Tested: Critical Thinking, True Identity, and the Purpose of Your Struggles | Pastor A.R. Bernard

So, I'm going to continue in pastoral So, I'm going to continue in pastoral mode mode mode because of so many things that are because of so many things that are because of so many things that are happening within our society, shifts happening within our society, shifts happening within our society, shifts that are taking place and that are taking place and that are taking place and intentional intentional intentional uh marginalization uh marginalization uh marginalization of of of people based upon race or ethnicity, people based upon race or ethnicity, people based upon race or ethnicity, color of their skin, you know, all of color of their skin, you know, all of color of their skin, you know, all of that kind of stuff. And we're seeing that kind of stuff. And we're seeing that kind of stuff. And we're seeing that reemerge in our society in ways that reemerge in our society in ways that reemerge in our society in ways that we haven't seen in quite a few that we haven't seen in quite a few that we haven't seen in quite a few decades. decades. decades. I'm not going to get into all of that, I'm not going to get into all of that, I'm not going to get into all of that, but I do want to deal with but I do want to deal with but I do want to deal with a phrase that's being used especially a phrase that's being used especially a phrase that's being used especially towards towards towards Christians of color, black and brown, Christians of color, black and brown, Christians of color, black and brown, Latino, Latino, Latino, um, African-American, Caribbean, all of um, African-American, Caribbean, all of um, African-American, Caribbean, all of our varied folks. There's a passage in our varied folks. There's a passage in our varied folks. There's a passage in Revelation Revelation Revelation that captures that captures that captures God's vision of his kingdom.

God's vision of his kingdom. God's vision of his kingdom. And I want to share that it's found in And I want to share that it's found in And I want to share that it's found in Revelation 5:E9 is where it begins. And Revelation 5:E9 is where it begins. And Revelation 5:E9 is where it begins. And it's a beautiful vision of the kingdom it's a beautiful vision of the kingdom it's a beautiful vision of the kingdom of God. of God. of God. And this is from the English Standard And this is from the English Standard And this is from the English Standard Version. Version. Version. It says, "And they sang a new song." Now It says, "And they sang a new song." Now It says, "And they sang a new song." Now when you get a chance read the whole when you get a chance read the whole when you get a chance read the whole chapter and you'll give you the uh chapter and you'll give you the uh chapter and you'll give you the uh greater context of it but I want to greater context of it but I want to greater context of it but I want to focus on this verse. And they sang a new focus on this verse. And they sang a new focus on this verse. And they sang a new song song song saying worthy are you saying worthy are you saying worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its to take the scroll and to open its to take the scroll and to open its seals. Now the only one worthy of doing seals. Now the only one worthy of doing seals. Now the only one worthy of doing that is the Lord Jesus. Right? that is the Lord Jesus. Right? that is the Lord Jesus. Right? Revelation 5:9. For you were slain, and Revelation 5:9. For you were slain, and Revelation 5:9. For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for by your blood you ransomed people for by your blood you ransomed people for God. For who? God. For who? God. For who? >> For God. From where? >> For God. From where? >> For God. From where? >> I can't hear you. From where?

>> I can't hear you. From where? >> I can't hear you. From where? >> Give me that first word. >> Give me that first word. >> Give me that first word. >> Every. >> Every. >> Every. >> You got that? >> You got that? >> You got that? >> Every what? tribe, >> Every what? tribe, >> Every what? tribe, >> tribe >> tribe >> tribe >> and language >> and language >> and language >> and people >> and people >> and people >> and >> and >> and >> nation that is the vision that God has >> nation that is the vision that God has >> nation that is the vision that God has for his kingdom. It's very very for his kingdom. It's very very for his kingdom. It's very very important. It is not exclusive to any important. It is not exclusive to any important. It is not exclusive to any one folks. one folks. one folks. >> And here's a statement that that >> And here's a statement that that >> And here's a statement that that continues to be used to mislead and continues to be used to mislead and continues to be used to mislead and misguide us. All right. God is and let misguide us. All right. God is and let misguide us. All right. God is and let me just say this to you. Well, let me me just say this to you. Well, let me me just say this to you. Well, let me give you the statement. God is give you the statement. God is give you the statement. God is colorblind. colorblind. colorblind. God is colorblind. That's a statement God is colorblind. That's a statement God is colorblind. That's a statement that's being used. God is colorblind. that's being used. God is colorblind. that's being used. God is colorblind. God is colorblind. Which means the way God is colorblind. Which means the way God is colorblind. Which means the way it's being presented all right to our it's being presented all right to our it's being presented all right to our society is that God does not look society is that God does not look society is that God does not look at the distinctions of tribe, race, at the distinctions of tribe, race, at the distinctions of tribe, race, color, color, color, um, language, um, language, um, language, ethnicity, that God doesn't look at any ethnicity, that God doesn't look at any ethnicity, that God doesn't look at any of that.

of that. of that. He just sees everybody as one. He just sees everybody as one. He just sees everybody as one. >> You got that? >> You got that? >> You got that? >> That is not true. >> That is not true. >> That is not true. That is not That is not That is not true. true. true. >> He does see everyone created in his >> He does see everyone created in his >> He does see everyone created in his image, in his likeness, and given that image, in his likeness, and given that image, in his likeness, and given that dignity that comes with being created in dignity that comes with being created in dignity that comes with being created in his likeness. But God is very aware of his likeness. But God is very aware of his likeness. But God is very aware of our differences. our differences. our differences. God is very aware of our distinctions. God is very aware of our distinctions. God is very aware of our distinctions. In fact, it is that diversity In fact, it is that diversity In fact, it is that diversity and the beauty of that diversity and the and the beauty of that diversity and the and the beauty of that diversity and the coming together of that diversity coming together of that diversity coming together of that diversity that is his vision for the kingdom of that is his vision for the kingdom of that is his vision for the kingdom of God. Do you hear me folks? This is very God. Do you hear me folks? This is very God. Do you hear me folks? This is very important Christians because this is important Christians because this is important Christians because this is really being thrown at Christian really being thrown at Christian really being thrown at Christian believers, you know, to try to um believers, you know, to try to um believers, you know, to try to um erase erase erase differences.

differences. differences. And when you when you do that and those And when you when you do that and those And when you when you do that and those who are doing it, it's simply to get you who are doing it, it's simply to get you who are doing it, it's simply to get you to not pay attention to how differences to not pay attention to how differences to not pay attention to how differences are treated. are treated. are treated. >> Let me try that one more time. >> Let me try that one more time. >> Let me try that one more time. >> It's trying to get you to not pay >> It's trying to get you to not pay >> It's trying to get you to not pay attention to how differences are attention to how differences are attention to how differences are treated. And the reality is in this treated. And the reality is in this treated. And the reality is in this fallen, broken world, differences are fallen, broken world, differences are fallen, broken world, differences are treated differently. treated differently. treated differently. >> That's reality. That's why God is >> That's reality. That's why God is >> That's reality. That's why God is concerned about the marginalized. concerned about the marginalized. concerned about the marginalized. He's concerned about African-Americans He's concerned about African-Americans He's concerned about African-Americans who've in been marginalized and their who've in been marginalized and their who've in been marginalized and their experience, Latinos who've been mar experience, Latinos who've been mar experience, Latinos who've been mar marginalized and their experience. He's marginalized and their experience. He's marginalized and their experience. He's also aware of workingclass poor white also aware of workingclass poor white also aware of workingclass poor white Americans who've been marginalized and Americans who've been marginalized and Americans who've been marginalized and exploited by the f same systems that exploited by the f same systems that exploited by the f same systems that they support. God God is not colorblind.

