The 5 Questions Every Man Must Answer | Pastor A.R. Bernard & Pastor Jamaal Bernard

Good morning family. Good morning. Good morning family. Good morning. >> Can we have all the fathers stand >> Can we have all the fathers stand >> Can we have all the fathers stand [music] so we can applaud you, [music] so we can applaud you, [music] so we can applaud you, appreciate you, [cheering] love on you. appreciate you, [cheering] love on you. appreciate you, [cheering] love on you. [applause] [applause] [applause] Thank you. [music] Thank you. Thank you. [music] Thank you. Thank you. [music] Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Thank you. Amen. Thank Thank you. Yes. Thank you. Amen. Thank Thank you. Yes. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. Come on. Let's give it up for our you. Come on. Let's give it up for our you. Come on. Let's give it up for our father. Let's make sure we get a shot of father. Let's make sure we get a shot of father. Let's make sure we get a shot of this. Hey, I want you to look around, this. Hey, I want you to look around, this. Hey, I want you to look around, ladies. ladies. ladies. >> [applause and music] >> Stay there for a minute, brothers. We >> Stay there for a minute, brothers. We continue to boast after 47 years of continue to boast after 47 years of continue to boast after 47 years of ministry, 48 years of ministry. We ministry, 48 years of ministry. We ministry, 48 years of ministry. We continue to boast a high male population continue to boast a high male population continue to boast a high male population as part of our congregation and our as part of our congregation and our as part of our congregation and our community. And that says a lot. And we community. And that says a lot. And we community. And that says a lot. And we boast about that because the majority of boast about that because the majority of boast about that because the majority of churches the male participation is and churches the male participation is and churches the male participation is and population is about 15% 10 to 15% population is about 15% 10 to 15% population is about 15% 10 to 15% average. That's [music] crazy. That's average. That's [music] crazy. That's average. That's [music] crazy. That's just the way it is, but not the way it just the way it is, but not the way it just the way it is, but not the way it should be. So, thank you, brothers, for should be. So, thank you, brothers, for should be. So, thank you, brothers, for putting God first putting God first putting God first >> and being a part of community that you >> and being a part of community that you >> and being a part of community that you can grow and mature in. You may be can grow and mature in. You may be can grow and mature in. You may be >> No, no, no. Before you see that, wait.

>> No, no, no. Before you see that, wait. >> No, no, no. Before you see that, wait. Okay. Okay. Okay. We're going to take time to pray for the We're going to take time to pray for the We're going to take time to pray for the fathers. fathers. fathers. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You know, we do a lot for the mothers >> You know, we do a lot for the mothers >> You know, we do a lot for the mothers and we, you know, and so I want to make and we, you know, and so I want to make and we, you know, and so I want to make sure we reciprocate sure we reciprocate sure we reciprocate >> cuz we we we get uh Hey, >> cuz we we we get uh Hey, >> cuz we we we get uh Hey, >> this is Father's Day. >> this is Father's Day. >> this is Father's Day. >> Yeah. Yes. So, we're going to pray for >> Yeah. Yes. So, we're going to pray for >> Yeah. Yes. So, we're going to pray for the fathers. Okay. But I just I was just the fathers. Okay. But I just I was just the fathers. Okay. But I just I was just saying that the mothers get a lot, you saying that the mothers get a lot, you saying that the mothers get a lot, you know, even the commercials are nice. So, know, even the commercials are nice. So, know, even the commercials are nice. So, we get the we get the we get the we get the Home Depot commercials for we get the Home Depot commercials for we get the Home Depot commercials for Father's Day. That's true. Father's Day. That's true. Father's Day. That's true. >> So, I don't want to give them the Home >> So, I don't want to give them the Home >> So, I don't want to give them the Home Depot treatment. So, we're going to pray Depot treatment. So, we're going to pray Depot treatment. So, we're going to pray for you guys. So, if you got a father for you guys. So, if you got a father for you guys. So, if you got a father that's standing next to you, would you that's standing next to you, would you that's standing next to you, would you point your hands towards them? point your hands towards them? point your hands towards them? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And if it's your your father or or your >> And if it's your your father or or your >> And if it's your your father or or your husband, husband, husband, place your hands on his [music] place your hands on his [music] place your hands on his [music] shoulders. shoulders. shoulders. >> Yeah. If it's your husband, lay both >> Yeah. If it's your husband, lay both >> Yeah. If it's your husband, lay both hands on him. [laughter] >> Double double blessing, double >> Double double blessing, double anointing, and just start talking to God anointing, and just start talking to God anointing, and just start talking to God about about about what it is that's stirring up in your what it is that's stirring up in your what it is that's stirring up in your heart.

heart. heart. You going to pray? You going to pray? You going to pray? You going to pray? You going to pray? You going to pray? You pray. I think you should pray. You pray. I think you should pray. You pray. I think you should pray. You're delegating. I'm I'm I'm asking. Let's bow our heads as we go to the Lord Let's bow our heads as we go to the Lord in prayer. We we begin our prayers by saying our We we begin our prayers by saying our father. father. father. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Which means that fatherhood is a Which means that fatherhood is a Which means that fatherhood is a transcendent identity. transcendent identity. transcendent identity. It is not sourced It is not sourced It is not sourced by the flesh. by the flesh. by the flesh. It's sourced by God. And without a It's sourced by God. And without a It's sourced by God. And without a connection to God, connection to God, connection to God, the source is inferior. the source is inferior. the source is inferior. But with a connection to God, the source But with a connection to God, the source But with a connection to God, the source of fatherhood is superior. of fatherhood is superior. of fatherhood is superior. So thank you for these fathers who So thank you for these fathers who So thank you for these fathers who understand the importance of that understand the importance of that understand the importance of that connection connection connection that they can only truly be a father that they can only truly be a father that they can only truly be a father is when that fatherhood identity is when that fatherhood identity is when that fatherhood identity is being received and sourced by the is being received and sourced by the is being received and sourced by the father almighty.

father almighty. father almighty. So Lord, thank you for these men who've So Lord, thank you for these men who've So Lord, thank you for these men who've accepted responsibility for what they accepted responsibility for what they accepted responsibility for what they created created created and have understood the important role and have understood the important role and have understood the important role that they occupy that they occupy that they occupy in spite of what the culture says. in spite of what the culture says. in spite of what the culture says. They're going by what you say. They're going by what you say. They're going by what you say. So, Father, we pray for a greater So, Father, we pray for a greater So, Father, we pray for a greater anointing upon each of them as they anointing upon each of them as they anointing upon each of them as they continue to be the best version of continue to be the best version of continue to be the best version of themselves, grow in themselves, grow in themselves, grow in the maturity [music] of life. the maturity [music] of life. the maturity [music] of life. build into them build into them build into them decisiveness, decisiveness, decisiveness, consistency, strength, and all of the consistency, strength, and all of the consistency, strength, and all of the elements elements elements that give them the moral authority that that give them the moral authority that that give them the moral authority that allows them to be a father. allows them to be a father. allows them to be a father. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, let them not focus on their brokenness let them not focus on their brokenness let them not focus on their brokenness and their shortcomings.

and their shortcomings. and their shortcomings. Let not that define them, but let it Let not that define them, but let it Let not that define them, but let it contextualize them contextualize them contextualize them to understand the journey that you've to understand the journey that you've to understand the journey that you've walked them through and how you've walked them through and how you've walked them through and how you've [music] been with them step by step. [music] been with them step by step. [music] been with them step by step. Give them a sense of vision for their Give them a sense of vision for their Give them a sense of vision for their families, [music] for their children, families, [music] for their children, families, [music] for their children, and give them the courage, Father, let and give them the courage, Father, let and give them the courage, Father, let them take the courage them take the courage them take the courage to model, to live out fatherhood in a to model, to live out fatherhood in a to model, to live out fatherhood in a world that's suffering from a lack of world that's suffering from a lack of world that's suffering from a lack of it. it. it. We put them in your hands. We commit We put them in your hands. We commit We put them in your hands. We commit them to your care and we will support them to your care and we will support them to your care and we will support them in this journey. We thank you for them in this journey. We thank you for them in this journey. We thank you for them today. We praise you for them today them today. We praise you for them today them today. We praise you for them today in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. And amen. >> Amen. And amen. >> Amen. And amen. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] >> Now you may be seated. >> Now you may be seated. >> Now you may be seated. >> Now you may be seated. And if you're >> Now you may be seated. And if you're >> Now you may be seated. And if you're watching online and we think about you watching online and we think about you watching online and we think about you as well and what you're going through.

as well and what you're going through. as well and what you're going through. So if you're we pray for those who are So if you're we pray for those who are So if you're we pray for those who are at work right now trying to get a video at work right now trying to get a video at work right now trying to get a video and uh missing out uh because I know and uh missing out uh because I know and uh missing out uh because I know it's not easy. I love Father's Day. I it's not easy. I love Father's Day. I it's not easy. I love Father's Day. I really enjoy Father's Day. really enjoy Father's Day. really enjoy Father's Day. >> You know, I I I will tell you and we >> You know, I I I will tell you and we >> You know, I I I will tell you and we were talking about it because Pastor were talking about it because Pastor were talking about it because Pastor Jamal just got back from Detroit last Jamal just got back from Detroit last Jamal just got back from Detroit last night, right? night, right? night, right? >> You tell my business. >> You tell my business. >> You tell my business. >> Of course. >> Of course. >> Of course. Of course. Um and you were at a was a Of course. Um and you were at a was a Of course. Um and you were at a was a panel discussion and you brought a word panel discussion and you brought a word panel discussion and you brought a word and I immediately got what's that? and I immediately got what's that? and I immediately got what's that? >> I'm I'm capturing content. >> I'm I'm capturing content. >> I'm I'm capturing content. I'm on a content curation journey. I'm on a content curation journey. I'm on a content curation journey. >> No, >> No, >> No, >> no, >> no, >> no, >> not now. >> not now. >> not now. >> Well, somebody says, "What's your >> Well, somebody says, "What's your >> Well, somebody says, "What's your favorite part of favorite part of favorite part of >> We We will give you a copy." >> We We will give you a copy." >> We We will give you a copy." >> Okay, I got to I got to go, guys. I got >> Okay, I got to I got to go, guys. I got >> Okay, I got to I got to go, guys. I got to go. I got in trouble. This is the culture we live in. This is This is the culture we live in. This is the society and how how it thinks. My the society and how how it thinks. My the society and how how it thinks. My goodness. All right. But this is a good goodness. All right. But this is a good goodness. All right. But this is a good way.

