The Greatest Lie | Pastor Jamaal Bernard

I need you to bear with me today. I need you to bear with me today. Today's message is going to be um Today's message is going to be um Today's message is going to be um one of my most vulnerable, transparent one of my most vulnerable, transparent one of my most vulnerable, transparent messages messages messages and it's not going to be easy, but I and it's not going to be easy, but I and it's not going to be easy, but I believe it's necessary. believe it's necessary. believe it's necessary. And often And often And often when we as ministers deal with something when we as ministers deal with something when we as ministers deal with something and we process it, um it's difficult to sometimes share it it's difficult to sometimes share it because of the depth in which it hurt. and and and and one of the statements and and and and one of the statements I'm going to say is going to probably I'm going to say is going to probably I'm going to say is going to probably get some of you upset, which I'm excited get some of you upset, which I'm excited get some of you upset, which I'm excited about. But today's message, the title is one of But today's message, the title is one of the greatest lies. the greatest lies. the greatest lies. One of the greatest lies. M you got One of the greatest lies. M you got One of the greatest lies. M you got that? that? that? One of the greatest lies.

one of the greatest lies. one of the greatest lies. And I'll start by this. I I I I have a And I'll start by this. I I I I have a And I'll start by this. I I I I have a house predominately of women. Husbands, don't say anything. Don't get Husbands, don't say anything. Don't get in trouble. in trouble. in trouble. And when you have a house full of women, And when you have a house full of women, And when you have a house full of women, and and and this is foreign for me cuz and and and this is foreign for me cuz and and and this is foreign for me cuz I'm a one of seven, all boys. I'm a one of seven, all boys. I'm a one of seven, all boys. So the atmosphere in the house was a So the atmosphere in the house was a So the atmosphere in the house was a man's atmosphere. You know, get up, stop man's atmosphere. You know, get up, stop man's atmosphere. You know, get up, stop crying, you know, look daddy, got crying, you know, look daddy, got crying, you know, look daddy, got another scar, you know, Bill's another scar, you know, Bill's another scar, you know, Bill's character. Uh, [laughter] you know, uh, you know, we fight and you know, uh, you know, we fight and then we hung hang out, you know, we we then we hung hang out, you know, we we then we hung hang out, you know, we we sit there together with bleeding lips sit there together with bleeding lips sit there together with bleeding lips and and my dad's like, "Yeah, y'all got and and my dad's like, "Yeah, y'all got and and my dad's like, "Yeah, y'all got to learn here how to fight inside the to learn here how to fight inside the to learn here how to fight inside the house before you go out there in the house before you go out there in the house before you go out there in the streets. Don't come home beat up." streets. Don't come home beat up." streets. Don't come home beat up." Right? There's two things you don't come Right? There's two things you don't come Right? There's two things you don't come home with growing up. Don't let the cops home with growing up. Don't let the cops home with growing up. Don't let the cops bring you home. bring you home. bring you home. I'm on my own. I told the I told I I I'm on my own. I told the I told I I I'm on my own. I told the I told I I told the cops if I ever got in trouble, told the cops if I ever got in trouble, told the cops if I ever got in trouble, please keep me.

I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. [laughter] And number two, don't let me hear And number two, don't let me hear somebody's out there beating you up. somebody's out there beating you up. somebody's out there beating you up. Right, Right, Right, >> men? >> men? >> men? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, so growing up, this is how the house So, so growing up, this is how the house So, so growing up, this is how the house was. So, now I get in a house with my was. So, now I get in a house with my was. So, now I get in a house with my first two uh uh uh kids are females, first two uh uh uh kids are females, first two uh uh uh kids are females, daughters, and I'm like, m daughters, and I'm like, m daughters, and I'm like, m and the the the the learning curve I had and the the the the learning curve I had and the the the the learning curve I had to go through in order to uh understand to go through in order to uh understand to go through in order to uh understand how to interact. So, my my if my how to interact. So, my my if my how to interact. So, my my if my daughter fell, right, if my when my son daughter fell, right, if my when my son daughter fell, right, if my when my son fell, get up. Ah, look at you. Come on. fell, get up. Ah, look at you. Come on. fell, get up. Ah, look at you. Come on. It's a little blood. Wipe that off. You It's a little blood. Wipe that off. You It's a little blood. Wipe that off. You don't you don't need tissue. You don't don't you don't need tissue. You don't don't you don't need tissue. You don't need tissue. You know, [laughter] I got need tissue. You know, [laughter] I got need tissue. You know, [laughter] I got a boo. That ain't got no boo. Let's go. a boo. That ain't got no boo. Let's go. a boo. That ain't got no boo. Let's go. Come on. But my daughter falls. Daddy Come on. But my daughter falls. Daddy Come on. But my daughter falls. Daddy has to go and pick her up. has to go and pick her up. has to go and pick her up. >> Amen. >> Carry her over >> Carry her over >> to show a safe space. Look at her and >> to show a safe space. Look at her and >> to show a safe space. Look at her and first got to find out. Are you okay?

first got to find out. Are you okay? first got to find out. Are you okay? Okay. Okay. It's going. All right. Okay. Okay. It's going. All right. Okay. Okay. It's going. All right. Daddy's going to take care of it. Daddy Daddy's going to take care of it. Daddy Daddy's going to take care of it. Daddy will fix it. How about my mommy? I said, "Daddy's going to fix it." You I said, "Daddy's going to fix it." You know, then you got to get the peroxide, know, then you got to get the peroxide, know, then you got to get the peroxide, you know, you got to clean it up, you you know, you got to clean it up, you you know, you got to clean it up, you know, the scar and stuff like that, the know, the scar and stuff like that, the know, the scar and stuff like that, the the uh the bruising. You got to make the uh the bruising. You got to make the uh the bruising. You got to make sure, okay, we got to take care of this sure, okay, we got to take care of this sure, okay, we got to take care of this a certain way cuz we don't want scars, a certain way cuz we don't want scars, a certain way cuz we don't want scars, >> right, ladies? >> right, ladies? >> right, ladies? >> And so, what started happening was I >> And so, what started happening was I >> And so, what started happening was I found myself learning how to become this found myself learning how to become this found myself learning how to become this different man different man different man in a in in a household. and and and and in a in in a household. and and and and in a in in a household. and and and and as I um my daughters got older, the as I um my daughters got older, the as I um my daughters got older, the conversation started changing, conversation started changing, conversation started changing, especially with one daughter cuz she especially with one daughter cuz she especially with one daughter cuz she acts just like me. acts just like me. acts just like me. And that's the one we I have the most And that's the one we I have the most And that's the one we I have the most tension with. But we are such good tension with. But we are such good tension with. But we are such good friends. And somebody says, "How how friends. And somebody says, "How how friends. And somebody says, "How how does it feel uh parenting adults?" I does it feel uh parenting adults?" I does it feel uh parenting adults?" I said, "I'm not parenting adults said, "I'm not parenting adults said, "I'm not parenting adults anymore." I said, "I parent kids. anymore." I said, "I parent kids. anymore." I said, "I parent kids. They're adults. They're adulting. They They're adults. They're adulting. They They're adults. They're adulting. They doing their thing. I give them all the doing their thing. I give them all the doing their thing. I give them all the information they need. If they don't information they need. If they don't information they need. If they don't listen to it, that's on them. listen to it, that's on them. listen to it, that's on them. I'm just saying I support them. I'm I'm just saying I support them. I'm I'm just saying I support them. I'm there to help them, but no, you you got there to help them, but no, you you got there to help them, but no, you you got to learn on your own. You got to to learn on your own. You got to to learn on your own. You got to experience certain things. Uh and so as experience certain things. Uh and so as experience certain things. Uh and so as as you know, growing up and so what as you know, growing up and so what as you know, growing up and so what started happening was I started creating started happening was I started creating started happening was I started creating this environment where my kids can hold this environment where my kids can hold this environment where my kids can hold me accountable, me accountable, me accountable, you know, and so so the first statement you know, and so so the first statement you know, and so so the first statement I want to say to to to the parents out I want to say to to to the parents out I want to say to to to the parents out here, stop calling accountability here, stop calling accountability here, stop calling accountability disrespect just because it's coming from disrespect just because it's coming from disrespect just because it's coming from your kids. [applause] I'll say that one more time. Stop

