The Inner Circle Part 2 | A.R. Bernard

Good morning, family. Good morning, family. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> How are you? >> I want to make sure I'm in the right >> I want to make sure I'm in the right church this Sunday morning. And we It's church this Sunday morning. And we It's church this Sunday morning. And we It's not just something we say. It's a not just something we say. It's a not just something we say. It's a declaration declaration declaration over your life. How many understand that over your life. How many understand that over your life. How many understand that every time you say that death and life every time you say that death and life every time you say that death and life are in the power of the are in the power of the are in the power of the >> Exactly. And we'll eat the fruit of what >> Exactly. And we'll eat the fruit of what >> Exactly. And we'll eat the fruit of what we speak. we speak. we speak. >> Amen. So when you say blessed and highly >> Amen. So when you say blessed and highly >> Amen. So when you say blessed and highly favored, you are making a declaration. favored, you are making a declaration. favored, you are making a declaration. Amen. In covenant with God. Amen. In covenant with God. Amen. In covenant with God. >> It's important. It's not just you by >> It's important. It's not just you by >> It's important. It's not just you by yourself making this declaration. You're yourself making this declaration. You're yourself making this declaration. You're making it in covenant with God who sent making it in covenant with God who sent making it in covenant with God who sent his son that we might have life and that his son that we might have life and that his son that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly. Amen. we might have it more abundantly. Amen. we might have it more abundantly. Amen. >> Let's bow our heads as we go to the Lord >> Let's bow our heads as we go to the Lord >> Let's bow our heads as we go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come to in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come to in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come to you with thanksgiving you with thanksgiving you with thanksgiving for another day that we opened our eyes, for another day that we opened our eyes, for another day that we opened our eyes, took in breath took in breath took in breath where we could say, "Thank you for all where we could say, "Thank you for all where we could say, "Thank you for all that you've done for us.

that you've done for us. that you've done for us. Thank you for how you've protected us Thank you for how you've protected us Thank you for how you've protected us from things seen and unseen. from things seen and unseen. from things seen and unseen. Times we didn't know we were in danger. Times we didn't know we were in danger. Times we didn't know we were in danger. And yet you were there and your hand was And yet you were there and your hand was And yet you were there and your hand was present, guiding, shifting, present, guiding, shifting, present, guiding, shifting, moving on our behalf. moving on our behalf. moving on our behalf. Oh Lord God, thank you for this very Oh Lord God, thank you for this very Oh Lord God, thank you for this very special relationship special relationship special relationship that you brought to us through Jesus that you brought to us through Jesus that you brought to us through Jesus Christ that we can be called sons and Christ that we can be called sons and Christ that we can be called sons and daughters of the most high God. Indeed, daughters of the most high God. Indeed, daughters of the most high God. Indeed, we are blessed we are blessed we are blessed >> and highly favored. We walk in favor. We >> and highly favored. We walk in favor. We >> and highly favored. We walk in favor. We think in favor. We live with an think in favor. We live with an think in favor. We live with an expectation expectation expectation of your favor upon us in every aspect of your favor upon us in every aspect of your favor upon us in every aspect and area of life. and area of life. and area of life. So we rejoice in that relationship with So we rejoice in that relationship with So we rejoice in that relationship with you and we thank you Lord that you do you and we thank you Lord that you do you and we thank you Lord that you do have favorites have favorites have favorites and we're one of those favorites.

and we're one of those favorites. and we're one of those favorites. >> So we bless you today. We honor you >> So we bless you today. We honor you >> So we bless you today. We honor you today and we open our hearts and minds today and we open our hearts and minds today and we open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of your word and we thank to the wisdom of your word and we thank to the wisdom of your word and we thank you in Jesus precious name. you in Jesus precious name. you in Jesus precious name. Amen. And amen. Come on, bless three Amen. And amen. Come on, bless three Amen. And amen. Come on, bless three people before you're seated. Someone was bothered by me when they Someone was bothered by me when they asked me, "Does God have favors?" They asked me, "Does God have favors?" They asked me, "Does God have favors?" They said, "Well, actually started." He said, said, "Well, actually started." He said, said, "Well, actually started." He said, "God has no favorites." I said, "Yes, he "God has no favorites." I said, "Yes, he "God has no favorites." I said, "Yes, he does." Said, "Read your Bible. does." Said, "Read your Bible. does." Said, "Read your Bible. Read your Bible." He places his favor. Read your Bible." He places his favor. Read your Bible." He places his favor. His favor was on a nation. Favor was on His favor was on a nation. Favor was on His favor was on a nation. Favor was on an individual, patriarchs and kings and an individual, patriarchs and kings and an individual, patriarchs and kings and prophets and priests. And now his favor prophets and priests. And now his favor prophets and priests. And now his favor is especially upon those who are in is especially upon those who are in is especially upon those who are in relationship with him through his son relationship with him through his son relationship with him through his son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jesus Christ. Amen. Jesus Christ. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Turn to your neighbor. Say, "Neighbor, >> Turn to your neighbor. Say, "Neighbor, >> Turn to your neighbor. Say, "Neighbor, God does have favorites." God does have favorites." God does have favorites." >> God does have favorites. >> God does have favorites. >> God does have favorites. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> And I'll tell you, when you're dealing >> And I'll tell you, when you're dealing >> And I'll tell you, when you're dealing with someone with all power, you want to with someone with all power, you want to with someone with all power, you want to stay on their good side. You stay on their good side. You stay on their good side. You make sure you're in relationship. make sure you're in relationship. make sure you're in relationship. And it's great to be in relationship And it's great to be in relationship And it's great to be in relationship with those at the top. with those at the top. with those at the top. Father, Son, Father, Son, Father, Son, >> and Holy Spirit. >> and Holy Spirit. >> and Holy Spirit. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So, >> So, >> So, we've got time today. we've got time today. we've got time today. >> So, can we dig in? Can we I mean, can we >> So, can we dig in? Can we I mean, can we >> So, can we dig in? Can we I mean, can we pull out your notebook, your your your pull out your notebook, your your your pull out your notebook, your your your your tablet, your tablet, your tablet, whatever it is that you have that you whatever it is that you have that you whatever it is that you have that you take notes on, and let's pick up where take notes on, and let's pick up where take notes on, and let's pick up where we left off. All right? Because I'd like we left off. All right? Because I'd like we left off. All right? Because I'd like to dig into this. I'd like to speak to to dig into this. I'd like to speak to to dig into this. I'd like to speak to you on a personal level about this, but you on a personal level about this, but you on a personal level about this, but also on a leadership level so that we also on a leadership level so that we also on a leadership level so that we can understand how God relates to us. We can understand how God relates to us. We can understand how God relates to us. We want to know his nature. We want to know want to know his nature. We want to know want to know his nature. We want to know his character, but we also want to know his character, but we also want to know his character, but we also want to know his presence in relationship to us as his presence in relationship to us as his presence in relationship to us as part of his creation.

part of his creation. part of his creation. So, let's jump right in. There are four So, let's jump right in. There are four So, let's jump right in. There are four stewardship responsibilities given to stewardship responsibilities given to stewardship responsibilities given to us. We are stewards of everything but us. We are stewards of everything but us. We are stewards of everything but possessors of nothing. Did you get that possessors of nothing. Did you get that possessors of nothing. Did you get that last week? last week? last week? >> All right, let me just remind you. >> All right, let me just remind you. >> All right, let me just remind you. You never see a hurts truck following You never see a hurts truck following You never see a hurts truck following behind behind behind a funeral. a funeral. a funeral. Why you never see a truck? Because we Why you never see a truck? Because we Why you never see a truck? Because we can't take any of this with us. can't take any of this with us. can't take any of this with us. So we the reality is we only get to use So we the reality is we only get to use So we the reality is we only get to use it to utilize it and everything we it to utilize it and everything we it to utilize it and everything we receive in life receive in life receive in life everything we receive in life makes us a everything we receive in life makes us a everything we receive in life makes us a steward over those things. It's true steward over those things. It's true steward over those things. It's true about our time, right? We are stewards about our time, right? We are stewards about our time, right? We are stewards over four areas, four particular things. over four areas, four particular things. over four areas, four particular things. Number one, Number one, Number one, time. time. time. And I'll get to unpack this more about And I'll get to unpack this more about And I'll get to unpack this more about time because I made some comments last time because I made some comments last time because I made some comments last week that time week that time week that time really doesn't move. We have a clock really doesn't move. We have a clock really doesn't move. We have a clock that measures, right? In fact, it's only that measures, right? In fact, it's only that measures, right? In fact, it's only about a thousand years about a thousand years about a thousand years that ago that we didn't have what we that ago that we didn't have what we that ago that we didn't have what we call precision time where we're actually call precision time where we're actually call precision time where we're actually measuring it with a watch or a clock. It measuring it with a watch or a clock. It measuring it with a watch or a clock. It was a time that they didn't have that um

was a time that they didn't have that um was a time that they didn't have that um time was kind of sort of around time was kind of sort of around time was kind of sort of around 12:00. 12:00. 12:00. We didn't have such precise measurements We didn't have such precise measurements We didn't have such precise measurements of time. So time was measured by the of time. So time was measured by the of time. So time was measured by the rising and setting of the sun intervals rising and setting of the sun intervals rising and setting of the sun intervals in between. in between. in between. But then we became very precise with our But then we became very precise with our But then we became very precise with our measurement of time. But again, all of m measurement of time. But again, all of m measurement of time. But again, all of m the material world is in motion, the material world is in motion, the material world is in motion, including us. We're all moving through including us. We're all moving through including us. We're all moving through time. time. time. Time doesn't really move. time Time doesn't really move. time Time doesn't really move. time came into came into came into I would say I won't say existence but I would say I won't say existence but I would say I won't say existence but came into our awareness when we entered came into our awareness when we entered came into our awareness when we entered human history and everything around us human history and everything around us human history and everything around us including the sun the moon the stars including the sun the moon the stars including the sun the moon the stars were in motion and we found ourselves were in motion and we found ourselves were in motion and we found ourselves moving through a day how many know you moving through a day how many know you moving through a day how many know you move through your day right the day move through your day right the day move through your day right the day doesn't move through you well it doesn't move through you well it doesn't move through you well it shouldn't But we move through time. So shouldn't But we move through time. So shouldn't But we move through time. So how you manage your time, how you how you manage your time, how you how you manage your time, how you steward your time is critical. You never steward your time is critical. You never steward your time is critical. You never get a second chance to spend today. You get a second chance to spend today. You get a second chance to spend today. You can't save time. You can't bank it and can't save time. You can't bank it and can't save time. You can't bank it and draw from it. We each get 24 hours. And

draw from it. We each get 24 hours. And draw from it. We each get 24 hours. And why is one person more productive than why is one person more productive than why is one person more productive than another in those 24 hours? Because of another in those 24 hours? Because of another in those 24 hours? Because of how they spend their time. Turn to your how they spend their time. Turn to your how they spend their time. Turn to your neighbor say neighbor you can only spend neighbor say neighbor you can only spend neighbor say neighbor you can only spend time time time at very very important. Amen. So it's at very very important. Amen. So it's at very very important. Amen. So it's important that we have a respect for important that we have a respect for important that we have a respect for time because some people don't time because some people don't time because some people don't on point. But some people don't respect on point. But some people don't respect on point. But some people don't respect time. So time our talents time. So time our talents time. So time our talents our aptitudes our abilities our our aptitudes our abilities our our aptitudes our abilities our God-given gift talents and abilities. We God-given gift talents and abilities. We God-given gift talents and abilities. We have a stewardship responsibility have a stewardship responsibility have a stewardship responsibility for how we utilize those talents. And for how we utilize those talents. And for how we utilize those talents. And you identify that. You identify those you identify that. You identify those you identify that. You identify those talents, those abilities, those gifts. talents, those abilities, those gifts. talents, those abilities, those gifts. They are aptitude tests. They are They are aptitude tests. They are They are aptitude tests. They are spiritual gifting tests, spiritual gifting tests, spiritual gifting tests, leadership tests. Those are all leadership tests. Those are all leadership tests. Those are all available to you so that you can available to you so that you can available to you so that you can identify them. You discover your identify them. You discover your identify them. You discover your purpose. Aristotle said at the purpose. Aristotle said at the purpose. Aristotle said at the intersection, where your gift, talents, intersection, where your gift, talents, intersection, where your gift, talents, and abilities meet a human need, that's and abilities meet a human need, that's and abilities meet a human need, that's where you discover your purpose. So you where you discover your purpose. So you where you discover your purpose. So you discover purpose when you are putting discover purpose when you are putting discover purpose when you are putting your gift, talents, and abilities to your gift, talents, and abilities to your gift, talents, and abilities to work to meet a need.

