BETTER THAN I EXPECTED - DIFFERENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - EARL MCCLELLAN

What a miracle. What a miracle. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> What a miracle. As I said earlier, we're >> What a miracle. As I said earlier, we're >> What a miracle. As I said earlier, we're going to finish out our different to going to finish out our different to going to finish out our different to make a difference series today make a difference series today make a difference series today >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and my heart is so full, but my voice is >> and my heart is so full, but my voice is >> and my heart is so full, but my voice is so weak. So, I'm not going to make you so weak. So, I'm not going to make you so weak. So, I'm not going to make you endure that. In fact, we've invited one endure that. In fact, we've invited one endure that. In fact, we've invited one of our Motion speakers to stay over and of our Motion speakers to stay over and of our Motion speakers to stay over and to preach today, but he is way more than to preach today, but he is way more than to preach today, but he is way more than just a speaker. He's one of the most just a speaker. He's one of the most just a speaker. He's one of the most anointed communicators of the gospel in anointed communicators of the gospel in anointed communicators of the gospel in this generation. His resume, if I read this generation. His resume, if I read this generation. His resume, if I read it, it would take all of our time today. it, it would take all of our time today. it, it would take all of our time today. He's He and his wife Onica lead a He's He and his wife Onica lead a He's He and his wife Onica lead a beautiful church in the Dallas area beautiful church in the Dallas area beautiful church in the Dallas area called Shoreline City. He's an called Shoreline City. He's an called Shoreline City. He's an unbelievable leader, husband, father. I unbelievable leader, husband, father. I unbelievable leader, husband, father. I look up to him in every area of his look up to him in every area of his look up to him in every area of his life. He's written books. I could go life. He's written books. I could go life. He's written books. I could go down the resume, but I think from me down the resume, but I think from me down the resume, but I think from me today the most important thing for you today the most important thing for you today the most important thing for you to hear is that Pastor Earl McClellan is to hear is that Pastor Earl McClellan is to hear is that Pastor Earl McClellan is my friend. [music] my friend. [music] my friend. [music] He and Onica mean the world to Jill and He and Onica mean the world to Jill and He and Onica mean the world to Jill and I. In fact, they were some of the first I. In fact, they were some of the first I. In fact, they were some of the first people people people that we shared about the transition of that we shared about the transition of that we shared about the transition of roles here at Highlands because we knew roles here at Highlands because we knew roles here at Highlands because we knew they would encourage us, pray for they would encourage us, pray for they would encourage us, pray for [music] us. And I just want you to know [music] us. And I just want you to know [music] us. And I just want you to know your pastor has friends who are He your pastor has friends who are He your pastor has friends who are He literally is dropping me text messages literally is dropping me text messages literally is dropping me text messages and voice text [music] and we're talking and voice text [music] and we're talking and voice text [music] and we're talking and he's lifting our arms and we're and he's lifting our arms and we're and he's lifting our arms and we're doing our best to lift theirs. I'm doing our best to lift theirs. I'm doing our best to lift theirs. I'm grateful for this man and you're going grateful for this man and you're going grateful for this man and you're going to receive today. Can you stand to your to receive today. Can you stand to your to receive today. Can you stand to your feet and welcome to the platform Pastor feet and welcome to the platform Pastor feet and welcome to the platform Pastor Earl McClellan. Come on, make him feel Earl McClellan. Come on, make him feel Earl McClellan. Come on, make him feel welcome.

welcome. welcome. >> [applause and music] [applause] [applause] >> All right. Come on, are you ready for a >> All right. Come on, are you ready for a >> All right. Come on, are you ready for a great day, church? great day, church? great day, church? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hey, let's give God some praise. >> Hey, let's give God some praise. >> Hey, let's give God some praise. Clap our hands. Clap our hands. Clap our hands. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Woo! >> Woo! >> Woo! Hey, you may be seated, my friends. I'm Hey, you may be seated, my friends. I'm Hey, you may be seated, my friends. I'm so incredibly overwhelmed and excited so incredibly overwhelmed and excited so incredibly overwhelmed and excited about being here at Church of the about being here at Church of the about being here at Church of the Highlands. Highlands. Highlands. You're a great place, great church, full You're a great place, great church, full You're a great place, great church, full of great people. And this weekend at of great people. And this weekend at of great people. And this weekend at Motion was so next-level. I I sent my Motion was so next-level. I I sent my Motion was so next-level. I I sent my wife a video this morning of uh wife a video this morning of uh wife a video this morning of uh it was basically some youth jumping it was basically some youth jumping it was basically some youth jumping around and worshiping. I said, "Honey, I around and worshiping. I said, "Honey, I around and worshiping. I said, "Honey, I think I'm now a teenager again." think I'm now a teenager again." think I'm now a teenager again." My heart was set on fire and uh this did My heart was set on fire and uh this did My heart was set on fire and uh this did not make it into the uh not make it into the uh not make it into the uh uh the recap video. uh the recap video. uh the recap video. But, your pastor, Pastor Mark, had a But, your pastor, Pastor Mark, had a But, your pastor, Pastor Mark, had a moment uh at the end of conference and moment uh at the end of conference and moment uh at the end of conference and he said, "Oh, I'm not preaching a he said, "Oh, I'm not preaching a he said, "Oh, I'm not preaching a sermon." It was a sermon.

sermon." It was a sermon. sermon." It was a sermon. And it was amazing. It marked me so And it was amazing. It marked me so And it was amazing. It marked me so much. I was weeping uncontrollably at a much. I was weeping uncontrollably at a much. I was weeping uncontrollably at a cross cross cross on the platform and he was sharing the on the platform and he was sharing the on the platform and he was sharing the story about a young man from Japan who story about a young man from Japan who story about a young man from Japan who was 12, 13 years old who was a martyr. was 12, 13 years old who was a martyr. was 12, 13 years old who was a martyr. And when he was about to be put on this And when he was about to be put on this And when he was about to be put on this cross, this little 12, 13-year-old boy cross, this little 12, 13-year-old boy cross, this little 12, 13-year-old boy said, "Show me my cross." said, "Show me my cross." said, "Show me my cross." Did not turn his back on Jesus, but Did not turn his back on Jesus, but Did not turn his back on Jesus, but decided, "I'm willing to die decided, "I'm willing to die decided, "I'm willing to die for Christ." Your pastor distorted that for Christ." Your pastor distorted that for Christ." Your pastor distorted that moment so beautifully. And I'm just so moment so beautifully. And I'm just so moment so beautifully. And I'm just so thankful that Highlands is led by a thankful that Highlands is led by a thankful that Highlands is led by a leader like Pastor Mark. Can you guys leader like Pastor Mark. Can you guys leader like Pastor Mark. Can you guys put your hands together for him? put your hands together for him? put your hands together for him? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And obviously, we love him so much, but >> And obviously, we love him so much, but >> And obviously, we love him so much, but we like Pastor Jill more. we like Pastor Jill more. we like Pastor Jill more. She is the best of the best and these She is the best of the best and these She is the best of the best and these two together, two together, two together, God loves you a lot. He really does to God loves you a lot. He really does to God loves you a lot. He really does to give you individuals that will care give you individuals that will care give you individuals that will care about you, love you, have your back. And about you, love you, have your back. And about you, love you, have your back. And and the way PC just passed the baton so and the way PC just passed the baton so and the way PC just passed the baton so beautifully and with with grace and beautifully and with with grace and beautifully and with with grace and humility and and fire and encouragement, humility and and fire and encouragement, humility and and fire and encouragement, it's just been beautiful to watch what it's just been beautiful to watch what it's just been beautiful to watch what God is doing here at Church of the God is doing here at Church of the God is doing here at Church of the Highlands and I just can't wait to see Highlands and I just can't wait to see Highlands and I just can't wait to see what the future holds. And today, I am what the future holds. And today, I am what the future holds. And today, I am believing that God is going to grab a believing that God is going to grab a believing that God is going to grab a hold of our hearts. All right, we we Are hold of our hearts. All right, we we Are hold of our hearts. All right, we we Are you guys with me in this? I'm believing you guys with me in this? I'm believing you guys with me in this? I'm believing that today is going to be a day we're that today is going to be a day we're that today is going to be a day we're going to be pushed forward. I recognize going to be pushed forward. I recognize going to be pushed forward. I recognize on a baptism Sunday, some of you have on a baptism Sunday, some of you have on a baptism Sunday, some of you have some friends that you invited to church some friends that you invited to church some friends that you invited to church and y'all haven't been to church in and y'all haven't been to church in and y'all haven't been to church in maybe forever, right? You're like, maybe forever, right? You're like, maybe forever, right? You're like, "Okay, I'll go watch you get baptized, "Okay, I'll go watch you get baptized, "Okay, I'll go watch you get baptized, but is that church going to fall in on

