It's Too Early to Quit | Doug Sauder | Jude 1

So, if you weren't with us last week, we So, if you weren't with us last week, we started this very small book of the started this very small book of the started this very small book of the Bible, a letter written by Jude, the Bible, a letter written by Jude, the Bible, a letter written by Jude, the halfb brotherther of Jesus. And Jude halfb brotherther of Jesus. And Jude halfb brotherther of Jesus. And Jude starts out his letter by saying, "I hope starts out his letter by saying, "I hope starts out his letter by saying, "I hope to write to these new Christians, these to write to these new Christians, these to write to these new Christians, these Jewish believers in Jesus, about the Jewish believers in Jesus, about the Jewish believers in Jesus, about the salvation that has come in Messiah." But salvation that has come in Messiah." But salvation that has come in Messiah." But then he says, "But but I I need to warn then he says, "But but I I need to warn then he says, "But but I I need to warn you. There are people that have come in you. There are people that have come in you. There are people that have come in among you. There are false teachers. among you. There are false teachers. among you. There are false teachers. They're creating division. They're They're creating division. They're They're creating division. They're creating confusion." And so I wanted to creating confusion." And so I wanted to creating confusion." And so I wanted to have this beautiful letter about all have this beautiful letter about all have this beautiful letter about all these beautiful things that God is these beautiful things that God is these beautiful things that God is doing, but I needed to stop and warn doing, but I needed to stop and warn doing, but I needed to stop and warn you. And so, so Jude is direct. He's you. And so, so Jude is direct. He's you. And so, so Jude is direct. He's he's this like fiery Old Testament he's this like fiery Old Testament he's this like fiery Old Testament prophet. Jude is intense. And you get it prophet. Jude is intense. And you get it prophet. Jude is intense. And you get it from almost the very beginning. from almost the very beginning. from almost the very beginning. And it's this warning. 12 different And it's this warning. 12 different And it's this warning. 12 different examples of people back in the day, examples of people back in the day, examples of people back in the day, angels who rebelled from heaven who did angels who rebelled from heaven who did angels who rebelled from heaven who did not finish even though they started not finish even though they started not finish even though they started well. people who came out of slavery in well. people who came out of slavery in well. people who came out of slavery in Egypt into the promised land. They Egypt into the promised land. They Egypt into the promised land. They started well, but they didn't finish started well, but they didn't finish started well, but they didn't finish well. Along the way, they quit. Along well. Along the way, they quit. Along well. Along the way, they quit. Along the way, they didn't just quit, but they the way, they didn't just quit, but they the way, they didn't just quit, but they caused others to quit. And and Jude is caused others to quit. And and Jude is caused others to quit. And and Jude is going to have this prophetic voice, this going to have this prophetic voice, this going to have this prophetic voice, this intense voice like, "It's too early to intense voice like, "It's too early to intense voice like, "It's too early to quit." It's this voice of a parent. When quit." It's this voice of a parent. When quit." It's this voice of a parent. When you think of intensity, think of a you think of intensity, think of a you think of intensity, think of a parent who says to their kids, "Don't parent who says to their kids, "Don't parent who says to their kids, "Don't run into the street.

run into the street. run into the street. Don't take candy from strangers." Don't take candy from strangers." Don't take candy from strangers." Why? because they're trying to control. Why? because they're trying to control. Why? because they're trying to control. No, because they're trying to protect. No, because they're trying to protect. No, because they're trying to protect. They know that children are easily They know that children are easily They know that children are easily trusting and gullible and naive and can trusting and gullible and naive and can trusting and gullible and naive and can be manipulated. And so a wise parent be manipulated. And so a wise parent be manipulated. And so a wise parent will offer this intense warning to their will offer this intense warning to their will offer this intense warning to their kids in certain moments to protect them. kids in certain moments to protect them. kids in certain moments to protect them. This is Jude. And so Jude is reminding This is Jude. And so Jude is reminding This is Jude. And so Jude is reminding these early Christians that life is hard these early Christians that life is hard these early Christians that life is hard and the following Jesus is hard and not and the following Jesus is hard and not and the following Jesus is hard and not everyone who starts everyone who starts everyone who starts finishes. finishes. finishes. Have you ever known a Christian, someone Have you ever known a Christian, someone Have you ever known a Christian, someone who came to know Jesus, who started who came to know Jesus, who started who came to know Jesus, who started following Jesus following Jesus following Jesus and then they sort of just drifted away? and then they sort of just drifted away? and then they sort of just drifted away? They got involved in this really odd They got involved in this really odd They got involved in this really odd Bible study. Bible study. Bible study. They had unanswered prayers and They had unanswered prayers and They had unanswered prayers and disappointments because they thought disappointments because they thought disappointments because they thought maybe following Jesus would be easier or maybe following Jesus would be easier or maybe following Jesus would be easier or different than it was. They have all different than it was. They have all different than it was. They have all these different questions. And when that these different questions. And when that these different questions. And when that happens to us, we're like, "Wait, what happens to us, we're like, "Wait, what happens to us, we're like, "Wait, what happened?" I mean, I know people at this happened?" I mean, I know people at this happened?" I mean, I know people at this church, you were invited to this church.

church, you were invited to this church. church, you were invited to this church. You were invited to know Jesus through You were invited to know Jesus through You were invited to know Jesus through this person and now they have wandered this person and now they have wandered this person and now they have wandered completely away and said, "I'm not a completely away and said, "I'm not a completely away and said, "I'm not a Christian anymore." Christian anymore." Christian anymore." And you sort of scratch your head like, And you sort of scratch your head like, And you sort of scratch your head like, "How does that happen?" "How does that happen?" "How does that happen?" And Jude said, 'Th that's been And Jude said, 'Th that's been And Jude said, 'Th that's been happening. happening. happening. It'll happen today and it'll continue to It'll happen today and it'll continue to It'll happen today and it'll continue to happen, but we don't want to be the happen, but we don't want to be the happen, but we don't want to be the people who are deceived. We don't want people who are deceived. We don't want people who are deceived. We don't want to be the people who quit. And so, to be the people who quit. And so, to be the people who quit. And so, there's this strong and prophetic push there's this strong and prophetic push there's this strong and prophetic push that Jude has. that Jude has. that Jude has. And so, today, this letter is going to And so, today, this letter is going to And so, today, this letter is going to have relevance for us. But I want to have relevance for us. But I want to have relevance for us. But I want to answer a question that maybe some of you answer a question that maybe some of you answer a question that maybe some of you are thinking. are thinking. are thinking. Jude is the halfb brotherther of Jesus. Jude is the halfb brotherther of Jesus. Jude is the halfb brotherther of Jesus. First of all, what? Jesus had brothers First of all, what? Jesus had brothers First of all, what? Jesus had brothers and sisters. If you grew up in a and sisters. If you grew up in a and sisters. If you grew up in a Catholic church or an Orthodox church, Catholic church or an Orthodox church, Catholic church or an Orthodox church, you you won't receive that teaching. you you won't receive that teaching. you you won't receive that teaching. They'll say like, "Well, when it says They'll say like, "Well, when it says They'll say like, "Well, when it says brothers and sisters, it means cousins brothers and sisters, it means cousins brothers and sisters, it means cousins or stepbros from a previous marriage of or stepbros from a previous marriage of or stepbros from a previous marriage of Joseph." But the language is is pretty Joseph." But the language is is pretty Joseph." But the language is is pretty clear. These are the brothers and clear. These are the brothers and clear. These are the brothers and sisters of Jesus. So, what does that sisters of Jesus. So, what does that sisters of Jesus. So, what does that mean? And how do we know Jude is one of mean? And how do we know Jude is one of mean? And how do we know Jude is one of them? Well, the reason we know Jude is them? Well, the reason we know Jude is them? Well, the reason we know Jude is one of them is because uh the brothers one of them is because uh the brothers one of them is because uh the brothers and sisters of Jesus are are named in and sisters of Jesus are are named in and sisters of Jesus are are named in the Bible. And we see this in several the Bible. And we see this in several the Bible. And we see this in several places. Mark 6:3 when Jesus is 30 years places. Mark 6:3 when Jesus is 30 years places. Mark 6:3 when Jesus is 30 years old and he begins his public ministry.

old and he begins his public ministry. old and he begins his public ministry. The people are like, "Wait, that's the The people are like, "Wait, that's the The people are like, "Wait, that's the guy from Nazareth the carpenter. He grew guy from Nazareth the carpenter. He grew guy from Nazareth the carpenter. He grew up with us." And then here's what it up with us." And then here's what it up with us." And then here's what it says. Isn't this Mary's son, the brother says. Isn't this Mary's son, the brother says. Isn't this Mary's son, the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? So we Aren't his sisters here with us? So we Aren't his sisters here with us? So we know here Jesus had at least six know here Jesus had at least six know here Jesus had at least six siblings, at least two sisters and four siblings, at least two sisters and four siblings, at least two sisters and four named brothers. And where is Jude in named brothers. And where is Jude in named brothers. And where is Jude in this? I mean I see Judas. H you know this? I mean I see Judas. H you know this? I mean I see Judas. H you know Judas used to be a good name. Tell you Judas used to be a good name. Tell you Judas used to be a good name. Tell you ruined it for everybody. ruined it for everybody. ruined it for everybody. But Jude or Judas or Judah are all But Jude or Judas or Judah are all But Jude or Judas or Judah are all derives of the same name like John or derives of the same name like John or derives of the same name like John or Johnny or Jonathan. Jude is listed as Johnny or Jonathan. Jude is listed as Johnny or Jonathan. Jude is listed as the third and in one place the fourth the third and in one place the fourth the third and in one place the fourth brother of Jesus. And all four of the brother of Jesus. And all four of the brother of Jesus. And all four of the brothers of Jesus became leaders in the brothers of Jesus became leaders in the brothers of Jesus became leaders in the church. James became the leader in the church. James became the leader in the church. James became the leader in the church in Jerusalem. Jude became this church in Jerusalem. Jude became this church in Jerusalem. Jude became this itinerate preacher, teacher, this kind itinerate preacher, teacher, this kind itinerate preacher, teacher, this kind of prophet in the church. But it wasn't of prophet in the church. But it wasn't of prophet in the church. But it wasn't always this way. always this way. always this way. So when you look at the early writings So when you look at the early writings So when you look at the early writings about Jesus brothers in Matthew and Mark about Jesus brothers in Matthew and Mark about Jesus brothers in Matthew and Mark and Luke and John, every time you see and Luke and John, every time you see and Luke and John, every time you see his brothers, they're mocking Jesus. In his brothers, they're mocking Jesus. In his brothers, they're mocking Jesus. In John 7, hey Jesus, you're going to go John 7, hey Jesus, you're going to go John 7, hey Jesus, you're going to go public. Go big. Sure you're the Messiah.

public. Go big. Sure you're the Messiah. public. Go big. Sure you're the Messiah. At one point they come to take charge of At one point they come to take charge of At one point they come to take charge of him because they think he's lost his him because they think he's lost his him because they think he's lost his mind. He's embarrassing their family, mind. He's embarrassing their family, mind. He's embarrassing their family, saying he's the Messiah, the son of God. saying he's the Messiah, the son of God. saying he's the Messiah, the son of God. They're scoffers. They are mockers. They're scoffers. They are mockers. They're scoffers. They are mockers. And so when we see And so when we see And so when we see Jude with this intensity, sometimes we Jude with this intensity, sometimes we Jude with this intensity, sometimes we can read the Bible when he talks about can read the Bible when he talks about can read the Bible when he talks about those scoffers, those deceivers. We sort those scoffers, those deceivers. We sort those scoffers, those deceivers. We sort of have this tone of this prophet with of have this tone of this prophet with of have this tone of this prophet with his finger pointed. his finger pointed. his finger pointed. But know that Jude knows he was once a But know that Jude knows he was once a But know that Jude knows he was once a scoffer. scoffer. scoffer. He was once a mocker. How did his He was once a mocker. How did his He was once a mocker. How did his brothers go from mockers and scoffers brothers go from mockers and scoffers brothers go from mockers and scoffers to leaders in the church? to leaders in the church? to leaders in the church? Well, they weren't there for the Well, they weren't there for the Well, they weren't there for the miracles. They weren't there for the miracles. They weren't there for the miracles. They weren't there for the feeding of the 5000. They weren't there feeding of the 5000. They weren't there feeding of the 5000. They weren't there following him. following him. following him. But after Jesus death, they also weren't But after Jesus death, they also weren't But after Jesus death, they also weren't at his crucifixion. at his crucifixion. at his crucifixion. So between his death and Pentecost, So between his death and Pentecost, So between his death and Pentecost, Jesus appears to his brothers and Jesus appears to his brothers and Jesus appears to his brothers and reveals himself that he is risen and reveals himself that he is risen and reveals himself that he is risen and they become his followers in Acts 1:14. they become his followers in Acts 1:14. they become his followers in Acts 1:14. They are in the upper room praying. It They are in the upper room praying. It They are in the upper room praying. It is the risen Jesus that convinces them is the risen Jesus that convinces them is the risen Jesus that convinces them that he is Messiah. And listen, this is that he is Messiah. And listen, this is that he is Messiah. And listen, this is one to me of the greatest apologetics of one to me of the greatest apologetics of one to me of the greatest apologetics of the Bible. One of the greatest proofs the Bible. One of the greatest proofs the Bible. One of the greatest proofs that Jesus is Messiah because I grew up that Jesus is Messiah because I grew up that Jesus is Messiah because I grew up with a brother and I can promise you I with a brother and I can promise you I with a brother and I can promise you I never thought he was the Messiah.