I'll say that one more time. Stop calling accountability disrespectful calling accountability disrespectful calling accountability disrespectful only because it's coming from your kids. only because it's coming from your kids. only because it's coming from your kids. And so I go through I went through the And so I go through I went through the And so I go through I went through the process and you know so my daughters and process and you know so my daughters and process and you know so my daughters and and we ease into it cuz I told her I and we ease into it cuz I told her I and we ease into it cuz I told her I said you watch your mouth but we ease into it. And so so we create but we ease into it. And so so we create this atmosphere of accountability. But this atmosphere of accountability. But this atmosphere of accountability. But the atmosphere that I created became the the atmosphere that I created became the the atmosphere that I created became the one of the most uncomfortable one of the most uncomfortable one of the most uncomfortable atmospheres in the house. in the house. Here it is. I'm telling my wife, hold me Here it is. I'm telling my wife, hold me Here it is. I'm telling my wife, hold me accountable. You know, I want to work on accountable. You know, I want to work on accountable. You know, I want to work on myself and all this stuff. And and and myself and all this stuff. And and and myself and all this stuff. And and and and all of a sudden, I'm I find myself and all of a sudden, I'm I find myself and all of a sudden, I'm I find myself in this place where it's it's so in this place where it's it's so in this place where it's it's so uncomfortable because being held uncomfortable because being held uncomfortable because being held accountable is not the nicest process to accountable is not the nicest process to accountable is not the nicest process to go through. go through. go through. being in a household, especially because being in a household, especially because being in a household, especially because my sons like, "All right, daddy, we're my sons like, "All right, daddy, we're my sons like, "All right, daddy, we're good." My daughters say, "DADDY, good." My daughters say, "DADDY, good." My daughters say, "DADDY, REMEMBER YOU SAID THIS." And because YOU SAID THIS, THIS IS WHAT And because YOU SAID THIS, THIS IS WHAT WE'RE DOING. And and HOW OFTEN DO WE WE'RE DOING. And and HOW OFTEN DO WE WE'RE DOING. And and HOW OFTEN DO WE FIND OURSELVES WHEN WE WANT TO BE FIND OURSELVES WHEN WE WANT TO BE FIND OURSELVES WHEN WE WANT TO BE accountable and when we we we say, accountable and when we we we say, accountable and when we we we say, "Yeah, I love being accountable. Yeah, "Yeah, I love being accountable. Yeah, "Yeah, I love being accountable. Yeah, this is where I am." And all of a this is where I am." And all of a this is where I am." And all of a sudden, accountability comes right in sudden, accountability comes right in sudden, accountability comes right in your face and you start rejecting it.

HOW OFTEN DO WE FIND OURSELVES when HOW OFTEN DO WE FIND OURSELVES when we're living this life, especially in a we're living this life, especially in a we're living this life, especially in a in in a a marriage relationship and your in in a a marriage relationship and your in in a a marriage relationship and your wife is trying to be there because she wife is trying to be there because she wife is trying to be there because she sees some potential and you and she see sees some potential and you and she see sees some potential and you and she see some change that that somewhere where some change that that somewhere where some change that that somewhere where you CAN POTENTIALLY GO. ONLY IF YOU you CAN POTENTIALLY GO. ONLY IF YOU you CAN POTENTIALLY GO. ONLY IF YOU START WORKING on some of these things START WORKING on some of these things START WORKING on some of these things and we say, "No, this is not and we say, "No, this is not and we say, "No, this is not accountability. This is control. accountability. This is control. accountability. This is control. Come on men. Come on men. Come on men. I'm talking to you today." I'm talking to you today." I'm talking to you today." BECAUSE WE OFTEN AS MEN WE SET THE TONE BECAUSE WE OFTEN AS MEN WE SET THE TONE BECAUSE WE OFTEN AS MEN WE SET THE TONE ON WHAT KIND of atmosphere is created in ON WHAT KIND of atmosphere is created in ON WHAT KIND of atmosphere is created in the house. Dr. Cole said he said if you the house. Dr. Cole said he said if you the house. Dr. Cole said he said if you want to understand society look at the want to understand society look at the want to understand society look at the home. If you want to understand the home home. If you want to understand the home home. If you want to understand the home look at the man. look at the man. look at the man. And here it is. I'm being held And here it is. I'm being held And here it is. I'm being held accountable. And I'm like man this is accountable. And I'm like man this is accountable. And I'm like man this is not what I thought accountability is not what I thought accountability is not what I thought accountability is looking like. Because every time I was held Because every time I was held accountable, accountable, accountable, I looked at it as a place or point of I looked at it as a place or point of I looked at it as a place or point of failure. Every time Every time I was held accountable, I was held accountable, I was held accountable, I looked at it as a place where I missed I looked at it as a place where I missed I looked at it as a place where I missed the mark.

the mark. the mark. Every time I was held accountable, Every time I was held accountable, Every time I was held accountable, I was reminded I was reminded I was reminded of the one of the greatest lies of the one of the greatest lies of the one of the greatest lies that exist. that exist. that exist. Every time I was held accountable, I was Every time I was held accountable, I was Every time I was held accountable, I was hit with this. hit with this. hit with this. The greatest lie you can believe is the The greatest lie you can believe is the The greatest lie you can believe is the one you tell yourself. I want this to sink in and we're going I want this to sink in and we're going to take our time through this because to take our time through this because to take our time through this because this is something I believe we as a this is something I believe we as a this is something I believe we as a church is being challenged with. church is being challenged with. church is being challenged with. This is something we as individuals are This is something we as individuals are This is something we as individuals are being challenged with because the being challenged with because the being challenged with because the reality is reality is reality is the greatest lie we can believe is the the greatest lie we can believe is the the greatest lie we can believe is the one we tell ourselves. So in James one we tell ourselves. So in James one we tell ourselves. So in James chapter 1 vers 22 starting that new chapter 1 vers 22 starting that new chapter 1 vers 22 starting that new living translation he says this but living translation he says this but living translation he says this but don't listen to God's uh but don't just don't listen to God's uh but don't just don't listen to God's uh but don't just listen to God's word you must do what it listen to God's word you must do what it listen to God's word you must do what it says otherwise you are only fooling says otherwise you are only fooling says otherwise you are only fooling yourself yourself yourself for if you listen to the word and don't for if you listen to the word and don't for if you listen to the word and don't obey it is like glancing at your face in obey it is like glancing at your face in obey it is like glancing at your face in a mirror you see yourself you walk away a mirror you see yourself you walk away a mirror you see yourself you walk away and forget what you look like but if you and forget what you look like but if you and forget what you look like but if you look carefully into the perfect law that look carefully into the perfect law that look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free. And if you do what it sets you free. And if you do what it sets you free. And if you do what it says, don't forget what you heard, then says, don't forget what you heard, then says, don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

God will bless you for doing it. God will bless you for doing it. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] And we're going to lean in on on the And we're going to lean in on on the And we're going to lean in on on the first half of this, what I read. And and first half of this, what I read. And and first half of this, what I read. And and and and this is my my my if if if if you and and this is my my my if if if if you and and this is my my my if if if if you get anything out of this, the central get anything out of this, the central get anything out of this, the central thesis or the idea is the most dangerous thesis or the idea is the most dangerous thesis or the idea is the most dangerous deception is not the lie Satan tells. deception is not the lie Satan tells. deception is not the lie Satan tells. It's the lie we become convinced is true It's the lie we become convinced is true It's the lie we become convinced is true about ourselves. It's not what Satan says. It's what we It's not what Satan says. It's what we TELL OURSELVES THAT HAS THE GREATEST TELL OURSELVES THAT HAS THE GREATEST TELL OURSELVES THAT HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT on our lives. IMPACT on our lives. IMPACT on our lives. See, one of our one of sin's greatest See, one of our one of sin's greatest See, one of our one of sin's greatest consequences is not merely rebellion. It consequences is not merely rebellion. It consequences is not merely rebellion. It is selfdeception. See, salvation is not merely learning to See, salvation is not merely learning to see God correctly. is learning to see God correctly. is learning to see God correctly. is learning to finally see ourselves correctly. And this is the tension. This is this is And this is the tension. This is this is a true tension because every individual a true tension because every individual a true tension because every individual in this building has an image of in this building has an image of in this building has an image of themselves.

And when it comes down to the And when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, when it comes down to what nitty-gritty, when it comes down to what nitty-gritty, when it comes down to what when it really matters, when it really matters, when it really matters, that image is not accurate with reality. Every person has two versions of Every person has two versions of themselves. The the the person they are themselves. The the the person they are themselves. The the the person they are and the person they believe they are. and the person they believe they are. and the person they believe they are. >> AND THOSE TWO VERSIONS very >> AND THOSE TWO VERSIONS very >> AND THOSE TWO VERSIONS very match. Psychologist calls it selferving bias. Psychologist calls it selferving bias. And what is self-s serving bias? is it's And what is self-s serving bias? is it's And what is self-s serving bias? is it's is [laughter] it's our tendency to is [laughter] it's our tendency to is [laughter] it's our tendency to interpret ourselves more favorably than interpret ourselves more favorably than interpret ourselves more favorably than reality warrants. We interpret ourselves and and so here We interpret ourselves and and so here goes reality and here goes the image of goes reality and here goes the image of goes reality and here goes the image of pastor Jamal pastor Jamal pastor Jamal and it was not meeting psychologist calls it selferving psychologist calls it selferving bias philosophers have wrestled it with this philosophers have wrestled it with this for centuries Socrates our family for centuries Socrates our family for centuries Socrates our family declared he said the unexamined life is declared he said the unexamined life is declared he said the unexamined life is not worth living.

not worth living. not worth living. Yet, scriptures even go on further. It Yet, scriptures even go on further. It Yet, scriptures even go on further. It says, it says that the unexamined soul says, it says that the unexamined soul says, it says that the unexamined soul becomes vulnerable to deception. becomes vulnerable to deception. becomes vulnerable to deception. Most people don't lie to others nearly Most people don't lie to others nearly Most people don't lie to others nearly as much as they lie to themselves. I'll say that again. I'll say that again. Most people don't lie to others nearly Most people don't lie to others nearly Most people don't lie to others nearly as much as they lie to themselves. I've dealt with it. I've dealt with it. I'm humble. I'm mature. I'm not bitter. I'm humble. I'm mature. I'm not bitter. I'm humble. I'm mature. I'm not bitter. I'm not afraid." But James says, he I'm not afraid." But James says, he I'm not afraid." But James says, he says, "You can't hear truth every Sunday says, "You can't hear truth every Sunday says, "You can't hear truth every Sunday and still be deceived." He never says someone else deceives. He He never says someone else deceives. He says we deceive ourselves. says we deceive ourselves. says we deceive ourselves. So the Bible presents selfdeception as So the Bible presents selfdeception as So the Bible presents selfdeception as one of humanity's greatest spiritual one of humanity's greatest spiritual one of humanity's greatest spiritual problem.

