyway.You will never go to hell. 00:36:23.580 --> 00:36:31.780 So why are you complaining about following Christ?You will never face hell,so why fearing anything the world can do to you,right? 00:36:31.780 --> 00:36:44.100 Go to 2 Corinthians chapter 5,2 Corinthians chapter 5.It's your reasonable service.You know,Christ wants us to follow him even though he knows some of you may die for him. 00:36:44.100 --> 00:37:11.790 St Corinthians chapter 5,book of verse number 14.St Corinthians 5,14 says this,for the love of Christ constraineth us,because we thus judge that if one die for all,then we,then we're all dead,and that he die for all,that they which live,don't miss this,should not henceforth live unto themselves,but unto him which die for him,and rose again. 00:37:11.790 --> 00:37:19.760 Here is what Paul was saying here,follow him even if it means death,because we are no longer living unto ourselves anymore,right? 00:37:19.760 --> 00:37:25.770 We are living for Christ who died for us,so it's reasonable for us to give our life for him. 00:37:25.770 --> 00:37:36.480 I think if every Christian has the mentality of following Christ like the Bible says,the world will be a much different place,right? 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:45.880 Just imagine a fearless army who are not afraid of speaking the truth,always preaching the gospel and dying to themselves every single day. 00:37:45.880 --> 00:37:51.770 Hey,that's a strong army.So will you be enlisted in this army?Will you follow Christ? 00:37:51.770 --> 00:37:58.000 Even if it may cost you something,even if it may cost you your family,your friends or your life. 00:37:58.000 --> 00:38:04.570 So I hope this church family contains many special forces in the Lord's army,amen? 00:38:04.570 --> 00:38:09.210 Go to 1st Corinthians chapter 4,1st Corinthians chapter number 4. 00:38:09.210 --> 00:38:17.970 So point number one,the call to follow Christ.Let me give you the second point. 00:38:17.970 --> 00:38:23.700 The command to follow man,the command to follow man. 00:38:23.700 --> 00:38:30.060 And so many Christians think that we should never follow a man,but the Bible disagrees with them,amen? 00:38:30.060 --> 00:38:35.780 1st Corinthians chapter 4,look at verse number 15.1st Corinthians 4.15 says this. 00:38:35.780 --> 00:38:51.160 For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ,yet have ye not many fathers.For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel,wherefore I beseech you,be ye followers of me. 00:38:51.160 --> 00:38:59.310 So Paul wants people to follow him.Go to 1st Corinthians chapter 11.1st Corinthians chapter 11. 00:38:59.310 --> 00:39:08.180 1 Corinthians 11 verse 1, the Bible says, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 00:39:08.180 --> 00:39:13.430 Notice, Paul did not shy away from saying "follow me." 00:39:13.430 --> 00:39:20.060 In fact, Paul rebuked people for only "following Christ." 00:39:20.060 --> 00:39:23.880 Now let's go to 1 Corinthians chapter 1. 00:39:23.880 --> 00:39:26.460 1 Corinthians chapter 1. 00:39:26.460 --> 00:39:30.660 Following man is a biblical concept. 00:39:30.660 --> 00:39:33.420 1 Corinthians chapter 1, look at verse number 11. 00:39:33.420 --> 00:39:35.740 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse number 11. 00:39:35.740 --> 00:39:37.590 The Bible says this. 00:39:37.590 --> 00:39:46.930 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 00:39:46.930 --> 00:39:51.080 So this group has something bad going on, right? 00:39:51.080 --> 00:39:55.030 There are contentions, divisions among this crowd. 00:39:55.030 --> 00:39:56.020 Okay, verse number 12. 00:39:56.020 --> 00:39:57.650 Here's what's wrong. 00:39:57.650 --> 00:40:05.560 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas. 00:40:05.560 --> 00:40:07.570 Don't miss this, and I of Christ. 00:40:07.570 --> 00:40:16.510 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 00:40:16.510 --> 00:40:20.500 Some people will say, you know, I'm a Jesus follower, you know, I don't follow any man. 00:40:20.500 --> 00:40:25.030 That's what Paul is talking about, right? And I of Christ. 00:40:25.030 --> 00:40:29.630 Now the question is, is there anything wrong to follow Christ? 00:40:29.630 --> 00:40:33.870 No, the Bible commands us to follow Christ, to follow God. 00:40:33.870 --> 00:40:40.730 But what are most people doing when they say they only follow Christ? 00:40:40.730 --> 00:40:44.800 They deny human leaders that God has placed in their life, right? 00:40:44.800 --> 00:40:50.770 They say they only follow Christ, but instead they are really following themselves. 00:40:50.770 --> 00:40:53.020 They follow their own opinions. 00:40:53.020 --> 00:40:57.570 People will say, I don't follow any man, that's why I don't go to church. 00:40:57.570 --> 00:41:04.040 But here's a problem. Christ died for the church, and he told us not to forsake the assembly. 00:41:04.040 --> 00:41:08.390 So if you say that, you are not following Christ anyway. 00:41:08.390 --> 00:41:11.840 Because Christ told us to, you know, Christ died for the church. 00:41:11.840 --> 00:41:14.800 So if you don't follow any human leaders, you are not following Christ anyway, right? 00:41:14.800 --> 00:41:17.760 That's why this statement is so stupid. 00:41:17.760 --> 00:41:21.910 I don't follow my husband. I only follow Christ. 00:41:21.910 --> 00:41:25.000 But God commands you to obey your husband. 00:41:25.000 --> 00:41:28.360 That means you are not following Christ anyway, right? 