is not colorblind. is not colorblind. That's very, very important. God is very That's very, very important. God is very That's very, very important. God is very aware of all of our distinctions, all of aware of all of our distinctions, all of aware of all of our distinctions, all of our differences. And to him, that is the our differences. And to him, that is the our differences. And to him, that is the beauty of his kingdom. beauty of his kingdom. beauty of his kingdom. Very, very important. Very, very Very, very important. Very, very Very, very important. Very, very important. Y'all got quiet on me here. important. Y'all got quiet on me here. important. Y'all got quiet on me here. This This is heavy. This is heavy. This This This is heavy. This is heavy. This This This is heavy. This is heavy. This is heavy. But it's important. It's is heavy. But it's important. It's is heavy. But it's important. It's important because to to erase your important because to to erase your important because to to erase your distinction, distinction, distinction, >> all right, is also to blur your context. >> all right, is also to blur your context. >> all right, is also to blur your context. And if I can blur your context, then I And if I can blur your context, then I And if I can blur your context, then I don't have to be sensitive to that don't have to be sensitive to that don't have to be sensitive to that context. The reality is that there are obstacles The reality is that there are obstacles that have been in the path that have been in the path that have been in the path based upon certain differences. based upon certain differences. based upon certain differences. Whether it's rich versus poor, whether Whether it's rich versus poor, whether Whether it's rich versus poor, whether it comes with ethnicity or race. All it comes with ethnicity or race. All it comes with ethnicity or race. All right? right? right? We have to let the word of God speak to We have to let the word of God speak to We have to let the word of God speak to us and give us our understanding of us and give us our understanding of us and give us our understanding of culture.

culture. culture. The word informs us, The word informs us, The word informs us, >> not the culture. >> not the culture. >> not the culture. >> Very, very, very important. Is that okay >> Very, very, very important. Is that okay >> Very, very, very important. Is that okay with you? Yes. with you? Yes. with you? Yes. >> I mean, I'm telling you anyway. So >> I mean, I'm telling you anyway. So >> I mean, I'm telling you anyway. So whether it's okay or not, very whether it's okay or not, very whether it's okay or not, very important. God looks at you and he sees important. God looks at you and he sees important. God looks at you and he sees all of you. He sees you in the totality all of you. He sees you in the totality all of you. He sees you in the totality of your lived experience. of your lived experience. of your lived experience. He does not ignore your realities He does not ignore your realities He does not ignore your realities and puts them aside. No. No. He's very and puts them aside. No. No. He's very and puts them aside. No. No. He's very much aware of all of our history, our much aware of all of our history, our much aware of all of our history, our context, our lived experience. Turn your context, our lived experience. Turn your context, our lived experience. Turn your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, neighbor, say, "Neighbor, neighbor, say, "Neighbor, >> God is fully aware." >> God is fully aware." >> God is fully aware." >> God is fully aware >> God is fully aware >> God is fully aware >> of your lived experience. >> of your lived experience. >> of your lived experience. >> Experience. >> Experience. >> Experience. >> Very important. Very important. And the >> Very important. Very important. And the >> Very important. Very important. And the way Revelation presents it, he way Revelation presents it, he way Revelation presents it, he celebrates us in our diversity. He celebrates us in our diversity. He celebrates us in our diversity. He celebrates us in our differences.

celebrates us in our differences. celebrates us in our differences. faith. That's I just needed to express faith. That's I just needed to express faith. That's I just needed to express that to you because I think things are that to you because I think things are that to you because I think things are going to get worse before they get going to get worse before they get going to get worse before they get better. better. better. But notice I said they're going to get But notice I said they're going to get But notice I said they're going to get better. better. better. >> They're going they're going to get >> They're going they're going to get >> They're going they're going to get better with some of the changes and roll better with some of the changes and roll better with some of the changes and roll backs that have been taking place. You backs that have been taking place. You backs that have been taking place. You know, it's going to take us some time to know, it's going to take us some time to know, it's going to take us some time to recover from some of these things. And recover from some of these things. And recover from some of these things. And boy, I could preach on this a bit more, boy, I could preach on this a bit more, boy, I could preach on this a bit more, but we're going to we're going to chill but we're going to we're going to chill but we're going to we're going to chill here. All right. So, let me move into here. All right. So, let me move into here. All right. So, let me move into the next if you can. I hope this didn't the next if you can. I hope this didn't the next if you can. I hope this didn't shock you and leave you where you can't shock you and leave you where you can't shock you and leave you where you can't move forward. move forward. move forward. >> Okay. Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, >> Okay. Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, >> Okay. Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, snap out of it." >> We have to engage in critical thinking. >> We have to engage in critical thinking. >> As believers, we have to engage in >> As believers, we have to engage in >> As believers, we have to engage in critical thinking. You have to analyze, critical thinking. You have to analyze, critical thinking. You have to analyze, question the facts. You have to ask a question the facts. You have to ask a question the facts. You have to ask a Karen, bless her, sweetheart, she'll Karen, bless her, sweetheart, she'll Karen, bless her, sweetheart, she'll share something with me and I'll say, share something with me and I'll say, share something with me and I'll say, "Where did you get that? What's the "Where did you get that? What's the "Where did you get that? What's the source?" She'll say, "Uh, YouTube, honey. You can't honey. You can't you know." Yeah. You know, when you're you know." Yeah. You know, when you're you know." Yeah. You know, when you're watching social media shorts, videos, watching social media shorts, videos, watching social media shorts, videos, dig a little deeper. You got to dig a little deeper. You got to dig a little deeper. You got to distinguish between what is real and distinguish between what is real and distinguish between what is real and what is artificial intelligence.

what is artificial intelligence. what is artificial intelligence. >> And right now, it has to tell you cuz >> And right now, it has to tell you cuz >> And right now, it has to tell you cuz you can tell if you dig deeper and open you can tell if you dig deeper and open you can tell if you dig deeper and open it up, it'll tell you that it was AI it up, it'll tell you that it was AI it up, it'll tell you that it was AI generated or or that it was somehow generated or or that it was somehow generated or or that it was somehow artificially engineered. artificially engineered. artificially engineered. All right? or techn technologically All right? or techn technologically All right? or techn technologically engineered. And there's there's a engineered. And there's there's a engineered. And there's there's a mixture of both the real and the mixture of both the real and the mixture of both the real and the artificial. Now, artificial. Now, artificial. Now, see, so you've got to be sharper. You've see, so you've got to be sharper. You've see, so you've got to be sharper. You've got to think what? got to think what? got to think what? >> Critically. You've got to think >> Critically. You've got to think >> Critically. You've got to think critically. Not only about what you critically. Not only about what you critically. Not only about what you experience in society, experience in society, experience in society, um, but even in your faith. [snorts] You um, but even in your faith. [snorts] You um, but even in your faith. [snorts] You have to think critical when you read the have to think critical when you read the have to think critical when you read the scripture. scripture. scripture. All right? You've got to think All right? You've got to think All right? You've got to think critically. critically. critically. Our roots are in Judaism and that was Our roots are in Judaism and that was Our roots are in Judaism and that was the journey that God took a people, the journey that God took a people, the journey that God took a people, extracted them to preserve the extracted them to preserve the extracted them to preserve the revelation of himself until the coming revelation of himself until the coming revelation of himself until the coming of Messiah Jesus.

of Messiah Jesus. of Messiah Jesus. And one of the things that marked them And one of the things that marked them And one of the things that marked them is the critical thinking of scripture, is the critical thinking of scripture, is the critical thinking of scripture, the Torah. the Torah. the Torah. They would reflect and they would debate They would reflect and they would debate They would reflect and they would debate and they would argue and they'd go back and they would argue and they'd go back and they would argue and they'd go back and forth, never getting angry with each and forth, never getting angry with each and forth, never getting angry with each other, but appreciating the debate, other, but appreciating the debate, other, but appreciating the debate, appreciating the perspectives because appreciating the perspectives because appreciating the perspectives because that's what allows you to grow. that's what allows you to grow. that's what allows you to grow. All right? All right? All right? Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in your own mind. It's time to take notes. [applause] It's time to take notes. [applause] Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in Don't limit yourself to the knowledge in your own mind. your own mind. your own mind. I won't even get into the pride and I won't even get into the pride and I won't even get into the pride and arrogance that that that that reflects, arrogance that that that that reflects, arrogance that that that that reflects, but don't limit yourself to the but don't limit yourself to the but don't limit yourself to the knowledge in your own mind. Get around knowledge in your own mind. Get around knowledge in your own mind. Get around smart people. smart people. smart people. All right? Don't be narcissistic All right? Don't be narcissistic All right? Don't be narcissistic to the point that you don't want anybody to the point that you don't want anybody to the point that you don't want anybody smarter than you in the group.