but is that church going to fall in on but is that church going to fall in on me when I walk in cuz I I'm a sinner and me when I walk in cuz I I'm a sinner and me when I walk in cuz I I'm a sinner and I'm I'm not holy." You don't even know I'm I'm not holy." You don't even know I'm I'm not holy." You don't even know this, but the whole church is filled this, but the whole church is filled this, but the whole church is filled with sinners. with sinners. with sinners. That's all that's here, but we have been That's all that's here, but we have been That's all that's here, but we have been changed and transformed by the grace of changed and transformed by the grace of changed and transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. We are not a perfect Jesus Christ. We are not a perfect Jesus Christ. We are not a perfect people at all. people at all. people at all. But man, God has impacted our hearts and But man, God has impacted our hearts and But man, God has impacted our hearts and our souls. So, you don't have to wonder our souls. So, you don't have to wonder our souls. So, you don't have to wonder if you already fit in. You do. We love if you already fit in. You do. We love if you already fit in. You do. We love you. We've been praying for you and you. We've been praying for you and you. We've been praying for you and asking for God to do something asking for God to do something asking for God to do something significant and powerful in your life significant and powerful in your life significant and powerful in your life today. We are in a series. It has been today. We are in a series. It has been today. We are in a series. It has been going for the last 3 weeks. This is the going for the last 3 weeks. This is the going for the last 3 weeks. This is the last week of the series at least at our last week of the series at least at our last week of the series at least at our Grants Mill campus. We've got a little Grants Mill campus. We've got a little Grants Mill campus. We've got a little sign of it up on uh the wall. It's sign of it up on uh the wall. It's sign of it up on uh the wall. It's different to make a difference. And different to make a difference. And different to make a difference. And we're not just different just to be we're not just different just to be we're not just different just to be different. We're different to make a different. We're different to make a different. We're different to make a difference. There's been a verse of difference. There's been a verse of difference. There's been a verse of scripture we've been looking at over scripture we've been looking at over scripture we've been looking at over these last few weeks. Go with me if you these last few weeks. Go with me if you these last few weeks. Go with me if you have your Bibles to the book of Peter. 1 have your Bibles to the book of Peter. 1 have your Bibles to the book of Peter. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. 1 Peter Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. 1 Peter Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. If you didn't chapter 2 verse number 9. If you didn't chapter 2 verse number 9. If you didn't bring your Bible, we're going to put the bring your Bible, we're going to put the bring your Bible, we're going to put the verses on the screen so you can follow verses on the screen so you can follow verses on the screen so you can follow along with us.

along with us. along with us. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. It 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. It 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9. It says, "But you are a chosen people, a says, "But you are a chosen people, a says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession that you may declare special possession that you may declare special possession that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the praises of him who called you out of the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." What darkness into his wonderful light." What darkness into his wonderful light." What a beautiful verse this is. Just a beautiful verse this is. Just a beautiful verse this is. Just reminding us of our identity. Reminding reminding us of our identity. Reminding reminding us of our identity. Reminding us who we are. When we give our hearts us who we are. When we give our hearts us who we are. When we give our hearts and our lives to Christ, we're not who and our lives to Christ, we're not who and our lives to Christ, we're not who we used to be anymore. We've come out of we used to be anymore. We've come out of we used to be anymore. We've come out of the darkness into the marvelous light. the darkness into the marvelous light. the darkness into the marvelous light. You are a chosen people, a royal You are a chosen people, a royal You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. And today, I priesthood, a holy nation. And today, I priesthood, a holy nation. And today, I believe that God is going to do believe that God is going to do believe that God is going to do something powerful in all of us. If something powerful in all of us. If something powerful in all of us. If you'd like to take notes, I have a title you'd like to take notes, I have a title you'd like to take notes, I have a title for today's message, and it is this: for today's message, and it is this: for today's message, and it is this: Better Than I Expected. Better Than I Better Than I Expected. Better Than I Better Than I Expected. Better Than I Expected. Uh I've got a picture of my Expected. Uh I've got a picture of my Expected. Uh I've got a picture of my family cuz this is better than I family cuz this is better than I family cuz this is better than I expected. expected. expected. Uh this is my beautiful wife. We've been Uh this is my beautiful wife. We've been Uh this is my beautiful wife. We've been married now for 29 years. It has gone by married now for 29 years. It has gone by married now for 29 years. It has gone by so fast. I call her my sexy piece of so fast. I call her my sexy piece of so fast. I call her my sexy piece of dark chocolate.

I'm going to continue to call her that I'm going to continue to call her that forever and ever. If that offends you, forever and ever. If that offends you, forever and ever. If that offends you, too bad. too bad. too bad. She's my best friend. I love her so She's my best friend. I love her so She's my best friend. I love her so much. We met each other uh in college much. We met each other uh in college much. We met each other uh in college all these years ago. I remember walking all these years ago. I remember walking all these years ago. I remember walking down to basketball practice and seeing down to basketball practice and seeing down to basketball practice and seeing the finest girl I'd ever seen in my the finest girl I'd ever seen in my the finest girl I'd ever seen in my entire life walking towards me. I gave entire life walking towards me. I gave entire life walking towards me. I gave her a little I didn't I didn't do this. I didn't I didn't do this. That That'd be no game. I had a little That That'd be no game. I had a little That That'd be no game. I had a little bit of game. I was like, I licked my bit of game. I was like, I licked my bit of game. I was like, I licked my lips first. She kept on walking. She kept on walking. And then I got down to practice and And then I got down to practice and And then I got down to practice and melted. I was like, I've seen the most melted. I was like, I've seen the most melted. I was like, I've seen the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my beautiful girl I've ever seen in my beautiful girl I've ever seen in my entire life. But we've been married entire life. But we've been married entire life. But we've been married these 29 years and have our our three these 29 years and have our our three these 29 years and have our our three great kids again better than I expected. great kids again better than I expected. great kids again better than I expected. We love our oldest son. He just got We love our oldest son. He just got We love our oldest son. He just got married. So now I am a father-in-law. married. So now I am a father-in-law. married. So now I am a father-in-law. [snorts] I don't know how that happened. [snorts] I don't know how that happened. [snorts] I don't know how that happened. Uh so I've officially reached unk status Uh so I've officially reached unk status Uh so I've officially reached unk status now. And uh love her so very much. Her now. And uh love her so very much. Her now. And uh love her so very much. Her name is Angel. We have our middle son name is Angel. We have our middle son name is Angel. We have our middle son Grayson. And then uh we have our Grayson. And then uh we have our Grayson. And then uh we have our daughter Ella. Grayson and Ella are just daughter Ella. Grayson and Ella are just daughter Ella. Grayson and Ella are just just better than I expected. Even being just better than I expected. Even being just better than I expected. Even being here with you today, better than I here with you today, better than I here with you today, better than I expected. And I think we're going to expected. And I think we're going to expected. And I think we're going to read a story in the Bible right now that read a story in the Bible right now that read a story in the Bible right now that is a guy that received something better is a guy that received something better is a guy that received something better than he expected. If you have your than he expected. If you have your than he expected. If you have your Bible, turn with me to the book of Acts Bible, turn with me to the book of Acts Bible, turn with me to the book of Acts chapter 3. Acts chapter 3. The same chapter 3. Acts chapter 3. The same chapter 3. Acts chapter 3. The same person who wrote 1 Peter person who wrote 1 Peter person who wrote 1 Peter is the same one we are about to read the is the same one we are about to read the is the same one we are about to read the same person we're about to read about in same person we're about to read about in same person we're about to read about in the book of Acts. He The same Peter.

the book of Acts. He The same Peter. the book of Acts. He The same Peter. He's one of Jesus's disciples. So we got He's one of Jesus's disciples. So we got He's one of Jesus's disciples. So we got Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Acts. Acts Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Acts. Acts Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Acts. Acts [clears throat] chapter 3. Beginning in [clears throat] chapter 3. Beginning in [clears throat] chapter 3. Beginning in verse number 1. It reads, "One day Peter verse number 1. It reads, "One day Peter verse number 1. It reads, "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple. and John were going up to the temple. and John were going up to the temple. They were heading to church at the time They were heading to church at the time They were heading to church at the time of noon of noon of noon uh at the time of prayer at 3:00 in the uh at the time of prayer at 3:00 in the uh at the time of prayer at 3:00 in the afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was Now a man who was lame from birth was Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called beautiful, where he was put every day to beautiful, where he was put every day to beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple beg from those going into the temple beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about courts. When he saw Peter and John about courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. to enter, he asked them for money. to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did Peter looked straight at him, as did Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us." John. Then Peter said, "Look at us." John. Then Peter said, "Look at us." So, the man gave them his attention, So, the man gave them his attention, So, the man gave them his attention, expecting Everybody say expecting. expecting Everybody say expecting. expecting Everybody say expecting. Expecting to get something from them. Expecting to get something from them. Expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, "I don't have any money Then Peter said, "I don't have any money Then Peter said, "I don't have any money on me, and I don't think you take Venmo. on me, and I don't think you take Venmo. on me, and I don't think you take Venmo. Silver or gold I do not have, but what I Silver or gold I do not have, but what I Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus do have I give you. In the name of Jesus do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Christ of Nazareth, walk." Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped Taking him by the right hand, he helped Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and him up, and instantly the man's feet and him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his ankles became strong. He jumped to his ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went feet and began to walk. Then he went feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, with them into the temple courts, with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God. walking and jumping and praising God. walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and When all the people saw him walking and When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the praising God, they recognized him as the praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the same man who used to sit begging at the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called beautiful, and they temple gate called beautiful, and they temple gate called beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at were filled with wonder and amazement at were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Oh, man, I what had happened to him. Oh, man, I what had happened to him. Oh, man, I love this story so much. This guy has love this story so much. This guy has love this story so much. This guy has been sitting there for a long time. We been sitting there for a long time. We been sitting there for a long time. We find out in chapter 4 that he actually find out in chapter 4 that he actually find out in chapter 4 that he actually has been lame not only from birth, but has been lame not only from birth, but has been lame not only from birth, but for 40 years of his life he has been for 40 years of his life he has been for 40 years of his life he has been lame, and he has not been able to walk. lame, and he has not been able to walk. lame, and he has not been able to walk. And every day he has been put at the And every day he has been put at the And every day he has been put at the church. He's been put at the temple church. He's been put at the temple church. He's been put at the temple gate, and he's there, and he's begging. gate, and he's there, and he's begging. gate, and he's there, and he's begging. This is a guy that would be a This is a guy that would be a This is a guy that would be a panhandler. This is someone that we on panhandler. This is someone that we on panhandler. This is someone that we on the corner, right, with a sign that the corner, right, with a sign that the corner, right, with a sign that says, you know, "Will work for food," or says, you know, "Will work for food," or says, you know, "Will work for food," or or "Anything will help," or "Hey, I need or "Anything will help," or "Hey, I need or "Anything will help," or "Hey, I need money for beer." I appreciate when money for beer." I appreciate when money for beer." I appreciate when they're honest on the corner, too.

