Who's Your One? | 12Stone Church

I've said it once, I'll say it again. I've said it once, I'll say it again. I'm so excited to be back. I'm I'm going I'm so excited to be back. I'm I'm going I'm so excited to be back. I'm I'm going to warn you. to warn you. to warn you. If you're a redneck, I'll say it this If you're a redneck, I'll say it this If you're a redneck, I'll say it this way. I'm loaded for bear today. I've got way. I'm loaded for bear today. I've got way. I'm loaded for bear today. I've got 5 weeks of pent-up stuff. I could teach 5 weeks of pent-up stuff. I could teach 5 weeks of pent-up stuff. I could teach for 3 hours. You don't want that. I for 3 hours. You don't want that. I for 3 hours. You don't want that. I agree. But, I'm fired up. I'm ready, and agree. But, I'm fired up. I'm ready, and agree. But, I'm fired up. I'm ready, and I'm glad to be back. But, I want to also I'm glad to be back. But, I want to also I'm glad to be back. But, I want to also thank and celebrate like we have such an thank and celebrate like we have such an thank and celebrate like we have such an incredible team and staff and people incredible team and staff and people incredible team and staff and people here. I want to celebrate and thank here. I want to celebrate and thank here. I want to celebrate and thank Pastor Kevin Myers. Man, he brought some Pastor Kevin Myers. Man, he brought some Pastor Kevin Myers. Man, he brought some heat in the month of June. Did he not? heat in the month of June. Did he not? heat in the month of June. Did he not? Can we thank Pastor Kevin? Can we thank Pastor Kevin? Can we thank Pastor Kevin? Man, the whole the whole series on Man, the whole the whole series on Man, the whole the whole series on Samson. And our campus pastors were Samson. And our campus pastors were Samson. And our campus pastors were incredible. Pastor Dave Carr last incredible. Pastor Dave Carr last incredible. Pastor Dave Carr last weekend sharing his story. We just thank weekend sharing his story. We just thank weekend sharing his story. We just thank all those who poured in to the life of all those who poured in to the life of all those who poured in to the life of this church in the month of June. this church in the month of June. this church in the month of June. See, when I go away in June, it's See, when I go away in June, it's See, when I go away in June, it's there's a lot of reasons I go away. Some there's a lot of reasons I go away. Some there's a lot of reasons I go away. Some and off the top is just some rest, man. and off the top is just some rest, man. and off the top is just some rest, man. Sometimes a nap is the most holy sacred Sometimes a nap is the most holy sacred Sometimes a nap is the most holy sacred thing you can do. Can I get an amen from thing you can do. Can I get an amen from thing you can do. Can I get an amen from somebody? somebody? somebody? A nap is a godly thing, and I took a few A nap is a godly thing, and I took a few A nap is a godly thing, and I took a few naps, man. I got some rest, got my naps, man. I got some rest, got my naps, man. I got some rest, got my battery recharged. Some of y'all are battery recharged. Some of y'all are battery recharged. Some of y'all are going to take a nap if it rains this going to take a nap if it rains this going to take a nap if it rains this afternoon. That's a godly thing. Tell afternoon. That's a godly thing. Tell afternoon. That's a godly thing. Tell somebody that when you're doing it somebody that when you're doing it somebody that when you're doing it today. I got some time with my family, today. I got some time with my family, today. I got some time with my family, which is needed, man, cuz my kids are which is needed, man, cuz my kids are which is needed, man, cuz my kids are hitting that age where I'm like, man, hitting that age where I'm like, man, hitting that age where I'm like, man, we're seeing the final couple years in we're seeing the final couple years in we're seeing the final couple years in our own home before college, career, our own home before college, career, our own home before college, career, life sets in. And we spent some time on life sets in. And we spent some time on life sets in. And we spent some time on the lake. And if you're a dad, you know the lake. And if you're a dad, you know the lake. And if you're a dad, you know your job, one of your callings, your job, one of your callings, your job, one of your callings, somewhere in the Bible probably, but one somewhere in the Bible probably, but one somewhere in the Bible probably, but one of your callings as a dad is when you're of your callings as a dad is when you're of your callings as a dad is when you're tubing your kids is to absolutely tubing your kids is to absolutely tubing your kids is to absolutely destroy them on the tube. And I can tell destroy them on the tube. And I can tell destroy them on the tube. And I can tell you there's some video evidence I might

you there's some video evidence I might you there's some video evidence I might show in a couple weeks, but there's show in a couple weeks, but there's show in a couple weeks, but there's evidence to say I destroyed my children evidence to say I destroyed my children evidence to say I destroyed my children in the tubing world. I won. Uh in the tubing world. I won. Uh in the tubing world. I won. Uh I might not show the video cuz D-Fax I might not show the video cuz D-Fax I might not show the video cuz D-Fax might come after me. But, had some great might come after me. But, had some great might come after me. But, had some great great family family time. Um man, God great family family time. Um man, God great family family time. Um man, God used this month to deepen my love for used this month to deepen my love for used this month to deepen my love for him and my love for this church and my him and my love for this church and my him and my love for this church and my love for you. I love this church, man. love for you. I love this church, man. love for you. I love this church, man. And I I spent time joining other And I I spent time joining other And I I spent time joining other churches online, obviously 12 Stone, but churches online, obviously 12 Stone, but churches online, obviously 12 Stone, but joining other churches around the joining other churches around the joining other churches around the country online and and I'm telling you country online and and I'm telling you country online and and I'm telling you what God's doing here is special. what God's doing here is special. what God's doing here is special. There is no other place I would give my There is no other place I would give my There is no other place I would give my life to life to life to like 12 Stone. And I'm grateful for you like 12 Stone. And I'm grateful for you like 12 Stone. And I'm grateful for you as a people. Man, I love what we're a as a people. Man, I love what we're a as a people. Man, I love what we're a part of here as a church. It's part of here as a church. It's part of here as a church. It's beautiful. Equally, June is when I I I go pursue Equally, June is when I I I go pursue like God, if there's anything you want like God, if there's anything you want like God, if there's anything you want to speak into the life of 12 Stone, to speak into the life of 12 Stone, to speak into the life of 12 Stone, renewed vision, renewed clarity for renewed vision, renewed clarity for renewed vision, renewed clarity for where we're going cuz we're like in the where we're going cuz we're like in the where we're going cuz we're like in the third quarter of this Unshakeable third quarter of this Unshakeable third quarter of this Unshakeable season. There's lots to go, but we're in season. There's lots to go, but we're in season. There's lots to go, but we're in it and God's God's sort of delivering it and God's God's sort of delivering it and God's God's sort of delivering some some clarity on a few more things.

some some clarity on a few more things. some some clarity on a few more things. And if you're if you call this place And if you're if you call this place And if you're if you call this place your church home, August 2nd is a is a your church home, August 2nd is a is a your church home, August 2nd is a is a date I need you to mark on your date I need you to mark on your date I need you to mark on your calendar. Sunday, August 2nd. What date? calendar. Sunday, August 2nd. What date? calendar. Sunday, August 2nd. What date? August August August August 2nd. Mark it on your calendar. August 2nd. Mark it on your calendar. August 2nd. Mark it on your calendar. It's just going to be like a vision It's just going to be like a vision It's just going to be like a vision Sunday. I want to bring some of what Sunday. I want to bring some of what Sunday. I want to bring some of what God's stirring in the life of our church God's stirring in the life of our church God's stirring in the life of our church and where we're headed in the third and and where we're headed in the third and and where we're headed in the third and fourth quarters of Unshakeable. Equally, fourth quarters of Unshakeable. Equally, fourth quarters of Unshakeable. Equally, this is not super holy, but all all it this is not super holy, but all all it this is not super holy, but all all it is to me. I I I was able to spend a is to me. I I I was able to spend a is to me. I I I was able to spend a decent amount of time playing some golf decent amount of time playing some golf decent amount of time playing some golf in June. And I'm I'm happy to report I in June. And I'm I'm happy to report I in June. And I'm I'm happy to report I think I probably shaved two or three think I probably shaved two or three think I probably shaved two or three strokes off my handicap. If you're a strokes off my handicap. If you're a strokes off my handicap. If you're a golfer, you can celebrate. If not, golfer, you can celebrate. If not, golfer, you can celebrate. If not, you're like, "Cool, I guess. Thanks." you're like, "Cool, I guess. Thanks." you're like, "Cool, I guess. Thanks." Can I at least get a golf clap? I know Can I at least get a golf clap? I know Can I at least get a golf clap? I know it's cheesy. Give me a little golf clap. it's cheesy. Give me a little golf clap. it's cheesy. Give me a little golf clap. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I I I went in I went into June going, I I I went in I went into June going, I I I went in I went into June going, "Man, I I talk about golf enough on on "Man, I I talk about golf enough on on "Man, I I talk about golf enough on on the weekends that if I play with a 12 the weekends that if I play with a 12 the weekends that if I play with a 12 Stoner, which I have, I need to be Stoner, which I have, I need to be Stoner, which I have, I need to be better than I am for how much I run my better than I am for how much I run my better than I am for how much I run my mouth." mouth." mouth." So, I went into June going, "All right, So, I went into June going, "All right, So, I went into June going, "All right, I'm going to really work on my swing." I'm going to really work on my swing." I'm going to really work on my swing." And so, I spent a bunch of time on the And so, I spent a bunch of time on the And so, I spent a bunch of time on the driving range for two or three weeks. driving range for two or three weeks. driving range for two or three weeks. Like, anytime I had an hour here or Like, anytime I had an hour here or Like, anytime I had an hour here or there, I'd go to the driving range and there, I'd go to the driving range and there, I'd go to the driving range and I'd I'd work on my swing and the I'd I'd work on my swing and the I'd I'd work on my swing and the mechanics. And after probably hitting mechanics. And after probably hitting mechanics. And after probably hitting like 5,000 golf balls, I found myself like 5,000 golf balls, I found myself like 5,000 golf balls, I found myself one day driving to the driving range and one day driving to the driving range and one day driving to the driving range and for the first time I was like, "I'm for the first time I was like, "I'm for the first time I was like, "I'm dreading this golf I'm I'm kind of over dreading this golf I'm I'm kind of over dreading this golf I'm I'm kind of over this golf thing."

this golf thing." this golf thing." I was like, "Whoa, what was that about?" I was like, "Whoa, what was that about?" I was like, "Whoa, what was that about?" And I went hit some balls and I got And I went hit some balls and I got And I went hit some balls and I got done. I was like, "Man, I'm just golf done. I was like, "Man, I'm just golf done. I was like, "Man, I'm just golf has sort of lost its luster for me." has sort of lost its luster for me." has sort of lost its luster for me." And then ironically that afternoon a And then ironically that afternoon a And then ironically that afternoon a buddy of mine called and said, "Dude, buddy of mine called and said, "Dude, buddy of mine called and said, "Dude, you want to go play a round tomorrow?" you want to go play a round tomorrow?" you want to go play a round tomorrow?" And honestly, I was like, "I don't know. And honestly, I was like, "I don't know. And honestly, I was like, "I don't know. I Yeah, sure. It'll be fun to hang out I Yeah, sure. It'll be fun to hang out I Yeah, sure. It'll be fun to hang out with you." And I said, "Yes." with you." And I said, "Yes." with you." And I said, "Yes." I drove to the golf course. I got in a I drove to the golf course. I got in a I drove to the golf course. I got in a golf cart and I started by by about the golf cart and I started by by about the golf cart and I started by by about the second hole I was like, "Oh, second hole I was like, "Oh, second hole I was like, "Oh, this is why I love golf. this is why I love golf. this is why I love golf. Golf is not just the driving range. Golf is not just the driving range. Golf is not just the driving range. Golf is getting on the course, enjoying Golf is getting on the course, enjoying Golf is getting on the course, enjoying the game itself, not just working on the game itself, not just working on the game itself, not just working on mechanics, but getting out there." And mechanics, but getting out there." And mechanics, but getting out there." And here's here here's the point of saying here's here here's the point of saying here's here here's the point of saying that. Church, I think we can do the same that. Church, I think we can do the same that. Church, I think we can do the same thing in our faith. thing in our faith. thing in our faith. When you're following Jesus, you can When you're following Jesus, you can When you're following Jesus, you can spend all your time on the driving range spend all your time on the driving range spend all your time on the driving range of your faith and forget why this is of your faith and forget why this is of your faith and forget why this is exciting and fulfilling and meaningful exciting and fulfilling and meaningful exciting and fulfilling and meaningful and full of joy. and full of joy. and full of joy. See, I I discovered that golf is not the See, I I discovered that golf is not the See, I I discovered that golf is not the driving range. Golf is being on the driving range. Golf is being on the driving range. Golf is being on the course. Yes, I need some time on the course. Yes, I need some time on the course. Yes, I need some time on the driving range so I'm not awful, but it's driving range so I'm not awful, but it's driving range so I'm not awful, but it's not the driving range.

