The Mystery of The Trinity | A.R. Bernard

the process of God's revelation and the process of God's revelation and certain foundational things that are certain foundational things that are certain foundational things that are important to when God important to when God important to when God shares information with us. shares information with us. shares information with us. I want to pick up on that idea, I want to pick up on that idea, I want to pick up on that idea, but I want to look at it in the text but I want to look at it in the text but I want to look at it in the text which is the first which is the first which is the first miracle that Jesus performed miracle that Jesus performed miracle that Jesus performed which is the turning of water into wine. which is the turning of water into wine. which is the turning of water into wine. It's found in the Gospel of John chapter It's found in the Gospel of John chapter It's found in the Gospel of John chapter 2 beginning at verse one. And And I want to emphasize I want to emphasize I want to emphasize the relational nature of God. Let's go the relational nature of God. Let's go the relational nature of God. Let's go to the the text itself. to the the text itself. to the the text itself. Verse one, and I'm reading from the New Verse one, and I'm reading from the New Verse one, and I'm reading from the New English Translation. English Translation. English Translation. Now on the third day, there was a Now on the third day, there was a Now on the third day, there was a wedding at Canaa in Galilee. wedding at Canaa in Galilee. wedding at Canaa in Galilee. Jesus's mother was there and Jesus and Jesus's mother was there and Jesus and Jesus's mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the his disciples were also invited to the his disciples were also invited to the wedding. So you see Jesus wedding. So you see Jesus wedding. So you see Jesus uh interacting uh interacting uh interacting normally the way we do the way we would normally the way we do the way we would normally the way we do the way we would be invited to an event and attend.

be invited to an event and attend. be invited to an event and attend. Verse three, when the wine ran out. How Verse three, when the wine ran out. How Verse three, when the wine ran out. How many know it's a problem when the wine I'm glad none of your hands went up, I'm glad none of your hands went up, pastor. I have no idea. pastor. I have no idea. pastor. I have no idea. When the wine ran out, Jesus's mother When the wine ran out, Jesus's mother When the wine ran out, Jesus's mother said to him, "They have no wine left," said to him, "They have no wine left," said to him, "They have no wine left," Jesus replied, "Woman, Jesus replied, "Woman, Jesus replied, "Woman, why are you saying this to me? why are you saying this to me? why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come. And remember My time has not yet come. And remember My time has not yet come. And remember what I said, God deals with timing, what I said, God deals with timing, what I said, God deals with timing, maturity, maturity, maturity, capacity, and relationship. Again, last capacity, and relationship. Again, last capacity, and relationship. Again, last week, God deals through what? week, God deals through what? week, God deals through what? >> Timing, >> Timing, >> Timing, >> maturity, >> maturity, >> maturity, >> capacity >> capacity >> capacity >> and relationship. >> and relationship. >> and relationship. Specifically here Specifically here Specifically here we're seeing him Jesus highlight timing we're seeing him Jesus highlight timing we're seeing him Jesus highlight timing and that's important because it means and that's important because it means and that's important because it means that God is not random.

that God is not random. that God is not random. I'll try that one more time. God is not I'll try that one more time. God is not I'll try that one more time. God is not random. He's very specific. He's very random. He's very specific. He's very random. He's very specific. He's very orderly in how he thinks and what he orderly in how he thinks and what he orderly in how he thinks and what he does. does. does. He says,"Woman, why are you saying this He says,"Woman, why are you saying this He says,"Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come. His to me? My time has not yet come. His to me? My time has not yet come. His mother told the servants, "Whatever he mother told the servants, "Whatever he mother told the servants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Isn't that like tells you to do, do it." Isn't that like tells you to do, do it." Isn't that like a mother a mother a mother ignores totally what her son says and ignores totally what her son says and ignores totally what her son says and turns to the servant and said, "Never turns to the servant and said, "Never turns to the servant and said, "Never mind what he's saying. Whatever he tells mind what he's saying. Whatever he tells mind what he's saying. Whatever he tells you to do, do it." This speaks of some you to do, do it." This speaks of some you to do, do it." This speaks of some type of experience with her son that type of experience with her son that type of experience with her son that allowed her to even talk like this. allowed her to even talk like this. allowed her to even talk like this. Verse six. Now there were six stone Verse six. Now there were six stone Verse six. Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial water jars there for Jewish ceremonial water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. washing, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. washing, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the water Jesus told the servants, "Fill the water Jesus told the servants, "Fill the water jars with water." Now please understand, jars with water." Now please understand, jars with water." Now please understand, ceremonial washing means they wash their ceremonial washing means they wash their ceremonial washing means they wash their hands, right? To keep them clean before hands, right? To keep them clean before hands, right? To keep them clean before either eating or entering a particular either eating or entering a particular either eating or entering a particular uh event.

uh event. uh event. So they filled them up to the very top. So they filled them up to the very top. So they filled them up to the very top. In other words, these pots were dirty. In other words, these pots were dirty. In other words, these pots were dirty. Hello. Hello. Hello. >> The pots were what? >> The pots were what? >> The pots were what? >> Dirty. It's they were used for >> Dirty. It's they were used for >> Dirty. It's they were used for ceremonial washing, right? So it's it's ceremonial washing, right? So it's it's ceremonial washing, right? So it's it's the bath water. Then he told them now, so they filled Then he told them now, so they filled them up with to the very top. Then he them up with to the very top. Then he them up with to the very top. Then he told them, "Now draw some out told them, "Now draw some out told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the head steward, the guy and take it to the head steward, the guy and take it to the head steward, the guy in charge of the wedding." And they did. in charge of the wedding." And they did. in charge of the wedding." And they did. When the head steward tasted the water When the head steward tasted the water When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, that had been turned to wine, that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Now, that's interesting water knew. Now, that's interesting water knew. Now, that's interesting interesting scenario because they're interesting scenario because they're interesting scenario because they're doing what Jesus said and they know it's doing what Jesus said and they know it's doing what Jesus said and they know it's dirty water dirty water dirty water and they're giving it to the head and they're giving it to the head and they're giving it to the head steward and he's saying, "Wait, steward and he's saying, "Wait, steward and he's saying, "Wait, this is amazing.

This is excellent wine." This is excellent wine." Usually Usually Usually they give the best wine first they give the best wine first they give the best wine first and when people are too drunk to know and when people are too drunk to know and when people are too drunk to know the difference, they bring out the bad the difference, they bring out the bad the difference, they bring out the bad wine last. wine last. wine last. But you have brought the best But you have brought the best But you have brought the best for last. for last. for last. I'll keep reading here. I'll keep reading here. I'll keep reading here. Now, I'm sure the servants are puzzled Now, I'm sure the servants are puzzled Now, I'm sure the servants are puzzled because they know it was dirty water. because they know it was dirty water. because they know it was dirty water. And this man is calling it the most And this man is calling it the most And this man is calling it the most incredible wine he's ever experienced. incredible wine he's ever experienced. incredible wine he's ever experienced. So, he called the bridegroom and said to So, he called the bridegroom and said to So, he called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine him, "Everyone serves the good wine him, "Everyone serves the good wine first and then the cheaper wine when the first and then the cheaper wine when the first and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. guests are drunk. guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now." There's so much we can extract out of There's so much we can extract out of this theologically and dispensationally. this theologically and dispensationally. this theologically and dispensationally. It continues in verse 11. Jesus did this It continues in verse 11. Jesus did this It continues in verse 11. Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs as the first of his miraculous signs as the first of his miraculous signs in Canaa of Galilee. John and the book in Canaa of Galilee. John and the book in Canaa of Galilee. John and the book of John work his narrative around seven of John work his narrative around seven of John work his narrative around seven miraculous signs. This is the first and miraculous signs. This is the first and miraculous signs. This is the first and if you read the book of John, you'll go if you read the book of John, you'll go if you read the book of John, you'll go to the second sign and then there's a to the second sign and then there's a to the second sign and then there's a third sign and there's a fourth. Seven third sign and there's a fourth. Seven third sign and there's a fourth. Seven in total around which John built his

in total around which John built his in total around which John built his narrative to present the Lord Jesus narrative to present the Lord Jesus narrative to present the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jonian gospel. Christ in the Jonian gospel. Christ in the Jonian gospel. Jesus did this as the first of his Jesus did this as the first of his Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs in Kaa of Galilee. I miraculous signs in Kaa of Galilee. I miraculous signs in Kaa of Galilee. I want to make another point here. Notice want to make another point here. Notice want to make another point here. Notice it's not just a miracle. it's not just a miracle. it's not just a miracle. It's a sign. It's a sign. It's a sign. All right? And there's a difference. All right? And there's a difference. All right? And there's a difference. When it's just a miracle, it stands as When it's just a miracle, it stands as When it's just a miracle, it stands as something supernatural. something supernatural. something supernatural. When it's a miraculous sign, it's not When it's a miraculous sign, it's not When it's a miraculous sign, it's not just something supernatural, but it's just something supernatural, but it's just something supernatural, but it's something that's signifying something that's signifying something that's signifying that's identifying something else that's that's identifying something else that's that's identifying something else that's in motion. Got it? So, it wasn't just a in motion. Got it? So, it wasn't just a in motion. Got it? So, it wasn't just a miracle. It was a miraculous what? Sign, miracle. It was a miraculous what? Sign, miracle. It was a miraculous what? Sign, an indicator. In this way, by doing this miracle, in In this way, by doing this miracle, in this way, he revealed this way, he revealed this way, he revealed his what?

