The Greatest Lie Part 2 | Pastor Jamaal Bernard

I'm going to finish my message and um I'm going to finish my message and um you know and just doing some recap recap you know and just doing some recap recap you know and just doing some recap recap and the message was called the greatest and the message was called the greatest and the message was called the greatest lie. All right. Uh and the greatest lie lie. All right. Uh and the greatest lie lie. All right. Uh and the greatest lie is is the lie that we tell we tend to is is the lie that we tell we tend to is is the lie that we tell we tend to tell ourselves. tell ourselves. tell ourselves. The text we used was James 1 22 in the The text we used was James 1 22 in the The text we used was James 1 22 in the New Living Translation says but don't New Living Translation says but don't New Living Translation says but don't listen to God's word. Don't just listen listen to God's word. Don't just listen listen to God's word. Don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. to God's word. You must do what it says. to God's word. You must do what it says. What does it say? Come on, saints. What does it say? Come on, saints. What does it say? Come on, saints. >> Don't just listen to God's orders. Some >> Don't just listen to God's orders. Some >> Don't just listen to God's orders. Some of y'all still getting ready. Okay, of y'all still getting ready. Okay, of y'all still getting ready. Okay, let's go. I just jumped into it, right? let's go. I just jumped into it, right? let's go. I just jumped into it, right? Let's go. Tell your neighbor. Say, Let's go. Tell your neighbor. Say, Let's go. Tell your neighbor. Say, neighbor, get ready. neighbor, get ready. neighbor, get ready. >> Tell your neighbor. Say, get ready. Get >> Tell your neighbor. Say, get ready. Get >> Tell your neighbor. Say, get ready. Get ready. Get ready. >> He says, "But just don't listen to God's >> He says, "But just don't listen to God's words." Come on. What does this What words." Come on. What does this What words." Come on. What does this What does he say? does he say? does he say? Come on, say, come on, tell, tell me Come on, say, come on, tell, tell me Come on, say, come on, tell, tell me again. What does it say? again. What does it say? again. What does it say? >> And the reason why I'm saying this is >> And the reason why I'm saying this is >> And the reason why I'm saying this is because this is some of us today. because this is some of us today. because this is some of us today. >> That's a reality. >> That's a reality. >> That's a reality. >> Some of us come to Sunday, >> Some of us come to Sunday, >> Some of us come to Sunday, >> open our Bible, >> open our Bible, >> open our Bible, listen, but then we go home and then listen, but then we go home and then listen, but then we go home and then next week we come back to service.

next week we come back to service. next week we come back to service. Unless it's something going on, you Unless it's something going on, you Unless it's something going on, you know, little rooftop party, day party, know, little rooftop party, day party, know, little rooftop party, day party, then you say, "Money, I'mma catch the then you say, "Money, I'mma catch the then you say, "Money, I'mma catch the service." I'm kind of jealous cuz I service." I'm kind of jealous cuz I service." I'm kind of jealous cuz I can't do that. So, can't do that. So, can't do that. So, >> but it says don't just listen to God's >> but it says don't just listen to God's >> but it says don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. word. You must do what it says. word. You must do what it says. >> Otherwise, you are only fooling >> Otherwise, you are only fooling >> Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For you listen to the word yourselves. For you listen to the word yourselves. For you listen to the word and don't obey. It is like glancing at and don't obey. It is like glancing at and don't obey. It is like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see your face in the mirror. You see your face in the mirror. You see yourself, you walk away and forget what yourself, you walk away and forget what yourself, you walk away and forget what you look like. you look like. you look like. But if you look carefully into the But if you look carefully into the But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free and if perfect law that sets you free and if perfect law that sets you free and if you do what it says and don't forget you do what it says and don't forget you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you what you heard, then God will bless you what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. for doing it. for doing it. God will do what? God will do what? God will do what? >> Bless you. >> Bless you. >> Bless you. >> So do me a favor. Let's let's let's How >> So do me a favor. Let's let's let's How >> So do me a favor. Let's let's let's How many of you have your phones? many of you have your phones? many of you have your phones? >> All right, we got our cell phones. Take >> All right, we got our cell phones. Take >> All right, we got our cell phones. Take your cell phone out. Everybody take your cell phone out. Everybody take your cell phone out. Everybody take their cell phone out cuz this is what their cell phone out cuz this is what their cell phone out cuz this is what where where I'm trying to get us to. If where where I'm trying to get us to. If where where I'm trying to get us to. If I if if you don't remember anything I if if you don't remember anything I if if you don't remember anything throughout these two past Sundays of my throughout these two past Sundays of my throughout these two past Sundays of my message, this is where I want to get you message, this is where I want to get you message, this is where I want to get you to. Let's go to to to your your your to. Let's go to to to your your your to. Let's go to to to your your your your camera. Everybody go to your your camera. Everybody go to your your camera. Everybody go to your camera.

Go to your camera. Go to your camera. >> You on your camera? >> You on your camera? >> You on your camera? >> Now flip the camera to face you. >> Flip the camera to face you. Don't start >> Flip the camera to face you. Don't start taking selfies yet. taking selfies yet. taking selfies yet. It's not about selfies. Now, what what what what what what Now, what what what what what what happening here is we often look and happening here is we often look and happening here is we often look and glance and right and we get we get our glance and right and we get we get our glance and right and we get we get our selfie going and you know we looking selfie going and you know we looking selfie going and you know we looking good and you know so I got I'm I'mma do good and you know so I got I'm I'mma do good and you know so I got I'm I'mma do my little selfie right and and what my little selfie right and and what my little selfie right and and what happens is we look through it but when happens is we look through it but when happens is we look through it but when what do we do what do we do what do we do we forget we forget we forget or remember but what what this message or remember but what what this message or remember but what what this message is about is not just looking at yourself is about is not just looking at yourself is about is not just looking at yourself but it's about examining yourself. And but it's about examining yourself. And but it's about examining yourself. And so, let's go through a process. Now, so, let's go through a process. Now, so, let's go through a process. Now, zoom in zoom in zoom in on your face, on your face, on your face, right? Zoom, right? You can't zoom in. right? Zoom, right? You can't zoom in. right? Zoom, right? You can't zoom in. Don't don't go like this. Like, like Don't don't go like this. Like, like Don't don't go like this. Like, like literally, you got to come close.

literally, you got to come close. literally, you got to come close. Get get up into your your your phone. Get get up into your your your phone. Get get up into your your your phone. And what you're going to start seeing is And what you're going to start seeing is And what you're going to start seeing is the things that you did this gray hair come from did this gray hair come from and you like like really get into the and you like like really get into the and you like like really get into the camera and yes that is a wrinkle. Was this mole was here? Was this mole was here? Like really? AND SO WHAT'S HAPPENING IS Like really? AND SO WHAT'S HAPPENING IS Like really? AND SO WHAT'S HAPPENING IS YOU'RE LOOKING AT yourself and you're YOU'RE LOOKING AT yourself and you're YOU'RE LOOKING AT yourself and you're really examining and you're looking. AND really examining and you're looking. AND really examining and you're looking. AND THEN NOW I WANT YOU TO BE intentional THEN NOW I WANT YOU TO BE intentional THEN NOW I WANT YOU TO BE intentional about looking for the flaws. See how difficult that statement was for See how difficult that statement was for you to accept. you to accept. you to accept. AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TODAY. Selfdeception TODAY. Selfdeception TODAY. Selfdeception is one OF THE BIGGEST LIES WE TELL is one OF THE BIGGEST LIES WE TELL is one OF THE BIGGEST LIES WE TELL ourselves and re one of the reasons why ourselves and re one of the reasons why ourselves and re one of the reasons why it's HARD FOR US TO ACCEPT THE LIES that it's HARD FOR US TO ACCEPT THE LIES that it's HARD FOR US TO ACCEPT THE LIES that we I mean to to accept our flaws is we I mean to to accept our flaws is we I mean to to accept our flaws is because we don't want to examine IT because we don't want to examine IT because we don't want to examine IT >> JUST AS QUICK AS YOU SAY WHEN I SAY ZOOM >> JUST AS QUICK AS YOU SAY WHEN I SAY ZOOM >> JUST AS QUICK AS YOU SAY WHEN I SAY ZOOM IN AND LOOK FOR THE FLAWS ZOOM IN AND IN AND LOOK FOR THE FLAWS ZOOM IN AND IN AND LOOK FOR THE FLAWS ZOOM IN AND LOOK FOR THE THINGS THAT YOU DON'T WANT LOOK FOR THE THINGS THAT YOU DON'T WANT LOOK FOR THE THINGS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO REALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS there TO REALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS there TO REALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS there because what will it it it do is it because what will it it it do is it because what will it it it do is it exposes KNOWS WHO YOU REALLY ARE. YES, exposes KNOWS WHO YOU REALLY ARE. YES, exposes KNOWS WHO YOU REALLY ARE. YES, YOU ARE 49. PASTOR JAMAL, STOP THINKING YOU ARE 49. PASTOR JAMAL, STOP THINKING YOU ARE 49. PASTOR JAMAL, STOP THINKING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE THE CLEAREST THAT YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE THE CLEAREST THAT YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE THE CLEAREST SKIN.

BUT FOR ME, I'M LIKE, I DRINK ENOUGH BUT FOR ME, I'M LIKE, I DRINK ENOUGH WATER. I DO ALL THIS STUFF. SO, I'm I'm WATER. I DO ALL THIS STUFF. SO, I'm I'm WATER. I DO ALL THIS STUFF. SO, I'm I'm looking good. But then you start getting looking good. But then you start getting looking good. But then you start getting close. I'm like, close. I'm like, close. I'm like, oh wow. AND THEN THE OTHER TENSION. SO THE AND THEN THE OTHER TENSION. SO THE TENSION IS THAT WE DEAL WITH IS ONE TENSION IS THAT WE DEAL WITH IS ONE TENSION IS THAT WE DEAL WITH IS ONE LOOKING FOR THE FLAWS. LOOKING FOR THE FLAWS. LOOKING FOR THE FLAWS. TWO, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THEY'RE there TWO, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THEY'RE there TWO, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THEY'RE there because you're going to say, "Man, no, because you're going to say, "Man, no, because you're going to say, "Man, no, IT'S NOT THERE. YOU WRESTLE WITH IT." IT'S NOT THERE. YOU WRESTLE WITH IT." IT'S NOT THERE. YOU WRESTLE WITH IT." NO, THAT'S NOT REAL. That's not real, NO, THAT'S NOT REAL. That's not real, NO, THAT'S NOT REAL. That's not real, Gray. Gray. Gray. Come on, SAINTS. LET'S LET'S GO THROUGH Come on, SAINTS. LET'S LET'S GO THROUGH Come on, SAINTS. LET'S LET'S GO THROUGH THE PROCESS. I'M GOING TO TRY TO HELP THE PROCESS. I'M GOING TO TRY TO HELP THE PROCESS. I'M GOING TO TRY TO HELP YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS BECAUSE THE YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS BECAUSE THE YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS BECAUSE THE I'LL TELL YOU A STORY that is the reason I'LL TELL YOU A STORY that is the reason I'LL TELL YOU A STORY that is the reason why I want you to go through this why I want you to go through this why I want you to go through this process because there is some things process because there is some things process because there is some things that we got to address in our lives. that we got to address in our lives. that we got to address in our lives. And I told you THE WORST LIKE FOR ME THE And I told you THE WORST LIKE FOR ME THE And I told you THE WORST LIKE FOR ME THE WORST THING WAS THAT MY DAUGHTERS WERE WORST THING WAS THAT MY DAUGHTERS WERE WORST THING WAS THAT MY DAUGHTERS WERE USED BY GOD TO PRESENT THE THINGS THAT I USED BY GOD TO PRESENT THE THINGS THAT I USED BY GOD TO PRESENT THE THINGS THAT I GOT TO WORK ON. GOT TO WORK ON. GOT TO WORK ON. And so we LOOK AT OURSELVES AND WE And so we LOOK AT OURSELVES AND WE And so we LOOK AT OURSELVES AND WE EXAMINE AND WE START LOOK AT THE FLAWS EXAMINE AND WE START LOOK AT THE FLAWS EXAMINE AND WE START LOOK AT THE FLAWS AND THEN YOU YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THEN YOU YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THEN YOU YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS of grief.