In fact, turn to your neighbor, say, In fact, turn to your neighbor, say, "Neighbor, "Neighbor, "Neighbor, >> neighbor, >> neighbor, >> neighbor, >> if you're the smartest one in the group, >> if you're the smartest one in the group, >> if you're the smartest one in the group, >> the smartest one, >> the smartest one, >> the smartest one, >> you need a new group." >> How many understand why? Because you you >> How many understand why? Because you you need people who are going to challenge need people who are going to challenge need people who are going to challenge you. you. you. >> I want people to challenge me. I want >> I want people to challenge me. I want >> I want people to challenge me. I want people to say, "Well, what about this? people to say, "Well, what about this? people to say, "Well, what about this? What about that?" It's very, very What about that?" It's very, very What about that?" It's very, very important. important. important. And remember, And remember, And remember, we only think to the level of what we're we only think to the level of what we're we only think to the level of what we're exposed to. exposed to. exposed to. >> I'mma try that again. >> I'mma try that again. >> I'mma try that again. >> Can I be p Can I continue to be pastoral >> Can I be p Can I continue to be pastoral >> Can I be p Can I continue to be pastoral here? You only think to the level of here? You only think to the level of here? You only think to the level of what you're exposed to. You can tell a what you're exposed to. You can tell a what you're exposed to. You can tell a person who has had limited exposure. person who has had limited exposure. person who has had limited exposure. >> You can tell by the way they talk, the >> You can tell by the way they talk, the >> You can tell by the way they talk, the way they carry themselves, and way they carry themselves, and way they carry themselves, and especially by the questions that they especially by the questions that they especially by the questions that they ask. and the questions they don't ask. ask. and the questions they don't ask. ask. and the questions they don't ask. You can tell a lot about people and what You can tell a lot about people and what You can tell a lot about people and what they've been exposed to and what they they've been exposed to and what they they've been exposed to and what they haven't been exposed to. And and when haven't been exposed to. And and when haven't been exposed to. And and when you find someone who hasn't been exposed you find someone who hasn't been exposed you find someone who hasn't been exposed to a lot, especially concerning, you to a lot, especially concerning, you to a lot, especially concerning, you know, concerning the conversation that know, concerning the conversation that know, concerning the conversation that you may be trying to have with them, you you may be trying to have with them, you you may be trying to have with them, you kind of look at them and you say, kind of look at them and you say, kind of look at them and you say, "Bendito."

"Bendito." "Bendito." [laughter] Oh, I'm just feel for you. you just Oh, I'm just feel for you. you just sorry and you feel a a bit of empathy sorry and you feel a a bit of empathy sorry and you feel a a bit of empathy and compassion, right? Because they're and compassion, right? Because they're and compassion, right? Because they're not where they should be. But even as not where they should be. But even as not where they should be. But even as believers, we need to think critically. believers, we need to think critically. believers, we need to think critically. Is God up? Is God up? Is God up? Is God up? See, you know I'm messing with you, so See, you know I'm messing with you, so you don't want to answer. you don't want to answer. you don't want to answer. >> Is God up? >> You just finished worshiping and this is >> You just finished worshiping and this is what you're doing. >> What are you looking at the ceiling for? >> What are you looking at the ceiling for? Come on. How many look up when you Come on. How many look up when you Come on. How many look up when you worship?

So, what does the Bible mean? So, what does the Bible mean? God is from above. Because no matter how God is from above. Because no matter how God is from above. Because no matter how far we travel from this planet out in far we travel from this planet out in far we travel from this planet out in space, we're not going to find God space, we're not going to find God space, we're not going to find God because he's beyond this realm of because he's beyond this realm of because he's beyond this realm of existence. And God can appear and existence. And God can appear and existence. And God can appear and disappear disappear disappear right in our midst. When you read the right in our midst. When you read the right in our midst. When you read the Bible, you find that there were times Bible, you find that there were times Bible, you find that there were times when God was there and all of a sudden when God was there and all of a sudden when God was there and all of a sudden he wasn't. he wasn't. he wasn't. >> Not only that, if you read in the book >> Not only that, if you read in the book >> Not only that, if you read in the book of Acts, of Acts, of Acts, there was a man, one of the disciples, there was a man, one of the disciples, there was a man, one of the disciples, who ended up in one place ended up in one place from another kind of like one of those from another kind of like one of those from another kind of like one of those beat me up Scotty transporter things. beat me up Scotty transporter things. beat me up Scotty transporter things. Who knows his name? Who knows his name? Who knows his name? Huh? Huh? Huh? >> He ended up speaking to an Ethiopian >> He ended up speaking to an Ethiopian >> He ended up speaking to an Ethiopian unic unic unic >> in the book of Acts. Who was it? What's >> in the book of Acts. Who was it? What's >> in the book of Acts. Who was it? What's his name? his name? his name? >> I can't hear you.

>> I can't hear you. >> I can't hear you. >> Huh? This is the book of Acts. >> Huh? This is the book of Acts. >> Huh? This is the book of Acts. >> What was his name? >> What was his name? >> What was his name? >> Phillip. Right. Phillip. Phillip. He >> Phillip. Right. Phillip. Phillip. He >> Phillip. Right. Phillip. Phillip. He experienced what? He experienced physical movement. He experienced physical movement. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. through dimension of time and space and through dimension of time and space and through dimension of time and space and ended up in another place. ended up in another place. ended up in another place. He did in the book of acts. He did in the book of acts. He did in the book of acts. >> So not only God moving through time and >> So not only God moving through time and >> So not only God moving through time and space in ways that we are not common to space in ways that we are not common to space in ways that we are not common to us but human beings us but human beings us but human beings experiencing something like that. So experiencing something like that. So experiencing something like that. So when we think of God being up the only when we think of God being up the only when we think of God being up the only way only reason we we use that language way only reason we we use that language way only reason we we use that language is to say that God is above us. He's is to say that God is above us. He's is to say that God is above us. He's beyond us. beyond us. beyond us. >> But life is lived dimensionally. >> But life is lived dimensionally. >> But life is lived dimensionally. That's why God is right here, That's why God is right here, That's why God is right here, >> right now. >> right now. >> right now. >> God is present. How many believe God is >> God is present. How many believe God is >> God is present. How many believe God is present? present? present? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. There are things that we don't >> Yeah. There are things that we don't >> Yeah. There are things that we don't know about this universe that we will know about this universe that we will know about this universe that we will get to know over time. But we got to get to know over time. But we got to get to know over time. But we got to think critically. And there's nothing think critically. And there's nothing think critically. And there's nothing wrong with thinking critically. We have wrong with thinking critically. We have wrong with thinking critically. We have people in our congregation who have to people in our congregation who have to people in our congregation who have to think critically every day. I'm going to think critically every day. I'm going to think critically every day. I'm going to mess with you. Shirley Paul. Shirley mess with you. Shirley Paul. Shirley mess with you. Shirley Paul. Shirley Paul is an attorney and she is works for Paul is an attorney and she is works for Paul is an attorney and she is works for governor. The governor governor. The governor governor. The governor as an attorney.

