08-30-26 BK Word | Pastor Jamaal Bernard

All right, family. We're going to get All right, family. We're going to get into this message. I think I think Lord, into this message. I think I think Lord, into this message. I think I think Lord, you know. All right. So, so let's let's you know. All right. So, so let's let's you know. All right. So, so let's let's let's close out, you know, the series let's close out, you know, the series let's close out, you know, the series that we were talking about within the that we were talking about within the that we were talking about within the next 25 minutes. Uh I'm going to rush next 25 minutes. Uh I'm going to rush next 25 minutes. Uh I'm going to rush through. If I speak too fast, just let through. If I speak too fast, just let through. If I speak too fast, just let me know. If I didn't, you know, if I me know. If I didn't, you know, if I me know. If I didn't, you know, if I moved on too fast, just let me know. moved on too fast, just let me know. moved on too fast, just let me know. Just don't yell at me. I'm going have Just don't yell at me. I'm going have Just don't yell at me. I'm going have security hit you with a dart a tran. security hit you with a dart a tran. security hit you with a dart a tran. All right, [laughter] that's what we're All right, [laughter] that's what we're All right, [laughter] that's what we're doing now. We set up a whole bunch of doing now. We set up a whole bunch of doing now. We set up a whole bunch of tranquilizers tranquilizers tranquilizers and it makes it just so much easier. and it makes it just so much easier. and it makes it just so much easier. It's less obvious or you know, so we It's less obvious or you know, so we It's less obvious or you know, so we won't go viral for dragging somebody out won't go viral for dragging somebody out won't go viral for dragging somebody out before they acting up. So we got to have before they acting up. So we got to have before they acting up. So we got to have this tranqu and oh look at that pastor this tranqu and oh look at that pastor this tranqu and oh look at that pastor must be boring. He you know they all must be boring. He you know they all must be boring. He you know they all sleeping. And now you got they off. So my dad has been pushing uh this thing So my dad has been pushing uh this thing for years and we want to really dig back for years and we want to really dig back for years and we want to really dig back into it because you know as we've been into it because you know as we've been into it because you know as we've been looking at for the past year of really looking at for the past year of really looking at for the past year of really uh ecocating uh individuals and what we uh ecocating uh individuals and what we uh ecocating uh individuals and what we are we have a lot of new individuals and are we have a lot of new individuals and are we have a lot of new individuals and so I I want to lean in on this this so I I want to lean in on this this so I I want to lean in on this this concept called Christ and culture. You concept called Christ and culture. You concept called Christ and culture. You hear us say it, you hear us talk about hear us say it, you hear us talk about hear us say it, you hear us talk about it, but it's a reality. And and and so it, but it's a reality. And and and so it, but it's a reality. And and and so reason why I've been leaning in talking reason why I've been leaning in talking reason why I've been leaning in talking about, you know, the the the the biggest about, you know, the the the the biggest about, you know, the the the the biggest enemy is our enemy. And the greatest lie enemy is our enemy. And the greatest lie enemy is our enemy. And the greatest lie we can believe is a lie about what we we can believe is a lie about what we we can believe is a lie about what we the a selfdeception lie that we talk the a selfdeception lie that we talk the a selfdeception lie that we talk about ourselves. And I dig into it to about ourselves. And I dig into it to about ourselves. And I dig into it to explain it some more. And so what I what explain it some more. And so what I what explain it some more. And so what I what I realized I want to talk about, you I realized I want to talk about, you I realized I want to talk about, you know, a little bit of Christ in culture.

know, a little bit of Christ in culture. know, a little bit of Christ in culture. And I added for my fingerprint And I added for my fingerprint And I added for my fingerprint unapologetically, right? So, I want to unapologetically, right? So, I want to unapologetically, right? So, I want to make sure that we represent Christ make sure that we represent Christ make sure that we represent Christ unapologetically in culture. And why? unapologetically in culture. And why? unapologetically in culture. And why? Because look at the way things are Because look at the way things are Because look at the way things are going. Uh, and I reason why I added going. Uh, and I reason why I added going. Uh, and I reason why I added unapologetically is because I'm not unapologetically is because I'm not unapologetically is because I'm not apologizing for my spiritual walk, apologizing for my spiritual walk, apologizing for my spiritual walk, right? And my and and and the reality is right? And my and and and the reality is right? And my and and and the reality is that my life will ultimately offend that my life will ultimately offend that my life will ultimately offend somebody, somebody, somebody, right? It'll ultimately make somebody right? It'll ultimately make somebody right? It'll ultimately make somebody feel awkward. You know, ultimately, if feel awkward. You know, ultimately, if feel awkward. You know, ultimately, if if you're living a certain walk, if if you're living a certain walk, if if you're living a certain walk, if you're walking this walk, you're going you're walking this walk, you're going you're walking this walk, you're going to walk into the room sometimes and to walk into the room sometimes and to walk into the room sometimes and people are going to get weirded out, people are going to get weirded out, people are going to get weirded out, freaked out, bothered, annoyed at your freaked out, bothered, annoyed at your freaked out, bothered, annoyed at your walk. Because remember, you're you're walk. Because remember, you're you're walk. Because remember, you're you're you're you're stepping into some dark you're you're stepping into some dark you're you're stepping into some dark areas that don't want the light. areas that don't want the light. areas that don't want the light. >> You're stepping into some areas that >> You're stepping into some areas that >> You're stepping into some areas that don't want the truth. You're stepping don't want the truth. You're stepping don't want the truth. You're stepping into areas that don't want into areas that don't want into areas that don't want transformation that needed. You're transformation that needed. You're transformation that needed. You're stepping into areas. So God has called stepping into areas. So God has called stepping into areas. So God has called you to walk into certain areas. And so you to walk into certain areas. And so you to walk into certain areas. And so ultimately, you have to go in ultimately, you have to go in ultimately, you have to go in understanding that you're representing understanding that you're representing understanding that you're representing Christ and you're not going to apologize Christ and you're not going to apologize Christ and you're not going to apologize for it.

for it. for it. [applause] >> And and and I understand because >> And and and I understand because especially the younger generation, they especially the younger generation, they especially the younger generation, they don't want to rub anybody the wrong way. don't want to rub anybody the wrong way. don't want to rub anybody the wrong way. They don't want to ruffle anybody They don't want to ruffle anybody They don't want to ruffle anybody feathers. But I'm like, when it comes to feathers. But I'm like, when it comes to feathers. But I'm like, when it comes to Christ, sometimes the only way you get Christ, sometimes the only way you get Christ, sometimes the only way you get somebody's attention is if you are somebody's attention is if you are somebody's attention is if you are ruffling their feathers, right? ruffling their feathers, right? ruffling their feathers, right? Sometimes if you get that in order to Sometimes if you get that in order to Sometimes if you get that in order to get their attention because it is get their attention because it is get their attention because it is sometimes it is it it is the sometimes it is it it is the sometimes it is it it is the uncomfortable shift that happens in the uncomfortable shift that happens in the uncomfortable shift that happens in the atmosphere that grabs somebody's atmosphere that grabs somebody's atmosphere that grabs somebody's attention and says okay wait whoa whoa attention and says okay wait whoa whoa attention and says okay wait whoa whoa whoa whoa this is not how the atmosphere whoa whoa this is not how the atmosphere whoa whoa this is not how the atmosphere should be cuz we get so often people get should be cuz we get so often people get should be cuz we get so often people get comfortable with certain atmospheres and comfortable with certain atmospheres and comfortable with certain atmospheres and they don't understand that that's not they don't understand that that's not they don't understand that that's not the right atmosphere. the right atmosphere. the right atmosphere. So you got the kid that walks into the So you got the kid that walks into the So you got the kid that walks into the house and there's a bunch of arguing and house and there's a bunch of arguing and house and there's a bunch of arguing and every day there's arguing and they every day there's arguing and they every day there's arguing and they cursing and they fighting and there's cursing and they fighting and there's cursing and they fighting and there's drinking, there's dishes being thrown drinking, there's dishes being thrown drinking, there's dishes being thrown and bottles being thrown. That becomes a and bottles being thrown. That becomes a and bottles being thrown. That becomes a norm for his life. norm for his life. norm for his life. That becomes and so so he he's there and That becomes and so so he he's there and That becomes and so so he he's there and oh no disses are broken today. Is oh no disses are broken today. Is oh no disses are broken today. Is everything okay? Like so so when when everything okay? Like so so when when everything okay? Like so so when when when when that is not happening and the when when that is not happening and the when when that is not happening and the cursing and the fighting and the cursing and the fighting and the cursing and the fighting and the argument is not happening, they feel argument is not happening, they feel argument is not happening, they feel awkward awkward awkward >> because they're so used to an atmosphere >> because they're so used to an atmosphere >> because they're so used to an atmosphere that's antagonistic to what God has that's antagonistic to what God has that's antagonistic to what God has called us to live in.