work to meet a need. work to meet a need. That's why purpose is not static. That's why purpose is not static. That's why purpose is not static. Purpose is dynamic because those Purpose is dynamic because those Purpose is dynamic because those intersections can change throughout your intersections can change throughout your intersections can change throughout your life. Maybe you're utilizing your gift, life. Maybe you're utilizing your gift, life. Maybe you're utilizing your gift, talents, and abilities in one stage of talents, and abilities in one stage of talents, and abilities in one stage of your life in a specific way, but then it your life in a specific way, but then it your life in a specific way, but then it changes as you move through different changes as you move through different changes as you move through different levels and stages and seasons. Those levels and stages and seasons. Those levels and stages and seasons. Those gifts, talents, and abilities are gifts, talents, and abilities are gifts, talents, and abilities are utilized differently and in different utilized differently and in different utilized differently and in different contexts and circumstances. So, our contexts and circumstances. So, our contexts and circumstances. So, our time, talent, and our what? time, talent, and our what? time, talent, and our what? >> Treasury. Yes, God created us to be >> Treasury. Yes, God created us to be >> Treasury. Yes, God created us to be fruitful, to be productive, fruitful, to be productive, fruitful, to be productive, and money, the monetary system is part and money, the monetary system is part and money, the monetary system is part of the world in which we live, no matter of the world in which we live, no matter of the world in which we live, no matter where you go. And number four, and where you go. And number four, and where you go. And number four, and remember, you work for money so that money can you work for money so that money can work for you. work for you. work for you. >> You don't want to be a slave to it. >> You don't want to be a slave to it. >> You don't want to be a slave to it. Amen. And I'm going to make a statement Amen. And I'm going to make a statement Amen. And I'm going to make a statement which I'm going to unpack probably which I'm going to unpack probably which I'm going to unpack probably starting in September, October. But starting in September, October. But starting in September, October. But Jesus preached freedom from wealth Jesus preached freedom from wealth Jesus preached freedom from wealth and freedom from poverty. I'm going to and freedom from poverty. I'm going to and freedom from poverty. I'm going to say that one more time. Very, very say that one more time. Very, very say that one more time. Very, very important. Jesus preached freedom from important. Jesus preached freedom from important. Jesus preached freedom from wealth. He doesn't want money to possess wealth. He doesn't want money to possess wealth. He doesn't want money to possess you, right? But he also preached freedom you, right? But he also preached freedom you, right? But he also preached freedom from poverty. He does not want us to be from poverty. He does not want us to be from poverty. He does not want us to be impoverished.

impoverished. impoverished. >> The example with the nation of Israel, >> The example with the nation of Israel, >> The example with the nation of Israel, he said, "I'll make you the he said, "I'll make you the he said, "I'll make you the >> and not the >> and not the >> and not the >> I'll place you >> I'll place you >> I'll place you >> and not >> and not >> and not >> I'll make you the lender and not the >> I'll make you the lender and not the >> I'll make you the lender and not the >> borrower." So, finance, financial >> borrower." So, finance, financial >> borrower." So, finance, financial status, economics, all of these things status, economics, all of these things status, economics, all of these things are critical. But he wants us to be are critical. But he wants us to be are critical. But he wants us to be free. So, wealth doesn't control us. But free. So, wealth doesn't control us. But free. So, wealth doesn't control us. But he also wants us to be free from he also wants us to be free from he also wants us to be free from poverty. So poverty doesn't destroy us. poverty. So poverty doesn't destroy us. poverty. So poverty doesn't destroy us. Lastly, Lastly, Lastly, relationships. relationships. relationships. We have a stewardship responsibility We have a stewardship responsibility We have a stewardship responsibility over our relationships. Over our relationships. Over our relationships. I want to focus on this one. I want to focus on this one. I want to focus on this one. Relationships. relationships.

relationships. This can be one of the toughest areas This can be one of the toughest areas This can be one of the toughest areas for us to for us to for us to do well in. There are people who are do well in. There are people who are do well in. There are people who are very good at making a lot of money and very good at making a lot of money and very good at making a lot of money and terrible in managing their terrible in managing their terrible in managing their relationships. There are people who are great, There are people who are great, disciplined, imagining their time, their disciplined, imagining their time, their disciplined, imagining their time, their talents and their treasury and suffer talents and their treasury and suffer talents and their treasury and suffer when it comes to relationships. when it comes to relationships. when it comes to relationships. Every time that I have spoken to groups Every time that I have spoken to groups Every time that I have spoken to groups about the major issues that they want me about the major issues that they want me about the major issues that they want me to talk about in a particular setting, to talk about in a particular setting, to talk about in a particular setting, usually usually it comes back to usually usually it comes back to usually usually it comes back to relationships. How do we manage our relationships. How do we manage our relationships. How do we manage our relationships? relationships? relationships? Let me get a little theological on you. Let me get a little theological on you. Let me get a little theological on you. You ready? You ready? You ready? There are two ways of and because when I There are two ways of and because when I There are two ways of and because when I speak of relationship I'm talking about speak of relationship I'm talking about speak of relationship I'm talking about the integrated human person who you are the integrated human person who you are the integrated human person who you are as a person I'm talking about you not as a person I'm talking about you not as a person I'm talking about you not you collectively but you individually you collectively but you individually you collectively but you individually you you you the integrated person the human being the integrated person the human being the integrated person the human being the human person you the human person you the human person you now theologically there are two views now theologically there are two views now theologically there are two views one is a tricotomy and one is a one is a tricotomy and one is a one is a tricotomy and one is a dichotomy.

dichotomy. dichotomy. If you are have experienced Catholic If you are have experienced Catholic If you are have experienced Catholic theology and some other theologies that theology and some other theologies that theology and some other theologies that are similar to that, their theology says are similar to that, their theology says are similar to that, their theology says that essentially we as human persons we that essentially we as human persons we that essentially we as human persons we are a dichotomy of soul and body, soul are a dichotomy of soul and body, soul are a dichotomy of soul and body, soul and body, body and soul. The order and body, body and soul. The order and body, body and soul. The order doesn't matter. Soul, body, body and doesn't matter. Soul, body, body and doesn't matter. Soul, body, body and soul. Because the Bible uses soul and soul. Because the Bible uses soul and soul. Because the Bible uses soul and spirit interchangeably spirit interchangeably spirit interchangeably in many many different places. in many many different places. in many many different places. In our house, the theology of our house, In our house, the theology of our house, In our house, the theology of our house, our view, our perspective is one of a our view, our perspective is one of a our view, our perspective is one of a tricotomy that we are spirit, soul, and tricotomy that we are spirit, soul, and tricotomy that we are spirit, soul, and body. In Hebrews chapter 4:12, you can body. In Hebrews chapter 4:12, you can body. In Hebrews chapter 4:12, you can write that down. We don't have time to write that down. We don't have time to write that down. We don't have time to look at it, but Hebrews chapter 4:12, look at it, but Hebrews chapter 4:12, look at it, but Hebrews chapter 4:12, it speaks of the word of God penetrating it speaks of the word of God penetrating it speaks of the word of God penetrating spirit, soul, right down to the joints spirit, soul, right down to the joints spirit, soul, right down to the joints and marrow, which is symbolic language and marrow, which is symbolic language and marrow, which is symbolic language for the body. Hebrews 4:12.

In Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul says, In Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul says, "I pray your whole spirit, soul, and "I pray your whole spirit, soul, and "I pray your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless." body be preserved blameless." body be preserved blameless." So it speaks of that triotomy. So it speaks of that triotomy. So it speaks of that triotomy. So from that view that view So from that view that view So from that view that view we will look at relationships. we will look at relationships. we will look at relationships. Relationships break out into three Relationships break out into three Relationships break out into three dimensions. Number one, your dimensions. Number one, your dimensions. Number one, your relationship with God. relationship with God. relationship with God. Your relationship with God. And this is where And this is where we understand we understand we understand spirit. We are spiritual beings. We are We are spiritual beings. We are spiritual beings. spiritual beings. spiritual beings. We live in a body. We possess a soul. So our spirit So our spirit makes us god conscious. makes us god conscious. makes us god conscious. We are aware that there is something We are aware that there is something We are aware that there is something trans that transcends us.

trans that transcends us. trans that transcends us. We are aware We are aware We are aware that there's got to be more than this that there's got to be more than this that there's got to be more than this material physical existence. Even if we material physical existence. Even if we material physical existence. Even if we can't name it, haven't been introduced can't name it, haven't been introduced can't name it, haven't been introduced to it, can't put our finger on it, to it, can't put our finger on it, to it, can't put our finger on it, we just know that there's something more we just know that there's something more we just know that there's something more beyond this physical world in which we beyond this physical world in which we beyond this physical world in which we live. live. live. I've heard language like they have a I've heard language like they have a I've heard language like they have a sixth sense. How many have ever heard sixth sense. How many have ever heard sixth sense. How many have ever heard that language? that language? that language? >> Yeah. It's like and when they say that >> Yeah. It's like and when they say that >> Yeah. It's like and when they say that because our we have five senses which because our we have five senses which because our we have five senses which give us a consciousness of the material give us a consciousness of the material give us a consciousness of the material world right five senses that we have. So world right five senses that we have. So world right five senses that we have. So when we use language like sixth sense when we use language like sixth sense when we use language like sixth sense we're saying that there's something more we're saying that there's something more we're saying that there's something more there's something beyond that. We use there's something beyond that. We use there's something beyond that. We use language like language like language like I just feel something I just feel something I just feel something or we may say I don't like the vibe or we may say I don't like the vibe or we may say I don't like the vibe in this place. How many say what and in this place. How many say what and in this place. How many say what and what are we talking about? We're saying what are we talking about? We're saying what are we talking about? We're saying that we're picking up something that is that we're picking up something that is that we're picking up something that is not not not that we're not able to contact through that we're not able to contact through that we're not able to contact through sight, smell, hearing, taste, or touch.

sight, smell, hearing, taste, or touch. sight, smell, hearing, taste, or touch. We walk through it. We believe that We walk through it. We believe that We walk through it. We believe that there's something more. How many have there's something more. How many have there's something more. How many have ever walked into a space and got and and ever walked into a space and got and and ever walked into a space and got and and had an eerie feeling about it? Raise had an eerie feeling about it? Raise had an eerie feeling about it? Raise your hands high if you had an eerie your hands high if you had an eerie your hands high if you had an eerie feeling. All right, good. Some people feeling. All right, good. Some people feeling. All right, good. Some people don't feel. So, it's all right. All don't feel. So, it's all right. All don't feel. So, it's all right. All right. We got you. We're praying for right. We got you. We're praying for right. We got you. We're praying for you. So, so and and and the Bible you. So, so and and and the Bible you. So, so and and and the Bible teaches that there's another dimension teaches that there's another dimension teaches that there's another dimension of existence besides the natural of existence besides the natural of existence besides the natural physical world. There is a spiritual physical world. There is a spiritual physical world. There is a spiritual world. There's an invisible world. There world. There's an invisible world. There world. There's an invisible world. There are things visible and things invisible. are things visible and things invisible. are things visible and things invisible. The Apostle Paul talked about bodies The Apostle Paul talked about bodies The Apostle Paul talked about bodies terrestial and bodies celestial. terrestial and bodies celestial. terrestial and bodies celestial. So, not to get into flying sauces and So, not to get into flying sauces and So, not to get into flying sauces and all that today, all that today, all that today, but our spirit and this is important but our spirit and this is important but our spirit and this is important because Jesus revealed in John 4 24 that because Jesus revealed in John 4 24 that because Jesus revealed in John 4 24 that God is God is God is >> spirit, right? that God is spirit and >> spirit, right? that God is spirit and >> spirit, right? that God is spirit and spirit is a simply a class of being.

spirit is a simply a class of being. spirit is a simply a class of being. So in order to interact with God, we So in order to interact with God, we So in order to interact with God, we must also be what? must also be what? must also be what? >> Spirit. So it's in our spirit that we >> Spirit. So it's in our spirit that we >> Spirit. So it's in our spirit that we experience God consciousness, awareness experience God consciousness, awareness experience God consciousness, awareness of God. The Bible in Proverbs says that of God. The Bible in Proverbs says that of God. The Bible in Proverbs says that the spirit of man is the candle of the the spirit of man is the candle of the the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord. Lord. Lord. That's interesting to think of a candle. That's interesting to think of a candle. That's interesting to think of a candle. What do you do with a candle? You light What do you do with a candle? You light What do you do with a candle? You light it so they can give light. So God it so they can give light. So God it so they can give light. So God interacts with our spirit to bring interacts with our spirit to bring interacts with our spirit to bring illumination and revelation. illumination and revelation. illumination and revelation. So this is our God consciousness. But So this is our God consciousness. But So this is our God consciousness. But this is also our first and primary this is also our first and primary this is also our first and primary relationship, our relationship with God. relationship, our relationship with God. relationship, our relationship with God. All relationships occupy a horizontal All relationships occupy a horizontal All relationships occupy a horizontal plane, but only one relationship should plane, but only one relationship should plane, but only one relationship should occupy a 90 degree vertical plane, and occupy a 90 degree vertical plane, and occupy a 90 degree vertical plane, and that's your relationship with God. that's your relationship with God. that's your relationship with God. Whenever you have a vertical Whenever you have a vertical Whenever you have a vertical relationship with anything or anyone relationship with anything or anyone relationship with anything or anyone else other than God, you are now in a else other than God, you are now in a else other than God, you are now in a place of idolatry.