as an attorney. as an attorney. Let's get a microphone. Do we have a Let's get a microphone. Do we have a Let's get a microphone. Do we have a microphone? Yeah. That was a quue. Where microphone? Yeah. That was a quue. Where microphone? Yeah. That was a quue. Where is it? Oh, no. We don't want people is it? Oh, no. We don't want people is it? Oh, no. We don't want people coming up. We'll never get out of here today. We'll never get out of here today. [laughter] Come on, Charlie. Please. [laughter] Come on, Charlie. Please. [laughter] Come on, Charlie. Please. >> Yeah. I one thing about law and going to >> Yeah. I one thing about law and going to >> Yeah. I one thing about law and going to law school, it teaches you how to think law school, it teaches you how to think law school, it teaches you how to think critically. Why is that important? critically. Why is that important? critically. Why is that important? >> Because you have to have foundations to >> Because you have to have foundations to >> Because you have to have foundations to draw conclusions. You need to um you draw conclusions. You need to um you draw conclusions. You need to um you need it's a process by which you get to need it's a process by which you get to need it's a process by which you get to a conclusion, plan a strategy so there's a conclusion, plan a strategy so there's a conclusion, plan a strategy so there's legal precedent um so you can figure out legal precedent um so you can figure out legal precedent um so you can figure out what to do for your clients to best what to do for your clients to best what to do for your clients to best represent them and to challenge what's represent them and to challenge what's represent them and to challenge what's happening so that the law is evolving. happening so that the law is evolving. happening so that the law is evolving. So you're processing information in So you're processing information in So you're processing information in order to I like what you said get to a order to I like what you said get to a order to I like what you said get to a conclusion and the process conclusion and the process conclusion and the process right that you go through will determine right that you go through will determine right that you go through will determine the kind of conclusion that you come up the kind of conclusion that you come up the kind of conclusion that you come up with with with >> correct >> correct >> correct >> that's very very real. Thank you for >> that's very very real. Thank you for >> that's very very real. Thank you for what you do what you do what you do >> for our state of New York >> for our state of New York >> for our state of New York >> and as a believer >> and as a believer >> and as a believer >> and the fact that you're representing >> and the fact that you're representing >> and the fact that you're representing the Lord in that context. [applause] Uh, the Lord in that context. [applause] Uh, the Lord in that context. [applause] Uh, Elder Dario, in the context of faith, is Elder Dario, in the context of faith, is Elder Dario, in the context of faith, is critical thinking important?

critical thinking important? critical thinking important? >> Well, sir, I believe it is. Uh, >> Well, sir, I believe it is. Uh, >> Well, sir, I believe it is. Uh, if we as a church don't answer the why, if we as a church don't answer the why, if we as a church don't answer the why, people will will go looking for the people will will go looking for the people will will go looking for the answers somewhere else. And if as answers somewhere else. And if as answers somewhere else. And if as Christians if we believe that Christians if we believe that Christians if we believe that Christianity is true based on facts, Christianity is true based on facts, Christianity is true based on facts, reality and truth, we have the reality and truth, we have the reality and truth, we have the responsibility to answer that why versus responsibility to answer that why versus responsibility to answer that why versus why everybody else. And you had asked me why everybody else. And you had asked me why everybody else. And you had asked me earlier about young people. Young people earlier about young people. Young people earlier about young people. Young people are asking the why now. And the thing are asking the why now. And the thing are asking the why now. And the thing with young people for them to answer the with young people for them to answer the with young people for them to answer the why will allow them to own their faith why will allow them to own their faith why will allow them to own their faith more than just being under their parents more than just being under their parents more than just being under their parents as amazing parents are. But I believe as amazing parents are. But I believe as amazing parents are. But I believe now is the time because of school now is the time because of school now is the time because of school education and culture. education and culture. education and culture. Young people need to know why now. Young people need to know why now. Young people need to know why now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> At 16, 13, 12. >> At 16, 13, 12. >> At 16, 13, 12. >> Yeah. Excellent. Excellent. Thank you, >> Yeah. Excellent. Excellent. Thank you, >> Yeah. Excellent. Excellent. Thank you, Elder Dario. [applause] The why. And our Elder Dario. [applause] The why. And our Elder Dario. [applause] The why. And our young people are asking questions. Why?

young people are asking questions. Why? young people are asking questions. Why? Because they're so exposed to so much Because they're so exposed to so much Because they're so exposed to so much information information information that they can't possibly process it all. that they can't possibly process it all. that they can't possibly process it all. So when you become overwhelmed by the So when you become overwhelmed by the So when you become overwhelmed by the degree of information that's coming at degree of information that's coming at degree of information that's coming at you, you begin to look for trusted you, you begin to look for trusted you, you begin to look for trusted voices to speak into your life. And God voices to speak into your life. And God voices to speak into your life. And God knows that he put us here, the church, knows that he put us here, the church, knows that he put us here, the church, as the pillar and ground for the truth, as the pillar and ground for the truth, as the pillar and ground for the truth, which means that we should be a trusted which means that we should be a trusted which means that we should be a trusted voice. Do you understand why the devil voice. Do you understand why the devil voice. Do you understand why the devil tries everything he can to weaken trust tries everything he can to weaken trust tries everything he can to weaken trust for the church to corrupt and demoralize for the church to corrupt and demoralize for the church to corrupt and demoralize ministers and leaders? That's why you ministers and leaders? That's why you ministers and leaders? That's why you got to pray for those who are in got to pray for those who are in got to pray for those who are in spiritual authority spiritual authority spiritual authority because they become attacked by the because they become attacked by the because they become attacked by the devil in ways to challenge their devil in ways to challenge their devil in ways to challenge their authority and their ability to speak to authority and their ability to speak to authority and their ability to speak to be a trusted voice and trusted voices be a trusted voice and trusted voices be a trusted voice and trusted voices are critical in our lives. Amen. How are critical in our lives. Amen. How are critical in our lives. Amen. How many have some trusted voices in your many have some trusted voices in your many have some trusted voices in your life speaking into your life? Yeah.

life speaking into your life? Yeah. life speaking into your life? Yeah. People that you feel comfortable that People that you feel comfortable that People that you feel comfortable that you can go to critical think is you can go to critical think is you can go to critical think is important. That's why a CCC. important. That's why a CCC. important. That's why a CCC. All right. We want you to think All right. We want you to think All right. We want you to think critically about your faith. Think critically about your faith. Think critically about your faith. Think critically about your identity. This is critically about your identity. This is critically about your identity. This is important. Otherwise, you buy into the important. Otherwise, you buy into the important. Otherwise, you buy into the narratives that are being thrown at you narratives that are being thrown at you narratives that are being thrown at you by the world. How many of you know that you've been How many of you know that you've been created by God? created by God? created by God? Raise your hand high if you know that Raise your hand high if you know that Raise your hand high if you know that you've been created by God. Okay, good. you've been created by God. Okay, good. you've been created by God. Okay, good. All right. All right. All right. Why is that so important? Why is that so important? Why is that so important? Because the one who creates you knows Because the one who creates you knows Because the one who creates you knows who you are who you are who you are and what your capacity is. >> Not the creative thing. The creative >> Not the creative thing. The creative thing has to discover, thing has to discover, thing has to discover, right? But when we say that God created right? But when we say that God created right? But when we say that God created you, it means that whoever created you you, it means that whoever created you you, it means that whoever created you gives you your identity.