way. way. >> Yes. You know, usually it's something >> Yes. You know, usually it's something >> Yes. You know, usually it's something bad happening and instead of helping, bad happening and instead of helping, bad happening and instead of helping, they're taking video content. they're taking video content. they're taking video content. >> Somebody they they did not call 911 >> Somebody they they did not call 911 >> Somebody they they did not call 911 because they would worry about not because they would worry about not because they would worry about not capturing the footage. capturing the footage. capturing the footage. >> That's that's that's a society that is >> That's that's that's a society that is >> That's that's that's a society that is restored. Yes. restored. Yes. restored. Yes. >> And that's why Jesus had to come. Amen. >> And that's why Jesus had to come. Amen. >> And that's why Jesus had to come. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Because we're a broken and wounded >> Because we're a broken and wounded >> Because we're a broken and wounded society. But you were ministering in society. But you were ministering in society. But you were ministering in Detroit. Um uh Dr. Jim Mormon who passed Detroit. Um uh Dr. Jim Mormon who passed Detroit. Um uh Dr. Jim Mormon who passed and we've been mentoring that church. and we've been mentoring that church. and we've been mentoring that church. I've been a mentor in his children's I've been a mentor in his children's I've been a mentor in his children's life who've taken over the ministry and life who've taken over the ministry and life who've taken over the ministry and um it's just been a wonderful wonderful um it's just been a wonderful wonderful um it's just been a wonderful wonderful experience watching them transition into experience watching them transition into experience watching them transition into leadership and you were there. Tell us leadership and you were there. Tell us leadership and you were there. Tell us about that particular event cuz I was about that particular event cuz I was about that particular event cuz I was originally invited. originally invited. originally invited. >> You were? >> You were? >> You were? >> I was cancelled. >> I was cancelled. >> I was cancelled. >> You were cancelled >> You were cancelled >> You were cancelled >> for you. You're right. [laughter] >> for you. You're right. [laughter] >> for you. You're right. [laughter] >> You probably said you you couldn't make >> You probably said you you couldn't make >> You probably said you you couldn't make it. So, I was the second choice. it. So, I was the second choice. it. So, I was the second choice. That's what really happened, right? It's That's what really happened, right? It's That's what really happened, right? It's all right. I understand. I know you're all right. I understand. I know you're all right. I understand. I know you're the man.

>> But don't worry, I'm going to get there. >> But don't worry, I'm going to get there. >> So, but I >> So, but I >> So, but I >> What was it about? >> What was it about? >> What was it about? >> It was It was It's It's called Thank >> It was It was It's It's called Thank >> It was It was It's It's called Thank you. Thank you for the encouragement. It you. Thank you for the encouragement. It you. Thank you for the encouragement. It was it it was called a meant up was it it was called a meant up was it it was called a meant up conference and I saw [laughter] I flew conference and I saw [laughter] I flew conference and I saw [laughter] I flew out yesterday morning woke up at 4 out yesterday morning woke up at 4 out yesterday morning woke up at 4 caught the uh the plane landed went caught the uh the plane landed went caught the uh the plane landed went straight to the conference spoke about straight to the conference spoke about straight to the conference spoke about uh mantle up and the responsibility of uh mantle up and the responsibility of uh mantle up and the responsibility of the mantle and uh especially for men the mantle and uh especially for men the mantle and uh especially for men there's a reality that we don't really there's a reality that we don't really there's a reality that we don't really fully grasp and is that no matter what fully grasp and is that no matter what fully grasp and is that no matter what we do we are going to leave something we do we are going to leave something we do we are going to leave something behind. The question is what are you behind. The question is what are you behind. The question is what are you leaving behind? You are in control of it leaving behind? You are in control of it leaving behind? You are in control of it when you're alive. And so the when you're alive. And so the when you're alive. And so the responsibility of a mantle is both responsibility of a mantle is both responsibility of a mantle is both creating it, developing it, and creating it, developing it, and creating it, developing it, and preparing it to be passed on. preparing it to be passed on. preparing it to be passed on. >> Say that again. >> Say that again. >> Say that again. >> Creating it, developing it, and >> Creating it, developing it, and >> Creating it, developing it, and preparing it to pass on. And I told him, preparing it to pass on. And I told him, preparing it to pass on. And I told him, I said, just like one of the things I I said, just like one of the things I I said, just like one of the things I was wrestling with was, "Oh, you're was wrestling with was, "Oh, you're was wrestling with was, "Oh, you're doing this because you you got this doing this because you you got this doing this because you you got this because your father, you got this because your father, you got this because your father, you got this because your father." And I told the because your father." And I told the because your father." And I told the crowd that at first I was self-conscious crowd that at first I was self-conscious crowd that at first I was self-conscious about that, but now I'm like, "No, this about that, but now I'm like, "No, this about that, but now I'm like, "No, this is how it's supposed to be." So a part is how it's supposed to be." So a part is how it's supposed to be." So a part of mantle up and responsibility of of mantle up and responsibility of of mantle up and responsibility of mantle is creating the the the the mantle is creating the the the the mantle is creating the the the the making it a social norm making it a social norm making it a social norm for the younger generation to have for the younger generation to have for the younger generation to have shoulders to stand on shoulders to stand on shoulders to stand on >> for the next generation. [applause] Jesus said something to his disciples.

Jesus said something to his disciples. It's a teachable moment. Can we have a It's a teachable moment. Can we have a It's a teachable moment. Can we have a teachable moment? teachable moment? teachable moment? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It was right after his conversation with >> It was right after his conversation with >> It was right after his conversation with the woman at the well. And after that the woman at the well. And after that the woman at the well. And after that conversation impacting her so deeply, conversation impacting her so deeply, conversation impacting her so deeply, she goes to the Samaritans she goes to the Samaritans she goes to the Samaritans and she tells a story of her encounter and she tells a story of her encounter and she tells a story of her encounter with Jesus. The men are moved, come out with Jesus. The men are moved, come out with Jesus. The men are moved, come out to see him and meet him and they are to see him and meet him and they are to see him and meet him and they are transformed. transformed. transformed. But then he says to his disciples But then he says to his disciples But then he says to his disciples something very important. something very important. something very important. He said, "I have called you to reap He said, "I have called you to reap He said, "I have called you to reap where you have not sown." where you have not sown." where you have not sown." >> It's a very powerful statement there. >> It's a very powerful statement there. >> It's a very powerful statement there. He says, "The harvest is plenteous." He says, "The harvest is plenteous." He says, "The harvest is plenteous." >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> But the laborers are few. Pray to the >> But the laborers are few. Pray to the >> But the laborers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he will send Lord of the harvest that he will send Lord of the harvest that he will send out laborers into the harvest. And then out laborers into the harvest. And then out laborers into the harvest. And then he again, he again, he again, I've called you to reap where you have I've called you to reap where you have I've called you to reap where you have not sown. What was he saying? What was not sown. What was he saying? What was not sown. What was he saying? What was he saying? I'm glad you asked.

he saying? I'm glad you asked. he saying? I'm glad you asked. The groundwork is always laid by someone The groundwork is always laid by someone The groundwork is always laid by someone else. else. else. >> So when we come along, >> So when we come along, >> So when we come along, we may be new in terms of the context we may be new in terms of the context we may be new in terms of the context being new to us, being new to us, being new to us, but so much work has already been done but so much work has already been done but so much work has already been done by others to lay the foundation. by others to lay the foundation. by others to lay the foundation. The prophets had spoken. The prophets had spoken. The prophets had spoken. the scriptures were fulfilled. the scriptures were fulfilled. the scriptures were fulfilled. And even that woman was Jesus seowing And even that woman was Jesus seowing And even that woman was Jesus seowing seed seed seed into that woman so she could take it and into that woman so she could take it and into that woman so she could take it and seow seed into Samaria before the seow seed into Samaria before the seow seed into Samaria before the disciples were going to go there with disciples were going to go there with disciples were going to go there with him to preach to them. him to preach to them. him to preach to them. >> So always understand that whatever we >> So always understand that whatever we >> So always understand that whatever we do, we're building on what someone else do, we're building on what someone else do, we're building on what someone else established and work hard for and paid established and work hard for and paid established and work hard for and paid the price for. the price for. the price for. >> That keeps us humble. Yes. >> That keeps us humble. Yes. >> That keeps us humble. Yes. >> Keeps us, it protects us from thinking >> Keeps us, it protects us from thinking >> Keeps us, it protects us from thinking that we're the star that started it all. that we're the star that started it all. that we're the star that started it all. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. Lot of prices and sacrifices were made. of prices and sacrifices were made. Prices paid, sacrifices made. And each Prices paid, sacrifices made. And each Prices paid, sacrifices made. And each generation builds on the successes, the generation builds on the successes, the generation builds on the successes, the work that has come before us. And this work that has come before us. And this work that has come before us. And this is what he meant by this statement. Turn is what he meant by this statement. Turn is what he meant by this statement. Turn to your neighbor. Say neighbor. to your neighbor. Say neighbor. to your neighbor. Say neighbor. We reap We reap We reap >> we reap >> we reap >> we reap >> where we have not sown. >> where we have not sown. >> where we have not sown. >> where we have not sown. >> where we have not sown. >> where we have not sown. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> it's true in every aspect of life >> it's true in every aspect of life >> it's true in every aspect of life [snorts] that we come along. But we're [snorts] that we come along. But we're [snorts] that we come along. But we're the beneficiaries the beneficiaries the beneficiaries of what others have done before us. And of what others have done before us. And of what others have done before us. And that's nothing to be ashamed of because that's nothing to be ashamed of because that's nothing to be ashamed of because too often in this world and society of too often in this world and society of too often in this world and society of of me and it's about me, of me and it's about me, of me and it's about me, >> we feel that we've got to do it on our >> we feel that we've got to do it on our >> we feel that we've got to do it on our own. No one has ever done it on their own. No one has ever done it on their own. No one has ever done it on their own but God.