they're honest on the corner, too. they're honest on the corner, too. And he's sitting there, and he is he's And he's sitting there, and he is he's And he's sitting there, and he is he's uh asking for money. So, he sees Peter uh asking for money. So, he sees Peter uh asking for money. So, he sees Peter and John uh coming, and he's like, "Hey, and John uh coming, and he's like, "Hey, and John uh coming, and he's like, "Hey, I I'm going to get some money uh from I I'm going to get some money uh from I I'm going to get some money uh from these guys." And he asked them, "Hey, these guys." And he asked them, "Hey, these guys." And he asked them, "Hey, hey, can you give me something?" Peter, hey, can you give me something?" Peter, hey, can you give me something?" Peter, the same guy that read who wrote 1 Peter the same guy that read who wrote 1 Peter the same guy that read who wrote 1 Peter chapter 2 verse number 9, reminding you chapter 2 verse number 9, reminding you chapter 2 verse number 9, reminding you and I of our identity and our purpose, and I of our identity and our purpose, and I of our identity and our purpose, that same Peter is the one that is that same Peter is the one that is that same Peter is the one that is walking with John. They're on their way walking with John. They're on their way walking with John. They're on their way to church. They're like, "I don't have to church. They're like, "I don't have to church. They're like, "I don't have any money on me." [snorts] And I know any money on me." [snorts] And I know any money on me." [snorts] And I know there's no tap to pay with this there's no tap to pay with this there's no tap to pay with this individual right here. So, what I'm individual right here. So, what I'm individual right here. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to give this going to do is I'm going to give this going to do is I'm going to give this guy something that's better than he even guy something that's better than he even guy something that's better than he even expects. And I'm not going to give him expects. And I'm not going to give him expects. And I'm not going to give him me. Who I'm going to give him is Jesus me. Who I'm going to give him is Jesus me. Who I'm going to give him is Jesus in this moment. In the name of Jesus in this moment. In the name of Jesus in this moment. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I know you've been Christ of Nazareth, I know you've been Christ of Nazareth, I know you've been sitting for 40 years. I know you've been sitting for 40 years. I know you've been sitting for 40 years. I know you've been lame your entire life. I know people lame your entire life. I know people lame your entire life. I know people have walked past you time and time have walked past you time and time have walked past you time and time again, but on this day your life is again, but on this day your life is again, but on this day your life is about to change in a way you never even about to change in a way you never even about to change in a way you never even thought possible. In the name of Jesus thought possible. In the name of Jesus thought possible. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you get up and Christ of Nazareth, you get up and Christ of Nazareth, you get up and walk." And he speaks those words to this walk." And he speaks those words to this walk." And he speaks those words to this man, and his life is changed in a man, and his life is changed in a man, and his life is changed in a moment.

moment. moment. This is what God does. This is what God does. This is what God does. Changes lives in a moment. It's done it Changes lives in a moment. It's done it Changes lives in a moment. It's done it in me, and I know he's done it in so in me, and I know he's done it in so in me, and I know he's done it in so many of us at all of our locations. He many of us at all of our locations. He many of us at all of our locations. He He has impacted you. How many of us We He has impacted you. How many of us We He has impacted you. How many of us We were sitting there lame, and we didn't were sitting there lame, and we didn't were sitting there lame, and we didn't know which way was up, but Jesus Christ, know which way was up, but Jesus Christ, know which way was up, but Jesus Christ, he met us exactly where we were, and he he met us exactly where we were, and he he met us exactly where we were, and he made us brand new. made us brand new. made us brand new. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Oh, man, I I love that Peter when he's >> Oh, man, I I love that Peter when he's >> Oh, man, I I love that Peter when he's talking to this guy. He doesn't say, "In talking to this guy. He doesn't say, "In talking to this guy. He doesn't say, "In the name of Peter, get up and walk." the name of Peter, get up and walk." the name of Peter, get up and walk." Doesn't say, "In the name of my church, Doesn't say, "In the name of my church, Doesn't say, "In the name of my church, get up and walk." So, here at at Church get up and walk." So, here at at Church get up and walk." So, here at at Church of the Highlands, just so you know, of the Highlands, just so you know, of the Highlands, just so you know, we're not trying to just lift up Pastor we're not trying to just lift up Pastor we're not trying to just lift up Pastor Mark, though he is wonderful. And we're Mark, though he is wonderful. And we're Mark, though he is wonderful. And we're not just trying to lift up Church of the not just trying to lift up Church of the not just trying to lift up Church of the Highlands, though I love this place. We Highlands, though I love this place. We Highlands, though I love this place. We are trying to lift up Jesus Christ and are trying to lift up Jesus Christ and are trying to lift up Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. And as we lift up Jesus Christ alone. And as we lift up Jesus Christ alone. And as we lift up Jesus, he draws men and women unto Jesus, he draws men and women unto Jesus, he draws men and women unto himself. In the name of Jesus Christ of himself. In the name of Jesus Christ of himself. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Nazareth, walk. Nazareth, walk. Now, when I read this story for years, I Now, when I read this story for years, I Now, when I read this story for years, I always read that the guy started always read that the guy started always read that the guy started walking. walking. walking. I always read it that that he jumped up I always read it that that he jumped up I always read it that that he jumped up that the Bible says he went into the that the Bible says he went into the that the Bible says he went into the temple courts dancing and and and temple courts dancing and and and temple courts dancing and and and jumping and praising God. I always saw jumping and praising God. I always saw jumping and praising God. I always saw that Peter said this to him and he got that Peter said this to him and he got that Peter said this to him and he got up and like immediately began doing the up and like immediately began doing the up and like immediately began doing the electric slide.

Y'all don't think I know it? Y'all don't think I know it? Oh, I know it. He He is He He is He is I I always saw that immediately he He is I I always saw that immediately he He is I I always saw that immediately he just started dancing. Immediately he just started dancing. Immediately he just started dancing. Immediately he started moving. Immediately he started started moving. Immediately he started started moving. Immediately he started jumping. jumping. jumping. But that's not what the Bible says. But that's not what the Bible says. But that's not what the Bible says. Look at this. Verse number seven. Look Look at this. Verse number seven. Look Look at this. Verse number seven. Look at this. Taking Taking him him him by by by the right hand. the right hand. the right hand. He helped him up. Peter speaks a word to this man. Peter speaks a word to this man. The man is healed. The man is healed. The man is healed. The man is whole. The man is whole. The man is whole. But he doesn't get up right away. Peter Peter reaches out his hand reaches out his hand reaches out his hand and then he helps the man up. So, I started thinking about us. So, I started thinking about us. Started to think about Church of the Started to think about Church of the Started to think about Church of the Highlands. What a special place this is.

