PURITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - DIFFERENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - MARK PETTUS

Oh, we do better than that. WE GOT A LOT Oh, we do better than that. WE GOT A LOT TO CELEBRATE. AMAZING. TO CELEBRATE. AMAZING. TO CELEBRATE. AMAZING. AMAZING. WELL, hello to all of our AMAZING. WELL, hello to all of our AMAZING. WELL, hello to all of our locations, anyone joining us online, our locations, anyone joining us online, our locations, anyone joining us online, our correctional facilities. What a joy it correctional facilities. What a joy it correctional facilities. What a joy it is to be together in God's house. And I is to be together in God's house. And I is to be together in God's house. And I just can't stop smiling today. Just the just can't stop smiling today. Just the just can't stop smiling today. Just the the overflow of what God did yesterday. the overflow of what God did yesterday. the overflow of what God did yesterday. It was truly beautiful. Couldn't hardly It was truly beautiful. Couldn't hardly It was truly beautiful. Couldn't hardly wait to be here today just to celebrate wait to be here today just to celebrate wait to be here today just to celebrate with you. Um God is a good God. And what with you. Um God is a good God. And what with you. Um God is a good God. And what an honor it is just to represent him to an honor it is just to represent him to an honor it is just to represent him to our world. So, hey, at Highlands, we get our world. So, hey, at Highlands, we get our world. So, hey, at Highlands, we get accused of being a very clappy church accused of being a very clappy church accused of being a very clappy church from time to time. We're going to prove from time to time. We're going to prove from time to time. We're going to prove them true today. Can you put your hands them true today. Can you put your hands them true today. Can you put your hands together one more time? Let's just together one more time? Let's just together one more time? Let's just celebrate what God did yesterday. And uh celebrate what God did yesterday. And uh celebrate what God did yesterday. And uh I can't wait to preach. I I can't wait I can't wait to preach. I I can't wait I can't wait to preach. I I can't wait to preach. I believe God's got a great to preach. I believe God's got a great to preach. I believe God's got a great word for us today. But uh we do have to word for us today. But uh we do have to word for us today. But uh we do have to testify for a moment. So I have a piece testify for a moment. So I have a piece testify for a moment. So I have a piece of paper in my hands. It's going to do of paper in my hands. It's going to do of paper in my hands. It's going to do I'm going to do my best to try to I'm going to do my best to try to I'm going to do my best to try to capture uh what was really hard to capture uh what was really hard to capture uh what was really hard to capture yesterday because of the scale capture yesterday because of the scale capture yesterday because of the scale of it all. But I do want to celebrate a of it all. But I do want to celebrate a of it all. But I do want to celebrate a little bit really what God did and what little bit really what God did and what little bit really what God did and what all of you guys were a part of. What we all of you guys were a part of. What we all of you guys were a part of. What we were all a part of yesterday. Yesterday were all a part of yesterday. Yesterday were all a part of yesterday. Yesterday was uh to God be the glory the largest was uh to God be the glory the largest was uh to God be the glory the largest serve day in the history not just of our serve day in the history not just of our serve day in the history not just of our church but globally. And I have a church but globally. And I have a church but globally. And I have a picture for you. 3008 churches around picture for you. 3008 churches around picture for you. 3008 churches around the world. That's what you're a part of.

the world. That's what you're a part of. the world. That's what you're a part of. Highlands. Yeah. We're going to clap. Highlands. Yeah. We're going to clap. Highlands. Yeah. We're going to clap. We're going to clap right there too. We're going to clap right there too. We're going to clap right there too. That's beautiful. That's beautiful. That's beautiful. And listen, what a beautiful picture of And listen, what a beautiful picture of And listen, what a beautiful picture of the body of Christ just globally saying, the body of Christ just globally saying, the body of Christ just globally saying, "Yeah, you know what? We're going to get "Yeah, you know what? We're going to get "Yeah, you know what? We're going to get outside our walls and be the hands and outside our walls and be the hands and outside our walls and be the hands and feet of Jesus." Here at Highlands, we feet of Jesus." Here at Highlands, we feet of Jesus." Here at Highlands, we had 964 total projects completed. Um had 964 total projects completed. Um had 964 total projects completed. Um 18,598 18,598 18,598 Dream Teamers let us know that they were Dream Teamers let us know that they were Dream Teamers let us know that they were serving yesterday. Can we put our hands serving yesterday. Can we put our hands serving yesterday. Can we put our hands together? We're gonna clap a lot. Come together? We're gonna clap a lot. Come together? We're gonna clap a lot. Come on, put our hands together right there. on, put our hands together right there. on, put our hands together right there. And And And I just I love you, Church of the I just I love you, Church of the I just I love you, Church of the Highlands. I love being a part of this Highlands. I love being a part of this Highlands. I love being a part of this miracle. And I know for the for the miracle. And I know for the for the miracle. And I know for the for the almost 19,000 that were there, thank you almost 19,000 that were there, thank you almost 19,000 that were there, thank you for serving others. I know there maybe for serving others. I know there maybe for serving others. I know there maybe have been reasons you couldn't have the have been reasons you couldn't have the have been reasons you couldn't have the red shirt on yesterday, but even if you red shirt on yesterday, but even if you red shirt on yesterday, but even if you weren't there, you were there because weren't there, you were there because weren't there, you were there because your generosity was. And what a miracle your generosity was. And what a miracle your generosity was. And what a miracle it is to be a part of all of this. You it is to be a part of all of this. You it is to be a part of all of this. You know that that's a big number of total know that that's a big number of total know that that's a big number of total dream teamers. I love that almost 800 of dream teamers. I love that almost 800 of dream teamers. I love that almost 800 of us got to serve in our correctional us got to serve in our correctional us got to serve in our correctional facilities yesterday and we had um just facilities yesterday and we had um just facilities yesterday and we had um just dozens of baptisms that happened. So dozens of baptisms that happened. So dozens of baptisms that happened. So many testimonies of what God did. I want many testimonies of what God did. I want many testimonies of what God did. I want to say to every man and woman joining us to say to every man and woman joining us to say to every man and woman joining us right now from a correctional facility. right now from a correctional facility. right now from a correctional facility. You are not a project. You're part of You are not a project. You're part of You are not a project. You're part of our church family. Come on Highlands.

our church family. Come on Highlands. our church family. Come on Highlands. Let's love all of them. We love you. Let's love all of them. We love you. Let's love all of them. We love you. It's an honor to serve you. Truly an It's an honor to serve you. Truly an It's an honor to serve you. Truly an honor. honor. honor. Uh just number after number, but 68,827 Uh just number after number, but 68,827 Uh just number after number, but 68,827 meals were served yesterday. uh just meals were served yesterday. uh just meals were served yesterday. uh just hard to even get our minds around that. hard to even get our minds around that. hard to even get our minds around that. Uh collectively we served 70,937 Uh collectively we served 70,937 Uh collectively we served 70,937 man hours yesterday. So if one person man hours yesterday. So if one person man hours yesterday. So if one person was doing that, it would take eight was doing that, it would take eight was doing that, it would take eight years, 24 hours a day serving eight years, 24 hours a day serving eight years, 24 hours a day serving eight years to do what we did uh in just one years to do what we did uh in just one years to do what we did uh in just one day. But here's here's the one that day. But here's here's the one that day. But here's here's the one that really matters. All across Church of the really matters. All across Church of the really matters. All across Church of the Highlands yesterday, we saw 435 Highlands yesterday, we saw 435 Highlands yesterday, we saw 435 salvations. Come on. Big the biggest salvations. Come on. Big the biggest salvations. Come on. Big the biggest round of applause right there. What a round of applause right there. What a round of applause right there. What a miracle. miracle. miracle. And I I felt this yesterday. There's And I I felt this yesterday. There's And I I felt this yesterday. There's just a fresh touch on serve day. what just a fresh touch on serve day. what just a fresh touch on serve day. what God honestly what God's doing in our God honestly what God's doing in our God honestly what God's doing in our church right now is just electric what church right now is just electric what church right now is just electric what the power of God is doing and so it's an the power of God is doing and so it's an the power of God is doing and so it's an honor to be a part of that. I could honor to be a part of that. I could honor to be a part of that. I could share so many stories but I found this share so many stories but I found this share so many stories but I found this one that's it's it's a short story but one that's it's it's a short story but one that's it's it's a short story but it's a beautiful picture of really the it's a beautiful picture of really the it's a beautiful picture of really the prayer behind serve day and we serve you prayer behind serve day and we serve you prayer behind serve day and we serve you know all year long in fact if yesterday know all year long in fact if yesterday know all year long in fact if yesterday was your first day serving. It was was your first day serving. It was was your first day serving. It was hopefully a moment to wet your appetite hopefully a moment to wet your appetite hopefully a moment to wet your appetite for what we do every first Saturday and for what we do every first Saturday and for what we do every first Saturday and throughout the year. But this really if throughout the year. But this really if throughout the year. But this really if you want to know what's the heart of you want to know what's the heart of you want to know what's the heart of serve day it it is this story right serve day it it is this story right serve day it it is this story right here. Dr. Kevin Busussy, who's a dear here. Dr. Kevin Busussy, who's a dear here. Dr. Kevin Busussy, who's a dear friend and one of our professors at friend and one of our professors at friend and one of our professors at Highlands College, had a had an idea, a Highlands College, had a had an idea, a Highlands College, had a had an idea, a vision, he and a team for an outreach vision, he and a team for an outreach vision, he and a team for an outreach project where it was very practical project where it was very practical project where it was very practical where they would help people in the East where they would help people in the East where they would help people in the East Lake part of Birmingham by pumping free Lake part of Birmingham by pumping free Lake part of Birmingham by pumping free gas. So that was that was the serve gas. So that was that was the serve gas. So that was that was the serve project. But while they were there project. But while they were there project. But while they were there meeting people, they got a chance to meeting people, they got a chance to meeting people, they got a chance to pray with people. And yesterday in East pray with people. And yesterday in East pray with people. And yesterday in East Lake, five people gave their heart to Lake, five people gave their heart to Lake, five people gave their heart to Jesus at a gas station. That's the

Jesus at a gas station. That's the Jesus at a gas station. That's the vision. But it it goes on that one of vision. But it it goes on that one of vision. But it it goes on that one of those people, her I love this, her name those people, her I love this, her name those people, her I love this, her name is Flower, what a beautiful name, gave is Flower, what a beautiful name, gave is Flower, what a beautiful name, gave her heart to Jesus at a gas station her heart to Jesus at a gas station her heart to Jesus at a gas station yesterday. And today, I'm not sure which yesterday. And today, I'm not sure which yesterday. And today, I'm not sure which service, but she is at church today. So, service, but she is at church today. So, service, but she is at church today. So, can y'all say hello to Flower today? We can y'all say hello to Flower today? We can y'all say hello to Flower today? We welcome you to the body of Christ. We welcome you to the body of Christ. We welcome you to the body of Christ. We welcome you to the Church of the welcome you to the Church of the welcome you to the Church of the Highlands. And that really that really Highlands. And that really that really Highlands. And that really that really that's that story is the perfect picture that's that story is the perfect picture that's that story is the perfect picture of the vision now planted here in the of the vision now planted here in the of the vision now planted here in the house. And so, maybe you're with us for house. And so, maybe you're with us for house. And so, maybe you're with us for the first time because of yesterday for the first time because of yesterday for the first time because of yesterday for whatever reason. Um, we we you know, whatever reason. Um, we we you know, whatever reason. Um, we we you know, maybe you saw us serving or you were maybe you saw us serving or you were maybe you saw us serving or you were part of one of those moments. It's an part of one of those moments. It's an part of one of those moments. It's an honor to have you with us and I just honor to have you with us and I just honor to have you with us and I just love what God is doing. This month is a love what God is doing. This month is a love what God is doing. This month is a big month for us. Um we've had summer big month for us. Um we've had summer big month for us. Um we've had summer blast, we've had serve day and here in a blast, we've had serve day and here in a blast, we've had serve day and here in a couple weeks we have our motion student couple weeks we have our motion student couple weeks we have our motion student conference. Any young people in the conference. Any young people in the conference. Any young people in the house of God today? Make some noise. house of God today? Make some noise. house of God today? Make some noise. And so uh just it's hard to you know And so uh just it's hard to you know And so uh just it's hard to you know these all these these events are just these all these these events are just these all these these events are just hard to kind of wrap your mind around hard to kind of wrap your mind around hard to kind of wrap your mind around what God does. The Legacy Arena downtown what God does. The Legacy Arena downtown what God does. The Legacy Arena downtown Birmingham full of will be full of Birmingham full of will be full of Birmingham full of will be full of 17,000 young people who will spend three 17,000 young people who will spend three 17,000 young people who will spend three days in the presence of God. And it's days in the presence of God. And it's days in the presence of God. And it's such a such a powerful moment. We are such a such a powerful moment. We are such a such a powerful moment. We are over 90% filled already. And so there over 90% filled already. And so there over 90% filled already. And so there are some seats, but they're going fast.

