Grad Sunday & NSBT Graduation Commencement | Pastor A.R. Bernard

NSBT reminds me of when we started NSBT reminds me of when we started Christian Cultural Center back in 1978. Christian Cultural Center back in 1978. Christian Cultural Center back in 1978. It was with four members It was with four members It was with four members and and and we would come to the little storefront we would come to the little storefront we would come to the little storefront on Grand Street. We had 20 steel tubular on Grand Street. We had 20 steel tubular on Grand Street. We had 20 steel tubular chairs. Some of you know what that chairs. Some of you know what that chairs. Some of you know what that means. means. means. And we would have morning service, then And we would have morning service, then And we would have morning service, then we come back for evening service because we come back for evening service because we come back for evening service because that's how the Pentecostals did it in that's how the Pentecostals did it in that's how the Pentecostals did it in the church that I was exposed to. And the church that I was exposed to. And the church that I was exposed to. And this was an introduction to Christianity this was an introduction to Christianity this was an introduction to Christianity because I didn't grow up that way. because I didn't grow up that way. because I didn't grow up that way. And Pastor Karen and I remained And Pastor Karen and I remained And Pastor Karen and I remained faithful. faithful. faithful. I never forget when I would preach, she I never forget when I would preach, she I never forget when I would preach, she would turn around and look at the door would turn around and look at the door would turn around and look at the door at the entrance. at the entrance. at the entrance. And it wasn't until years later, cuz I And it wasn't until years later, cuz I And it wasn't until years later, cuz I thought she was praying for people to thought she was praying for people to thought she was praying for people to show up. Wasn't until years later I I show up. Wasn't until years later I I show up. Wasn't until years later I I thanked her for her prayer ministry and thanked her for her prayer ministry and thanked her for her prayer ministry and she said, "I wasn't praying." she said, "I wasn't praying." she said, "I wasn't praying." Those of you who know her, she's quite Those of you who know her, she's quite Those of you who know her, she's quite straight shooter.

straight shooter. straight shooter. She said, "I wasn't praying." I said, She said, "I wasn't praying." I said, She said, "I wasn't praying." I said, "And what were you doing?" and she said, "And what were you doing?" and she said, "And what were you doing?" and she said, "Well, I was trying to figure out who "Well, I was trying to figure out who "Well, I was trying to figure out who you were speaking to cuz it was only me you were speaking to cuz it was only me you were speaking to cuz it was only me and the kids in there and the kids in there and the kids in there and you were talking like there were a and you were talking like there were a and you were talking like there were a thousand people in there." thousand people in there." thousand people in there." But isn't it the nature of vision to But isn't it the nature of vision to But isn't it the nature of vision to imagine, to believe in possibility, to imagine, to believe in possibility, to imagine, to believe in possibility, to to see what others don't see of what can to see what others don't see of what can to see what others don't see of what can become, what can happen. And um that's become, what can happen. And um that's become, what can happen. And um that's the new exercise that we're in with the new exercise that we're in with the new exercise that we're in with NSBT. NSBT. NSBT. So I've learned to never despise small So I've learned to never despise small So I've learned to never despise small beginnings because God doesn't. And he beginnings because God doesn't. And he beginnings because God doesn't. And he takes those small beginnings as a seed takes those small beginnings as a seed takes those small beginnings as a seed and over time he grows them into and over time he grows them into and over time he grows them into something significant something significant something significant if you are faithful with it. So that's if you are faithful with it. So that's if you are faithful with it. So that's how I see NBT. how I see NBT. how I see NBT. And um I want to share a word with you. And um I want to share a word with you. And um I want to share a word with you. Yesterday we had the hooding ceremony Yesterday we had the hooding ceremony Yesterday we had the hooding ceremony and I had an opportunity Dr. Irvin and I and I had an opportunity Dr. Irvin and I and I had an opportunity Dr. Irvin and I to speak into the lives and hearts of to speak into the lives and hearts of to speak into the lives and hearts of these graduates and their families, these graduates and their families, these graduates and their families, thanking them for the journey, thanking thanking them for the journey, thanking thanking them for the journey, thanking them for their commitment them for their commitment them for their commitment and also giving them an understanding and also giving them an understanding and also giving them an understanding that they are essentially ambassadors of that they are essentially ambassadors of that they are essentially ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ.

the Lord Jesus Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. And here's a very important principle And here's a very important principle And here's a very important principle and this is what NSBT is about in terms and this is what NSBT is about in terms and this is what NSBT is about in terms of a theological education. of a theological education. of a theological education. Change the way people see Change the way people see Change the way people see and they will change the way they live. and they will change the way they live. and they will change the way they live. I'm going try that one more time for I'm going try that one more time for I'm going try that one more time for impact. impact. impact. change the way people see change the way people see change the way people see and they not you they will change the and they not you they will change the and they not you they will change the way they live. way they live. way they live. When I reflected on that phrase, I said, When I reflected on that phrase, I said, When I reflected on that phrase, I said, "Well, maybe it changed the way they see "Well, maybe it changed the way they see "Well, maybe it changed the way they see and they'll change the way they think, and they'll change the way they think, and they'll change the way they think, but people have changed the way they but people have changed the way they but people have changed the way they think and still not change the way they think and still not change the way they think and still not change the way they live." live." live." But if you really have a change in lens, But if you really have a change in lens, But if you really have a change in lens, it impacts it impacts it impacts your relationship with God, with your relationship with God, with your relationship with God, with yourself, with humanity, with meaning, yourself, with humanity, with meaning, yourself, with humanity, with meaning, with purpose, with all of these things.