00:41:28.360 --> 00:41:37.830 And if you say, you know, I don't follow any man, while just ignoring the man of God that God has placed in your life. 00:41:37.830 --> 00:41:41.950 You know, you are just being rebellious, right? 00:41:41.950 --> 00:41:44.220 You are not following Christ anyway. 00:41:44.220 --> 00:41:52.570 So if God places all the, you know, leaders, spiritual leaders, pastors, you know, your boss, and you know, any man of God over you. 00:41:52.570 --> 00:41:55.520 If you are not following those men, you are not following Christ. 00:41:55.520 --> 00:42:01.320 And Paul was not saying that it's wrong to follow men here either. 00:42:01.320 --> 00:42:07.680 And you know, people in Corinth, they were turning good leaders into different factions. 00:42:07.680 --> 00:42:11.880 Look at verse 13, 1 Corinthians 1.13 says this, "Is Christ divided? 00:42:11.880 --> 00:42:16.900 Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 00:42:16.900 --> 00:42:22.860 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius." 00:42:22.860 --> 00:42:30.280 So it's assumed that people were dividing on who baptized them.That is stupid. 00:42:30.280 --> 00:42:38.620 If a pastor is saved, who cares?If the apostle is saved, who cares? 00:42:38.620 --> 00:42:40.700 If the deacon is saved, who cares? 00:42:40.700 --> 00:42:50.060 People are dividing.I got baptized of Paul, I got baptized of Apollos, and I'm a Jesus follower. 00:42:50.060 --> 00:42:57.660 Those people are just carnal.That's why we should never pit pastors and leaders against each other. 00:42:57.660 --> 00:43:05.040 That's what those people are doing.I am a Paul, and I am Apollos, and I am Crispus, and I only follow Christ. 00:43:05.040 --> 00:43:14.390 Nowaday there are flatterers and scorners who would love to start a fight among good churches. 00:43:14.390 --> 00:43:21.460 That's wicked and satanic.They are carnal.They don't follow Christ.They don't follow godly men either. 00:43:21.460 --> 00:43:23.540 They are following their own self.Amen. 00:43:23.540 --> 00:43:50.220 Go to Philippians chapter 3.The Bible says this, "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk, so as ye have us for an example." 00:43:50.220 --> 00:43:58.160 Now, this is not a bad marking.This is a good marking.Mark them which walk, so as ye have us for an example. 00:43:58.160 --> 00:44:11.820 We need to mark Christians who are good examples.Pay attention on how they live their lives, how they deal with problems, how they talk, how they handle pressures, and good leaders live what they preach. 00:44:11.820 --> 00:44:17.320 That's why we need to mark them which walk, how they conduct their life.Amen? 00:44:17.320 --> 00:44:22.310 And, you know, here's why we should mark good leaders, because there are many bad leaders. 00:44:22.310 --> 00:44:33.020 Look out for somebody you think.Here's the reason.For many walk of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, 00:44:33.020 --> 00:44:41.960 whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 00:44:41.960 --> 00:44:50.370 If you don't follow or mark godly leaders, you will tend to follow wicked leaders who only care about money and fame. 00:44:50.370 --> 00:44:56.660 Whose God is their belly, who only mind earthly things. There are so many pastors, leaders out there, right? 00:44:56.660 --> 00:44:59.780 Those are the enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:44:59.780 --> 00:45:04.760 Go to 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, 1 Thessalonians chapter 1. 00:45:04.760 --> 00:45:10.980 So when you follow godly men, we need to identify or mark good leaders. 00:45:10.980 --> 00:45:14.090 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, look at verse number 5. 00:45:14.090 --> 00:45:17.000 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, verse number 5. 00:45:17.000 --> 00:45:30.630 The Bible says, for our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as we know what manner of man we were among you for your sake. 00:45:30.630 --> 00:45:31.990 Don't miss this. 00:45:31.990 --> 00:45:43.910 And ye became followers of us, Pumbopo, Silvanus, and Timotheus, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 00:45:43.910 --> 00:45:48.020 There's nothing wrong to follow godly men, human leaders. 00:45:48.020 --> 00:45:52.130 Go to 1st Thessalonians chapter number 2. 00:45:52.130 --> 00:45:55.760 1st Thessalonians chapter 2, look at verse number 13. 00:45:55.760 --> 00:45:59.890 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing. 00:45:59.890 --> 00:46:07.380 Because when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth. 00:46:07.380 --> 00:46:11.360 The word of God, which effectually worked also in you, that I believe. 00:46:11.360 --> 00:46:18.330 For ye, brethren, don't miss this, became followers of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus. 00:46:18.330 --> 00:46:25.300 For ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews. 00:46:25.300 --> 00:46:30.400 Not only it is biblical to follow human leaders, it's also biblical to follow good churches. 00:46:30.400 --> 00:46:37.310 Notice the verse number 14.Ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God. 00:46:37.310 --> 00:46:41.180 That's why we should be looking at other faithful churches. 00:46:41.180 --> 00:46:46.640 Look at how they operate, look at how they live, look at how they endure persecutions. 