own but God. own but God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> We build. We build. We build. So I'm >> We build. We build. We build. So I'm >> We build. We build. We build. So I'm glad because many um of of many of the glad because many um of of many of the glad because many um of of many of the leaders who were in transition have to leaders who were in transition have to leaders who were in transition have to go through that. go through that. go through that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And thinking, wow, you know, my my dad >> And thinking, wow, you know, my my dad >> And thinking, wow, you know, my my dad has done this and you know, the only has done this and you know, the only has done this and you know, the only reason I'm being called. No, we become reason I'm being called. No, we become reason I'm being called. No, we become the the platform that you can build on. the the platform that you can build on. the the platform that you can build on. You'll create the same for whoever comes You'll create the same for whoever comes You'll create the same for whoever comes next. And that's the way God established next. And that's the way God established next. And that's the way God established it. And it's a wonderful thing because it. And it's a wonderful thing because it. And it's a wonderful thing because can you imagine we would not be this far can you imagine we would not be this far can you imagine we would not be this far ahead in terms of civilization if each ahead in terms of civilization if each ahead in terms of civilization if each generation had to start from scratch. generation had to start from scratch. generation had to start from scratch. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We continue to grow and build. So I'm >> We continue to grow and build. So I'm >> We continue to grow and build. So I'm glad you gave me a little opening for glad you gave me a little opening for glad you gave me a little opening for [laughter] innovation. [laughter] innovation. [laughter] innovation. >> Well, it's significant because uh Dr. >> Well, it's significant because uh Dr. >> Well, it's significant because uh Dr. whole statement really I think as I'm whole statement really I think as I'm whole statement really I think as I'm learning and studying and reading learning and studying and reading learning and studying and reading certain texts like because I use certain texts like because I use certain texts like because I use Ecclesiastes because a part of it was Ecclesiastes because a part of it was Ecclesiastes because a part of it was talking about the transition I said my talking about the transition I said my talking about the transition I said my dad said there's two things and was dad said there's two things and was dad said there's two things and was really revealed uh uh one he said pastor really revealed uh uh one he said pastor really revealed uh uh one he said pastor he said Jamal you can't step into this he said Jamal you can't step into this he said Jamal you can't step into this mantle unless it's a conviction he says mantle unless it's a conviction he says mantle unless it's a conviction he says [laughter] because it's on the [laughter] because it's on the [laughter] because it's on the conviction side where you you lean in conviction side where you you lean in conviction side where you you lean in when you're ready to quit it's on the when you're ready to quit it's on the when you're ready to quit it's on the conviction side where you say okay no conviction side where you say okay no conviction side where you say okay no this is something that's a part of the this is something that's a part of the this is something that's a part of the fiber of who I am this is on your fiber of who I am this is on your fiber of who I am this is on your conviction and then on the other He says conviction and then on the other He says conviction and then on the other He says uh it was uh I think um Ecclesiastes uh it was uh I think um Ecclesiastes uh it was uh I think um Ecclesiastes chapter 2 21 he says um you know you

chapter 2 21 he says um you know you chapter 2 21 he says um you know you [clears throat] the the the author the [clears throat] the the the author the [clears throat] the the the author the quester Solomon was going through you quester Solomon was going through you quester Solomon was going through you know the es and flows of working and he know the es and flows of working and he know the es and flows of working and he said to the futile uh futility of said to the futile uh futility of said to the futile uh futility of toiling and working and he says I toiling and working and he says I toiling and working and he says I amassed all of this stuff. I did all amassed all of this stuff. I did all amassed all of this stuff. I did all this. Uh, I built cities, you know, this. Uh, I built cities, you know, this. Uh, I built cities, you know, created I I I pretty much did everything created I I I pretty much did everything created I I I pretty much did everything humanly possible for pleasure and humanly possible for pleasure and humanly possible for pleasure and now I'm about to leave. He said, all of now I'm about to leave. He said, all of now I'm about to leave. He said, all of this work that I'm doing, is it worth this work that I'm doing, is it worth this work that I'm doing, is it worth it? Because what's going to happen when it? Because what's going to happen when it? Because what's going to happen when it lands in the hands of somebody else? it lands in the hands of somebody else? it lands in the hands of somebody else? >> And so I was explaining to him that >> And so I was explaining to him that >> And so I was explaining to him that those are two issues. And so Dr. Cole's those are two issues. And so Dr. Cole's those are two issues. And so Dr. Cole's statement really takes on a new meaning statement really takes on a new meaning statement really takes on a new meaning and understanding where he says if you and understanding where he says if you and understanding where he says if you want to understand society look at the want to understand society look at the want to understand society look at the home. If you want to understand the home home. If you want to understand the home home. If you want to understand the home look at the father and and so when I look at the father and and so when I look at the father and and so when I look at that I said wow we as men and look at that I said wow we as men and look at that I said wow we as men and fathers really have to understand that fathers really have to understand that fathers really have to understand that what we're doing within the home is what we're doing within the home is what we're doing within the home is bigger than what's happening in the bigger than what's happening in the bigger than what's happening in the home.

home. home. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. Because if there if there's a >> Right. Because if there if there's a >> Right. Because if there if there's a correlation or a direct impact of what correlation or a direct impact of what correlation or a direct impact of what happens in the home onto society, then happens in the home onto society, then happens in the home onto society, then we have to start thinking bigger as we we have to start thinking bigger as we we have to start thinking bigger as we start parenting and dealing with our start parenting and dealing with our start parenting and dealing with our kids, a totally different direction. So kids, a totally different direction. So kids, a totally different direction. So I'm like, man, I had to go back and I'm like, man, I had to go back and I'm like, man, I had to go back and start re reanalyzing how I'm fathering start re reanalyzing how I'm fathering start re reanalyzing how I'm fathering and preparing my kids for society and and preparing my kids for society and and preparing my kids for society and all this other stuff. So that's that's all this other stuff. So that's that's all this other stuff. So that's that's some of the things that we talked about some of the things that we talked about some of the things that we talked about yesterday as well. yesterday as well. yesterday as well. >> Excellent. Excellent. And we wanted to >> Excellent. Excellent. And we wanted to >> Excellent. Excellent. And we wanted to we he and I haven't ministered together we he and I haven't ministered together we he and I haven't ministered together in months and we wanted to just do that. in months and we wanted to just do that. in months and we wanted to just do that. Um inside scoop. All right. I have seven Um inside scoop. All right. I have seven Um inside scoop. All right. I have seven sons. sons. sons. A moment of silence. >> Amen. >> Amen. I have a relationship with my sons I have a relationship with my sons I have a relationship with my sons collectively, collectively, collectively, but I also have a relationship with each but I also have a relationship with each but I also have a relationship with each one of them individually. one of them individually. one of them individually. >> Amen. And I allow each one of them to >> Amen. And I allow each one of them to >> Amen. And I allow each one of them to grow and develop in their own journey grow and develop in their own journey grow and develop in their own journey because they're each uniquely different.

because they're each uniquely different. because they're each uniquely different. And I'll never compare one to the other. And I'll never compare one to the other. And I'll never compare one to the other. I will use each of them as a model, I will use each of them as a model, I will use each of them as a model, as an example of the good that they can as an example of the good that they can as an example of the good that they can do and become. do and become. do and become. But God deals with us individually, But God deals with us individually, But God deals with us individually, collectively as humanity, but collectively as humanity, but collectively as humanity, but individually as persons. And this is so individually as persons. And this is so individually as persons. And this is so important. So I'll have unique important. So I'll have unique important. So I'll have unique conversations with each of my sons conversations with each of my sons conversations with each of my sons individually and the others may not know individually and the others may not know individually and the others may not know and they'll say, you know, I was talking and they'll say, you know, I was talking and they'll say, you know, I was talking to dad and he was we were talking about to dad and he was we were talking about to dad and he was we were talking about this that and the other and the other this that and the other and the other this that and the other and the other boys will say, wow, really? So it's boys will say, wow, really? So it's boys will say, wow, really? So it's important that you understand you have important that you understand you have important that you understand you have to have a unique relationship with each to have a unique relationship with each to have a unique relationship with each individual child, son or daughter. But individual child, son or daughter. But individual child, son or daughter. But in this context, it's about son. So they in this context, it's about son. So they in this context, it's about son. So they understand that they the individual has understand that they the individual has understand that they the individual has a special relationship with me. All a special relationship with me. All a special relationship with me. All right? That is uniquely different from right? That is uniquely different from right? That is uniquely different from their brothers.

their brothers. their brothers. So so important. I just want to get that So so important. I just want to get that So so important. I just want to get that in there. in there. in there. [sighs and gasps] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> real quick. Uh please pray >> real quick. Uh please pray >> real quick. Uh please pray for us as we go through this uh for us as we go through this uh for us as we go through this uh transition and and and journey because transition and and and journey because transition and and and journey because we're about to start construction on our we're about to start construction on our we're about to start construction on our parking lot. parking lot. parking lot. What? Yes, I'm excited as well. I'm What? Yes, I'm excited as well. I'm What? Yes, I'm excited as well. I'm excited as well. But we're going to have excited as well. But we're going to have excited as well. But we're going to have a a a temporary interruption. Uh a a a temporary interruption. Uh a a a temporary interruption. Uh prayerfully is the inter the major part prayerfully is the inter the major part prayerfully is the inter the major part of the interruption will be a year. Uh of the interruption will be a year. Uh of the interruption will be a year. Uh but there's going to be an interruption. but there's going to be an interruption. but there's going to be an interruption. So there's going to be parking um So there's going to be parking um So there's going to be parking um issues that come up and we're working on issues that come up and we're working on issues that come up and we're working on different plans uh through some of our different plans uh through some of our different plans uh through some of our uh politicians that have been helping us uh politicians that have been helping us uh politicians that have been helping us uh look for places. So we're going to uh look for places. So we're going to uh look for places. So we're going to spell out a whole plan, a whole idea, spell out a whole plan, a whole idea, spell out a whole plan, a whole idea, but it happened fast. It was supposed to but it happened fast. It was supposed to but it happened fast. It was supposed to be in July. It's actually starting be in July. It's actually starting be in July. It's actually starting tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow.

>> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. >> And that's a good thing. That's a good >> And that's a good thing. That's a good >> And that's a good thing. That's a good thing. Uh but we want to be prepared and thing. Uh but we want to be prepared and thing. Uh but we want to be prepared and we want to be proper neighbors. So we're we want to be proper neighbors. So we're we want to be proper neighbors. So we're trying to figure out different ways of trying to figure out different ways of trying to figure out different ways of uh how we can park and set up uh uh how we can park and set up uh uh how we can park and set up uh whatnot. So we're going to be whatnot. So we're going to be whatnot. So we're going to be corresponding through email and text. corresponding through email and text. corresponding through email and text. Please look out for us so we can help Please look out for us so we can help Please look out for us so we can help facilitate a a great experience for you facilitate a a great experience for you facilitate a a great experience for you in this inconvenience of parking. Amen. in this inconvenience of parking. Amen. in this inconvenience of parking. Amen. Pray for our staff. Pray for our our Pray for our staff. Pray for our our Pray for our staff. Pray for our our team as they prepare and create a system team as they prepare and create a system team as they prepare and create a system and uh for us. Amen. and uh for us. Amen. and uh for us. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. And just understand, we're >> Amen. Amen. And just understand, we're >> Amen. Amen. And just understand, we're building a parking garage building a parking garage building a parking garage to make up for the parking that we lost to make up for the parking that we lost to make up for the parking that we lost because of the development that we're because of the development that we're because of the development that we're involved with. That parking garage is involved with. That parking garage is involved with. That parking garage is going to cost us about $17 million. >> I know, right? >> I know, right? So, we're working through that and we're So, we're working through that and we're So, we're working through that and we're going to have to we're going to be going to have to we're going to be going to have to we're going to be breaking ground and construction. We are breaking ground and construction. We are breaking ground and construction. We are securing offsite yes arcing and we are securing offsite yes arcing and we are securing offsite yes arcing and we are grateful to our elected official member grateful to our elected official member grateful to our elected official member of one of elected officials who are a of one of elected officials who are a of one of elected officials who are a member of our congregation Farah Lewis.

member of our congregation Farah Lewis. member of our congregation Farah Lewis. Farah where are you? Stand up. We want Farah where are you? Stand up. We want Farah where are you? Stand up. We want to say thank you Farah for representing to say thank you Farah for representing to say thank you Farah for representing our community this district [applause] our community this district [applause] our community this district [applause] and she's been very helpful in securing and she's been very helpful in securing and she's been very helpful in securing uh offsite parking and we're going to uh offsite parking and we're going to uh offsite parking and we're going to consider how to uh to distribute that. consider how to uh to distribute that. consider how to uh to distribute that. So keep us in your prayers. Uh we have So keep us in your prayers. Uh we have So keep us in your prayers. Uh we have auxiliary auxiliary auxiliary cooling systems that work in here right cooling systems that work in here right cooling systems that work in here right now. So it's warm. It could be a lot. >> It's not warm. >> It's not warm. >> Oh, I thought you all were warm. Okay. >> Oh, I thought you all were warm. Okay. >> Oh, I thought you all were warm. Okay. >> Oh, wait. You're hot. >> Okay. Well, >> Okay. Well, >> there's a difference. Well, thank God >> there's a difference. Well, thank God >> there's a difference. Well, thank God for your sacrifice. for your sacrifice. for your sacrifice. >> I know a place is hotter. I read about >> I know a place is hotter. I read about >> I know a place is hotter. I read about it. it. it. >> So >> So >> So anyway, anyway, anyway, our systems 25 years old, so they all our systems 25 years old, so they all our systems 25 years old, so they all have to be replaced. Just to replace the have to be replaced. Just to replace the have to be replaced. Just to replace the systems that govern this particular systems that govern this particular systems that govern this particular area, it's going to cost us $3 million.

area, it's going to cost us $3 million. area, it's going to cost us $3 million. >> Uh look, we we are tenants on this >> Uh look, we we are tenants on this >> Uh look, we we are tenants on this planet. planet. planet. >> Amen. And it can be expensive to be a >> Amen. And it can be expensive to be a >> Amen. And it can be expensive to be a tenant on this planet unless you decide tenant on this planet unless you decide tenant on this planet unless you decide to go out in the woods. But even there to go out in the woods. But even there to go out in the woods. But even there you going to have to pay all right in you going to have to pay all right in you going to have to pay all right in some form. So um so understand uh it it some form. So um so understand uh it it some form. So um so understand uh it it takes a lot to make this work. And with takes a lot to make this work. And with takes a lot to make this work. And with that we can say thank you. Thank you. that we can say thank you. Thank you. that we can say thank you. Thank you. Thank you that we don't have to coersse Thank you that we don't have to coersse Thank you that we don't have to coersse you. Offer you a chicken dinner at $5 you. Offer you a chicken dinner at $5 you. Offer you a chicken dinner at $5 which costs us four and we get a dollar which costs us four and we get a dollar which costs us four and we get a dollar out of it. Yeah. or sometimes six and we out of it. Yeah. or sometimes six and we out of it. Yeah. or sometimes six and we don't and we lose a dollar. We you know don't and we lose a dollar. We you know don't and we lose a dollar. We you know we don't that's just not us. We present we don't that's just not us. We present we don't that's just not us. We present the need to you let you see what we're the need to you let you see what we're the need to you let you see what we're doing and you have responded incredibly doing and you have responded incredibly doing and you have responded incredibly well. So give yourself a round of well. So give yourself a round of well. So give yourself a round of applause for your giving, for your applause for your giving, for your applause for your giving, for your support of ministry. We are grateful. support of ministry. We are grateful. support of ministry. We are grateful. [applause] [applause] [applause] Housekeeping anymore. Housekeeping anymore. Housekeeping anymore. What you got? Tomorrow is the last day What you got? Tomorrow is the last day What you got? Tomorrow is the last day to register for buses for the to register for buses for the to register for buses for the Summerfest. After tomorrow is going to Summerfest. After tomorrow is going to Summerfest. After tomorrow is going to be no more buses, park tickets, be no more buses, park tickets, be no more buses, park tickets, different story, but the buses. Also, different story, but the buses. Also, different story, but the buses. Also, prostate screening will take place in prostate screening will take place in prostate screening will take place in the gallery. Men, please make sure you the gallery. Men, please make sure you the gallery. Men, please make sure you get your prostate screening. It is a big get your prostate screening. It is a big get your prostate screening. It is a big thing. Uh thing. Uh thing. Uh yeah, just take care of yourself. Men, yeah, just take care of yourself. Men, yeah, just take care of yourself. Men, you want to be here for a long time, you want to be here for a long time, you want to be here for a long time, take care of yourself.

take care of yourself. take care of yourself. [applause] We had we we we had they had a doctor We had we we we had they had a doctor there and they were talking about the there and they were talking about the there and they were talking about the silent killers for uh men of color silent killers for uh men of color silent killers for uh men of color especially, but men in general was high especially, but men in general was high especially, but men in general was high blood pressure, hypertension, uh and um blood pressure, hypertension, uh and um blood pressure, hypertension, uh and um the prostate and colon cancer. And the prostate and colon cancer. And the prostate and colon cancer. And because we're too proud to go and get a because we're too proud to go and get a because we're too proud to go and get a a a colonoscopy, you know, uh you a a colonoscopy, you know, uh you a a colonoscopy, you know, uh you literally you count you start counting literally you count you start counting literally you count you start counting 10 n you're gone. You wake up and it's 10 n you're gone. You wake up and it's 10 n you're gone. You wake up and it's all finished. all finished. all finished. just get it done. You know, it happens. just get it done. You know, it happens. just get it done. You know, it happens. No, you don't get a drink afterwards and No, you don't get a drink afterwards and No, you don't get a drink afterwards and no conversation and he's not going to no conversation and he's not going to no conversation and he's not going to look you in the eye when he's >> Okay, this is too much detail now. I'm >> Okay, this is too much detail now. I'm just I'm just saying we got to get it just I'm just saying we got to get it just I'm just saying we got to get it done, man. Stop running from it. done, man. Stop running from it. done, man. Stop running from it. >> You know, uh especially when you're >> You know, uh especially when you're >> You know, uh especially when you're dealing with stuff that can be is dealing with stuff that can be is dealing with stuff that can be is treatable treatable treatable >> in your control. Yeah, >> in your control. Yeah, >> in your control. Yeah, >> in your control in your control. >> in your control in your control. >> in your control in your control. >> All right. And then last thing, um, oh, >> All right. And then last thing, um, oh, >> All right. And then last thing, um, oh, we were going to do a question, uh, uh, we were going to do a question, uh, uh, we were going to do a question, uh, uh, but we we ran out of time. So, but we but we we ran out of time. So, but we but we we ran out of time. So, but we were going to do, uh, questions that you were going to do, uh, questions that you were going to do, uh, questions that you would have for Dr. Bernard, and we're would have for Dr. Bernard, and we're would have for Dr. Bernard, and we're going to spend about 10 minutes just going to spend about 10 minutes just going to spend about 10 minutes just doing a Q&A about fathering. And so, but doing a Q&A about fathering. And so, but doing a Q&A about fathering. And so, but I still want your questions.

I still want your questions. I still want your questions. >> When are we doing that? >> When are we doing that? >> When are we doing that? >> We're going to do it today, but we don't >> We're going to do it today, but we don't >> We're going to do it today, but we don't have time. >> Here's the questions. >> Here's the questions. Please text your questions to this Please text your questions to this Please text your questions to this number here, and I'm going to try to see number here, and I'm going to try to see number here, and I'm going to try to see if we can get Dr. know throughout the if we can get Dr. know throughout the if we can get Dr. know throughout the rest of the year just to answer some of rest of the year just to answer some of rest of the year just to answer some of them for uh his social media content. them for uh his social media content. them for uh his social media content. I'm looking out for you. I'm looking out for you. I'm looking out for you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. So curating content, right? But >> Yeah. So curating content, right? But >> Yeah. So curating content, right? But no, seriously, because uh like like no, seriously, because uh like like no, seriously, because uh like like little Fans, your your your grandson little Fans, your your your grandson little Fans, your your your grandson wanted me to ask this question. He said, wanted me to ask this question. He said, wanted me to ask this question. He said, "How does it feel to father a a a child "How does it feel to father a a a child "How does it feel to father a a a child that has lost their father?" that has lost their father?" that has lost their father?" >> He's talking about himself and his >> He's talking about himself and his >> He's talking about himself and his brother. brother. brother. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. It is an honor It is an honor It is an honor to step into to step into to step into a need [applause] a need [applause] a need [applause] into a role into a role into a role that is going to have generational that is going to have generational that is going to have generational impact because whatever happens to those impact because whatever happens to those impact because whatever happens to those young boys and we're going to bring them young boys and we're going to bring them young boys and we're going to bring them up here so you'll hear their story. This up here so you'll hear their story. This up here so you'll hear their story. This will be in the future. But they were in will be in the future. But they were in will be in the future. But they were in crisis. And of course, you know, our u crisis. And of course, you know, our u crisis. And of course, you know, our u our firstborn son passed in 2015, our firstborn son passed in 2015, our firstborn son passed in 2015, leaving his sons, all right, without a leaving his sons, all right, without a leaving his sons, all right, without a father. Um their mom decided to relocate father. Um their mom decided to relocate father. Um their mom decided to relocate to another state, start a new life, and to another state, start a new life, and to another state, start a new life, and they wanted to remain with the family.