are some seats, but they're going fast. are some seats, but they're going fast. So if you haven't registered, this is my So if you haven't registered, this is my So if you haven't registered, this is my plea to you. If you're a middle school, plea to you. If you're a middle school, plea to you. If you're a middle school, high school, college student, get high school, college student, get high school, college student, get registered. And parents, grandparents, registered. And parents, grandparents, registered. And parents, grandparents, or even friends, you need to know if or even friends, you need to know if or even friends, you need to know if money is an issue. We always have money is an issue. We always have money is an issue. We always have scholarships. So don't let that keep you scholarships. So don't let that keep you scholarships. So don't let that keep you from going. Uh so that motion is for from going. Uh so that motion is for from going. Uh so that motion is for young people. All right? So adults, you young people. All right? So adults, you young people. All right? So adults, you can't go to motion. Y'all got it? Say, can't go to motion. Y'all got it? Say, can't go to motion. Y'all got it? Say, "Got it." "Got it." "Got it." >> But I am going to invite you to a motion >> But I am going to invite you to a motion >> But I am going to invite you to a motion related event. And I'm kind of I'm kind related event. And I'm kind of I'm kind related event. And I'm kind of I'm kind of begging you on this one if you're of begging you on this one if you're of begging you on this one if you're able to be a part of it. The night able to be a part of it. The night able to be a part of it. The night before motion on July 22nd, put it on before motion on July 22nd, put it on before motion on July 22nd, put it on the screen, guys. Yeah. That we're going the screen, guys. Yeah. That we're going the screen, guys. Yeah. That we're going to have a prayer service at the arena. to have a prayer service at the arena. to have a prayer service at the arena. And I need everybody who can be there to And I need everybody who can be there to And I need everybody who can be there to come pray. We're going to lay hands on come pray. We're going to lay hands on come pray. We're going to lay hands on every seat and just pray for every every seat and just pray for every every seat and just pray for every session. You can sign up through the session. You can sign up through the session. You can sign up through the app, but 6:30 on the 22nd. Uh what it'll app, but 6:30 on the 22nd. Uh what it'll app, but 6:30 on the 22nd. Uh what it'll be a beautiful way for you to be a part be a beautiful way for you to be a part be a beautiful way for you to be a part of that motion week. And then one more of that motion week. And then one more of that motion week. And then one more thing to let you know about some new thing to let you know about some new thing to let you know about some new vision. I really felt in my heart. Um vision. I really felt in my heart. Um vision. I really felt in my heart. Um God really spoke about a month and a God really spoke about a month and a God really spoke about a month and a half ago that the last Sunday of this half ago that the last Sunday of this half ago that the last Sunday of this series which will be July 26th we are series which will be July 26th we are series which will be July 26th we are going to have a baptism Sunday everybody going to have a baptism Sunday everybody going to have a baptism Sunday everybody where we're after every service we're where we're after every service we're where we're after every service we're going to celebrate what God's doing in going to celebrate what God's doing in going to celebrate what God's doing in in people's lives through water baptism. in people's lives through water baptism. in people's lives through water baptism. And so if you've never made your And so if you've never made your And so if you've never made your decision for Jesus public this is your decision for Jesus public this is your decision for Jesus public this is your Sunday. In fact this year alone we've Sunday. In fact this year alone we've Sunday. In fact this year alone we've had 12,969 had 12,969 had 12,969 salvations.

salvations. salvations. >> That got one wow. That should probably >> That got one wow. That should probably >> That got one wow. That should probably have a clap. That's another clap m we're have a clap. That's another clap m we're have a clap. That's another clap m we're clappy church. clappy church. clappy church. So if that's you and you haven't or even So if that's you and you haven't or even So if that's you and you haven't or even if even if you've given your heart to if even if you've given your heart to if even if you've given your heart to God maybe even years ago but you haven't God maybe even years ago but you haven't God maybe even years ago but you haven't gone public this will be the perfect gone public this will be the perfect gone public this will be the perfect Sunday. So invite friends, family and of Sunday. So invite friends, family and of Sunday. So invite friends, family and of course it's also the Sunday after course it's also the Sunday after course it's also the Sunday after motion. So I believe a lot of young motion. So I believe a lot of young motion. So I believe a lot of young people are going to go public with their people are going to go public with their people are going to go public with their faith. And so I want to preach now. So faith. And so I want to preach now. So faith. And so I want to preach now. So if you have your app, open it up. It's if you have your app, open it up. It's if you have your app, open it up. It's perfect moment just to reflect. perfect moment just to reflect. perfect moment just to reflect. Everything I just shared is a miracle. Everything I just shared is a miracle. Everything I just shared is a miracle. >> By the way, can we never let any of this >> By the way, can we never let any of this >> By the way, can we never let any of this become normal? become normal? become normal? >> I really believe God has so much more in >> I really believe God has so much more in >> I really believe God has so much more in store. But it it it really the key for store. But it it it really the key for store. But it it it really the key for us is that we would just stay humble and us is that we would just stay humble and us is that we would just stay humble and pure and just make it all about him and pure and just make it all about him and pure and just make it all about him and just never lose the sense of wonder that just never lose the sense of wonder that just never lose the sense of wonder that 453 people yesterday 453 people yesterday 453 people yesterday >> who were destined to an eternity o away >> who were destined to an eternity o away >> who were destined to an eternity o away from God are now going to spend eternity from God are now going to spend eternity from God are now going to spend eternity with God. And all these numbers are not with God. And all these numbers are not with God. And all these numbers are not normal. It's different to see 20,000 normal. It's different to see 20,000 normal. It's different to see 20,000 people serve. It's different to fill up people serve. It's different to fill up people serve. It's different to fill up an arena with young people. But here's an arena with young people. But here's an arena with young people. But here's the key kind of idea for this whole the key kind of idea for this whole the key kind of idea for this whole series this month. And that is that series this month. And that is that series this month. And that is that Christianity has always been different. Christianity has always been different. Christianity has always been different. And we're not going to shy away from And we're not going to shy away from And we're not going to shy away from that. We are going to boldly celebrate that. We are going to boldly celebrate that. We are going to boldly celebrate the fact that God has called us to be the fact that God has called us to be the fact that God has called us to be different. And God has called us to live different. And God has called us to live different. And God has called us to live differently in the world that we're differently in the world that we're differently in the world that we're living in right now. Not different to be living in right now. Not different to be living in right now. Not different to be a just to be different. And that's where a just to be different. And that's where a just to be different. And that's where I want to be really clear with upfront.

I want to be really clear with upfront. I want to be really clear with upfront. We're not we're not looking for any We're not we're not looking for any We're not we're not looking for any attention to be drawn towards us. And attention to be drawn towards us. And attention to be drawn towards us. And here's the topic or the or the theme of here's the topic or the or the theme of here's the topic or the or the theme of the whole series. And that we are the whole series. And that we are the whole series. And that we are different to make a difference. That we different to make a difference. That we different to make a difference. That we live differently so that we can point live differently so that we can point live differently so that we can point people to Jesus. And that's what our key people to Jesus. And that's what our key people to Jesus. And that's what our key scripture 1 Peter 2:9 says. You are a scripture 1 Peter 2:9 says. You are a scripture 1 Peter 2:9 says. You are a chosen people. You're a royal chosen people. You're a royal chosen people. You're a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and somebody priesthood, a holy nation, and somebody priesthood, a holy nation, and somebody just needs to receive this today. You just needs to receive this today. You just needs to receive this today. You are God's special possession. That if it are God's special possession. That if it are God's special possession. That if it would have just been you, he'd have gone would have just been you, he'd have gone would have just been you, he'd have gone to that cross just for you. And that he to that cross just for you. And that he to that cross just for you. And that he has saved us and rescued us. That that has saved us and rescued us. That that has saved us and rescued us. That that again, let that never become old news. again, let that never become old news. again, let that never become old news. That is good news, everybody. But it That is good news, everybody. But it That is good news, everybody. But it comes with a job description that comes with a job description that comes with a job description that because of what he's done in our life, because of what he's done in our life, because of what he's done in our life, we can declare the praises of him who we can declare the praises of him who we can declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his called us out of darkness into his called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Can we for a moment wonderful light. Can we for a moment wonderful light. Can we for a moment remember that moment for me? I was 17 remember that moment for me? I was 17 remember that moment for me? I was 17 when God called me out of darkness into when God called me out of darkness into when God called me out of darkness into his wonderful light and now we get the his wonderful light and now we get the his wonderful light and now we get the beautiful opportunity to share that beautiful opportunity to share that beautiful opportunity to share that story with others. That's that's what it story with others. That's that's what it story with others. That's that's what it really means to be a follower of Jesus really means to be a follower of Jesus really means to be a follower of Jesus is to know him and to make him known we is to know him and to make him known we is to know him and to make him known we are different to make a difference. So I are different to make a difference. So I are different to make a difference. So I want us to reflect on just this idea for want us to reflect on just this idea for want us to reflect on just this idea for a moment and and before I get into our a moment and and before I get into our a moment and and before I get into our topic you know even thinking about the topic you know even thinking about the topic you know even thinking about the the history of Christianity. So of the history of Christianity. So of the history of Christianity. So of course Jesus is born and he lives a course Jesus is born and he lives a course Jesus is born and he lives a perfect sinless life. He does public min perfect sinless life. He does public min perfect sinless life. He does public min ministry for three years and he goes to ministry for three years and he goes to ministry for three years and he goes to that cross and and on that good Friday that cross and and on that good Friday that cross and and on that good Friday he dies on that cross. He's put into he dies on that cross. He's put into he dies on that cross. He's put into that tomb. But hey everybody, Easter was that tomb. But hey everybody, Easter was that tomb. But hey everybody, Easter was coming. Can I get an amen? Three days coming. Can I get an amen? Three days coming. Can I get an amen? Three days later he comes out of that grave and later he comes out of that grave and later he comes out of that grave and then for 40 days he really equips and then for 40 days he really equips and then for 40 days he really equips and and continues to minister to his

and continues to minister to his and continues to minister to his disciples. And then he ascends to heaven disciples. And then he ascends to heaven disciples. And then he ascends to heaven and then 10 days later the Holy Spirit and then 10 days later the Holy Spirit and then 10 days later the Holy Spirit descends into that upper room. And that descends into that upper room. And that descends into that upper room. And that is the day that really the church of is the day that really the church of is the day that really the church of Jesus Christ was born. And on that day, Jesus Christ was born. And on that day, Jesus Christ was born. And on that day, Peter preaches a sermon where 3,000 Peter preaches a sermon where 3,000 Peter preaches a sermon where 3,000 people at least are give their heart to people at least are give their heart to people at least are give their heart to Jesus. So at that moment, here's what I Jesus. So at that moment, here's what I Jesus. So at that moment, here's what I want you to capture. At that moment, the want you to capture. At that moment, the want you to capture. At that moment, the entire church was just three maybe maybe entire church was just three maybe maybe entire church was just three maybe maybe 5,000 total people. Now, fast forward 5,000 total people. Now, fast forward 5,000 total people. Now, fast forward 300 years, and despite 300 years, and despite 300 years, and despite crazy opposition, despite plagues and crazy opposition, despite plagues and crazy opposition, despite plagues and Roman persecution, there are now Roman persecution, there are now Roman persecution, there are now millions of Christians. So here's kind millions of Christians. So here's kind millions of Christians. So here's kind of the the idea of the whole series is of the the idea of the whole series is of the the idea of the whole series is how did we go from really 12 disciples how did we go from really 12 disciples how did we go from really 12 disciples to millions of of Christians to what we to millions of of Christians to what we to millions of of Christians to what we see now billions across the planet. How see now billions across the planet. How see now billions across the planet. How did this happen? And I'll tell you how did this happen? And I'll tell you how did this happen? And I'll tell you how it didn't happen. It did not happen it didn't happen. It did not happen it didn't happen. It did not happen because we blended into culture. because we blended into culture. because we blended into culture. >> And there's always been that pressure >> And there's always been that pressure >> And there's always been that pressure and we are not going to we are boldly and we are not going to we are boldly and we are not going to we are boldly going to preach the fact that we've been going to preach the fact that we've been going to preach the fact that we've been called to be different. I'll tell you called to be different. I'll tell you called to be different. I'll tell you how it also didn't happen though in how it also didn't happen though in how it also didn't happen though in those early years. It didn't happen those early years. It didn't happen those early years. It didn't happen because we were put in charge.

because we were put in charge. because we were put in charge. So a sociologist back in the 1990s, his So a sociologist back in the 1990s, his So a sociologist back in the 1990s, his name is Rod was Rodney Stark, studied name is Rod was Rodney Stark, studied name is Rod was Rodney Stark, studied this question, how did Christianity this question, how did Christianity this question, how did Christianity explode? It was in those early decades explode? It was in those early decades explode? It was in those early decades growing 40% per decade. So he he's a growing 40% per decade. So he he's a growing 40% per decade. So he he's a sociologist. He scientifically goes sociologist. He scientifically goes sociologist. He scientifically goes through a process of studying through a process of studying through a process of studying Christianity. Kind of a fun side note, Christianity. Kind of a fun side note, Christianity. Kind of a fun side note, when he started this research, he was an when he started this research, he was an when he started this research, he was an agnostic, had no faith at all. He ends agnostic, had no faith at all. He ends agnostic, had no faith at all. He ends up giving his heart to Jesus. As the up giving his heart to Jesus. As the up giving his heart to Jesus. As the more he studies, that'll preach all in more he studies, that'll preach all in more he studies, that'll preach all in itself. the more he studied the history itself. the more he studied the history itself. the more he studied the history of Christianity, he ends up becoming a of Christianity, he ends up becoming a of Christianity, he ends up becoming a Christian. But here's what he found. How Christian. But here's what he found. How Christian. But here's what he found. How how did we experience that growth? And how did we experience that growth? And how did we experience that growth? And here, hey, how are we going to here, hey, how are we going to here, hey, how are we going to experience growth in 2026? Here it is. experience growth in 2026? Here it is. experience growth in 2026? Here it is. Christianity's growth wasn't primarily Christianity's growth wasn't primarily Christianity's growth wasn't primarily driven by miracles or preaching. It was driven by miracles or preaching. It was driven by miracles or preaching. It was the kind of life that Christians lived, the kind of life that Christians lived, the kind of life that Christians lived, >> that we were different, and that made a >> that we were different, and that made a >> that we were different, and that made a difference. Can I get a better amen in difference. Can I get a better amen in difference. Can I get a better amen in church today? This is what God's invited church today? This is what God's invited church today? This is what God's invited us into. And this is actually an excerpt us into. And this is actually an excerpt us into. And this is actually an excerpt from his book. He said, "To cities from his book. He said, "To cities from his book. He said, "To cities filled with the homeless and the filled with the homeless and the filled with the homeless and the impoverished, Christianity offered impoverished, Christianity offered impoverished, Christianity offered charity as well as hope. To cities charity as well as hope. To cities charity as well as hope. To cities filled with newcomers and strangers, filled with newcomers and strangers, filled with newcomers and strangers, Christianity offered an immediate basis Christianity offered an immediate basis Christianity offered an immediate basis for attachments. To cities filled with for attachments. To cities filled with for attachments. To cities filled with orphans and widows, Christianity orphans and widows, Christianity orphans and widows, Christianity provided a new and expanded sense of provided a new and expanded sense of provided a new and expanded sense of family. To cities torn by violent ethnic family. To cities torn by violent ethnic family. To cities torn by violent ethnic strife, Christianity offered a new basis strife, Christianity offered a new basis strife, Christianity offered a new basis for social solidarity. And to cities for social solidarity. And to cities for social solidarity. And to cities faced with epidemics, fires, and faced with epidemics, fires, and faced with epidemics, fires, and earthquakes, Christianity offered earthquakes, Christianity offered earthquakes, Christianity offered effective nursing services. I love that effective nursing services. I love that effective nursing services. I love that testimony. You know what that tells you, testimony. You know what that tells you, testimony. You know what that tells you, by the way? Serve day was never our by the way? Serve day was never our by the way? Serve day was never our idea, our our idea. Serve Day has been idea, our our idea. Serve Day has been idea, our our idea. Serve Day has been happening since the beginning. This is