00:46:46.640 --> 00:46:52.580 If other churches are having successes in song winning, music, preaching, 00:46:52.580 --> 00:46:54.560 learn from their examples. 00:46:54.560 --> 00:47:01.230 That's why personally I enjoy visiting different churches, even old IFB churches. 00:47:01.230 --> 00:47:06.740 When I go to other churches, I will usually pay attention to their security team, 00:47:06.740 --> 00:47:09.710 on how they position themselves. 00:47:09.710 --> 00:47:15.670 And I will look at how they will take up their offerings. 00:47:15.670 --> 00:47:17.700 I will look at how their ushers operate. 00:47:17.700 --> 00:47:20.650 I will look at how their services flow. 00:47:20.650 --> 00:47:24.920 Because we all should be getting better. 00:47:24.920 --> 00:47:27.880 Don't be envious of good churches. 00:47:27.880 --> 00:47:30.850 Learn from them so we can all serve God better. 00:47:30.850 --> 00:47:34.170 Go to Hebrews chapter 6. 00:47:34.170 --> 00:47:36.120 Hebrews chapter 6. 00:47:36.120 --> 00:47:44.780 You can even learn things from churches who may disagree with us on some minor doctrines. 00:47:44.780 --> 00:47:52.010 Some churches may be wrong on the rapture, but they may have an awesome music ministry. 00:47:52.010 --> 00:47:53.000 Learn from them. 00:47:53.000 --> 00:47:53.980 Be humble. 00:47:53.980 --> 00:47:54.970 We can all get better. 00:47:54.970 --> 00:47:57.350 Be followers of the churches of God. 00:47:57.350 --> 00:47:58.820 Hebrews chapter 6. 00:47:58.820 --> 00:47:59.990 Look at verse number 10. 00:47:59.990 --> 00:48:02.130 Hebrews 6.10. 00:48:02.130 --> 00:48:15.270 The Bible says, "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister. 00:48:15.270 --> 00:48:28.220 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end, that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." 00:48:28.220 --> 00:48:32.040 See, Christianity is built on imitation. 00:48:32.040 --> 00:48:40.780 Why did God give us all the stories of the successes and failures of the patriarchs, judges, kings, prophets? 00:48:40.780 --> 00:48:48.380 To learn from them, right?To learn from their faith and patience so we can follow their good examples, right? 00:48:48.380 --> 00:48:52.590 The Bible says we should be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 00:48:52.590 --> 00:48:57.530 Why do we have a whole chapter in Hebrews called the hall of faith? 00:48:57.530 --> 00:49:00.850 To learn from them, to follow them, right? 00:49:00.850 --> 00:49:05.090 Go to Hebrews 13, Hebrews chapter 13. 00:49:05.090 --> 00:49:13.010 Look at verse number 7, Hebrews chapter 13, verse number 7. 00:49:13.010 --> 00:49:17.570 The Bible says, "Remember them which have the rule over you. 00:49:17.570 --> 00:49:21.520 These are your spiritual leaders, who have spoken unto you the word of God, 00:49:21.520 --> 00:49:26.510 whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." 00:49:26.510 --> 00:49:29.880 The word "end" means outcome, conclusion. 00:49:29.880 --> 00:49:33.840 The word "conversation" means their lifestyle, the way they live their life. 00:49:33.840 --> 00:49:39.790 The Bible says that we need to look at how your spiritual leaders live their life. 00:49:39.790 --> 00:49:42.960 Examine how it turned out, and then follow their faith. 00:49:42.960 --> 00:49:48.030 See, I want you to follow me, but you need to look at my life, 00:49:48.030 --> 00:49:50.510 not just my sermons. 00:49:50.510 --> 00:49:55.540 Considering the end of their conversations, the outcome of their lifestyle. 00:49:55.540 --> 00:50:01.140 I heard someone say this, things are more caught than taught. 00:50:01.140 --> 00:50:07.590 See, a good leader does not only preach good sermons, but also live a good life. 00:50:07.590 --> 00:50:15.720 Keep a place in Hebrews, go to Judges chapter 7. 00:50:15.720 --> 00:50:20.910 If a leader talks about soul winning, does he go soul winning? 00:50:20.910 --> 00:50:27.040 If a leader preach on being patient, is he patient in his life? 00:50:27.040 --> 00:50:33.610 If a leader preach against bitterness, does he have bitterness in his daily conversations? 00:50:33.610 --> 00:50:37.540 Look at their life considering the end of their conversation. 00:50:37.540 --> 00:50:42.900 Judges 7, look at verse 16.Judges 7, verse 16. 00:50:42.900 --> 00:51:02.250 The Bible says, "And he," talking about Gideon, "divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand with empty pitchers and lamps within the pitchers, and he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise. 00:51:02.250 --> 00:51:10.340 And behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do so shall ye do." 00:51:10.340 --> 00:51:21.380 Notice Gideon gave a command and a pattern, and we have the 300 men, they watched him, and they moved together, and they acted in unity, right? 00:51:21.380 --> 00:51:32.180 And what's the result of following Gideon's pattern?The result was confusion in the enemy, and a great victory for the nation of Israel. 00:51:32.180 --> 00:51:36.750 If everyone did their own thing, there will be massive chaos, right? 00:51:36.750 --> 00:51:45.440 And you know, this may offend some people, but I want all of you here to follow me.As I do, so shall ye do. 00:51:45.440 --> 00:51:53.750 Look at how I handle problems, right?Look at how I handle slanders, look at how I fight spiritual battles, and do likewise. 00:51:53.750 --> 00:52:01.240 That's what Gideon, you know, leadership is, leadership is influence, right?We need to influence other people. 