Sometimes You Have To Walk The Pain Before God Explains | A.R. Bernard

I was thinking about a text in the I was thinking about a text in the Gospel of John. We'll we'll take a look Gospel of John. We'll we'll take a look Gospel of John. We'll we'll take a look at it. But at it. But at it. But there are certain realities that we have there are certain realities that we have there are certain realities that we have to understand in walking with God. I to understand in walking with God. I to understand in walking with God. I used to think that the more knowledge I used to think that the more knowledge I used to think that the more knowledge I get, the closer I would get to God, the get, the closer I would get to God, the get, the closer I would get to God, the more intimate I would be with God. And I more intimate I would be with God. And I more intimate I would be with God. And I realized that that's that's not true. realized that that's that's not true. realized that that's that's not true. Intimacy with God comes out of obedience Intimacy with God comes out of obedience Intimacy with God comes out of obedience because when you obey him, it because when you obey him, it because when you obey him, it demonstrates your love because obedience demonstrates your love because obedience demonstrates your love because obedience is the evidence of love, not passion. So is the evidence of love, not passion. So is the evidence of love, not passion. So you can have people who are very you can have people who are very you can have people who are very passionate about God and don't obey him. passionate about God and don't obey him. passionate about God and don't obey him. >> How many know some folks like that? >> How many know some folks like that? >> How many know some folks like that? >> Yeah. Obedience is the evidence of your >> Yeah. Obedience is the evidence of your >> Yeah. Obedience is the evidence of your love for God. And out of obedience comes love for God. And out of obedience comes love for God. And out of obedience comes revelation. Why? because there's an revelation. Why? because there's an revelation. Why? because there's an intimacy that's created. Revelation intimacy that's created. Revelation intimacy that's created. Revelation comes from intimacy. I'm going to say comes from intimacy. I'm going to say comes from intimacy. I'm going to say that again. Revelation comes from that again. Revelation comes from that again. Revelation comes from intimacy. In fact, let's let's we're in intimacy. In fact, let's let's we're in intimacy. In fact, let's let's we're in it. Let's go to it. Let's go to it. Let's go to Let me Let me catch up here. John Let me Let me catch up here. John Let me Let me catch up here. John chapter 14.

chapter 14. chapter 14. John chapter 14 John chapter 14 John chapter 14 verse 21. verse 21. verse 21. I'm reading from the New English I'm reading from the New English I'm reading from the New English translation. translation. translation. The New English translation. Do you guys The New English translation. Do you guys The New English translation. Do you guys have that yet in the control room have that yet in the control room have that yet in the control room or do I need to switch translations? or do I need to switch translations? or do I need to switch translations? All right, All right, All right, I'll I'll switch. Excuse me for a I'll I'll switch. Excuse me for a I'll I'll switch. Excuse me for a moment. moment. moment. Uh, I'll go to the ESV. How about that? Okay. ESV. Okay. ESV. ESV. That way you can get it up on the ESV. That way you can get it up on the ESV. That way you can get it up on the screen. All right. ESV. screen. All right. ESV. screen. All right. ESV. John John John 14 14 14 21. 21. 21. Whoever has my commandments Whoever has my commandments Whoever has my commandments and keeps them. and keeps them. and keeps them. You know, there are people who walk You know, there are people who walk You know, there are people who walk around with a Bible, but they're not around with a Bible, but they're not around with a Bible, but they're not practicing what's in it. practicing what's in it. practicing what's in it. Whoever has my commandments and what?

Whoever has my commandments and what? Whoever has my commandments and what? >> I can't hear you. And what? >> I can't hear you. And what? >> I can't hear you. And what? >> Keeps them, in other words, practices >> Keeps them, in other words, practices >> Keeps them, in other words, practices them, he it is who loves me. them, he it is who loves me. them, he it is who loves me. He's the one or she generically He's the one or she generically He's the one or she generically speaking, they're the one who loves me. speaking, they're the one who loves me. speaking, they're the one who loves me. And that's why I said obedience is the And that's why I said obedience is the And that's why I said obedience is the evidence of love. evidence of love. evidence of love. It's like with parents, right? It's like with parents, right? It's like with parents, right? I love you, mommy. I love you, daddy. I love you, mommy. I love you, daddy. I love you, mommy. I love you, daddy. And they just keep doing wrong. And they just keep doing wrong. And they just keep doing wrong. And then you have the other one who And then you have the other one who And then you have the other one who loves you, and they're the ones you can loves you, and they're the ones you can loves you, and they're the ones you can trust because you know they'll what? trust because you know they'll what? trust because you know they'll what? They'll obey you. They'll obey you. They'll obey you. They'll obey you. They'll obey you. They'll obey you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps Whoever has my commandments and keeps Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. I want to them, he it is who loves me. I want to them, he it is who loves me. I want to reinforce it. Turn to your neighbor. reinforce it. Turn to your neighbor. reinforce it. Turn to your neighbor. Say, neighbor. Obedience Say, neighbor. Obedience Say, neighbor. Obedience >> obedience >> obedience >> obedience >> is your evidence >> is your evidence >> is your evidence >> is your evidence >> is your evidence >> is your evidence >> of love for God. >> of love for God. >> of love for God. >> of love for God.

>> of love for God. >> of love for God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He continues, >> He continues, >> He continues, "And he who loves me will be loved by my "And he who loves me will be loved by my "And he who loves me will be loved by my father." father." father." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That love is reciprocated by God. >> That love is reciprocated by God. >> That love is reciprocated by God. And And And I will love him. I will love him. I will love him. And what? And what? And what? >> And what? >> And what? >> And what? >> And what? >> And what? >> And what? >> Manifest myself >> Manifest myself >> Manifest myself to him. In other words, that obedience to him. In other words, that obedience to him. In other words, that obedience in relationship in relationship in relationship brings about a certain level of intimacy brings about a certain level of intimacy brings about a certain level of intimacy and that intimacy and that intimacy and that intimacy leads to revelation. leads to revelation. leads to revelation. Hold that thought Hold that thought Hold that thought because there's another text that I want because there's another text that I want because there's another text that I want to get to or maybe I need to explore to get to or maybe I need to explore to get to or maybe I need to explore that thought for a minute.

