Love Languages | Acts of Service | Pastor Josiah Guajardo | Full Service
Read full transcript 53 segments
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>> You know how it is. >> You know how it is. [music] When the beat When the beat [music] [music] [music] goat >> Welcome to Battle Creek Church. [music]
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>> Welcome to Battle Creek Church. [music] We exist to glorify God by helping all We exist to glorify God by helping all We exist to glorify God by helping all people of all ages advance in their people of all ages advance in their people of all ages advance in their journey with Christ. And that includes journey with Christ. And that includes journey with Christ. And that includes you. With campuses across Oklahoma you. With campuses across Oklahoma you. With campuses across Oklahoma [music] and international partners in [music] and international partners in [music] and international partners in Egypt and Jordan, we are passionate Egypt and Jordan, we are passionate Egypt and Jordan, we are passionate about helping people take their [music] about helping people take their [music] about helping people take their [music] next step with Jesus. Wherever you are next step with Jesus. Wherever you are next step with Jesus. Wherever you are in your faith, we believe God is in your faith, we believe God is in your faith, we believe God is inviting you to move closer to him. inviting you to move closer to him. inviting you to move closer to him. We are committed to serving our [music] We are committed to serving our [music] We are committed to serving our [music] community and meeting real needs. community and meeting real needs. community and meeting real needs. Through our local outreach partners, we Through our local outreach partners, we Through our local outreach partners, we care for families, support those in care for families, support those in care for families, support those in crisis, [music] and come alongside crisis, [music] and come alongside crisis, [music] and come alongside people throughout greater Tulsa. We people throughout greater Tulsa. We people throughout greater Tulsa. We believe the church should [music] be a believe the church should [music] be a believe the church should [music] be a place that brings hope, help, and the place that brings hope, help, and the place that brings hope, help, and the love of Christ to the community around love of Christ to the community around love of Christ to the community around [music] us. Around the world, our [music] us. Around the world, our [music] us. Around the world, our international partners in the Middle international partners in the Middle international partners in the Middle East are serving their communities, East are serving their communities, East are serving their communities, supporting refugees, and sharing the supporting refugees, and sharing the supporting refugees, and sharing the hope of Christ. They are [music] also hope of Christ. They are [music] also hope of Christ. They are [music] also leading recovery programs where people leading recovery programs where people leading recovery programs where people are finding real freedom, healing, and are finding real freedom, healing, and are finding real freedom, healing, and restoration through Jesus. We believe restoration through Jesus. We believe restoration through Jesus. We believe [music] every person matters. Through [music] every person matters. Through [music] every person matters. Through our Haven Ministry, we honor and support our Haven Ministry, we honor and support our Haven Ministry, we honor and support [music] individuals with special needs [music] individuals with special needs [music] individuals with special needs and their families, making sure everyone and their families, making sure everyone and their families, making sure everyone has a place to belong. We are so has a place to belong. We are so has a place to belong. We are so passionate about reaching [music] the passionate about reaching [music] the passionate about reaching [music] the next generation. Our kids ministry helps next generation. Our kids ministry helps next generation. Our kids ministry helps children build a lifelong foundation of children build a lifelong foundation of children build a lifelong foundation of faith in Jesus. And our students [music] faith in Jesus. And our students [music] faith in Jesus. And our students [music] are encouraged to live out their faith are encouraged to live out their faith are encouraged to live out their faith each and every week. Our young [music] each and every week. Our young [music] each and every week. Our young [music] adults are building community and adults are building community and adults are building community and stepping into their purpose. Every
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stepping into their purpose. Every stepping into their purpose. Every weekend, we gather for powerful [music] weekend, we gather for powerful [music] weekend, we gather for powerful [music] worship and biblical teaching as we grow worship and biblical teaching as we grow worship and biblical teaching as we grow together in our faith. And throughout together in our faith. And throughout together in our faith. And throughout the week, community groups create space the week, community groups create space the week, community groups create space [music] for real relationships, while [music] for real relationships, while [music] for real relationships, while Celebrate Recovery offers hope and Celebrate Recovery offers hope and Celebrate Recovery offers hope and [music] healing for those walking [music] healing for those walking [music] healing for those walking through life's struggles. through life's struggles. through life's struggles. This is a place for you and your family, This is a place for you and your family, This is a place for you and your family, but it's more than that. [music] We're but it's more than that. [music] We're but it's more than that. [music] We're on a mission to reach Tulsa, America, on a mission to reach Tulsa, America, on a mission to reach Tulsa, America, and the world with the hope of Jesus. and the world with the hope of Jesus. and the world with the hope of Jesus. We're so glad you're here, and we We're so glad you're here, and we We're so glad you're here, and we believe God has a place for you in what believe God has a place for you in what believe God has a place for you in what he's doing through this church. [music] he's doing through this church. [music] he's doing through this church. [music] Welcome to Battle Creek Church. Welcome to Battle Creek Church. Welcome to Battle Creek Church. Welcome [music] to church, Battle Creek. Welcome [music] to church, Battle Creek. Welcome [music] to church, Battle Creek. We're so excited to be here with you We're so excited to be here with you We're so excited to be here with you today. Let's worship. Put your hands today. Let's worship. Put your hands today. Let's worship. Put your hands [music] together. I'm shaking off the heaviness. I'm shaking off the heaviness. [music] I'm dancing out of my regrets.
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[music] I'm dancing out of my regrets. [music] I'm dancing out of my regrets. I'm throwing caution to the wind. I'm throwing caution to the wind. I'm throwing caution to the wind. [music] [music] [music] No, I am not ashamed to [singing] pace No, I am not ashamed to [singing] pace No, I am not ashamed to [singing] pace like this. Some say [music] it's like this. Some say [music] it's like this. Some say [music] it's worthless, worthless, worthless, but I say it's worth the risk. [music] but I say it's worth the risk. [music] but I say it's worth the risk. [music] I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. No, I am not ashamed to pray [music] No, I am not ashamed to pray [music] No, I am not ashamed to pray [music] like this. Where are those chains that like this. Where are those chains that like this. Where are those chains that I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. My s I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. Look at what [music] the Lord has done. Look at what [music] the Lord has done. Look at what [music] the Lord has done. I'm never going back to the way I I'm never going back to the way I I'm never going back to the way I see how dangerous I [music] feel. I'm see how dangerous I [music] feel. I'm see how dangerous I [music] feel. I'm free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. [music] [music] [music] You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your body. [music] You shed your blood. Now body. [music] You shed your blood. Now body. [music] You shed your blood. Now the sinner can't see. My debt is the sinner can't see. My debt is the sinner can't see. My debt is [singing] paid and my record is [singing] paid and my record is [singing] paid and my record is I couldn't do it. So you I couldn't do it. So you I couldn't do it. So you [music and singing] did it for me. You [music and singing] did it for me. You [music and singing] did it for me. You took the cross and you broke your mind.
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took the cross and you broke your mind. took the cross and you broke your mind. [music] [music] [music] You shed your blood. Now listen, >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus.
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Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. [music] >> Oh, everything change >> Oh, everything change is getting [music] harder to recognize is getting [music] harder to recognize is getting [music] harder to recognize the person I was [music] the person I was [music] the person I was [music] before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't walk like I used [music] to. I don't walk like I used [music] to. I don't walk like I used [music] to. I don't talk like I used to. [music] I've been talk like I used to. [music] I've been talk like I used to. [music] I've been washed from the inside. washed from the inside. washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] I know it was the blood I know it was the blood I know it was the blood [singing] [singing] [singing] of [music] of [music] of [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh, In the presence [singing] of God.
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In the presence [singing] of God. Oh, my heart experience. [music] Oh, my heart experience. [music] Oh, my heart experience. [music] When my shame in the way When my shame in the way When my shame in the way and my sin of the most high, I'll be and my sin of the most high, I'll be and my sin of the most high, I'll be [music] washed from the inside. [music] washed from the inside. [music] washed from the inside. I'll be washed from the inside. I'll be washed from the inside. I'll be washed from the inside. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Aren't [music] you glad that you have a Aren't [music] you glad that you have a savior that did what you couldn't do? savior that did what you couldn't do? savior that did what you couldn't do? And that way we get [music] to go to him And that way we get [music] to go to him And that way we get [music] to go to him as as Paul says, he doesn't treat us as as as Paul says, he doesn't treat us as as as Paul says, he doesn't treat us as our sins deserve. And so let's go ahead our sins deserve. And so let's go ahead our sins deserve. And so let's go ahead and [music] let's go in and declare that and [music] let's go in and declare that and [music] let's go in and declare that it's not about what we can do. See now it's not about what we can do. See now it's not about what we can do. See now it's never [music] been about it's never [music] been about it's never [music] been about performance of confession performance of confession performance of confession for acceptance. [music] for acceptance. [music] for acceptance. [music] Let me tell you, it's only you.
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you. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Hey, [music] [music] Heat.
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[music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] >> Well, Val, it is so good to see you >> Well, Val, it is so good to see you today. I hope you all are doing all today. I hope you all are doing all today. I hope you all are doing all [music] right. We just got done singing [music] right. We just got done singing [music] right. We just got done singing about the blood of Jesus. And it's such about the blood of Jesus. And it's such about the blood of Jesus. And it's such a great reminder that we are only saved a great reminder that we are only saved a great reminder that we are only saved by the blood of Jesus. And it's because by the blood of Jesus. And it's because by the blood of Jesus. And it's because of that that we are welcomed as sons and of that that we are welcomed as sons and of that that we are welcomed as sons and daughters.
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daughters. daughters. So we can [music] stand in confidence So we can [music] stand in confidence So we can [music] stand in confidence knowing that Jesus Christ was the same knowing that Jesus Christ was the same knowing that Jesus Christ was the same yesterday, today, and forever. He's yesterday, today, and forever. He's yesterday, today, and forever. He's never changed never changed never changed and he is always constant. [music] He and he is always constant. [music] He and he is always constant. [music] He doesn't what he has given us [music] is what he has given us [music] is complete, y'all. It's complete and it's complete, y'all. It's complete and it's complete, y'all. It's complete and it's holy. holy. holy. So, I want us to take a moment to thank So, I want us to take a moment to thank So, I want us to take a moment to thank him for his faithfulness, to thank him him for his faithfulness, to thank him him for his faithfulness, to thank him for what he has done in our lives for what he has done in our lives for what he has done in our lives because we know that we can stand because we know that we can stand because we know that we can stand confident today that he's not going to confident today that he's not going to confident today that he's not going to change and that we can look forward to change and that we can look forward to change and that we can look forward to [music] what he's going to do in the [music] what he's going to do in the [music] what he's going to do in the future. So, let's open up our hands future. So, let's open up our hands future. So, let's open up our hands right now. right now. right now. Let's lift our eyes to heaven [music] Let's lift our eyes to heaven [music] Let's lift our eyes to heaven [music] and just thank the Lord for his and just thank the Lord for his and just thank the Lord for his faithfulness and for being constant to faithfulness and for being constant to faithfulness and for being constant to his [music] children. Come on. his [music] children. Come on. his [music] children. Come on. Jesus.
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Holy Spirit, you are sustainer, [music] Holy Spirit, you are sustainer, [music] my guide and comfort. never my guide and comfort. never my guide and comfort. never [music and singing] changing. You've [music and singing] changing. You've [music and singing] changing. You've always been, you'll always [music] be. always been, you'll always [music] be. always been, you'll always [music] be. So how could I keep from singing? So how could I keep from singing? So how could I keep from singing? [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] Jesus, Savior, you are redeemer, [music] Jesus, Savior, you are redeemer, [music] Jesus, Savior, you are redeemer, [music] Emmanuel, [singing] [music] Emmanuel, [singing] [music] Emmanuel, [singing] right here with your people. You've right here with your people. You've right here with your people. You've always [music and singing] been, you always [music and singing] been, you always [music and singing] been, you will always be. So, how could I keep will always be. So, how could I keep will always be. So, how could I keep from sin? [music] See this how you're from sin? [music] See this how you're from sin? [music] See this how you're faithful? [music] [music] So faithful. So faithful. So faithful. Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] Looking back, [singing] I can [music] Looking back, [singing] I can [music] Looking back, [singing] I can see. Oh, God. I believe see. Oh, God. I believe see. Oh, God. I believe that's who you always be. that's who you always be. that's who you always be. Oh, Come [music] my father, the one Come [music] my father, the one [singing] who sees me. He's rich in [singing] who sees me. He's rich in [singing] who sees me. He's rich in life. [music] life. [music] life. [music] You'll always be. So, how could I keep You'll always be. So, how could I keep You'll always be. So, how could I keep from singing? [music and singing] [music] [music] so so so [singing] yes.
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[music] [music] Oh, [singing] that's who you always that's who you always [music] see. Oh, God. see. Oh, God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe that's who you Heat. Heat. Heat. that's who you Heat. Heat. Heat. that's who you Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] >> [music]
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>> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] Jesus.