00:52:01.240 --> 00:52:12.610 Now turn back to Hebrews 13, Hebrews chapter 13.So I said point number one, the call to follow Christ. 00:52:12.610 --> 00:52:24.040 Point number two, the command to follow men.Point number three, the conduct toward leaders, the conduct toward leaders. 00:52:24.040 --> 00:52:31.150 God has given us human leaders, but there are proper etiquettes on how you follow them. 00:52:31.150 --> 00:52:41.260 Hebrews 13, look at verse number 17.Hebrews 13, verse 17.The Bible says, "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves, 00:52:41.260 --> 00:52:52.620 for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, and they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is impossible for you." 00:52:52.620 --> 00:52:58.690 So the first thing I want you to pay attention is you should obey those that have the rule over you. 00:52:58.690 --> 00:53:10.130 It's good to follow other godly Christians, but your priority should be obeying them that actually have the rule over you. 00:53:10.130 --> 00:53:15.610 You should be following me and Pastor Thompson first and foremost. 00:53:15.610 --> 00:53:22.250 I believe there are many godly pastors and churches out there, but they don't have the rule over you. 00:53:22.250 --> 00:53:28.440 They cannot be involved in our church's matters. They don't decide who gets kicked out. I do. 00:53:28.440 --> 00:53:35.030 But the Bible says you need to submit yourselves. Why? For they watch for your souls. 00:53:35.030 --> 00:53:39.240 That's why you need to learn to take corrections with a good attitude. 00:53:39.240 --> 00:53:43.220 Don't be mad, don't be bitter. 00:53:43.220 --> 00:53:48.660 I know a guy who used to go to our church. Sorry, I'm bad-booking. 00:53:48.660 --> 00:53:55.400 He got mad when I gave him some feedback on his preaching. And the feedback was so minor. 00:53:55.400 --> 00:54:01.040 I was simply telling him another interpretation that is more probable. 00:54:01.040 --> 00:54:03.950 That's more probable. And he got all mad and bitter about it. 00:54:03.950 --> 00:54:07.960 Here's the thing. If you come to a biblical church, be ready to get corrections. 00:54:07.960 --> 00:54:10.970 Because I actually care. 00:54:10.970 --> 00:54:14.090 Go to 1 Timothy chapter 5. 00:54:14.090 --> 00:54:19.080 If I don't care about you, then I would not say anything. 00:54:19.080 --> 00:54:25.530 And if you know me, I love keeping the peace, but I also want purity and unity for the right reason. 00:54:25.530 --> 00:54:29.320 The Bible says in Proverbs 27 verse 5, 00:54:29.320 --> 00:54:36.550 "Oben, rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." 00:54:36.550 --> 00:54:38.960 That's why I don't like flatterers. 00:54:38.960 --> 00:54:43.300 Flatters will only say good things about you. Every sermon is the best sermon ever. 00:54:43.300 --> 00:54:46.280 Those are the kisses of an enemy. 00:54:46.280 --> 00:54:50.420 First Timothy chapter 5, look at verse number 1. 00:54:50.420 --> 00:54:58.060 First Timothy 5.1 says this, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren." 00:54:58.060 --> 00:55:01.230 The word rebuke means to criticize sharply. 00:55:01.230 --> 00:55:09.680 Obviously this applies to elders, but I don't think you should walk up to me right after the service and say, 00:55:09.680 --> 00:55:12.690 "I disagree" in front of everyone else. 00:55:12.690 --> 00:55:15.200 I have had that happen before, okay? 00:55:15.200 --> 00:55:21.120 If you disagree, just say something like, "Hey, what do you think about this?" 00:55:21.120 --> 00:55:23.160 Here's another interpretation. 00:55:23.160 --> 00:55:25.120 "Not, I think that's stupid. You are dead wrong." 00:55:25.120 --> 00:55:28.180 No, that's a bad attitude. That's a wrong etiquette, okay? 00:55:28.180 --> 00:55:30.110 Okay, verse number 19. 00:55:30.110 --> 00:55:38.680 1 Timothy 5.19 says this, "Against an elder, receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." 00:55:38.680 --> 00:55:45.960 Also, don't believe everything you hear about me or Patrick Thompson, or any pastor for that matter. 00:55:45.960 --> 00:55:53.750 Because we are in the front line of the spiritual battle. We get a lot of attacks, okay? 00:55:53.750 --> 00:55:59.830 And if you don't know, that's good. But if you do know, there are way more you don't know, okay? 00:55:59.830 --> 00:56:05.780 And if someone comes to you about something bad about me, ignore him. 00:56:05.780 --> 00:56:14.870 Shut down the conversation because you're not even supposed to hear an accusation unless there are at least two people. 00:56:14.870 --> 00:56:22.400 And even with the witnesses, it's still innocent until proven guilty, right? 00:56:22.400 --> 00:56:33.080 So make sure you have the proper etiquette. Go to 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. 00:56:33.080 --> 00:56:37.880 Look at verse number 12. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse number 12. 00:56:37.880 --> 00:56:47.310 The Bible says, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you and are over you in the Lord. 00:56:47.310 --> 00:56:50.610 Don't miss this, and admonish you." 00:56:50.610 --> 00:56:53.550 So spiritual leaders are supposed to admonish you, right? 00:56:53.550 --> 00:56:57.650 They are over you in the Lord. Look at verse number 13. 00:56:57.650 --> 00:57:07.380 "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, and be at peace among yourselves." 00:57:07.380 --> 00:57:13.730 So, towards your spiritual leaders, there should be a spirit of submission, not resistance. 