Got it? So relationships are horizontal Got it? So relationships are horizontal and what? and what? and what? >> Vertical. And that 90 degree vertical >> Vertical. And that 90 degree vertical >> Vertical. And that 90 degree vertical plane. That's where God should be. So in plane. That's where God should be. So in plane. That's where God should be. So in our spirit, we are God conscious. We our spirit, we are God conscious. We our spirit, we are God conscious. We relate to God. That first and foremost relate to God. That first and foremost relate to God. That first and foremost relationship, primary relationship is relationship, primary relationship is relationship, primary relationship is our relationship with God. Second our relationship with God. Second our relationship with God. Second is our relationship with self and is our relationship with self and is our relationship with self and others. And this is what the Bible reveals as And this is what the Bible reveals as the soul. the soul. the soul. Essentially Essentially Essentially the mind, the mind, the mind, the will So the the soul So the the soul is where we experience is where we experience is where we experience selfconsciousness.

selfconsciousness. selfconsciousness. We are conscious of ourselves and we are We are conscious of ourselves and we are We are conscious of ourselves and we are conscious of others as well beyond just conscious of others as well beyond just conscious of others as well beyond just their physical. their physical. their physical. We are conscious of them in a spiritual We are conscious of them in a spiritual We are conscious of them in a spiritual sense as well. How many have ever felt sense as well. How many have ever felt sense as well. How many have ever felt strange around somebody? strange around somebody? strange around somebody? How many have ever felt good around How many have ever felt good around How many have ever felt good around somebody? And we use the same language. somebody? And we use the same language. somebody? And we use the same language. You know, I don't like the vibes I get You know, I don't like the vibes I get You know, I don't like the vibes I get from him. We're trying to express something unseen We're trying to express something unseen and yet being experienced. and yet being experienced. and yet being experienced. And that's why we know that we are And that's why we know that we are And that's why we know that we are spiritual beings that that that that spiritual beings that that that that spiritual beings that that that that there is something called the soul. We won't get into the eternality, the We won't get into the eternality, the temporarily these things today, but temporarily these things today, but temporarily these things today, but definitely definitely definitely you have a relationship with yourself. you have a relationship with yourself. you have a relationship with yourself. >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> Let me try that one more time. >> Let me try that one more time. >> Let me try that one more time. >> You have a relationship with yourself >> You have a relationship with yourself >> You have a relationship with yourself whether you realize it or not. And and whether you realize it or not. And and whether you realize it or not. And and there are individuals practitioners who there are individuals practitioners who there are individuals practitioners who are trained to help you understand your are trained to help you understand your are trained to help you understand your relationship with yourself because relationship with yourself because relationship with yourself because sometimes that relationship can be sometimes that relationship can be sometimes that relationship can be problematic. problematic. problematic. >> What does a therapist do? Whether a >> What does a therapist do? Whether a >> What does a therapist do? Whether a psychologist or psychiatrist do walk you psychologist or psychiatrist do walk you psychologist or psychiatrist do walk you through a journey to get to know through a journey to get to know through a journey to get to know yourself. That's why it's called self That's why it's called self esteem. esteem. esteem. Hello. Hello. Hello. >> Self esteem. And one important thing >> Self esteem. And one important thing >> Self esteem. And one important thing about self-esteem, you can't you can't about self-esteem, you can't you can't about self-esteem, you can't you can't wait for someone else to come along and wait for someone else to come along and wait for someone else to come along and esteem you. Cuz what if they don't show up? Cuz what if they don't show up? >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking about somebody you know.

So you must have a healthy self So you must have a healthy self >> esteem. A self-estimation. You must have >> esteem. A self-estimation. You must have >> esteem. A self-estimation. You must have a healthy estimation of yourself. You a healthy estimation of yourself. You a healthy estimation of yourself. You don't go too far and be arrogant and don't go too far and be arrogant and don't go too far and be arrogant and proud and narcissistic. No. proud and narcissistic. No. proud and narcissistic. No. So in the realm of the mind, will and So in the realm of the mind, will and So in the realm of the mind, will and emotions, right, we relate. We relate to emotions, right, we relate. We relate to emotions, right, we relate. We relate to ourselves and we relate to others. And ourselves and we relate to others. And ourselves and we relate to others. And third, third, third, what's left? And we relate to the material world And we relate to the material world through the body, our physical senses. through the body, our physical senses. through the body, our physical senses. our physical senses. our physical senses. our physical senses. We relate. Even in relating to ourselves and Even in relating to ourselves and others, the body comes into play. The others, the body comes into play. The others, the body comes into play. The spirit comes into play. And that's why spirit comes into play. And that's why spirit comes into play. And that's why this is an integrated system. They're this is an integrated system. They're this is an integrated system. They're supposed to work together.

They're supposed to work together. They're supposed to work together. Essentially, originally, this was all in Essentially, originally, this was all in Essentially, originally, this was all in touch with God and fed by his spirit. touch with God and fed by his spirit. touch with God and fed by his spirit. But when sin entered and separation from But when sin entered and separation from But when sin entered and separation from God took place, all right, the God took place, all right, the God took place, all right, the separation was not physical. separation was not physical. separation was not physical. It was in this realm. And that It was in this realm. And that It was in this realm. And that separation separation separation moved us away from the source of life, moved us away from the source of life, moved us away from the source of life, of love, of light, illumination. of love, of light, illumination. of love, of light, illumination. We became broken and wounded. We became broken and wounded. We became broken and wounded. This is an integrated system. So once This is an integrated system. So once This is an integrated system. So once it's lined up and working together, you it's lined up and working together, you it's lined up and working together, you become empowered as an individual. become empowered as an individual. become empowered as an individual. If you are one place spiritually, If you are one place spiritually, If you are one place spiritually, another place self, I I just just even another place self, I I just just even another place self, I I just just even in this realm. All right. If your mind in this realm. All right. If your mind in this realm. All right. If your mind is somewhere else, your will is is somewhere else, your will is is somewhere else, your will is somewhere else, your emotions, that's somewhere else, your emotions, that's somewhere else, your emotions, that's called confusion. That's called chaos. So your power, your power that go, your So your power, your power that go, your God-given power is when you do God-given power is when you do God-given power is when you do everything you can to make sure that everything you can to make sure that everything you can to make sure that this integrated system is working this integrated system is working this integrated system is working together.

together. together. So you have a stewardship responsibility So you have a stewardship responsibility So you have a stewardship responsibility to protect your relationship with God. to protect your relationship with God. to protect your relationship with God. You have a stewardship responsibility to You have a stewardship responsibility to You have a stewardship responsibility to protect and manage well your protect and manage well your protect and manage well your relationship with yourself. And you have relationship with yourself. And you have relationship with yourself. And you have a stewardship responsibility to manage a stewardship responsibility to manage a stewardship responsibility to manage well your relationship with other well your relationship with other well your relationship with other people. You have a stewardship people. You have a stewardship people. You have a stewardship responsibility to manage well your responsibility to manage well your responsibility to manage well your relationship with the material world. relationship with the material world. relationship with the material world. You have a stewardship over your body. You have a stewardship over your body. You have a stewardship over your body. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. Your body is a temple. It is the base of operation It is the base of operation It is the base of operation from which you interact with the from which you interact with the from which you interact with the material world. You interact with this material world. You interact with this material world. You interact with this invisible world of spirit and soul. Now of course Now of course anything that we anything that we anything that we frame and use to articulate frame and use to articulate frame and use to articulate something that is a mystery because a something that is a mystery because a something that is a mystery because a human person is still a mystery. We are human person is still a mystery. We are human person is still a mystery. We are we are a mystery. This helps us to we are a mystery. This helps us to we are a mystery. This helps us to understand it. It gives you a framework.

understand it. It gives you a framework. understand it. It gives you a framework. That's why things like prayer and That's why things like prayer and That's why things like prayer and worship. All of these things affect your worship. All of these things affect your worship. All of these things affect your spirit and your soul spirit and your soul spirit and your soul and your body participates in worship, and your body participates in worship, and your body participates in worship, right? You're raising your hands, you're right? You're raising your hands, you're right? You're raising your hands, you're singing. It's an integrated system. So singing. It's an integrated system. So singing. It's an integrated system. So you have a stewardship responsibility you have a stewardship responsibility you have a stewardship responsibility to manage well each of these to manage well each of these to manage well each of these relationships because if one area is failing, it because if one area is failing, it affects the whole. This is you're a affects the whole. This is you're a affects the whole. This is you're a whole person. You're a whole being whole person. You're a whole being whole person. You're a whole being and you have a stewardship and you have a stewardship and you have a stewardship responsibility over this. It's very very responsibility over this. It's very very responsibility over this. It's very very very important. In fact, let me make a very important. In fact, let me make a very important. In fact, let me make a statement to you statement to you statement to you about this because about this because about this because our stewardship our stewardship our stewardship over these four, right?

Our stewardship over these four things Our stewardship over these four things will determine how we experience life. will determine how we experience life. will determine how we experience life. Our Our Our stewardship over these four things will stewardship over these four things will stewardship over these four things will determine how we experience determine how we experience determine how we experience life. The reason why The reason why Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you." "Take my yoke upon you." Right? Take my burden, my yoke upon you. Right? Take my burden, my yoke upon you. Right? Take my burden, my yoke upon you. A yoke A yoke A yoke is designed to connect you is designed to connect you is designed to connect you with something. with something. with something. And whatever you're connected to, And whatever you're connected to, And whatever you're connected to, you carry the burden of. you carry the burden of. you carry the burden of. Let me unpack this a little bit. Let me unpack this a little bit. Let me unpack this a little bit. Whatever you're yolked to, think think Whatever you're yolked to, think think Whatever you're yolked to, think think of oxen pulling a wagon, right? There's of oxen pulling a wagon, right? There's of oxen pulling a wagon, right? There's a yoke around them. There's a yoke. And a yoke around them. There's a yoke. And a yoke around them. There's a yoke. And yoke makers, yoke makers, yoke makers, the best yoke makers, designed it in the best yoke makers, designed it in the best yoke makers, designed it in such a way that it allowed for freedom such a way that it allowed for freedom such a way that it allowed for freedom of movement and yet making sure that it of movement and yet making sure that it of movement and yet making sure that it did not allow too much freedom of did not allow too much freedom of did not allow too much freedom of movement that would interfere with the movement that would interfere with the movement that would interfere with the proper carrying of the burden.

proper carrying of the burden. proper carrying of the burden. So when Jesus said take my yoke upon you So when Jesus said take my yoke upon you So when Jesus said take my yoke upon you for my yoke is what? for my yoke is what? for my yoke is what? >> Easy and my burden is light is because >> Easy and my burden is light is because >> Easy and my burden is light is because the relationship between you and him is the relationship between you and him is the relationship between you and him is managed and designed so that their managed and designed so that their managed and designed so that their boundaries to keep you from being boundaries to keep you from being boundaries to keep you from being overwhelmed and at the same time to keep overwhelmed and at the same time to keep overwhelmed and at the same time to keep you from crossing guard rails that you from crossing guard rails that you from crossing guard rails that become dangerous for you. That's why the Bible speaks about not be That's why the Bible speaks about not be not about not being unequally yolked. Because when you're unequally yolked, Because when you're unequally yolked, especially with another person, especially with another person, especially with another person, this si system can become interrupted this si system can become interrupted this si system can become interrupted because if they're somewhere else because if they're somewhere else because if they're somewhere else spiritually, spiritually, spiritually, how many understand it's going to affect how many understand it's going to affect how many understand it's going to affect the energy and synergy the energy and synergy the energy and synergy that should that should that should be the real reality, should be the be the real reality, should be the be the real reality, should be the experience of that relationship coming experience of that relationship coming experience of that relationship coming together. Be not unequally yolked together. Be not unequally yolked together. Be not unequally yolked together with an unbeliever.

together with an unbeliever. together with an unbeliever. Because if you're believing two Because if you're believing two Because if you're believing two different things, you're going to be different things, you're going to be different things, you're going to be doing in two different direct going in doing in two different direct going in doing in two different direct going in two different directions. And there's two different directions. And there's two different directions. And there's going to be this this pull and tension going to be this this pull and tension going to be this this pull and tension created instead of that harmony and created instead of that harmony and created instead of that harmony and point of confluence point of confluence point of confluence that the relationship should bring that the relationship should bring that the relationship should bring forth. Another principle around the idea of Another principle around the idea of yoke. yoke. yoke. Whatever Whatever Whatever you're yolked to in life or whoever you're yolked to in life or whoever you're yolked to in life or whoever you're yolked to in life, you carry the you're yolked to in life, you carry the you're yolked to in life, you carry the burden of. >> I remember in the early days of ministry >> I remember in the early days of ministry when Williamsburg was not Williamsburg, when Williamsburg was not Williamsburg, when Williamsburg was not Williamsburg, apartments were $110 a month, not $5,000 apartments were $110 a month, not $5,000 apartments were $110 a month, not $5,000 a month. a month. a month. I know because I lived there. I know because I lived there. I know because I lived there. I would go out on the streets and I would go out on the streets and I would go out on the streets and interact with the homeless. There were interact with the homeless. There were interact with the homeless. There were drug addicts. There were gang members.