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Jesus. Jesus. You're faithful. [music] So faithful. [music] So faithful. God, God, God, looking back, [music and singing] I can looking back, [music and singing] I can looking back, [music and singing] I can see. Oh, God, I believe see. Oh, God, I believe see. Oh, God, I believe that's who you'll [singing] that's who you'll [singing] that's who you'll [singing] always [music] be. always [music] be. always [music] be. Yes, that's who you always be. Yes, that's who you always be. Yes, that's who you always be. Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] that's who you that's who you that's who you be. his love. his love. Dear heavenly father, you are faithful Dear heavenly father, you are faithful Dear heavenly father, you are faithful for all [music] generations. for all [music] generations. for all [music] generations. God, you are the same. And we can trust God, you are the same. And we can trust God, you are the same. And we can trust in you knowing that you have conquered in you knowing that you have conquered in you knowing that you have conquered death. You have conquered anything that death. You have conquered anything that death. You have conquered anything that we may be going through, God. But we can we may be going through, God. But we can we may be going through, God. But we can fully trust in you. fully trust in you. fully trust in you. Wow. Jesus, we thank you that no matter Wow. Jesus, we thank you that no matter Wow. Jesus, we thank you that no matter what we going through, whatever season what we going through, whatever season what we going through, whatever season it is, whether it's a season of it is, whether it's a season of it is, whether it's a season of fruitfulness, a season of mourning, a fruitfulness, a season of mourning, a fruitfulness, a season of mourning, a season [music] of heartache, God, that season [music] of heartache, God, that season [music] of heartache, God, that you never change, you never change, you never change, that we can fully rely upon you. We can that we can fully rely upon you. We can that we can fully rely upon you. We can turn our eyes to you and surrender turn our eyes to you and surrender turn our eyes to you and surrender [music] to who you are. We thank you, [music] to who you are. We thank you, [music] to who you are. We thank you, Jesus, for you. We thank you that Jesus, for you. We thank you that Jesus, for you. We thank you that whatever that you're going to do and whatever that you're going to do and whatever that you're going to do and whatever [music] you're going to what is whatever [music] you're going to what is whatever [music] you're going to what is already done. We thank you Jesus for already done. We thank you Jesus for already done. We thank you Jesus for your son. We thank you for you in Jesus your son. We thank you for you in Jesus your son. We thank you for you in Jesus name. Amen. Battle Creek you can turn to name. Amen. Battle Creek you can turn to name. Amen. Battle Creek you can turn to your neighbor.
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[music] [music] Hey, good morning Battle Creek Church. Hey, good morning Battle Creek Church. Hey, good morning Battle Creek Church. It's so good to be here with you this It's so good to be here with you this It's so good to be here with you this morning. If you don't know me, my name morning. If you don't know me, my name morning. If you don't know me, my name is Chavi Gonzalez and I serve here at is Chavi Gonzalez and I serve here at is Chavi Gonzalez and I serve here at Battle Creek uh in the online team. So, Battle Creek uh in the online team. So, Battle Creek uh in the online team. So, it's I'm so excited to be with you it's I'm so excited to be with you it's I'm so excited to be with you online wherever you are joining us from. online wherever you are joining us from. online wherever you are joining us from. My goal is that you feel welcome, that My goal is that you feel welcome, that My goal is that you feel welcome, that you feel at home and and at peace and you feel at home and and at peace and you feel at home and and at peace and and that you find community wherever you and that you find community wherever you and that you find community wherever you are. Uh [music] every Sunday we see are. Uh [music] every Sunday we see are. Uh [music] every Sunday we see people joining from all over uh Tulsa, people joining from all over uh Tulsa, people joining from all over uh Tulsa, America, and the world. And we want to America, and the world. And we want to America, and the world. And we want to get to know you. So, uh go ahead. If you get to know you. So, uh go ahead. If you get to know you. So, uh go ahead. If you have never introduced yourself in the have never introduced yourself in the have never introduced yourself in the chat, I want you to do that. Every chat, I want you to do that. Every chat, I want you to do that. Every weekend we have people from all over and weekend we have people from all over and weekend we have people from all over and we love seeing that in the chat. So go we love seeing that in the chat. So go we love seeing that in the chat. So go ahead and say hi in the chat. Open up ahead and say hi in the chat. Open up ahead and say hi in the chat. Open up open it up and say good morning. And if open it up and say good morning. And if open it up and say good morning. And if you are new and you've never filled out you are new and you've never filled out you are new and you've never filled out a connect card, I want to also give you a connect card, I want to also give you a connect card, I want to also give you the opportunity to do that. So, there's the opportunity to do that. So, there's the opportunity to do that. So, there's going to be a QR code on the screen and going to be a QR code on the screen and going to be a QR code on the screen and there's going to also be a link in the there's going to also be a link in the there's going to also be a link in the chat now that you have it open and you chat now that you have it open and you chat now that you have it open and you can click that and fill it out and let can click that and fill it out and let can click that and fill it out and let us know, hey, where you're visiting us us know, hey, where you're visiting us us know, hey, where you're visiting us from, where you where you attending from, where you where you attending from, where you where you attending from, where what can we pray for you.
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from, where what can we pray for you. from, where what can we pray for you. there's a check box in that uh form that there's a check box in that uh form that there's a check box in that uh form that it's for a prayer request and every week it's for a prayer request and every week it's for a prayer request and every week we receive prayer requests and we as a we receive prayer requests and we as a we receive prayer requests and we as a team and as a staff we get together um team and as a staff we get together um team and as a staff we get together um and we pray for you like by name. So, I and we pray for you like by name. So, I and we pray for you like by name. So, I want you to do that and and as you fill want you to do that and and as you fill want you to do that and and as you fill that out, ask ask God, "How can we that out, ask ask God, "How can we that out, ask ask God, "How can we partner with you as a church and help partner with you as a church and help partner with you as a church and help you advance in your journey with you advance in your journey with you advance in your journey with Christ?" Because that is our heart here. Christ?" Because that is our heart here. Christ?" Because that is our heart here. Our our mission here at Battle Creek is Our our mission here at Battle Creek is Our our mission here at Battle Creek is to glorify God by helping all people of to glorify God by helping all people of to glorify God by helping all people of all ages all the time advance in their all ages all the time advance in their all ages all the time advance in their journey with Christ. [music] And as journey with Christ. [music] And as journey with Christ. [music] And as you're doing uh filling that that uh you're doing uh filling that that uh you're doing uh filling that that uh connect card, if you want a little bit connect card, if you want a little bit connect card, if you want a little bit more of motivation, I know the World Cup more of motivation, I know the World Cup more of motivation, I know the World Cup is happening right now and I'm a soccer is happening right now and I'm a soccer is happening right now and I'm a soccer fan. I love soccer. It's been my sport fan. I love soccer. It's been my sport fan. I love soccer. It's been my sport since uh since I can't remember. I since uh since I can't remember. I since uh since I can't remember. I remember my dad tells me stories that I remember my dad tells me stories that I remember my dad tells me stories that I couldn't even walk and he was holding couldn't even walk and he was holding couldn't even walk and he was holding me, kicking a ball all around. Soccer me, kicking a ball all around. Soccer me, kicking a ball all around. Soccer has been a great part of my life. Uh so has been a great part of my life. Uh so has been a great part of my life. Uh so we're doing something special. uh as you we're doing something special. uh as you we're doing something special. uh as you fill out a connect card uh throughout fill out a connect card uh throughout fill out a connect card uh throughout this World Cup, you are automatically uh this World Cup, you are automatically uh this World Cup, you are automatically uh put in a list uh because we're going to put in a list uh because we're going to put in a list uh because we're going to give away a jersey from your favorite um give away a jersey from your favorite um give away a jersey from your favorite um national team or or player. Uh so when national team or or player. Uh so when national team or or player. Uh so when the World Cup ends, uh we'll be in the World Cup ends, uh we'll be in the World Cup ends, uh we'll be in contact and we'll we'll call the winner.
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contact and we'll we'll call the winner. contact and we'll we'll call the winner. So as you do that, uh yeah, be praying So as you do that, uh yeah, be praying So as you do that, uh yeah, be praying for it for that shirt. And if you love for it for that shirt. And if you love for it for that shirt. And if you love soccer like me, you'll be so excited. soccer like me, you'll be so excited. soccer like me, you'll be so excited. Um, and I love the World Cup because all Um, and I love the World Cup because all Um, and I love the World Cup because all people from every nation just come people from every nation just come people from every nation just come together for one reason to support their together for one reason to support their together for one reason to support their team. They join and they meet people. team. They join and they meet people. team. They join and they meet people. Uh, they come as a community. So, I'm Uh, they come as a community. So, I'm Uh, they come as a community. So, I'm excited because we at at Battle Creek excited because we at at Battle Creek excited because we at at Battle Creek Online for the very first time, we are Online for the very first time, we are Online for the very first time, we are launching our first community group launching our first community group launching our first community group online. So, we've been working on that online. So, we've been working on that online. So, we've been working on that uh for the past few months. And I'm uh for the past few months. And I'm uh for the past few months. And I'm excited because today today is the day excited because today today is the day excited because today today is the day we uh we will meet for the first time. we uh we will meet for the first time. we uh we will meet for the first time. And I want to if you don't want to miss And I want to if you don't want to miss And I want to if you don't want to miss that, if you're like, "Hey, I never that, if you're like, "Hey, I never that, if you're like, "Hey, I never filled out that that form." I want you filled out that that form." I want you filled out that that form." I want you the opportunity, give you the the opportunity, give you the the opportunity, give you the opportunity to sign up, there is still opportunity to sign up, there is still opportunity to sign up, there is still time to sign up and find community time to sign up and find community time to sign up and find community online. No matter wherever you you online. No matter wherever you you online. No matter wherever you you attend with with us from, if you you've attend with with us from, if you you've attend with with us from, if you you've been a part of Battle Creek for the if been a part of Battle Creek for the if been a part of Battle Creek for the if it's your first time or you've been with it's your first time or you've been with it's your first time or you've been with us for a long time and and you're like, us for a long time and and you're like, us for a long time and and you're like, "Hey, how can I find community? How can "Hey, how can I find community? How can "Hey, how can I find community? How can I I I make friends and meet other people I I I make friends and meet other people I I I make friends and meet other people that attend Battle Creek, but I'm I I that attend Battle Creek, but I'm I I that attend Battle Creek, but I'm I I live in a different place. I can't visit live in a different place. I can't visit live in a different place. I can't visit Battle Creek." This is your opportunity Battle Creek." This is your opportunity Battle Creek." This is your opportunity to connect [music] with other believers to connect [music] with other believers to connect [music] with other believers and us as as a church. Um, and I promise and us as as a church. Um, and I promise and us as as a church. Um, and I promise you will have a great time. So, our you will have a great time. So, our you will have a great time. So, our group will start today at 400 p.m.
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group will start today at 400 p.m. group will start today at 400 p.m. Central time. So, [music] there's still Central time. So, [music] there's still Central time. So, [music] there's still time to sign up. If you sign up right time to sign up. If you sign up right time to sign up. If you sign up right now, we will give you all the now, we will give you all the now, we will give you all the information. So, go ahead and fill out information. So, go ahead and fill out information. So, go ahead and fill out uh that form or sign or uh scan that QR uh that form or sign or uh scan that QR uh that form or sign or uh scan that QR code. So, I'm excited for that code. So, I'm excited for that code. So, I'm excited for that happening. There's a lot of things happening. There's a lot of things happening. There's a lot of things happening this summer here at Battle happening this summer here at Battle happening this summer here at Battle Creek. Um, we had student camp. We we Creek. Um, we had student camp. We we Creek. Um, we had student camp. We we had we had our camping power that we're had we had our camping power that we're had we had our camping power that we're going to show you how that went. But going to show you how that went. But going to show you how that went. But next week, [music] I want you to be next week, [music] I want you to be next week, [music] I want you to be praying for our students that are going praying for our students that are going praying for our students that are going on a mission trip to Egypt. [music] on a mission trip to Egypt. [music] on a mission trip to Egypt. [music] Egypt, we love Egypt. We we have some Egypt, we love Egypt. We we have some Egypt, we love Egypt. We we have some some friends out there. So, we're going some friends out there. So, we're going some friends out there. So, we're going to send out a team um of students and uh to send out a team um of students and uh to send out a team um of students and uh dream teamers. So, I want you to be dream teamers. So, I want you to be dream teamers. So, I want you to be praying for God to move in them and praying for God to move in them and praying for God to move in them and through and through them. And if you are through and through them. And if you are through and through them. And if you are if you want to partner with battle if you want to partner with battle if you want to partner with battle freaking you you've never had I I we freaking you you've never had I I we freaking you you've never had I I we haven't given you the opportunity to haven't given you the opportunity to haven't given you the opportunity to partner with us uh through your finances partner with us uh through your finances partner with us uh through your finances all of this happens and they it helps all of this happens and they it helps all of this happens and they it helps other people advance in their journey other people advance in their journey other people advance in their journey journey with Christ and that happens journey with Christ and that happens journey with Christ and that happens because of your generosity. So I want to because of your generosity. So I want to because of your generosity. So I want to give you an opportunity to do that in give you an opportunity to do that in give you an opportunity to do that in the [music] link below. And as you do the [music] link below. And as you do the [music] link below. And as you do that, I want you to be praying of to to that, I want you to be praying of to to that, I want you to be praying of to to God like God, what do you want me how do God like God, what do you want me how do God like God, what do you want me how do how [music] can I partner with Battle how [music] can I partner with Battle how [music] can I partner with Battle Creek through giving, giving your time, Creek through giving, giving your time, Creek through giving, giving your time, giving your finances, anything that you giving your finances, anything that you giving your finances, anything that you can that that how God wants to use you.