not the driving range. not the driving range. And I think sometimes we spend so much And I think sometimes we spend so much And I think sometimes we spend so much time on the driving range. time on the driving range. time on the driving range. Coming to church, listening to podcasts, Coming to church, listening to podcasts, Coming to church, listening to podcasts, watching YouTube messages, reading stuff watching YouTube messages, reading stuff watching YouTube messages, reading stuff and and you're not in the game. Can I and and you're not in the game. Can I and and you're not in the game. Can I tell you what being in the game means? tell you what being in the game means? tell you what being in the game means? It means this. It means having your one. It means this. It means having your one. It means this. It means having your one. If your faith feels mundane or boring or If your faith feels mundane or boring or If your faith feels mundane or boring or wrote or dry or whatever, I think it wrote or dry or whatever, I think it wrote or dry or whatever, I think it could be that you're only on the driving could be that you're only on the driving could be that you're only on the driving range and you're never in the game. range and you're never in the game. range and you're never in the game. You want to know how to how to make your You want to know how to how to make your You want to know how to how to make your faith exciting? Go risk with God and faith exciting? Go risk with God and faith exciting? Go risk with God and share your faith with somebody. share your faith with somebody. share your faith with somebody. You want to know how to make your faith You want to know how to make your faith You want to know how to make your faith feel like it's life-giving again? Go feel like it's life-giving again? Go feel like it's life-giving again? Go hang it all out there and go, "Hey, can hang it all out there and go, "Hey, can hang it all out there and go, "Hey, can I tell you what Jesus did for me?" I tell you what Jesus did for me?" I tell you what Jesus did for me?" You're going to get excited real quick You're going to get excited real quick You're going to get excited real quick for good or for bad. for good or for bad. for good or for bad. See, this who's your one thing is not See, this who's your one thing is not See, this who's your one thing is not like, "Hey, we got to do this." It's like, "Hey, we got to do this." It's like, "Hey, we got to do this." It's like, "No, this is how your faith comes like, "No, this is how your faith comes like, "No, this is how your faith comes to life. It's the key like get in the to life. It's the key like get in the to life. It's the key like get in the game of faith." game of faith." game of faith." And get off the driving range. Now, you And get off the driving range. Now, you And get off the driving range. Now, you need some time there, but it's not where need some time there, but it's not where need some time there, but it's not where you actually live. Ironically, God gave you actually live. Ironically, God gave you actually live. Ironically, God gave me a new one in June. I got a couple, me a new one in June. I got a couple, me a new one in June. I got a couple, but God gave me a new one on the golf but God gave me a new one on the golf but God gave me a new one on the golf course. Met a guy, can't share the course. Met a guy, can't share the course. Met a guy, can't share the details, he'll probably be watching details, he'll probably be watching details, he'll probably be watching this, but God gave me a new one on the this, but God gave me a new one on the this, but God gave me a new one on the golf course and I can't wait to golf course and I can't wait to golf course and I can't wait to hopefully one day soon share hopefully one day soon share hopefully one day soon share what God's doing in that person's life.

what God's doing in that person's life. what God's doing in that person's life. I can't wait to maybe baptize him I can't wait to maybe baptize him I can't wait to maybe baptize him someday very soon. someday very soon. someday very soon. See, God gives me a fresh burden and See, God gives me a fresh burden and See, God gives me a fresh burden and passion for lost people. passion for lost people. passion for lost people. I was calling uh Dan Vanderwal, our I was calling uh Dan Vanderwal, our I was calling uh Dan Vanderwal, our executive pastor, on my drive back from executive pastor, on my drive back from executive pastor, on my drive back from being gone in June and just downloading being gone in June and just downloading being gone in June and just downloading and he's like, "Man, I just have an and he's like, "Man, I just have an and he's like, "Man, I just have an observation. We've done this together observation. We've done this together observation. We've done this together enough years. Every time you come back enough years. Every time you come back enough years. Every time you come back from June, you've got this fresh from June, you've got this fresh from June, you've got this fresh fire for lost people again." fire for lost people again." fire for lost people again." And it hit me. And it hit me. And it hit me. W- What if W- What if W- What if in the busyness and pressure of life, in the busyness and pressure of life, in the busyness and pressure of life, the first thing to go is my burden for the first thing to go is my burden for the first thing to go is my burden for lost people? lost people? lost people? It's a convicting moment. It's a convicting moment. It's a convicting moment. Like we get so wrapped up in life that Like we get so wrapped up in life that Like we get so wrapped up in life that we can't see beyond our own circle and we can't see beyond our own circle and we can't see beyond our own circle and our own pressures and our own problems our own pressures and our own problems our own pressures and our own problems and we miss the very purpose that we are and we miss the very purpose that we are and we miss the very purpose that we are here for. See, during this whole July here for. See, during this whole July here for. See, during this whole July series and during this whole teaching series and during this whole teaching series and during this whole teaching today, I want you to actually put a name today, I want you to actually put a name today, I want you to actually put a name and a face in your head. Who is your and a face in your head. Who is your and a face in your head. Who is your one? one? one? See, listen. See, listen. See, listen. A one is just another one until it's A one is just another one until it's A one is just another one until it's your one.

your one. your one. See, my one on the golf course, you're See, my one on the golf course, you're See, my one on the golf course, you're like, "Cool. Whoever that is, awesome." like, "Cool. Whoever that is, awesome." like, "Cool. Whoever that is, awesome." What if that's your husband, your son, What if that's your husband, your son, What if that's your husband, your son, your father, your friend? When it's your father, your friend? When it's your father, your friend? When it's that, now suddenly it's personal. This that, now suddenly it's personal. This that, now suddenly it's personal. This conversation feels very driving range conversation feels very driving range conversation feels very driving range dry dry dry until you actually have a one. I need until you actually have a one. I need until you actually have a one. I need you to put a face in your head and if you to put a face in your head and if you to put a face in your head and if you don't have one yet, you're praying, you don't have one yet, you're praying, you don't have one yet, you're praying, "God, over the course of today, would "God, over the course of today, would "God, over the course of today, would you give me someone?" When we say who's you give me someone?" When we say who's you give me someone?" When we say who's your one, it's someone that's near to your one, it's someone that's near to your one, it's someone that's near to you, but far from God. you, but far from God. you, but far from God. Who is your one? Who's the person you're Who is your one? Who's the person you're Who is your one? Who's the person you're investing in, praying for, inviting to investing in, praying for, inviting to investing in, praying for, inviting to church, sharing your faith with? And I church, sharing your faith with? And I church, sharing your faith with? And I need you to have that in your head. One need you to have that in your head. One need you to have that in your head. One of the things that I keep in my office of the things that I keep in my office of the things that I keep in my office is this right here. This is 100 ping is this right here. This is 100 ping is this right here. This is 100 ping pong balls. pong balls. pong balls. 99 of them are white ping pong balls. 99 of them are white ping pong balls. 99 of them are white ping pong balls. There's one red one. That signifies the There's one red one. That signifies the There's one red one. That signifies the one. I keep it in my office to remind one. I keep it in my office to remind one. I keep it in my office to remind myself this, in great part, is my myself this, in great part, is my myself this, in great part, is my calling, not as a pastor, calling, not as a pastor, calling, not as a pastor, as a Christian. as a Christian. as a Christian. This isn't a pastor's job. This is a This isn't a pastor's job. This is a This isn't a pastor's job. This is a follower of Jesus' job.

follower of Jesus' job. follower of Jesus' job. Who is the one person that is near you, Who is the one person that is near you, Who is the one person that is near you, but far from God? but far from God? but far from God? And I want to give you some examples of And I want to give you some examples of And I want to give you some examples of some current who's your one stories, cuz some current who's your one stories, cuz some current who's your one stories, cuz maybe this will sort of help you dream maybe this will sort of help you dream maybe this will sort of help you dream about who your one might be. Noelle is a about who your one might be. Noelle is a about who your one might be. Noelle is a student at our Somerville campus in student at our Somerville campus in student at our Somerville campus in South Carolina, and she had a a one. It South Carolina, and she had a a one. It South Carolina, and she had a a one. It was her mom and her friend, and so she was her mom and her friend, and so she was her mom and her friend, and so she started inviting her her mom and her started inviting her her mom and her started inviting her her mom and her friend to church, and they started friend to church, and they started friend to church, and they started coming to church, and not only did her coming to church, and not only did her coming to church, and not only did her mom and her friend Addy come to church mom and her friend Addy come to church mom and her friend Addy come to church and come to faith in Jesus, her dad and and come to faith in Jesus, her dad and and come to faith in Jesus, her dad and two brothers did. They all bowed their two brothers did. They all bowed their two brothers did. They all bowed their life to Jesus and are baptized. Listen, life to Jesus and are baptized. Listen, life to Jesus and are baptized. Listen, your one could be a family member. They your one could be a family member. They your one could be a family member. They might be in your house. might be in your house. might be in your house. You might have raised your one. Start to You might have raised your one. Start to You might have raised your one. Start to dream, Holy Spirit, who would who would dream, Holy Spirit, who would who would dream, Holy Spirit, who would who would my one be? There's a next door neighbor my one be? There's a next door neighbor my one be? There's a next door neighbor at our Beaufort campus. He had there's a at our Beaufort campus. He had there's a at our Beaufort campus. He had there's a guy who was a student who had a neighbor guy who was a student who had a neighbor guy who was a student who had a neighbor Matt and neighbor Kyle. Neither one had Matt and neighbor Kyle. Neither one had Matt and neighbor Kyle. Neither one had a relationship with Jesus, and they a relationship with Jesus, and they a relationship with Jesus, and they started hanging out and cooking in the started hanging out and cooking in the started hanging out and cooking in the backyard, doing stuff together, and they backyard, doing stuff together, and they backyard, doing stuff together, and they started into conversations on the back started into conversations on the back started into conversations on the back porch, and he was able to lead both Matt porch, and he was able to lead both Matt porch, and he was able to lead both Matt and Kyle to Jesus on the back porch. and Kyle to Jesus on the back porch. and Kyle to Jesus on the back porch. Listen, your one could be your neighbor.