drug addicts. There were gang members. drug addicts. There were gang members. Develop relationship with them. Develop relationship with them. Develop relationship with them. Interacted with them because I wanted to Interacted with them because I wanted to Interacted with them because I wanted to hear their story. I wanted to share hear their story. I wanted to share hear their story. I wanted to share Christ with them. But where they were on Christ with them. But where they were on Christ with them. But where they were on the streets the streets the streets and it was amazing. Pastor Karen and I and it was amazing. Pastor Karen and I and it was amazing. Pastor Karen and I would talk about this because on the would talk about this because on the would talk about this because on the block that we lived block that we lived block that we lived uh in in in Williamsburg, one block down uh in in in Williamsburg, one block down uh in in in Williamsburg, one block down were the docks and the river were the docks and the river were the docks and the river and that's where a lot of prostitution and that's where a lot of prostitution and that's where a lot of prostitution would take place. would take place. would take place. And Pastor Karen had this passion for And Pastor Karen had this passion for And Pastor Karen had this passion for these young ladies. She would reach out these young ladies. She would reach out these young ladies. She would reach out to them. She would she would talk to to them. She would she would talk to to them. She would she would talk to them them them sometimes. Give them a ride in my car. But we would talk about how we would see But we would talk about how we would see them walking down the street and we knew them walking down the street and we knew them walking down the street and we knew when it was a new girl because she when it was a new girl because she when it was a new girl because she looked young, she looked vibrant, she looked young, she looked vibrant, she looked young, she looked vibrant, she looked fresh.

looked fresh. looked fresh. And within months And within months And within months we saw the deterioration. we saw the deterioration. we saw the deterioration. We saw her her countenance change and We saw her her countenance change and We saw her her countenance change and just the spirit around her change just the spirit around her change just the spirit around her change because of what she was involved with, because of what she was involved with, because of what she was involved with, >> the occupation that she was involved >> the occupation that she was involved >> the occupation that she was involved with. with. with. She was yolked to something. She was She was yolked to something. She was She was yolked to something. She was carrying the burden of it. And she was carrying the burden of it. And she was carrying the burden of it. And she was never meant to carry that burden as a never meant to carry that burden as a never meant to carry that burden as a woman. She was never intended to be woman. She was never intended to be woman. She was never intended to be yolked like that as a woman. We saw yolked like that as a woman. We saw yolked like that as a woman. We saw drug addicts who were yolked to drugs drug addicts who were yolked to drugs drug addicts who were yolked to drugs and they carried the burden of the and they carried the burden of the and they carried the burden of the addiction. addiction. addiction. And these were individuals in their 20s And these were individuals in their 20s And these were individuals in their 20s and they look like they were in their and they look like they were in their and they look like they were in their 50s and 60s 50s and 60s 50s and 60s because the burden was so heavy that it because the burden was so heavy that it because the burden was so heavy that it would age them a lot faster than natural would age them a lot faster than natural would age them a lot faster than natural aging.

aging. aging. Whatever you're yolked to in life, Whatever you're yolked to in life, Whatever you're yolked to in life, whoever you're yolked to in life, you whoever you're yolked to in life, you whoever you're yolked to in life, you carry the burden of. That's why we we we carry the burden of. That's why we we we carry the burden of. That's why we we we Can we talk for a minute? That's why we Can we talk for a minute? That's why we Can we talk for a minute? That's why we we have premarital counseling we have premarital counseling we have premarital counseling for individuals who want to get married. for individuals who want to get married. for individuals who want to get married. The the the purpose of premarital The the the purpose of premarital The the the purpose of premarital counseling is to talk you out of getting counseling is to talk you out of getting counseling is to talk you out of getting married. We ask you questions to shake you up We ask you questions to shake you up because you don't want to get married because you don't want to get married because you don't want to get married and find out you shouldn't have. [Applause] [Applause] And listen, we don't rely on the And listen, we don't rely on the And listen, we don't rely on the prophetic prophesied to me. Uh-uh. We prophetic prophesied to me. Uh-uh. We prophetic prophesied to me. Uh-uh. We going to talk about some stuff. We're going to talk about some stuff. We're going to talk about some stuff. We're going to walk you through some stuff. going to walk you through some stuff. going to walk you through some stuff. Because whoever you marry, you become Because whoever you marry, you become Because whoever you marry, you become yolked to that person and you carry yolked to that person and you carry yolked to that person and you carry >> the burden of that person.

>> the burden of that person. >> the burden of that person. In other words, whatever they're In other words, whatever they're In other words, whatever they're carrying carrying carrying >> you, once you're yolked, you carry it >> you, once you're yolked, you carry it >> you, once you're yolked, you carry it with them. with them. with them. >> That's why we caution couples not to go >> That's why we caution couples not to go >> That's why we caution couples not to go into marriage with financial problems into marriage with financial problems into marriage with financial problems because if you do, you become yolked to because if you do, you become yolked to because if you do, you become yolked to that financial problem. that financial problem. that financial problem. And instead of the marriage in in its And instead of the marriage in in its And instead of the marriage in in its early stages being free to learn about early stages being free to learn about early stages being free to learn about each other, to enjoy each other, to grow each other, to enjoy each other, to grow each other, to enjoy each other, to grow together. That's why in the Old together. That's why in the Old together. That's why in the Old Testament when you got married, all Testament when you got married, all Testament when you got married, all right, and you were in military, they right, and you were in military, they right, and you were in military, they would give you a year off would give you a year off would give you a year off to get to know your spouse to get to know your spouse to get to know your spouse because that's how important it is. because that's how important it is. because that's how important it is. Unumbered, all right? Unburdened by a Unumbered, all right? Unburdened by a Unumbered, all right? Unburdened by a lot of stuff. lot of stuff. lot of stuff. You become yolked to that person and you You become yolked to that person and you You become yolked to that person and you carry the weight of that relationship. carry the weight of that relationship. carry the weight of that relationship. You carry whatever they carry and too You carry whatever they carry and too You carry whatever they carry and too often stuff is brought into the often stuff is brought into the often stuff is brought into the relationship, brought into the marriage relationship, brought into the marriage relationship, brought into the marriage at the beginning and it plays out in a at the beginning and it plays out in a at the beginning and it plays out in a bad way. I don't know if you realize how bad way. I don't know if you realize how bad way. I don't know if you realize how good this preaching is.

It'll save you some time, It'll save you some time, some talent. Definitely some treasury. The Bible is not intended to keep you The Bible is not intended to keep you from having fun. from having fun. from having fun. >> It's to keep you from destroying >> It's to keep you from destroying >> It's to keep you from destroying yourself while you think you're having yourself while you think you're having yourself while you think you're having fun. Relationships. So once you learn how to Relationships. So once you learn how to manage the relationships, especially manage the relationships, especially manage the relationships, especially your relationships with people, we won't your relationships with people, we won't your relationships with people, we won't get into the self. All right? But get into the self. All right? But get into the self. All right? But people, Jesus managed his relationship people, Jesus managed his relationship people, Jesus managed his relationship and concentric circles. What do I mean and concentric circles. What do I mean and concentric circles. What do I mean by concentric circles? And I've done by concentric circles? And I've done by concentric circles? And I've done this from time to time. I just haven't this from time to time. I just haven't this from time to time. I just haven't taught it in this depth. This is you This is you in the middle. in the middle. in the middle. This is center. This is the inner space.

This is center. This is the inner space. This is center. This is the inner space. So relationships move outwardly So to have relationships in concentric So to have relationships in concentric circles. Doesn't that look like a circles. Doesn't that look like a circles. Doesn't that look like a bullseye? bullseye? bullseye? And guess who's in the middle? To have relationships in concentric To have relationships in concentric circles simply means that your circles simply means that your circles simply means that your connections, and we're talking about connections, and we're talking about connections, and we're talking about relationship with people, that your relationship with people, that your relationship with people, that your connections with people are structured connections with people are structured connections with people are structured and layered. Structured and layered. Structured and layered. Structured and layered. without structure. and layered. without structure. and layered. without structure. If it's not layered, you're vulnerable. If it's not layered, you're vulnerable. If it's not layered, you're vulnerable. And these these circles are actually these these circles are actually actually become a highway 495 Your life is not supposed to be a Your life is not supposed to be a highway that people are driving in and highway that people are driving in and highway that people are driving in and out of.

It's It's >> not supposed to be that way. >> not supposed to be that way. >> not supposed to be that way. I'm telling you, the systems will break I'm telling you, the systems will break I'm telling you, the systems will break down. You will not last too long down. You will not last too long down. You will not last too long if any and everybody if any and everybody if any and everybody is is coming and going. >> So your life has to be structured in >> So your life has to be structured in layers. These are layers. degrees of degrees of access. Trust Trust and intimacy. and intimacy. and intimacy. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees. Degrees Degrees Degrees of what? of what? of what? [Applause] Every relationship in your life, Every relationship in your life, >> every relationship in your life should >> every relationship in your life should >> every relationship in your life should be measured be measured be measured >> by the degree of access they should be >> by the degree of access they should be >> by the degree of access they should be given, the de degree of trust that you given, the de degree of trust that you given, the de degree of trust that you can have with that person and the level can have with that person and the level can have with that person and the level of intimacy that you can engage in with of intimacy that you can engage in with of intimacy that you can engage in with that person. And by intimacy, I don't that person. And by intimacy, I don't that person. And by intimacy, I don't immediately mean sexual We're talking about spaces.

We're talking about spaces. So when you think about the layers of So when you think about the layers of So when you think about the layers of your life, let's get rid of this. We your life, let's get rid of this. We your life, let's get rid of this. We don't want this. Get rid of that don't want this. Get rid of that don't want this. Get rid of that highway. People occupy spaces in proximity to People occupy spaces in proximity to you. And the closer they are And the closer they are to you, the more vulnerable you are to to you, the more vulnerable you are to to you, the more vulnerable you are to them. I have people who come to me and these I have people who come to me and these are leaders who come to me many they're are leaders who come to me many they're are leaders who come to me many they're in the Gen X and in millennial space and in the Gen X and in millennial space and in the Gen X and in millennial space and they come and these are these are they come and these are these are they come and these are these are leaders they say you know Dr. Bernard, leaders they say you know Dr. Bernard, leaders they say you know Dr. Bernard, you I've watched you, you know, followed you I've watched you, you know, followed you I've watched you, you know, followed you from afar and I just, you know, and you from afar and I just, you know, and you from afar and I just, you know, and and I just I I would love for you to and I just I I would love for you to and I just I I would love for you to mentor me. >> Just because they asked me to >> Just because they asked me to doesn't mean it's a good idea.

doesn't mean it's a good idea. doesn't mean it's a good idea. >> And I have literally told people, I >> And I have literally told people, I >> And I have literally told people, I said, "You know what? That's not a good said, "You know what? That's not a good said, "You know what? That's not a good idea." Why? Because you're not mature idea." Why? Because you're not mature idea." Why? Because you're not mature enough enough enough >> for me to mentor you. I don't mind being a mentor, I don't mind being a mentor, >> but I'm not going to be a babysitter. [Applause] [Applause] And if I've got to micromanage and And if I've got to micromanage and And if I've got to micromanage and babysit you and put a lid on you instead babysit you and put a lid on you instead babysit you and put a lid on you instead of a covering, of a covering, of a covering, it's not going to work. Because when you mentor someone, you Because when you mentor someone, you bring them into a a space that's close bring them into a a space that's close bring them into a a space that's close to you. You give them access. to you. You give them access. to you. You give them access. >> You give trust. You bring them into a >> You give trust. You bring them into a >> You give trust. You bring them into a space of intimacy. >> That's why young people who jump into >> That's why young people who jump into relationships and wonder why you end up getting and wonder why you end up getting wrecked. You ought to get wrecked wrecked. You ought to get wrecked wrecked. You ought to get wrecked cuz you're driving a car cuz you're driving a car cuz you're driving a car on a highway with no lanes, no yellow on a highway with no lanes, no yellow on a highway with no lanes, no yellow lines, lines, lines, no signs, no signs, no signs, and a whole lot of traffic.

