Yes, Jesus Can Save Anyone | 12Stone Church

and we're going to get to work today. We and we're going to get to work today. We got a lot to go after, a lot to cover. got a lot to go after, a lot to cover. got a lot to go after, a lot to cover. Man, I was just standing in the back Man, I was just standing in the back Man, I was just standing in the back watching baptisms happen and sitting in watching baptisms happen and sitting in watching baptisms happen and sitting in sitting in worship and I just was sitting in worship and I just was sitting in worship and I just was reminded this is not normal. You realize reminded this is not normal. You realize reminded this is not normal. You realize it's not normal that baptisms happen it's not normal that baptisms happen it's not normal that baptisms happen frequently here. Like I I was a part of frequently here. Like I I was a part of frequently here. Like I I was a part of churches growing up that I would go a churches growing up that I would go a churches growing up that I would go a whole year and never see anyone get whole year and never see anyone get whole year and never see anyone get baptized. And we get a chance to baptized. And we get a chance to baptized. And we get a chance to frequently celebrate what happens when frequently celebrate what happens when frequently celebrate what happens when someone bows the knee to King Jesus and someone bows the knee to King Jesus and someone bows the knee to King Jesus and they're brought to life in Christ and they're brought to life in Christ and they're brought to life in Christ and they go public with their faith. Can we they go public with their faith. Can we they go public with their faith. Can we just thank our God for all that he's just thank our God for all that he's just thank our God for all that he's doing across the life of our church. doing across the life of our church. doing across the life of our church. Glory and honor and praise to you, Glory and honor and praise to you, Glory and honor and praise to you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And we're going to we're going to lean And we're going to we're going to lean And we're going to we're going to lean into that again today a little bit in into that again today a little bit in into that again today a little bit in that conversation. But first, I want to that conversation. But first, I want to that conversation. But first, I want to talk about next week really quick. next talk about next week really quick. next talk about next week really quick. next weekend, August 2nd. If this is your weekend, August 2nd. If this is your weekend, August 2nd. If this is your church home, you need to be here next church home, you need to be here next church home, you need to be here next weekend because it's going to be L like weekend because it's going to be L like weekend because it's going to be L like a like a vision forward. What is God a like a vision forward. What is God a like a vision forward. What is God inviting our church into in this next inviting our church into in this next inviting our church into in this next season? We're calling it First Look season? We're calling it First Look season? We're calling it First Look Sunday. And if this is your church home Sunday. And if this is your church home Sunday. And if this is your church home and you always ask the questions, man, and you always ask the questions, man, and you always ask the questions, man, what are we doing? What's coming up?

what are we doing? What's coming up? what are we doing? What's coming up? What's the next series? What are we What's the next series? What are we What's the next series? What are we doing this fall? I'm going to tell you doing this fall? I'm going to tell you doing this fall? I'm going to tell you everything. If you're a planner, bring everything. If you're a planner, bring everything. If you're a planner, bring your calendar. Open up your calendar app your calendar. Open up your calendar app your calendar. Open up your calendar app next weekend. you can start to fill up next weekend. you can start to fill up next weekend. you can start to fill up your calendar and know what is our your calendar and know what is our your calendar and know what is our church going after. Bring something to church going after. Bring something to church going after. Bring something to take notes with and we're going to lean take notes with and we're going to lean take notes with and we're going to lean into what God's inviting our church into into what God's inviting our church into into what God's inviting our church into this fall. So be here next week and look this fall. So be here next week and look this fall. So be here next week and look at your neighbor and say you better be at your neighbor and say you better be at your neighbor and say you better be here. Go ahead and tell them. here. Go ahead and tell them. here. Go ahead and tell them. >> Say it with conviction. That was like >> Say it with conviction. That was like >> Say it with conviction. That was like you better be here. Like say it like you you better be here. Like say it like you you better be here. Like say it like you mean it. Like you're going to be here. mean it. Like you're going to be here. mean it. Like you're going to be here. Come on. So the month of July, we've been in this So the month of July, we've been in this conversation that's one of the core conversation that's one of the core conversation that's one of the core statements, one of the core questions in statements, one of the core questions in statements, one of the core questions in the life of our church. And today we're the life of our church. And today we're the life of our church. And today we're we're sort of wrapping that conversation we're sort of wrapping that conversation we're sort of wrapping that conversation up. And it revolves around this up. And it revolves around this up. And it revolves around this question. Who's your one? question. Who's your one? question. Who's your one? And if you've been here longer than a And if you've been here longer than a And if you've been here longer than a minute, you've heard us say that minute, you've heard us say that minute, you've heard us say that statement. And I hope you know what it statement. And I hope you know what it statement. And I hope you know what it means, but if not, let me just uh unpack means, but if not, let me just uh unpack means, but if not, let me just uh unpack it for you. Uh we believe that that the it for you. Uh we believe that that the it for you. Uh we believe that that the the nature and character of our God is the nature and character of our God is the nature and character of our God is that he would leave the 99 people that that he would leave the 99 people that that he would leave the 99 people that are already saved behind and go after are already saved behind and go after are already saved behind and go after the one that's not like his heart is for the one that's not like his heart is for the one that's not like his heart is for his lost sons and daughters to come home his lost sons and daughters to come home his lost sons and daughters to come home again. And if we want to be like God, if again. And if we want to be like God, if again. And if we want to be like God, if we're supposed to be more and more like we're supposed to be more and more like we're supposed to be more and more like God in our character, then we should God in our character, then we should God in our character, then we should care about the one. And the one is this.

care about the one. And the one is this. care about the one. And the one is this. It's someone who is physically near to It's someone who is physically near to It's someone who is physically near to you. Like they're in proximity to you, you. Like they're in proximity to you, you. Like they're in proximity to you, but they're spiritually far from God. but they're spiritually far from God. but they're spiritually far from God. And here's what I believe. If you are a And here's what I believe. If you are a And here's what I believe. If you are a follower of Jesus, the person that's in follower of Jesus, the person that's in follower of Jesus, the person that's in your life that's far from God is there your life that's far from God is there your life that's far from God is there on purpose. That wasn't a mistake. God on purpose. That wasn't a mistake. God on purpose. That wasn't a mistake. God put you there. It might be the person in put you there. It might be the person in put you there. It might be the person in your cubicle next to you, someone you your cubicle next to you, someone you your cubicle next to you, someone you see at the gas station a couple times a see at the gas station a couple times a see at the gas station a couple times a week, someone in your neighborhood, week, someone in your neighborhood, week, someone in your neighborhood, someone next to you in class, someone at someone next to you in class, someone at someone next to you in class, someone at the ball field, but it's someone that the ball field, but it's someone that the ball field, but it's someone that God put near to you. That was not an God put near to you. That was not an God put near to you. That was not an accident. You are there on purpose and accident. You are there on purpose and accident. You are there on purpose and for a purpose and you have a mission to for a purpose and you have a mission to for a purpose and you have a mission to bring that person to Jesus. And so many bring that person to Jesus. And so many bring that person to Jesus. And so many of the baptisms we celebrate, the person of the baptisms we celebrate, the person of the baptisms we celebrate, the person standing next to the tub that's not a standing next to the tub that's not a standing next to the tub that's not a pastor on staff is someone who that was pastor on staff is someone who that was pastor on staff is someone who that was their one that they prayed, they their one that they prayed, they their one that they prayed, they invested, they they they talked about invested, they they they talked about invested, they they they talked about Jesus, they invited them to church, and Jesus, they invited them to church, and Jesus, they invited them to church, and now they get to stand next to the tub now they get to stand next to the tub now they get to stand next to the tub and go public because that was their and go public because that was their and go public because that was their one. Praise God. So, as a church, we are one. Praise God. So, as a church, we are one. Praise God. So, as a church, we are we are never bigger than the next one we are never bigger than the next one we are never bigger than the next one and the next one and the next one. And and the next one and the next one. And and the next one and the next one. And so, as we talk about this here, here's so, as we talk about this here, here's so, as we talk about this here, here's what you have to know. The one doesn't what you have to know. The one doesn't what you have to know. The one doesn't matter till they're your one.

matter till they're your one. matter till they're your one. That one or that one is like that's That one or that one is like that's That one or that one is like that's cool, but it doesn't matter to you until cool, but it doesn't matter to you until cool, but it doesn't matter to you until it's your one. So, we've walked through it's your one. So, we've walked through it's your one. So, we've walked through this conversation in July and and we're this conversation in July and and we're this conversation in July and and we're going to wrap it up today. But in order going to wrap it up today. But in order going to wrap it up today. But in order to do that, if you want to grab your to do that, if you want to grab your to do that, if you want to grab your Bibles, I'm going to be in Matthew 9 Bibles, I'm going to be in Matthew 9 Bibles, I'm going to be in Matthew 9 once again. And if you're using a once again. And if you're using a once again. And if you're using a worship center Bible is page 8:35. worship center Bible is page 8:35. worship center Bible is page 8:35. And I want to pick up where Pastor Steve And I want to pick up where Pastor Steve And I want to pick up where Pastor Steve sort of ended last weekend. Matthew 9 sort of ended last weekend. Matthew 9 sort of ended last weekend. Matthew 9 starting in verse 36. And I want us to starting in verse 36. And I want us to starting in verse 36. And I want us to see a picture of both the nature and see a picture of both the nature and see a picture of both the nature and character of Jesus as well as the nature character of Jesus as well as the nature character of Jesus as well as the nature and reality of the kingdom of God that and reality of the kingdom of God that and reality of the kingdom of God that we're living in right now. Starting in we're living in right now. Starting in we're living in right now. Starting in verse 36. When he Jesus when Jesus saw verse 36. When he Jesus when Jesus saw verse 36. When he Jesus when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. the crowds, he had compassion on them. the crowds, he had compassion on them. He had what? He had what? He had what? If you're if you're far from God and you If you're if you're far from God and you If you're if you're far from God and you have questions, I want to start here. have questions, I want to start here. have questions, I want to start here. You might think that God has no You might think that God has no You might think that God has no compassion for you. You might think God compassion for you. You might think God compassion for you. You might think God does not give a rip about you. You might does not give a rip about you. You might does not give a rip about you. You might think Jesus doesn't even care about my think Jesus doesn't even care about my think Jesus doesn't even care about my life. And I want you to know this. Jesus life. And I want you to know this. Jesus life. And I want you to know this. Jesus has compassion on you. Jesus loves you. has compassion on you. Jesus loves you. has compassion on you. Jesus loves you. It's not just a kid song. It's a It's not just a kid song. It's a It's not just a kid song. It's a profound reality. The God of the profound reality. The God of the profound reality. The God of the universe loves you. He's wowed about universe loves you. He's wowed about universe loves you. He's wowed about you. Jesus's heart has compassion for you. Jesus's heart has compassion for you. Jesus's heart has compassion for the crowds. Why? because they were the crowds. Why? because they were the crowds. Why? because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without harassed and helpless like sheep without harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. They're lost in life, far a shepherd. They're lost in life, far a shepherd. They're lost in life, far from God. And then Jesus, I can see him from God. And then Jesus, I can see him from God. And then Jesus, I can see him walking down the road with his walking down the road with his walking down the road with his disciples. He looks over to the to his disciples. He looks over to the to his disciples. He looks over to the to his disciples. He's like, "Guys, the harvest disciples. He's like, "Guys, the harvest disciples. He's like, "Guys, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

is plentiful, but the workers are few. is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest to send out workers into his harvest to send out workers into his harvest field." I need you to be clear. It's the field." I need you to be clear. It's the field." I need you to be clear. It's the harvest is not few. The workers are few. harvest is not few. The workers are few. harvest is not few. The workers are few. If you know anything about a field, the If you know anything about a field, the If you know anything about a field, the field is ripe with harvest. We just need field is ripe with harvest. We just need field is ripe with harvest. We just need workers to go get it. Like, and when workers to go get it. Like, and when workers to go get it. Like, and when he's talking about this, what is that? he's talking about this, what is that? he's talking about this, what is that? What does that little metaphor mean? The What does that little metaphor mean? The What does that little metaphor mean? The harvest is people. There are more people harvest is people. There are more people harvest is people. There are more people that need Jesus than there are people that need Jesus than there are people that need Jesus than there are people that know Jesus that are going to work that know Jesus that are going to work that know Jesus that are going to work and bring them home again. and bring them home again. and bring them home again. The the the prayer at the end is not The the the prayer at the end is not The the the prayer at the end is not God, send harvest. God, send harvest. God, send harvest. You don't have to pray for lost people. You don't have to pray for lost people. You don't have to pray for lost people. They're everywhere. You have to pray for They're everywhere. You have to pray for They're everywhere. You have to pray for workers, God. So the God of the harvest, workers, God. So the God of the harvest, workers, God. So the God of the harvest, will you send workers? And then I look will you send workers? And then I look will you send workers? And then I look around rooms like this and I go, man, around rooms like this and I go, man, around rooms like this and I go, man, we've got thousands of people across our we've got thousands of people across our we've got thousands of people across our campuses, tens of thousands online, campuses, tens of thousands online, campuses, tens of thousands online, might be watched online right now. And might be watched online right now. And might be watched online right now. And I'm like, how can there be not enough I'm like, how can there be not enough I'm like, how can there be not enough workers? workers? workers? There's a lot of us. There's a lot of us. There's a lot of us. And I think to this, I think maybe we're And I think to this, I think maybe we're And I think to this, I think maybe we're people that have found Jesus, but we've people that have found Jesus, but we've people that have found Jesus, but we've not found our calling to Who's Your One?

