Participants:
Series Code: TLN
Program Code: TLN190001A
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00:01 Music...
00:31 Guitar... Song... 05:17 Audience: Clapping... 05:22 Amen... 05:23 Thank you so much for the beautiful music 05:30 and Maksim for the beautiful guitar playing. 05:37 I'm blessed already how about you? 05:43 We want to welcome our Viewers around the world. 05:51 What a privilege to be in Nizhny Novgrod, Russia 05:59 at our great 3ABN Russian Center. 06:06 We've traveled a lot of miles to get here 06:13 and this is probably at least trip 20 or 21 for me 06:18 coming from America to Russia 06:23 but every time I get here... 06:29 and I see all the smiling faces of you 06:35 and our Russian workers... 06:40 it's worth it all. 06:46 As Julia Outkina knows, 06:50 Russia is my second home. 06:53 We're here for a special reason, 06:58 we're commemorating 27 years 07:01 since Elder John Carter's crusade and 3ABN 07:05 as we join hands together. 07:07 Translation... 07:10 more translation... 07:16 I received a phone call 07:22 late in the year of 1991 07:26 Elder John Carter said, 07:29 "I'm going to Nizhny Novgorod, Russia 07:32 would 3ABN partner with me?" 07:34 Translation... 07:41 more translation... 07:43 And our answer of course was, 07:45 "Yes, we want to be a part of this. " 07:51 Basically, the only city that I knew or knew much about 07:54 in Russia was Moscow... 08:01 He said he originally planned meetings in Moscow 08:04 but there had been changes and was coming to Gorky 08:07 or now Nizhny Novgorod. 08:09 Translation... 08:13 more translation... 08:20 One of the greatest things that I've ever been a part of 08:23 was that Series of meetings. 08:32 Thousands of people came every night to the Palace of Sports. 08:40 Maximum it would hold about 7,000 people... 08:45 but night after night, we would have 7,000 08:49 then do one more program of seven... and one more... 08:54 three programs a night... 08:55 translation... 09:00 more translation... 09:08 20,000 people a night... 09:13 literally, at time it seems like rushing and fighting 09:17 to get in to the Auditorium. 09:25 It was so amazing. 09:28 In America, it's hard to get people to come to church, 09:37 in Russia, we couldn't keep them out... 09:43 they literally broke the doors down on one of the first nights 09:51 because Security had said, "There's no more room" 09:58 and yet, they came and they came 09:59 and God blessed abundantly. 10:07 How many of you here in this audience were baptized 10:10 through the Carter Meetings in 1992? 10:14 Can I see your hands? 10:17 Oh, wow, praise the Lord, all right... 10:23 many, many of you... 10:26 many of our 3ABN employees are workers here... 10:28 they were baptized at the same time 10:30 translation... 10:35 so, please join us for this whole weekend 10:38 translation... 10:46 tonight... our Program... 10:48 we're going to have a lot of music. 10:54 Russians and Americans... 10:57 and then we're going to be blessed by Pastor John Lomacang 11:04 he will be our main Speaker for our End-time Sermons, 11:09 he has titled it, 11:11 "The Latest News... Have You Heard?" 11:15 Translation... 11:23 some more translation... 11:30 more translation. 11:37 Let's ask God's blessings on these meetings. 11:44 "Heavenly Father, we thank You 11:45 for Your many wonderful blessings. 11:50 We thank You for this great opportunity 11:55 to be with our Russian Brothers and Sisters 12:01 and we thank You that these Programs 12:02 can be sent around the world. 12:09 We now ask for anointing of the Holy Spirit 12:12 upon each artiste, upon Pastor John 12:14 and all those speaking. 12:16 Translation... 12:24 We pray for the Viewers and the Listeners around the world 12:32 that they will only hear and see Jesus 12:37 in each of our Presenters and music and sermons. 12:47 Once again, we thank You and we love You 12:49 and thank You for the anointing of Your Holy Spirit 12:53 already felt in this Service. 12:55 Translation... 13:00 more translation... 13:05 Amen. " 13:07 Tim Parton will be performing 13:14 announcing it... 13:18 Tim Parton on the Piano... 13:27 Lion of Judah, 13:30 Sweet rose of Sharon 13:32 Fairest of ten thousand 13:34 Ancient of days 13:36 Alpha Omega 13:38 The King of all glory 13:40 The bright morning star 13:42 And the God of my praise 13:44 Who can describe everything that He is 13:48 All I can say is He's mine and I'm His 13:54 'Cause the One who walks on the wings of the wind 13:58 walks beside me 14:02 And the One who is holding the world in His hand 14:06 holds my heart 14:08 He spoke and the world was created in space 14:14 And yet He was willing to die in my place 14:18 Redeemer delivered the ransom that set my soul free 14:26 Hallelujah, what a Savior 14:29 He is to me 14:38 He's the strength in my weakness 14:40 The joy in my sorrow 14:42 The peace like a river that flows in my life 14:46 He's new morning mercies and hope for the journey 14:50 and love that will conquer the struggle and strife 14:54 You can depend everything that He is 14:58 All I can say He is mine and I'm His 15:04 'Cause the One who walks on the wings of the wind 15:08 walks beside me 15:12 And the One who is holding the world in His hand 15:16 holds my heart 15:19 He spoke and the world was created in space 15:23 and yet He was willing to die in my place 15:28 Redeemer delivered the ransom that set my soul free 15:35 Hallelujah, what a Savior He is to me 15:44 Oh I can't describe 15:45 everything that He is 15:48 All I can say is He's mine and I am His 15:54 'Cause the One who walks on the wings of the wind 15:58 walks beside me 16:02 And the One who is holding the world in His hand 16:06 holds my heart 16:10 He spoke and the world was created in space 16:14 and yet He was willing to die in my place 16:18 Redeemer delivered the ransom that set my soul free 16:25 Hallelujah, what a Savior He is to me 16:33 What a Savior 16:35 He is 16:42 to me. 16:49 Audience: Clapping. 