never thought he was the Messiah. never thought he was the Messiah. You know everything about your brothers You know everything about your brothers You know everything about your brothers and sisters. You know every fault. So and sisters. You know every fault. So and sisters. You know every fault. So when Jesus says, "I am without sin." The when Jesus says, "I am without sin." The when Jesus says, "I am without sin." The brothers would know if that was true or brothers would know if that was true or brothers would know if that was true or not. And his appearance to them caused not. And his appearance to them caused not. And his appearance to them caused them not just to worship him, but follow them not just to worship him, but follow them not just to worship him, but follow him and give their lives in his service. him and give their lives in his service. him and give their lives in his service. And that is Jude. And so as we read And that is Jude. And so as we read And that is Jude. And so as we read this, I don't want you to hear a tone of this, I don't want you to hear a tone of this, I don't want you to hear a tone of what's wrong with you people because what's wrong with you people because what's wrong with you people because sometimes we can read the Bible like sometimes we can read the Bible like sometimes we can read the Bible like that. You know, if you point a finger at that. You know, if you point a finger at that. You know, if you point a finger at someone, you have three fingers pointed someone, you have three fingers pointed someone, you have three fingers pointed back at yourself. back at yourself. back at yourself. Ah, yeah. The longer you follow Jesus, Ah, yeah. The longer you follow Jesus, Ah, yeah. The longer you follow Jesus, hopefully hopefully hopefully the less self-righteous you become, the less self-righteous you become, the less self-righteous you become, the less critical and condemning you the less critical and condemning you the less critical and condemning you come, and the more you realize you are come, and the more you realize you are come, and the more you realize you are in need of mercy, just like everyone in need of mercy, just like everyone in need of mercy, just like everyone else is in need of mercy. And so the else is in need of mercy. And so the else is in need of mercy. And so the letter of Jude is a prophetic word letter of Jude is a prophetic word letter of Jude is a prophetic word spoken with a heart of mercy, spoken with a heart of mercy, spoken with a heart of mercy, a humility and a conviction that is a humility and a conviction that is a humility and a conviction that is protective over people. And so let's protective over people. And so let's protective over people. And so let's read it with that heart. Jude opens up read it with that heart. Jude opens up read it with that heart. Jude opens up and says, "You are loved by God and and says, "You are loved by God and and says, "You are loved by God and called by God and kept by God, but there called by God and kept by God, but there called by God and kept by God, but there are all these people who are trying to are all these people who are trying to are all these people who are trying to mess with you." And in verse 17, we'll mess with you." And in verse 17, we'll mess with you." And in verse 17, we'll pick up where we left off. But dear pick up where we left off. But dear pick up where we left off. But dear friends, remember what the apostles of friends, remember what the apostles of friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times, there said to you, "In the last times, there said to you, "In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their will be scoffers who will follow their will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.

own ungodly desires. own ungodly desires. These are the people who divide you, who These are the people who divide you, who These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not follow mere natural instincts and do not follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit." have the spirit." have the spirit." Jude begins by warning about angels who Jude begins by warning about angels who Jude begins by warning about angels who rebelled in heaven and the people of God rebelled in heaven and the people of God rebelled in heaven and the people of God who rebelled and prophets who who didn't who rebelled and prophets who who didn't who rebelled and prophets who who didn't finish well like Balum. finish well like Balum. finish well like Balum. But then he says, "Even the New But then he says, "Even the New But then he says, "Even the New Testament apostles have warned you that Testament apostles have warned you that Testament apostles have warned you that in your churches will come in your churches will come in your churches will come wolves dressed in sheep's clothing." wolves dressed in sheep's clothing." wolves dressed in sheep's clothing." That was the warning of Jesus. These That was the warning of Jesus. These That was the warning of Jesus. These people are not easy to spot. Even after people are not easy to spot. Even after people are not easy to spot. Even after three years, the disciples didn't know three years, the disciples didn't know three years, the disciples didn't know Judas was one of those people. And he Judas was one of those people. And he Judas was one of those people. And he says, "Peter has warned us." Second says, "Peter has warned us." Second says, "Peter has warned us." Second Peter chapter 2, an entire chapter Peter chapter 2, an entire chapter Peter chapter 2, an entire chapter warning people about people who are not warning people about people who are not warning people about people who are not who they appear to be, bringing division who they appear to be, bringing division who they appear to be, bringing division and controversy. and controversy. and controversy. John, the other disciple of Jesus, John, the other disciple of Jesus, John, the other disciple of Jesus, offers many warnings about false offers many warnings about false offers many warnings about false teachers in those last days. And Paul, teachers in those last days. And Paul, teachers in those last days. And Paul, one of the apostles, does the same over one of the apostles, does the same over one of the apostles, does the same over and over. As the gospel is presented, and over. As the gospel is presented, and over. As the gospel is presented, there is a warning. There are false there is a warning. There are false there is a warning. There are false teachers and people who will introduce teachers and people who will introduce teachers and people who will introduce all kinds of things to bring division.

all kinds of things to bring division. all kinds of things to bring division. Why is there so much division in the Why is there so much division in the Why is there so much division in the church today? church today? church today? the same reason why there was division the same reason why there was division the same reason why there was division in the church back then because the in the church back then because the in the church back then because the church often listens to the wrong church often listens to the wrong church often listens to the wrong voices. voices. voices. Now Jude doesn't explain what the false Now Jude doesn't explain what the false Now Jude doesn't explain what the false doctrines are in other places other doctrines are in other places other doctrines are in other places other leaders do. He just says this you can leaders do. He just says this you can leaders do. He just says this you can know the false doctrine by watching the know the false doctrine by watching the know the false doctrine by watching the person's life. person's life. person's life. Interesting right? Interesting right? Interesting right? And you notice people who say like, And you notice people who say like, And you notice people who say like, "Hey, so all the churches say this, but "Hey, so all the churches say this, but "Hey, so all the churches say this, but I can tell you I figured out this really I can tell you I figured out this really I can tell you I figured out this really cool thing that no one else knows. cool thing that no one else knows. cool thing that no one else knows. Follow me." And that can get really Follow me." And that can get really Follow me." And that can get really weird really fast. But if you just watch weird really fast. But if you just watch weird really fast. But if you just watch that person's life, that cult leader, that person's life, that cult leader, that person's life, that cult leader, that person who makes it all about them, that person who makes it all about them, that person who makes it all about them, you can watch their desire, their greed, you can watch their desire, their greed, you can watch their desire, their greed, their lust, their desire for praise sort their lust, their desire for praise sort their lust, their desire for praise sort of become self-evident. It's not about of become self-evident. It's not about of become self-evident. It's not about God at all. It's a lot more about them. God at all. It's a lot more about them. God at all. It's a lot more about them. And Jude says, "Be careful because these And Jude says, "Be careful because these And Jude says, "Be careful because these people are going to creep in and they're people are going to creep in and they're people are going to creep in and they're going to follow ungodly desires going to follow ungodly desires going to follow ungodly desires and natural instincts because they don't and natural instincts because they don't and natural instincts because they don't have the spirit of God. They're not have the spirit of God. They're not have the spirit of God. They're not Christians.

Christians. Christians. They sound like Christians. They sound like Christians. They sound like Christians. Maybe they look like Christians. And if Maybe they look like Christians. And if Maybe they look like Christians. And if we're not discerning, if we don't ask we're not discerning, if we don't ask we're not discerning, if we don't ask the right questions, well, then we're the right questions, well, then we're the right questions, well, then we're going to be tricked by them. And maybe going to be tricked by them. And maybe going to be tricked by them. And maybe we'll find ourselves over here going, I we'll find ourselves over here going, I we'll find ourselves over here going, I don't think I want to follow Jesus don't think I want to follow Jesus don't think I want to follow Jesus anymore because we followed this voice anymore because we followed this voice anymore because we followed this voice that we shouldn't have followed. Now, that we shouldn't have followed. Now, that we shouldn't have followed. Now, how does that happen? how does that happen? how does that happen? Well, there isn't a week that doesn't go Well, there isn't a week that doesn't go Well, there isn't a week that doesn't go by that someone doesn't go, hey, hey, by that someone doesn't go, hey, hey, by that someone doesn't go, hey, hey, Doug, I want you to watch this podcast. Doug, I want you to watch this podcast. Doug, I want you to watch this podcast. I want you to watch this this new I want you to watch this this new I want you to watch this this new thought, this new idea. This is so good. thought, this new idea. This is so good. thought, this new idea. This is so good. AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING this AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING this AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING this guy, this girl. And so I'll just sort of guy, this girl. And so I'll just sort of guy, this girl. And so I'll just sort of watch. And what you see is a person who watch. And what you see is a person who watch. And what you see is a person who maybe is sharing sort of an ideology or maybe is sharing sort of an ideology or maybe is sharing sort of an ideology or some kind of theology. and they use some kind of theology. and they use some kind of theology. and they use Bible verses here and there, but what Bible verses here and there, but what Bible verses here and there, but what they're saying and how they're living is they're saying and how they're living is they're saying and how they're living is clearly not of God. clearly not of God. clearly not of God. And you realize that just because a And you realize that just because a And you realize that just because a celebrity thanks God at the Oscars or celebrity thanks God at the Oscars or celebrity thanks God at the Oscars or the Grammys doesn't mean he's a the Grammys doesn't mean he's a the Grammys doesn't mean he's a Christian. She's a Christian. Just Christian. She's a Christian. Just Christian. She's a Christian. Just because you put a line in a song, just because you put a line in a song, just because you put a line in a song, just because you say something, if you don't because you say something, if you don't because you say something, if you don't if your life doesn't reflect the values if your life doesn't reflect the values if your life doesn't reflect the values of the kingdom, well, the bad theology of the kingdom, well, the bad theology of the kingdom, well, the bad theology will be revealed in your life. So don't will be revealed in your life. So don't will be revealed in your life. So don't be so quick to assume. I know be so quick to assume. I know be so quick to assume. I know Christians, we so want other people to Christians, we so want other people to Christians, we so want other people to know Jesus that often we can be sort of know Jesus that often we can be sort of know Jesus that often we can be sort of easily sucked in. Oh, they became a easily sucked in. Oh, they became a easily sucked in. Oh, they became a Christian. Oh, the celebrity became a Christian. Oh, the celebrity became a Christian. Oh, the celebrity became a Christian. Oh, this is great for the Christian. Oh, this is great for the Christian. Oh, this is great for the Christianity. Listen, God doesn't need a Christianity. Listen, God doesn't need a Christianity. Listen, God doesn't need a celebrity for his kingdom.

celebrity for his kingdom. celebrity for his kingdom. >> Okay? >> Okay? >> Okay? >> All right. He's He's already king, >> All right. He's He's already king, >> All right. He's He's already king, right? right? right? So, So, So, we need to practice discernment. Jude is we need to practice discernment. Jude is we need to practice discernment. Jude is challenging the church to not be divided challenging the church to not be divided challenging the church to not be divided by people who don't have the spirit of by people who don't have the spirit of by people who don't have the spirit of God. Politicians do this all the time. God. Politicians do this all the time. God. Politicians do this all the time. If you vote for me, I will keep you safe If you vote for me, I will keep you safe If you vote for me, I will keep you safe and you will be free and you will and you will be free and you will and you will be free and you will experience prosperity. Every politician experience prosperity. Every politician experience prosperity. Every politician offers the same promise and many of them offers the same promise and many of them offers the same promise and many of them tag on, oh, and yes, um, I I'm with you tag on, oh, and yes, um, I I'm with you tag on, oh, and yes, um, I I'm with you because of this Bible verse or God bless because of this Bible verse or God bless because of this Bible verse or God bless America or whatever they say. And these America or whatever they say. And these America or whatever they say. And these men and women who are in pursuit of men and women who are in pursuit of men and women who are in pursuit of power divide the church. We're watching power divide the church. We're watching power divide the church. We're watching happen. happen. happen. They don't have the spirit of God. They They don't have the spirit of God. They They don't have the spirit of God. They know a Bible verse. They might know how know a Bible verse. They might know how know a Bible verse. They might know how to pray a prayer. It doesn't mean they to pray a prayer. It doesn't mean they to pray a prayer. It doesn't mean they know Jesus. Or how about this? Jude know Jesus. Or how about this? Jude know Jesus. Or how about this? Jude talks about preachers. Uhoh. talks about preachers. Uhoh. talks about preachers. Uhoh. Preachers who preach God's word for Preachers who preach God's word for Preachers who preach God's word for profit.

profit. profit. You want God's blessing? Then you give You want God's blessing? Then you give You want God's blessing? Then you give to me. to me. to me. And I get rich and you stay poor. And I And I get rich and you stay poor. And I And I get rich and you stay poor. And I manipulate you because of my spiritual manipulate you because of my spiritual manipulate you because of my spiritual authority. Is that happening today? authority. Is that happening today? authority. Is that happening today? Look around. Now, I drive a Mazda, just Look around. Now, I drive a Mazda, just Look around. Now, I drive a Mazda, just for the record. Okay, just just saying. for the record. Okay, just just saying. for the record. Okay, just just saying. Just saying. All right, listen. It Just saying. All right, listen. It Just saying. All right, listen. It happens all around us. It happens with happens all around us. It happens with happens all around us. It happens with celebrities. It happens with celebrities. It happens with celebrities. It happens with politicians. It happens with pastors who politicians. It happens with pastors who politicians. It happens with pastors who are using their spiritual or legal or are using their spiritual or legal or are using their spiritual or legal or social authority for devious purposes. social authority for devious purposes. social authority for devious purposes. And they divide Christians. And and and And they divide Christians. And and and And they divide Christians. And and and Jude says, "Don't let someone who Jude says, "Don't let someone who Jude says, "Don't let someone who doesn't have the spirit of God bring doesn't have the spirit of God bring doesn't have the spirit of God bring division in to the church." So, how do division in to the church." So, how do division in to the church." So, how do you get the spirit of God? That's a good you get the spirit of God? That's a good you get the spirit of God? That's a good question. question. question. Well, you get the spirit of God when you Well, you get the spirit of God when you Well, you get the spirit of God when you bow your knee to Jesus. [snorts] bow your knee to Jesus. [snorts] bow your knee to Jesus. [snorts] When you realize you're a sinner and you When you realize you're a sinner and you When you realize you're a sinner and you realize you need a savior and the Bible realize you need a savior and the Bible realize you need a savior and the Bible says in Ephesians 1, the moment that you says in Ephesians 1, the moment that you says in Ephesians 1, the moment that you call out to him, he offers you call out to him, he offers you call out to him, he offers you forgiveness and redemption and he gives forgiveness and redemption and he gives forgiveness and redemption and he gives you his spirit as a seal. You are sealed you his spirit as a seal. You are sealed you his spirit as a seal. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a promise by the Holy Spirit as a promise by the Holy Spirit as a promise guaranteeing your redemption. Which guaranteeing your redemption. Which guaranteeing your redemption. Which means the spirit of God doesn't come and means the spirit of God doesn't come and means the spirit of God doesn't come and go and come and go in and out of your go and come and go in and out of your go and come and go in and out of your life. The spirit of God stays in your life. The spirit of God stays in your life. The spirit of God stays in your life because when God makes a promise, life because when God makes a promise, life because when God makes a promise, he keeps it. So if you are in Christ, he keeps it. So if you are in Christ, he keeps it. So if you are in Christ, you have received the spirit of God and you have received the spirit of God and you have received the spirit of God and you should rejoice every single day you should rejoice every single day you should rejoice every single day because this is the beautiful gift that because this is the beautiful gift that because this is the beautiful gift that God gives to his people. Now verse 20, God gives to his people. Now verse 20, God gives to his people. Now verse 20, Jude continues, "But you," now he's