his what? his what? >> I can't hear you. His what? >> I can't hear you. His what? >> I can't hear you. His what? >> He revealed it was revelation, right? He >> He revealed it was revelation, right? He >> He revealed it was revelation, right? He revealed his revealed his revealed his >> glory. I shared this with you >> glory. I shared this with you >> glory. I shared this with you months ago that the glory of the Lord is months ago that the glory of the Lord is months ago that the glory of the Lord is a revelation of his nature, of of his presence. So the glory of the Lord is what? Come So the glory of the Lord is what? Come on church. on church. on church. >> His nature, >> His nature, >> His nature, >> his character >> his character >> his character >> and the impact >> and the impact >> and the impact of his presence. So when you see the of his presence. So when you see the of his presence. So when you see the glory of the Lord is revealed, what's glory of the Lord is revealed, what's glory of the Lord is revealed, what's being revealed?

being revealed? being revealed? >> God's nature, >> God's nature, >> God's nature, >> right? his >> right? his >> right? his >> character and the impact of his >> character and the impact of his >> character and the impact of his >> presence. So all of that is in this >> presence. So all of that is in this >> presence. So all of that is in this passage in this miracle. We could spend passage in this miracle. We could spend passage in this miracle. We could spend months unpacking just this miracle story months unpacking just this miracle story months unpacking just this miracle story and what it reveals. and what it reveals. and what it reveals. But I want to focus on the beginning But I want to focus on the beginning But I want to focus on the beginning because remember revelation is not just because remember revelation is not just because remember revelation is not just about content but about timing, about content but about timing, about content but about timing, maturity, >> capacity, >> capacity, >> and >> and >> and >> what? >> what? >> what? >> Relationship. >> Relationship. >> Relationship. >> Relationship. >> Relationship. >> Relationship. Here we're going to focus on Here we're going to focus on Here we're going to focus on relationship. relationship. relationship. the intimacy of relationship that is at the intimacy of relationship that is at the intimacy of relationship that is at work in this particular miracle. But work in this particular miracle. But work in this particular miracle. But first, I want to talk to you about first, I want to talk to you about first, I want to talk to you about mystery mystery mystery in the context of Christian theology.

in the context of Christian theology. in the context of Christian theology. mystery. There's a distinction because when we There's a distinction because when we think of mystery in everyday language, think of mystery in everyday language, think of mystery in everyday language, we think of it as something to be we think of it as something to be we think of it as something to be solved. Got it? When we think of solved. Got it? When we think of solved. Got it? When we think of mystery, we think of it as what? mystery, we think of it as what? mystery, we think of it as what? >> Something to be solved. >> Something to be solved. >> Something to be solved. Like a crime Like a crime Like a crime or maybe a riddle. But in Christian or maybe a riddle. But in Christian or maybe a riddle. But in Christian theology, theology, theology, mystery mystery mystery has a much deeper and richer meaning. has a much deeper and richer meaning. has a much deeper and richer meaning. Comes from the Greek word mysterion. Comes from the Greek word mysterion. Comes from the Greek word mysterion. Mysterion. It means that it's something hidden It means that it's something hidden to be revealed by God. to be revealed by God. to be revealed by God. Yet, even when God reveals it, it's Yet, even when God reveals it, it's Yet, even when God reveals it, it's still beyond full human comprehension.

still beyond full human comprehension. still beyond full human comprehension. It's very, very important, folks. It's very, very important, folks. It's very, very important, folks. Even when God reveals a mystery, Even when God reveals a mystery, Even when God reveals a mystery, it's still beyond human comprehension. it's still beyond human comprehension. it's still beyond human comprehension. Especially if he's revealing a mystery Especially if he's revealing a mystery Especially if he's revealing a mystery about his nature. about his nature. about his nature. If he's revealing mystery about his If he's revealing mystery about his If he's revealing mystery about his character, character, character, if he's revealing mystery about his if he's revealing mystery about his if he's revealing mystery about his presence and its impact on human beings presence and its impact on human beings presence and its impact on human beings and human events in time and space, and human events in time and space, and human events in time and space, it's beyond full human comprehension. it's beyond full human comprehension. it's beyond full human comprehension. This is why the Apostle Paul says in 1 This is why the Apostle Paul says in 1 This is why the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9, Corinthians chapter 13:9, Corinthians chapter 13:9, "We know in part. "We know in part. "We know in part. >> We prophesy >> We prophesy >> We prophesy in part. in part. in part. We see through a glass darkly, a a dark We see through a glass darkly, a a dark We see through a glass darkly, a a dark glass." And and why he uses that glass." And and why he uses that glass." And and why he uses that metaphor is because in Corinth they were metaphor is because in Corinth they were metaphor is because in Corinth they were known for the best mirrors that were known for the best mirrors that were known for the best mirrors that were made out of bronze at that time. Not the made out of bronze at that time. Not the made out of bronze at that time. Not the glass mirrors that we know today, which glass mirrors that we know today, which glass mirrors that we know today, which are pretty amazing. But in those days, are pretty amazing. But in those days, are pretty amazing. But in those days, they had polished bronze that reflected they had polished bronze that reflected they had polished bronze that reflected an image. So the image was not as clear an image. So the image was not as clear an image. So the image was not as clear as the mirrors that we have today. So as the mirrors that we have today. So as the mirrors that we have today. So Paul used that analogy and he's saying Paul used that analogy and he's saying Paul used that analogy and he's saying we see through a glass darkly or mirror

we see through a glass darkly or mirror we see through a glass darkly or mirror dimly. We know in part when that which dimly. We know in part when that which dimly. We know in part when that which is perfect is come. Then we will know as is perfect is come. Then we will know as is perfect is come. Then we will know as we can see each other face to face. But we can see each other face to face. But we can see each other face to face. But right now until Jesus returns. All right now until Jesus returns. All right now until Jesus returns. All right. We know in what? right. We know in what? right. We know in what? >> In part. So even when we experience a >> In part. So even when we experience a >> In part. So even when we experience a revelation of God's nature, character, revelation of God's nature, character, revelation of God's nature, character, and the impact of his presence, it's and the impact of his presence, it's and the impact of his presence, it's still partial knowledge. still partial knowledge. still partial knowledge. >> Are you hearing me? >> Are you hearing me? >> Are you hearing me? >> It's still partial knowledge. That's why >> It's still partial knowledge. That's why >> It's still partial knowledge. That's why and Pastor Jamal and I are going to take and Pastor Jamal and I are going to take and Pastor Jamal and I are going to take a Sunday together to talk about prophecy a Sunday together to talk about prophecy a Sunday together to talk about prophecy and the prophetic and the prophetic and the prophetic because in this social media and YouTube because in this social media and YouTube because in this social media and YouTube world, the prophetic has gone crazy world, the prophetic has gone crazy world, the prophetic has gone crazy and everybody's claiming to be a prophet and everybody's claiming to be a prophet and everybody's claiming to be a prophet and a prophetist.