16:51 Announcement. 17:00 Piano... 19:59 Audience: Clapping. 20:07 Announcement. 20:15 Piano... 20:26 I remember the day mercy saved me 20:30 Trembling I knelt down and prayed 20:34 There at the cross love forgave me 20:40 Exchanging my sin for His grace 20:43 I will never forget the burden He lifted 20:49 and the peace that flooded my soul 20:52 I will cherish the cross 20:55 so precious to me 20:57 the place of my pardon where I was redeemed 21:02 No more a sinner 21:04 I'm a child of God 21:07 I'm free and forgiven 21:10 and that's why I cherish the cross 21:19 Piano... 21:22 Wherever my journey may lead me 21:25 Whatever road I may walk 21:30 My heart will always be clinging 21:35 To the treasure I have in this cross 21:39 It is foolish to those who don't choose to believe 21:44 but to me it's the power of God 21:47 I will cherish the cross 21:50 so precious to me 21:53 the place of my pardon 21:55 where I was redeemed 21:57 no more a sinner 21:59 I'm a child of God 22:01 free and forgiven 22:04 That's why I cherish the cross 22:11 I will cherish the cross 22:13 till my trophies at last 22:16 I lay down 22:18 Oh I will cherish the cross 22:22 and exchange it some day 22:24 for a crown 22:27 I'm going to cherish the cross 22:29 so precious to me 22:32 The place of my pardon 22:35 Where I was redeemed 22:36 No more a sinner 22:39 I'm a child of God 22:41 I'm free and forgiven 22:44 and that's why I cherish the cross 22:52 Piano... 23:02 And that's why I cherish the cross. 23:09 Piano... 23:15 Audience: Clapping. 23:18 Announcement. 23:30 Good evening everyone. 23:33 It's so good to be here in Russia 23:37 and to be able to use our lives to praise the Lord. 23:44 When I think of what to sing... 23:46 the songs that came to my mind this evening were as follows: 23:55 if you ever have had troubles in your life 23:57 and there was no one that you could talk to but Jesus, 24:00 you'll understand this song. 24:02 Translation. 24:11 And the second song talks about 24:12 the work that God has called us to do 24:19 it may seem small, but when God is in it, 24:22 little is much. 24:29 Translation. 24:34 Let's begin with: I must tell Jesus. 24:41 Piano... 24:49 I must tell Jesus 24:53 all of my trials 24:57 I cannot bear my burdens alone 25:05 In my distress He 25:10 kindly will help me 25:14 He ever loves and cares for His own 25:22 I must tell Jesus... 25:27 I must tell Jesus 25:31 I cannot bear my burdens alone 25:39 I must tell Jesus, 25:44 I must tell Jesus 25:48 Jesus can help me, 25:53 Jesus alone 25:56 I must tell Jesus 26:01 All of my troubles 26:06 He is a kind, compassionate friend 26:13 If I but ask Him, 26:18 He will deliver 26:23 Make of my troubles 26:27 quickly an end 26:31 I must tell Jesus, 26:35 I must tell Jesus 26:40 I cannot bear my burdens alone 26:48 I must tell Jesus, 26:52 I must tell Jesus 26:57 Jesus can help me, 27:01 Jesus alone 27:05 I must tell Jesus, 27:09 I must tell Jesus 27:14 I cannot bear my burdens alone 27:22 I must tell Jesus, 27:27 I must tell Jesus 27:31 Jesus can help me, 27:35 Yes, Jesus can help... 27:38 He can... 27:40 Jesus can help me, 27:44 Jesus alone... 27:49 alone. 27:53 Audience: Amen... clapping. 28:00 Piano... 28:10 In the harvest fields now ripened 28:18 There's a work for all to do; 28:25 Hark! the Master's voice is calling 28:32 To the harvest calling you. 28:40 Does the place you're called to labor 28:48 Seem so small or little known? 28:55 It is great if God is in it, 29:02 And He won't forsake His own. 29:10 Little is much when God is in it! 29:18 Labor not for wealth or fame; 29:25 There's a crown, and you can win it, 29:33 If you go in Jesus' name. 29:42 Piano... 29:45 When the harvest time has ended 29:54 And our work on earth has done, 30:01 He will say if we are faithful, 30:09 "Welcome home, 30:13 My child... well done!" 30:19 Little is much 30:22 when God is in it! 30:26 Labor not for wealth or fame; 30:33 There's a crown, and you can win it, 30:41 When you go in Jesus' name. 30:47 For little is much when God is in it! 30:54 Labor not for wealth or fame; 31:01 There's a crown that we can wear, 31:09 If we go 31:14 in Jesus' 31:20 name. 31:27 piano... 31:34 Audience: Amen... clapping. 31:40 Introduction of Dr. Yvonne Lewis-Shelton. 32:23 Music... 32:40 I heard He walked on water 32:47 and opened blinded eyes 32:51 The deaf were made to hear again 32:56 and the dead were called to rise 33:00 O... but when I gave Him all my heart 33:04 a greater thing took place 33:09 the Lord of every miracle 33:13 redeemed me by His grace 33:20 and wonders never cease 33:25 as long as I believe 33:28 and place my life within the nail-scarred hands 33:35 that bled for me 33:38 And when I think I've seen it best 33:43 I stand amazed to see 33:47 His glory never ends 33:56 And wonders never cease. 34:01 hmmm... 34:07 oooo oooooo... 34:15 He still walks on water 34:20 to calm my troubled seas 34:23 and in the midst of thunder 34:28 I can hear Him speaking peace 34:32 And though some believe His miracles 34:37 were just part of yesterday 34:42 I'm living proof His changing power 34:46 will never pass away 34:53 O... and wonders never cease 34:58 as long as I believe 35:02 and I place my life 35:05 within the nail-scared hands that bled for me 35:12 And when I think that scene is spent 35:16 I stand amazed to see 35:23 His glory never ends 35:28 O wonders never cease 35:36 as long as I believe 35:41 And I place my life 35:43 within the nail-scarred hands that bled for me 35:50 And when I think I've seen His best 35:55 I stand amazed to see 36:01 His glory never ends 36:07 And wonders never cease 36:14 O His glory never ends 36:20 And wonders never 36:25 cease... 36:39 cease. 