Self-deception. Turn to your neighbor. Self-deception. Turn to your neighbor. Say, "Neighbor, Say, "Neighbor, Say, "Neighbor, >> selfdeception." >> selfdeception." >> selfdeception." >> Selfdeception. >> Selfdeception. >> Selfdeception. >> Let that sink in. And the reason why this is difficult And the reason why this is difficult because I swore because I swore because I swore I had it all together. I had it all together. I had it all together. I You could tell me anything different. I You could tell me anything different. I You could tell me anything different. You can't I'm like I'm the best dad You can't I'm like I'm the best dad You can't I'm like I'm the best dad ever. I asked my kids that. I asked my kids that. Does that match the reality in the Does that match the reality in the Does that match the reality in the household? household? household? Come on now. Come on now. Come on now. I thought I was the best dad. I gave I thought I was the best dad. I gave I thought I was the best dad. I gave them what they wanted. them what they wanted. them what they wanted. I was [snorts] dear. I wasn't absent. I I was [snorts] dear. I wasn't absent. I I was [snorts] dear. I wasn't absent. I didn't run out on them. And yet, being held accountable, I And yet, being held accountable, I realized I was falling short. realized I was falling short. realized I was falling short. Sharks couldn't tell me anything. I I Sharks couldn't tell me anything. I I Sharks couldn't tell me anything. I I was the best husband ever.

was the best husband ever. was the best husband ever. My girl, my wife got lucky when she My girl, my wife got lucky when she My girl, my wife got lucky when she found met me. sliced bread sliced bread ain't got nothing on me. ain't got nothing on me. ain't got nothing on me. I was the man. I was the man. I was the man. She got a nice life. No wants, no cares, She got a nice life. No wants, no cares, She got a nice life. No wants, no cares, no worries. And the reality is that because we live And the reality is that because we live life on levels life on levels life on levels and we experience them in stages, and we experience them in stages, and we experience them in stages, our best at one level our best at one level our best at one level becomes mediocrity at the next level. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And at each level, each stage, there has >> And at each level, each stage, there has >> And at each level, each stage, there has to be a process of self-examination to be a process of self-examination to be a process of self-examination because if you don't, you will sabotage because if you don't, you will sabotage because if you don't, you will sabotage yourself at the next level. yourself at the next level. yourself at the next level. And so I thought I told my wife, I said, And so I thought I told my wife, I said, And so I thought I told my wife, I said, "You got lucky." I said, I said, "The "You got lucky." I said, I said, "The "You got lucky." I said, I said, "The heavens were were were looking out for heavens were were were looking out for heavens were were were looking out for you."

But if you ask my wife that, But if you ask my wife that, would she agree? Would she agree? And and and and the Would she agree? And and and and the problem is I I would have to say not all problem is I I would have to say not all problem is I I would have to say not all the time the time the time because the man Jamar Bernard wrestles because the man Jamar Bernard wrestles because the man Jamar Bernard wrestles with some things. The man Jamal Bernard with some things. The man Jamal Bernard with some things. The man Jamal Bernard is is going through the process of of is is going through the process of of is is going through the process of of like even learning myself at this stage. like even learning myself at this stage. like even learning myself at this stage. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? >> Not Pastor Jamal, but the man Jamar >> Not Pastor Jamal, but the man Jamar >> Not Pastor Jamal, but the man Jamar Bernard because the man Jamar Bernard is Bernard because the man Jamar Bernard is Bernard because the man Jamar Bernard is foundational to Pastor Jamar Bernard. So foundational to Pastor Jamar Bernard. So foundational to Pastor Jamar Bernard. So if Jamar Bernard is not getting things if Jamar Bernard is not getting things if Jamar Bernard is not getting things together, then Pastor Jamar Bernard is together, then Pastor Jamar Bernard is together, then Pastor Jamar Bernard is going to be having a problem. So what we going to be having a problem. So what we going to be having a problem. So what we got to do is work on Pastor Jamar got to do is work on Pastor Jamar got to do is work on Pastor Jamar Bernard. And I didn't want to work on Bernard. And I didn't want to work on Bernard. And I didn't want to work on myself because I thought I was good. It's not easy. It's not easy. And I think about this, you know, my man And I think about this, you know, my man And I think about this, you know, my man Peter, right? I told you about Peter. Peter, right? I told you about Peter. Peter, right? I told you about Peter. The reason why I like Peter, because The reason why I like Peter, because The reason why I like Peter, because Peter was able to have a sword. So Peter Peter was able to have a sword. So Peter Peter was able to have a sword. So Peter became my man during Halloween. And I think about him and and and and And I think about him and and and and the level of of pride that he presented the level of of pride that he presented the level of of pride that he presented didn't match up with the reality he was didn't match up with the reality he was didn't match up with the reality he was living.

living. living. See, he what he's one one of the the See, he what he's one one of the the See, he what he's one one of the the greatest stories of of self-deception greatest stories of of self-deception greatest stories of of self-deception when you look at it. He said Jesus said when you look at it. He said Jesus said when you look at it. He said Jesus said he said, "Peter, before you the the the he said, "Peter, before you the the the he said, "Peter, before you the the the rooster crows three times, you're going rooster crows three times, you're going rooster crows three times, you're going to deny me." to deny me." to deny me." Peter thought he was the man. Peter thought he was the man. Peter thought he was the man. He responds and says, "Lord, be it far He responds and says, "Lord, be it far He responds and says, "Lord, be it far from you." His arrogance was so bad that even the son arrogance was so bad that even the son of God, the one he just said said to he of God, the one he just said said to he of God, the one he just said said to he said um he said who does man say I am? said um he said who does man say I am? said um he said who does man say I am? You're Elijah. You're the prophet. You're Elijah. You're the prophet. You're Elijah. You're the prophet. You're this person. But who do you say I You're this person. But who do you say I You're this person. But who do you say I am? He said you're the son of God. am? He said you're the son of God. am? He said you're the son of God. You have the revelation and AT THE SAME You have the revelation and AT THE SAME You have the revelation and AT THE SAME TIME HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT yourself from TIME HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT yourself from TIME HOW DO YOU DISCONNECT yourself from a statement that Jesus is telling you? a statement that Jesus is telling you? a statement that Jesus is telling you? I'M LIKE, JESUS, JESUS IS TALKING TO me I'M LIKE, JESUS, JESUS IS TALKING TO me I'M LIKE, JESUS, JESUS IS TALKING TO me and he's saying something, I would have and he's saying something, I would have and he's saying something, I would have leaned in and said, "Okay, Lord, what is leaned in and said, "Okay, Lord, what is leaned in and said, "Okay, Lord, what is that meaning? If you're saying it, then that meaning? If you're saying it, then that meaning? If you're saying it, then I got to respond to it." But what Peter I got to respond to it." But what Peter I got to respond to it." But what Peter do? He got arrogant like, "No, Lord, do? He got arrogant like, "No, Lord, do? He got arrogant like, "No, Lord, I know I am who I am."

