The Inner Circle | A.R. Bernard

When you When you leave this planet, leave this planet, leave this planet, it is said it is said it is said there will not be a U-Haul behind your there will not be a U-Haul behind your there will not be a U-Haul behind your hearse because you can't take because you can't take any of it any of it any of it with you. So let me give an introduction with you. So let me give an introduction with you. So let me give an introduction to to to this reflection this reflection this reflection which means we'll continue which means we'll continue which means we'll continue next time but I think I got at least 20 next time but I think I got at least 20 next time but I think I got at least 20 minutes. minutes. minutes. Is that okay? Is that okay? Is that okay? >> We can get a lot done in 20 minutes. You have to settle it in your mind that You have to settle it in your mind that God's desire for you is to flourish, God's desire for you is to flourish, God's desire for you is to flourish, not not not go to hell. go to hell. go to hell. Now, let me explain that. When I got Now, let me explain that. When I got Now, let me explain that. When I got saved, saved, saved, it was impressed upon me, it was impressed upon me, it was impressed upon me, heaven or hell.

heaven or hell. heaven or hell. And you are here to make sure And you are here to make sure And you are here to make sure that you tell as many people as possible that you tell as many people as possible that you tell as many people as possible about hell so they don't go there. Now, I got saved in my 20s. Now, I got saved in my 20s. Can you imagine spending the next 50 Can you imagine spending the next 50 Can you imagine spending the next 50 years of my life years of my life years of my life and that's as far as my faith goes? and that's as far as my faith goes? and that's as far as my faith goes? That's as far as my understanding of the That's as far as my understanding of the That's as far as my understanding of the gospel and Jesus and God. No, it's much gospel and Jesus and God. No, it's much gospel and Jesus and God. No, it's much more than that. more than that. more than that. It's about human flourishing. And I want It's about human flourishing. And I want It's about human flourishing. And I want you to write that word down. you to write that word down. you to write that word down. Flourishing. Flourishing. Flourishing. God wants you to flourish. The reason Jesus came is to reconcile us The reason Jesus came is to reconcile us back to God. Because that original back to God. Because that original back to God. Because that original vision of human flourishing was vision of human flourishing was vision of human flourishing was interrupted interrupted interrupted by sin which separated us from God.

by sin which separated us from God. by sin which separated us from God. And the beautiful world in which he And the beautiful world in which he And the beautiful world in which he created became broken. created became broken. created became broken. The systems of this world are broken The systems of this world are broken The systems of this world are broken because broken people run those systems. because broken people run those systems. because broken people run those systems. But on some level the systems work. But on some level the systems work. But on some level the systems work. Our challenge is to understand how to Our challenge is to understand how to Our challenge is to understand how to navigate those broken systems navigate those broken systems navigate those broken systems in ways that we can still experience in ways that we can still experience in ways that we can still experience human flourishing. Turn your neighbor. human flourishing. Turn your neighbor. human flourishing. Turn your neighbor. Say, "Neighbor, God wants you to Say, "Neighbor, God wants you to Say, "Neighbor, God wants you to flourish." flourish." flourish." >> God wants you to flourish. >> God wants you to flourish. >> God wants you to flourish. >> Now, I don't know what that looks like >> Now, I don't know what that looks like >> Now, I don't know what that looks like for you. for you. for you. So, there's not a onesizefitsall So, there's not a onesizefitsall So, there's not a onesizefitsall answer to that. answer to that. answer to that. Because God works with you within your Because God works with you within your Because God works with you within your context, within your purpose, within context, within your purpose, within context, within your purpose, within your calling, within how he's wired you your calling, within how he's wired you your calling, within how he's wired you and gifted you. and gifted you. and gifted you. But I do know But I do know But I do know at 38,000 ft and looking down on life, at 38,000 ft and looking down on life, at 38,000 ft and looking down on life, the ultimate desire for God is that you the ultimate desire for God is that you the ultimate desire for God is that you flourish.

flourish. flourish. That's why we say we are blessed. That's why we say we are blessed. That's why we say we are blessed. I can't hear you. And highly favored. It I can't hear you. And highly favored. It I can't hear you. And highly favored. It is more than just a slogan or a is more than just a slogan or a is more than just a slogan or a statement. statement. statement. It is a belief It is a belief It is a belief and you've got to walk in it like you and you've got to walk in it like you and you've got to walk in it like you believe it. >> We have given been given by God. >> We have given been given by God. Well, let me back up a bit. Well, let me back up a bit. Well, let me back up a bit. Since Since Since we can't take it with us when we die, no we can't take it with us when we die, no we can't take it with us when we die, no matter how much we build, no matter how matter how much we build, no matter how matter how much we build, no matter how much money, no matter how much in in much money, no matter how much in in much money, no matter how much in in relationships and and power and relationships and and power and relationships and and power and influence etc. All right. influence etc. All right. influence etc. All right. This means that in reality This means that in reality This means that in reality we are possessors we are possessors we are possessors of nothing. Because if we truly possessed it, Because if we truly possessed it, we can keep it forever.

we can keep it forever. we can keep it forever. But when we leave this planet, But when we leave this planet, But when we leave this planet, we leave everything that we've we leave everything that we've we leave everything that we've accumulated behind. So since we are possessors of nothing in So since we are possessors of nothing in reality, it means that we are stewards reality, it means that we are stewards reality, it means that we are stewards of everything of everything of everything and everything we get in life is a and everything we get in life is a and everything we get in life is a stewardship responsibility. stewardship responsibility. stewardship responsibility. And the problem is we've been trained to And the problem is we've been trained to And the problem is we've been trained to be possessors and not stewards. And we're going across against the grain And we're going across against the grain of how God designed all of this to of how God designed all of this to of how God designed all of this to function. Because when you're a steward, function. Because when you're a steward, function. Because when you're a steward, you don't become attached to things. You understand You understand their tools that God gives you for human their tools that God gives you for human their tools that God gives you for human flourishing. Money Money is not an end.

