Taste and See | A.R. Bernard

This was a packed service. What can I This was a packed service. What can I say to you Do I let you go early or Do I let you go early or [Applause] All right, we're going to give it a shot All right, we're going to give it a shot because you know what happens. Part two. because you know what happens. Part two. because you know what happens. Part two. So, at least let's tackle part one. So, at least let's tackle part one. So, at least let's tackle part one. No, but I want to do this at at at one No, but I want to do this at at at one No, but I want to do this at at at one setting. So, um I'm going to give you setting. So, um I'm going to give you setting. So, um I'm going to give you some language. Can I give you some some language. Can I give you some some language. Can I give you some language? language? language? >> And why language is important. Yesterday >> And why language is important. Yesterday >> And why language is important. Yesterday we had an incredible staff gathering, we had an incredible staff gathering, we had an incredible staff gathering, didn't we? Staff incredible staff didn't we? Staff incredible staff didn't we? Staff incredible staff meeting. And we discovered the meeting. And we discovered the meeting. And we discovered the distinction between being biblical and distinction between being biblical and distinction between being biblical and being Christlike. >> But I'm not going to tell you because >> But I'm not going to tell you because you got to be on staff.

you got to be on staff. you got to be on staff. What are the benefits of being on staff What are the benefits of being on staff What are the benefits of being on staff when we gather like that and you get to when we gather like that and you get to when we gather like that and you get to hear some deeper unpacking? But I'm hear some deeper unpacking? But I'm hear some deeper unpacking? But I'm going to give you some language that I going to give you some language that I going to give you some language that I want you to think about. When you are spiritually When you are spiritually young young young and you're going through and you're going through and you're going through the process towards maturity, you think about you think about all that God has for you. all that God has for you. all that God has for you. But when you become spiritually mature But when you become spiritually mature But when you become spiritually mature because you've walked through some because you've walked through some because you've walked through some things, experience God, things, experience God, things, experience God, you think more in terms of how can I you think more in terms of how can I you think more in terms of how can I reflect reflect reflect the image of God in Christ to a world the image of God in Christ to a world the image of God in Christ to a world that is hungry, that is searching, that that is hungry, that is searching, that that is hungry, that is searching, that is confused.

is confused. is confused. And that's where I am. And that's where I am. And that's where I am. How can I reflect Christ likeness? How can I reflect Christ likeness? How can I reflect Christ likeness? I continue to dig into the biblical text I continue to dig into the biblical text I continue to dig into the biblical text to understand it, to study it so that I to understand it, to study it so that I to understand it, to study it so that I have foundation. have foundation. have foundation. But today, I'm more concerned But today, I'm more concerned But today, I'm more concerned about that Christ likeness. Let me give about that Christ likeness. Let me give about that Christ likeness. Let me give you a term. And and and and the reason you a term. And and and and the reason you a term. And and and and the reason why I just said that is because the more why I just said that is because the more why I just said that is because the more I dig in, I dig in, I dig in, the scarier it becomes because some of the things that he asks because some of the things that he asks us to do us to do us to do are challenging. are challenging. are challenging. And this is why he talked about the cost And this is why he talked about the cost And this is why he talked about the cost of disciplehip of disciplehip of disciplehip because if it doesn't scare you when you because if it doesn't scare you when you because if it doesn't scare you when you read scripture, especially the gospels read scripture, especially the gospels read scripture, especially the gospels and the things that Jesus said and and the things that Jesus said and and the things that Jesus said and commanded of us because he said all the commanded of us because he said all the commanded of us because he said all the things that I commanded you, you do. If things that I commanded you, you do. If things that I commanded you, you do. If it doesn't scare you when you read some it doesn't scare you when you read some it doesn't scare you when you read some of it, you haven't grown to that place of it, you haven't grown to that place of it, you haven't grown to that place where you fully understand what's being where you fully understand what's being where you fully understand what's being said.

said. said. And part of that And part of that And part of that is for this reason. is for this reason. is for this reason. Many things that we find in scripture Many things that we find in scripture Many things that we find in scripture are deceptively deceptively simple. When something is deceptively simple, When something is deceptively simple, it means it's simply stated, it means it's simply stated, it means it's simply stated, but what's behind it but what's behind it but what's behind it is deep, is deep, is deep, profound, profound, profound, and demanding. E= E= M C² M C² M C² Simple.

Five characters. Five characters. That's all it takes. But what's behind That's all it takes. But what's behind That's all it takes. But what's behind that that that in terms of an understanding of the vast in terms of an understanding of the vast in terms of an understanding of the vast world of physics and science world of physics and science world of physics and science will blow your mind. will blow your mind. will blow your mind. You can't even contain the implications You can't even contain the implications You can't even contain the implications of Einstein simple formula theory. of Einstein simple formula theory. of Einstein simple formula theory. relativity. relativity. relativity. How many have heard of E= MC^²? How many have heard of E= MC^²? How many have heard of E= MC^²? Yeah, simple. Just five characters. Yeah, simple. Just five characters. Yeah, simple. Just five characters. But it's deceptively simple is in such demand is in such demand because of its simple interface.

because of its simple interface. because of its simple interface. You can talk to it. You can talk to it. You can talk to it. It'll talk back to you. Hey Siri, Hey Siri, will you marry me? will you marry me? will you marry me? >> I think you should save yourself for >> I think you should save yourself for >> I think you should save yourself for someone who's more of the actual human someone who's more of the actual human someone who's more of the actual human type. Even Siri just said she thinks she I Even Siri just said she thinks she I should save myself for someone more should save myself for someone more should save myself for someone more worthy. Deceptively simple. We take it for Deceptively simple. We take it for granted in terms of what this can do. granted in terms of what this can do. granted in terms of what this can do. This can hold one terabyte of This can hold one terabyte of This can hold one terabyte of information. information. information. A terabyte. A terabyte. A terabyte. That is crazy. That is crazy. That is crazy. But simple But simple But simple yet yet yet profound, profound, profound, deep amazing. How about this one?