Listen, your one could be your neighbor. Listen, your one could be your neighbor. They might live in your neighborhood. They might live in your neighborhood. They might live in your neighborhood. Pray, Holy Spirit, put names and faces. Pray, Holy Spirit, put names and faces. Pray, Holy Spirit, put names and faces. There's a student at our Athens campus There's a student at our Athens campus There's a student at our Athens campus named Carrington. named Carrington. named Carrington. A couple months back we we said to write A couple months back we we said to write A couple months back we we said to write down on a card at Wednesdays, write down down on a card at Wednesdays, write down down on a card at Wednesdays, write down who would your one be and she wrote down who would your one be and she wrote down who would your one be and she wrote down uh Halen and Payton, her friends, and uh Halen and Payton, her friends, and uh Halen and Payton, her friends, and she started inviting them to Wednesdays. she started inviting them to Wednesdays. she started inviting them to Wednesdays. They both have accepted Christ. Listen, They both have accepted Christ. Listen, They both have accepted Christ. Listen, your your one might be a friend or your your one might be a friend or your your one might be a friend or someone that you've been you've known someone that you've been you've known someone that you've been you've known for years. for years. for years. Ledell from our Hamilton Mill Campus. Ledell from our Hamilton Mill Campus. Ledell from our Hamilton Mill Campus. She's a teacher and Grace was her She's a teacher and Grace was her She's a teacher and Grace was her co-worker at school. co-worker at school. co-worker at school. And she started to start up spiritual And she started to start up spiritual And she started to start up spiritual conversations with her at work. And over conversations with her at work. And over conversations with her at work. And over time, Grace had some horrible health time, Grace had some horrible health time, Grace had some horrible health issues, found herself in the hospital, issues, found herself in the hospital, issues, found herself in the hospital, and she's asking questions to Ledell and she's asking questions to Ledell and she's asking questions to Ledell about Jesus, and she's sharing stuff, about Jesus, and she's sharing stuff, about Jesus, and she's sharing stuff, and the best she can explain is the and the best she can explain is the and the best she can explain is the doctor said like, "Something happened. doctor said like, "Something happened. doctor said like, "Something happened. You don't have that health issue You don't have that health issue You don't have that health issue anymore." And as a result of all that, anymore." And as a result of all that, anymore." And as a result of all that, she's like, "God is real." She bowed her she's like, "God is real." She bowed her she's like, "God is real." She bowed her life to Jesus. And listen, your one life to Jesus. And listen, your one life to Jesus. And listen, your one could be a co-worker at work.

could be a co-worker at work. could be a co-worker at work. Julie from our Beaufort Campus. Her one Julie from our Beaufort Campus. Her one Julie from our Beaufort Campus. Her one was her husband, John. was her husband, John. was her husband, John. And she knew John's story when he was a And she knew John's story when he was a And she knew John's story when he was a younger person at at the church and sort younger person at at the church and sort younger person at at the church and sort of hurt him, and he had had some of hurt him, and he had had some of hurt him, and he had had some distrust with the church. distrust with the church. distrust with the church. And so he was like, "I'm done. I'm out. And so he was like, "I'm done. I'm out. And so he was like, "I'm done. I'm out. I want nothing to do with like if if I want nothing to do with like if if I want nothing to do with like if if those are the people that that are those are the people that that are those are the people that that are Jesus's people, I have I want nothing to Jesus's people, I have I want nothing to Jesus's people, I have I want nothing to do with Jesus." do with Jesus." do with Jesus." But but Julie kept praying for her But but Julie kept praying for her But but Julie kept praying for her husband, John, and he started coming, husband, John, and he started coming, husband, John, and he started coming, and he started meeting some of y'all and and he started meeting some of y'all and and he started meeting some of y'all and said, "Wait, you're not as bad as I said, "Wait, you're not as bad as I said, "Wait, you're not as bad as I thought you'd be. Congrats. The bar is thought you'd be. Congrats. The bar is thought you'd be. Congrats. The bar is low." low." low." And over time, he understood the gospel, And over time, he understood the gospel, And over time, he understood the gospel, and last Easter he bowed his knee to and last Easter he bowed his knee to and last Easter he bowed his knee to Jesus, and he got to be baptized. Jesus, and he got to be baptized. Jesus, and he got to be baptized. Listen, your one might be your own Listen, your one might be your own Listen, your one might be your own spouse. spouse. spouse. Lastly, Trevor Lastly, Trevor Lastly, Trevor was the one of a 12 stoner. And this is was the one of a 12 stoner. And this is was the one of a 12 stoner. And this is this is a category I want to put out this is a category I want to put out this is a category I want to put out there cuz it's like the one I can't I there cuz it's like the one I can't I there cuz it's like the one I can't I can't nail down for you, but God does it can't nail down for you, but God does it can't nail down for you, but God does it consistently. Your one might be someone consistently. Your one might be someone consistently. Your one might be someone that God supernaturally or sovereignly that God supernaturally or sovereignly that God supernaturally or sovereignly puts in your path. puts in your path. puts in your path. You don't even know them, but God just You don't even know them, but God just You don't even know them, but God just they bump into your path. Here's the they bump into your path. Here's the they bump into your path. Here's the story. Trevor fathered a child story. Trevor fathered a child story. Trevor fathered a child that for a number of reasons was put up that for a number of reasons was put up that for a number of reasons was put up for adoption and adopted by a 12 Stone for adoption and adopted by a 12 Stone for adoption and adopted by a 12 Stone family.

family. family. So, this 12 Stone family adopted his So, this 12 Stone family adopted his So, this 12 Stone family adopted his daughter. Trevor was deep in addiction, daughter. Trevor was deep in addiction, daughter. Trevor was deep in addiction, living in in on the streets, eventually living in in on the streets, eventually living in in on the streets, eventually found himself in prison, but he started found himself in prison, but he started found himself in prison, but he started reaching out to the father, the adopted reaching out to the father, the adopted reaching out to the father, the adopted father of his biological daughter. Only father of his biological daughter. Only father of his biological daughter. Only God can ordain this kind of stuff. God can ordain this kind of stuff. God can ordain this kind of stuff. And asking questions about faith and And asking questions about faith and And asking questions about faith and he's like he's at the bottom of the he's like he's at the bottom of the he's like he's at the bottom of the barrel in jail, in prison, and he in barrel in jail, in prison, and he in barrel in jail, in prison, and he in prison prison prison was searching like Jesus, if you're was searching like Jesus, if you're was searching like Jesus, if you're real. He had an encounter with God. He real. He had an encounter with God. He real. He had an encounter with God. He bowed he bowed his life to Jesus and he bowed he bowed his life to Jesus and he bowed he bowed his life to Jesus and he exited prison a changed man, sober. exited prison a changed man, sober. exited prison a changed man, sober. And now, think about this. And now, think about this. And now, think about this. The adopted father of his daughter got The adopted father of his daughter got The adopted father of his daughter got to baptize him at the Braselton campus to baptize him at the Braselton campus to baptize him at the Braselton campus this year. Here's a picture of that. this year. Here's a picture of that. this year. Here's a picture of that. Only God could do that. Only God could do that. Only God could do that. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Listen, as you're thinking and praying, >> Listen, as you're thinking and praying, >> Listen, as you're thinking and praying, who is your one? It could be a a family who is your one? It could be a a family who is your one? It could be a a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a member, a neighbor, a friend, a member, a neighbor, a friend, a coworker, a spouse, or some supernatural coworker, a spouse, or some supernatural coworker, a spouse, or some supernatural connection that God drops in front of connection that God drops in front of connection that God drops in front of you. But here's what you need. You need you. But here's what you need. You need you. But here's what you need. You need a name and a person and a face in your a name and a person and a face in your a name and a person and a face in your head. So, everything that I teach head. So, everything that I teach head. So, everything that I teach practically from here forward, you're practically from here forward, you're practically from here forward, you're not listening to it like that's a good not listening to it like that's a good not listening to it like that's a good idea. You're listening like this is how idea. You're listening like this is how idea. You're listening like this is how I actually reach my one.

I actually reach my one. I actually reach my one. Cuz I think the places we get broke Cuz I think the places we get broke Cuz I think the places we get broke sometimes are the practical places. So, sometimes are the practical places. So, sometimes are the practical places. So, I I want to I want to actually give us I I want to I want to actually give us I I want to I want to actually give us some practical handholds. And we're some practical handholds. And we're some practical handholds. And we're going to be sitting in Matthew chapter going to be sitting in Matthew chapter going to be sitting in Matthew chapter 9, if you want to grab your Bibles. 9, if you want to grab your Bibles. 9, if you want to grab your Bibles. We're in the Worship Center Bibles on We're in the Worship Center Bibles on We're in the Worship Center Bibles on page 834. page 834. page 834. And we're going to be starting in verse And we're going to be starting in verse And we're going to be starting in verse 9. In the next 3 weeks, we're looking at 9. In the next 3 weeks, we're looking at 9. In the next 3 weeks, we're looking at three different interactions that Jesus three different interactions that Jesus three different interactions that Jesus had with people. had with people. had with people. And we're going to learn how did Jesus And we're going to learn how did Jesus And we're going to learn how did Jesus engage people that were far from God or engage people that were far from God or engage people that were far from God or people that were his ones that that we people that were his ones that that we people that were his ones that that we would say today. would say today. would say today. And there's there's a a hundred ways And there's there's a a hundred ways And there's there's a a hundred ways that I could unpack this, but I found that I could unpack this, but I found that I could unpack this, but I found something from a friend of mine, a something from a friend of mine, a something from a friend of mine, a pastor friend, Josh Howerton, and the pastor friend, Josh Howerton, and the pastor friend, Josh Howerton, and the way he unpacked it was so memorable and way he unpacked it was so memorable and way he unpacked it was so memorable and clear. Here's what we're going to do. clear. Here's what we're going to do. clear. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to borrow some of his I'm going to borrow some of his I'm going to borrow some of his thoughts, and it's just simply this, the thoughts, and it's just simply this, the thoughts, and it's just simply this, the ABCs of reaching your one. ABCs of reaching your one. ABCs of reaching your one. Hopefully, you know the alphabet. A B Hopefully, you know the alphabet. A B Hopefully, you know the alphabet. A B A third of you know the alphabet. A third of you know the alphabet. A third of you know the alphabet. Teacher, step it up. The ABCs of how do Teacher, step it up. The ABCs of how do Teacher, step it up. The ABCs of how do you reach your one? And I want to start you reach your one? And I want to start you reach your one? And I want to start in verse 9, and I want to just sort of in verse 9, and I want to just sort of in verse 9, and I want to just sort of unpack this in the most practical, unpack this in the most practical, unpack this in the most practical, helpful way that I know how to do it.

helpful way that I know how to do it. helpful way that I know how to do it. So, here's how it starts. We're going to So, here's how it starts. We're going to So, here's how it starts. We're going to go sort of verse at a time. Matthew 9:9, go sort of verse at a time. Matthew 9:9, go sort of verse at a time. Matthew 9:9, as Jesus went on from there, as Jesus went on from there, as Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at he saw a man named Matthew sitting at he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. the tax collector's booth. the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Pause, keep got up and followed him. Pause, keep got up and followed him. Pause, keep your finger in that page, we're going to your finger in that page, we're going to your finger in that page, we're going to come back to that. I want to I want to come back to that. I want to I want to come back to that. I want to I want to unpack this in a practical way. Here's unpack this in a practical way. Here's unpack this in a practical way. Here's the first thing, the A of the ABCs is the first thing, the A of the ABCs is the first thing, the A of the ABCs is this, you have to assume that people are this, you have to assume that people are this, you have to assume that people are interested. interested. interested. This might be the hardest hurdle to get This might be the hardest hurdle to get This might be the hardest hurdle to get over, cuz we assume the opposite, don't over, cuz we assume the opposite, don't over, cuz we assume the opposite, don't we? we? we? Matthew, it tells us in scripture, Matthew, it tells us in scripture, Matthew, it tells us in scripture, Matthew was working. Matthew was working. Matthew was working. He was on the clock. He was on the clock. He was on the clock. He was at his job, sitting behind the He was at his job, sitting behind the He was at his job, sitting behind the tax collector's table, lines of people tax collector's table, lines of people tax collector's table, lines of people coming to pay their taxes. Matthew was coming to pay their taxes. Matthew was coming to pay their taxes. Matthew was not twiddling his thumbs or bored or not twiddling his thumbs or bored or not twiddling his thumbs or bored or watching Netflix. He's at work. If I watching Netflix. He's at work. If I watching Netflix. He's at work. If I would have seen Matthew, I would have would have seen Matthew, I would have would have seen Matthew, I would have assumed, "Now's not a good time. He's assumed, "Now's not a good time. He's assumed, "Now's not a good time. He's not going to want to hear about this." not going to want to hear about this." not going to want to hear about this." And yet, Jesus assumed, "No, no, no, I And yet, Jesus assumed, "No, no, no, I And yet, Jesus assumed, "No, no, no, I know this man. He's going to be know this man. He's going to be know this man. He's going to be interested in the good news of who I am interested in the good news of who I am interested in the good news of who I am and the good news of the gospel." Jesus and the good news of the gospel." Jesus and the good news of the gospel." Jesus assumed people are interested. And I assumed people are interested. And I assumed people are interested. And I think the hardest thing for some of us think the hardest thing for some of us think the hardest thing for some of us to get over is you think from what you to get over is you think from what you to get over is you think from what you see on the outside of somebody they see on the outside of somebody they see on the outside of somebody they would not be interested of hearing about would not be interested of hearing about would not be interested of hearing about your faith or your savior.