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can that that how God wants to use you. can that that how God wants to use you. I want you to be praying for that. And I want you to be praying for that. And I want you to be praying for that. And as as you as you do that, um I want to as as you as you do that, um I want to as as you as you do that, um I want to give you um a little bit of a a personal give you um a little bit of a a personal give you um a little bit of a a personal story. Um I've I've been here for for 10 story. Um I've I've been here for for 10 story. Um I've I've been here for for 10 years at Battle Creek and I've I've seen years at Battle Creek and I've I've seen years at Battle Creek and I've I've seen a lot of people walk um through these a lot of people walk um through these a lot of people walk um through these doors and see their and their lives have doors and see their and their lives have doors and see their and their lives have changed. Um my life has been one one of changed. Um my life has been one one of changed. Um my life has been one one of those. I I found community here at at those. I I found community here at at those. I I found community here at at Battle Creek. So, um, that's why I I Battle Creek. So, um, that's why I I Battle Creek. So, um, that's why I I think joining a group is so important think joining a group is so important think joining a group is so important because you see, you walk with other because you see, you walk with other because you see, you walk with other believers in prayer [music] believers in prayer [music] believers in prayer [music] and you don't have to walk alone. So, so and you don't have to walk alone. So, so and you don't have to walk alone. So, so today we have something uh special for today we have something uh special for today we have something uh special for you. [music] We're going to hear from you. [music] We're going to hear from you. [music] We're going to hear from Pastor Josiah today. So, before we do Pastor Josiah today. So, before we do Pastor Josiah today. So, before we do that, I want you to see what uh how God that, I want you to see what uh how God that, I want you to see what uh how God has been moving through here. and I want has been moving through here. and I want has been moving through here. and I want you to see how Camping Power went. So, you to see how Camping Power went. So, you to see how Camping Power went. So, let's go ahead and watch this video.
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>> Hey church, good morning. I hope you're >> Hey church, good morning. I hope you're doing well today. Just a couple of doing well today. Just a couple of doing well today. Just a couple of things before we [music] jump in uh to things before we [music] jump in uh to things before we [music] jump in uh to our content. Number one, many of you our content. Number one, many of you our content. Number one, many of you have been praying for me. I I was ill have been praying for me. I I was ill have been praying for me. I I was ill [music] [music] [music] uh much of the last two weeks. I got a uh much of the last two weeks. I got a uh much of the last two weeks. I got a tick born illness, which is crazy tick born illness, which is crazy tick born illness, which is crazy [music] [music] [music] of all things, but the Lord is answering of all things, but the Lord is answering of all things, but the Lord is answering your prayers. I'm recovering. The fever your prayers. I'm recovering. The fever your prayers. I'm recovering. The fever is all [music] in the past. Uh so just is all [music] in the past. Uh so just is all [music] in the past. Uh so just pray that I recover 100%. If you will. pray that I recover 100%. If you will. pray that I recover 100%. If you will. Uh secondly, today uh we're beginning a Uh secondly, today uh we're beginning a Uh secondly, today uh we're beginning a brand new series, five [music] weeks brand new series, five [music] weeks brand new series, five [music] weeks long on the five love languages and five long on the five love languages and five long on the five love languages and five great communicators. So you're going to great communicators. So you're going to great communicators. So you're going to love [music] love [music] love [music] uh this content. It's going to be uh this content. It's going to be uh this content. It's going to be enjoyable and very beneficial to all the enjoyable and very beneficial to all the enjoyable and very beneficial to all the relationships [music] uh in your life. relationships [music] uh in your life. relationships [music] uh in your life. Before we jump into our content today, I Before we jump into our content today, I Before we jump into our content today, I want you to take a look at this video want you to take a look at this video want you to take a look at this video explaining what God did in our camp explaining what God did in our camp explaining what God did in our camp empower this week. That might actually make me cry. That might actually make me cry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. [music] Battle Creek finds [music] the value of Battle Creek finds [music] the value of including all bodies of Christ and that including all bodies of Christ and that including all bodies of Christ and that includes families that are different and includes families that are different and includes families that are different and that have uh different [music] needs and that have uh different [music] needs and that have uh different [music] needs and abilities. And so we do um Camp Empower abilities. And so we do um Camp Empower abilities. And so we do um Camp Empower to give kids an experience of camp that to give kids an experience of camp that to give kids an experience of camp that they won't get anywhere.
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We've been here for about 3 years now We've been here for about 3 years now and we've tried out a bunch of other and we've tried out a bunch of other and we've tried out a bunch of other churches [music] before then and it's churches [music] before then and it's churches [music] before then and it's nice to find a safe place where myself, nice to find a safe place where myself, nice to find a safe place where myself, my children, my husband can all [music] my children, my husband can all [music] my children, my husband can all [music] just be comfortable and be ourselves and just be comfortable and be ourselves and just be comfortable and be ourselves and not have to put on the mask that not have to put on the mask that not have to put on the mask that sometimes neurode divergent people have sometimes neurode divergent people have sometimes neurode divergent people have to do to kind of fit [music] into this to do to kind of fit [music] into this to do to kind of fit [music] into this world. world. world. Haven is the one place where my daughter Haven is the one place where my daughter Haven is the one place where my daughter can freely be herself, [music] can freely be herself, [music] can freely be herself, [music] make new friends, and just it's her make new friends, and just it's her make new friends, and just it's her happy place. It really it's [music] made happy place. It really it's [music] made happy place. It really it's [music] made her blossom into the little person that her blossom into the little person that her blossom into the little person that she is now. And I love it. [music] Jess she is now. And I love it. [music] Jess she is now. And I love it. [music] Jess and just everyone there at Haven. You and just everyone there at Haven. You and just everyone there at Haven. You You guys really don't understand the You guys really don't understand the You guys really don't understand the impact you've had on our family. [music] impact you've had on our family. [music] impact you've had on our family. [music] That might actually make me cry. >> [music] >> [music] >> Haven's been such a blessing for my >> Haven's been such a blessing for my >> Haven's been such a blessing for my family.
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Well, good morning, church. And c can we Well, good morning, church. And c can we just celebrate all that God did through just celebrate all that God did through just celebrate all that God did through Camping Power one more time? Can we just Camping Power one more time? Can we just Camping Power one more time? Can we just thank him for thank him for thank him for for doing what he did? And [applause] for doing what he did? And [applause] for doing what he did? And [applause] church, one of the things I love the church, one of the things I love the church, one of the things I love the most about our church is that we have a most about our church is that we have a most about our church is that we have a mission statement, but we don't just mission statement, but we don't just mission statement, but we don't just have one. We actually live it out, have one. We actually live it out, have one. We actually live it out, right? Helping all people of all ages right? Helping all people of all ages right? Helping all people of all ages all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey all the time advance in their journey with Christ. And Camp Power is literally with Christ. And Camp Power is literally with Christ. And Camp Power is literally a picture of that. It's through our a picture of that. It's through our a picture of that. It's through our Haven ministry, which they honor and Haven ministry, which they honor and Haven ministry, which they honor and value every need. And so church, I just value every need. And so church, I just value every need. And so church, I just want to say before we do anything else want to say before we do anything else want to say before we do anything else today, thank you for being the church today, thank you for being the church today, thank you for being the church and thank you for loving people so well. and thank you for loving people so well. and thank you for loving people so well. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, If I haven't had the chance to meet you, If I haven't had the chance to meet you, my name is Josiah Guardo and I have the my name is Josiah Guardo and I have the my name is Josiah Guardo and I have the privilege of serving as our online privilege of serving as our online privilege of serving as our online pastor and get to lead our pastor and get to lead our pastor and get to lead our communications and creative teams, teams communications and creative teams, teams communications and creative teams, teams that get to do videos just like that. that get to do videos just like that. that get to do videos just like that. And uh but before we jump into today's And uh but before we jump into today's And uh but before we jump into today's message, I want to take a moment and message, I want to take a moment and message, I want to take a moment and love us. One of my privilege, one of the One of my privilege, one of the privileges that I have in my role is privileges that I have in my role is privileges that I have in my role is getting to see pastor behind the scenes getting to see pastor behind the scenes getting to see pastor behind the scenes in the dayto-day. And one of the things in the dayto-day. And one of the things in the dayto-day. And one of the things that I've learned and I appreciate so that I've learned and I appreciate so that I've learned and I appreciate so much from him is that he doesn't just much from him is that he doesn't just much from him is that he doesn't just pray for our church as a whole. He pray for our church as a whole. He pray for our church as a whole. He doesn't just pray for people. He prays doesn't just pray for people. He prays doesn't just pray for people. He prays for families. And he prays over specific for families. And he prays over specific for families. And he prays over specific situations and specific names. It's so situations and specific names. It's so situations and specific names. It's so powerful to see that. And so before we powerful to see that. And so before we powerful to see that. And so before we open up God's word today, can we just open up God's word today, can we just open up God's word today, can we just take a minute and lift him up in prayer?
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take a minute and lift him up in prayer? take a minute and lift him up in prayer? As you heard, he was uh he's recovering. As you heard, he was uh he's recovering. As you heard, he was uh he's recovering. And so I just love to to be able to pray And so I just love to to be able to pray And so I just love to to be able to pray for him this morning. Would you just bow for him this morning. Would you just bow for him this morning. Would you just bow your heads there where you're at? your heads there where you're at? your heads there where you're at? Father, we thank you for the gift of Father, we thank you for the gift of Father, we thank you for the gift of Pastor Alex. We thank you for him and Pastor Alex. We thank you for him and Pastor Alex. We thank you for him and what he is to our church. God, we thank what he is to our church. God, we thank what he is to our church. God, we thank you for his faithful leadership, his you for his faithful leadership, his you for his faithful leadership, his love for your people and the way he love for your people and the way he love for your people and the way he continually points us to Jesus. Today, continually points us to Jesus. Today, continually points us to Jesus. Today, we ask that you would strengthen his we ask that you would strengthen his we ask that you would strengthen his body, restore his health, and give him body, restore his health, and give him body, restore his health, and give him the rest that he needs. God, encourage the rest that he needs. God, encourage the rest that he needs. God, encourage him and Meredith, remind him how deeply him and Meredith, remind him how deeply him and Meredith, remind him how deeply loved they are by their church family. loved they are by their church family. loved they are by their church family. We continue to give him wisdom as they We continue to give him wisdom as they We continue to give him wisdom as they lead us. God, we're so thankful for what lead us. God, we're so thankful for what lead us. God, we're so thankful for what you're doing in and through our church. you're doing in and through our church. you're doing in and through our church. God, we love you. We thank you in Jesus God, we love you. We thank you in Jesus God, we love you. We thank you in Jesus name. And everybody says, "Amen." Amen. name. And everybody says, "Amen." Amen. name. And everybody says, "Amen." Amen. Well, today we're we're kicking off a Well, today we're we're kicking off a Well, today we're we're kicking off a brand new series called Love Languages. brand new series called Love Languages. brand new series called Love Languages. And I couldn't be more excited for it. And I couldn't be more excited for it. And I couldn't be more excited for it. But before we dive in, I would love to But before we dive in, I would love to But before we dive in, I would love to introduce you to my family. As I said, introduce you to my family. As I said, introduce you to my family. As I said, my name is Josiah. My I'm married to my my name is Josiah. My I'm married to my my name is Josiah. My I'm married to my lovely wife, Delme, and those are our lovely wife, Delme, and those are our lovely wife, Delme, and those are our two beautiful children, uh, Josiah and two beautiful children, uh, Josiah and two beautiful children, uh, Josiah and Isabella. And I know what you're Isabella. And I know what you're Isabella. And I know what you're thinking. Man, those kids are so thinking. Man, those kids are so thinking. Man, those kids are so adorable. They look just like their dad.