is not an end. is not an end. It's a means It's a means It's a means to an end, to an end, to an end, whatever that end may be and it should whatever that end may be and it should whatever that end may be and it should be towards human flourishing. be towards human flourishing. be towards human flourishing. That's why people with money are called That's why people with money are called That's why people with money are called people of means people of means people of means because they have the means to achieve because they have the means to achieve because they have the means to achieve to accomplish. So we are stewards So we are stewards of everything. of everything. of everything. There are four stewardship There are four stewardship There are four stewardship responsibilities given to us by God. responsibilities given to us by God. responsibilities given to us by God. This is review. This is new for some of This is review. This is new for some of This is review. This is new for some of you, but I want to lay this foundation you, but I want to lay this foundation you, but I want to lay this foundation very quickly. There are four stewardship very quickly. There are four stewardship very quickly. There are four stewardship responsibilities given to everyone by responsibilities given to everyone by responsibilities given to everyone by God. Number one, we are stewards of our God. Number one, we are stewards of our God. Number one, we are stewards of our time. Oh man, I wish I had some time. Oh man, I wish I had some time. Pun intended. Pun intended. Pun intended. Why? Because Why? Because Why? Because we say that time is moving we say that time is moving we say that time is moving fast. Doesn't it seem like time is fast. Doesn't it seem like time is fast. Doesn't it seem like time is moving is speeding up?

moving is speeding up? moving is speeding up? >> The problem with that is in reality time >> The problem with that is in reality time >> The problem with that is in reality time doesn't move. doesn't move. doesn't move. Just because we created clocks and time Just because we created clocks and time Just because we created clocks and time pieces, what we're not what we're pieces, what we're not what we're pieces, what we're not what we're measuring is not really time because measuring is not really time because measuring is not really time because time doesn't move. We move through time. time doesn't move. We move through time. time doesn't move. We move through time. Boy, that's going to take a minute. I'm Boy, that's going to take a minute. I'm Boy, that's going to take a minute. I'm going to try that one more time. Any going to try that one more time. Any going to try that one more time. Any understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? Because time is the measure of events Because time is the measure of events Because time is the measure of events and events happen. Brushing your teeth and events happen. Brushing your teeth and events happen. Brushing your teeth in the morning is an event. in the morning is an event. in the morning is an event. in time. in time. in time. So it's very very important that you So it's very very important that you So it's very very important that you understand time doesn't move. Listen, understand time doesn't move. Listen, understand time doesn't move. Listen, there was time existed before there was there was time existed before there was there was time existed before there was a watch or a clock a watch or a clock a watch or a clock because people existed and people were because people existed and people were because people existed and people were moving through. We created all of these measurements so We created all of these measurements so that we're conscious of our movement that we're conscious of our movement that we're conscious of our movement through time.

through time. through time. How many know you never get a second How many know you never get a second How many know you never get a second chance to spend today? >> And that's why you have a responsibility >> And that's why you have a responsibility to manage your time, to steward your to manage your time, to steward your to manage your time, to steward your time to the best of your ability. time to the best of your ability. time to the best of your ability. You're moving through time. You're moving through time. You're moving through time. You're born into it and you move through You're born into it and you move through You're born into it and you move through it. It's not like time was moving and it. It's not like time was moving and it. It's not like time was moving and you jumped on the time wagon and there you jumped on the time wagon and there you jumped on the time wagon and there you go. No, you go. No, you go. No, no. The reality is we move through time. We move through time. So the question is We move through time. So the question is how are you moving through time? How do how are you moving through time? How do how are you moving through time? How do you move through your day, through that you move through your day, through that you move through your day, through that hour, through your week, through your hour, through your week, through your hour, through your week, through your months, through your years, through your months, through your years, through your months, through your years, through your decades? It puts it in a different decades? It puts it in a different decades? It puts it in a different perspective perspective perspective because when you understand that you because when you understand that you because when you understand that you move through time because time doesn't move through time because time doesn't move through time because time doesn't move, you'll stop blaming time move, you'll stop blaming time move, you'll stop blaming time for what you can or cannot get done.

for what you can or cannot get done. for what you can or cannot get done. You'll remove yourself from the could a, You'll remove yourself from the could a, You'll remove yourself from the could a, would a, shoulda group. How many would a, shoulda group. How many would a, shoulda group. How many understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? Objects in the universe move. The earth Objects in the universe move. The earth Objects in the universe move. The earth spin, the sun moves, the solar system is spin, the sun moves, the solar system is spin, the sun moves, the solar system is moving. All of creation, moving. All of creation, moving. All of creation, matter is moving, but time is a constant matter is moving, but time is a constant matter is moving, but time is a constant even though we measure it. And this is even though we measure it. And this is even though we measure it. And this is why why why Oh man, cuz now we can talk about understanding cuz now we can talk about understanding what eternity means. what eternity means. what eternity means. But suffice it to say, we have a But suffice it to say, we have a But suffice it to say, we have a stewardship over responsibility over our stewardship over responsibility over our stewardship over responsibility over our time. So what happens within the time time. So what happens within the time time. So what happens within the time given, all right, given, all right, given, all right, is on you. is on you. is on you. It's on you. It's on you. It's on you. Here's how we talk. I just couldn't find Here's how we talk. I just couldn't find Here's how we talk. I just couldn't find the time. Time isn't lost. Time isn't the time. Time isn't lost. Time isn't the time. Time isn't lost. Time isn't something you go tracking down.