your faith or your savior. your faith or your savior. Cuz we look at the outside. Cuz we look at the outside. Cuz we look at the outside. You look at them and go, "Man, they You look at them and go, "Man, they You look at them and go, "Man, they wouldn't be interested cuz like, like wouldn't be interested cuz like, like wouldn't be interested cuz like, like what they look like." what they look like." what they look like." Some of y'all have resting uh Some of y'all have resting uh Some of y'all have resting uh witch face, and you look at them and you witch face, and you look at them and you witch face, and you look at them and you look mad. You're like, "That he wouldn't look mad. You're like, "That he wouldn't look mad. You're like, "That he wouldn't like that." like that." like that." Thank you, ma'am. Uh some of y'all like Thank you, ma'am. Uh some of y'all like Thank you, ma'am. Uh some of y'all like you you look at the outside like based you you look at the outside like based you you look at the outside like based on like the way they carry themselves or on like the way they carry themselves or on like the way they carry themselves or their vibe, they might look their vibe, they might look their vibe, they might look stand-offish, and you're like, "They stand-offish, and you're like, "They stand-offish, and you're like, "They wouldn't be interested." wouldn't be interested." wouldn't be interested." Some of y'all like you look at the Some of y'all like you look at the Some of y'all like you look at the bumper stickers on their car and go, bumper stickers on their car and go, bumper stickers on their car and go, "Oh, I see their politics. They don't "Oh, I see their politics. They don't "Oh, I see their politics. They don't want anything to do with this Jesus want anything to do with this Jesus want anything to do with this Jesus thing. They they're not interested." The thing. They they're not interested." The thing. They they're not interested." The the t-shirt they're wearing, and you the t-shirt they're wearing, and you the t-shirt they're wearing, and you look at the outside and assume they look at the outside and assume they look at the outside and assume they wouldn't be interested. wouldn't be interested. wouldn't be interested. But here's what you don't know. You But here's what you don't know. You But here's what you don't know. You don't know that the hurts that that don't know that the hurts that that don't know that the hurts that that person's carrying. person's carrying. person's carrying. You don't know the disappointments that You don't know the disappointments that You don't know the disappointments that person's You don't know the emptiness person's You don't know the emptiness person's You don't know the emptiness that person's carrying. You don't know that person's carrying. You don't know that person's carrying. You don't know their unanswered or answered prayers. their unanswered or answered prayers. their unanswered or answered prayers. You don't know where God might have You don't know where God might have You don't know where God might have already already already prepared them for you to bump into them. prepared them for you to bump into them. prepared them for you to bump into them. You don't know the sovereign reality of You don't know the sovereign reality of You don't know the sovereign reality of how God's orchestrating this, and you how God's orchestrating this, and you how God's orchestrating this, and you assume they wouldn't be interested.

assume they wouldn't be interested. assume they wouldn't be interested. Sometimes God might even give them a Sometimes God might even give them a Sometimes God might even give them a dream or a vision to uh prepare them for dream or a vision to uh prepare them for dream or a vision to uh prepare them for the very encounter that he has ordained the very encounter that he has ordained the very encounter that he has ordained for you to have, and we look at the for you to have, and we look at the for you to have, and we look at the outside, but God looks at the inside. outside, but God looks at the inside. outside, but God looks at the inside. And Jesus just assumed I know Matthew And Jesus just assumed I know Matthew And Jesus just assumed I know Matthew looks successful, he's got things looks successful, he's got things looks successful, he's got things together, and sometimes we do this. That together, and sometimes we do this. That together, and sometimes we do this. That person has a has their life all person has a has their life all person has a has their life all together, they make more money than I together, they make more money than I together, they make more money than I do, a better car than I do, their family do, a better car than I do, their family do, a better car than I do, their family looks perfect on Instagram, they're not looks perfect on Instagram, they're not looks perfect on Instagram, they're not interested. You can't see what's interested. You can't see what's interested. You can't see what's happening on the inside, but God can. happening on the inside, but God can. happening on the inside, but God can. We have to assume We have to assume We have to assume that if they don't know Jesus, they are that if they don't know Jesus, they are that if they don't know Jesus, they are interested. Have you noticed the rise in interested. Have you noticed the rise in interested. Have you noticed the rise in spirituality in our country? spirituality in our country? spirituality in our country? Not just Christianity, not just Not just Christianity, not just Not just Christianity, not just following Jesus, but spirituality in following Jesus, but spirituality in following Jesus, but spirituality in general's on the rise. Why? Because general's on the rise. Why? Because general's on the rise. Why? Because people are not satisfied with what the people are not satisfied with what the people are not satisfied with what the material world can offer. material world can offer. material world can offer. So, they're looking. So, they're looking. So, they're looking. And we know the answer is Jesus, they're And we know the answer is Jesus, they're And we know the answer is Jesus, they're going to be interested. Listen, what if going to be interested. Listen, what if going to be interested. Listen, what if Jesus sent you specifically to share his Jesus sent you specifically to share his Jesus sent you specifically to share his message? message? message? The first thing you have to assume is The first thing you have to assume is The first thing you have to assume is every person you bump into is interested every person you bump into is interested every person you bump into is interested in hearing about Jesus.

in hearing about Jesus. in hearing about Jesus. Cuz if they don't know him, their life Cuz if they don't know him, their life Cuz if they don't know him, their life is empty. is empty. is empty. They might have a lot of stuff, big bank They might have a lot of stuff, big bank They might have a lot of stuff, big bank accounts, stuff might be working on the accounts, stuff might be working on the accounts, stuff might be working on the outside, but on the inside, you have to outside, but on the inside, you have to outside, but on the inside, you have to assume that. And that's what Jesus did. assume that. And that's what Jesus did. assume that. And that's what Jesus did. He went up to him and said, "Listen, I He went up to him and said, "Listen, I He went up to him and said, "Listen, I know you're at work. Cool. Follow me." know you're at work. Cool. Follow me." know you're at work. Cool. Follow me." And Matthew's like, "That sounds better And Matthew's like, "That sounds better And Matthew's like, "That sounds better than what I'm doing." than what I'm doing." than what I'm doing." Follow Jesus. That's the A, assume Follow Jesus. That's the A, assume Follow Jesus. That's the A, assume people are interested. Verse 10, it people are interested. Verse 10, it people are interested. Verse 10, it continues. After Jesus has the continues. After Jesus has the continues. After Jesus has the interaction, Jesus now goes somewhere interaction, Jesus now goes somewhere interaction, Jesus now goes somewhere with Matthew. While Jesus was having with Matthew. While Jesus was having with Matthew. While Jesus was having dinner, where? At Matthew's house. dinner, where? At Matthew's house. dinner, where? At Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and sinners came and Many tax collectors and sinners came and Many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Where ate with him and his disciples. Where ate with him and his disciples. Where did Jesus go once he called Matthew to did Jesus go once he called Matthew to did Jesus go once he called Matthew to follow? He went to his house. follow? He went to his house. follow? He went to his house. And we're like, "Yeah, cool. He went to And we're like, "Yeah, cool. He went to And we're like, "Yeah, cool. He went to his house for" You don't understand his house for" You don't understand his house for" You don't understand this. Do you know what a tax collector this. Do you know what a tax collector this. Do you know what a tax collector was back then? was back then? was back then? Anybody love the IRS today? Hands? Anybody love the IRS today? Hands? Anybody love the IRS today? Hands? Anyone? Anyone? Yeah, that times 10. Anyone? Anyone? Yeah, that times 10. Anyone? Anyone? Yeah, that times 10. If you work for the IRS, God loves you. If you work for the IRS, God loves you. If you work for the IRS, God loves you. We just don't like you, okay? Get it. We just don't like you, okay? Get it. We just don't like you, okay? Get it. See, what what Matthew was back then is See, what what Matthew was back then is See, what what Matthew was back then is they would pick tax collectors that were they would pick tax collectors that were they would pick tax collectors that were Jewish people that lived in the area Jewish people that lived in the area Jewish people that lived in the area their whole life and knew everything their whole life and knew everything their whole life and knew everything about everybody. They knew where about everybody. They knew where about everybody. They knew where everyone's treasure and money was buried everyone's treasure and money was buried everyone's treasure and money was buried and hidden so that the Roman government and hidden so that the Roman government and hidden so that the Roman government could get every dollar they were could get every dollar they were could get every dollar they were deserved in taxes. So, he was like a deserved in taxes. So, he was like a deserved in taxes. So, he was like a narc, narc, narc, selling out his own people selling out his own people selling out his own people to make to take money from them and give to make to take money from them and give to make to take money from them and give it to Rome, and then they would take it to Rome, and then they would take it to Rome, and then they would take their own cut. The tax collectors would their own cut. The tax collectors would their own cut. The tax collectors would take a little bit more above what Rome take a little bit more above what Rome take a little bit more above what Rome took and keep it for themselves. Matthew took and keep it for themselves. Matthew took and keep it for themselves. Matthew was enriching himself on the backs of

was enriching himself on the backs of was enriching himself on the backs of his own people, family, friends he grew his own people, family, friends he grew his own people, family, friends he grew up with. Jesus had a hundred reasons not up with. Jesus had a hundred reasons not up with. Jesus had a hundred reasons not to go to Matthew's house. to go to Matthew's house. to go to Matthew's house. There's one reason that he went there. There's one reason that he went there. There's one reason that he went there. Cuz Matthew was his one. Cuz Matthew was his one. Cuz Matthew was his one. See, A, you have to assume that people See, A, you have to assume that people See, A, you have to assume that people are interested. What did Jesus do next? are interested. What did Jesus do next? are interested. What did Jesus do next? What do we do with our one? You be You What do we do with our one? You be You What do we do with our one? You be You build a bridge, not a wall. build a bridge, not a wall. build a bridge, not a wall. See, Jesus went to where Matthew was See, Jesus went to where Matthew was See, Jesus went to where Matthew was comfortable. comfortable. comfortable. He built a bridge and stepped into He built a bridge and stepped into He built a bridge and stepped into Matthew's world. He didn't just say, Matthew's world. He didn't just say, Matthew's world. He didn't just say, "Matthew, you have to come into my "Matthew, you have to come into my "Matthew, you have to come into my world." He said, "No, I'm going to go world." He said, "No, I'm going to go world." He said, "No, I'm going to go eat dinner at your house first." Listen, eat dinner at your house first." Listen, eat dinner at your house first." Listen, if you have a one that's far from God, if you have a one that's far from God, if you have a one that's far from God, you have to build a bridge, not a wall. you have to build a bridge, not a wall. you have to build a bridge, not a wall. Find the things you have in common and Find the things you have in common and Find the things you have in common and build a bridge first. Evangelism and build a bridge first. Evangelism and build a bridge first. Evangelism and sharing your faith is relational before sharing your faith is relational before sharing your faith is relational before it's confrontational. it's confrontational. it's confrontational. If you're not a a good person to hang If you're not a a good person to hang If you're not a a good person to hang out with, why would they want to hear out with, why would they want to hear out with, why would they want to hear about Jesus from you? about Jesus from you? about Jesus from you? Like the Like street preachers, I Like the Like street preachers, I Like the Like street preachers, I respect their their heart. I just don't respect their their heart. I just don't respect their their heart. I just don't think they're very effective. think they're very effective. think they're very effective. Someone with a megaphone saying, "You're Someone with a megaphone saying, "You're Someone with a megaphone saying, "You're a sinner, you're terrible, you're a sinner, you're terrible, you're a sinner, you're terrible, you're awful." Does that make you want to go awful." Does that make you want to go awful." Does that make you want to go closer to him or do you walk across the closer to him or do you walk across the closer to him or do you walk across the street?