36:52 Audience: Clapping. 36:59 Music... 37:16 Holy, Holy God Almighty 37:21 Timeless Lamb for sinners slain 37:26 Worthy, worthy, Thou art worthy 37:31 Lord we praise Your holy name 37:36 We adore You bow before You 37:40 Let all heaven and earth proclaim 37:45 You are on this earth all glory 37:50 Lord we praise Your holy name. 37:55 Music... 37:59 Lord we praise Your name... 38:03 Lord we praise Your name, 38:07 Lord we praise Your name 38:12 God Almighty 38:18 Holy is Your name 38:22 Righteous is Your name 38:27 Name above all names 38:31 God Almighty 38:35 Music... 38:40 Holy, Holy God Almighty 38:44 Timeless Lamb for sinners slain 38:50 Worthy, worthy, Thou art worthy 38:55 Lord we praise Your holy name 39:01 We adore You 39:03 Bow before You 39:06 Let all heaven and earth proclaim 39:10 You are on this earth all glory 39:16 Lord we praise Your holy name 39:22 Lord we praise Your name... 39:27 Lord we praise Your name, 39:31 Lord we praise Your name 39:35 God Almighty 39:41 Holy is Your name 39:46 Righteous is Your name 39:50 Name above all names 39:55 God almighty 39:59 Music... 40:03 Jesus there is none above You 40:08 We exalt Your majesty 40:13 In Your name we find salvation 40:17 Speak Your name and demons flee 40:22 Death and life go... Great Defeater 40:27 Raise the steps up high 40:32 Mighty King of kings forever 40:38 Lord we praise Your Holy name 40:45 Blessing and honor 40:47 Glory and power 40:50 Be unto Him Who sits on the throne forever 40:55 Blessing and honor 40:57 Glory and power 40:59 Be unto Him Who sits on the throne forever 41:05 Blessing and honor 41:09 Glory and power forever 41:14 Blessing and honor 41:17 Glory and power 41:19 Be unto Him Who sits on the throne forever 41:24 and ever... 41:28 We adore 41:32 Let all heaven and earth proclaim 41:36 O... 41:41 Lord we praise Your holy name 41:46 Amen... amen... 41:51 Amen 41:55 Amen, 42:00 Amen 42:06 Amen... 42:11 Amen. 42:16 Audience: Clapping. 42:25 Thank you, Yvonne, so much for this most amazing singing 42:30 for the glory of God. 42:32 Praise the Lord. 42:39 In Russian... 42:45 Unfortunately, in our lives 42:47 there are so many trials that we experience during this life. 42:52 Pain and the cruelty of the world 42:59 and our worries... 43:01 this is what happens in our lives so often 43:05 but there is mutual support 43:10 like we're experiencing with Julien now 43:14 and of course, the main support that we have in this life 43:20 is God's support. 43:22 In Russian... 43:26 God helps us to find real love in our life. 43:31 In Russian... 43:38 Anastasia Sergeeva is going to sing a song for us 43:43 that is called, "The Talk of My Heart with the Lord. " 43:47 Music... 44:10 Song... 48:25 Audience: Clapping. 48:29 Thank you so much Anastasia for this beautiful singing. 48:33 Life brings us wounds 48:41 but he Lord restores and revives us. 48:44 God performs miracles. 48:48 In Russian... 48:54 When we have faith in Him, He will not leave us unredeemed. 48:58 In Russian... 49:04 The song, "Unredeemed" is performed by Oxana Gunko. 49:10 Music... 49:31 The cruelest word, 49:33 the coldest heart 49:37 The deepest wound, 49:41 the endless dark 49:44 The lonely ache, 49:47 the burning tears 49:51 The bitter nights, 49:55 the wasted years 49:58 Life breaks and falls apart 50:04 But we know these are 50:12 Places where grace is 50:19 soon to be so amazing 50:25 It may be unfulfilled, 50:29 it may be unrestored 50:33 But when anything that's shattered 50:36 Is laid before the Lord 50:39 Just watch and see, 50:42 it will not be 50:45 unredeemed 50:55 music... 50:59 For every choice 51:02 that led to shame 51:05 And all the love that never came 51:13 For every vow 51:17 that someone broke 51:20 And every life that gave up hope 51:28 We live in the shadow of the fall 51:34 But the cross says these are all 51:42 Places where grace is 51:48 soon to be so amazing 51:55 It may be unfulfilled, 51:59 it may be unrestored 52:02 But when anything that's shattered 52:06 Is laid before the Lord 52:08 Just watch and see, 52:11 it will not be 52:15 unredeemed 52:22 will not be 52:28 un... be unredeemed... 52:33 Yeah... yeah... 52:40 O... 52:44 Places 52:46 where grace is 52:50 soon to be so amazing 52:57 It may be unfulfilled, 53:01 it may be unrestored 53:04 But you never know the miracle 53:09 the Father has in store 53:13 Just watch and see, 53:16 it will not be 53:20 Just watch and see... 53:24 it will not be 53:28 unredeemed... 53:35 oooo 53:43 ooooo... 53:46 Amen. 53:49 Audience: Clapping... 53:52 In Russian... 53:57 Thank you so much Oksana for this singing, 53:59 thank you Lord for the wonderful gifts 54:01 that You are giving to Your people. 54:02 From Zion comes the Lord. 54:08 Our Lord is coming. 54:12 This is what the book of Psalms says, 54:16 "The earth rejoices because the Lord is coming" 54:22 and this is... 54:26 this joy comes from the fact that the Lord loves His people. 54:31 the next song's name is, "Rejoice You Earth" 54:40 performed by Yan Zakolodkin. 54:47 Music... 55:00 Song. 59:25 Audience: Clapping. 59:30 Amen... praise the Lord. 59:33 Thank you Yan it's been very beautiful. 59:39 Absolutely, haven't you been blessed? 59:41 Our audience around the world, our audience here, 59:44 beautiful music... 59:46 Translation. 59:52 I'm sure that each of these artistes 59:55 are using their talents for Jesus, aren't you? 59:57 Translation. 01:00:05 I think I know why heaven needs to be for an eternity. 01:00:09 Translation. 01:00:16 Not only sitting at the feet of Jesus, 01:00:22 listening to the stories of the angels and the disciples 01:00:25 translation... 01:00:33 but spending time with Brothers and Sisters 01:00:35 from around the world. 01:00:43 Can you imagine trading stories and sharing music 01:00:47 and singing together with Brothers and Sisters 01:00:50 from all parts of the world? 