Deceptively simple statement Deceptively simple statement just rolls off the tongue. You can tell just rolls off the tongue. You can tell just rolls off the tongue. You can tell it to a little child. Love your neighbor it to a little child. Love your neighbor it to a little child. Love your neighbor as yourself and the child will look at as yourself and the child will look at as yourself and the child will look at you. Okay? No idea No idea what that really means what that really means what that really means because that simple statement because that simple statement because that simple statement makes a demand on each of us makes a demand on each of us makes a demand on each of us psychologically, psychologically, psychologically, morally. morally. morally. It calls for a level of spiritual It calls for a level of spiritual It calls for a level of spiritual maturity that the majority of Christians maturity that the majority of Christians maturity that the majority of Christians haven't reached yet. Right. >> It demands holding to a universal ethic >> It demands holding to a universal ethic concerning behavior and relationship concerning behavior and relationship concerning behavior and relationship with the other. demands that you have a demands that you have a solid balanced psychological solid balanced psychological solid balanced psychological relationship with yourself relationship with yourself relationship with yourself >> in order >> in order >> in order to love someone else.

to love someone else. to love someone else. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So before you even think externally >> So before you even think externally >> So before you even think externally about that statement, you've got to about that statement, you've got to about that statement, you've got to think internally. >> Because we have relationships with >> Because we have relationships with people from the inside out, not the people from the inside out, not the people from the inside out, not the outside in. Amen. because the majority of people we are because the majority of people we are selfish selfish selfish >> at heart >> at heart >> at heart >> driven by self-preservation. >> driven by self-preservation. >> driven by self-preservation. and and and self-interest. self-interest. self-interest. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> So to love >> So to love >> So to love my neighbor my neighbor my neighbor >> as I love myself demands first that I >> as I love myself demands first that I >> as I love myself demands first that I evaluate how I feel about me.

>> Cuz I don't want you to love me if you >> Cuz I don't want you to love me if you are angry with you. Cuz all you're going to do is project Cuz all you're going to do is project that anger on me. The best thing you could do is leave me The best thing you could do is leave me alone >> But you see these these commands, these >> But you see these these commands, these statements are deceptively statements are deceptively statements are deceptively simple. simple. simple. And Jesus made them. He designed them to And Jesus made them. He designed them to And Jesus made them. He designed them to be simple and memorable. Do unto be simple and memorable. Do unto be simple and memorable. Do unto >> others >> others >> others >> others >> as you would have others >> as you would have others >> do to you. Treat people the way you want >> do to you. Treat people the way you want >> do to you. Treat people the way you want to be treated. >> This is why he said if you show mercy, >> This is why he said if you show mercy, you'll get mercy. Because if you treat you'll get mercy. Because if you treat you'll get mercy. Because if you treat people judgmentally and critically and people judgmentally and critically and people judgmentally and critically and unmercifully, unmercifully, unmercifully, that's how you are training them to that's how you are training them to that's how you are training them to treat you >> before you can even engage that one >> before you can even engage that one simple but deceptively simple statement.

simple but deceptively simple statement. simple but deceptively simple statement. You've got to do a personal evaluation, You've got to do a personal evaluation, You've got to do a personal evaluation, a personal analysis, not about the a personal analysis, not about the a personal analysis, not about the person you're being asked to love, but person you're being asked to love, but person you're being asked to love, but you. That's why I say it's deceptively That's why I say it's deceptively simple. >> Here's another one. >> Here's another one. >> And I think they set the clock to 12:00, >> And I think they set the clock to 12:00, >> And I think they set the clock to 12:00, right? End time. right? End time. right? End time. Let me give you a text. Let me give you a text. Let me give you a text. Oh, it's raining, pastor. We have Oh, it's raining, pastor. We have Oh, it's raining, pastor. We have nowhere to go. Psalm 34 Psalm 34 verse 8. You may not recognize it immediately by You may not recognize it immediately by the text, but you will recognize it by the text, but you will recognize it by the text, but you will recognize it by the words. the words. the words. It may go a little King James on you. It may go a little King James on you. It may go a little King James on you. >> Oh, taste and see.

that the Lord that the Lord >> is good. >> Simple statement, >> Simple statement, but deceptively simple because the language that's being used because the language that's being used is is is sensory. It calls for a physical experience It calls for a physical experience of a spiritual reality. It doesn't say read and see. It doesn't say read and see. >> It doesn't say study and see. It doesn't >> It doesn't say study and see. It doesn't >> It doesn't say study and see. It doesn't say analyze and see. It say it doesn't say analyze and see. It say it doesn't say analyze and see. It say it doesn't say debate and see. say debate and see. say debate and see. It says It says It says >> taste. Which means it's calling upon you in the Which means it's calling upon you in the context of your physicality and your context of your physicality and your context of your physicality and your sensory experiences, sensory experiences, sensory experiences, your sight, your hearing, your sense of your sight, your hearing, your sense of your sight, your hearing, your sense of touch, your sense of taste, your sense of smell.

your sense of smell. So if we understand that simple So if we understand that simple So if we understand that simple statement, oh taste and see that the statement, oh taste and see that the statement, oh taste and see that the Lord is good. And we understand that Lord is good. And we understand that Lord is good. And we understand that it's deceptively simple. Now we have to it's deceptively simple. Now we have to it's deceptively simple. Now we have to dig deeper and say, well, what what's really being and say, well, what what's really being said here? What's what's going on here? said here? What's what's going on here? said here? What's what's going on here? How do I taste God How do I taste God How do I taste God [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> in the realm of my >> in the realm of my >> in the realm of my natural experience? natural experience? natural experience? >> Yes. >> He says to Abraham, >> He says to Abraham, "Go to the mountain "Go to the mountain "Go to the mountain and sacrifice >> he's got his son Isaac with him.