I know I am who I am." I know I am who I am." And he said, "Lord, even if everyone And he said, "Lord, even if everyone And he said, "Lord, even if everyone leaves you, I won't leave you." He said, he said, [laughter] he said, he He said, he said, [laughter] he said, he said, he said, "Look, basically, I got said, he said, "Look, basically, I got said, he said, "Look, basically, I got your back. I'm about to die. Who you your back. I'm about to die. Who you your back. I'm about to die. Who you with?" And then he gets on the stand. He starts And then he gets on the stand. He starts being like, "No brown." Him, him, him. See, Peter wasn't lying. He believed it. See, Peter wasn't lying. He believed it. He believed it. He believed it. He believed it. See, and this is what makes See, and this is what makes See, and this is what makes selfdeception so dangerous. This is what selfdeception so dangerous. This is what selfdeception so dangerous. This is what makes it so dangerous. He sincerely makes it so dangerous. He sincerely makes it so dangerous. He sincerely overestimated his own strength. And then overestimated his own strength. And then overestimated his own strength. And then hours later, the version of Peter he hours later, the version of Peter he hours later, the version of Peter he believed existed collapsed into the believed existed collapsed into the believed existed collapsed into the version that actually existed. That's scary. That's scary. His His His restoration began only after reality restoration began only after reality restoration began only after reality breaks the illusion.

breaks the illusion. breaks the illusion. See, sometimes God allows us to fail. See, sometimes God allows us to fail. See, sometimes God allows us to fail. Not because he wants to punish us, but Not because he wants to punish us, but Not because he wants to punish us, but because failure destroys the false self because failure destroys the false self because failure destroys the false self we have been protecting. we have been protecting. we have been protecting. And I like I I I rather God deal with me And I like I I I rather God deal with me And I like I I I rather God deal with me in private than he deals with me in in private than he deals with me in in private than he deals with me in public. there there's some he always public. there there's some he always public. there there's some he always gives you a chance to to deal with some gives you a chance to to deal with some gives you a chance to to deal with some stuff in private before he deals with it stuff in private before he deals with it stuff in private before he deals with it in public. in public. in public. >> And he'll push you to fail because he >> And he'll push you to fail because he >> And he'll push you to fail because he wants you to to wants you to to wants you to to whenever we meet failure is never a whenever we meet failure is never a whenever we meet failure is never a desire for God for us to fail. for us to fail. And he's looking at Peter and says, And he's looking at Peter and says, And he's looking at Peter and says, "Peter, look before the roots of crows "Peter, look before the roots of crows "Peter, look before the roots of crows three times. You're going to deny me. I three times. You're going to deny me. I three times. You're going to deny me. I mean, before the rooster of crows, mean, before the rooster of crows, mean, before the rooster of crows, you're going to deny me three times." you're going to deny me three times." you're going to deny me three times." And Peter's like, "No, I know who I am. And Peter's like, "No, I know who I am. And Peter's like, "No, I know who I am. I'm I'm I'm the I'm the man. I I I be I'm I'm I'm the I'm the man. I I I be I'm I'm I'm the I'm the man. I I I be cutting people's ears off. Remember, I'm the man. I'm the rock." Remember, I'm the man. I'm the rock." REMEMBER HE SAID THAT ABOUT ME? I'M THE REMEMBER HE SAID THAT ABOUT ME? I'M THE REMEMBER HE SAID THAT ABOUT ME? I'M THE ROCK.

And often, how many of us And often, how many of us have the same idea about ourselves? have the same idea about ourselves? have the same idea about ourselves? Come on, let's be honest with ourselves Come on, let's be honest with ourselves Come on, let's be honest with ourselves today. today. today. Let's really be honest with ourselves. Let's really be honest with ourselves. Let's really be honest with ourselves. say who we are can be the thing that's holding us back can be the thing that's holding us back for the very prayer that God we have for the very prayer that God we have for the very prayer that God we have been asking God for. been asking God for. been asking God for. I'm I I'm praying that you're getting I'm I I'm praying that you're getting I'm I I'm praying that you're getting this. So number one, I know I said we're going So number one, I know I said we're going to take our time with this because I to take our time with this because I to take our time with this because I want you to get this. The heart is an unreliable narrator. The heart is an unreliable narrator. The heart is an unreliable narrator. The heart is an unreliable narrator. The heart is an unreliable narrator. Jeremiah 17:9, he says the heart is Jeremiah 17:9, he says the heart is Jeremiah 17:9, he says the heart is deceitful above all things. It doesn't just he doesn't say he lies. It doesn't just he doesn't say he lies. He But is deceitful above all things.

He But is deceitful above all things. He But is deceitful above all things. And get this. Here we go. You ready? And get this. Here we go. You ready? And get this. Here we go. You ready? A liar knows he's lying. A liar knows he's lying. A liar knows he's lying. That's what they do, That's what they do, That's what they do, right? A liar knows he's lying. right? A liar knows he's lying. right? A liar knows he's lying. But the problem is that a deceived But the problem is that a deceived But the problem is that a deceived person believes the lie. person believes the lie. person believes the lie. See, so a person a liar lies and he See, so a person a liar lies and he See, so a person a liar lies and he knows that it's a lie. So he's not knows that it's a lie. So he's not knows that it's a lie. So he's not believing it. But when we get start believing it. But when we get start believing it. But when we get start deceiving ourselves, we lean in and deceiving ourselves, we lean in and deceiving ourselves, we lean in and start believing that very lie. start believing that very lie. start believing that very lie. Tell the neighbor say neighbor Tell the neighbor say neighbor Tell the neighbor say neighbor >> selfdeception. >> selfdeception. >> selfdeception. >> Selfdeception. >> Selfdeception. >> Selfdeception. And this is this is much more dangerous And this is this is much more dangerous And this is this is much more dangerous when we start believing a lie about when we start believing a lie about when we start believing a lie about ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Philosophers Philosophers Philosophers for for centuries argued this especially for for centuries argued this especially for for centuries argued this especially the Emanuel Khan he says humans the Emanuel Khan he says humans the Emanuel Khan he says humans naturally construct narratives that naturally construct narratives that naturally construct narratives that justify themselves. justify themselves. justify themselves. We all construct narratives that justify We all construct narratives that justify We all construct narratives that justify as ourselves. as ourselves. as ourselves. And that's why when when when you're And that's why when when when you're And that's why when when when you're having arguments and and and and and having arguments and and and and and having arguments and and and and and relationships and you're you're saying, relationships and you're you're saying, relationships and you're you're saying, "No, this is went this way and this went "No, this is went this way and this went "No, this is went this way and this went this way because you start to create a this way because you start to create a this way because you start to create a narrative that makes you look better.

You create this narrative where you you You create this narrative where you you you're ARGUING WITH YOUR SPOUSE or your you're ARGUING WITH YOUR SPOUSE or your you're ARGUING WITH YOUR SPOUSE or your your your your your boyfriend or your your your your boyfriend or your your your your boyfriend or girlfriend and you're having girlfriend and you're having girlfriend and you're having conversations and you start creating conversations and you start creating conversations and you start creating this this this image this this this nar this this this image this this this nar this this this image this this this nar uh narration of how things really went uh narration of how things really went uh narration of how things really went and it doesn't attach to the reality of and it doesn't attach to the reality of and it doesn't attach to the reality of where things really went. Because what where things really went. Because what where things really went. Because what you're doing is you're building a you're doing is you're building a you're doing is you're building a NARRATIVE THAT PROTECTS YOU and makes NARRATIVE THAT PROTECTS YOU and makes NARRATIVE THAT PROTECTS YOU and makes you still look good. And we as individuals, this is something And we as individuals, this is something that we wrestle with. And often I I I that we wrestle with. And often I I I that we wrestle with. And often I I I WOULD HAVE CONVERSATIONS with my wife. WOULD HAVE CONVERSATIONS with my wife. WOULD HAVE CONVERSATIONS with my wife. Okay. Conversations. And once again, I was I I I came ac I'm And once again, I was I I I came ac I'm like, "No, I did everything right. like, "No, I did everything right. like, "No, I did everything right. It's got to be your fault." And not until you hit with reality And not until you hit with reality do you start adjusting do you start adjusting do you start adjusting your lens. your lens. your lens. You know how how many times I had to go You know how how many times I had to go You know how how many times I had to go back and apologize.

back and apologize. back and apologize. I like my bad. I like my bad. I like my bad. You were right. You were right. You were right. She said, "Huh?" I said, "You were right." "You were right." She said, "Huh?" She said, "Huh?" She said, "Huh?" I said you were right. See, modern psychology confirms this See, modern psychology confirms this that the brain edits memories. that the brain edits memories. that the brain edits memories. This is psychological. This is this is This is psychological. This is this is This is psychological. This is this is true. true. true. That the brain edits memories. And That the brain edits memories. And That the brain edits memories. And that's why you find yourself trying to that's why you find yourself trying to that's why you find yourself trying to trying to come to a a a commonality trying to come to a a a commonality trying to come to a a a commonality to get through and over the argument and to get through and over the argument and to get through and over the argument and the conversations between you and your the conversations between you and your the conversations between you and your spouse. You got to find that place where spouse. You got to find that place where spouse. You got to find that place where where where where we we we can pull in where where where we we we can pull in where where where we we we can pull in the unedited memories and start looking the unedited memories and start looking the unedited memories and start looking at reality and what's true for the at reality and what's true for the at reality and what's true for the situation. edits memories.