Here's another language that other Here's another language that other language you use. Let's let's try and language you use. Let's let's try and language you use. Let's let's try and save some time. You can't save time. You save some time. You can't save time. You save some time. You can't save time. You can't grab it, bank it, and then pull can't grab it, bank it, and then pull can't grab it, bank it, and then pull from it tomorrow. from it tomorrow. from it tomorrow. We all get 24 hours based upon the We all get 24 hours based upon the We all get 24 hours based upon the clock. And either we use it. clock. And either we use it. clock. And either we use it. >> Come on, finish that one. Either we use >> Come on, finish that one. Either we use >> Come on, finish that one. Either we use it it it >> or lose it. >> or lose it. >> or lose it. >> It's gone. >> It's gone. >> It's gone. You can't go back in the past and say, You can't go back in the past and say, You can't go back in the past and say, "You know what? I'd like to I want a "You know what? I'd like to I want a "You know what? I'd like to I want a doover. doover. doover. It's gone. It's done." Because it's It's gone. It's done." Because it's It's gone. It's done." Because it's something that we're moving through. something that we're moving through. something that we're moving through. So, we have a stewardship responsibility So, we have a stewardship responsibility So, we have a stewardship responsibility in how we manage our time. We also have in how we manage our time. We also have in how we manage our time. We also have a God-given talent, a God-given talent, a God-given talent, >> aptitude, gift, ability >> aptitude, gift, ability >> aptitude, gift, ability that is wired into us by God from the that is wired into us by God from the that is wired into us by God from the day we're born. day we're born. day we're born. In fact, there are all kinds of tests to In fact, there are all kinds of tests to In fact, there are all kinds of tests to help you identify what your aptitudes help you identify what your aptitudes help you identify what your aptitudes are, what your talent, gifts, and are, what your talent, gifts, and are, what your talent, gifts, and abilities are. All kinds of test. In the abilities are. All kinds of test. In the abilities are. All kinds of test. In the church context, we call them spiritual church context, we call them spiritual church context, we call them spiritual gifting and we have spiritual gift test.

gifting and we have spiritual gift test. gifting and we have spiritual gift test. But out in the world, in the secular But out in the world, in the secular But out in the world, in the secular society, they have what are called society, they have what are called society, they have what are called aptitude tests aptitude tests aptitude tests so that you can get an idea of what so that you can get an idea of what so that you can get an idea of what you're good at. And how many know people you're good at. And how many know people you're good at. And how many know people are good at something. Everyone's good are good at something. Everyone's good are good at something. Everyone's good at something, at something, at something, >> even if they don't appreciate what >> even if they don't appreciate what >> even if they don't appreciate what they're good at because they're busy they're good at because they're busy they're good at because they're busy looking at what someone else is good at. looking at what someone else is good at. looking at what someone else is good at. Turn your neighbor say he's talking Turn your neighbor say he's talking Turn your neighbor say he's talking about somebody you know. >> We discover our purpose. We discover our >> We discover our purpose. We discover our purpose. We discover our purpose at the purpose. We discover our purpose at the purpose. We discover our purpose at the intersection intersection intersection where where where humanity needs our gift, talents and humanity needs our gift, talents and humanity needs our gift, talents and abilities. We discover our purpose there abilities. We discover our purpose there abilities. We discover our purpose there according to Aristotle and it is true. according to Aristotle and it is true. according to Aristotle and it is true. But we can identify our talents, our But we can identify our talents, our But we can identify our talents, our abilities. We can identify them. And I abilities. We can identify them. And I abilities. We can identify them. And I wholeheartedly recommend that you take wholeheartedly recommend that you take wholeheartedly recommend that you take an aptitude test. Go online. They're an aptitude test. Go online. They're an aptitude test. Go online. They're available. Yeah, pastor. But they cost available. Yeah, pastor. But they cost available. Yeah, pastor. But they cost $30.

$30. $30. I think you're worth it. >> I don't know what my purpose is. I don't >> I don't know what my purpose is. I don't know what my purpose is. You don't even know what my purpose is. You don't even know what my purpose is. You don't even know what your talent you know what your know what your talent you know what your know what your talent you know what your ability is. And it's so important ability is. And it's so important ability is. And it's so important because God wired you a specific way to because God wired you a specific way to because God wired you a specific way to take advantage of those gifts, those take advantage of those gifts, those take advantage of those gifts, those talents, those abilities, that aptitude. talents, those abilities, that aptitude. talents, those abilities, that aptitude. You are wired a certain way to cooperate You are wired a certain way to cooperate You are wired a certain way to cooperate with those talents that God has placed with those talents that God has placed with those talents that God has placed inside of you. >> Our treasury. >> Our treasury. The reality is that economic systems The reality is that economic systems The reality is that economic systems rule the world. but you need it to survive in this world but you need it to survive in this world because the world is set up on a system because the world is set up on a system because the world is set up on a system of exchange. Exchange is the process of of exchange. Exchange is the process of of exchange. Exchange is the process of life.

life. life. We take that and we put it in instead of We take that and we put it in instead of We take that and we put it in instead of trading cows and sheep and and and trading cows and sheep and and and trading cows and sheep and and and tables and chairs, we use currency tables and chairs, we use currency tables and chairs, we use currency which represents the value of things and which represents the value of things and which represents the value of things and we exchange currency. But you're responsible But you're responsible for what you do with the money when you for what you do with the money when you for what you do with the money when you get it. get it. get it. You're responsible for your relationship You're responsible for your relationship You're responsible for your relationship with money. with money. with money. And a lot of Christians I meet have a And a lot of Christians I meet have a And a lot of Christians I meet have a bad relationship with their money. bad relationship with their money. bad relationship with their money. >> So bad it doesn't even stay around with >> So bad it doesn't even stay around with >> So bad it doesn't even stay around with them long. them long. them long. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor, Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor, Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor, he's talking to you now." And you could tell, "I don't know where And you could tell, "I don't know where my money goes." my money goes." my money goes." I think before you try to find out where I think before you try to find out where I think before you try to find out where you need to understand why the money keeps leaving you like that.

the money keeps leaving you like that. We have responsibility over our We have responsibility over our We have responsibility over our treasury, our time, our talent, our treasury, our time, our talent, our treasury, our time, our talent, our treasury and our relationships. Wow. Wow. That's right. That's right. That's right. We had baby dedication. These parents We had baby dedication. These parents We had baby dedication. These parents were given a charge. The godp parentents were given a charge. The godp parentents were given a charge. The godp parentents were given a charge. Why? Because were given a charge. Why? Because were given a charge. Why? Because children are a stewardship children are a stewardship children are a stewardship responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. You don't own those kids. I know you You don't own those kids. I know you You don't own those kids. I know you say, "Cal, I brought you into this say, "Cal, I brought you into this say, "Cal, I brought you into this world." And you take them out. If they were And you take them out. If they were yours, you wouldn't go to jail for yours, you wouldn't go to jail for yours, you wouldn't go to jail for taking them out. It is a stewardship responsibility. It is a stewardship responsibility. You don't own your spouse.