street? street? See, Jesus didn't build walls, he built See, Jesus didn't build walls, he built See, Jesus didn't build walls, he built bridges. Here's a picture that I I found bridges. Here's a picture that I I found bridges. Here's a picture that I I found about a year ago. Uh There's a smaller about a year ago. Uh There's a smaller about a year ago. Uh There's a smaller like downtown area of a smaller city like downtown area of a smaller city like downtown area of a smaller city near where I live that will remain near where I live that will remain near where I live that will remain nameless to protect the guilty. nameless to protect the guilty. nameless to protect the guilty. I think the hearts are right, by the I think the hearts are right, by the I think the hearts are right, by the way, of this little town. way, of this little town. way, of this little town. But, we have traffic problems as But, we have traffic problems as But, we have traffic problems as everyone has everywhere. Anyone like everyone has everywhere. Anyone like everyone has everywhere. Anyone like traffic? No, cool. If you like traffic, traffic? No, cool. If you like traffic, traffic? No, cool. If you like traffic, you need to have your head examined. you need to have your head examined. you need to have your head examined. Traffic is terrible there. Small like Traffic is terrible there. Small like Traffic is terrible there. Small like sort of tight roads, lots of cool little sort of tight roads, lots of cool little sort of tight roads, lots of cool little shops, but traffic's awful, especially shops, but traffic's awful, especially shops, but traffic's awful, especially in the morning and the end of the work in the morning and the end of the work in the morning and the end of the work day. day. day. There's a side road that had a lane and There's a side road that had a lane and There's a side road that had a lane and a turn lane, and you'd always have to a turn lane, and you'd always have to a turn lane, and you'd always have to wait forever cuz the light was very wait forever cuz the light was very wait forever cuz the light was very short, and about a year ago we saw the short, and about a year ago we saw the short, and about a year ago we saw the city doing work on this intersection. city doing work on this intersection. city doing work on this intersection. We're like, "Thank you, God. They're We're like, "Thank you, God. They're We're like, "Thank you, God. They're finally going to widen roads and fix finally going to widen roads and fix finally going to widen roads and fix some of the traffic congestion." some of the traffic congestion." some of the traffic congestion." And you start driving by and like, "What And you start driving by and like, "What And you start driving by and like, "What are they doing? That's I don't I can't are they doing? That's I don't I can't are they doing? That's I don't I can't understand what they're doing there."

understand what they're doing there." understand what they're doing there." Hopefully they're fixing the traffic. Hopefully they're fixing the traffic. Hopefully they're fixing the traffic. Couple months after they started work, Couple months after they started work, Couple months after they started work, we saw what they were doing. They took we saw what they were doing. They took we saw what they were doing. They took the turn lane the turn lane the turn lane and instead of making it wider so more and instead of making it wider so more and instead of making it wider so more cars could go and solve traffic, they cars could go and solve traffic, they cars could go and solve traffic, they decided to pour concrete flower pots and decided to pour concrete flower pots and decided to pour concrete flower pots and remove the turn lane, remove the turn lane, remove the turn lane, making traffic worse. making traffic worse. making traffic worse. They spent our tax dollars, speaking of They spent our tax dollars, speaking of They spent our tax dollars, speaking of the IRS, instead of fixing the thing we the IRS, instead of fixing the thing we the IRS, instead of fixing the thing we were all frustrated with, they had a were all frustrated with, they had a were all frustrated with, they had a beautification project for the little beautification project for the little beautification project for the little city. city. city. And now cars are like, "Avoid that And now cars are like, "Avoid that And now cars are like, "Avoid that intersection at all costs." So now intersection at all costs." So now intersection at all costs." So now people are avoiding the intersection and people are avoiding the intersection and people are avoiding the intersection and they're starting to close down some back they're starting to close down some back they're starting to close down some back roads trying to force people to go down roads trying to force people to go down roads trying to force people to go down their little road so we can celebrate their little road so we can celebrate their little road so we can celebrate the flower pots they put in. Like if the flower pots they put in. Like if the flower pots they put in. Like if you're stuck in traffic, you have more you're stuck in traffic, you have more you're stuck in traffic, you have more time to love the flowers. And I'm like, time to love the flowers. And I'm like, time to love the flowers. And I'm like, "Excuse me, I love your heart. You're "Excuse me, I love your heart. You're "Excuse me, I love your heart. You're seeing this wrong, city." seeing this wrong, city." seeing this wrong, city." And people are frustrated. Why? Cuz And people are frustrated. Why? Cuz And people are frustrated. Why? Cuz they're putting up barriers to people they're putting up barriers to people they're putting up barriers to people getting through instead of building more getting through instead of building more getting through instead of building more options for people to get through.

options for people to get through. options for people to get through. Listen, what did the Pharisees do? The Listen, what did the Pharisees do? The Listen, what did the Pharisees do? The Pharisees in Jesus' time were master Pharisees in Jesus' time were master Pharisees in Jesus' time were master flower pot builders. flower pot builders. flower pot builders. They had all their rituals, they had all They had all their rituals, they had all They had all their rituals, they had all of their rules you had to follow, and of their rules you had to follow, and of their rules you had to follow, and they tried to take everybody and channel they tried to take everybody and channel they tried to take everybody and channel them down their way to get to God. them down their way to get to God. them down their way to get to God. And they forced people to jump through And they forced people to jump through And they forced people to jump through hoops that they liked hoops that they liked hoops that they liked to get to God and they built walls to get to God and they built walls to get to God and they built walls everywhere else. everywhere else. everywhere else. Listen to me, there's only one wall in Listen to me, there's only one wall in Listen to me, there's only one wall in the gospel and it's this: Jesus is the the gospel and it's this: Jesus is the the gospel and it's this: Jesus is the only way to the Father. only way to the Father. only way to the Father. After that, everything else should be After that, everything else should be After that, everything else should be bridges, folks. bridges, folks. bridges, folks. Don't build walls, build bridges. Don't Don't build walls, build bridges. Don't Don't build walls, build bridges. Don't build flower pots, open up turn lanes in build flower pots, open up turn lanes in build flower pots, open up turn lanes in Jesus' name. Jesus' name. Jesus' name. Like open it up. See, in verse 11, that Like open it up. See, in verse 11, that Like open it up. See, in verse 11, that shows the Pharisees' heart. When the shows the Pharisees' heart. When the shows the Pharisees' heart. When the Pharisees saw Jesus hanging out with Pharisees saw Jesus hanging out with Pharisees saw Jesus hanging out with these sinners, they said, "Why does your these sinners, they said, "Why does your these sinners, they said, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and teacher eat with tax collectors and teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Listen, they wanted to force sinners?" Listen, they wanted to force sinners?" Listen, they wanted to force people down their pathways to get to God people down their pathways to get to God people down their pathways to get to God and Jesus is like you have no clue what and Jesus is like you have no clue what and Jesus is like you have no clue what I'm doing.

I'm doing. I'm doing. Jesus built bridges not walls. Listen to Jesus built bridges not walls. Listen to Jesus built bridges not walls. Listen to me. I'm going to step on some toes. me. I'm going to step on some toes. me. I'm going to step on some toes. Where are you building walls Where are you building walls Where are you building walls that keep people from wanting to cross that keep people from wanting to cross that keep people from wanting to cross over and bow their life to Jesus? See, I think a wall is anything that you See, I think a wall is anything that you put up higher than the good news of put up higher than the good news of put up higher than the good news of Jesus. And some of us And some of us we've been louder about our politics we've been louder about our politics we've been louder about our politics than our faith. And just use common sense. And just use common sense. If you want to make your politics louder If you want to make your politics louder If you want to make your politics louder than your faith, you are by very than your faith, you are by very than your faith, you are by very definition cutting off your ability to definition cutting off your ability to definition cutting off your ability to reach half of the ones in our country. Listen, some of us our preferences Listen, some of us our preferences are walls that we put up that people now are walls that we put up that people now are walls that we put up that people now can't cross the bridge and you put your can't cross the bridge and you put your can't cross the bridge and you put your preferences in place first. preferences in place first. preferences in place first. I'll just again put the name in the face I'll just again put the name in the face I'll just again put the name in the face of your one. What is a bridge that can of your one. What is a bridge that can of your one. What is a bridge that can connect to your one? What bridge does connect to your one? What bridge does connect to your one? What bridge does your one need?

your one need? your one need? What wall do you need to tear down so What wall do you need to tear down so What wall do you need to tear down so that you can go and spend time with your that you can go and spend time with your that you can go and spend time with your one? It might mean you root for a one? It might mean you root for a one? It might mean you root for a different college football team for one different college football team for one different college football team for one season. season. season. I know some of you are more offended I know some of you are more offended I know some of you are more offended that by that than by sin. That's okay. Like it might mean you need to shut up Like it might mean you need to shut up about politics for a minute. about politics for a minute. about politics for a minute. It It might mean that I'll say it my It It might mean that I'll say it my It It might mean that I'll say it my way. You You need to stop being a donkey way. You You need to stop being a donkey way. You You need to stop being a donkey and be a decent person. and be a decent person. and be a decent person. Like guys, sometimes just the way we Like guys, sometimes just the way we Like guys, sometimes just the way we act, sometimes Christians are the act, sometimes Christians are the act, sometimes Christians are the biggest wall to people wanting to know biggest wall to people wanting to know biggest wall to people wanting to know Christ. Christ. Christ. Like sometimes it's like just just be Like sometimes it's like just just be Like sometimes it's like just just be kind. The bar is very low. Like your kind. The bar is very low. Like your kind. The bar is very low. Like your goal is not to win arguments but to win goal is not to win arguments but to win goal is not to win arguments but to win people to Jesus. people to Jesus. people to Jesus. Listen to me. Don't build walls, build Listen to me. Don't build walls, build Listen to me. Don't build walls, build bridges. Jesus rarely if ever started bridges. Jesus rarely if ever started bridges. Jesus rarely if ever started with their sin. He started by with their sin. He started by with their sin. He started by connecting. The woman at the well, connecting. The woman at the well, connecting. The woman at the well, "Hey, can I get some water?" Yeah, cool. "Hey, can I get some water?" Yeah, cool. "Hey, can I get some water?" Yeah, cool. Then Jesus started asking questions. Then Jesus started asking questions. Then Jesus started asking questions. She started pouring out all the mess in She started pouring out all the mess in She started pouring out all the mess in her life. Jesus said, "Yep, you're her life. Jesus said, "Yep, you're her life. Jesus said, "Yep, you're right."