with purpose, with all of these things. with purpose, with all of these things. It radically changes you. And that's It radically changes you. And that's It radically changes you. And that's what NSBT and your educational what NSBT and your educational what NSBT and your educational experience graduates has been about. to experience graduates has been about. to experience graduates has been about. to change your relationship with God by change your relationship with God by change your relationship with God by changing your relationship with changing your relationship with changing your relationship with scripture. scripture. scripture. You can pick up the Bible and read it. You can pick up the Bible and read it. You can pick up the Bible and read it. And there are some people who think you And there are some people who think you And there are some people who think you can just read it and know everything can just read it and know everything can just read it and know everything about it. No, it is a very deep and about it. No, it is a very deep and about it. No, it is a very deep and profound book. Yes, you can gain the profound book. Yes, you can gain the profound book. Yes, you can gain the narratives, but beyond knowing what narratives, but beyond knowing what narratives, but beyond knowing what happened, you need to grow to the place happened, you need to grow to the place happened, you need to grow to the place of knowing why it happened. of knowing why it happened. of knowing why it happened. the overall impact. the overall impact. the overall impact. And that's what NSBT is about. Changing And that's what NSBT is about. Changing And that's what NSBT is about. Changing the way you see and relate to scripture the way you see and relate to scripture the way you see and relate to scripture and relate scripture to the world in and relate scripture to the world in and relate scripture to the world in which we live. Before we came in, I which we live. Before we came in, I which we live. Before we came in, I turned to Dr. Anorio and Dr. Irvin and I turned to Dr. Anorio and Dr. Irvin and I turned to Dr. Anorio and Dr. Irvin and I and I asked him a question. I I said, and I asked him a question. I I said, and I asked him a question. I I said, "Dr. Irvin, what is theological "Dr. Irvin, what is theological "Dr. Irvin, what is theological reflection?" We know what reflection is.

reflection?" We know what reflection is. reflection?" We know what reflection is. And that should be a spiritual And that should be a spiritual And that should be a spiritual discipline that at the end of the day discipline that at the end of the day discipline that at the end of the day you reflect on that day. Reflect on your you reflect on that day. Reflect on your you reflect on that day. Reflect on your choices, your words, your actions, your choices, your words, your actions, your choices, your words, your actions, your thoughts, your motives. Because it's thoughts, your motives. Because it's thoughts, your motives. Because it's important that you know about you. important that you know about you. important that you know about you. Otherwise, you will be your biggest Otherwise, you will be your biggest Otherwise, you will be your biggest problem. problem. problem. But when you know about you and engage But when you know about you and engage But when you know about you and engage you in growth and development, it you in growth and development, it you in growth and development, it changes things. And I have to let Dr. changes things. And I have to let Dr. changes things. And I have to let Dr. Irvin, give me his response because I Irvin, give me his response because I Irvin, give me his response because I thought it was just so classic of him, thought it was just so classic of him, thought it was just so classic of him, how he thinks and the translation of how he thinks and the translation of how he thinks and the translation of something that can be theologically something that can be theologically something that can be theologically profound into pedestrian simplicity. profound into pedestrian simplicity. profound into pedestrian simplicity. Dr. Irvin, what is theological Dr. Irvin, what is theological Dr. Irvin, what is theological reflection? So, I was a reflection? So, I was a reflection? So, I was a graduate from seminary and my first graduate from seminary and my first graduate from seminary and my first appointment was to the pastoral care appointment was to the pastoral care appointment was to the pastoral care staff of a residential treatment center staff of a residential treatment center staff of a residential treatment center run by Catholic Charities. So, in run by Catholic Charities. So, in run by Catholic Charities. So, in effect, I was a chaplain to about 200 effect, I was a chaplain to about 200 effect, I was a chaplain to about 200 kids under 18 in residential treatment, kids under 18 in residential treatment, kids under 18 in residential treatment, 5 years old to 18 years old in 5 years old to 18 years old in 5 years old to 18 years old in residential treatment in a in a day residential treatment in a in a day residential treatment in a in a day school program.