Jude continues, "But you," now he's Jude continues, "But you," now he's going to get personal. But you, dear going to get personal. But you, dear going to get personal. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in friends, by building yourselves up in friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the your most holy faith and praying in the your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God as you wait for your the mercy of of God as you wait for your the mercy of of God as you wait for your the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. And be merciful to those eternal life. And be merciful to those eternal life. And be merciful to those who doubt. Save others by snatching them who doubt. Save others by snatching them who doubt. Save others by snatching them from the fire. To others, show mercy from the fire. To others, show mercy from the fire. To others, show mercy mixed with fear, hating even the mixed with fear, hating even the mixed with fear, hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. clothing stained by corrupted flesh. clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jews going to turn personal. He's Jews going to turn personal. He's Jews going to turn personal. He's offered all the warnings from history offered all the warnings from history offered all the warnings from history and nature and creation. Even offered and nature and creation. Even offered and nature and creation. Even offered warnings from his own peers like Peter warnings from his own peers like Peter warnings from his own peers like Peter and John and Paul. But now says, "Now, and John and Paul. But now says, "Now, and John and Paul. But now says, "Now, now dear friends, I have something for now dear friends, I have something for now dear friends, I have something for you." And here's the line. you." And here's the line. you." And here's the line. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Keep yourselves in the love of God. What a powerful sentence. What a What a powerful sentence. What a What a powerful sentence. What a powerful idea. In the beginning, he powerful idea. In the beginning, he powerful idea. In the beginning, he says, "You are called and loved and kept says, "You are called and loved and kept says, "You are called and loved and kept by God." that God is keeping you. But by God." that God is keeping you. But by God." that God is keeping you. But here he says, "No, but you also need to here he says, "No, but you also need to here he says, "No, but you also need to keep yourselves in the love of God." So, keep yourselves in the love of God." So, keep yourselves in the love of God." So, what does that mean what does that mean what does that mean to me? There's there's a picture that to me? There's there's a picture that to me? There's there's a picture that helps me understand what it means to to helps me understand what it means to to helps me understand what it means to to be kept in the love of God. And it's the be kept in the love of God. And it's the be kept in the love of God. And it's the invitation of Jesus.

invitation of Jesus. invitation of Jesus. The invitation of Jesus is I am in the The invitation of Jesus is I am in the The invitation of Jesus is I am in the father and the father is in me. this father and the father is in me. this father and the father is in me. this beautiful circle in the Trinity of beautiful circle in the Trinity of beautiful circle in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Father, Son, and Holy Spirit where we are invited into this where we are invited into this where we are invited into this fellowship of love, into this fellowship fellowship of love, into this fellowship fellowship of love, into this fellowship of unity, this deep inseparable unity, of unity, this deep inseparable unity, of unity, this deep inseparable unity, unconditional love, shared glory, mutual unconditional love, shared glory, mutual unconditional love, shared glory, mutual submission, no competition between the submission, no competition between the submission, no competition between the father, the son, and the spirit. And father, the son, and the spirit. And father, the son, and the spirit. And Jesus is like, "Come on in and share the Jesus is like, "Come on in and share the Jesus is like, "Come on in and share the life we have together." And then keep life we have together." And then keep life we have together." And then keep yourself in that love. And so two things yourself in that love. And so two things yourself in that love. And so two things are true all the time that you are kept are true all the time that you are kept are true all the time that you are kept by God. You're in his hand, but you have by God. You're in his hand, but you have by God. You're in his hand, but you have a role to play and to keep yourself in a role to play and to keep yourself in a role to play and to keep yourself in the love of God. Jesus would use phrases the love of God. Jesus would use phrases the love of God. Jesus would use phrases like this. Abide in my love. Remain in like this. Abide in my love. Remain in like this. Abide in my love. Remain in my love. And there's a promise for that. my love. And there's a promise for that. my love. And there's a promise for that. Now, there's some human examples that Now, there's some human examples that Now, there's some human examples that help us understand how are these things help us understand how are these things help us understand how are these things both true. Wait, is God keeping me or am both true. Wait, is God keeping me or am both true. Wait, is God keeping me or am I keeping myself? And I'll give you one I keeping myself? And I'll give you one I keeping myself? And I'll give you one example. Um, any parents in the room example. Um, any parents in the room example. Um, any parents in the room ever teach their kids how to swim?

ever teach their kids how to swim? ever teach their kids how to swim? If you're brave, some of you just said, If you're brave, some of you just said, If you're brave, some of you just said, "I'm going to pay someone else to do "I'm going to pay someone else to do "I'm going to pay someone else to do that. That sounds traumatic." And it is. that. That sounds traumatic." And it is. that. That sounds traumatic." And it is. So, I remember teaching my kids how to So, I remember teaching my kids how to So, I remember teaching my kids how to swim. And you're like, "Hey, son. Uh, I swim. And you're like, "Hey, son. Uh, I swim. And you're like, "Hey, son. Uh, I got you." And we're going to go in the got you." And we're going to go in the got you." And we're going to go in the water. You're going to go under the water. You're going to go under the water. You're going to go under the water. And, you know, you're not going water. And, you know, you're not going water. And, you know, you're not going to be able to breathe. And you're to be able to breathe. And you're to be able to breathe. And you're probably pretty freaked out, but I got probably pretty freaked out, but I got probably pretty freaked out, but I got you. And when you teach your, you know, you. And when you teach your, you know, you. And when you teach your, you know, kids to swim, maybe they're 2 years old kids to swim, maybe they're 2 years old kids to swim, maybe they're 2 years old or 3 years old. They're pretty young. or 3 years old. They're pretty young. or 3 years old. They're pretty young. And And here's here's here's how my sons And And here's here's here's how my sons And And here's here's here's how my sons held on to me. They're holding on to me cuz they don't They're holding on to me cuz they don't want to die. want to die. want to die. But here's what I know. Even as I take But here's what I know. Even as I take But here's what I know. Even as I take them underwater and they lose their them underwater and they lose their them underwater and they lose their grip, I still have them because I'm grip, I still have them because I'm grip, I still have them because I'm strong enough to hold them even when strong enough to hold them even when strong enough to hold them even when they let go. And this is who God is in they let go. And this is who God is in they let go. And this is who God is in your life. You keep your grip on Jesus. your life. You keep your grip on Jesus. your life. You keep your grip on Jesus. You stay in his love. But even if you let go, he's strong But even if you let go, he's strong enough to hold you. We have this example enough to hold you. We have this example enough to hold you. We have this example not just that God is a father to us and not just that God is a father to us and not just that God is a father to us and we're like his kids. We have this we're like his kids. We have this we're like his kids. We have this example of the picture of Christ's love example of the picture of Christ's love example of the picture of Christ's love for the church is like a marriage that for the church is like a marriage that for the church is like a marriage that when we make a vow in holy matrimony, when we make a vow in holy matrimony, when we make a vow in holy matrimony, two things are true at the same time. I two things are true at the same time. I two things are true at the same time. I just got to do two weddings in the last just got to do two weddings in the last just got to do two weddings in the last week and I and you know you do the vows week and I and you know you do the vows week and I and you know you do the vows and there's this moment where you're and there's this moment where you're and there's this moment where you're like wait matrimony marriage is God's like wait matrimony marriage is God's like wait matrimony marriage is God's idea. There's there's a design that God idea. There's there's a design that God idea. There's there's a design that God has for marriage. There's a blessing has for marriage. There's a blessing has for marriage. There's a blessing that God has for marriage and God is that God has for marriage and God is that God has for marriage and God is strong enough to keep your marriage strong enough to keep your marriage strong enough to keep your marriage and

and and you still have to keep your vows. you still have to keep your vows. you still have to keep your vows. Remember those vows. Remember those vows. Remember those vows. My commitment is for better or for My commitment is for better or for My commitment is for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in worse, for richer or for poor, in worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health, to love and to sickness and in health, to love and to sickness and in health, to love and to serve you as Christ commands, as long as serve you as Christ commands, as long as serve you as Christ commands, as long as you both shall live. Sounds so beautiful you both shall live. Sounds so beautiful you both shall live. Sounds so beautiful at a wedding. When you're rich, it's easy. When you're When you're rich, it's easy. When you're healthy, it's easy. When times are good, healthy, it's easy. When times are good, healthy, it's easy. When times are good, it's easy. it's easy. it's easy. But when you're sick or sick of him or But when you're sick or sick of him or But when you're sick or sick of him or her her her or you're poor or things are worse, or you're poor or things are worse, or you're poor or things are worse, I mean maybe it's like, oh, do I just go I mean maybe it's like, oh, do I just go I mean maybe it's like, oh, do I just go find someone else? Do I keep in my vows find someone else? Do I keep in my vows find someone else? Do I keep in my vows or do I start looking for someone else or do I start looking for someone else or do I start looking for someone else that might make me happy? Well, that's a that might make me happy? Well, that's a that might make me happy? Well, that's a decision everyone has to make. Jews like decision everyone has to make. Jews like decision everyone has to make. Jews like keep yourself in the love of God and God keep yourself in the love of God and God keep yourself in the love of God and God will also keep you. He is strong enough will also keep you. He is strong enough will also keep you. He is strong enough to hold you. And so the question is, to hold you. And so the question is, to hold you. And so the question is, what are some practical ways that we can what are some practical ways that we can what are some practical ways that we can do this? and he gives two. Well, you see do this? and he gives two. Well, you see do this? and he gives two. Well, you see this in verse 20. Building yourselves up this in verse 20. Building yourselves up this in verse 20. Building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in in your most holy faith and praying in in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit. So, he gives two the Holy Spirit. So, he gives two the Holy Spirit. So, he gives two practices.

practices. practices. And if I'm going to give you like a And if I'm going to give you like a And if I'm going to give you like a phrase to help you, how do I not quit on phrase to help you, how do I not quit on phrase to help you, how do I not quit on my faith? It's don't quit on your my faith? It's don't quit on your my faith? It's don't quit on your spiritual growth. Jude is going to give spiritual growth. Jude is going to give spiritual growth. Jude is going to give you two very simple ways to keep you two very simple ways to keep you two very simple ways to keep yourself in the love of God. build yourself in the love of God. build yourself in the love of God. build yourself up and pray in the spirit. Now yourself up and pray in the spirit. Now yourself up and pray in the spirit. Now that word building and that word praying that word building and that word praying that word building and that word praying in the Greek are present tense that in the Greek are present tense that in the Greek are present tense that means continuous action. So what what means continuous action. So what what means continuous action. So what what he's saying to the Greek is build your he's saying to the Greek is build your he's saying to the Greek is build your life and keep on building. Pray in the life and keep on building. Pray in the life and keep on building. Pray in the spirit and keep on praying. This spirit and keep on praying. This spirit and keep on praying. This continuous action of practicing your continuous action of practicing your continuous action of practicing your faith. And Jesus would describe this faith. And Jesus would describe this faith. And Jesus would describe this this way. He said, you know, a wise this way. He said, you know, a wise this way. He said, you know, a wise person who builds his life on a rock is person who builds his life on a rock is person who builds his life on a rock is like a person who hears my words and like a person who hears my words and like a person who hears my words and puts them into practice. puts them into practice. puts them into practice. Christianity, when when the Bible says Christianity, when when the Bible says Christianity, when when the Bible says you are saved by grace through faith, you are saved by grace through faith, you are saved by grace through faith, it's the gift of God. It's true. In a it's the gift of God. It's true. In a it's the gift of God. It's true. In a moment, as you pray, you receive the moment, as you pray, you receive the moment, as you pray, you receive the mercy of God and you're forgiven. But mercy of God and you're forgiven. But mercy of God and you're forgiven. But that's not all that happens. Now, you that's not all that happens. Now, you that's not all that happens. Now, you get to walk out this grace, walk out get to walk out this grace, walk out get to walk out this grace, walk out what it means to be forgiven. So Jesus what it means to be forgiven. So Jesus what it means to be forgiven. So Jesus says, "Put it into practice." Paul says says, "Put it into practice." Paul says says, "Put it into practice." Paul says to Timothy, it's like you're training to Timothy, it's like you're training to Timothy, it's like you're training like an athlete who's training. Train like an athlete who's training. Train like an athlete who's training. Train yourself to be godly. The same way you yourself to be godly. The same way you yourself to be godly. The same way you work out, the same way you jog and do work out, the same way you jog and do work out, the same way you jog and do push-ups is the same way you should push-ups is the same way you should push-ups is the same way you should study your Bible and build yourself up.

