Pause Week Three | The Parable of The Good Samaritan | Pastor Kristin Becnel

to my [music] dearest sponsor. to my [music] dearest sponsor. I'll never forget how excited I was when I'll never forget how excited I was when I'll never forget how excited I was when I learned that you choose to sponsor me. I learned that you choose to sponsor me. I learned that you choose to sponsor me. You mean a lot to me You mean a lot to me You mean a lot to me because for much of my life, I have felt because for much of my life, I have felt because for much of my life, I have felt very alone. My father died when I was very young and My father died when I was very young and my mother moved very far away to find my mother moved very far away to find my mother moved very far away to find work. I haven't seen her in many years. work. I haven't seen her in many years. work. I haven't seen her in many years. Now I live with my grandmother. Life has Now I live with my grandmother. Life has Now I live with my grandmother. Life has been difficult for us because we are been difficult for us because we are been difficult for us because we are very poor. very poor. very poor. But my future is bright because I am in But my future is bright because I am in But my future is bright because I am in the one child matters program. I really love going to the center I really love going to the center because I have so many friends there and because I have so many friends there and because I have so many friends there and I am learning so much. They help me to I am learning so much. They help me to I am learning so much. They help me to do my best in school. do my best in school. do my best in school. They give me yummy food to eat They give me yummy food to eat They give me yummy food to eat and teach me about God that he loves me and teach me about God that he loves me and teach me about God that he loves me and he wants me to show his love to and he wants me to show his love to and he wants me to show his love to others.

That is why I help my grandmother in the That is why I help my grandmother in the house because I know she [music] needs house because I know she [music] needs house because I know she [music] needs me. I think God wants me to become a teacher I think God wants me to become a teacher someday so I can help other children someday so I can help other children someday so I can help other children like me. like me. like me. I am studying hard so that I can I am studying hard so that I can I am studying hard so that I can succeed. succeed. succeed. I want you to know that I pray for you I want you to know that I pray for you I want you to know that I pray for you often that the Lord will bless you. often that the Lord will bless you. often that the Lord will bless you. My favorite scripture, James 4:8 says, My favorite scripture, James 4:8 says, My favorite scripture, James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and he will draw near "Draw near to God and he will draw near "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." I know this is true because God to you." I know this is true because God to you." I know this is true because God has given me you as my sponsor. Thank has given me you as my sponsor. Thank has given me you as my sponsor. Thank you and I love you, you and I love you, you and I love you, Zen. Well, good morning church. Come on. Can Well, good morning church. Come on. Can we keep that club going? Help me welcome we keep that club going? Help me welcome we keep that club going? Help me welcome all of our campuses, all of our campuses, all of our campuses, those that are part of our online those that are part of our online those that are part of our online family, those watching from the jails.

family, those watching from the jails. family, those watching from the jails. We are so grateful to have you all here. We are so grateful to have you all here. We are so grateful to have you all here. My name is Kristen and I'm part of the My name is Kristen and I'm part of the My name is Kristen and I'm part of the team here at Bayside. And before we go team here at Bayside. And before we go team here at Bayside. And before we go any further, I want to just take a quick any further, I want to just take a quick any further, I want to just take a quick moment. How incredible was that story moment. How incredible was that story moment. How incredible was that story that we just heard of the precious that we just heard of the precious that we just heard of the precious girl's life and the impact that's being girl's life and the impact that's being girl's life and the impact that's being made because of one child. Perhaps you made because of one child. Perhaps you made because of one child. Perhaps you don't know this, but One Child has don't know this, but One Child has don't know this, but One Child has actually been a partner of Bayides uh actually been a partner of Bayides uh actually been a partner of Bayides uh for many, many years. And we've had the for many, many years. And we've had the for many, many years. And we've had the opportunity to spons sponsor many opportunity to spons sponsor many opportunity to spons sponsor many children in Zimbabwe, Africa, and we're children in Zimbabwe, Africa, and we're children in Zimbabwe, Africa, and we're so excited because they're here with us so excited because they're here with us so excited because they're here with us today. And we are expanding our impact. today. And we are expanding our impact. today. And we are expanding our impact. And so we now not only have children And so we now not only have children And so we now not only have children that we are sponsoring in Zimbabwe, but that we are sponsoring in Zimbabwe, but that we are sponsoring in Zimbabwe, but we have opportunity to sponsor children we have opportunity to sponsor children we have opportunity to sponsor children in Nepal and Pakistan as well. And in Nepal and Pakistan as well. And in Nepal and Pakistan as well. And what's so incredible is that we already what's so incredible is that we already what's so incredible is that we already have strategic missions partners in have strategic missions partners in have strategic missions partners in those parts of the country and parts of those parts of the country and parts of those parts of the country and parts of the world. And so by joining together the world. And so by joining together the world. And so by joining together with one child, we are going to be able with one child, we are going to be able with one child, we are going to be able to make an even greater impact and to make an even greater impact and to make an even greater impact and impact the next generation in those impact the next generation in those impact the next generation in those countries. And so I want to ask you to countries. And so I want to ask you to countries. And so I want to ask you to visit their table in the foyer. They are visit their table in the foyer. They are visit their table in the foyer. They are set up at all of our campuses after set up at all of our campuses after set up at all of our campuses after service today. You're actually going to service today. You're actually going to service today. You're actually going to have the opportunity to see some of the have the opportunity to see some of the have the opportunity to see some of the children that you can sponsor. Uh our children that you can sponsor. Uh our children that you can sponsor. Uh our family uh visited and we chose a sweet family uh visited and we chose a sweet family uh visited and we chose a sweet little girl named Lyana from Nepal. And little girl named Lyana from Nepal. And little girl named Lyana from Nepal. And we're so grateful to be able to do this

we're so grateful to be able to do this we're so grateful to be able to do this because for uh a trip to Chick-fil-A uh because for uh a trip to Chick-fil-A uh because for uh a trip to Chick-fil-A uh for just $44 a month, we're able to help for just $44 a month, we're able to help for just $44 a month, we're able to help give her food and we're able to help her give her food and we're able to help her give her food and we're able to help her have the education she needs and in have the education she needs and in have the education she needs and in Christian environment and clean water. Christian environment and clean water. Christian environment and clean water. And so we're so grateful to be able to And so we're so grateful to be able to And so we're so grateful to be able to do that. So I want to encourage you if do that. So I want to encourage you if do that. So I want to encourage you if your family's with you, make this a your family's with you, make this a your family's with you, make this a family thing. Bring your kids. Let them family thing. Bring your kids. Let them family thing. Bring your kids. Let them be a part of this. let them see the be a part of this. let them see the be a part of this. let them see the impact of living generously and what impact of living generously and what impact of living generously and what that looks like. So, be sure to stop by that looks like. So, be sure to stop by that looks like. So, be sure to stop by today after service. Well, I am so today after service. Well, I am so today after service. Well, I am so grateful as I always am when I'm able to grateful as I always am when I'm able to grateful as I always am when I'm able to open up God's word and share with you open up God's word and share with you open up God's word and share with you today. I am very excited about this today. I am very excited about this today. I am very excited about this message. But I have to tell you, this message. But I have to tell you, this message. But I have to tell you, this message comes with a warning. It's kind message comes with a warning. It's kind message comes with a warning. It's kind of like when you get on a ride at Disney of like when you get on a ride at Disney of like when you get on a ride at Disney or Bush Gardens, right? And it's like if or Bush Gardens, right? And it's like if or Bush Gardens, right? And it's like if you have neck pain, if you have a back you have neck pain, if you have a back you have neck pain, if you have a back pain, if you have a foot injury, you pain, if you have a foot injury, you pain, if you have a foot injury, you know, you got all these warnings. Okay, know, you got all these warnings. Okay, know, you got all these warnings. Okay, here's my warning.