called us to live in. called us to live in. >> And so when you walk in that's >> And so when you walk in that's >> And so when you walk in that's representing Christ and culture, you're representing Christ and culture, you're representing Christ and culture, you're walking into an atmosphere and you're walking into an atmosphere and you're walking into an atmosphere and you're introducing somebody to an atmosphere introducing somebody to an atmosphere introducing somebody to an atmosphere that they are designed and wired to walk that they are designed and wired to walk that they are designed and wired to walk in. in. in. And what happens is I I you know you got And what happens is I I you know you got And what happens is I I you know you got individuals who see this atmosphere individuals who see this atmosphere individuals who see this atmosphere shift and they say wait wait wait wait shift and they say wait wait wait wait shift and they say wait wait wait wait wait they start comparing. I know people wait they start comparing. I know people wait they start comparing. I know people say oh comparison is a bad thing but say oh comparison is a bad thing but say oh comparison is a bad thing but sometimes compar comparing is good sometimes compar comparing is good sometimes compar comparing is good because you start realizing wait this is because you start realizing wait this is because you start realizing wait this is not how it was supposed to be not how it was supposed to be not how it was supposed to be and I get kids that used to come over and I get kids that used to come over and I get kids that used to come over and we hang out at my house and and and and we hang out at my house and and and and we hang out at my house and and and my dad is always I I thank God I I for my dad is always I I thank God I I for my dad is always I I thank God I I for my dad always have an open door for my my dad always have an open door for my my dad always have an open door for my friends cuz we always brought somebody. friends cuz we always brought somebody. friends cuz we always brought somebody. He had six sons and if every son brought He had six sons and if every son brought He had six sons and if every son brought a friend that's 12 individuals that he a friend that's 12 individuals that he a friend that's 12 individuals that he had to feed. I know. Pray. We we prayed. had to feed. I know. Pray. We we prayed. had to feed. I know. Pray. We we prayed. I told you my mother was a miracle I told you my mother was a miracle I told you my mother was a miracle worker. I think she had the, you know, a worker. I think she had the, you know, a worker. I think she had the, you know, a little bit of the gift of Jesus where little bit of the gift of Jesus where little bit of the gift of Jesus where she took two loaves of fish. I mean, two she took two loaves of fish. I mean, two she took two loaves of fish. I mean, two loaves of bread and and fish, you know, loaves of bread and and fish, you know, loaves of bread and and fish, you know, and she multiplied cuz everybody ate at and she multiplied cuz everybody ate at and she multiplied cuz everybody ate at the end and it was leftovers. So, I got the end and it was leftovers. So, I got the end and it was leftovers. So, I got to give it to my mother. But to give it to my mother. But to give it to my mother. But when the people started coming to the when the people started coming to the when the people started coming to the house, [applause] they started realizing certain things they started realizing certain things and they walk in and they started and they walk in and they started and they walk in and they started realizing, okay, what does it look like realizing, okay, what does it look like realizing, okay, what does it look like to have a father at home?

>> Not only did they start realizing, okay, >> Not only did they start realizing, okay, what it looks like to have a father at what it looks like to have a father at what it looks like to have a father at home, what does it look like to have a home, what does it look like to have a home, what does it look like to have a father that loved father that loved father that loved >> his kids >> his kids >> his kids >> at home? >> at home? >> at home? >> [applause] >> And what started happening? It started >> And what started happening? It started shifting these individuals and they shifting these individuals and they shifting these individuals and they started moving towards the idea of started moving towards the idea of started moving towards the idea of saying, "Wow, okay, this is what is saying, "Wow, okay, this is what is saying, "Wow, okay, this is what is supposed to look like supposed to look like supposed to look like >> now. No longer because remember if I if >> now. No longer because remember if I if >> now. No longer because remember if I if you're not removed from an atmosphere you're not removed from an atmosphere you're not removed from an atmosphere and a reality that is not true, you're and a reality that is not true, you're and a reality that is not true, you're going to try to live out and replicate going to try to live out and replicate going to try to live out and replicate that same reality for the next that same reality for the next that same reality for the next generation." generation." generation." >> Come on, saints. >> Come on, saints. >> Come on, saints. And so that that those young men stepped And so that that those young men stepped And so that that those young men stepped out of that reality was introduced a god out of that reality was introduced a god out of that reality was introduced a god driven reality and they started shifting driven reality and they started shifting driven reality and they started shifting how they started looking at life and how they started looking at life and how they started looking at life and pushing certain things. pushing certain things. pushing certain things. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> But it's a reality that we all have to >> But it's a reality that we all have to >> But it's a reality that we all have to face and and and the reality is that face and and and the reality is that face and and and the reality is that that there's a gap that we all have in that there's a gap that we all have in that there's a gap that we all have in our lives. Turn your neighbor say our lives. Turn your neighbor say our lives. Turn your neighbor say neighbor neighbor neighbor >> neighbor. >> neighbor. >> neighbor. >> There's a gap. >> There's a gap. >> There's a gap. >> There's a gap.

>> There's a gap. >> There's a gap. And the gap for those who are trying to And the gap for those who are trying to And the gap for those who are trying to figure out where am I going with this is figure out where am I going with this is figure out where am I going with this is the distance between who I am the distance between who I am the distance between who I am and who Christ is calling me to become. >> Who I am >> Who I am >> and who Christ is calling me to become. >> and who Christ is calling me to become. >> and who Christ is calling me to become. And this is this is this is key. So And this is this is this is key. So And this is this is this is key. So simple but yet one of the hardest things simple but yet one of the hardest things simple but yet one of the hardest things that we all face. that we all face. that we all face. I don't care how old you are in the I don't care how old you are in the I don't care how old you are in the faith. This is the consistent tension we faith. This is the consistent tension we faith. This is the consistent tension we all live in all live in all live in because the reality is we never fully because the reality is we never fully because the reality is we never fully arrive. And I love it. Just I got to give a And I love it. Just I got to give a biblical verse to make sure y'all can biblical verse to make sure y'all can biblical verse to make sure y'all can see y'all were in church. see y'all were in church. see y'all were in church. In Ephesians chapter 4:1 13. In Ephesians chapter 4:1 13. In Ephesians chapter 4:1 13. Now, let's go back to 11 to give some a little background. So, to give some a little background. So, this is Paul responding to some of the this is Paul responding to some of the this is Paul responding to some of the questions. He says, "Now, these are the questions. He says, "Now, these are the questions. He says, "Now, these are the gifts uh Christ gave to the church." I'm gifts uh Christ gave to the church." I'm gifts uh Christ gave to the church." I'm reading out of New Living Translation, reading out of New Living Translation, reading out of New Living Translation, the apostles, the prophets, the the apostles, the prophets, the the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors, and the evangelists, and the pastors, and the evangelists, and the pastors, and the teachers.

teachers. teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's Their responsibility is to equip God's Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the people to do his work and build up the people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will church, the body of Christ. This will church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such a continue until we all come to such a continue until we all come to such a unity in our faith and knowledge of unity in our faith and knowledge of unity in our faith and knowledge of God's son that we will be mature in the God's son that we will be mature in the God's son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and Lord, measuring up to the full and Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. The full complete standard of Christ. The full complete standard of Christ. The full and complete standard. Right? It's and complete standard. Right? It's and complete standard. Right? It's difficult. I'm like, Paul, you bugging. Then verse 14, we will no longer be im Then verse 14, we will no longer be im immature like children. Now as I read immature like children. Now as I read immature like children. Now as I read this, don't start thinking about other this, don't start thinking about other this, don't start thinking about other Christians that you know. Christians that you know. Christians that you know. >> Then we will no longer be like immature >> Then we will no longer be like immature >> Then we will no longer be like immature like children. We won't be tossed and like children. We won't be tossed and like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind and new blown about by every wind and new blown about by every wind and new teaching. teaching. teaching. >> So I I I can go somewhere if we had >> So I I I can go somewhere if we had >> So I I I can go somewhere if we had enough time with just that text right enough time with just that text right enough time with just that text right there, that verse right there. We will there, that verse right there. We will there, that verse right there. We will not be influenced when people try to not be influenced when people try to not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound trick us with lies so clever they sound trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

like the truth. like the truth. >> Instead, we will speak the truth in >> Instead, we will speak the truth in >> Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more love, growing in every way more and more love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his like Christ, who is the head of his like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. body, the church. body, the church. So, here's my central thought. So, here's my central thought. So, here's my central thought. There are four versions at all times at all times operating outside of us. So there four versions of outside of us. So there four versions of us that's operating at all times. Four us that's operating at all times. Four us that's operating at all times. Four versions. People like, "Pastor R, where versions. People like, "Pastor R, where versions. People like, "Pastor R, where you going?" Yeah, y'all. I'm not saying you going?" Yeah, y'all. I'm not saying you going?" Yeah, y'all. I'm not saying y'all are schizophrenic or or anything y'all are schizophrenic or or anything y'all are schizophrenic or or anything like that. There's four versions that is like that. There's four versions that is like that. There's four versions that is operating at all times. The first version is the person I The first version is the person I profess to be. profess to be. profess to be. The person I profess to be. The second The person I profess to be. The second The person I profess to be. The second version is the person I perceive myself version is the person I perceive myself version is the person I perceive myself to be. The third person is the person to be. The third person is the person to be. The third person is the person others actually experience. And the others actually experience. And the others actually experience. And the fourth person is the person Christ is fourth person is the person Christ is fourth person is the person Christ is calling me to become.

>> I'm going go back over it. >> I'm going go back over it. SEE, BUT THIS DISTANCE BETWEEN ALL OF SEE, BUT THIS DISTANCE BETWEEN ALL OF SEE, BUT THIS DISTANCE BETWEEN ALL OF THOSE is what we call the gap. THOSE is what we call the gap. THOSE is what we call the gap. So, let's go over the first person. See, So, let's go over the first person. See, So, let's go over the first person. See, I told you I was going to go back. So, I told you I was going to go back. So, I told you I was going to go back. So, see, I didn't I I rushed through it cuz see, I didn't I I rushed through it cuz see, I didn't I I rushed through it cuz now you need space to write your notes. see, because I know that I'm dealing see, because I know that I'm dealing with this myself because as I started with this myself because as I started with this myself because as I started studying and preparing for this, I said, studying and preparing for this, I said, studying and preparing for this, I said, "Man, Lord, this is what I go through." "Man, Lord, this is what I go through." "Man, Lord, this is what I go through." And and so as I talk about you, I I And and so as I talk about you, I I And and so as I talk about you, I I already talked about myself. already talked about myself. already talked about myself. And say neighbor, neighbor. Say the And say neighbor, neighbor. Say the And say neighbor, neighbor. Say the neighbor. Say neighbor. neighbor. Say neighbor. neighbor. Say neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> Oh, he's about to talk about you. >> And so the first person is the person I >> And so the first person is the person I profess to be. profess to be. profess to be. We all profess to be a certain person. We all profess to be a certain person. We all profess to be a certain person. And that's why I tell you, you have And that's why I tell you, you have And that's why I tell you, you have daughters, they're going to explain to daughters, they're going to explain to daughters, they're going to explain to you that that's not you. you that that's not you. you that that's not you. sons are for some reason like a we let sons are for some reason like a we let sons are for some reason like a we let it rock we don't bring it to your it rock we don't bring it to your it rock we don't bring it to your attention like yeah I'm just trying to attention like yeah I'm just trying to attention like yeah I'm just trying to get do me like daddy you you you all get do me like daddy you you you all get do me like daddy you you you all right like I had to tell my dad I was right like I had to tell my dad I was right like I had to tell my dad I was like don't tell him I'm telling on him like don't tell him I'm telling on him like don't tell him I'm telling on him so my dad get the surgery right for his so my dad get the surgery right for his so my dad get the surgery right for his other hip other hip other hip you know and and and you know and and and you know and and and they like yo how old are you and he said they like yo how old are you and he said they like yo how old are you and he said his age oh you don't look that young his age oh you don't look that young his age oh you don't look that young right so he took that right so he took that right so he took that I mean he you don't look that old right I mean he you don't look that old right I mean he you don't look that old right so he thinks he's looking young.