not found our calling to Who's Your One? not found our calling to Who's Your One? We're people that we we said yes to We're people that we we said yes to We're people that we we said yes to Jesus, but we've not gotten our hands Jesus, but we've not gotten our hands Jesus, but we've not gotten our hands dirty working the fields yet. And what dirty working the fields yet. And what dirty working the fields yet. And what if God brought you here today because he if God brought you here today because he if God brought you here today because he wants to awaken you? I've prayed this wants to awaken you? I've prayed this wants to awaken you? I've prayed this all week. Would you awaken our church? all week. Would you awaken our church? all week. Would you awaken our church? Would you reignite this hunger, this Would you reignite this hunger, this Would you reignite this hunger, this burden for lost people? Because whether burden for lost people? Because whether burden for lost people? Because whether you know it or not, you were once lost you know it or not, you were once lost you know it or not, you were once lost as well. as well. as well. And then somebody said something to you And then somebody said something to you And then somebody said something to you about Jesus. The Holy Spirit awakened about Jesus. The Holy Spirit awakened about Jesus. The Holy Spirit awakened you and you came home. Once you get you and you came home. Once you get you and you came home. Once you get rescued, you go rescue the next person. rescued, you go rescue the next person. rescued, you go rescue the next person. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> That's not good enough. Once you get >> That's not good enough. Once you get >> That's not good enough. Once you get rescued, you go rescue the next person. rescued, you go rescue the next person. rescued, you go rescue the next person. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> If you can't tell, I got fire in my >> If you can't tell, I got fire in my >> If you can't tell, I got fire in my bones for this. I'm going to try to not bones for this. I'm going to try to not bones for this. I'm going to try to not talk too fast. My wife will always be talk too fast. My wife will always be talk too fast. My wife will always be like, "Great message. Slow down." I'm like, "Great message. Slow down." I'm like, "Great message. Slow down." I'm like, I'm trying. I'm just excited. See, like, I'm trying. I'm just excited. See, like, I'm trying. I'm just excited. See, here's the question I want to I want to here's the question I want to I want to here's the question I want to I want to wrestle with. Like, the workers are few. wrestle with. Like, the workers are few. wrestle with. Like, the workers are few. And I look around and go, "No, they're And I look around and go, "No, they're And I look around and go, "No, they're not. The workers aren't few." And it's not. The workers aren't few." And it's not. The workers aren't few." And it's like, well, maybe they are. Here's the like, well, maybe they are. Here's the like, well, maybe they are. Here's the question I want to ask. Why don't we question I want to ask. Why don't we question I want to ask. Why don't we bring our ones to Jesus? bring our ones to Jesus? bring our ones to Jesus? I want to take like the devil's advocate I want to take like the devil's advocate I want to take like the devil's advocate position on the conversation. Why? Why position on the conversation. Why? Why position on the conversation. Why? Why don't we bring our ones to Jesus? And in don't we bring our ones to Jesus? And in don't we bring our ones to Jesus? And in order to unpack it, I want to unpack one order to unpack it, I want to unpack one order to unpack it, I want to unpack one of my favorite stories in scripture. And of my favorite stories in scripture. And of my favorite stories in scripture. And actually starts the same chapter that actually starts the same chapter that actually starts the same chapter that Jesus just ended with. It's the very Jesus just ended with. It's the very Jesus just ended with. It's the very beginning of that chapter. And I'm going beginning of that chapter. And I'm going beginning of that chapter. And I'm going to be bouncing back and forth between to be bouncing back and forth between to be bouncing back and forth between Matthew 9 and Mark 2. Both the same Matthew 9 and Mark 2. Both the same Matthew 9 and Mark 2. Both the same story just told from different story just told from different story just told from different perspective. Here's how it starts in perspective. Here's how it starts in perspective. Here's how it starts in Matthew 9:2.

Matthew 9:2. Matthew 9:2. This is one of the first stories in This is one of the first stories in This is one of the first stories in scripture where someone else had scripture where someone else had scripture where someone else had compassion on their one. By the way, compassion on their one. By the way, compassion on their one. By the way, Jesus already had compassion. This is Jesus already had compassion. This is Jesus already had compassion. This is one of the first times where someone one of the first times where someone one of the first times where someone else had compassion. Verse two, Matthew else had compassion. Verse two, Matthew else had compassion. Verse two, Matthew 9, some men brought to him, Jesus, a 9, some men brought to him, Jesus, a 9, some men brought to him, Jesus, a paralyzed man lying on a mat. I want to paralyzed man lying on a mat. I want to paralyzed man lying on a mat. I want to pause here for a second. What's pause here for a second. What's pause here for a second. What's happening? So Jesus is hanging out in happening? So Jesus is hanging out in happening? So Jesus is hanging out in this area and some presumably some this area and some presumably some this area and some presumably some friends bring their friend who's friends bring their friend who's friends bring their friend who's paralyzed just meaning he can't walk. paralyzed just meaning he can't walk. paralyzed just meaning he can't walk. Bring their friend carrying their friend Bring their friend carrying their friend Bring their friend carrying their friend to Jesus on a mat. What's that about? to Jesus on a mat. What's that about? to Jesus on a mat. What's that about? Well, back in those days when you were Well, back in those days when you were Well, back in those days when you were paralyzed you couldn't make money. You paralyzed you couldn't make money. You paralyzed you couldn't make money. You were sort of like you couldn't get were sort of like you couldn't get were sort of like you couldn't get around. And so the way you'd get carried around. And so the way you'd get carried around. And so the way you'd get carried around was they'd carry you on the very around was they'd carry you on the very around was they'd carry you on the very mat that they'd lay out. You go lay on mat that they'd lay out. You go lay on mat that they'd lay out. You go lay on your mat during the day and you'd beg your mat during the day and you'd beg your mat during the day and you'd beg for money and then some of your friends for money and then some of your friends for money and then some of your friends hopefully would carry you back home hopefully would carry you back home hopefully would carry you back home again. That's what's happening in the again. That's what's happening in the again. That's what's happening in the story. And luckily, this man that was story. And luckily, this man that was story. And luckily, this man that was paralyzed and on a mat, the man who was paralyzed and on a mat, the man who was paralyzed and on a mat, the man who was broken had four friends that loved him broken had four friends that loved him broken had four friends that loved him enough to carry him to Jesus. Listen to enough to carry him to Jesus. Listen to enough to carry him to Jesus. Listen to me. Side note, men, you need Matt me. Side note, men, you need Matt me. Side note, men, you need Matt carriers in your life.

carriers in your life. carriers in your life. Listen to me. There are times in my life Listen to me. There are times in my life Listen to me. There are times in my life where I was too broken to make my own where I was too broken to make my own where I was too broken to make my own way back to Jesus. And I had men in my way back to Jesus. And I had men in my way back to Jesus. And I had men in my life that said, "Nope, we're carrying life that said, "Nope, we're carrying life that said, "Nope, we're carrying you back to Jesus." You need men in your you back to Jesus." You need men in your you back to Jesus." You need men in your life. In fact, the whole who's your one life. In fact, the whole who's your one life. In fact, the whole who's your one thing, one of the most strategic places thing, one of the most strategic places thing, one of the most strategic places you can invite your one to, if they're a you can invite your one to, if they're a you can invite your one to, if they're a dude and they're middle school or older, dude and they're middle school or older, dude and they're middle school or older, bring them to the who's not who's your bring them to the who's not who's your bring them to the who's not who's your one, bring them to the be the man one, bring them to the be the man one, bring them to the be the man conference in November. You can text be conference in November. You can text be conference in November. You can text be the man to 37748. You can register now. the man to 37748. You can register now. the man to 37748. You can register now. The first night we're preaching the The first night we're preaching the The first night we're preaching the gospel. We're going to have open gospel. We're going to have open gospel. We're going to have open baptisms there. That might be the night baptisms there. That might be the night baptisms there. That might be the night where your one comes to faith in Jesus. where your one comes to faith in Jesus. where your one comes to faith in Jesus. and your job is to be a mat carrier. and your job is to be a mat carrier. and your job is to be a mat carrier. Bring them, you can text, you can be a Bring them, you can text, you can be a Bring them, you can text, you can be a part of that. Don't miss it. So, there's part of that. Don't miss it. So, there's part of that. Don't miss it. So, there's a lot going on in this verse. So, I want a lot going on in this verse. So, I want a lot going on in this verse. So, I want to go over to Mark 2 because uh when to go over to Mark 2 because uh when to go over to Mark 2 because uh when when he unpacks it, he unpacks it from a when he unpacks it, he unpacks it from a when he unpacks it, he unpacks it from a different perspective because again, all different perspective because again, all different perspective because again, all four gospels are the same story, the four gospels are the same story, the four gospels are the same story, the same sort of timeline, but different same sort of timeline, but different same sort of timeline, but different perspective. perspective. perspective. So, I'll pick the same story up in Mark So, I'll pick the same story up in Mark So, I'll pick the same story up in Mark 2. And I'll skip sort of through some of 2. And I'll skip sort of through some of 2. And I'll skip sort of through some of this. So a few days later when Jesus this. So a few days later when Jesus this. So a few days later when Jesus entered Capernaum the people heard that entered Capernaum the people heard that entered Capernaum the people heard that he had come home they gathered in such he had come home they gathered in such he had come home they gathered in such large numbers verse two that there was large numbers verse two that there was large numbers verse two that there was no room left not even outside the door no room left not even outside the door no room left not even outside the door and Jesus preached the word to them.

and Jesus preached the word to them. and Jesus preached the word to them. Here's where the story picks up. Some Here's where the story picks up. Some Here's where the story picks up. Some men came bringing to him a paralyzed man men came bringing to him a paralyzed man men came bringing to him a paralyzed man carried by four of them. Since they carried by four of them. Since they carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of could not get him to Jesus because of could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the the crowd, they made an opening in the the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it roof above Jesus by digging through it roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was and then lowered the mat the man was and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. What's happening here? lying on. What's happening here? lying on. What's happening here? Literally, they show up carrying their Literally, they show up carrying their Literally, they show up carrying their friend to Jesus, their broken friend who friend to Jesus, their broken friend who friend to Jesus, their broken friend who they thought Jesus might be able to heal they thought Jesus might be able to heal they thought Jesus might be able to heal him. I'm going to carry him to Jesus. him. I'm going to carry him to Jesus. him. I'm going to carry him to Jesus. They get there, the crowds are so big, They get there, the crowds are so big, They get there, the crowds are so big, they can't walk in the front door. So, they can't walk in the front door. So, they can't walk in the front door. So, they they they look around and go, they they they look around and go, they they they look around and go, "Well, there's a roof on the place, "Well, there's a roof on the place, "Well, there's a roof on the place, right?" Great. What are we going to do? right?" Great. What are we going to do? right?" Great. What are we going to do? We're going to dig a hole through the We're going to dig a hole through the We're going to dig a hole through the roof and bring our friend to Jesus. roof and bring our friend to Jesus. roof and bring our friend to Jesus. That's an awesome story for everybody That's an awesome story for everybody That's an awesome story for everybody except the homeowner. Right? except the homeowner. Right? except the homeowner. Right? So, they're they're they're so they're So, they're they're they're so they're So, they're they're they're so they're so intent on getting their friend to so intent on getting their friend to so intent on getting their friend to Jesus. Why the urgency? Because first, Jesus. Why the urgency? Because first, Jesus. Why the urgency? Because first, they loved their friend. Second, they they loved their friend. Second, they they loved their friend. Second, they believe Jesus could heal their friend. believe Jesus could heal their friend. believe Jesus could heal their friend. And so, they did whatever it took to get And so, they did whatever it took to get And so, they did whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus. I want to pause.

their friend to Jesus. I want to pause. their friend to Jesus. I want to pause. Sometimes I think we Sometimes I think we Sometimes I think we we theologize the hurdles and think that we theologize the hurdles and think that we theologize the hurdles and think that God's giving us a message. Let me let me God's giving us a message. Let me let me God's giving us a message. Let me let me unpack that. If I was carrying my friend unpack that. If I was carrying my friend unpack that. If I was carrying my friend to Jesus and the crowds were piled up to Jesus and the crowds were piled up to Jesus and the crowds were piled up and I couldn't get in the house, I think and I couldn't get in the house, I think and I couldn't get in the house, I think my tendency would be to say this, man. my tendency would be to say this, man. my tendency would be to say this, man. If God wanted to heal this guy, he'd If God wanted to heal this guy, he'd If God wanted to heal this guy, he'd have made a way into the house, so have made a way into the house, so have made a way into the house, so there's too big a crowds. Well, we'll there's too big a crowds. Well, we'll there's too big a crowds. Well, we'll try next time. And we give ourselves an try next time. And we give ourselves an try next time. And we give ourselves an out. Listen to me. Sometimes the very out. Listen to me. Sometimes the very out. Listen to me. Sometimes the very things that are hurdles are are the very things that are hurdles are are the very things that are hurdles are are the very way that God wants to heal your friend. way that God wants to heal your friend. way that God wants to heal your friend. The way that God wants to rescue your The way that God wants to rescue your The way that God wants to rescue your one. Don't theologize this and say, one. Don't theologize this and say, one. Don't theologize this and say, "Well, I guess God's not in it." No. "Well, I guess God's not in it." No. "Well, I guess God's not in it." No. Just cuz it's hard doesn't mean God's Just cuz it's hard doesn't mean God's Just cuz it's hard doesn't mean God's not in it. Otherwise, 70% of my life God not in it. Otherwise, 70% of my life God not in it. Otherwise, 70% of my life God wouldn't be in cuz it's hard. Amen. wouldn't be in cuz it's hard. Amen. wouldn't be in cuz it's hard. Amen. Somebody don't don't theologize those Somebody don't don't theologize those Somebody don't don't theologize those moments. Sometimes it is the hard. And moments. Sometimes it is the hard. And moments. Sometimes it is the hard. And then you get you get down in the in the then you get you get down in the in the then you get you get down in the in the story, they lower the man down. Verse 5. story, they lower the man down. Verse 5. story, they lower the man down. Verse 5. When Jesus saw their faith, whose faith? When Jesus saw their faith, whose faith? When Jesus saw their faith, whose faith? >> Their faith. The faith of the friends >> Their faith. The faith of the friends >> Their faith. The faith of the friends lowering him down, he said to the lowering him down, he said to the lowering him down, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." It was the faith of the four forgiven." It was the faith of the four forgiven." It was the faith of the four friends friends friends that caught Jesus's attention.