and a prophetist. and a prophetist. And they're prophesying And they're prophesying And they're prophesying mostly judgment, doom, gloom, and you're mostly judgment, doom, gloom, and you're mostly judgment, doom, gloom, and you're going to die. And And there is the prophetic as presented in there is the prophetic as presented in there is the prophetic as presented in the Old Testament and there's a the Old Testament and there's a the Old Testament and there's a prophetic as presented in the New prophetic as presented in the New prophetic as presented in the New Testament. And they are two different Testament. And they are two different Testament. And they are two different perspectives on the prophetic and perspectives on the prophetic and perspectives on the prophetic and purposes of the prophetic. purposes of the prophetic. purposes of the prophetic. So, we're going to talk about that. But, So, we're going to talk about that. But, So, we're going to talk about that. But, and I point to this prophetic because and I point to this prophetic because and I point to this prophetic because many of these and Pastor Karen, she many of these and Pastor Karen, she many of these and Pastor Karen, she knows more about them than I do. She knows more about them than I do. She knows more about them than I do. She said, "Did you hear this?" I said, said, "Did you hear this?" I said, said, "Did you hear this?" I said, "What? What?" and she'll show me, you "What? What?" and she'll show me, you "What? What?" and she'll show me, you know, a prophecy about this person, this know, a prophecy about this person, this know, a prophecy about this person, this president or this event is going to president or this event is going to president or this event is going to happen or, you know, and I'm and I'm happen or, you know, and I'm and I'm happen or, you know, and I'm and I'm listening carefully and I'm picking up listening carefully and I'm picking up listening carefully and I'm picking up that some of it is reading a newspaper that some of it is reading a newspaper that some of it is reading a newspaper and then presenting a prophecy based and then presenting a prophecy based and then presenting a prophecy based upon upon upon news.

news. news. Are you with me? Instead of presenting a Are you with me? Instead of presenting a Are you with me? Instead of presenting a prophecy that creates news, prophecy that creates news, prophecy that creates news, >> it's presenting a prophecy prophecy >> it's presenting a prophecy prophecy >> it's presenting a prophecy prophecy based on news analysis. based on news analysis. based on news analysis. >> And there's a difference. You got to >> And there's a difference. You got to >> And there's a difference. You got to listen carefully. You got to pay listen carefully. You got to pay listen carefully. You got to pay attention carefully. But more than that, attention carefully. But more than that, attention carefully. But more than that, many of these individuals present the many of these individuals present the many of these individuals present the prophetic with exact knowledge or prophetic with exact knowledge or prophetic with exact knowledge or certainty. And the scriptur is clear certainty. And the scriptur is clear certainty. And the scriptur is clear that when we prophesy, it is partial that when we prophesy, it is partial that when we prophesy, it is partial revelation. Amen. revelation. Amen. revelation. Amen. >> We know in what >> We know in what >> We know in what >> part. We prophesy in part. Let's put >> part. We prophesy in part. Let's put >> part. We prophesy in part. Let's put that up there. 1 Corinthians chapter that up there. 1 Corinthians chapter that up there. 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9. Very, very important text. 1 13:9. Very, very important text. 1 13:9. Very, very important text. 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9. I mean, there's so many voices out there I mean, there's so many voices out there assuming divine authority assuming divine authority assuming divine authority >> and we have to be discerning. >> and we have to be discerning. >> and we have to be discerning. And the only way you can really be And the only way you can really be And the only way you can really be discerning and have wisdom is you got to discerning and have wisdom is you got to discerning and have wisdom is you got to know your Bible.

know your Bible. know your Bible. >> You can't have a casual relationship >> You can't have a casual relationship >> You can't have a casual relationship with scripture with scripture with scripture >> and be armed. And you can't fight a war And you can't fight a war always having your shield up but never always having your shield up but never always having your shield up but never using your sword. >> I could preach on that. That's a sermon >> I could preach on that. That's a sermon right there. right there. right there. So 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9 it says So 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9 it says So 1 Corinthians chapter 13:9 it says what? For we what? For we what? For we >> know in part and we prophesy in part >> know in part and we prophesy in part >> know in part and we prophesy in part because whatever we experience in because whatever we experience in because whatever we experience in revelation it is partial. revelation it is partial. revelation it is partial. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It's very very important. So there's >> It's very very important. So there's >> It's very very important. So there's some principles and and and that's the some principles and and and that's the some principles and and and that's the beauty of our faith. Our faith is beauty of our faith. Our faith is beauty of our faith. Our faith is partially mystery. That's why it's partially mystery. That's why it's partially mystery. That's why it's called faith. called faith. called faith. >> Cuz if you knew it all and understood it >> Cuz if you knew it all and understood it >> Cuz if you knew it all and understood it all, there would be no need for faith.

>> Do I need to say that again? >> Do I need to say that again? So in Christianity and Christian So in Christianity and Christian So in Christianity and Christian theology, theology, theology, mystery is three things. Let me give you mystery is three things. Let me give you mystery is three things. Let me give you this. Oh man, what time is it? When it comes to biblical mystery within When it comes to biblical mystery within the Christian faith, mystery is what? the Christian faith, mystery is what? the Christian faith, mystery is what? >> Revealed >> Revealed >> Revealed >> truth. >> truth. >> truth. Revealed truth. Not human speculation. Revealed truth. Not human speculation. Revealed truth. Not human speculation. >> Not human speculation.

>> Not human speculation. >> Not human speculation. That's important That's important That's important because because because we believe that the Bible we believe that the Bible we believe that the Bible reveals God. that scripture reveals God. reveals God. that scripture reveals God. reveals God. that scripture reveals God. Now if we reduce that to simple Now if we reduce that to simple Now if we reduce that to simple speculation that it loses its authority, speculation that it loses its authority, speculation that it loses its authority, >> it loses its influence. We believe that >> it loses its influence. We believe that >> it loses its influence. We believe that it is divinely inspired it is divinely inspired it is divinely inspired truth. In other words, we could not know truth. In other words, we could not know truth. In other words, we could not know these things apart from revelation. these things apart from revelation. these things apart from revelation. >> We couldn't know it. We couldn't >> We couldn't know it. We couldn't >> We couldn't know it. We couldn't scientifically arrive at a conclusion scientifically arrive at a conclusion scientifically arrive at a conclusion about these things. I'm going to hit two about these things. I'm going to hit two about these things. I'm going to hit two two foundational truths about our two foundational truths about our two foundational truths about our Christian faith that are foundational to Christian faith that are foundational to Christian faith that are foundational to our Christian faith. our Christian faith. our Christian faith. Mystery in Christian theology is partially is partially knowable.

And this is a word I checked And this is a word I checked and I wrote some things down so I don't and I wrote some things down so I don't and I wrote some things down so I don't misspell anything misspell anything misspell anything even though I don't mind misspelling cuz even though I don't mind misspelling cuz even though I don't mind misspelling cuz I know you all are going to email me. So mystery in Christian theology is So mystery in Christian theology is what? what? what? >> Revealed true. Not human speculation. >> Revealed true. Not human speculation. >> Revealed true. Not human speculation. Mystery is also what? partially Mystery is also what? partially Mystery is also what? partially knowable but not fully graspable. knowable but not fully graspable. knowable but not fully graspable. So there are truths that we believe that So there are truths that we believe that So there are truths that we believe that we hold to that we ourselves cannot we hold to that we ourselves cannot we hold to that we ourselves cannot fully grasp or explain. fully grasp or explain. fully grasp or explain. Therefore it requires faith. Yes. >> And lastly, >> And lastly, mystery mystery mystery in our Christian theology is spiritually is spiritually discerned.

That's why science can't prove or That's why science can't prove or disprove God >> because God cannot be deconstructed >> because God cannot be deconstructed >> or dissected. So there is mystery in Christian thought So there is mystery in Christian thought that we believe and it's based upon that we believe and it's based upon that we believe and it's based upon revelation revelation revelation but we we we we we can struggle to fully but we we we we we can struggle to fully but we we we we we can struggle to fully grasp it and that's the nature of grasp it and that's the nature of grasp it and that's the nature of mystery in the context of our Christian mystery in the context of our Christian mystery in the context of our Christian faith. faith. faith. I'm going to give you a mystery That's one of them. That's one of them. There are two foundational mysteries There are two foundational mysteries There are two foundational mysteries in the Christian faith.