00:57:13.730 --> 00:57:16.090 And leaders should be highly esteemed. 00:57:16.090 --> 00:57:22.320 You don't esteem highly someone that you are constantly contradicting. 00:57:22.320 --> 00:57:26.210 What do I mean by that? 00:57:26.210 --> 00:57:33.360 You don't post stuff on social media about the stuff that you know I disagree strongly. 00:57:33.360 --> 00:57:36.020 I'm not talking about minor differences, okay? 00:57:36.020 --> 00:57:39.960 Because your goal as followers is to make me look good. 00:57:39.960 --> 00:57:43.310 Your goal is to maintain the unity of this church body. 00:57:43.310 --> 00:57:48.970 If you preach behind the pulpit sometimes, you don't just preach something that I clearly disagree, right? 00:57:48.970 --> 00:57:52.910 That's not esteeming me highly, that's sowing discord, that's causing strife. 00:57:52.910 --> 00:57:56.380 The Bible says in Proverbs 16 verse 28, 00:57:56.380 --> 00:58:01.490 "A forward man soweth strife, and a whisperer separeth his chief friends." 00:58:01.490 --> 00:58:08.240 So if you know something that may cause division at the church, don't promote it publicly, right? 00:58:08.240 --> 00:58:14.940 If you have a serious disagreement, handle it biblically and not publicly, amen? 00:58:14.940 --> 00:58:19.720 Go to Numbers 12, Numbers chapter 12. 00:58:19.720 --> 00:58:22.640 I've seen things like this. 00:58:22.640 --> 00:58:26.470 Right after my sermon, someone posted on Facebook. 00:58:26.470 --> 00:58:28.740 I can't believe a Baptist pastor said this. 00:58:28.740 --> 00:58:30.970 Bro, everyone knows who you're talking about. 00:58:30.970 --> 00:58:38.080 By the way, this applies to all kinds of leadership. 00:58:38.080 --> 00:58:44.140 Wives are not supposed to trash talk their husbands, period. 00:58:44.140 --> 00:58:48.320 Wives are not supposed to contradict their husbands in public. 00:58:48.320 --> 00:58:57.380 Wives are not supposed to post things, comment things, like things that husbands are clearly against. 00:58:57.380 --> 00:59:03.880 By the way, as men, we are not supposed to trash talk our boss and our companies. 00:59:03.880 --> 00:59:07.160 So why can't we apply the same etiquette to churches? 00:59:07.160 --> 00:59:10.450 Your goal is to make me look good. 00:59:10.450 --> 00:59:15.390 My goal as the evangelist of the church is to make Pastor Thompson look good. 00:59:15.390 --> 00:59:23.380 If I preach something or post something that he clearly disagrees, that's bad, right? 00:59:23.380 --> 00:59:26.110 That's not following him, right? 00:59:26.110 --> 00:59:28.060 Numbers 12, look at verse number 1. 00:59:28.060 --> 00:59:30.620 Numbers 12.1 says this. 00:59:30.620 --> 00:59:39.250 And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 00:59:39.250 --> 00:59:45.380 And they said, "Had the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses, had he not spoken also by us, and the Lord heard it." 00:59:45.380 --> 00:59:55.790 So Miriam and Aaron undermined Moses' leadership. They made a post against him and his wife. 00:59:55.790 --> 01:00:23.160 Look at verse number 7. "My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches. And the similitude of the Lord shall he behold. Wherefore then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed." 01:00:23.160 --> 01:00:29.580 And it seems like God is mad at people who speak against their leaders. 01:00:29.580 --> 01:00:34.790 If you don't like me, then move to a church that you don't speak evil against the leader. 01:00:34.790 --> 01:00:37.860 Okay? I mean, simple solution. 01:00:37.860 --> 01:00:41.840 Turn to 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 01:00:41.840 --> 01:00:44.680 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 01:00:44.680 --> 01:00:49.900 There are proper etiquettes to follow any type of leader in your life. 01:00:49.900 --> 01:00:54.690 You know, I've literally seen a husband and wife, they post contradicting stuff on Facebook. 01:00:54.690 --> 01:00:57.100 It's like ridiculous. 01:00:57.100 --> 01:01:02.870 So I said point number one, the call to follow Christ. 01:01:02.870 --> 01:01:05.930 Point number two, the command to follow men. 01:01:05.930 --> 01:01:09.880 Point number three, the conduct toward leaders. 01:01:09.880 --> 01:01:14.360 Point number four, the caution of following. 01:01:14.360 --> 01:01:16.310 The caution of following. 01:01:16.310 --> 01:01:23.010 It's good to follow godly leaders, but don't follow someone to the bitter end. 01:01:23.010 --> 01:01:25.530 You're in 1 Corinthians 11. 01:01:25.530 --> 01:01:26.490 Look at verse number one again. 01:01:26.490 --> 01:01:28.630 1 Corinthians 11, verse one. 01:01:28.630 --> 01:01:34.960 The Bible says be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 01:01:34.960 --> 01:01:36.410 Don't miss this. 01:01:36.410 --> 01:01:39.970 You should follow me as I am following Christ. 01:01:39.970 --> 01:01:42.460 Don't follow me if I don't follow Christ. 01:01:42.460 --> 01:01:48.150 You should never have the attitude that evangelist drone can do no wrong. 01:01:48.150 --> 01:01:52.940 I will never make any false statements. 01:01:52.940 --> 01:01:58.200 I will never lie intentionally. 01:01:58.200 --> 01:02:01.510 I want you to know a secret. 01:02:01.510 --> 01:02:02.430 Preachers are sinners. 01:02:02.430 --> 01:02:04.320 Pastors are sinners. 01:02:04.320 --> 01:02:06.530 Leaders messed up. 01:02:06.530 --> 01:02:10.060 Look at the famous judges, kings, and prophets in the Bible. 