school program. school program. One of the young kids, I'll call him One of the young kids, I'll call him One of the young kids, I'll call him Billy, Billy, Billy, was immediately spotted after admission, was immediately spotted after admission, was immediately spotted after admission, immediately spotted by the staff as immediately spotted by the staff as immediately spotted by the staff as being a bit of a mystic. He kept asking being a bit of a mystic. He kept asking being a bit of a mystic. He kept asking questions about God. questions about God. questions about God. They weren't ready to answer them. And They weren't ready to answer them. And They weren't ready to answer them. And so, they sent him down to me in the so, they sent him down to me in the so, they sent him down to me in the chaplain's office. And Billy and I set chaplain's office. And Billy and I set chaplain's office. And Billy and I set up a schedule where once a week we had up a schedule where once a week we had up a schedule where once a week we had lunch together, take pressure off it, be lunch together, take pressure off it, be lunch together, take pressure off it, be be a chance to talk, and he got to ask be a chance to talk, and he got to ask be a chance to talk, and he got to ask any questions he wanted or make any any questions he wanted or make any any questions he wanted or make any statements he wanted. statements he wanted. statements he wanted. He came in one day at lunch and we sat He came in one day at lunch and we sat He came in one day at lunch and we sat down and he said, "I want to talk today down and he said, "I want to talk today down and he said, "I want to talk today about something that's going on." He about something that's going on." He about something that's going on." He said, 'I have two things that I hear in said, 'I have two things that I hear in said, 'I have two things that I hear in my head. I have two sets of thoughts and my head. I have two sets of thoughts and my head. I have two sets of thoughts and one of them, as I know, comes from God one of them, as I know, comes from God one of them, as I know, comes from God and the other one come from me. and the other one come from me. and the other one come from me. Two sets of thoughts. Some of them come Two sets of thoughts. Some of them come Two sets of thoughts. Some of them come from God and some of them come from me. from God and some of them come from me. from God and some of them come from me. He's 8 years old. He's 8 years old. He's 8 years old. And I said, "How do you tell the And I said, "How do you tell the And I said, "How do you tell the difference?" difference?" difference?" And he said, "Close your eyes and stick And he said, "Close your eyes and stick And he said, "Close your eyes and stick out your hand. We're sitting at a lunch out your hand. We're sitting at a lunch out your hand. We're sitting at a lunch table." So I did it. Closed my eyes and table." So I did it. Closed my eyes and table." So I did it. Closed my eyes and put my hand out. And he said, "I'm going put my hand out. And he said, "I'm going put my hand out. And he said, "I'm going to take salt and pepper and shake them to take salt and pepper and shake them to take salt and pepper and shake them on your hand."

on your hand." on your hand." So I felt a little bit of something and So I felt a little bit of something and So I felt a little bit of something and then I felt a little bit of something then I felt a little bit of something then I felt a little bit of something and my eyes closed. And he said, "Which and my eyes closed. And he said, "Which and my eyes closed. And he said, "Which one was which?" one was which?" one was which?" And I said, "I don't know." And he said, And I said, "I don't know." And he said, And I said, "I don't know." And he said, "That's the way it is with me." "That's the way it is with me." "That's the way it is with me." He said, "Now open your eyes and look." He said, "Now open your eyes and look." He said, "Now open your eyes and look." And I did. And I did. And I did. And he said, 'You can see which one's And he said, 'You can see which one's And he said, 'You can see which one's salt and which one's pepper.' I said, salt and which one's pepper.' I said, salt and which one's pepper.' I said, 'Yeah. He said, ' That's the way it is 'Yeah. He said, ' That's the way it is 'Yeah. He said, ' That's the way it is with me. I have to open my eyes with me. I have to open my eyes with me. I have to open my eyes >> in order to see God. >> in order to see God. >> in order to see God. >> Come on. Eight years old. I have to open >> Come on. Eight years old. I have to open >> Come on. Eight years old. I have to open my eyes to see God. my eyes to see God. my eyes to see God. Open my eyes to the way of living. Open Open my eyes to the way of living. Open Open my eyes to the way of living. Open my eyes to the book. Open my eyes to my eyes to the book. Open my eyes to my eyes to the book. Open my eyes to what's going on and interpreting the what's going on and interpreting the what's going on and interpreting the world around me. However much you open world around me. However much you open world around me. However much you open your eyes, theological reflection is your eyes, theological reflection is your eyes, theological reflection is about opening your eyes to see what God about opening your eyes to see what God about opening your eyes to see what God is doing. is doing. is doing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And theological education is just >> Yeah. And theological education is just >> Yeah. And theological education is just simply a way of helping you open your simply a way of helping you open your simply a way of helping you open your eyes to see more deeply. eyes to see more deeply. eyes to see more deeply. >> Helping you to see. Thank you, Dr. >> Helping you to see. Thank you, Dr. >> Helping you to see. Thank you, Dr. Good stuff.

Good stuff. Good stuff. Good stuff. Good stuff. Good stuff. And theological education and reflection And theological education and reflection And theological education and reflection is is deep. It is. But our job is to is is deep. It is. But our job is to is is deep. It is. But our job is to take things that are complex and bring take things that are complex and bring take things that are complex and bring it into simple form. And that's what it into simple form. And that's what it into simple form. And that's what we're challenged to do every Sunday that we're challenged to do every Sunday that we're challenged to do every Sunday that we preach the word here or wherever it we preach the word here or wherever it we preach the word here or wherever it is. So today, I'd like to share a text is. So today, I'd like to share a text is. So today, I'd like to share a text with you and maybe, just maybe, open with you and maybe, just maybe, open with you and maybe, just maybe, open your eyes. your eyes. your eyes. The text is found in Matthew chap 24. The text is found in Matthew chap 24. The text is found in Matthew chap 24. That's the first passage. That's the first passage. That's the first passage. It begins at verse 37. In fact, we'll start at verse 36. And In fact, we'll start at verse 36. And I'm reading from the New English I'm reading from the New English I'm reading from the New English translation. But as for that day and hour, no one But as for that day and hour, no one knows it. This is important because over knows it. This is important because over knows it. This is important because over the years, the decades, there have been the years, the decades, there have been the years, the decades, there have been people who are determined people who are determined people who are determined to know when Jesus is going to return.