edits memories. It minimizes guilt. It minimizes guilt. It minimizes guilt. It exaggerates virtue. It exaggerates virtue. It exaggerates virtue. It protects identity. It protects identity. It protects identity. See, our minds are not objective See, our minds are not objective See, our minds are not objective historians. historians. historians. They are often defense attorneys. I'll say it again. Our mind I'll say it again. Our mind are not objective historians. are not objective historians. are not objective historians. They are often defense attorneys. >> See, sending only corrupt behavior, it >> See, sending only corrupt behavior, it corrupted perception. And it's recently talking to my wife and And it's recently talking to my wife and we were having a conversation and I'm we were having a conversation and I'm we were having a conversation and I'm telling her, you know, one of the things telling her, you know, one of the things telling her, you know, one of the things I'm getting out of this this this I'm getting out of this this this I'm getting out of this this this process that I'm going through is that process that I'm going through is that process that I'm going through is that there's always another percept another there's always another percept another there's always another percept another perspective. perspective. perspective. Often we come to the table with our Often we come to the table with our Often we come to the table with our perspective believing that it's right perspective believing that it's right perspective believing that it's right and then when you're faced with this and then when you're faced with this and then when you're faced with this reality that we were going through some reality that we were going through some reality that we were going through some some some some uh changes and some edits some some some uh changes and some edits some some some uh changes and some edits and how we dealt with something and now and how we dealt with something and now and how we dealt with something and now we can't can't come to the table. so we can't can't come to the table. so we can't can't come to the table. so so brazen so brazen so brazen that we demean the other individual that we demean the other individual that we demean the other individual because we believe that we are so right and here and here sin didn't not sin didn't only corrupt sin didn't not sin didn't only corrupt sin didn't not sin didn't only corrupt behavior it corrupted perception let's behavior it corrupted perception let's behavior it corrupted perception let's look at Adam and Eve immediately God was

look at Adam and Eve immediately God was look at Adam and Eve immediately God was like what's going on he said look it's a like what's going on he said look it's a like what's going on he said look it's a woman you gave me and the woman said woman you gave me and the woman said woman you gave me and the woman said well it was a serpent and so there was a well it was a serpent and so there was a well it was a serpent and so there was a a list of like blaming everybody else, a list of like blaming everybody else, a list of like blaming everybody else, but there's no acceptance of but there's no acceptance of but there's no acceptance of responsibility. So, there's a lacking of responsibility. So, there's a lacking of responsibility. So, there's a lacking of maturity. maturity. maturity. See, cuz sin always rewrites the story. See, cuz sin always rewrites the story. See, cuz sin always rewrites the story. And the problem is, the scary problem is And the problem is, the scary problem is And the problem is, the scary problem is you can become convinced that your anger you can become convinced that your anger you can become convinced that your anger is discernment. You can become convinced that that that You can become convinced that that that your pride is confidence. your pride is confidence. your pride is confidence. Nah, bro. Are you prideful? Nah, bro. Are you prideful? Nah, bro. Are you prideful? There's a thin line between pride and There's a thin line between pride and There's a thin line between pride and confidence. confidence. confidence. You can you can become confident that You can you can become confident that You can you can become confident that your your your fear is wisdom. I'm just your your your fear is wisdom. I'm just your your your fear is wisdom. I'm just using wisdom, so we're not going to go using wisdom, so we're not going to go using wisdom, so we're not going to go this way. No, you're just afraid. this way. No, you're just afraid. this way. No, you're just afraid. You can become convinced that your You can become convinced that your You can become convinced that your control is responsibility. And no, control is responsibility. And no, control is responsibility. And no, it's not. it's not. it's not. >> You can become convinced that your >> You can become convinced that your >> You can become convinced that your avoidance is peace. avoidance is peace. avoidance is peace. And that's a big thing because you you And that's a big thing because you you And that's a big thing because you you everybody talk about uh uh don't don't everybody talk about uh uh don't don't everybody talk about uh uh don't don't interrupt my peace. I'm protecting my interrupt my peace. I'm protecting my interrupt my peace. I'm protecting my peace. I'm protecting my peace. No, you peace. I'm protecting my peace. No, you peace. I'm protecting my peace. No, you are avoiding.

See, selfdeception See, selfdeception baptizes itself in dysfunction. Selfdeception baptizes itself. I mean Selfdeception baptizes itself. I mean baptizes dysfunction. baptizes dysfunction. baptizes dysfunction. Number two, The flesh defends the false self. and The flesh defends the false self. and and and and this is why and and and this is why and and and this is why we're having this conversation because we're having this conversation because we're having this conversation because even looking at yesterday and even with even looking at yesterday and even with even looking at yesterday and even with the the the the statement they say about the the the the statement they say about the the the the statement they say about their faith beyond the seasons and the their faith beyond the seasons and the their faith beyond the seasons and the love and um all the other stuff that the love and um all the other stuff that the love and um all the other stuff that the the Whitfields were saying because if there's no attachment because if there's no attachment to reality, to reality, to reality, it's going to be very difficult for you it's going to be very difficult for you it's going to be very difficult for you to come out of the situations, you find yourself looking and trying to you find yourself looking and trying to figure out what's going on. And it's not figure out what's going on. And it's not figure out what's going on. And it's not until you face reality will you be able until you face reality will you be able until you face reality will you be able to come out on top.

to come out on top. to come out on top. And and I'm telling you this because the And and I'm telling you this because the And and I'm telling you this because the we we we as a church, we need to really we we we as a church, we need to really we we we as a church, we need to really start thinking about who we are as start thinking about who we are as start thinking about who we are as individuals because who the the person that's because who the the person that's representing Christ is not the one you representing Christ is not the one you representing Christ is not the one you believe you are. It's the one that's believe you are. It's the one that's believe you are. It's the one that's really dealing with reality. And and and I I know it hurts because And and and I I know it hurts because you know we say I'm unapologetic you know we say I'm unapologetic you know we say I'm unapologetic Christian for Christ. I'm representing Christian for Christ. I'm representing Christian for Christ. I'm representing Christ and culture and stuff like that. Christ and culture and stuff like that. Christ and culture and stuff like that. But the person that you think is But the person that you think is But the person that you think is stepping out there is not the real stepping out there is not the real stepping out there is not the real person. person. person. Because the real person is the one that Because the real person is the one that Because the real person is the one that your neighbor sees. It's the one that your neighbor sees. It's the one that your neighbor sees. It's the one that your your spouse sees. It's one that your your spouse sees. It's one that your your spouse sees. It's one that your children sees. The one that your your children sees. The one that your your children sees. The one that your coworker sees. It's the one that that coworker sees. It's the one that that coworker sees. It's the one that that that your boss sees. It's the one that that your boss sees. It's the one that that your boss sees. It's the one that your employees see. That's the one is your employees see. That's the one is your employees see. That's the one is representing Christ and culture. And representing Christ and culture. And representing Christ and culture. And often it doesn't match up. >> And then you that because it doesn't >> And then you that because it doesn't match up, you wonder why the person is match up, you wonder why the person is match up, you wonder why the person is not believing in the God you serve. not believing in the God you serve. not believing in the God you serve. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Because if it matched up >> Because if it matched up >> Because if it matched up to the one you THOUGHT YOU WERE WALKING to the one you THOUGHT YOU WERE WALKING to the one you THOUGHT YOU WERE WALKING OUT WITH, then you I believe believe you OUT WITH, then you I believe believe you OUT WITH, then you I believe believe you me, you'll find individuals chasing me, you'll find individuals chasing me, you'll find individuals chasing after the Christ after the Christ after the Christ >> that supposedly saved you from that >> that supposedly saved you from that >> that supposedly saved you from that life.

life. life. [applause] See, the real you comes out when there's See, the real you comes out when there's crisis >> or when you're tempted like Peter >> or when you're tempted like Peter cuz I believe Peter cursed that lady cuz I believe Peter cursed that lady cuz I believe Peter cursed that lady out. out. out. He said, "Girl, didn't I tell you?" He said, "Girl, didn't I tell you?" He said, "Girl, didn't I tell you?" Let's go to Romans. Ah, one more time. The flesh defends the false self. Romans The flesh defends the false self. Romans 12:3 12:3 12:3 says, "For the grace given me, I say says, "For the grace given me, I say says, "For the grace given me, I say everyone of you, do not think of everyone of you, do not think of everyone of you, do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, yourselves more highly than you ought, yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober but rather think of yourself with sober but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the faith judgment in accordance with the faith judgment in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." God has distributed to each of you." God has distributed to each of you." See, Paul isn't merely just teaching See, Paul isn't merely just teaching See, Paul isn't merely just teaching humility. He's teaching accurate humility. He's teaching accurate humility. He's teaching accurate perception. perception. perception. Humility is not thinking less of Humility is not thinking less of Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is seeing yourself yourself. Humility is seeing yourself yourself. Humility is seeing yourself truthfully.