What are they? They're foundational. What are they? They're foundational. They're foundational, which means They're foundational, which means They're foundational, which means everything in the faith rests on these everything in the faith rests on these everything in the faith rests on these two mysteries. two mysteries. two mysteries. And notice based upon the framework, all And notice based upon the framework, all And notice based upon the framework, all right, we know this, right, we know this, right, we know this, the trinity, the trinity, the trinity, which is simply that's funny, which is simply that's funny, which is simply that's funny, which is God is one essence which is God is one essence which is God is one essence >> in three persons. >> in three persons. >> in three persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I'm going Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I'm going Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I'm going to try that one more time. We're getting to try that one more time. We're getting to try that one more time. We're getting doctrinal and theological today. Right? doctrinal and theological today. Right? doctrinal and theological today. Right? God is one God is one God is one essence. essence. essence. Got it? His essence is his nature. Got it? His essence is his nature. Got it? His essence is his nature. God is one essence in three God is one essence in three God is one essence in three persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All right. We read the scripture and All right. We read the scripture and All right. We read the scripture and we'll we'll get some time but again and we'll we'll get some time but again and we'll we'll get some time but again and again at the baptism of Jesus we have again at the baptism of Jesus we have again at the baptism of Jesus we have the Holy Spirit we have the son we have the Holy Spirit we have the son we have the Holy Spirit we have the son we have the father the father the father when Jesus commissions his disciples to when Jesus commissions his disciples to when Jesus commissions his disciples to go and preach the gospel he said go and preach the gospel he said go and preach the gospel he said baptizing in the name of the father the baptizing in the name of the father the baptizing in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit Jesus the son son and the holy spirit Jesus the son son and the holy spirit Jesus the son says that the holy spirit will be says that the holy spirit will be says that the holy spirit will be He's going to pray to the father. So

He's going to pray to the father. So He's going to pray to the father. So there is this trinity and triunity there is this trinity and triunity there is this trinity and triunity that is God. that is God. that is God. Now we can say well it's like Now we can say well it's like Now we can say well it's like the sun. the sun. the sun. >> You got heat, >> You got heat, >> You got heat, light and chemical reaction. light and chemical reaction. light and chemical reaction. But I can poke holes in that But I can poke holes in that But I can poke holes in that and end up with heresy. and end up with heresy. and end up with heresy. >> Then we can say, well, it's like water, >> Then we can say, well, it's like water, >> Then we can say, well, it's like water, liquid, liquid, liquid, steam, steam, steam, and ice. and ice. and ice. They're all water. You see, They're all water. You see, They're all water. You see, I could poke holes in that. How many I could poke holes in that. How many I could poke holes in that. How many understand what I'm talking about? which understand what I'm talking about? which understand what I'm talking about? which simply says that any human explanation, simply says that any human explanation, simply says that any human explanation, any explanation of this mystery is going any explanation of this mystery is going any explanation of this mystery is going to fall short. to fall short. to fall short. That's why it's a matter of faith.

That's why it's a matter of faith. That's why it's a matter of faith. >> It's a matter of faith. The scripture >> It's a matter of faith. The scripture >> It's a matter of faith. The scripture reveals reveals reveals a godhead, a godhead, a godhead, father, son, holy spirit, co-eternal father, son, holy spirit, co-eternal father, son, holy spirit, co-eternal and equally god. >> Can I fully explain that to you? >> Can I fully explain that to you? >> No. Can I partially explain it to you? >> No. Can I partially explain it to you? >> No. Can I partially explain it to you? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I'm going to give it a shot. The Trinity The Trinity reveals reveals reveals reveals the relational the relational nature nature nature of God. The Trinity reveals the relational The Trinity reveals the relational nature of God. Why Why we teach as Christians that God is love, we teach as Christians that God is love, we teach as Christians that God is love, not that God has love, not that God has love, not that God has love, >> that love is his nature.

>> Cuz I know some folks who have love and >> Cuz I know some folks who have love and don't have love don't have love don't have love and it switches up. and it switches up. and it switches up. But God is love, which means there's But God is love, which means there's But God is love, which means there's never a break in that he is consistently never a break in that he is consistently never a break in that he is consistently love. love. love. >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> So everything that he does, even when he >> So everything that he does, even when he >> So everything that he does, even when he corrects us, it's always in what? corrects us, it's always in what? corrects us, it's always in what? >> Love. >> Love. >> Love. >> And that gives us trust. That gives us >> And that gives us trust. That gives us >> And that gives us trust. That gives us safety and security in our relationship safety and security in our relationship safety and security in our relationship with God. with God. with God. God is relational God is relational God is relational which means that God has to be if God is which means that God has to be if God is which means that God has to be if God is love right then he has to be eternally love right then he has to be eternally love right then he has to be eternally relational because love needs requires relational because love needs requires relational because love needs requires an object for its affection. an object for its affection. an object for its affection. If God is solo, are you with me? If God is solo, are you with me? If God is solo, are you with me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> He going to love himself >> He going to love himself >> He going to love himself >> and that's it. No. There must be an >> and that's it. No. There must be an >> and that's it. No. There must be an object of affection and there must be a object of affection and there must be a object of affection and there must be a context for relationship. So we see the context for relationship. So we see the context for relationship. So we see the love of God between the father, the son, love of God between the father, the son, love of God between the father, the son, the holy spirit between each of them the holy spirit between each of them the holy spirit between each of them interacting. It is called unity interacting. It is called unity interacting. It is called unity in in in diversity.

When I explained this um I think pastor When I explained this um I think pastor Jamal mentioned to it last week that the Jamal mentioned to it last week that the Jamal mentioned to it last week that the week before we were at a meeting and the week before we were at a meeting and the week before we were at a meeting and the interviewer was interviewing me and he interviewer was interviewing me and he interviewer was interviewing me and he asked me about the trinity. I was asked me about the trinity. I was asked me about the trinity. I was surprised. Here I am at the office of surprised. Here I am at the office of surprised. Here I am at the office of emergency management for the city of New emergency management for the city of New emergency management for the city of New York being interviewed and he's asking York being interviewed and he's asking York being interviewed and he's asking me about the trinity. I said yeah. So when I explain that God is one So when I explain that God is one essence and the trinity reveals the essence and the trinity reveals the essence and the trinity reveals the relational nature of God. God is relational nature of God. God is relational nature of God. God is relational relational relational and this could not be possible that we and this could not be possible that we and this could not be possible that we believe that God is love could not be believe that God is love could not be believe that God is love could not be possible if he was not eternally possible if he was not eternally possible if he was not eternally relational and that eternal relational relational and that eternal relational relational and that eternal relational nature is expressed within the trinity nature is expressed within the trinity nature is expressed within the trinity of father son and holy spirit how they of father son and holy spirit how they of father son and holy spirit how they experience interact within the godhead. experience interact within the godhead. experience interact within the godhead. Now do we fully understand this? Do we Now do we fully understand this? Do we Now do we fully understand this? Do we fully grasp it? No. That's why it fully grasp it? No. That's why it fully grasp it? No. That's why it requires what?

requires what? requires what? >> Faith. It's called the Christian faith. >> Faith. It's called the Christian faith. >> Faith. It's called the Christian faith. Hello. Hello. Hello. >> How many understand what I'm talking >> How many understand what I'm talking >> How many understand what I'm talking about? about? about? >> Now, someone will say, "Well, the word >> Now, someone will say, "Well, the word >> Now, someone will say, "Well, the word trinity is not found in the Bible." No. trinity is not found in the Bible." No. trinity is not found in the Bible." No. But the makeup of the Godhead is there. But the makeup of the Godhead is there. But the makeup of the Godhead is there. How do we explain scripture referring to How do we explain scripture referring to How do we explain scripture referring to the Holy Spirit as God, to the son, the Holy Spirit as God, to the son, the Holy Spirit as God, to the son, Jesus Christ as God, to the father as Jesus Christ as God, to the father as Jesus Christ as God, to the father as God? How do we understand that unless we God? How do we understand that unless we God? How do we understand that unless we bring that together in some collective bring that together in some collective bring that together in some collective expression that the apostle Paul uses in expression that the apostle Paul uses in expression that the apostle Paul uses in Romans chapter 1 as the godhead. Romans chapter 1 as the godhead. Romans chapter 1 as the godhead. >> So the word trinity is not there but the >> So the word trinity is not there but the >> So the word trinity is not there but the reality of a triune God is present reality of a triune God is present reality of a triune God is present >> is present. >> is present. >> is present. Now that's that's some heavy stuff for Now that's that's some heavy stuff for Now that's that's some heavy stuff for you to have on a Sunday. you to have on a Sunday. you to have on a Sunday. How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking about? about? about? >> But it is a mystery. It is the >> But it is a mystery. It is the >> But it is a mystery. It is the foundational mystery of the Christian foundational mystery of the Christian foundational mystery of the Christian faith. And we can only grasp it in part.