You want to say it's not there. You want to say it's not there. But remember what the word says. You But remember what the word says. You But remember what the word says. You can't you can't solve a problem and say can't you can't solve a problem and say can't you can't solve a problem and say it's not there. This is Jamalism. That's it's not there. This is Jamalism. That's it's not there. This is Jamalism. That's in Jeremiah. in Jeremiah. in Jeremiah. And and so so we look at it and then we And and so so we look at it and then we And and so so we look at it and then we start going through the process. Okay. start going through the process. Okay. start going through the process. Okay. Wow. Okay. That really is there. Now Wow. Okay. That really is there. Now Wow. Okay. That really is there. Now what do I got to do to to resolve this? what do I got to do to to resolve this? what do I got to do to to resolve this? And for some people instead of resolving And for some people instead of resolving And for some people instead of resolving it, they just throw some makeup on it to it, they just throw some makeup on it to it, they just throw some makeup on it to cover it up because they don't want to cover it up because they don't want to cover it up because they don't want to be dealing with it. AND NO OFFENSE, I'M be dealing with it. AND NO OFFENSE, I'M be dealing with it. AND NO OFFENSE, I'M NOT TRYING TO PLAY ANY individuals that NOT TRYING TO PLAY ANY individuals that NOT TRYING TO PLAY ANY individuals that use makeup. It's makeup is good, but use makeup. It's makeup is good, but use makeup. It's makeup is good, but makeup should only enhance, not cover up makeup should only enhance, not cover up makeup should only enhance, not cover up all everything. all everything. all everything. If you go through the process of working If you go through the process of working If you go through the process of working on some thing, I know they going to pass on some thing, I know they going to pass on some thing, I know they going to pass you around and get in trouble. If you go you around and get in trouble. If you go you around and get in trouble. If you go through the process of working on some through the process of working on some through the process of working on some things and start changing your diet and things and start changing your diet and things and start changing your diet and start doing the things necessary to to start doing the things necessary to to start doing the things necessary to to deal with the skin issues and stuff like deal with the skin issues and stuff like deal with the skin issues and stuff like that, then you will work on not having that, then you will work on not having that, then you will work on not having to put so much foundation on. to put so much foundation on. to put so much foundation on. >> Go see the dermatologist, DO THE STEPS, >> Go see the dermatologist, DO THE STEPS, >> Go see the dermatologist, DO THE STEPS, DO ALL THE THINGS THAT YOU GOT TO DO. And so what happens is we start And so what happens is we start examining ourselves. examining ourselves. examining ourselves. And I'm going to tell you this. Turn to And I'm going to tell you this. Turn to And I'm going to tell you this. Turn to your neighbor. Neighbor your neighbor. Neighbor your neighbor. Neighbor >> say neighbor. Neighbor.

>> say neighbor. Neighbor. >> say neighbor. Neighbor. >> God never points out or something in >> God never points out or something in >> God never points out or something in your life. your life. your life. >> God never >> God never >> God never >> just because. >> just because. >> just because. >> Just because. >> Just because. >> Just because. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Turn the other neighbor. Say other >> Turn the other neighbor. Say other >> Turn the other neighbor. Say other neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> Other neighbor. >> There's always a reason. >> There's always a reason. >> There's always a reason. >> There's always a reason. >> There's always a reason. >> There's always a reason. >> So I had a friend >> So I had a friend >> So I had a friend and I'm not going to say any names. I and I'm not going to say any names. I and I'm not going to say any names. I got I got permission to ask him this got I got permission to ask him this got I got permission to ask him this question to to to share this story. I question to to to share this story. I question to to to share this story. I said cuz I I never want to share a story said cuz I I never want to share a story said cuz I I never want to share a story of somebody else's without their of somebody else's without their of somebody else's without their permission. permission. permission. >> And so he had I have a friend. He's he's >> And so he had I have a friend. He's he's >> And so he had I have a friend. He's he's he's in ministry he's in ministry he's in ministry and I'm not going to say his name. So and I'm not going to say his name. So and I'm not going to say his name. So just stop stop. Don't get stuck on just stop stop. Don't get stuck on just stop stop. Don't get stuck on trying to figure out who it is. Just trying to figure out who it is. Just trying to figure out who it is. Just hear the story. And so I got a friend and and and I And so I got a friend and and and I haven't seen him in a while. And we end haven't seen him in a while. And we end haven't seen him in a while. And we end up bumping into each other. I said, up bumping into each other. I said, up bumping into each other. I said, "Hey, how's it going?" He said, "I'm "Hey, how's it going?" He said, "I'm "Hey, how's it going?" He said, "I'm doing good." He said, "I'm doing much doing good." He said, "I'm doing much doing good." He said, "I'm doing much better." He said, "I was in a dark better." He said, "I was in a dark better." He said, "I was in a dark place." I said, "What do you mean?" He place." I said, "What do you mean?" He place." I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "I just just I was in a dark said, "I just just I was in a dark said, "I just just I was in a dark place." And he was telling me a story. place." And he was telling me a story. place." And he was telling me a story. And he said, he said that that your And he said, he said that that your And he said, he said that that your father used to say that God will deal father used to say that God will deal father used to say that God will deal with you private before he deals with with you private before he deals with with you private before he deals with you public, you public, you public, right? God will deal with you private right? God will deal with you private right? God will deal with you private before he deals with you public. And so, before he deals with you public. And so, before he deals with you public. And so, he said that I was living life, doing he said that I was living life, doing he said that I was living life, doing ministry, and I'm thinking everything is ministry, and I'm thinking everything is ministry, and I'm thinking everything is good, and I had a private situation good, and I had a private situation good, and I had a private situation going on. And he said, "I got this phone going on. And he said, "I got this phone going on. And he said, "I got this phone call call call from somebody.

from somebody. from somebody. He says somebody that he didn't expect He says somebody that he didn't expect He says somebody that he didn't expect it, somebody he barely talks to, it, somebody he barely talks to, it, somebody he barely talks to, somebody he doesn't even really like and somebody he doesn't even really like and somebody he doesn't even really like and he was trying to figure out why they had he was trying to figure out why they had he was trying to figure out why they had his number. his number. his number. And the person calls him and he says, And the person calls him and he says, And the person calls him and he says, "Hey, look, I was praying for for you "Hey, look, I was praying for for you "Hey, look, I was praying for for you and God I was just praying and God and God I was just praying and God and God I was just praying and God brought you to my mind and he told me to brought you to my mind and he told me to brought you to my mind and he told me to just give you this word and and the word just give you this word and and the word just give you this word and and the word is just, you know, you need to stop is just, you know, you need to stop is just, you know, you need to stop >> whatever it is." >> whatever it is." >> whatever it is." He said, "I didn't know what it was." He said, "I didn't know what it was." He said, "I didn't know what it was." And hung up, And hung up, And hung up, right? Cuz they weren't good friends, right? Cuz they weren't good friends, right? Cuz they weren't good friends, but you know, just enough to call him, but you know, just enough to call him, but you know, just enough to call him, man. So, he called me and said, "You man. So, he called me and said, "You man. So, he called me and said, "You need to stop whatever you're doing. God need to stop whatever you're doing. God need to stop whatever you're doing. God told me you need to stop." told me you need to stop." told me you need to stop." And he wrestled with it. He said, you And he wrestled with it. He said, you And he wrestled with it. He said, you know, trying to figure out and he went know, trying to figure out and he went know, trying to figure out and he went through, you know, say, "Okay, Lord, through, you know, say, "Okay, Lord, through, you know, say, "Okay, Lord, pray prayer cause." He said, he started pray prayer cause." He said, he started pray prayer cause." He said, he started praying. He said, "Okay, Lord, I in praying. He said, "Okay, Lord, I in praying. He said, "Okay, Lord, I in order for me to stop, I need your help order for me to stop, I need your help order for me to stop, I need your help to stop to stop to stop because this is not an easy thing to because this is not an easy thing to because this is not an easy thing to stop." And come to find out, stop." And come to find out, stop." And come to find out, come to find out what he was engaging come to find out what he was engaging come to find out what he was engaging in, in, in, the spot that he would engage in got the spot that he would engage in got the spot that he would engage in got raided by the cops. And the day that he raided by the cops. And the day that he raided by the cops. And the day that he got called, he would have been there got called, he would have been there got called, he would have been there instead of praying about how to stop.

>> [applause] >> [applause] >> and stop trying to figure out where and >> and stop trying to figure out where and >> and stop trying to figure out where and what was going on. Just hear the story what was going on. Just hear the story what was going on. Just hear the story because God will point out something to because God will point out something to because God will point out something to you. you. you. >> And I believe that last Sunday, this >> And I believe that last Sunday, this >> And I believe that last Sunday, this Sunday, even the Sunday before that big Sunday, even the Sunday before that big Sunday, even the Sunday before that big in the enemy, the biggest enemy is the in the enemy, the biggest enemy is the in the enemy, the biggest enemy is the ene is is that God is trying to say ene is is that God is trying to say ene is is that God is trying to say something to CCC. something to CCC. something to CCC. >> Yes. that we have some some some things >> Yes. that we have some some some things >> Yes. that we have some some some things that we need to resolve in our lives. that we need to resolve in our lives. that we need to resolve in our lives. The things that we don't want to look The things that we don't want to look The things that we don't want to look for because the things that we don't for because the things that we don't for because the things that we don't want to change, the things that because want to change, the things that because want to change, the things that because there's this thing called the comfort there's this thing called the comfort there's this thing called the comfort zone and we we sit in the comfort zone zone and we we sit in the comfort zone zone and we we sit in the comfort zone because there's security, there's peace, because there's security, there's peace, because there's security, there's peace, there's the known and and and and and there's the known and and and and and there's the known and and and and and step out of the comfort zone is stepping step out of the comfort zone is stepping step out of the comfort zone is stepping into the unknown. And the question is, into the unknown. And the question is, into the unknown. And the question is, who am I going to be like who am I going to be like who am I going to be like >> if I have to change? >> if I have to change? >> if I have to change? >> And that's what I wrestled with. I'm >> And that's what I wrestled with. I'm >> And that's what I wrestled with. I'm like, "OKAY, LORD, CHANGING MYSELF, AM I like, "OKAY, LORD, CHANGING MYSELF, AM I like, "OKAY, LORD, CHANGING MYSELF, AM I COMPROMISING who I really am?" HE SAID, COMPROMISING who I really am?" HE SAID, COMPROMISING who I really am?" HE SAID, "NO, WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO "NO, WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO "NO, WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS cuz everybody has to work on their IS cuz everybody has to work on their IS cuz everybody has to work on their strengths and their weaknesses."