to know when Jesus is going to return. to know when Jesus is going to return. And there have been announcements the And there have been announcements the And there have been announcements the exact day, date, time, and region on the exact day, date, time, and region on the exact day, date, time, and region on the planet. But what does it say? It says, planet. But what does it say? It says, planet. But what does it say? It says, "But as for that day and hour, come on, "But as for that day and hour, come on, "But as for that day and hour, come on, no one knows it." So when anyone, and no one knows it." So when anyone, and no one knows it." So when anyone, and this is just a this is free. this is just a this is free. this is just a this is free. So when anyone tells you they know when So when anyone tells you they know when So when anyone tells you they know when Jesus is returning, pray for them. And Jesus is returning, pray for them. And Jesus is returning, pray for them. And if they insist, rebuke them. Not even the angels in heaven Not even the angels in heaven except the Father alone. except the Father alone. except the Father alone. For just like the days of Noah were, so For just like the days of Noah were, so For just like the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. the coming of the Son of Man will be. the coming of the Son of Man will be. For in those days before the flood, For in those days before the flood, For in those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, people were eating and drinking, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. until marrying and giving in marriage. until marrying and giving in marriage. until the until the day Noah entered the ark the until the day Noah entered the ark the until the day Noah entered the ark and they knew nothing until the flood and they knew nothing until the flood and they knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away. It will be came and took them all away. It will be came and took them all away. It will be the same at the coming of the son of the same at the coming of the son of the same at the coming of the son of man. I cannot tell you how many times I man. I cannot tell you how many times I man. I cannot tell you how many times I have reflected on this text.

have reflected on this text. have reflected on this text. And of course, I was shaped and And of course, I was shaped and And of course, I was shaped and fashioned by apocalyptic thinking fashioned by apocalyptic thinking fashioned by apocalyptic thinking because when I got saved in 1978, the because when I got saved in 1978, the because when I got saved in 1978, the way they preached, Jesus was coming in way they preached, Jesus was coming in way they preached, Jesus was coming in two weeks. And you had to be ready. And two weeks. And you had to be ready. And two weeks. And you had to be ready. And it was all about being ready. it was all about being ready. it was all about being ready. And the longer he took, the deeper I And the longer he took, the deeper I And the longer he took, the deeper I thought about it. thought about it. thought about it. and the fact that we're not supposed to and the fact that we're not supposed to and the fact that we're not supposed to spend our whole lives trying to figure spend our whole lives trying to figure spend our whole lives trying to figure out when he's going to return. He said, out when he's going to return. He said, out when he's going to return. He said, "Follow me and learn of me." And that "Follow me and learn of me." And that "Follow me and learn of me." And that should occupy our lives, our work, our should occupy our lives, our work, our should occupy our lives, our work, our ministry. ministry. ministry. But he expresses But he expresses But he expresses a description. He he characterizes what a description. He he characterizes what a description. He he characterizes what human civilization is going to be like human civilization is going to be like human civilization is going to be like just before he returns to the earth. How just before he returns to the earth. How just before he returns to the earth. How many of you believe he's coming back? many of you believe he's coming back? many of you believe he's coming back? Amen. Amen. Amen. How many know when The other text is found in the Gospel of The other text is found in the Gospel of Luke chapter 17.

Luke chapter 17. Luke chapter 17. And in Luke 17, And in Luke 17, And in Luke 17, beginning at verse 26, beginning at verse 26, beginning at verse 26, it reads as follows. Just as it was in it reads as follows. Just as it was in it reads as follows. Just as it was in the days of Noah. Again, Jesus the days of Noah. Again, Jesus the days of Noah. Again, Jesus reinforces reinforces reinforces points us back to Noah. And how many points us back to Noah. And how many points us back to Noah. And how many read the story? How many How many got as read the story? How many How many got as read the story? How many How many got as far as Genesis in your Bible reading? far as Genesis in your Bible reading? far as Genesis in your Bible reading? Good. We're making progress. Good. We're making progress. Good. We're making progress. The flood. That's what's identified with The flood. That's what's identified with The flood. That's what's identified with Noah. But just as it was in the days of Noah. But just as it was in the days of Noah. But just as it was in the days of Noah, so too will it be in the days of Noah, so too will it be in the days of Noah, so too will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, they the Son of Man. People were eating, they the Son of Man. People were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage right up to were being given in marriage right up to were being given in marriage right up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the the day Noah entered the ark. Then the the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. And flood came and destroyed them all. And flood came and destroyed them all. And he continues, likewise, likewise, he continues, likewise, likewise, he continues, likewise, likewise, likewise, likewise, likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot. just as it was in the days of Lot. just as it was in the days of Lot. So he joins together the days of Noah So he joins together the days of Noah So he joins together the days of Noah and the days of and the days of and the days of >> Lot.