01:00:51 Translation. 01:01:07 It's time now that we introduced our Speaker for the evening. 01:01:16 Pastor John Lomacang 01:01:20 is also the Pastor of the 01:01:22 Thompsonville Seventh-day Adventist Church there at 3ABN 01:01:26 translation... 01:01:31 and he's also the Director of World Evangelism for 3ABN 01:01:35 translation... 01:01:43 our theme for this week is, "Have you heard the good news?" 01:01:46 Translation. 01:01:55 Jesus is coming soon, are you excited about that? 01:01:57 Translation. 01:02:02 Praise the Lord, 01:02:04 praise the Lord... 01:02:06 praise the Lord! 01:02:09 All right, we're having a wonderful time 01:02:11 but we're going to have to go now 01:02:12 I'd like to introduce also the translator for tonight 01:02:16 doing the interpreting is Pastor Anton 01:02:19 translation... 01:02:29 and he's the Vice President of Zaoksky Adventist University. 01:02:33 That's right. 01:02:34 And it's the only university... Adventist University 01:02:37 of higher learning in Russia and it's in Moscow. 01:02:40 Translation. 01:03:01 And now we're going to invite Pastor John and Pastor Anton 01:03:05 to bring the message of love of Jesus. 01:03:08 Translation... 01:03:19 Good evening everyone. 01:03:28 It is a blessing to be here this evening 01:03:33 and to bring the Word that the Lord has placed 01:03:36 on my heart for you this evening. 01:03:42 We are praying this evening that the Lord will be glorified 01:03:50 and that He'd be honored by the message. 01:03:57 I invite you to bow your heads with me 01:04:05 as we ask for the Lord to guide. 01:04:10 "Father in heaven, 01:04:14 send Your Holy Spirit to speak to us this evening 01:04:22 and to accomplish Your purpose 01:04:27 in Jesus' name, amen. " 01:04:31 The message is entitled, "Chosen" 01:04:40 and the Scripture of focus is Matthew chapter 22 verse 14. 01:04:44 Translation. 01:04:51 It's a very short verse in the Bible 01:04:57 but its implications are eternal. 01:05:04 Listen to the words of Jesus, 01:05:08 He said, "For many are called 01:05:13 but few are chosen. " 01:05:17 The shortest verses in the New Testament spoken by Jesus 01:05:21 translation... 01:05:27 but the impact behind it is eternal. 01:05:35 These words communicate a powerful truth about ministry 01:05:39 and salvation. 01:05:48 Allow me to illustrate. 01:05:51 I'm going to begin with a statement that may sound proud 01:05:55 but it is not... as you continue to follow. 01:05:57 Translation. 01:06:05 I have no doubt that I was called to the Ministry. 01:06:13 Follow me very carefully. 01:06:17 After leaving the Heritage Singers in 1986, 01:06:20 translation... 01:06:28 my wife and I worked together at a construction company 01:06:32 in Orlando, Florida. 01:06:33 Translation. 01:06:42 On one occasion, when she walked past my office, 01:06:48 she looked at my expression 01:06:53 and she asked me the question, "What's wrong?" 01:06:55 Translation. 01:06:59 And I replied the following words, 01:07:04 I said, "There's got to be more to life than this, 01:07:08 I want to be in the ministry. " 01:07:17 I was sitting behind a desk counting numbers 01:07:24 and I knew that that was not all that God had in store for us. 01:07:31 So, we set our minds to pray, 01:07:36 we prayed seven days in a row 01:07:42 kneeling before the Lord, agonizing 01:07:49 and the Lord opened the doors to ministry in a powerful way. 01:07:58 Our lives have not been the same since. 01:08:04 We have been in ministry together for 32 years 01:08:11 and married for 36 years. 01:08:18 Now I change my opening statement slightly... 01:08:26 I earlier said, "I have no doubt that I was called to ministry" 01:08:34 but I now say, "I have no doubt 01:08:39 that we were called to ministry" 01:08:44 but tonight, the message has a secret twist... 01:08:47 follow me carefully. 01:08:56 As we looked back at our journey 01:09:02 we realized the following things. 01:09:07 "Being called" and "being chosen" 01:09:10 are not the same thing. 01:09:16 Our skills, our gifts, our abilities and our talents 01:09:21 may lead us to be "called. " 01:09:23 Translation. 01:09:36 But none of those abilities is the reason we will be "chosen. " 01:09:40 Translation. 01:09:48 Let me say that another way. 01:09:52 You may be a good singer... a good preacher... 01:09:55 a good speaker 01:10:03 and the Lord will call you to use that gift 01:10:10 but none of those gifts will lead you to be chosen. 01:10:15 Translation. 01:10:22 When we read the verses that precede Matthew 22 verse 14, 01:10:26 the picture comes into a better focus. 01:10:29 Translation. 01:10:38 These verses reveal a far deeper meaning than just being called. 01:10:43 Translation. 01:10:51 Now, let's begin by reading Matthew chapter 22... 01:10:54 let's begin with verse 1, 01:10:56 follow me carefully. 01:10:57 Translation. 01:11:03 "And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parable and said, 01:11:07 translation. 01:11:12 'The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king 01:11:14 who arranged a marriage for his son, 01:11:22 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited 01:11:26 to the wedding. " 01:11:31 Notice... they were "called" 01:11:35 but notice what the Bible continues to say, 01:11:40 "and they were not willing to come. " 01:11:44 Now, verse 4. 01:11:46 "Again he sent out other servants saying, 01:11:52 'Tell those who are invited, 01:11:57 "See, I have prepared my dinner; 01:12:02 my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, 01:12:07 and all things are ready. 01:12:10 Come to the wedding. " 01:12:13 That is the second call. 01:12:16 "But they made light of it and went their ways, 01:12:23 one to his own farm, another to his business 01:12:30 and the rest seized his servants, 01:12:34 treated them spitefully, and killed them. 01:12:39 But when the king heard about it, 01:12:42 he was furious 01:12:44 and he sent out his armies, 01:12:48 destroyed those murderers, 01:12:51 and burned up their city. " 01:12:54 Verse 8. 