they wanted to remain with the family. they wanted to remain with the family. And I remember the day I said to to And I remember the day I said to to And I remember the day I said to to Pastor Karen, I said, "I'll be back." Pastor Karen, I said, "I'll be back." Pastor Karen, I said, "I'll be back." Said, "Where you going?" I said, "I'm Said, "Where you going?" I said, "I'm Said, "Where you going?" I said, "I'm going to get those boys." She did not going to get those boys." She did not going to get those boys." She did not understand the full extent of what was understand the full extent of what was understand the full extent of what was going on and it was a whole new journey going on and it was a whole new journey going on and it was a whole new journey for them. So I consider it an honor to for them. So I consider it an honor to for them. So I consider it an honor to be able to step in just as much as I be able to step in just as much as I be able to step in just as much as I consider it an honor to be a spiritual consider it an honor to be a spiritual consider it an honor to be a spiritual father to so many. Uh it it is an honor father to so many. Uh it it is an honor father to so many. Uh it it is an honor and [applause] is a gift of God. and [applause] is a gift of God. and [applause] is a gift of God. So yeah, it gives me opportunity to So yeah, it gives me opportunity to So yeah, it gives me opportunity to practice and to grow uh as well. And we practice and to grow uh as well. And we practice and to grow uh as well. And we chose today to talk about fathering. So chose today to talk about fathering. So chose today to talk about fathering. So we're going to really we want to talk to we're going to really we want to talk to we're going to really we want to talk to the men, but we want you ladies to the men, but we want you ladies to the men, but we want you ladies to listen in. listen in. listen in. >> So we're going to let you stay in the >> So we're going to let you stay in the >> So we're going to let you stay in the room room room while we have this conversation. Yeah. I while we have this conversation. Yeah. I while we have this conversation. Yeah. I was [sighs] was [sighs] was [sighs] lower Manhattan this week um with an lower Manhattan this week um with an lower Manhattan this week um with an organization organization organization focusing on men focusing on men focusing on men and I was part of a panel discussion, and I was part of a panel discussion, and I was part of a panel discussion, elected officials that were there as elected officials that were there as elected officials that were there as well and we each had to weigh in and and well and we each had to weigh in and and well and we each had to weigh in and and as I was thinking about the role of a as I was thinking about the role of a as I was thinking about the role of a father in my prayer I said fatherhood is father in my prayer I said fatherhood is father in my prayer I said fatherhood is transcendent because God identifies transcendent because God identifies transcendent because God identifies himself as father. Jesus said when you himself as father. Jesus said when you himself as father. Jesus said when you pray, pray like this. Our father. So

pray, pray like this. Our father. So pray, pray like this. Our father. So there's a collective relationship of there's a collective relationship of there's a collective relationship of humanity between humanity and God our humanity between humanity and God our humanity between humanity and God our creator. creator. creator. A father A father A father provides provides provides identity, character, character, values, values, values, purpose purpose purpose and destiny. and destiny. and destiny. to his offspring. to his offspring. to his offspring. And that's a big role and a big And that's a big role and a big And that's a big role and a big responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. Throughout scripture, Throughout scripture, Throughout scripture, God asks men questions. God asks men questions. God asks men questions. He asked Adam, He asked Adam, He asked Adam, "Where are you?" "Where are you?" "Where are you?" That has some big implications. It was about awareness, selfawareness. It was about awareness, selfawareness. So when God asks a question, how many So when God asks a question, how many So when God asks a question, how many you know it's not to get information. you know it's not to get information. you know it's not to get information. >> He knows everything. It's to stimulate >> He knows everything. It's to stimulate >> He knows everything. It's to stimulate thought.

thought. thought. So he asked Adam, "Where So he asked Adam, "Where So he asked Adam, "Where are you?" are you?" are you?" What does that say to you that God would What does that say to you that God would What does that say to you that God would ask him? And you know the context is ask him? And you know the context is ask him? And you know the context is after he sent. after he sent. after he sent. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And they were hiding. And it was at that >> And they were hiding. And it was at that >> And they were hiding. And it was at that time that God stepped in to have a time that God stepped in to have a time that God stepped in to have a conversation conversation conversation with this now fallen human being and his with this now fallen human being and his with this now fallen human being and his wife. wife. wife. Those words, "Where are you?" What does Those words, "Where are you?" What does Those words, "Where are you?" What does that mean to you? that mean to you? that mean to you? >> To me? >> To me? >> To me? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, when God asks them? when God asks them? when God asks them? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Remember I said that throughout the >> Remember I said that throughout the >> Remember I said that throughout the scripture, scripture, scripture, >> God asks men questions. And there were >> God asks men questions. And there were >> God asks men questions. And there were some five some five some five men important questions that were asked men important questions that were asked men important questions that were asked and they really represent the questions and they really represent the questions and they really represent the questions that every man needs to be asked. He that every man needs to be asked. He that every man needs to be asked. He should ask himself. should ask himself. should ask himself. >> Yeah. He was he was he was going through >> Yeah. He was he was he was going through >> Yeah. He was he was he was going through a process of really getting Adam to a process of really getting Adam to a process of really getting Adam to realize what he just did. And he was no realize what he just did. And he was no realize what he just did. And he was no longer in the same place he left him longer in the same place he left him longer in the same place he left him emotionally, mentally, physically, uh uh emotionally, mentally, physically, uh uh emotionally, mentally, physically, uh uh relationally. He has transitioned to a relationally. He has transitioned to a relationally. He has transitioned to a different place than where God had left different place than where God had left different place than where God had left him.

him. him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And he's saying, "Where are you?" Like, >> And he's saying, "Where are you?" Like, >> And he's saying, "Where are you?" Like, "Okay, pretty much. Do you know where "Okay, pretty much. Do you know where "Okay, pretty much. Do you know where you are right now? Do you know what just you are right now? Do you know what just you are right now? Do you know what just happened to you as an individual because happened to you as an individual because happened to you as an individual because of your decision that you just created a of your decision that you just created a of your decision that you just created a whole different um uh structure DNA whole different um uh structure DNA whole different um uh structure DNA [laughter] and everything else uh [laughter] and everything else uh [laughter] and everything else uh physically, mentally, emotionally uh and physically, mentally, emotionally uh and physically, mentally, emotionally uh and then you you your decision created a then you you your decision created a then you you your decision created a whole new way of God relating to whole new way of God relating to whole new way of God relating to humanity. So there was there was so many humanity. So there was there was so many humanity. So there was there was so many different things that followed from this different things that followed from this different things that followed from this decision and God was like say look do decision and God was like say look do decision and God was like say look do you understand what you just did and now you understand what you just did and now you understand what you just did and now because of what you just did. Do you because of what you just did. Do you because of what you just did. Do you understand and know where you are understand and know where you are understand and know where you are currently? currently? currently? >> Can you comprehend that? And I think >> Can you comprehend that? And I think >> Can you comprehend that? And I think that's a journey that a lot of men go that's a journey that a lot of men go that's a journey that a lot of men go through. through. through. >> Good. Good. And we don't know that >> Good. Good. And we don't know that >> Good. Good. And we don't know that automatically. If you read the story of automatically. If you read the story of automatically. If you read the story of Samson, he lost his strength and didn't Samson, he lost his strength and didn't Samson, he lost his strength and didn't know it. know it. know it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So a man can be in a condition >> So a man can be in a condition >> So a man can be in a condition >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> that is destroying him and he doesn't >> that is destroying him and he doesn't >> that is destroying him and he doesn't know it. He doesn't realize it. So for know it. He doesn't realize it. So for know it. He doesn't realize it. So for someone to ask that question, right, someone to ask that question, right, someone to ask that question, right, where are you?

where are you? where are you? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, >> Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, >> Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically, in all of those ways that physically, in all of those ways that physically, in all of those ways that you mention, this is God dealing with you mention, this is God dealing with you mention, this is God dealing with our selfawareness. our selfawareness. our selfawareness. >> Are you aware of your own condition? >> Are you aware of your own condition? >> Are you aware of your own condition? Because some people can just keep going, Because some people can just keep going, Because some people can just keep going, they become so automatic and they don't they become so automatic and they don't they become so automatic and they don't realize they're on a downward spiral. realize they're on a downward spiral. realize they're on a downward spiral. They're heading in the wrong direction. They're heading in the wrong direction. They're heading in the wrong direction. And so that's one of the first questions And so that's one of the first questions And so that's one of the first questions that are important. Where are you? God that are important. Where are you? God that are important. Where are you? God asked Jacob. asked Jacob. asked Jacob. What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? That's deep. That's deep. That's deep. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> But say you and [laughter] >> But say you and [laughter] >> But say you and [laughter] >> I didn't know we were going through >> I didn't know we were going through >> I didn't know we were going through this. He said, "We're just going to have this. He said, "We're just going to have this. He said, "We're just going to have fun." fun." fun." >> This is not fun. I'm having fun. >> This is not fun. I'm having fun. >> This is not fun. I'm having fun. >> That that that uh refers to the identity >> That that that uh refers to the identity >> That that that uh refers to the identity crisis. Uh so so and and so God is crisis. Uh so so and and so God is crisis. Uh so so and and so God is saying ask him, "What do you who are saying ask him, "What do you who are saying ask him, "What do you who are you?" meaning identity because it is you?" meaning identity because it is you?" meaning identity because it is through our identity that determines our through our identity that determines our through our identity that determines our behavior. Uh, so for example, I used behavior. Uh, so for example, I used behavior. Uh, so for example, I used this yesterday and and I said, you get this yesterday and and I said, you get this yesterday and and I said, you get to a certain car, right? You get your to a certain car, right? You get your to a certain car, right? You get your your nice car, uh, your your your your your nice car, uh, your your your your your nice car, uh, your your your your model broham, your your your Coupe model broham, your your your Coupe model broham, your your your Coupe Deville, right? Old school, right? And Deville, right? Old school, right? And Deville, right? Old school, right? And you you're just driving down, you got you you're just driving down, you got you you're just driving down, you got that music playing, a little Al Green, that music playing, a little Al Green, that music playing, a little Al Green, and you're just and you're just and you're just >> You're not sitting back far enough.

>> You're not sitting back far enough. >> You're not sitting back far enough. >> I'm not sitting back far enough. You got >> I'm not sitting back far enough. You got >> I'm not sitting back far enough. You got the dices hanging from the mirror and the dices hanging from the mirror and the dices hanging from the mirror and you just, you know, right? [laughter] But it's the once you start identifying But it's the once you start identifying with the car, your whole behavior and with the car, your whole behavior and with the car, your whole behavior and how you act with you getting in the car how you act with you getting in the car how you act with you getting in the car changes. Now you get into a fast car and changes. Now you get into a fast car and changes. Now you get into a fast car and so your whole idea changes. You get your so your whole idea changes. You get your so your whole idea changes. You get your your driving gloves, you know, you start your driving gloves, you know, you start your driving gloves, you know, you start learning how to drive this car and next learning how to drive this car and next learning how to drive this car and next thing you know, you get your glasses and thing you know, you get your glasses and thing you know, you get your glasses and you're speed racing. You're driving you're speed racing. You're driving you're speed racing. You're driving through the thing. And so what happens through the thing. And so what happens through the thing. And so what happens is when you realize how much identity is when you realize how much identity is when you realize how much identity affects your behavior, you start, you affects your behavior, you start, you affects your behavior, you start, you know, working on how you identify who know, working on how you identify who know, working on how you identify who who you identify with. This is very very who you identify with. This is very very who you identify with. This is very very important folks because the the important folks because the the important folks because the the foundational tension in our society foundational tension in our society foundational tension in our society is the issue of identity. is the issue of identity. is the issue of identity. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. We believe as Christians. Let me let me We believe as Christians. Let me let me We believe as Christians. Let me let me let's go if we can go to a text. Um let's go if we can go to a text. Um let's go if we can go to a text. Um Genesis Genesis Genesis chapter 5 chapter 5 chapter 5 and you go right to verse one. Genesis and you go right to verse one. Genesis and you go right to verse one. Genesis 51.