>> he's got his son Isaac with him. Isaac is in modern language. Yo, dad, I see the wood. I see the wood. Right. >> Understand what's going on in young >> Understand what's going on in young Isaac. I see the wood. I even know how you're going to start I even know how you're going to start the fire. I've seen you do that before. the fire. I've seen you do that before. the fire. I've seen you do that before. But But But I don't see the sacrifice. >> And Abraham responds to him, >> And Abraham responds to him, >> God will provide himself. >> God will provide himself. >> God will provide himself. See, we read it differently. God will See, we read it differently. God will See, we read it differently. God will provide himself. provide himself. provide himself. >> Behold the lamb of God that takes away >> Behold the lamb of God that takes away >> Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. the sins of the world. the sins of the world. >> But when we read it Old Testament before >> But when we read it Old Testament before >> But when we read it Old Testament before New Testament, we read it simply, God New Testament, we read it simply, God New Testament, we read it simply, God will provide himself a sacrifice. >> Come on, let's go up. So they go up.

>> Come on, let's go up. So they go up. >> And Abraham is ready >> And Abraham is ready >> And Abraham is ready to take his son's life. And why could he to take his son's life. And why could he to take his son's life. And why could he have that level of faith? Number one, it have that level of faith? Number one, it have that level of faith? Number one, it was the practice of the day, human was the practice of the day, human was the practice of the day, human sacrifice. So, it was nothing outside of sacrifice. So, it was nothing outside of sacrifice. So, it was nothing outside of the norm. the norm. the norm. Because when something is outside of the Because when something is outside of the Because when something is outside of the norm, it has a greater shock. But he knew that that son was a gift in But he knew that that son was a gift in the first place. It's something that he the first place. It's something that he the first place. It's something that he himself could not produce without God. himself could not produce without God. himself could not produce without God. Amen. >> So if he takes him, he can bring him >> So if he takes him, he can bring him back. back. back. >> And we don't have the chance, the time >> And we don't have the chance, the time >> And we don't have the chance, the time to get into theological implications of to get into theological implications of to get into theological implications of that that was spoken by Jesus when he that that was spoken by Jesus when he that that was spoken by Jesus when he said, "Abraham saw my day." But he takes said, "Abraham saw my day." But he takes said, "Abraham saw my day." But he takes him up. And then in the text in in in him up. And then in the text in in in him up. And then in the text in in in Genesis 38, it says it says that Genesis 38, it says it says that Genesis 38, it says it says that on the mountain on the mountain on the mountain Abraham Abraham Abraham experienced experienced experienced God God God as Jehovah Gyra.

as Jehovah Gyra. as Jehovah Gyra. >> Oh, wait a minute. >> Oh, wait a minute. >> Oh, wait a minute. He couldn't experience He couldn't experience He couldn't experience or he couldn't taste or he couldn't taste or he couldn't taste until he climbed the mountain. >> Job lost >> Job lost his children. his children. his children. My wife and I, my family and I, we My wife and I, my family and I, we My wife and I, my family and I, we understand what it is to lose not one understand what it is to lose not one understand what it is to lose not one but two children. Yes, but two children. Yes, but two children. Yes, >> we understand that grief and that pain >> we understand that grief and that pain >> we understand that grief and that pain and that loss. And Job experienced this. and that loss. And Job experienced this. and that loss. And Job experienced this. He lost property. He lost property. He lost property. He lost servants. He lost servants. He lost servants. He saw his life disintegrate before his He saw his life disintegrate before his He saw his life disintegrate before his eyes. And the only one that was left was his And the only one that was left was his wife. wife. wife. And that was a little suspect. And that was a little suspect. And that was a little suspect. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] cuz you don't hear anymore about her cuz you don't hear anymore about her cuz you don't hear anymore about her even after Job recovers.

>> Church neighbors say that's another >> Church neighbors say that's another Sunday. But he loses it all right. But he loses it all right. And then after he goes through And then after he goes through And then after he goes through a period of some nine months debating a period of some nine months debating a period of some nine months debating with his friends about the character of with his friends about the character of with his friends about the character of God and he holds on to his integrity and God and he holds on to his integrity and God and he holds on to his integrity and he and he concludes though he slay me he and he concludes though he slay me he and he concludes though he slay me yet will I trust him. And he was just yet will I trust him. And he was just yet will I trust him. And he was just speaking out of his experience because speaking out of his experience because speaking out of his experience because he didn't know what was going on behind he didn't know what was going on behind he didn't know what was going on behind the scenes. He didn't know about the the scenes. He didn't know about the the scenes. He didn't know about the conversation between Satan and and and conversation between Satan and and and conversation between Satan and and and God. He didn't know. And often we don't God. He didn't know. And often we don't God. He didn't know. And often we don't know. Right? know. Right? know. Right? >> It's just playing out and we're in the >> It's just playing out and we're in the >> It's just playing out and we're in the middle of it. middle of it. middle of it. >> But this is what he said. Job said at >> But this is what he said. Job said at >> But this is what he said. Job said at the end of his trial when God turns the end of his trial when God turns the end of his trial when God turns everything he around. He says, everything he around. He says, everything he around. He says, "I heard about you. >> but now >> but now I know I know I know >> because I've tasted for myself >> that God is >> that God is >> good.