Revelation is not just about content. Revelation is not just about content. It's about relationship. It's about relationship. It's about relationship. Revelation is not just about content. Revelation is not just about content. Revelation is not just about content. It's about relationship. It's about relationship. It's about relationship. And I have to say that And I have to say that And I have to say that it is because of the intimacy of it is because of the intimacy of it is because of the intimacy of relationship that I have grown in with relationship that I have grown in with relationship that I have grown in with the Lord over time that it gives me the the Lord over time that it gives me the the Lord over time that it gives me the insights into scripture, insight into insights into scripture, insight into insights into scripture, insight into the ways of God, the patterns of God, the ways of God, the patterns of God, the ways of God, the patterns of God, the principles of God. So this verse teaches So this verse teaches and I want to get it down. and I want to get it down. and I want to get it down. Love leads leads to obedience. Now I said that I was inspired by Pastor Now I said that I was inspired by Pastor Jamal because I had something else I Jamal because I had something else I Jamal because I had something else I want to share with you.

But you know as you listen to the Holy But you know as you listen to the Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, you listen to the songs in worship, you you listen to the songs in worship, you you listen to the songs in worship, you listen to the special music, you listen listen to the special music, you listen listen to the special music, you listen to the prayers, and you get witness to the prayers, and you get witness to the prayers, and you get witness throughout those things to go in a throughout those things to go in a throughout those things to go in a particular direction. That's why you particular direction. That's why you particular direction. That's why you hear us say there's a message we hear us say there's a message we hear us say there's a message we want to preach and there's a message we want to preach and there's a message we want to preach and there's a message we should preach. So I'm giving you the one should preach. So I'm giving you the one should preach. So I'm giving you the one I should. Is that okay? I should. Is that okay? I should. Is that okay? >> So this verse >> So this verse >> So this verse outlines a divine pattern and remember outlines a divine pattern and remember outlines a divine pattern and remember everything God does he does according to everything God does he does according to everything God does he does according to a pattern and based on a principle. So a pattern and based on a principle. So a pattern and based on a principle. So the pattern is number one what is it? the pattern is number one what is it? the pattern is number one what is it? Number one oh Number one oh Number one oh love leads to obedience. There's a difference when you obey out There's a difference when you obey out of love and you obey out of duty. of love and you obey out of duty. of love and you obey out of duty. When you obey out of duty, it's a When you obey out of duty, it's a When you obey out of duty, it's a legalistic relationship. It can be very legalistic relationship. It can be very legalistic relationship. It can be very cold and distant cold and distant cold and distant and it doesn't lead to intimacy that and it doesn't lead to intimacy that and it doesn't lead to intimacy that leads to revelation.

leads to revelation. leads to revelation. And there are people who have a very And there are people who have a very And there are people who have a very legalistic relationship with God. It's legalistic relationship with God. It's legalistic relationship with God. It's based upon them checking the boxes. They based upon them checking the boxes. They based upon them checking the boxes. They don't have that intimacy because their don't have that intimacy because their don't have that intimacy because their obedience is out of duty, not love. obedience is out of duty, not love. obedience is out of duty, not love. There are doctrines, there are churches There are doctrines, there are churches There are doctrines, there are churches that subscribe to that whole idea that subscribe to that whole idea that subscribe to that whole idea and they're very legalistic and they're very legalistic and they're very legalistic environments. What leads to obedience? True obedience What leads to obedience? True obedience is based in what? is based in what? is based in what? >> Love. If you love me, you'll obey me. >> Love. If you love me, you'll obey me. >> Love. If you love me, you'll obey me. There's a difference because when it's There's a difference because when it's There's a difference because when it's out of duty, it doesn't lead to out of duty, it doesn't lead to out of duty, it doesn't lead to intimacy. When it's out of duty, it intimacy. When it's out of duty, it intimacy. When it's out of duty, it doesn't lead to intimacy. doesn't lead to intimacy. doesn't lead to intimacy. Another Another Another part of the pattern obedience and why I have notes is because you're and why I have notes is because you're just getting the overflow of my studies just getting the overflow of my studies just getting the overflow of my studies on that particular of verse Pastor Jamal

Pastor Jamal was the one that we was the one that we was the one that we could trust the most. [Applause] [Applause] Why? and gave Pastor Karen and I the and gave Pastor Karen and I the confidence confidence confidence that we could trust him. We could depend that we could trust him. We could depend that we could trust him. We could depend on him. In fact, I'mma give him up. we knew we knew who we could go to who we could go to who we could go to [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] to get the intel.

Now, Now, please let me balance that with the fact please let me balance that with the fact please let me balance that with the fact that that that as they got older, as they got older, as they got older, we heard stories we heard stories we heard stories that we didn't get intel on. that we didn't get intel on. that we didn't get intel on. And some of those stories we stopped And some of those stories we stopped And some of those stories we stopped them in the middle of telling us cuz we them in the middle of telling us cuz we them in the middle of telling us cuz we don't want to know. But the relationship that you have with But the relationship that you have with an obedient child an obedient child an obedient child >> is different than the one you have with >> is different than the one you have with >> is different than the one you have with a disobedient child. a disobedient child. a disobedient child. >> It's a different relationship. >> It's a different relationship. >> It's a different relationship. >> Amen. Parents, >> Amen. Parents, >> Amen. Parents, >> yeah. So what is true between parents, >> yeah. So what is true between parents, >> yeah. So what is true between parents, earthly parents, and their children is earthly parents, and their children is earthly parents, and their children is true between God and his children. Then stop saying you're blessed and Then stop saying you're blessed and highly favored. >> Does God have favorites?