01:12:57 "Then he said to his servants, 01:13:01 'The wedding is ready, 01:13:04 but those who were invited were not worthy... '" 01:13:09 This is beautiful, look at the rest. 01:13:14 He is now going to broaden the invitation. 01:13:21 This is where we come in. 01:13:26 He says in verse 9: Therefore go into the highways, 01:13:32 and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. 01:13:39 So those servants went out into the highways 01:13:42 and gathered together all... 01:13:47 all whom they found, 01:13:51 both bad and good. 01:13:54 Who do they call? 01:13:57 "bad and good. " 01:14:00 Say it with me, "bad and good. " 01:14:05 Notice, the bad and the good were called 01:14:09 and the Bible says, 01:14:14 "And the wedding hall was filled with guests. " 01:14:21 Now, if you stop the story here, 01:14:26 it sounds amazing 01:14:29 it says that the wedding hall was filled 01:14:35 whenever you have a wedding, 01:14:37 you'd like the wedding hall to be filled 01:14:41 and when Jesus extends an invitation, 01:14:47 it's beautiful to hear that the wedding hall was filled. 01:14:49 Translation. 01:14:58 It makes you think that heaven is also going to be filled 01:15:01 translation... 01:15:07 but I said there's a difference between being "called" 01:15:10 and being "chosen" 01:15:17 because in the "called" good and bad responded. 01:15:27 Now, the story takes an amazing turn. 01:15:34 Now, remember the wedding hall is filled with guests 01:15:41 and they're getting ready for the wedding supper. 01:15:47 Dinner is about to be served. 01:15:52 They're sitting there waiting for their dinner to be served 01:16:00 and they are excited that they are in the wedding hall. 01:16:08 Now, verse 11, 01:16:11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, 01:16:18 he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. " 01:16:27 Notice, he was in the wedding... 01:16:31 the Bible didn't say what category he was in 01:16:37 but as we continue, we can conclude 01:16:40 what category he fell into. 01:16:49 All of a sudden, all of the attention is focused on this man 01:16:58 "So he said to him, 01:17:03 'Friend, how did you come in here 01:17:06 without a wedding garment?'" 01:17:11 And the Bible answers with these four words, 01:17:18 "And he was speechless. " 01:17:24 Now those amazing words 01:17:29 because he had nothing to say. 01:17:32 As much experience as this man may have had, 01:17:36 he had nothing to say. 01:17:44 The reason why he had nothing to say, 01:17:50 is because there were no excuses for his condition 01:17:57 but the one examining him knew his life extremely well. 01:18:07 Let me broaden the picture. 01:18:11 There's only One that knows our lives better than us 01:18:19 and His name is Jesus. 01:18:23 If Jesus asks me a question, 01:18:28 I believe He already knows the answer 01:18:33 so, therefore, even if I give no answer, 01:18:38 there is an answer 01:18:41 and we're going to uncover what the answer was. 01:18:46 The inspection of a man that responded to the call 01:18:49 came at a time when it was too late to make any changes. 01:18:54 Translation. 01:19:00 In other words, 01:19:06 it was too late for any answer to change his condition. 01:19:12 Translation. 01:19:18 Remember the sermon is called, "Chosen. " 01:19:24 Now, the question was, "Why was he speechless?" 01:19:30 Why didn't he have anything to say? 01:19:34 Let me suggest the following, 01:19:37 the Lord saw his condition 01:19:42 now, before I give you the answers 01:19:44 as to why he was speechless, follow me carefully. 01:19:52 There's something that we must do to go from being "called" 01:19:57 to being "chosen" 01:20:06 and I would suggest that this man did not do that. 01:20:12 This is where it is dangerous for those of us 01:20:16 that work for the Lord 01:20:19 pause... 01:20:20 to ignore what I am about to reveal to you. 01:20:24 Translate. 01:20:33 It was not until that very moment, 01:20:38 that the man realized what he had failed to do. 01:20:46 He failed to pay attention to the condition of his life. 01:20:56 somewhere along the way he became comfortable with his life 01:21:00 translation... 01:21:07 somewhere along the way, 01:21:08 he began to overlook the flaws in his character. 01:21:17 Now, this next point is very alarming. 01:21:25 He may have even thought that his work was a substitute 01:21:28 for his righteousness 01:21:37 and undoubtedly he was looking forward to the wedding 01:21:43 but he failed to prepare for what he knew was coming. 01:21:52 Now, the title as Julia said, 01:21:57 is "Good News! Have you heard?" 01:22:02 Now, we're going to end on some good news 01:22:07 but we have to unpack the story completely. 01:22:13 Jesus would not have asked him about the wedding garment 01:22:22 if the man did not know 01:22:23 that a wedding garment was necessary for this occasion. 01:22:26 Translation. 01:22:33 It was not until Jesus asked, "Where is your wedding garment?" 01:22:43 that he paused to realize, he didn't have one. 01:22:49 Now, I want to make a very important point here. 01:22:54 It is not that he couldn't have one, 01:23:00 a wedding garment was available 01:23:05 but he just chose not to put it on. 01:23:11 Now, this is where I... I begin to open another door. 01:23:21 I've heard Danny Shelton so many times 01:23:25 say the following statement 01:23:31 and you may have said it also. 01:23:34 "Confession is good for the soul but hard on the reputation. " 01:23:38 Translation. 01:23:46 If you heard that before, say, "Amen. " 01:23:50 Audience: Amen. 01:23:52 Confession is good for the soul 01:23:56 but it's hard on the reputation. 