I'm telling you, you are an accident on I'm telling you, you are an accident on your way to happen. And I y I love the young people cuz they And I y I love the young people cuz they don't like you to tell them anything cuz don't like you to tell them anything cuz don't like you to tell them anything cuz they can Google it. they can Google it. they can Google it. You can't Google this stuff, baby. You can't Google this stuff, baby. You can't Google this stuff, baby. Can't Google this. Uh-uh. You can't even afford to pay me to give You can't even afford to pay me to give it to you. it to you. it to you. [Applause] So when you're bringing people into So when you're bringing people into these spaces, you've got to ask, these spaces, you've got to ask, these spaces, you've got to ask, "How much access "How much access "How much access >> am I giving? >> am I giving? >> am I giving? >> To what degree can I trust? >> To what degree can I trust? >> To what degree can I trust? How intimate can I become?" How intimate can I become?" How intimate can I become?" Because this requires from you in the Because this requires from you in the Because this requires from you in the middle vulnerability and transparency.

middle vulnerability and transparency. middle vulnerability and transparency. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> And if people are not mature enough to >> And if people are not mature enough to >> And if people are not mature enough to get close to you and find out what get close to you and find out what get close to you and find out what you're really like you're really like you're really like >> and handle it, >> then you're creating a problem by >> then you're creating a problem by bringing them into that space. Jesus Jesus preached to the multitudes. preached to the multitudes. preached to the multitudes. He challenged He challenged He challenged the crowds. He taught the 70. He taught the 70. You got to read your Bible to know what You got to read your Bible to know what You got to read your Bible to know what I'm talking about. He taught the 70. He I'm talking about. He taught the 70. He I'm talking about. He taught the 70. He discipled the 12. discipled the 12. discipled the 12. But there were only three But there were only three But there were only three >> individuals that he brought into his >> individuals that he brought into his >> individuals that he brought into his inner circle and one more. Three plus inner circle and one more. Three plus inner circle and one more. Three plus one. Peter, James, and John one. Peter, James, and John one. Peter, James, and John that were with him in very intimate that were with him in very intimate that were with him in very intimate spaces spaces spaces on several occasions. And on one of on several occasions. And on one of on several occasions. And on one of those occasions, he invited Andrew.

And there's a reason why he only took And there's a reason why he only took Peter, James, and James, and John to the Peter, James, and James, and John to the Peter, James, and James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration with him, to Mount of Transfiguration with him, to Mount of Transfiguration with him, to witness his glory, to see him interact witness his glory, to see him interact witness his glory, to see him interact and speak with Elijah the prophet, and and speak with Elijah the prophet, and and speak with Elijah the prophet, and Moses, the lawgiver. Moses, the lawgiver. Moses, the lawgiver. >> There's a reason why he only took Peter, >> There's a reason why he only took Peter, >> There's a reason why he only took Peter, James, and John into the house when he James, and John into the house when he James, and John into the house when he was going to raise Lazarus's, I'm sorry, was going to raise Lazarus's, I'm sorry, was going to raise Lazarus's, I'm sorry, uh, Gyrus's daughter from the dead. uh, Gyrus's daughter from the dead. uh, Gyrus's daughter from the dead. There's a reason why he only took Peter, There's a reason why he only took Peter, There's a reason why he only took Peter, James, and John with him into the garden James, and John with him into the garden James, and John with him into the garden of Gethsemane. of Gethsemane. of Gethsemane. >> And said, "Can you watch with me? Can >> And said, "Can you watch with me? Can >> And said, "Can you watch with me? Can you pray with me?" you pray with me?" you pray with me?" He had certain expectations of them. He had certain expectations of them. He had certain expectations of them. >> He gave them access. He trusted them. >> He gave them access. He trusted them. >> He gave them access. He trusted them. Intimacy. He gave them with Andrew. The Intimacy. He gave them with Andrew. The Intimacy. He gave them with Andrew. The only time he brought him into that only time he brought him into that only time he brought him into that intimate space is when they were leaving intimate space is when they were leaving intimate space is when they were leaving the temple courts and the disciples said the temple courts and the disciples said the temple courts and the disciples said to him, they said, "Look at how to him, they said, "Look at how to him, they said, "Look at how beautiful these temple courts are." And beautiful these temple courts are." And beautiful these temple courts are." And Jesus said to them, "You see all these Jesus said to them, "You see all these Jesus said to them, "You see all these things? They're going to be crushed. The things? They're going to be crushed. The things? They're going to be crushed. The time will come when they'll be time will come when they'll be time will come when they'll be destroyed. The city will be destroyed.

destroyed. The city will be destroyed. destroyed. The city will be destroyed. The temple will be destroyed. And there The temple will be destroyed. And there The temple will be destroyed. And there won't be one stone left upon another." won't be one stone left upon another." won't be one stone left upon another." He kept Andrew in that space for that He kept Andrew in that space for that He kept Andrew in that space for that conversation. The rest of the disciples conversation. The rest of the disciples conversation. The rest of the disciples weren't there. weren't there. weren't there. >> And it was those four individuals who >> And it was those four individuals who >> And it was those four individuals who asked him, "Well, when is this going to asked him, "Well, when is this going to asked him, "Well, when is this going to happen? What will be the sign of your happen? What will be the sign of your happen? What will be the sign of your coming? When will be the destruction of coming? When will be the destruction of coming? When will be the destruction of the temple and the destruction of the temple and the destruction of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem?" And then he began to lay it Jerusalem?" And then he began to lay it Jerusalem?" And then he began to lay it out. And the reason he brought Andrew in out. And the reason he brought Andrew in out. And the reason he brought Andrew in is because Andrew's ministry would be a is because Andrew's ministry would be a is because Andrew's ministry would be a prophetic ministry that would give long prophetic ministry that would give long prophetic ministry that would give long sight ahead as he took the gospel into sight ahead as he took the gospel into sight ahead as he took the gospel into areas of the Middle East and Asia and areas of the Middle East and Asia and areas of the Middle East and Asia and Africa. Africa. Africa. >> He brought them into spaces because he >> He brought them into spaces because he >> He brought them into spaces because he was training them very specifically, was training them very specifically, was training them very specifically, Peter, for the future of the church. James who would become the pastor of the James who would become the pastor of the main church in Jerusalem. John who that main church in Jerusalem. John who that main church in Jerusalem. John who that was the the the the deepest space was the the the the deepest space was the the the the deepest space because John the apostle occupied spaces because John the apostle occupied spaces because John the apostle occupied spaces that Peter, James and Andrew did not.

that Peter, James and Andrew did not. that Peter, James and Andrew did not. And that's why at the night of the last And that's why at the night of the last And that's why at the night of the last supper when Jesus said one of you is supper when Jesus said one of you is supper when Jesus said one of you is going to betray me, they looked at John. Not that he would betray him, but to Not that he would betray him, but to find out who. So they even understood that John had a So they even understood that John had a special relationship. And sometimes it special relationship. And sometimes it special relationship. And sometimes it caused a little jealousy caused a little jealousy caused a little jealousy because Jesus was telling Peter how he because Jesus was telling Peter how he because Jesus was telling Peter how he was going to die. And Peter looks at was going to die. And Peter looks at was going to die. And Peter looks at Jesus said, "Well, what about him?" Jesus said, "Well, what about him?" Jesus said, "Well, what about him?" And to him was John. And Jesus said, And to him was John. And Jesus said, And to him was John. And Jesus said, "Never mind about him. You do what you "Never mind about him. You do what you "Never mind about him. You do what you got to do. got to do. got to do. They were human. They were human. They were human. >> They were human. They noticed the >> They were human. They noticed the >> They were human. They noticed the spaces. They noticed the kinds of spaces. They noticed the kinds of spaces. They noticed the kinds of relationship. They noticed the who was relationship. They noticed the who was relationship. They noticed the who was given access. Listen, don't you think given access. Listen, don't you think given access. Listen, don't you think for one minute that the disciples who for one minute that the disciples who for one minute that the disciples who when Jesus went up on the mount of when Jesus went up on the mount of when Jesus went up on the mount of transfiguration and who were down uh transfiguration and who were down uh transfiguration and who were down uh below the mountain, right? They saw him below the mountain, right? They saw him below the mountain, right? They saw him take Peter, James, and John. Don't you take Peter, James, and John. Don't you take Peter, James, and John. Don't you think for one minute that they didn't think for one minute that they didn't think for one minute that they didn't look like look like look like [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] They were human beings. They were They were human beings. They were They were human beings. They were measuring the spaces, measuring the measuring the spaces, measuring the measuring the spaces, measuring the relationships.

relationships. relationships. Oh boy, we got time. All right. Here's Oh boy, we got time. All right. Here's Oh boy, we got time. All right. Here's how it works. Here's how it works. You how it works. Here's how it works. You how it works. Here's how it works. You ready? Let's make it practical. ready? Let's make it practical. ready? Let's make it practical. Number one, Number one, Number one, the inner circle. the inner circle. the inner circle. Who Who Who who do you bring into the inner circle? I'd like to say we're out of time, I'd like to say we're out of time, >> but we're not. Are you ready? Are you ready? The inner circle. The inner circle. The inner circle. These are people These are people These are people who know you most intimately. who know you most intimately. who know you most intimately. These are individuals These are individuals These are individuals that you are naked before, not that you are naked before, not that you are naked before, not literally. You're transparent. Transparency You're transparent. Transparency is letting people see what your life is is letting people see what your life is is letting people see what your life is all about.

all about. all about. Got that? Got that? Got that? You're comfortable with them seeing the You're comfortable with them seeing the You're comfortable with them seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly about you. good, the bad, and the ugly about you. good, the bad, and the ugly about you. How many know not everybody can handle How many know not everybody can handle How many know not everybody can handle that space, that space, that space, >> right? Cuz there are people who have a >> right? Cuz there are people who have a >> right? Cuz there are people who have a certain estimation of you and once that certain estimation of you and once that certain estimation of you and once that estimation is shattered because you did estimation is shattered because you did estimation is shattered because you did something inconsistent with the image something inconsistent with the image something inconsistent with the image that they had of you, they cancel you, that they had of you, they cancel you, that they had of you, they cancel you, >> forgetting that you're human. is a space where people know you. So is a space where people know you. So transparency is where I show you what my transparency is where I show you what my transparency is where I show you what my life is all about. Vulnerability is life is all about. Vulnerability is life is all about. Vulnerability is where I allow you to speak into what my where I allow you to speak into what my where I allow you to speak into what my life is all about. Because just because life is all about. Because just because life is all about. Because just because I show you what it's all about doesn't I show you what it's all about doesn't I show you what it's all about doesn't mean I give you the authority to speak mean I give you the authority to speak mean I give you the authority to speak into it. into it. into it. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> But in the inner circle, you give them >> But in the inner circle, you give them >> But in the inner circle, you give them both transparency both transparency both transparency and vulnerability.

and vulnerability. and vulnerability. And even in that space, you have to And even in that space, you have to And even in that space, you have to manage it carefully manage it carefully manage it carefully because they're human just like you. So because they're human just like you. So because they're human just like you. So when Jesus starts telling his disciples when Jesus starts telling his disciples when Jesus starts telling his disciples that he's going to have to die on the that he's going to have to die on the that he's going to have to die on the cross, right? He's going to have to cross, right? He's going to have to cross, right? He's going to have to suffer many, many things of the chief suffer many, many things of the chief suffer many, many things of the chief priests and the Pharisees, that the priests and the Pharisees, that the priests and the Pharisees, that the establishment is going to come after establishment is going to come after establishment is going to come after him, crucify him, all of that. Peter him, crucify him, all of that. Peter him, crucify him, all of that. Peter grabs him and says, "No, Lord. We're not grabs him and says, "No, Lord. We're not grabs him and says, "No, Lord. We're not going to let this happen to you." And going to let this happen to you." And going to let this happen to you." And what did Jesus say? Get behind me, what did Jesus say? Get behind me, what did Jesus say? Get behind me, Satan. In other words, back off. Peter Satan. In other words, back off. Peter Satan. In other words, back off. Peter in that space because of his love for in that space because of his love for in that space because of his love for Jesus went into protective mode, Jesus went into protective mode, Jesus went into protective mode, not understanding that there was a not understanding that there was a not understanding that there was a higher purpose involved that required higher purpose involved that required higher purpose involved that required what Jesus was telling them. And there what Jesus was telling them. And there what Jesus was telling them. And there are people when they get close to you are people when they get close to you are people when they get close to you and love you deeply and dearly, they and love you deeply and dearly, they and love you deeply and dearly, they want to protect you. And sometimes that want to protect you. And sometimes that want to protect you. And sometimes that love can interfere with what God's love can interfere with what God's love can interfere with what God's telling you to do.