here's my warning. here's my warning. You're going to get uncomfortable. You are. You are. God's going to step on your toes. God's going to step on your toes. God's going to step on your toes. How do I know that? How do I know that? How do I know that? Well, because in my preparation, Well, because in my preparation, Well, because in my preparation, I got uncomfortable. I got uncomfortable. I got uncomfortable. You know, it's good to preach it to You know, it's good to preach it to You know, it's good to preach it to myself first. myself first. myself first. I got uncomfortable. I got uncomfortable. I got uncomfortable. I walked into the kitchen at one point. I walked into the kitchen at one point. I walked into the kitchen at one point. I looked at Jordan and I was like, I looked at Jordan and I was like, I looked at Jordan and I was like, "Babe, I'm going to have to repent in "Babe, I'm going to have to repent in "Babe, I'm going to have to repent in front of the entire church for how many front of the entire church for how many front of the entire church for how many times I have missed the message that I'm times I have missed the message that I'm times I have missed the message that I'm about to preach." about to preach." about to preach." But church, I'm I'm going tell you, I But church, I'm I'm going tell you, I But church, I'm I'm going tell you, I want to encourage you that uncomfortable want to encourage you that uncomfortable want to encourage you that uncomfortable isn't bad. It's good. Listen, I'm real isn't bad. It's good. Listen, I'm real isn't bad. It's good. Listen, I'm real comfortable on my couch. comfortable on my couch. comfortable on my couch. Not so comfortable when I'm in the gym, Not so comfortable when I'm in the gym, Not so comfortable when I'm in the gym, but it's good for me to be in the gym.

but it's good for me to be in the gym. but it's good for me to be in the gym. Comfort isn't what we're after. I was Comfort isn't what we're after. I was Comfort isn't what we're after. I was reminded of what the Bible teaches us in reminded of what the Bible teaches us in reminded of what the Bible teaches us in James. It says that we are to be doers James. It says that we are to be doers James. It says that we are to be doers of the word, not just hearers. You know, of the word, not just hearers. You know, of the word, not just hearers. You know, we How many of you got enough hearers in we How many of you got enough hearers in we How many of you got enough hearers in your house? They're usually the ones your house? They're usually the ones your house? They're usually the ones that depend on you for like food and that depend on you for like food and that depend on you for like food and medical care and clothing. They're like medical care and clothing. They're like medical care and clothing. They're like half your size. half your size. half your size. Go clean your room. Hello. Hello. Did you hear me? Did you hear me? Did you hear me? Oh, yes. Yeah. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, Oh, yes. Yeah. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, Oh, yes. Yeah. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, ma'am. Well, why aren't we doing ma'am. Well, why aren't we doing ma'am. Well, why aren't we doing anything today? we're going to be anything today? we're going to be anything today? we're going to be stirred up to do. I'm glad that you're stirred up to do. I'm glad that you're stirred up to do. I'm glad that you're here, but if you just came to church here, but if you just came to church here, but if you just came to church this morning to tick a box, I'm telling this morning to tick a box, I'm telling this morning to tick a box, I'm telling you, you're missing it because God's you, you're missing it because God's you, you're missing it because God's word should move us to action. And I word should move us to action. And I word should move us to action. And I believe that's exactly what he wants us believe that's exactly what he wants us believe that's exactly what he wants us to do today. So, if you're with me, to do today. So, if you're with me, to do today. So, if you're with me, let's go to the Lord in prayer and let's let's go to the Lord in prayer and let's let's go to the Lord in prayer and let's prepare our hearts for what it is that prepare our hearts for what it is that prepare our hearts for what it is that he wants to speak to us. God, we thank he wants to speak to us. God, we thank he wants to speak to us. God, we thank you so much that you are here in this you so much that you are here in this you so much that you are here in this place. And God, I thank you for the word place. And God, I thank you for the word place. And God, I thank you for the word that you have given that you have given that you have given to share.

to share. to share. And so, God, I get out of the way and I And so, God, I get out of the way and I And so, God, I get out of the way and I pray that your word would go forth for pray that your word would go forth for pray that your word would go forth for your word is alive and it is active and your word is alive and it is active and your word is alive and it is active and it is sharper than any double-edged it is sharper than any double-edged it is sharper than any double-edged sword. So, God, would you pierce our sword. So, God, would you pierce our sword. So, God, would you pierce our hearts? Would you trim away what needs hearts? Would you trim away what needs hearts? Would you trim away what needs to be trimmed? Would you cover what to be trimmed? Would you cover what to be trimmed? Would you cover what needs to be covered? Would you soothe needs to be covered? Would you soothe needs to be covered? Would you soothe what needs to be soothed? what needs to be soothed? what needs to be soothed? Oh, and Father, would you move us that Oh, and Father, would you move us that Oh, and Father, would you move us that we would leave here ready to live we would leave here ready to live we would leave here ready to live differently than the way that we came in differently than the way that we came in differently than the way that we came in the name of Jesus. And everybody said, the name of Jesus. And everybody said, the name of Jesus. And everybody said, >> "Amen." And amen. So, we're going to >> "Amen." And amen. So, we're going to >> "Amen." And amen. So, we're going to continue in our series that we are in continue in our series that we are in continue in our series that we are in called Pause. I hope you've been called Pause. I hope you've been called Pause. I hope you've been enjoying this series. We do this every enjoying this series. We do this every enjoying this series. We do this every summer where we take time to pause and summer where we take time to pause and summer where we take time to pause and really spend time in God's word. This really spend time in God's word. This really spend time in God's word. This summer we are looking at the parables summer we are looking at the parables summer we are looking at the parables that Jesus taught. And we've paired this that Jesus taught. And we've paired this that Jesus taught. And we've paired this series with a daily Bible reading plan. series with a daily Bible reading plan. series with a daily Bible reading plan. And I hope you're joining us in that. And I hope you're joining us in that. And I hope you're joining us in that. The best place to get that reading plan The best place to get that reading plan The best place to get that reading plan is our brand new Bayside app. If you is our brand new Bayside app. If you is our brand new Bayside app. If you have not downloaded that yet, be sure to have not downloaded that yet, be sure to have not downloaded that yet, be sure to do that. You can do that in your app do that. You can do that in your app do that. You can do that in your app store. You can also do it by uh that store. You can also do it by uh that store. You can also do it by uh that sticker on the seat in front of you.

sticker on the seat in front of you. sticker on the seat in front of you. You'll find a link to it there as well. You'll find a link to it there as well. You'll find a link to it there as well. But you're going to want to do that and But you're going to want to do that and But you're going to want to do that and dive into God's word because it's not dive into God's word because it's not dive into God's word because it's not just about Sundays. He wants to pause just about Sundays. He wants to pause just about Sundays. He wants to pause and spend time with you every day of the and spend time with you every day of the and spend time with you every day of the week. Today though, we are going to be week. Today though, we are going to be week. Today though, we are going to be looking at a parable that Jesus taught looking at a parable that Jesus taught looking at a parable that Jesus taught that perhaps may be a little familiar to that perhaps may be a little familiar to that perhaps may be a little familiar to you. As a reminder, a parable is simply you. As a reminder, a parable is simply you. As a reminder, a parable is simply a story. Jesus would use these all the a story. Jesus would use these all the a story. Jesus would use these all the time as he would teach and he would time as he would teach and he would time as he would teach and he would share a story and give people a share a story and give people a share a story and give people a perspective on a new way of living, a perspective on a new way of living, a perspective on a new way of living, a kingdom way of living. And so today, if kingdom way of living. And so today, if kingdom way of living. And so today, if you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn to Luke chapter 10. We're going to be to Luke chapter 10. We're going to be to Luke chapter 10. We're going to be looking at the story of the good looking at the story of the good looking at the story of the good Samaritan, but we're going to start just Samaritan, but we're going to start just Samaritan, but we're going to start just above the parable in verse 25. And we're above the parable in verse 25. And we're above the parable in verse 25. And we're going to gain a little context for why going to gain a little context for why going to gain a little context for why it is that Jesus even shared this story it is that Jesus even shared this story it is that Jesus even shared this story to begin with. So, if you have your to begin with. So, if you have your to begin with. So, if you have your Bibles, Bibles, Bibles, turn with me. Luke 10:25. If not, it's turn with me. Luke 10:25. If not, it's turn with me. Luke 10:25. If not, it's on the screen behind me. Here's what it on the screen behind me. Here's what it on the screen behind me. Here's what it says. One day, an expert in religious says. One day, an expert in religious says. One day, an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him law stood up to test Jesus by asking him law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question. Teacher, what should I do this question. Teacher, what should I do this question. Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus replied, to inherit eternal life? Jesus replied, to inherit eternal life? Jesus replied, "Well, what does the law of Moses say?