Which means that identity is not Which means that identity is not invented or constructed. invented or constructed. invented or constructed. >> It is received. Now that is a heavy question that I Now that is a heavy question that I heavy conversation there because we live heavy conversation there because we live heavy conversation there because we live in a world where people feel they can in a world where people feel they can in a world where people feel they can create themselves. create themselves. create themselves. It's cold in here. Do you notice this? It's cold in here. Do you notice this? It's cold in here. Do you notice this? >> I just want you to notice that there's >> I just want you to notice that there's >> I just want you to notice that there's air conditioning. air conditioning. air conditioning. [applause] You know, people sit here all chill and You know, people sit here all chill and [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] nobody saying thank you. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] [applause] You've been created by God. You've been created by God. So, only God can give you your identity. So, only God can give you your identity. So, only God can give you your identity. You then must choose because he's given You then must choose because he's given You then must choose because he's given you free will, right? You must choose to you free will, right? You must choose to you free will, right? You must choose to receive that identity. So identity is receive that identity. So identity is receive that identity. So identity is received. It's not constructed. It's not received. It's not constructed. It's not received. It's not constructed. It's not invented based upon how you feel inside.

Boy, we can have some fun with that. But Boy, we can have some fun with that. But I'll be happy. I'll be happy. I'll be happy. I'll be happy. I'll be happy. I'll be happy. You have been created by God, And And you are you are you are intelligent. and you have the capacity to build a and you have the capacity to build a meaningful life. I don't if you I don't care if you get I don't if you I don't care if you get anything else today. Get that. You've anything else today. Get that. You've anything else today. Get that. You've been created by God. He created you with dignity, He created you with dignity, purpose, purpose, purpose, intelligence, intelligence, intelligence, and capacity. Write it down. and capacity. Write it down. and capacity. Write it down. You've been created by God. Created by You've been created by God. Created by You've been created by God. Created by who?

who? who? >> That's right. So, who do you owe your >> That's right. So, who do you owe your >> That's right. So, who do you owe your identity to? identity to? identity to? >> Not the world. >> Not the world. >> Not the world. Not your neighborhood, Not your neighborhood, Not your neighborhood, >> not even your ethnicity, your race. >> not even your ethnicity, your race. >> not even your ethnicity, your race. You don't owe your identity to it. These You don't owe your identity to it. These You don't owe your identity to it. These are factors in this real world in which are factors in this real world in which are factors in this real world in which we live. But your identity begins with we live. But your identity begins with we live. But your identity begins with God. You've been created by God, which God. You've been created by God, which God. You've been created by God, which means you have dignity, means you have dignity, means you have dignity, purpose, purpose, purpose, intelligence, and the capacity to build intelligence, and the capacity to build intelligence, and the capacity to build a meaningful life. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Now the thief comes to steal >> Now the thief comes to steal >> Now the thief comes to steal your dignity, your dignity, your dignity, your purpose, your intelligence, and your purpose, your intelligence, and your purpose, your intelligence, and your capacity to build a meaningful your capacity to build a meaningful your capacity to build a meaningful life. He comes to steal that from you, life. He comes to steal that from you, life. He comes to steal that from you, to rob you of it, because he doesn't to rob you of it, because he doesn't to rob you of it, because he doesn't want you to experience that. Especially want you to experience that. Especially want you to experience that. Especially since you identify with God, because since you identify with God, because since you identify with God, because then God gets the credit and he can't then God gets the credit and he can't then God gets the credit and he can't turn people away from God. That make turn people away from God. That make turn people away from God. That make sense to you? Yes.

sense to you? Yes. sense to you? Yes. >> All right. So, now that we've >> All right. So, now that we've >> All right. So, now that we've established that, let's think like established that, let's think like established that, let's think like people of God. Let's think like people people of God. Let's think like people people of God. Let's think like people of dignity and purpose. Here's my of dignity and purpose. Here's my of dignity and purpose. Here's my tension for you today. I I I tried to set my watch 10 minutes I I I tried to set my watch 10 minutes slow. So, here's a question. So, here's a question. Does God tempt us? How many say and and listen, don't be How many say and and listen, don't be afraid to be wrong. afraid to be wrong. afraid to be wrong. That's how you get right. >> The people who never admit they're wrong >> The people who never admit they're wrong never get right.

>> So, how many of you think >> So, how many of you think that God that God that God does tempt his people? Just raise your does tempt his people? Just raise your does tempt his people? Just raise your hand. Okay, put your hands down. Before I ask Okay, put your hands down. Before I ask the next question, let me ask this one. the next question, let me ask this one. the next question, let me ask this one. How many of you are afraid to think? How many of you are afraid to think? How many of you are afraid to think? [laughter] >> All right. So, you you think that God >> All right. So, you you think that God tempts you? How many say no, God does tempts you? How many say no, God does tempts you? How many say no, God does not tempt his people? Raise your hand not tempt his people? Raise your hand not tempt his people? Raise your hand high and be proud of your answer. high and be proud of your answer. high and be proud of your answer. Good. Yeah. All right. This is Good. Yeah. All right. This is Good. Yeah. All right. This is important. important. important. James chapter 1 verse 13 and 14. James chapter 1 verse 13 and 14. James chapter 1 verse 13 and 14. It says, "Let no one say "Let no one say when he or she is tempted, when he or she is tempted, when he or she is tempted, I am being tempted by God."

I am being tempted by God." I am being tempted by God." Why? Come on. It's right there. It's not on Come on. It's right there. It's not on my face. >> Why? [applause] >> Why? [applause] I can't hear you. I can't hear you. I can't hear you. I can't hear you. Why? >> Two two reasons. Number one, >> Two two reasons. Number one, God's nature, God's nature, God's nature, God himself can't be tempted. God himself can't be tempted. God himself can't be tempted. >> Which means the devil can't tempt God to >> Which means the devil can't tempt God to >> Which means the devil can't tempt God to do evil because it's not his nature to do evil because it's not his nature to do evil because it's not his nature to do evil. And God must act consistent do evil. And God must act consistent do evil. And God must act consistent with his nature. with his nature. with his nature. >> And because he's consistent with his >> And because he's consistent with his >> And because he's consistent with his nature, we can trust him. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> God cannot be tempted by evil. Nor does >> God cannot be tempted by evil. Nor does >> God cannot be tempted by evil. Nor does he himself what? he himself what? he himself what? >> I can't hear you. Nor does he himself >> I can't hear you. Nor does he himself >> I can't hear you. Nor does he himself what?

what? what? >> Yeah. And it's critical the word tempt >> Yeah. And it's critical the word tempt >> Yeah. And it's critical the word tempt here. are tempted because we have to here. are tempted because we have to here. are tempted because we have to understand what that means because James understand what that means because James understand what that means because James is specifically is specifically is specifically speaking about moral temptation. In speaking about moral temptation. In speaking about moral temptation. In other words, the solicitation to sin. other words, the solicitation to sin. other words, the solicitation to sin. God never solicits you or seduces you in God never solicits you or seduces you in God never solicits you or seduces you in any way to get you to sin. any way to get you to sin. any way to get you to sin. >> If you're being seduced or solicited, it >> If you're being seduced or solicited, it >> If you're being seduced or solicited, it ain't God. So don't you dare say, "Lord, is is that So don't you dare say, "Lord, is is that you? you? you? Should I rob this bank?" God cannot be tempted. God cannot be tempted. All right? Because he's consistent. He's All right? Because he's consistent. He's All right? Because he's consistent. He's unchangeable in his nature, right? unchangeable in his nature, right? unchangeable in his nature, right? But he doesn't tempt anyone. But he doesn't tempt anyone. But he doesn't tempt anyone. He doesn't tempt.

He doesn't tempt. He doesn't tempt. But how do we deal with the fact that But how do we deal with the fact that But how do we deal with the fact that Jesus said when we pray, Jesus said when we pray, Jesus said when we pray, pray pray pray and lead us not and lead us not and lead us not >> into >> into >> into >> temptation. >> temptation. >> temptation. How do we deal with that? Because it How do we deal with that? Because it How do we deal with that? Because it appears appears appears that he is telling us to pray to God not that he is telling us to pray to God not that he is telling us to pray to God not to tempt us. That's not really what it's to tempt us. That's not really what it's to tempt us. That's not really what it's saying because the context of the prayer saying because the context of the prayer saying because the context of the prayer is he's saying protect us from is he's saying protect us from is he's saying protect us from >> temptation. >> temptation. >> temptation. The difference protect us from The difference protect us from The difference protect us from temptation. temptation. temptation. I love the text where it says, "And I love the text where it says, "And I love the text where it says, "And Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit >> to be tempted >> to be tempted >> to be tempted by the devil. by the devil. by the devil. Read the whole thing.