51. 51. This is five chapters later and quite a This is five chapters later and quite a This is five chapters later and quite a bit of time has passed. And notice what bit of time has passed. And notice what bit of time has passed. And notice what it says. I'm reading from New Living it says. I'm reading from New Living it says. I'm reading from New Living Translation. Verse one. This is the Translation. Verse one. This is the Translation. Verse one. This is the written account of the descendants of written account of the descendants of written account of the descendants of Adam. We're in the place of genealogy. Adam. We're in the place of genealogy. Adam. We're in the place of genealogy. This is the written account of the This is the written account of the This is the written account of the descendants of Adam. When God created descendants of Adam. When God created descendants of Adam. When God created human beings, he made them to be like human beings, he made them to be like human beings, he made them to be like himself. I'm going to say that again. He himself. I'm going to say that again. He himself. I'm going to say that again. He made them. made them. made them. I'm try that one more time. He made them I'm try that one more time. He made them I'm try that one more time. He made them to be like himself. to be like himself. to be like himself. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> He He created them male >> He He created them male >> He He created them male and female. and female. and female. He blessed them and called them human. He blessed them and called them human. He blessed them and called them human. [clears throat] Basic tension right there. And and I'll Basic tension right there. And and I'll throw it out there. Is identity received received or constructed?

Do we [snorts] Do we [snorts] in our attempts at self-expression in our attempts at self-expression in our attempts at self-expression and individualism and individualism and individualism and freedom, and freedom, and freedom, do we then take on the responsibility do we then take on the responsibility do we then take on the responsibility to identify ourselves? to identify ourselves? to identify ourselves? Listen to the question that our society Listen to the question that our society Listen to the question that our society is asking today. is asking today. is asking today. How do you identify? How do you identify? How do you identify? >> Mhm. Are you with me? Are you are you >> Mhm. Are you with me? Are you are you >> Mhm. Are you with me? Are you are you hearing me? hearing me? hearing me? >> This is real, folks. Because I was in a >> This is real, folks. Because I was in a >> This is real, folks. Because I was in a situation where situation where situation where um I had to speak to a very high level um I had to speak to a very high level um I had to speak to a very high level elected official about elected official about elected official about uh a particular attempt to change uh a particular attempt to change uh a particular attempt to change language within the the the healthc care language within the the the healthc care language within the the the healthc care world. They wanted to refer to mother world. They wanted to refer to mother world. They wanted to refer to mother and father. and father. and father. Instead of calling them mother and Instead of calling them mother and Instead of calling them mother and father, they wanted to call them father, they wanted to call them father, they wanted to call them gestating parent gestating parent gestating parent and non-jestating and non-jestating and non-jestating parent.

parent. parent. >> Are you hearing me? >> Are you hearing me? >> Are you hearing me? See, this is where our society is See, this is where our society is See, this is where our society is because our society believes that we because our society believes that we because our society believes that we construct our own identity. And I'll construct our own identity. And I'll construct our own identity. And I'll tell you, I I I know some people who are tell you, I I I know some people who are tell you, I I I know some people who are lost in that. So every time I see them, lost in that. So every time I see them, lost in that. So every time I see them, I got to ask them, "Well, who are you I got to ask them, "Well, who are you I got to ask them, "Well, who are you today?" today?" today?" How many know some folks like that? You How many know some folks like that? You How many know some folks like that? You got to Yeah. Cuz you never know how got to Yeah. Cuz you never know how got to Yeah. Cuz you never know how they're going to show up or who's going they're going to show up or who's going they're going to show up or who's going to show up. to show up. to show up. So identity is the foundational issue. So identity is the foundational issue. So identity is the foundational issue. Do I have a right to self-identify Do I have a right to self-identify Do I have a right to self-identify or has identity been given to me by God? or has identity been given to me by God? or has identity been given to me by God? >> Identity. Christians, are we Christians >> Identity. Christians, are we Christians >> Identity. Christians, are we Christians in here? in here? in here? >> Identity. Our identity is a gift from >> Identity. Our identity is a gift from >> Identity. Our identity is a gift from God. God. God. [applause] [applause] [applause] When he's saying, "I made you You need When he's saying, "I made you You need When he's saying, "I made you You need to sit on that for a while.

to sit on that for a while. to sit on that for a while. >> I made you to be like me, which means he >> I made you to be like me, which means he >> I made you to be like me, which means he owns us. We don't own ourselves, owns us. We don't own ourselves, owns us. We don't own ourselves, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So if he's the one who created us and >> So if he's the one who created us and >> So if he's the one who created us and not we ourselves, then he's the one that not we ourselves, then he's the one that not we ourselves, then he's the one that gives us our identity. When I tell my gives us our identity. When I tell my gives us our identity. When I tell my boys, look, you're a Bernard. When you boys, look, you're a Bernard. When you boys, look, you're a Bernard. When you go out there, I'm reminding them of a of go out there, I'm reminding them of a of go out there, I'm reminding them of a of a given identity. a given identity. a given identity. >> Yeah. Amen. >> Yeah. Amen. >> Yeah. Amen. >> So the identity crisis is is is >> So the identity crisis is is is >> So the identity crisis is is is traumatic. It's trauma in and it's a traumatic. It's trauma in and it's a traumatic. It's trauma in and it's a tension in our culture because we tension in our culture because we tension in our culture because we believe that our identity is a gift from believe that our identity is a gift from believe that our identity is a gift from God. If you don't believe in that God. If you don't believe in that God. If you don't believe in that authority, if you don't submit to that authority, if you don't submit to that authority, if you don't submit to that authority, then you feel that you can authority, then you feel that you can authority, then you feel that you can construct whatever identity you want. construct whatever identity you want. construct whatever identity you want. >> And it's going to be influenced by the >> And it's going to be influenced by the >> And it's going to be influenced by the culture, by by how you feel today. It's culture, by by how you feel today. It's culture, by by how you feel today. It's going to be influenced by all of those going to be influenced by all of those going to be influenced by all of those things. No, we're very very clear. And I things. No, we're very very clear. And I things. No, we're very very clear. And I why I I I went to chapter 5 because he why I I I went to chapter 5 because he why I I I went to chapter 5 because he says the same thing in chapter one is says the same thing in chapter one is says the same thing in chapter one is because even though it's five chapters because even though it's five chapters because even though it's five chapters later and several generations later, later and several generations later, later and several generations later, nothing's changed.

nothing's changed. nothing's changed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It could be 6,000 years of biblical >> It could be 6,000 years of biblical >> It could be 6,000 years of biblical history later, nothing has changed. Our history later, nothing has changed. Our history later, nothing has changed. Our identity comes from our creator. identity comes from our creator. identity comes from our creator. God God God >> gave us the gift of identity >> gave us the gift of identity >> gave us the gift of identity >> in his image and in his likeness. And >> in his image and in his likeness. And >> in his image and in his likeness. And here's a beautiful thing. Nobody can here's a beautiful thing. Nobody can here's a beautiful thing. Nobody can take that away from you. take that away from you. take that away from you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And if anybody tries to deny it of you, >> And if anybody tries to deny it of you, >> And if anybody tries to deny it of you, they are in violation with God. they are in violation with God. they are in violation with God. >> And they will have a price to pay. And >> And they will have a price to pay. And >> And they will have a price to pay. And it may take a few hundred years. I'm it may take a few hundred years. I'm it may take a few hundred years. I'm going to stop here. going to stop here. going to stop here. But that's very, very important. But that's very, very important. But that's very, very important. It was a question of identity. So the It was a question of identity. So the It was a question of identity. So the first question was where are you? first question was where are you? first question was where are you? Self-awareness condition. The second Self-awareness condition. The second Self-awareness condition. The second question that he asked uh Jacob, you question that he asked uh Jacob, you question that he asked uh Jacob, you know, what's your name? Um he asked know, what's your name? Um he asked know, what's your name? Um he asked Moses, "What's in your hand?" [laughter] [laughter] Wow. What's in your hand? What's in your Wow. What's in your hand? What's in your Wow. What's in your hand? What's in your hand? See, this is with me trying to hand? See, this is with me trying to hand? See, this is with me trying to anticipate.

anticipate. anticipate. >> Let me say this to you, okay? I don't >> Let me say this to you, okay? I don't >> Let me say this to you, okay? I don't give him information. I engage him in give him information. I engage him in give him information. I engage him in transformation. Amen. [applause] transformation. Amen. [applause] transformation. Amen. [applause] >> And there's a difference. >> And there's a difference. >> And there's a difference. >> What's the difference? >> What's the difference? >> What's the difference? >> To give someone information >> To give someone information >> To give someone information >> is to leave them to figure it out. To >> is to leave them to figure it out. To >> is to leave them to figure it out. To engage someone in transformation is when engage someone in transformation is when engage someone in transformation is when you challenge them to walk through a you challenge them to walk through a you challenge them to walk through a process of learning and growth and process of learning and growth and process of learning and growth and development. That's why the Bible says development. That's why the Bible says development. That's why the Bible says you be transformed you be transformed you be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So when by the renewing of your mind. So when by the renewing of your mind. So when it's more than information, it's it's more than information, it's it's more than information, it's engagement. It's this challenge. It engagement. It's this challenge. It engagement. It's this challenge. It forces you to think and rethink and forces you to think and rethink and forces you to think and rethink and re-evaluate what you think. That's re-evaluate what you think. That's re-evaluate what you think. That's transformation. transformation. transformation. >> Teachers, you got that? >> Teachers, you got that? >> Teachers, you got that? >> And it's a crisis because the first >> And it's a crisis because the first >> And it's a crisis because the first verse says, verse says, verse says, "Present your bodies." Yep. "Present your bodies." Yep. "Present your bodies." Yep. >> That doesn't mean physically. It means a >> That doesn't mean physically. It means a >> That doesn't mean physically. It means a totality of your being as a living totality of your being as a living totality of your being as a living sacrifice. What does sacrifice have to sacrifice. What does sacrifice have to sacrifice. What does sacrifice have to do with the mind being renewed and do with the mind being renewed and do with the mind being renewed and transformation? Because when that mind transformation? Because when that mind transformation? Because when that mind is renewed, you find yourself having to is renewed, you find yourself having to is renewed, you find yourself having to make certain sacrifices within your make certain sacrifices within your make certain sacrifices within your lived experience.