"Well, what does the law of Moses say? "Well, what does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" The man answered, How do you read it?" The man answered, How do you read it?" The man answered, "You must love the Lord your God with "You must love the Lord your God with "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your all your heart, all your soul, all your all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind, and love strength, and all your mind, and love strength, and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." Right? Jesus your neighbor as yourself." Right? Jesus your neighbor as yourself." Right? Jesus told him, "Do this and you will live." told him, "Do this and you will live." told him, "Do this and you will live." Now, I don't know if perhaps you have Now, I don't know if perhaps you have Now, I don't know if perhaps you have ever thought about this, but love in the ever thought about this, but love in the ever thought about this, but love in the English language is a very complicated English language is a very complicated English language is a very complicated word. We love a lot of things. Like a word. We love a lot of things. Like a word. We love a lot of things. Like a lot of us, we love our favorite sports lot of us, we love our favorite sports lot of us, we love our favorite sports team. Some of you are counting down the team. Some of you are counting down the team. Some of you are counting down the days of summer, not because your kids days of summer, not because your kids days of summer, not because your kids are going back to school, but because are going back to school, but because are going back to school, but because football is back. football is back. football is back. These I heard a few claps in the back. These I heard a few claps in the back. These I heard a few claps in the back. It's okay. You can be excited about It's okay. You can be excited about It's okay. You can be excited about football. football. football. Uh this week watching the World Cup, Uh this week watching the World Cup, Uh this week watching the World Cup, seeing grown men cry seeing grown men cry seeing grown men cry tears tears tears because of how much they love their because of how much they love their because of how much they love their country and they love the sport.

country and they love the sport. country and they love the sport. Some of you love Disney. Some of you love Disney. Some of you love Disney. You You You will go to Disney to wait in a 2hour will go to Disney to wait in a 2hour will go to Disney to wait in a 2hour line in a 105 degree heat for a 60se line in a 105 degree heat for a 60se line in a 105 degree heat for a 60se second ride that you have ridden 12 second ride that you have ridden 12 second ride that you have ridden 12 times. times. times. Love makes us do crazy things. Love makes us do crazy things. Love makes us do crazy things. Let's not forget how much we love food. Let's not forget how much we love food. Let's not forget how much we love food. Oh, the lengths we will go to for a good Oh, the lengths we will go to for a good Oh, the lengths we will go to for a good meal. The lines we will stand in for a meal. The lines we will stand in for a meal. The lines we will stand in for a peaches donut. Oh, if you know, you peaches donut. Oh, if you know, you peaches donut. Oh, if you know, you know. And if you don't, Google it and know. And if you don't, Google it and know. And if you don't, Google it and you're going to thank me. you're going to thank me. you're going to thank me. Love. The command is love. In short, Love. The command is love. In short, Love. The command is love. In short, it's to love God and love others. it's to love God and love others. it's to love God and love others. Love, it's not a word. It's not a Love, it's not a word. It's not a Love, it's not a word. It's not a sermon. It's not a feeling. It's an sermon. It's not a feeling. It's an sermon. It's not a feeling. It's an action action action and it's expensive. It costs something, and it's expensive. It costs something, and it's expensive. It costs something, you know, to love the Lord your God with you know, to love the Lord your God with you know, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your all your heart, your soul, your all your heart, your soul, your strength, your mind, and to love your strength, your mind, and to love your strength, your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Have you ever neighbor as yourself. Have you ever neighbor as yourself. Have you ever thought about what actions thought about what actions thought about what actions should that produce in my life?

should that produce in my life? should that produce in my life? You see, the expert here knew the You see, the expert here knew the You see, the expert here knew the answer. answer. answer. Jesus said, "You're right. Jesus said, "You're right. Jesus said, "You're right. You know, You know, You know, now go and do." now go and do." now go and do." You see, there must have been some sort You see, there must have been some sort You see, there must have been some sort of a disconnect between what the man of a disconnect between what the man of a disconnect between what the man knew and how the man was living. knew and how the man was living. knew and how the man was living. Well, the man, it seems, didn't really Well, the man, it seems, didn't really Well, the man, it seems, didn't really like that answer. like that answer. like that answer. Perhaps he got a little uncomfortable. Perhaps he got a little uncomfortable. Perhaps he got a little uncomfortable. And so he says it says the man wanted to And so he says it says the man wanted to And so he says it says the man wanted to justify his actions. So he asked Jesus justify his actions. So he asked Jesus justify his actions. So he asked Jesus and who is my neighbor? and who is my neighbor? and who is my neighbor? The command is to love. The question he The command is to love. The question he The command is to love. The question he asks is well who do I have to love? Who asks is well who do I have to love? Who asks is well who do I have to love? Who is my neighbor? Jesus answers it with a is my neighbor? Jesus answers it with a is my neighbor? Jesus answers it with a story. story. story. Verse 30. A Jewish man was traveling Verse 30. A Jewish man was traveling Verse 30. A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho and he from Jerusalem down to Jericho and he from Jerusalem down to Jericho and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped was attacked by bandits. They stripped was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and him of his clothes, beat him up, and him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By left him half dead beside the road. By left him half dead beside the road. By chance, a priest came along and when he chance, a priest came along and when he chance, a priest came along and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to saw the man lying there, he crossed to saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed the other side of the road and passed the other side of the road and passed him by. A temple assistant or a Levite him by. A temple assistant or a Levite him by. A temple assistant or a Levite walked over and looked at him lying walked over and looked at him lying walked over and looked at him lying there. But he also passed by on the there. But he also passed by on the there. But he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan other side. Then a despised Samaritan other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along. And when he saw the man, he came along. And when he saw the man, he came along. And when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.

felt compassion for him. felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and his wounds with olive oil and wine and his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. And then he put the man bandaged them. And then he put the man bandaged them. And then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn on his own donkey and took him to an inn on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next day, where he took care of him. The next day, where he took care of him. The next day, he handed the inkeeper two silver coins, he handed the inkeeper two silver coins, he handed the inkeeper two silver coins, telling him, "Take care of this man. If telling him, "Take care of this man. If telling him, "Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here. Now, which you the next time I'm here. Now, which you the next time I'm here. Now, which of these three would you say was a of these three would you say was a of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by neighbor to the man who was attacked by neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits? Jesus asked. The man replied, bandits? Jesus asked. The man replied, bandits? Jesus asked. The man replied, "The one who showed mercy." Then Jesus "The one who showed mercy." Then Jesus "The one who showed mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes. Now go and do the same." said, "Yes. Now go and do the same." said, "Yes. Now go and do the same." See, in this moment, Jesus did what he See, in this moment, Jesus did what he See, in this moment, Jesus did what he always did does and he flipped the always did does and he flipped the always did does and he flipped the script. script. script. He he shared this story to offer a new He he shared this story to offer a new He he shared this story to offer a new perspective, a new way of living, a perspective, a new way of living, a perspective, a new way of living, a kingdom way of living. And instead of kingdom way of living. And instead of kingdom way of living. And instead of answering the question, who is my answering the question, who is my answering the question, who is my neighbor? He tells the story and he neighbor? He tells the story and he neighbor? He tells the story and he places a different question before the places a different question before the places a different question before the man, he places a different question man, he places a different question man, he places a different question before all of us today. And it's not the before all of us today. And it's not the before all of us today. And it's not the question of who is my neighbor, but it's question of who is my neighbor, but it's question of who is my neighbor, but it's the question of to whom can I be a the question of to whom can I be a the question of to whom can I be a neighbor to.