01:24:06 After 32 years of ministry 01:24:13 I look back on the journey that the Lord has led me through, 01:24:21 I look back on the journey 01:24:23 the Lord has led my wife and I through 01:24:30 I understood Bible prophecy very well, 01:24:36 Revelation is one of my favorite books. 01:24:41 I can teach every one of our doctrines, 01:24:46 I believe I'm a singer, a preacher, 01:24:49 a teacher, a song writer, 01:24:50 translation... 01:24:58 but a few years ago, the Lord revealed something to me. 01:25:05 He said, "You were called 01:25:11 but you are not yet at the place where you will be chosen" 01:25:15 translation... 01:25:23 and when the Lord called me to reexamine my own life, 01:25:31 to place myself before Him in examination, 01:25:40 the most difficult thing for any one of us to do 01:25:43 is to see ourselves. 01:25:50 It's easy to see what other people need, 01:25:57 but it's very difficult to look at ourselves and say, 01:26:00 "This is my need. " 01:26:07 But I praise the Lord today 01:26:12 that the Lord showed me before it is too late what my need is. 01:26:17 Translation. 01:26:24 Let me ask you a question 01:26:27 and I want a response. 01:26:31 "Do you want to be ready... 01:26:32 do you want to be ready when Jesus comes?" 01:26:40 Pause... 01:26:44 To be ready when Jesus comes requires 01:26:47 examination of yourself. 01:26:56 When the Lord began to show me who I was becoming, 01:27:03 I became uncomfortable with what I saw. 01:27:11 I became uncomfortable with what I was becoming 01:27:19 and then I made what I may refer to 01:27:22 as a painful but necessary decision. 01:27:30 I began to measure my life by the life of Christ. 01:27:39 So, this evening, 01:27:41 I want to give you four reasons... 01:27:47 four things that we must do, 01:27:53 so that we can have the assurance 01:27:55 that when Jesus comes we will be chosen. 01:28:04 All that you have to do to be lost is... nothing... 01:28:12 Amen. 01:28:15 All you have to do to not make the kingdom is nothing. 01:28:25 I learned something very important a few years ago, 01:28:31 I have learned why rivers are crooked. 01:28:39 Rivers are crooked for the following reason 01:28:46 because water follows the path of least resistance. 01:28:55 Now, let me make application. 01:29:03 There is no work that you can do to save yourself 01:29:09 translation... 01:29:15 but there is a work that you must do to be saved. 01:29:24 Now, that may sound like a conflicting statement. 01:29:33 We cannot save ourselves 01:29:38 but there is something that we must do to be saved. 01:29:45 It is not the work of salvation 01:29:50 but it is the work of working out our salvation. 01:29:54 Translation. 01:30:00 Let me... let me give you an example. 01:30:03 If you're making a cake 01:30:08 and all the ingredients are put there. 01:30:14 You put the flour, 01:30:17 the eggs, 01:30:19 the sugar, 01:30:21 the flavor, 01:30:26 and they're all in the same bowl. 01:30:31 Is that a cake? 01:30:35 No... 01:30:39 all of the ingredients to become a cake are there, 01:30:49 now, let me make application before I finish the example. 01:30:57 Has Christ put His righteousness in us? 01:31:05 Yes. 01:31:10 Has He forgiven us of our sins? 01:31:16 Audience: Yes. 01:31:18 Has He called us to work for Him? 01:31:23 But there is something we must do 01:31:26 that that salvation will not be lost. 01:31:35 We must understand... let me repeat that a different way, 01:31:40 we must take what He has put within us 01:31:49 and work it out... 01:31:53 the flour, the water, the sugar, the flavor. 01:32:01 If it just sits there, 01:32:05 it will never become a cake. 01:32:09 Are you following me? 01:32:12 You have to work it out, 01:32:16 you have to work everything in 01:32:21 that's what Jesus meant when He said, 01:32:26 "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. " 01:32:35 He was saying, "Look at yourself 01:32:39 and make sure that you're doing everything that you must do 01:32:47 so that what I put in you, 01:32:51 will bring out a perfect product in the end. " 01:32:59 Here is the first thing we must do. 01:33:04 2nd Corinthians 13 verse 5, 01:33:11 "Examine yourself" 01:33:15 say that with me, "Examine yourself. " 01:33:23 The Apostle Paul says, 01:33:24 "Examine yourself as to whether you are in the faith. " 01:33:32 Then he says, "Test yourself. " 01:33:38 Notice, he didn't say, "Examine other people... " 01:33:40 He didn't say, "Test other people" 01:33:42 he said, "Examine yourself. " 01:33:51 He says, "Do you not know for yourself 01:33:54 that unless Jesus Christ is in you, 01:33:56 you are disqualified. " 01:34:04 In order to have on the wedding garment, 01:34:06 we must examine ourselves. 01:34:13 You cannot put a candle on a cake that hasn't been baked. 01:34:20 Translation. 01:34:26 Now that you're quiet, let me give you a picture 01:34:29 and you'll catch it. 01:34:34 Let's go back to the bowl 01:34:37 we put flour in 01:34:40 eggs in there 01:34:42 water in there... 01:34:45 flavoring in there... 01:34:48 is it a cake? 01:34:50 No... 01:34:52 do you throw candles in there too? 01:34:58 no... 01:35:00 do you light candles and drop it in there 01:35:02 and say, "Happy Birthday!" 01:35:09 Because everything that can make it a cake is already there 01:35:16 but it hasn't been worked out. 01:35:20 The process is not yet complete 01:35:24 so, you have to continue to examine where it is 01:35:31 and it is getting closer to the finished product 01:35:37 so that then you can put candles 01:35:41 and then you can present it complete. 01:35:47 So, my brothers and sisters, 01:35:50 we are in the process where we must examine ourselves, 01:35:57 that's the first thing 01:35:59 and when you examine yourself and say, 01:36:05 "Lord, show me who I am... " He will. 01:36:10 Now, let's go to the second thing. 