study your Bible and build yourself up. study your Bible and build yourself up. The same way you should pray and live in The same way you should pray and live in The same way you should pray and live in community and learn to be generous. community and learn to be generous. community and learn to be generous. These things will help you keep yourself These things will help you keep yourself These things will help you keep yourself in the love of God. So, how do you in the love of God. So, how do you in the love of God. So, how do you practice practice practice praying? praying? praying? Well, I would suggest if you want to Well, I would suggest if you want to Well, I would suggest if you want to learn how to pray, learn how to pray, learn how to pray, hang out with people who've been praying hang out with people who've been praying hang out with people who've been praying longer than you. longer than you. longer than you. This last Wednesday we had a prayer time This last Wednesday we had a prayer time This last Wednesday we had a prayer time like every Wednesday like we'll have like every Wednesday like we'll have like every Wednesday like we'll have this Wednesday and a bunch of people this Wednesday and a bunch of people this Wednesday and a bunch of people gathered together and there were these gathered together and there were these gathered together and there were these these moments where you sat before this these moments where you sat before this these moments where you sat before this sheet of paper and you spent a moment in sheet of paper and you spent a moment in sheet of paper and you spent a moment in silence and you walked to another sheet silence and you walked to another sheet silence and you walked to another sheet of paper and you spent some time of paper and you spent some time of paper and you spent some time repenting, evaluating your life in light repenting, evaluating your life in light repenting, evaluating your life in light of who God is and how you needed to ask of who God is and how you needed to ask of who God is and how you needed to ask for forgiveness and confess your sin. for forgiveness and confess your sin. for forgiveness and confess your sin. And then another page where you began to And then another page where you began to And then another page where you began to intercede and pray for people you knew intercede and pray for people you knew intercede and pray for people you knew who were sick. who were sick. who were sick. people you knew who who needed a touch people you knew who who needed a touch people you knew who who needed a touch in in their marriage, in a relationship, in in their marriage, in a relationship, in in their marriage, in a relationship, prayed for a prod goal, prayed for so prayed for a prod goal, prayed for so prayed for a prod goal, prayed for so many different things in the world. And many different things in the world. And many different things in the world. And it was such a beautiful sound to listen it was such a beautiful sound to listen it was such a beautiful sound to listen to a room of people just walking around to a room of people just walking around to a room of people just walking around and praying. And and one of our leaders, and praying. And and one of our leaders, and praying. And and one of our leaders, she shared this verse at that meeting, she shared this verse at that meeting, she shared this verse at that meeting, Ephesians 6:18.

Ephesians 6:18. Ephesians 6:18. And pray in the spirit on all occasions And pray in the spirit on all occasions And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. with all kinds of prayers and requests. with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always With this in mind, be alert and always With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the Lord's keep on praying for all of the Lord's keep on praying for all of the Lord's people. people. people. Praying in the spirit. I mean, the Praying in the spirit. I mean, the Praying in the spirit. I mean, the spirit of God in you puts something on spirit of God in you puts something on spirit of God in you puts something on your heart, a burden. Pray for those your heart, a burden. Pray for those your heart, a burden. Pray for those people in Cali, Colombia. Puts a burden people in Cali, Colombia. Puts a burden people in Cali, Colombia. Puts a burden on your heart that those co-workers I on your heart that those co-workers I on your heart that those co-workers I know, that person who just got let go. know, that person who just got let go. know, that person who just got let go. He puts a burden on your heart for He puts a burden on your heart for He puts a burden on your heart for someone in your own family. He puts a someone in your own family. He puts a someone in your own family. He puts a burden on your heart for something that burden on your heart for something that burden on your heart for something that just comes out of nowhere. will take a just comes out of nowhere. will take a just comes out of nowhere. will take a moment and begin to pray and hang out moment and begin to pray and hang out moment and begin to pray and hang out with people who pray. So, you can learn with people who pray. So, you can learn with people who pray. So, you can learn to pray in the spirit on all occasions to pray in the spirit on all occasions to pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. with all kinds of prayers and requests. with all kinds of prayers and requests. And sometimes we learn how to pray and And sometimes we learn how to pray and And sometimes we learn how to pray and keep on praying by reading God's word keep on praying by reading God's word keep on praying by reading God's word and being in community. But sometimes and being in community. But sometimes and being in community. But sometimes we're all by ourselves we're all by ourselves we're all by ourselves and we don't know what to pray. and we don't know what to pray. and we don't know what to pray. Have you ever had a moment in your Have you ever had a moment in your Have you ever had a moment in your Christian life where you were either so Christian life where you were either so Christian life where you were either so sad or so angry or so anxious or so numb sad or so angry or so anxious or so numb sad or so angry or so anxious or so numb or so tired you just didn't know what to or so tired you just didn't know what to or so tired you just didn't know what to pray at all. I got I don't I don't know pray at all. I got I don't I don't know pray at all. I got I don't I don't know what to pray right now. I'm just I'm so what to pray right now. I'm just I'm so what to pray right now. I'm just I'm so done done done and I feel like quitting. Maybe not and I feel like quitting. Maybe not and I feel like quitting. Maybe not quitting on God, but quitting on that quitting on God, but quitting on that quitting on God, but quitting on that person or the circumstance or quitting person or the circumstance or quitting person or the circumstance or quitting on myself. Yeah, in that moment the on myself. Yeah, in that moment the on myself. Yeah, in that moment the spirit of God will pray for you when you spirit of God will pray for you when you spirit of God will pray for you when you can't pray for yourself. Or Romans 8 can't pray for yourself. Or Romans 8 can't pray for yourself. Or Romans 8 says this. In the same way, the spirit says this. In the same way, the spirit says this. In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness.

helps us in our weakness. helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray We do not know what we ought to pray We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for, but the spirit himself intercedes for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. for us through wordless groans. for us through wordless groans. Now, if you ever experience this, Now, if you ever experience this, Now, if you ever experience this, it's one of those things that you it's one of those things that you it's one of those things that you realize God's nearness to you. That he realize God's nearness to you. That he realize God's nearness to you. That he can he can work beyond your words. can he can work beyond your words. can he can work beyond your words. He can work beyond your ability to He can work beyond your ability to He can work beyond your ability to understand a situation to pray. His understand a situation to pray. His understand a situation to pray. His spirit in you connects with your spirit. spirit in you connects with your spirit. spirit in you connects with your spirit. And there's this beautiful connection And there's this beautiful connection And there's this beautiful connection about the things that you need that you about the things that you need that you about the things that you need that you don't even know you need. In 1 don't even know you need. In 1 don't even know you need. In 1 Corinthians chapter 14:2, Paul says, Corinthians chapter 14:2, Paul says, Corinthians chapter 14:2, Paul says, "Some people even have this gift of a "Some people even have this gift of a "Some people even have this gift of a prayer language where they pray words prayer language where they pray words prayer language where they pray words that are not discernible to other that are not discernible to other that are not discernible to other people." But it's the the language of people." But it's the the language of people." But it's the the language of heaven connecting with God even beyond heaven connecting with God even beyond heaven connecting with God even beyond transcending the words of language that transcending the words of language that transcending the words of language that we use. So when Paul says, "If you want we use. So when Paul says, "If you want we use. So when Paul says, "If you want to keep yourselves in the love of God, to keep yourselves in the love of God, to keep yourselves in the love of God, then you need to be in this process of then you need to be in this process of then you need to be in this process of building yourself up and continuing to building yourself up and continuing to building yourself up and continuing to pray so that you can grow closer to God pray so that you can grow closer to God pray so that you can grow closer to God and stay in his love." Now and stay in his love." Now and stay in his love." Now most often when we think about growing most often when we think about growing most often when we think about growing as disciples of Jesus or reading our as disciples of Jesus or reading our as disciples of Jesus or reading our Bible or praying we do think about this Bible or praying we do think about this Bible or praying we do think about this in isolation. We live in a very western in isolation. We live in a very western in isolation. We live in a very western you know 21st century you know 21st century you know 21st century materialistic individualist society materialistic individualist society materialistic individualist society where almost all that we read we filter where almost all that we read we filter where almost all that we read we filter through it's about me. So when I pray through it's about me. So when I pray through it's about me. So when I pray and ask Jesus to come into my life it's and ask Jesus to come into my life it's and ask Jesus to come into my life it's between me and him. When I read the between me and him. When I read the between me and him. When I read the Bible it's about what I get out of it.

Bible it's about what I get out of it. Bible it's about what I get out of it. It's uh when when I give, I give and It's uh when when I give, I give and It's uh when when I give, I give and it's my act of worship between me and it's my act of worship between me and it's my act of worship between me and God. But the Bible isn't just an God. But the Bible isn't just an God. But the Bible isn't just an individualistic relationship between you individualistic relationship between you individualistic relationship between you and me. It's also a corporate and me. It's also a corporate and me. It's also a corporate relationship with everyone else around relationship with everyone else around relationship with everyone else around you. So I want to show you the picture. you. So I want to show you the picture. you. So I want to show you the picture. I started with this picture of this I started with this picture of this I started with this picture of this invitation to be in Christ. Over 200 invitation to be in Christ. Over 200 invitation to be in Christ. Over 200 times in the Bible, the invitation to times in the Bible, the invitation to times in the Bible, the invitation to come into the life of the Trinity, come into the life of the Trinity, come into the life of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit is described in Father, Son, and Spirit is described in Father, Son, and Spirit is described in the Bible as being in Christ. where you the Bible as being in Christ. where you the Bible as being in Christ. where you find forgiveness and redemption and joy. find forgiveness and redemption and joy. find forgiveness and redemption and joy. But no, you're not the only person But no, you're not the only person But no, you're not the only person invited into that circle. The person invited into that circle. The person invited into that circle. The person next to you is also invited into the next to you is also invited into the next to you is also invited into the circle, which means they're in Christ as circle, which means they're in Christ as circle, which means they're in Christ as well. So check this out. You are as well. So check this out. You are as well. So check this out. You are as connected to the person sitting next to connected to the person sitting next to connected to the person sitting next to you who's a Christian as you are to you who's a Christian as you are to you who's a Christian as you are to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. H H H you're like, "That doesn't sound right." you're like, "That doesn't sound right." you're like, "That doesn't sound right." I'm going to say it again. If you're in I'm going to say it again. If you're in I'm going to say it again. If you're in Christ and they're in Christ, you're as Christ and they're in Christ, you're as Christ and they're in Christ, you're as connected to them as you are to Jesus.

connected to them as you are to Jesus. connected to them as you are to Jesus. Now, again, in a very individualistic Now, again, in a very individualistic Now, again, in a very individualistic theological framework, that doesn't make theological framework, that doesn't make theological framework, that doesn't make a lot of sense. But I'm going to read to a lot of sense. But I'm going to read to a lot of sense. But I'm going to read to you one of the many passages in the you one of the many passages in the you one of the many passages in the Bible that talk about how God doesn't Bible that talk about how God doesn't Bible that talk about how God doesn't just fill us individually with his just fill us individually with his just fill us individually with his spirit, but fills us as a community with spirit, but fills us as a community with spirit, but fills us as a community with his spirit. And that's in the book of his spirit. And that's in the book of his spirit. And that's in the book of Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 19. Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 19. Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 19. Paul says, "Consequently, when you come Paul says, "Consequently, when you come Paul says, "Consequently, when you come to Christ, you are no longer foreigners to Christ, you are no longer foreigners to Christ, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with and strangers, but fellow citizens with and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of his God's people and members of his God's people and members of his household, built on the foundation of household, built on the foundation of household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with the apostles and the prophets, with the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief Christ Jesus himself as the chief Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him, the whole building cornerstone. In him, the whole building cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and arises to become is joined together and arises to become is joined together and arises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him a holy temple in the Lord. And in him a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you two are being built together to you two are being built together to you two are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by become a dwelling in which God lives by become a dwelling in which God lives by his spirit. his spirit. his spirit. There's a re reality with which my body There's a re reality with which my body There's a re reality with which my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. That's is the temple of the Holy Spirit. That's is the temple of the Holy Spirit. That's something individual and personal. But something individual and personal. But something individual and personal. But there's also this theological idea that there's also this theological idea that there's also this theological idea that we are the temple of God in which he we are the temple of God in which he we are the temple of God in which he dwells by his spirit. which means I'm dwells by his spirit. which means I'm dwells by his spirit. which means I'm connected to you and Jesus and the whole connected to you and Jesus and the whole connected to you and Jesus and the whole community of the church together.

community of the church together. community of the church together. And that's why the church is so And that's why the church is so And that's why the church is so important. This church is not just a important. This church is not just a important. This church is not just a corporation or a building or an corporation or a building or an corporation or a building or an organization. This church is the family organization. This church is the family organization. This church is the family of God. This church is the body of of God. This church is the body of of God. This church is the body of Christ. Whatever local church you're a Christ. Whatever local church you're a Christ. Whatever local church you're a part of, there is an intimate connection part of, there is an intimate connection part of, there is an intimate connection with one another that often we don't with one another that often we don't with one another that often we don't recognize. recognize. recognize. And so part of the reason why we're And so part of the reason why we're And so part of the reason why we're doing a fiveweek series on relationships doing a fiveweek series on relationships doing a fiveweek series on relationships is to remind ourselves that this isn't is to remind ourselves that this isn't is to remind ourselves that this isn't just a social club where we we meet just a social club where we we meet just a social club where we we meet friends. This is a family where we friends. This is a family where we friends. This is a family where we remind ourselves what Jesus has done for remind ourselves what Jesus has done for remind ourselves what Jesus has done for our life and we walk together on mission our life and we walk together on mission our life and we walk together on mission with him. So I'm looking forward to the with him. So I'm looking forward to the with him. So I'm looking forward to the series as we as we dig deeper into this series as we as we dig deeper into this series as we as we dig deeper into this because well when we receive the mercy because well when we receive the mercy because well when we receive the mercy of God, it allows us to extend mercy to of God, it allows us to extend mercy to of God, it allows us to extend mercy to others. And that's what Jude's going to others. And that's what Jude's going to others. And that's what Jude's going to do next. In the next three verses, do next. In the next three verses, do next. In the next three verses, you're going to see the word mercy three you're going to see the word mercy three you're going to see the word mercy three times. And so, just like he says, don't times. And so, just like he says, don't times. And so, just like he says, don't quit on your own spiritual growth. He's quit on your own spiritual growth. He's quit on your own spiritual growth. He's going to say this, don't quit on people. going to say this, don't quit on people. going to say this, don't quit on people. Don't quit on other people because God Don't quit on other people because God Don't quit on other people because God didn't quit on you. I mean, Jude Jude didn't quit on you. I mean, Jude Jude didn't quit on you. I mean, Jude Jude could have easily given up and said, you could have easily given up and said, you could have easily given up and said, you know, I I I can't believe that I did know, I I I can't believe that I did know, I I I can't believe that I did this to my halfb brotherther Jesus.