faith. And we can only grasp it in part. faith. And we can only grasp it in part. We can only know it in part. We can only know it in part. We can only know it in part. >> Right? And here's why. Because how does >> Right? And here's why. Because how does >> Right? And here's why. Because how does a finite human capture in this finite a finite human capture in this finite a finite human capture in this finite mind an infinite God? mind an infinite God? mind an infinite God? That's like trying to put the Atlantic That's like trying to put the Atlantic That's like trying to put the Atlantic Ocean into a teacup. Ocean into a teacup. Ocean into a teacup. >> It ain't going to fit. >> It ain't going to fit. >> It ain't going to fit. How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking about? But you know, we humans can be about? But you know, we humans can be about? But you know, we humans can be very arrogant. Well, God has to tell me, very arrogant. Well, God has to tell me, very arrogant. Well, God has to tell me, explain himself to me explain himself to me explain himself to me if he did. Right? How many of you know if he did. Right? How many of you know if he did. Right? How many of you know of quantum physics? of quantum physics? of quantum physics? See, that's what I'm talking about. So, we have to by faith So, we have to by faith embrace and trust what's revealed to us. embrace and trust what's revealed to us. embrace and trust what's revealed to us. All right? So, that's that's the All right? So, that's that's the All right? So, that's that's the foundational mystery. Now, here's the foundational mystery. Now, here's the foundational mystery. Now, here's the thing. The the second mystery is the thing. The the second mystery is the thing. The the second mystery is the incarnation. How could an infinite all incarnation. How could an infinite all incarnation. How could an infinite all powerful God powerful God powerful God put himself into a human person? How put himself into a human person? How put himself into a human person? How could he do that and still be God?

could he do that and still be God? could he do that and still be God? >> How how how did he come in a human body, >> How how how did he come in a human body, >> How how how did he come in a human body, walk around on the planet for 33 years, walk around on the planet for 33 years, walk around on the planet for 33 years, are you with me? And still not lose are you with me? And still not lose are you with me? And still not lose control of the universe. control of the universe. control of the universe. >> Tell us, pastor, how could he do that? I >> Tell us, pastor, how could he do that? I >> Tell us, pastor, how could he do that? I have no idea. But can he do it? Absolutely. Because But can he do it? Absolutely. Because the universe didn't collapse. the universe didn't collapse. the universe didn't collapse. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> While he was here, >> hung on a cross, still in control. >> hung on a cross, still in control. >> That's why he said he said to the man, >> That's why he said he said to the man, >> That's why he said he said to the man, "You can't take my life. "You can't take my life. "You can't take my life. >> I lay it down. >> I lay it down. >> I lay it down. >> And when I'm ready, >> And when I'm ready, >> And when I'm ready, >> I'll pick it up again." Man, I read >> I'll pick it up again." Man, I read >> I'll pick it up again." Man, I read those words. I got goosebumps. those words. I got goosebumps. those words. I got goosebumps. I said, "Go Jesus. Go Jesus. Who talks like that? Who talks like that? Who talk? You could have no power over Who talk? You could have no power over Who talk? You could have no power over me unless it's given to you, me unless it's given to you, me unless it's given to you, >> man. I want to walk like that.

God God incarnates himself in a human person. incarnates himself in a human person. incarnates himself in a human person. >> And here's the here's here here's the >> And here's the here's here here's the >> And here's the here's here here's the thing. thing. thing. Jesus is God coming into human form and Jesus is God coming into human form and Jesus is God coming into human form and entering human history, experiencing entering human history, experiencing entering human history, experiencing human society, right? human society, right? human society, right? And it's called the hypothatic union And it's called the hypothatic union And it's called the hypothatic union where where Jesus is fully where where Jesus is fully where where Jesus is fully God God God and and and fully fully fully human. human. human. How could that be? How could that be? How could that be? How do we how do we make sense of How do we how do we make sense of How do we how do we make sense of something like that? something like that? something like that? Jesus is what? Jesus is what? Jesus is what? God. God. God. >> He's what? Come on. >> He's what? Come on. >> He's what? Come on. >> Fully God and >> Fully God and >> Fully God and >> fully human. How does that work >> fully human. How does that work >> fully human. How does that work together? Does it switch back and forth together? Does it switch back and forth together? Does it switch back and forth if he's Is he half human and half God?

if he's Is he half human and half God? if he's Is he half human and half God? Do they get confused with each other? >> He is what? >> He is what? >> Fully >> Fully >> Fully >> God and fully human at the same time. I can try and explain that. But every I can try and explain that. But every explanation will fail. explanation will fail. explanation will fail. >> But do I understand it? Absolutely. >> But do I understand it? Absolutely. >> But do I understand it? Absolutely. Because if he wasn't fully God, he Because if he wasn't fully God, he Because if he wasn't fully God, he couldn't save us. couldn't save us. couldn't save us. >> And if he wasn't fully human, he >> And if he wasn't fully human, he >> And if he wasn't fully human, he couldn't represent us. couldn't represent us. couldn't represent us. >> I'm going try that one more time. If he >> I'm going try that one more time. If he >> I'm going try that one more time. If he wasn't fully God, he couldn't wasn't fully God, he couldn't wasn't fully God, he couldn't >> save us. If he wasn't fully human, he >> save us. If he wasn't fully human, he >> save us. If he wasn't fully human, he couldn't represent us. couldn't represent us. couldn't represent us. >> But he did both. >> That's I'm fascinated. But again, we >> That's I'm fascinated. But again, we know know know >> in part.

>> in part. >> in part. >> We know in part. Our knowledge is >> We know in part. Our knowledge is >> We know in part. Our knowledge is partial. Our understanding is what? partial. Our understanding is what? partial. Our understanding is what? Partial. And that's why it requires Partial. And that's why it requires Partial. And that's why it requires what? Faith. And and and so brilliantly. what? Faith. And and and so brilliantly. what? Faith. And and and so brilliantly. These are the two great mysteries. The These are the two great mysteries. The These are the two great mysteries. The trinity is the greatest mystery. Then trinity is the greatest mystery. Then trinity is the greatest mystery. Then second to that is the incarnation. But second to that is the incarnation. But second to that is the incarnation. But notice what Jesus says. He says, "I am notice what Jesus says. He says, "I am notice what Jesus says. He says, "I am the way. the way. the way. >> I am the truth. >> I am the truth. >> I am the truth. I am the life. You can't get to the I am the life. You can't get to the I am the life. You can't get to the father father father except through me. >> I and the father are one. >> I and the father are one. >> But I am the door. >> So this mystery takes you to this >> So this mystery takes you to this mystery. And without this mystery, you mystery. And without this mystery, you mystery. And without this mystery, you never get to this mystery.