>> Lot. >> Lot. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Likewise, just as it was in the days of Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot, people were eating, drinking, but Lot, people were eating, drinking, but Lot, people were eating, drinking, but he adds something. Buying, selling, he adds something. Buying, selling, he adds something. Buying, selling, planting, planting, planting, building. But on the day Lot went out building. But on the day Lot went out building. But on the day Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rain down from Sodom, fire and sulfur rain down from Sodom, fire and sulfur rain down from heaven and destroyed them all. It from heaven and destroyed them all. It from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be the same on the day the Son of will be the same on the day the Son of will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, anyone who Man is revealed. On that day, anyone who Man is revealed. On that day, anyone who is on the roof, and he continues. I is on the roof, and he continues. I is on the roof, and he continues. I won't go into that, but the bottom line won't go into that, but the bottom line won't go into that, but the bottom line is he points to those two events in the is he points to those two events in the is he points to those two events in the Old Testament, the days of Noah and the Old Testament, the days of Noah and the Old Testament, the days of Noah and the days of Lot. How do you know that that days of Lot. How do you know that that days of Lot. How do you know that that God is a God of details? God is a God of details? God is a God of details? >> How many know that God is a God of >> How many know that God is a God of >> How many know that God is a God of details? details? details? >> Absolutely. He he look, this is how >> Absolutely. He he look, this is how >> Absolutely. He he look, this is how detailed he is. Jesus said, "The very detailed he is. Jesus said, "The very detailed he is. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are numbered." Now, hairs on your head are numbered." Now, hairs on your head are numbered." Now, that's interesting because a hair come that's interesting because a hair come that's interesting because a hair come and comes and goes. Sometimes it just and comes and goes. Sometimes it just and comes and goes. Sometimes it just goes. Yeah. >> But it was hyperbole. It was to stress >> But it was hyperbole. It was to stress the fact that God is interested in the the fact that God is interested in the the fact that God is interested in the details of our lives, our lived details of our lives, our lived details of our lives, our lived experience.

experience. experience. God is a God of detail. When he healed God is a God of detail. When he healed God is a God of detail. When he healed the 10 lepers, he made an observation, the 10 lepers, he made an observation, the 10 lepers, he made an observation, right? Not all of them came back to say right? Not all of them came back to say right? Not all of them came back to say thank you. He paid attention to the thank you. He paid attention to the thank you. He paid attention to the response to the miracle of his grace. response to the miracle of his grace. response to the miracle of his grace. When a woman, widow woman, was lined up When a woman, widow woman, was lined up When a woman, widow woman, was lined up giving the offering, giving the offering, giving the offering, he paid attention he paid attention he paid attention to how much she was putting in and he to how much she was putting in and he to how much she was putting in and he made commentary of that, how many the made commentary of that, how many the made commentary of that, how many the widows might, right? And compared it to widows might, right? And compared it to widows might, right? And compared it to what others had the capacity to do and what others had the capacity to do and what others had the capacity to do and were not doing. were not doing. were not doing. and he prays the woman. Detail. Detail. and he prays the woman. Detail. Detail. and he prays the woman. Detail. Detail. So when you come to scripture, So when you come to scripture, So when you come to scripture, you have to stop and look at the you have to stop and look at the you have to stop and look at the details. And there's a detail here details. And there's a detail here details. And there's a detail here that's very, very important. We don't that's very, very important. We don't that's very, very important. We don't have enough time to unpack this fully, have enough time to unpack this fully, have enough time to unpack this fully, but let me give you enough to inspire but let me give you enough to inspire but let me give you enough to inspire you to go back and read these passages you to go back and read these passages you to go back and read these passages with a different lens.

with a different lens. with a different lens. Here's the thing. Here's the thing. Here's the thing. How many of you read the story of Noah How many of you read the story of Noah How many of you read the story of Noah in the Genesis? Raise your hands. Good. in the Genesis? Raise your hands. Good. in the Genesis? Raise your hands. Good. Thank you. How many read the story of Thank you. How many read the story of Thank you. How many read the story of Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah? More hands Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah? More hands Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah? More hands went up. That's more popular. I guess went up. That's more popular. I guess went up. That's more popular. I guess we won't try to unpack why. And and and here's here's the crisis for And and and here's here's the crisis for me. All right. and and and it's in the me. All right. and and and it's in the me. All right. and and and it's in the text, especially in in Matthew, text, especially in in Matthew, text, especially in in Matthew, we go back to it. It says, "And they we go back to it. It says, "And they we go back to it. It says, "And they knew nothing knew nothing knew nothing until the flood came." The way Jesus presents this is that The way Jesus presents this is that it surprised them. it surprised them. it surprised them. That's a problem, folks. That's a That's a problem, folks. That's a That's a problem, folks. That's a crisis. They were not They were not or should they should be they should not or should they should be they should not or should they should be they should not be surprised but in this case they were be surprised but in this case they were be surprised but in this case they were surprised. Turn to your neighbor. Say surprised. Turn to your neighbor. Say surprised. Turn to your neighbor. Say neighbor.