telling you to do. telling you to do. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Boy, I wish we had more time than we >> Boy, I wish we had more time than we >> Boy, I wish we had more time than we did. did. did. >> Inner circle is where you share your >> Inner circle is where you share your >> Inner circle is where you share your heart, your struggles, and your dreams. heart, your struggles, and your dreams. heart, your struggles, and your dreams. People on the inner circle, you can People on the inner circle, you can People on the inner circle, you can share your heart with, you can share share your heart with, you can share share your heart with, you can share your struggles with, you can share your your struggles with, you can share your your struggles with, you can share your dreams with. And that's important. dreams with. And that's important. dreams with. And that's important. Sharing your struggles with because Sharing your struggles with because Sharing your struggles with because everybody can't handle your struggles. everybody can't handle your struggles. everybody can't handle your struggles. You tell them, "Wait, what?" You tell them, "Wait, what?" You tell them, "Wait, what?" You struggle with what? You struggle with what? You struggle with what? And I've been with you all the time. I And I've been with you all the time. I And I've been with you all the time. I didn't know that. didn't know that. didn't know that. How long you've been How long you been How long you've been How long you been How long you've been How long you been going through this? Does anybody else going through this? Does anybody else going through this? Does anybody else know? Are you seeking help? Are you seeking help? And they start weighing And they start weighing And they start weighing >> whether they can still hang around in >> whether they can still hang around in >> whether they can still hang around in that space. that space. that space. So when they start asking you those kind So when they start asking you those kind So when they start asking you those kind of questions, it's an exit interview. But people on the inner circle that But people on the inner circle that you've given access to, that you've you've given access to, that you've you've given access to, that you've trusted, and that you allowed to enter trusted, and that you allowed to enter trusted, and that you allowed to enter the intimate spaces, you can share your the intimate spaces, you can share your the intimate spaces, you can share your heart with them.

heart with them. heart with them. >> You can share your struggles with them. >> You can share your struggles with them. >> You can share your struggles with them. You can share your dreams with them. You can share your dreams with them. You can share your dreams with them. Third, this is number three under inner circle. this is number three under inner circle. First, these are people that you know First, these are people that you know First, these are people that you know most intimately. Second, you share you most intimately. Second, you share you most intimately. Second, you share you can share your heart, struggles and can share your heart, struggles and can share your heart, struggles and dreams with. Third, you can trust them dreams with. Third, you can trust them dreams with. Third, you can trust them and be most vulnerable with them. This and be most vulnerable with them. This and be most vulnerable with them. This is the highest level of vulnerability is the highest level of vulnerability is the highest level of vulnerability because there's no fear in that level of because there's no fear in that level of because there's no fear in that level of love. So for Jesus this was Peter, James and So for Jesus this was Peter, James and John and sometimes Andrew John and sometimes Andrew John and sometimes Andrew the next level right or layer These are friends, colleagues that you These are friends, colleagues that you spend a lot of time with, people on your spend a lot of time with, people on your spend a lot of time with, people on your job that you work alongside with every job that you work alongside with every job that you work alongside with every day.

day. day. And it's amazing how people can assume And it's amazing how people can assume And it's amazing how people can assume that someone occupies an inner circle that someone occupies an inner circle that someone occupies an inner circle just because they see you with that just because they see you with that just because they see you with that person on a daily basis. Uh-uh. person on a daily basis. Uh-uh. person on a daily basis. Uh-uh. >> No. We work together. Don't assume Don't assume that we're that we're that we're Ace Boonkun. No. Ace Boonkun. No. Ace Boonkun. No. Don't assume that. Don't assume that. Don't assume that. Don't assume that. Don't assume that. Don't assume that. Don't assume we homies. No. Uh-uh. Don't assume we homies. No. Uh-uh. Don't assume we homies. No. Uh-uh. We work together. So, sure, we're going We work together. So, sure, we're going We work together. So, sure, we're going Look, 40hour work week. All right. They're in that space. All right. They're in that space. We spend a lot of time. We work We spend a lot of time. We work We spend a lot of time. We work alongside each other. They see much of alongside each other. They see much of alongside each other. They see much of your life, but not everything. your life, but not everything. your life, but not everything. Not everything. That's why you could Not everything. That's why you could Not everything. That's why you could work alongside of someone and they not work alongside of someone and they not work alongside of someone and they not know a lot of the intimacies and of your know a lot of the intimacies and of your know a lot of the intimacies and of your personal life and personal experience personal life and personal experience personal life and personal experience and shouldn't know, and shouldn't know, and shouldn't know, >> especially in the office.

>> And every office has a water cooler. >> And every office has a water cooler. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] You all get the metaphor, right? They see much of what your life is They see much of what your life is about, but not everything. These are about, but not everything. These are about, but not everything. These are close companions, working colleagues, close companions, working colleagues, close companions, working colleagues, etc. And this was the twel apostles with etc. And this was the twel apostles with etc. And this was the twel apostles with Jesus. All right? They were close Jesus. All right? They were close Jesus. All right? They were close companions. They worked, but there were companions. They worked, but there were companions. They worked, but there were things that things that things that he didn't let them know that he didn't he didn't let them know that he didn't he didn't let them know that he didn't let the 12 in on. But he did let Peter, let the 12 in on. But he did let Peter, let the 12 in on. But he did let Peter, James and John. And then there is the James and John. And then there is the James and John. And then there is the larger circle. And these are so associates and And these are so associates and acquaintances. Associates and acquaintances. Colleagues Associates and acquaintances. Colleagues who happen to be in the same industry as who happen to be in the same industry as who happen to be in the same industry as you. and you interact with them often, you. and you interact with them often, you. and you interact with them often, but they don't have the same level of but they don't have the same level of but they don't have the same level of access. They don't have the same level access. They don't have the same level access. They don't have the same level of trust. They don't have the same level of trust. They don't have the same level of trust. They don't have the same level of of intimacy.

These are people you know, you value These are people you know, you value them, you engage with them, but not on a them, you engage with them, but not on a them, you engage with them, but not on a deep personal level. How many have deep personal level. How many have deep personal level. How many have people in your life like that? Yeah. So there's limited trust and li limited So there's limited trust and li limited intimacy, intimacy, intimacy, limited openness. And lastly, And lastly, the outer circle. This is the crowd, the multitude. This is the crowd, the multitude. These who know of you but don't know These who know of you but don't know These who know of you but don't know you. you. you. I'm going try that one more time. I'm going try that one more time. I'm going try that one more time. These are those who know of you but These are those who know of you but These are those who know of you but don't actually don't actually don't actually >> know you. And there are more people than >> know you. And there are more people than >> know you. And there are more people than that know of you than know you. that know of you than know you. that know of you than know you. Relationship is minimal and tends to be Relationship is minimal and tends to be Relationship is minimal and tends to be one directional.

one directional. one directional. Minimal and one directional. For Jesus, Minimal and one directional. For Jesus, Minimal and one directional. For Jesus, this was a multitude that came to be this was a multitude that came to be this was a multitude that came to be healed, to hear him preach and all that. healed, to hear him preach and all that. healed, to hear him preach and all that. If you not, you read the gospels, when If you not, you read the gospels, when If you not, you read the gospels, when Jesus would say certain things, Jesus would say certain things, Jesus would say certain things, especially when he spoke in parables, especially when he spoke in parables, especially when he spoke in parables, the disciples, the 12 would wait until the disciples, the 12 would wait until the disciples, the 12 would wait until they were private with him. And then they were private with him. And then they were private with him. And then they'd ask him, "Well, tell us what you they'd ask him, "Well, tell us what you they'd ask him, "Well, tell us what you meant by that. I know what you said to meant by that. I know what you said to meant by that. I know what you said to them, the crowd out there, but we don't them, the crowd out there, but we don't them, the crowd out there, but we don't understand. Explain it to us." So there understand. Explain it to us." So there understand. Explain it to us." So there was that intimate space of relationship was that intimate space of relationship was that intimate space of relationship where they would ask him, "Break it down where they would ask him, "Break it down where they would ask him, "Break it down for us." for us." for us." Okay, Okay, Okay, why does all of this matter? I'm glad why does all of this matter? I'm glad why does all of this matter? I'm glad you asked. And in the next five minutes, you asked. And in the next five minutes, you asked. And in the next five minutes, are you ready? are you ready? are you ready? >> Why does this matter? Number one, >> Why does this matter? Number one, >> Why does this matter? Number one, healthy boundaries. Relationships need boundaries.

Relationships need boundaries. >> Boundaries. >> Boundaries. >> Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. >> Boundaries. You know the purpose of the yellow line You know the purpose of the yellow line in the middle of the road? Boundaries. in the middle of the road? Boundaries. in the middle of the road? Boundaries. You know the purpose of a fence around You know the purpose of a fence around You know the purpose of a fence around the backyard? Boundaries. the backyard? Boundaries. the backyard? Boundaries. The purpose why you have doors to your The purpose why you have doors to your The purpose why you have doors to your house that you close at night and lock. house that you close at night and lock. house that you close at night and lock. Boundaries. Can you imagine waking up Boundaries. Can you imagine waking up Boundaries. Can you imagine waking up one morning and your neighbor's down in one morning and your neighbor's down in one morning and your neighbor's down in the kitchen fixing breakfast? Boundaries. Boundaries. Relationships require boundaries. Because if you don't listen, listen to Because if you don't listen, listen to this. Forgive us our trespasses this. Forgive us our trespasses this. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us. What do you call it when someone us. What do you call it when someone us. What do you call it when someone enters a space unlawfully? enters a space unlawfully? enters a space unlawfully? >> Trespassing.

>> Trespassing. >> Trespassing. >> And if you're not careful, if you don't >> And if you're not careful, if you don't >> And if you're not careful, if you don't have boundaries, people will trespass. have boundaries, people will trespass. have boundaries, people will trespass. >> They will enter spaces that they don't >> They will enter spaces that they don't >> They will enter spaces that they don't qualify for or you didn't invite them qualify for or you didn't invite them qualify for or you didn't invite them into. into. into. >> How many have ever been trespassed >> How many have ever been trespassed >> How many have ever been trespassed against? against? against? Yeah, folks come in and talking like Yeah, folks come in and talking like Yeah, folks come in and talking like y'all are just and then after they leave your friends and then after they leave your friends who are close to you look at you and who are close to you look at you and who are close to you look at you and what was that all about? Healthy boundaries. When Pastor Karen Healthy boundaries. When Pastor Karen and I got married, we set certain and I got married, we set certain and I got married, we set certain boundaries to protect the marriage boundaries to protect the marriage boundaries to protect the marriage relationship that we would not cross. We relationship that we would not cross. We relationship that we would not cross. We never use profanity towards each other. never use profanity towards each other. never use profanity towards each other. We never use denigrating language We never use denigrating language We never use denigrating language towards each other. We never argue out towards each other. We never argue out towards each other. We never argue out in front of other people, including our in front of other people, including our in front of other people, including our children. We put lines in place to children. We put lines in place to children. We put lines in place to protect us from our flesh protect us from our flesh protect us from our flesh >> to create boundaries and that's what >> to create boundaries and that's what >> to create boundaries and that's what helped our relationship to go for 53 helped our relationship to go for 53 helped our relationship to go for 53 years. Boundaries of marriage, 56 years years. Boundaries of marriage, 56 years years. Boundaries of marriage, 56 years of relationship boundaries. Healthy of relationship boundaries. Healthy of relationship boundaries. Healthy boundaries. Say it. Healthy boundaries.

boundaries. Say it. Healthy boundaries. boundaries. Say it. Healthy boundaries. Got to have them in place. Number two, Got to have them in place. Number two, Got to have them in place. Number two, real quick, energy management. I like real quick, energy management. I like real quick, energy management. I like this one. this one. this one. >> Energy >> Energy >> Energy management. management. management. Some folks are high maintenance. Some folks are high Some folks are high maintenance. And if you don't mind, maintenance. And if you don't mind, maintenance. And if you don't mind, >> then God bless. >> But how many understand what I'm talking >> But how many understand what I'm talking about? about? about? >> You've got to manage your energy because >> You've got to manage your energy because >> You've got to manage your energy because there are people who will drain you. there are people who will drain you. there are people who will drain you. >> Have you ever been drained? >> Have you ever been drained? >> Have you ever been drained? [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Boundaries allow you to cut off the Boundaries allow you to cut off the Boundaries allow you to cut off the conversation, conversation, conversation, >> when it's going too far, >> when it's going too far, >> when it's going too far, >> when it's becoming too much. And I'm >> when it's becoming too much. And I'm >> when it's becoming too much. And I'm sorry, some people are just too much and you got to reel them back in.

and you got to reel them back in. I look you may not like this but it doesn't matter because boundaries but it doesn't matter because boundaries must be set. You invest most deeply must be set. You invest most deeply must be set. You invest most deeply where the return is greatest. where the return is greatest. where the return is greatest. >> You don't give serious time to casual >> You don't give serious time to casual >> You don't give serious time to casual people. Manage your energy. Manage your energy. Manage. Energy management is critical. Manage. Energy management is critical. Manage. Energy management is critical. That's why this matters. Healthy That's why this matters. Healthy That's why this matters. Healthy boundaries. Energy management. boundaries. Energy management. boundaries. Energy management. And last, leadership wisdom. Leadership wisdom. I'll explain that. Leadership wisdom. I'll explain that. Leadership wisdom. Because influence Leadership wisdom. Because influence Leadership wisdom. Because influence flows outward flows outward flows outward but intimacy but intimacy but intimacy narrows inward.