>> good. >> good. >> Are you hearing me, folks? >> I'll fast forward a little bit. >> I'll fast forward a little bit. New Testament, New Testament, New Testament, the Apostle Paul prays three times, the Apostle Paul prays three times, the Apostle Paul prays three times, wrestling through an issue in his life wrestling through an issue in his life wrestling through an issue in his life that scripture calls a thorn in his that scripture calls a thorn in his that scripture calls a thorn in his flesh. >> And he prays. >> And he prays. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. And God says, "No, my grace my grace >> is sufficient. >> is sufficient. >> is sufficient. >> But I'm Paul. I can't be weak. I'm used >> But I'm Paul. I can't be weak. I'm used >> But I'm Paul. I can't be weak. I'm used to strength, to strength, to strength, >> power. >> power. >> power. I'm used to a certain dignity and I'm used to a certain dignity and I'm used to a certain dignity and respect afforded me by my position in respect afforded me by my position in respect afforded me by my position in the Jewish community the Jewish community the Jewish community >> and now in the body of Christ.

>> and now in the body of Christ. >> and now in the body of Christ. And God says, "My grace is sufficient." And God says, "My grace is sufficient." And God says, "My grace is sufficient." >> And Paul is wrestling through this idea >> And Paul is wrestling through this idea >> And Paul is wrestling through this idea of weakness because he doesn't like of weakness because he doesn't like of weakness because he doesn't like being weak. Just like we don't like being weak. Just like we don't like being weak. Just like we don't like feeling weak. Not only is he wrestling feeling weak. Not only is he wrestling feeling weak. Not only is he wrestling through the reality of being weak, but through the reality of being weak, but through the reality of being weak, but he's also wrestling through unanswered he's also wrestling through unanswered he's also wrestling through unanswered prayer. prayer. prayer. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> How many have ever wrestled through >> How many have ever wrestled through >> How many have ever wrestled through unanswered prayer? But Paul discovered something But Paul discovered something >> that his strength, God, God's strength >> that his strength, God, God's strength >> that his strength, God, God's strength is perfected in Paul's weakness. is perfected in Paul's weakness. is perfected in Paul's weakness. >> And Paul has a shift in his theology, a >> And Paul has a shift in his theology, a >> And Paul has a shift in his theology, a sift in his thinking. And what was once sift in his thinking. And what was once sift in his thinking. And what was once weak and embarrassing and open to weak and embarrassing and open to weak and embarrassing and open to shaming, he now embraces shaming, he now embraces shaming, he now embraces and said, "I took this weakness, gave it and said, "I took this weakness, gave it and said, "I took this weakness, gave it back to God, back to God, back to God, >> and now glory >> and now glory >> and now glory in these weaknesses."

in these weaknesses." in these weaknesses." Because it's in these weaknesses that Because it's in these weaknesses that Because it's in these weaknesses that I've tasted I've tasted I've tasted of the goodness of God. of the goodness of God. of the goodness of God. The Hebrew word for taste The Hebrew word for taste The Hebrew word for taste is in the Hebrew language to know. is in the Hebrew language to know. is in the Hebrew language to know. To know. That's the word. Taste means to To know. That's the word. Taste means to To know. That's the word. Taste means to know. know. know. To know in the personal relational way To know in the personal relational way To know in the personal relational way of knowing a person. of knowing a person. of knowing a person. And Adam knew his wife Eve. And Adam knew his wife Eve. And Adam knew his wife Eve. And there was fruit born of the intimacy And there was fruit born of the intimacy And there was fruit born of the intimacy of that relationship. So when we read, oh taste and see So when we read, oh taste and see that God is good, it's an invitation to know him intimately. to know him intimately. >> But you cannot have that intimate >> But you cannot have that intimate >> But you cannot have that intimate knowledge unless you climb that knowledge unless you climb that knowledge unless you climb that mountain. Unless you experience that mountain. Unless you experience that mountain. Unless you experience that loss.

loss. loss. >> Unless you walk through that weakness. >> It was an invitation >> It was an invitation to participate to participate to participate in a journey. I could talk about the in a journey. I could talk about the in a journey. I could talk about the nation of Israel wandering in the nation of Israel wandering in the nation of Israel wandering in the wilderness. They tasted of his goodness. wilderness. They tasted of his goodness. wilderness. They tasted of his goodness. Because every time we go through Because every time we go through Because every time we go through something, every time we walk the something, every time we walk the something, every time we walk the journey of faith and trust through the journey of faith and trust through the journey of faith and trust through the hardship and tribulations of life, and hardship and tribulations of life, and hardship and tribulations of life, and we see God's hand, we see him manifest we see God's hand, we see him manifest we see God's hand, we see him manifest himself as Jehovah Gyra, as Jehovah Ni, himself as Jehovah Gyra, as Jehovah Ni, himself as Jehovah Gyra, as Jehovah Ni, Jehovah Sitkanu, as Jehovah shalom in Jehovah Sitkanu, as Jehovah shalom in Jehovah Sitkanu, as Jehovah shalom in the midst of confusion. How many you the midst of confusion. How many you the midst of confusion. How many you understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? understand what I'm talking about? That's when you are tasting, That's when you are tasting, That's when you are tasting, not when you say it as a cliche. Not not when you say it as a cliche. Not not when you say it as a cliche. Not when you respond to the preacher saying, when you respond to the preacher saying, when you respond to the preacher saying, "God is good all the time and all the "God is good all the time and all the "God is good all the time and all the time God is good." That sounds time God is good." That sounds time God is good." That sounds wonderful, but you don't really taste wonderful, but you don't really taste wonderful, but you don't really taste it.