01:02:10.060 --> 01:02:11.040 They messed up big time. 01:02:11.040 --> 01:02:13.610 Follow them as they are following Christ. 01:02:13.610 --> 01:02:17.280 David, adultery and murder, right? 01:02:17.280 --> 01:02:20.460 Moses struck the rock, disobeyed God. 01:02:20.460 --> 01:02:23.970 Peter, the apostle, denied Christ. 01:02:23.970 --> 01:02:25.970 Later he compromised with the Jews. 01:02:25.970 --> 01:02:29.260 Yet they were still followed, but not in their sins. 01:02:29.260 --> 01:02:30.500 Amen? 01:02:30.500 --> 01:02:33.040 So you have two different extremes. 01:02:33.040 --> 01:02:35.090 The first extreme is I don't follow any man. 01:02:35.090 --> 01:02:37.490 That is rebellion. 01:02:37.490 --> 01:02:41.020 And then the other extreme is my leader can do no wrong. 01:02:41.020 --> 01:02:43.240 That is blind loyalty. 01:02:43.240 --> 01:02:44.650 Okay? 01:02:44.650 --> 01:02:49.650 Go to Acts 17. 01:02:49.650 --> 01:02:51.620 So we should follow our leaders. 01:02:51.620 --> 01:02:56.060 But don't follow them farther than they follow Christ. 01:02:56.060 --> 01:02:58.010 You should never follow a man to the bitter end. 01:02:58.010 --> 01:03:01.090 You follow Christ to the bitter end. 01:03:01.090 --> 01:03:02.210 Amen? 01:03:02.210 --> 01:03:03.160 Don't be a sycophant. 01:03:03.160 --> 01:03:04.260 Don't be a flatterer. 01:03:04.260 --> 01:03:05.210 Don't be a scorner. 01:03:05.210 --> 01:03:08.060 Don't be in a cult. 01:03:08.060 --> 01:03:10.970 Let me give you some of the examples of a sycophant.Okay? 01:03:10.970 --> 01:03:17.160 A pastor clearly misspeaks or gets a fact run. 01:03:17.160 --> 01:03:20.080 And someone immediately jumps online to defend it anyway. 01:03:20.080 --> 01:03:22.420 Not because that's true. 01:03:22.420 --> 01:03:24.370 But because his favorite pastor said it. 01:03:24.370 --> 01:03:26.450 That's a sycophant. 01:03:26.450 --> 01:03:31.400 A member posts or shares things just to signal loyalty to the pastor. 01:03:31.400 --> 01:03:33.370 Even when it stirs controversy. 01:03:33.370 --> 01:03:35.500 That's a sycophant. 01:03:35.500 --> 01:03:40.060 Rather than asking, "Is this true?" 01:03:40.060 --> 01:03:42.490 They attack the person who brought it up. 01:03:42.490 --> 01:03:43.730 That's a sycophant. 01:03:43.730 --> 01:03:47.430 Instead of saying, "The Bible says." 01:03:47.430 --> 01:03:51.640 Some people constantly says, "My pastor says." 01:03:51.640 --> 01:03:52.620 As their ultimate authority. 01:03:52.620 --> 01:03:53.600 That's a sycophant. 01:03:53.600 --> 01:03:58.250 People who try to outdo each other in their loyalty. 01:03:58.250 --> 01:04:02.040 Seeing who agrees the most. 01:04:02.040 --> 01:04:04.000 Who likes most of their post. 01:04:04.000 --> 01:04:08.130 Who defends that person online the most. 01:04:08.130 --> 01:04:09.110 That's a sycophant. 01:04:09.110 --> 01:04:10.340 Okay? 01:04:10.340 --> 01:04:12.990 Young X 17. 01:04:12.990 --> 01:04:15.940 Let me give you another example. 01:04:15.940 --> 01:04:18.870 I mean a pastor changes his stance on some doctrine. 01:04:18.870 --> 01:04:23.180 And suddenly everyone else changes too. 01:04:23.180 --> 01:04:25.430 Without any personal conviction. 01:04:25.430 --> 01:04:26.520 That's a sycophant. 01:04:26.520 --> 01:04:28.280 Young X 17. 01:04:28.280 --> 01:04:29.230 Look at version 11. 01:04:29.230 --> 01:04:32.700 These were more noble than those in Daslanika. 01:04:32.700 --> 01:04:36.710 In that they received the word with all readiness of mind. 01:04:36.710 --> 01:04:38.680 And searched the scriptures daily. 01:04:38.680 --> 01:04:40.800 Whether those things were so. 01:04:40.800 --> 01:04:44.710 We should test everything with scripture. 01:04:44.710 --> 01:04:47.090 Here's how we follow Christ. 01:04:47.090 --> 01:04:49.050 Is by testing the scripture. 01:04:49.050 --> 01:04:51.020 Because Christ is the word.Right? 01:04:51.020 --> 01:04:55.480 That's why we should be searching the scripture every single day. 01:04:55.480 --> 01:04:58.450 How can you follow the man as he's following Christ? 01:04:58.450 --> 01:05:00.430 By searching the word. 01:05:00.430 --> 01:05:01.670 By searching the scripture. 01:05:01.670 --> 01:05:04.180 Go to 1st Thessalonians chapter 5. 01:05:04.180 --> 01:05:06.130 1st Thessalonians chapter 5. 01:05:06.130 --> 01:05:10.860 Respect your leaders.Respect your pastor. 01:05:10.860 --> 01:05:14.980 But replace nothing with your Bible. 01:05:14.980 --> 01:05:18.830 You are in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5. 01:05:18.830 --> 01:05:20.490 Look at verse number 20. 01:05:20.490 --> 01:05:23.470 1st Thessalonians 5.20 says this. 01:05:23.470 --> 01:05:25.920 Despise not prophesying. 01:05:25.920 --> 01:05:28.230 Don't hate on preachings. 01:05:28.230 --> 01:05:30.270 Love preachings.Love hard preachings. 01:05:30.270 --> 01:05:33.490 But then in verse 21 he said this. 01:05:33.490 --> 01:05:34.750 Prove all things. 01:05:34.750 --> 01:05:36.180 Hold fast that which is good. 01:05:36.180 --> 01:05:40.300 Hey, love preaching.Love listening to sermons. 01:05:40.300 --> 01:05:41.290 But prove all things. 01:05:41.290 --> 01:05:42.280 Test all things. 01:05:42.280 --> 01:05:43.260 Test everything. 01:05:43.260 --> 01:05:46.430 Because I'm not perfect. 01:05:46.430 --> 01:05:48.710 I slip up sometimes. 01:05:48.710 --> 01:05:50.810 I say stupid things sometimes. 01:05:50.810 --> 01:05:54.200 I may even intentionally lie sometimes. 