You don't own your spouse. You don't own your spouse. You see that rewind on that one? I had You see that rewind on that one? I had You see that rewind on that one? I had to rewind. In a marriage relationship, a spouse, In a marriage relationship, a spouse, you are each other's what? Stewardship, you are each other's what? Stewardship, you are each other's what? Stewardship, responsibility. Come on, say it with me. responsibility. Come on, say it with me. responsibility. Come on, say it with me. In the context of marriage, spouses are In the context of marriage, spouses are In the context of marriage, spouses are what? A stewardship responsibility. That's why you're called a husband, That's why you're called a husband, which is an old archaic term for farmer. [Applause] [Applause] You are responsible for the condition of You are responsible for the condition of You are responsible for the condition of the soil and what grows there and what the soil and what grows there and what the soil and what grows there and what is planted there. You're responsible to is planted there. You're responsible to is planted there. You're responsible to protect it from weeds. >> So, four stewardship responsibilities >> So, four stewardship responsibilities that God gives us in life. What are that God gives us in life. What are that God gives us in life. What are they? Come on. Our time, they? Come on. Our time, they? Come on. Our time, >> our talent, >> our talent, >> our talent, >> our treasury, and relationships.

>> our treasury, and relationships. >> our treasury, and relationships. And it's not easy to manage all these And it's not easy to manage all these And it's not easy to manage all these things. things. things. Some people are great at managing money Some people are great at managing money Some people are great at managing money and terrible at managing relationships. and terrible at managing relationships. and terrible at managing relationships. >> Don't point. >> Don't point. >> Don't point. Some people have mastered their talent Some people have mastered their talent Some people have mastered their talent but can't handle their money. Some people are brilliant at using their Some people are brilliant at using their talent to make money, talent to make money, talent to make money, but it destroys their relationship and but it destroys their relationship and but it destroys their relationship and they're terrible when it comes to time. they're terrible when it comes to time. they're terrible when it comes to time. It is a challenge to be a steward over It is a challenge to be a steward over It is a challenge to be a steward over these things because they're not fixed. these things because they're not fixed. these things because they're not fixed. They're fluid. these things, our They're fluid. these things, our They're fluid. these things, our relationship with these things. Jesus Jesus managed his relationships managed his relationships managed his relationships in concentric in concentric in concentric circles. circles. circles. I'm going to focus on this one because I I'm going to focus on this one because I I'm going to focus on this one because I tell you every time I talk to tell you every time I talk to tell you every time I talk to individuals, the majority of them are having trouble the majority of them are having trouble with their >> with their what?

>> with their what? >> With their relationships >> With their relationships >> With their relationships because it affects their money. because it affects their money. because it affects their money. >> It affects how they use your their >> It affects how they use your their >> It affects how they use your their talents. talents. talents. >> It affects how they use their time, >> It affects how they use their time, >> It affects how they use their time, relationships, relationships, relationships, critical. critical. critical. Jesus came not to restore your money Jesus came not to restore your money Jesus came not to restore your money >> or your time or your talent. He began in >> or your time or your talent. He began in >> or your time or your talent. He began in the area of what? the area of what? the area of what? [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> God was in Christ >> God was in Christ >> God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Why reconciling the world unto himself. Why reconciling the world unto himself. Why is the earth and humanity in this broken is the earth and humanity in this broken is the earth and humanity in this broken wounded condition? Because of a failed wounded condition? Because of a failed wounded condition? Because of a failed relationship relationship relationship >> with God. >> with God. >> with God. The source of life, the source of time, The source of life, the source of time, The source of life, the source of time, the source of talent, the source of the source of talent, the source of the source of talent, the source of treasury and and ideas on how to develop treasury and and ideas on how to develop treasury and and ideas on how to develop treasury and talent and all of those treasury and talent and all of those treasury and talent and all of those things. things. things. So Jesus So Jesus So Jesus modeled modeled modeled relationships in concentric relationships in concentric relationships in concentric circles.

Concentric circles simply means Concentric circles simply means structured. His relationships were structured. His relationships were structured. His relationships were structured structured structured in layers in layers in layers of trust, of trust, of trust, closeness, closeness, closeness, trust. trust. trust. Write this down. Layers of Write this down. Layers of Write this down. Layers of closeness, trust, trust, and influence. So when Jesus managed relationships, So when Jesus managed relationships, he was concerned about he was concerned about he was concerned about how close he brought the person. how close he brought the person. how close he brought the person. >> Could he trust them? >> Could he trust them? >> Could he trust them? What kind of influence would they have What kind of influence would they have What kind of influence would they have on him personally? on him personally? on him personally? And And And what would they do what would they do what would they do using his influence? Because they using his influence? Because they using his influence? Because they occupied a place occupied a place occupied a place that's close to him. that's close to him. that's close to him. Peter close to him. And Jesus begins to Peter close to him. And Jesus begins to Peter close to him. And Jesus begins to tell the the disciples that he's going tell the the disciples that he's going tell the the disciples that he's going to have to suffer many things of the to have to suffer many things of the to have to suffer many things of the chief priests and elders end up being chief priests and elders end up being chief priests and elders end up being crucified and on the third day he would crucified and on the third day he would crucified and on the third day he would rise from the dead. And what does Peter rise from the dead. And what does Peter rise from the dead. And what does Peter say? Be it far from you, Lord.