See the ego exists partly to protect See the ego exists partly to protect identity. People rationalize. People rationalize. They minimize. They project. They blame. They minimize. They project. They blame. They minimize. They project. They blame. They deny. But none of those require They deny. But none of those require They deny. But none of those require intentional dishonesty. They happen intentional dishonesty. They happen intentional dishonesty. They happen automatically. automatically. automatically. And so once again, we have Peter here. And so once again, we have Peter here. And so once again, we have Peter here. He he's, you know, he's he's there He he's, you know, he's he's there He he's, you know, he's he's there hearing all this wisdom under God's, you hearing all this wisdom under God's, you hearing all this wisdom under God's, you know, listening to stuff and and and and know, listening to stuff and and and and know, listening to stuff and and and and it says, imagine this infinite wisdom it says, imagine this infinite wisdom it says, imagine this infinite wisdom speaks. This is Jesus. But because of speaks. This is Jesus. But because of speaks. This is Jesus. But because of selfdeception, selfdeception, selfdeception, he he got confronted with something he he he got confronted with something he he he got confronted with something he couldn't believe. couldn't believe. couldn't believe. So here here's the principle. So here here's the principle. So here here's the principle. Self-deception often gives us more Self-deception often gives us more Self-deception often gives us more confidence than truth does. confidence than truth does. confidence than truth does. It gives us more confidence than truth It gives us more confidence than truth It gives us more confidence than truth does. See, the less self-aware we does. See, the less self-aware we does. See, the less self-aware we become, the more certain we often become, the more certain we often become, the more certain we often become. And that's that's a that's oxy become. And that's that's a that's oxy become. And that's that's a that's oxy that doesn't make sense. It's that doesn't make sense. It's that doesn't make sense. It's oxymoronic. You the more self-awareness oxymoronic. You the more self-awareness oxymoronic. You the more self-awareness we become, the more certain we often we become, the more certain we often we become, the more certain we often become.

See, because pride doesn't always look See, because pride doesn't always look loud. Sometimes pride is simply refusing loud. Sometimes pride is simply refusing loud. Sometimes pride is simply refusing correction. Pride doesn't always look loud. Pride doesn't always look loud. Sometimes pride is simply refusing Sometimes pride is simply refusing Sometimes pride is simply refusing correction. And and and and so so please saints, And and and and so so please saints, hear me out. There's a principle that my dad taught There's a principle that my dad taught me. When change When change is necessary, is necessary, is necessary, >> not to change become destructive. >> not to change become destructive. >> not to change become destructive. >> But say that again. When change is >> But say that again. When change is >> But say that again. When change is necessary, not to change become necessary, not to change become necessary, not to change become destructive. I say that again. Matter of destructive. I say that again. Matter of destructive. I say that again. Matter of fact, look at your neighbor. Say fact, look at your neighbor. Say fact, look at your neighbor. Say neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. >> Neighbor. When change is necessary >> Neighbor. When change is necessary >> Neighbor. When change is necessary >> change, >> change, >> change, >> not to change become destructive.

>> And and and this message came out. I was >> And and and this message came out. I was listening to a song by um Tasha Cobs. I listening to a song by um Tasha Cobs. I listening to a song by um Tasha Cobs. I was going to play it, but we're not was going to play it, but we're not was going to play it, but we're not going to play it today because the sake going to play it today because the sake going to play it today because the sake of time about to close with this. of time about to close with this. of time about to close with this. And she's singing. It's called Royalty. And she's singing. It's called Royalty. And she's singing. It's called Royalty. and and and she's going through the song and and and she's going through the song and and and she's going through the song and and um you know she she says she's and and um you know she she says she's and and um you know she she says she's uh uh uh and I'm going to pull it up now because and I'm going to pull it up now because and I'm going to pull it up now because trying to remember the lyrics. Okay. Okay. It's going to be all right. Okay. Okay. It's going to be all right. We almost finished. We almost finished. We almost finished. So she says I feel wonderfully made made So she says I feel wonderfully made made So she says I feel wonderfully made made an image of Aba. I'm free completely an image of Aba. I'm free completely an image of Aba. I'm free completely safe in the arms of the father. I am safe in the arms of the father. I am safe in the arms of the father. I am royalty. I am so I'm who you called me royalty. I am so I'm who you called me royalty. I am so I'm who you called me to be. I'm I I believe I am yours. Oh to be. I'm I I believe I am yours. Oh to be. I'm I I believe I am yours. Oh yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Right. And then she continues, you made. Right. And then she continues, you made. Right. And then she continues, you know, uh some repetition. And then she know, uh some repetition. And then she know, uh some repetition. And then she says, like a brush in the hands of the says, like a brush in the hands of the says, like a brush in the hands of the artist, I am yours. I'm your artist, I am yours. I'm your artist, I am yours. I'm your masterpiece. A thought before life ever masterpiece. A thought before life ever masterpiece. A thought before life ever started. You took your time on me. I'm started. You took your time on me. I'm started. You took your time on me. I'm royalty. My father is king. I believe royalty. My father is king. I believe royalty. My father is king. I believe I'm yours. And she goes, "Yeah, yeah, I'm yours. And she goes, "Yeah, yeah, I'm yours. And she goes, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." Right. And she goes in. And yeah, yeah." Right. And she goes in. And yeah, yeah." Right. And she goes in. And that's when, you know, starts breaking a that's when, you know, starts breaking a that's when, you know, starts breaking a little crescendo. I know who I am.

little crescendo. I know who I am. little crescendo. I know who I am. You made me on purpose. I am your You made me on purpose. I am your You made me on purpose. I am your favorite. I'm You made me. Yeah. And favorite. I'm You made me. Yeah. And favorite. I'm You made me. Yeah. And then it continues going. I said, she then it continues going. I said, she then it continues going. I said, she says, uh um says, uh um says, uh um this is where it stops and this is where this is where it stops and this is where this is where it stops and this is where it got me. She sings in the song, help it got me. She sings in the song, help it got me. She sings in the song, help me to see everything you see in me. And me to see everything you see in me. And me to see everything you see in me. And so I'm listening to this song and I'm so I'm listening to this song and I'm so I'm listening to this song and I'm going in. I'm like, yes, Lord. you know, going in. I'm like, yes, Lord. you know, going in. I'm like, yes, Lord. you know, and I'm singing it and then all of a and I'm singing it and then all of a and I'm singing it and then all of a sudden she says that statement and I sudden she says that statement and I sudden she says that statement and I stopped right then I I couldn't repeat stopped right then I I couldn't repeat stopped right then I I couldn't repeat it. it. it. I couldn't repeat it. I wrestled with I couldn't repeat it. I wrestled with I couldn't repeat it. I wrestled with with with this song and and and and I'm with with this song and and and and I'm with with this song and and and and I'm going through I said, "Lord, you know, going through I said, "Lord, you know, going through I said, "Lord, you know, why can't I repeat this?" And the why can't I repeat this?" And the why can't I repeat this?" And the reality was I did not want to see myself of who God of how God sees me. Because of who God of how God sees me. Because in the songs he says, "Let me see all." in the songs he says, "Let me see all." in the songs he says, "Let me see all." I'm like, "Lord, I don't know if I can I'm like, "Lord, I don't know if I can I'm like, "Lord, I don't know if I can handle all. I can see I Lord, show me handle all. I can see I Lord, show me handle all. I can see I Lord, show me the good things about me." RIGHT? BUT the good things about me." RIGHT? BUT the good things about me." RIGHT? BUT NOT THE BAD THINGS. And and the reality NOT THE BAD THINGS. And and the reality NOT THE BAD THINGS. And and the reality is is is is I I believe that God would is is is is I I believe that God would is is is is I I believe that God would rather show us, you know, some of the rather show us, you know, some of the rather show us, you know, some of the bad things because those are the things bad things because those are the things bad things because those are the things that we need to deal with.

that we need to deal with. that we need to deal with. Those are some of the things that we Those are some of the things that we Those are some of the things that we need to work on. Because if we don't need to work on. Because if we don't need to work on. Because if we don't work on it, we're going to sabotage some work on it, we're going to sabotage some work on it, we're going to sabotage some relationships. We're going to sabotage relationships. We're going to sabotage relationships. We're going to sabotage some some job opportunities. We're going some some job opportunities. We're going some some job opportunities. We're going to sabotage what God has for us. going to sabotage what God has for us. going to sabotage what God has for us. going to sabotage some request from prayers. to sabotage some request from prayers. to sabotage some request from prayers. If we don't work on an individual that If we don't work on an individual that If we don't work on an individual that we need to work on and I was faced with we need to work on and I was faced with we need to work on and I was faced with this. I'm like, Lord, this is so this. I'm like, Lord, this is so this. I'm like, Lord, this is so difficult. Why? difficult. Why? difficult. Why? Why can't I just scrape by? Why? But but Why can't I just scrape by? Why? But but Why can't I just scrape by? Why? But but there's a reality that if we serve a big there's a reality that if we serve a big there's a reality that if we serve a big God, >> we got some big things that he wants us >> we got some big things that he wants us to do. to do. to do. And if WE DON'T CHANGE WHO WE ARE, And if WE DON'T CHANGE WHO WE ARE, And if WE DON'T CHANGE WHO WE ARE, if we don't go down the road OF if we don't go down the road OF if we don't go down the road OF WRESTLING WITH WHO WE are as AN WRESTLING WITH WHO WE are as AN WRESTLING WITH WHO WE are as AN INDIVIDUAL, WE'LL FIND OURSELVES INDIVIDUAL, WE'LL FIND OURSELVES INDIVIDUAL, WE'LL FIND OURSELVES limiting limiting limiting self-limitations self-limitations self-limitations on where we can go and who we can be. on where we can go and who we can be. on where we can go and who we can be. >> Often we see our our our older >> Often we see our our our older >> Often we see our our our older generation, the the grandparents and the generation, the the grandparents and the generation, the the grandparents and the uncles say, "Hey, nephew, let me tell uncles say, "Hey, nephew, let me tell uncles say, "Hey, nephew, let me tell you, nephew, don't do this because if if you, nephew, don't do this because if if you, nephew, don't do this because if if id have known a little better, I would id have known a little better, I would id have known a little better, I would have changed this and I would have been have changed this and I would have been have changed this and I would have been here." And the reality is that we are here." And the reality is that we are here." And the reality is that we are often faced with something that we need often faced with something that we need often faced with something that we need to change. And it's not until we change to change. And it's not until we change to change. And it's not until we change that will we be able to step into the that will we be able to step into the that will we be able to step into the future that God has for us.