01:05:54.200 --> 01:05:57.150 Because I just don't remember the facts sometimes. 01:05:57.150 --> 01:05:59.340 Don't defend error. 01:05:59.340 --> 01:06:01.390 Don't follow any leaders blindly. 01:06:01.390 --> 01:06:04.330 Don't elevate a man above scripture. 01:06:04.330 --> 01:06:06.110 Follow truth. 01:06:06.110 --> 01:06:08.060 Even if it corrects your leaders. 01:06:08.060 --> 01:06:09.030 Even if it corrects me. 01:06:09.030 --> 01:06:12.980 Go to Jeremiah chapter 17. 01:06:12.980 --> 01:06:19.080 Now some preachers may not want you to defend them online. 01:06:19.080 --> 01:06:22.570 I don't really agree with that. 01:06:22.570 --> 01:06:25.540 But I do ask you that if you do want to defend me. 01:06:25.540 --> 01:06:27.680 Defend me out of principles. 01:06:27.680 --> 01:06:29.840 Defend me out of truth. 01:06:29.840 --> 01:06:33.170 Don't defend me just because of me. 01:06:33.170 --> 01:06:35.700 Don't defend me in your flesh. 01:06:35.700 --> 01:06:39.140 And most times staying silent is better. 01:06:39.140 --> 01:06:42.090 Because it will drive the enemies crazy. 01:06:42.090 --> 01:06:45.840 Proverbs 26 verse 4 says this. 01:06:45.840 --> 01:06:47.770 Answer not a fool according to his folly. 01:06:47.770 --> 01:06:49.810 Lest thou also be like unto him. 01:06:49.810 --> 01:06:54.080 But sometimes we should answer a fool according to his folly. 01:06:54.080 --> 01:06:56.050 Lest he be wise in his own conceit. 01:06:56.050 --> 01:06:58.020 There's a proper balance. 01:06:58.020 --> 01:07:02.030 Jeremiah 17, look at verse number 5. 01:07:02.030 --> 01:07:04.260 Jeremiah 17 verse 5 says this. 01:07:04.260 --> 01:07:06.210 Thus saith the Lord. 01:07:06.210 --> 01:07:10.330 Cursed be the man that trusteth in men. 01:07:10.330 --> 01:07:13.250 And maketh his flesh his arm. 01:07:13.250 --> 01:07:15.300 The arm is power strength, 01:07:15.300 --> 01:07:18.250 And whose heart departeth from the Lord. 01:07:18.250 --> 01:07:20.600 So the Bible says that you are cursed 01:07:20.600 --> 01:07:25.090 if you think men are the ultimate authority. 01:07:25.090 --> 01:07:28.050 You are cursed if you make flesh your arm, 01:07:28.050 --> 01:07:32.280 meaning if you rely on human strength instead of God. 01:07:32.280 --> 01:07:38.690 When your trust in men replaces your trust in God, 01:07:38.690 --> 01:07:40.740 you've departed from the Lord. 01:07:40.740 --> 01:07:42.790 You are not following Christ. 01:07:42.790 --> 01:07:46.510 So don't follow a man to the bitter end. 01:07:46.510 --> 01:07:50.150 Go to Luke chapter 6. 01:07:50.150 --> 01:07:54.550 So I say point number 1, the call to follow Christ. 01:07:54.550 --> 01:07:58.180 Point number 2, the command to follow men. 01:07:58.180 --> 01:08:01.870 Point number 3, the conduct toward leaders. 01:08:01.870 --> 01:08:06.480 Point number 4, the caution of following. 01:08:06.480 --> 01:08:10.970 Lastly, point number 5, the consequence of following. 01:08:10.970 --> 01:08:12.940 The consequence of following. 01:08:12.940 --> 01:08:17.120 You are in Luke chapter 6, look at verse 39. 01:08:17.120 --> 01:08:19.820 Here's the Lord Jesus Christ speaking. 01:08:19.820 --> 01:08:22.430 And He is speaking a parable unto them. 01:08:22.430 --> 01:08:24.730 Can the blind lead the blind? 01:08:24.730 --> 01:08:26.770 Shall they not both fall into the ditch? 01:08:26.770 --> 01:08:30.000 That's why we should mark the good leaders 01:08:30.000 --> 01:08:31.960 so we don't follow the bad leaders, right? 01:08:31.960 --> 01:08:33.220 Look at verse number 40. 01:08:33.220 --> 01:08:34.760 That's a profound statement. 01:08:34.760 --> 01:08:38.740 The disciple is not above his master, 01:08:38.740 --> 01:08:42.810 but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master. 01:08:42.810 --> 01:08:46.310 verse 40 is pretty intriguing. 01:08:46.310 --> 01:08:48.650 This is not teaching that once you are perfect, 01:08:48.650 --> 01:08:50.600 you become the master. 01:08:50.600 --> 01:08:54.970 A follower is not greater than the one teaching him. 01:08:54.970 --> 01:09:00.410 A follower should not act like he knows better than his teacher. 01:09:00.410 --> 01:09:03.820 God puts spiritual leaders in your life for a reason,right? 01:09:03.820 --> 01:09:07.760 God gives you pastors according to his heart,not your heart. 01:09:07.760 --> 01:09:14.490 Oftentimes,God gave leaders extra discernments to guide the flock. 01:09:14.490 --> 01:09:18.420 I know more about different things than you probably realize, 01:09:18.420 --> 01:09:20.380 and many times I just can't tell you,okay? 01:09:20.380 --> 01:09:28.510 So what does it mean when the Bible says everyone that is perfect shall be as his master? 01:09:28.510 --> 01:09:30.430 The word perfect here doesn't mean seamless. 01:09:30.430 --> 01:09:34.300 It means mature,complete. 01:09:34.300 --> 01:09:44.800 So the Bible is saying that if you are completely trained,if you are fully trained in the master's teaching,you will be like the master,right? 01:09:44.800 --> 01:09:48.740 But everyone that is perfect shall be as his master. 01:09:48.740 --> 01:09:51.970 You don't become the master,you become like the master. 01:09:51.970 --> 01:09:57.710 You don't surpass the master,you become like him. 01:09:57.710 --> 01:10:02.080 Turn to Hosea chapter 4,Hosea chapter 4. 01:10:02.080 --> 01:10:09.290 Obviously the main context of that passage is talking about God being our master,right? 