narrows inward. narrows inward. The closer people are to you, the more The closer people are to you, the more The closer people are to you, the more intimate the space. intimate the space. intimate the space. Influence flows what? Influence flows what? Influence flows what? >> Outward from you. But intimacy that >> Outward from you. But intimacy that >> Outward from you. But intimacy that flows inward. And that's why people that flows inward. And that's why people that flows inward. And that's why people that you are vulnerable to can hurt you you are vulnerable to can hurt you you are vulnerable to can hurt you whether intentionally or whether intentionally or whether intentionally or unintentionally. unintentionally. unintentionally. Someone who doesn't occupy an intimate Someone who doesn't occupy an intimate Someone who doesn't occupy an intimate space in my life can't hurt me. space in my life can't hurt me. space in my life can't hurt me. >> Come on. Don't we react differently? >> Come on. Don't we react differently? >> Come on. Don't we react differently? >> Who said that? Oh, okay. >> Who said that? Oh, okay. >> Who said that? Oh, okay. Come on. Haven't you done it? Come on. Haven't you done it? Come on. Haven't you done it? And then there's some people who are And then there's some people who are And then there's some people who are intimate with and you're they're close intimate with and you're they're close intimate with and you're they're close to you and they say something. It has a to you and they say something. It has a to you and they say something. It has a different effect on you physically, different effect on you physically, different effect on you physically, spiritually, emotionally. spiritually, emotionally. spiritually, emotionally. It it it it what? Wait, what? It it it it what? Wait, what? It it it it what? Wait, what? They said what? Yeah. And then the other They said what? Yeah. And then the other They said what? Yeah. And then the other person said that.

person said that. person said that. See, but notice notice. And this is why See, but notice notice. And this is why See, but notice notice. And this is why social media is dangerous because there social media is dangerous because there social media is dangerous because there are people on social media that have are people on social media that have are people on social media that have tons of followers tons of followers tons of followers that they have brought into an intimate that they have brought into an intimate that they have brought into an intimate space. space. space. >> So if you have a million followers in an >> So if you have a million followers in an >> So if you have a million followers in an intimate space, you are vulnerable. >> To a million people >> To a million people and if they don't like you, you fall and if they don't like you, you fall and if they don't like you, you fall apart. apart. apart. >> But that's the world in which we live. >> But that's the world in which we live. >> But that's the world in which we live. All about likes. All about likes. All about likes. All about likes. And isn't it a shame All about likes. And isn't it a shame All about likes. And isn't it a shame that you could have a million likes and that you could have a million likes and that you could have a million likes and no friends? >> Come on, turn turn to your neighbor. Say >> Come on, turn turn to your neighbor. Say he's talking about somebody you know he's talking about somebody you know he's talking about somebody you know right now. [Applause] [Applause] So relationships So relationships So relationships should have concentric circles. They should have concentric circles. They should have concentric circles. They should be structured in layers.

should be structured in layers. should be structured in layers. access, access, access, trust, trust, trust, intimacy, intimacy, intimacy, and you have a stewardship and you have a stewardship and you have a stewardship responsibility to manage all of that. responsibility to manage all of that. responsibility to manage all of that. And that's why the Bible says, "Speak And that's why the Bible says, "Speak And that's why the Bible says, "Speak the truth in love." Because sometimes the truth in love." Because sometimes the truth in love." Because sometimes you have to be truthful and honest with you have to be truthful and honest with you have to be truthful and honest with a person, right? And you don't want it a person, right? And you don't want it a person, right? And you don't want it to be damaging. to be damaging. to be damaging. All right? You want it to be spoken in a All right? You want it to be spoken in a All right? You want it to be spoken in a way that builds, that heals, that that way that builds, that heals, that that way that builds, that heals, that that that redeems that redeems that redeems because whatever you give out, it's because whatever you give out, it's because whatever you give out, it's going to come back to you. going to come back to you. going to come back to you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So >> So >> So you got to manage the spaces, you got to manage the spaces, you got to manage the spaces, stewardship, responsibility over time, stewardship, responsibility over time, stewardship, responsibility over time, talent, treasury, and what? talent, treasury, and what? talent, treasury, and what? Relationships. And the most challenging Relationships. And the most challenging Relationships. And the most challenging is what? is what? is what? >> Relationships. Come on, let's all stand. >> Relationships. Come on, let's all stand. >> Relationships. Come on, let's all stand. [Applause] Yeah, you can give God a praise for the Yeah, you can give God a praise for the word. Yeah, we can do that.

word. Yeah, we can do that. word. Yeah, we can do that. Hallelujah. [Applause] [Applause] You may say, "Ah, it doesn't take all You may say, "Ah, it doesn't take all You may say, "Ah, it doesn't take all that." that." that." Okay, Okay, Okay, but this message will be online but this message will be online but this message will be online >> so that 10 years from now, you can pull >> so that 10 years from now, you can pull >> so that 10 years from now, you can pull it up it up it up >> cuz you might need it. >> cuz you might need it. >> cuz you might need it. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] You want wisdom before the crisis, You want wisdom before the crisis, You want wisdom before the crisis, >> not because of the crisis. >> not because of the crisis. >> not because of the crisis. >> That's where you want wisdom. Amen. >> That's where you want wisdom. Amen. >> That's where you want wisdom. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Bow your heads with me. I want to pray >> Bow your heads with me. I want to pray >> Bow your heads with me. I want to pray over you. Father, over you. Father, over you. Father, the word the word the word you described you described you described through the parables of Jesus through the parables of Jesus through the parables of Jesus as seeds that will germinate, that will germinate, grow, and bring forth fruit.

grow, and bring forth fruit. grow, and bring forth fruit. I pray that the the words that have been I pray that the the words that have been I pray that the the words that have been shared shared shared today today today in seed form in seed form in seed form will take root in the hearts and minds will take root in the hearts and minds will take root in the hearts and minds of your people here in this building. of your people here in this building. of your people here in this building. those who are joining us virtually those who are joining us virtually those who are joining us virtually [Music] [Music] [Music] that these seeds will germinate, grow, that these seeds will germinate, grow, that these seeds will germinate, grow, bring forth abundant fruitfulness in bring forth abundant fruitfulness in bring forth abundant fruitfulness in their life, in their everyday experience their life, in their everyday experience their life, in their everyday experience as they practice good stewardship as they practice good stewardship as they practice good stewardship and experience and experience and experience a life that flourishes. a life that flourishes. a life that flourishes. Protect Protect Protect this seed. this seed. this seed. protect the tree protect the tree protect the tree so that it can bear fruit and that that so that it can bear fruit and that that so that it can bear fruit and that that fruit fruit fruit should remain. should remain. should remain. We bless you today and we thank you for We bless you today and we thank you for We bless you today and we thank you for your word in Jesus precious name. Amen.

your word in Jesus precious name. Amen. your word in Jesus precious name. Amen. Amen. Come on, slap high five with three Amen. Come on, slap high five with three Amen. Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell them I got that word. Beloved, we have come to the end of our Beloved, we have come to the end of our service, service, service, which is when we invite people into new which is when we invite people into new which is when we invite people into new faith, new fellowship, and new freedom faith, new fellowship, and new freedom faith, new fellowship, and new freedom in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. We have a stewardship responsibility We have a stewardship responsibility We have a stewardship responsibility over our time, talent, treasure, and over our time, talent, treasure, and over our time, talent, treasure, and relationships. In all of these, God relationships. In all of these, God relationships. In all of these, God desires for us to be free. Jesus desires for us to be free. Jesus desires for us to be free. Jesus purposed for us to be free from wealth purposed for us to be free from wealth purposed for us to be free from wealth and from poverty. He planned for us to and from poverty. He planned for us to and from poverty. He planned for us to be free from materialism, addiction, be free from materialism, addiction, be free from materialism, addiction, confusion, and idolatry. And that means confusion, and idolatry. And that means confusion, and idolatry. And that means God and God alone must be on the God and God alone must be on the God and God alone must be on the vertical plane. If we are in right vertical plane. If we are in right vertical plane. If we are in right relationship with God, we can have right relationship with God, we can have right relationship with God, we can have right relationships with people. And if not, relationships with people. And if not, relationships with people. And if not, we may have soul ties, embrace whole we may have soul ties, embrace whole we may have soul ties, embrace whole lies, see with old eyes, shrink our goal lies, see with old eyes, shrink our goal lies, see with old eyes, shrink our goal size, watch as hope dies, be yolked to size, watch as hope dies, be yolked to size, watch as hope dies, be yolked to cold guys, and lose the whole prize.

[Music] [Music] Church, it is time to be bold, wise, and Church, it is time to be bold, wise, and Church, it is time to be bold, wise, and maybe give some bold rides. maybe give some bold rides. maybe give some bold rides. But in Christ, we can do all this, and But in Christ, we can do all this, and But in Christ, we can do all this, and that is good news. Let's give God praise that is good news. Let's give God praise that is good news. Let's give God praise today. today. today. [Music] [Music] [Music] The good news is that a holy God so The good news is that a holy God so The good news is that a holy God so loved a rebellious world that he sent loved a rebellious world that he sent loved a rebellious world that he sent his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from the grave, giving us a right to the grave, giving us a right to the grave, giving us a right to everlasting life. Romans 10:9 says that everlasting life. Romans 10:9 says that everlasting life. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth that if you confess with your mouth that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. So, with every head shall be saved. So, with every head shall be saved. So, with every head bowed and every closed, bowed and every closed, bowed and every closed, if you've never made Jesus the Lord of if you've never made Jesus the Lord of if you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for you now. your life, I'd like to pray for you now. your life, I'd like to pray for you now. I'm just going to ask you to raise your I'm just going to ask you to raise your I'm just going to ask you to raise your hand. hand. hand. If you walk with God and walked away, If you walk with God and walked away, If you walk with God and walked away, I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your I'm talking to you, too. Just raise your hand. And I'm going to give a separate hand. And I'm going to give a separate hand. And I'm going to give a separate call today. If you are suffering in this call today. If you are suffering in this call today. If you are suffering in this place, maybe you're saved in this place.

place, maybe you're saved in this place. place, maybe you're saved in this place. But if you are suffering with alienation But if you are suffering with alienation But if you are suffering with alienation or isolation, degradation or despair, or isolation, degradation or despair, or isolation, degradation or despair, just raise your hand. If you had trouble just raise your hand. If you had trouble just raise your hand. If you had trouble getting yourself out of bed and dragging getting yourself out of bed and dragging getting yourself out of bed and dragging yourself to church today and that is yourself to church today and that is yourself to church today and that is your success that you're even here, can your success that you're even here, can your success that you're even here, can you just raise your hand? If you are you just raise your hand? If you are you just raise your hand? If you are saved but broken and need an opportunity saved but broken and need an opportunity saved but broken and need an opportunity to confess your struggle and begin to to confess your struggle and begin to to confess your struggle and begin to surrender your pain, just raise your surrender your pain, just raise your surrender your pain, just raise your hand. Because people may not be able to hand. Because people may not be able to hand. Because people may not be able to handle your humanity, but God can. handle your humanity, but God can. handle your humanity, but God can. >> And if you raise your hand, I'm going to >> And if you raise your hand, I'm going to >> And if you raise your hand, I'm going to ask you to do one thing more. Come down ask you to do one thing more. Come down ask you to do one thing more. Come down to this altar so that we, the church, to this altar so that we, the church, to this altar so that we, the church, can pray for you together. can pray for you together. can pray for you together. Family, Family, Family, let us applaud them. Let us encourage let us applaud them. Let us encourage let us applaud them. Let us encourage them as they come. Let us take this them as they come. Let us take this them as they come. Let us take this moment to celebrate that God is moving moment to celebrate that God is moving moment to celebrate that God is moving in the lives of his people. That God is in the lives of his people. That God is in the lives of his people. That God is moving in the life of his creation, in moving in the life of his creation, in moving in the life of his creation, in our brothers and sisters. The brothers our brothers and sisters. The brothers our brothers and sisters. The brothers and sisters we know, the brothers and and sisters we know, the brothers and and sisters we know, the brothers and sisters we have yet to meet. The sisters we have yet to meet. The sisters we have yet to meet. The brothers and sisters who are about to brothers and sisters who are about to brothers and sisters who are about to become adopted into this spiritual become adopted into this spiritual become adopted into this spiritual family, into this body of Christ. Let us family, into this body of Christ. Let us family, into this body of Christ. Let us rejoice in this moment that something is rejoice in this moment that something is rejoice in this moment that something is about to happen in this place of eternal about to happen in this place of eternal about to happen in this place of eternal significance, of supernatural power, significance, of supernatural power, significance, of supernatural power, that it is not about us. God anointed a that it is not about us. God anointed a that it is not about us. God anointed a word. God appointed a man and God gave a word. God appointed a man and God gave a word. God appointed a man and God gave a message today. But this moment was message today. But this moment was message today. But this moment was appointed and anointed and established appointed and anointed and established appointed and anointed and established before any of us were formed in our before any of us were formed in our before any of us were formed in our mother's wombs. Beloved, we don't know mother's wombs. Beloved, we don't know mother's wombs. Beloved, we don't know what it is that brought these people what it is that brought these people what it is that brought these people that brought any of us to this place that brought any of us to this place that brought any of us to this place today. We only know, oh God, that by the today. We only know, oh God, that by the today. We only know, oh God, that by the grace of God, we only know that by the grace of God, we only know that by the grace of God, we only know that by the grace of God, we are here. So if we are grace of God, we are here. So if we are grace of God, we are here. So if we are here today, we have an opportunity to