Read the whole thing. Read the whole thing. >> I the devil. >> I the devil. >> I the devil. So God never seduces anyone toward evil. So God never seduces anyone toward evil. So God never seduces anyone toward evil. Evil does not originate in God because Evil does not originate in God because Evil does not originate in God because God is good. God is good. God is good. God is good. [applause] God is good. [applause] God is good. [applause] But James does continue to say But James does continue to say But James does continue to say that sin arises from our fallen human that sin arises from our fallen human that sin arises from our fallen human nature, nature, nature, >> our desires >> our desires >> our desires and our desires. and our desires. and our desires. The devil goes after our desires. The devil goes after our desires. The devil goes after our desires. He tries to check us. That's why Jesus He tries to check us. That's why Jesus He tries to check us. That's why Jesus said the evil one comes but he has said the evil one comes but he has said the evil one comes but he has nothing in me. That's important because nothing in me. That's important because nothing in me. That's important because Jesus was saying there's nothing for the Jesus was saying there's nothing for the Jesus was saying there's nothing for the devil to work with. Is there anything in devil to work with. Is there anything in devil to work with. Is there anything in you that he has to work with? And that's why we're constantly checking And that's why we're constantly checking our desires to make sure that they don't our desires to make sure that they don't our desires to make sure that they don't overpower us in a way that it becomes an overpower us in a way that it becomes an overpower us in a way that it becomes an instrument in the hands of the devil.

>> We have to be sober. We have to be vigil >> We have to be sober. We have to be vigil vigilant. Right. vigilant. Right. vigilant. Right. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. One of my earlier spiritual mentors said One of my earlier spiritual mentors said One of my earlier spiritual mentors said to me, he said, "Rard, let me give you to me, he said, "Rard, let me give you to me, he said, "Rard, let me give you some simple wisdom. If you give the some simple wisdom. If you give the some simple wisdom. If you give the devil a stick, he ought to beat you with devil a stick, he ought to beat you with devil a stick, he ought to beat you with it." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> He ought to whip you good >> He ought to whip you good >> He ought to whip you good because you gave it to him. because you gave it to him. because you gave it to him. >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking >> Turn your neighbor say he's talking about somebody you know. So the source of temptation is never So the source of temptation is never God. It's our fallen human nature. God. It's our fallen human nature. God. It's our fallen human nature. The source of temptation is never God. The source of temptation is never God. The source of temptation is never God. It is our fallen human nature. Let's go It is our fallen human nature. Let's go It is our fallen human nature. Let's go to John, Gospel of John, chapter 6. Oh to John, Gospel of John, chapter 6. Oh to John, Gospel of John, chapter 6. Oh man, I was hoping to finish this man, I was hoping to finish this man, I was hoping to finish this quickly. [snorts] Let's go to John. John quickly. [snorts] Let's go to John. John quickly. [snorts] Let's go to John. John chapter 6. chapter 6. chapter 6. You have that in your Bible?

John chapter 6. John chapter 6. Oh, come on. John chapter 6 and we'll Oh, come on. John chapter 6 and we'll Oh, come on. John chapter 6 and we'll we'll get we'll begin at verse one. All we'll get we'll begin at verse one. All we'll get we'll begin at verse one. All right. Ready? I'm reading from the um right. Ready? I'm reading from the um right. Ready? I'm reading from the um well New Living Translation. After this, well New Living Translation. After this, well New Living Translation. After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of Jesus crossed over to the far side of Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the the Sea of Galilee, also known as the the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tarius. A huge crowd kept Sea of Tarius. A huge crowd kept Sea of Tarius. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went because following him wherever he went because following him wherever he went because they saw his what? Miraculous signs. So they saw his what? Miraculous signs. So they saw his what? Miraculous signs. So that's what was attracting them as he that's what was attracting them as he that's what was attracting them as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples hill and sat down with his disciples hill and sat down with his disciples around him. It was nearly time for the around him. It was nearly time for the around him. It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, which means Jewish Passover celebration, which means Jewish Passover celebration, which means that there were crowds of people from that there were crowds of people from that there were crowds of people from all over there in the city at that all over there in the city at that all over there in the city at that particular time. particular time. particular time. Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him, turning to coming to look for him, turning to coming to look for him, turning to Philillip. Who does he turn to? And Philillip. Who does he turn to? And Philillip. Who does he turn to? And that's an interesting story because that's an interesting story because that's an interesting story because Philip is the one who says to him in Philip is the one who says to him in Philip is the one who says to him in John chapter 14, "Show us the father and John chapter 14, "Show us the father and John chapter 14, "Show us the father and we'll be happy." And Jesus says, "Have I we'll be happy." And Jesus says, "Have I we'll be happy." And Jesus says, "Have I been with you all this time? You still been with you all this time? You still been with you all this time? You still don't know me. If you've seen me, you've don't know me. If you've seen me, you've don't know me. If you've seen me, you've seen the father." So Philillip had a seen the father." So Philillip had a seen the father." So Philillip had a hard time, even though he was with Jesus hard time, even though he was with Jesus hard time, even though he was with Jesus for three and a half years in ministry, for three and a half years in ministry, for three and a half years in ministry, he was still having a hard time getting he was still having a hard time getting he was still having a hard time getting his head around revelation.

So he turns to Philillip and he asks, So he turns to Philillip and he asks, "Where can we buy bread to feed all "Where can we buy bread to feed all "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" Now boy, I wish we had these people?" Now boy, I wish we had these people?" Now boy, I wish we had some time to unpack this because he some time to unpack this because he some time to unpack this because he doesn't say where can we get bread. Let's continue. Verse six. He was Let's continue. Verse six. He was >> He was what? >> He was what? >> He was what? >> Say what? testing. >> Say what? testing. >> Say what? testing. >> He was doing what? >> He was doing what? >> He was doing what? >> Jesus was doing what? >> Jesus was doing what? >> Jesus was doing what? >> Testing Philillip. Throughout the >> Testing Philillip. Throughout the >> Testing Philillip. Throughout the scripture, God tested Abraham with scripture, God tested Abraham with scripture, God tested Abraham with Isaac. Isaac. Isaac. >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> Are you with me? >> He brought the children of Israel out in >> He brought the children of Israel out in >> He brought the children of Israel out in the wilderness to what? the wilderness to what? the wilderness to what? >> Test them. So God doesn't tempt. >> Test them. So God doesn't tempt. >> Test them. So God doesn't tempt. >> But he does test. He waits for a circumstance, a scenario He waits for a circumstance, a scenario that he knows he can use to test you. that he knows he can use to test you. that he knows he can use to test you. And his testing is never for you to And his testing is never for you to And his testing is never for you to fail.