01:10:09.290 --> 01:10:18.260 If you are complete in the teachings of the Bible,you will be more like him,you will be more Christ-like,you will be as the master. 01:10:18.260 --> 01:10:22.380 But you can also apply this concept to followership. 01:10:22.380 --> 01:10:30.790 Here's the goal of followership.You become like the one you follow,because leadership is influence. 01:10:30.790 --> 01:10:35.820 Hosea chapter 4,look at verse number 9. 01:10:35.820 --> 01:10:47.220 The Bible says,and there shall be,don't miss this phrase,like people,like priest,like people,like priest. 01:10:47.220 --> 01:10:52.230 See,the followers are usually a reflection of their leaders. 01:10:52.230 --> 01:10:59.030 You will often see people from certain styles of churches having similar characteristics. 01:10:59.030 --> 01:11:02.860 This can be both a good thing and a bad thing,okay? 01:11:02.860 --> 01:11:10.320 If a pastor has loose standards,then his church members tend to have loose standards also,right? 01:11:10.320 --> 01:11:16.400 If a pastor has a low bar on railing,then his church members are likely to have a low bar on railing as well. 01:11:16.400 --> 01:11:26.480 If a pastor doesn't call out sins,then his church members may become more tolerable to sins,even subconsciously. 01:11:26.480 --> 01:11:31.600 If a pastor is zealous for soul winning,his people will catch that fire. 01:11:31.600 --> 01:11:37.040 If a pastor draws clear lines,then his people will respect those lines. 01:11:37.040 --> 01:11:42.420 If a pastor has gracious spirit,his people will often reflect that. 01:11:42.420 --> 01:11:51.970 If a pastor is honest,his people will value honesty.If a pastor is disciplined,his people will likely grow in their discipline. 01:11:51.970 --> 01:11:57.240 See,people don't rise above their leadership,they reflect it. 01:11:57.240 --> 01:12:05.890 That's why concerning the preachers and the leaders,Christ said this,you shall know them by their fruit.Right? 01:12:05.890 --> 01:12:13.520 Because they shall be as their masters.See,following is not neutral.Following shapes who you are. 01:12:13.520 --> 01:12:17.700 That's why choosing who you follow matters so much.Amen? 01:12:17.700 --> 01:12:21.680 So I hope I have a good influence on you since the inception of this church plant. 01:12:21.680 --> 01:12:30.580 It's my prayer and my goal to instill godly characters in your life.And I'm by no means perfect.I fail sometimes. 01:12:30.580 --> 01:12:37.550 I've told you things that are wrong.I may be overly harsh in some of the things I've said to you.I may overlook some things. 01:12:37.550 --> 01:12:43.600 Because nobody's perfect.Right?That's why you should never follow me blindly. 01:12:43.600 --> 01:12:54.090 You should follow me as I'm following Christ.And if I ever point you away from Christ,that's where your followership stops. 01:12:54.090 --> 01:12:59.570 I'm your leader,but Christ is your ultimate authority.Amen. 01:12:59.570 --> 01:13:06.460 But I hope you know you can see my zeal in my heart and follow me as I'm following Christ. 01:13:06.460 --> 01:13:14.960 So here's the conclusion of the sermon.You should follow Christ first and foremost. 01:13:14.960 --> 01:13:24.830 You should also follow godly leaders in your life,especially those people who actually have the rule over you,like Pastor Thompson and myself. 01:13:24.830 --> 01:13:37.010 You should also have proper conduct and etiquette towards your leaders,and you should never follow a man blindly,and you are who you follow. 01:13:37.010 --> 01:13:44.350 Don't be too spiritual to follow a man,and don't be too foolish to follow one blindly. 01:13:44.350 --> 01:13:51.160 Lastly,I want all of you to follow me as I'm following Christ.Amen? 01:13:51.160 --> 01:13:56.090 Let's close in with a prayer.Thank you,Lord,for giving me the sermon. 01:13:56.090 --> 01:14:10.300 I pray that we will develop our fellowship to make you look good,to make our leaders look good,and to have unity in this local body,so we can all strive together for the faith of the gospel.I pray this in Jesus' name.Amen. 01:14:10.300 --> 01:14:51.360 Amen last song we're gonna be singing is very fitting song 296 follow on 296 296 296 follow on on the first down in the valley with my savior i would go where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow everywhere he leads me i would follow follow on walking in his footstep 01:14:51.590 --> 01:15:04.000 till the crown be won follow follow i would follow jesus anywhere everywhere i would follow on 01:15:04.000 --> 01:15:19.200 follow follow follow jesus everywhere he leads me i would follow on down in the valley with my savior i would go 01:15:20.260 --> 01:15:29.530 where the storms are sweeping and the dark waters flow with his hands who lead me i will never never fear 01:15:29.530 --> 01:15:44.630 danger cannot fright me if my lord is near follow follow i will follow jesus anywhere everywhere i would follow on 01:15:45.680 --> 01:15:59.500 follow follow i would follow jesus everywhere he leads me i would follow on down in the valley or upon the mountain steep 01:15:59.500 --> 01:16:09.710 close beside my savior would my soul ever keep he will lead me safely in the path that he has trod 01:16:10.420 --> 01:16:55.350 up to where they gather on the hills of god follow follow follow jesus anywhere everywhere i would follow on follow follow i would follow jesus everywhere he leads me i would follow on all right everybody good singing brother landing can you please close us out in a word of prayer amen you are dismissed