Highlands. What a special place this is. Highlands. What a special place this is. Not the buildings and the buildings are Not the buildings and the buildings are Not the buildings and the buildings are wonderful, but the people cuz that's wonderful, but the people cuz that's wonderful, but the people cuz that's what makes up the church. what makes up the church. what makes up the church. It's the people. It's the people. It's the people. I started thinking about the the the I started thinking about the the the I started thinking about the the the faith and the generosity and the faith and the generosity and the faith and the generosity and the kindness uh kindness uh kindness uh in this church and man, it's on another in this church and man, it's on another in this church and man, it's on another level, but then I also thought level, but then I also thought level, but then I also thought I bet you I bet you I bet you there are some people in our church there are some people in our church there are some people in our church who have experienced Jesus Christ who have experienced Jesus Christ who have experienced Jesus Christ impacting your life. impacting your life. impacting your life. You've You've You've been touched by his You've You've You've been touched by his You've You've You've been touched by his powerful name and his wonderful grace. powerful name and his wonderful grace. powerful name and his wonderful grace. You're actually healed but you're still You're actually healed but you're still You're actually healed but you're still sitting. Then you had an encounter with him. Then you had an encounter with him. He He changed you. He brought you from He He changed you. He brought you from He He changed you. He brought you from darkness to light. Brought you from lost darkness to light. Brought you from lost darkness to light. Brought you from lost to found. Brought you from blind to to found. Brought you from blind to to found. Brought you from blind to seeing. He Yes, that happened in your seeing. He Yes, that happened in your seeing. He Yes, that happened in your life. That the miracle took place, but life. That the miracle took place, but life. That the miracle took place, but you're still sitting. you're still sitting. you're still sitting. And here is this man we see right here And here is this man we see right here And here is this man we see right here that has had a had this interaction with that has had a had this interaction with that has had a had this interaction with Jesus. His life has been impacted by the Jesus. His life has been impacted by the Jesus. His life has been impacted by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. And King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. And King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. And even though his life has been impacted, even though his life has been impacted, even though his life has been impacted, he's still seated and it takes Peter he's still seated and it takes Peter he's still seated and it takes Peter going, "Hey, my man. Now that you've going, "Hey, my man. Now that you've going, "Hey, my man. Now that you've been impacted by Jesus, I cannot let you been impacted by Jesus, I cannot let you been impacted by Jesus, I cannot let you stay where you are any longer. You can't stay where you are any longer. You can't stay where you are any longer. You can't sit here cuz now you're a different sit here cuz now you're a different sit here cuz now you're a different man."

man." man." Come on. Come on. Come on. It's time to get up. And can I say from It's time to get up. And can I say from It's time to get up. And can I say from at every location, I don't care from the at every location, I don't care from the at every location, I don't care from the oldest person to the youngest person, oldest person to the youngest person, oldest person to the youngest person, from bald heads to comb overs to afros from bald heads to comb overs to afros from bald heads to comb overs to afros to everything else in between, I need to everything else in between, I need to everything else in between, I need you to know that if you've been impacted you to know that if you've been impacted you to know that if you've been impacted by the King of Kings, if Jesus Christ by the King of Kings, if Jesus Christ by the King of Kings, if Jesus Christ has touched your life, if you've been has touched your life, if you've been has touched your life, if you've been redeemed, if you've been saved, if redeemed, if you've been saved, if redeemed, if you've been saved, if you've been made brand new, you cannot you've been made brand new, you cannot you've been made brand new, you cannot sit any longer. It is time for you to sit any longer. It is time for you to sit any longer. It is time for you to get up from where you are and begin to get up from where you are and begin to get up from where you are and begin to dance and sing and work and worship and dance and sing and work and worship and dance and sing and work and worship and touch the world that's around you. You touch the world that's around you. You touch the world that's around you. You were born for such a time as this and were born for such a time as this and were born for such a time as this and we're here we're here we're here >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> to help you get up. >> to help you get up. >> to help you get up. We're not having church on Sundays just We're not having church on Sundays just We're not having church on Sundays just so that we can all feel good about so that we can all feel good about so that we can all feel good about ourselves. And I want you to feel good ourselves. And I want you to feel good ourselves. And I want you to feel good about yourself. I think that's about yourself. I think that's about yourself. I think that's wonderful, but we're not here just to wonderful, but we're not here just to wonderful, but we're not here just to try to help you feel good about try to help you feel good about try to help you feel good about yourself. Why are there people in the yourself. Why are there people in the yourself. Why are there people in the parking lot? Why are there people on the parking lot? Why are there people on the parking lot? Why are there people on the dream team? Why do you have your campus dream team? Why do you have your campus dream team? Why do you have your campus pastors? Why do you have pastors that pastors? Why do you have pastors that pastors? Why do you have pastors that love you and pray for you? Why does the love you and pray for you? Why does the love you and pray for you? Why does the worship team show up early and stay worship team show up early and stay worship team show up early and stay late? Why are there ushers? Why are late? Why are there ushers? Why are late? Why are there ushers? Why are there all these people? What we're doing there all these people? What we're doing there all these people? What we're doing is we're rolling out a red carpet to let is we're rolling out a red carpet to let is we're rolling out a red carpet to let you know that the King of Kings and the you know that the King of Kings and the you know that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is saying, "I am here to Lord of Lords is saying, "I am here to Lord of Lords is saying, "I am here to help you up." It is a right hand helping help you up." It is a right hand helping help you up." It is a right hand helping you up time and time and time and time you up time and time and time and time you up time and time and time and time again.

again. again. That's what's happening. That's what's happening. That's what's happening. So, it takes Peter So, it takes Peter So, it takes Peter going over to this guy going over to this guy going over to this guy saying, "Now that you've been touched saying, "Now that you've been touched saying, "Now that you've been touched you can't stay seated any longer. you can't stay seated any longer. you can't stay seated any longer. Your life has changed now. Your life has changed now. Your life has changed now. Come on. Come on. Come on. I got you. I got you. I got you. This is church. Oh, you don't know how to be a father? Oh, you don't know how to be a father? Don't worry, I got you. Come on. Don't worry, I got you. Come on. Don't worry, I got you. Come on. You don't know how to be a husband? I You don't know how to be a husband? I You don't know how to be a husband? I got you. Come on. I got you. got you. Come on. I got you. got you. Come on. I got you. You don't know how to be a a a a You don't know how to be a a a a You don't know how to be a a a a Christian leader in the marketplace? Christian leader in the marketplace? Christian leader in the marketplace? Come on, I got you. I got you. I got you Come on, I got you. I got you. I got you Come on, I got you. I got you. I got you right here. I got you. I got you. right here. I got you. I got you. right here. I got you. I got you. You don't know what it means to leave You don't know what it means to leave You don't know what it means to leave your old life behind and and to still your old life behind and and to still your old life behind and and to still love your friends that you used to run love your friends that you used to run love your friends that you used to run with but still be somebody brand new? with but still be somebody brand new? with but still be somebody brand new? Don't worry, I got you. I got you. I got Don't worry, I got you. I got you. I got Don't worry, I got you. I got you. I got you. you. you. And Peter here reaches out his hand and And Peter here reaches out his hand and And Peter here reaches out his hand and says, "Hey, come on. Come on. Come on. says, "Hey, come on. Come on. Come on. says, "Hey, come on. Come on. Come on. You've been touched by Jesus. You've been touched by Jesus. You've been touched by Jesus. Let me help you out now." Let me help you out now." Let me help you out now." Now, Peter Now, Peter Now, Peter knows something about being seated.

knows something about being seated. knows something about being seated. Though maybe not physically Though maybe not physically Though maybe not physically definitely emotionally and spiritually, definitely emotionally and spiritually, definitely emotionally and spiritually, Peter experienced what this man is Peter experienced what this man is Peter experienced what this man is navigating. navigating. navigating. Peter is the one that would say all Peter is the one that would say all Peter is the one that would say all types of crazy things and I appreciate types of crazy things and I appreciate types of crazy things and I appreciate that he's in the Bible uh because he that he's in the Bible uh because he that he's in the Bible uh because he gives me hope for myself. gives me hope for myself. gives me hope for myself. He says things and Jesus is like, "Are He says things and Jesus is like, "Are He says things and Jesus is like, "Are you kidding me right now? you kidding me right now? you kidding me right now? Get behind me, Satan." I'm like, "Okay, Get behind me, Satan." I'm like, "Okay, Get behind me, Satan." I'm like, "Okay, I can mess up like Peter. I can do I can mess up like Peter. I can do I can mess up like Peter. I can do that." that." that." But not only is Peter the one that But not only is Peter the one that But not only is Peter the one that messes up, He messed up in such messes up, He messed up in such messes up, He messed up in such significant ways that he actually turned significant ways that he actually turned significant ways that he actually turned his back on his best friend when his his back on his best friend when his his back on his best friend when his best friend was in the hardest moment of best friend was in the hardest moment of best friend was in the hardest moment of his life. And you can read about it in his life. And you can read about it in his life. And you can read about it in the Gospels that even when the rooster the Gospels that even when the rooster the Gospels that even when the rooster crows and and Peter has denied Jesus, he crows and and Peter has denied Jesus, he crows and and Peter has denied Jesus, he catches Jesus' eyes and the Bible says catches Jesus' eyes and the Bible says catches Jesus' eyes and the Bible says Peter goes out and he weeps bitterly. Peter goes out and he weeps bitterly. Peter goes out and he weeps bitterly. His heart is broken. His heart is broken. His heart is broken. Cuz I just told Jesus, Cuz I just told Jesus, Cuz I just told Jesus, I'm with you. I'm with you. I'm with you. 10 toes down. 10 toes down. 10 toes down. No one can get me off of our No one can get me off of our No one can get me off of our relationship. I'm in this with you relationship. I'm in this with you relationship. I'm in this with you forever.