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adorable. They look just like their dad. adorable. They look just like their dad. Uh, but uh, now we've been a part of Uh, but uh, now we've been a part of Uh, but uh, now we've been a part of Battle Creek Church coming up on 10 Battle Creek Church coming up on 10 Battle Creek Church coming up on 10 years. And I know what you're some of years. And I know what you're some of years. And I know what you're some of y'all are thinking, did you start when y'all are thinking, did you start when y'all are thinking, did you start when you were 12? pretty close. But uh but you were 12? pretty close. But uh but you were 12? pretty close. But uh but hey, we are excited for that. But let me hey, we are excited for that. But let me hey, we are excited for that. But let me just show you a picture of what it just show you a picture of what it just show you a picture of what it looked like uh when we first started. looked like uh when we first started. looked like uh when we first started. Oh, that's right. I know what you're Oh, that's right. I know what you're Oh, that's right. I know what you're thinking. Deli hasn't aged a bit. And thinking. Deli hasn't aged a bit. And thinking. Deli hasn't aged a bit. And let me just tell you, I found every good let me just tell you, I found every good let me just tell you, I found every good restaurant in Tulsa to eat at. Uh as you restaurant in Tulsa to eat at. Uh as you restaurant in Tulsa to eat at. Uh as you can see, uh but there's some things that can see, uh but there's some things that can see, uh but there's some things that uh you know that just that would change, uh you know that just that would change, uh you know that just that would change, but uh but one thing people ask when but uh but one thing people ask when but uh but one thing people ask when they find out that Delme works with me they find out that Delme works with me they find out that Delme works with me or we work together is what is that or we work together is what is that or we work together is what is that like? Or I couldn't uh work with my like? Or I couldn't uh work with my like? Or I couldn't uh work with my spouse. Well, let let me just show you a spouse. Well, let let me just show you a spouse. Well, let let me just show you a picture that explains it all. picture that explains it all. picture that explains it all. Uh, and I want you to look at this Uh, and I want you to look at this Uh, and I want you to look at this picture for just a minute. Look how picture for just a minute. Look how picture for just a minute. Look how joyful and excited she is. And look how joyful and excited she is. And look how joyful and excited she is. And look how excited I am to marry her. You know what excited I am to marry her. You know what excited I am to marry her. You know what I'm saying? Like like it the like that's I'm saying? Like like it the like that's I'm saying? Like like it the like that's what it's like to to to be married to what it's like to to to be married to what it's like to to to be married to someone that you work with. But no, over someone that you work with. But no, over someone that you work with. But no, over the years we've learned a lot about the years we've learned a lot about the years we've learned a lot about relationships. In fact, one of the relationships. In fact, one of the relationships. In fact, one of the biggest lessons happened long uh before biggest lessons happened long uh before biggest lessons happened long uh before we were married. Actually, we just got we were married. Actually, we just got we were married. Actually, we just got engaged. And so Delme and I we met at or engaged. And so Delme and I we met at or engaged. And so Delme and I we met at or Roberts University. Go Golden Eagles for Roberts University. Go Golden Eagles for Roberts University. Go Golden Eagles for any of those in the building today. Uh, any of those in the building today. Uh, any of those in the building today. Uh, and so at ORU when you go, all the and so at ORU when you go, all the and so at ORU when you go, all the classes are in one main building. And so classes are in one main building. And so classes are in one main building. And so when you walk in, uh, you can go to the when you walk in, uh, you can go to the when you walk in, uh, you can go to the left or or you can go to the right. They left or or you can go to the right. They left or or you can go to the right. They lead to the same place, but if you go to lead to the same place, but if you go to lead to the same place, but if you go to the left, you walk by a coffee shop. And the left, you walk by a coffee shop. And the left, you walk by a coffee shop. And if you go to the right, you walk by the if you go to the right, you walk by the if you go to the right, you walk by the bookstore. Well, normally you'd walk we bookstore. Well, normally you'd walk we bookstore. Well, normally you'd walk we walk to the left. But during the walk to the left. But during the walk to the left. But during the semester, uh, we would, she thinks we
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semester, uh, we would, she thinks we semester, uh, we would, she thinks we just happened to walk to the right, but just happened to walk to the right, but just happened to walk to the right, but I'll just tell you, we walked to the I'll just tell you, we walked to the I'll just tell you, we walked to the right cuz I couldn't afford coffee every right cuz I couldn't afford coffee every right cuz I couldn't afford coffee every day. Uh, I was getting my graduate day. Uh, I was getting my graduate day. Uh, I was getting my graduate degree and I was making like $7 an hour degree and I was making like $7 an hour degree and I was making like $7 an hour as a grad assistant and so like coffees as a grad assistant and so like coffees as a grad assistant and so like coffees cost $7. And so I was like, "We got to cost $7. And so I was like, "We got to cost $7. And so I was like, "We got to walk to the ride." And uh, eventually walk to the ride." And uh, eventually walk to the ride." And uh, eventually you'll see how this backfired on me. But you'll see how this backfired on me. But you'll see how this backfired on me. But uh, in those days we walked to the ride uh, in those days we walked to the ride uh, in those days we walked to the ride and they had this mannequin and they had and they had this mannequin and they had and they had this mannequin and they had this shirt that she really wanted. She this shirt that she really wanted. She this shirt that she really wanted. She said, "Oh, it's a great shirt. I I love said, "Oh, it's a great shirt. I I love said, "Oh, it's a great shirt. I I love it." And in those days, if you know, it it." And in those days, if you know, it it." And in those days, if you know, it was a spirit shirt. It had OU on the was a spirit shirt. It had OU on the was a spirit shirt. It had OU on the back. All the ladies know what I'm back. All the ladies know what I'm back. All the ladies know what I'm talking about. I went in to go, "Well, talking about. I went in to go, "Well, talking about. I went in to go, "Well, I'm going to go see if I can buy it for I'm going to go see if I can buy it for I'm going to go see if I can buy it for her, right? Be be a good be a good uh her, right? Be be a good be a good uh her, right? Be be a good be a good uh future husband." Well, I went in and it future husband." Well, I went in and it future husband." Well, I went in and it was $85. was $85. was $85. >> I said, "Does this come with a degree?" >> I said, "Does this come with a degree?" >> I said, "Does this come with a degree?" Like, $85. Like, $85. Like, $85. Like, what are you talking? And this is Like, what are you talking? And this is Like, what are you talking? And this is 10 years ago. So, like, think about that 10 years ago. So, like, think about that 10 years ago. So, like, think about that for just a minute. And so, I was like, for just a minute. And so, I was like, for just a minute. And so, I was like, "I love her, but I just can't do that "I love her, but I just can't do that "I love her, but I just can't do that right now. Like, I want to get married right now. Like, I want to get married right now. Like, I want to get married at some point. And she wants more than at some point. And she wants more than at some point. And she wants more than just McChickens at the wedding. So, we just McChickens at the wedding. So, we just McChickens at the wedding. So, we got to got to figure this thing out." got to got to figure this thing out." got to got to figure this thing out." So, later on the semester, we got to So, later on the semester, we got to So, later on the semester, we got to November, and he said, "You know what? November, and he said, "You know what? November, and he said, "You know what? I'm going to buy it for her for I'm going to buy it for her for I'm going to buy it for her for Christmas, right? She wants that. She's Christmas, right? She wants that. She's Christmas, right? She wants that. She's been talking about it. So, I'm like, I'm been talking about it. So, I'm like, I'm been talking about it. So, I'm like, I'm going to buy So I go in November and I going to buy So I go in November and I going to buy So I go in November and I buy it for her. I'm thinking I'm a month buy it for her. I'm thinking I'm a month buy it for her. I'm thinking I'm a month ahead of the game. Like nothing to ahead of the game. Like nothing to ahead of the game. Like nothing to worry. And that Christmas we're going to worry. And that Christmas we're going to worry. And that Christmas we're going to El Salvador. That's where she was born El Salvador. That's where she was born El Salvador. That's where she was born and raised in San Salvador. And so I and raised in San Salvador. And so I and raised in San Salvador. And so I even got it wrapped. I put it in the even got it wrapped. I put it in the even got it wrapped. I put it in the suitcase. Like I'm ready for this thing.
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suitcase. Like I'm ready for this thing. suitcase. Like I'm ready for this thing. And and so we get to El Salvador and uh And and so we get to El Salvador and uh And and so we get to El Salvador and uh if you know anything about Latino if you know anything about Latino if you know anything about Latino families, let me you're going to learn families, let me you're going to learn families, let me you're going to learn some stuff today. Number one, we some stuff today. Number one, we some stuff today. Number one, we celebrate Christmas on December 24th. So celebrate Christmas on December 24th. So celebrate Christmas on December 24th. So we open gifts and do all that. It's it's we open gifts and do all that. It's it's we open gifts and do all that. It's it's a big party. And so it's the 24th. We're a big party. And so it's the 24th. We're a big party. And so it's the 24th. We're there. All of our families there. It's there. All of our families there. It's there. All of our families there. It's time to open gifts. And in my mind, I'm time to open gifts. And in my mind, I'm time to open gifts. And in my mind, I'm like, for sure as I won the gift given like, for sure as I won the gift given like, for sure as I won the gift given this year. Like she's been wanting it this year. Like she's been wanting it this year. Like she's been wanting it for 5 months. I bought it for her. I for 5 months. I bought it for her. I for 5 months. I bought it for her. I brought it across the ocean. Like it's brought it across the ocean. Like it's brought it across the ocean. Like it's here. And so like I'm ready, excited. here. And so like I'm ready, excited. here. And so like I'm ready, excited. And she goes to open it. And I think my And she goes to open it. And I think my And she goes to open it. And I think my face is like I'm excited. And she has no face is like I'm excited. And she has no face is like I'm excited. And she has no emotion. Not a single reaction. So the emotion. Not a single reaction. So the emotion. Not a single reaction. So the first thing I do is I bought the wrong first thing I do is I bought the wrong first thing I do is I bought the wrong size. I bought the wrong shirt. There's size. I bought the wrong shirt. There's size. I bought the wrong shirt. There's only two shirts. So, I'm like, I had a only two shirts. So, I'm like, I had a only two shirts. So, I'm like, I had a 50-50 chance. I lost on buying the right 50-50 chance. I lost on buying the right 50-50 chance. I lost on buying the right one. Uh, and then finally, she looks at one. Uh, and then finally, she looks at one. Uh, and then finally, she looks at me, she goes, I I don't I didn't want me, she goes, I I don't I didn't want me, she goes, I I don't I didn't want this for Christmas. I said, "What? this for Christmas. I said, "What? this for Christmas. I said, "What? You've been wanting this for 5 months. You've been wanting this for 5 months. You've been wanting this for 5 months. Every day you're like, I want this Every day you're like, I want this Every day you're like, I want this shirt. I want this shirt. What do you shirt. I want this shirt. What do you shirt. I want this shirt. What do you mean you don't want it for Christmas? I mean you don't want it for Christmas? I mean you don't want it for Christmas? I just didn't comprehend." And she said, just didn't comprehend." And she said, just didn't comprehend." And she said, "Well, I wanted the shirt. I just didn't "Well, I wanted the shirt. I just didn't "Well, I wanted the shirt. I just didn't want it for Christmas as a Christmas want it for Christmas as a Christmas want it for Christmas as a Christmas gift." All the husbands know exactly gift." All the husbands know exactly gift." All the husbands know exactly what I'm talking about. They're like, what I'm talking about. They're like, what I'm talking about. They're like, "Well, this is a gift, but it's not like "Well, this is a gift, but it's not like "Well, this is a gift, but it's not like the gift." I'm like, I that doesn't make the gift." I'm like, I that doesn't make the gift." I'm like, I that doesn't make any sense. I was so confused. Uh, you any sense. I was so confused. Uh, you any sense. I was so confused. Uh, you know, and what I began to learn in that know, and what I began to learn in that know, and what I began to learn in that moment is that we had different love moment is that we had different love moment is that we had different love languages. You see, love languages are languages. You see, love languages are languages. You see, love languages are how we express and how we receive love.
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how we express and how we receive love. how we express and how we receive love. And so, there's five of them. And so, And so, there's five of them. And so, And so, there's five of them. And so, for the next five weeks, we're going to for the next five weeks, we're going to for the next five weeks, we're going to be covering covering one each week. be covering covering one each week. be covering covering one each week. We're going to be talking about love in We're going to be talking about love in We're going to be talking about love in a relationship. And that's any a relationship. And that's any a relationship. And that's any relationship. And so, we're not just relationship. And so, we're not just relationship. And so, we're not just going to be talking about marriage. And going to be talking about marriage. And going to be talking about marriage. And so, if you're not married, don't check so, if you're not married, don't check so, if you're not married, don't check out on this. This is about all out on this. This is about all out on this. This is about all relationships. Why? Because every one of relationships. Why? Because every one of relationships. Why? Because every one of us are in relationship of all kinds. And us are in relationship of all kinds. And us are in relationship of all kinds. And each relationship has a language to it. each relationship has a language to it. each relationship has a language to it. So we need to recognize our own So we need to recognize our own So we need to recognize our own language, but we also need to learn the language, but we also need to learn the language, but we also need to learn the other four. Think about this. Someone other four. Think about this. Someone other four. Think about this. Someone who speaks a completely different who speaks a completely different who speaks a completely different language from you. You could be standing language from you. You could be standing language from you. You could be standing just a few feet apart, both trying to just a few feet apart, both trying to just a few feet apart, both trying to communicate or still find it difficult communicate or still find it difficult communicate or still find it difficult at times impossible to communicate to at times impossible to communicate to at times impossible to communicate to each other. But the same thing happens each other. But the same thing happens each other. But the same thing happens in relationships. Sometimes we're trying in relationships. Sometimes we're trying in relationships. Sometimes we're trying to communicate and we just find to communicate and we just find to communicate and we just find ourselves kind of out of sync. And ourselves kind of out of sync. And ourselves kind of out of sync. And that's because we're speaking different that's because we're speaking different that's because we're speaking different languages. And some of you already know languages. And some of you already know languages. And some of you already know your love language and how helpful this your love language and how helpful this your love language and how helpful this can be. And others may be hearing this can be. And others may be hearing this can be. And others may be hearing this for the very first time today. And my for the very first time today. And my for the very first time today. And my hope is is wherever you are over the hope is is wherever you are over the hope is is wherever you are over the next 5 weeks, you'll discover how God next 5 weeks, you'll discover how God next 5 weeks, you'll discover how God has uniquely wired you to give and to has uniquely wired you to give and to has uniquely wired you to give and to receive love. But even more than that, receive love. But even more than that, receive love. But even more than that, my prayer is that you'll become fluent my prayer is that you'll become fluent my prayer is that you'll become fluent in loving others in the way that they in loving others in the way that they in loving others in the way that they receive love. You're probably thinking, receive love. You're probably thinking, receive love. You're probably thinking, why why are we doing this? Why? Why is why why are we doing this? Why? Why is why why are we doing this? Why? Why is our church covering this? Well, well, our church covering this? Well, well, our church covering this? Well, well, listen. God made love, but he also made listen. God made love, but he also made listen. God made love, but he also made language. He made us to love and to language. He made us to love and to language. He made us to love and to receive love, and he made us different.