>> Because once you've tasted of his >> Because once you've tasted of his goodness, it's because you've gone goodness, it's because you've gone goodness, it's because you've gone through something. It's because you through something. It's because you through something. It's because you walked through something. It's because walked through something. It's because walked through something. It's because you experienced something. Now you can say, Now you can say, now you can open the middle of that now you can open the middle of that now you can open the middle of that Bible to the Psalms. Go to the 34th one. Bible to the Psalms. Go to the 34th one. Bible to the Psalms. Go to the 34th one. Go down to verse 8. Go down to verse 8. Go down to verse 8. Because now you're reading it with a Because now you're reading it with a Because now you're reading it with a personal understanding. I've been there. personal understanding. I've been there. personal understanding. I've been there. I've been through the fire. I've been I've been through the fire. I've been I've been through the fire. I've been through the flood. So when I tell you So when I tell you taste and see, taste and see, taste and see, >> I'm inviting you to understand what I >> I'm inviting you to understand what I >> I'm inviting you to understand what I walk through. walk through. walk through. [Applause] A deceptively A deceptively simple statement.

simple statement. simple statement. Oh, taste and see Oh, taste and see Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. that the Lord is good. that the Lord is good. >> But you don't know that >> But you don't know that >> But you don't know that until you've been through something. Because once you've been through it, Because once you've been through it, >> now you know that you know that you >> now you know that you know that you >> now you know that you know that you >> that you that you that you that God is >> that you that you that you that God is >> that you that you that you that God is >> Come on, talk to me. Yes. Yes. >> There's a difference >> There's a difference >> There's a difference >> when you know the 23rd Psalm. >> when you know the 23rd Psalm. >> when you know the 23rd Psalm. [Music] [Music] [Music] >> There's a difference between knowing the >> There's a difference between knowing the >> There's a difference between knowing the song and knowing the shepherd. song and knowing the shepherd. song and knowing the shepherd. >> And you don't know the shepherd until >> And you don't know the shepherd until >> And you don't know the shepherd until you've been through the valley of the you've been through the valley of the you've been through the valley of the shadow of death.

Can I pray over you? Can I pray over you? >> Father, your word is seed. >> Father, your word is seed. >> Father, your word is seed. >> And let this seed enter the hearts of >> And let this seed enter the hearts of >> And let this seed enter the hearts of your people. your people. your people. >> And invite them >> And invite them >> And invite them to taste. >> Because it's not until they taste >> Because it's not until they taste can they see can they see can they see >> that you are >> that you are >> that you are >> good. Let us put this lens on our trials, Let us put this lens on our trials, tribulations and challenges and tribulations and challenges and tribulations and challenges and temptations temptations temptations so that whenever we are faced with a so that whenever we are faced with a so that whenever we are faced with a season, season, season, [Music] [Music] [Music] whenever we're faced with a challenge or whenever we're faced with a challenge or whenever we're faced with a challenge or a wilderness experience, overwhelming a wilderness experience, overwhelming a wilderness experience, overwhelming circumstances and situations, circumstances and situations, circumstances and situations, let us resolve with thanksgiving let us resolve with thanksgiving let us resolve with thanksgiving that we're about to Taste and see that God is that God is good.

good. good. >> Let this settle in their hearts >> Let this settle in their hearts >> Let this settle in their hearts >> and bring forth abundant fruit. >> and bring forth abundant fruit. >> and bring forth abundant fruit. >> I ask in Jesus precious name. >> I ask in Jesus precious name. >> I ask in Jesus precious name. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And amen. Come on, slap high five with >> And amen. Come on, slap high five with >> And amen. Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell them I got that word. three people. Tell them I got that word. three people. Tell them I got that word. [Applause] We've come to the end of the service. We've come to the end of the service. You may be seated for a moment. We've You may be seated for a moment. We've You may be seated for a moment. We've come to the end of the service, which is come to the end of the service, which is come to the end of the service, which is when we invite people into new faith, when we invite people into new faith, when we invite people into new faith, new fellowship, and new freedom in new fellowship, and new freedom in new fellowship, and new freedom in Christ. Christ. Christ. We began our service today with a We began our service today with a We began our service today with a two-pronged word. Gloria Gainor two-pronged word. Gloria Gainor two-pronged word. Gloria Gainor celebrated 82 years of survival celebrated 82 years of survival celebrated 82 years of survival that became a mantle, a message for the that became a mantle, a message for the that became a mantle, a message for the nations and generations. nations and generations. nations and generations. And Cheryl Fishbine, I hope I'm And Cheryl Fishbine, I hope I'm And Cheryl Fishbine, I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly, called us to pronouncing that correctly, called us to pronouncing that correctly, called us to bring people together in love against bring people together in love against bring people together in love against every dividing force of hate. And in the every dividing force of hate. And in the every dividing force of hate. And in the combination of perseverance and unity, combination of perseverance and unity, combination of perseverance and unity, we see the lives to which he has called we see the lives to which he has called we see the lives to which he has called us coming together and sticking us coming together and sticking us coming together and sticking together, supporting each other in the together, supporting each other in the together, supporting each other in the best of times and the worst. And that best of times and the worst. And that best of times and the worst. And that requires faith, leaning into the word of requires faith, leaning into the word of requires faith, leaning into the word of the Lord over your life. Aduina Finley's the Lord over your life. Aduina Finley's the Lord over your life. Aduina Finley's acceptance and pursuit of her calling.