that caught Jesus's attention. that caught Jesus's attention. And then Jesus says, "Take heart. Your And then Jesus says, "Take heart. Your And then Jesus says, "Take heart. Your sins are forgiven." And on one hand, sins are forgiven." And on one hand, sins are forgiven." And on one hand, that's amazing. On the other hand, if that's amazing. On the other hand, if that's amazing. On the other hand, if I'm the friends, I'm like, "Thanks, I'm the friends, I'm like, "Thanks, I'm the friends, I'm like, "Thanks, Jesus. Um, we were here for a different Jesus. Um, we were here for a different Jesus. Um, we were here for a different problem." Right? Like if you brought problem." Right? Like if you brought problem." Right? Like if you brought your car into the garage to fix the your car into the garage to fix the your car into the garage to fix the brakes and they changed the tires, brakes and they changed the tires, brakes and they changed the tires, you're like, "Thanks." But it was a you're like, "Thanks." But it was a you're like, "Thanks." But it was a brake issue, not a tire issue. brake issue, not a tire issue. brake issue, not a tire issue. What are you doing, Jesus? I I want you What are you doing, Jesus? I I want you What are you doing, Jesus? I I want you to see this. Jesus was diagnosing the to see this. Jesus was diagnosing the to see this. Jesus was diagnosing the real emergency. real emergency. real emergency. See, they thought the biggest problem See, they thought the biggest problem See, they thought the biggest problem was his physical brokenness. And Jesus was his physical brokenness. And Jesus was his physical brokenness. And Jesus is like, "No, no, no, no. It's something is like, "No, no, no, no. It's something is like, "No, no, no, no. It's something much deeper." He's getting to the root. much deeper." He's getting to the root. much deeper." He's getting to the root. Why? In first century Jewish thinking, Why? In first century Jewish thinking, Why? In first century Jewish thinking, if someone was paralyzed, it was widely if someone was paralyzed, it was widely if someone was paralyzed, it was widely viewed as like a a divine judgment, a viewed as like a a divine judgment, a viewed as like a a divine judgment, a divine payback for a specific sin, divine payback for a specific sin, divine payback for a specific sin, either the the the man himself, his sin, either the the the man himself, his sin, either the the the man himself, his sin, or his parents' sin. They look at or his parents' sin. They look at or his parents' sin. They look at someone that was broken like that and someone that was broken like that and someone that was broken like that and say, "What did you do? You must have say, "What did you do? You must have say, "What did you do? You must have angered God. That's on you. That's on angered God. That's on you. That's on angered God. That's on you. That's on your parents." As if someone didn't sin your parents." As if someone didn't sin your parents." As if someone didn't sin perfectly, and that's why they're not perfectly, and that's why they're not perfectly, and that's why they're not that way. So, so the man in was was not that way. So, so the man in was was not that way. So, so the man in was was not only disabled, he was socially and only disabled, he was socially and only disabled, he was socially and spiritually branded spiritually branded spiritually branded as if he was cursed by God. And Jesus as if he was cursed by God. And Jesus as if he was cursed by God. And Jesus goes straight to the root. And in a goes straight to the root. And in a goes straight to the root. And in a minute, we're going to see that Jesus minute, we're going to see that Jesus minute, we're going to see that Jesus told the man to get up and walk. But told the man to get up and walk. But told the man to get up and walk. But before he did that, he said, "Your sins before he did that, he said, "Your sins before he did that, he said, "Your sins are forgiven." Because listen, the are forgiven." Because listen, the are forgiven." Because listen, the physical healing that he's about to do physical healing that he's about to do physical healing that he's about to do is actually the secondary proof of the is actually the secondary proof of the is actually the secondary proof of the deeper miracle. He forgave the sin first

deeper miracle. He forgave the sin first deeper miracle. He forgave the sin first to show to show that sin was the to show to show that sin was the to show to show that sin was the ultimate paralysis. ultimate paralysis. ultimate paralysis. His sin was the real brokenness. And His sin was the real brokenness. And His sin was the real brokenness. And Jesus is relocating the place where sins Jesus is relocating the place where sins Jesus is relocating the place where sins are forgiven from the temple system to are forgiven from the temple system to are forgiven from the temple system to himself. himself. himself. And as you can imagine, the religious And as you can imagine, the religious And as you can imagine, the religious leaders of the day are watching Jesus do leaders of the day are watching Jesus do leaders of the day are watching Jesus do his thing and they are no bueno. They his thing and they are no bueno. They his thing and they are no bueno. They are not happy because their whole are not happy because their whole are not happy because their whole income, their whole life revolved around income, their whole life revolved around income, their whole life revolved around you come to us and we go get your sins you come to us and we go get your sins you come to us and we go get your sins forgiven from God. You go jump through forgiven from God. You go jump through forgiven from God. You go jump through the hoops. You follow the rules. You do the hoops. You follow the rules. You do the hoops. You follow the rules. You do the temple thing and then you're the temple thing and then you're the temple thing and then you're forgiven. And Jesus is like, "No, that forgiven. And Jesus is like, "No, that forgiven. And Jesus is like, "No, that game's done now. game's done now. game's done now. That game's over now." And the religious That game's over now." And the religious That game's over now." And the religious leaders are mad. And Jesus literally leaders are mad. And Jesus literally leaders are mad. And Jesus literally like reads their thoughts and he like reads their thoughts and he like reads their thoughts and he responds back to Matthew 9:6 said this. responds back to Matthew 9:6 said this. responds back to Matthew 9:6 said this. Jesus said, "But I want you to know that Jesus said, "But I want you to know that Jesus said, "But I want you to know that the son of man," that's a name from the son of man," that's a name from the son of man," that's a name from Daniel that was given to the coming Daniel that was given to the coming Daniel that was given to the coming Messiah, by the way, foretold. The son Messiah, by the way, foretold. The son Messiah, by the way, foretold. The son of man has authority on earth. Somebody of man has authority on earth. Somebody of man has authority on earth. Somebody say, "Authority."

say, "Authority." say, "Authority." >> The son of man has authority on earth to >> The son of man has authority on earth to >> The son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he then said to the forgive sins. So he then said to the forgive sins. So he then said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat, paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat, paralyzed man, "Get up, take your mat, and go home." The man got up and went and go home." The man got up and went and go home." The man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were home. When the crowd saw this, they were home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe, and they praised God filled with awe, and they praised God filled with awe, and they praised God who had given such authority to man. I who had given such authority to man. I who had given such authority to man. I want I want you to see one more thing in want I want you to see one more thing in want I want you to see one more thing in the story. When Jesus said, "Get up and the story. When Jesus said, "Get up and the story. When Jesus said, "Get up and carry your mat. This isn't this isn't um carry your mat. This isn't this isn't um carry your mat. This isn't this isn't um this is on purpose." See, Jesus isn't this is on purpose." See, Jesus isn't this is on purpose." See, Jesus isn't just healing. He's restoring dignity. just healing. He's restoring dignity. just healing. He's restoring dignity. You see, that mat would have been like a You see, that mat would have been like a You see, that mat would have been like a scarlet letter that he wore his whole scarlet letter that he wore his whole scarlet letter that he wore his whole life or however long he's been life or however long he's been life or however long he's been paralyzed. paralyzed. paralyzed. You don't have a mat if you're walking. You don't have a mat if you're walking. You don't have a mat if you're walking. You have a mat to lay down and beg for You have a mat to lay down and beg for You have a mat to lay down and beg for money. And for him, that mat represented money. And for him, that mat represented money. And for him, that mat represented what the people believe was like a curse what the people believe was like a curse what the people believe was like a curse from God for some sin he or his parents from God for some sin he or his parents from God for some sin he or his parents had committed. So when Jesus said, "Pick had committed. So when Jesus said, "Pick had committed. So when Jesus said, "Pick up your mat and go home." Here's what up your mat and go home." Here's what up your mat and go home." Here's what he's doing. He's saying, "I want to give he's doing. He's saying, "I want to give he's doing. He's saying, "I want to give you dignity as well." Not just healing. you dignity as well." Not just healing. you dignity as well." Not just healing. I want to give you dignity. You roll I want to give you dignity. You roll I want to give you dignity. You roll that mat up and you walk and you carry that mat up and you walk and you carry that mat up and you walk and you carry that mat straight through the community that mat straight through the community that mat straight through the community of people that has known you as that of people that has known you as that of people that has known you as that person your whole life. and you show and person your whole life. and you show and person your whole life. and you show and you carry the evidence of the power of you carry the evidence of the power of you carry the evidence of the power of Jesus to transform and heal and restore.

Jesus to transform and heal and restore. Jesus to transform and heal and restore. That is a beautiful picture of the heart That is a beautiful picture of the heart That is a beautiful picture of the heart of God for us. And I love that story. of God for us. And I love that story. of God for us. And I love that story. It's so simple. But because it's so simple, it's But because it's so simple, it's convicting. convicting. convicting. And I'm talking to myself today. Why And I'm talking to myself today. Why And I'm talking to myself today. Why have there been so many seasons where have there been so many seasons where have there been so many seasons where many or most of us have never brought many or most of us have never brought many or most of us have never brought someone to Jesus? someone to Jesus? someone to Jesus? See, that's the question I want to See, that's the question I want to See, that's the question I want to answer. Why? Why don't we bring our one answer. Why? Why don't we bring our one answer. Why? Why don't we bring our one to Jesus? to Jesus? to Jesus? And I'm going to walk through And I'm going to walk through And I'm going to walk through three of the reasons I think from this three of the reasons I think from this three of the reasons I think from this story and from my own personal story and from my own personal story and from my own personal experience where at some point in my experience where at some point in my experience where at some point in my life I could own any one of these. And life I could own any one of these. And life I could own any one of these. And I've prayed this week that the that the I've prayed this week that the that the I've prayed this week that the that the Holy Spirit would whisper and convict Holy Spirit would whisper and convict Holy Spirit would whisper and convict and encourage and encourage and encourage and and that the Holy Spirit would and and that the Holy Spirit would and and that the Holy Spirit would dismantle any excuse that we have not to dismantle any excuse that we have not to dismantle any excuse that we have not to bring our one to Jesus because that bring our one to Jesus because that bring our one to Jesus because that story is not rocket science. My friend's story is not rocket science. My friend's story is not rocket science. My friend's broken. Jesus is in town. I'm going to broken. Jesus is in town. I'm going to broken. Jesus is in town. I'm going to bring him to Jesus and let Jesus do what bring him to Jesus and let Jesus do what bring him to Jesus and let Jesus do what Jesus does. It's not rocket science. And Jesus does. It's not rocket science. And Jesus does. It's not rocket science. And yet many, if not most of us don't live yet many, if not most of us don't live yet many, if not most of us don't live this way. So, I want to walk through this way. So, I want to walk through this way. So, I want to walk through three reasons and I want to unpack them three reasons and I want to unpack them three reasons and I want to unpack them with you. Here's the first. I wonder if with you. Here's the first. I wonder if with you. Here's the first. I wonder if we don't bring our friends to Jesus we don't bring our friends to Jesus we don't bring our friends to Jesus because we overlook their brokenness.

In the story in Matthew 9, it's so easy In the story in Matthew 9, it's so easy to see what was broken with the man. He to see what was broken with the man. He to see what was broken with the man. He couldn't walk. It was very obvious. In couldn't walk. It was very obvious. In couldn't walk. It was very obvious. In fact, uh those men would have probably fact, uh those men would have probably fact, uh those men would have probably carried their friend around a lot cuz he carried their friend around a lot cuz he carried their friend around a lot cuz he couldn't get around. Any place he was, couldn't get around. Any place he was, couldn't get around. Any place he was, he got there cuz someone else put him he got there cuz someone else put him he got there cuz someone else put him there. So they would have been around there. So they would have been around there. So they would have been around this friend for a long time. So it was this friend for a long time. So it was this friend for a long time. So it was almost impossible to overlook the almost impossible to overlook the almost impossible to overlook the brokenness. They were not too busy to brokenness. They were not too busy to brokenness. They were not too busy to miss it, to overlook it. And the miss it, to overlook it. And the miss it, to overlook it. And the physical brokenness was obvious. But physical brokenness was obvious. But physical brokenness was obvious. But here's the thing with our ones, here's the thing with our ones, here's the thing with our ones, spiritual brokenness is sometimes easier spiritual brokenness is sometimes easier spiritual brokenness is sometimes easier to hide and harder to see. Have you to hide and harder to see. Have you to hide and harder to see. Have you noticed spiritual brokenness is easier noticed spiritual brokenness is easier noticed spiritual brokenness is easier to hide? to hide? to hide? Physical brokenness, not so much. But Physical brokenness, not so much. But Physical brokenness, not so much. But here's what the friends saw. They saw here's what the friends saw. They saw here's what the friends saw. They saw this the the the physical brokenness in this the the the physical brokenness in this the the the physical brokenness in their friend. And the more clearly you their friend. And the more clearly you their friend. And the more clearly you see the brokenness, the more urgently see the brokenness, the more urgently see the brokenness, the more urgently you want to bring them to Jesus. And I you want to bring them to Jesus. And I you want to bring them to Jesus. And I wonder if we're just so busy and life is wonder if we're just so busy and life is wonder if we're just so busy and life is so full, there's no margin to even so full, there's no margin to even so full, there's no margin to even notice the brokenness around us. Like I notice the brokenness around us. Like I notice the brokenness around us. Like I wonder if if we're walking around life wonder if if we're walking around life wonder if if we're walking around life and we and we just don't see the and we and we just don't see the and we and we just don't see the spiritual brokenness of people who are spiritual brokenness of people who are spiritual brokenness of people who are far from Jesus.