fail. fail. It's for you to grow to the next level. It's for you to grow to the next level. It's for you to grow to the next level. It's for you to become stronger, wiser, It's for you to become stronger, wiser, It's for you to become stronger, wiser, better. [applause] better. [applause] better. [applause] Oh, isn't that a song? Oh, isn't that a song? Oh, isn't that a song? Never would have made it. test. test. He does test us. That's part of our He does test us. That's part of our He does test us. That's part of our growth and development. And he uses growth and development. And he uses growth and development. And he uses circumstance. Here's a circumstance circumstance. Here's a circumstance circumstance. Here's a circumstance where there's a crowd of people. where there's a crowd of people. where there's a crowd of people. And he turns to Philillip and let me say And he turns to Philillip and let me say And he turns to Philillip and let me say all testing is based upon what God knows all testing is based upon what God knows all testing is based upon what God knows about you, your personality, your about you, your personality, your about you, your personality, your character. character. character. So with Philillip, he doesn't say where So with Philillip, he doesn't say where So with Philillip, he doesn't say where can we go get bread. He says where can can we go get bread. He says where can can we go get bread. He says where can we go buy bread? And sure enough, we go buy bread? And sure enough, we go buy bread? And sure enough, Philillip in his personality, he starts Philillip in his personality, he starts Philillip in his personality, he starts calculating. Let me see. Hmm. Going to take too much money. Going to take too much money. Andrew on the other hand, if you Andrew on the other hand, if you Andrew on the other hand, if you continue reading the story, BRINGS HE continue reading the story, BRINGS HE continue reading the story, BRINGS HE SPOTS A little boy's lunch. So Andrew is SPOTS A little boy's lunch. So Andrew is SPOTS A little boy's lunch. So Andrew is at a different level of faith than at a different level of faith than at a different level of faith than Philillip because he doesn't start Philillip because he doesn't start Philillip because he doesn't start calculating in the natural because he's calculating in the natural because he's calculating in the natural because he's seen Jesus do some things. So he has seen Jesus do some things. So he has seen Jesus do some things. So he has enough faith to spot something that enough faith to spot something that enough faith to spot something that Jesus can work with.

Jesus can work with. Jesus can work with. [applause] >> When Jesus was training Moses, Moses >> When Jesus was training Moses, Moses said, "How am I going to do that?" And said, "How am I going to do that?" And said, "How am I going to do that?" And what does Jesus what does God say to what does Jesus what does God say to what does Jesus what does God say to him? He said, "What's in your hand? So, Philip, he calculates. And there's So, Philip, he calculates. And there's some of us, that's what we do. We some of us, that's what we do. We some of us, that's what we do. We calculate. We start calculating, calculate. We start calculating, calculate. We start calculating, >> pull out the computer. >> pull out the computer. >> pull out the computer. Andrew finds a little boy's lunch. But Andrew finds a little boy's lunch. But Andrew finds a little boy's lunch. But notice his failure. He says, "But what notice his failure. He says, "But what notice his failure. He says, "But what is this is this is this amongst so many?" amongst so many?" amongst so many?" But he's testing him. I love it. But he's testing him. I love it. But he's testing him. I love it. Beautiful. Why? Because Jesus sees Beautiful. Why? Because Jesus sees Beautiful. Why? Because Jesus sees Philip's future and the role he's going Philip's future and the role he's going Philip's future and the role he's going to play in his life. You got it? to play in his life. You got it? to play in his life. You got it? >> And in ministry. It's like with Peter. >> And in ministry. It's like with Peter. >> And in ministry. It's like with Peter. What does Jesus say to Peter? Peter, What does Jesus say to Peter? Peter, What does Jesus say to Peter? Peter, Satan seeks to have you and sift you Satan seeks to have you and sift you Satan seeks to have you and sift you like wheat. But I prayed for you that like wheat. But I prayed for you that like wheat. But I prayed for you that your faith will not fail because that's your faith will not fail because that's your faith will not fail because that's what the devil is after. And when you what the devil is after. And when you what the devil is after. And when you are, come on. Jesus is looking at the are, come on. Jesus is looking at the are, come on. Jesus is looking at the outcome. When you are converted, outcome. When you are converted, outcome. When you are converted, strengthen your brethren. In other strengthen your brethren. In other strengthen your brethren. In other words, what you are about to go through words, what you are about to go through words, what you are about to go through is going to change you, take you to the is going to change you, take you to the is going to change you, take you to the next level of life, ministry, and next level of life, ministry, and next level of life, ministry, and understanding of faith so that you can understanding of faith so that you can understanding of faith so that you can now become a strengthener now become a strengthener now become a strengthener >> of the weak.

>> of the weak. >> of the weak. [applause] [applause] [applause] So you can pull up those at the level So you can pull up those at the level So you can pull up those at the level that you're on to the level that you're that you're on to the level that you're that you're on to the level that you're about to go to. Now, here's very important part. Verse Now, here's very important part. Verse six again. He was testing Philillip. But six again. He was testing Philillip. But six again. He was testing Philillip. But here's the deal. For he already knew here's the deal. For he already knew here's the deal. For he already knew what he was going to do. what he was going to do. what he was going to do. Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, did Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, did Turn your neighbor say, "Neighbor, did it ever occur to you that nothing ever it ever occur to you that nothing ever it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God?" Don't ever pray that prayer when you get Don't ever pray that prayer when you get in a circumstance in a situation and in a circumstance in a situation and in a circumstance in a situation and it's heavy. You turn to God and say, it's heavy. You turn to God and say, it's heavy. You turn to God and say, "Lord, I know you didn't know this was "Lord, I know you didn't know this was "Lord, I know you didn't know this was coming, but coming, but coming, but I need your help." I need your help." I need your help." No. Notice he allows us to be tested, No. Notice he allows us to be tested, No. Notice he allows us to be tested, but he's already got the out the but he's already got the out the but he's already got the out the outcome. He's already got the answer. outcome. He's already got the answer. outcome. He's already got the answer. He's already got the way prepared He's already got the way prepared He's already got the way prepared because he'll never allow any temptation because he'll never allow any temptation because he'll never allow any temptation come your way that he does not with it come your way that he does not with it come your way that he does not with it make a way of escape and allow you to make a way of escape and allow you to make a way of escape and allow you to what? Bear it up, shore it up and come what? Bear it up, shore it up and come what? Bear it up, shore it up and come out a winner.

out a winner. out a winner. >> Notice this. >> Notice this. >> Notice this. But he already knew But he already knew But he already knew what he was going to do. what he was going to do. what he was going to do. No circumstance or situation you ever No circumstance or situation you ever No circumstance or situation you ever face takes God by surprise. It takes you face takes God by surprise. It takes you face takes God by surprise. It takes you by surprise. by surprise. by surprise. >> You are shocked. >> You are shocked. >> You are shocked. >> But God is never shocked. And the reason >> But God is never shocked. And the reason >> But God is never shocked. And the reason you're facing it is because we live life you're facing it is because we live life you're facing it is because we live life on on on >> levels. We arrive in stages. We >> levels. We arrive in stages. We >> levels. We arrive in stages. We experience it in seasons. As you move experience it in seasons. As you move experience it in seasons. As you move from one level to another, there has to from one level to another, there has to from one level to another, there has to be a change. be a change. be a change. inside of you to prepare you for the inside of you to prepare you for the inside of you to prepare you for the next level. next level. next level. >> Throughout the Old Testament, every >> Throughout the Old Testament, every >> Throughout the Old Testament, every transition was marked by some test. transition was marked by some test. transition was marked by some test. Whether it was a test of the individual, Whether it was a test of the individual, Whether it was a test of the individual, the test of a group, it was always a the test of a group, it was always a the test of a group, it was always a test. test. test. Which means that it's fair enough to say Which means that it's fair enough to say Which means that it's fair enough to say whenever you are facing something that whenever you are facing something that whenever you are facing something that you consider testing your patience, you consider testing your patience, you consider testing your patience, testing your faith, testing any aspect testing your faith, testing any aspect testing your faith, testing any aspect of your personal character or being, you of your personal character or being, you of your personal character or being, you are about to move to another level.