neighbor to. neighbor to. You see, the man was looking for You see, the man was looking for You see, the man was looking for justifications for his actions, justifications for his actions, justifications for his actions, but Jesus begins to say, "No, but Jesus begins to say, "No, but Jesus begins to say, "No, I'm going to show you what real love I'm going to show you what real love I'm going to show you what real love actually looks like." Now, it's actually looks like." Now, it's actually looks like." Now, it's important that we have a little bit of important that we have a little bit of important that we have a little bit of cultural context in the story because as cultural context in the story because as cultural context in the story because as Jesus began to tell this tell the story, Jesus began to tell this tell the story, Jesus began to tell this tell the story, it would have made the expert very it would have made the expert very it would have made the expert very uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. There's two very specific details that There's two very specific details that There's two very specific details that Jesus includes. He says there was a Jesus includes. He says there was a Jesus includes. He says there was a Jewish man and a despised Samaritan. Jewish man and a despised Samaritan. Jewish man and a despised Samaritan. Now, it's important to understand that Now, it's important to understand that Now, it's important to understand that at that time, Jews did not like at that time, Jews did not like at that time, Jews did not like Samaritans. Samaritans. Samaritans. In most cases, they hated them. They In most cases, they hated them. They In most cases, they hated them. They would intentionally take extra time to would intentionally take extra time to would intentionally take extra time to walk around the region of Samaria so walk around the region of Samaria so walk around the region of Samaria so they did not have to go through it and they did not have to go through it and they did not have to go through it and encounter its people. They did not like encounter its people. They did not like encounter its people. They did not like these people religiously. They despised these people religiously. They despised these people religiously. They despised each other racially. It was a deep each other racially. It was a deep each other racially. It was a deep hatred.

hatred. hatred. So while it was shocking that Jesus set So while it was shocking that Jesus set So while it was shocking that Jesus set the story up like this, it was not by the story up like this, it was not by the story up like this, it was not by accident that the man who was attacked accident that the man who was attacked accident that the man who was attacked was a Jew and the hero of the story was was a Jew and the hero of the story was was a Jew and the hero of the story was a Samaritan. Because only in Jesus's a Samaritan. Because only in Jesus's a Samaritan. Because only in Jesus's kingdom would a story be written like kingdom would a story be written like kingdom would a story be written like this. You see, a Jesuslike love does not this. You see, a Jesuslike love does not this. You see, a Jesuslike love does not limit our love to someone who is like limit our love to someone who is like limit our love to someone who is like us. us. us. It doesn't limit our love to someone who It doesn't limit our love to someone who It doesn't limit our love to someone who is kind to us. It doesn't limit our love is kind to us. It doesn't limit our love is kind to us. It doesn't limit our love to someone who looks like us or is from to someone who looks like us or is from to someone who looks like us or is from the some same place as us or who has the the some same place as us or who has the the some same place as us or who has the same political views as us. No, same political views as us. No, same political views as us. No, a Jesus like loves loves even your a Jesus like loves loves even your a Jesus like loves loves even your enemies. enemies. enemies. Jesus says in Luke chapter 6, "But to Jesus says in Luke chapter 6, "But to Jesus says in Luke chapter 6, "But to you who are willing to listen, I say you who are willing to listen, I say you who are willing to listen, I say love your enemies. love your enemies. love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless Do good to those who hate you. Bless Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who those who curse you. Pray for those who those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on the hurt you. If someone slaps you on the hurt you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other cheek also. If cheek, offer the other cheek also. If cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your someone demands your coat, offer your someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks. And shirt also. Give to anyone who asks. And shirt also. Give to anyone who asks. And when things are taken away from you, when things are taken away from you, when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do to others don't try to get them back. Do to others don't try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

as you would like them to do to you. as you would like them to do to you. Now remember in this parable, Jesus is Now remember in this parable, Jesus is Now remember in this parable, Jesus is illustrating what it looks like to love illustrating what it looks like to love illustrating what it looks like to love the Lord your God with all your heart, the Lord your God with all your heart, the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your soul, your strength, and your mind, your soul, your strength, and your mind, your soul, your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. to love your neighbor as yourself. to love your neighbor as yourself. And so he gives us a road And so he gives us a road And so he gives us a road and he gives us four people in the story and he gives us four people in the story and he gives us four people in the story that meet this Jewish man on the side of that meet this Jewish man on the side of that meet this Jewish man on the side of the road. and we're going to take a look the road. and we're going to take a look the road. and we're going to take a look at them together. And perhaps at them together. And perhaps at them together. And perhaps you may see yourself in a few of them. you may see yourself in a few of them. you may see yourself in a few of them. The first people that encounter this The first people that encounter this The first people that encounter this Jewish man are the bandits. Jewish man are the bandits. Jewish man are the bandits. The bandits, they saw this man as The bandits, they saw this man as The bandits, they saw this man as nothing more than a victim. nothing more than a victim. nothing more than a victim. They saw him as an opportunity. They saw him as an opportunity. They saw him as an opportunity. They saw him as someone who was weak, They saw him as someone who was weak, They saw him as someone who was weak, who could be bullied, who walk who could who could be bullied, who walk who could who could be bullied, who walk who could be walked on, someone who simply didn't be walked on, someone who simply didn't be walked on, someone who simply didn't matter.

matter. matter. Have you ever viewed anyone like this Have you ever viewed anyone like this Have you ever viewed anyone like this before? I'm sure most of us in here have not I'm sure most of us in here have not beaten someone and left them for dead on beaten someone and left them for dead on beaten someone and left them for dead on the side of the road. the side of the road. the side of the road. But I don't know, maybe at work, But I don't know, maybe at work, But I don't know, maybe at work, you saw someone as a means to an end. you saw someone as a means to an end. you saw someone as a means to an end. You use someone as an excuse You use someone as an excuse You use someone as an excuse to get a promotion to get a promotion to get a promotion to get out of trouble. to get out of trouble. to get out of trouble. You lied about someone. You blamed You lied about someone. You blamed You lied about someone. You blamed someone. Maybe you see a stranger's bad day. Maybe you see a stranger's bad day. You see the iced coffee spill all over You see the iced coffee spill all over You see the iced coffee spill all over them. You see the trip on the sidewalk them. You see the trip on the sidewalk them. You see the trip on the sidewalk and your first reaction is to oh gosh, I and your first reaction is to oh gosh, I and your first reaction is to oh gosh, I got to tell somebody about that got to tell somebody about that got to tell somebody about that instead of offering the help.

I love you. We're going to get I love you. We're going to get uncomfortable today. uncomfortable today. uncomfortable today. You see, instead of seeing a neighbor, You see, instead of seeing a neighbor, You see, instead of seeing a neighbor, these bandits, they saw a selfish these bandits, they saw a selfish these bandits, they saw a selfish opportunity. opportunity. opportunity. They didn't have eyes to see anyone but They didn't have eyes to see anyone but They didn't have eyes to see anyone but themselves. themselves. themselves. And then comes along a priest and a And then comes along a priest and a And then comes along a priest and a Levite. Levite. Levite. And you would think, great, And you would think, great, And you would think, great, here come the heroes of the story. here come the heroes of the story. here come the heroes of the story. These are the church people. These are the church people. These are the church people. THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO. It's kind of their job. But when he, talking about the priest, But when he, talking about the priest, saw the man lying there, he crossed to saw the man lying there, he crossed to saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed the other side of the road and passed the other side of the road and passed him by, him by, him by, a temple assistant or a Levite walked a temple assistant or a Levite walked a temple assistant or a Levite walked over and looked at him lying there. over and looked at him lying there. over and looked at him lying there. But he also passed by on the other side. But he also passed by on the other side. But he also passed by on the other side. You see, where the bandits saw a victim, You see, where the bandits saw a victim, You see, where the bandits saw a victim, the priest and the Levite saw a burden.