happening since the beginning. This is happening since the beginning. This is the history of our faith. So, we're the history of our faith. So, we're the history of our faith. So, we're preaching, I just want cards on the preaching, I just want cards on the preaching, I just want cards on the table. We're preaching this series right table. We're preaching this series right table. We're preaching this series right here in the middle of summer really as here in the middle of summer really as here in the middle of summer really as an equipping series. I know we have an equipping series. I know we have an equipping series. I know we have people who are with us for the first people who are with us for the first people who are with us for the first time, and I love that all throughout the time, and I love that all throughout the time, and I love that all throughout the year, but in the summer, it's kind of year, but in the summer, it's kind of year, but in the summer, it's kind of the home team for the most part here at the home team for the most part here at the home team for the most part here at church. But I know I feel it so deep in church. But I know I feel it so deep in church. But I know I feel it so deep in my spirit. We are heading into this my spirit. We are heading into this my spirit. We are heading into this fall. Revival is happening in America fall. Revival is happening in America fall. Revival is happening in America right now. And I believe we're going to right now. And I believe we're going to right now. And I believe we're going to see uh and right here at Birmingham, see uh and right here at Birmingham, see uh and right here at Birmingham, Alabama, and Georgia, we're going to see Alabama, and Georgia, we're going to see Alabama, and Georgia, we're going to see a move of God this fall. And this series a move of God this fall. And this series a move of God this fall. And this series is really about equipping us to get is really about equipping us to get is really about equipping us to get ready for what I believe God wants to do ready for what I believe God wants to do ready for what I believe God wants to do through all of us through all of us through all of us >> that we would see in in our moment that >> that we would see in in our moment that >> that we would see in in our moment that we live differently. And it makes a we live differently. And it makes a we live differently. And it makes a difference. And so, there's four areas difference. And so, there's four areas difference. And so, there's four areas we're leaning into, and these are pretty we're leaning into, and these are pretty we're leaning into, and these are pretty bold. Pastor Chris talked about bold. Pastor Chris talked about bold. Pastor Chris talked about generosity um last Sunday. I'm going to generosity um last Sunday. I'm going to generosity um last Sunday. I'm going to preach on purity today. Next week, we're preach on purity today. Next week, we're preach on purity today. Next week, we're going to talk about forgiveness and going to talk about forgiveness and going to talk about forgiveness and community. that these are the four areas community. that these are the four areas community. that these are the four areas that if we live differently, it makes a that if we live differently, it makes a that if we live differently, it makes a massive difference. And these aren't massive difference. And these aren't massive difference. And these aren't just our ideas. This is what Jesus has just our ideas. This is what Jesus has just our ideas. This is what Jesus has actually commanded us to do. This is actually commanded us to do. This is actually commanded us to do. This is what Jesus said. He said, "I want you to what Jesus said. He said, "I want you to what Jesus said. He said, "I want you to live this way. I want you to live as live this way. I want you to live as live this way. I want you to live as salt. You are the salt of the earth. And salt. You are the salt of the earth. And salt. You are the salt of the earth. And I want you to live as the light of the I want you to live as the light of the I want you to live as the light of the world." Tell your neighbor salt and world." Tell your neighbor salt and world." Tell your neighbor salt and light.

light. light. >> Tell your other neighbor, "We are salt >> Tell your other neighbor, "We are salt >> Tell your other neighbor, "We are salt and light." and light." and light." God calls us, Jesus calls us, look at God calls us, Jesus calls us, look at God calls us, Jesus calls us, look at me, to be salt and to be light. like in me, to be salt and to be light. like in me, to be salt and to be light. like in this world, God has called us to be this world, God has called us to be this world, God has called us to be attractive, attractive, attractive, but also probably because of the way we but also probably because of the way we but also probably because of the way we live, a little offensive that people live, a little offensive that people live, a little offensive that people going to look at us and they're going to going to look at us and they're going to going to look at us and they're going to say, "Man, I I really I I really I love say, "Man, I I really I I really I love say, "Man, I I really I I really I love a lot of what they're doing, but I'm not a lot of what they're doing, but I'm not a lot of what they're doing, but I'm not sure I like all of it. It's like it's so sure I like all of it. It's like it's so sure I like all of it. It's like it's so different. It's it's attractive and different. It's it's attractive and different. It's it's attractive and offensive." Can you think of anything in offensive." Can you think of anything in offensive." Can you think of anything in your life that you you kind of love it, your life that you you kind of love it, your life that you you kind of love it, but you also hate it? Come on. Anybody but you also hate it? Come on. Anybody but you also hate it? Come on. Anybody got some ideas? Like, how about my gym got some ideas? Like, how about my gym got some ideas? Like, how about my gym people out there? You love the gym, but people out there? You love the gym, but people out there? You love the gym, but you kind of hate the gym. Wave at me out you kind of hate the gym. Wave at me out you kind of hate the gym. Wave at me out there. Anybody out there? That's me. there. Anybody out there? That's me. there. Anybody out there? That's me. Like I never like wake up thinking I Like I never like wake up thinking I Like I never like wake up thinking I can't wait to get to the gym, but I know can't wait to get to the gym, but I know can't wait to get to the gym, but I know I need it. Lately, I have started cold I need it. Lately, I have started cold I need it. Lately, I have started cold plunging. I am currently in a lovehate plunging. I am currently in a lovehate plunging. I am currently in a lovehate relationship with costy one excited cold relationship with costy one excited cold relationship with costy one excited cold plunger out there. I never looking at plunger out there. I never looking at plunger out there. I never looking at the cold plunge. I'm never really the cold plunge. I'm never really the cold plunge. I'm never really excited to get in there, but when I get excited to get in there, but when I get excited to get in there, but when I get out, I feel better. It's like I love it, out, I feel better. It's like I love it, out, I feel better. It's like I love it, but I hate it. Maybe there's food in but I hate it. Maybe there's food in but I hate it. Maybe there's food in your life that you love and hate. As a your life that you love and hate. As a your life that you love and hate. As a kid, broccoli. Actually, broccoli was kid, broccoli. Actually, broccoli was kid, broccoli. Actually, broccoli was just a hate hate hate relationship. It just a hate hate hate relationship. It just a hate hate hate relationship. It was never love. How about hot sauce?

was never love. How about hot sauce? was never love. How about hot sauce? Like you love it, but like a day later, Like you love it, but like a day later, Like you love it, but like a day later, >> you hate it. >> you hate it. >> you hate it. which I can just put one restaurant in which I can just put one restaurant in which I can just put one restaurant in that bucket as well. Taco Bell. You may that bucket as well. Taco Bell. You may that bucket as well. Taco Bell. You may love it when you eat it, but a day love it when you eat it, but a day love it when you eat it, but a day later, you're going to hate it. I got to later, you're going to hate it. I got to later, you're going to hate it. I got to get one more off my chest just to move get one more off my chest just to move get one more off my chest just to move on. I can't even preach. I I got to get on. I can't even preach. I I got to get on. I can't even preach. I I got to get this off my chest. And And you may judge this off my chest. And And you may judge this off my chest. And And you may judge me afterwards. I give you permission. me afterwards. I give you permission. me afterwards. I give you permission. You have permission to judge me. I love You have permission to judge me. I love You have permission to judge me. I love that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday, that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday, that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday, but I kind of hate it. Anybody else out but I kind of hate it. Anybody else out but I kind of hate it. Anybody else out there? It's like, I love it, but thank there? It's like, I love it, but thank there? It's like, I love it, but thank you for that witness, but I never want you for that witness, but I never want you for that witness, but I never want it more than on a Sunday. So God's it more than on a Sunday. So God's it more than on a Sunday. So God's called us to be attractive, but we just called us to be attractive, but we just called us to be attractive, but we just got to understand that's also going to got to understand that's also going to got to understand that's also going to be offensive at times and maybe no other be offensive at times and maybe no other be offensive at times and maybe no other topic more than the topic of purity. I'm topic more than the topic of purity. I'm topic more than the topic of purity. I'm going to talk for the next few moments. going to talk for the next few moments. going to talk for the next few moments. I want to again I hope you have your app I want to again I hope you have your app I want to again I hope you have your app open. We're going to dig into this. What open. We're going to dig into this. What open. We're going to dig into this. What a huge opportunity to make a difference a huge opportunity to make a difference a huge opportunity to make a difference in the world through living a life of in the world through living a life of in the world through living a life of purity. So we're going to talk about purity. So we're going to talk about purity. So we're going to talk about purity as an entire topic. But anytime purity as an entire topic. But anytime purity as an entire topic. But anytime you talk about purity, it's probably for you talk about purity, it's probably for you talk about purity, it's probably for a lot of us you immediately think of a lot of us you immediately think of a lot of us you immediately think of sexual purity. And I do want to lean in sexual purity. And I do want to lean in sexual purity. And I do want to lean in there for a moment as you heard your there for a moment as you heard your there for a moment as you heard your campus pastor share because it's very campus pastor share because it's very campus pastor share because it's very important for me to say a few things important for me to say a few things important for me to say a few things about that specific again. We're going about that specific again. We're going about that specific again. We're going to talk about all of purity, but we are to talk about all of purity, but we are to talk about all of purity, but we are called to be different in the area of called to be different in the area of called to be different in the area of sexual purity. And that was true in Rome sexual purity. And that was true in Rome sexual purity. And that was true in Rome in those early days. It's definitely in those early days. It's definitely in those early days. It's definitely true in our culture. And these are I've true in our culture. And these are I've true in our culture. And these are I've just tried to capture the spirit of the just tried to capture the spirit of the just tried to capture the spirit of the age here. These will none of this is new age here. These will none of this is new age here. These will none of this is new information for anybody. But in our information for anybody. But in our information for anybody. But in our world today, we just have to recognize world today, we just have to recognize world today, we just have to recognize that when it when it comes to sex that when it when it comes to sex that when it when it comes to sex primarily, this is true. Sex is an primarily, this is true. Sex is an primarily, this is true. Sex is an appetite for people to satisfy. So the appetite for people to satisfy. So the appetite for people to satisfy. So the way the world views that is it's no way the world views that is it's no way the world views that is it's no really really not much different than really really not much different than really really not much different than hunger or thirst. That was true in Rome.

hunger or thirst. That was true in Rome. hunger or thirst. That was true in Rome. It's true today. Of course now today It's true today. Of course now today It's true today. Of course now today through instant access. If you have that through instant access. If you have that through instant access. If you have that hunger you have access through the hunger you have access through the hunger you have access through the internet apps, pornography. I mean it's internet apps, pornography. I mean it's internet apps, pornography. I mean it's just 247 on demand and we definitely are just 247 on demand and we definitely are just 247 on demand and we definitely are facing a spirit in this age where it's facing a spirit in this age where it's facing a spirit in this age where it's just you know what happens in Vegas just you know what happens in Vegas just you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. It's never been true. An stays in Vegas. It's never been true. An stays in Vegas. It's never been true. An entire city are built around the entire city are built around the entire city are built around the appetite of of that kind of pleasure. appetite of of that kind of pleasure. appetite of of that kind of pleasure. Secondly, what's normal is that the body Secondly, what's normal is that the body Secondly, what's normal is that the body is a commodity to use. And I'm I'm we're is a commodity to use. And I'm I'm we're is a commodity to use. And I'm I'm we're getting ready for 21 days. You're going getting ready for 21 days. You're going getting ready for 21 days. You're going to hear more about this uh in this area. to hear more about this uh in this area. to hear more about this uh in this area. I I've come across in the last few I I've come across in the last few I I've come across in the last few months some stats that have just really months some stats that have just really months some stats that have just really honestly grabbed my heart. And as a honestly grabbed my heart. And as a honestly grabbed my heart. And as a church, we're already doing a lot, but I church, we're already doing a lot, but I church, we're already doing a lot, but I feel called through prayer and through feel called through prayer and through feel called through prayer and through just through u missions and our outreach just through u missions and our outreach just through u missions and our outreach and through our generosity to do even and through our generosity to do even and through our generosity to do even more. Is I I mean, this was more. Is I I mean, this was more. Is I I mean, this was heartbreaking. I discovered in some heartbreaking. I discovered in some heartbreaking. I discovered in some research that pornography is a hundred research that pornography is a hundred research that pornography is a hundred billion dollar hundred billion dollar billion dollar hundred billion dollar billion dollar hundred billion dollar business every year. That is business every year. That is business every year. That is heartbreaking. But sex trafficking in heartbreaking. But sex trafficking in heartbreaking. But sex trafficking in our age is a $173 billion a year our age is a $173 billion a year our age is a $173 billion a year criminal enterprise yearly. And I'm just criminal enterprise yearly. And I'm just criminal enterprise yearly. And I'm just telling y'all from the deepest part of telling y'all from the deepest part of telling y'all from the deepest part of who I am, we're already doing a lot. But who I am, we're already doing a lot. But who I am, we're already doing a lot. But I am I feel like we are as a church are I am I feel like we are as a church are I am I feel like we are as a church are called to do everything we can to rescue called to do everything we can to rescue called to do everything we can to rescue those those precious children and women those those precious children and women those those precious children and women who are sex trafficking and come who are sex trafficking and come who are sex trafficking and come alongside ministries alongside ministries alongside ministries and even pray honestly just pray for and even pray honestly just pray for and even pray honestly just pray for that wicked spirit that's around all of that wicked spirit that's around all of that wicked spirit that's around all of that to be broken. And so that's deep in that to be broken. And so that's deep in that to be broken. And so that's deep in my heart. But all that just represents my heart. But all that just represents my heart. But all that just represents the idea that you know bodies are just the idea that you know bodies are just the idea that you know bodies are just something to sell or and we see that in something to sell or and we see that in something to sell or and we see that in so many different ways. And ultimately so many different ways. And ultimately so many different ways. And ultimately this is the spirit of the age. If it this is the spirit of the age. If it this is the spirit of the age. If it feels good do it is a doctrine to obey.