so he thinks he's looking young. so he thinks he's looking young. So he comes to the house So he comes to the house So he comes to the house the two days after he's not supposed to the two days after he's not supposed to the two days after he's not supposed to be out and he's telling me the story and be out and he's telling me the story and be out and he's telling me the story and he said, "Yeah, so they said I'm doing he said, "Yeah, so they said I'm doing he said, "Yeah, so they said I'm doing good. You know, my body is is is good. You know, my body is is is good. You know, my body is is is responding a lot faster. You know, I I responding a lot faster. You know, I I responding a lot faster. You know, I I don't look my age. My body's not don't look my age. My body's not don't look my age. My body's not responding my age." And and I said, "But responding my age." And and I said, "But responding my age." And and I said, "But did they say that you can come out of did they say that you can come out of did they say that you can come out of the house?" So he looked at me, he said, he said, So he looked at me, he said, he said, "No, they said they said that I was "No, they said they said that I was "No, they said they said that I was doing good." And I said, "Yeah, but did doing good." And I said, "Yeah, but did doing good." And I said, "Yeah, but did they say you can come out of the house?" they say you can come out of the house?" they say you can come out of the house?" See, cuz the house is situated for his See, cuz the house is situated for his See, cuz the house is situated for his surgery. You know, you know, everything surgery. You know, you know, everything surgery. You know, you know, everything is clear. There's no obstacles. There's is clear. There's no obstacles. There's is clear. There's no obstacles. There's no no no possibilities of him using his no no no possibilities of him using his no no no possibilities of him using his hip in a certain way that he shouldn't hip in a certain way that he shouldn't hip in a certain way that he shouldn't have to use it, right? So, it's designed have to use it, right? So, it's designed have to use it, right? So, it's designed for him to walk around. And so, he's in for him to walk around. And so, he's in for him to walk around. And so, he's in an environment, a controlled an environment, a controlled an environment, a controlled environment, and he thinks that that environment, and he thinks that that environment, and he thinks that that controlled environment extends outside. And so I told daddy, I said, "Daddy, And so I told daddy, I said, "Daddy, listen here." I said, "It's your hip." listen here." I said, "It's your hip." listen here." I said, "It's your hip." So I did back to him what he used to do So I did back to him what he used to do So I did back to him what he used to do to me.

to me. to me. Cuz he used to tell me, "Mamar, it's Cuz he used to tell me, "Mamar, it's Cuz he used to tell me, "Mamar, it's your life. your life. your life. You don't have to listen to me." But I You don't have to listen to me." But I You don't have to listen to me." But I said, "Yes." said, "Yes." said, "Yes." And so I said, "Daddy, it's your hip. And so I said, "Daddy, it's your hip. And so I said, "Daddy, it's your hip. But for the sake of all of us who need But for the sake of all of us who need But for the sake of all of us who need you around, you around, you around, please just take your time." please just take your time." please just take your time." And what happens is you can see an And what happens is you can see an And what happens is you can see an expression of of of some of that as as expression of of of some of that as as expression of of of some of that as as the burden because he he there's a the burden because he he there's a the burden because he he there's a person he professes to be. WE ALL deal person he professes to be. WE ALL deal person he professes to be. WE ALL deal with it. WE ALL HAVE THIS THIS BATTLE with it. WE ALL HAVE THIS THIS BATTLE with it. WE ALL HAVE THIS THIS BATTLE THE ATTENTION THAT WE go through. And THE ATTENTION THAT WE go through. And THE ATTENTION THAT WE go through. And this and this is the public version, this and this is the public version, this and this is the public version, right? This is the person that you know right? This is the person that you know right? This is the person that you know this is what I say about myself. this is what I say about myself. this is what I say about myself. I got my values. I got values, my I got my values. I got values, my I got my values. I got values, my theology, my convictions, my theology, my convictions, my theology, my convictions, my declarations. I believe in forgiveness. declarations. I believe in forgiveness. declarations. I believe in forgiveness. Right? This is this is this IS NOT THE Right? This is this is this IS NOT THE Right? This is this is this IS NOT THE APPLIED VERSION. This is the perceived APPLIED VERSION. This is the perceived APPLIED VERSION. This is the perceived version. There's a gap between the version. There's a gap between the version. There's a gap between the applied version of Jamal Bernard and the applied version of Jamal Bernard and the applied version of Jamal Bernard and the perceived version of Jamal Bernard. This perceived version of Jamal Bernard. This perceived version of Jamal Bernard. This is what I say to myself and I believe in is what I say to myself and I believe in is what I say to myself and I believe in my head that that yeah, I forgive.

Yeah, I believe in humility. Yeah, I Yeah, I believe in humility. Yeah, I believe in family. I believe in believe in family. I believe in believe in family. I believe in integrity. integrity. integrity. See, that's what my per professed person See, that's what my per professed person See, that's what my per professed person is saying. But then you got number two. So it's a person I profess. Now it's the So it's a person I profess. Now it's the person I perceive myself to be. person I perceive myself to be. person I perceive myself to be. So this a tension and we all go through So this a tension and we all go through So this a tension and we all go through this. And and don't make me feel like this. And and don't make me feel like this. And and don't make me feel like I'm alone I'm alone I'm alone >> because y'all be talking about Pastor >> because y'all be talking about Pastor >> because y'all be talking about Pastor Jamal. And this is my internal narrative. And this is my internal narrative. This is who I think I am. This is who I think I am. This is who I think I am. And this is the one your wife says, "No, And this is the one your wife says, "No, And this is the one your wife says, "No, you're not." you're not." you're not." You got to appreciate your wives, You got to appreciate your wives, You got to appreciate your wives, fellas. Just embrace it. I told I told I fellas. Just embrace it. I told I told I fellas. Just embrace it. I told I told I told I told my wife, I said, "Thank God told I told my wife, I said, "Thank God told I told my wife, I said, "Thank God that that you understand the difference that that you understand the difference that that you understand the difference between nagging and accountability between nagging and accountability between nagging and accountability because there's a thin line between the because there's a thin line between the because there's a thin line between the two." I said, "Proverbs says it, you two." I said, "Proverbs says it, you two." I said, "Proverbs says it, you know." Okay, let me behave. I I got I know." Okay, let me behave. I I got I know." Okay, let me behave. I I got I had a nod over here saying, "Mar, don't had a nod over here saying, "Mar, don't had a nod over here saying, "Mar, don't do it. Don't do it."

do it. Don't do it." do it. Don't do it." So, back to the message. This is who I So, back to the message. This is who I So, back to the message. This is who I think I am. I want to say I'm a good think I am. I want to say I'm a good think I am. I want to say I'm a good person. Right? Everybody, how many want person. Right? Everybody, how many want person. Right? Everybody, how many want to say they're a good person? I want to to say they're a good person? I want to to say they're a good person? I want to say I'm a I'm a good leader. I I I I say I'm a I'm a good leader. I I I I say I'm a I'm a good leader. I I I I always want to say, you know, I'm I'm a always want to say, you know, I'm I'm a always want to say, you know, I'm I'm a good husband. good husband. good husband. I'm a good friend. I'm a I'm I'm I'm a good friend. I'm a I'm I'm I'm a good friend. I'm a I'm I'm emotionally mature. I am humble. And emotionally mature. I am humble. And emotionally mature. I am humble. And perhaps I'm I am perhaps I'm I am perhaps I'm I am but there's a problem. but there's a problem. but there's a problem. I am the narrator of my own story. I am the narrator of my own story. I am the narrator of my own story. >> I am the and and this is [laughter] this >> I am the and and this is [laughter] this >> I am the and and this is [laughter] this is this [snorts] okay let me stay is this [snorts] okay let me stay is this [snorts] okay let me stay focused. focused. focused. But the problem is narratives are not But the problem is narratives are not But the problem is narratives are not always reliable. always reliable. always reliable. And we talked about it before that that And we talked about it before that that And we talked about it before that that that from a a concept that there's this that from a a concept that there's this that from a a concept that there's this thing called selfbias, self-s serving thing called selfbias, self-s serving thing called selfbias, self-s serving bias. And we tend to interpret bias. And we tend to interpret bias. And we tend to interpret information in ways that protect our information in ways that protect our information in ways that protect our existing.

It tends to interpret information in It tends to interpret information in ways that protect our existing ways that protect our existing ways that protect our existing understanding of ourselves. So my understanding is I worked hard So my understanding is I worked hard when something fails. I so I create that when something fails. I so I create that when something fails. I so I create that mindset to is to to bridge the gap. I I mindset to is to to bridge the gap. I I mindset to is to to bridge the gap. I I did uh they didn't support me when I did uh they didn't support me when I did uh they didn't support me when I hurt someone. I uh you misunderstood me. hurt someone. I uh you misunderstood me. hurt someone. I uh you misunderstood me. When someone hurts me, I I I I let me When someone hurts me, I I I I let me When someone hurts me, I I I I let me tell you exactly what kind of person tell you exactly what kind of person tell you exactly what kind of person they are. We judge ourselves by they are. We judge ourselves by they are. We judge ourselves by intentions while often judging others by intentions while often judging others by intentions while often judging others by behavior. behavior. behavior. I know what I meant, but they only know I know what I meant, but they only know I know what I meant, but they only know what I did. And somewhere in between, what I did. And somewhere in between, what I did. And somewhere in between, what I tended and what they experienced what I tended and what they experienced what I tended and what they experienced is what we call the gap. Now, I'm going somewhere, family. The Now, I'm going somewhere, family. The third person third person third person is a person others experience is a person others experience is a person others experience me to be. me to be. me to be. This is the one that hurts.