I want to take a minute and speak to all I want to take a minute and speak to all of us who are Christians in here of us who are Christians in here of us who are Christians in here because I think we have to be careful. because I think we have to be careful. because I think we have to be careful. We bear the name of Christ, We bear the name of Christ, We bear the name of Christ, but we don't always wear it well. but we don't always wear it well. but we don't always wear it well. Uh our daughter, she loves to go to a Uh our daughter, she loves to go to a Uh our daughter, she loves to go to a hotel hotel hotel and she loves the sense of adventure. and she loves the sense of adventure. and she loves the sense of adventure. She loves the new place. Everything is She loves the new place. Everything is She loves the new place. Everything is so big and grand. She loves jumping on so big and grand. She loves jumping on so big and grand. She loves jumping on the beds, all the things. I love a hotel the beds, all the things. I love a hotel the beds, all the things. I love a hotel because they have a sign that looks like because they have a sign that looks like because they have a sign that looks like this. this. this. I am on vacation. I am on vacation. I am on vacation. I'm gonna sleep in. I'm gonna sleep in. I'm gonna sleep in. You can come clean my room later. You can come clean my room later. You can come clean my room later. I'm gonna take my time. I'm gonna take my time. I'm gonna take my time. I'm going to enjoy my coffee. I'm going to enjoy my coffee. I'm going to enjoy my coffee. Do not disturb me.

I think that sometimes I think that sometimes we don't just hang these signs on our we don't just hang these signs on our we don't just hang these signs on our hotel room doors. hotel room doors. hotel room doors. I think often we wear these signs just I think often we wear these signs just I think often we wear these signs just like this. I have worn this sign more times than I I have worn this sign more times than I want to admit. Perhaps you have too. Perhaps you have too. Oh, we're in Publix. Oh, we're in Publix. Oh, we're in Publix. Instead of having eyes to see the person Instead of having eyes to see the person Instead of having eyes to see the person that God would put in our path. Oh, not that God would put in our path. Oh, not that God would put in our path. Oh, not that aisle. I don't have time for them that aisle. I don't have time for them that aisle. I don't have time for them today. Get on an airplane. Get on an airplane. First thing we do, AirPods in, sign on. get a text message from that person we get a text message from that person we know is going through a difficult time, know is going through a difficult time, know is going through a difficult time, but we just leave it unread because we but we just leave it unread because we but we just leave it unread because we we don't have we don't have the we don't have we don't have the we don't have we don't have the bandwidth. I don't have time to send a bandwidth. I don't have time to send a bandwidth. I don't have time to send a text back.

Maybe Maybe you justify your sign. you justify your sign. you justify your sign. We're good at making excuses. We're good at making excuses. We're good at making excuses. I just don't have time right now. I just don't have time right now. I just don't have time right now. I got to get to church. I got to get to church. I got to get to church. I'm on my way to small group I'll do it next time. It's just It's I'll do it next time. It's just It's just not the right time. I'll do it next just not the right time. I'll do it next just not the right time. I'll do it next time. time. time. There's a scripture in Ecclesiastes that There's a scripture in Ecclesiastes that There's a scripture in Ecclesiastes that says this. He who watches the wind says this. He who watches the wind says this. He who watches the wind waiting for all conditions to be perfect waiting for all conditions to be perfect waiting for all conditions to be perfect will not sow seed. will not sow seed. will not sow seed. And he who looks at the clouds will not And he who looks at the clouds will not And he who looks at the clouds will not reap a harvest. reap a harvest. reap a harvest. You see, if we live with excuses and You see, if we live with excuses and You see, if we live with excuses and with a sign around our neck, we are with a sign around our neck, we are with a sign around our neck, we are going to miss out on the harvest that going to miss out on the harvest that going to miss out on the harvest that God has called us to.

Now listen, we should we should pray Now listen, we should we should pray about everything, about everything, about everything, BUT SOMETIMES WE'RE so quick to pray, BUT SOMETIMES WE'RE so quick to pray, BUT SOMETIMES WE'RE so quick to pray, "God, "God, "God, bring somebody to help Suzy. OH, GOD, BRING someone to pay for his OH, GOD, BRING someone to pay for his groceries." Could it be Could it be that God is just needing you to do it? He needs you to be the neighbor. He needs you to be the neighbor. He needs you to sponsor the child. He He needs you to sponsor the child. He He needs you to sponsor the child. He needs you to lead the group. He needs needs you to lead the group. He needs needs you to lead the group. He needs you to talk to the person in line at you to talk to the person in line at you to talk to the person in line at Target. He needs you to pray for your Target. He needs you to pray for your Target. He needs you to pray for your server when you go out to lunch after server when you go out to lunch after server when you go out to lunch after church. church. church. See, Jesus doesn't just want us to be See, Jesus doesn't just want us to be See, Jesus doesn't just want us to be spectators on the road of life, but spectators on the road of life, but spectators on the road of life, but participants.

participants. participants. He wants us to live a life that's He wants us to live a life that's He wants us to live a life that's interruptible. interruptible. interruptible. So Jesus So Jesus So Jesus brings in the fourth person. brings in the fourth person. brings in the fourth person. Down the road comes our friend the Down the road comes our friend the Down the road comes our friend the Samaritan. Samaritan. Samaritan. Now like the men before him, he saw the Now like the men before him, he saw the Now like the men before him, he saw the Jewish man. Jewish man. Jewish man. But instead of abusing him, instead of But instead of abusing him, instead of But instead of abusing him, instead of ignoring him or walking away from him, ignoring him or walking away from him, ignoring him or walking away from him, he had compassion on him. And when he he had compassion on him. And when he he had compassion on him. And when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. saw the man, he felt compassion for him. saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and his wounds with olive oil and wine and his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on bandaged them. Then he put the man on bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn his own donkey and took him to an inn his own donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next day where he took care of him. The next day where he took care of him. The next day he handed the inkeeper two silver coins he handed the inkeeper two silver coins he handed the inkeeper two silver coins telling him, "Take care of this man. And telling him, "Take care of this man. And telling him, "Take care of this man. And if his bill runs higher than this, I if his bill runs higher than this, I if his bill runs higher than this, I will pay you next time I'm here." You will pay you next time I'm here." You will pay you next time I'm here." You see, the Samaritan saw a neighbor to see, the Samaritan saw a neighbor to see, the Samaritan saw a neighbor to love.

love. love. He saw a neighbor to love. I notice a He saw a neighbor to love. I notice a He saw a neighbor to love. I notice a couple things in the verses that we just couple things in the verses that we just couple things in the verses that we just read that the Samaritan did that none of read that the Samaritan did that none of read that the Samaritan did that none of the others did. the others did. the others did. The first thing I see is that he came The first thing I see is that he came The first thing I see is that he came close. close. close. He didn't just see the man, He didn't just see the man, He didn't just see the man, but he saw him and he walked towards but he saw him and he walked towards but he saw him and he walked towards him. He bent down. He came close. him. He bent down. He came close. him. He bent down. He came close. What's crazy to me is that of all the What's crazy to me is that of all the What's crazy to me is that of all the people in the story, the Samaritan is people in the story, the Samaritan is people in the story, the Samaritan is the one with the biggest reason for an the one with the biggest reason for an the one with the biggest reason for an excuse. excuse. excuse. I Jews hate me. I Jews hate me. I Jews hate me. He probably won't even accept my help. Why would I help him after what he's Why would I help him after what he's done to me? done to me? done to me? after what he's done to my family, after after what he's done to my family, after after what he's done to my family, after what he's done to my friends. what he's done to my friends. what he's done to my friends. Yet the Samaritan never made an excuse.