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receive love, and he made us different. receive love, and he made us different. So, there are different ways that we do So, there are different ways that we do So, there are different ways that we do that. And when we lean in and we learn that. And when we lean in and we learn that. And when we lean in and we learn those differences, we love better. So, those differences, we love better. So, those differences, we love better. So, this isn't about a book or some theory. this isn't about a book or some theory. this isn't about a book or some theory. This series is about love. And God is This series is about love. And God is This series is about love. And God is love. That's what First John 4 tells us. love. That's what First John 4 tells us. love. That's what First John 4 tells us. In fact, if you have your Bibles, we can In fact, if you have your Bibles, we can In fact, if you have your Bibles, we can turn there. 1 John 4 and this is what turn there. 1 John 4 and this is what turn there. 1 John 4 and this is what anyone who loves is a child of God and anyone who loves is a child of God and anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love knows God. But anyone who does not love knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God for God is love. It does not know God for God is love. It does not know God for God is love. It says child of God. That means that you says child of God. That means that you says child of God. That means that you belong to him. You see a child is known belong to him. You see a child is known belong to him. You see a child is known by their parents. Right? You might have by their parents. Right? You might have by their parents. Right? You might have heard somebody say that you look like heard somebody say that you look like heard somebody say that you look like your dad or or maybe you've told your your dad or or maybe you've told your your dad or or maybe you've told your spouse this that you're acting like your spouse this that you're acting like your spouse this that you're acting like your mom or your dad. And in some of those mom or your dad. And in some of those mom or your dad. And in some of those situations, those are fighting words. situations, those are fighting words. situations, those are fighting words. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] But we can never really shake the truth But we can never really shake the truth But we can never really shake the truth that we look like our parents or that we that we look like our parents or that we that we look like our parents or that we act like our parents. And part of that act like our parents. And part of that act like our parents. And part of that is just our genetics. The other part is is just our genetics. The other part is is just our genetics. The other part is our upbringing, right? It's nature and our upbringing, right? It's nature and our upbringing, right? It's nature and nurture working together to produce us.
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nurture working together to produce us. nurture working together to produce us. Nature being how God made us and nurture Nature being how God made us and nurture Nature being how God made us and nurture being a combination of our upbringing being a combination of our upbringing being a combination of our upbringing and experiences. But John says that and experiences. But John says that and experiences. But John says that there's a choice that you and I can there's a choice that you and I can there's a choice that you and I can make. We can shake off the negatives of make. We can shake off the negatives of make. We can shake off the negatives of our nature and upbringing and put on the our nature and upbringing and put on the our nature and upbringing and put on the positives of godly love. You see, John positives of godly love. You see, John positives of godly love. You see, John wants us to be children of a God by wants us to be children of a God by wants us to be children of a God by acting like him. In other words, love is acting like him. In other words, love is acting like him. In other words, love is an expression of God. So if God is love, an expression of God. So if God is love, an expression of God. So if God is love, then love languages are his idea. They then love languages are his idea. They then love languages are his idea. They are the language of God and he is fluent are the language of God and he is fluent are the language of God and he is fluent in all of them. So let's start talking in all of them. So let's start talking in all of them. So let's start talking about the love language of God. And what about the love language of God. And what about the love language of God. And what do we mean by the love language? Well, do we mean by the love language? Well, do we mean by the love language? Well, let's start with the definition. let's start with the definition. let's start with the definition. The definition is this. Love languages The definition is this. Love languages The definition is this. Love languages are the five basic ways that we speak are the five basic ways that we speak are the five basic ways that we speak and understand emotional love. Now, let and understand emotional love. Now, let and understand emotional love. Now, let me just pause here for a moment and me just pause here for a moment and me just pause here for a moment and let's explain some of the parts of this let's explain some of the parts of this let's explain some of the parts of this definition. So, it says that there's definition. So, it says that there's definition. So, it says that there's five of them. Well, well, here's the five of them. Well, well, here's the five of them. Well, well, here's the five. Acts of service, receiving gifts, five. Acts of service, receiving gifts, five. Acts of service, receiving gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation, physical touch, words of affirmation, physical touch, words of affirmation, and quality time. And next it says we and quality time. And next it says we and quality time. And next it says we speak and understand these love speak and understand these love speak and understand these love languages. In other words, it's not only languages. In other words, it's not only languages. In other words, it's not only about how we receive but how we give. We about how we receive but how we give. We about how we receive but how we give. We need to understand our own language need to understand our own language need to understand our own language because it helps us understand how God because it helps us understand how God because it helps us understand how God has uniquely wired you and me. But we has uniquely wired you and me. But we has uniquely wired you and me. But we have to learn the other love languages have to learn the other love languages have to learn the other love languages too so that we can be fluent in showing too so that we can be fluent in showing too so that we can be fluent in showing love to others. Because at the end of love to others. Because at the end of love to others. Because at the end of the day, that's what Jesus called us to the day, that's what Jesus called us to the day, that's what Jesus called us to do, right? He's called us to love one
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do, right? He's called us to love one do, right? He's called us to love one another. You see, the common error is another. You see, the common error is another. You see, the common error is this. We give love in the way that we this. We give love in the way that we this. We give love in the way that we receive love because we think that since receive love because we think that since receive love because we think that since we receive love this way, then everyone we receive love this way, then everyone we receive love this way, then everyone else wants to receive love that way too. else wants to receive love that way too. else wants to receive love that way too. And finally, it involves emotional love. And finally, it involves emotional love. And finally, it involves emotional love. Listen, emotions are not bad. But Listen, emotions are not bad. But Listen, emotions are not bad. But controlled only by your emotions, that's controlled only by your emotions, that's controlled only by your emotions, that's when it gets bad. You see, love is an when it gets bad. You see, love is an when it gets bad. You see, love is an emotion. It's just not only an emotion, emotion. It's just not only an emotion, emotion. It's just not only an emotion, though. But when we understand our though. But when we understand our though. But when we understand our emotions, we can put them in motion. emotions, we can put them in motion. emotions, we can put them in motion. So, this is primary about how we feed So, this is primary about how we feed So, this is primary about how we feed our soul through our feelings. Now, when our soul through our feelings. Now, when our soul through our feelings. Now, when we say there are five love languages, we say there are five love languages, we say there are five love languages, some of you might say, "Well, well, some of you might say, "Well, well, some of you might say, "Well, well, those are just suggestions." And some of those are just suggestions." And some of those are just suggestions." And some of you uh think that there's more than you uh think that there's more than you uh think that there's more than five. And you may even own this shirt. five. And you may even own this shirt. five. And you may even own this shirt. Chocolate is my love language, right? You you might think that. And if right? You you might think that. And if you're just wondering if that's the you're just wondering if that's the you're just wondering if that's the case, my love language is probably one case, my love language is probably one case, my love language is probably one X's if you want to know that. But uh but X's if you want to know that. But uh but X's if you want to know that. But uh but you see chocolate is not a love language you see chocolate is not a love language you see chocolate is not a love language because how are you expressing that? If because how are you expressing that? If because how are you expressing that? If you give somebody chocolates, well you give somebody chocolates, well you give somebody chocolates, well that's a gift. That's a love language.
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that's a gift. That's a love language. that's a gift. That's a love language. But if you make somebody chocolates, But if you make somebody chocolates, But if you make somebody chocolates, well that's an act of service. In fact, well that's an act of service. In fact, well that's an act of service. In fact, chocolate could be considered a dialect. chocolate could be considered a dialect. chocolate could be considered a dialect. Now there's five love languages and Now there's five love languages and Now there's five love languages and underneath those five altogether there's underneath those five altogether there's underneath those five altogether there's 22 dialects underneath them. And how 22 dialects underneath them. And how 22 dialects underneath them. And how does that work? Well, well what's a does that work? Well, well what's a does that work? Well, well what's a dialect? A dialect is the same language dialect? A dialect is the same language dialect? A dialect is the same language but with different words with different but with different words with different but with different words with different nuances. Let let me let me let me tell nuances. Let let me let me let me tell nuances. Let let me let me let me tell you a story of how this works. So I told you a story of how this works. So I told you a story of how this works. So I told you Delme is from San Salvador. So a you Delme is from San Salvador. So a you Delme is from San Salvador. So a year after we we got through the t-shirt year after we we got through the t-shirt year after we we got through the t-shirt debacle. Amen. We got married. Amen. And debacle. Amen. We got married. Amen. And debacle. Amen. We got married. Amen. And so this is this is our first year. So so this is this is our first year. So so this is this is our first year. So the year before we we were engaged, we the year before we we were engaged, we the year before we we were engaged, we went to Saber. This year it's my turn. went to Saber. This year it's my turn. went to Saber. This year it's my turn. We're going to my family's house. So, We're going to my family's house. So, We're going to my family's house. So, it's Christmas and and it's the 24th and it's Christmas and and it's the 24th and it's Christmas and and it's the 24th and we're playing board games and we're we're playing board games and we're we're playing board games and we're playing this game called Ticket to Ride. playing this game called Ticket to Ride. playing this game called Ticket to Ride. If you've ever played Ticket to Ride, If you've ever played Ticket to Ride, If you've ever played Ticket to Ride, the whole goal is you're trying to the whole goal is you're trying to the whole goal is you're trying to connect different locations through connect different locations through connect different locations through routes. Well, there's only certain routes. Well, there's only certain routes. Well, there's only certain amount of routes that you can use. And amount of routes that you can use. And amount of routes that you can use. And so, in this game, you can really make so, in this game, you can really make so, in this game, you can really make some people angry. And we're not trying some people angry. And we're not trying some people angry. And we're not trying like we're trying to win. You know what like we're trying to win. You know what like we're trying to win. You know what I'm saying? Like, we're kindness after I'm saying? Like, we're kindness after I'm saying? Like, we're kindness after the game. And and so so we're playing the game. And and so so we're playing the game. And and so so we're playing this game and and at this moment I'm this game and and at this moment I'm this game and and at this moment I'm like here we go. I put down these cards like here we go. I put down these cards like here we go. I put down these cards and I put down these trains and in that and I put down these trains and in that and I put down these trains and in that moment Delby says beep Josiah.
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moment Delby says beep Josiah. moment Delby says beep Josiah. Well, she didn't say beep. She said a Well, she didn't say beep. She said a Well, she didn't say beep. She said a Spanish word, but in El Salvador it Spanish word, but in El Salvador it Spanish word, but in El Salvador it means lousy or cheap. So if you stubbed means lousy or cheap. So if you stubbed means lousy or cheap. So if you stubbed your toe, you would say that, right? You your toe, you would say that, right? You your toe, you would say that, right? You would just kind of It's not a bad word. would just kind of It's not a bad word. would just kind of It's not a bad word. Well, in that moment as she says this, Well, in that moment as she says this, Well, in that moment as she says this, the entire house goes dead silent. the entire house goes dead silent. the entire house goes dead silent. And you're like, "Well, what does that And you're like, "Well, what does that And you're like, "Well, what does that matter?" If you know anything about matter?" If you know anything about matter?" If you know anything about Latinos around people, silence is not Latinos around people, silence is not Latinos around people, silence is not good. Like, you know what I'm saying? good. Like, you know what I'm saying? good. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, we loud all the time. And so, when Like, we loud all the time. And so, when Like, we loud all the time. And so, when the house goes silent, ain't good. the house goes silent, ain't good. the house goes silent, ain't good. Something is wrong. So, at this point, Something is wrong. So, at this point, Something is wrong. So, at this point, Delmy's trying to figure out like what Delmy's trying to figure out like what Delmy's trying to figure out like what what just happened. And at this moment, what just happened. And at this moment, what just happened. And at this moment, mom saw my mom says, "What did you say mom saw my mom says, "What did you say mom saw my mom says, "What did you say to my hito?" to my hito?" to my hito?" For everyone who's not laughing, let me For everyone who's not laughing, let me For everyone who's not laughing, let me just translate for what my mom said is, just translate for what my mom said is, just translate for what my mom said is, "What did you do to my baby boy?" I'm 25 "What did you do to my baby boy?" I'm 25 "What did you do to my baby boy?" I'm 25 years old at this point. So, just think years old at this point. So, just think years old at this point. So, just think about this. about this. about this. Hispanic firstborn sons, God's gift to Hispanic firstborn sons, God's gift to Hispanic firstborn sons, God's gift to the earth. Like, you see how this is to the earth. Like, you see how this is to the earth. Like, you see how this is to like I'm God's gift to my mom. That's like I'm God's gift to my mom. That's like I'm God's gift to my mom. That's what she's thinking. And this girl just what she's thinking. And this girl just what she's thinking. And this girl just said this to Josiah. But what she didn't said this to Josiah. But what she didn't said this to Josiah. But what she didn't know, what Delmi didn't know is that in know, what Delmi didn't know is that in know, what Delmi didn't know is that in Mexican culture, that word literally Mexican culture, that word literally Mexican culture, that word literally means blank joat. You can use your means blank joat. You can use your means blank joat. You can use your imagination.