future that God has for us. future that God has for us. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> And the sad thing about it is many of >> And the sad thing about it is many of >> And the sad thing about it is many of you are in this BUILDING RIGHT NOW, you are in this BUILDING RIGHT NOW, you are in this BUILDING RIGHT NOW, WATCHING ONLINE RIGHT NOW, WRESTLING WATCHING ONLINE RIGHT NOW, WRESTLING WATCHING ONLINE RIGHT NOW, WRESTLING WITH NO, I'm good. WITH NO, I'm good. WITH NO, I'm good. There's many of you saying no, I DON'T There's many of you saying no, I DON'T There's many of you saying no, I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING I need to work on. There's HAVE ANYTHING I need to work on. There's HAVE ANYTHING I need to work on. There's many of you. And the reality IS GOD many of you. And the reality IS GOD many of you. And the reality IS GOD WOULD NOT PUT THIS IN MY HEART TO WOULD NOT PUT THIS IN MY HEART TO WOULD NOT PUT THIS IN MY HEART TO MINISTER OUTSIDE of my private life MINISTER OUTSIDE of my private life MINISTER OUTSIDE of my private life if there WASN'T SOMEBODY IN THIS if there WASN'T SOMEBODY IN THIS if there WASN'T SOMEBODY IN THIS BUILDING THAT NEEDS TO START CHANGING BUILDING THAT NEEDS TO START CHANGING BUILDING THAT NEEDS TO START CHANGING SOME STUFF BEFORE THEY go out of this SOME STUFF BEFORE THEY go out of this SOME STUFF BEFORE THEY go out of this door. door. door. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And I'm not here trying to prophesize or >> And I'm not here trying to prophesize or >> And I'm not here trying to prophesize or prophesy on. I JUST KNOW THERE'S A prophesy on. I JUST KNOW THERE'S A prophesy on. I JUST KNOW THERE'S A REALITY OF human nature REALITY OF human nature REALITY OF human nature THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL WALKS THE TENSION THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL WALKS THE TENSION THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL WALKS THE TENSION OF WHO THEY THINK THEY ARE OR who they OF WHO THEY THINK THEY ARE OR who they OF WHO THEY THINK THEY ARE OR who they really are. AND THE GOAL IS TO GET THOSE really are. AND THE GOAL IS TO GET THOSE really are. AND THE GOAL IS TO GET THOSE TWO TENSIONS AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. So we deal less with turmoil, less with So we deal less with turmoil, less with situations, less with frustration.

And so now I got to a place where I And so now I got to a place where I said, "Lord, said, "Lord, said, "Lord, I'm ready I'm ready I'm ready to see all all that you see in me." that you see in me." that you see in me." But Lord, please be gentle. But Lord, please be gentle. But Lord, please be gentle. I'm I'm telling the truth. I said, I'm I'm telling the truth. I said, I'm I'm telling the truth. I said, "Look, look, I need baby steps for this "Look, look, I need baby steps for this "Look, look, I need baby steps for this because you're about to tear down some because you're about to tear down some because you're about to tear down some walls in my life. walls in my life. walls in my life. You're about to make some adjustments in You're about to make some adjustments in You're about to make some adjustments in my life. And then, Lord, if please make my life. And then, Lord, if please make my life. And then, Lord, if please make sure whoever you use to help bring this sure whoever you use to help bring this sure whoever you use to help bring this to my attention is somebody I can to my attention is somebody I can to my attention is somebody I can receive from. Lord, I don't mean to put receive from. Lord, I don't mean to put receive from. Lord, I don't mean to put put parameters, but I do know put parameters, but I do know put parameters, but I do know that this is going to be tough. that this is going to be tough. that this is going to be tough. I do know that this is going to be a I do know that this is going to be a I do know that this is going to be a rough situation going by. Know that you rough situation going by. Know that you rough situation going by. Know that you only want the best for me. only want the best for me. only want the best for me. >> So if this is being brought to my >> So if this is being brought to my >> So if this is being brought to my attention, there's something you have attention, there's something you have attention, there's something you have for me. And after I walk out of this, for me. And after I walk out of this, for me. And after I walk out of this, after I emerge, Pride doesn't always look loud.

Pride doesn't always look loud. Sometimes pride simply refuses Sometimes pride simply refuses Sometimes pride simply refuses correction. And so this is for everybody. But men, And so this is for everybody. But men, please hear me. please hear me. please hear me. Please hear me. We We need to work on ourselves. Amen. need to work on ourselves. Amen. need to work on ourselves. Amen. >> Because the pattern is >> Because the pattern is >> Because the pattern is look at the home, the society, look at the home, the society, look at the home, the society, you look at the home you look at the home you look at the home and then you look at the man and then you look at the man and then you look at the man and so we have a direct impact on the society we live in. on the society we live in. Please hear me men, fathers. Please hear me. Please hear me. You have not arrived You have the ability You have the ability to do better.

to do better. to do better. You have the ability to fix some wrongs. You have the ability to fix some wrongs. You have the ability to fix some wrongs. You have the ability You have the ability You have the ability to engage your children to engage your children to engage your children at a deeper, more profound level. You at a deeper, more profound level. You at a deeper, more profound level. You have the ability to affect your have the ability to affect your have the ability to affect your children's children's children. children's children's children. children's children's children. But if you're unwilling But if you're unwilling But if you're unwilling to change, to change, to change, you'll find yourselves regretting and you'll find yourselves regretting and you'll find yourselves regretting and looking at some of the things in your looking at some of the things in your looking at some of the things in your grandchildren said, "Man, I could have grandchildren said, "Man, I could have grandchildren said, "Man, I could have caught that." caught that." caught that." A stubborn man will always be an A stubborn man will always be an A stubborn man will always be an ignorant man. ignorant man. ignorant man. >> God bless and thank you so much. >> God bless and thank you so much. >> God bless and thank you so much. [applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank God for the word. Amen. Were you Thank God for the word. Amen. Were you Thank God for the word. Amen. Were you blessed by the word of God this morning? blessed by the word of God this morning? blessed by the word of God this morning? [applause] [applause] [applause] Hallelujah. Come on, give God a praise Hallelujah. Come on, give God a praise Hallelujah. Come on, give God a praise for our pastor Jamal.

for our pastor Jamal. for our pastor Jamal. Yes. [applause] Whenever the Lord speaks through his Whenever the Lord speaks through his word, word, word, it's an invitation for us to step a it's an invitation for us to step a it's an invitation for us to step a little bit closer to him. little bit closer to him. little bit closer to him. Uh and Uh and Uh and in this moment, it's not just another in this moment, it's not just another in this moment, it's not just another moment in the service, but it is a moment in the service, but it is a moment in the service, but it is a moment where we have an opportunity to moment where we have an opportunity to moment where we have an opportunity to move beyond every barrier move beyond every barrier move beyond every barrier and into everything God has prepared for and into everything God has prepared for and into everything God has prepared for us. us. us. So today, God is calling you [music] So today, God is calling you [music] So today, God is calling you [music] beyond every limit and every boundary beyond every limit and every boundary beyond every limit and every boundary that has held you back. that has held you back. that has held you back. Whether it's fear, Whether it's fear, Whether it's fear, doubt, guilt, doubt, guilt, doubt, guilt, past failures, that's not to define your future. that's not to define your future. Amen.