This is the one that hurts. This is the one that hurts. See, this is where it's going to get See, this is where it's going to get See, this is where it's going to get uncomfortable. Turn to your neighbor, uncomfortable. Turn to your neighbor, uncomfortable. Turn to your neighbor, say, "Neighbor." say, "Neighbor." say, "Neighbor." >> Neighbor, >> Neighbor, >> Neighbor, >> it's about to get uncomfortable. >> it's about to get uncomfortable. >> it's about to get uncomfortable. >> And the reason why is because there are >> And the reason why is because there are >> And the reason why is because there are things about ourselves or about that things about ourselves or about that things about ourselves or about that that that about you, about me that that that about you, about me that that that about you, about me that everybody around you knows except for everybody around you knows except for everybody around you knows except for you. There are things and they won't they you There are things and they won't they you got the PEOPLE THAT WON'T THAT TALK got the PEOPLE THAT WON'T THAT TALK got the PEOPLE THAT WON'T THAT TALK ABOUT YOU. THERE'S THINGS ABOUT YOU AND ABOUT YOU. THERE'S THINGS ABOUT YOU AND ABOUT YOU. THERE'S THINGS ABOUT YOU AND ME THAT EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS EXCEPT for ME THAT EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS EXCEPT for ME THAT EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS EXCEPT for us. us. us. And this is why our relationships are so And this is why our relationships are so And this is why our relationships are so important. This is why community important. This is why community important. This is why community matters. This is why accountability matters. This is why accountability matters. This is why accountability matters because sometimes a person who matters because sometimes a person who matters because sometimes a person who loves you most is willing to tell you loves you most is willing to tell you loves you most is willing to tell you something about yourself that your ego something about yourself that your ego something about yourself that your ego doesn't want to hear. And this is where I wrestled because And this is where I wrestled because because my my my my mother always used because my my my my mother always used because my my my my mother always used to say grow Jamal to say grow Jamal to say grow Jamal and once again I was telling myself I and once again I was telling myself I and once again I was telling myself I was mature was mature was mature but my mother in love I want to say it's but my mother in love I want to say it's but my mother in love I want to say it's love [laughter] love [laughter] love [laughter] my mother in love she said grow up Jamal my mother in love she said grow up Jamal my mother in love she said grow up Jamal she was always pushing me to grow up you she was always pushing me to grow up you she was always pushing me to grow up you know because the reality is that that know because the reality is that that know because the reality is that that maturity is developing the ability to maturity is developing the ability to maturity is developing the ability to ask is there any truth in what they're ask is there any truth in what they're ask is there any truth in what they're saying saying saying and not are they completely right and not are they completely right and not are they completely right because everything that somebody says because everything that somebody says because everything that somebody says about you is not always right but you about you is not always right but you about you is not always right but you got to say okay Lord what are you trying got to say okay Lord what are you trying got to say okay Lord what are you trying to say even in the statement that they

to say even in the statement that they to say even in the statement that they just said is there any any truth is just said is there any any truth is just said is there any any truth is there something that I can really take there something that I can really take there something that I can really take home from this stuff because what we do home from this stuff because what we do home from this stuff because what we do is ego says shut it down is ego says shut it down is ego says shut it down ego says no I don't want to hear that ego says no I don't want to hear that ego says no I don't want to hear that come on now how how many married in here come on now how how many married in here come on now how how many married in here right and when we have a conversation right and when we have a conversation right and when we have a conversation that gets heated that gets heated that gets heated What what what is the first person to What what what is the first person to What what what is the first person to show up for for for especially the guys? show up for for for especially the guys? show up for for for especially the guys? Ego. Ego. Ego. EGO SHOWS UP. NOT NOT NOT THE REAL EGO SHOWS UP. NOT NOT NOT THE REAL EGO SHOWS UP. NOT NOT NOT THE REAL PERSON, JAMAL BERNARD, but ego shows up PERSON, JAMAL BERNARD, but ego shows up PERSON, JAMAL BERNARD, but ego shows up and ego starts setting things down. and ego starts setting things down. and ego starts setting things down. Outside block, Xbox high, Xbox low, Xbox high, Xbox low, inside block. That's ego. So, no, no, inside block. That's ego. So, no, no, inside block. That's ego. So, no, no, THAT'S NOT HOW IT IS. THAT'S NOT HOW IT THAT'S NOT HOW IT IS. THAT'S NOT HOW IT THAT'S NOT HOW IT IS. THAT'S NOT HOW IT IS. YOU YOU TALKING CRAZINESS. You IS. YOU YOU TALKING CRAZINESS. You IS. YOU YOU TALKING CRAZINESS. You looking at things wrong. looking at things wrong. looking at things wrong. AN EGO HELPS ME JUSTIFY my feelings. And you got these two little things And you got these two little things called kids.

Not to be rude in your business. Not to be rude in your business. But you really did say that like get out But you really did say that like get out But you really did say that like get out of here. And so ego and all these other elements And so ego and all these other elements pop up and and we get caught up and we pop up and and we get caught up and we pop up and and we get caught up and we even through a little conversation we even through a little conversation we even through a little conversation we don't allow God to speak to us don't allow God to speak to us don't allow God to speak to us because we're mad about the person who's because we're mad about the person who's because we're mad about the person who's saying it or person or or or the way the saying it or person or or or the way the saying it or person or or or the way the person is saying it and we got to be person is saying it and we got to be person is saying it and we got to be mature enough to say okay let me ask mature enough to say okay let me ask mature enough to say okay let me ask this question is there some you know this question is there some you know this question is there some you know viability in what they're saying viability in what they're saying viability in what they're saying and then the fourth person for sake of and then the fourth person for sake of and then the fourth person for sake of time is a person Christ is calling me to time is a person Christ is calling me to time is a person Christ is calling me to become become become And this is the furthest point of the And this is the furthest point of the And this is the furthest point of the tension line tension line tension line because it looks like one is never easy because it looks like one is never easy because it looks like one is never easy or capable to reach because it seems so or capable to reach because it seems so or capable to reach because it seems so far and and and and and look so so it far and and and and and look so so it far and and and and and look so so it makes it so difficult to become that makes it so difficult to become that makes it so difficult to become that individual because when you start individual because when you start individual because when you start reading the gospels and you start reading the gospels and you start reading the gospels and you start understanding what Christ represented understanding what Christ represented understanding what Christ represented and how he walked this earth. I'm like and how he walked this earth. I'm like and how he walked this earth. I'm like Lord sometimes I can't do that.

Lord sometimes I can't do that. Lord sometimes I can't do that. >> Yeah I'm f to turn the other cheek but >> Yeah I'm f to turn the other cheek but >> Yeah I'm f to turn the other cheek but not my cheek. COME ON NOW SAINTS. LIKE A LIKE LIKE COME ON NOW SAINTS. LIKE A LIKE LIKE THERE'S A REALITY THAT THERE'S A TENSION THERE'S A REALITY THAT THERE'S A TENSION THERE'S A REALITY THAT THERE'S A TENSION THAT we live in especially in your THAT we live in especially in your THAT we live in especially in your upbringing in your nurture and the way upbringing in your nurture and the way upbringing in your nurture and the way your nature the way you're nurtured in your nature the way you're nurtured in your nature the way you're nurtured in the nature and sometimes like like like the nature and sometimes like like like the nature and sometimes like like like like Christ like Christ like Christ TRYING TO REPRESENT HIM IS SO difficult especially when you're working in areas especially when you're working in areas or living in areas that that just does or living in areas that that just does or living in areas that that just does not ALLOW IT LIKE LORD I JUST NEED A not ALLOW IT LIKE LORD I JUST NEED A not ALLOW IT LIKE LORD I JUST NEED A MINUTE TO BREATHE and and how CAN I LIVE MINUTE TO BREATHE and and how CAN I LIVE MINUTE TO BREATHE and and how CAN I LIVE THIS BOOK WE'RE GOING TO BE TRUE LIKE THIS BOOK WE'RE GOING TO BE TRUE LIKE THIS BOOK WE'RE GOING TO BE TRUE LIKE BECAUSE I'M TIRED BECAUSE I'M TIRED BECAUSE I'M TIRED THAT THAT WE AS CHRISTIANS, WE MADE THAT THAT WE AS CHRISTIANS, WE MADE THAT THAT WE AS CHRISTIANS, WE MADE CHRISTIANITY look so easy like, oh, you CHRISTIANITY look so easy like, oh, you CHRISTIANITY look so easy like, oh, you you know, just believe IN CHRIST. NO, you know, just believe IN CHRIST. NO, you know, just believe IN CHRIST. NO, THERE'S A tension there. THERE'S AN THERE'S A tension there. THERE'S AN THERE'S A tension there. THERE'S AN HONEST TENSION THAT WE WE LIVE IN and HONEST TENSION THAT WE WE LIVE IN and HONEST TENSION THAT WE WE LIVE IN and that it's not easy that it's not easy that it's not easy because some people because some people because some people want TO PULL YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR want TO PULL YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR want TO PULL YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR SALVATION. And so it JUST SEEMS SO FAR, BUT BUT THE And so it JUST SEEMS SO FAR, BUT BUT THE REALITY IS THAT THAT THAT not only is is REALITY IS THAT THAT THAT not only is is REALITY IS THAT THAT THAT not only is is there a gap, but there's a a a a a the there a gap, but there's a a a a a the there a gap, but there's a a a a a the Holy Spirit that's here to walk you Holy Spirit that's here to walk you Holy Spirit that's here to walk you through the process.