say? Be it far from you, Lord. say? Be it far from you, Lord. We're not going to let that happen. We're not going to let that happen. We're not going to let that happen. He is now interfering with a divine He is now interfering with a divine He is now interfering with a divine plan. plan. plan. He's not being malicious. He's not being malicious. He's not being malicious. He just fails to believe what Jesus is He just fails to believe what Jesus is He just fails to believe what Jesus is saying and emotionally attached to saying and emotionally attached to saying and emotionally attached to Jesus. He wants to now try and use the Jesus. He wants to now try and use the Jesus. He wants to now try and use the influence of how close their influence of how close their influence of how close their relationship is to tell Jesus what he relationship is to tell Jesus what he relationship is to tell Jesus what he can and cannot do. And there are times when you have people And there are times when you have people in that inner circle in that inner circle in that inner circle who will try to influence your decisions who will try to influence your decisions who will try to influence your decisions based upon what they don't know or based upon what they don't know or based upon what they don't know or understand. understand. understand. That's why who occupied that inner That's why who occupied that inner That's why who occupied that inner circle in your life is critical. >> It's a model for us. >> It's a model for us. He preached He preached He preached to the multitude. to the multitude. to the multitude. He preached to the multitude. He He preached to the multitude. He He preached to the multitude. He challenged the crowd. And the two challenged the crowd. And the two challenged the crowd. And the two different words in the Greek between different words in the Greek between different words in the Greek between multitude and crowd. Multitude is a very multitude and crowd. Multitude is a very multitude and crowd. Multitude is a very large and massive gathering of people.

large and massive gathering of people. large and massive gathering of people. The crowd tended to be those who The crowd tended to be those who The crowd tended to be those who believed in him and were trying to get believed in him and were trying to get believed in him and were trying to get more information. So he preached to the more information. So he preached to the more information. So he preached to the multitude. He challenged the crowd. He bore witness to the 500. The Apostle He bore witness to the 500. The Apostle Paul talks about that in 1 Corinthians Paul talks about that in 1 Corinthians Paul talks about that in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that 500 witnessed him after his 15:6 that 500 witnessed him after his 15:6 that 500 witnessed him after his resurrection resurrection resurrection to whom he spoke about the kingdom. to whom he spoke about the kingdom. to whom he spoke about the kingdom. So he preached to the multitude. So he preached to the multitude. So he preached to the multitude. He challenged the crowd. He challenged the crowd. He challenged the crowd. He witnessed his resurrection to the He witnessed his resurrection to the He witnessed his resurrection to the 500. He taught the 70. Remember the 70 that He taught the 70. Remember the 70 that you send out two by two. He taught the you send out two by two. He taught the you send out two by two. He taught the 70. 70. 70. He discipled the 12. He discipled the 12. He discipled the 12. But out of the 12, there was an inner But out of the 12, there was an inner But out of the 12, there was an inner circle of Peter, James, John, and circle of Peter, James, John, and circle of Peter, James, John, and Andrew.

And even with Andrew, And even with Andrew, there were times when he was eliminated there were times when he was eliminated there were times when he was eliminated and only Peter, James, and John were and only Peter, James, and John were and only Peter, James, and John were bought into the event or the situation bought into the event or the situation bought into the event or the situation or circumstance. or circumstance. or circumstance. And then out of Peter, James, and John, And then out of Peter, James, and John, And then out of Peter, James, and John, there was a very special and close there was a very special and close there was a very special and close intimate relationship with John. intimate relationship with John. intimate relationship with John. And the reason why he brought them into And the reason why he brought them into And the reason why he brought them into those spaces, especially that inner those spaces, especially that inner those spaces, especially that inner circle of the four, is because unlike circle of the four, is because unlike circle of the four, is because unlike the others, he was fashioning and the others, he was fashioning and the others, he was fashioning and training them for future leadership. training them for future leadership. training them for future leadership. Peter would become foundational to the Peter would become foundational to the Peter would become foundational to the establishment of the church. James would establishment of the church. James would establishment of the church. James would become the leader of the church in become the leader of the church in become the leader of the church in Jerusalem, a base of influence and Jerusalem, a base of influence and Jerusalem, a base of influence and operation. John would be given deep and operation. John would be given deep and operation. John would be given deep and profound theological revelation about profound theological revelation about profound theological revelation about the person of Jesus which is the person of Jesus which is the person of Jesus which is foundational to a relationship with foundational to a relationship with foundational to a relationship with Jesus and salvation. Jesus and salvation. Jesus and salvation. Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, he was brought into one specific event he was brought into one specific event he was brought into one specific event that took place for a long-term purpose.

that took place for a long-term purpose. that took place for a long-term purpose. And when we come back, we'll discuss this in greater detail. we'll discuss this in greater detail. How do we structure our lives in this How do we structure our lives in this How do we structure our lives in this way? How do we remain conscious of this? way? How do we remain conscious of this? way? How do we remain conscious of this? How do we engage this model that Jesus How do we engage this model that Jesus How do we engage this model that Jesus taught us? Did you get anything out of taught us? Did you get anything out of taught us? Did you get anything out of that today? Come on, let's all stand. Come on, let's all stand. [Music] And when we break it down, you're going And when we break it down, you're going to realize it's not because either one to realize it's not because either one to realize it's not because either one of the those inner circle guys of the those inner circle guys of the those inner circle guys were special, were special, were special, but they did have certain qualities but they did have certain qualities but they did have certain qualities that he could shape fashion. that he could shape fashion. that he could shape fashion. inter leadership.