this to my halfb brotherther Jesus. this to my halfb brotherther Jesus. Remember half brother? Because all these Remember half brother? Because all these Remember half brother? Because all these brothers of Jesus had the same mother, brothers of Jesus had the same mother, brothers of Jesus had the same mother, but Jesus had a different father. but Jesus had a different father. but Jesus had a different father. Because when Messiah would come, the Because when Messiah would come, the Because when Messiah would come, the prophet Isaiah said he'd be born of a prophet Isaiah said he'd be born of a prophet Isaiah said he'd be born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit. And so that's virgin by the Holy Spirit. And so that's virgin by the Holy Spirit. And so that's why we say that these were the half why we say that these were the half why we say that these were the half brothers of Jesus. But Jude probably brothers of Jesus. But Jude probably brothers of Jesus. But Jude probably thought after a while, I've I've gone thought after a while, I've I've gone thought after a while, I've I've gone too far. I've mocked my brother too many too far. I've mocked my brother too many too far. I've mocked my brother too many times. I've spent 30 years times. I've spent 30 years times. I've spent 30 years or somewhere in that time frame treating or somewhere in that time frame treating or somewhere in that time frame treating my brother poorly. Will he ever forgive my brother poorly. Will he ever forgive my brother poorly. Will he ever forgive me? And the answer is if Jesus didn't me? And the answer is if Jesus didn't me? And the answer is if Jesus didn't quit on Jude, then Jesus won't quit on quit on Jude, then Jesus won't quit on quit on Jude, then Jesus won't quit on you. And that's a good good thing to you. And that's a good good thing to you. And that's a good good thing to know. know. know. And yeah, And yeah, And yeah, [applause] and so here's a here's a powerful and so here's a here's a powerful indicator of [snorts] the mercy that indicator of [snorts] the mercy that indicator of [snorts] the mercy that we've received. Jude says it this way. we've received. Jude says it this way. we've received. Jude says it this way. He says, "Be merciful to those who He says, "Be merciful to those who He says, "Be merciful to those who doubt." Verse 22. doubt." Verse 22. doubt." Verse 22. So, how do you treat people who walk So, how do you treat people who walk So, how do you treat people who walk away from their faith? How do you treat away from their faith? How do you treat away from their faith? How do you treat people who mock your faith?

people who mock your faith? people who mock your faith? How do how do you treat people who How do how do you treat people who How do how do you treat people who isolate and ridicule you because you're isolate and ridicule you because you're isolate and ridicule you because you're a Christian? a Christian? a Christian? Well, the answer to that question is if Well, the answer to that question is if Well, the answer to that question is if you realize that you have received you realize that you have received you realize that you have received mercy, then you will be able to extend mercy, then you will be able to extend mercy, then you will be able to extend to them mercy. To the degree you to them mercy. To the degree you to them mercy. To the degree you understand what you've been forgiven for understand what you've been forgiven for understand what you've been forgiven for and how God has shown you mercy, you'll and how God has shown you mercy, you'll and how God has shown you mercy, you'll extend mercy to others. extend mercy to others. extend mercy to others. And so let's just stop and think about And so let's just stop and think about And so let's just stop and think about it for a second. I want you to think it for a second. I want you to think it for a second. I want you to think about your life and just sort of soak in about your life and just sort of soak in about your life and just sort of soak in like how have you received or like how have you received or like how have you received or experienced the mercy of God experienced the mercy of God experienced the mercy of God in your life. Now, if you just think about it for a Now, if you just think about it for a minute, like, yeah, I was forgiven for minute, like, yeah, I was forgiven for minute, like, yeah, I was forgiven for my sins. And it's like, but the more you my sins. And it's like, but the more you my sins. And it's like, but the more you think about it, the things you said, the think about it, the things you said, the think about it, the things you said, the things you did, things you did, things you did, how dark the hole was that you were in, how dark the hole was that you were in, how dark the hole was that you were in, how many times you rejected the truth of how many times you rejected the truth of how many times you rejected the truth of God, and how kind and patient and gentle God, and how kind and patient and gentle God, and how kind and patient and gentle he was in calling you back, the more you he was in calling you back, the more you he was in calling you back, the more you lose your sense of self-righteousness, lose your sense of self-righteousness, lose your sense of self-righteousness, and the more you're not going to reject and the more you're not going to reject and the more you're not going to reject people who walk away, but you're going people who walk away, but you're going people who walk away, but you're going to be gentle to them. You see, Judah is to be gentle to them. You see, Judah is to be gentle to them. You see, Judah is calling the church to be discerning.

calling the church to be discerning. calling the church to be discerning. There are people who are wolves and There are people who are wolves and There are people who are wolves and sheep's clothing, but he doesn't call us sheep's clothing, but he doesn't call us sheep's clothing, but he doesn't call us to be suspicious, to be suspicious, to be suspicious, which one of you know, but to be which one of you know, but to be which one of you know, but to be merciful for those who doubt. So, so merciful for those who doubt. So, so merciful for those who doubt. So, so what does that look like? Well, as Paul what does that look like? Well, as Paul what does that look like? Well, as Paul reflected on the things he were was reflected on the things he were was reflected on the things he were was forgiven of, as you look at his letters, forgiven of, as you look at his letters, forgiven of, as you look at his letters, there's a progression from, "Hey, I was there's a progression from, "Hey, I was there's a progression from, "Hey, I was a sinner before I met Jesus to," I was a sinner before I met Jesus to," I was a sinner before I met Jesus to," I was the chief of sinners to in his last the chief of sinners to in his last the chief of sinners to in his last letter, he said, "I was the worst sinner letter, he said, "I was the worst sinner letter, he said, "I was the worst sinner in the entire history of the world. I in the entire history of the world. I in the entire history of the world. I was a blasphemer. I was a murderer. I was a blasphemer. I was a murderer. I was a blasphemer. I was a murderer. I was the worst human being who ever was the worst human being who ever was the worst human being who ever lived. And yet, I was shown mercy." What lived. And yet, I was shown mercy." What lived. And yet, I was shown mercy." What happened? The longer he walked with happened? The longer he walked with happened? The longer he walked with Jesus, the more he realized how much Jesus, the more he realized how much Jesus, the more he realized how much mercy he actually needed. I tell the mercy he actually needed. I tell the mercy he actually needed. I tell the story all the time. When I first became story all the time. When I first became story all the time. When I first became a Christian, I talked to the pastor. The a Christian, I talked to the pastor. The a Christian, I talked to the pastor. The pastor's like, "So, tell me about your pastor's like, "So, tell me about your pastor's like, "So, tell me about your life before Jesus." And I'm like, "I I life before Jesus." And I'm like, "I I life before Jesus." And I'm like, "I I didn't really sin that much." And he didn't really sin that much." And he didn't really sin that much." And he didn't laugh and I was serious. I just didn't laugh and I was serious. I just didn't laugh and I was serious. I just had no idea all the ways I had sinned had no idea all the ways I had sinned had no idea all the ways I had sinned against God and other people. I had no against God and other people. I had no against God and other people. I had no idea how selfish I was. I had no idea idea how selfish I was. I had no idea idea how selfish I was. I had no idea how broken I was. I just I I mean, I I how broken I was. I just I I mean, I I how broken I was. I just I I mean, I I didn't kill anybody, so I can't be that didn't kill anybody, so I can't be that didn't kill anybody, so I can't be that bad. And the longer you walk with Jesus, bad. And the longer you walk with Jesus, bad. And the longer you walk with Jesus, the more that self-righteous, critical the more that self-righteous, critical the more that self-righteous, critical spirit is shed and the more you're going spirit is shed and the more you're going spirit is shed and the more you're going to show mercy to people who doubt. It to show mercy to people who doubt. It to show mercy to people who doubt. It said of Jesus that he went after these said of Jesus that he went after these said of Jesus that he went after these people people people in Matthew 12, a bruised reed he would in Matthew 12, a bruised reed he would in Matthew 12, a bruised reed he would not break and a smoldering wick he would not break and a smoldering wick he would not break and a smoldering wick he would not snuff out. Jesus was gentle with

not snuff out. Jesus was gentle with not snuff out. Jesus was gentle with people who struggle with doubts. So people who struggle with doubts. So people who struggle with doubts. So maybe that person you knew who walked maybe that person you knew who walked maybe that person you knew who walked away from Jesus, who deconstructed their away from Jesus, who deconstructed their away from Jesus, who deconstructed their faith, you can either cancel them. faith, you can either cancel them. faith, you can either cancel them. You're stupid. No, no, no, no. Hey, You're stupid. No, no, no, no. Hey, You're stupid. No, no, no, no. Hey, goodbye. Whatever. goodbye. Whatever. goodbye. Whatever. Or you could pray, God, give me an Or you could pray, God, give me an Or you could pray, God, give me an avenue to speak into their life. Now, avenue to speak into their life. Now, avenue to speak into their life. Now, how did Jesus do this for people who how did Jesus do this for people who how did Jesus do this for people who doubted? doubted? doubted? Well, he didn't point his finger at Well, he didn't point his finger at Well, he didn't point his finger at them. For the most part, his most common them. For the most part, his most common them. For the most part, his most common method of reaching people who doubted method of reaching people who doubted method of reaching people who doubted was asking questions. Jesus asked 37 was asking questions. Jesus asked 37 was asking questions. Jesus asked 37 questions in the gospels. As people came questions in the gospels. As people came questions in the gospels. As people came to him, he didn't say, "Well, you know to him, he didn't say, "Well, you know to him, he didn't say, "Well, you know what your problem is?" what your problem is?" what your problem is?" He would ask them a question to draw He would ask them a question to draw He would ask them a question to draw what was really going on. Because Jesus what was really going on. Because Jesus what was really going on. Because Jesus knew something that most of us don't knew something that most of us don't knew something that most of us don't realize. Behind every intellectual, realize. Behind every intellectual, realize. Behind every intellectual, theological block of believing the theological block of believing the theological block of believing the Bible, Bible, Bible, there's some sense of emotional pain or there's some sense of emotional pain or there's some sense of emotional pain or disappointment.

disappointment. disappointment. My parents got divorced. My parents got divorced. My parents got divorced. I went through abuse. I went through abuse. I went through abuse. That spiritual leader manipulated me. That spiritual leader manipulated me. That spiritual leader manipulated me. That person in the church hurt me. And That person in the church hurt me. And That person in the church hurt me. And because of that hurt and that confusion, because of that hurt and that confusion, because of that hurt and that confusion, I don't want anything to do with that I don't want anything to do with that I don't want anything to do with that Bible or those people because that must Bible or those people because that must Bible or those people because that must represent God. represent God. represent God. None of that's intellectual. None of that's intellectual. None of that's intellectual. All of it's the way our mind processes All of it's the way our mind processes All of it's the way our mind processes all the things we take in. And Jesus all the things we take in. And Jesus all the things we take in. And Jesus knew this and that's why he'd go after knew this and that's why he'd go after knew this and that's why he'd go after prostitutes because no little girl grows prostitutes because no little girl grows prostitutes because no little girl grows up and says, "I want to be a prostitute up and says, "I want to be a prostitute up and says, "I want to be a prostitute when I grow up." But something happened when I grow up." But something happened when I grow up." But something happened to that girl. He goes after tax to that girl. He goes after tax to that girl. He goes after tax collectors who betray their own people collectors who betray their own people collectors who betray their own people for money. No little boy grows up and for money. No little boy grows up and for money. No little boy grows up and says, "I want to betray my entire says, "I want to betray my entire says, "I want to betray my entire family." family." family." And yet this happens to us in life. And And yet this happens to us in life. And And yet this happens to us in life. And Jesus Jesus Jesus so gently goes after them and draws them so gently goes after them and draws them so gently goes after them and draws them out of their shell, out of their shell, out of their shell, tears down their defense mechanisms and tears down their defense mechanisms and tears down their defense mechanisms and reminds them that God is a God of mercy.