See, the most important one yet the most See, the most important one yet the most difficult one difficult one difficult one because Christianity doesn't allow me to because Christianity doesn't allow me to because Christianity doesn't allow me to make myself the standard by myself. Paul says with the stature measured by Paul says with the stature measured by Christ's fullness. Christ is the measurement. Amen. Christ is the measurement. Amen. >> Not my father, not my mother, not my >> Not my father, not my mother, not my >> Not my father, not my mother, not my pastor, pastor, pastor, not another leader, not culture, not not another leader, not culture, not not another leader, not culture, not Instagram, not Tik Tok, not Facebook, Instagram, not Tik Tok, not Facebook, Instagram, not Tik Tok, not Facebook, not Snapchat. Not my critics, not my admirers, not Not my critics, not my admirers, not even the person I used to be. Christ is even the person I used to be. Christ is even the person I used to be. Christ is the standard. the standard. the standard. >> [applause] >> See, because what happens is there >> See, because what happens is there there's something that we deal with. And there's something that we deal with. And there's something that we deal with. And the reason why I was talking about the reason why I was talking about the reason why I was talking about selfdeception is one of the greatest selfdeception is one of the greatest selfdeception is one of the greatest lies that we can wrestle with. And and lies that we can wrestle with. And and lies that we can wrestle with. And and our biggest enemy is our enemy. And our biggest enemy is our enemy. And our biggest enemy is our enemy. And because there's a reality that there are because there's a reality that there are because there's a reality that there are certain things that's going to try to certain things that's going to try to certain things that's going to try to intentionally block us from embracing intentionally block us from embracing intentionally block us from embracing the image of Christ.

the image of Christ. the image of Christ. See, because selfdeception hides the See, because selfdeception hides the See, because selfdeception hides the gap. Pride defends the gap, Pride defends the gap, but grace meets us in the gap. Truth but grace meets us in the gap. Truth but grace meets us in the gap. Truth exposes the gap and growth closes the exposes the gap and growth closes the exposes the gap and growth closes the gap. >> I'm going try to go. Is this just the >> I'm going try to go. Is this just the introduction? Selfdeception is not always Selfdeception is not always intentionally lying to yourself. intentionally lying to yourself. intentionally lying to yourself. Selfdeception is not always Selfdeception is not always Selfdeception is not always intentionally lying to yourself. intentionally lying to yourself. intentionally lying to yourself. Sometimes it is becoming so committed to Sometimes it is becoming so committed to Sometimes it is becoming so committed to your version of yourself that you refuse your version of yourself that you refuse your version of yourself that you refuse to consider another interpretation. So it's not always lying to yourself, So it's not always lying to yourself, but sometimes it's becoming so committed but sometimes it's becoming so committed but sometimes it's becoming so committed to your version to your version to your version that you refuse to consider another that you refuse to consider another that you refuse to consider another interpretation.

interpretation. interpretation. and men in order for us to grow we and men in order for us to grow we and men in order for us to grow we cannot allow ignorance to be take the cannot allow ignorance to be take the cannot allow ignorance to be take the place of when it's time to grow and that's why of when it's time to grow and that's why I love Dr. I said he taught us he said I love Dr. I said he taught us he said I love Dr. I said he taught us he said when change is necessary not to change when change is necessary not to change when change is necessary not to change become destructive. >> See because that's what creates the gap. >> See because that's what creates the gap. The gap between who I say I am, who I The gap between who I say I am, who I The gap between who I say I am, who I think I am, who people experience me to think I am, who people experience me to think I am, who people experience me to be, and who Christ is actually calling be, and who Christ is actually calling be, and who Christ is actually calling me to be. cuz I haven't gotten to point one. cuz I haven't gotten to point one. That's just describing the four four versions of us.

four versions of us. That's just the four versions of us. That's just the four versions of us. That's just the four versions of us. All right, we're going to try to get All right, we're going to try to get All right, we're going to try to get through number one. Number one. through number one. Number one. through number one. Number one. Number one, truth reveals the gap. Truth Number one, truth reveals the gap. Truth Number one, truth reveals the gap. Truth reveals a gap. Truth reveals a gap. reveals a gap. Truth reveals a gap. reveals a gap. Truth reveals a gap. In James chapter one, we we we read this In James chapter one, we we we read this In James chapter one, we we we read this before, but let's go back to it. Verse before, but let's go back to it. Verse before, but let's go back to it. Verse 23. It says, "For you listen to the word 23. It says, "For you listen to the word 23. It says, "For you listen to the word and don't obey." and don't obey." and don't obey." It's like glancing at your face in the It's like glancing at your face in the It's like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you forget what you look like. But if you forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that look carefully into the perfect law that look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free and if you do what it says sets you free and if you do what it says sets you free and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard then God and don't forget what you heard then God and don't forget what you heard then God will bless you for doing it. will bless you for doing it. will bless you for doing it. So James is describing the word as a So James is describing the word as a So James is describing the word as a mirror. That means scripture is not primarily a That means scripture is not primarily a window through which I inspect everybody window through which I inspect everybody window through which I inspect everybody else. I say it again. Scripture is not else. I say it again. Scripture is not else. I say it again. Scripture is not primarily a window in how I inspect primarily a window in how I inspect primarily a window in how I inspect everybody else. everybody else. everybody else. See the miracle through which God See the miracle through which God See the miracle through which God reveals me to myself.

But we are good. Don't point at anybody But we are good. Don't point at anybody at finding other people in the Bible. at finding other people in the Bible. at finding other people in the Bible. We are good at finding other people in We are good at finding other people in We are good at finding other people in the Bible. We try to get super the Bible. We try to get super the Bible. We try to get super spiritual. spiritual. spiritual. Rita, Rita, Rita, I'm not speaking specifically to you. I'm not speaking specifically to you. I'm not speaking specifically to you. I got disclaimer. Keith, right? You said no. That's my Keith, right? You said no. That's my in-house attorney. So, we're good at finding others. So, we So, we're good at finding others. So, we we can we we when we get into argument, we can we we when we get into argument, we can we we when we get into argument, we can find our spouse, we can find our spouse, we can find our spouse, right? We're good at finding our spouse. right? We're good at finding our spouse. right? We're good at finding our spouse. Maybe we we're good at finding our boss. Maybe we we're good at finding our boss. Maybe we we're good at finding our boss. Oh, that's our boss right there. That Oh, that's our boss right there. That Oh, that's our boss right there. That that's that that's Yeah, God's going to that's that that's Yeah, God's going to that's that that's Yeah, God's going to get him just like that. get him just like that. get him just like that. We find our coworker, right? I even look We find our coworker, right? I even look We find our coworker, right? I even look at our coworker, you know, if you, you at our coworker, you know, if you, you at our coworker, you know, if you, you know, you look Mhm. you reading your know, you look Mhm. you reading your know, you look Mhm. you reading your Bible, you going through your Bible and Bible, you going through your Bible and Bible, you going through your Bible and you start getting super spiritual.

You know, some some of us we find our You know, some some of us we find our children in the Bible. Oh, how about this? Sometimes we find Oh, how about this? Sometimes we find our church our church our church >> in the Bible. >> in the Bible. >> in the Bible. See, but that's not what David See, but that's not what David See, but that's not what David was saying in Psalms. He says, "Lord, was saying in Psalms. He says, "Lord, was saying in Psalms. He says, "Lord, search me. search me. search me. >> Know my heart." >> Know my heart." >> Know my heart." >> David was not giving God information. >> David was not giving God information. >> David was not giving God information. God already knew to David. God already knew to David. God already knew to David. God already understood how David was God already understood how David was God already understood how David was living and he understands who you are. living and he understands who you are. living and he understands who you are. He knows how you are. He knows how your He knows how you are. He knows how your He knows how you are. He knows how your heart is. And you open it up yourself. heart is. And you open it up yourself. heart is. And you open it up yourself. And this is the boldest, more most And this is the boldest, more most And this is the boldest, more most mature uh conversation BETWEEN YOU AND mature uh conversation BETWEEN YOU AND mature uh conversation BETWEEN YOU AND GOD. LORD, SEARCH ME. Here I am naked GOD. LORD, SEARCH ME. Here I am naked GOD. LORD, SEARCH ME. Here I am naked and ashamed and ashamed and ashamed because the searching should end in a because the searching should end in a because the searching should end in a response and the response should push response and the response should push response and the response should push towards an action towards an action towards an action and the action should lead to ultimate and the action should lead to ultimate and the action should lead to ultimate transformation for us moving more and transformation for us moving more and transformation for us moving more and more towards the idea of being more like more towards the idea of being more like more towards the idea of being more like Christ.

Christ. Christ. See this is one of the most difficult See this is one of the most difficult See this is one of the most difficult indivi things that we as individuals we indivi things that we as individuals we indivi things that we as individuals we have because it's very have because it's very have because it's very so one of the things that I used to so one of the things that I used to so one of the things that I used to wrestle with is the fact that I I I wrestle with is the fact that I I I wrestle with is the fact that I I I never wanted my perception myself to be never wanted my perception myself to be never wanted my perception myself to be challenged because sometimes you're going to be because sometimes you're going to be faced with some areas of your life that faced with some areas of your life that faced with some areas of your life that is dark and ugly. Come on, saints. I'm trying I'm I'm I'm Come on, saints. I'm trying I'm I'm I'm not trying to be your closet, but I I not trying to be your closet, but I I not trying to be your closet, but I I understand. I know that if you lived a understand. I know that if you lived a understand. I know that if you lived a life of x amount of years on this earth, life of x amount of years on this earth, life of x amount of years on this earth, there's some dark there's some dark there's some dark areas in your closet that you have areas in your closet that you have areas in your closet that you have compartmentalized and you sheld in a compartmentalized and you sheld in a compartmentalized and you sheld in a corner and you have forgotten about it corner and you have forgotten about it corner and you have forgotten about it and God is saying no. Because just and God is saying no. Because just and God is saying no. Because just because you have forgotten about it because you have forgotten about it because you have forgotten about it doesn't mean that it's not having effect doesn't mean that it's not having effect doesn't mean that it's not having effect on your life. Amen. [applause] >> There are certain things that you have >> There are certain things that you have to address. Just be because you have to address. Just be because you have to address. Just be because you have forgotten about it doesn't mean it's forgotten about it doesn't mean it's forgotten about it doesn't mean it's having an effect on your marriage.