on his best friend on his best friend and the Messiah. and the Messiah. and the Messiah. He's weeping bitterly. He's weeping bitterly. He's weeping bitterly. Jesus is put Jesus is put Jesus is put on a cross and in the grave. Peter's on a cross and in the grave. Peter's on a cross and in the grave. Peter's nowhere around. He goes back to his old nowhere around. He goes back to his old nowhere around. He goes back to his old life. life. life. But 3 days later, But 3 days later, But 3 days later, when Jesus when Jesus when Jesus is miraculously and gloriously defeats is miraculously and gloriously defeats is miraculously and gloriously defeats death, hell, and the grave, death, hell, and the grave, death, hell, and the grave, the angel the angel the angel says to the disciples, he says, "Hey, says to the disciples, he says, "Hey, says to the disciples, he says, "Hey, make sure you let everybody know I'm make sure you let everybody know I'm make sure you let everybody know I'm alive, but make sure you let Peter know alive, but make sure you let Peter know alive, but make sure you let Peter know I'm alive." And Peter is restored. And I'm alive." And Peter is restored. And I'm alive." And Peter is restored. And Peter is brought back to life. So when I Peter is brought back to life. So when I Peter is brought back to life. So when I think I wonder if when Peter saw this think I wonder if when Peter saw this think I wonder if when Peter saw this man at the gate, he's like, "Hey, I've man at the gate, he's like, "Hey, I've man at the gate, he's like, "Hey, I've never been like this physically, but I never been like this physically, but I never been like this physically, but I definitely been like this spiritually definitely been like this spiritually definitely been like this spiritually and emotionally. I know what it's like and emotionally. I know what it's like and emotionally. I know what it's like to be sitting. I know what it's like to to be sitting. I know what it's like to to be sitting. I know what it's like to be begging. I know what it's like to be be begging. I know what it's like to be be begging. I know what it's like to be disappointed. I know what it's like to disappointed. I know what it's like to disappointed. I know what it's like to not have it all together. I know what not have it all together. I know what not have it all together. I know what it's like to feel like you messed up, it's like to feel like you messed up, it's like to feel like you messed up, but in the name of Jesus Christ of but in the name of Jesus Christ of but in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk because Jesus Nazareth, get up and walk because Jesus Nazareth, get up and walk because Jesus did it for me. Jesus can definitely do did it for me. Jesus can definitely do did it for me. Jesus can definitely do it for you." it for you." it for you." >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> This is church. See See, sometimes you >> This is church. See See, sometimes you >> This is church. See See, sometimes you see people that look really, really good see people that look really, really good see people that look really, really good and you think that they always look and you think that they always look and you think that they always look good.

good. good. You don't know how ratchet we were. You don't know how ratchet we were. You don't know how ratchet we were. Come on. If If If you saw us in college, If If If you saw us in college, if you saw us in high school, if you saw us in high school, if you saw us in high school, if you saw us back in the day, if you saw us back in the day, if you saw us back in the day, it was before we got cleaned up real it was before we got cleaned up real it was before we got cleaned up real nice. It was before that we knew the nice. It was before that we knew the nice. It was before that we knew the songs to the worship. It was before we songs to the worship. It was before we songs to the worship. It was before we knew to raise our hand. When we raised knew to raise our hand. When we raised knew to raise our hand. When we raised our hands, we were in the club. But now our hands, we were in the club. But now our hands, we were in the club. But now we're raising our hands to lift up we're raising our hands to lift up we're raising our hands to lift up Jesus. There was a day you're looking at Jesus. There was a day you're looking at Jesus. There was a day you're looking at me. You're looking at me and you think I me. You're looking at me and you think I me. You're looking at me and you think I don't know where you are, but I do know don't know where you are, but I do know don't know where you are, but I do know where you are cuz I used to be where you where you are cuz I used to be where you where you are cuz I used to be where you are. But Jesus Christ touched me where I are. But Jesus Christ touched me where I are. But Jesus Christ touched me where I when I was where you are and he when I was where you are and he when I was where you are and he >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> used somebody >> used somebody >> used somebody to help me up, to help me up, to help me up, to pull me up. to pull me up. to pull me up. So the devil try to lie to you and tell So the devil try to lie to you and tell So the devil try to lie to you and tell you, "Oh, you're the only one. There's you, "Oh, you're the only one. There's you, "Oh, you're the only one. There's nobody else like you. Nobody else gets nobody else like you. Nobody else gets nobody else like you. Nobody else gets you. Nobody else has a struggle like you. Nobody else has a struggle like you. Nobody else has a struggle like you. Nobody else has a problem like you. you. Nobody else has a problem like you. you. Nobody else has a problem like you. Nobody else is battling what you're Nobody else is battling what you're Nobody else is battling what you're battling." And I'm just telling you battling." And I'm just telling you battling." And I'm just telling you that's a lie from the pit of hell. All that's a lie from the pit of hell. All that's a lie from the pit of hell. All of us in here have navigated thing after of us in here have navigated thing after of us in here have navigated thing after thing at every location. We have been thing at every location. We have been thing at every location. We have been through the highs and the lows of life, through the highs and the lows of life, through the highs and the lows of life, but Jesus Christ grabbed a hold of our but Jesus Christ grabbed a hold of our but Jesus Christ grabbed a hold of our hearts, but when Jesus grabs a hold of hearts, but when Jesus grabs a hold of hearts, but when Jesus grabs a hold of this man's heart at the gate called this man's heart at the gate called this man's heart at the gate called beautiful, Jesus uses one of his beautiful, Jesus uses one of his beautiful, Jesus uses one of his followers to do it.

It's the church It's the church being the church. being the church. being the church. This is a picture of church. I got you. I got you. Come on, I got you. Come on, I got you. Come on, I got you. I know you never walked before. I got I know you never walked before. I got I know you never walked before. I got you. you. you. I know you never done this before. Come I know you never done this before. Come I know you never done this before. Come on, I got you. I got you. Yeah. Um what church is not, Um what church is not, it's not Chick-fil-A. it's not Chick-fil-A. it's not Chick-fil-A. And I love Chick-fil-A, okay? And I love Chick-fil-A, okay? And I love Chick-fil-A, okay? Want to make sure that's known. Want to make sure that's known. Want to make sure that's known. It's Jesus chicken. We all know this. Now we're not having any today. Now we're not having any today. >> [clears throat] >> And we can pray that they change that. I >> And we can pray that they change that. I don't think they're going to, but I'm don't think they're going to, but I'm don't think they're going to, but I'm praying. praying. praying. Maybe just a couple hours, you know, Maybe just a couple hours, you know, Maybe just a couple hours, you know, like 12 to 2, you know? I I I I love Chick-fil-A, but when you I I I I love Chick-fil-A, but when you go to Chick-fil-A, go to Chick-fil-A, go to Chick-fil-A, you place an order. You're you're in you place an order. You're you're in you place an order. You're you're in line, you you place an order.

line, you you place an order. line, you you place an order. You're like, "Hey, let me get number You're like, "Hey, let me get number You're like, "Hey, let me get number one." And uh okay, yeah, make sure you one." And uh okay, yeah, make sure you one." And uh okay, yeah, make sure you yeah, I want I want extra Chick-fil-A yeah, I want I want extra Chick-fil-A yeah, I want I want extra Chick-fil-A sauce cuz I'm a Christian. And sauce cuz I'm a Christian. And sauce cuz I'm a Christian. And I don't want any salad because that's I don't want any salad because that's I don't want any salad because that's for communists. And then I for communists. And then I for communists. And then I want to want to want to >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I don't even know where that came to me. >> I don't even know where that came to me. >> I don't even know where that came to me. I I I I I I I want I want This is what I want. I I I I want I want This is what I want. I I I I want I want This is what I want. This is what I want. This is what I This is what I want. This is what I This is what I want. This is what I want. And if we're not careful, we treat want. And if we're not careful, we treat want. And if we're not careful, we treat church the same way. You're single and you come here for an You're single and you come here for an order. order. order. Give me a man. Okay? I don't want no medium fry. Okay, Okay? I don't want no medium fry. Okay, I want a large fry. I want a large fry. I want a large fry. Okay? Okay? Okay? I I I want I want this. I want this. I I I I want I want this. I want this. I I I I want I want this. I want this. I want this. I want this. I I take it and want this. I want this. I I take it and want this. I want this. I I take it and I leave. For my kids, I I I For my kids, I I I I want this. I want this. I want this. I I want this. I want this. I want this. I I want this. I want this. I want this. I take it and I leave. Is that church?