01:36:15 Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1, 01:36:20 the Bible says, "Let us lay aside every weight 01:36:28 and the sin which so easily ensnares us... 01:36:36 and let us run with endurance 01:36:38 the race that is set before us. " 01:36:44 The first thing... we must examine ourselves. 01:36:50 The second thing is... we must abandon the sin 01:36:53 that we enjoy... 01:37:00 the sin that so easily traps us. 01:37:05 If we fail to remove the thing that continually traps us, 01:37:14 translation... 01:37:21 we will never experience complete freedom in Christ. 01:37:24 Translation. 01:37:30 What about the third thing? 01:37:33 Do you know that when you wake up every day 01:37:36 there's a battle? 01:37:41 Does anybody know that? 01:37:44 Ah... ah... ah... let me try that again. 01:37:52 Every day I wake up, there is a battle... 01:37:59 does anybody else have battles every day? 01:38:03 Getting better... 01:38:05 If you know that you are going to face a battle every day, 01:38:10 you have to get ready for the battle. 01:38:18 Today I saw old tanks... old airplanes... 01:38:22 old machine guns... 01:38:30 none of those things can help me in a battle 01:38:37 because the battle we face is not against humanity, 01:38:44 that's why the Apostle Paul tells us 01:38:46 in Ephesians chapter 6 verse 11, 01:38:54 notice what he says, 01:38:57 he says, "Put on the whole armor of God" 01:39:05 how much of the armor? 01:39:08 say, "the whole... " 01:39:11 Audience: The whole... 01:39:17 The whole armor of God. 01:39:20 "that you may be able to stand 01:39:22 against the wiles of the devil. " 01:39:26 If you've been around long enough 01:39:30 you know the devil is very wile. 01:39:38 Not Wild... but while... 01:39:46 in other words, he knows what he's doing. 01:39:50 He's very clever... 01:39:52 he studies you... 01:39:55 he listens to you... 01:39:57 he watches what you do... 01:40:00 he understands your desire, 01:40:04 he sees your habits... 01:40:07 and he sends you gifts to keep those habits going 01:40:15 and if we don't have on the whole armor 01:40:21 we'll never be successful against his attacks. 01:40:29 Now, let me ask you the question, 01:40:32 how often should we put on the armor of God? 01:40:39 Daily... 01:40:43 how often do we face the fight? 01:40:50 Is the answer, "daily... " 01:40:53 that's not the answer. 01:40:56 The answer is, "Moment by moment. " 01:41:00 Amen. 01:41:02 Brethren, let me say it again, 01:41:06 examine yourself... 01:41:09 abandon the sin that you enjoy 01:41:15 because the thing that you believe that you can control, 01:41:23 will end up controlling you. 01:41:26 Third one, "Get ready for the battle moment by moment. " 01:41:35 And the fourth thing, 01:41:38 "Keep your eyes on Jesus. " 01:41:45 Amen. 01:41:47 Audience: Amen. 01:41:48 Don't look at anybody but Jesus. 01:41:57 Now, what do I mean by that? 01:42:01 Recently, 01:42:05 the American Ladies Soccer Team 01:42:14 they won the World Cup in Soccer. 01:42:20 I don't know if they played Russia or not. 01:42:27 If they did... 01:42:30 I apologize... 01:42:34 Audience: Laughter. 01:42:36 They could not win if they took their eyes off the goal. 01:42:42 Translation. 01:42:47 Everything they did had only one purpose. 01:42:54 "Get to the goal... 01:42:58 Focus on the goal... 01:43:02 Don't stop until you make the goal... 01:43:06 no matter who tries to stop you, 01:43:08 do whatever you've been trained to do... to get to the goal. " 01:43:11 Translation. 01:43:19 Their eyes were trained on the goal. 01:43:26 They could be running in this direction, 01:43:27 but they were watching the goal. 01:43:33 Their enemy was running toward them 01:43:35 but they kept their eyes on the goal. 01:43:41 The opposing team did everything it could 01:43:44 but they never lost sight of the goal. 01:43:52 My Brothers and Sisters, 01:43:53 Satan wants us to take our eyes off of Jesus. 01:44:02 If I fail to look at anyone else I can still be saved 01:44:11 but if I fail to look at Jesus, I will definitely be lost 01:44:18 that's why Hebrews 12 verse 2 says it this way, 01:44:23 "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith... " 01:44:30 He began it... only He can end it 01:44:36 and notice the rest of the text, 01:44:40 "who for the joy that was set before Him... 01:44:47 He endured the cross... " 01:44:50 let me say this... 01:44:53 "the cross requires endurance" 01:44:58 the Christian life requires endurance. 01:45:04 That means, Jesus never gave up, we cannot give up. " 01:45:10 Jesus kept His eye on the victory, 01:45:12 we must keep our eyes on the victory 01:45:17 and Jesus is our victory. 01:45:20 It also says, "He despised the shame... " 01:45:27 what does that mean? 01:45:28 That means, people mocked Him for the decision He made. 01:45:36 People maligned Him for the decision that He made. 01:45:42 They tried to make Him feel bad for going to the cross. 01:45:51 They tried to stop Him from going to the cross 01:45:58 but today I'm glad He went to the cross. 01:46:04 Can you say, "Amen. " 01:46:07 Amen. Audience: Amen. 01:46:08 and then the Bible says, 01:46:10 "He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. " 01:46:17 He sat in the seat of victory. 01:46:23 Now, you know why He was chosen? 01:46:27 He was not just called 01:46:30 but He was chosen 01:46:32 because He did what He accepted 01:46:34 as the assignment for our salvation. 01:46:42 Let me illustrate it as I close. 01:46:45 I always wondered why 01:46:52 I always wondered why actors were chosen 01:46:54 for the role that we now admire them for. 01:47:04 I found out something very interesting, 01:47:09 being called to the... to the audition 01:47:11 is not the same as being chosen for the role. 01:47:14 Translation. 01:47:22 Have you heard of "Forrest Gump" before? 