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imagination. imagination. She said the same word thinking of She said the same word thinking of She said the same word thinking of completely different meaning and it completely different meaning and it completely different meaning and it changed the whole the whole game. changed the whole the whole game. changed the whole the whole game. But now you can see how how this can be But now you can see how how this can be But now you can see how how this can be difficult, right? Dialects can get difficult, right? Dialects can get difficult, right? Dialects can get confusing because you see we all have confusing because you see we all have confusing because you see we all have one primary love language that we use to one primary love language that we use to one primary love language that we use to receive and to give love. But we all receive and to give love. But we all receive and to give love. But we all have but we all have one or two have but we all have one or two have but we all have one or two secondary love languages. But we also secondary love languages. But we also secondary love languages. But we also have one foreign love language. That's have one foreign love language. That's have one foreign love language. That's just a language that you and I we just just a language that you and I we just just a language that you and I we just don't understand. But we actually need don't understand. But we actually need don't understand. But we actually need to become fluent in all five. So that we to become fluent in all five. So that we to become fluent in all five. So that we can give and receive love in any can give and receive love in any can give and receive love in any language, especially for this for those language, especially for this for those language, especially for this for those that we love the most and for those that that we love the most and for those that that we love the most and for those that we're trying to reach. Now let's look we're trying to reach. Now let's look we're trying to reach. Now let's look how Jesus explained this. Because God in how Jesus explained this. Because God in how Jesus explained this. Because God in the flesh, he was fluent in all five the flesh, he was fluent in all five the flesh, he was fluent in all five love languages. Turn to John 13. This is love languages. Turn to John 13. This is love languages. Turn to John 13. This is the last night with his disciples before the last night with his disciples before the last night with his disciples before the cross. And he's got some things to the cross. And he's got some things to the cross. And he's got some things to say and some things to to do that will say and some things to to do that will say and some things to to do that will show him that will show them that he show him that will show them that he show him that will show them that he loves them. So if you have your Bibles, loves them. So if you have your Bibles, loves them. So if you have your Bibles, John 13 John 13 John 13 verse 34, this is what it says. I'm verse 34, this is what it says. I'm verse 34, this is what it says. I'm giving you a new commandment. Love each giving you a new commandment. Love each giving you a new commandment. Love each other just as I have loved you. You other just as I have loved you. You other just as I have loved you. You should love each other. Your love for should love each other. Your love for should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that one another will prove to the world that one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. So let me show you you are my disciples. So let me show you you are my disciples. So let me show you the simple outline of these two verses.
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the simple outline of these two verses. the simple outline of these two verses. First, it says this that love is First, it says this that love is First, it says this that love is commanded by Jesus. It's not a commanded by Jesus. It's not a commanded by Jesus. It's not a suggestion. It's something that you and suggestion. It's something that you and suggestion. It's something that you and I are called to do. You see, and this is I are called to do. You see, and this is I are called to do. You see, and this is not a romantic love. It's a selfless not a romantic love. It's a selfless not a romantic love. It's a selfless love. It's a type of love that he love. It's a type of love that he love. It's a type of love that he modeled to us and for us. And so that modeled to us and for us. And so that modeled to us and for us. And so that that's the second part of this outline that's the second part of this outline that's the second part of this outline that love is modeled by Jesus. Well, that love is modeled by Jesus. Well, that love is modeled by Jesus. Well, what did he model? He gave up his own what did he model? He gave up his own what did he model? He gave up his own life for you and for me. See, Romans 5 life for you and for me. See, Romans 5 life for you and for me. See, Romans 5 says that he showed the greatest love by says that he showed the greatest love by says that he showed the greatest love by dying for us. And then finally is this. dying for us. And then finally is this. dying for us. And then finally is this. It points to Jesus. And this is why It points to Jesus. And this is why It points to Jesus. And this is why we're talking about love languages. It's we're talking about love languages. It's we're talking about love languages. It's because how you love others is a part of because how you love others is a part of because how you love others is a part of your calling and ministry. is how we you your calling and ministry. is how we you your calling and ministry. is how we you and I share Jesus with the entire world. and I share Jesus with the entire world. and I share Jesus with the entire world. More than even apologetics, this love is More than even apologetics, this love is More than even apologetics, this love is commanded by Jesus and it proves to the commanded by Jesus and it proves to the commanded by Jesus and it proves to the world that Jesus is who he says he is. world that Jesus is who he says he is. world that Jesus is who he says he is. You see, love is the primary motivation You see, love is the primary motivation You see, love is the primary motivation for evangelism. So, this is our basic for evangelism. So, this is our basic for evangelism. So, this is our basic outline for the next several weeks outline for the next several weeks outline for the next several weeks because love Jesus, we need to learn the because love Jesus, we need to learn the because love Jesus, we need to learn the different ways that he showed love. We different ways that he showed love. We different ways that he showed love. We have to get in touch with with those have to get in touch with with those have to get in touch with with those dialects. And then finally, because it dialects. And then finally, because it dialects. And then finally, because it points to Jesus, we need to learn the points to Jesus, we need to learn the points to Jesus, we need to learn the loving each other. You got that? So, so loving each other. You got that? So, so loving each other. You got that? So, so what we're going to do through this what we're going to do through this what we're going to do through this series is we're going to go like this.
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series is we're going to go like this. series is we're going to go like this. We're going to talk about the We're going to talk about the We're going to talk about the definition, the dialect, and then the definition, the dialect, and then the definition, the dialect, and then the demonstration. You see, love languages demonstration. You see, love languages demonstration. You see, love languages can be spoken in different ways from can be spoken in different ways from can be spoken in different ways from different motives and with different different motives and with different different motives and with different outcomes. And at our best, we give and outcomes. And at our best, we give and outcomes. And at our best, we give and receive love fluently. But at our worst, receive love fluently. But at our worst, receive love fluently. But at our worst, you see, we use our love language or the you see, we use our love language or the you see, we use our love language or the love language of others as a way to love language of others as a way to love language of others as a way to manipulate or attack. So what we want to manipulate or attack. So what we want to manipulate or attack. So what we want to do is give you the definition, the do is give you the definition, the do is give you the definition, the different dialects, and then explain the different dialects, and then explain the different dialects, and then explain the demonstration of that specific demonstration of that specific demonstration of that specific language. And so in other words, what language. And so in other words, what language. And so in other words, what are we trying to do? We're going to talk are we trying to do? We're going to talk are we trying to do? We're going to talk about how it builds up in the spirit and about how it builds up in the spirit and about how it builds up in the spirit and how it breaks down in the flesh. So let how it breaks down in the flesh. So let how it breaks down in the flesh. So let me spend the rest of our time together me spend the rest of our time together me spend the rest of our time together going over the first of of the five love going over the first of of the five love going over the first of of the five love languages. And the first one is this. languages. And the first one is this. languages. And the first one is this. It's acts of service. And so we're going to start with with And so we're going to start with with the definition, right? Receiving love the definition, right? Receiving love the definition, right? Receiving love through someone else. Time and effort to through someone else. Time and effort to through someone else. Time and effort to make your life easier.
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make your life easier. make your life easier. You see, you might read this definition You see, you might read this definition You see, you might read this definition and automatically think, okay, Josiah, and automatically think, okay, Josiah, and automatically think, okay, Josiah, you're talking about the spiritual gift you're talking about the spiritual gift you're talking about the spiritual gift of service. No, no, that's not what this of service. No, no, that's not what this of service. No, no, that's not what this is. This is how you like to be treated is. This is how you like to be treated is. This is how you like to be treated and how you like to be cared for. For and how you like to be cared for. For and how you like to be cared for. For some of us, we're like, "This is our some of us, we're like, "This is our some of us, we're like, "This is our foreign love language." And you may say, foreign love language." And you may say, foreign love language." And you may say, "I don't want anyone to do anything for "I don't want anyone to do anything for "I don't want anyone to do anything for me." If that's you, this isn't your love me." If that's you, this isn't your love me." If that's you, this isn't your love language. That's okay. But you still language. That's okay. But you still language. That's okay. But you still need to be fluent in it anyways. In need to be fluent in it anyways. In need to be fluent in it anyways. In fact, look what scripture says in fact, look what scripture says in fact, look what scripture says in Galatians 13 Galatians 13 Galatians 13 or in Galatians 5:13, sorry. For you or in Galatians 5:13, sorry. For you or in Galatians 5:13, sorry. For you have been called to live in freedom, my have been called to live in freedom, my have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters, but don't use your brothers and sisters, but don't use your brothers and sisters, but don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one Instead, use your freedom to serve one Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. You see, Jesus modeled another in love. You see, Jesus modeled another in love. You see, Jesus modeled this whole this whole thing through his this whole this whole thing through his this whole this whole thing through his life. In fact, uh uh Mark 10 says this, life. In fact, uh uh Mark 10 says this, life. In fact, uh uh Mark 10 says this, "For even the son of man came not to be "For even the son of man came not to be "For even the son of man came not to be >> serve >> serve >> serve >> not to be serve >> not to be serve >> not to be serve >> but to serve."
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>> but to serve." >> but to serve." >> We got to wake up a little bit out >> We got to wake up a little bit out >> We got to wake up a little bit out there. but to serve others and to give there. but to serve others and to give there. but to serve others and to give his life as ransom for many. Right? his life as ransom for many. Right? his life as ransom for many. Right? Pastors taught us, pastor Alex taught us Pastors taught us, pastor Alex taught us Pastors taught us, pastor Alex taught us about ransom, what what the definition about ransom, what what the definition about ransom, what what the definition of that many times, right? Ransom is a of that many times, right? Ransom is a of that many times, right? Ransom is a price paid to release someone from price paid to release someone from price paid to release someone from bondage. In other words, Jesus's love to bondage. In other words, Jesus's love to bondage. In other words, Jesus's love to us and for us resulted in our freedom. us and for us resulted in our freedom. us and for us resulted in our freedom. And then Galatians says that don't use And then Galatians says that don't use And then Galatians says that don't use that freedom for sin. Instead, we need that freedom for sin. Instead, we need that freedom for sin. Instead, we need to give others what Jesus first gave us. to give others what Jesus first gave us. to give others what Jesus first gave us. And now what about the dialects? Right? And now what about the dialects? Right? And now what about the dialects? Right? This is where it can all start to to This is where it can all start to to This is where it can all start to to make sense. Remember Deli and I, we're make sense. Remember Deli and I, we're make sense. Remember Deli and I, we're both speaking Spanish, but hers was a both speaking Spanish, but hers was a both speaking Spanish, but hers was a little bit different than mine. Dialects little bit different than mine. Dialects little bit different than mine. Dialects are important because if we don't are important because if we don't are important because if we don't understand them and use them, the other understand them and use them, the other understand them and use them, the other person won't receive it like you think person won't receive it like you think person won't receive it like you think they should. And you'll get frustrated they should. And you'll get frustrated they should. And you'll get frustrated and you'll throw your hands up and and you'll throw your hands up and and you'll throw your hands up and you'll end up quitting. Look, this is you'll end up quitting. Look, this is you'll end up quitting. Look, this is what I've learned uh with my wife Deli what I've learned uh with my wife Deli what I've learned uh with my wife Deli that her love language is receiving that her love language is receiving that her love language is receiving gifts. I think it's gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts. I think it's gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts. I think it's gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, all five. But what I've gifts, gifts, all five. But what I've gifts, gifts, all five. But what I've learned is she she doesn't want like learned is she she doesn't want like learned is she she doesn't want like expensive gifts. She just wants like expensive gifts. She just wants like expensive gifts. She just wants like give me 10 gifts, small gifts. So, so give me 10 gifts, small gifts. So, so give me 10 gifts, small gifts. So, so rather than just one. So, that's why the rather than just one. So, that's why the rather than just one. So, that's why the t-shirt thing didn't work out. She was t-shirt thing didn't work out. She was t-shirt thing didn't work out. She was expecting a buffet of gifts and and I expecting a buffet of gifts and and I expecting a buffet of gifts and and I gave her a rabbi. You know what I'm gave her a rabbi. You know what I'm gave her a rabbi. You know what I'm saying? And so, under the acts of saying? And so, under the acts of saying? And so, under the acts of service, there's four main dialects that service, there's four main dialects that service, there's four main dialects that that I want you to know.