right." right." And he said, "Go and sin no more." And he said, "Go and sin no more." And he said, "Go and sin no more." Listen, we we get it. Listen, we we get it. Listen, we we get it. The goal of the gospel is not that we The goal of the gospel is not that we The goal of the gospel is not that we just encourage people sin. We don't just encourage people sin. We don't just encourage people sin. We don't build walls and say, "Do whatever you build walls and say, "Do whatever you build walls and say, "Do whatever you want." We're saying this, "Don't start want." We're saying this, "Don't start want." We're saying this, "Don't start there." there." there." See, practical ways to build bridges. See, practical ways to build bridges. See, practical ways to build bridges. Whatever your one is into, you are now Whatever your one is into, you are now Whatever your one is into, you are now into. into. into. And hopefully your one is into something And hopefully your one is into something And hopefully your one is into something fun, cuz now you're into it. fun, cuz now you're into it. fun, cuz now you're into it. Your one's into golf? Twist my arm. Your one's into golf? Twist my arm. Your one's into golf? Twist my arm. Great. Sorry, babe. I got to go play Great. Sorry, babe. I got to go play Great. Sorry, babe. I got to go play golf to reach my one. Awesome. If your golf to reach my one. Awesome. If your golf to reach my one. Awesome. If your one's into cooking, "Hey, here's my one's into cooking, "Hey, here's my one's into cooking, "Hey, here's my spatula. Let's roll." Like if you if you spatula. Let's roll." Like if you if you spatula. Let's roll." Like if you if you if your one is into sports, great. Let if your one is into sports, great. Let if your one is into sports, great. Let me get my tennis shoes on or my remote me get my tennis shoes on or my remote me get my tennis shoes on or my remote control cuz we're going to watch them. control cuz we're going to watch them. control cuz we're going to watch them. Awesome. My one My one's into cars or Awesome. My one My one's into cars or Awesome. My one My one's into cars or motorcycles. Vroom vroom, baby. Let's go motorcycles. Vroom vroom, baby. Let's go motorcycles. Vroom vroom, baby. Let's go do it. You You go build a bridge to get do it. You You go build a bridge to get do it. You You go build a bridge to get in your one's life. And I'm talking in your one's life. And I'm talking in your one's life. And I'm talking about hobbies, by the way. Whatever your about hobbies, by the way. Whatever your about hobbies, by the way. Whatever your one's into, you're now into. Hobbies, one's into, you're now into. Hobbies, one's into, you're now into. Hobbies, not sin. There's limits to this. not sin. There's limits to this. not sin. There's limits to this. If your one's into meth or breaking and If your one's into meth or breaking and If your one's into meth or breaking and entering, probably not the best bridge entering, probably not the best bridge entering, probably not the best bridge to build, right? You can't get arrested to build, right? You can't get arrested to build, right? You can't get arrested and call me and be like, "My one was and call me and be like, "My one was and call me and be like, "My one was into this." That's not what I'm saying. into this." That's not what I'm saying. into this." That's not what I'm saying. I'm looking for a hobby, all right?

I'm looking for a hobby, all right? I'm looking for a hobby, all right? Build bridges, not walls. Don't put up Build bridges, not walls. Don't put up Build bridges, not walls. Don't put up flower pots. All they do is anger flower pots. All they do is anger flower pots. All they do is anger people. people. people. The gospel has enough walls in this. The gospel has enough walls in this. The gospel has enough walls in this. Jesus is the only way. Every other wall, Jesus is the only way. Every other wall, Jesus is the only way. Every other wall, everything short of sin we do to reach everything short of sin we do to reach everything short of sin we do to reach people for Jesus. people for Jesus. people for Jesus. A, assume people are interested. B, A, assume people are interested. B, A, assume people are interested. B, build bridges, not walls. And then this build bridges, not walls. And then this build bridges, not walls. And then this section ends in verse 12. They ask the section ends in verse 12. They ask the section ends in verse 12. They ask the question, "Why does Jesus eat with tax question, "Why does Jesus eat with tax question, "Why does Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus hears collectors and sinners?" And Jesus hears collectors and sinners?" And Jesus hears it. He says this, "It's not the healthy it. He says this, "It's not the healthy it. He says this, "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." who need a doctor, but the sick." who need a doctor, but the sick." Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, Jesus is saying to the Pharisees, "You're so religious and pious and you "You're so religious and pious and you "You're so religious and pious and you still don't get it." See, here's what's interesting. See, here's what's interesting. Jesus, the son of God, Jesus, the son of God, Jesus, the son of God, there's only a small number that we're there's only a small number that we're there's only a small number that we're aware of that were religious leaders aware of that were religious leaders aware of that were religious leaders that Jesus converted to follow Christ. that Jesus converted to follow Christ. that Jesus converted to follow Christ. Jesus didn't bat a thousand. Jesus didn't bat a thousand. Jesus didn't bat a thousand. Jesus didn't score a touchdown every Jesus didn't score a touchdown every Jesus didn't score a touchdown every time he had a gospel conversation. And time he had a gospel conversation. And time he had a gospel conversation. And if Jesus didn't, you're not going to. if Jesus didn't, you're not going to. if Jesus didn't, you're not going to. So, here's the C. A, assume there should So, here's the C. A, assume there should So, here's the C. A, assume there should be build bridges, not walls. C, your job be build bridges, not walls. C, your job be build bridges, not walls. C, your job is this, convert first downs.

is this, convert first downs. is this, convert first downs. And yes, that's a football reference. And yes, that's a football reference. And yes, that's a football reference. College football's like 60 days away or College football's like 60 days away or College football's like 60 days away or so. Praise Jesus, his favor is shining so. Praise Jesus, his favor is shining so. Praise Jesus, his favor is shining down upon us in Jesus' name. Can't wait down upon us in Jesus' name. Can't wait down upon us in Jesus' name. Can't wait for the fall and for football. Your job, for the fall and for football. Your job, for the fall and for football. Your job, convert first downs. convert first downs. convert first downs. Jesus talked to the rich young ruler. Jesus talked to the rich young ruler. Jesus talked to the rich young ruler. The rich young ruler heard what Jesus The rich young ruler heard what Jesus The rich young ruler heard what Jesus said, and he said, "Cool, not for me." said, and he said, "Cool, not for me." said, and he said, "Cool, not for me." He left. Jesus didn't get a touchdown He left. Jesus didn't get a touchdown He left. Jesus didn't get a touchdown there. there. there. Jesus talked to Nicodemus and shared the Jesus talked to Nicodemus and shared the Jesus talked to Nicodemus and shared the gospel. And like, there's no evidence in gospel. And like, there's no evidence in gospel. And like, there's no evidence in that moment Nicodemus bowed to Jesus. that moment Nicodemus bowed to Jesus. that moment Nicodemus bowed to Jesus. Here's the point, every conversation you Here's the point, every conversation you Here's the point, every conversation you have with your one, it doesn't end in a have with your one, it doesn't end in a have with your one, it doesn't end in a touchdown. But it should end in a touchdown. But it should end in a touchdown. But it should end in a first down. first down. first down. Meaning this, you make progress. Think Meaning this, you make progress. Think Meaning this, you make progress. Think about watching a football game where the about watching a football game where the about watching a football game where the quarterback thought, "If I don't score a quarterback thought, "If I don't score a quarterback thought, "If I don't score a touchdown every time the ball's snapped, touchdown every time the ball's snapped, touchdown every time the ball's snapped, I'm a failure." I'm a failure." I'm a failure." Now, truth be told, it'd be awesome for Now, truth be told, it'd be awesome for Now, truth be told, it'd be awesome for the first quarter. Think about how the first quarter. Think about how the first quarter. Think about how exciting it'd be if everything was a exciting it'd be if everything was a exciting it'd be if everything was a Hail Mary, as far as you could chuck it. Hail Mary, as far as you could chuck it. Hail Mary, as far as you could chuck it. It'd be awesome. Until you're like, It'd be awesome. Until you're like, It'd be awesome. Until you're like, "Bro, that's not how football's played." "Bro, that's not how football's played." "Bro, that's not how football's played." You don't score a touchdown every time You don't score a touchdown every time You don't score a touchdown every time you get the ball. You are responsible to you get the ball. You are responsible to you get the ball. You are responsible to keep getting first downs cuz eventually keep getting first downs cuz eventually keep getting first downs cuz eventually first downs turn into second downs turns first downs turn into second downs turns first downs turn into second downs turns into third downs turns into the ball's into third downs turns into the ball's into third downs turns into the ball's moving down the field. Your job moving down the field. Your job moving down the field. Your job is to convert first downs.

is to convert first downs. is to convert first downs. And And here's where I think we get And And here's where I think we get And And here's where I think we get stuck. stuck. stuck. We start to feel the pressure of if I We start to feel the pressure of if I We start to feel the pressure of if I don't score every time I have a don't score every time I have a don't score every time I have a conversation about Jesus, I'm a failure. conversation about Jesus, I'm a failure. conversation about Jesus, I'm a failure. When in fact, When in fact, When in fact, evangelism is a team sport. Your job's to get the next first down, Your job's to get the next first down, and then someone else might get the next and then someone else might get the next and then someone else might get the next first down, and eventually someone gets first down, and eventually someone gets first down, and eventually someone gets the touchdown. the touchdown. the touchdown. And and and we start to get messed up on And and and we start to get messed up on And and and we start to get messed up on our heads and we get scared because we our heads and we get scared because we our heads and we get scared because we think, "What if What if my one asked me think, "What if What if my one asked me think, "What if What if my one asked me a question I don't know how to answer?" a question I don't know how to answer?" a question I don't know how to answer?" Can we honest? Has anyone felt that way? Can we honest? Has anyone felt that way? Can we honest? Has anyone felt that way? I'm raising my hand as a pastor trained I'm raising my hand as a pastor trained I'm raising my hand as a pastor trained in this. If they ask me a question that in this. If they ask me a question that in this. If they ask me a question that I don't know, "Hey, did did dinosaurs I don't know, "Hey, did did dinosaurs I don't know, "Hey, did did dinosaurs and humans walk the earth at the same and humans walk the earth at the same and humans walk the earth at the same time?" I HAVE NO I BUT I don't Maybe. time?" I HAVE NO I BUT I don't Maybe. time?" I HAVE NO I BUT I don't Maybe. Cool. Can we get back to Jesus, right? Cool. Can we get back to Jesus, right? Cool. Can we get back to Jesus, right? You're afraid that you're going to You're afraid that you're going to You're afraid that you're going to They're going to have a question you They're going to have a question you They're going to have a question you don't know how to answer. don't know how to answer. don't know how to answer. This was interesting. This was interesting. This was interesting. Jesus called us to be his witnesses. His Jesus called us to be his witnesses. His Jesus called us to be his witnesses. His what? what? what? He called us to be his He called us to be his He called us to be his He didn't call us to be his prosecuting He didn't call us to be his prosecuting He didn't call us to be his prosecuting attorneys. attorneys. attorneys. See, in a courtroom that the the See, in a courtroom that the the See, in a courtroom that the the prosecutor has to know all the answers prosecutor has to know all the answers prosecutor has to know all the answers to all the questions, and their job is to all the questions, and their job is to all the questions, and their job is to convince someone to vote their way.