>> AND IT'S NOT ABOUT LOSING WHO YOU ARE, >> AND IT'S NOT ABOUT LOSING WHO YOU ARE, BUT IT'S BE uh it's defining BUT IT'S BE uh it's defining BUT IT'S BE uh it's defining THE GOOD QUALITIES OF WHO YOU ARE AND THE GOOD QUALITIES OF WHO YOU ARE AND THE GOOD QUALITIES OF WHO YOU ARE AND LETTING GO OF THE NEGATIVE QUALITIES LETTING GO OF THE NEGATIVE QUALITIES LETTING GO OF THE NEGATIVE QUALITIES BECAUSE THEY can the the negative BECAUSE THEY can the the negative BECAUSE THEY can the the negative qualities can sabotage. qualities can sabotage. qualities can sabotage. We live life on levels and we arrive in We live life on levels and we arrive in We live life on levels and we arrive in stages and and at each level and each stages and and at each level and each stages and and at each level and each stage there's a need for deepening in stage there's a need for deepening in stage there's a need for deepening in our maturity and in deepening in our our maturity and in deepening in our our maturity and in deepening in our character. And so what what tells me is character. And so what what tells me is character. And so what what tells me is what I can get away with at this level I what I can get away with at this level I what I can get away with at this level I can't get away with at the next level. can't get away with at the next level. can't get away with at the next level. >> Amen. >> And so we talked about Peter and and >> And so we talked about Peter and and looking at Peter and how Peter swore he looking at Peter and how Peter swore he looking at Peter and how Peter swore he was the man and he took Jesus to the was the man and he took Jesus to the was the man and he took Jesus to the side. He had the nerve to take Jesus to side. He had the nerve to take Jesus to side. He had the nerve to take Jesus to the side. The word incarnate, the side. The word incarnate, the side. The word incarnate, Emmanuel, God with us. He said, "Come Emmanuel, God with us. He said, "Come Emmanuel, God with us. He said, "Come here. let me talk to you. here. let me talk to you. here. let me talk to you. He had a nerve to take Jesus to the side He had a nerve to take Jesus to the side He had a nerve to take Jesus to the side and said, "Lord, nah, nah, you wrong." and said, "Lord, nah, nah, you wrong." and said, "Lord, nah, nah, you wrong." He said, "I don't know who's telling you He said, "I don't know who's telling you He said, "I don't know who's telling you this stuff, but I got you. We all we got this stuff, but I got you. We all we got this stuff, but I got you. We all we got Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Am I our brother's keeper?" This is This Am I our brother's keeper?" This is This Am I our brother's keeper?" This is This is how I think it's playing out. You is how I think it's playing out. You is how I think it's playing out. You know, know, know, cuz Peter probably felt the type of way cuz Peter probably felt the type of way cuz Peter probably felt the type of way like, "Nah, Jesus like, you know me. You like, "Nah, Jesus like, you know me. You like, "Nah, Jesus like, you know me. You know me, Jesus." He said, "Yeah, I know know me, Jesus." He said, "Yeah, I know know me, Jesus." He said, "Yeah, I know you. That's what I'm telling you.

And then what did Jesus have to do? And then what did Jesus have to do? Jesus had to put her in his place. Get Jesus had to put her in his place. Get Jesus had to put her in his place. Get sure get behind me sitting because we get to a place even because we get to a place even familiarity with God and God is trying familiarity with God and God is trying familiarity with God and God is trying to explain something to you and try to to explain something to you and try to to explain something to you and try to get you to a place where you need to be get you to a place where you need to be get you to a place where you need to be delivered from. And you said, "No, Lord, delivered from. And you said, "No, Lord, delivered from. And you said, "No, Lord, you don't know me like that." CUZ THAT'S you don't know me like that." CUZ THAT'S you don't know me like that." CUZ THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT PETER'S SAYING. Because BASICALLY WHAT PETER'S SAYING. Because BASICALLY WHAT PETER'S SAYING. Because if if Peter's TRYING TO CHECK WHAT Jesus if if Peter's TRYING TO CHECK WHAT Jesus if if Peter's TRYING TO CHECK WHAT Jesus is saying and Jesus IS TELLING PETER, is saying and Jesus IS TELLING PETER, is saying and Jesus IS TELLING PETER, "NO, THIS IS WHAT'S GOING ON. You just "NO, THIS IS WHAT'S GOING ON. You just "NO, THIS IS WHAT'S GOING ON. You just YOU JUST CONFIRM WHO I AM. YOU JUST CONFIRM WHO I AM. YOU JUST CONFIRM WHO I AM. HOW DO YOU ARGUE WITH THE VERY HOW DO YOU ARGUE WITH THE VERY HOW DO YOU ARGUE WITH THE VERY CONFIRMATION? And Peter's like like if CONFIRMATION? And Peter's like like if CONFIRMATION? And Peter's like like if you knew me Lord, YOU KNOW I wouldn't do you knew me Lord, YOU KNOW I wouldn't do you knew me Lord, YOU KNOW I wouldn't do that. I ride with you. >> And that's often what we do with God. >> And that's often what we do with God. >> We argue. And so and and and the crazy >> We argue. And so and and and the crazy >> We argue. And so and and and the crazy thing cuz because then I started thing cuz because then I started thing cuz because then I started thinking as I moved on to this message, thinking as I moved on to this message, thinking as I moved on to this message, I started thinking about Satan. >> Satan the great deceiver. >> Satan the great deceiver. And now the irony is Satan as the great And now the irony is Satan as the great And now the irony is Satan as the great deceiver was the one who was first deceiver was the one who was first deceiver was the one who was first deceived >> with all the intelligence. And so I had >> with all the intelligence. And so I had to look at him real quick. I said to look at him real quick. I said to look at him real quick. I said because this is not just his his his his because this is not just his his his his because this is not just his his his his only thing. I don't want to focus as only thing. I don't want to focus as only thing. I don't want to focus as this is just you know he was self this is just you know he was self this is just you know he was self deception but he deceived himself right deception but he deceived himself right deception but he deceived himself right anytime um way before he deceived Eve he anytime um way before he deceived Eve he anytime um way before he deceived Eve he was deceived.

was deceived. was deceived. So, I want I want to go somewhere real So, I want I want to go somewhere real So, I want I want to go somewhere real quick and then we're going to go back to quick and then we're going to go back to quick and then we're going to go back to finish up the message. So, Satan was a the the the deceiver, So, Satan was a the the the deceiver, right? right? right? He was both the deceived and the He was both the deceived and the He was both the deceived and the deceiver. deceiver. deceiver. One of the greatest ironies of One of the greatest ironies of One of the greatest ironies of scriptures scriptures scriptures is how Satan is moving. See, the devil is how Satan is moving. See, the devil is how Satan is moving. See, the devil is the first victim of selfdeception. is the first victim of selfdeception. is the first victim of selfdeception. And you can go into Isaiah 14 12-15. And And you can go into Isaiah 14 12-15. And And you can go into Isaiah 14 12-15. And you can go into Ezekiel 28 12-17 to you can go into Ezekiel 28 12-17 to you can go into Ezekiel 28 12-17 to really go through this. Revelations really go through this. Revelations really go through this. Revelations 12-79, but we don't have time to. But 12-79, but we don't have time to. But 12-79, but we don't have time to. But number one, what I realized is that that when I what I realized is that that when I looked at Satan's journey and and how he looked at Satan's journey and and how he looked at Satan's journey and and how he was moving and stuff like that, I I was moving and stuff like that, I I was moving and stuff like that, I I realized, okay, self-deception begins realized, okay, self-deception begins realized, okay, self-deception begins with distorted self perception. with distorted self perception. with distorted self perception. Selfdeception begins with distorted Selfdeception begins with distorted Selfdeception begins with distorted self-perception. self-perception. self-perception. And and I put I had you go through the And and I put I had you go through the And and I put I had you go through the process because YOU HAD A PERCEPTION ON process because YOU HAD A PERCEPTION ON process because YOU HAD A PERCEPTION ON HOW YOU REALLY LOOKED. AND then when you HOW YOU REALLY LOOKED. AND then when you HOW YOU REALLY LOOKED. AND then when you started examining yourself in the phone started examining yourself in the phone started examining yourself in the phone and you started zooming in and you and you started zooming in and you and you started zooming in and you started seeing some of the things like started seeing some of the things like started seeing some of the things like oo I didn't realize I went out I left oo I didn't realize I went out I left oo I didn't realize I went out I left the house looking like this.

the house looking like this. the house looking like this. >> Come on now. And that's what the word is >> Come on now. And that's what the word is >> Come on now. And that's what the word is saying and and and James he says look saying and and and James he says look saying and and and James he says look don't just go don't just go don't just go and deal with the Bible like you deal and deal with the Bible like you deal and deal with the Bible like you deal with the mirror. How often do we go and with the mirror. How often do we go and with the mirror. How often do we go and check ourselves real quick and then we check ourselves real quick and then we check ourselves real quick and then we leave and next thing you know like leave and next thing you know like leave and next thing you know like somebody tell you got you be on a train you be on a train and somebody's trying to get your and somebody's trying to get your and somebody's trying to get your attention cuz you got something all in attention cuz you got something all in attention cuz you got something all in your face. the start of perception the start of perception is the beginning point of selfdeception. is the beginning point of selfdeception. is the beginning point of selfdeception. And for the sake of time, I I'm not I I And for the sake of time, I I'm not I I And for the sake of time, I I'm not I I won't go through all this stuff because won't go through all this stuff because won't go through all this stuff because we understand that Lucifer no longer saw we understand that Lucifer no longer saw we understand that Lucifer no longer saw himself as created being. He began to himself as created being. He began to himself as created being. He began to see himself as someone who deserved what see himself as someone who deserved what see himself as someone who deserved what only belonged to God. only belonged to God. only belonged to God. He says, "I will sin. I will exalt my He says, "I will sin. I will exalt my He says, "I will sin. I will exalt my throne. I will be the like the most throne. I will be the like the most throne. I will be the like the most high.