And I wonder if And I wonder if if we just don't understand theology if we just don't understand theology if we just don't understand theology well enough to have a burden because I well enough to have a burden because I well enough to have a burden because I think go to the story. Let me play with think go to the story. Let me play with think go to the story. Let me play with it. If their friend had a sprained it. If their friend had a sprained it. If their friend had a sprained ankle, not paralyzed, but a sprained ankle, not paralyzed, but a sprained ankle, not paralyzed, but a sprained ankle, would they have ripped the roof ankle, would they have ripped the roof ankle, would they have ripped the roof off a building to bring them to Jesus? off a building to bring them to Jesus? off a building to bring them to Jesus? No. You give them a Tylenol and a pack No. You give them a Tylenol and a pack No. You give them a Tylenol and a pack of ice and say, "In two days, you should of ice and say, "In two days, you should of ice and say, "In two days, you should be fine." Right? I don't rip a roof off. be fine." Right? I don't rip a roof off. be fine." Right? I don't rip a roof off. But if your friend's paralyzed with no But if your friend's paralyzed with no But if your friend's paralyzed with no hope of fixing it themselves, you you hope of fixing it themselves, you you hope of fixing it themselves, you you tear a roof off to get him to Jesus. And tear a roof off to get him to Jesus. And tear a roof off to get him to Jesus. And I wonder if we actually we treat our I wonder if we actually we treat our I wonder if we actually we treat our lost friends, people who are far from lost friends, people who are far from lost friends, people who are far from Jesus, if we treat them like a sprained Jesus, if we treat them like a sprained Jesus, if we treat them like a sprained ankle when actually if you understand ankle when actually if you understand ankle when actually if you understand scripture and theology, it's not a scripture and theology, it's not a scripture and theology, it's not a sprained ankle. It's a life-threatening sprained ankle. It's a life-threatening sprained ankle. It's a life-threatening heart condition. heart condition. heart condition. Guys, I'll say it out loud. I I assume Guys, I'll say it out loud. I I assume Guys, I'll say it out loud. I I assume you know it. Heaven and hell is real. you know it. Heaven and hell is real. you know it. Heaven and hell is real. Like we're not here trying to sell you Like we're not here trying to sell you Like we're not here trying to sell you on a pyramid scheme to just get involved on a pyramid scheme to just get involved on a pyramid scheme to just get involved in a good community organization. We are in a good community organization. We are in a good community organization. We are on a rescue mission because heaven is on a rescue mission because heaven is on a rescue mission because heaven is real. Hell is real. And if your plan in real. Hell is real. And if your plan in real. Hell is real. And if your plan in eternity is to go up there and say, "I eternity is to go up there and say, "I eternity is to go up there and say, "I think I did good enough."

think I did good enough." think I did good enough." Tell you right now, it's not going to Tell you right now, it's not going to Tell you right now, it's not going to end well for any of us that that's the end well for any of us that that's the end well for any of us that that's the plan. In fact, if there was an option to plan. In fact, if there was an option to plan. In fact, if there was an option to be good enough, you think God would have be good enough, you think God would have be good enough, you think God would have sent Jesus to die? No. You and I are not sent Jesus to die? No. You and I are not sent Jesus to die? No. You and I are not good enough. And there's no hope of good enough. And there's no hope of good enough. And there's no hope of solving the brokenness of sin. This is solving the brokenness of sin. This is solving the brokenness of sin. This is not sprained ankle stuff. Spiritual not sprained ankle stuff. Spiritual not sprained ankle stuff. Spiritual brokenness is like 911 ambulance ride brokenness is like 911 ambulance ride brokenness is like 911 ambulance ride stuff. And I wonder if we just we don't stuff. And I wonder if we just we don't stuff. And I wonder if we just we don't understand the real condition of the understand the real condition of the understand the real condition of the brokenness. And here's practical. Let me brokenness. And here's practical. Let me brokenness. And here's practical. Let me get practical. When I when God brings a get practical. When I when God brings a get practical. When I when God brings a new one into my life, you know what I new one into my life, you know what I new one into my life, you know what I look for? I wait until I find the look for? I wait until I find the look for? I wait until I find the brokenness. Because here's what I've brokenness. Because here's what I've brokenness. Because here's what I've discovered. People far from God usually discovered. People far from God usually discovered. People far from God usually don't start with heaven and hell don't start with heaven and hell don't start with heaven and hell questions. questions. questions. They don't even believe it's true. They They don't even believe it's true. They They don't even believe it's true. They usually start with like a Tuesday usually start with like a Tuesday usually start with like a Tuesday question. My marriage is not working. question. My marriage is not working. question. My marriage is not working. Man, I got this addiction I can't break. Man, I got this addiction I can't break. Man, I got this addiction I can't break. Man, I don't have self-control. My anger Man, I don't have self-control. My anger Man, I don't have self-control. My anger just flares up at my kids and I hate just flares up at my kids and I hate just flares up at my kids and I hate myself for it. My lust is like an myself for it. My lust is like an myself for it. My lust is like an appetite that's never filled and I man, appetite that's never filled and I man, appetite that's never filled and I man, it's just it's ruining my intimacy with it's just it's ruining my intimacy with it's just it's ruining my intimacy with my spouse, like a mess. Like, you have my spouse, like a mess. Like, you have my spouse, like a mess. Like, you have to look for the brokenness. And and to look for the brokenness. And and to look for the brokenness. And and here's the problem. Our culture is built here's the problem. Our culture is built here's the problem. Our culture is built around keeping up appearances.

around keeping up appearances. around keeping up appearances. And so broken people don't lead with And so broken people don't lead with And so broken people don't lead with their brokenness. So if until you help their brokenness. So if until you help their brokenness. So if until you help find the brokenness, you have to hang find the brokenness, you have to hang find the brokenness, you have to hang close enough to your one until they close enough to your one until they close enough to your one until they crack the door into it. So I just hang crack the door into it. So I just hang crack the door into it. So I just hang out until I can find the broken. Because out until I can find the broken. Because out until I can find the broken. Because what is brokenness? It's the effects of what is brokenness? It's the effects of what is brokenness? It's the effects of sin. And brokenness feels different in sin. And brokenness feels different in sin. And brokenness feels different in every person, but it's the same root, every person, but it's the same root, every person, but it's the same root, which is sin. And here's the reality. We which is sin. And here's the reality. We which is sin. And here's the reality. We have the Instagram world that we live have the Instagram world that we live have the Instagram world that we live in. And people tend to look better than in. And people tend to look better than in. And people tend to look better than we live. We we tend to we tend to bury we live. We we tend to we tend to bury we live. We we tend to we tend to bury what's broken. We tend to hide where what's broken. We tend to hide where what's broken. We tend to hide where we're hurting. And we don't platform our we're hurting. And we don't platform our we're hurting. And we don't platform our pain. But if you're trying to reach year pain. But if you're trying to reach year pain. But if you're trying to reach year one, you have to pay attention. Don't one, you have to pay attention. Don't one, you have to pay attention. Don't overlook the brokenness. Don't assume, overlook the brokenness. Don't assume, overlook the brokenness. Don't assume, well, they're looking pretty good. I saw well, they're looking pretty good. I saw well, they're looking pretty good. I saw them on Instagram last week. Their them on Instagram last week. Their them on Instagram last week. Their vacation was better than mine. They're vacation was better than mine. They're vacation was better than mine. They're probably doing okay. Why would they want probably doing okay. Why would they want probably doing okay. Why would they want to know about Jesus? Sometimes the to know about Jesus? Sometimes the to know about Jesus? Sometimes the vacation they just spent the money on is vacation they just spent the money on is vacation they just spent the money on is to cover the brokenness. to cover the brokenness. to cover the brokenness. Sometimes the car they bought was trying Sometimes the car they bought was trying Sometimes the car they bought was trying to pacify the brokenness. Don't miss the to pacify the brokenness. Don't miss the to pacify the brokenness. Don't miss the fact that we present better than we fact that we present better than we fact that we present better than we live. Don't overlook the brokenness.

live. Don't overlook the brokenness. live. Don't overlook the brokenness. Second point, why don't we bring our Second point, why don't we bring our Second point, why don't we bring our ones to Jesus? I wonder if we ones to Jesus? I wonder if we ones to Jesus? I wonder if we underestimate Jesus's power to heal. underestimate Jesus's power to heal. underestimate Jesus's power to heal. I'm going to step on some toes in this I'm going to step on some toes in this I'm going to step on some toes in this one because God stepped on my toes one because God stepped on my toes one because God stepped on my toes throughout this whole process. throughout this whole process. throughout this whole process. See, the friends had a faith that Jesus See, the friends had a faith that Jesus See, the friends had a faith that Jesus had the power to heal their friends. And had the power to heal their friends. And had the power to heal their friends. And they they did something crazy because they they did something crazy because they they did something crazy because they thought the that Jesus had the they thought the that Jesus had the they thought the that Jesus had the power to do something crazy. power to do something crazy. power to do something crazy. Listen, you don't tear a roof off if you Listen, you don't tear a roof off if you Listen, you don't tear a roof off if you think it's a coin flip. You tear a roof think it's a coin flip. You tear a roof think it's a coin flip. You tear a roof off if you go, I know Jesus can heal. He off if you go, I know Jesus can heal. He off if you go, I know Jesus can heal. He is powerful enough to do it. And when is powerful enough to do it. And when is powerful enough to do it. And when Jesus saw the friend's face, he Jesus saw the friend's face, he Jesus saw the friend's face, he initiated healing. and and and initiated healing. and and and initiated healing. and and and conservative sort of biblical scholars conservative sort of biblical scholars conservative sort of biblical scholars call this a vicarious or intercessory call this a vicarious or intercessory call this a vicarious or intercessory faith. faith. faith. It's the faith of others being It's the faith of others being It's the faith of others being instrumental in bringing someone else to instrumental in bringing someone else to instrumental in bringing someone else to Jesus. So like the the spiritual reality Jesus. So like the the spiritual reality Jesus. So like the the spiritual reality of being a mat carrier is you're of being a mat carrier is you're of being a mat carrier is you're probably not going to throw someone on a probably not going to throw someone on a probably not going to throw someone on a on a mat in the back of your van and on a mat in the back of your van and on a mat in the back of your van and drive them to church. That's called drive them to church. That's called drive them to church. That's called kidnapping. You'll go to jail.

kidnapping. You'll go to jail. kidnapping. You'll go to jail. But the spiritual version of that is But the spiritual version of that is But the spiritual version of that is you're begging for them in prayer. you're begging for them in prayer. you're begging for them in prayer. You're asking God, would you awaken them You're asking God, would you awaken them You're asking God, would you awaken them in prayer? You're you're making in prayer? You're you're making in prayer? You're you're making invitations. That's what being a Matt invitations. That's what being a Matt invitations. That's what being a Matt carrier looks like in the spiritual carrier looks like in the spiritual carrier looks like in the spiritual sense so you don't have a charge on your sense so you don't have a charge on your sense so you don't have a charge on your record the rest of your life. See, if record the rest of your life. See, if record the rest of your life. See, if you believe and you have the faith that you believe and you have the faith that you believe and you have the faith that Jesus can heal and restore and forgive, Jesus can heal and restore and forgive, Jesus can heal and restore and forgive, you'll do crazy things. And listen, the you'll do crazy things. And listen, the you'll do crazy things. And listen, the unconvinced typically don't tear off unconvinced typically don't tear off unconvinced typically don't tear off roofs to get people to Jesus. roofs to get people to Jesus. roofs to get people to Jesus. And I wonder if we look at people and And I wonder if we look at people and And I wonder if we look at people and go, "Yeah, Jesus is good for me." go, "Yeah, Jesus is good for me." go, "Yeah, Jesus is good for me." But I don't know But I don't know But I don't know that Jesus can fix that one. Maybe it's that Jesus can fix that one. Maybe it's that Jesus can fix that one. Maybe it's someone who hurt you so deeply and if someone who hurt you so deeply and if someone who hurt you so deeply and if you're honest, you don't want them to be you're honest, you don't want them to be you're honest, you don't want them to be forgiven. forgiven. forgiven. Like, like I wonder if we look at Like, like I wonder if we look at Like, like I wonder if we look at someone else's mess and we quietly someone else's mess and we quietly someone else's mess and we quietly conclude, I don't know how Jesus is conclude, I don't know how Jesus is conclude, I don't know how Jesus is going to do that one. going to do that one. going to do that one. And the awkwardness of what if Jesus And the awkwardness of what if Jesus And the awkwardness of what if Jesus doesn't do what I think he's going to do doesn't do what I think he's going to do doesn't do what I think he's going to do leads you to never invest, never invite, leads you to never invest, never invite, leads you to never invest, never invite, never go after your one.

never go after your one. never go after your one. See, someone's addiction, their sexual See, someone's addiction, their sexual See, someone's addiction, their sexual brokenness, they may have deconstructed brokenness, they may have deconstructed brokenness, they may have deconstructed their faith, they have a bitterness their faith, they have a bitterness their faith, they have a bitterness towards God or the church, family towards God or the church, family towards God or the church, family trauma, and you look and go, "Man, I trauma, and you look and go, "Man, I trauma, and you look and go, "Man, I don't know what Jesus is going to do." don't know what Jesus is going to do." don't know what Jesus is going to do." Like, I wonder if some of us have Like, I wonder if some of us have Like, I wonder if some of us have reduced Jesus down to like a a life reduced Jesus down to like a a life reduced Jesus down to like a a life improvement tool as opposed to the improvement tool as opposed to the improvement tool as opposed to the person who can raise people from the person who can raise people from the person who can raise people from the dead. dead. dead. I wonder if we if we forget Jesus was I wonder if we if we forget Jesus was I wonder if we if we forget Jesus was dead. Not like sleeping, not napping, dead. Not like sleeping, not napping, dead. Not like sleeping, not napping, dead dead for three days. And God raised dead dead for three days. And God raised dead dead for three days. And God raised him from from the dead. And now what him from from the dead. And now what him from from the dead. And now what Jesus does spiritually is he raises Jesus does spiritually is he raises Jesus does spiritually is he raises people from spiritual death to alive in people from spiritual death to alive in people from spiritual death to alive in Christ. And the same power that raised Christ. And the same power that raised Christ. And the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in your Christ from the dead is at work in your Christ from the dead is at work in your life and will be at work in in your life and will be at work in in your life and will be at work in in your one's life. And I wonder if we have a one's life. And I wonder if we have a one's life. And I wonder if we have a pandemic of low expectations for the pandemic of low expectations for the pandemic of low expectations for the power of Jesus. Can I preach at you for a second? Can I preach at you for a second? >> You might be thinking you you already >> You might be thinking you you already >> You might be thinking you you already are. I know I'm going to go one more are. I know I'm going to go one more are. I know I'm going to go one more level aggressive. Can I? that you don't invest and lean in to that you don't invest and lean in to your one your one your one because you're you're you're terrified because you're you're you're terrified because you're you're you're terrified that if you let them get close enough, that if you let them get close enough, that if you let them get close enough, your own life does not have evidence of your own life does not have evidence of your own life does not have evidence of the power of Jesus.