feels good do it is a doctrine to obey. feels good do it is a doctrine to obey. So if it feels good in any really in any So if it feels good in any really in any So if it feels good in any really in any area then I'm going to do it. And that area then I'm going to do it. And that area then I'm going to do it. And that leads always by the way to misery. It leads always by the way to misery. It leads always by the way to misery. It was said of Rome. It could be said of was said of Rome. It could be said of was said of Rome. It could be said of America. I read this quote that the soul America. I read this quote that the soul America. I read this quote that the soul of of the society in Rome was rotten. of of the society in Rome was rotten. of of the society in Rome was rotten. And so when Christianity came along it And so when Christianity came along it And so when Christianity came along it was like oh there's there's a better was like oh there's there's a better was like oh there's there's a better way. And I think it's so true. we can way. And I think it's so true. we can way. And I think it's so true. we can we're living in that same kind of moment we're living in that same kind of moment we're living in that same kind of moment where when we live differently it's where when we live differently it's where when we live differently it's going to make an immediate impact and so going to make an immediate impact and so going to make an immediate impact and so Christianity comes along it offers Christianity comes along it offers Christianity comes along it offers something different and it was really something different and it was really something different and it was really what historians say was the was the what historians say was the was the what historians say was the was the first sexual revolution and I want to first sexual revolution and I want to first sexual revolution and I want to celebrate this today that for us we live celebrate this today that for us we live celebrate this today that for us we live differently for us sex is a covenant differently for us sex is a covenant differently for us sex is a covenant gift to enjoy it's not an appetite it is gift to enjoy it's not an appetite it is gift to enjoy it's not an appetite it is meant in covenant sex is designed for meant in covenant sex is designed for meant in covenant sex is designed for marriage one woman and one man that is marriage one woman and one man that is marriage one woman and one man that is how God designed it not because he's how God designed it not because he's how God designed it not because he's oldfashioned but he's the one who made oldfashioned but he's the one who made oldfashioned but he's the one who made us he knows the best way for us to live. us he knows the best way for us to live. us he knows the best way for us to live. Can I get a better amen? And so he Can I get a better amen? And so he Can I get a better amen? And so he invites us he invites us into abundant invites us he invites us into abundant invites us he invites us into abundant life. And again, this has always been life. And again, this has always been life. And again, this has always been radically different in the world. I I radically different in the world. I I radically different in the world. I I found this passage from a guy. This is found this passage from a guy. This is found this passage from a guy. This is not a Christian. He he was this not a Christian. He he was this not a Christian. He he was this philosopher and he was observing philosopher and he was observing philosopher and he was observing Christians in in Rome early on. And this Christians in in Rome early on. And this Christians in in Rome early on. And this is this were this was his reflections.

is this were this was his reflections. is this were this was his reflections. It says, "They they marry like other men It says, "They they marry like other men It says, "They they marry like other men and they begget children, but they do and they begget children, but they do and they begget children, but they do not cast away their offspring. This is not cast away their offspring. This is not cast away their offspring. This is so funny to me. They have their meals in so funny to me. They have their meals in so funny to me. They have their meals in common, but not their wives." common, but not their wives." common, but not their wives." He's like, "They just live in covenant." He's like, "They just live in covenant." He's like, "They just live in covenant." And that was that was making a And that was that was making a And that was that was making a difference for him. And honestly, maybe difference for him. And honestly, maybe difference for him. And honestly, maybe not as dramatically, but in our day and not as dramatically, but in our day and not as dramatically, but in our day and age, just you know what? We're going to age, just you know what? We're going to age, just you know what? We're going to we're going to we're going to live the we're going to we're going to live the we're going to we're going to live the way God's called us to. People are going way God's called us to. People are going way God's called us to. People are going to notice that it's going to make a to notice that it's going to make a to notice that it's going to make a difference. Secondly, the body is a difference. Secondly, the body is a difference. Secondly, the body is a temple to honor. This is what we temple to honor. This is what we temple to honor. This is what we believe. This is probably the most believe. This is probably the most believe. This is probably the most important thing for me to say today important thing for me to say today important thing for me to say today around this area. 1 Corinthians 6, this around this area. 1 Corinthians 6, this around this area. 1 Corinthians 6, this is what we believe is because God's word is what we believe is because God's word is what we believe is because God's word teaches us this. Our bodies are not our teaches us this. Our bodies are not our teaches us this. Our bodies are not our own. This building is not a temple. Our own. This building is not a temple. Our own. This building is not a temple. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. and and we have been bought with a and and we have been bought with a and and we have been bought with a price. We talked about it earlier. Hey, price. We talked about it earlier. Hey, price. We talked about it earlier. Hey, Jesus went to that cross and he died for Jesus went to that cross and he died for Jesus went to that cross and he died for us so that we could live. And in us so that we could live. And in us so that we could live. And in response to that, what do we do? We response to that, what do we do? We response to that, what do we do? We honor God with our bodies. Can we put honor God with our bodies. Can we put honor God with our bodies. Can we put our hands together? I mean, I just want our hands together? I mean, I just want our hands together? I mean, I just want to celebrate the fact there are higher to celebrate the fact there are higher to celebrate the fact there are higher standard for us and God invites us into standard for us and God invites us into standard for us and God invites us into that. And ultimately, that leads to that. And ultimately, that leads to that. And ultimately, that leads to really our truth and that is not if it really our truth and that is not if it really our truth and that is not if it feels good, do it, but if it is good, do feels good, do it, but if it is good, do feels good, do it, but if it is good, do it. That God invites us again to to it. That God invites us again to to it. That God invites us again to to follow him. And when we do that, we find follow him. And when we do that, we find follow him. And when we do that, we find the good things he has he has for us.

the good things he has he has for us. the good things he has he has for us. And instead of a rotten soul, it leads And instead of a rotten soul, it leads And instead of a rotten soul, it leads to abundant life. But as I mentioned, I to abundant life. But as I mentioned, I to abundant life. But as I mentioned, I want to expand this teaching today want to expand this teaching today want to expand this teaching today beyond just just sexual purity to the beyond just just sexual purity to the beyond just just sexual purity to the concept that God teaches from Genesis to concept that God teaches from Genesis to concept that God teaches from Genesis to Revelation around purity. And there are Revelation around purity. And there are Revelation around purity. And there are really two words that I want to teach really two words that I want to teach really two words that I want to teach you and I want to give you a definition you and I want to give you a definition you and I want to give you a definition and we're going to unpack it practically and we're going to unpack it practically and we're going to unpack it practically today that are so important. But I just today that are so important. But I just today that are so important. But I just got to tell you really this whole got to tell you really this whole got to tell you really this whole teaching today. But what I'm about to teaching today. But what I'm about to teaching today. But what I'm about to share with you is radical. It is so share with you is radical. It is so share with you is radical. It is so different than the world. And honestly, different than the world. And honestly, different than the world. And honestly, it's even different that maybe sometimes it's even different that maybe sometimes it's even different that maybe sometimes we we we see it even as followers of we we we see it even as followers of we we we see it even as followers of Jesus. There's a standard that God has Jesus. There's a standard that God has Jesus. There's a standard that God has called us to. And it's a really big called us to. And it's a really big called us to. And it's a really big deal. Can y'all handle this today? deal. Can y'all handle this today? deal. Can y'all handle this today? >> Okay, I got enough amens. I'm going to >> Okay, I got enough amens. I'm going to >> Okay, I got enough amens. I'm going to go for it. Two words in the Bible that go for it. Two words in the Bible that go for it. Two words in the Bible that God uses to really teach us purity. In God uses to really teach us purity. In God uses to really teach us purity. In the Greek, it's Catharos. In the Hebrew, the Greek, it's Catharos. In the Hebrew, the Greek, it's Catharos. In the Hebrew, it's teor. And that Catharos word is it's teor. And that Catharos word is it's teor. And that Catharos word is really where we get around purity. uh really where we get around purity. uh really where we get around purity. uh the concept of clean or clear like like the concept of clean or clear like like the concept of clean or clear like like clear water like clear and tahor is all clear water like clear and tahor is all clear water like clear and tahor is all about purity like it would be used to about purity like it would be used to about purity like it would be used to talk about pure gold that's not mixed talk about pure gold that's not mixed talk about pure gold that's not mixed with other other metals. So biblical with other other metals. So biblical with other other metals. So biblical purity is those two ideas at once that purity is those two ideas at once that purity is those two ideas at once that God's called us to live clean and God's called us to live clean and God's called us to live clean and unmixed. And this is the definition that unmixed. And this is the definition that unmixed. And this is the definition that I put together. Biblical purity is a I put together. Biblical purity is a I put together. Biblical purity is a life that is clean and whole, not life that is clean and whole, not life that is clean and whole, not polluted by sin and not divided by polluted by sin and not divided by polluted by sin and not divided by competing loves. And that is a massive competing loves. And that is a massive competing loves. And that is a massive concept. It's a massive truth. I think concept. It's a massive truth. I think concept. It's a massive truth. I think sometimes we can, you know, maybe sometimes we can, you know, maybe sometimes we can, you know, maybe imagine the not polluted by sin part, imagine the not polluted by sin part, imagine the not polluted by sin part, but it's it it connects also to not not but it's it it connects also to not not but it's it it connects also to not not having this divided heart, not having having this divided heart, not having having this divided heart, not having this divided mind like not not not

this divided mind like not not not this divided mind like not not not divided between competing loves that God divided between competing loves that God divided between competing loves that God would be there'd be no idolatry in our would be there'd be no idolatry in our would be there'd be no idolatry in our heart. That's all wrapped into purity. heart. That's all wrapped into purity. heart. That's all wrapped into purity. And if you call yourself a Christian, if And if you call yourself a Christian, if And if you call yourself a Christian, if I call myself a Christian, I want to be I call myself a Christian, I want to be I call myself a Christian, I want to be really clear today. This is how God really clear today. This is how God really clear today. This is how God calls us to live. This is his standard. calls us to live. This is his standard. calls us to live. This is his standard. And of course, it is different. It's all And of course, it is different. It's all And of course, it is different. It's all again all throughout the Bible. 2 again all throughout the Bible. 2 again all throughout the Bible. 2 Corinthians 7 says it this way. Corinthians 7 says it this way. Corinthians 7 says it this way. Therefore, since we have these promises, Therefore, since we have these promises, Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves dear friends, let us purify ourselves dear friends, let us purify ourselves from. Does that say 50%. from. Does that say 50%. from. Does that say 50%. >> Does that say 70%. 99.9%. No. What does >> Does that say 70%. 99.9%. No. What does >> Does that say 70%. 99.9%. No. What does it say? Purify ourselves from everything it say? Purify ourselves from everything it say? Purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, that contaminates body and spirit, that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for perfecting holiness out of reverence for perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. And I'm telling you, in this God. And I'm telling you, in this God. And I'm telling you, in this confused world, man, that's going to confused world, man, that's going to confused world, man, that's going to that's going to make an impact. And that's going to make an impact. And that's going to make an impact. And that's what 1 Peter 2 tells us is when that's what 1 Peter 2 tells us is when that's what 1 Peter 2 tells us is when we live this way, people notice. Dear we live this way, people notice. Dear we live this way, people notice. Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and friends, I urge you as foreigners and friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires exiles to abstain from sinful desires exiles to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul. Live which wage war against your soul. Live which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that such good lives among the pagans that such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, though they accuse you of doing wrong, though they accuse you of doing wrong, here it is, church, they may see your here it is, church, they may see your here it is, church, they may see your good deeds and they're not going to good deeds and they're not going to good deeds and they're not going to glorify us or a red shirt or it's never glorify us or a red shirt or it's never glorify us or a red shirt or it's never been about us. It's about them seeing been about us. It's about them seeing been about us. It's about them seeing Jesus and glorifying him. And I'm so Jesus and glorifying him. And I'm so Jesus and glorifying him. And I'm so passionate today because I wouldn't be passionate today because I wouldn't be passionate today because I wouldn't be on this stage without a group of people on this stage without a group of people on this stage without a group of people living this way. So I've shared over, living this way. So I've shared over, living this way. So I've shared over, you know, different in different moments you know, different in different moments you know, different in different moments parts of my testimony. Um I want to parts of my testimony. Um I want to parts of my testimony. Um I want to share a new kind of a new chapter of it share a new kind of a new chapter of it share a new kind of a new chapter of it today that that really this this topic today that that really this this topic today that that really this this topic couldn't mean more to me because again I couldn't mean more to me because again I couldn't mean more to me because again I wouldn't be here without people having wouldn't be here without people having wouldn't be here without people having stood up and lived out that standard. So stood up and lived out that standard. So stood up and lived out that standard. So I grew up in a small town in East