>> Does God have favorites? >> Oh, we would spend some time >> Oh, we would spend some time >> Oh, we would spend some time theologically on that one. But theologically on that one. But theologically on that one. But throughout the scripture, throughout the scripture, throughout the scripture, God has placed his favor on individuals, God has placed his favor on individuals, God has placed his favor on individuals, a nation. I'll bless those that bless you. Does I'll bless those that bless you. Does that sound familiar? Does that language that sound familiar? Does that language that sound familiar? Does that language sound familiar to you? So love leads to what? So love leads to what? >> And obedience, come on. >> And obedience, come on. >> And obedience, come on. >> I can't hear you. >> I can't hear you. >> I can't hear you. >> Nurtures relationship. >> Nurtures relationship. >> Nurtures relationship. Number three, remember a pattern. It's a Number three, remember a pattern. It's a Number three, remember a pattern. It's a pattern. relationship relationship invites revelation.

invites invites revelation. revelation. revelation. Lastly, Revelation Revelation is the fruit is the fruit is the fruit of intimacy. Isn't it true that we reveal ourselves Isn't it true that we reveal ourselves most fully most fully most fully in safe, in safe, in safe, trusted relationships? trusted relationships? trusted relationships? >> Come on, talk back to me, folks. Isn't >> Come on, talk back to me, folks. Isn't >> Come on, talk back to me, folks. Isn't that true? that true? that true? Deep truths and vulnerabilities and Deep truths and vulnerabilities and Deep truths and vulnerabilities and longings longings longings are not disclosed to strangers are not disclosed to strangers are not disclosed to strangers or casual acquaintances. or casual acquaintances. or casual acquaintances. They're reserved for those who occupy a They're reserved for those who occupy a They're reserved for those who occupy a space of trust space of trust space of trust and intimacy.

In human relationships, over time, as In human relationships, over time, as you feel more comfortable, more safe, you feel more comfortable, more safe, you feel more comfortable, more safe, more trust in that relationship, you more trust in that relationship, you more trust in that relationship, you tend to talk about yourself more. tend to talk about yourself more. tend to talk about yourself more. Some folks, it doesn't matter who Some folks, it doesn't matter who Some folks, it doesn't matter who they're with. they're with. they're with. They just But most folks, most people But most folks, most people reveal themselves when they feel they're reveal themselves when they feel they're reveal themselves when they feel they're in a safe space. They're in a trusted in a safe space. They're in a trusted in a safe space. They're in a trusted relationship. relationship. relationship. It is amazing It is amazing It is amazing in in in being married for so many years being married for so many years being married for so many years even at this particular juncture. Pastor Karen and I will celebrate our Pastor Karen and I will celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary October 1st. 53rd wedding anniversary October 1st. 53rd wedding anniversary October 1st. Right. Right. Right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate those who understand the work Appreciate those who understand the work Appreciate those who understand the work that goes into that.

that goes into that. that goes into that. But we were talking the other day and But we were talking the other day and But we were talking the other day and she shared something with me and I said, she shared something with me and I said, she shared something with me and I said, "Man, I never heard that before." She "Man, I never heard that before." She "Man, I never heard that before." She said, "I never shared that with you." I said, "I never shared that with you." I said, "I never shared that with you." I said, "No. said, "No. said, "No. I never heard that before." And it was something quite intimate And it was something quite intimate about about about what happened to her when she was a what happened to her when she was a what happened to her when she was a young girl. young girl. young girl. And And And I realized that those kind of I realized that those kind of I realized that those kind of conversations conversations conversations because she had to be very vulnerable in because she had to be very vulnerable in because she had to be very vulnerable in with what in with what she shared with with what in with what she shared with with what in with what she shared with me. But I realize in those kind of me. But I realize in those kind of me. But I realize in those kind of conversations it's because she feels conversations it's because she feels conversations it's because she feels safe. There are marriages where safe. There are marriages where safe. There are marriages where the spouses want to say certain things the spouses want to say certain things the spouses want to say certain things but they don't feel safe enough but they don't feel safe enough but they don't feel safe enough even in the relationship in marriage. even in the relationship in marriage. even in the relationship in marriage. Why? Why? Why? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. Because Because Because when you share intimate details, when when you share intimate details, when when you share intimate details, when you share revelation, even when you you share revelation, even when you you share revelation, even when you share the truth, you have to consider you have to consider the following things. I want you to the following things. I want you to the following things. I want you to write these down. Number one, timing.

Timing. Timing. Boy, if you share something at the wrong Boy, if you share something at the wrong Boy, if you share something at the wrong time, time, time, it doesn't matter how good it is, how it doesn't matter how good it is, how it doesn't matter how good it is, how truthful it is, how much it's going to truthful it is, how much it's going to truthful it is, how much it's going to help. help. help. All right? It's going to backfire. All right? It's going to backfire. All right? It's going to backfire. It's not going to accomplish what you're It's not going to accomplish what you're It's not going to accomplish what you're hoping it would accomplish. hoping it would accomplish. hoping it would accomplish. So when you're thinking about sharing So when you're thinking about sharing So when you're thinking about sharing something especially truth something especially truth something especially truth you've got to think about what is it the you've got to think about what is it the you've got to think about what is it the right what right what right what timing. timing. timing. Next you have to think about the person Next you have to think about the person Next you have to think about the person or the group the level of what maturity. the level of what maturity. You may have something to say, but they You may have something to say, but they You may have something to say, but they may not be mature enough to hear it. Tell your neighbor say he's talking Tell your neighbor say he's talking about somebody you know.