are about to move to another level. are about to move to another level. [applause] And you're being called to a place of And you're being called to a place of trust that you've never been called to trust that you've never been called to trust that you've never been called to before. You're being called to use faith before. You're being called to use faith before. You're being called to use faith in a way that you've never had to use it in a way that you've never had to use it in a way that you've never had to use it before. And here is the beautiful thing. before. And here is the beautiful thing. before. And here is the beautiful thing. It is rigged. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> I just had to use that language. I'm >> I just had to use that language. I'm >> I just had to use that language. I'm sorry. I just sorry. I just sorry. I just >> because he already knows. >> because he already knows. >> because he already knows. He already He already He already knows what he is going to do on your knows what he is going to do on your knows what he is going to do on your behalf in that situation. [applause] Oh my goodness. I wish I had some more Oh my goodness. I wish I had some more time to unpack this to show you examples time to unpack this to show you examples time to unpack this to show you examples throughout scripture. But the most throughout scripture. But the most throughout scripture. But the most important thing, God never tempts us to important thing, God never tempts us to important thing, God never tempts us to do evil. That's not God. But God will do evil. That's not God. But God will do evil. That's not God. But God will test us. He will allow us to go through test us. He will allow us to go through test us. He will allow us to go through things. And the only reason he does that things. And the only reason he does that things. And the only reason he does that is because he's about to take us to is because he's about to take us to is because he's about to take us to another level of life, another level of another level of life, another level of another level of life, another level of experiencing him. And it goes on and on experiencing him. And it goes on and on experiencing him. And it goes on and on and on. Every level is moved to by and on. Every level is moved to by and on. Every level is moved to by testing.

testing. testing. Every season is entered by testing. Every season is entered by testing. Every season is entered by testing. Testing is the place of transition. No matter what it is. No matter what it No matter what it is. No matter what it is. And those words should comfort you. is. And those words should comfort you. is. And those words should comfort you. >> Because God God doesn't announce the >> Because God God doesn't announce the >> Because God God doesn't announce the test. He doesn't stop you in your tracks test. He doesn't stop you in your tracks test. He doesn't stop you in your tracks and speak to you in an audible voice. and speak to you in an audible voice. and speak to you in an audible voice. My child, this is TV. This is movies. My child, this is TV. This is movies. My child, this is TV. This is movies. This is Hollywood. My child, you are This is Hollywood. My child, you are This is Hollywood. My child, you are about to be tested. about to be tested. about to be tested. No, the test just shows up. >> But no matter what it is, no matter how >> But no matter what it is, no matter how it shows up, no matter how who it shows it shows up, no matter how who it shows it shows up, no matter how who it shows up through, up through, up through, God already has everything worked out God already has everything worked out God already has everything worked out for your [applause] good.

for your [applause] good. for your [applause] good. That's how we know that everything That's how we know that everything That's how we know that everything >> everything >> everything >> everything works together for the good of those who works together for the good of those who works together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to love God and who are called according to love God and who are called according to his purpose. Come on, stand on your his purpose. Come on, stand on your his purpose. Come on, stand on your feet. [applause] So you can say, "God, this is scary, So you can say, "God, this is scary, >> but I know you got this. >> but I know you got this. >> but I know you got this. >> I know you got this." >> I know you got this." >> I know you got this." And then he begins to bring the people And then he begins to bring the people And then he begins to bring the people the money. the money. the money. See, and this is important. Listen, See, and this is important. Listen, See, and this is important. Listen, testing testing testing doesn't inform God about anything. doesn't inform God about anything. doesn't inform God about anything. He already knows.

>> Testing does not even create the person. >> Testing does not even create the person. It reveals the person. It reveals the person. It reveals the person. >> Not to God, >> Not to God, >> Not to God, >> but to the person. >> but to the person. >> but to the person. >> Because testing will show you things >> Because testing will show you things >> Because testing will show you things about yourself about yourself about yourself >> you never imagined >> you never imagined >> you never imagined >> or even want to believe >> or even want to believe >> or even want to believe about yourself. about yourself. about yourself. But you are your biggest enemy or your But you are your biggest enemy or your But you are your biggest enemy or your biggest friend. biggest friend. biggest friend. >> And God wants to make you your own >> And God wants to make you your own >> And God wants to make you your own friend. Can we bow our heads as we go to friend. Can we bow our heads as we go to friend. Can we bow our heads as we go to the Lord in prayer? Heavenly Father, the Lord in prayer? Heavenly Father, the Lord in prayer? Heavenly Father, thank you for your word thank you for your word thank you for your word >> because you sent your word to heal us >> because you sent your word to heal us >> because you sent your word to heal us and deliver us from destruction. and deliver us from destruction. and deliver us from destruction. The world is filled with both threat and The world is filled with both threat and The world is filled with both threat and promise. promise. promise. opportunity with opposition and opportunity with opposition and opportunity with opposition and opposition with opportunity. opposition with opportunity. opposition with opportunity. Teach us, teach us to be strong in our Teach us, teach us to be strong in our Teach us, teach us to be strong in our trust in you. trust in you. trust in you. Lead us and [music] guide us as we grow Lead us and [music] guide us as we grow Lead us and [music] guide us as we grow in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and move from one level of life to another, move from one level of life to another, move from one level of life to another, one stage of life to another, one season one stage of life to another, one season one stage of life to another, one season of life to another.

of life to another. of life to another. Thank you for being our guide, our Thank you for being our guide, our Thank you for being our guide, our strength, our redeemer. strength, our redeemer. strength, our redeemer. We love you and we bless you in Jesus We love you and we bless you in Jesus We love you and we bless you in Jesus precious name. Amen. And amen. Come on, precious name. Amen. And amen. Come on, precious name. Amen. And amen. Come on, slap high five with three people. Tell slap high five with three people. Tell slap high five with three people. Tell them, "I got that word." Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Well, come on. Let's say something good >> Well, come on. Let's say something good >> Well, come on. Let's say something good as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's presence. presence. 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 [music] we're seeing it proclaim it. And [music] we're seeing it proclaim it. And [music] we're seeing it come to pass. God bless you. Keep me in come to pass. God bless you. Keep me in come to pass. God bless you. Keep me in your prayers. I am having surgery this your prayers. I am having surgery this your prayers. I am having surgery this week and uh I will be back. Is that week and uh I will be back. Is that week and uh I will be back. Is that okay? Well, people want to know why you okay? Well, people want to know why you okay? Well, people want to know why you having surgery. having surgery. having surgery. I got two hips. I got two hips. I got two hips. >> I did one.

>> I did one. >> I did one. >> Now I got to do the other one. >> Now I got to do the other one. >> Now I got to do the other one. >> Got it. >> Got it. >> Got it. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Praise the Lord. So, pray for the >> Praise the Lord. So, pray for the >> Praise the Lord. So, pray for the doctors. Pray for the everybody. doctors. Pray for the everybody. doctors. Pray for the everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody Everybody Everybody >> pray for them all. Amen. God bless you. >> pray for them all. Amen. God bless you. >> pray for them all. Amen. God bless you. We love you and appreciate you. Go in We love you and appreciate you. Go in We love you and appreciate you. Go in peace and have a wonderful week in the peace and have a wonderful week in the peace and have a wonderful week in the Lord. Lord. Lord. [music] [music] [music] >> 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 [music] way, we encourage you to in any [music] way, we encourage you to in any [music] way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video like, subscribe, and share this video like, subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our with others so we can fulfill our with others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the [music] gospel mission in spreading the [music] gospel mission in spreading the [music] gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. We welcome of Jesus Christ to the world. We welcome of Jesus Christ to the world. We welcome you to check out some of our other you to check out some of our other you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click the videos. Also, make sure to click the videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you are the first notification bell so you are the first notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a new one. Our to know when we post a new one. Our to know when we post a new one. Our praise and worship team brings us a praise and worship team brings us a praise and worship team brings us a powerful and dynamic [music] live powerful and dynamic [music] live powerful and dynamic [music] live worship experience every Sunday. And worship experience every Sunday. And worship experience every Sunday. And trust me and Cameron [music] when I say trust me and Cameron [music] when I say trust me and Cameron [music] when I say you do not want to miss it. Streaming you do not want to miss it. Streaming you do not want to miss it. Streaming times are in the description box below.

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