having an effect on your marriage. having an effect on your marriage. Doesn't mean it's having an effect on Doesn't mean it's having an effect on Doesn't mean it's having an effect on your your your work productivity. your your your work productivity. your your your work productivity. There's something that you have to and There's something that you have to and There's something that you have to and and David is SAYING, "LOOK, LORD, SEARCH and David is SAYING, "LOOK, LORD, SEARCH and David is SAYING, "LOOK, LORD, SEARCH ALL OF ME." HE'S NOT JUST SAYING, ALL OF ME." HE'S NOT JUST SAYING, ALL OF ME." HE'S NOT JUST SAYING, "SEARCH THE THINGS I WANT TO DEAL WITH, "SEARCH THE THINGS I WANT TO DEAL WITH, "SEARCH THE THINGS I WANT TO DEAL WITH, BUT SEARCH ALL OF ME. I AM NAKED, BUT SEARCH ALL OF ME. I AM NAKED, BUT SEARCH ALL OF ME. I AM NAKED, BARREN, OPEN HERE. SEARCH ME, LORD, BARREN, OPEN HERE. SEARCH ME, LORD, BARREN, OPEN HERE. SEARCH ME, LORD, BECAUSE I NEED to move to another level. BECAUSE I NEED to move to another level. BECAUSE I NEED to move to another level. >> I need to grow. >> I need to grow. >> I need to grow. [applause] And Jamal Bernard didn't want [applause] And Jamal Bernard didn't want [applause] And Jamal Bernard didn't want to do that because there's certain to do that because there's certain to do that because there's certain things I didn't want to deal with. things I didn't want to deal with. things I didn't want to deal with. There's certain things that I because There's certain things that I because There's certain things that I because because so what what happens is I'm because so what what happens is I'm because so what what happens is I'm being transparent. If you can judge me, being transparent. If you can judge me, being transparent. If you can judge me, you can judge me. There's certain things you can judge me. There's certain things you can judge me. There's certain things that we end up getting involved in or that we end up getting involved in or that we end up getting involved in or doing, right? And and and it's it doing, right? And and and it's it doing, right? And and and it's it bothers us so much so that we could lose bothers us so much so that we could lose bothers us so much so that we could lose some sleep. And if I start remembering some sleep. And if I start remembering some sleep. And if I start remembering it, then I might go back to where I was it, then I might go back to where I was it, then I might go back to where I was what what I was going through when I what what I was going through when I what what I was going through when I first engaged or or was involved in a first engaged or or was involved in a first engaged or or was involved in a situation. Am I am I being clear? >> And so because of my previous experience >> And so because of my previous experience with the memory, I want to ATTACH MYSELF with the memory, I want to ATTACH MYSELF with the memory, I want to ATTACH MYSELF OR DISTANCE myself as far as I can from OR DISTANCE myself as far as I can from OR DISTANCE myself as far as I can from that memory because if it comes up that memory because if it comes up that memory because if it comes up again, will I have restless nights? Will again, will I have restless nights? Will again, will I have restless nights? Will I start getting gray beers and and will I start getting gray beers and and will I start getting gray beers and and will I start breaking out MY FACE? WILL ALL I start breaking out MY FACE? WILL ALL I start breaking out MY FACE? WILL ALL OF THE PHYSICAL things start manifesting OF THE PHYSICAL things start manifesting OF THE PHYSICAL things start manifesting in my body because of the stress in my body because of the stress in my body because of the stress attached to this memory?

>> This is what we're going through. And >> This is what we're going through. And so, so we're and and and I believe where God is trying to get us I believe where God is trying to get us is to a place is to a place is to a place where so trying to think of which way. trying to think of which way. So this year is about freedom and I'm talking about representing and I'm talking about representing Christ unapologetically Christ unapologetically Christ unapologetically in culture. in culture. in culture. And what I I I believe I'm hearing is And what I I I believe I'm hearing is And what I I I believe I'm hearing is that we're not going to be able to do that we're not going to be able to do that we're not going to be able to do what he has called us to do. represent what he has called us to do. represent what he has called us to do. represent Christ unapologetically Christ unapologetically Christ unapologetically freely in culture until we deal with freely in culture until we deal with freely in culture until we deal with certain things in our lives. certain things in our lives. certain things in our lives. [applause] Some of you won't evangelize Some of you won't evangelize because there's some things going on in because there's some things going on in because there's some things going on in your life.

your life. your life. Some of you won't allow yourself to be Some of you won't allow yourself to be Some of you won't allow yourself to be discipled because of things going in discipled because of things going in discipled because of things going in your life. your life. your life. Some of you won't want See, See, we have a defense mechanism we have a defense mechanism we have a defense mechanism that protects our self-image that protects our self-image that protects our self-image naturally as individuals. We have a naturally as individuals. We have a naturally as individuals. We have a defense mechanism and and and so we so a defense mechanism and and and so we so a defense mechanism and and and so we so a part of the defense mechanisms we part of the defense mechanisms we part of the defense mechanisms we rationalize rationalize rationalize what we did. what we did. what we did. How many of us been there? We How many of us been there? We How many of us been there? We rationalize. Come on now. We know. See, rationalize. Come on now. We know. See, rationalize. Come on now. We know. See, it's not that bad. when rationalization doesn't happen to when rationalization doesn't happen to move to blame. It's not my fault. move to blame. It's not my fault. move to blame. It's not my fault. It ain't my fault. Did I do that? It ain't my fault. Did I do that? It ain't my fault. Did I do that? And then we go from there. We try to And then we go from there. We try to And then we go from there. We try to minimize it and and and and and then we minimize it and and and and and then we minimize it and and and and and then we go and and then we say, okay, we we try go and and then we say, okay, we we try go and and then we say, okay, we we try to project it. You know, is because of to project it. You know, is because of to project it. You know, is because of all this stuff that's going on. you see all this stuff that's going on. you see all this stuff that's going on. you see my life, I'm going through some serious my life, I'm going through some serious my life, I'm going through some serious stuff. Of course, I'm going to respond stuff. Of course, I'm going to respond stuff. Of course, I'm going to respond like that and you start projecting and like that and you start projecting and like that and you start projecting and next thing you know, then you get to a next thing you know, then you get to a next thing you know, then you get to a place where you say, "Okay, let me place where you say, "Okay, let me place where you say, "Okay, let me explain."

explain." explain." And why is this that we go through these And why is this that we go through these And why is this that we go through these processes to because of what happens? processes to because of what happens? processes to because of what happens? Sometimes the ego would rather protect Sometimes the ego would rather protect Sometimes the ego would rather protect than be transformed. >> The ego rather protect >> The ego rather protect than transform. than transform. than transform. You can't grow beyond what you refuse to You can't grow beyond what you refuse to You can't grow beyond what you refuse to see. see. see. And that's what we're trying to get you And that's what we're trying to get you And that's what we're trying to get you to grow beyond where you currently are. You cannot close the gap you refuse to You cannot close the gap you refuse to acknowledge exists. And maybe one of the acknowledge exists. And maybe one of the acknowledge exists. And maybe one of the reasons we remain stuck at what we have reasons we remain stuck at what we have reasons we remain stuck at what we have become become become better at explaining ourselves than better at explaining ourselves than better at explaining ourselves than examining ourselves. examining ourselves. examining ourselves. We have become better at explaining We have become better at explaining We have become better at explaining ourselves and examining ourselves. See, ourselves and examining ourselves. See, ourselves and examining ourselves. See, at some point, maturity has to say, at some point, maturity has to say, at some point, maturity has to say, "Maybe there's something here I need to "Maybe there's something here I need to "Maybe there's something here I need to confront. confront. confront. Maybe there's something here I need to Maybe there's something here I need to Maybe there's something here I need to confront." And I'm I'm I'm telling you, confront." And I'm I'm I'm telling you, confront." And I'm I'm I'm telling you, we are all being met right now at this we are all being met right now at this we are all being met right now at this tension.

If she is saying she's perfect, red If she is saying she's perfect, red flag, fellas. flag, fellas. flag, fellas. If he's saying he's perfect, If he's saying he's perfect, If he's saying he's perfect, Red flag, ladies, Red flag, ladies, Red flag, ladies, because everybody every day deals with because everybody every day deals with because everybody every day deals with the tensions of the four verses we the tensions of the four verses we the tensions of the four verses we wrestle with. And maybe And maybe WE ARE BEING FACED WITH THIS MESSAGE AT WE ARE BEING FACED WITH THIS MESSAGE AT WE ARE BEING FACED WITH THIS MESSAGE AT A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN our lives that if we A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN our lives that if we A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN our lives that if we don't change and pivot, don't change and pivot, don't change and pivot, we're going to sabotage the future God we're going to sabotage the future God we're going to sabotage the future God has called us to walk in. has called us to walk in. has called us to walk in. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Maybe. Turn to your neighbor. Say, >> Maybe. Turn to your neighbor. Say, >> Maybe. Turn to your neighbor. Say, "Maybe." "Maybe." "Maybe." >> Turn to another. Say another neighbor. >> Turn to another. Say another neighbor. >> Turn to another. Say another neighbor. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. >> Maybe. >> Maybe. >> Maybe. >> If we don't pivot, >> If we don't pivot, >> If we don't pivot, >> if we don't pivot, >> if we don't pivot, >> if we don't pivot, >> we can sabotage >> we can sabotage >> we can sabotage >> sabotage >> sabotage >> sabotage >> what God has called us to walk into. >> what God has called us to walk into. >> what God has called us to walk into. >> What God has called us to walk into. >> What God has called us to walk into. >> What God has called us to walk into. >> See, Dr. Nar said it this way. He says, >> See, Dr. Nar said it this way. He says, >> See, Dr. Nar said it this way. He says, "Maturity doesn't come with age. It "Maturity doesn't come with age. It "Maturity doesn't come with age. It comes with the acceptance of comes with the acceptance of comes with the acceptance of responsibility.