Yet the Samaritan never made an excuse. Yet the Samaritan never made an excuse. Not one. Not one. Not one. I've got to be somewhere. I've got to be somewhere. I've got to be somewhere. I I'm sure in the story, like the priest I I'm sure in the story, like the priest I I'm sure in the story, like the priest and the Levite, he was headed somewhere. and the Levite, he was headed somewhere. and the Levite, he was headed somewhere. It says they were on a road between two It says they were on a road between two It says they were on a road between two major cities. I doubt he was just taking major cities. I doubt he was just taking major cities. I doubt he was just taking a leisurely walk. But you see, he was interruptible. But you see, he was interruptible. You see, this wasn't a distraction to You see, this wasn't a distraction to You see, this wasn't a distraction to him. It was a divine appointment. him. It was a divine appointment. him. It was a divine appointment. And so, he came close. He bent down. And And so, he came close. He bent down. And And so, he came close. He bent down. And he had compassion. he had compassion. he had compassion. The scripture actually says he felt The scripture actually says he felt The scripture actually says he felt compassion for him. In the Greek, it's a compassion for him. In the Greek, it's a compassion for him. In the Greek, it's a word that's very complicated to say, so word that's very complicated to say, so word that's very complicated to say, so I'm going to spare you my poor attempt. I'm going to spare you my poor attempt. I'm going to spare you my poor attempt. I would be spitting on this whole front I would be spitting on this whole front I would be spitting on this whole front row if I tried it. Um, but what it means row if I tried it. Um, but what it means row if I tried it. Um, but what it means is to feel it, to be so moved that you is to feel it, to be so moved that you is to feel it, to be so moved that you feel it in your bowels.

feel it in your bowels. feel it in your bowels. He felt it. It was like in his gut that He felt it. It was like in his gut that He felt it. It was like in his gut that he had to do something. It's actually a he had to do something. It's actually a he had to do something. It's actually a word that's used all throughout the word that's used all throughout the word that's used all throughout the gospels when talking about what Jesus gospels when talking about what Jesus gospels when talking about what Jesus felt when he saw someone. and he was felt when he saw someone. and he was felt when he saw someone. and he was always moved towards action. You see, always moved towards action. You see, always moved towards action. You see, compassion doesn't think of ourselves. compassion doesn't think of ourselves. compassion doesn't think of ourselves. The Samaritan didn't think, well, I The Samaritan didn't think, well, I The Samaritan didn't think, well, I don't I don't know CPR. don't I don't know CPR. don't I don't know CPR. He didn't think that is a lot of blood. He didn't think that is a lot of blood. He didn't think that is a lot of blood. I might get a disease. Let me pray for A DOCTOR TO SHOW UP. Let me pray for A DOCTOR TO SHOW UP. NO, he did whatever he could with NO, he did whatever he could with NO, he did whatever he could with whatever he had. whatever he had. whatever he had. You see, there's something powerful that You see, there's something powerful that You see, there's something powerful that happens when we get our minds off of happens when we get our minds off of happens when we get our minds off of ourselves, off of our needs, off of our ourselves, off of our needs, off of our ourselves, off of our needs, off of our abilities, off of our inabilities, and abilities, off of our inabilities, and abilities, off of our inabilities, and focus on others.

focus on others. focus on others. I've uh I've I've shared this story I've uh I've I've shared this story I've uh I've I've shared this story before, but when our daughter was a year before, but when our daughter was a year before, but when our daughter was a year and a half, uh she was diagnosed with and a half, uh she was diagnosed with and a half, uh she was diagnosed with cancer. And I praise God every day. She cancer. And I praise God every day. She cancer. And I praise God every day. She is over 10 years cancer free. All glory is over 10 years cancer free. All glory is over 10 years cancer free. All glory to God. to God. to God. [applause] But during that season, we basically But during that season, we basically lived up at All Children's for about six lived up at All Children's for about six lived up at All Children's for about six months. And I will never forget a moment months. And I will never forget a moment months. And I will never forget a moment that I had with the Lord. There was a a that I had with the Lord. There was a a that I had with the Lord. There was a a traumatic situation that had just gone traumatic situation that had just gone traumatic situation that had just gone down with our daughter. And I needed a down with our daughter. And I needed a down with our daughter. And I needed a breath. So, I went to the only place breath. So, I went to the only place breath. So, I went to the only place that I knew I could find one, the that I knew I could find one, the that I knew I could find one, the bathroom. bathroom. bathroom. And so, I I'm I'm standing at the sink And so, I I'm I'm standing at the sink And so, I I'm I'm standing at the sink and [sighs] I'm just trying to breathe. and [sighs] I'm just trying to breathe. and [sighs] I'm just trying to breathe. And I remember I look up into the mirror And I remember I look up into the mirror And I remember I look up into the mirror and I feel the Lord tell me, "Kristen, and I feel the Lord tell me, "Kristen, and I feel the Lord tell me, "Kristen, you are here for a reason.

I love you I love you and I'm going to take care of your and I'm going to take care of your and I'm going to take care of your family. family. family. I'm going to take care of your daughter. But honey, there But honey, there are my children that are on this floor are my children that are on this floor are my children that are on this floor who do not know me who do not know me who do not know me and I need you to take care of them. and I need you to take care of them. and I need you to take care of them. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And so Jordan and I, we started serving >> And so Jordan and I, we started serving >> And so Jordan and I, we started serving coffee out of our hospital hospital coffee out of our hospital hospital coffee out of our hospital hospital room. We weren't doctors. room. We weren't doctors. room. We weren't doctors. We couldn't pay for anyone's medical We couldn't pay for anyone's medical We couldn't pay for anyone's medical bills, bills, bills, but we could be a friend but we could be a friend but we could be a friend and we could make a cup of coffee that and we could make a cup of coffee that and we could make a cup of coffee that was better than the hospitals. and the conversations and the conversations and and and the families. I'll never forget them.

the families. I'll never forget them. the families. I'll never forget them. You see, compassion You see, compassion You see, compassion never stands still. never stands still. never stands still. It always does something. It always does something. It always does something. I'm gonna just take a moment because as I'm gonna just take a moment because as I'm gonna just take a moment because as I was in worship, I was in worship, I was in worship, the Lord dropped this on my heart the Lord dropped this on my heart the Lord dropped this on my heart and I want to take a minute and I want and I want to take a minute and I want and I want to take a minute and I want to I want to ask if there is anyone in to I want to ask if there is anyone in to I want to ask if there is anyone in here at our campuses and you have a here at our campuses and you have a here at our campuses and you have a cancer diagnosis cancer diagnosis cancer diagnosis or you know someone with one. or you know someone with one. or you know someone with one. [snorts] I feel the compassion of the [snorts] I feel the compassion of the [snorts] I feel the compassion of the Lord for you and I want to pray for you. Lord for you and I want to pray for you. Lord for you and I want to pray for you. So, we're going to just pause for just a So, we're going to just pause for just a So, we're going to just pause for just a minute. And so, if you're in here and minute. And so, if you're in here and minute. And so, if you're in here and you carry that diagnosis or you know you carry that diagnosis or you know you carry that diagnosis or you know someone that does, I want to ask that someone that does, I want to ask that someone that does, I want to ask that you would raise your hand. you would raise your hand. you would raise your hand. And if you see someone with their hand And if you see someone with their hand And if you see someone with their hand raised, raised, raised, I want to ask that you would just go I want to ask that you would just go I want to ask that you would just go next to them, place a hand on his next to them, place a hand on his next to them, place a hand on his shoulder. shoulder. shoulder. God, God, God, I thank you I thank you I thank you that you were so moved that you were so moved that you were so moved by your love for us by your love for us by your love for us that it moves you towards us.