Everything I'm saying to you is Everything I'm saying to you is something that I have had to walk something that I have had to walk something that I have had to walk through personally. So I'm not saying through personally. So I'm not saying through personally. So I'm not saying this at you although it feels like it. this at you although it feels like it. this at you although it feels like it. Like I wonder Like I wonder Like I wonder if our fear of sharing our faith if our fear of sharing our faith if our fear of sharing our faith is because if your one gets close is because if your one gets close is because if your one gets close enough, you will look like a fraud. enough, you will look like a fraud. enough, you will look like a fraud. Like if he gets or she gets close Like if he gets or she gets close Like if he gets or she gets close enough, enough, enough, they'll see that you're still playing they'll see that you're still playing they'll see that you're still playing around with the very sin that Jesus died around with the very sin that Jesus died around with the very sin that Jesus died to forgive you from. to forgive you from. to forgive you from. They get close enough, they'll see They get close enough, they'll see They get close enough, they'll see you're still stuck in a bondage or an you're still stuck in a bondage or an you're still stuck in a bondage or an addiction to something. Like if if if addiction to something. Like if if if addiction to something. Like if if if you let them close enough to your you let them close enough to your you let them close enough to your marriage, they'll realize that the songs marriage, they'll realize that the songs marriage, they'll realize that the songs you sing on Sunday is the same mouth you sing on Sunday is the same mouth you sing on Sunday is the same mouth that you use to berate your spouse or that you use to berate your spouse or that you use to berate your spouse or your kids on Monday. your kids on Monday. your kids on Monday. or the way that you do your life, you or the way that you do your life, you or the way that you do your life, you claim Jesus is first and best, but the claim Jesus is first and best, but the claim Jesus is first and best, but the way you spend your time, your money, and way you spend your time, your money, and way you spend your time, your money, and your energy does not hold up. As if like your energy does not hold up. As if like your energy does not hold up. As if like your life does not point to Jesus as your life does not point to Jesus as your life does not point to Jesus as like he has the power to transform you. like he has the power to transform you. like he has the power to transform you. And man, is that easy to say? But if And man, is that easy to say? But if And man, is that easy to say? But if someone gets close enough, would would someone gets close enough, would would someone gets close enough, would would would you have enough evidence in your would you have enough evidence in your would you have enough evidence in your life to be declared guilty that the life to be declared guilty that the life to be declared guilty that the power of Jesus is at work?

power of Jesus is at work? power of Jesus is at work? I'll flip it back to the story. It's I'll flip it back to the story. It's I'll flip it back to the story. It's really hard to carry your friend to really hard to carry your friend to really hard to carry your friend to Jesus Jesus Jesus if you're letting your friends carry you if you're letting your friends carry you if you're letting your friends carry you away from Jesus. away from Jesus. away from Jesus. Like, you can't be on the mat and Like, you can't be on the mat and Like, you can't be on the mat and carrying the mat at the same time. And I carrying the mat at the same time. And I carrying the mat at the same time. And I wonder if the hypocrisy is such a hurdle wonder if the hypocrisy is such a hurdle wonder if the hypocrisy is such a hurdle because you let your friends carry you because you let your friends carry you because you let your friends carry you somewhere on Saturday night and you have somewhere on Saturday night and you have somewhere on Saturday night and you have no you have no conscience that allows no you have no conscience that allows no you have no conscience that allows you to carry them to church on Sunday you to carry them to church on Sunday you to carry them to church on Sunday morning. I'm saying this because I love you and I'm saying this because I love you and because it is perhaps the thing because it is perhaps the thing because it is perhaps the thing that keeps you from boldly proclaiming that keeps you from boldly proclaiming that keeps you from boldly proclaiming Christ because you have just enough Christ because you have just enough Christ because you have just enough godliness to experience some life godliness to experience some life godliness to experience some life change, but you deny its power as as change, but you deny its power as as change, but you deny its power as as second Timothy 3 says. second Timothy 3 says. second Timothy 3 says. And sometimes you've walked with Jesus And sometimes you've walked with Jesus And sometimes you've walked with Jesus long enough that the sins that are left long enough that the sins that are left long enough that the sins that are left are just the ones you like.

Now, don't miss this. Here's a line. You Now, don't miss this. Here's a line. You don't have to be perfect to be able to don't have to be perfect to be able to don't have to be perfect to be able to bring someone to Jesus. If so, none of bring someone to Jesus. If so, none of bring someone to Jesus. If so, none of us could. But you do have to be us could. But you do have to be us could. But you do have to be forgiven, forgiven, forgiven, and you do have to be in this journey of and you do have to be in this journey of and you do have to be in this journey of the Holy Spirit sanctifying you. the Holy Spirit sanctifying you. the Holy Spirit sanctifying you. It's not hypocritical to say, "Listen, I It's not hypocritical to say, "Listen, I It's not hypocritical to say, "Listen, I screwed up, but Jesus changed me and I screwed up, but Jesus changed me and I screwed up, but Jesus changed me and I asked for forgiveness and and he's he's asked for forgiveness and and he's he's asked for forgiveness and and he's he's convicting me of it." You don't have to convicting me of it." You don't have to convicting me of it." You don't have to be perfect, but you have to be forgiven. be perfect, but you have to be forgiven. be perfect, but you have to be forgiven. and in the process. and in the process. and in the process. And I got a prompt yesterday morning at And I got a prompt yesterday morning at And I got a prompt yesterday morning at prayer. We gather here every Saturday at prayer. We gather here every Saturday at prayer. We gather here every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. to pray over the weekend. And 9:00 a.m. to pray over the weekend. And 9:00 a.m. to pray over the weekend. And I got a prompt. And it's kind of weird, I got a prompt. And it's kind of weird, I got a prompt. And it's kind of weird, but it might be for one person or a but it might be for one person or a but it might be for one person or a thousand people. I don't know. thousand people. I don't know. thousand people. I don't know. But if we believe that Jesus can heal But if we believe that Jesus can heal But if we believe that Jesus can heal and restore, if we believe everything and restore, if we believe everything and restore, if we believe everything we're saying, let's let's engage in we're saying, let's let's engage in we're saying, let's let's engage in prayer for that. So here's the group I'm prayer for that. So here's the group I'm prayer for that. So here's the group I'm going to invite to stand in a minute, going to invite to stand in a minute, going to invite to stand in a minute, and I want to pray for you for 30 and I want to pray for you for 30 and I want to pray for you for 30 seconds, and you sit back down. We keep seconds, and you sit back down. We keep seconds, and you sit back down. We keep going to the teaching. Okay? It's not going to the teaching. Okay? It's not going to the teaching. Okay? It's not going to be long, nothing crazy. going to be long, nothing crazy. going to be long, nothing crazy. If there's something in your life If there's something in your life If there's something in your life that Satan is throwing in your face that Satan is throwing in your face that Satan is throwing in your face and the shame and the guilt of it is why and the shame and the guilt of it is why and the shame and the guilt of it is why you don't have a boldness in sharing you don't have a boldness in sharing you don't have a boldness in sharing your faith.

your faith. your faith. It might be something in a selfish, It might be something in a selfish, It might be something in a selfish, prideful place. It might be an addiction prideful place. It might be an addiction prideful place. It might be an addiction that you keep going back to. It might be that you keep going back to. It might be that you keep going back to. It might be like the way you treat people. And you like the way you treat people. And you like the way you treat people. And you know if they find out I'm a Christian, know if they find out I'm a Christian, know if they find out I'm a Christian, it would go bad for Jesus to hear that I it would go bad for Jesus to hear that I it would go bad for Jesus to hear that I claim his name so you don't ever share claim his name so you don't ever share claim his name so you don't ever share your faith. Some place where you're your faith. Some place where you're your faith. Some place where you're stuck, you're broken. Maybe it's some stuck, you're broken. Maybe it's some stuck, you're broken. Maybe it's some place that you're letting your friends place that you're letting your friends place that you're letting your friends carry you away from Jesus and there carry you away from Jesus and there carry you away from Jesus and there therefore you don't have the authority therefore you don't have the authority therefore you don't have the authority to say come to church with me. Come, let to say come to church with me. Come, let to say come to church with me. Come, let me tell you about Jesus. If there's some me tell you about Jesus. If there's some me tell you about Jesus. If there's some place in your life that if Jesus gave place in your life that if Jesus gave place in your life that if Jesus gave you freedom like today from it, you you freedom like today from it, you you freedom like today from it, you would boldly share your faith. If that's would boldly share your faith. If that's would boldly share your faith. If that's you, stand up here across all the you, stand up here across all the you, stand up here across all the campuses. We're not going to make a campuses. We're not going to make a campuses. We're not going to make a scene. Somebody stand up. Thank you, scene. Somebody stand up. Thank you, scene. Somebody stand up. Thank you, ma'am. Stand up and we're going to pray ma'am. Stand up and we're going to pray ma'am. Stand up and we're going to pray for you. And by the way, years and years for you. And by the way, years and years for you. And by the way, years and years and years of my life, this would be the and years of my life, this would be the and years of my life, this would be the moment I would stand up. That if the moment I would stand up. That if the moment I would stand up. That if the Holy Spirit right now would release you Holy Spirit right now would release you Holy Spirit right now would release you from that, you would have a boldness to from that, you would have a boldness to from that, you would have a boldness to proclaim there really is power in the proclaim there really is power in the proclaim there really is power in the name of Jesus. If you're not standing, I name of Jesus. If you're not standing, I name of Jesus. If you're not standing, I want you to pray for the people that are want you to pray for the people that are want you to pray for the people that are standing. If you should be standing, do standing. If you should be standing, do standing. If you should be standing, do it now when my eyes are down if you want it now when my eyes are down if you want it now when my eyes are down if you want that.

that. that. So, Holy Spirit, right now, your sons So, Holy Spirit, right now, your sons So, Holy Spirit, right now, your sons and daughters are, man, the courage to and daughters are, man, the courage to and daughters are, man, the courage to stand in a moment like this. They're stand in a moment like this. They're stand in a moment like this. They're courageously standing saying, "Jesus, if courageously standing saying, "Jesus, if courageously standing saying, "Jesus, if you would help me break through this you would help me break through this you would help me break through this thing, I would boldly proclaim Jesus to thing, I would boldly proclaim Jesus to thing, I would boldly proclaim Jesus to my one." So, Holy Spirit, right now, my one." So, Holy Spirit, right now, my one." So, Holy Spirit, right now, whether it's an addiction, if you're whether it's an addiction, if you're whether it's an addiction, if you're standing, by the way, you whisper, you standing, by the way, you whisper, you standing, by the way, you whisper, you tell him what it is you're standing for. tell him what it is you're standing for. tell him what it is you're standing for. You whisper under your breath to your You whisper under your breath to your You whisper under your breath to your heavenly father. You tell him, "God, I heavenly father. You tell him, "God, I heavenly father. You tell him, "God, I can't break free of alcohol. I can't can't break free of alcohol. I can't can't break free of alcohol. I can't break free of anger. I can't break free break free of anger. I can't break free break free of anger. I can't break free of l. You tell them what it is. Holy of l. You tell them what it is. Holy of l. You tell them what it is. Holy Spirit, whatever your sons and daughters Spirit, whatever your sons and daughters Spirit, whatever your sons and daughters are bringing to you, I pray in the are bringing to you, I pray in the are bringing to you, I pray in the powerful name of Jesus that you would powerful name of Jesus that you would powerful name of Jesus that you would break the chains that have that have break the chains that have that have break the chains that have that have enslaved them to it. A place where they enslaved them to it. A place where they enslaved them to it. A place where they need a fruit of the spirit to to to need a fruit of the spirit to to to need a fruit of the spirit to to to bloom in their life. They need bloom in their life. They need bloom in their life. They need self-control at a new level. Their anger self-control at a new level. Their anger self-control at a new level. Their anger is costing them relationships. And how is costing them relationships. And how is costing them relationships. And how could they claim Jesus when they're also could they claim Jesus when they're also could they claim Jesus when they're also so angry at the drop of a hat? Maybe so angry at the drop of a hat? Maybe so angry at the drop of a hat? Maybe it's the substance. Maybe it's the place it's the substance. Maybe it's the place it's the substance. Maybe it's the place that they run to instead of you. Holy that they run to instead of you. Holy that they run to instead of you. Holy Spirit, would you heal? Would you free?