>> So saints, we've been digging into this >> So saints, we've been digging into this context. I mean this this uh this this context. I mean this this uh this this context. I mean this this uh this this idea starting out with our greatest idea starting out with our greatest idea starting out with our greatest enemy is our enemy and selfdeception is enemy is our enemy and selfdeception is enemy is our enemy and selfdeception is the greatest lie we can believe. And now the greatest lie we can believe. And now the greatest lie we can believe. And now we're trying to go through a process of we're trying to go through a process of we're trying to go through a process of growing and why do we need to grow? growing and why do we need to grow? growing and why do we need to grow? Because ultimately there's an image that Because ultimately there's an image that Because ultimately there's an image that we need to go after. we need to go after. we need to go after. >> And the image is it's a lifelong >> And the image is it's a lifelong >> And the image is it's a lifelong journey. It's not going to happen journey. It's not going to happen journey. It's not going to happen tomorrow. or it's not going to happen tomorrow. or it's not going to happen tomorrow. or it's not going to happen next year. It's a lifelong journey next year. It's a lifelong journey next year. It's a lifelong journey because life be life and when life be because life be life and when life be because life be life and when life be life and there are things that we life and there are things that we life and there are things that we experience that messes us up on our experience that messes us up on our experience that messes us up on our journey and slows us down on our journey journey and slows us down on our journey journey and slows us down on our journey and and kind of throws us off on our and and kind of throws us off on our and and kind of throws us off on our journey and and so therefore we always journey and and so therefore we always journey and and so therefore we always got to uh intentionally move towards a got to uh intentionally move towards a got to uh intentionally move towards a desire to stay on this journey to desire to stay on this journey to desire to stay on this journey to represent Christ and culture represent Christ and culture represent Christ and culture unapologetically to to to to really be unapologetically to to to to really be unapologetically to to to to really be intentional about becoming after the intentional about becoming after the intentional about becoming after the image of Christ. Amen. image of Christ. Amen. image of Christ. Amen. >> And so this was a difficult one because >> And so this was a difficult one because >> And so this was a difficult one because it it it it puts me in a awkward place it it it it puts me in a awkward place it it it it puts me in a awkward place because when I look at individuals and I because when I look at individuals and I because when I look at individuals and I look at and I was looking at your look at and I was looking at your look at and I was looking at your Instagram and your social media Instagram and your social media Instagram and your social media and I looked there and I'm like, "Okay, and I looked there and I'm like, "Okay, and I looked there and I'm like, "Okay, is this person listening is this person listening is this person listening to the message?

to the message? to the message? Is this person really listening or or Is this person really listening or or Is this person really listening or or are they here stubborn and and and not are they here stubborn and and and not are they here stubborn and and and not wanting to receive what God is, you wanting to receive what God is, you wanting to receive what God is, you know, speaking for the past couple of know, speaking for the past couple of know, speaking for the past couple of weeks of of just changing and and moving weeks of of just changing and and moving weeks of of just changing and and moving towards a better us that ultimately move towards a better us that ultimately move towards a better us that ultimately move towards representing Christ. towards representing Christ. towards representing Christ. And so my my my my challenge for you is And so my my my my challenge for you is And so my my my my challenge for you is not to let this go upon deaf ears and not to let this go upon deaf ears and not to let this go upon deaf ears and and not this might not have been the and not this might not have been the and not this might not have been the hype message that you were used to, but hype message that you were used to, but hype message that you were used to, but this is a simple message that when this is a simple message that when this is a simple message that when change is necessary, not to change change is necessary, not to change change is necessary, not to change becomes destructive. becomes destructive. becomes destructive. This is a simple message of saying, This is a simple message of saying, This is a simple message of saying, "Okay, look, there's four versions of "Okay, look, there's four versions of "Okay, look, there's four versions of myself that I got to deal with. And myself that I got to deal with. And myself that I got to deal with. And ultimately, it's to to try to follow ultimately, it's to to try to follow ultimately, it's to to try to follow Christ." And it may sound simple, BUT Christ." And it may sound simple, BUT Christ." And it may sound simple, BUT THINK ABOUT HOW your life will turn out THINK ABOUT HOW your life will turn out THINK ABOUT HOW your life will turn out if you really submit if you really submit if you really submit and try to pursue and try to pursue and try to pursue the image of Christ. the image of Christ. the image of Christ. >> It may be simple. It may not have been >> It may be simple. It may not have been >> It may be simple. It may not have been the one that GOT YOU OUT OF YOUR SEATS the one that GOT YOU OUT OF YOUR SEATS the one that GOT YOU OUT OF YOUR SEATS and stuff like that, but believe you me, and stuff like that, but believe you me, and stuff like that, but believe you me, this is probably one of the most this is probably one of the most this is probably one of the most difficult messages a lot of you have difficult messages a lot of you have difficult messages a lot of you have heard that's challenging you heard that's challenging you heard that's challenging you to not go on this the end of the year to not go on this the end of the year to not go on this the end of the year the same as you did last year.

the same as you did last year. the same as you did last year. [applause] See, God's goal is always to make sure See, God's goal is always to make sure that you are never who you are that you are never who you are that you are never who you are yesterday, tomorrow. yesterday, tomorrow. yesterday, tomorrow. And so, my challenge for you is to And so, my challenge for you is to And so, my challenge for you is to really take this and go through the really take this and go through the really take this and go through the process. It's not going to be easy. It's process. It's not going to be easy. It's process. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be comfortable. It's not not going to be comfortable. It's not not going to be comfortable. It's not going to be fun at all times. But I'm going to be fun at all times. But I'm going to be fun at all times. But I'm telling you, you come out of this telling you, you come out of this telling you, you come out of this process, it feels so good. process, it feels so good. process, it feels so good. you step out of this this this this this you step out of this this this this this you step out of this this this this this this place where one of the things I this place where one of the things I this place where one of the things I love about the human body and the human love about the human body and the human love about the human body and the human mind, we have the ability to adapt mind, we have the ability to adapt mind, we have the ability to adapt quickly and so we might not like the quickly and so we might not like the quickly and so we might not like the uncomfortable but once we get out and uncomfortable but once we get out and uncomfortable but once we get out and get deal with the uncomfortable things get deal with the uncomfortable things get deal with the uncomfortable things start adapting and gets comfortable. start adapting and gets comfortable. start adapting and gets comfortable. So my challenge for you is to not be So my challenge for you is to not be So my challenge for you is to not be okay okay okay with the old you. with the old you. with the old you. My challenge for you is not to be okay My challenge for you is not to be okay My challenge for you is not to be okay with just the mediocre you. with just the mediocre you. with just the mediocre you. My challenge today is to to to to My challenge today is to to to to My challenge today is to to to to embrace this reality that there's embrace this reality that there's embrace this reality that there's somebody that is waiting for your somebody that is waiting for your somebody that is waiting for your transformation, your growth, because transformation, your growth, because transformation, your growth, because they're going to need what you have at they're going to need what you have at they're going to need what you have at that next level. [applause] So my challenge for you is to not be So my challenge for you is to not be selfish.

selfish. selfish. Grow because somebody's depending on Grow because somebody's depending on Grow because somebody's depending on your growth. your growth. your growth. >> Amen. [applause] >> Turn and say neighbor. >> Turn and say neighbor. >> Neighbor >> Neighbor >> Neighbor >> grow. >> grow. >> grow. >> Grow >> Grow >> Grow >> because it's somebody depending on your >> because it's somebody depending on your >> because it's somebody depending on your growth. growth. growth. >> Depending on your growth. >> Depending on your growth. >> Depending on your growth. >> Turn to your other neighbor. Say >> Turn to your other neighbor. Say >> Turn to your other neighbor. Say neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> Neighbor. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> It's okay to be uncomfortable. >> Turn to the other neighbor. Say other >> Turn to the other neighbor. Say other >> Turn to the other neighbor. Say other neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> Maturity. >> Maturity. >> Maturity. >> Maturity >> Maturity >> Maturity >> is necessary. is necessary >> is necessary. is necessary >> is necessary. is necessary >> to follow Christ. >> to follow Christ. >> to follow Christ. >> to follow Christ. >> to follow Christ. >> to follow Christ. [applause] >> I pray that you got something out of >> I pray that you got something out of this. this. this. >> I'm going try to finish it. >> I'm going try to finish it. >> I'm going try to finish it. Thank you for being mature enough as I Thank you for being mature enough as I Thank you for being mature enough as I walk through what sermon to minister and walk through what sermon to minister and walk through what sermon to minister and as I walk through what specifics in my as I walk through what specifics in my as I walk through what specifics in my sermon I should minister cuz I was sermon I should minister cuz I was sermon I should minister cuz I was scrolling to make sure I stayed in line scrolling to make sure I stayed in line scrolling to make sure I stayed in line with what God has.

with what God has. with what God has. >> One of the things that we do as pastors >> One of the things that we do as pastors >> One of the things that we do as pastors we a whole bunch of notes and say Lord we a whole bunch of notes and say Lord we a whole bunch of notes and say Lord what is it that you want us to talk what is it that you want us to talk what is it that you want us to talk about? So yeah, I got a [music] about? So yeah, I got a [music] about? So yeah, I got a [music] PowerPoint and stuff like that, but I PowerPoint and stuff like that, but I PowerPoint and stuff like that, but I believe that God was moving believe that God was moving believe that God was moving and speaking through me and speaking through me and speaking through me [applause] [music] [music] because there are individuals either because there are individuals either because there are individuals either watching or in here that are being watching or in here that are being watching or in here that are being challenged. challenged. challenged. There are individuals in here that that There are individuals in here that that There are individuals in here that that that I believe God is trying to get your attention God is trying to get your attention because the direction you're going, because the direction you're going, because the direction you're going, you're going to mess up a good thing. you're going to mess up a good thing. you're going to mess up a good thing. I believe God's trying to get your I believe God's trying to get your I believe God's trying to get your attention because the the direction attention because the the direction attention because the the direction you're going, you're going, you're going, you're going to hinder and sabotage you're going to hinder and sabotage you're going to hinder and sabotage what God has set up for you to go.