01:47:28 Yeah? Da... da... Audience: Da... yes. 01:47:34 Da... Audience: Da... 01:47:36 Yes. Audience: Yes! 01:47:38 Tom Hanks became Forrest Gump 01:47:46 but he was not the first one called. 01:47:51 John Travolta was the first one called. 01:47:56 He rejected the role 01:48:02 because he said... he did not like what it required. 01:48:08 He did not want to be remembered as Forrest Gump. 01:48:14 Chevy Chase turned down the role 01:48:19 for the same reason 01:48:21 and a very famous man called "Bill Murray" 01:48:23 rejected the call also. 01:48:29 He said, "I don't want to play a dumb person like Forrest Gump" 01:48:38 but today, one of the most successful roles 01:48:40 that Tom Hanks ever played was Forrest Gump. 01:48:49 His role may have looked demeaning 01:48:57 but when he received his award for playing that role, 01:49:01 translation... 01:49:08 John Travolta, Bill Murray and Chevy Chase 01:49:10 knew they made the wrong decision. 01:49:12 Translation. 01:49:21 Now, what did Tom Hanks do? 01:49:25 Tom Hanks accepted the call 01:49:30 but that was not all, 01:49:33 this is powerful, 01:49:36 after he accepted the call, 01:49:40 he committed his life to the Director. 01:49:48 Tom Hanks said... Tom Hanks tells the story 01:49:55 that he was so close to the Director during the production 01:49:58 that they were inseparable. 01:50:08 He said... the only time they were not together 01:50:10 is when he was sleeping 01:50:16 because the Director knew what Tom Hanks was going to be 01:50:25 and Tom Hanks knew that he could not be that 01:50:27 without the Director. 01:50:32 You see, my Brothers and Sisters, 01:50:36 we will never know what we could become without Jesus 01:50:43 but we have to be so closely connected to Jesus 01:50:47 that we are inseparable. 01:50:54 Jesus says in John 15 verse 5, 01:50:59 "I am the vine, 01:51:01 you are the branches... " 01:51:03 but notice this, 01:51:05 "He who abides in Me, 01:51:09 and I in him, 01:51:11 bears much fruit; 01:51:15 for without Me 01:51:18 you can do nothing. " 01:51:21 Now, watch this, 01:51:24 responding to the call will get you into the audition 01:51:33 but you'll only be chosen 01:51:35 if you are faithful to the Director. 01:51:42 Did you get that? 01:51:44 Amen. 01:51:47 Responding to the call will get you into the wedding. 01:51:57 Responding to the call will get you into the church. 01:52:03 Responding to the call will get you the job at 3ABN 01:52:12 but unless you are faithful, 01:52:14 you will not be chosen in the end 01:52:23 because the Lord is more concerned about who we are 01:52:27 than what we do. 01:52:34 I don't want to be a person that just does good things. 01:52:41 I want to be a person that reflects the life of Christ. 01:52:48 Amen. 01:52:50 And here's the reason why. 01:52:52 Revelation 17 verse 14, 01:52:58 just the last part of it 01:53:02 and here is the key 01:53:05 to being chosen. 01:53:07 The Bible says, 01:53:10 "When Jesus comes... " 01:53:12 look at these wonderful words. 01:53:15 "Those who are with Him, 01:53:19 are called, 01:53:21 chosen, 01:53:23 and faithful. " 01:53:27 Now, that's quite a difference between the first text. 01:53:33 We began by saying, "Many are called 01:53:35 but few are chosen... " 01:53:40 but when you live your life in Christ, 01:53:45 you get to be called 01:53:48 you can be chosen 01:53:51 and you can be faithful. 01:53:53 How many tonight want to be called? Raise your hand. 01:53:59 I don't see enough hands... 01:54:03 that's just the beginning of the journey. 01:54:08 How many of you want to be chosen 01:54:14 when Jesus comes back? 01:54:17 And the thing that makes the difference... 01:54:22 you have to be faithful. 01:54:24 Amen. 01:54:26 I want to be called... 01:54:29 I want to be chosen... 01:54:31 but only in Christ can I be faithful. 01:54:36 Amen... amen. 01:54:38 May God bless you 01:54:41 as you are called... 01:54:43 as you are chosen... 01:54:45 and as you are faithful. 01:54:49 Praise the Lord. 01:54:51 Amen. 01:54:55 Praise the Lord. 01:54:57 Have you been blessed tonight? 01:55:02 Amen. 01:55:04 Ameen... 01:55:06 Amen, we have audience American and Russian, 01:55:09 we should all be saying, "Amen, praise the Lord. " 01:55:15 If you enjoyed tonight, 01:55:20 you're going to enjoy tomorrow. 01:55:23 The good news coming from 3ABN Russia 01:55:31 starts for our local audience here at what time? 01:55:35 Sabbath School is 10 a. m. 01:55:41 and what time should the folk come here tomorrow? 01:55:51 Okay, Church Service around 11:30... 01:55:55 translation... 01:56:04 now, for our audience around the world, 01:56:06 we're coming to you live tomorrow 01:56:09 starting at 11:00 in the morning, 01:56:13 that will be Sabbath School 01:56:14 and Jill Morikone is going to be giving the Sabbath School, 01:56:17 great teacher... and I'm always blessed by Sister Jill 01:56:21 but for our audience at Central Time in the U.S. 01:56:24 so, Central Time is 11 a. m. we'll be on 01:56:29 and then we come back for the Church Service 01:56:31 I think it's at 1 o'clock Central Time 01:56:35 so, 1 o'clock Central 01:56:36 so now we're talking the American time 01:56:38 for those of you there 01:56:39 and then in the afternoon later on, 01:56:41 we're going to have more programming 01:56:43 and so just stay tuned all day tomorrow to 3ABN 01:56:47 and wherever you are around the world. 01:56:49 Julia, I've been blessed tonight. 01:56:51 Translation... 01:56:56 more translation. 01:57:01 I want to say a special thanks to the 3ABN Russian crew 01:57:11 for all the videoing... all the production 01:57:13 and all the work with the lighting 01:57:14 and tremendous amount of work, 01:57:16 thank you so much. 01:57:25 For those of you at home, we'll see you tomorrow, 01:57:27 God bless you. 01:57:33 Music. |
Revised 2019-08-13