inter leadership. inter leadership. Now what you see Jesus practice then God Now what you see Jesus practice then God Now what you see Jesus practice then God still continues to practice. still continues to practice. still continues to practice. God can't bring certain folks into a God can't bring certain folks into a God can't bring certain folks into a close space. There are some requirements and There are some requirements and everybody wants to be close. Everybody everybody wants to be close. Everybody everybody wants to be close. Everybody wants to be close. They want to be close wants to be close. They want to be close wants to be close. They want to be close to you. to you. to you. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. But we'll understand why it matters that But we'll understand why it matters that But we'll understand why it matters that we manage our relationships well because we manage our relationships well because we manage our relationships well because relationships is the network for life. relationships is the network for life. relationships is the network for life. And as you move from one level of life And as you move from one level of life And as you move from one level of life to another, through a new season, to another, through a new season, to another, through a new season, through a new stage, it's always by way through a new stage, it's always by way through a new stage, it's always by way of some relationship. of some relationship. of some relationship. In fact, you can't get to heaven In fact, you can't get to heaven In fact, you can't get to heaven >> without a relationship with Jesus. Amen. >> without a relationship with Jesus. Amen. >> without a relationship with Jesus. Amen. Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit will take these words, will take these words, will take these words, [Music] [Music] [Music] plant it in the hearts and minds of your plant it in the hearts and minds of your plant it in the hearts and minds of your people people people in seed form.

Let those seeds germinate. Let those seeds germinate. Take roots. Let those roots go deep and Take roots. Let those roots go deep and Take roots. Let those roots go deep and then spring up into a beautiful plant then spring up into a beautiful plant then spring up into a beautiful plant tree that will bear much fruit. This is tree that will bear much fruit. This is tree that will bear much fruit. This is my prayer and I know that it's also your my prayer and I know that it's also your my prayer and I know that it's also your desire. desire. desire. So I thank you for it in Jesus name. So I thank you for it in Jesus name. So I thank you for it in Jesus name. Amen. And amen. Come on, slap high five Amen. And amen. Come on, slap high five Amen. And amen. Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell them I got that with three people. Tell them I got that with three people. Tell them I got that word. word. word. [Music] [Music] [Music] Praise the Lord. Beloved, you may be Praise the Lord. Beloved, you may be Praise the Lord. Beloved, you may be seated. Beloved, we have come to the end of the Beloved, we have come to the end of the service, which is when we invite people service, which is when we invite people service, which is when we invite people into new faith, new fellowship, and new into new faith, new fellowship, and new into new faith, new fellowship, and new freedom in Christ. In responding to freedom in Christ. In responding to freedom in Christ. In responding to Brian's prayer and song to noting that Brian's prayer and song to noting that Brian's prayer and song to noting that he only had 20 minutes to preach, pastor he only had 20 minutes to preach, pastor he only had 20 minutes to preach, pastor went from amen to amen.

went from amen to amen. went from amen to amen. And the path between the two words And the path between the two words And the path between the two words describes a reality of the walk of describes a reality of the walk of describes a reality of the walk of faith. We come into agreement with God faith. We come into agreement with God faith. We come into agreement with God thinking that everything will be great thinking that everything will be great thinking that everything will be great and immediately get hit with life. and immediately get hit with life. and immediately get hit with life. Resistance, adversity, and setbacks will Resistance, adversity, and setbacks will Resistance, adversity, and setbacks will always be there. But so will God. His always be there. But so will God. His always be there. But so will God. His desire is for human flourishing. But we desire is for human flourishing. But we desire is for human flourishing. But we are going to go through some stuff. are going to go through some stuff. are going to go through some stuff. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> God gives us things that come with >> God gives us things that come with >> God gives us things that come with adversity and limitation. Everything in adversity and limitation. Everything in adversity and limitation. Everything in life is a stewardship responsibility. We life is a stewardship responsibility. We life is a stewardship responsibility. We steward over time, talent, and treasure. steward over time, talent, and treasure. steward over time, talent, and treasure. And while we can develop our talent and And while we can develop our talent and And while we can develop our talent and grow our resources, we have a finite grow our resources, we have a finite grow our resources, we have a finite amount of time. But God's grace can amount of time. But God's grace can amount of time. But God's grace can favor us as we manage time. And if we favor us as we manage time. And if we favor us as we manage time. And if we are still here, no matter what, there's are still here, no matter what, there's are still here, no matter what, there's still time to change. And that, beloved, still time to change. And that, beloved, still time to change. And that, beloved, is good news. Can we give God praise? The good news is that a holy God so The good news is that a holy God so loved a rebellious world that he sent loved a rebellious world that he sent loved a rebellious world that he sent his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from the grave, conquering death. And in the grave, conquering death. And in the grave, conquering death. And in doing so, he paid the price for our sin doing so, he paid the price for our sin doing so, he paid the price for our sin and gives us a right to everlasting and gives us a right to everlasting and gives us a right to everlasting life. The good news is that time isn't life. The good news is that time isn't life. The good news is that time isn't lost or saved. We all get 24 hours. The lost or saved. We all get 24 hours. The lost or saved. We all get 24 hours. The good news is that relationships are good news is that relationships are good news is that relationships are structured in layers of closeness, structured in layers of closeness, structured in layers of closeness, trust, and influence. Which means that a trust, and influence. Which means that a trust, and influence. Which means that a relationship with Christ at the closest relationship with Christ at the closest relationship with Christ at the closest level will change everything.

level will change everything. level will change everything. >> The good news is that you can learn how >> The good news is that you can learn how >> The good news is that you can learn how to farm. You can become a better farmer. to farm. You can become a better farmer. to farm. You can become a better farmer. And all the husband men said, And all the husband men said, And all the husband men said, >> "Praise the Lord." >> "Praise the Lord." >> "Praise the Lord." Maybe that was just for me. Romans 10:9 Maybe that was just for me. Romans 10:9 Maybe that was just for me. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth says that if you confess with your mouth says that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your that Jesus is Lord and believe in your that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, heart that God raised him from the dead, heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. So with every head you will be saved. So with every head you will be saved. So with every head bowed and every eye closed, if you've bowed and every eye closed, if you've bowed and every eye closed, if you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, never made Jesus the Lord of your life, never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for you. I'm just going I'd like to pray for you. I'm just going I'd like to pray for you. I'm just going to ask you to raise your hand. to ask you to raise your hand. to ask you to raise your hand. If you walked with God and walked away, If you walked with God and walked away, If you walked with God and walked away, I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your hand hand hand if you need help navigating the if you need help navigating the if you need help navigating the complexity of life. If you don't know complexity of life. If you don't know complexity of life. If you don't know where to turn, if you're in a season where to turn, if you're in a season where to turn, if you're in a season where you're lost and you need to be where you're lost and you need to be where you're lost and you need to be found, I'm going to ask you to raise found, I'm going to ask you to raise found, I'm going to ask you to raise your hand. your hand. your hand. Thank you. I see that hand. Thank you. I see that hand. Thank you. I see that hand. If you raise your hand, I'm going to ask If you raise your hand, I'm going to ask If you raise your hand, I'm going to ask you to do just one thing more. Come down you to do just one thing more. Come down you to do just one thing more. Come down to this altar so that we, the church, to this altar so that we, the church, to this altar so that we, the church, can pray for you together.