what God has set up for you to go. what God has set up for you to go. I believe that there's somebody in here I believe that there's somebody in here I believe that there's somebody in here or watching that is being challenged or watching that is being challenged or watching that is being challenged to not leave here the same way they to not leave here the same way they to not leave here the same way they entered. entered. entered. Please listen and heed Please listen and heed Please listen and heed the sermon. the sermon. the sermon. I don't just do this because it's a good I don't just do this because it's a good I don't just do this because it's a good idea. I do it because I believe God is idea. I do it because I believe God is idea. I do it because I believe God is speaking specifically to somebody. speaking specifically to somebody. speaking specifically to somebody. [music] [music] [music] [applause] Come on, CCC family. Let's just thank Come on, CCC family. Let's just thank God for the gift that is Pastor [music] God for the gift that is Pastor [music] God for the gift that is Pastor [music] Jamal Bernard. Jamal Bernard. Jamal Bernard. [applause] And I pray that you received a message And I pray that you received a message that was reflective, [music] that was reflective, [music] that was reflective, [music] introspective, and it causes us to look introspective, and it causes us to look introspective, and it causes us to look in the mirror. Amen. in the mirror. Amen. in the mirror. Amen. >> Amen. Uh so we are going to transition >> Amen. Uh so we are going to transition >> Amen. Uh so we are going to transition into what [music] I feel is the most into what [music] I feel is the most into what [music] I feel is the most important part of our service and that important part of our service and that important part of our service and that is an opportunity for someone to accept is an opportunity for someone to accept is an opportunity for someone to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Amen. [music] Savior. Amen. [music] Savior. Amen. [music] >> So >> So >> So what Pastor Jamal spoke of in terms of what Pastor Jamal spoke of in terms of what Pastor Jamal spoke of in terms of the four versions of self, it began with the four versions of self, it began with the four versions of self, it began with you know who we profess to be and it you know who we profess to be and it you know who we profess to be and it concluded with who we are in Christ.

concluded with who we are in Christ. concluded with who we are in Christ. [music] and it makes something that is [music] and it makes something that is [music] and it makes something that is kind of foundational and that foundation kind of foundational and that foundation kind of foundational and that foundation is all versions have a relationship with is all versions have a relationship with is all versions have a relationship with Christ. Christ. Christ. However, there may be some of you in However, there may be some of you in However, there may be some of you in here today who don't have that here today who don't have that here today who don't have that relationship with Christ. relationship with Christ. relationship with Christ. So, what we do is we allow for that So, what we do is we allow for that So, what we do is we allow for that opportunity for you to [music] come into opportunity for you to [music] come into opportunity for you to [music] come into that saving knowledge of who Jesus that saving knowledge of who Jesus that saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ actually is. You know, for the Christ actually is. You know, for the Christ actually is. You know, for the Christians, for the one that Pastor Christians, for the one that Pastor Christians, for the one that Pastor Jamal was speaking about, you know, we Jamal was speaking about, you know, we Jamal was speaking about, you know, we all have this this body, this entity. all have this this body, this entity. all have this this body, this entity. And you know what? And you know what? And you know what? We all actually We all actually We all actually live forever. live forever. live forever. The question always is The question always is The question always is where? where? where? Now for those of us who are born again, Now for those of us who are born again, Now for those of us who are born again, it says that when this existence, when it says that when this existence, when it says that when this existence, when this entity, this body ends, the next this entity, this body ends, the next this entity, this body ends, the next phase is going to be something that is phase is going to be something that is phase is going to be something that is [music] eternal and is in the presence [music] eternal and is in the presence [music] eternal and is in the presence of our heavenly father is called eternal of our heavenly father is called eternal of our heavenly father is called eternal life.

life. life. Now the converse is true also for those Now the converse is true also for those Now the converse is true also for those who us those of us who live this who us those of us who live this who us those of us who live this existence and [music] existence and [music] existence and [music] don't come into that knowledge of Jesus don't come into that knowledge of Jesus don't come into that knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior when Christ as their Lord and Savior when Christ as their Lord and Savior when this body ends they also enter into this body ends they also enter into this body ends they also enter into eternity but it's called eternal death eternity but it's called eternal death eternity but it's called eternal death and that is a life apart from our and that is a life apart from our and that is a life apart from our heavenly father but this is not a heavenly father but this is not a heavenly father but this is not a message of fear it's a message of love message of fear it's a message of love message of fear it's a message of love because God so lovely of the world that because God so lovely of the world that because God so lovely of the world that [music] he gave his only begotten son so [music] he gave his only begotten son so [music] he gave his only begotten son so that whomever believes in him should not that whomever believes in him should not that whomever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting perish but have everlasting perish but have everlasting life. Amen. life. Amen. life. Amen. So the next question may be well how So the next question may be well how So the next question may be well how does one become born again? [music] does one become born again? [music] does one become born again? [music] Great question. It's very simple. If you Great question. It's very simple. If you Great question. It's very simple. If you confess and believe. It says, "If you confess and believe. It says, "If you confess and believe. It says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is confess with your mouth that Jesus is confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [music] Lord [music] Lord [music] and believe in your heart that God and believe in your heart that God and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you are raised him from the dead, you are raised him from the dead, you are saved." It's that simple, family. It's saved." It's that simple, family. It's saved." It's that simple, family. It's that simple. [music] In fact, what I'd that simple. [music] In fact, what I'd that simple. [music] In fact, what I'd like to do is uh we are we have so many like to do is uh we are we have so many like to do is uh we are we have so many believers in here. We're going to have believers in here. We're going to have believers in here. We're going to have what we call a confession of faith. And what we call a confession of faith. And what we call a confession of faith. And I would just encourage all of you to I would just encourage all of you to I would just encourage all of you to repeat it with me. It goes like this.

repeat it with me. It goes like this. repeat it with me. It goes like this. And repeat this after me. [music] Lord And repeat this after me. [music] Lord And repeat this after me. [music] Lord Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Lord Jesus, >> Lord Jesus, >> Lord Jesus, >> I know you love me. >> I know you love me. >> I know you love me. >> I know you love me. >> I know you love me. >> I know you love me. >> You proved it. >> You proved it. >> You proved it. >> You proved it >> You proved it >> You proved it >> by dying on the cross for me. >> by dying on the cross for me. >> by dying on the cross for me. >> by dying on the cross for me. >> by dying on the cross for me. >> by dying on the cross for me. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> for what you've done for me. >> for what you've done for me. >> for what you've done for me. >> for what you've done. >> for what you've done. >> for what you've done. >> Now I admit >> Now I admit >> Now I admit >> I admit >> I admit >> I admit >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against others. >> I've sinned against myself. >> I've sinned against myself. >> I've sinned against myself. >> I've sinned against myself. >> I've sinned against myself. >> I've sinned against myself. >> But most importantly >> But most importantly >> But most importantly >> But most importantly, >> But most importantly, >> But most importantly, >> I've sinned against you. >> I've sinned against you. >> I've sinned against you. >> I've sinned against you. And I ask you >> I've sinned against you. And I ask you >> I've sinned against you. And I ask you >> I ask you >> I ask you >> I ask you >> to forgive me of my sin. >> to forgive me of my sin. >> to forgive me of my sin. >> to forgive me of my s. >> to forgive me of my s. >> to forgive me of my s. >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> that you were raised from the dead. >> that you were raised from the dead. >> that you were raised from the dead. >> that you were raised from the dead. >> that you were raised from the dead. >> that you were raised from the dead. >> And that you are the true God. >> And that you are the true God. >> And that you are the true God. >> God. >> God. >> God. >> I ask you to come into my life. >> I ask you to come into my life. >> I ask you to come into my life. >> Ask you to come to my life. >> Ask you to come to my life. >> Ask you to come to my life. >> And live at the center of it. >> And live at the center of it. >> And live at the center of it. >> And live at the center of it. >> And live at the center of it. >> And live at the center of it. >> You accept me. >> You accept me. >> You accept me. >> You accept me. And by faith, >> You accept me. And by faith, >> You accept me. And by faith, >> by faith, >> by faith, >> by faith, >> I accept you.

>> I accept you. >> I accept you. >> I accept. >> I accept. >> I accept. >> Thank you for giving me >> Thank you for giving me >> Thank you for giving me >> Thank you for giving me >> Thank you for giving me >> Thank you for giving me >> eternal life. >> eternal life. >> eternal life. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Now, if you have confessed that for the >> Now, if you have confessed that for the >> Now, if you have confessed that for the first time, I want to say I want to be first time, I want to say I want to be first time, I want to say I want to be the first to say to you, welcome to the the first to say to you, welcome to the the first to say to you, welcome to the kingdom of God. Amen. [applause] kingdom of God. Amen. [applause] kingdom of God. Amen. [applause] [music] So now So now on our screens in a moment we should on our screens in a moment we should on our screens in a moment we should have a number that you can call and I'm have a number that you can call and I'm have a number that you can call and I'm speaking to our online community as speaking to our online community as speaking to our online community as well. There's a number that you can well. There's a number that you can well. There's a number that you can call. There's also another number that call. There's also another number that call. There's also another number that you can text and I encourage you to use you can text and I encourage you to use you can text and I encourage you to use the resources. We have representatives the resources. We have representatives the resources. We have representatives waiting to explain what really happened waiting to explain what really happened waiting to explain what really happened to you. Amen. to you. Amen. to you. Amen. >> Amen. All right family, please stand on >> Amen. All right family, please stand on >> Amen. All right family, please stand on your feet. I pray that this has been an incredible I pray that this has been an incredible day for you in the Lord. Thank you for day for you in the Lord. Thank you for day for you in the Lord. Thank you for spending your time with us today. We are spending your time with us today. We are spending your time with us today. We are so appreciative. And let's say something so appreciative. And let's say something so appreciative. And let's say something 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 are believe it. We proclaim it. And we are believe it. We proclaim it. And we are seeing it come to pass. Be blessed. God seeing it come to pass. Be blessed. God seeing it come to pass. Be blessed. God bless you, bless you, bless you, >> 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 [music] way, we encourage you to in any [music] way, we encourage you to in any [music] way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video like, subscribe, and share this video like, subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our with others so we can fulfill our with others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the [music] gospel mission in spreading the [music] gospel mission in spreading the [music] gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

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