Is that church? Is that This is church. This is church. Is that This is church. This is church. Is that This is church. This is church. I got you. I got you. I got you. We We I got you. I got you. I got you. We We I got you. I got you. I got you. We We reach out our hands. reach out our hands. reach out our hands. I'm not taking and leaving. I'm not taking and leaving. I'm not taking and leaving. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I'm actually reaching out my hand to >> I'm actually reaching out my hand to >> I'm actually reaching out my hand to help some other people up. We're not a help some other people up. We're not a help some other people up. We're not a convenience store. That's not church. convenience store. That's not church. convenience store. That's not church. It's not church. It's not church. It's not church. Okay? I'm all for a convenience store. Okay? I'm all for a convenience store. Okay? I'm all for a convenience store. I'll hit a 7-Eleven. Yeah, go ahead. I'll hit a 7-Eleven. Yeah, go ahead. I'll hit a 7-Eleven. Yeah, go ahead. Grab a little taquito, whatever those Grab a little taquito, whatever those Grab a little taquito, whatever those things are. things are. things are. Go ahead and and you know, get your eggs Go ahead and and you know, get your eggs Go ahead and and you know, get your eggs and get your milk and and grab your beef and get your milk and and grab your beef and get your milk and and grab your beef jerky stick or whatever you need to go jerky stick or whatever you need to go jerky stick or whatever you need to go for sure, but that's not church. for sure, but that's not church. for sure, but that's not church. Yeah. We're not a convenience store. Yeah. We're not a convenience store. Yeah. We're not a convenience store. We're not We're not like trying to I'm We're not We're not like trying to I'm We're not We're not like trying to I'm not Are you going to go to 7-Eleven? I'm not Are you going to go to 7-Eleven? I'm not Are you going to go to 7-Eleven? I'm going to Celsius I'm going to get my I going to Celsius I'm going to get my I going to Celsius I'm going to get my I mean my hit. mean my hit. mean my hit. Church, you're not coming here to get a Church, you're not coming here to get a Church, you're not coming here to get a hit. hit. hit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I hope they sing my song today. >> I hope they sing my song today. >> I hope they sing my song today. Oh, they didn't sing my I hope that I Oh, they didn't sing my I hope that I Oh, they didn't sing my I hope that I hope my favorite worship leader Oh, hope my favorite worship leader Oh, hope my favorite worship leader Oh, she's not there or he's not there. Okay, she's not there or he's not there. Okay, she's not there or he's not there. Okay, well, I'll just No. No, that's not church. No. No, that's not church. Don't In our world, we want it faster, Don't In our world, we want it faster, Don't In our world, we want it faster, easier, easier, easier, quicker, more comfortable.

quicker, more comfortable. quicker, more comfortable. And if we're not careful, we start And if we're not careful, we start And if we're not careful, we start making the church faster, easier, making the church faster, easier, making the church faster, easier, quicker, more comfortable. quicker, more comfortable. quicker, more comfortable. But that's not That's not church. But that's not That's not church. But that's not That's not church. No. No. No, you're not here to get a No. No. No, you're not here to get a No. No. No, you're not here to get a hit. hit. hit. We're not a convenience store. We're a We're not a convenience store. We're a We're not a convenience store. We're a cause. cause. cause. We're a mission. We're We've been called We're a mission. We're We've been called We're a mission. We're We've been called to make it on Earth as it is in heaven. to make it on Earth as it is in heaven. to make it on Earth as it is in heaven. We're the hands and feet of Jesus in our We're the hands and feet of Jesus in our We're the hands and feet of Jesus in our generation, and there are people seated generation, and there are people seated generation, and there are people seated blame. blame. blame. And this is us. And this is us. And this is us. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. Yep. Yep. Yep. Now, this is a New Testament story about Now, this is a New Testament story about Now, this is a New Testament story about somebody being pulled up. Let me show somebody being pulled up. Let me show somebody being pulled up. Let me show you an Old Testament story about you an Old Testament story about you an Old Testament story about somebody being pulled up. This is one of somebody being pulled up. This is one of somebody being pulled up. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Okay, my favorite stories in the Bible. Okay, my favorite stories in the Bible. Okay, go with me to Jeremiah chapter 38. Again, if you didn't bring your Bible, Again, if you didn't bring your Bible, we're going to put the verses on the we're going to put the verses on the we're going to put the verses on the screen screen screen so you can follow along with us. so you can follow along with us. so you can follow along with us. Make sure we're not making anything up. Make sure we're not making anything up. Make sure we're not making anything up. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Jeremiah >> Jeremiah >> Jeremiah chapter 38. chapter 38. chapter 38. Uh I'm I'm going to skip the first four Uh I'm I'm going to skip the first four Uh I'm I'm going to skip the first four verses. There's a lot of names in there verses. There's a lot of names in there verses. There's a lot of names in there like Shephatiah and stuff that we're not like Shephatiah and stuff that we're not like Shephatiah and stuff that we're not going to read through.

going to read through. going to read through. Verse number four, Verse number four, Verse number four, Jeremiah the prophet called by God has Jeremiah the prophet called by God has Jeremiah the prophet called by God has been speaking God's word, and the been speaking God's word, and the been speaking God's word, and the officials and the leaders officials and the leaders officials and the leaders don't like what he's saying on behalf of don't like what he's saying on behalf of don't like what he's saying on behalf of God. God. God. So, they take matters into their own So, they take matters into their own So, they take matters into their own hands. hands. hands. Verse number four, then the officials Verse number four, then the officials Verse number four, then the officials said to the king, said to the king, said to the king, "This man, speaking of Jeremiah, should "This man, speaking of Jeremiah, should "This man, speaking of Jeremiah, should be put to death. be put to death. be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are He is discouraging the soldiers who are He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in the city, left in the city, left in the city, as well as all the people as well as all the people as well as all the people [clears throat] by the things he is [clears throat] by the things he is [clears throat] by the things he is saying to them. saying to them. saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of all This man is not seeking the good of all This man is not seeking the good of all these people, these people, these people, but their ruin." but their ruin." but their ruin." "He is in your hands," King Zedekiah "He is in your hands," King Zedekiah "He is in your hands," King Zedekiah answered, "The king can do nothing to answered, "The king can do nothing to answered, "The king can do nothing to oppose you." oppose you." oppose you." So, they took Jeremiah and put him into So, they took Jeremiah and put him into So, they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the cistern of Malkijah, the cistern of Malkijah, the king's son, the king's son, the king's son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. which was in the courtyard of the guard. which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern. cistern. cistern. It had no water in it, It had no water in it, It had no water in it, only mud, only mud, only mud, and Jeremiah and Jeremiah and Jeremiah sank down sank down sank down into the mud.

Again, Jeremiah is Again, Jeremiah is doing what God called him to do, doing what God called him to do, doing what God called him to do, and he ends up in a spot and he ends up in a spot and he ends up in a spot that we would think is inconsistent with that we would think is inconsistent with that we would think is inconsistent with somebody somebody somebody who's actually following who's actually following who's actually following and doing what God has asked him to do. God, I'm doing your will. God, I'm doing your will. You told me to take this job. You told me to take this job. You told me to take this job. You told me to marry this person. You told me to marry this person. You told me to marry this person. You told me to go to this school. You told me to go to this school. You told me to go to this school. Why am I now Why am I now Why am I now in a cistern in a cistern in a cistern sinking down in mud? One commentator One commentator says he wonders if Jeremiah sank down says he wonders if Jeremiah sank down says he wonders if Jeremiah sank down all the way up to his neck. There's no water in in the cistern. There's no water in in the cistern. They lower him down by ropes, and he They lower him down by ropes, and he They lower him down by ropes, and he just is in this mud, and he sinks, and just is in this mud, and he sinks, and just is in this mud, and he sinks, and he sinks, and he sinks, and before he he sinks, and he sinks, and before he he sinks, and he sinks, and before he knows it, he's up to his neck in mud. Again, Again, Church of the Highlands, Church of the Highlands, Church of the Highlands, this is not a church for people who have this is not a church for people who have this is not a church for people who have it all together.

it all together. it all together. Don't believe that lie. Don't believe that lie. Don't believe that lie. No, no. No, no. No, no. We're church We're church We're church of everyday people. People who have been through some real People who have been through some real issues in life. issues in life. issues in life. Like divorce and bankruptcy and Like divorce and bankruptcy and Like divorce and bankruptcy and and alcoholism and broken hearts. and alcoholism and broken hearts. and alcoholism and broken hearts. Been through dis- disappointments. And Been through dis- disappointments. And Been through dis- disappointments. And oh yeah, we've had some mountain top oh yeah, we've had some mountain top oh yeah, we've had some mountain top experiences for sure and graduated first experiences for sure and graduated first experiences for sure and graduated first of the class and the the business did of the class and the the business did of the class and the the business did better than it ever did before and and better than it ever did before and and better than it ever did before and and and my family's clicking on all and my family's clicking on all and my family's clicking on all cylinders. Yeah, we we we got those cylinders. Yeah, we we we got those cylinders. Yeah, we we we got those people too. And those people also have people too. And those people also have people too. And those people also have times when you walk into church and you times when you walk into church and you times when you walk into church and you are up to your neck in mud. in mud. The difficulty is uh you can look at The difficulty is uh you can look at The difficulty is uh you can look at somebody and you can think they're not somebody and you can think they're not somebody and you can think they're not dealing with any mud. dealing with any mud. dealing with any mud. Cuz of the car or the clothes or their Cuz of the car or the clothes or their Cuz of the car or the clothes or their smile. smile. smile. You can think, oh, they got it all You can think, oh, they got it all You can think, oh, they got it all together. together. together. But you don't know what's going on But you don't know what's going on But you don't know what's going on inside somebody's heart. inside somebody's heart. inside somebody's heart. You don't know what they're navigating You don't know what they're navigating You don't know what they're navigating at home.