Spirit, would you heal? Would you free? Spirit, would you heal? Would you free? Would you break the chains? And then Would you break the chains? And then Would you break the chains? And then God, would you not just free them to be God, would you not just free them to be God, would you not just free them to be free? Would you free them so they can free? Would you free them so they can free? Would you free them so they can freely preach the name of Jesus? freely preach the name of Jesus? freely preach the name of Jesus? And where Satan wants to use our And where Satan wants to use our And where Satan wants to use our brokenness as a barrier for our ones, brokenness as a barrier for our ones, brokenness as a barrier for our ones, you take our brokenness and you make it you take our brokenness and you make it you take our brokenness and you make it a bridge to go, "Yep, I used to be a bridge to go, "Yep, I used to be a bridge to go, "Yep, I used to be there, too." So Jesus, would you heal? there, too." So Jesus, would you heal? there, too." So Jesus, would you heal? Would you restore? and would you set Would you restore? and would you set Would you restore? and would you set free in Jesus name we pray. Amen. free in Jesus name we pray. Amen. free in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Grab a seat. That was a prompt from God. >> Grab a seat. That was a prompt from God. >> Grab a seat. That was a prompt from God. So, I'm going to honor that. By the way, if you're new around here, By the way, if you're new around here, you're going to realize this about us. you're going to realize this about us. you're going to realize this about us. We We're kind of shameless We We're kind of shameless We We're kind of shameless in this sense. in this sense. in this sense. What do we have to hide? God knows all What do we have to hide? God knows all What do we have to hide? God knows all of it. We're all a bunch of broken of it. We're all a bunch of broken of it. We're all a bunch of broken people that Jesus sort of glued back people that Jesus sort of glued back people that Jesus sort of glued back together again. and we're being made new together again. and we're being made new together again. and we're being made new every day. Like, why would we not do every day. Like, why would we not do every day. Like, why would we not do stuff like this? Like, I hope you get stuff like this? Like, I hope you get stuff like this? Like, I hope you get more and more comfortable with like, I'm more and more comfortable with like, I'm more and more comfortable with like, I'm a mess. I need help. Great. Welcome to a mess. I need help. Great. Welcome to a mess. I need help. Great. Welcome to the club. Like, that's who we are as a the club. Like, that's who we are as a the club. Like, that's who we are as a church and that's what we do. And also, church and that's what we do. And also, church and that's what we do. And also, we believe in the power of prayer. Why we believe in the power of prayer. Why we believe in the power of prayer. Why wouldn't we pray?

wouldn't we pray? wouldn't we pray? I don't have time, but I'm going to give I don't have time, but I'm going to give I don't have time, but I'm going to give it because it was a thought God put in it because it was a thought God put in it because it was a thought God put in my head this week. Whenever I go out in my head this week. Whenever I go out in my head this week. Whenever I go out in public, restaurants, shopping, whatever public, restaurants, shopping, whatever public, restaurants, shopping, whatever I'm doing, I live with a keen awareness I'm doing, I live with a keen awareness I'm doing, I live with a keen awareness that there's a better chance than zero that there's a better chance than zero that there's a better chance than zero that someone's going to recognize me as that someone's going to recognize me as that someone's going to recognize me as the pastor at 12. H is there's some fun the pastor at 12. H is there's some fun the pastor at 12. H is there's some fun stories over the years, by the way. But stories over the years, by the way. But stories over the years, by the way. But I live with the awareness that there are I live with the awareness that there are I live with the awareness that there are probably people watching me that that probably people watching me that that probably people watching me that that will never say anything to me, but will never say anything to me, but will never say anything to me, but they're watching going, "Let's see if he they're watching going, "Let's see if he they're watching going, "Let's see if he actually lives like he said he lives." actually lives like he said he lives." actually lives like he said he lives." And so it it doesn't mean I live fake. And so it it doesn't mean I live fake. And so it it doesn't mean I live fake. It just means I live with an awareness. It just means I live with an awareness. It just means I live with an awareness. So the way that I tip, the way that I So the way that I tip, the way that I So the way that I tip, the way that I treat people, the highways are the one treat people, the highways are the one treat people, the highways are the one thing God's like, "Hey, you don't have thing God's like, "Hey, you don't have thing God's like, "Hey, you don't have to be a pastor when you're driving on to be a pastor when you're driving on to be a pastor when you're driving on the highways." But everywhere else the highways." But everywhere else the highways." But everywhere else I live with awareness where like if I I live with awareness where like if I I live with awareness where like if I mess this up, I'm carrying the name of mess this up, I'm carrying the name of mess this up, I'm carrying the name of 12stone and more importantly the name of 12stone and more importantly the name of 12stone and more importantly the name of Jesus. And I could mess this up for Jesus. And I could mess this up for Jesus. And I could mess this up for somebody. somebody. somebody. And the Holy Spirit, as I'm thinking And the Holy Spirit, as I'm thinking And the Holy Spirit, as I'm thinking through this this week, he just through this this week, he just through this this week, he just whispered, "Jason, tell the church," you whispered, "Jason, tell the church," you whispered, "Jason, tell the church," you don't do that cuz you're a pastor. You don't do that cuz you're a pastor. You don't do that cuz you're a pastor. You do that cuz you're a Christian. And I do that cuz you're a Christian. And I do that cuz you're a Christian. And I wonder if all of us should live with wonder if all of us should live with wonder if all of us should live with that awareness.

that awareness. that awareness. >> They're watching you. I want to see if the power of Jesus is I want to see if the power of Jesus is just thoughts and good vibes or is there just thoughts and good vibes or is there just thoughts and good vibes or is there really power in the name of Jesus? really power in the name of Jesus? really power in the name of Jesus? Anyway, I'll throw that in. Last one. Anyway, I'll throw that in. Last one. Anyway, I'll throw that in. Last one. Number three. I think one of the reasons Number three. I think one of the reasons Number three. I think one of the reasons we don't bring our ones to Jesus is we we don't bring our ones to Jesus is we we don't bring our ones to Jesus is we over complicate the how. over complicate the how. over complicate the how. Like how how do I do it? What what do I Like how how do I do it? What what do I Like how how do I do it? What what do I do if I get into a conversation about do if I get into a conversation about do if I get into a conversation about Jesus? What if they ask a question? How Jesus? What if they ask a question? How Jesus? What if they ask a question? How do I answer it? All the things. And do I answer it? All the things. And do I answer it? All the things. And that's such a human response. But go that's such a human response. But go that's such a human response. But go back to the story. The friends literally back to the story. The friends literally back to the story. The friends literally just did the math. All right, you are just did the math. All right, you are just did the math. All right, you are broken and need someone to heal you. broken and need someone to heal you. broken and need someone to heal you. Jesus is this guy who's healing people. Jesus is this guy who's healing people. Jesus is this guy who's healing people. We're going to get you to him and he's We're going to get you to him and he's We're going to get you to him and he's going to heal you. And if you're the going to heal you. And if you're the going to heal you. And if you're the friend on the mat, you're getting friend on the mat, you're getting friend on the mat, you're getting carried like, "But what do we do when we carried like, "But what do we do when we carried like, "But what do we do when we get there?" We don't know yet. Jesus is get there?" We don't know yet. Jesus is get there?" We don't know yet. Jesus is there. You get there, there's a crowd. there. You get there, there's a crowd. there. You get there, there's a crowd. No one's no way to get in the house. No one's no way to get in the house. No one's no way to get in the house. What's the plan now? Hold on. We got to What's the plan now? Hold on. We got to What's the plan now? Hold on. We got to circle up. Set your friend down. Huddle circle up. Set your friend down. Huddle circle up. Set your friend down. Huddle up. All right. Roof. Got it. Hey, we're up. All right. Roof. Got it. Hey, we're up. All right. Roof. Got it. Hey, we're going up to the top. What? I've not been going up to the top. What? I've not been going up to the top. What? I've not been upstairs in a long time. We're going upstairs in a long time. We're going upstairs in a long time. We're going upstairs to the roof. Okay. Now what?

upstairs to the roof. Okay. Now what? upstairs to the roof. Okay. Now what? We're going to dig a hole in the roof. We're going to dig a hole in the roof. We're going to dig a hole in the roof. Okay. Digging a hole. What are we going Okay. Digging a hole. What are we going Okay. Digging a hole. What are we going to do now? We're going to lower you to do now? We're going to lower you to do now? We're going to lower you through the hole we just dug. WHAT NEXT? through the hole we just dug. WHAT NEXT? through the hole we just dug. WHAT NEXT? WE DON'T KNOW, BUT that's where Jesus WE DON'T KNOW, BUT that's where Jesus WE DON'T KNOW, BUT that's where Jesus is. So, you lower him down and he's just is. So, you lower him down and he's just is. So, you lower him down and he's just there. And you're like, "Hi, Jesus. there. And you're like, "Hi, Jesus. there. And you're like, "Hi, Jesus. My friend needs you." And then you back My friend needs you." And then you back My friend needs you." And then you back up. They had no plan. All they knew was up. They had no plan. All they knew was up. They had no plan. All they knew was I have to get my friend to Jesus. And I I have to get my friend to Jesus. And I I have to get my friend to Jesus. And I I know it's overly simplistic, but I know it's overly simplistic, but I know it's overly simplistic, but listen to me. Your job is not the how. listen to me. Your job is not the how. listen to me. Your job is not the how. It's the who. It's the who. It's the who. >> Your job is to carry people. Jesus's job >> Your job is to carry people. Jesus's job >> Your job is to carry people. Jesus's job is to heal people. You You bring the is to heal people. You You bring the is to heal people. You You bring the who. Jesus brings the how. And we feel who. Jesus brings the how. And we feel who. Jesus brings the how. And we feel this need to have to have perfect words this need to have to have perfect words this need to have to have perfect words and like a full apologetics arsenal and and like a full apologetics arsenal and and like a full apologetics arsenal and the right timing and a multi-week the right timing and a multi-week the right timing and a multi-week relationship strategy to build up to relationship strategy to build up to relationship strategy to build up to this thing and some special gift from this thing and some special gift from this thing and some special gift from God to be able to do this perfectly God to be able to do this perfectly God to be able to do this perfectly well. When in reality, you're not well. When in reality, you're not well. When in reality, you're not responsible for the how.

responsible for the how. responsible for the how. You're just responsible to bring your You're just responsible to bring your You're just responsible to bring your one to Jesus. You do the bringing, he one to Jesus. You do the bringing, he one to Jesus. You do the bringing, he does the healing. And I I I don't know does the healing. And I I I don't know does the healing. And I I I don't know how to better illustrate this than how to better illustrate this than how to better illustrate this than through a story. And this is one of my through a story. And this is one of my through a story. And this is one of my favorite stories from this past year at favorite stories from this past year at favorite stories from this past year at our church. our church. our church. I've got his words that I'm going to I've got his words that I'm going to I've got his words that I'm going to walk us through. And I want you to see walk us through. And I want you to see walk us through. And I want you to see in this story, in this story, in this story, a high school young man had no clue how a high school young man had no clue how a high school young man had no clue how he just knew the who. So I want to he just knew the who. So I want to he just knew the who. So I want to introduce you to Evan. And Evan is a introduce you to Evan. And Evan is a introduce you to Evan. And Evan is a going to be senior this year at Buford going to be senior this year at Buford going to be senior this year at Buford High School. He's a starting tight end. High School. He's a starting tight end. High School. He's a starting tight end. Uh where I grew up, we called a boy that Uh where I grew up, we called a boy that Uh where I grew up, we called a boy that big. He's cornfed. That's a cornfed boy big. He's cornfed. That's a cornfed boy big. He's cornfed. That's a cornfed boy right there. You're most likely going to right there. You're most likely going to right there. You're most likely going to see him play on Saturdays a year from see him play on Saturdays a year from see him play on Saturdays a year from now. now. now. And I want you to see a picture cuz I And I want you to see a picture cuz I And I want you to see a picture cuz I want you to see like this is this is not want you to see like this is this is not want you to see like this is this is not the pastor made up story. This is his the pastor made up story. This is his the pastor made up story. This is his words. That's Evan. Here's what he said. words. That's Evan. Here's what he said. words. That's Evan. Here's what he said. I've seen some amazing things in my I've seen some amazing things in my I've seen some amazing things in my life, but this miracle helped me fully life, but this miracle helped me fully life, but this miracle helped me fully fully live by the phrase trust the fully live by the phrase trust the fully live by the phrase trust the process. For years, I've had things and process. For years, I've had things and process. For years, I've had things and situations that I'd pray for repeatedly, situations that I'd pray for repeatedly, situations that I'd pray for repeatedly, and when it didn't work out, I started and when it didn't work out, I started and when it didn't work out, I started to believe that God never heard my to believe that God never heard my to believe that God never heard my cries. I was wrong. And this story shows cries. I was wrong. And this story shows cries. I was wrong. And this story shows God's beautiful timing. So, let's God's beautiful timing. So, let's God's beautiful timing. So, let's [clears throat] back up. He said, "I got [clears throat] back up. He said, "I got [clears throat] back up. He said, "I got baptized on Father's Day 2023." So, baptized on Father's Day 2023." So, baptized on Father's Day 2023." So, about 3 years ago or so. At that time, I about 3 years ago or so. At that time, I about 3 years ago or so. At that time, I thought my life was going to be just thought my life was going to be just thought my life was going to be just fine and believed that the storms in fine and believed that the storms in fine and believed that the storms in life would get easier once I bow my life life would get easier once I bow my life life would get easier once I bow my life to Jesus.