reminds them that God is a God of mercy. reminds them that God is a God of mercy. And listen, I know there's people here And listen, I know there's people here And listen, I know there's people here right now and you've got hurts and right now and you've got hurts and right now and you've got hurts and doubts and disappointments and all these doubts and disappointments and all these doubts and disappointments and all these things and you don't even know why. But things and you don't even know why. But things and you don't even know why. But here's the beautiful thing. God knows here's the beautiful thing. God knows here's the beautiful thing. God knows you're here and he's patient and kind you're here and he's patient and kind you're here and he's patient and kind and merciful and he's waiting to to tear and merciful and he's waiting to to tear and merciful and he's waiting to to tear down that defensive mechanism so he can down that defensive mechanism so he can down that defensive mechanism so he can reveal to you his great love. And we are reveal to you his great love. And we are reveal to you his great love. And we are called, Jude says, to be those people to called, Jude says, to be those people to called, Jude says, to be those people to go after those who doubt. And so one of go after those who doubt. And so one of go after those who doubt. And so one of the things I love about this place is the things I love about this place is the things I love about this place is just the the way that people are welcome just the the way that people are welcome just the the way that people are welcome to come in any condition they are. If to come in any condition they are. If to come in any condition they are. If you're a Muslim or you're a Hindu, you're a Muslim or you're a Hindu, you're a Muslim or you're a Hindu, you're an atheist, you you've you've you're an atheist, you you've you've you're an atheist, you you've you've known nothing about church or organized known nothing about church or organized known nothing about church or organized religion, you're welcome to come and sit religion, you're welcome to come and sit religion, you're welcome to come and sit and worship with us. You're welcome to and worship with us. You're welcome to and worship with us. You're welcome to come to our care group. So, we have care come to our care group. So, we have care come to our care group. So, we have care groups like grief share. Someone died in groups like grief share. Someone died in groups like grief share. Someone died in your family, you're welcome to come and your family, you're welcome to come and your family, you're welcome to come and process that grief. You've gone through process that grief. You've gone through process that grief. You've gone through cancer. We have a ministry called cancer cancer. We have a ministry called cancer cancer. We have a ministry called cancer care. Come and process that journey care. Come and process that journey care. Come and process that journey you're walking through. Talk with other you're walking through. Talk with other you're walking through. Talk with other people who've gone through that. You've people who've gone through that. You've people who've gone through that. You've been through a divorce. There's ministry been through a divorce. There's ministry been through a divorce. There's ministry called divorce care. You've been through called divorce care. You've been through called divorce care. You've been through addiction. You're trying to find addiction. You're trying to find addiction. You're trying to find recovery and sobriety. Something called recovery and sobriety. Something called recovery and sobriety. Something called celebrate recovery. You don't have to be celebrate recovery. You don't have to be celebrate recovery. You don't have to be a Christian to show up in these venues.

a Christian to show up in these venues. a Christian to show up in these venues. You show up and you can belong to this You show up and you can belong to this You show up and you can belong to this community community community before you believe that Jesus is before you believe that Jesus is before you believe that Jesus is Messiah. Messiah. Messiah. And this is the beautiful thing about And this is the beautiful thing about And this is the beautiful thing about the church. We show mercy as people the church. We show mercy as people the church. We show mercy as people doubt and we continue to share and show doubt and we continue to share and show doubt and we continue to share and show the love of Jesus. the love of Jesus. the love of Jesus. Now Jude says Now Jude says Now Jude says we need to be merciful those who doubt. we need to be merciful those who doubt. we need to be merciful those who doubt. But then he says something sounds a But then he says something sounds a But then he says something sounds a little more radical and save others by little more radical and save others by little more radical and save others by snatching them from the fire. snatching them from the fire. snatching them from the fire. mercy mixed with fear, hating even the mercy mixed with fear, hating even the mercy mixed with fear, hating even the clothing, staying by corrupted flesh. clothing, staying by corrupted flesh. clothing, staying by corrupted flesh. This sounds a lot like aggressive This sounds a lot like aggressive This sounds a lot like aggressive Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. This is not a person waiting for someone This is not a person waiting for someone This is not a person waiting for someone to come to them. This is a person going to come to them. This is a person going to come to them. This is a person going after someone. And again, I love the after someone. And again, I love the after someone. And again, I love the people of this church because there's people of this church because there's people of this church because there's some of you that are like aggressive some of you that are like aggressive some of you that are like aggressive Christians, but in the right way. When Christians, but in the right way. When Christians, but in the right way. When he says contend for the faith, he he says contend for the faith, he he says contend for the faith, he doesn't mean contentious, argue, be a doesn't mean contentious, argue, be a doesn't mean contentious, argue, be a jerk. No, he means go after people. Like jerk. No, he means go after people. Like jerk. No, he means go after people. Like Jesus says, I go after the one, the one Jesus says, I go after the one, the one Jesus says, I go after the one, the one who's far away. So, so I know people who who's far away. So, so I know people who who's far away. So, so I know people who are like, "Hey, my friend, he keeps are like, "Hey, my friend, he keeps are like, "Hey, my friend, he keeps going back to the clubs. He keeps going back to the clubs. He keeps going back to the clubs. He keeps getting back in that life." And so I I getting back in that life." And so I I getting back in that life." And so I I drove to the club and I grabbed MY drove to the club and I grabbed MY drove to the club and I grabbed MY FRIEND AND SAID, "GET in the car. We're FRIEND AND SAID, "GET in the car. We're FRIEND AND SAID, "GET in the car. We're going."

going." going." That's how snatching your friend from That's how snatching your friend from That's how snatching your friend from the fire, but not getting the stains on the fire, but not getting the stains on the fire, but not getting the stains on your clothes. This is a powerful thing. your clothes. This is a powerful thing. your clothes. This is a powerful thing. It's like It's like the fear of God and It's like It's like the fear of God and It's like It's like the fear of God and the love for people put together in this the love for people put together in this the love for people put together in this place. What does it mean to snatch place. What does it mean to snatch place. What does it mean to snatch someone you know from the very gates of someone you know from the very gates of someone you know from the very gates of hell? And listen, it's hot by the gates hell? And listen, it's hot by the gates hell? And listen, it's hot by the gates of hell. of hell. of hell. Some of us are so comfortable in our Some of us are so comfortable in our Some of us are so comfortable in our Christian environment, like we're at Christian environment, like we're at Christian environment, like we're at church all the time, we don't even know church all the time, we don't even know church all the time, we don't even know anyone who's not a Christian, and we anyone who's not a Christian, and we anyone who's not a Christian, and we sort of think, isn't that how it's sort of think, isn't that how it's sort of think, isn't that how it's supposed to be? No. No. You're supposed supposed to be? No. No. You're supposed supposed to be? No. No. You're supposed to know people who are lost and broken. to know people who are lost and broken. to know people who are lost and broken. The closer you are to the the flames, The closer you are to the the flames, The closer you are to the the flames, the more you can snatch someone who's the more you can snatch someone who's the more you can snatch someone who's there. there. there. And so, And so, And so, I know someone who had a friend who was I know someone who had a friend who was I know someone who had a friend who was stuck in a domestic violence situation. stuck in a domestic violence situation. stuck in a domestic violence situation. We did an intervention. and we came, We did an intervention. and we came, We did an intervention. and we came, showed up, got that woman or her kids showed up, got that woman or her kids showed up, got that woman or her kids out and got them to safety. That's out and got them to safety. That's out and got them to safety. That's called going right into the danger, called going right into the danger, called going right into the danger, toward the mess, toward the brokenness, toward the mess, toward the brokenness, toward the mess, toward the brokenness, and saying, "Come with me." and saying, "Come with me." and saying, "Come with me." I know every week there are women here I know every week there are women here I know every week there are women here who go into the women's jail right down who go into the women's jail right down who go into the women's jail right down the street. These women whose lives have the street. These women whose lives have the street. These women whose lives have been devastated by their actions and been devastated by their actions and been devastated by their actions and other people's actions. They go right in other people's actions. They go right in other people's actions. They go right in that mess every week. Listen, if if you that mess every week. Listen, if if you that mess every week. Listen, if if you want to be one of those people, then go want to be one of those people, then go want to be one of those people, then go out into our lobby and and say, "I want out into our lobby and and say, "I want out into our lobby and and say, "I want to be one of those people who go into to be one of those people who go into to be one of those people who go into the fire and snatch people out because I the fire and snatch people out because I the fire and snatch people out because I have a great fear for God. I don't want have a great fear for God. I don't want have a great fear for God. I don't want to get corrupted by that, but I also to get corrupted by that, but I also to get corrupted by that, but I also have a love for people because I was have a love for people because I was have a love for people because I was once someone like that. And we just met once someone like that. And we just met once someone like that. And we just met with a bunch of leaders from college with a bunch of leaders from college with a bunch of leaders from college campuses on college, you know, doing campuses on college, you know, doing campuses on college, you know, doing college ministry, helping students at college ministry, helping students at college ministry, helping students at FAU and FIU and NOVA and and Broward

FAU and FIU and NOVA and and Broward FAU and FIU and NOVA and and Broward College, these places where so many kids College, these places where so many kids College, these places where so many kids are getting lost in so many ways. But are getting lost in so many ways. But are getting lost in so many ways. But there's groups of people who say, "We there's groups of people who say, "We there's groups of people who say, "We want to go there and love them in Jesus want to go there and love them in Jesus want to go there and love them in Jesus name and invite them to come out." This name and invite them to come out." This name and invite them to come out." This is what it means to be a person who has is what it means to be a person who has is what it means to be a person who has received mercy, who goes after those who received mercy, who goes after those who received mercy, who goes after those who are far from him. are far from him. are far from him. And then verse 24, Jude's going to get And then verse 24, Jude's going to get And then verse 24, Jude's going to get back to what was his original intention back to what was his original intention back to what was his original intention in the letter. Remember, he said, he in the letter. Remember, he said, he in the letter. Remember, he said, he opens the letter saying, "You are the opens the letter saying, "You are the opens the letter saying, "You are the ones who are called by God and loved by ones who are called by God and loved by ones who are called by God and loved by God and kept by God. and I wanted to God and kept by God. and I wanted to God and kept by God. and I wanted to write a letter about our salvation, but write a letter about our salvation, but write a letter about our salvation, but I had to warn you about all the people I had to warn you about all the people I had to warn you about all the people who were going to try to get you to quit who were going to try to get you to quit who were going to try to get you to quit or get you off track. But now he's given or get you off track. But now he's given or get you off track. But now he's given his warning and he's given his his warning and he's given his his warning and he's given his challenge. And now he's going to remind challenge. And now he's going to remind challenge. And now he's going to remind us not just of the past or the present, us not just of the past or the present, us not just of the past or the present, but he's going to point us to the but he's going to point us to the but he's going to point us to the future. And you might see in your Bible future. And you might see in your Bible future. And you might see in your Bible this word doxology to describe this this word doxology to describe this this word doxology to describe this section. This means an offering of section. This means an offering of section. This means an offering of praise. And so he points us to the power praise. And so he points us to the power praise. And so he points us to the power of Jesus to save.

of Jesus to save. of Jesus to save. Now to him who is able to keep you from Now to him who is able to keep you from Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his stumbling and to present you before his stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with glorious presence without fault and with glorious presence without fault and with great joy to the only God our savior be great joy to the only God our savior be great joy to the only God our savior be glory and majesty and power and glory and majesty and power and glory and majesty and power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord authority through Jesus Christ our Lord authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all ages now and forever more. before all ages now and forever more. before all ages now and forever more. Someone said, "Amen." Someone said, "Amen." Someone said, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Listen, Judah is reminding us of this >> Listen, Judah is reminding us of this >> Listen, Judah is reminding us of this future moment. I mean, and it's so future moment. I mean, and it's so future moment. I mean, and it's so interesting to me that he uses the word interesting to me that he uses the word interesting to me that he uses the word keep. Again, keep. Again, keep. Again, God is able to keep you. He is strong God is able to keep you. He is strong God is able to keep you. He is strong enough to hold you. And notice he enough to hold you. And notice he enough to hold you. And notice he doesn't say Jesus my half brother or doesn't say Jesus my half brother or doesn't say Jesus my half brother or Jesus my big brother. He calls Jesus his Jesus my big brother. He calls Jesus his Jesus my big brother. He calls Jesus his Lord. He says Jesus our only God and Lord. He says Jesus our only God and Lord. He says Jesus our only God and Savior. He doesn't say the only God and Savior. He doesn't say the only God and Savior. He doesn't say the only God and Savior. He says our God and Savior. He Savior. He says our God and Savior. He Savior. He says our God and Savior. He is my savior. He is your savior. And is my savior. He is your savior. And is my savior. He is your savior. And he's reminding himself of this beautiful he's reminding himself of this beautiful he's reminding himself of this beautiful future moment where we stand before God. future moment where we stand before God. future moment where we stand before God. And so here's the big idea. Jesus won't And so here's the big idea. Jesus won't And so here's the big idea. Jesus won't quit on you.