>> It's brilliant. >> It's brilliant. But I would expect nothing less from But I would expect nothing less from But I would expect nothing less from God. God. God. >> Brilliant. >> Brilliant. >> Brilliant. That's why he said, "If you've seen me, >> you've seen the father." So study my >> you've seen the father." So study my character, study what I reveal in character, study what I reveal in character, study what I reveal in nature, study what happens with my nature, study what happens with my nature, study what happens with my presence, and you'll get to know presence, and you'll get to know presence, and you'll get to know >> the father. You'll get to know the >> the father. You'll get to know the >> the father. You'll get to know the godhead. godhead. godhead. >> Are you with me? So let's go back to our >> Are you with me? So let's go back to our >> Are you with me? So let's go back to our text in the time that we don't have text in the time that we don't have text in the time that we don't have left. left. left. >> I had to walk you through this because >> I had to walk you through this because >> I had to walk you through this because this is let me tell you something. There this is let me tell you something. There this is let me tell you something. There are volumes written are volumes written are volumes written in very complex form. The theological in very complex form. The theological in very complex form. The theological exploration of these ideas. exploration of these ideas. exploration of these ideas. Okay. Okay. Okay. Most important thing is our God is love Most important thing is our God is love Most important thing is our God is love and love is relational and that has to be experienced within and that has to be experienced within the Godhead. So let's go back to our the Godhead. So let's go back to our the Godhead. So let's go back to our text text text verse one chapter 2 John. Now on the verse one chapter 2 John. Now on the verse one chapter 2 John. Now on the third day, there was a wedding at Canaa third day, there was a wedding at Canaa third day, there was a wedding at Canaa in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there and in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there and in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also Jesus and his disciples were also Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine invited to the wedding. When the wine invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus's mother said to him, ran out, Jesus's mother said to him, ran out, Jesus's mother said to him, "They have no wine." Jesus replied, look "They have no wine." Jesus replied, look "They have no wine." Jesus replied, look at his reply, right? He doesn't say mom.

He says He says woman, woman, woman, which now detaches him which now detaches him which now detaches him >> from any family relationship, >> from any family relationship, >> from any family relationship, any blood relationship. any blood relationship. any blood relationship. Because now that I'm about to manifest Because now that I'm about to manifest Because now that I'm about to manifest my glory, my glory, my glory, [Music] [Music] [Music] >> we got to put all that aside. What you >> we got to put all that aside. What you >> we got to put all that aside. What you experience with me for the last 30 experience with me for the last 30 experience with me for the last 30 years, years, years, >> we put that aside >> we put that aside >> we put that aside >> now. >> now. >> now. >> I'm speaking out of my divinity. >> I'm speaking out of my divinity. >> I'm speaking out of my divinity. >> I'm about to act out of my divinity. >> I'm about to act out of my divinity. >> I'm about to act out of my divinity. >> Hallelujah. I'm about to signify that I >> Hallelujah. I'm about to signify that I >> Hallelujah. I'm about to signify that I am who I said I am. am who I said I am. am who I said I am. >> I can do what I said I can do. >> I can do what I said I can do. >> I can do what I said I can do. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> So he doesn't say mom, he says woman, >> So he doesn't say mom, he says woman, >> So he doesn't say mom, he says woman, what have I to do with you? what have I to do with you? what have I to do with you? >> King James language.

And then he speaks about timing. And then he speaks about timing. He says, "My time He says, "My time He says, "My time hasn't yet come." In other words, it hasn't yet come." In other words, it hasn't yet come." In other words, it it's it's actually not the schedule time it's it's actually not the schedule time it's it's actually not the schedule time for me to do a miracle. for me to do a miracle. for me to do a miracle. >> In other words, I've got a schedule. >> In other words, I've got a schedule. >> In other words, I've got a schedule. >> This is all planned out >> This is all planned out >> This is all planned out >> and now you're interrupting my schedule. and she doesn't care about his schedule. and she doesn't care about his schedule. She says, "Whatever he tells you to do, She says, "Whatever he tells you to do, She says, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Cuz he's anticipating that he's do it." Cuz he's anticipating that he's do it." Cuz he's anticipating that he's going to respond to her requests. going to respond to her requests. going to respond to her requests. Again, he revealed his glory, the Again, he revealed his glory, the Again, he revealed his glory, the nature, the character, and the impact of nature, the character, and the impact of nature, the character, and the impact of his presence. What is revealed here his presence. What is revealed here his presence. What is revealed here about the character of God? That God about the character of God? That God about the character of God? That God will interrupt >> whatever the schedule may be, whatever >> whatever the schedule may be, whatever his defined plans may be based on his defined plans may be based on his defined plans may be based on relationship and the exercising of relationship and the exercising of relationship and the exercising of faith.

faith. faith. When a supplication goes up, when an When a supplication goes up, when an When a supplication goes up, when an intercession goes up, it may not be the intercession goes up, it may not be the intercession goes up, it may not be the right time for God to act. But because right time for God to act. But because right time for God to act. But because of his love, because of the of his love, because of the of his love, because of the relationship, relationship, relationship, he'll put the schedule aside, he'll put the schedule aside, he'll put the schedule aside, >> like any parent would >> like any parent would >> like any parent would >> to a child that comes in need. What does it say about the power of What does it say about the power of prayer? That's why he said the woman just kept That's why he said the woman just kept pestering the judge pestering the judge pestering the judge >> because sooner or later >> because sooner or later >> because sooner or later >> he's going to have to give in because he >> he's going to have to give in because he >> he's going to have to give in because he can't take her persistency.

can't take her persistency. can't take her persistency. How much more How much more How much more >> will a God of love, compassion, and care >> will a God of love, compassion, and care >> will a God of love, compassion, and care not put you through that, >> but on a relational basis, >> but on a relational basis, turn to hear the voice of need, turn to hear the voice of need, turn to hear the voice of need, >> regardless >> regardless >> regardless >> of the timeline. >> of the timeline. >> of the timeline. >> I wish I had some time to talk to you >> I wish I had some time to talk to you >> I wish I had some time to talk to you about time. >> He creates a miracle. >> He creates a miracle. >> But notice, >> But notice, >> But notice, this is the only miracle that wasn't this is the only miracle that wasn't this is the only miracle that wasn't public. >> The only ones that knew about it was >> The only ones that knew about it was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, his mother, his mother, his mother, >> and the guys who were trying to figure >> and the guys who were trying to figure >> and the guys who were trying to figure out what happened to that dirty water.

Are you hearing me? Are you hearing me? >> Every other miracle was done publicly, >> Every other miracle was done publicly, >> Every other miracle was done publicly, intentionally, intentionally, intentionally, and to signify who he was and why he and to signify who he was and why he and to signify who he was and why he came and the authority that he carried. came and the authority that he carried. came and the authority that he carried. >> But this one was QT now. And every time he tried to keep it now. And every time he tried to keep it quiet when he did a miracle, he told he quiet when he did a miracle, he told he quiet when he did a miracle, he told he one man and said, "Don't tell anybody one man and said, "Don't tell anybody one man and said, "Don't tell anybody cuz you're going to draw attention and cuz you're going to draw attention and cuz you're going to draw attention and then I can't go into a particular city then I can't go into a particular city then I can't go into a particular city if you draw attention because they're if you draw attention because they're if you draw attention because they're trying to kill me. So don't say trying to kill me. So don't say trying to kill me. So don't say anything." Got you, Jesus. Hey How are you going to quiet someone who How are you going to quiet someone who was blind and couldn't see, was blind and couldn't see, was blind and couldn't see, who couldn't walk and stood up with who couldn't walk and stood up with who couldn't walk and stood up with their bed that they laid in and carried their bed that they laid in and carried their bed that they laid in and carried it away?

[Applause] [Applause] He revealed He revealed He revealed >> his character. >> his character. >> his character. >> He revealed his nature, his compassion, >> He revealed his nature, his compassion, >> He revealed his nature, his compassion, his love. his love. his love. >> And what moved him was her his mother's >> And what moved him was her his mother's >> And what moved him was her his mother's faith. >> Her conversation was wrapped around her >> Her conversation was wrapped around her faith. faith. faith. Whatever he tells you to do, do it. She Whatever he tells you to do, do it. She Whatever he tells you to do, do it. She was expecting him to move on her behalf. was expecting him to move on her behalf. was expecting him to move on her behalf. She didn't say, "I don't know what's She didn't say, "I don't know what's She didn't say, "I don't know what's going to happen, but we'll say no. going to happen, but we'll say no. going to happen, but we'll say no. Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Because your cooperation with the Because your cooperation with the Because your cooperation with the miracle is vital. And boy, I could miracle is vital. And boy, I could miracle is vital. And boy, I could preach for another hour on that. preach for another hour on that. preach for another hour on that. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] It's a mystery It's a mystery It's a mystery but revealed but revealed but revealed >> through the impact that it has. >> It's his relationship with you and I.