So you have to take in cons into So you have to take in cons into consideration consideration consideration the person or the group of people the person or the group of people the person or the group of people or the nation or the nation or the nation of people. You have to think about what? Come on. You have to think about what? Come on. Timing and Timing and Timing and >> and >> and >> and capacity. Do they have the bandwidth Do they have the bandwidth to handle this kind of information cuz you can drop something on someone cuz you can drop something on someone and they can't support it. They can't and they can't support it. They can't and they can't support it. They can't support the weight of it and you do more support the weight of it and you do more support the weight of it and you do more damage damage damage than good. Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor." Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor." >> New neighbor. >> New neighbor. >> New neighbor. >> He's all up in your business today.

>> And lastly, >> And lastly, there has to be the kind of relationship there has to be the kind of relationship there has to be the kind of relationship that allows that allows that allows for the sharing of that kind of for the sharing of that kind of for the sharing of that kind of information. Because if the relationship is not Because if the relationship is not there, the intimacy isn't there, right? there, the intimacy isn't there, right? there, the intimacy isn't there, right? The trust isn't there. That's why when folks are looking to That's why when folks are looking to share files, I mean information about about potential reactions potential reactions potential reactions to the information.

to the information. to the information. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. So they may lock it up for 25 years So they may lock it up for 25 years So they may lock it up for 25 years [Applause] before we find out who shot Kennedy. before we find out who shot Kennedy. And then when they do release it, And then when they do release it, And then when they do release it, it's overshadowed by the news that it's overshadowed by the news that it's overshadowed by the news that Michael Jackson molested a young boy. Michael Jackson molested a young boy. Michael Jackson molested a young boy. >> I was in Singapore when that happened. >> I was in Singapore when that happened. >> I was in Singapore when that happened. They released the information the files They released the information the files They released the information the files on some of the files on the Kennedy on some of the files on the Kennedy on some of the files on the Kennedy assassination and it was overshadowed by assassination and it was overshadowed by assassination and it was overshadowed by a m Michael Jackson story. So one story a m Michael Jackson story. So one story a m Michael Jackson story. So one story can overshadow another story on on can overshadow another story on on can overshadow another story on on purpose. >> I got goosebumps. This must be good >> I got goosebumps. This must be good preaching here. preaching here. preaching here. >> How many understand what I'm talking >> How many understand what I'm talking >> How many understand what I'm talking about? about? about? Don't you know even in God's economy Don't you know even in God's economy Don't you know even in God's economy there's a control of information?

there's a control of information? there's a control of information? >> God doesn't allow information to be >> God doesn't allow information to be >> God doesn't allow information to be released into humanity without it being released into humanity without it being released into humanity without it being controlled. That's why when Paul the controlled. That's why when Paul the controlled. That's why when Paul the apostle the apostle apostle the apostle apostle the apostle he was very possible when Paul the he was very possible when Paul the he was very possible when Paul the apostle shared about his experience and apostle shared about his experience and apostle shared about his experience and he didn't know whether it was in the he didn't know whether it was in the he didn't know whether it was in the body or out of the body in 2 Corinthians body or out of the body in 2 Corinthians body or out of the body in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 but he was caught up into the chapter 12 but he was caught up into the chapter 12 but he was caught up into the third heaven which is the domain of God third heaven which is the domain of God third heaven which is the domain of God based upon Jewish understanding and based upon Jewish understanding and based upon Jewish understanding and theological uh expression he was in the theological uh expression he was in the theological uh expression he was in the third heaven which is the domain of God third heaven which is the domain of God third heaven which is the domain of God and he didn't see anything but he heard and he didn't see anything but he heard and he didn't see anything but he heard things things things >> he heard heard things that were unlawful >> he heard heard things that were unlawful >> he heard heard things that were unlawful for man to utter. Those were his words. for man to utter. Those were his words. for man to utter. Those were his words. So God didn't even let it didn't let him So God didn't even let it didn't let him So God didn't even let it didn't let him see it, but he allowed him to hear some see it, but he allowed him to hear some see it, but he allowed him to hear some stuff that the apostle knew that even he stuff that the apostle knew that even he stuff that the apostle knew that even he could not share it. God controls the disclosure of God controls the disclosure of information information information because information is what moves because information is what moves because information is what moves society forward.

society forward. society forward. The reason why the 20th century was The reason why the 20th century was The reason why the 20th century was exper we've experienced so much progress exper we've experienced so much progress exper we've experienced so much progress in human civilization, human history is in human civilization, human history is in human civilization, human history is because of the amount of information because of the amount of information because of the amount of information that has come in to the hands of human that has come in to the hands of human that has come in to the hands of human beings. beings. beings. So when you're approaching an individual So when you're approaching an individual So when you're approaching an individual or a group, you've got to think about or a group, you've got to think about or a group, you've got to think about what? Come on. Timing, what? Come on. Timing, what? Come on. Timing, >> maturity, capacity, >> maturity, capacity, >> maturity, capacity, >> and relationship. >> and relationship. >> and relationship. Oh man, we got a little time left. I Oh man, we got a little time left. I Oh man, we got a little time left. I thought I was going to have to stop. So what is true So what is true in human relationship is true in our in human relationship is true in our in human relationship is true in our relationship with God. God is very relationship with God. God is very relationship with God. God is very concerned about what? >> God has to be responsible with the >> God has to be responsible with the information that he shares. And information that he shares. And information that he shares. And sometimes you're asking for things that sometimes you're asking for things that sometimes you're asking for things that you can't handle.

you can't handle. you can't handle. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> You're praying for information that >> You're praying for information that >> You're praying for information that would destroy you. would destroy you. would destroy you. >> You're praying for understanding about >> You're praying for understanding about >> You're praying for understanding about circumstances and situations that circumstances and situations that circumstances and situations that require more than just a casual require more than just a casual require more than just a casual conversation. I'm thinking about that line in a movie I'm thinking about that line in a movie where he said, "You can't handle the where he said, "You can't handle the where he said, "You can't handle the truth." truth." truth." Jack Nicholson, I think it was a few Jack Nicholson, I think it was a few Jack Nicholson, I think it was a few good men. good men. good men. And he was saying that out of arrogant And he was saying that out of arrogant And he was saying that out of arrogant self-importance self-importance self-importance to supposedly protect national security. to supposedly protect national security. to supposedly protect national security. But But But there was a truth in the statement there was a truth in the statement there was a truth in the statement that you have to be mature enough. You that you have to be mature enough. You that you have to be mature enough. You have to have the capacity to handle have to have the capacity to handle have to have the capacity to handle information. information. information. It requires what? Come on. It requires what? Come on. It requires what? Come on. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] And this should be something that you And this should be something that you And this should be something that you think about when you have to share think about when you have to share think about when you have to share something serious, something weighty, something serious, something weighty, something serious, something weighty, you have to think about it.