I grew up in a small town in East I grew up in a small town in East Alabama and I love I love small towns. Alabama and I love I love small towns. Alabama and I love I love small towns. So grateful for where I grew up. The So grateful for where I grew up. The So grateful for where I grew up. The name of my town is Lionville, Alabama. name of my town is Lionville, Alabama. name of my town is Lionville, Alabama. You should definitely go on a road trip You should definitely go on a road trip You should definitely go on a road trip to Limeville, Alabama. What are you to Limeville, Alabama. What are you to Limeville, Alabama. What are you going to find? Well, there's not much. going to find? Well, there's not much. going to find? Well, there's not much. Don't blink. You will miss it. But we Don't blink. You will miss it. But we Don't blink. You will miss it. But we we're very proud. We have a Piggly we're very proud. We have a Piggly we're very proud. We have a Piggly Wiggly. We got at least four dollar Wiggly. We got at least four dollar Wiggly. We got at least four dollar stores cuz I mean there there that's an stores cuz I mean there there that's an stores cuz I mean there there that's an important part of a small town. My dad important part of a small town. My dad important part of a small town. My dad loves Dollar General the most. He's loves Dollar General the most. He's loves Dollar General the most. He's like, "Why would you need a Walmart? We like, "Why would you need a Walmart? We like, "Why would you need a Walmart? We got a Dollar General. It's better. I get got a Dollar General. It's better. I get got a Dollar General. It's better. I get in and out quicker." And so we real in and out quicker." And so we real in and out quicker." And so we real small town. I loved all of that. And we small town. I loved all of that. And we small town. I loved all of that. And we were part of a little Methodist church, were part of a little Methodist church, were part of a little Methodist church, First United Methodist Church in down in First United Methodist Church in down in First United Methodist Church in down in downtown Lionville, Alabama. And so I I downtown Lionville, Alabama. And so I I downtown Lionville, Alabama. And so I I again grew up in church. have amazing again grew up in church. have amazing again grew up in church. have amazing parents. We were church people, but parents. We were church people, but parents. We were church people, but honestly, it was it wasn't a big deal in honestly, it was it wasn't a big deal in honestly, it was it wasn't a big deal in our in our family. It was part of our our in our family. It was part of our our in our family. It was part of our tradition, but God wasn't uh really a tradition, but God wasn't uh really a tradition, but God wasn't uh really a big focus of our family, but I was big focus of our family, but I was big focus of our family, but I was sprinkled as an as an if anybody sprinkled as an as an if anybody sprinkled as an as an if anybody sprinkled out there. I know you don't sprinkled out there. I know you don't sprinkled out there. I know you don't remember it like I don't, but I was remember it like I don't, but I was remember it like I don't, but I was sprinkled. I've seen the picture and I sprinkled. I've seen the picture and I sprinkled. I've seen the picture and I was a part of Sunday school where very was a part of Sunday school where very was a part of Sunday school where very quickly I learned in Sunday school, no quickly I learned in Sunday school, no quickly I learned in Sunday school, no matter what the question is, the answer matter what the question is, the answer matter what the question is, the answer is almost always Jesus. I would often is almost always Jesus. I would often is almost always Jesus. I would often get caught not paying attention. I get caught not paying attention. I get caught not paying attention. I wouldn't know what to say. And I wouldn't know what to say. And I wouldn't know what to say. And I discovered quickly if I just say Jesus, discovered quickly if I just say Jesus, discovered quickly if I just say Jesus, 99% of the time I'm right. And how can 99% of the time I'm right. And how can 99% of the time I'm right. And how can you really say it's wrong? The answer is you really say it's wrong? The answer is you really say it's wrong? The answer is Jesus. Later on, I was a part of uh Jesus. Later on, I was a part of uh Jesus. Later on, I was a part of uh vacation Bible school. And again, I vacation Bible school. And again, I vacation Bible school. And again, I loved all this, but I did. I never loved all this, but I did. I never loved all this, but I did. I never really connected with God. I love really connected with God. I love really connected with God. I love church. And so, vacation Bible school church. And so, vacation Bible school church. And so, vacation Bible school was awesome. My favorite parts, of was awesome. My favorite parts, of was awesome. My favorite parts, of course, I love crafts, all the popsicle course, I love crafts, all the popsicle course, I love crafts, all the popsicle sticks, those crazy eyes and those sticks, those crazy eyes and those sticks, those crazy eyes and those little fuzzy strings. You know, you know little fuzzy strings. You know, you know little fuzzy strings. You know, you know what I'm talking about. I can just smell what I'm talking about. I can just smell what I'm talking about. I can just smell that hot glue gun right now in craft that hot glue gun right now in craft that hot glue gun right now in craft time. If you go to vacation Bible

time. If you go to vacation Bible time. If you go to vacation Bible school, you got to love snack time. And school, you got to love snack time. And school, you got to love snack time. And this is going to sound weird. If you're this is going to sound weird. If you're this is going to sound weird. If you're new with us, please forgive me. But for new with us, please forgive me. But for new with us, please forgive me. But for some reason, the Kool-Aid is always some reason, the Kool-Aid is always some reason, the Kool-Aid is always better at church. So, we invite you, if better at church. So, we invite you, if better at church. So, we invite you, if you're new to drink the Kool-Aid here at you're new to drink the Kool-Aid here at you're new to drink the Kool-Aid here at Church of the Highlands. I can't wait to Church of the Highlands. I can't wait to Church of the Highlands. I can't wait to see that on Instagram. All right. It'll see that on Instagram. All right. It'll see that on Instagram. All right. It'll be awesome. So, but I and we played, you be awesome. So, but I and we played, you be awesome. So, but I and we played, you know, dodgeball and all the things you know, dodgeball and all the things you know, dodgeball and all the things you do. And then later on, I was even in the do. And then later on, I was even in the do. And then later on, I was even in the in the youth group where we we where we in the youth group where we we where we in the youth group where we we where we uh we I didn't really get to know God, uh we I didn't really get to know God, uh we I didn't really get to know God, but we had a lot of fun. We did lockins, but we had a lot of fun. We did lockins, but we had a lot of fun. We did lockins, which by the way, when I was a youth which by the way, when I was a youth which by the way, when I was a youth pastor, everyone kept parents would say, pastor, everyone kept parents would say, pastor, everyone kept parents would say, "Can we do lockins at Highlands?" I was "Can we do lockins at Highlands?" I was "Can we do lockins at Highlands?" I was always when I heard that, I was always always when I heard that, I was always always when I heard that, I was always like, I love your kids more than you do. like, I love your kids more than you do. like, I love your kids more than you do. Why would you ever have a co-ed Why would you ever have a co-ed Why would you ever have a co-ed sleepover at a church? That is never a sleepover at a church? That is never a sleepover at a church? That is never a good idea. So, but I loved all that, but good idea. So, but I loved all that, but good idea. So, but I loved all that, but it never connected. So, when I was 13, it never connected. So, when I was 13, it never connected. So, when I was 13, 14, um, I I really drift away from 14, um, I I really drift away from 14, um, I I really drift away from church and 100% had really never been church and 100% had really never been church and 100% had really never been connected. I'd never had a real connected. I'd never had a real connected. I'd never had a real relationship with God. And, and a lot of relationship with God. And, and a lot of relationship with God. And, and a lot of that was me just trying to find my own that was me just trying to find my own that was me just trying to find my own identity. It was a small town, so I identity. It was a small town, so I identity. It was a small town, so I don't want to exaggerate this, but if if don't want to exaggerate this, but if if don't want to exaggerate this, but if if I could do it in that small town, I I I could do it in that small town, I I I could do it in that small town, I I did it. I mean, it was it was it was me did it. I mean, it was it was it was me did it. I mean, it was it was it was me trying to find an identity, like trying trying to find an identity, like trying trying to find an identity, like trying on a hat. I was just trying this on, on a hat. I was just trying this on, on a hat. I was just trying this on, this on, this on. And so, when if there this on, this on. And so, when if there this on, this on. And so, when if there was a party on the weekend, if they were was a party on the weekend, if they were was a party on the weekend, if they were drinking on the weekend, I was going to drinking on the weekend, I was going to drinking on the weekend, I was going to be a part of that. My parents knew none be a part of that. My parents knew none be a part of that. My parents knew none of that. It was all in secret. I felt of that. It was all in secret. I felt of that. It was all in secret. I felt horrible on the inside, but I was really horrible on the inside, but I was really horrible on the inside, but I was really just searching. One night, I went to a just searching. One night, I went to a just searching. One night, I went to a party at at a friend's house, is um a um party at at a friend's house, is um a um party at at a friend's house, is um a um a guy who I was about to say his name.

a guy who I was about to say his name. a guy who I was about to say his name. I'm not going to say his name. I went to I'm not going to say his name. I went to I'm not going to say his name. I went to his his house, and he's grew up with a his his house, and he's grew up with a his his house, and he's grew up with a his mom. It was a single mom home. And his mom. It was a single mom home. And his mom. It was a single mom home. And at this home, uh she had a liquor at this home, uh she had a liquor at this home, uh she had a liquor closet. It was a big liquor closet. And closet. It was a big liquor closet. And closet. It was a big liquor closet. And during that night, we just end up during that night, we just end up during that night, we just end up breaking into it and and stealing a breaking into it and and stealing a breaking into it and and stealing a bunch of that. And so, of course, we got bunch of that. And so, of course, we got bunch of that. And so, of course, we got caught. The next morning, she calls my caught. The next morning, she calls my caught. The next morning, she calls my parents and they come down. I'll never parents and they come down. I'll never parents and they come down. I'll never forget them coming down to my room and forget them coming down to my room and forget them coming down to my room and and telling them they telling me they'd and telling them they telling me they'd and telling them they telling me they'd received this phone call. And basically, received this phone call. And basically, received this phone call. And basically, they they found that whole secret life they they found that whole secret life they they found that whole secret life I'd been living all came out in that I'd been living all came out in that I'd been living all came out in that moment. And what hit me the hardest of moment. And what hit me the hardest of moment. And what hit me the hardest of anything was they said, "We we love you, anything was they said, "We we love you, anything was they said, "We we love you, Mark, but we're so disappointed in how Mark, but we're so disappointed in how Mark, but we're so disappointed in how you're living." And man, that just that you're living." And man, that just that you're living." And man, that just that just broke my heart that I would that just broke my heart that I would that just broke my heart that I would that that I ended up in this situation. And that I ended up in this situation. And that I ended up in this situation. And my parents were old school. They ground my parents were old school. They ground my parents were old school. They ground they did some other things, but they they did some other things, but they they did some other things, but they also grounded me. And it was it was full also grounded me. And it was it was full also grounded me. And it was it was full on 3 months. You're not going anywhere. on 3 months. You're not going anywhere. on 3 months. You're not going anywhere. And I say this to any parent, they And I say this to any parent, they And I say this to any parent, they grounded me from everything except for grounded me from everything except for grounded me from everything except for church. Don't ever ground your kids from church. Don't ever ground your kids from church. Don't ever ground your kids from church. And so that's all I could do. So church. And so that's all I could do. So church. And so that's all I could do. So then I went back to church. That's what then I went back to church. That's what then I went back to church. That's what got me back to church. I walked in the got me back to church. I walked in the got me back to church. I walked in the doors of this little youth group. It was doors of this little youth group. It was doors of this little youth group. It was not a sermon. It wasn't any of the not a sermon. It wasn't any of the not a sermon. It wasn't any of the formal programming for about two or formal programming for about two or formal programming for about two or three months. I just watched these three months. I just watched these three months. I just watched these teenagers. They were not perfect, but teenagers. They were not perfect, but teenagers. They were not perfect, but they were living for God, saying yes to they were living for God, saying yes to they were living for God, saying yes to him and no to sin. It was their him and no to sin. It was their him and no to sin. It was their testimony. It was their life. I said yes testimony. It was their life. I said yes testimony. It was their life. I said yes to Jesus at 17 because of the because of to Jesus at 17 because of the because of to Jesus at 17 because of the because of the witness of those who were different the witness of those who were different the witness of those who were different and making a difference. Can we thank and making a difference. Can we thank and making a difference. Can we thank God for all those who've shown us what God for all those who've shown us what God for all those who've shown us what this whole thing looks like. And again, this whole thing looks like. And again, this whole thing looks like. And again, that's what I want to equip us with that's what I want to equip us with that's what I want to equip us with today. And here's the question. And I today. And here's the question. And I today. And here's the question. And I want to get really practical here today want to get really practical here today want to get really practical here today in this crazy world we're living in.

in this crazy world we're living in. in this crazy world we're living in. Okay, you're like, "Okay, Pastor Mark, I Okay, you're like, "Okay, Pastor Mark, I Okay, you're like, "Okay, Pastor Mark, I want to live this way." I get it. That's want to live this way." I get it. That's want to live this way." I get it. That's what God teaches. How can we live pure what God teaches. How can we live pure what God teaches. How can we live pure lives? Well, I got good news for you lives? Well, I got good news for you lives? Well, I got good news for you today. The Bible is very practical in today. The Bible is very practical in today. The Bible is very practical in this area. And through the Apostle Paul, this area. And through the Apostle Paul, this area. And through the Apostle Paul, God gives us a filter where you're able God gives us a filter where you're able God gives us a filter where you're able to live in this world and all the to live in this world and all the to live in this world and all the insanity, all the decisions that come at insanity, all the decisions that come at insanity, all the decisions that come at us 24/7. There is a way we can filter us 24/7. There is a way we can filter us 24/7. There is a way we can filter those to ultimately being the p the those to ultimately being the p the those to ultimately being the p the living the pure life God has called us living the pure life God has called us living the pure life God has called us to. And I want to share this first to. And I want to share this first to. And I want to share this first scripture again. The Apostle Paul, all scripture again. The Apostle Paul, all scripture again. The Apostle Paul, all the ones I'm going to share, this whole the ones I'm going to share, this whole the ones I'm going to share, this whole this whole concept he teaches so well. 1 this whole concept he teaches so well. 1 this whole concept he teaches so well. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says,"I have the right Corinthians 6:12 says,"I have the right Corinthians 6:12 says,"I have the right to do anything you say, but not to do anything you say, but not to do anything you say, but not everything is beneficial. I have the everything is beneficial. I have the everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything, but I will not be right to do anything, but I will not be right to do anything, but I will not be m mastered by anything." And what Paul's m mastered by anything." And what Paul's m mastered by anything." And what Paul's saying here is basically we have we have saying here is basically we have we have saying here is basically we have we have the right to do a lot of things, but how the right to do a lot of things, but how the right to do a lot of things, but how do you go from what I can do, I mean, do you go from what I can do, I mean, do you go from what I can do, I mean, without God, I can do anything. How do I without God, I can do anything. How do I without God, I can do anything. How do I go from all of that ultimately through go from all of that ultimately through go from all of that ultimately through the power of the Holy Spirit? How do I the power of the Holy Spirit? How do I the power of the Holy Spirit? How do I go from all the things I can do to the go from all the things I can do to the go from all the things I can do to the things I should do? And what he's going things I should do? And what he's going things I should do? And what he's going to give us through some different to give us through some different to give us through some different scriptures is a filter. I have a filter scriptures is a filter. I have a filter scriptures is a filter. I have a filter here on stage just to kind of unpack here on stage just to kind of unpack here on stage just to kind of unpack this idea. This is a pure filter. P U R.