at home. at home. You don't know the demons they've been You don't know the demons they've been You don't know the demons they've been dealing with. dealing with. dealing with. So that's why we're intentional here to So that's why we're intentional here to So that's why we're intentional here to make sure we lift up Jesus and sing make sure we lift up Jesus and sing make sure we lift up Jesus and sing songs to Jesus and songs to Jesus and songs to Jesus and and have ushers that are standing there and have ushers that are standing there and have ushers that are standing there ready to help you get to your seat and ready to help you get to your seat and ready to help you get to your seat and and greeters at the door. and greeters at the door. and greeters at the door. Cuz we recognize Cuz we recognize Cuz we recognize there's a lot of us there's a lot of us there's a lot of us even today that are up to our neck even today that are up to our neck even today that are up to our neck in mud. in mud. in mud. This is where Jeremiah finds himself. This is where Jeremiah finds himself. This is where Jeremiah finds himself. So then, So then, So then, the story continues on the story continues on the story continues on and it gets good. Look at this. and it gets good. Look at this. and it gets good. Look at this. Verse number seven. Verse number seven. Verse number seven. But Ebed-Melech, everybody say But Ebed-Melech, everybody say But Ebed-Melech, everybody say Ebed-Melech. Ebed-Melech. Ebed-Melech. What a name that is, huh? What a name that is, huh? What a name that is, huh? Little bit little bit odd for us. Little bit little bit odd for us. Little bit little bit odd for us. But Ebed-Melech, a Cushite, But Ebed-Melech, a Cushite, But Ebed-Melech, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace, heard an official in the royal palace, heard an official in the royal palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the that they had put Jeremiah in the that they had put Jeremiah in the cistern while the king was sitting in cistern while the king was sitting in cistern while the king was sitting in the at the in the Benjamin Gate. Ebed- the at the in the Benjamin Gate. Ebed- the at the in the Benjamin Gate. Ebed- Mellick, there is his name again, went Mellick, there is his name again, went Mellick, there is his name again, went out of the palace and said to him, "My out of the palace and said to him, "My out of the palace and said to him, "My lord the king, these men have acted lord the king, these men have acted lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to wickedly in all they have done to wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown him into a cistern where he will starve him into a cistern where he will starve him into a cistern where he will starve to death when there is no longer any to death when there is no longer any to death when there is no longer any bread in the city." Then the king bread in the city." Then the king bread in the city." Then the king commanded Ebed- Mellick the Cushite, commanded Ebed- Mellick the Cushite, commanded Ebed- Mellick the Cushite, "Take 30 men from here with you and lift "Take 30 men from here with you and lift "Take 30 men from here with you and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies."

before he dies." before he dies." Now, Now, Now, the name Ebed- Mellick, when we are the name Ebed- Mellick, when we are the name Ebed- Mellick, when we are reading that, we just read through it. reading that, we just read through it. reading that, we just read through it. Makes sense because it's just another Makes sense because it's just another Makes sense because it's just another name in the Bible. But this name means name in the Bible. But this name means name in the Bible. But this name means something very interesting. It's two something very interesting. It's two something very interesting. It's two Hebrew words meaning servant and king. Hebrew words meaning servant and king. Hebrew words meaning servant and king. So now, So now, So now, we recognize we recognize we recognize that what's happening here in Jeremiah that what's happening here in Jeremiah that what's happening here in Jeremiah chapter 38 chapter 38 chapter 38 is not just something that is happening is not just something that is happening is not just something that is happening in that moment. in that moment. in that moment. It's a type and a shadow and a picture It's a type and a shadow and a picture It's a type and a shadow and a picture of a servant king that's going to come of a servant king that's going to come of a servant king that's going to come into the [clears throat] world one day. into the [clears throat] world one day. into the [clears throat] world one day. And his name is Jesus. And his name is Jesus. And his name is Jesus. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I'll show you real quick on Mark chapter >> I'll show you real quick on Mark chapter >> I'll show you real quick on Mark chapter 10, you don't have to turn there, we'll 10, you don't have to turn there, we'll 10, you don't have to turn there, we'll put it on the screen. Mark chapter 10, put it on the screen. Mark chapter 10, put it on the screen. Mark chapter 10, verse number 45. It says, "The Son of verse number 45. It says, "The Son of verse number 45. It says, "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to Man did not come to be served but to Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom serve and to give his life as a ransom serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Here is Jesus speaking of for many." Here is Jesus speaking of for many." Here is Jesus speaking of himself saying, "I'm the servant." And himself saying, "I'm the servant." And himself saying, "I'm the servant." And then when you get to Revelation chapter then when you get to Revelation chapter then when you get to Revelation chapter 19, I think it's number 14, it talks 19, I think it's number 14, it talks 19, I think it's number 14, it talks about how he has written on him the name about how he has written on him the name about how he has written on him the name king of kings and lord of lords. That king of kings and lord of lords. That king of kings and lord of lords. That Jesus Christ is our servant and our Jesus Christ is our servant and our Jesus Christ is our servant and our king. And what Jesus is doing and when king. And what Jesus is doing and when king. And what Jesus is doing and when we are up to our necks in mud, as he is we are up to our necks in mud, as he is we are up to our necks in mud, as he is fighting for us on our behalf in ways we fighting for us on our behalf in ways we fighting for us on our behalf in ways we don't even know he's fighting on our don't even know he's fighting on our don't even know he's fighting on our behalf, and he is on his way back to behalf, and he is on his way back to behalf, and he is on his way back to pull us up and rescue us out of the pull us up and rescue us out of the pull us up and rescue us out of the places that we find ourselves in. This places that we find ourselves in. This places that we find ourselves in. This is what the death, burial, and is what the death, burial, and is what the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is It is resurrection of Jesus Christ is It is resurrection of Jesus Christ is It is him finding us in our mud. It is him him finding us in our mud. It is him him finding us in our mud. It is him finding us in our sin. It is him finding finding us in our sin. It is him finding finding us in our sin. It is him finding us in our brokenness saying, "I'm not

us in our brokenness saying, "I'm not us in our brokenness saying, "I'm not going to let you stay there any longer. going to let you stay there any longer. going to let you stay there any longer. I've got a plan to be able to pull you I've got a plan to be able to pull you I've got a plan to be able to pull you out." And now watch what he uses to pull out." And now watch what he uses to pull out." And now watch what he uses to pull him out. him out. him out. Watch this. Watch this. Watch this. Watch this. You You You can bring out my Watch this. You You You can bring out my Watch this. You You You can bring out my my rags. my rags. my rags. Verse number 11. So, Ebed-Melech Verse number 11. So, Ebed-Melech Verse number 11. So, Ebed-Melech took the men with him took the men with him took the men with him and went to a room under the treasury in and went to a room under the treasury in and went to a room under the treasury in the palace. the palace. the palace. He took some old rags and worn-out He took some old rags and worn-out He took some old rags and worn-out clothes from there [snorts] clothes from there [snorts] clothes from there [snorts] and and let them down with ropes to and and let them down with ropes to and and let them down with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-Melech, Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-Melech, Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-Melech, the servant king, the Cushite, said to the servant king, the Cushite, said to the servant king, the Cushite, said to Jeremiah, "Put these old rags and Jeremiah, "Put these old rags and Jeremiah, "Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad worn-out clothes under your arms to pad worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes." Jeremiah did so, and they the ropes." Jeremiah did so, and they the ropes." Jeremiah did so, and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted pulled him up with the ropes and lifted pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern, and Jeremiah him out of the cistern, and Jeremiah him out of the cistern, and Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. remained in the courtyard of the guard. remained in the courtyard of the guard. I want you to see I want you to see I want you to see that the servant king that the servant king that the servant king went to the treasury and what he grabbed went to the treasury and what he grabbed went to the treasury and what he grabbed to what he chose to use to pull Jeremiah to what he chose to use to pull Jeremiah to what he chose to use to pull Jeremiah out of the pit was not clean rags. They out of the pit was not clean rags. They out of the pit was not clean rags. They were not perfect rags. They were old, were not perfect rags. They were old, were not perfect rags. They were old, worn-out rags. And he says, "I'm going worn-out rags. And he says, "I'm going worn-out rags. And he says, "I'm going to take these old, worn-out rags, and to take these old, worn-out rags, and to take these old, worn-out rags, and this is what I'm going to use to pull this is what I'm going to use to pull this is what I'm going to use to pull Jeremiah up out of the mud." And I want Jeremiah up out of the mud." And I want Jeremiah up out of the mud." And I want you to know this is still who Jesus uses you to know this is still who Jesus uses you to know this is still who Jesus uses today. He uses old rags and worn-out

today. He uses old rags and worn-out today. He uses old rags and worn-out clothes. So, if you feel like you don't clothes. So, if you feel like you don't clothes. So, if you feel like you don't measure up, if you feel like you don't measure up, if you feel like you don't measure up, if you feel like you don't have it all together, if you wish that have it all together, if you wish that have it all together, if you wish that you were a better person, I need you to you were a better person, I need you to you were a better person, I need you to understand that Jesus Christ always used understand that Jesus Christ always used understand that Jesus Christ always used old rags and worn-out clothes. And today old rags and worn-out clothes. And today old rags and worn-out clothes. And today he is saying, "Church of the Highlands, he is saying, "Church of the Highlands, he is saying, "Church of the Highlands, are you willing to be an old rag and a are you willing to be an old rag and a are you willing to be an old rag and a worn-out coat caught in my hands? Cuz if worn-out coat caught in my hands? Cuz if worn-out coat caught in my hands? Cuz if you are, I'll use you to pull somebody you are, I'll use you to pull somebody you are, I'll use you to pull somebody up out of a pit cuz this is what our God up out of a pit cuz this is what our God up out of a pit cuz this is what our God does." >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You and I have been sitting on the >> You and I have been sitting on the >> You and I have been sitting on the sidelines so long, waiting for our lives sidelines so long, waiting for our lives sidelines so long, waiting for our lives to be perfect, waiting for everything to to be perfect, waiting for everything to to be perfect, waiting for everything to be in order, waiting for our schedule to be in order, waiting for our schedule to be in order, waiting for our schedule to be just right. But your schedule will be just right. But your schedule will be just right. But your schedule will never be just right. What we need is for never be just right. What we need is for never be just right. What we need is for you just to say, "Here am I, Lord. Send you just to say, "Here am I, Lord. Send you just to say, "Here am I, Lord. Send me. I know I don't have it all together. me. I know I don't have it all together. me. I know I don't have it all together. I know I got some secrets in my life I know I got some secrets in my life I know I got some secrets in my life right now, but I thank you that you right now, but I thank you that you right now, but I thank you that you still love me and you still know me and still love me and you still know me and still love me and you still know me and you still save me and you still want to you still save me and you still want to you still save me and you still want to use me." This is who Jesus has always use me." This is who Jesus has always use me." This is who Jesus has always used.