Let's go to a very important text about Let's go to a very important text about this around this uh John chapter 16:12. John chapter chapter 16:12. John chapter chapter 16:12. Beginning in chapter 13, 14, 15, 16, Beginning in chapter 13, 14, 15, 16, Beginning in chapter 13, 14, 15, 16, Jesus has a lengthy conversation with Jesus has a lengthy conversation with Jesus has a lengthy conversation with his disciples, preparing them for his his disciples, preparing them for his his disciples, preparing them for his absence, preparing them to be sent out absence, preparing them to be sent out absence, preparing them to be sent out into the world. And this is what he says to them. How And this is what he says to them. How many are there? John 16. Let me catch many are there? John 16. Let me catch many are there? John 16. Let me catch up. John 16. Because I didn't plan this. up. John 16. Because I didn't plan this. up. John 16. Because I didn't plan this. 16 16 16 12 12 12 He says to them in the midst of all of He says to them in the midst of all of He says to them in the midst of all of this discourse, he says, "I still this discourse, he says, "I still this discourse, he says, "I still have many things to say to you." But have many things to say to you." But have many things to say to you." But what's the but >> you cannot what?

>> you cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> You cannot what? >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. The word bear is a Greek word basto. It It means that you can't carry It It means that you can't carry the weight, pressure, or responsibility the weight, pressure, or responsibility the weight, pressure, or responsibility of the things I still need to say to you of the things I still need to say to you of the things I still need to say to you and you need to hear, but you just are and you need to hear, but you just are and you need to hear, but you just are not ready for it. That's real, folks. That's real, folks. They couldn't handle it. God holds things back from you. He holds God holds things back from you. He holds he withholds information, he withholds information, he withholds information, not to keep a secret, not to keep a secret, not to keep a secret, but to be merciful.

Let me try that one more time. not for Let me try that one more time. not for secrecy, but for mercy. secrecy, but for mercy. secrecy, but for mercy. It's not that he's hiding the truth. It's not that he's hiding the truth. It's not that he's hiding the truth. He's guarding the human soul He's guarding the human soul He's guarding the human soul from collapse from collapse from collapse under the weight under the weight under the weight of truth that it isn't ready to carry. of truth that it isn't ready to carry. of truth that it isn't ready to carry. I've seen I've literally seen a person I've seen I've literally seen a person I've seen I've literally seen a person receive information and faint. That's real. That's real. >> I mean faint because of the information >> I mean faint because of the information >> I mean faint because of the information that they heard. How many have gotten that they heard. How many have gotten that they heard. How many have gotten physically weak physically weak physically weak because of information that came to you? because of information that came to you? because of information that came to you? How many felt a physical response? How many felt a physical response? How many felt a physical response? to information to information to information that you had. You know, look how many that you had. You know, look how many that you had. You know, look how many times we call someone, are you sitting times we call someone, are you sitting times we call someone, are you sitting down?

down? down? I got to tell you something. Are you I got to tell you something. Are you I got to tell you something. Are you sitting down? sitting down? sitting down? Right? And what are we saying? Because Right? And what are we saying? Because Right? And what are we saying? Because we're judging their ability to carry the we're judging their ability to carry the we're judging their ability to carry the weight of what we want to say. I've been in places and spaces where I've been in places and spaces where that was so real. So, it's not that God that was so real. So, it's not that God that was so real. So, it's not that God is withholding from us, withholding is withholding from us, withholding is withholding from us, withholding truth or information. truth or information. truth or information. When we pray because of circumstances When we pray because of circumstances When we pray because of circumstances and situations that we're wrestling and situations that we're wrestling and situations that we're wrestling through and we're trying to understand through and we're trying to understand through and we're trying to understand it, we're trying to make sense of it. it, we're trying to make sense of it. it, we're trying to make sense of it. And we're saying, "God, give me light. And we're saying, "God, give me light. And we're saying, "God, give me light. Give me understanding. What's happening Give me understanding. What's happening Give me understanding. What's happening here?" And nothing comes. God reveals God reveals according to timing, timing, maturity, capacity maturity, capacity maturity, capacity and relationship.

curiosity. curiosity. And God knows And God knows And God knows if you're being curious. And I understand that cuz I'm a curious And I understand that cuz I'm a curious person. person. person. That's what causes me to search and seek That's what causes me to search and seek That's what causes me to search and seek and research and study because I want to and research and study because I want to and research and study because I want to understand. I want clarification. I want understand. I want clarification. I want understand. I want clarification. I want to make sense of it. And I've gone down to make sense of it. And I've gone down to make sense of it. And I've gone down some rabbit holes out of curiosity. some rabbit holes out of curiosity. some rabbit holes out of curiosity. And sometimes I've come back and and And sometimes I've come back and and And sometimes I've come back and and still didn't have the answers that I still didn't have the answers that I still didn't have the answers that I wanted, that I expected, that I was wanted, that I expected, that I was wanted, that I expected, that I was demanding. demanding. demanding. It's because I had to learn some things. It's because I had to learn some things. It's because I had to learn some things. And here's a statement that I really And here's a statement that I really And here's a statement that I really want you to carry with you away today. want you to carry with you away today. want you to carry with you away today. All right? All right? All right? Some truths Some truths Some truths must be experienced must be experienced must be experienced before they can be explained. Let me try that one more time. Let me try that one more time. Some truths Some truths Some truths must be experienced must be experienced must be experienced before before before they can be they can be they can be explained.