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that I want you to know. that I want you to know. So, if you're taking notes, this is this So, if you're taking notes, this is this So, if you're taking notes, this is this is the fourth. is the fourth. is the fourth. instill security, alleviate stress, instill security, alleviate stress, instill security, alleviate stress, convey care, and save you time. Now, let convey care, and save you time. Now, let convey care, and save you time. Now, let me let me play this out for you. Let's me let me play this out for you. Let's me let me play this out for you. Let's say that your primary love language is say that your primary love language is say that your primary love language is acts of service. But your dialect is acts of service. But your dialect is acts of service. But your dialect is that it conveys care. But see, what that it conveys care. But see, what that it conveys care. But see, what happens if I speak to you in saving happens if I speak to you in saving happens if I speak to you in saving time? So, so maybe I say, "Hey, let me time? So, so maybe I say, "Hey, let me time? So, so maybe I say, "Hey, let me see your keys. I'm going to go fill up see your keys. I'm going to go fill up see your keys. I'm going to go fill up gas for you and come back." And you say, gas for you and come back." And you say, gas for you and come back." And you say, "Hey, thanks. That's nice of you." But "Hey, thanks. That's nice of you." But "Hey, thanks. That's nice of you." But it doesn't really register. Why? Because it doesn't really register. Why? Because it doesn't really register. Why? Because it doesn't convey care, which is your it doesn't convey care, which is your it doesn't convey care, which is your dialect. But but if your dialect is dialect. But but if your dialect is dialect. But but if your dialect is saving time, then that errand is really saving time, then that errand is really saving time, then that errand is really helpful. And giving you that 30 minutes helpful. And giving you that 30 minutes helpful. And giving you that 30 minutes back is a huge act of love. Can you see back is a huge act of love. Can you see back is a huge act of love. Can you see how we can speak the same language but how we can speak the same language but how we can speak the same language but miss the dialect here? Now, now I want miss the dialect here? Now, now I want miss the dialect here? Now, now I want you to look at the demonstration and you to look at the demonstration and you to look at the demonstration and remember every language is both spoken remember every language is both spoken remember every language is both spoken and heard. It's how we both receive and and heard. It's how we both receive and and heard. It's how we both receive and give love. So if this is an act of give love. So if this is an act of give love. So if this is an act of service in your love language and you service in your love language and you service in your love language and you are receiving it by someone else when are receiving it by someone else when are receiving it by someone else when you are in the spirit, you'll receive it you are in the spirit, you'll receive it you are in the spirit, you'll receive it this way.
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this way. this way. So we're going to camp out here for for So we're going to camp out here for for So we're going to camp out here for for just a minute, but I want you to say if just a minute, but I want you to say if just a minute, but I want you to say if you're receiving it this way. So if you're receiving it this way. So if you're receiving it this way. So if you're in the spirit and you receive it, you're in the spirit and you receive it, you're in the spirit and you receive it, this is what happens. You understand this is what happens. You understand this is what happens. You understand each act of service as a genuine effort. each act of service as a genuine effort. each act of service as a genuine effort. What what does that mean? You see the What what does that mean? You see the What what does that mean? You see the motivation behind the act. Well, let me motivation behind the act. Well, let me motivation behind the act. Well, let me give you an example. A child who makes give you an example. A child who makes give you an example. A child who makes breakfast in bed for their mom, right? breakfast in bed for their mom, right? breakfast in bed for their mom, right? My mind goes, it's Mother's Day. They're My mind goes, it's Mother's Day. They're My mind goes, it's Mother's Day. They're bringing in breakfast. Well, they got bringing in breakfast. Well, they got bringing in breakfast. Well, they got the toast and the eggs. The only problem the toast and the eggs. The only problem the toast and the eggs. The only problem is is the toast is black and burnt. The is is the toast is black and burnt. The is is the toast is black and burnt. The eggs have some shells in it. You know eggs have some shells in it. You know eggs have some shells in it. You know what I'm saying? But mom, what does mom what I'm saying? But mom, what does mom what I'm saying? But mom, what does mom say? Thank you so much. Why? Because say? Thank you so much. Why? Because say? Thank you so much. Why? Because it's the thought that count, right? It's it's the thought that count, right? It's it's the thought that count, right? It's the motivation behind that. But you see the motivation behind that. But you see the motivation behind that. But you see what happens is is when we're in the what happens is is when we're in the what happens is is when we're in the flesh, this is what happens. You slip flesh, this is what happens. You slip flesh, this is what happens. You slip into victimhood or resentment. So the into victimhood or resentment. So the into victimhood or resentment. So the same scenario, right? Kids going to make same scenario, right? Kids going to make same scenario, right? Kids going to make breakfast for his mom. The toast a breakfast for his mom. The toast a breakfast for his mom. The toast a little bit long in the toaster, you little bit long in the toaster, you little bit long in the toaster, you know, it's it's burnt a and the eggs know, it's it's burnt a and the eggs know, it's it's burnt a and the eggs have some shells in it and they go have some shells in it and they go have some shells in it and they go instead of mom answering in the spirit, instead of mom answering in the spirit, instead of mom answering in the spirit, when she answers in the flesh, this is when she answers in the flesh, this is when she answers in the flesh, this is what happens. You say, "I always do so what happens. You say, "I always do so what happens. You say, "I always do so much for everyone else and nobody does much for everyone else and nobody does much for everyone else and nobody does anything for me."
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anything for me." anything for me." And some of you know exactly what I'm And some of you know exactly what I'm And some of you know exactly what I'm talking about if your love language is talking about if your love language is talking about if your love language is acts of service. You see, and the key to acts of service. You see, and the key to acts of service. You see, and the key to understanding when it goes from the understanding when it goes from the understanding when it goes from the spirit to the flesh is to find those spirit to the flesh is to find those spirit to the flesh is to find those never and always statements, never and always statements, never and always statements, right? Cuz normally it's not always, right? Cuz normally it's not always, right? Cuz normally it's not always, it's never and it's not always because it's never and it's not always because it's never and it's not always because that usually signals signals that that usually signals signals that that usually signals signals that something is off. And that's how we something is off. And that's how we something is off. And that's how we receive the love language. the best. But receive the love language. the best. But receive the love language. the best. But now let's look at if you speak this now let's look at if you speak this now let's look at if you speak this language as the giver, if you are in the language as the giver, if you are in the language as the giver, if you are in the spirit and you are giving love uh spirit and you are giving love uh spirit and you are giving love uh through acts of service, through acts of service, through acts of service, this is you perform practical and this is you perform practical and this is you perform practical and tangible acts of love that convey tangible acts of love that convey tangible acts of love that convey genuine care for them. You see in those genuine care for them. You see in those genuine care for them. You see in those acts what what ends up happening is is acts what what ends up happening is is acts what what ends up happening is is it will give the other person a sense of it will give the other person a sense of it will give the other person a sense of belonging. They get stronger. They even belonging. They get stronger. They even belonging. They get stronger. They even get more secure in who they are and and get more secure in who they are and and get more secure in who they are and and a lot of times they can do more because a lot of times they can do more because a lot of times they can do more because of it. But if you're operating in the of it. But if you're operating in the of it. But if you're operating in the flesh, you see, this is what happens. flesh, you see, this is what happens. flesh, you see, this is what happens. You only do something to get something You only do something to get something You only do something to get something in return. You see, we put conditions on in return. You see, we put conditions on in return. You see, we put conditions on our love. So, for the next five weeks, our love. So, for the next five weeks, our love. So, for the next five weeks, we're going to be talking about how do we're going to be talking about how do we're going to be talking about how do we receive and how do we give in the we receive and how do we give in the we receive and how do we give in the spirit and in the flesh. And my spirit and in the flesh. And my spirit and in the flesh. And my encouragement to you church is that you encouragement to you church is that you encouragement to you church is that you wouldn't just be a listener to this, wouldn't just be a listener to this, wouldn't just be a listener to this, that you'd be intentional listening to that you'd be intentional listening to that you'd be intentional listening to this. I say this to our online family this. I say this to our online family this. I say this to our online family every week, grab, bring your Bible, grab every week, grab, bring your Bible, grab every week, grab, bring your Bible, grab a notebook and a pen. I promise you, you a notebook and a pen. I promise you, you a notebook and a pen. I promise you, you won't be mistaken on what God is trying won't be mistaken on what God is trying won't be mistaken on what God is trying to teach you today. But you see what to teach you today. But you see what to teach you today. But you see what happens is when we put conditions on our happens is when we put conditions on our happens is when we put conditions on our love, what ends up happening is we say, love, what ends up happening is we say, love, what ends up happening is we say, "I will do this for you as long as you
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"I will do this for you as long as you "I will do this for you as long as you do that for me." And because God's love do that for me." And because God's love do that for me." And because God's love is unconditional, what ends up happening is unconditional, what ends up happening is unconditional, what ends up happening is we twist what true love is. We twist is we twist what true love is. We twist is we twist what true love is. We twist what God's love is. So you can see that what God's love is. So you can see that what God's love is. So you can see that every love language can be spoken in a every love language can be spoken in a every love language can be spoken in a spiritual tone and in a fleshly tone. spiritual tone and in a fleshly tone. spiritual tone and in a fleshly tone. But we need to learn the difference But we need to learn the difference But we need to learn the difference because when we are in the flesh, this because when we are in the flesh, this because when we are in the flesh, this is what happens. When we're in the is what happens. When we're in the is what happens. When we're in the flesh, our relationships suffer. If you flesh, our relationships suffer. If you flesh, our relationships suffer. If you are receiving each act of service as a are receiving each act of service as a are receiving each act of service as a genuine love, but the other person is genuine love, but the other person is genuine love, but the other person is actually manipulating you, that's when actually manipulating you, that's when actually manipulating you, that's when it gets bad. Or or maybe this, if you it gets bad. Or or maybe this, if you it gets bad. Or or maybe this, if you are showing this by intentional acts of are showing this by intentional acts of are showing this by intentional acts of love, uh, but the person receiving it love, uh, but the person receiving it love, uh, but the person receiving it says, "No one no one does anything for says, "No one no one does anything for says, "No one no one does anything for me." What happens is you get frustrated me." What happens is you get frustrated me." What happens is you get frustrated because they can't see your acts of because they can't see your acts of because they can't see your acts of service. They can't see or receive what service. They can't see or receive what service. They can't see or receive what you're doing for them. But church, let you're doing for them. But church, let you're doing for them. But church, let me tell you this. Our obligation, me tell you this. Our obligation, me tell you this. Our obligation, whether we're receiving or whether we're whether we're receiving or whether we're whether we're receiving or whether we're giving, is this is to remain in the giving, is this is to remain in the giving, is this is to remain in the spirit. That's what God called you and spirit. That's what God called you and spirit. That's what God called you and me to do. Is to remain in the spirit. To me to do. Is to remain in the spirit. To me to do. Is to remain in the spirit. To walk alongside him, to be in his word, walk alongside him, to be in his word, walk alongside him, to be in his word, to speak to him, to live out our to speak to him, to live out our to speak to him, to live out our emotions and our actions through the emotions and our actions through the emotions and our actions through the spirit. You see, Jesus even modeled this spirit. You see, Jesus even modeled this spirit. You see, Jesus even modeled this for us.
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for us. for us. Earlier we read in in John 13 that on Earlier we read in in John 13 that on Earlier we read in in John 13 that on that same night he spent teaching his that same night he spent teaching his that same night he spent teaching his disciples. He he sat down for a meal or disciples. He he sat down for a meal or disciples. He he sat down for a meal or actually he laid down and in those days actually he laid down and in those days actually he laid down and in those days they would sit around a a U-shaped table they would sit around a a U-shaped table they would sit around a a U-shaped table low to the ground and they would lay on low to the ground and they would lay on low to the ground and they would lay on their left so they could eat with their their left so they could eat with their their left so they could eat with their right hand and their feet would be right hand and their feet would be right hand and their feet would be sticking out behind them and they would sticking out behind them and they would sticking out behind them and they would take off their sandals if they wore any. take off their sandals if they wore any. take off their sandals if they wore any. And I'm just going to tell you it's And I'm just going to tell you it's And I'm just going to tell you it's probably stinky. probably stinky. probably stinky. But what did Jesus do? But what did Jesus do? But what did Jesus do? He got up from dinner and he decided, He got up from dinner and he decided, He got up from dinner and he decided, I'm going to express some love with an I'm going to express some love with an I'm going to express some love with an act of service. Look at this with me. act of service. Look at this with me. act of service. Look at this with me. John 13, John 13, John 13, verse four, it says, "He got up from the verse four, it says, "He got up from the verse four, it says, "He got up from the table. He took off his robe. He wrapped table. He took off his robe. He wrapped table. He took off his robe. He wrapped a tail around his waist and poured water a tail around his waist and poured water a tail around his waist and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash into a basin. Then he began to wash into a basin. Then he began to wash those wash the disciples feet, drying those wash the disciples feet, drying those wash the disciples feet, drying them with the towel that he had around them with the towel that he had around them with the towel that he had around him." him." him." Take a look at a couple things. Notice Take a look at a couple things. Notice Take a look at a couple things. Notice that he took off his robe. In other that he took off his robe. In other that he took off his robe. In other words, he took his outer garment before words, he took his outer garment before words, he took his outer garment before wrapping it a towel around him. In wrapping it a towel around him. In wrapping it a towel around him. In Philippians 2, it talks about how Jesus Philippians 2, it talks about how Jesus Philippians 2, it talks about how Jesus took off his divine nature. He laid it took off his divine nature. He laid it took off his divine nature. He laid it aside. But that doesn't mean that he aside. But that doesn't mean that he aside. But that doesn't mean that he stopped being God. It means that he stopped being God. It means that he stopped being God. It means that he didn't consider his divine nature as didn't consider his divine nature as didn't consider his divine nature as something to hold on to while he lived something to hold on to while he lived something to hold on to while he lived his life. Remember church, what he said?