used. used. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And this is who he wants to use today. I got you. I got you. I got you. Come on. I got you. Come on. I got you. Come on. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. I got you. Yeah, I got you. Yeah. So we talk about being on the dream So we talk about being on the dream team. team. team. It's a handout. It's a handout. It's a handout. Pull somebody up. Pull somebody up. Pull somebody up. Talk about generosity. This is the Talk about generosity. This is the Talk about generosity. This is the This is the picture. This is church. This is the picture. This is church. This is the picture. This is church. We talk about being in groups together. We talk about being in groups together. We talk about being in groups together. Connecting, knowing each other's names. Connecting, knowing each other's names. Connecting, knowing each other's names. Not just sitting shoulder to shoulder, Not just sitting shoulder to shoulder, Not just sitting shoulder to shoulder, but sitting face to face.

What we're What I'm is, "Hey, hey, here. What we're What I'm is, "Hey, hey, here. Come on, I got you. Come on, I got you. Come on, I got you. I got you. Old rags. Old rags. Worn out clothes. My My dad was not around when I was My My dad was not around when I was growing up. growing up. growing up. So, my mom raised me and my little So, my mom raised me and my little So, my mom raised me and my little sister all by herself. And it was the men of the church And it was the men of the church that would pick me up when I was 11, that would pick me up when I was 11, that would pick me up when I was 11, 12, 12, 12, 13. 13. 13. Pick me up at 7:30 in the morning, bring Pick me up at 7:30 in the morning, bring Pick me up at 7:30 in the morning, bring me to a men's Bible study. I'm eating my donut, I'm eating my donut, listening to these guys talk about taxes listening to these guys talk about taxes listening to these guys talk about taxes and Jesus. And I'm like, I don't know what's going And I'm like, I don't know what's going on here. on here. on here. >> [laughter] They They taught me how to be a father. They They taught me how to be a father. They taught me how to be a husband. I I They taught me how to be a husband. I I They taught me how to be a husband. I I learned from them going to these learned from them going to these learned from them going to these Maximized Manhood meetings that being a Maximized Manhood meetings that being a Maximized Manhood meetings that being a male is a matter of birth, but being a male is a matter of birth, but being a male is a matter of birth, but being a man is a matter of choice. I I learned man is a matter of choice. I I learned man is a matter of choice. I I learned in those meetings uh that manhood and in those meetings uh that manhood and in those meetings uh that manhood and Christ-likeness are synonymous. I Christ-likeness are synonymous. I Christ-likeness are synonymous. I learned in those meetings that you honor learned in those meetings that you honor learned in those meetings that you honor your wife and you love her like Christ your wife and you love her like Christ your wife and you love her like Christ loves the church. I I learned that loves the church. I I learned that loves the church. I I learned that stuff. These men came into my life and stuff. These men came into my life and stuff. These men came into my life and they lifted their hand out and they're they lifted their hand out and they're they lifted their hand out and they're like, "Hey, I got you. I got you. I got like, "Hey, I got you. I got you. I got like, "Hey, I got you. I got you. I got you."

That's church. That's church. That's church. That's church. That's church. It's not Chick-fil-A, though I love it. It's not Chick-fil-A, though I love it. It's not Chick-fil-A, though I love it. It's not convenience store, I love them. This is mission. This is mission. Different Different Different to make a difference. to make a difference. to make a difference. And God wants to use you. Even when you feel like you're one of Even when you feel like you're one of these, he still wants to use you. he still wants to use you. So, whenever Pastor Mark or Pastor Jill So, whenever Pastor Mark or Pastor Jill So, whenever Pastor Mark or Pastor Jill or any of your campus pastors, or any of your campus pastors, or any of your campus pastors, when they talk about groups when they talk about groups when they talk about groups coming up here soon, coming up here soon, coming up here soon, talk about serving, talk about serving, talk about serving, we're not going to be a church that has we're not going to be a church that has we're not going to be a church that has our arms folded our arms folded our arms folded and our hearts closed off. and our hearts closed off. and our hearts closed off. No. No. No. Unfold your arms. Unfold your arms. Unfold your arms. Open up your heart. Open up your heart. Open up your heart. And reach out your hand. And reach out your hand. And reach out your hand. Cuz this is church. Cuz this is church. Cuz this is church. And this is Church of the Highlands. And this is Church of the Highlands. And this is Church of the Highlands. If you don't mind, bow your heads at all If you don't mind, bow your heads at all If you don't mind, bow your heads at all of our locations.

I ask you to bow your heads not because I ask you to bow your heads not because it's mystical or magical, but just so it's mystical or magical, but just so it's mystical or magical, but just so that you can focus for just a second. If you're under the sound of my voice If you're under the sound of my voice and you've never made Jesus Christ first and you've never made Jesus Christ first and you've never made Jesus Christ first in your life. You never made him first. You never made You never made him first. You never made him number one. The Bible uses the word repent. Means to The Bible uses the word repent. Means to turn. turn. turn. You never turned from going your own You never turned from going your own You never turned from going your own way. And you're under the sound of my voice And you're under the sound of my voice right now. You're saying, "I don't want right now. You're saying, "I don't want right now. You're saying, "I don't want to go my own way. I want to go his way." to go my own way. I want to go his way." to go my own way. I want to go his way." I don't want to be first. I want Jesus I don't want to be first. I want Jesus I don't want to be first. I want Jesus to be first. On the count of three, I to be first. On the count of three, I to be first. On the count of three, I want you to do something simple but want you to do something simple but want you to do something simple but bold. I just want you to throw your hand bold. I just want you to throw your hand bold. I just want you to throw your hand in the air and say, "Yes, that's me. I'm in the air and say, "Yes, that's me. I'm in the air and say, "Yes, that's me. I'm going to give my heart and my life to going to give my heart and my life to going to give my heart and my life to Christ." Ready? One, two, three. Just Christ." Ready? One, two, three. Just Christ." Ready? One, two, three. Just throw your hand up in the air and say, throw your hand up in the air and say, throw your hand up in the air and say, "Yep, that's me. This is beautiful." I "Yep, that's me. This is beautiful." I "Yep, that's me. This is beautiful." I know we got friends here, friends at all know we got friends here, friends at all know we got friends here, friends at all of our locations saying, "Yep, this is of our locations saying, "Yep, this is of our locations saying, "Yep, this is me. This is me. I want to give my me. This is me. I want to give my me. This is me. I want to give my [clears throat] heart and my life to [clears throat] heart and my life to [clears throat] heart and my life to Christ for the first time or to Christ for the first time or to Christ for the first time or to rededicate my life to serving Jesus." rededicate my life to serving Jesus." rededicate my life to serving Jesus." The grace of God is here. The mercy of The grace of God is here. The mercy of The grace of God is here. The mercy of God is here. God is here. God is here. It's here to change and transform you It's here to change and transform you It's here to change and transform you and turn you into the man or woman he's and turn you into the man or woman he's and turn you into the man or woman he's called you to be.

called you to be. called you to be. I'm going to ask everyone to put your I'm going to ask everyone to put your I'm going to ask everyone to put your hand over your heart if you would not hand over your heart if you would not hand over your heart if you would not mind at every location. mind at every location. mind at every location. Let's put our hand over our heart. And I Let's put our hand over our heart. And I Let's put our hand over our heart. And I want all of us to repeat this prayer out want all of us to repeat this prayer out want all of us to repeat this prayer out loud after me. loud after me. loud after me. Say, "Dear Jesus, Say, "Dear Jesus, Say, "Dear Jesus, I ask you I ask you I ask you to forgive me to forgive me to forgive me of all my sins. of all my sins. of all my sins. I admit I admit I admit I made mistakes. I made mistakes. I made mistakes. And today And today And today I give you my heart. I give you my heart. I give you my heart. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. Give me the power Give me the power Give me the power to live for you to live for you to live for you in Jesus name. Amen. Can we all lift our in Jesus name. Amen. Can we all lift our in Jesus name. Amen. Can we all lift our heads up, clap our hands with joy and heads up, clap our hands with joy and heads up, clap our hands with joy and enthusiasm? Let's just celebrate what enthusiasm? Let's just celebrate what enthusiasm? Let's just celebrate what God has