Number two, Number two, number two. number two. number two. And this is the breakdown. I know I I I And this is the breakdown. I know I I I And this is the breakdown. I know I I I I I got to work on my or organizing my I I got to work on my or organizing my I I got to work on my or organizing my outlines. outlines. outlines. >> I just threw this in. This is wasn't >> I just threw this in. This is wasn't >> I just threw this in. This is wasn't part of the message. I just threw this part of the message. I just threw this part of the message. I just threw this in because I had to realize that that we in because I had to realize that that we in because I had to realize that that we can learn something from this uh Satan's can learn something from this uh Satan's can learn something from this uh Satan's selfdeception. Number two, pride is selfdeception's Number two, pride is selfdeception's favorite language. favorite language. favorite language. Pride is selfdeception's favorite Pride is selfdeception's favorite Pride is selfdeception's favorite language. Pride it's Pride it's selfdeception's favorite language. Pride selfdeception's favorite language. Pride selfdeception's favorite language. Pride is selfdeception's favorite language. See because with the eyes I see and ears See because with the eyes I see and ears here is colored by the condition of your here is colored by the condition of your here is colored by the condition of your heart. And if your heart is prideful, heart. And if your heart is prideful, heart. And if your heart is prideful, it's going to be very difficult to see it's going to be very difficult to see it's going to be very difficult to see what God sees. And like I said before in in a song that And like I said before in in a song that that that that drove me to push and to that that that drove me to push and to that that that drove me to push and to create this sermon is because she said, create this sermon is because she said, create this sermon is because she said, "Let me see everything that you see."

"Let me see everything that you see." "Let me see everything that you see." And and and and if we're wrestling with And and and and if we're wrestling with And and and and if we're wrestling with pride, IT'S GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. pride, IT'S GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. pride, IT'S GOING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT. GOD IS LIKE SAYING, "I WANT TO SHOW YOU, GOD IS LIKE SAYING, "I WANT TO SHOW YOU, GOD IS LIKE SAYING, "I WANT TO SHOW YOU, but pride is not allowing it. but pride is not allowing it. but pride is not allowing it. I want you to experience this I want you to experience this I want you to experience this deliverance from the very thing that has deliverance from the very thing that has deliverance from the very thing that has been holding you back, THAT'S BEEN been holding you back, THAT'S BEEN been holding you back, THAT'S BEEN SABOTAGING YOUR LIFE. SABOTAGING YOUR LIFE. SABOTAGING YOUR LIFE. But pride isn't gonna allow it. Hey But pride isn't gonna allow it. Hey But pride isn't gonna allow it. Hey pastor, what do you mean by that? You pastor, what do you mean by that? You pastor, what do you mean by that? You got individuals that won't forgive got individuals that won't forgive got individuals that won't forgive because they're too prideful. And remember the principle when when And remember the principle when when change is necessary not to change become change is necessary not to change become change is necessary not to change become destructive. destructive. destructive. >> And so I added this part. I said when >> And so I added this part. I said when >> And so I added this part. I said when forgiveness is necessary not to forgive forgiveness is necessary not to forgive forgiveness is necessary not to forgive create sabotage in your life. So pride is a selfdeception's favorite So pride is a selfdeception's favorite language. Number three, Number three, selfdeception rewrites reality.

Or should I say selfdeception rewrites Or should I say selfdeception rewrites your reality. See, because before he lied to Eve, he See, because before he lied to Eve, he lied to his own to himself. Imagine lied to his own to himself. Imagine lied to his own to himself. Imagine the absurdity. the absurdity. the absurdity. The creative being genuinely believed he The creative being genuinely believed he The creative being genuinely believed he could overthrow the creator. that wasn't confidence. that wasn't confidence. That was delusion. That was delusion. That was delusion. And and the danger of selfdeception is And and the danger of selfdeception is And and the danger of selfdeception is that it feels like clarity. that it feels like clarity. that it feels like clarity. The danger of selfdeception. It feels The danger of selfdeception. It feels The danger of selfdeception. It feels like clarity. Number four. And this is where it hurts. Number four. And this is where it hurts. This is where it hurts. This is where it hurts. This is where it hurts. But I'm not pulling punches today But I'm not pulling punches today But I'm not pulling punches today because I believe that this message is because I believe that this message is because I believe that this message is not just for Pastor Jamal.

not just for Pastor Jamal. not just for Pastor Jamal. I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to be used to salvage some relationships. be used to salvage some relationships. be used to salvage some relationships. I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to be used to help push you to the point be used to help push you to the point be used to help push you to the point where you're going to receive that where you're going to receive that where you're going to receive that promotion. promotion. promotion. I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to I believe that this message is going to be used to get you to a place where you be used to get you to a place where you be used to get you to a place where you thought you weren't worthy enough to get thought you weren't worthy enough to get thought you weren't worthy enough to get there. Not feeling unworthy is a lie and there. Not feeling unworthy is a lie and there. Not feeling unworthy is a lie and it's a selfdeception. Number four, the deceiver Number four, the deceiver eventually eventually eventually I'm sorry, the deceived eventually I'm sorry, the deceived eventually I'm sorry, the deceived eventually becomes the deceiver. I'll say that again. I hope you're I'll say that again. I hope you're getting this. getting this. getting this. The deceived eventually becomes a The deceived eventually becomes a The deceived eventually becomes a deceiver. Why? Because the false deceiver. Why? Because the false deceiver. Why? Because the false individual you create, you're trying to individual you create, you're trying to individual you create, you're trying to win everybody else to believe who that win everybody else to believe who that win everybody else to believe who that is. is. is. The very thing that you're trying to The very thing that you're trying to The very thing that you're trying to create, the very individual you're create, the very individual you're create, the very individual you're trying to create becomes the person that trying to create becomes the person that trying to create becomes the person that you're trying to get everybody else to you're trying to get everybody else to you're trying to get everybody else to believe in.

believe in. believe in. You're trying to get the the buy in. And You're trying to get the the buy in. And You're trying to get the the buy in. And that's why I love my mother because my that's why I love my mother because my that's why I love my mother because my mother, she she told the truth. She mother, she she told the truth. She mother, she she told the truth. She ain't pulling no punches. She said, "No, ain't pulling no punches. She said, "No, ain't pulling no punches. She said, "No, she a straight shooter." She said, she a straight shooter." She said, she a straight shooter." She said, "Pastor," she said, "Jamal, you need to "Pastor," she said, "Jamal, you need to "Pastor," she said, "Jamal, you need to work on some things. work on some things. work on some things. what do I need to work on is he told me what do I need to work on is he told me what do I need to work on is he told me before I even started ministering she before I even started ministering she before I even started ministering she said Jamal if you don't work on some said Jamal if you don't work on some said Jamal if you don't work on some things you're going to have a problem things you're going to have a problem things you're going to have a problem there's some things you got to really there's some things you got to really there's some things you got to really work on and not everybody's going to believe the and not everybody's going to believe the lie but the fact is that the deceived lie but the fact is that the deceived lie but the fact is that the deceived individual becomes a deceiver you see so whatever masters you you see so whatever masters you ready whatever lie masters you whatever ready whatever lie masters you whatever ready whatever lie masters you whatever lie masters you. Whatever lie masters lie masters you. Whatever lie masters lie masters you. Whatever lie masters you, you, you, you ready? Whatever lie, remember the you ready? Whatever lie, remember the you ready? Whatever lie, remember the deceived eventually becomes a deceiver. deceived eventually becomes a deceiver. deceived eventually becomes a deceiver. So, whatever lie masters you eventually So, whatever lie masters you eventually So, whatever lie masters you eventually gets ministered through you. Whatever lie masters you will eventually Whatever lie masters you will eventually get ministered through you.

Turn your neighbor say neighbor neighbor Turn your neighbor say neighbor neighbor >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> turn other neighbor say another neighbor >> turn other neighbor say another neighbor >> turn other neighbor say another neighbor >> another neighbor >> another neighbor >> another neighbor >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> whatever lie >> and that's the reality that we got to >> and that's the reality that we got to >> and that's the reality that we got to face whatever lie masters you will face whatever lie masters you will face whatever lie masters you will eventually be ministered through you see people who deceive themselves often see people who deceive themselves often end up deceiving their spouses end up deceiving their spouses end up deceiving their spouses deceiving their children deceiving their deceiving their children deceiving their deceiving their children deceiving their churches deceiving their organizations churches deceiving their organizations churches deceiving their organizations deceiving their friends and not always deceiving their friends and not always deceiving their friends and not always maliciously, but because they generally believe a but because they generally believe a distorted version of reality. So So we look at we looked at Peter, we look at we looked at Peter, we look at we looked at Peter, we looked at Satan. we looked at Satan. we looked at Satan. And so as I bring this all to a close.

And so as I bring this all to a close. And so as I bring this all to a close. So now go back to your notes from last So now go back to your notes from last So now go back to your notes from last week. week. week. Go back to your notes from last week. Go back to your notes from last week. Go back to your notes from last week. All right. So that Satan part was like a All right. So that Satan part was like a All right. So that Satan part was like a sub message, a part of this whole thing. sub message, a part of this whole thing. sub message, a part of this whole thing. And just put number three And just put number three And just put number three cuz last week we went through one and cuz last week we went through one and cuz last week we went through one and two, right? Number one. >> Yep. The heart is an unreliable >> Yep. The heart is an unreliable narrator. Number two, the flesh defends narrator. Number two, the flesh defends narrator. Number two, the flesh defends the false self. the false self. the false self. And number three, truth requires a sober And number three, truth requires a sober And number three, truth requires a sober mind. Truth requires a sober mind. Truth requires a sober mind. Truth requires a sober mind more than a Truth requires a sober mind more than a Truth requires a sober mind more than a sharp mind. 1 Peter uh chapter 5 uh verse 8, he 1 Peter uh chapter 5 uh verse 8, he says, "Stay alert. Watch out. be of says, "Stay alert. Watch out. be of says, "Stay alert. Watch out. be of sober mind. See the Greek idea behind sober mind. See the Greek idea behind sober mind. See the Greek idea behind sobriety means being mentally awake, sobriety means being mentally awake, sobriety means being mentally awake, spiritually clear and emotionally spiritually clear and emotionally spiritually clear and emotionally undistorted.

undistorted. undistorted. So when the Greeks were talking about uh So when the Greeks were talking about uh So when the Greeks were talking about uh the the word sober, he said, "Okay, be the the word sober, he said, "Okay, be the the word sober, he said, "Okay, be mentally awake." And that's why CCC is pushing to deal And that's why CCC is pushing to deal with make sure that we have mental with make sure that we have mental with make sure that we have mental wellness wellness wellness because we believe that mental wellness because we believe that mental wellness because we believe that mental wellness plays a part in your overall Christian plays a part in your overall Christian plays a part in your overall Christian walk. walk. walk. If I can deal with some of your traumas, If I can deal with some of your traumas, If I can deal with some of your traumas, you'll be willing TO WALK THIS LIFE you'll be willing TO WALK THIS LIFE you'll be willing TO WALK THIS LIFE UNAPOLOGETICALLY representing Christ AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY representing Christ AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY representing Christ AND CULTURE. BUT TRAUMA SOMETIMES MIGHT CULTURE. BUT TRAUMA SOMETIMES MIGHT CULTURE. BUT TRAUMA SOMETIMES MIGHT HINDER THAT. HINDER THAT. HINDER THAT. >> So be a sober mind, mentally awake, >> So be a sober mind, mentally awake, >> So be a sober mind, mentally awake, spiritually clear. Spiritually clear is spiritually clear. Spiritually clear is spiritually clear. Spiritually clear is like no bonds that you have created like no bonds that you have created like no bonds that you have created through some sin. SPIRITUALLY CLEAR IS through some sin. SPIRITUALLY CLEAR IS through some sin. SPIRITUALLY CLEAR IS SAYING NO DISCONNECT YOURSELF WITH SAYING NO DISCONNECT YOURSELF WITH SAYING NO DISCONNECT YOURSELF WITH THINGS that's going to hinder your THINGS that's going to hinder your THINGS that's going to hinder your spiritual walk. spiritual walk. spiritual walk. >> Emotionally >> Emotionally >> Emotionally sorry emotionally undistorted. sorry emotionally undistorted. sorry emotionally undistorted. And what happens is we can get And what happens is we can get And what happens is we can get emotionally uh distorted where we we WE emotionally uh distorted where we we WE emotionally uh distorted where we we WE TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE LOVE is and try to TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE LOVE is and try to TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE LOVE is and try to find out how to love and try to deal find out how to love and try to deal find out how to love and try to deal with some certain things. I HUMANS HAVE with some certain things. I HUMANS HAVE with some certain things. I HUMANS HAVE THE HARDEST TIME WITH DEALING with THE HARDEST TIME WITH DEALING with THE HARDEST TIME WITH DEALING with emotions.