>> It's his relationship with you and I. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> The intimacy of relationship >> The intimacy of relationship >> The intimacy of relationship >> that brings revelation >> that brings revelation >> that brings revelation >> of his character, his nature, and the >> of his character, his nature, and the >> of his character, his nature, and the power of his presence. I can go on, but power of his presence. I can go on, but power of his presence. I can go on, but I got to stop here. Did you get anything I got to stop here. Did you get anything I got to stop here. Did you get anything out of that? out of that? out of that? Come on. Are you learning about your Come on. Are you learning about your Come on. Are you learning about your God? The God that you love, the God that God? The God that you love, the God that God? The God that you love, the God that you trust with your life, with your you trust with your life, with your you trust with your life, with your soul, with your eternal future. What soul, with your eternal future. What soul, with your eternal future. What kind of God is he? Tell the story kind of God is he? Tell the story kind of God is he? Tell the story because people around the world that because people around the world that because people around the world that don't know what you know are asking, don't know what you know are asking, don't know what you know are asking, "Tell me about your God. What's he like? "Tell me about your God. What's he like? "Tell me about your God. What's he like? What's his character? What's his What's his character? What's his What's his character? What's his nature?" nature?" nature?" >> And you'll be able to tell them. >> And you'll be able to tell them. >> And you'll be able to tell them. >> Oh, let me tell you. I'm glad you asked. >> Oh, let me tell you. I'm glad you asked. >> Oh, let me tell you. I'm glad you asked. >> Come on, let's all stand. I got to quit. >> Come on, let's all stand. I got to quit. >> Come on, let's all stand. I got to quit. I don't want to quit. I don't want to I don't want to quit. I don't want to I don't want to quit. I don't want to keep going, but keep going, but keep going, but we've got to bring it to a close here.

Mary did not let Mary did not let his shift his shift his shift confuse her confuse her confuse her or discourage her. Amen. or discourage her. Amen. or discourage her. Amen. >> Because when he said woman, >> Because when he said woman, >> Because when he said woman, >> she could have said what? What you call >> she could have said what? What you call >> she could have said what? What you call me? me? me? How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking How many understand what I'm talking about? Come on, mothers. Any mothers out about? Come on, mothers. Any mothers out about? Come on, mothers. Any mothers out there? Huh? You mother wait. What? But there? Huh? You mother wait. What? But there? Huh? You mother wait. What? But what? I raised you, boy. She didn't let her humanity She didn't let her humanity [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> undermine >> undermine >> undermine >> the miracle that she was asking for. And >> the miracle that she was asking for. And >> the miracle that she was asking for. And that's always a challenge, folk, because that's always a challenge, folk, because that's always a challenge, folk, because our humanity will get in the way if we our humanity will get in the way if we our humanity will get in the way if we let it. let it. let it. >> But she ignored what he had to say, >> But she ignored what he had to say, >> But she ignored what he had to say, >> just like the woman. I got to quit. I I >> just like the woman. I got to quit. I I >> just like the woman. I got to quit. I I I got to stop here. I just I got to stop here. I just I got to stop here. I just >> Come on, slap high five with three >> Come on, slap high five with three >> Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell them I got that word today.

[Applause] [Applause] >> The Trinity is a God of love in >> The Trinity is a God of love in >> The Trinity is a God of love in relationship eternally who turned to relationship eternally who turned to relationship eternally who turned to have a relationship with us. For God so have a relationship with us. For God so have a relationship with us. For God so loved the world, he didn't hate it that loved the world, he didn't hate it that loved the world, he didn't hate it that he came to kill us. He loved it that he he came to kill us. He loved it that he he came to kill us. He loved it that he came to save us. came to save us. came to save us. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> With that said, I'm going to let Elder >> With that said, I'm going to let Elder >> With that said, I'm going to let Elder Pointer Pointer Pointer >> come and lead you in prayer. >> come and lead you in prayer. >> come and lead you in prayer. >> I set it up for you. [Laughter] [Laughter] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] >> God's love for us is so vast, so deep, is so vast, so deep, so wide.

You can't get under it. You can't get You can't get under it. You can't get over it. You can't get around it. over it. You can't get around it. over it. You can't get around it. But you can come through it. >> And as pastor was speaking, I was >> And as pastor was speaking, I was thinking about how thinking about how thinking about how that miracle was a uh it was a private that miracle was a uh it was a private that miracle was a uh it was a private miracle. It was done miracle. It was done miracle. It was done without a whole lot of fanfare. And it without a whole lot of fanfare. And it without a whole lot of fanfare. And it reminded me of how reminded me of how reminded me of how over 48 years ago, over 48 years ago, over 48 years ago, sitting on my job, sitting on my job, sitting on my job, how God stopped time for me how God stopped time for me how God stopped time for me and created a divider between and created a divider between and created a divider between my mayhem, my mess, my mayhem, my mess, my mayhem, my mess, my addictions, my addictions, my addictions, [Music] all of my issues. all of my issues. of life. of life. of life. And at that moment when I was moved by And at that moment when I was moved by And at that moment when I was moved by the Holy Spirit to bow my head at my the Holy Spirit to bow my head at my the Holy Spirit to bow my head at my desk on my job, desk on my job, desk on my job, [Music] [Music] [Music] he entered into my life.

>> At that moment, there became a a BC and >> At that moment, there became a a BC and an AC of Billy Pointer's life. an AC of Billy Pointer's life. an AC of Billy Pointer's life. No one else knew about it. None of the No one else knew about it. None of the No one else knew about it. None of the other people, none of the patients on other people, none of the patients on other people, none of the patients on the job, none of the other staff, nobody the job, none of the other staff, nobody the job, none of the other staff, nobody knew what was going on. It was between knew what was going on. It was between knew what was going on. It was between me and God. me and God. me and God. And he when he entered my life, he so And he when he entered my life, he so And he when he entered my life, he so thoroughly changed it. I'm telling you, thoroughly changed it. I'm telling you, thoroughly changed it. I'm telling you, in an instant, in a moment of time, in an instant, in a moment of time, in an instant, in a moment of time, every taste for everything unclean was every taste for everything unclean was every taste for everything unclean was gone in a moment of time. gone in a moment of time. gone in a moment of time. [Applause] I didn't even realize it. But it was I didn't even realize it. But it was about a couple of weeks later when I about a couple of weeks later when I about a couple of weeks later when I realized that even profanity had gone realized that even profanity had gone realized that even profanity had gone out of my mouth out of my mouth out of my mouth because of the miracle working, the because of the miracle working, the because of the miracle working, the loving working power of God and his loving working power of God and his loving working power of God and his ability to do the miraculous, the ability to do the miraculous, the ability to do the miraculous, the miracle right where you are in spite of miracle right where you are in spite of miracle right where you are in spite of what is all around you. who is near you, what is all around you. who is near you, what is all around you. who is near you, before you, in front of you, next to before you, in front of you, next to before you, in front of you, next to you, next door to you, in the apartment you, next door to you, in the apartment you, next door to you, in the apartment above you. Hallelujah. No matter where above you. Hallelujah. No matter where above you. Hallelujah. No matter where you are, God's power is able to cut you are, God's power is able to cut you are, God's power is able to cut through everything. And no demon in through everything. And no demon in through everything. And no demon in hell, no power of hell can stop nor hell, no power of hell can stop nor hell, no power of hell can stop nor block what God wants to do in your life block what God wants to do in your life block what God wants to do in your life when you are willing to open your heart when you are willing to open your heart when you are willing to open your heart and just say yes.