quit on you. quit on you. Jesus won't quit on you. Jesus won't quit on you. Jesus won't quit on you. Even if you stumble, Even if you stumble, Even if you stumble, every breath you take is an opportunity every breath you take is an opportunity every breath you take is an opportunity to come back to him, to repent, [snorts] to come back to him, to repent, [snorts] to come back to him, to repent, [snorts] to come back to his arms. And Jude knows to come back to his arms. And Jude knows to come back to his arms. And Jude knows this from personal experience. this from personal experience. this from personal experience. And so the last couple weeks we talked And so the last couple weeks we talked And so the last couple weeks we talked about this moment in our future. It's about this moment in our future. It's about this moment in our future. It's the most important moment in our future the most important moment in our future the most important moment in our future that we don't often think about. And that we don't often think about. And that we don't often think about. And it's the day we stand before God on it's the day we stand before God on it's the day we stand before God on judgment day. And most human beings put judgment day. And most human beings put judgment day. And most human beings put this out of their mind. They don't want this out of their mind. They don't want this out of their mind. They don't want to think about it. I don't want to think to think about it. I don't want to think to think about it. I don't want to think about death. I don't want to think about about death. I don't want to think about about death. I don't want to think about judgment. But Paul reminds us and Jude judgment. But Paul reminds us and Jude judgment. But Paul reminds us and Jude reminds us of this moment. So I'm going reminds us of this moment. So I'm going reminds us of this moment. So I'm going to put I'm going to put up a verse on to put I'm going to put up a verse on to put I'm going to put up a verse on the screen and I I'm just going to have the screen and I I'm just going to have the screen and I I'm just going to have you sit and think about it. This you sit and think about it. This you sit and think about it. This describes judgment day. And it's sort of describes judgment day. And it's sort of describes judgment day. And it's sort of scary when you read this verse. Here, scary when you read this verse. Here, scary when you read this verse. Here, here's what Paul says about that here's what Paul says about that here's what Paul says about that judgment day. judgment day. judgment day. For we must all appear before the For we must all appear before the For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of judgment seat of Christ, so that each of judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the us may receive what is due us for the us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether things done while in the body, whether things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

good or bad. good or bad. Everything you've done in your body, Everything you've done in your body, Everything you've done in your body, you're going to be judged and evaluated you're going to be judged and evaluated you're going to be judged and evaluated on, and you're going to receive what is on, and you're going to receive what is on, and you're going to receive what is due to you, what you deserve. due to you, what you deserve. due to you, what you deserve. Now, that should scare the literal hell Now, that should scare the literal hell Now, that should scare the literal hell out of all of us. out of all of us. out of all of us. Everything you've ever done or said Everything you've ever done or said Everything you've ever done or said in your body, whether good or bad, is in your body, whether good or bad, is in your body, whether good or bad, is going to be evaluated on that day. You going to be evaluated on that day. You going to be evaluated on that day. You stand before Christ in the judgment. stand before Christ in the judgment. stand before Christ in the judgment. Here's the here's the thing, too. Here's the here's the thing, too. Here's the here's the thing, too. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I mean, even if you if you're like 99% I mean, even if you if you're like 99% I mean, even if you if you're like 99% good and 1% bad, even that 1% bad is good and 1% bad, even that 1% bad is good and 1% bad, even that 1% bad is enough to keep you out of heaven. The enough to keep you out of heaven. The enough to keep you out of heaven. The only person who gets in heaven is a only person who gets in heaven is a only person who gets in heaven is a perfect person who has a perfect record, perfect person who has a perfect record, perfect person who has a perfect record, a sinless person. And so, this is this a sinless person. And so, this is this a sinless person. And so, this is this is bad news. But then Paul goes on to is bad news. But then Paul goes on to is bad news. But then Paul goes on to say, "But God is not giving us what we say, "But God is not giving us what we say, "But God is not giving us what we deserve. He's showing us mercy. He's the deserve. He's showing us mercy. He's the deserve. He's showing us mercy. He's the God of mercy." And how is God going to God of mercy." And how is God going to God of mercy." And how is God going to be just in his judgment and show us be just in his judgment and show us be just in his judgment and show us mercy? Well, in verse 21, Paul reveals mercy? Well, in verse 21, Paul reveals mercy? Well, in verse 21, Paul reveals it. He says, "God made him, that is it. He says, "God made him, that is it. He says, "God made him, that is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, who had no sin, who had no sin, who had no sin, to be sin for us, our substitute, to be sin for us, our substitute, to be sin for us, our substitute, so that in him we might become the so that in him we might become the so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

righteousness of God." righteousness of God." Come on, somebody. Come on, somebody. Come on, somebody. This is the great exchange [applause] This is the great exchange [applause] This is the great exchange [applause] where as you stand before God or as Jude where as you stand before God or as Jude where as you stand before God or as Jude said, you're presented before God, said, you're presented before God, said, you're presented before God, all the sin that's in your life, all the sin that's in your life, all the sin that's in your life, everything you've done in your body, everything you've done in your body, everything you've done in your body, good or bad, every idol word, every good or bad, every idol word, every good or bad, every idol word, every thought is going to be judged, but it's thought is going to be judged, but it's thought is going to be judged, but it's going to be judged on Jesus. Jesus says, going to be judged on Jesus. Jesus says, going to be judged on Jesus. Jesus says, "I'll take all your sin on me at the "I'll take all your sin on me at the "I'll take all your sin on me at the cross, and I'll give you my perfect cross, and I'll give you my perfect cross, and I'll give you my perfect righteousness." This robe where you righteousness." This robe where you righteousness." This robe where you stand before God stand before God stand before God faultless. faultless. faultless. I know too many Christians who are like I know too many Christians who are like I know too many Christians who are like afraid afraid afraid to die and afraid to die and afraid to die and afraid to be judged because you're like, "Man, to be judged because you're like, "Man, to be judged because you're like, "Man, I have so many faults. I still haven't I have so many faults. I still haven't I have so many faults. I still haven't arrived." And I sort of get nervous like arrived." And I sort of get nervous like arrived." And I sort of get nervous like [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] if I do that one more time, I'm not if I do that one more time, I'm not if I do that one more time, I'm not going to make it. going to make it. going to make it. And Jude is reminding us and Paul's And Jude is reminding us and Paul's And Jude is reminding us and Paul's reminding us, it's not what you do or reminding us, it's not what you do or reminding us, it's not what you do or don't do that's going to get you into don't do that's going to get you into don't do that's going to get you into heaven. what Jesus did for you and your heaven. what Jesus did for you and your heaven. what Jesus did for you and your trust in him because he is your trust in him because he is your trust in him because he is your substitute.

substitute. substitute. And again, we want to we want to thank And again, we want to we want to thank And again, we want to we want to thank God for that reality. God for that reality. God for that reality. So, there's a picture of this moment in So, there's a picture of this moment in So, there's a picture of this moment in the book of Revelation actually in the book of Revelation actually in the book of Revelation actually in Revelation chapter 6. If you want to Revelation chapter 6. If you want to Revelation chapter 6. If you want to read something late at night in the read something late at night in the read something late at night in the Bible that will freak you out, read Bible that will freak you out, read Bible that will freak you out, read Revelation chapter 6 because all these Revelation chapter 6 because all these Revelation chapter 6 because all these seals are opened and judgment is poured seals are opened and judgment is poured seals are opened and judgment is poured out on the on the evil of the earth. And out on the on the evil of the earth. And out on the on the evil of the earth. And when you read Revelation chapter 6, it when you read Revelation chapter 6, it when you read Revelation chapter 6, it could freak you out. I mean, horses and could freak you out. I mean, horses and could freak you out. I mean, horses and swords and scales of judgment and famine swords and scales of judgment and famine swords and scales of judgment and famine and earthquakes and plagues, even the and earthquakes and plagues, even the and earthquakes and plagues, even the strongest, most powerful princes and strongest, most powerful princes and strongest, most powerful princes and generals and rulers are hiding under the generals and rulers are hiding under the generals and rulers are hiding under the rocks, under the mountains, asking the rocks, under the mountains, asking the rocks, under the mountains, asking the rocks and mountains to fall on them rocks and mountains to fall on them rocks and mountains to fall on them because the wrath of God is being poured because the wrath of God is being poured because the wrath of God is being poured out as a final judgment on the earth. out as a final judgment on the earth. out as a final judgment on the earth. And Revelation 6 ends with a haunting And Revelation 6 ends with a haunting And Revelation 6 ends with a haunting question. on this day of wrath, who can question. on this day of wrath, who can question. on this day of wrath, who can stand? And it's just the reality. This is a And it's just the reality. This is a broken world. And God's judgment is to broken world. And God's judgment is to broken world. And God's judgment is to turn it right. And part of that we love turn it right. And part of that we love turn it right. And part of that we love for everything else, but not for us.

for everything else, but not for us. for everything else, but not for us. So what happens? So what happens? So what happens? You read on in the Revelation chapter 7, You read on in the Revelation chapter 7, You read on in the Revelation chapter 7, you get to this moment. you get to this moment. you get to this moment. Such a powerful who can stand Such a powerful who can stand Such a powerful who can stand on the day of judgment on the day of on the day of judgment on the day of on the day of judgment on the day of God's wrath. God's wrath. God's wrath. John writes this. After this, I looked John writes this. After this, I looked John writes this. After this, I looked and there before me was a great and there before me was a great and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from multitude that no one could count from multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people, and every nation, tribe, people, and every nation, tribe, people, and language language language standing standing standing before the throne, and before the Lamb. before the throne, and before the Lamb. before the throne, and before the Lamb. And they were wearing white robes. And they were wearing white robes. And they were wearing white robes. They were holding palm branches in their They were holding palm branches in their They were holding palm branches in their hands hands hands and they were singing their song. All glory and power and honor and All glory and power and honor and majesty and praise belongs to the one, majesty and praise belongs to the one, majesty and praise belongs to the one, the lamb who is slain. the lamb who is slain. the lamb who is slain. And if you're a Christian, this is a And if you're a Christian, this is a And if you're a Christian, this is a moment in your future that you should moment in your future that you should moment in your future that you should not fear. not fear. not fear. This is a moment in your future that you This is a moment in your future that you This is a moment in your future that you should look forward to. And so, we're should look forward to. And so, we're should look forward to. And so, we're going to just sit in that moment for a going to just sit in that moment for a going to just sit in that moment for a second. And so I'm going to ask you to second. And so I'm going to ask you to second. And so I'm going to ask you to stand because the people of God stand at stand because the people of God stand at stand because the people of God stand at the judgment. So let's stand together the judgment. So let's stand together the judgment. So let's stand together and I'm going to read this over you.

and I'm going to read this over you. and I'm going to read this over you. This final doxology of Jude This final doxology of Jude This final doxology of Jude who knows he has received mercy. Just close your eyes for a moment. Just close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the moment you're standing Imagine the moment you're standing Imagine the moment you're standing before throne of God and you're about to before throne of God and you're about to before throne of God and you're about to be presented to the father. to Jesus, to Jesus, to all the angels. Now, to him Now, to him who is able, who is able, who is able, he is strong enough to hold you and keep he is strong enough to hold you and keep he is strong enough to hold you and keep you for that day. you for that day. you for that day. to him who is able to keep you from to him who is able to keep you from to him who is able to keep you from stumbling. Even if you stumble and fall, stumbling. Even if you stumble and fall, stumbling. Even if you stumble and fall, the psalmist says, "If you delight in the psalmist says, "If you delight in the psalmist says, "If you delight in God and he delights in you, you will not God and he delights in you, you will not God and he delights in you, you will not be utterly cast down, but he will raise be utterly cast down, but he will raise be utterly cast down, but he will raise you up with his mighty right hand. He is you up with his mighty right hand. He is you up with his mighty right hand. He is strong enough to keep you and hold you strong enough to keep you and hold you strong enough to keep you and hold you and to restore you and to restore you and to restore you and to present you before his glorious and to present you before his glorious and to present you before his glorious presence without fault presence without fault presence without fault and with great joy."

and with great joy." and with great joy." Imagine Imagine Imagine standing before God in a white throne. standing before God in a white throne. standing before God in a white throne. And when he sees you and evaluate your And when he sees you and evaluate your And when he sees you and evaluate your life, life, life, he sees the sinless, he sees the sinless, he sees the sinless, faultless faultless faultless glory of the son glory of the son glory of the son and he says, "Come on in and he says, "Come on in and he says, "Come on in and you are filled with great joy and you are filled with great joy and you are filled with great joy because you have received mercy." because you have received mercy." because you have received mercy." To the only God, our Savior, be glory To the only God, our Savior, be glory To the only God, our Savior, be glory and majesty and power and authority and majesty and power and authority and majesty and power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all through Jesus Christ our Lord before all through Jesus Christ our Lord before all ages, now and forever more. ages, now and forever more. ages, now and forever more. Amen. Amen. Amen. We just want to sit in this moment just We just want to sit in this moment just We just want to sit in this moment just for few moments. We're going to sing a for few moments. We're going to sing a for few moments. We're going to sing a song and I'd like you to join with me. song and I'd like you to join with me. song and I'd like you to join with me. It's a song called Revelation Song. It It's a song called Revelation Song. It It's a song called Revelation Song. It describes this moment where we will join describes this moment where we will join describes this moment where we will join this chorus. Worthy is the lamb who is this chorus. Worthy is the lamb who is this chorus. Worthy is the lamb who is slain. He is holy, holy, holy. And so if slain. He is holy, holy, holy. And so if slain. He is holy, holy, holy. And so if you want a glimpse of heaven, a you want a glimpse of heaven, a you want a glimpse of heaven, a rehearsal of heaven, a taste of heaven, rehearsal of heaven, a taste of heaven, rehearsal of heaven, a taste of heaven, then let's sit in this moment with holy then let's sit in this moment with holy then let's sit in this moment with holy imagination, knowing this [music] day is imagination, knowing this [music] day is imagination, knowing this [music] day is coming for us and we will be filled with coming for us and we will be filled with coming for us and we will be filled with such great joy. Let's worship together.

Worth. [singing] He is [music] the Worth. [singing] He is [music] the lamb who was slain. lamb who was slain. lamb who was slain. Holy, [singing] Holy, [singing] Holy, [singing] holy is he. Sing [music and singing] a new song Sing [music and singing] a new song to him who sits on to him who sits on to him who sits on heaven's mercy seats. heaven's mercy seats. heaven's mercy seats. You sing holy, You sing holy, You sing holy, holy, [singing and music] holy, holy is holy, [singing and music] holy, holy is holy, [singing and music] holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty the Lord God Almighty the Lord God Almighty who was and is [singing] and is [music] who was and is [singing] and is [music] who was and is [singing] and is [music] to come. With all creation, [singing] With all creation, [singing] [music] I sing praise to the King of [music] I sing praise to the King of [music] I sing praise to the King of Kings. Kings. Kings. You are my everything and I will adore You are my everything and I will adore You are my everything and I will adore you. [singing] Oh, Oh, I will adore you, Lord.