acceptance and pursuit of her calling. acceptance and pursuit of her calling. Her journey from the balcony to the Her journey from the balcony to the Her journey from the balcony to the stage reminds us that if we can dream stage reminds us that if we can dream stage reminds us that if we can dream it, God can do more. He's able. But he it, God can do more. He's able. But he it, God can do more. He's able. But he gives us gifts we need to develop. He gives us gifts we need to develop. He gives us gifts we need to develop. He gives us access we need to use. He gives gives us access we need to use. He gives gives us access we need to use. He gives us a word we need to speak over our us a word we need to speak over our us a word we need to speak over our lives cuz we're all going to be here one lives cuz we're all going to be here one lives cuz we're all going to be here one year from now. Amen. year from now. Amen. year from now. Amen. By the grace of God. By the grace of God. By the grace of God. 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 that is good news. Let's give God that is good news. Let's give God praise. 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 conquering death. And in doing the grave conquering death. And in doing the grave conquering death. And in doing so, he paid the price for our sin and so, he paid the price for our sin and so, he paid the price for our sin and gives us a right to everlasting life. gives us a right to everlasting life. gives us a right to everlasting life. The good news is that God's simplest The good news is that God's simplest The good news is that God's simplest truths lead us to demanding callings. truths lead us to demanding callings. truths lead us to demanding callings. Jesus call to follow me turns fishermen Jesus call to follow me turns fishermen Jesus call to follow me turns fishermen and tax collectors into a team that and tax collectors into a team that and tax collectors into a team that changes the world. God's call to love changes the world. God's call to love changes the world. God's call to love our neighbor changes us from people our neighbor changes us from people our neighbor changes us from people damaged by what was done to us to people damaged by what was done to us to people damaged by what was done to us to people defined by what was done for us. The defined by what was done for us. The defined by what was done for us. The good news is that pain is inevitable, good news is that pain is inevitable, good news is that pain is inevitable, but God is bigger than our pain. So you but God is bigger than our pain. So you but God is bigger than our pain. So you never let anybody put your light out.

never let anybody put your light out. never let anybody put your light out. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Because God will equip you to survive >> Because God will equip you to survive >> Because God will equip you to survive thorns in the flesh. He will equip you thorns in the flesh. He will equip you thorns in the flesh. He will equip you to survive the most difficult tests. to survive the most difficult tests. to survive the most difficult tests. Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and your mouth that Jesus is Lord and your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised believe in your heart that God raised believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you'll be saved." So him from the dead, you'll be saved." So him from the dead, you'll be saved." So with every head bowed and every eye with every head bowed and every eye with every head bowed and every eye closed, if you've never made Jesus the closed, if you've never made Jesus the closed, if you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for you. I'm just going to ask you to raise you. I'm just going to ask you to raise you. I'm just going to ask you to raise your hand. your hand. your hand. If you walked with God and walked away, If you walked with God and walked away, If you walked 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 here's another one. If you're hand. And here's another one. If you're hand. And here's another one. If you're suffering through oppression and suffering through oppression and suffering through oppression and alienation, betrayal from the people you alienation, betrayal from the people you alienation, betrayal from the people you may have trusted the most, and you need may have trusted the most, and you need may have trusted the most, and you need a good, good father and a real life a good, good father and a real life a good, good father and a real life savior, just raise your hand. If you're savior, just raise your hand. If you're savior, just raise your hand. If you're saved but lost and need a shepherd to saved but lost and need a shepherd to saved but lost and need a shepherd to lead you through the valley of the lead you through the valley of the lead you through the valley of the shadow of death, I'm talking to you, shadow of death, I'm talking to you, shadow of death, I'm talking to you, too. And lastly, if you need to taste too. And lastly, if you need to taste too. And lastly, if you need to taste and see that the Lord is good, and see that the Lord is good, and see that the Lord is good, because maybe you've grown a little because maybe you've grown a little because maybe you've grown a little weary and welloing, maybe you've grown a weary and welloing, maybe you've grown a weary and welloing, maybe you've grown a little hungry, maybe it's been a while little hungry, maybe it's been a while little hungry, maybe it's been a while since you've eaten what God has for you, since you've eaten what God has for you, since you've eaten what God has for you, I'm talking to you, just raise your I'm talking to you, just raise your I'm talking to you, just raise your hand. And if you raise your hand, I'm hand. And if you raise your hand, I'm hand. And if you raise your hand, I'm going to ask you to do one thing more.

going to ask you to do one thing more. going to ask you to do one thing more. Just come down to this altar so that we, Just come down to this altar so that we, Just come down to this altar so that we, the church, can pray for you together. the church, can pray for you together. the church, can pray for you together. Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us encourage them as they come. And let us encourage them as they come. And let us encourage them as they come. And let us take this moment to recognize that what take this moment to recognize that what take this moment to recognize that what God is doing is not just about this God is doing is not just about this God is doing is not just about this moment. It's 12:09 on a Sunday morning. moment. It's 12:09 on a Sunday morning. moment. It's 12:09 on a Sunday morning. But this has nothing to do with the fact But this has nothing to do with the fact But this has nothing to do with the fact that this is the end of the service. It that this is the end of the service. It that this is the end of the service. It has everything to do with the fact that has everything to do with the fact that has everything to do with the fact that the call of God on our lives that he the call of God on our lives that he the call of God on our lives that he knew us before we were formed in our knew us before we were formed in our knew us before we were formed in our mother's wombs and he ordained for us mother's wombs and he ordained for us mother's wombs and he ordained for us lives that speak to the generations. lives that speak to the generations. lives that speak to the generations. Beloved, I people are coming up one by Beloved, I people are coming up one by Beloved, I people are coming up one by one. But I love the way even this altar one. But I love the way even this altar one. But I love the way even this altar call started. This one brother came up call started. This one brother came up call started. This one brother came up by himself, demonstrating that faith, by himself, demonstrating that faith, by himself, demonstrating that faith, demonstrating that courage, demonstrating that courage, demonstrating that courage, demonstrating that sometimes we're going demonstrating that sometimes we're going demonstrating that sometimes we're going to go by ourselves. Sometimes we don't to go by ourselves. Sometimes we don't to go by ourselves. Sometimes we don't know what it is around us and and we know what it is around us and and we know what it is around us and and we don't know what it is that's coming don't know what it is that's coming don't know what it is that's coming before us or coming next. But God is before us or coming next. But God is before us or coming next. But God is faithful. God is able and God is willing faithful. God is able and God is willing faithful. God is able and God is willing and he can and he will. We sang it and he can and he will. We sang it and he can and he will. We sang it today. He's able to do what he said he today. He's able to do what he said he today. He's able to do what he said he would do. So our job is to not give up.