neighbor. neighbor. >> That's a good title for this message. >> That's a good title for this message. >> That's a good title for this message. >> That's a good title for this message. >> That's a good title for this message. >> That's a good title for this message. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. They were surprised when the flood came. They were surprised when the flood came. They were surprised when the flood came. They were surprised when fire and They were surprised when fire and They were surprised when fire and brimstone came upon Sodom and Gomorrah. brimstone came upon Sodom and Gomorrah. brimstone came upon Sodom and Gomorrah. They were surprised. They were surprised. They were surprised. Now, that's a that's a problem for us as Now, that's a that's a problem for us as Now, that's a that's a problem for us as we look to reflect and draw from the we look to reflect and draw from the we look to reflect and draw from the text and try to understand. That's a text and try to understand. That's a text and try to understand. That's a problem. They were surprised problem. They were surprised problem. They were surprised because it says concerning Noah that he because it says concerning Noah that he because it says concerning Noah that he was a preacher of righteousness. In was a preacher of righteousness. In was a preacher of righteousness. In other words, he was preaching other words, he was preaching other words, he was preaching the end is coming. the end is coming. the end is coming. They watched him for almost a century They watched him for almost a century They watched him for almost a century build a big boat build a big boat build a big boat while he was preaching. while he was preaching. while he was preaching. >> So, it's not that they were not informed >> So, it's not that they were not informed >> So, it's not that they were not informed about the judgment. It was not that they about the judgment. It was not that they about the judgment. It was not that they were not conscious that something was were not conscious that something was were not conscious that something was coming.

coming. coming. So they were aware, but the text says So they were aware, but the text says So they were aware, but the text says they were not aware until the flood they were not aware until the flood they were not aware until the flood came. came. came. How can judgment be pending? How can judgment be pending? How can judgment be pending? Preached. I remember when I got saved, Preached. I remember when I got saved, Preached. I remember when I got saved, there was a guy who would come on the there was a guy who would come on the there was a guy who would come on the bus in the neighborhood and he would bus in the neighborhood and he would bus in the neighborhood and he would say, "Repent. Jesus is coming. "Repent. Jesus is coming. I remember that. Hey, and those things I remember that. Hey, and those things I remember that. Hey, and those things stay with you, especially as loud as he stay with you, especially as loud as he stay with you, especially as loud as he he gave it. It startled me. he gave it. It startled me. he gave it. It startled me. But they were surprised. But they were surprised. But they were surprised. Why were they surprised? How could it be Why were they surprised? How could it be Why were they surprised? How could it be that when the judgment came and it's not that when the judgment came and it's not that when the judgment came and it's not until it actually happened that it hit until it actually happened that it hit until it actually happened that it hit him, boom, that's a bad thing. Amen. him, boom, that's a bad thing. Amen. him, boom, that's a bad thing. Amen. >> But there's something else. >> But there's something else. >> But there's something else. Is that that clock is right? Oh, okay.

Is that that clock is right? Oh, okay. Is that that clock is right? Oh, okay. There's something else. There's something else. There's something else. When I read the story of Noah, When I read the story of Noah, When I read the story of Noah, I began with Genesis 6 where it said God I began with Genesis 6 where it said God I began with Genesis 6 where it said God declared that the whole earth was filled declared that the whole earth was filled declared that the whole earth was filled with violence with violence with violence and corruption. How many remember that and corruption. How many remember that and corruption. How many remember that >> violence and corruption? >> violence and corruption? >> violence and corruption? And the imaginations of men's hearts And the imaginations of men's hearts And the imaginations of men's hearts were only evil continually. were only evil continually. were only evil continually. And God says enough. I'm going to bring judgment. I'm going to bring judgment. When I read the story of Lot and Sodom, When I read the story of Lot and Sodom, When I read the story of Lot and Sodom, all right, there were some details there all right, there were some details there all right, there were some details there in that story. The sin was pointed out, in that story. The sin was pointed out, in that story. The sin was pointed out, the corruption was pointed out. the corruption was pointed out. the corruption was pointed out. And I could go into the Old Testament And I could go into the Old Testament And I could go into the Old Testament and list it, and list it, and list it, but Jesus does not mention the violence.

but Jesus does not mention the violence. but Jesus does not mention the violence. He doesn't mention sin, corruption. He doesn't mention sin, corruption. He doesn't mention sin, corruption. Instead, he paints a picture of human Instead, he paints a picture of human Instead, he paints a picture of human progress. progress. progress. He said they were marrying, being given He said they were marrying, being given He said they were marrying, being given in marriage. So, the family unit in marriage. So, the family unit in marriage. So, the family unit continued to grow and develop. He said continued to grow and develop. He said continued to grow and develop. He said they were planting, farming, continued. they were planting, farming, continued. they were planting, farming, continued. the need for food and distribution of the need for food and distribution of the need for food and distribution of food and sustainability. He said they food and sustainability. He said they food and sustainability. He said they were building. So civilization continued were building. So civilization continued were building. So civilization continued to progress and and and and and to progress and and and and and to progress and and and and and development and construction went on. development and construction went on. development and construction went on. Education went on. Everything went on. Education went on. Everything went on. Education went on. Everything went on. Jesus does not mention any of the sins Jesus does not mention any of the sins Jesus does not mention any of the sins pointed out in Genesis about Noah or pointed out in Genesis about Noah or pointed out in Genesis about Noah or Lot. Lot. Lot. And I said, "Well, maybe he missed And I said, "Well, maybe he missed And I said, "Well, maybe he missed something." Jesus doesn't miss a thing. something." Jesus doesn't miss a thing. something." Jesus doesn't miss a thing. The question is why? Why did he approach The question is why? Why did he approach The question is why? Why did he approach it in this way? it in this way? it in this way? And what was he saying? And what was he saying? And what was he saying? And I wish I could unpack this for you, And I wish I could unpack this for you, And I wish I could unpack this for you, but we don't have time.