explained. explained. In other words, God has got to let you In other words, God has got to let you In other words, God has got to let you walk through it And then after you walk through it, And then after you walk through it, he can explain it to you because the he can explain it to you because the he can explain it to you because the experience experience experience has brought you to the level has brought you to the level has brought you to the level of maturity of maturity of maturity and capacity and relationship and capacity and relationship and capacity and relationship necessary to support the weight necessary to support the weight necessary to support the weight >> of what you're going understanding what >> of what you're going understanding what >> of what you're going understanding what you're going through. He tells Abraham, "I want you to go take He tells Abraham, "I want you to go take your son, the only son, the one that you your son, the only son, the one that you your son, the only son, the one that you couldn't have. Tried to have another couldn't have. Tried to have another couldn't have. Tried to have another way.

The one that was born of a miracle. The one that was born of a miracle. Take him to the mountain Take him to the mountain Take him to the mountain and I want you to offer him as a and I want you to offer him as a and I want you to offer him as a sacrifice." sacrifice." sacrifice." God did not tell the man why and Abraham and Abraham obeyed. obeyed. obeyed. But it was an obedience based in trust But it was an obedience based in trust But it was an obedience based in trust in the relationship because Isaac turned in the relationship because Isaac turned in the relationship because Isaac turned to him and said, "What's up?" to him and said, "What's up?" to him and said, "What's up?" That's 2025 version. What's up, pop? That's 2025 version. What's up, pop? That's 2025 version. What's up, pop? I see the wood. And Abraham responds, "Don't worry, my And Abraham responds, "Don't worry, my son. God will provide himself a son. God will provide himself a son. God will provide himself a sacrifice." Abraham was speaking sacrifice." Abraham was speaking sacrifice." Abraham was speaking prophetically because he didn't know prophetically because he didn't know prophetically because he didn't know that he was actually prophetically that he was actually prophetically that he was actually prophetically announcing that God himself announcing that God himself announcing that God himself >> would be the lamb.

>> would be the lamb. >> would be the lamb. He didn't understand that he was in a He didn't understand that he was in a He didn't understand that he was in a prophetic moment symbolizing and prophetic moment symbolizing and prophetic moment symbolizing and foreshadowing something powerful that foreshadowing something powerful that foreshadowing something powerful that was about to come that he was linked to was about to come that he was linked to was about to come that he was linked to >> in ways that he didn't understand, >> in ways that he didn't understand, >> in ways that he didn't understand, couldn't understand. >> Had to walk him through it before he >> Had to walk him through it before he could explain it. could explain it. could explain it. >> And when he obeyed, there was the ram in >> And when he obeyed, there was the ram in >> And when he obeyed, there was the ram in the bush. How many say what I'm talking about? How many say what I'm talking about? >> Do you know how many times Jesus told >> Do you know how many times Jesus told >> Do you know how many times Jesus told his disciples, "I'm going to have to his disciples, "I'm going to have to his disciples, "I'm going to have to suffer many things and then be killed. and then be killed. But on the third day, I'll rise again." But on the third day, I'll rise again." But on the third day, I'll rise again." And the scriptures said they didn't And the scriptures said they didn't And the scriptures said they didn't understand it. They weren't able to understand it. They weren't able to understand it. They weren't able to grasp it in Luke. grasp it in Luke. grasp it in Luke. And he said it several times in Matthew, And he said it several times in Matthew, And he said it several times in Matthew, several times in Luke, several times in several times in Luke, several times in several times in Luke, several times in Mark, several times in John. And they Mark, several times in John. And they Mark, several times in John. And they just couldn't grasp it. Why? He they had just couldn't grasp it. Why? He they had just couldn't grasp it. Why? He they had to experience it.

to experience it. to experience it. >> They had to see him suffer, die, hit >> They had to see him suffer, die, hit >> They had to see him suffer, die, hit that cross, rise from the dead. And only that cross, rise from the dead. And only that cross, rise from the dead. And only then on the road to Damascus could he then on the road to Damascus could he then on the road to Damascus could he take two of them and open the eyes of take two of them and open the eyes of take two of them and open the eyes of their understanding and unpack the their understanding and unpack the their understanding and unpack the scripture to them and say to them, scripture to them and say to them, scripture to them and say to them, "Didn't I tell you that these things had "Didn't I tell you that these things had "Didn't I tell you that these things had to be fulfilled?" >> Because there are times that we can't >> Because there are times that we can't get it until we go through it. get it until we go through it. get it until we go through it. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Oh, I've been there. I'm ready to go to prison with you." I'm ready to go to prison with you." I don't know about John and the rest of I don't know about John and the rest of I don't know about John and the rest of them, them, them, but this is Pete.

And Jesus says, "Simon, Simon, And Jesus says, "Simon, Simon, Satan seeks to have you and sift you Satan seeks to have you and sift you Satan seeks to have you and sift you like wheat. like wheat. like wheat. In fact, you're going to deny In fact, you're going to deny In fact, you're going to deny three times, not just once, but three three times, not just once, but three three times, not just once, but three times that you even know me at the crow times that you even know me at the crow times that you even know me at the crow of the >> after you go through this, cuz the only >> after you go through this, cuz the only way you're going to understand this is way you're going to understand this is way you're going to understand this is you've got to experience it. You've got you've got to experience it. You've got you've got to experience it. You've got to walk through this. And when you do, to walk through this. And when you do, to walk through this. And when you do, >> strengthen your brethren. >> strengthen your brethren. >> strengthen your brethren. >> And he said it in a way as though once >> And he said it in a way as though once >> And he said it in a way as though once Peter walked through all of this, he Peter walked through all of this, he Peter walked through all of this, he would be convinced beyond a shadow of a would be convinced beyond a shadow of a would be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, doubt, doubt, >> no longer asking the strange questions. Oh, I can give you example after Oh, I can give you example after example. Job example. Job example. Job had no idea what was going on behind the had no idea what was going on behind the had no idea what was going on behind the scenes, scenes, scenes, but he had to go through it but he had to go through it but he had to go through it >> in order to understand it. Turn to your >> in order to understand it. Turn to your >> in order to understand it. Turn to your neighbor, say, "Neighbor."