this idea. This is a pure filter. P U R. this idea. This is a pure filter. P U R. And I have a a a jar of I have no idea And I have a a a jar of I have no idea And I have a a a jar of I have no idea what I asked the team to make me some what I asked the team to make me some what I asked the team to make me some some water that that I would get to some water that that I would get to some water that that I would get to purify. I think they made I don't This purify. I think they made I don't This purify. I think they made I don't This looks like number one. I'm just going to looks like number one. I'm just going to looks like number one. I'm just going to be honest. I don't know what this is, be honest. I don't know what this is, be honest. I don't know what this is, but maybe that's the best way to but maybe that's the best way to but maybe that's the best way to represent all that we all that we face represent all that we all that we face represent all that we all that we face in the world. Can I get an amen? What in the world. Can I get an amen? What in the world. Can I get an amen? What this represents is I'm speaking to this represents is I'm speaking to this represents is I'm speaking to everybody. Hey parents, this this next everybody. Hey parents, this this next everybody. Hey parents, this this next few moments are for you. 24/7 decision few moments are for you. 24/7 decision few moments are for you. 24/7 decision after decision, how to live, what to say after decision, how to live, what to say after decision, how to live, what to say yes to, what to say no to. Have y'all yes to, what to say no to. Have y'all yes to, what to say no to. Have y'all notice it comes at us non-stop. So, what notice it comes at us non-stop. So, what notice it comes at us non-stop. So, what the Bible's going to help us do is go the Bible's going to help us do is go the Bible's going to help us do is go from all of this through the filter God from all of this through the filter God from all of this through the filter God is going to give us ultimately to the is going to give us ultimately to the is going to give us ultimately to the life and the lifestyle God has called us life and the lifestyle God has called us life and the lifestyle God has called us to live. Here's the first part of the to live. Here's the first part of the to live. Here's the first part of the filter. Write it down today. What is filter. Write it down today. What is filter. Write it down today. What is number one pleasing to God? This is my number one pleasing to God? This is my number one pleasing to God? This is my first question when I'm facing any first question when I'm facing any first question when I'm facing any lifestyle decision. Number one, what is lifestyle decision. Number one, what is lifestyle decision. Number one, what is pleasing to God? The Apostle Paul in pleasing to God? The Apostle Paul in pleasing to God? The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5 says, "For you were once Ephesians 5 says, "For you were once Ephesians 5 says, "For you were once darkness, but now you were light in the darkness, but now you were light in the darkness, but now you were light in the Lord. Live as children of the light." Lord. Live as children of the light." Lord. Live as children of the light." And here it is, and this I love the And here it is, and this I love the And here it is, and this I love the language here. Find out what pleases the language here. Find out what pleases the language here. Find out what pleases the Lord.

Lord. Lord. >> And I'm going to do my best on Sundays >> And I'm going to do my best on Sundays >> And I'm going to do my best on Sundays to teach it. And you're going to be in to teach it. And you're going to be in to teach it. And you're going to be in small groups and you're going to learn small groups and you're going to learn small groups and you're going to learn it. But I love the fact that it's it. But I love the fact that it's it. But I love the fact that it's putting it as a personal responsibility. putting it as a personal responsibility. putting it as a personal responsibility. Hey, go find out what is pleasing to Hey, go find out what is pleasing to Hey, go find out what is pleasing to God. And the good news is we have a God. And the good news is we have a God. And the good news is we have a manual for that called the B IBL E. And manual for that called the B IBL E. And manual for that called the B IBL E. And the first place we look when we don't the first place we look when we don't the first place we look when we don't know what to do, the first place I want know what to do, the first place I want know what to do, the first place I want this to be our first reaction in those this to be our first reaction in those this to be our first reaction in those questions, in those moments when questions, in those moments when questions, in those moments when something's coming at us and you what something's coming at us and you what something's coming at us and you what you have to do is say no to the you have to do is say no to the you have to do is say no to the pressure. Before I say yes or no to pressure. Before I say yes or no to pressure. Before I say yes or no to anything, I'm just going to get in the anything, I'm just going to get in the anything, I'm just going to get in the word of God. This is the truth for on word of God. This is the truth for on word of God. This is the truth for on how we live our life. Here at Highlands, how we live our life. Here at Highlands, how we live our life. Here at Highlands, we are Bible people. And the first thing we are Bible people. And the first thing we are Bible people. And the first thing we're going to ask ourselves is, what we're going to ask ourselves is, what we're going to ask ourselves is, what does God's word teach me about this this does God's word teach me about this this does God's word teach me about this this decision I'm trying to make? What does decision I'm trying to make? What does decision I'm trying to make? What does God's word say about money? What does God's word say about money? What does God's word say about money? What does God's word say about relationships? Next God's word say about relationships? Next God's word say about relationships? Next week, I'm going to talk about this one. week, I'm going to talk about this one. week, I'm going to talk about this one. What does God's word say about What does God's word say about What does God's word say about forgiveness? forgiveness? forgiveness? Here's what you're going to discover. As Here's what you're going to discover. As Here's what you're going to discover. As you ask those questions in any area of you ask those questions in any area of you ask those questions in any area of your life, you're going to find answers. your life, you're going to find answers. your life, you're going to find answers. And and there will be places where God's And and there will be places where God's And and there will be places where God's word tells you specifically to do word tells you specifically to do word tells you specifically to do something. And if his word says do it, something. And if his word says do it, something. And if his word says do it, what are we going to do?

what are we going to do? what are we going to do? >> We're going to do it. There's going to >> We're going to do it. There's going to >> We're going to do it. There's going to be other places you're going to discover be other places you're going to discover be other places you're going to discover so clear. I mean, go to the Ten so clear. I mean, go to the Ten so clear. I mean, go to the Ten Commandments, you can see some of these Commandments, you can see some of these Commandments, you can see some of these where God is going to tell you not to do where God is going to tell you not to do where God is going to tell you not to do things. And if he says don't do it, things. And if he says don't do it, things. And if he says don't do it, we're not going to do it. we're not going to do it. we're not going to do it. >> He'll mark some things sin and he'll >> He'll mark some things sin and he'll >> He'll mark some things sin and he'll mark some things as a part of our mark some things as a part of our mark some things as a part of our mandate as a follower of Jesus. And when mandate as a follower of Jesus. And when mandate as a follower of Jesus. And when we find those things, hey everybody, we find those things, hey everybody, we find those things, hey everybody, case closed, case closed, case closed, >> we going to follow the Bible. >> we going to follow the Bible. >> we going to follow the Bible. >> We are Bible people. >> We are Bible people. >> We are Bible people. >> But there are other things that you're >> But there are other things that you're >> But there are other things that you're going to discover along the way that going to discover along the way that going to discover along the way that live in this kind of in between place, live in this kind of in between place, live in this kind of in between place, maybe a little bit more of a gray place maybe a little bit more of a gray place maybe a little bit more of a gray place where God doesn't specifically speak to where God doesn't specifically speak to where God doesn't specifically speak to us. And in those moments, he is going to us. And in those moments, he is going to us. And in those moments, he is going to call us to the second part of this call us to the second part of this call us to the second part of this filter, which is a very personal journey filter, which is a very personal journey filter, which is a very personal journey with him. The first question is, is it with him. The first question is, is it with him. The first question is, is it pleasing to God? Here's number two. Does pleasing to God? Here's number two. Does pleasing to God? Here's number two. Does this uphold my convictions? this uphold my convictions? this uphold my convictions? >> Does this uphold my convictions? Now, I >> Does this uphold my convictions? Now, I >> Does this uphold my convictions? Now, I love this next scripture. One of my love this next scripture. One of my love this next scripture. One of my favorites in the Bible. If you've never favorites in the Bible. If you've never favorites in the Bible. If you've never locked in on it, this is a gift for you locked in on it, this is a gift for you locked in on it, this is a gift for you today. Romans 14:23. Massive revelation. today. Romans 14:23. Massive revelation. today. Romans 14:23. Massive revelation. But if you have doubts about whether you But if you have doubts about whether you But if you have doubts about whether you should eat something, you are sinning if should eat something, you are sinning if should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. Now, the example you go ahead and do it. Now, the example you go ahead and do it. Now, the example is eating, but you can expand this to is eating, but you can expand this to is eating, but you can expand this to any area of our life. For you are not any area of our life. For you are not any area of our life. For you are not following your convictions. Look at this following your convictions. Look at this following your convictions. Look at this last sentence. If you do anything you last sentence. If you do anything you last sentence. If you do anything you believe is not right, then for you, for believe is not right, then for you, for believe is not right, then for you, for you it is sinning. So the Bible is a you it is sinning. So the Bible is a you it is sinning. So the Bible is a standard for us all. But convictions are standard for us all. But convictions are standard for us all. But convictions are things that God has spoken to us things that God has spoken to us things that God has spoken to us uniquely. Now they're never in uniquely. Now they're never in uniquely. Now they're never in contradiction to God's word. But what contradiction to God's word. But what contradiction to God's word. But what does this mean, church? That means that does this mean, church? That means that does this mean, church? That means that how we follow God is going to uniquely how we follow God is going to uniquely how we follow God is going to uniquely look different for all of us. that there look different for all of us. that there look different for all of us. that there going to be some things that I feel free going to be some things that I feel free going to be some things that I feel free to do based on my relationship with God

to do based on my relationship with God to do based on my relationship with God that you're like, you know what, my that you're like, you know what, my that you're like, you know what, my conviction is not to do that. Now, conviction is not to do that. Now, conviction is not to do that. Now, again, never in contradiction to his again, never in contradiction to his again, never in contradiction to his word, but the opposite is going to be word, but the opposite is going to be word, but the opposite is going to be true as well. You're going to do things true as well. You're going to do things true as well. You're going to do things that I don't do. You're like, pastor, that I don't do. You're like, pastor, that I don't do. You're like, pastor, how do we discover this? Through how do we discover this? Through how do we discover this? Through relationship with the Holy Spirit. What relationship with the Holy Spirit. What relationship with the Holy Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit saying to me? is the Holy Spirit saying to me? is the Holy Spirit saying to me? >> And I get asked all the time to go like >> And I get asked all the time to go like >> And I get asked all the time to go like hard in the paint on topics. You know, I hard in the paint on topics. You know, I hard in the paint on topics. You know, I do my best anywhere the Bible's clear. do my best anywhere the Bible's clear. do my best anywhere the Bible's clear. You are never going to see me. You will You are never going to see me. You will You are never going to see me. You will never see me back away one inch. I will never see me back away one inch. I will never see me back away one inch. I will die for this word. die for this word. die for this word. I will die for it. We're going to preach I will die for it. We're going to preach I will die for it. We're going to preach the word of God. Can I get an amen? the word of God. Can I get an amen? the word of God. Can I get an amen? >> But I get asked all the time in these >> But I get asked all the time in these >> But I get asked all the time in these other areas to like take this bold other areas to like take this bold other areas to like take this bold stance. And I got I have convictions and stance. And I got I have convictions and stance. And I got I have convictions and if we're one-on-one or maybe in a small if we're one-on-one or maybe in a small if we're one-on-one or maybe in a small group, we can go deeper in those. But I group, we can go deeper in those. But I group, we can go deeper in those. But I get asked all the time, usually through get asked all the time, usually through get asked all the time, usually through email, usually on a Monday morning. email, usually on a Monday morning. email, usually on a Monday morning. Pastor Mark, tell us what to do about Pastor Mark, tell us what to do about Pastor Mark, tell us what to do about music, what to listen to, what not to music, what to listen to, what not to music, what to listen to, what not to listen to. Can you tell us what movies listen to. Can you tell us what movies listen to. Can you tell us what movies to watch and what not to watch or what to watch and what not to watch or what to watch and what not to watch or what to drink or not to drink or how to vote to drink or not to drink or how to vote to drink or not to drink or how to vote or, you know, the school one is always or, you know, the school one is always or, you know, the school one is always dangerous. Pastor Mark, can you tell us, dangerous. Pastor Mark, can you tell us, dangerous. Pastor Mark, can you tell us, do you prefer homeschool or public do you prefer homeschool or public do you prefer homeschool or public school? I'M NEVER GOING TO GO THERE, school? I'M NEVER GOING TO GO THERE, school? I'M NEVER GOING TO GO THERE, just so you know. Can you tell us about just so you know. Can you tell us about just so you know. Can you tell us about Harry Potter? Can you tell us about Harry Potter? Can you tell us about Harry Potter? Can you tell us about Halloween? I get this one a lot, like Halloween? I get this one a lot, like Halloween? I get this one a lot, like even in conversation. Oh, what is your even in conversation. Oh, what is your even in conversation. Oh, what is your stance on tattoos? And that's the one stance on tattoos? And that's the one stance on tattoos? And that's the one I'll share. Can I share? Can I get one I'll share. Can I share? Can I get one I'll share. Can I share? Can I get one off my chest on tattoos? Here's Y'all off my chest on tattoos? Here's Y'all off my chest on tattoos? Here's Y'all want to know what I believe about want to know what I believe about want to know what I believe about tattoos? I don't have any tattoos, but tattoos? I don't have any tattoos, but tattoos? I don't have any tattoos, but my best friend Blake has lots of them.