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his life. Remember church, what he said? his life. Remember church, what he said? came to serve not to be served. So he came to serve not to be served. So he came to serve not to be served. So he takes off his divine nature, his outer takes off his divine nature, his outer takes off his divine nature, his outer robe and he puts on his human nature and robe and he puts on his human nature and robe and he puts on his human nature and then from his human nature he served then from his human nature he served then from his human nature he served them. The application is this acts of them. The application is this acts of them. The application is this acts of service cannot be done from a position service cannot be done from a position service cannot be done from a position of superiority or the purpose of getting of superiority or the purpose of getting of superiority or the purpose of getting something in return. something in return. something in return. That's what happens if it's in the That's what happens if it's in the That's what happens if it's in the flesh. If we're operating in the flesh, flesh. If we're operating in the flesh, flesh. If we're operating in the flesh, we're only doing things in expectation we're only doing things in expectation we're only doing things in expectation that they're going to receive that we're that they're going to receive that we're that they're going to receive that we're going to receive something back. going to receive something back. going to receive something back. You see, we don't do an act of service You see, we don't do an act of service You see, we don't do an act of service for our spouse or for our friend or for our spouse or for our friend or for our spouse or for our friend or really for anyone so that they will do really for anyone so that they will do really for anyone so that they will do something back for us. It has to be done something back for us. It has to be done something back for us. It has to be done from a place of humility. from a place of humility. from a place of humility. It has to be done from a place of It has to be done from a place of It has to be done from a place of humility. You see, so many of us are humility. You see, so many of us are humility. You see, so many of us are walking around in these relationships walking around in these relationships walking around in these relationships that are half broken. that are half broken. that are half broken. And you know as I'm talking about it And you know as I'm talking about it And you know as I'm talking about it today, those relationships are coming to today, those relationships are coming to today, those relationships are coming to your mind, your mind, your mind, maybe it is a friend, maybe it is your maybe it is a friend, maybe it is your maybe it is a friend, maybe it is your spouse, maybe it is a strain spouse, maybe it is a strain spouse, maybe it is a strain relationship with your daughter or your relationship with your daughter or your relationship with your daughter or your son or your parents.
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son or your parents. son or your parents. You see, the problem is is that the You see, the problem is is that the You see, the problem is is that the problem isn't that we don't want them to problem isn't that we don't want them to problem isn't that we don't want them to change. We want them to change. But change. We want them to change. But change. We want them to change. But here's the problem. We're waiting for here's the problem. We're waiting for here's the problem. We're waiting for you to change. We're waiting for the you to change. We're waiting for the you to change. We're waiting for the other person at each other. As a with a other person at each other. As a with a other person at each other. As a with a four-year-old, believe me, we stare a four-year-old, believe me, we stare a four-year-old, believe me, we stare a lot. lot. lot. Why? Because we're waiting for the other Why? Because we're waiting for the other Why? Because we're waiting for the other person to blink. person to blink. person to blink. We're waiting for the that it'll be easy We're waiting for the that it'll be easy We're waiting for the that it'll be easy as laying down our pride. as laying down our pride. as laying down our pride. A and we have to speak it without the A and we have to speak it without the A and we have to speak it without the idea of getting anything in return. And idea of getting anything in return. And idea of getting anything in return. And you're saying, "Well, why should I do you're saying, "Well, why should I do you're saying, "Well, why should I do that? Why should we do that?" Let me that? Why should we do that?" Let me that? Why should we do that?" Let me tell you, it's because God made the tell you, it's because God made the tell you, it's because God made the first move for you. first move for you. first move for you. He sent his his son to die for you while He sent his his son to die for you while He sent his his son to die for you while we were still sinners. we were still sinners. we were still sinners. We didn't deserve it. And yet he still We didn't deserve it. And yet he still We didn't deserve it. And yet he still did it. You see what happens is is is he did it. You see what happens is is is he did it. You see what happens is is is he didn't wait for us to to to get ready. didn't wait for us to to to get ready. didn't wait for us to to to get ready. He didn't wait for you to get He didn't wait for you to get He didn't wait for you to get financially ready. He didn't wait for financially ready. He didn't wait for financially ready. He didn't wait for that relationship to become good, for that relationship to become good, for that relationship to become good, for you to become perfect, for you to fix you to become perfect, for you to fix you to become perfect, for you to fix all the imperfections that you have in all the imperfections that you have in all the imperfections that you have in your life. No, he didn't wait for you to your life. No, he didn't wait for you to your life. No, he didn't wait for you to clean yourself up. He came and he did clean yourself up. He came and he did clean yourself up. He came and he did everything for us. And now he expects us everything for us. And now he expects us everything for us. And now he expects us to do the same for others. Every love to do the same for others. Every love to do the same for others. Every love language should be spoken in that same language should be spoken in that same language should be spoken in that same tone in the spirit. You see, we don't tone in the spirit. You see, we don't tone in the spirit. You see, we don't get to choose our primary love language.
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get to choose our primary love language. get to choose our primary love language. Just that we don't get to choose our our Just that we don't get to choose our our Just that we don't get to choose our our spiritual gift or our personality, but spiritual gift or our personality, but spiritual gift or our personality, but we can become fluent in them. That that we can become fluent in them. That that we can become fluent in them. That that that's your and my responsibility. Why? that's your and my responsibility. Why? that's your and my responsibility. Why? Remember, love is the language of God. Remember, love is the language of God. Remember, love is the language of God. And right now, if you've had if you've And right now, if you've had if you've And right now, if you've had if you've ever had a problem with receiving love, ever had a problem with receiving love, ever had a problem with receiving love, it may be because your idea of love has it may be because your idea of love has it may be because your idea of love has always been with strings attached. always been with strings attached. always been with strings attached. You said, "I I I love them in order for You said, "I I I love them in order for You said, "I I I love them in order for me to get this in return." me to get this in return." me to get this in return." And let me just tell you today, the best And let me just tell you today, the best And let me just tell you today, the best way to get over that is to receive way to get over that is to receive way to get over that is to receive Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You see, as we're talking about love You see, as we're talking about love You see, as we're talking about love languages and specifically today, the languages and specifically today, the languages and specifically today, the acts of service, what I want to tell you acts of service, what I want to tell you acts of service, what I want to tell you and what I want to remind some of you and what I want to remind some of you and what I want to remind some of you today today today is the ultimate act of service the world is the ultimate act of service the world is the ultimate act of service the world has ever seen was Jesus dying on that has ever seen was Jesus dying on that has ever seen was Jesus dying on that cross for me and for you. He modeled it cross for me and for you. He modeled it cross for me and for you. He modeled it for us. If he was willing be willing to for us. If he was willing be willing to for us. If he was willing be willing to do that for us, why can't we be willing do that for us, why can't we be willing do that for us, why can't we be willing to love others? Well, would you do me a to love others? Well, would you do me a to love others? Well, would you do me a favor? Would you just bow your head?
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favor? Would you just bow your head? favor? Would you just bow your head? Would you close your eyes for just a Would you close your eyes for just a Would you close your eyes for just a minute? And I said earlier as I was speaking And I said earlier as I was speaking today, there's probably relationships today, there's probably relationships today, there's probably relationships coming to your mind on how that are coming to your mind on how that are coming to your mind on how that are maybe half broken or maybe completely maybe half broken or maybe completely maybe half broken or maybe completely broken. broken. broken. And maybe God's saying on your heart And maybe God's saying on your heart And maybe God's saying on your heart today to take that first move today to take that first move today to take that first move to speak their love language first. to speak their love language first. to speak their love language first. And if that's you, I pray right now that And if that's you, I pray right now that And if that's you, I pray right now that God would give you the courage and the God would give you the courage and the God would give you the courage and the wisdom to do that. wisdom to do that. wisdom to do that. But if you're in the room today and and But if you're in the room today and and But if you're in the room today and and you don't know Jesus, you've never you don't know Jesus, you've never you don't know Jesus, you've never really received Jesus, you've never really received Jesus, you've never really received Jesus, you've never received the ultimate received the ultimate received the ultimate act of service. act of service. act of service. I want to help you do that today to I want to help you do that today to I want to help you do that today to repent of your sin and to to receive him repent of your sin and to to receive him repent of your sin and to to receive him as your Lord and your Savior. So, if as your Lord and your Savior. So, if as your Lord and your Savior. So, if that's you today, I'm going to pray a that's you today, I'm going to pray a that's you today, I'm going to pray a prayer in just a moment. And I would prayer in just a moment. And I would prayer in just a moment. And I would love for you to pray after me. And love for you to pray after me. And love for you to pray after me. And everyone around you in the room will everyone around you in the room will everyone around you in the room will pray out loud as a way to encourage you.
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pray out loud as a way to encourage you. pray out loud as a way to encourage you. And so, if that's you today, don't leave And so, if that's you today, don't leave And so, if that's you today, don't leave this room without receiving the ultimate this room without receiving the ultimate this room without receiving the ultimate act of service, Jesus dying for you and act of service, Jesus dying for you and act of service, Jesus dying for you and for me, the gospel of Jesus. If that's for me, the gospel of Jesus. If that's for me, the gospel of Jesus. If that's you this morning, would you pray this you this morning, would you pray this you this morning, would you pray this prayer after me? Dear God, Dear God, I prayer after me? Dear God, Dear God, I prayer after me? Dear God, Dear God, I know that I'm a sinner, know that I'm a sinner, know that I'm a sinner, but today I ask you but today I ask you but today I ask you to forgive me of my sin. to forgive me of my sin. to forgive me of my sin. Jesus, come into my life Jesus, come into my life Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord, to be my Lord, to be my Lord, my Savior, my Savior, my Savior, >> and my forgiver >> and my forgiver >> and my forgiver in the best way I know how. in the best way I know how. in the best way I know how. I turn my back on my sin I turn my back on my sin I turn my back on my sin and I give my life to you. and I give my life to you. and I give my life to you. Thank you for saving me. Now, before we Thank you for saving me. Now, before we Thank you for saving me. Now, before we say amen, uh over the next five weeks, say amen, uh over the next five weeks, say amen, uh over the next five weeks, let let we're going to pray this prayer let let we're going to pray this prayer let let we're going to pray this prayer over you. And so, today, let me pray over you. And so, today, let me pray over you. And so, today, let me pray this prayer over you. Lord, help us to this prayer over you. Lord, help us to this prayer over you. Lord, help us to give and to receive this love language give and to receive this love language give and to receive this love language of acts of service in the best way of acts of service in the best way of acts of service in the best way possible by giving and receiving it in possible by giving and receiving it in possible by giving and receiving it in the spirit, God. God, I pray that you the spirit, God. God, I pray that you the spirit, God. God, I pray that you would help us to know you, God. Thank would help us to know you, God. Thank would help us to know you, God. Thank you for what you're doing in our church.
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you for what you're doing in our church. you for what you're doing in our church. Thank you for what you're doing in and Thank you for what you're doing in and Thank you for what you're doing in and through us. God, we love church. What a great message. Uh that church. What a great message. Uh that was today. I was challenged to get to was today. I was challenged to get to was today. I was challenged to get to know more about love. It was so great to know more about love. It was so great to know more about love. It was so great to have you today. And if you are looking have you today. And if you are looking have you today. And if you are looking for more additional resources for our for more additional resources for our for more additional resources for our love languages, we prepared some of love languages, we prepared some of love languages, we prepared some of those in our Battle Creek app. So if you those in our Battle Creek app. So if you those in our Battle Creek app. So if you don't have it, go ahead and download it don't have it, go ahead and download it don't have it, go ahead and download it on you can download it on the app store. on you can download it on the app store. on you can download it on the app store. [music] Look it up as Battle Creek [music] Look it up as Battle Creek [music] Look it up as Battle Creek Church app or click on the link in the Church app or click on the link in the Church app or click on the link in the chat. And hey, so I'm excited to see you chat. And hey, so I'm excited to see you chat. And hey, so I'm excited to see you there and [music] I we will see you too there and [music] I we will see you too there and [music] I we will see you too next Sunday. [music] [music] >> Woah. Woah. Woah.
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Wow. Wow. [music] Why? Why? [music] [music] [music] >> Hey.
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>> Hey, >> Hey, hey, hey. [music] [music] [music] >> Hey, >> Hey, >> Hey, hey, hey.
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Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. >> Heat. >> Heat. Hey, Heat. [music]
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[music] Heat. >> Hey, hey, hey.
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>> Hey, hey, hey. [music] >> You know, we know. >> You know, we know. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> When the
Summary
This sermon focuses on the mission of Battle Creek Church to help all people advance in their journey with Christ, emphasizing community outreach, international partnerships in the Middle East, and ministries for all ages and needs. It highlights the church as a place of hope, help, and love, actively serving and sharing the message of Jesus. The takeaway is that everyone, regardless of their stage in faith or background, has a place in God's mission and is invited to move closer to Him.