would do. So our job is to not give up. would do. So our job is to not give up. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Can we give God praise? If you're still coming, by all means, If you're still coming, by all means, still come. Praise God. Praise God. He is worthy. Praise God. Praise God. He is worthy. Praise God. Now, Praise God. Now, Praise God. Now, praise the Lord. Let Let us continue to praise the Lord. Let Let us continue to praise the Lord. Let Let us continue to applaud God because God is doing new applaud God because God is doing new applaud God because God is doing new things. God's timing is not my timing. I things. God's timing is not my timing. I things. God's timing is not my timing. I always I often get to a place in the always I often get to a place in the always I often get to a place in the service where I'm like, "Okay, I need to service where I'm like, "Okay, I need to service where I'm like, "Okay, I need to move forward." And the Holy Spirit may move forward." And the Holy Spirit may move forward." And the Holy Spirit may be saying, "Not yet." The Holy Spirit be saying, "Not yet." The Holy Spirit be saying, "Not yet." The Holy Spirit may be saying, "I have something more to may be saying, "I have something more to may be saying, "I have something more to do that is not part of your plans, do that is not part of your plans, do that is not part of your plans, beloved." He may be saying in each and beloved." He may be saying in each and beloved." He may be saying in each and every one of our lives at any given every one of our lives at any given every one of our lives at any given point, I'm about to do something that point, I'm about to do something that point, I'm about to do something that you didn't plan for. I'm about to do you didn't plan for. I'm about to do you didn't plan for. I'm about to do something that you didn't expect. I'm something that you didn't expect. I'm something that you didn't expect. I'm about to do something you don't even about to do something you don't even about to do something you don't even have faith for. But in this moment, have faith for. But in this moment, have faith for. But in this moment, you're about to experience something you're about to experience something you're about to experience something that you've never even thought possible.

that you've never even thought possible. that you've never even thought possible. So right now might be your opportunity. So right now might be your opportunity. So right now might be your opportunity. Whatever you're going through in life, Whatever you're going through in life, Whatever you're going through in life, to stand still and see the salvation of to stand still and see the salvation of to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. To stand on a promise, a the Lord. To stand on a promise, a the Lord. To stand on a promise, a simple promise, and to see God do what simple promise, and to see God do what simple promise, and to see God do what only he can do. Amen. Amen. only he can do. Amen. Amen. only he can do. Amen. Amen. Now, we stand here today with a 100 Now, we stand here today with a 100 Now, we stand here today with a 100 different burdens, but one almighty God. different burdens, but one almighty God. different burdens, but one almighty God. So whatever decision you're making in So whatever decision you're making in So whatever decision you're making in this moment, praise the Lord. Praise the this moment, praise the Lord. Praise the this moment, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. [Music] [Music] [Music] Beloved, I love it when the Holy Spirit Beloved, I love it when the Holy Spirit Beloved, I love it when the Holy Spirit heckles me. I'm trying to finish. heckles me. I'm trying to finish. heckles me. I'm trying to finish. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Praise God. Whatever decision you are Praise God. Whatever decision you are Praise God. Whatever decision you are making in this moment, please pray with making in this moment, please pray with making in this moment, please pray with me. me. me. Father, Father, Father, >> 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 >> I repent >> I repent >> I repent >> of my sin >> of my sin >> of my sin >> of my s >> of my s >> of my s >> 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 >> on the cross >> on the cross >> on the cross >> to pay the price >> to pay the price >> to pay the price >> to pay the price >> to pay the price >> to pay the price >> for my sin >> for my sin >> for my sin >> for my s >> for my s >> for my s >> and rose again >> and rose again >> and rose again >> rose again >> rose again >> rose again >> conquering death >> conquering death >> conquering death >> conquering death >> conquering death >> conquering death >> I confess him >> I confess him >> I confess him >> I confess him >> I confess him >> I confess him >> as Lord >> as Lord >> as Lord >> as Lord and Savior.