to convince someone to vote their way. to convince someone to vote their way. You know what the witness does? You know what the witness does? You know what the witness does? Don't know what all this is. I'm here to Don't know what all this is. I'm here to Don't know what all this is. I'm here to tell you what I experienced. What do you tell you what I experienced. What do you tell you what I experienced. What do you What questions do you got for me? What questions do you got for me? What questions do you got for me? You don't have to have attorney answers. You don't have to have attorney answers. You don't have to have attorney answers. You just have to have witness You just have to have witness You just have to have witness experience. Can I tell you what Jesus experience. Can I tell you what Jesus experience. Can I tell you what Jesus did for me? did for me? did for me? I don't have all the answers, but I know I don't have all the answers, but I know I don't have all the answers, but I know this. I used to be this. this. I used to be this. this. I used to be this. Now I'm this. Now I'm this. Now I'm this. I used to be in bondage to this sin, and I used to be in bondage to this sin, and I used to be in bondage to this sin, and God's given me freedom through Jesus. My God's given me freedom through Jesus. My God's given me freedom through Jesus. My marriage was here, and now look what marriage was here, and now look what marriage was here, and now look what Jesus did. My life is not perfect. I'm Jesus did. My life is not perfect. I'm Jesus did. My life is not perfect. I'm still a mess, but Jesus changed me. still a mess, but Jesus changed me. still a mess, but Jesus changed me. That's what a witness does. You don't That's what a witness does. You don't That's what a witness does. You don't have to have all the theology answers. have to have all the theology answers. have to have all the theology answers. You just have to be a witness. So, your job is So, your job is to convert first downs. Whenever God to convert first downs. Whenever God to convert first downs. Whenever God hands you the ball, you don't have to hands you the ball, you don't have to hands you the ball, you don't have to score a touchdown. Just convert the score a touchdown. Just convert the score a touchdown. Just convert the first down. first down. first down. I heard an old preacher say this. I heard an old preacher say this. I heard an old preacher say this. See, See, See, one I I I believe your ones are watching one I I I believe your ones are watching one I I I believe your ones are watching your life long before they ask you a your life long before they ask you a your life long before they ask you a question about your life and about your question about your life and about your question about your life and about your faith.

faith. faith. And you probably thought in scripture And you probably thought in scripture And you probably thought in scripture there are four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, there are four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, there are four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Luke, John. Luke, John. And that's true. And that's true. And that's true. This old preacher said it this way. He This old preacher said it this way. He This old preacher said it this way. He said, "There's actually five Gospels, said, "There's actually five Gospels, said, "There's actually five Gospels, not four." not four." not four." Before you yell heresy, "That's not Before you yell heresy, "That's not Before you yell heresy, "That's not true." Hear me out. true." Hear me out. true." Hear me out. I believe there are five Gospels. I believe there are five Gospels. I believe there are five Gospels. You got Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, You got Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, You got Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and you. You are the fifth Gospel, a testimony, You are the fifth Gospel, a testimony, a witness to the power of Jesus. It's a witness to the power of Jesus. It's a witness to the power of Jesus. It's why Matthew 5 says, "In the same way, why Matthew 5 says, "In the same way, why Matthew 5 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others that let your light shine before others that let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify they may see your good deeds and glorify they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." your Father in heaven." your Father in heaven." The way that you live points people The way that you live points people The way that you live points people towards or or further away from Jesus. towards or or further away from Jesus. towards or or further away from Jesus. And here's a quick picture. We have this And here's a quick picture. We have this And here's a quick picture. We have this built for students, so I might as well built for students, so I might as well built for students, so I might as well use it. Go with me. use it. Go with me. use it. Go with me. If people far from God, this is the If people far from God, this is the If people far from God, this is the furthest away from God you are. It's bad furthest away from God you are. It's bad furthest away from God you are. It's bad theology, but go with it. And the theology, but go with it. And the theology, but go with it. And the journey of faith is all the way around journey of faith is all the way around journey of faith is all the way around this arch, and that's where someone bows this arch, and that's where someone bows this arch, and that's where someone bows to Jesus as their savior. Pretend that's to Jesus as their savior. Pretend that's to Jesus as their savior. Pretend that's the path.

the path. the path. Your job is not to go from here to there Your job is not to go from here to there Your job is not to go from here to there in 30 seconds. in 30 seconds. in 30 seconds. When you talk to your one, it's not When you talk to your one, it's not When you talk to your one, it's not like, "Hey, let me tell you about Jesus. like, "Hey, let me tell you about Jesus. like, "Hey, let me tell you about Jesus. Here's the good news of the Gospel. You Here's the good news of the Gospel. You Here's the good news of the Gospel. You ready for an altar call?" No. ready for an altar call?" No. ready for an altar call?" No. Your job's to get a first down. Your job's to get a first down. Your job's to get a first down. And I think the first first down that And I think the first first down that And I think the first first down that you're going to get is just the way you you're going to get is just the way you you're going to get is just the way you live when people are watching and you live when people are watching and you live when people are watching and you don't know that they are. don't know that they are. don't know that they are. The way that you love your spouse and The way that you love your spouse and The way that you love your spouse and disciple your kids, the way that you disciple your kids, the way that you disciple your kids, the way that you carry worry and pressure in a way that carry worry and pressure in a way that carry worry and pressure in a way that doesn't make sense to someone that doesn't make sense to someone that doesn't make sense to someone that doesn't have the truth of Jesus, knowing doesn't have the truth of Jesus, knowing doesn't have the truth of Jesus, knowing that he is your provider, I think that's that he is your provider, I think that's that he is your provider, I think that's the first first down. the first first down. the first first down. And then I think that that the fact that And then I think that that the fact that And then I think that that the fact that you're just not a bad person, you're just not a bad person, you're just not a bad person, like when you go out to eat, my wife and like when you go out to eat, my wife and like when you go out to eat, my wife and I, it's it's almost always when I go out I, it's it's almost always when I go out I, it's it's almost always when I go out to eat, they find out I'm a Christian or to eat, they find out I'm a Christian or to eat, they find out I'm a Christian or a pastor, and so my my deal is I always a pastor, and so my my deal is I always a pastor, and so my my deal is I always try to tip as as generously as I can try to tip as as generously as I can try to tip as as generously as I can afford. Why? Cuz waiters and waitresses afford. Why? Cuz waiters and waitresses afford. Why? Cuz waiters and waitresses think Christians are cheap. think Christians are cheap. think Christians are cheap. So, that's a huge first down for them So, that's a huge first down for them So, that's a huge first down for them cuz most a lot of people don't even cuz most a lot of people don't even cuz most a lot of people don't even consider Jesus because of the people consider Jesus because of the people consider Jesus because of the people that claim his name don't act in a way that claim his name don't act in a way that claim his name don't act in a way that's sort of inviting.

that's sort of inviting. that's sort of inviting. So, I want to be as generous as I can. So, I want to be as generous as I can. So, I want to be as generous as I can. That's a first down for the kingdom. That's a first down for the kingdom. That's a first down for the kingdom. That person now goes, "Well, if that's That person now goes, "Well, if that's That person now goes, "Well, if that's someone that claims Jesus, I might have someone that claims Jesus, I might have someone that claims Jesus, I might have some interest." some interest." some interest." And then eventually, what I'm trying to And then eventually, what I'm trying to And then eventually, what I'm trying to do is get into a relationship with do is get into a relationship with do is get into a relationship with someone where I can ask questions and someone where I can ask questions and someone where I can ask questions and discover, "Where are your hurts? Where's discover, "Where are your hurts? Where's discover, "Where are your hurts? Where's your brokenness? Where's your emptiness? your brokenness? Where's your emptiness? your brokenness? Where's your emptiness? Where's your doubts? Where's your Where's your doubts? Where's your Where's your doubts? Where's your questions?" And I just say, "Awesome. questions?" And I just say, "Awesome. questions?" And I just say, "Awesome. Can I pray for you? I'm a person of Can I pray for you? I'm a person of Can I pray for you? I'm a person of faith. Can I pray for you?" That's a faith. Can I pray for you?" That's a faith. Can I pray for you?" That's a first down. first down. first down. And if you think that this doesn't count And if you think that this doesn't count And if you think that this doesn't count and you you failed cuz you didn't end and you you failed cuz you didn't end and you you failed cuz you didn't end there first time, you're never going to there first time, you're never going to there first time, you're never going to reach out and share your faith and and reach out and share your faith and and reach out and share your faith and and invest in your one. invest in your one. invest in your one. Get a first down. Get a first down. Get a first down. And then eventually, the brokenness And then eventually, the brokenness And then eventually, the brokenness leads to places where they start asking leads to places where they start asking leads to places where they start asking questions. questions. questions. And they get to a place where they And they get to a place where they And they get to a place where they finally go, "All right. finally go, "All right. finally go, "All right. I've watched your life. I've watched your life. I've watched your life. And there is something different about And there is something different about And there is something different about this Jesus you talk about. Tell me about this Jesus you talk about. Tell me about this Jesus you talk about. Tell me about it." it." it." And it might be a different person for And it might be a different person for And it might be a different person for every first down. It might be you the every first down. It might be you the every first down. It might be you the whole way. whole way. whole way. You know, it's interesting. My one at You know, it's interesting. My one at You know, it's interesting. My one at the golf course, I reached out to a the golf course, I reached out to a the golf course, I reached out to a couple buddies and said, "Hey, there's a couple buddies and said, "Hey, there's a couple buddies and said, "Hey, there's a guy there I want you to know guy there I want you to know guy there I want you to know God opened a door for us and I'm God opened a door for us and I'm God opened a door for us and I'm starting to speak into his life about starting to speak into his life about starting to speak into his life about Jesus. Jump in with me." You know what Jesus. Jump in with me." You know what Jesus. Jump in with me." You know what they said? "I'm all in. Hey, I'll I'll they said? "I'm all in. Hey, I'll I'll they said? "I'm all in. Hey, I'll I'll figure that out." We got a text thread figure that out." We got a text thread figure that out." We got a text thread about this thing. All right, you you do about this thing. All right, you you do about this thing. All right, you you do that. I'll do this. We're talking about that. I'll do this. We're talking about that. I'll do this. We're talking about it. After the 9:00 service, I shared the it. After the 9:00 service, I shared the it. After the 9:00 service, I shared the story. Another two people from our golf story. Another two people from our golf story. Another two people from our golf course went, "Hey, who's What's the course went, "Hey, who's What's the course went, "Hey, who's What's the guy's name and how can I help?"

guy's name and how can I help?" guy's name and how can I help?" You know why? Evangelism is a team You know why? Evangelism is a team You know why? Evangelism is a team sport. sport. sport. For some of y'all, the best thing you For some of y'all, the best thing you For some of y'all, the best thing you can do is go, "Hey, we're going to get can do is go, "Hey, we're going to get can do is go, "Hey, we're going to get two or three of us together. We're two or three of us together. We're two or three of us together. We're picking our one. We're praying. We're picking our one. We're praying. We're picking our one. We're praying. We're inviting. We're investing. And I don't inviting. We're investing. And I don't inviting. We're investing. And I don't care who gets the touchdown. God just care who gets the touchdown. God just care who gets the touchdown. God just says, 'Jason, you're responsible to get says, 'Jason, you're responsible to get says, 'Jason, you're responsible to get a first down.'" And by the way, And by the way, this is how your faith goes from this is how your faith goes from this is how your faith goes from stagnant to full of life and adventure stagnant to full of life and adventure stagnant to full of life and adventure again. Do you know what the driving range is? Do you know what the driving range is? Church. Church. Church. You need the training. You need the training. You need the training. You need to work on your swing, but you You need to work on your swing, but you You need to work on your swing, but you know where the fun is? On the course. know where the fun is? On the course. know where the fun is? On the course. Sharing your faith with someone far from Sharing your faith with someone far from Sharing your faith with someone far from Jesus, which is why we're talking about Jesus, which is why we're talking about Jesus, which is why we're talking about who is your one. who is your one. who is your one. We're going to close today with We're going to close today with We're going to close today with something cool, but I want to set it up something cool, but I want to set it up something cool, but I want to set it up right. One of my favorite traditions that we do One of my favorite traditions that we do is when someone goes public with their is when someone goes public with their is when someone goes public with their faith in Jesus, faith in Jesus, faith in Jesus, before they get in the tub and get before they get in the tub and get before they get in the tub and get baptized, they write their name and the baptized, they write their name and the baptized, they write their name and the date on the side of a tub. We got date on the side of a tub. We got date on the side of a tub. We got probably 14 or 15 of these tubs now. probably 14 or 15 of these tubs now. probably 14 or 15 of these tubs now. We've had to retire a couple cuz there's We've had to retire a couple cuz there's We've had to retire a couple cuz there's no more space to write names.