here today, we have an opportunity to here today, we have an opportunity to receive him. We have an opportunity to receive him. We have an opportunity to receive him. We have an opportunity to experience him. Beloved, I want to experience him. Beloved, I want to experience him. Beloved, I want to encourage someone in this moment. None encourage someone in this moment. None encourage someone in this moment. None of us know how much time we have. I have of us know how much time we have. I have of us know how much time we have. I have plans for this week, but I don't know if plans for this week, but I don't know if plans for this week, but I don't know if my date with destiny may be outside that my date with destiny may be outside that my date with destiny may be outside that door. And no one else in this place door. And no one else in this place door. And no one else in this place does, too. The time to make a decision does, too. The time to make a decision does, too. The time to make a decision for Christ is not eventually. It's not for Christ is not eventually. It's not for Christ is not eventually. It's not someday. The time to make the decision someday. The time to make the decision someday. The time to make the decision for Christ is right now. It's right for Christ is right now. It's right for Christ is right now. It's right here. God is here. God is calling you. here. God is here. God is calling you. here. God is here. God is calling you. God is waiting for you. And he's God is waiting for you. And he's God is waiting for you. And he's prepared this moment. He has been prepared this moment. He has been prepared this moment. He has been faithful in all of the moments of our faithful in all of the moments of our faithful in all of the moments of our lives. He has seen us and been with us lives. He has seen us and been with us lives. He has seen us and been with us in all of the moments of our lives. So, in all of the moments of our lives. So, in all of the moments of our lives. So, can we give God praise because what he's can we give God praise because what he's can we give God praise because what he's doing in this moment is amazing. Can we doing in this moment is amazing. Can we doing in this moment is amazing. Can we give God praise? Because if we're at give God praise? Because if we're at give God praise? Because if we're at this altar, God is with us. And if we're this altar, God is with us. And if we're this altar, God is with us. And if we're in this congregation, God is with us. in this congregation, God is with us. in this congregation, God is with us. And everyone in this place has had some And everyone in this place has had some And everyone in this place has had some experience where you've been in that experience where you've been in that experience where you've been in that place of not knowing where the next place of not knowing where the next place of not knowing where the next dollar was coming from, of not knowing dollar was coming from, of not knowing dollar was coming from, of not knowing where your healing was coming from, of where your healing was coming from, of where your healing was coming from, of not knowing where your help was coming not knowing where your help was coming not knowing where your help was coming from, but being able to have that from, but being able to have that from, but being able to have that mustard seed side faith that he was mustard seed side faith that he was mustard seed side faith that he was going to do it. And then you watched him going to do it. And then you watched him going to do it. And then you watched him do it.

do it. do it. Maybe you didn't even have the faith, Maybe you didn't even have the faith, Maybe you didn't even have the faith, but you saw him do it. Maybe you didn't but you saw him do it. Maybe you didn't but you saw him do it. Maybe you didn't even know who he was, but you saw him do even know who he was, but you saw him do even know who he was, but you saw him do it. So, that's the kind of power that it. So, that's the kind of power that it. So, that's the kind of power that we're praying for today. That's the kind we're praying for today. That's the kind we're praying for today. That's the kind of Kyros moment that we're believing for of Kyros moment that we're believing for of Kyros moment that we're believing for today. So, can we take this moment and today. So, can we take this moment and today. So, can we take this moment and give God praise [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] now? We stand here with a thousand now? We stand here with a thousand now? We stand here with a thousand different burdens but one almighty God. different burdens but one almighty God. different burdens but one almighty God. We each have our own life story. But it We each have our own life story. But it We each have our own life story. But it is the same supernatural Lord. It is the is the same supernatural Lord. It is the is the same supernatural Lord. It is the same creator of the universe who has same creator of the universe who has same creator of the universe who has brought us here, who is planning to brought us here, who is planning to brought us here, who is planning to bring us through each and every step of bring us through each and every step of bring us through each and every step of the way. So, whatever decision you are the way. So, whatever decision you are the way. So, whatever decision you are making in this moment, beloved, whether making in this moment, beloved, whether making in this moment, beloved, whether you're coming to Christ, coming back to you're coming to Christ, coming back to you're coming to Christ, coming back to Christ, coming to lay down a burden, Christ, coming to lay down a burden, Christ, coming to lay down a burden, coming to pick up something that you coming to pick up something that you coming to pick up something that you need from him, I'm going to ask you to need from him, I'm going to ask you to need from him, I'm going to ask you to just pray this prayer with me.

just pray this prayer with me. just pray this prayer with me. Father, Father, Father, >> thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> for this opportunity >> for this opportunity >> for this opportunity >> for this opportunity >> for this opportunity >> for this opportunity >> to receive your love >> to receive your love >> to receive your love >> to receive your love, >> to receive your love, >> to receive your love, >> your healing, >> your healing, >> your healing, >> your healing, >> your healing, >> your healing, >> your help, >> your help, >> your help, >> your help, >> your help, >> your help, >> and your hope. >> and your hope. >> and your hope. >> and your hope. >> and your hope. >> and your hope. >> I repent. >> I repent. >> I repent. of my sin. of my sin. of my sin. >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> Christ died. >> Christ died. >> Christ died. >> Christ died >> Christ died >> Christ died >> on the cross. >> on the cross. >> on the cross. >> To pay the price >> To pay the price >> To pay the price >> for my sin >> for my sin >> for my sin >> and rose again rose again. >> and rose again rose again. >> and rose again rose again. >> Conquering death. >> Conquering death. >> Conquering death. >> conquer death. >> conquer death. >> conquer death. >> I confess him. >> I confess him. >> I confess him. >> As Lord >> As Lord >> As Lord >> and Savior and your word says >> and Savior and your word says >> and Savior and your word says >> Your word says >> Your word says >> Your word says >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> Your word says I can be renewed. >> Your word says I can be renewed. >> Your word says I can be renewed. >> I can be renewed. Your word says your >> I can be renewed. Your word says your >> I can be renewed. Your word says your word says word says word says >> I can be restored. >> I can be restored. >> I can be restored. >> I can be restored. >> I can be restored. >> I can be restored. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you for mercy. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> that no matter >> that no matter >> that no matter >> no matter how many times I fall >> no matter how many times I fall >> no matter how many times I fall >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. Today Today Today >> I lay down my will >> I lay down my will >> I lay down my will >> and pick up my cross and follow you. I >> and pick up my cross and follow you. I >> and pick up my cross and follow you. I pray in Jesus's name. Amen.

pray in Jesus's name. Amen. pray in Jesus's name. Amen. >> Beloved, can we just worship that God is >> Beloved, can we just worship that God is >> Beloved, can we just worship that God is moving even now? Can we just worship? moving even now? Can we just worship? moving even now? Can we just worship? Can we just praise him for what he is Can we just praise him for what he is Can we just praise him for what he is about to do, for what he's already done? about to do, for what he's already done? about to do, for what he's already done? For what he's doing in this moment. Can For what he's doing in this moment. Can For what he's doing in this moment. Can we praise God that he's moving in this we praise God that he's moving in this we praise God that he's moving in this sanctuary, moving in the lives of his sanctuary, moving in the lives of his sanctuary, moving in the lives of his people, people, people, family, family, family, if you prayed those prayers, we believe if you prayed those prayers, we believe if you prayed those prayers, we believe that you are born again. We believe that that you are born again. We believe that that you are born again. We believe that you are beginning a process of you are beginning a process of you are beginning a process of restoration. And understand this, it is restoration. And understand this, it is restoration. And understand this, it is a process and you are ready to take new a process and you are ready to take new a process and you are ready to take new steps in the work. As pastor Bernard steps in the work. As pastor Bernard steps in the work. As pastor Bernard always says, change is not an event, always says, change is not an event, always says, change is not an event, it's a process. So wherever you are in it's a process. So wherever you are in it's a process. So wherever you are in this walk, and this is just the this walk, and this is just the this walk, and this is just the beginning, I need you to do four things. beginning, I need you to do four things. beginning, I need you to do four things. Get in the word. Whether you're reading Get in the word. Whether you're reading Get in the word. Whether you're reading it for the first time or a thousand and it for the first time or a thousand and it for the first time or a thousand and first time, it is a living word. There first time, it is a living word. There first time, it is a living word. There is something in there for you today. is something in there for you today. is something in there for you today. There is something in there for you that There is something in there for you that There is something in there for you that will change your life today in this will change your life today in this will change your life today in this season, in this moment. Get in the word. season, in this moment. Get in the word. season, in this moment. Get in the word. Get in a Bible teaching church. We're Get in a Bible teaching church. We're Get in a Bible teaching church. We're not telling you where to go. We know a not telling you where to go. We know a not telling you where to go. We know a Bible teaching church. you kind of like Bible teaching church. you kind of like Bible teaching church. you kind of like it, but wherever it is that you're it, but wherever it is that you're it, but wherever it is that you're going, you needs to be a place that going, you needs to be a place that going, you needs to be a place that teaches the word.

teaches the word. teaches the word. Three, tell someone about the decision Three, tell someone about the decision Three, tell someone about the decision that you made today. This is you using that you made today. This is you using that you made today. This is you using your life to share Christ with the your life to share Christ with the your life to share Christ with the world. And four, keep showing up. Come world. And four, keep showing up. Come world. And four, keep showing up. Come back here. Show up for friends. Show up back here. Show up for friends. Show up back here. Show up for friends. Show up for community. Show up. We don't grow in for community. Show up. We don't grow in for community. Show up. We don't grow in isolation. We grow in community. Now, if isolation. We grow in community. Now, if isolation. We grow in community. Now, if you responded to the call by our you responded to the call by our you responded to the call by our internet service, we have some internet service, we have some internet service, we have some information we'd like to give you. So, information we'd like to give you. So, information we'd like to give you. So, please call or text the number on the please call or text the number on the please call or text the number on the screen. May God continue to bless you. screen. May God continue to bless you. screen. May God continue to bless you. Your life will never be the same. And Your life will never be the same. And Your life will never be the same. And now you may be seated. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Now, let's all stand.

Now, let's all stand. Now, let's all stand. [Music] Beloved, we have come to the end of the Beloved, we have come to the end of the service, service, service, but we have come to the beginning of an but we have come to the beginning of an but we have come to the beginning of an assignment. We have come to the assignment. We have come to the assignment. We have come to the beginning of an understanding. We have beginning of an understanding. We have beginning of an understanding. We have come to the beginning of a of of a come to the beginning of a of of a come to the beginning of a of of a thousand new ventures in the course of thousand new ventures in the course of thousand new ventures in the course of this week. Whatever it is, it will this week. Whatever it is, it will this week. Whatever it is, it will require you to seek God. It will require require you to seek God. It will require require you to seek God. It will require you to see God. It will require you to you to see God. It will require you to you to see God. It will require you to trust God. It will require you to know trust God. It will require you to know trust God. It will require you to know God and to continue to know him better God and to continue to know him better God and to continue to know him better and better. So, let's keep on praying. and better. So, let's keep on praying. and better. So, let's keep on praying. Let's keep on seeking. Let's keep on Let's keep on seeking. Let's keep on Let's keep on seeking. Let's keep on believing. And let us say something good believing. And let us say something good believing. And let us say something good as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless seeing it come to pass. God bless seeing it come to pass. God bless everybody. See you soon. 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. We welcome you to check out the world. We welcome you to check out the world. We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make some of our other videos. Also, make some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so sure to click the notification bell so sure to click the notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a you are the first to know when we post a you are the first to know when we post a new one.

new one. new one. >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship experience every Sunday. And trust me experience every Sunday. And trust me experience every Sunday. And trust me and Cameron when I say you do not want and Cameron when I say you do not want and Cameron when I say you do not want to miss it. Streaming times are in the to miss it. Streaming times are in the to miss it. Streaming times are in the description box below. And if you are description box below. And if you are description box below. And if you are looking for any other information about looking for any other information about looking for any other information about what's happening here at CCC, visit what's happening here at CCC, visit what's happening here at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org. www.ccinfo.org. www.ccinfo.org. We hope to see you next Sunday, but for We hope to see you next Sunday, but for We hope to see you next Sunday, but for now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in the Lord.