>> So number three says truth requires a >> So number three says truth requires a sober mind. See sobriety is merely isn't sober mind. See sobriety is merely isn't sober mind. See sobriety is merely isn't merely the absence of alcohol. It's the merely the absence of alcohol. It's the merely the absence of alcohol. It's the presence I mean it's the absence of presence I mean it's the absence of presence I mean it's the absence of illusion. illusion. illusion. Sobriety is not merely the absence of Sobriety is not merely the absence of Sobriety is not merely the absence of alcohol. alcohol. alcohol. is the absence of illusion. is the absence of illusion. is the absence of illusion. And I love Paul. He says in 2 And I love Paul. He says in 2 And I love Paul. He says in 2 Corinthians chapter 13:5, he says, Corinthians chapter 13:5, he says, Corinthians chapter 13:5, he says, "Examine yourselves." And and this is a "Examine yourselves." And and this is a "Examine yourselves." And and this is a harsh thing because he's not Do you know harsh thing because he's not Do you know harsh thing because he's not Do you know what he means by examining? He says, what he means by examining? He says, what he means by examining? He says, "Really look into yourselves. "Really look into yourselves. "Really look into yourselves. Really look at who we are as Really look at who we are as Really look at who we are as individuals." And and I'm telling you, individuals." And and I'm telling you, individuals." And and I'm telling you, every individual in this room, every individual in this room, every individual in this room, statistically speaking, has something statistically speaking, has something statistically speaking, has something they need to work on. >> And the problem is there's individuals >> And the problem is there's individuals in this room right now that is wrestling in this room right now that is wrestling in this room right now that is wrestling and dealing with pride and saying he's and dealing with pride and saying he's and dealing with pride and saying he's not talking to me.

There's individuals in this room that's There's individuals in this room that's that that that is listening. that that that is listening. that that that is listening. No, I should say that is hearing but is No, I should say that is hearing but is No, I should say that is hearing but is not listening. And I'm telling you, if if if this this And I'm telling you, if if if this this MESSAGE IS BEING PUSHED OUT, it's MESSAGE IS BEING PUSHED OUT, it's MESSAGE IS BEING PUSHED OUT, it's there's a reason for it. there's a reason for it. there's a reason for it. >> And remember, I said God doesn't do >> And remember, I said God doesn't do >> And remember, I said God doesn't do anything just because. >> And Paul says, he says, "Examine, look >> And Paul says, he says, "Examine, look deep, deep, deep, observe, peel back the layers, go to the observe, peel back the layers, go to the observe, peel back the layers, go to the core of the situation, go to the core of core of the situation, go to the core of core of the situation, go to the core of the issues. Really examine, observe it the issues. Really examine, observe it the issues. Really examine, observe it from every angle. look at and examine is from every angle. look at and examine is from every angle. look at and examine is you just don't take this this this cover you just don't take this this this cover you just don't take this this this cover and you look at okay this is a good and you look at okay this is a good and you look at okay this is a good cover. No, you start looking at it and cover. No, you start looking at it and cover. No, you start looking at it and say okay what are the functionalities of say okay what are the functionalities of say okay what are the functionalities of this cover? What is the cover do? What this cover? What is the cover do? What this cover? What is the cover do? What does the color match? Is it is a part of does the color match? Is it is a part of does the color match? Is it is a part of my mood? my mood? my mood? Is it a vibe? You know you start look at Is it a vibe? You know you start look at Is it a vibe? You know you start look at the features. All right. Full keypad. the features. All right. Full keypad. the features. All right. Full keypad. Got the mouse. Okay. I can charge both Got the mouse. Okay. I can charge both Got the mouse. Okay. I can charge both my iPad and the keypad from this.

my iPad and the keypad from this. my iPad and the keypad from this. Magnetic. Nice. Excellent. gorgeous, Magnetic. Nice. Excellent. gorgeous, Magnetic. Nice. Excellent. gorgeous, right? You examine it. You just don't right? You examine it. You just don't right? You examine it. You just don't pick it up off the shelf. Say, "Okay, I pick it up off the shelf. Say, "Okay, I pick it up off the shelf. Say, "Okay, I want this one." want this one." want this one." >> AND PAUL IS SAYING, "EXAMINE YOURSELF. >> AND PAUL IS SAYING, "EXAMINE YOURSELF. >> AND PAUL IS SAYING, "EXAMINE YOURSELF. GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING WHAT GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING WHAT GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING WHAT YOU'RE DOING. WHAT WHY ARE YOU DOING YOU'RE DOING. WHAT WHY ARE YOU DOING YOU'RE DOING. WHAT WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING? EXAMINE THE LITTLE WHAT YOU'RE DOING? EXAMINE THE LITTLE WHAT YOU'RE DOING? EXAMINE THE LITTLE ELEMENTS OF WHAT IT IS THAT YOU'RE DOING ELEMENTS OF WHAT IT IS THAT YOU'RE DOING ELEMENTS OF WHAT IT IS THAT YOU'RE DOING WITH WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS WITH WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS WITH WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS FEELING. WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF FEELING. WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF FEELING. WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS EMOTION? IS THIS motion THIS EMOTION? IS THIS motion THIS EMOTION? IS THIS motion helping me or hurting me?" helping me or hurting me?" helping me or hurting me?" >> This is examine yourselves. >> This is examine yourselves. >> This is examine yourselves. And often it's this and because it takes And often it's this and because it takes And often it's this and because it takes work, work, work, we push it off to the side. See, Christians life requires constant See, Christians life requires constant and continual self- audit. You know, Stoics practice this nightly. You know, Stoics practice this nightly. You know, it says they examine every You know, it says they examine every You know, it says they examine every evening. They asked evening. They asked evening. They asked the Stoics. Now, I go through this the Stoics. Now, I go through this the Stoics. Now, I go through this sometimes. I don't do it every evening sometimes. I don't do it every evening sometimes. I don't do it every evening because my kids already told me.

because my kids already told me. because my kids already told me. Thank you. Somebody got it. They asked, "Where did I fail?" They asked, "Where did I fail?" And it's okay to ask that question. And it's okay to ask that question. And it's okay to ask that question. Failure is a part of life. Turn to your Failure is a part of life. Turn to your Failure is a part of life. Turn to your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, neighbor, neighbor, say, "Neighbor, neighbor, neighbor, say, "Neighbor, neighbor, >> failure is a part of life." >> Where the emotionals >> Where the emotionals rule me? Where did emotion rule me? rule me? Where did emotion rule me? rule me? Where did emotion rule me? Where did emotion rule me? They examine. Where did emotion rule me? They examine. Where did emotion rule me? They examine. They ask that question. Where did it They ask that question. Where did it They ask that question. Where did it rule me? They asked the question, where was I They asked the question, where was I dishonest? dishonest? dishonest? They go through the process. They go through the process. They go through the process. Where can I do better? They they ask Where can I do better? They they ask Where can I do better? They they ask that question. And I'm always asking that question. And I'm always asking that question. And I'm always asking that question. I ask my kids now, what? that question. I ask my kids now, what? that question. I ask my kids now, what? Give me one thing daddy can do better Give me one thing daddy can do better Give me one thing daddy can do better for this week to work on. for this week to work on. for this week to work on. I don't want to ask my wife yet. See, my kids, you know, they they being See, my kids, you know, they they being a little nicer.

a little nicer. a little nicer. Where can I do better? Where can I do better? Where can I do better? See, scriptures doesn't reject See, scriptures doesn't reject See, scriptures doesn't reject examination. It deepens it. examination. It deepens it. examination. It deepens it. Because here, here it is. Authentic Because here, here it is. Authentic Because here, here it is. Authentic believers examine themselves before God. You see, because growth begins You see, because growth begins when awareness becomes stronger than when awareness becomes stronger than when awareness becomes stronger than defensiveness. defensiveness. defensiveness. Healing begins where honesty begins. >> You talk to psychiatrist. I I talked to >> You talk to psychiatrist. I I talked to psychiatrist. I said, "What's the psychiatrist. I said, "What's the psychiatrist. I said, "What's the biggest struggle you have when you deal biggest struggle you have when you deal biggest struggle you have when you deal with with uh marriage counseling? with with uh marriage counseling? with with uh marriage counseling? >> You want me to go back?" >> You want me to go back?" >> You want me to go back?" Oh, I'm not controlling that. And I I asked him, I said, "What's what And I I asked him, I said, "What's what what is the biggest obstacle you go what is the biggest obstacle you go what is the biggest obstacle you go through when trying to help married through when trying to help married through when trying to help married couples?" couples?" couples?" He said, "We can't go on the road of He said, "We can't go on the road of He said, "We can't go on the road of healing until we get off the road of healing until we get off the road of healing until we get off the road of defensiveness."