>> as Lord and Savior. >> as Lord and Savior. >> and Savior. >> and Savior. >> and Savior. >> And your word says your word says >> And your word says your word says >> And your word says your word says >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> I'm born again. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace. >> Thank you for grace >> Thank you for grace >> Thank you for grace >> and mercy. >> and mercy. >> and mercy. >> And mercy. >> And mercy. >> And mercy. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> that no matter >> that no matter >> that no matter >> no matter >> no matter >> no matter >> how many times I fall. >> how many times I fall. >> how many times I fall. >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. >> I can get back up. >> I can get back. >> I can get back. >> I can get back. >> Today >> Today >> Today >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> I will walk by faith. >> And not by sight. >> And not by sight. >> And not by sight. >> Not by sight. >> Not by sight. >> Not by sight. >> Today >> Today >> Today >> I will lay down my will. >> I will lay down my will. >> I will lay down my will. >> I will lay down >> I will lay down >> I will lay down >> and pick up my cross. >> and pick up my cross. >> and pick up my cross. and follow you. I pray in Jesus's name. and follow you. I pray in Jesus's name. and follow you. I pray in Jesus's name. Amen. Can we give God praise? Amen. Can we give God praise? Amen. Can we give God praise? Can we give God praise for good seed and Can we give God praise for good seed and Can we give God praise for good seed and good ground? Can we give God praise that good ground? Can we give God praise that good ground? Can we give God praise that his word will not return to him void, his word will not return to him void, his word will not return to him void, that it does not yet appear all the that it does not yet appear all the that it does not yet appear all the things he will do. Now, family, if you things he will do. Now, family, if you things he will do. Now, family, if you prayed those prayers, we believe that prayed those prayers, we believe that prayed those prayers, we believe that you are born again. We believe that you you are born again. We believe that you you are born again. We believe that you are beginning the process of are beginning the process of are beginning the process of restoration. We believe that you are restoration. We believe that you are restoration. We believe that you are ready to take new steps in the work. We ready to take new steps in the work. We ready to take new steps in the work. We believe that whatever it is that you believe that whatever it is that you believe that whatever it is that you came for that God met you here and he came for that God met you here and he came for that God met you here and he has something for you. Now change is not has something for you. Now change is not has something for you. Now change is not an event. It's a process. So wherever an event. It's a process. So wherever an event. It's a process. So wherever you are in this walk, I need you to do you are in this walk, I need you to do you are in this walk, I need you to do four things. One, study the word.

four things. One, study the word. four things. One, study the word. Whether it's your first time reading it Whether it's your first time reading it Whether it's your first time reading it or you're a thousand and first time or you're a thousand and first time or you're a thousand and first time reading it, it is a living word. So reading it, it is a living word. So reading it, it is a living word. So there is something in this season, in there is something in this season, in there is something in this season, in this moment for you in the word of God. this moment for you in the word of God. this moment for you in the word of God. Two, get in a Bible teaching church. Two, get in a Bible teaching church. Two, get in a Bible teaching church. We're not going to tell you where to go. We're not going to tell you where to go. We're not going to tell you where to go. We have some churches that we know but We have some churches that we know but We have some churches that we know but wherever you go you need to find a place wherever you go you need to find a place wherever you go you need to find a place where the word is taught. If the word is where the word is taught. If the word is where the word is taught. If the word is not taught there that is not the place not taught there that is not the place not taught there that is not the place for you. Three tell someone about the for you. Three tell someone about the for you. Three tell someone about the decision that you made today. This is decision that you made today. This is decision that you made today. This is your exercise in sh using your life to your exercise in sh using your life to your exercise in sh using your life to share Christ with the world. And four share Christ with the world. And four share Christ with the world. And four and this may be the most important in and this may be the most important in and this may be the most important in 2025 in its own way. Keep showing up. 2025 in its own way. Keep showing up. 2025 in its own way. Keep showing up. Show up here. Show up in family. Show up Show up here. Show up in family. Show up Show up here. Show up in family. Show up in community. It is so easy to just not in community. It is so easy to just not in community. It is so easy to just not do things. It is so easy to just stay do things. It is so easy to just stay do things. It is so easy to just stay home to sit it out and and say oh I'll home to sit it out and and say oh I'll home to sit it out and and say oh I'll next week I'll gather next a lot of time next week I'll gather next a lot of time next week I'll gather next a lot of time beloved we do a lot of homegoings here beloved we do a lot of homegoings here beloved we do a lot of homegoings here and we you talk to a lot of people who and we you talk to a lot of people who and we you talk to a lot of people who are like I had a plan next week we were are like I had a plan next week we were are like I had a plan next week we were going to get together something was going to get together something was going to get together something was going to happen you don't know tomorrow going to happen you don't know tomorrow going to happen you don't know tomorrow was not promised but today is here and was not promised but today is here and was not promised but today is here and God is doing something today so show up God is doing something today so show up God is doing something today so show up now if you responded to this call by our now if you responded to this call by our now if you responded to this 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 your please call or text the number on your please call or text the number on your 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. now you may be seated. now you may be seated. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Can we all stand? Can we all stand? Can we all stand? [Music] [Music] [Music] Beloved, we have come to the end of the Beloved, we have come to the end of the Beloved, we have come to the end of the service, which means we have come to the service, which means we have come to the service, which means we have come to the beginning of an understanding. We've beginning of an understanding. We've beginning of an understanding. We've come to the beginning of an assignment. come to the beginning of an assignment. come to the beginning of an assignment. We have come to the beginning of an We have come to the beginning of an We have come to the beginning of an opportunity. We now have the the the opportunity. We now have the the the opportunity. We now have the the the privilege of walking out the word that privilege of walking out the word that privilege of walking out the word that we've received in this place in our we've received in this place in our we've received in this place in our lives. Amen. lives. Amen. lives. Amen. >> And I can't say it's going to be easy. >> And I can't say it's going to be easy. >> And I can't say it's going to be easy. And we know that it will not be without And we know that it will not be without And we know that it will not be without test, but God will be there every step test, but God will be there every step test, but God will be there every step of the way. So, let's keep praying. of the way. So, let's keep praying. of the way. So, let's keep praying. Let's keep believing. And let us say Let's keep believing. And let us say Let's keep believing. And let us say something good as we leave this place, something good as we leave this place, something good as we leave this place, but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God And we're seeing it come to pass. God And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless everybody. See you soon, bless everybody. See you soon, bless everybody. See you soon, >> family. Thank you so much for watching >> family. Thank you so much for watching >> family. Thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

the world. the world. >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a new one. first to know when we post a new one. first to know when we post a new one. Our praise and worship team brings us a Our praise and worship team brings us a Our praise and worship team brings us a powerful 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. >> 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.