my best friend Blake has lots of them. my best friend Blake has lots of them. Figure it out. All right. Figure it out. All right. Figure it out. All right. So if God if if if it's clear in God's So if God if if if it's clear in God's So if God if if if it's clear in God's word, we know it's pleasing to him, not word, we know it's pleasing to him, not word, we know it's pleasing to him, not pleasing to him, it's clear. But you pleasing to him, it's clear. But you pleasing to him, it's clear. But you have the Holy Spirit for a reason. have the Holy Spirit for a reason. have the Holy Spirit for a reason. >> I'm I'm charging us, church, develop >> I'm I'm charging us, church, develop >> I'm I'm charging us, church, develop personal convictions fueled by the Holy personal convictions fueled by the Holy personal convictions fueled by the Holy Spirit. And then what Romans 14 says, Spirit. And then what Romans 14 says, Spirit. And then what Romans 14 says, once you have them, you better live by once you have them, you better live by once you have them, you better live by them because if you don't, you're them because if you don't, you're them because if you don't, you're sinning. sinning. sinning. >> That's a pretty powerful statement. >> That's a pretty powerful statement. >> That's a pretty powerful statement. Here's the third part of the filter. Is Here's the third part of the filter. Is Here's the third part of the filter. Is it pleasing to God? Is it upholding my it pleasing to God? Is it upholding my it pleasing to God? Is it upholding my convictions? And then number three, does convictions? And then number three, does convictions? And then number three, does it represent God's kingdom? And I just, it represent God's kingdom? And I just, it represent God's kingdom? And I just, man, this is all about the love of God. man, this is all about the love of God. man, this is all about the love of God. I no other faith has even imagined that I no other faith has even imagined that I no other faith has even imagined that there would be a level like this, a there would be a level like this, a there would be a level like this, a standard like this. It's amazing that standard like this. It's amazing that standard like this. It's amazing that God has not called us just to live God has not called us just to live God has not called us just to live according to his word or our own according to his word or our own according to his word or our own convictions. But also, he's going to convictions. But also, he's going to convictions. But also, he's going to call us at times to lay down things that call us at times to lay down things that call us at times to lay down things that we would normally do or that we believe we would normally do or that we believe we would normally do or that we believe in, to lay down those rights for the in, to lay down those rights for the in, to lay down those rights for the sake of others. Again, never violating sake of others. Again, never violating sake of others. Again, never violating his word or our own convictions, but his word or our own convictions, but his word or our own convictions, but there's going to be times where it's there's going to be times where it's there's going to be times where it's just like, you know what, just lay it just like, you know what, just lay it just like, you know what, just lay it down. And ro back to Romans 14, this is down. And ro back to Romans 14, this is down. And ro back to Romans 14, this is the Apostle Paul. really gives us all the Apostle Paul. really gives us all the Apostle Paul. really gives us all three of the filters in this one three of the filters in this one three of the filters in this one passage. And I just I'm a Bible nerd. I passage. And I just I'm a Bible nerd. I passage. And I just I'm a Bible nerd. I just love this so much. Romans 14 says, just love this so much. Romans 14 says, just love this so much. Romans 14 says, "Therefore," and this this is great, "Therefore," and this this is great, "Therefore," and this this is great, church, let us can we stop passing church, let us can we stop passing church, let us can we stop passing judgment on each other.

judgment on each other. judgment on each other. >> It is so easy to get judgy in the house >> It is so easy to get judgy in the house >> It is so easy to get judgy in the house of God. of God. of God. >> And it's never on the big things that we >> And it's never on the big things that we >> And it's never on the big things that we all agree on. Is it like Jesus like we all agree on. Is it like Jesus like we all agree on. Is it like Jesus like we we're there, but it's the small things we're there, but it's the small things we're there, but it's the small things usually around those personal usually around those personal usually around those personal convictions that you see someone else. convictions that you see someone else. convictions that you see someone else. It's so easy to get judged. We're not, It's so easy to get judged. We're not, It's so easy to get judged. We're not, hey, by the way, we're not going to do hey, by the way, we're not going to do hey, by the way, we're not going to do that. that. that. >> That's great. >> That's great. >> That's great. >> We're going to be a people of unity. >> We're going to be a people of unity. >> We're going to be a people of unity. We're going to focus on the majors. We're going to focus on the majors. We're going to focus on the majors. We're not going to focus on the minors We're not going to focus on the minors We're not going to focus on the minors >> and we're not all at the same place in >> and we're not all at the same place in >> and we're not all at the same place in our journey. God's doing a work in each our journey. God's doing a work in each our journey. God's doing a work in each of us and we're going to let the Holy of us and we're going to let the Holy of us and we're going to let the Holy Spirit authentic. We're just going to Spirit authentic. We're just going to Spirit authentic. We're just going to push people to Jesus in a real push people to Jesus in a real push people to Jesus in a real relationship with him. Let's don't judge relationship with him. Let's don't judge relationship with him. Let's don't judge each other. Instead, make up your mind each other. Instead, make up your mind each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle not to put a stumbling block or obstacle not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. And in the way of a brother or sister. And in the way of a brother or sister. And here's where we get into the filters. here's where we get into the filters. here's where we get into the filters. Look, look at this language. I'm Look, look at this language. I'm Look, look at this language. I'm convinced being fully persuaded in the convinced being fully persuaded in the convinced being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Well, that's that's that's a itself. Well, that's that's that's a itself. Well, that's that's that's a truth in the word of God. Nothing's truth in the word of God. Nothing's truth in the word of God. Nothing's unclean in itself. Paul's discovered unclean in itself. Paul's discovered unclean in itself. Paul's discovered that in the word of God. That's the that in the word of God. That's the that in the word of God. That's the first filter. But if anyone regards first filter. But if anyone regards first filter. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that something as unclean, then for that something as unclean, then for that person, here's that conviction part. person, here's that conviction part. person, here's that conviction part. Then for that person, it is unclean. But Then for that person, it is unclean. But Then for that person, it is unclean. But here's the third one. If your brother or here's the third one. If your brother or here's the third one. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you sister is distressed because of what you sister is distressed because of what you eat, then you're no longer acting in eat, then you're no longer acting in eat, then you're no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy love. Do not by your eating destroy love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Third someone for whom Christ died. Third someone for whom Christ died. Third question, what does love God's love question, what does love God's love question, what does love God's love require of me? And this again, this is require of me? And this again, this is require of me? And this again, this is not just important for our witness. This not just important for our witness. This not just important for our witness. This is so important for our unity.

is so important for our unity. is so important for our unity. Can I can this is Mark and I'm going to Can I can this is Mark and I'm going to Can I can this is Mark and I'm going to do keep me accountable. do keep me accountable. do keep me accountable. If it gets in the way of us, If it gets in the way of us, If it gets in the way of us, I'm going to lay it down because I love I'm going to lay it down because I love I'm going to lay it down because I love you and I want to do life with you. If you and I want to do life with you. If you and I want to do life with you. If it gets in the way of us, I'm laying it it gets in the way of us, I'm laying it it gets in the way of us, I'm laying it down. And if it gets in the way of us down. And if it gets in the way of us down. And if it gets in the way of us sharing Jesus with the world, it's not sharing Jesus with the world, it's not sharing Jesus with the world, it's not worth it. How can we put a stumbling worth it. How can we put a stumbling worth it. How can we put a stumbling block in the way? Can I get a better block in the way? Can I get a better block in the way? Can I get a better amen in church today? How can we put a amen in church today? How can we put a amen in church today? How can we put a stumbling block in the way of anyone? stumbling block in the way of anyone? stumbling block in the way of anyone? These are our filters. What a gift from These are our filters. What a gift from These are our filters. What a gift from God. And what's so beautiful is what is God. And what's so beautiful is what is God. And what's so beautiful is what is confusing and chaotic and crazy 24/7. confusing and chaotic and crazy 24/7. confusing and chaotic and crazy 24/7. And I feel all that you feel. Again, I'm And I feel all that you feel. Again, I'm And I feel all that you feel. Again, I'm speaking to everybody, but parents, I speaking to everybody, but parents, I speaking to everybody, but parents, I feel it all. If we put these filters in feel it all. If we put these filters in feel it all. If we put these filters in it, what was so confusing gets filtered it, what was so confusing gets filtered it, what was so confusing gets filtered in. Look at that. Now, it's pure. And in. Look at that. Now, it's pure. And in. Look at that. Now, it's pure. And now we know how to live in the way that now we know how to live in the way that now we know how to live in the way that God has called us to live, unmixed with God has called us to live, unmixed with God has called us to live, unmixed with the world around us. Put it on the the world around us. Put it on the the world around us. Put it on the screen, guys. Pur Y'all know I'm a screen, guys. Pur Y'all know I'm a screen, guys. Pur Y'all know I'm a pastor. I got to give you an acronym to pastor. I got to give you an acronym to pastor. I got to give you an acronym to remember. PUR. There's your filter. Is remember. PUR. There's your filter. Is remember. PUR. There's your filter. Is it pleasing to God? Upholding my it pleasing to God? Upholding my it pleasing to God? Upholding my convictions. Representing God's kingdom. convictions. Representing God's kingdom. convictions. Representing God's kingdom. So, I've left attention hanging. We're So, I've left attention hanging. We're So, I've left attention hanging. We're going to close. I've left attention going to close. I've left attention going to close. I've left attention hanging on purpose.

hanging on purpose. hanging on purpose. to this moment. to this moment. to this moment. So, anytime I've ever preached on the So, anytime I've ever preached on the So, anytime I've ever preached on the concept of purity as a youth pastor or concept of purity as a youth pastor or concept of purity as a youth pastor or in rooms like this, the moment I say the in rooms like this, the moment I say the in rooms like this, the moment I say the word, word, word, I feel the pressure of the room I feel the pressure of the room I feel the pressure of the room increase. It's like a barometer. You can increase. It's like a barometer. You can increase. It's like a barometer. You can I can feel I just can feel it on the st. I can feel I just can feel it on the st. I can feel I just can feel it on the st. I could feel that. And the reason and I I could feel that. And the reason and I I could feel that. And the reason and I so I feel the weight of this moment. The so I feel the weight of this moment. The so I feel the weight of this moment. The reason is is the enemy just has a way reason is is the enemy just has a way reason is is the enemy just has a way the moment this topic is spoken on to the moment this topic is spoken on to the moment this topic is spoken on to immediately bring condemnation. immediately bring condemnation. immediately bring condemnation. that he would just try in this moment to that he would just try in this moment to that he would just try in this moment to stir up guilt that we would all start stir up guilt that we would all start stir up guilt that we would all start thinking of the ways, let's be honest, thinking of the ways, let's be honest, thinking of the ways, let's be honest, myself included, that we've messed this myself included, that we've messed this myself included, that we've messed this up. So, we're having this kind of up. So, we're having this kind of up. So, we're having this kind of conflict in a room like this where we we conflict in a room like this where we we conflict in a room like this where we we know we've messed this thing up. Even as know we've messed this thing up. Even as know we've messed this thing up. Even as a follower of Jesus, maybe for decades, a follower of Jesus, maybe for decades, a follower of Jesus, maybe for decades, you're like, I mean, I'm still messing you're like, I mean, I'm still messing you're like, I mean, I'm still messing this thing up. I I I feel the weight of this thing up. I I I feel the weight of this thing up. I I I feel the weight of all that. At the same time, we cannot all that. At the same time, we cannot all that. At the same time, we cannot deny that purity is a big deal to God. deny that purity is a big deal to God. deny that purity is a big deal to God. So, what should we do in this moment? So, what should we do in this moment? So, what should we do in this moment? Well, we're going to look at his word. Well, we're going to look at his word. Well, we're going to look at his word. Psalm 24 says, "Who may ascend the the Psalm 24 says, "Who may ascend the the Psalm 24 says, "Who may ascend the the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean his holy place? The one who has clean his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not hands and a pure heart, who does not hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false trust in an idol or swear by a false trust in an idol or swear by a false god." That scripture is probably the god." That scripture is probably the god." That scripture is probably the best reminder in the entire Bible. Just best reminder in the entire Bible. Just best reminder in the entire Bible. Just clear reminder, man, purity is a big clear reminder, man, purity is a big clear reminder, man, purity is a big deal to God.

deal to God. deal to God. But it also may be one of the heaviest But it also may be one of the heaviest But it also may be one of the heaviest scriptures, at least in my own life, scriptures, at least in my own life, scriptures, at least in my own life, I've ever read that reminds me, well, I've ever read that reminds me, well, I've ever read that reminds me, well, well, God, if I know my past, I don't I well, God, if I know my past, I don't I well, God, if I know my past, I don't I don't have clean hands and a pure heart. don't have clean hands and a pure heart. don't have clean hands and a pure heart. So, how am I ever going to see you? So, how am I ever going to see you? So, how am I ever going to see you? Maybe that's where you are today. You're Maybe that's where you are today. You're Maybe that's where you are today. You're just kind of in this space. You walked just kind of in this space. You walked just kind of in this space. You walked in. Maybe it's something I have a friend in. Maybe it's something I have a friend in. Maybe it's something I have a friend that did something years ago that he and that did something years ago that he and that did something years ago that he and I are still praying through. Like, he is I are still praying through. Like, he is I are still praying through. Like, he is carrying the guilt and condemnation of a carrying the guilt and condemnation of a carrying the guilt and condemnation of a decade and a half ago on a daily basis. decade and a half ago on a daily basis. decade and a half ago on a daily basis. We're praying to break that off of his We're praying to break that off of his We're praying to break that off of his life. Maybe that's you. I maybe you life. Maybe that's you. I maybe you life. Maybe that's you. I maybe you walked in today with the weight or guilt walked in today with the weight or guilt walked in today with the weight or guilt or condemnation of messing this area up or condemnation of messing this area up or condemnation of messing this area up last night with something you looked at last night with something you looked at last night with something you looked at or clicked on or parttook in or maybe or clicked on or parttook in or maybe or clicked on or parttook in or maybe even this morning and all that just even this morning and all that just even this morning and all that just stirs it up and scriptures like that I stirs it up and scriptures like that I stirs it up and scriptures like that I preach it out and maybe the wrestle I I preach it out and maybe the wrestle I I preach it out and maybe the wrestle I I have felt before you're filling in this have felt before you're filling in this have felt before you're filling in this morning this morning is this okay I I morning this morning is this okay I I morning this morning is this okay I I see that but then who may ascend like see that but then who may ascend like see that but then who may ascend like well then what do we got to do who may well then what do we got to do who may well then what do we got to do who may ascend and can I answer that question ascend and can I answer that question ascend and can I answer that question today no one can ascend the mountain of today no one can ascend the mountain of today no one can ascend the mountain of the Lord all have sinned and fallen the Lord all have sinned and fallen the Lord all have sinned and fallen short of his glory. So, how can we be short of his glory. So, how can we be short of his glory. So, how can we be pure? How can we experience God? Well, pure? How can we experience God? Well, pure? How can we experience God? Well, David the psalmist doesn't finish Psalm David the psalmist doesn't finish Psalm David the psalmist doesn't finish Psalm 24 right there. We usually quote that 24 right there. We usually quote that 24 right there. We usually quote that and miss the last part, which is and miss the last part, which is and miss the last part, which is actually the best part. It goes on in actually the best part. It goes on in actually the best part. It goes on in verse 8 and N. Who is this King of verse 8 and N. Who is this King of verse 8 and N. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong.