>> He said, "We want to go on the road. >> He said, "We want to go on the road. Let's let's switch switch roads. Let's Let's let's switch switch roads. Let's Let's let's switch switch roads. Let's get on the road of healing. until you get on the road of healing. until you get on the road of healing. until you get off the road of being so defensive get off the road of being so defensive get off the road of being so defensive >> to justify why you did what you did and >> to justify why you did what you did and >> to justify why you did what you did and why you know this [laughter] is because why you know this [laughter] is because why you know this [laughter] is because of this and this because of this and of this and this because of this and of this and this because of this and second no let's get on the road of second no let's get on the road of second no let's get on the road of growth WE'RE GOING TO DEAL WITH some of growth WE'RE GOING TO DEAL WITH some of growth WE'RE GOING TO DEAL WITH some of the things but let's get on the road of the things but let's get on the road of the things but let's get on the road of growth because the road of growth is not growth because the road of growth is not growth because the road of growth is not about defending >> and so when WE WANT TO GROW as >> and so when WE WANT TO GROW as individuals YOU CAN'T BE LIKE UH ADAM in individuals YOU CAN'T BE LIKE UH ADAM in individuals YOU CAN'T BE LIKE UH ADAM in the garden said Lord it's the woman you the garden said Lord it's the woman you the garden said Lord it's the woman you gave me Cuz all maturation starts with acceptance of all maturation starts with acceptance of responsibility. All All >> right. Number four, cuz we got four >> right. Number four, cuz we got four >> right. Number four, cuz we got four minutes. And this is what I love about the God we And this is what I love about the God we serve. serve. serve. Grace is strong enough to survive the Grace is strong enough to survive the Grace is strong enough to survive the truth.

truth. truth. And what do I mean by that? I'm going to And what do I mean by that? I'm going to And what do I mean by that? I'm going to go through it because most people fear go through it because most people fear go through it because most people fear self-examination because they assume self-examination because they assume self-examination because they assume that the truth would destroy them. And like I said, I went through my And like I said, I went through my process. Oh, we got to go back. I'm process. Oh, we got to go back. I'm process. Oh, we got to go back. I'm going too fast. >> Number four, grace is strong enough to >> Number four, grace is strong enough to survive the truth. survive the truth. survive the truth. >> Grace is strong enough to survive the >> Grace is strong enough to survive the >> Grace is strong enough to survive the truth. And like I told you, when I was truth. And like I told you, when I was truth. And like I told you, when I was going through I was going through. I going through I was going through. I going through I was going through. I said, "Lord, please, please be gentle, said, "Lord, please, please be gentle, said, "Lord, please, please be gentle, Lord." Because I know there's some Lord." Because I know there's some Lord." Because I know there's some things that is that I have to deal with things that is that I have to deal with things that is that I have to deal with that I don't want to hear that I don't want to hear that I don't want to hear because we create this reality in our because we create this reality in our because we create this reality in our lives that we believe we're at a place lives that we believe we're at a place lives that we believe we're at a place where we really aren't. where we really aren't. where we really aren't. >> And I love it because God wants to get >> And I love it because God wants to get >> And I love it because God wants to get US THERE. HE'S EXCITED ABOUT THE FACT US THERE. HE'S EXCITED ABOUT THE FACT US THERE. HE'S EXCITED ABOUT THE FACT THAT WE'RE DREAMING at that place. He THAT WE'RE DREAMING at that place. He THAT WE'RE DREAMING at that place. He said, "But you're really not there yet." And so, so, so most individuals, most And so, so, so most individuals, most people fear self-examination because people fear self-examination because people fear self-examination because they assume the truth will destroy them.

And I'm here to tell you that no, And I'm here to tell you that no, because it's this thing called grace because it's this thing called grace because it's this thing called grace that's accompanying truth. >> There's this thing called grace. And he >> There's this thing called grace. And he said, "Look, we going to go through some said, "Look, we going to go through some said, "Look, we going to go through some some some stuff, Jamal. We're going to some some stuff, Jamal. We're going to some some stuff, Jamal. We're going to examine some things, but but don't examine some things, but but don't examine some things, but but don't worry. You're not alone in this. and worry. You're not alone in this. and worry. You're not alone in this. and you're we're going to walk through this you're we're going to walk through this you're we're going to walk through this process together cuz I love you. process together cuz I love you. process together cuz I love you. >> And I'm going through this process not >> And I'm going through this process not >> And I'm going through this process not because I want to dog you out. I want to because I want to dog you out. I want to because I want to dog you out. I want to beat you down, but I want to build you beat you down, but I want to build you beat you down, but I want to build you up. >> See, because love is at the core of the >> See, because love is at the core of the FRAMEWORK ON HOW GOD OPERATES. AND IF FRAMEWORK ON HOW GOD OPERATES. AND IF FRAMEWORK ON HOW GOD OPERATES. AND IF LOVE IS AT the core, HE UNDERSTANDS THAT LOVE IS AT the core, HE UNDERSTANDS THAT LOVE IS AT the core, HE UNDERSTANDS THAT HE WANTS TO BENEFIT us as the HE WANTS TO BENEFIT us as the HE WANTS TO BENEFIT us as the individuals. individuals. individuals. Because the goal IS TO TO REMEMBER HERE Because the goal IS TO TO REMEMBER HERE Because the goal IS TO TO REMEMBER HERE AT CC, we want to represent Christ and AT CC, we want to represent Christ and AT CC, we want to represent Christ and culture unapologetically. culture unapologetically. culture unapologetically. We don't want anything to hinder or We don't want anything to hinder or We don't want anything to hinder or restrict our ability to do this. And so restrict our ability to do this. And so restrict our ability to do this. And so GOD IS SAYING, "LET'S GO THROUGH THE GOD IS SAYING, "LET'S GO THROUGH THE GOD IS SAYING, "LET'S GO THROUGH THE PROCESS. I'M I'MMA love you through this PROCESS. I'M I'MMA love you through this PROCESS. I'M I'MMA love you through this process. This this there's this grace process. This this there's this grace process. This this there's this grace and mercy that's going to flow, BUT IT'S and mercy that's going to flow, BUT IT'S and mercy that's going to flow, BUT IT'S GOING TO HURT, but it won't destroy GOING TO HURT, but it won't destroy GOING TO HURT, but it won't destroy you."

you." you." >> And often we get frustrated or we get >> And often we get frustrated or we get >> And often we get frustrated or we get scared because we don't want to be scared because we don't want to be scared because we don't want to be destroyed by the truth. But truth is not destroyed by the truth. But truth is not destroyed by the truth. But truth is not designed to destroy you but to hold you designed to destroy you but to hold you designed to destroy you but to hold you accountable. >> That's why I love it. And you start >> That's why I love it. And you start understanding the whole relationship understanding the whole relationship understanding the whole relationship with Jesus and and us. He says, "I am with Jesus and and us. He says, "I am with Jesus and and us. He says, "I am the truth." the truth." the truth." So we need to have a great relationship So we need to have a great relationship So we need to have a great relationship with the truth with the truth with the truth >> and stop running from it. >> and stop running from it. >> and stop running from it. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> See, the gospel says the opposite. It >> See, the gospel says the opposite. It >> See, the gospel says the opposite. It says truth doesn't destroy you. Truth says truth doesn't destroy you. Truth says truth doesn't destroy you. Truth actually introduces you to grace. actually introduces you to grace. actually introduces you to grace. See, Peter's story proves this. Jesus See, Peter's story proves this. Jesus See, Peter's story proves this. Jesus never asked them. What were you thinking? What were you thinking? Jesus never shamed them. Jesus never shamed them. Jesus never shamed them. Jesus didn't call them names like, "You Jesus didn't call them names like, "You Jesus didn't call them names like, "You idiot. You jerk." He didn't say, "See, I idiot. You jerk." He didn't say, "See, I idiot. You jerk." He didn't say, "See, I knew it. I told you so." knew it. I told you so." knew it. I told you so." Jesus didn't didn't try to expose Peter Jesus didn't didn't try to expose Peter Jesus didn't didn't try to expose Peter and put him out there and say, "Look, and put him out there and say, "Look, and put him out there and say, "Look, this is the man who denied me."

this is the man who denied me." this is the man who denied me." Jesus never asked Peter why did he fail Jesus never asked Peter why did he fail Jesus never asked Peter why did he fail him. him. him. Jesus asked one simple question three Jesus asked one simple question three Jesus asked one simple question three times times times is do you love me? And this is why it has to be grace and And this is why it has to be grace and truth because it is grace that rebuilds truth because it is grace that rebuilds truth because it is grace that rebuilds what truth uncovers. It is grace that rebuilds what truth It is grace that rebuilds what truth uncovers. uncovers. uncovers. And so when Jesus came and sat with him, And so when Jesus came and sat with him, And so when Jesus came and sat with him, that was grace happening. Jesus is that was grace happening. Jesus is that was grace happening. Jesus is looking at him, not destroying him, not looking at him, not destroying him, not looking at him, not destroying him, not tearing him down, not badgering him, but tearing him down, not badgering him, but tearing him down, not badgering him, but he looked at him and he this was GRACE he looked at him and he this was GRACE he looked at him and he this was GRACE BEING EX EXPRESSED in such a tangible BEING EX EXPRESSED in such a tangible BEING EX EXPRESSED in such a tangible way. Jesus and Peter sitting there and way. Jesus and Peter sitting there and way. Jesus and Peter sitting there and often as Jesus and you sitting there and often as Jesus and you sitting there and often as Jesus and you sitting there and HE JUST WANTS TO KNOW, do you love me? HE JUST WANTS TO KNOW, do you love me? HE JUST WANTS TO KNOW, do you love me? Because if you love Jesus, then you'll Because if you love Jesus, then you'll Because if you love Jesus, then you'll make yourself make yourself make yourself transparent and vulnerable for him to do transparent and vulnerable for him to do transparent and vulnerable for him to do the work in your life.

So, we're at the fire pit [applause] So, we're at the fire pit [applause] with the fish, with the fish, with the fish, AND RIGHT NOW it's me and Jesus sitting AND RIGHT NOW it's me and Jesus sitting AND RIGHT NOW it's me and Jesus sitting there there there and I'm looking at this this this this and I'm looking at this this this this and I'm looking at this this this this this madeup image of Jesus in Jamal's this madeup image of Jesus in Jamal's this madeup image of Jesus in Jamal's head. head. head. You want to see the image? You want to see the image? You want to see the image? We don't have time. We don't have time. We don't have time. And Jesus has asked me, "Do you love me? And it hurts sometimes to answer that And it hurts sometimes to answer that because of the things we have done in because of the things we have done in because of the things we have done in our life our life our life that our lips will say one thing but our that our lips will say one thing but our that our lips will say one thing but our actions aren't matching it. And Jesus is actions aren't matching it. And Jesus is actions aren't matching it. And Jesus is like, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR PAST. I like, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR PAST. I like, I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR PAST. I don't care about what you're going don't care about what you're going don't care about what you're going through. Do you love me? Do you love me? And that's where some of y'all are And that's where some of y'all are And that's where some of y'all are today. today. today. At a place that Jesus is just wants to know, do you that Jesus is just wants to know, do you love me? Cuz if you do, love me? Cuz if you do, love me? Cuz if you do, then we can move on from here.

And we saw grace tangibly rebuilding And we saw grace tangibly rebuilding what truth was uncovering. See conviction says See conviction says this must change. this must change. this must change. It is condemnation that says you cannot It is condemnation that says you cannot It is condemnation that says you cannot change. change. change. Only grace can tell you the truth Only grace can tell you the truth Only grace can tell you the truth without destroying your hope. Only grace can tell you the truth Only grace can tell you the truth without destroying your hope. So let me without destroying your hope. So let me without destroying your hope. So let me synthesize this. It is the gospel that uniquely uh that It is the gospel that uniquely uh that resolves resolves resolves selfdeception. Religion oft also says pretend you're Religion oft also says pretend you're better. Culture says accept yourself. better. Culture says accept yourself. better. Culture says accept yourself. But the gospel says face yourself But the gospel says face yourself But the gospel says face yourself honestly then receive God's honestly then receive God's honestly then receive God's transformative grace. transformative grace. transformative grace. See justification removes condemnation. See justification removes condemnation. See justification removes condemnation. Sanctification uh removes delusion. Sanctification uh removes delusion. Sanctification uh removes delusion. Glorification removes the capacity for Glorification removes the capacity for Glorification removes the capacity for selfdeception altogether.