Let us praise God. Let us take this Let us praise God. Let us take this moment to acknowledge a moment of moment to acknowledge a moment of moment to acknowledge a moment of surrender. Someone in this place this surrender. Someone in this place this surrender. Someone in this place this morning is surrendering all. Someone in morning is surrendering all. Someone in morning is surrendering all. Someone in this place this morning is laying down this place this morning is laying down this place this morning is laying down idols, laying down burdens, laying down idols, laying down burdens, laying down idols, laying down burdens, laying down things that are keeping them from God, things that are keeping them from God, things that are keeping them from God, laying down things that may be hurting laying down things that may be hurting laying down things that may be hurting or harming or killing them. And this is or harming or killing them. And this is or harming or killing them. And this is a moment of exchange. The altar is a a moment of exchange. The altar is a a moment of exchange. The altar is a place of exchange. The altar is a place place of exchange. The altar is a place place of exchange. The altar is a place of release, a place of freedom. Beloved, of release, a place of freedom. Beloved, of release, a place of freedom. Beloved, this is a moment for us to get excited this is a moment for us to get excited this is a moment for us to get excited because you may just see someone walking because you may just see someone walking because you may just see someone walking up to the front, but someone's life is up to the front, but someone's life is up to the front, but someone's life is changing. Someone's destiny is changing. changing. Someone's destiny is changing. changing. Someone's destiny is changing. Someone's sewing into the generations Someone's sewing into the generations Someone's sewing into the generations are changing. You're not just seeing an are changing. You're not just seeing an are changing. You're not just seeing an individual. You're seeing an entire individual. You're seeing an entire individual. You're seeing an entire lifetime. You're seeing a family. You're lifetime. You're seeing a family. You're lifetime. You're seeing a family. You're seeing a community. You're seeing a seeing a community. You're seeing a seeing a community. You're seeing a path. You're seeing visions and dreams. path. You're seeing visions and dreams. path. You're seeing visions and dreams. Beloved, there is always a reason for us Beloved, there is always a reason for us Beloved, there is always a reason for us to praise God for what he's doing. to praise God for what he's doing. to praise God for what he's doing. Because we see through a glass darkly. Because we see through a glass darkly. Because we see through a glass darkly. We don't get to see the whole picture. We don't get to see the whole picture. We don't get to see the whole picture. We never know exactly what's going on. We never know exactly what's going on. We never know exactly what's going on. And they're still coming. So, we can And they're still coming. So, we can And they're still coming. So, we can continue to encourage them as they come.

Look, I the truth is nobody knows your Look, I the truth is nobody knows your whole story. There are things that whole story. There are things that whole story. There are things that you've been through. If we sat next to you've been through. If we sat next to you've been through. If we sat next to you and just looked at your smile and you and just looked at your smile and you and just looked at your smile and just looked at your wonderful clothes, just looked at your wonderful clothes, just looked at your wonderful clothes, we just thought that everything has been we just thought that everything has been we just thought that everything has been all right in your life all the time. And all right in your life all the time. And all right in your life all the time. And chances are that's not true. So what we chances are that's not true. So what we chances are that's not true. So what we do in this moment is we celebrate the do in this moment is we celebrate the do in this moment is we celebrate the fact that we don't know what's hap what fact that we don't know what's hap what fact that we don't know what's hap what has happened up to this point. We don't has happened up to this point. We don't has happened up to this point. We don't know what the future holds, but we know know what the future holds, but we know know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. So we know that who holds the future. So we know that who holds the future. So we know that what is coming is better than what has what is coming is better than what has what is coming is better than what has been. And so we can take this moment to been. And so we can take this moment to been. And so we can take this moment to come into agreement in prayer with God's come into agreement in prayer with God's come into agreement in prayer with God's plan for the lives of our new brothers plan for the lives of our new brothers plan for the lives of our new brothers and sisters. Amen. and sisters. Amen. and sisters. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right. Now >> All right. Now >> All right. Now continue to come as you come. continue to come as you come. continue to come as you come. But I will proceed. We stand here with a But I will proceed. We stand here with a But I will proceed. We stand here with a 100 different burdens but one almighty 100 different burdens but one almighty 100 different burdens but one almighty God. So whatever decision you are making God. So whatever decision you are making God. So whatever decision you are making in this moment, please pray this prayer in this moment, please pray this prayer in this moment, please pray this prayer with me. Father, with me. Father, with me. Father, thank you for this opportunity. thank you for this opportunity. thank you for this opportunity. to receive your love. to receive your to receive your love. to receive your to receive your love. to receive your love. love. love. >> I repent of my sin. Repent of my s. >> I repent of my sin. Repent of my s. >> I repent of my sin. Repent of my s. >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> Christ died on the cross.