neighbor, say, "Neighbor." neighbor, say, "Neighbor." >> Neighbor, >> Neighbor, >> Neighbor, >> sometimes >> sometimes >> sometimes >> Sometimes >> Sometimes >> Sometimes >> you've got to walk the pain. >> you've got to walk the pain. >> you've got to walk the pain. >> You got to walk the pain. >> You got to walk the pain. >> You got to walk the pain. >> Before God explains. >> Before God explains. >> Before God explains. >> before God. >> before God. >> before God. >> See, I can't do anything without rhyming >> See, I can't do anything without rhyming >> See, I can't do anything without rhyming anymore. >> Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor." >> Get a new neighbor. Say, "New neighbor." >> New neighbor. Sometimes >> New neighbor. Sometimes >> New neighbor. Sometimes >> you got to walk the pain >> you got to walk the pain >> you got to walk the pain >> walk >> walk >> walk >> before God explains. >> before God explains. >> before God explains. >> before God explains. >> before God explains. >> before God explains. >> Because when you come out of that, you >> Because when you come out of that, you >> Because when you come out of that, you come out deeper, trusting, come out deeper, trusting, come out deeper, trusting, understanding, your eyes open, understanding, your eyes open, understanding, your eyes open, the dots connected, the dots connected, the dots connected, >> pieces of the puzzle begin to fit >> pieces of the puzzle begin to fit >> pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together, >> God didn't give Abraham a blueprint. >> God didn't give Abraham a blueprint. He said, "Gather your belongings, He said, "Gather your belongings, He said, "Gather your belongings, gather your family, and leave and go and go to the place that I will show you." See, to the place that I will show you." See, to the place that I will show you." See, that was me. I I would have said, "Hold that was me. I I would have said, "Hold that was me. I I would have said, "Hold up.

up. up. I'm ready to go. I'm ready to gather, I'm ready to go. I'm ready to gather, I'm ready to go. I'm ready to gather, but I need to know where I'm going." And Abraham journeyed. And Abraham journeyed. And it's only through that journey that And it's only through that journey that And it's only through that journey that he began to understand and the pieces of he began to understand and the pieces of he began to understand and the pieces of the puzzle began to come together and the puzzle began to come together and the puzzle began to come together and make sense. Yeah, we are out of time now, but I Yeah, we are out of time now, but I think you got the idea. think you got the idea. think you got the idea. >> Come on, say it with me. Sometimes >> Come on, say it with me. Sometimes >> Come on, say it with me. Sometimes >> Sometimes >> Sometimes >> Sometimes >> you've got to walk the pain. >> you've got to walk the pain. >> you've got to walk the pain. >> Before God explains. >> Before God explains. >> Before God explains. >> God explains. >> God explains. >> God explains. >> In fact, I think that's a good title for >> In fact, I think that's a good title for >> In fact, I think that's a good title for the message. timing, maturity, timing, maturity, capacity, capacity, capacity, >> relationship, >> relationship, >> relationship, all of those things come into play even all of those things come into play even all of those things come into play even in your walk with God. Some people think in your walk with God. Some people think in your walk with God. Some people think that they can manipulate God into giving that they can manipulate God into giving that they can manipulate God into giving information. You see this is why the information. You see this is why the information. You see this is why the Bible is against necromancy, Bible is against necromancy, Bible is against necromancy, witchcraft, witchcraft, witchcraft, >> divination >> divination >> divination because it's all an attempt to access because it's all an attempt to access because it's all an attempt to access knowledge that is forbidden knowledge that is forbidden knowledge that is forbidden that is illegal that is illegal that is illegal attempt to access information.

attempt to access information. attempt to access information. That's why God and it opens you up to That's why God and it opens you up to That's why God and it opens you up to things things things that can destroy your life and your that can destroy your life and your that can destroy your life and your family. Did you get anything out of that family. Did you get anything out of that family. Did you get anything out of that today? Come on, give God a good hand. today? Come on, give God a good hand. today? Come on, give God a good hand. Clap offering. In fact, stand to your Clap offering. In fact, stand to your Clap offering. In fact, stand to your feet. Let's praise God for his word. His feet. Let's praise God for his word. His feet. Let's praise God for his word. His word. word. word. He sent his word to heal us and deliver He sent his word to heal us and deliver He sent his word to heal us and deliver us from our destruction. us from our destruction. us from our destruction. That's why in spite of the fact that That's why in spite of the fact that That's why in spite of the fact that there are people who want CCC to be a there are people who want CCC to be a there are people who want CCC to be a million different things, we're very million different things, we're very million different things, we're very clear. We're a teaching ministry. We're clear. We're a teaching ministry. We're clear. We're a teaching ministry. We're a word church and we will continue to a word church and we will continue to a word church and we will continue to build and grow around the centrality of build and grow around the centrality of build and grow around the centrality of the word, taking Christ into the the word, taking Christ into the the word, taking Christ into the culture. Come on, slap high five with culture. Come on, slap high five with culture. Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell them I got that word three people. Tell them I got that word three people. Tell them I got that word today. today. today. [Music] >> Can I pray over you?