So imagine now you standing in front of So imagine now you standing in front of the mirror the mirror the mirror covered in dirt. covered in dirt. covered in dirt. But you don't wash the mirror, But you don't wash the mirror, But you don't wash the mirror, you wash your face. you wash your face. you wash your face. Cuz that's what often we do. We think Cuz that's what often we do. We think Cuz that's what often we do. We think there's something wrong with the mirror. there's something wrong with the mirror. there's something wrong with the mirror. See, the mirror didn't create the See, the mirror didn't create the See, the mirror didn't create the problem. It revealed it. problem. It revealed it. problem. It revealed it. The word of God's function The word of God's function The word of God's function very similar to the mirror. James says very similar to the mirror. James says very similar to the mirror. James says the foolish person walks away and the foolish person walks away and the foolish person walks away and immediately forgets immediately forgets immediately forgets not because he didn't look but because not because he didn't look but because not because he didn't look but because he refused he refused he refused to remain. See transformation is not to remain. See transformation is not to remain. See transformation is not produced produced produced by occasional reflection. by occasional reflection. by occasional reflection. It is produced by sustained It is produced by sustained It is produced by sustained confrontation with truth. Confirmation is not I mean Confirmation is not I mean transformation is not produced by transformation is not produced by transformation is not produced by occasional reflection. occasional reflection. occasional reflection. It is produced by sustained It is produced by sustained It is produced by sustained confrontation with truth.

And as I close And as I close somebody once said this he said that he somebody once said this he said that he somebody once said this he said that he said I don't remember who said this so I said I don't remember who said this so I said I don't remember who said this so I can't give you credit. So if you if I can't give you credit. So if you if I can't give you credit. So if you if I said that if you said it then I'm giving said that if you said it then I'm giving said that if you said it then I'm giving you a shout out. you a shout out. you a shout out. One of the greatest acts of spiritual One of the greatest acts of spiritual One of the greatest acts of spiritual maturity is praying a dangerous prayer. maturity is praying a dangerous prayer. maturity is praying a dangerous prayer. He said, "Praying a prayer like David He said, "Praying a prayer like David He said, "Praying a prayer like David did in Psalms 139:23." He says, "Search did in Psalms 139:23." He says, "Search did in Psalms 139:23." He says, "Search me, oh Lord. me, oh Lord. me, oh Lord. >> Search me, oh God." That's a dangerous >> Search me, oh God." That's a dangerous >> Search me, oh God." That's a dangerous prayer, prayer, prayer, >> but it is a freeing prayer. BECAUSE THE SEARCHING IS NOT JUST A BECAUSE THE SEARCHING IS NOT JUST A SEARCHING BUT IT'S A PROCESS OF BRINGING SEARCHING BUT IT'S A PROCESS OF BRINGING SEARCHING BUT IT'S A PROCESS OF BRINGING YOU TO becoming a better person, a YOU TO becoming a better person, a YOU TO becoming a better person, a better husband, a better wife, a better better husband, a better wife, a better better husband, a better wife, a better father, a better mother, A BETTER father, a better mother, A BETTER father, a better mother, A BETTER SISTER, A BETTER BROTHER. IT'S ABOUT SISTER, A BETTER BROTHER. IT'S ABOUT SISTER, A BETTER BROTHER. IT'S ABOUT THAT PROCESS. THAT PROCESS. THAT PROCESS. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> So David SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD." >> So David SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD." >> So David SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD." BECAUSE DAVID WAS DOING SOME STUFF. BECAUSE DAVID WAS DOING SOME STUFF. BECAUSE DAVID WAS DOING SOME STUFF. >> If you read the story about David, you >> If you read the story about David, you >> If you read the story about David, you know David. know David. know David. And by by by by by by the the the theund And by by by by by by the the the theund And by by by by by by the the the theund 139th psalm, it was a whole lot of life 139th psalm, it was a whole lot of life 139th psalm, it was a whole lot of life that David lived that he needed to ask that David lived that he needed to ask that David lived that he needed to ask this question.

this question. this question. SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD. KNOW MY SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD. KNOW MY SAYS, "SEARCH ME, OH LORD. KNOW MY HEART. HEART. HEART. >> Let test me and know my anxious >> Let test me and know my anxious >> Let test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that thoughts. Point out anything in me that thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, >> LORD. POINT THEM OUT." >> LORD. POINT THEM OUT." And it hurts sometimes And it hurts sometimes And it hurts sometimes because JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU DEALT because JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU DEALT because JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU DEALT WITH THAT SITUATION, YOU THOUGHT WHEN WITH THAT SITUATION, YOU THOUGHT WHEN WITH THAT SITUATION, YOU THOUGHT WHEN YOU DEALT with that person, YOU DEALT with that person, YOU DEALT with that person, it rears his head. it rears his head. it rears his head. So point out anything in me that offends So point out anything in me that offends So point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of you and lead me along the path of you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. He says, "Search me, everlasting life. He says, "Search me, everlasting life. He says, "Search me, oh God." oh God." oh God." See, this is prayer of a sober heart, See, this is prayer of a sober heart, See, this is prayer of a sober heart, not show me what's wrong with everyone not show me what's wrong with everyone not show me what's wrong with everyone else, Lord. else, Lord. else, Lord. And on point, we know we all know some And on point, we know we all know some And on point, we know we all know some people like that. >> But really saying, >> But really saying, Lord, don't let me become a stranger to Lord, don't let me become a stranger to Lord, don't let me become a stranger to myself.

myself. myself. >> Don't let me become a stranger to >> Don't let me become a stranger to >> Don't let me become a stranger to myself. Cuz the greatest threat to your myself. Cuz the greatest threat to your myself. Cuz the greatest threat to your calling is not always the enemy outside. calling is not always the enemy outside. calling is not always the enemy outside. It's sometimes the illusion inside you. It's sometimes the illusion inside you. It's sometimes the illusion inside you. And And And >> so and and the miracle of the gospel is >> so and and the miracle of the gospel is >> so and and the miracle of the gospel is this. God loves you enough to tell you this. God loves you enough to tell you this. God loves you enough to tell you the truth about yourself. >> But he loves you enough to not leave you >> But he loves you enough to not leave you there. >> I say it again. God loves you just >> I say it again. God loves you just enough >> to tell you the truth, but he loves you >> to tell you the truth, but he loves you even more to not leave you there. >> So if I can summarize these past two >> So if I can summarize these past two Sundays, Sundays, Sundays, the heart is an unreliable narrator. the heart is an unreliable narrator. the heart is an unreliable narrator. Sin distorts not only our behavior but Sin distorts not only our behavior but Sin distorts not only our behavior but also our perception of ourselves. also our perception of ourselves. also our perception of ourselves. The flesh defends The flesh defends The flesh defends the false self.

the false self. the false self. Pride and the ego is instinctively Pride and the ego is instinctively Pride and the ego is instinctively protect the image we have constructed protect the image we have constructed protect the image we have constructed rather than the person God is rather than the person God is rather than the person God is transforming. transforming. transforming. Number three, truth requires a sober Number three, truth requires a sober Number three, truth requires a sober mind. Spiritual maturity begins with mind. Spiritual maturity begins with mind. Spiritual maturity begins with honest self-examination under the light honest self-examination under the light honest self-examination under the light of God's word. of God's word. of God's word. And number four, grace is strong enough And number four, grace is strong enough And number four, grace is strong enough to survive the truth. See, Christ to survive the truth. See, Christ to survive the truth. See, Christ exposes our illusions not to condemn us exposes our illusions not to condemn us exposes our illusions not to condemn us but to free us and conform us to his but to free us and conform us to his but to free us and conform us to his image. image. image. >> So you go from deception, exposure, >> So you go from deception, exposure, >> So you go from deception, exposure, examination and then transformation. examination and then transformation. examination and then transformation. I pray that this message I pray that this message I pray that this message is not a message that you take lightly is not a message that you take lightly is not a message that you take lightly but understand the depth in which I'm but understand the depth in which I'm but understand the depth in which I'm sharing it. God bless and thank you so sharing it. God bless and thank you so sharing it. God bless and thank you so much. [applause] Amen. Amen. Amen. Was today not a good Amen. Amen. Amen. Was today not a good Sunday?

Sunday? Sunday? If we could stand to our feet, If we could stand to our feet, If we could stand to our feet, can we give it up for our very own can we give it up for our very own can we give it up for our very own Pastor Jamal Bernard, our senior pastor, Pastor Jamal Bernard, our senior pastor, Pastor Jamal Bernard, our senior pastor, for an awesome word. for an awesome word. for an awesome word. Sometimes awesome words Sometimes awesome words Sometimes awesome words [music] kind of almost leave us real [music] kind of almost leave us real [music] kind of almost leave us real reflective. reflective. reflective. So like Pastor Jamal said, like the word So like Pastor Jamal said, like the word So like Pastor Jamal said, like the word said, I would like for us in this moment said, I would like for us in this moment said, I would like for us in this moment to just begin to search our heart. Ask to just begin to search our heart. Ask to just begin to search our heart. Ask God like search my heart. I'm going to God like search my heart. I'm going to God like search my heart. I'm going to make it personal. Father, search my make it personal. Father, search my make it personal. Father, search my heart. heart. heart. Let's see if there's anything in us Let's see if there's anything in us Let's see if there's anything in us that offends him. and then asking him to that offends him. and then asking him to that offends him. and then asking him to lead us along the paths of lead us along the paths of lead us along the paths of righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. See, I be I believe that somebody See, I be I believe that somebody See, I be I believe that somebody probably came in here with eyes that probably came in here with eyes that probably came in here with eyes that could not see, ears but could not hear. could not see, ears but could not hear. could not see, ears but could not hear. But the good thing about church is that But the good thing about church is that But the good thing about church is that the beginning of service something was the beginning of service something was the beginning of service something was said and it was said very simple that said and it was said very simple that said and it was said very simple that something is about to break.

something is about to break. something is about to break. >> So I want to leave room for the things >> So I want to leave room for the things >> So I want to leave room for the things to break. to break. to break. I want to leave room for the way that we I want to leave room for the way that we I want to leave room for the way that we think about ourselves to just think about ourselves to just think about ourselves to just continuously break [music] down right continuously break [music] down right continuously break [music] down right now in this service today. I want to now in this service today. I want to now in this service today. I want to leave room for those of us who didn't leave room for those of us who didn't leave room for those of us who didn't who thought that we could do things on who thought that we could do things on who thought that we could do things on our own. I want that idea to break our own. I want that idea to break our own. I want that idea to break apart. [music] apart. [music] apart. [music] And so if you are in here today and you And so if you are in here today and you And so if you are in here today and you searched your heart and somehow searched your heart and somehow searched your heart and somehow something in this service spoke to you something in this service spoke to you something in this service spoke to you and you said, you know what, I want to and you said, you know what, I want to and you said, you know what, I want to have a relationship with that truth. I have a relationship with that truth. I have a relationship with that truth. I want to have a relationship with the want to have a relationship with the want to have a relationship with the grace of God. I'm going to ask you to grace of God. I'm going to ask you to grace of God. I'm going to ask you to raise your hand in this moment. raise your hand in this moment. raise your hand in this moment. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We thank you for these hands. We thank We thank you for these hands. We thank We thank you for these hands. We thank you for that hand. you for that hand. you for that hand. I'm going to ask you to place that hand I'm going to ask you to place that hand I'm going to ask you to place that hand upon your heart. And if you are watching upon your heart. And if you are watching upon your heart. And if you are watching us online, I'm going to ask you to place us online, I'm going to ask you to place us online, I'm going to ask you to place your hand upon your heart your hand upon your heart your hand upon your heart and repeat after me and say, "Father and repeat after me and say, "Father and repeat after me and say, "Father God, God, God, >> Father God, >> Father God, >> Father God, >> thank you >> thank you >> thank you >> for sending your son >> for sending your son >> for sending your son >> for send >> for send >> for send >> to die for me.