Filled with wonder. Filled with wonder. Filled with wonder. [singing] Aruck wonder Aruck wonder at [music] the mention [singing] at [music] the mention [singing] at [music] the mention [singing] of your name. Blessed name [music] is power. Blessed name [music] is power. Breath and living water. Such a Breath and living water. Such a Breath and living water. Such a marvelous marvelous marvelous mystery. Holy, holy, [singing] holy is the Lord Holy, holy, [singing] holy is the Lord God Almighty God Almighty God Almighty who [singing] was and is and is to come. who [singing] was and is and is to come. who [singing] was and is and is to come. [music] [music] [music] Oh [singing] with all creation [music] with all creation [music] I sing praise to the King of Kings. I sing praise to the King of Kings. I sing praise to the King of Kings. You are my everything and I [singing] You are my everything and I [singing] You are my everything and I [singing] will adore you. [music] Holy, holy, holy is the Holy, holy, holy is the [music and singing] Lord God Almighty, [music and singing] Lord God Almighty, [music and singing] Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

who was and is and is to come. who was and is and is to come. [music and singing] Yes. [music and singing] Yes. [music and singing] Yes. With all creation, I sing praise With all creation, I sing praise With all creation, I sing praise [singing] to the King of Kings. [singing] to the King of Kings. [singing] to the King of Kings. You are my everything and I will [music] You are my everything and I will [music] You are my everything and I will [music] adore you. [singing] Can we give him praise? He is worthy of Can we give him praise? He is worthy of our praise. He's worthy of our lives. our praise. He's worthy of our lives. our praise. He's worthy of our lives. He's worthy of our song. He's worthy of He's worthy of our song. He's worthy of He's worthy of our song. He's worthy of it all. it all. it all. And I pray this moment of rehearsal And I pray this moment of rehearsal And I pray this moment of rehearsal gives you this great hope, this great gives you this great hope, this great gives you this great hope, this great anticipation. anticipation. anticipation. That death cannot rob you of the glory That death cannot rob you of the glory That death cannot rob you of the glory [music] that's waiting for you. No issue [music] that's waiting for you. No issue [music] that's waiting for you. No issue in your life, no brokenness in your life in your life, no brokenness in your life in your life, no brokenness in your life can rob you from the power of God who is can rob you from the power of God who is can rob you from the power of God who is able to keep you. You are the called of able to keep you. You are the called of able to keep you. You are the called of God and the loved of God. You are kept God and the loved of God. You are kept God and the loved of God. You are kept by God for this moment. by God for this moment. by God for this moment. And I pray it enlightens the way you And I pray it enlightens the way you And I pray it enlightens the way you live your life this week. live your life this week. live your life this week. But I know there's some people here you But I know there's some people here you But I know there's some people here you you sang that song, but you know it's you sang that song, but you know it's you sang that song, but you know it's not for you. Not at least not yet.

not for you. Not at least not yet. not for you. Not at least not yet. Because the only way you're in this Because the only way you're in this Because the only way you're in this moment and singing a joyful song is moment and singing a joyful song is moment and singing a joyful song is because you've trusted Christ to be your because you've trusted Christ to be your because you've trusted Christ to be your substitute. You've invited him in. substitute. You've invited him in. substitute. You've invited him in. Listen, he doesn't force people to do Listen, he doesn't force people to do Listen, he doesn't force people to do that. He invites them to. that. He invites them to. that. He invites them to. And most of my growing up years, I did And most of my growing up years, I did And most of my growing up years, I did this to Jesus. I I could do it myself. I this to Jesus. I I could do it myself. I this to Jesus. I I could do it myself. I can figure it out myself. can figure it out myself. can figure it out myself. That there comes a point in everyone's That there comes a point in everyone's That there comes a point in everyone's life, in my life, in Jude's life, in life, in my life, in Jude's life, in life, in my life, in Jude's life, in your life, where you have to make a your life, where you have to make a your life, where you have to make a decision. Will I decision. Will I decision. Will I will I bow my knee? Will I ask for will I bow my knee? Will I ask for will I bow my knee? Will I ask for forgiveness? Will I ask for help? forgiveness? Will I ask for help? forgiveness? Will I ask for help? And Jesus describes this young man who's And Jesus describes this young man who's And Jesus describes this young man who's got it all. and he decides, I want to do got it all. and he decides, I want to do got it all. and he decides, I want to do my own thing. He's called the prodigal. my own thing. He's called the prodigal. my own thing. He's called the prodigal. He leaves the house of his father. He he He leaves the house of his father. He he He leaves the house of his father. He he walks away from his father's love and walks away from his father's love and walks away from his father's love and his life slowly erodess until there's a his life slowly erodess until there's a his life slowly erodess until there's a place of brokenness. And then one day it place of brokenness. And then one day it place of brokenness. And then one day it clicks. clicks. clicks. I don't have to live in shame and I don't have to live in shame and I don't have to live in shame and isolation. I don't have to pretend isolation. I don't have to pretend isolation. I don't have to pretend anymore because if I go back that way, anymore because if I go back that way, anymore because if I go back that way, there's mercy waiting for me back here.

there's mercy waiting for me back here. there's mercy waiting for me back here. There's love waiting for me back here. There's love waiting for me back here. There's love waiting for me back here. And he comes back to the father. And he comes back to the father. And he comes back to the father. And some of you, you've been gone a long And some of you, you've been gone a long And some of you, you've been gone a long time away from God. Maybe you're here time away from God. Maybe you're here time away from God. Maybe you're here just checking things out again because just checking things out again because just checking things out again because you've deconstructed your faith. You're you've deconstructed your faith. You're you've deconstructed your faith. You're trying to figure out what is real and trying to figure out what is real and trying to figure out what is real and what is right. Maybe some of you have what is right. Maybe some of you have what is right. Maybe some of you have never given your life to Jesus, never never given your life to Jesus, never never given your life to Jesus, never made a decision to follow him, and to made a decision to follow him, and to made a decision to follow him, and to invite him to forgive your sins. Well, invite him to forgive your sins. Well, invite him to forgive your sins. Well, today is that moment. We do this today is that moment. We do this today is that moment. We do this publicly because Jesus called his publicly because Jesus called his publicly because Jesus called his disciples publicly. We're going to play disciples publicly. We're going to play disciples publicly. We're going to play a song and we're going to just invite a song and we're going to just invite a song and we're going to just invite you. If you want to know Jesus, if you you. If you want to know Jesus, if you you. If you want to know Jesus, if you want to follow him with your life, if want to follow him with your life, if want to follow him with your life, if you want forgiveness, [snorts] you want forgiveness, [snorts] you want forgiveness, [snorts] he is a prayer away, a decision away. he is a prayer away, a decision away. he is a prayer away, a decision away. And so if you want to step into the And so if you want to step into the And so if you want to step into the aisle and walk this way and [music] pray aisle and walk this way and [music] pray aisle and walk this way and [music] pray a prayer with me, listen, we want you to a prayer with me, listen, we want you to a prayer with me, listen, we want you to leave here knowing that you know that leave here knowing that you know that leave here knowing that you know that you have eternal life where you don't you have eternal life where you don't you have eternal life where you don't have to fear death or the future or have to fear death or the future or have to fear death or the future or what's going to happen on judgment day, what's going to happen on judgment day, what's going to happen on judgment day, but you can have this beautiful peace but you can have this beautiful peace but you can have this beautiful peace and joy that you will stand before him and joy that you will stand before him and joy that you will stand before him faultless and with great joy [music] faultless and with great joy [music] faultless and with great joy [music] that you can receive his mercy.

that you can receive his mercy. that you can receive his mercy. So one of the most powerful prays So one of the most powerful prays So one of the most powerful prays prayers you can pray in your whole life prayers you can pray in your whole life prayers you can pray in your whole life is God have mercy on me a sinner. That's is God have mercy on me a sinner. That's is God have mercy on me a sinner. That's a prayer he'll answer. And so if that's a prayer he'll answer. And so if that's a prayer he'll answer. And so if that's you right now, wherever you are, slip you right now, wherever you are, slip you right now, wherever you are, slip into the aisle, walk forward this way, into the aisle, walk forward this way, into the aisle, walk forward this way, and we will celebrate with all of heaven and we will celebrate with all of heaven and we will celebrate with all of heaven as you come. We want to pray with you. as you come. We want to pray with you. as you come. We want to pray with you. Come on, this way. He's waiting for you. [music] >> But that's when your mercy [singing] >> But that's when your mercy [singing] >> But that's when your mercy [singing] saw me. saw me. saw me. And I was a prodal desperate for more. And I was a prodal desperate for more. And I was a prodal desperate for more. That's when your mercy [singing] That's when your mercy [singing] That's when your mercy [singing] called me. Oh, what an honor [music] Oh, what an honor [music] to dine with the king. to dine with the king. to dine with the king. Here in your presence, surrounded by Here in your presence, surrounded by Here in your presence, surrounded by glory. I can't [music and singing] glory. I can't [music and singing] glory. I can't [music and singing] believe there's a seat at the table for believe there's a seat at the table for believe there's a seat at the table for me.

This is my family and this is [music] my This is my family and this is [music] my home and always [singing] belonging and home and always [singing] belonging and home and always [singing] belonging and never alone. never alone. never alone. Oh, I'm so [music] excited [singing] Oh, I'm so [music] excited [singing] Oh, I'm so [music] excited [singing] that we're all invited to come. [music] Oh, so [singing] come, Oh, so [singing] come, come [music] come [music] come [music] and taste [singing] and see the spirit and taste [singing] and see the spirit and taste [singing] and see the spirit and the bride. [music] Say, come. Taste [music and singing] and see the Taste [music and singing] and see the spirit and the bride say come. It is an unbelievable invitation. It is an unbelievable invitation. Come as you are. Come as you are. Come as you are. Bring your sin and your shame and your Bring your sin and your shame and your Bring your sin and your shame and your brokenness. Bring it all. brokenness. Bring it all. brokenness. Bring it all. And he will wash you clean. He will And he will wash you clean. He will And he will wash you clean. He will forgive your sins. He will welcome you forgive your sins. He will welcome you forgive your sins. He will welcome you home now as a son or daughter of God.

home now as a son or daughter of God. home now as a son or daughter of God. So we are grateful to be sharing this So we are grateful to be sharing this So we are grateful to be sharing this holy moment with you holy moment with you holy moment with you and that glimpse of the future and that glimpse of the future and that glimpse of the future standing before the throne of God standing before the throne of God standing before the throne of God fallless and with great joy that's going fallless and with great joy that's going fallless and with great joy that's going to be your future moment. [applause] Listen, if you're still out there, a few Listen, if you're still out there, a few people are walking forward. It's not too people are walking forward. It's not too people are walking forward. It's not too late. There's another moment for you. late. There's another moment for you. late. There's another moment for you. We're not going to sing another song, We're not going to sing another song, We're not going to sing another song, but we don't want you to miss this but we don't want you to miss this but we don't want you to miss this moment. This moment is for you. God's moment. This moment is for you. God's moment. This moment is for you. God's call on your life. His love over you. call on your life. His love over you. call on your life. His love over you. He loves you so much. He's coming after He loves you so much. He's coming after He loves you so much. He's coming after you. His mercy, [applause] you. His mercy, [applause] you. His mercy, [applause] his love, his forgiveness, his grace. Welcome. Welcome. Really glad you're here. And now for all of you who've come in And now for all of you who've come in faith, for all of you part of our online faith, for all of you part of our online faith, for all of you part of our online or VR community, for all of you watching or VR community, for all of you watching or VR community, for all of you watching on the PO app, on the PO app, on the PO app, I'm just going to give you some words to I'm just going to give you some words to I'm just going to give you some words to say to God. He's listening. This is your say to God. He's listening. This is your say to God. He's listening. This is your profession of faith. He will answer this profession of faith. He will answer this profession of faith. He will answer this prayer as you pray it. So say this out prayer as you pray it. So say this out prayer as you pray it. So say this out loud to God. He's listening.

loud to God. He's listening. loud to God. He's listening. Lord God, I open my heart. Lord God, I open my heart. Lord God, I open my heart. >> And I invite you inside. >> And I invite you inside. >> And I invite you inside. >> I invite you inside. >> I invite you inside. >> I invite you inside. >> Forgive my sin. >> Forgive my sin. >> Forgive my sin. >> Forgive my sins. [music] Today I repent. >> Forgive my sins. [music] Today I repent. >> Forgive my sins. [music] Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Today I repent. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Now fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> And I will walk with you. >> And I will walk with you. >> And I will walk with you. >> I will walk >> I will walk >> I will walk >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Pray this in Jesus name. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Oh guys, we are so so excited and >> Oh guys, we are so so excited and >> Oh guys, we are so so excited and honored to be part of this special honored to be part of this special honored to be part of this special moment. So, I want to ask you just for moment. So, I want to ask you just for moment. So, I want to ask you just for five more minutes to follow me and our five more minutes to follow me and our five more minutes to follow me and our crew over that open door right there crew over that open door right there crew over that open door right there where we're going to give you a Bible, where we're going to give you a Bible, where we're going to give you a Bible, meet you personally. You'll be back with meet you personally. You'll be back with meet you personally. You'll be back with your friends in five minutes. Church, your friends in five minutes. Church, your friends in five minutes. Church, can we give them a hand as they go this can we give them a hand as they go this can we give them a hand as they go this way? way? way? [applause] [applause] [applause] And church, if you need prayer for any And church, if you need prayer for any And church, if you need prayer for any reason at all, we'll have prayer reason at all, we'll have prayer reason at all, we'll have prayer counselors here at this altar. And I I counselors here at this altar. And I I counselors here at this altar. And I I pray as you leave that you say hi to pray as you leave that you say hi to pray as you leave that you say hi to someone you're going to spend eternity someone you're going to spend eternity someone you're going to spend eternity with, get to know them, and hopefully with, get to know them, and hopefully with, get to know them, and hopefully we'll see you on Wednesday. And for our we'll see you on Wednesday. And for our we'll see you on Wednesday. And for our women, we'll see you on Friday night at women, we'll see you on Friday night at women, we'll see you on Friday night at the gathering. God bless you. Have a the gathering. God bless you. Have a the gathering. God bless you. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for listening to today's [music] Thanks for listening to today's [music] message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352. you to text the word believe to 31352. you to text the word believe to 31352. So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.