>> Can I pray over you? >> Father, thank you for this wonderful >> Father, thank you for this wonderful >> Father, thank you for this wonderful community of faith, this wonderful community of faith, this wonderful community of faith, this wonderful spiritual family. spiritual family. spiritual family. Thank you for all of the hundreds of Thank you for all of the hundreds of Thank you for all of the hundreds of people who have joined over the last people who have joined over the last people who have joined over the last year and become part of the CCC family. year and become part of the CCC family. year and become part of the CCC family. Thank you for their growth and Thank you for their growth and Thank you for their growth and development. Thank you for those who development. Thank you for those who development. Thank you for those who have been here for so long committed to have been here for so long committed to have been here for so long committed to this vision that you've entrusted to our this vision that you've entrusted to our this vision that you've entrusted to our care. We love you. We bless you today. care. We love you. We bless you today. care. We love you. We bless you today. And I pray that your Holy Spirit will And I pray that your Holy Spirit will And I pray that your Holy Spirit will continue to anoint and unfold this word continue to anoint and unfold this word continue to anoint and unfold this word throughout the week, in fact throughout throughout the week, in fact throughout throughout the week, in fact throughout the rest of our lives. the rest of our lives. the rest of our lives. >> We thank you and bless you in Jesus' >> We thank you and bless you in Jesus' >> We thank you and bless you in Jesus' name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. And amen. God bless your family. Much And amen. God bless your family. Much And amen. God bless your family. Much love to you. What an incredible word we receive What an incredible word we receive today. Amen. today. Amen. today. Amen. >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. reminds me of the the ending of Job's reminds me of the the ending of Job's reminds me of the the ending of Job's story where in his in the book of Job, story where in his in the book of Job, story where in his in the book of Job, he says, "Before I went through what I he says, "Before I went through what I he says, "Before I went through what I went through, I heard about you went through, I heard about you went through, I heard about you >> with the hearing of my ears. But now >> with the hearing of my ears. But now >> with the hearing of my ears. But now that I've gone through, I see you." that I've gone through, I see you." that I've gone through, I see you." >> And that word see there indicates I >> And that word see there indicates I >> And that word see there indicates I understand now. I didn't understand understand now. I didn't understand understand now. I didn't understand before I went through it. I thought I before I went through it. I thought I before I went through it. I thought I knew how things were supposed to go. But knew how things were supposed to go. But knew how things were supposed to go. But after I went through what you took me after I went through what you took me after I went through what you took me through, now I understand. Now I see. through, now I understand. Now I see. through, now I understand. Now I see. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I don't know about you, but the reality I don't know about you, but the reality I don't know about you, but the reality of the walk that we are going through of the walk that we are going through of the walk that we are going through with God with God with God means that there are times God will take means that there are times God will take means that there are times God will take us through before he gives information. us through before he gives information. us through before he gives information. And I praise God for the reality that is And I praise God for the reality that is And I praise God for the reality that is going on in each of our lives as we walk going on in each of our lives as we walk going on in each of our lives as we walk with him. Amen.

with him. Amen. with him. Amen. >> Praise God. Can I pray for you today? >> Praise God. Can I pray for you today? >> Praise God. Can I pray for you today? >> Would you bow your heads? Heavenly >> Would you bow your heads? Heavenly >> Would you bow your heads? Heavenly Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Thank you so much for the truth of your Thank you so much for the truth of your Thank you so much for the truth of your word. Thank you so much for the reality word. Thank you so much for the reality word. Thank you so much for the reality of our walk with you. And thank you, of our walk with you. And thank you, of our walk with you. And thank you, Lord God, for your ever, ever glowing Lord God, for your ever, ever glowing Lord God, for your ever, ever glowing and growing patience with us. Even when and growing patience with us. Even when and growing patience with us. Even when we think we know and we don't know, you we think we know and we don't know, you we think we know and we don't know, you don't give up on us. And Lord God, when don't give up on us. And Lord God, when don't give up on us. And Lord God, when we are confused and when we take on an we are confused and when we take on an we are confused and when we take on an attitude that shows that we don't know, attitude that shows that we don't know, attitude that shows that we don't know, you continue to be patient with us. So you continue to be patient with us. So you continue to be patient with us. So Lord, I ask today that we would take Lord, I ask today that we would take Lord, I ask today that we would take this word and we would meditate on this this word and we would meditate on this this word and we would meditate on this word and that we would give ourselves to word and that we would give ourselves to word and that we would give ourselves to this word and recognize Lord God that this word and recognize Lord God that this word and recognize Lord God that our maturity in you comes as we continue our maturity in you comes as we continue our maturity in you comes as we continue to trust you even when we don't to trust you even when we don't to trust you even when we don't understand. Trust you when we don't see understand. Trust you when we don't see understand. Trust you when we don't see the answer. Trust you and walk with you the answer. Trust you and walk with you the answer. Trust you and walk with you in obedience.

in obedience. in obedience. And father, it is only the truth of your And father, it is only the truth of your And father, it is only the truth of your word that causes us, Lord God, to grow, word that causes us, Lord God, to grow, word that causes us, Lord God, to grow, to mature, and to develop. So continue to mature, and to develop. So continue to mature, and to develop. So continue to work with us. Continue to move on our to work with us. Continue to move on our to work with us. Continue to move on our hearts. Continue to help us Lord God to hearts. Continue to help us Lord God to hearts. Continue to help us Lord God to walk in obedience to your word. And we walk in obedience to your word. And we walk in obedience to your word. And we give you all the glory, all the honor, give you all the glory, all the honor, give you all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise for it in Jesus' and all the praise for it in Jesus' and all the praise for it in Jesus' name. name. name. Amen. And amen. Come on, give the Lord a Amen. And amen. Come on, give the Lord a Amen. And amen. Come on, give the Lord a praise today. praise today. praise today. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Well, family, let's say something good Well, family, let's say something good Well, family, let's say something good as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless you seeing it come to pass. God bless you seeing it come to pass. God bless you and have a blessed week in the Lord. and have a blessed week in the Lord. and have a blessed week in the Lord. >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

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