>> to die for me. >> to die for me. >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> that your son >> that your son >> that your son >> that your son >> that your son >> that your son >> was was risen >> was was risen >> was was risen >> was risen >> was risen >> was risen >> from the dead >> from the dead >> from the dead >> of the dead >> of the dead >> of the dead >> and is seated >> and is seated >> and is seated >> on the right hand >> on the right hand >> on the right hand >> of the father of the father >> of the father of the father >> of the father of the father >> and is interceding >> and is interceding >> and is interceding for me. for me. for me. >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> that Jesus Christ [music] >> that Jesus Christ [music] >> that Jesus Christ [music] >> is Lord Lord >> is Lord Lord >> is Lord Lord >> over my life >> over my life >> over my life >> over my life. >> over my life. >> over my life. >> And I admit >> And I admit >> And I admit >> I admit >> I admit >> I admit >> that I am a sinner >> that I am a sinner >> that I am a sinner >> in need of a savior. >> in need of a savior. >> in need of a savior. >> need of a savior. >> need of a savior. >> need of a savior. >> So father >> So father >> So father >> father >> father >> father >> teach me teach me >> teach me teach me >> teach me teach me >> how to live life >> how to live life >> how to live life >> how to live life >> how to live life >> how to live life >> from [music] your point of view >> from [music] your point of view >> from [music] your point of view >> from your point of view. >> from your point of view. >> from your point of view. >> I submit >> I submit >> I submit >> I submit >> I submit >> I submit >> and I surrender. my spirit. >> and I surrender. my spirit. >> and I surrender. my spirit. >> And I [music] thank you >> And I [music] thank you >> And I [music] thank you >> I thank you >> I thank you >> I thank you >> for the presence >> for the presence >> for the presence >> for the presence >> for the presence >> for the presence >> of your spirit >> of your spirit >> of your spirit >> for your spirit >> for your spirit >> for your spirit >> on the inside of me >> on the inside of me >> on the inside of me >> the inside of me >> the inside of me >> the inside of me >> so much so >> so much so >> so much so >> so much so >> so much so >> so much so >> that when people see me >> that when people see me >> that when people see me >> see you >> see you >> see you >> they would ultimately see you. >> they would ultimately see you. >> they would ultimately see you. >> Can we give a hand for those who have >> Can we give a hand for those who have >> Can we give a hand for those who have prayed that for the very first time?

prayed that for the very first time? prayed that for the very first time? [applause] [applause] [applause] And if it's okay, can I pray for for can And if it's okay, can I pray for for can And if it's okay, can I pray for for can I pray for everyone on our exit? [music] I pray for everyone on our exit? [music] I pray for everyone on our exit? [music] Cool. I love to pray. Father God, we Cool. I love to pray. Father God, we Cool. I love to pray. Father God, we thank you. We love you. We honor you. We thank you. We love you. We honor you. We thank you. We love you. We honor you. We thank you for this day. We thank you, thank you for this day. We thank you, thank you for this day. We thank you, Lord God, for this house of worship, Lord God, for this house of worship, Lord God, for this house of worship, this house of prayer. We thank you for this house of prayer. We thank you for this house of prayer. We thank you for the ministry and the gifts of the people the ministry and the gifts of the people the ministry and the gifts of the people who came here and sang to us, Lord God, who came here and sang to us, Lord God, who came here and sang to us, Lord God, and led us into praise and worship. We and led us into praise and worship. We and led us into praise and worship. We thank you, Lord God, for songs that were thank you, Lord God, for songs that were thank you, Lord God, for songs that were writing just the emotions and the words writing just the emotions and the words writing just the emotions and the words of our heart that allowed us to of our heart that allowed us to of our heart that allowed us to surrender to you today. We thank you, surrender to you today. We thank you, surrender to you today. We thank you, Lord God, for moments and times that we Lord God, for moments and times that we Lord God, for moments and times that we were encouraged. Moments that we were were encouraged. Moments that we were were encouraged. Moments that we were reminded of your goodness, your grace, reminded of your goodness, your grace, reminded of your goodness, your grace, and your mercy. We thank you, Lord God, and your mercy. We thank you, Lord God, and your mercy. We thank you, Lord God, for showing us and showing up. And we for showing us and showing up. And we for showing us and showing up. And we thank you for those that will walk out thank you for those that will walk out thank you for those that will walk out of here better than the way that they of here better than the way that they of here better than the way that they walked in. We thank you, Father, for walked in. We thank you, Father, for walked in. We thank you, Father, for communities that would be transformed communities that would be transformed communities that would be transformed because of what you did here today. We because of what you did here today. We because of what you did here today. We thank you, Lord God, for lives that thank you, Lord God, for lives that thank you, Lord God, for lives that would be saved, lives that, Lord God, would be saved, lives that, Lord God, would be saved, lives that, Lord God, would be changed because of the message would be changed because of the message would be changed because of the message that take place here today. So, we thank that take place here today. So, we thank that take place here today. So, we thank you for our very own Pastor Jamal. We you for our very own Pastor Jamal. We you for our very own Pastor Jamal. We thank you that you will continue to just thank you that you will continue to just thank you that you will continue to just bless him from the top of his head to bless him from the top of his head to bless him from the top of his head to the soles of his feet inside and out.

the soles of his feet inside and out. the soles of his feet inside and out. Father, we thank you even right now for Father, we thank you even right now for Father, we thank you even right now for the week ahead. We thank you, Father the week ahead. We thank you, Father the week ahead. We thank you, Father God, that we can use it maybe as a mark God, that we can use it maybe as a mark God, that we can use it maybe as a mark in time to say, "Wow, you showed up." in time to say, "Wow, you showed up." in time to say, "Wow, you showed up." Remind us even today. Remind us as we go Remind us even today. Remind us as we go Remind us even today. Remind us as we go forth through this week, Lord, that you forth through this week, Lord, that you forth through this week, Lord, that you are our shepherd and because we have are our shepherd and because we have are our shepherd and because we have you, we have all that we need. Remind us you, we have all that we need. Remind us you, we have all that we need. Remind us that you are the alpha, the omega, the that you are the alpha, the omega, the that you are the alpha, the omega, the beginning, and the end. that you are beginning, and the end. that you are beginning, and the end. that you are what was, what is, and what is yet to what was, what is, and what is yet to what was, what is, and what is yet to come. Remind us that you are a healer, come. Remind us that you are a healer, come. Remind us that you are a healer, Lord God, even we sit in disease. Remind Lord God, even we sit in disease. Remind Lord God, even we sit in disease. Remind us that you are a provider even if we us that you are a provider even if we us that you are a provider even if we are someone who is sitting in lack. are someone who is sitting in lack. are someone who is sitting in lack. Remind us that you are our peace, even Remind us that you are our peace, even Remind us that you are our peace, even for someone who is living a life that is for someone who is living a life that is for someone who is living a life that is in chaos. Father, I'm praying for in chaos. Father, I'm praying for in chaos. Father, I'm praying for relationships, Lord God, in this house relationships, Lord God, in this house relationships, Lord God, in this house that will come along to become assets that will come along to become assets that will come along to become assets and not liabilities. They will come to and not liabilities. They will come to and not liabilities. They will come to add value and to not take away. I thank add value and to not take away. I thank add value and to not take away. I thank you right now for those of us that may you right now for those of us that may you right now for those of us that may feel lonely that they would be reminded feel lonely that they would be reminded feel lonely that they would be reminded that they're never forsaken or that they're never forsaken or that they're never forsaken or forgotten. So, Father, thank you for the forgotten. So, Father, thank you for the forgotten. So, Father, thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit that comes presence of your Holy Spirit that comes presence of your Holy Spirit that comes alongside of us, never leaving us, Lord alongside of us, never leaving us, Lord alongside of us, never leaving us, Lord God. Father, we thank you right now for God. Father, we thank you right now for God. Father, we thank you right now for traveling mercies to and from each and traveling mercies to and from each and traveling mercies to and from each and every destination. [music] every destination. [music] every destination. [music] And while we are at each and every And while we are at each and every And while we are at each and every destination, we thank you that our homes destination, we thank you that our homes destination, we thank you that our homes are in a better condition, Lord [music] are in a better condition, Lord [music] are in a better condition, Lord [music] God, than the way that we left it.

God, than the way that we left it. God, than the way that we left it. We love you. We honor you. And we say We love you. We honor you. And we say We love you. We honor you. And we say this all in Jesus [music] name. this all in Jesus [music] name. this all in Jesus [music] name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Happy Sunday, families. And so whenever Happy Sunday, families. And so whenever Happy Sunday, families. And so whenever we leave this place, but never God's we leave this place, but never God's we leave this place, but never God's presence, Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence, Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence, Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it, we proclaim it, and we're believe it, we proclaim it, and we're believe it, we proclaim it, and we're seeing it [music] come to pass. Amen. seeing it [music] come to pass. Amen. seeing it [music] come to pass. Amen. >> 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 the can fulfill our mission in spreading the can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. [music] [music] [music] >> 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 [music] to know when we post a new first [music] to know when we post a new first [music] to know when we post a new one. one. one. >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a >> Our praise and worship team brings us a powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship powerful and dynamic live worship [music] experience every Sunday. And [music] experience every Sunday. And [music] experience every Sunday. And trust me and Cameron when I say you do trust me and Cameron when I say you do trust me and Cameron when I say you do not want to miss it. Streaming [music] not want to miss it. Streaming [music] not want to miss it. Streaming [music] times are in the description box below.

times are in the description box below. times are in the description box below. And if you are looking for any other And if you are looking for any other And if you are looking for any other information about what's happening here information about what's happening here information about what's happening here at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org. at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org. at CCC, visit www.ccinfo.org. >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for >> We hope to see you next Sunday. But for now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in now, continue to have a blessed week in the Lord.