but we don't have time. but we don't have time. Why did he approach it? Why did he Why did he approach it? Why did he Why did he approach it? Why did he intentionally omit the actual sins? And intentionally omit the actual sins? And intentionally omit the actual sins? And in fact, there are some who try to in fact, there are some who try to in fact, there are some who try to justify certain elements of Noah's day justify certain elements of Noah's day justify certain elements of Noah's day and and and Lot's day. Lot's day. Lot's day. And they say, "Well, Jesus never And they say, "Well, Jesus never And they say, "Well, Jesus never mentioned it, so it must be okay." mentioned it, so it must be okay." mentioned it, so it must be okay." Well, some of you know what I'm talking Well, some of you know what I'm talking Well, some of you know what I'm talking about. Come on, you got to keep the code about. Come on, you got to keep the code about. Come on, you got to keep the code going here. going here. going here. And just because he didn't mention it And just because he didn't mention it And just because he didn't mention it doesn't mean it's okay. There's a lot of doesn't mean it's okay. There's a lot of doesn't mean it's okay. There's a lot of things that we do that he didn't things that we do that he didn't things that we do that he didn't mention, right? mention, right? mention, right? But the question is the omission. Why But the question is the omission. Why But the question is the omission. Why did he not point to their sins? did he not point to their sins? did he not point to their sins? Because what he was presenting is Because what he was presenting is Because what he was presenting is normaly. normaly. normaly. In other words, the problem for Jesus In other words, the problem for Jesus In other words, the problem for Jesus was not the sin, the corruption. It was was not the sin, the corruption. It was was not the sin, the corruption. It was common. He was pointing out that in common. He was pointing out that in common. He was pointing out that in spite of it, there was civilized spite of it, there was civilized spite of it, there was civilized progression. Civilization continued to progression. Civilization continued to progression. Civilization continued to grow and develop. In other words, it was grow and develop. In other words, it was grow and develop. In other words, it was business as usual.

business as usual. business as usual. Even though they were morally on a Even though they were morally on a Even though they were morally on a downward spiral that necessitated God's downward spiral that necessitated God's downward spiral that necessitated God's full judgment upon them, they didn't get full judgment upon them, they didn't get full judgment upon them, they didn't get it. And there's a problem when violence it. And there's a problem when violence it. And there's a problem when violence is normalized. is normalized. is normalized. >> There's a problem when immorality is >> There's a problem when immorality is >> There's a problem when immorality is normalized. normalized. normalized. >> There's a problem when corruption is >> There's a problem when corruption is >> There's a problem when corruption is normalized. normalized. normalized. Are y'all hearing me? Are y'all hearing me? Are y'all hearing me? >> Oh, I wish I had some time to unpack >> Oh, I wish I had some time to unpack >> Oh, I wish I had some time to unpack this. this. this. Because when it becomes normalized, we Because when it becomes normalized, we Because when it becomes normalized, we adapt to it. Are you hearing me? When it becomes Are you hearing me? When it becomes normal, what happens? We what? Come on. normal, what happens? We what? Come on. normal, what happens? We what? Come on. We adapt to it. We adapt to it. We adapt to it. Violence was normal. Corruption was Violence was normal. Corruption was Violence was normal. Corruption was normal. Dishonesty was normal. Injustice normal. Dishonesty was normal. Injustice normal. Dishonesty was normal. Injustice was normal. What once shocked the was normal. What once shocked the was normal. What once shocked the conscience no longer disturbed anyone.

conscience no longer disturbed anyone. conscience no longer disturbed anyone. >> They adapted. >> They adapted. >> They adapted. human beings possess, we possess an human beings possess, we possess an human beings possess, we possess an incredibly astonishing incredibly astonishing incredibly astonishing ability to normalize almost anything. ability to normalize almost anything. ability to normalize almost anything. >> Live around dishonesty long enough and >> Live around dishonesty long enough and >> Live around dishonesty long enough and honesty begins to look naive. honesty begins to look naive. honesty begins to look naive. >> Live around violence long enough and >> Live around violence long enough and >> Live around violence long enough and peace begins to look unrealistic. peace begins to look unrealistic. peace begins to look unrealistic. >> Live around greed long enough and >> Live around greed long enough and >> Live around greed long enough and generosity looks foolish. live around generosity looks foolish. live around generosity looks foolish. live around immorality long enough and holiness immorality long enough and holiness immorality long enough and holiness seems extreme. >> The greatest the greatest danger facing >> The greatest the greatest danger facing any civilization is not merely any civilization is not merely any civilization is not merely increasing evil. It is losing the increasing evil. It is losing the increasing evil. It is losing the ability to recognize evil and call it ability to recognize evil and call it ability to recognize evil and call it what it is. Progress can hide decay.