no more space to write names. no more space to write names. And here's what's cool. And here's what's cool. And here's what's cool. We can celebrate life change here at We can celebrate life change here at We can celebrate life change here at this church. Praise Jesus. I love it cuz every time we baptize like I love it cuz every time we baptize like I look and there's different tubs there I look and there's different tubs there I look and there's different tubs there and there's a tub with my son Luke's and there's a tub with my son Luke's and there's a tub with my son Luke's name on it and my daughter Lizzie's name name on it and my daughter Lizzie's name name on it and my daughter Lizzie's name on it. I'm looking for people I know and on it. I'm looking for people I know and on it. I'm looking for people I know and oh, I remember that guy and you see the oh, I remember that guy and you see the oh, I remember that guy and you see the names. Here's something you might not names. Here's something you might not names. Here's something you might not know about another tradition we do here know about another tradition we do here know about another tradition we do here if you're newer around here. if you're newer around here. if you're newer around here. Whenever we build a building, before we Whenever we build a building, before we Whenever we build a building, before we put carpet or seal the concrete, we have put carpet or seal the concrete, we have put carpet or seal the concrete, we have something called a Sharpie party. something called a Sharpie party. something called a Sharpie party. And what that is is we invite the people And what that is is we invite the people And what that is is we invite the people that are already followers of Jesus at that are already followers of Jesus at that are already followers of Jesus at that campus into the building during that campus into the building during that campus into the building during construction construction construction and we say, "Listen, you're going to and we say, "Listen, you're going to and we say, "Listen, you're going to write the name of your one or the names write the name of your one or the names write the name of your one or the names of your one on the concrete in Sharpie." of your one on the concrete in Sharpie." of your one on the concrete in Sharpie." It'll eventually get covered by carpet It'll eventually get covered by carpet It'll eventually get covered by carpet or or it'll get covered by a like a like or or it'll get covered by a like a like or or it'll get covered by a like a like a paint for the floor, the concrete, and a paint for the floor, the concrete, and a paint for the floor, the concrete, and you won't see the names anymore, but you you won't see the names anymore, but you you won't see the names anymore, but you might not know this, the campus you're might not know this, the campus you're might not know this, the campus you're sitting in if we own it, you're sitting sitting in if we own it, you're sitting sitting in if we own it, you're sitting on top of people's ones that they wrote on top of people's ones that they wrote on top of people's ones that they wrote weeks, months, years, or decades ago.

weeks, months, years, or decades ago. weeks, months, years, or decades ago. And here's the calling. You don't stop And here's the calling. You don't stop And here's the calling. You don't stop praying for that one that you wrote the praying for that one that you wrote the praying for that one that you wrote the name of on the concrete until that name name of on the concrete until that name name of on the concrete until that name is eventually written on the side of a is eventually written on the side of a is eventually written on the side of a baptismal tub. baptismal tub. baptismal tub. And when that happens, we celebrate and And when that happens, we celebrate and And when that happens, we celebrate and there are thousands of names now that there are thousands of names now that there are thousands of names now that are on tubs that started on floors. are on tubs that started on floors. are on tubs that started on floors. Cuz we care about the one and the next Cuz we care about the one and the next Cuz we care about the one and the next one in Jackson County, by the way, get one in Jackson County, by the way, get one in Jackson County, by the way, get ready, your Sharpie party's coming up ready, your Sharpie party's coming up ready, your Sharpie party's coming up the next 6 to 8 months. We're going to the next 6 to 8 months. We're going to the next 6 to 8 months. We're going to go do a party up there. Write the names go do a party up there. Write the names go do a party up there. Write the names of our one. Why? Cuz we're all about of our one. Why? Cuz we're all about of our one. Why? Cuz we're all about who's your one. who's your one. who's your one. So, here's what we're going to do today. So, here's what we're going to do today. So, here's what we're going to do today. Unless it's raining at your campus, and Unless it's raining at your campus, and Unless it's raining at your campus, and if it's raining, your campus pastors if it's raining, your campus pastors if it's raining, your campus pastors have a plan B. have a plan B. have a plan B. But, we're going to do a makeshift But, we're going to do a makeshift But, we're going to do a makeshift Sharpie party, Sharpie party, Sharpie party, but it's going to be chalk instead of but it's going to be chalk instead of but it's going to be chalk instead of Sharpie. Sharpie. Sharpie. And I pray that God's put a name or a And I pray that God's put a name or a And I pray that God's put a name or a face in your head of someone you're face in your head of someone you're face in your head of someone you're like, that is my one I'm going to go like, that is my one I'm going to go like, that is my one I'm going to go invest in, invest in, invest in, invite to church. And you don't want invite to church. And you don't want invite to church. And you don't want people taking pictures and like, someone people taking pictures and like, someone people taking pictures and like, someone reading their first and last name and reading their first and last name and reading their first and last name and going, why'd you write my name in the going, why'd you write my name in the going, why'd you write my name in the sidewalk of your church? They're like, sidewalk of your church? They're like, sidewalk of your church? They're like, cuz you're going to hell, Bobby, that's cuz you're going to hell, Bobby, that's cuz you're going to hell, Bobby, that's why, okay? why, okay? why, okay? No, doesn't help.

You're going to write the first name. You're going to write the first name. And yes, probably by the end of the day, And yes, probably by the end of the day, And yes, probably by the end of the day, it's going to wash away from the rain, it's going to wash away from the rain, it's going to wash away from the rain, and that's okay, but I hope that name is and that's okay, but I hope that name is and that's okay, but I hope that name is written on your heart. written on your heart. written on your heart. And that God would do for you what he And that God would do for you what he And that God would do for you what he did for me in June, if he would just did for me in June, if he would just did for me in June, if he would just give you a new burden and a fresh give you a new burden and a fresh give you a new burden and a fresh burden, a a relighting of the fire in burden, a a relighting of the fire in burden, a a relighting of the fire in your soul, that listen, you were once your soul, that listen, you were once your soul, that listen, you were once the one that God came after. the one that God came after. the one that God came after. And once he brings you home, And once he brings you home, And once he brings you home, you go find the next one, and the next you go find the next one, and the next you go find the next one, and the next one, and the next one. one, and the next one. one, and the next one. So, I'm going to pray for us, and So, I'm going to pray for us, and So, I'm going to pray for us, and pastors will step up and invite you into pastors will step up and invite you into pastors will step up and invite you into that moment where we're going to write that moment where we're going to write that moment where we're going to write those names in chalk, and just as a as a those names in chalk, and just as a as a those names in chalk, and just as a as a starting point to this this July starting point to this this July starting point to this this July conversation, we're going to start with conversation, we're going to start with conversation, we're going to start with a sacred moment. So, bow your heads. So, a sacred moment. So, bow your heads. So, a sacred moment. So, bow your heads. So, heavenly Father, your kingdom has advanced your kingdom has advanced since Jesus started the church since Jesus started the church since Jesus started the church in a way that no business, no marketing, in a way that no business, no marketing, in a way that no business, no marketing, no strategic leader would do. You put it no strategic leader would do. You put it no strategic leader would do. You put it in the hands of a bunch of lost people in the hands of a bunch of lost people in the hands of a bunch of lost people that found Christ and said, you go find that found Christ and said, you go find that found Christ and said, you go find the next one.

the next one. the next one. And most of our stories can be tracked And most of our stories can be tracked And most of our stories can be tracked back to us being somebody's one, and if back to us being somebody's one, and if back to us being somebody's one, and if nothing else, we were your one. nothing else, we were your one. nothing else, we were your one. So, Holy Spirit, I pray that you would So, Holy Spirit, I pray that you would So, Holy Spirit, I pray that you would put a fresh burden in the heart of put a fresh burden in the heart of put a fresh burden in the heart of anyone who's a follower of Jesus. anyone who's a follower of Jesus. anyone who's a follower of Jesus. That we don't get comfortable once we That we don't get comfortable once we That we don't get comfortable once we come to Christ, we get hungry for the come to Christ, we get hungry for the come to Christ, we get hungry for the next one. next one. next one. So, God, I pray some of us we need a So, God, I pray some of us we need a So, God, I pray some of us we need a breakthrough that we assume people breakthrough that we assume people breakthrough that we assume people aren't interested. God, would you give aren't interested. God, would you give aren't interested. God, would you give us us us eyes to see people are interested. eyes to see people are interested. eyes to see people are interested. This world does not satisfy for anybody This world does not satisfy for anybody This world does not satisfy for anybody apart from Jesus. apart from Jesus. apart from Jesus. So, God, help us to see that like Jesus So, God, help us to see that like Jesus So, God, help us to see that like Jesus did with Matthew, people are interested. did with Matthew, people are interested. did with Matthew, people are interested. God, I pray that you would help us all. God, I pray that you would help us all. God, I pray that you would help us all. Would you give us a wisdom to see where Would you give us a wisdom to see where Would you give us a wisdom to see where we're building walls that are keeping we're building walls that are keeping we're building walls that are keeping our ones away as opposed to bridges that our ones away as opposed to bridges that our ones away as opposed to bridges that are inviting them in. are inviting them in. are inviting them in. God, would you give some of us the God, would you give some of us the God, would you give some of us the courage to go eat at a tax collector's courage to go eat at a tax collector's courage to go eat at a tax collector's house this summer? house this summer? house this summer? To go spend time with someone that To go spend time with someone that To go spend time with someone that everyone else would say are not worthy everyone else would say are not worthy everyone else would say are not worthy or unredeemable.

And then God, would you just help all of And then God, would you just help all of us collectively us collectively us collectively to convert the next first down. to convert the next first down. to convert the next first down. To have the courage to go the next To have the courage to go the next To have the courage to go the next question, question, question, the next invitation, the next invitation, the next invitation, the next prayer request, the next prayer request, the next prayer request, to share the next story of what Jesus to share the next story of what Jesus to share the next story of what Jesus did for you. And God, I believe if did for you. And God, I believe if did for you. And God, I believe if thousands of us just convert first thousands of us just convert first thousands of us just convert first downs, we're going to watch that yeah, downs, we're going to watch that yeah, downs, we're going to watch that yeah, Paul planted, Apollos watered, God makes Paul planted, Apollos watered, God makes Paul planted, Apollos watered, God makes things grow. things grow. things grow. And there's going to be people who And there's going to be people who And there's going to be people who get a bunch of first downs get a bunch of first downs get a bunch of first downs and they never see the touchdown. Other and they never see the touchdown. Other and they never see the touchdown. Other people are going to see the touchdown. people are going to see the touchdown. people are going to see the touchdown. God, where whoever gets that, who cares? God, where whoever gets that, who cares? God, where whoever gets that, who cares? It is all to your glory. It is all to your glory. It is all to your glory. So, God, I pray that there will be So, God, I pray that there will be So, God, I pray that there will be stories stories stories and names on baptism tubs as a result of and names on baptism tubs as a result of and names on baptism tubs as a result of the names that are written today on the names that are written today on the names that are written today on sidewalks. sidewalks. sidewalks. So, Jesus, will we will we be a church So, Jesus, will we will we be a church So, Jesus, will we will we be a church that invites lost people in? that invites lost people in? that invites lost people in? You don't have to clean yourself up yet. You don't have to clean yourself up yet. You don't have to clean yourself up yet. Sinners act like sinners. Welcome to the Sinners act like sinners. Welcome to the Sinners act like sinners. Welcome to the club. club. club. Jesus will clean you up.

Jesus will clean you up. Jesus will clean you up. He'll forgive and he'll restore. He'll forgive and he'll restore. He'll forgive and he'll restore. So, Holy Spirit, put that into the heart So, Holy Spirit, put that into the heart So, Holy Spirit, put that into the heart of your church. of your church. of your church. And may we be forever changed. And may we be forever changed. And may we be forever changed. In Jesus' name we pray, and all God's In Jesus' name we pray, and all God's In Jesus' name we pray, and all God's people said, people said, people said, amen.