to Jesus. to Jesus. Turns out the remainder of the year, one Turns out the remainder of the year, one Turns out the remainder of the year, one of the hardest of my life. Side note, if of the hardest of my life. Side note, if of the hardest of my life. Side note, if you become a follower of Jesus, it is you become a follower of Jesus, it is you become a follower of Jesus, it is not to have an easier life. Jesus said, not to have an easier life. Jesus said, not to have an easier life. Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." "In this world, you will have trouble." "In this world, you will have trouble." Oh, but also take heart cuz I've Oh, but also take heart cuz I've Oh, but also take heart cuz I've overcome the world. But listen, you're overcome the world. But listen, you're overcome the world. But listen, you're not living storm free, you're living not living storm free, you're living not living storm free, you're living storm proof. Anyway, he had a good dad storm proof. Anyway, he had a good dad storm proof. Anyway, he had a good dad that when he was going through some of that when he was going through some of that when he was going through some of the hard seasons, his dad came into his the hard seasons, his dad came into his the hard seasons, his dad came into his room, had one of those dadson talk room, had one of those dadson talk room, had one of those dadson talk moments, and ended by hugging him and moments, and ended by hugging him and moments, and ended by hugging him and said, "Son, don't give up on me. I'm said, "Son, don't give up on me. I'm said, "Son, don't give up on me. I'm your dad. I'm here." And in that moment, your dad. I'm here." And in that moment, your dad. I'm here." And in that moment, Evan said, "I decided to never give up Evan said, "I decided to never give up Evan said, "I decided to never give up on him or my heavenly father." A few on him or my heavenly father." A few on him or my heavenly father." A few months later, he said, "I was praying months later, he said, "I was praying months later, he said, "I was praying about my one. We just started talking about my one. We just started talking about my one. We just started talking about this whole who's your one thing, about this whole who's your one thing, about this whole who's your one thing, and the first person that came to mind, and the first person that came to mind, and the first person that came to mind, he said, was my dad. he said, was my dad. he said, was my dad. great man, great father, but did not great man, great father, but did not great man, great father, but did not follow Jesus. follow Jesus. follow Jesus. So he started to open his mouth and tell So he started to open his mouth and tell So he started to open his mouth and tell people on Wednesdays at at youth group people on Wednesdays at at youth group people on Wednesdays at at youth group and on Sundays his dad was his one and and on Sundays his dad was his one and and on Sundays his dad was his one and and and I can testify my kids have been and and I can testify my kids have been and and I can testify my kids have been in small group with Evan before and in small group with Evan before and in small group with Evan before and every time there's prayers it's like all every time there's prayers it's like all every time there's prayers it's like all right all the prayer requests also Evan right all the prayer requests also Evan right all the prayer requests also Evan your dad again cool like every time. So your dad again cool like every time. So your dad again cool like every time. So he tells his small group leader, he tells his small group leader, he tells his small group leader, Jonathan, by the way, shout out to all Jonathan, by the way, shout out to all Jonathan, by the way, shout out to all of the daymaker, the people that serve of the daymaker, the people that serve of the daymaker, the people that serve and lead small groups for our students.

and lead small groups for our students. and lead small groups for our students. Thank you for pouring in to young men Thank you for pouring in to young men Thank you for pouring in to young men and young women. and young women. and young women. And Jonathan gave him some good advice. And Jonathan gave him some good advice. And Jonathan gave him some good advice. Said, "Listen, get your dad into a small Said, "Listen, get your dad into a small Said, "Listen, get your dad into a small group. I know he doesn't believe Jesus group. I know he doesn't believe Jesus group. I know he doesn't believe Jesus yet, but get him around other godly men, yet, but get him around other godly men, yet, but get him around other godly men, like Matt Carrier type men in his life." like Matt Carrier type men in his life." like Matt Carrier type men in his life." So he started going to a small group. So he started going to a small group. So he started going to a small group. One of the Wednesday nights, they had a One of the Wednesday nights, they had a One of the Wednesday nights, they had a Hooser one night. He wrote his dad's Hooser one night. He wrote his dad's Hooser one night. He wrote his dad's name down on the card. It's in his name down on the card. It's in his name down on the card. It's in his prayer journal. He's praying for his prayer journal. He's praying for his prayer journal. He's praying for his dad. Eventually, his dad starts to dad. Eventually, his dad starts to dad. Eventually, his dad starts to become curious about the Lord. And he become curious about the Lord. And he become curious about the Lord. And he joins a small group. And as he's joined joins a small group. And as he's joined joins a small group. And as he's joined the small group, he started asking, his the small group, he started asking, his the small group, he started asking, his dad, Clint, started asking Evan dad, Clint, started asking Evan dad, Clint, started asking Evan questions. And he said this, "I didn't questions. And he said this, "I didn't questions. And he said this, "I didn't have all the answers." It's important. I have all the answers." It's important. I have all the answers." It's important. I didn't have all the answers, but his didn't have all the answers, but his didn't have all the answers, but his questions turned into deep questions turned into deep questions turned into deep conversations. And it was that curiosity conversations. And it was that curiosity conversations. And it was that curiosity that led him to be in his small group that led him to be in his small group that led him to be in his small group and engaged every week. Then came May and engaged every week. Then came May and engaged every week. Then came May 3rd, 2026, or like four months ago. I 3rd, 2026, or like four months ago. I 3rd, 2026, or like four months ago. I will never forget this day. I went to will never forget this day. I went to will never forget this day. I went to church expecting a normal day. But that church expecting a normal day. But that church expecting a normal day. But that day, we happened to be having open day, we happened to be having open day, we happened to be having open baptisms. My parents weren't even with baptisms. My parents weren't even with baptisms. My parents weren't even with me that day at church. They chose to me that day at church. They chose to me that day at church. They chose to stay home and finish some yard work.

stay home and finish some yard work. stay home and finish some yard work. At the end of the sermon, before the At the end of the sermon, before the At the end of the sermon, before the baptism started, I had a nudging to baptism started, I had a nudging to baptism started, I had a nudging to write these words in my journal. and he write these words in my journal. and he write these words in my journal. and he sent us a picture of his notes he took sent us a picture of his notes he took sent us a picture of his notes he took at church, which by the way, if 11th at church, which by the way, if 11th at church, which by the way, if 11th grader can take notes, so so can you. grader can take notes, so so can you. grader can take notes, so so can you. Anyway, at the end of his journal, Anyway, at the end of his journal, Anyway, at the end of his journal, bottom right corner, he wrote this down. bottom right corner, he wrote this down. bottom right corner, he wrote this down. One day, Dad, one day, One day, Dad, one day, One day, Dad, one day, he's watching baptisms. He's praying for he's watching baptisms. He's praying for he's watching baptisms. He's praying for his dad. Now, it's been three years. his dad. Now, it's been three years. his dad. Now, it's been three years. He's praying for his dad. One day. As He's praying for his dad. One day. As He's praying for his dad. One day. As people began to come to the front, he people began to come to the front, he people began to come to the front, he Evan saw one of his football teammates Evan saw one of his football teammates Evan saw one of his football teammates walk down, give his life to Jesus, and walk down, give his life to Jesus, and walk down, give his life to Jesus, and get baptized. And he's overjoyed. and he get baptized. And he's overjoyed. and he get baptized. And he's overjoyed. and he just called his parents said, "Mom and just called his parents said, "Mom and just called his parents said, "Mom and dad, you it's amazing what God's doing dad, you it's amazing what God's doing dad, you it's amazing what God's doing at church today. People were just at church today. People were just at church today. People were just getting baptized in the clothes they getting baptized in the clothes they getting baptized in the clothes they came in in and and I I need you to come came in in and and I I need you to come came in in and and I I need you to come see what God's doing for yourself." And see what God's doing for yourself." And see what God's doing for yourself." And my mom said that they were kneede in my mom said that they were kneede in my mom said that they were kneede in yard work. Here's a picture from the yard work. Here's a picture from the yard work. Here's a picture from the social media post that her mom his mom social media post that her mom his mom social media post that her mom his mom made that afternoon. Like they're doing made that afternoon. Like they're doing made that afternoon. Like they're doing yard work. That looks awful. Doing yard yard work. That looks awful. Doing yard yard work. That looks awful. Doing yard work. work. work. And she told Evan on the phone like, And she told Evan on the phone like, And she told Evan on the phone like, "Listen, we're covered in dirt. We're "Listen, we're covered in dirt. We're "Listen, we're covered in dirt. We're covered in dust." And here's what she covered in dust." And here's what she covered in dust." And here's what she said. said, "Think about what he wrote."

said. said, "Think about what he wrote." said. said, "Think about what he wrote." One day, Dad, she said, "Today is just One day, Dad, she said, "Today is just One day, Dad, she said, "Today is just not your dad's day." not your dad's day." not your dad's day." I hung up the phone and told my small I hung up the phone and told my small I hung up the phone and told my small group leader my parents weren't coming. group leader my parents weren't coming. group leader my parents weren't coming. To my surprise, 5 minutes later, I got a To my surprise, 5 minutes later, I got a To my surprise, 5 minutes later, I got a text from my dad and he said, "Eading text from my dad and he said, "Eading text from my dad and he said, "Eading your way." I later found out that after our phone I later found out that after our phone conversation, something just made him conversation, something just made him conversation, something just made him feel that they should head to church to feel that they should head to church to feel that they should head to church to check it out. By the way, Evan does not check it out. By the way, Evan does not check it out. By the way, Evan does not know how yet. He just knows the who. know how yet. He just knows the who. know how yet. He just knows the who. Evan said, "God's doing something. You Evan said, "God's doing something. You Evan said, "God's doing something. You should see it." They said no. He went should see it." They said no. He went should see it." They said no. He went about his day. And now Jesus, the power about his day. And now Jesus, the power about his day. And now Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is doing what he of the Holy Spirit is doing what he of the Holy Spirit is doing what he does. does. does. They dropped everything. They cleaned up They dropped everything. They cleaned up They dropped everything. They cleaned up quickly. Headed to church. My mom later quickly. Headed to church. My mom later quickly. Headed to church. My mom later told me the whole car ride was in told me the whole car ride was in told me the whole car ride was in complete silence. She felt like complete silence. She felt like complete silence. She felt like something was stirring in my dad's something was stirring in my dad's something was stirring in my dad's heart. So I, Evan, was taking pictures heart. So I, Evan, was taking pictures heart. So I, Evan, was taking pictures outside with my football teammates who outside with my football teammates who outside with my football teammates who had just gotten baptized when I saw my had just gotten baptized when I saw my had just gotten baptized when I saw my parents pull up. It's one of the parents pull up. It's one of the parents pull up. It's one of the greatest feelings I've ever experienced.

greatest feelings I've ever experienced. greatest feelings I've ever experienced. We walked into the worship center and We walked into the worship center and We walked into the worship center and watched a few baptisms. Then my dad told watched a few baptisms. Then my dad told watched a few baptisms. Then my dad told my mom, "I think it's my time." And my my mom, "I think it's my time." And my my mom, "I think it's my time." And my dad asked me, "Where do I go?" dad asked me, "Where do I go?" dad asked me, "Where do I go?" And only in the kingdom of God can a son And only in the kingdom of God can a son And only in the kingdom of God can a son be a m carrier for his own dad. He got be a m carrier for his own dad. He got be a m carrier for his own dad. He got to walk his own father. He said, "I let him up front so we could He said, "I let him up front so we could pray with him and pray for him." And and pray with him and pray for him." And and pray with him and pray for him." And and here's a picture of them together in the here's a picture of them together in the here's a picture of them together in the tub. He said, "When my dad got in that tub. He said, "When my dad got in that tub. He said, "When my dad got in that tub, it was years of prayer and tears tub, it was years of prayer and tears tub, it was years of prayer and tears and crying, and there he was. I stood and crying, and there he was. I stood and crying, and there he was. I stood right next to him the whole time, like right next to him the whole time, like right next to him the whole time, like he stood next to me this whole time. he stood next to me this whole time. he stood next to me this whole time. Tears of joy filled my eyes as I was Tears of joy filled my eyes as I was Tears of joy filled my eyes as I was able to see Jesus working him through my able to see Jesus working him through my able to see Jesus working him through my prayers." prayers." prayers." After he was lifted out of the water, After he was lifted out of the water, After he was lifted out of the water, got a picture of this, I hugged him the got a picture of this, I hugged him the got a picture of this, I hugged him the same way he hugged me when I was at my same way he hugged me when I was at my same way he hugged me when I was at my lowest. My dad whispered to me.

My dad whispered to me, "Thank you for My dad whispered to me, "Thank you for not giving up on me." not giving up on me." not giving up on me." That's a one story. That's a one story. That's a one story. The kindness of God. There's more. It's just gratitude There's more. It's just gratitude though. Thank you, Jesus. He kept carrying his mat, kept carrying He kept carrying his mat, kept carrying his dad to Jesus. his dad to Jesus. his dad to Jesus. See, Evan did not know how, See, Evan did not know how, See, Evan did not know how, but he had his one. but he had his one. but he had his one. And he knew that Jesus could heal, Jesus And he knew that Jesus could heal, Jesus And he knew that Jesus could heal, Jesus could forgive, Jesus could restore. could forgive, Jesus could restore. could forgive, Jesus could restore. Don't over complicate it. Don't over complicate it. Don't over complicate it. See, if you want a tip, where do I See, if you want a tip, where do I See, if you want a tip, where do I start? Whenever you see God do something start? Whenever you see God do something start? Whenever you see God do something cool at church, tell everyone about it. cool at church, tell everyone about it. cool at church, tell everyone about it. Like you could go to the office Like you could go to the office Like you could go to the office tomorrow. Hey, how was your weekend? tomorrow. Hey, how was your weekend? tomorrow. Hey, how was your weekend? Awesome. How was yours? Great, man. I Awesome. How was yours? Great, man. I Awesome. How was yours? Great, man. I was at church yesterday. We got to see was at church yesterday. We got to see was at church yesterday. We got to see 16 people get baptized. 16 people get baptized. 16 people get baptized. Tell them God's moving. Awesome, bro. Tell them God's moving. Awesome, bro. Tell them God's moving. Awesome, bro. They told a story at church yesterday of They told a story at church yesterday of They told a story at church yesterday of a marriage that was a mess, falling a marriage that was a mess, falling a marriage that was a mess, falling apart. They had already filed papers for apart. They had already filed papers for apart. They had already filed papers for divorce and Jesus rescued that marriage.