glory? The Lord strong. glory? The Lord strong. The Lord strong and mighty in battle. The Lord strong and mighty in battle. The Lord strong and mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift them Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift them Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of up, you ancient doors, that the King of up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Look at me, church. glory may come in. Look at me, church. glory may come in. Look at me, church. We could never ascend that mountain. So, We could never ascend that mountain. So, We could never ascend that mountain. So, God didn't call us up the mountain. He God didn't call us up the mountain. He God didn't call us up the mountain. He came down to us and the King of glory came down to us and the King of glory came down to us and the King of glory went in when we couldn't go up. And it went in when we couldn't go up. And it went in when we couldn't go up. And it was it was true for David and it is true was it was true for David and it is true was it was true for David and it is true for you today. for you today. for you today. What is God doing in this moment right What is God doing in this moment right What is God doing in this moment right now? Revelation 3 tells us he's standing now? Revelation 3 tells us he's standing now? Revelation 3 tells us he's standing at the door of your heart and he is at the door of your heart and he is at the door of your heart and he is saying, "Let me in. No one can ascend saying, "Let me in. No one can ascend saying, "Let me in. No one can ascend that mountain. So, I'm ready to come in. that mountain. So, I'm ready to come in. that mountain. So, I'm ready to come in. The King of glory who is strong. God The King of glory who is strong. God The King of glory who is strong. God wants to come into your heart today and wants to come into your heart today and wants to come into your heart today and purify you. For some of you, that means purify you. For some of you, that means purify you. For some of you, that means today, let him save you. I'm going to today, let him save you. I'm going to today, let him save you. I'm going to pray for this in a moment. I got good pray for this in a moment. I got good pray for this in a moment. I got good news today. Romans 10:13. Everyone who news today. Romans 10:13. Everyone who news today. Romans 10:13. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I don't care what your resume is. saved. I don't care what your resume is. saved. I don't care what your resume is. I met a guy yesterday, John, 25 years in I met a guy yesterday, John, 25 years in I met a guy yesterday, John, 25 years in prison, saying yes to Jesus and now prison, saying yes to Jesus and now prison, saying yes to Jesus and now living for him. He got saved because of living for him. He got saved because of living for him. He got saved because of a hygiene kit. You may have seen him in a hygiene kit. You may have seen him in a hygiene kit. You may have seen him in the video. Well, guess what he's doing the video. Well, guess what he's doing the video. Well, guess what he's doing now? Yesterday, he was making hygiene now? Yesterday, he was making hygiene now? Yesterday, he was making hygiene kits to send back into the correctional kits to send back into the correctional kits to send back into the correctional facilities.

facilities. facilities. >> If God can save me, if God can save him, >> If God can save me, if God can save him, >> If God can save me, if God can save him, he can save you. he can save you. he can save you. >> And you don't have to clean up. >> And you don't have to clean up. >> And you don't have to clean up. >> And this is for somebody specifically >> And this is for somebody specifically >> And this is for somebody specifically today that you're like right on the today that you're like right on the today that you're like right on the edge. I can feel this right now in this edge. I can feel this right now in this edge. I can feel this right now in this moment. And you're just wrestling with moment. And you're just wrestling with moment. And you're just wrestling with the fact that you you kind of feel want the fact that you you kind of feel want the fact that you you kind of feel want to get some things right. Listen, to get some things right. Listen, to get some things right. Listen, stop it. He wants in and all the mess. stop it. He wants in and all the mess. stop it. He wants in and all the mess. You don't have to clean up. Just let him You don't have to clean up. Just let him You don't have to clean up. Just let him in. And if you've already gotten saved, in. And if you've already gotten saved, in. And if you've already gotten saved, I I mentioned it earlier. In a few I I mentioned it earlier. In a few I I mentioned it earlier. In a few weeks, we're going to have that baptism weeks, we're going to have that baptism weeks, we're going to have that baptism Sunday. I do want to say this in this Sunday. I do want to say this in this Sunday. I do want to say this in this moment. For some of you, you're like, moment. For some of you, you're like, moment. For some of you, you're like, I'm already saved, but I'm still I'm already saved, but I'm still I'm already saved, but I'm still wrestling in my relationship. For some wrestling in my relationship. For some wrestling in my relationship. For some of you, God's calling you to go public of you, God's calling you to go public of you, God's calling you to go public with your faith. You're actually with your faith. You're actually with your faith. You're actually wrestling with your faith in a way that wrestling with your faith in a way that wrestling with your faith in a way that you can't even imagine because it's only you can't even imagine because it's only you can't even imagine because it's only been private. It's never been public. been private. It's never been public. been private. It's never been public. And I believe God's going to speak to And I believe God's going to speak to And I believe God's going to speak to some people today. Let him save you. And some people today. Let him save you. And some people today. Let him save you. And then finally today, we're going to pray, then finally today, we're going to pray, then finally today, we're going to pray, "Let him cleanse you." This is for "Let him cleanse you." This is for "Let him cleanse you." This is for anyone who's a follower of Jesus. You're anyone who's a follower of Jesus. You're anyone who's a follower of Jesus. You're saved, but you just got to be honest in saved, but you just got to be honest in saved, but you just got to be honest in church today. You're not living in church today. You're not living in church today. You're not living in purity. You can receive today the fresh purity. You can receive today the fresh purity. You can receive today the fresh grace and mercy of Jesus. grace and mercy of Jesus. grace and mercy of Jesus. In the Bible belt south, ple every heart In the Bible belt south, ple every heart In the Bible belt south, ple every heart and every mind open. Right now, we see and every mind open. Right now, we see and every mind open. Right now, we see God so incorrectly out of a religious God so incorrectly out of a religious God so incorrectly out of a religious mindset often and we imagine God is like mindset often and we imagine God is like mindset often and we imagine God is like a bank account and if I don't have a bank account and if I don't have a bank account and if I don't have enough in there, I can't withdraw. Maybe enough in there, I can't withdraw. Maybe enough in there, I can't withdraw. Maybe you're like, I wasn't a served day you're like, I wasn't a served day you're like, I wasn't a served day yesterday, so how can I ask for yesterday, so how can I ask for yesterday, so how can I ask for forgiveness? Nothing could be further forgiveness? Nothing could be further forgiveness? Nothing could be further from the truth. We imagine the worst from the truth. We imagine the worst from the truth. We imagine the worst part of God's day is forgiving us, part of God's day is forgiving us, part of God's day is forgiving us, especially forgiving us. Again, I felt especially forgiving us. Again, I felt especially forgiving us. Again, I felt that. The opposite is true. The best that. The opposite is true. The best that. The opposite is true. The best part of God's day is forgiving you. It part of God's day is forgiving you. It part of God's day is forgiving you. It was for the joy set before him. Don't

was for the joy set before him. Don't was for the joy set before him. Don't steal God's joy today. Let him forgive steal God's joy today. Let him forgive steal God's joy today. Let him forgive you. Let him create in you a clean you. Let him create in you a clean you. Let him create in you a clean heart. Bow your heads and close your heart. Bow your heads and close your heart. Bow your heads and close your eyes. We're going to pray together. God, eyes. We're going to pray together. God, eyes. We're going to pray together. God, I thank you for your presence right now. I thank you for your presence right now. I thank you for your presence right now. You're moving in this place. God, I You're moving in this place. God, I You're moving in this place. God, I thank you for the higher standard you've thank you for the higher standard you've thank you for the higher standard you've called us to and the fact that you called us to and the fact that you called us to and the fact that you called us there through your strength, called us there through your strength, called us there through your strength, not our own. Through your grace, not our not our own. Through your grace, not our not our own. Through your grace, not our own. own. own. God's speaking to you right now in this God's speaking to you right now in this God's speaking to you right now in this moment at every location. We're together moment at every location. We're together moment at every location. We're together as a church family, and you need to get as a church family, and you need to get as a church family, and you need to get that first idea. You need to get saved that first idea. You need to get saved that first idea. You need to get saved today. You know, that's the moment. Your today. You know, that's the moment. Your today. You know, that's the moment. Your hands are sweating, your heart's racing. hands are sweating, your heart's racing. hands are sweating, your heart's racing. Maybe for you, it's a rededication. Maybe for you, it's a rededication. Maybe for you, it's a rededication. Regardless, you just know today's the Regardless, you just know today's the Regardless, you just know today's the day for you're tired of leaning in your day for you're tired of leaning in your day for you're tired of leaning in your own strength. Today's the day. If that own strength. Today's the day. If that own strength. Today's the day. If that is you, I'm going to pray. Pray with me is you, I'm going to pray. Pray with me is you, I'm going to pray. Pray with me today. Say, "Jesus, today I give you my today. Say, "Jesus, today I give you my today. Say, "Jesus, today I give you my life and I open the door to my heart. life and I open the door to my heart. life and I open the door to my heart. King of glory, come in. King of glory, come in. King of glory, come in. Do what I can't do. I turn away from my Do what I can't do. I turn away from my Do what I can't do. I turn away from my strength today. I declare you my Lord strength today. I declare you my Lord strength today. I declare you my Lord and my Savior." And God, fill me with and my Savior." And God, fill me with and my Savior." And God, fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can live for you.

your Holy Spirit so I can live for you. your Holy Spirit so I can live for you. God, I thank you for those who just made God, I thank you for those who just made God, I thank you for those who just made that decision. Everything has changed. that decision. Everything has changed. that decision. Everything has changed. Now, for anyone who is a follower of Now, for anyone who is a follower of Now, for anyone who is a follower of Jesus, who just in this moment in God's Jesus, who just in this moment in God's Jesus, who just in this moment in God's presence, you're ready to let go of some presence, you're ready to let go of some presence, you're ready to let go of some things to be washed white as snow as far things to be washed white as snow as far things to be washed white as snow as far as the east is from the west, just to as the east is from the west, just to as the east is from the west, just to see some things that maybe you've been see some things that maybe you've been see some things that maybe you've been struggling with for years, broken off struggling with for years, broken off struggling with for years, broken off your life, guilt, condemnation, sin, your life, guilt, condemnation, sin, your life, guilt, condemnation, sin, whatever it is. You know, don't miss whatever it is. You know, don't miss whatever it is. You know, don't miss this moment. No one's looking around. this moment. No one's looking around. this moment. No one's looking around. I'm not going to embarrass you in any I'm not going to embarrass you in any I'm not going to embarrass you in any way. Just pray with me in this moment. way. Just pray with me in this moment. way. Just pray with me in this moment. I'm going to use the words of Psalm 51 I'm going to use the words of Psalm 51 I'm going to use the words of Psalm 51 to lead us. Just say to God right now, to lead us. Just say to God right now, to lead us. Just say to God right now, "God created me a clean heart. "God created me a clean heart. "God created me a clean heart. God, I'm asking you to forgive me." and God, I'm asking you to forgive me." and God, I'm asking you to forgive me." and just name those areas of your life. Be just name those areas of your life. Be just name those areas of your life. Be bold today before God. God, I was wrong bold today before God. God, I was wrong bold today before God. God, I was wrong when I did this. This was not this was when I did this. This was not this was when I did this. This was not this was not of your will. I repent right now. not of your will. I repent right now. not of your will. I repent right now. Just repent. Just take a take a moment. Just repent. Just take a take a moment. Just repent. Just take a take a moment. God, create in us a clean heart and God, create in us a clean heart and God, create in us a clean heart and renew in us a steadfast or strong renew in us a steadfast or strong renew in us a steadfast or strong spirit. God, we're praying for your spirit. God, we're praying for your spirit. God, we're praying for your strength to walk away from those things strength to walk away from those things strength to walk away from those things and live differently today. God, we're and live differently today. God, we're and live differently today. God, we're asking today for the joy of salvation. asking today for the joy of salvation. asking today for the joy of salvation. God, I pray that guilt and condemnation God, I pray that guilt and condemnation God, I pray that guilt and condemnation would be broken and that even as we say would be broken and that even as we say would be broken and that even as we say amen in a moment, there would be a new amen in a moment, there would be a new amen in a moment, there would be a new joy. God, your grace, your mercy, your joy. God, your grace, your mercy, your joy. God, your grace, your mercy, your love. Overwhelm us with your your love love. Overwhelm us with your your love love. Overwhelm us with your your love right now in Jesus name. God, we thank right now in Jesus name. God, we thank right now in Jesus name. God, we thank you for what you're doing and we give you for what you're doing and we give you for what you're doing and we give you all the praise and all the glory.

you all the praise and all the glory. you all the praise and all the glory. And God's people said, "Amen." Can you And God's people said, "Amen." Can you And God's people said, "Amen." Can you put your hands together and help me put your hands together and help me put your hands together and help me celebrate all those who made that celebrate all those who made that celebrate all those who made that decision?