[Music] [Music] And you're here today. God sent a And you're here today. God sent a And you're here today. God sent a special word for you today special word for you today special word for you today to let you know that he is working all to let you know that he is working all to let you know that he is working all the time. All the time. But his working the time. All the time. But his working the time. All the time. But his working is for you individually. Doesn't matter is for you individually. Doesn't matter is for you individually. Doesn't matter who else is saved or not saved in your who else is saved or not saved in your who else is saved or not saved in your family. It's about you. And if you're in this place today and And if you're in this place today and you know God is speaking to you, we want you know God is speaking to you, we want you know God is speaking to you, we want to pray with you. You want Jesus to come to pray with you. You want Jesus to come to pray with you. You want Jesus to come into your life, you want to know him in into your life, you want to know him in into your life, you want to know him in this miraculous, this miraculous, this miraculous, lifechanging way, just lift your hand lifechanging way, just lift your hand lifechanging way, just lift your hand where you are saying, "Elder, that's where you are saying, "Elder, that's where you are saying, "Elder, that's me." I want you to pray with me. Just me." I want you to pray with me. Just me." I want you to pray with me. Just lift your hand up wherever you are. lift your hand up wherever you are. lift your hand up wherever you are. [Music] [Music] [Music] If you've backsliden and you walked away If you've backsliden and you walked away If you've backsliden and you walked away from this relationship with God and you from this relationship with God and you from this relationship with God and you know that God is speaking to you and you know that God is speaking to you and you know that God is speaking to you and you want him to come into your life, just want him to come into your life, just want him to come into your life, just lift your hand. We're going to pray lift your hand. We're going to pray lift your hand. We're going to pray together. If you are watching by way of together. If you are watching by way of together. If you are watching by way of internet, wherever you are, praise God. internet, wherever you are, praise God. internet, wherever you are, praise God. Just lift your hand there in your house, Just lift your hand there in your house, Just lift your hand there in your house, in your home, in your car, on your job, in your home, in your car, on your job, in your home, in your car, on your job, wherever you are, just lift your hand.

wherever you are, just lift your hand. wherever you are, just lift your hand. And God sees that hand and he knows that And God sees that hand and he knows that And God sees that hand and he knows that you are coming into agreement with us in you are coming into agreement with us in you are coming into agreement with us in prayer. And what he's going to do for prayer. And what he's going to do for prayer. And what he's going to do for those that are here in this place, he's those that are here in this place, he's those that are here in this place, he's going to do for you right there where going to do for you right there where going to do for you right there where you are. Wave your hand at me if you lift your Wave your hand at me if you lift your hand cuz it's my eyes are what they used hand cuz it's my eyes are what they used hand cuz it's my eyes are what they used to be. to be. to be. I see your hand back there. Hallelujah. I see your hand back there. Hallelujah. I see your hand back there. Hallelujah. There's another. Come on, just wave it. There's another. Come on, just wave it. There's another. Come on, just wave it. Wave it because Hallelujah. Wave it because Hallelujah. Wave it because Hallelujah. Praise God. I see your hand over there, Praise God. I see your hand over there, Praise God. I see your hand over there, my brother. Praise God. I see your hand my brother. Praise God. I see your hand my brother. Praise God. I see your hand back there. Hallelujah. On the balcony. back there. Hallelujah. On the balcony. back there. Hallelujah. On the balcony. Just lift your hand. Just wave your Just lift your hand. Just wave your Just lift your hand. Just wave your hand. We're coming into agreement hand. We're coming into agreement hand. We're coming into agreement together in the presence of God. The together in the presence of God. The together in the presence of God. The holy angels of God are right there holy angels of God are right there holy angels of God are right there bearing witness to your bearing witness to your bearing witness to your identifying with him. identifying with him. identifying with him. Just bow your hearts with us now in Just bow your hearts with us now in Just bow your hearts with us now in praise. Say, "Father, praise. Say, "Father, praise. Say, "Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> I thank you. I thank you >> I thank you. I thank you >> I thank you. I thank you >> for this love >> for this love >> for this love >> for this love >> for this love >> for this love >> that you have extended to me >> that you have extended to me >> that you have extended to me >> that you have extended to me >> that you have extended to me >> that you have extended to me >> that Jesus was willing >> that Jesus was willing >> that Jesus was willing >> that Jesus was willing >> that Jesus was willing >> that Jesus was willing >> to identify with me >> to identify with me >> to identify with me >> to me >> to me >> to me >> even in my sinfulness >> even in my sinfulness >> even in my sinfulness >> even my sess >> even my sess >> even my sess >> that he came >> that he came >> that he came >> that he came >> that he came >> that he came >> that I might know the peace >> that I might know the peace >> that I might know the peace >> that I know >> that I know >> that I know >> the joy >> the joy >> the joy >> the joy >> the joy >> the joy >> of being a child of the most high God >> of being a child of the most high God >> of being a child of the most high God >> being a child of the most high God >> being a child of the most high God >> being a child of the most high God >> I'm opening my heart father >> I'm opening my heart father >> I'm opening my heart father >> I'm opening my heart

>> I'm opening my heart >> I'm opening my heart >> and I'm inviting inviting you in. >> and I'm inviting inviting you in. >> and I'm inviting inviting you in. >> I'm inviting you in >> I'm inviting you in >> I'm inviting you in >> to live with me. >> to live with me. >> to live with me. >> to live with me. >> to live with me. >> to live with me. >> Lord, wash me. >> Lord, wash me. >> Lord, wash me. >> Lord, wash me >> Lord, wash me >> Lord, wash me >> in the precious blood of the lamb. >> in the precious blood of the lamb. >> in the precious blood of the lamb. >> And I will forever >> And I will forever >> And I will forever >> I will >> I will >> I will >> praise you. >> praise you. >> praise you. >> Praise you. >> Praise you. >> Praise you. >> glorify you. >> glorify you. >> glorify you. >> Glorify >> Glorify >> Glorify >> testify >> testify >> testify >> testify >> testify >> testify >> of what you did for me today. >> of what you did for me today. >> of what you did for me today. >> Because I know it's recorded. >> Because I know it's recorded. >> Because I know it's recorded. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> It's in eternity. >> It's in eternity. >> It's in eternity. >> Eternity. But I know my testimony >> Eternity. But I know my testimony >> Eternity. But I know my testimony >> will help somebody else >> will help somebody else >> will help somebody else >> in their journey. >> in their journey. >> in their journey. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you, Father. >> Thank you in Jesus name. >> Thank you in Jesus name. >> Thank you in Jesus name. >> I receive it right now. >> I receive it right now. >> I receive it right now. >> I receive it right now. >> I receive it right now. >> I receive it right now. >> By faith. >> By faith. >> By faith. >> By faith. >> By faith. >> By faith. >> Hallelujah. In Jesus name I pray. Come >> Hallelujah. In Jesus name I pray. Come >> Hallelujah. In Jesus name I pray. Come on, give God a praise and a hand clap. on, give God a praise and a hand clap. on, give God a praise and a hand clap. Those of you who have watched by Those of you who have watched by Those of you who have watched by internet and you have prayed this internet and you have prayed this internet and you have prayed this prayer, there's a number on the screen prayer, there's a number on the screen prayer, there's a number on the screen that you can text, a number that you can that you can text, a number that you can that you can text, a number that you can call and someone will pray with you. call and someone will pray with you. call and someone will pray with you. Praise the Lord. This is not the end, Praise the Lord. This is not the end, Praise the Lord. This is not the end, it's the beginning.

it's the beginning. it's the beginning. >> It's a journey and we're walking >> It's a journey and we're walking >> It's a journey and we're walking together, brothers and sisters in the together, brothers and sisters in the together, brothers and sisters in the Lord. You pray for me, we'll pray for Lord. You pray for me, we'll pray for Lord. You pray for me, we'll pray for you. Praise God. Hallelujah. and our you. Praise God. Hallelujah. and our you. Praise God. Hallelujah. and our prayers of agreement will give us a prayers of agreement will give us a prayers of agreement will give us a place of power in the kingdom of God. place of power in the kingdom of God. place of power in the kingdom of God. Somebody lift your hand and say yes to Somebody lift your hand and say yes to Somebody lift your hand and say yes to God and praise him. God and praise him. God and praise him. Hallelujah. It's been good to be Hallelujah. It's been good to be Hallelujah. It's been good to be together today. Turn to your neighbor. together today. Turn to your neighbor. together today. Turn to your neighbor. Look him in the face and say, "It's been Look him in the face and say, "It's been Look him in the face and say, "It's been good to be with you." good to be with you." good to be with you." >> It's been good. >> It's been good. >> It's been good. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> In the presence of the Lord. >> But now it's time >> But now it's time >> But now it's time >> now it's time >> now it's time >> now it's time >> to say something good. >> to say something good. >> to say something good. >> Say something good. >> Say something good. >> Say something good. >> As we leave this place, >> As we leave this place, >> As we leave this place, >> but never God's presence. >> but never God's presence. >> but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless you everybody. Have a pass. God bless you everybody. Have a pass. God bless you everybody. Have a wonderful week in the Lord. wonderful week in the Lord. wonderful week in the Lord. >> Family. Thank you so much for watching >> Family. Thank you so much for watching >> Family. Thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

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