Amen. Amen. With God, what seems impossible With God, what seems impossible With God, what seems impossible is possible. is possible. is possible. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, if you're here this morning and So, if you're here this morning and So, if you're here this morning and you're ready to surrender your life to you're ready to surrender your life to you're ready to surrender your life to Jesus or you need God to remove the Jesus or you need God to remove the Jesus or you need God to remove the limits that have kept you bound, kept limits that have kept you bound, kept limits that have kept you bound, kept you back. This is your moment. This is your moment. I want you to take a step of faith and I want you to take a step of faith and I want you to take a step of faith and and come on down the aisles and we're and come on down the aisles and we're and come on down the aisles and we're going to pray with you. Uh, and we're going to pray with you. Uh, and we're going to pray with you. Uh, and we're going to get you started on your [music] going to get you started on your [music] going to get you started on your [music] way in this journey of faith. Amen. So, way in this journey of faith. Amen. So, way in this journey of faith. Amen. So, if you're here this morning and you want if you're here this morning and you want if you're here this morning and you want to invite God into your life, we want to invite God into your life, we want to invite God into your life, we want you to just take a step of faith and you to just take a step of faith and you to just take a step of faith and walk down the aisle. Amen. We're going walk down the aisle. Amen. We're going walk down the aisle. Amen. We're going to pray with you because the spirit of to pray with you because the spirit of to pray with you because the spirit of the Lord is here. And where the spirit the Lord is here. And where the spirit the Lord is here. And where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Amen. of the Lord is, there is liberty. Amen. of the Lord is, there is liberty. Amen. Thank you, Father. We give you glory and Thank you, Father. We give you glory and Thank you, Father. We give you glory and praise. Come on, pray for them.

praise. Come on, pray for them. praise. Come on, pray for them. Hallelujah. As they come. Hallelujah. As they come. Hallelujah. As they come. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. This is your opportunity. Don't let This is your opportunity. Don't let This is your opportunity. Don't let nothing keep you back. Don't let anyone nothing keep you back. Don't let anyone nothing keep you back. Don't let anyone keep you back. Don't let your past keep keep you back. Don't let your past keep keep you back. Don't let your past keep you back. you back. you back. God is here and he wants to change the God is here and he wants to change the God is here and he wants to change the course of your life. He wants to change course of your life. He wants to change course of your life. He wants to change the direction of your life. All you got the direction of your life. All you got the direction of your life. All you got to do is just turn it over to him. to do is just turn it over to him. to do is just turn it over to him. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes. Come on. Keep praying. They're Yes. Come on. Keep praying. They're Yes. Come on. Keep praying. They're still coming. This is They're still still coming. This is They're still still coming. This is They're still coming. We thank you, Father. [applause] Hallelujah. Don't let this moment pass. Hallelujah. Don't let this moment pass. This is your moment. It's just you and This is your moment. It's just you and This is your moment. It's just you and God. God. God. Hallelujah. Father, we thank you. Hallelujah. Father, we thank you. Hallelujah. Father, we thank you. Come on, give God praise. Give God Come on, give God praise. Give God Come on, give God praise. Give God [music] praise. Give God praise. The [music] praise. Give God praise. The [music] praise. Give God praise. The angels rejoice. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, yes. They're Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, yes. They're still coming. I see the They're still still coming. I see the They're still still coming. I see the They're still coming down the steps. Come on. Let's coming down the steps. Come on. Let's coming down the steps. Come on. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. Let's keep praying. keep praying. keep praying. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. I surrender all to you this this I surrender all to you this this morning. I surrender all all to you, morning. I surrender all all to you, morning. I surrender all all to you, Jesus. My blessed savior. I surrender Jesus. My blessed savior. I surrender Jesus. My blessed savior. I surrender all. all. all. Here I am, God. Here I am, God. Here I am, God. Change my life. Change my direction. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Father. Yes, God. Yes, God. We give you praise. Yes, God. Yes, God. We give you praise. Yes, God. Yes, God. We give you praise. Oh, yes. They're still coming. Come on, Oh, yes. They're still coming. Come on, Oh, yes. They're still coming. Come on, keep praying. Keep praying. We don't keep praying. Keep praying. We don't keep praying. Keep praying. We don't want anyone to miss a moment. We don't want anyone to miss a moment. We don't want anyone to miss a moment. We don't want anyone to miss this moment. Keep want anyone to miss this moment. Keep want anyone to miss this moment. Keep praying as they come. praying as they come. praying as they come. Thank you Jesus. Can I just speak into your life this Can I just speak into your life this morning?

morning? morning? this decision that you are making. The this decision that you are making. The this decision that you are making. The angels in heaven, they are rejoicing. angels in heaven, they are rejoicing. angels in heaven, they are rejoicing. And we here, we're standing and we are And we here, we're standing and we are And we here, we're standing and we are rejoicing in the decision that you're rejoicing in the decision that you're rejoicing in the decision that you're making this morning. making this morning. making this morning. [applause and music] And God is ready and able to change And God is ready and able to change whatever you need him to change in your whatever you need him to change in your whatever you need him to change in your life. He's ready to make that change. Would you pray with me? Would you pray with me? Repeat after me. Father, Repeat after me. Father, Repeat after me. Father, >> Father, [music] >> Father, [music] >> Father, [music] >> thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for your love. >> Thank you for your love. >> Thank you for your love. >> Thank you for your kindness. >> Thank you for your kindness. >> Thank you for your kindness. >> Thank you for drawing me unto yourself. >> Thank you for drawing me unto yourself. >> Thank you for drawing me unto yourself. I recognize, Father, that you are Lord. I recognize, Father, that you are Lord. I recognize, Father, that you are Lord. And Father, today I give myself to you. And Father, today I give myself to you. And Father, today I give myself to you. I surrender my heart to you. Father, I surrender my heart to you. Father, I surrender my heart to you. Father, come into my life. Change me. make me come into my life. Change me. make me come into my life. Change me. make me new, Father, and I receive you as my new, Father, and I receive you as my new, Father, and I receive you as my Lord and as my Savior in Jesus name.

Lord and as my Savior in Jesus name. Lord and as my Savior in Jesus name. Amen. And amen. Come on, we should be Amen. And amen. Come on, we should be Amen. And amen. Come on, we should be celebrating. celebrating. celebrating. Yes, we should be celebrating. This is Yes, we should be celebrating. This is Yes, we should be celebrating. This is good news. good news. good news. The devil has lost again. Come on, The devil has lost again. Come on, The devil has lost again. Come on, celebrate. Celebrate with them. celebrate. Celebrate with them. celebrate. Celebrate with them. Hallelujah. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. We give God praise for the decision that We give God praise for the decision that We give God praise for the decision that you've made today. you've made today. you've made today. It's a journey. It's a process. It's a journey. It's a process. It's a journey. It's a process. And we are here to support you in this And we are here to support you in this And we are here to support you in this process and to pray with you. And we process and to pray with you. And we process and to pray with you. And we have our ministers that are available to have our ministers that are available to have our ministers that are available to pray with you and uh just show you, help pray with you and uh just show you, help pray with you and uh just show you, help you to get on that journey of salvation. you to get on that journey of salvation. you to get on that journey of salvation. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Thank you for the decision that you've >> Thank you for the decision that you've >> Thank you for the decision that you've made. And God is God is so pleased in made. And God is God is so pleased in made. And God is God is so pleased in this decision that you've made. And we this decision that you've made. And we this decision that you've made. And we continue to give God praise for you. continue to give God praise for you. continue to give God praise for you. Amen. You may be seated and may return Amen. You may be seated and may return Amen. You may be seated and may return to your seat [music] in Jesus name. Come to your seat [music] in Jesus name. Come to your seat [music] in Jesus name. Come on, celebrate them.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Isn't God good? Isn't God good? Isn't God good? Yes. And for those of you that are Yes. And for those of you that are Yes. And for those of you that are watching via the internet, if you've watching via the internet, if you've watching via the internet, if you've made that decision, we want you to text made that decision, we want you to text made that decision, we want you to text save to 631-2502688 And our our team is standing by to help And our our team is standing by to help you and to get you on this journey. you and to get you on this journey. you and to get you on this journey. Hallelujah. Isn't God good? Hallelujah. Isn't God good? Hallelujah. Isn't God good? Isn't God good Isn't God good Isn't God good >> all the time? >> all the time? >> all the time? >> Yes, he is. Yes, he is. God is good >> Yes, he is. Yes, he is. God is good >> Yes, he is. Yes, he is. God is good >> all the time. >> all the time. >> all the time. >> And all the time. >> And all the time. >> And all the time. >> God is good. I mean, let's stand and >> God is good. I mean, let's stand and >> God is good. I mean, let's stand and let's say something good as we leave let's say something good as we leave let's say something good as we leave this place but never God's presence. this place but never God's presence. this place but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it, we Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it, we Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it, we proclaim it, and we are see it come to proclaim it, and we are see it come to proclaim it, and we are see it come to pass. God bless you. Have a wonderful pass. God bless you. Have a wonderful pass. God bless you. Have a wonderful week in the Lord. week in the Lord. week in the Lord. >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, [music] subscribe, [music] subscribe, [music] and share this video with others so we and share this video with others so we and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading can fulfill our mission in spreading can fulfill our mission in spreading [music] the gospel of Jesus Christ to [music] the gospel of Jesus Christ to [music] the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

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