that it moves you towards us. that it moves you towards us. And Jesus, I thank you that you came And Jesus, I thank you that you came And Jesus, I thank you that you came close to us and you took stripes on your close to us and you took stripes on your close to us and you took stripes on your back for our healing. back for our healing. back for our healing. So God, before you today are your sons So God, before you today are your sons So God, before you today are your sons and your daughters and your daughters and your daughters and they are battling a diagnosis that and they are battling a diagnosis that and they are battling a diagnosis that is not greater than you. is not greater than you. is not greater than you. So I call on the mighty name of Jesus. So I call on the mighty name of Jesus. So I call on the mighty name of Jesus. The name that is above every other name. The name that is above every other name. The name that is above every other name. And I speak healing in the name of And I speak healing in the name of And I speak healing in the name of Jesus. I command every body, every cell Jesus. I command every body, every cell Jesus. I command every body, every cell to line up with God's word, every tumor to line up with God's word, every tumor to line up with God's word, every tumor to shrink in the mighty name of Jesus. to shrink in the mighty name of Jesus. to shrink in the mighty name of Jesus. Father, I pray miracles would break out. Father, I pray miracles would break out. Father, I pray miracles would break out. I pray healing would take place and God I pray healing would take place and God I pray healing would take place and God that you would get all the glory in the that you would get all the glory in the that you would get all the glory in the mighty name of Jesus. And everybody mighty name of Jesus. And everybody mighty name of Jesus. And everybody said, said, said, >> "Amen."

>> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> And amen. [applause] Oh, amen. Oh, amen. Compassion. It'll move you. It'll move Compassion. It'll move you. It'll move Compassion. It'll move you. It'll move you to serve coffee. It'll move you to you to serve coffee. It'll move you to you to serve coffee. It'll move you to pray for somebody that you don't know. pray for somebody that you don't know. pray for somebody that you don't know. It'll move you to have a conversation, It'll move you to have a conversation, It'll move you to have a conversation, place a hand on somebody's shoulder. It place a hand on somebody's shoulder. It place a hand on somebody's shoulder. It will move you. And it moved the will move you. And it moved the will move you. And it moved the Samaritan. Samaritan. Samaritan. Then it didn't just stop there. He took Then it didn't just stop there. He took Then it didn't just stop there. He took care. care. care. He cared for his wounds. He cared for his wounds. He cared for his wounds. You know, the text doesn't say that he You know, the text doesn't say that he You know, the text doesn't say that he was a doctor. So, I'm going to guess was a doctor. So, I'm going to guess was a doctor. So, I'm going to guess that he wasn't traveling with a first that he wasn't traveling with a first that he wasn't traveling with a first aid kit. I'm going to guess he wasn't aid kit. I'm going to guess he wasn't aid kit. I'm going to guess he wasn't traveling with a doctor's bag. traveling with a doctor's bag. traveling with a doctor's bag. So perhaps when he bent down to care for So perhaps when he bent down to care for So perhaps when he bent down to care for this man, he had to rip up his own this man, he had to rip up his own this man, he had to rip up his own clothes to make bandages. He definitely, according to the story, He definitely, according to the story, gave his own oil and wine to soothe him gave his own oil and wine to soothe him gave his own oil and wine to soothe him and placed him on his own donkey. In any and placed him on his own donkey. In any and placed him on his own donkey. In any case, he was inconvenienced case, he was inconvenienced case, he was inconvenienced in order to care for someone else.

in order to care for someone else. in order to care for someone else. He took care and then he covered the He took care and then he covered the He took care and then he covered the cost. cost. cost. He put the man on his own donkey and He put the man on his own donkey and He put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of took him to an inn where he took care of took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next day he handed the inkeeper him. The next day he handed the inkeeper him. The next day he handed the inkeeper two silver coins telling him, "Take care two silver coins telling him, "Take care two silver coins telling him, "Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher of this man. If his bill runs higher of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time than this, I'll pay you the next time than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here." I'm here." I'm here." He paid for everything He paid for everything He paid for everything and he put no limits on what the man and he put no limits on what the man and he put no limits on what the man needed. needed. needed. In every way, this Samaritan In every way, this Samaritan In every way, this Samaritan loved this neighbor as he would himself. loved this neighbor as he would himself. loved this neighbor as he would himself. So Jesus then finishes the parable So Jesus then finishes the parable So Jesus then finishes the parable and he says, "Now, which of these three and he says, "Now, which of these three and he says, "Now, which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man would you say was a neighbor to the man would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" who was attacked by bandits?" who was attacked by bandits?" The man replied, "Well, the one who The man replied, "Well, the one who The man replied, "Well, the one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes."

"Yes." "Yes." Now go and do Now go and do Now go and do the same. the same. the same. Church, the same challenge is before us Church, the same challenge is before us Church, the same challenge is before us today. today. today. to go and do to go and do to go and do to not just be hearers of a message, but to not just be hearers of a message, but to not just be hearers of a message, but to do something with what you've heard. to do something with what you've heard. to do something with what you've heard. So this week, how will you respond to So this week, how will you respond to So this week, how will you respond to the neighbor that God places before you? the neighbor that God places before you? the neighbor that God places before you? Are you going to wear this sign? Are you going to make an excuse? Are you going to make an excuse? Are you going to cross to the other side Are you going to cross to the other side Are you going to cross to the other side and ignore the need or are you going to and ignore the need or are you going to and ignore the need or are you going to move towards it move towards it move towards it like the good Samaritan did like Jesus like the good Samaritan did like Jesus like the good Samaritan did like Jesus did? did? did? I want to challenge all of us in this I want to challenge all of us in this I want to challenge all of us in this room at our campuses online to live this room at our campuses online to live this room at our campuses online to live this week differently and see what God does.

week differently and see what God does. week differently and see what God does. I want to ask you that when you wake up I want to ask you that when you wake up I want to ask you that when you wake up every morning before you get going, every morning before you get going, every morning before you get going, before you get to work, before your mind before you get to work, before your mind before you get to work, before your mind starts going, I want you to ask God one starts going, I want you to ask God one starts going, I want you to ask God one simple question. simple question. simple question. Who can I be a neighbor to today? Who can I be a neighbor to today? Who can I be a neighbor to today? Or who do you want me to show your love Or who do you want me to show your love Or who do you want me to show your love to today? to today? to today? And then I want you to have eyes to see. And then I want you to have eyes to see. And then I want you to have eyes to see. because he will show you. I don't know because he will show you. I don't know because he will show you. I don't know what he's going to do. Maybe he's going what he's going to do. Maybe he's going what he's going to do. Maybe he's going to ask you to pay for somebody's meal at to ask you to pay for somebody's meal at to ask you to pay for somebody's meal at a restaurant. a restaurant. a restaurant. Maybe he's ask you he's going to ask you Maybe he's ask you he's going to ask you Maybe he's ask you he's going to ask you to help your neighbor or to drop by a to help your neighbor or to drop by a to help your neighbor or to drop by a care package to the homeless person that care package to the homeless person that care package to the homeless person that you pass by every day. I don't know. you pass by every day. I don't know. you pass by every day. I don't know. Maybe he's going to ask you to sponsor a Maybe he's going to ask you to sponsor a Maybe he's going to ask you to sponsor a child after service today. child after service today. child after service today. Maybe this is the week that you're going Maybe this is the week that you're going Maybe this is the week that you're going to see someone pulled over on the side to see someone pulled over on the side to see someone pulled over on the side of the road with a flat tire and you're of the road with a flat tire and you're of the road with a flat tire and you're going to stop.