divorce and Jesus rescued that marriage. divorce and Jesus rescued that marriage. Just tell them what God's doing. People, Just tell them what God's doing. People, Just tell them what God's doing. People, if God's real, people that don't if God's real, people that don't if God's real, people that don't believe, they wished it was true. So believe, they wished it was true. So believe, they wished it was true. So show them stories that it is true and show them stories that it is true and show them stories that it is true and they'll come looking. they'll come looking. they'll come looking. Evan just said, "Mom and dad, God's Evan just said, "Mom and dad, God's Evan just said, "Mom and dad, God's doing something. I I wish you'd come see doing something. I I wish you'd come see doing something. I I wish you'd come see it. Start there. it. Start there. it. Start there. See, it's rare that a broken person will See, it's rare that a broken person will See, it's rare that a broken person will just invite themselves into church. You just invite themselves into church. You just invite themselves into church. You have to invite him. You have to bring have to invite him. You have to bring have to invite him. You have to bring him. You have to invest. You have to him. You have to invest. You have to him. You have to invest. You have to invite." Your job is not to do the invite." Your job is not to do the invite." Your job is not to do the healing. Your job is to do the carrying. healing. Your job is to do the carrying. healing. Your job is to do the carrying. Your job's not to do the convincing and Your job's not to do the convincing and Your job's not to do the convincing and to put them in the in the the headlock to put them in the in the the headlock to put them in the in the the headlock of theology and convince them. Your job of theology and convince them. Your job of theology and convince them. Your job is just to be evidence that there is is just to be evidence that there is is just to be evidence that there is power in the name of Jesus. power in the name of Jesus. power in the name of Jesus. And you stay close to them long enough And you stay close to them long enough And you stay close to them long enough until you find where they're broken. And until you find where they're broken. And until you find where they're broken. And then you help them bring their then you help them bring their then you help them bring their brokenness to the one who could heal it. brokenness to the one who could heal it. brokenness to the one who could heal it. See, I doubt that Evan will remember See, I doubt that Evan will remember See, I doubt that Evan will remember anything that I taught on May 3rd. anything that I taught on May 3rd. anything that I taught on May 3rd. He will never forget his dad bowing the He will never forget his dad bowing the He will never forget his dad bowing the knee to Jesus. And I'm telling you, if knee to Jesus. And I'm telling you, if knee to Jesus. And I'm telling you, if you're looking for the more in faith, you're looking for the more in faith, you're looking for the more in faith, it's not more content, more messages, it's not more content, more messages, it's not more content, more messages, more podcast. It's being in a service more podcast. It's being in a service more podcast. It's being in a service where your one says yes to Jesus.

where your one says yes to Jesus. where your one says yes to Jesus. [music] [music] [music] If you're looking for the adventure back If you're looking for the adventure back If you're looking for the adventure back at what it means to follow Jesus, get in at what it means to follow Jesus, get in at what it means to follow Jesus, get in the harvest field and roll your sleeves the harvest field and roll your sleeves the harvest field and roll your sleeves up and get to work. The harvest is up and get to work. The harvest is up and get to work. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. plentiful, but the workers are few. plentiful, but the workers are few. Mom and dad thought the best thing that Mom and dad thought the best thing that Mom and dad thought the best thing that could happen on a Sunday morning is could happen on a Sunday morning is could happen on a Sunday morning is we'll get some yard work and gardening we'll get some yard work and gardening we'll get some yard work and gardening done. When little did they know that done. When little did they know that done. When little did they know that they were the yard work in the kingdom they were the yard work in the kingdom they were the yard work in the kingdom of God and the harvest was that day. of God and the harvest was that day. of God and the harvest was that day. Listen to me. You never know. Listen to me. You never know. Listen to me. You never know. So, I want to pray for us and I'm going So, I want to pray for us and I'm going So, I want to pray for us and I'm going to dismiss this. I'm going to hand it to to dismiss this. I'm going to hand it to to dismiss this. I'm going to hand it to the campus pastor to dismiss us. I want the campus pastor to dismiss us. I want the campus pastor to dismiss us. I want to pray for two groups. I'm not going to to pray for two groups. I'm not going to to pray for two groups. I'm not going to make it long. First group's going to make it long. First group's going to make it long. First group's going to stand, then the rest of us are going to stand, then the rest of us are going to stand, then the rest of us are going to join them. Here's the first group. If join them. Here's the first group. If join them. Here's the first group. If you are sitting in the seat of heaven you are sitting in the seat of heaven you are sitting in the seat of heaven and you have your one and you have your one and you have your one and you've been carrying that map for so and you've been carrying that map for so and you've been carrying that map for so long and they've not bowed to Jesus, long and they've not bowed to Jesus, long and they've not bowed to Jesus, your your temptation is like, "How much your your temptation is like, "How much your your temptation is like, "How much longer? Can I just drop the mat and move longer? Can I just drop the mat and move longer? Can I just drop the mat and move on? on? on? And if you're in a season where you're And if you're in a season where you're And if you're in a season where you're one, maybe weeks, months, years, maybe one, maybe weeks, months, years, maybe one, maybe weeks, months, years, maybe decades, a a family member, a friend, a decades, a a family member, a friend, a decades, a a family member, a friend, a spouse, a kid, a co-orker, someone at spouse, a kid, a co-orker, someone at spouse, a kid, a co-orker, someone at work, like there's someone that you're work, like there's someone that you're work, like there's someone that you're trying to bring him to Jesus, and you've trying to bring him to Jesus, and you've trying to bring him to Jesus, and you've not seen the payoff like Evan got to see not seen the payoff like Evan got to see not seen the payoff like Evan got to see yet, but you're in that three-year gap.

yet, but you're in that three-year gap. yet, but you're in that three-year gap. I want to pray for you cuz you need a I want to pray for you cuz you need a I want to pray for you cuz you need a fresh outpouring of God's strength to fresh outpouring of God's strength to fresh outpouring of God's strength to stay in it because it gets exhausting stay in it because it gets exhausting stay in it because it gets exhausting and it feels hopeless. So, if you're in and it feels hopeless. So, if you're in and it feels hopeless. So, if you're in Evan's seat and you have your one, stand Evan's seat and you have your one, stand Evan's seat and you have your one, stand up. You got your one and you've not seen up. You got your one and you've not seen up. You got your one and you've not seen it yet. And you're asking God, "Lord, it yet. And you're asking God, "Lord, it yet. And you're asking God, "Lord, would you would you awaken them to would you would you awaken them to would you would you awaken them to faith? You're exhausted. You're starting faith? You're exhausted. You're starting faith? You're exhausted. You're starting to feel that like, I'm so discouraged." to feel that like, I'm so discouraged." to feel that like, I'm so discouraged." May 3rd, baptism. May 2nd, Evan's so May 3rd, baptism. May 2nd, Evan's so May 3rd, baptism. May 2nd, Evan's so discouraged. God, how long am I going to discouraged. God, how long am I going to discouraged. God, how long am I going to pray for my dad until he bows the knee pray for my dad until he bows the knee pray for my dad until he bows the knee to Jesus? Little did he know, give it a to Jesus? Little did he know, give it a to Jesus? Little did he know, give it a day, son. day, son. day, son. So, if you're standing, I want to pray So, if you're standing, I want to pray So, if you're standing, I want to pray for you. If you're around them, you just for you. If you're around them, you just for you. If you're around them, you just start to whisper under your breath. start to whisper under your breath. start to whisper under your breath. You're asking the same prayers I'm You're asking the same prayers I'm You're asking the same prayers I'm asking. So, Holy Spirit, right now, asking. So, Holy Spirit, right now, asking. So, Holy Spirit, right now, first of all, thank you for their first of all, thank you for their first of all, thank you for their courage to stand. Thank you for that courage to stand. Thank you for that courage to stand. Thank you for that you've given them a one. you've given them a one. you've given them a one. But God, I pray you'd meet them right But God, I pray you'd meet them right But God, I pray you'd meet them right now in the disappointment and the now in the disappointment and the now in the disappointment and the feelings of hopelessness and the feelings of hopelessness and the feelings of hopelessness and the questions of is it ever going to happen? questions of is it ever going to happen? questions of is it ever going to happen? So Lord, for those who need like a fresh So Lord, for those who need like a fresh So Lord, for those who need like a fresh deepening of their faith, would you deepening of their faith, would you deepening of their faith, would you deepen their faith? Jesus is the same deepen their faith? Jesus is the same deepen their faith? Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same yesterday, today, and forever. The same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus that healed him can heal your one.

Jesus that healed him can heal your one. Jesus that healed him can heal your one. The same Jesus that rescued Clint can The same Jesus that rescued Clint can The same Jesus that rescued Clint can rescue their one. So God, give them a rescue their one. So God, give them a rescue their one. So God, give them a fresh faith and a fresh hope that you're fresh faith and a fresh hope that you're fresh faith and a fresh hope that you're at work, you are working even when we at work, you are working even when we at work, you are working even when we can't see it. can't see it. can't see it. Then God, I pray you'd wake them up Then God, I pray you'd wake them up Then God, I pray you'd wake them up every morning. Says, "Your mercies are every morning. Says, "Your mercies are every morning. Says, "Your mercies are new every morning." Yes. I would pray new every morning." Yes. I would pray new every morning." Yes. I would pray that you would also renew their strength that you would also renew their strength that you would also renew their strength every morning to wake up, take the every morning to wake up, take the every morning to wake up, take the corner of their mat, and keep carrying, corner of their mat, and keep carrying, corner of their mat, and keep carrying, keep praying, keep begging, keep asking, keep praying, keep begging, keep asking, keep praying, keep begging, keep asking, keep inviting, keep sharing Jesus. keep inviting, keep sharing Jesus. keep inviting, keep sharing Jesus. And Lord, I pray that every person And Lord, I pray that every person And Lord, I pray that every person standing, standing, standing, I don't get to pick this God, but I'm I don't get to pick this God, but I'm I don't get to pick this God, but I'm going to pray in faith and ask, God, going to pray in faith and ask, God, going to pray in faith and ask, God, what if this year every person standing what if this year every person standing what if this year every person standing would be now standing next to a tub with would be now standing next to a tub with would be now standing next to a tub with their one in it? Lord, we pray that you their one in it? Lord, we pray that you their one in it? Lord, we pray that you would do that in the name of Jesus. But would do that in the name of Jesus. But would do that in the name of Jesus. But until then, give them strength and hope, until then, give them strength and hope, until then, give them strength and hope, faith to believe. Jesus, you're not faith to believe. Jesus, you're not faith to believe. Jesus, you're not changing. You're the same. Your power changing. You're the same. Your power changing. You're the same. Your power can still transform. Just give us the can still transform. Just give us the can still transform. Just give us the strength to keep carrying strength to keep carrying strength to keep carrying the rest of us. Let's all join. And I the rest of us. Let's all join. And I the rest of us. Let's all join. And I want to pray for all of us. So, everyone want to pray for all of us. So, everyone want to pray for all of us. So, everyone else here across the campuses, stand up else here across the campuses, stand up else here across the campuses, stand up and join those that are standing. And I and join those that are standing. And I and join those that are standing. And I want to pray like a commissioning want to pray like a commissioning want to pray like a commissioning harvest is plentiful sort of prayer over harvest is plentiful sort of prayer over harvest is plentiful sort of prayer over us. then the pastors will join us. So, us. then the pastors will join us. So, us. then the pastors will join us. So, heavenly father, heavenly father, heavenly father, we have a calling whether we realize it we have a calling whether we realize it we have a calling whether we realize it or not. The harvest is plentiful, but or not. The harvest is plentiful, but or not. The harvest is plentiful, but after today, Father, in this territory, after today, Father, in this territory, after today, Father, in this territory, would the workers not be few?

would the workers not be few? would the workers not be few? So, God, I pray So, God, I pray So, God, I pray that as you said in Matthew 10:1, he you that as you said in Matthew 10:1, he you that as you said in Matthew 10:1, he you called your disciples and you said, "I called your disciples and you said, "I called your disciples and you said, "I give you the authority." give you the authority." give you the authority." So Jesus, give them the authority right So Jesus, give them the authority right So Jesus, give them the authority right now that they don't have to have all the now that they don't have to have all the now that they don't have to have all the answers, but they bring the power of answers, but they bring the power of answers, but they bring the power of Jesus into every conversation. And that Jesus into every conversation. And that Jesus into every conversation. And that if we can just drag our ones to you, if we can just drag our ones to you, if we can just drag our ones to you, Lord, you'll do the healing. We'll do Lord, you'll do the healing. We'll do Lord, you'll do the healing. We'll do the carrying. You do the healing. So the carrying. You do the healing. So the carrying. You do the healing. So God, give us a fresh look at a Monday. God, give us a fresh look at a Monday. God, give us a fresh look at a Monday. Give us a fresh look at our office time, Give us a fresh look at our office time, Give us a fresh look at our office time, our school time, our on the benches at our school time, our on the benches at our school time, our on the benches at at our kids sports time. Would you re at our kids sports time. Would you re at our kids sports time. Would you re would you take those times that feel would you take those times that feel would you take those times that feel mundane and would you just whisper, mundane and would you just whisper, mundane and would you just whisper, "You're on a mission. You're on a "You're on a mission. You're on a "You're on a mission. You're on a mission. There's no such thing as mission. There's no such thing as mission. There's no such thing as wasted. No such thing as mundane." And wasted. No such thing as mundane." And wasted. No such thing as mundane." And would you put inside of us a fresh would you put inside of us a fresh would you put inside of us a fresh burden for the lost people around us? burden for the lost people around us? burden for the lost people around us? Help us to see their brokenness. Help us to see their brokenness. Help us to see their brokenness. Help them. Help us to believe that your Help them. Help us to believe that your Help them. Help us to believe that your power can heal. power can heal. power can heal. And Lord, we just trust you with the And Lord, we just trust you with the And Lord, we just trust you with the how. We're just going to keep carrying how. We're just going to keep carrying how. We're just going to keep carrying the who. the who. the who. Jesus, we love you. Put this deep in the Jesus, we love you. Put this deep in the Jesus, we love you. Put this deep in the heart of our church heart of our church heart of our church in Jesus name. And all God's people in Jesus name. And all God's people in Jesus name. And all God's people said, "Amen."

said, "Amen." said, "Amen." Amen.