lived experience. lived experience. >> You may have to sacrifice your own >> You may have to sacrifice your own >> You may have to sacrifice your own opinion. opinion. opinion. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You may have to sacrifice status. You >> You may have to sacrifice status. You >> You may have to sacrifice status. You may have to sacrifice your ideas. So, may have to sacrifice your ideas. So, may have to sacrifice your ideas. So, but that's another teaching. but that's another teaching. but that's another teaching. >> Yeah. So, so the the there there's a um >> Yeah. So, so the the there there's a um >> Yeah. So, so the the there there's a um so what so I'm trying I'm trying to so what so I'm trying I'm trying to so what so I'm trying I'm trying to anticipate what do where he's going anticipate what do where he's going anticipate what do where he's going right so I shouldn't always do that I've right so I shouldn't always do that I've right so I shouldn't always do that I've known that for years but known that for years but known that for years but [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] uh it it as as we have identity right we uh it it as as we have identity right we uh it it as as we have identity right we have the you know the idea of meaning have the you know the idea of meaning have the you know the idea of meaning the response the question is what's in the response the question is what's in the response the question is what's in your hand basically your hand basically your hand basically all that you need in your where you are all that you need in your where you are all that you need in your where you are currently to be successful is within in currently to be successful is within in currently to be successful is within in you. you. you. >> So if basically say >> So if basically say >> So if basically say >> again say it again >> again say it again >> again say it again >> all that you need where you currently >> all that you need where you currently >> all that you need where you currently are right because we live life on level are right because we live life on level are right because we live life on level and experience in stages. So where you and experience in stages. So where you and experience in stages. So where you currently are everything that you need currently are everything that you need currently are everything that you need to be successful is within you. So he's to be successful is within you. So he's to be successful is within you. So he's looking at Moses and he's challenged looking at Moses and he's challenged looking at Moses and he's challenged Moses. Hey say look where you are right Moses. Hey say look where you are right Moses. Hey say look where you are right now what's in your hand. That very thing now what's in your hand. That very thing now what's in your hand. That very thing that's in your hand is the very thing that's in your hand is the very thing that's in your hand is the very thing that I'm going to use to for you to that I'm going to use to for you to that I'm going to use to for you to bring freedom to a people.

bring freedom to a people. bring freedom to a people. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. That has to do with calling, sense of That has to do with calling, sense of That has to do with calling, sense of purpose, right? Yes. And that's very purpose, right? Yes. And that's very purpose, right? Yes. And that's very important. I'm going to recap it, but important. I'm going to recap it, but important. I'm going to recap it, but that's very important. So, he asked that's very important. So, he asked that's very important. So, he asked Adam, what did he ask Adam? Adam, what did he ask Adam? Adam, what did he ask Adam? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> What did he ask Jacob? >> What did he ask Jacob? >> What did he ask Jacob? >> What's your name? So, Adam was >> What's your name? So, Adam was >> What's your name? So, Adam was self-awareness. Jacob, it was identity, self-awareness. Jacob, it was identity, self-awareness. Jacob, it was identity, right? right? right? >> He asked Moses, "What's in your hand?" >> He asked Moses, "What's in your hand?" >> He asked Moses, "What's in your hand?" So that's about calling about purpose So that's about calling about purpose So that's about calling about purpose right right right he asked Elijah he asked Elijah he asked Elijah after he challenged after he challenged after he challenged right right right Jezebel and the prophets the man of Jezebel and the prophets the man of Jezebel and the prophets the man of faith and power was on the run from the faith and power was on the run from the faith and power was on the run from the very woman that he challenged and he's very woman that he challenged and he's very woman that he challenged and he's in hiding and God asks them question in hiding and God asks them question in hiding and God asks them question what are you doing here what are you doing here what are you doing here did you hear did you hear did you hear What are you doing here? And again, God What are you doing here? And again, God What are you doing here? And again, God didn't ask that to for information.

didn't ask that to for information. didn't ask that to for information. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> He asked to stimulate thought. What kind >> He asked to stimulate thought. What kind >> He asked to stimulate thought. What kind of a question is that to someone in that of a question is that to someone in that of a question is that to someone in that context? Powerful display. And now he's context? Powerful display. And now he's context? Powerful display. And now he's on the run. on the run. on the run. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And hiding out. [laughter] So So >> this is not easy. By the way, folks, >> this is not easy. By the way, folks, >> this is not easy. By the way, folks, >> when I read when when I read the text is >> when I read when when I read the text is >> when I read when when I read the text is it's here it is. You just experienced it's here it is. You just experienced it's here it is. You just experienced something powerful, right? God showed something powerful, right? God showed something powerful, right? God showed up, right? This is after, you know, he up, right? This is after, you know, he up, right? This is after, you know, he set up the the um the the worship area, set up the the um the the worship area, set up the the um the the worship area, poured water and all that stuff on it poured water and all that stuff on it poured water and all that stuff on it where, you know, Bail's um the the God where, you know, Bail's um the the God where, you know, Bail's um the the God of Jezebel was not no fire coming. Now, of Jezebel was not no fire coming. Now, of Jezebel was not no fire coming. Now, all of a sudden, fire is is showing up. all of a sudden, fire is is showing up. all of a sudden, fire is is showing up. God said, "Throw some more more water on God said, "Throw some more more water on God said, "Throw some more more water on there." So, here it is. And Elisha was there." So, here it is. And Elisha was there." So, here it is. And Elisha was being he was being cocky and arrogant being he was being cocky and arrogant being he was being cocky and arrogant like he was talking some he was talking like he was talking some he was talking like he was talking some he was talking a little crazy with uh the conversation. a little crazy with uh the conversation. a little crazy with uh the conversation. He said, "Where's your God? Is he you He said, "Where's your God? Is he you He said, "Where's your God? Is he you know scared? Is he up there using the know scared? Is he up there using the know scared? Is he up there using the bathroom not hearing you?" And then all bathroom not hearing you?" And then all bathroom not hearing you?" And then all a sudden he was showing off like he was a sudden he was showing off like he was a sudden he was showing off like he was showing off and then you know so God showing off and then you know so God showing off and then you know so God shows up in a powerful way. But then you shows up in a powerful way. But then you shows up in a powerful way. But then you read a couple of texts later that he's read a couple of texts later that he's read a couple of texts later that he's hiding. So what what I get out of that hiding. So what what I get out of that hiding. So what what I get out of that is that you know how do you experience is that you know how do you experience is that you know how do you experience something like this but yet still live something like this but yet still live something like this but yet still live in fear. Ah in fear. Ah in fear. Ah >> it speaks to two things.

>> it speaks to two things. >> it speaks to two things. character and alignment. character and alignment. character and alignment. >> When he was in alignment with God, his >> When he was in alignment with God, his >> When he was in alignment with God, his character was one of courage. character was one of courage. character was one of courage. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And he faced the opposition fearlessly. >> And he faced the opposition fearlessly. >> And he faced the opposition fearlessly. But he allowed fear to take over which But he allowed fear to take over which But he allowed fear to take over which knocked him out of alignment with God knocked him out of alignment with God knocked him out of alignment with God and weakened him. and weakened him. and weakened him. >> And now he finds himself in that >> And now he finds himself in that >> And now he finds himself in that situation. And God was calling his situation. And God was calling his situation. And God was calling his character into account. character into account. character into account. So he asked So he asked So he asked >> I'm going I'm just this is just I'm >> I'm going I'm just this is just I'm >> I'm going I'm just this is just I'm going along with this. going along with this. going along with this. >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> So he asked Adam what did he ask Adam? >> So he asked Adam what did he ask Adam? >> So he asked Adam what did he ask Adam? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? >> Where are you? And that has to do with >> Where are you? And that has to do with >> Where are you? And that has to do with self-awareness. Right? And this is self-awareness. Right? And this is self-awareness. Right? And this is important for men. Very important for important for men. Very important for important for men. Very important for men. And I'll and I'll tell you why. He men. And I'll and I'll tell you why. He men. And I'll and I'll tell you why. He asked Adam, "Where are you?" Right? asked Adam, "Where are you?" Right? asked Adam, "Where are you?" Right? Which is self-awareness. Which is self-awareness. Which is self-awareness. >> He asked >> He asked >> He asked >> Jacob, >> Jacob, >> Jacob, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> What is your name? what's your name? And >> What is your name? what's your name? And >> What is your name? what's your name? And that has to do with what?

that has to do with what? that has to do with what? >> Identity. He asked Moses, "What's in >> Identity. He asked Moses, "What's in >> Identity. He asked Moses, "What's in your hand?" And that has to do with your hand?" And that has to do with your hand?" And that has to do with calling and purpose, right? And knowing calling and purpose, right? And knowing calling and purpose, right? And knowing that your capacity does not limit God that your capacity does not limit God that your capacity does not limit God because you're drawing from him. He's because you're drawing from him. He's because you're drawing from him. He's not drawing from you. not drawing from you. not drawing from you. And Elijah, And Elijah, And Elijah, he asks the question, he asks the question, he asks the question, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Why are you here? Why are you here? So >> Why are you here? Why are you here? So >> Why are you here? Why are you here? So that has to do with your character, that has to do with your character, that has to do with your character, gentlemen, and your alignment. Because gentlemen, and your alignment. Because gentlemen, and your alignment. Because that's what we're daily trying to do. that's what we're daily trying to do. that's what we're daily trying to do. Make sure we're in alignment with God. Make sure we're in alignment with God. Make sure we're in alignment with God. How? Through his word. How? Through his word. How? Through his word. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> His word. He and his word are one. So if >> His word. He and his word are one. So if >> His word. He and his word are one. So if we're in alignment with his word, we're we're in alignment with his word, we're we're in alignment with his word, we're in alignment with God. And our character in alignment with God. And our character in alignment with God. And our character is intact because our alignment is an is intact because our alignment is an is intact because our alignment is an expression of our character. expression of our character. expression of our character. Lastly, a time is up. Lastly, a time is up. Lastly, a time is up. Oh man, [laughter] Oh man, [laughter] Oh man, [laughter] I wanted to give a summation. I wanted to give a summation. I wanted to give a summation. Jesus asked the disciples, Jesus asked the disciples, Jesus asked the disciples, "Who am I? Who do you say that I am?"