going to stop. going to stop. Maybe this is the week where you're Maybe this is the week where you're Maybe this is the week where you're going to finally sit with the person at going to finally sit with the person at going to finally sit with the person at work who always eats lunch by work who always eats lunch by work who always eats lunch by themselves. [music] Or maybe after church today when you sit Or maybe after church today when you sit down and you eat dinner or you eat down and you eat dinner or you eat down and you eat dinner or you eat lunch, you're going to leave your server lunch, you're going to leave your server lunch, you're going to leave your server a really, really, really big tip. And a really, really, really big tip. And a really, really, really big tip. And then you're going to ask if you can pray then you're going to ask if you can pray then you're going to ask if you can pray for them. You don't have to have it all for them. You don't have to have it all for them. You don't have to have it all figured out. figured out. figured out. You just have to have eyes to see and a You just have to have eyes to see and a You just have to have eyes to see and a heart that's willing to be moved by God. Y'all imagine Y'all imagine the problems that could be solved the problems that could be solved the problems that could be solved if we as Christians if we as Christians if we as Christians did as much as we knew. did as much as we knew. did as much as we knew. Imagine how different our world would Imagine how different our world would Imagine how different our world would look, how different our community would look, how different our community would look, how different our community would look, how different your workplace would look, how different your workplace would look, how different your workplace would look, how different our neighborhoods look, how different our neighborhoods look, how different our neighborhoods would look.

would look. would look. And this week And this week And this week you have the opportunity you have the opportunity you have the opportunity to not just be a hearer, but to be a to not just be a hearer, but to be a to not just be a hearer, but to be a doer. doer. doer. So, are you with me? So, are you with me? So, are you with me? That's an actual question. Are you with That's an actual question. Are you with That's an actual question. Are you with me? Are we going to do this? Yes. Yes. Yes, we are. Yes, we are. Yes, we are. And listen, you can't lie in church. So, And listen, you can't lie in church. So, And listen, you can't lie in church. So, I got you. I got you. I got you. We're going to do it. We're going to do it. We're going to do it. if you would bow your heads all across if you would bow your heads all across if you would bow your heads all across this room, online this room, online this room, online at our campuses. at our campuses. at our campuses. And uh before we go, I want to point out And uh before we go, I want to point out And uh before we go, I want to point out one more thing that we see in this one more thing that we see in this one more thing that we see in this parable that is not to be overlooked. You see, at some point, every one of us You see, at some point, every one of us was like the man who was left by [music] was like the man who was left by [music] was like the man who was left by [music] the side of the road. the side of the road. the side of the road. Every one of us was beaten, Every one of us was beaten, Every one of us was beaten, was bruised, was bruised, was bruised, was left for dead.

Maybe perhaps you're in here today and Maybe perhaps you're in here today and that's how you feel. Maybe you're sitting on the back row Maybe you're sitting on the back row because you didn't feel good enough to because you didn't feel good enough to because you didn't feel good enough to come in any further. come in any further. come in any further. You feel abandoned. You feel abandoned. You feel abandoned. Maybe by the world's standards, you have Maybe by the world's standards, you have Maybe by the world's standards, you have been abandoned. I want you to know that Jesus I want you to know that Jesus did for all of us. did for all of us. did for all of us. Jesus did for you Jesus did for you Jesus did for you what the good Samaritan did for this what the good Samaritan did for this what the good Samaritan did for this man. man. man. Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrated Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrated Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrated his own love for us in this, that while his own love for us in this, that while his own love for us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for we were still sinners, Christ died for we were still sinners, Christ died for us." us." us." You see, when we didn't deserve it, You see, when we didn't deserve it, You see, when we didn't deserve it, Jesus came close. God gave us Jesus.

God gave us Jesus. And Jesus was born and he lived a And Jesus was born and he lived a And Jesus was born and he lived a perfect life for us. perfect life for us. perfect life for us. He had compassion for us He had compassion for us He had compassion for us and he willingly walked to the cross for and he willingly walked to the cross for and he willingly walked to the cross for you and I. you and I. you and I. He took care of us with every stripe on He took care of us with every stripe on He took care of us with every stripe on his back his back his back for our healing. And he covered the cost. And he covered the cost. He covered all of it. He covered all of He covered all of it. He covered all of He covered all of it. He covered all of our sins, all of our mistakes, past, our sins, all of our mistakes, past, our sins, all of our mistakes, past, present, future, all of it. And he hung present, future, all of it. And he hung present, future, all of it. And he hung on the cross and he declared, "It is on the cross and he declared, "It is on the cross and he declared, "It is finished." And three days later, And three days later, he rose again. He is alive. He is seated he rose again. He is alive. He is seated he rose again. He is alive. He is seated at the right hand of our heavenly at the right hand of our heavenly at the right hand of our heavenly father. And today, father. And today, father. And today, if you don't know him, if you don't know him, if you don't know him, if you don't have relationship with him, if you don't have relationship with him, if you don't have relationship with him, he is inviting you into this he is inviting you into this he is inviting you into this relationship.

relationship. relationship. And so I want to give you an opportunity And so I want to give you an opportunity And so I want to give you an opportunity to make that decision. If you're here, to make that decision. If you're here, to make that decision. If you're here, if you're at one of our campuses and if you're at one of our campuses and if you're at one of our campuses and today you want to receive the gift of today you want to receive the gift of today you want to receive the gift of salvation, you want to see receive the salvation, you want to see receive the salvation, you want to see receive the gift of eternity with your heavenly gift of eternity with your heavenly gift of eternity with your heavenly father in heaven father in heaven father in heaven and you want to make Jesus Lord and and you want to make Jesus Lord and and you want to make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life, I want to pray for Savior of your life, I want to pray for Savior of your life, I want to pray for you. So, if you're here today, if you're you. So, if you're here today, if you're you. So, if you're here today, if you're at one of our campuses, would you raise at one of our campuses, would you raise at one of our campuses, would you raise your hand on the count of three? One, your hand on the count of three? One, your hand on the count of three? One, [music] two, three. [music] two, three. [music] two, three. Lift your hand up. Lift your hand up. Lift your hand up. to see you. God sees you. That's the to see you. God sees you. That's the to see you. God sees you. That's the most important thing. He knows your most important thing. He knows your most important thing. He knows your heart. heart. heart. Thank you for lifting your hands. Would Thank you for lifting your hands. Would Thank you for lifting your hands. Would you join me and let's pray this prayer you join me and let's pray this prayer you join me and let's pray this prayer in our hearts as I pray it out loud. in our hearts as I pray it out loud. in our hearts as I pray it out loud. Jesus, thank you for coming close to me. Jesus, thank you for coming close to me. Jesus, thank you for coming close to me. Even when I did not deserve it, when I Even when I did not deserve it, when I Even when I did not deserve it, when I was turning my back on you, you still was turning my back on you, you still was turning my back on you, you still came and you died for me.

came and you died for me. came and you died for me. God, thank you for being such a loving God, thank you for being such a loving God, thank you for being such a loving God that you would send your one and God that you would send your one and God that you would send your one and only son for me today. I receive the only son for me today. I receive the only son for me today. I receive the gift of salvation. gift of salvation. gift of salvation. Jesus, I ask that you would come in, Jesus, I ask that you would come in, Jesus, I ask that you would come in, come close to me, clean me up, come close to me, clean me up, come close to me, clean me up, purify me, forgive me of my sins, and purify me, forgive me of my sins, and purify me, forgive me of my sins, and God, set me on a new path today. I God, set me on a new path today. I God, set me on a new path today. I declare with my mouth and I believe in declare with my mouth and I believe in declare with my mouth and I believe in my heart, Jesus, that you are Lord. my heart, Jesus, that you are Lord. my heart, Jesus, that you are Lord. Thank you for a fresh start that I have Thank you for a fresh start that I have Thank you for a fresh start that I have in you today. In Jesus name, [music] in you today. In Jesus name, [music] in you today. In Jesus name, [music] everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Come on, everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Come on, everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Come on, let's celebrate all of those that made let's celebrate all of those that made let's celebrate all of those that made decisions for Christ today.