>> Christ died on the cross. >> Christ died on the cross. >> Christ died on the >> Christ died on the >> Christ died on the >> to pay the price for my sin. >> to pay the price for my sin. >> to pay the price for my sin. >> And rose again rose again. >> And rose again rose again. >> And rose again rose again. >> Conquering death. >> Conquering death. >> Conquering death. >> I confess him. >> I confess him. >> I confess him. >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> as Lord and Savior. >> as Lord and Savior. >> as Lord and Savior. >> Lord and Savior. >> Lord and Savior. >> Lord and Savior. >> And your word says >> And your word says >> And your word says >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> for grace and mercy. >> for grace and mercy. >> for grace and mercy. >> Thank you. Thank you >> Thank you. Thank you >> Thank you. Thank you >> that no matter >> that no matter >> that no matter >> no matter >> no matter >> no matter >> how many times I fall, >> how many times I fall, >> how many times I fall, >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. >> Today >> Today >> Today >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> And not by sight. >> And not by sight. >> And not by sight. >> Today I will lay down my hurts. >> Today I will lay down my hurts. >> Today I will lay down my hurts. >> I will lay down >> I will lay down >> I will lay down >> and pick up hope. >> and pick up hope. >> and pick up hope. >> Today >> Today >> Today >> I will lay down my will >> I will lay down my will >> I will lay down my will >> and pick up my cross >> and pick up my cross >> and pick up my cross >> and follow you and follow. >> and follow you and follow. >> and follow you and follow. >> I pray in Jesus name. >> I pray in Jesus name. >> I pray in Jesus name. Amen. Can we give God praise that his Amen. Can we give God praise that his Amen. Can we give God praise that his word will not return to him boy for good word will not return to him boy for good word will not return to him boy for good seed and good ground for answered prayer seed and good ground for answered prayer seed and good ground for answered prayer even now?

even now? even now? He is a good God. Family, if you prayed He is a good God. Family, if you prayed He is a good God. Family, if you prayed those prayers, we believe that you are those prayers, we believe that you are those prayers, we believe that you are born again. We believe you're beginning born again. We believe you're beginning born again. We believe you're beginning the process of restoration and we the process of restoration and we the process of restoration and we believe you're ready to take new steps believe you're ready to take new steps believe you're ready to take new steps in the word. But change is not an event, in the word. But change is not an event, in the word. But change is not an event, it's a process. So wherever you are in it's a process. So wherever you are in it's a process. So wherever you are in this process, I need you to do four this process, I need you to do four this process, I need you to do four things. One, get in the word. Whether things. One, get in the word. Whether things. One, get in the word. Whether you're getting there for the first time you're getting there for the first time you're getting there for the first time or for the thousand and first time, or for the thousand and first time, or for the thousand and first time, there's something that God has for you there's something that God has for you there's something that God has for you in his living word for right here, right in his living word for right here, right in his living word for right here, right now. Two, get in a Bible teaching now. Two, get in a Bible teaching now. Two, get in a Bible teaching church. Three, tell someone about the church. Three, tell someone about the church. Three, tell someone about the decision that you made today. And four, decision that you made today. And four, decision that you made today. And four, keep showing up. keep showing up. keep showing up. Show up here. Show up in community. Show Show up here. Show up in community. Show Show up here. Show up in community. Show up for your friends. Show up for your up for your friends. Show up for your up for your friends. Show up for your family. There is power when we make family. There is power when we make family. There is power when we make ourselves available to whatever God is ourselves available to whatever God is ourselves available to whatever God is doing amongst his people. Amen. doing amongst his people. Amen. doing amongst his people. Amen. >> All right. Now, if you responded to this >> All right. Now, if you responded to this >> All right. Now, if you responded to this call via our internet service, we have call via our internet service, we have call via our internet service, we have some information we'd like to give you. some information we'd like to give you. some information we'd like to give you. So, please call or text the number on So, please call or text the number on So, please call or text the number on your screen. May God continue to bless your screen. May God continue to bless your screen. May God continue to bless you. Your life will never be the same. you. Your life will never be the same. you. Your life will never be the same. And now, you may be seated.

Well, praise the Lord, beloved. Well, praise the Lord, beloved. We have come to the end of the service, We have come to the end of the service, We have come to the end of the service, which is to say we are out of time. which is to say we are out of time. which is to say we are out of time. But now we all get this week to apply But now we all get this week to apply But now we all get this week to apply what we've learned. There are 168 hours what we've learned. There are 168 hours what we've learned. There are 168 hours in a week. And anyone who has ever in a week. And anyone who has ever in a week. And anyone who has ever waited an hour for a a critical call or waited an hour for a a critical call or waited an hour for a a critical call or an hour at the DMV knows that an hour an hour at the DMV knows that an hour an hour at the DMV knows that an hour can feel like an eternity. So that's 168 can feel like an eternity. So that's 168 can feel like an eternity. So that's 168 mini eternities. So the question today mini eternities. So the question today mini eternities. So the question today is, how will we use it? How will we use is, how will we use it? How will we use is, how will we use it? How will we use it to sew into the future? How will we it to sew into the future? How will we it to sew into the future? How will we use it in obedience? How will we use it use it in obedience? How will we use it use it in obedience? How will we use it to glorify God? So, let us keep praying. to glorify God? So, let us keep praying. to glorify God? So, let us keep praying. Let us keep believing. And let us say Let us keep believing. And let us say Let us keep believing. And let us say something good as we leave this place, something good as we leave this place, something good as we leave this place, but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God And we're seeing it come to pass. God And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless everybody. See you soon, bless everybody. See you soon, bless everybody. See you soon, >> family. Thank you so much for watching >> family. Thank you so much for watching >> family. Thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

the world. the world. >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a new one. first to know when we post a new one. first to know when we post a new one. >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship experience every Sunday. And trust me experience every Sunday. And trust me experience every Sunday. And trust me and Cameron when I say you do not want and Cameron when I say you do not want and Cameron when I say you do not want to miss it. Streaming times are in the to miss it. Streaming times are in the to miss it. Streaming times are in the description box below. And if you are description box below. And if you are description box below. And if you are looking for any other information about looking for any other information about looking for any other information about what's happening here at CCC, visit what's happening here at CCC, visit what's happening here at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org. www.ccinfo.org. www.ccinfo.org. >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in the Lord.