"Who am I? Who do you say that I am?" "Who am I? Who do you say that I am?" Right. Big question. Big question Right. Big question. Big question Right. Big question. Big question because it's relational. because it's relational. because it's relational. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> See, so when God asks, "Well, who is he >> See, so when God asks, "Well, who is he >> See, so when God asks, "Well, who is he to you?" to you?" to you?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. He is now >> Right. He is now >> Right. He is now investigating investigating investigating your understanding of your relationship your understanding of your relationship your understanding of your relationship with him. with him. with him. >> Very very important because if you have >> Very very important because if you have >> Very very important because if you have a wrong relationship with him or a wrong a wrong relationship with him or a wrong a wrong relationship with him or a wrong idea about him, that's going to affect idea about him, that's going to affect idea about him, that's going to affect your success in life. your success in life. your success in life. >> And that I think that's one of the >> And that I think that's one of the >> And that I think that's one of the biggest key elements that tends to be a biggest key elements that tends to be a biggest key elements that tends to be a place of tension for a lot of place of tension for a lot of place of tension for a lot of Christians. Christians. Christians. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. So, let me sum it up. So, let me sum it up. So, let me sum it up. Oh my goodness. You're right. It's Oh my goodness. You're right. It's Oh my goodness. You're right. It's 12:05. You tell me what you want to do. 12:05. You tell me what you want to do. 12:05. You tell me what you want to do. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Sum it up. >> Sum it up. >> Sum it up. >> I I think that the the coolest section >> I I think that the the coolest section >> I I think that the the coolest section is saying sum it up. Keep going. is saying sum it up. Keep going. is saying sum it up. Keep going. >> That's the balcony. [laughter] That's >> That's the balcony. [laughter] That's >> That's the balcony. [laughter] That's cooler. cooler. cooler. >> All right. Men men and very very important here.

and very very important here. Identity Identity Identity gives a man stability. gives a man stability. gives a man stability. I'll say it again. I'll say it again. I'll say it again. Identity gives a man stability. Because Identity gives a man stability. Because Identity gives a man stability. Because when you resolve the identity crisis in when you resolve the identity crisis in when you resolve the identity crisis in your relationship with God, you have a your relationship with God, you have a your relationship with God, you have a more stable life. Especially when you're more stable life. Especially when you're more stable life. Especially when you're facing challenges. facing challenges. facing challenges. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You're reminded of who you are. >> You're reminded of who you are. >> You're reminded of who you are. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And who's you are. >> And who's you are. >> And who's you are. Got it? Got it? Got it? >> Identity gives a man stability. As long >> Identity gives a man stability. As long >> Identity gives a man stability. As long as a man is in the identity crisis, he's as a man is in the identity crisis, he's as a man is in the identity crisis, he's going to be insecure. And that going to be insecure. And that going to be insecure. And that insecurity is going to come out in how insecurity is going to come out in how insecurity is going to come out in how he tries to lead. he tries to lead. he tries to lead. Got it? Got it? Got it? >> And women don't want insecure men. Mhm. >> They'll give you a shot. >> They'll give you a shot. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> But >> But >> But there's an expiration date.

there's an expiration date. there's an expiration date. >> Identity gives a man stability. >> Identity gives a man stability. >> Identity gives a man stability. >> Got it? >> Got it? >> Got it? Calling Moses Calling Moses Calling Moses gives a man direction. Mhm. gives a man direction. Mhm. gives a man direction. Mhm. >> Calling gives a man direction if he's >> Calling gives a man direction if he's >> Calling gives a man direction if he's not sure of his calling and his purpose. not sure of his calling and his purpose. not sure of his calling and his purpose. And we all have a calling. Calling And we all have a calling. Calling And we all have a calling. Calling doesn't mean that you become a pastor or doesn't mean that you become a pastor or doesn't mean that you become a pastor or a reverend. No, calling is based upon a reverend. No, calling is based upon a reverend. No, calling is based upon the gift, talents, and abilities that the gift, talents, and abilities that the gift, talents, and abilities that God has placed inside of you and using God has placed inside of you and using God has placed inside of you and using those gift, talents, and abilities to those gift, talents, and abilities to those gift, talents, and abilities to meet a human need. meet a human need. meet a human need. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Aristotle said at the intersection where >> Aristotle said at the intersection where >> Aristotle said at the intersection where your gift, talents, and abilities meet a your gift, talents, and abilities meet a your gift, talents, and abilities meet a human need, you discover purpose. human need, you discover purpose. human need, you discover purpose. So calling gives you direction. If you So calling gives you direction. If you So calling gives you direction. If you don't know your purpose, if you don't don't know your purpose, if you don't don't know your purpose, if you don't know your calling from God, you're going know your calling from God, you're going know your calling from God, you're going to be all over the place. So identity to be all over the place. So identity to be all over the place. So identity gives a man what? gives a man what? gives a man what? >> Stability. >> Stability. >> Stability. >> Calling gives a man what? >> Calling gives a man what? >> Calling gives a man what? >> Direction. >> Direction. >> Direction. Character gives a man credibility.

Character gives a man credibility. Character gives a man credibility. >> I'm going try that again. Character, not >> I'm going try that again. Character, not >> I'm going try that again. Character, not your fame, not your position. Character your fame, not your position. Character your fame, not your position. Character gives a man credibility. gives a man credibility. gives a man credibility. When you are known for integrity and When you are known for integrity and When you are known for integrity and character, you've got credibility. character, you've got credibility. character, you've got credibility. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And credibility that will stand up under >> And credibility that will stand up under >> And credibility that will stand up under the test. >> Character gives a man >> Character gives a man credibility. credibility. credibility. Got it? Got it? Got it? >> And relationship gives a man meaning. >> And relationship gives a man meaning. >> And relationship gives a man meaning. Relationship Relationship Relationship gives a man meaning because it's only gives a man meaning because it's only gives a man meaning because it's only relationship that taps in to his relationship that taps in to his relationship that taps in to his identity, identity, identity, >> his sense of calling and his character. >> his sense of calling and his character. >> his sense of calling and his character. It brings it out and holds him It brings it out and holds him It brings it out and holds him accountable. This is one of the most accountable. This is one of the most accountable. This is one of the most important messages, men, that you could important messages, men, that you could important messages, men, that you could ever hear. You just heard it today.

ever hear. You just heard it today. ever hear. You just heard it today. [applause] I'm trying to count. That sounds like I'm trying to count. That sounds like about 50 people. [laughter] about 50 people. [laughter] about 50 people. [laughter] >> Did you get anything out of that today? >> Did you get anything out of that today? >> Did you get anything out of that today? [applause] >> All you No, it it is it's very powerful >> All you No, it it is it's very powerful because there's a reality because there's a reality because there's a reality that anything that we try to do outside that anything that we try to do outside that anything that we try to do outside of God of God of God is has terminal conditions built into is has terminal conditions built into is has terminal conditions built into it. Bottom line, it. Bottom line, it. Bottom line, >> it's very limited. >> it's very limited. >> it's very limited. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I rather identify with something >> And I rather identify with something >> And I rather identify with something eternal than something terminal. eternal than something terminal. eternal than something terminal. So I am a Bernard So I am a Bernard So I am a Bernard to represent that, but my identity to represent that, but my identity to represent that, but my identity really leans within Christ. really leans within Christ. really leans within Christ. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And so I I love this message. great >> And so I I love this message. great >> And so I I love this message. great message [applause] message [applause] message [applause] because it is only the thing that's because it is only the thing that's because it is only the thing that's transcendent transcendent transcendent that we can grab from and help sustain that we can grab from and help sustain that we can grab from and help sustain us. So this is a sustainable system of us. So this is a sustainable system of us. So this is a sustainable system of belief and living. If what supports your belief and living. If what supports your belief and living. If what supports your identity is weak and fragile, you'll identity is weak and fragile, you'll identity is weak and fragile, you'll collapse when things go wrong.

collapse when things go wrong. collapse when things go wrong. >> Yep. But if your identity is sourced >> Yep. But if your identity is sourced >> Yep. But if your identity is sourced from God, from God, from God, >> then it doesn't matter what happens >> then it doesn't matter what happens >> then it doesn't matter what happens around you. around you. around you. >> You remain stable. >> You remain stable. >> You remain stable. >> Amen. Intact. [applause] >> Amen. Intact. [applause] >> Amen. Intact. [applause] >> Come on, let's all stand. I pray you got >> Come on, let's all stand. I pray you got >> Come on, let's all stand. I pray you got a word. That was a word. a word. That was a word. a word. That was a word. >> A word in season. A word for seasons. >> A word in season. A word for seasons. >> A word in season. A word for seasons. >> Four seasons. All seasons. [laughter] >> Four seasons. All seasons. [laughter] >> Four seasons. All seasons. [laughter] All seasons. A word for all season. All seasons. A word for all season. All seasons. A word for all season. [sighs] And here's where you come to get it all. And here's where you come to get it all. Do you notice how when [music] you come Do you notice how when [music] you come Do you notice how when [music] you come to this church and you leave here after to this church and you leave here after to this church and you leave here after learning these things and you talk to learning these things and you talk to learning these things and you talk to others, they think you are a genius. others, they think you are a genius. others, they think you are a genius. They wonder where you get such knowledge They wonder where you get such knowledge They wonder where you get such knowledge and understanding and wisdom and of and understanding and wisdom and of and understanding and wisdom and of course you tell them course you tell them course you tell them I thought of it. No, I thought of it. No, I thought of it. No, >> you tell them you got it from where? >> you tell them you got it from where? >> you tell them you got it from where? >> Church. >> Church. >> Church. because that's where you want to inspire because that's where you want to inspire because that's where you want to inspire them to come to learn and [music] them to come to learn and [music] them to come to learn and [music] grow. Whether it's congregants or grow. Whether it's congregants or grow. Whether it's congregants or leaders, we don't grow in isolation. We leaders, we don't grow in isolation. We leaders, we don't grow in isolation. We grow in grow in grow in >> community.

>> community. >> community. >> Community. >> Community. >> Community. >> Okay, pastor. >> Okay, pastor. >> Okay, pastor. >> I'm I'm I'm with you. Uh >> I'm I'm I'm with you. Uh >> I'm I'm I'm with you. Uh [laughter] 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. [music] We welcome you to the world. [music] We welcome you to the world. [music] We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. check out some of our other videos. check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click the Also, make sure to click the Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you [music] are the notification bell so you [music] are the notification bell so you [music] 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 [music] and dynamic live powerful [music] and dynamic live powerful [music] and dynamic live worship experience every Sunday. And worship experience every Sunday. And worship experience every Sunday. And trust me and Cameron when I say you do trust me and Cameron when I say you do trust me and Cameron when I say you do not want to miss it. Streaming [music] not want to miss it. Streaming [music] not want to miss it. Streaming [music] times are in the description box below. times are in the description box below. times are in the description box below. And if you are looking for any other And if you are looking for any other And if you are looking for any other information about what's happening here information about what's happening here information about what's happening here at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org.

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