Progress can hide decay. And this is why Jesus points to ordinary And this is why Jesus points to ordinary And this is why Jesus points to ordinary life. Buying, selling, planting, life. Buying, selling, planting, life. Buying, selling, planting, building. Those are signs of progress. building. Those are signs of progress. building. Those are signs of progress. People assume that because civilization People assume that because civilization People assume that because civilization was advancing, everything must be well. was advancing, everything must be well. was advancing, everything must be well. But infrastructure is not righteousness. But infrastructure is not righteousness. But infrastructure is not righteousness. Economic growth is not holiness. Economic growth is not holiness. Economic growth is not holiness. Technology is not wisdom. Prosperity is Technology is not wisdom. Prosperity is Technology is not wisdom. Prosperity is not God's approval. A nation can build not God's approval. A nation can build not God's approval. A nation can build skyscrapers while its moral foundations skyscrapers while its moral foundations skyscrapers while its moral foundations crumble. A society can advance crumble. A society can advance crumble. A society can advance scientifically while regressing scientifically while regressing scientifically while regressing spiritually. You can have remarkable spiritually. You can have remarkable spiritually. You can have remarkable progress while experiencing profound progress while experiencing profound progress while experiencing profound decay. decay. decay. >> And Jesus reminds us that outward >> And Jesus reminds us that outward >> And Jesus reminds us that outward success can conceal inward corruption. success can conceal inward corruption. success can conceal inward corruption. That's right. That's right. That's right. >> So maybe he intended for us to go back >> So maybe he intended for us to go back >> So maybe he intended for us to go back to Genesis and read the details for to Genesis and read the details for to Genesis and read the details for ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. >> But what he wanted to emphasize in his >> But what he wanted to emphasize in his >> But what he wanted to emphasize in his homaly is when these things become normalized, is when these things become normalized, we are in trouble.

we are in trouble. we are in trouble. >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> It used to be when a person's laying on >> It used to be when a person's laying on >> It used to be when a person's laying on the street, you think something's wrong the street, you think something's wrong the street, you think something's wrong with them. You stop to help them. Now we with them. You stop to help them. Now we with them. You stop to help them. Now we step over them. It used to be that we held anyone in a It used to be that we held anyone in a position of trust that they were held to position of trust that they were held to position of trust that they were held to a higher moral standard. Now it's okay a higher moral standard. Now it's okay a higher moral standard. Now it's okay for political expediency. >> Oh, I want to unpack this some more. >> Oh, I want to unpack this some more. >> But I think you understand what I'm >> But I think you understand what I'm >> But I think you understand what I'm talking about. This is why Jesus talking about. This is why Jesus talking about. This is why Jesus emphasized the progress. This is why he emphasized the progress. This is why he emphasized the progress. This is why he emphasized that civilization continues emphasized that civilization continues emphasized that civilization continues to grow AND GROW AND GROW and grow and to grow AND GROW AND GROW and grow and to grow AND GROW AND GROW and grow and grow while inside it's decaying morally. grow while inside it's decaying morally. grow while inside it's decaying morally. And they weren't aware until judgment And they weren't aware until judgment And they weren't aware until judgment came. came. came. Graduates, you have been empowered Graduates, you have been empowered Graduates, you have been empowered because you've been given sight.

because you've been given sight. because you've been given sight. You see what others don't see. You have You see what others don't see. You have You see what others don't see. You have been trained to see. been trained to see. been trained to see. >> You become prophetic. You become voices >> You become prophetic. You become voices >> You become prophetic. You become voices in the wilderness. In a society that in the wilderness. In a society that in the wilderness. In a society that continues to measure and judge itself by continues to measure and judge itself by continues to measure and judge itself by its own progress and success, you become its own progress and success, you become its own progress and success, you become one of the voices one of the voices one of the voices >> that say, "No, let me open your eyes." >> that say, "No, let me open your eyes." >> that say, "No, let me open your eyes." Jesus put it this way for his Jesus put it this way for his Jesus put it this way for his civilization. He said, "They have eyes. civilization. He said, "They have eyes. civilization. He said, "They have eyes. but they can't see. but they can't see. but they can't see. >> They have ears, >> They have ears, >> They have ears, >> but they don't hear. >> but they don't hear. >> but they don't hear. >> They have hearts to process and feel and >> They have hearts to process and feel and >> They have hearts to process and feel and reflect, but they don't understand. reflect, but they don't understand. reflect, but they don't understand. >> And for that reason, >> And for that reason, >> And for that reason, destruction came suddenly. destruction came suddenly. destruction came suddenly. >> Turn your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, >> Turn your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, >> Turn your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, >> neighbor." >> neighbor." >> neighbor." >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> They were surprised. >> To the congregation, I say, don't you be >> To the congregation, I say, don't you be >> To the congregation, I say, don't you be surprised. Amen. surprised. Amen. surprised. Amen. >> I'm going try that one more time. That >> I'm going try that one more time. That >> I'm going try that one more time. That was deep.

was deep. was deep. >> Don't you be surprised. >> Don't you be surprised. >> Don't you be surprised. >> Live with your eyes open. >> Live with your eyes open. >> Live with your eyes open. >> Don't be deceived by progress, >> Don't be deceived by progress, >> Don't be deceived by progress, >> not your own and not the society that we >> not your own and not the society that we >> not your own and not the society that we live in. live in. live in. judge by the standard of morality, judge by the standard of morality, judge by the standard of morality, justice, justice, justice, equity, equity, equity, all of those things by which God himself all of those things by which God himself all of those things by which God himself judges whole nations and responds judges whole nations and responds judges whole nations and responds accordingly. accordingly. accordingly. They were surprised. >> family. Thank you so much for watching >> family. Thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. the world. the world. >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a new one.

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